Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who currently hosts the reality show ‘Bigg Boss 18’, has received another death threat.
The caller, whose identity cannot be ascertained, has demanded Rs.
Bengaluru, Oct 30 (IANS)
The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday granted conditional bail on medical grounds to Kannada actor Darshan for six weeks in the fan murder case.
The bench stated that availing medical treatment is the right of an undertrial and granted interim bail for six weeks to get treatment for severe back pain.
As per the submission of the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Prasanna Kumar, the bench has directed the seizure of the actor's passport.
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Premier of Queensland, David Crisafulli, was sworn in as the 41st Premier of Queensland on 28 October 2024. He was first elected to the Queensland Parliament in 2012 as the member for Mundingburra, until 2015. In 2017 he was elected as the Member for Broadwater.
National Indian Film Festival of Australia to commence from February 13, 2025
2 crore.
This comes after the cops arrested a NOIDA based man for sending threats to Salman Khan.
The Worli police have registered an offence against an unknown person for sending various WhatsApp messages on Mumbai Police's Traffic Helpline number demanding Rs. 2 crore from the Bollywood superstar.
J&K terror attack: Death toll rises to 7
death
reached seven on Monday as another injured succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
Officials said the death toll in the terrorist attack, which took place on Sunday, on a private company’s labourers’ camp in the Gagangir area reached seven.
Those killed by the terrorists include both locals and non-
locals working to build a tunnel between Gagangir and Sonamarg to make Srinagar-Sonamarg an all-weather road.
The list of killed civilians includes Faheem Nasir (Safety Manager from Bihar), Angil Shukla, Mechanical Manager from Madhya Pradesh, Mohammad
Cinema on Friday announced an initiative to celebrate Indian cinema in Australasia with Australia’s first and only National Indian Film Festival of Australia (NIFFA).
The festival will commence from February 13, 2025 and will conclude on February 16. The NIFFA will see a weekend of celebrations and screenings around Australia in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, Darwin and Hobart.
One yet-to-be-decided city will host the opening night party, workshops, closing night film and panels on investments, coproduction, development and collaboration.
The festival will also offer development grants for Australian screen content related to India and awards, to be announced in November.
The plans will see the festival held across seven cities in Australia
India and China complete disengagement process in Eastern Ladakh
Srinagar, Oct 29 (IANS) The disengagement process between India and China on the line of actual control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh was completed on Tuesday after which the two armies started verification of positions and dismantling of infrastructure by each other, defence sources said. The sources added that the
dismantling of temporary structures in Depsang plains and Demchok is almost complete and a certain amount of verification has already taken place on both sides. The verification process is being done physically as well as using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Troops on both sides have been withdrawn to be stationed at depth in the rear locations as part of the disengagement process. The patrolling, which will be undertaken to points hitherto inaccessible since April 2020, will be done by small parties of
Continued on Page 3
New Delhi, Oct 25 (IANS) The Australian Centre for Indian
Srinagar, Oct 21 (IANS) The
toll in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district
EDITORIAL TEAM
Dr Ram Mohan, Chairman
Dr Ashutosh Misra, Editor-in-Chief
EDITORIAL BOARD
Amrita Deshpande, Community News Editor
Paras Sharma, Assistant Editor
Dr Uttam Kumar Sinha, Senior Fellow, Nehru Memorial Museum & Library, India
Mr Shaun Star, Director, Centre for Australia India Studies, Jindal Global University, India
Vikrant Massey touches wife Sheetal’s feet on Karwa Chauth
Fan murder case: K’taka HC grants 6-week conditional bail to Darshan
Continued from Page 1
The bench has allowed Darshan to get the treatment at his choice of hospital. He has also been asked to submit the details and report of the medical treatment he is undergoing within seven days.
Single bench Justice S. Vishwajith Shetty passed the order.
Darshan, Pavithra Gowda and 15 others were arrested on June 11 on charges of kidnapping and brutally murdering Renukaswamy
from Chitradurga.
Renukaswamy had allegedly sent derogatory and obscene messages to Pavithra Gowda as he was miffed with the actor for his relationship with Pavithra Gowda despite being married.
Darshan was shifted to Ballari prison after photos of 'royal treatment' for him at the Bengaluru Central Prison surfaced. He is facing three FIRs
in this connection.
The police submitted a 3,991-page charge sheet on September 4 in the fan murder case.
The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday reserved its order on the bail petition of jailed Kannada superstar Darshan after completing arguments and counterarguments.
Senior counsel C.V. Nagesh,
National Indian Film Festival of Australia to commence from February 13, 2025
Continued from Page 1
in February 2025, with Australia cinema chain Dendy Cinemas, major Indian news media company NDTV and cinema advertising company Val Morgan, coming on board as stakeholders, read a statement.
NDTV Director and Editor-inChief, Sanjay Pugalia said: “As NDTV expands globally and the Indian diaspora flourishes across Australasia, partnering with this premier celebration of Indian cinema felt like a perfect fit.”
“We at NDTV are happy to amplify the festival’s spirit worldwide, bringing it to Indian communities across the globe and celebrating the ever-growing impact of Indian filmmaking on the international stage."
The festival is the brainchild of filmmaker and Australia’s leading expert on Indian cinema, Anupam Sharma, who will head the festival with industry veteran Peter Castaldi serving as festival director.
The two bring a long history in the industry to the project, with
both involved in some of the first Indian festivals in Australia in the 1990s.
Sharon Strickland, CEO of Dendy Cinema, said: “Dendy Cinema is honoured to partner with the National Indian Film Festival of Australia, bringing the best of Indian cinema to audiences across Australia.”
“With a resurgence of Indian films making a strong impact at the global box office, this collaboration highlights our commitment to showcasing diverse and culturally significant stories. We are excited to support this festival, celebrating the vibrant creativity and growing influence of Indian filmmaking on the world stage.”
Sharma added: “Australia was craving for a professional national celebration of Indian cinema, and it is an absolute honour to receive the support of mainstream Australia with Dendy as our major partner and NDTV as media partner. This will be one of the rare film festivals which will be produced by filmmakers.
“One of the most important and exciting aspects of the festival will be the programming coverage on NDTV about Australia-India cultural and artistic ties, which willreach a potential audience of over 350 million across NDTV platforms. Money cannot buy such exposure for Australian cultural links with India.”
Festival Director, Peter Castaldi, said: “I am delighted to have been invited to take such an important role in this vital Indo-Australian cultural and business initiative.”
“On the back of the coproduction treaty, sparking a resurgence of film links and high box office revenue in Australasia for pan Indian films, it makes sense to offer a national audience the opportunity to enjoy a professionally curated taster of the vitality of the amazingly rich and diverse Indian production sector.”
Paul MacGregor, Director of Strategy and Marketing at Val Morgan, said: “The recordbreaking success of Indian films in Australia over the past three years is a clear indication of the
J&K terror attack: Death toll rises to 7
Continued from Page 1
Hanif from Bihar, Dr Shahnawaz from Budgam district of Kashmir, Kaleem from Bihar, Shashi Abrol (Designer). (Jammu) and Gurmeet Singh (Rigger from Gurdaspur Punjab).
Five injured are being treated at super speciality SKIMS hospital in Srinagar city.
Security forces cordoned off the area and an operation was launched to trace the terrorists.
The attack took place around 8.15 p.m. on Sunday.
The attack on innocent civilians engaged in an important infrastructure project that would make Sonamarg tourist resort an all-weather destination thereby bringing livelihood to hundreds of locals, has received wide condemnation.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on his X-post page, "The dastardly terror attack on civilians in Gagangir, J&K, is a despicable act of cowardice.
Those involved in this heinous act will not be spared and will face the harshest response from our security forces. At this moment of immense grief, I extend my sincerest condolences to the families of the deceased. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured."
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, who has been personally monitoring the work on this tunnel project said, "I strongly condemn the horrific terror attack on innocent laborers in Gagangir, Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir, who were engaged in a vital infrastructure project. I offer my humble tribute to the martyred laborers and extend my deepest condolences to their families during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with the injured for a swift and full recovery”.
India and China complete disengagement process in Eastern Ladakh
Continued from Page 1
troops numbering around 10 to 15 soldiers.
India and China have been locked in a military standoff along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh following Chinese incursions over four and half years ago.
Last week, four days after India announced that an agreement on patrolling in the Depsang Plains and Demchok had been reached
with China, Beijing affirmed the same, saying that “the Chinese and Indian frontier troops are engaged in relevant work, which is going smoothly at the moment”. Sources in the Army said that following the completion of the verification process, the coordinated patrolling will begin within the next two days. Prior information will be given by both sides so that there is no danger of a face-off.
Mutual trust, mutual respect and mutual sensitivity key to future of India-China ties, PM Modi tells Xi Jinping (Lead)
Kazan (Russia), Oct 23 (IANS)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday conveyed it to the Chinese President Xi Jinping that India-China ties have to be based on three mutualsmutual trust, mutual respect and mutual sensitivity - if they have to return to a positive trajectory and remain sustainable. "We welcome the consensus reached on issues that have arisen on the India-China border in the last four years. Maintaining peace and stability on the border should remain our top priority. Mutual trust, mutual respect and mutual sensitivity form the basis of our relations," said PM Modi in a significant bilateral meeting with Xi Jinping - the first at the delegation level in nearly five years - in the Russian city of Kazan on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. As PM Modi emphasised that relations between India and China are important not only for people of the both countries, but also for global peace, stability and progress, the Chinese President
the heinous terrorist attack on civilians in Gagangeer. I assure the people that those behind this despicable act will not go unpunished. We have given full freedom to J&K Police, Army and Security forces. Our brave personnel are on the ground & they will ensure terrorists pay a very heavy price for their action. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families. Praying for speedy recovery of the injured. The entire nation stands in solidarity with the families in this hour of grief”.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the incident as dastardly and cowardly on the part of the militants. "The casualty figure from the Gagangir attack is not final as there are a number of injured labourers, both local and non-local. Praying that the injured make a full recovery as the more seriously injured are being referred to SKIMS, Srinagar.”
also acknowledged that people in both countries, and even the international community, are keeping a close watch on the meeting. "China and India are both ancient civilisations, major developing countries, and important members of the Global South. We are both at a crucial phase in our respective modernisation endeavours. It best serves the fundamental interests of our two countries and two peoples for both sides, to keep the trend of history in the right direction of our bilateral relations," remarked Xi Jinping. "It's important for both sides to have more communication and cooperation, properly handle our differences and disagreements and to facilitate each other's pursuit of development aspirations. It's also important for both sides to shoulder our international responsibility, set an example for boosting the strength and unity of the developing countries and to contribute to promoting multi polarization and democracy in international relations," he added.
Salman Khan gets another death threat, unknown caller demands Rs. 2 crore
Continued from Page 1
Prior to this, a person from Jharkhand, who sent threatening messages to Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, had issued an apology. The person in question had portrayed himself to be a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, and had asked for Rs 5 crore to settle the matter.
Salman has been in the radar of the Lawrence Bishnoi gangs owing to the alleged hunting of the black buck, which the Bishnoi community considers sacred, back in the 1990s.
A few weeks ago, Salman’s close friend, politician Baba Siddique was gunned down near his office at the Colgate ground in Nirmal Nagar in the Bandra area of Mumbai.
Baba, who joined Ajit Pawar faction of NCP, died after being shot at by unidentified persons on October 12. Salman and Baba Siddique were close friends as the politician held the constituency where Salman lives. Baba Siddique’s Iftar parties were considered one of the high profile events of India’s entertainment capital.
It was a Baba Siddique Iftar party in 2013 that ended a longstanding feud between the two of the biggest superstars of Bollywood, Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan after a 5 yearlong spat which divided the entire Bollywood into 2 camps of loyalists. The two hugged out at Baba Siddique’s party, sending the industry into a relief encouraging cross camp collaborations.
Patrons to Diwali get free transport as festival popularity grows
Springfield city’s Diwali Festival of Lights continues to grow in popularity, prompting organisers to provide complimentary transport alternatives for this year’s celebrations at the
prestigious Brookwater Gold and Country Club on Saturday, October 19.
Patrons will have the opportunity to catch buses designed to ensure everyone has a relaxed and
hassle-free trip to the beloved Indian festival, which boasted a 3,000-strong turn out last year and a major prize draw.
“The popularity of this festival across Australia and in our region is mind-blowing and we’re very keen to ensure everyone continues to enjoy the joy, light and community spirit that this holiday for the Indian people spreads,” Brookwater Residential General Manager Narendran Sinnathamby said.
Mr Sinnathamby said patrons would have the option to travel in the safety and comfort of buses that will operate from Springfield Central Station for anyone travelling via train and from Brighton Homes Arena for those driving, from 4pm to 10pm on festival day.
The Diwali Festival of Lights will feature first-class attractions, including Bollywood dance performances, DJ music and laser light show, kids craft, face painting, balloon twist and henna.
This year’s major prize for early bird ticket purchases will be return flights for four to India with Singapore Airlines. A variety of stalls will be open throughout the day before a fireworks display concludes the celebration.
“Like the Greek community’s annual Paniyiri celebrations, Diwali Festival of Lights is an unmissable experience that showcases our vibrant multicultural community,” Mr Sinnathamby said.
“We wish everyone a Happy Diwali and look forward to celebrating this event with the community.”
Diwali, often referred to as India's most significant holiday, derives its name from the rows of clay lamps lit outside homes. These lamps symbolise the inner light that wards off spiritual darkness. While its importance to Hindus is comparable to Christmas for Christians, Diwali has resonated with various communities across the nation. Its essence is a celebration of light, hope, and community.
The Diwali Festival of Lights is sponsored by Brookwater and Springfield City Group. It will be held from 4-9pm on Saturday, October 19 at Brookwater Golf and Country Club. Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite. Children under 12 are free.
Springfield city’s brightest provide ideas for the future
The brightest young minds in one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions have again devised ways to build the city of the future with “inspiring” ideas to help the vulnerable along with initiatives for transport and education Springfield City Group has presented the fifth annual Maha Sinnathamby Ideas and Imagination Award, drawing entries from school students across the Greater Springfield region.
The University of Queensland’s Head of Entrepreneurship
Nimrod Klayman, who attended the final pitches, praised the standard of ideas from young primary school minds through to senior students.
“They were inspiring particularly seeing the way the small children presented and the efforts of the
older students. Their pitches were amazing. The city is in good hands,” Mr Klayman, from UQ Ventures, said.
“You need to start with a problem, not a solution. They did this and they gave us much to think about.”
Students were asked to deliver an idea to strengthen Springfield as a city of the future – one that was “clever, connected and bursting with creative energy”. Their ideas could be based on technology, environmental initiatives, community projects or something completely new.
And senior students were guided throughout by UQ Ventures –
The University of Queensland’s entrepreneurship arm – through a series of workshops that prepared them for the September Award showcase.
The Award featured four categories which were presented to:
Upper High School Winner: Varad Podutwar, St Peters Lutheran College Springfield, Year 10. Pitch: SmartGen Springfield. A multi-purpose education, creative and sports facility.
Lower High School Winner: Samrish Pandiyan, St Peters Lutheran College, Year 9. Pitch: EcoSmart Road Grids. The perfect roads for the perfect city.
Upper Primary School Winner: Liliana Titley, The Springfield Anglican College, Year 6. Pitch: Shoes for YOUths. Collection
facility for upcycling athletic shoes for school students.
Lower Primary School Winner: Venba Ravindran, St Peters Lutheran College, Year 2. Pitch: Sound Springfield creating a people library supporting better mental health in Springfield.
Maha Sinnathamby AM, the Chairman of Springfield City Group, has always been driven by the goal to create a modern city underpinned by the desire to grow human and social capital – the fundamentals behind Springfield’s transformation as a dynamic home to more than 56,000 residents.
“While I do have a plan and a very clear vision for the City of Springfield, I do not profess to have all the answers,” Mr Sinnathamby said.
“It has been some time since I went to school – and students are now learning at a much more rapid rate than I did. That is why I asked the students of Springfield – our residents – to share their big ideas as to how we can make our great city even greater.”
Secondary school students were able to attend free workshops with UQ Ventures throughout August, designed to develop their entrepreneurial skills, to improve confidence and to spark creative and innovative solutions.
Primary school students were able to attend a “Kick-Off session” to gather as much information as they could to fine-tune their ideas for their pitch submissions.
Back Row: Pal Khaktar – Runner-up Upper High School; Avyukt Chouhan – Runner-up Upper Primary School; Varud Padutwar – Winner Upper High School; Samrish Pandiya – Winner Lower Primary School; Ravneet Kaur and Hafsa Haroon – Runner-up Lower High School
Mahindra Introduces Black Edition XUV700 in Australia at AUD $43,990 Driveaway
• Draped in Sophistication:
• All-new Napoli Black colour in AX7L Variant
• Black Grille and Striking Black 18” alloys.
• All-new Black Interior Trim with a premium 7-seat layout.
• Stylish dark chrome finishes on the air vents and central console.
• Luxurythat commands attention:
• Memory ORVMs linked to the custom seat profiles.
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless connectivity.
• Ventilated front seats for enhanced comfort.
• Expanding Dealer Network:
• 75+ locations across Australia, in all metro cities.
• New dealerships improving access in urban and rural regions.
• Twin Peaks Corporate Identity driving brand recognition for SUV portfolio.
Brisbane, Oct 10th, 2024: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., a global leader in the automotive industry, announces the launch of its Black Edition XUV700 in Australia. Priced from AUD $43,990 driveaway, this special edition, offers a bold new look and enhanced luxury features, further elevating the XUV700's premium SUV experience.
The Black Edition not only boosts the luxury quotient but also includes exclusive features such asa blacked-out grille, 18-inch black alloys, black interior trim with Piano black finish on IP Doors & console, ventilated front seats with active cooling, and a memory ORVM linked for added convenience.
Sachin Arolkar, Head of International Operations, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said, " Australia is a key market for us, and our focus has always been on understanding and responding to the unique preferences and expectations of our customers here. The XUV700 Black Edition, crafted from this commitment and customer feedback, offers a bold new look and enhanced luxury features, further elevating the premium SUV experience of the XUV700.”
Key Features of the Black Edition XUV700:
The Black Edition XUV700 introduces a bold new design with Napoli Black Paint that is complemented by a sleek, blacked-out grille and side trims. The exclusivity continues inside with a full Black Interior Trim, featuring a black dashboard, luxurious black seats in a 7-seat configuration, Dark chrome plating on AC vent, Door handles & steering wheels, Piano black finish on IP Doors & console along with ventilated front seats with active cooling to ensure ultimate comfort. For enhanced driving convenience, the memory-linked ORVM adjusts to the driver’s seat position with just a touch, and the Black18-inch alloys add a striking presence on the road. In terms of technology, the Black Edition is equipped with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, providing seamless connectivity and charging options.
Performance & Technology:
The Black Edition XUV700 comes powered by Mahindra’s 2.0 L mStallion turbo-petrol with Direct injection engine, producing 149.2 kW of power and 380 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle offers class-leading comfort with its SkyRoof™, spanning 1.3 metres, along with a dual 10.25-inch Super Screen for infotainment and cluster information. The XUV700 Black Edition is equipped with Mahindra's Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including features like Adaptive Cruise Control and a 360-degree camera setup.
Expanding Dealer Network:
The expansion of Mahindra's dealer network to over 75 locations across Australia reflects its growing presence and commitment to local customers. With a strong foundation laid in Metro Melbourne and Sydney, Mahindra is poised for continued growth.
All models come with 7 years / 150,000 kms warranty and 7 years Roadside Assistance. Customers also benefit from 5-Year Capped Price Service.
About Mahindra XUV700
Packing an unmissable presence, tough yet sophisticated experience, spirited performance, global safety standards and modern technology, the XUV700 is set to excite Australian Customers.
Unmissable presence
• The striking front grille with the new Twin Peaks logo takes pride of place.
• The authentic SUV stance and the wide track hint at performance ably supported by the overall vehicle dynamics.
• XUV700 has LED Clear-view Headlamps with Automatic Boosting and LED daytime running lights. At the rear, the arrow-tip taillights utilise LED technology, with an additional high-mount LED brake lamp.
• Conventional door handles giving way to invisible 'Smart door handles', a first-in-segment by XUV700.
• Prominent wheel haunches above the arches, especially at the rear help achieve a sporty stance, making the XUV700 look fast even while standing still.
Tough yet Sophisticated New from the ground up, the XUV700 underpins a completely new platform for the brand that has set the direction for the SUVs of tomorrow, with advanced engineering, the latest technology and impeccable craftsmanship. The body makes use of enhanced high-tensile and ultra-high tensile steels that increase the toughness and torsional rigidity while reducing the overall weight of the vehicle, contributing to reduced fuel consumption.
The all-independent suspension set up of the XUV700 was developed with varied road surfaces in mind.
• XUV700 offers class leading performance through multilink suspension with stabiliser bar & FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) technology.
• While superior ride comfort is guaranteed, it also provides unparalleled dynamic capabilities in tune with the performance on offer.
Spirited Performance
At the heart of the XUV700, it has the 2.0 L mStallion turbo-petrol engine, delivering exhilarating performance, 149.2 kW at 5000 rpm and class-leading torque of 380 Nm available in full from 1750 rpm that brings a rush like never before. This engine provides refined motoring and linear power delivery.
All versions of XUV700 are fitted with Mahindra’s smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission. This transmission is mapped to perfectly match the power profile of the petrol engine at exhilarating cruising speeds.
Modern Technology
The XUV700, the first of a new generation of SUVs from Mahindra comes packed with a whole lot of features.
The new Mahindra Super screen – a combination of two highdefinition 10.25” (26 cm) digital screens for the digital cluster and infotainment systems – takes pride of place in the Mahindra XUV700 cabin. The UI on these screens is highly customisable and allows for a detailed view of vehicle information.
Both the variants of the XUV700 in Australia are fitted with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which allows for a seamless connection with any smartphone. This also allows the driver to interact with their smart phone via the large infotainment screen and use voice commands through Android auto and Apple car play.
Another treat across the entire XUV700 range is Mahindra’s SkyroofTM. This panoramic sunroof covers most of the passenger compartment and creates an airy and light ambience in the cabin.
Mahindra has partnered with SONY to customise the sound experience inside the XUV700. In the AX7Lvariant& Black edition, the sound system is upgraded to a 12-speaker SONY system with full immersive 3D sound. The AX7L also treats its owner with wireless charging and fully automatic electronic door handles.
On the AX7L& Black edition, Mahindra has added a Blind View Monitor system as standard. It has also included four digital
cameras, mounted in the nose, tailgate and side mirrors, for a 360-degree bird’s eye view of the vehicle when manoeuvring or parking. This system can be set to continuously record while driving, negating the need for a traditional dashcam through memory card installation.
Global Safety Standards
Safety is one of the core pillars of the XUV700 experience:
• The AX7, AX7L & Black edition of the XUV700 offer comprehensive Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) as standard. This includes Smart Pilot Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist and even Traffic Sign Recognition as standard.
