“A productive meeting with FM Zheenbek Kulubaev of Kyrgyz Republic. Thanked him for their support and solidarity in countering terrorism. Discussed our cooperation in banking, education, energy, health, connectivity and capacity building. Today’s signing of Programme of Cooperation is a step forward in deepening our bilateral ties,” EAM Jaishankar posted on X after the meeting.

Along with Kulubaev, four other Central Asian foreign ministers – including Bakhtiyor Saidov (Uzbekistan), Rashid Meredov (Turkmenistan), Sirojiddin Muhriddin (Tajikistan) and Murat Nurtleu (Kazakhstan) – are in New Delhi to attend the two-day 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue as India continues to put a strong foot forward in enhancing anti-terror and de-radicalisation partnerships across the region.

Earlier in the day, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman and the visiting Kyrgyz Foreign Minister signed the Protocol and exchanged Instrument of Ratification of the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between both countries.

The Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) signed on June 14, 2019 in Bishkek between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, enters into force with effect from Thursday and replaces the earlier agreement enforced in May 2000, ensuring continuity in the protection of investments between the two nations.

“The India-Kyrgyz BIT marks a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral economic relations and fostering a secure and predictable investment environment. The BIT aims to promote and protect interests of investors of either country in the territory of the other country,” read a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance.

The BIT balances the investor rights with the sovereign regulatory powers of both countries, and reflects a shared commitment to create a resilient and transparent investment climate. It is expected to further encourage cross-border investments and deepen economic cooperation between India and Kyrgyzstan.

During the meeting held within the framework of the 4th Ministerial Meeting of the Central Asia-India Dialogue, both countries discussed the current state and prospects of Kyrgyz-Indian cooperation in the financial and investment sectors.

“Particular attention was paid to the establishment of direct correspondent relations between banks of Kyrgyzstan and India and the development of investment cooperation in priority areas. The meeting concluded with confirmation of the parties’ mutual willingness to strengthen cooperation between the financial institutions of the two countries,” stated Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry.(IANS)

Kharge, while demanding a special session of Parliament to review India’s defence capabilities, also called for an independent assessment similar to the Kargil Review Committee in light of Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan’s recent comments in Singapore.

Reacting strongly, BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh accused Kharge of undermining the national interest.

“The statement made by the CDS is about a procedure, that the procedure is going slowly. But the mindset of these Congress leaders has always been against the nation. That’s why they make such statements,” he said.

RLD leader Malook Nagar accused the Congress of echoing narratives used by hostile nations. “It is the job of Congress to say something if there’s nothing else, at least say something. What exactly do you want to ask? Since April 22, all the questions you’ve asked are the same questions Pakistan asks. Whenever you ask questions, they become breaking news in Pakistan and appear as headlines in their newspapers,” Nagar said, adding, “Now you have all the answers. The Prime Minister of Pakistan has gone to various countries around the world, crying and complaining. They have damaged our facilities repeatedly.”

Spiritual leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam also expressed disappointment over Kharge’s statement.

“Mallikarjun Kharge is a very senior leader of the Congress, but he is making childish remarks. He should stand with India. He should not make a joke about the Rafale crash, Rafale is a symbol of our national pride,” he said.

Kharge’s comments came after General Anil Chauhan categorically dismissed Pakistan’s claims in an international interview, stating they were “absolutely incorrect”. The Congress chief, however, questioned India’s defence preparedness and called for accountability.

Earlier, Air Marshal A.K. Bharti, Director General of Air Operations, had emphasised that “losses are a part of combat”, and assured the nation that all Indian Air Force pilots involved had returned safely.(IANS)

The accused were identified as a 2007 batch senior Indian Revenue Service (IRS) Officer, Amit Kumar Singal, who is presently posted as Additional Director General, Directorate of Taxpayer Services, New Delhi, and his aide, Harsh Kotak, the CBI said in a statement.

The duo was arrested for demanding and accepting Rs 25 lakh as part payment of the total bribe of Rs 45 lakh from the complainant.

The CBI registered a case on Saturday on allegations that the accused public servant demanded illegal gratification of Rs 45 lakh from the complainant in exchange for extending favourable treatment from the Revenue/Income Tax Department.

“The demand was accompanied by threats of legal action, imposition of heavy penalties, and harassment in case of non-compliance,” said the investigative agency.

The CBI laid a trap and caught the accused private person red-handed while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 25 lakh from the complainant on behalf of the accused public servant at Singal’s residence in Mohali, Punjab.

Singal was also apprehended from his residence in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.

Later, both accused were arrested, said the CBI, adding that the two will be produced before the Competent Court.

After the arrests, CBI teams carried out search operations at multiple locations linked to the two accused in Delhi, Punjab, and Mumbai.

The agency said the operation is ongoing, and further investigations are underway to uncover the full extent of the corruption.(IANS)

His remark came after a few videos of Rahul Gandhi went viral in Pakistan.

