• Thursday, March 23, 2023

Results for "delhi"

Indian mission in UK gets security boost as Sikh separatist…

On Wednesday (22) James Cleverly, the UK foreign minister, announced that the security at the Indian High Commission in London will be reviewed in response to the "unacceptable acts of violence" that were committed against the mission's staff. Reports have emerged that protesters, holding "Khalistan" banners, removed the Indian flag…

UK will respond ‘robustly’ against attack on Indian mission says…

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has stated that the UK government takes the "unacceptable" acts of violence by pro-Khalistan protesters at the Indian High Commission seriously and will conduct a review of the security. He assured that the government will respond "robustly" to such incidents. On Wednesday (22), around 2,000 protesters…

Air India expansion stirs tension as foreign carriers clamour for…

Tensions rose in the aviation industry over plans to transform Air India into a global airline with hundreds of new jets, as foreign carriers called for greater access to India's rapidly growing economy. The sale of India's flag carrier to Tata conglomerate has led to increasing demands for the government…

India indispensable for open Indo-Pacific, says Japan premier Kishida

Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida on Monday (20) called India vital to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific after talks with Indian counterpart Narendra Modi touching on shared concerns about China. Speaking in New Delhi after meeting the Indian leader, Kishida laid out plans for billions of dollars in investments…

12 dead as earthquake rocks Pakistan and Afghanistan

On Wednesday (22), authorities reported that a powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake, originating from Afghanistan's Hindu Kush region, shook Pakistan and resulted in the deaths of at least nine individuals and injuries to over 160 others. The quake also caused three fatalities in Afghanistan, as per the Khaama Press, an online…

Search for Sikh separatist continues as Indian state extends internet…

The police in northern India extended a mobile internet blackout across a state with a population of around 30 million on Monday (20), as they continued their search for a radical Sikh preacher, Amritpal Singh. The extension followed reports of Singh's supporters vandalising India's consulate in San Francisco and a…

US strongly condemns attack on Indian consulate in San Francisco

The United States has denounced the attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco by pro-Khalistan elements during a protest as "absolutely unacceptable" and has said the safety and security of diplomatic facilities and personnel is a top priority for the US, and they remain committed to ensuring their protection.…

THE PROS AND CONS OF MANUAL VS ONLINE HOME FOOD…

India's online food industries have plenty of room to grow. The online home food delivery industry all over India has grown exponentially in the past few years. Delhi is also not the exception.This trend is expected to continue, and the industry is likely to see an increase in the number of customers.…

Khalistan protests: Security beefed up around Indian mission in UK

On Monday (20) increased security measures were implemented around the Indian High Commission following an act of vandalism committed by Khalistan supporters on Sunday (19). Scotland Yard detained one person in relation to the incident. India has requested that the UK take swift action to arrest and prosecute all individuals…

UK to ensure security of Indian mission after Khalistani vandalism

British officials have denounced the recent vandalism at the Indian High Commission by pro-Khalistani protesters, calling it "disgraceful" and "completely unacceptable". They have also stated that the UK government will prioritise the security of the mission going forward. The incident, which took place on Sunday (19) involved protesters waving separatist…

India arrests 78 in manhunt for Sikh separatist Amritpal Singh

A MANHUNT for a radical Sikh preacher in India entered its second day on Sunday (19), after authorities shut mobile internet in the whole of Punjab state and arrested 78 of his supporters. Amritpal Singh rose to prominence in recent months demanding the creation of Khalistan, a separate Sikh homeland,…

Situation with China in Ladakh ‘fragile and dangerous’, claims India

Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar expressed concerns on Saturday (18) that the situation in the western Himalayan region of Ladakh between India and China is fragile and dangerous, with military forces situated in close proximity in certain areas. In mid-2020, there were clashes in the region that led to the…

Delhi Capitals partners with Satya Nadella to buy stake in…

Delhi capitals have bought a stake in the Seattle franchise of a new Twenty20 tournament in the United States as Indian Premier League (IPL) teams continue to expand their global footprint. Delhi Capitals co-owner GMR Group has partnered with a group of investors that includes Microsoft Corp's India-born CEO Satya…

SpiceJet grounds pilots for allegedly consuming coffee in cockpit

Two pilots of a private Indian airline have been suspended for reportedly consuming coffee and sweets in the cockpit during a flight. The incident was brought to public attention after an image of an open cup on the control panel of a SpiceJet aircraft circulated on social media. The episode…

Raja Kumari dominates the Wireless Music Festival in Abu Dhabi

Raja Kumari opened the first-ever Wireless Music Festival Middle East in Abu Dhabi for international performers like M.I.A, Wegz, Central Cee, Roddy Ricch, and Travis Scott over the weekend. Dressed in a yellow dress and overcoat paired with thigh-high boots the singer resembled the Abu Dhabi sunshine. The talented artist…

IPL: David Warner to lead Delhi in Rishabh Pant’s absence

Australia's David Warner will captain Delhi Capitals in this year's Indian Premier League (IPL) as Rishabh Pant continues his recovery from a car accident, the team said on Thursday (16). Pant underwent surgery in January after suffering multiple injuries in a horrific December 30 crash in which his car hit…

Teams boycott women’s boxing championship over Russian and Belarusian presence

The women's world boxing championship commenced in India on Thursday (16), but the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes under their respective flags led to the boycott by several nations. Following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine last year, many international sports federations have banned Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing. Some…

UK aid to India failed to support human rights, inclusive…

Britain's aid to India has failed to achieve the desired objectives of poverty reduction and inclusive growth due to a “lack of coherence”, a review has found. The aid programme also did little to support Indian democracy and human rights despite “negative trends in these areas”, the Independent Commission for…

Senate confirms Garcetti as US ambassador to India

The US senate on Wednesday (15) the confirmed Eric Garcetti as the new ambassador to India, nominated by president Joe Biden. The confirmation came after almost two years of opposition due to accusations of Garcetti mishandling workplace harassment complaints when he was the mayor of Los Angeles. The vote was…

India ‘invites’ Pakistan for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting

India has invited Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif to attend the meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to be held in New Delhi in April, according to a media report. India currently holds the presidency of the SCO, which comprises China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.…

Zareen, Borgohain to lead India at boxing world championship

NIKHAT ZAREEN and Lovlina Borgohain will be in the spotlight as India looks to put on a show worthy of their growing stature in women's boxing when the World Championship, which has been marred by controversy, kicks off in New Delhi on Thursday (16). In the absence of six-time champion…

Netflix announces season 3 of Delhi Crime, Mismatched and She

Netflix India has announced Season 3 of some of its top-rated Hindi originals Delhi Crime, Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives, Kota Factory, Mismatched, and She. Except for Kota Factory, all the other series had their second season's premiere in 2022. Announcing the third part of their shows, Netflix India took…

Indian minister Anurag Thakur to host screening of ‘RRR’, ‘The…

To celebrate the achievement of winning two Oscars, the minister for Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Singh Thakur, will be organising a special screening of the award-winning films, 'RRR' and 'The Elephant Whisperers', for Members of Parliament in Delhi next week. The screening is expected to take place at the Bal…

Australian coach confirms Warner’s participation in ODI series against India

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald on Tuesday (14) confirmed that David Warner, the opening batsman of the Australian cricket team, has recovered from his elbow injury and will participate in the upcoming ODI series against India. Warner had a difficult time in the two Tests against India, managing to score…

Shaunak Sen on Oscars loss: So many chin-uppy messages of…

Shaunak Sen, director of All That Breathes, says that he has received an avalanche of messages of "encouragement/support" after his climate change documentary lost out to Navalny at the Oscars. “Naatu Naatu" from RRR (2022) and the documentary film The Elephant Whisperers emerged as winners in the Original Song and…

Silicon Valley Bank collapse to impact Indian startups: Experts

THE COLLAPSE of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) has injected uncertainty into the Indian startup ecosystem overnight, industry experts say. “Hopefully the matter will get resolved, but I think it is a big hit for Indian startups,” Ashu Garg, a prominent Silicon Valley-based venture capitalist, said before the Biden administration announced…

Oscars 2023: A last-minute guide to three nominations from India

There are just a couple of hours left before the 95th Academy Awards honour the best films, performances, music, and film technology of the year 2022. Indians are also looking forward to the gala night with bated breath as there have been three nominations from the country. While Indian documentaries…

Rajesh Agrawal leads London trade mission to India

LONDON deputy mayor for business Rajesh Agrawal will lead a trade mission to promote stronger trade and investment links with India next week, a statement said on Friday (10). Agrawal will be joined by 10 London businesses for the four-day mission which will visit New Delhi and Bengaluru from March…

India, Australia pledge to strengthen defence ties

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese pledged greater defence ties on Friday (10) after a diplomatic tour where the leaders bonded over their countries' shared love of cricket. The countries, with Japan and the United States, make up the Quad alliance that is seen as…

Boeing to set up 737 freighter conversion facility in India

BOEING CO said on Friday (10) it would set up a facility in India to convert 737 passenger planes into dedicated freighters to tap into regional and global demand for the service. The investment, which adds to the US manufacturer's expansion into India on top of a record plane order…

Remembering multi-talented actor, director, screenwriter, and producer Satish Kaushik

Veteran actor Satish Kaushik, who also directed, wrote, and produced several successful films, passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest early Thursday. He was 66. Kaushik made his mark in the Indian film industry with his captivating performances and unique sense of humour. His end almost as dramatic and poignant…

Growing tensions and potential conflicts between India-Pak, India-China, raise concerns…

During a Congressional hearing in the US on Wednesday (08), the Office of the Director of National Intelligence submitted its annual threat assessment report, stating that the American intelligence community anticipates heightened tensions and potential conflicts between India and Pakistan, as well as India and China. The report highlights that…

Two Republican senators vote in favour of Garcetti as US…

FORMER Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti's nomination to become the US ambassador to India has cleared a major hurdle after a key senate committee voted to send his name to the senate floor for a full vote. Garcetti's nomination has been pending before the US Congress since July 2021, when…

Veteran actor-director Satish Kaushik passes away at 66

Veteran Bollywood actor and director Satish Chandra Kaushik passed away earlier this morning. He was 66 years old. His post-mortem will be done at Deen Dayal Hospital in Delhi on Thursday. His body will then be brought to Mumbai. Bollywood actor Anupam Kher took to Twitter to announce the sad…

India witnessing ‘mad rush’ for luxury housing

INDIA'S DLF sold a $1 billion (£830 million) upmarket residential project in 72 hours while rival Godrej Properties is offering $3m (£2.5m) apartments to clients selected by invitation, two off-plan sales that are signalling a revival in luxury housing. Property developers say spacey high-price apartments that come with add-ons like…

Steve Smith to captain Australia in fourth Test against India

STEVE SMITH will captain Australia in the fourth and final test against India starting on Thursday (9) as regular captain Pat Cummins remains in Sydney with his family, Cricket Australia (CA) said on Monday (6). Cummins returned home after the second test in New Delhi to be with his ailing…

Student accused of urinating in New York-Delhi flight seat

AN INEBRIATED Indian student aboard an American Airlines flight from New York to Delhi allegedly urinated while asleep in his seat and soiled a male co-passenger on Saturday (4). Delhi Police registered a case based on a complaint from the airline. The airline has submitted a report about the incident…

Russia trying to stop war waged against it: Moscow

RUSSIA has claimed it is trying to stop the ongoing war waged against it using the Ukrainian people.“The war, which we are trying to stop, which was launched against us using Ukrainian people, of course, influenced the policy of Russia, including energy policy,” Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said at…

Art of Living announces venue, dates of World Culture Festival

THE FOURTH World Cultural Festival will be held in Washington DC this fall, organiser Art of Living has announced. Several world leaders and hundreds and thousands of people from across the globe are expected to attend the three-day event from September 29 to October 1 at the historic National Mall.…

Structures of India’s democracy under ‘brutal attack’: Rahul Gandhi

INDIA'S opposition Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has alleged the structures of the country’s democracy are under "brutal attack" and there is a full-scale assault on its institutions. Gandhi, who is in London as part of a UK tour, told reporters on Saturday (4) that there are conversations ongoing within the…

Swami Brahmaviharidas meets Modi to express gratitude

THE head of Abu Dhabi's BAPS Hindu Mandir, Swami Brahmaviharidas, has visited Narendra Modi in New Delhi to express gratitude on behalf of HH Mahant Swami Maharaj and BAPS worldwide for inaugurating the centenary celebrations of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. The celebrations were attended by over 12.1 million people from across…

WPL: Watershed moment for women’s cricket

THE inaugural Women's Premier League (WPL) kicks off on Saturday (4) with a match between the Mumbai Indians and the Gujarat Giants, in what could be a watershed moment for women's cricket. Even though the Women's T20 Challenge ran as a three-team sideshow to the men's Indian Premier League from…

Shraddha keeps her promise by celebrating her birthday with media…

There is no doubt Shraddha Kapoor is one of the most popular Bollywood stars who has several successful films to her credit. She currently awaits the release of her next Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar. The rage for the film is constantly spreading all around with its cast Ranbir Kapoor and…

Quad raises concerns over growing militarisation of Asia seas

On Friday, (03) the Quad group, consisting of the United States, Japan, India, and Australia, raised concerns regarding the militarisation of waters in Asia. This was understood to be a reference to China's increasing presence in disputed seas. The foreign ministers of the four nations, including US Secretary of State…

Blinken: Our future is in the Indo-Pacific

On Friday (03), US Secretary of State Antony Blinken asserted that permitting Russia to continue its actions in Ukraine would send a message to aggressors worldwide. "If we allow Russia to do what it is doing in Ukraine then that's a message to the aggressors everywhere that they may be…

Steve Smith guides team to rare Australian win in India

AUSTRALIAN captain Steve Smith was overjoyed after leading the country to a nine-wicket victory in the third test in Indore on Friday (3) as he is aware of how challenging it is to win a test in India. Australia, who had been outplayed in Nagpur and Delhi, recovered in the…

Quad foreign ministers meet in Delhi

On Friday (03), the foreign ministers of Quad countries reiterated their dedication to a free and unimpeded Indo-Pacific, emphasising the importance of upholding the principles of rule of law, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful conflict resolution. At a meeting chaired by India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and attended by…

India & China foreign ministers meet on G20 sidelines, discuss…

In a much anticipated development, India's external affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Thursday (2) met his Chinese counterpart Qin Gang on the sidelines of the G20 foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi. This was the first such bilateral meeting between the two diplomats. Jaishankar and Qin, who took charge from…

Manoj Bajpayee opens up about a ‘passing suicidal thought’ during…

Acclaimed Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee has opened up about his struggle with depression, revealing that he experienced a phase of deep sadness after being rejected from the National School of Drama (NSD). Talking exclusively to ANI, Bajpayee reminisced about his childhood and shared that he had always aspired to become…

Lanning to lead Delhi Capitals in WPL

Women's Premier League team Delhi Capitals on Thursday (2) announced that Australia captain Meg Lanning will lead the side in the tournament. The 30-year-old has led her country to four Twenty20 World Cup titles, the latest in South Africa last month, and a one-day crown. The WPL, a T20 competition,…

British Judicial system is independent of govt: UK Foreign Secy…

Referring to the extradition of fugitive economic offenders Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly on Wednesday (01) said that the British Judicial system is independent of the government and it is them to decide. Without mentioning the names of fugitive economic offenders, Cleverly, who is currently…

Kemi Badenoch: Pursuing ‘great’ deal with India

BRITAIN is pursuing a “great” trade deal with India to cut tariffs and open up opportunities for the country's services sector, UK trade and industry secretary Kemi Badenoch has said. Highlighting her priorities since taking charge of the newly merged department for business and trade, Badenoch said her ministry is…

Toyah Cordingley’s murder accused extradited to Australia

A man accused of murdering a woman on a remote Queensland beach in 2018 has been extradited to Australia from India, according to reports. Rajwinder Singh, 38, the suspected killer of Toyah Cordingley, 24, arrived at Melbourne Airport on Wednesday (1) from Delhi accompanied by detectives, the BBC reported. Last…

James Cleverly in India: Foreign secretary to attend G20 meet,…

Foreign secretary James Cleverly on Wednesday (1) met his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in New Delhi where he has reached to attend the G20 foreign ministers' meeting. The duo spoke on a range of issues, including the commencement of the Young Professionals Scheme (YPS). They also spoke over the India-UK…

G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting “one of the largest gatherings” under…

The G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting (FMM), which is scheduled to take place in physical format from March 1-2, 2023 in New Delhi under India's Presidency is "one of the largest gatherings of foreign ministers hosted by any G20 Presidency." In a special briefing by Foreign Secretary (FS) Vinay Kwatra on…

Ukraine war: EU, Russia take strong positions at G20 meet

THE year-long Russian war in Ukraine took centrestage on the eve of a G20 foreign ministers meeting on Wednesday (1) with the European Union foreign policy chief saying the success of the gathering in New Delhi would be measured by what it could do about the war and its impact.…

Jaishankar meets UK FS James Cleverly, discuss Young Professional Scheme

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday (01) held a bilateral meeting with UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, holding discussions on the commencement of the Young Professional Scheme. He also exchanged views on the global situation as well as the G20 agenda. "Began the morning with a bilateral meeting with…

Kuhnemann, Khawaja put Australia on top after spin mayhem

AUSTRALIA bundled out India for 109 and batted resolutely to reach 156 for four in reply, giving the home side a taste of their own medicine on a raging turner in Indore on Wednesday (1). On a track where the ball spun viciously from the first session, Matt Kuhnemann (5-16)…

Ukraine war, US-China tensions to dominate G20 foreign ministers meet

FOREIGN ministers from around the world meet in New Delhi this week in the shadow of Russia's war in Ukraine and spiralling US-China tensions, with host India hoping that issues like climate change and Third World debt are not overlooked. The March 1-2 meeting of the G20 foreign ministers will…

Top UK brands Lush, John Smedley embark on first fashion…

Cosmetics retailer Lush and luxury knitwear brand John Smedley are among top UK fashion and beauty brands that have embarked on a first-of-its-kind trade mission to India to tap into a growing demand for high-end products in the country. Business and trade secretary Kemi Badenoch said she was eager to…

New cultural exchange scheme opens to young talents in UK,…

Starting Tuesday (28), young professionals from the UK and India will be able to live, study, travel and work in each other's country for up to two years under the Young Professionals Scheme (YPS), the UK government announced. Under the scheme, the UK will offer up to 3,000 places annually…

Depleted Australia look to stand-in skipper Steve Smith to salvage…

A depleted Australia will look to stand-in captain Steve Smith for inspiration after two demoralising Test defeats in India as they try to salvage the series when the third match begins in Indore Wednesday (1). Captain Pat Cummins flew home to be with his seriously ill mother after Australia's second…

Sourav Ganguly speaks out on India batter KL Rahul’s endless…

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly feels it will be difficult for KL Rahul to avoid scathing criticism for his protracted poor run with the bat due to the enormous expectations that come with the job, especially when past cricketers have set high standards. Rahul, who has been stripped of the…

