Month: May 2025

Stressing that there cannot be any dialogue with Pakistan till it decides to dismantle terror operators constructed in its country, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is leading an all-party delegation, said that India understands that disputes must be settled through dialogue, but it does not believe in dialogue with a gun pointed towards its forehead.

During a discussion with thought leaders at the Columbia Council for International Relations, Tharoor highlighted that Mahatma Gandhi also believed in peace. Still, he led the freedom struggle against the British.

“I would like you to understand our perspective; we don’t disagree with you about the importance of peace. We belong to the land of Mahatma Gandhi, who taught us the importance of peace- “Ahinsa”. But at the same time, for us, peace has to be accompanied by self-respect, and freedom has to be accompanied by freedom from fear. Remember that Mahatma Gandhi was a man of peace, but he also led the freedom struggle against the British. So you don’t just sit quietly and turn the other cheek, but you stand up for what is right in your belief. That is what India has exactly chosen to do while facing terrorism,” Tharoor said.

“While we understand that disputes must be settled through dialogue, we do not believe in dialogue with a gun pointed towards our forehead. When Pakistan, which has used terrorism as an instrument of state policy, actually decides to dismantle terror operators constructed in its country, then we can talk about dialogue. Till then, I am sorry we are not ready to talk to these people,” the Congress MP affirmed.

Further, the Congress MP outlined the series of developments that started from the April 22 Pahalgam attack in which 26 civilians were killed.

“On April 22, we had a terror attack in Pahalgam, and it was a murderous rampage because what they did was not only to attack and kill innocent tourists on a holiday in a peaceful part of Kashmir. At the time when Kashmir was growing and prospering, our tourism doubled compared to previous years; they came and did this, and the livelihood of Kashmiris was affected. And also to create a battle in India because the killers asked the religion of each person before shooting them dead,” Shashi Tharoor said.

He asserted that India’s Operation Sindoor was a clear and strong message, as only terrorist infrastructures were targeted and civilians were avoided.

“The Indian Government launched the retaliatory action, Operation Sindoor, because this murderous attack had wiped the Sindoor from the foreheads of 25 Indian women. We gave a very strong message as we struck nine known terrorist headquarters, launch pads, and bases in Pakistan. It was a very carefully calibrated and executed operation to convey the message, as we did not hit any civilian area there but only targeted known terrorist infrastructures,” the Congress MP said.

“Unfortunately, Pakistan chose to retaliate very irresponsibly with shelling on civilian areas. They killed people, children, at homes, on the streets. The message was clear that if you hit us, we will hit you hard, and if you stop, we stop. And after 18 hours, they stopped,” he added.

Shashi Tharoor also highlighted the unity of the delegation he is leading, emphasising that it includes people from five different political parties and different religions.

“Seven MPs that I am travelling with represent five political parties, seven different states of India, three religions, and yet we are all united in one mission. The mission is to reach out to people like you and raise our concern about recent events in our country,” he said.

Tharoor is leading the multi-party delegation to the Americas. After visiting Panama and Guyana, Tharoor and his delegation arrived in Colombia on Thursday in an effort of India’s global outreach to convey India’s zero tolerance against terrorism. After concluding the Colombia visit, the all-party delegation will be heading to Brazil and the United States on Saturday. (ANI)

In a remarkable display of faith and devotion, the Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra has attracted immense enthusiasm from devotees across India and overseas.

Since the commencement of the pilgrimage, over 1.6 million devotees have flocked to the revered Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib.

Notably, Kedarnath Dham has witnessed unprecedented crowds, with more than 650,000 visitors arriving in just 30 days following the doors’ opening on May 2. This surge in attendance highlights the deep spiritual connection and devotion that continues to draw pilgrims to these sacred sites.

The Char Dham Yatra 2025 officially began on April 30 with the opening of the Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham on Akshaya Tritiya amid Vedic chants and rituals. The doors of Kedarnath Dham were opened on May 2, and those of Badrinath on May 4.

One of the most revered temples in the country, dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva, Kedarnath draws countless devotees and visitors from across the country.

The high-altitude shrines remain shut for six months every year, opening in summer (April or May) and closing at the onset of winter (October or November).

The Char Dham Yatra holds profound spiritual significance in Hinduism. This journey typically occurs from April-May to October-November.

