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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged parties attending the sixth session (winter session) of the 18th Lok Sabha and the 269th Rajya Sabha to avoid turning Parliament into a “battleground for frustration came out after defeat” or an “arena for arrogance born out of victory.” He stated that the House must stay centred on national development and democratic duties.&nbsp;Addressing the media outside Parliament before the session opened, Modi cited the BJP-led NDA's sweeping win in the recent Bihar election as a sign of India's vibrant democracy and commended the strong voter turnout.&nbsp;"This winter session of Parliament is not just a ritual. Efforts are underway to accelerate the nation's progress, and this winter session will also energise it. I am confident of this. India has a living democracy. The zeal and enthusiasm of democracy have been expressed from time to time in ways that strengthen faith in democracy. The voter turnout witnessed in the recent Bihar elections is the greatest strength of democracy. The increasing participation of mothers and sisters in itself creates new hope and new confidence," the PM said, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;"Some parties simply cannot accept defeat. I had hoped that with time, leaders would have composed themselves after losing the Bihar elections, but their statements yesterday showed that the loss has clearly unsettled them. I urge all parties that the winter session should not become a battleground for frustration born out of defeat, nor should it turn into an arena for arrogance born out of victory," he added.<h3>PM Modi called on MPs for a meaningful debate in Parliament</h3>PM Modi added that the economic growth of India has reached significant milestones, and Parliament should focus on policies and laws that maintain the country's momentum towards becoming a developed nation. He underscored that both the government and opposition share responsibility for strengthening democracy and called on MPs to prioritise meaningful debate over political one-upmanship.&nbsp;"India's economic rise today is reaching remarkable heights. This momentum gives us renewed confidence on the path towards becoming a developed nation. Our Parliament must stay focused on what it is thinking for the country and what it intends to deliver. The opposition too should fulfil its responsibility and come out of its sadness of losing. On the one hand, the world is closely watching the strength of democracy and the strength of the economy within this democratic system. India has proven that democracy can deliver. The speed at which India's economy is reaching new heights today. This not only instills new confidence in us but also gives us new strength to move towards the goal of a developed India,' the Prime Minister further said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also cited the BJP-led NDA's sweeping win in the recent Bihar election as a sign of India's vibrant democracy and commended the strong voter turnout.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged parties attending the sixth session (winter session) of the 18th Lok Sabha and the 269th Rajya Sabha to avoid turning Parliament into a “battleground for frustration came out after defeat” or an “arena for arrogance born out of victory.” He stated that the House must stay centred on national development and democratic duties. Addressing the media outside Parliament before the session opened, Modi cited the BJP-led NDA's sweeping win in the recent Bihar election as a sign of India's vibrant democracy and commended the strong voter turnout. "This winter session of Parliament is not just a ritual. Efforts are underway to accelerate the nation's progress, and this winter session will also energise it. I am confident of this. India has a living democracy. The zeal and enthusiasm of democracy have been expressed from time to time in ways that strengthen faith in democracy. The voter turnout witnessed in the recent Bihar elections is the greatest strength of democracy. The increasing participation of mothers and sisters in itself creates new hope and new confidence," the PM said, news agency ANI reported. "Some parties simply cannot accept defeat. I had hoped that with time, leaders would have composed themselves after losing the Bihar elections, but their statements yesterday showed that the loss has clearly unsettled them. I urge all parties that the winter session should not become a battleground for frustration born out of defeat, nor should it turn into an arena for arrogance born out of victory," he added. PM Modi called on MPs for a meaningful debate in Parliament PM Modi added that the economic growth of India has reached significant milestones, and Parliament should focus on policies and laws that maintain the country's momentum towards becoming a developed nation. He underscored that both the government and opposition share responsibility for strengthening democracy and called on MPs to prioritise meaningful debate over political one-upmanship. "India's economic rise today is reaching remarkable heights. This momentum gives us renewed confidence on the path towards becoming a developed nation. Our Parliament must stay focused on what it is thinking for the country and what it intends to deliver. The opposition too should fulfil its responsibility and come out of its sadness of losing. On the one hand, the world is closely watching the strength of democracy and the strength of the economy within this democratic system. India has proven that democracy can deliver. The speed at which India's economy is reaching new heights today. This not only instills new confidence in us but also gives us new strength to move towards the goal of a developed India,' the Prime Minister further said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also cited the BJP-led NDA's sweeping win in the recent Bihar election as a sign of India's vibrant democracy and commended the strong voter turnout.

'Some parties simply can't accept defeat': PM Modi hits out at Opposition as Winter Session of Parliament begins

Kamal Haasan has addressed questions about his political journey and actor Vijay’s growing influence in politics. Vijay has recently launched the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, which has been gaining popularity. Haasan spoke about political rivalry between the two actors and the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections during a panel discussion at the Hortus Art and Literature Festival in Kerala.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Kamal Haasan’s biggest enemy in politics</h2>The veteran was asked to name his party, MNM’s principal political opponent, since TVK has clearly challenged the ruling party, DMK. Kamal responded that his party’s focus is aimed at deeper issues.&nbsp;&nbsp;“My enemy is bigger than what most parties would dare to identify. My enemy, direct enemy…I’ll go for the kill, is casteism. Why use a violent word like kill? Because casteism is very, very violent. It has to be dealt with deliberately, quickly, and as soon as possible. That is my enemy, I have chosen my enemy, it’s a big enemy."&nbsp;<h2>No political advice to Vijay</h2>Kamal was asked if he wished to guide or give advice to Vijay, considering Kamal’s MNM entered politics in 2018 and while Vijay’s party, TVK, was formed only this year.&nbsp;The veteran actor said that it was not the right moment to counsel Vijay. “I am not in a position to give advice. I never took advice because it never came to me at the right moment. Maybe it’s not the right moment to advise my brother. Experience is a better teacher than any of us because we have a bias; experience doesn’t. It just comes, gives you what you deserve to learn."&nbsp;<h2>Kamal Haasan’s upcoming projects</h2>Kamal Haasan was last seen in Mani Ratnam’s Thug Life, which opened to mixed reviews. He is set to appear in a new film directed by the stunt-choreographer duo Anbariv and is also producing an upcoming project featuring Rajinikanth.&nbsp;

Kamal Haasan has spoken about actor Vijay's foray into politics ahead of the Tamil Nadu State assembly elections. Vijay has recently launched the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, which has been gaining popularity.

Kamal Haasan has addressed questions about his political journey and actor Vijay’s growing influence in politics. Vijay has recently launched the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, which has been gaining popularity. Haasan spoke about political rivalry between the two actors and the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections during a panel discussion at the Hortus Art and Literature Festival in Kerala. Kamal Haasan’s biggest enemy in politics The veteran was asked to name his party, MNM’s principal political opponent, since TVK has clearly challenged the ruling party, DMK. Kamal responded that his party’s focus is aimed at deeper issues. “My enemy is bigger than what most parties would dare to identify. My enemy, direct enemy…I’ll go for the kill, is casteism. Why use a violent word like kill? Because casteism is very, very violent. It has to be dealt with deliberately, quickly, and as soon as possible. That is my enemy, I have chosen my enemy, it’s a big enemy." No political advice to Vijay Kamal was asked if he wished to guide or give advice to Vijay, considering Kamal’s MNM entered politics in 2018 and while Vijay’s party, TVK, was formed only this year. The veteran actor said that it was not the right moment to counsel Vijay. “I am not in a position to give advice. I never took advice because it never came to me at the right moment. Maybe it’s not the right moment to advise my brother. Experience is a better teacher than any of us because we have a bias; experience doesn’t. It just comes, gives you what you deserve to learn." Kamal Haasan’s upcoming projects Kamal Haasan was last seen in Mani Ratnam’s Thug Life, which opened to mixed reviews. He is set to appear in a new film directed by the stunt-choreographer duo Anbariv and is also producing an upcoming project featuring Rajinikanth.

Kamal Haasan has spoken about actor Vijay's foray into politics ahead of the Tamil Nadu State assembly elections. Vijay has recently launched the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, which has been gaining popularity.

Kamal Haasan says Vijay is not his political enemy, reveals why he won’t advise his ‘brother’

India’s financial capital city Mumbai’s ongoing struggle with declining air quality was evident on Monday, December 1, as Marine Drive lay under a veil of smog that rendered its high-rises faint and blurred.The smog created a fog-like morning atmosphere across the city, while the Air Quality Index (AQI) stayed within the 100 range. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shows that Mumbai’s AQI reached 111 at 9:00 am on Monday, up from an overall reading of 103 on Sunday.Keeping this in mind, Mumbai has imposed the highest level of restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) as air quality continues to deteriorate in the financial capital.With this move, Mumbai joins Delhi among the cities struggling with hazardous pollution levels.The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued an extensive 28-point guideline to curb rising pollution after several areas recorded AQI levels in the “very poor” to “severe” categories.The civic body has prohibited any activity at construction or project sites that could worsen air quality and has urged citizens to strictly adhere to the rules. Over 50 construction sites have already received stop-work or shutdown notices.According to the BMC, construction sites remain one of the biggest contributors to dust pollution.The new guidelines require contractors and developers to prevent dust from escaping sites and ban the use of firewood or other high-smoke fuels for cooking in labour camps. The corporation also stated that proper hygiene and safety measures are being ensured for workers.Key guidelines include&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mandatory 35-foot-high metal barricades around all construction projects taller than 70 metres. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Projects spanning more than one acre must have metal enclosures at least 35 feet high; smaller sites require 25-foot enclosures. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Under-construction buildings must be fully wrapped on all sides with green cloth, jute, or tarpaulin. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Demolition sites must be completely covered with tarpaulin/green cloth/jute sheets, with continuous water sprinkling during the process. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All vehicles transporting materials must carry a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate and present it on demand. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vehicles found violating transport guidelines for construction materials or debris may be seized. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All workers and site managers must wear protective gear such as masks, goggles, and helmets. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bridge, flyover, and similar BMC project sites must be enclosed with 25-foot barricades. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Smog guns or water sprinklers are mandatory during construction. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All above-ground work on the Metro Rail project must be enclosed with 25-foot-high barricading.Areas like Malad, Mazgaon, Deonar, Borivali East, Navy Nagar, Chakala–Andheri East, Powai, and Mulund are the hardest hit, with residents reporting breathing issues, eye irritation, and sore throats—similar to Delhi’s symptoms.

Mumbai’s AQI reached 111 at 9:00 am on Monday, up from an overall reading of 103 on Sunday. Keeping this in mind, Mumbai has imposed the highest level of restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) as air quality continues to deteriorate in the financial capital.

India’s financial capital city Mumbai’s ongoing struggle with declining air quality was evident on Monday, December 1, as Marine Drive lay under a veil of smog that rendered its high-rises faint and blurred. The smog created a fog-like morning atmosphere across the city, while the Air Quality Index (AQI) stayed within the 100 range. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shows that Mumbai’s AQI reached 111 at 9:00 am on Monday, up from an overall reading of 103 on Sunday. Keeping this in mind, Mumbai has imposed the highest level of restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) as air quality continues to deteriorate in the financial capital. With this move, Mumbai joins Delhi among the cities struggling with hazardous pollution levels. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued an extensive 28-point guideline to curb rising pollution after several areas recorded AQI levels in the “very poor” to “severe” categories. The civic body has prohibited any activity at construction or project sites that could worsen air quality and has urged citizens to strictly adhere to the rules. Over 50 construction sites have already received stop-work or shutdown notices. According to the BMC, construction sites remain one of the biggest contributors to dust pollution. The new guidelines require contractors and developers to prevent dust from escaping sites and ban the use of firewood or other high-smoke fuels for cooking in labour camps. The corporation also stated that proper hygiene and safety measures are being ensured for workers. Key guidelines include • Mandatory 35-foot-high metal barricades around all construction projects taller than 70 metres. • Projects spanning more than one acre must have metal enclosures at least 35 feet high; smaller sites require 25-foot enclosures. • Under-construction buildings must be fully wrapped on all sides with green cloth, jute, or tarpaulin. • Demolition sites must be completely covered with tarpaulin/green cloth/jute sheets, with continuous water sprinkling during the process. • All vehicles transporting materials must carry a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate and present it on demand. • Vehicles found violating transport guidelines for construction materials or debris may be seized. • All workers and site managers must wear protective gear such as masks, goggles, and helmets. • Bridge, flyover, and similar BMC project sites must be enclosed with 25-foot barricades. • Smog guns or water sprinklers are mandatory during construction. • All above-ground work on the Metro Rail project must be enclosed with 25-foot-high barricading. Areas like Malad, Mazgaon, Deonar, Borivali East, Navy Nagar, Chakala–Andheri East, Powai, and Mulund are the hardest hit, with residents reporting breathing issues, eye irritation, and sore throats—similar to Delhi’s symptoms.

Mumbai’s AQI reached 111 at 9:00 am on Monday, up from an overall reading of 103 on Sunday. Keeping this in mind, Mumbai has imposed the highest level of restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) as air quality continues to deteriorate in the financial capital.

GRAP 4 activated in Mumbai as air quality dips; BMC halts construction projects

At least 11 passengers died, and over 60 were injured after two government-operated buses collided on a straight highway stretch in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu on Sunday evening, according to police and district officials. The incident unfolded around 5 pm near Vivekananda Polytechnic College on the Tirupattur-Karaikudi road.&nbsp;According to a report by the Indian Express, one of the buses was en route to Karaikudi from Kangeyam in Tiruppur, while the second bus was travelling on the Karaikudi–Dindigul route. During the horrific incident, both buses collided with such an impact that passengers were thrown from their seats, leaving multiple individuals trapped inside crumpled metal frames.&nbsp;Following the incident, police and fire-and-rescue teams reached the spot soon after they were notified, where the rescue team pulled injured passengers from the mangled buses as traffic backed up in the evening rush. “Eight people died on the spot. Three more succumbed to injuries at the Tirupattur Government Hospital," an officer said.<h3>Investigation into the incident on the way</h3>The injured were taken to several hospitals, including Karaikudi Government Hospital, Tirupattur GH and Sivaganga Government Medical College Hospital. Authorities later confirmed that 64 people received treatment, 33 were admitted, and 31 were discharged after first aid. District officials have yet to release the list of victims.&nbsp;The collision occurred on a straight, two-way stretch of well-maintained road with no curves, prompting questions about driver error. Early findings indicate the Dindigul-bound bus may have veered into the opposite lane, or the Tiruppur-bound driver may have been fatigued or drowsy. Investigators are examining onboard data and speaking with survivors and officials.

During the incident, both buses collided with such an impact that passengers were thrown from their seats, leaving multiple individuals trapped inside crumpled metal frames.

At least 11 passengers died, and over 60 were injured after two government-operated buses collided on a straight highway stretch in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu on Sunday evening, according to police and district officials. The incident unfolded around 5 pm near Vivekananda Polytechnic College on the Tirupattur-Karaikudi road. According to a report by the Indian Express, one of the buses was en route to Karaikudi from Kangeyam in Tiruppur, while the second bus was travelling on the Karaikudi–Dindigul route. During the horrific incident, both buses collided with such an impact that passengers were thrown from their seats, leaving multiple individuals trapped inside crumpled metal frames. Following the incident, police and fire-and-rescue teams reached the spot soon after they were notified, where the rescue team pulled injured passengers from the mangled buses as traffic backed up in the evening rush. “Eight people died on the spot. Three more succumbed to injuries at the Tirupattur Government Hospital," an officer said. Investigation into the incident on the way The injured were taken to several hospitals, including Karaikudi Government Hospital, Tirupattur GH and Sivaganga Government Medical College Hospital. Authorities later confirmed that 64 people received treatment, 33 were admitted, and 31 were discharged after first aid. District officials have yet to release the list of victims. The collision occurred on a straight, two-way stretch of well-maintained road with no curves, prompting questions about driver error. Early findings indicate the Dindigul-bound bus may have veered into the opposite lane, or the Tiruppur-bound driver may have been fatigued or drowsy. Investigators are examining onboard data and speaking with survivors and officials.

During the incident, both buses collided with such an impact that passengers were thrown from their seats, leaving multiple individuals trapped inside crumpled metal frames.

At least 11 died, over 60 injured as two govt buses collide head-on in Tamil Nadu's Sivaganga

The National Investigation Agency carried out raids at around eight locations in the Kashmir region early morning on Monday. The raids were carried out in connection with the Red Fort Blast and Faridabad Terror module bust. The National Investigation Agency, backed by Jammu &amp; Kashmir Police and CRPF personnel, conducted simultaneous searches at multiple locations in various districts of South Kashmir.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sources in the NIA confirmed that NIA officials reached the native village of Nadigam in Shopian, South Kashmir and searched the family home of arrested cleric, Molvi Irfan, who was taken into custody last month in connection with terror funding and radicalization activities.&nbsp;Raids were also carried on houses of Dr Adeel and Dr Muzammil in Pulwama district of South Kashmir. A team of NIA officials also raided the house of Aamir, who is also in the custody of NIA. Official sources said the raids are directly linked to the ongoing investigation into the so-called Jaish White Collar Module, &nbsp;a network of highly educated and professionally qualified individuals allegedly providing logistical, financial and ideological support to the Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).The NIA has so far arrested seven persons in the White-Collar Module case since October.&nbsp;

The NIA conducted raids at multiple locations in South Kashmir linked to the Red Fort blast case and the Faridabad terror module. Searches targeted suspects tied to the alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed white-collar network. So far, seven arrests have been made in the investigation.

The National Investigation Agency carried out raids at around eight locations in the Kashmir region early morning on Monday. The raids were carried out in connection with the Red Fort Blast and Faridabad Terror module bust. The National Investigation Agency, backed by Jammu & Kashmir Police and CRPF personnel, conducted simultaneous searches at multiple locations in various districts of South Kashmir. Sources in the NIA confirmed that NIA officials reached the native village of Nadigam in Shopian, South Kashmir and searched the family home of arrested cleric, Molvi Irfan, who was taken into custody last month in connection with terror funding and radicalization activities. Raids were also carried on houses of Dr Adeel and Dr Muzammil in Pulwama district of South Kashmir. A team of NIA officials also raided the house of Aamir, who is also in the custody of NIA. Official sources said the raids are directly linked to the ongoing investigation into the so-called Jaish White Collar Module, a network of highly educated and professionally qualified individuals allegedly providing logistical, financial and ideological support to the Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The NIA has so far arrested seven persons in the White-Collar Module case since October.

The NIA conducted raids at multiple locations in South Kashmir linked to the Red Fort blast case and the Faridabad terror module. Searches targeted suspects tied to the alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed white-collar network. So far, seven arrests have been made in the investigation.