India’s CBI arrests Delhi deputy CM Manish Sisodia over excise…

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), India's premier investigative agency, on Sunday (26) arrested Delhi's deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia in connection with alleged corruption in the now-scrapped excise policy related to the sale of alcohol, a move that could widen the political rift between the country's ruling Bharatiya Janata…

BBC does not have an ‘agenda’, says chief to staff…

THE BBC is not driven by an “agenda” but by purpose and will not be put off reporting impartially and without fear or favour, the UK-headquartered media organisation’s chief has said days after the income tax department survey operation at its New Delhi and Mumbai offices. In an email to…

Scholz committed for free trade deal between India, EU

GERMAN chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Saturday (25) that he and India's prime minister Narendra Modi were committed to sealing a free trade deal between India and the European Union (EU). "It's an important topic and I'll get personally involved," Scholz said after his meeting with Modi in New Delhi.…

India, UK FTA: Finance ministers agree to make further progress

INDIA and the UK have agreed to make further progress on the ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) and also to swiftly organise the next bilateral Economic and Financial Dialogue soon, the British government has said. At the conclusion of UK chancellor Jeremy Hunt's India visit last week,…

Important to give charity to our own people: Anupam Kher…

Actor Anupam Kher recently attended the 'Global Kashmiri Pandit Conclave' in New Delhi where he spoke at length about the ordeals of Kashmiri Pandits and how his film The Kashmir Files highlighted them. He cited the atrocities that were meted out to the Kashmiri Pandits and urged the audience to…

India’s G20 presidency comes at ‘incredibly important time’: UK

INDIA'S G20 presidency comes at an “incredibly important time” when the world confronts challenges like the Ukraine conflict, global food supply disruptions and China's increasingly assertive actions on the world stage, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has said. He also announced that he will travel to New Delhi next week…

Want to deepen relations with India: German Chancellor

GERMAN Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Saturday (25) said he wanted to deepen his nation's relationship with India ahead of his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. "India and Germany have very good relations and want to deepen them. That will be the topic of our talks…

Germany to pursue $5.2 bln submarine deal with India during…

GERMANY will pursue a $5.2 billion (£4.26 bn) deal with India to jointly build six conventional submarines in the country during Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s February 25-26 visit, two Indian and two German sources said. The naval project is the latest attempt by a Western military manufacturing power to wean New…

Ukraine war 1st anniversary: India abstains from UN vote, asks…

India on Thursday (23) abstained in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on a resolution that underscored the need to secure “comprehensive, just and lasting peace” in war-ravaged Ukraine, as it questioned whether the world was “anywhere near a possible solution” acceptable to both Moscow and Kyiv a year into…

Emraan Hashmi receives thunderous response for his performance in Selfiee

Emraan Hashmi’s much-awaited film Selfiee, which was creating all the buzz for ticking all boxes of being an out-and-out entertainer finally, has finally released on the silver screen. Hashmi as a cop has given a spot-on performance causing the audience to hoot and cheer in the cinema halls. Emraan Hashmi’s…

‘I was out of my comfort zone with this show’:…

Bollywood star Karisma Kapoor says she went out of her comfort zone to portray the character of a cop in the upcoming drama series Brown, which was the only Indian show at the Berlin Series Market Selects platform. Backed by Zee Studios, the noir show is based on the book…

Hero Indian Open: German Yannik Paul grabs top position

A six-under 66 kept Honey Baisoya in top position for most of the day but Germany’s Yannik Paul went on a late birdie-spree to turn in a sizzling 65 and grab a one-shot lead on the opening day of the Hero Indian Open on Gurugram on Thursday (23). The 26-year-old…

Golfer Honey Baisoya living father’s dream

INDIAN golfer Honey Baisoya was born to play golf and realise his father’s dream. His father Ravinder Singh used to work as a caddie at the Delhi Golf Club but never had the means to pursue a playing career. So, even before he became a father, Ravinder had made up…

Sitharaman, Yellen discuss global debt, crypto during G20 meeting

INDIAN finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman and US treasury secretary Janet Yellen discussed strengthening multilateral development banks, global debt vulnerabilities and crypto assets on the sidelines of the G20 finance chiefs meeting on Thursday (23), the finance ministry said. Yellen is expected to brief reporters later in the day and take…

Who is Harri, the Indian designer who made headlines for…

Harri, whose real name is Harikrishnan Keezhathil Surendran Pillai, is the designer whose striking oufit Sam Smith wore to the 2023 Brit Awards. The renowned British singer donned a bespoke, all-black latex ensemble featuring billowing shoulders and trousers, along with a pair of matching high-heeled boots. Taking to his Instagram…

Adani invests in bankrupt Sri Lanka

CASH-STRAPPED Sri Lanka announced its first major foreign investment since it declared bankruptcy, approving a $442 million (£368m) wind power project by India's Adani group. Sri Lanka's Board of Investment said Adani Green Energy, part of the business empire of controversial Indian tycoon Gautam Adani, will set up two wind…

Air India’s US-Delhi flight makes emergency landing in Stockholm

AN AIR INDIA flight from the American city of Newark to Delhi with more than 300 people on board, made an emergency landing in Stockholm on Wednesday (22) morning. A senior official of India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the flight, operated with a Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft,…

We stand up for BBC: UK government in Parliament

BRITAIN has strongly defended the BBC and its editorial freedom in Parliament after a survey by Indian tax authorities on the media corporation's New Delhi and Mumbai offices last week. A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) junior minister responded to an urgent question raised in the House of Commons…

Boy band Backstreet Boys to bring ‘DNA World Tour’ to…

Popular American boy band Backstreet Boys, known for their songs such as "Quit Playing Games", "As Long As You Love Me" and "Shape of My Heart", on Wednesday announced that they set to return to India after 13 years with their DNA World Tour in May. 'The Backstreet Boys: DNA…

Smog engulfs Delhi-NCR, disrupts flight services

A thick layer of smog, or smoke-induced fog, enveloped parts of the national capital of India on Wednesday (22). Delhi recorded an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 201, which is the 'poor' range, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR). Residents in Delhi…

Class act: Newcomer impresses on debut

A BIG streaming site success this month has been Class, the Hindi adaptation of the hit Spanish drama Elite. The eight-episode Netflix series about working-class students enrolled at an elite school with wealthy classmates has received a positive response from critics and audiences alike. Exciting newcomer Chintan Rachchh has been…

Host India does not want G20 to discuss more sanctions…

INDIA does not want the Group of 20 nations to discuss additional sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine during New Delhi's one-year presidency of the bloc, six senior Indian government officials said. On the sidelines of a key G20 gathering in India, financial leaders of the Group of…

Shubman Gill to replace Rahul in Indore

INDIA batter KL Rahul's prolonged slump in form is likely to cost him his place for the third test against Australia with demands growing for Shubman Gill's inclusion for the match in Indore. India have retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a 2-0 lead in the four-test series but Rahul's form…

More than class, caste divide makes things complicated in India:…

Class showrunner Ashim Ahluwalia says the Netflix show, an adaptation of the popular Spanish series Elite, gave him a chance to explore the rich and poor divide through the lens of class and caste. The eight-episode show, which premiered on February 3, is set in a fancy Delhi school and…

Over 2,000 India young professional scheme visas up for grabs…

THERE are 2,400 visas available for eligible Indians under the UK-India Young Professional Scheme in the first ballot to open at the end of this month, the UK government announced on Tuesday (21). The scheme, formally launched last month, allows Indian citizens between 18 and 30 years old to live…

India, Pakistan to benefit from North-South Transport Corridor

PRESIDENT Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (21) said Russia is developing a North-South Transport Corridor, which will open up new routes for business cooperation with India, Iran and Pakistan, as well as west Asian countries. Putin also said Russia will expand its international economic connections, as well as build new supply…

Air India’s New York-Delhi flight diverted to London due to…

AN AIR INDIA flight from New York to Delhi was diverted to London on Monday (20) due to a medical emergency, an official said. According to data available on the flight tracking website Flightradar24, the flight was operated with a Boeing 777-337 (ER) aircraft. It was diverted to London due…

Debutant Moses Koul on playing Sharan Gujral in Class: ‘This…

Only a few shows mostly featuring a bunch of debutants have been as successful as the teen drama Class, one of Netflix’s most recent offerings which has been trending on the platform ever since premiering on February 3. The eight-part series stars Moses Koul in a very layered and complex…

German chancellor Olaf Scholz to visit India on February 25,…

German chancellor Olaf Scholz is set to pay a state visit to India on February 25 and 26, his first trip to the country more than a year after he took charge of the top post in December 2021. Announcing the German chancellor's visit, the Indian ministry of external affairs…

Karisma Kapoor begins shooting for her comeback film Murder Mubarak

Popular Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor has started filming for her comeback film titled Murder Mubarak. Maddock Film is bankrolling the project while Homi Adajania is attached as director. Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Karisma shared the clapperboard from the movie set on her Instagram feed. She has not divulged many…

India-UK FTA talks showing ‘encouraging signs’, says British industry expert

BOTH India and the UK are showing “encouraging signs of appetite” for a free trade agreement (FTA), a senior industry expert said.Syma Cullasy-Aldridge who is the chief campaigns director at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has just returned after leading the group's first-ever business delegation to New Delhi and…

Jadeja stars as India hammer Australia to take 2-0 Test…

INDIA spinner Ravindra Jadeja returned his career-best figures of 7-42 to lead Australia's hammering by six wickets inside three days on Sunday (19) to bring the hosts to a 2-0 Test series lead. Jadeja, a left-arm orthodox, teamed up with fellow spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to dismiss Australia for 113 in…

India says Soros ‘dangerous’, debate needed on democracy

INDIA'S foreign minister called for a debate on democracy as he slammed billionaire investor George Soros as “old, rich, opinionated and dangerous” for his comments on India. In a speech ahead of the Munich Security Conference, the billionaire investor Soros on Thursday (16) criticised India’s prime minister Narendra Modi and…

Neal Mohan joins growing list of Indian-origin CEOs of global…

Neal Mohan, a longtime Indian American YouTube executive, will be the new CEO of the Google-owned video sharing platform. Mohan, a Stanford graduate and a senior advertising and product executive who joined Google in 2008, will join the elite club of global tech chiefs of Indian origin such as Google…

Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos meets Indian I&B minister Anurag Thakur…

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur here on Friday met Netflix Chief Executive Officer Ted Sarandos and discussed the expanding creative economy of the country. During their meeting, Thakur highlighted how India had emerged as a content and post-production hub, backed by the talent of Indians. "Pleasure meeting you…

Income Tax ‘survey’ operations at BBC offices continues for third…

The Income Tax department's 'survey' at the BBC office here continued for the third straight day on Thursday (16) as officials gathered financial data from select staffers and made copies of electronic and paper data of the news organisation. The operation that began at the BBC offices in Delhi and…

He wanted to teach Ganguly a lesson: Chief selector spills…

The chairman of the BCCI's national selection committee Chetan Sharma landed in a major soup after he disclosed behind-the-scenes talks regarding team selection and also made startling revelations on star batter skipper Viral Kohli's alleged feud with former Board president Sourav Ganguly, to a television channel, during a sting operation…

FS Kwatra calls on PM Hasina, reaffirms India’s support for…

Foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra on Wednesday (15) called on Bangladesh’s prime minister Sheikh Hasina during which he reaffirmed India’s support for wider and deeper development and economic partnership with her country. Kwatra arrived in Dhaka on Tuesday (14) evening from Kathmandu, Nepal, on a two-day visit. “Foreign Secretary @AmbVMKwatra paid…

Indian tax officers search BBC offices in New Delhi and…

India is looking into the BBC's tax structure, the British news organisation said in an internal memo on Wednesday (15), as officials searched its premises in New Delhi and Mumbai for a second day, weeks after India banned a BBC documentary as propaganda. A senior Indian government official said the…

I don’t want to be in a box and just…

Playing a diva, a woman who has a mind of her own or performing "messy" action sequences, Kriti Sanon says as an actor she wants to do it all without limiting herself to one genre. The actor, best known for her work in films such as "Bareilly Ki Barfi" and…

UK government ‘closely monitoring’ tax surveys at BBC offices in…

The UK is “closely monitoring” the situation following the Income Tax surveys at the BBC offices in India, British government sources said. The Income Tax department conducted survey operations at the BBC’s offices in Delhi and Mumbai on Tuesday with the officials describing the action as part of an investigation…

Shah Rukh Khan reveals what he gifted wife Gauri Khan…

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan on Tuesday said he gave his wife and interior designer Gauri Khan "a pair of pink plastic earrings" as his first Valentine's Day gift to her. In an #AskSRK session on Twitter, the "Pathaan" star fielded "fun" questions on Valentine's Day and cinema. When a…

Survey operations at BBC offices ‘smacks of intimidation’: Global watchdogs

Global media watchdogs and human rights bodies on Tuesday criticised the Indian government's income tax survey operations at the BBC's offices in New Delhi and Mumbai, saying the action "smacks of intimidation" and was a "blatant affront" to freedom of expression. The Income Tax officials described the action as part…

BBC trying to sabotage Indian Constitution: BJP

Any media organisation functioning in India will have to follow the rules and regulations of the country, the BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said on Tuesday, amid the ongoing 'survey' operations on BBC offices by the IT department. Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, Bhatia said, "Income Tax department lawfully…

India’s tax officers search BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai;…

Indian tax officers searched the BBC's bureaus in New Delhi and Mumbai on Tuesday, the British broadcaster said, weeks after the government came down hard against a BBC documentary critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's role in the 2002 Gujarat riots. The documentary focused on the Hindu nationalist politician's leadership…

Path shown by Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati instils hope in crores…

India is expressing pride over its legacy with tremendous self-confidence and asserting that it will strengthen its ancient traditions while ushering in modernity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday. He also underlined that the country's policies and efforts have no discrimination and are aimed at serving the poor, the…

India’s Mandhana fetches £339,759 at first women’s premier league auction

Smriti Mandhana stole the thunder in India’s inaugural Women's Premier League (WPL) auctions in Mumbai on Monday (13). Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) pipped Mumbai Indians in a bidding war to buy the India vice-captain for Rs 34 million (£339,759). India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur came much cheaper for Mumbai Indians at…

India aims to triple defence exports to $5 bln, sell…

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday set out ambitions to more than triple annual defence exports to $5 billion over the next two years, as arms firms flocked to a major air show for a slice of the nation's massive import budget. The country is looking to sign defence…

Jadeja was fined 25% of the match fee for applying…

Ravindra Jadeja was fined 25% of his match fee on Saturday for breaching the ICC's code of conduct in India's first test win over Australia after he was seen applying a soothing cream to his finger without seeking permission from the on-field umpires. The ICC said in a statement that…

Air India seals record order for about 500 jets from…

Air India has sealed a jumbo deal for about 500 new planes worth more than $100 billion at list prices, in what could become the single largest order by any airline as it seeks to reinvent itself under its new owners, industry sources told Reuters. The deal was split equally…

Indian regulators aware of concerns on Adani issue, finance minister…

Indian regulators are aware of concerns regarding the Adani Group conglomerate, the finance minister said on Saturday, responding to comments by the Supreme Court regarding the need for investor protection. The regulators were experienced and seized of the matter, Nirmala Sitharaman told reporters after meeting the central bank's directors in…

Nepal bans import of rose from India, China ahead of…

The Nepali government has banned the import of fresh roses from countries like India and China ahead of Valentine's Day, according to a media report on Friday (10). The Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Centre under the Ministry of Agriculture in a notification on Thursday (9) directed the subordinate border…

Indian regulator probes Adani’s links to investors as Modi’s office…

India's market regulator is investigating Adani Group's links to some of the investors in the conglomerate's aborted $2.5 billion share sale, two sources said, amid growing concern in New Delhi about a U.S. short-sellers allegations against one of the country's top industrial groups. The Securities and Exchange Board of India…

Kailash Kher recalls his suicide attempt: ‘I attempted suicide by…

Kailash Kher needs no introduction! He is one of the most sought-after voices in the music industry when it comes to sufi-rock songs. The singer-composer has several successful music albums to his credit and has also given his mesmeric voice to a number of popular Hindi film songs, including “Yuhi…

Seventh round of India-UK FTA talks underway in London

The seventh round of India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations is edging towards its final stages here and is expected to conclude on a positive note, according to officials close to the discussions on Thursday (9). The information emerged during an India investors Showcase organised by the Indian High Commission…

Decoding Sidharth Malhotra, Kiara Advani’s dreamy wedding look

And the wait is finally over. The newlyweds Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani posted their pictures from the nuptials and undoubtedly they have won everyone's hearts with their dreamy wedding looks. For D-Day, Kiara wore a pink lehenga, which is designed by Manish Malhotra. The lehenga features intricate embroidery detailing…

India’s Adani mulls independent review after short-seller’s criticism

India's Adani Group is considering an independent evaluation of issues relating to legal compliance, related party transactions and internal controls following a U.S. short-sellers critical report on its businesses, disclosures showed on Tuesday. The group, led by billionaire Gautam Adani, has been roiled by days of market turmoil after Hindenburg…

Ram Charan to Karan Johar: Celebs congratulate newlyweds Sidharth Malhotra-…

Actors Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani tied the knot on Tuesday at Suryagarh Palace in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan in the presence of close friends and family members. Taking to Instagram, Sidharth, and Kiara shared the first pictures of their wedding in which they look like a regal couple. "Ab humari permanent…

Vani Manja becomes country managing director of Boehringer Ingelheim UK

Vani Manja has been appointed as the new country managing director and head of human pharma at Boehringer Ingelheim UK & Ireland, according to a statement. She brings extensive experience of strategy, marketing, sales, business development, people management, and cultural transformation and is passionate about tackling healthcare inequalities and advancing…

Adani group stocks surge after $113 bln market wipeout

Shares in India's Adani Group rallied on Tuesday a day after it prepaid some loans, bringing relief to investors that have seen $113.6 billion wiped off the conglomerate's market value since a U.S. short-seller published a critical report two weeks ago. The group, led by billionaire Gautam Adani, has been…

Indians can now get US visa appointment at American embassies…

The US Embassy in India has said that Indians who are travelling abroad can get a visa appointment at the US Embassy or consulate of their destination. It cited the example of Thailand, saying that the country has opened appointment capacity for B1 and B2 visas (business and travel) for…

UK industry body leads first-ever India delegation to unlock FTA…

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has sent its first-ever business delegation to India on Monday aimed at unlocking opportunities from the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) being negotiated between London and New Delhi. The industry body, which speaks on behalf of 190,000 UK businesses of all sizes and sectors, began…

Doctors back British Indian medic’s call for Covishield vaccine safety…

A number of Indian medical experts on Monday supported calls from an eminent British Indian cardiologist for a full safety review into the use of the Oxford/AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine, administered in India as Covishield, over feared serious side effects such as heart attack and stroke. Dr Aseem Malhotra, a National…

