Asia Cup: Tilak Varma hits unbeaten 69 as India beat Pakistan for ninth title win
Dubai, Sep 29 (IANS) Lefthanded batter Tilak Varma rose to the occasion under immense pressure with an unbeaten 69 and guided India to a five-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan to win the Asia Cup for the ninth time at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
On a two-paced pitch, Kuldeep Yadav spearheaded India’s stunning turnaround by claiming four wickets, including three
India stands committed to promote legal pathways of migration: MEA
New Delhi, Sep 26 (IANS) Reiterating its longstanding stance against illegal migration, India on Friday emphasised its commitment to promote legal pathways of migration.
"In the last several months, since
January 2025 so far, we've had 2,417 Indian nationals deported or repatriated from the United States. In the case of Harjeet Kaur, she also returned recently. We want to promote legal pathways of migration. At the same time, India stands against illegal migration,” said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal while addressing a weekly media briefing in New Delhi. He was responding to a question on the ongoing deportations
scalps in a game-changing 17th over, as Pakistan collapsed from 113/1 to 146 all out in 19.1 overs –losing their last nine wickets for just 33 runs.
The crafty troika of Kuldeep, Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy ran riot by sharing eight wickets as reckless aerial shots led to Pakistan’s dramatic slide. Kuldeep, who went from 23 runs
India in ‘active touch’ with US administration on H-1B visa issue: MEA
New Delhi, Sep 26 (IANS) India on Friday said that it remains in "active touch" with the US administration with regard to the issue of raised application fee for H-1B visas as it still remains an
"evolving situation".
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar recently met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio with the discussions focused on trade and tariffs, along with other aspects of the bilateral relationship.
“External Affairs Minister had a meeting with Secretary of State Mark Rubio in New York. This was on September 22. In the
Factually incorrect, entirely baseless: India slams NATO chief’s comments
New Delhi, Sep 26 (IANS) India on Friday reacted strongly to NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte's comments about Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the issue of tariffs imposed
Hamas to review US ceasefire proposal as Arab, Muslim nations express support
Gaza, Sep 30 (IANS) Hamas has received a US-backed proposal aimed at ending the war in the Gaza Strip, presented by Qatari and Egyptian mediators, a Hamas source said.
The plan, which US President Donald Trump secured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's backing earlier in the day, was delivered during
by the United States, terming the statement as "factually incorrect" and "entirely baseless".
"We have seen the statement by NATO Secretary-General Mr. Mark Rutte regarding a purported phone conversation between Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin of Russia. This statement is factually incorrect and entirely baseless. At no point has Prime Minister Modi spoken with President Putin in the manner
suggested. No such conversation has taken place," said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Friday.
"We expect the leadership of an important and esteemed institution like NATO to exercise greater responsibility and accuracy in public statements.
Speculative or careless remarks that misrepresent the Prime
Asia Cup 2025 triumph: Gambhir, Kuldeep land in Ahmedabad, accorded hero’s welcome
Ahmedabad, Sep 30 (IANS)
India’s cricket heroes returned home to a rapturous reception on Tuesday as head coach Gautam Gambhir and spinner Kuldeep Yadav landed in Ahmedabad from Dubai.
The duo arrived a day after
India clinched the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, defeating archrivals Pakistan by five wickets in a thrilling final at the Dubai International Stadium.
The celebrations in Ahmedabad were spontaneous and electric, with fans taking to the streets and social media buzzing with images and videos capturing the excitement. The supporters expressed their pride in India’s performance on an international stage, celebrating both the team’s skill and spirit as the team
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EDITORIAL TEAM
Dr Ram Mohan, Chairman
Dr Ashutosh Misra, Editor-in-Chief
EDITORIAL BOARD
Amrita Deshpande, Community News Editor Paras Sharma, Assistant Editor
Dr Uttam Kumar Sinha, Senior Fellow, Nehru Memorial Museum & Library, India
Mr Shaun Star, Director, Centre for Australia India Studies, Jindal Global University, India
Asia Cup: Tilak Varma hits unbeaten 69 as India beat Pakistan for ninth title win
Continued from Page 1
in his first two overs to picking four wickets for just seven runs in his next two overs, was backed by Axar, Chakaravarthy and Bumrah taking two wickets apiece.
Coming in with India reeling at 20/3, Tilak delivered an innings of poise and precision under pressure to hit three fours and four sixes in a knock to be remembered for ages. While others faltered, Varma stood tall by anchoring the chase and dished out a masterclass in timing and temperament.
While stitching stands of 57 and 60 with Sanju Samson (24) and Shivam Dube (33), Varma helped India cross the finish line with two balls to spare and sign off from the tournament filled with drama and intensity by winning the trophy as the competition’s lone unbeaten team – incidentally on the day they won the trophy in
2018.
In their earlier wins over Pakistan, the openers had carved out a sizeable chunk of the chase.
But here, India’s chase was off to a rocky start as Faheem Ashraf rolled in a wide slower ball and the in-form Abhishek Sharma miscued it to mid-on, while skipper Suryakumar Yadav was too early on a drive off Shaheen Shah Afridi’s slower ball and was caught by forward diving mid-off. Early signs of panic crept in when Shubman Gill and Tilak Varma hesitated over taking a quick single to mid-on and a direct hit would have had caught the former short. But in a bid to get backto-back boundaries, Gill danced down the track for a flat-batted stroke, but mistimed the pull to leaping mid-on off Ashraf. Samson began rebuilding act with a delightful cover drive off Shaheen for four, before Varma
punched and smacked Ashraf for a four and six. The duo took a boundary each off Mohammad Nawaz and Haris Rauf, before Samson was dropped on 12 by Hussain Talat at deep mid-wicket. Varma’s calculated risk to release pressure paid off when he bent his back knee to slog-sweep Abrar Ahmed for six, and was followed by Samson muscling Ayub over long-on for another maximum. But Pakistan struck as Samson went for a loft off a wide ball from Ahmed, but sliced to backward point. With the required run rate up to ten, pressure intensified when a mix-up almost got Varma run-out for 37 and got saved due to shoulder of his bat being just on ground. India got another pressure release moment when Dube greeted Rauf with a four, before Varma brought out the straight drive and pull to take a four and six, as 17 runs came off 15th over.
Factually incorrect, entirely baseless: India slams NATO chief’s comments
Continued from Page 1
Minister’s engagements or suggest conversations that never occurred are unacceptable," he added.
Rutte, while speaking to CNN journalist Christiane Amanpour on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly summit in New York, had claimed that the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on India over Russian oil imports are having a major impact on Moscow.
The former Prime Minister of the Netherlands mentioned that amid the US move of imposing 50 per cent tariffs on India, Prime
Minister Modi had reached out to Putin to seek clarity on his Ukraine strategy.
"This (tariff) immediately impacts Russia because that means Delhi is now on the phone with Vladimir Putin in Moscow, and Narendra Modi is asking him, 'I support you, but could you explain to me your strategy because I have now been hit by these 50 per cent tariffs by the United States'," Rutte told Amanpour.
Slamming the NATO chief's comments, the MEA on Friday reiterated that India would continue to take decisions independently on energy.
"As previously stated, India's energy imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. India will continue taking all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security," said Jaiswal.
India has previously cautioned the NATO chief against any 'double standards' on sanctioning countries trading with Russia.
In July, Rutte, during his visit to Washington, had stated that China, India and Brazil could face severe economic sanctions if they continue doing business with Russia.
Hamas to review US ceasefire proposal as Arab, Muslim nations express support
Continued from Page 1
a meeting in Doha. The Qatari prime minister and the head of Egypt's General Intelligence Service presented the plan to Hamas negotiators, the source said.
The Hamas delegation told mediators it would study the proposal "with sincere intent" before issuing an official response, according to the source. Egypt's Al Qahera News TV, citing Egyptian security sources, confirmed the delivery of the US peace proposal to Hamas. The report said Egypt and other Arab countries made several amendments to the plan before presenting it to Hamas in Doha.
Earlier on Monday, US President Donald Trump said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed to his broad Gaza peace plan. Trump added that,
if Hamas accepted the proposal, it would require the release of all remaining hostages within 72 hours and called on the group to accept the terms.
Netanyahu, however, warned that Israel would "finish the job" against Hamas if the militants rejected the proposal.
The plan faced immediate opposition from Islamic Jihad, a Palestinian militant group allied with Hamas, which dismissed it as a "recipe for continued aggression" against the Palestinian people.
"Through this, Israel is attempting -- via the United States -- to impose what it could not achieve through war," the group said in a statement. "We consider the American-Israeli declaration a formula for igniting the region."
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority, based in the West
India in ‘active touch’ with US administration on H-1B visa issue: MEA
Continued from Page 1
meeting, the External Affairs Minister and Secretary of State were joined by the Commerce and Industry Minister from our side, and the United States Trade Representative (USTR) from the American side. We also had several officials participating in that meeting. The focus of the discussion was on trade and tariffs. Other aspects of the bilateral relationship were also discussed,” said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal while addressing a weekly media briefing in New Delhi.
“With regard to H-1B, you are aware that the ministry and our Embassy in Washington DC have been in active touch with the US administration. You would have seen, after those changes were
announced, subsequent to that, clarifications and FAQs were issued by the US side as to how it's going to play out. This is still an evolving situation, and we remain engaged at various levels," he added.
Amid signs of thaw in ties between India and the US, EAM Jaishankar met Secretary of State Rubio on Monday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York, during which they agreed on "sustained engagement".
EAM Jaishankar posted on X after the meeting: "Our conversation covered a range of bilateral and international issues of current concern. Agreed on the importance of sustained engagement to progress on priority areas".
India stands committed to promote legal pathways of migration: MEA
Continued from Page 1
of Indians from the USA. Harjit Kaur, a 73-year-old Sikh woman from Punjab, was among the latest deportees who arrived in India from the US on Thursday after being detained by California authorities during a standard check-in by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“Whenever there is a person who does not possess a legal status in any country, and he or she is referred to us with documents if there are claims that he or she is an Indian national, we do the background check, we confirm the nationality, and then we are in a position to take them back. And this is what has been happening with deportations from the United States,” Jaiswal added.
Harjit Kaur's lawyer had alleged she and other 131 deportees
suffered mistreatment during the flight as part of the US President Donald Trump administration's ongoing 'crackdown' on illegal migrants.
Earlier in August, in response to a Lok Sabha query, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said that a total of 1,703 Indian nationals have been deported from the United States between January 20 and July 22, 2025. The deportations were carried out via various modes, including US Customs and Border Protection military flights, chartered flights by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) charters. Additionally, several individuals were repatriated via commercial flights from both Panama and the US.
Asia Cup 2025 triumph: Gambhir, Kuldeep land in Ahmedabad, accorded hero’s welcome
Bank, welcomed the US proposal and expressed its readiness to "work with the United States, regional countries, and partners to end the Gaza war through a comprehensive agreement," Xinhua news agency reported quoting the official WAFA news.
The plan, the authority said, should ensure adequate humanitarian aid to Gaza, secure the release of hostages and prisoners, and establish mechanisms to protect the Palestinian people.
The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Qatar, and Egypt issued a joint statement late on Monday welcoming the US proposal. The ministers praised the proposals to end the fighting, rebuild Gaza, prevent Palestinian displacement, and block the annexation of the West Bank.
Continued from Page 1
ended the tournament unbeaten, winning all seven matches.
Amid the euphoria, the team’s focus quickly shifted to the next challenge -- the first Test of the two-match series against the West Indies, which will be held at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium here from October 2.
While the T20 triumph provides momentum, the players and coaching staff are already preparing for the longer format, reflecting India’s commitment to excellence across all forms of the game.
Meanwhile, the West Indies team has already arrived in Ahmedabad for the series. The second Test will be played at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium from October 10. The upcoming matches are
part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, making the series a key event for both sides.
As Ahmedabad basks in post-Asia Cup euphoria, fans and players alike are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in India’s cricketing journey, hoping the hosts carry their winning momentum into the Test arena.
India squad for the West Indies series: Shubman Gill (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja (vice-captain), Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, N Jagadeesan (wk), Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Kuldeep Yadav.
Gautam Adani’s wealth jumps $13 billion in 2 days, moves closer to becoming India’s richest person
New Delhi, Sep 23 (IANS) Adani
Group Chairman Gautam Adani's net worth surged by $13 billion in just two days, driven by a sharp rally in the group companies' shares.
According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Gautam Adani’s wealth now stands at $95.7 billion, placing him just behind Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, whose fortune has dipped to $98.6 billion.
So far this year, Gautam Adani’s net worth has grown by $17.1 billion, more than double the $8.02 billion increase recorded in Mukesh Ambani's net worth.
The spike in Adani Group stocks
follows a clean chit from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in the Hindenburg short-selling case.
In its final order, the market regulator dismissed allegations of fund routing and related-party transactions, confirming that the conglomerate had not violated any regulations.
Market confidence has been reflected strongly in stock prices.
In the last three sessions, Adani Power has soared nearly 30 per cent, Adani Total Gas 18 per cent, Adani Green Energy 15 per cent, and Adani Energy Solutions over 10 per cent. Adani Enterprises has gained more than 11 per cent, while Adani Ports has risen nearly 3 per cent.
Earlier, the Adani Group Chairman had urged the Group staff to accelerate the pace of innovation and drive bold advances in energy, logistics, and other infrastructure that push the very edges of possibility, as the cloud of the Hindenburg
case over the conglomerate has been lifted with the SEBI verdict rejecting the allegations of the US short-seller.
"We must build not for today's applause but for a legacy that endures for decades. Headlines fade, but what we create must leave its mark on history," Gautam Adani said in a letter to the Group’s staff.
"Today, a cloud that had hung over us for more than two years has been lifted. SEBI's comprehensive investigation has concluded by rejecting all allegations contained in the Hindenburg report from January 2023," the letter states.
Globally, Elon Musk continues to top the billionaires list with a net worth of $452 billion, followed by Larry Ellison ($388 billion), Mark Zuckerberg ($269 billion), Jeff Bezos ($250 billion), and Larry Page ($221 billion).
Among Indians, Mukesh Ambani currently ranks 18th worldwide, while Adani is placed 19th.
Amit Shah inaugurates startup conclave in Gujarat; over 170 showcase innovations
Gandhinagar, Sep 23 (IANS) Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday inaugurated the two-day Startup Conclave 2025 at Mahatma Mandir, bringing founders, investors and policymakers from across India together for a wideranging showcase and policy dialogue.
Accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Higher Education Minister Rushikesh Patel, HM Shah described the country’s youth as moving from “job-seekers to jobcreators” and urged investors to
back early-stage ventures.
He said startups have provided employment to roughly 1.79 million people and noted that 48 per cent of new startups are founded by women -- statistics he cited to underline the sector’s growing social and economic footprint.
“The Startup Conclave is a platform to convert India’s knowledge and innovation into jobs and businesses,” HM Shah said, calling on investors to “help new startups grow” and predicting a future where startups will, in turn, make investors “big”.
Organisers said more than 170 startups are exhibiting over the two days, presenting products and services across sectors including technology, healthcare, agritech, fintech and green energy. The event features an exhibition of prototypes and
demonstrations, a round-table conference that brings founders into direct dialogue with industry experts, and seven themed sessions focused on scaling innovation, financing models and university-industry linkages.
CM Bhupendra Patel welcomed the conclave as an opportunity to reinforce Gujarat’s position as an entrepreneurial hub, while Higher Education Minister Rushikesh Patel highlighted the role of universities and research institutions in mentoring earlystage companies and translating academic research into commercial ventures.
Participants said the conclave offered much-needed visibility and networking opportunities, but flagged persistent challenges.
“Access to early-stage capital and pilot customers remains a bottleneck for many founders,” one exhibitor said.
Over 51,000 kg of waste cleared in coastal cleanup drive across 10 Gujarat beaches
Ahmedabad, Sep 23 (IANS) More than 51,500 kg of solid waste was collected and scientifically disposed of during a massive beach cleanup campaign conducted across 10 coastal stretches of Gujarat on September 20, marking International
Coastal Cleanup Day, the state government said on Tuesday. The initiative was held under the National Coastal Mission Scheme of the Central government and coordinated by the Gujarat Environment Management Institute (GEMI) as part of the ongoing 'Seva Pakhwada' 2025.
The cleanup drive, organised under the guidance of State Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Mulubhai Bera and Minister of State Mukesh Patel, saw active participation from multiple government
India’s position in Global Innovation Index is outcome of deliberate policy choices, investments in entrepreneurship: Minister
New Delhi, Sep 23 (IANS) India’s steady climb in the Global Innovation Index, from the 81st position in 2015 to the 39th in 2025, is not accidental but the outcome of deliberate policy choices, investments in entrepreneurship, and the spirit of India’s young innovators, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said on Tuesday.
Currently, India hosts the thirdlargest startup ecosystem in the world, with more than 1 lakh government-recognised startups and over 100 unicorns.
Importantly, nearly 50 per cent of startups now originate from Tier2 and Tier-3 cities, demonstrating the democratisation of entrepreneurship and India’s inclusive innovation story, the minister said at a NITI Aayog event.
