Month: September 2025

Activist Sonam Wangchuk, accused of “inciting violence” during protests in Ladakh demanding statehood and inclusion in the sixth schedule of the Constitution, has been arrested, confirmed his family on Friday.

This comes two days after a demonstration demanding statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the sixth schedule had turned violent and targeted the BJP office in Leh and a day after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) cancelled the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) licence of Wangchuk’s Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) over alleged violations of the act.

The opposition launched attacks on the BJP-led Government following Wangchuk’s arrest, with the Congress party accusing it of “mishandling” the situation in Ladakh. At the same time, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal termed his arrest as “dictatorship.”

The Indian National Congress launched a scathing attack on the ruling BJP, claiming that this has been done to “divert attention and responsibility” from the BJP’s “abysmal failure” to maintain law and order in Ladakh.

In a social media post on X, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh wrote, “The Indian National Congress condemns the arrest of noted environmentalist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act. This has been done to divert attention and responsibility from the BJP’s abysmal failure to maintain law and order and ensure security of life and property in the Union Territory of Ladakh.”

The Congress further accused the BJP of “deceiving” the people of Ladakh, asking it to engage with the people of Ladakh in sincerity and with alacrity.

The social media post read, “The crux of the issue is that the BJP has deceived the people of Ladakh for years. It promised the region Sixth Schedule status in the 2020 Leh Hill Council Elections and has gone back on that promise with a vengeance. It claimed that it gave Ladakh autonomy from the larger Jammu and Kashmir, but has really ended all semblance of democracy in the Union Territory.”

“The Modi Government cannot brush these issues away or suppress them by arresting Mr. Wangchuk. It needs to engage with the people of Ladakh in sincerity and with alacrity,” it added.

Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir accused the Centre of “mishandling” the situation while denying his party’s role in the September 24 violence in Leh. He demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident.

“I just got to know that he (Sonam Wangchuk) has been arrested. He is a respectable man who has dedicated himself to the cause of Ladakh. This is an unwanted step. The people of Ladakh have long been renowned for their peaceful nature. A group of activists has been protesting for the last 6 years. Among these activists, two fell severely ill. Looking at this, the youth got agitated…The government has shared a photo showing a Congress councillor allegedly instigating people. The Congress councillor has challenged it, saying that it was not him. No Congress worker had any involvement in this violence. The local Congress unit has demanded a judicial inquiry into the whole incident. It is wrong to blame Congress. The govt there mishandled the whole incident,” Mir said.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah termed the reports of Wangchuk’s arrest an “unfortunate” step; however, he also said that the move wasn’t unexpected, as the Central government had been “after him since yesterday.”

Speaking to reporters, Abdullah criticised the Central government for failing to fulfil the promises they had made to the people of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.

“He was arrested? It is unfortunate. Given the way the central government has been after them since yesterday, it seemed like something like this might happen. They were made promises, just like we were. Now I don’t understand what compels the central government to renege on promises it makes…” the Chief Minister said.

AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal also reacted to reports of police arresting Ladakh activist, two days after violence broke out during protests in Leh.

Expressing concerns, Kejriwal criticised the Central government’s handling of the situation, calling its actions “oppressive and dictatorial.”

Drawing parallels with mythological and historical figures, he posted on X, “Ravana’s end also came. Kansa’s end also came. Hitler’s and Mussolini’s end also came. And today, people hate all those individuals. Today in our country, dictatorship is at its peak. The end of those who practice dictatorship and arrogance is very bad.”

Former Delhi Minister and AAP leader, Saurabh Bharadwaj, also launched an attack on the ruling BJP over reports of Sonam Wangchuk’s arrest, claiming that the arrest of Sonam Wangchuk shows that the “end of the BJP’s central government is approaching.”

He further alleged that the BJP government sees every movement as the “doom” of their power and hence is taking such actions.

“Fear is good. The arrest of Sonam Wangchuk shows that the BJP’s central government is seeing its end approaching. Just as Kansa was seeing his end, hearing it, and out of fear, considered every child of Devaki as his doom. Similarly, today the BJP government sees every movement as the doom of their power. This fear is visible on their social media handles. This fear is good,” Bharadwaj posted on X.