How Indo-Pak cricket thrived in Musharraf’s rule

Pakistan’s former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, the architect of the Kargil War in 1999, loved his cricket. Musharraf, who passed away in a Dubai hospital on Sunday, used cricket as a strong diplomatic tool to improve relations between the two countries when he led Pakistan first as Chief Executive and…

Special flight to repatriate Musharraf’s mortal remains from Dubai gets…

The special flight to repatriate the mortal remains of Pakistan's former military ruler Pervez Musharraf was delayed, media reports said on Monday. Musharraf, the architect of the Kargil War in 1999, died on Sunday in Dubai after a prolonged illness. The 79-year-old former military ruler, who had been in the…

Adani crisis sparks protests and arrests; sell-off losses top $110…

The crisis engulfing the Adani group intensified on Monday as dozens of members of India's main opposition party were detained by police during protests, and parliament was suspended again due to disruptions over the saga. Adani shares continued their freefall, with the conglomerate's cumulative market value loss topping $110 billion.…

Cardi B wears Indian couturier Gaurav Gupta’s creation at Grammys…

American rapper Cardi B rocked the 65th Annual Grammy Awards red carpet in a stunning custom-made gown crafted by Indian fashion designer Gaurav Gupta. Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar, better known by her stage name Cardi B, appeared at the pre-awards event on Sunday evening in a royal blue cutout sculptural 3D…

Pervez Musharraf: Architect of Kargil War, brought Pakistan and India…

Pakistan's former military dictator General Pervez Musharraf, the architect of the Kargil War, toppled the democratically-elected government in a bloodless military coup in 1999 and ruled the country for nine years during which he survived numerous assassination bids.Born in a middle-class family of Urdu-speaking Mohajir parents in Delhi in 1943,…

Timeline of Musharraf’s engagements with India during his reign in…

Pakistan's former military ruler General (retd.) Pervez Musharraf, the architect of the Kargil War in 1999, died on Sunday in Dubai after a prolonged illness.The four-star general, who ruled Pakistan in a dictator-style and passed away on Sunday at the age of 79, was born in Delhi. During his reign…

Indian ministry reviews Adani Group financial statements – government sources

India's ministry of corporate affairs has started a preliminary review of Adani Group's financial statements and other regulatory submissions made over the years, two senior government officials told Reuters on Friday (3). Adani Group has denied allegations by U.S.-based short-seller Hindenburg Research of improper use of offshore tax havens and…

India, U.S. discuss Narendra Modi White House visit

The Biden administration is in talks with Indian officials over a possible White House visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this year, according to a U.S. official aware of the discussions and another person briefed on the matter. U.S. President Joe Biden is eager to deepen ties with the…

Shah Rukh Khan: Indian heartthrob and King of Bollywood

Shah Rukh Khan is Bollywood's most popular star and at 57 still its biggest sex symbol, whose silver-screen repertoire of dance, romance and shoot-em-up heroics made him the cinematic avatar of a changing India. "King Khan" -- whose moniker reflects decades of box office dominance -- is a rare unifying…

Women, here’s why you keep peeing your pants or have…

The pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in daily activities. They provide support to the bladder, urethra, rectum, anus, prostate, uterus, cervix, vagina, and intestines. Experts inform that these muscles also affect sexual health, including sexual arousal and orgasm. Additionally, they aid in stabilising the hips and trunk during…

Sri Lanka’s powerful Buddhist clergy opposes full implementation of 13A…

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe's plan to fully implement India-backed 13th Amendment to grant political autonomy to the minority Tamils received a blow on Thursday as the powerful Buddhist clergy expressed strong opposition to the move, claiming it challenges the unitary nature of the country. The four chief prelates of…

Author Taslima Nasreen alleges private hospital forced her to undergo…

Author, Taslima Nasreen has made serious claims against a private hospital in Delhi, India, accusing them of coercing her to undergo a hip replacement surgery that she asserts was not necessary. The exiled Bangladeshi writer used Twitter to recount her experience with Apollo Hospital and one of its physicians, Dr…

Do Banana peels help remove dark spots and wrinkles? Experts…

A study from 2011 discovered that banana peels contain high levels of antioxidants, with unripe peels having a higher concentration of antioxidants compared to ripe and overripe peels, Cleveland Clinic informs. Further, it’s a common belief that rubbing a banana peel on the face can help remove dark spots and…

Adani’s market losses top $100bn as shelved share sale spooks…

India's Adani group shares sank on Thursday (2) after it abandoned its flagship company's $2.5 billion stock offering, swelling the conglomerate's market losses to more than $100bn and sparking worries about the potential systemic impact. The withdrawal of Adani Enterprises' share sale caps a dramatic setback for Gautam Adani, the…

Visa delay forces Usman Khawaja to miss his flight to…

Australia opener Usman Khawaja was forced to miss his flight to India on Wednesday due to a visa delay. The Australia squad left for the high-profile four-Test series against India without Khawaja, who is now expected to depart on Thursday. "Me waiting for my Indian Visa like... #stranded #dontleaveme #standard…

India ramps up spending, cuts deficit in last budget ahead…

Since taking office in 2014, Modi has ramped up capital spending including on roads and energy, while wooing investors through lower tax rates and labour reforms, and offering subsidies to poor households to clinch their political support. Here's what experts said about the budget: B GOPKUMAR, MD AND CEO, AXIS…

Nikki Haley planning to launch for 2024 White House bid…

Haley, 51, is the two-term Governor of South Carolina and the former US Ambassador to the United Nations. When she enters the race, Haley will be the first contender to join the contest against her former boss, who is currently the sole Republican seeking his party's 2024 nomination. Trump, 76,…

Priyanka Chopra finally reveals daughter Malti Marie’s face – photos…

Priyanka Chopra has finally revealed her daughter Malti Marie's face! The actor recently attended an event in Los Angeles where her husband Nick Jonas along with Kevin and Joe Jonas revealed the Hollywood Walk of Fame star. As Jonas brothers took the centre stage, Priyanka sat in the first row…

American model Emily Ratajkowski reveals experiencing imposter syndrome – All…

Psychology Today informs that a recent study reveals 82 per cent of individuals confess to experiencing imposter syndrome, where they doubt their abilities, credentials, or appearance despite others' positive perceptions. Individuals with imposter syndrome feel unworthy of their accomplishments and positive reputation, despite being widely regarded as competent and intelligent.…

Heritage Hindu temple defaced with anti-India graffiti in Canada

A prominent Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada has been targeted with anti-India graffiti, causing outrage among the Indian community. Condemning the act of vandalism at Gauri Shankar Mandir, the Indian Consulate General in Toronto said the defacing of the temple has deeply hurt the sentiments of the Indian community in…

Rajinikanth follows Amitabh Bachchan; issues notice against unauthorised use of…

Rajinikanth, one of the biggest superstars that Indian cinema has ever produced, has entertained the audience for over five decades. He is known worldwide for his charismatic personality, superstardom, and unmatched onscreen aura. Though fans love him to the moon and back, his over-the-top style in films has been fodder…

ASER education report 2022, largest citizen-led rural survey, released

Ajay Piramal, chairman of the Piramal Group and Pratham Education Foundation, on January 18 released the 17th Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2022 in New Delhi, India. ASER is an annual survey which aims to give reliable estimates of children’s enrolment and basic learning levels for each district and…

‘Ideology of hate’ consuming India, says Gandhi’s great-grandson

India's rising tide of Hindu nationalism is an affront to the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, his great-grandson says, ahead of the 75th anniversary of the revered independence hero's assassination. Gandhi was shot dead at a multi-faith prayer meeting on January 30, 1948, by Nathuram Godse, a religious zealot angered by…

India’s Gautam Adani: Asia’s richest man in the eye of…

India's Gautam Adani, the school drop-out turned billionaire who rose to become Asia's richest man, faces possibly the biggest challenge of his career after a U.S. short-seller cast doubts on his business practices, hammering shares in his companies and his reputation. Adani, whose home state is Gujarat in western India,…

India wants to keep third parties out of water treaty…

India has asked Pakistan to change a decades-old water-sharing agreement by barring third parties from intervening in disputes, an Indian government source said, a suggestion likely to rile Islamabad. The nuclear-armed neighbours and foes have been arguing over hydroelectric projects on the shared Indus river and its tributaries for many…

‘People enjoying my content feels good’

SOME of the most exciting young creative talent emerging in India are not from the worlds of film, music or television, but Gen Z digital content creators like Naveen Singh, who is carving out his own path online. The 20-year-old from Delhi, popularly known as ‘Bihari Ladka’, has drawn in…

Indian envoy celebrates ‘remarkable’ Indian Constitution on Republic Day

The Indian High Commission in London hosted its annual Republic Day celebrations at the historic Guildhall with music, dance and glimpses from the Kartavya Path parade in New Delhi. Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami addressed the gathering of British parliamentarians, community leaders, diplomats, entrepreneurs, and members of…

Adani slammed by $48bn stock rout, clouding record share sale

Shares of India's Adani Enterprises sank nearly 20 per cent on Friday (27) as a scathing report by a US short seller triggered a rout in the conglomerate's listed firms, casting doubts on how investors will respond to the company's record $2.45 billion secondary sale. Seven listed companies of the…

Women’s IPL franchises fetch $572 million for Indian board

The world's most affluent cricket board, India, got further richer by $572.72 million after unveiling five franchises for an Indian Premier League-style T20 tournament for the women on Wednesday. Since 2018, the Indian cricket board (BCCI) has been staging a three-team Women's T20 Challenge alongside the hugely popular IPL for…

SRK’s ‘Pathaan’ sets cash register ringing with £5.5 million opening,…

Shah Rukh Khan made a grand comeback to the big screen with his new Hindi film "Pathaan" raising a whopping Rs 55 crore nett (£5.5 million) and its dubbed versions bringing in additional Rs 2 crores on the opening day, the makers announced on Thursday. According to production house Yash…

‘We support the importance of free press around the world’:…

Describing India banning the BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a matter of press freedom, the US State Department said that it is high time to highlight the importance of democratic principles like freedom of expression and make it a point around the world as well as in…

India slams vandalisation of three Hindu temples in Australia; glorification…

India on Thursday strongly condemned the recent vandalisation of three Hindu temples here and the graffiti on them which included the glorification of anti-India terrorists in Australia. Earlier, this month, the Swaminarayan temple in Melbourne, the historic Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Carrum Downs, Victoria and the ISKCON temple in…

Pathaan release: Deepika Padukone’s saffron bikini from ‘Besharam Rang’ makes…

Ever since 'Besharam Rang', the first track of the Shah Rukh Khan starrer 'Pathaan', came out last year, it courted controversy due to the colour of Deepika Padukone's bikini in it, leading to speculations of its removal. Now that the film has officially been released, the film's makers have decided…

High-quality FTA with India a priority, says trade minister

Britain's trade minister in charge of negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with India says clinching a high-quality deal is among her top priorities for the year, while admitting the talks had hit a "bit of an impasse” which she broke by flying to New Delhi last month. In a…

Defiant Indian students to hold more screenings of BBC documentary…

Indian students said they would show again a BBC documentary about Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the government has dismissed as propaganda after a Tuesday campus screening was disrupted by a power cut and intimidation by rivals. The Students' Federation of India (SFI) plans to show the documentary, "India: The…

India invites Pakistan’s foreign minister for May meeting – reports

India has invited Pakistan's foreign minister to a meeting of the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) that it is hosting in May, Indian media reported on Wednesday, signalling a possible thaw in relations between the nuclear-armed rivals. The invitation came days after Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif called for talks with…

Pompeo claims India informed him Pakistan was preparing for nuclear…

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has claimed that he was awakened to speak to his then-Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj who told him that Pakistan was preparing for a nuclear attack in the wake of the Balakot surgical strike in February 2019 and India is preparing its own escalatory…

About two dozen US State judges travelling to India for…

About two dozen US State judges, including over half a dozen Indian Americans, will travel to India early next month for dialogue and consultations with their Indian counterparts, it was announced here on Tuesday (24). This is perhaps the first time a large contingent of US state judges will visit…

Indian documentaries All That Breathes and The Elephant Whisperers make…

Indian documentary All That Breathes and the short documentary film The Elephant Whisperers are now in the race for the Oscars! All That Breathes is now in the race to bag the Oscars this year in the 'Documentary Feature Film' category. The film, directed by filmmaker Shaunak Sen, revolves around…

Indian university warns against screening of BBC documentary on Modi

A top Indian university has warned its students' union of strict disciplinary action if it goes ahead with a planned screening of a BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, saying it might disturb the peace and harmony of the campus. Modi's government has dismissed the documentary, which…

Not familiar with BBC documentary, very familiar with shared ‘democratic…

The US is not familiar with the BBC documentary, but it is familiar with the shared “democratic values” that connect Washington and New Delhi, a US State Department spokesperson has said. The two-part BBC series, titled "India: The Modi Question" claimed it investigated certain aspects relating to the 2002 Gujarat…

Banknote printer De La Rue refutes corruption allegations in India

Banknote printer De La Rue, one of Britain's oldest listed companies, has said that it had been made aware of an investigation by Indian authorities into a former Indian finance secretary Arvind Mayaram in which the historical activities of De La Rue in India prior to 2016 have been implicated.…

‘Chhatriwali talks about miscarriages, abortions, sex education, and about normalising…

After delivering five films in 2022, Rakul Preet Singh begins 2023 with RSVP Movies’ romantic-comedy film Chhatriwali. The Tejas Deoskar directorial stars her in the role of a condom tester and aims to promote the importance of male contraceptives and safe sex. Eastern Eye caught up with Singh around the…

Will get married when right girl comes along, bar ‘very…

Viewed as India’s most eligible bachelor by some, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi says he’ll get married when the right girl comes along and part of the problem is that his parents' “really lovely marriage” has set the bar very high. In a free-wheeling, light-hearted chat on food and travel platform…

PM Sharif travelling around the world with ‘begging bowl’, says…

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is travelling to different countries around the world with a "begging bowl" but none of them is giving him a penny, ousted premier Imran Khan said on Sunday. "See what this imported government has done to Pakistan," Khan, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party chairman, said in…

India FTA can be clinched this year, but no more…

The India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) is expected to be clinched this year but it won't involve any boost of free movement visa offers for Indians, British trade minister in charge of the negotiations has said. Kemi Badenoch, who was in New Delhi last month to kick off the sixth…

Eminent Indians slam BBC documentary on PM Modi, say it’s…

In a strong rebuttal to the BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, more than 300 eminent Indians including retired judges, retired bureaucrats, and retired armed forces veterans signed a statement slamming the British national broadcaster for showing "unrelenting prejudice" toward India and its leader. British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) aired…

Actor Nora Fatehi has always been jealous of Jacqueline Fernandez,…

In a recent development, where Economic Offences Wings of Delhi Police has filed a supplementary chargesheet in connection with the Rs 200 crore extortion case, alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar on Saturday claimed that Bollywood actor Nora Fatehi has always been jealous of Jacqueline Fernandez. Sukesh in a press statement issued…

BBC defends Modi documentary as ‘rigorously researched’

The BBC on Friday (20) defended its controversial series on prime minister Narendra Modi as a “rigorously researched” documentary that sought to highlight important issues, a day after the Indian government condemned the programme as a “propaganda piece” lacking objectivity. “The documentary was rigorously researched according to the highest editorial…

‘We have been shocked at vandalism of two Hindu temples…

Australia's High Commissioner to India Barry O'Farrell AO on Friday said that Australia is shocked at the vandalism of two Hindu temples in Melbourne, and authorities are investigating the same. India on Thursday condemned the vandalization of Hindu temples in Australia and said that the matter has been raised with…

MP urges UK government to ‘redouble efforts’ for Jagtar Singh…

Scottish National Party MP Martin Docherty-Hughes has urged the UK government to secure the release of a Sikh campaigner who has been in the custody of Indian authorities for more than five years. Jagtar Singh Johal was arrested in Punjab when he was shopping with his wife in November 2017.…

India considers full implementation of 13A in Sri Lanka ‘critical’…

India considers the full implementation of the 13th Amendment in Sri Lanka “critical” for achieving reconciliation with the minority Tamil community, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Friday, underlining that New Delhi has always supported both the political and economic stability in the island nation. India has been pressing…

2023 BAFTA Awards: RRR misses out, All That Breathes nominated…

Filmmaker SS Rajamouli's period action blockbuster "RRR" on Thursday missed out on the nomination at the 2023 BAFTA Film Awards, but Shaunak Sen made it to the final five in the best documentary segment with "All That Breathes". "RRR" was in the longlist for the 'film not in English language'…

India foreign minister visits Sri Lanka with stronger ties, China…

India's foreign minister arrives in Colombo on Thursday following his country's backing of Sri Lanka for a $2.9 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan, leaving China as the island's last remaining major creditor which has yet to agree to the debt restructuring plan. India has told global lender IMF that…

Air India Pee-gate: Accused Shankar Mishra banned for 4 months…

Air India banned Shankar Mishra, accused of urinating on an elder woman mid-way on an Air India flight for four months, an Air India official told ANI on Thursday. Shankar Mishra was arrested by Delhi police from Bengaluru on January 6, 2023. Mishra had allegedly urinated on a 70-year-old woman…

Rishi Sunak defends Modi in Parliament over controversial BBC documentary

Defending Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the British Parliament, Rishi Sunak distanced himself from the BBC documentary series, saying he "doesn't agree with the characterization" of his Indian counterpart. Sunak made these remarks on the controversial documentary that was raised in the Parliament by Pakistan-origin MP Imran Hussain. "The UK…

India raised vandalization of Hindu temples with the Australian govt,…

India condemned the vandalization of Hindu temples in Australia and said that the matter has been raised with the Australian government in Canberra and asked for expeditious investigation against the perpetrators. Responding to a media query regarding the vandalization and graffiti being written on Hindu temples, Ministry of External Affairs…

Film bodies hail PM Modi as he warns his party…

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told Bharatiya Janata Party workers and leaders to refrain from making unnecessary comments on movies. His stern message comes amid controversies around Bollywood films that have been facing strong opposition from some BJP leaders for some time for allegedly hurting Hindu sentiments. The…

UK home secretary orders extradition of arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari…

British Home Secretary Suella Braverman has ordered the extradition of Sanjay Bhandari, an accused middleman and consultant in arms deals, to India to face charges of tax evasion and money laundering. According to Home Office sources, the extradition was ordered last week and Bhandari now has 14 days until the…

Pakistan-based LeT’s deputy leader Abdul Rehman Makki designated global terrorist…

In a major diplomatic victory for India, Abdul Rehman Makki was designated a global terrorist by the UN after China lifted its hold on a joint India-US proposal to blacklist the deputy chief of Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba. The UN Security Council’s 1267 ISIL (Da’esh) and Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee…