It is believed that one should complete the Char Dham Yatra in a clockwise direction. Hence, the pilgrimage starts from Yamunotri, proceeds towards Gangotri, onto Kedarnath, and finally ends at Badrinath.

The journey can be completed by road or by air (helicopter services are available). Some devotees even do a Do Dham Yatra or a pilgrimage to two shrines, Kedarnath and Badrinath, as per the Uttarakhand tourism official website.

The Char Dham Yatra, or pilgrimage, is a tour of four holy sites: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. In Hindi, ‘char’ means four and ‘dham’ refers to religious destinations, as per the Uttarakhand tourism official website. (ANI)

Following the heavy rainfall in the region, massive waterlogging was witnessed in several parts of Assam’s capital, Guwahati. As several areas faced waterlogging, normal life in the city was deeply affected.

According to a local, it has been raining for three to four days in Guwahati, which has caused waterlogging. He urged the government to solve the problems and difficulties faced by the people in the waterlogging-affected areas.

“It has been raining continuously for three to four days, so water accumulates here. Even a little rain causes water to accumulate here. The government should come here and see and solve the water problem of the people living here,” the local said.

Another local said that Guwahati’s condition remains the same every rainy season. He stated that every time a vehicle breaks down, there is a fear of dying when such waterlogging happens.

Following heavy rainfall, five people were killed in landslide incidents in Assam’s Kamrup (Metro) district, officials said. According to the reports of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority, five people died due to landslide incidents in the Kamrup (Metro) district in the last 24 hours.

The ASDMA report said that, as of Saturday morning, a total of 3 districts and 5 Revenue Circles have been affected by Urban flooding. The affected districts are Kamrup, Kamrup (Metro) and Cachar, and 10,150 people have been affected.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Friday, at a press conference held at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Guwahati, that the situation is not good.

“The situation will remain the same tomorrow also. The state government is monitoring the situation. Due to heavy rainfall in Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh, large areas have been affected. Tomorrow, in Kamrup and Kamrup (Metro), all state government employees will get a special casual leave, schools & colleges to remain shut, and private establishments are also advised to take measures accordingly,” CM Sarma said.

Guwahati and other parts of the state experienced heavy rainfall on Friday, which triggered massive waterlogging in many parts of the city, including Rukminigaon, Beltola Survey, Hatigaon, Geetanagar, Anil Nagar, Lakhimi Nagar, Jatia, Maligaon, and Panjabari areas.

The Assam Chief Minister also said in the press conference: “We have invited Meghalaya Chief Minister on June 2 for a discussion on the issue of rampant hill cutting and the resultant floods and landslides which are affecting both states, particularly Guwahati city.” (ANI)

Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni talked about the controversy around her appointment as Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.

In January, Acharya Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada, Laxmi Narayan, announced that Mamta Kulkarni has embarked on a spiritual role as the Mahamandleshwar.

However, later Rishi Ajay Das, the founder of Kinnar Akhada, has expelled both Mamta Kulkarni and Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi from the Akhada.

The decision comes in the wake of the controversial appointment of Mamta Kulkarni, a former Bollywood actress with a checkered past, as Mahamandaleshwar. Tripathi had allegedly appointed Kulkarni without the founder’s consent, an act that has sparked considerable outrage.

Speaking to ANI, she said, “…It was all in God’s hands for me to become Mahamandaleshwar in that Kumbh, which was such a holy occasion in 140 years. God provided me with the fruits of 25 years of my ‘tapasya’. So, that happened.”

According to a press release issued on January 30, 2025, Rishi Ajay Das noted, “As the founder of Kinnar Akhada, I am hereby relieving Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi from his position as Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada, effective immediately. His appointment was made with the goal of promoting religious activities and uplifting the transgender community, but he has deviated from these responsibilities.”

The controversy revolves around an agreement Tripathi entered into with Juna Akhada in 2019, which Ajay Das claims was allegedly done without his approval. He further alleged that the contract between the two Akhadas was legally invalid due to the lack of his consent and signature. Moreover, Ajay Das accused Tripathi of undermining the tenets of the Kinnar Akhada by allowing Mamta Kulkarni to join and take on the prestigious role of Mahamandaleshwar despite her past involvement in criminal activities.

