PM Modi’s ‘MAGA, MIGA’ equation for India-US ‘MEGA’ ties
Washington, Feb 14 (IANS)
has said that India and the US have a 'MEGA' partnership for prosperity.
During a joint briefing with President Donald Trump on Thursday, PM Modi linked India's Viksit Bharat vision, which he said translates into 'Make India Great Again (MIGA)' with Trump's 'Make America Great Again (MAGA)' slogan.
Centre orders probe into alleged irregularities in Kejriwal’s ‘Sheesh Mahal’
In a
for
ordered a probe into alleged irregularities concerning his official residence, popularly known as 'Sheesh Mahal'.
The Chief Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) has directed the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) to conduct a detailed investigation into allegations that construction
PM Modi said that a joint vision of 'MAGA' and 'MIGA' became a 'MEGA' partnership for prosperity.
"The people of America are well aware of President Trump's motto 'MAGA - Make America Great Again.' The people of India too are focusing on heritage and development as they move forward at a fast pace and with a
Delhi polls: PM Modi vows development, clean Yamuna as BJP storms to power with imposing mandate
Saturday scripted a historic victory for the BJP in Delhi Assembly elections as the party won 48 seats out of 70 seats. The PM vowed to deliver the Rs 2,500 monthly payment to women, clean the Yamuna, present the CAG report in the Assembly and fulfil Delhiites dreams with the full energy of a double-engine government.
Second batch of 119 illegal immigrants from US to reach India today
Amritsar, Feb 15 (IANS) A second batch of 119 illegal immigrants from the US, comprising 67 Punjabis, will land at Amritsar’s Sri Guru Ram
Aero India 2025: Futuristic warfare tech takes centre stage at Adani’s Defence & Aerospace stall
Bengaluru, Feb 12 (IANS) The Adani Defence and Aerospace stall, showcasing futuristic technology, has been one of the main attractions at Asia’s largest five-day air show and the 15th edition of the country’s premier
aerospace exhibition ‘Aero India 2025’ in Bengaluru.
Focusing on cutting-edge technology, the spacious stall features state-of-the-art
Dass Jee International Airport on Saturday night in a special plane, officials said. Another flight of the deportees from the US is expected to reach here on February 16.
Earlier, a US military plane with 104 deportees landed in Amritsar on February 5.
Officials said besides 67 immigrants from Punjab, Saturday’s flight will have 33 people from Haryana, eight from Gujarat, three from Uttar Pradesh, two each from Goa, Maharashtra
and Rajasthan and one each from Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
This will be the second batch of Indians deported by the Trump government as part of a crackdown. The plane is expected to land at the airport around 10 p.m. on Saturday.
The deportation of these individuals is part of a wider crackdown by US immigration
Ranveer Allahbadia petitions SC as legal troubles mount in ‘India’s Got Latent’ row
New Delhi, Feb 14 (IANS) After multiple complaints were filed and criminal proceedings were set in action across various states against YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia over his vulgar and crass comments about parents on the comedy show 'India's Got Latent', the podcaster has petitioned the Supreme Court seeking protection from coercive action.
On Friday, the writ petition filed by Ranveer Allahbadia aka
New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
New Delhi, Feb 15 (IANS)
fresh setback
the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Centre has
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Gilchrist disagrees with Ponting, declares Warne the greatest cricketer ever
PM Modi’s ‘MAGA, MIGA’ equation for India-US ‘MEGA’ ties
Continued from Page 1
firm resolve towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047. In the language of America, it's Make India Great Again - MIGA. When America and India work together, this MAGA plus MIGA becomes a 'mega partnership for prosperity' and it is this mega spirit that gives new scale and scope to our objectives," the PM said.
The two leaders also announced that India and the US have set a USD 500 billion target for bilateral trade by 2030.
"Today, we have also set a target to increase our bilateral trade to more than double, reaching USD 500 billion by 2030. Our teams will work on finalising very soon a mutually beneficial trade agreement," PM Modi said, adding that the two countries are moving forward in the direction of joint development, joint production, and transfer of technology.
"We will strengthen oil and gas trade to ensure India's energy security. In the energy infrastructure, investment will
increase. In the nuclear energy sector, we spoke about deepening our cooperation, in the direction of small modular reactors. America plays a key role in India's defence preparedness. In the coming days, new technology and equipment will increase our capacity," he said.
PM Modi later wrote on his X handle, "President Trump often talks about MAGA. In India, we are working towards a Viksit Bharat, which in American context translates into MIGA. And together, the India-USA have a MEGA partnership for prosperity!"
Second batch of 119 illegal immigrants from US to reach India today
Continued from Page 1
authorities on those who either entered the country illegally or overstayed their visas.
Sources have revealed that deportations will continue on a bi-weekly basis, with similar flights bringing back Indian nationals in the coming weeks, until all undocumented immigrants are returned to their home countries.
The government of India, through diplomatic channels, continues to work on repatriating its nationals who are affected by such deportations.
While the process has caused distress for many families, the authorities emphasise that the deportations are part of the ongoing effort to address illegal immigration, and those who wish to return home will be facilitated.
With the ongoing crackdown, both the US and India are taking steps to address immigration challenges while ensuring their respective laws are upheld.
This deportation comes just a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US President Donald Trump and stressed the need to fight against the “ecosystem” that lures people from ordinary families with big dreams and promises and brings them to other countries as illegal immigrants.
“We are of the opinion that anybody who enters and lives in another country illegally, they have absolutely no legal right or authority to live in that country,”
PM Modi said at a joint press conference with Trump in the White House on Thursday.
Opposing the move to land the next plane carrying deported Indians at the Amritsar airport, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday described it as a “conspiracy of the Union government to defame Punjab and Punjabis”.
Interacting with the media here, the Chief Minister said that despite Punjab being the food bowl and sword arm of India, the move to land the plane carrying deported Indians from the US “is just another attempt of the Government of India to tarnish the image of Punjab globally”. Mann questioned the move of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to choose Amritsar for landing this plane whereas there are hundreds of other airports in the country.
Centre orders probe into alleged irregularities in Kejriwal’s ‘Sheesh Mahal’
Continued from Page 1
norms were violated while renovating and expanding the mansion at 6, Flagstaff Road, Civil Lines.
The colonial mansion and its lawns now cover an area of 40,000 square yards (8 acres) in the posh Civil Lines area of Delhi. The probe order was issued by
the CVC on February 13, following a factual report submitted by the CPWD regarding the controversial renovation and expansion of Kejriwal’s official bungalow.
The investigation comes amid growing political pressure from the BJP. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva had earlier written to Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena, urging him to annul
the merger of four governmentowned properties with 6, Flagstaff Road.
In his letter, Sachdeva alleged that the Chief Minister’s residence had been expanded illegally by incorporating adjacent government properties, violating municipal and land use regulations.
Aero India 2025: Futuristic warfare tech takes centre stage at Adani’s Defence & Aerospace stall
Continued from Page 1
weaponry. The highlight of the display is the ‘Vehicle-Mounted Counter-Drone System’, developed in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The stall presents futuristic weaponry across four layers of defence, covering protection, detection, neutralization, and the use of artificial intelligence in safeguarding national borders.
Speaking to IANS, Ashish
Raghuvanshi, CEO of Adani Defence and Aerospace, stated, “All the capabilities we are working on are on display at the show. From drones to small arms, ammunition, missiles, surfaceguided missiles, and most importantly, artificial intelligence and advanced machinery, Adani has been working closely with the defence sector.”
Ashok Wadhwan, Head of Land Systems, said, “We aim to become strategic partners of the defence forces. Our focus is on futuristic
Delhi polls: PM Modi vows development, clean Yamuna as BJP storms to power with imposing mandate
Continued from Page 1
Thanking Delhiites for trusting “Modi ki Guarantee”, he addressed voters amid a festive mood at BJP National Headquarters and promised to pay back the debt of Delhi voters by bringing the city back on track of development.
“Delhi is a gateway to the country and deserves to have the best infrastructure,” he said.
He promised to present the CAG report – expected to carry financial irregularities of the AAP government – in the first Assembly session of the BJP government, repeating his promise “Lootnewalon ko lotana padega” (The corrupt will have to pay for it).
PM Modi was stinging in his criticism of the ousted AAP, saying the BJP victory shows that there is no place for politics of lies and shortcut in Delhi.
“Shortcut wali rajneeti ka short circuit kar diya” (politics of shortcut has been short circuited by Delhi voters, he said.
PM Modi said the politics of polarisation, anarchy, arrogance and creating hurdles in development has been dumped.
“People who considered Delhi their fiefdom have been shown their place,” he said, highlighting how NDA governments in all the states have delivered development and welfare.
Mocking AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal’s antics, PM Modi said: "Governance is not a stage for publicity or gimmickry."
PM Modi also hit out at the Congress for again landing a zero in the Assembly election.
"The Congress has scored a double hat-trick of zero – failure to win even a single seat in the last three Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Delhi,” he said.
After the historic win with a 45.56 per cent vote share, the BJP leadership remained tight-lipped about its candidate for the Chief Minister’s post.
BJP's Delhi election in-charge Baijayant Panda announced that the next CM’s name will be announced after discussions over the next 10 days.
Throughout the day, there was speculation of giant killer Parvesh Verma, who defeated Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi seat, being a front-runner for the CM’s post.
Ranveer Allahbadia petitions SC as legal troubles mount in ‘India’s Got Latent’ row
Continued from Page 1
BeerBiceps under Article 32 of the Constitution challenging the multiple FIRs was mentioned before CJI Sanjiv Khanna for urgent listing. However, declining to advance the scheduled hearing, CJI Khanna said, “We have already given a date of listing. No oral mentioning please!”
The episode in question, featuring Ranveer Allahbadia, was uploaded on YouTube on February 8 as part of stand-up comedian Samay Raina’s show 'India’s Got Latent', which has a global subscriber base of over 7.3 million.
For the unversed, Ranveer Allahbadia had asked a contestant a controversial question about their parents' sexual relationship during a recent episode of the show. Known for its bold comedic content, the show has now become the centre of controversy and has been receiving a lot of backlash for the vulgar comedy.
technology, developing products that go beyond their expectations. If they can imagine a capability, we want to turn it into reality and build those advanced systems in India.”
Providing details about the display, Wadhwan elaborated, “We have structured our technology into four layers. The first layer focuses on protection, which includes unmanned vehicles and unmanned underwater systems designed for initial surveillance and threat detection.”
Meanwhile, the Khar police in Mumbai have issued a second summons to Ranveer Allahbadia asking him to appear for questioning on Friday after he failed to appear earlier on Thursday despite being given a deadline of 3 p.m.
So far, the police have recorded statements from seven individuals, including well-known YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani, content creator Apoorva Makhija, and the father of Balraj Singh Ghai, the owner of The Habitat
Studio. Production manager and chief programmer Tushar Pujari, along with three other studio employees, have also provided their testimonies in the case. The cyber cell and the Mumbai Police are conducting separate investigations in connection with Allahbadia’s remarks on Raina’s YouTube show 'India’s Got Latent'. An Assam Police team is also in Mumbai in connection with the investigation and met the Maharashtra cyber cell officials on Thursday.
Amid the controversy, Samay Raina on Wednesday claimed to have removed all videos of the show from YouTube, asserting that his intention was only to entertain and make people laugh. Several complaints seeking legal actions have been filed against popular YouTubers Samay Raina, Ranveer Allahabadia, Ashish Chanchlani, and Apoorva Mukhija over allegedly obscene and offensive remarks about parents in the comedy show 'India's Got Latent'. A legal complaint filed in Rajasthan’s Kota by a group of lawyers claimed that the show promotes vulgarity under the guise of comedy, which they argue is an attack on India's social and moral values. The complaint stated that such vulgar humour not only corrupts young minds but also encourages inappropriate behaviour and crimes against women.
Adani Group and ISKCON’s ‘Mahaprasad Seva’ initiative becomes centre of service for devotees at Maha Kumbh
Mahakumbh Nagar, Feb 7 (IANS)
At the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj, 'Mahaprasad' is being distributed among the people and devotees by the joint efforts undertaken by the Adani Group and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness under the 'Mahaprasad Seva' initiative.
Lakhs of devotees are benefiting from this noble service daily.
The Mahaprasad is prepared completely as per Satvik traditions and high standards of hygiene.
This high-quality food is delivered daily to the devotees at the Maha Kumbh from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
This social service is being operated across various sectors of the Maha Kumbh, due to which a large number of devotees are benefitting from it every day.
Special care is being taken of cleanliness in the kitchen of ISKCON located in Sector-19, where there is also an excellent arrangement for clean drinking water.
The devotees coming to the ISKCON pandal are being offered prasad along with seating arrangements.
Apart from this, the Mahaprasad
is also being distributed by the Adani Group in different sectors, markets, and major routes of Maha Kumbh, so that more and more people can benefit from this social service.
In the Mahaprasad, different types of dishes are prepared every day and distributed smoothly with the help of thousands of employees. After receiving the prasad here, the devotees can also volunteer for the service as per their wish, which further strengthens the religious and community spirit.
Devotees enjoying Mahaprasad have appreciated this initiative by the Adani Group.
They say that Adani Group Chairman and industrialist Gautam Adani is showing his deep devotion towards Sanatan Dharma through this social service.
The Adani Group is also providing medical services, distribution of religious books, and free services for the elderly through electric vehicles at the Maha Kumbh.
A woman told IANS, "The arrangements provided by ISKCON and Adani ji are quite good. Gautam Adani is doing such a great job by serving the people for which he deserves gratitude. They will earn a lot of virtue. This is a very good thing for Sanatan Dharma."
A devotee Gaurav Mishra, who had come from Jaunpur to take a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam in Mahakumbh, told IANS, "Adani ji and ISKCON have done a noble and pious work. The electric vehicles run by them for the elderly in this Maha Kumbh is a
commendable step. I would say that Adani ji should continue doing such pious work in the upcoming festivals as well."
He also added: "I have been here for many days. I took many holy dips as well. Organising the Mahaprasad by Adani ji here in ISKCON temple is a very virtuous act. Due to this, there is no shortage of food for all the devotees. Just a few days ago, Adani ji distributed around lakhs of Aarti collections to many people."
"Looking at his (Gautam Adani's) faith in Sanatan Dharma, it seems that he is a very noble man. I pray to Lord Shiva for his progress. I have also accepted the prasad from here. The offerings are of extremely high quality."
Another devotee Kishorebhai, who came from Vadodara, Gujarat, told IANS, "Adani ji serves everyone, it is a very noble thing. He is doing a lot of work for Sanatan Dharma. His Mahaprasad is of very high quality."
Prakash, who is also from Vadodara, told IANS, "Very high-quality food is being served in Mahaprasad Seva. Their arrangements are very good. They are also running electric vehicles. I thank them a lot. They are doing very good work."
Pushpendra, who has been serving people by practicing celibacy in ISKCON Kanpur for the last eight years, told IANS, "It is a very good thing about the Adani Group that they are doing such work in collaboration with ISKCON. Whoever makes offerings to God, gets God's blessings. I thank them for this noble deed."
Adani family begins ‘Mangal Seva’, an initiative to support 500 ‘divyang’ women every year
New Delhi, Feb 5 (IANS) Ahead of the wedding of Jeet Adani, the younger son of billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani, the Adani family on Wednesday announced ‘Mangal Seva’, a oneof-its-kind initiative to support five hundred ‘divyang sisters’ every year.
Under the program, about 500 specially-abled women will be provided with the financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh each, every year.
The initiative was launched at Adani’s residence, just two days before Jeet Adani’s wedding. He met 21 women with special abilities along with their husbands to launch this initiative.
Jeet is set to tie the knot with Diva Shah on 7 February 2025 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani also took to social media to express his joy and happiness over the pledge, undertaken by son Jeet and daughter-in-law Diva.
He said that it was a matter of immense joy that Jeet and Diva were starting the first chapter of their married life with a virtuous resolution.
“Jeet and Diva have pledged to do 'Mangal Seva' by providing financial assistance of Rs 10 lakhs for each in the marriage of 500 handicapped sisters every year.
As a father, this ‘Mangal Seva’ is a matter of immense satisfaction
Adani Group joins Mayo Clinic, donates Rs 6,000 cr to build two integrated health campuses in India
Ahmedabad, Feb 10 (IANS) Gautam Adani, the Chairman of the Adani Group, on Monday announced to launch Adani Health City (AHC) in partnership with US-based Mayo Clinic that aims to pioneer world-class medical research, affordable healthcare and education.
The Adani family will donate upwards of Rs 6,000 crore to build the first two of these integrated health campuses in Ahmedabad and Mumbai. These will constitute two 1,000-bed multi-super-specialty Hospitals and Medical Colleges in Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
The Rs 6,000 crore donation is part of the recent announcement of Rs 10,000 crore social donation by the billionaire industrialist at his son Jeet Adani’s wedding, which would be channelled into various social causes.
Gautam Adani has plans for more such integrated Adani Health Cities in cities and towns across the country, according to the company.
“Proud to launch Adani Health City in partnership with Mayo Clinic, pioneering world-class medical research, affordable healthcare and education,” the Adani Group Chairperson said in a post on X social media platform.
“Starting with two 1,000-bed hospitals and medical colleges in Ahmedabad and Mumbai, we are on a mission to bring cuttingedge medical innovation across India. This is just the beginning for a healthier, stronger India - one campus at a time,” the billionaire industrialist noted.
Mayo Clinic, the world’s largest integrated not-for-profit medical group practice, will provide technical expertise in healthcare excellence.
Each of these integrated AHC campuses will comprise hospitals, medical colleges with an annual intake of 150 undergraduates, 80+ residents and 40+ fellows, step-down and transitional care facilities, and cutting-edge research facilities.
The AHC medical ecosystem aims to serve people from all socioeconomic backgrounds, train the next generation of doctors and focus on clinical research, artificial intelligence and biomedical informatics.
At his son’s wedding, Gautam Adani commits to ‘seva’ with a Rs 10,000 crore social donation
and good fortune for me,” the billionaire wrote in a post on X while reiterating the fact that service to mankind is the biggest act of spiritualism.
He further said that through this sacred initiative, the lives of many disabled daughters and their families will be uplifted with happiness and dignity.
“I pray to the Lord to give Jeet and Diva the blessings and strength to continue moving forward on this path of service,” he further said.
Currently, Jeet Adani is the Director of Adani Airport Holdings – India’s largest airport infrastructure company with eight airports in its management and development portfolio.
Apart from the airports business, he oversees Adani Group’s defence, petrochemicals and copper businesses. He is also in charge of the Group’s digital transformation.
Ahmedabad, Feb 7 (IANS) On his visit last month to the Maha Kumbh Mela, Gautam Adani had said that his son’s wedding would be conducted in a "simple and traditional way". Staying true to his word, and also ending all rumours and speculation that his son Jeet Adani’s wedding would be a lavish and spectacular affair, the billionaire industrialist not only kept the wedding simple but also donated Rs 10,000 crore.
This distinctive wedding gift from one of the richest men in the world will be channelled into various social causes.
Sources close to him said that Gautam Adani’s cause list for his sizeable donation has been shaped by his social philosophy of 'Seva sadhana hai, seva prarthana hai, aur seva hi parmatma hai".
The larger part of his donation is expected to go into funding massive infrastructure initiatives in healthcare, education and skill development. These initiatives will focus on giving all sections of society access to a network of
affordable world-class hospitals and medical colleges, affordable top-tier K-12 schools and advanced global skill academies with assured employability.
On the occasion of the wedding of his younger son, Gautam Adani posted on X (formerly Twitter): "Parampita parmeshwar ke ashirwad se Jeet aur Diva aaj vivah ke pavitra bandhand mein bandh gaye. Yeh vivah aaj Ahmedabad mein priyejano ke beech paramparik reeti-rivajon aur shubh mangal bhav ke saath sampann hua."
"Yeh ek chota aur atyant niji samaroh tha, isliye ham chah kar ke bhi sabhi shubhchintakon ko amantrit nahi kar sake, jiske liye main kshamaprarthii hoon."
"Main aap sabhi se beti Diva aur Jeet ke liye sneh aur ashish ka hridya se akanshi hoon."
Interestingly, in the tweet, he addressed his daughter-in-law as “daughter Diva”.
Springfield: A beacon of innovation in the education sector
Nestled in the southeastern corner of Queensland, Springfield has emerged as a shining example of urban planning and educational development. Over the past two decades, this master-planned community has prioritized education, building an ecosystem that fosters innovation, lifelong learning, and excellence. Today, Springfield is celebrated not only for its modern infrastructure but also for its significant contributions to the education sector in Queensland and beyond.
Visionary beginnings
Springfield’s journey began in the early 1990s when its developers envisioned a community that integrated education at its core. The vision was ambitious yet clear: to create a city where residents would not have to leave their community to access world-class educational facilities. This vision materialized with the establishment of various institutions catering to learners of all ages, from early childhood to higher education.
Early childhood and school education
Springfield’s emphasis on education begins at the grassroots level. With a network of stateof-the-art childcare centers, the community ensures that children receive a strong foundation.
Schools such as Springfield Central State School and Springfield Lakes State School are recognized for their modern facilities and innovative teaching approaches.
Private institutions like St. Peters Lutheran College Springfield and Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School further enrich the local education landscape. These schools are renowned for their focus on holistic development, blending academics with extracurricular activities to nurture well-rounded individuals.
The Springfield Central State High School, known for its highperformance culture, regularly ranks among Queensland's top schools. Offering diverse programs, including vocational training and academic excellence initiatives, it prepares students for both university and industry pathways.
Higher education hub
One of Springfield’s most remarkable contributions to the education sector is its role as a higher education hub.
The University of Southern Queensland (USQ) Springfield campus stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to tertiary education. Equipped with cutting-edge facilities, including advanced laboratories and digital learning spaces, the campus
attracts students from across the region.
USQ Springfield specializes in programs tailored to industry needs, such as engineering, IT, and health sciences. Its research initiatives, particularly in fields like sustainable energy and digital technology, contribute to addressing global challenges. The university’s close collaboration with local businesses ensures that students graduate with practical skills and experience, bridging the gap between education and employment.
The role of technology in education
Springfield has leveraged technology to transform education. The community boasts Australia’s first highspeed broadband network, enabling seamless digital learning experiences. Institutions in Springfield have integrated technology into their curriculums, embracing tools like virtual classrooms, interactive whiteboards, and AI-driven learning platforms.
The Springfield Anglican College, for example, is a leader in digital education, encouraging students to develop 21st-century skills. Similarly, Springfield Central State High School offers specialized programs in robotics and coding, preparing students
for careers in the rapidly evolving tech industry.
Beyond traditional learning Springfield's educational contributions extend beyond conventional classrooms. The city is home to various training institutes, including TAFE Queensland, which provides vocational courses in areas such as hospitality, construction, and healthcare. These programs cater to the diverse needs of the community, equipping individuals with job-ready skills.
The city also promotes lifelong learning through initiatives like the Springfield Learning Coalition. This collaborative platform brings together educators, businesses, and community leaders to develop innovative strategies for education and skill development. Education as a community pillar Springfield’s emphasis on education has far-reaching effects on the community. Families are drawn to the area for its reputation as an educational hub, driving population growth and economic development. This influx of residents has, in turn, created a vibrant, multicultural community where ideas and opportunities flourish.
contribute to the broader community. Many schools and universities engage in outreach programs, partnering with local organizations to address social challenges and support underprivileged groups.
A model for future cities Springfield’s success in the education sector offers valuable lessons for other cities. Its integrated approach—combining urban planning with a focus on learning—demonstrates the power of investing in education as a cornerstone of development.
The city’s educational institutions not only meet the needs of today’s learners but also anticipate the demands of the future. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and inclusion, Springfield has set a benchmark for what a modern education city can achieve.
Springfield stands as a beacon of educational excellence, showcasing the transformative potential of visionary planning. From early childhood education to cutting-edge research at the university level, Springfield has created an ecosystem that empowers learners and drives progress. Its contributions to the education sector will undoubtedly inspire future generations and continue to shape the landscape of learning in Queensland and beyond.
A city with pioneering technological innovation
Springfield, a master-planned community located just 26 kilometers from Brisbane, is fast becoming a hub for technological innovation and growth. Over the past two decades, Springfield has transformed itself into a model city that blends smart infrastructure, sustainable living, and cutting-edge technology. Its focus on integrating technology into every aspect of urban development has not only positioned it as a leader in the field but also as a community where innovation thrives.
A visionary foundation
The foundation of Springfield was laid with a bold vision: to create a city of the future driven by technology, education, and health. From the outset, its developers embraced digital transformation as a core element of growth.
Today, Springfield embodies this vision, with a technology-driven ecosystem that fosters creativity, entrepreneurship, and progress. Smart city infrastructure Springfield's commitment to technology begins with its infrastructure. As Australia’s first privately built city, it was designed from the ground up to incorporate smart city principles. This includes an extensive fiberoptic network, enabling highspeed internet access across the entire city. The network supports a range of digital services, making Springfield one of the most
connected urban areas in the country.
Energy efficiency is another cornerstone of Springfield’s infrastructure. The city incorporates smart grid technology to manage energy consumption effectively, with a focus on renewable energy sources. These innovations not only reduce the city’s carbon footprint but also serve as a model for sustainable urban living.
Technology in education Springfield’s approach to technology extends deeply into education. The city is home to the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) Springfield campus, which specializes in programs like IT, engineering, and data analytics. USQ's advanced laboratories and digital learning tools equip students with the skills needed to excel in technology-driven industries. Springfield’s schools also embrace technological integration, offering students access to robotics, coding, and STEM programs. Institutions like Springfield Central State High School and The Springfield Anglican College actively promote digital literacy, preparing the next generation for careers in tech. A thriving innovation ecosystem Springfield has cultivated an environment where startups
and established companies can flourish. The city’s innovation hubs, such as Fire Station 101, provide co-working spaces, mentorship, and resources for entrepreneurs to develop and scale their ideas. These hubs have become breeding grounds for tech-driven startups in fields like artificial intelligence, app development, and e-commerce. Springfield’s proximity to Brisbane also makes it an attractive location for businesses seeking access to major markets while benefiting from a collaborative and cost-effective environment.