Pak PM Sharif seeks ‘sincere’ talks with India to resolve…

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has sought "serious" and "sincere" talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi for the resolution of the "burning" issues, including on Kashmir, and said the UAE could play an important role in facilitating the resumption of dialogue between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Prime Minister Sharif…

Intention is to make cinema that’s remembered: Sidharth Malhotra

Actor Sidharth Malhotra says the blockbuster success of "Shershaah" gave him the confidence to be part of "inspiring" stories that are remembered beyond their box office run. For Malhotra, who is celebrating his 38th birthday today, the "pure victory" for any actor is to be recognised for their work years…

Twist in Air India urination case: Woman urinated on her…

Shankar Mishra, accused of urinating on a woman on board an Air India Flight from New York to New Delhi flight on Friday )13) told a Delhi Court that he did not commit the offence and submitted that the complainant herself could have peed on her own seat. The accused…

India-China trade climbs to $135.98 billion in 2022, trade deficit…

The trade between India and China has touched an all-time high of $135.98 billion in 2022 while New Delhi's trade deficit with Beijing crossed for the first time a $100 billion mark despite frosty bilateral relations, according to data released by Chinese customs on Friday. The total India-China trade for…

Pak says looking into case of Indian woman’s allegations; expresses…

While expressing "zero tolerance" for misbehaviour at its foreign missions, Pakistan said on Thursday that it was looking into the case of a woman visitor who has alleged indecent behaviour by some senior staff members of the country's high commission in New Delhi. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Spokesperson of the Ministry…

Nutritionist shares foods with ‘miraculous powers’ that help ‘slow down’…

As we begin to age, the foods we consume on a regular basis can greatly affect our overall fitness, appearance, quality of life, and risk of contracting diseases. Various nutrients help to support the natural ageing process and according to some experts, certain nutrients may even help to slow down…

Imperial College London welcomes India high commissioner Vikram Doraiswami to…

The Imperial College London on Tuesday (10) welcomed the Indian high commissioner to the UK, His Excellency Vikram Doraiswami, to discuss deepening ties between the UK and India. The College has been growing research connections with the South Asian nation in fields such as sustainability, public health, and water management.…

Washington lawmakers seek removal of tariffs on American apples imported…

The lawmakers from the US State of Washington have urged the Biden administration to help remove or reduce the tariffs on American apples imported to India as the country's fruit industry has incurred significant losses due to New Delhi's retaliatory measures. In a letter to US Trade Representative Katherine Tai…

‘He looked harmless’: The journalist who nabbed ‘The Serpent’

Journalist Joseph Nathan went for food at a Kathmandu casino one night in 2003 but ended up with the scoop of his life: French serial killer Google topmost was there playing baccarat. His resulting article in the Himalayan Times led to the arrest of Sobhraj and his incarceration - which…

Kuttey will be compared to Kaminey, but Aasmaan has his…

You don't learn filmmaking on a set but from life, says Vishal Bhardwaj, who is a proud but anxious father ahead of son Aasmaan Bhardwaj's directorial debut "Kuttey", a film he knows will inevitably be compared to his 2009 hit "Kaminey". However, Bhardwaj -- one of the most respected directors…

Air India Urinating incident: Co-passenger says it was triggering to…

It was triggering to hear the father of an inebriated man who urinated on a female passenger in an Air India flight claim that the incident did not happen, a co-passenger has said, as he noted that the accused was incoherent and blamed the pilot for the inaction in dealing…

Couple who went viral for grand Hindu wedding, now expect…

The two had taken the internet by storm with their grand Hindu marriage held in New Jersey, US, in 2019. And now, the couple -- Amit Shah and Aditya Madiraju, are set to welcome their first baby in May. The partners also had a paternity shoot and its photographs were…

Air India peeing row: Flight pilot made traumatised woman passenger…

The pilot of the November 26 Air India flight from New York to Delhi that witnessed the unsavoury event of an inebriated man urinating on an elderly female co-passenger, made the traumatised flyer wait for nearly two hours before allotting her a fresh seat, a co-flyer has said in his…

Wells Fargo sacks accused man for ‘urinating on co-passenger’

US-based financial services company Wells Fargo on Friday (6) terminated its employee Shankar Mishra, who had allegedly urinated on an elderly lady onboard an Air India flight between New York and Delhi on November 26 last year. "Wells Fargo holds employees to the highest standards of professional and personal behaviour…

India: Another mid-air peeing incident, now on Paris-Delhi Air India…

Ten days after the shocking November 26 incident on a New York-Delhi Air India flight, another episode of a "drunk" male passenger allegedly "urinating" on a blanket of a female passenger was reported on the Paris-Delhi sector. Still, penal action was not pressed after the passenger gave a written apology,…

Covid infection may impact semen quality in men: Study

Infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus may negatively impact semen quality, according to a study on 30 males conducted by researchers at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. The team led by researchers at AIIMS Patna, Bihar noted that COVID-19 can lead to multiorgan damage through the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 receptor…

Asian cinema gems that sparkled last year

LAST year may have been a bad one for Bollywood, but that didn’t stop it from being an interesting 12 months for films with a strong south Asian connection. There were marvellous movies made across different languages and genres, which delighted audiences on multiple platforms, from streaming sites to cinemas…

‘He is a fighter’: Shah Rukh Khan wishes Rishabh Pant…

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, on Wednesday, sent good wishes to cricketer Rishabh Pant for his speedy recovery. During an #AskSRK session on Twitter, a user asked the 'Chak De India' actor," Please send good wishes to Rishabh pant for his speedy recovery." To which he replied, "Inshaallah he will…

Rishabh Pant airlifted to Mumbai, set to undergo surgery: BCCI

Star India batter Rishabh Pant is all set to "undergo surgery for ligament tears", the BCCI stated on Wednesday, effectively ruling him out of competitive cricket for an indefinite period. Pant has been airlifted from a Dehradun hospital to Mumbai where he will undergo extensive treatment for ligament injuries in…

Woman complains of ‘traumatic’ experience of being peed on by…

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into an incident aboard an Air India flight in which a co-passenger urinated over a senior citizen travelling in business class and exposed his private parts to her on a flight from New York to Delhi. The incident reportedly…

Modi speaks with King Charles III, discusses climate action

Prime minister Narendra Modi spoke with King Charles III of UK on the telephone on Tuesday (3) and discussed several subjects including climate change, biodiversity conservation, and solutions for the financing energy transition. As this was PM Modi's first conversation with King Charles III after he assumed the Office of…

When Indian actor Satish Shah’s reply to racist remarks at…

He is one of India's favourite actors because of his comic timing on the screen. But Satish Shah recently proved that he is as good when it comes to delivering in reality and that too against what is presumably a serious act of racist mockery. The 71-year-old actor recently travelled…

An Ayurveda remedy to effectively treat cold & cough

During the winter, seasonal ailments like cold, cough, and sore throat can end up hampering your daily activities. And though medications available over the counter can provide the much-required relief, they can also make you feel drowsy and lethargic. So, if you are looking for ideal and effective remedies to…

‘Hey Ram’ was my way of saying sorry to my…

Veteran actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi recently sat down for a candid conversation. Kamal Haasan, who on December 24 joined Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra as the foot march entered Delhi, discussed politics, India-China, Mahatma Gandhi, and cinema during their one-on-one when the MNM leader opened up…

‘They dragged her body for 1.5 hours’: Eyewitness on Delhi…

An eyewitness of the gruesome incident in India's capital New Delhi where a 20-year-old woman was killed after her scooty was allegedly hit by a car and dragged for a few kilometres on Sunday, narrated the horrific ordeal. Deepak Dahiya runs a confectionery shop on Kanjhawala Road in Ladpur village.…

Cricketer Rishabh Pant’s condition improves, shifted from ICU to private…

Cricketer Rishabh Pant has been shifted from the ICU to the private ward of the Max Hospital in Dehradun, the capital of India's northern state of Uttarakhand, following an improvement in his condition. He was shifted to the private ward on Sunday evening as his condition improved but the pain…

Praying for your speedy recovery: Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan to Rishabh…

Star Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan extended his wishes and prayers to Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who met with a car accident on Friday. Pant escaped the near-fatal accident on Friday with burn injuries among others that will require plastic surgeries and he could be airlifted to Delhi if required. He…

Rishabh Pant car accident: Cricketer dozed off while driving, says…

India cricketer Rishabh Pant fell asleep while driving from Delhi to Roorkee that caused his car to collide with a divider on the Narsan border of Roorkee near Hammadpur Jhal in northern state of Uttarakhand, police said. The cricketer has been admitted to a hospital in Dehradun with injuries on…

‘Glorious century rests at God’s feet’ says PM Modi on…

In fond tributes to his mother Hiraben following her death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday he always felt in her the presence of a trinity combining an ascetic's journey, a selfless doer and a life committed to values. Modi's mother Hiraben passed away at a hospital in Ahmedabad…

Condition of PM Modi’s mother Hiraben improving, says family

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mother Hiraben is "recovering", a hospital in Ahmedabad where she is admitted said on Thursday. Hiraben (99), also called Hiraba, was admitted to the UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre on Wednesday morning due to some health issues. PM Modi reached Ahmedabad from Delhi…

Afghan Hindu family endlessly waits for India visa to immerse…

A Hindu couple had fled Afghanistan nearly three 30 years ago when the first Taliban regime in that country was ready to take control. Three decades later, the duo have found their fate linked to the religious fundamentalist group again as it has returned to power in Kabul again in…

Putin’s critic Pavel Antonov found dead in India was on…

Russian lawmaker Pavel Antonov, who was found dead in Odisha's hotel, has booked the trip to India under 'India Tribal Tour,' Delhi-based travel and tour company Trip India Private Limited said on Tuesday. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Pragya Chandra, director of operations of Trip India Private Limited said,…

Confirmed: Fawad Khan’s Pakistani blockbuster The Legend of Maula Jatt…

Pakistani film The Legend of Maula Jatt, starring Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, is likely to be released on the big screen in India this Friday, an INOX official said. This will perhaps be the first film from Pakistan in over a decade to get a theatrical release here. “It…

Indian High Commission hosts digital exhibition on two sahibzadas on…

The High Commission of India, London on Monday (26) hosted a digital exhibition on two sahibzadas of Guru Govind Singh on the occasion of Veer Baal Diwas. While all four sons of Guru Gobind Singh made their supreme sacrifice, the date is observed as the martyrdom day of the Sahibzadas…

UK cricket exports eye boost with India free trade deal

Cricket bat and pad exports from the UK to India could be in line for a big boost if a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries gets finalised, the UK government has said. The Department for International Trade (DIT) issued the update on Saturday following the sixth round…

Fawad Khan’s Pakistani film The Legend Of Maula Jatt to…

Headlined by Fawad Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Mahira Khan, and Humaima Malik, The Legend Of Maula Jatt (2022) has turned out to be the biggest blockbuster ever produced by the film industry of Pakistan. A remake of the 1979 cult classic Maula Jatt, the multi-starrer film has not phenomenal business…

Round 6 of India-UK FTA ends with detailed draft treaty…

The sixth round of negotiations between India and the UK to finalise a free trade agreement (FTA) concluded last week with detailed draft treaty discussions across 11 policy areas over 28 separate sessions, the British government said on Thursday. The UK's Department for International Trade (DIT) issued a joint outcome…

Four Indian showrunners who kept audiences hooked to screens with…

With the availability of new content in abundance on every streaming platform, the competition to leave an indelible mark on viewers’ minds and keep them excited about what is next is a goal hard to hit. However, these shows have hit the bull’s eye in captivating the audience’s attention till…

What Bollywood stars revealed in 2022

THE box-office figures may have been cold, but that didn’t stop it from being another year of hot revelations in Bollywood. From future hopes and inspirations to dreams and secrets, there was a lot of things that popular stars shared about themselves. With that in mind, Eastern Eye put together…

EYE SPY: The best of 2022

THE world of performing arts quickly moved on from Covid-19 with an amazing array of wonderful work. Whether it was films, songs, live performances, web serials, stage shows and everything else, top talents made up for lost time and entertained audiences with boundary-breaking projects that offered something new and cool…

Waiting time for Indian visas eased considerably to facilitate travel…

The post-pandemic travel demand spike resulting in long delays for travellers seeking Indian visas has considerably eased in time for the busy Christmas travel period, visa facilitation service VFS Global said here this week. The restoration of the electronic visa (e-visa) facility for UK travellers earlier this month is expected…

Mega events mark first week of centennial celebration of Pramukh…

Many events were held during the first week of centennial celebration of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The grand centennial celebration was inaugurated by prime minister Narendra Modi and His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj on December 14. The celebration will continue through January 15, 2023, and each…

Sudeep Sen declared joint-winner of the Rabindranath Tagore literary award

Indian author Sudeep Sen has won the Rabindranath Tagore literary award 2021-22 along with Shobhana Kumar and Sanjoy K Roy. Sen's book Anthropocene: Climate Change, Contagion, Consolation, was published by Pippa Rann Books, UK, has been selected for the award. The winners were selected from a shortlist of 11 authors.…

Subhrakant Panda formally takes over as FICCI President

Industrialist Subhrakant Panda on Saturday formally took over as President of the leading industry body Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). In a Tweet on Saturday, Panda said, “Humbled to take charge of FICCI at a crucial juncture; it was made more special by the presence of…

‘Technology is cold comfort for parents who need a hug’

“MY FATHER died on Sunday, November 20, at 5:55 pm at home, in his own bed, in New Delhi. “At the end, death came to him like a mother and lifted him up gently, tenderly, to carry him through the exit to the other side. It was sandhya, dusk, when…

Modi hails Pramukh Swami Maharaj as reformer as he launches…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (14) hailed BAPS leader Pramukh Swami Maharaj as a reformer who devoted his life to selfless service of others and recalled his long association with the late saint, who he said, treated him like a son. Recalling his conversation with Pramukh Swami Maharaj when…

‘I feared anyone passing me might throw acid on me,’…

An acid attack on a 17-year-old girl by two masked men in Delhi on Tuesday brought back for Kangana Ranaut the painful memories of a similar attack on her sister, Rangoli Chandel. Rangoli, who now manages her sister’s work, was 21 years old when she was assaulted by acid and…

Influential US Senator Grassley opposes Garcetti’s nomination as envoy to…

Influential American Senator Chuck Grassley has opposed the nomination of Eric Garcetti as the US envoy to India because of "serious allegations" of sexual harassment by one of his staffers and urged his senatorial colleagues to do the same. Grassley’s remarks on the Senate floor on Tuesday come amidst the…

India, UK in pole position to do the trade deal,…

Indian minister of commerce and industry Piyush Goyal, held a meeting with UK secretary of state for international trade, Kemi Badenoch in New Delhi on Tuesday (13). Badenoch, who began her official India visit on Monday (12), is scheduled to address both teams of negotiators before the sixth round of…

James Cleverly reiterates backing for India UNSC seat, praises PM…

The UK wants India to be among the new permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, alongside Brazil, Japan, Germany and African representation, British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said on Monday. In his first major foreign policy speech since taking charge in the Rishi Sunak-led government, Cleverly praised Prime…

Sino-India border situation ‘generally stable’: China silent on troops clash

China on Tuesday said the situation was "generally stable" along its border with India, days after the troops of the two countries clashed in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh, resulting in minor injuries to some soldiers on both sides. At a media briefing here, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang…

Faith leaders, scholars discuss gender equality, environment on World Human…

On the occasion of World Human Rights Day on Saturday (10), the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA) and Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh in India's Himalayan state of Uttarakhand came together with faith leaders, scholars, academics, and artists from across the society to discuss how gender equality must go hand in…

Kemi Badenoch in India to ‘kickstart’ new round of FTA…

UK Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch arrives in New Delhi on Monday to “kickstart” the sixth round of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations and hold bilateral talks with her Indian counterpart Piyush Goyal. The new round marks the first formal meeting between the India-UK negotiating teams since July and the first…

What could precipitate heart attacks in the young? Experts give…

Widely conceived to occur in 'obese' and 'high-on-cholesterol' people, recent instances of young people 'collapsing' from heart attacks may tell a different, alarming story. Many videos have emerged showing people doing everyday activities such as walking on the street, working out at gyms and dancing at weddings before seemingly 'dropping'…

From Jacqueline’s ED interrogation to Boycott Trend: Top 5 Bollywood…

Controversies go synonymous with the Entertainment industry! And 2022 was rather full of them. Bollywood celebrities are known to get involved in some controversy or another and as mentioned above, this year was no different. As 2022 is coming to an end, we thought of going down memory lane and…

Visa delay issue raised with US, UK: India’s foreign minister

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday admitted that there is a delay in the issuing of foreign visas and said that at the ministerial level he had raised the matter with the Western countries including the US, UK, and Germany. While addressing the Agenda Aaj Tak 2022 in New…

India: 2019 Punjab blast mastermind extradited from Austria

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday arrested Bikramjit Singh, wanted in the 2019 Tarn Taran bomb blast case, at the Delhi airport after securing his extradition from Austria, an official spokesperson said. The official said Bikramjit Singh, alias Bikkar Panjwar, alias Bikkar Baba, was arrested after his extradition process…

Health benefits of Pomegranate peel you didn’t know about

We all are aware that fruits and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants and nutrients. But not many may be aware that even their peels and certain non-edible parts, which are mostly discarded can be very beneficial for health. Armen Adamjan, TikTok content creator and social media personality, recently, spoke about…

Indian High Commissioner presents credentials to King Charles

Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami presented his credentials to King Charles III at Buckingham Palace in London on Thursday (8), marking the formal start of his UK posting. Doraiswami is the first Indian envoy to be received at the palace by the King since the death of…

Do you use baby skincare products? Here’s why you shouldn’t

It’s important to pay attention to the kind of products you apply on your skin, especially those with sensitive skin, need to be more cautious as any product that doesn’t suit the skin could lead to itchiness, redness, inflammation, acne, and so on. You’ve probably heard that those with sensitive…

BJP heads for historic win in Gujarat; Congress posts worst…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday headed for a record victory in Gujarat as the counting of votes entered the last leg, giving the ruling party a lead in 100 seats and a win in another 57 seats in the 182-member state assembly. The Congress party was…

My playlist – Akhil Sahni

Great music continues to be produced by talented independent artists like Akhil Sahni. The singer, songwriter, and musician based between London and New Delhi recently released his fabulous fourth single Let Us Be Apart. The soulful song about trying to stay away from someone that isn’t good for you mixes…

India could see over 34 million job losses due to…

Severe heat waves, responsible for thousands of deaths across India over the last few decades, are increasing with alarming frequency and soon the country could become one of the first places in the world to experience heat waves that break the human survivability limit, according to a new report. The…

India is home to a great diversity of faiths: US

India, the world's largest democracy, is home to a great diversity of faiths, the United States said Tuesday noting that it will continue to encourage New Delhi to uphold its commitments to protect religious freedom for all. The United States has designated 12 countries, including China, Pakistan and Myanmar, as…