Ajay Das explained that Mamta Kulkarni’s appointment was particularly concerning because she had a criminal history.”By giving such a person the title of Mahamandaleshwar, what kind of guru are you offering to Sanatan Dharma? This is a question of ethics,” he wrote.

The founder emphasized that this appointment was not only unethical but also a betrayal of the Akhada’s religious values.

The expulsion of both individuals has ignited debates within the spiritual community, with the President of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad, Mahant Ravindra Puri, speaking out in support of Tripathi and Kulkarni.

Puri challenged the legitimacy of Ajay Das’s decision, saying, “I want to ask, who is he (Rishi Ajay Das) to expel Laxmi Narayan Tripathi?”He also reiterated that both Tripathi and Kulkarni would continue their roles within the Akhada and participate in the upcoming Amrit Snan.

The controversy over Mamta Kulkarni’s appointment as Mahamandaleshwar began when Acharya Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi publicly announced the decision during the Maha Kumbh.

Mamta Kulkarni, who was known for her roles in popular 1990s Bollywood films, had stepped away from the limelight in the early 2000s.

However, she made a return to India and was granted the position of Mahamandaleshwar by Tripathi, an act which has now come under heavy scrutiny.

Transgender Kathavachak Jagatguru Himangi Sakhi Maa had earlier raised concerns over Kulkarni’s appointment, questioning her credibility and linking her past to criminal activities.”Mamta Kulkarni has been made Mahamandaleshwar for publicity. Society knows her past very well. She was even jailed in the past in connection with drug cases. This needs investigation,” Himangi Sakhi said in a conversation with ANI.

Mamta Kulkarni later stepped down from her role as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada after facing heavy backlash and internal disputes.

Her resignation follows questions about her spiritual standing and her past in the film industry.

The Kinnar Akhada had earlier expelled the ‘Karan Arjun’ actress and her mentor, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, citing tensions within the religious group.

Kulkarni announced her resignation in a video shared on her Instagram. “Main Mahamandaleshwar Yamai Mamta Nandagiri, main iss post se istifa de rahi hoon. Aaj Kinnar Akhade ya dono akhade ke beech jo mujhe leke problems ho rahi hain. Main ek Sadhvi thi 25 saal se aur main Sadhvi hi rahungi,” she said.

“Bollywood ko maine 25 saal pehle chhoda. Main apne aap gayab rahi. Warna makeup se, Bollywood se itna door kaun rehta hai?” she added. (ANI)

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Kanimozhi on Friday (local time), who is leading an all-party delegation to Latvia, emphasised India’s unity following the Pahalgam terror attack and said that “nothing is going to divide us anymore.”

Interacting with the Indian diaspora in Latvia, Kanimozhi said, “When our Indian tourists were attacked and we lost 26 innocent lives in front of their families, loved ones, children and with a message – Go tell your Prime Minister, go tell your country people that we asked you what your faith is. They hope to divide us as a country. They hope to divide us on our beliefs. But when the people of Kashmir came out to the streets to protest against Pakistan as Indians and stood together, the message was very clear that nothing is going to divide us anymore.”

Meanwhile, Former Indian Ambassador to the European Union Manjeev Singh Puri, speaking about the delegation’s earlier meeting with the Latvian parliamentarians, said, “We met the parliamentarians who were very strong and good and were very clear that terrorism has no place in their thinking and has no place… Latvia is likely to be elected to the Security Council and will be there next year. They had a number of people who were in this area of focusing on global issues, and we had a very strong discussion on how it was important for the world to be focused on this.”

“They also recognise something which I find very interesting, that India is a country with great equities, and all countries want to strengthen and build more relations with India, and that’s something which is really very nice because it’s a very clear sign that India is a country of interest to people,” he added.

Earlier, Kanimozhi lauded the Indian diaspora for their unity and support during a community event in Riga that featured the screening of a short film on Operation Sindoor.

Describing the film as a moving tribute to the Indian Armed Forces, Kanimozhi said the event reaffirmed the enduring bond between the diaspora and their homeland.

“It was a very heartwarming experience to see the Indian community and especially the film they had screened about Operation Sindoor. It was a tribute to the Indian army and military and for the great sacrifices they’ve done to protect our country,” said Kanimozhi. “To see so many Indians come together and to say that we stand with India… it was a very moving experience.”