Excelling in healthcare technology
The integration of technology into healthcare is another area where Springfield shines. The Mater Private Hospital Springfield, a state-of-the-art medical facility, uses advanced technology for diagnostics, patient care, and telemedicine. The hospital collaborates with local universities and research institutions to explore innovations in health informatics and digital health. Moreover, Springfield is investing in health precincts that combine research, education, and clinical practice. These initiatives aim to address global health challenges through technological solutions, from wearable devices to AIdriven diagnostics.
Springfield’s technology park
A key contributor to Springfield’s technological prominence is its dedicated Technology Park, which hosts a mix of tech companies and research organizations.
The park fosters collaboration between academia, industry, and government, driving advancements in areas such as cybersecurity, renewable energy, and smart manufacturing.
The Technology Park also supports businesses in developing solutions for realworld challenges, aligning closely with global trends in innovation. Its strategic location and access to skilled talent make it a cornerstone of Springfield’s tech ecosystem.
Community engagement through technology
Springfield’s use of technology isn’t limited to business and education—it extends into the community. The city leverages smart applications for public services, from traffic management to waste collection, enhancing residents’ quality of life. Smart lighting, digital kiosks, and automated public transport systems are just a few examples of how Springfield integrates technology into everyday life.
Community events and workshops hosted by organizations like the Springfield Learning Coalition ensure that
residents stay informed about emerging technologies. These initiatives empower individuals to embrace and benefit from the digital age.
A model for future cities Springfield’s focus on technology serves as a blueprint for other urban centers. Its integrated approach to smart infrastructure, education, and business development showcases how technology can be harnessed to build resilient and forwardthinking communities.
The city’s success lies in its ability to balance technological advancement with sustainability and inclusivity. By fostering collaboration among residents, businesses, and institutions, Springfield has created a dynamic environment where innovation thrives.
Springfield, is more than just a city; it is a living lab for technological progress. Its contributions to the field of technology, from smart infrastructure and education to healthcare and innovation hubs, have positioned it as a leader in Australia’s digital transformation journey. As Springfield continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of technological advancement, inspiring cities around the world to follow its example.
A trailblazer in sustainable urban development
Springfield is not just a testament to visionary urban planning but also a shining example of sustainable development.
As Australia’s first privately built city, Springfield has integrated sustainability into its blueprint, becoming a model for eco-friendly living. Beyond its advancements in education and technology, Springfield’s contributions to sustainability stand as one of its greatest achievements, setting a benchmark for other urban centers worldwide.
The foundation of a green city From its inception in the 1990s, Springfield was designed with sustainability at its core. Its master plan emphasized the balance between urbanization and environmental preservation, aiming to create a livable, efficient, and green city. Today, Springfield’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its infrastructure, energy initiatives, green spaces, and community programs.
A commitment to green spaces
One of Springfield’s most notable features is its abundant green spaces. Over 30% of the city’s
2,860 hectares is dedicated to parks, nature reserves, and recreational areas. These spaces not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the city but also contribute to the well-being of its residents by promoting outdoor activities and connecting people with nature.
The Robelle Domain Parklands, spanning over 24 hectares, is the crown jewel of Springfield’s green initiatives. This vast public space features walking and cycling tracks, water play areas, and picnic spots, offering residents and visitors a sustainable way to unwind. Its innovative use of natural resources, such as recycled water for irrigation, reflects Springfield’s ecoconscious philosophy.
Energy efficiency and renewable resources
Springfield is a pioneer in adopting renewable energy solutions. The Greater Springfield community has committed to becoming a net-zero energy city by 2038, an ambitious goal that underscores its dedication to combating climate change. This initiative focuses on integrating renewable energy sources, smart
grid technologies, and energyefficient practices across the city.
The Springfield City Group, the city’s developer, has partnered with major energy companies to build solar farms and promote the use of clean energy in households and businesses. These efforts not only reduce the city’s carbon footprint but also encourage residents to embrace sustainable living.
Smart water management
Water conservation is a critical component of Springfield’s sustainability agenda. The city has implemented innovative water management systems to optimize usage and minimize waste. Recycled water is used extensively for irrigation and industrial purposes, ensuring that valuable potable water resources are preserved.
Springfield’s stormwater management systems are designed to protect local waterways and reduce flooding. By incorporating natural filtration methods, such as vegetated swales and retention basins, the city ensures that runoff is treated before it enters rivers and streams.
Sustainable transportation
Transportation is another area where Springfield excels in sustainability. The city’s urban design prioritizes walkability and cycling, with an extensive network of footpaths and bike trails. Public transport options, including bus and rail services, are seamlessly integrated into the city’s layout, reducing reliance on private vehicles.
Springfield’s proximity to the Brisbane CBD, coupled with its efficient transportation infrastructure, encourages carpooling and the use of electric vehicles. Charging stations for electric cars are strategically located throughout the city, further promoting eco-friendly commuting.
Sustainable housing and urban design
Springfield’s housing developments are a model of sustainable urban design. Homes and commercial buildings in the city incorporate energy-efficient features, such as solar panels, LED lighting, and smart home systems. The use of sustainable construction materials minimizes environmental impact while ensuring durability and costefficiency.
The city’s master plan also emphasizes mixed-use development, where residential, commercial, and recreational spaces coexist. This reduces urban sprawl and promotes a sense of community, allowing residents to live, work, and play within a compact area.
Community engagement in sustainability
Springfield’s success in sustainability is not just due to
its infrastructure but also its community-driven initiatives. Programs like tree-planting drives, recycling workshops, and sustainability awareness campaigns empower residents to take an active role in preserving the environment.
Local schools and businesses collaborate on eco-projects, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. Events like Earth Day celebrations and eco-fairs further reinforce Springfield’s commitment to creating a greener future.
A global example Springfield’s approach to sustainable development has garnered international recognition. Urban planners and policymakers from around the world visit Springfield to study its innovative practices and incorporate similar strategies in their own cities.
The city’s ability to blend rapid urbanization with environmental stewardship serves as a blueprint for future developments. By proving that growth and sustainability can coexist, Springfield inspires other communities to prioritize ecofriendly practices.
Springfield has set a remarkable example of how sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into urban planning. Its contributions to green living, renewable energy, and eco-conscious community building extend far beyond its borders, influencing cities globally. As Springfield continues to grow, its commitment to sustainability ensures that it remains not only a thriving urban center but also a beacon of hope for a greener, more sustainable future.
‘India-US have a ‘MAGA+MIGA=MEGA’ partnership for prosperity!’: PM Modi
Washington, Feb 14 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, during a joint briefing with President Donald Trump in the US, spoke about India's vision of 'Make India Great Again' (MIGA) -- a phrase inspired by Trump's signature slogan 'Make America Great Again' (MAGA).
According to PM Modi, a joint vision of 'MAGA' and 'MIGA' becomes a mega partnership for prosperity.
"The people of America are well aware of President Trump's motto 'MAGA - Make America Great Again.' The people of India too are focusing on heritage and development as they move forward at a fast pace and with a firm resolve towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047. In the language of America, it's Make India Great
Again - MIGA. When America and India work together, this MAGA plus MIGA becomes a 'mega partnership for prosperity' and it is this mega spirit that gives new scale and scope to our objectives," the PM said.
"President Trump often talks about MAGA. In India, we are working towards a Viksit Bharat, which in the American context translates into MIGA.
And together, the India-USA have a MEGA partnership for prosperity!@POTUS @ realDonaldTrump," wrote PM Modi on social media platform X.
The two leaders also announced that India and the US have set a $500 billion target for bilateral trade by 2030.
"Today, we have also set a target to increase our bilateral trade to more than double, reaching $500 billion by 2030. Our teams will work on finalising very soon a mutually beneficial trade agreement," PM Modi said, adding that the two countries are moving forward in the direction of joint
development, joint production, and transfer of technology.
"We will strengthen oil and gas trade to ensure India's energy security. In the energy infrastructure, investment will increase. In the nuclear energy sector, we spoke about deepening our cooperation, in the direction of small modular reactors.
America plays a key role in India's defence preparedness. In the coming days, new technology and equipment will increase our capacity," he said.
PM Modi also announced that Washington and New Delhi are pushing to conclude a "mutually beneficial trade agreement" in the coming days.
PM Modi, who is the fourth world leader to visit the US since Mr Trump's return to the White House, met the US President and his close aide and billionaire Elon Musk on Thursday. Their meeting came hours after Mr Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on all countries, including India.
‘We missed you a lot’, Trump tells PM Modi as old friends meet
Ahead of PM Modi's arrival, Indian flags were being put up at the White House.
Washington, Feb 14 (IANS) US President Donald Trump told Prime Minister Narendra Modi, "We missed you, we missed you a lot," as he met his friend after five years.
As he was welcomed to the White House on Thursday, PM Modi gave him a hug and told him, "It's great to see you again."
This was PM Modi's first meeting with Trump after his re-election and they picked up their bonhomie where they had left off. Later at a news conference, they referred to their long friendship and recalled their earlier meetings.
Trump said, "I am thrilled to welcome my friend Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India back to the White House."
"He is a special man," he said. He recalled PM Modi's hospitality to him and his wife Melania in India in 2020 and said he was happy to reciprocate.
The "Namaste Trump" rally hosted by PM Modi in Ahmedabad was "tremendous", he said.
PM Modi said he was expressing "my heartfelt gratitude to my friend President Trump for the grand welcome and hospitality accorded to me".
Their last meeting as President and Prime Minister was in
February 2020 when Trump visited India and he was hosted at the mammoth "Namaste Trump" rally of more than 129,000 people in Ahmedabad.
Before that, Trump joined PM Modi at the "Howdy Modi" rally of Indian Americans in Houston in 2019 when they were feted by a crowd of about 50,000 people.
As they readied for their formal talks, Trump introduced PM Modi to his Cabinet members and nominees.
Trump's adviser Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, who had met Modi earlier in the day greeted him again.
Trump welcomed PM Modi at the West Wing lobby in the White House.
US President introduced PM Modi to other officials, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) head Elon Musk.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino shared a picture of PM Modi and Trump on X.
While sharing the picture on X, Scavino said, "Behind Scenes in the West Wing lobby -- @POTUS Trump welcomes Prime Minister @NarendraModi of India to the @ WhiteHouse."
The Indian delegation including External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, and India's Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra arrived at the White House soon after PM Modi's arrival.
India rejects Trump’s offer to mediate with China
Washington, Feb 14 (IANS)
India has swiftly turned down President Donald Trump's offer to “help” mediate an end to border skirmishes with China, saying that New Delhi follows a bilateral approach to deal with issues.
“Whatever issues we have with any of our neighbours, we have always adopted a bilateral approach to dealing with these issues,” Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said at a news briefing to wrap up Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to the US to meet with President Trump after his return to the White House for a second non-consecutive second term.
Addressing a joint news conference with the Prime Minister after talks, President Trump had said, “I look at India, I do see the skirmishes on the border, which are quite vicious, and I guess they continue to go on.”
Meeting Donald Trump at the White House, PM Modi told the US President that he was delighted to see him back for a second term. He also expressed confidence that the two countries will continue to advance India-US strategic partnership with the “same bond, trust and excitement”.
“I am delighted to see you back in the White House I congratulate you on behalf of 140 crore people of India...people of India gave me an opportunity to serve as PM for the third time. In this term, I have the opportunity to work with President Trump once again for the next four years, and it is a great pleasure. I can say from my past experience of working with you in your first term, we will continue to advance India-US strategic partnership with the same bond, same trust and the same excitement,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister is among the first few world leaders to visit the United States following President Trump's inauguration. He has been invited to visit within three weeks of the new administration taking office.
Since November 2024, PM Modi and Trump have spoken on the phone twice.
EAM Jaishankar attended the inauguration ceremony of Trump as PM Modi's Special Envoy. During the visit, EAM Jaishankar also met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and participated in the QUAD Foreign Ministers' meeting in January 2025.
He added: “If I could be of help, I'd love to help because that should be stopped. That's been going on for a long time and it's quite violent. It's quite violent.”
This was not an off-the-cuff offer. Trump had offered to mediate
between India and China in his first term, as well as between India and Pakistan. India had turned him down just as politely then as on Thursday. This, however, may not be the last such remarks from the American president on this issue as he seeks to shape his legacy of being a "peacemaker".
Foreign Secretary Misri also responded at length on other issues, such as tariffs, which was a notable discordant note heard many times from Trump over the four hours that he spent with the Prime Minister.
“We've been hearing about tariffs for quite some time, and in today's discussion between the two sides, this issue came up quite normally in the talks between the two leaders,” Misri said, adding, “They both had their perspectives. But what's more remarkable is, or what's worth looking at, is the fact that we have a way forward on this issue in terms of the undertaking to discuss or start discussions on a bilateral trading agreement, and this may actually be a very good opportunity to take forward something and conclude something which was actually foreseen in the first Trump administration.”
The two sides had worked on a trade deal for Trump and PM Modi to sign during the former’s visit to India in February 2020 but the negotiators were unable to take the talks across the finish line.
Trump calls PM Modi tougher negotiator than him
Washington, Feb 14 (IANS)
President Donald Trump has called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “much tougher negotiator than him” as the two nations grapple with tariffs.
“He is a much tougher negotiator than me. He is a better negotiator than me. There is not even a contest,” Trump said at a news conference after their bilateral meeting here on Thursday at which tariffs were an important topic.
Trump, who unveiled earlier in the day a plan for a system of reciprocal tariffs, criticised India saying that it was “just about the highest tariff nation anywhere in the world”.
"It's very hard to sell into India because they have trade barriers, very strong tariffs,” said Trump, who has made the global trade
deficit of $98.4 billion that the US racked up a rallying cry in his trade war.
He threatened to impose reciprocal tariffs, mirroring what India and all other countries charge on imports from the US. “We are, right now, a reciprocal nation,” he said. "We're gonna have whatever India charges (on imports from the US), we're charging them”.
“We're just going to do it the easy way, we're just going to say whatever you charge we charge and I think that's fair for the people of the United States, and I think it's actually fair for India,” he said.
When he unveiled the reciprocal tariff plan earlier on Thursday, Trump did not set the new tariffs but only issued a memorandum asking his nominees, Howard Lutnick, for commerce secretary, and Jamieson for international trade representative to come up within 180 days a tariff plan for each country.
Speaking after the memorandum signing, Trump brought up his pet peeve with India, the Harley Davidson motorcycles.
India,
US to work on ties with ‘more speed’ now, says PM Modi
Washington, Feb 14 (IANS)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that US President Donald Trump made "immense personal contribution" strengthening the relationship between the two countries in his first term and the two sides will "work with more speed" during his second term.
President Trump called the Prime Minister "great friend of mine".
The two leaders met for the first time after President Trump's return to the White House for a second non-consecutive term with evident warmth, friendship and familiarity and referred to their close relationship and how they will use it to advance IndiaUS ties.
"You've made an immense personal contribution towards strengthening our relations, towards making them more comprehensive, and attaining unprecedented heights in our relationship," Prime Minister
Modi said through a translator referring to the President's first term and the progress made in the relationship.
"I firmly believe that in your second term we will work with even more speed."
The Prime Minister also noted for the President that he puts India's national interest ahead of everything like him.
"One thing that I deeply appreciate, and I learned from President Trump, is that he keeps the national interest supreme. And like him, I also keep the national interest of India at the top of everything else."
President Trump went on to lay out the agenda for the talks, clearly demonstrating his eagerness to pursue America's national interest in his talks with the Prime Minister.
"They're going to be purchasing a lot of our oil and gas. We have more oil and gas than any other country in the world, by far, and they need it, and we have it. And we're going to talk about trade, we're going to talk about many things, but it's really an honour to see you, and you have been my friend for a long time," Trump said.
Senior Trump administration officials told reporters earlier previewing the meeting that the two sides will resume working on a trade deal and hope to wrap it up in 2025.
"I am delighted to see you back in the White House I congratulate you on behalf of 140 crore people of India...people of India gave me an opportunity to serve as PM for the third time...in this term, I have the opportunity to work with President Trump once again for the next four years, and it is a great pleasure...I can say from my past experience of working with you in your first term, we will continue to advance India-US strategic partnership with the same bond, same trust and the same excitement," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister also talked of 'Howdi Modi' and 'Namaste Trump' events.
"I am happy that as soon as I entered this room, my friend reminded me of Ahmedabad and cricket stadium where we held a big rally and the events that we did in Ahmedabad "Namaste Trump" and "Howdi Modi" in Houston... sounding echo of those events can heard even today in India and the world," he said.
Trump gifts signed copy of his book to PM Modi, says ‘You are great’
Washington, Feb 14 (IANS) US President Donald Trump on Thursday gifted a signed copy of his book 'Our Journey Together' to Prime Minister Narendra Modi when the two leaders met at the White House.
Trump at his Oval Office welcomed PM Modi with a warm hug before settling down for the crucial talks.
"I am delighted to see you back at the White House," PM Modi told President Trump.
During this joint presser, Trump also presented a memorable photo from his 2020 historic trip to India when he visited the Taj Mahal.
PM Modi and US President Donald Trump shared a hug as the latter welcomed the former at the White House on Thursday (local time). Trump and PM Modi
warmly greeted each other and shook hands. While meeting PM Modi, Trump said, "We missed you, we missed you a lot."
As he was welcomed to the White House on Thursday, PM Modi gave him a hug and told him, "It's great to see you again."
This was PM Modi's first meeting with Trump after his re-election and they picked up their bonhomie where they had left off.
Later at a news conference, they referred to their long friendship and recalled their earlier meetings.
Trump said, "I am thrilled to welcome my friend Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India back to the White House."
"He is a special man," he said.
He recalled PM Modi's hospitality to him and his wife Melania in India in 2020 and said he was happy to reciprocate
US President introduced PM Modi to other officials, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) head Elon Musk.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff shared a picture of PM Modi and Trump on X. While sharing the picture on X, Dan Scavino said, "Behind Scenes in the West Wing lobby -- @POTUS Trump welcomes Prime Minister @
AI, trade, defence, energy, cooperation: All that PM Modi and Trump discussed
New Delhi, Feb 14 (IANS) In a significant reaffirmation of their partnership, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump highlighted the robust India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, rooted in mutual trust and shared democratic values.
During their high-profile meeting in Washington, the leaders emphasised their commitment to freedom, the rule of law, human rights, and pluralism, signalling a strong and vibrant alliance between their nations as per the press release from the Prime Minister's office.
Prime Minister Modi and President Trump during their recent meeting launched a new initiative -- the "USIndia COMPACT (Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st Century” – to drive transformative change across key pillars of cooperation.
NarendraModi of India to the @ WhiteHouse."
The Indian delegation including External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and India's Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra arrived at the White House soon after PM Modi's arrival.
Ahead of PM Modi's arrival, Indian flags were being put up at the White House. The Prime Minister is among the first few world leaders to visit the US following President Trump's inauguration. He has been invited to visit within three weeks of the new administration taking office.
Since November 2024, PM Modi and Trump have spoken on the phone twice. EAM Jaishankar attended the inauguration ceremony of Trump as PM Modi's Special Envoy.
During the visit, EAM Jaishankar also met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and participated in the QUAD Foreign Ministers' meeting in January 2025.
Ahead of his meeting with Trump at the White House, PM Modi held bilateral meetings with US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard.
"Under this initiative, they committed to a results-driven agenda with initial outcomes this year to demonstrate the level of trust for a mutually beneficial partnership," said the press release.
Defence
The leaders reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to a dynamic defence partnership spanning multiple domains. To advance defence ties further, the leaders announced plans to sign this year a new ten-year Framework for the 'US-India Major Defense Partnership' in the 21st Century.
The leaders welcomed the significant integration of USorigin defence items into India's inventory to date, including C-130J Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III, P-8I Poseidon aircraft; CH-47F Chinooks, MH-60R Seahawks, and AH-64E Apaches; Harpoon anti-ship missiles; M777 howitzers; and MQ-9Bs. The leaders determined that the US would expand defence sales and co-production with India to strengthen interoperability and defence industrial cooperation.
They also announced plans to pursue this year new procurements and co-production arrangements for "Javelin” Anti-Tank Guided Missiles and "Stryker” Infantry Combat
Vehicles in India to rapidly meet India’s defence requirements expecting completion of procurement for six additional P-8I Maritime Patrol aircraft to enhance India’s maritime surveillance reach in the Indian Ocean Region following agreement on sale terms.
Recognising that India is a Major Defence Partner with Strategic Trade Authorization-1 (STA-1) authorization and a key Quad partner, the US and India will review their respective arms transfer regulations, including International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), to streamline defence trade, technology exchange and maintenance, spare supplies and in-country repair and overhaul of US-provided defence systems.
The leaders also urged the commencement of negotiations this year for a Reciprocal Defence Procurement (RDP) agreement, aimed at better aligning their procurement systems and facilitating the mutual supply of defence goods and services. They committed to accelerating cooperation in defence technology across various domains, including space, air defence, missile systems, maritime operations, and undersea technologies. Additionally, the US announced a review of its policy regarding the release of fifth-generation fighter jets and undersea systems to India.
Building on the US-India Roadmap for Defence Industrial Cooperation and recognising the rising importance of autonomous systems, the leaders announced a new initiative - the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA)to scale industry partnerships and production in the Indo-Pacific.
The leaders welcomed a new partnership between 'Anduril Industries and Mahindra Group' on advanced autonomous technologies to co-develop and co-produce state-of-theart maritime systems and advanced AI-enabled counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to strengthen regional security, and between L3 Harris and Bharat Electronics for co-development of active towed array systems.
The leaders also pledged to elevate military cooperation across all domains – air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace – through enhanced training, exercises, and operations, incorporating the latest technologies. The leaders welcomed the forthcoming "Tiger Triumph” tri-service exercise (first inaugurated in 2019) with a larger scale and complexity to be hosted in India.
Jana Shakti is paramount: PM Modi thanks voters for BJP’s resounding victory
New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep gratitude to the people of Delhi for the BJP’s decisive victory in the Assembly elections, asserting that his government will spare no effort in enhancing the quality of life for the city's residents.
Taking to social media platform X on Saturday, the Prime Minister hailed the party workers for their relentless efforts in securing this triumph.
“I am so proud of each and every BJP karyakarta who has worked tirelessly, leading to this
outstanding result. We will work even more vigorously and serve the wonderful people of Delhi,” PM Modi said.
Emphasising the power of the people’s mandate, PM Modi stated, “Jana Shakti is paramount! Development wins, good governance triumphs. I bow to my dear sisters and brothers of Delhi for this resounding and historic mandate to BJP. We are humbled and honoured to receive these blessings.”
Reiterating his commitment to transforming the national Capital, he added, “It is our guarantee that we will leave no stone unturned in developing Delhi, improving the overall quality of life for its people, and ensuring that the city plays a pivotal role in building a Viksit Bharat.”
The BJP’s landslide victory has been seen as a strong
endorsement of the party’s governance model, policies, and leadership, with PM Modi's popularity continuing to be a driving force in electoral success.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also expressed her gratitude to Delhi’s voters for their overwhelming support to the BJP.
“Thanking the Delhi voters for reposing their faith in the BJP.
Under PM Narendra Modi’s guidance and BJP President J.P. Nadda’s leadership, we dedicate ourselves to serving the aspirations of the people of Delhi. I also deeply appreciate the hard work and dedication of every karyakarta,” Sitharaman stated.
The BJP stormed back to power in the national Capital -- for the first time in over two decades -- after routing Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party.
New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) As the BJP secured a resounding victory in the Delhi Assembly elections, winning candidates on Saturday expressed their enthusiasm and attributed their success to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the party's "double-engine" governance model.
Talking to IANS, Ashish Sood, BJP's winning candidate from Janakpuri spoke about the significance of the double-engine government.
He said, “Under Narendra Modi's leadership, the doubleengine government has come to power in Delhi. For 27 years, Delhi remained untouched by development, with the Yamuna turning into a drain and the city plagued by issues like dirty
water. But now, with PM Modi's leadership, we will free Delhi from these problems. The citizens of Janakpuri, and Delhi as a whole, are like family to me. Together, under PM Modi's guidance, we will work towards providing clean drinking water and improving the lives of Delhiites.”
Gajainder Yadav, another victorious BJP candidate from Mehrauli, hailed the win as the triumph of “Bhagwa” (the saffron flag), attributing the victory to Prime Minister Modi's public welfare initiatives.
“This victory has been made possible because of the public welfare work done by our respected PM Modi. For almost 20 years, BJP workers in Mehrauli were deprived of representation, but today, a BJP worker has become an MLA. I give full credit for this victory to the leadership of the BJP and our hardworking workers,” Yadav said.
Yadav also took a swipe at former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of
corruption and arrogance.
"Arvind Kejriwal’s arrogance and corruption stopped him. He used abusive language against our beloved Prime Minister, which hurt the people of Delhi.
This is why the people of Delhi have given him a clear message,” he added.
He further commented on Kejriwal’s previous remark that PM Modi "needs to be reborn to win in Delhi", calling him rude and offensive.
“The people of Delhi have shown that they are with PM Modi, with his vision, and with his development agenda. Those opposition parties who blame the Prime Minister should introspect, as their fate will be similar to Kejriwals," Yadav concluded.
The BJP's landslide victory in the Delhi Assembly polls has reinforced the party's dominance, with leaders praising the party's vision for the capital's future under PM Modi’s leadership.
Delhi win: PM Modi single-handedly
turned the tide in BJP’s favour
New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) The historic win for the BJP in the Delhi Assembly election not only ended its 27-year exile from power but also re-enforced the magical power of ‘Brand Modi’ and its strategic messaging which turned the tide in the party’s favour in a tough fight with Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP.
The 'Modi factor' has been consistently delivering resounding results for the BJP -- in 2024 Lok Sabha polls and Assembly elections in Haryana and Maharashtra were the latest examples of it.
“Vikas and good governance have won,” said PM Modi after the BJP won a comfortable victory on Saturday, at the end of a bitter election contest which he turned in BJP’s favour by coining the term “AAP-da” (calamity) for Kejriwal’s outfit.
There is no denying that PM Modi's popularity, which secured BJP's win in Maharashtra and Haryana, also took the BJP to the victory line in Delhi, agreed political analysts who called “Modi ki Guarantee” the biggest weapon in the party’s arsenal.
The win in Delhi which came for the first time after 1998, carries the stamp of a strong proincumbency wave in favour of Prime Minister Narendra Modiled Central government.
The Modi Effect
Between 2015 and 2020 Delhi Assembly elections, the BJP’s vote share increased from 32.3 per cent to 38.5 per cent. In the just concluded Assembly elections, the party’s vote share touched 48 per cent.