PM Modi to inaugurate Pramukh Swami Maharaj centenary fest in…

The five year-long centennial celebrations around the globe will culminate in the final, month-long, grand celebrations in Ahmedabad in the western Indian state of Gujarat between December 15, 2022, and January 15, 2023. The festivity, which is expected to attract several thousands of followers of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan…

Hailey Bieber recently revealed she has ovarian cyst – Should…

Twenty-six-year-old Hailey Baldwin Bieber, model and wife of singer Justin Bieber recently revealed on her Instagram account that she has a large ovarian cyst. Posting a picture of herself with her shirt pulled up to reveal her stomach, the model wrote, "I have a cyst on my ovary, the size…

Paresh Rawal draws flack over ‘Fish’ remark, issues apology for…

The Hera Pheri actor Paresh Rawal recently came under fire for a statement he made during an election rally in Gujarat. During his speech addressing the crowd, he said "Gas cylinders are expensive, but their price will come down. People will get employment too. But what will happen if Rohingya…

Modi’s home state Gujarat votes, seen as easy mid-term test…

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state of Gujarat began voting on Thursday with his party expected to win a seventh straight term, but any unexpected slip could herald a tighter contest in national polls due by 2024. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has not lost in the western industrial…

India will resume work in at least 20 stalled projects…

The Taliban dispensation in Afghanistan has said that India will resume work on at least 20 stalled projects in several provinces across the war-torn country. In June, India re-established its diplomatic presence in Kabul by deploying a "technical team" in its embassy in the Afghan capital. India withdrew its officials…

‘Didn’t expect this from you’: Prakash Raj condemns Akshay Kumar…

South actor Prakash Raj, on Friday, confronted actor Akshay Kumar for calling out Richa Chadha over her comment about the 2020 Galwan clash, in which several Indian Army soldiers died. Taking to Twitter, Prakash Raj reacted to Akshay's tweet and wrote, "Didn't expect this from you @akshaykumar..having said that @RichaChadha…

Amitabh Bachchan’s name, photo, and voice cannot be used without…

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan’s name, photo, voice or any other attributes cannot be used without his permission, the Delhi High Court directed on Friday. The court said that the plaintiff, who is a well-known personality and is represented in various advertisements, is “aggrieved by the defendants using his celebrity status…

Indian with $1 million bounty on his head for murdering…

The Delhi Police on Friday arrested a person accused of killing an Australian woman in Queensland in 2018. The Australian Police had offered 1 million Australian dollars to exchange information about the accused Rajwinder Singh who killed Toyah Cordingley in 2018. Accused Rajwinder Singh was arrested after a joint operation…

Someone like Nehra is more suited to a T20 coaching…

Harbhajan Singh feels someone like Ashish Nehra must be part of India's T20 coaching setup as he knows the shortest format perhaps better than current head coach Rahul Dravid. Nehra retired from the game in 2017 and earlier this year coached Gujarat Titans to the title on their IPL debut.…

Richa Chadha apologizes after being trolled over ‘Galwan says hi’…

Bollywood actor Richa Chadha has issued an apology statement through a tweet after being slammed on social media for posting a tweet on the 2020 Galwan clash, in which several Indian Army soldiers died. Taking to Twitter, Richa wrote, "Even though it can never be my intention in the least,…

UK-India culture season is a chance to celebrate ‘living bridge’…

LAST week, I had the privilege of visiting India on behalf of the British Council, an experience which has prompted much reflection on the changing relationship between India and the UK. India, the world’s fifth biggest economy, is destined to be its most populous country – with a median age…

Fugitive diamantaire Jatin Mehta faces heat from London High Court

Diamantaire Jatin Mehta and his family continue to feel the heat of financial squeeze as the High Court in London has refused to discharge them from the Worldwide Freezing Order (WFO) for $932.5 million for now.Mehta, his wife Sonia and sons Vishal and Suraj have been accused of defrauding banks…

I have matured as a leader, and can take tough…

Dithering and indecision are a thing of the past for Shikhar Dhawan, who as the leader of the pack does not hesitate in taking decisions that individuals may despise but are beneficial for the Indian team. The left-handed batter is getting ready to lead India in the three-match ODI series…

Deepak Chopra joins Vikas Khanna’s documentary ‘Barefoot Empress’ as executive…

World-renowned speaker and author Dr Deepak Chopra has joined Vikas Khanna's award-winning short documentary 'Barefoot Empress'  as the executive producer. Directed by Khanna, a Michelin-starred chef and social impact filmmaker, and produced by Academy Award-nominated Doug Roland, the film talks about 96-year-old Karthyayani Amma as she realises her life-long dream…

One should not get into acting just for money and…

One of the finest actors working in the Hindi film industry today is Pankaj Tripathi. From featuring in a blink-and-miss role in 'Run' (2004) to headlining mainstream projects like 'Mirzapur', 'Ludo', 'Kaagaz' and 'Criminal Justice', the 47-year-old, who hails from a village in India's northeastern state of Bihar, has come…

Every 11 minutes, a woman or girl is killed by…

Asserting that a woman or a girl is killed every 11 minutes by an intimate partner or a family member, UN chief Antonio Guterres has said that violence against them is the most pervasive "human rights violation" in the world and called on governments to implement national action plans that…

India-UK trade pact a high priority, next round of talks…

The proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the UK is a high priority for both countries and the next round of negotiations is slated to happen next month, commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday. He said that things are progressing well and it will yield…

Kartik brilliant choice for Hera Pheri 3, makers and Akshay…

Bollywood star Suniel Shetty has said he is thrilled about Kartik Aaryan joining the "Hera Pheri" franchise and clarified that the actor has not replaced his co-star Akshay Kumar in the upcoming third part. The popular comedy film series revolves around three men Raju (Kumar), Shyam (Shetty) and Babu Bhaiya…

All about actor Kartik Aaryan

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW BIRTHDAY SPECIAL ON THE RED HOT BOLLYWOOD STAR Brilliantly talented actor Kartik Aaryan has risen from humble beginning to become a bankable Bollywood star with a big following. His relatability and charm in successful films has enabled him to make a strong connection with cross-generational…

Sunak approves 3,000 visas for Indians after meeting Modi

Britain to offer 3,000 places annually to 18–30 year-old degree-educated Indians to come to the UK to live and work for up to two years. The reciprocal route will open in early 2023. It is reported that India will be the first visa-national country to benefit from the new visa…

Time to confirm ambassador to India, says top Indian-American Congressman

It is time to confirm a US Ambassador to India, a top Indian-American Congressman said noting that for nearly two years now there has been no American envoy in New Delhi. "The US needs a strong defense and strategic partnership with India, especially in the face of escalating aggression from…

‘Uunchai is the story of friendship, adventure and reaching one’s…

The latest offering from Rajshri, one of the most respected film production houses in India, promises to warm our hearts this winter by taking us to the Himalayas. Uunchai is the story of friendship, adventure, and reaching one’s own heights in the course of life. The story tackles many aspects…

Decided to take break, want to be with family: Aamir…

After focusing the last 35 years of his life on work, Bollywood star Aamir Khan said it is time he took some time off, maybe "a year and a half", to prioritise his family over his career in films. The actor said he was supposed to start preparing for a…

Gruesome Delhi murder shocks India: Boyfriend kills live-in partner, chops…

Delhi police claimed to have solved a six-month-old murder case, and arrested a man for allegedly killing his 28-year-old live-in partner, chopping her body into 35 pieces, and disposing of the body parts at different places in and around the national capital. Officials said that the accused identified as Aftab,…

Netizens hail comparison of MS Dhoni lifting the World Cup…

The comparison of Yash bringing glory to the nation with MS Dhoni's lifting the World Cup for the nation is winning love from the netizens. There are very rare moments that leave a strong imprint of their existence in history and are remembered for the ages. One such glorious moment…

US Treasury removes India from its Currency Monitoring List

The US Department of Treasury on Friday (11) removed India along with Italy, Mexico, Thailand and Vietnam from its Currency Monitoring List of major trading partners that merit close attention to their currency practices and macroeconomic policies. India had been on the list for the last two years. The move…

UK, India need each other now more than ever: Boris…

Ties between the United Kingdom and India will remain on a “phenomenal upward trajectory” under Indian-origin UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, that country’s former premier Boris Johnson said on Saturday. The two countries need each other now more than ever as “we live in dangerous and turbulent times”, he said.…

‘No Shame Movement’ – A noble initiative by IAS Officer…

The crowd of 1500 + girls with palpable excitement filled the auditorium of Daulat Ram College, the University of Delhi as they witnessed the warm entry of renowned personalities like Abhishek Singh, Actor, and IAS, Rakul Preet, Actress. The topic of the talk show grabbed even more attention as in…

Hidden story of a cult classic

This week marks the 30th anniversary of Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, which released to great acclaim on November 13, 1992. The first big film headlined by Shah Rukh Khan kick-started a remarkable rise that would turn him into Bollywood’s biggest global star within five years. The story of a young…

India to overtake China in number of US Visas issued…

India is expected to surpass China in getting the number of US visas by 2023 and will be ranked two in the issuance of visas after Mexico, a Senior US Embassy official said. "We expect that India will surpass China in getting the number of US visas by next year's…

Farmers cite lack of options as stubble burning turns air…

Smoke billows out of the fields in India's Punjab state as several thousand acres of crop stubble are set on fire, wrapping surrounding areas in a thick, grey blanket. The national capital Delhi and surrounding areas are enveloped in a layer of smog each winter as cold, heavy air traps…

India-based hacking gang targeted Qatar World Cup critics: Report

An India-based computer hacking gang targeted critics of the Qatar World Cup, an investigation by British journalists said on Sunday, as the Qatari government furiously denied it had played any part in commissioning the eavesdropping. A database leaked to Britain's Sunday Times and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism revealed the…

Court approves extradition of arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari to India…

A London court on Monday ruled that Sanjay Bhandari, an accused middleman and consultant in arms deals, can be extradited to India to face charges of tax evasion and money laundering. The 60-year-old faced two extradition requests from the Indian authorities, the first related to money laundering and the second…

Meet these two Indians who are among finalists for Prince…

Afloral waste project which converts flowers dispersed into the river Ganga into sustainable leather called Fleather and a greenhouse-in-a-box solution for small farmers are among this year’s finalists from India for Prince William’s Earthshot Prize, dubbed the Eco Oscars. Phool and Kheyti are among 15 worldwide projects in the running…

Disco Dancer: 21 facts about the Bollywood blockbuster ahead of…

Bollywood movie Disco Dancer was a big blockbuster success when it released in 1982 and has become a cult classic largely thanks to the winning soundtrack. The story of a slum dweller dreaming of a better life for himself and hoping to dance his way to success while battling dark…

India says working ‘sincerely’ with UK on free trade agreement

India on Thursday said it is working “sincerely” with the UK for finalisation of the proposed free trade agreement, days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Rishi Sunak agreed on the “early conclusion” of the deal. “Both sides are working sincerely on the free trade agreement,” External…

India asks Canada to prevent anti-India activities by individuals, and…

India on Thursday reiterated its concern over certain forces planning a so-called referendum in Canada on their demand for Khalistan and called upon that country to prevent anti-India activities by individuals and groups based there. It also urged Canada to designate as terrorists under its laws those individuals and entities…

EXCLUSIVE: Starmer tells Asians: “Thank you for making Britain better”

LABOUR does not take the British south Asian vote for granted, party leader Sir Keir Starmer told Eastern Eye. He also revealed his determination to work as “grown up” partners with the communities and his ambition to be the next prime minister. In an exclusive and wide-ranging interview prior to…

My cinema an aspirational take on my real-life experiences, says…

He made his directorial debut with the young romance “Maine Pyaar Kiya” right after graduating from college and since then filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya says his films have reflected various stages of his life. With “Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!” and “Vivah”, he explored marriage in different eras. He presented a nuanced…

Salman Khan given Y-Plus category security following death threat from…

Bollywood star Salman Khan, who had previously applied for a weapon license for self-protection, will now be provided with Y+ category security by the Mumbai police as the actor is perceived to be under threat. The Maharashtra state government has taken this step after the actor received a threat letter…

Gujarat tragedy: What is a suspension bridge? What possibly led…

What is a suspension bridge? How does it transfer the load to the ground? Those were questions on the minds of many on Monday, a day after a century-old suspension bridge in Gujarat's Morbi over the Machchhu river collapsed, leaving at least 134 people dead. Just before the bridge collapsed,…

Britain prioritising India trade deal but can’t give timeline, says…

Britain is prioritising reaching a free-trade agreement with India, its foreign minister told Reuters on Saturday in his first visit to the country, but declined to give a new deadline after missing one this month.James Cleverly said after a meeting with his Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar in New Delhi that…

‘Excited’ about what UK, India can achieve as they deepen…

Britain's new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Thursday (27) thanked his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi for congratulating him on his new role, saying he was "excited" about what the two great democracies can achieve as they deepen their security, defence and economic partnership. His comment came soon after Prime Minister…

Kashmir issue should be resolved by India, Pakistan through dialogue,…

China on Thursday said India and Pakistan should resolve the Kashmir issue through dialogue and consultations and avoid taking “unilateral actions” that could further complicate the situation. Replying to a question on the Kashmir issue raised by a Pakistani journalist, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning during a media briefing…

‘All faiths welcome in Canada…’ Canadian High Commissioner to India,…

"All faiths are welcome in Canada", said Canadian High Commissioner to India, Cameron MacKay on Thursday in response to how Canada was dealing with increasing anti-India elements in his country. "In Canada, we love people of all faiths," he responded to a question by ANI. The envoy who was visiting…

Festival frames the changing shades in south Asian cinema

THE recently concluded BFI London Film Festival returned in its “new normal” form with brilliant venue partners extending to 10 cities around the UK. Along with a vibrant selection of features, documentaries and shorts, the series and immersive programming have become an integral part of the festival. The films from…

Young Indian woman dies ‘suddenly’ due to rare complication during…

Experts have revealed that a young lady undergoing IVF treatment died “suddenly” due to an extremely rare complication called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). OHSS reportedly affects one in three women undergoing IVF but fewer than 1% of cases end up as severe, The Sun informs. According to experts, in vitro…

Here’s how Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas celebrated their Diwali…

Actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas celebrated Diwali with her husband Nick Jonas and daughter Malti Marie. On Wednesday, the American singer shared a glimpse of the intimate celebrations. Taking to his Instagram handle, Nick treated fans to a family picture from Diwali puja. In the first picture, the 'Mary Kom' actor…

India, Pakistan on cusp of history to share pride as…

With Rishi Sunak on the threshold of becoming the first non-white prime minister of Britain, arch-rivals India and Pakistan are on the cusp of history to share a pride, though none of them played a role in it. Sunak’s grandparents originated from British India but their birthplace Gujranwala lies in…

Cough-syrup scandal: How did it end up killing 70 children…

The director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) said earlier this month that ingredients in four cough syrups manufactured in India may have been linked to acute kidney injuries and deaths of 66 kids in the west African country of The Gambia and that the products might have also been…

Money laundering case: Jacqueline Fernandez appears at Delhi Court for…

Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez, on Saturday, appeared at Patiala House court in Delhi along with her lawyer Prashant Patil for the hearing of her bail plea in connection with Rs 200 crore ((approximately £2,14,34,155.10) money laundering case involving conman Sukesh Chandrashekar and others. Last month Jacqueline was granted interim bail…

Shocking! Exposure to air pollution linked to rise in obesity…

There are many causes of obesity including the regular consumption of processed and fast food, trans fatty acids, and sugar, combined with large portion sizes and decreased physical activity. But a new University of Michigan study suggests that air pollution too may affect weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and…

Don’t want to work just to be seen on screen,…

Shefali Shah says she is ''obsessed'' with work but none of her career choices stem from a desire to be continuously seen on screen. In 2022, the versatile actor has featured in critical successes such as shows "Human" and ''Delhi Crime 2'', as well as movies "Jalsa" with Vidya Balan,…

Deal more important than date: Trade Secretary on India trade…

The free trade agreement (FTA) talks between India and the UK are "progressing well" and a deal that works for both sides is more important than the date when it is signed, Britain’s Trade Policy Minister Greg Hands said with reference to the now abandoned Diwali deadline for a draft…

On track to process visa applications within standard of 15…

British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis on Tuesday said that they are on track to get back to processing India to UK visa applications within our standard of 15 days. https://twitter.com/AlexWEllis/status/1582414674280460288?s=20&t=TpC6vGnwP-zYE_NXJOKBcQ "We are on track to get back to processing India to Great Britain #visa applications within our standard…

Eager to secure trade deal with India, says Home Secretary…

Home Secretary Suella Braverman has said the UK is eager to secure a trade deal with India to boost both economies and that Brexit has meant that Britain no longer has a Eurocentric mindset towards trade or visas. Addressing a Diwali event organised by UK-based India Global Forum (IGF) in…

Indian student stabbed 11 times in Australia in alleged racial…

The Indian mission in Australia is providing consular assistance to a 28-year-old student from the north-western city of Agra who was stabbed multiple times in Sydney and is under "serious but stable" condition after undergoing surgery at a local hospital. "The Indian Consulate in Sydney has provided consular assistance to…

UK to honour 75 Indian students, alumni to mark South…

The UK is set to honour 75 Indian students and alumni for excellence in fields such as education, professional achievement, and making contributions to society, on the occasion of India's 75 years of Independence. On Wednesday (12), the nomination process for India's 75 achievers -- the Achievers Honours was declared…

India-UK trade deal on verge of ‘collapse’ over visa comments:…

The India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) is reportedly on the verge of collapse after the Indian government was angered by comments made by UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman questioning action over visa overstayers from the country, a UK media report claimed on Wednesday. The Times' newspaper quoted government sources to…

Interpol sends back India’s red notice request against SFJ founder…

The Interpol has sent back India's request seeking a Red Notice against founder of pro-khalistan group Sikhs for Justice, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, with a set of queries, officials said Wednesday (12). The Central Bureau of Investigation, which is the national central bureau of India to liaison with the Interpol, had…

‘West didn’t supply weapons for decades’: India’s foreign minister defends…

India has a substantial inventory of Soviet and Russian-origin weapons because the Western countries opted for a military dictatorship in the region as its preferred partner and did not supply weapons to New Delhi for decades, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Monday, in an apparent reference to Pakistan.…

Minister asked to have filmmaker Sajid Khan removed from Indian…

Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal has written to Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur demanding the ouster of filmmaker Sajid Khan from the reality show Bigg Boss over allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him by several women during the #MeToo movement. The first episode of Bigg…

1984 marks one of ‘darkest’ years in modern Indian history:…

The anti-Sikh riots of 1984 marks one of the “darkest” years in modern Indian history, a US senator has said, as underlined the need to remember the atrocities committed against Sikhs so that those responsible may be held accountable. Violence erupted in Delhi and other parts of the country after…

