Thirteen years ago, Atlee arrived in Indian cinema with Raja Rani, and he has since built an extraordinary theatrical track record — five directorial films and five commercial successes. His debut was a romantic drama starring Arya, Nayanthara, Jai and Nazriya Nazim, a film that proved Atlee could create a strong audience connection even without the larger-than-life action spectacles that would later become his signature.&nbsp;Raja Rani went on to collect around ₹52 crore worldwide, giving the young filmmaker a strong beginning and setting the tone for a career built around stories that combine emotion with entertainment.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/raaka-director-atlee-kumar-and-wife-priya-atlee-reveal-baby-girl-s-name-here-s-its-meaning-1779017525431">Raaka director Atlee Kumar and wife Priya Atlee reveal baby girl’s name; here’s its meaning</a><h2>Atlee's journey as a director</h2>Atlee then entered a highly successful phase with Thalapathy Vijay, delivering three consecutive commercial successes.&nbsp;Theri (2016) marked his first collaboration with Vijay and crossed the ₹150 crore mark worldwide. Mersal (2017) raised the scale further, with Vijay in multiple roles and a combination of action, emotion and social messaging, going on to collect ₹240 crore-plus worldwide.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/-blessed-with-a-baby-girl-raaka-director-atlee-kumar-and-wife-priya-atlee-welcome-their-second-child-see-post-1776674034584">'Blessed with a baby girl': Raaka director Atlee Kumar and wife Priya Atlee welcome their second child | See post</a>&nbsp;Bigil (2019) took Atlee into sports cinema, featuring women’s football with family, emotion and mass entertainment, and emerged as another major theatrical success, collecting around ₹300 crore worldwide. The three films strengthened Atlee’s commercial track record while establishing his collaboration with Vijay as one of the successful actor-director combinations in Tamil cinema.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/raaka-makers-unveil-title-of-allu-arjun-deepika-padukone-s-film-with-atlee-1775633673619">Raaka: Makers unveil title of Allu Arjun, Deepika Padukone’s film with Atlee</a>&nbsp;And then came Jawan. With Shah Rukh Khan, Atlee stepped into Hindi cinema and took his established mass-cinema formula to a pan-India audience. The film brought together action, emotion, family, social themes and whistle-worthy theatrical moments, while releasing in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. Jawan went on to become Shah Rukh Khan’s highest-grossing film worldwide at the time, surpassing Pathaan’s ₹1,050.30 crore worldwide collection.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/jawan-director-atlee-s-surreal-moment-as-he-receives-honorary-doctorate-from-sathyabama-university-1749963677307">Jawan director Atlee's 'surreal moment' as he receives honorary doctorate from Sathyabama University</a>&nbsp;Jawan reportedly collected ₹1,148.32 crore worldwide, including ₹761.98 crore from India and ₹386.34 crore from overseas.&nbsp;Across every film, Atlee has retained the ingredients audiences associate with his cinema: emotion, family, action, music, powerful heroes and larger-than-life theatrical moments. Now, with Raaka starring Allu Arjun, Atlee enters his next chapter with another superstar and an even bigger canvas.

Atlee is one of the most popular directors in Indian cinema. Alongside creating popular South Indian films, he has also worked with Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan.

Thirteen years ago, Atlee arrived in Indian cinema with Raja Rani, and he has since built an extraordinary theatrical track record — five directorial films and five commercial successes. His debut was a romantic drama starring Arya, Nayanthara, Jai and Nazriya Nazim, a film that proved Atlee could create a strong audience connection even without the larger-than-life action spectacles that would later become his signature. Raja Rani went on to collect around ₹52 crore worldwide, giving the young filmmaker a strong beginning and setting the tone for a career built around stories that combine emotion with entertainment. Also Read: Raaka director Atlee Kumar and wife Priya Atlee reveal baby girl’s name; here’s its meaning Atlee's journey as a director Atlee then entered a highly successful phase with Thalapathy Vijay, delivering three consecutive commercial successes. Theri (2016) marked his first collaboration with Vijay and crossed the ₹150 crore mark worldwide. Mersal (2017) raised the scale further, with Vijay in multiple roles and a combination of action, emotion and social messaging, going on to collect ₹240 crore-plus worldwide. Also Read: 'Blessed with a baby girl': Raaka director Atlee Kumar and wife Priya Atlee welcome their second child | See post Bigil (2019) took Atlee into sports cinema, featuring women’s football with family, emotion and mass entertainment, and emerged as another major theatrical success, collecting around ₹300 crore worldwide. The three films strengthened Atlee’s commercial track record while establishing his collaboration with Vijay as one of the successful actor-director combinations in Tamil cinema. Also Read: Raaka: Makers unveil title of Allu Arjun, Deepika Padukone’s film with Atlee And then came Jawan. With Shah Rukh Khan, Atlee stepped into Hindi cinema and took his established mass-cinema formula to a pan-India audience. The film brought together action, emotion, family, social themes and whistle-worthy theatrical moments, while releasing in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. Jawan went on to become Shah Rukh Khan’s highest-grossing film worldwide at the time, surpassing Pathaan’s ₹1,050.30 crore worldwide collection. Also Read: Jawan director Atlee's 'surreal moment' as he receives honorary doctorate from Sathyabama University Jawan reportedly collected ₹1,148.32 crore worldwide, including ₹761.98 crore from India and ₹386.34 crore from overseas. Across every film, Atlee has retained the ingredients audiences associate with his cinema: emotion, family, action, music, powerful heroes and larger-than-life theatrical moments. Now, with Raaka starring Allu Arjun, Atlee enters his next chapter with another superstar and an even bigger canvas.

Atlee is one of the most popular directors in Indian cinema. Alongside creating popular South Indian films, he has also worked with Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan.

Vijay's Theri to SRK's Jawan: A look at Atlee’s 13-year directorial journey

The United States and China have agreed to set up a "communication channel" to handle artificial intelligence incidents, the White House announced on Friday (Sep 25). The announcement followed a summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where discussions centred on the growing challenges posed by AI development.At least 14 people were killed in a plane crash in Congo on Friday. The two senior military officials, Lieutenant General Mutombo Katalayi Tiende, head of the military court, and Lieutenant General Bakumi Likulia, auditor general of the armed forces were also killed in incident, said military officials.In UNGA, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar responded sharply to a journalist who questioned when the Indian government would stop sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan. “A terrorist country is asking me that question?” Jaishankar said in response. The exchange took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Following his response, Jaishankar and other delegates left the room while the journalist continued speaking. India has repeatedly maintained that Pakistani or Pakistan-based terrorist groups have been responsible for several attacks in India over the years.Stay with us for the latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with expanding access to energy in India, saying the country has seen greater energy access under his leadership than in any decade, region or country in human history.

Modi gave more people energy access than anyone in history, says Australian PM

At least 11 people were killed in a blast in Dera Ismail Khan city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in northwestern Pakistan on Saturday, officials said. 30 others sustained injuries in the incident, which took place at a roadside police checkpoint, Reuters news agency cited Pakistan's emergency service, Rescue 1122 as saying.

Blast in Pakistan's Dera Ismail Khan kills 11, injures several

A humanitarian worker said there is a “massive crisis” in Yemen, as more than 125,000 people were forced to leave their homes in a matter of weeks. Alison Bottomley, a worker at the Norwegian Refugee Council, told Al Jazeera that many people have escaped their homes with no resources since the escalation began.“Almost everyone we speak to, they tell us they left in the middle of the night with just the clothes on their back, they took their family, and they’ve walked 10-15 kilometres [6-9 miles] at night to find safety,” she explained.

Yemen faces ‘massive crisis’ as over 125,000 flee their homes

The European Union is undergoing an energy price crisis due to the fallout from the Iran war in oil and gas markets, the bloc’s energy chief has said in a letter urging countries to consider measures to curb energy demand. “We are facing a price crisis linked to a supply crisis,” EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen said in a letter to EU countries’ energy ministers on Friday (September 25).

EU warns of energy ‘price crisis’ 

Iran’s military has warned that all US deployment centres and interests in the region will be targeted if Washington “makes a mistake” against the country, according to the semi-official Mehr news agency.

Iran warns US to target bases in Middle East if Washington ‘makes a mistake’

A New Mexico jury on Friday (September 25) found Facebook accountable for defrauding users about privacy protections on the social media platform. The jury found the platform more than 43 million violations of state consumer protection law, and the final verdict on the total fine the company will have to pay lies with the judge, with attorneys representing the state demanding the maximum $5,000 penalty per violation.

New Mexico jury finds Facebook liable for 43 million privacy violations

Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had announced a long march to Islamabad on September 27, primarily demanding the release of the party founder. The 73-year-old former cricketer-turned-politician has been incarcerated since 2023, when he was arrested after conviction in a corruption case.

Pak govt’s security costs set to rise after Imran Khan’s party delays protest march to Oct 4

A pair of Democratic lawmakers is calling for hearings after the Navy disclosed that there were eight suicide attempts during the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group’s record-long time at sea.

Democrats call for hearings on suicide attempts on USS Lincoln

United States is soon going to witness mid term elections which is going to be a test for President Donald Trump of his policies and how popular he still is among the American people. If we go by CNN analyst Harry Enten, the a historic 50 percent of Americans strongly disapprove of Trump's job performance, which breaks the record he set before the 2018 midterms.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-trump-s-disapproval-ratings-at-record-hatred-level-say-analysts-1790404670104">READ MORE</a>

US midterms: Trump’s disapproval ratings at ‘record hatred’ level, say analysts

The Iraqi government said Saturday it was holding talks with the United States to secure an exemption from then ban on Iranian airlines, which has disrupted travel for patients, students and pilgrims.