The 2020 Assembly election was the first time that the BJP supporters, along with other voters in Delhi, were voting after seeing the performance of the Narendra Modi government at the Centre after a full tenure of five years.
Pollsters believe that after the AAP and the BJP promised the same free welfare services, the differentiating factor that might have impacted the voter decision was the image of the top leaders of both the parties that is, Arvind Kejriwal for the AAP and PM Modi for the BJP.
The BJP scored over the AAP in the Modi versus Kejriwal clash due to the corruption allegations against the AAP leader, said a political analyst, adding that the anti-incumbency proved costly for the AAP.
The Modi boost to BJP’s Mission Delhi started on January 3 when he sounded the BJP's poll bugle for Assembly elections, comparing the AAP government to a calamity and unveiled the term "AAP-da" for Kejriwal’s outfit – a masterstroke that bore fruit till the last day of campaign.
In the same event in Ashok Vihar, PM Modi gave his party men the new slogan "AAPada ko hatana hai, BJP ko lana hai". This narrative superimposed the idea of change for the good, positioning the BJP as the safer choice under the ‘Modi ki Guarantee’.
The powerful messaging through this slogan added to the firepower of Brand Modi quite like the way the PM had managed to swing the popular mood in other states earlier. The slogan “Ek Hain to Safe Hain (When united, we are safe)” found the approval of voters, especially in Maharashtra and Haryana.
PM Modi’s anti-corruption call was best encapsulated in the Haryana election in his slogan on doing corruption-free work without “Kharchi, Parchi”.
In the Delhi election, PM Modi was quick to hit out at the AAP for pursuing “poisonous politics” soon after Kejriwal accused the BJP-led Haryana government of poisoning Yamuna water. Shift in voter preference
A shift in voter sentiment between Lok Sabha and Assembly elections was very crucial for the BJP’s victory in Delhi.
comeback under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi after some setbacks in the Lok Sabha polls of 2024.
Convincing victories in Haryana, Maharashtra, and now in Delhi are examples that bear testimony to the BJP's resilience.
In what is termed as a political resurgence, the BJP’s assembly poll performances signal not only a recovery from earlier setbacks but also reinforce PM Modi's position as the central figure in the politics of India.
under PM Modi
BJP’s remarkable turnaround: From LS setbacks to Haryana, Maha and Delhi victories
It is common knowledge that the BJP faced unexpected challenges during the parliamentary polls last year.
The party's performance was not as per expectations then. As a result, it left political observers questioning its dominance.
However, BJP's impressive victories later in Maharashtra and Haryana and now in Delhi busted the myth about the party losing its shine and charisma.
Ahead of the 2015 elections, the Modi government was just one year old and Delhiites hadn’t seen his performance over a long period.
The BJP’s support and vote share in this Assembly election has risen as voters were now aware of the 'Modi Magic' and his reputation for delivering on guarantees. There is no doubt that this time the Delhiites voted on Modi’s face value, just as voters did in Haryana and Maharashtra, after the Prime Minister guaranteed the continuation of all free welfare schemes being offered in the National Capital by the AAP and promised to make Delhi a global Capital or ‘Viksit Delhi’.
Many voters who thought they made the mistake of not voting for the BJP during the last two Assembly polls in 2015 and 2020 -- despite backing the party in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections -- corrected their decision in the 2025 Assembly polls.
A key reason behind this shift was the growing confidence in PM Modi’s leadership and the central government’s actions, which voters felt would contribute positively to their lives under a double-engine regime.
Interestingly, the “Modi ki Guarantee” also appealed to Muslim voters in the city with the BJP getting the support of 12-13 per cent of the electorate from the community. In the last election, the party had got support from only 3 per cent of Muslim voters.
New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) There is no gainsaying the fact that the BJP has staged a considerable
Despite flop show in Delhi, Congress takes comfort in AAP’s defeat
New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS)
Another abysmal performance by the Congress in Delhi has reconfirmed that the party has been rejected completely by the very same voters – Dalits and Muslims - who gave the party 15 years of rule from 1998 to 2013.
Political analysts believe that the Dalits, who ditched the Congress in 2008 for the AAP, have gravitated towards the BJP in this election.
On the other hand, the Muslims who deserted Congress 11 years ago did not completely vote for the AAP but preferred to stay home and not vote at all -- thus pulling down the total voting percentage to 60.54 per cent or about 2.28 percentage points lower than in 2020.
The only positive takeaway for the Congress from the Delhi Assembly election results - in
‘Example
which it failed to win any seat for the third time - is that the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) ouster will blunt Arvind Kejriwal’s challenge to Rahul Gandhi’s leadership in the INDIA bloc.
The AAP’s ouster is also likely to result in a long-term gain for the Congress if it disintegrates or gets weak over the next five years, once again taking the city to a bipolar political set-up with the BJP pitted directly with the Congress.
Despite Delhi Pradesh Congress President Devender Yadav and former MP and New Delhi seat candidate Sandeep Dikshit remaining visible during the run-up to voting, the Congress failed to get the 24 per cent vote share it managed to get in all the 70 Assembly segments during the Lok Sabha elections.
It managed to get just over 6 per cent vote share in this election.
In the 2020 Assembly elections, Congress had got 4 per cent vote share as against 10 per cent in 2015 Assembly elections.
The poor show is bound to reignite the debate on the party’s decision to fight the Assembly elections on its own, without a
tie-up with the AAP.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut claimed that if the AAP and Congress had fought the election collectively, the BJP would have been defeated.
In the final analysis, the Congress’ presence only benefitted the BJP as the contest turned into a triangular fight in some pockets.
During the counting hours, Chief Minister Atishi’s Congress challenger Alka Lamba said it wasn’t a question of her party denting the prospects of the AAP. “Those who dented the future of Delhi have been rejected,” she said.
Sandeep Dikshit also lost in the New Delhi seat, but he said only one party has won but two parties might be rejoicing.
Delhi Congress President Devender Yadav had described the tie-up with the AAP in the Lok Sabha election as a mistake.
Despite Yadav’s Delhi Nyay Yatra, which covered 650 km across 70 Assembly segments, giving a glimmer of hope to its cadre, the party however badly missed a big and charismatic leader in addition to struggling with a crisis of organisational network.
of what happens for worshipping own family’: HM Shah’s dig at Cong over Delhi poll results
New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) Home
Minister Amit Shah on Saturday sharply criticised the Congress after the grand old party again failed to win a single seat in the Delhi Assembly elections, attributing the disappointing and unimpressive performance to "worshipping its own family".
Results of the voting held on February 5 for the 70-member Delhi Assembly announced on Saturday showed the BJP getting an imposing mandate by winning
48 seats while the AAP bagged 22. The Congress, however, scored a duck. Taking to X, the former BJP president wrote: "Congress is the biggest example of what happens to a party when it starts worshipping its own family.
In Delhi, where the Congress government was in power for 15 years a decade ago, the Congress has not even opened its account in the 6 elections held since 2014.
"In this assembly election, Congress lost its deposit in 67 out of 70 seats. If Rahul Gandhi led Congress has got stability anywhere, then it has got zero (in terms of stability). This shows the condition of Congress across the country which is dedicated to
People voted for change in Delhi, says Priyanka Gandhi
Wayanad, Feb 8 (IANS) Congress General Secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday congratulated all the winners of the Delhi Assembly elections where the BJP demolished the AAP to return to power after nearly three decades, saying the people had voted for change.
She was at her constituency when the results started to trickle in and when the media approached her, she said she would react later.
As the BJP romped easily to victory, Priyanka Gandhi was candid in her reaction.
"It was very obvious, right from the start of the campaign as we got to know from the people that they were looking for a change in Delhi. People wanted change and they have voted for change. I congratulate the winners and for the rest of us, we have to work harder," she said.
The BJP was on course to win 48 of the 70 seats, while the AAP was ahead in 22 seats, but the
Congress, like in the past two elections, failed to open their account in the national capital. Incidentally, when the counting of votes began, the Congress was leading in two seats, but as the day progressed, that also fizzled out.
While Kejriwal ruled the roost in Delhi and with his party flying high, Kerala also saw a unit of the Aam Aadmi Party open with a bang.
The AAP unit saw leading lights from the civil society coming forward to join and it went on to include more apolitical personalities drawn from a crosssection of the state.
But with the passing of time, internal strife broke out in the Kerala unit and it has now virtually become a non-entity. However, Kejriwal found support from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as both of them had common enemies - the Congress and the BJP.
When Vijayan and his entire cabinet staged a protest in the national capital against the sidelining of the state by the Centre, Kejriwal’s presence in the meeting became big news. Now with Kejriwal and his party routed, Vijayan might feel the pinch more than the Congress.
All parties relied on women factor to win Delhi but they affirmed faith in ‘Modi ki guarantee’
the service of one family." Earlier, reacting to the Delhi Assembly election results, Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, said on Saturday that he humbly accepts the mandate of Delhi, asserting that the “fight for the rights of Delhiites will continue”. Taking to X, the Congress leader wrote, "We humbly accept the mandate of Delhi. Heartfelt thanks to all the Congress workers of the state for their dedication and all the voters for their support. This fight for the progress of Delhi and the rights of Delhiites – against pollution, inflation and corruption – will continue."
Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) In the run-up to the Delhi Assembly elections, financial assistance and aid to women voters turned out to be a rallying point, which all political parties, from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to the Opposition including BJP and Congress tried to exploit to woo them for winning the elections.
AAP supremo announced the Mahila Samman Yojana, under which a Rs 1,000 monthly allowance was to be provided to the women members of poor families and also promised to hike this amount to Rs 2,100 if the AAP was voted to power again.
BJP and Congress were quick to announce similar schemes for women in their respective manifestoes, promising Rs 2,500 monthly assistance under the Mahila Samridhi scheme and Pyari Didi Yojana respectively. However, it was the BJP’s poll promise backed by ‘Modi ki guarantee’ that resonated with
the women electorate on the ground, prompting them to jettison the AAP and rally behind the party in the Delhi elections.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated from many platforms that all the ‘freebies’ being availed by Delhiites will be continued under the BJP government and it will go a step ahead in making their lives easier by providing clean water, pucca houses to slum dwellers and more.
On the other hand, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal stated multiple times, apparently to warn the voters, that if BJP comes to power in the capital, all their ‘revdis’ will be cancelled.
The open enticement of women voters, youth, slum-dwellers and more was for everyone to see. However, the people of Delhi believed in the ‘Modi ki guarantee’. A ‘silent revolution’ worked in BJP’s favour, feel political watchers, though much of it was also gauged by the polling agencies.
Notably, more than 46 per cent of Delhi's registered voters i.e. around 71 lakh are women.
In the 2020 elections, the AAP was understood to have swept nearly 60 per cent of women's votes while BJP managed to get only 35 per cent.
New
How YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia landed in legal trouble over vulgar remark
New Delhi, Feb 10 (IANS) YouTuber-podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, popularly known as BeerBiceps, has landed in controversy as well as legal trouble over his remarks on comedian Samay Raina's show 'India's Got Latent', sparking outrage and legal trouble. Allahbadia, who has over 3 million followers on Instagram and boasts over one crore followers on YouTube, has hosted high-profile guests like actress Priyanka Chopra, singer Karan Aujla, and ISRO Chairman Dr S. Somanath, is now facing huge backlash for his comments made on Raina's show.
The uproar has led to a legal complaint against both Allahbadia and Raina, along with the show's organisers.
During a recent episode, which featured content creators Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, and Apoorva Mukhija (known as The Rebel Kid), Allahbadia posed a highly controversial question to a contestant:
"Would you rather watch your parents have sex every day for the rest of your life or join in once and stop it forever?"
This remark, along with the general tone of the show, has triggered outrage, resulting in a formal complaint filed with the Mumbai Police Commissioner and the National Commission for Women. The complainant has
demanded strict action against all involved.
The complaint letter accuses Allahbadia, Raina, and others of using abusive language and making obscene comments about women on the show.
It states: "Complaint letter for registering an FIR against the serious crime of earning money under the guise of popularity through the online portal India's Got Latent by Samay Raina, Ranveer Allahbadia, Apoorva, and other co-accused, deliberately laughing and using obscene words regarding private parts of women, making obscene comments, and hurting their dignity."
The complainant termed one of the incidents as "very sensitive" and accused the show's organisers and judges of committing a "criminal act by deliberately broadcasting content that degrades women's dignity with the aim of gaining popularity and earning money through YouTube."
The letter further alleged that the show spreads "obscene thoughts in the minds of minors."
The complaint calls for an immediate FIR against the show's organisers and a crackdown on similar controversial content. Many social media users joined the outrage, demanding the cancellation of India's Got Latent and a boycott of both Raina and Allahbadia.
Soon after the controversy erupted, hashtags like #RanveerAllahbadia, #SamayRaina, and #Boycott began trending on X.
Raina's show is well-known among Gen-Z for its dark humour. However, lewd comments made by Allahbadia shocked both the audience and the other judges present.
One user recalled Allahbadia's recent recognition by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the National Creators Award, writing: "Receiving an award from the Prime Minister, interviewing ministers… and now this?"
Another user slammed the show, stating: "This crap show should end. Sex jokes, vulgar language, racism, North-South hate -everything is being promoted under the guise of dark humour."
A clip from the show was also shared widely, with a user writing: "Save future generations. Influencers like #SamayRaina & #RanveerAllahbadia are negatively impacting youth and distorting India's cultural values. Let's promote content that respects our heritage."
Some users called on Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to take action against the show, while others expressed disappointment over Raina's recent appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati alongside Tanmay Bhat, Bhuvan Bam, and Kamiya Jani. A user remarked: "Amitabh Bachchan should be ashamed of bringing such faces to KBC."
This is not the first time India's Got Latent has courted controversy. Just last week, a case was reportedly filed against a contestant from Arunachal Pradesh over remarks related to dog meat.
Govt school teacher arrested for sexually abusing ten girl students in Tamil Nadu
Chennai, Feb 9 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Police have arrested a science teacher at a government school in Yercaud, Salem, on the charges of sexually abusing ten female students.
The accused, Ilayakannu (37), was arrested by Yercaud police on Friday night and charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act. Ilayakannu, who taught science to students in classes 10 and 12, allegedly assaulted ten girls.
The incident came to light when one of the victims gathered the
courage to inform the school's headmistress and demanded action against the teacher.
The headmistress immediately reported the matter to officials of the Education Department and the District Child Protection Unit. Following this, a team visited the school and enquired the students. Preliminary inquiries confirmed that the teacher had abused ten students. Based on the complaint filed by the District Child Protection Unit, the Kondalampatti All Women's Police Station registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) Act and arrested Ilayakannu. Further investigations are underway.
In a similar incident in Krishnagiri District recently, three government school teachers were arrested for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl at Panchayat Union Middle School in Bargur, Krishnagiri district.
Pulwama attack anniversary: Coming generations will never forget their sacrifice, says PM Modi
New Delhi, Feb 14 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday led the nation in paying tributes to the CRPF personnel who lost their lives in a terror attack on their convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on this day in 2019.
"Homage to the courageous heroes we lost in Pulwama in 2019. The coming generations will never forget their sacrifice and their unwavering dedication to the nation," PM Modi wrote in a post on X.
Union Minister Amit Shah also paid a heartfelt tribute to the soldiers who were martyred in the 'cowardly terrorist attack in Pulwama'.
Taking this to social media platform X, HM Shah wrote in a post (in Hindi), "On behalf of the grateful nation, I pay my heartfelt tribute to the soldiers who were martyred in the cowardly terrorist attack in Pulwama on this day in the year 2019. Terrorism is the biggest enemy of the entire human race and the
whole world has united against it. Be it a surgical strike or an air strike, the Modi government is determined to completely destroy the terrorists by running a campaign with a 'zero tolerance' policy against them."
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid homage to the brave CRPF personnel who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
"On this day in 2019, India lost our brave CRPF personnel in a gruesome terrorist attack in Pulwama. Their sacrifice for the nation will never be forgotten. I pay homage to them and offer unwavering support to their families. India stands united in honouring their valor and we remain resolute in our fight against terrorism," the Defence Minister wrote in a post on X. February 14, 2025 marks five years of the deadly Pulwama terror attack that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel on duty.
In 2019, a suicide bomber targeted a convoy carrying soldiers on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. The attack claimed the lives of 40 soldiers, and more than 35 were injured, making it one of the most gruesome terror attacks in history. This tragic event shook the nation and serves as a reminder of the supreme sacrifices made by soldiers.
Andhra industrialist stabbed 73 times by grandson over property dispute
The crime, which occurred in early January, only came to light on February 3 when schoolteachers visited the girl's home to enquire about her prolonged absence.
During their visit, the girl disclosed the sexual assault, which reportedly occurred inside a toilet on the school campus. Following her revelation, the school's headmistress and the Block Education Officer filed a complaint, leading to the arrest of the three accused teachers on February 4.
Krishnagiri District Collector Dhinesh Kumar confirmed that the girl is being provided mental health support by psychiatrists.
Superintendent of Police P. Thangadurai stated that the police and Child Welfare Committee visited the girl at her home before taking her to a One-Stop Centre at Krishnagiri Government Medical College Hospital for support.
Hyderabad, Feb 9 (IANS) Andhra industrialist Velamati Chandrasekhar Janardhan Rao’s grandson Keerthi Teja has been arrested for his brutal murder over a property dispute, police said on Sunday.
Janardhan Rao, the head of the Veljan Group of Companies, was murdered at his residence in Hyderabad on Thursday night. The incident came to light late on Saturday after police arrested the accused kin.
His US-returned grandson Keerthi Teja allegedly stabbed him with a knife 73 times after a heated argument over property.
Janardhan Rao, 86, who hailed from Eluru in Andhra Pradesh, has been living at his residence in Somajiguda here for the last few months.
He had recently appointed his eldest daughter’s son, Srikrishna as Director of Veljan Group and transferred shares worth Rs 4 crore to Keerthi Teja, son of his second daughter Sarojini Devi. According to police, Sarojini Devi and her son visited Janardhan
Rao’s residence on Thursday. There was an argument between Janrdhan Rao and Keethi Teja over the distribution of property. Accusing his grandfather of unfair treatment, Keerthi Teja allegedly took out a knife he had brought with him and stabbed Rao repeatedly. The 29-year-old stabbed Rao as many as 73 times resulting in his death on the spot. Sarojini Devi, who had gone into the kitchen to bring tea, returned upon hearing the commotion and tried to intervene. Keerthi also allegedly attacked her and she sustained four stab wounds. The accused also threatened the security guard, who had witnessed the murder, and fled the scene.
Panjagutta police on Saturday registered a case of murder and began an investigation. They arrested the accused, who recently returned from the US after completing his Master’s degree. He was subsequently produced before a court, which sent him to judicial custody.
Police suspect that the accused may be a drug addict. They were conducting further investigation. Rao was also known for philanthropic work. He had made huge donations to the Government General Hospital in Eluru and to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD).
PM Modi chairs WAVES advisory board meeting to position India as global entertainment hub
New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has chaired an extensive meeting of the Advisory Board of WAVES via video conference to position India as a global entertainment hub in the world.
The Prime Minister engaged in a virtual interaction with top professionals and industry leaders from India and around the world, who are part of the Advisory Board of the WAVES Summit.
WAVES is a global summit that brings together the world of entertainment, creativity, and culture, the Prime Minister's Office said on Friday in an official statement.
In a post on X, he wrote:
"Just concluded an extensive meeting of the Advisory Board of WAVES, the global summit that brings together the world of entertainment, creativity and culture. The members of the Advisory Board are eminent individuals from different walks of life, who not only reiterated their support but also shared valuable inputs on how to further enhance our efforts to make India a global entertainment hub."
WAVES 2025 is being organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to celebrate and amplify India's creative and media economy.
As part of the Waves Summit, being held from February 5 to 9, 2025, the Ministry is also launching the Create in India Challenge, Season 1, which will feature several 'challenges' aimed at fostering innovation and creativity. The Summit has brought together industry
Emotional
leaders, stakeholders, and innovators. The Summit was earlier supposed to be held alongside the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa in November.
PM Modi on Friday interacted with top professionals from India and around the world who are part of the Advisory Board of the WAVES Summit.
He engaged in virtual discussions with actors such as Amitabh Bachchan, Diljit Dosanjh, Rajinikanth, Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Chiranjeevi, Anil Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, and Anupam Kher, as well as music composer AR Rahman.
The Prime Minister also interacted with business leaders, including Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and Mahindra & Mahindra Chairperson Anand Mahindra, among others.
In December 2024, Prime Minister Modi announced the launch of the World Audio Visual Entertainment (WAVES) Summit, calling it a crucial step toward making India a global content creation hub.
He urged young professionals in the creative industry to join the summit, scheduled for next year.
"Next year, for the first time, the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit i.e. WAVES is going to be organised in our country. At the WAVES summit, giants from the media and entertainment industry and people from the creative world will come to India.
This summit is an important step towards making India a hub of global content creation. I feel proud to tell you that in this summit young creators are also participating in this," PM Modi said in his address during the 117th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat'.
He also said that the creator
economy is bringing new energy as India moves toward becoming a five trillion-dollar economy.
He urged India's entire entertainment and creative industry to be part of the WAVES summit.
"When we are moving towards a five trillion-dollar economy, our creator economy is bringing in a new energy. I would urge the entire entertainment and creative industry of India - whether you are a young creator or an established artist, associated with Bollywood or regional cinema, a professional from the TV industry, an expert in animation, gaming, or an innovator in entertainment technology - to be a part of the WAVES Summit," PM Modi said.
The inaugural edition of WAVES - International Animation Filmmakers Competition (AFC) has emerged as a groundbreaking initiative, offering a global platform for creators across animation, VFX, AR-VR, and virtual production, according to a press statement from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Launched on September 8, 2024, as part of the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES), the competition has attracted participants and industry leaders, solidifying its reputation as a premier platform for creative storytelling and technological innovation.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has partnered with Dancing Atoms for the Animation Filmmakers Competition, the flagship event of the upcoming WAVES Summit.
This historic collaboration marks the beginning of "Create in India Season 1," paving the way for a new era in India's creative industry.
reunion at Maha Kumbh: Daughters travel from US to fulfil father’s wish of ‘Sangam Snan’
Mahakumbh Nagar, Feb 9 (IANS)
The grandeur and spiritual essence of Mahakumbh 2025 are beyond words.
Devotees from across the world are gathering at Prayagraj's sacred Sangam, immersing themselves in the eternal traditions of Sanatan culture.
While the event is a spectacle of faith, it is also witnessing deeply emotional moments that are leaving everyone moved.
One such heartfelt story emerged on social media platform X when
two daughters traveled all the way from California to fulfill their 85-year-old father's wish of taking a holy dip at the Sangam.
On his birthday, when asked about his wish, he simply said, "I have everything, but if you ask, I wish to bathe in the Ganga during Kumbh."
Determined to make his dream come true, his daughters undertook the long journey to India, bringing him to Prayagraj. Despite the exhaustion, their happiness knew no bounds upon seeing their father's joy after the sacred dip.
As the daughters shared the emotional moment on social media, it received overwhelming support from the netizens. The social media applauded the daughters who travelled from the US to Prayagraj to fulfill their
US deportation: Punjab Police register eight FIRs against travel agents
Chandigarh, Feb 10 (IANS) In a major crackdown on fraudulent immigration consultants exploiting innocent individuals, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Punjab Police on Monday said it has taken action to dismantle the multinational human trafficking nexus operating in the region.
This action pertains to the Indians who had been deported from the US and had landed in Amritsar.
Punjab Police has recorded statements against travel agents who defrauded them with false promises of illegal entry into the US.
Acting on complaints from victims, Punjab Police have registered a total of eight first information reports (FIRs), including two in district police, and six in the NRI Affairs Wing of the Punjab Police, against travel agents based on the statements of deportees.
The SIT being headed by ADGP NRI Affairs Praveen Sinha, and consisting of ADGP Internal
Security Shive Kumar Verma, IGP Provisioning Dr S Boopathi and DIG Border Range Range Satinder Singh, is closely monitoring the investigation and ensuring that all actions are carried out effectively and with due diligence.
Senior police officials have personally met the returnees to address their grievances and assure them of due process of law. Commissioners of Police (CPs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) from various districts and commissionerates are working tirelessly in coordination with the SIT to bring these offenders to justice.
DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav reaffirmed the Punjab Police’s commitment to act against the chain of fraudulent immigration networks and end the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
He emphasised that the SIT is dedicated to ensuring accountability and legal action against those responsible for illegal human trafficking. The Punjab Police urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any fraudulent immigration activities to the authorities.
The Punjab Police remains steadfast in its mission to protect the rights of its people and prevent further exploitation by unscrupulous agents.
PM Modi to inaugurate train to Valley on Feb 17
father's wish of 'Sangam Snan'.
A user commented, "Your father is truly fortunate to have such wonderful daughters. You traveled half the world to fulfill his wish -- stay safe and embrace the divinity of Mahakumbh."
Another shared a personal experience, saying, "Fulfilling our parents' wishes is the greatest blessing. I felt the same when I took mine to Kashi and Ayodhya."
A foreigner added, "Indian families are incredible. The world calls the West 'developed' and India 'developing', but I believe it's the other way around."
Mahakumbh 2025 continues to be a melting pot of faith and emotions, where devotion knows no boundaries and stories of love and sacrifice inspire millions.
Jammu, Feb 11 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the train to Kashmir Valley on February 17 to fulfil the over 70-year-old dream of a rail service to the landlocked valley.
With its commercial inauguration by PM Modi, the Vande Bharat train will chug on the most ambitious railway project ever built in India and one of the most difficult and challenging tracks in the world.
The Udhampur-SrinagarBaramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project is a technological marvel that includes India’s first cable-stayed Anji Khad Bridge that has a 331-metre high pylon.
The Chenab Railway Bridge is the tallest railway bridge in the world, standing 359 metres above the river bed. This bridge is also the world’s highest arch bridge.
The USBRL includes over two dozen small and large tunnels
that make the journey shorter for the Vande Bharat train, which has been designed with climate-friendly technology. Its air-brake system is optimised for maximum efficacy in sub-zero temperatures.
The train will have fully air-conditioned coaches, automatic plug doors, mobile charging sockets, facility to order food and many more, including a special defrosting mechanism for the driver’s windshield.