Following the violent protests, prohibitions under Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 were imposed in Leh. Assembling five or more persons is prohibited in the district. No procession, rally or march to be carried out without prior written approval.

A demonstration demanding statehood for Ladakh and inclusion of the Union Territory under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution had turned violent and targeted the BJP office in Leh on Wednesday, September 24.

Prohibitions under Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS), 2023, continued to be imposed in Leh on Friday, with a ban on the assembly of five or more persons in the district.

Earlier, Wangchuk had said on Thursday that “he would be happy to be arrested” because it would make people aware of the issue.

“After violence, all the blame was put on Sonam Wangchuk. I also got information that a case under the Public Safety Act is being prepared against me, which would allow them to jail me for up to two years without trial or bail… I would be happy to be arrested anytime because it will make people more aware, rather than me being outside the jail. People will see that the man who brought pride to the country is in jail and will understand how the country is governed. Perhaps, this will be the last series of my service to the country,” Wangchuk had told ANI.

Earlier today, the co-chairman of the Apex Leh Body, Tsering Dorjay, denied any foreign involvement in the agitation and stated that the agitation was a result of the frustration of the youth of Ladakh.

He said, “… This was frustration of our youth, I don’t agree there was any foreign element or Congress’s involvement. This was the frustration of our youth and the issue of unemployment. This is all an excuse. If there were foreign elements, then what were all the agencies doing? If there was a foreign hand, it was a failure of the administration. We will talk to the government.”

The Apex Body Leh (ABL), which is leading the agitation for statehood for Ladakh, stated that their protest is peaceful and that the violence on September 24 was triggered when a section of the youth got out of control.

Addressing a press conference here, the Apex Body denied activist Sonam Wangchuk’s role in the violence in Leh during his hunger strike.

In the statement, a member of the Apex Body Leh said, “Our movement will be peaceful and nonviolent to disseminate this, we started prayers of all the religions. When Sonam Wangchuk started the Hunger Strike, a few people were there. We used to call people from villages. We called for a Leh Bandh on September 24.”

“Before that, on September 23, two people who were in the protest were admitted to the hospital. Upon learning this, a huge mob of youths came to the hospital. On the day of the bandh, more people than we had expected arrived at the site of the strike. A large part of the people were youth that day,” he said.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in a statement on Wednesday had blamed Wangchuk for the violent protests, stating, “It is clear that the mob was incited by Sonam Wangchuk through his provocative statements. Incidentally, amidst these violent developments, he broke his fast and left for his village in an ambulance without making serious efforts to control the situation.”

However, he denied the charges. He denounced the violence and also ended his hunger strike following the escalating situation. (ANI)

Restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) remained in place in Leh on Saturday, following recent violence during protests demanding statehood for Ladakh.

According to the official order, assembly of five or more persons is banned in the district. No procession, rally or march is to be carried out without prior written approval.

Security personnel have been deployed in the area.

On September 24, violence broke out in Leh during the protests, when the local BJP office was set on fire.

Four people died in the clashes. Two days later, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA). He has been accused of “inciting violence”.

Wangchuk’s family has also confirmed his “arrest”.

The activist has been pressing for Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which relates to the administration of tribal areas and advocates for the creation of autonomous district councils.

Earlier on Thursday, Wangchuk said that “he would be happy to be arrested” because it would make people aware of the issue.

“After violence, all the blame was put on Sonam Wangchuk. I also got information that a case under the Public Safety Act is being prepared against me, which would allow them to jail me for up to two years without trial or bail,” Wangchuk told ANI.

“I would be happy to be arrested anytime because it will make people more aware, rather than me being outside the jail. People will see that the man who brought pride to the country is in jail and will understand how the country is governed. Perhaps, this will be the last series of my service to the country,” he added.

The opposition slammed the BJP-led government over Wangchuk’s arrest.