• The AX7L & Black edition add Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop n Go, 7 airbags comprising of driver and passenger front airbags, curtain across all three rows, side airbags and a driver knee airbag.
• The AX7L & Black edition also has automatic headlamps with High Beam Assist, which switches automatically between low and high beam.
• Safety on XUV 700 is further taken care of by the tyre pressure monitoring system.
Range, colour, and pricing Buyers can choose between Everest White, Midnight Black, Dazzling Silver, Red Rage, Electric Blue with White Interior in AX7 or AX7L Variants with white interior trim, or Napoli Black Exterior with Black Interior trim available in Black Edition.
The driveaway prices* of the three variants are:
• Mahindra XUV700 AX7 – $36,990
• Mahindra XUV700 AX7L –$39,990
• Mahindra XUV700 BlackEdition - $43990
The XUV700 is sold with 7 years/ 150,000 kms warranty. A 24/7/365 Roadside Assistance Plan is included for the same period* T&Cs apply, visit www.mahindra. com.au/ownership for full PDS details on Warranty, Roadside Assist and Capped Price Service.
Variant walk-through
There is an XUV700 for everyone who seeks a sophisticated and tough SUV. The XUV700 comes with three variants packed with an exhaustive list of features as below:
AX7 AX7 L Black Edition
• Dual HD 26 cm Infotainment and 26 cm Digital Cluster screens
• Android Auto/ Apple CarPlay Compatibility
• 6 Speakers with Sound Staging
• 2nd row seat with armrest and cup holder
• Reverse Camera
• LED DRL & Arrowhead LED Taillamps
• Fog Lamps
• Rear Wiper & defogger
• Skyroof (Panoramic sunroof)
• LED Clear-view Headlamps with Auto Booster
• Latest Gen Electronic Stability Program
• Cornering Lamp
• 2nd row Map lamps
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
o Adaptive Cruise Control
o Smart Pilot Assist
o Forward Collision Warning
o Automatic Emergency Braking
o Lane Departure Warning
o Lane Keep Assist
o Traffic Sign Recognition
o High Beam Assist
• 6 airbags
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• Push Button Start
• R18 Diamond Cut Alloy
• Leatherette Seat & IP
• Leather Steering & Gear lever
• 6-Way Power seat with Memory and Welcome retract
• Intelli Control
• Auto Headlamps
• Rain Sensing Wiper
• Power fold ORVM
• One Touch Driver Power Window with Smart Close
• Dual Zone Climate Control
• Co-driver Ergo lever
• 3rd Row Air conditioning
• Flexible Boot Space (3rd row 50:50 with recline)
• Adjustable Headrests for all passengers
In addition to features of AX7, the AX7L has:
• Blind View Monitor
• 3D Audio with 12 Speaker
• 360° Surround View
• Knee Airbag
• Passive Keyless Entry
• Electronic Park Brake
• Stop and Go function in Adaptive Cruise Control
• Telescopic steering
• Vanity Mirror illumination
• Electric Smart Door Handles
• Wireless Charging
In addition to features of AX7L, the Black edition has:
• All new Black Exterior:
o 18-inch Alloys,
o Grille,
o Napoli Black exterior Paint.
• All new Black interior trim:
o Seats,
o Dashboard
o Door
o Dark Chrome Plating on AC vents, door handles, steering wheel
o Piano Black finish on IP, doors &console.
EAM Jaishankar labels India-China LAC patrolling agreement as ‘positive development’, advises less speculation on road ahead
New Delhi, Oct 21 (IANS)
External Affairs Minister (EAM)
S. Jaishankar on Monday termed the India-China agreement on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh as a "positive development" and a product of very "patient and persevering diplomacy".
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced Monday afternoon that both countries, after discussions that have taken place over past several weeks, arrived at an agreement on patrolling arrangements along the LAC leading to disengagement and eventually a resolution of the issues that had arisen in the region 2020 following the violent Galwan Valley face-off in June 2020.
Speaking at the NDTV World Summit immediately after Misri made the announcement,
EAM Jaishankar said that the agreement creates the basis for peace and tranquillity which should be there in the border areas and existed before 2020something which had been India's major concern over the past few years for the bilateral relationship to turn normal.
"At various points of time, people almost gave up. We have always maintained that on the one hand, we had to obviously do the counter deployments... But, side by side, we have been negotiating since September 2020 when I met my Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Moscow. It has been a very patient process, maybe more complicated than what it could and should have been. The fact is that if we are able to, as we now have, reach an understanding regarding patrolling and observing the sanctity of the LAC, then, I think, it creates the basis for peace and tranquillity which there should be in border areas and existed there before 2020," remarked Jaishankar.
Ever since the Chinese side attempted to transgress the LAC along the India-China border, New Delhi had made it clear that
upholding peace and tranquillity on the ground has to be in accordance with relevant bilateral agreements, protocols and understandings reached between the two governments.
The EAM, however, advised to exercise caution and not go too fast on speculating immediate outcomes, insisting that the agreement has just happened and there will be discussions and meetings to plan the next steps.
"We are neighbours and have an unresolved boundary issue. They have been rising and we too have been rising. So, if two large neighbouring countries next to each other in the same time frame, it is not easy and there are very few historical parallels for that. Managing this double rise and that too in proximity will require a lot of skills, deftness and diplomacy. The truth is that our capabilities will change, our influence will change and our ambitions will change. Both of us would naturally want to be bigger, more visible and more effective in the world. How to get an equilibrium in our relationship will be one big issue, for us and them" the EAM opined.
At NDTV World Summit, PM Modi lists achievements of Modi 3.0 government in first 125 days
New Delhi, Oct 21 (IANS) Sharing his vision for a developed India by 2047 at the two-day NDTV World Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday listed the achievements of his government in the first 125 days of its third term while emphasising that the country continues to move at an incredible pace in every sector.
"India's pace and scale is unprecedented. We have completed around 125 days of the third term of our government. In these 125 days, three crore new
houses have been approved for the poor, work on Rs 9 lakh crore worth infrastructure projects has been begun, as many as 15 new Vande Bharat trains have been introduced and work has started on construction of eight new airports," said PM Modi at the 'NDTV World Summit 2024 - The India Century' which is being attended by several distinguished dignitaries from all over the world.
The Prime Minister stated that in the last 125 days, his government has allotted a package of Rs two lakh crore for the youth and directly transferred Rs 21,000 crore to the bank accounts of farmers.
"We have also initiated the scheme which provides free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh to the senior citizens above 70 years of age. The pace of India's development is such
that in these few days, rooftop solar plants have been installed in almost 5 lakh houses. As our forex reserves grew from 650 billion to over 700 billion dollars and Sensex and Nifty registered a growth of 6-7 per cent, we have also planted 90 crore trees under the 'Ek Ped Maa Naam' campaign," he added.
Earlier, PM Modi launched 'NDTV World' - the new channel from the NDTV stable - as he inaugurated the two-day NDTV World Summit where he laid out his vision for a developed India by 2047.
Following Prime Minister Modi, Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay, Barbados PM Mia Mottley, former UK Prime Minister David Cameron, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and several other noted personalities from all walks of life will be addressing and discussing key global issues at the key summit.
5 hacked to death in clash between 2 nomadic groups in Odisha; 5 abducted
Bhubaneswar, Oct 30 (IANS)
In a shocking incident, as many as five people, including three women were killed in a group clash at Karamdihi in Odisha’s Sundargarh district late on Tuesday night, over an alleged extramarital affair and one
woman and four children were abducted by the attackers.
Five others injured in the clash are undergoing treatment at the Sundargarh District Headquarters Hospital. Sources claimed that people belonging to two nomadic tribes of Maharashtra clashed over an alleged extramarital relationship.
The accused allegedly hacked five people to death with sharp weapons when they were sleeping
J&K LG visits injured; Kharge, Farooq slam Gagangir attack, Pakistan
Srinagar, Oct 21 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Lieutenant Governor (LG), Manoj Sinha on Monday visited the SKIMS Hospital in Srinagar city to ensure that the people injured in the Gagangir terrorist attack were given the best possible medical treatment.
“Visited the hospital in Srinagar to enquire about the health of construction workers, who were injured in the #Gagangirterrorattack. I pray for their speedy recovery. Directed the officials to provide all the support to the affected families”, Manoj Sinha said in a post on his official X page.
Condemnation of the dastardly attack on unarmed, innocent workers of a private company engaged in an infrastructure project meant to help generate employment and boost the economy of J&K, has been widespread.
Congress President, Mallikarjun Kharge said on Monday, “We strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal where several construction workers and a doctor have been killed. This inhuman and despicable
act of targeted violence shall not deter India in building key infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir. As a nation, we are together in our fight against terrorism. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. We wish the injured a speedy recovery.”
Dr Farooq Abdullah, former J&K Chief Minister and President of the NC, did not mince any words in unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist attack.
He said, “Ganderbal-like attacks can’t merge Kashmir with Pakistan. There can be no dialogue with Pakistan until it stops killing innocents in Kashmir.
“Kashmir can never become part of Pakistan. I urge the neighbouring country, let us serve people here, end poverty, sufferings, such acts will cast a shadow on everything.
“If Pakistan’s leadership is really interested in friendship with India, it should stop killing innocents. Kashmir can never become part of Pakistan. I repeat, never ever. They tried it in 1947 by sending rebels and since then they are trying it. Have they succeeded”, Dr Farooq told reporters.
He said that there can be no talks with Pakistan unless it stops killing innocents in Kashmir.
“What was the fault of those who were killed yesterday? Pakistan should take care of its own people and leave Kashmir to Kashmiris.
Andhra to launch supply of free cooking gas cylinders from Deepavali
Amaravati, Oct 21 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday announced that the supply of free cooking gas cylinders for all eligible women in the state will be launched on October 31 on the occasion of Deepavali.
implementation of the 'Deepam' scheme in a transparent manner. Under the scheme, all eligible women will get three free cylinders in a year.
Naidu directed the officials to make arrangements to book the cylinders much in advance, particularly from October 24, as the supply begins on October 31.
in their tents at Gitapada in Karamdihi in Sundargarh district of Odisha late on Tuesday night.
After being informed about the clash and the murders, the western range DIG, Brijesh Rai, Sundargarh SP, Pratyush Diwakar and Sadar Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), HK Behera along with a dog squad, scientific and technical team reached the crime scene and launched an investigation.
The Chief Minister held a meeting at the state Secretariat with the Minister for Civil Supplies Nadendla Manohar, officials of the Civil Supplies Department, along with representatives of Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, and Bharat Petroleum Corporation, mainly focussing on the guidelines to be adopted while implementing the 'Deepam' scheme.
Naidu told the meeting that despite facing certain financial constraints, the state government will move ahead in implementing the welfare schemes which will be highly beneficial to the people, particularly the poor.
The Chief Minister asked the officials to ensure the
"The money that the women spend on gas cylinders can now be utilised for other domestic purposes," the Chief Minister felt. He believes that such schemes will certainly help improve the living conditions of the poor. This is the reason why the state government has decided to go ahead with the scheme despite financial constraints, he added.
The Chief Minister was very particular that the officials should ensure that there would not be any complaints whatsoever from the eligible women. He said that his government is committed to the welfare of women in the state.
Secretary, Civil Supplies, Veerapandyan made a PowerPoint presentation on the free gas cylinders supply. He mentioned that the retail price of each domestic gas cylinder is Rs 876.
Ayushman
Vaya Vandana
Card to provide free hospital treatment to all above 70 years: PM Modi
New Delhi, Oct 30 (IANS) Senior citizens aged 70 and above can avail free hospital treatment with the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi while launching the free health cover to all elderly
above 70 years of age.
The expansion of the AB PM-JAY to provide health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of their income, was first approved by the Union Cabinet in September. It is in addition to the existing AB PMJAY family scheme, wherein the elderly will have a separate cover of Rs 5 lakh per year.
The move comes as India’s elderly population is projected to double by 2050, and will increase the demand for geriatric care. By
2050, one in five people in India will be elderly.
“Every elderly person above 70 years of age in the country will get free treatment in the hospital by an Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card,” PM Modi said, highlighting that the card was universal and there was no restriction on income, be it poor or middle class or upper class.
The expansion of health coverage to all senior citizens has been rolled out at a cost of Rs. 3,437 crores.
J&K’s new MLAs sworn in, Omar Abdullah takes oath in Kashmiri
Srinagar, Oct 21 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir's Pro-tem Speaker Mubarak Gul administered the oath/affirmation to newly-elected MLAs on Monday.
The first to be administered the oath was Chief Minister and the Leader of the House, Omar Abdullah. He took his oath in Kashmiri, surprising his detractors, who often said that the language was unknown to him.
The son of NC President, Dr Farooq Abdullah and British citizen Mollie Abdullah, Omar Abdullah was born on March
10, 1970, in Rockford, Essex in the United Kingdom. In his first tenure as Chief Minister from 2009 to 2015, Omar Abdullah took lessons to improve his speaking skills in Kashmiri, Hindi, and Urdu.
Pro-tem Speaker, Gul, a former Speaker of the Assembly, told the house that Omar Abdullah has resigned as Budgam MLA and has decided to represent the Ganderbal constituency in the assembly. Omar Abdullah fought the Assembly elections from Budgam and Ganderbal and won from both places.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, who represents Nowshera in the Jammu region, took the oath in English.
The oath-taking ceremony of the MLAs marks an end to the sixyear period when J&K didn’t
have an Assembly.
The 90-member house has 51 first-time members including BJP MLA from Kishtwar, Shagun Parihar who is the youngest member at 29 while the NC MLA from Chrar-e-Sharief, Abdul Rahim Rather, is the oldest at 80. Rather and party colleague, Ali Mohammad Sagar have been elected to the assembly for a record seven terms. While Sagar has been a member of the Legislative Assembly since 1983, Rather has been a legislator since 1977. He, however, lost the 2014 assembly elections.
The NC has 42, the BJP 29, the Congress six, the PDP three, the CPI-M, the AAP, and the Peoples Conference one each. There are 7 Independents. The Congress, the CPI-M, the AAP and 6 independents are supporting the NC government.
K’taka’s economy outpaces national growth despite global headwinds: CM Siddaramaiah
Bengaluru, Oct 21 (IANS)
Karnataka continues to drive India’s economic progress, registering a robust GSDP growth of 10.2 per cent in FY 2023-24, significantly surpassing the national average of 8.2 per cent, the Chief Minister's Office said in a statement on Monday.
The CMO's media release quoted data from the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). The state achieved this feat despite severe challenges, including the worst drought in a decade and a slowdown in global IT markets, the report said.
"Initially, the National Statistical Estimate (NSE) had projected a modest 4 per cent GSDP growth for Karnataka, but this was
revised to 13.1 per cent by the end of the fiscal year, indicating early underestimation of the state’s economic performance. The state’s agriculture sector faced negative growth due to drought conditions, while Karnataka’s dependence on the IT and hardware sectors -- accounting for 28 per cent of its Gross State Value Added (GSVA) -- made it vulnerable to global economic downturns," the statement reads.
The Indian IT industry’s growth, which slowed from 15.5 per cent in FY 2022 to 8 per cent in FY 2023, reflected global recessionary fears and inflation. However, Karnataka’s economy remained resilient, thanks to strategic governance and diversified growth drivers.
For FY 2024-25, the NSE forecasts Karnataka’s GSDP to grow at 9.4 per cent, slightly below the national average projection of 10.5 per cent. However, the Ministry of Finance projects a more optimistic 14 per cent growth for the state, supported by strong
India and Spain put high-speed rail collaboration on fast track
New Delhi/Madrid, Oct 28 (IANS) India and Spain on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of rail transport that is expected to boost collaboration in the planning, deployment, operation and maintenance of high-speed and conventional railways. The agreement was signed between the Ministry of Railways and Spain's Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility in Vadodara, within the framework of Spanish President Pedro Sanchez's India visit, in which he is accompanied by the country's Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Oscar Puente.
Madrid believes that the document, which also delves
into the optimization of existing Railway infrastructure and promotes intermodality, confirms the growing good relations between both countries.
It will have an initial validity of five years and will automatically be renewable annually.
The areas of collaboration include planning, design, development, construction, start-up and operation of infrastructure, stations, railway facilities and equipment for long-distance networks (conventional, highspeed and high-speed), and the integration of services that circulate on them through interoperability, making traffic possible on different track gauges, optimising the benefits of investments in high-speed lines with improvements to existing ones.
Management and operation of rail transport and rail services and train maintenance, with special attention to improving safety, is also a key part of the MoU.
Ex-Andhra Minister’s son arrested in Dalit youth murder case
fiscal indicators. As of September 2024, Karnataka recorded a 10 per cent year-on-year increase in GST collections and a 24 per cent surge in stamp duty revenue, signalling a healthy economic trajectory.
Karnataka’s per capita GSDP remains among the highest in the country, on par with Telangana, reflecting the strength of Congress-led governance in both states, the report mentioned. The state government’s pro-people policies, including its Guarantees, have ensured that the benefits of growth reach all sections of society, fostering inclusive and equitable development.
"Karnataka’s success demonstrates the synergy between economic growth and social progress, making it a key engine of India’s economy. With its innovative policies, business-friendly environment, and ability to adapt to challenges, Karnataka stands as a model for sustainable development," said CM Siddaramaiah.
Amaravati, Oct 21 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh Police have arrested Pinipe Srikanth, son of YSR Congress Party leader and former Minister Pinipe Viswarup in connection with the murder of a Dalith youth two years ago.
Srikanth was taken into custody by a team from Andhra Pradesh Police in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. He was being brought to the state on a transit warrant.
He is said to be an accused in the murder of a Dalit youth and a village volunteer J. Durga Prasad. Police, who were on the lookout for Srikanth for the last few days, arrested him in Madurai and produced him before a local court to obtain a transit warrant. He was being brought to Konaseema district by road.
Srikanth denied the allegations against him. “I am a doctor. I know only saving lives and not
taking lives,” he told media persons in Madurai while he was being taken away by the police after a medical examination at a hospital. He alleged that he was illegally arrested in the case. Durga Prasad was killed on June 6, 2022, after the riots in Dr B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district.
The police earlier questioned the victim's friend and YSRCP social media convenor V. Dharmesh. He was arrested on October 18. The police were on the lookout for Srikanth and four other accused.
The deceased was said to be a friend of both Dharmesh and Srikanth and was actively participating in the party activity. The motive behind the Dalit youth’s murder is not known.
Police believe that he was killed under a well-planned conspiracy. Dharmesh had allegedly taken Durga Prasad to Kotipalli dock on a two-wheeler. They were followed by four men in a car. The victim was then taken onto the boat and the accused then strangulated Durga Prasad to death.
On a complaint by the victim’s complaint, police registered a missing case. Police later found his body and the autopsy revealed that he was murdered.
Viswarup was the transport minister in the previous government of YSR Congress Party. His house in Amalapuram was set afire by a mob during the violence over the renaming of Konaseema district in May 2022. However, the YSRCP leader and his family members were not at home.
BRICS leaders commit to building democratic, multipolar world order: Putin
Moscow, Oct 25 (IANS) BRICS countries are committed to fostering a more democratic and multipolar world order, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, during his press conference on the last day of the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan.
Putin noted on Thursday that the Kazan Declaration, endorsed at the summit, outlines a positive agenda for the future, the Kremlin
Spotlight
reported.
"It is important that the declaration reaffirms the commitment of all our states to building a more democratic, inclusive, and multipolar world order based on international law and the UN Charter," he said.
Putin also said that the BRICS group is open to all who share its values, with members dedicated to finding joint solutions free from external pressure or narrow approaches, Xinhua news agency reported.
The bloc does not operate in a closed format, he stressed at the press conference.
The Russian President confirmed
that BRICS leaders have agreed on the list of BRICS partner countries.
"Some countries that have participated in these events have submitted their proposals and requests for full-fledged participation in the work of the BRICS association," Putin added.
He said that BRICS nations haven't developed and are not developing any alternatives to SWIFT, adding however that the issue remains important, and member countries are moving towards the use of national currencies.
He said BRICS members are currently using the Financial Messaging System created by the Russian Central Bank.
on multilateralism and resilient supply chains as PM Modi participates in BRICS
Summit
Kazan (Russia), Oct 23 (IANS)
Having emphasised that India values the rise of BRICS as an important platform for dialogue and discussion on key issues concerning the global developmental agenda, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday joined the 16th BRICS Summit in the Russian city of Kazan, a day which will see him participating in meetings of the grouping in narrow and expanded formats but also holding significant bilateral discussions, including with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
During the summit - themed 'Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security' - the BRICS leaders
will discuss three main areas of cooperation outlined by the Russian chairmanship - politics and security, economics and finance, and cultural and humanitarian contacts.
"India values the close cooperation within BRICS which has emerged as an important platform for dialogue and discussion on issues concerning the global developmental agenda, reformed multilateralism, climate change, economic cooperation, building resilient supply chains, promoting cultural and people to people connect, among others.
The expansion of BRICS with the addition of new members last year has added to its inclusivity and agenda for the global good,"
PM Modi had said before leaving for Kazan on Tuesday.
Besides participating in the summit, which will offer a valuable opportunity to assess the progress of initiatives launched by BRICS and to identify potential areas for future collaboration, the Prime Minister will also hold bilateral meetings with his BRICS counterparts and other invited
leaders.
On Tuesday, immediately after his arrival, PM Modi held bilateral discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
It was followed by another significant bilateral with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkianthe first between the two leaders after Pezeshkian took over as the President of Iran in July following Ebrahim Raisi's death in a helicopter crash on May 19.
PM Modi then attended a concert and reception hosted by the Russian President for all BRICS leaders.
During Wednesday's summit, particular attention will be paid to the issues of possible expansion of BRICS through the planned establishment of a new category of partner states for the unification. The BRICS alliance, an intergovernmental organisation comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, had added four new members - Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirateson January 1, 2024.
PM Modi to BRICS leaders: No place for double standards on terrorism, terror financing
Kazan (Russia), Oct 23 (IANS)
Reiterating his call for dialogue and diplomacy, and not war, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday urged firm support of all BRICS members on the issue of terrorism, emphasising that there can be no "double standards" on the serious matter.
"We support dialogue and diplomacy, not war. And just as we were able to overcome a challenge like Covid together, we are certainly able to create new opportunities to ensure a secure , strong and prosperous future for future generations," said PM Modi in his remarks at the closed plenary of the 16th BRICS Summit in the Russian city of Kazan.
"In order to counter terrorism and Terror financing, we need the single minded, firm support of all. There is no place for double standards on this serious matter. We need to take active steps to stop radicalization of youth in our countries. We must work together on the long pending matter in the UN of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism," he added.
The restricted format of the summit meeting had in attendance the Russian President Vladimir Putin, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Chinese President Xi Jinping, UAE President
More than 30 countries willing to join BRICS as process for forming multipolar world underway: Putin
Kazan (Russia), Oct 23 (IANS)
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said that more than 30 countries have expressed a desire to join the BRICS alliance, an intergovernmental organisation comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa which had added four new members - Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates - in January, this year.