68th National Film Awards: Ajay Devgn receives Best Actor honour…

Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn on Friday was conferred with the National Award for Best Actor and Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment for 'Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior' at the 68th National Film Awards. For the award ceremony, the actor donned a black suit as he received the award from President…

Truly a moment I’ll never forget: Suriya after winning National…

Actor Suriya won the National Award for Best Actor for 'Soorarai Pottru' on Friday. President Draupadi Murmu presented him with the award in New Delhi. Upon receiving the honour, Suriya, while speaking to ANI, expressed his elation and said, "Huge honour. Truly grateful to the National Film Award jury and…

Preet Kaur Gill MP elated as her campaign to increase…

Preet Kaur Gill, the British shadow secretary of state for international development, has welcomed Air India's plan to increase flights between Birmingham and India from one a week to six. Reacting to the Indian carrier's decision to add more weekly flights to the UK, the MP for Birmingham Edgbaston said,…

UK ‘working intensly’ with India for FTAs: UK Foreign Secy

The UK is "working intensely" with India to achieve the Free Trade Agreements soon, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said. This comes after Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal had said the UK is keen to stick to the Diwali deadline for free trade agreements. "We have signed Free Trade Agreements…

Aishwarya Rai has stolen everyone’s heart, says Vikram

It seems like actor Vikram is Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's huge admirer. The actor, who will be seen sharing screen space with Aishwarya in 'Ponniyin Selvan', recently spoke about how the actress has stolen many hearts with her beauty and work. "She has stolen everyone's heart. Ash has always been symbolic…

Sadbhaavna Sammelan Celebrates 90 years of Harijan Sevak Sangh in…

Hon’ble Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankharji  joined HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, President of Parmarth Niketan, Co-Founder of Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, Padma Bhushan Bindeshwar Pathak, Founder of Sulabh International, alongside Harijan Sevak Sangh President, Shri Sankar Sanyalji, Vice Presidents of HSS  Shri Naresh Yadavji and Shri Laxmi Das as well as…

Will prefer to die in free democracy of India, rather…

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama on Thursday said that he would prefer to breathe his last surrounded by the genuine and loving people of India, a free and open democracy, rather than among "artificial" Chinese officials. He made these remarks during a two-day dialogue with youth leaders at his residence…

India conveys concerns to Canada about activities of extremist elements;…

Terming the so-called Khalistan referendum conducted by separatist groups as a "farcical exercise", India on Thursday said it had conveyed concerns to Canada about the use of its territory by politically motivated "extremist elements". Some Canadian groups had participated in the separatist event in Brampton city of Canada on September…

Pak spy agency ISI considers me its ‘enemy’, says Indian-American…

Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has said that Pakistan's spy agency ISI considers him an "enemy" because of his stand against the radicals in the South Asian country. The Democratic Party lawmaker from Illinois said this while addressing community members during a fundraiser hosted by him in Boston at the residence…

India, UK working to meet Diwali deadline for FTA: Piyush…

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said the UK is keen to stick to the Diwali deadline for India-UK free trade agreement and both countries are working towards it. He referred to the passing away of Queen Elizabeth II and said "as we are expanding our engagements, the UK…

Forever in our hearts: Bollywood mourns the demise of Raju…

Jovial, vibrant, and full of life -- the Indian film and television fraternity outpoured its love for comedian Raju Srivastav who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 58. Paying condolences, superstar Hrithik Roshan took to Twitter and wrote, "Forever in our hearts. Rest in peace Raju Srivastava Sir.…

India will overtake the UK to become 3rd largest economy…

India will overtake the United Kingdom to become the third largest economy by the end of the decade and thus New Delhi and London need to work together, British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis said on Tuesday. "For two economies roughly the same size, India will grow fast overtaking…

Fabulous south Asian features and shorts at this year’s London…

This year’s London Film Festival runs from October 5-16 and once again has a strong south Asian line-up, which touch upon diverse genres and have interesting storylines. There will be cinema screenings, and some films will be available online. Eastern Eye looked ahead to the annual event, with a preview…

Priyanka Chopra shares pictures from her first trip with daughter…

Global icon Priyanka Chopra, on Tuesday, shared pictures from her first trip with her daughter Malti Marie to New York. Taking to Instagram, the 'Don' actor shared a couple of pictures which she captioned, "Our first trip to the big apple." In the first picture, Priyanka could be seen seated…

Nick Jonas calls Priyanka Chopra “a treasure” as he shares…

Singer Nick Jonas and global star Priyanka Chopra never leave a chance to express their love for each other. On Sunday, Nick shared a video on his social media and called Priyanka "a treasure" for making him feel so loved. Taking to Instagram, Nick dropped a reel video in which…

Indian President Murmu arrives in London to attend funeral of…

President Droupadi Murmu arrived in London on Saturday (17) evening to attend the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and to offer condolences on behalf of the Indian government. Queen Elizabeth II, who died aged 96 at her summer residence of Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8, is lying-in-state…

Raj Aggarwal: My recollections of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

It was my great privilege be appointed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to serve as her representative in South Glamorgan as Deputy Lord Lieutenant and also as Honorary Captain in the Royal Navy. During that time I was incredibly lucky to have met her on a number of occasions,…

Justin Bieber’s India tour gets cancelled due to singer’s health…

Singer Justin Bieber, who was supposed to perform in India in October 2022, has called off his concert due to his health issues. BookMyShow, on Thursday, confirmed the update by issuing an official statement. "We are extremely disappointed to share that the 'Justin Bieber Justice World Tour - India' scheduled…

‘She was our family’s Shakti, guru and guide’

HOW do you begin to write about someone so deeply loved and to whom you owe your very existence? It is impossible to sum up in words what my mother meant to us as a family, but the extraordinary story of her life needs to be told, however inadequate mere…

What happened in 1984 was not riots, it was genocide:…

Diljit Dosanjh’s upcoming film “Jogi” is set during the 1984 anti-Sikh massacre, an event the actor-singer insists should be called a “genocide”. Violence erupted in Delhi and other parts of the country after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984. Over 3,000…

‘Took data by cloning server, phones’: NGO Oxfam India on…

Think tank Centre for Policy Research and the Indian arm of global NGO Oxfam said they were compliant with domestic laws and have extended all cooperation to Income Tax authorities who surveyed their premises this week as part of an FCRA probe. The tax department launched the survey operation on…

King Charles’ wife Camilla to get Kohinoor diamond crown, suggests…

With Charles succeeding his mother Queen Elizabeth II as the British monarch, his wife Camilla is set to get the crown which holds the famous Indian-origin Kohinoor diamond.The Queen Concert will receive the crown when the formal coronation of the new king takes place after the mourning of Elizabeth who…

Delhi cab driver arrested for masturbating in front of 23-year-old…

A cab driver was arrested for allegedly playing with himself in front of a UK-based woman and her friend while ferrying them to a hotel in south Delhi, police said on Sunday, adding the duo left the country after the incident. The accused, Maakhan Lal, a native of Lalganj district…

Movement for Bangla language gave us Independence from Pakistan, says…

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina while expressing her love for her mother tongue Bangla, said it was the large-scale language movement that gave Bangladesh its Independence from Pakistan five decades back. "When Pakistan was formed, Urdu language was imposed upon us. A language movement started across our country and we…

Foundation Ceremony of Architectural Masterpiece for Cultural Harmony in France

BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) – an international socio-spiritual organisation affiliated to the UN and with major centres in London, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, New Delhi, Nairobi, Abu Dhabi and Sydney – is beginning work on its next major project, in Paris.  The foundation stone-laying ceremony for what has been…

Ishwar Sharma: Meet this 12-year-old yoga prodigy from Kent

Last month, Indian-origin yoga prodigy Ishwar Sharma was honoured by the government of the southern Indian state of Karnataka at the Yogathon 2022 event held at the Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, the state capital. He was honoured by the state's sports minister, C Narayanagowda. At 12, Ishwar is already an…

Silicon Valley start-up using tech to make Indian voices ‘sound…

A Silicon Valley start-up has been converting Indian-accented voices using Artificial intelligence to make them sound American, according to media reports. The start-up Sanas has told the BBC that its technology could overcome accent-based prejudice and reduce racist abuse faced by staff. But, the firm has been accused of ‘bias…

American Sikh journalist deported within hours of landing in India,…

A Punjabi American documentary producer, whose recent request for a journalist visa was rejected by India, was deported within hours of his arrival in Delhi, his family said on Thursday. Angad Singh, who had made a documentary on the prolonged protests against India’s contentious Citizenship Act, landed in the national…

UK intelligence agencies tipped off India about Jagtar Singh Johal…

A rights group has accused the UK’s intelligence agencies of sharing information with Indian authorities about a Sikh campaigner before his “unlawful arrest”. Jagtar Singh Johal, from Dumbarton in Scotland, was detained in the north Indian state of Punjab while he was shopping with his wife in November 2017. In…

Vikram Doraiswami appointed India’s High Commissioner to the UK

Vikram Doraiswami, presently Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the UK, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Tuesday. "Shri Vikram K. Doraiswami (IFS: 1992), presently High Commissioner of India to the People's Republic of Bangladesh, has been appointed…

India’s enviable economic boom

THE 1990s were a time of hope in India. One of my jobs at the Daily Telegraph was to travel regularly to India and do surveys of the Indian economy. While I would do the journalistic interviews, an accompanying colleague from advertising would try to persuade captains of industry to…

Will need more than Lord Krishna to win, British envoy…

The dry British humour was on its best display at Delhi's Iskcon temple on Friday as UK High Commissioner Alex Ellis made fun of a Manchester United fan who was praying for divine intervention on Janmashtami for the struggling English Premier League (EPL) side. Alex Ellis took time to have…

Celebrating India at 75

I AM old enough to remember the day of independence in 1947. I was young and excited, though barely able to understand what it meant. On the night of August 14, in the words of India’s first prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru (‘as the world slept’), I failed to stay…

Modi outlines vision for self-reliant India

PRIME MINISTER Narendra Modi said India will aim to become a developed nation within 25 years as the country marked 75 years of independence on Monday (15), with the leaders of Britain, the US and France sending congratulatory messages. In his traditional address to the nation from Delhi’s historic Red…

‘We are all praying for you, waiting for you’: Rajpal…

Bollywood actor and comedian Rajpal Yadav has sent his best wishes to Raju Srivastava, who is admitted to the intensive care unit at AIIMS, New Delhi. Rajpal took to his Instagram handle and posted a video in which he was heard saying that he is eagerly waiting for him to…

Jacqueline shares ‘Dear me…’ cryptic note after being named in…

Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez has shared a cryptic note on her Instagram, after being named in the chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate in the Rs 200 crore (USD 25 million approx) extortion case against conman Sukesh Chandrashekar. Taking to Instagram, the 'Race 3' actor shared a post on Wednesday,…

Stellar rise of special star Shefali Shah

Noted actress discusses her impactful work in Darlings and Delhi Crime Whether it is film, television, or a hard-hitting web series, Shefali Shah has carved out a fearsome reputation for choosing strong material and making every role she portrays memorable. The critically acclaimed actress once again shows off her impressive…

India has never been defensive about its stand on buying…

The US and other nations in the world may not appreciate India buying Russian oil, but they have accepted it as New Delhi has not been defensive about its stand but made them realise the obligation the government has to its people amidst "unreasonably high" oil and gas prices, External…

Uganda envoy Madhvani to focus on trade with UK

NIMISHA MADHVANI, whose appointment as Uganda’s high commissioner in London was reported in Eastern Eye last December, took up her post last week. She does so at an important phase in Uganda-UK relations. First, 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of Idi Amin’s expulsion of 90,000 Uganda Asians, nearly 30,000 of…

UK PM Johnson hails ‘thriving Living Bridge’ on India’s 76th…

Prime Minister Boris Johnson led India's 75th Independence Day celebrations in the UK on Monday with a throwback image from Sabarmati Ashram during his visit to Gujarat earlier this year. Congratulations to the people of India on 75 years of independence, he said. "During my recent visit to Gujarat and…

Priyanka Chopra gives a glimpse of her daughter’s reading session

Priyanka Chopra, on Monday morning, treated her fans by sharing new pictures of her daughter Malti Marie. Taking to Instagram Story, the 'Dostana' star dropped a string of images of Malti. In the first picture, the little one is seen lying on her stomach with a book kept in front…

PM Modi gives 5 pledges ‘Panch Prans’ to fulfil dreams…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called on the people of India to take "panch pran" (five pledges) for a developed nation and aim to fulfil the dreams of the freedom fighters by the year 2047- the 100th year of India's Independence. The Prime Minister while addressing the nation on…

Deutsche Bank’s former India-born co-CEO Anshu Jain dies after long…

Anshu Jain, Deutsche Bank's former India-born co-CEO, who played a crucial role in the development of the German bank, has died after a nearly five-year battle with cancer.Deutsche Bank said in a statement Saturday that it "mourns the death of its former Co-CEO Anshu Jain, who passed away in the…

Complaint filed against Aamir Khan for hurting Hindu sentiments and…

With his latest film Laal Singh Chaddha, Aamir Khan returned to the silver screen after a long period of four years as he was last seen in Yash Raj Films’ Thugs of Hindostan, which also starred Amitabh Bachchan and Fatima Sana Shaikh in lead roles. Just like Thugs of Hindostan,…

India, UK conclude fifth round of talks for FTA

India and the United Kingdom concluded the fifth round of talks for an India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) last month, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Thursday. The ministry said that negotiation officials undertook these technical talks in a hybrid fashion - with some of the teams meeting…

Genevieve Sabherwal: Speed Dial for mystery, puzzles, and physical comedy

High energy stage play Speed Dial has been delighting audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe festival. The 1970s-set physical comedy thriller, filled with puzzles, a mystery and funny moments, has a talented cast that includes Genevieve Sabherwal. The talented British actress is enjoying being on stage with fellow cast members and…

‘I love every character I’ve played but DCP Vartika Chaturvedi…

Shefali Shah, who has been receiving glowing reviews for her performance in Netflix’s latest release Darlings, is now awaiting the premiere of the second season of her International Emmy-winning show Delhi Crime. Directed by Richie Mehta, Delhi Crime premiered on Netflix in 2020 and turned out to be an instant…

Is Pakistan going the Sri Lanka way?

Seventy-five years of the independent polity have been tumultuous and turbulent for the state of Pakistan. Oscillating between military rule and civilian governments, the country to date has failed to witness even one complete five-year tenure of any of its Prime Ministers. This offbeat political tug of war has raised…

Justin Beiber issues apology to an Instagram user; read why

Justin Beiber is known to be very kind to his friends and fans and has on numerous occasions won the hearts of many with his generosity. On Sunday, the pop star took to his Instagram to apologise for "inappropriate comments" on a user's post. Justin mentioned that he had earlier…

Justin Beiber locks lips with Hailey as he tours Norway…

Justin Beiber and Hailey Beiber are undoubtedly one of the most adorable couples in the showbiz industry. The couple often makes sure to keep their fans happy by sharing cute, intimate pictures of themselves on social media. Justin and Hailey are currently in Norway where Justin performed on Sunday night.…

Indian drummer’s jagrata wins Justin Bieber’s heart – watch the…

An Indian drummer’s performance at a ‘jagrata’ has caught the attention of international pop singer Justin Bieber, who is all set to perform in the national capital this October. The music sensation shared on his Instagram account a video of the drummer in action while tagging friend and drummer Devon…

‘Advantage Truss unless Sunak springs surprise’

LIZ TRUSS has all the momentum in the race to be the next British prime minister. In theory, Rishi Sunak has five weeks and 10 more candidate debates before voting closes. In practice, this fortnight is crucial. Ballot papers drop through letterboxes from this week. Half of members may send…

‘It’s one of the best feelings’: Akshay Kumar on being…

Superstar Akshay Kumar who has always been fastidious about paying his taxes was reportedly honoured recently by the Income Tax department as the country's "highest taxpayer". When asked about it, Akshay told ANI: "Ji mujhe kaha to yehi gaya hai (about being the highest taxpayer). I am really honoured. It…

Woman declared stateless in India, UK and Uganda, moves court

A 66-year-old woman living in Mumbai has been declared stateless in India, UK and Uganda. Ila Popat has been living in India for 55 years and has driving licence, voter identity card and Aadhar card. Last month, Popat approached Bombay High Court to issue a passport so that she can…

China says its massive loans, projects did not push Sri…

China on Thursday defended its massive infrastructure ventures and investments in crisis-hit Sri Lanka and said that they have "boosted" its economic development, amid criticism from the US of Beijing's unproductive projects and opaque loan deals among the reasons for the country's bankruptcy. The China-Sri Lanka practical cooperation has always…

IPL’s global dominance in T20 franchise cricket is dangerous, says…

Former Australia captain Adam Gilchrist on Wednesday voiced concerns over the Indian Premier League's (IPL) expanding global footprint, saying the cash-rich league's efforts to monopolise T20 franchise cricket are becoming "a little bit dangerous." Gilchrist's comments came in the wake of reports in Australian media saying batter David Warner will…

This Pakistani girl with neck bent at 90 degrees was…

An Indian doctor successfully performed complicated surgeries to straighten a Pakistani teenage girl’s neck which had been bent 90 degrees, in “probably the first case of its kind in the world”.Afsheen Gul, now 13, had fallen from her sister’s arm when she was aged 10 months in the Sindh province…

Ajay Devgn and Suriya share Best Actor at India’s 68th…

The winners of India’s 68th National Film Awards were announced on July 22, 2022, in New Delhi. Established in 1954, the prestigious National Film Awards are administered by the Government of India’s Directorate of Film Festivals. What made the 68th National Film Awards special was the fact that the ceremony…

Emmy Award-winning Netflix series Delhi Crime returns with Season 2;…

After receiving a thunderous response and record viewership for Delhi Crime in 2019, Netflix is gearing up to launch the second season of the Emmy Award-winning series. Shefali Shah is back as DCP Vartika Chaturvedi to take on a new threat. In addition to Shah, the much-loved series also stars…

Nandita Das: Film rebel with a cause

FILMMAKER AND ACTRESS DISCUSSES HER FEARLESS CINEMA JOURNEY She might have made a name for herself as one of the finest actresses of her generation, but Nandita Das is now more focused on filmmaking. She has just directed her third movie, which revolves around a delivery rider and stars popular…

Justin Beiber set to perform in India in October; ticket…

Rejoice all Justin Beiber fans! Justi is back on his 'Justice' world tour and will soon be performing in India. Justin had earlier cancelled a lot of his shows in North America after being diagnosed with partial face paralysis, leaving millions of fans concerned. Now, as a part of the…

Prophet row: India’s SC grants protection to Nupur Sharma, issues…

THE Supreme Court on Tuesday (19) granted protection to suspended Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Nupur Sharma from arrest in multiple FIRs. The SC was hearing a plea moved by her seeking a stay on her possible arrest and clubbing nine cases filed against her across India in alleged hate…