Red Fort blast case: NIA raids 8 locations in Kashmir valley

India’s Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, will undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka on 1–2 December 2025. At a superficial glance, it may appear to be another entry in the calendar of military diplomacy. In reality, the visit marks a significant moment — a strategic punctuation point in a year that has seen India–Sri Lanka defence ties advance with unusual consistency, professionalism and mutual assurance. It is the culmination of a sequence of engagements that reflect not episodic goodwill, but a deeper institutional maturity taking root between the two Armies.The visit follows a deliberate chain of high-level interactions. The Sri Lanka Army Commander’s official visit to India in June 2025 — where he returned to the Indian Military Academy (IMA) after more than three decades to review the Passing Out Parade — set the emotional and symbolic tone for the year. The Indian Navy Chief’s visit to Colombo in September reinforced the widening maritime axis of cooperation. Earlier, General M.M. Naravane’s 2021 visit, during which he engaged with Sri Lanka’s senior leadership and observed Exercise Mitra Shakti, had laid important professional foundations. These visits did not stand alone; taken together, they point to a defence relationship that has moved beyond individual personalities or convenient public moments.The December visit must be viewed against this continuum. It reflects the practical expression of India’s Neighbourhood First policy — a policy grounded not merely in diplomatic language, but in long-term commitments to stability, trust and capability-building within the Indian Ocean Region. India has never treated its ties with Sri Lanka as transactional. Instead, the partnership has been built through a patient, steady investment in Sri Lanka’s security capacity, whether through training, doctrine, maritime surveillance, cyber resilience or peacekeeping preparation.The conversations expected during the Army Chief’s visit will be substantive. Both Armies carry deep, lived experience in counter-terrorism and sub-conventional operations. India’s operational history — from the Northeast to Punjab to Jammu &amp; Kashmir — has shaped a sophisticated understanding of asymmetric conflict. Sri Lanka’s own experience in navigating internal security challenges offers perspectives that few militaries possess. Such shared operational memory creates rare intellectual common ground. It allows both sides to speak the same tactical language, interpret threats through comparable lenses, and identify realistic areas for collaboration.This alignment extends beyond classical operations. The two Armies are increasingly aware of emerging threats: the vulnerabilities introduced by unmanned systems, the challenges of network security, the strategic leverage created by space-based monitoring, and the speed with which cyber incidents can destabilise national decision cycles. These are no longer futuristic concerns — they are part of the contemporary operating environment and demand a shared professional vocabulary. Maritime security, too, has become an essential area of convergence. Both nations operate in a region marked by great-power assertions, contested waters, and the risks of grey-zone activity. In such an environment, coordinated maritime domain awareness and interoperable decision loops are no longer optional.Peacekeeping remains another strong pillar. India has long been recognised as one of the UN’s most dependable troop contributors. Sri Lanka has made steady contributions of its own. The United Nations Troop Contributing Countries Chiefs’ Conclave in New Delhi in October 2025 reflected this shared stake. There is considerable scope for both countries to refine their understanding of UN mandates, protection-of-civilians frameworks, quick-impact operations and mission-specific challenges — and to build compatible training modules that prepare troops for complex theatres in Africa and West Asia.The strategic convergence that frames the Chief’s visit is not confined to the military realm. Both India and Sri Lanka uphold strategic autonomy. Both recognise that security today is shaped not merely by territorial threats, but by globalised economic flows, maritime chokepoints, information networks and technological dependencies. Both have confronted terrorism directly and understand the cost of internal vulnerabilities. This common experience has created a pragmatic alignment that is not dictated by ideology or external pressures, but by the necessities of regional stability.This alignment is increasingly visible in multilateral platforms. Sri Lanka’s support for India’s aspirations within the United Nations system reflects confidence, not obligation. India’s support for Sri Lanka’s engagement with emerging groupings such as BRICS reflects acknowledgement of Sri Lanka’s strategic space, not patronage. These mutual positions demonstrate a partnership that respects sovereignty while advancing shared interests.The timing of the visit is particularly significant. By concluding a year in which senior military leaders from both countries have travelled across each other’s capitals, the Army Chief’s visit completes a full cycle of 2025’s engagement. It signals a transition: India–Sri Lanka defence ties are no longer characterised by occasional enthusiasm followed by long pauses. They now exhibit continuity, rhythm and professional predictability. They are becoming institutionalised — anchored in standing mechanisms, structured interactions, and regularised pathways for cooperation.Institutionalisation is perhaps the strongest marker of strategic maturity. It means that when political cycles shift, defence cooperation does not falter. It ensures that younger officers on both sides, trained together at IMA, DSSC or CIJWS, will inherit a living framework rather than a hollow shell. It means that when crises emerge — whether at sea, in cyber networks or on land — both Armies already understand each other’s processes, planning assumptions and operational instincts.The visit also takes place in a year when both Armies have demonstrated the confidence to acknowledge their shared history with clarity. India’s formal commemoration of the IPKF fallen at the National War Memorial in November 2025, and the Sri Lanka Army Commander’s wreath-laying at the same memorial earlier in the year, revealed a relationship mature enough to honour its past without allowing it to define the future. Such gestures are quiet, dignified and deeply meaningful. They reflect professionalism, not sentimentality; respect, not reticence.Seen from this perspective, the December visit honours a long lineage of cooperation and sacrifice. It acknowledges that India–Sri Lanka military ties have been shaped not only in conference rooms but in difficult operations, complex missions and shared experiences. It recognises 2025 as a year of systematic trust-building — not a sequence of gestures, but a steady expansion of institutional cooperation.Looking ahead, the visit will help shape the next phase of the partnership. The discussions in Colombo will influence the direction of training integration, maritime coordination, peacekeeping preparation and cyber-technical cooperation. They will reinforce the growing role of the Colombo Security Conclave as a regional security compact. And they will help define a shared approach to an Indian Ocean that is increasingly contested by actors far removed from the region’s interests.The Army Chief's visit is more than an official engagement. It is a marker of trust, continuity and strategic convergence. It reflects a defence relationship that has matured beyond personalities and grounded itself in values, institutions and shared purpose. For two nations linked by history, geography and the experiences of soldiers who have served through difficult times, the December 2025 visit stands as a testament to how far the partnership has travelled — and how much further it is poised to go.Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

The conversations expected during the Army Chief’s visit will be substantive. Both Armies carry deep, lived experience in counter-terrorism and sub-conventional operations.

India’s Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, will undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka on 1–2 December 2025. At a superficial glance, it may appear to be another entry in the calendar of military diplomacy. In reality, the visit marks a significant moment — a strategic punctuation point in a year that has seen India–Sri Lanka defence ties advance with unusual consistency, professionalism and mutual assurance. It is the culmination of a sequence of engagements that reflect not episodic goodwill, but a deeper institutional maturity taking root between the two Armies. The visit follows a deliberate chain of high-level interactions. The Sri Lanka Army Commander’s official visit to India in June 2025 — where he returned to the Indian Military Academy (IMA) after more than three decades to review the Passing Out Parade — set the emotional and symbolic tone for the year. The Indian Navy Chief’s visit to Colombo in September reinforced the widening maritime axis of cooperation. Earlier, General M.M. Naravane’s 2021 visit, during which he engaged with Sri Lanka’s senior leadership and observed Exercise Mitra Shakti, had laid important professional foundations. These visits did not stand alone; taken together, they point to a defence relationship that has moved beyond individual personalities or convenient public moments. The December visit must be viewed against this continuum. It reflects the practical expression of India’s Neighbourhood First policy — a policy grounded not merely in diplomatic language, but in long-term commitments to stability, trust and capability-building within the Indian Ocean Region. India has never treated its ties with Sri Lanka as transactional. Instead, the partnership has been built through a patient, steady investment in Sri Lanka’s security capacity, whether through training, doctrine, maritime surveillance, cyber resilience or peacekeeping preparation. The conversations expected during the Army Chief’s visit will be substantive. Both Armies carry deep, lived experience in counter-terrorism and sub-conventional operations. India’s operational history — from the Northeast to Punjab to Jammu & Kashmir — has shaped a sophisticated understanding of asymmetric conflict. Sri Lanka’s own experience in navigating internal security challenges offers perspectives that few militaries possess. Such shared operational memory creates rare intellectual common ground. It allows both sides to speak the same tactical language, interpret threats through comparable lenses, and identify realistic areas for collaboration. This alignment extends beyond classical operations. The two Armies are increasingly aware of emerging threats: the vulnerabilities introduced by unmanned systems, the challenges of network security, the strategic leverage created by space-based monitoring, and the speed with which cyber incidents can destabilise national decision cycles. These are no longer futuristic concerns — they are part of the contemporary operating environment and demand a shared professional vocabulary. Maritime security, too, has become an essential area of convergence. Both nations operate in a region marked by great-power assertions, contested waters, and the risks of grey-zone activity. In such an environment, coordinated maritime domain awareness and interoperable decision loops are no longer optional. Peacekeeping remains another strong pillar. India has long been recognised as one of the UN’s most dependable troop contributors. Sri Lanka has made steady contributions of its own. The United Nations Troop Contributing Countries Chiefs’ Conclave in New Delhi in October 2025 reflected this shared stake. There is considerable scope for both countries to refine their understanding of UN mandates, protection-of-civilians frameworks, quick-impact operations and mission-specific challenges — and to build compatible training modules that prepare troops for complex theatres in Africa and West Asia. The strategic convergence that frames the Chief’s visit is not confined to the military realm. Both India and Sri Lanka uphold strategic autonomy. Both recognise that security today is shaped not merely by territorial threats, but by globalised economic flows, maritime chokepoints, information networks and technological dependencies. Both have confronted terrorism directly and understand the cost of internal vulnerabilities. This common experience has created a pragmatic alignment that is not dictated by ideology or external pressures, but by the necessities of regional stability. This alignment is increasingly visible in multilateral platforms. Sri Lanka’s support for India’s aspirations within the United Nations system reflects confidence, not obligation. India’s support for Sri Lanka’s engagement with emerging groupings such as BRICS reflects acknowledgement of Sri Lanka’s strategic space, not patronage. These mutual positions demonstrate a partnership that respects sovereignty while advancing shared interests. The timing of the visit is particularly significant. By concluding a year in which senior military leaders from both countries have travelled across each other’s capitals, the Army Chief’s visit completes a full cycle of 2025’s engagement. It signals a transition: India–Sri Lanka defence ties are no longer characterised by occasional enthusiasm followed by long pauses. They now exhibit continuity, rhythm and professional predictability. They are becoming institutionalised — anchored in standing mechanisms, structured interactions, and regularised pathways for cooperation. Institutionalisation is perhaps the strongest marker of strategic maturity. It means that when political cycles shift, defence cooperation does not falter. It ensures that younger officers on both sides, trained together at IMA, DSSC or CIJWS, will inherit a living framework rather than a hollow shell. It means that when crises emerge — whether at sea, in cyber networks or on land — both Armies already understand each other’s processes, planning assumptions and operational instincts. The visit also takes place in a year when both Armies have demonstrated the confidence to acknowledge their shared history with clarity. India’s formal commemoration of the IPKF fallen at the National War Memorial in November 2025, and the Sri Lanka Army Commander’s wreath-laying at the same memorial earlier in the year, revealed a relationship mature enough to honour its past without allowing it to define the future. Such gestures are quiet, dignified and deeply meaningful. They reflect professionalism, not sentimentality; respect, not reticence. Seen from this perspective, the December visit honours a long lineage of cooperation and sacrifice. It acknowledges that India–Sri Lanka military ties have been shaped not only in conference rooms but in difficult operations, complex missions and shared experiences. It recognises 2025 as a year of systematic trust-building — not a sequence of gestures, but a steady expansion of institutional cooperation. Looking ahead, the visit will help shape the next phase of the partnership. The discussions in Colombo will influence the direction of training integration, maritime coordination, peacekeeping preparation and cyber-technical cooperation. They will reinforce the growing role of the Colombo Security Conclave as a regional security compact. And they will help define a shared approach to an Indian Ocean that is increasingly contested by actors far removed from the region’s interests. The Army Chief's visit is more than an official engagement. It is a marker of trust, continuity and strategic convergence. It reflects a defence relationship that has matured beyond personalities and grounded itself in values, institutions and shared purpose. For two nations linked by history, geography and the experiences of soldiers who have served through difficult times, the December 2025 visit stands as a testament to how far the partnership has travelled — and how much further it is poised to go. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

The conversations expected during the Army Chief’s visit will be substantive. Both Armies carry deep, lived experience in counter-terrorism and sub-conventional operations.

A year of deepening defence ties: Why the Indian army chief’s Sri Lanka visit matters

The Congress party on Sunday strongly reacted to the fresh FIR filed against its leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and others in the National Herald case and termed it vendetta politics of the Centre. It also alleged misuse of investigative agencies ahead of crucial elections. The Congress accused the Centre of continuing its “vendetta politics” and called the fresh FIR an attempt to intimidate the opposition. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said on X, “The Modi-Shah duo is continuing with its mischievous politics of harassment, intimidation, and vendetta against the top leadership of the INC. Those who threaten are themselves insecure and afraid. The National Herald matter is a completely bogus case. Justice will ultimately triumph. Satyameva Jayate.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Modi-Shah duo is continuing with its mischievous politics of harassment, intimidation, and vendetta against the top leadership of the INC. Those who threaten are themselves insecure and afraid. The National Herald matter is a completely bogus case. Justice will ultimately…&mdash; Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/1994993598442652019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-partner-shivon-zilis-half-indian-our-son-s-middle-name-is-sekhar-musk-reveals-in-podcast-1764526215996">‘Partner Shivon Zilis half-Indian, our son’s middle name is Sekhar’: Musk reveals in podcast</a>&nbsp;Senior Congress leader and lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi said the FIR was “neither wine new nor bottle new nor glasses new”, describing it as “a one-trick wonder where no money moved, no immovable property transferred, yet money laundering is invented.”&nbsp;The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Delhi Police had filed the FIR on October 3 based on a complaint by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as part of its money laundering probe into the high-profile National Herald case and pressed charges under IPC sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 403 (dishonest misappropriation of property), 406 (criminal breach of trust), and 420 (cheating).&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-tried-to-dissuade-him-but-unsuccessfully-elon-musk-on-trump-s-tariff-policy-1764521359201">‘Tried to dissuade him, but unsuccessfully’: Elon Musk on Trump’s tariff policy</a>&nbsp;Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Suman Dubey, Sam Pitroda, and entities including Young Indian (YI), Dotex Merchandise Ltd, Dotex promoter Sunil Bhandari, and Associated Journals Ltd (AJL), along with other unknown parties, are named in the FIR. Most of these entities were already listed in the ED’s chargesheet filed before a Delhi court in April.According to the ED, Young Indian, majority-owned by Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, acquired AJL properties worth over Rs 2,000 crore for just Rs 50 lakh, generating “bogus rents” and “sham advertisements” in the process. The agency claims that Sonia Gandhi “abused” her position as former Congress president for personal gains.&nbsp;The FIR bolsters the ED’s ongoing investigation that was started on a 2014 complaint by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy alleging irregularities in the National Herald’s affairs.Congress leaders insist the case is politically motivated and part of a continuing campaign to target the party’s top leadership.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-politics-now-trumps-economics-says-jaishankar-stresses-on-supply-chain-diversification-1764442632789">‘Politics now ‘trumps’ economics,’ says Jaishankar, stresses on supply chain diversification</a>&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Watch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Watch</a>: On the fresh FIR registered against Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi in the National Herald case, BJP National Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari says, &quot;The FIR filed by the Delhi Police in the case confirms that the Prima Facie case of corruption against Rahul… <a href="https://t.co/EwwWlbxN1A">pic.twitter.com/EwwWlbxN1A</a>&mdash; IANS (@ians_india) <a href="https://twitter.com/ians_india/status/1995041705712832748?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said the FIR confirms that there is a prima facie case of corruption against Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi.&nbsp;BJP MP Ravishankar Prasad said the Congress leaders had approached the courts for quashing the case, but the Delhi High Court did not accept it. The investigation conducted under Section 66 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act concluded that the company’s assets, worth thousands of crores, were being misappropriated through falsified accounts.

The FIR bolsters the ED’s ongoing investigation that was started on a 2014 complaint by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy alleging irregularities in National Herald’s affairs. Congress insists the case is politically motivated and part of a continuing campaign to target its top leadership.

The Congress party on Sunday strongly reacted to the fresh FIR filed against its leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and others in the National Herald case and termed it vendetta politics of the Centre. It also alleged misuse of investigative agencies ahead of crucial elections. The Congress accused the Centre of continuing its “vendetta politics” and called the fresh FIR an attempt to intimidate the opposition. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said on X, “The Modi-Shah duo is continuing with its mischievous politics of harassment, intimidation, and vendetta against the top leadership of the INC. Those who threaten are themselves insecure and afraid. The National Herald matter is a completely bogus case. Justice will ultimately triumph. Satyameva Jayate.”

The FIR bolsters the ED’s ongoing investigation that was started on a 2014 complaint by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy alleging irregularities in National Herald’s affairs. Congress insists the case is politically motivated and part of a continuing campaign to target its top leadership.

Congress slams Centre after new FIR on Rahul, Sonia Gandhi in National Herald case

Elon Musk said that shutting down the H1-B programme will be detrimental to America's technological advancement and that the US has benefited immensely from Indian talent. Speaking on the "WTF is" podcast hosted by online trading platform Zerodha's co-founder Nikhil Kamat. The Billionaire also defended President Donald Trump's anti immigration stance, saying that the policy stems from the "misuse" of H1-B visas. “Yes, I think America has benefitted immensely from talented Indians who have come to America, Musk said in reply to Kamath's assertion that the US for decades attracted "really smart people" from around the world. However, it has become anti immigration to a certain extent in the recent past. &nbsp;&nbsp;The Tesla CEO also dismissed demands of conservative groups calling for quashing the H1-B system completely, “I’m not in the school of thought that we should shut down the H-1B Program… that would actually be very bad, ”he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/america-lacks-workers-for-tough-jobs-says-elon-musk-amid-h1b-visa-row-1763395508112">America lacks workers for tough jobs, says Elon Musk amid H1B visa row</a>&nbsp;These remarks come amid the ongoing crackdown on immigration by the Trump administration, the US &nbsp;President imposed stricter conditions on the H1B visa programme, making it difficult for job seekers to enter the United States. Beginning September 1, US employers seeking to hire foreign professionals in specialised occupations have to pay $1 lakh supplemental fee for new workers.&nbsp;Commenting on the concerns of some Americans about Immigrants taking their jobs, the Tesla CEO said, “I don't know how real that is. My direct observation is that there's always a scarcity of talented people. So you know, from my standpoint, I'm like we have a lot of difficulty finding enough talented people to get these difficult tasks done, and so more talented people would be good.”<h2>You are not a country without borders</h2>The tech mogul, however, sharply criticised the Joe Biden administration for border polices, saying they lacked control and had a free-for-all approach to border controls.&nbsp;"Under the Biden administration, it was basically a total free-for-all with no border controls. You know, unless you've got border controls, you're not a country. So, you had massive amounts of illegal immigration under Biden".&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vodka-with-patriotic-flavour-trump-family-unveils-new-liquor-brand-while-us-president-says-he-doesn-t-drink-eric-trump-alchol-brand-trump-faimly-1764413091614">Vodka with patriotic flavour: Trump family unveils new liquor brand while US president says he doesn’t drink</a>&nbsp;"It actually had somewhat of a negative selection effect. So if there's a massive financial incentive to come to the US illegally and get all these government benefits, then you are going to necessarily create a diffusion gradient for people to come to the US. It's an incentive structure. And that obviously made no sense. Like, you got to have border controls. It's kind of ridiculous not to," the X owner added. &nbsp;

 Musk said that America has benefited immensely from Indian talent, adding that scrapping the H-1B scheme completely would be “very bad.”