Dr Singh emphasised that the innovation journey to Viksit Bharat demands global thinking and a reoriented mindset. He underlined that both the government and the private sector must shed inhibitions and work in true synergy.
The minister acknowledged persistent challenges: lack of synergy across institutions, need for patient capital for deep-tech ventures, weak academia–industry linkages,
uneven state-level innovation capacities, and gaps in intellectual property protection and commercialisation.
He noted that creating specialised interfaces on the lines of the BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) and the IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre) in other critical areas of technology. Such platforms are essential for fostering seamless collaboration between the government and the private sector.
According to him, government initiatives like the National Deep Tech Startup Policy and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) represent a fundamental shift towards building sovereignty in frontier technologies. These efforts, he said, will reward risk-taking, creativity, and collaboration, ensuring that India is not merely a consumer of global technologies but a producer and leader.
"India’s innovation journey cannot rely on government alone. It requires a whole-of-nation approach—government providing the enabling framework, industry bringing scale and investment, academia driving knowledge creation, and young innovators supplying energy and creativity. Together, we can transform aspirations into achievements and realise the dream of Viksit Bharat by 2047," the minister noted.
PM Modi asks people to join the
departments, local bodies, NGOs, Coast Guard, schools, colleges, industries and citizens. Beaches covered in the campaign included Dumas (Surat), Dandi, Dwarka, Bet Dwarka, Veraval Chowpatty, Porbandar Chowpatty, Ravalpir (Mandvi), Shivrajpur, Umargam and Koliyak (Bhavnagar).
According to officials, around 51,541 kg of solid waste was collected from these beaches and disposed of using scientific methods to ensure minimal environmental impact.
New Delhi, Sep 23 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called upon citizens across the country to actively participate in the 'Swachhata Hi Seva' campaign, describing it as an inspiring initiative that reflects the spirit of collective responsibility and national pride.
In a message shared on X today, the Prime Minister stated, "This cleanliness initiative is very encouraging. I urge more people to join this campaign and make it a success."
The Prime Minister's call for mass support for the cleanliness initiative came on a day when
several BJP leaders in Delhi hit the street, wielding brooms, to clean public spaces.
The Delhi BJP leaders launched cleanliness drives around flyovers at 71 locations as part of the Delhi government's Seva Pakhwada, a 15-day campaign to celebrate the PM's birthday on September 17 by social service and public welfare campaigns till October 2.
Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva, along with BJP workers, local Public Works Department and Municipal Corporation employees, symbolically launched a cleanliness drive at Rose Garden, the bus stop under the ITO flyover, and its surrounding areas.
Municipal Councillor Ramkishore Sharma and Northeast District BJP President U.K. Chaudhary also joined the campaign.
Sachdeva said, "Making Delhi beautiful requires sustained efforts, and one-day campaigns are not enough. Cleanliness has to be a part of behaviour, and all citizens need to join hands for the effort."
MP CM to release Rs 489 crore grant to over 20,000 schools under Right to Education
Indore, Sep 29 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will today transfer Rs 489 crore to 20,652 non-government schools that admitted students from economically weaker sections (EWS) under the Right to Education (RTE) Act.
‘Make
The funds will be credited directly into the schools’ accounts with a single click during a public programme in Dhar district.
School Education Minister Uday Pratap Singh will also be present.
The grant is being provided to non-government or non-aided schools that have fulfilled the criteria of giving free admission to a minimum of 25 per cent of children from disadvantaged and weaker sections in entry-level classes.
Chief Minister Yadav will release the funds to the bank accounts of the non-government schools during a public programme in the
Dhar district of Indore division.
"Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will transfer Rs 489 crore to 20,652 non-government schools under the Right to Education (RTE) Act. This amount will help reimburse the school fees of 8.45 lakh children enrolled during the 2023-2024 academic year," the School Education Department said.
During the programme, Chief Minister Yadav will also perform 'bhoomi-poojan' and inaugurate developmental projects and oversee the distribution of benefits to beneficiaries under various welfare schemes.
in India’ transforms country into global manufacturing powerhouse: Piyush Goyal
New Delhi, Sep 25 (IANS)
The ‘Make in India’ initiative, which completed 11 years, has transformed the country into a global manufacturing powerhouse under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday.
Eleven years ago, PM Modi launched 'Make In India' with a vision to revive Bharat's manufacturing strength.
“In these years, record FDI inflows, vast improvements in ease of doing business, our rise
as the second-largest mobile manufacturer globally, soaring exports, and expanding defence production, all showcase how far we have come,” Goyal said in a post on X social media platform.
The production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme has generated massive investments and jobs, “while our vibrant startup ecosystem, driven by the enthusiasm and energy of our youth and women, has made India the world's third-largest hub of innovation,” the minister noted.
“This journey has been made possible because of the collective effort of our industry, MSMEs, startups, entrepreneurs, and every citizen who carries the spirit of Swadeshi in their heart,” he added.
The 11 years of ‘Make in India’ story is that of resurgence and the
decades ahead will script a story of global leadership through an Aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat, he noted.
Goyal also said that the world is witnessing India’s defence manufacturing strength.
“Guided by the vision of PM Modi, the nation has scripted landmark achievements in indigenous defence production, reflecting the success of the ‘Make in India’ initiative,” the minister highlighted.
Last week, Commerce Minister unveiled a range of transformative initiatives to further boost the 'Make in India' scheme, on the occasion of the decade-long celebration of the flagship programme that has played a significant and productive role so far in the journey of making India self-reliant.
49th PRAGATI meeting: PM Modi reviews vital infra projects worth over Rs 65,000 crore
New Delhi, Sep 25 (IANS)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 49th meeting of PRAGATI, the ICT-enabled multi-modal platform for ProActive Governance and Timely Implementation, at South Block on Wednesday.
The platform brings together the Centre and States to fasttrack major projects, address bottlenecks, and ensure timebound delivery.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister reviewed eight critical infrastructure projects across sectors, including Mines, Railways, Water Resources,
Industrial Corridors, and Power.
These projects span 15 States and Union Territories, stretching across the country, with a cumulative investment of over Rs 65,000 crore. Recognised as vital drivers of economic growth and public welfare, the projects were reviewed with emphasis on clear timelines, effective interagency coordination, and prompt resolution of bottlenecks.
The Prime Minister reiterated that delays in execution impose a double cost - often escalating project expenditure and also depriving citizens of timely access to essential services and infrastructure. He urged officials at both the Central and State levels to adopt a resultoriented approach, translating opportunities into improved quality of life for people, while also advancing the goals of ease of living for citizens and ease of doing business for enterprises.
Prime Minister Modi emphasised
New Delhi, Sep 24 (IANS)
The Central government on Wednesday extended the tenure of General Anil Chauhan as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, up to May 30, 2026.
"The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has, on 24th September 2025, approved the extension of service of General Anil Chauhan as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) who shall also function as Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Military Affairs, upto 30th May 2026, or until further orders," the Ministry of Defence said in a press statement.
Notably, he became the CDS on September 28, 2022, after the sudden demise of his predecessor, Gen Bipin Rawat, in a helicopter crash.
He was recalled from retirement to serve as the CDS, and he is the first three-star appointee, a role
which is traditionally given to a four-star officer.
Hailing from the Pauri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand, General Chauhan joined the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla (NDA) as part of the 58 Course in the year.
He subsequently joined the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun (IMA) as part of the 68 Course in 1980. He is also a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.
General Chauhan was commissioned in the Indian Army in 1981 and has had a distinguished and illustrious career with key command and staff appointments.
In his illustrious career, he has worked extensively in Jammu and Kashmir, the North-East. Also, in January 2018, he was appointed Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) during the course of which he oversaw the execution of the 2019 Balakot airstrike against Pakistan.
Gen Chauhan was awarded with Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal for his exemplary services to the Indian Army.
Bharat destined to win no matter which field: HM Shah lauds India’s Asia Cup 2025 triumph over Pak
New Delhi, Sep 29 (IANS) Union
that States/UTs should also institutionalise mechanisms at their level for regular review and monitoring of flagship projects, ensuring timely implementation and effective resolution of bottlenecks. He urged all States/ UTs to place strong emphasis on reforms aimed at improving competitiveness, strengthening efficiency, and fostering innovation across sectors, and stressed that better preparedness through these reforms would enable us to swiftly seize emerging opportunities.
Later in the night, PM Modi shared the update about the 49th meeting of PRAGATI in a social media post.
“Chaired the 49th PRAGATI meeting earlier this evening. Vital projects across 15 states and UTs worth over Rs 65,000 crore were reviewed. These works covered sectors like mines, railways, water resources, industrial corridors and power sectors,” the PM wrote on X.
Home Minister Amit Shah hailed Team India’s dramatic five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the final of the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, calling it “a phenomenal victory,” reinforcing the belief that the country is destined to win, no matter the field.
“A phenomenal victory. The fierce energy of our boys blew up the rivals again. Bharat is destined to win no matter which field,” Shah posted on X, capturing the national mood after India’s thrilling triumph at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. The win not only secured India’s ninth Asia Cup title but also underlined their unbeaten run in the tournament. Pakistan had looked firmly in control early in the game, racing to 113/1 in just 12.4 overs. However, India’s spinners led a stunning fightback. Kuldeep Yadav triggered a dramatic collapse as Pakistan lost their last nine wickets for just 33 runs, folding for 146 in 19.1 overs. Kuldeep, who had gone for 23 runs in his first two overs,
bounced back spectacularly, finishing with figures of 4/30, including three wickets in a game-turning 17th over. He was ably supported by Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy, who took two wickets each, while Jasprit Bumrah claimed two at the death.
Chasing a modest target of 147, India suffered an early collapse, slipping to 20/3 after losing Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and skipper Suryakumar Yadav cheaply. But a composed and fearless innings from Tilak Varma, who remained unbeaten on 69 off 51 balls, steadied the chase. His knock included three boundaries and four sixes, showcasing maturity and bigmatch temperament. Shivam Dube’s late flurry of sixes ensured India crossed the finish line with two balls to spare.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised the win and drew parallels to military success. “#OperationSindoor on the games field. Outcome is the same – India wins! Congrats to our cricketers,” he posted on X.
In a symbolic and bold off-field move, Team India reportedly refused to accept the trophy and medals from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Iranian, French presidents discuss Tehran’s nuclear issue, bilateral ties
President
Pezeshkian and his French counterpart, Emmanuel
held talks over Tehran's nuclear issue and bilateral relations.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday (local time), according to a statement published on the website of the Iranian president's
office.
Pezeshkian stressed that Iran has no intention of developing nuclear weapons, voicing the country's readiness to hold talks with the European sides on its nuclear issue within an "acceptable" framework.
Macron, for his part, expressed his country's readiness to work towards preventing the escalation of the situation, reports Xinhua news agency.
He underlined France's determination to resolve issues in its relations with Iran, noting that Paris was willing to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East and prevent the eruption of conflicts.
The two presidents reviewed bilateral ties and expressed hope that, with the resolution of differences between Iran and France in the future, the
necessary groundwork would be laid for the expansion of bilateral relations and cooperation, according to the statement.
The meeting came as the UN Security Council on Friday failed to adopt a resolution that would extend sanctions relief for Iran under a 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Last month, France, Britain and Germany triggered the JCPOA's "snapback" mechanism, which allows UN sanctions to be reimposed within 30 days if Iran is judged in breach of the accord. The sanctions are expected to take effect later this month.
Since last year, Iran has held several rounds of talks with the three European states, primarily focusing on Tehran's nuclear issue and the removal of sanctions.
China desperate to protect Myanmar’s military regime in Naypyidaw
Dhaka: A series of infrastructure projects and economic hubs coming up under the ChinaMyanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) will give Beijing access to the Indian Ocean in the garb of promoting bilateral economic and trade cooperation. CMEC is part of the controversial Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and China's multi-stakeholder strategy involves increasing intervention and support.
Several Chinese economic hubs include key port cities and border zones linked by infrastructure projects. The Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is a cornerstone of China's economic
interests while the MuseMandalay-Kyaukphyu corridor connects Yunnan to the Indian Ocean and Northern border Commercial and Economic Cooperation Zones (Muse and Chin Shwe Haw in northern Shan State and Kanpaikti in Kachin State).
September has seen a flurry of Myanmar Generals' visits to China after coup leader Min Aung Hlaing declared during his visit to Beijing earlier this month that the two neighbours are enjoying their "strongest ties ever".
Last week, Myanmar’s Defence Minister General Maung Maung Aye, Home Affairs Minister Lt. Gen. Tun Tun Naung and Navy Chief Admiral Htein Win made separate visits to Beijing focusing on expanding cooperation in drone and military technology, securing Chinese projects in Myanmar, and strengthening bilateral security ties.
There were parallel trips to China by Prime Minister Nyo Saw to Nanning, where he urged more Chinese investments; Central Bank Governor Than Than Swe visited the Huawei Global Cyber Security Transparency Centre in Dongguan, in Guangdong to discuss banking cooperation; and, Construction Minister Myo Thant to Guilin to discuss implementation of the BRI and CMEC projects.
Senior General and Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, Min Aung Hlaing visited China on the 75th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations to further deepen strategic cooperation. On August 30, President Xi Jinping met Min Aung Hlaing in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. Both leaders met again during the September 3 Victory Day Parade in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of China's victory over Japan in World War II.
Indian diaspora unites for Viksit Bharat Run in Iceland
Reykjavik, Sep 28 (IANS)
Members of Indian diaspora in Iceland participated in the Viksit Bharat Run organised by Indian Embassy in Reykjavik on Sunday. India's Ambassador to Iceland R Ravindra addressed the members of Indian community and
administered the Viksit Bharat pledge to them.
In a statement shared on X, Indian Embassy in Reykjavik stated, "On the road to a Viksit Bharat!
The Embassy of India, Reykjavik organized the Viksit Bharat Run on 28 September 2025 to motivate the Indian diaspora to contribute towards building a self-reliant and Viksit Bharat i.e. a Developed India. Ambassador R Ravindra addressed the Indian diaspora and administered the Viksit Bharat pledge to them. In his address Ambassador recalled that
Iran does not seek nuclear weapons: Pezeshkian
New York, Sep 25 (IANS) Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told the UN General Assembly that his country does not seek nuclear weapons.
"I hereby declare once more, before this assembly, that Iran has never sought and will never seek to build a nuclear bomb," he told the General Debate of the General Assembly on Wednesday (local time). "We do not seek nuclear weapons. This is our belief based on the edict issued by the Supreme Leader and by religious authorities. Therefore, we never sought weapons of mass destruction, nor will we ever seek them."
Pezeshkian said the attempts by the three European countries of Britain, France and Germany, which are parties to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, to reinstate UN sanctions against Iran are illegitimate, reports Xinhua news agency.
The three countries, known as the E3, claimed that they triggered the snapback mechanism provided for in the Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
(JCPOA), by notifying the Security Council of Tehran's "nonperformance" on August 28. However, the legality of the E3 move has been questioned as it skipped the Dispute Resolution Mechanism (DRM) provided for in the JCPOA and Resolution 2231, which endorsed the deal. Under the JCPOA and Resolution 2231, the DRM has 35 days to resolve the disagreement. A snapback can be triggered only after the DRM fails to resolve the issue.
Earlier in the day, Pezeshkian and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, held talks over Tehran's nuclear issue and bilateral relations.
Pezeshkian stressed that Iran has no intention of developing nuclear weapons, voicing the country's readiness to hold talks with the European sides on its nuclear issue within an "acceptable" framework.
Macron, for his part, expressed his country's readiness to work towards preventing the escalation of the situation, reports Xinhua news agency.
He underlined France's determination to resolve issues in its relations with Iran, noting that Paris was willing to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East and prevent the eruption of conflicts.
UN confirms reactivation of sanctions on Iran
United Nations, Sep 29 (IANS)
The United Nations confirmed that sanctions against Iran have been reactivated.
Xinhua news agency reported.
The note listed the individuals and entities that have been added back to the United Nations Security Council Consolidated Sanctions List.
PM Narendra Modi had outlined his vision for a Viksit Bharat 2047 in his 2025 Independence Day speech, emphasizing that India’s progress is built on selfreliance, innovation, and citizen empowerment."
After the completion of the run, R. Ravindra distributed the participation certificates to the runners. According to the embassy statement, around 50 members of the Indian diaspora and friends of India joined in the Reykjavik edition of the Viksit Bharat Run 2025.
"Pursuant to the process set forth in paragraphs 11 and 12 of Security Council resolution 2231 (2015), effective on 27 September at 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, all provisions of resolutions 1696 (2006), 1737 (2006), 1747 (2007), 1803 (2008), 1835 (2008) and 1929 (2010) have been re-applied in the same manner as they applied before the adoption of resolution 2231 (2015) on 20 July 2015," said a note to correspondents from the Office of the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General.
The note said that accordingly, the sanctions list maintained by the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 has been re-established and includes 43 individuals and 78 entities that were listed before the adoption of resolution 2231,
Last month, France, Britain and Germany formally invoked the snapback mechanism, which allowed for the re-imposition of UN sanctions within 30 days if Iran was deemed in breach of a 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
On September 19, the UN Security Council failed to adopt a resolution that would have extended sanctions relief for Iran under the JCPOA.