The delegation, led by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, includes Rajeev Rai (Samajwadi Party), Mian Altaf Ahmad (Jammu and Kashmir National Conference), Brijesh Chowta (BJP), Prem Chand Gupta (Rashtriya Janata Dal), Ashok Kumar Mittal (Aam Aadmi Party), and Former envoys Manjeev S Puri and Jawed Ashraf. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump once again claimed credit for brokering the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan, asserting that he used trade as a negotiation tactic.

Speaking at the Oval Office during an event marking Elon Musk’s departure from his advisory role at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Trump said, “We stopped India and Pakistan from fighting. I believe that could have turned out into a nuclear disaster, and I want to thank the leaders of India and Pakistan, and I want to thank my people. Also, we talk trade, and we say we can’t trade with people who are shooting at each other and potentially using nuclear weapons. They’re great leaders in those countries, and they understood and they agreed.”

Trump’s remarks come amid continued debate over the role of international influence in recent de-escalation efforts between the South Asian nations.

Meanwhile, India has clarified that the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan took place on May 10 following contacts between the two DGMOs and while there were conversations between Indian and US leaders on the evolving situation since Operation Sindoor was launched, the issue of trade or tariff did not come up in any of those discussions.

Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India’s position on the stoppage of military action has been well-articulated.

“Our position on this particular issue that you mentioned has been well articulated. I would refer you to our position that was made clear on May 13. From the time Operation Sindoor commenced on 7th May till the understanding on cessation of firing and military action on May 10, there were conversations between Indian and US leaders on the evolving military situation. “The issue of trade or tariff did not come up in any of those discussions. The External Affairs Minister has also made it clear that the cessation of firing was decided upon through direct contact with the DGMOs of India and Pakistan,” Jaiswal said.

India launched Operation Sindoor following the Pahalgam terror attack, conducting precision strikes on terror infrastructure across the border in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

India repelled subsequent Pakistani aggression and pounded its airbases. The two countries agreed to stop military action after the Pakistan DGMO contacted his Indian counterpart. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) praised Elon Musk for doing a “fantastic job” as head of the DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) and assured that the department, founded by Musk to cut unnecessary funding and boost the US economy, will remain functional.

Addressing the press at the Oval Office with Elon Musk on his last day, Trump said. “Elon has worked tirelessly helping lead the most sweeping and consequential government reforms in generations.”

Trump also assured that many of the DOGE employees are staying behind and suggested that Musk will remain integral in the project.

“Many of the DOGE people are staying behind, too, so they’re not leaving, Elon is really not leaving. He’s gonna be back and forth. I want to thank Elon for his time as a special government employee for coming and helping us.”

The President also listed the contracts that were terminated after DOGE recommendations to help boost the economy.

“We have terminated many-many contracts and many contracts are being looked at and it may be six months or maybe a year or something in some cases. We are going through procedures, we are going through courts and we’ll remember you (Elon Musk). DOGE cancelled USD 101 million for DEI contracts at the Department of Education. USD 59 million for illegal alien hotel rooms in New York City. USD 45 million for diversity, equity and inclusion scholarships in Burma. USD 42 million for social and behavioural change in Uganda, USD 40 million to improve the social and economic inclusion of migrants. USD 8 million for mice transgenders,” Trump said.

Tesla CEO Musk reaffirmed that this is just the beginning of DOGE, and that the department’s influence would only grow stronger with time.

“This is not the end of DOGE but really the beginning. My time as a special government employee really had to end. It was a limited time. The DOGE will only grow stronger with time. The DOGE influence will go stronger.

Musk added that he intends to give the president advice even as he closes out his time in the administration.

“I expect to continue to provide advice whenever the president would like advice,” Musk said in response to a question from a reporter.

“I hope so,” Trump chimed in.

“I expect to remain a friend and an adviser and certainly, if there’s anything the president wants me to do, I’m at the president’s service,” Musk added.

Musk on Thursday announced his decision to step down as a ‘Special Government Employee.’

In a post on X, he wrote, “As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President Donald Trump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending. The DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.”

Earlier, Musk has criticised Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’, saying “I was disappointed to see the massive spending bill, frankly, which increases the budget deficit, not just decreases it, and undermines the work that the DOGE team is doing.”

