SC issues norms on demolitions, says violation will result in prosecution
New Delhi, Nov 13 (IANS) Laying down pan-India directives governing demolitions of
unauthorised structures, the Supreme Court on Wednesday cautioned that flouting its directions by state officials will result in criminal contempt and prosecution.
After several petitions were filed before the apex court alleging that demolitions were carried out by several state authorities
Justice Sanjiv Khanna sworn in as 51st Chief Justice of India
New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS)
President Droupadi Murmu on Monday administered the oath of office to Justice Sanjiv Khanna as the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in a swearing-in ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here.
Justice Khanna will be the 51st CJI and will have around six months in office.
As a Supreme Court judge, he has been part of the landmark judgments on Article 370, decriminalisation of adultery, the electoral bonds scheme, EVMVVPAT tally etc.
On October 24, the Centre cleared the appointment of Justice Khanna to the highest
without sufficient notice, a Bench of Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan issued a slew of directions under Article 142 of the Constitution.
In an interim order passed on September 17, the Justice Gavailed Bench paused all demolition
New Delhi, Nov 15 (IANS)
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday conveyed their warm wishes to the nation on the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev also known as 'Prakash
EAM Jaishankar inaugurates new consulate in Brisbane, strengthening India-Australia ties
Brisbane, Nov 4 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar inaugurated the new Consulate General of India in Brisbane, Australia, on Monday, further solidifying India-Australia relations.
Jaishankar, currently on a twonation tour, will be in Australia until November 7 and will visit
PM Modi congratulates ‘friend’ Donald Trump, says let’s work together for betterment of people, global peace
Modi on Wednesday afternoon congratulated Donald Trump on his victory in the US presidential elections, asserting that he is looking forward to renewing collaboration with the 78-year-old leader to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership.
"Heartiest congratulations my friend, Donald Trump on your historic election victory. As you build on the successes of your previous term, I look forward to renewing our collaboration to further strengthen the IndiaUS Comprehensive Global and
Singapore on November 8. He arrived in Brisbane on Sunday.
Taking to X, Jaishankar wrote, "Delighted to formally inaugurate new Consulate General of India in Brisbane today. It will contribute to strengthening India's ties with Queensland state, promoting trade, fostering educational linkages, and serving the diaspora."
He acknowledged the presence of prominent officials, including Dr Jeannette Young, Governor
SC orders
of Queensland, and Ministers Ros Bates and Fiona Simpson, who attended the inauguration ceremony.
In a separate meeting, Jaishankar discussed economic, trade, and investment cooperation with Governor Young.
"Pleased to meet H.E Dr Jeannette Young, Governor of Queensland, in Brisbane today. Discussed opportunities and ways to strengthen economic, trade, and
liquidation
of Jet Airways
Delhi, Nov 7 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered liquidation of cashstrapped Jet Airways, saying that the resolution plan, approved five years ago, is no longer capable of implementation.
A Bench, headed by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud, allowed the lenders' plea against the transfer of ownership of the grounded airline to Jalan Kalrock
Consortium (JKC).
The Bench, also comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj, invoked its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution "for doing complete justice" between the parties and ordered the appointment of a liquidator forthwith.
Further, it ordered the forfeiture of Rs 200 crore infused by the JKC and directed lenders to invoke Rs 150 crore Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG).
In the plea filed before the apex court, the Committee of Creditors (CoC), led by the State Bank of India, has said that the proposed revival plan was not in the best interest of lenders and questioned
New Delhi, Nov 6 (IANS)
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SC issues norms on demolitions, says violation will result in prosecution
Continued from Page 1
actions across the country, except with its permission.
Frowning upon "glorification" and "grandstanding" over bulldozer action, the top court said that unauthorised structures may be demolished following the due procedure but under no circumstances, property is to be demolished for "extraneous reasons".
The SC stressed that even unauthorised construction has to be demolished in "accordance with law" and state authorities cannot resort to demolition of the property of the accused as an extra punitive measure.
Here are the pan-India directives laid down by the highest court of the land:
No demolition will be carried out without a prior show cause notice returnable either in accordance with the time provided by the local municipal laws or within
15 days’ time from the date of service of such notice, whichever is later.
The time of 15 days will start from the date of receipt of the notice.
The notice will be served upon the owner/occupier by a registered post, apart from affixing on the outer portion of the structure in question.
As soon as the show cause notice is served, intimation will be sent to the office of Collector/District Magistrate by email and an auto generated reply acknowledging receipt of the mail should also be issued from the office of the Collector/District Magistrate.
The notice should contain the details regarding the nature of the unauthorised construction, the details of the specific violation and the grounds of demolition and a list of documents that the noticee is required to furnish along with his reply.
The notice should also specify the date on which the personal hearing is fixed and the designated authority before whom the hearing will take place. The minutes of such a hearing will also be recorded.
Within three months, every municipal and local authority will assign a designated digital portal, where details regarding service/ pasting of the notice, the reply, the show cause notice and the order passed would be available. Upon hearing, the designated authority shall pass a final order.
The final order should contain as to why the extreme step of demolition is the only option available and other options like compounding and demolishing only part of the property are not available.
The demolition order will not be implemented for a period of 15 days and will be displayed on the digital portal.
EAM Jaishankar inaugurates new consulate in Brisbane, strengthening India-Australia ties
Continued from Page 1
investment cooperation with the Queensland state," he posted.
Earlier, Jaishankar paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Roma Street Parklands in Brisbane.
The previous day, he addressed the Indian community, outlining four key factors contributing to the strengthening of IndiaAustralia ties, emphasising the transformation in bilateral relations under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.
"There are four reasons – PM Modi, Australia, the world, and all of you," Jaishankar remarked, appreciating the Indian diaspora's warm welcome and contributions.
He highlighted the significance of the visit, not only to open India's fourth consulate in Brisbane but to fulfil PM Modi's commitment to the Indian community.
"Your presence, effort, and contribution have made this
consulate possible. I have come to redeem Prime Minister Modi's promise, made in public, that he would open a consulate in Brisbane," he stated.
Reflecting on the Indian diaspora in Queensland, which includes 125,000 residents and approximately 15,000-16,000 students, Jaishankar stressed the state's economic importance to India, noting, "75 per cent of Australia's exports to India actually come from this state."
He described India's designation of Australia as a "comprehensive strategic partner," a term reserved for only a few nations.
"The more adjectives you add, the weightier it gets," he noted.
Jaishankar also lauded the positive impact of the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) on trade and emphasised the value of agreements on
mobility, migration, and mutual recognition, specifically mentioning the MATES agreement.
During his visit, he will cochair the 15th Foreign Ministers' Framework Dialogue (FMFD) with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and deliver the keynote address at the 2nd Raisina Down Under conference at the Australian Parliament House.
He will engage with Australian leaders, parliamentarians, and representatives from business, media, and think tanks.
After completing his visit to Australia, Jaishankar will travel to Singapore, where he will participate in the 8th ASEANIndia Network of Think Tanks Roundtable and meet with Singaporean leaders to discuss further strengthening the partnership.
PM Modi congratulates ‘friend’ Donald Trump, says let’s work together for betterment of people, global peace
Continued from Page 1
Strategic Partnership. Together, let’s work for the betterment of our people and to promote global peace, stability and prosperity," PM Modi posted on X after Trump's triumph in the US election.
Earlier, the Republican candidate declared victory with some US media outlets projecting that he would win 277 Electoral College votes.
At least 270 Electoral College votes are needed to clinch the presidency.
In September, the former US President had called PM Modi a
“fantastic man”, hoping that they would meet during the Prime Minister's US visit for the Quad Summit and UN General Assembly session in New York.
Later, during his election campaign, he referred to PM Modi as a “total killer” with the nation's adversaries.
"He's great, he's a friend of mine, but on the outside, he looks like he's your father”, yet “he's the nicest, total killer”, Trump stated during a podcast interview.
Explaining the assessment, he said, “We had a couple of occasions where somebody was threatening India. I said, let me
Prez Murmu, PM Modi, HM Shah extend greetings on Guru Nanak Dev’s Prakash Parv
Continued from Page 1
Parv,' highlighting his teachings, which continue to inspire millions worldwide with messages of truth, compassion, and service.
Taking to the social media platform X, President Murmu shared a heartfelt post honouring Guru Nanak Dev's enduring legacy.
"On the auspicious occasion of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's birthday, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all Indians living in India and abroad, especially to the Sikh community," she wrote.
"Guru Nanak Dev Ji has shown us the path of spirituality based on hard work and has taught us
to build a society based on truth, contentment, kindness, and love. He emphasised sharing in social life, which is the path to social harmony," she said.
The President urged people to adopt Guru Nanak's ideals, stating, "It is our collective responsibility to embody his teachings and work toward a harmonious and egalitarian society."
PM Modi also conveyed his wishes, emphasising Guru Nanak’s guidance toward compassion and unity.
"Congratulations on the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji," PM Modi posted on X.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna sworn in as 51st Chief Justice of India
Continued from Page 1
judicial office of the country after then CJI D.Y. Chandrachud had recommended him as his successor last month.
"In exercise of the powers conferred by Clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Judge of the Supreme Court, to be the Chief Justice of India with effect from 11 November 2024," had said a notification issued by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna held the post of Chairman, Supreme Court Legal Service Committee. At present, he is the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority and a member of the Governing Counsel of the National Judicial Academy, Bhopal.
Before elevation to the Supreme Court, Justice Khanna served as a judge in the Delhi High Court till
January 2019.
As a judge of the Delhi HC, he held the position of Chairman/ Judge-in-charge, Delhi Judicial Academy, the Delhi International Arbitration Centre, and the District Court Mediation Centres. Born in May 1960, he obtained his law degree from the Campus Law Centre, Delhi University.
He enrolled as an advocate in the Bar Council of Delhi in 1983 and primarily practiced taxation, arbitration, commercial law, environmental law, medical negligence law, and company law in the Delhi High Court. He had a long tenure as the Senior Standing Counsel for the Income Tax Department. In 2004, he was appointed as the Standing Counsel (Civil) for the Delhi government. He had also appeared and argued in a number of criminal cases at the Delhi High Court as an Additional Public Prosecutor and as an amicus curie (friend of the court).
SC orders liquidation of Jet Airways
Continued from Page 1
help. I'm very good with those people. Let me help”.
But PM Modi turned down the offer saying, “I will do it. I will do it, and I will do anything necessary. We've defeated them for hundreds of years,” Trump said.
Last month, in an exclusive interview with IANS, John Bolton, the US National Security Advisor (NSA) to Donald Trump from 2018-2019, said that the India-US relationship could be the "defining event" of the 21st century as India continues its rise as a major global power.
the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) order upholding the resolution plan.
In January this year, the Supreme Court ordered JKC, the successful resolution professional bidder for the cash-strapped airline, to deposit Rs 150 crore in an escrow account jointly held by the State Bank of India and JKC.
It had cautioned that legal consequences would follow if the JKC failed to furnish the bank guarantee.
It had also asked the NCLAT to decide by the end of March 2024 on the lenders' plea challenging the ownership of the grounded Airways to JKC.
The consortium had undertaken an infusion of Rs 350 crore equity per the court-approved resolution plan to assume ownership of Jet Airways.
A three-member Bench of the NCLAT had agreed to an adjustment of Rs 150 crore from the PBG towards the payment of Rs 350 crore.
The appellate tribunal had also accepted an undertaking given by the consortium committing to pay Rs 100 crore by August 31 last year and another Rs 100 crore by September 30, 2023. Due to severe financial distress, Jet Airways, once one of India's largest and most popular airlines, entered the corporate insolvency resolution process under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) in June 2019.
Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, on Wednesday congratulated Donald Trump for his resounding victory in the US presidential election, saying it is fascinating to see America’s democracy empower its people and uphold the nation's founding principles.
Trump is set to become America’s 47th President, in a most momentous comeback in political history.
In a post on X, Gautam Adani said:
"If there is one person on Earth who stands as the embodiment of unbreakable tenacity, unshakeable grit, relentless determination and the courage to stay true to his beliefs, it is Donald Trump".
"Fascinating to see America’s democracy empower its people and uphold the nation's founding principles. Congratulations to the 47th POTUS-elect," said the Adani Group Chairman.
Several world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, congratulated Trump after his victory in the US presidential election, lauding the US leader's "historic" achievement. PM Modi was among the first foreign leaders to congratulate Trump on his election triumph.
"Heartiest congratulations my friend, Donald Trump on your historic election victory. As you build on the successes of your
previous term, I look forward to renewing our collaboration to further strengthen the IndiaUS Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership. Together, let’s work for the betterment of our people and to promote global peace, stability and prosperity," PM Modi posted on X.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also congratulated Trump. Starmer's office issued a statement, saying, "Congratulations Presidentelect Donald Trump on your historic election victory. I look forward to working with you in the years ahead." Netanyahu took to X, saying, “Dear Donald and Melania Trump, Congratulations on history's greatest comeback! Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. This is a huge victory!"
Truly insightful: Gautam Adani hosts envoys from EU, Belgium, Denmark and Germany
Ahmedabad, Nov 12 (IANS)
Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, on Tuesday, said it was a privilege to host the ambassadors from the European Union (EU), Belgium, Denmark, and Germany, who visited the world’s largest renewable energy (RE) park in Khavda, Gujarat, and the country's largest port hub in Mundra.
Gautam Adani said the discussions with the envoys focused on strengthening global partnerships to drive India’s energy transition and accelerate the hydrogen ecosystem.
"It was a privilege to host the ambassadors from the EU,
Belgium, Denmark and Germany at our office. I deeply appreciate their visit to the world’s largest renewable energy park in Khavda, Gujarat, and India’s largest port, logistics and industrial hub in Mundra," the Adani Group Chairman said in a post on X.
Gautam Adani further stated that the discussions were "truly insightful, focusing on strengthening global partnerships to drive India’s energy transition and accelerate the hydrogen ecosystem".
"At Adani, we continue to drive forward with our ambitious renewable energy initiatives while ensuring a balanced energy mix that supports a sustainable future for all of India," Gautam Adani mentioned.
Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL) reported 20 per cent EBITDA growth at Rs 4,518 crore in the first half of FY25, as cash
profit surged by 27 per cent YoY to Rs 2,640 crore. It recently operationalised the first 250 MW wind capacity at the world’s largest 30,000 MW (30 GW) renewable energy plant at Khavda, and is well on track to achieve its 2030 RE capacity target of 50 GW, including at least 5 GW of energy storage.
On the other hand, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) reported a 42 per cent surge in net profit at Rs 5,520 crore in the first half of this fiscal (H1 FY25), compared to Rs 3,881 crore in the same period last fiscal (H1 FY24).
"Mundra Port's remarkable milestone of crossing 100 MMT in 181 days and our cargo volume trajectory reaffirm our confidence in delivering our FY25 cargo guidance and hitting the upper end of our EBITDA guidance for the year," said the company.
Adani Group stocks surge, add Rs 54,381 cr in market cap
New Delhi, Nov 7 (IANS) The share price of all the companies in the Adani Group surged on Wednesday, adding Rs 54,381.06 crore worth of wealth to the investors' kitty.
The market cap of Adani Group companies rose to Rs 16 lakh crore.
Shares of Adani Group companies gained, while the NSE Nifty 50 recorded the best session since September 20 and the BSE Sensex since October 28. The Nifty 50 ended 270.75 points or 1.12 per cent higher at 24,484.05, and the Sensex closed 901.50 points or 1.13 per cent up at 80,378.13.
Earlier on Wednesday, Adani Energy Solutions rose 7.48 per cent to Rs 1,090.95 apiece, while Adani Green Energy rose as much as 5.46 per cent to Rs 1,733.95 per
share. This comes after Nuvama's forecast that Adani Energy Solutions could be added to the MSCI index in the November rejig. Adani Enterprises Ltd. also rose 5.3 per cent to Rs 3,070 per share and closed 4.48 per cent higher. The share in the last one year has risen 35.63 per cent.
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. rose as much as 3.96 per cent to Rs 1,328, while Adani Total Gas Ltd. rose 4.15 per cent. Both stocks closed 3.06 per cent and 2.8 per cent higher respectively.
Adani Power Ltd. also saw a 3.9 per cent surge to pare gains and closed 2.13 per cent higher at Rs 616.30. The share in the last one year has risen 56.42 per cent. ACC Ltd. and Ambuja Cements Ltd. closed nearly over 2 per cent higher at Rs 2,359.55 and Rs 582.65 apiece respectively.
Sanghi Industries Ltd. and Adani Wilmar Ltd. were trading flat and closed 0.67 per cent and 0.37 per cent higher respectively.
Adani Group pledges $10 billion investment in US energy security, infra projects
Ahmedabad, Nov 13 (IANS)
Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, on Wednesday announced that the Group commits a $10 billion investment in US energy security and infrastructure projects, aiming to create up to 15,000 local jobs in the country.
In a post on X social media platform, Gautam Adani once again congratulated Presidentelect Trump, who is set to become America’s 47th President in a most momentous comeback in political history. “As the partnership between India and the United States deepens, the Adani Group is committed to leveraging its global expertise and investing $10 billion in US energy security and resilient infrastructure
projects, aiming to create up to 15,000 jobs,” the Adani Group Chairman posted. In an earlier post on X last week, Gautam Adani congratulated Trump for his resounding victory in the US presidential election, saying it is fascinating to see America’s democracy empower its people and uphold the nation's founding principles. “If there is one person on Earth who stands as the embodiment of unbreakable tenacity, unshakeable grit, relentless determination and the courage to stay true to his beliefs, it is Donald Trump. Fascinating to see America’s democracy empower its people and uphold the nation's founding principles. Congratulations to the 47th POTUS-elect," said the Adani Group Chairman.
AIBC Diwali Dinner 2024 lights up Brisbane with culture & collaboration
Brisbane, November 16 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Australia India Business Council (AIBC) Diwali Dinner 2024 lit up the Stamford Plaza Brisbane Ballroom on November 14, bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and community members for an evening of culture, collaboration, and celebration.
Themed around strengthening Australia-India trade and diaspora connections, the event highlighted the vibrant relationship between the two nations. The ceremonial lighting of the diya set the tone for the night, symbolizing prosperity and positivity.
Attendees were treated to an array of cultural performances,
including a mesmerizing Kathak dance, and a soulful musical performance by Darshil Shah and the Darshil Musical Group.
The event also featured inspiring speeches from notable dignitaries such as Consul General Mrs. Neetu Bhagotia, Senator Paul Scarr, and Graham Perrett MP, all emphasizing the enduring partnership between Australia
and India.
A special presentation by Prerna Pahwa from Simply Human celebrated community initiatives under the theme "Superheroes without Capes." Mahindra Automotive Australia, the event’s main sponsor, was recognized for their unwavering support and impact, with a nod of appreciation extended to Ankit Taneja for his contributions.
The evening, masterfully hosted by the event’s MC, showed AIBC's commitment to strengthen connections and celebrate the shared values of the AustraliaIndia community.
This vibrant Diwali dinner not only illuminated Brisbane but also highlighted the importance of cultural and economic ties in shaping a prosperous future for both nations.
Kishtwar murders widely condemned, op on to trace killers of 2 VDC members
Jammu, Nov 8 (IANS) The coldblooded murder of two members of a Village Defence Committee (VDC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s (J&K’s) Kishtwar district on Thursday was widely condemned as a massive operation started to trace the killers on Friday.
J&K Lieutenant Governor (LG), Manoj Sinha said on X, “No words are strong enough to condemn the heinous terrorist attack on VDC members. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the brave sons martyred in this cowardly attack. We are firmly resolved to destroy all terror outfits and avenge this barbaric act.”
Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah said in condemnation of
the cowardly murder of two civilians, “Deeply saddened & concerned by the attack that resulted in the deaths of Kuldeep Kumar & Nazeer Ahmed Padder of Kuntwara in Kishtwar, members of the local Village Defence Committee. The terrorists killed two innocent men who had taken their livestock to graze. I condemn this attack unequivocally & send my condolences to the families.
“At the same time I expect the security forces to move quickly to plug any gaps in our counterterror grid & ensure that attacks like this stop completely.”
Former Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, former Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader, Kavinder Gupta, Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) Vice President, Ravinder Sharma also condemned the murder.
A massive joint search operation has been launched by the police and Army in the dense forest area following the gruesome
killings of two VDC members, Nazir Ahmed and Kuldeep Kumar from Ohli-Kuntwara village, who had gone missing in the upper reaches while grazing livestock on Thursday.
“Later, photographs of their bodies began circulating on social media and family members confirmed their identities”, police said.
The officials said Nazir Ahmad and Kuldeep Kumar, both residents of Ohli-Kuntwara, had gone to graze their cattle in the Munzla Dhar forest of the Adhwari area in the morning, but did not return.
“Police parties fanned out to find them amid reports that they had been abducted and killed by terrorists”, officials said.
Kuldeep Kumar’s brother, Prithvi told reporters that his father, Amar Chand died a week ago and the reports of his brother’s killing came as another big shock to the family.
Salman gets another threat from Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang, asked to save songwriter for penning track on gangster
Mumbai, Nov 8 (IANS) Bollywood
superstar Salman Khan has again received another threat message on Thursday, two days after he got a death threat allegedly from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
The Mumbai Traffic Control room received a threat message for Salman late Thursday night.
The reported members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang even threatened to kill a songwriter who penned a track on Lawrence Bishnoi in one month's time.
The message also had that the “songwriter’s condition will be so
bad that he won't be able to write songs by his own name. If Salman Khan has the courage then he should save him.”
The police are looking out for the person and are tracing the number.
On November 5, Mumbai Police received a threatening message for Salman, claiming to be from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
The threat was that the superstar either apologises or pays Rs 5 crore for his safety. A man was apprehended in Karnataka and handed over to Maharashtra Police on Wednesday.
The arrested culprit told the police that: “Mujhe koi gham nahi, main Bishnoi samaaj ke liye jail jaa raha hun.”
On being asked by Worli Police, the accused stated that gangster
Lawrence Bishnoi is his idol. He also stated that the Rs. 5 crore he asked from Salman Khan, he would have given it for the making of a temple for the Bishnoi community.
The police also noted that the accused would watch videos of Lawrence Bishnoi and shared that he is proud of Lawrence for what he is doing for the Bishnoi community. The accused also said that
“Salman Khan never apologised for what he did – be it the hit and run case or killing the blackbuck.
Salman Khan and Baba Siddiqui are linked to big gangs and no one did anything on that”
The accused also shared that whatever “Lawrence Bishnoi is doing is correct, I have no sadness in going to jail. I am going to jail for the Bishnoi community.”
Cong leaders condemn attack on Hindus at temple in Canada
Congress leader Pramod Tiwari on Monday said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has destroyed the economy of India and has now destroyed international relations as well. Narendra Modi has now been proven as an unsuccessful Prime Minister of India."
"Such attacks on Hindu temples and people living in Canada are really condemnable.
Indians are being attacked continuously in different parts of the world. In Bangladesh, people didn't celebrate Durga Puja out of fear. Now we have this incident
Only threat to India is from BJP and RSS: Kharge
Mumbai, Nov 10 (IANS) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge claimed on Sunday that the only threat to India was from the RSS and the BJP, which were trying to divide people.