"It would be wrong to ignore the unprecedented interest of the countries of the Global South and East in strengthening contacts with BRICS. In one form or another, more than 30 states have already expressed such a desire. At the same time, it is necessary to maintain a balance and not allow a decrease in the effectiveness of BRICS," said Putin while making his opening statement at the 16th BRICS Summit in the Russian city of Kazan.
Besides Putin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Chinese President Xi Jinping, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Luis Ecker Vieira held the day's first engagement - a summit meeting in a restricted format.
Also present at the meeting were Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and several other key BRICS officials.
Before the start of the meeting, a joint photo session of the heads of delegations of the BRICS countries took place.
In his opening remarks, the Russian President highlighted that it was for the first time that the BRICS Summit is also being held in an expanded format as it was the Russian presidency 's motto to strengthen multilateralism for equitable global development and security.
"We sought to strengthen the authority of BRICS, enhance its role in world affairs, in solving urgent, global and regional problems, and in every way contributed to the deepening of multifaceted cooperation between our states in three main areas: politics and security, economics and finance, cultural and humanitarian contacts. And, naturally, we did everything to ensure the smooth and most complete integration of new member countries into the work of the association," he said.
Desperate Pakistan looking at India for support as BRICS plans expansion
Islamabad, Oct 23 (IANS)
Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Luis Ecker Vieira. In his remarks, PM Modi stated that the grouping's approach must remain people centric. He insisted that a message should go out that BRICS is not a "divisive" organisation but one that works in the interest of humanity. "Our meeting is taking place at a time when the world is facing several pressing challenges such as wars, economic uncertainty, climate change and terrorism. The world is talking about the North South divide and the East West divide.
Pakistan is keenly following the developments at the 16th BRICS Summit, which kicked off in the Russian city of Kazan on Wednesday, hoping that India will support the neighbouring country's application to join the grouping.
The BRICS alliance, an intergovernmental organisation comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, had added four new members - Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates - on January 1, 2024.
The move also triggered hopes in several countries, including Pakistan, who have shown eagerness to join the grouping.
In his opening remarks in the restricted format of the meeting on Wednesday, which was also attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders, Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed that more than 30
countries have expressed a desire to join the BRICS alliance.
Pakistan, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Malaysia are willing to join the alliance with the consensus of the existing members.
However, top Pakistani leaders and diplomats are not sure if New Delhi would support Islamabad's bid which was moved last year.
Sources revealed that India may reconsider its initial opposition to Pakistan's formal application and could back Islamabad's move, especially after Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk publicly supported Pakistan's bid to join BRICS in September, this year.
Overchuk had visited Islamabad and held formal talks with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, assuring him of Moscow's support on the matter.
"We believe that by joining BRICS, Pakistan can play an important role in furthering international cooperation and revitalising inclusive multilateralism," said Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, spokesperson of Pakistan’s Foreign Office.
Australian PM commits new funding for clean energy projects
Canberra, Oct 29 (IANS)
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has committed funding for two clean energy projects on the country's east coast.
Albanese on Tuesday announced over 50 million Australian dollars ($32.8 million) in combined federal government funding for the projects in the east coast states of New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria.
The package includes 33.3 million AUD ($21.8 million) to establish the Net Zero Manufacturing Center of Excellence in the NSW city of Newcastle, with the state government also contributing 28.1 million AUD ($18.4 million) to the project, Xinhua news agency reported.
Albanese said in a statement that the centre will play a pivotal role in training Australian workers in the advanced skills that will be required to transition mining, energy and manufacturing industries to a clean energy economy.
The remaining 17 million AUD ($11.1 million) will go towards Australia's first commercial
concentrated solar thermal heat plant in the northeastern Victorian city of Wodonga.
The project will expand the application of solar power in Australia beyond electricity generation to heat generation.
According to the government, the 18-megawatt (MW) thermal plant will halve the use of gas by the manufacturing facility where it is being built.
The federal funding for the Wodonga project will come from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), which was established in 2012 to boost the supply and competitiveness of Australian renewable energy projects.
Australian study discovers genetic link between brain volume & disorders
Sydney, Oct 22 (IANS) A largescale study of brain volumes by an Australian institute published on Tuesday has revealed links between genetic variants in brain size and conditions including Parkinson's disease.
The study, which was published by Australia's QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, discovered hundreds of genetic variants involved in brain volume that are also found in people with neurological disorders such as Parkinson's and Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Miguel Renteria, leader of the research project from QIMR Berghofer, said that the discovery shows that some genetic variants that influence brain structure also influence the risk of developing brain-related conditions, Xinhua news agency reported.
Led by Renteria and QIMR colleague Luis Garcia-Marin, an international team of 189 scientists analysed DNA data and brain scans from 76,000 participants across 19 countries.
They observed 254 genetic variants that influence the size of a person's brain structure and then studied whether those variants were also implicated in the risk of developmental, psychiatric and neurological disorders.
"Genetic variants associated with larger brain volumes in
key brain regions also increase the risk of Parkinson's disease, while variants linked to smaller brain volumes in key regions are associated with an increased risk of ADHD," Renteria said in a media release.
"These findings suggest that genetic influences that underpin individual differences in brain structure may be fundamental to understanding the underlying causes of brain-related disorders," he said.
Renteria described the research as a necessary step to understand and eventually treat neurological conditions more effectively and Garcia-Marin said it represents a step closer to treating the conditions in the future.
The study used imaging and genetic data from several international consortia.
Wild Australian species to be vaccinated to reduce impact of deadly H5N1 bird flu strain
Canberra, Oct 20 (IANS) Wild populations of Australian endangered animals will be vaccinated against a deadly strain of bird flu in an attempt to limit its impact.
Tanya Plibersek, minister for the environment, said on Sunday that environment officers will soon start vaccinating endangered animals against the H5N1 strain of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), breeding captive insurance populations of threatened species and picking up
carcasses to prevent the spread of the disease.
Australia is the only continent that has not recorded a case of the H5N1 strain, but experts have warned its arrival in the country is inevitable, Xinhua news agency reported.
The current global outbreak of the strain has caused mass deaths of wild birds and some mammal species.
The federal government earlier in October committed $63.7 million in new funding for biosecurity, environmental and public health measures to protect Australia from the strain.
"We are extremely worried about this variant of bird flu," Plibersek told Nine Entertainment newspapers.
"We know it's in Antarctica now.
Sydney, Oct 22 (IANS) A man has been killed in a car crash with a vehicle that police were following in Sydney on Tuesday, police said.
Police in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) declared a critical incident after the motorist died in the crash in the suburb of St Mary's, approximately 40 km west of Sydney's central business district.
NSW Police said in a statement that two officers in a police vehicle stopped near a grey sedan at about 4 a.m. local time on Tuesday when the driver of the sedan allegedly accelerated away.
Police lost sight of the vehicle but
We know it's in Indonesia. We're the last continent that this variant hasn't hit. We're doing our very best to prepare for it, but the simple truth is we can't keep it out of the country. It's likely to have potentially catastrophic impacts on our wild animals." She said that authorities are unsure whether Australia's iconic marsupial species, including koalas and kangaroos, will be more or less susceptible to transmission of H5N1. It has not been determined which wild species will be vaccinated but those most likely to suffer damage from an outbreak will likely be targeted. Plibersek on Friday chaired a meeting with the environment ministers of Australia's states and territories as well as New Zealand to help prepare and protect against bird flu.
Oct
officers from the Australian Federal Police
have been deployed to communities across the country to fight rising human trafficking and exploitation.
The AFP on Sunday said that the new Human Exploitation Community Officers (HECOs) will deliver targeted education to vulnerable communities to prevent human trafficking and online child sexual exploitation, reports Xinhua news agency.
There were 382 instances of human trafficking -- including
followed and found it had crashed with a silver hatchback. The driver of the hatchback, a man believed to be aged in his 40s, died at the scene, Xinhua news agency reported.
The 43-year-old driver of the sedan allegedly fled the scene on foot but was arrested a short time later and taken to hospital under police guard.
"A crime scene has been established and a critical incident team from North Shore Police Area Command is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident," NSW Police said.
The Greater Western Highway, a major road linking Sydney with the city's centre, has been closed in both directions.
Anyone with dash cam or CCTV footage of the incident has been urged to contact police.
Australia: Man killed in crash with car that police were following Specialised federal police officers to combat rise of human exploitation in Australia
slavery, forced marriage, servitude, and forced labour -reported to the AFP in the 2023-24 financial year, which ended on June 30, up from 340 in 2022-23. Reports of online child sexual exploitation to the AFP-led Australian Center to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) surpassed 58,500 in 2023-24 compared to 40,232 in 2022-23.
AFP Commander Helen Schneider said that the rollout of the HECOs, which began in 2023, represents a significant boost to the AFP's ability to protect Australians from exploitation.
"This capability provides an important opportunity for law enforcement to intervene to protect potential victims and to prevent criminal offending from occurring, and we know that education is key," she said in a statement.
Three dead after light planes collide in Sydney
Sydney, Oct 26 (IANS) Three people were dead after two light planes collided in mid-air before crashing in Sydney's southwest on Saturday.
Emergency crews were called to Belimbla Park, approximately 65 kilometres southwest of central Sydney, just before midday local
time following reports that two aircraft had collided and crashed, reports Xinhua news agency.
Police in the state of New South Wales (NSW) confirmed on Saturday afternoon that three men were found dead at the scene.
Two crime scenes in close proximity were established at the sites where the two planes crashed into the ground.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that one of the planes burst into flames on impact.
Canberra,
27 (IANS) Specialised
(AFP)
Why Queenslanders have chosen David Crisafulli as their premier
Brisbane, October 26 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Queenslanders have placed their confidence in David Crisafulli as their 41st premier, choosing a leader who brings a mix of small-town sensibilities, political experience, and a focused drive to address the state’s most pressing issues. Crisafulli’s rise isn’t just a story of political ambition—it’s about a connection with Queenslanders who feel he can make good on promises for change while staying grounded. His background, political journey, and focus on issues like crime, cost of living, and regional attention paint a picture of why he is primed to meet their aspirations.
A deep connection to rural and Northern Queensland Born to Italian migrants in
Ingham, North Queensland, Crisafulli's roots are woven deeply into the rural landscape of Queensland. Growing up on his family’s sugarcane farm taught him early lessons in discipline, resilience, and a respect for hard work—all traits Queenslanders value. His experience in the north gives him a nuanced understanding of the region’s needs, where many feel they don’t receive equal attention compared to the south-east. Crisafulli’s identity as a “North Queenslander” speaks directly to voters who want leaders with firsthand knowledge of rural and regional issues. For those in remote areas, he represents a much-needed voice at the table. Rising through hard work and adaptability
Crisafulli’s political journey has been marked by resilience and adaptability. Starting as a media advisor and then entering Townsville politics, he showed his tenacity early on, eventually joining Queensland parliament in the bellwether seat of Mundingburra. Despite his early successes, he lost his seat in 2015 when Labor regained control. Many politicians might have faded from the political scene, but Crisafulli reinvented
himself, working as a business consultant and then re-entering parliament in Broadwater. His ability to navigate setbacks and rebuild shows Queenslanders that he is not only adaptable but understands the importance of learning from past experiences. Focused on core issues that matter to Queenslanders
Crisafulli's campaign wasn’t defined by grand promises; it was grounded in addressing issues that keep Queenslanders up at night—youth crime, healthcare, housing, and cost of living. These topics have dominated public discourse in Queensland, and Crisafulli’s commitment to tackling them resonate with voters across the state. His pledge to resign if he fails to reduce crime shows a level of accountability that voters admire, especially as communities face rising crime concerns. He mirrors many costof-living commitments by Labor, like public transport discounts, while staying cautious about big spending promises, an approach that adds to his credibility.
Pragmatic yet conservative approach to governance Crisafulli’s conservative roots are evident, but he’s proven to be a pragmatist, aligning his
stance with public sentiment rather than a rigid party line.
On the contentious issue of abortion, he carefully stated his support for “a woman’s right to choose” while allowing room for flexibility, recognizing that personal beliefs vary widely across Queensland. His decision to pull back bipartisan support for the Pathway to Treaty after the unsuccessful Voice referendum also demonstrates his sensitivity to public opinion. This pragmatic style has won him favour among voters who want a premier willing to engage with, rather than dictate to, the people.
A willingness to challenge federal positions
Crisafulli has shown he isn’t afraid to step away from federal LNP stances, notably on nuclear energy. By establishing a clear distinction from federal policy, he aligns himself more closely with local issues and proves he’s here to serve Queenslanders first. His independence adds an appealing layer to his leadership profile, suggesting he can balance loyalty to the party with allegiance to the state.
Real challenges ahead, though
While Crisafulli has won a parliamentary majority, giving him considerable authority, he
will need to tread carefully to avoid the pitfalls that former premier Campbell Newman faced. His promises on complex issues like housing, health, and cost of living won’t be easy to fulfil and will require careful, wellmeasured approaches. Crisafulli’s effectiveness will ultimately be judged by his ability to navigate these challenges without alienating the base that has put him in office. Queenslanders expect results, but they also expect a balanced, transparent leader who keeps their needs front and center.
David Crisafulli’s election as Queensland’s 41st premier reflects a broader desire among Queenslanders for grounded, accountable leadership. His rural background, political resilience, and focus on everyday issues have forged a strong connection with voters who believe he’ll bring real change. The road ahead is demanding, but Crisafulli’s mix of pragmatism, local sensitivity, and strategic independence suggests he may be well-prepared to fulfil Queenslanders’ aspirations for a government that truly understands and addresses their needs.
LNP’s victory sends federal Labor a clear wake-up call
Brisbane, October 26 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The recent Queensland election results are more than just a shake-up for the state government—they're a wake-up call for federal Labor. With David Crisafulli becoming Queensland’s 41st premier after a decisive win, the results paint a picture that stretches beyond state lines and into the federal arena, where Labor’s strategy might need a serious rethink.
Jim Chalmers, the federal Treasurer and Labor’s highest-ranking Queensland representative, acknowledged the outcome as "decisive." His prompt congratulations to Crisafulli and new Treasurer David Janetzki signal that the federal team is paying attention to what
happened. Chalmers didn’t mince words, calling out any lingering optimism that Labor had a better showing than anticipated. Instead, he bluntly recognized that Queenslanders sent a loud message: change was needed. So, why should federal Labor be concerned?
First, let’s consider the scale of this defeat. Outside of Brisbane, Labor’s support crumbled in traditional strongholds. Seats that had been reliable for over a century flipped, with swings upwards of 7% in some places— enough to grant the LNP a significant two-party preferred lead over Labor. These shifts weren’t just limited to specific areas but extended statewide, including once-stalwart Labor areas like Maryborough,
Rockhampton, and Mackay.
This kind of comprehensive shift in voter sentiment is the political equivalent of a seismic tremor, and it’s one that can’t be ignored. For the federal team, the realization that even long-time supporters are turning away from Labor is a critical indicator of dissatisfaction that goes beyond typical electoral swings. What were Queensland voters saying?
Queensland has often been a challenging landscape for Labor at the federal level, but this election reveals just how wide the gulf has grown between Labor and the everyday concerns of regional and suburban Queenslanders. Many lower-income voters are grappling with escalating living costs, heightened crime rates,
and a sense that their concerns aren’t being fully addressed. Even as the Miles government offered relief measures like energy rebates and proposals for government-owned petrol stations, these efforts appear to have been seen as political gimmicks rather than solutions to the larger economic issues driving inflation and making ends meet harder for many families.
What’s more, the abortion issue, while significant, seemed to only temporarily impact Crisafulli’s momentum in Brisbane. In many of Queensland’s regions, it likely wasn’t a top-of-mind concern. Instead, issues like cost-of-living pressures and crime hit closer to home, reinforcing the idea that populist promises may not be enough to sway a constituency deeply worried about bread-andbutter issues.
Federal Labor’s strategy: Time for a reboot?
The LNP’s success highlights that Queenslanders want tangible solutions rather than promises of short-term relief. For a federal Labor government, which holds only five of Queensland’s 30 seats, the road ahead looks increasingly challenging. If the federal team had hoped to gain ground in Queensland to offset anticipated losses in other states, these election results suggest that strategy could be off-target.
As Jim Chalmers noted, the message isn’t that Labor should aim for a “free-for-
all” of spending to win back Queenslanders. Instead, he hinted at a more grounded approach, emphasizing that governments are “always best when they go in for the whole place; the regions, the suburbs, and the cities.”
This is a strong call to action for federal Labor to consider policies that resonate across a diverse voter base, focusing on impactful, long-term changes rather than stopgap measures.
Queensland’s lesson for the federal election
The federal Labor government still has time to adjust, but the Queensland result is a cautionary tale. With voters nationwide facing rising costs, more than just Queenslanders are likely looking for substantial policy moves over band-aid solutions. If the Albanese government wants to avoid similar losses in federal elections, it will need to adapt, with strategies that address the foundational issues affecting Australians today.
This Queensland election is not just a shift in state leadership; it’s a reminder that Labor needs to stay responsive to voter concerns, beyond quick fixes and into genuine, transformative policies. As Queenslanders have shown, the call for change isn’t just about wanting something new—it’s about wanting something better. And for federal Labor, that may mean the difference between hanging onto hard-won seats or watching them slip away.
Maharashtra’s crossroads: Key issues shaping November assembly election
New Delhi, October 28 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
As Maharashtra approaches its Assembly election on November 20, the state stands at a crossroads. Known for its progressive politics and industrial strength, Maharashtra now faces complex challenges that touch every aspect of daily life—from high onion prices symbolizing financial hardship to crumbling infrastructure in Mumbai. In a state so vast and varied, these issues resonate differently across urban and rural communities. But they all reflect a common thread of change and uncertainty. This article draws on insights from a comprehensive report on frontline.thehindu.com, dated October 16, 2024, highlighting
the multifaceted issues shaping Maharashtra’s future.
Economic crisis: The cost of onions and more Maharashtra’s economy is feeling the pinch, and nowhere is that more evident than in the steep rise of onion prices. Once a staple, the humble onion now represents something much larger: the financial pressure that has seeped into almost every sector. The onion crisis highlights the economic strains affecting both consumers and farmers, underscoring the financial challenges that have left an imprint on Maharashtra’s social fabric.
Urban decay in Mumbai: A city under pressure
Mumbai, the crown jewel of Maharashtra, is facing its own set of issues. Once the symbol of India’s economic prosperity, the city now struggles with decaying infrastructure and questionable land deals that have come under the spotlight. These challenges, while technical, raise deeper questions about governance and the city’s capacity to uphold the promise of a better life for its residents. For many, the hope is that this election will bring much-needed attention to these problems.
The rural story: An agrarian crisis deepens
Outside the metropolis, rural Maharashtra is dealing with the worsening agrarian crisis. Climate change has intensified the hardships faced by farmers, creating ripple effects that impact the rural economy. In a region where agriculture is a lifeline, these challenges affect not just livelihoods but the cultural backbone of Maharashtra. As the election draws near, the stakes for these communities could not be higher.
Political shake-ups and new alliances
The political landscape in Maharashtra has seen significant shifts, with the fall of Uddhav Thackeray’s government and the rise of Eknath Shinde’s coalition.
Priyanka Gandhi slams Pinarayi Vijayan over appeasement politics
Wayanad, Oct 28 (IANS)
Congress General Secretary and Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency candidate Priyanka Gandhi on Monday slammed Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over appeasement politics, saying he (Vijayan) is now trying to appease the majority community.
“During the general elections, Pinarayi Vijayan tried to appease the minorities by discussing the CAA issue. But after the setback from the minority community, he has now started to appease the majority community,” Priyanka told media persons while talking about Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s comparison of the RSS and Jamaat-e-Islami.
She added that Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) has supported CPI-M in the last five elections in the state.
“For the last 30 years, CPI-M got the support of the JeI. When Jamaat was with CPI-M, they were secular but after they left the CPI-M, all of a sudden became communal. This is sheer opportunism on part of CPI-M. All communities have started to leave CPI-M one after the other,” added Priyanka.
She also brushed aside the BJP’s allegation about her election affidavit, saying that the BJP is seeking attention.
“The objections raised by the BJP have been rejected by the authorities. Their allegations are baseless. They (BJP) only want attention,” the Congress General Secretary said.
Later arriving at the WMO College in Wayanad and addressing the students, she said that campaigning for her own self is altogether a different feeling.
“It’s a new feeling for me,” said Priyanka where a large number of students were out to listen to hear her.
She then asked the large gathering what is the one thing that they want for Wayanad. “A medical college,” came the reply.
She responded that Rahul Gandhi did work for a medical college for Wayanad but there were some hiccups and the project could not get a proper shape.
These changes have reshaped alliances and voter dynamics, adding a layer of unpredictability to the election. With so much on the line, voters are keenly watching how these shifts will impact governance and whether they bring stability or more turbulence.
Governance and corruption concerns
Alongside these economic and political challenges, issues of governance and corruption remain at the forefront. Reports of governance failures and allegations of corruption have raised concerns about the use of public resources. For voters, this election isn’t just about picking a new government—it’s about choosing leaders they believe can be transparent, accountable, and dedicated to the state’s welfare.
Frontline’s special coverage: A guide for voters
To help readers navigate this complex landscape, Frontline has put together a package of indepth stories. Featuring insights from seasoned journalists, this coverage aims to provide context on critical issues shaping the upcoming election. The articles delve into topics like politically motivated crimes, infrastructure struggles, and the potential impact of new schemes like Ladki Bahin, which are designed
to sway voter preferences. For readers, this package serves as both a guide to the election and a mirror reflecting the hopes and concerns of Maharashtra’s diverse population.
Reflecting the voice of Maharashtra
In a state as multifaceted as Maharashtra, the issues at play are as varied as the people themselves. From urban professionals concerned with infrastructure to rural farmers hoping for agricultural support, this election is a moment for every voice to be heard. By focusing on the state’s core issues, the Frontline stories encourage readers to look beyond party lines and engage with the ideas that will shape Maharashtra’s future.
As Maharashtra stands on the brink of an election, one thing is clear: this vote isn’t just about politics—it’s about the future trajectory of a state that has long been a leader in India’s social and economic progress. Will the new government address the onion crisis, strengthen Mumbai’s infrastructure, support farmers, and commit to honest governance? These are the questions on voters’ minds, and their choices in November could set the course for Maharashtra’s next chapter.
Women not empowered even after given representation: Rahul Gandhi
“I will fight for the medical college here. We will all fight together for it,” said Priyanka amidst thunderous applause.
Responding to a question from the media persons that she will not be seen in Wayanad after the elections, Priyanka said that the elections are not over and let us wait for the right time.
Priyanka arrived in Wayanad on Monday. She will address meetings in each of the seven Assembly constituencies in Wayanad, which goes to the polls on November 13.