ENG vs IND: Shikhar Dhawan likely to play his 150th…

SHIKHAR DHAWAN is likely to play the 150th one-day-international (ODI) match of his career on Tuesday (12) against England at The Oval in Kennington. With this, he will become the 21st player to represent Team India in 150 ODIs or more. Sachin Tendulkar (463), MS Dhoni (347), Rahul Dravid (340),…

Leena Manimekalai: Kaali is queer, a free spirit that spits…

Amid the ongoing Kaali poster row in the country, filmmaker Leena Manimekalai struck another stir as she referred to Goddess Kali as 'queer' and called her a free spirit who spits on patriarchy. Taking on a micro-blogging site she wrote that Kali dismantles Hindutva. "My Kaali is queer. She is…

A ‘friend’s thoughts’ on yoga, spirituality and life

Teacher and reformer Sri M gives meaningful insights in new book Everyone needs a friend – for hand-holding during life’s many crises, and one who can give good directions at the many crossroads we reach. Who better than a wise and gifted spiritual guru? The book, The Friend, is the…

My top 10 books – Dr Aman Singh Maharaj

A Dalliance with Destiny by Aman Singh Maharaj: The tale, set in South Africa and India, spans a century and follows the exploits of a young man searching for his epic life story. Using magical realism, the reader is taken through a guttural introduction of the woebegone archetype, wading through…

Twitter deletes Leena Manimekalai’s ‘Kaali’ poster tweet portraying a Hindu…

Microblogging site Twitter has removed the controversial July 2 tweet of filmmaker Leena Manimekalai. Leena had released the poster of the film Kaali via a tweet which led to outrage in India. The poster of her film depicted a woman dressed in a costume portraying the goddess and smoking. Reacting…

Pesticide storm in teacup: Excessive chemicals make brew ‘unfit for…

CONSIGNMENTS of Indian tea are being sent back because of the presence of excessive chemicals, amidst fears they are unfit for human consumption.Media reports last month said Taiwan and Iran sent back three containers of Indian tea, clouding New Delhi’s efforts to fill up the gap caused by the short…

PM Modi’s determination not to allow normalisation of cross-border terror…

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's determination that he would not allow cross-border terrorism to be normalised has helped in shaping India's Pakistan policy since 2014. Speaking at an event at Delhi University, S Jaishankar noted that Prime Minister Modi is perceived abroad…

Kaali poster showing Goddess smoking draws New Delhi’s ire; India…

The Indian High Commission in Canada on Monday urged the Canadian authorities to withdraw the ‘disrespectful depiction of Hindu Gods’ in the poster of Kaali, a film showcased as part of the 'Under the Tent' project at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto. The poster that was tweeted last Saturday…

Vikram Doraiswami: Here’s all you need to know about the…

VIKRAM DORAISWAMI, the current Indian Ambassador to Bangladesh, will become the Indian envoy to the UK. A 1992 batch Indian Foreign Service officer, Doraiswami is a Chinese speaker who has served as Indian ambassador to Uzbekistan, South Korea and served in US as well as private secretary to prime minister.…

Boris Johnson slams ‘arbitary detention’ of British citizen Jagtar Singh…

BRITISH prime minister Boris Johnson has said that he raised the issue of the arrest of Scotsman Jagtar Singh Johal alias Jaggi Johal with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi during his visit in April. He added that Johal has been “arbitrarily detained” in a Delhi jail, the Indian Express reported.…

India FTA by Diwali absolutely achievable’, says UK trade minister

Confirming that both sides are now getting on with the market access aspects of a trade deal, the minister in-charge of the negotiations on the UK government side said that some compromise and cooperation will be required on both sides to get a deal over the line. A free trade…

Mohammad Nazim: An impressive performer

Popular shows including two seasons of super hit drama Saath Nibhaana Saathiya have enabled Mohammad Nazim to show off his impressive range as a performer. The popular Indian actor is currently starring in Tera Mera Saath Rahe, wh­i­ch has quickly crossed ov­er 200 episodes since it pr­emiered last year. The…

‘Even before I met him, his journey felt too personal’:…

Bollywood star Taapsee Pannu says for an ardent fan like her, working in a Shah Rukh Khan-led movie "Dunki" is a personal achievement Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani is directing the movie from a script he co-wrote with Abhijaat Joshi and Kanika Dhillon As per media reports, "Dunki" will highlight the rampant…

New India-UK free trade treaty text advances at close of…

Detailed draft treaty text for a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the UK has been advanced across the majority of chapters at the conclusion of the fourth round of negotiations in London, the UK government said in a joint outcome statement on Monday. The Department for International…

Jacqueline Fernandez appears before ED for questioning in conman Chandrashekhar…

Actor Jacqueline Fernandez on Monday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for a fresh round of questioning and recording her statement in a money laundering case linked to alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar and others, officials said. The agency had in April provisionally attached Rs 7.27 crore funds of the Bollywood…

Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji meets vice president Venkaiah Naidu

HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati has met Indian vice president Venkaiah Naidu at his residence in New Delhi. Pujya Swamiji invited him to the Ganga Aarti and presented him with a Rudraksha plant and angavastram, a statement said. He also shared details about the recent International Yoga Day celebrations held at…

Gujarat government did not delay calling the Army to quell…

There was no delay on part of the Gujarat government in requisitioning the Army to deal with post-Godhra 2002 Gujarat riots, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said and noted that former Punjab DGP KPS Gill had termed the state government's action as "prompt and neutral". He also attacked Congress over…

The rapid-expanding Qmin App by IHCL is now downloadable in…

Qmin was born from a vision fuelled by guest feedback and IHCL’s drive towards ensuring complete guest satisfaction. As the pandemic gripped the country in March 2020, the need for the familiar taste of the food from our signature restaurants began to generate queries on how one could enjoy these…

Tata-owned Air India’s biggest aircraft purchase in history on cards

INDIA's Tata Group-owned Air India may order as many as 300 narrowbody jets in one of the largest orders in commercial aviation history as the airline plans to overhaul its fleet, the Bloomberg reported.  The carrier may order Airbus SE’s A320neo family jets or Boeing Co.’s 737 Max models, or…

Akshay Kumar breaks silence on his film Raksha Bandhan clashing…

Most recently seen in Yash Raj Films’ Samrat Prithviraj, Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar is now looking forward to the release of his next Raksha Bandhan. The trailer of the much-anticipated film was unveiled on Tuesday, June 21. Akshay was in Delhi for the trailer launch where he spoke about Raksha…

Nairita Chakraborty becomes commissioner of UK history preservation body

A British Indian architect and design advocate has been named as the commissioner of the public body overseeing the UK’s environment and heritage.  Nairita Chakraborty has been appointed as the commissioner of Historic England and will start her new role on July 1 for a term of four years until…

R Madhavan reveals SRK and Suriya did not charge single…

Shah Rukh Khan, the king of hearts for many due to his ability to make feel special, has smitten actor R Madhavan too who is completely awed by the superstar's humility. While promoting his upcoming film 'Rocketry: The Nambi Effect' in New Delhi on Monday, Madhavan revealed that SRK did…

No one is Queen Victoria or Prince: BJP ammid Congress’…

"No one is Queen Victoria or Prince in this country that they won't be probed, law is equal for all. Everyone is probed for corruption...The public knows about the involvement of a family and Rahul Gandhi's role in misusing the country's money through the National Herald scam. It is natural…

AA Dhand: ‘Asian crime fiction is no laughing matter’

A BRITSH ASIAN crime fiction novelist is taking his first short film to the prestigious Bradford Literature Festival. AA Dhand, 43, came to prominence with his series of novels about detective Harry Virdee, which were set in and around Dhand’s home city of Bradford. Since his first Virdee novel Streets of…

Top 10 reasons to get excited about Laal Singh Chaddha

BOLLYWOOD going through a terrible time in recent years has seen the quality of films plummet, but among the darkness is a bright light in the shape of forthcoming film Laal Singh Chaddha, which is set to shine when it is eventually released on August 11 after several delays and…

Hate comments don’t bother me at all, some of them…

After performing at actor Sonam Kapoor's baby shower, British-Pakistani singer Leo Kalyan, who prefers the pronouns he/she/they, found themselves at the receiving end of trolling on social media. A section of social media users criticised Leo for wearing a strappy dress at the bash. One Instagram user called out the…

Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal makes pitch for re-engagement with India

PAKISTAN's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Thursday (16) made a strong pitch for re-engaging with India, saying cutting ties with New Delhi would not serve the country's interests as Islamabad was already internationally isolated and disengaged. Addressing the Founding Day ceremony at the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad, Bilawal…

EXCLUSIVE: Fight to save Commonwealth

Commonwealth leaders have told Eastern Eye that the UK government is “hell bent on destroying the Commonwealth in pursuit of a colonial agenda”. This newspaper has previously reported on the campaign by Boris Johnson’s administration to oust the current boss of the organisation’s administrative arm, Patricia Scotland. But now her…

The House of Lords hosts lunch to honour ‘The Kashmir…

THE House of Lords on June 9 hosted a lunch in the honour of Indian filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri and actor-producer Pallavi Joshi, his spouse. The luncheon party for the makers of Bollywood film ‘The Kashmir Files’ was hosted by Lord Rami Ranger CBE. In his welcome address, Lord Ranger said,…

Over 500 million north Indians on track to lose 7.6…

ABOUT 510 million people living in north India are on track to lose 7.6 years of their life if the current air pollution levels persist, says a study, that calls pollution the greatest threat to human health in the country. Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC)'s Air…

Lord Buddha’s Holy Relics from India arrive in Mongolia

Buddhist devotees and the people in the Mongolian capital on Monday gave a rousing welcome to an Indian delegation led by Union Law and Justice Minister Kiren Rijiju as they arrived here with the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha. The four Holy Relics - known as the 'Kapilvastu Relics' were…

China wades into furore over controversial remarks against Prophet; hopes…

China on Monday waded into the furore over the controversial remarks by two now-suspended BJP functionaries against Prophet Mohammad, expressing the hope that the incident can be properly managed. China, which faces serious allegations of a mass crackdown on Uygur Muslims in the volatile Xinjiang province, said it believes that…

Kuwait to deport expats who protested over remarks against Prophet

Kuwait will be deporting expats who took part in the Fahaheel demonstration after Friday prayers in support of Prophet Muhammad despite the instructions of the Kuwaiti government. The sources confirmed on Sunday that they will be deported from Kuwait as they violated the laws and regulations of the country which…

Hate and unrest not our way: Rahul Gandhi on Prophet…

INDIA has always set an example of truth, non-violence and brotherhood before the world and hate and unrest "is not our way", former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said amid reports of violence during protests at various places against controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad. Protests erupted in several parts of the…

‘If Prophet Muhammad was alive today…’: Author Taslima Nasreen amid…

Several incidents of violence were reported from different parts of the country over the controversial remarks of suspended Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Nupur Sharma. Wading into the ongoing controversy, renowned Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen tweeted if "Prophet Muhammad was alive today, he would have been shocked to see the…

Remarks on Prophet: Protests erupt across India after Friday prayers;…

Protests broke out in some states on Friday including outside Delhi's Jama Masjid over the controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad by two now-suspended BJP functionaries with demonstrators in Jharkhand injuring a few policemen while authorities in Jammu imposed a curfew in a few areas and parts of Kashmir observed a…

Iran satisfied with India’s stance over Prophet remark row

Iran is satisfied with the efforts made by the Indian government in dealing with those responsible for comments on Prophet Muhammed, the visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said.Abdollahian, who is on his first visit to India since he assumed office last year, raised the issue of the controversial…

Cary Rajinder Sawhney: London Indian Film Festival connects people to…

THE past 12 years has seen the London Indian Film Festival (LIFF) become a leading celebration of south Asian cinema globally. Europe’s largest Indian and south Asian festival now spans across multiple cities in the UK. Cary Rajinder Sawhney MBE has continually powered the fabulous annual film feast forward, as…

Prophet remark row: Indian Central agencies ‘seriously’ looking into Al-Qaeda…

Central agencies are "seriously" looking into the threat letter sent by terror outfit Al-Qaeda regarding suicide attacks in Delhi, Mumbai, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat to "fight for the honour of the Prophet", said top agency sources.Alerts have been issued across Delhi, Mumbai, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat through law enforcement agencies…

Remarks against Prophet: Good relations will continue with Gulf countries,…

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said the controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad made by ousted BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma, has not made any impact on the ruling NDA at the Centre as she was not a government functionary and asserted good relations will continue with the Gulf countries that…

Pledge to end violence against women at Pujya Swami Chidanand…

A NUMBER of distinguished guests came together at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh in the northern Indian state if Uttarakhand on Tuesday (7) – the fifth day of the week-long celebrations that are underway in the honour of the 70th birth anniversary of His Holiness (HH) Pujya Swami Chidanand…

BJP ousted Nupur Sharma, Naveen Kumar from party to please…

THE All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi alleged that the ouster of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders Nupur Sharma and Naveen Kumar Jindal from the party's primary membership was done to please the leaders of foreign countries. Speaking at the press conference in Hyderabad in Telangana, Owaisi said,…

‘Religious intolerance only on TV’: Sadhguru says no major riots…

Founder of Isha Foundation Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev said that there is a "lot of heat" in television studios, which is being exaggerated to suggest that there is rising religious intolerance in the country while underlining that the last one decade has been free of major communal violence. In an exclusive…

Pakistan summons Indian charge d’affaires over controversial remarks by BJP…

Pakistan said on Monday that it has summoned the Indian charge d'affaires to convey its categorical rejection and condemnation of the controversial remarks by two BJP leaders against Prophet Mohammed.The Indian diplomat was told that these remarks are totally unacceptable and have not only deeply hurt the sentiments of the…

Prophet Muhammad remarks row: Islamic nations at odds with India

India on Monday hit out at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for its criticism of the country in the wake of the alleged derogatory remarks made against Prophet Mohammed by two BJP functionaries.External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India categorically rejects the OIC Secretariat's "unwarranted and narrow-minded comments"…

Kashmiri Pandits forced to leave their homes, BJP can’t handle…

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday claimed that Kashmiri Pandits were being forced to leave the Valley due to the targeted killings and demanded the Centre put forth an action plan to stop such incidents.Addressing the Aam Aadmi Party's 'Jan Aakrosh Rally at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, he also…

Europe has to grow out of mindset that its problems…

INDIA has a difficult relationship with China but it is perfectly capable of managing it, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Friday (3). He rejected the European construct that New Delhi's position on Ukraine could impact global support to it if its problems with Beijing increases. In an interactive…

First time since Taliban takeover, Indian diplomats visit Kabul

For the first time since the Taliban's capture of power in Kabul, India has sent a team led by a senior diplomat to Afghanistan to oversee the delivery of its humanitarian aid and meet with senior members of the Taliban. The team, led by JP Singh, the external affairs ministry's…

Journey of India’s cultural revival will take it back to…

ASSERTING that an era of cultural revival began in India in 2014, when prime minister Narendra Modi led the BJP to power, home minister Amit Shah has said this journey will take the country to heights of glory it enjoyed earlier. In a brief speech after watching Akshay Kumar-starrer 'Samrat…

Govt agencies do their job: Union minister Thakur on ED…

After the Enforcement Directorate (ED) issued summonses to Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi for questioning in a money-laundering case, Union minister Anurag Thakur on Wednesday said government agencies do their job.Responding to a question on allegations by the Congress that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is using agencies to…

History books have few lines on Samrat Prithviraj, lot of…

The education ministry needs to take cognizance of the contribution of Hindu kings and balance out their stories with those of Mughal emperors who enjoy more space in school texts, Bollywood star Akshay Kumar said on Wednesday Ahead of the release of his film Samrat Prithviraj, a historical action drama…

Decoded: What is the Indus Water Treaty signed between India,…

The treatyUnder the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, all the waters of the eastern rivers -- Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi -- amounting to around 33 million acre feet (MAF) annually is allocated to India for unrestricted use.The waters of western rivers - Indus, Jhelum,…

Thank You, Your Majesty

British-Asian political and business leaders have paid tribute to “their inspirational Queen” for her “selfless service” ahead of her platinum jubilee.  The London mayor, Sadiq Khan, told Eastern Eye that he remembered being a child celebrating her majesty’s Silver Jubilee in 1977, and he was “so excited to get a…

Who is India’s top trade partner? Is it China or…

China on Tuesday (31) insisted that it is still India's biggest trade partner in 2021-22 as per its figures and attributed the "disparity" to different methods of calculating the trade volume by New Delhi and Beijing while referring to reports that the US has unseated it to take the top…

Ban advertisement of tobacco products: Health experts to Indian govt

On the eve of World No Tobacco Day, they also asked the Centre to ensure that tobacco control laws and policies are made stronger and implemented effectively. Noted epidemiologist and public health expert Chandrakant Lahariya pointed out that children and non-tobacco users too visit the point of sale (POS) and…

Inside an assassin’s mind: Why Godse killed Gandhi

THE National Theatre’s new play, The Father and the Assassin, examines why Nathuram Godse, initially a supporter of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, turned against the Mahatma and shot him dead at a prayer meeting in New Delhi on January 30, 1948. Eastern Eye readers will appreciate this is a multi-layered play,…

Kohli jinx to Indian talent: Five things we learned from…

AFP Sport looks at five things we learned from the 15th edition of the Twenty20 tournament, which was expanded to 10 teams this year. Kohli's jinx Former India captain Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bangalore's wait for their first IPL title dragged on after they went down to Rajasthan in…

Shaunak Sen’s ‘All That Breathes’ grabs Cannes Golden Eye

Shaunak Sen's "All That Breathes", an audience favourite from the outset, won the 2022 L'Oeil d'Or (Golden Eye) for the best documentary at the 75th Cannes Film Festival on Saturday (28), making it two in succession for India. "All That Breathes" is about two Delhi brothers Nadeem and Saud who,…

India-UK FTA could be ready by Diwali: Piyush Goyal

THE way things are progressing between the two negotiating teams, a free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the UK could be ready by Diwali without the need for an interim early harvest agreement, said commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal during a visit to the UK.  The minister arrived…

“I’m amazed, delighted, honoured, and humbled,” says Geetanjali Shree as…

Delhi-based writer Geetanjali Shree has become the first Hindi writer to win the International Booker Prize. Her novel Ret Samadhi, translated into English as Tomb of Sand by Daisy Rockwell, won the International Booker Prize. It was the first Hindi-language book to be shortlisted for the £50,000 prize. Tomb of…

‘Don’t justify terror’: India slams Islamic nations remark on JKLF…

India on Friday described as "unacceptable" the comments made by OIC-IPHRC (Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission) criticising New Delhi for the court ruling against Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik.External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the world seeks "zero tolerance" against terrorism and urged the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)…

‘Olympics is my ultimate goal’, says India’s Nikhat Zareen

Since winning a gold medal in flyweight division at the Women's Junior and Youth World Boxing Championship in Turkey in 2011, it has been a difficult journey for Zareen. Fresh from her exploits at the World Boxing Championship, Nikhat Zareen has now firmly set her sights on being the first…