Iraq seeks exemption from US ban on Iran airlines 

Classified documents provided to the US Congress by the US intelligence community reveals Saudi Arabia's intent of developing nuclear weapons. It says that Saudi Arabia has not dismissed the possibility of developing a nuclear weapons program.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-still-harbours-intent-to-develop-nuclear-weapons-reveals-us-intelligence-report-1790409342807">READ MORE</a>

Saudi Arabia still harbours intent to develop nuclear weapons, reveals US intelligence: Report

'Ordinary life is simply a target' for Russia, says Zelensky as Moscow target data centres In its war with Ukraine, Russia in the last few months has stepped up attack on Ukrainian data centres. Over the past two days, Russian strikes have hit multiple data centers and internet providers in Kyiv.&nbsp;The attack has disrupted service for around 100,000 households in Ukraine's capital. Reacting to the attacks Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russians are seeking to cause maximum disruption for ordinary people.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ordinary-life-is-simply-a-target-for-russia-says-zelensky-as-moscow-targets-data-centres-1790398631460">Read more</a>

'Ordinary life is simply a target' for Russia, says Zelensky as Moscow targets data centres

United States is soon going to witness mid term elections which is going to be a test for President Donald Trump of his policies and how popular he still is among the American people. If we go by CNN analyst Harry Enten, the a historic 50 percent of Americans strongly disapprove of Trump's job performance, which breaks the record he set before the 2018 midterms.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-trump-s-disapproval-ratings-at-record-hatred-level-say-analysts-1790404670104">Read more</a>

The Iraqi government said Saturday it was holding talks with the United States to secure an exemption from then ban on Iranian airlines, which has disrupted travel for patients, students and pilgrims.All Iraqi airports enforced the ban this week, resulting in major disruption at the airport of the holy city of Najaf, the main destination for Iranian flights to Iraq."The Iraqi government is holding direct talks with the American side to exempt certain Iraqi airports from these measures," the prime minister's media office said.An exemption would

Iraq seeks exemption from US ban on Iran airlines

Pope Leo XIV said on Saturday that it was possible to "live together in dignity and peace" as he met migrants in Paris, ahead of a giant open-air mass on the Champs-Elysees expected to draw hundreds of thousands of people."I am pleased to begin this second day in Paris with you, in a house that bears witness to the whole city that it is possible to encounter one another and to live together in dignity and peace," he said at an association supporting migrants and refugees.

Pope Leo XIV says in Paris it is possible 'to live together in dignity and peace'

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said Saturday the flooding situation had "stabilised" but said it would still take two or three days for the water to drain, as long as the rain held off."The situation is stabilised. If more rainwater doesn't fall in the area, it will be solved," he said in an update broadcast live on social media.

Bangkok flooding has 'stabilised': governor

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday (Sept 26) that Moscow is considering whether to resume direct negotiations with Ukraine following recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory. “On proposals to resume negotiations, yes, they are all on the table, and it is all possible -- but after everything they've done, we will give careful thought to what steps we need to take in response,” Putin said.&nbsp;The statement comes as US President Donald Trump has stepped up efforts to negotiate peace between Russia and Ukraine. Trump sent his special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow in early September, where they held talks with Putin.&nbsp;Subsequently, the US president extended an invitation to Putin to attend the G20 meeting later this year, which America is hosting in Miami.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-is-all-possible-putin-weighs-next-steps-on-ukraine-talks-rules-out-europe-conflict-1790361540959">Read more</a>

‘It is all possible’: Putin weighs next steps on Ukraine talks, rules out Europe conflict

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif used his address at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday to credit US President Donald Trump for what he described as a ‘timely intervention’ during the 2025 conflict between India and Pakistan.Sharif also raised the Kashmir issue and referred to Pakistan's account of the May 2025 conflict, portraying Islamabad's actions during the confrontation as a success. During the speech, Indian diplomat R Srinivas was seen laughing as Sharif spoke about Pakistan's claimed ‘victory’ during the conflict.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-as-shehbaz-sharif-claims-pakistan-s-victory-during-2025-conflict-indian-diplomat-r-srinivas-laughs-at-un-1790362807026">Read more</a>

WATCH | As Shehbaz Sharif claims Pakistan’s ‘victory’ during 2025 conflict, Indian diplomat R Srinivas laughs at UN

&nbsp;External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar responded sharply to a journalist who questioned when the Indian government would stop sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan. “A terrorist country is asking me that question?” Jaishankar said in response. The exchange took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Following his response, Jaishankar and other delegates left the room while the journalist continued speaking. India has repeatedly maintained that Pakistani or Pakistan-based terrorist groups have been responsible for several attacks in India over the years. On April 22, 2025, terrorists based in Pakistan attacked the tourist town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack killed 26 people, including one Nepali national, and left several others injured.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/a-terrorist-country-is-asking-me-that-question-jaishankar-hits-back-at-pakistani-journalist-at-un-flags-attacks-on-commercial-shipping-1790360879334">Read more</a>

'A terrorist country is asking me that question?': Jaishankar hits back at Pakistani journalist at UN; flags attacks on commercial shipping

Get the top global updates: EAM S Jaishankar shuts down a Pakistani journalist at UNGA, US and China establish an AI incident channel, and 14 die in a Congo plane crash. 

The United States and China have agreed to set up a "communication channel" to handle artificial intelligence incidents, the White House announced on Friday (Sep 25). The announcement followed a summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where discussions centred on the growing challenges posed by AI development. At least 14 people were killed in a plane crash in Congo on Friday. The two senior military officials, Lieutenant General Mutombo Katalayi Tiende, head of the military court, and Lieutenant General Bakumi Likulia, auditor general of the armed forces were also killed in incident, said military officials. In UNGA, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar responded sharply to a journalist who questioned when the Indian government would stop sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan. “A terrorist country is asking me that question?” Jaishankar said in response. The exchange took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Following his response, Jaishankar and other delegates left the room while the journalist continued speaking. India has repeatedly maintained that Pakistani or Pakistan-based terrorist groups have been responsible for several attacks in India over the years. Stay with us for the latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold.

Get the top global updates: EAM S Jaishankar shuts down a Pakistani journalist at UNGA, US and China establish an AI incident channel, and 14 die in a Congo plane crash.

Latest News India and World LIVE Updates: EAM Jaishankar’s sharp reply at UN, Trump-Xi launch AI hotline

French actress Marina Vlady, who appeared in more than 80 films and picked up a prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 1963, died on Thursday at the age of 88, her family told AFP.She died "at home, surrounded by her loved ones and her animals", her children said in a statement, in which they praised "a long and beautiful life, well lived".&nbsp;Vlady worked with some of the greats of cinema, including French New Wave director Jean-Luc Godard and Hollywood legend Orson Welles.&nbsp;She won the Best Actress prize at Cannes in 1963 for her role in ‘The Conjugal Bed’ -- for which she also won a Golden Globe.&nbsp;In 1965 took a rare English-speaking role in Welles's Shakespearean drama ‘Chimes at Midnight’. She starred in Jean-Luc Godard’s Two or Three Things I Know About Her (1967).&nbsp;The daughter of a former dancer and a former French army aviator who also sang opera, Vlady also found success in music, recording two albums with her sisters.&nbsp;<h2>More about Marina Vlady</h2>&nbsp;Born to Russian émigré parents, she began acting as a child and made her film debut at age 10 in Summer Storm (1949). &nbsp;She was married to actor-director Robert Hossein, entrepreneur Jean-Claude Brouillet, and famously to the iconic Soviet poet and singer Vladimir Vysotsky from 1970 until he died in 1980. Vladimir, or the Aborted Flight, was an active advocate for women's rights and social causes in France.&nbsp;(With agency inputs)

French actress Marina Vlady, who starred in over 80 films and earned a award at the 1963 Cannes Film Festival, has passed away at age 88. Her children confirmed in a statement that she died peacefully at home surrounded by family and her animals.

French actress Marina Vlady, who appeared in more than 80 films and picked up a prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 1963, died on Thursday at the age of 88, her family told AFP. She died "at home, surrounded by her loved ones and her animals", her children said in a statement, in which they praised "a long and beautiful life, well lived". Vlady worked with some of the greats of cinema, including French New Wave director Jean-Luc Godard and Hollywood legend Orson Welles. She won the Best Actress prize at Cannes in 1963 for her role in ‘The Conjugal Bed’ -- for which she also won a Golden Globe. In 1965 took a rare English-speaking role in Welles's Shakespearean drama ‘Chimes at Midnight’. She starred in Jean-Luc Godard’s Two or Three Things I Know About Her (1967). The daughter of a former dancer and a former French army aviator who also sang opera, Vlady also found success in music, recording two albums with her sisters. More about Marina Vlady Born to Russian émigré parents, she began acting as a child and made her film debut at age 10 in Summer Storm (1949). She was married to actor-director Robert Hossein, entrepreneur Jean-Claude Brouillet, and famously to the iconic Soviet poet and singer Vladimir Vysotsky from 1970 until he died in 1980. Vladimir, or the Aborted Flight, was an active advocate for women's rights and social causes in France. (With agency inputs)

French actress Marina Vlady, who starred in over 80 films and earned a award at the 1963 Cannes Film Festival, has passed away at age 88. Her children confirmed in a statement that she died peacefully at home surrounded by family and her animals.