Elon Musk said that shutting down the H1-B programme will be detrimental to America's technological advancement and that the US has benefited immensely from Indian talent. Speaking on the "WTF is" podcast hosted by online trading platform Zerodha's co-founder Nikhil Kamat. The Billionaire also defended President Donald Trump's anti immigration stance, saying that the policy stems from the "misuse" of H1-B visas. “Yes, I think America has benefitted immensely from talented Indians who have come to America, Musk said in reply to Kamath's assertion that the US for decades attracted "really smart people" from around the world. However, it has become anti immigration to a certain extent in the recent past. The Tesla CEO also dismissed demands of conservative groups calling for quashing the H1-B system completely, “I’m not in the school of thought that we should shut down the H-1B Program… that would actually be very bad, ”he said. Also Read: America lacks workers for tough jobs, says Elon Musk amid H1B visa row These remarks come amid the ongoing crackdown on immigration by the Trump administration, the US President imposed stricter conditions on the H1B visa programme, making it difficult for job seekers to enter the United States. Beginning September 1, US employers seeking to hire foreign professionals in specialised occupations have to pay $1 lakh supplemental fee for new workers. Commenting on the concerns of some Americans about Immigrants taking their jobs, the Tesla CEO said, “I don't know how real that is. My direct observation is that there's always a scarcity of talented people. So you know, from my standpoint, I'm like we have a lot of difficulty finding enough talented people to get these difficult tasks done, and so more talented people would be good.” You are not a country without borders The tech mogul, however, sharply criticised the Joe Biden administration for border polices, saying they lacked control and had a free-for-all approach to border controls. "Under the Biden administration, it was basically a total free-for-all with no border controls. You know, unless you've got border controls, you're not a country. So, you had massive amounts of illegal immigration under Biden". Also Read: Vodka with patriotic flavour: Trump family unveils new liquor brand while US president says he doesn’t drink "It actually had somewhat of a negative selection effect. So if there's a massive financial incentive to come to the US illegally and get all these government benefits, then you are going to necessarily create a diffusion gradient for people to come to the US. It's an incentive structure. And that obviously made no sense. Like, you got to have border controls. It's kind of ridiculous not to," the X owner added.

&nbsp;Musk said that America has benefited immensely from Indian talent, adding that scrapping the H-1B scheme completely would be “very bad.”

Should US end H-1B programme? Know what Elon Musk thinks about Indian immigrants

The Election Commission has extended the deadline for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) going on in 12 states and Union Territories by a week till February 14 to give voters additional time to ensure their names are correctly included in the electoral rolls ahead of upcoming elections. The booth-level officers (BLOs) and the booth-level agents will also get additional time. In a three-page order issued on Sunday, the Election Commission said it has allowed one more week for poll officials to publish the draft list of voters. The enumeration period will now end on December 11, a week later than the earlier scheduled date of December 4, while the final list will be published on February 14.&nbsp;This electoral roll revision aims to enhance the accuracy and inclusiveness ahead of upcoming elections.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-politics-now-trumps-economics-says-jaishankar-stresses-on-supply-chain-diversification-1764442632789">‘Politics now ‘trumps’ economics,’ says Jaishankar, stresses on supply chain diversification</a>&nbsp;Leaders of the Trinamool Congress and other opposition parties had met Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Delhi this week and urged the commission to reschedule the SIR exercise. The SIR issue is likely to lead to a showdown in the parliament during the winter session that begins Monday.&nbsp;The opposition leaders requested the EC to plan the SIR exercise in a better manner amid reports that booth level officers (BLOs) are under immense pressure as they go from door-to-door to complete the mammoth task in a tight schedule.Some deaths by suicide of BLOs have been reported from West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. The state assembly election in West Bengal is due early next year.The first stage of the three-level SIR exercise in Bengal is coming to a close. The EC has identified 18.70 lakh dead voters still existing in the current voters’ list till the evening of November 29.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-will-send-forces-to-gaza-confirms-ishaq-dar-says-disarming-hamas-not-our-job-1764432460562">Pakistan will send forces to Gaza, confirms Ishaq Dar, says disarming Hamas ‘not our job’</a>&nbsp;The EC has further scaled up its estimated number of voters likely to be deleted from the draft list; the new estimated figure on this count is around 35 lakh, which includes 18.70 lakh voters who have died in addition to duplicate voters, untraceable voters, and voters who have permanently shifted to other states.&nbsp;The revision covers Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-launches-website-to-expose-misleading-biased-coverage-of-trump-admin-1764447383766">White House launches website to ‘expose’ ‘misleading, biased’ coverage of Trump admin</a>&nbsp;The extension provides voters additional time to verify their details, file objections, or make the necessary corrections to their entries in the voter list.

Leaders of the Trinamool Congress and other opposition parties met Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Delhi this week and urged to reschedule the SIR exercise. The SIR issue is likely to lead to a showdown in the parliament during the winter session that begins Monday.

The Election Commission has extended the deadline for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) going on in 12 states and Union Territories by a week till February 14 to give voters additional time to ensure their names are correctly included in the electoral rolls ahead of upcoming elections. The booth-level officers (BLOs) and the booth-level agents will also get additional time. In a three-page order issued on Sunday, the Election Commission said it has allowed one more week for poll officials to publish the draft list of voters. The enumeration period will now end on December 11, a week later than the earlier scheduled date of December 4, while the final list will be published on February 14. This electoral roll revision aims to enhance the accuracy and inclusiveness ahead of upcoming elections. Also Read: ‘Politics now ‘trumps’ economics,’ says Jaishankar, stresses on supply chain diversification Leaders of the Trinamool Congress and other opposition parties had met Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Delhi this week and urged the commission to reschedule the SIR exercise. The SIR issue is likely to lead to a showdown in the parliament during the winter session that begins Monday. The opposition leaders requested the EC to plan the SIR exercise in a better manner amid reports that booth level officers (BLOs) are under immense pressure as they go from door-to-door to complete the mammoth task in a tight schedule. Some deaths by suicide of BLOs have been reported from West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. The state assembly election in West Bengal is due early next year. The first stage of the three-level SIR exercise in Bengal is coming to a close. The EC has identified 18.70 lakh dead voters still existing in the current voters’ list till the evening of November 29. Also Read: Pakistan will send forces to Gaza, confirms Ishaq Dar, says disarming Hamas ‘not our job’ The EC has further scaled up its estimated number of voters likely to be deleted from the draft list; the new estimated figure on this count is around 35 lakh, which includes 18.70 lakh voters who have died in addition to duplicate voters, untraceable voters, and voters who have permanently shifted to other states. The revision covers Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Also Read: White House launches website to ‘expose’ ‘misleading, biased’ coverage of Trump admin The extension provides voters additional time to verify their details, file objections, or make the necessary corrections to their entries in the voter list.

Leaders of the Trinamool Congress and other opposition parties met Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Delhi this week and urged to reschedule the SIR exercise. The SIR issue is likely to lead to a showdown in the parliament during the winter session that begins Monday.

Election Commission extends SIR by 7 days; draft electoral list to be out on Dec 16

Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has described bilateral relations with India as “excellent” and “robust”, with both countries determined to expand cooperation in trade, defence and tackling transnational cyber-scams. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, the minister highlighted the growing menace of cross-border online scam syndicates operating along Thailand’s borders with Myanmar and Cambodia. He revealed that Bangkok recently repatriated around 1,000 Indian victims and announced an international conference on 17 December in Bangkok to galvanise global action. “This is a grave threat to all of us… We must demonstrate political will and mobilise international efforts,” he said, calling for greater intelligence-sharing to dismantle criminal networks.&nbsp;On the economic front, FM Sihasak expressed confidence that the $30 billion bilateral trade target by 2030 is achievable, citing India’s rapid growth and opportunities in food security, health, wellness and green technology. He urged India to reconsider joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and stressed the need for upgraded connectivity projects, including the stalled India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.&nbsp;Defence ties are also deepening, with Thailand already procuring Indian armoured vehicles and munitions, and both navies conducting joint exercises to ensure maritime security in the wider Indo-Pacific region. The minister underlined shared Buddhist heritage and booming Indian tourism, with over two million visitors annually, as enduring pillars of the relationship. Full interview<h2>Your Excellency, how would you characterise the current state of India-Thailand relations?</h2>The relationship is excellent, and I think it's going forward with opportunities for closer cooperation in many areas. We have a strategic partnership. A strategic partnership means that it's not just the bilateral issues, bilateral relations, but we're working together to promote regional peace and stability and prosperity, also working together to address common global challenges like climate change, pandemics, human trafficking, and so many other issues. So it's a very robust relationship, and I see there's a lot of potential for cooperation and partnership going forward.<h2>On the issue of cross-border online scam syndicates, Thailand has helped repatriate many Indian victims; what has been Thailand’s role and what remains the biggest concern regarding these cyber-scam centres?</h2> Well, it's not just a problem for any particular country. It's become a problem with regional and international dimensions, and we see you know these scam operations operating along the Thai-Myanmar border, along the Thai Cambodian border, and this particular regard to Myanmar, it is due to the instability in the country. Unfortunately, we have people who have been lured into working for these operations, some of course, knowingly, have gone there in the hope of making money. But, these operations are a grave threat to all of us. People are being robbed of their life savings by this scam and scammers, so we really have to do something about it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Thailand believes that it's time that we demonstrate the political will, and mobilise international efforts to deal with this problem. We are hosting a major international conference on the 17th of December in Bangkok. So we hope that at that meeting, we can discuss this at the highest level, and hopefully, we can work on what we can. We must ensure that these frameworks and processes are consolidated and work together. So this is what we're hoping for. But the point is that we have victims from many countries. Indians are among the victims. We have a large number of them. We just helped recently with the repatriation of about 1000 Indians back to where they came from in India.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-air-force-evacuates-over-50-people-from-flood-hit-sri-lanka-including-pakistani-and-bangladeshi-nationals-1764509596752">Indian Air Force evacuates over 50 people from flood-hit Sri Lanka, including Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals</a>&nbsp;<h2>What kind of conversations have both sides had on this particular issue? We know that the Indian ambassador has met you on this particular issue, and also perhaps you've invited India to the upcoming meeting which you're going to host.</h2>Immediate concern is to provide assistance to help them return to wherever they came from. But also, we need information on who the perpetrators are. What kind of networks have they been able to utilise? So what is important is that we should have more information sharing, sharing of intelligence, so that we really can get to the bottom of all this.<h2>And who do you think is the perpetrator in this particular case, any group which you are worried about?</h2> Well, I don't want to assign any particular nationality, because these are criminals. And we have criminals in every country, and so criminals are working together to make these scams and scam operations possible.<h2>How do Thailand, India plan to increase their trade at a time when we have seen changes when it comes to global trading arrangements?</h2> Well, we first have to do more bilaterally. Bilateral means having more exchange visits between the private sector. We also have to work together to see where the impediments are, and then we have to work together in terms of promotional activities. I see enormous potential in trading relationships; in our economic ties, we just have to work harder at it. But having said that, not just working bilaterally right now, we should also work to promote regional free trade at a time when the multilateral trading system is being challenged. You know what these challenges are: challenges of unilateralism, protectionism, and unilateral tariffs. Thailand and India should not just be working bilaterally for more trade, more investment, but also we should be working at the regional level to ensure that trade remains free.&nbsp;&nbsp;There are many ways that we can work together regionally. There's the India ASEAN Free Trade Agreement. Let's see what we can do to upgrade it. We also have the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, RCEP. India took part in negotiations throughout, but at the end, decided to opt out. We don't question India's intention. Of course, it's a decision for India to make. We do hope that India will join RCEP, because it's something that will benefit the region and definitely benefit India. We understand the concern of India, but still, India is such an important economic powerhouse in the region, and so there is much that we can do bilaterally, a lot that we can do regionally, at a time when we're facing the common challenge of the decline of the multilateral trading system under the WTO.<h2>Plans to have the trade to $30 billion by 2030, I believe. Are you hopeful that India and Thailand will be able to achieve that?</h2> Given the growth of India, the economic growth rate of India, and the size of your economy, I think we can achieve that goal. Again, let's look at where the impediments are, and where the opportunities are for us to trade more. &nbsp;I see that the target that we have set is not beyond reach, but trade is only part of the economic relations. I'd like to see more investment. Investment also helps to create more trade between our two countries. Thailand has an economy that is in transition. We want to go towards more innovation, more digitalisation, and a greener economy.&nbsp;&nbsp;There are many areas where we can work together, such as, first is Thailand wants to be a food hub, and this is where there's a tremendous demand for food products. So maybe we can work together in this area. Another area where Thailand and India can work together is in the health and wellness. Thailand has some of the best hospitals in the world. You are very strong in the pharmaceutical industry, why not look at opportunities for closer collaboration? Connectivity is also another area. There is much more that we can do in terms of connectivity, and connectivity will enhance trade.<h2>Any update on the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway?</h2> The segment in Thailand is completed. We have financed a certain segment within Myanmar. India's part has been done. India is helping also to finance part of this segment in Myanmar, but the project has been stalled because we know why, because of the situation. So that's why we're hoping that the situation will return to normalcy soon, and so that we can continue to work on the trilateral highway project, so that it can be completed. And another project is the coastal shipping project, connecting the various main ports along the course from Thailand to Myanmar to Bangladesh to India.<h2>Moving forward to the defence relationship, what's your view on that?</h2>The defence cooperation helps us to ensure that we are prepared in terms of defence, and we also look to India as a source of defence supplies, of defence equipment, weapons, and also these joint exercises, whether it's between our armed forces, our naval forces. I think it serves to enhance our preparedness in terms of defence and security. Another area is maritime security; we share a common interest in ensuring that the sea lanes of communication and transport and commerce, connecting the Pacific Ocean with the Indian Ocean, are kept free and open.<h2>Any specific assets you are looking to import from India?</h2>Well, we always think in terms of efficiency, effectiveness and cost. Up to now, I think the weapons that we have purchased from India, mainly military vehicles, armoured vehicles, and maybe some munitions.<h2>Where do you see the future of the India-Thailand tourism relationship?&nbsp;</h2>Well, tourism is a very important sector of the Thai economy. The Thai economy is driven by two important sectors, the trade exports in particular, and also tourism. India has been an important source of tourism for Thailand. We have over 2 million tourists from India coming to enjoy the various sites in Thailand each year, and we are very happy that the number is growing. And I'm always amazed by the size of the Indian weddings held in Thailand. You know, it's not just the bride and bridegroom. You have the whole family, not from one side, but both sides, coming to celebrate Thailand, and so we hope that there'll be more of this kind of tourism in addition to the regular tourism that we have from India.<h2>How do you see India's Act East Policy working in terms of India's growing engagement with ASEAN countries, especially Thailand?&nbsp;</h2> Well, it was "Look east". Now it's "Act East". And for us, it is "Act West" before we "Look West". So we have to act in terms of concrete actions on what to do. And again, it's not just bilaterally. First of all, we welcome the engagement of India, economically, strategically in the ASEAN region, and India is a very important dialogue partner. There is another framework that brings about the convergence of India's Look East policy and Thailand's Look West policy, which is BIMSTEC. And with regard to BIMSTEC, it has a lot of potential, but we still have a long way to go. So I think that Thailand and India should be working together more under our respective Act East and Thailand's act West policy.<h2>How hopeful are you about BIMSTEC?</h2>Well, to be very frank, I think we have to really try to quicken the pace, broaden the cooperation, and also make sure that real progress is achieved. I think BIMSTEC has not realised its potential yet. I think South Asia is getting its act together, and Southeast Asia, I think, we remain one of the highest growth areas in the world. And actually, BIMSTEC is not just about the member countries alone. It's about linking South and Southeast Asia. So we really have to do much more. There's been a lot that we've agreed to, such as we have a master plan on connectivity, we have to do more in terms of connectivity, rail, air, land, sea, and also promoting free trade.<h2>One element that combines tourism and connectivity is digital connectivity, the connectivity between India's UBI and Thailand's Prompt Pay. Can we see a day when an Indian tourist, or perhaps a Thai tourist, comes to India and uses their QR code to pay?</h2> Yes, I say that. I hope it will be done very quickly, because, you know, digital payment is going to really promote economic ties and help tourism, and Thailand is already doing that, with countries like Singapore.<h2>Buddhism connect between the two countries. How important is it to both countries?</h2> Yes, I think tourism is one of the pillars of our relationship, the fact that we share so much in common in terms of religion and many Thais come to India for religious pilgrimage. We appreciate that you have kindly offered the relics of the Lord Buddha to allow the people in Thailand be able to show their respect. That is very much appreciated. So Buddhism will be at the core of our relationship. It will remain an important pillar of ties.<h2>The conflict we saw with Cambodia, if you can perhaps brief to the Indian viewers, about the reason for the conflict, and also what is the current status as well, especially after the mediation, which we saw by the US President Donald Trump</h2>Well, it has to do with the border. Borders that have not been clearly demarcated. It has to do with the existence of mines along the border. It has to do with the spread of these illegal crimes, the scam operations. It has to do with encroachment into other territories. And, you know, relations with neighbouring countries, there's a lot of potential, but there always will be problems, and we have to resolve them peacefully, bilaterally. And I guess the issue for us is that sometimes the Cambodians prefer to take many of these bilateral issues internationally, and so we really believe that our two countries should sit down and try to work things out bilaterally. Some of the recent incidents have not helped. They planted a lot of mines along the border. They say that these are old mines, but clearly the evidence proves that they are new mines, and our soldiers have been severely injured by these land mines despite both sides agreeing to do the de-mining.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-and-uk-armies-deepen-ties-as-ajeya-warrior-25-ends-in-rajasthan-1764515748237">India and UK armies deepen ties as Ajeya Warrior-25 ends in Rajasthan</a><h2>But is the ceasefire, which was mediated by the US president, holding or has it been violated?</h2> Right now, it's holding. We don't have any clashes, but when you talk about a ceasefire, it includes the issue of landmines, and the landmines, you know, it's been breached by the Cambodians because they've planted new mines, and these new mines have injured Thai soldiers.<h2>And when you meet with your counterpart, the Indian External Affairs Minister, tomorrow, all these issues will be discussed. Any particular focus area?</h2>We will try to discuss all the issues that we consider to be important, bilaterally, regionally, and internationally. One issue we have to discuss, this issue of the situation in Myanmar, because both of our countries share a common border with Myanmar, and we're concerned about instability in Myanmar. We want to see peace, stability and unity return to the country. &nbsp;Both countries, as neighbouring countries, together with other neighbouring countries, China, Bangladesh and ASEAN, the ASEAN countries, we have to work more closely. We have to align our efforts to ensure that our efforts are going in the same direction towards peace and stability in Myanmar.