The by-election became a necessity after her brother Rahul Gandhi vacated the seat after retaining the Raebareli Lok Sabha seat in the 2024 general elections. The CPI has fielded veteran former legislator Sathyan Mokeri who finished a close third during the 2014 general elections in Wayanad while the BJP has brought in young Kozhikode Corporation party Councilor Navya Haridas, a former software engineer who quit her job and plunged into full-time politics.
Rahul Gandhi won the 2019 general elections with a margin of 4.60 lakh from Wayanad which came down to 3.64 lakh in the 2024 general elections.
New Delhi, Oct 21 (IANS) Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, while meeting with the women of 'Shakti Abhiyan', asked even after representation has the power truly been granted to women and other marginalised communities in India.
Posting a video on YouTube, the Congress leader said, “On 18th October, I had the privilege of meeting and interacting with the remarkable women of 'Shakti Abhiyan'.”
During the meeting, Rahul Gandhi interacted with the women associated with the 'Shakti Abhiyan'.
“These grassroots leaders, supported by the Indira Fellows, have been tirelessly working to build a women-centric political movement. Together, they are nurturing a network of strong, empowered women who are ready to lead and demand their rightful place in shaping the future of our nation,” he added.
“I believe in a vision for India where women enjoy equal rights, access to resources, and
opportunities in education and employment,” he said. He added that the Constitution lays the foundation of equality and justice, rejecting all forms of discrimination.
“Yet, we know that representation without true power is not enough,” the Congress MP further said.
“Let us join hands with ‘Shakti Abhiyan’ and ensure that we not only talk about equality but make it a reality for all women in India. The time for real empowerment is now,” the Congress said in a statement.
Congress has launched 'Shakti Abhiyan', under the Indira Fellowship programme to promote women's empowerment in India.
During his speech at the 'Shakti Abhiyan' event, Rahul Gandhi emphasised the need for real empowerment of women, urging them "not to settle for token positions, but to fight for their rightful place in society."
Russia has never done anything to impact India’s interests negatively: EAM Jaishankar
New Delhi, Oct 21 (IANS) A day ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's departure to Kazan for the 16th BRICS Summit, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar hailed the longstanding and time-tested India-Russia relationship which has advanced to Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership over the past 10 years.
"If you look at our history with Russia after Independence, Russia has never done anything to impact our interests negatively. Among the major countries, there are not many about whom you can say this," Jaishankar said at the NDTV World Summit.
In July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Moscow on a twoday visit to Russia - his first to the country since 2019 and first to its capital after 2015.
During the visit, Russian President Vladimir Putin conferred PM Modi with the
Hamas
and
Order of St. Andrew the Apostle the First-Called, Russia's highest civilian award.
A lot had changed in the region after the start of the RussiaUkraine war in 2022 but IndiaRussia partnership has remained resilient in the wake of multiple geopolitical challenges that the world has been facing.
"Today Russia's situation is different, I think Russia's relationship with the West has obviously broken down. So, you have a Russia which is turning much more towards Asia. We need to ask ourselves that if Russia is looking at Asia, should Russia not have multiple options in Asia? Should we not do what is good for us in national interests?" the EAM stated.
While New Delhi has maintained a steady relationship with Moscow even as PM Modi repeatedly asserted that no solution can ever be arrived at the cost of human lives and that escalation of hostilities and violence is in no one's interest, India-Russia bilateral trade continues to increase, touching close to $65 billion in 2023-24, primarily due to strong energy cooperation
between the two countries. "Clearly, Russia as a major natural resources power has a complementarity with India at this stage of development when we are big resource consumers. It isn't just Russian oil, it could be fertilisers, metals, coal. There is a whole economic logic to it. There is also a basic strategic logic, that if you look at the Eurasian landmass, there are three big countries. You always keep a balance, a relationship with the further away country in a very good state," added Jaishankar.
At the same time, the Russian President continues to hail India's rising global stature and the strength of its growing economy under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.
Putin and Modi are scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan which is being held under the theme of 'Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security' and will provide an important platform for leaders to discuss key global issues.
Hezbollah no longer ‘effective’ proxies for Iran: Israeli Defence minister
Jerusalem, Oct 28 (IANS) Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has said that Hezbollah and Hamas are no longer "effective" proxies for Iran after Israeli operations killed several leading leaders from the two groups in recent weeks.
Gallant was speaking on Sunday
at a memorial ceremony on Mount Herzl for Israeli soldiers killed on October 7 last year, CNN reported.
"In the south, Hamas ceased to function as a military entity. In the north, Hezbollah continued to absorb blows, its command chain was eliminated, and most of its missile and rocket capabilities were destroyed," he said.
The Israeli Defence Minister added that Hamas and Hezbollah, "long prepared as Iran's extended arms against Israel, no longer serve as effective tools."
Teen kills five of family at home in US, taken in custody
Washington, Oct 22 (IANS) Authorities in Washington state have taken a 15-year-old boy into custody in connection with a fatal shooting that claimed the lives of five people at a home near Seattle.
The shooting occurred early Monday morning in Fall City, located east of Seattle after multiple 911 calls were made reporting the incident, according to a police spokesperson.
King County Sheriff's Office spokesperson, Mike Mellis, said during a media briefing on Monday afternoon that officers discovered five bodies upon entering the residence. The victims included two adults and three teenagers, though their identities have not yet been released.
The police swiftly arrested one teenage suspect, while another person who was injured was transported to a hospital for medical treatment.
The department noted that a neighbour had administered first aid before emergency responders arrived.
But with a new round of negotiations on hostages and a Gaza ceasefire getting underway in Qatar, Gallant added: "We know that some goals cannot be achieved by military action alone, and thus, we must honour our moral obligations to bring our captives home, despite the painful compromises involved."
Gallant and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have frequently been at odds on the negotiations to secure the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza.
Philippines: Death toll from tropical storm Trami climbs to 116
Manila, Oct 28 (IANS) The death toll from catastrophic flooding and landslides triggered by tropical storm Trami that slammed into the Philippines last week has risen to 116, with at least 39 people remaining unaccounted for, the Philippines' National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Monday.
Local authorities said Trami dumped two months of rain,
impacting over 6.7 million people across 17 of the country's regions, reports Xinhua news agency.
The search continues for 39 missing people who were either buried in landslides or washed away by the floods.
Trami, the 11th typhoon to hit the Philippines this year, barreled across the Philippines, leaving a trail of destruction with disastrous flooding and landslides on Luzon Island, particularly in the Bicol and Calabarzon regions, and areas in the central and southern Philippines.
Floodwaters crumbled highways and bridges, paralysing transport, and flooded homes with mud.
Three days after Trami exited the Philippines on Friday, disaster
victims are still desperately waiting for food and clean water. Many areas still lack potable water or electricity. Some victims forced to leave their flooded houses at the height of the flooding started returning to their homes as the flood receded on Saturday. However, the NDRRMC said about 1 million displaced people were still in evacuation centres or staying with relatives. Trami's estimated damage to infrastructure was 1.54 billion pesos (roughly US$26.35 million), while damage to agriculture was 2.5 billion pesos ($43 million).
The Philippines is bracing for more rains due to the impact of another tropical cyclone, Kongrey, which intensified into a severe tropical storm Monday morning over the Philippine Sea, 755 km east of Luzon Island.
"Once we recovered the bodies, we knew this was a hugely significant crime scene," Mellis said.
The police also revealed that the victims were members of the same family, though it remains unconfirmed whether all of them were directly related. The Sheriff's Office is continuing its investigation to determine a motive for the attack.
The teenage suspect is currently being held at King County's juvenile detention facility.
According to Mellis, the teen is expected to appear in court for an initial hearing on Tuesday or Wednesday, as confirmed by the county Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
Incidents of teen shootings have been on the rise in the US. Recently, a 14-year-old boy was charged with murder for fatally shooting four people, including two students and two teachers, at Apalachee High School in Georgia.
While polls indicate that a majority of Americans support stricter regulations on firearm purchases and usage, efforts to impose additional restrictions continue to face strong opposition from powerful gun ownership lobby groups, and legislative action has repeatedly stalled.
Trump attacks China, says US has greatest military
New York, Oct 28 (IANS) In a confrontation with China, “we will kick their ass”, Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump has said at a campaign rally, asserting, “We have the greatest military in the world”.
Speaking out against what he asserted was the weakening of respect for the US under President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, he said on Sunday, “A report that they issued that if we end up in a war with China, we cannot win. We're not strong enough”.
“We have the greatest military in the world,” he declared.
“You don't put out reports like that – and it's not true. We would kick their ass,” he said.
Even “assuming that's true, how stupid are you to put out a report like that,” he said. He did not say which report he was referring to, but it was likely a report from the Commission on the National Defence Strategy to the Senate Armed Services earlier this year.
It said, “The Commission finds that the US military lacks both the capabilities and the capacity required to be confident it can deter and prevail in combat” and that "in many ways, China is outpacing the United States and has largely negated the US military advantage in the Western Pacific".
Trump's strong statement tinged by a colloquial vulgarity was in keeping with his theme of asserting that he would reclaim America’s greatness which he said had been devalued by Biden and Harris.
“If we win, our enemies won't be laughing anymore,” Trump said The Madison Square Garden was packed to its capacity of about 19,000 about 90 minutes before his campaign rally was to begin, and thousands were left stranded outside after waiting for hours to get in and watched him on giant screens.
Inside, whipped to bouts of frenzy, the crowd punctuated his speech with screams of, "USA, USA", and "Four more years".
Although most of his nearly 90-minute speech focused on immigration and inflation, he presented himself as the keeper of world order.
Israeli strikes should not be ‘magnified, nor downplayed’, says Iran’s Supreme
Tehran, Oct 28 (IANS) Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said that Israel's airstrikes on Iran should not be magnified nor downplayed.
While Israel would like to amplify the impacts of its actions against Iran, Khamenei said on Sunday, adding it would also not be right for Iran to dismiss the strikes as insignificant, CNN reported.
"They're making a miscalculation concerning Iran," he said in comments published on his website.
"They still haven't been able to correctly understand the power, capability, ingenuity, and determination of the Iranian people. We need to make them understand these things."
Khamenei said that those who believe Iran should avoid producing weapons to avoid provoking backlash are misguided.
Keeping a country weak does not maintain its security, he added.
The Iranian leader also condemned Israel's military offensive in Gaza, as well as the international community for enabling them, CNN reported.
"War operates within a framework of rules, laws, and limitations.
These limitations can't just be disregarded during a war.
However, the criminal gang ruling
leader Khamenei
over the occupied lands has trampled all boundaries and rules underfoot," he said.
Both Iranian and Israeli officials appeared deliberate on Saturday in their initial framing of Israel's retaliation for Tehran's major missile attack earlier this month.
Israel's public posture immediately after the strikes was relatively muted. That was intentional, a source familiar with the Israeli government's thinking said, aimed at allowing Iran to downplay the strikes and avoid further escalation.
Iran's government seemed to seize that opportunity, claiming the strikes caused only limited damage at military sites, even as it acknowledged that four Iranian soldiers were killed.
Hamas says open to agreements on permanent ceasefire in Gaza
Gaza, Oct 30 (IANS) Hamas has expressed its openness to any agreements or ideas for establishing a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, said in a televised speech on Tuesday that the movement is open to any agreements or ideas that would end the suffering of the people in Gaza and establish a permanent ceasefire, Xinhua news agency reported.
regarding a ceasefire and prisoner exchange. The Hamas official noted that his group has already held some meetings on this topic and that additional meetings will follow.
On Sunday, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi announced a proposal for a two-day ceasefire in Gaza to exchange four Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, with plans for negotiations within ten days to work toward a permanent truce.
Israel will bear consequences for attacking Iran: FM
Tehran, Oct 30 (IANS) Iran's Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi has said that Israel will bear the consequences for attacking Iran, according to a statement released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
At a meeting in the capital Tehran with the ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions, the United
Harris parts
Nations offices, and international organisations in Iran, Araghchi said Israel and its "enablers" cannot avoid the political and legal responsibility for aggression on Iranian soil and must be held accountable for it, Xinhua news agency reported.
Iran "has fully reserved its legal right to respond appropriately to such a clear aggression", he said, while stressing that Iran would neither hesitate in doing so nor act hastily.
In the talks, Araghchi said thanks to its armed forces' "readiness and vigilance and the timely performance of the country's
with
air defences", Iran managed to "neutralise the aggression".
Speaking to reporters following the meeting, he said that Tehran maintained that the US had "cooperated with Israel" in its aggression against Iran and "thus, the main partners in the strikes are the United States and certain European countries".
The Israel Defense Forces announced early Saturday that it conducted "precise and targeted" airstrikes on targets in Iran in response to recent attacks from the country.
Iran's air defence headquarters said it successfully countered the Israeli attacks, which resulted in only "limited damage".
Biden in closing remarks, promises a protective presidency
Oct
Party's presidential candidate Kamala Harris has said that although she was proud of being President Joe Biden's Vice President, her presidency will be different because the challenges are different.
Offering her campaign's closing argument on Tuesday from the Ellipse, a portion of the Capitol
grounds that hosted President Donald Trump's rally of 2020 that led to a raid by his supporters on the US Congress, Harris presented herself as someone who feels protective about people who are treated unfairly and taken advantage of, saying that's something she got from her mother, the India-born Shyamala Gopalan Harris.
Harris also presented herself as an "uniter" in contrast to Trump, who, she said, is a "divider"; as a "champion of working people" compared to the former president who, she said, would "give tax breaks to the wealthy"; as "fierce protectors" of the security of the country, compared to the former president, who, she said, is "vulnerable to flattery and favours".
"I have been honoured to serve as Joe Biden's Vice President," Harris said, "but I will bring my own experiences and ideas to the Oval Office. My presidency will be different, because the challenges we face are different. Our top priority as a nation four years
ago was to end the pandemic and rescue the economy. Now our biggest challenge is to lower costs, costs that were rising even before the pandemic, and that are still too high". Trump and his campaign have sought Harris to the failures and shortcomings of the administration of Biden. Harris has struggled to distance herself from the President without looking disloyal. But her campaign has shown a readiness to put some distance between the two and, as a result, they have not appeared in joint rallies although Harris has done quite a few appearances with former President Barack Obama. Harris acknowledged not many Americans would know her because of her long career outside Washington D.C. And recalling her career as a line prosecutor and then top law officer of the most populous state of the country -- California, she said, "I did this work because for as long as I can remember, I have always had an instinct to protect.
Abu Zuhri added that the agreements or ideas should include the withdrawal of the Israeli army from the entire Gaza Strip, the lifting of the blockade, and the provision of relief, support, and shelter for the population, as well as reconstruction and a serious prisoner swap deal.
He added that the movement has responded to mediators' requests to discuss new proposals
UK
Sisi's announcement came as efforts continue to resume Gaza ceasefire negotiations. Recently, a Hamas delegation discussed "ways to overcome obstacles" blocking the truce in Cairo. Since the outbreak of the conflict between Hamas and Israel in October last year, Egypt, Qatar, and the United States have been working to mediate a ceasefire in Gaza.
Several rounds of talks in this regard have been held in Doha and Cairo over the past months but failed to produce any serious agreements to end the yearlong conflict.
parliamentarians call for release of Imran Khan
former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been behind bars for over a year for multiple cases of corruption and sedition, is getting open support from parliamentarians from countries like the United Kingdom.
British parliamentarians have called on the Pakistan government for the release of Khan, terming his arrest and imprisonment as part of a political agenda to suppress the government’s opposition movements.
Over 20 cross-party UK parliamentarians have signed an appeal through a letter by Liverpool Riverside MP Kim Johnson, urging the Foreign Secretary David Lammy to engage with the Shehbaz Sharif-led government of Pakistan for the immediate release of former premier and leader of political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan.
The appeal letter through MP Kim Johnson came through a request of Imran Khan’s advisor on international affairs, Zulfi Bukhari, and was signed by
members of both the House of Commons and the Hour of Lords.
UK Parliamentarians have expressed serious concerns over the detention and treatment of former Pak PM Imran Khan, terming Khan’s incarceration as a politically motivated move to ensure that he was kept behind bars and disqualified from being in the electoral race. “We are writing with grave concern about the continued detention of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. As you will know, Mr Khan was imprisoned in 2023 in a move which the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention found had no legal basis and appears to have been intended to disqualify him from running for political office. Thus, from the outset, that prosecution was not grounded in law and was reportedly instrumental for a political purpose,” read the letter. The letter warned and expressed fear that Imran Khan’s imprisonment may serve as a precedent to suppress political opponents and the legal grounds may be misused and manipulated for political motives by the ruling party against its opposition.
The letter highlighted that Imran Khan was denied his basic right to prepare for defence in at least three trials, adding that the consistent flow of cases being piled up against Imran Khan seems to follow a pattern.
Islamabad, Oct 28 (IANS)
Pakistan’s
Washington,
30 (IANS) Democratic
From the editor’s desk
Australia’s Tech Tax Proposal: A necessary step or a misstep in digital governance
Australia’s relationship with big tech companies has been a contentious one, shaped largely by the government’s ongoing attempt to secure a fairer slice of the digital revenue pie for its media landscape. Recent developments around a proposed tech tax—designed to compel platforms like Meta to support Australian news organizations—have intensified this debate. As of late October 2024, the idea of a "digital platform levy" has garnered fresh momentum, with the government's parliamentary committee recommending its consideration in response to Meta's decision not to renew agreements to pay for Australian news content. This proposal opens up a profound conversation on the roles, responsibilities, and power balance between digital giants and national interests. Whether it’s a justifiable step towards media sustainability or an overly interventionist stance on digital governance, Australia’s tech tax proposal demands a closer look.
The roots of this tech tax lie in the collapse of voluntary funding agreements between Meta and Australian media outlets. These deals, born out of Australia’s groundbreaking News Media Bargaining Code of 2021, initially required major digital platforms to negotiate fair compensation for content shared on their sites. While the code was seen as an innovative way to level the playing field, Meta’s recent decision to withdraw from these funding arrangements has revived questions around tech platforms’ obligations to support journalism. In this light, the tech tax isn’t just about revenue generation; it’s a response to the growing concern that digital platforms— through their global reach, scale, and influence—can wield too much power in determining the fate of media sectors. If the proposed tax goes forward, its financial impact could be significant, potentially generating substantial revenue that the government envisions redistributing to various media organizations. The aim is to breathe life into local journalism, a segment that has struggled amid digital disruption. With resources already stretched thin, independent media outlets often find themselves sidelined, struggling to retain audiences
Unveiling the impact of Autonomous Warrior 24
and revenue in a marketplace dominated by global tech giants. By providing a funding channel through this levy, Australia’s government seems keen on boosting media diversity and reducing the industry’s reliance on a handful of big players. Supporters of the tech tax argue that it’s time for a recalibration in the digital economy. Digital platforms, they say, have reaped the benefits of user-generated content, data, and engagement for years, rarely sharing this value with the creators who fuel their algorithms. In Australia’s case, the proposed levy is portrayed as a way to address an imbalance between digital platforms and local media organizations. By redirecting some of this revenue back into the media ecosystem, proponents argue that the tech tax could stabilize a struggling sector and reestablish a thriving media landscape that is both financially and editorially independent. This ambition taps into broader concerns about the erosion of high-quality journalism and the need to counter misinformation—an area where robust, independent reporting is an invaluable public service.
However, not everyone sees this proposal as the right solution. Critics argue that, by imposing a targeted tax, Australia risks complicating its relationship with major tech players, possibly prompting an escalation of tactics on both sides. If Meta or other platforms view this tax as an overreach, they could retaliate by restricting access to news content altogether. Though the standoff was ultimately resolved, it demonstrated the extent to which digital giants could leverage their platforms to push back against government mandates.
Furthermore, the tech tax debate raises questions about the role of government in the digital economy and the appropriate boundaries for regulation. While advocates see the levy as an effort to protect public interest, detractors worry that taxing digital platforms could set a precedent for intervention that might stifle innovation. After all, platforms like Meta are integral parts of the global information ecosystem, with complex, cross-border business models that don’t always fit neatly into national tax policies.
The AUKUS alliance—an unprecedented defense partnership among Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—recently demonstrated its commitment to evolving maritime security with the "Autonomous Warrior 24" exercises. Held from October 16 to October 28, 2024, in Australia, this event underscored a tangible shift in how allied forces approach defense and security, particularly in the IndoPacific region. As the geopolitical landscape increasingly revolves around power dynamics in this region, the focus on autonomous and networked systems reflects a strategic choice to secure waters in an era where both technological capabilities and regional tensions are rapidly escalating.
The scope of "Autonomous Warrior 24," conducted as part of the broader "Maritime Big Play" initiative, aimed to test and evaluate autonomous systems in a coordinated maritime setting. The variety of technology showcased was extensive and sophisticated—from autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and unmanned surface boats to high-altitude balloons and longendurance drones like the Vanilla UAV. These systems represent the pinnacle of cutting-edge defense technology; but beyond their advanced features lies a broader vision of what the future of military operations may entail: efficient, technology-driven, and increasingly autonomous.
A particularly intriguing element in these exercises was the integration of platforms from each AUKUS member nation. This collaboration highlighted an essential aspect of modern defense alliances: interoperability. Defense systems today cannot afford to be isolated; they need to function seamlessly across national boundaries, especially in a theater as vast and complex as the Indo-Pacific. The integration of assets like the GARC unmanned surface boat, developed by the U.S., and the Vanilla UAV, known for its exceptional endurance, is emblematic of this shift towards a networked military future. These platforms enable not only streamlined communication between allied units but also the ability to respond collectively to potential threats in real-time. However, these exercises also spotlighted the role of autonomous systems in the future of warfare, a shift with profound implications. Autonomous systems, which can operate without human intervention, present both incredible opportunities and serious challenges. On one hand, they can significantly enhance the capabilities of a defense force. In previous generations, many tasks that required extensive personnel and resources can
now be completed by these unmanned systems in a fraction of the time. For example, tasks that previously took months due to human limitations or logistical obstacles can now be executed within minutes, demonstrating an unprecedented level of operational efficiency.
This newfound efficiency carries critical implications for the AUKUS alliance and, more broadly, for security in the Indo-Pacific. In this region, where maritime security threats are complex and evolving, the ability to rapidly deploy, adjust, and utilize resources is a major asset. The inclusion of Japan in these exercises as an observer further underscores the strategic importance of such collaboration. Japan’s presence highlights that the implications of AUKUS exercises are not confined to the immediate members but extend to other regional allies. Japan, which shares AUKUS’ concerns about regional security threats, would undoubtedly benefit from similar advancements in its own defense capabilities.
"Autonomous Warrior 24" shows the changing dynamics of naval warfare. By integrating autonomous systems, AUKUS is signaling its readiness to shift from a traditionally humandriven defense model to one that relies increasingly on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine autonomy. But, like all major technological shifts, this one raises questions that are as consequential as the advancements themselves. With unmanned systems taking on more responsibilities, will there be a loss of human oversight in critical situations? And if these systems are compromised or malfunction, what risks might this pose?