Legendary French actress Marina Vlady passes away at 88

Mumbai: Property registration services in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Nagpur have become faster and more convenient with the launch of three technology-enabled Model Sub-Registrar Offices (SROs) as part of Maharashtra’s ongoing initiative to modernise property registration services.The centres will provide registration services for a range of property-related documents, including sale deeds, lease deeds, gift deeds, powers of attorney and wills, among others.&nbsp;The initiative builds on the successful launch of Maharashtra’s first Model Sub-Registrar Office in Pune. The Government of Maharashtra, in partnership with VFS Global and WE Excel Software Pvt. Ltd., is now expanding the model to additional locations across the state.&nbsp;Designed as modern, citizen-centric service centres, the model offices combine digital infrastructure with streamlined service delivery to simplify the registration process. The centres will reduce waiting times, improve operational efficiency, and enhance transparency while maintaining regulatory compliance and government oversight.&nbsp;“Following the successful launch of Maharashtra’s first Model Sub-Registrar Office in Pune, we are pleased to expand this citizen-centric initiative to Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Nagpur,” said Ravindra Binwade, Inspector General of Registration (IGR), Government of Maharashtra.&nbsp;“These centres have been designed to provide a faster, more transparent, and more convenient property registration experience through modern infrastructure, digital systems, and streamlined service delivery. By reducing waiting times and enhancing service standards, we are making government services more accessible and efficient for citizens while maintaining strong governance and oversight. This expansion is another important step in our commitment to modernizing registration services across Maharashtra,” he added.&nbsp;The Model SROs are supported by end-to-end digital infrastructure and trained service delivery teams to create a seamless registration experience for citizens.&nbsp;In early 2026, VFS Global, in consortium with WE Excel Software Pvt. Ltd., was awarded a five-year contract by the Inspector General of Registration and Controller of Stamps, Government of Maharashtra, to set up 60 state-of-the-art Model Sub-Registrar Offices across Maharashtra in a phased manner.&nbsp;Under the contract, the consortium will undertake the end-to-end setup of the Model SROs, including the deployment of digital infrastructure and trained teams to support the modernisation of property registration services.&nbsp;The Model SROs will operate as an optional service, while existing government Sub-Registrar Offices will continue to operate.&nbsp;The Model SRO in Mumbai is located at Unit No. 309-A, 3rd Floor, Trade Center, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400051.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Navi Mumbai model SRO is at 104, Ground Floor, A Wing, Building No. 7, Millennium Business Park, Sector 2, Mahape, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400710, while the one at Nagpur is functional at 1st Floor, Crosswind Building, Plot No. 380C, Corp. House No. 1019, North Ambazari Road, Gandhi Nagar, opposite Wockhardt Hospital, near Dharampeth, Nagpur, Maharashtra – 440010.&nbsp;The first Model SRO under the initiative was lauched in Pune at Office No. 14, 4th Floor, Revolution Mall, Paschkmanagari, Kothrud, Pune, Maharashtra – 411038.&nbsp;All the model SROs will function from 10 am to 6 pm.&nbsp;<h2>VFS Global</h2>VFS Global is a global provider of technology services supporting governments and citizens, including administrative and non-judgmental services related to visa, passport and consular applications.&nbsp;The company operates more than 4,300 application centres across 170 countries and has processed more than 567 million transactions since 2001, including transactions handled by VFS Global and CiX Citizen Experience.&nbsp;Headquartered in Zurich and Dubai, VFS Global is majority owned by Blackstone, with minority shareholders including Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation, Temasek and Dubai Holdings.&nbsp;<h2>WE Excel Software</h2>WE Excel Software has been operating since 2006 and focuses on digital transformation across e-governance, enterprise solutions, and industry-specific applications.&nbsp;It works with public and private-sector organisations to develop technology solutions aimed at streamlining operations, improving accessibility, and supporting more inclusive service delivery. Its focus is on the modernisation of government services and skill-development initiatives.

Designed as modern, citizen-centric service centres, the model offices combine digital infrastructure with streamlined service delivery to simplify the registration process. They will reduce waiting time, improve operational efficiency, and enhance transparency.

Mumbai: Property registration services in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Nagpur have become faster and more convenient with the launch of three technology-enabled Model Sub-Registrar Offices (SROs) as part of Maharashtra’s ongoing initiative to modernise property registration services. The centres will provide registration services for a range of property-related documents, including sale deeds, lease deeds, gift deeds, powers of attorney and wills, among others. The initiative builds on the successful launch of Maharashtra’s first Model Sub-Registrar Office in Pune. The Government of Maharashtra, in partnership with VFS Global and WE Excel Software Pvt. Ltd., is now expanding the model to additional locations across the state. Designed as modern, citizen-centric service centres, the model offices combine digital infrastructure with streamlined service delivery to simplify the registration process. The centres will reduce waiting times, improve operational efficiency, and enhance transparency while maintaining regulatory compliance and government oversight. “Following the successful launch of Maharashtra’s first Model Sub-Registrar Office in Pune, we are pleased to expand this citizen-centric initiative to Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Nagpur,” said Ravindra Binwade, Inspector General of Registration (IGR), Government of Maharashtra. “These centres have been designed to provide a faster, more transparent, and more convenient property registration experience through modern infrastructure, digital systems, and streamlined service delivery. By reducing waiting times and enhancing service standards, we are making government services more accessible and efficient for citizens while maintaining strong governance and oversight. This expansion is another important step in our commitment to modernizing registration services across Maharashtra,” he added. The Model SROs are supported by end-to-end digital infrastructure and trained service delivery teams to create a seamless registration experience for citizens. In early 2026, VFS Global, in consortium with WE Excel Software Pvt. Ltd., was awarded a five-year contract by the Inspector General of Registration and Controller of Stamps, Government of Maharashtra, to set up 60 state-of-the-art Model Sub-Registrar Offices across Maharashtra in a phased manner. Under the contract, the consortium will undertake the end-to-end setup of the Model SROs, including the deployment of digital infrastructure and trained teams to support the modernisation of property registration services. The Model SROs will operate as an optional service, while existing government Sub-Registrar Offices will continue to operate. The Model SRO in Mumbai is located at Unit No. 309-A, 3rd Floor, Trade Center, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400051. The Navi Mumbai model SRO is at 104, Ground Floor, A Wing, Building No. 7, Millennium Business Park, Sector 2, Mahape, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400710, while the one at Nagpur is functional at 1st Floor, Crosswind Building, Plot No. 380C, Corp. House No. 1019, North Ambazari Road, Gandhi Nagar, opposite Wockhardt Hospital, near Dharampeth, Nagpur, Maharashtra – 440010. The first Model SRO under the initiative was lauched in Pune at Office No. 14, 4th Floor, Revolution Mall, Paschkmanagari, Kothrud, Pune, Maharashtra – 411038. All the model SROs will function from 10 am to 6 pm. VFS Global VFS Global is a global provider of technology services supporting governments and citizens, including administrative and non-judgmental services related to visa, passport and consular applications. The company operates more than 4,300 application centres across 170 countries and has processed more than 567 million transactions since 2001, including transactions handled by VFS Global and CiX Citizen Experience. Headquartered in Zurich and Dubai, VFS Global is majority owned by Blackstone, with minority shareholders including Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation, Temasek and Dubai Holdings. WE Excel Software WE Excel Software has been operating since 2006 and focuses on digital transformation across e-governance, enterprise solutions, and industry-specific applications. It works with public and private-sector organisations to develop technology solutions aimed at streamlining operations, improving accessibility, and supporting more inclusive service delivery. Its focus is on the modernisation of government services and skill-development initiatives.

Designed as modern, citizen-centric service centres, the model offices combine digital infrastructure with streamlined service delivery to simplify the registration process. They will reduce waiting time, improve operational efficiency, and enhance transparency.

Property registration becomes faster, convenient as model sub-registrar offices open in Maharashtra

Zee Media CEO Raktim Das on Wednesday (Sep 23) shared details of WION World Conferences, a global platform for the power of ideas,&nbsp;and WION Luxe, a distinctive global perspective on the world of luxury. He was speaking at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026 held at ITC Maurya in New Delhi.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>About WION World Conferences and WION Luxe&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Das said WION World Conferences bring together policymakers, business leaders, innovators and thought leaders from around the world, covering areas from technology and AI to sustainability, tourism, trade, defence, diplomacy and global leadership. It is a platform “not just to discuss change, but to exchange ideas and build connections," he added.Das described WION World Conferences and WION Luxe as a way of taking the World Is One motto of WION “from a philosophy on screen to a platform for the world to meet, engage and connect."<h2>WION marks 10 years as India’s top global news channel</h2>&nbsp;WION World Conferences and WION Luxe coincide with the 10th anniversary of WION, India’s first and foremost global channel. Das said WION is being built “not just as a news network, but as a global platform for ideas, dialogue and action.”&nbsp;Das referred to Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the ancient Indian idea that the world is one family, saying WION has carried that thought through its World Is One philosophy, which matters now more than ever as conflicts and geopolitical tensions rise. In such a world, understanding each other becomes as important as knowing about each other, he said.&nbsp;Travel is one of the most natural ways to build that understanding, and tourism creates empathy, brings cultures closer and sends people home with stories that can bridge differences, Das told the audience at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards.&nbsp;“We believe in being bridges between worlds,” he said, adding the Summit and Awards as an extension of that belief.&nbsp;&nbsp;At the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards, leading voices from global travel, tourism, visa, and hospitality industries as well as ministers and policymakers discussed the future of global mobility.&nbsp;&nbsp;With the Iconic Excellence Awards, the evening celebrated individuals and institutions shaping that future.&nbsp;&nbsp;Das congratulated all the Iconic Awards winners and closed with a line on the milestone, “Ten years behind us. A world of possibilities ahead.”

WION World Conferences bring together policymakers, business leaders, innovators and thought leaders from around the world to cover a wide range of areas including AI, sustainability, tourism, trade, defence, diplomacy and global leadership. 