The Congress accused the centre of “mishandling” the situation in Ladakh, while AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal said that the arrest was “dictatorship at its peak”. (ANI)

After former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar accidentally floundered cricketer Abhishek Sharma’s name, mentioning Abhishek Bachchan instead, while discussing match strategies for India-Pakistan Asia Cup final, the ‘Guru’ star delivered a hilarious response, saying that even though he doesn’t play cricket well, the Pakistan bowlers would not be able to get him out.

While analysing match strategies during the sports show ‘Game On Hai’, Akhtar was heard saying, “If Pakistan manage to get Abhishek Bachchan out in a hypothetical situation, what happens to India’s middle order? The middle order has not performed well.” The slip occurred while he was referring to cricketer Abhishek Sharma.

The former speedster was promptly corrected by the presenter, who clarified that the intended reference was to Indian batter Abhishek Sharma. The conversation then returned to cricketing matters. However, the gaffe did not go unnoticed by viewers and quickly went viral across social media platforms.

Reacting to the clip, Abhishek Bachchan took to microblogging site X (formerly Twitter) and responded with trademark wit.

Quoting the clip, he wrote, “Sir, with all due respect… don’t think they’ll even manage that! And I’m not even good at playing cricket.”

India and Pakistan are slated to face off in the highly anticipated final of the Asia Cup on Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium.

The title clash follows two one-sided contests between these two sides in the group stage and the Super Four stage. In the group stage, India chased down a meagre target of 128 set by Pakistan with seven wickets in hand.

In the next match during the Super Four stage, Pakistan did much better, posting 171 thanks to a half-century by Sahibzada Farhan. However, Abhishek Sharma spoiled Pakistan’s party again with an explosive 74 and 105-run stand with vice-captain Shubman Gill and India won by six wickets. (ANI)

Former leg-spinner Amit Mishra doesn’t classify Pakistan as a threat to India in the Asia Cup final, or staging an upset like the 2017 Champions Trophy final, considering the difference in “quality” and the huge chasm that prevails between the two sides.

The Super Fours stage of the ongoing Asia Cup has concluded with unbeaten India walking out unscathed on the back of dominant performances and a couple of nervy affairs. The reigning world champions have been deemed the favourites to steamroll past their arch-rival for the third successive time and lift the title on Sunday in Dubai.

Despite the odds heavily stacked in India’s favour, some feel Pakistan could recreate the memories of the 2017 Champions Trophy heartbreak, which ended with a 180-run defeat for the Men in Blue. Despite the shades of the past lingering, Mishra doesn’t see it turning into reality this time around.

The 42-year-old believes Pakistan would need to tick a lot of boxes to challenge India in T20Is. While taking a subtle jibe at Pakistan, Mishra highlighted the difference between the two sides. However, he cautioned India to hone its catching skills, bearing in mind that such dropped efforts could hurt India brutally in the final.

“I don’t think so. They don’t have the quality. There are a lot of differences in cricket. They have to tick a lot of marks to win against India. They need to handle the pressure. There are a lot of facets where India is ahead of them. India needs to improve its fielding. India is dropping three to four catches in every match. It is rare that after dropping a lot of catches, you win a game. You should not eye a team as a minor, especially in T20Is,” Mishra said while speaking exclusively to ANI.

“Earlier, I could say they could challenge in bowling, especially after Abhishek batted against Rauf and Shaheen. The only thing they are better at is talking. They are not even close to us in terms of thinking, strategy, batting, or bowling. In terms of cricket, they don’t have an answer for us,” he added.

The young swashbuckler Abhishek Sharma has done the bulk of the scoring for India from the top. With his flamboyant strokeplay and pugnacious mindset, Abhishek has converted his swift starts into match-winning scores. With three fifties on the trot and his protracted havoc, Mishra sees it as an ominous sign for India.

“The best thing that I find about Abhishek is that he was getting starts, but now he is converting them into big scores by playing for a long time. In T20Is, it is beneficial for the team when the set batter stays on the crease for a long time,” Mishra said.

While scrutinising the massive challenge India faces, apart from their fielding woes, has been the untested middle order. With Abhishek and vice-captain Shubman Gill ripping the opposition apart in the powerplay, the middle order has dealt with pressure in patches.