Lashing out at the BJP leaders for raising the bogey of ‘batenge to katenge’, Kharge said the country was already united and not divided.
“Only the BJP and the RSS were trying to divide the people,” he charged.
He alleged the RSS people kept talking about dividing and lynching people from morning to evening.
“The BJP and the RSS had already created divisions in the society through their ideology and by following the Manusmriti, which discriminated between people,” Kharge said while addressing a ‘Save Constitution’ conference.
The Congress President expressed relief that the Modi government became a lame government as the BJP did not get ‘400 plus’ seats. He added that it is now dependent on two crutches of Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu.
He said, earlier this government would not engage in debates and discussions.
Talking about the healthy relations earlier between the leaders of the ruling party and the Opposition, Kharge recalled the former Prime Minister and BJP leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
He said Vajpayee even described Indira Gandhi as Durga when she liberated Bangladesh.
He said, Vajpayee praised Pandit Nehru as well and he (Nehru) also praised the former.
The Congress President accused Prime Minister Modi of misusing the ED, the CBI, the CVC and other institutions to intimidate political opponents wherever the BJP felt that it was not winning.
However, he asked PM Modi as to how long he can intimidate his opponents and how many leaders he can put behind bars. He asserted that the opposition was united and it would not be threatened and intimidated, come what may.
Without taking his name, Kharge took a dig at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, saying there was a Chief Minister, who wears saffron robes, instead of white, and uses the expression ‘batenge toh katenge” to divide people.
Praising the country’s democracy, Kharge pointed out that while India elected a woman Prime Minister Indira Gandhi long back and also a woman President from Maharashtra (Pratibha Patil), the United States, despite its claims of being a progressive country had still not elected a woman as President.
UN staff group holds exhibition on life, work of Swami Vivekananda
Nations, Nov 8 (IANS)
in Canada. PM Modi's dreams of being a 'Vishva Guru' has now been shattered.
The people living there are not being able to do business and they are also facing hindrances in celebrating their festivals. PM Modi, you should come forward and protect the people living in other countries," he added.
Congress leader Tariq Anwar also reacted to the Brampton temple attack and said, "It is unfortunate to see such attacks happening in a developed nation.
Vivekananda’s role as the inspirer of spirituality across the world and the builder of bridges was honoured at an exhibition of his life and work here.
“As the centuries pass, Vivekananda stands taller and taller, inspires people across the world, not only in India”, Swami Sarvarpriyananda, the resident minister of the New York Vedanta Society said at the inauguration of the exhibition.
“He built a bridge between the East and the West (when) he travelled to the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893 (and) the bridge is very strong,
and very vibrant today”, he said. India’s Consul General in New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, said that Vivekananda’s message of oneness of humanity embedded in ancient Hindu wisdom has a particular relevance here at the UN.
The exhibition was organised by the Society for Enlightenment and Transformation (SEAT) a component of the UN Staff Recreation Council (UNSRC).
UNSRC President Peter Dawkins said that through the exhibition they want to highlight Vivekananda’s relevance to “the core values and purposes and mission of United Nations”.
“We're hoping to raise awareness of the life of Vivekananda, what he brought to the West, in particular, his strong connection to New York and also, if not directly, but indirectly, to the United Nations”, he said.
United
Swami
New Delhi, Nov 4 (IANS) Hours after a group of devotees at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Canada was targeted by alleged Khalistani supporters in Brampton, Congress leaders Pramod Tiwari, Tariq Anwar and Ajay Rai condemned the attack and questioned the foreign policy of the Centre.
20 landmark verdicts delivered by CJI Chandrachud
New Delhi, Nov 10 (IANS) After a two-year-long stint, Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud formally demits the highest judicial office of the country on Sunday.
Elevated as an apex court judge on May 13, 2016, he, in his over eight-year-long stint at the Supreme Court, pronounced several landmark judgements.
Article 370 revocation
A 5-judge Constitution Bench, headed by CJI Chandrachud, had upheld the revocation of Article 370, while ordering the Election Commission to take steps to conduct elections to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly by September 30, 2024.
The bench, also comprising Justices S.K. Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, B.R. Gavai, and Surya Kant, had left open the question of whether the Parliament can extinguish the character of statehood by converting a state into one or more Union Territories, but said that "restoration of statehood shall take place at the earliest and as soon as possible".
In May, the apex court dismissed a batch of review pleas filed against the decision.
Same-sex marriage
A 5-judge Constitution bench headed by CJI Chandrachud had declined to read the genderneutral "person" in place of "male" and "female" existing under the Special Marriage Act. It unanimously agreed that there exists no unqualified right to marriage and accepted the Centre’s proposal that a committee, headed by the Cabinet Secretary, be set up to examine what administrative steps could be taken to address basic social benefit concerns relating to same-sex couples.
The bench, also comprising Justices Khanna, Hima Kohli, B.V. Nagarathna, and P.S. Narasimha, left it to the legislature to take a call on enacting the marriage equality law. It had asked the Union and state governments to ensure that the LGBTQ+ community is not discriminated against on the basis of their sexual orientation and queer individuals are not refused access to any goods or services.
Non-consensual unnatural sexual acts in BNS
A bench, headed by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud, refused to entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking criminalisation of nonconsensual unnatural sex, sodomy, and bestiality in the new Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), like the IPC, saying that the apex court cannot compel the legislature to classify a particular act as a
criminal offence but granted liberty to the petitioner to make a representation before the Union government.
Electoral bonds
A five-judge Constitution Bench, headed by CJI Chandrachud, had struck down the electoral bonds scheme, saying that denying voters the right to know the details of funding of political parties would lead to a dichotomous situation and the funding of parties cannot be treated differently from that of the candidates who contest elections.
In a unanimous verdict, the Bench, also comprising Justices Gavai, Khanna, J.B. Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra, had directed the State Bank of India to forthwith stop the issuance of electoral bonds and ordered the Election Commission to publish, on its official website, the details of the political parties which have received contributions through electoral bonds since April 2019. Subsequently, a bench headed by the CJI declined to entertain a PIL seeking a SIT probe under the supervision of a retired apex court judge into an alleged scam in poll financing using electoral bonds.
UP Madarsa Act
A bench, headed by CJI Chandrachud, set aside the Allahabad High Court ruling which had struck down the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004, which had held that the madarsa education was bound to be struck down for violation of the basic structure and principles of secularism.
The Bench, also comprising Justices Pardiwala and Misra, held the Madarsa Education Act "unconstitutional" to the extent it regulates higher education in conflict with the UGC Act, and held that Article 21-A of the Constitution and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 have to be read consistently with the right of religious and linguistic minorities to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.
AMU minority status case
In a 4:3 decision, a seven-judge Constitution Bench headed by CJI Chandrachud overruled its 1967 five-judge bench verdict which had laid down that Aligarh Muslim University, being a Central varsity, cannot claim to be a minority institution.
"The view taken in the 1967 Azeez Basha case that an educational institution is not established by a minority if it derives its legal character through a statute is overruled," it ruled.
The majority opinion, concurred by Justices Khanna, Pardiwala, and Misra, added that a regular Bench should decide the question of the minority status of the AMU and the correctness of the Allahabad High Court's 2006
order, striking down the 1981 amendment conferring minority status on the varsity, in view of the principles laid down in its latest judgment. Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta, and S.C. Sharma wrote separate and dissenting opinions.
MPs/MLAs prosecution for bribery
In its unanimous verdict, a 7-judge Constitution Bench headed by CJI Chandrachud overruled a 1998 judgment granting immunity to lawmakers from criminal prosecution for accepting bribes to make a speech or vote in the Parliament or state legislatures.
‘Quota within quota’ permissible A 7-judge Constitution Bench judgment, headed by CJI Chandrachud, held that subclassification within Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) would be permissible for providing benefits of affirmative action. It suggested the application of the "creamy layer" principle for availing quota benefits, but with a caveat that while providing for subclassification, the government would not be entitled to reserve 100 per cent of seats available for SCs/STs for a particular sub-class to the exclusion of other castes in the List.
In a 6:1 decision, it overturned its 2004 judgment, which had ruled against giving preferential treatment to certain sub-castes within SCs "as the members of the reserved category groups form a homogeneous class incapable of further regrouping or classification".
Caste-based division of labour in prisons
A bench headed by CJI Chandrachud held it unconstitutional the practice of employing “lower caste” jail inmates in cleaning and manual scavenging work in prisons. The Bench, also comprising Justices Pardiwala and Misra, directed that the “caste” column and any references to caste in prisoners’ registers inside the prisons be deleted in the prison manuals and related laws.
Effective implementation of Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006
A bench, headed by CJI Chandrachud and comprising Justice Pardiwala and Mishra, said that child marriage deprives children of their agency, autonomy and right to fully develop and enjoy their childhood. It issued a slew of directions for the effective implementation of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, including ordering the state governments and Union Territories to appoint officers solely responsible for discharging the functions of Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) at the district level.
Exhibition on ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ at Rajasthan’s Pushkar Mela spreads awareness about Central govt schemes
Ajmer, Nov 15 (IANS) To fulfill Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resolve to make India a developed nation by the year 2047, a multimedia exhibition highlighting 'Viksit Bharat @2047' as its theme has been organised this year, spreading awareness among people about various welfare schemes launched by the Central government till date.
This exhibition has been organised at the famous Pushkar Fair in Rajasthan, which is being conducted by the Central Bureau of Communication and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The information about various welfare schemes and flagship programmes launched by the PM Modi-led government has been displayed in this exhibition. Apart from the welfare schemes, popular motion games, videos giving virtual reality experience, online quizzes, 360-degree videos as well as different fitness equipment under the 'Fit India' initiative, one of the flagship schemes launched by the Central government, are also displayed during the exhibition.
Bharat Bhargava, Technical Assistant, Central Bureau of Communication, said that a multimedia exhibition on the theme of 'Viksit Bharat @2047' has been organised during the fivedaylong Pushkar Mela. This will highlight information about all the schemes launched by the Central government, he added. "People coming to the Pushkar Mela are also getting information about every welfare scheme launched by the Centre, which includes the Surya Ghar Yojana, and Gati Shakti scheme. Apart from this, people are also asking queries about the PM Internship Scheme," Bhargava said. Ramkishan Jat, a Pushkar Mela attendee, while lauding PM Modi-led government's welfare schemes, said: "I have asked queries about the welfare schemes related to farmers during this fair, of which the 'Boond-Boond Scheme' has impressed me a lot. A lot of water is being saved through this scheme." Narendra Kumar, who came from Narendragarh (Madhya Pradesh) to visit the Pushkar Mela, said: "He saw the multimedia exhibition based on the theme of 'Viksit Bharat @ 2047' today. It tells about the government schemes, which include the Jan Dhan Yojana, Ayushman Bharat Yojana, and Surya Ghar Yojana.
Four persons of family commit suicide in Bihar’s Purnea
Patna, Nov 6 (IANS) In a disturbing incident in Bihar's Purnea district, a woman and her three children allegedly committed suicide in their home in Kilpada village, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Rauta police station, an official said on Wednesday.
Gyan Ranjan, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Rauta police station, confirmed the case and shared initial details of the incident.
SHO Ranjan said that the incident came to light when the woman’s husband returned home on Wednesday.
“Finding the door locked from the inside, he tried to gain entry. After repeated attempts failed, he broke the door lock with an iron rod. Upon entering the room, he found his wife and children hanging in the room. The incident probably took place on Tuesday night,” Ranjan said.
Police are actively investigating the incident to determine the circumstances and motive behind these suicides.
Initial investigations suggest that Babita Devi (32), the victim, may have struggled with mental health issues, possibly contributing to the incident. Her three children, Riya (8), Suraj (5), and Sujit (3), were found hanging in their home.
Police officers recorded statements from her husband, who discovered the victims after returning from a temple visit, as well as from neighbours.
SHO Gyan Ranjan noted that neighbours had described Babita as having a short temper and possibly a mental illness, though authorities are exploring all angles, including the potential of a dispute.
“A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team has been called to the scene to aid in the investigation. We are considering both mental health factors and other possible motives. The dead bodies of Babita and her children were sent to the mortuary for autopsy, and we are gathering evidence to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident,” Ranjan said.
EAM Jaishankar credits PM Modi’s leadership for deepening India-Australia ties
Brisbane, Nov 3 (IANS) During his address to the Indian community in Brisbane, External Affairs
Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar outlined four key factors behind the deepening India-Australia relationship, stressing the transformation in bilateral ties under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.
"There are four reasons – PM Modi, Australia, the world, and all of you," Jaishankar remarked as he acknowledged the warm reception from the Indian diaspora.
Jaishankar stressed the significance of his visit not only for inaugurating India's fourth consulate in Brisbane but to fulfilling PM Modi's commitment to the Indian community.
"Your presence, effort, and contribution have made this consulate possible. I have come to redeem Prime Minister Modi's promise, made in public, that
he would open a consulate in Brisbane," he said.
Reflecting on the 125,000 Indians residing in Queensland, including 15,000–16,000 students, Jaishankar highlighted the state's economic importance to India, noting that "75 per cent of Australia's exports to India actually come from this state."
This cooperation, he said, should be viewed not merely as an achievement but as a framework for future growth. "There's no doubt that the QUAD ranks right up there, and Australia is a founding partner of that mechanism in terms of our bilateral ties," he added.
The EAM described India's designation of Australia as a "comprehensive strategic partner" as significant in diplomatic terms, underscoring that such a term is reserved for only a few countries. "The more adjectives you add, the weightier it gets," he said.
Jaishankar also praised the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) for the positive impact it has had on trade and emphasised the importance of mobility, migration, and mutual recognition agreements,
specifically mentioning the MATES agreement.
Regarding India's aspirations, the EAM stated, "India will grow, India is growing, but India wants to grow with the world. When we look at the world, we see opportunities. We are optimistic there may be problems, but overall, we think the world has goodwill. The world has a desire to work with India. We see a sentiment overall in the world for India to succeed, and it's important we harness that sentiment."
This sentiment, he explained, aligns with the Government of India's transformative policies, which have spurred progress across sectors over the last decade.
Reflecting on these changes, Jaishankar said, "In the last 10 years, we have made significant progress through efforts that feed into each other, making it easier to do business, improving ease of living, radically improving infrastructure with the Gati Shakti program, establishing digital public infrastructure, and improving governance quality overall."
Australia Today responds after Canada blocks EAM Jaishankar’s press meet
New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) In the wake of the Canadian government's decision to block the social media platforms of Australian news outlet Australia Today, the organisation issued a statement on Friday, reiterating its commitment to delivering critical news and diverse perspectives to the public.
The controversy erupted earlier this week following a press conference between Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
During the conference, EAM Jaishankar made pointed remarks about the ongoing India-Canada standoff, accusing Canada of providing political space to Khalistani extremists.
The comments quickly became a flashpoint, with India reacting sharply to Canada's actions and questioning its commitment to free speech.
The Canadian government responded by blocking Australia Today's social media presence, citing the nature of the broadcast.
In its statement, Australia Today expressed gratitude for the support it had received from around the world, particularly
from those advocating for press freedom.
"Despite the challenges posed by the Canadian government's actions, we remain steadfast in our mission to bring important stories and voices to the public, undeterred by these obstacles," the news outlet said in a post.
The statement went on to acknowledge the impact of the Canadian move on its team and supporters, emphasising the importance of protecting journalistic independence in an era of increasing media censorship.
"The recent actions by the Canadian government have been difficult for our team and for those who value free and open journalism," Australia Today said and added, "However, the overwhelming support we have received is a powerful reminder of the importance of a #freepress."
Managing Editor Jitarth Jai Bharadwaj addressed the incident, praising the solidarity shown by the outlet's global audience.
"Despite these restrictions, your unwavering support has been a beacon of strength for us," Bharadwaj said.
"Whether it was sharing our coverage on other platforms, voicing concerns about press freedom, or simply offering encouragement, every action made a difference," he said.
‘Important to look at US nationally than in terms of their ideology...’ says EAM Jaishankar
Canberra, Nov 6 (IANS) India's External Affairs Minister (EAM)
S. Jaishankar said on Wednesday that it is essential for the world to look at the US more "nationally than just purely in terms of their ideology of the administration" of the day.
Speaking at an event in Canberra as Americans were still casting votes, EAM Jaishankar said the election was unlikely to reverse what he called he called a longterm trend in US policy.
EAM Jaishankar said on Tuesday that India's relationship with the US would only grow in the future.
"Probably starting from (President Barack) Obama the US has become much more cautious about its global commitments," he said, pointing to a US reluctance to deploy troops and its withdrawal from Afghanistan under President Joe Biden. "President Trump may be more articulate and expressive in that regard," he said during a panel discussion with the Foreign Ministers of Australia and New Zealand.
Bharadwaj also expressed deep appreciation for the continued advocacy for press freedom and transparency, stressing that the outlet would not be deterred by external pressures.
"We deeply appreciate the solidarity shown by our community and their commitment to upholding the freedom of information and the right of audiences to access diverse perspectives," he added.
"We will continue to advocate for an open and inclusive media landscape," Bharadwaj concluded, reaffirming Australia Today's commitment to the principles of transparency, accuracy, and journalistic integrity, no matter the obstacles they face.
The incident highlights growing tensions between Canada and India, particularly over the issue of Khalistani separatism, which has been a longstanding point of contention. However, it also underscores broader concerns about freedom of the press, with critics arguing that the Canadian move was an attempt to suppress an important international dialogue.
Recently, Canada and India each expelled their top diplomats due to the fallout from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations that there were possible links of Indian intelligence in the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in Canada.
I think we have to prepare for a world where actually the kind of dominance and generosity which the US had in the early days may not continue."
All three Foreign Ministers said their nations needed to step in to create the global environment they wanted.
"We all have an interest today in creating some kind of collaborative consensual arrangement," EAM Jaishankar added.
"There is more protectionism," said New Zealand's Winston Peters.
"The world we were once trying to build on is changing, and we'll have to react and change with it."
Speaking at a joint press conference on Tuesday with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong at Parliament House in Canberra, EAM Jaishankar also credited former US President Donald Trump with reviving the QUAD alliance in 2017, marking a significant development in IndoPacific cooperation.
"We have seen steady progress in our relationship with the US over the last five presidencies, including a previous Trump presidency," EAM Jaishankar said on Tuesday in response to a question on how India-US ties may evolve after the elections.
But, he added, "it's important to look at the US more nationally than purely in terms of the ideology of the administration of the day."
"If we are truly analysing them,
"So, when we look at the American election, we are confident that, regardless of the outcome, our relationship with the US will continue to grow," he added.
Deeply concerning: EAM on Brampton temple attack; slams Canada for surveillance of diplomats
Canberra, Nov 5 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Tuesday expressed concern over the recent attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada, calling it "deeply concerning" during a press conference with his Australian counterpart Penny Wong at Parliament House, Canberra. "What happened yesterday at the Hindu temple in Canada was obviously deeply concerning. And, you would have seen the statement first by the official spokesperson and also the expression of concern by the Prime Minister yesterday. So, that should, I think, convey to
you how deeply we feel about it," Jaishankar said.
Jaishankar also condemned Canada's surveillance of Indian diplomats, slamming what he described as Canada's "pattern of making allegations without providing specifics."
"When we look at Canada for us, the fact that they're putting our diplomats under surveillance is something which is unacceptable," he remarked.
Referencing the videos of the temple attack, Jaishankar said, "Do look at the video, and I think it would tell you, in a way, the political space today, which is being given to extremist forces there (Canada), that so we believe in freedoms. We also believe freedom should not be misused."
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong echoed Jaishankar's condemnation of the attacks on the Hindu temples, expressing solidarity with the Indian community.
Jaishankar highlights India’s tech growth & global ties in Brisbane address
Brisbane, November 4 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
On November 4, 2024, during his visit to Australia, India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, addressed the Indian community in Brisbane, emphasizing India’s technological advancement, its global partnerships, and the balance between tradition and progress. The address came as part of a broader diplomatic mission to strengthen the ties between Australia and India, during which Dr. Jaishankar visited various cities from November 3 to November 7, 2024.
Dr. Jaishankar highlighted the dynamic transformation taking place in India, driven by technology. He pointed out how technological tools like QR codes for payments have now reached everyday life, even among street vendors, marking a significant change in India's digital landscape. According to him, this widespread adoption of technology is not only embraced by academics, researchers, and businesses but is also a part of the everyday experience of
ordinary Indians. The minister underscored that the possibilities for India's growth, facilitated by this technological embrace, are immense.
In his speech, Dr. Jaishankar also emphasized the importance of nurturing India’s rich heritage while embracing modern advancements. Referring to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, he discussed the need for technology and tradition to go hand in hand. India, he explained, is a civilizational state with a deep cultural history. It is important to preserve and promote this culture, especially in an era of globalization where traditions are at risk of being overshadowed by industrialization. He mentioned initiatives like "One District, One Product," which encourages local production and pride in regional products and skills. Another example he highlighted was the Vishwakarma initiative, designed to support Indian craftspeople, ensuring that traditional crafts continue to thrive despite industrial competition.
India’s External Affairs Minister
also spoke about the growing role of India on the global stage. Dr. Jaishankar expressed optimism about India’s future, stressing that India’s growth will be in tandem with the world’s progress. He mentioned that there is a strong global sentiment supporting India’s rise and that India must harness this goodwill to further its international position. This outlook was particularly evident in India’s foreign policy approach, which seeks to build collaborations in areas such as education, research, and business with countries across the globe.
A key focus of Dr. Jaishankar’s address was the rise of global capability centers in India. He shared that over 1,800 global capability centers have been set up by foreign companies in India, generating more than $150 billion in business, primarily through exports. These centers are a testament to India’s growing role in the global workforce. As technology like AI, electric mobility, and chip manufacturing gain prominence, the need for a global workforce is becoming more evident. India’s skilled workforce, combined
with its growing technological infrastructure, makes the country an attractive partner for international businesses.
Dr. Jaishankar further emphasized that India’s global image is also shaped by the hardworking, family-oriented nature of its people, which makes Indians highly valued in workplaces worldwide. He spoke about the importance of cultivating this image and leveraging diplomacy to enhance India’s position in the global labour market.
On the regional front, Dr. Jaishankar highlighted the collaboration between India and Australia in areas like disaster response. He recalled how Indian assistance was delivered to Papua New Guinea during a recent mudslide, thanks to joint efforts with Australia. This cooperation, he said, underscores the importance of regional safety and working for the global good.
The minister reiterated that these efforts are not mere rhetoric but involve concrete actions on the ground that improve the safety and prosperity of the region.
Dr. Jaishankar wrapped up his address by underscoring the growing relationship between India and Australia. His visit, he stated, was a step toward deepening bilateral ties in areas such as politics, defense, business, and cultural exchanges. The inauguration of a new Consulate General in Brisbane is one such initiative aimed at further strengthening the partnership. The minister expressed confidence that the relationship between India and Australia, particularly in the fields of education and research, would continue to grow and flourish.