A subsequent resolution, which sought to grant a six-month extension to both the JCPOA and Resolution 2231, also failed to pass in the Security Council on Friday.
Iran suspended inspections of its nuclear facilities - a legal obligation under the terms of the 2015 deal - after Israel and the US bombed several of its nuclear sites and military bases in June.
Its President Masoud Pezeshkian insisted last week that the country had no intention of developing nuclear weapons.
New York, Sep 25 (IANS) Iranian
Masoud
Macron,
Trump reiterates claim of ending India-Pakistan conflict in UN address
United Nations, Sept 23 (IANS)
US President Donald Trump claimed credit again on Tuesday for ending the India-Pakistan conflict, which has been discounted by New Delhi, while repeating his lament for not getting the Nobel Peace Prize.
"I ended seven wars, and in all cases, they were raging, with countless thousands of people being killed," he said in a rambling address to the General Assembly’s high-level session.
That includes the "violent war that was Pakistan and India", he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has told Trump in a June phone call that it was mutually settled between India and Pakistan without his claimed involvement.
India says that Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Major General Kashif Abdullah called his Indian counterpart, Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, offering a truce.
Among the other wars Trump said he ended was that between Israel and Iran, although the hostilities continue, and there is no peace deal between them.
He blamed the UN for not doing enough to stop wars.
"It's too bad that I had to do these things instead of the United Nations doing them," he said.
"And sadly, in all cases, the United Nations did not even try to help."
Trump also accused India and China of financing Russia to carry on the war against Ukraine.
Although he has imposed a punitive tariff of 25 per cent only against India, he threatened the NATO allies and the European Union with drastic action if Russia doesn’t end the war.
"Inexcusably, even NATO
countries have not cut off much Russian energy and Russian energy products, which, as you know, I found out about two weeks ago, and I wasn't happy," he said.
"Think of it, they're funding the war against themselves."
"In the event that Russia is not ready to make a deal to end the war, then the United States is fully prepared to impose a very strong round of powerful tariffs, which would stop the bloodshed, I believe, very quickly," he said.
"But for those tariffs to be effective, European nations, all of you are gathered here right now, would have to join us in adopting the exact same measures," he said.
Trump piled on criticism of the UN for what he said were its inefficiencies and inefficacy in keeping the peace.
As if to make his point, the teleprompter at the podium failed, setting him off on a mostly impromptu speech, and the escalator stopped midway.
Geneva: Activists highlight human rights violations committed against Pashtuns in Pakistan
Washington, Sep 23 (IANS) A recent demonstration held at the Broken Chair Square in front of the United Nations in Geneva has highlighted once again the grave human rights violations being committed against the Pashtun people by the Pakistani government and forces. The protest was held to commemorate those who have suffered and endured trauma from systematic human rights violations in Pakistan and highlighted the targetted killings of people now also being done through drone attacks, a report mentioned.
Ready
The protest organised by Afghanischer Kulturverein Larawbar EV Germany and the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) brought together human rights activists, community leaders and members of the Pashtun diaspora, according to a report in PJ Media. Attendees expressed hope that the protest would raise international awareness about the ongoing repression and human rights violations impacting the Pashtun community in Pakistan.
The Pashtun ethnic community in Pakistan faces brutal and systematic campaign of human rights abuses. Pakistan’s ongoing repression against Pashtun community includes widespread enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
"Thousands of Pashtuns have
vanished without a trace after being abducted by security forces, while many others have become victims of extrajudicial killings. Recently, the security forces have begun targetting civilians using drones in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region," the report mentioned.
"Across Pakistan’s Pashtun belt (the merged tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and its adjoining areas), violence and emergency-style policing have hardened into a pattern of control that views entire communities as suspect. Rights groups, UN mechanisms, and international media have documented practices of enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, excessive force during security operations, as well as the criminalization of peaceful activism," it stated.
to implement START restrictions if Washington acts in similar manner: Russia
Moscow, Sep 23 (IANS) Russia on Tuesday said that it is ready to implement quantitative limitations on the Strategic Offensive Arms (START) within a year, but this requires a mirror position from the United States.
"We are prepared to continue enforcing quantitative restrictions for a year. That's what we will do.
But this, of course, requires a mirror position from the United States," the Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow.
He mentioned that the treaty on measures for the further reduction and limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms was discussed during meetings between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump during their recent meeting.
"The topic [of the New START Treaty] was generally raised during the contacts [between
Drone incident is ‘serious attack’, says Danish PM
Oslo, Sep 23 (IANS) Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Tuesday said a drone incident that shut down Copenhagen Airport for several hours late Monday was "a serious attack on Danish critical infrastructure." The incident should be viewed within the broader context of hybrid threats across Europe, she added.
"We have seen drones over Poland, activity in Romania, violations of Estonian airspace, cyberattacks on European airports over the weekend, and now drones in Denmark and Norway," Frederiksen told reporters, Xinhua News Agency reported.
Russian involvement cannot be ruled out, she underlined, noting that Europe faces "a series of hybrid attacks and sabotage attempts."
Copenhagen's Kastrup Airport suspended operations for around four hours on Monday evening, affecting approximately 20,000 passengers. Delays and cancellations continued into Tuesday, with travellers missing study trips, honeymoons, business journeys and sports events.
The Danish National Police
confirmed that the National Operational Staff, a special crisis response unit, has been activated at its lowest level, meaning heightened surveillance and inter-agency coordination.
Danish police are treating the case as a drone attack.
In neighbouring Norway, Oslo's Gardermoen Airport was also forced to close around midnight Monday after drone sightings. The airport reopened at around 3.30 a.m. on Tuesday morning. Norway's Police Security Service said it is in dialogue with Danish authorities to assess whether the two incidents are connected.
Several flights to Oslo were diverted to other Norwegian airports, leaving passengers stranded overnight. Airlines reported delays, cancellations and rerouted services throughout Tuesday. Avinor, the state-owned operator of Norwegian airports, said travelers could expect continued disruption.
On September 12, the Danish government announced the largest arms purchase in the country's history, approving a 58-billion Danish kroner (9.1 billion US dollars) acquisition of ground-based air defence systems.
According to Denmark's Ministry of Defense, the deal includes eight medium- and long-range air defense systems to be supplied by several European manufacturers, including firms from France, Italy, Germany, and Norway.
Bangladesh plunges into deep financial crisis
New Delhi, Sep 23 (IANS)
Putin and Trump] in the sense that time is running out, and we are truly on the threshold of a situation where we could be left without any bilateral documents regulating the area of stability and security," Peskov said while replying to a question from Tass news agency about whether the topic of extending the New START Treaty was discussed during the meeting between Putin and Trump.
Putin, he revealed, did not communicate the idea of extending the START treaty to the US President in advance.
Bangladesh has plunged into one of its worst financial crises in recent history, with the country’s banking sector reeling from a huge default on loans, non-bank financial institutions on the verge of collapse and the shares of a large number of companies listed in the stock market trading below their face value, according to a report in the Dhaka Tribune.
A vicious cycle of defaulted loans, weak regulation, political influence, corruption, and the dominance of junk companies has left the economy in a precarious state, the report states.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) recently reported that Bangladesh now has the highest volume of defaulted loans in Asia.
According to the latest estimates from Bangladesh Bank, defaulted
loans of commercial banks stood at around Tk6 lakh crore at the end of June. In addition, another Tk3.18 lakh crore in hidden defaults is in the process of being disclosed.
Amid this dire situation, the government has proposed removing the definition of “wilful defaulter” in the draft of the new Banking Company Act. The draft argues that identifying wilful defaulters is complex and not aligned with reality.
However, the amended law of 2023 required every bank to prepare a list of wilful defaulters and submit it to the central bank.
In 2024, 20.2 per cent of the country’s total disbursed loans defaulted—28 per cent higher than the previous year. The ADB described Bangladesh as having the “weakest banking system” in Asia.
The report cited Selim Raihan, executive director of South Asian Network on Economic Modelling (SANEM), as saying: “The problem will not be solved unless political interference is stopped and the judiciary is strengthened.”
Australian budget outcome shows deficit over $11 billion lower than forecast
Sydney, Sep 29 (IANS) The Australian government released the final budget outcome for the 2024-25 financial year on Monday, with a final deficit of about 18 billion Australian dollars (about 11.8 billion US dollars), lower than previously forecast.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher handed down the annual budget outcome on Monday, revealing a final underlying cash deficit of just under 10 billion Australian dollars, or 0.4 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), at the end of the 2024-25 financial year
on June 30, reports Xinhua news agency.
The government's Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Outlook (PEFO) 2025, released earlier this year, forecast a deficit of 27.9 billion Australian dollars for 2024-25. The 2022 PEFO forecast a deficit of 47.1 billion Australian dollars in 2024-25.
Chalmers and Gallagher said in a joint statement that final budget outcomes have been a combined 209 billion Australian dollars, better than projected since the governing Labor Party won power at the 2022 election.
"In dollar terms, we've made more progress on the budget in three years than any government in history," they said.
"It's a reminder that we have one of the strongest budgets in the
They attributed the improved position to a stronger labour market, saying that more Australians were working more and earning more.
Australia's gross debt was 928.6 billion Australian dollars, 33.5 per cent of GDP, at the end of the 2024-25 financial year. The 2022 PEFO forecast that gross debt would hit about 1.12 trillion Australian dollars in 2024-25.
Meanwhile, a new report showed that an Australian national biobank platform for streamlining access to human biospecimens and data for biomedical research could deliver 39 million Australian dollars (about 25.62 million US dollars) worth of annual benefits.
India’s organic exports to Australia surge, create more opportunities for
New Delhi, Sep 25 (IANS) India’s organic exports to Australia reached $8.96 million in FY202425 with a total export volume of 2,781.58 metric tonnes, led by psyllium husk, coconut milk and rice, according to the government.
Both the countries have signed the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for organic products, which demonstrates the shared commitment of the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Arrangement (ECTA) and strengthens the strategic partnership between India and Australia.
The Mutual Recognition Arrangement covers organic products that are grown and processed in the jurisdictions of the participants, including
unprocessed plant products, excluding seaweed, aquatic plants, and greenhouse crops, processed foods composed of one or more ingredients of plant origin and wine.
“The arrangement reflects the trust and confidence our two countries place in each other’s organic standards and certification systems. The MRA will simplify the compliance requirements and create new opportunities for the farmers and exporters,” said Commerce Ministry.
Sunil Barthwal, Commerce Secretary, said that the role of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) in setting rigorous standards for India’s organic ecosystem and keeping India’s organic sector transparent and credible.
He highlighted that organic products should not be viewed as a mere certification but as a reflection of a comprehensive system that preserves integrity,
farmers
maintains strict standards and ensures farmers’ incomes. With organic produce commanding 30-40 per cent higher prices, farmers benefit from improved livelihoods.
He further stressed the need for labelling, penalties and regulatory measures to ensure strict separation of organic from non-organic produce, while also calling for greater capacity building, training and advisory support for farmers.
“Organic products must not be so-called organic but certified organic, with every stakeholder in the chain taking pride in maintaining that integrity,” Barthwal said.
Tom Black, First Assistant Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Australia, appreciated India’s fast-growing organic sector and the role of the Indian diaspora in increasing the organic trade between India and Australia.
Social media platforms required to deactivate accounts of under-16s under Australian ban
Canberra, Sep 16 (IANS) Social media companies will be required to detect and deactivate accounts held by underage children when Australia's world-first under-16 ban comes into effect
in December, the government revealed on Tuesday.
The federal government on Tuesday released regulatory guidance for technology companies to comply with the under-16 social media ban ahead of it coming into effect on December 10.
The guidance says that social media platforms will be expected to initially focus on the detection and deactivation of existing accounts held by children younger than 16, and on taking reasonable steps to prevent those whose accounts have been removed from immediately creating a new account.
Platforms will not be required to test the age of every user and will not be told by the government which technology to use for age assurance, the guidance says, but will need to provide transparent and accessible information about how they are enforcing the ban as well as a process for disputes. Under the legislation for the ban, which passed the federal parliament in December 2024, companies that fail to take "reasonable steps" to enforce the ban will face fines worth up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($33 million).
Australian engineers develop reusable building material with quarter carbon footprint
Sydney, Sep 22 (IANS) Engineers in Australia have developed a new reusable and recyclable building material made from cardboard, soil, and water that has approximately one-quarter of the carbon footprint of concrete.
This innovative material, called cardboard-confined rammed earth, could significantly cut the carbon footprint of construction, while reducing waste going to landfill, according to a statement released Monday by Australia's Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT).
The material, which eliminates the need for cement, produces about one quarter of the emissions of concrete while costing less than a third as much, the statement said.
"By simply using cardboard, soil and water, we can make walls robust enough to support low-rise buildings," said RMIT researcher Ma Jiaming, lead author of the study published in
the British journal Structures. In a separate study, Ma combined carbon fibre with rammed earth, achieving strength comparable to high-performance concrete. Ma said this innovation could revolutionise building design and construction by using locally sourced, recyclable materials and reflects the global revival of earth-based construction driven by net-zero goals and a focus on sustainability, reports Xinhua news agency.
Especially suited to hot climates, rammed earth buildings naturally regulate indoor temperatures and humidity, he said.
The method involves compacting a soil-and-water mixture inside cardboard formwork that can be made on-site, reducing the need to transport heavy construction materials, the researchers said.
Australia sends more than 2.2 million tonnes of cardboard and paper to landfill each year, while cement and concrete production account for about 8 per cent of annual global emissions.
The RMIT team said the innovation could benefit remote construction in regions with abundant red soils and is seeking partnerships with industry.
Man dies after targetted stabbing in eastern
Australia
Sydney, Sep 17 (IANS) A man has died after being stabbed in a targetted attack in eastern Australia on Wednesday morning.
Emergency services were called to reports of an assault on a street near the rural city of Grafton, 490 km northeast of Sydney in the state of New South Wales (NSW), around 1 am (local time) on Wednesday.
Police officers arrived and found that a 35-year-old man had been stabbed by unknown assailants while walking along the street, Xinhua News Agency reported.
He was treated by ambulance paramedics, but died at the scene.
NSW Police said in a statement that initial inquiries indicated that the stabbing was a targetted attack.
Local detectives have commenced an investigation with assistance from the state homicide squad and police said the area is expected to remain a crime scene for a considerable amount of time.
On September 6, two people died following a stabbing in Melbourne's western suburbs that police are treating as a targeted attack.
Emergency services were deployed to reports that a person was seriously injured in Cobblebank, 34 km west of central Melbourne, shortly before 8 pm on September 6. They arrived and located a 12-year-old boy at the scene with critical injuries, according to a police statement.
From the editor’s desk
Australia’s Budget shows global strength amid uncertainty
Beyond providing domestic reassurance, Australia's final budget outcome for the 2024–25 fiscal year sends a message to the rest of the world that the nation is competitive, wellmanaged, and economically stable. Few of its peers can match the country's fiscal prudence, especially in the G20 context, with a deficit of about 18 billion Australian dollars, more than 11 billion less than first projected.
Although a deficit might appear alarming at first, the result is remarkable when compared to forecasts and global standards. A deficit of $27.9 billion was projected in the Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Outlook. With 18 billion at the end of the year, Australia is not only exceeding expectations but also effectively managing its resources. More significantly, the underlying cash deficit, which stands at just under $10 billion, or 0.4% of GDP, indicates a degree of fiscal restraint that places Australia's economy among the most robust in the developed world.
When compared to other G20 countries, Australia's performance stands out. High debt ratios, growing deficits, and sluggish growth are problems facing many nations. Australia, on the other hand, has kept its gross debt at 928.6 billion dollars, or 33.5 percent of GDP, which is significantly less than the 1.12 trillion that was initially predicted. In a time of global financial uncertainty, Australia's low debt-to-GDP ratio bolsters the nation's creditworthiness, reassures foreign investors, and establishes the country as a stable, dependable economy. Such credibility is a strategic asset that enables the government to borrow money at reduced rates and make investments with assurance in long-term projects, making it more than just an economic advantage.
The budget outcome also shows a resilient and forward-thinking economy. With more Australians working and making more money, employment growth has been a major factor. This has created a positive feedback loop of growth by increasing tax revenue, decreasing dependency on welfare, and boosting domestic demand. In addition to improving fiscal results, Australia's robust labour market has reinforced its social and economic fabric, which gives it an edge in the global economy.
Australia's international positioning is further reinforced by strategic investments in innovation.
One excellent example is the CSIRO's national biobank platform, which is expected to generate 39 million dollars in benefits annually. Australia is developing capabilities that are essential in a knowledge-driven global economy by facilitating cutting-edge research and expanding access to biomedical data. Australia is leading the way in attracting investment, fostering high-value industries, and influencing global research and development agendas by combining fiscal stability with innovation leadership.