Mishra doesn’t see the scarcity of exposure for the middle-order batters as a problem for the Indian side. He cited several examples, including Sanju Samson’s promotion to number three against Oman and Shivam Dube’s promotion to the same position against Bangladesh, to further support his case.

“The role is of the entire team. The best thing about India is that the team is not dependent on one player. It is good that Abhishek is in form and Shubman Gill is supporting him well. India has made attempts to test their batters. Shivam Dube was sent high in the batting order. Before him, Sanju Samson scored fifty after being promoted,” he said.

“Hardik Pandya has batted well against India. Whenever India got the opportunity, India tried to allow its middle-order batters to play. Dube has even bowled overs, so that when the moment comes, he is ready,” he added. (ANI)

India on Friday (local time) delivered a searing rebuttal to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s address at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, accusing him of “absurd theatrics” and glorifying terrorism while mocking his claim of “victory” in the May escalation.

Exercising India’s right of reply at the general assembly, Petal Gahlot, First Secretary at India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, said that the Prime Minister of Pakistan had sought to portray destruction of airbases in their country as a victory. While dismantling his narrative, the first secretary accused Islamabad of shielding terrorists and peddling “ludicrous narratives” to mask its role as a hub of terrorism.

The First Secretary also debunked Sharif’s portrayal of the May conflict, noting that Pakistan’s threats against India ceased only after Indian forces devastated multiple Pakistani airbases on May 10.

“The Prime Minister of Pakistan also advanced a bizarre account of the recent conflict with India. The record on this matter is clear. Till 9 May, Pakistan was threatening more attacks on India. But on 10 May, its military pleaded with us directly for a cessation to the fighting. The intervening event was the destruction caused to multiple Pakistani airbases by Indian forces. The pictures of that damage are, of course, publicly accessible. If destroyed runways and burnt-out hangers look like victory, as the Prime Minister claimed, Pakistan is welcome to enjoy it,” she said.

Gahlot pointed to Pakistan’s April 25, 2025, actions at the UN Security Council, where it protected ‘The Resistance Front’, a Pakistan-sponsored terror outfit responsible for the massacre of tourists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that claimed 26 people on Apirl 22.

“This Assembly witnessed absurd theatrics in the morning from the Prime Minister of Pakistan, who once again glorified terrorism that is so central to their foreign policy. However, no degree of drama and no level of lies can conceal the facts. This is the very same Pakistan which, at the UN Security Council on 25 April 2025, shielded ‘The Resistance Front’, a Pakistani-sponsored terror outfit, from the responsibility of carrying out the barbaric massacre of tourists in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir,” she stated.

Highlighting Pakistan’s history of duplicity, Gahlot recalled its decade-long sheltering of Osama bin Laden while posing as a partner in the global war on terror, adding that Pakistani ministers had acknowledged operating terrorist camps for decades.

She also accused senior Pakistani military and civilian officials of publicly glorifying terrorists and paying homage to “notorious terrorists” who were slain during India’s strikes on Bahawalpur and Muridke during Operation Sindoor.

“A country long steeped in the tradition of deploying and exporting terrorism has no shame in advancing the most ludicrous narratives to that end. Let us recall that it sheltered Osama bin Laden for a decade, even while pretending to partner in the war against terrorism. Its Ministers have just recently acknowledged that they have been operating terrorist camps for decades. It should come as no surprise that once again, this duplicity continues, this time at the level of its Prime Minister,” she said.

“A picture speaks a thousand words and we saw many pictures of terrorists slain in Bahawalpur and Muridke terror complexes by Indian forces during Operation Sindoor. When senior Pakistani military and civilian officials publicly glorify and pay homage to such notorious terrorists, can there be any doubt about the proclivities of this regime?” the First Secretary added.

India’s response underscored its zero-tolerance stance on terrorism, with Gahlot asserting, “The truth is that as in the past, Pakistan is responsible for a terrorist attack on innocent civilians in India. We have exercised the right to defend our people against such actions and have brought the organisers and perpetrators to justice.”