Zee Media CEO Raktim Das on Wednesday (Sep 23) shared details of WION World Conferences, a global platform for the power of ideas, and WION Luxe, a distinctive global perspective on the world of luxury. He was speaking at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026 held at ITC Maurya in New Delhi. About WION World Conferences and WION Luxe Das said WION World Conferences bring together policymakers, business leaders, innovators and thought leaders from around the world, covering areas from technology and AI to sustainability, tourism, trade, defence, diplomacy and global leadership. It is a platform “not just to discuss change, but to exchange ideas and build connections," he added. Das described WION World Conferences and WION Luxe as a way of taking the World Is One motto of WION “from a philosophy on screen to a platform for the world to meet, engage and connect." WION marks 10 years as India’s top global news channel WION World Conferences and WION Luxe coincide with the 10th anniversary of WION, India’s first and foremost global channel. Das said WION is being built “not just as a news network, but as a global platform for ideas, dialogue and action.” Das referred to Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the ancient Indian idea that the world is one family, saying WION has carried that thought through its World Is One philosophy, which matters now more than ever as conflicts and geopolitical tensions rise. In such a world, understanding each other becomes as important as knowing about each other, he said. Travel is one of the most natural ways to build that understanding, and tourism creates empathy, brings cultures closer and sends people home with stories that can bridge differences, Das told the audience at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards. “We believe in being bridges between worlds,” he said, adding the Summit and Awards as an extension of that belief. At the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards, leading voices from global travel, tourism, visa, and hospitality industries as well as ministers and policymakers discussed the future of global mobility. With the Iconic Excellence Awards, the evening celebrated individuals and institutions shaping that future. Das congratulated all the Iconic Awards winners and closed with a line on the milestone, “Ten years behind us. A world of possibilities ahead.”

WION World Conferences bring together policymakers, business leaders, innovators and thought leaders from around the world to cover a wide range of areas including AI, sustainability, tourism, trade, defence, diplomacy and global leadership.&nbsp;

Zee Media CEO Raktim Das shares details of WION World Conferences, WION Luxe as global channel completes 10 years

The Delhi government has approved the Upliftment and Rozgar for Women/Transgender Green E-Auto, or ‘DURGA’ scheme, aimed at providing women and transgender persons with safe, clean and dignified employment opportunities.&nbsp;The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday. In the first phase, 1,300 pink electric autos will be allocated under the scheme.&nbsp;The Chief Minister said the initiative will enable women and transgender persons to become owners and drivers of electric autos. It aims to create opportunities for dignified self-employment and livelihood while promoting women’s safety, greater participation of transgender persons in the transport sector, last-mile connectivity and clean and sustainable urban transport.<h3>Focus on economic empowerment and safe, inclusive transport</h3>Rekha Gupta said the economic empowerment of women and transgender persons, along with safe transport, remains among the Delhi government’s priorities. She described the ‘DURGA’ scheme as an important step in this direction.&nbsp;Under the scheme, women and transgender persons will be able to own and drive electric autos. The initiative will provide opportunities for dignified self-employment while helping make Delhi’s public transport system more accessible and inclusive.&nbsp;The Chief Minister said women and transgender passengers, particularly during early morning and late evening hours, face challenges related to commuting and safety. The ‘DURGA’ scheme has been designed keeping these challenges in mind. It aims to promote safe transport while creating opportunities for dignified self-employment for women and transgender persons.<h3>1,300 pink electric autos proposed in first phase</h3>The first phase of the ‘DURGA’ scheme proposes registration of 1,300 pink electric autos. Of these, 1,170 electric autos will be allocated to women and 130 to transgender beneficiaries.&nbsp;A maximum of 90 electric autos for women and up to 10 electric autos for transgender beneficiaries will be allocated in each revenue district. Applicants will be able to apply through a dedicated online portal created for the scheme. The benefits will be available to applicants who meet the prescribed eligibility criteria.&nbsp;Women applicants must be between 20 and 40 years of age and must be residents of Delhi. They must have a valid voter identity card, an LMV driving licence and a PSV badge.&nbsp;Women with more than three children will not be eligible for the scheme. The woman applicant or her family must not own any registered transport vehicle or three-wheeler. The family’s income in financial year 2025-26 must also not exceed Rs 5 lakh.&nbsp;For transgender applicants, a valid transgender certificate issued by the office of the District Magistrate in Delhi will be mandatory. They must also be between 20 and 40 years of age, be residents of Delhi and have a valid voter identity card, LMV licence and PSV badge.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-demands-cec-gyanesh-kumar-s-arrest-calls-for-fresh-bengal-polls-with-old-voter-list-1790169827052">Mamata demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar's arrest, calls for fresh Bengal polls with old voter list</a><h3>Scheme expected to create jobs in allied sectors</h3>The e-autos provided under the ‘DURGA’ scheme will have a mandatory three-year lock-in period. During this period, the vehicles cannot be sold, transferred or disposed of in any other manner.&nbsp;A special arrangement has also been proposed to integrate the scheme with the public transport network. The DMRC has stated that space for EV charging facilities has already been made available in the parking areas of 70 metro stations.&nbsp;The scheme is also expected to create employment opportunities in allied sectors. The operation of around 1,300 e-autos will generate jobs in services such as repair workshops, servicing, charging and battery recycling. The socio-economic impact of the scheme will also be assessed from time to time.<h3>‘DURGA’ e-autos to have distinct identity</h3>Electric autos operating under the scheme will carry ‘DURGA’ branding and special identification features. This will make the vehicles easily identifiable and help strengthen passengers’ trust and confidence in them.&nbsp;Along with creating employment opportunities for women and transgender persons, the scheme will also support Delhi’s goal of clean transport. Promoting electric vehicles will help strengthen an environmentally friendly and sustainable urban transport system.&nbsp;The initiative is in line with the broader vision of sustainable urban transport in Delhi. It will also seek to strengthen last-mile connectivity while expanding opportunities for employment and economic empowerment.<h3>A step towards a safer, greener and more inclusive Delhi</h3>CM Rekha Gupta said the ‘DURGA’ e-auto scheme is an initiative towards making Delhi a safer, greener and more inclusive city. The scheme will seek to create new livelihood opportunities for women and transgender persons while strengthening last-mile connectivity.&nbsp;It will bring together gender equality, economic empowerment and sustainable urban transport. Increasing the participation of women and transgender persons in the transport sector and providing them with opportunities for dignified self-employment is an important objective of the initiative.&nbsp;Through the ‘DURGA’ scheme, the Delhi government aims to promote a transport system where safety, employment, inclusion and environment-friendly transport move forward together.

The Delhi government has approved the DURGA scheme to allocate 1,300 pink electric autos to women and transgender persons, creating self-employment opportunities while promoting safer and cleaner last-mile transport in the capital.

The Delhi government has approved the Upliftment and Rozgar for Women/Transgender Green E-Auto, or ‘DURGA’ scheme, aimed at providing women and transgender persons with safe, clean and dignified employment opportunities. The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday. In the first phase, 1,300 pink electric autos will be allocated under the scheme. The Chief Minister said the initiative will enable women and transgender persons to become owners and drivers of electric autos. It aims to create opportunities for dignified self-employment and livelihood while promoting women’s safety, greater participation of transgender persons in the transport sector, last-mile connectivity and clean and sustainable urban transport. Focus on economic empowerment and safe, inclusive transport Rekha Gupta said the economic empowerment of women and transgender persons, along with safe transport, remains among the Delhi government’s priorities. She described the ‘DURGA’ scheme as an important step in this direction. Under the scheme, women and transgender persons will be able to own and drive electric autos. The initiative will provide opportunities for dignified self-employment while helping make Delhi’s public transport system more accessible and inclusive. The Chief Minister said women and transgender passengers, particularly during early morning and late evening hours, face challenges related to commuting and safety. The ‘DURGA’ scheme has been designed keeping these challenges in mind. It aims to promote safe transport while creating opportunities for dignified self-employment for women and transgender persons. 1,300 pink electric autos proposed in first phase The first phase of the ‘DURGA’ scheme proposes registration of 1,300 pink electric autos. Of these, 1,170 electric autos will be allocated to women and 130 to transgender beneficiaries. A maximum of 90 electric autos for women and up to 10 electric autos for transgender beneficiaries will be allocated in each revenue district. Applicants will be able to apply through a dedicated online portal created for the scheme. The benefits will be available to applicants who meet the prescribed eligibility criteria. Women applicants must be between 20 and 40 years of age and must be residents of Delhi. They must have a valid voter identity card, an LMV driving licence and a PSV badge. Women with more than three children will not be eligible for the scheme. The woman applicant or her family must not own any registered transport vehicle or three-wheeler. The family’s income in financial year 2025-26 must also not exceed Rs 5 lakh. For transgender applicants, a valid transgender certificate issued by the office of the District Magistrate in Delhi will be mandatory. They must also be between 20 and 40 years of age, be residents of Delhi and have a valid voter identity card, LMV licence and PSV badge. Also Read: Mamata demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar's arrest, calls for fresh Bengal polls with old voter list Scheme expected to create jobs in allied sectors The e-autos provided under the ‘DURGA’ scheme will have a mandatory three-year lock-in period. During this period, the vehicles cannot be sold, transferred or disposed of in any other manner. A special arrangement has also been proposed to integrate the scheme with the public transport network. The DMRC has stated that space for EV charging facilities has already been made available in the parking areas of 70 metro stations. The scheme is also expected to create employment opportunities in allied sectors. The operation of around 1,300 e-autos will generate jobs in services such as repair workshops, servicing, charging and battery recycling. The socio-economic impact of the scheme will also be assessed from time to time. ‘DURGA’ e-autos to have distinct identity Electric autos operating under the scheme will carry ‘DURGA’ branding and special identification features. This will make the vehicles easily identifiable and help strengthen passengers’ trust and confidence in them. Along with creating employment opportunities for women and transgender persons, the scheme will also support Delhi’s goal of clean transport. Promoting electric vehicles will help strengthen an environmentally friendly and sustainable urban transport system. The initiative is in line with the broader vision of sustainable urban transport in Delhi. It will also seek to strengthen last-mile connectivity while expanding opportunities for employment and economic empowerment. A step towards a safer, greener and more inclusive Delhi CM Rekha Gupta said the ‘DURGA’ e-auto scheme is an initiative towards making Delhi a safer, greener and more inclusive city. The scheme will seek to create new livelihood opportunities for women and transgender persons while strengthening last-mile connectivity. It will bring together gender equality, economic empowerment and sustainable urban transport. Increasing the participation of women and transgender persons in the transport sector and providing them with opportunities for dignified self-employment is an important objective of the initiative. Through the ‘DURGA’ scheme, the Delhi government aims to promote a transport system where safety, employment, inclusion and environment-friendly transport move forward together.