Beyond the numbers, the budget for 2024–2025 sends a strong message to observers around the world. Australia is positioned as a country that can respond to crises, maintain growth, and support its citizens—all without compromising financial integrity—by delivering a deficit that is much lower than anticipated, keeping debt manageable, and investing in vital sectors. Australia is a shining example of prudent governance and strategic vision at a time when many developed economies are experiencing stagnation or unmanageable debt.
Social stability, robust institutions, and fiscal credibility all directly contribute to soft power on the international scene. Global organisations, rating agencies, and international investors pay close attention to how nations handle debt, deficits, and longterm investments. Australia demonstrates that it is a secure, alluring, and dependable economy that can contend with the most powerful nations in the G20 by surpassing forecasts and maintaining significant investments.
The 2024–25 budget is a global statement rather than just a domestic milestone. The achievement is encapsulated in the headline, "the Australian budget outcome shows a deficit over 11 billion dollars lower than forecast," but the country's international reputation, economic resiliency, and inventiveness are what really matter. Australia is proving that strategic investment and fiscal restraint can coexist to create a stable, competitive, and forward-thinking economy that is admired globally.
India’s innovation surge: A testament to visionary leadership
It is truly remarkable that India has risen in the Global Innovation Index (GII) over the last ten years. Scientists, policymakers, and business leaders around the world have taken notice of India's steady ascent up the global innovation ladder, which saw it rank 91st in 2014 and 38th in 2025. This change is not a coincidence. It displays a persistent emphasis on R&D, strategic partnerships, and a mindset that views innovation as a catalyst for national advancement rather than merely a goal of policy. The international recognition India currently enjoys in the field of science and technology is highlighted by Japanese Nobel Laureate Takaaki Kajita's recent laudation of India's accomplishments and his recognition of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. It is impossible to overestimate the importance of this increase in the GII. Most people agree that innovation is the key to competitiveness, economic expansion, and social progress. A higher ranking indicates a nation's capacity to produce knowledge, create new technologies, and transform concepts into workable solutions that benefit both its citizens and the rest of the world. India's rise from 91st in 2014 to 38th in 2025 is evidence of the success of its policies, the dedication of its scientific community, and the leadership's strategic vision. Such advancements place India at the forefront of the global knowledge economy in a world where technological disruption is commonplace.
The Modi administration's focus on research and development is essential to this advancement. Together with a group of 20 distinguished Japanese scientists, Nobel Laureate Kajita emphasised India's quick progress in research and development as a model for other countries, including Japan, to follow. This recognition on a global scale is noteworthy. Japan, which has long been recognised as a leader in technology and innovation worldwide, appreciates India's method because it is resultsdriven, inclusive, and focused. The fact that joint initiatives are now connecting Indian talent with international technological know-how says a lot about India's rising prominence in the global innovation ecosystem.
One example of how India is progressing beyond domestic innovation to become a preferred partner for international collaboration is the Indo-Japan scientific and technological collaboration, which was highlighted by Kajita and backed by the joint resolutions of Japanese scientists. In order to propel the next-generation technological revolution, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the
importance of fusing Japanese technology with Indian talent during his recent visit to Japan. These programs aim to establish a global innovation network where resources, knowledge, and skills are exchanged to create revolutionary results, going beyond conventional diplomacy or economic agreements.
India's improved GII ranking is also a result of tangible policy changes made during the previous ten years. An environment that is favourable to innovation has been established through investments in scientific infrastructure, startup funding, incentives for private R&D, and a focus on higher education. In addition to accelerating technological advancement, programs like Digital India, Make in India, and the Atal Innovation Mission have promoted an entrepreneurial culture throughout the country. In order to ensure that theoretical research is translated into workable solutions that have an impact on both society and industry, universities, research institutions, and private businesses are now collaborating more closely.
India could rank in the top 10 of the Global Innovation Index in the next three years, according to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This objective is not unattainable, despite its ambition. India's ten-year trajectory shows that such milestones are attainable with sustained emphasis on research and development, strong policy frameworks, and strategic international partnerships. Achieving a position among the world’s top innovators would not only bring prestige but also attract talent, investment, and collaborative opportunities from across the globe.
Furthermore, India's innovation story has an equally captivating human element. Millions of scientists, engineers, researchers, and students are behind these rankings, and their ingenuity and tenacity propel advancement. Through the development of talent and the provision of resources, the government has enabled these people to experiment, explore, and succeed. The notion that innovation is both a domestic accomplishment and a global contribution is further supported by Nobel Laureate Kajita's acknowledgement of India's efforts. India's achievements in this field show that extraordinary results can be achieved when talent, resources, and vision are brought together. There are strategic outcomes of India's ascent in the GII. In a time of rapid technological advancement, nations that are at the forefront of innovation have sway over global technological standards and policies in addition to their economies.
India's increasing ability to make significant contributions to global knowledge and solutions is reflected in its developments in fields like biotechnology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space technology. India is establishing itself as a responsible and significant global player by encouraging innovation at home and participating abroad. Crucially, this development also supports the government's overarching goal of inclusive growth. Innovation is present in education, business, and community projects and is not just found in prestigious research institutes. Publicprivate partnerships in scientific research, startups that generate jobs and technological solutions, and programs that support students in creating solutions for local problems all work together to guarantee that innovation benefits society as a whole. Thus, India's ascent in the GII demonstrates both its technological prowess and its dedication to leveraging innovation as a means of advancing society.
As the world observes India's progress, Prime Minister Modi's leadership is credited with giving the country the focus and guidance it needs to achieve this goal. More than just announcing policies, visionary governance involves setting up procedures, distributing funds, and motivating individuals to believe in a common objective. India's impressive ten-year rise in the Global Innovation Index is evidence of this leadership and shows how persistent work, strategic focus, and dedication to excellence can turn a country's potential into international acclaim.
An important turning point in this journey has been reached with the recognition of the Japanese scientific community and Nobel Laureate Kajita. It shows that international partners are becoming more eager to work together, share knowledge, and jointly develop solutions in addition to acknowledging India's advancements. Such collaborations will be essential to keeping India moving forward, scaling innovations, and guaranteeing that the nation stays at the forefront of international technological advancements as it pursues this course.
India's innovation trajectory is a manifestation of its goals rather than just a success indicator. It illustrates how strong policy frameworks, empowered talent pools, and visionary leadership can improve a country's standing internationally. India's growing reputation as an innovation hub inspires young scientists and entrepreneurs, boosts national pride, and sends a message to the world that India is prepared to take the lead in the next phase of
Hydropower, corruption and neglect: Why PoK is rising against Islamabad
New Delhi, Sep 29 (IANS) The Pakistan Army is facing a major crisis in Balochistan due to a massive uprising by the locals. Pakistan has managed for a long time to give the perception that all is well in the country. The Balochistan issue has, however, exposed Pakistan’s bluff, and the capability of its army is evident from the fact that it has suffered huge losses at the hands of its own people.
With Balochistan becoming a tipping point, the Pakistan government is gearing up for another uprising in Pakistanoccupied Kashmir (PoK).
Thousands of civilians are crying foul, claiming that they have been unjustly deprived of development opportunities.
Sensing massive trouble, the Pakistan government has imposed an indefinite lockdown in PoK.
The Jammu Kashmir Awami Action Committee is leading the protests. To curtail the protesters and in a bid to stop the information from spreading, the Pakistan government has shut down both internet and mobile services in PoK. The protests are largely revolving around the denial of basic fundamental rights to the people of PoK.
The protesters are demanding the removal of perks to the ruling elites and royalty for the hydel projects in the region.
Indian officials say that a large number of the residents in PoK feel that they are being treated
like the people in Balochistan. The Pakistani government has been notorious for exploiting the natural resources in this region and not passing on the benefits to the people. There is a deeprooted corruption in the system, whereby the resources of such regions ultimately benefit top officials of the government and the Pakistan Army.
Currently in PoK, there is a massive protest on, but due to the information blockade, the real news is not getting out. Further, the Pakistan Army is cracking down on the protesters in the most brutal fashion. Several top leaders leading the protests have been arrested. There are an estimated 2,000 Pakistani army personnel who have been deployed to get the situation under control.
In the run-up to these protests,
there were numerous meetings between the representatives in PoK and the Pakistani government. The protesters say that the Pakistani government has not met their demands. They have been demanding the renegotiation of the hydropower agreements and an immediate subsidy for flour due to rising inflation.
Islamabad has been promising the PoK people of fulfilling their demands, but has clearly failed to keep its word. This has led to a lot of anger in the region, and those protesting say that the agitation will remain indefinite in nature until their demands are met.
The protesters say that for long massive amounts of electricity through the hydropower projects are being generated from projects such as the Mangla Dam and Neelum-Jhelum. However, these
benefits are not being passed on to the region, and PoK suffers from major power cuts, while also being stagnated economically.
Indian Intelligence agency officials say that the manner in which the Pakistani establishment is acting signals that they are in for the long haul. There is no indication that Islamabad would give in to the demands, nor will the protesters cave in.
Pakistan would have a tough time in the days to come since it is battling its own people on multiple fronts. The Pakistan Army has suffered huge losses in Balochistan, and the situation in PoK is only getting worse.
However, an analysis suggests that Pakistan would not give in and would try its level best to suppress the protests by using force and committing large-scale human rights violations.
Cricket, Kalashnikovs and Pakistan’s radicalised psyche
New Delhi, Sep 28 (IANS) Cricket has been described as a gentleman’s game where grace, patience, and fair play come together to create a spectacle for the masses. Like any sport, its traditions have long dissuaded political sloganeering or any form of disposition to violence. Yet, when Pakistani batter Sahibzada Farhan mimicked firing an AK-47 rifle with his bat during a recent Asia Cup T20 match against India, it was a moment of dragging this celebrated sport into a darker terrain.
Though India won the game fairly and squarely, as has been become an established norm now, and reinforce its dominance in the subcontinental rivalry, Farhan’s transgression and gesture eclipsed the cricket sport in itself. The image of a Pakistani cricketer enacting a Kalashnikov firing on the field became symbolic of something far larger, which is the militarised, radicalised psyche of a nation where violence is not seen as aberrant but as cultural expression.
This was not just a tasteless celebration. It was an act that revealed how, in Pakistan, the language of jihadist symbolism,
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technological development. A future in which India is not only a participant in global innovation but also a trendsetter is promised by the country's sustained emphasis on research and development (R&D) and strategic international
perpetuated by military establishment since 1980s during Ziaul Haq’s regime, has permeated every level of society from politicians to artists, doctors, and even sportsmen.
The AK-47 has long been more than just a weapon in Pakistan. Since the 1980s, when the Pakistan became a frontline state to arm Afghan mujahideen against the Soviets with the help of Americans, the Kalashnikov has symbolized an “identity” of first “resistance” and afterwards extremism.
The so-called “Kalashnikov culture” spread far beyond the tribal frontiers with guns becoming part of weddings, political rallies, and every other social function.
This militarisation and Islamisation seeped into Pakistan’s cultural DNA. While military generals often boast of “bleeding India with a thousand cuts", its politicians employ martial rhetoric to prove loyalty to the armed forces.
Similarly, while television dramas, most often sponsored by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), glorifies military martyrs, religious clerics fuse jihad with national pride. And now, on the cricket field, a batsman celebrates his milestone not with raised arms or bowed heads, but with the gesture of a terrorist’s weapon.
Can one then dismiss this as youthful exuberance? No, as doing so would be akin to
partnerships. India is positioned to revolutionise the global innovation scene with its growing standing in the GII, and the nation's consistent policies, inspiring leadership, and the combined efforts of millions of innovators are all responsible for this outstanding rise.
ignoring decades of deliberate social engineering that Pakistan as a country witnessed. The Pakistani military, which is inarguably the country’s most powerful institution, has long cultivated a narrative where militancy and nationalism are fused. Its public discourse often equates dissent with treachery and as such, violence is not only normalised but valorised.
However, Sahibzada Farhan is not an isolated case. There have been countless incidents where Pakistan’s popular figures from actors to doctors have publicly aligned with radical groups with celebrated musicians often singing paeans to jihad and military. Pakistan’s history is awash with educated young men having joined extremist groups, viewing violence as a higher calling.
Nevertheless, such things do not happen in a vacuum and have structural reasons underneath.
In a country where the military dominates both politics and culture, the state has relied on radical Islam as glue to hold the multi-ethnic society together. Since 1980s, the country’s military establishment has amplified jihadist narratives to perpetuate its own supremacy.
The consequence is a society where a Kalashnikov celebration on an international cricket field, and broadcast to millions globally, does not feel out of place but resonates as patriotic bravado. Sports are often used to project national soft power.
For Pakistan, cricket has been one of the last domains where it could claim parity with India not so long ago. These cricket matches have often been treated as proxy wars and the cricket pitch as an extension of the battlefield. In this environment, it is unsurprising that players internalise militarised codes of behaviour where they perceive
their bats as guns. Even smaller milestones like a half-century by an individual then becomes an opportunity to mimic the tools of violence that dominate Pakistan’s national imagination.
But unlike in other nations where such behaviour would spark outrage and disciplinary action, in Pakistan it finds tacit acceptance. While social media platforms brimmed with applause for Farhan’s gesture, hardly anyone from within the Pakistan Cricket Board seemed willing to condemn the act. This silence is telling in itself.
To understand why a cricketer would mimic an AK-47, one must trace Pakistan’s long descent into extremism. For decades, the military has funded and trained jihadist proxies, first against the Soviets in Afghanistan and then against India in Kashmir. These extremist groups have become extensions of its regional foreign policy.
It goes without saying that Pakistan has itself endured a catastrophic social cost of this normalisation of extremism. While universities and madrassas became recruiting grounds, generations grew up idolizing “militants” as heroes. Consequently, no province has escaped violent sectarian undercurrents, with the culture of dialogue, compromise, or peaceful coexistence being systematically eroded. What has remained of Pakistan is a polity where violence is not a last resort but a first instinct.
Despite enduring the blowback of the militancy with the rise of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Islamic State with hundreds of terrorist attacks across the length and breadth of country, particularly Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the state has never fully disavowed its decades old jihadist project. Instead, it rebranded militancy under softer guises,
while preserving its central role in strategic thinking. And now, a cricketer’s on-field gesture has ensured that cricket, too, could not escape this shadow. For decades, the international community has sought to engage Pakistan in dialogue, urging moderation and reform. Consequently, the United States led Western bloc beside Gulf countries have poured billions in development aid, military assistance, and diplomatic overtures, hoping to cultivate Pakistan as a “normal” state.
New Delhi, too, on its part, for long chose to pursue peace talks, cricket diplomacy, and back-channel negotiations, to get Islamabad end its terror sponsorship against India. However, the pattern has been clear as each moment of India’s engagement was followed by Pakistan’s betrayal, with each handshake undercut by violence. The radicalised foundation of the Pakistani state ensures that such moderation is not sustained in any form. So, when even a cricketer’s celebration echoes jihadist imagery, it becomes naïve to expect transformation through dialogue.
As a norm of International Relations, there is a consensus that diplomacy works with only those states which are committed to civility, law, and accountability. Pakistan, by contrast, has been conditioned to respect only coercion. It is not polite words or cricket matches that alter its behaviour, but international censure, be it through sanctions and exposure of its complicity in extremism.
Sahibzada Farhan’s Kalashnikov gesture should not be trivialised as a sporting quirk as it is a symptom of a society where violence is embedded so deeply that even celebrations of personal success cannot escape its shadow.
Indian IT firms to tackle H-1B visa fee hike with local hiring, offshoring and nearshoring: Report
New Delhi, Sep 23 (IANS) Indian IT companies are expected to adjust their strategies to deal with the recent sharp hike in H-1B visa fees announced by the US administration, a new report said on Tuesday.
On September 19, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing a fee of $100,000 for new H-1B visa applications, a steep jump from the existing cost of around $1,500. The move is likely to hit Indian IT firms, which have traditionally relied on the visa program to send skilled workers to the US
The data compiled by Nuvama,
however, said that the overall impact on Indian IT companies may remain limited, as the sector has already reduced its dependence on H-1B visas over the past eight years.
“This shift has given companies a head start in cushioning the effects of the latest policy change,” the report said.
According to Nuvama, firms are expected to tackle the higher costs through measures such as nearshoring, offshoring, and hiring more local talent in the US While some short-term financial and operational challenges are unavoidable, in the longer run, increased offshoring is expected to ease the pressure.
The report also noted that most Indian IT services firms may avoid paying the new fee altogether, as it makes H-1B visas uneconomical.
The median salary for Indian IT
workers on H-1B visas ranges from $80,000 to $120,000, and adding another $100,000 fee would make the arrangement financially unviable.
Instead, companies are likely to look at other options such as renegotiating contracts with clients to share costs, hiring locally in the US, or expanding nearshore operations in countries like Canada and Latin America, which share the same time zone as the US.
A stronger focus on offshoring to India or other cost-efficient regions is also expected, as per the report.
The report added that while the industry will face volatility in the near term, the situation is likely to stabilise as IT companies adapt to the new environment and discover more efficient ways of doing business.