She demanded that Pakistan immediately shut down all terrorist camps and hand over wanted terrorists, warning that India would hold both terrorists and their sponsors accountable without succumbing to “nuclear blackmail”.

Gahlot also addressed Sharif’s call for peace, challenging its sincerity, while slamming Pakistan’s “hate, bigotry, and intolerance”, urging its leadership to reflect on its own political discourse.

“The truth is that, as in the past, Pakistan is responsible for a terrorist attack on innocent civilians in India. We have exercised the right to defend our people against such actions and have brought the organisers and perpetrators to justice. The Pakistani Prime Minister has spoken about wanting peace with India. If he is indeed sincere, the pathway is clear. Pakistan must immediately shut down all terrorist camps and hand over to us terrorists wanted in India. It is also ironic that a country which wallows in hate, bigotry and intolerance should preach to this Assembly on matters of faith. The political and public discourse of Pakistan reflects its true nature. Clearly, a look by them at the mirror is long overdue,” she noted.

Reaffirming India’s longstanding position, Gahlot stressed that all outstanding issues with Pakistan must be resolved bilaterally, leaving “no room for any third party.”

“India and Pakistan have long agreed that any outstanding issue between them will be addressed bilaterally. There is no room for any third party in that regard. This is our longstanding national position,” she added. (ANI)

United States President Donald Trump announced on Friday that his administration will impose a 100 per cent tariff on branded and patented pharmaceutical products beginning October 1, 2025, unless the manufacturing companies establish production facilities in the United States.

The Indian pharmaceutical sector supplies over 50 per cent of global demand for various vaccines, 40 per cent of generic demand in the US and 25 per cent of all medicines in the UK. India’s annual drug and pharmaceutical exports touched a record USD 30 billion in FY25 bolstered by a 31 per cent year-on-year surge in March.

According to a government release, drug and pharmaceutical exports increased by 6.94 per cent from USD 2.35 billion in August 2024 to USD 2.51 billion in August 2025 alone.

In FY24, India’s pharmaceutical exports stood at USD 27.9 billion, of which 31 per cent, about USD 8.7 billion (Rs. 77,231 crore), were directed to the US, according to the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil). In the first half of 2025 alone, pharmaceutical shipments worth USD 3.7 billion (approximately Rs. 32,505 crore) were sent overseas.

Leading companies such as Dr. Reddy’s, Aurobindo Pharma, Zydus Lifesciences, Sun Pharma and Gland Pharma derive between 30-50 per cent of their overall revenues from the American market.

According to a separate government report, India’s pharmaceutical industry is a global powerhouse, ranking third in the world by volume and 14th in terms of production value. It supplies over 50 per cent of global vaccine demand and nearly 40 per cent of generics to the US. The industry is projected to grow to USD 130 billion by 2030 and USD 450 billion market by 2047.

Backed by policy support for pharmaceuticals, such as the PLI scheme (Rs. 15,000 crore) and the Strengthening of Pharmaceuticals Industry (SPI) scheme (Rs. 500 crore), the industry continues to expand its global footprint. The PLI scheme is driving investments into 55 projects to make high-end drugs such as cancer and diabetes medicines in India, while the SPI scheme, that focuses on raising the quality, competitiveness, and resilience of smaller pharma companies, is funding R&D and modernizing labs, enabling Indian companies to compete globally. Beyond cost efficiency, India has emerged as a hub for affordable, high-quality medicines, reinforcing its rightful title as the “Pharmacy of the World,” the report said.

Earlier, in a post on Truth Social, US President Trump wrote, “Starting October 1st, 2025, we will be imposing a 100 per cent Tariff on any branded or patented Pharmaceutical Product, unless a Company IS BUILDING their Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plant in America. ‘IS BUILDING’ will be defined as ‘breaking ground’ and/or ‘under construction.'”

Clarifying the scope of the measure, Trump added that companies that have already begun construction of plants in the US will be exempt from the new tariff. “There will, therefore, be no Tariff on these Pharmaceutical Products if construction has started. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” the post read.