The Delhi government has approved the DURGA scheme to allocate 1,300 pink electric autos to women and transgender persons, creating self-employment opportunities while promoting safer and cleaner last-mile transport in the capital.

Delhi govt approves ‘DURGA’ scheme, 1,300 pink e-autos for women, transgender persons

Actor and stand-up comedian Vir Das is all set to take his ongoing global comedy tour, I Say We Run, to one of New York’s most iconic venues, Radio City Music Hall, on January 30, 2027.&nbsp;The upcoming show marks another major milestone in Das’ international comedy journey, which has seen him perform at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including Sydney Opera House, Esplanade in Singapore and Carnegie Hall in New York.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/vir-das-turns-author-comedian-to-share-hi-journey-in-a-new-memoir-the-outsider-8921176">Vir Das turns author! Comedian to share hi journey in a new memoir</a>&nbsp;Synonymous with some of the most celebrated live performances in the world, Radio City Music Hall has hosted generations of iconic artists and remains one of New York City’s most recognisable cultural landmarks.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/vir-das-s-new-world-tour-hey-stranger-to-perform-at-the-royal-albert-hall-in-london-1773821644868">Vir Das to take his Hey Stranger world tour to London's Royal Albert Hall</a><h2>About I Say We Run tour</h2>The January 30 performance will be part of Das’ ongoing international tour, I Say We Run, which made its debut at the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London. The tour will also make its way to Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai next month, before continuing its global run and arriving at Radio City Music Hall in New York.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/vir-das-ropes-in-sheeba-chaddha-shriya-pilgaonkar-ahsaas-channa-and-more-for-his-next-baara-number-1781161120413">Vir Das ropes in Sheeba Chaddha, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Ahsaas Channa and more for his next, Baara Number</a>&nbsp;For Das, the Radio City Music Hall performance represents another landmark moment in a career that has seen Indian stand-up comedy travel far beyond its traditional boundaries.From performing for audiences across North America, Europe, Australia and Asia to becoming a familiar face on the international comedy circuit, Das has steadily built a career that bridges Indian and global audiences.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/why-is-the-2014-film-revolver-rani-trending-vir-das-and-kangana-ranaut-unite-to-slam-wild-kiss-rumours-1782716022253">Why is the 2014 film Revolver Rani trending? Vir Das and Kangana Ranaut unite to slam wild 'kiss' rumours</a><h2>Vir Das on his tour</h2>Speaking about the upcoming performance, Vir Das said, “Radio City Music Hall is one of those venues you grow up seeing and hearing about. To be able to walk onto that stage and perform my own comedy there is a pretty surreal feeling. I’ve been fortunate enough to perform at some incredible venues around the world, but every new room comes with its own sense of occasion. I can’t wait to bring this tour to New York and experience Radio City with the audience.”&nbsp;

Vir Das will take his global comedy tour, I Say We Run, to New York’s Radio City Music Hall next year. Read on to know more.

Actor and stand-up comedian Vir Das is all set to take his ongoing global comedy tour, I Say We Run, to one of New York’s most iconic venues, Radio City Music Hall, on January 30, 2027. The upcoming show marks another major milestone in Das’ international comedy journey, which has seen him perform at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including Sydney Opera House, Esplanade in Singapore and Carnegie Hall in New York. Also Read: Vir Das turns author! Comedian to share hi journey in a new memoir Synonymous with some of the most celebrated live performances in the world, Radio City Music Hall has hosted generations of iconic artists and remains one of New York City’s most recognisable cultural landmarks. Also Read: Vir Das to take his Hey Stranger world tour to London's Royal Albert Hall About I Say We Run tour The January 30 performance will be part of Das’ ongoing international tour, I Say We Run, which made its debut at the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London. The tour will also make its way to Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai next month, before continuing its global run and arriving at Radio City Music Hall in New York. Also Read: Vir Das ropes in Sheeba Chaddha, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Ahsaas Channa and more for his next, Baara Number For Das, the Radio City Music Hall performance represents another landmark moment in a career that has seen Indian stand-up comedy travel far beyond its traditional boundaries. From performing for audiences across North America, Europe, Australia and Asia to becoming a familiar face on the international comedy circuit, Das has steadily built a career that bridges Indian and global audiences. Also Read: Why is the 2014 film Revolver Rani trending? Vir Das and Kangana Ranaut unite to slam wild 'kiss' rumours Vir Das on his tour Speaking about the upcoming performance, Vir Das said, “Radio City Music Hall is one of those venues you grow up seeing and hearing about. To be able to walk onto that stage and perform my own comedy there is a pretty surreal feeling. I’ve been fortunate enough to perform at some incredible venues around the world, but every new room comes with its own sense of occasion. I can’t wait to bring this tour to New York and experience Radio City with the audience.”

Vir Das will take his global comedy tour, I Say We Run, to New York’s Radio City Music Hall next year. Read on to know more.

I Say We Run tour: Vir Das to perform at New York’s Radio City Music Hall

Notable personalities from India’s tourism and hospitality sector, along with senior policymakers, diplomats and industry leaders, will come together in New Delhi on September 23 for the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026, presented by VFS Global in association with Red Hat Communications.&nbsp;The summit will bring together key voices from across the tourism ecosystem to discuss the sector’s future, emerging opportunities, evolving trends and the challenges that could shape its growth in the years ahead.&nbsp;The event will also recognise and honour achievers who have made notable contributions to the tourism sector, while providing a platform for policymakers, international representatives and industry stakeholders to exchange ideas and explore new opportunities for India’s tourism industry.&nbsp;Union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will attend the summit as the chief guest, while Kapil Mishra, Minister of Tourism and Art &amp; Culture, Government of Delhi, will be the guest of honour.The summit will also see the participation of ambassadors from Argentina, Greece, Suriname, Ireland, Slovakia, Cyprus, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Seychelles, along with prominent leaders from the tourism, aviation and hospitality sectors.&nbsp;Among the industry leaders attending the event are Vikram Lalvani, MD &amp; CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts; Manish Puri, Head of Global Sales, Air India Limited &amp; Air India Express; Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson, THSC and CEO, Red Hat Communications; and Vinay Malhotra, Head, Strategic Global Partnerships, VFS Global.<h3>India’s tourism potential</h3>The summit comes at a time when India’s tourism sector is witnessing strong growth, driven by domestic travel, international visitors, heritage tourism, hospitality and new travel experiences.&nbsp;According to the Ministry of Tourism, India recorded around 4.29 billion domestic tourist visits and 25.27 million foreign tourist visits in 2025. The ministry’s latest data also shows that tourism accounted for 5.22 per cent of India’s GDP and supported around 84.63 million jobs, including direct and indirect employment.&nbsp;India also has a vast heritage base that gives the country significant potential for cultural and heritage tourism. The UNESCO World Heritage Centre currently lists 45 properties from India on the World Heritage List, including 37 cultural properties, seven natural properties and one mixed property. India also has 73 sites on UNESCO’s Tentative List, offering a large pool of heritage locations with potential for future recognition and tourism development.&nbsp;India’s tourism landscape extends beyond its historic monuments and heritage sites, with opportunities across nature, wildlife, spirituality, adventure, wellness, business and coastal tourism.&nbsp;The event will begin at 10:30 am at ITC Maurya in New Delhi and will feature a series of panels covering various aspects of the tourism industry, including mobility, culture, bilateral ties, aviation, hospitality, infrastructure and technology. The event will also be broadcast on WION and its social media channels.&nbsp;The key panels at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards are:&nbsp;Panel 1: Borders without barriers: The diplomacy of visas &amp; mobility (11:45 am to 12:30 pm) &nbsp;Lalatiana Accouche: High Commissioner of Seychelles to India Mariano Agustín Caucino: Ambassador of Argentina to India Hanisha Jairam: Ambassador of Suriname to India Anil Sooklal: High Commissioner of South Africa to India Sharad Gowani: Head of Operations - India, VFS Global&nbsp;<h2>In conversation: Next-gen skills for tourism&nbsp;</h2>(12:30 pm to 12:45 pm) Jyoti Mayal: Chairperson, THSC and CEO, Red Hat Communications Tribhuvan Darbari: Chairman, BIMSTEC Business Council Secretariat, India&nbsp;<h2>Panel 2: Soft power on the move: Tourism, culture &amp; bilateral ties &nbsp;</h2>(12:45 pm to 1:30 pm) Kevin Kelly: Ambassador of Ireland to India Robert Maxian: Ambassador of Slovakia to India Evagoras Vryonides: High Commissioner of Cyprus to India Nadeska Cuthbert: Ambassador of Nicaragua to India Aliki Koutsomitopoulou: Ambassador of Greece to India Mahishini Colonné: High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India&nbsp;<h2>Panel 3: The business of travel: Aviation, hospitality &amp; India's tourism infra story&nbsp;</h2>(2:15 pm to 3:00 pm) &nbsp;Vikram Lalvani: MD &amp; CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts Saurabh Tiwari: Vice President, Middle East, Maldives &amp; Sri Lanka, IHCL (Taj Dubai) Muktesh Pardeshi: Former Secretary and Former Ambassador to Türkiye &amp; New Zealand Manish Puri: Head of Global Sales, Air India Limited &amp; Air India Express Ahmed Hamed Sharbak: Regional Manager (APAC), Visit Qatar Kamal Munasinghe: Sr. Vice President, Colombo Hotels &amp; General Manager, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, Sri Lanka&nbsp;<h2>Panel 4: Tech frontiers reshaping journeys&nbsp;</h2>(3:00 pm to 3:45 pm)&nbsp;Abhilash Kalathil Ramesh: Executive Director, Kairali Ayurvedic Group Sachin Pabreja: Co-founder and CEO, EazyDiner Vinay Malhotra: Head, Strategic Global Partnerships, VFS Global Achin Sharma: Chief Digital Officer, GMR Cargo, WAISL Ltd Anil Parashar: Executive Director, InterGlobe Technology Quotient Pvt Ltd&nbsp;The event will also be attended by Bhuvnesh Kumar, Secretary, Union Ministry of Tourism; Ravi Nandan Sinha, Director, Strategic Investments &amp; Economic Partnerships, MSME Business Forum India; Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson &amp; MD, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group; and Priya Paul.