Thai FM Sihasak expressed confidence that the $30 billion bilateral trade target by 2030 is achievable, citing India’s rapid growth and opportunities in food security, health, wellness and green technology. He urged India to reconsider joining the RCEP.

Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has described bilateral relations with India as “excellent” and “robust”, with both countries determined to expand cooperation in trade, defence and tackling transnational cyber-scams. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, the minister highlighted the growing menace of cross-border online scam syndicates operating along Thailand’s borders with Myanmar and Cambodia. He revealed that Bangkok recently repatriated around 1,000 Indian victims and announced an international conference on 17 December in Bangkok to galvanise global action. “This is a grave threat to all of us… We must demonstrate political will and mobilise international efforts,” he said, calling for greater intelligence-sharing to dismantle criminal networks. On the economic front, FM Sihasak expressed confidence that the $30 billion bilateral trade target by 2030 is achievable, citing India’s rapid growth and opportunities in food security, health, wellness and green technology. He urged India to reconsider joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and stressed the need for upgraded connectivity projects, including the stalled India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway. Defence ties are also deepening, with Thailand already procuring Indian armoured vehicles and munitions, and both navies conducting joint exercises to ensure maritime security in the wider Indo-Pacific region. The minister underlined shared Buddhist heritage and booming Indian tourism, with over two million visitors annually, as enduring pillars of the relationship. Full interview Your Excellency, how would you characterise the current state of India-Thailand relations? The relationship is excellent, and I think it's going forward with opportunities for closer cooperation in many areas. We have a strategic partnership. A strategic partnership means that it's not just the bilateral issues, bilateral relations, but we're working together to promote regional peace and stability and prosperity, also working together to address common global challenges like climate change, pandemics, human trafficking, and so many other issues. So it's a very robust relationship, and I see there's a lot of potential for cooperation and partnership going forward. On the issue of cross-border online scam syndicates, Thailand has helped repatriate many Indian victims; what has been Thailand’s role and what remains the biggest concern regarding these cyber-scam centres? Well, it's not just a problem for any particular country. It's become a problem with regional and international dimensions, and we see you know these scam operations operating along the Thai-Myanmar border, along the Thai Cambodian border, and this particular regard to Myanmar, it is due to the instability in the country. Unfortunately, we have people who have been lured into working for these operations, some of course, knowingly, have gone there in the hope of making money. But, these operations are a grave threat to all of us. People are being robbed of their life savings by this scam and scammers, so we really have to do something about it. Thailand believes that it's time that we demonstrate the political will, and mobilise international efforts to deal with this problem. We are hosting a major international conference on the 17th of December in Bangkok. So we hope that at that meeting, we can discuss this at the highest level, and hopefully, we can work on what we can. We must ensure that these frameworks and processes are consolidated and work together. So this is what we're hoping for. But the point is that we have victims from many countries. Indians are among the victims. We have a large number of them. We just helped recently with the repatriation of about 1000 Indians back to where they came from in India. Also Read: Indian Air Force evacuates over 50 people from flood-hit Sri Lanka, including Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals What kind of conversations have both sides had on this particular issue? We know that the Indian ambassador has met you on this particular issue, and also perhaps you've invited India to the upcoming meeting which you're going to host. Immediate concern is to provide assistance to help them return to wherever they came from. But also, we need information on who the perpetrators are. What kind of networks have they been able to utilise? So what is important is that we should have more information sharing, sharing of intelligence, so that we really can get to the bottom of all this. And who do you think is the perpetrator in this particular case, any group which you are worried about? Well, I don't want to assign any particular nationality, because these are criminals. And we have criminals in every country, and so criminals are working together to make these scams and scam operations possible. How do Thailand, India plan to increase their trade at a time when we have seen changes when it comes to global trading arrangements? Well, we first have to do more bilaterally. Bilateral means having more exchange visits between the private sector. We also have to work together to see where the impediments are, and then we have to work together in terms of promotional activities. I see enormous potential in trading relationships; in our economic ties, we just have to work harder at it. But having said that, not just working bilaterally right now, we should also work to promote regional free trade at a time when the multilateral trading system is being challenged. You know what these challenges are: challenges of unilateralism, protectionism, and unilateral tariffs. Thailand and India should not just be working bilaterally for more trade, more investment, but also we should be working at the regional level to ensure that trade remains free. There are many ways that we can work together regionally. There's the India ASEAN Free Trade Agreement. Let's see what we can do to upgrade it. We also have the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, RCEP. India took part in negotiations throughout, but at the end, decided to opt out. We don't question India's intention. Of course, it's a decision for India to make. We do hope that India will join RCEP, because it's something that will benefit the region and definitely benefit India. We understand the concern of India, but still, India is such an important economic powerhouse in the region, and so there is much that we can do bilaterally, a lot that we can do regionally, at a time when we're facing the common challenge of the decline of the multilateral trading system under the WTO. Plans to have the trade to $30 billion by 2030, I believe. Are you hopeful that India and Thailand will be able to achieve that? Given the growth of India, the economic growth rate of India, and the size of your economy, I think we can achieve that goal. Again, let's look at where the impediments are, and where the opportunities are for us to trade more. I see that the target that we have set is not beyond reach, but trade is only part of the economic relations. I'd like to see more investment. Investment also helps to create more trade between our two countries. Thailand has an economy that is in transition. We want to go towards more innovation, more digitalisation, and a greener economy. There are many areas where we can work together, such as, first is Thailand wants to be a food hub, and this is where there's a tremendous demand for food products. So maybe we can work together in this area. Another area where Thailand and India can work together is in the health and wellness. Thailand has some of the best hospitals in the world. You are very strong in the pharmaceutical industry, why not look at opportunities for closer collaboration? Connectivity is also another area. There is much more that we can do in terms of connectivity, and connectivity will enhance trade. Any update on the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway? The segment in Thailand is completed. We have financed a certain segment within Myanmar. India's part has been done. India is helping also to finance part of this segment in Myanmar, but the project has been stalled because we know why, because of the situation. So that's why we're hoping that the situation will return to normalcy soon, and so that we can continue to work on the trilateral highway project, so that it can be completed. And another project is the coastal shipping project, connecting the various main ports along the course from Thailand to Myanmar to Bangladesh to India. Moving forward to the defence relationship, what's your view on that? The defence cooperation helps us to ensure that we are prepared in terms of defence, and we also look to India as a source of defence supplies, of defence equipment, weapons, and also these joint exercises, whether it's between our armed forces, our naval forces. I think it serves to enhance our preparedness in terms of defence and security. Another area is maritime security; we share a common interest in ensuring that the sea lanes of communication and transport and commerce, connecting the Pacific Ocean with the Indian Ocean, are kept free and open. Any specific assets you are looking to import from India? Well, we always think in terms of efficiency, effectiveness and cost. Up to now, I think the weapons that we have purchased from India, mainly military vehicles, armoured vehicles, and maybe some munitions. Where do you see the future of the India-Thailand tourism relationship? Well, tourism is a very important sector of the Thai economy. The Thai economy is driven by two important sectors, the trade exports in particular, and also tourism. India has been an important source of tourism for Thailand. We have over 2 million tourists from India coming to enjoy the various sites in Thailand each year, and we are very happy that the number is growing. And I'm always amazed by the size of the Indian weddings held in Thailand. You know, it's not just the bride and bridegroom. You have the whole family, not from one side, but both sides, coming to celebrate Thailand, and so we hope that there'll be more of this kind of tourism in addition to the regular tourism that we have from India. How do you see India's Act East Policy working in terms of India's growing engagement with ASEAN countries, especially Thailand? Well, it was "Look east". Now it's "Act East". And for us, it is "Act West" before we "Look West". So we have to act in terms of concrete actions on what to do. And again, it's not just bilaterally. First of all, we welcome the engagement of India, economically, strategically in the ASEAN region, and India is a very important dialogue partner. There is another framework that brings about the convergence of India's Look East policy and Thailand's Look West policy, which is BIMSTEC. And with regard to BIMSTEC, it has a lot of potential, but we still have a long way to go. So I think that Thailand and India should be working together more under our respective Act East and Thailand's act West policy. How hopeful are you about BIMSTEC? Well, to be very frank, I think we have to really try to quicken the pace, broaden the cooperation, and also make sure that real progress is achieved. I think BIMSTEC has not realised its potential yet. I think South Asia is getting its act together, and Southeast Asia, I think, we remain one of the highest growth areas in the world. And actually, BIMSTEC is not just about the member countries alone. It's about linking South and Southeast Asia. So we really have to do much more. There's been a lot that we've agreed to, such as we have a master plan on connectivity, we have to do more in terms of connectivity, rail, air, land, sea, and also promoting free trade. One element that combines tourism and connectivity is digital connectivity, the connectivity between India's UBI and Thailand's Prompt Pay. Can we see a day when an Indian tourist, or perhaps a Thai tourist, comes to India and uses their QR code to pay? Yes, I say that. I hope it will be done very quickly, because, you know, digital payment is going to really promote economic ties and help tourism, and Thailand is already doing that, with countries like Singapore. Buddhism connect between the two countries. How important is it to both countries? Yes, I think tourism is one of the pillars of our relationship, the fact that we share so much in common in terms of religion and many Thais come to India for religious pilgrimage. We appreciate that you have kindly offered the relics of the Lord Buddha to allow the people in Thailand be able to show their respect. That is very much appreciated. So Buddhism will be at the core of our relationship. It will remain an important pillar of ties. The conflict we saw with Cambodia, if you can perhaps brief to the Indian viewers, about the reason for the conflict, and also what is the current status as well, especially after the mediation, which we saw by the US President Donald Trump Well, it has to do with the border. Borders that have not been clearly demarcated. It has to do with the existence of mines along the border. It has to do with the spread of these illegal crimes, the scam operations. It has to do with encroachment into other territories. And, you know, relations with neighbouring countries, there's a lot of potential, but there always will be problems, and we have to resolve them peacefully, bilaterally. And I guess the issue for us is that sometimes the Cambodians prefer to take many of these bilateral issues internationally, and so we really believe that our two countries should sit down and try to work things out bilaterally. Some of the recent incidents have not helped. They planted a lot of mines along the border. They say that these are old mines, but clearly the evidence proves that they are new mines, and our soldiers have been severely injured by these land mines despite both sides agreeing to do the de-mining. Also Read: India and UK armies deepen ties as Ajeya Warrior-25 ends in Rajasthan But is the ceasefire, which was mediated by the US president, holding or has it been violated? Right now, it's holding. We don't have any clashes, but when you talk about a ceasefire, it includes the issue of landmines, and the landmines, you know, it's been breached by the Cambodians because they've planted new mines, and these new mines have injured Thai soldiers. And when you meet with your counterpart, the Indian External Affairs Minister, tomorrow, all these issues will be discussed. Any particular focus area? We will try to discuss all the issues that we consider to be important, bilaterally, regionally, and internationally. One issue we have to discuss, this issue of the situation in Myanmar, because both of our countries share a common border with Myanmar, and we're concerned about instability in Myanmar. We want to see peace, stability and unity return to the country. Both countries, as neighbouring countries, together with other neighbouring countries, China, Bangladesh and ASEAN, the ASEAN countries, we have to work more closely. We have to align our efforts to ensure that our efforts are going in the same direction towards peace and stability in Myanmar.

Thai FM Sihasak expressed confidence that the $30 billion bilateral trade target by 2030 is achievable, citing India’s rapid growth and opportunities in food security, health, wellness and green technology. He urged India to reconsider joining the RCEP.

India is an ‘important economic powerhouse’, says Thai FM amid deepening defence ties and cross-border cyber-scam crackdown

New Delhi: The United Kingdom and India have concluded the eighth edition of their flagship army exercise Ajeya Warrior, with senior officials on both sides presenting the event as evidence of a rapidly deepening defence partnership. Held at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan from 17 to 30 November, the exercise brought together 120 soldiers from the Indian Army’s 21st Battalion The Sikh Regiment and an equal number from A (Amboor) Company, 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles. The two contingents operated under a fully integrated battle-group headquarters during the final validation phase, conducting complex counter-terrorism and peace-enforcement operations under a simulated Chapter VII UN mandate, that gives the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) the authority to take enforcement action.&nbsp;The Indian Ministry of Defence stated, “‘AJEYA WARRIOR-25’ reinforced the strong defence cooperation between India and the United Kingdom and reaffirmed the shared commitment of both nations to global peace and security.” British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron directly tied the exercise to long-term strategic goals. “Defence and security forms a crucial pillar of UK-India Vision 2035,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Exercise Ajeya Warrior is a demonstration of UK’s deepening defence ties with India as we deliver this shared vision over the next decade. Beyond military cooperation, it underscores our shared commitment to peace, stability and a rules-based international order.”&nbsp;Commodore Chris Saunders MBE, UK Defence Adviser in New Delhi, emphasised operational convergence and regional implications. “Ex Ajeya Warrior follows closely on the back of our Navies training together during the recent visit by the UK’s Carrier Strike Group and demonstrates the ever-closer relationship and readiness of both our militaries to face shared security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region,” he said. “We now greatly look forward to welcoming the Indian Army to the UK for Ex Ajeya Warrior IX in 2027.”&nbsp;Officials describe these exchanges, combined with increasingly complex joint exercises, as tangible steps toward genuine military interoperability between two countries. The exercise follows as India and the UK agreed on a 10-year Defence Industrial Roadmap designed to enable joint development and co-production of military equipment. It also comes months after the UK Carrier Strike Group conducted advanced bilateral manoeuvres with Indian naval forces. Indian officers already serve as instructors at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and Britannia Royal Naval College.

Officials describe these exchanges, combined with increasingly complex joint exercises, as tangible steps toward military interoperability between the two nations after both agreed to a 10-year Defence Industrial Roadmap to enable joint development and co-production of military equipment.

New Delhi: The United Kingdom and India have concluded the eighth edition of their flagship army exercise Ajeya Warrior, with senior officials on both sides presenting the event as evidence of a rapidly deepening defence partnership. Held at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan from 17 to 30 November, the exercise brought together 120 soldiers from the Indian Army’s 21st Battalion The Sikh Regiment and an equal number from A (Amboor) Company, 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles. The two contingents operated under a fully integrated battle-group headquarters during the final validation phase, conducting complex counter-terrorism and peace-enforcement operations under a simulated Chapter VII UN mandate, that gives the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) the authority to take enforcement action. The Indian Ministry of Defence stated, “‘AJEYA WARRIOR-25’ reinforced the strong defence cooperation between India and the United Kingdom and reaffirmed the shared commitment of both nations to global peace and security.” British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron directly tied the exercise to long-term strategic goals. “Defence and security forms a crucial pillar of UK-India Vision 2035,” she said. “Exercise Ajeya Warrior is a demonstration of UK’s deepening defence ties with India as we deliver this shared vision over the next decade. Beyond military cooperation, it underscores our shared commitment to peace, stability and a rules-based international order.” Commodore Chris Saunders MBE, UK Defence Adviser in New Delhi, emphasised operational convergence and regional implications. “Ex Ajeya Warrior follows closely on the back of our Navies training together during the recent visit by the UK’s Carrier Strike Group and demonstrates the ever-closer relationship and readiness of both our militaries to face shared security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region,” he said. “We now greatly look forward to welcoming the Indian Army to the UK for Ex Ajeya Warrior IX in 2027.” Officials describe these exchanges, combined with increasingly complex joint exercises, as tangible steps toward genuine military interoperability between two countries. The exercise follows as India and the UK agreed on a 10-year Defence Industrial Roadmap designed to enable joint development and co-production of military equipment. It also comes months after the UK Carrier Strike Group conducted advanced bilateral manoeuvres with Indian naval forces. Indian officers already serve as instructors at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and Britannia Royal Naval College.

Officials describe these exchanges, combined with increasingly complex joint exercises, as tangible steps toward military interoperability between the two nations after both agreed to a 10-year Defence Industrial Roadmap to enable joint development and co-production of military equipment.

India and UK armies deepen ties as Ajeya Warrior-25 ends in Rajasthan

One of India’s most incredible media entrepreneurs, Dr. Subhash Chandra, Chairman Emeritus of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, celebrates his 75th birthday today, and hence it becomes an excellent moment to reflect on the great legacy he has created so far. Dr Chandra is much more than just a successful businessman; he is a visionary who transformed the Indian Broadcasting industry.Dr. Chandra earned worldwide recognition by launching the first private satellite television channel in India, a groundbreaking step at a time when there was no private investment in the industry. His success created a new area of entertainment in India, and that’s why he is often referred to as the Father of Indian Television.&nbsp;Dr. Chandra solely enabled India to become one of the world’s largest entertainment markets after bringing global media content into people’s homes. He also nurtured local creative talent and inspired a new generation of media professionals in the country through his efforts.Zee TV was the first major private Indian television channel when it was launched in 1992, before private broadcasting was an established norm in India.&nbsp;&nbsp;The launch was viewed as novel since it challenged the monopoly of government-run Doordarshan, and besides, the technology-driven satellite transmission was a radical change from terrestrial television. The launch initiated a period of tremendous growth for the television industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;A few years later, Dr. Chandra launched Zee News, India’s first private news service. The path-breaking steps established Dr. Chandra’s reputation as a strategist who shaped the television market in India.&nbsp;Current studies indicate that the sector created by Dr. Chandra currently has job opportunities for over five million employees.&nbsp;Zee, Dr. Chandra’s Crown Jewel, is now one of the leading companies providing content globally for billions of viewers across 190 countries by utilizing numerous different platforms, including Broadcast, Digital, Films, Music, and Live Events. This is a rare achievement for any media company in India.&nbsp;Beyond his innovations in entertainment, Dr. Chandra had an unparalleled desire to establish a successful enterprise under the Essel Group, which encompasses many different industries, including Packaging, Infrastructure, Education, Technology and Leisure. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha from the state of Haryana, signifying his involvement at the national level with policies and development.

Dr. Chandra solely enabled India to become one of the world’s largest entertainment markets after bringing global media content into people’s homes. He also nurtured local creative talent and inspired a new generation of media professionals in the country through his efforts.