Indian External Affairs Minister’s visit and his address to the Indian community in Brisbane highlighted India’s evolving role in the world, the delicate balance between tradition and modernity, and the growing importance of global partnerships in shaping the future. Through such engagements, India seeks not only to bolster its ties with Australia but also to affirm its commitment to global cooperation and progress.
Jaishankar engages with Indian community in Brisbane
The Indian EAM addresses global peace, dual citizenship & bilateral ties
Brisbane, November 4 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
During his recent visit to Australia, India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held a lively interaction with the Indian community in Brisbane. Spanning topics from global diplomacy to individual responsibilities as representatives of Indian heritage abroad, Jaishankar’s session included a series of questions from prominent community members.
In reply to a question asked by Dr Ram Mohan, Editor, Australia India News, “My question is in relation to India's diplomacy around peace. What's going on with the war, and what role is
India playing to promote peace in the region and the world?", Dr. Jaishankar responded by acknowledging the challenges posed by conflicts like those in Ukraine and the Middle East. He shared India’s commitment to proactive diplomacy, driven by the conviction that the 125 countries of the global South, including India, feel the adverse effects of these conflicts. Prime Minister Modi’s personal engagements with leaders from both Russia and Ukraine reflect India’s belief that a serious diplomatic effort is essential to bring about peace. For the Middle East, India’s approach is to prevent escalation, working alongside other nations to
encourage dialogue, especially in bridging communication gaps like those between Iran and Israel. In today’s interconnected world, as the Minister highlighted, conflict anywhere affects everyone, impacting inflation, energy, and food supply chains globally. India’s dedicated role in global diplomacy is rooted in this understanding—working towards a vision of peace that considers the interests of all.
Harshid, a community member, asked what "golden advice" Dr. Jaishankar might give to the Indian diaspora growing in Australian society. Jaishankar highlighted the value of Indians abroad embodying qualities that build mutual respect, stating, "The more you contribute to the society and earn respect, the stronger the bridge you create between India and Australia." He pointed out that in today’s globalized world, the achievements of individuals serve as a "face" of India to others, ultimately influencing perceptions of the entire country.
Several audience members posed questions about adapting to
societal change and overcoming resistance to transformation.
Dr. Jaishankar shared insights from his experience in public service reform in India, noting that digitalization, transparency, and a spirit of accountability were crucial to making public services accessible and efficient.
Reflecting on the passport services overhaul in India, he acknowledged that transformative change often meets resistance but stressed that persistent efforts are essential.
Dr. Jaishankar also addressed the longstanding interest in dual citizenship among Indian Australians. When Dr. Kiran Mahale, a scientist, asked about potential progress on this issue, Dr. Jaishankar responded thoughtfully, recognizing the growing global Indian diaspora and acknowledging the complexity surrounding dual citizenship. He noted that the government provides Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status, introduced during Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure, as a bridge, granting certain rights without full political or property entitlements.
The exchange concluded with questions on India’s evolving position within the Quad and its regional security strategy. Rekha Swamy, a geopolitical enthusiast, asked about shifting global power dynamics between the East and West. Dr. Jaishankar conveyed optimism about India's emerging role on the world stage and the importance of partnerships like the Quad in ensuring regional stability. He reaffirmed India's commitment to engaging constructively with countries like Australia, highlighting shared interests and values.
Dr. Jaishankar's visit to Australia, including events like these interactions, reflects India’s focus on strengthening ties with its diaspora and solidifying its partnership with Australia amid growing global interconnectedness. His responses underscored the importance of cultural diplomacy and individual contributions in representing India positively across the globe.
Jaishankar concludes key Australia visit, deepens strategic ties
The Indian EAM addresses global peace, dual citizenship & bilateral ties
Brisbane, November 7 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar concluded a significant five-day visit to Australia, highlighting India's commitment
to bolstering its partnership with Australia. The visit, his fifth in three years and second in 2024, underscored the growing importance of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which continues to evolve across a range of sectors from security to economic ties.
During his visit from November 3-7, EAM Jaishankar met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, where the two leaders discussed pressing bilateral, regional, and global issues. His engagements extended to Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, Leader of Opposition Peter Dutton, and members of the Parliamentary Friends of India in Canberra. These high-level dialogues
reflect a shared vision for deeper collaboration in addressing regional security and other mutual interests.
A cornerstone of the visit was the 15th Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue (FMFD) in Canberra, co-chaired by EAM Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Penny Wong. The dialogue covered a wide array of areas, including political strategy, defence, trade, investment, education, and mobility, as well as broader international challenges. This annual platform serves as a vital opportunity to align on priorities and solidify cooperation.
In a noteworthy development, EAM Jaishankar inaugurated the Consulate General of India in Brisbane, fulfilling a commitment
made by India’s Prime Minister Modi during his Sydney visit in May. The new consulate, opened with Governor Jeanette Young, will facilitate services for the Indian community and further enhance diplomatic outreach in Australia.
On November 5, Jaishankar addressed the inaugural session of the 2nd Raisina Down Under conference in Canberra, organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI). This conference brought together key leaders to discuss Indo-Pacific stability, economic strategies, and geopolitical dynamics. In a trilateral session, EAM Jaishankar joined Foreign Minister Penny Wong and New Zealand Deputy
Prime Minister Winston Peters, fostering dialogue on regional security and cooperation.
In a separate meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Peters of New Zealand, Jaishankar discussed strengthening ties in education, technology, agriculture, dairy, and people-to-people connections— emphasizing the significance of regional cooperation for sustainable growth.
The visit reinforced India’s commitment to enhancing its strategic ties with Australia and maintaining regular, high-level engagement. As both nations face evolving challenges in the Indo-Pacific, this visit set a path forward for robust and resilient collaboration across multiple sectors.
Sailing vessel INSV Tarini arrives at Fremantle in Australia
New Delhi, Nov 10 (IANS)
Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Tarini, which is undertaking a global circumnavigation expedition christened Navika Sagar Parikrama II, arrived at its first port of call in Fremantle, Australia.
INSV Tarini arrived in Fremantle on Saturday after a challenging 39-day voyage at sea.
The historic expedition was flagged off from Goa by Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) on October 2.
The vessel has covered a distance of 4900 nm (nautical mile) from Goa, crossing the Equator on October 16 and the Tropic of Capricorn on October 27. During this 38-day non-stop voyage, the
Indian Navy duo of Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A encountered a range of weather conditions from calm to severe, facing winds up to 40 knots and a sea state of 6. Throughout the journey, the crew remained in good health and in high spirits, demonstrating resilience in the face of extreme conditions.
The progress of the expedition has been closely followed by the Navy Chief, receiving daily updates. On the eve of Diwali, while the vessel was at sea, the CNS interacted with the crew and found them fully motivated and dedicated to their mission.
The arrival of INSV Tarini in Fremantle was honoured with a warm welcome by dignitaries, including the Consul General of India at Perth, the Defence Advisor from Canberra, the Secretary of the Indian Navy Sailing Association (INSA), representatives from the Royal Australian Navy, along with members of the media and Indian Naval veterans residing in Australia. The celebration was
further enriched by the sound of classical music, which the Tamil Association of Western Australia performed using the Parai Drum and Kombu Tharai drum, offering a rich cultural touch to the reception.
Navika Sagar Parikrama II is an ambitious circumnavigation voyage that includes stops at four major ports worldwide. The twowomen crew expedition continues the Navy’s legacy of INSV Tarini’s first circumnavigation, promoting gender equality, sustainability, and global maritime cooperation. The expedition also underscores India’s commitment to fostering stronger relationships with international maritime communities and serves as an ambassador of India’s rich maritime heritage.
As INSV Tarini prepares for its next leg, this milestone underscores the strength, skill, and resilience of the Indian Navy’s women sailors and reaffirms India’s dedication to sustainable and inclusive global engagement.
Three hospitalised following Sydney house fire caused by e-scooter
Sydney, Nov 12 (IANS) Three people have been hospitalised after a house fire in Sydney, the capital city of Australia's state of New South Wales (NSW), that authorities believed was sparked by a battery of a charging e-scooter on Tuesday.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) said in a statement on Tuesday morning that firefighters were called to the home in Woronora, a suburb approximately 20 km south of central Sydney, just before 3 a.m. local time on Tuesday, reports Xinhua news agency.
On arrival, firefighters found the garage of the home fully engulfed by fire, with flames starting to threaten the main residence, said FRNSW.
Five people self-evacuated from
Australian govt appoints first anti-slavery commissioner
Canberra, Nov 11 (IANS) The Australian government has appointed the country's first antislavery commissioner.
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus on Monday announced that Chris Evans, a former senator and human rights official, will serve as the inaugural Australian anti-slavery commissioner on a five-year term commencing in December, Xinhua news agency reported.
Dreyfus said that the new commissioner role would strengthen the work undertaken across government, business and
society in Australia to prevent and respond to modern slavery. "Modern slavery deprives victims of their dignity, fundamental rights and freedoms," he said in a statement.
"It encompasses a range of exploitative practices including human trafficking and slaverylike practices such as forced marriage, forced labor, deceptive recruiting and debt bondage."
Walk Free's 2023 Global Slavery Index estimated that there are 41,000 people living in modern slavery in Australia in 2021.
A report released by the antislavery commissioner of the state of New South Wales in September estimated that there were 16,400 people in modern slavery in the state, prompting the state government to launch an inquiry into the modern slavery risks for temporary migrant workers.
Australian govt to compel social media companies to proactively keep users safe
the fire, however, three were transported to hospital for smoke inhalation, with one also suffering serious burns.
After initial inspections, FRNSW investigators believed that the battery of a charging e-scooter failed, causing it to go into "thermal runaway," sparking the blaze.
FRNSW said it has responded to 81 micromobility accidents this year, which is an average rate of two per week.
Carpet fibres used by Australian researchers to make stronger concrete
Sydney, Nov 12 (IANS) Australian researchers have found a way to make stronger and crackresistant concrete using scrap carpet fibres in a breakthrough for sustainable construction.
The team of engineers and textile researchers from RMIT University in Melbourne discovered that incorporating carpet fibres and other discarded textiles, including clothing fabrics, into concrete can reduce cracking from shrinkage. Shrinkage occurs in concrete as a result of chemical reactions
that take place during hydration. When the concrete begins to dry and cool, moisture evaporates and its volume is reduced.
If not properly managed, shrinkage can cause cracking and wide joint openings.
The team found that their new method reduces early-stage concrete shrinkage cracking by up to 30 per cent and increases concrete's strength by up to 40 per cent, Xinhua news agency reported.
Lead researcher Chamila Gunasekara from the RMIT School of Engineering said the method could boost sustainability in the construction sector while also offering a recycling solution for textile waste.
"Cracking in early-age concrete
slabs is a long-standing challenge in construction projects that can cause premature corrosion, not only making a building look bad but also risking its structural integrity and safety," he said in a media release on Tuesday.
According to the researchers, approximately eight billion Australian dollars (5.2 billion US dollars) is spent every year repairing cracks in reinforced concrete structures in Australia.
The samples of concrete using textile materials were shown to meet Australian standards for engineering performance and environmental requirements.
The team was now working with industry and local government partners on field trials of the concrete.
Canberra, Nov 14 (IANS) The Australian government has announced a new plan to force social media companies to take proactive steps to ensure the well-being of their users.
Michelle Rowland, the Minister for Communications, on Wednesday night, committed to legislate Digital Duty of Care regulations for technology companies, Xinhua news agency reported.
Under the proposed plan, social media companies would be obligated to continually monitor their platforms for risks to users and take preventative action to prevent foreseeable harm.
"What's required is a shift away from reacting to harms by relying on content regulation alone, and
moving towards systems-based prevention," Rowland said in a speech.
"This, as part of a growing global effort, will deliver a more systemic and preventive approach to making online services safer and healthier."
She said that regulators will be able to impose strong penalties in cases where platforms seriously and systematically breach their duty of care to Australian users.
The duty of care law was recommended by an independent review of the existing Online Safety Act. The findings of the review were handed to the government in October but have not yet been made public.
The Digital Duty of Care will be introduced in addition to the government's world-first move to ban children younger than 16 from using social media.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday pledged that legislation for the under-16 ban will be introduced to Parliament in November.
nvestigation launched into shooting of replica gun near Sydney’s Parliament House
Sydney, Nov 14 (IANS) A police investigation is underway after a man allegedly fired a replica firearm near the state parliament building in Sydney, Australia. Police in the state of New South Wales (NSW) said that a man was reportedly seen firing a replica firearm into the ground in central Sydney near Parliament House
shortly after 1 p.m. local time on Thursday, reports Xinhua news agency.
In a statement, NSW Police said that initial inquiries suggested the weapon could be a gel blaster - a type of life-like gun toy that shoots gel pellets. Gel blasters are currently illegal in NSW.
Trump triumphs over odds to win White House in historic comeback
New York, Nov 6 (IANS) Donald John Trump made a phenomenal comeback on Wednesday beating back a conviction, three indictments, two assassination attempts, two impeachments, and continuous assault by most of the mainstream media to reclaim the White House.
"We made history", declared Trump who will become the 47th president of the United States. He won 277 electoral college seats – a clear majority in the 538-member body – and 51 per cent of the popular votes counted as of 5:30 am (4 pm in India), setting him on a clear path to the presidency that he lost in 2020.
"This is a magnificent victory for the American people that will allow us to make America great again," he said at his victory celebration in Florida as his supporters shouted, "USA, USA". At 78, he will be the oldest president to set foot in the White House.
He is also the second president to be elected after being defeated; the last one was Grover Cleveland who won his second term in 1893. Trump's victory was powered by economic issues, the popular disquiet over the inflation that has sent prices of food soaring by
about 25 per cent now compared to when he was defeated in 2020.
The Republicans recaptured the Senate, assured of at least 51 seats in the 100-member body.
The control of the House of Representatives hung in the balance, even though Republicans had the edge with 200 seats to Democrats' 175.
Although it will take days or weeks for states to announce the official results as they will have to complete formalities and the counting, by tradition the media declared him the winner based on the analysis of the counting data pouring.
The election was a shocking disappointment for Kamala Harris who stepped in to carry the Democratic Party torch three months ago after President Joe Biden dropped out as questions arose over his mental and physical capabilities.
Since the August Democratic National Convention which nominated her unopposed, Harris scrambled to forge a distinct identity but was drowned by weaknesses of the Biden administration which projected her as a partner.
When Harris leaves office in January, there would still be a person of Indian origin in 1 Observatory Circle, the US Vice President’s official residence –Usha Vance, the wife of JD Vance, Trump’s running mate.
The declaration of Trump’s victory came swiftly confounding the pollsters and the analysts who
predicted a tight race that would have taken a lot longer – days or weeks – to resolve.
The result was a repudiation of the Democrat’s identity politics that stereotypes people and puts them into monolithic groups.
Erosion of support among Latinos contributed to Harris’s defeat as they appeared to not buy into her arguments that Trump’s opposition to illegal migration translated to racism against Latino citizens.
Another group that exit polls showed contributed to the Democrat’s defeat was young voters, especially men.
Trump also made headway among African Americans.
Harris made abortion rights a central point of her campaign hoping to win women’s support. But it appears that many women still voted for Trump, even in some of the states where abortion rights referendums carried.
It was also a rejection of celebrities like Taylor Swift or Beyonce, and the mainstream media who went all in for Harris and ceaselessly attacked Trump. The liberal elite who seem to set the Democrats' agenda had advocated policies like defunding police, open borders and having men who are transgenders use girls’ bathrooms and participate in women’s sports.
Harris, who had once subscribed to these ideas, tried to distance herself from the past political persona.
Hollywood witnesses collective meltdown after Kamala Harris’ defeat against Trump
Los Angeles, Nov 7 (IANS) The victory of former US President Donald Trump, and his return to the US President office following the US Presidential Elections of 2024, has ruffled many feathers in Hollywood.
Several Hollywood celebrities who rallied behind Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris, reacted strongly to Trump’s win.
Singer-songwriter Billie Eilish took to the Stories section of Instagram, and wrote, “It’s a war on women”.
Rapper Cardi B posted a video of herself watching the results of the 2024 Elections. She said in
the video, “I hate y'all bad". She also conducted an Instagram Live, trashed Trump supporters, saying, "I swear to God, I'm gonna f*** you up, get away from me”. She also read aloud a comment from a fan that said, "Cardi we need you at the Trump inauguration”. To this, the rapper responded, "I swear to god I'm gonna f*** you up, get away from me. I'm sick of you! Burn you're f***ing hats m***********. I'm really sad. I swear to god I'm really sad”.
Actress Jessica Alba also shared several quote on her Instagram carousel post. She quoted Kamala Harris in the caption as she wrote, "There is an adage: Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars. I know many people feel like we are entering a dark time. For the benefit of us all, I hope that is not the case. But, America, if it is: Let us fill the sky with the light of a billion brilliant stars. May the light of optimism, faith, truth, and service guide us-even in the face of setbackstoward the extraordinary promise of the United States of America".
Putin says ready to speak with ‘courageous’ Trump
Moscow, Nov 8 (IANS) Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Donald Trump on winning the US election, saying that he was ready to speak with the "courageous" incoming US President.
In his first public comment on the outcome of the US polls, the Russian leader on Thursday emphasised the need to restore US-Russia relations and work toward ending the war in Ukraine. Putin made the remarks during a policy forum in Sochi, Russia.
Answering questions at the end of a lengthy speech, Putin said he wanted to "take this opportunity to congratulate (Trump) on his election as President of the United States".
When asked if he was ready for discussions with Trump, Putin responded: "We are ready."
Putin said he "didn’t know" what would come of Trump's promise to negotiate a quick end to the war in Ukraine, but he suggested the US President-elect's proposals are worth studying.
The Kremlin leader also said he was impressed by how Trump handled himself during an
assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania earlier this year. "He turned out to be a courageous person," Putin said.
"People show who they are in extraordinary circumstances. This is where a person reveals himself. And he showed himself, in my opinion, in a very correct manner, courageously. Like a man," he added.
In his first public comment on the outcome of the US polls, the Russian leader on Thursday emphasised the need to restore US-Russia relations and work toward ending the war in Ukraine.
After being pulled to the ground by US Secret Service agents when a gunman opened fire as he was speaking at an outdoor rally, Trump stood up and, pumping his fist in the air, yelled, "Fight! Fight! Fight!" It became a rallying cry at his rallies in his successful campaign to return to the presidency.
Trump has criticised the scale of US aid to Ukraine -- which has surpassed $100 billion since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 -- feeding fears in Kyiv and the European Union that Trump intends to impose peace largely on Moscow's terms.
Putin also cautioned that political forces in Washington had blocked Trump from his pledges to improve relations with Moscow during his previous term.
Musk a ‘super genius’, says Trump as tech billionaire lauds ‘mandate for change’
Author Stephen King took to his X, formerly Twitter, and expressed concern for democracy in his X reaction. He posted, "There's a sign you can see in many shops that sell beautiful but fragile items: LOVELY TO LOOK AT, DELIGHTFUL TO HOLD, BUT ONCE YOU BREAK IT, THEN IT'S SOLD. You can say the same about democracy”.
Singer-songwriter Ariana Grande, who is set to star in the film adaptation of ‘Wicked’ later this month, wrote, “Holding the hand of every person who is feeling the immeasurable heaviness of this outcome today”. Actress Viola Davis posted a photo of Harris and thanked her for "loving America's promise," adding, "I am and will forever be proud”.
A huge chunk of Hollywood campaigned for Kamala Harris including superstars like Robert Downey Jr. and Taylor Swift. While the Democrats managed to hold the forts in California, where Hollywood is based, and New York, Republicans swept the 2024 Presidential elections in several parts of the US.
Washington, Nov 6 (IANS)
Republican candidate Donald Trump, who is set to return to the White House, on Wednesday hailed Elon Musk, saying America has a "new star" in him, highlighting the tech billionaire's significant achievements.
Addressing a crowd of supporters at the West Palm Beach convention centre in Florida, the former US President called the X owner a "super genius".
Trump said Musk’s Starlink satellite service helped save "a lot of lives" during Hurricane Helene, which devastated the southeastern US last month.
"I said to Elon they need it really, really badly in North Carolina. Can you get it? He had that there so fast; it was incredible. It saved a lot of lives. They saved a lot of lives," Trump told his supporters.
Calling Musk a “special guy,” Trump said: "We have to protect our geniuses, we don’t have that
many of them."
"We have a new star... a star is born - Elon!" Trump added.
Musk has been a stalwart supporter of Trump during the entire presidential campaign. Musk on Wednesday congratulated Trump as he edged closer to victory after winning some key swing states.
"The people of America gave @ realDonaldTrump a crystal-clear mandate for change tonight," posted the tech billionaire amid a record usage of his platform.
"Sure it was a lot of pressure, but it pales by comparison with President @realDonaldTrump, who they tried to kill twice, bankrupt and imprison for eternity," the X owner further said. "America is a nation of builders. Soon, you will be free to build. The future is going to be fantastic," added the world’s richest man. Musk, the owner of Tesla, SpaceX and X, aggressively campaigned for the Republican candidate in swing states across the country. The tech billionaire donated more than $119 million to America PAC - a political action committee he created to support the former President.
World leaders congratulate Donald Trump on ‘historic’ presidential victory
Washington, Nov 6 (IANS) Several world leaders from around the world, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have congratulated Donald Trump following his victory in the US presidential election, lauding the US leader's "historic" achievement. Besides PM Modi, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were also among the first to congratulate Trump. Starmer's office issued a statement expressing optimism for future collaboration, saying, "Congratulations President-elect Donald Trump on your historic election victory. I look forward to working with you in the years ahead."
He underscored the "UK-US special relationship," emphasising shared values of "freedom, democracy and enterprise."
Netanyahu took to X to celebrate Trump's comeback, posting, "Dear Donald and Melania Trump, Congratulations on history's greatest comeback! Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. This is a huge victory!"
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Donald Trump on his victory in the US presidential elections, asserting that he is looking forward to renewing collaboration with the 78-year-old leader to
further strengthen the IndiaUS Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership.
"Heartiest congratulations my friend, Donald Trump on your historic election victory. As you build on the successes of your previous term, I look forward to renewing our collaboration to further strengthen the IndiaUS Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership. Together, let's work for the betterment of our people and to promote global peace, stability and prosperity,"
PM Modi posted on X after Trump's triumph in the US election.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also extended his congratulations to Donald Trump on his "impressive" victory and expressed hope that his presidency would bring "peace in Ukraine closer" amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
"I appreciate President Trump's commitment to the 'peace through strength' approach in global affairs. This is exactly the principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer," Zelensky posted on X.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed readiness for renewed cooperation, posting, "Congratulations, President Donald Trump. Ready to work together as we did for four years. With your convictions and mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity."
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also extended her warm wishes, posting, "On behalf of myself and the Italian Government, my most sincere congratulations to the Presidentelect of the United States, Donald
Trump. Italy and the United States are 'sister' nations, linked by an unshakable alliance, common values, and a historic friendship. It is a strategic bond, which I am sure we will now strengthen even further. Good work Mr President."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also congratulated Trump, highlighting the strong EU-US bond.