Union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will join policymakers, diplomats and industry leaders at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards to discuss India’s tourism potential, emerging opportunities and challenges facing the sector.

Notable personalities from India’s tourism and hospitality sector, along with senior policymakers, diplomats and industry leaders, will come together in New Delhi on September 23 for the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026, presented by VFS Global in association with Red Hat Communications. The summit will bring together key voices from across the tourism ecosystem to discuss the sector’s future, emerging opportunities, evolving trends and the challenges that could shape its growth in the years ahead. The event will also recognise and honour achievers who have made notable contributions to the tourism sector, while providing a platform for policymakers, international representatives and industry stakeholders to exchange ideas and explore new opportunities for India’s tourism industry. Union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will attend the summit as the chief guest, while Kapil Mishra, Minister of Tourism and Art & Culture, Government of Delhi, will be the guest of honour. The summit will also see the participation of ambassadors from Argentina, Greece, Suriname, Ireland, Slovakia, Cyprus, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Seychelles, along with prominent leaders from the tourism, aviation and hospitality sectors. Among the industry leaders attending the event are Vikram Lalvani, MD & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts; Manish Puri, Head of Global Sales, Air India Limited & Air India Express; Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson, THSC and CEO, Red Hat Communications; and Vinay Malhotra, Head, Strategic Global Partnerships, VFS Global. India’s tourism potential The summit comes at a time when India’s tourism sector is witnessing strong growth, driven by domestic travel, international visitors, heritage tourism, hospitality and new travel experiences. According to the Ministry of Tourism, India recorded around 4.29 billion domestic tourist visits and 25.27 million foreign tourist visits in 2025. The ministry’s latest data also shows that tourism accounted for 5.22 per cent of India’s GDP and supported around 84.63 million jobs, including direct and indirect employment. India also has a vast heritage base that gives the country significant potential for cultural and heritage tourism. The UNESCO World Heritage Centre currently lists 45 properties from India on the World Heritage List, including 37 cultural properties, seven natural properties and one mixed property. India also has 73 sites on UNESCO’s Tentative List, offering a large pool of heritage locations with potential for future recognition and tourism development. India’s tourism landscape extends beyond its historic monuments and heritage sites, with opportunities across nature, wildlife, spirituality, adventure, wellness, business and coastal tourism. The event will begin at 10:30 am at ITC Maurya in New Delhi and will feature a series of panels covering various aspects of the tourism industry, including mobility, culture, bilateral ties, aviation, hospitality, infrastructure and technology. The event will also be broadcast on WION and its social media channels. The key panels at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards are: Panel 1: Borders without barriers: The diplomacy of visas & mobility (11:45 am to 12:30 pm) Lalatiana Accouche: High Commissioner of Seychelles to India Mariano Agustín Caucino: Ambassador of Argentina to India Hanisha Jairam: Ambassador of Suriname to India Anil Sooklal: High Commissioner of South Africa to India Sharad Gowani: Head of Operations - India, VFS Global In conversation: Next-gen skills for tourism (12:30 pm to 12:45 pm) Jyoti Mayal: Chairperson, THSC and CEO, Red Hat Communications Tribhuvan Darbari: Chairman, BIMSTEC Business Council Secretariat, India Panel 2: Soft power on the move: Tourism, culture & bilateral ties (12:45 pm to 1:30 pm) Kevin Kelly: Ambassador of Ireland to India Robert Maxian: Ambassador of Slovakia to India Evagoras Vryonides: High Commissioner of Cyprus to India Nadeska Cuthbert: Ambassador of Nicaragua to India Aliki Koutsomitopoulou: Ambassador of Greece to India Mahishini Colonné: High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India Panel 3: The business of travel: Aviation, hospitality & India's tourism infra story (2:15 pm to 3:00 pm) Vikram Lalvani: MD & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts Saurabh Tiwari: Vice President, Middle East, Maldives & Sri Lanka, IHCL (Taj Dubai) Muktesh Pardeshi: Former Secretary and Former Ambassador to Türkiye & New Zealand Manish Puri: Head of Global Sales, Air India Limited & Air India Express Ahmed Hamed Sharbak: Regional Manager (APAC), Visit Qatar Kamal Munasinghe: Sr. Vice President, Colombo Hotels & General Manager, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, Sri Lanka Panel 4: Tech frontiers reshaping journeys (3:00 pm to 3:45 pm) Abhilash Kalathil Ramesh: Executive Director, Kairali Ayurvedic Group Sachin Pabreja: Co-founder and CEO, EazyDiner Vinay Malhotra: Head, Strategic Global Partnerships, VFS Global Achin Sharma: Chief Digital Officer, GMR Cargo, WAISL Ltd Anil Parashar: Executive Director, InterGlobe Technology Quotient Pvt Ltd The event will also be attended by Bhuvnesh Kumar, Secretary, Union Ministry of Tourism; Ravi Nandan Sinha, Director, Strategic Investments & Economic Partnerships, MSME Business Forum India; Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & MD, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group; and Priya Paul.

Union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will join policymakers, diplomats and industry leaders at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards to discuss India’s tourism potential, emerging opportunities and challenges facing the sector.

WION Iconic Tourism Summit and Awards 2026: Key voices to discuss India’s tourism future

Linking religious faith with cleanliness and environmental protection, the Delhi Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has launched a comprehensive initiative in the city. As part of the initiative, special ‘collection centres’ are being set up at 110 identified locations for the dignified disposal of old and damaged religious idols and puja material.&nbsp;At the same time, preparations have been completed for artificial immersion ponds at 81 identified locations across Delhi for Ganesh immersion. The Chief Minister said the government’s objective was clear: religious traditions associated with faith should be observed with full devotion, while ensuring that Delhi’s cleanliness and environment are also fully protected.<h3>Dignified alternatives for damaged idols</h3>Often, people leave old or damaged idols and puja-related material under trees, in parks, along roadsides or at other public places because of their religious sentiments. While this is linked to religious faith, it also creates challenges for the cleanliness of public spaces and the environment. Keeping this in mind, the Delhi Government has prepared a list of 110 locations where special ‘collection centres’ are being established. At suitable locations, including temples, designated collection containers are being made available where devotees can respectfully deposit old, damaged or other religious material. This arrangement will provide people with a clean, organised and dignified option for religious material close to their homes.<h3>Dignified and eco-friendly Ganesh immersion this year</h3>Taking the same approach forward, preparations have been completed for artificial immersion ponds at 81 identified locations to provide devotees with a safe and eco-friendly option for Ganesh immersion during the festival. These include designated locations across different districts of Delhi. Preparations for Ganesh immersion also cover aspects such as security, sanitation, lighting, medical assistance, emergency arrangements, traffic management and environmental protection. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has appealed to all devotees to immerse Ganesh idols only at the designated artificial immersion sites and not in the Yamuna or other water bodies.&nbsp;Devotees have also been urged not to dispose of puja material, flowers, garlands and other religious material in rivers or water bodies, so that the cleanliness and environment of Delhi’s water bodies can be protected along with religious faith. The Chief Minister has also appealed to devotees to give priority to eco-friendly idols and avoid the use of Plaster of Paris (PoP), colours containing harmful chemicals and decorative materials that can damage water bodies and the environment.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iit-bombay-replaces-ceiling-fans-after-sahil-wakode-death-1790082982040">IIT Bombay replaces ceiling fans with wall-mounted fans: What we know about the move</a><h3>Focus on security and civic facilities at immersion sites</h3>To ensure that Ganesh immersion is conducted in an organised manner, preparations have been made in coordination with the concerned departments across all 13 revenue districts. Necessary arrangements are being ensured at immersion sites, keeping the convenience and safety of devotees in mind. Arrangements will also be made to remove idol remains and other material after immersion as per the prescribed process and to clean the sites, so that public spaces remain clean after the festivities.<h3>Respect for faith, protection of environment</h3>The broader objective of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s initiative is to ensure that every tradition associated with religious faith in Delhi moves forward with respect and responsibility. While ‘collection centres’ are being made available for the respectful disposal of old and damaged idols, artificial ponds have been prepared for immersion during the Ganesh festival. This will provide devotees with organised and clean spaces to follow their religious traditions and help reduce unnecessary pressure on public spaces and water bodies.<h3>Respect for religious faith, commitment to cleaner Delhi</h3>Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the government’s priority was to ensure that religious faith and environmental protection complement each other. The government is putting systems in place that will enable Delhi residents to observe traditions associated with their faith with full devotion while also contributing to the cleanliness and protection of the city’s environment. She appealed to the people of Delhi to deposit damaged idols and religious material only in the designated ‘collection containers’ and to immerse Ganesh idols only at the designated artificial immersion sites. A clean and beautiful Delhi is not only the responsibility of the government but a shared responsibility of every citizen. Through public participation, a better balance can be created between faith, cleanliness and environmental protection.