One of India’s most incredible media entrepreneurs, Dr. Subhash Chandra, Chairman Emeritus of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, celebrates his 75th birthday today, and hence it becomes an excellent moment to reflect on the great legacy he has created so far. Dr Chandra is much more than just a successful businessman; he is a visionary who transformed the Indian Broadcasting industry. Dr. Chandra earned worldwide recognition by launching the first private satellite television channel in India, a groundbreaking step at a time when there was no private investment in the industry. His success created a new area of entertainment in India, and that’s why he is often referred to as the Father of Indian Television. Dr. Chandra solely enabled India to become one of the world’s largest entertainment markets after bringing global media content into people’s homes. He also nurtured local creative talent and inspired a new generation of media professionals in the country through his efforts. Zee TV was the first major private Indian television channel when it was launched in 1992, before private broadcasting was an established norm in India. The launch was viewed as novel since it challenged the monopoly of government-run Doordarshan, and besides, the technology-driven satellite transmission was a radical change from terrestrial television. The launch initiated a period of tremendous growth for the television industry. A few years later, Dr. Chandra launched Zee News, India’s first private news service. The path-breaking steps established Dr. Chandra’s reputation as a strategist who shaped the television market in India. Current studies indicate that the sector created by Dr. Chandra currently has job opportunities for over five million employees. Zee, Dr. Chandra’s Crown Jewel, is now one of the leading companies providing content globally for billions of viewers across 190 countries by utilizing numerous different platforms, including Broadcast, Digital, Films, Music, and Live Events. This is a rare achievement for any media company in India. Beyond his innovations in entertainment, Dr. Chandra had an unparalleled desire to establish a successful enterprise under the Essel Group, which encompasses many different industries, including Packaging, Infrastructure, Education, Technology and Leisure. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha from the state of Haryana, signifying his involvement at the national level with policies and development.

Dr. Chandra solely enabled India to become one of the world’s largest entertainment markets after bringing global media content into people’s homes. He also nurtured local creative talent and inspired a new generation of media professionals in the country through his efforts.

Dr. Subhash Chandra: An entrepreneur whose unique business and tech ideas paved way for New India

Dr Subhash Chandra Life Story: India has produced countless role models and great personalities, whose lives serve as a source of inspiration for the nation. Today is the birthday of Dr Subhash Chandra, one such figure who has inspired millions, especially the youth, to make their future brighter. Dr Subhash Chandra is a visionary thinker and leader who has mastered the art of anticipating future challenges well in advance.<h2>‘Media Mogul’</h2>Dr. Subhash Chandra is the founder of India's first private television channel. He gave Indian television viewers a new era of serials, entertainment channels, music channels, movie channels, and news channels. It's his vision that brands like Zee TV, Zee Cinema, and Zee News have become household names in India over the past 25 years. He is a self-made entrepreneur and is considered a trendsetter in the TV industry. He has also served as a Rajya Sabha MP.<h2>‘Visionary Leader’</h2>Satellite TV has completed 33 years in our country. Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, also known as ZEE, launched the first satellite TV channel in the country. Founded in November 1982, Zee Entertainment Enterprises launched its first flagship television channel, Zee TV, in 1992. This was the country's first private satellite TV service, laying the foundation for the satellite TV industry in the country.This entire venture, with the vision of Dr. Subhash Chandra, is still providing quality entertainment to its millions of viewers as the country's most trusted and leading news channel.<h2>‘The challenges were not small’</h2>In his biography, ‘The Z Factor: My Journey as the Wrong Man at the Right Time’, Dr Subhash Chandra wrote that reaching the position where he is today wasn't easy. Dr Chandra boldly shared his difficult times with the world. In the book, he wrote that when he was fifty-four or fifty-five years old, his business began to crumble after decades of success. Two reasons for his losses were the decline of the speculative market and the extreme volatility in cotton prices. The speculative market was a futures trading market for grains and commodities. This wasn't an illegal activity; rather, participating in the speculative market was commonplace for established businessmen. Unfortunately, some of his grandfather's cotton trades went against his expectations, losing over Rs 50 lakh. Another major reason was the family's investment in an oil mill. Dr Subhash Chandra had invested Rs 35 lakh in the oil mill, but it sank them. Operating the oil mill required high working capital, which they couldn't arrange. The family took a loan of Rs 20 lakh, but invested all that money in it.Amidst many such challenges and adverse circumstances, he managed his business and emerged victorious. With his extraordinary leadership ability and vision, a boy from Haryana’s Hisar has become a media mogul, bringing glory not only to his family but the entire country on a global stage.<h2>‘Guide and Mentor’</h2>Dr. Subhash Chandra is an exemplary thinker who, with his knowledge and skills, overcame the most difficult situations. By challenging himself to various standards, he refined his personality to become extraordinary. Dr Subhash Chandra's insights on how India can progress and how a nation or institution should develop have guided millions of people. Through his show, "Sach Kahun," he is working to shape the future of students.<h2>‘Down to earth philanthropist’</h2>Even after becoming a Rajya Sabha MP, Dr Subhash Chandra set many examples of service to the nation. He adopted five villages in the Adampur area of ​​Haryana and played a vital role in their transformation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the entire world came to a standstill, the Essel Group, under Dr Subhash Chandra's guidance, fulfilled its social responsibility by donating medical equipment, including ambulances, to several state governments. He established the Subhash Chandra Foundation for his philanthropic activities, which often assists those in distress.<h2>One must live in the present: Dr Subhash Chandra</h2>Dr Subhash Chandra often celebrates his birthday among the general public. On this occasion, he shares his experiences and interacts with young people, offering them career-related tips. He has repeatedly stated in public forums: to move forward, we must live in the present. With hard work and dedication, every goal can be achieved.Dr Subhash Chandra was born on November 30, 1950. After completing his schooling, he joined the family business. His passion for innovation and ability to take risks have helped him take the family business to new heights. His associates celebrate his birthday with great fanfare every year. Numerous organisations, including the Subhash Chandra Foundation and youth organisations, cut cakes on his birthday, wishing him a long life, and learning from his life.

Today marks the 75th birthday of Dr Subhash Chandra, former Rajya Sabha MP and chairman of the Essel Group. Hailing from an ordinary family in Haryana, he overcame extraordinary challenges to become a media mogul. His story has been a source of inspiration for millions of young people.

Dr Subhash Chandra Life Story: India has produced countless role models and great personalities, whose lives serve as a source of inspiration for the nation. Today is the birthday of Dr Subhash Chandra, one such figure who has inspired millions, especially the youth, to make their future brighter. Dr Subhash Chandra is a visionary thinker and leader who has mastered the art of anticipating future challenges well in advance. ‘Media Mogul’ Dr. Subhash Chandra is the founder of India's first private television channel. He gave Indian television viewers a new era of serials, entertainment channels, music channels, movie channels, and news channels. It's his vision that brands like Zee TV, Zee Cinema, and Zee News have become household names in India over the past 25 years. He is a self-made entrepreneur and is considered a trendsetter in the TV industry. He has also served as a Rajya Sabha MP. ‘Visionary Leader’ Satellite TV has completed 33 years in our country. Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, also known as ZEE, launched the first satellite TV channel in the country. Founded in November 1982, Zee Entertainment Enterprises launched its first flagship television channel, Zee TV, in 1992. This was the country's first private satellite TV service, laying the foundation for the satellite TV industry in the country. This entire venture, with the vision of Dr. Subhash Chandra, is still providing quality entertainment to its millions of viewers as the country's most trusted and leading news channel. ‘The challenges were not small’ In his biography, ‘The Z Factor: My Journey as the Wrong Man at the Right Time’, Dr Subhash Chandra wrote that reaching the position where he is today wasn't easy. Dr Chandra boldly shared his difficult times with the world. In the book, he wrote that when he was fifty-four or fifty-five years old, his business began to crumble after decades of success. Two reasons for his losses were the decline of the speculative market and the extreme volatility in cotton prices. The speculative market was a futures trading market for grains and commodities. This wasn't an illegal activity; rather, participating in the speculative market was commonplace for established businessmen. Unfortunately, some of his grandfather's cotton trades went against his expectations, losing over Rs 50 lakh. Another major reason was the family's investment in an oil mill. Dr Subhash Chandra had invested Rs 35 lakh in the oil mill, but it sank them. Operating the oil mill required high working capital, which they couldn't arrange. The family took a loan of Rs 20 lakh, but invested all that money in it. Amidst many such challenges and adverse circumstances, he managed his business and emerged victorious. With his extraordinary leadership ability and vision, a boy from Haryana’s Hisar has become a media mogul, bringing glory not only to his family but the entire country on a global stage. ‘Guide and Mentor’ Dr. Subhash Chandra is an exemplary thinker who, with his knowledge and skills, overcame the most difficult situations. By challenging himself to various standards, he refined his personality to become extraordinary. Dr Subhash Chandra's insights on how India can progress and how a nation or institution should develop have guided millions of people. Through his show, "Sach Kahun," he is working to shape the future of students. ‘Down to earth philanthropist’ Even after becoming a Rajya Sabha MP, Dr Subhash Chandra set many examples of service to the nation. He adopted five villages in the Adampur area of Haryana and played a vital role in their transformation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the entire world came to a standstill, the Essel Group, under Dr Subhash Chandra's guidance, fulfilled its social responsibility by donating medical equipment, including ambulances, to several state governments. He established the Subhash Chandra Foundation for his philanthropic activities, which often assists those in distress. One must live in the present: Dr Subhash Chandra Dr Subhash Chandra often celebrates his birthday among the general public. On this occasion, he shares his experiences and interacts with young people, offering them career-related tips. He has repeatedly stated in public forums: to move forward, we must live in the present. With hard work and dedication, every goal can be achieved. Dr Subhash Chandra was born on November 30, 1950. After completing his schooling, he joined the family business. His passion for innovation and ability to take risks have helped him take the family business to new heights. His associates celebrate his birthday with great fanfare every year. Numerous organisations, including the Subhash Chandra Foundation and youth organisations, cut cakes on his birthday, wishing him a long life, and learning from his life.

Today marks the 75th birthday of Dr Subhash Chandra, former Rajya Sabha MP and chairman of the Essel Group. Hailing from an ordinary family in Haryana, he overcame extraordinary challenges to become a media mogul. His story has been a source of inspiration for millions of young people.

How a boy from Hisar overcame financial struggle to become a media mogul: Dr Subhash Chandra’s incredible journey

Every individual seeks a life of purpose, meaning and success. Yet the road to success is never shaped by hard work and talent alone. Building a life of consequence demands the ability to manage stress while keeping your hunger alive, especially when life presents a mountain of challenges.The life of Dr Subhash Chandra, the media pioneer who founded Zee TV and built the Essel Group, is a testament that mastering stress can turn an ordinary individual into an extraordinary leader. Today, he is recognised globally as a successful businessman, but his journey has been marred by lots of setbacks, including debt, criticism, political pressure, and financial crises. But what remains constant amidst all these challenges is his ability to take on every crisis with a calm mind and a positive attitude.&nbsp;Here are Dr Subhash Chandra’s ‘Billionaire Brain Hacks’, which offer guidance on staying balanced, calm, and focused even under pressure.<h2>1. Understand emotions</h2>Dr Chandra has often said Do not run away from emotions, try to understand the meaning of a certain feeling. &nbsp;He added that people who fail to understand emotions remain vulnerable in decision-making.&nbsp;Early in his career, every failure would leave him emotionally shaken. Over time, he learnt to read, understand, and channel his emotions in a positive direction. He believes that once you recognise your emotions clearly, they become a source of strength rather than weakness.<h2>2. Be solution-oriented</h2>Dr Chandra has faced crises that many would consider career-ending. His approach to problems is simple but powerful: no matter how big the challenge, break it into smaller parts. Write down one solution for each part and tackle the easiest one first. He says this method reduces pressure and restores clarity.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/dr-subhash-chandra-at-75-7-inspiring-quotes-from-the-visionary-media-czar-1764504915329/1764504915330">Dr. Subhash Chandra at 75: 7 inspiring quotes from the visionary media czar</a><h2>3. Be a lifelong student</h2>In a fast-changing world, updating oneself is essential, Dr Chandra often says, “If you stop learning, you have stopped living.” This philosophy led him to find a new direction even during crises. Learning new skills and new perspectives keeps the mind active and naturally reduces stress.<h2>4. Practice spirituality</h2>Spirituality and meditation play a central role in Dr Chandra’s life. He has repeatedly said that big decisions require a calm mind that can be achieved through these practices. He recommends meditating for 10 to 15 minutes every morning and practising deep breathing before sleep.<h2>5. Failures are opportunities in disguise</h2>One of Dr Chandra’s strongest traits is his ability to treat failure not as an end but as a new beginning. When several of his projects failed, he avoided self-blame and instead extracted lessons that fuelled his next ideas.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dr-subhash-chandra-75-the-visionary-who-rewrote-india-s-media-story-zee-media-pioneer-private-television-essel-group-lisence-raj-1764506468505">Dr Subhash Chandra @75: The visionary who rewrote India's media story</a>&nbsp;Dr Subhash Chandra’s approach shows that success is not defined by what happens to you, but by how your mind responds. His strategies continue to inspire entrepreneurs seeking clarity, resilience, and growth in an increasingly demanding world.

Despite facing debt, criticism, political pressure, and major financial crises, Dr Chandra’s journey stands out for one reason: his remarkable ability to stay calm and approach every challenge with a constructive, positive mindset.

Every individual seeks a life of purpose, meaning and success. Yet the road to success is never shaped by hard work and talent alone. Building a life of consequence demands the ability to manage stress while keeping your hunger alive, especially when life presents a mountain of challenges. The life of Dr Subhash Chandra, the media pioneer who founded Zee TV and built the Essel Group, is a testament that mastering stress can turn an ordinary individual into an extraordinary leader. Today, he is recognised globally as a successful businessman, but his journey has been marred by lots of setbacks, including debt, criticism, political pressure, and financial crises. But what remains constant amidst all these challenges is his ability to take on every crisis with a calm mind and a positive attitude. Here are Dr Subhash Chandra’s ‘Billionaire Brain Hacks’, which offer guidance on staying balanced, calm, and focused even under pressure. 1. Understand emotions Dr Chandra has often said Do not run away from emotions, try to understand the meaning of a certain feeling. He added that people who fail to understand emotions remain vulnerable in decision-making. Early in his career, every failure would leave him emotionally shaken. Over time, he learnt to read, understand, and channel his emotions in a positive direction. He believes that once you recognise your emotions clearly, they become a source of strength rather than weakness. 2. Be solution-oriented Dr Chandra has faced crises that many would consider career-ending. His approach to problems is simple but powerful: no matter how big the challenge, break it into smaller parts. Write down one solution for each part and tackle the easiest one first. He says this method reduces pressure and restores clarity. Also Read: Dr. Subhash Chandra at 75: 7 inspiring quotes from the visionary media czar 3. Be a lifelong student In a fast-changing world, updating oneself is essential, Dr Chandra often says, “If you stop learning, you have stopped living.” This philosophy led him to find a new direction even during crises. Learning new skills and new perspectives keeps the mind active and naturally reduces stress. 4. Practice spirituality Spirituality and meditation play a central role in Dr Chandra’s life. He has repeatedly said that big decisions require a calm mind that can be achieved through these practices. He recommends meditating for 10 to 15 minutes every morning and practising deep breathing before sleep. 5. Failures are opportunities in disguise One of Dr Chandra’s strongest traits is his ability to treat failure not as an end but as a new beginning. When several of his projects failed, he avoided self-blame and instead extracted lessons that fuelled his next ideas. Also Read: Dr Subhash Chandra @75: The visionary who rewrote India's media story Dr Subhash Chandra’s approach shows that success is not defined by what happens to you, but by how your mind responds. His strategies continue to inspire entrepreneurs seeking clarity, resilience, and growth in an increasingly demanding world.

Despite facing debt, criticism, political pressure, and major financial crises, Dr Chandra’s journey stands out for one reason: his remarkable ability to stay calm and approach every challenge with a constructive, positive mindset.

From crisis to clarity: Five stress-management lessons from Dr Subhash Chandra’s journey

New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has evacuated more than 55 people, including four infants and six critically injured patients, from the landslide- and flood-affected areas in Sri Lanka in a dramatic rescue operation. Mi17 helicopters operating under “Operation Sagar Bandhu” airlifted stranded tourists and locals from the Kotmale region to safety in Colombo. Among those rescued were citizens of 10 countries, notably one Pakistani and three Bangladeshi nationals.&nbsp;“A Garud commando was winched down to guide the group through cross-country route to a pre-briefed helipad at Kotmale, from where 24 passengers, including Indians, foreign nationals, and Sri Lankans, were evacuated to Colombo,” an IAF statement said.&nbsp;In restricted and forested terrain where helicopters could not land directly, the elite Garud commando established contact with the stranded group and led them on foot to a clearing suitable for helicopter operations. The rescues took place in two main legs. In the first sortie, 24 passengers and three critical casualties were flown to Colombo Port and hospitals. The second sortie evacuated 21 passengers, including four infants, and another three critically injured patients.&nbsp;Officials confirmed the breakdown of nationalities: 14 Sri Lankans, 12 Indians, six Belarusians, five Iranians, four South Africans, three Poles, three Bangladeshis, two Germans, two Slovenians, two Britons, one Australian, and one Pakistani. Earlier in the day, the same Indian helicopters had airlifted five teams of Sri Lankan Army personnel, 40 troops in total, from Diyathalawa Army Camp to the affected area to assist with ground relief and road-clearing operations.&nbsp;The operation marks another instance of India providing rapid disaster response assistance to its neighbours under its “Neighbourhood First” policy. While India frequently assists Sri Lanka during natural calamities, the evacuation of Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals alongside Indians and Western tourists shows the purely humanitarian nature of the mission.&nbsp;More than 150 people are now confirmed dead, and scores remain missing after heavy rains due to Cyclone Ditwah triggered landslides and floods across the country. India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to provide support to Sri Lanka, with Indian warships carrying 6.5 tonnes of rations and IAF aircraft transporting 21 tonnes of aid plus 80 NDRF rescuers.

In restricted and forested terrain where helicopters could not land directly, the elite Garud commando established contact with the stranded group and led them on foot to a clearing suitable for helicopter operations.

New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has evacuated more than 55 people, including four infants and six critically injured patients, from the landslide- and flood-affected areas in Sri Lanka in a dramatic rescue operation. Mi17 helicopters operating under “Operation Sagar Bandhu” airlifted stranded tourists and locals from the Kotmale region to safety in Colombo. Among those rescued were citizens of 10 countries, notably one Pakistani and three Bangladeshi nationals. “A Garud commando was winched down to guide the group through cross-country route to a pre-briefed helipad at Kotmale, from where 24 passengers, including Indians, foreign nationals, and Sri Lankans, were evacuated to Colombo,” an IAF statement said. In restricted and forested terrain where helicopters could not land directly, the elite Garud commando established contact with the stranded group and led them on foot to a clearing suitable for helicopter operations. The rescues took place in two main legs. In the first sortie, 24 passengers and three critical casualties were flown to Colombo Port and hospitals. The second sortie evacuated 21 passengers, including four infants, and another three critically injured patients. Officials confirmed the breakdown of nationalities: 14 Sri Lankans, 12 Indians, six Belarusians, five Iranians, four South Africans, three Poles, three Bangladeshis, two Germans, two Slovenians, two Britons, one Australian, and one Pakistani. Earlier in the day, the same Indian helicopters had airlifted five teams of Sri Lankan Army personnel, 40 troops in total, from Diyathalawa Army Camp to the affected area to assist with ground relief and road-clearing operations. The operation marks another instance of India providing rapid disaster response assistance to its neighbours under its “Neighbourhood First” policy. While India frequently assists Sri Lanka during natural calamities, the evacuation of Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals alongside Indians and Western tourists shows the purely humanitarian nature of the mission. More than 150 people are now confirmed dead, and scores remain missing after heavy rains due to Cyclone Ditwah triggered landslides and floods across the country. India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to provide support to Sri Lanka, with Indian warships carrying 6.5 tonnes of rations and IAF aircraft transporting 21 tonnes of aid plus 80 NDRF rescuers.