Acharya Pramod Krishnam said: “If Rahul Gandhi contests elections from Pakistan, he will win with a thumping majority. Rahul Gandhi does not trust the statements of Indian leaders or institutions. When the Indian Army states it has given a befitting reply to Pakistan, Rahul Gandhi demands proof. But if a leader from Pakistan says something, he immediately believes it. This is why the people of Pakistan love him so much, and it seems he, too, has a deep affection for Pakistan.”

Krishnam further reacted to Rahul Gandhi’s recent remarks questioning the government over Operation Sindoor, where the Congress leader raised concerns about the mission and specifically asked External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar how many Indian aircraft were lost during the operation.

“Rahul Gandhi has made it his habit to question the Indian Army, the Parliament, and the Constitution,” Krishnam added.

“When a child goes astray, there is usually hope of reform. But Rahul Gandhi, despite coming from such a prominent family, seems completely spoiled. I don’t see any chance of him improving. Still, I advise him not to speak against the country.”

Commenting on Congress leaders comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Krishnam said, “Indira Gandhi was a very popular leader who taught Pakistan a lesson. But this country has never had a Prime Minister like Narendra Modi. Today, India commands global respect and fear because of him.”

On the recent controversy over Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai sharing photos of Prime Minister Modi’s family, Acharya Pramod Krishnam claimed that Rai was just a pawn, and the real mastermind behind such acts is Rahul Gandhi.

“When Rahul Gandhi loses elections, democracy is dead for him. But when he wins, democracy is alive again. If the Supreme Court gives judgment in his favour, then it is really good. Rahul Gandhi is an abnormal person,” he told IANS.

Asked whether praise of Prime Minister Modi by Congress leaders Salman Khurshid and Shashi Tharoor might lead to internal rebellion in the party, especially after they commended the government for the abrogation of Article 370 and for giving a firm response to Pakistan, Krishnam refrained from a direct comment on possible dissent.

“I don’t want to say whether a rebellion has begun in Congress, but the Prime Minister is not being praised just because Congress leaders say so. The truth is out. If Narendra Modi had not been the Prime Minister, there would have been no Ram Temple, no abolition of Triple Talaq, and no strong response to Pakistan. A leader who has sacrificed his life for the national interest deserves to be praised,” he concluded.(IANS)

An official said that a vehicle carrying seven people was swept away by a massive landslide between the Bana-Seppa stretch of NH-13 in East Kameng district and plunged into a gorge.

The Maruti car was moving towards Seppa when the rain-triggered landslide struck it on Friday night. The rescue team later recovered the bodies.

The Bana-Seppa route is widely regarded as one of the most landslide-prone corridors in Arunachal Pradesh, especially during the monsoon season (June to September).

Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister and local MLA Mama Natung, and Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju deeply condoled the deaths.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju in his post said: “Deeply saddened by the tragic landslide in Arunachal Pradesh that claimed seven innocent lives. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. May the departed souls rest in peace. Prayers for strength and healing to all affected by this heartbreaking loss.”

In a post on his X handle, Mama Natung said: “It’s very painful to hear about the tragic loss of seven lives in my Assembly constituency due to a landslide on NH 13 Road in between Bana and Seppa.”

“My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families during this difficult time. I request everyone to remain vigilant and avoid travelling at night during the monsoon season. My thoughts and prayers are with the families affected. May their souls rest in peace. Om Shanti Shanti,” he said.

Most of the northeastern states, including Arunachal Pradesh, have been experiencing incessant rains since Thursday, badly affecting normal life.

Due to the rains and landslides, road communications were severely affected in many districts across Arunachal Pradesh.

A hanging bridge in Chulyu village, under Keyi Panyor district, has been completely washed away due to incessant rainfall.

The bridge served as a shortcut to the main highway leading to Pitapool.(IANS)

“The biggest achievement of her government is that today the people of Delhi feel the presence of a sensitive government, whereas for the past 11 years, governance was seen only in the form of publicity,” said Sachdeva.

Sharing a poster on CM Gupta’s ‘performance sans excuses’, the State BJP President said, “The AAP leaders have no moral ground to question the BJP government, and they need to answer five key questions before indulging in a debate with us.”

Sachdeva posed five questions to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, saying that those who are questioning the BJP government after just 100 days should answer why the AAP government failed to implement for one year women’s pension scheme announced while presenting the 2024-25 Budget in Delhi.

“Similarly, the AAP promised a women’s pension scheme in its 2022 Punjab election manifesto — why hasn’t the scheme been launched even after three years?” the Delhi BJP Chief asked.

He also asked why the AAP government endanger the future of thousands of youths by hiring them as bus marshals and in contract jobs without administrative approval and later dismissed them during investigations.

In another question, he asked, “If the BJP government could begin work on long-term regulation of private schools by drafting the Delhi Education Act within just two months, why couldn’t the AAP government do this in 11 years?”

He said that had they taken concrete action, issues like arbitrary school fees wouldn’t exist today.

Sachdeva said under the AAP rule, thousands of housing units built in Narela and Bawana for poor families had become ruins.

“Why were they not allotted? Was this only done to maintain a votebank in unauthorised colonies?” he asked.

He also hit out at AAP leaders for spreading lies about withdrawal of public welfare schemes under the BJP government.