We will make our nation proud: Sridhar Vembu after Ashwini Vaishnaw opts for Zoho
New Delhi, Sep 23 (IANS) Zoho’s Chief Scientist and Co-founder, Sridhar Vembu has said that the company’s engineers will continue to make the nation proud, after Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that he is shifting to Zoho’s homegrown platform for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
Reacting to Vaishnaw’s post on X, Vembu wrote, “Thank you Sir, this is a huge morale boost for our engineers who have worked hard for over two decades to build our product suite. We will make
you proud and make our nation proud. Jai Hind.”
Earlier, Vaishnaw had said he is moving to Zoho to support the call for Swadeshi. “I am moving to Zoho -- our own Swadeshi platform for documents, spreadsheets & presentations. I urge all to join PM Narendra Modi’s call for Swadeshi by adopting indigenous products & services,” he posted.
The minister’s statement comes after Prime Minister Modi, in his letter to citizens, urged people to buy Made-in-India products during the festive season as part of the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.
PM Modi had stressed that every purchase of local goods helps families, artisans, and workers while creating job opportunities for youth.
“Every time you buy a product made by our artisans, workers, and industries, you are helping families earn their living and creating job opportunities for our youth,” the Prime Minister had said, while also encouraging traders to promote local goods. The Prime Minister also linked the appeal with the recent “GST Bachat Utsav”, introduced under Next Generation GST reforms, which is aimed at reducing household expenses, simplifying business processes, and supporting growth for farmers, women, traders, MSMEs and others.
Zoho, a software major with a strong focus on building indigenous technology solutions, has often been highlighted as a successful example of India’s capability in creating globalstandard products.
India’s growth steady at 6.5 pc in FY26 over domestic demand, tax reforms: S&P Global
New Delhi, Sep 23 (IANS) Riding on robust domestic demand, Goods and Services (GST) rate rationalisation and income tax reforms, India's GDP growth is set to hold steady at 6.5 per cent this fiscal (FY26), a report by S&P Global said on Tuesday. The report expects domestic demand to remain strong, supported by a largely benign monsoon season, cuts in the income and the GST tax and accelerating government investment.“GDP growth in the
June quarter was better than we expected at 7.8 per cent,” according to the S&P Global ‘Q4 Asia Pacific Economic Outlook’. For India, “we have revised our inflation forecast down to 3.2 per cent for this fiscal year after a sharper than expected decrease in food inflation".
This leaves room for further monetary policy adjustments and we anticipate a 25 bps rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) this fiscal year. In the Asia-Pacific region, investment has been particularly buoyant in India and the strength stems from government investment. Domestic demand has also remained resilient, especially
GST 2.0 rate cuts to propel growth across sectors in Tamil Nadu
New Delhi, Sep 23 (IANS) The GST 2.0 rate cuts will benefit Tamil Nadu across multiple sectors -- from traditional handlooms, handicrafts, coir and fisheries to modern industries like automobiles, electronics, renewable energy and defence, an official document said on Tuesday.
With lower GST rates, consumer goods will become cheaper, MSMEs will gain better margins, exporters will be more competitive and large industries will find it easier to expand. The impact will be widespread, from the knitwear workers of Tiruppur to the weavers of Kanchipuram, the coir artisans of Pollachi, the fisherfolk of Nagapattinam, the auto workers of Sriperumbudur, and the engineers of Avadi, the official statement said.
Tamil Nadu’s textile industry is not only one of the largest in India but also one of the most labourintensive. It sustains millions of livelihoods across districts such as Tiruppur, Erode, Karur, Salem and Kanchipuram, and contributes significantly to India’s exports.
The GST cuts to 5 per cent or nil across textiles, handicrafts, coir, food and fisheries will lower consumer prices by 6–11 per cent,
leading to increased demand and higher production. Traditional sectors like Kanchipuram silk, Bhavani rugs, Swamimalai icons and Manapparai murukku to gain renewed competitiveness. Similarly, large industries in automobiles, renewable energy, electronics and defence to benefit from lower input costs. Around 10 lakh jobs in Tiruppur knitwear, 22 lakh in automobiles, and 10.5 lakh fisherfolk will see a see a direct beneficial impact, the statement explained.
Tiruppur, known as the “Knitwear Capital of India,” alone employs about 10 lakh people and contributes nearly 90 per cent of India’s cotton knitwear exports, worth around $1 billion. The city has more than 1,300 exporting units, supplying garments to large global retailers.
With GST reduced from 12 per cent to 5 per cent on lowvalue apparel, embroidery and accessories, costs are expected to fall by 6–11 per cent. This helps MSMEs improve their margins, makes exports to the US and Europe more competitive, and ensures that India retains its edge in global knitwear markets, the statement pointed out.
Tamil Nadu’s handicrafts are world famous for their artistry, cultural symbolism and heritage value. They provide employment to thousands of families, many of whom pass down traditional skills through generations who stand to benefit from the GST rate cuts.
Private defence firms poised to
clock
18 pc revenue growth in 2025-26: Report
in emerging markets. When it comes to China, overall exports held up through August even as shipments to the US plunged.
In August, they were down 33 per cent on a year ago, in US dollar terms. Exports to other destinations have grown robustly, especially to the ASEAN region.
“We expect exports to slow meaningfully in coming months on higher US tariffs and slowing global growth. While higherthan-expected U.S. tariffs on other economies support China’s relative position in the US, its exporters face much higher US tariffs under the Trump administration,” the report mentioned.
Mumbai, Sep 23 (IANS) Private defence companies are set to clock 16-18 per cent revenue growth in the current financial year as domestic demand continues to remain strong, according to a Crisil report released on Tuesday.
This follows a 20 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) logged between fiscal 2022 and 2025. The strong growth momentum is supported by a significant policy push by the government, which drew in sizeable private investments. The investments in research and development (R&D) and capex have strengthened the capabilities of firms, enabling them to secure larger orders. Profitability is seen as stable with operating margins range-bound at 18-19 per cent, the report
states.
Equity infusions over the past three fiscal years will keep balance sheets healthy, despite incremental working capital debt and capital expenditure (capex) plans, the report further states. The analysis is based on data from over 25 private defence companies rated by Crisil Ratings, which together contribute nearly half of the industry revenues.
While public sector undertakings dominate India’s defence industry, the revenue share of private companies is on the rise. They have capitalised on the strong government impetus to domestic procurement and self-reliance, reflected in higher capital outlays, in addition to military spending stemming from geopolitical uncertainties, the report points out.
This, in turn, has attracted significant capital inflows through initial public offerings and private equity investments and enabled comfortable funding of innovation and R&D in the sector.
Ayurveda Day 2025 celebrated with wellness, wisdom & meditation in Brisbane
Brisbane, September 24
(Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Consulate General of India in Brisbane, in collaboration with Shakti Global Foundation and Vibrant Ayurveda Wellness Centre, recently hosted the Ayurveda Day 2025 celebrations at the Consulate, drawing a warm response from the Indian community, Ayurveda enthusiasts, and friends of India.
The program featured insightful talks by experts highlighting the role of Ayurveda in preventive care and holistic well-being.
Dr Pradeep Neupane, Ayurveda Doctor; Dr Asha Sadasivam, General Adult Psychiatrist; and Dr Ashish Kumar, Ayurvedic Doctor and Panchkarma Specialist, shared their perspectives on integrating ancient Ayurvedic principles into modern healthcare.
The event concluded with a soulful meditation session led by Louise Overell, leaving
participants with a sense of calm and inner balance. Ayurvedic health products were also showcased, offering attendees a glimpse into natural approaches to health and wellness.
The celebration reflected growing global interest in Ayurveda as a complement to contemporary medicine, strengthening cultural connections and promoting the timeless Indian tradition of holistic living.
CGI Brisbane hosts Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 awareness session
Brisbane, September 20
(Australia India News Newsdesk)
As part of Swachhotsav 2025 and the nationwide Swachhata Hi Seva campaign running from 17 September to 2 October 2025, the Consulate General of India, Brisbane, organised an informative session on the Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 campaign at the Consulate on 17 September.
The session highlighted the importance of cleanliness, community participation, and
sustainable practices, echoing India’s commitment to the vision of a cleaner and greener future. Members of the Indian community and friends of India attended the program, reaffirming their support for the initiative.
CGI Brisbane staff take swachhata pledge under SHS 2025
Brisbane, September 18 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
As part of the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2025 campaign, Consul General Neetu Bhagatotia administered the Swachhata Pledge to officers and staff of the Consulate General of India, Brisbane, on September 18, 2025.
The pledge was aimed at creating greater awareness about cleanliness and reinforcing the collective responsibility of individuals in building a cleaner and healthier environment.
Indian minister Margherita appreciates Indian community in Qld
Brisbane, September 18
(Australia India News Newsdesk)
India’s Minister of State for External Affairs and Minister of State for Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, addressed the Indian community at a reception held at the Consulate General of India, Brisbane.
During his address, the Minister lauded the contributions of the Indian community in Queensland and across Australia, highlighting their role in strengthening bilateral ties between India and Australia.
Consul Naresh Kumar joins Gujarati Samaj of WA for colourful Navratri Garba celebrations
Perth, September 30 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Consul Naresh Kumar attended the Gujarati Samaj of WA’s Live DJ Garba and Rangtaali celebrations, a vibrant evening filled with dance, music, and festive spirit.
The event was also graced by Dr. Pariwinder Kaur MLC, Deputy Mayor Bruce Reynolds of the City of Perth, Councillor Keyur
Kamdar of the City of Armadale, and Indian Society of WA (ISWA) President Deepak Sharma.
Marking the joy and devotion of Navratri, the celebrations brought together the community in a lively display of cultural pride, unity, and tradition, making it an unforgettable evening of togetherness.
CGI Brisbane hosts ‘Inner Detox’ session for Swachhta Mahotsav
Brisbane, September 26
(Australia India News Newsdesk)
As part of Swachhta Mahotsav, the Consulate General of India in Brisbane, in collaboration with Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan, hosted a special session titled “Inner Detox.”
Sadhavis Parma Bharti, Shailaja Bharti, and Sarvagyna Bharti led the program, guiding the audience on the significance of inner cleanliness, peace, and mindfulness. The session highlighted how true swachhta extends beyond physical spaces to the cleansing of the mind and spirit.
The event was well received, offering participants a reflective experience in harmony with the broader message of Swachhta Mahotsav.
CGI Brisbane and IADF host Viksit Bharat Run
Brisbane, September 28
(Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Consulate General of India in Brisbane, in association with the India Australia Diaspora Forum (IADF), successfully hosted the Viksit Bharat Run with enthusiastic participation from members of the vibrant Indian community.
The event showcased the community’s energy, commitment, and unity, reflecting their shared resolve to contribute towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Participants came together in a spirit of solidarity, symbolising the deep connection between the Indian diaspora in Australia and India’s developmental aspirations.
High Commission commemorates Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya’s birth anniversary
Canberra, September 26
(Australia India News Newsdesk)
To mark the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, the High Commission of India in Canberra organized a special ‘Ek Din, Ek Saath, Ek Ghanta’ Shramdaan initiative under the SwachhataHiSeva2025 campaign. Officials from the Mission participated enthusiastically, dedicating an hour to cleaning and greening their surroundings,
reflecting a commitment to ecofriendly practices. The activity was guided by Pandit Upadhyaya’s vision of Antyodaya, emphasizing service for the welfare of all and the upliftment of society.
The event highlighted the importance of collective action in creating cleaner, greener spaces, while honoring the legacy of one of India’s eminent social and political thinkers
CG engages with Northern Territory
defence officials to strengthen collaboration
Perth, September 25 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Consul General (CG) Kajari Biswas met with James Bear, Senior Director, Defence NT, and Nicolas McGrath, Senior Manager, Strategy and Policy, Defence NT, to discuss avenues for closer cooperation.
The discussions centered on enhancing defence and strategic engagement, exploring opportunities for collaboration that could strengthen ties between India and the Northern Territory in key security and strategic areas. The meeting underscored the mutual interest in building partnerships and fostering dialogue in defence-related initiatives.
Simply Human Inc. to host ‘Raag Roshni’ fundraiser in Brisbane
Consul General meets Northern Territory administrator to boost ties
Brisbane, September 22
(Australia India News Newsdesk)
Simply Human Inc. will host its flagship fundraiser, “Raag Roshni – The Light of Music”, on October 26, 2025, from 5:00 PM onwards at the Unity Hub Community Centre, 123 Paradise Rd, Slacks Creek, QLD. The event will feature Bollywood singer Vibhor Parashar, known from Indian Idol and mentored by Vishal–Shekhar.
The fundraiser aims to support individuals facing health and social challenges, including cancer patients, people with mental health issues, and international students in need of assistance. Proceeds from ticket sales will directly contribute to Simply Human’s ongoing initiatives.
Organisers said the event is intended to bring the community together through music while promoting compassion, unity, and support for those in difficult circumstances, aligning with the spirit of Diwali – the festival of light and hope.
Perth, September 29 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Consul General Kajari Biswas paid a courtesy call on
Professor Hugh Heggie AO PSM, Administrator of the Northern Territory, to explore avenues for closer collaboration between India and the region.
The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in healthcare, education, and people-to-people connections, areas seen as vital for strengthening bilateral engagement. Both sides emphasized the importance of building partnerships that contribute to mutual growth and deepen the longstanding ties between India and the Northern Territory.
India’s minister Pabitra
Margherita
meets Qld tour operators
Brisbane, September 18
(Australia India News Newsdesk)
India’s Minister of State for External Affairs and Minister of State for Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, recently met with leading tour and travel operators in Brisbane and the Gold Coast to discuss ways to promote tourism to India from Queensland.
The discussions focused on strengthening partnerships, highlighting travel opportunities, and enhancing collaboration between Indian and Australian tourism stakeholders to attract more visitors to India.
CGI Brisbane to host Open House for Indian community on October 7 CGI observes Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 with shramdaan
Brisbane, September 25
(Australia India News Newsdesk)
As part of the ongoing Swachhata Hi Seva2025 campaign from 17 September to 2 October 2025,
officers and staff of the Consulate General of India (CGI) Brisbane, undertook a shramdaan activity under the theme ‘Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath.’
The team came together to clean the Consulate premises, reinforcing the message of collective responsibility and community spirit that lies at the heart of the Swachhata campaign.
Brisbane, September 29
(Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Consulate General of India, Brisbane, will hold an Open House for the Indian community in Queensland on October 7, 2025. The event will take place at the Consulate premises at Level 12, 301 Coronation Drive, Milton, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
During the session, community members will have the opportunity to interact with Consulate officials regarding OCI, visa, passport, and other related matters. Organisers have clarified that no consular services, including passport renewal, issuance of documents, or attestation, will be provided during the Open House.
CGI Melbourne showcases diversity of Indian dance forms
Melbourne, September 17
(Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Consulate General of India in Melbourne, in collaboration with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC–ICCR in Australia) and the Abhivyakti
Fine Arts Academy, hosted a vibrant workshop celebrating the richness of Indian dance traditions.
Participants from different age groups were introduced to a variety of classical and folk dance
styles, including Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Garba, Odissi, Rajasthani, and Bhangra. The workshop offered hands-on learning, allowing attendees to experience both the graceful mudras and the energetic footwork that define
these diverse forms.
Adding an interactive element, children took part in a quiz competition, while expert instructors from Abhivyakti Fine Arts Academy guided participants through demonstrations that
highlighted India’s cultural depth and artistic heritage. The event served as a lively platform for fostering appreciation of Indian performing arts within Melbourne’s multicultural community.
Celebrating a Decade of Ayurveda
High Commission of India marks 10th Ayurveda Day
Canberra, September 24
(Australia India News Newsdesk)
The High Commission of India, Canberra, in partnership with the Australia Association of
Ayurveda, has announced the 10th Anniversary of Ayurveda Day, inviting the community to join in celebrating this ancient Indian science of health and wellness.
The event is scheduled for October 3, 2025, at 4:30 PM at 3 Moonah Place, Yarralumla. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear from renowned Ayurvedic expert Dr. Naveen Shukla, who will share insights into Ayurveda’s holistic approach to health and wellbeing.
The celebration aims to promote awareness of Ayurveda’s benefits, encourage healthy lifestyles, and strengthen cultural ties between India and Australia. Community members, wellness enthusiasts, and anyone interested in traditional healing practices are warmly invited to attend this milestone event.
The High Commission and the Australia Association of Ayurveda encourage everyone to join in commemorating a decade of spreading the wisdom of Ayurveda in Australia.
Viksit Bharat Run promotes fitness and vision for a developed India
Melbourne, September 28
(Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Consulate General of India in Melbourne, in collaboration with the India Australia Diaspora Forum (IADF), organized the Viksit Bharat Run, drawing enthusiastic participation from Neena Taylor MP, Lee Tarlamis MP, community leaders, friends of India, and members of the vibrant
Indian diaspora. Participants came together to run in support of the vision of a Developed India by 2047.
The event celebrated not only physical fitness and community solidarity but also highlighted India’s rich cultural heritage. Attendees enjoyed displays of Ayurvedic products by AYUSH Cell Australia, while colourful
performances and cultural exhibits showcased the timeless wisdom and diversity of Indian traditions.