In restricted and forested terrain where helicopters could not land directly, the elite Garud commando established contact with the stranded group and led them on foot to a clearing suitable for helicopter operations.

Indian Air Force evacuates over 50 people from flood-hit Sri Lanka, including Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals

India’s media and business landscape marks a historic moment today as Former Rajya Sabha MP and Chairman of the Essel Group, Dr Subhash Chandra, celebrates his 75th birthday. Widely regarded as the 'Father of Modern Indian Television', Dr Chandra's journey from a grain trader in Haryana’s Adampur Mandi to the creator of a billion-dollar conglomerate stands as a story of risk, reinvention, and extraordinary resilience. For the Indian industry, his contribution goes beyond media; he pioneered an entire sector during the restrictive economic environment of the early 1990s.&nbsp;Dr Chandra’s early life was no more than ordinary. Limited means and modest surroundings shaped a mindset that would one day make him one of India’s earliest entrepreneurs willing to take bold risks at a time when business largely meant trading or manufacturing. His belief was simple: “If you do not get an opportunity, create it yourself.”&nbsp;As India’s story evolved, certain names became inseparable from its transformation. In the media, the first name is Dr Subhash Chandra. Calling him just a business leader would not capture his impact. He is a Pioneer, a Visionary, and India’s Original Media Entrepreneur.<h2>The 1992 leap: When India stepped into the era of private TV</h2>Dr Chandra’s most significant contribution was introducing private satellite television to India. In the early 1990s, when Doordarshan held a monopoly, he envisioned a dedicated Indian satellite channel—Zee TV. At a time when foreign companies denied AsiaSat transponders, Dr Chandra not only secured the transponder but also astonished many by offering ₹5 million instead of the expected ₹1.25 million. It was a daring risk, driven by his conviction that Indian audiences wanted diverse entertainment.&nbsp;The outcome was historic: Zee TV launched on 2 October 1992, triggering a shift in India’s advertising and media ecosystem.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-dr-subhash-chandra-made-india-a-global-media-power-1764498366358">How Dr Subhash Chandra, a visionary and innovator, made India a global media power</a><h2>Risk, innovation, and the philosophy of fearless leadership</h2>Dr Chandra’s business philosophy has always centred on authenticity.&nbsp;Essel Propack: Even before entering the media, he disrupted the packaging industry by introducing laminated tubes, transforming global FMCG packaging standards. The company’s scale later led to a majority acquisition by Blackstone in 2019, and it is now known as EPL Limited.&nbsp;Essel World: In 1989, he built India’s first amusement park, an unprecedented infrastructure risk at the time.<h2>A diversified empire: from Media to infrastructure</h2>Dr Chandra’s ambitions extended far beyond one sector. Through the Essel Group, he built a vast network of businesses:&nbsp;Media and Entertainment: ZEEL content today reaches over 190 countries.&nbsp;Education: Zee Learn, Kidzee, and Mount Litera reshaped education access in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.&nbsp;Technology: Dish TV and Siti Networks helped bring digital cable and DTH into Indian homes.&nbsp;Global News: In 2016, expanding beyond entertainment, Dr Chandra launched WION (World Is One News), marking Zee Media Corporation’s foray into global English-language news broadcasting. Created to reflect India’s perspective on global affairs, WION quickly gained viewership in 37 countries as well as on Indian DTH platforms.&nbsp;The international English news channel complements Zee’s entertainment network, widening the group’s influence and reinforcing its commitment to diverse content formats.&nbsp;Dr Chandra's vision has shaped a media empire that enriches lives around the world through culturally resonant storytelling offered in multiple languages and regions. From Zee TV's pioneering launch in 1992 to global expansions via ZEE5 and WION, his blend of technology and Indian narratives has created cultural bridges and inspired millions.<h2>Digital vision: Why he remains ‘The Pioneer’</h2>Dr Chandra’s instinct to plan and execute first earned him the title of &nbsp;“The Pioneer”. As India approached the internet revolution, he made an early foray into OTT with ZEE5. His belief in convergence, media, telecom, and technology merging placed him at the forefront of India’s digital transformation. His push for cable digitisation further accelerated India’s digital infrastructure.<h2>Leadership Lessons for the New Generation of Entrepreneurs</h2>At 75, Dr Chandra’s business principles remain a guide for budding entrepreneurs:&nbsp;1. Step Out of the Comfort Zone: His shift from trading to manufacturing to television exemplifies growth through uncharted paths.&nbsp;2. Integrity Is Capital: During the group’s debt crisis, he publicly accepted responsibility and repaid over 90% of the debt through asset sales, an extraordinary example of transparency and governance.&nbsp;3. Do Not Fear Failure: He often underlines that failure teaches more than success.<h2>The legacy of a legend</h2>Dr Subhash Chandra’s 75-year journey is a testament that strong vision attracts resources and opportunities. He not only changed the way India watched television but also inspired countless entrepreneurs to believe that Indian companies can achieve global scale. On his milestone birthday, it is fitting to say: He did not merely build a company. He built an industry.

Dr Chandra’s journey from a grain trader in Haryana’s Adampur Mandi to pioneering India’s first private television channel stands as a testament to how an individual’s grit, hard work, and forward-thinking vision can transform entire industries.

India’s media and business landscape marks a historic moment today as Former Rajya Sabha MP and Chairman of the Essel Group, Dr Subhash Chandra, celebrates his 75th birthday. Widely regarded as the 'Father of Modern Indian Television', Dr Chandra's journey from a grain trader in Haryana’s Adampur Mandi to the creator of a billion-dollar conglomerate stands as a story of risk, reinvention, and extraordinary resilience. For the Indian industry, his contribution goes beyond media; he pioneered an entire sector during the restrictive economic environment of the early 1990s. Dr Chandra’s early life was no more than ordinary. Limited means and modest surroundings shaped a mindset that would one day make him one of India’s earliest entrepreneurs willing to take bold risks at a time when business largely meant trading or manufacturing. His belief was simple: “If you do not get an opportunity, create it yourself.” As India’s story evolved, certain names became inseparable from its transformation. In the media, the first name is Dr Subhash Chandra. Calling him just a business leader would not capture his impact. He is a Pioneer, a Visionary, and India’s Original Media Entrepreneur. The 1992 leap: When India stepped into the era of private TV Dr Chandra’s most significant contribution was introducing private satellite television to India. In the early 1990s, when Doordarshan held a monopoly, he envisioned a dedicated Indian satellite channel—Zee TV. At a time when foreign companies denied AsiaSat transponders, Dr Chandra not only secured the transponder but also astonished many by offering ₹5 million instead of the expected ₹1.25 million. It was a daring risk, driven by his conviction that Indian audiences wanted diverse entertainment. The outcome was historic: Zee TV launched on 2 October 1992, triggering a shift in India’s advertising and media ecosystem. Also Read: How Dr Subhash Chandra, a visionary and innovator, made India a global media power Risk, innovation, and the philosophy of fearless leadership Dr Chandra’s business philosophy has always centred on authenticity. Essel Propack: Even before entering the media, he disrupted the packaging industry by introducing laminated tubes, transforming global FMCG packaging standards. The company’s scale later led to a majority acquisition by Blackstone in 2019, and it is now known as EPL Limited. Essel World: In 1989, he built India’s first amusement park, an unprecedented infrastructure risk at the time. A diversified empire: from Media to infrastructure Dr Chandra’s ambitions extended far beyond one sector. Through the Essel Group, he built a vast network of businesses: Media and Entertainment: ZEEL content today reaches over 190 countries. Education: Zee Learn, Kidzee, and Mount Litera reshaped education access in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Technology: Dish TV and Siti Networks helped bring digital cable and DTH into Indian homes. Global News: In 2016, expanding beyond entertainment, Dr Chandra launched WION (World Is One News), marking Zee Media Corporation’s foray into global English-language news broadcasting. Created to reflect India’s perspective on global affairs, WION quickly gained viewership in 37 countries as well as on Indian DTH platforms. The international English news channel complements Zee’s entertainment network, widening the group’s influence and reinforcing its commitment to diverse content formats. Dr Chandra's vision has shaped a media empire that enriches lives around the world through culturally resonant storytelling offered in multiple languages and regions. From Zee TV's pioneering launch in 1992 to global expansions via ZEE5 and WION, his blend of technology and Indian narratives has created cultural bridges and inspired millions. Digital vision: Why he remains ‘The Pioneer’ Dr Chandra’s instinct to plan and execute first earned him the title of “The Pioneer”. As India approached the internet revolution, he made an early foray into OTT with ZEE5. His belief in convergence, media, telecom, and technology merging placed him at the forefront of India’s digital transformation. His push for cable digitisation further accelerated India’s digital infrastructure. Leadership Lessons for the New Generation of Entrepreneurs At 75, Dr Chandra’s business principles remain a guide for budding entrepreneurs: 1. Step Out of the Comfort Zone: His shift from trading to manufacturing to television exemplifies growth through uncharted paths. 2. Integrity Is Capital: During the group’s debt crisis, he publicly accepted responsibility and repaid over 90% of the debt through asset sales, an extraordinary example of transparency and governance. 3. Do Not Fear Failure: He often underlines that failure teaches more than success. The legacy of a legend Dr Subhash Chandra’s 75-year journey is a testament that strong vision attracts resources and opportunities. He not only changed the way India watched television but also inspired countless entrepreneurs to believe that Indian companies can achieve global scale. On his milestone birthday, it is fitting to say: He did not merely build a company. He built an industry.

Dr Chandra’s journey from a grain trader in Haryana’s Adampur Mandi to pioneering India’s first private television channel stands as a testament to how an individual’s grit, hard work, and forward-thinking vision can transform entire industries.

Dr Subhash Chandra @75: The visionary who rewrote India's media story

Today, league cricket is immensely popular around the world. League cricket has become huge, and everyone connects it to the Indian Premier League (IPL). But, in fact, even a year before the IPL began, another league was launched. That league was the first of its kind and perhaps no one in India could have thought about it at the time. It was the Indian Cricket League (ICL), which can be rightly called the initiator of league cricket in India, and the idea behind it was of Dr. Subhash Chandra, Chairman of the Essel Group.&nbsp;It was the time when India had been eliminated in the first round of the One Day Cricket World Cup. While cricket lovers in the country were in grief, Dr. Chandra decided to introduce the fans to a new flavour and spirit—league cricket and the Indian Cricket League (ICL). ICL had teams based on cities, and the same concept was adopted in IPL later. Players from different countries, colourful clothing, floodlights, and a white ball, the first T20 cricket league was launched. The doyens of cricket, like Kapil Dev and Brian Lara, were associated with the Indian Cricket League (ICL).&nbsp;The BCCI wasn’t enthusiastic about T20 cricket at that time and not sure about its success. But Dr. Chandra’s foresight saw that this was the future of cricket. No one had imagined that league cricket would not just transform T20, but the world of cricket itself. At the time, no one thought that this new format could become so huge.&nbsp;Dr. Chandra also mentioned this in 2016. He said, “Yes, the IPL became successful because of the ICL. And the Board of Control for Cricket in India has made a lot of money from it.”&nbsp;As per ICL format, each team could have four foreign players, eight junior players, and two international players. The format was specifically designed to give junior Indian players the opportunity to play with players from Indian teams as well as other countries and learn from their experience.&nbsp;The IPL was launched in 2008 and has grown exponentially since then. Now, the BCCI earns thousands of crores of rupees from broadcast rights alone. But when the ICL launched in 2007, no one had even thought about it. In fact, ICL initiated league cricket which has transformed cricket and given it the eminence and popularity it now commands.

It was the time when India had been eliminated in the first round of the One Day Cricket World Cup. While cricket lovers in the country were in grief, Dr. Chandra decided to introduce the fans to a new flavour and spirit—league cricket and the Indian Cricket League (ICL).

Today, league cricket is immensely popular around the world. League cricket has become huge, and everyone connects it to the Indian Premier League (IPL). But, in fact, even a year before the IPL began, another league was launched. That league was the first of its kind and perhaps no one in India could have thought about it at the time. It was the Indian Cricket League (ICL), which can be rightly called the initiator of league cricket in India, and the idea behind it was of Dr. Subhash Chandra, Chairman of the Essel Group. It was the time when India had been eliminated in the first round of the One Day Cricket World Cup. While cricket lovers in the country were in grief, Dr. Chandra decided to introduce the fans to a new flavour and spirit—league cricket and the Indian Cricket League (ICL). ICL had teams based on cities, and the same concept was adopted in IPL later. Players from different countries, colourful clothing, floodlights, and a white ball, the first T20 cricket league was launched. The doyens of cricket, like Kapil Dev and Brian Lara, were associated with the Indian Cricket League (ICL). The BCCI wasn’t enthusiastic about T20 cricket at that time and not sure about its success. But Dr. Chandra’s foresight saw that this was the future of cricket. No one had imagined that league cricket would not just transform T20, but the world of cricket itself. At the time, no one thought that this new format could become so huge. Dr. Chandra also mentioned this in 2016. He said, “Yes, the IPL became successful because of the ICL. And the Board of Control for Cricket in India has made a lot of money from it.” As per ICL format, each team could have four foreign players, eight junior players, and two international players. The format was specifically designed to give junior Indian players the opportunity to play with players from Indian teams as well as other countries and learn from their experience. The IPL was launched in 2008 and has grown exponentially since then. Now, the BCCI earns thousands of crores of rupees from broadcast rights alone. But when the ICL launched in 2007, no one had even thought about it. In fact, ICL initiated league cricket which has transformed cricket and given it the eminence and popularity it now commands.

It was the time when India had been eliminated in the first round of the One Day Cricket World Cup. While cricket lovers in the country were in grief, Dr. Chandra decided to introduce the fans to a new flavour and spirit—league cricket and the Indian Cricket League (ICL).

A Visionary Par Excellence: Dr Chandra’s concept of league cricket was a marvel, led to IPL’s success

Dr. Subhash Chandra, founder of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. and the Essel Group, marks his 75th birthday today. Widely regarded as a visionary business leader, he has offered numerous memorable insights over the years. Here are his 7 inspiring quotes that continue to motivate millions.

Dr. Subhash Chandra at 75: 7 inspiring quotes from the visionary media czar

Indian living rooms in 1990s looked exactly the same: one television and one channel – Doordarshan. Entertainment was limited if not predictable. Somewhere in Haryana, far from the corridors of government broadcasting, an entrepreneur with no media background was imagining a different future. He wanted to see Indian audiences have an option to watch content that reflected various cultures, languages, and aspirations, and where India wasn’t just a passive consumer of global entertainment, but a producer powering screens across continents. That visionary and innovator was Dr. Subhash Chandra.&nbsp;What seemed like an audacious idea soon became one of India’s most defining media revolutions. With the launch of Zee TV in 1992, Dr. Subhash Chandra didn’t just introduce a new channel; he introduced the freedom of choice. It was a moment that changed the rhythm of Indian households and rewired an entire industry. And over the decades that followed, his decisions were always ahead of time and what some may call ‘risky’.<h3>Breaking Doordarshan’s monopoly with Zee TV (1992)</h3>At a time when Doordarshan was the only broadcaster, Dr. Subhash Chandra launched Zee TV, India’s first private satellite channel. This was a revolutionary step because private broadcasting wasn’t common or even encouraged in India. To make Zee TV possible, Chandra leased a transponder on the AsiaSat satellite from Hong Kong—something no Indian company had attempted. This single decision opened India to a multi-channel television era.<h3>Introducing Indian regional content on satellite TV</h3>Dr. Subhash Chandra recognised early that India’s linguistic and cultural diversity was its strength. Soon after Zee TV took off, he launched regional channels like Zee Marathi and Zee Bangla, paving the way for more localised entertainment across the country. Zee’s first Marathi serial, Abhalmaya, became a cultural milestone and inspired other media houses to expand into regional programming.<h3>Taking Indian television global</h3>Dr. Subhash Chandra didn’t just stop at India. He foresaw the global demand for Indian content among the diaspora. Starting in the mid-90s, Zee International launched channels in the Middle East, UK, Africa, and North America, making Zee the first Indian broadcaster with a global footprint. Today, Zee content reaches over 190 countries.<h3>Transforming TV distribution through Dish TV (2003)</h3>Indian broadcasting expanded, but the last-mile cable distribution was messy. To solve this, Dr. Subhash Chandra launched Dish TV, India’s first Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite television service. When Dish TV started, cable operators resisted and refused to broadcast Zee channels. Instead of backing down, Chandra invested heavily in satellite distribution, and DTH became mainstream.<h3>Scaling content through diversified media platforms</h3>Dr Chandra introduced Zee News (one of India’s earliest private news channels), Zee Studios for films, and Zee5—a move into digital streaming, anticipating OTT growth. These additions positioned Zee as a full-spectrum media conglomerate.&nbsp;With these milestones, Dr Subhash Chandra did not just secure his place in India’s media evolution but also wrote a chapter in global media. His forward-thinking risks, technological bets, and cultural instinct transformed television. He built an ecosystem that empowered creators, expanded access, and carried Indian storytelling across borders. His achievement continues to influence how India is seen, heard, and experienced around the world.

Dr. Subhash Chandra transformed Indian media by launching Zee TV, breaking Doordarshan’s monopoly and expanding into regional channels, global broadcasting and Dish TV. His ventures—from Zee News to Zee5—built India’s global entertainment footprint and reshaped the media landscape.