While inaugurating the Sonamarg tunnel, PM Modi had promised the people of Jammu and Kashmir that he would soon make the dream of a rail link between the Valley and the rest of the country a reality.
With an all-weather rail link, the uncertainties of climate affecting the present Jammu-Srinagar National Highway will become a thing of the past.
The train to Kashmir Valley will boost tourism, horticulture, industries, education and also benefit citizens.
The train will take a travel time of 13 hours from Delhi to Srinagar.
Majority of Australians believe migration too high, oppose cutting student intake: survey
Canberra, Feb 5 (IANS) A majority of Australians think the country's migrant intake is too high but oppose cutting international student numbers, a survey has found.
The survey of more than 5,000 people, which was undertaken by researchers from the Australian National University (ANU), found that 52.9 per cent of Australians believe immigration to the country is too high.
Just over one-third of respondents said that Australia's current migrant intake is "about right" and 4.5 per cent said the
country should accept more immigrants, with 7.7 per cent unsure.
The same survey found that 57.6 per cent of respondents said that there should either be no change or an increase in Australia's international student intake. Migration is expected to be a major policy issue in Australia's general election, which must be held by May.
The ANU survey found that respondents' attitudes on migration changed when given new information, Xinhua news agency reported.
People who were told a positive narrative about how migrants can solve Australia's housing crisis were 4.5 per cent more likely to support migration overall, Leng said.
Those who were told negative
messages about high migration corresponding with higher housing prices were more likely to say migration to Australia is too high.
Overseas migration to Australia had hit a record high in the 202223 financial year due to a surge in temporary visa holders entering the country.
Of the migrant arrivals in 202223, 554,000 or 75 per cent were on temporary visas, including 283,000 international students. India was the most prominent country of birth for arrivals in 2022-23, accounting for 14.3 per cent of the total, followed by China, the Philippines, Australia and the UK.
The median age of migrant arrivals was 27 years and for departures it was 33.
Australian police seize 41 kg of cocaine found in containers at Sydney port
Sydney, Feb 10 (IANS) Australian police have seized more than 40 kg of cocaine found in refrigerated containers imported into Sydney.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force (ABF) said on Monday that about 41 kg of cocaine was found in the containers that arrived at Sydney's Port Botany from Chile and Belgium in January. They said that officers have observed a recent drug import trend where cocaine is hidden by criminal syndicates in
refrigerated containers used by legitimate businesses to import goods.
Once the container has arrived in Sydney, local members of the syndicates attempt to break into the docks or other storage areas to recover the drugs.
The AFP and ABF said in a joint statement that there has been a significant increase in the use of the tactic since April 2023 and that they are now actively targeting refrigerated containers arriving in Sydney.
They said that more than one tonne of cocaine has been seized in total from the containers since 2023, as well as tracking devices used by organised crime gangs to monitor and identify the containers.
"Both agencies hold grave concerns the practice will result
in harm to the safety and security of innocent workers at the facilities where criminals try to retrieve drugs to then sell onto the community," the AFP and ABF said, Xinhua news agency reported.
AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty said that investigators would "follow every lead" to track the origins of the seized cocaine and are working with international partners to identify the crime syndicates.
Four men who have pleaded guilty to accessing refrigerated containers concealing cocaine over a separate incident will be sentenced by a court later in February.
Anyone convicted of importing a commercial quantity of more than two kg of cocaine into Australia faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Police investigating after teenager with gunshot wound arrives at Sydney hospital
Police in Australia's state of
Saturday that officers were
the 17-year-old presented to the emergency department with a gunshot wound to his right leg.
The 17-year-old male, whose injuries were not considered lifethreatening, was accompanied by an 18-year-old man. Both men refused to assist the officers with inquiries, NSW Police said.
Police attempted to arrest the 18-year-old for concealing an offence when he allegedly assaulted two officers, injuring one.
He was taken to a nearby police station where he allegedly "made a number of threats towards officers."
Leading Australian expert calls for urgent action to reduce impacts of climate change
Sydney, Feb 13 (IANS) Australia and other high-emissions countries must take drastic climate action following a recordbreaking year in 2024, a worldleading expert has said.
Mark Howden, director of the Institute for Climate, Energy and Disaster Solutions (ICEDS) at the Australian National University (ANU), on Thursday said that global greenhouse gas emissions must be cut rapidly to prevent the impacts of climate change from becoming irreversible.
In comments released ahead of his final annual State of the Climate address, Howden - who will step down as ICEDS director 10 years later in 2025 - said that Australia has the natural resources and means to become a global leader in renewable energy and climate adaptation, reports Xinhua news agency.
He said that the world "is paying the price of the escalating impacts" of climate change after
average global temperatures exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels for the first time in 2024.
"Not only was 2024 the hottest year on record, but each of the last 10 years is the hottest 10 years on record - the change is unrelenting," Howden, who is also vice-chair of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), said on Thursday.
"Record heat is dramatically changing how water moves around the planet, accelerating the global water cycle and amplifying climate extremes."
He said that the world has reached "uncharted territory" and that with that territory comes new and larger risks from climate extremes.
Howden said that Australia is not implementing its options to adapt to climate change and lessen the risks to the extent that the country could or rationally should.
Additionally, another research has found that the behaviour of Australia's crocodiles is changing as their body temperature increases with global warming.
Australian research discovers brain swelling in long Covid, chronic fatigue patients
Sydney, Feb 11 (IANS) Patients with Long Covid and chronic fatigue tend to have swelling in an area of the brain associated with memory and concentration, according to a study published on Tuesday.
The 18-year-old was charged with six offences, including assaulting a police officer, hindering or resisting arrest and three counts of intimidating a police officer. Police seized a vehicle that they believe was used by the males to attend the hospital and commenced an investigation into the shooting, Xinhua news agency reported.
Anyone with information about the incident has been urged to contact police.
Earlier this week, Police in South Australia (SA) said that it has established a new task force to combat violent crimes committed by youth gangs.
Researchers from Griffith University in Australia used an ultra-high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine to analyse how long Covid and myalgic encephalomyelitis -also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) -- similarly impact brain structure, Xinhua news agency reported.
The research involved 17 long Covid patients, 29 CFS patients, and 15 people with neither condition. The team identified significantly larger hippocampus volume in long Covid and CFS patients compared to healthy individuals.
The hippocampus is a small but important part of the brain that helps with learning and converting short-term memories into long-term memories, as well as verbal and spatial memory.
The research, published in the scientific journal PLOS ONE, found that hippocampal volume was similar among long Covid and CFS patients and that hippocampal swelling was linked to symptom severity in both groups.
Kiran Thapaliya, lead author of the new study, said that the findings show that hippocampal impairment in long Covid and CFS patients "may play a significant role in cognitive difficulties such as memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and delayed responses to questions or conversations."
He said that the larger volume could be caused by neurogenesis -- the process by which new cells are formed in the brain -- or by a virus in the brain.
Further, the study also found the size of the hippocampus was associated with symptom severity in both patient groups.
People with high hippocampus volume had “impaired concentration, unrestorative sleep, pain, and fatigue," Thapaliya said.
The researchers noted that the overlap between CFS and long Covid may pave the way for exploring potential treatments for both conditions.
Sydney, Feb 8 (IANS) Sydney police have launched an investigation after a teenager arrived at a hospital with a gunshot wound.
New South Wales (NSW) said on
called to a hospital in Bankstown, about 18 km southwest of central Sydney, on Friday night when
Iran’s Supreme Leader meets top Hamas leaders in Tehran
Tehran, Feb 8 (IANS) Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei met here on Saturday with visiting top Hamas leaders, during which the two sides discussed the developments in Gaza, among others.
According to a statement released by Khamenei's website, the Iranian leader received Mohammad Darwish, Chairman of Hamas's Shura Council, Khalil
al-Hayya, acting Hamas leader, and Zaher Jabarin, Hamas leader in the West Bank, among other officials.
Khamenei described the ceasefire agreement reached between Hamas and Israel in Gaza last month as a "great achievement," and called on the Muslim world and all "supporters of the resistance" to help reduce the pain and sufferings of Gazans, the statement showed.
Iranians have no doubt about defending Palestine and supporting the Palestinian people, he said, adding, "The issue of Palestine is a main matter for us and Palestine's victory is a
definite issue."
Khamenei also dismissed US threats against Iran, saying they have no impact on the mindset of the Iranian people, Xinhua news agency reported.
According to the statement, the Hamas officials briefed Khamenei on the latest situation in Gaza and the West Bank and "the victories and successes that were achieved," and praised Iran and its people for their constant support.
The visit to Tehran is the third leg of a regional tour by the Hamas delegation, with the previous two to Egypt and Turkey.
Trump ‘determined’ to implement ‘revolutionary’ Gaza takeover plan: Israeli PM
Jerusalem, Feb 10 (IANS) Israel is discussing US President Donald Trump's "revolutionary, creative vision" on the Gaza Strip, the one that Trump is "very determined to implement," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
Trump's plan "opens up many possibilities for us," Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting after his return from Washington to Israel, according to a statement released
by Netanyahu's office.
"For an entire year, we have been told that the 'day after' (in Gaza) must involve the PLO (the Palestine Liberation Organization), the Palestinian Authority ... President Trump has presented a completely different vision, one that is much better for the State of Israel," Netanyahu said.
According to the statement, Netanyahu and Trump have agreed on achieving all of Israel's war objectives, including "eliminating" Hamas, releasing all Israeli hostages, ensuring Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel, and returning displaced Israeli residents, Xinhua news agency reported.
Another war objective of Israel
is to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, Netanyahu added.
During a joint press conference in Washington with Netanyahu on Tuesday, Trump said the US plans to "take control of the Gaza Strip," move Palestinians to neighbouring countries, and redevelop the coastal enclave.
On Thursday, Netanyahu suggested during an interview with Israel's Channel 14 that "Saudis can establish a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia; they have plenty of land there."
Both Trump's and Netanyahu's remarks have sparked regional and international outcry, with many countries voicing their rejection of displacing Palestinians from their homeland and their support for the twostate solution.
Trudeau says Trump’s threat to annex Canada ‘real’
Ottawa, Feb 8 (IANS) Canadian
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said that US President Donald Trump's threat to annex Canada "is a real thing," media reported.
According to a CBC News report, Trudeau told business leaders on Friday at the Canada-US Economic Summit in Toronto that it would be motivated by the access to Canada's critical minerals.
"Trump has it in mind that the easiest way to do it is absorbing our country and it is a real thing," Trudeau was quoted as saying. The Prime Minister went on to say that Trump is driven because the US could benefit from Canada's critical mineral resources, Xinhua news agency reported.
Trudeau made the remarks after delivering an opening address to the summit Friday morning, outlining the key issues facing the country when it comes to Canada's trading relationship with the US, CTV News reported.
The Canadian PM said Canada needs both a tactical response to Trump's tariff threats in the short term, as well as a strategy for dealing with a less cooperative US in the long term.
In an interview with CNN before Trump's inauguration, Trudeau said that Trump's comments about turning Canada into the United States' 51st state are just a distraction from the consequences of Trump's tariff threats.
Trump’s threat to make Canada the 51st state a distraction from tariff fallout, Trudeau said.
Egypt to host emergency Arab summit on Palestine on Feb 27
Cairo, Feb 9 (IANS) Egypt announced on Sunday that Cairo will host an emergency Arab summit on February 27 to address the latest developments concerning the Palestinian issue and the Gaza Strip, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The summit was decided to be held after Egypt's highlevel consultations with Arab nations, including Palestine, which requested the summit, and coordination with Bahrain, the current chair of the Arab League (AL) summit and the AL Secretariat, according to the statement.
The announcement followed controversial remarks by US President Donald Trump suggesting the relocation of Palestinians from Gaza to neighbouring countries, including Egypt and Jordan. The proposal has been widely rejected both regionally and internationally, Xinhua news agency reported.
During a joint press conference in Washington with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, Trump said that the US planned to assume control of Gaza and redevelop it after relocating its Palestinian residents.
Trump has previously floated similar proposals, which
both Egypt and Jordan have explicitly rejected, reaffirming their opposition to any forced displacement of Palestinians.
Arab states have rejected Trump's recent comments about relocating Gaza's residents and creating a "Riviera of the Middle East" there, as have Palestinian leaders.
Trump proposed this on Tuesday when he met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington D.C.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Friday, Trump said he viewed the proposal as "a real estate transaction, where we'll be an investor in that part of the world". He added that he was in "no rush to do anything".
Several countries also condemned a suggestion by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu -that Saudi Arabia has enough land for a Palestinian state.
Netanyahu appeared to be joking in response to a slip by an Israeli TV interviewer, but his words reverberated through the region at a time when tensions are running high.
Over the past few days, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty made a series of phone calls with several Arab counterparts to mass regional efforts in a bid to thwart the US proposal of displacing the Palestinian people.
Upon directives from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Abdelatty phoned the Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, Iraq, Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania, and Sudan.
No one has power to displace Palestinians: Turkish President
He added that Canada becoming another US state was "not going to happen".
The Trump administration last week announced to impose tariffs on imports from Canada, and Canada hit back with 25-per cent tariffs on 155 billion Canadian dollars ($107 billion) worth of American goods.
The two countries then paused the proposed tariffs for at least 30 days.
Trump has said if Canada wants to avoid steep tariffs it could become the 51st US state.
However, after Trudeau made commitments to bolster security at Canada's border, Trump announced on Monday a pause on the proposed tariffs for at least a month. After a call with Trump, Trudeau said Canada would be implementing its previously announced $1.3 billion border plan, as well as committing to appointing a "fentanyl czar" and listing cartels as terrorists.
Istanbul, Feb 10 (IANS) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that no one has the power to displace Palestinians from their homeland.
"No one has the power to expel Gazans from their ancient and eternal homeland. Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem all belong to the Palestinians," Erdogan told a press conference on Sunday at Ataturk Airport before departing for a threenation Asia tour.
Despite the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, "we see that the Israeli government has more sinister and inhuman plans in mind," Erdogan said.
"Under the pressure of the Zionist lobby, the new US administration's suggestions regarding Gaza have no merit or
value for us," he added.
During a joint press conference in Washington with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump said the United States plans to "take control of the Gaza Strip," move Palestinians to neighbouring countries, and redevelop the coastal enclave, Xinhua news agency reported.
“The Gaza Strip would be turned over to the United States by Israel at the conclusion of fighting,” Trump wrote, insisting that no US soldiers would be needed to gain control of the region.
“The Palestinians, people like Chuck Schumer, would have already been resettled in far safer and more beautiful communities, with new and modern homes, in the region,” the president added.
On Thursday, Netanyahu suggested during an interview with Israel's Channel 14 that "Saudis can establish a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia; they have plenty of land there."
Afrikaner groups in South Africa reject Trump’s resettlement offer
Johannesburg, Feb 10 (IANS)
Organisations representing Afrikaners in South Africa have said that they will not accept US President Donald Trump's offer of resettlement in the United States. These Afrikaner organisations, including Solidarity and AfriForum, held a media briefing on Saturday in Pretoria to respond to Trump's executive order issued on Friday, which accused South Africa of "seizing ethnic minority Afrikaners' agricultural property," and offered Afrikaners the opportunity to seek refugee status in America. In a telephone interview on Sunday, Kallie Kriel, chief executive officer of the Afrikaner lobby group AfriForum, told Xinhua that representatives of Afrikaners would be traveling
to the US to meet with Trump's administration later this month.
When asked about the alleged "land confiscation," Kriel said the situation had occurred but was not done by the government.
"Land grabs are carried out by politically motivated people. The reason the government should be blamed is that they don't take this seriously or stop it," Kriel said.
On Saturday, South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) expressed concern over the Trump executive order to cut financial assistance to the country.
The United States allocated nearly $440 million in assistance to South Africa in 2023, according to US media reports.
The row between the two countries began earlier this week when Trump threatened to withdraw funding for South Africa due to the recently signed Expropriation Act, which allows public institutions to expropriate land in the public interest, Xinhua news agency reported.
"It is of great concern that the foundational premise of this order lacks factual accuracy and fails to recognize South Africa's profound and painful history of
colonialism and apartheid," the DIRCO said in a statement.
"We are concerned by what seems to be a campaign of misinformation and propaganda aimed at misrepresenting our great nation. It is disappointing to observe that such narratives seem to have found favour among decision-makers in the United States of America," the statement added.
The statement also described as "ironic" that the US government is offering the "most economically privileged" Afrikaners refuge in their country while simultaneously deporting people from other nations and asylumseekers.
In the executive order, the US administration said that it cannot support the South African government's alleged human rights violations and directed its agencies to halt aid to South Africa while offering refugee status to Afrikaner farmers.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday dismissed claims that the Expropriation Act was aimed at seizing land and expressed willingness to engage with the Trump administration on land reform policies and other bilateral issues.
India and Thailand celebrate cultural ties in Bangkok
Bangkok, Feb 15 (IANS) In a unique display of Indo-Thai cultural richness, the Embassy of India in Bangkok organised Khon dance and Sitar recital celebrating the cultural ties of both nations. The event was a part of SAMVADIV, which is held in Thailand. The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Embassy of India in Bangkok presented Khon dance, a Thai version of Ramayana, by a group led by Khwanfa Phoophangsute and Sitar recital by Noparuj Satjawan. The music and dance performance was organized on the occasion of ‘Samvad-IV – The Asian Century
of Dharma – Dhamma’ at Rembrandt Hotel in Bangkok on Friday, stated a post on X by ICCR in Thailand.
Khon is a masked dance drama in Thailand, which is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is a performing art that combines musical, vocal, literary, dance, ritual and handicraft elements.
The dance form depicts Lord Ram’s life, including his exile in the forest, alliance with Hanuman’s army of monkeys, and his fights with the army of Thosakan, the king of the giants. It exemplifies a harmonious integration of music, dance, and ritualistic traditions, reflecting the profound cultural exchanges and historical ties between India and Thailand.
On Friday, while addressing
SAMVAD virtually, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the deep cultural ties between India and Thailand, which have existed for over 2,000 years, and underscored the role of Asian traditions in fostering peace and harmony. Emphasizing India and Thailand’s cultural links, he said, “The Ramayan and Ramakien connect us, and our shared reverence for Bhagwan Buddha unites us. When India sent holy relics of Bhagwan Buddha to Thailand last year, billions of devotees paid their respects.”
The theme of SAMVAD this year speaks of the Asian Century, and people often refer to Asia’s economic rise, this conference highlights that the Asian Century is not just about economic value but also about social values stated by PM Modi.
OpenAI is not for sale, Board tells Elon Musk
San Francisco, Feb 15 (IANS)
Sam Altman-run OpenAI on Saturday rejected billionaire Elon Musk’s offer to buy the nonprofit company for $97.4 billion.
In a statement on X social media platform, Bret Taylor, Board Chair of OpenAI, called Musk’s
bid “an attempt to disrupt his competition.”
“OpenAI is not for sale, and the board has unanimously rejected Mr. Musk’s latest attempt to disrupt his competition,” Taylor posted.“Any potential reorganisation of OpenAI will strengthen our nonprofit and its mission to ensure AGI benefits all of humanity,” said Taylor on behalf of the OpenAI Board of Directors.
According to reports, OpenAI has also sent a letter to Musk’s lawyer,
Nepal bars solo expeditions to peaks above 8,000 metres
Kathmandu, Feb 5 (IANS) Nepal has banned solo expeditions to all the mountains above 8,000 metres inside the country, including the world's tallest Mount Everest or Mount Qomolangma, an official said on Wednesday.
The government has made it mandatory for all climbers to be backed by a guide in the expeditions by amending the mountaineering regulations, said Liladhar Awasti, Director at the Department of Tourism.
"The move was taken to ensure the safety of the climbers on the peaks above 8,000 metres," Awasti told Xinhua news agency.
The South Asian country announced in January that it would raise climbing permit fees for Mount Everest which straddles Nepal and China, with the fee
for foreigners hiked to 15,000 US dollars from 11,000 dollars from September 1 for the spring climbing season.
"The new rate will be effective on September 1, 2025," said Madhav Adhikari, an official from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.
For Nepali climbers, the fee has been doubled from 75,000 Nepali rupees (about $545) to 150,000 rupees (about $1,090).
Nepal, which has eight globallyrecognised peaks above 8,000 metres, last revised the climbing permit fees on January 1, 2015.
Mount Everest attracts many climbers, including highly experienced mountaineers. There are two main climbing routes, one approaching the summit from the southeast in Nepal (known as the 'standard route') and the other from the north in Tibet. While not posing substantial technical climbing challenges on the standard route, Everest presents dangers such as altitude sickness, weather, and wind, as well as hazards from avalanches and the Khumbu Icefall.
Nationwide power outage occurs in Sri Lanka
Colombo, Feb 9 (IANS) Sri Lankan authorities have been working to restore power following a nationwide outage that occurred on Sunday, the state-owned electricity producer and supplier, Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), announced.
The power outage was caused by an emergency at the Panadura grid substation in the country's Western Province, according to the CEB.
The outage began around 11:30 a.m. local time and persisted for over three hours, with authorities working to restore full service, Xinhua news agency reported.
CEB Chairman Tilak Siyambalapitiya assured the public that prompt action is being taken to restore power.
saying that the bid was not in the best interests of its mission.
Earlier this week, Musk’s AI company, xAI, and a group of investors offered to buy OpenAI’s nonprofit for $97.4 billion.
Altman and the company’s board of directors dismissed the unsolicited proposal. In a statement, Andy Nussbaum, the counsel representing OpenAI’s board, said Musk’s bid “doesn’t set a value for OpenAI’s nonprofit” and the nonprofit is “not for sale.”
Meanwhile, Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, Professor Udayanga Hemapala, confirmed that the outage was caused by an imbalance in the national grid.
Local media, citing Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody, reported that the outage was triggered by a group of monkeys that entered the substation and caused damage, saying that the animal came into "contact with our grid transformer causing an imbalance in the system".
Meanwhile, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board urged
the public to conserve water until power is fully restored.
Sri Lanka has experienced several nationwide power outages in recent years due to issues at substations.
"Engineers are attending to it to try and restore the service as soon as possible," Minister Jayakody said.
The CEB said, "We are making every effort to restore the islandwide power failure as soon as possible".
While power was restored in some areas, it was not immediately clear how much longer the outage would last.
Hospitals and businesses across the island nation of 22 million people have been using generators or inverters.
Sri Lankans had to endure months of electricity blackouts in the summer of 2022 when the country plunged into an economic crisis.
Fuel stations ran out of petrol and diesel, forcing thermal power stations to ration electricity to 13 hours each day.
The 2023 Sri Lankan blackouts were a series of nationwide electrical blackouts that occurred in Sri Lanka on December 9, 2023. Blackouts began at around 5 p.m. local time and lasted for over three hours. The nationwide blackouts occurred due to a systematic failure in the main supply chain and due to a breakdown of the Kotmale Biyagama transmission line.
Sri Lanka also faced a nationwide power failure in 2016.
From the editor’s desk
Modi’s US visit: Resetting ties amid global tensions
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the United States came at a critical juncture for India’s foreign policy.
Over the past few years, New Delhi’s ties with Washington had strained under the Biden administration, primarily due to differences on human rights, trade policies, and India’s independent stance on global conflicts. Adding to this was India’s deteriorating relationship with Canada, which accused the Indian government of involvement in the killing of a Sikh separatist leader. Against this backdrop, Modi’s visit was more than just a diplomatic formality—it was an attempt to reset relations with a key global power while reaffirming India’s strategic autonomy.
One of the most significant outcomes of this visit was the shift in tone from the United States. Under President Joe Biden, U.S.-India relations had grown tense, with Washington frequently raising concerns about democratic backsliding and minority rights in India. However, the recent change in leadership in the U.S. saw a clear pivot in approach, with the focus shifting from criticism to cooperation. Modi’s visit underscored the growing realization in Washington that India remains an indispensable partner in global geopolitics, particularly in countering China’s expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Trade and defense cooperation took center stage during the visit. India and the U.S. agreed to revive stalled trade negotiations and explore new avenues for economic partnership. While India seeks greater access to American technology and markets, the U.S. is keen on strengthening its supply chain diversification by reducing dependence on China. Defense agreements, including discussions on advanced military technology transfers and joint defense production, signal a deeper commitment to strategic collaboration. The willingness of the U.S. to expedite defense deals, including the possibility of co-producing fighter jet engines in India, indicates a significant shift in its approach to India as a military partner.
Equally important was the
renewed emphasis on intelligence sharing and counterterrorism efforts. India has faced increasing hostility from Canada over the Khalistani issue, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau openly accusing India of extrajudicial actions on Canadian soil. The U.S. had initially taken a cautious stance, balancing its relations with both allies. However, Modi’s visit seems to have reinforced India’s position that terrorism and separatism cannot be tolerated under the guise of free speech and democratic rights.
Washington’s subtle change in tone suggests a recognition that its long-term interests align more closely with India than with Trudeau’s politically motivated accusations.
Energy cooperation and technology partnerships also featured prominently in Modi’s discussions. India’s push for clean energy aligns with America’s green transition goals, leading to agreements on renewable energy investments and joint research on hydrogen technology. The visit also saw renewed interest from major American corporations in India’s semiconductor and AI industries, reinforcing India’s role in the global tech supply chain.
While the visit marked a diplomatic success for Modi, challenges remain. The U.S. is still cautious about India’s close ties with Russia, particularly its reluctance to distance itself from Moscow amid the Ukraine war. Additionally, trade disputes over tariffs and market access continue to be sticking points.
For Modi, the challenge lies in ensuring that this renewed warmth in Indo-US ties translates into tangible long-term gains rather than just diplomatic optics.
Modi’s visit to the U.S. was not just about strengthening bilateral relations—it was about signaling India’s growing role as a key global player. With shifting global alliances, India has positioned itself as a balancing force between great powers. The visit reasserted India’s diplomatic weight while ensuring that its interests remain safeguarded in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
The Global AI Summit: India’s Pivotal Moment in Shaping AI’s Future
The recent Paris AI Summit was more than just a congregation of world leaders and tech experts discussing artificial intelligence. It was a defining moment in the global discourse on AI governance, accessibility, and ethics. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing that India will host the next Global AI Summit, the conversation has shifted significantly toward a more inclusive and diverse approach to AI development. This decision isn't just a diplomatic milestone; it signals a shift in the balance of power in AI policymaking, bringing the concerns of the Global South into sharper focus.