The Viksit Bharat Run served as a vibrant platform connecting the diaspora with India’s developmental vision, reinforcing both community engagement and cultural pride.
Consul General boosts engagement with Murdoch University leadership & researchers
Perth, September 29 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Consul General Kajari Biswas paid a courtesy call on Professor Andrew Deeks, Vice Chancellor of Murdoch University, to discuss ways of deepening institutional ties and fostering new areas of collaboration.
As part of her visit, she also interacted with senior academics from the Indo-Pacific Research Centre, including Dr. Rajat Ganguly, Dr. Jacqui Baker, and
cooperative approaches to tackling climate change.
The meeting highlighted the growing scope for partnerships between India and Murdoch University, reflecting a shared commitment to research, innovation, and people-to-people connections.
Consul Naresh Kumar attends opening of Sacred India Vrinda Valley
Perth, September 30 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Consul Naresh Kumar attended the opening ceremony of Sacred India Vrinda Valley, a spiritual and cultural initiative that seeks to share India’s timeless wisdom, devotional practices, and vibrant heritage with the wider community.
The Vrinda Valley project offers a peaceful space for reflection, connection, and the celebration
of India’s sacred traditions. Designed to welcome people from all walks of life, it provides an opportunity to engage with the richness of Indian spirituality and culture in a serene and inclusive environment.
The event marked an important step in strengthening cultural understanding and highlighting the universal values embedded in India’s spiritual legacy.
Professor Jacqueline Lo. The discussions spanned a wide range of issues of mutual interest, from maritime security and sports diplomacy to the Indian diaspora and
High Commission of India marks Hindi Diwas with students
Canberra, September 29 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The High Commission of India in Canberra recently celebrated Hindi Diwas in collaboration
with the Canberra Hindi School, bringing together students and community members to honour the richness of the Hindi language.
The celebration included a lively tongue twister contest and a quiz for students, engaging participants in fun and educational activities. Adding to the cultural vibrancy, a Kavi
& literary festivities
Sammelan was organized, where poets and enthusiasts showcased the beauty and depth of Hindi literature. The event highlighted the
importance of promoting Hindi among younger generations and strengthening cultural ties, while also celebrating the language’s literary heritage in a spirited and interactive setting.
QAGOMA Brisbane showcases Raja Ravi Varma’s iconic oleographs
Brisbane, September 24
(Australia India News Newsdesk)
A rare year-long exhibition titled “God of Small Things” featuring the iconic oleographs of Raja Ravi Varma has opened at the Queensland Art Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) in Brisbane.
The exhibition celebrates Ravi Varma’s pioneering role in printmaking, which brought sacred and mythological imagery into the homes of millions, making art more accessible to the masses. His works, blending Indian tradition with European realism, continue to inspire and influence generations of artists and admirers.
Consul General boosts engagement with Murdoch University leadership & researchers
Perth, September 29 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Consul General Kajari Biswas paid a courtesy call on Professor Andrew Deeks, Vice Chancellor of Murdoch University, to discuss ways of deepening institutional ties and fostering new areas of collaboration.
As part of her visit, she also interacted with senior academics from the Indo-Pacific Research Centre, including Dr. Rajat Ganguly, Dr. Jacqui Baker, and
Professor Jacqueline Lo. The discussions spanned a wide range of issues of mutual interest, from maritime security and sports diplomacy to the Indian diaspora and cooperative approaches to tackling climate change.
The meeting highlighted the growing scope for partnerships between India and Murdoch University, reflecting a shared commitment to research, innovation, and people-to-people connections.
Consul General engages with Charles Darwin University on future collaborations
Perth, September 29 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Consul General Kajari Biswas held a meeting with Professor Scott Bowman AO, ViceChancellor of Charles Darwin
University (CDU), along with senior staff members Marissa Briston, Director of International Operations & Partnerships, and Nina Iannello, Global Engagement Coordinator.
Also present were Maitri, Abhishek, and Dhruv from the Indian Students Forum at CDU, who shared their perspectives as part of the discussions. The meeting focused on exploring
new avenues of collaboration, with an emphasis on academic partnerships and student exchange programs, aimed at strengthening educational links between India and Australia.
Both sides highlighted the importance of fostering global engagement and enhancing opportunities for students, ensuring deeper academic and cultural connections in the years ahead.
CPA Australia & AIBC sign MoU to boost professional and business links
Brisbane, September 25
(Australia India News Newsdesk)
CPA Australia and the Australia India Business Council (AIBC) have formalised their cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during ECTA Unleashed, a conference focused on opportunities under the Australia–India Free Trade Agreement.
The MoU was signed by Professor Dale Pinto FCPA, President and
Chair of CPA Australia, and Deepak-Raj Gupta OAM, National Chair of AIBC. The agreement outlines collaboration in finance, accounting, and business leadership, as well as joint research, events, and professional networking initiatives.
The conference included addresses from key figures such as Anoulack Chanthivong, NSW Minister for Industry and Trade; Gopal Baglay, Indian High Commissioner to Australia; Sanjeev Gandhi, CEO and MD,
Orica; Paul Blaxham, Chief Economist, HSBC; Lee Germon, CEO, Cricket NSW; and Swapan Johri, President Global Markets, HCL Tech. Contributions were also made by senior representatives of Austrade, Export Finance Australia, and India’s International Financial Services Centres Authority. The partnership aims to enhance professional engagement and expand economic opportunities for businesses in both Australia and India.
Australia–India collaboration expands in education and technology
Canberra, September 22
(Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Australia India Business Council (AIBC) strengthened ties between Australia and India in the fields of higher education and technology through a series of meetings and initiatives.
In higher education, AIBC representatives, including National Chair Deepak-Raj Gupta OAM, met with ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr, UC Vice-
Chancellor Bill Shorten, and Alicia Payne MP to discuss expanding collaboration with Indian institutions under the ECTA pathway. The discussions focused on partnerships with Canberrabased universities and education organisations.
In technology, AIBC participated in the National Tech Summit, joining Minister Andrew Charlton, the Tech Council of Australia, and Shivendra Singh
to launch a partnership aimed at advancing digital cooperation and innovation. The launch also included CGI Sydney’s Janakiraman Sarvesvaran and Irfan Malik (MAICD).
These initiatives are intended to strengthen professional and institutional engagement between Australia and India, supporting joint development in education and technology sectors.
Andhra Association of Queensland celebrates traditional
Brisbane, September 28
(Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Andhra Association of Queensland (AAQ) organised a Kumkuma Pooja, bringing together women from the Telugu and wider Indian community to observe the Hindu ritual and
celebrate culture and community.
The Kumkuma Pooja, dedicated to Goddess Parvati, involves married women offering prayers, applying kumkuma (vermilion), and exchanging blessings for family well-being and community harmony. The ceremony
included chanting, prayers, and distribution of prasadam, creating a platform for cultural exchange and social connection.
AAQ representatives highlighted the importance of maintaining traditions abroad and passing cultural practices to the next
generation. “Through events like the Kumkuma Pooja, we not only honour our faith but also create a platform for cultural connection and unity within the community,” they said.
The event was conducted under the guidance of AAQ Spiritual
Coordinator Sudha Sankar with support from the AAQ Management Committee. The association continues to promote Telugu culture and Hindu traditions in Queensland through festivals, social gatherings, and community initiatives.
Kumkuma Pooja
Assistant Minister Matt Thistlethwaite visits site of future ‘House of India’
Brisbane, September 26
(Australia India News Newsdesk)
President of the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ) Dr. Preethi Suraj together with Shyane Newmann MP, her advisers, and community representatives, welcomed Assistant Minister for
Immigration Matt Thistlethwaite MP to the site of the upcoming “House of India” community and cultural centre in Greater Springfield.
During the visit, the delegation guided the Assistant Minister through the location, outlining the vision for the centre and its
potential to serve as a landmark initiative for Queensland’s multicultural landscape.
Backed by a $5.5 million election commitment from the Labor Party, the project underscores strong government support for multiculturalism and community development.
Once complete, the House of India will stand as a vibrant hub for the Indian community, hosting cultural programs, community gatherings, and educational initiatives. Importantly, it is also envisioned as an inclusive space for all residents of Ipswich, encouraging diversity, interaction, and stronger social connections across communities. The project reflects a shared commitment to fostering cultural pride while promoting harmony and unity within Queensland’s multicultural society.
Unity Cup brings communities together in Brisbane
Brisbane, September 23
(Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Unity Cup was held in Brisbane with the participation of teams, players, coaches, managers, parents, and community members. The tournament aimed to promote community connection, friendship, and multicultural engagement through sport. Guests at the event included Senator Paul Scarr, Margie Nightingale, Councillor Steven Huang, Charis Mullen MP, and Inspector Senior Sergeant Dallas
Kowald.
Community representatives
Habib Jamal (QMI), Lewis Lee OAM (UEMEA), and Faysel Ahmed Selat (QACC) extended their support. The event received sponsorship from Mortgage Assistants and Kangaroo Care. Organisers noted the contribution of volunteers who assisted in planning and running the event. The Unity Cup highlighted the role of sport in strengthening community ties and encouraging participation across cultures.
Mandhana
continues to be on top; Brits gain big in women’s
Dubai, Sep 23 (IANS) South Africa's batter Tazmin Brits made a significant leap in the latest ICC women’s ODI player rankings, released on Tuesday, ahead of the Women’s World Cup starting next week in India.
While South Africa faced Pakistan in a three-match ODI series, India hosted Australia for an equally intensive series as teams prepare for their World Cup campaign. Both South Africa and Australia won their respective series with a similar score of 2-1, with players, especially batters, earning
ODI rankings
substantial points thanks to their top performances.
Against Pakistan, Brits scored her career-best innings of an unbeaten 171 off 141 balls, including 20 fours and four sixes. While Brits scored backto-back centuries against Pakistan, Mandhana also scored consecutive centuries in the second and third ODIs against Australia.
Mandhana, however, continues to top the ODI rankings after gaining career-high ranking points of 818, while Brits has jumped a remarkable 15 places to take fifth position. Beth Mooney, who scored a match-winning century against India in the recently concluded third ODI, moved up two spots to third.
Pakistan’s Sidra Amin also made notable progress, climbing 10
spots to 13th. Marizanne Kapp and Deepti Sharma’s all-round performances helped them ascend to ninth (up two spots) and 18th (up six places), respectively. Kapp also inched closer to the top spot in the Women's ODI AllRounder Rankings and jumped one place up to second rank. She is just a few rating points away from dethroning Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner in the top spot. Additional notable progress includes Australia's Georgia Voll, who rose 28 spots to rank 61st, and Pakistan's Natalia Pervaiz, who, despite being outside the top 100, climbed 54 spots after scoring a half-century in the second ODI.
All teams will be up against each other at the Women’s World Cup starting on September 30 in India and Sri Lanka.
He made every ball count for something: Gavaskar lauds Tilak Varma’s knock in Asia Cup final
New Delhi, Sep 29 (IANS) Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar lavished praise on the Tilak Varma’s heroics against Pakistan in the Asia Cup final, saying the middle-order batter made "every ball count for something".
India suffered major blows in the powerplay as their top-order batters- Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Suryakumar Yadav- walked back to the dugout, leaving the team in distress. Then, Varma rose to the occasion under immense pressure with an unbeaten 69 and guided India to
a five-wicket victory over archrivals Pakistan to win the Asia Cup for the ninth time at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
"Abhishek has played a few good knocks; to be honest, I didn’t see all the matches, but from an Indian point of view, you could say that yes. I think the knocks that Abhishek played and today’s knock, I think they were the best in the tournament. He (Varma) made every ball count for something," Gavaksar said to India Today.
"He was knocking it for singles, running between the wickets, getting the circulation going in the legs. That helps your footwork as well. And with the left-hand, right-hand combination, the opposition captain has to look at changing the field, the bowler has to look at changing his line and
length, and that eventually helps both the batters,” he added. Varma timed his shots to perfection and ran between the wickets to take the strike as much as possible. He remained calm under pressure and anchored the innings beautifully.
Praising the 22-year-old further, Gavaskar added, "At the end of the day, in any game that goes into the final over of the game, it becomes a tight game. But who wants a tight game? You just want a win. And as far as India is concerned, they always want to win and everybody is relaxed and chill.
"Full marks to Tilak Varma for the way he played. The way he batted and looked to take singles. Even when he went for the lofted shot, it was a very calculated and carefully executed shot."
Hockey India announces 33-member core group for senior men’s coaching camp for major international assignments
Bengaluru, Sep 29 (IANS) Hockey India on Monday announced a 33-member core probable group for the senior men’s national coaching camp, scheduled to be held at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Bengaluru from Monday to October 18, 2025. The camp marks a crucial buildup for the Indian team as it prepares for the upcoming two major international assignments — the 31st Sultan Azlan Shah Cup
2025, set to be played in Ipoh, Malaysia, from November 2 to 29, followed by a high-intensity tour of South Africa.
Indian players head into this camp on the back of an unbeaten run at the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025 in Rajgir, where they lifted the trophy and secured a direct berth for the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2026. With confidence high, the focus now shifts to maintaining the winning momentum, ironing out key areas, and building greater depth across all departments.
Speaking ahead of the camp, Indian men’s hockey team chief coach Craig Fulton said, “Winning the Asia Cup and securing World Cup qualification was an important milestone for us, but it
Asia Cup: Tilak Varma hits unbeaten 69 as India cruise to ninth title win
Dubai, Sep 29 (IANS) Lefthanded batter Tilak Varma rose to the occasion under immense pressure with an unbeaten 69 and guided India to a five-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan to win the Asia Cup for the ninth time at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
Coming in with India reeling early at 20/3, Tilak delivered an innings of poise and precision under pressure to hit three fours and four sixes in a knock to be remembered for ages. While others faltered, Tilak stood tall by anchoring the chase and dished out a masterclass in timing and temperament, as he helped India cross the finish line with two balls to spare and sign off from the tournament filled with drama and intensity with a trophy in hand.
Previously, Kuldeep Yadav yet again led India’s charge with a four-wicket haul, including three scalps in the 17th over, as India produced a stunning turnaround to bowl out Pakistan for 146 in 19.1 overs. In front of a packed crowd, Pakistan had raced to 113/1 in 12.4 overs and looked like a getting a 180-plus total.
But in the face of India’s crafty spinners, who took eight wickets collectively, Pakistan’s batting unravelled in spectacular fashion. Batters repeatedly attempted aerial shots and perished in an abysmal manner, as they lost their last nine wickets for just 33 runs to squander the early momentum they had.
Kuldeep, who went from 23 runs in his first two overs to picking four wickets for just seven runs in his next two overs, was well-supported by Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy taking two wickets each.
Brief Scores: Pakistan 146 in 19.1 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 57, Fakhar Zaman 46; Kuldeep Yadav 4-30, Jasprit Bumrah 2-25) lost to India 150/5 in 19.4 overs (Tilak Varma 69 not out, Shivam Dube 33; Faheem Ashraf 3-29, Shaheen Shah Afridi 1-20) by five wickets
Shreyas Iyer requests a break from red-ball cricket: Reports
is only the beginning. The players have come back into camp with renewed hunger, and now our focus shifts fully to preparing tactically for the Sultan Azlan Shah tournament. That will be another valuable test before we head straight into South Africa to start World Cup preparations and continue to build towards our bigger goals. Success is not just about results — it’s about how we keep learning, adapting, and growing together as a team.”
33-member list for the Senior Men's Camp: GOALKEEPERS
Krishan B. Pathak, Suraj Karkera, Pawan, Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar
New Delhi, Sep 23 (IANS) Ignored by the selectors for the AndersonTendulkar Trophy series and put in charge of the India A team, middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer has reportedly requested a break from red-ball cricket, ruling himself out of the upcoming twomatch home Test series against the West Indies.
The decision came shortly after Iyer stepped down as India A captain and left the Lucknow camp midway through the ongoing series against Australia A.
According to an IE report, Iyer informed the BCCI that he is unable to play four or more consecutive days due to recurring physical issues. While he managed shorter stints in last season’s Ranji Trophy, the demands of Test
and India A cricket make such flexibility unfeasible. Confronted with these challenges, he has decided to step away from the longer format.
This move marks another hiatus from red-ball cricket for Iyer, who was previously dropped midway through India’s home series against England in February 2024. He consulted the Ajit Agarkarled selection committee before formally notifying the BCCI, following his withdrawal from the second unofficial Test against Australia A.
Iyer had been expected to return for the West Indies Tests, especially after Karun Nair’s underwhelming performance in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England. His recent appointment as India A captain was also seen as a step toward Test readiness.
Iyer’s red-ball record remains impressive, including a debut century and notable innings against New Zealand.
His recent domestic performances have been mixed, with highlights like 233 against Odisha followed by modest scores in the Duleep Trophy. In contrast, his white-ball form has been exceptional, including lifting the ICC Champions Trophy with India and leading Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final.