Indian living rooms in 1990s looked exactly the same: one television and one channel – Doordarshan. Entertainment was limited if not predictable. Somewhere in Haryana, far from the corridors of government broadcasting, an entrepreneur with no media background was imagining a different future. He wanted to see Indian audiences have an option to watch content that reflected various cultures, languages, and aspirations, and where India wasn’t just a passive consumer of global entertainment, but a producer powering screens across continents. That visionary and innovator was Dr. Subhash Chandra. What seemed like an audacious idea soon became one of India’s most defining media revolutions. With the launch of Zee TV in 1992, Dr. Subhash Chandra didn’t just introduce a new channel; he introduced the freedom of choice. It was a moment that changed the rhythm of Indian households and rewired an entire industry. And over the decades that followed, his decisions were always ahead of time and what some may call ‘risky’. Breaking Doordarshan’s monopoly with Zee TV (1992) At a time when Doordarshan was the only broadcaster, Dr. Subhash Chandra launched Zee TV, India’s first private satellite channel. This was a revolutionary step because private broadcasting wasn’t common or even encouraged in India. To make Zee TV possible, Chandra leased a transponder on the AsiaSat satellite from Hong Kong—something no Indian company had attempted. This single decision opened India to a multi-channel television era. Introducing Indian regional content on satellite TV Dr. Subhash Chandra recognised early that India’s linguistic and cultural diversity was its strength. Soon after Zee TV took off, he launched regional channels like Zee Marathi and Zee Bangla, paving the way for more localised entertainment across the country. Zee’s first Marathi serial, Abhalmaya, became a cultural milestone and inspired other media houses to expand into regional programming. Taking Indian television global Dr. Subhash Chandra didn’t just stop at India. He foresaw the global demand for Indian content among the diaspora. Starting in the mid-90s, Zee International launched channels in the Middle East, UK, Africa, and North America, making Zee the first Indian broadcaster with a global footprint. Today, Zee content reaches over 190 countries. Transforming TV distribution through Dish TV (2003) Indian broadcasting expanded, but the last-mile cable distribution was messy. To solve this, Dr. Subhash Chandra launched Dish TV, India’s first Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite television service. When Dish TV started, cable operators resisted and refused to broadcast Zee channels. Instead of backing down, Chandra invested heavily in satellite distribution, and DTH became mainstream. Scaling content through diversified media platforms Dr Chandra introduced Zee News (one of India’s earliest private news channels), Zee Studios for films, and Zee5—a move into digital streaming, anticipating OTT growth. These additions positioned Zee as a full-spectrum media conglomerate. With these milestones, Dr Subhash Chandra did not just secure his place in India’s media evolution but also wrote a chapter in global media. His forward-thinking risks, technological bets, and cultural instinct transformed television. He built an ecosystem that empowered creators, expanded access, and carried Indian storytelling across borders. His achievement continues to influence how India is seen, heard, and experienced around the world.

Dr Subhash Chandra transformed Indian media by launching Zee TV, breaking Doordarshan’s monopoly, and expanding into regional channels, global broadcasting, and Dish TV. His ventures—from Zee News to Zee5—built India’s global entertainment footprint and reshaped the media landscape.

How Dr Subhash Chandra, a visionary and innovator, made India a global media power

Former IPS officer and former Punducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi on Sunday (Nov 30) reiterated her demands for fixing accountability for Delhi's worsening air pollution crisis. She suggested that the government should prepare a white paper on the reasons behind the air crisis, the responsibility of past governments, and the challenges in solving the prevailing crisis in Delhi-NCR.&nbsp;In her latest post, she outlined a two-part suggestion to tackle air pollution. The first part seeks accountability and causes of the present situation, while in the second part Bedi advised preparing a detailed future roadmap to deal with toxic air, "where do we go from here to halt the decline? And reverse the crisis. What are the immediate, short-term, and long-term measures and by whom? &nbsp;And How? With proposed timelines," she said in a post on X. On Saturday, the former police officer voiced serious concern about the national capital's deteriorating AQI, saying she could not watch her city "Suffer", describing the capital's condition as "Choking and gasping" after a steep decline in past years.&nbsp;She emphasised that to come to a solution "it demands feet on the ground", and that "officers need to walk the streets daily at 9 AM, before they go to offices" to witness the crisis themselves so they can work towards coordinated solutions instead of waiting for reports."&nbsp;The social worker advocated for banning air purifiers in government offices and resistance to public expense "How officials who are working in offices with purifiers, driving in a car with purifiers, and living in a house with purifiers know the air quality outside? Also, all at official costs?" she wrote.&nbsp;"How about the installation of air purifiers in govt offices and residences at govt cost get banned? Or else how will they breathe polluted air to know what happens? Further, it inhibits their going to the field and checking hot spots," she added.<h2>Kiran Bedi’s appeal to Prime Minister</h2>Previously, Bedi had directly appealed to the Prime Minister, drawing on her experience working with him. She praised his ability to overcome obstacles and motivate people to meet deadlines efficiently.&nbsp;In her post, she wrote, “Sir, forgive me for requesting once more. During my tenure in Puducherry, I witnessed how effective your Zoom meetings were, how you ensured timely performance on several national tasks and inspired everyone to achieve their targets.”&nbsp;Bedi urged Prime Minister Modi to conduct monthly virtual meetings with the Chief Ministers and Chief Secretaries of the states surrounding Delhi to monitor progress on controlling pollution. She said such meetings would reassure the public, as they would feel the issue is under his direct supervision.&nbsp;For the past two weeks, Delhi’s Air Quality Index has fluctuated between the ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ categories despite the implementation of anti-pollution measures.&nbsp;

Kiran Bedi had directly appealed to Prime Minister Modi, urging him to intervene to resolve the persistent air crisis in the national capital.

Former IPS officer and former Punducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi on Sunday (Nov 30) reiterated her demands for fixing accountability for Delhi's worsening air pollution crisis. She suggested that the government should prepare a white paper on the reasons behind the air crisis, the responsibility of past governments, and the challenges in solving the prevailing crisis in Delhi-NCR. In her latest post, she outlined a two-part suggestion to tackle air pollution. The first part seeks accountability and causes of the present situation, while in the second part Bedi advised preparing a detailed future roadmap to deal with toxic air, "where do we go from here to halt the decline? And reverse the crisis. What are the immediate, short-term, and long-term measures and by whom? And How? With proposed timelines," she said in a post on X. On Saturday, the former police officer voiced serious concern about the national capital's deteriorating AQI, saying she could not watch her city "Suffer", describing the capital's condition as "Choking and gasping" after a steep decline in past years. She emphasised that to come to a solution "it demands feet on the ground", and that "officers need to walk the streets daily at 9 AM, before they go to offices" to witness the crisis themselves so they can work towards coordinated solutions instead of waiting for reports." The social worker advocated for banning air purifiers in government offices and resistance to public expense "How officials who are working in offices with purifiers, driving in a car with purifiers, and living in a house with purifiers know the air quality outside? Also, all at official costs?" she wrote. "How about the installation of air purifiers in govt offices and residences at govt cost get banned? Or else how will they breathe polluted air to know what happens? Further, it inhibits their going to the field and checking hot spots," she added. Kiran Bedi’s appeal to Prime Minister Previously, Bedi had directly appealed to the Prime Minister, drawing on her experience working with him. She praised his ability to overcome obstacles and motivate people to meet deadlines efficiently. In her post, she wrote, “Sir, forgive me for requesting once more. During my tenure in Puducherry, I witnessed how effective your Zoom meetings were, how you ensured timely performance on several national tasks and inspired everyone to achieve their targets.” Bedi urged Prime Minister Modi to conduct monthly virtual meetings with the Chief Ministers and Chief Secretaries of the states surrounding Delhi to monitor progress on controlling pollution. She said such meetings would reassure the public, as they would feel the issue is under his direct supervision. For the past two weeks, Delhi’s Air Quality Index has fluctuated between the ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ categories despite the implementation of anti-pollution measures.

Kiran Bedi had directly appealed to Prime Minister Modi, urging him to intervene to resolve the persistent air crisis in the national capital.

Delhi air crisis: Kiran Bedi seeks white paper to fix accountability; demands banning air purifiers in govt offices

Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty on Sunday said that the Congress is continuing its silence against Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil against whom an FIR has been filed for alleged sexual exploitation. He said, "What we are seeing now is the political hypocrisy of Congress. The Congress leadership comments on every other issue, yet they remain silent on this one. Congress workers are split into two groups and are fighting among themselves. Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan is trying to position himself as a mediator." He said, "The responsibility for the local body elections has been handed over to KC Venugopal. Every election previously handled by KC Venugopal has ended in failure. That is why our confidence has only increased." Mamootathil, who is the MLA from Palakkad, has been booked on charges of alleged rape, criminal intimidation, and coerced abortion, with the FIR listing multiple non-bailable sections. Kerala Police have also arraigned his friend Joby Joseph as the second accused in the case. According to the FIR, the survivor was allegedly sexually assaulted by Rahul on March 4 this year at her flat in Thrikkannapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, and he later recorded explicit videos of the survivor on his mobile phone without her consent after threatening her. The second accused, a close friend of Rahul, gave her abortion pills while driving her in a car. Senior Congress leader K Muraleedharan on Sunday said that the party considers the suspension of MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who is facing a rape accusation, as "equivalent to expulsion", making it clear that the "chapter" is closed for the party. Speaking to reporters, Muraleedharan said the suspended MLA should not be permitted to participate in any party-related event or campaign for Congress candidates in the upcoming election, as the local body elections are set to take place in the South Indian state in December. "The party has already taken a clear stand on this matter. The stand of the Congress Party has already been stated by the Party President, by the Leader of the Opposition, and by all responsible leaders, multiple times," he said. "Suspension is equal to expulsion; it doesn't even need to be reiterated. For the Congress, that chapter is closed," the senior Congress leader added. Congress MP KC Venugopal said, "We are not distancing ourselves from this issue. We are not hiding or running away. All of us have responded. The party has taken every necessary step. More than any other party, we have taken a firm position. Every decision the Congress has taken in this matter was taken collectively, with all leaders standing together. There is no difference in that decision," the Congress MP added. "Rahul Mamkootathil should not be allowed to attend any programme from now on. He should not step out for campaigning for Congress candidates. Those destined to rise will rise, and those who are not will fade away," he stated, adding that the party has made its position clear.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Mamootathil, who is the MLA from Palakkad, has been booked on charges of alleged rape, criminal intimidation, and coerced abortion, with the FIR listing multiple non-bailable sections.

Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty on Sunday said that the Congress is continuing its silence against Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil against whom an FIR has been filed for alleged sexual exploitation. He said, "What we are seeing now is the political hypocrisy of Congress. The Congress leadership comments on every other issue, yet they remain silent on this one. Congress workers are split into two groups and are fighting among themselves. Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan is trying to position himself as a mediator." He said, "The responsibility for the local body elections has been handed over to KC Venugopal. Every election previously handled by KC Venugopal has ended in failure. That is why our confidence has only increased." Mamootathil, who is the MLA from Palakkad, has been booked on charges of alleged rape, criminal intimidation, and coerced abortion, with the FIR listing multiple non-bailable sections. Kerala Police have also arraigned his friend Joby Joseph as the second accused in the case. According to the FIR, the survivor was allegedly sexually assaulted by Rahul on March 4 this year at her flat in Thrikkannapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, and he later recorded explicit videos of the survivor on his mobile phone without her consent after threatening her. The second accused, a close friend of Rahul, gave her abortion pills while driving her in a car. Senior Congress leader K Muraleedharan on Sunday said that the party considers the suspension of MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who is facing a rape accusation, as "equivalent to expulsion", making it clear that the "chapter" is closed for the party. Speaking to reporters, Muraleedharan said the suspended MLA should not be permitted to participate in any party-related event or campaign for Congress candidates in the upcoming election, as the local body elections are set to take place in the South Indian state in December. "The party has already taken a clear stand on this matter. The stand of the Congress Party has already been stated by the Party President, by the Leader of the Opposition, and by all responsible leaders, multiple times," he said. "Suspension is equal to expulsion; it doesn't even need to be reiterated. For the Congress, that chapter is closed," the senior Congress leader added. Congress MP KC Venugopal said, "We are not distancing ourselves from this issue. We are not hiding or running away. All of us have responded. The party has taken every necessary step. More than any other party, we have taken a firm position. Every decision the Congress has taken in this matter was taken collectively, with all leaders standing together. There is no difference in that decision," the Congress MP added. "Rahul Mamkootathil should not be allowed to attend any programme from now on. He should not step out for campaigning for Congress candidates. Those destined to rise will rise, and those who are not will fade away," he stated, adding that the party has made its position clear. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Mamootathil, who is the MLA from Palakkad, has been booked on charges of alleged rape, criminal intimidation, and coerced abortion, with the FIR listing multiple non-bailable sections.

Kerala Minister V Sivankutty slams Congress over MLA Mamkootathil's alleged sexual harassment case

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that India has set a historic record by producing 357 million tonnes of foodgrains in 2025, marking a significant milestone in the country's agricultural growth. Addressing the nation during the 128th episode of his monthly radio show, Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said that India's foodgrain output has increased by 100 million tonnes over the past decade, highlighting the nation's steady strides toward agricultural self-reliance. "India has achieved major success in the agriculture sector. India has set a historic record by producing 357 million tonnes of foodgrains. Compared to 10 years ago, India's foodgrain production has increased by 100 million tonnes," PM Modi said. Recalling the Natural Farming Exhibition in Coimbatore, the Prime Minister hailed the youth adopting natural farming. He said, I went to Coimbatore to attend a large conference on natural farming. I was deeply impressed by the efforts being made in South India to promote natural farming. So many young, highly qualified professionals are now embracing the field of natural farming." Earlier on November 19, PM Modi released the 21st instalment of PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi to beneficiaries and inaugurated the Natural Farming Exhibition in Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. He also attended the South India Natural Farming Summit in Coimbatore. He met with local farmers, interacted with them, and inspected the exhibition, which showcased various agricultural products, along with a corner showcasing the growth of plants and crops. Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi accompanied the Prime Minister. South India Natural Farming Summit 2025 was held from November 19-21, organised by the Tamil Nadu Natural Farming Stakeholders Forum. The Summit aimed to promote sustainable, eco-friendly, and chemical-free agricultural practices, and to accelerate the shift towards natural and regenerative farming as a viable, climate-smart and economically sustainable model for India's agricultural future. The Summit also focused on creating market linkages for farmer-producer organisations and rural entrepreneurs, while showcasing innovations in organic inputs, agro-processing, eco-friendly packaging, and indigenous technologies.&nbsp;<h2>PM Modi lauds Gen Zs attempting to fly drones in Mars-like conditions</h2>Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed India's achievements in the space sector, calling it a reflection of the nation's "new thinking, innovation and youth power." Addressing the nation during the 128th episode of his monthly radio show, Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi lauded a team of young people from Pune, who attempted to fly drones in Mars-like conditions. He said, "A few days ago, a video on social media caught my attention. It was about a unique drone competition organised by ISRO. In this video, our country's youth, especially our Gen-Z, were attempting to fly drones in Martian-like conditions. In this competition, a team of young people from Pune achieved some success. Their drone even fell and crashed several times, but they did not give up. After several attempts, this team's drone managed to fly for some time in the conditions of Mars." He added that the video reminded him of the setback when Chandrayaan went out of network coverage. Further, the Prime Minister added that the setback was followed by the success of Chandrayaan-3. "This video reminded me of the day Chandrayaan went out of network coverage. That day, the entire country, especially the scientists, was demoralised. But this setback did not deter them. On that very day, they started writing the success story of Chandrayaan-3. The determination of our youth is the greatest strength of Viksit Bharat," he said. In 2019, ISRO lost communication with the Vikram lander during the Chandrayaan-2 mission. Meanwhile, PM Modi termed the inauguration of Skyroot's Infinity Campus a "new boost" to India's space ecosystem. "India's space ecosystem got a new boost with Skyroot's Infinity Campus. All this has become a reflection of India's new thinking, innovation and youth power... Imagine that era, when there were no satellites, no GPS systems, no navigation facilities, even then our sailors used to take large ships into the ocean and reach their destinations. Countries are now measuring the infinite expanse of space. The challenge remains the same, no GPS systems and no communication support," the Prime Minister said. On November 27, PM Modi had inaugurated the Indian space start-up Skyroot's Infinity Campus in Hyderabad via video conferencing. PM Modi also unveiled Skyroot's first orbital rocket, Vikram-I, with the capability to launch satellites to orbit. The Prime Minister, during Mann Ki Baat, highlighted the world's largest Leap Engine MRO facility in Hyderabad and the induction of INS Mahe as developments in the defence sector that align with India's vision of self-reliance. He said, "A few days ago, in Hyderabad, I inaugurated the world's largest Leap Engine MRO facility. This is a big step towards the maintenance, repair and overhaul sector of aircraft. Last week, during an event in Mumbai, INS Mahe was inducted into the Indian Navy." Earlier on Wednesday, PM Modi virtually inaugurated Safran Aircraft Engine Services' new Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Hyderabad, marking the growth of India's aviation sector at an "unprecedented pace." SAESI is Safran's dedicated Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for LEAP (Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion) engines, which power the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.&nbsp;&nbsp;The establishment of this facility marks a significant milestone, as it is not only one of the largest global aircraft engine MRO facilities but also the first time a global engine OEM (original equipment manufacturer) has set up an MRO operation in India. Spread across 45,000 sqm within the GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park - SEZ, the state-of-the-art facility has been developed with an initial investment of around Rs 1,300 crore.&nbsp;&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for&nbsp;WION&nbsp;audience.