AI has long been dominated by Western tech giants, with the United States, Europe, and China leading the charge in research, development, and governance structures. But India’s increasing role in these conversations highlights a growing awareness that AI cannot be the privilege of a select few. The challenges and opportunities AI presents differ vastly across countries, and a one-size-fits-all model won’t work. The Paris summit made this clear, with discussions revolving around AI governance, innovation, and the ethical dilemmas that come with its widespread adoption. However, it was India’s pitch for equitable AI access that stood out. Modi’s emphasis on preventing a digital divide wasn’t just rhetoric; it was a statement of intent, one that could reshape how AI policies are formulated globally.
The AI revolution has already altered industries, economies, and societies, but the pace of change is only accelerating. The question isn’t whether AI will reshape the future, but who will have a say in how that future is shaped. Historically, AI policy has been dominated by countries that lead in AI research and development. The United States has taken a capitalistdriven approach, with big tech companies setting the pace, while Europe has been more focused on regulation, seeking to establish ethical and legal boundaries. China, on the other hand, has integrated AI deeply into state planning, balancing innovation with stringent government oversight. India’s entry into this high-stakes dialogue adds another dimension—one that prioritizes accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity.
that goes beyond corporate interests and national security concerns, focusing instead on how AI can serve people at large. The opportunity is equally significant—this summit could establish India as a global AI thought leader, influencing policies that align technological progress with social good.
One of the key takeaways from the Paris AI Summit was the need for a globally accepted AI governance structure. While nations agree on the need for regulation, their approaches differ vastly. Europe’s strict AI laws focus on individual rights and data privacy, the U.S. leans toward self-regulation with periodic government intervention, and China’s statecontrolled model prioritizes national interests. If India can steer the global conversation toward a governance framework that is inclusive and adaptable to different economies, it will achieve something truly remarkable.
Another critical issue is AI accessibility. Many developing countries still lack the infrastructure to harness AI’s potential, creating a divide between nations that can develop and deploy advanced AI systems and those that remain mere consumers of foreign AI products. India has positioned itself as a bridge in this divide. It has a rapidly growing AI ecosystem, a vast pool of skilled professionals, and a government that actively promotes digital initiatives. If AI is to become a tool for global progress rather than another instrument of inequality, the upcoming summit must focus on strategies that ensure AI development is not restricted to wealthier nations.
The ethical dimensions of AI also demand urgent attention. Discussions at the Paris Summit highlighted concerns about bias in AI models, the potential for misinformation, and the risks associated with unchecked AI-driven surveillance. While governments worldwide debate regulatory policies, the reality is that AI is evolving faster than legal frameworks can keep up. If India wants to lead this conversation, it must advocate for regulations that balance innovation with accountability.
campaign in one part of the world can have ripple effects globally. The AI summit in India could be the moment when global leaders acknowledge that AI governance must be as international as AI itself.
The timing of India’s summit, expected between November 2025 and January 2026, is also crucial. AI is at an inflection point, with generative AI transforming industries and automation reshaping workforces. By the time world leaders gather in India, the global AI landscape will have evolved further, making it even more critical for policymakers to agree on international standards. If India manages to bring the Global South into the AI governance conversation in a meaningful way, it will not only elevate its own position but also ensure that AI’s future is written by many, not just a few.
Beyond governance and ethics, AI’s economic implications are immense. Nations that effectively integrate AI into their economies will have a clear advantage in the coming decades. India has already been making strides in AI adoption, with initiatives in healthcare, agriculture, and digital services. But the real challenge lies in making AI an engine for inclusive growth. If AIdriven automation displaces jobs faster than new opportunities emerge, economic disparities will widen. The upcoming summit must address how AI can create— not just replace—jobs, particularly in economies that rely on large workforces.
As the dust settles on the Paris AI Summit, India finds itself at the forefront of an evolving global debate. The decision to host the next summit is not just about prestige; it’s about responsibility. Can India present an alternative to the existing AI power structures? Can it bring AI conversations beyond corporate boardrooms and elite institutions, making them relevant to a broader global audience? These are the questions that will define the success of the upcoming summit.
This is India’s moment to shape the AI future—not as a bystander, but as a leader. If it succeeds, the impact will extend far beyond a single summit, influencing global AI policy for years to come.
Hosting the next AI Summit is both a challenge and an opportunity for India. The challenge lies in proving that it can bring real substance to the AI governance debate, rather than merely being a participant in discussions largely shaped by established players. If India wants to play a decisive role, it must push for a framework
Perhaps the most critical aspect of the upcoming AI Summit in India is the potential shift in global AI governance. AI development has traditionally been a race for dominance— whoever leads in AI leads the world. However, this competitive mindset overlooks the fact that AI’s benefits and risks transcend borders. An AIdriven healthcare breakthrough in one country should not be inaccessible to another due to regulatory barriers. Likewise, an AI-generated misinformation
The coming months will determine how effectively both nations translate this renewed engagement into sustained strategic cooperation. Image: Elysee
PM Modi’s Washington visit ‘momentous’,
will
further solidify India-US strategic partnership: Former Foreign Secretary
New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS)
Former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has said that reestablishing next steps in an already-close strategic partnership would be a key element of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled bilateral talks with US President Donald Trump at the White House, on Thursday.
Speaking exclusively to IANS ahead of the much-anticipated meeting between the two leaders, Shringla said that the very fact that PM Modi's "momentous visit" to Washington takes place just a few weeks after President Trump
FairPoint:
assumed office underscores the strength of India-US friendship and strategic ties between the two nations.
"Prime Minister Modi is only the fourth global leader to meet President Trump in his second term. He's also the first Indian Prime Minister to meet a US president so soon after his assuming office. I would say all of this reflects the importance of the relationship that both sides attach to this. So, this is an important meeting and a reflection of the two leaders and their desire to take that relationship forward, not only in bilateral terms, but also global and regional terms," the former Foreign Secretary told IANS.
The seasoned diplomat believes that even though there are a few issues that could be classified under the broad rubric of challenges - moving towards a fair bilateral trading relationship, deportation of illegal immigrants and India increasing its procurement of American-made security equipment - it can be deftly resolved by both leaders.
"I believe that the relationship between Prime Minister Modi
and President Trump is such that they are able to talk to each other and understand the larger picture when it comes to the relationship. Of course, there are issues in the relationship. Every country, even with its closest partners, has issues and the closer you are, the more issues you have. But, I think the two leaders will find a way to subsume these issues, whether they are on trade, immigration, defence cooperation, or any other thing. You will basically find the convergences in the relationship," he said.
Shringla, who has also served as India's Ambassador to the US, foresees "only positive outcomes" out of the visit that once again establishes the strong connect between PM Modi and President Trump.
He lists reestablishing next steps in an already close strategic partnership, focusing on the economics of the relationship and enhancing people-to-people ties as the three major areas that both leaders are expected to stress on during their talks.
"It is time to look at how this partnership can take on a sort of a greater salience in economic
terms so that we can use that element of trust to increase our bilateral trade and for India to become part of the supply chain, to the US and vice versa. Fast tracking negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement would be key," he said.
Shringla mentioned that Trump already appreciates the contribution of the Indian American community towards the American economy and would be keen to resolve issues related to legal mobility and migration, whether it is access to more H-1b visas or streamlining the issue of Green Cards.
"We have already been willing to take back illegal immigrants who have been documented as being Indian citizens. It also means that there should be a parallel process through which we can discuss legal mobility and migration. Keeping with President Trump's own vision of manufacturing in America, attracting investments in America, you need talent and human resources. I think India is the best place for that because you have talented individuals, the law-abiding ones who quite easily adjust to new circumstances and
do not create problems for both countries," Shringla stated. The former Foreign Secretary also advised to get tech billionaire Elon Musk, one of Trump's closest confidantes right now, to invest in India.
"Elon Musk has emerged as a very, very important player in Trump 2.0. He's also quite a visionary. So from all points of view, I think India needs to interact with someone like Elon Musk. You have to look at how people like him can get more involved with India. Musk has a lot of investments in China and is quite involved with that country. We must get Musk to look at India, get him to invest in India, must get him to manufacture in India and we must not put obstacles in his way. In my view, we must welcome him to India and allow him to use Indian talent to use Indian facilities for manufacturing to access other markets in Asia and beyond. In that context, Prime Minister Modi's meeting with Musk is going to be very important. I think that can get us some very positive results, both, economically and politically," he said.
It’s high time that Kejriwal takes a break, let AAP be
New Delhi, Feb 2 (IANS) Now it is no longer a puzzle to see how AAP, which made a promising debut in 2012, took such a plunge or it is the founder, whose "maverick" concepts have put the party in such a mess?
The Aam Aadmi Party, which infused new enthusiasm in the masses about political activism and was believed to upend the old ways of doing politics, is now struggling to maintain its image -- that of being honest and doing politics with transparency. However, on both criteria, the AAP seems to have lost it. The corruption cases, directly involving the top leadership, have deeply impacted the AAP's image. Whether it is the liquor policy "scam", Sheesh Mahal row, the Mohalla Clinics, or the classroom controversy, the list of alleged wrongdoings has been growing by the day.
Also, criticism has been mounting that the AAP could not
maintain basic civic necessities in the national capital and no development work has been carried out since the party came into power.
The final push down the precipice seems to have come from its founder and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. His theory of "poison" in Yamuna and the "genocide" of Delhiites was shocking.
Kejriwal said the "BJP government has mixed such a kind of poison in the water that cannot be treated even by the water treatment plants". He did not stop here and said it was genocide, "Such politics is done by two enemy countries -- like the US bombed Japan. A few countries use biological weapons to poison river water."
He straightway took the name of the BJP government in Haryana and said it "poisoned" the water of Yamuna which was being supplied to the national capital. He claimed
had the Delhi Jal Board not stopped the water from coming into Delhi, it would have triggered a "mass genocide".
This shocking statement from Kejriwal is being viewed as an outburst of despondency. Has he sensed unease among the Delhiities in this Assembly election after being rejected in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls?
The Lok Sabha results were a big jolt to him as he had made the election a kind of referendum on his arrest in the liquor case which he had termed "illegal". The electorate rejected his candidates, somehow proving that his ‘victimhood’ card had no takers.
Having tasted rejection, a desperate Kejriwal took to the freebie politics leading to a bizarre situation where a Chief Minister announces schemes and the government terms them "fraud". This probably must be unprecedented in India's Independent history.
Politics has never been normal with Kejriwal -- from sleeping on the road threatening to disrupt the Republic Day function in 2014 to parking himself overnight on L-G's sofa in 2018, and now the Yamuna poison politics. He even tried to make his arrest, jail period and release on bail, something like political "martyrdom".
His unusual activism has no doubt given him a majority in the Delhi Assembly thrice -- becoming the chief minister from 2013 to 2014, 2015 to 2020 and then again
for the third time. But, this time, things appear to be difficult for him and his party on a downhill movement.
Has the party suffered more because of Kejriwal's kind of politics, which saw most of his friends out of the AAP, be it Yogendra Yadav, Prashant Bhushan, Kumar Vishwas, Mayank Gandhi, Kapil Mishra and several others?
Mayank Gandhi had even said in 2015 while launching his book 'AAP and Down', that "Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has compromised with party principles". He and many others have said that Kejriwal "is autocratic and not democratic"certainly a quality that does not go with the Mango Man image.
One of Kejriwal's close aides, Kailash Gahlot, who was a minister in Delhi, resigned from the party, saying "AAP compromised its values."
The sharp decline in the party disappointed those who thought that AAP was going to be the real disruptor in Indian politics.
This Assembly election is going to be more about the survival of AAP rather than the speculation -- if it is going to maintain its dominating numbers. Could the party have done better if it had projected Atishi, who is one of the few AAP leaders with a cleaner record, as the CM face?
With the kind of allegations being levelled against Kejriwal, it would have been better if he stepped aside for a while and let the party
Mayank Gandhi had even said in 2015 while launching his book 'AAP and Down', that "Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has compromised with party principles". He and many others have said that Kejriwal "is autocratic and not democratic"certainly a quality that does not go with the Mango Man image.
be the priority. The unfortunate part is that being the founder of a party always makes the leader possessive and short-sighted. Perhaps that is the case with Kejriwal.
It is high time that he takes a break from being the AAP supremo and lets the party go back to its founding principles. The people want a clean alternative. And AAP under Kejriwal having started on such a promising note appears to have lost the way.
(Deepika Bhan can be contacted at deepika.b@ians.in)
PM Modi hails Union Budget 2025 as ‘Janata Janardan Ka Budget’
New Delhi, Feb 1 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday lauded the Union Budget 2025, calling it a "Janata Janardan Ka Budget" and emphasising its people-centric approach that will propel India's development journey.
Sharing his thoughts on the Budget, PM Modi described it as a significant milestone in India's growth trajectory.
"This is a budget for the aspirations of 140 crore Indians. It will fulfill the dreams of every citizen. We have opened up several sectors for the youth, and the common people will be at the heart of India's mission to become a developed nation. This Budget is a force multiplier," he said.
He further highlighted that the Budget would accelerate investment, consumption, and growth. "I congratulate Finance
Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her team for presenting a people's Budget -- 'Janata Janardan Ka Budget'," he added.
The Prime Minister pointed out a fundamental shift in the approach of this Budget, stating that while most budgets focus on filling government coffers, this one is dedicated to ensuring more money in the hands of citizens.
"This Budget is focussed on how the pockets of the countrymen will be filled, how they would increase their savings, and how they would contribute towards the development of the country.
This Budget lays a strong foundation for this," he remarked.
Discussing key reforms introduced in the Budget, PM Modi termed the decision to include the private sector in nuclear energy as "historic."
He explained that this move would significantly boost India's civil nuclear energy sector and contribute to national progress.
Highlighting employment-driven initiatives, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of giving infrastructure status to shipbuilding.
"With this status, large-scale ship construction in India will be encouraged, providing a fresh impetus to the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' campaign. Shipbuilding is a sector that generates extensive employment," he noted.
PM Modi also stressed the potential of India's tourism sector, announcing that hotels would be constructed at 50 key tourist destinations.
"By bringing hotels under the infrastructure category for the first time, the tourism and hospitality sectors will receive a major boost. These industries play a crucial role in employment generation," he said.
The Prime Minister reiterated that India is progressing with the mantra of "Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi (Development and Heritage together)."
He highlighted initiatives like the 'Gyan Bharatam Mission' and the 'National Digital Repository' as key steps in preserving India's rich heritage while advancing its modern infrastructure.
Budget 2025: Relief for homeowners as no tax on second self-occupied house
New Delhi, Feb 2 (IANS) The Union Budget 2025 presented brought good news for homeowners, as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced new tax benefits.
Under the proposed changes, homeowners will now be able to claim a nil valuation for two selfoccupied houses instead of just one, as was previously allowed.
The Budget suggests amending Section 23, sub-section (2) of the
Income-tax Act which allows the annual value of a house or part of it to be considered as nil if the owner occupies it for personal residence or is unable to do so for any reason.
"Presently taxpayers can claim the annual value of self-occupied properties as nil only on the fulfillment of certain conditions," Finance Minister Sitharaman said during a Budget presentation in Parliament.
She also added that considering the difficulties faced by taxpayers, it is proposed to allow the benefit of two such self-occupied properties without any condition.
In addition, the government has proposed raising the annual
threshold for Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) on rent from Rs 2.4 lakh to Rs 6 lakh.
This increase will benefit small taxpayers and landlords by reducing the number of transactions liable for TDS.
The monthly TDS limit on rent has been increased from Rs 24,000 to 50,000, which amounts to Rs 6 lakh annually.
"I propose to rationalise TDS by reducing the number of rates and thresholds above which TDS is deducted," FM Sitharaman said in her Budget speech.
The Finance Minister added that further, threshold amounts for tax deduction will be increased for better clarity and uniformity.
Union Budget: Key measures to bolster 1 crore MSMEs, 1.59 lakh startups
New Delhi, Feb 1 (IANS) Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced significant measures to bolster more than 1 crore registered micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), employing 7.5 crore people and generating 36 per cent of the country’s manufacturing.
With their quality products, these MSMEs are responsible for 45 per cent of our exports, the Finance Minister said while presenting the Budget 2025-26.
To help them achieve higher efficiencies of scale, technological upgradation and better access to capital, the investment and turnover limits for classification of all MSMEs will be enhanced to 2.5 and 2 times, respectively.
"This will give them the confidence to grow and generate employment for our youth," said the Finance Minister.To improve access to credit, the credit
Budget 2025-26 paves way for agriculture, MSMEs to accelerate inclusive growth
New Delhi, Feb 1 (IANS) The Union Budget 2025-2026, presented on Saturday by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman under Modi 3.0, reflects a continuation of the government’s efforts to accelerate growth with inclusive development, invigorate private sector investments, and enhance spending power of India’s rising middle class to give a fillip to aggregate demand in the economy.
FM Sitharaman has also succeeded in sticking to the fiscal consolidation path by bringing the fiscal deficit down to 4.4 per cent of GDP for 2025-26 from 4.8 per cent in 2024-25 while still maintaining a high capex of Rs 11.21 lakh crore for financing big infrastructure projects that spur growth and create jobs in the economy.
Highlighting this aspect at a post-budget press conference, she said: "There is no reduction in the public spending on capital expenditure in the Union Budget for 2025-26. We continue to place emphasis on the multiplier effect that capital expenditure done by the government has shown has sustained us. We continue on that, and with all this, our fiscal prudence has been maintained."
The Budget proposes development measures focusing on the poor (Garib), the youth, farmers (Annadata) and women (Nari).
It also aims to initiate transformative reforms in taxation, power sector, urban development, mining, financial sector, and regulatory reforms to augment India’s growth potential and global competitiveness.
The Union Budget highlights that agriculture, MSME, investments, and exports are engines in the journey to Viksit Bharat using reforms as fuel, guided by the spirit of inclusivity, the Finance Minister said.
productivity and sustainability of cotton farming, and promote extra-long staple cotton varieties. She said the mission will benefit lakhs of cotton-growing farmers as the best of science & technology support will be provided to farmers. Aligned with the government’s integrated 5F vision for the textile sector, the Minister remarked that the mission will help increase the incomes of the farmers as well as ensure a steady supply of quality cotton for rejuvenating India’s traditional textile sector.
Noting the importance of Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) in facilitating short-term loans for around 7.7 crore farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers, the Minister announced the enhancement of loan limit under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh for loans taken through the KCC.
These measures will go a long way in the uplift of the agriculture sector and strengthen its link with industry and exports to pave the way for income in rural India as part of inclusive growth. Similarly, the highest-ever allocation of Rs. 2,703.67 crores for the fisheries sector in the Budget comes as a booster shot to develop the country’s blue economy.
The Finance Minister, in her budget speech, highlighted India’s achievement as a leader in aquaculture and seafood exports. The budget announcement strategically focuses on enhancing financial inclusion, reducing the financial burden on farmers by reducing customs duties and furthering the development of the marine fisheries. In a big boost to employment-led growth, the launch of the “National Manufacturing Mission” in the Budget to cover small, medium and large industries comes as a major driver for the 'Make in India' campaign.
guarantee cover will be enhanced. For micro and small enterprises, it will be enhanced from Rs 5 crore to 10 crore, leading to additional credit of Rs 1.5 lakh crore in the next 5 years.
"For startups, it will be increased from Rs 10 crore to Rs 20 crore, with the guarantee fee being moderated to 1 per cent for loans in 27 focus sectors important for Atmanirbhar Bharat," FM Sitharaman said, adding that for well-run exporter MSMEs, credit availability with guarantee cover will be for term loans up to Rs 20 crore.
Under the Prime Minister Krishi Yojana, a new initiative inspired by the success of the Aspirational District Programme, the government will launch an agricultural district programme in partnership with states. This will target 100 districts with low productivity, moderate crop intensity, and below-average credit parameters. The initiative is expected to benefit 1.7 crore farmers, the Finance Minister said.
Announcing the ‘Mission for Cotton Productivity’, FM Sitharaman highlighted that the five-year mission will facilitate significant improvements in the
The Mission will lay emphasis on five focal areas i.e. ease and cost of doing business; futureready workforce for in-demand jobs; a vibrant and dynamic MSME sector; availability of technology; and quality products. The Mission will also support Clean Tech manufacturing and aims to improve domestic value addition and build the ecosystem for solar PV cells, EV batteries, motors and controllers, electrolysers, wind turbines, very high voltage transmission equipment and grid-scale batteries, the Union Finance Minister added. The Finance Minister also outlined measures for Labour-Intensive Sectors, adding that the government will undertake specific policy and facilitation measures to promote employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in labour-intensive sectors.
Opening of mega cultural precinct to enrich Australia’s multicultural tapestry
A grand new chapter in Australia’s multicultural story will be revealed this year with the opening of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir and Cultural Precinct in Sydney’s southwest.
Located in Kemps Creek, the 25acre precinct will become a major cultural destination close to the Western Sydney Airport. It will feature cultural centres with traditional Indian architecture, Australia’s tallest metal statue, a meditation garden with native Australian plants and be a site for sharing, learning and understanding for people from all backgrounds.
“This precinct has been 10 years in the making and is a place where people can experience India’s rich cultural traditions. Whether you want to practise your faith, spend time with family, or just enjoy the atmosphere in the garden or underneath the statue, there’s something for everyone,” said BAPS
spokesperson Kunal Patel. “The 15-metre-tall statue represents Bhagwan Swaminarayan in his youthful form, known as Nilkanth Varni. Standing on one foot, with his eyes closed in concentration, the statue symbolises peace, resilience, and focus—values everyone in today’s society aspires for.”
The precinct will open in two phases. The first phase will see the opening of the cultural centre, gardens, and sites for community activities, and the second phase will be the completion of the traditional stone mandir or temple. His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the sixth spiritual leader of BAPS, will be present to lead celebrations of Phase 1 completion and formally start Phase 2.
Mr Patel added, “This visit is highly anticipated by the Hindu community across Australia and New Zealand.
We expect many people from both countries to travel to Sydney for the celebrations in March, as well as international visitors from the USA, UK, and India.”
Mahant Swami Maharaj’s visit in Australia will bring together Hindus and other cultural communities through a unique blend of spiritual, cultural, and social activities with the aim of spreading joy and experiencing peace. During his month-long visit to Sydney starting on 4 March, Mahant Swami Maharaj will participate in several festivals, including the unveiling of the Tapomurti statue, a cultural parade, Holi celebrations, and the groundbreaking ceremony for the stone mandir’s construction. Before coming to Sydney, Mahant Swami Maharaj will visit Melbourne from 12 February. His visit to Victoria will include cultural
activities, including honouring over 1,300 people, aged 4 to 70, as Sanskrit scholars for memorising 315 verses from the Satsang Diksha scripture, a text authored by His Holiness himself.
Mr Patel continued, “The Satsang Diksha scripture teaches how to live a moral and righteous life for the benefit of society. Memorising these teachings in Sanskrit—the world’s oldest language—shows the dedication and commitment of the individuals involved.”
The Melbourne events and the opening of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir and Cultural Precinct in Sydney will unite people across Australia, offering a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and learning.
BAPS Australia BAPS, which stands for Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan
Sanstha (also known as BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha), is a global Hindu organisation rooted in the Vedas, the ancient scriptures of Hinduism. It is a spiritual, volunteerdriven organisation dedicated to promoting personal growth and improving society through the Hindu values of faith, unity, and selfless service.
Established in 1984, BAPS Australia now has mandirs in all major cities and more than 50 assembly centres across both metropolitan and regional Australia.
BAPS Australia works closely with BAPS Charities, a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-forProfits Commission (ACNC), to support individuals, families, and communities in need. The charity offers benevolent relief through various programs, including food donation drives and fundraising for healthcare initiatives.
During their visit, the delegation engaged with officials at the New South Wales (NSW) Parliament House, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties in healthcare education, allied health, and skill development.
The Australia India Business Council (AIBC) hosted a highlevel industry roundtable and a welcome reception dinner for the delegation. Discussions centered on enhancing cooperation in healthcare education, allied healthcare, and skill development between Australia and Karnataka. This visit underscores Karnataka's commitment to fostering international partnerships to advance medical education and skill development within the state.
Sydney, February 3 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Dr. Sharanprakash Patil, Karnataka's Minister for Medical Education and Skill
Development, led a delegation to Sydney to explore collaborative opportunities between Karnataka and Australia in the fields of medical education and skill
development. On February 3, 2025, the delegation was received by Consul General Dr. S. Janakiraman at the Indian Consulate.
National Indian Film Festival of Australia 2025 set to strengthen cultural ties
Sydney, February 12 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The inaugural National Indian Film Festival of Australia (NIFFA) is scheduled to take place from February 13 to March 2, 2025, spanning 18 days across seven Australian cities. This landmark event aims to celebrate the richness of Indian cinema, featuring a diverse array of films from mainstream Bollywood hits to regional and independent productions. Attendees can look forward to Australian and world premieres, as well as industry discussions and workshops.
NIFFA is more than just a film festival; it's envisioned as a cultural bridge between Australia and India. By showcasing the depth and diversity of Indian cinema, the festival seeks to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indian culture among Australians. Such cultural exchanges play a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral relations, promoting mutual respect, and enhancing people-to-people connections between the two nations.
The festival has garnered significant support from both Indian and Australian institutions, including the Indian High Commission, Indian Consulates, and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Media partnerships with organizations like NDTV further underscore the event's importance in the cultural landscape.
As NIFFA prepares to open its doors, it stands as a testament to the power of cinema in bridging cultures and fostering international friendship. By bringing the best of Indian cinema to Australian shores, the festival not only entertains but also educates and unites diverse audiences.
Tickets for NIFFA 2025 are now available and can be booked at https://newtown.dendy.com.au/ niffa-2025.
AIBC Chair meets Australian High Commissioner to boost Australia-India trade ties
New Delhi, February 7 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Australia India Business Council’s (AIBC) National Chair Deepak-Raj Gupta OAM recently met with Philip Green OAM, Australian High Commissioner to India, at the Australian High Commission in New Delhi. The meeting was constructive and resultsoriented, focusing on advancing bilateral trade and investment, particularly in alignment with the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) and the ongoing Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) negotiations.
The High Commissioner assured his full support in strengthening
economic engagement from both sides to further AIBC’s objectives.