He also announced sweeping tariffs on various household products, including imported kitchen cabinets and certain types of furniture, potentially adding even more costs to a category that has surged in price in recent months. Trump also announced heavy tariffs on trucks and pharmaceuticals.

Trump wrote in a Truth Social post, “We will be imposing a 50 per cent Tariff on all Kitchen Cabinets, Bathroom Vanities, and associated products, starting October 1st, 2025. Additionally, we will be charging a 30 per cent Tariff on Upholstered Furniture.” (ANI)

As the Indian Air Force retires its iconic MiG-21 aircraft on Friday veteran pilots reminisced about the legend that trained generations and defended the nation.

Ahead of the decommissioning of the MiG-21 fighter aircraft fleet in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Group Captain Malik (Retd.) said that bidding farewell to the aircraft was an emotional moment since it had been a part of his life.

Speaking to ANI, Malik said that in the three versions of the MIG-21s that he had flown, there was nothing better than the country’s first supersonic fighter and interceptor aircraft,.

“I have flown all three versions of MiG-21s for almost 24 years… It was my life, and now it is going to be a part of my life. It’s a mixed feeling… Each moment is emotional when we are bidding farewell to this aircraft, and I swear there is nothing better than this aircraft…”Malik told ANI.

Rajnath Singh in a post on social media platforms X today wrote that he would attend the decommissioning ceremony Chandigarh.

“Today, 26th September, I shall be in Chandigarh. Shall attend the Decommissioning ceremony of IAF’s MiG-21. Looking forward to it.”After serving for six decades, the iconic MiG-21 is going to retire today,” Singh posted today.

The aircraft leaves behind a record of unmatched service and a legacy that will be remembered as India transitions to a new generation of fighter jets.

Inducted in 1963, the MiG-21 has served for nearly six decades and has been a cornerstone of India’s air power. The first squadron, the 28 Squadron, raised in Chandigarh, was nicknamed ‘First Supersonics’ as India’s first supersonic fighter.

The MiG-21 aircraft saw extensive action in multiple operations, including the 1971 war with Pakistan, where it proved its combat effectiveness. Over the decades, it has trained generations of fighter pilots, many of whom recall it as both challenging and rewarding to master.

In the 1971 war, MiG-21s struck the Governor’s residence in Dhaka, leading to Pakistan’s surrender. The aircraft has shot down multiple generations of enemy fighters, from F-104s in 1971 to the F-16 in 2019, making it one of the most battle-tested jets in IAF history.

Known as the “backbone of the IAF,” the MiG-21 was also fielded in the Kargil war. (ANI)

Defence Expert Captain Anil Gaur (Retired) said the Rs 62,370 crore deal between the Ministry of Defence and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 97 LCA Mk1A fighter jets is a ‘big boost to Atmanirbharta’.

Gaur said the move will address the Indian Air Force’s fighter jet shortfall and will strengthen the indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem.

Speaking to ANI on Thursday, Anil Gaur said, “The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to supply LCA Mark 1. These planes will be delivered to the Indian Air Force within the next 6 years. This will cover up the critical shortfall gap. This will also ensure that the supply chain of the entire aircraft industry will be tuned up and will be helpful for the future manufacturing of aircraft in India. These aircraft are being powered by the GE engine.”

“The Indian government has already signed an MOU with France for the saffron engines and their next ones will be powered by them. As the safran engine is going to be manufactured in India, it will be done only with technology transfer. This is a big boost to Atmanirbharta and will ensure that India becomes Atmanirbhar in aircraft production in the coming years,” Gaur said.

A day earlier, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A, including 68 fighters and 29 twin-seaters, along with associated equipment, for the Indian Air Force, at a cost of over Rs 62,370 crore (excluding taxes).

The delivery of these aircraft is expected to commence in 2027-28 and be completed over a period of six years, according to a release from the Ministry of Defence.

The aircraft will have an indigenous content of over 64 per cent, with 67 additional items incorporated, over and above the previous LCA Mk1A contract signed in January 2021.