"The EU and the US are more than just allies. We are bound by a true partnership between our people, uniting 800 million citizens. So let's work together on a strong transatlantic agenda that keeps delivering for them," she posted.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, "Congratulations to President Donald Trump on his election victory. Australians and Americans are great friends and true allies. Working together, we can ensure the partnership between our nations and peoples remains strong into the future."
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also extended his congratulations, stressing the alliance's strength.
"His leadership will again be key to keeping our alliance strong. I look forward to working with him again to advance peace through strength through NATO," Rutte posted. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz posted, "I congratulate Donald Trump on his election as US President. For a long time, Germany and the US have been working together successfully promoting prosperity and freedom on both sides of the Atlantic. We will continue to do so for the wellbeing of our citizens."
From Pichai to Bezos, tech leaders look forward to working with Trump
New Delhi, Nov 6 (IANS) Top tech industry leaders on Wednesday congratulated President-elect Donald Trump on his resounding victory in the US election.
Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai said on X social media platform that “we are in a golden age of American innovation and are committed to working with his administration to help bring the benefits to everyone”.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos posted on X: “Big congratulations to our 45th and now 47th President on an
extraordinary political comeback and decisive victory. No nation has bigger opportunities. Wishing @realDonaldTrump all success in leading and uniting the America we all love.”
Current Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said that “we look forward to working with you and your administration on issues important to our customers, employees, communities, and country.”
According to Chuck Robbins, Chairman and CEO of networking giant Cisco, they look forward to working with the incoming Trump Administration and Congress “as well as the governors, state lawmakers, and local officials across the US to advance policies that bolster connectivity, innovation, cybersecurity, and more”.
Trump made a phenomenal comeback on Wednesday
Trump temple in Telangana village back into focus
Hyderabad, Nov 7 (IANS) As Donald Trump was set to become President of the US for the second time, a temple built by a man in a Telangana village in 2019 came into focus once again, with villagers celebrating the leader's victory by garlanding his statue.
Relatives of Bussa Krishna, who had installed the statue at his house in Konne village in Jangaon district and was regularly worshipping him, and some other villagers cleaned the statue and garlanded it.
Krishna died of cardiac arrest in October 2020 at the age of 33.
He had turned his puja room into a temple for Donald Trump in 2018.
Like an ardent devotee, he had installed the photograph of Trump, then US President, in his room and worshipped it daily.
In 2019, he built a six-foot statue of Trump in front of his house
and conducted regular pujas and bathed it with milk. He claimed to have spent Rs 2 lakh on installing the statue.
Krishna, who had earned the nickname Trump Krishna in his village, also pasted posters and stickers of Trump all over his house and had written graffiti praising Trump on the walls. When Trump was tested positive for Covid-19, Krishna had released a one-minute video in which he was seen crying and praying for his speedy recovery. He had also prayed for his reelection in 2020.
Krishna, who was taking care of agriculture in his two-acre land in the village, had stated that he started worshipping Trump after he saw him in his dream and predicted India’s victory against Pakistan in the 2019 Cricket World Cup match. After India won the match, Krishna's faith strengthened in Trump.
On another occasion, he cited the killing of a techie from Telangana in the US which prompted him to build a temple for Trump.
Srinivas Kuchibhotla was killed by a US Navy veteran in an alleged act of hate crime in 2017.
Krishna believed that he could make the US president and his people understand the greatness of Indians by displaying love and affection towards them and hence started worshipping Trump.
Telugu-origin Usha Chilukuri set to become ‘Second Lady’ of US
Usha
beating back a conviction, three indictments, two assassination attempts, two impeachments, and continuous assault by most of the mainstream media to reclaim the White House.
"We made history", declared Trump who will become the 47th president of the United States. He won 277 electoral college seats – a clear majority in the 538-member body – and 51 per cent of the popular votes, setting him on a clear path to the presidency that he lost in 2020. At 78, he will be the oldest president to set foot in the White House. He is also the second president to be elected after being defeated; the last one was Grover Cleveland who won his second term in 1893.
The Republicans recaptured the Senate, assured of at least 51 seats in the 100-member body.
Chilukuri Vance, wife of Donald Trump's running mate J.D. Vance, is set to become the first Indianorigin 'Second Lady' of the United States.
The 38-year-old Indian-American lawyer has her roots in Andhra Pradesh and the news of her elevation has already sparked celebrations in Vadluru village in West Godavari district from where her family hails. People in the village burst firecrackers and distributed sweets after the victory of the Republican ticket of Trump and Vance in the US Presidential elections.
Earlier, some villagers offered prayers for the victory of Trump and Vance, saying this would further strengthen the India-US relations.
Andhra Pradesh Minister for Information Technology and Electronics Nara Lokesh said that this is a very special moment for
the people of Andhra Pradesh, especially West Godavari district.
"The Second Lady designate, Usha Vance has roots in AP. We’re proud as people of AP Origin continue to make their mark in various spheres across the world,” said Minister Lokesh, who is the son of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.
Vance, the 40-year-old Ohio Senator and the running mate of President-elect Trump, is set to become the Vice President. He married the Yale-graduated lawyer in 2014. The couple has three children – Ewan, 6, Vivek, 4, and Mirabel, 2. Usha’s parents Radhakrishna Chilukuri and Lakshmi Chilukuri had migrated to the US in 1980. Usha, one of the three children of Radhakrishna and Lakshmi, was born and brought up in San Diego (California).
A marine molecular biologist and biochemist, Professor Lakshmi Chilukuri is Provost of the Sixth College at the University of California, San Diego University. Radhakrishna Chilukuri, also known as Dr Krish Chilukuri, is a lecturer, Academic Affairs, College of Engineering, Department of Aerospace Engineering at the San Diego State University.
Amaravati, Nov 6 (IANS)
Putin approves comprehensive strategic partnership treaty with North Korea
Moscow, Nov 10 (IANS) Russian
President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)
This development happened on Saturday, as per Xinhua news agency.
The treaty, originally signed by the top leaders of the two countries in Pyongyang on June 19, was ratified by the State Duma, or the lower house of parliament, on October 24. Russia's upper house of parliament, the Federation Council, approved the bill on November 6.
The preamble to the treaty said that the document aligns with the core interests of the two peoples, aiming to ensure regional and global peace, security and stability.
Under the terms of the agreement, Russia and the DPRK are committed to developing a
sustained partnership based on mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, noninterference in internal affairs, equality, and other principles of international law that support friendly relations and cooperation among nations.
The treaty also includes provisions for immediate military and other forms of assistance if either nation faces an armed attack, as stipulated by Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
The treaty will come into effect upon the exchange of ratification instruments.
South Korean President calls for proactive efforts to ease income, education inequality
Seoul, Nov 11 (IANS) South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Monday called for efforts to address widening inequality in income and education in the latter half of his term, his office said.
Yoon emphasised the need to reduce social polarisation during a meeting with senior aides as he entered the second half of his five-year presidency, Yonhap news agency reported quoting presidential spokesperson Jeong Hye-jeon.
"(The government) should make proactive efforts to tackle polarisation, including inequality in income and education, in the remaining half of my term," Yoon was quoted as saying.
Earlier on Sunday Yoon called for
the launch of finance, trade and industry consultative bodies to brace for the potential impacts of former US President Donald Trump's return to the presidency.
He emphasised the new US administration's shift in policies could bring significant changes to the global economy and security landscape.
"Consequently, this will directly affect our economy and security, so thorough preparations are essential," he added.
Inability to provide minimum security: India cancels consular camps in Toronto
Toronto, Nov 7 (IANS) The Consulate General of India in Toronto has cancelled several consular camps, initially planned to issue life certificates to Indian pensioners, due to security agencies' inability to provide minimum protection amid recent violence by Khalistani extremists.
"In view of the security agencies conveying their inability to provide minimum security protection to the community camp organisers, the Consulate has decided to cancel some of the scheduled consular camps," read a statement from the Consulate General on X.
This decision follows clashes between protesters bearing Khalistani flags and people at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton.
The clashes disrupted a consular event co-organised by the temple authorities and the Indian Consulate, marking yet another
violent episode against Hindu establishments.
On November 4, India voiced its ongoing concern about the safety of its nationals in Canada, following these incidents.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal condemned the violence at the Hindu Sabha Temple, calling on the Canadian government to protect places of worship from attacks and to prosecute those responsible.
“We remain deeply concerned about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada. The outreach of our Consular officers to provide services to Indians and Canadian citizens alike will not be deterred by intimidation, harassment, and violence," Jaiswal stressed.
Similarly, the High Commission of India in Ottawa expressed disappointment over anti-India disruptions at another consular
24 killed in Israeli airstrikes on southern, eastern Lebanon
Beirut, Nov 10 (IANS) At least 24 people were killed and several others injured on Sunday afternoon in Israeli airstrikes on southern and eastern Lebanon, Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported.
According to NNA, most of the casualties resulted from Israeli attacks on towns and villages in the city of Baalbek, the BaalbekHermel Governorate, and the Bekaa Valley, Xinhua news agency reported.
The agency reported that the death toll from the Israeli airstrike earlier in the day, which targeted the town of Almat in the Jbeil District north of Beirut,
has risen to 23, with search efforts still ongoing for additional victims.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah said its fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli forces near Hassan Gate near the occupied town of Shebaa and another gathering of Israeli soldiers at HaGoshrim, a kibbutz in Israel.
It also targeted the Shraga base north of the city of Acre with a barrage of rockets and a moshav in northern Israel.
The Israeli army has been conducting intensive air attacks on Lebanon in an escalation with Hezbollah since late September. According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, the death toll in the country from Israeli airstrikes since the onset of the IsraelHezbollah conflict in October 2023 has reached 3,189, with injuries rising to 14,078.
Egypt recovers 67 artifacts from Germany
camp in Brampton.
"It is deeply disappointing to see such disruptions allowed for routine consular work," the statement noted, highlighting that despite the disruptions, over 1,000 life certificates were successfully issued to applicants. Anti-India disruptions were also attempted at consular camps in Vancouver and Surrey on November 2 and 3.
Cairo, Nov 10 (IANS) Egypt has successfully recovered 67 ancient artefacts from Germany, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The recovered items, which belong to different ancient eras, include a mummy's foot and leg, two masks, and two murals that were removed from a tomb
in the village of Saqqara in Giza governorate near the capital Cairo, reports Xinhua news agency.
Also, bronze statues of Osiris, the god of the dead and lord of the afterlife, and a group of small statues that were kept in the tomb to perform the deceased's work on his behalf in the afterlife, according to ancient Egyptian belief, were among the retrieved pieces.
This is a significant move to reclaim the Egyptian cultural heritage as part of the Egyptian government's ongoing efforts to retrieve stolen or illegally smuggled artefacts, the statement said on Saturday.
It added that the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities recovered the artefacts in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
US: 1 killed, 16 injured in Alabama campus shooting
Houston, Nov 11 (IANS) At least one person was killed and 16 others, including students, injured in a shooting on the campus of Tuskegee University in the southern US state of Alabama, authorities said.
According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's State Bureau of Investigation, an 18-year-old died at the scene, while twelve of the injured sustained gunshot wounds,
Xinhua news agency reported.
According to a statement from the university, the fatal victim was not a student at the university.
"Several others including Tuskegee University students were injured and are receiving treatment at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika and Baptist South Hospital in Montgomery."
Tuskegee celebrated its 100th homecoming on Saturday when a football game between Tuskegee and Alabama's Miles College, were winding down, officials said.
According to an ABC News report, authorities suspect multiple shooters were involved. "There's
going to be two shooters at this time, maybe more," one officer said in a radio call, according to transmissions provided by Broadcastify. However, as of Sunday afternoon, no arrests had been made, according to a statement by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
Tuskegee University President and CEO Mark Brown addressed the incident during the university's Homecoming Convocation on Sunday.
"I now ask that you would join me in a brief moment of silence as we reflect on the lost soul and the parents, family members and friends that grieve," he said, expressing concerns for the safety of students and faculty.
Donald Trump calls on Putin to de-escalate Ukraine conflict
New York, Nov 11 (IANS) US
President-elect Donald Trump urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to avoid any escalation in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine in a recent phone call.
The call, made from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, comes just days after his decisive electoral victory over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.
During the conversation, Trump expressed an interest in fostering further discussions with Moscow to de-escalate tensions and resolve the two-and-a-half-year-
long war.
According to sources cited by
The Washington Post, Trump highlighted the significance of the substantial US military presence in Europe, suggesting that he intends to bring American influence to bear on the resolution of the Ukraine conflict.
Trump, who made ending the war a key campaign promise, emphasised the urgent need for peace but has yet to reveal specific strategies or proposals.
In an earlier call on Wednesday, Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with tech billionaire Elon Musk also reportedly participating in the conversation. Zelensky described the discussion as “excellent,” noting that he felt encouraged by Trump’s interest in maintaining a constructive
dialogue.
The Ukrainian President has expressed optimism about collaborating with the incoming administration to secure peace and stability in the region.
The conflict, which erupted in 2022 and has since shaped global geopolitics, shows few signs of resolution. Recent developments suggest both Russia and Ukraine are positioning themselves to gain leverage in potential future negotiations, with Ukrainian forces making strategic gains and Russian troops advancing in some areas. These shifts underscore the pressing need for diplomatic intervention.
This weekend Russia fired 145 drones at Ukraine overnight, Zelensky said, while Russia said it had downed 34 Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow on Sunday.
Honoured by the world: PM Modi’s record number of highest civilian awards
New Delhi, Nov 14 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a leader to have received a record number of civilian honours -- amounting to 14 -- from numerous countries, highlighting his leadership and India's growing stature on the global stage. These awards signify strengthened diplomatic relationships and reflect India’s expanding influence and engagement worldwide.
In April 2016, during his visit to Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Saudi Arabia's highest civilian honour, the King Abdulaziz Sash. The prestigious award was presented by King Salman bin Abdulaziz.
Later in 2016, PM Modi was awarded Afghanistan’s highest civilian honour, the State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan.
In 2018, during a historic visit to Palestine, Prime Minister Modi was honoured with the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine Award, Palestine’s highest recognition for foreign dignitaries.
In 2019, the Prime Minister received the UAE's highest civilian honour, the Order of Zayed Award, as a testament to the close India-UAE relations.
Russia also conferred Prime Minister Modi with its highest civilian honour, the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, in
2019, recognising his efforts to strengthen India-Russia ties. PM Modi received the award during his visit to Moscow in July 2024.
In 2019, the Maldives presented PM Modi with the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin, the country’s highest honour for foreign dignitaries.
In the same year, PM Modi was also honoured with Bahrain's King Hamad Order of the Renaissance, highlighting the growing IndiaBahrain relationship.
The United States conferred PM Modi with the Legion of Merit in 2020, an honour awarded by the US Armed Forces for exceptional service and achievements.
Bhutan recognised PM Modi with its highest civilian decoration, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, in December 2021. The award was presented during his visit to Bhutan in March 2024.
In 2023, during his visit to Papua New Guinea, PM Modi was awarded the Ebakl Award by President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. of the Republic of Palau.
Fiji honoured PM Modi with the Companion of the Order of Fiji, the highest honour in the country, recognising his global leadership.
The award was presented by PM Sitiveni Rabuka of Fiji. Additionally, the Governor General of Papua New Guinea, Sir Bob Dadae, conferred PM Modi with the Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu, Papua New Guinea's highest honour.
In June 2023, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi conferred the 'Order of Nile' on Prime Minister Modi, Egypt’s highest state honour.
On July 13, 2023, France awarded PM Modi the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, France's highest award, in a ceremony led
Iranian military commander vows ‘crushing’ response to Israeli attack
Tehran, Nov 15 (IANS) A top Iranian military commander has vowed that Iran would definitely deliver a "crushing" response to Israel for its recent attack on Iranian territory, according to state media.
Chief Commander of the Iranian Army, Abdolrahim Mousavi, made the remarks during a meeting with the family of a member of Iran's Air Force who was killed in the Israeli strike on military sites in Iran late last month, the official news agency IRNA report said on Thursday.
"We determine the timing and method of the response and when necessary, we will make no hesitation. Our response will definitely be crushing," he was
by President Emmanuel Macron.
On August 25, 2023, Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou honoured PM Modi with the Grand Cross of the Order of Honour, the secondhighest civilian honour of Greece. Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Africa in November 2024, Dominica has announced it will bestow upon him its highest national award, the Dominica Award of Honour.
In addition to these highest civilian honours, PM Modi has received several prestigious awards from renowned global organisations.
In 2018, he was awarded the Seoul Peace Prize by the Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation, in recognition of his contributions to global harmony and world peace.
In the same year, the United Nations honoured PM Modi with its highest environmental accolade, the Champions of The Earth Award, for his bold environmental leadership.
In 2019, PM Modi received the first-ever Philip Kotler Presidential Award, which is annually awarded to leaders who demonstrate outstanding national leadership.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation awarded PM Modi the Global Goalkeeper Award in 2019, in recognition of his efforts to transform India’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan into a mass movement for cleanliness.
In 2021, PM Modi received the Global Energy and Environment Leadership Award from Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA), in recognition of his leadership on global energy and environmental sustainability.
quoted as saying.
The Israel Defense Forces announced on October 26 that it conducted "precise and targeted" airstrikes on targets in Iran in response to recent attacks from the country, Xinhua news agency reported.
Iran's air defence headquarters claimed it successfully countered the Israeli attack, which resulted in only "limited damage".
In similar remarks to reporters on Wednesday, Deputy Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Ali Fadavi, said Iran's response to Israel's aggression would be certain, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.
Fadavi added that since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran had let no "malicious" act go unanswered and would definitely give a "regret-inducing" response to the recent Israeli attack.
California cities lead in costliest US cities for home rentals
California, Nov 14 (IANS)
California cities have dominated the list of the most expensive US cities for single-family rentals, claiming 18 of the nation's top 20 costliest cities to rent a home, according to the latest report by a rental data website.
Among large US cities with populations over 250,000, eight of the 10 most expensive cities for single-family home rentals are located in California, according to the third quarter report released recently by Rentometer, a Massachusetts based online resource for rental rate data and analysis, reports Xinhua news agency.
San Francisco maintained its position as the most expensive large city for single-family home rentals, with average monthly rents reaching 5,409 US dollars in
the third quarter, the report said.
The rental market pressure extended beyond major metropolitan areas. All top 10 cities with the highest singlefamily rentals among mid-sized cities with populations between 100,000 and 250,000 residents are located in California, with Huntington Beach in Southern California topping the list at 5,724 dollars monthly.
"One of the biggest drivers of growth in this segment is the ongoing demand for rental housing in both suburban and urban areas, fueled by high mortgage rates and rising home prices, which have kept many would-be buyers in the rental market," Rentometer analysts noted in the report.
The report, which analyzed rental markets in 757 US cities, indicated that California's rental market growth outpaces national trends. While national single-family rental prices increased by 3 per cent year-over-year, California cities in the Pacific region saw an average growth of 6.5 per cent.
12 paramedics killed in Israeli airstrike on Lebanese village
Beirut, Nov 15 (IANS) At least 12 paramedics from civil defence teams were killed in an Israeli airstrike on their centre in Duris, a village in Baalbek in eastern Lebanon, media reported. According to Lebanese news website Elnashra, Baalbek Governor Bachir Khodor said on Thursday that the bodies of 12 civil defence members were recovered from under the rubble, and the debris removal process is still ongoing.
He added that around 20 paramedics were at the centre during the airstrike, Xinhua news agency reported. "Contact is lost with the head of the regional civil defence centre in Baalbek, Bilal Raad," he was quoted as saying. Since September 23, the Israeli military has intensified airstrikes on Lebanon in an escalation of conflict with Hezbollah. Israel also launched a ground operation across its northern border into Lebanon in early October.
From the editor’s desk
Strengthening ties – Jaishankar’s visit to Australia marks a new chapter
When S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, touched down in Australia for his five-day visit earlier this month, it wasn’t just another diplomatic trip. This visit was a testament to how much the relationship between India and Australia has evolved over the years—and how much more potential it has for growth.
This marked Jaishankar's fifth visit to Australia in under three years, with two of those trips occurring in 2024 alone. That says a lot about just how important the two countries are to each other.
Jaishankar’s meeting with business leaders in Sydney was an event of interest on both sides. It wasn’t a quick handshake and photo op—it was a real, meaningful conversation about the future. The focus was on business, investment, and India’s rising sectors in digital infrastructure, manufacturing, and skill development. What’s exciting here is the mutual benefit both countries stand to gain from these areas. India is quickly becoming a powerhouse in these sectors, and Australia’s expertise and investment can help take things to the next level. As Jaishankar shared on social media, these talks were a “good start to the day,” and it was clear that there was positive momentum.
But, it wasn’t all about business. Jaishankar also met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra, and the two had a candid discussion about how their countries can support each other on the global stage. Albanese couldn’t have put it better when he said, “Our growing relationship with India matters to Australia.” And they’re not just talking about trade—this is about regional stability, mutual growth, and working together on global challenges. It’s heartening to see such a shared commitment between both countries.
A significant moment during the trip was the inauguration of the Indian consulate in Brisbane. For Jaishankar, this was more than just cutting a ribbon—it was about symbolizing the strength of the India-Australia relationship. The new consulate will make it easier for India’s ever-growing community in Queensland to stay connected with their homeland. And let’s not forget that this community is a key player in strengthening ties between the two nations.
As Jaishankar put it, the Indian diaspora is a “living bridge” between the two countries, and their contributions in business, education, healthcare, and
technology are helping to make India’s presence in Australia even stronger.
Throughout his trip, Jaishankar highlighted how important the Indian diaspora is to Australia’s multicultural society. With over a million Indians living in Australia, their contributions are making waves across sectors. Their hard work is not just benefiting Australia— it’s also bringing India’s rich cultural heritage and achievements to the forefront.
It wasn’t just about the meetings and official talks—there was a sense of collaboration at every step. The Raisina Down Under event, which is the Australian version of India’s Raisina Dialogue, saw Jaishankar, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters all coming together to discuss issues like regional security, climate change, and the future of the Indo-Pacific. These conversations are important not just for the three countries involved but for the entire region.
So, what’s the takeaway from Jaishankar’s visit? The relationship between India and Australia is on a solid trajectory, and this trip only reaffirmed the shared commitment to growing that bond. Whether it’s through strategic dialogues, business ventures, or deepening peopleto-people connections, it’s clear that both nations are invested in making this partnership stronger than ever.
Jaishankar’s visit has opened doors for even more cooperation in the future. Both countries are looking to take their relationship beyond just trade and security—education, technology, and innovation are on the table too. And with India rising as a global player, having Australia as a trusted partner is a win-win for everyone. As Jaishankar said, India’s progress is for the benefit of the world, and Australia is right there as a close ally in this journey.
A new chapter for Australia & US: Exciting opportunities ahead with Trump’s return
With Donald Trump back in the US presidential seat, Australia finds itself looking at a new chapter in its relationship with the US—one full of exciting possibilities. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wasted no time in congratulating Trump, reaffirming the importance of the US-Australia alliance and how it could become even stronger in the years ahead. While we know there are challenges ahead, there’s also a lot of potential for Australia to benefit as global politics takes this turn.