Addressing the nation during the 128th episode of his monthly radio show, Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi lauded a team of young people from Pune, who attempted to fly drones in Mars-like conditions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that India has set a historic record by producing 357 million tonnes of foodgrains in 2025, marking a significant milestone in the country's agricultural growth. Addressing the nation during the 128th episode of his monthly radio show, Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said that India's foodgrain output has increased by 100 million tonnes over the past decade, highlighting the nation's steady strides toward agricultural self-reliance. "India has achieved major success in the agriculture sector. India has set a historic record by producing 357 million tonnes of foodgrains. Compared to 10 years ago, India's foodgrain production has increased by 100 million tonnes," PM Modi said. Recalling the Natural Farming Exhibition in Coimbatore, the Prime Minister hailed the youth adopting natural farming. He said, I went to Coimbatore to attend a large conference on natural farming. I was deeply impressed by the efforts being made in South India to promote natural farming. So many young, highly qualified professionals are now embracing the field of natural farming." Earlier on November 19, PM Modi released the 21st instalment of PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi to beneficiaries and inaugurated the Natural Farming Exhibition in Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. He also attended the South India Natural Farming Summit in Coimbatore. He met with local farmers, interacted with them, and inspected the exhibition, which showcased various agricultural products, along with a corner showcasing the growth of plants and crops. Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi accompanied the Prime Minister. South India Natural Farming Summit 2025 was held from November 19-21, organised by the Tamil Nadu Natural Farming Stakeholders Forum. The Summit aimed to promote sustainable, eco-friendly, and chemical-free agricultural practices, and to accelerate the shift towards natural and regenerative farming as a viable, climate-smart and economically sustainable model for India's agricultural future. The Summit also focused on creating market linkages for farmer-producer organisations and rural entrepreneurs, while showcasing innovations in organic inputs, agro-processing, eco-friendly packaging, and indigenous technologies. PM Modi lauds Gen Zs attempting to fly drones in Mars-like conditions Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed India's achievements in the space sector, calling it a reflection of the nation's "new thinking, innovation and youth power." Addressing the nation during the 128th episode of his monthly radio show, Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi lauded a team of young people from Pune, who attempted to fly drones in Mars-like conditions. He said, "A few days ago, a video on social media caught my attention. It was about a unique drone competition organised by ISRO. In this video, our country's youth, especially our Gen-Z, were attempting to fly drones in Martian-like conditions. In this competition, a team of young people from Pune achieved some success. Their drone even fell and crashed several times, but they did not give up. After several attempts, this team's drone managed to fly for some time in the conditions of Mars." He added that the video reminded him of the setback when Chandrayaan went out of network coverage. Further, the Prime Minister added that the setback was followed by the success of Chandrayaan-3. "This video reminded me of the day Chandrayaan went out of network coverage. That day, the entire country, especially the scientists, was demoralised. But this setback did not deter them. On that very day, they started writing the success story of Chandrayaan-3. The determination of our youth is the greatest strength of Viksit Bharat," he said. In 2019, ISRO lost communication with the Vikram lander during the Chandrayaan-2 mission. Meanwhile, PM Modi termed the inauguration of Skyroot's Infinity Campus a "new boost" to India's space ecosystem. "India's space ecosystem got a new boost with Skyroot's Infinity Campus. All this has become a reflection of India's new thinking, innovation and youth power... Imagine that era, when there were no satellites, no GPS systems, no navigation facilities, even then our sailors used to take large ships into the ocean and reach their destinations. Countries are now measuring the infinite expanse of space. The challenge remains the same, no GPS systems and no communication support," the Prime Minister said. On November 27, PM Modi had inaugurated the Indian space start-up Skyroot's Infinity Campus in Hyderabad via video conferencing. PM Modi also unveiled Skyroot's first orbital rocket, Vikram-I, with the capability to launch satellites to orbit. The Prime Minister, during Mann Ki Baat, highlighted the world's largest Leap Engine MRO facility in Hyderabad and the induction of INS Mahe as developments in the defence sector that align with India's vision of self-reliance. He said, "A few days ago, in Hyderabad, I inaugurated the world's largest Leap Engine MRO facility. This is a big step towards the maintenance, repair and overhaul sector of aircraft. Last week, during an event in Mumbai, INS Mahe was inducted into the Indian Navy." Earlier on Wednesday, PM Modi virtually inaugurated Safran Aircraft Engine Services' new Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Hyderabad, marking the growth of India's aviation sector at an "unprecedented pace." SAESI is Safran's dedicated Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for LEAP (Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion) engines, which power the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The establishment of this facility marks a significant milestone, as it is not only one of the largest global aircraft engine MRO facilities but also the first time a global engine OEM (original equipment manufacturer) has set up an MRO operation in India. Spread across 45,000 sqm within the GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park - SEZ, the state-of-the-art facility has been developed with an initial investment of around Rs 1,300 crore. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Addressing the nation during the 128th episode of his monthly radio show, Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi lauded a team of young people from Pune, who attempted to fly drones in Mars-like conditions.

PM Modi says India makes record high foodgrain production of 357mn tonnes, lauds innovation of Gen Zs

A 23-year-old restaurant worker died and two of his co-workers were injured on early Sunday (Nov 30) after a Mercedes hit them near Ambience Mall in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj, police said. According to officers, the accident happened around 2:30 am when a fast-moving Mercedes G63 went out of control, crashed into a pole and injured three workers.&nbsp;All three injured men were taken to the AIIMS trauma center for the treatment. Rohit, a 23-year-old from Chamoli in Uttarakhand, was declared dead on arrival. The other two are still under treatment.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to Police, they received a control room call about the incident at around 2:33 am and quickly reached the spot near Ambience Mall on Nelson Mandela Marg, towards Vasant Vihar. Police have already detained the driver, Shivam, who is 29. At the time of the accident, he was driving the car with his wife and older brother. They were reportedly returning from a wedding.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fresh-fir-against-sonia-gandhi-rahul-gandhi-in-national-herald-case-congress-calls-it-politics-of-harassment-1764486897083">Fresh FIR against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi in National Herald case</a>&nbsp;According to the inquiry, the car lost control because of a road diversion and crashed into a pole near an auto stand, where the three victims were standing, DCP Goel said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Police also stated that the Mercedes was registered to Abhishek, a friend of Shivam, who had given him the car for the night. &nbsp;A case has been filed and the investigation is already underway.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-records-coldest-november-in-5-years-city-breathes-better-air-after-days-check-aqi-today-1764480329305">Delhi records coldest November in 5 years; city breathes better air after days – Check AQI today</a>&nbsp;This incident comes just weeks after another Mercedes crash in Delhi, where two bike riders in Rajouri Garden were injured and suffered fractures after being hit by a luxury car.

All three injured workers were taken to the AIIMS trauma center for the treatment. Rohit, a 23-year-old from Chamoli in Uttarakhand, was declared dead on arrival. The other two are still under treatment. 

A 23-year-old restaurant worker died and two of his co-workers were injured on early Sunday (Nov 30) after a Mercedes hit them near Ambience Mall in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj, police said. According to officers, the accident happened around 2:30 am when a fast-moving Mercedes G63 went out of control, crashed into a pole and injured three workers. All three injured men were taken to the AIIMS trauma center for the treatment. Rohit, a 23-year-old from Chamoli in Uttarakhand, was declared dead on arrival. The other two are still under treatment. According to Police, they received a control room call about the incident at around 2:33 am and quickly reached the spot near Ambience Mall on Nelson Mandela Marg, towards Vasant Vihar. Police have already detained the driver, Shivam, who is 29. At the time of the accident, he was driving the car with his wife and older brother. They were reportedly returning from a wedding. Also Read - Fresh FIR against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi in National Herald case According to the inquiry, the car lost control because of a road diversion and crashed into a pole near an auto stand, where the three victims were standing, DCP Goel said. Police also stated that the Mercedes was registered to Abhishek, a friend of Shivam, who had given him the car for the night. A case has been filed and the investigation is already underway. Also Read - Delhi records coldest November in 5 years; city breathes better air after days – Check AQI today This incident comes just weeks after another Mercedes crash in Delhi, where two bike riders in Rajouri Garden were injured and suffered fractures after being hit by a luxury car.

All three injured workers were taken to the AIIMS trauma center for the treatment. Rohit, a 23-year-old from Chamoli in Uttarakhand, was declared dead on arrival. The other two are still under treatment.&nbsp;

Mercedes driver detained after speeding SUV kills one, injures two in South Delhi

The Delhi Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) filed a new FIR in the National Herald money laundering case on Sunday. The FIR included six names, in addition to Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. It was registered after the ED headquarters filed a complaint with the EOW. Meanwhile, the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi again adjourned the decision on whether to take cognisance of the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) chargesheet in the National Herald money laundering case. The chargesheet names several senior Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey, and others, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED has alleged financial irregularities involving Associated Journals Ltd (AJL), the original publisher of the National Herald. The court is now set to pronounce its order on December 16. Earlier, the court had issued notices to Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others, noting that they have a "right to be heard" before any decision on cognisance is taken. Special Judge Vishal Gogne stressed that this right is essential for a fair trial, as supported by Section 223 of the new criminal law (BNSS). The court highlighted that Section 223 allows the accused a special opportunity to be heard even before cognisance is taken. This provision, it said, does not conflict with the PMLA but, instead, strengthens fairness and transparency in criminal proceedings. The judge also noted that BNSS is a progressive law intended to protect the rights of the accused. The court further observed that the predicate offence, already under trial at Rouse Avenue Court, includes IPC Sections 403, 406, 420, and 120B. As per PMLA rules, the predicate offence and the money laundering case must be heard in the same court. The National Herald case originated from a complaint filed by former MP Subramanian Swamy, alleging misuse of funds by Congress leaders and companies linked to AJL.&nbsp;Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh on Sunday lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing the "Modi-Shah duo" of pursuing a campaign of harassment and intimidation against the top leadership of the Congress party following the filing of a fresh FIR in the National Herald money laundering case.&nbsp;In a post on X, the Congress leader alleged that PM Modi and Shah were engaged in a "mischievous politics of harassment, intimidation, and vendetta" against Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, following the registration of the new FIR by Delhi Police earlier in the day. "The Modi-Shah duo is continuing with its mischievous politics of harassment, intimidation, and vendetta against the top leadership of the INC. Those who threaten are themselves insecure and afraid," Ramesh said in his post.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Delhi Police’s EOW has filed a fresh FIR in the National Herald money laundering case, naming Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others. Meanwhile, a Delhi court has deferred its decision on taking cognisance of the ED chargesheet to December 16.

The Delhi Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) filed a new FIR in the National Herald money laundering case on Sunday. The FIR included six names, in addition to Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. It was registered after the ED headquarters filed a complaint with the EOW. Meanwhile, the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi again adjourned the decision on whether to take cognisance of the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) chargesheet in the National Herald money laundering case. The chargesheet names several senior Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey, and others, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED has alleged financial irregularities involving Associated Journals Ltd (AJL), the original publisher of the National Herald. The court is now set to pronounce its order on December 16. Earlier, the court had issued notices to Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others, noting that they have a "right to be heard" before any decision on cognisance is taken. Special Judge Vishal Gogne stressed that this right is essential for a fair trial, as supported by Section 223 of the new criminal law (BNSS). The court highlighted that Section 223 allows the accused a special opportunity to be heard even before cognisance is taken. This provision, it said, does not conflict with the PMLA but, instead, strengthens fairness and transparency in criminal proceedings. The judge also noted that BNSS is a progressive law intended to protect the rights of the accused. The court further observed that the predicate offence, already under trial at Rouse Avenue Court, includes IPC Sections 403, 406, 420, and 120B. As per PMLA rules, the predicate offence and the money laundering case must be heard in the same court. The National Herald case originated from a complaint filed by former MP Subramanian Swamy, alleging misuse of funds by Congress leaders and companies linked to AJL. Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh on Sunday lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing the "Modi-Shah duo" of pursuing a campaign of harassment and intimidation against the top leadership of the Congress party following the filing of a fresh FIR in the National Herald money laundering case. In a post on X, the Congress leader alleged that PM Modi and Shah were engaged in a "mischievous politics of harassment, intimidation, and vendetta" against Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, following the registration of the new FIR by Delhi Police earlier in the day. "The Modi-Shah duo is continuing with its mischievous politics of harassment, intimidation, and vendetta against the top leadership of the INC. Those who threaten are themselves insecure and afraid," Ramesh said in his post. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Delhi Police’s EOW has filed a fresh FIR in the National Herald money laundering case, naming Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others. Meanwhile, a Delhi court has deferred its decision on taking cognisance of the ED chargesheet to December 16.

Fresh FIR against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi in National Herald case; Congress calls it 'politics of harassment'

The Western Indian state of Maharashtra is going to launch a leopard-management trial to sterilise free-ranging leopards. 

The Centre has approved a Maharashtra government proposal to implement a birth control programme for leopards in regions where human-leopard encounters are rising.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The move aims to manage big cat sightings and reduce human-leopard attacks.

The decision comes seventeen months after the Maharashtra government sent a proposal to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), making it the country's first such initiative. 

This will help to curb growth in their population by stopping reproduction at its source. 

The trial is going to take place in the Junnar forest division which is also known as a sugarcane region.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Last year, the department proposed a plan to sterilise 125 female leopards to control the population. For now, the first phase will focus on just five female leopards.

Those five female leopards will be captured and taken to the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre in Pune, where they will undergo an immunocontraceptive procedure, a method used worldwide to control wildlife populations safely.

The method is less invasive than surgery and temporarily prevents the leopards from reproducing without harming them.
&nbsp;
Fourteen farmers in Maharashtra's Junnar, Nashik, Ahilyanagar, and Pune, died in the last two months.

The government has also decided to seek help from artificial intelligence (AI) to alert the villagers about the movements of the leopards. 

In Junnar, the leopards killed three people in the last two months. In the districts of Nashik and Ahilyanagar, the number of victims stands at five since September. 

As these areas are covered by sugarcane fields, villagers fear that the leopards can attack them anytime, coming out of the fields. 

In addition, the leopards have also started entering residential colonies.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Ramachandra Naik says “Cutting down of trees for urban development and the establishment of dams have compelled many leopards to come out of the forests and enter residential areas.

The state would seek permission for all the divisions and would also deliver 1,000 cages in addition to the present 200 cages to catch the leopards.” 

If the trial is successful, the government plans to expand the leopard birth control project to other areas, such as the Nashik and Ahilyanagar districts.

Two leopard rescue centres will also be set up in the Pune district within two to three months to treat and rehabilitate captured leopards.

Maharashtra will launch India’s first leopard sterilisation trial to curb rising human-wildlife conflict. Five female leopards in Junnar will undergo non-surgical immunocontraception. The move follows increasing attacks and sightings, with plans to expand if successful

The Western Indian state of Maharashtra is going to launch a leopard-management trial to sterilise free-ranging leopards. The Centre has approved a Maharashtra government proposal to implement a birth control programme for leopards in regions where human-leopard encounters are rising. The move aims to manage big cat sightings and reduce human-leopard attacks. The decision comes seventeen months after the Maharashtra government sent a proposal to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), making it the country's first such initiative. This will help to curb growth in their population by stopping reproduction at its source. The trial is going to take place in the Junnar forest division which is also known as a sugarcane region. Last year, the department proposed a plan to sterilise 125 female leopards to control the population. For now, the first phase will focus on just five female leopards. Those five female leopards will be captured and taken to the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre in Pune, where they will undergo an immunocontraceptive procedure, a method used worldwide to control wildlife populations safely. The method is less invasive than surgery and temporarily prevents the leopards from reproducing without harming them. Fourteen farmers in Maharashtra's Junnar, Nashik, Ahilyanagar, and Pune, died in the last two months. The government has also decided to seek help from artificial intelligence (AI) to alert the villagers about the movements of the leopards. In Junnar, the leopards killed three people in the last two months. In the districts of Nashik and Ahilyanagar, the number of victims stands at five since September. As these areas are covered by sugarcane fields, villagers fear that the leopards can attack them anytime, coming out of the fields. In addition, the leopards have also started entering residential colonies. The Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Ramachandra Naik says “Cutting down of trees for urban development and the establishment of dams have compelled many leopards to come out of the forests and enter residential areas. The state would seek permission for all the divisions and would also deliver 1,000 cages in addition to the present 200 cages to catch the leopards.” If the trial is successful, the government plans to expand the leopard birth control project to other areas, such as the Nashik and Ahilyanagar districts. Two leopard rescue centres will also be set up in the Pune district within two to three months to treat and rehabilitate captured leopards.

Maharashtra will launch India’s first leopard sterilisation trial to curb rising human-wildlife conflict. Five female leopards in Junnar will undergo non-surgical immunocontraception. The move follows increasing attacks and sightings, with plans to expand if successful

India’s first leopard sterilisation plan to start soon in Maharashtra - Here's what we know about it

Delhi recorded its coldest November in five years, with an average minimum temperature of 11.5 degrees Celsius till November 29, according to the data from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The national capital’s air quality also saw a slight improvement with an AQI of 270 at 6 am on Sunday (Nov 30), slipping into the ‘poor’ category from ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’, a significant decrease in air pollution in the last few weeks.&nbsp;A day earlier, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 10.4 degrees Celsius. The national capital observed its lowest temperature on Wednesday (Nov 26) with mercury dropping to 8 degrees Celsius, three degrees below normal and the lowest November temperature since 2022. In November of 2020, the city recorded a low minimum of 6.3 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;The city recorded an average minimum November temperature of 11.9 degrees Celsius in 2021, 12.3 degrees Celsius in 2022, 13 degrees Celsius in 2023, and 14.7 degrees Celsius in 2024.&nbsp;In its latest forecast, the IMD said, “Minimum temperature is likely to be around 9-10°C over the next couple of days while shallow fog may also be seen during the morning hours over the next few days, Sunday onwards.”&nbsp;<h2>Delhi's AQI improves to ‘poor’</h2>&nbsp;Delhi recorded an average AQI of 270 on Sunday (Nov 30) morning, slipping into the ‘poor’ category after days of high pollution levels of ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ categories. Meanwhile, Gurugram recorded an AQI of 233, Ghaziabad recorded 262, Noida recorded 267, and Faridabad recorded a ‘moderate’ AQI of 178.&nbsp;The residents in the national capital region have reported haze, irritation in the eyes, and breathing problems over the last few weeks as the city remains blanketed by toxic smog.&nbsp;The GRAP 3 restrictions were lifted earlier this week as Delhi remains under GRAP 2 measures. Officials have said that they are monitoring the pollution levels in the city and would consider additional steps in case the situation deteriorates.

The national capital’s air quality also saw a slight improvement with an AQI of 270 at 6 am on Sunday (Nov 30), slipping into ‘poor’ category from ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’, a significant decrease in air pollution in the last few weeks.

Delhi recorded its coldest November in five years, with an average minimum temperature of 11.5 degrees Celsius till November 29, according to the data from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The national capital’s air quality also saw a slight improvement with an AQI of 270 at 6 am on Sunday (Nov 30), slipping into the ‘poor’ category from ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’, a significant decrease in air pollution in the last few weeks. A day earlier, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 10.4 degrees Celsius. The national capital observed its lowest temperature on Wednesday (Nov 26) with mercury dropping to 8 degrees Celsius, three degrees below normal and the lowest November temperature since 2022. In November of 2020, the city recorded a low minimum of 6.3 degrees Celsius. The city recorded an average minimum November temperature of 11.9 degrees Celsius in 2021, 12.3 degrees Celsius in 2022, 13 degrees Celsius in 2023, and 14.7 degrees Celsius in 2024. In its latest forecast, the IMD said, “Minimum temperature is likely to be around 9-10°C over the next couple of days while shallow fog may also be seen during the morning hours over the next few days, Sunday onwards.” Delhi's AQI improves to ‘poor’ Delhi recorded an average AQI of 270 on Sunday (Nov 30) morning, slipping into the ‘poor’ category after days of high pollution levels of ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ categories. Meanwhile, Gurugram recorded an AQI of 233, Ghaziabad recorded 262, Noida recorded 267, and Faridabad recorded a ‘moderate’ AQI of 178. The residents in the national capital region have reported haze, irritation in the eyes, and breathing problems over the last few weeks as the city remains blanketed by toxic smog. The GRAP 3 restrictions were lifted earlier this week as Delhi remains under GRAP 2 measures. Officials have said that they are monitoring the pollution levels in the city and would consider additional steps in case the situation deteriorates.

The national capital’s air quality also saw a slight improvement with an AQI of 270 at 6 am on Sunday (Nov 30), slipping into ‘poor’ category from ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’, a significant decrease in air pollution in the last few weeks.

Delhi records coldest November in 5 years; city breathes better air after days – Check AQI today

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Delhi records coldest November in 5 years; city breathes better air after days