“I think a bill can be big or it can be beautiful, but I don’t know if it can be both,” he added. (ANI)

A brilliant half-century by Sai Sudharsan and his partnership with Washington Sundar went in vain as fine death bowling effort from Mumbai Indians (MI) helped the Blue and Gold franchise eliminate the 2022 champions from the competition with a 20-run win at Mullanpur on Friday.

With this win, MI will now play Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Ahmedabad on June 1 for a spot in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on June 3.

During the run-chase, GT was off to the worst imaginable start as skipper Shubman Gill was trapped leg-before-wicket by Trent Boult for just one. GT was 3/1 in 0.4 overs.

However, later, Sai and Kusal Mendis started to stitch a partnership, taking down Boult with three sixes in the third over and adding some pressure on MI.

Sudharsan continued finding boundaries against Richard Gleeson and MI skipper Hardik Pandya, including three against Hardik in the fifth over. With a four, GT reached the 50-run mark in 4.4 overs.

Sudharsan concluded a fine powerplay for GT with two fours against Jasprit Bumrah, taking GT to 66/1, with Sudharsan (43) and Kusal (20) unbeaten.

The 64-run stand between Sudharsan and Kusal met the most unfortunate end, with the Sri Lankan being hit wicket by Mitchell Santner for 20 in 10 balls, with a four and two sixes. GT was 67/2 in 6.2 overs.

Sudharsan continued to accumulate runs effortlessly, bringing up his sixth fifty of the season in 28 balls, with eight fours and a six.

GT were in touch with the required run-rate, bringing up their 100-run mark in 9.2 overs. At the end of 10 overs, GT was 106/2, with Sudharsan (67) and Washington Sundar (16) unbeaten.

In the next three overs, Sundar unlocked a new level against pace, taking down Hardik for a four and six and later hitting Boult for two sixes and a four in the 13th over, accumulating 18 runs for his side.

GT reached the 150-run mark in 13.2 overs.

Jasprit ended the partnership of 84 in 44 balls, cleaning up Washington with a beautiful yorker for 48 in 23 balls, with five fours and three sixes. GT was 151/3 in 13.4 overs.

At the end of 15 overs, GT was 161/3, with Sai (80) and Sherfane (8) unbeaten.

After Rutherford eased off some pressure with two boundaries, GT were dealt a massive blow as Gleeson cleaned up Sudharsan for 81 in 49 balls, with 10 fours and a six. GT was 170/4 in 15.4 overs. However, another boundary from Rutherford on the final ball reduced the deficit to 54 in the final four overs.

In the final three overs, GT was left needing 45 runs. Bumrah bowled the next over, and Tewatia tried making a game out of it, dancing sideways and smashing him for a six. GT was left with 36 in the final two overs, with nine runs coming from the over.

Boult started the next over with the wicket of Rutherford for 24 in 15 balls, with four boundaries. GT was 193/5 in 18.1 overs. Boult continued delivering fine yorkers, but Shahrukh Khan hit a six on the final ball, leaving GT with 24 to get in the final over.

Ashwani removed Shahrukh on the fourth ball of the final over. GT finished their innings at 208/6, with Tewatia (16) and Rashid Khan (0) unbeaten.

Boult (2/56) was the top bowler for MI. Bumrah, Gleeson, Santner and Ashwani got a wicket each.

Earlier, a clutch half-century from Rohit Sharma and fine finishing from Tilak Varma and skipper Hardik Pandya powered Mumbai Indians (MI) to a massive 228/5 in their 20 overs.

After electing to bat first, MI was off to a fine start thanks to their attacking opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Jonny Bairstow. Rohit smashed two fours against Mohammed Siraj in the third over. But it was nothing compared to what Bairstow unleashed on Prasidh Krishna in the next over, smashing him for three sixes and a four, bringing up MI’s fifty-run mark in 3.5 overs.

In the final over of the powerplay, Rohit clobbered Sai Kishore for two fours and a six. At the end of six overs, MI was 79/0, with Bairstow (44) and Rohit (33) unbeaten.

Sai Kishore ended the brutal 84-run stand between Bairstow and Rohit, with Coetzee taking a brilliant catch at short third man. Bairstow was gone for a 22-ball 47, with four boundaries and three sixes. MI was 84/1 in 7.2 overs.