Albanese’s message is clear: Australia will continue to work closely with the US, no matter who’s in charge, and Trump’s return is just the beginning of an even deeper economic and strategic partnership. We’ve seen these ties grow over the years, and now with Trump back at the helm, there’s a chance to push things even further.
A big part of that is the Aukus pact. While some may wonder what Trump’s return could mean for global security, there’s plenty of reason to be optimistic. The alliance between Australia, the US, and the UK is strong, and both nations are committed to
ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Trump’s leadership style may be bold and unconventional, but it could bring fresh ideas to the table, which could only strengthen Australia’s role in the region moving forward.
Even if the right-wing sees Trump’s “America-first” approach as a win, Australia stands to benefit from those strong US ties. With more focus on global security, trade, and defense initiatives, Australia can look forward to a solid relationship with the US. The Aukus deal, for example, will likely remain intact, continuing military cooperation and mutual defense—goals that work for both countries.
Of course, not everyone is celebrating Trump’s return. Some, like the Greens, might have concerns about his stance on climate change. But even here, there’s room for optimism. With Australia’s own ambitious climate goals, there’s a chance to take the lead on global climate efforts, even if Trump isn’t fully on board. It might take some negotiating, but Australia’s voice could play a significant role in shaping international climate policy.
Former PM Scott Morrison has praised Trump’s assertiveness, which could shake things up in a good way, especially when it comes to global security. While Trump’s leadership style isn’t for everyone, his boldness could open doors for new ways of working together. For Australia, it means a partner who’s not afraid to challenge norms and push for creative solutions to global challenges.
As we look ahead, Australia has a lot to look forward to. With the US as a strong ally, there are endless possibilities for growing our role on the world stage. The foundations of the US-Australia relationship are solid—shared values, strong trade ties, and a mutual respect for sovereignty— and with Trump in charge, there’s every reason to believe these bonds will only grow stronger. In the coming years, Australia will need to navigate a changing world, but with strong alliances and a forward-thinking approach, there’s no doubt we’re in a great position to make the most of what’s to come. The future is bright, and the opportunities are there for the taking.
How Remembrance Day strengthens Australia’s national identity
Each year, on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, Australians pause to commemorate those who served and sacrificed in the name of freedom and peace. This year’s Remembrance Day services marked the 106th anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War I, a solemn moment that brought the nation together in reflection. From the grand ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra to the poppy-lit sails of the Sydney Opera House, these acts of remembrance go beyond simple tradition—they reinforce a shared commitment to values that define the nation.
At the Australian War Memorial, the return to the parade ground for the first time in four years lent an added sense of gravitas to the national ceremony, which was attended by GovernorGeneral Sam Mostyn, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Defence Force Chief Admiral David Johnston. A minute’s silence at 11 a.m. marked the hour when hostilities ceased in 1918, a tradition that reminds us of the sacrifices made to secure
peace. These moments are powerful, uniting Australians in a collective pause, and encouraging individuals to reflect on the complex legacy of war and the price of freedom.
In a nation where many take peace and security for granted, Remembrance Day provides a crucial reminder of the fragility of those privileges. By honoring veterans and those lost in conflicts, we deepen our understanding of national identity and acknowledge the sacrifices that underpin our way of life. As NSW RSL president Mick Bainbridge noted, this day is about “taking a moment of silent reflection” to give thanks—a simple act with profound significance, particularly in today’s fast-paced world. When Australians gather at these ceremonies, they are reminded not only of individual acts of bravery but also of the collective courage of generations who believed in the ideals of service, sacrifice, and solidarity.
At the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, the 90th anniversary
of this historic monument was also commemorated, drawing thousands of attendees. The Shrine has stood as a symbol of Victorian pride and collective memory since its opening in 1934, when nearly a third of Melbourne’s population gathered for its inauguration. This year’s ceremony included a smoking ritual and a stirring performance by the Royal Australian Air Force Band, honoring both the past and present. Such symbols connect us to the lives of those who fought, and the enduring relevance of their legacy. Each year, this remembrance is renewed, building a continuity of memory that binds past, present, and future Australians.
In an increasingly diverse Australia, Remembrance Day has evolved to acknowledge a wider spectrum of experiences and backgrounds. The inclusion of Indigenous rituals, such as the smoking ceremony at Melbourne’s Shrine, represents a broader recognition of all Australians who served, including those whose contributions were historically overlooked. By embracing these additions, Australia reaffirms its commitment to a more inclusive remembrance, one that honors the contributions of Indigenous veterans who fought to defend a land that was not always fair to them. It’s a reminder that our history is complex, and our acts of remembrance must strive to reflect that truth.
The base for internal peace and stability
Just as the handling of national security must be kept above party politics, law and order management must also not be allowed to be tampered with -particularly by internal politics.
The democratic dispensation of India banks heavily on this for its stability since law and order determine in a basic sense how secularism and equality of citizen's rights built into the democratic state, would operate in this country.
Further, a certain uniformity of standards in the handling of law and order by the concerned authorities would be necessary as a requirement of the federal character of Indian democracy that granted complete freedom to its citizens to visit or settle down in any part of the country.
In the Constitutional division of powers, Police and Law and Order fall squarely in the hands of the State governments. Still, if law and order management became an important substratum on which the nation's internal security, peace and stability rests, the Centre also becomes a primary stakeholder.
Fortunately for India, the leadership of Police in the states is in the hands of the officers of the Indian Police Service (IPS) who are recruited through a nationally conducted examination where only merit would prevail and were trained by the Centre before being allocated to different cadre states.
The Centre broadly keeps track of the performance evaluation of these officers and also provides
them with certain administrative protection against any arbitrary action initiated against them by the state government.
Experience, however, shows that the Central government needed to strengthen its oversight of the IPS and IAS for the sake of safeguarding national security interests.
In an important development a division bench of the Supreme Court issued on October 24, 2024, contempt notices to the Chief Secretaries of as many as eight states - Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Biharfor appointing Acting DGPs in violation of the top court's 2006 ruling which required the Police Chief to be selected from among a panel of three names drawn up by UPSC in consultation with the state government, on seniority -cum -merit basis and given a tenure of at least two years.
The September 2006 order of SC further called for the creation of Police Establishment Boards in the states to deal with transfers, postings and promotion as also the constitution of a Police Complaints Authority to examine complaints against Police officers.
These directions were followed by the states but on a perfunctory note. The Centre should completely throw its weight behind the procedure prescribed by the Supreme Court for the appointment of the DGP as this would go a long way in improving the law and order management in the states.
The value system to be followed by the Police in this country flows top down and restoring the professional authority of the DGP was the very first step in the direction of pitching the accountability of the Police hierarchy at different levels.
A DGP - and this could be said of the Chief Secretary as wellseemed often to be the weakest link in the chain, in matters of law enforcement which had to be carried out with a sense of public service. This situation needed to be rectified for the larger cause of internal security.
In the conflict-ridden geopolitics of today, India has to look out for any covert acts of hostility indulged in by the Sino-Pak alliance, the impact of the IranIsrael confrontation on other regions and the repercussions of a growing Cold War between the US and the Russia-China axis.
Beyond the Ukraine-Russia armed conflict and the Israel -Hamas confrontation, the era of "proxy wars" is upon us which is marked by the advent of social media as an instrument of "influence war", the rising threat of cyber attacks and the methodsopen and surreptitious-used by the adversary for damaging the economic strength of the targeted country.
Also, because of the spread of radicalisation in the Muslim world, the global threat of faithbased terrorism has now become a danger for the entire democratic world and this makes it important that the two largest democracies of the world - the US and India - acted together without India having to give up on its policy of developing mutually beneficial bilateral relations with all major powers including Russia.
In these times of multiple conflicts and covert offensives, India has to strategise to deal with a multi-polar world without getting aligned with any single power and opt for capacitybuilding in the spheres of defence, economy and technology to stand on its own in handling the challenges on various fronts. This is the best guarantee for
safeguarding national security.
India has taken to a higher profile in BRICS without reducing its active contribution to Quad in furtherance of its policy of balancing its international relations for serving the national interests without compromising the cause of humanity and world peace. What matters is that India should be able to effectively deal with the ever-changing global security scenario.
The prime concern of India was to counter the danger posed to its "internal" security by "external" causes and threats. Apart from the doings of Pakistan and China, the exposure of India to radicalisation and separatism and plans hatched outside of the country to covertly attack the country's economic lifelines, are to be closely handled.
All of this is attributable to the global shift to the era of "proxy wars" that the world witnessed after the Cold War ended in the early Nineties.
Developments in the Middle East bring out the alarming fact of faith-based divisions bolstering the return of the Cold War between the US and China with Russia remaining firmly aligned with the latter.
Iran and its proxies are directly taking on Israel and the radicalised Hamas-that had originated as the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood with a history of being in the good books of the West- was also taken by Iran under its fold in the wake of the Israel-Hamas confrontation that broke out following the ‘terror’ attack of Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023.
The deep-seated divide between Zionism and Islam seems to have crept into the political gulf that had been growing between the US and the China-Russia camp.
It is extremely significant that Iran has aligned with China and Russia even as the Sunni extremist Saudi Arabia along with the UAE remained close to the US.
Islamic radical forces carrying the historical legacy of Wahhabism were opposed to the US-led West
our guarantees versus their ‘jumlebazi’:
Mumbai, Nov 14 (IANS) Priyanka Chaturvedi, Rajya Sabha MP from Maharashtra and Deputy Leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), on Thursday, said there is no stopping the MVA from coming to power as voters have already made up their minds to reject MahaYuti’s divisive politics.
Speaking exclusively to IANS, Chaturvedi spoke on a range of issues including Maha Vikas
Aghadi’s (MVA) confidence ahead of voting for the 288seat Assembly on November 20, personal attacks on Uddhav Thackeray, quota politics, unfair enforcement of model poll code and Mahayuti’s plan to use star campaigners like Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Here is the full interview:
IANS: How confident is MVA of winning the Maharashtra Assembly election?
Priyanka Chaturvedi: The enormous public support we are getting gives us the confidence that we are coming to power. Despite attempts to spread
misinformation that it is a close fight or that voters are confused or that Ladki Bahin Yojana is a game changer, I want to tell you that people know the truth. The women getting Rs 1,500 per month under the Yojana are saying that this amount is of no help as prices have touched the sky.
IANS: Is rhetoric overshadowing public welfare in these elections?
Priyanka Chaturvedi: The BJP is known for pursuing divisive politics. No matter how much they push ‘Batne-Katne ki politics’ or Hindu-Muslim politics, the MVA is sticking to issues related to
welfare. The MVA is talking about issues which will be a guarantee for Maharashtra voters but they are only indulging in ‘jumlebazi’ (creating hysteria through comments). I am confident that the support and love we got from voters in Lok Sabha elections will bring us to power in Assembly elections. The real issues in this election are price rise, joblessness, economic crisis, restoration of respect for women and getting fair prices to farmers. IANS: Are there any differences within the MVA over the Chief Minister's face in Maharashtra?
whereas the Salafists represented by Saudi Arabia followed extreme Islamic fundamentalism but believed in the concept that an Islamic State could live "in competition not conflict with the West".
India had the second largest Muslim population in the world and had to be wary of radicalisation that made many elements in the community vulnerable to the call of Jehad "in defence of Islam" prescribed by the faith as a "fundamental duty". We have to find our own ways of countering radicalisation with the help of all communities.
The threats to the internal security of India far outweigh the prospects of the country facing any open military attack from outside. India is once again vulnerable to communal, caste and regional conflicts- with enemy agents trying to add fuel to the fire.
The critical infrastructure of the country and the establishments of strategic importance have to be closely protected against covert attacks.
Social media is fast becoming an instrument for recruiting potential terrorists through indoctrination, building "separatist" narratives and spreading misinformation. For countering terrorism, narcotics trade and human trafficking, the closest cooperation between national intelligence agencies and the state police was of crucial importance. The intelligence generated at the local level will often provide a breakthrough in such cases and that is why the role of the Local Intelligence Unit(LIU) of the district has acquired a newfound significance for internal security. This also makes law enforcement a component of the efforts to safeguard national security. India is passing through times when the nation’s unity, sovereignty and stability depended in a definitive way on competent law and order management and this is where the country was being tested as a Union of States.
(The writer is a former Director Intelligence Bureau)
Priyanka Chaturvedi: I can see confusion in the ranks of the ‘Mahajhuti’ alliance over the CM face. Home Minister Amit Shah has been telling voters at rallies that they should vote with the belief that they would be voting to make Devendra Fadnavis the Chief Minister. Amit Shah also said at a rally that this time they may target making a coalition government but in 2029 the voters must help make a BJP majority government. As for MVA, our only objective is to bring Maharashtra back to the path of development. The way the people of the state
Continued on Page 25
India’s wedding season biz expected to surge 41 pc to Rs 6 lakh crore: CAIT
New Delhi, Nov 5 (IANS) The upcoming wedding season in India which will extend from November 12 till December 16 is likely to generate business worth nearly Rs 6 lakh crore from 48 lakh weddings which constitutes a 41 per cent increase over the corresponding figure of Rs 4.25 lakh crore recorded for 35 lakh weddings last year, according to a study carried out by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).
From 11 auspicious dates the previous year, this year's season would have 18 dates which is expected to fuel the business growth, with Delhi alone expected to see Rs 1.5 lakh crore business
across 4.5 lakh weddings this year, estimates compiled by CAIT show.
CAIT estimates 10 lakh weddings involving spending of Rs 3 lakh per wedding, 10 lakh weddings with Rs 6 lakh per wedding, 10 lakh weddings with Rs 10 lakh per wedding, 10 lakh weddings with Rs 15 lakh per wedding, 7 lakh weddings with Rs 25 lakh per wedding, 50,000 weddings with Rs 50 lakh per wedding, and 50,000 weddings with Rs 1 crore or more per wedding.
CAIT's Veda and Spiritual Committee convenor Acharya Durgesh Tare said the auspicious wedding dates for this season are November 12, 13, 17, 18, 22, 23, 25, 26, 28, and 29 and December 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, and 16. Following this period, there will be a pause of about a month before the season resumes from midJanuary to March 2025.
"The study has also highlighted a shift in consumer purchasing behaviour, with people increasingly opting for Indian
products over foreign goods, reflecting the success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Vocal for Local' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) vision," said CAIT’s Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal.
Khandelwal said wedding expenses are divided between goods and services, with main expenditure areas in goods including jewellery (15 per cent), clothing (10 per cent), electronics and appliances (5 per cent), dry fruits, sweets, and snacks (5 per cent), groceries and vegetables (5 per cent), gift items (4 per cent), and other goods (6 per cent).
In the services sector, expenditures will likely go toward banquet halls, hotels, and venues (5 per cent), catering services (10 per cent), event management, tent decoration floral decorations, transportation and cab services (3 per cent), photography and videography (2 per cent), other services such as music and lighting.
Bitcoin expected to hit $80,000 as crypto fan Trump edges closer to victory
New Delhi, Nov 6 (IANS) As Donald Trump edged closer to victory in the US presidential election, Bitcoin surged to a record high of $75,060, fuelling investors’ excitement in the cryptocurrency sector.
The world's most valuable digital asset saw 7 per cent growth on Tuesday alone (US time).
Trump made Bitcoin a focal point during his campaign, saying he would make the US the "crypto capital of the world"
Bitcoin hit a new record above $75,000, almost surpassing $1.5 trillion in valuation.
On Wednesday (India time),
Bitcoin was hovering around $73,000 per coin.
According to deVere Group CEO Nigel Green, the intersection of politics and cryptocurrency would play a defining role in shaping market trends.
"We’ve said for months that Trump’s stance on cryptocurrency, combined with the uncertainty surrounding the election, would push Bitcoin to new heights," he said.
"This rally isn’t just about the election; it’s about the fundamental shifts happening in the digital financial system, of which Bitcoin is the leader. People are waking up to the fact that traditional systems are changing," Green added.
On the campaign trail, Trump vowed to end what he calls the "persecution" of the cryptocurrency industry and to position the United States as the "Bitcoin superpower of the world".
"Trump’s open support of cryptocurrency has triggered this surge, as many investors anticipate that a Trump victory would clear the path for mainstream adoption and regulation that is both favourable and necessary for Bitcoin’s continued growth," Green contended.
According to trade analysts, Bitcoin could climb as high as $80,000 in the near future, driven by a combination of heightened demand, market sentiment and policy expectations under a Trump administration.
"Bitcoin at $80,000 is not farfetched. We are seeing a perfect storm of market dynamics," Green stated.
Meanwhile, other cryptocurrency tokens also made progress with the total crypto market cap zeroing in on $2.5 trillion, up 9 per cent in just a day.
Over 3 in 10 Indian buyers looking for ultra-luxury homes: Report
the 18 per cent recorded in the
previous quarter (Q2), according to a report on Thursday, as disposable incomes rise amid overall economic growth.
This notable shift reflects growing confidence in the luxury housing market, according to the survey by real estate platform Magicbricks.
The findings showed that 25.5 per cent of prospective buyers are considering properties priced above Rs 1 crore, with significant interest in the Rs 3.5–Rs 5 crore segment.
Hyundai Motor pips Volkswagen to become world’s 2nd-largest automaker
Seoul, Nov 7 (IANS) Hyundai Motor Group has outperformed Volkswagen Group to become the world's second-largest automaker in terms of operating profit, industry data showed on Thursday.
According to automotive industry data, Hyundai Motor Group achieved sales of 69.4 trillion won ($49.6 billion) and an operating profit of 6.5 trillion won during the third quarter.
For the period from January to September, the South Korean automaker's cumulative sales reached 208.9 trillion won, while operating profit was recorded at
21.4 trillion won, reports Yonhap news agency.
In terms of operating profit alone, Hyundai Motor Group ranked second among global competitors after Toyota Group.
The Japanese automaker reported an operating profit of 1.15 trillion yen ($7.4 billion) for the third quarter. and an operating profit of 32.4 trillion won for the January-September period.
For the third quarter, Volkswagen Group has reported an operating profit of 4.3 trillion won. For the first nine-month period, Volkswagen's operating profit stood at 19.36 trillion won.
With Volkswagen Group facing challenges in the Chinese market, many industry watchers see Hyundai Motor Group as being poised to secure the No. 2 position in terms of operating profit after Toyota Group for the entirety of 2024.
Jet Airways fiasco: Fate of 1.48 lakh retail shareholders in limbo
Mumbai, Nov 7 (IANS) The fate of around 1.48 lakh retail shareholders who hold around 20 per cent stake in the beleaguered Jet Airways remains uncertain after the Supreme Court ordered the liquidation of Naresh Goyalled grounded airline.
At the current market capitalisation of Jet Airways at Rs 386.69 crore, retail shareholding in the airline is around Rs 74.6 crore.
Retail shareholders held around 20 per cent stake in Jet Airways (as of September 30). Other major shareholders include Etihad Airways (24 per cent) and the
erstwhile promoters (25 per cent).
The stock of Jet Airways, locked in a 5 per cent lower circuit following the order, ended at Rs 34.04 apiece on Thursday. The share hit a high of Rs 63.15 in March but has lost more than 46 per cent since then.
A Bench, headed by CJI DY Chandrachud, allowed the lenders' plea against the transfer of ownership of the grounded airline to Jalan Kalrock Consortium (JKC). The Bench invoked its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution "for doing complete justice" between the parties and ordered the appointment of a liquidator forthwith.
Further, it ordered the forfeiture of Rs 200 crore infused by the JKC and directed lenders to invoke the Rs 150 crore Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG).
Indian economy to touch $7 trillion mark by 2031: Report
The survey also underscores a strong preference for larger living spaces.
Around 45 per cent of respondents are seeking homes above 2,000 square feet, driven by post-Covid lifestyle changes and rising disposable incomes. Additionally, 56 per cent of buyers favour configurations of 3BHK or larger, emphasizing a demand for more spacious and functional homes.
New Delhi, Nov 15 (IANS) The Indian economy is expected to clock a medium-term growth of 6.7 per cent on average between fiscal 2025 and 2031, and touch the $7 trillion mark, according to a report by rating agency CRISIL.
This would be similar to the 6.6 per cent growth seen in the pre-pandemic decade, driven by a capex push and surge in productivity.
The report projects India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth at 6.8 per cent during the current financial year as high interest rates and stricter lending norms are expected to impact urban demand.
"A somewhat lower fiscal impulse to growth (as the Central government pursues fiscal consolidation) should also weigh on growth," the ET-Crisil India Progress Report states.
Inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is likely to ease to 4.5 per cent on average in 2024-25 from 5.4 per cent in the previous year, driven by lower food inflation. However, the report sees weather conditions and geopolitical uncertainties as key risks to its growth and inflation forecasts.
"Although kharif sowing is higher this year, the impact of excess and unseasonal rains needs to be ascertained.
New Delhi, Nov 7 (IANS) More than three in 10 (35 per cent) Indian property buyers are now interested in luxury and ultraluxury homes, nearly double
Consul General hosts Diwali Reception at Thornbury Theatre
Melbourne, November 1(Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Consul General hosted a Diwali Reception at Thornbury Theatre, recently. The reception
was attended by guests from various walks of life, including Bill Shorten, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme of Australia, Natalie Hutchins MP
Minister for Treaty and First Peoples of Victoria, John Pesutto, Leader of the Opposition in Victoria, Parliamentarians, CEOs, community leaders and members
from the Indian diaspora. Rajasthani folk dance group led by Rashid Khan, sent by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, and local talents from the Indian
diaspora entertained the guests with their performances in a festive atmosphere. Dheepa Awtani was the master of the ceremony.
Consular camp organized for senior citizens of Indian diaspora
Melbourne, November 5
(Australia India News Newsdesk)
A Consular camp was organised by the Consulate General of India in Tarneit, Victoria, recently. The
camp was organised for issuing life certificates to the senior citizens of Indian diaspora, availing pension from India. The volunteers of Club 60 Tarneit
provided assistance in organising the Consular Camp where 172 certificates were issued.
Another Consular Camp was organised at Australia India
Community Centre (AICCT), Rowville to facilitate senior citizens of Indian diaspora to receive their certificates. The Federation Of Indian Associations
Of Victoria - FIAV, AICCT assisted in organising the Consular Camp. Tandoori Junction provided lunch to the attendees.
Indian community celebrates Chhath Puja with Consul General
Melbourne, November 8
(Australia India News Newsdesk)
Melbourne's Indian community gathered in large numbers, recently to celebrate Chhath Puja, an ancient Hindu festival
honouring the Sun God, with Consul General Dr. Sushil Kumar. The event, organized by the Bihar Jharkhand Sabha of Melbourne, brought together approximately 1,400 members of the Indian
diaspora, showcasing India’s vibrant traditions and cultural heritage.
Dr. Kumar joined the celebrations, expressing pride in seeing Indian customs celebrated
widely in Australia. The festival highlighted rituals, music, and prayer, honoring India’s cultural roots and providing a festive space for the community to connect and celebrate.
The event marked a meaningful celebration for Melbourne’s Indian community, highlighting the shared values of unity and cultural pride among diaspora members.