Beyond immediate operational concerns, there are broader questions about the impact of these technologies on global military norms and ethics. In particular, autonomous weapons have been a focal point in debates about international law and the ethics of warfare. When machines are programmed to make life-and-death decisions, the ethical boundaries of combat blur, raising concerns about accountability and the potential for unintended consequences. While the AUKUS alliance has framed these advancements within the context of enhancing defensive capabilities, there is a risk that other nations may interpret them as an escalation or justification for their own militarization. The perception of a new arms race in the IndoPacific is very real, especially with China’s growing influence in the region and its own investments in similar technologies. Moreover, the strategic collaboration among AUKUS nations in "Autonomous Warrior 24" illustrates an important shift
in defense postures, one that emphasizes rapid responsiveness and resilience. High-altitude balloons, for example, were utilized to provide resilient communications—an essential capability in areas where traditional infrastructure may be unreliable or compromised. This is a forward-thinking measure that acknowledges a world where communication lines are as critical as physical assets. By securing resilient and redundant communication methods, AUKUS nations are preparing for a landscape where information flows just as much as physical resources. In an age of cyber warfare, this resilience can make the difference between success and failure in mission-critical operations.
Furthermore, the demonstrated interoperability between the systems of the U.S., UK, and Australia is a testament to the strategic coherence of AUKUS. This coherence serves as a message to both allies and adversaries that AUKUS nations can effectively operate as a single, integrated force. Interoperability, however, is not achieved overnight—it requires meticulous planning, extensive training, and continuous refinement. The success of these exercises therefore reflects a substantial investment of time and resources by all three countries, which suggests that AUKUS is not simply a symbolic alliance, but one with tangible, high-level commitment to defending shared interests. The potential for these advancements to redefine maritime security is vast, but we must also consider the diplomatic ripple effects. For one, China, which has viewed AUKUS with suspicion since its inception, may see these exercises as a provocation. AUKUS’ emphasis on the Indo-Pacific clearly signals that the alliance’s priorities are, at least in part, focused on counterbalancing China’s influence. In response, China could increase its own investments in autonomous systems and defensive capabilities, possibly fueling an arms race that destabilizes the very region AUKUS seeks to protect. This raises questions about the long-term sustainability of an arms competition where advanced technology is both a deterrent and a point of escalation.
AUKUS must therefore navigate a delicate balance: strengthening its defenses without igniting unnecessary tensions. One avenue may be through transparent communication with neighboring countries and a demonstration of these technologies in ways that emphasize defense rather than aggression. However, this is easier said than done, as military exercises are often viewed through a lens of suspicion, no matter the stated intentions.
National security is a multi-dimensional challenge
New Delhi: The ever-enlarging circle of national security concerns is raising some interesting questions about a possible 'security overreach', the need for clarity about definitive threats as against interpretations of presumptive dangers and a better-defined approach to longterm and short-run problems. Nothing should happen to dilute the ‘core’ threats to national security and a quick integral response to the same should be constantly evolved. Assessment of such a threat depends on a combination of available information or ‘Intelligence’ and a competent human assessment that uses data analytics in a major way.
Moreover, human ‘sources’ and our own technical intelligence are now supplemented by what we get from Intelligence-sharing arrangements with our strategic partners in the international community - this gives newfound importance to the ongoing determination of our ‘friends and adversaries’ in the backdrop of changing geopolitics.
Military threats - imminent and long-range - and the danger of ‘covert’ attacks like crossborder terrorism, are the basic components of any national security evaluation. To these are added the global concerns that cast their shadow on national security perspectives - like environment and climate change, narcotics trade and human trafficking.
A newly recognised dimension of national security - traceable to the doctrine famously enunciated by US Secretary of State Warren Christopher in 1993 to the effect that ‘national security was inseparable from economic security’- has appeared in the post-Cold War era which was marked by the advent of ‘proxy wars’ as a replacement of the open military attack. Covert offensives including cyber attacks designed to damage the economy of the opponent, are now the order of the day and national security plans should effectively take care of these.
Above all, an evaluation of who the strategic friends and adversaries are at a given point of time becomes a basic prerequisite for framing the national security
strategy.
National security obviously revolves around the safeguarding of the nation against external and internal threats, against an ‘open’ military attack as well as ‘covert’ offensives of the adversary and in fact against any moves of the opponents to directly or indirectly weaken our internal stability and unity.
The ‘open’ attack is repulsed by the nation’s defence forces while the ‘unseen’ danger is to be neutralised on the strength of prior information called Intelligence gathered by the nation’s security set up including the Intelligence agencies.
Defence and Security both denote protection but they are not synonyms.
There is, of course, a hidden part of the open attack when the enemy would be secretly planning the offensive and the country would need ‘Military Intelligence’ for that collected through both human and technical means - the latter covering signals, imagery and communication interceptions.
National security at its hardcore demands a total watch out against external and internal threats and a nation has to do whatever it takes to strengthen its defence forces as well as the security and Intelligence set-up to deal with them.
Strategic partnerships are meant to bolster the country’s defence. In the area of security which is protection against covert offensives like terror attacks, Intelligence was the chief weapon for countering them.
Security fails for three reasonsfailure of advance ‘information’, failure of ‘communication’ of Intelligence to the action-taking authorities and failure of these authorities to take coordinated ‘action’.
It is rightly said that ‘either Intelligence succeeds or the enemy does’. As the sources of threat to internal security spread to the ground level, the importance of public awareness and the outreach of Central agencies to the local police and administrative authorities increases manifold.
The Department of Homeland Security created in the US after
9/11 established Fusion Centres that provided for the flow of security-related information directly from the public too.
Over the years many ‘unconventional’ dimensions of national security have come to the fore and compelled the policymakers to include them along with the ‘hardcore’ threats in the framing of an integral assessment of what would sustain national security in a comprehensive long-term view. One is the acceptance of the thesis - as already mentioned - that the economic strength of the country contributed to its national security.
Rich countries are better placed in terms of being strong on security because they could spend more on it. ‘Security does not come cheap’ and this was reflected in the reality that the two Superpowers during the Cold War were also on top in terms of their economic strength.
The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 that ended the Cold War was primarily because of the blow to the economy that it suffered on account of the war in Afghanistan.
The demise of International Communism precipitated by that development, saw Mikhail Gorbachev giving up on ‘democratic centrism’ or the one-party rule internally and Deng Xiaoping President of China taking a lesson from the Soviet case to cautiously open the domestic economy of his country to foreign investments.
Two current trends broadly resulting from the doctrine of ‘national security being inseparable from economic security’ are that first, in the era of ‘proxy wars’ ensuing on the termination of the Cold War, covert attacks were directed at damaging the economic lifeline of the target country and secondly, that China under President Xi Jinping had consciously chosen to take to the economic route to becoming a Superpower.
Cyber security issues have assumed prime importance because of the fear of cyber attacks of the enemy aimed at destroying the critical infrastructure, supply chains and sensitive strategic establishments of the target country.
The non-traditional threats to national security are rooted in energy or water deficit, ecological degradation, blunted law enforcement that allowed sectarian, communal and regional conflicts, technological regression, insurgencies including separatist movements, economic disparities leading to internal stirs, transnational crimes like drug trade, adverse geopolitical balance of power and a fragile neighbourhood.
National security is weakened in the long term by any of these factors and in an interconnected world, there are many global commons impinging on national security.
The advent of social media as an instrument of combat is the new threat of our times as it is used for building narratives that would influence public opinion against an existing regime, raising sleeper cells of terrorism and instigating separatism from outside.
Terrorism banks on the commitment and motivation of the converts based on ideology, the assertion of ethnic identity or what is more important in present times, the appeal of faith.
The global threat of terrorism arises largely from the indoctrination of the young and even the educated for carrying out Jehad as a fundamental duty in Islam. The two largest democracies of the world - the US and India - face the threat of ‘radicalisation’ which is fast gaining ground in the Muslim world, particularly in the Middle East and India’s foreign policy is rightly emphasising their partnership for protecting the democratic world order as such.
In the diverse socio-political setting that India faces, it is extremely important to realise that law and order management is now a major determinant of internal security. Since the police is a state subject, it is time the Centre had a hand in the selection of the Chief Secretary and DGP of the state who are All India Services officers and whose performance was already reviewed by the Department of Personnel & Training functioning under the Prime Minister.
Uniformity of the standards of law and order handling was a vital
requirement of the federal system of India that gave freedom to the citizens to move to and settle down in any part of the country. Security and law and order management have to be clearly kept above politics.
India has done well in the area of handling external and internal threats to our national security in the times of the present National Security Advisor who had an Intelligence background. Coordination among Intelligence agencies had vastly improved, the exchange of relevant information between these agencies and investigation outfits looking into cases of terrorism, narcotics trade and economic offences at the national level had been arranged and an integral response to any imminent threat to national security had been assured in this period. Foreign policy is supposed to address national security and economic concerns - in that order - and it is a matter of great satisfaction that diplomatic responses to geopolitical developments carried a clear imprint of the security advice.
India’s preference for mutually beneficial bilateral relations now covers multilateral friendships as well and since these were in line with the cause of the good for humanity at large, they enhanced the image of India as the promotor of the voice of peace and sanity in international relations. This should be seen in the backdrop of a not so effective United Nations.
India’s acknowledgement of multipolarity in the world order gives it the required flexibility in responding to global developments in a manner that safeguarded its own national interests and security.
The present regime has demonstrated its political will in handling security challenges on our borders, given attention to making India self-dependent in the sphere of defence and security and demonstrated a certain degree of boldness and uprightness in dealing with major powers of the world.
(The writer is a former Director of the Intelligence Bureau. Views are personal)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh begins 2-day Arunachal visit, to celebrate Diwali with soldiers in Tawang
New Delhi, Oct 30 (IANS)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has embarked on a two-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh to celebrate Diwali with Indian Army personnel stationed in Tawang, a strategic border region along the India-China border. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju is also accompanying him.
During the visit, Singh will meet and interact with soldiers and
officers, honouring their service and dedication to the nation.
Ahead of his departure, the Defence Minister shared a post on X, saying, "Leaving New Delhi for Tawang on a two-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh. Looking forward to interacting with Armed Forces personnel and attending the inaugural ceremony of a museum dedicated to brave Army officer Major Ralengnao
Bob Khathing."
Rajnath Singh's visit to Tawang comes at a time when India and China reached a breakthrough in patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh. Last week India said it had reached an agreement with China on patrolling along the LAC in eastern Ladakh. It was later confirmed by China. This is considered to be a major breakthrough in ending the fouryear-long military standoff, which
began after Indian and Chinese troops got engaged in a violent confrontation in Galwan Valley in May 2020.
On Wednesday, the Defence Minister will also flag off the 'Vayu Veer Vijeta' Car Rally organised by the Indian Air Force, marking the IAF's 92nd anniversary and commemorating the 25th anniversary of India's victory in the 1999 Kargil War.
The rally, which began on October 8 from Thoise in Ladakh, the
world’s highest air force station, has already covered 7,000 km, engaging youth across the country with stories of bravery, and inspiring them to consider careers in the armed forces. Initially flagged off at Thoise by Union Minister of State for Highways Harsh Malhotra, the rally includes 52 air warriors, including women, and a contingent from the Uttarakhand War Memorial (UWM).
Investors in Germany glad after Rajasthan govt extends investment invite
Munich, Oct 21 (IANS) A day after Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma-led delegation returned from Europe, the investors in Germany have expressed happiness after being invited to make investments in the state.
An investor from Rajasthan based in Munich, Sanjeev Sharma told IANS that Rajasthan is known as a tourism-friendly state however with the Rising Rajasthan Summit, the state will also be known as an investment-friendly state.
He further said that he will be visiting Rajasthan in January next year to sign an MoU with the state government in which his company will skill 5000 residents
of Rajasthan with a promise of a job in Munich.
"We are glad that the state government has reached out to us eyeing investments in Rajasthan,” said Sharma.
The Chief Minister met with prominent members of the Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) in Munich, Germany recently during their Europe trip.
The visit was aimed at promoting the upcoming Rising Rajasthan Summit and strengthening ties between the Indian diaspora and Germany across various sectors, including renewable energy, manufacturing, technology, and tourism.
During the Rising Rajasthan Investment Summit in Germany, the Chief Minister highlighted Rajasthan's potential in green energy, advanced manufacturing, and fostering a robust startup ecosystem.
He urged German business
leaders to consider Rajasthan as a prime investment destination, with its thriving infrastructure and business-friendly policies. The event saw an enthusiastic reception from the Indian diaspora. The Chief Minister-led delegation was warmly welcomed by Sunil Singh, OFBJP Convener for Munich, and Anshika Singh, a local politician and member of the CSU party.
Sanjeev Sharma, founder of Hasuvalley.com, was also part of the welcoming delegation.
A key discussion during the event was held with Anshika Singh and Sanjeev Sharma, focusing on bridging the skilled labour gap and promoting business exchange between India and Germany.
Anshika Singh, who holds a prominent role in Munich’s political landscape, contributed her insights on fostering stronger connections between the two nations.
Tata best business group in India, Ratan Tata was a humble figure: Mark Mobius
Delhi, Oct 21
India,
business
investor
on Monday recalled that he had met the (recentlydeceased) Ratan Tata a few years ago and "despite being a titan of the Indian Industry, he was very humble".
Participating in the 'NDTV World Summit 2024' Mobius talked about his investment mantra
and said he looks at returnon-equity, debt-to-equity, and the management quality of the company as key levers for making investment decisions.
"I don't look at PE (Price to Earning) ratio the way I used to. This is because the E of PE is backward-looking. The most important metric is the quality of the management. That is why I travel so much, to meet these people," he said.
Mobius said that India is going to become a leader in the semiconductor sector in the coming times. The reason for this is demand, a good economy and a strong software ecosystem in India.
The veteran investor further said that everyone has benefited from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's digitisation programme, which is "one of his greatest achievements".
He further said that Prime Minister Modi has integrated
the tax system with Goods and Services Tax (GST), which is a big change.
"International financial institutions understood that if you want to create wealth, you have to create a market economy. That was a critical decision. For market economy, you need stock markets to raise capital," Mobius said. Mobius also advised young investors to never rush into the market. "You should understand the market well and invest in selected stocks based on logic".
Earlier speaking to IANS on the sidelines of the summit,’ Mobius, 88, said India is in a very good position to act as a mediator for peace on the global stage. "The country has shown its ability to be neutral and to be fair to all, so it could be a great mediator between Russia and Ukraine. PM Modi is very well qualified to be a key mediator in the world today," he stressed.
India’s focus on expanding manufacturing sector key to create more formal, quality jobs
New Delhi, Oct 27 (IANS) India will need more formal and quality jobs to ensure better income distribution as it becomes a $5 trillion economy in the medium term and advances toward its long-term goal of embodying Viksit Bharat or a fully developed nation by 2047, according to a new report.
The government’s focus on expanding the manufacturing sector is critical, as transitioning workers into this sector increases the likelihood of securing formal employment, given that 51.4 per cent of manufacturing jobs are salaried ones, according to a Deloitte report.
This shift will significantly enhance income stability for those currently lacking regular wages or social security, particularly in rural areas. Moreover, the growth of the services sector will aid job
India’s enterprise ICT market to reach $354 billion in 2028
New Delhi, Oct 22 (IANS) The enterprise information and Communication Technology (ICT) market in India is set to increase at a sound compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.1 per cent, increasing from $161.3 billion in 2023 to $354.6 billion in 2028, a report showed on Tuesday. The revenue opportunity is driven by the ongoing digital transformation initiatives taken up by businesses and government, forecasts GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. This is in line with the positive ICT investment sentiment seen among the enterprises in the country.
Among the three IT infrastructure segments — hardware, software and services — the latter will see highest cumulative revenue increase over the forecast period. Revenue growth in the IT services segment will primarily come from the high enterprise adoption of cloud computing services, which is set to see its revenue grow at a CAGR of 25.3 per cent over the forecast period, the report noted.
The BFSI sector to be the largest end-use vertical segment for the ICT market in India, in terms of revenue contribution, and will remain so over the forecast period. The segment is set to account for a 11.3 per cent share of the total cumulative revenue forecasted for 2023-2028.
Pradeep Suresh Kulkarni from GlobalData said that continued adoption of hybrid work models, accelerated migration of workloads to cloud by SMEs and startups, and government initiatives like ‘Digital India’ are driving cloud computing services in the country.
“Local data centres, set up by AWS and Google, are also encouraging enterprises in India to migrate to cloud infrastructure,” Kulkarni added.
A recent GlobalData survey revealed that a majority 87.9 per cent of respondents, who are key ICT decision makers in their respective enterprises, have confirmed that there has been an increase in their enterprise ICT budgets in 2024 as compared to previous year.
India's ICT market is expected to grow steadily in the coming years, supported by government policies like tax incentives and digital infrastructure improvements, which aim to enhance SME competitiveness, the report noted.
Young workforce making India a global powerhouse of skilled talent: PM Modi
New Delhi, Oct 27 (IANS) India’s young workforce is making the country a global powerhouse of skilled talent, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while extending his best wishes to over 8 lakh graduates nationwide.
formalisation, encouraging workers to pursue formal education and enhance their skills. The rise in emerging industries such as semiconductors and electronics will further create opportunities that require advanced education and specialized skills, driving the creation of more high-quality jobs. “Additionally, India’s push toward clean-energy alternatives is set to generate green jobs across various sectors, including energy, agriculture, tourism, and transport,” the report mentioned.
The PM shared this in a written message at the Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh 2024 – Skill Convocation Ceremony, organised by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
Highlighting the graduates' dedication to skill excellence, the Prime Minister described the ceremony as a significant milestone -- not just as a celebration of completing training, but as the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.
“The skills acquired by these young professionals have the potential to drive India’s development forward and
strengthen the nation’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India),” PM Modi said.
“India is increasingly recognised globally as a powerhouse of skilled talent due to the expertise and scale of its young workforce,” he added. The Prime Minister assured that with India’s policies centred on empowering youth, MSDE is committed to providing future-ready, globally relevant skill training. He also expressed optimism that, through enhanced internship opportunities, technical education upgrades, and valuable international partnerships, India’s young professionals will impact the global workforce and play a critical role in India’s journey to becoming the world’s thirdlargest economy.
The Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh was held simultaneously at over 15,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 33 National Skills Development Institutes (NSTIs). The event marked a significant milestone for India’s skilling ecosystem.
New
(IANS) Terming Tata Group the best
group in
global
Mark Mobius
Ayurveda expert talks on workplace wellness & women’s health
Melbourne (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Founder of Ayurveda for Wellness
Dr. Vidhu Sharma, BAMS, recently captivated audiences
with insightful talks on Ayurvedic approaches to health. At the Institute of Health and Nursing Australia, Dr. Sharma presented “Ayurveda for Workplace
Wellness,” offering practical strategies to reduce stress, boost energy, and promote balance in professional settings.
In a separate session hosted
by the Consulate's weekly yoga gathering, Dr. Sharma addressed “Ayurveda and Women's Health,” discussing holistic methods to support women’s physical and
emotional well-being. Both sessions underscored Ayurveda’s relevance in modern life, equipping attendees with tools to enhance wellness in personal and professional spheres.
Sri Sri inspires Australians with wisdom & meditation
Perth/Melbourne October 20 (Indian Abroad Newsdesk)
The Perth community gathered recently for an evening of insight and peace with humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The event, featuring a Wisdom Talk and Meditation, attracted community members along with special guests Mayor Terresa Lynes of the City of Gosnells and Australian cricket legend Justin Langer, who shared his personal benefits from daily meditation practice.
Consul General Amarjeet Singh
Takhi honoured Gurudev on behalf of the Indian diaspora in Western Australia, recognizing his contributions to global harmony and well-being. The evening highlighted meditation's power in promoting inner peace and resilience across communities.
The Art of Living event, "The Answer to All Your Questions," with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was also organized at Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne. He spoke about how the fast-paced world, along with stress and anxiety, which cloud our minds to mental health issues.
Hindu Council of Australia Perth organizes Diwali celebrations
Perth, October 21 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Hindu Council of Australia Perth organized the Diwali celebrations, recently. Consul
General Amarjeet Singh Takhi joined the celebrations and conveyed greetings for universal compassion, happiness, peace and love, and prosperity to the
community. Indian diaspora members also attended the celebrations. Despite the pouring rains, the enthusiasm, joy and energy of children and other
participants was intense and admirable. Meredith Hammat MLA represented the Deputy Premier of WA and Hugh. Jones MLA also joined the celebrations
Perth celebrates Ayurveda Day with community health focus
Perth, October 25 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Perth Hindu Temple in Western Australia hosted vibrant Ayurveda Day celebrations on October 25, focusing on the ancient practice’s role in promoting health and wellness. Ayurveda expert Neerja Ahuja from Ayurveda Awareness shared valuable insights on the importance of Ayurvedic Ahara (nutrition) with the community's elder groups, including Sanskriti
Seniors of WA and HSS Seniors, in the lead-up to the celebration. Ahuja’s talk emphasized how Ayurvedic nutrition can enhance overall well-being, particularly for seniors, and highlighted traditional approaches to diet and health rooted in natural balance. The event provided an opportunity for the community to engage with Ayurveda’s holistic principles, strengthening awareness of health practices that have supported generations.
together with other dignitaries and presidents of two Sikh Gurudwaras in Perth.
Indian diaspora honoured for contributions at Consulate event
Perth, April 28 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Indian Consulate in Perth held the second edition of its celebration to honor the contributions of the Indian diaspora in Western Australia. With a diverse crowd in attendance, the event highlighted the exceptional impact of the Indian community in sectors like STEM, technology, public policy, and innovation. Chief Guest Stephen Dawson MLC, WA Minister for Innovation and Digital, praised the Indian diaspora’s professional
achievements, underscoring their positive influence across key industries in the state.
Dr. Jags MLA emphasized the pivotal role the Indian community plays in Western Australia’s economy and societal growth. Vikas Rambal, Founding Chairman and Managing Director of Perdaman Group, further highlighted this contribution by sharing how Perdaman’s new Urea plant in the Pilbara region has benefited from sourcing Indian talent, skills, and materials.
The event, part of the Ministry of External Affairs' Promotion of Cultural Ties with Diaspora initiative, also saw the felicitation of several Indian Australians who have excelled in fields such as academics, space research, business leadership, and mining. The ceremony was emceed by Ritika Menon, with Dr. Parwinder Kaur leading the award presentations. The Consul General expressed gratitude for the Indian community’s local achievements and their ongoing contributions to strengthening Australia-India ties.
Queensland’s Gujarati community celebrates Navratri
Brisbane, October 19 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Gujarati Association of Queensland recently hosted a lively Navratri celebration,
drawing crowds eager to immerse themselves in the cultural festivities. The event was attended by Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland
(FICQ) president Dr. Preethi Suraj, along with Jyoti, FICQ’s Festival and Cultural Coordinator, and representatives from various member organizations.