A maximum over the square leg region on a Rashid Khan delivery helped Rohit become only the second India to score 7,000 runs in IPL history, besides Virat Kohli (8,618 runs). That hit also brought up MI’s 100-run mark in 8.4 overs. With a pull over square leg, Rohit brought up his fourth IPL 2025 fifty in 28 balls, with seven fours and two sixes.

At the end of 10 overs, MI was 113/1, with Rohit (56) and Suryakumar Yadav (7) unbeaten. In the 12th over, Suryakumar injected some life into his innings, with two successive sixes, crossing the 25-run mark for the 15th successive time this season. However, Sai ended his spell with his wicket, removing him for 33 in 20 balls, with a four and three sixes. Washington Sundar took a fine catch at deep backwards square leg. MI was 143/2 in 13 overs.

MI reached the 150-run mark in 14 overs. The Hitman continued to tonk sixes, reaching the 80-run mark. With four overs left, MI was 175/2, with Rohit (81) and Tilak (11) unbeaten.

A brilliant knock by Rohit ended due to a poorly timed shot, with Rashid getting a catch on Prasidh’s delivery. He was gone for 81 in 50 balls, with nine fours and four sixes. MI was 186/3 in 16.4 overs.

Tilak, on the other hand, unphased, continued to tonk sixes. But his brief, audacious knock ended as he edged into gloves of Kusal Mendis on a Siraj delivery for 25 in 11 balls, with three sixes. MI was 194/4 in 17.2 overs.

200 was up for MI in 18.2 overs. Prasidh gave MI another death-overs jolt, removing Naman Dhir for nine.

MI was 206/5 in 18.4 overs. Gerald Coetzee’s final over scored 22 runs, and skipper Hardik Pandya hit him for three sixes. MI ended the innings at 228/5 in 20 overs, with Pandya (22* in nine balls, with three sixes) and Mitchell Santner (0*) unbeaten.

Sai (2/42) and Prasidh (2/53) were the top bowlers for GT.

Brief Scores: MI: 228/5 (Rohit Sharma 81, Jonny Bairstow 47, Sai Kishore 2/42) beat GT: 208/6 (Sai Sudharsan 80, Washington Sundar 48, Trent Boult 2/56). (ANI)

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Friday said that Pakistan is not a victim state but a terror state and said that the global community that continues to provide aid to Pakistan enables violence, not peace.

Raghav Chadha was speaking at the ‘Ideas for India Conference 2025’ in London.

“I called out Pakistan’s decades-old terror machinery. Blood and water can’t flow together.Lies and loans can’t go together. Diplomacy and duplicity of Pakistan can’t go together. Terror and Tolerance can’t exist together,” posted Raghav Chadha on X.

Invited by the UK-based think tank Bridge India as a featured speaker alongside top Indian business leaders and policymakers, Raghav Chadha used the international stage to demand a decisive shift in global policy.

“Diplomacy fails with duplicity, and terror nullifies tolerance,” said Chadha.

He warned the global community that continued aid to Pakistan enables violence, not peace.

“We offer a hand of friendship–but it can turn into a fist of retribution if provoked,” he said, making clear that India’s patience is not limitless in the face of cross-border aggression.

Addressing the conference, AAP MP Raghav Chadha stated, “Very recently there was an unfortunate terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. It becomes very important that we highlight India’s strategic autonomy in this multi-polar world. It is also reflected in the fact that in the aftermath of the most cowardly attack in Pahalgam where 26 civilians were butchered, India didn’t go around town seeking consent to retaliate.”

He emphasised, “India told its worthy partners in the world that we are all for peace but don’t mistake our peacefulness for our weakness. While we extend the hand of friendship, if someone indulges in misadventures, that hand of friendship can very quickly become the fist of retribution.”

Raghav Chadha continued, “As a result, India responded. India responded in a non-escalatory, precise, measured, calculated, swift response where cross-border strikes were made and terror infrastructure across the border, not civilians, not military bases, but terror infrastructure was brought down. I think this has become a new norm and this underscores the fact that today cross-border strikes and demolishing terror infrastructure in Pakistan is not the exception.”

“It will be the expectation if Pakistan indulges in sponsoring, aiding, abetting terrorism within India. India and Pakistan started their journey from the very same day in 1947 when the British left the united India. We started the journey from the very same day. And look, India today has become the fourth largest economy,” added the Rajya Sabha MP.

He pointed out that Pakistan today is in economic turmoil and in an institutional crisis.