Devotees have been urged not to dispose of puja material, flowers, garlands and other religious material in rivers or water bodies, so that the cleanliness and environment of Delhi’s water bodies can be protected along with religious faith.

Linking religious faith with cleanliness and environmental protection, the Delhi Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has launched a comprehensive initiative in the city. As part of the initiative, special ‘collection centres’ are being set up at 110 identified locations for the dignified disposal of old and damaged religious idols and puja material. At the same time, preparations have been completed for artificial immersion ponds at 81 identified locations across Delhi for Ganesh immersion. The Chief Minister said the government’s objective was clear: religious traditions associated with faith should be observed with full devotion, while ensuring that Delhi’s cleanliness and environment are also fully protected. Dignified alternatives for damaged idols Often, people leave old or damaged idols and puja-related material under trees, in parks, along roadsides or at other public places because of their religious sentiments. While this is linked to religious faith, it also creates challenges for the cleanliness of public spaces and the environment. Keeping this in mind, the Delhi Government has prepared a list of 110 locations where special ‘collection centres’ are being established. At suitable locations, including temples, designated collection containers are being made available where devotees can respectfully deposit old, damaged or other religious material. This arrangement will provide people with a clean, organised and dignified option for religious material close to their homes. Dignified and eco-friendly Ganesh immersion this year Taking the same approach forward, preparations have been completed for artificial immersion ponds at 81 identified locations to provide devotees with a safe and eco-friendly option for Ganesh immersion during the festival. These include designated locations across different districts of Delhi. Preparations for Ganesh immersion also cover aspects such as security, sanitation, lighting, medical assistance, emergency arrangements, traffic management and environmental protection. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has appealed to all devotees to immerse Ganesh idols only at the designated artificial immersion sites and not in the Yamuna or other water bodies. Devotees have also been urged not to dispose of puja material, flowers, garlands and other religious material in rivers or water bodies, so that the cleanliness and environment of Delhi’s water bodies can be protected along with religious faith. The Chief Minister has also appealed to devotees to give priority to eco-friendly idols and avoid the use of Plaster of Paris (PoP), colours containing harmful chemicals and decorative materials that can damage water bodies and the environment. Also read: IIT Bombay replaces ceiling fans with wall-mounted fans: What we know about the move Focus on security and civic facilities at immersion sites To ensure that Ganesh immersion is conducted in an organised manner, preparations have been made in coordination with the concerned departments across all 13 revenue districts. Necessary arrangements are being ensured at immersion sites, keeping the convenience and safety of devotees in mind. Arrangements will also be made to remove idol remains and other material after immersion as per the prescribed process and to clean the sites, so that public spaces remain clean after the festivities. Respect for faith, protection of environment The broader objective of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s initiative is to ensure that every tradition associated with religious faith in Delhi moves forward with respect and responsibility. While ‘collection centres’ are being made available for the respectful disposal of old and damaged idols, artificial ponds have been prepared for immersion during the Ganesh festival. This will provide devotees with organised and clean spaces to follow their religious traditions and help reduce unnecessary pressure on public spaces and water bodies. Respect for religious faith, commitment to cleaner Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the government’s priority was to ensure that religious faith and environmental protection complement each other. The government is putting systems in place that will enable Delhi residents to observe traditions associated with their faith with full devotion while also contributing to the cleanliness and protection of the city’s environment. She appealed to the people of Delhi to deposit damaged idols and religious material only in the designated ‘collection containers’ and to immerse Ganesh idols only at the designated artificial immersion sites. A clean and beautiful Delhi is not only the responsibility of the government but a shared responsibility of every citizen. Through public participation, a better balance can be created between faith, cleanliness and environmental protection.

Devotees have been urged not to dispose of puja material, flowers, garlands and other religious material in rivers or water bodies, so that the cleanliness and environment of Delhi’s water bodies can be protected along with religious faith.

Delhi govt sets up 110 collection centers for damaged idol disposal, 81 ponds for Ganesh immersion

Filmmakers Anubhav Sinha and Sudhir Mishra are bringing together an impressive ensemble for their upcoming project, which explores a lesser-known 21-day chapter from Mahatma Gandhi’s life. Manoj Bajpayee will portray the iconic leader, while legendary actress Waheeda Rehman has now joined the cast in a key role.<h2>Waheeda Rehman joins the cast</h2>According to Anubhav Sinha, Rehman was initially unsure about returning to the screen, but Sudhir Mishra was determined to have her as part of the film.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/rani-mukerji-s-mother-krishna-mukerji-dies-at-75-1790068766676">Rani Mukerji’s mother Krishna Mukerji dies at 75, family asks for privacy</a>&nbsp;“Waheedaji was rather unsure of coming back to acting in another movie. But Sudhir was very keen on having her as part of the cast,” says Anubhav Sinha.&nbsp;Mishra reportedly had several conversations with the veteran actress to reassure her about the role. “I promised to feed her the best food in Lucknow,” he says.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/yami-gautam-alia-bhatt-pratibha-ranta-5-actresses-who-delivered-unforgettable-patriotic-performances-1790063286816">Yami Gautam to Alia Bhatt: 5 actresses who played iconic patriotic roles</a>&nbsp;Rehman had visited Lucknow a long time ago and was not very familiar with the city. She eventually agreed to be part of the project and is now in Lucknow shooting for the film.While some reports have suggested that Rehman will portray Putlibai, Mahatma Gandhi’s mother, the makers have clarified that she is playing a different character.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/prem-keetanu-trailer-out-veer-pahariya-aparshakti-khurana-caught-in-a-college-love-triangle-1790067904532">Prem Keetanu trailer: Veer Pahariya, Aparshakti caught in a love triangle</a><h2>Waheeda Rehman's career</h2>Honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest civilian honour, and a National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in Reshma Aur Shera (1971), Waheeda Rehman’s career is packed with timeless classics like Guide, Pyaasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool, Teesri Kasam, and Khamoshi.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/shah-rukh-khan-visits-lalbaucha-raja-with-wife-gauri-khan-and-daughter-suhana-1790049214922">Shah Rukh Khan visits Lalbaugcha Raja with wife Gauri Khan and daughter Suhana</a><h2>About the upcoming film</h2>The film is directed by Sudhir Mishra and features Manoj Bajpayee and Saurabh Shukla in key roles. The film is produced by Anubhav Sinha and Narendra Hirawat under A Benaras Mediaworks production and presented by NH Studioz.&nbsp;It explores an integral chapter connected to India’s independence history, focusing on a 21-day period from Mahatma Gandhi’s life. Further details about the film are yet to be revealed. &nbsp;

Veteran actress Waheeda Rehman has joined the cast of filmmaker Sudhir Mishra’s upcoming project. Starring Manoj Bajpayee and Saurabh Shukla, the film explores a lesser-known 21-day chapter from Mahatma Gandhi’s life.

Filmmakers Anubhav Sinha and Sudhir Mishra are bringing together an impressive ensemble for their upcoming project, which explores a lesser-known 21-day chapter from Mahatma Gandhi’s life. Manoj Bajpayee will portray the iconic leader, while legendary actress Waheeda Rehman has now joined the cast in a key role. Waheeda Rehman joins the cast According to Anubhav Sinha, Rehman was initially unsure about returning to the screen, but Sudhir Mishra was determined to have her as part of the film. Also Read: Rani Mukerji’s mother Krishna Mukerji dies at 75, family asks for privacy “Waheedaji was rather unsure of coming back to acting in another movie. But Sudhir was very keen on having her as part of the cast,” says Anubhav Sinha. Mishra reportedly had several conversations with the veteran actress to reassure her about the role. “I promised to feed her the best food in Lucknow,” he says. Also Read: Yami Gautam to Alia Bhatt: 5 actresses who played iconic patriotic roles Rehman had visited Lucknow a long time ago and was not very familiar with the city. She eventually agreed to be part of the project and is now in Lucknow shooting for the film. While some reports have suggested that Rehman will portray Putlibai, Mahatma Gandhi’s mother, the makers have clarified that she is playing a different character. Also Read: Prem Keetanu trailer: Veer Pahariya, Aparshakti caught in a love triangle Waheeda Rehman's career Honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest civilian honour, and a National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in Reshma Aur Shera (1971), Waheeda Rehman’s career is packed with timeless classics like Guide, Pyaasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool, Teesri Kasam, and Khamoshi. Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan visits Lalbaugcha Raja with wife Gauri Khan and daughter Suhana About the upcoming film The film is directed by Sudhir Mishra and features Manoj Bajpayee and Saurabh Shukla in key roles. The film is produced by Anubhav Sinha and Narendra Hirawat under A Benaras Mediaworks production and presented by NH Studioz. It explores an integral chapter connected to India’s independence history, focusing on a 21-day period from Mahatma Gandhi’s life. Further details about the film are yet to be revealed.

Veteran actress Waheeda Rehman has joined the cast of filmmaker Sudhir Mishra’s upcoming project. Starring Manoj Bajpayee and Saurabh Shukla, the film explores a lesser-known 21-day chapter from Mahatma Gandhi’s life.