India’s solar module and
cell
capacity to touch 200 GWp and 100 GWp by FY28: Report
New Delhi, Sep 24 (IANS) India’s solar module and cell capacity are expected to touch 200 gigawatt-peak (GWp) and 100 GWp, respectively, by FY28 end, outpacing the annual domestic module demand of 50 GWp over the next three years, a report said on Wednesday.
Integrated players in the solar space are likely to be more resilient to margin pressure, leading to consolidation of smaller module capacities.
"As of July 2025, India’s module manufacturing capacity reached 118 GWp, while cell manufacturing capacity stood at 27 GWp. However, effective operational capacity is estimated at 80-85 GWp for modules and 11-13 GWp for cells, with the remainder in the stabilisation phase," CareEdge
ratings said in its report.
Consequently, annual production is estimated at 50-60 GWp for modules and 8-10 GWp for cells, resulting in an import dependency of 40-45 GWp for cells, the report noted.
This accelerated capacity expansion has been driven by increased solar installations, proactive policy support, and improved access to financing avenues.
According to the report, domestic cell manufacturing capacity is projected to reach 100 GWp during the same period, with capex exceeding Rs 55,000 crore, driven by backward integration efforts.
As a result, module production is likely to increasingly rely on exports, even as cell production is also likely to eclipse domestic demand in the medium term.
While pureplay module players could be at risk of consolidation, integrated players are likely to withstand the margin pressure owing to cost efficiencies.
“The solar equipment manufacturing sector has several tailwinds, including robust domestic demand outlook, maturing module capacities, favourable government policies, and improved financing avenues for the RE sector," said Jatin Arya, Director, CareEdge Ratings. However, nascent integration of solar equipment capacity, supply chain dependence on China, uncertainty shrouding export prospects, and lagging RE capacity additions due to systemic issues are some headwinds that remain monitorable over the medium term, he added.
The report highlighted that the reduction in GST rates could lead to project cost savings of 4-5 per cent.
Meanwhile, tightening policies in the US could impact India’s module exports, although the medium-term outlook remains promising, provided Indian players manoeuvre compliance and maintain cost competitiveness.
RVAI Global acquihires TYNYBAY to build next-gen AI & Agentic services platform
Bengaluru, Sep 24 (IANS) RVAI
Global, a leading provider of AI-driven enterprise solutions, announced on Wednesday the strategic acquihire of TYNYBAY, a fast-growing services provider specializing in agentic AI systems and intelligent workforce automation.
This move aims to create a unified powerhouse that offers enterprises a comprehensive, value-driven, end-to-end approach to AI transformation.
Combining RVAI’s proven expertise in AI services and AI talent with TYNYBAY’s advanced capabilities in agentic AI applications, process orchestration, and autonomous workforce solutions, the integrated entity is set to redefine how global organisations adopt and leverage AI for measurable business value.
“Enterprise customers are demanding more than just AI tools -- they are looking for AI ecosystems that deliver measurable business value,” said Vijay Sivaram, Co-Founder of RVAI Global.
“This acquihire enables us to expand beyond core AI
capabilities and integrate agentic solutions that deliver autonomy, adaptability, and human-inthe-loop collaboration for the enterprise of the future.” added Rohit Himatsingka, Co-Founder of RVAI Global.
Rohith Reddy, Co-Founder and CEO of TYNYBAY, commented: “Joining forces with RVAI allows us to scale our mission of bringing adaptive, agent-driven AI to enterprise environments.”
“Together, we can move beyond experimentation and deliver enterprise-ready agentic solutions that change how work gets done,” added Gavin Oliver Dawson, Co-Founder and CSO of TYNYBAY.
Samsung Group union coalition to demand reform of bonus system
following a recent change in the system of local rival SK hynix, that is expected to sharply boost its bonus payments.
The alliance said it will demand greater transparency in the calculation of bonuses in a press
conference set to be held in front of Samsung Electronic Co.'s Seoul headquarters, pointing to that of SK hynix as a model example, reports Yonhap news agency.
Earlier this year, SK hynix's management and union agreed to remove the ceiling on profitsharing payouts and set bonus payments at 10 percent of operating profits.
Samsung Group currently uses the excess profit incentive (OPI) system, which calculates bonuses by deducting certain costs, such as taxes and investment spending, from the operating profit.
New Delhi, Sep 24 (IANS) As many as 62 per cent of organisations experienced a deepfake attack involving social engineering or exploiting automated processes in the last 12 months, while 32 per cent experienced an attack on AI applications that leveraged the application prompt, a report said on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, 29 per cent of cybersecurity leaders feel that their organisations experienced an attack on enterprise GenAI application infrastructure in the last 12 months, Gartner, a business and technology insights company, said in its report.
The companies found chatbot assistants vulnerable to a variety of adversarial prompting techniques, such as attackers generating prompts to manipulate large language models (LLMs) or multimodal models into generating biased or malicious output.
Under such a system, even when profits are high, the final bonus payout may end up being relatively small.
"Representing 300,000 Samsung workers, we decided to hold the press conference to urge Chairman Lee Jae-yong and Samsung Group to adopt a transparent bonus system similar to that of SK hynix," the alliance said in a statement.
Earlier this month, unionised workers of Samsung Electronics sent a letter to Chairman Lee Jaeyong, demanding the company improve the transparency of its bonus system.
New Delhi, Sep 24 (IANS)
Scientists from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have developed a special nanomaterial that can “talk” to neurons naturally.
The discovery could transform treatment for brain disorders, said the team.
The special nanomaterial called graphitic carbon nitride can stimulate brain cells -- without the need for electrodes, lasers, or magnets.
The findings, published in the journal ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, demonstrate that graphitic carbon nitride helps neurons grow, mature, and communicate more effectively by tapping into the brain’s own electrical activity.
“This is the first demonstration of semiconducting nanomaterials directly modulating neurons without external stimulation,” said Dr. Manish Singh, who led the study from INST.
“As adoption accelerates, attacks leveraging GenAI for phishing, deepfakes and social engineering have become mainstream, while other threats — such as attacks on GenAI application infrastructure and prompt-based manipulations — are emerging and gaining traction,” said Prashast Gupta, director analyst at Gartner.
While 67 per cent of cybersecurity leaders said emerging GenAI risks demand significant changes to existing cybersecurity approaches, the report suggested a more balanced strategy is warranted.
“Rather than making sweeping changes or isolated investments, organisations should strengthen core controls and implement targeted measures for each new risk category,” Gupta added. The report was prepared based on a survey conducted from March-May 2025 among 302 cybersecurity leaders in North America, EMEA and Asia-Pacific. Earlier, Bain & Company said in a report that at least $2 trillion in annual revenue is needed to fund the computing power needed to meet anticipated AI demand globally by 2030.
62 pc firms experienced deepfake attacks globally in last 12 months, AI apps new target: Report INST researchers develop nanomaterial that stimulates brain cells without surgery
“It opens new therapeutic avenues for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s,” Singh added. The material also boosted dopamine production in labgrown brain-like cells and reduced toxic proteins linked to Parkinson’s disease in animal models.
Normally, treatments such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) require surgical implants, while other methods use magnetic or ultrasound waves to reach brain tissue. Although these are effective, they are also invasive or limited.
Graphitic carbon nitride, on the other hand, can “talk” to neurons naturally.
When placed near nerve cells, it generates tiny electric fields in response to the brain’s voltage signals. These fields open calcium channels on neurons, triggering growth and improving connections between cells -without any external device.
The material, acting like a smart switch, responds to neurons’ resting and active states, creating the right conditions for healthy brain activity.
This biocompatible nanomaterial, with the ability to stimulate brain cells and reduce disease-linked proteins, offers a potential noninvasive therapy for millions.
Seoul, Sep 30 (IANS) A coalition of unions from 13 Samsung Group affiliates was set to call for reforms in the group's performance-based bonus system on Tuesday,
Cardiovascular diseases behind 1 in 3 global deaths in 2023: Study
New Delhi, Sep 24 (IANS)
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of disease burden, causing one in three deaths worldwide in 2023, according to a study on Wednesday.
The study showed that the number of cardiovascular disease deaths worldwide has risen sharply, climbing to 19.2 million in 2023 from 13.1 million in 1990.
The heart-related mortality was driven by population growth, ageing, and exposure to a broad range of risks, including increasing rates of obesity and diabetes, as revealed by the report based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study, and published today in JACC.
Ischemic heart disease affected an estimated 240 million people in 2023, while lower extremity peripheral arterial disease
impacted 122 million; stroke remained a leading cause of death and disability across all regions.
Men had higher cardiovascular mortality rates than women in most regions, and risk increased steeply after age 50.
High body mass index and high fasting plasma glucose were the fastest-growing metabolic contributors between 2018 and 2023, mirroring global trends in obesity and diabetes.
“The finding that CVD burden is substantially greater outside of the most developed settings, even after accounting for differences in population age, remains among the most important messages of this analysis,” said Gregory A. Roth, Professor in the Division of Cardiology, University of Washington.
“Our analysis shows wide geographic differences in CVD burden that can’t be explained by income level alone. Given this kind of variation, our findings offer the opportunity to tailor local health policies to target the most relevant risks for specific populations,” she added.
Researchers estimated the burden due to 376 diseases, including CVD, from 1990 to 2023 in 204 countries using all available data and statistical models.
CVD also remained the leading cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and deaths estimated in the GBD globally. There were 437 million CVD DALYs in 2023, with a 16-fold difference between the countries with the lowest and highest CVD DALY rates.
This is a 1.4-fold increase from the 320 million CVD DALYs in 1990.
Importantly, 79.6 per cent of all CVD DALYs globally in 2023 were attributable to modifiable risk factors, which have increased globally by 97.4 million since 1990, largely due to population growth and ageing.
The top risk factors include metabolic, such as high body mass index (BMI) and high fasting plasma glucose, followed by behavioral and environmental/ occupational, like air pollution, lead exposure, and higher temperatures.
WHO refutes Trump’s claim on link between autism and paracetamol use during pregnancy
Geneva, Sep 24 (IANS) The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday refuted claims made by US President Donald Trump on the link between autism and the use of paracetamol during pregnancy.
Speaking at a White House event on Monday, Trump called on mothers-to-be to “tough it out” rather than take acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) -the main ingredient in Tylenol. "There is currently no conclusive
scientific evidence confirming a possible link between autism and use of acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) during pregnancy,” the UN health body said in a statement.
As per the WHO data, globally nearly 62 million people (1 in 127) have autism spectrum disorder -- a diverse group of conditions related to the development of the brain.
While awareness and diagnosis have improved in recent years, the exact cause behind the condition is not known yet, and multiple factors are known to be involved.
“Extensive research has been undertaken over the past decade, including large-scale studies, looking into links between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. At this time, no consistent association
has been established,” the WHO said.
Acetaminophen is the most commonly used over-thecounter medication taken during pregnancy, with more than 50 per cent of pregnant women using the medicine worldwide. It is widely used for headaches, pain, or fever by pregnant women.
It has been recommended by regulatory and clinical agencies as safe to use in pregnancy.
But Trump noted that “taking Tylenol is not good”, while also urging pregnant women to “fight like hell not to take it.” He added that only an “extremely high fever” could justify its use.
The WHO recommended that all women continue following the advice of their doctors or health workers, who can help assess individual circumstances and recommend necessary medicines.
Ayurveda gaining global recognition as system of holistic healthcare: Prataprao Jadhav
(Independent Charge) for Ayush on Tuesday.
The Ministry of Ayush celebrated the 10th National Ayurveda Day celebrations at the All-India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa.
The celebrations marked a significant milestone in the Ministry’s continuous efforts to promote ayurveda as a holistic system of health and well-being rooted in sustainability and
Bacteria in
your
mouth may trigger Parkinson’s disease risk: Study
New Delhi, Sep 24 (IANS) Oral bacteria, once colonised in the gut, can affect neurons in the brain and potentially trigger Parkinson's disease, according to a study.
Researchers from the Pohang University of Science and Technology in South Korea identified the mechanism by which metabolites produced by oral bacteria in the gut may trigger the development of Parkinson's disease -- a major neurological disorder characterised by tremors, stiffness, and slowed movement.
"Our study provides a mechanistic understanding of how oral microbes in the gut can influence the brain and contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease," said Professor Ara Koh. "It highlights the potential of targeting the gut microbiota as a therapeutic strategy, offering
a new direction for Parkinson's treatment."
Although previous studies suggested that the gut microbiota of individuals with Parkinson's differs from that of healthy individuals, the specific microbes and metabolites have remained unclear.
The new findings, published in the journal Nature Communications, showed an increased abundance of Streptococcus mutans -- a well-known oral bacterium that causes dental caries -- in the gut microbiome of Parkinson's patients.
More importantly, S. mutans produces the enzyme urocanate reductase (UrdA) and its metabolite imidazole propionate (ImP), both of which were present at elevated levels in the gut and blood of patients.
ImP appeared capable of entering systemic circulation, reaching the brain, and contributing to the loss of dopaminergic neurons.
Using mouse models, the researchers introduced S. mutans into the gut or engineered E. coli to express UrdA.
Generic medicines, price ceilings led to better hypertension control in India: WHO
New Delhi, Sep 23 (IANS) Free medicines distribution, use of generics, and price regulation enabled a better control of hypertension -- a known risk for heart disease -- in India, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday, lauding the country’s efforts to combat blood pressure.
In its Global report on hypertension 2025, during the 80th United Nations General Assembly, the WHO shared the example of India for its successful pricing approaches for essential hypertension medicines.
natural living.
Jadhav, in his keynote address, spoke about the growing global recognition of ayurveda as a system of holistic healthcare.
“The decision to fix 23rd September as the permanent date for Ayurveda Day is historic, and aligns with the autumnal equinox, a symbol of balance in nature, which lies at the heart of ayurvedic philosophy,” he said.
“India’s comprehensive approach to improving hypertension care, including its National Free Drugs Service Initiative, the promotion of the use of generic medicines, and the imposition of price ceilings on essential antihypertensive medicines, has yielded substantial public health gains and improved blood pressure control rates,” the WHO said.
Launched in 2018-2019, the government's India Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI) ensured
a reliable supply of free, qualityassured generic antihypertensive medicines in public sector clinics. It was also supported by simple, protocol-driven treatment regimens and robust medicines procurement systems.
In addition, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) also set the price ceilings for essential medicines, including antihypertensives, under the Drug Price Control Order and the National List of Essential Medicines.
The NPPA calculated these ceiling prices based on average market prices, ensuring medicines remain affordable while allowing fair profit margins for manufacturers.
The approach kept out-of-pocket costs low for patients and thus enabled the public health system to provide a reliable supply of affordable, quality-assured generic medicines, the report said.
The WHO said that studies indicate that when hypertension medicines are procured and dispensed through public sector channels or Jan-Aushadhi generic medicines stores, annual costs per patient can be up to 80 per cent lower than in the private sector, further enhancing affordability and access.
The report stated that before these reforms were initiated, hypertension control rates in India were low -- only about 14 per cent of hypertensive adults achieved blood pressure control.
New Delhi, Sep 23 (IANS) Ayurveda is gaining global recognition as a system of holistic healthcare, said Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State
Sara Tendulkar, social media sensation and youth icon and the new face of Laneige, one of the most popular Korean beauty brands in the world. Known for her authenticity, charm and influential presence on social media, Sara has embarked on this new venture with the brand to support the its mission in the country.
She gracefully represents the brand's values of natural and sustainable beauty, while bringing to life the brand belief that everyone should shine with a unique inner and outer glow that is as distinct as their individuality. Along with the announcement of a new Brand Ambassador, the brand unveiled its Bouncy and Firm Sleeping Mask.
An elated Sara Tendulkar, Brand Ambassador, Laneige India, commented, “I am thrilled to be part of Laneige's family. As
someone with a biomedical background that makes way for a keen understanding of quality as well as a personal passion for skincare, I admire the brand's commitment to innovation and have been using their products for quite a while. It brings me immense excitement and humility to partner with Laneige, as their core belief in the radiance of each person's unique individuality resonates deeply with me."
At the launch, Paul Lee, Managing Director & Country Head of Amorepacific India, added, "Laneige proudly announces Sara Tendulkar as its Brand Ambassador, embracing her vibrant energy. Sara symbolizes the modern, self-assured youth advocating that beauty transcends mere appearances. With Sara onboard, Laneige aims to connect with a broader audience."
Mini Sood Banerjee, Assistant
Hydration is Key Combat the drying effects of summer heat by regularly applying moisturising lotion or oil to your nails and cuticles. This simple step will help maintain their strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of breakage.
Summer is all about fun in the sun, beach outings, and showing off those fabulous nails! With the sunny season upon us, it's essential to step up our nail care game to keep our nails looking fresh and vibrant.
Experts in nail care from Tip and Toe Salon share with IANSlife
Protect from the Sun
Protect your nails from the sun's harmful UV rays, just as you would protect your skin.
Consider using a nail polish with UV protection or applying a clear topcoat containing SPF. When engaging in outdoor activities, wearing gloves can also provide an additional layer of protection against sun damage.