“India today is known to export software, to export education, to export agricultural products, dairy products, so on and so forth. Pakistan today is known to export only one thing, terrorism. India is investing in healthcare, education, science and technology, research and development,” he highlighted.

Raghav Chadha stated, “Pakistan is investing in only and only military and radicalization. I appeal to the first world countries and the IMF in particular, that we should, quite frankly, have a relook at the way we fund Pakistan. Why is the IMF giving bailouts to Pakistan one after another? Where is the money going? Is that money being invested in healthcare? Is that money being invested in education? Is that money being invested in infrastructure? That money is going to fund nefarious activities and designs of the regime.”

He concluded by emphasising, “I think it’s high time that the world realizes that lies and loans cannot go together. Diplomacy and duplicity of Pakistan cannot go together. Blood and water cannot flow together and terror and tolerance cannot be together. I’m not even part of the government. I speak as a pretty vocal member of the opposition. And yet, as an Indian on foreign soil, I say what 1.4 billion Indians feel.”

Participating in the special session titled “India in a Multipolar World” at the Ideas for India Conference 2025, AAP MP Raghav Chadha laid out a compelling vision for India’s growing strategic autonomy and its emergence as a crucial bridge between the Global North and South. Addressing an audience of global policymakers and business leaders.

Chadha highlighted India’s recent achievements — including the success of Operation Sindoor — and spoke on the country’s advances in defence, diplomacy, and technology.

He also underscored the vital role of India’s youth in shaping the nation’s future as a confident, globally engaged power.

Earlier this month, AAP MP Raghav Chadha was also invited as a keynote speaker at the prestigious Asian Leadership Conference (ALC) 2025, held in Seoul, South Korea — often referred to as the “Davos of the East”.

At the event, he strongly condemned the Pakistan-sponsored terrorist attack in Pahalgam on a global stage. He lauded the Indian Army’s courage during Operation Sindoor and emphasised that India no longer merely expresses sorrow over acts of terrorism but now responds with precise and decisive military action.

Raghav Chadha affirmed India is the land of Mahatma Gandhi, the apostle of non-violence, but it is also the land of revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh and Subhas Chandra Bose. India believes in peace — but those who support terrorism will not be spared.

Notably, Raghav Chadha was recently selected as a Young Global Leader (YGL) by the World Economic Forum–a distinction awarded to the world’s most promising leaders under the age of 40, recognized for their contributions to shaping a better future.

During the ‘Ideas for India’ conference, part of India Week 2025, organised by Bridge India, BRS Working President KT Rama Rao also said, “Telangana is the state with the most ease of doing business in India as per govt of India and NITI Aayog.”

“Our leader KCR has chosen to disrupt the way we brought out laws and legislations. The first piece of legislation is TS-iPASS (Telangana State Industrial Project Approval and Self Certification System),” he added. (ANI)

Bobby Deol and Tania Deol are celebrating 29 years of togetherness, and to mark the special day, the actor dropped an adorable message for his beautiful wife.

In the picture posted on his Instagram account, the two are seen embracing each other warmly. The actor captioned the post: “Hey my love, happy anniversary. Forever yours.”

Earlier in the day, Bobby’s father and legendary actor Dharmendra also took to social media to send his blessings.

He shared two throwback pictures from Bobby and Tania’s wedding and wrote, “Happy Anniversary, my darling kids. Wishing you the best of the best in life. Enjoy this very, very SPECIAL DAY.”

Bobby and Tania Deol got married on May 30, 1996. Over the years, they have stayed strong and close, raising their two sons, Aryaman and Dharam, together.

Meanwhile, on the work front, the actor was last seen in Ek Badnaam Aashram Season 3 – Part 2. The show premiered on Amazon MX Player on February 27.

Directed by Prakash Jha, the series featured Bobby Deol, Aaditi Pohankar, Darshan Kumaar, Chandan Roy Sanyal, Vikram Kochhar, Tridha Choudhury, Anupriya Goenka, Rajeev Siddhartha, and Esha Gupta in crucial roles. Apart from this, the actor recently made his Telugu debut in Daaku Maharaj, where he acted alongside Nandamuri Balakrishna, Urvashi Rautela, and Pragya Jaiswal. The film was directed by Bobby Kolli. (ANI)