Poor suffered due to indifference towards Tech use in Governance…

There was an environment of "indifference" towards the use of technology in governance before 2014 due to which the poor and the middle class suffered the most, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today. He asserted the current government has ensured last-mile delivery of services with the help of technology, including…

Pakistanis flood Twitter with memes and jokes after highest-ever hike…

Pakistan on Thursday (26) announced it would hike fuel prices so that it could resume receiving aid from a $6 billion (£4.75 bn) package signed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2019.Fuel prices rose by 20 per cent from Friday (27) - petrol now costs Rs 179.86 (72p) per…

The special relationship with the people of Afghanistan over centuries…

India was and is an important stakeholder in Afghanistan, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval said today and called for enhancing the capability of the war-torn country to counter-terrorism and terrorist groups which pose a threat regional peace and security. Speaking at the 4th Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan in Tajikistan's…

Delhi-based writer Geetanjali Shree’s ‘Tomb of Sand’ becomes 1st Hindi…

INDIAN author Geetanjali Shree and US translator Daisy Rockwell have won the International Booker Prize for Hindi novel "Tomb of Sand", a first for a book in an Indian language. The prestigious £50,000 prize is awarded to fiction from around the world that has been translated into English and is…

Inspired by ‘Fast and Furious’ movie, 3 men steal over…

Inspired by Hollywood flick 'The Fast and the Furious' three men stole over 40 luxury cars using hi-tech tools, including scanners and GPS jammer, police said on Friday after arresting them.The accused have been identified as Manish Rao (42) and Jagdeep Sharma (43), both residents of Uttam Nagar here, and…

Indian girl hopping to school on one leg won the…

A 10-year-old girl in a non-discrete village in the eastern Indian state of Bihar has caught national attention.Seema lost her one leg - amputated after an accident two years ago - and her labourer parents are too poor to buy her a tricycle. But her disability has not dimmed her…

Delhi Stadium emptied, athletes sent home early to ensure IAS…

ATHLETES and coaches training at a stadium in India's capital were forced to wrap training earlier than usual to make way for an IAS officer to walk his dog at the facility, according to a media report. For the past few months, people using Thyagraj Stadium in Delhi were asked…

Bridgerton 2: Yet another distorted depiction of South Asian characters…

Though a lot still needs to be done, it is no longer a rare sight to see South Asians creating their own space in showbiz. Talking about South Asian actors, in particular, they are getting meatier roles to play in movies as well as TV series and are no longer…

Yasin Malik sentenced to life imprisonment: Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif…

AN INDIAN court on Wednesday (25) ordered life in jail for Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik for funding "terrorist" activities and many other charges, prompting street protests outside his residence and condemnation from Pakistan's prime minister.Malik, head of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), had pleaded guilty to the…

Situation going from bad to worse for Sri Lanka as…

THE World Bank said it is not planning to provide any new financing to cash-strapped Sri Lanka until an adequate economic policy framework has been put in place. In a statement, the multilateral development bank said it was repurposing resources from previously approved projects to help the Sri Lankan government…

Great news for all Beliebers! Singer Justin Bieber set to…

Canadian pop star Justin Bieber is set to bring his World Tour to India after a long gap of 5 years. The singer, known for such globally popular tracks as ‘Baby’, ‘Ghost’, ‘Lonely’, and ‘Sorry’, will perform in the national capital, New Delhi, in the month of October. Bieber, whose…

I beg India to reconsider its decision to ban wheat…

INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND (IMF) managing director Kristalina Georgieva has exhorted India to consider reversing its ban on the exports of wheat, even as New Delhi capped sugar shipments in its latest bid to tame domestic inflation.As the Russian invasion of Ukraine has disrupted the food supply chain, Georgieva said in…

Vistara launches more flights to Coimbatore

INDIAN airline Vistara on Friday (20) started daily direct flights between the capital Delhi and Coimbatore in southern India, the company said in a statement.  The airline will also start daily direct service on the Mumbai-Coimbatore route from Friday (27) and double the daily flights on the Bengaluru-Coimbatore route starting…

PM in Japan for Quad summit: Here’s all you need…

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and other Quad leaders are set to demonstrate that the grouping is a "force for global good" and has a unifying commitment to a rules-based international order amid China's increasingly intimidatory behaviour.What is QUAD?The loosely organised Quad - comprising India, the United States, Australia and…

Eateries desperate to hire Chefs from outside of the UK

They have revealed the shortage of talent has led to “rampant poaching” and bigger eateries offering salaries of around £85,000 salaries, £5,000 sign-on bonuses and family holidays. On the Indeed job website in May, an Indian restaurant in London was looking for a Sous Chef offering £45,000 annually while another…

5 things you must know about Indian-origin businessman Sunil Chopra,…

Having led his Labour party to victory in the recent local elections, the law graduate from Delhi University took oath as the first citizen of the borough at Southwark Cathedral over the weekend. Under his stewardship, Labour emerged victorious over the Liberal Democrats in London Bridge and West Bermondsey seats.…

Now, Imran Khan praises India for this reason…

WHEN India refused to succumb to the Western pressure to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine earlier this year, the praise for New Delhi’s diplomatic tightrope walk came from unexpected quarters.Pakistan’s then prime minister Imran Khan found merit in India’s “independent foreign policy” and even said his government was also…

‘We wanted something which denotes hope, birth and beauty’, says…

Just like for the past two decades, Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan stunned everyone with her mesmeric presence and glamorous looks at the ongoing Cannes Film Festival. The former Miss World debuted at Cannes for the premiere of her film Devdas in 2002. She has been a regular at the…

Ukraine war puts Indian diamond polishers out of work

INDIA'S huge diamond-polishing industry has furloughed around 250,000 of its roughly two million workers because of sanctions on Russia hitting supplies, a trade union said Thursday (19).The South Asian nation cuts and polishes 90 per cent of the world's diamonds, with Russian diamond miners such as Alrosa traditionally accounting for…

Abhay Deol: Story of a maverick

A FEW years ago, Abhay Deol admits he may have reflected on his cinema journey with a few regrets, but today that has been replaced with satisfaction of his achievements and rightly so. The maverick actor pioneered new ideas, uplifted the indie film scene in India and got projects that…

Vistara starts daily flights from London to New Delhi

INDIA's Vistara has started daily direct flights from London to New Delhi as part of its plans to focus more on Europe, the company said.  The airline celebrated the flight from London Heathrow Airport to New Delhi on Tuesday (17). Vistara, a joint venture of ​​Tata Group and Singapore Airlines,…

Study: Pollution kills more than 2.3 million people in India

A new Lancet study has revealed that pollution led to more than 2.3 million premature deaths in India in 2019.  According to the study, nearly 1.6 million deaths happened due to air pollution alone, and more than 500,000 deaths were caused by water pollution. The Lancet Commission on pollution and…

UK cost of living crisis to peak later this year

BRITAIN'S worst cost of living crisis in three decades won't peak until the tail end of this year but the Bank of England will be more aggressive in raising interest rates than was thought as it battles soaring inflation, a Reuters poll found.Renewed coronavirus lockdowns in China and Russia's invasion…

US urges India to reverse ban as wheat-laden trucks, ships…

HUNDREDS of thousands of tonnes of wheat were stranded at a major port in India on Tuesday (17) after New Delhi's surprise ban on exports over inflation and food security worries. India, the world's second-largest grower of wheat, last week ordered that traders could not enter into new export deals…

Delhi University graduate appointed to Bank of England

CHANCELLOR Rishi Sunak has appointed a Delhi School of Economics alumna as an external member of the monetary policy committee (MPC) of the Bank of England.Swati Dhingra's appointment to the central bank comes amid the UK’s fight to tame the post-pandemic inflation, amplified by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Dhingra,…

South Asia pummelled by heatwave that hits 50C in Pakistan

South Asia was in the grip of an extreme heatwave on Friday, with parts of Pakistan reaching a temperature of 50 degrees Celsius as officials warned of acute water shortages and a health threat. Swathes of Pakistan and neighbouring India have been smothered by high temperatures since April in extreme…

27 killed in fire in New Delhi

At least 27 people died and dozens more were injured in a massive fire in a building in the Indian capital New Delhi on Friday, emergency services said. "The fire has been put out now. The total number of dead is 27. Search operation is on," a fire department official…

India bans wheat exports as domestic prices soar

INDIA banned wheat exports on Saturday (14), just days after saying it was targeting record shipments this year, as a scorching heat wave curtailed output and domestic prices soared to an all-time high.The government said it would still allow exports backed by already issued letters of credit and to countries…

Tracking upward trends of Indian investment in the UK

THE shadow foreign secretary David Lammy and his Labour front-bench colleague, Preet Gill, the shadow international development secretary, have both dismissed Boris Johnson’s recent trip to India as being of little consequence. But Grant Thornton’s report, India meets Britain Tracker: The latest trends in Indian investment in the UK 2022,…

Five Indian films set to be screened at Cannes 2022

Five feature films in various Indian languages are set to be screened at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, the information and broadcasting ministry announced on Thursday. These screenings are not part of the official Cannes line-up and will be showcased at the Marche’ Du Films, also called Cannes Film Market,…

Mitchell Marsh keeps Delhi’s IPL play-off hopes alive

Australia's Mitchell Marsh smashed 89 after striking twice with the ball as Delhi Capitals stayed in the IPL play-off hunt with an emphatic eight-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday. Chasing a tricky 161 for victory, a 144-run second-wicket partnership between David Warner (52 not out) and Marsh helped Delhi…

Supreme Court suspends India’s British-era sedition law

INDIA's Supreme Court on Wednesday (11) suspended a colonial-era sedition law that activists say is often used by prime minister Narendra Modi's government to target free speech and dissent. Modi's critics say that the law, which was once used by Britain to target independence hero Mahatma Gandhi, has been abused…

UK-India task force launched to facilitate free trade deal

A NEW UK-India Industry Task Force, a joint commission to increase cross-industry collaboration and push the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) over the line, was launched on Monday (9).The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) have created the new task force as part of…

“Nothing offensive in Prithviraj,” says Chandraprakash Dwivedi

Filmmaker Chandraprakash Dwivedi on Monday said the team of his upcoming historical film Prithviraj has been respectful in depicting the life of the legendary warrior king Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan on the big screen. Earlier this year, the Delhi High Court had refused to entertain a plea seeking to modify the…

UN panel says British Sikh man’s detention in India ‘arbitrary’

A UNITED NATIONS working group’s ruling on the “arbitrary detention” of a British Sikh man in India is expected to mount pressure on the UK government to do more to secure his release.Jagtar Singh Johal, from Dumbarton in Scotland, was arrested by plain-clothes officers in the north Indian state of…

With Indian dishes at his heart, marine pilot wins MasterChef…

A MARINE pilot, who loves to blend classic French food with Indian spices, is declared BBC One’s MasterChef 2022 Champion, becoming the 18th amateur cook to claim the title.Eddie Scott, from Beverley in East Yorkshire, faced off strong competition in the final week from eventual runners up Pookie Tredell and…

Policeman arrested in India for raping alleged gang-rape victim

AN Indian police officer has been arrested after being accused of raping a 13-year-old girl who went to his station to report she had been gang-raped. The alleged incident is the latest to spotlight the high levels of sexual violence in the world's largest democracy, where a woman is raped…

More flights likely between India and Canada

INDIA and Canada on Wednesday (4) discussed expansion of a bilateral air service agreement that will allow more flights between the two countries. Union aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who is on a nine-day visit to the US and Canada, met Canadian transport minister Omar Alghabra on Wednesday. “I personally thanked…

India defends Covid death numbers by releasing 2020 mortality data

INDIA registered about 475,000 more total deaths in 2020 than the previous year, government data released months ahead of schedule on Tuesday (3) showed, as the World Health Organization readies its estimates of excess Covid-19 deaths whose methodology New Delhi has opposed. Some experts estimate India's actual Covid death toll…

Returning Dhoni downplays influence as Chennai win in IPL

Chennai Super Kings veteran Mahendra Singh Dhoni has downplayed his return as captain and the team's comfortable IPL victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad as a mere "coincidence". Openers Ruturaj Gaikwad (99) and Devon Conway (85 not out) put on this season's best stand of 182 to guide Chennai to 202-2, a…

Narendra Modi calls for immediate ceasefire in Ukraine

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (3) appealed for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, even as his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen hoped New Delhi will use its influence over Russia to end the war. The two leaders discussed the Ukraine crisis and several regional and global issues including increasing…

Modi pledges prosperity and jobs on Kashmir visit

INDIA’S prime minister promised peace and development for Jammu and Kashmir last Sunday (24), during his first public event in the region since it imposed a sweeping security clampdown nearly three years ago. Narendra Modi’s bharatiya Janata Party-led government has sought to quell a long-running insurgency in Indian Kashmir and…

Heatwave in India pushes power demand to record high

INDIA'S electricity demand touched a record high in April as its northern states reeled under the hottest pre-summer months in decades, with a surge in the use of air conditioning triggering the worst power crisis in more than six years.Power demand grew 13.2 per cent to 135.4 billion kilowatt hours…

Indira valued Rahul’s “grit and determination”, new book reveals

INDIA's former prime minister Indira Gandhi valued Rahul Gandhi’s “grit and determination”, according to a new book. It added that she often considered him mature enough to be taken into confidence on subjects she avoided discussing even with his parents when he was barely 14. The book Leaders, Politicians, Citizens…

Johnson thrilled with posters

PRIME MINISTER Boris Johnson landed in Gujarat last Thursday (21) as he began his two-day India visit. He said he felt like Indian cricket star Sachin Tendulkar, as hundreds of people lined the streets and dozens of billboards depicted his image. “I had an amazing reception,” he said. “My face…

Power cuts, forest fires in South Asia heatwave

Power outages compounded the misery of millions of people wilting in a heatwave across India and Pakistan on Friday, with experts blaming climate change for an early onset of roasting summer temperatures. In the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh hundreds of forest fires have broken out in recent weeks,…

Kuldeep and Powell guide Delhi to victory over Kolkata in…

Spinner Kuldeep Yadav took four wickets and Rovman Powell then hit 33 not out as Delhi Capitals beat Kolkata Knight Riders by four wickets in the Indian Premier League on Thursday. Opener David Warner struck 42 before the middle order wobbled as the Capitals chased 147. Powell's unbeaten knock off…

India-EU to form trade and technology council

THE European Union (EU) and India agreed on Monday (25) to set up a trade and technology council (TTC) to step up cooperation, as the bloc’s chief held talks with officials in New Delhi. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen concluded a two-day trip to India’s capital, part of…

Ukraine conflict will impact Indo-Pacific region: EU chief

EUROPE will make sure that Russia’s “unprovoked and unjustified” aggression against Ukraine will be a “strategic failure”, though the Indo-Pacific region has started feeling the impact of the crisis, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday (25). She also said energising the partnership with New Delhi is…

India ‘Trade Deal by Diwali’

AN Indo-British bilateral free-trade deal could be wrapped up by October, prime minister Boris Johnson said in New Delhi last week, as he concluded his much-delayed visit to India. Britain and India also agreed to step up defence and business cooperation, Johnson said, adding that London would support Delhi’s goal…

India says talks with Pakistan only after ‘terror’ stops

New Delhi on Thursday ruled out any formal talks with Pakistan unless India's neighbour stops supporting "cross-border terrorism", as a new government comes to power in Islamabad. The recent appointment of Shehbaz Sharif as Pakistan's new prime minister has raised hopes of an easing of tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals,…

India on Ukraine: Focus should be to stop fighting

INDIA said the best solution to the Ukraine conflict is to “stop the fighting” and get the warring sides to the negotiation table.“The best way forward is to focus on stopping the fighting, getting the talking and finding ways of moving forward. We think our choices, our positions are best…

UK wants to grow ties with India ‘for Network of…

BRITAIN wants to keep growing its ties with India as part of efforts to work more closely with allies to create a so-called Network of Liberty, foreign secretary Liz Truss said.She used her keynote address at the Lord Mayor's Easter banquet in London on Wednesday (27) to issue a stark…

India reels under heatwave as mercury touches 44 degrees in…

AMID a punishing heatwave building up in large parts of India, Delhi saw a jump of two to three degrees Celsius in the maximum temperature at most places on Wednesday (27).Extreme heat continued to scorch large swathes of south Asia this week, offering no reprieve after the hottest March on…

India, EU announce trade and technology council

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on Monday (25) announced the setting up of an India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), a strategic mechanism to tackle key trade, economic and technological challenges.India is the second country after the US to have such a…

Vivek Oberoi joins Rohit Shetty’s streaming show India Police Force

Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi has joined Sidharth Malhotra and Shilpa Shetty on the cast of Rohit Shetty’s debut streaming show India Police Force. The project was officially announced last week, with Malhotra as the male lead, who will play a Delhi Police officer.   Directed and produced by Rohit Shetty, the…

What happens in Ukraine will have impact on Indo-Pacific: EU…

EUROPE will make sure that Russia's “unprovoked and unjustified” aggression against Ukraine will be a “strategic failure”, though the Indo-Pacific region has started feeling the impact of the crisis, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday (25). She also said energising the partnership with New Delhi is…

US panel says India’s religious freedom worsens ‘significantly’

RELIGIOUS freedom has deteriorated "significantly" in India under the Hindu nationalist government, a US commission said Monday (25) as it again recommended targeted sanctions over abuses.It was the third straight year that the US Commission on International Religious Freedom asked that India be placed on a list of "countries of…

India, EU to set up council to broaden ties

INDIAN and the European Union (EU) agreed on Monday (25) to set up a trade and technology council to step up cooperation between them, the two sides said in a joint statement as the EU chief met government officials in New Delhi.European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen is on…

Indian lawmaker arrested over tweet criticising Modi

A state lawmaker in India was arrested for criticising prime minister Narendra Modi in a tweet, officials said Friday, raising concerns over freedom of speech in the world's largest democracy. Jignesh Mevani, a prominent campaigner for India's marginalised low-caste Dalit community, accused Modi of idolising Nathuram Godse, the assassin of…

Buttler smashes 116 as Delhi tempers boil over in IPL

Jos Buttler hit 116 as Rajasthan Royals defeated Delhi Capitals by 15 runs in a stormy IPL match on Friday which saw tempers boil over in the final over. England's Buttler hit nine fours and nine sixes in his 65-ball innings to set Delhi a steep 223-run winning target. It…

Modi to attend first Kashmir public event since clampdown on…

INDIA's prime minister will on Sunday (24) hold his first public event in the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir since New Delhi imposed a sweeping security clampdown there more than two years ago. Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist government has sought to quell a long-running insurgency in Indian-administered Kashmir and…

Skilled Indians can ‘make a difference’ to UK, says Johnson

British prime minister Boris Johnson said on Friday that skilled workers from India could plug labour shortages in sectors such as information technology in the UK, even as he reiterated that immigration would continue to be controlled. Britain has made getting a trade deal with India one of its post-Brexit…