The evening was filled with vibrant energy as participants enjoyed traditional music, colorful attire, and the joy of learning new Garba and Dandiya
dance steps. The festival provided a memorable experience, fostering unity and celebrating the spirit of Navratri within Queensland’s Indian community.
AIBC & Melbourne University host business of fashion event
Melbourne, October 28 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Australia India Business Council (AIBC) in partnership with the University of Melbourne hosted a vibrant panel event on the business of fashion, connecting Australia-India relations as part of Melbourne Fashion Week, recently.
This was the first time an AIBC event was featured in the official Melbourne Fashion Week programme—a milestone moment and as the AIBC supports the emerging and exciting space for new partnerships and opportunities in fashion based Australia India bilateral trade.
Moderated by AIBC’s National
Chair for Sport, Art, and Culture, Molina Asthana GAICD, the panel highlighted industry icons: Indian-Australian actor and model Sharon Johal (The Block, Neighbours), Australian actor Sarah Roberts (Home and Away, Felony, Neighbours), and Indian-Australian designer Kudrat Makkar (Mastani label).
Together, they shared insights on identity, Bollywood’s influence, and exciting cross-cultural opportunities in the fashion world.
The event began with a warm address by Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Global, Culture and Engagement Prof. Sara Wills, who discussed the Global Centre in Delhi and ongoing AIBC
collaborations, celebrating the University’s alumni contributions.
Held at the Melbourne University Science Gallery, the event offered its guests Natio giveaways for all attendees, exclusive Jaquie vegan leather jackets for lucky winners from Portofino Trading, and exquisite, sustainable luxury tea towels from Punar by Priya Ravindra.
Aussie educator showcases agri-skills initiative at UNESCO Meet
Brisbane, October 16 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Director of Maneeraj Education
Australia Dr. Shweta Singh recently represented Australia at the UNESCO-APEID Meeting on entrepreneurship education in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Presenting to an audience of 200 experts and delegates from 35 countries, Dr. Singh shared insights on the Developing Critical Agriculture Skill courses in India (DCASCI) project, a Department of Education Australia initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural skills in India. The Meet was
organized on 10–11 October 2024.
The UNESCO gathering, held at the International Hotel Tashkent, united educators, policymakers, and stakeholders in entrepreneurship education.
Dr. Singh described the event as an "enriching experience" that encouraged global dialogue and collaboration. Her presentation received enthusiastic applause, marking a step forward in fostering youth empowerment, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.
The history of the UNESCO Entrepreneurship Education
Network (EE-Net) established in December 2013, reaffirms the Network’s mission to serve as an Asia-Pacific platform for enhancing entrepreneurship education through exchanging knowledge, collaboration among diverse stakeholders, and developing innovative tools and approaches. The EE-Net remains crucial in addressing the evolving challenges young people face as they enter increasingly complex job markets across the globe.
About her experience at the meet, Dr. Shweta said, “It was truly an enriching experience for me,
filled with insightful discussions, compelling presentations, case studies, valuable networking opportunities, and unique cultural exchanges. My presentation was met with enthusiastic applause and sparked meaningful discussions on the global stage.”
This meeting marks the beginning of a new chapter in global entrepreneurship education—one that empowers youth, fosters innovation, promotes inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and tackle the critical challenge of climate change in a digital era.
CHINMAYA MISSION BRISBANE invites you to
Bhagavad Geeta Jayanti & Tapovan Jayanti
Inaugural Celebrations
At Carina Community centre, 1 Edmont Street, Carina QLD 4152
Indian festival at Queen Victoria Market unites multicultural community
Melbourne, October 30
(Australia India News Newsdesk)
The vibrant atmosphere of the Queen Victoria Market was alive with the colours and flavours of India during the ‘Indian Festival’ organized by Foodie Trails recently. Consul General Dr. Sushil Kumar graced the event, highlighting India’s rich cultural heritage and culinary delights for the diverse communities in Melbourne.
The festival showcased an array of ethnic items and traditional Indian cuisines, drawing crowds eager to experience the richness of Indian culture. At the event,
the Consulate General of India set up a booth to promote various initiatives and programs by the Government of India, providing valuable information on consular services and assistance available to the Indian diaspora.
Dr. Kumar emphasized the importance of such festivals in fostering cultural exchange and strengthening community ties.
The festival served as a vibrant platform for community engagement, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in the diverse tapestry of Indian traditions while enjoying authentic flavors that reflect the country's culinary diversity.
Sunday 8th December 2024
2pm to 7.30pm
Program
2.00pm: Puja for Bhagavad Geeta and Swami Tapovan Maharaj, Chanting of Tapovan Shatakam & 18 Chapters of Gita
6.30pm: End of Year Celebrations & Maha Prasad
For more information and free registration, Scan QR Code or call Manju 0478 636 470. Jyotsna 0401 782 459
FICQ & member organizations host mental health workshop
Brisbane, October 21 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ) organized a mental health workshop recently with the
contributions of FICQ’s member organizations such as Queensland Kannadigas Cultural & Sports Society Inc and Association of Indian Muslims Queensland. These organizations collaborated
with the FICQ in hosting this event. Prof Soman Elangovan, Dr Dipti McGowan and Dr Nayan Soni made insightful and impactful presentations on mental health.
The discussions touched on every aspect of well-being—emotional, psychological, and social—and resonated deeply with the audience.
The sharing of their expertise
and personal experiences has not only raised awareness but has also empowered the attendees teaching them to prioritize their mental health and seek support when needed.
Rajasthani Kutumb’s all-women leadership meets Consul General
Perth, October 20 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The newly appointed, all-women Management Committee of Rajasthani Kutumb of WA, led by President Sangita Bansal, recently met with Consul General Amarjeet Singh Takhi. They discussed their vision for promoting Rajasthani culture in
Western Australia. The committee outlined plans to highlight Rajasthani art and heritage through community events, as well as initiatives aimed at boosting tourism to Rajasthan.
Key topics also included increasing engagement with local youth and students and supporting India’s environmental
missions, particularly the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam tree-planting initiative and Mission LIFE, a program focused on sustainable living. The meeting emphasized the Rajasthani Kutumb’s commitment to fostering cultural pride and environmental awareness within the diaspora.
CG explores Australia-India agricultural cooperation at AJTP
Melbourne, October 29 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Consul General (CG) Dr. Sushil Kumar recently visited the Ararat Jobs and Technology Precinct (AJTP) at Federation University Australia, engaging in discussions
with Dr. Tim Harrison, CEO of Ararat Rural City Council, Prof. Harpinder Sandhu, and other AJTP faculty members and researchers.
The meeting highlighted collaborative opportunities
between Australia and India in agriculture, focusing on a joint research initiative, "End-toEnd Traceability in Agricultural Commodities," backed by the Centre for Australia-India Relations. The project aims
to enhance transparency and efficiency in the agricultural supply chain, a priority for both nations.
During his visit, Dr. Kumar also toured a local farm, speaking with a farmer to gain insights into Australian farming practices and how bilateral agricultural partnerships can support sustainable growth. The visit underscored the potential for strengthened ties and shared innovation in agriculture between Australia and India.
Melbourne Kathak Festival 2024 celebrates India’s rich dance heritage
Melbourne, October 30 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Melbourne Kathak Festival 2024 recently captivated audiences with an enchanting display of classical dance, featuring performances by renowned Kathak artist Padma Shri Guru Shovana Narayan and local talents. Consul General Dr. Sushil Kumar joined Jason Wood MP and members of the multicultural community to celebrate this vibrant event, which highlighted the beauty and
storytelling of one of India’s most cherished classical dance forms.
The festival showcased a unique blend of storytelling through dance, depicting legendary tales from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the life of Lord Buddha. Each performance offered a glimpse into the rich narratives and cultural significance of Kathak, engaging the audience in a mesmerizing experience.
Dr. Kumar praised the festival for
its role in promoting Indian arts and culture in Melbourne Sanchita Abrol, the event curator, was commended for her ongoing efforts to promote Kathak and bring people together through the power of dance.
The Melbourne Kathak Festival 2024 served as a testament to the enduring appeal of Indian classical dance, celebrating its ability to connect people and narrate timeless stories across generations.
The South Asian Genes and Health in Australia (SAGHA) study
Ruturaj Gaikwad to lead 15-member India A squad on Australia tour
Mumbai, Oct 21 (IANS) The national Men’s Selection Committee has picked a 15-member India A squad for the upcoming tour of Australia, with Ruturaj Gaikwad named as captain for this tour by the fringe players of the country. Bengal Ranji Trophy opener Abhimanyu Easwaran will be Gaikwad's deputy for this red-ball tour with the likes of Nitish Kumar Reddy, Devdutt Padikkal, and Sai Sudharsan as other members of the squad.
Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Yash Dayal and Navdeep Saini will lead the India A attack on
the tour which will coincide with the Border Gavaskar Trophy series between the senior teams of India and Australia. Ishan Kishan and Abishek Porel are the two wicketkeepers in the 15-member India A squad that will play two first-class matches against Australia A in Mackay and Melbourne respectively.
India A will also take part in a three-day intra-squad game against Team India (Senior Men) in Perth, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah informed in a release on Monday.
The India A tour of Australia will start with a four-day Firstclass match against Australia A at Mackay from October 31 to November 3. The second match will be played in Melbourne from November 7 to 10. India A will round off the tour with the three-day intra-squad clash with the senior men's team from November 15 to 17 at Perth.
The tour holds significance not only as an opportunity for players who are currently not in the senior men's squad to gain
more exposure but also provides a reserve squad to deal with the unavailability of first-team players due to an injury or any other reason during a long tour which includes five-Test matches and will be followed by a whiteball series.
It is an opportunity for the players, especially pacers like Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed and Yash Dayal, to be acclimatised to conditions in Australia so that they can step up to the plate in case required.
India A squad for the tour of Australia: Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Abhimanyu Easwaran (VC), Sai Sudharsan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Devdutt Padikkal, Ricky Bhui, Baba Indrajith, Ishan Kishan (WK), Abishek Porel (WK), Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Yash Dayal, Navdeep Saini, Manav Suthar, Tanush Kotian.
Schedule:
Oct 31 to Nov 3: 1st first-class -GBRA, Mackay
Nov 7 to 10: 2nd first-class -MCG, Melbourne
Nov 15 to 17: Intra-squad Match Simulation -- WACA, Perth
Sam Konstas is a player for the future because he has a wonderful technique, says Brett Lee
New Delhi, Oct 21 (IANS)
Though Sam Konstas fell for just two in the ongoing Sheffield Shield match for his team New South Wales, former Australia fast-bowler Brett Lee said the youngster is someone who can play international cricket in the future due to his wonderful technique. Konstas was named in the Australia A squad for the upcoming two red-ball games against India A and is in the mix
alongside Matthew Renshaw, Cameron Bancroft and Marcus Harris to open the batting for Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.
He shot into the limelight by scoring twin centuries against South Australia in the opening round of Sheffield Shield. Those twin centuries also earned him the distinction of being the first teenager to achieve this feat in the Sheffield Shield since the legendary Ricky Ponting did so in 1993. Konstas had been a member of the Australian team winning this year’s U19 World Cup in South Africa.
“I think what they potentially should do is look for a guy like
Sam Konstas because he has a wonderful technique and he is definitely a player of the future. It is only a matter of time, in my opinion, until he plays for Australia. So why not (pick) him now?”
“But also, give him the freedom. Don’t say that if you don’t score runs in your first Test, you are out. Give him the confidence (and tell him) that you have the whole Australian summer. ‘Back yourself. (You have) 10 innings.’ I can promise you he will get some runs if he is going in with some confidence. (He) would be my first pick,” said Lee on Fox Cricket’s ‘The Follow On’ podcast.
Formula 1: Sainz leads Ferrari to victory in Mexico as Norris calls Verstappen ‘dangerous’
Mexico City, Oct 28 (IANS)
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz cruised to a commanding victory, marking a third win in five races and intensifying the constructor’s battle as Ferrari leapfrogged Red Bull into second place at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
It also brought the championship battle to a fever pitch as McLaren’s Lando Norris called
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen “dangerous” after a series of on-track clashes led to two time penalties for Verstappen.
The reigning champion, who still managed a sixth-place finish despite his infractions, faced criticism over aggressive manoeuvres that underscored a turbulent season’s most contentious moments.
The Norris-Verstappen showdown unfolded on lap 10 after a safety car restart following a crash involving Alex Albon and Yuki Tsunoda, which had forced both drivers to retire.
As Norris, running side-by-side with Verstappen at Turn Four,
New captain to lead Australia’s T20 team against Pakistan amid absence of Test stars
Melbourne, Oct 28 (IANS)
Australia’s T20 lineup will have a new face at the helm when they take on Pakistan next month, as several Test regulars prepare for their Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India.
With a clash of schedules, Australian cricket has opted for fresh leadership in the T20 series, leaving the door open for Josh Inglis, Adam Zampa, or Matt Short to lead the squad in place of Mitchell Marsh, who remains unavailable for the series.
The absence of Australia's Test stars—including Marsh, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Travis Head— creates a unique opportunity for players to take on leadership roles and responsibilities in the T20 format.
The 13-man squad for the T20 games in Brisbane, Sydney, and Hobart will feature players eager to make their mark, with none of the current squad members
having captained Australia in any format before.
However, the Cricket Australia Board must ratify the appointment of the stand-in leader before the series begins.
Handling the team will be coach Andre Borovec, who previously led a similar squad against India last year in a T20I series following the ODI World Cup. While head coach Andrew McDonald and regular assistants Michael di Venuto and Dan Vettori will be focusing on the ODI series against Pakistan and then the Tests, Borovec will be assisted by former batter Brad Hodge and ex-New Zealand pacer Hamish Bennett.
“It is particularly encouraging to have Xavier, Spencer and Nathan back in the national setup," said selection chief George Bailey. "It’s another opportunity for them to continue to show their ability on the international stage, as they have done in the past.”
The T20 series will also see the return of fast-bowlers Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, and Nathan Ellis, who were sidelined by injuries during Australia’s limited-overs tour in the UK.
Johnson recently returned to competitive cricket with South Australia, while Bartlett and Ellis, recovering from side and hamstring injuries, are yet to play domestic cricket since their setbacks.
Rabada becomes fastest to 300 Test wickets by balls bowled
took an outside line, Verstappen pushed him off-track—a move deemed too aggressive by race stewards who later penalised Verstappen. A second incident at Turn Eight, where Verstappen once again failed to give room, earned him another penalty.
Norris was visibly frustrated over the radio, saying, “I was ahead the whole way through the corner. This guy is dangerous. I have to avoid a crash.”
In contrast to the tension surrounding Verstappen, Ferrari’s Sainz delivered a flawless performance, winning from pole position and marking Ferrari’s third victory in the last five races.
Dhaka, Oct 21 (IANS) South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada on Monday scripted history by becoming the fastest bowler to reach the 300 Test wickets with less than 12,000 deliveries taken to achieve the landmark.
The speedster achieved the feat in the first Test against Bangladesh at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur. With the wicket of Mushfiqur Rahim in the first session of the day, Rabada surpassed legendary pacer Waqar
Younis (12,602 balls) to become the fastest to 300 Test scalps in terms of balls taken. He also reached the milestone ahead of former Proteas pacer Dale Steyn (12,605 balls).
Rabada became the sixth South African bowler to complete 300 wickets in the red-ball format. He joined Steyn, Shaun Pollock, Makhaya Ntini, Allan Donald, and Morne Morkel on the list. In terms of matches, India's Ravichandran Ashwin was the fastest to 300 Test dismissals after achieving the feat in 54 matches. Meanwhile, Rabada’s strike rate of 39.3 is the highest among all bowlers with 300 or more Test wickets.
Playing in his 65th Test, Rabada returned with the figures of 3-26, while Wiaan Mulder and Keshav Maharaj also snapped three scalps each to dismantle Bangladesh for 106 in the first innings.
Earlier, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and opted to bat first but the decision backfired with Dane Piedt and Mulder giving the early blows. Bangladesh failed to recover from the early setbacks and were wrapped inside 41 overs.
Cities & forests merge into a dreamscape in Poonam Bhatnagar’s solo exhibition
Subtle yet tantalising, the paintings of Shiva, Saraswati playing the veena, a glimpse of Venice, and yesteryear's actor Madhubala with her bewitching smile -- artist Poonam Bhatnagar's solo exhibition in the national capital will encompass all that and more.
Brushed with a delicate mix of colours, Bhatnagar’s 24 paintings under the title ‘Between Dreams’ will be exhibited at the Bikaner House from April 12 to 17.
A trained textile designer, she brings a peculiar style into her work using minute strokes and a delicate palette of colours.
“I call this ‘web cast’ -- inspired by a spider’s web," says Bhatnagar.
Preferring to work on large
canvases, the artist feels she has much to say and show.
“That is why most of my works are huge,” she adds.
Preparing for this exhibition for the past two years, her painting of Saraswati is a 6x4 feet canvas showing the goddess playing the veena, while ‘Shiva Shakti’, done on a 4.5x4 feet canvas, has a three-dimensional effect, as the vertical and horizontal geometric lines merge with the squares and waves.
While she has participated in several group shows before, this is her first solo wherein through the series ‘Cityscapes’, she encapsulates her experiences of the sights of London, Venice, Zurich, and Ladakh, among other
places.
In ‘Vriksha’, the artist has merged her web design style with normal brush strokes.
Bhatnagar’s ‘Pensive Portrait’ series includes portraits of yesteryear's actors -- Madhubala, Meena Kumari, Suchitra Sen, and Madhabi Mukherjee, done mostly in black and white.
Talking about the web-like design style, the artist points out, “Initially, the lines used to be thicker but now they have become finer, intricate, and ‘closer’. The style has evolved.”
Bhatnagar says the painting ‘Ladakh’ is “completely covered with webcast”, with the fine lines raised, giving it a threedimensional effect. “You can feel it. Photos do not really do justice to my paintings,” she adds. Talking about the artist’s unique style, curator Uma Nair says, “Not texture, but illusion would be the right word to describe her work. Looking at her paintings in the ‘Mythos’ and ‘Cityscapes’ sections from a distance, the multiple layers create a peculiar visual experience.”
The exhibition presented by Masha Art will be inaugurated by noted filmmaker Muzaffar Ali.
Shrine Empire gallery to present Chris Basumatary’s debut solo exhibition from April 12
exhibition of Chris Basumatary titled ‘I have so much poetry inside me, but it is in the wrong language’ from April 12 to May 11.
Basumatary, who grew up next to a rivulet (Chota Rangeet) near Darjeeling in West Bengal, has developed an intimate
relationship with water. For Basumatary, art is a channel to speak about the intricacies of trans-identity through the concepts of water, stone, and flesh.
The exhibition will present a glimpse of the memories, desires, and fears of the artist.
India-adaption of Caryl Churchill’s play to take center stage
The National Centre for the Performing Arts, Mumbai present the first-ever professional production of Love and Information, in collaboration with award-winning director – Mohit Takalkar. Written in 2012 by celebrated British playwright Caryl Churchill, Love & Information is a creative and experimental presentation that delves into the contemporary lives of the present society through an unconventional yet immersive theatrical experience. The play is set to invite the audience to the Experimental Theatre from April 25 - 29.
Written as a series of over 50 disparate scenes divided into seven sections, the play is an exercise in reimagining the medium. The disruptive format of the script provides no stage directions, no character attributions and no notes for performance. Additionally, the play follows a non- linear narrative and is devoid of central characters, emphasizing the cumulative impact of diverse, brief scenes ranging from seconds to minutes. The scenes are of varying lengths and the structure allows for the viewer to narrow in on a world oversaturated with information. The vignettes mirror the rapid pace of channel-hopping or scrolling through social media, highlighting potential implications for relationships in an era dominated by instant
gratification and short attention spans.
The play doesn’t limit itself to its technical uniqueness but also promises to challenge the audience by addressing a wide range of subjects covered from mental illness to privacy erosion to memory atrophy that cloud the modern-day lifestyles.
Speaking about the first-ever professional production of Love and Information, Mr. Bruce Guthrie, Head, Theatre and Films, NCPA, expressed, “The NCPA is delighted to welcome Mohit Takalkar to direct Love & Information by Carol Churchill. She is a true trailblazing playwright in every sense of the word and is known as something of a disruptor of English theatre. She rarely, if ever, talks about her work, where the inspiration comes from and why she does what she does. She constantly reinvents her style as a playwright and explores what more theatre can be.
It is a matter of pride and joy to pull off this combination of two extraordinary artistes – writer and director to realise this quite extraordinary play. We hope that the audience will come with a curious mind and an open heart as we continue to create theatre that challenges and inspires.”
The ensemble cast comprises of Ashish Mehta, Dusha Madhav, Kashish Saluja, Lovleen Misra, Mahesh Saini, Mallika Singh Hanspal, Mrinmayee Godbole, Prajesh Kashyap, Rachel D’souza, Rytasha Rathore, Siddhesh Dhuri, who will be performing around 50 scenes in rotation. Love and Information most definitely promises to be a must-attend theatrical show this summer.
Stop cribbing all the time, filmmaker Sudhir Mishra tells ‘airy’ independent filmmakers
With almost a smooth furious glance, he says that it is high time that independent filmmakers stop cribbing about the fact that their films do not get theatrical releases or accepted by OTT platforms anymore. Stressing that for decades everyone has given preference to big budgets and well-known stars, National Award-winning filmmaker Sudhir Mishra asserts that like life, filmmaking is also about negotiating spaces perpetually
With almost a smooth furious glance, he says that it is high time that independent filmmakers stop cribbing about the fact that their films do not get theatrical releases or accepted by OTT platforms anymore. Stressing that for decades everyone has given preference to big budgets and well-known stars, National Award-winning filmmaker Sudhir Mishra asserts that like life, filmmaking is also about negotiating spaces perpetually. "It costs a lot of money to make films and release them. Anyways, these so-called independent filmmakers are too airy. But the
moment Karan Johar invites them for lunch, everybody will stand in a queue. Boss, it is a practical industry, and learn to live with that fact. Like life, there are no perfect situations or ideals around here.
"A poet also has to feed his children, and he realises that and works towards it. Stop cribbing all the time -- I am so intelligent, such a nice guy, still my films don't get distributed. The world owes you nothing,” laments Mishra.
"These independent guys need to realise that they are against the big boys. It is not easy to fight them. Sure, some crumbs may be thrown once in a while.
After three outings at Cannes, filmmaker Murli Nair had to stop making films. Where is he now? It is a tough world out there," says
the filmmaker best known for his films like 'Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi', 'Dharavi', 'Chameli', 'Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin' and 'Khoya Khoya Chand.
Making his directorial debut with the film, 'Yeh Woh Manzil To Nahin' in 1987 which won him a National Film Award, Mishra, talking about his cult classic 'Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi', says he did not have to do any research while writing the film as he had grown up in the time when naxalism was at its peak and knew many of them.
"I come from Lucknow and to a large extent my world-view is Ghalib. Naxalism was in the air and I was very influenced by playwright Badal Sircar with whom I visited every area of Bengal where people were influenced by that ideology.