Their discussions covered key areas where Australia and India could expand collaboration, particularly in trade, business, and strategic partnerships. Furthering the dialogue on economic cooperation, Gupta also met with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) officials, exploring new avenues for collaboration.
The discussions highlighted potential opportunities in sectors where both nations can leverage each other's resources,
Experience the magic of parallel cinema: A tribute to Mrinal Sen and Mani Kaul
Sydney, February 12 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Riverside Theatres in Parramatta is set to host a special event celebrating India's Parallel Cinema movement, featuring screenings of two seminal films by legendary filmmakers Mrinal Sen and Mani Kaul. The event aims to introduce audiences to the artistic depth and narrative complexity that define this influential genre.
On February 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM, the theatre will screen "Suddenly, One Day" (Ek Din Achanak, 1989), directed by Mrinal Sen. The film delves into the mysterious disappearance of a retired professor during a rainstorm.
As his family grapples with his absence, the narrative explores themes of existentialism and the human condition.
delve deeper into the themes and significance of these films, offering insights into the cultural and cinematic richness of India's Parallel Cinema movement. Parallel Cinema, also known as India's new wave, emerged in the 1950s as a counterpoint to mainstream Bollywood productions. Characterized by its focus on realism, naturalism, and socio-political narratives, this movement gave rise to films that challenged traditional storytelling and highlighted pressing societal issues. Filmmakers like Mrinal Sen and Mani Kaul were at the forefront of this movement, crafting stories that were both thought-provoking and artistically innovative.
technology, and expertise for mutual benefit.
Meanwhile, former AIBC Vice Chair Ravneet Pawha remains actively engaged in shaping the Australia-India economic dialogue, reinforcing the strong ties between the two countries. These discussions reflect the ongoing momentum in the Australia-India partnership, with AIBC playing a key role in facilitating meaningful connections between industry leaders and policymakers.
The following day, March 1, 2025, at 12:00 PM, Mani Kaul's "Duvidha" (1973) will be showcased. This film is a cinematic adaptation of a Rajasthani folk tale, centering on a merchant's son who leaves his new bride to attend to business affairs. In his absence, a ghost falls in love with the bride and assumes the husband's identity, leading to a poignant exploration of love, identity, and societal norms.
Following the screening of "Duvidha", a panel discussion will
This event offers a unique opportunity to experience the artistry of two of India's most esteemed directors. By immersing oneself in these films, audiences can gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural and cinematic richness of India's Parallel Cinema movement.
The panel discussion following the screening of "Duvidha" will further enhance understanding, providing insights into the films' themes, historical context, and enduring impact on global cinema.
Tickets are available at Riverside Theatres' official website.
Consul General Neetu Bhagotia opens AACTA Festival 2025 at Gold Coast
Brisbane, February 7 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Consul General Neetu M Bhagotia delivered the opening remarks at the AACTA Festival 2025 held at the Gold Coast, marking a significant moment in the
growing ties between Australian and Indian cinema.
One of the key highlights of the festival was a panel discussion titled "Australia’s Cinematic Future with India – A Look in the Crystal Ball." The discussion
explored emerging trends, collaborations, and opportunities for co-productions, investment, and cultural exchange between the two film industries.
The AACTA Festival, known for celebrating Australian
cinema, continues to embrace global perspectives, with India playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of storytelling and film production. The event attracted industry professionals, filmmakers, and enthusiasts, all eager to explore new possibilities in Australia-India cinematic partnerships.
With such engagements, the film industries of both nations are set to strengthen their collaboration, bringing diverse stories to a global audience.
CG & Telangana delegation meet Queensland minister to boost sports collaboration
Brisbane, January 19 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Consul General (CG) Neetu M Bhagotia, along with a delegation from the Telangana government, recently held a productive meeting with Timothy (Tim)
Mander MP, Queensland’s Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, at the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS).
The discussions focused on
enhancing sports collaboration between India and Australia, fostering mutual growth, and sharing expertise in athlete training, sports science, and infrastructure development.
With the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics on the horizon, both
sides explored ways to deepen engagement in high-performance sports, talent development, and knowledge exchange.
The meeting underscored the strong sporting ties between the two nations and the potential for
greater cooperation in preparing athletes for international competitions. Such collaborations are expected to strengthen sports diplomacy and create new opportunities for both Indian and Australian athletes.
Indian Consulate hosts National Day reception to mark India’s 76th Republic Day
Brisbane, January 27 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Consulate General of India in Brisbane hosted a grand National Day Reception to celebrate India’s 76th Republic Day, bringing together a distinguished gathering of diplomats, government officials, and community members.
The event was attended by Governor of Queensland Fiona Simpson MP, along with Ros Bates MP, Cameron Dick MP, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, Charis Mullen MP, Jon Raven Mayor, Teresa Harding, and several other dignitaries. Their presence highlighted the growing ties between India and Australia, reinforcing diplomatic, cultural,
and economic cooperation. The celebration saw an enthusiastic turnout from the Indian community and friends of India, reflecting the strong people-to-people connections between the two nations. The event served as a platform to strengthen bilateral relations and celebrate India’s democratic values and rich heritage.
India-Australia Naval & Air Forces strengthen maritime cooperation at Aero India 2025
between the two nations.
The discussions emphasized enhancing joint readiness, improving integration in future engagements, and advancing cooperation through common platforms. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a secure and stable Indo-Pacific, recognizing the importance of deepening strategic defense ties.
The meeting highlighted the growing India-Australia defense partnership, focusing on joint exercises, shared intelligence, and technology collaboration to strengthen regional security and operational effectiveness.
Canberra, February 13 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff of India, met with Air Vice Marshal Glen Braz, Air Commander of the Australian Air Force, on the sidelines of Aero India 2025 to discuss strengthening maritime interoperability and operational coordination
South Australian premier and Indian High Commissioner engage with Indian students
Canberra, February 11 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
South Australia’s premier, Peter Bryden Malinauskas, and Indian
High Commissioner Gopal Baglay held an interactive session with Indian students studying and working in South Australia.
The discussion focused on strengthening people-to-people ties between India and Australia, addressing key areas such as educational opportunities,
employment prospects, and cultural exchange.
The engagement underscored the growing contributions of Indian students to South Australia’s
academic and professional sectors while reaffirming the commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation in education and workforce development.
Indian High Commissioner strengthens ties with South Australia during official visit
Canberra, February 11 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay paid an official visit to South Australia, engaging in high-
level discussions with key leaders to bolster India-South Australia relations.
During the visit, Governor Frances Jennifer Adamson
AC hosted a luncheon at Government House in his honor.
The High Commissioner also met with Premier Peter Bryden Malinauskas MP, Minister
for Trade and Investment
Joe Szakacs, and Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Tourism
Zoe Bettison MP.
The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties,
particularly in education, trade, investment, and tourism, highlighting the expanding opportunities for Indian students, professionals, and businesses in South Australia.
Tamil Arts and Culture Association celebrates Pongal at Federal Parliament
Canberra, February 11 (Australia
India News Newsdesk)
The Tamil Arts and Culture Association recently organized Pongal celebrations at the Federal Parliament theatre, bringing
together the Indian diaspora to celebrate Tamil heritage.
Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay attended the event, which featured captivating Bharatanatyam performances,
along with traditional Tamil martial arts, instrumental music, and songs, showcasing the richness of Tamil culture.
In his address, the High Commissioner extended his
best wishes for prosperity and progress and praised the community’s efforts in preserving Tamil cultural, linguistic, and literary traditions in Australia.
He also highlighted the upcoming
Kashi Tamil Sangamam, dedicated to Sage Agasthyar, a pioneer in Tamil literature and Siddha medicine, encouraging Indianorigin Australians to actively participate in the event.
Consul General meets Murdoch University experts ahead of NIFFA 2025
Perth, February 12 (Australia
India News Newsdesk)
Consul General of India Amarjeet
Sigh Takhi met with Professor Jacqueline Lo, Director of the Indo-Pacific Research Centre at Murdoch University, along with Professor Rajeev Varshney, to discuss academic and cultural collaboration between India and Australia.
The discussions took place ahead of the Northern India Film Festival Australia (NIFFA), which Murdoch University is set to host later this month. The event
is expected to highlight Indian cinema, strengthen cultural exchange, and foster deeper academic engagement between Indian and Australian institutions. The meeting emphasized the importance of research collaborations, cross-cultural initiatives, and academic partnerships, further reinforcing India-Australia ties in education and the arts.
World Hindi Day 2025 celebrated with enthusiasm
Canberra, February 4 (Australia
India News Newsdesk)
The High Commission of India, in collaboration with Canberra Hindi School, recently hosted World Hindi Day 2025 with great
enthusiasm. The event saw active participation from children, adults, and senior citizens, reflecting the widespread love for the Hindi language.
The celebrations featured a
variety of engaging activities, including essay writing, elocution, and tongue twister competitions, which drew enthusiastic participants across all age groups.
A highlight of the event was the Kavi Sammelan, where poets
recited their works, entertaining the audience with their literary expressions.
High Commissioner Gopal Baglay, along with other dignitaries, attended the event and appreciated the efforts made to
promote Hindi and Indian culture in Australia. The celebration not only strengthened linguistic ties but also highlighted the growing interest in Hindi among the Indian diaspora in Canberra.
High Commissioner attends launch of Prof Arnold Dix’s Book ‘The Promise’ in Melbourne
Canberra, February 4 (Australia
India News Newsdesk)
Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay attended the launch of Prof Arnold Dix’s book, The Promise, in Melbourne. The book recounts the remarkable rescue mission
that saved 41 workers trapped in the collapsed Silkyara tunnel in November 2023.
During the event, High Commissioner Baglay emphasized that the successful rescue highlighted the strong people-
to-people ties between India and Australia and the broader benefits of international cooperation for humanity. He reflected on India’s ancient philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (The world is one family), stressing that values
of service and compassion are deeply embedded in India’s civilizational heritage.
The event also saw a unique moment when Prof Arnold Dix surprised the audience by delivering a speech in Sanskrit,
showcasing his deep interest in ancient Indian scriptures. The High Commissioner commended Dix’s role in the rescue mission and acknowledged his growing connection to Indian culture and philosophy.
High Commissioner attends multicultural festival, celebrates diversity
Canberra, February 14 (Australia
India News Newsdesk)
Indian High Commissioner to Australia, Gopal Baglay, recently attended the multicultural festival in Canberra, joining thousands in a vibrant celebration of diversity, unity, and cultural heritage.
The festival, a major event in Australia’s multicultural calendar, showcased the traditions, cuisines, and artistic expressions of various communities. High Commissioner Baglay engaged with attendees, emphasizing the
strong cultural ties between India and Australia.
“It was a wonderful experience to witness and be part of this incredible display of cultural harmony,” he said. “Events like these highlight the richness of multicultural Australia and the deep-rooted bonds between our communities.”
The festival featured colorful performances, traditional music, and diverse cuisines, drawing visitors from across the country.
The Indian community’s presence
was particularly notable, with dance performances, food stalls, and interactive exhibits reflecting India’s rich heritage.
Attendees expressed appreciation for the High Commissioner's participation, noting the importance of diplomatic engagement in strengthening community ties. The festival reaffirmed Australia's commitment to multiculturalism and provided a platform for cultural exchange and celebration
Indian students awarded Premier’s scholarship for studies in Western Australia
Perth, February 4 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Consul General Amarjeet Singh Takhi joined Western Australia’s Minister for International Education, David Templeman
MLA, in congratulating two outstanding Indian students who received the Premier’s Scholarship and WACE Bursary for their academic excellence.
Shruti Shetty, pursuing
a postgraduate degree in biotechnology at The University of Western Australia (UWA), and Pratham Verma, pursuing an MBA at Murdoch University, were recognized for their
achievements. The Premier’s Scholarship, a prestigious award, provides a one-time support of $50,000 to high-achieving students enrolling in Western Australia’s five universities.
The recognition highlights Western Australia’s commitment to attracting top international talent, strengthening IndiaAustralia educational ties, and fostering academic excellence and global collaboration.
Queensland Tamil Mandram celebrates Pongal 2025 with cultural festivities
Brisbane, February 14 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Queensland Tamil Mandram recently hosted a vibrant celebration of Pongal 2025, bringing together the community to honour the traditional harvest festival.
The event highlighted
Tamil culture and heritage through a series of engaging activities. A colorful rangoli competition added artistic flair to the celebrations, while traditional games brought a sense of nostalgia and joy to participants. The festivities also featured captivating cultural
performances, showcasing Tamil music and dance.
Attendees embraced the spirit of Pongal, celebrating prosperity, gratitude, and unity. The event reinforced the significance of the festival in preserving cultural traditions and strengthening community bonds in Queensland.
Tamil Nadu: A journey of innovation, connections and inspiration
By Dr Ram Mohan, Editor
I just returned from an unforgettable trip to Tamil Nadu, and I can’t stop thinking about the energy, innovation, and opportunities I witnessed there. Representing the Australia India Business Council (AIBC) at the JTN Tamil Nadu Global Expo & Knowledge Summit 2025 in Coimbatore from January 24th to 26th was an incredible experience.
From the moment I arrived, I was overwhelmed by the excitement of the summit. The halls were full of passionate
entrepreneurs, cutting-edge product showcases, and thoughtprovoking discussions. Tamil Nadu’s reputation as India’s most industrialized state was on full display—everywhere I looked, there were companies and visionaries pushing boundaries and making an impact on the global stage. The networking opportunities were invaluable, and I found myself engaged in deep conversations about business growth, collaboration, and innovation.
After the summit, I took full advantage of optional B2B
meetings and industrial visits. Getting a firsthand look at the industries driving Tamil Nadu’s economy was both eye-opening and inspiring. Whether it was manufacturing, technology, or sustainability, the sheer scale and ambition of businesses in the region left a lasting impression.
My journey then took me to Chennai, where I had the privilege of meeting Consul General Ms. Silai Zaki at the Australian Consulate, along with the teams from DFAT and AUSTRADE. These discussions reinforced the strong Australia-India ties and opened
doors for potential collaborations. It was incredible to see the enthusiasm on both sides for deepening business and trade relationships.
Another highlight of my trip was attending Envision 2025 –Ground Zero for Net-Zero at the IIT Madras Research Park.
Organized in partnership with the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA), the event was a powerful reminder of how Tamil Nadu is leading the way in sustainable innovation. The speakers, panels, and discussions painted a future where clean energy and
technology come together to create a better world.
More than anything, this trip was a testament to Tamil Nadu’s journey from local innovation to global impact. Every conversation, every event, and every interaction left me feeling inspired and optimistic about the future. Tamil Nadu is not just an economic powerhouse—it’s a place where ideas take flight, collaborations flourish, and dreams turn into reality. I’m grateful to have been a part of this experience, and I can’t wait to see how the connections and insights from this journey shape the future.
Brisbane’s new bridges exceed expectations with 1.4 million crossings
Brisbane, February 11 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Brisbane’s two newest bridges have exceeded all expectations, with more than 1.4 million trips taken since their openings, far
surpassing forecasted usage.
The Breakfast Creek / Yowoggera Bridge alone has seen over 900,000 crossings in its first 12 months—70% more than initial projections. The popular northside bridge connects Newstead Park to the Lores Bonney Riverwalk, providing an uninterrupted active travel route into the CBD.
Meanwhile, the Kangaroo Point Bridge, which opened in December 2024, has recorded over 520,000 crossings in just eight weeks. The bridge has quickly become a vital link, expected to reduce commute times between the CBD and
eastern suburbs by up to 15 minutes and walking times between Kangaroo Point, The Gabba, and the city by up to 30 minutes.
Brisbane City Council’s Chair for Transport, Ryan Murphy, said the overwhelming response to the bridges proves their importance in making the city more accessible.
“We’ve been blown away by the popularity of these bridges,” Murphy said. “Patronage across both bridges is already 70% above predicted figures for 2036, let alone the much lower numbers which were expected in 2025.”
The Kangaroo Point Bridge is set to attract even more visitors with the opening of two highly anticipated dining destinations, Mulga Bill’s Café and Stilts, this month.
Both bridges were delivered under the Schrinner Council’s Bridges for Brisbane program, aimed at easing congestion and promoting active transport options.
With rising construction costs, the Toowong-to-West End Bridge will be the last bridge built under the initiative. The landing site at the former ABC headquarters has been secured, and Brisbane City
Council is now seeking federal funding to move forward with a business case.
“The proof is in the patronage— people love our bridges, and the Schrinner Council will continue to deliver the legacy projects that will keep Brisbane moving now and into the future,” Murphy added.
The Kangaroo Point Bridge was delivered in partnership with the Australian Government under the South East Queensland City Deal, demonstrating the power of collaboration in shaping Brisbane’s future as a walkable, connected city.
Kangaroo Point Bridge Café now open, Brisbane’s first above-water restaurant to follow
Brisbane, February 14(Australia India News Newsdesk)
Brisbane’s dining scene is reaching new heights—quite literally—with the official opening of Mulga Bill’s Café on the Kangaroo Point Bridge and the upcoming launch of Stilts, the city’s first above-water restaurant.
Since its opening on December 15, the Kangaroo Point Bridge has quickly become a vital active transport link, with an average of 10,900 trips taken over it daily. Now, the addition of Mulga Bill’s at the bridge’s CBD landing gives residents and visitors even
more reason to visit. The 60seat café offers casual dining from breakfast through dinner, featuring fresh coffee, pastries, wood-fired pizza, steak, and seafood—all with stunning river views.
Tassis Group, the well-known hospitality operator behind Brisbane hotspots like Opa, Longwang, and Rich and Rare, has brought the two new venues to life. Group owner Michael Tassis said the opportunity to create dining spaces on such an iconic bridge was “simply unmissable.”
“Brisbane is a city that thrives on its connection to the river, and our venues will offer a truly unique way to experience it,”
Tassis said. “Mulga Bill’s is a relaxed, all-day spot where everyone—from bridge walkers to families and city workers—can
grab a great coffee or woodfired pizza to take away or dine in while soaking in the riverfront views.”
The café’s name, Mulga Bill’s, is inspired by Banjo Paterson’s famous poem Mulga Bill’s Bicycle, reflecting the bridge’s role in promoting active transport and reducing congestion in Brisbane. Meanwhile, Stilts, an elegant 130seat restaurant perched above the bridge’s CBD-end, will soon open its doors. Specializing in modern Australian cuisine, Stilts will serve premium steaks, fresh seafood, and a selection of top Australian wines. Its design pays homage to Queensland’s iconic stilt-based architecture and will feature a fine dining room, alfresco seating, and full lift access.
Brisbane City Council’s Transport Chair Ryan Murphy highlighted the significance of the new dining
destinations, saying they will help transform the bridge into one of the city’s premier attractions.
“Brisbane has some incredible restaurants along the river’s edge, but the Kangaroo Point Bridge will deliver the city’s first above-water dining destinations,” Murphy said. “The opening of Mulga Bill’s and Stilts will create more for people to see and do on our beautiful Brisbane River.”
Murphy also emphasized the bridge’s role in supporting Brisbane’s vision as Australia’s lifestyle capital.
“Brisbane is renowned for being a river city, and these new dining destinations will provide a space for people to enjoy Brisbane’s incredible lifestyle while taking in panoramic views of the river, CBD, and Story Bridge,” he said.
“The Kangaroo Point Bridge
will be the perfect destination for residents and visitors alike before, during, and after the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
The launch of Mulga Bill’s and Stilts marks the completion of the $288-million Kangaroo Point Bridge precinct, part of Brisbane City Council’s broader Bridges for Brisbane initiative. The bridge is the third active transport bridge to open in 2024, following the Breakfast Creek / Yowoggera Bridge and the Neville Bonner Bridge.
With its unique riverfront location and world-class dining experiences, the Kangaroo Point Bridge is set to become one of Brisbane’s most iconic destinations—blending lifestyle, connectivity, and culinary excellence in one breathtaking setting.
FICQ committee joins GOPIO to celebrate 76th Indian Republic Day
Brisbane, February 15 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ) committee members joined the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Gold Coast Inc. in a vibrant celebration of India’s 76th
Republic Day, marked by cultural unity and community spirit.
The event, attended by representatives from all levels of government, reflected the deep bonds between India and Australia’s multicultural society. The day commenced with traditional prayers and the
resonating sounds of the Indian and Australian national anthems, setting a solemn yet celebratory tone.
Inspiring speeches highlighted the significance of India’s Republic Day, emphasizing democratic values and the contributions of the Indian
diaspora in Queensland. The highlight of the event was a captivating array of cultural performances, showcasing India’s rich artistic heritage through music and dance.
To conclude the celebrations, an engaging quiz added an element of fun, testing participants’
knowledge of India’s history and achievements. The event was a joyous occasion filled with pride, unity, and a strong sense of community, reaffirming the growing presence and cultural impact of the Indian diaspora in Australia.
India’s 76th Republic Day celebrated with enthusiasm at Indian Consulate in Brisbane
Brisbane, January 27 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Consulate General of India in Brisbane marked India’s 76th Republic Day on January 26, 2025, with a celebration filled with patriotic fervour and community spirit.
Consul General Neetu Bhagotia led the event by unfurling the Indian National Flag, followed by the singing of the national anthem. She also read out excerpts from India’s President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the nation, emphasizing India's progress, resilience, and global aspirations.
The event was well attended by members of the Indian community, local dignitaries, and friends of India, reflecting the strong ties between India and Australia.
Adding to the celebratory spirit, Vaibhav Tripathi, one of the winners of the prestigious Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz, was felicitated for his achievement in promoting awareness about India’s rich heritage and contemporary progress.
The Republic Day celebrations at the Indian Consulate in Brisbane continue to be an important annual occasion, bringing together the community to honour India’s democratic values and strengthen cultural bonds with Australia.
Indian Consulate in Brisbane holds open house to address community queries
Brisbane, January 31 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Consulate General of India in Brisbane organized an open house to assist members of the
Indian community with their consular service inquiries.
During the session, community members raised various concerns related to consular matters, which
were addressed satisfactorily by consular officials. The initiative aimed to enhance engagement, streamline services, and provide direct assistance to those seeking
support with visas, passports, OCI applications, and other consular needs.
The Open House reflects the Consulate’s commitment to
serving the Indian diaspora in Australia, ensuring efficient communication and accessibility for all consular-related matters.
Indian Community marks Vishwa Hindi Diwas with lively celebrations
Brisbane, January 13 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Indian Consulate in Brisbane, in partnership with Kala Bharati Australia, hosted a lively celebration of Vishwa Hindi Diwas, drawing Hindi language enthusiasts, members of the Indian community, and friends of India.
The event featured engaging activities such as Hindi poetry recitations, a knowledge-based quiz, and cultural performances, highlighting the rich heritage and significance of the Hindi language. Participants from various age groups enthusiastically took part, reflecting the widespread passion
for preserving and promoting Hindi in Australia.
The celebration served as a platform to strengthen cultural connections within the Indian diaspora and reinforce Hindi’s growing global recognition, showcasing its role as a bridge between generations and cultures.
Indian Consul General bids farewell to UWA Vice-Chancellor, boosts education ties
Perth, February 13 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Consul General Amarjeet Singh Takhi paid a farewell visit to Professor Amit Chakma, ViceChancellor of The University of Western Australia (UWA), as part of his ongoing efforts to enhance India-Australia educational collaboration.
During the meeting, the two discussed various initiatives aimed at strengthening academic partnerships and fostering people-to-people connections
between the two nations. The discussions underscored the growing ties between Indian and Australian institutions, highlighting opportunities for student exchange programs, research collaborations, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. The visit reinforced the commitment to deepening educational engagement, ensuring continued cooperation in higher education and crosscultural exchanges between India and Australia.
India-Australia sports ties: High Commissioner meets minister Anika Wells
Canberra, February 7 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay met with Anika Wells, Australia’s Minister for Sports and
Aged Care, to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in the field of sports. The High Commissioner outlined India’s key priorities, including capacity building, two-way exchange of experts and athletes, advancements in sports education, science and technology, and infrastructure development. He also emphasized the importance of hosting major sporting events such as the Olympics and promoting traditional sports.
Baglay welcomed Australia’s growing engagement with Indian sports, highlighting the recent launch of the Pro-Kabaddi League in Australia and the participation of Australian teams in the Kho-Kho World Cup in India. The discussions reinforced both nations’ commitment to strengthening collaboration in sports and fostering greater cultural and athletic exchanges.
Indian High Commission invites applications for marketing assistant role
Canberra, February 12 (Australia India News Newsdesk) The High Commission of India
in Canberra has announced a job opening for the position of Marketing Assistant, inviting applications from eligible candidates. The role involves supporting the Economic and Commercial Section in key tasks such as preparing commercial reports, conducting market surveys, responding to trade inquiries, and organizing events. Interested candidates can apply by sending a cover letter and CV to hoc.canberra@mea.gov.in (CC: admn.canberra@mea.gov.in) by March 5, 2025.
Gilchrist disagrees with Ponting, declares Warne the greatest cricketer ever
New Delhi, Feb 11 (IANS)
Australian cricket legend Adam Gilchrist has weighed in on the greatest all-rounder debate, challenging Ricky Ponting’s assertion that Jacques Kallis is the best cricketer of all time.
While Ponting recently hailed Kallis for his staggering numbers with both bat and ball, Gilchrist believes statistics alone don’t define greatness and instead placed the late Shane Warne at the top of cricket’s all-time elite.
“I understand where Ricky is coming from—statistically, the runs, wickets, and catches—but there is more to it than just numbers,” Gilchrist said in an interview with news.com.au. “I personally think Shane Warne is the greatest to have played.”
Ponting had earlier named Kallis as the cricketing GOAT, citing his 13,289 Test runs, 45 centuries, and 292 wickets as unparalleled achievements. However, Gilchrist insisted that Warne’s impact on the game, both as a bowler and a tactician, was unmatched.
“For Warnie to achieve what he did, especially living the way he
did and still managing to perform at that level, it shows he was a true champion,” Gilchrist said.
“Beyond his bowling, he was also an incredible batsman. He just left way too many runs out there when he played. I don’t even think he knew his own batting talent. When it comes down to pure cricketing genius—batting, bowling, catching, and tactical brilliance—Warnie is No.1 for me.”
Gilchrist’s comments come amid Australia’s dominance in world cricket, which has led to criticism from England supporters. After Australia completed a 2-0 series win against Sri Lanka, England’s Barmy Army accused them of "stat-padding" by selecting weaker opponents to boost their records.