Diwali celebration with Indian students organized in Melbourne
Melbourne, November 11
(Australia India News Newsdesk)
Tthe Consulate General of India in Melbourne, together with Study Melbourne and City of Melbourne, organized
Diwali celebration at The Couch International Student Centre. Besides dance, music and delicious cuisine, the evening provided an opportunity for student orientation and networking.
Consul General Dr. Sushil Kumar; Director, Study Melbourne Caroline Hartnett; General Manager, City of Melbourne Rick Kwasek; Commanding Officer,
Melbourne, October 30
(Australia India News Newsdesk)
In observance of Vigilance Awareness Week from October 28 to November 3, 2024, Consul General Dr. Sushil Kumar led the staff of the Consulate General of India in Melbourne in taking the ‘Integrity Pledge.’ The pledge, administered to all officers and staff, emphasized the importance
Manhari Metals , Student Ambassadors & volunteers supported the event to make the evening enjoyable.
Salvation Army, Melbourne Major Brendan Nottle; CEO, Manhari Metals Maddy Gupta, and Chairman, Confederation of Indian Industry-Indian Business Forum Ashok Mysore addressed the students and interacted with them.
Indian Consulate marks vigilance awareness week with integrity pledge
of transparency, accountability, and ethical practices within the organization. The initiative highlights the Consulate’s commitment to promoting integrity and combating corruption, aligning with the broader objectives of Vigilance Awareness Week observed worldwide.
Consul General pays homage to war heroes on Remembrance Day
Melbourne, November 12
(Australia India News Newsdesk)
Consul General Dr. Sushil Kumar paid homage to fallen soldiers at Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance during a solemn Remembrance Day service held recently. Representing the Indian community, Dr. Kumar joined veterans, dignitaries, and local residents in commemorating the
sacrifices of those who served in past conflicts.
Dr. Kumar laid a wreath in honour of the war heroes, reflecting on the shared values of bravery and dedication that connect India and Australia. Speaking afterward, he highlighted the importance of Remembrance Day as a time to honour those who fought for peace and freedom, underscoring
the significance of international unity and respect for military service.
The service at Melbourne's iconic Shrine of Remembrance, which was attended by a diverse crowd, marked a moment of reflection and respect, reminding attendees of the enduring legacy of sacrifice that transcends borders.
Australia and India strengthen mining ties at Sydney industry seminar
Sydney, October 30 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Consulate General of India in Sydney, in partnership with the Australia India Business Council, hosted a successful ‘Mining &
METS Industry Seminar and Networking Session’ on October 29, 2024. The event saw the participation of a delegation led by the Secretary of India’s Ministry of Mines, which included
key representatives from major Indian mining companies.
The session brought together around 20 mining and METS (Mining Equipment, Technology, and Services) companies from
Continued from Page 19
New South Wales, fostering collaboration and growth opportunities between the two countries. The High Commissioner, Consul General, and Associate Director of
Investment NSW also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the shared goals of innovation and sustainability in the mining sector.
have been cheated and Maharashtra's culture has been disrespected, the MVA only wants to restore their pride.
IANS: Are tall leaders from the Congress also going to campaign at a time when national leaders of the BJP, including PM Modi, are holding a series of rallies in Maharashtra?
Priyanka Chaturvedi: I welcome PM Modi to Mumbai but I don’t think his rallies are going to make any difference as MVA won 16 of the 18 Assembly segments in which he held rallies during Lok Sabha elections. On the contrary, I consider Modiji as a star campaigner for MVA. Now he is in Mumbai but voters here have already made up their minds that they would dump those parties that have pitted members of one political family against another, disrespected the voters’ mandate and formed a government in the state by breaking other parties.
IANS: What do you have to say on BJP leaders’ comment that Uddhav Thackeray is a ‘coward’ as he was hiding in his home instead of working for the people during the pandemic?
Priyanka Chaturvedi: I consider those people as cowards who work in the dead of the night to pull down a government. The real cowards are those who can’t win in Maharashtra without using money-power and agencies. The real cowards are those who distort the Constitution and do not have the guts to win elections without using photographs of Bala Saheb Thackeray. Those who form governments using illegal means are the real cowards.
IANS: PM Modi has said in his rallies that the MVA will give reservation to Muslims at the cost of Dalits, Adivasis and OBCs. What is your take on this?
Priyanka Chaturvedi: It is the RSS plan to end the reservation. It is against the welfare of the marginalised sections and wants to end the quota. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is part of this plan to indulge in quota politics by pitting Marathas against OBC and Hindus against Muslims. The voters of Maharashtra are smart and are aware of their designs to spread falsehood.
CHINMAYA MISSION BRISBANE invites you to
Bhagavad Geeta Jayanti & Tapovan Jayanti
Inaugural Celebrations
At Carina Community centre, 1 Edmont Street, Carina QLD 4152
Victoria to host firstever ProKabaddi League match in Australia
Melbourne, November 12
(Australia India News Newsdesk)
In a landmark announcement, Consul General Dr. Sushil Kumar joined Victorian premier Jacinta Allan, minister for tourism, sport, and major events Steve Dimopoulos, and AFL icons Campbell Brown and Josh Kennedy to unveil plans for Australia’s first ProKabaddi League exhibition match.
The match will take place at Melbourne’s John Cain Arena on December 28, 2024, alongside the iconic Boxing Day Test between Australia and India.
The Victorian Government's decision to host the exhibition
match marks a significant boost for kabaddi in Australia, aiming to introduce the popular Indian sport to a new audience. Speaking at the announcement, Premier Allan expressed excitement about this cultural and sporting exchange, which aligns with the strong ties between Victoria’s Indian community and its broader sports-loving public.
Dr. Kumar emphasized the role of kabaddi as a cultural bridge and celebrated this historic opportunity to share a beloved Indian sport with Australians. The match is expected to draw fans from both nations, fostering a shared spirit of sportsmanship.
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
Consulate observes vigilance awareness week and national unity day
Perth, November 1 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
In observance of Vigilance Awareness Week 2024, themed
'Culture of Integrity for Nation's Prosperity,' Consul General Amarjeet Singh Takhi administered the Integrity Pledge
to all officers and staff at the Consulate, recently.
Additionally, to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar
Vallabhbhai Patel, the Consul General also led the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) Pledge, emphasizing the
importance of unity and integrity for the nation's progress.
Indian veterans in WA get life certificates at Consulate camp
Perth, November 4 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Consulate held a special consular camp at the RSL Club in Belmont, recently. At the
camp life certificates were issued to veterans of the Indian defence forces residing in Western Australia. In a heartfelt celebration of the Indian veterans,
the RSL sub-branch proudly hoisted the Indian tricolour flag at its premises.
Consul General Amarjeet Singh Takhi took the opportunity
to interact with the veterans, who participated in taking the Rashtriya Ekta Pledge, reaffirming their commitment to national unity. The event highlighted the
strong bonds between India and its diaspora, honoring the brave men and women who served in the Indian Armed Forces.
Over 110 pensioners get life certificates at Sikh temple Perth
Perth, November 4 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
A Consular camp held at the Sikh temple in Canning Vale, recently,
witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 110 pensioners receiving their Life Certificates. The camp, organized by the Consulate, was conducted
in response to requests from the local Sikh community (sangat). Consulate officials were warmly received, with devotees expressing their love, respect, and
blessings.
The initiative received strong support from SAWA (Sikh Association of Western Australia), who played a key role in assisting the Consulate to ensure the success of this pro-community event
Roundtable on boosting Australia-India critical mineral partnership organized
Perth, November 7 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Consulate recently organized a roundtable discussion in Perth, recently, with key mining and minerals stakeholders from Western Australia, welcoming a delegation led by V.L. Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, Government of India. The delegation included senior officials from various Indian ministries, including Mines, Coal & Steel, KABIL, GSI, and representatives from both public
and private sector companies.
The discussions primarily focused on advancing the critical mineral partnership between India and Australia, a key area in strengthening bilateral ties. The meeting aimed at fostering collaboration in mining and minerals, which plays a significant role in enhancing the India-Australia relationship, especially in the context of resource sharing and technology exchange.
CG participates in WA Consular Corps reception
Perth, November 7 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Consul General (CG) Amarjeet
Singh Takhi participated in the WA Consular Corps reception for the premier of Western Australia, Roger Cook and Ms. Carly Lane, recently. He also interacted
with consular colleagues.
Noting that one-third of WA’s three million strong population has foreign-born citizens, the premier acknowledged the huge contributions of Consular Corps to the state’s multicultural society and thriving economy.
Ayurveda
Day
Perth, November 7 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The 9th Ayurveda Day, themed ‘Global Health and Innovation,’ was celebrated recently at the Perth Hindu Temple with over 100 attendees and the participation of over 10 Ayurveda and Homeopathy doctors. The event
celebrated with focus on global health and innovation
offered onsite free consultations by Ayurvedacharyas.
The celebration began with a prayer to Lord Dhanvantari, recited by students from VTCSVedic Training and Cultural Services, followed by a Kuchipudi dance performance by Dr. Sheena Kartha. Consul General
Amarjeet Singh Takhi welcomed participants, emphasizing Ayurveda’s significance in promoting a healthy lifestyle, while Cr. Caren Baayens of the City of Gosnells highlighted Ayurveda’s holistic approach.
An expert panel of Ayurveda practitioners, including Dr.
Vidhu Sharma, Dr. Siva Krishnan, Dr. Sejal Shah, and Dr. Jini Jacob, discussed the benefits of Ayurveda for holistic health, mental well-being, and seasonal diet changes. The panel was moderated by Nidhi Sanghrajka of SRMD Yoga.
The event also featured an interactive Q&A session with Ayurveda experts Karin Lakshmi Gunthor and Neerja Ahuja. The celebration concluded with a saatvik annadanam provided by the Temple authorities. Community youth Janani Jayaseelan emceed the entire program.
Traditional welcome for Indian Navy officers on reaching Australian shores
Perth, November 9 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Consul General Amarjeet Singh Takhi recently welcomed Indian Navy Sailing Vessel ‘Tarini’ and greeted Lt Cdr Dilna and Lt Cdr Roopa on their arrival in Fremantle, together with representatives of Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army, Indian Veterans in Western Australia and members of
diaspora community.
The two women Indian Navy officers displayed extraordinary courage and resilience and clocked 38 days at sea to reach Australia as part of the Navika Sagar Parikrama. They were accorded traditional welcome by playing Parai drums and Kombu Thaarai musical instrument by TAWA. Local media covered their reception.
Bihar and Jharkhand’s rich culture showcased at Gosnells Fusion Festival
Perth, November 10 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Consulate, in collaboration with the Bihar Jharkhand Sabha of Australia and New Zealand WA, showcased the rich cultural heritage of Bihar and Jharkhand at the City of Gosnells Fusion Food and Culture Festival on November 8-9, 2024. Local dignitaries, including Mayor Terresa Lynes, Councillor Diane Lloyd, and Councillor Balli Singh,
visited the Indian stall and were impressed by the vibrant displays of art and textiles.
The stall highlighted the historical, spiritual, and scenic beauty of these two Indian states, featuring Bodh Gaya, Ashok Stambh, Chath Puja, Madhubani art, and more. A live painting by young artist Aayush Sharma, along with displays of Chhau masks, Gota work, and a tribute to cricket legend M.S. Dhoni,
captivated visitors.
The festival also saw 12 young performers from the community presenting a folk fusion dance, choreographed by Rakhi Bose of the Academy of Indian Classical & Bollywood Dance, bringing tribal and harvest celebrations to life.
The festival, which attracted over 50,000 attendees, concluded each day with spectacular fireworks, leaving a lasting impression on the multicultural community of Western Australia.
Bengali Association of Western Australia celebrates Bijoy Mela
Perth, November 10 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Bengali Association of Western Australia celebrated the Bijoy Mela recently. Consul General Amarjeet Singh Takhi attended the Bijoy Mela and applauded their strong community nitiatives, showcasing India's rich cultural heritage
and diversity as well as its performing and fine arts and music. He also conveyed his greetings to all on arrival of INSV Tarini and its two women naval officers in Fremantle displaying extraordinary courage and resilience during their 38 days journey over sea to Australia.
CG honours fallen heroes at Perth’s Remembrance Day service
Perth, November 11 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Consul General joined the Remembrance Day Service at
Kings Park on November 11, paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for freedom.
During the solemn event, he laid a
wreath in honour of the fallen.
The service was attended by Western Australia’s Governor Chris Dawson AC APM, Premier
Roger Hugh Cook, Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas, members of the Consular Corps, and veterans, all coming together to remember and honor the courage and sacrifice of past and present military personnel.
Kerala tourism looks to attract Australian travellers with Melbourne B2B meeting
Melbourne, November 1 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Consul General Dr Sushil Kumar attended a Kerala Tourism B2B meeting held in
Melbourne on October 31, 2024, aimed at promoting Kerala as a premier travel destination. Biju K., Secretary of Kerala Tourism, provided an insightful overview
of the state's attractions and potential for Australian tourists.
Around 48 tour operators and travel agents from both Australia and India engaged in discussions
on how to enhance Kerala’s appeal to Australian travellers.
This collaborative event underscored the growing interest in Kerala’s scenic backwaters,
unique culture, and rich heritage, and marked a step forward in strengthening tourism ties between Australia and India.
Rajasthani folk dance group brings Diwali spirit to Melbourne celebrations
Melbourne, November 1
(Australia India News Newsdesk)
A Rajasthani folk dance group led by Rashid Khan captivated Melbourne audiences during Diwali celebrations held from October 25-28. Sponsored by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, the group performed
at various events organized by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Celebrate India Inc. at Federation Square, Baithak Inc., the Consulate General of India at Thornbury Theatre, and CPA Australia.
Thousands from Melbourne’s multicultural communities joined
in the festive spirit, enjoying the lively performances of the Langa Dance group and even dancing along to traditional Rajasthani music. The performances not only highlighted India’s rich cultural heritage but also showcased the power of art to bring communities together.
Diwali Mela 2024: A dazzling celebration of culture, community and tradition
Perth, October 27
Burswood Park came alive on October 26 and 27 with the vibrant colours and joyful spirit of the Diwali Mela, drawing thousands to celebrate the Festival of Lights. The two-day festival was a delightful display of cultural richness, attracting people from all walks of life to embrace and enjoy the beauty of Indian traditions.
The event featured an array of food stalls offering authentic Indian snacks and dishes, while others showcased traditional dresses, Henna designs, spiritual items, and Indian handicrafts. Festival-goers were treated to a sensory feast, with lively performances by both Indian and international artists, including live bands, songs, and dances. The grand finale was a spectacular fireworks display, lighting up the night sky and adding to the festival’s festive atmosphere.
Sponsored by the Australian Government’s Smartraveller, the Diwali Mela saw over 30,000 visitors. Representatives from Smartraveller were on hand to promote travel safety, reminding attendees to make Smartraveller their first stop when planning their overseas adventures. Smartraveller offers essential travel advice on over 175 destinations, including information on passports, visas, travel insurance, and more, all available in multiple languages. Kavyashree, a festival attendee, shared her experience, saying, “I use Smartraveller all the time, especially for updates on destinations my family and I travel to, including India.
Subscribing to the free regular updates gives us peace of mind and helps us stay prepared for any situation.”
Shraddha, another festivalgoer, praised Smartraveller’s travel insurance guide: “It was incredibly useful. It helped me understand exactly what I needed to protect myself and my family, making it easier to make a decision.”
Smartraveller also provided valuable travel tips for future overseas adventures. It is essential to research and confirm visa and entry requirements for your destination. Contacting the relevant embassy or consulate ensures you have the most upto-date information. Additionally, learning about recommended vaccinations and health precautions for your destination is key, and checking the legality of your medication in the country you are visiting should also be part of your preparation.
When planning your travels, don’t forget to secure your travel insurance. Be sure to read the fine print of your policy to fully understand what is covered. Moreover, if you hold dual nationality, be aware of how it might affect your travel plans and consular services. Respecting the laws and customs of the country you are visiting is also important, as they may differ from those in Australia. For example, dressing appropriately when visiting religious or cultural sites, such as temples, is a must.
Smartraveller also advised travellers to use social media responsibly, as posting sensitive content or political issues may have unintended consequences in certain countries. For those travelling alone, it’s important to take extra precautions, such as using official transport and not revealing you are travelling solo. It’s also wise to keep your belongings close to you, avoiding
leaving them unattended, as this makes them vulnerable to theft.
Lastly, it’s recommended that travellers leave a copy of their travel itinerary and insurance details with someone back home.
And if you don’t already have a passport, it’s important to allow at least six weeks for processing.
The Diwali Mela was not only a celebration of Indian culture but also an opportunity for attendees to plan their future travel adventures with Smartraveller’s valuable resources.
Images left to right, top to bottom: Boman Irani entertaining the crowd, Diwali Mela, and visitors to the Smartraveller stall.
Andhra Association of Queensland Inaugurated in grand celebration of Telugu culture
Brisbane, November 5
A new chapter for the Telugu community in Queensland was marked on Saturday, 2nd November, with the official inauguration of the Andhra Association of Queensland (AAQ) at Progress Hall, Upper Mount Gravatt. The grand event saw the gathering of over 240 members of the Telugu families, community leaders, and cultural enthusiasts, all united in their passion for preserving and celebrating Telugu traditions, language, and heritage.
Local politicians, including Paul Scarr, Senator for Queensland, Corrine McMillan, State Member for Mansfield, and Angela Owen, Ex-Councillor for Calamvale, attended the event, underscoring the importance of preserving cultural roots while thriving in a foreign land. Their presence highlighted the significance
of cultural celebration in strengthening multicultural bonds in the community.
The inauguration ceremony commenced with the traditional lamp-lighting ritual, performed by Angela Owen, symbolizing the illumination of knowledge and the promising future of the community. The auspicious occasion coincided with the Diwali festival week, adding a layer of festivity to the event. Paul Scarr, Senator for Queensland, digitally unveiled the AAQ's logo and spoke to the audience, commending the association’s efforts to promote cultural preservation and community engagement. “This organization is a vital link for the Indian diaspora here in Australia,” said Scarr. “It not only celebrates the rich heritage of Andhra Pradesh but also enriches the multicultural
fabric of our society.”
The founding members of AAQ, Ram Junnuri and Uma Chilukoti, shared their vision for the association, emphasizing their commitment to creating a platform that celebrates Telugu heritage while fostering community engagement. "Our goal is to build a community that not only preserves but also promotes our traditions for future generations," said Uma Chilukoti, the President of AAQ. "We are excited to begin this journey and look forward to organizing meaningful events, cultural programs, and community services."
The ceremony was further enriched by a series of cultural performances, including classical dance and music, showcasing the artistic talents of the community members. A documentary
highlighting the deep-rooted traditions, famous temples, arts, and culinary specialties of Andhra Pradesh earned resounding applause from the audience. Attendees were treated to a feast of traditional Andhra cuisine, sponsored by Raj Mada of Hyderabad Flavours Restaurant in Brisbane, allowing them to savor the flavors of home.
As the Andhra Association of Queensland embarks on its journey, it invites all individuals, regardless of background, to join in celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Andhra Pradesh.
With strong community support and a dedicated mission, AAQ promises to be a beacon of unity and cultural preservation for generations to come.
AAQ Executive Committee Members:
Uma Chilukoti – President
Ram Junnuri – Vice President
Sitaram Vangapandu – Secretary
Hema Latha Gadireddy – Joint Secretary
Kuldeep Ganisetti – Treasurer
Priyanka Vadlamudi – Financial Coordinator
Janakiram Mannava – Cultural Coordinator
Sunitha Jakkampudi – Cultural Coordinator
Sudha Shankar – Spiritual Coordinator
Satya Prakash Pattela – EC Member
Swamy Juluru – EC Member
Raj Grandhi – EC Member
Gopal Reddy – EC Member
Bhanu Yapuri – EC Member
Cricket Australia’s ‘New Player Movement’ windows aim to transform Big Bash Leagues
Melbourne, Nov 14 (IANS) Cricket
Australia has announced a major shake-up in the way players move between Big Bash League (BBL) franchises, introducing a 10-day player movement window akin to the Australian Football League’s (AFL) trade period.
The newly implemented windows will come in effect following the end of both the men's and women’s Big Bash competitions.
The Women’s Big Bash League
(WBBL) window will open the day after the final match, running from 9 am on December 2 through to 5 pm on December 11.
The men's BBL trade window is scheduled from January 28 to February 6.
This change in player movement rules will provide teams with the opportunity to trade players with rival clubs, sign players in the final year of their contracts from other franchises, and even trade overseas player draft positions either as part of or independently of player trades.
Such an approach seeks to ensure the league maintains a high level of competitiveness, intrigue, and long-term stability.
One critical aspect of this new window is that clubs will be prohibited from re-signing currently contracted players during this period, including those in the final year of their deals. Teams will have to either finalise contract extensions during the regular season or wait until the end of the trade window, emphasising careful strategy and proactive planning.
For roster management, WBBL teams will be allowed to sign up to eight players before the window opens and up to 10 at its conclusion. For BBL franchises, the limits are slightly higher, allowing for 10 signings before and 12 after the window closes.
‘He should be talking about Australia’: Gambhir blasts Ponting for remark over Virat’s form
Mumbai, Nov 11 (IANS) India head coach Gautam Gambhir hits back at former Australia captain Ricky Ponting for questioning Virat Kohli's place in Test team after a series of low scores. The India head coach backed his senior players including captain Rohit Sharma and said Ponting should talk about the Australian team. Both Rohit and Kohli were not
at their best in the recently concluded three-match home series against New Zealand. In six innings, Rohit managed only 91 runs including a half-century while Kohli scored 93 runs of which 70 came in the second innings of first Test in Bengaluru.
"What does Ricky Ponting have to do with Indian cricket? He should be talking about Australia. Look, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are still passionate about the game and want to achieve more," Gambhir told reporters in his pre-departure press conference.
"They are hungry for success and have done exceptionally well for the country over the years. Even the other players are doing a fine job, and I am sure we will improve as a group. I have no concerns regarding Virat and Rohit," he added.
Gambhir expressed full confidence in senior batters and
rubbished aside any doubts on their form. "I have no concerns whatsoever for Rohit and Virat. I think they are incredibly tough men and have achieved a lot for Indian cricket and will continue to do so.
"My role is to ensure that their hunger is still there and they continue to work really hard," he said.
Last week, Ponting had raised concerns over Kohli's form in the ICC Review, saying, "I saw a stat the other day about Virat, it said he's only scored two (three) Test hundreds in the last five years. That didn't seem right to me, but if that is right, then that is, I mean, that's a concern. There wouldn't be anyone else probably even playing international cricket as a top-order batsman that's only scored two Test match hundreds in five year."
‘They were outstanding’: Rizwan credits bowlers for Pakistan’s 2-1 ODI series win over Australia
Perth, Nov 10 (IANS) Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan praised bowlers for their 2-1 ODI series win over Australia after beating Australia by eight wickets in the third and final match at Perth Stadium on Sunday. This was Pakistan's first ODI series win over the hosts in 22 years. Chasing a modest 141 target, Pakistan openers, Saim Ayub (42) and Abdullah Shafique (37) added 84-run partnership for the first wicket. Rizwan (30 not out) and Babar Azam (28 not out) knitted an unbroken 58-run partnership for the third wicket to take the side over the line in 26.5
overs.