Besides, I come from a Nehruvian family, and we were close to the Congress. I bet I know more about the Congress of that time than any journalist even. I have seen the emergence of fixers, observed machinations up close, and student politics of that era."
Mishra says he is the 'Geeta' (female lead) in the film. "Because I am neither a Naxalite nor a fixer. Like her, I am the centre, and I have touched my feminine side often. Yes, I knew many Geetas.."
All his films have a strong sociopolitical base, something which he says comes naturally to him.
"It is extremely important that my cinema is socio-political because that is my being. I do not have to ‘try’ to do that. That is how I think, that is who I am. A person comes before the filmmaker. Education, background,
influences and ideological factors shape him. While making a movie certain aspects of the maker seep in naturally while others make a quiet exit," he says.
Upbeat about several new OTT platforms entering the digital space, he says the more the merrier. "Everything may not be perfect about them. But that holds for everything in life, no?" says the filmmaker who was at the recently concluded CineVesture International Film Festival (CIFF) held in Chandigarh.
Mishra, who is currently working on his next titled 'Summer of 77' which is about the Emergency and mainstream people bubbling with a certain kind of radicalism and confronting the state, asserts, "No one is a fixer or a Naxalite in this movie. It is about a more mainstream rebellion. There are multiple layers to the film," he concludes.
The Shrine Empire Gallery here will present the debut solo
Peaceful retreat in nature
Are you looking forward to the upcoming long weekend during the Holi and Good Friday long weekend? India, with its diverse landscapes and cultural richness, offers several exciting options for delightful getaways. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat in nature or an adventure-filled trip, there's something for everyone. Here are some great travel destinations to consider for a memorable holiday in March.
South: Coorg
Nestled in the lush green Western Ghats of Karnataka, Coorg
is a haven for nature lovers, offering breathtaking views and a serene environment. From hiking through dense forests to exploring historical monuments, Coorg offers an array of experiences. It is one of the most popular and easily accessible hill stations in South India.
North: Corbett
With its mystic beauty, scenic landscapes, and interesting history, Corbett is the perfect wild and exotic getaway. Resort Condominium International (RCI) affiliated resorts offer the most beautiful and relaxing stay
without worrying about the scenic surroundings. One can take in the true jungle atmosphere created by the perfect natural surroundings and varied flora and fauna. This is the place to enjoy the pristine beauty and enchanting wilderness of nature.
East: Gangtok
Gangtok is home to several breathtaking viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the city, surrounding hills, and snow-capped mountains of the Kanchenjunga range. These serene locations provide a peaceful retreat and a chance to connect with nature.
West: Goa
It's never a bad decision when it's Goa. A perfect place that leaves you with memories to cherish forever. RCI offers a perfect stay, catering to your room to food desires. Whether you are looking for a relaxing sunbathing spot or want to indulge in water sports the beaches of Goa have something for everyone.
Exploring UNESCO Heritage Sites in Turkiye
Atreasure located in one of the world's most essential geographies, where the history of civilisation was written and shaped, Turkiye is an open-air museum of ancient sites. The country offers a rich wealth of history with 21 World Heritage Sites listed under the UNESCO
Aizanoi, on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, is a remarkable ancient site in Kütahya, in the Inner Aegean. As the principal settlement centre of the Aizanitis living in ancient Phrygia, Aizanoi became
World Heritage Convention, and 79 on the Tentative List.
Let's look at some of Türkiye’s lesser-known archaeological treasures to inspire your next adventure!
a wealthy and prominent city during the Roman period due to grain cultivation and wine and wool production. Aizanoi is home to the world’s first trade exchange building, the Macellum, and Anatolia’s best-preserved Temple
Discover Shimla’s 19th Century Royal Summer House Boutique Retreat
The Shimla home of HH Princess Kusum of Bharatpur has an illustrious history that dates back to the late 19th century. A witness to the heydays of the Raj, Independence and the birth of Himachal Pradesh, the home has welcomed nobility and royalty and, it is said that even a Vicereine once dropped by for a chat.
experience home-cooked meals from jealously guarded family recipes. Savour caringly prepared dishes that use only the finest locally sourced ingredients.
A delightful and extensive breakfast to start your day, and Jungle House’s signature afternoon tea to welcome you home from your adventures.
of Zeus.
Don't miss: In Kütahya, a part of the Phrygian Valley, there are numerous open-air temples and altars dedicated to the mother goddess Cybele, as well as rockcarved tombs. Visit these fantastic structures while you're in the region.
Kaunos and its rock tombs
Kaunos, an important port city of the ancient world, is among Turkiye’s most exciting ruins, with its rock tombs. On the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, Kaunos lost its port as silt filled the sea over time. Like Stratonikeia, Kaunos is in the Muğla province and accessible via a 10-minute boat ride from Dalyan. The Kaunos rock tombs, which can also be seen from Dalyan, were produced in the fourth century BC and used during the Roman period.
Don't miss: Tour boats can bring you to İztuzu Beach, a true natural wonder where you can observe the Caretta caretta sea turtles. During the incubation and spawning periods of the Caretta carettas, human visitors are prohibited from the beach from evening to morning, as the beaches are reserved exclusively for sea turtles during this critical time.
Kibyra, with water flowing from an Ancient Fountain
Located in Burdur, the geography of ancient civilisations, Kibyra is among the region’s most important ancient cities, along with Sagalassos. Since 2016, the structures in Kibyra, on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, have been planned symmetrically to offer unobstructed views.
Perched on a sunlit spur at over 7,700 ft on Jakhu Hill, Jungle House commands sweeping views of the Middle Himalayas. Nestled in ancient woods a mere 700 meters from Jakhu Temple, with a motorable approach, and a picturesque three-kilometre walk from The Mall. The 19th-century royal summer house's unique location offers unsurpassed levels of privacy and solitude while ensuring easy access to all areas of tourist interest.
Unsurpassed levels of privacy, luxury and highly personalised service
The estate offers two exquisite suites in a standalone stone cottage that effortlessly combines contemporary style with colonial hill architectural design. The cottage has been meticulously renovated to preserve its original features while providing exceptional levels of modern comforts and luxury.
With teak floors, high ceilings, sumptuous furnishings, elegant spacious bathrooms, thoughtfully selected amenities, original artworks and breathtaking views, each generously proportioned suite – Chelsea and Holly – has been thoughtfully designed to help you unwind and enjoy the finer things in life. Luxuriate in a tub as you watch snowflakes drift by or snuggle up in a king-size bed with a book. Each room has been designed to pamper you while reflecting the home’s unique heritage and a strong sense of place.
Set amidst lovingly-tended gardens, the rooms offer unparalleled privacy and intimacy. Exquisitely manicured lawns, fragrant nooks and a fire pit provide the perfect setting for a brisk game of croquet, a quiet read or a romantic evening under the stars.
Dining at Jungle House
Friendly and informal, dining at Jungle House represents the relaxed elegance of dining at a gracious country house. Feel more at home than in a hotel, and
Aperitivo Hour by the firepit, and as the finalé, indulge yourself in a delectable dinner followed by scrumptious pudding.
Whether you desire Continental favourites like Chicken Kiev, Himachali and Indian cuisine, breakfast staples like Eggs Benedict and fluffy, melt-in-themouth pancakes with homemade jams and preserves or delightful desserts like lemon tarts and chocolate cake, each meal at Jungle House is an experience in itself.
Specially crafted experiences
Uniquely located in the middle Himalayas, the “Queen of Hill Stations” and the former summer capital of the Raj, Shimla is the repository of legends and some of the best-kept secrets of India. There is an experience crafted for every season and mood to create memories and add to your stay at Royal Summer House.
Idyllically nestled in an ancient forest, Jungle House presents itself as the perfect location for celebrating the outdoors, no matter the weather forecast. Shinrin–yoku or forest bathing is all about connecting with nature, and taking time to slow down and appreciate the outdoors. We all know how good being in nature can make us feel. It offers the sanctuary of mindfulness and release.
For those in the mood for something a little more energetic, there’s always a walk through the magnificent Shimla Catchment Sanctuary or hiking through the Himalayan countryside accompanied by an experienced guide. Weather permitting, you could also experience ice skating at an open-air skating rink. For the spiritually minded, Jakhu Mandir, the ancient temple dedicated to Hanuman sits atop Jakhu Hill, an exhilarating 500m trek up from Jungle House. According to the Ramayana, Hanuman stopped to rest at the location while searching for Sanjeevni Booti to revive Lakshmana.
Treasure of the Inner Aegean: Aizanoi
India used digital tech to improve citizens’ lives as US ‘wasted’ opportunities: Paul Romer
New Delhi, Oct 21 (IANS) Nobel laureate, Professor Paul Michael Romer said on Monday that while the United States, which saw the rise of the Silicon Valley, failed to use technology to improve the lives of its citizens, India has shown to the world how to use digital technology to make the lives of 140 crore people better.
Citing the example of digital public infrastructure (DPI) solutions like Aadhaar and Unified Payment Interface (UPI), Romer said the technological opportunities that were presented to the US were "wasted and squandered".
"The question is, if we are given opportunities, what do we do with those? The digital opportunities that were given to the US were wasted and squandered phenomenally," the top economist said during the 'NDTV World Summit 2024'.
UPI-based transaction volume surged 52 per cent to 78.97 billion in the first half of this year (H1 2024), from 51.9 billion in the same period last year.
Similarly, the value of transactions grew by 40 per cent, increasing from Rs 83.16 lakh crore to Rs 116.63 lakh crore in the first six months of this year.
Hailing the Aadhaar initiative, the Nobel laureate said the digital technology was used to give citizens existence and further access to various government schemes seamlessly.
"The government has an important role to function as a
regulator to effectively utilise technology for public good," the top economist said.
"The government in India was happy to make apps (like UPI). It did not happen in the US. People in India can see how because of the government's technological and digital intervention, their lives have become better," said Romer, a former Chief Economist of the World Bank.
He further stated that problems like climate change can be tackled with technological innovation without compromising economic growth. According to the economist, the digital revolution in India is very different from most countries of the world, where the target is only a lucky few beneficiaries.
"India's story is unique because it is providing benefits to all," he said.
Tata-Airbus aircraft manufacturing facility puts India on global aerospace map: PM Modi
Vadodara (Gujarat), Oct 28 (IANS) The inauguration of the C-295 aircraft manufacturing facility here has reinforced India's position as a trusted partner in global aerospace manufacturing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday, adding that ‘Made in India’ Tata-Airbus C-295 aircraft will also be exported in the future.
Inaugurating the Tata Aircraft Complex at Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in the presence of his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez, PM Modi said the facility will play a
key role in India's civil aircraft design and manufacturing capabilities, along with cementing Vadodara as a major aviation hub.
The Tata-Airbus C-295 aircraft plant will result in indigenous manufacturing of at least 18,000 parts -- to be made by the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country -- along with generating new jobs, PM Modi told the gathering.
"I invite more Spanish companies to join India's development journey,” said the Prime Minister.
The plant is being set up by Tata Advanced Systems in collaboration with Airbus Spain. Sanchez arrived in Vadodara in the early hours of Monday for his three-day visit to India, during which he will hold delegationlevel talks with PM Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
said in a statement.
Upon his arrival, the MEA took to social media platform X, greeting the Spanish leader, "Bienvenido a India!"
"I am embarking on my first official trip to India with the aim of reviving our bilateral relations. India is a key player and a very prominent voice in the international community with whom we will address many of the joint challenges that lie ahead," the Spanish President posted on X.
A total of 56 aircraft are there under the C-295 programme, of which 16 are being delivered directly by the aircraft manufacturing company Airbus from Spain, and the remaining 40 will be built at the Vadodara facility. This is the first private sector Final Assembly Line (FAL) for military aircraft in India.
Confident of making Indian Space Station a launching point for lunar exploration: ISRO chief
Chairman of the Indian space agency.
He said this while delivering a lecture on ‘Indian Space Odyssey: In Search of New Frontiers’ at the
prestigious Sardar Patel Memorial Lecture 2024, hosted by Akashvani at Rang Bhawan in New Delhi.
In his lecture, Somanath, a distinguished scientist, provided insights into India's Space Vision 2047. He highlighted the mission of an Indian landing on the Moon.
“ISRO has made significant improvements in lander technology,” said Dr. Somanath while introducing “the concept of a Bhartiya Antriksh Space Station as a launching point for lunar exploration”. He also spoke extensively about the development of reusable rockets, and shared plans for future exploration. This included missions to Venus to study its orbit, surface, and subsurface
India at the forefront of leading the ‘double AI’ revolution: Suneeta Reddy
New Delhi, Oct 21 (IANS) With Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserting India has a 'double AI' advantage with the power of ‘Aspirational India’ and ‘Artificial Intelligence’ combining, Apollo Hospitals Managing Director, Suneeta Reddy on Monday said that India is at the forefront of being able to lead this revolution.
In the era of Artificial Intelligence, India is powered by another AI - Aspirational India - which accelerates the country's growth, PM Modi said on Monday at the NDTV World Summit. PM Modi said that in the Artificial Intelligence mission started this year, India will increase the use of the technology in every sector.
Talking to IANS, Suneeta Reddy said: "PM Modi spoke very well at the Summit. He talked about Artificial Intelligence and Aspirational Intelligence. I think India is at the forefront of being able to lead this revolution. But, I
want to add one more dimension which is in our favour that is Human Intelligence."
"We have a workforce, but there is a need to skill up. Skilling up our workforce will help us in becoming the third largest economy in the world which is our aspiration in the next 10 years," she added.
The Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals asserted that under the leadership of PM Modi, there has been rapid growth in the manufacturing sector.
"India is leading on the path of development as the manufacturing and exporting has improved. We are now exporting services to the world. I think that we will continue to improve in every field and will surely contribute to the world,: she stated.
She further claimed that in India we have the largest Global Capability Centres (GCC), especially in the South.
"We are global capability providers to the world. I am sure there is so much in terms of reinventing technology and providing health care facilities to the world," she said.
India’s diverse talent to use AI for societal growth: Meta’s chief AI scientist
New Delhi, Oct 26 (IANS) India's diverse talent will help artificial intelligence (AI) become a powerful tool for societal growth, Meta's Chief AI Scientist, Dr Yann LeCun, has stressed.
after successful missions to the Moon and Mars.
Besides space missions, Somanath said that ISRO focuses on meeting the country's application needs in natural resource management, satellite communication, and navigation. ISRO has, since the beginning, developed indigenous capabilities in building satellites, space transportation systems, and associated ground segments.
Meanwhile, Somanath also praised India’s space journey “as a testament to its indomitable spirit and commitment to leveraging space technology for the betterment of humanity”.
A pioneer in the field of AI, Dr LeCun said India has a key role to play in the AI era “because of the size of the population, its diversity of cultures and value systems”.
Speaking at a panel discussion at IIT Delhi, he envisioned smart glasses helping rural farmers interact with AI in their local dialects, with real-time subtitles.
The chief scientist also spoke about future models using Meta LLaMA 3, which could support India's official languages and translate non-written languages — all made possible through open-source technology.
“The future of AI depends on collaboration and innovation. With new architectures, opensource contributions, and India's
diverse talent, AI can become a powerful tool for societal growth, empowering individuals and solving real-world challenges,” he told the gathering at the discussion presented by IIT Delhi in collaboration with Meta and the Principal Scientific Advisor to the government.
IIT Delhi Director Professor Rangan Banerjee spoke about the institute's initiatives in human-AI interface research and the Centre for Healthcare — a collaboration between AIIMS and IIT Delhi aimed at advancing healthcare through AI.
Challenging the current approaches to AI development, Dr. Yann urged for innovative architectures beyond large language models (LLMs). He argued that current AI paradigms are insufficient to achieve true human-like intelligence.
“We are not going to reach that stage by using the current paradigm and just making it bigger. We need essentially new architectures like objectivedriven architecture,” he noted.
Addressing concerns about AI safety, he dismissed fears of intelligent systems dominating humans. “The future of AI is a future in which everyone will be walking around with an assistant digitally like smart glasses,” he said.
New Delhi, Oct 27 (IANS) With the expertise in lander technology ISRO is confident of making Bhartiya Antriksh Space Station a launching point for lunar exploration, said Dr. S. Somanath,
Music speeds up recovery from surgery, reduces stress levels
New York, Oct 19 (IANS) Listening to music may help patients recover from surgery through a lower heart rate, reduced anxiety levels, less opioid use and lower pain, according to researchers.
A reduction in cortisol levels when listening to music may play a role in easing patients’ recovery, according to a meta-analysis presented at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2024 in San Fransisco.
“When patients wake up after surgery, sometimes they feel really scared and don’t know where they are,” said Eldo Frezza, professor of surgery at California Northstate University College of
Medicine. “Music can help ease the transition from the waking up stage to a return to normalcy and may help reduce stress around that transition.”
Dr Frezza and study coauthors noted that unlike some more active therapies such as meditation or Pilates which require considerable concentration or movement, listening to music is a more passive experience and can be incorporated by patients without much cost or effort almost immediately after surgery.
To reach this conclusion, the team analysed existing studies on music and its role in helping people recover from surgery, narrowing a list of 3,736 studies to 35 research papers.
In their analysis, the researchers found that the simple act of listening to music after surgery, whether with headphones or through a speaker, had noticeable
effects on patients during their recovery period:
Patients who listened to music had a statistically significant reduction in pain the day after surgery. Across all studies, patient self-reported anxiety levels were reduced by about 2.5 points, or 3 per cent.
Patients who listened to music used less than half of the amount of morphine compared to those who did not listen to music on the first day after surgery, the research noted.
They also experienced a reduced heart rate (around 4.5 fewer beats per minute) compared with patients who did not listen to music.
“Although we can’t specifically say they’re in less pain, the studies revealed that patients perceive they are in less pain, and we think that is just as important,” said Shehzaib Raees, first author of the study.
Liver tissue from space may transform traditional transplants
New Delhi, Oct 19 (IANS) A team of US researchers is pioneering the self-assembly of human liver tissues in low-Earth orbit (LEO) — the area of space below an altitude of around 1,931 kms — which could lead to novel stem cell-derived liver tissues, providing an alternative to traditional liver transplants. The “out-of-this-world” project has the potential to transform the future of tissue engineering and liver transplantation through
innovative research conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Led by Tammy T Chang, a professor of surgery at the University of California, San Francisco, the process could significantly enhance the development of complex tissues for medical use on Earth.
“Our goal is to develop robust preservation techniques that allow us to bring functional tissues back to Earth, where they can be used for a range of biomedical applications, including disease modeling, drug testing and eventually, therapeutic implantation,” Dr Chang said. The method leverages the unique environment of microgravity to address the
limitations of current tissue engineering techniques on Earth. For example, the use of artificial matrices that provide a framework on which cells grow can introduce outside materials and alter cellular function.
“Our findings indicate that microgravity conditions enable the development of liver tissues with better differentiation and functionality than those cultured on Earth,” said Dr Chang This represents a critical step toward creating viable liver tissue implants that could serve as an alternative or adjunct to traditional liver transplants.
These stem cells are built into liver tissues in microgravity that function like a smaller, simpler liver.
Prolonged exposure to arsenic in drinking water may up heart disease risk
New Delhi, Oct 23 (IANS) Longterm exposure to arsenic in drinking water may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease even at exposure levels below the regulatory limit, according to a new study on Wednesday.
The study led by researchers at Columbia University in the US is the first to describe exposureresponse relationships at concentrations below the current regulatory limit (10 micrograms
per litre). It also substantiates that prolonged exposure to arsenic in water contributes to the development of ischemic heart disease.
For the study, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, the team compared various time windows of exposure.
“Our findings further reinforces the importance of considering non-cancer outcomes, and specifically cardiovascular disease, which is the number one cause of death in the US and globally,” said Danielle Medgyesi, a doctoral student in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at Columbia
How Covid virus defeats body’s immune response
New Delhi, Oct 22 (IANS)
Japanese researchers have discovered that SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for Covid-19, carries an enzyme that can act against a cell’s innate defence mechanism against viruses.
This can answer why Covid-19 is more infectious than the previous SARS and MERS-causing viruses, said the researchers from Kobe University.
The team focussed their study on the role of a molecular tag called “ISG15” in Covid virus that prevents nucleocapsid proteins from attaching to each other -- a key process to enable viruses to assemble.
In addition, the “enzyme can remove the tags from its nucleocapsid, recovering its ability to assemble new viruses and thus overcoming the innate immune response,” explained virologist Shoji Ikuo from the varsity, in a paper in the Journal of Virology.
While SARS and MERS viruses
Australia’s
also carry an enzyme that can remove the ISG15 tag, Shoji’s team found that their versions are less efficient.
“The results suggest that the novel coronavirus is simply better at evading this aspect of the innate immune system’s defense mechanism, which explains why it is so infectious,” Shoji said. The innate immune system is the first line of defense against pathogens which limits viral entry, replication, and assembly. It also detects and removes infected cells.
Unlike SARS and MERS viruses, Covid rapidly spread to almost all continents, including the sparsely inhabited Antarctica. The Covid virus continues to mutate and infect with newer variants. However, the severity has decreased with mass vaccinations and herd immunity.
The new findings may pave the way to the development of more effective drugs against Covid-19 and possibly similar future diseases.
“We may be able to develop new antiviral drugs if we can inhibit the function of the viral enzyme that removes the ISG15 tag. Future therapeutic strategies may also include antiviral agents that directly target the nucleocapsid protein or a combination of these two approaches,” the researchers said.
fertility rate falls to record low
Canberra, Oct 16 (IANS) Australia's fertility rate fell to a new record low in 2023, according to official figures.
School.
To evaluate the relationship between long-term arsenic exposure from community water supplies (CWS) and cardiovascular disease, the researchers analysed 98,250 participants, 6,119 ischemic heart disease cases, and 9,936 CVD cases.
The study found decade-long arsenic exposure up to the time of a cardiovascular disease event was associated with the greatest risk. The findings are consistent with a previous study in Chile finding peak mortality of acute myocardial infarction around a decade after a period of very high arsenic exposure.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported on Wednesday that there were 286,998 registered births in Australia in 2023, resulting in a total fertility rate of 1.50 babies per woman.
It marked a decline from a rate of 1.63 babies per woman in 2022 and the lowest figure since records began in 1935. Australia's fertility rate peaked at 3.54 babies per woman in 1961, Xinhua news agency reported.
"The record low total fertility rate is because there were fewer births in most states and territories," Beidar Cho, head of demography statistics at the agency, said in a media release.
The island state of Tasmania was
the only one of Australia's eight states and territories where the rate was higher in 2023 than in 2022 at 1.51 babies per woman compared to 1.49.
Australia had the highest rate of any jurisdiction in 2023 at 1.57, down from 1.62 in 2022.
In Australia's most populous state of New South Wales, the rate was 1.55 babies per woman in 2023, down from 1.94 in 2013.
The fertility rate was higher among Indigenous women at 2.17 babies per woman.