Director & Head of Marketing and Training Amorepacific India said, "As Laneige's journey evolves, we are thrilled to welcome Sara Tendulkar into our family as the embodiment of timeless grace and modern elegance. Her vibrant spirit and innate charm perfectly resonate with Laneige's commitment to empowering individuals to embrace their unique beauty. Together, we embark on a new chapter, celebrating authenticity and the transformative power of skincare."
Social media sensation Sara Tendulkar for Korean Beauty Brand Laniege Summer nail care secrets
"We are delighted to announce Sara Tendulkar as the new Brand Ambassador for Laneige," said Sally Lee, Brand General Manager of Laneige India. Sara's luminous charm and timeless elegance resonate deeply with our brand's values. Sara's deeper integration into the Laneige experience marks a remarkable milestone, fostering deeper connections with a burgeoning generation of consumers."
Laneige is a brand that specializes in moisture research. They have developed advanced water complexes that are dedicated to creating intelligent skincare solutions for all skin types. With a range of products developed to address different skin concerns due to stress and a hazardous environment, Laneige offers solutions that awaken your skin’s ultimate moisture potential.
the importance of maintaining healthy and beautiful nails, especially during the summer months. Don't let the sun and heat take a toll on your nail health; follow these expertrecommended tips to keep your nails looking fabulous.
Use the Right Tools
Using the right tools is crucial for maintaining nail health. Avoid metal cuticle pushers, as they can cause damage and increase infection risks. Instead, opt for wooden or rubber cuticle pushers. Additionally, always use sharp, clean nail clippers and files to prevent nail splitting and peeling.
As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, many of us eagerly embrace the warmth of summer. However, the need for diligent skin care comes with the joys of outdoor activities and beach vacations.
Before diving into skin care tips, it's essential to understand the damaging effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to many skin concerns, including sunburn and premature ageing.
"One of the most effective ways to shield your skin from sun damage is sunscreen. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating to ensure comprehensive protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed areas of skin, including your face, neck, and ears, and remember to reapply every two hours, especially if you're swimming or sweating," says Mansi Sharma, founder of The Honest Tree by Boddess.
Hydration is key. Summer heat can take a toll on your skin, leading to dehydration and a loss of moisture. Mansi recommends
to combat the heat by staying hydrated from the inside out. She says, "Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated and plump. Additionally, incorporate hydrating skincare products into your routine, such as lightweight moisturizers and serums formulated with hyaluronic acid or glycerin."
While sunscreen provides crucial protection, it's not the only line of defence against the sun's rays. "Consider covering up with lightweight, breathable clothing, hats, and sunglasses to provide additional protection for your skin and eyes. Opt for tightly woven fabrics and dark colours for optimal sun protection," adds Mansi. "When possible, seek shade during the sun's peak hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when UV radiation is at its strongest, increasing the risk of sunburn and skin damage. Take breaks from direct sunlight by relaxing under a beach umbrella or finding shelter in a shaded area."
The founder of The Honest Tree by Boddess also suggests that while selecting skincare products for summer, opt for formulations that cater to the specific needs of sun-exposed skin. Mansi says, "Look for products enriched with antioxidants like vitamins C and E, which help neutralize free radicals generated by UV exposure. Incorporating a gentle exfoliant into your routine can also help slough off dead skin cells, revealing a fresh, radiant complexion."
Beauty addicts can now get Kylie Cosmetics in India
Iamso excited to launch Kylie Cosmetics in India – I created Kylie Cosmetics to give my fans access to the makeup products that I use and love, and I can’t wait to share my collection with all my fans in India.", said Kylie Jenner, Founder of Kylie Cosmetics.
In 2015, Kylie Jenner embarked on her beauty business with the launch of Kylie Lip Kits - a collection of three liquid lipsticks with corresponding lip liners. Since then, Kylie supported by Global beauty powerhouse Coty, have continued to expand her beauty empire around the world in over 50 countries, and across eye, complexion, and countless innovations in lip. The beauty line is carefully crafted with clean formulations and vegan ingredients that deliver on trend, high-quality, high-pigment, and
high-performance formulations that fans around the world have come to love.
In a significant milestone in the brand’s global expansion Kylie Cosmetics, launches in India. Partnering with House of Beauty, the leading beauty specialty company which brings coveted international beauty brands to India, Kylie Cosmetics’ arrival has been long awaited by Indian beauty consumers. This partnership marks the first time the brand has partnered with an Indian omnichannel specialist like House of Beauty.
The launch collection includes the best-selling Matte and Velvet Lip Kits, as well as recent must-have launches such as Precision Pout Lip Liner, Power Plush Longwear Foundation, Kylash Volume Mascara, Power Plush Longwear Concealer and Tinted Butter Balm.
Starting 25th April 2024, Kylie Cosmetics will be available exclusively in 25 Sephora India stores nationwide and online on www.sephora.in
New York: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attends the High-Level Meeting of Global South Countries on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
Patna: Durga Puja pandals at Darbhanga Chauraha are illuminated on the festive occasion in Patna on Monday, September 29, 2025.
Visakhapatnam: The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Androth, the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, on October 6, 2025,
Patna: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi receives a warm welcome from senior party leaders upon his arrival at Patna Airport on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
Samastipur: Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks during a district-level BJP workers’ meeting, in Samastipur, Bihar, Saturday, September 27, 2025.
New Delhi: Actors Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji and Vikrant Massey during the 71st National Film Awards ceremony, in New Delhi on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
New York: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar meets Jamaica’s Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
Secunderabad: Devotees visit a Durga Puja pandal organised by Bangiya Sanskritik Sangha on the occasion of Maha Saptami in Secunderabad on Monday, September 29, 2025.
Patna: Police personnel try to stop Congress workers protesting against the Bihar government over allegations of ‘vote chori’ in Patna on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
Kolkata: Devotees carry a Durga idol on the way to a pandal through a waterlogged road following heavy rainfall in Kolkata on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
New York: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar with the Indian delegation at the United Nations grounds as the High-Level Week of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) concludes in New York on Monday, September 29, 2025.
South Korea, US, Japan reaffirm push for North Korea denuclearisation after leader Kim rebuff : Dubai: Team India celebrates after winning the Asia Cup cricket final against Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025
Mira Rajput misses husband Shahid Kapoor, and it has a “Jab We Met” connection
Entrepreneur Mira Rajput recently took to her social media account to share a heartfelt story about her husband, actor Shahid Kapoor.
Posting a video of a musician playing the sitar, she wrote, “The dhun that reminds me of you. I miss you @shahidkapoor.” The tune being played was the popular track Aaoge Jab Tum Sajna from Shahid Kapoor's blockbuster
movie "Jab We Met".
Released on 26th of October 2007
"Jab We Met" was directed by Imtiaz Ali and went on to become one of the most successful romantic dramas in Bollywood. The movie starred Shahid Kapoor as Aditya Kashyap and Kareena Kapoor Khan as Geet Dhillon. Their on-screen chemistry combined with a strong script and memorable dialogues earned
them great reviews from both audiences and critics alike.
The movie's soundtrack by Pritam was a massive hit, with songs like 'Mauja Hi Mauja', 'Tum Se Hi', and 'Aaoge Jab Tum Sajna' topping music charts even now, 15 years after the movie's release. While Shahid Kapoor's professional life saw a turning point with "Jab We Met", his personal life made headlines in 2015 when the actor married Mira Rajput in a private ceremony in Delhi. Despite being away from the film industry, Mira has become a well-known public figure and a social media personality and recently has turned into an entrepreneur.
The couple are parents to two children. Their daughter, Misha Kapoor, was born in August 2016, and their son, Zain Kapoor, was born in September 2018. Shahid and Mira often share moments from their family life, giving fans a glimpse of their strong bond and love for their children. Mira's recent social media post highlights the couple's affectionate relationship.
By linking a timely song from Shahid Kapoor's film to her personal emotions, Mira reminded fans both of her husband's cinematic legacy and also of her beautiful bond with Shahid. The couple completed 10 years of marital bliss in June this year.
From Mohanlal to SRK: Ram Charan congratulates the National Award winners
Awards.
the National Award for 'Best Telugu Film'.
He penned, "Heartiest wishes to the team of #BhagavanthKesari for the National Award.
Congratulations to #NandamuriBalakrishna Garu, @AnilRavipudi Garu, @ sahugarapati7 Garu and the team."
The 'RRR' actor also congratulated Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan as he was awarded the 'Best Actor' title for his performance in Atlee's "Jawan".
Ram Charan shared, "Congratulations to @iamsrk sir for the much deserved National Award. Your journey, your craft, and your passion for cinema inspire millions. Wishing you many more milestones ahead, King."
The 'Game Changer' actor also applauded Mollywood superstar Mohanlal for his contribution to Indian cinema as he was bestowed with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
"Congratulations to the legendary @Mohanlal sir on receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Your contribution to Indian cinema is unmatched, and this recognition is truly well deserved," Ram Charan concluded.
Nitin Mukesh recalls first concert after father Mukesh’s demise, shares pics with Big B, Raj Kapoor
Veteransinger Nitin Mukesh took a trip down memory lane as he remembered his first-ever concert after the passing of his legendary father and playback icon Mukesh.
Sharing a priceless monochrome photograph featuring Raj Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor and RD Burman, Nitin Mukesh revealed that the concert took place on November 10, 1976, after his father’s demise.
For the caption, he wrote: “MY FIRST CONCERT AFTER MY BELOVED PAPA LEFT US… 10TH NOVEMBER 1976….AND THEY ALLLL CAME TO WISH ME ONLY THE BEST….GRATEFUL FOREVER (sic).”
Nitin Mukesh worked with notable music directors like Khayyam, R. D. Burman, Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Bappi Lahiri, Rajesh Roshan, Nadeem-Shravan, Anand–Milind during the 1980s and 1990s. He voiced for actors like Manoj Kumar, Shashi Kapoor, Jeetendra,
Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff and others.
He has sung hit duets with notable singers like Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Anuradha Paudwal, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Sadhana Sargam and Alka Yagnik.
The father of actor Neil Nitin Mukesh, the veteran singer is known for crooning numbers such as "Hanste Hanste Kat Jayen Raste", "Woh Kehte Hain Hum Se", "My Name Is Lakhan”, "Dil Ne Dil Se Kaha", “Is Jahaan Ki Nahin", "Chandi Ki Cycle", "Paisa Bolta Hai", "Krishna Krishna", "Jaisi Karni Waisi", "So Gaya Yeh Jahan", "Kasam Kya Hoti Hai", "Tune Mohe Taka", "Chal Gori Pyar Ke Gaon Mein", "Zindagi Har Kadam", "Zindagi Ki Na Toote Ladi", "Aaja Re O Mere Dilbar", "Wafa Na Raas Aayee", "Duma Dum Mast Kalandar", "Mere Khayal Se Tum", "Hey Re Dayamay Apni", "Batao Tumhe Pyar Kaise", Teri Jheel Si Gehri Aankhon".
Mahesh Bhatt: ‘It’s the age of reverse mentoring’, pause and listen to younger generation
Filmmaker-producer Mahesh Bhatt, who is gearing up for the release of his upcoming production ‘Tu Meri Poori Kahani’, has said that the current era is the age of reverse mentoring.
The filmmaker-producer spoke with IANS in the run-up to the release of the film, and shared that his contemporaries or even the current crop of talent in cinema has so much to learn from the younger generation.
He told IANS, “In this film, I had two lieutenants, two gladiators, one is the director of ‘Tu Meri Poori Kahani’, Suhrita Das, and the other is Shweta Bothra, the lyricist of the film. I call Shweta, Shailendra of her generation. Her writing is in Shailendra's style, not imitative, but that kind of writing. It has depth and simplicity in it”.
He further mentioned that in order to excel and bring the best to the table, one must listen to the criticism and praise of the younger generation as their feedback is calculated and very precise.
He said, “The actors are also new. I feel that this era is very rich. I often tell my colleagues, who are people my age, that we have to learn a lot from the young generation. This is an age of reverse mentoring.
Tollywood sensation Ram Charan used social media to congratulate the winners of the prestigious 71st National Film
He extended his wishes to filmmaker Anil Ravipudi as their film "Bhagavanth Kesari" bagged
Rihanna welcomes 3rd child with A$AP Rocky
Singer-songwriter Rihanna has embraced motherhood again. The singer is now a mother to her 3rd child.
The ‘Love On The Brain’ singer, 37, welcomed her third baby, Rocki Irish Mayers, with rapper A$AP Rocky, reports ‘People’ magazine.
She shared the news on Instagram, posting the first few photos of her little one. The baby was born on September 13, 2025.
But the news of the baby’s birth was shared by Rihanna on her Instagram on Thursday.
As per ‘People’, in the photo, Rihanna could be seen holding baby Rocki, who was wearing a pink onesie. She also included a photo of her baby's little pink gloves, which had ribbons lacing them up the top.
On May 5, the couple, who have been together since 2020,
revealed that they were expecting baby No. 3. Rihanna debuted her baby bump while walking around New York City, and the Long. Live. A$AP artist, 36, confirmed the happy news on the 2025 Met Gala red carpet. The pair are already parents to two sons, RZA, born in 2022, and Riot, who arrived in 2023.
Though Rihanna and A$AP Rocky weren't actively planning to start a family when they became pregnant with their first child, the ‘Work’ singer did tell Vogue that the two were "certainly not planning against it" either.
"I always thought it would be marriage first, then a baby, but who the f*** says it has to be that way”, she told the outlet in April 2022. "I'm certainly not gonna let that get in the way of me being a mom”.
Following the couple's big pregnancy reveal at the 2025 Met Gala, an exclusive source shared with ‘People’ that the couple are "thrilled to be growing their family”.
The insider also explained why the couple wanted to have their children close together in age. The source told ‘People’, "Rihanna has always wanted a big family, so she couldn’t be more excited. Rihanna and Rocky are thrilled to be growing their family and they can’t wait to give their boys another sibling”.
“They wanted to have their children close together in age, so that they could grow up together and share a close bond. They feel so blessed and are so grateful for this next chapter in their lives. It’s a very special time”, the source added.
Actors Manikandan, S J Suryah, Sai Pallavi among those chosen for TN govt’s prestigious Kalaimamani awards
Aamir Khan working on a film based on Dadasaheb Phalke? Grandson Chandrashekhar Pusalkar reveals
have been doing
During an exclusive interaction with IANS, Dadasaheb Phalke's grandson, Chandrashekhar Pusalkar, revealed whether the speculations were true.
He was asked, "There were reports that Aamir Khan is working on a film based on your grandfather’s life. What is the truth?"
Speaking to IANS, Pusalkar revealed that he checked with Aamir's team, and they confirmed that the reports about script reediting were indeed fake.
"The script is finalized, and the
Actors Manikandan, S J Suryah, Sai Pallavi, Vikram Prabhu and music director Anirudh are among those who have been named by the Tamil Nadu government for its prestigious Kalaimamani Awards.
On Wednesday, the Tamil Nadu government announced the winners of its prestigious Kalaimamani Awards for the years 2021, 2022 and 2023 respectively. For the unaware, the Kalaimamani Award is the Tamil Nadu government's highest civilian honour bestowed on individuals in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the fields of arts, literature, and culture.
While the names of actors S J Suryah, actress Sai Pallavi and director Lingusamy along with stunt choreographer Super Subbarayan figured in the list of 30 people picked for the prestigious Award in the year 2021, the names of actor Vikram Prabhu and lyricist Viveka figured in the list of 30 picked for the year 2022.
project will start soon. Rajkumar Hirani has also shown interest. I believe if such a film is made, it will serve as a role model and help people understand my grandfather’s contribution in detail," he added.
Aamir has reportedly joined forces with director Rajkumar Hirani for the much-anticipated biopic.
When asked how it was being the grandson of such a legendary figure, Pusalkar revealed that he considers himself very lucky to have been born into his family.
"When I was young, I came to know that my grandfather was different. His name used to appear in newspapers, and my mother would proudly show it to everyone in our small home.
Nikhil Dwivedi: “If Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan can be humble, no young star has a reason to act difficult
Actor-producer Nikhil Dwivedi has never shied away from calling a spade a spade.
In a candid conversation with IANS, the producer shared his thoughts on the attitude of some younger actors in the industry, pointing out how unnecessary starry tantrums seem lame when Bollywood's biggest legends remain grounded.
“When I see a lot of young artists,
I am like, here are actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, or Hrithik Roshan, who are just so easy-going. There can be no reason for anyone younger from the industry to be difficult on sets, because these people are not, despite being such humongous stars,” Nikhil remarked.
Nikhil, who has produced Dabangg 3 starring Salman Khan, shared an anecdote from his time filming with the superstar in Rajasthan. The producer said, “Salman is so fuss-free, like give him any vehicle, and he will never even look at the model of the vehicle that has been given and is absolutely okay with whatever we provide. There has never been any difficulty with him at all.” The producer is also riding high on the success of his latest project, "Bandar", which premiered at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
The reports
the rounds for some time that Bollywood's Mr Perfectionist, Aamir Khan, is working on a film based on Dadasaheb Phalke - the father of Indian cinema.