The Barmy Army’s post, “Keep stat-padding, Aussies,” implied that Australia was playing against a Sri Lankan side ranked below them to make their numbers look better. However, Gilchrist was quick to fire back.
“It’ll be interesting to see what excuse they come up with if Australia lifts the World Test championship title at Lord’s in June,” he quipped. “I bet they will struggle with that one. I absolutely can’t wait for that and the rivalry of the Ashes next year.”
With Australia holding every major bilateral trophy and preparing for another World Test
Championship final, Gilchrist believes the team is silencing its critics in the best way possible— by winning.
Away from the international cricketing debates, Gilchrist is also preparing to return to the field for a special charity T20 match in Lismore this weekend. The match is being held to support the region’s recovery from the devastating 2022 floods, which were among the worst natural disasters in Australia’s history.
Set to be played on Saturday, the game will feature a host of cricketing greats, including Dan Christian, Steve O’Keefe, Jason Gillespie, Michael Kasprowicz, and several WBBL and local stars. Gilchrist, who grew up in Lismore and captained Kadina High School’s cricket team, remains a beloved figure in the region. He admitted that stepping back onto the field is always a nerve-racking experience.
“It’s always nerve-racking to get back out in the middle. Every year, it is tougher to play the game,” Gilchrist said. “You worry about your hamstring going and then facing bowlers, but it’s good fun. That’s what it’s all about— getting back out there with people you’ve traveled the world with and celebrating such a resilient community in the process.”
Didn’t do anything wrong in this series: Rohit Sharma hails a flawless
Indian performance
Ahmedabad, Feb 12 (IANS) India absolutely steamrolled England in the three-game ODI series and secured a clean sweep with a 142run win over the visitors in the third and final ODI at Narendra Modi Stadium here on Wednesday. Skipper Rohit Sharma, who entered the series with questions over his form, silenced his critics with an emphatic display by his side. The Indian captain believes his side did not put a foot wrong in the series but still claimed his ‘champion team wants to get better every game’.
"I don't see anything that we did wrong in this series. There are certain things we are looking
at but I am not going to stand here and discuss it. The players are comfortable having those chats. It is our job to keep some consistency within the squad and the communication is clear. In terms of skills, nothing I can discuss. Obviously, a champion team wants to get better every game and move forward,” said Rohit Sharma in the post-match presentation.
The bilateral series was ultimately to prepare India for their 2025 Champions Trophy campaign which will see India face Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand in the eightteam tournament beginning on
3rd ODI: Gill’s
ton,
allround bowling show help India sweep England 3-0
Ahmedabad, Feb 12 (IANS)
Opener Shubman Gill’s majestic 112, along with solid halfcenturies by Shreyas Iyer (78) and Virat Kohli (52), propelled India to a massive 356 in the third and final ODI against England. This commanding total proved too much for the visitors, who were bowled out for 214, handing India a comprehensive 142-run victory and a 3-0 series clean sweep.
Gill has been firing on all cylinders in the ongoing series and was named the player of the series for scoring 259 across the three innings at an average of 86.33.
England captain Jos Buttler won his third consecutive toss and opted to field first, However, it was a decision that quickly backfired as India’s top order, barring Rohit Sharma fired on all cylinders.
February 19.
India will be pleased with their opening batters with Shubman Gill being the star in the threegame series and hope he carries his good form into the ICC tournament. The 25-yearold right-handed batter was in sublime touch and earned the Player of the Series for accumulating 259 runs, including a majestic 112 in the third game, across three innings and averaging 86.33 runs at a strike rate of 103.60.
The India vice-captain remained modest and admitted this was one of his ‘better knocks.’
"I was feeling good, this was one of my better knocks. The wickets were a bit tricky at the start, a bit for the fast bowlers so it's satisfying. It was seaming, so the chat (with Virat Kohli) was simple, to rotate the strike and not lose too many wickets in the powerplay, build on the momentum, and take it from there. You are just reacting to what is coming to you, you are not thinking too much,” said Gill upon claiming the Player of the Series trophy.
India had won 1-4 in the preceding five-match T20I series against England.
Rohit was dismissed for just 1 through a beautiful delivery by Mark Wood which found his outside edge, and Phil Salt pouched it. Despite the early setback, Gill and Kohli steadied the ship.
The pair put on a 116-run partnership, with both batters taking their time early on, rotating the strike and building a solid foundation. Kohli, who was involved in a tense run-out scare in the seventh over, survived and soon found his rhythm.
He struck Saqib Mahmood for back-to-back boundaries and, by the end of the powerplay, India had reached 52/1. The partnership continued to flourish as both batters started targeting England's bowlers. Joe Root was taken for five boundaries in his first two overs, while Liam Livingstone also felt the pressure as both Gill and Kohli dispatched him for sixes.
Kohli reached his half-century off 50 balls, while Gill followed with his own in 51 deliveries. Just when it seemed they were set for big scores, Kohli fell to Adil Rashid, nicking one to the keeper after an impressive knock of 52.
Shreyas Iyer joined Gill and launched an aggressive counterattack.
The pair added 104 runs for the third wicket. Gill, meanwhile,
brought up his century in 95 balls, marking his first ODI century since September 2023. His innings was cut short when he tried to play a sweep shot off Rashid, only for the delivery to hit the stumps, ending his brilliant knock at 112.
Despite a few quick wickets, including Iyer falling to Rashid for 78, India’s lower order continued to pile on runs.
KL Rahul (40), Axar Patel (13), and Washington Sundar (14) contributed with quick cameos. Hardik Pandya came up with some late fireworks, smashing Rashid for back-to-back sixes before being dismissed. India eventually posted 356 all out in their allotted 50 overs. England’s chase got off to a blazing start with openers Ben Duckett (34) and Phil Salt (23) racing to a rapid 50-plus partnership.
However, the fall of Duckett to Arshdeep Singh, followed by a flurry of wickets, put the brakes on England’s progress. Tom Banton (38) and Joe Root (24) tried to rebuild, but they were soon dismissed by the Indian spinners. Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh, all took two wickets each. Despite a valiant 38 from Gus Atkinson, who struck six boundaries and one six at a strike rate of 200, the target was too steep. England’s lower order crumbled, and India wrapped up the innings for 214, securing a 142-run victory in just 34.1 overs. With this win, India completed a dominant 3-0 series sweep, bolstered by a brilliant batting display and disciplined bowling, while England’s inconsistent batting remained a cause for concern ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Brief scores: India 356 all out in 50 overs (Shubman Gill 112, Shreyas Iyer 78, Virat Kohli 52, K.L Rahul 40; Adil Rashid 4-64, Mark Wood 2-45) beat England 214 all out in 34.2 overs (Ben Duckett 34, Tom Baton 38, Gus Atkinson 38; Axar Patel 2-22, Arshdeep Singh 2-33, Harshit Rana 2-31, Hardik Pandya 2-38) by 142 runs.
Pir Panjal festival begins in J&K’s Poonch, Army unites culture and strength
The Army kicked off the Pir Panjal Winter Festival in the city on Sunday, setting the stage for wide array of sports and cultural spectacles spread over next two months.
The festival is a testament to the Army's unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, cultural preservation, and social reformation, particularly in advocating against drug abuse.
Starting February 9 and
culminating on March 31, the grandiose festival will see diverse sports and cultural spectacles, including:
Under-25 Boys Cricket Tournament – a platform for aspiring cricketers to exhibit prowess.
Under-25 boys and Under-21 girls Volleyball Tournament –fostering teamwork, discipline, and competitive spirit.Open Kho-Kho Tournament (for girls) –
celebrating agility, strategy, and endurance.
Gujari and Pahari Folk dance performances with music and dance talent hunt – a tribute to the region's rich artistic heritage, performed by local virtuosos.
Solo and Group Singing Competitions – an opportunity for school and college students to showcase their melodic talents along with science and art exhibitions to showcase their knowledge and creativity with painting, essay writing and elocution competitions.
The initiative serves as a catalyst for fostering sportsmanship, cultural renaissance, and holistic development among the youth, particularly those hailing from remote and marginalized communities. The Pir Panjal Winter Festival embodies a transformative movement, inspiring young minds to eschew the perils of substance abuse and channel their energies toward constructive, life-affirming pursuits.
Temples play vital role in preserving Indian traditions: Rajasthan CM
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma emphasised the vital role of temples in preserving Indian traditions, culture, and values. He stated that temples are not only symbols of faith but also serve as key centres of social and cultural consciousness.
Highlighting their significance, he remarked that temples form the soul of Sanatan culture, strengthening India’s rich heritage.
The state government, he affirmed, remains dedicated to fostering cultural and spiritual development across Rajasthan. Sharma made these remarks while addressing the idol consecration ceremony of Pashupatinath Mahadev Temple at Matrikundiya in Chittorgarh on Monday.
He praised Chittorgarh as a land of warriors, home to legendary figures like Veer Maharana Pratap and Bhakt Shiromani Mirabai, while also being a
renowned centre of devotion and spirituality.
Congratulating the people of the state on the auspicious occasion, he expressed confidence that the Shri Pashupatinath Mahadev Temple, situated in Matrikundiya—revered as the ‘Haridwar of Mewar’—would become a significant centre of faith, imparting spiritual strength to the region.
The Chief Minister also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Development with Heritage,’ which has driven India’s growth while preserving its cultural legacy.
He credited the Prime Minister’s leadership for bringing about transformative changes in the country since 2014, including poverty alleviation, eradication of terrorism and Naxalism, economic progress, and enhanced global stature.
This holistic approach, he asserted, has set a new benchmark for national
Kiara Advani gives a peek into her ‘Happy Sunday’ reads
Bollywood
actress Kiara Advani is all set to spend her Sundays reading books.
Kiara took to her Instagram stories, where she shared a picture of two books – A diary which had “ Note to self Today will be a good day” written on it and “Meditation” by Marcus Aurelius.
For the caption, she wrote: “Happy Sunday.”
On January 29, Kiara kickstarted the Bangalore schedule of Yash starrer ‘Toxic’
development.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to building a prosperous Rajasthan, the Chief Minister highlighted its focus on essential needs like electricity and water.
He noted that initiatives such as the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP), the Yamuna Water Agreement, and the Dewas Project are addressing water scarcity. Simultaneously, the government is working to ensure daytime electricity supply for farmers.
Recognising the challenges faced by the farming community, Sharma underscored the government’s resolve to empower farmers by providing adequate water and electricity.
He mentioned key initiatives like the Kisan Samman Nidhi and the increase in Minimum Support Price (MSP) for wheat, which have strengthened farmers economically.
Additionally, the government aims to generate employment opportunities by creating four lakh government jobs in five years.
With over 50 per cent of the commitments made in the Sankalp Patra already fulfilled, he reiterated the government’s determination to honour every promise.
Earlier, the Chief Minister offered prayers for Rajasthan’s prosperity at the Tejaji Temple, Mangaleshwar Temple, and Pashupatinath Mahadev Temple.
A source close to the production house revealed, “After completing the pivotal schedule in Goa, Kiara Advani and Yash have now arrived in Bangalore to begin a long and crucial leg of shooting for Toxic.”
The source said that the schedule will delve into the film’s intense narrative, and both “Yash and Kiara are thrilled to bring this unique story to life.”
The sources further claim that the Bangalore schedule of the drama will incorporate some critical scenes that explore important
aspects of the storyline.
Prior to this, the makers shot a song sequence for the movie in Goa featuring Kiara Advani and Yash. Renowned choreographer Ganesh Acharya has helmed the track. "Toxic" will see the return of Yash in a dancing avatar after a very long time.
Aside from Kiara Advani and Yash, "Toxic" will also see Lady Superstar Nayanthara, and Darrell D'Silva in pivotal roles, along with others. "Toxic" is expected to be set against the backdrop of a bygone era. The film will revolve around a powerful drug cartel in Goa that pulls the strings behind a facade of sun-soaked beaches and vibrant culture.
In addition to "Toxic", Kiara Advani has also been roped in as the leading lady in Ayan Mukerji's "War 2". With Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR in the lead, the film will see the return of Kabir Dhaliwal (Hrithik Roshan) combating a new threat to the nation.
Surajkund Mela showcases India’s unity, culture: Minister
The 38th Surajkund
International Crafts Mela was inaugurated on Friday with grandeur at Surajkund in Haryana's Faridabad district.
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat graced the occasion as the chief guest and formally inaugurated the event.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Heritage and Tourism
Minister Arvind Sharma, Revenue and Disaster Management
Minister Vipul Goel, Social Justice
Minister Krishan Kumar Bedi, among others, attended the opening ceremony.
The Surajkund International Crafts Mela will be organised from February 7 to February 23,
showcasing extraordinary art, craftsmanship, and talent from artisans and artists across India and the world.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Shekhawat said: “India is presently hosting two major events that are drawing global attention that is the Maha Kumbh Mela and the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, which showcases India's unity, culture and artistic heritage”.
He emphasised that Surajkund Mela “is not just a marketplace for crafts but a significant platform for craftsmen and artisans to showcase their ancient skills”.
He said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the vision of Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat that “we envision is being realized through this fair”.
Shekhawat said under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, “India has transformed in the past decade, transforming its old image of poverty and underdevelopment".
Supriya Pathak’s daughter Sanah Kapur shares glimpses of family vacation in Goa
Sanah Kapur, daughter of veteran actress Supriya Pathak, recently treated her followers to a series of heartwarming photos from her family vacation in Goa. The actress shared intimate glimpses of the trip on her Instagram handle. Posting a series of images with her family members, Sanah captioned the post, “Weathering the waves together….here comes a vacation photo dump #famjam #goa #vacation #travel #travelling
#photodump #family #love #incredibleindia.”
In the images, Sanah is seen striking poses with her mother, Supriya and father, Pankaj Kapur. In one image, she is seen twinning with her mother. A few other shots show Sanah sitting and posing with her family members.
Last month, Sanah penned a heartwarming birthday wish for her super mom on her 64th birthday. The 'Shaandaar' actress wrote, “When its your Super
Mom’s birthday and she is life...”
Sanah also posted a heartfelt video wherein she could be heard saying, “Hi guys, it was my mom's birthday, and for that, I wanted to do a video about things that maybe people really don't know about my mom which are amazing. Just two things for this time. Firstly, this is for all those kids that when I was young would tease me and feel bad for me because they would be like 'Oh, your mom is Hansa, unko to kuch karna ata hi nahi hai, vo to khana bhi nahi banati hai'. For you information, no one cooks better food than my mother. Mom can make everything, western, Indian, Punjabi, Gujarati, South Indian, everything, and it is brilliant. So when my mom says, "Khana Khake jana' she actually means it because the food, it yummy.”
Sanah Kapur made her acting debut with the 2015 film "Shaandaar," where she starred alongside her stepbrother, Shahid Kapoor. She made her debut on small screen with her guest appearance on the show "Comedy Ka Rocket."
Laos aims to boost sustainable tourism, cultural preservation
The Lao government has called for greater efforts to promote sustainable tourism and cultural preservation, emphasising their significant contributions to socioeconomic growth.
Authorities in the tourism sector
Ishaan
should collaborate with other sectors to ensure that industrial development is compatible with the tourism industry and promotes sustainable tourism, Lao News Agency on Monday quoted Lao Prime Minister
Sonexay Siphandone as saying at the annual meeting of the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism.
Sonexay also called for the promotion and preservation of Lao culture, including the creation of cultural villages, the restoration of traditions, and the elimination of outdated customs. Efforts to improve libraries, museums, and heritage sites were emphasized to attract more visitors.
The government focused on managing historical, naturebased, and agriculture-based attractions, with an emphasis on active community involvement and ensuring visitor safety. It also called for improved services and the creation of diverse tourism products, Xinhua news agency reported.
Ladakh hot springs to be thrown open as battlefield tourism destination from June 15
Ladakh hot springs located in Galwan Valley area close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China are being thrown open for visitors as part of battlefield tourism from June 15.
Officials said on Monday, “Hot springs in Eastern Ladakh will be thrown open for the tourists on June 15 this year, the fifth anniversary of martyrdom of 20 Indian soldiers in clash with People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China which lost its 42 jawans.
“At present, even the locals can’t visit Galwan Valley. The requisite infrastructure is being generated to promote tourism.
“The Ministry of Defence has taken a decision to this effect and the Indian Army is on board. The Union Territory administration of Ladakh has been briefed about the decision and is making all arrangements for converting Galwan Valley into a battlefield tourism destination.
“The Hot Spring area which also falls close to the LAC in Ladakh is also being opened to tourists with infrastructure development and recce operations already underway.”
Officials said, “The move is expected to boost border and rural tourism in the region, providing economic benefits to local communities. From establishing war memorials to
commemorate the sacrifices of Indian soldiers to promoting wildlife and cultural tourism, the initiative holds promise for Ladakh’s tourism industry and regional development.”
A recce of the Galwan area was conducted on January 19 by a 10-member team of Tourism Enablers representing ALTOA, Taxi Union, Tempo Union, Bike Union and ALGHA Tourism.
“The recce was organised by the GOC Kharu Division and initially, the plan is to open the area to domestic tourists. Pangong Lake already attracts a large number of tourists and the addition of Galwan as a destination is expected to give a significant boost to tourism.
“Two key infrastructure sites are planned, one at a midway point, 5 kms from Durbuk, where a cafeteria, souvenir shop, and accommodation for around 30 people are being built, and another at 12 kms from Durbuk.
“Shayok is the last settlement village along the route; beyond that, there are no further settlements.
“A museum is also being developed in Galwan as part of the 2020 memorial. Tourists will have the opportunity to admire the breathtaking landscape,” the officials said.
Khatter shares a glimpse of his day out in Pahalgam
Actor Ishaan Khatter recently shared a glimpse of his day out in the scenic town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. Known for his roles in films like "Dhadak" and "Khaali Peeli," Ishaan took to his Instagram handle to offer his followers a peek into the serene beauty of the region, known for its lush greenery and snow-capped mountains.
In a video, Ishaan captured moments from his day outside Pahalgam’s most popular riverside restaurant, Cafe Wilo,
showcasing the breathtaking landscapes. From leisurely walks along the pristine riverside to admiring the majestic views of the surrounding mountains, the actor appeared to be soaking in the peaceful surroundings of the picturesque valley.
He shared a video showing him enjoying Kashmiri kahwa. Ishaan is also seen standing by a tranquil river, gently splashing water on his face.
Meanwhile, Khatter recently graced an event in Jaipur, Rajasthan, and took to social
media to share a series of eyecatching pictures from his time there. The photos, captured before the event, feature the actor in a variety of stylish poses, exuding confidence and charm against the backdrop of Jaipur's rich cultural landscape. For the caption, he wrote, “Pink city reunion for the day! Pleasure attending the Leela Sawai Man Singh Polo Cup final in Jaipur last afternoon.”
Benefits of Artificial General Intelligence should be broadly distributed: Sam Altman
New Delhi, Feb 10 (IANS) As AI begins to transform industries globally, ensuring that the benefits of AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) are broadly distributed is critical, according to OpenAI Co-founder and CEO Sam Altman.
The historical impact of technological progress suggests that most of the metrics we care about (health outcomes and economic prosperity, etc.) get better on average and over the long-term, but increasing equality does not seem technologically determined and getting this right may require new ideas, he emphasised in a new blog post.
“Our mission is to ensure that AGI benefits all of humanity. AGI
is a weakly defined term, but generally speaking, we mean it to be a system that can tackle increasingly complex problems, at human level, in many fields,” he mentioned.
The world continues to see rapid progress with AI development.
Altman, who just visited India, elaborated on three observations about the economics of AI.
The intelligence of an AI model roughly equals the log of the resources used to train and run it. These resources are chiefly training compute, data, and inference compute.
“It appears that you can spend arbitrary amounts of money and get continuous and predictable gains; the scaling laws that predict this are accurate over many orders of magnitude,” said the ChatGPT maker.
Second, the cost to use a given level of AI falls about 10x every 12 months, and lower prices lead to much more use.
“You can see this in the token
cost from GPT-4 in early 2023 to GPT-4o in mid-2024, where the price per token dropped about 150x in that time period. Moore’s law changed the world at 2x every 18 months; this is unbelievably stronger,” said Altman.
Third, the socio-economic value of linearly increasing intelligence is super-exponential in nature. A consequence of this is that we see no reason for exponentially increasing investment to stop in the near future.
“If these three observations continue to hold true, the impacts on society will be significant,” Altman added.
The company is now starting to roll out AI agents, which will eventually feel like virtual coworkers.
“We expect the impact of AGI to be uneven. Although some industries will change very little, scientific progress will likely be much faster than it is today; this impact of AGI may surpass everything else,” Altman noted.
Chandrayaan-3’s landing region is about 3.7 bn years old: Scientists
New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) The landing site of Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO) Chandrayaan-3 near the south pole of the Moon in 2023, is about 3.7 billion years old, according to scientists.
Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft carrying lunar lander Vikram, and Pragyan rover became the first to land near the South Pole of the Moon on August 23, 2023.
With Chandrayaan-3's success, India also became the fourth nation after the erstwhile USSR (now Russia), the US, and China to
Concerns raised over potential data leak to China via BYD cars India,
make a soft landing on the Moon.
Using high-resolution remote sensing datasets, a team of scientists including from the ISRO, Bengaluru, and Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad mapped the landing site of Chandrayaan-3.
“The geological map reveals the spatial distribution of three distinct terrain types within the landing area that includes highrelief rugged terrain and smooth plains, and low-relief smooth plains,” said the team in the paper, published in the Science Direct journal.
The team determined that “the region is approximately 3.7 billion years old”. “It dates back to the same era when the earliest microscopic life forms began emerging on Earth,” said scientists in an article published in Nature.
The Chandrayaan-3 landing
site is situated within the lowrelief smooth plains. Offering new insights into the Moon’s history, the geological map of the site reveals that debris from the nearby Schomberger crater covers the area.
Further, the analysis revealed the landscape is scattered with boulders, some of which exceed five metres in size. “Most of them originate from a fresh, 540-metre crater located 14 kilometres south of the landing site,” the scientists report.
To the west side are smaller, centimetre-sized rock fragments, which likely came “from a nearby 10-metre-wide crater”, the team said.
The findings showcase valuable context for the interpretation of Chandrayaan-3 mission data and contribute to understanding the geological history of the Moon’s southern high-latitude region.
Paris, Feb 11 (IANS) The second India-France AI Policy Roundtable held on the sidelines of AI Action Summit 2025 stressed the potential for India and France to synergise on various policy positions and technological initiatives, fostering benefits not only at the bilateral level but also on a global scale by leveraging complementary knowledge and skill sets.
The roundtable discussion started with opening remarks by India's Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) Ajay Kumar Sood where he highlighted India's priorities in global AI policy and governance, including responsible AI development and deployment, equitable benefit sharing, adoption of a techno-legal framework for AI governance, interoperable data flows, and collaboration on AI safety, research, and innovation.
Amit A. Shukla, Joint Secretary, Cyber Diplomacy Division, Ministry of External Affairs and Henri Verdier, Ambassador for Digital Affairs, French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs gave co-chairs remarks highlighting DPI for AI, global AI governance, AI foundation models and priority areas, such as integrating AI in addressing global challenges. They also mentioned cross-border data flows lacking arbitration mechanisms and the importance of aligned views on data sovereignty.
Speakers at the roundtable emphasised the need for democratised access to AI resources, and capacity building while recognising the importance of techno-legal frameworks.
The participants highlighted the significance of sovereign AI models, ethical AI deployment and the need to define globally accepted terminologies and standards. They also aligned on multilingual LLMs, federated AI compute infrastructure, and interoperable access to AI research, datasets, and high-performance computing resources.
Besides, the meeting covered key discussions on collaboration between India and France. Opportunities mentioned included creating indigenous foundation models and adopting a balanced governance approach to minimize risks while fostering innovation.
Sustainable AI and energyefficient computing were highlighted, alongside the importance of cross-border cooperation in AI research, datasets, and startups. The conversation also touched on AI's societal impact, data governance, and the role of global institutions in shaping AI safety frameworks.
The official event titled '2nd India-France AI Policy Roundtable' at the Sciences Po Paris University campus on Tuesday was organised by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India in partnership with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, India AI Mission and Sciences Po Paris.
The Second Roundtable was built upon key objectives from the First Roundtable organised in IISc, Bengaluru during Technology Dialogue 2025 on 25th January 2025. The First Roundtable discussion focussed on inclusive AI frameworks, diverse datasets, infrastructure and skills, and foundational models. It also addressed governance and innovation, public-private partnerships, sustainability and health, and academic and data collaboration. Both discussions highlighted ethical and responsible AI, along with sectorspecific and long-term goals.
Seoul, Feb 11 (IANS) With the recent entry by China's BYD into South Korea's passenger electric vehicle (EV) market, concerns have been raised over potential personal data leaks to China through the vehicles manufactured by the company, industry observers said on Tuesday.
The security risks of private data leaks to China emerged following BYD's official entry into the South Korean passenger vehicle market last month, reports Yonhap news agency.
BYD's first model launched here, the Atto 3, is equipped with connected car features, such as over-the-air (OTA) software update capability and navigation features, through which sensitive driver data could be transferred to China, according to the market watchers.
"BYD must disclose exactly what types of data are collected and how they are processed," said Yom Heung-yeol, professor emeritus of cybersecurity at Soonchunhyang University.
He stressed that an "opt-out mechanism," allowing consumers to reject the collection of personal data if they choose, was necessary.
BYD Korea has addressed data protection concerns, stating, "We fully understand Korean customers' concerns regarding personal data security and strictly comply with the Personal Information Protection Act."
It said that data collected in South Korea is managed locally and not shared with BYD headquarters in China.
Powerhouses of the cell may help cure diabetes, say researchers
New York, Feb 9 (IANS)
Mitochondria, that produce energy for the cell, holds the key to curing diabetes, researchers have learned.
Mitochondrial defects are associated with the development of diseases such as type 2 diabetes.
Patients who suffer from this disorder are unable to produce enough insulin or use the insulin produced by their pancreas to keep their blood sugar at normal levels.
Several studies have shown that insulin-producing pancreatic cells of patients with diabetes have abnormal mitochondria and
After
amla,
are unable to generate energy.
Yet, these studies were unable to explain why the cells behaved this way.