For births registered in 2023, the median age of mothers was an equal-record high of 31.9 years.
Over 30 years since 1993, the age-specific fertility rate among women aged 15-19 has fallen by more than two-thirds, while the rate for those aged 40-44 almost doubled in the same period.
"The long-term decline in fertility of younger mums as well as the continued increase in fertility of older mums reflect a shift toward later childbearing," Cho said.
The fertility rate has been highest for Australian women aged 30-34 since 2000.
Mailman
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.
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
Kareena Kapoor
Khan: I feel I look the best in salwar kameez
Bollywood diva Kareena Kapoor Khan has professed her love for Indian wear and shared that she feels she looks the best in salwar kameez.
Kareena, who was speaking at the NDTV World Summit, has often been tagged as a style icon. She was asked to pick her favourite outfit between lehengas, sarees and salwar kameez.
“Salwar kameez is home because… Geet (Jab We Met character) loved her salwar kameez and for me it's like ghar ki baat hai. I feel I look the best (in it) and I am the most comfortable in that,” said the actress, who comes from the Kapoor clan and
is married to Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan.
The actress spoke about Indian fashion and said that it has evolved.
“Coming to Indian fashion it has evolved so much whether it is in films, red carpets, access to Instagram. People are just looking out for Indian fashion and I am happy that it is a great moment for the fashion industry because of its great craftsmanship I feel.”
Kareena feels the Indian heritage and craftsmanship is finally getting its due.
“Whether it is the great Indian designers like Amit Aggarwal or
Manish Malhotra, I think they are using our Indian artisans to its core and it is what is grabbing the attention on the global platform… India is having such a great fashion moment…” said the actress, who is gearing up for the release of her upcoming film “Singham Again.”
Kareena shared that the love for sarees is not just limited to Indians.
“It is no more that the Indians are wearing sarees. All over the world every culture and race wants to wear a beautiful lehenga and sarees.”
The actress, who has been married to Saif for almost 13 years, was in New Delhi to celebrate her anniversary. Even though it has been over a decade since they got married, Kareena feels like it has been just three years.
“We had gone to Pataudi for 3-4 days. It was our anniversary. Delhi always feels like home and I love coming back. 13 years of marriage. It still feels like three. I still keep it exciting,” said Kareena, who shares sons Taimur and Jeh with Saif, at the NDTV World Summit.
Manushi Chhillar shows how to ‘never be basic and shine bright’
In addition to her acting talent and impeccable fashion sense, actress Manushi Chhillar boasts a striking presence on social media. The former Miss World 2017 frequently shares captivating photos and videos, providing her fans with glimpses into her daily life. On Wednesday, Manushi embraced the popular trend "shine bright honey, let them burn," by posting a vibrant reel. Taking to her Instagram account, the 'Samrat Prithviraj' actress posted a video showcasing her effortless style in various stunning outfits. Manushi captioned the post, “Shine bright, honey!” Shortly after sharing the clip, fans flocked to the comments section to praise the actress. Chhillar had earlier shared a video from her debut ramp
walk at Lakme Fashion Week, where she walked the runway for designers Rishi and Vibhuti. Manushi looked gorgeous in an olive green full-length skirt paired with a matching blouse. Alongside the video, she wrote, “The Tamasha indeed came to life… Had the best time walking for @rishiandvibhuti, thanks for letting me carry your collection #Tamasha The vibes were immaculate- soooo much fun, colour and drama on the ramp, absolutely lovedddd every bit of it.”
On the professional front, Manushi’s journey to fame began when she won the prestigious Miss World title in 2017. The 27-year-old actress made her acting debut alongside Akshay Kumar with the historical drama
Khushi Kapoor gets festive ready with sparkling outfit
Khushi Kapoor, the younger daughter of the late Sridevi and filmmaker Boney Kapoor, has once again set Instagram ablaze with her stunning sartorial choices.
This time, the young actress shared a series of photos wearing an exquisite saree, captivating her fans and fashion enthusiasts alike. It goes without saying that Khushi’s stunning saree is a perfect choice for a Diwali celebration, perfectly blending traditional elegance with modern flair. On Friday, the ‘Archies’ actress posted a series of her gorgeous photos, showcasing her impeccable sense of style. In the clicks, Kapoor is seen wearing a shimmery light green coloured saree with a sleeveless blouse, which featured subtle sequins
‘Samrat Prithviraj.’ Her portrayal of the brave and resilient princess, Sanyogita, received critical acclaim, establishing her as a promising newcomer in the industry. The actress had also been part of movies like ‘Operation Valentine’, ‘The Great Indian Family’ and ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.’ Ali Abbas Zafar's thriller saw Manushi in an actionpacked role, however, the film tanked at the box-office. Speaking about the film’s failure, the actress had said in an interview, “Not that I haven't worked hard for it. But I used to think that if I'm focused and dedicated, then I am sure I will get something out of it, and I have gotten something out of everything. But yes, as an actor, you want your films to do well.
that caught the light perfectly, enhancing the overall look. She kept her accessories minimal, with just a pair of statement earrings and neckpiece, allowing the saree to remain the focal point. Khushi opted for a natural makeup look, highlighting her flawless skin with a dewy finish, soft kohl-rimmed eyes, and a nude lip colour. Her hair was styled in loose waves, cascading down her shoulders, adding a modern twist to her traditional outfit.
Khushi’s style has always been a blend of contemporary and classic, and this ensemble was no exception. Within minutes of posting the photos, Khushi’s post was flooded with likes and comments from her fans and fellow celebrities.
Neha Sharma’s sister Aisha shows how fashion can uplift and inspire!
of followers seeking fashion inspiration from her chic looks. As her position as a style icon grew, she became committed to using her platform to show how fashion can create a positive impact. After much thought, she decided the best way to do this was to lead by example in promoting circular fashion. “I have always loved shopping vintage and thrift, but the concept is still not as widely adopted in India,” Aisha explained. The actress added, “So I wanted to show everyone how I enjoy participating in the preloved community more widely, in the hopes that others will also take this step towards sustainability with me.”
Actor and model Aisha Sharma has garnered millions
Kazan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a bilateral meeting with President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation in Kazan on Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Vientiane: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the sidelines of the 21st ASEAN-India Summit in Vientiane on Thursday, October 10, 2024.
New Delhi: Union Minister for Defence Rajnath Singh and Singapore’s Minister of Defence Ng Eng Hen co-chair the sixth India-Singapore Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in New Delhi on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
New Delhi: Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar meets Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini in New Delhi on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
Amreli: Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the inauguration of Bharat Mata Sarovar at Amreli, in Gujarat on Monday, October 28, 2024.
Kazan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is warmly received by the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, upon his arrival in the city of Kazan, Russia, on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
Wayanad: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi receives a warm welcome from the Congress leaders and workers in Sultan Bathery, Wayanad on Wednesday October 23, 2024.
Dubai: New Zealand players celebrate with their winner’s trophy after winning the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Final 2024 match against South Africa Women at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, October 20, 2024.
Caption: Nagpur: A shop showcases campaign materials for various political parties as Maharashtra elections are announced, in Nagpur on Monday, October 21, 2024. (Photo: IANS/Chandrakant Paddhane)
New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal offers prayer at Bhairavnath Temple near the Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
Jaipur: An illuminated view of Jaipur’s Pink City seen from the historical Nahargarh Fort ahead of the Diwali Festival in Jaipur on Monday, October 28, 2024.
Kazan: President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin during his meeting with President of China Xi Jinping as part of the 16th BRICS summit in Kazan on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
Kazan: Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar represents Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BRICS Outreach session in Kazan on Thursday, October 24, 2024.
KANGUVA
RELEASE DATE: 14 November 2024
LANGUAGE: Tamil, Telugu, Hindi (With English Subtitles)
PRODUCER: K.E. Gnanavelraja and Vamsi Pramod DIRECTOR: Siva
SYNOPSIS: A historical drama based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
SkyForce
RELEASE DATE: 24 January 2025
LANGUAGE: Hindi (With English Subtitles)
PRODUCER: Jio Studios, Maddock Films
DIRECTOR: Abhishek Kapur, Sandeep
CAST: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur, Sara Ali Khan
Singham Again
Kewlani
Vikrant Massey touches wife Sheetal’s feet on Karwa Chauth
Actor Vikrant Massey posted a series of photos on Monday, where he is seen breaking his wife Sheetal’s fast. The couple travelled to their hometown in Himachal Pradesh to celebrate the festival. In one of the images, Vikrant is seen touching his wife’s feet, breaking stereotypes.
Taking to his Instagram handle, the ‘12th Fail’ star shared photos, giving fans a glimpse into their intimate celebrations. Along with the post, he wrote, “Ghar".
The first photo showed Sheetal looking at Vikrant through a sieve, while in another, she touches the actor’s feet. The next photo captures Vikrant touching his wife’s feet. The last sweet image shows Massey breaking Sheetal’s fast by drinking her water. On Sunday, Sheetal dropped some pictures of their celebrations with their 8-month-old son Vardaan, writing, “Love and only love Karwachauth special".
Sheetal dazzled in a pink saree, accentuating her look with a
mix of pink and golden bangles. Vikrant looked handsome in his white kurta-pyjama, complemented by his stylish long curly hair.
In February, Vikrant Massey took to social media to apologize for a tweet he made in 2018 regarding a murder case. He clarified that his intention was never to offend the Hindu community. In recent years, he has actively celebrated various Hindu festivals. He even honoured Hindu traditions during the naming ceremony of his son, Vardaan. An intimate naming ceremony was held at their residence in Mumbai in the presence of family members.
Sharing pictures, the couple wrote, “Nothing short of a blessing…We named him VARDAAN!!” On the work front, Vikrant recently appeared in the crime thriller film ‘Sector 36’. In this gripping story, he portrayed the character of Prem Singh. He will next be seen in the upcoming film ‘The Sabarmati Report’, which will release on November 15. Vikrant will be seen playing the role of vernacular journalist, Samar Kumar alongside Raashii Khanna in Dheeraj Sarna’s directorial.
Dimple Kapadia’s rom-com ‘Go Noni Go’ is adapted from
Twinkle Khanna’s short story
The story, originally penned by Khanna over two decades, has been brought to life on the big screen, promising a blend of humour, warmth, and timeless charm.
Twinkle took to her Instagram handle to share the poster of the film and wrote, “GO NONI GO is all set for its first screening! Salaam Noni Appa began as a story I first started writing at the age of eighteen and only completed in my forties. Nearly a decade ago, it was adapted for the stage and has enjoyed a successful run ever since. Now, this beloved tale is ready for its third incarnation—a film that
Why Shraddha
Kapoor
does not want to show her ‘Aadhaar
Card’ ?
Fresh from the success of 'Stree 2', Shraddha Kapoor attended NDTV World Summit held at New Delhi and spoke on multiple topics including her father’s struggles, her choice of films, seven course meal and a secret.
aunt(maasi) Padmini Kolhapure and revealed that she seeks advice from her as well. Shraddha also spoke about the recent success of ‘Stree-2’ and stated that “It's great to be part of something that has been my childhood dream.”
celebrates love, laughter, and second chances. The movie will premiere at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.Bookings open tomorrow. #GoNoniGo".
The offers a light-hearted critique of stereotypes while encouraging audiences to embrace life to the fullest. Dimple Kapadia and Ayesha Raza bring to life the charming siblings, Noni and Binni, who represent the diverse experiences of middle-aged Indian women often overlooked in mainstream storytelling.
The film also stars Manav Kaul, Ayesha Raza and Athiya Shetty. It is penned by Sonal Dabral and Nikhil Sachan and directed by Sonal Dabral, ensuring a unique perspective and engaging storytelling. ‘Go Noni Go’, a heartwarming romantic comedy set to have its Gala Premiere at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival on October 23. The film revolves around a woman in her late fifties, whose sole companion is her lively sister. The arrival of a new yoga teacher ignites an unforeseen romance, pushing the boundaries of societal norms and expectations. It delves into their journey as they attempt to navigate the intricacies of love and connection amid the constraints of societal decorum. The film has been bankrolled by Sameer Nair, Deepak Segal, Twinkle Khanna, Tanuj Garg, and Atul Kasbekar.
Speaking about her father Shakti Kapoor, Shraddha said “He is not a part of the film family. He has come from Delhi. My dadaji owned a cloth shop and he suggested to my father that you can work in a travel agency. But my dad pursued his dream.” She continued “From time to time, he asks me how things are going. When I am thinking about signing a film, I go to him, I ask him.” Shraddha also spoke about her
At the NDTV World Summit, Shraddha Kapoor also took up questions from the audience and had some fun conversation with them. From the audience a girl asked Shraddha Kapoor “Aapke bhi Aadhaar Card mein waisi wali photo hai” (Does your Aadhaar Card have a bad pic of yours). Shraddha Kapoor humorously answered “Main nahin dikha sakti Aadhaar Card wali photo”(I can’t show my Aadhaar Card photo)
Katrina Kaif turns ‘adarsh bahu’ on Karwa Chauth
Katrina Kaif took to her Instagram handle to share glimpses of her Karwa Chauth celebrations with her in-laws. The pictures feature heartwarming moments between Katrina and her mother-in-law, Veena Kaushal. One candid shot shows Veena blessing Katrina with affection, while another touching moment captures Vicky Kaushal’s mother gently caressing Katrina's face. The collection of photos also includes a group shot of the entire family, featuring Katrina alongside her husband, Vicky Kaushal, as well as Sunny,
Sham Kaushal, and Isabelle Kaif. The ‘Tiger 3’ actress looked lovely in pink saree, complemented by sindoor and a mangalsutra. She captioned the Instagram post with a simple yet heartfelt message: “Happy Karwa Chauth.” The images beautifully captured candid moments between Katrina and her mother-in-law, revealing the depth of their affectionate connection. Reacting to the post, one fan commented, “Vicky Kaushal is the luckiest man alive.”
Another said, “Look at them... super, super cute.” A third user wrote, “Such lovely pictures.”
Veteran actress Dimple Kapadia is all set to charm audiences once again in the upcoming rom-com ‘Go Noni Go’, a film adapted from her daughter Twinkle Khanna's short story titled ‘Salaam Noni Appa’.
How Shammi Kapoor indigenised James Dean and Elvis, danced with the (Indian) Beatles
Can you imagine the dapper Dev Anand singing 'Tumsa Nahin Dekha', or yelling 'Yahoo' as he dares 'Chahe Koi Mujhe Junglee Kahe', or serenading the 'O Haseena Zulfonwali'? All these films -- 'Tumsa Nahi Dekha' (1957), 'Junglee' (1961), and 'Teesri Manzil' -- were conceived for him but he rejected them for various reasons, paving the way for a new star.
Shammi Kapoor filled the breach -- and went on to create a new hero archetype and film genre of the pure entertainment musical romance.
After 18 successive flops and one average performance, he was ready to give up the Hindi film industry and become a tea plantation manager in Assam. However, a radical re-invention of his image, drawing on youth icons James Dean and Elvis Presley -- though suitably indigenised, aided by Dev Anand's triple reluctance, set him on the road to success.
A scion of the illustrious Kapoor family, films were an automatic choice for Shamsher Raj 'Shammi' Kapoor (1931-2011), who was born on this day (October 21) in Bombay. However, he did not find his initial going in the film world easy -- most of the heroines considered him a 'baccha', having worked already with either his father, Prithviraj Kapoor or his elder brother, Raj Kapoor, and most filmmakers considered him a "clone" of his elder brother.
In the wake of his string of failures, whatever the genre -tragic and historical romances, comedies, thrillers or costumed dramas with top actresses like Suraiya, Madhubala, (future wife) Geeta Bali, and Meena Kumari across most of the 1950s, he understood that he needed to devise his own special, gamechanging persona. Shammi Kapoor confessed, as per Rauf Ahmed's biography that he never liked the existing model of the Hindi film hero, whom he felt was
too submissive and defeatist and would give up the love of his life under paternal or family pressure and sing sad songs outside her house.
Circumstances made him the harbinger of change -- a flamboyantly self-confident, outspoken, and even cocky, figure, with an easygoing approach to life, and not hesitating in enjoying it without hangups. It came as a refreshing foil to the meek persona, cultivated by Raj Kapoor, in his Chaplin-like tramp roles, or the brooding and tragic intensity of Dilip Kumar, and was way ahead of the jaunty Dev Anand, who could never reach that level of uninhibited exuberance.
Dev Anand's rejection of 'Tumsa Nahi Dekha', where he termed the hero "not his type", as well as the other films, gave Shammi Kapoor the opportunity and he did not let it for over a decade. However, in a gentlemanly gesture, when approached for these roles, he reached out to Dev Anand and confirmed his denial before accepting.
Shammi Kapoor proved that 'Tumsa Nahi Dekhha' was no fluke, with 'Dil Deke Dekho' (1959), and then 'Junglee' (1961) -- where his full-throated 'Yahoo' became iconic (incidentally, neither the actor nor singer Mohammad Rafi, but writer and later director Prayag Raj yelled it out).
Kajol still feels “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai”
AKajol took to her social media handles to celebrate the 26th anniversary of her blockbuster film ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.’
The film also featured Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji in the lead roles with a memorable extended cameo by Salman Khan. Kajol, who played the vibrant and lovable Anjali in the film, is ‘still feeling the same.’ Taking
to her Instagram handle, the ‘Dilwale’ actress shared a couple of photos featuring her, SRK and Rani Mukerji. Alongside the clicks, she wrote, “Still feeling the same .. even tho I seem to have grown up 26 years later ! #kkhh #rahulisacheater #friendship #anjali #26years.”
Karan Johar also posted a montage video highlighting both iconic scenes and behind-the-
Aishwarya Sharma shares gorgeous pictures on Karwa Chauth
Actress Aishwarya Sharma, who essayed the role of Patralekha “Pakhi” in the romantic drama 'Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin', took to her social media and shared a bunch of gorgeous pictures of herself on the occasion of Karwa Chauth.
In the picture, Aishwarya looks stunning in a red saree with some essential jewellery. She left her hair open and used mang tikka to enhance her look. She shared several photos of herself in different poses that reflect the festival season. She wrote a caption, “Happy Karwachauth,” with a moon and some heart emojis.
Aishwarya and actor Neil Bhatt met on the set of ' Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin', and got
scenes moments from the film's set. In his caption, he reminisced about the film, saying, “Of cool neck chains, neon shirts, pink head bands, summer camp with only dancing involved, wishing on toota taaras, cheating in basketball, dosti that turns into pyaar and characters that live through time and beyond!!.” He continued, expressing gratitude for the experience, saying, “To my first film as a director. To the best cast & crew on set. To taking that feeling of day one and keeping it alive....26 years later!.”
The post was met with an outpouring of love from fans and fellow celebrities. In an old interview, Kajol had revealed her preference for Salman’s character over Shah Rukh Khan's in ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.’ When asked who she would choose between Rahul (played by Shah Rukh Khan) and Aman (played by Salman Khan), she responded, “On script level, maybe I would have gone with Salman's character, but in the film, if you watch the film, there is no choice about the ending; it has to be the way it is.”
‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ was a massive success, winning several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Popular Film. The film was released on 16 October 1998.
married in 2021. Neil Bhatt also observed fast for his wife, and recently he shared his thoughts in an interview about this festival that read, “For Aishwarya and me, Karva Chauth is more than just a ritual- it’s a celebration of our love and what we mean to each other.
"Each year, as we both observe the fast, we’re reminded of the strength we draw from one another. On Megha Barsenge’s set, we’re creating our own little festival of love. With all the bustle of filming, we’re doing our best to showcase devotion, laughter, and the magic that Karva Chauth brings to relationships. To all those celebrating this day, I wish you a day filled with love and togetherness", he added.
Shah Rukh Khan lends his star power to support son Aryan Khan
Shah Rukh Khan is not only a talented actor but also a proud father, and his recent Instagram post highlights his unwavering support for his son Aryan Khan and to his entrepreneurial venture that seamlessly blends high fashion with youthful energy. SRK will be visiting Dubai on October 27th to promote Aryan’s brand at a nightclub. Proving to be a supportive dad, the 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' actor recently posted a video on his Instagram handle asking, "Dubai, are you ready?" In the clip, Aryan also made a chic appearance. This isn’t the first time Shah Rukh has promoted his son’s luxury brand; He frequently shares videos and photos showcasing Aryan’s work.
For those who may not know, Aryan Khan launched his brand in April 2023, and it has quickly gained success. Notably, this venture also marked Aryan's directorial debut, with his father, Shah Rukh Khan, starring in the brand's first promotional video. Reflecting on the experience of collaborating with his father, Aryan shared in an interview, “Working with my father is never a challenge. His wealth of experience and commitment makes everyone's job on set much easier. He has a remarkable ability to put the entire crew at ease and treats everyone with great respect. Whenever he’s on set, I make sure to pay close attention so I can absorb as much as possible and learn from him.” On the professional front, SRK was last seen in Rajkumar Hirani’s film ‘Dunki,’ which also featured Taapsee Pannu and Vicky Kaushal. The actor will next appear in Sujoy Ghosh’s upcoming film 'King', which is set to hit theatres in 2026. After five-year hiatus, Shah Rukh made his comeback in 2023 with action thriller ‘Pathaan’,
ctress
Buyers L ike What They See at Brookwater.
Your minute neighb ourhood:
Just 35 minutes away from Brisbane CBD, the interest among buyers has been at a record level, according to Narendran Sinnathamby, the General Manager of Brookwater Residential. Brookwater ’ s current land release, The Dress Circle, is situated around the first nine holes of the championship golf course designed by Greg Norman. It is the only integrated golf community near Brisbane. “Discerning buyers are recognising that Brookwater is a premium lifestyle destination,’’Mr Sinnathamby said.
“ The Dress Circle, Brookwater is situated within Springfield City, one of Australia’s fastestgrowing regions. Springfield City sets the standard for world-class master-planned urban environments in the 21st centur y and has become a blueprint for nation-building,” he added.
“ The area boasts outstanding schools, and state-of-the-ar t health facilities, and is now home to the Brisbane Lions AFL Club Ever y thing you need is within reach ”
Within the Springfield City area, there are 12 schools, 22 childcare facilities, and the University of Southern Queensland providing a remarkable array of options for both private and public amenities, making it an ideal choice for growing families.
Springfield City is positioned as the gateway to the western corridor of Southeast Queensland. With an expansive area of 2,860 hectares, it is Australia’s largest master-planned city and the first of its kind since Canberra.
*
SOURCE: ECONISIS
- The wider Springfield Grow th Corridor including Springfield and Greater Springfield is currently home to 145,300 people.
- This is expected to grow rapidly to almost 200,000 people in 2026 and over 435,000 in 2041.
- Represents an annual grow th rate of 5.6% over the 20 years to 2041.
Prep to Year 12 Christian co-education.
Health City Springfield Central – home to Mater Private Hospital Springfield, Aveo Springfield and Quest Apar tment Hotel. major retail shops, restaurants, a movie theatre and food court.