Waheeda Rehman joins Manoj Bajpayee in Sudhir Mishra’s upcoming film; Anubhav Sinha reveals how he convinced her

The Big Bash League (BBL), Australia's premier franchise-based T20 tournament, is coming to India with the Melbourne Renegades set to face off against the Perth Scorchers on December 12 at Chepauk in Chennai. This is the first time a BBL match will be played in India, and there's already quite a buzz around the contest.Adam Voges, the former Australian cricketer and head coach of the Perth Scorchers, recently spoke to WION about how it feels to be a part of something new for the BBL."We've already got a strong and passionate base of Indian cricket supporters back in Perth, and I’d love for our brand and history to be celebrated across India, as well. This is a fantastic opportunity to bring them closer to the Club, and to the state of Western Australia. We love engaging with cricket fans wherever they are in the world, and we're proud of the style of cricket we play. I think fans in Chennai, and across India, are going to enjoy what they see," said Voges.The Scorchers are also the defending BBL champions, and Voges also spoke about the expectations for the upcoming season, saying: "The Perth Scorchers are incredibly proud and excited to be making history to open the first-ever BBL match in Chennai. Expectations are high, and we have a strong team. I was recently in Chennai and the pitch is looking great, the mood is high. We’re looking forward to working together in Chennai to deliver a great win in December. We’re confident we can have another great season next year."Speaking on the occasion, Roger Cook, Premier of Western Australia, said: "Cricket provides a strong cultural connection between Australia and India, and Western Australia is proud to play a leading role in that relationship. The Perth Scorchers are an iconic Western Australian team and introducing that brand to millions of cricket fans in India creates valuable opportunities beyond the playing field. It helps raise awareness of Western Australia as a destination for events, tourism, investment and business. Every interaction builds familiarity and strengthens connections. India is one of WA's most important strategic partners, and initiatives like this provide an engaging way to deepen those relationships".

The Big Bash League makes history as Melbourne Renegades face defending champions Perth Scorchers at Chennai's Chepauk on Dec 12. Adam Voges and Premier Roger Cook hailed it as a key ties booster.

The Big Bash League (BBL), Australia's premier franchise-based T20 tournament, is coming to India with the Melbourne Renegades set to face off against the Perth Scorchers on December 12 at Chepauk in Chennai. This is the first time a BBL match will be played in India, and there's already quite a buzz around the contest. Adam Voges, the former Australian cricketer and head coach of the Perth Scorchers, recently spoke to WION about how it feels to be a part of something new for the BBL. "We've already got a strong and passionate base of Indian cricket supporters back in Perth, and I’d love for our brand and history to be celebrated across India, as well. This is a fantastic opportunity to bring them closer to the Club, and to the state of Western Australia. We love engaging with cricket fans wherever they are in the world, and we're proud of the style of cricket we play. I think fans in Chennai, and across India, are going to enjoy what they see," said Voges. The Scorchers are also the defending BBL champions, and Voges also spoke about the expectations for the upcoming season, saying: "The Perth Scorchers are incredibly proud and excited to be making history to open the first-ever BBL match in Chennai. Expectations are high, and we have a strong team. I was recently in Chennai and the pitch is looking great, the mood is high. We’re looking forward to working together in Chennai to deliver a great win in December. We’re confident we can have another great season next year." Speaking on the occasion, Roger Cook, Premier of Western Australia, said: "Cricket provides a strong cultural connection between Australia and India, and Western Australia is proud to play a leading role in that relationship. The Perth Scorchers are an iconic Western Australian team and introducing that brand to millions of cricket fans in India creates valuable opportunities beyond the playing field. It helps raise awareness of Western Australia as a destination for events, tourism, investment and business. Every interaction builds familiarity and strengthens connections. India is one of WA's most important strategic partners, and initiatives like this provide an engaging way to deepen those relationships".

The Big Bash League makes history as Melbourne Renegades face defending champions Perth Scorchers at Chennai's Chepauk on Dec 12. Adam Voges and Premier Roger Cook hailed it as a key ties booster.

'Mood is high': Head coach Adam Voges excited about Perth Scorchers being part of BBL's opener in Chennai

The UK banking sector is rethinking how it detects financial crime, moving beyond a traditional reliance on large volumes of alerts and rule-based systems towards more intelligent, risk-based models. Vedanarayan Bhat, a banking professional with expertise in customer risk-rating and financial crime data models, has worked on banking programmes in the UK and globally. His experience includes helping financial institutions rethink how customer risk is assessed and how financial crime teams can focus their attention on more meaningful alerts.&nbsp;For years, financial crime detection in banking has largely been a story of volume: greater numbers of alerts, more rules and more analysts hired to deal with backlogs that continue to grow faster than the number of people available to investigate them. That approach is now changing, with banks increasingly exploring risk models that are evaluated not only by the number of alerts they generate, but also by the accuracy and usefulness of those alerts.&nbsp;The shift is significant. Legacy customer risk-rating systems developed over the past decade to support Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements were intentionally designed to be cautious, based on the assumption that a false alarm was preferable to a missed one. The result has been investigators dealing with large numbers of poor-quality alerts, potentially making it harder to identify the broader picture of suspicious activity.As Bhat explains, the industry developed systems that were very useful for alert generation, but not necessarily as effective for alert identification.&nbsp;Instead of relying on increasingly sophisticated rule sets alone, many financial institutions are now turning towards risk models that consider multiple factors, including geography, transaction behaviour and customer type, to produce more accurate risk assessments. The objective is not to reduce scrutiny, but to provide investigators with better-informed alerts.&nbsp;A UK banking programme involving Bhat's work on a revamped customer risk-rating system illustrates this approach. The project focused on more intelligent weighting of different aspects of risk according to customer type, geography and other factors. According to the article, this enabled the organisation to reduce false positives by 35%, while giving Financial Crime teams approximately 40% more capacity to work on suspicious transactions. “The objective is not to decrease alerts. It's better alerts that investigators can investigate and act on in a timely manner,” Bhat says.&nbsp;The commercial importance of this approach is also becoming increasingly evident. Financial crime and compliance (FC&amp;C) teams are among the more resource-intensive functions within a bank, while manual reviews can add time and friction to the customer experience. A transaction that is ultimately found to be valid can nevertheless result in payment delays, account freezes or additional customer inquiries when it has been flagged for investigation.&nbsp;At the same time, regulatory expectations continue to evolve. The Financial Conduct Authority has indicated the importance of risk models that are effective, transparent and auditable. Organisations are increasingly expected to demonstrate how customer-risk decisions are reached rather than relying solely on conservative rule-based approaches.&nbsp;“Explainability isn't a nice-to-have anymore,” Bhat says. “But if you don't present a regulator with the reasoning behind a risk score, then it's not because you are being cautious that you are safe. It's because you don't have something defensible.”&nbsp;The emerging approach represents a shift from the long-standing focus on generating more alerts to using better data, stronger risk modelling and more transparent decision-making. For banks dealing with increasingly digital and transaction-heavy environments, more intelligent, risk-based financial crime detection can help investigators focus on relevant cases while supporting customer protection and compliance objectives.

For years, financial crime detection in banking has largely been a story of volume: greater numbers of alerts, more rules and more analysts hired to deal with backlogs that continue to grow faster than the number of people available to investigate them.

The UK banking sector is rethinking how it detects financial crime, moving beyond a traditional reliance on large volumes of alerts and rule-based systems towards more intelligent, risk-based models. Vedanarayan Bhat, a banking professional with expertise in customer risk-rating and financial crime data models, has worked on banking programmes in the UK and globally. His experience includes helping financial institutions rethink how customer risk is assessed and how financial crime teams can focus their attention on more meaningful alerts. For years, financial crime detection in banking has largely been a story of volume: greater numbers of alerts, more rules and more analysts hired to deal with backlogs that continue to grow faster than the number of people available to investigate them. That approach is now changing, with banks increasingly exploring risk models that are evaluated not only by the number of alerts they generate, but also by the accuracy and usefulness of those alerts. The shift is significant. Legacy customer risk-rating systems developed over the past decade to support Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements were intentionally designed to be cautious, based on the assumption that a false alarm was preferable to a missed one. The result has been investigators dealing with large numbers of poor-quality alerts, potentially making it harder to identify the broader picture of suspicious activity. As Bhat explains, the industry developed systems that were very useful for alert generation, but not necessarily as effective for alert identification. Instead of relying on increasingly sophisticated rule sets alone, many financial institutions are now turning towards risk models that consider multiple factors, including geography, transaction behaviour and customer type, to produce more accurate risk assessments. The objective is not to reduce scrutiny, but to provide investigators with better-informed alerts. A UK banking programme involving Bhat's work on a revamped customer risk-rating system illustrates this approach. The project focused on more intelligent weighting of different aspects of risk according to customer type, geography and other factors. According to the article, this enabled the organisation to reduce false positives by 35%, while giving Financial Crime teams approximately 40% more capacity to work on suspicious transactions. “The objective is not to decrease alerts. It's better alerts that investigators can investigate and act on in a timely manner,” Bhat says. The commercial importance of this approach is also becoming increasingly evident. Financial crime and compliance (FC&C) teams are among the more resource-intensive functions within a bank, while manual reviews can add time and friction to the customer experience. A transaction that is ultimately found to be valid can nevertheless result in payment delays, account freezes or additional customer inquiries when it has been flagged for investigation. At the same time, regulatory expectations continue to evolve. The Financial Conduct Authority has indicated the importance of risk models that are effective, transparent and auditable. Organisations are increasingly expected to demonstrate how customer-risk decisions are reached rather than relying solely on conservative rule-based approaches. “Explainability isn't a nice-to-have anymore,” Bhat says. “But if you don't present a regulator with the reasoning behind a risk score, then it's not because you are being cautious that you are safe. It's because you don't have something defensible.” The emerging approach represents a shift from the long-standing focus on generating more alerts to using better data, stronger risk modelling and more transparent decision-making. For banks dealing with increasingly digital and transaction-heavy environments, more intelligent, risk-based financial crime detection can help investigators focus on relevant cases while supporting customer protection and compliance objectives.

For years, financial crime detection in banking has largely been a story of volume: greater numbers of alerts, more rules and more analysts hired to deal with backlogs that continue to grow faster than the number of people available to investigate them.

UK banks are rethinking financial crime detection because of algorithm

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