Earlier, after being put into bat, Australia were bowled out for 140 in 31.5 overs. Sean Abbott (30) was the top run-getter for the losing side. Left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah bagged three scalps each while Haris Rauf ended up taking two wickets.
"Special moment for me, the nation will be very happy today, we didn't perform as per expectations in the last couple of years. I'm the captain only for the toss and presentations - everyone gives me suggestions on the field, the batting group and the bowling group," Rizwan said in the postmatch presentation.
"All the credit to the bowlers, Australia in Australia isn't easy, the conditions suit their style of playing, but the bowlers were outstanding. Also credit to the two openers, they made the chases
The Indian cricket cap has very little value
India’s 3-0 loss to New Zealand has stunned the cricket fans and followers. A series that one thought would be easily won by India has turned out to be a disaster for Indian cricket.
The knives are out for the nonperformers, a few are the darling of Indian cricket. It is just a game, one can say, however, the trauma of such a defeat was just not fathomable.
One felt that with India ruling the roost at home since 2013, the process of demolishing an opponent in cricket in their backyard was forever set in stone. Cricket is an unforgiving game in which one has seen over many decades, many an unconquerable side fall when least expected. India, faced this humiliation after having conquered all who came to their shore in the last decade.
New Zealand, the good boys of World cricket, simply destroyed India and they deserved every bit of their victory. The young side batted, bowled and most of all, out thought, in every way, the Indian think tank. They batted and bowled with purpose and their field placement was brilliantly executed.
They were without their former captain and their best batter Kane Williamson and with Trent Boult , their spearhead fast bowler ,having recently retired from Test cricket, the New Zealand side looked a bit inexperienced and raw.
proceedings or matches.
The most startling factor of the present Indian cricket side was that they were at sea in their own conditions. The reason being that most of the top Indian players do not play domestic cricket. This is not pertaining to the 1st class matches, but also more importantly at the local club level. Tricky turning tracks were the regular feature at most of the venues one played on, especially, once the summer set in. One learned the skills to handle those conditions through playing with soft hands while batting and making the bowler err through deft placements and feet movements.
Somehow, the importance of playing for ones country among the Indian cricketers has lost its importance. The Indian cap is no more an exclusive or a far reaching goal. Indian International players are being churned out like a factory production. One barely remembers many of them who have come and gone and are now dwindling into obscurity.
A good example is the present situation. Two Indian sides, one to South Africa to play a T20 series there and the other to Australia are overlapping each other. Apart from that an India A side is playing against an Australian A side in Australia. This would add up to nearly 50 of the top Indian players missing playing in the India premier domestic tournament, the Ranji Trophy. To defuse the importance of such a tournament that was the base of Indian cricket ,can be detrimental in the future. The first repercussion of it was the last test series against New Zealand.
easy. They (fans) don't care a lot about the results, but the people back home are always behind us and I want to dedicate this victory to them," the wicketkeeper-batter added.
Haris, who celebrated his 31st birthday two days back, bagged 10 wickets in the series, with a best figures of five for 29 in the second ODI. He bagged both Player of the Match and Series awards.
In the ODI series, Pakistan made a strong comeback after a twowicket defeat the first ODI, as they won the second ODI by nine wickets. The last time Pakistan defeated Australia in an ODI series at their own backyard was in June 2002, when Waqar Younis led side won the series 2-1. Both sides will now feature in a three-match T20I series, which will be played from November 14 to 18.
However, the feeling that one got watching and following the New Zealand side, was how proud and honored they were playing for their country. The players seem to accept a change in leadership without a fuss and the team selection without a grudge. With very little domestic cricket for them to play at home they value every match they get to play, whether at home or away. When they adorn their national colors they seem to rise above one’s expectation. With a population of 5.3 million they have had 3 important victories recently. A Test series win against India, beating England in rugby, as well as winning the Americas Cup in sailing in Barcelona recently. When one plays cricket in India, ones aim is naturally, like all other sports, to play for the country. That to a sportsperson is the ultimate goal. Excelling in it for ones’ nation is the dream that one feels blessed by forever. To make ones country proud through a win is a feeling of joy not just for oneself but also for the millions of fellow countrymen following the
There will be around 30 capped players in the coming months, all playing for India. This has been the trend since quite a while in Indian cricket. The limited overs will be there as a relief if one missed out on a Test cap and so aiming to get a test cap is not a necessity.
This one feels is the reason that the Indian cricketers during the Test series looked complacent. The top players were more concerned about their prospects and retention in the IPL, rather than worrying about the Test championship. How can a side give rest to their premier fast bowler and Vice-Captain of the side, Jasprit Bumrah, in a crucial point accumulating match in order to keep him fresh for the Australian tour 3 weeks later. If Bumrah could not complete a 3 Test match series, one wonders about his fitness during the 5 Test match series against Australia. One gather that Rohit Sharma will not be available for maybe the first two Test matches, as he is staying back for the birth of his second child.
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
Texhibition 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.
he 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
Bill Gates, who reportedly gave $50 mn to Harris campaign, congratulates Trump
San Francisco, Nov 8 (IANS)
Microsoft Co-founder and billionaire Bill Gates, who reportedly gave $50 million to one of the political campaigns of US Vice-President Kamala Harris, on Friday congratulated Presidentelect Donald Trump.
In a post on X social media platform, Gates congratulated Trump and VP-elect JD Vance.
“America is at its strongest when we use ingenuity and innovation to improve lives here in the U.S. and around the world. I hope we can work together now to build a brighter future for everyone,” said Gates.
Melinda Gates, the ex-wife of Bill Gates, had also backed Harris.
“I feel like Kamala, I was happy to endorse. I’ve worked with her before, she knows what we need in society and she’s using her voice against those issues already on the campaign trail, and I knew she would,” Melinda Gates said on a CBS show in July.
Bill Gates joined other Big Tech leaders who congratulated Trump on his victory in the US presidential election.
Meta Founder and CEO
Mark Zuckerberg had said:
“Congratulations to President Trump on a decisive victory. We have great opportunities ahead of us as a country. Looking forward to working with you and your administration.”
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said he is “looking forward to engaging with you and your administration to drive innovation forward that creates new growth and
opportunity for the United States and the world.”
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman wishes Trump “for his huge success in the job”.
“It is critically important that the US maintains its lead in developing AI with democratic values,” he posted on X.
Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger that “We congratulate President-Elect Trump and Vice PresidentElect Vance on their victory and look forward to working with their administration to advance America’s technology and manufacturing leadership in the world.”
“We congratulate President-elect Trump and Vice Presidentelect JD Vance and look forward to working with the new Administration and Congress to advance priorities that promote resilience, innovation and competition in America,” said Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon.
Google Cloud unveils new initiatives to empower AI startups in India
Bengaluru,
Nov 7 (IANS)
Google Cloud is committed to empowering artificial intelligence (AI) startups in India to drive innovation and growth, the tech giant said on Thursday, as it unveiled several new initiatives at an event here.
At its ‘AI Startups Summit’, the company announced several programmes and partnerships designed to accelerate the growth of AI startups in the country. These programmes support early-stage AI founders by helping them build, grow, and gain customers for their solutions using Google Cloud.
“Google is committed to empowering AI startups to
drive innovation and growth.
These initiatives demonstrate our dedication to providing critical support and resources to early-stage founders, helping them build and scale successful AI-powered businesses,” said Dr Manish Gupta, Senior Director, Research, Google DeepMind.
The tech giant recently introduced the ‘Emerging ISV Partner Springboard’, a 12week programme designed to supercharge growth for AI startups.
Early-stage founders will receive increased support through the Google for Startups Cloud Programme, which will now provide $200,000 in Google Cloud credits over two years, giving founders the runway to build and scale their vision.
AI-first startups will receive even greater support with $350,000 in credits, recognizing the increased computational demands of cutting-edge AI development,
according to Google Cloud. The company also announced that it is launching Startup School: GenAI, a comprehensive four-week immersive training programme designed to empower startups in leveraging the full potential of AI.
Google Cloud also announced a collaboration with DeliverHealth, a leader in healthcare clinical documentation to transform the way healthcare providers document patient care.
“Together, we aim to reimagine the future of clinical documentation, enabling clinicians to focus more on patient care,” said Bikram Singh Bedi, Vice President and Country MD, Google Cloud India.
In the ‘Global Google Cloud Summit’ last month, Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian shared his admiration for the innovation and resilience of startups leveraging AI and cloud technology to fuel transformative growth.
realme GT 7 Pro’s RealWorld Eco² Display sets new standards in smartphone
New Delhi, Nov 15 (IANS) In India's dynamic smartphone landscape, while processing power and camera capabilities often steal the spotlight, it's the display that truly bridges the gap between technology and user experience. As our devices become increasingly central to
daily life, the quality of visual interaction has evolved from being a mere specification to a defining feature that shapes how we consume content, capture memories, and immerse ourselves in entertainment.
A superior display doesn't just show content; it transforms everyday smartphone interactions into more vibrant, responsive, and engaging experiences, whether you're editing photos, streaming your favourite shows, or engaging in intense gaming sessions. In this competitive
Nvidia surpasses Apple to become world’s largest company in AI era
San Francisco, Nov 6 (IANS)
Graphics chip giant Nvidia has become the world’s largest company by market capitalisation, surpassing Apple, in the artificial intelligence (AI) era.
Nvidia was valued at $3.43 trillion at the close of market late on Tuesday, crossing Apple’s $3.38 trillion market value.
Jensen Huang-led Nvidia for the first time pushed past Apple in June, though only for a day.
The company’s stock rose 2.9 per cent to $139.93, resulting in a market capitalisation of $3.43 trillion. The chipmaker now accounts for 7 per cent of the weight of the S&P 500 Index.
Microsoft currently has a market cap of $3.06 trillion.
In its second quarter ended July 28, Nvidia reported revenue of $30 billion, up 15 per cent from the previous quarter and up 122 per cent from a year ago.
“Hopper demand remains strong, and the anticipation for Blackwell is incredible,” said Huang. “Nvidia achieved record revenues as global data centers are in full
throttle to modernise the entire computing stack with accelerated computing and generative AI.”
During the first half of fiscal 2025, the chipmaker returned $15.4 billion to shareholders in the form of shares repurchased and cash dividends. As of the end of the second quarter, the company had $7.5 billion remaining under its share repurchase authorisation.
The company’s outlook for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 predicts revenue to be $32.5 billion, plus or minus 2 per cent. Nvidia will host a conference call on November 20 to discuss its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025, which ended October 27.
Ahead of the call, it will provide written commentary on its thirdquarter results from its chief financial officer, Colette Kress. Meanwhile, Huang has asked SK hynix to deliver its nextgeneration high bandwidth memory (HBM), named HBM4, six months earlier than scheduled amid rising demand for AI computing chips.
Huang's request highlighted the soaring demand for Nvidia's AI accelerators, which heavily rely on HBM chips for data and energy-intensive tasks as AI technology advances beyond textbased models.
India, South Africa among solar ‘business hotspots’: Oxford report
Baku, Nov 15 (IANS) Drawing on the first comprehensive dataset of more than 2,300 renewable energy start-ups across Africa and South Asia, a team led by the University of Oxford on Friday revealed India and South Africa among solar 'business hotspots'.
industry
space, smartphone manufacturers are racing to redefine visual excellence. The focus has shifted beyond mere pixel counts to a more holistic approach – one that balances stunning visuals with energy efficiency.
Leading this charge, realme has consistently pushed the boundaries of display innovation, developing screens that not only deliver richer colours and deeper contrasts but also optimise power consumption and enhance outdoor visibility.
The analysis also investigates why some countries, such as Chile and Namibia, produce more solar energy relative to their potential while others fall short -- even when factors such as hours of sunlight, availability of fossil fuels or hydropower, and GDP are accounted for.
"Our report identifies the countries where -- all other things being equal -- proactive policies and simple social affinity have created a better-thanexpected environment for solar energy," said lead author Lorenzo Agnelli.
By comparing start-up activity with the cost of electricity, the report further identifies: Business hotspots: such as India and South Africa, which combine vibrant
start-up ecosystems with low solar costs.
Business headwinds: in countries, such as Nigeria, where entrepreneurial activity is high there are challenges such as low energy access rates.
Dormant opportunities: in countries including Botswana and Namibia, with favourable conditions for solar but limited start-up activity.
Bleak business outlook: for example, Chad and Malawi, have difficult conditions and limited start-up activity -- but where strategic support could unlock entrepreneurship in the future.
"The global energy transition is not just about new technology -- it is about new, often more inclusive ways of providing energy," says Sam Fankhauser, Professor of Climate Policy at the Oxford Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment.
"Across the Global South, it has empowered agile, dynamic entrepreneurs. And the business opportunities only tell part of the story -- often these new business models are uniquely suited to drive electrification and energy access."
Five minutes of daily exercise could reduce blood pressure: Research
Sydney, Nov 7 (IANS) Exercising for five minutes per day could reduce blood pressure, a new research has found.
The research, which was published by experts from an international academic collaboration led by the University of Sydney and University College London on Thursday, suggested that doing five minutes of physical activity, such as walking uphill or stair climbing every day may help to lower blood pressure.
According to the study by the Prospective Physical Activity, Sitting and Sleep (ProPASS) Consortium, replacing sedentary behaviour with 20-27 minutes of exercise per day can result in a clinically meaningful reduction in blood pressure.
"High blood pressure is one of the biggest health issues globally, but unlike some major causes of cardiovascular mortality there may be relatively accessible ways to tackle the problem in addition to medication," Emmanuel Stamatakis, joint senior author and director of the ProPASS Consortium from the University of Sydney, said.
"The finding that doing as little as five extra minutes of exercise per day could be associated with
measurably lower blood pressure readings emphasises how powerful short bouts of higher intensity movement could be for blood pressure management."
The research team analysed data from 14,761 volunteers to see how replacing one type of movement with another is associated with blood pressure.
The team estimated that replacing sedentary behaviour with at least 20 minutes of exercise daily could reduce cardiovascular disease incidence by 28 per cent.
The World Health Organisation estimated that 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 years worldwide have hypertension, consistent elevated blood pressure, and that 46 per cent of adults with hypertension are unaware they have the condition.
Your love for sarees may raise risk of skin cancer, warns study
New Delhi, Nov 6 (IANS) Love to wear sarees daily? Beware, draping it tightly may give you skin cancer, warned doctors in Bihar and Maharashtra on Wednesday.
After treating two women with this type of malignancy, doctors from Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College in Wardha, and Madhubani Medical College and Hospital, in Bihar warned that
tightly tied waist cord of the underskirt (petticoat) traditionally worn under a saree, particularly in rural parts of India, may cause continued friction linked to chronic inflammation, leading to skin ulceration, and in some cases, progress to skin cancer.
The phenomenon has previously been described as “saree cancer,” but it is the tightness of the waist cord that’s to blame, the doctors pointed out in the study published in the BMJ Case Reports, and dubbed it as ‘petticoat cancer’.
In the first case, a 70-year-old woman sought medical help because of a painful skin ulcer on her right flank that she had had for 18 months and which wouldn’t heal. The skin in the surrounding area had lost its pigmentation.
She wore her petticoat underneath her Nauvari saree which was tightly tied around her waist.
The doctors conducted a biopsy, which revealed that the woman had a Marjolin ulcer, also known as squamous cell carcinoma
(ulcerating skin cancer).
Another woman in her late 60s consulted doctors for an ulcer on her right flank that wouldn’t heal for two years. For 40 long years, she has been wearing a traditional ‘lugda’ saree daily, which is tied very tightly around the waist without an underskirt.
A biopsy specimen revealed that she too had a Marjolin ulcer. The cancer had already spread to one of the lymph nodes in her groyne when she was diagnosed.
A Marjolin ulcer is rare but aggressive. It develops in chronic burn wounds, non-healing wounds, leg ulcers, tuberculous skin nodules, and in vaccination and snake bite scars, the doctors explained.
The doctors noted that while the exact mechanism by which chronic ulcers or wounds become malignant remains unknown, “every cutaneous lesion that is continuously irritated (chronically inflamed) has been shown to have a higher risk of developing malignant transformation.”
Indian scientists develop new treatments for type I and autoimmune diabetes
Scientists at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) in Guwahati, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, have discovered a specific protein IL-35 that can aid in new treatments for type I and autoimmune diabetes mellitus.
IL-35 is a specific protein of IL-12 alpha and IL-27 beta chains which is encoded by the IL12A and EBI3 genes.
The IASST team showed that IL35 protects the immune system by lowering particular immune cells that produce inflammatory chemicals. This can help reduce pancreatic cell infiltration -- a key contributor to type 1 diabetes and autoimmune diabetes mellitus.
“This protein presents a novel diabetes treatment option,” said the scientists, even as the global diabetes epidemic is growing.
How air pollution is contributing to cancers in India
New Delhi, Nov 7 (IANS)
Increased exposure to carcinogens in the air is increasing the incidence of cancers of the lungs, bladder, breast, prostate, and blood, said health experts on National Cancer Awareness Day on Thursday. National Cancer Awareness Day is observed on November 7 every year in India to raise awareness about the growing cancer burden in the country and inspire action towards prevention, early detection, and treatment.
India is home to over 1.4 billion people. Lifestyle changes, tobacco use, poor dietary habits, and inadequate physical activity are leading to a rapid surge in cancer cases.
About 800,000 new cancer cases are expected each year, with tobacco-related cancers accounting for as much as 35-50 per cent of all cancers in men and 17 per cent in women, According to estimates from the Health Ministry.
“Cancer rates are rising in India and have seen an upward trend in annual incidence rate. Currently, India records more than 14 lakh new cancer patients every year, and close to 9 lakh people die of it annually,” Dr. Abhishek Shankar, Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Dr BR Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital at AIIMS, Delhi,
told IANS.
He attributed this rise to an increase in the "use of tobacco, alcohol, infections like HPV, Hepatitis virus and Helicobacter pylori, lifestyle changes, environmental factors, poor diets, and sedentary lifestyles".
While lifestyle factors play a major role, environmental changes -particularly rising air pollution -- are also significant.
“India’s high levels of air pollution, especially PM2.5 exposure, are linked to rising lung cancer rates, including cases in non-smokers. Water and soil contamination from industrial pollutants increase risks for various cancers, impacting communities in industrial areas,” Shankar said.
The air quality in Delhi-NCR remained alarmingly poor on Thursday. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the average Air Quality Index (AQI) in the city was recorded at 362.
There is also substantial evidence from studies of humans and experimental animals as well as mechanistic evidence to support a causal link between outdoor (ambient) air pollution, especially PM 2.5 in outdoor air, with lung cancer and breast cancer incidence and mortality.
“It has a risk for other cancer types, such as bladder cancer, prostate cancer, leukaemia (blood cancer) but in limited numbers. Outdoor air pollution may also be associated with poorer cancer survival, although further research is needed,” Shankar said.
Consuming high levels of omega-3, omega-6 may keep cancer at bay
Diabetes disproportionately affects developing country children and adolescents calls for effective treatment for the disease. In the study, the team led by Dr. Asis Bala, Associate Professor, conducted a network pharmacological analysis of IL-35-related genes, genedisease associations, and a comprehensive experiment review. Using the network pharmacological analysis, they identified five disease-interacting genes associated with immuneinflammatory, autoimmune, neoplastic, and endocrine disorders.
New Delhi, Nov 5 (IANS) A higher consumption of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may help ward off a variety of cancers, finds a large study of more than 250,000 people on Tuesday. Cancer has become a global health concern, especially with increasing early onset.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are "healthy fats" and essential for human health. These are important to the cells and are known to reduce bad cholesterol levels, keep the brain healthy, and boost mental health.
Higher levels of omega-3s showed protection against
colon, stomach, and lung cancer, according to study, published in the International Journal of Cancer, showed the benefits of higher omega-3 levels against colon, stomach, and lung cancer. On the other hand, high omega-6 levels protect against brain, malignant melanoma, bladder, and 14 different cancers.
"Higher omega-3 and omega-6 levels were associated with lower rates of cancer," said lead author Yuchen Zhang, a doctoral student at the University of Georgia’s College of Public Health.
Zhang noted that with the significant rise in cancers worldwide, the study "suggests that the average person should focus on getting more of these fatty acids in their diets."
New Delhi, Nov 5 (IANS)
Sara Tendulkar, social media sensation and youth icon and the new face of Laneige, one of the most popular Korean beauty brands in the world. Known for her authenticity, charm and influential presence on social media, Sara has embarked on this new venture with the brand to support the its mission in the country.
She gracefully represents the brand's values of natural and sustainable beauty, while bringing to life the brand belief that everyone should shine with a unique inner and outer glow that is as distinct as their individuality. Along with the announcement of a new Brand Ambassador, the brand unveiled its Bouncy and Firm Sleeping Mask.
An elated Sara Tendulkar, Brand Ambassador, Laneige India, commented, “I am thrilled to be part of Laneige's family. As
someone with a biomedical background that makes way for a keen understanding of quality as well as a personal passion for skincare, I admire the brand's commitment to innovation and have been using their products for quite a while. It brings me immense excitement and humility to partner with Laneige, as their core belief in the radiance of each person's unique individuality resonates deeply with me."
At the launch, Paul Lee, Managing Director & Country Head of Amorepacific India, added, "Laneige proudly announces Sara Tendulkar as its Brand Ambassador, embracing her vibrant energy. Sara symbolizes the modern, self-assured youth advocating that beauty transcends mere appearances. With Sara onboard, Laneige aims to connect with a broader audience."
Mini Sood Banerjee, Assistant
Hydration is Key Combat the drying effects of summer heat by regularly applying moisturising lotion or oil to your nails and cuticles. This simple step will help maintain their strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of breakage.
Summer is all about fun in the sun, beach outings, and showing off those fabulous nails! With the sunny season upon us, it's essential to step up our nail care game to keep our nails looking fresh and vibrant.
Experts in nail care from Tip and Toe Salon share with IANSlife
Protect from the Sun
Protect your nails from the sun's harmful UV rays, just as you would protect your skin.
Consider using a nail polish with UV protection or applying a clear topcoat containing SPF. When engaging in outdoor activities, wearing gloves can also provide an additional layer of protection against sun damage.
Director & Head of Marketing and Training Amorepacific India said, "As Laneige's journey evolves, we are thrilled to welcome Sara Tendulkar into our family as the embodiment of timeless grace and modern elegance. Her vibrant spirit and innate charm perfectly resonate with Laneige's commitment to empowering individuals to embrace their unique beauty. Together, we embark on a new chapter, celebrating authenticity and the transformative power of skincare."
Social media sensation Sara Tendulkar for Korean Beauty Brand Laniege Summer nail care secrets
"We are delighted to announce Sara Tendulkar as the new Brand Ambassador for Laneige," said Sally Lee, Brand General Manager of Laneige India. Sara's luminous charm and timeless elegance resonate deeply with our brand's values. Sara's deeper integration into the Laneige experience marks a remarkable milestone, fostering deeper connections with a burgeoning generation of consumers."