The integration of advanced, indigenously developed systems, such as the UTTAM Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar, Swayam Raksha Kavach, and control surface actuators, will further strengthen the Aatmanirbharta initiatives. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tribute to Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on his 93rd birth anniversary, recalling his contributions to the nation during his years in public life.

In a post on X, Modi wrote, “Tributes to former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji on his birth anniversary. We recall his contributions to our nation during his long years in public life.”

Born on September 26, 1932, Manmohan Singh was an eminent economist and served as the Reserve Bank of India Governor from 1982 to 1985. Between 1991 and 1996, Singh served as India’s Finance Minister, during which he played a pivotal role in implementing comprehensive economic reforms that earned him worldwide recognition. He was India’s 13th Prime Minister, holding office from 2004 to 2014.

For many, his name remains synonymous with the transformative changes of that era. His government introduced landmark initiatives such as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), later renamed MGNREGA, and the Right to Information Act (RTI) in 2005, which significantly improved transparency between the government and the public.

Earlier, Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge also paid homage to the former PM, calling him a man of humility and wisdom who carried himself with “quiet dignity”.

In a post on social media X, Kharge called Singh a “gentle architect of India’s economic transformation”, stating that he let his actions speak louder than words, and his vision of economic reforms had not just opened doors for opportunity for the country but also created a thriving middle class and had lifted countless families out of poverty.

“We remember the contribution of Former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh in nation building. He was a gentle architect of India’s economic transformation.

A man of humility and wisdom, he carried himself with quiet dignity, letting his actions speak louder than his words. His vision of economic reforms opened new doors of opportunity, creating a thriving middle class and lifting countless families out of poverty,” the post read.

Highlighting Singh’s beliefs in fairness and inclusivity, Kharge wrote that the former PM ensured that the growth of the country went hand in hand with the welfare measures touching the lives of millions of people.

Further in his post, the Congress Chief wrote that Singh continues to be remembered by generations of Indians as an enduring symbol of honesty, intellect, and selfless service to the nation, whose legacy lives as an aspiration for a stronger and inclusive country.

“He believed deeply in fairness and inclusivity, ensuring that growth went hand in hand with compassion through welfare measures that touched the lives of millions. His leadership showed us that integrity in public life is not just possible, but powerful.

For generations of Indians, he will remain an enduring symbol of honesty, intellect, and selfless service to the nation. His legacy will live on in the aspirations of a stronger, more inclusive India.

Our humble homage on his birth anniversary,” the post further read. (ANI)

Diljit Dosanjh has earned a place on the global stage with his first-ever nomination for the International Emmy Awards 2025.

The nominations were announced on Thursday by the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

The singer-actor has been shortlisted in the Best Performance by an Actor category for his role in the Netflix biographical drama ‘Amar Singh Chamkila.’

Dosanjh will compete against some of the world’s most acclaimed talents. The 2025 International Emmy Best Actor nominees include David Mitchell for ‘Ludwig,’ Oriol Pla for ‘Yo, Adicto (I, Addict),’ and Diego Vasquez for ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude.’

Diljit’s powerful performance as Chamkila has not only won praise from fans and critics but also secured him this historic Emmy nomination. The film has also received a nomination in the Best TV Movie/Mini-Series category, making it a double celebration for the team.

Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the film tells the story of Punjab’s iconic folk singer Amar Singh Chamkila, often called the “Elvis of Punjab.” Chamkila rose to fame in the 1980s for his bold songs and energetic performances, but his life was tragically cut short in 1988 when he and his wife, Amarjot Kaur, were killed at the age of 27.

Released on Netflix in April 2024, Amar Singh Chamkila also stars Parineeti Chopra and was written by Imtiaz Ali and Sajid Ali. The film’s live-recorded folk music and emotionally driven storytelling have been widely appreciated.

Indian content has been steadily making its mark at the Emmys in recent years. In 2020, Netflix’s ‘Delhi Crime’ made history by winning the Best Drama Series award, while comedian Vir Das took home an Emmy in 2021 for his Netflix comedy special ‘Vir Das: For India.’ (ANI)