In a new study published in the journal Science, researchers at the University of Michigan in the US used mice to show that dysfunctional mitochondria trigger a response that affects the maturation and function of these cells.
“We wanted to determine which pathways are important for maintaining proper mitochondrial function,” said Emily M. Walker, Ph.D, a research assistant professor of internal medicine and first author of the study.
To do so, the team damaged three components that are essential for mitochondrial function: their DNA, a pathway used to get rid of damaged mitochondria, and one that maintains a healthy pool of mitochondria in the cell.
“In all three cases, the exact same stress response was turned on, which caused pancreatic cells to become immature, stop making enough insulin, and essentially stop being pancreatic cells,” Walker said.
“Our results demonstrate that the mitochondria can send signals to the nucleus and change the fate of the cell.” The researchers also confirmed their findings in human pancreatic islet cells.
Losing your pancreatic cells is the most direct path to getting type 2 diabetes. Through our study we now have an explanation for what might be happening and how we can intervene and fix the root cause, said authors.
The team is working on further dissecting the cellular pathways that are disrupted and hope that they will be able to replicate their results in cell samples from diabetic patients.
moringa, Ayush Ministry to campaign for Shatavari plant to boost health
New Delhi, Feb 7 (IANS) After successful campaigns for medicinal plants such as amla, moringa, giloe, and ashwagandha, Ayush Ministry has launched a new campaign for the Shatavari plant to boost health. The species-specific campaign titled “Shatavari –For Better Health" was launched by Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush on Thursday. Jadhav emphasised the relevance of Shatavari in achieving the Panch Pran Goal outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day speech on August 15, 2022.
“The Prime Minister envisioned making India a developed nation by its 100th Independence Day in 2047. As part of this mission, the Shatavari plant has been identified as a key resource for enhancing women’s health in India. This aligns with the broader goal of holistic well-being of citizens,” Jadhav said.
He also highlighted the significant progress made by the Ministry of Ayush over the last decade and lauded the efforts of the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), for launching this new initiative to promote awareness about Shatavari.
Lauding the previous successful campaigns he said, “These initiatives have contributed to spreading knowledge of the health benefits of medicinal plants across the country”.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, elaborated on
the activities and achievements of NMPB in promoting medicinal plants. He also shared insights into the Central Sector Scheme for the Conservation, Development, and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants, an initiative to ensure the longterm preservation and cultivation of important medicinal species, including Shatavari.
“Shatavari is especially beneficial for women’s health,” said Dr. Mahesh Kumar Dadhich, CEO, NMPB, highlighting its medicinal importance. He also discussed the agro-economic potential of this plant.
“Financial assistance amounting to Rs 18.9 lakh will be provided to eligible organisations to support the campaign, fostering greater awareness and wider adoption of Shatavari in the public health landscape,” Dadhich said.
Study shows potassium-enriched salt can reduce recurrent stroke
risk
Potassium supplements in salt can significantly reduce the risks of stroke recurrence as well as death, according to an international study.
The study comes amidst the new recommendation by the World Health Organization (WHO) to take potassium-enriched salt to combat hypertension and related
heart risks.
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability, and recurrent events remain a major concern.
High sodium intake and low potassium intake are considered key risk factors.
“The study suggests that potassium salt substitute significantly reduced the risks of stroke recurrence and death, and is a novel and practical therapeutic option for patients with stroke,” said the researchers, including from China, Australia, and the UK.
Both active and passive use of social media can trigger loneliness: Study
New Delhi, Feb 9 (IANS) Both passive and active social media use have been linked with increased feelings of loneliness over time, report researchers.
The team investigated how social media use impacts loneliness over time and examined the hidden emotional costs of social media.
The eye-opening research by Baylor University, published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, suggests that the very platforms designed to bring us together contribute to an "epidemic of loneliness."
While passive social media use — like browsing without interaction —predictable lead to heightened loneliness, active use, involving posting and engaging with others, was also linked to increased feelings of loneliness.
These results suggest that the quality of digital interactions may not fulfill the social needs that are met in face-to-face communication.
“This research underscores the complexity of social media’s impact on mental health,” said primary investigator James A. Roberts.
While social media offers unprecedented access to online communities, it appears that extensive use — whether active or passive — does not alleviate feelings of loneliness and may, in fact, intensify them, he mentioned.
The study also found a two-way relationship between loneliness and social media use.
"It appears that a continuous feedback loop exists between the two. Lonely people turn to social media to address their feelings, but it is possible that such social media use merely fans the flames of loneliness,” said Roberts.
The findings emphasise an urgent need for further research into the effects of digital interaction, underlining the essential role of in-person connections in supporting well-being.
This study adds a valuable perspective to the conversation on how digital habits influence mental health, offering insights to shape future mental health initiatives, policies, and guidelines for healthier social media use.
Human breast milk may heal corneal wounds: Study
New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) Using human breast milk may enhance the healing of the cornea -- the clear outer layer at the front of the eye, which helps the eye to focus light to help one see clearly, finds a study.
The randomised clinical trial involved 15,249 participants from China who had previously reported suffering from a stroke. The participants were assigned to use either a salt substitute, consisting of 75 per cent sodium chloride and 25 per cent potassium chloride by mass, or regular salt.
The findings, published in JAMA Cardiology, showed that recurrent stroke was reduced by 14 per cent in the potassium substitute group compared with those in the regular salt group.
A total of 2,735 recurrent stroke events occurred, with 691 fatal and 2,044 nonfatal episodes.
Corneal wound healing is a complex process involving cell death, migration, proliferation, differentiation, and extracellular matrix remodeling.
The study by ophthalmology researchers from the University of Colorado showed that when used on wounded corneas in animal models, human breast milk led to an increase in re-epithelialiation -- a part of the wound healing process.
The wounded eyes treated with human breast milk showed higher levels of Ki67 -- a protein that's produced in cells that are actively dividing. Quick recovery is crucial in these kinds of eye injuries because it prevents infection that may cause further damage to the eye.
"The sooner that wound can heal, the better. Human breast milk seems to stimulate that process," said Mark Petrash, Professor of ophthalmology, from the varsity. While it remains unclear how breast milk contributes to a quick recovery, the team believes that it has similar properties as serum tears -- a medication made from centrifuging a patient's own blood to separate the serum, which is then sterilised and bottled.
The serum contains components, including proteins and growth factors, that are similar to natural tears, making it an effective treatment for some patients with severe dry eye and inflammatory eye diseases.
Although the findings, published in the journal Current Eye Research, are promising, it may just be “the tip of the iceberg," Petrash said, calling for more research.
"Breast milk itself is very complicated. There are sugars, carbohydrates, and lactose. There are a lot of proteins that have human growth factors and different kinds of biological properties. It would be really good to know what is it about breast milk that makes it so therapeutically promising."
New Delhi, Feb 11 (IANS)
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.
Summeris all about fun in the sun, beach outings, and showing off those fabulous nails! With the sunny season upon us, it's essential to step up our nail care game to keep our nails looking fresh and vibrant.
Experts in nail care from Tip and Toe Salon share with IANSlife
Protect from the Sun
Protect your nails from the sun's harmful UV rays, just as you would protect your skin. Consider using a nail polish with UV protection or applying a clear topcoat containing SPF. When engaging in outdoor activities, wearing gloves can also provide an additional layer of protection against sun damage.
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.
Chase the sun,
not
the damage: Smart skin care choices for summer
As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, many of us eagerly embrace the warmth of summer. However, the need for diligent skin care comes with the joys of outdoor activities and beach vacations.
Before diving into skin care tips, it's essential to understand the damaging effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to many skin concerns, including sunburn and premature ageing.
"One of the most effective ways to shield your skin from sun damage is sunscreen. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating to ensure comprehensive protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed areas of skin, including your face, neck, and ears, and remember to reapply every two hours, especially if you're swimming or sweating," says Mansi Sharma, founder of The Honest Tree by Boddess.
Hydration is key. Summer heat can take a toll on your skin, leading to dehydration and a loss of moisture. Mansi recommends
to combat the heat by staying 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
Malaika Arora shares stunning moments from Manish Malhotra’s Dubai show
Malaika Arora recently took to social media to offer a glimpse of the dazzling Manish Malhotra fashion show in Dubai. Known for her stunning style and grace, the actress shared candid moments from the glamorous event, giving fans a sneak peek into the preparation and excitement backstage. The diva posted a couple of photos; in one, she’s seen sitting in a stunning red dress while getting her hair done. In the next, Malaika poses with her back toward the camera. The fashionista looked glamorous
in a full-length red backless gown with a demure neckline.
Malaika paired the gown with a pair of classic golden opentoe heels, keeping accessories minimal. For her makeup, she embraced a bronzed glow, opting for a flawless base with contour and bronzer to achieve a sunkissed look. Her hair was styled in soft waves, cascading elegantly over one shoulder for a chic finish.
In another shot, the 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' girl is seen relaxing by
the poolside. Sharing the images, Arora captioned them, "Habibi Dubai...." She also posted a photo of Manish Malhotra from the ramp.
Manish debuted his highly anticipated latest collection at Dubai Fashion Week 2025. The designer wrapped up the week with an unforgettable show, featuring top models Adriana Lima and Valery Kaufman strutting down the runway in his stunning creations. Celebrities including Malaika Arora, Raveena Tandon’s daughter Rasha Thadani, Sanjay Dutt, and Karan Johar attended to cheer for the designer.
For the grand finale, Malhotra enlisted supermodel Adriana Lima to take center stage. She dazzled the runway in a stunning celestial grey strapless gown, adorned with exquisite pearl detailing, embodying the essence of elegance.
Sharing images from the event on his Instagram, Manish wrote, "Our first world collection: Dubai moments from the show will always remain special to me…”
Jacqueliene Fernandez aspires to play fashion icon ‘Coco Chanel’ on screen
Jacqueliene Fernandez says fashion to her means being creative and being unique. The Sri Lankan beauty and Bollywood actress also expressed her desire to play French fashion designer Coco Chanel on screen someday. Talking about what fashion means to Jacqueliene, she told IANS: “I think fashion means, you know, being creative and being unique . It's a gateway to that, you know to align your person to the one and only So you're one and only personality, which you have. And, yeah.”
The actress, who turned muse for designer Kanika Goyal at the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour in Chandigarh, added that fashion is a celebration of “who you are every day. So it's a beautiful
thing.”
Asked if she had to play a fashion icon on screen, pat came the reply from the actress, who was last seen on screen in “Fateh” alongside Sonu Sood,: “Coco Chanel.”
The actress, who made her debut in 2009 with Sujoy Ghosh’s fantasy drama “Aladin”, says she has her moods when it comes to choosing between dressing up or being casual.
“I have moods. It's like. So most of the time I would say 90 percent of the time I'm really casual and I know a lot of my stylists still tell me like ‘Jackie, my gosh, like your wardrobe is disappointing’.
Because you know, you get styled all the time.
So you're pretty okay with, you
Jacqueliene Fernandez talks about how cinema plays a major role in fashion
Sri
Lankan beauty and Bollywood star Jacqueliene Fernandez agrees cinema plays a major role in setting trends in the fashion world.
Jacqueliene told IANS: “Does cinema play an important role?
know, your wardrobe being pretty like basic.’”
However, there are days when she feels like dolling up.
“But, there are those off days where I'm just like, you know what? I need to get ready, need to go out, need to put on a really nice, hot dress and, and have fun. And, or even when it comes to, like, the red carpet or, like, you know, especially the stage, I love getting ready for the stage.
But yeah, those are my moments,” she added.
“I think, but I would say 90 percent of the time I'm really casual.”
Over the years, the actress’ fashion has evolved.
Of course, yeah, it does. Because certain roles, figures and certain characters are so fashionable and stylish that they've exploded or once people have, like, taken a liking to them or once their style has kind of been liked.
She shared that films do influence people when it comes to fashion.
“Yeah, it influences so many people so it's the same with style, people like to Copy the style of their favorite characters,” said the actress, who turned muse for designer Kanika Goyal at the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour in Chandigarh.
The actress shared that fashion to her means being creative and being unique.
Talking about what fashion means to Jacqueliene, she told IANS: “I think fashion means, you know, being creative and being unique . It's a gateway to that, you know to align your person to the one
and only So you're one and only personality, which you have. And, yeah.”
She added that fashion is a celebration of “who you are every day. So it's a beautiful thing.”
On the acting front, she was last seen in the film “Fateh” starring Sonu Sood. Produced by Sonali Sood of Shakti Sagar Productions, and Umesh KR Bansal of Zee Studios and co-produced by Ajay Dhama, ‘Fateh’ is currently playing in cinemas.
The film is set against the backdrop of cybercrime, and features Sonu as an ex-special ops officer with a lethal skill set, a dark past, and a mission to dismantle a sprawling network of digital terror.
Meanwhile, the actress’ 2025 lineup promises more surprises as she is set to star two of the biggest commercial entertainers and legacy films, ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ and ‘Housefull 5’, both of which are highly anticipated. She will be reuniting with Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar in both the films.
Paris: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets U.S. Vice President JD Vance on the sidelines of the AI Action Summit in Paris, France on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
Ahmedabad: Indian players pose with the trophy after winning the ODI cricket series against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
Prayagraj: Pilgrims walk on a pontoon bridge towards the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythological Saraswati rivers, during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, in Prayagraj on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
Paris: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets President of France Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Tuesday February 11, 2025.
Prayagraj: President Droupadi Murmu visits ‘Akshaya Vat’ during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj on Monday, February 10, 2025.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi participates in 8th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC), in New Delhi on Monday, February 10, 2025.
Noida: BJP MP Mahesh Sharma celebrates with party workers following BJP’s victory in the Delhi Assembly Elections 2025, in Noida on Saturday, February 08, 2025.
New Delhi: A cat sits elegantly during the Championship Cat Show at Constitution Club in New Delhi on Sunday, February 9, 2025.
Bengaluru: Foreign delegates taking selfie in front of the LCA Tejas fighter jet during Aero India 2025 at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru on Monday, February 10, 2025.
New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah meets Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Monday, February 10, 2025.
ew Delhi: Industrialists from the business community watch Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presenting the Interim Budget 2024 in Parliament, on a projector organised by CII in New Delhi on Saturday, February 01, 2025.
Paris: Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival in Paris, France, on Monday, February 10, 2025.
Paris: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attends the inaugural session of the 14th France CEO Forum in Paris, on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
CAST: Salman Khan, Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal
BADNAAM
RELEASE DATE: 28 February 2025
LANGUAGE: Punjabi (With English Subtitles)
PRODUCER: Gaurav Bhatia, Dixit Sahni, Jassi Lohka, Jag Bopara and Mohit Sharma
DIRECTOR: Maneesh Bhatt
CAST: Jay Randhawa, Jasmin Bhasin, Nirmal Rishi, Mukesh Rishi, Rajesh Hirjee and others
MY MELBOURNE
RELEASE DATE: 6 March 2025
LANGUAGE: Auslan, Bengali, Dari, English, Hindi (With English Subtitles)
PRODUCER: Mind Blowing
Entertainment
DIRECTOR: Onir, Arif Ali, Rima Das, Kabir Khan, Rahul Vohra, Imtiaz Ali
Tiger Shroff expresses his unique love ahead of Valentine’s Day
As Valentine's Day approaches, Tiger Shroff has taken to social media to express his unique love in his latest post. Taking to his Instagram handle, the ‘Heropanti’ actor posted a video with his action trainer, Nadeem Akhtar, and captioned it, “Just because I love you, bro @nadeemkhiladi786.” In the hilarious clip, Tiger is seen
performing a stunt with his trainer standing close by. He showcases the flexibility of his leg while executing the move. The actor also flaunted his ripped biceps, wearing a sleeveless hoodie paired with jeans. What caught everyone’s attention was Tiger’s choice of song. He added the popular romantic track "I Love You," sung by Ash King and
Clinton Cerejo, from the film “Bodyguard,” starring Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor. Tiger had previously posted a video showcasing his skating skills as he skated on the road, writing, “On my way home after a hard AF day at work, time to beat some traffic.”
On the professional front, the ‘War’ actor is gearing up for the much-awaited release of “Baaghi 4,” the next installment in the popular action-packed franchise. This time, the movie will feature a strong cast, including Sanjay Dutt, Sonam Bajwa, and Harnaaz Sandhu.
Directed by A. Harsha, "Baaghi 4" is set to hit theatres on September 5th this year.
Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under the banner of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, the film promises thrilling action sequences and intense drama, with cinematography by Swamy J. Gowda.
Former Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu will be making her Bollywood debut with this film, while Tiger will reprise his iconic role as "Ronny."
The film also stars Punjabi actress Sonam Bajwa. Welcoming her, Tiger wrote, “Welcoming the new member of the Rebel Family! Thrilled to have @sonambajwa in the #Baaghi Universe #SajidNadiadwala's #Baaghi4.”
Tiger Shroff was last seen in Rohit Shetty’s action cop drama, “Singham Again,” as ACP Satya.
Salman Khan advises on how to move on from a breakup
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has shared his advise on how to move on from a breakup and said that “Go to the room, cry, then forget about it and come out and say ‘what’s up, how’s it going’.”
During a chat with his nephew Arhaan Khan on his podcast Dumb Biryani, Salman shared his pearls of wisdom to the Gen-Zs on love, career and family.
“Me as an uncle giving my nephew advice. So I guess that if it's for you then it is for the younger generation. I think you should just go after something. If you want to do something, don’t look here and
there and just go for it.”
He went on to say: “If your leg is hurting, head is hurting, haven't slept .. just go for it man.”
Then came the advice on breakups.
“Girlfriend broke up and went away, it’s okay, go. Bye bye. When you have to take out a bandaid how do you do it, you pull it out. Go to the room, cry, then forget about it and come out and say ‘what’s up, how’s it going’,” he shared.
Salman said that there is no one who has not made mistakes and that one should apologise with a
Ekta Kapoor commends PM Modi’s vision to make India an entertainment hub
TVCzarina Ekta Kapoor has heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that his vision for India as a global entertainment hub is inspiring.
After the iconic leader chaired an extensive meeting of the Advisory Board of WAVES to position India as a global entertainment hub in the world, Ekta took to her Instagram and wrote: “Thank you, Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi Ji, for your continued support towards our industry and in making WAVES a global summit.
She added: “Your vision for India as a global entertainment hub is inspiring. We’re extremely excited to contribute and be a part of this journey.”
clean heart.
“Mistakes happen but repeating the same mistakes that are being done on purpose.… Mistake happens for the first time and the moment you realise that a mistake has been made straight out apologise with a clean heart. Thank you and sorry should come out very spontaneously,” he said. The actor had also talked about his issues with his father Salim Khan. He revealed, "There is a head of the family and that head of the family should be respected, because nobody would want you, from a family, from the people you love, to be unsuccessful or go through shit in your life. Like me and my father used to have this thing - 'you're doing this, don't do this, you are going to get screwed'.” “So, my problem with my father was, how can he be right all the time, when I am so wrong? and that was the biggest thing I needed to change. So today, if I give you an advise, the way I speak to myself, you would hate me, because I speak to myself rather harshly."
Previously Anil Kapoor took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and wrote: "It's an honor to be a part of the Advisory Board of WAVES and have the opportunity to contribute to this incredible initiative. We had a very insightful discussions with fellow members and we look forward to working towards making India a global
entertainment hub!"
Additionally, Anupam Kher also expressed his gratitude for being appointed to the prestigious WAVES advisory board.
The veteran actor penned on social media, "Thank you Prime Minister @narendramodiji for giving me the great opportunity to be on the advisory board of WAVES! It is an amazing initiative. It will positively make India - the global entertainment hub. Listening to your vision and the participation of other distinguished members of the board was a clear indication that India will be the DAVOS of the entertainment and cultural field globally in few years!"
As part of the Waves Summit held between 5 and 9th February, 2025, Prime Minister Modi conducted virtual discussions with actors such as Amitabh Bachchan, Diljit Dosanjh, Rajinikanth, Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Chiranjeevi, Anil Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher, and music maestro AR Rahman.
Ed Sheeran’s impromptu Bengaluru street performance stopped by police
pop sensation Ed
is presently in Bengaluru as part of his ongoing +–=÷× Tour (Mathematics Tour).
During his visit to the city, the singer decided to go for an impromptu street performance.
The British singer arrived opposite the M G Road Metro station on Church Street, where two microphones and a guitar had been set up for the
performance. He started to perform an unplugged version of his popular track "Shape of You". He was only a minute into his performance when a police officer arrived and disconnected the speakers to stop his performance. According to the police, the event had to be unplugged midway as they had not attained any prior permission for the performance. If the reports are to be believed, the police had also received a complaint of public nuisance against the singer. After taking over Bengaluru, Ed Sheeran will be seen performing in Shillong's JN Stadium on 12th February. The singer's final stop will be on 15th February at the Leisure Valley Grounds, Gurugram.
Global
Sheeran
Kabir Khan, Imtiaz Ali, Rima Das and Onir’s anthology ‘My Melbourne’ to release on March 14
Filmmakers
Kabir Khan, Imtiaz
Ali, Rima Das and Onir’s anthology titled ‘My Melbourne’, which comprises four stories exploring deeply relevant themes of race, gender, sexuality, and disability, is all set to release in India on March 14.
The film is all set for its Indian theatrical release in association with PVR Cinemas across India. It features “Nandini” directed by Onir, “Setara” directed by Kabir Khan, “Emma” directed by Rima Das, and “Jules” directed by Arif Ali and creatively guided by Imtiaz Ali.
Kabir said, "Stories have the power to connect people across borders, and My Melbourne does just that. My film Setara , based on Setera’s own life and journey , that she played on screen as well, delves into themes of resilience and identity, which are deeply personal yet universally relevant.”
He shared that working on this
project has been an enriching experience.
The films are presented in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Bengali, Dari, and Auslan, ensuring authenticity and representation of diverse voices. Envisioned by Mitu Bhowmik Lange's production house Mind Blowing Films, and backed by the state government of Victoria screen agency , VicScreen and Federal agency , Screen Australia in Australia.
Reflecting on the uniqueness of the anthology, Imtiaz Ali shared: "Cinema is a bridge that unites cultures, and My Melbourne is a testament to that. Each filmmaker has brought a distinct flavor to this anthology, making it an emotional and thought-provoking journey.
The filmmaker added that it’s rare to see a project that so “seamlessly blends multiple narratives while staying true to a
shared vision of inclusivity."
Rima Das said that she loves telling human stories that resonate deeply with the heart and soul.
“Emma is a profoundly personal film that explores the essence of human connection, overcoming limitations and circumstances to reveal our shared humanity. My Melbourne is more than just a film,” she added.
Calling it an “immersive experience”, she said that it celebrates the richness of cultural diversity while delving into the personal struggles.
“These stories strive to craft a cinematic journey that is both intimate and universally resonant.”
Adding to the conversation, Onir shared his thoughts on the film’s social relevance, "For me, storytelling is about bringing marginalized voices to the forefront. Nandini is about representation and identity, themes that need to be addressed now more than ever. Being part of My Melbourne was a profoundly moving experience, and I am proud to contribute to a film that speaks of acceptance and selfdiscovery."
Speaking about the theatrical release, Kamal Gianchamdani, CEO PVR INOX Pictures Limited, expressed his excitement, "My Melbourne is a special film that celebrates storytelling at its finest while addressing important global issues.”
Mitu Bhowmick Lange, Producer of My Melbourne who conceptualised and spearheaded this project, shared: "My Melbourne is not just a collection of stories ; it is a reflection of our shared experiences , our shared humanity and the importance of inclusivity and diversity in storytelling.
Priyanka and Nick shares glimpse of priceless moments from Siddharth’s wedding
Sara Ali Khan strikes a pose with Akon at wedding
Bollywood actress Sara Ali Khan had a fan moment as she met American singer Akon and posed with him for pictures at a wedding.
Sara took to her Instagram stories in the early hours of Monday morning, where she posted the picture. In the image, the actress flaunted her “desi girl” side dressed in a black Indian wear.
Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas shared glimpses of priceless moments from PeeCee's brother Siddharth Chopra’s wedding on social media.
Flaunting her looks from the various functions of the wedding, the 'Barfi' actress wrote on her IG, "Bhai ki shaadi but also Fashion #SidNee", along with a red heart emoji.
Nick Jonas commented on the post, "Wow. Just wow. Gorgeous."
Priyanka Chopra attended the wedding in a custom turquoise blue Manish Malhotra lehenga. Before that, she opted for a midnight blue Falguni Shane Peacock lehenga for the sangeet ceremony. For the Mehendi, the diva rocked a Rahul Mishra corset lehenga gown. Priyanka Chopra went for an elegant yellow kurti and lehenga look for the Haldi ceremony.
She is seen hugging Akon, who looks dapper in white, from the side. The two are joined by the actress’ friend in the picture.
For the caption, Sara chose to tag Akon, who lent his vocal prowess for Shah Rukh Khan’s track “Chammak Challo” from 2011 film “Ra. One” and added three shooting star emojis.
On February 9, Sara shared a heartfelt Instagram post dedicated to her "mommy jaan".
Sara referred to Amrita as “Mommy Jaan” and expressed gratitude for the “genes” she inherited, while humorously mentioned that she can’t quite fit into her mother’s jeans.
Sara wrote in the caption, "Happiest Birthday Mommy Jaan. Thank you for your genes since I can’t wear your jeans. But I can wear my favourite outfit of yours. I remember this evening with you – loving your earrings and kurta – and now I copied you
on your birthday. #carboncopy #copypaste Badhiya mummy so why waste."
For the unversed, Amrita made her Bollywood debut in 1983 with “Betaab,” which also starred Sunny Deol. She quickly became a prominent figure in the industry, going on to star in several memorable films, including “Mard,” “Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman,” “Badla,” and “2 States.”
Talking about Sara, the actress was recently seen in “Sky Force,” which also starred Akshay Kumar, debutant Veer Pahariya, and Nimrat Kaur. The movie, directed by Abhishek Kapoor, was produced by Jio Studios, along with Maddock Films and Leo Films UK Production.
Sara will next be seen in Anurag Basu's upcoming project, “Metro In Dino.” The film, which stars Aditya Roy Kapur in the lead, boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Anupam Kher, Ali Fazal, Kay Kay Menon, Pankaj Tripathi, Konkona Sen Sharma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Rahul Bose, and Neena Gupta, among others. In addition to this, Sara is also reportedly teaming up with Ayushmann Khurrana for an untitled film.