Laneige is a brand that specializes in moisture research. They have developed advanced water complexes that are dedicated to creating intelligent skincare solutions for all skin types. With a range of products developed to address different skin concerns due to stress and a hazardous environment, Laneige offers solutions that awaken your skin’s ultimate moisture potential.
the importance of maintaining healthy and beautiful nails, especially during the summer months. Don't let the sun and heat take a toll on your nail health; follow these expertrecommended tips to keep your nails looking fabulous.
Use the Right Tools
Using the right tools is crucial for maintaining nail health. Avoid metal cuticle pushers, as they can cause damage and increase infection risks. Instead, opt for wooden or rubber cuticle pushers. Additionally, always use sharp, clean nail clippers and files to prevent nail splitting and peeling.
As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, many of us eagerly embrace the warmth of summer. However, the need for diligent skin care comes with the joys of outdoor activities and beach vacations.
Before diving into skin care tips, it's essential to understand the damaging effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to many skin concerns, including sunburn and premature ageing.
"One of the most effective ways to shield your skin from sun damage is sunscreen. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating to ensure comprehensive protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed areas of skin, including your face, neck, and ears, and remember to reapply every two hours, especially if you're swimming or sweating," says Mansi Sharma, founder of The Honest Tree by Boddess.
Hydration is key. Summer heat can take a toll on your skin, leading to dehydration and a loss of moisture. Mansi recommends
to combat the heat by staying hydrated from the inside out. She says, "Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated and plump. Additionally, incorporate hydrating skincare products into your routine, such as lightweight moisturizers and serums formulated with hyaluronic acid or glycerin."
While sunscreen provides crucial protection, it's not the only line of defence against the sun's rays. "Consider covering up with lightweight, breathable clothing, hats, and sunglasses to provide additional protection for your skin and eyes. Opt for tightly woven fabrics and dark colours for optimal sun protection," adds Mansi. "When possible, seek shade during the sun's peak hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when UV radiation is at its strongest, increasing the risk of sunburn and skin damage. Take breaks from direct sunlight by relaxing under a beach umbrella or finding shelter in a shaded area."
The founder of The Honest Tree by Boddess also suggests that while selecting skincare products for summer, opt for formulations that cater to the specific needs of sun-exposed skin. Mansi says, "Look for products enriched with antioxidants like vitamins C and E, which help neutralize free radicals generated by UV exposure. Incorporating a gentle exfoliant into your routine can also help slough off dead skin cells, revealing a fresh, radiant complexion."
Beauty addicts can now get Kylie Cosmetics in India
Iam so 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
Manish Malhotra: Tisca’s commitment to crafting ‘Saali Mohabbat’ with complexity made it more compelling
Designer Manish Malhotra’s maiden production “Saali Mohabbat” directed by Tisca Chopra is all set to have its world premiere at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. He said her commitment to crafting this story with such complexity made it all the more compelling.
The thrilling “howdunit” suspense drama, is set to have its world premiere in Goa on November 22. It stars Radhika Apte, Divyenndu, Anshumaan Pushkar, Sauraseni Maitra, Sharat Saxena and Anurag Kashyap.
Producer Manish Malhotra shared
his thoughts on selecting Saali Mohabbat as his first project, “With Stage5 Production, my aim is to create cinematic experiences that are gripping and thoughtprovoking. The moment I read the script of Saali Mohabbat, I was drawn to its intense and thrilling narrative.”
He said that at Stage5 Production, they collaborate with heartfelt passion and a deep love for the craft, working closely with directors to bring their vision onto the screen with artistry and care.
“Tisca Chopra’s commitment to crafting this story with such
complexity made it all the more compelling. I’m incredibly thankful to Jio Studios and Jyoti Deshpande for their unwavering support and belief in this vision. It’s an honour to present Saali Mohabbat at IFFI, and I’m eager for audiences to immerse themselves in this thrilling journey.”
Tisca Chopra said “Saali Mohabbat” is a story close to her heart.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Manish Malhotra and Jio Studios for trusting in my vision and supporting my journey as a director. I hope audiences connect with its raw emotion and suspense and I couldn’t be more excited to present it at IFFI, a festival that celebrates diverse and bold voices in cinema.”
“Saali Mohabbat” weaves a tale of an unpretentious housewife who tells a story of infidelity, deceit and murder. While her listeners are riveted, one of them gets the message she intended.
Jyoti Deshpande, President of Media and Content Business at Reliance Industries, shared her happiness on the news, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Manish Malhotra, who is bringing his creative brilliance from the world of fashion to film—a natural progression for a visionary who has always made impactful statements. With Saali Mohabbat, Manish extends his legacy of creativity, now crafting stories that captivate just as his designs have.”
Ananya Panday dons her mom’s old outfit designed by Rohit Bal on her friend’s wedding festivities
BThe actress wore the outfit on the occasion of her friend, Deeya Shroff’s marriage with Mihir Madhvani. On Thursday, Ananya took to her Instagram, and shared an array of pictures from the ceremony. She also penned a heartwarming note in the caption, as she wrote, “briDEEEEEE @deeyashroff obsessed with my sister getting married but also not ready to let go of her yet but also very excited to have a brother now !! @ mihirmadhvani also wearing my moms @rohitbalofficial from 21 years ago! Gudda forever (sic)”. Earlier, Ananya’s rumoured
Amitabh Bachchan turns fashion designer
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan channeled his inner fashion designer as he styled a hoodie and added a bit of colour to it for the quiz-based show “Kaun Banega Crorepati Junior.”
The cine icon took to his blog and wrote: “The hoodie that I designed .. through Macmerise and a bit of colour .. for the KBC jr .. and such a delight to be in their company .. their knowledge their confidence and their outlook and vision .. simply unbelievable ..impressed beyond all ..”
The thespian then talked about picture options with the audience.
“And then at the end of the episode the picture option
boyfriend, Walker Blanco had penned a romantic birthday wish for the actress on her 26th birthday. In his post, Walker professed his love for Panday, calling her “special”.
He took to his Instagram handle and shared a candid photo of the birthday girl, where she is seen sitting and smiling with her hand resting on her face. He wrote in the caption, “Happy birthday, beautiful. You are so special. I love you, Annie”.
The post sparked a frenzy among Ananya's fans, who see Walker's birthday message as an official declaration of his love for her. Walker Blanco has often expressed his admiration for Ananya on social media. He gave her a shout-out when her Netflix film “CTRL” was released. He shared the trailer on his Instagram Stories with the message, "Can’t waitttt, Annie!" along with a surprised face and a red heart emoji.
As per several media reports, Ananya first met Walker at the cruise party during a high-profile pre-wedding celebration.
with the audience .. filled with emotion and gratitude for their reactions and comments .. I am undeserving of such, but it comes with heart and love and I accept it with folded hands.”
On November 5, Big B revealed that he spent his day seeking blessings at Siddhivinayak and the Babulnath temple in Mumbai. The thespian took to his blog, where he mentioned: “A day filled with religious divinity, prayer and seeking the blessings of the Almighty .. Visits to the temples of Siddhivinayak .. Babulnath and the immense sense of belonging after ..Belief .. May there be peace and love ever.”
Sonam, Kareena, Ananya and other Bollywood celebs mourn death of iconic designer Rohit Bal
Astring of Bollywood personalities such as Sonam Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ananya Panday and others on Saturday mourned the death of connoisseur of luxury fashion wear Rohit Bal, fondly known as 'Gudda' in the industry, who passed away aged 63.
The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) late on November 1 night announced the passing away of the iconic designer, who was known for his lotus and peacock motifs.
The fashion designer was suffering from a heart ailment and in 2023 was admitted to the intensive care unit.
The FDCI shared a post on Instagram, which read: “We mourn the passing of Legendary designer Rohit Bal. He was a founding member of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). Known for his unique blend of traditional patterns with modern sensibilities, Bal’s work redefined Indian fashion, and inspired generations.”
ollywood actress Ananya Panday, who was recently seen in the streaming movie ‘CTRL’, wore her mom Bhavna Panday’s ethnic outfit from 21 years ago designed by the late designer Rohit Bal.
Canberra: External Affairs Minister S.
during an interaction with members of Australia - India Parliamentary Friendship Group in Canberra on Wednesday November 06,
Jaishankar
2024.
Mumbai: Actors Aamir Khan, Jeetendra, Ajay Devgn, and Paresh Rawal attend the screening of the upcoming film ‘Tera Yaar Hun Mein’ in Mumbai on Saturday, November 09, 2024.
Ayodhya: Devotees take a holy dip in the Sarayu River in Ayodhya on Sunday, November 10, 2024.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Russia’s First Deputy PM Denis Manturov in New Delhi on Monday, November 11, 2024.
Ayodhya: Devotees gather in large numbers at Saryu Ghat to take a holy dip on the occasion of ‘Kartik Purnima’ in Ayodhya on Friday, November 15, 2024
Nagpur: Sikh devotees take part in a Nagar Kirtan procession ahead of Guru Nanak Gurpurab in Nagpur on Sunday, November 10, 2024.
Kheda: Prime Minister Narendra Modi participates in 200th year celebrations of Swaminarayan Mandir via video confrencing in Vadtal, Gujarat on Monday November 11, 2024.
New Delhi: President of India, Droupadi Murmu meets Children from various schools and organisations on the occasion of Children’s Day at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, in New Delhi on November 14, 2024.
Devotees gather in large numbers to perform rituals on the fourth day of Chhath Puja at Gardanibagh in Patna on Friday November 08, 2024.
National President of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) Chirag Paswan holds a road show
Centurion: India’s Ramandeep Singh receives his Team India cap from Hardik Pandya ahead of the T20I series against South Africa in Centurion on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.
Canberra: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar meets Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese in Canberra on Wednesday November 06, 2024.
Moradabad: Sikh devotees take part in a Nagar kirtan procession on the eve of Guru Nanak Dev’s birth anniversary at the Golden Temple in Moradabad on Thursday, November 14, 2024.
KANGUVA
RELEASE DATE: 14 November 2024
LANGUAGE: Tamil, Telugu, Hindi (With English Subtitles)
PRODUCER: K.E. Gnanavelraja and Vamsi Pramod
DIRECTOR: Siva
CAST: Suriya, Disha Patani and Bobby Deol
RELEASE DATE: 22 November 2024
LANGUAGE: Hindi (With English Subtitles)
PRODUCER: Rakesh Roshan
DIRECTOR: Rakesh Roshan
CAST: Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Rakhee Gulzar and others
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 Kewlani
CAST: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur, Sara Ali Khan
Karan Arjun
Janhvi Kapoor said she wore a ‘cassata’ instead of ‘eating’ some
Bactress Janhvi Kapoor won the caption game as she described her stunning outfit as “cassata” ice-cream.
Janhvi took to Instagram, where she shared a string of pictures dressed in pastel hued mesh saree with floral design. She completed the look with a pearl choker, earrings and subtle makeup. For the hair, she chose to keep her tresses open.
For the caption, she wrote: “Felt like eating some cassata but wore one instead.”
Last month, Janhvi shared some images with her rumoured beau
Shikhar Pahariya.
She posted a series of photos and videos on Instagram, captioning it, “Mems that haven’t made it to the gram.”
One picture stood out, which had Janhvi playing with her pet dog while Shikhar affectionately placed his hand on her head.
Another image captured a group photo where Janhvi and Shikhar were seen posing alongside Karan Johar, Isha Ambani, Radhika Merchant, and others. In this group shot, Janhvi is seen holding Shikhar’s hand.
Although Janhvi and Shikhar
have not made their relationship official, the two are often seen together. They arrived together at Manish Malhotra's grand Diwali party in Mumbai.
Janhvi first hinted at her romance with Shikhar on ‘Koffee with Karan’ when she appeared with Sara Ali Khan. Later, during an episode with her sister Khushi Kapoor, she casually mentioned Shikhar’s name, fuelling further speculation.
It was in 2018, when Janhvi, daughter of late actress Sridevi and filmmaker Boney Kapoor, made her debut in Hindi cinema with Shashank Khaitan’s “Dhadak”. The film was a Hindi remake of the Marathi film “Sairat”. She was then seen in the anthology “Ghost Stories” by Zoya Akhtar. After which, Janhvi was seen in films such as “Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl,” “Roohi,” “Good Luck Jerry”, “Mili”, “Bawaal”, “Mr. & Mrs. Mahi” and “Ulajh”, where she played the role of an IFS officer. The film was released on August 2.
The 27-year-old made her Telugu debut with “Devara: Part 1” starring NTR Jr. She will next be seen in “Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari.”
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan clarifies if she fights with Abhishek in a resurfaced video
Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who is rumoured to be living separately from her husband, actor Abhishek Bachchan, once spoke about how she felt that she and Abhishek were newly married for the longest time because of the incessant flow of best wishes from their social circle.
When
A resurfaced video of the actress shows her talking about her relationship with Abhishek.
In the video, she said, "It's wonderful what we share because it's based on such a friendship. Firstly, for the longest time, people would still be wishing us and what we were feeling with
each other and that's what we received from the world around us. We were just newly married forever, which is great."
When she was asked if Abhishek's comment of her fighting with him every day was true, the actress said, "That's what I mean when they say we've been together for 10 years. We were normal from the beginning, from the beginning. Throughout the day, I think we go through an entire movie. It all happens really, really quickly. Time is precious for us, so we have our little dramatics all day very quickly (sic)."
Rumours are rife about Abhishek's entanglement with actress Nimrat Kaur during the shooting of their movie 'Dasvi'.
Shraddha says Sachin-Jigar made her sing ‘sundar gaana’ ‘Bezubaan Phir Se Reprise’
Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor credits musician duo Sachin-Jigar for making her sing the beautiful song ‘Bezubaan Phir
Se Reprise’ from the 2015 film
“ABCD 2”.
Shraddha took to her Instagram stories, where she shared a picture of her listening to the track, which is sung by her and Neil Sharma.
“Sachin-Jigar Kitna sundar gaana gawaya aap dono ne mujhse,” she wrote as the caption.
“ABCD 2”, also known as Any Body Can Dance 2, is directed and choreographed by Remo D'Souza.
A stand-alone sequel to the 2013 film ABCD: Any Body Can Dance, the film stars Prabhu Deva, Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor in the lead roles alongside Sushant Pujari, and is partially inspired by the life accounts of Suresh Mukund and Vernon Monteiro.
2013’s “ABCD: Anybody Can Dance” is a dance drama film directed D'Souza. The film stars Prabhu Deva in the lead role along with Ganesh Acharya and Kay Kay Menon.
The participants in Dance India Dance appear in supporting roles.
The Bollywood actress was recently told by a fan that she can
have onions as she is single after she did a question and answer session on social media.
Shraddha took to Instagram stories, where she shared a picture of her Diwali meal, which included chole, puri, paneer burji and some spiced onions. She captioned the image with “love eye emojis”.
She then shared a picture of the spiced onions and asked her fans if they like onions with their food.
She wrote: "Kya aapko khaane ke saath pyaaz pasand hai? Batao??"
A user said that the actress is single, so she can have onions.
The fan wrote: "ap toh single ho ap kha sakte ho (laughing emoji)."
To which, the actress shared a picture of her laughing and captioned it with laughter emojis.
Shraddha is the daughter of Bollywood actor Shakti Kapoor. She made her debut with ‘Teen Patti’ in 2010. Her first hit was ‘Aashiqui 2’. One of Bollywood’s most followed actresses, Shraddha has worked in hits like ‘Stree’, ‘Stree-2’ and ‘Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar’.
Apart from her love for food, the actress recently confessed her love for sneakers to IANS.
Amitabh Bachchan ran around 10 times just to look tired in ‘Deewar’
Amitabh Bachchan shared a fascinating behind-thescenes anecdote from his iconic film “Deewar” on his popular game show "Kaun Banega Crorepati."
Recalling a memorable scene, Big B revealed how he had to push his physical limits to convincingly portray exhaustion on screen. The megastar recalled he ran around the area 10 times during a climax scene, just to appear tired and make it believable in his 1975 released actioner. In the upcoming episode, IPS officer
Manoj Kumar and Vikrant Massey grace the episode to promote their movie "12th Fail." During the episode, Manoj Kumar praised Massey’s dedication in the film. He stated, “For 20-22 days, Vikrant stayed under the sun in Chambal, applying oil and sitting out in the heat to get the tan.”
Hearing this, Bachchan shared that many actors go to great lengths to capture the essence of their characters, often gaining or losing weight to authentically portray their roles. Recalling an incident from his own journey,
Bachchan revealed, “I remember a scene from my film "Deewa"r, where I had to fight with goons and after the fight, I have to open the door and get out of the den. Now the action scene was shot somewhere else and the godown scene was elsewhere. The last part of the scene was shot a few days later at the Mumbai docks.”
The 'Sholay' actor added, “When we got back to that scene I wanted to make it look authentic. Because the scene required me to fight the goons, I had to look tired in the climax scene.
ollywood
Anil Kapoor’s greatest joy is watching his son Harsh ‘grow into passionate and determined person’
Mumbai, Nov 9 (IANS) Anil Kapoor reveals his greatest joy is watching his son Harsh Vardhan Kapoor grow into the passionate and determined person he is today.
The proud father took to his Instagram handle to wish his son on his 34th birthday with a heartfelt note. Anil also photo pictures of the birthday boy as he wishes him another year of adventures, growth, and madness. Sharing the post, the Mr. India actor wrote, “Happy Birthday, Harsh! Watching you grow into
the passionate and determined person you are today has been one of my greatest joys. Your strength, resilience, and the way you fearlessly chase your dreams scares me sometimes momentarily and then when you prove me wrong it makes me proud …Keep forging your own path, no matter where it leads— you’ve already shown us all what it means to truly follow your heart. Here’s to another year of adventures, growth, and madness @harshvarrdhankapoor.”
While the first three images show
Harshvardhan candidly posing for the camera, the last one features the father-son duo twinning in black outfits.
Harsh ventured into acting in 2016 with Rakesh Omprakash Mehra’s romantic drama film "Mirzya" alongside Saiyami Kher. While Anil Kapoor’s son performance was lauded, the film received a mixed critical response.
He has since starred in the action films such as "Bhavesh Joshi Superhero" and "Thar". Prior to his acting debut, Harsh Vardhan gained experience behind the camera as an assistant director for Anurag Kashyap's 2015 film Bombay Velvet.
In 2020, Harsh worked with Vikramaditya again in the Netflix film "AK vs AK", in which he played a fictionalised version of himself and shared the screen with his father and sister, Sonam Kapoor. He is currently working on a biopic of Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra, where he will not only star but also serve as the producer.
Malaika Arora wishes ‘baby boy’ Arhaan with cherished childhood memories
ATaking to her Instagram, the actress shared a heartfelt note expressing her love and pride for him, accompanied by a collection of unseen
childhood photos. In the caption, Malaika wrote, "Happy birthday my baby boy mama loves u the mostesttttttttttttttt @ iamarhaankhan.”
The first photo captures a candid moment with Malaika hugging Arhaan warmly as they pose together. In another, the mother-
When Simi Garewal asked Abhishek not to call her ‘aunty’
Simi Garewal once asked Abhishek Bachchan not to call her “aunty.”
Rendezvous with Simi Aunty."
son duo enjoys a stroll in a park. The third image, a collage, shows Arhaan as a young boy, while the final picture features him playing with their pet dog, Casper. Malaika’s friends from the industry quickly filled the comments section with birthday wishes for Arhaan. Twinkle Khanna dropped heart emojis, while Sophie Choudry wrote, "Aww, the pics! Happy bday @ iamarhaankhan... Biggest hug." Seema Sajdeh also wished Arhaan, writing, "Happy birthday my Arhaan."
Malaika has a tradition of making her son feel special on his birthday with heartfelt posts. Last year, the ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ star shared a touching video of Arhaan from his childhood. In her message, she wrote, “My baby boy is 21 today… and my wish for you is simple: have the best life imaginable. Live life to the fullest. Laugh, giggle, cry if you must... play as hard as you work. Be sincere. Make time for the people and things you adore. Sleep soundly and have the best dreams." She added, "Always keep that toothy smile, and never stop making us laugh with your corny humor. Know that you are loved. Happy birthday, my sweet boy. Mama loves you the most and is so proud of you.”
Arhaan is Malaika’s son with ex-husband Arbaaz Khan. The couple, who married in 1997, separated in 2017.
Arbaaz married makeup artist Shura Khan in December 2023.
In 2003, Abhishek appeared as a guest on Garewal's iconic chat show, "Rendezvous with Simi Garewal". Before the interview began, a crew member requested the actor to speak for a sound check. In a humorous response, Abhishek casually said, "Something," which immediately made everyone laugh. When asked for a more substantial line, he jokingly added, "Hi, I’m Abhishek Bachchan, and you are watching..." before pausing and looking around, as if forgetting the show's name. Simi Garewal quickly reminded him, prompting Abhishek to continue with, "...
Playfully imitating his father, Amitabh Bachchan, who was then hosting Kaun Banega Crorepati, the ‘Dhoom’ actor added, "Aaiye hum aur aap khelte hain (Let’s play) Kaun Banega Crorepati."
Later, during the interview, Simi asked Abhishek not to call her "aunty," leading to a lighthearted exchange where they discussed what he should call her. Abhishek teasingly suggested, "Oprah," before joking, "I think I’ll be thrown out before the interview even starts."
Meanwhile, Garewal has been defending the Bachchan family amidst the divorce rumours surrounding Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai.
Bhumi Pednekar shares qualities that define her Ideal Partner
Ina candid conversation with Kusha Kapila, actress Bhumi Pednekar revealed the key qualities she seeks in a partner. During her appearance on the show “Tinder Swipe Ride”, the actress shared that kindness is the most attractive quality she looks for in a person. Speaking candidly about what matters to her in a relationship, Bhumi emphasized that true beauty lies in how someone treats others. When asked about the kind of character she would consider her ideal partner in real life, Pednekar shared, “I think at this point I truly want somebody who is kind, who is good to people around them, and is proud of what I am doing. I think it’s so important for your partner to find pride in your achievements.”
For the ‘Dum Laga Ke Haisha’ actress, kindness outweighs looks, whether it’s showing respect to others or supporting each other’s achievements. So, who does she see as the ultimate hero in her love story? It’s none other than Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic character, Aman, from “Kal Ho Naa Ho.”
In the latest episode, the actress was at her candid best as she made interesting revelations about flirtation, kindness, and the real recipe for lasting love. Bhumi also talked about how embracing self-acceptance has helped her form deep, meaningful connections.
The ‘Bala’ actress also offered a refreshing perspective on dating as she emphasized the importance of staying true to yourself, taking your time, and enjoying the process.
Meanwhile, Bhumi recently jetted off to Goa with Rhea Kapoor and her husband, Karan Boolani. She has been dropping glimpses from her beach vacation on social media. From relaxing by the pool in stylish bikinis, indulging in delicious food, to soaking up the sun on the beaches, the actress has shared every bit of her beach holiday with fans.
ctress Malaika Arora took to social media to wish her "baby boy," Arhaan Khan on his 22nd birthday.