“Which public welfare scheme has the BJP government stopped? People are still benefiting from subsidies on electricity and water, as well as free bus travel for women. AAP should state clearly which scheme has been discontinued,” he said.(IANS)

In Kottayam, two youths who ventured out for fishing in a flooded paddy field at Kollad got drowned when the canoe in which they were capsized.

At Vizhinjam in the state capital city, two fishermen who had ventured out for fishing were drowned after the boat was tossed upside down in the sea.

A migrant worker from West Bengal, identified as Ramakrishnan, 38, working in a fishing boat in Ernakulam, fell overboard.

Meanwhile, two people from Malappuram have been reported missing.

Apart from the deaths, the heavy rains that hit all across the state caused road blockages at various places due to flooding.

Road traffic was thrown haywire, and the worst-affected were the low-lying areas in numerous districts.

Around 2,000 homes across the state have been partially damaged.

The Indian Meteorological Department has announced a red alert in the districts of Idukki, Kannur, Kasargod, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Thrissur, while an orange alert has been announced in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad.

On Friday, the number of relief camps, in which close to 2,000 people have been accommodated, reached 60.

With waters flooding low-lying areas in Thiruvalla in central Kerala, a grieving woman was more broken-hearted after she was told that the body of her husband, who passed away early in the day, could not be brought to their home as the entire area had been flooded.

“Now I am told that the body of my husband will be kept at our relative’s home near the church where the funeral will be held,” she said.

Electricity Minister K.Krishnankutty said the Kerala State Electricity Board is on a high alert and its staff are working overtime to ensure power lines are restored at the earliest.

The Board has issued a warning that if power lines are snapped, the matter should be immediately reported, and no one should do anything.

Most trains in the state on Friday are running behind schedule after numerous trees were uprooted and fell onto the tracks on Thursday night.(IANS)

“Pollution is a focus area for our government, and all departments are jointly taking steps to tackle it. At the transport department, we are determined to replace the ageing CNG buses with electric vehicles,” he told IANS on completing 100 days in office.

“The introduction of EV buses is likely to offer a big relief to the public in terms of pollution and connectivity, even in congested areas,” he said.

He highlighted the implementation of health schemes like Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY) for the elderly, Ayushman Mandir, Ayushman Card and check on irregularities in drug supply as some of the achievements of the health department in the first 100 days of the government.

“The Ayushman scheme, whose benefits should have reached people long ago, was blocked by Arvind Kejriwal’s government. We have supplied cards and enrolled beneficiaries through door-to-door drives,” he said, adding that about 2.31 lakh beneficiaries have been issued health cards under the two schemes.

The Minister hit out at the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for indulging in publicity rather than serving the people on the ground.

“We could not find anything positive in the functioning of the previous government. There are scams in almost everything related to drinking water, road, pollution, Yamuna-cleaning, transportation, hospital drug supply,” he said, adding that, under the previous government, just five medical superintendents were running the affairs of all major hospitals in the city.

Hitting out at the AAP government and its legislators, he said, “They did not perform and indulged only in the blame game. We are focused on delivering on the promises that we made.”

Describing diabetes as a common ailment afflicting people, he said, “We are working on a new plan named ‘Diabetes-plus with yoga’. Very soon, we will share information with the public,” he said, adding that the health department is focusing on the smooth functioning of free dialysis centres.(IANS)

The work on show covers a range of creative disciplines across multiple media and genres. The creative work displayed is the result of a collaboration between a final year WUD student and the industry as a part of the curriculum. The participating brands include Electrolux, Ikarus 3D, Reliance Brands, ABFRL, Payal Jain, Samant Chauhan, Nitin Bal, Satya Paul, Benetton, Raymonds, Nykaa, Pero, Aakaro, Mandira Wirk, etc. This work is exhibited in the Design week where industry and academia share a platform.

Graduates of Architecture, Design, Communication, Visual Arts, Business have displayed the work of the graduating class in the form of an exhibition. The chief guest is noted fashion designer Payal Jain and other distinguished members of the industry and academia. The finale show was followed by an Awards ceremony where top performing students were felicitated for their exemplary academic work.

Vice Chancellor of WUD, Dr. Sanjay Gupta remarked, “Extremely enthralled by the works presented by this new generation of change makers, I am certain that they will be duly identified by the design world. The talent presented here is boundless and surprises you with the level of innovation. The best thing about Made in WUD is that everything here has been made in-house by WUDians – the ramp, lighting, choreography, modelling, styling, makeup, photography, videography, branding, communication, management is all Made-in-WUD”

Renowned Fashion Designer and Chief Guest for the evening shared her views, “It is such an honour to be here today amongst such creative young people. I congratulate Dr. Sanjay Gupta and faculty members at WUD for nurturing the students with such farsightedness and conditioning. In my view these budding designers are so fortunate to be led forward by visionaries here. The avenues that have been presented to the students make it possible for them to visualise a focused goal which back in the day didn’t exist for designers like us. Moreover, the passion the students displayed is laudable. I wish them all the luck they need to shine bright.”

The event came to an end with WUD fraternity and delegates pondering over design related aspects.