Tension is brewing inside Hansraj College and it’s not about exams this time. A sudden wave of suspensions has left corridors buzzing, WhatsApp groups exploding, and student politics heating up.

Around 30 students, including four key members of the Students’ Union, have been shown the door at least for now. The college says rules were broken. Students say voices are being crushed. Somewhere in between lies a story that has quickly turned into a campus flashpoint.

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Fest fallout: What triggered the action

The Hansraj College has suspended around 30 students, including four office-bearers of its Students’ Union, citing allegations ranging from “defaming the college through social media platforms” to “use of derogatory language”. The notices in this regard were served between April… pic.twitter.com/sRZNy5thtJ

— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) April 27, 2026

The trouble traces back to the college’s annual fest held on April 8 and 9. What should have been two days of music and celebration reportedly spiralled into chaos.

According to official notices, multiple students were involved in incidents ranging from physical violence to disruption of campus order. One notice, issued on April 20, singled out a student for “indiscipline,” accusing them of defaming the institution on social media and using derogatory language against both teaching and non-teaching staff.

A second notice widened the net. Fourteen students were named for alleged involvement in violence and disorder during the fest. The administration described the incidents as serious enough to disturb the campus environment.

Then came the biggest move.

Union leaders suspended, entry banned

On April 25, the college escalated matters by suspending four elected office-bearers of the Students’ Union for the 2025-26 term. The order was immediate and labelled as “interim,” meaning it will remain in place until further directions.

In total, about 30 students are now under suspension.

The restrictions are strict. Those suspended cannot enter college premises during this period. The only exception is that they can show up for exams and internal assessments.

What stands out is the uncertainty. The suspension has no fixed timeline. There is no clarity on how long it will last or what final outcome might be.

Student body hits back hard

The backlash was quick and loud. Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) has openly challenged the decision, calling it an attack on student democracy.

DUSU President Aryaman Sai did not hold back. He questioned the intent behind suspending elected representatives, asking whether their “crime” was simply speaking up or pointing out administrative failures.

He accused the college of trying to silence student leadership and described the move as an abuse of power. His words were sharp: suspensions like these, he said, are not governance but fear.

Sai also demanded that the suspensions be revoked immediately and without conditions.

He framed it as a larger issue about what campuses are meant to be. According to him, universities should encourage debate, dissent, accountability, not clamp down on it.

The gossip in Bollywood’s corridors isn’t about who’s dating whom this week. It’s about who’s walking… in slow motion. And no, not for romance. Think intense stares, heavy beards, cigarettes, and background music that screams power. Right in the middle of this “alpha overload,” filmmaker Karan Johar has stepped in with a blunt take and he’s not sugarcoating anything.

In a recent chat, Karan called out what he sees as a growing obsession in Hindi cinema: men being louder, tougher, and frankly, a little too dramatic for no real reason.

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Bollywood’s new obsession: Alpha energy everywhere

According to Karan Johar, Hindi cinema is currently riding a wave of “big alpha” storytelling. This means films are focusing heavily on hyper-masculine heroes, men who show power through aggression, silence, and stylised attitude rather than emotional depth.

He pointed out that theatrical releases today are largely driven by these high-energy, male-dominated narratives. The bigger the action, the tougher the hero, the better the box office chances at least, that’s the current formula.

Look at recent hits like ‘Animal’, ‘Pushpa 2’, ‘Jawan’, and ‘Pathaan’. These films, all hugely successful, have strong, dominant male leads at the centre. Even upcoming titles like ‘Dhurandhar’ seem to follow the same path.

Karan isn’t denying their success but he is questioning the lack of variety.

“Herd mentality” is running the show

One of Karan’s sharpest observations? Bollywood is copying itself… a lot.

He described the industry as operating on a “herd mentality.” Basically, if one film works, ten more like it are rushed into production. The result? A flood of similar-looking movies with similar-looking heroes.

His description is almost cinematic itself. Men with beards, smoking, walking in slow motion, looking intense, but not necessarily doing anything meaningful for the story.

He didn’t hold back while explaining it: if a certain style clicks with audiences, filmmakers jump on the bandwagon without questioning whether the story actually needs it.

And that’s where nuance gets lost.

Do women really want this? Karan isn’t convinced

There’s another assumption Karan took aim at and it’s a big one.

Many in the industry believe that women love watching these hyper-masculine heroes. But Karan isn’t buying that idea. According to him, this belief says more about male filmmakers than female audiences.

He hinted that this version of masculinity is often shaped by what men ‘think’ women want, rather than what women actually enjoy watching.

The bearded, brooding, cigarette-smoking hero has become a default template. But is it truly audience demand or just industry guesswork? Karan seems to lean strongly toward the latter.

When softness gets trolled: The Rocky Aur Rani moment

Karan also looked back at the criticism he faced for his 2023 directorial ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’, starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt.

The film showed a different kind of male lead, someone expressive, emotional, and even performing classical dance. And that didn’t sit well with some viewers.

Karan revealed that many people questioned why a man was portrayed in such a “non-traditional” way. But he didn’t back down.

Instead, he stood by his creative decision, saying he would rather stay true to his storytelling than change it to fit outdated expectations of masculinity. He also reiterated his commitment to feminist narratives and inclusive storytelling.

A quiet evening at home suddenly turned into a full-blown family drama for TV favourite Archana Puran Singh and this time, the plot twist didn’t come from a script. It came from a shocking bank notification. Her younger son, Aayushmaan Sethi, found himself staring at a missing ₹87,000, and what followed was part panic, part jokes, full-on chaos captured on camera by his elder brother.

The incident unfolded in a vlog posted by Aaryamann Sethi on his channel “Aary Vlogs,” giving viewers a front-row seat to the family’s reaction as they tried to make sense of the unexpected loss.

A “free trial” that wasn’t so free after all

It all began with something that sounds harmless, a seven-day free trial. But for Aayushmaan, it turned into an expensive lesson. According to him, the platform offered trial period and claimed charges would apply only after seven days. Instead, full annual amount was deducted almost instantly.

Explaining the situation, Aayushmaan shared that process started with small $0 transaction, which he approved, assuming it was just a verification step. But within an hour, a whopping ₹87,000 was gone from his credit card without what he believed was clear consent.

“I wasn’t in a hurry,” he insisted during the vlog, responding to his father Parmeet Sethi, who casually blamed his son’s quick decisions. The reply came with a mix of irritation and determination. Aayushmaan made it clear he was handling the situation himself, saying no one else in the family really knew how to deal with such issues.

Interestingly, he also pointed out that the website didn’t seem shady. In fact, he described it as something he actively used and found useful. The confusion, he said, was purely about how the trial terms were presented.

Old scam, new shock

As the conversation unfolded, an older memory resurfaced, one that made the current situation feel even more frustrating. Aaryamann reminded everyone of a similar incident that had happened earlier.

During a recce trip for his song “Choti Baatein,” Aayushmaan had once received a message that around ₹80,000 had been deducted from his PlayStation account. That money, Aaryamann recalled, was never recovered.

But Aayushmaan quickly clarified that the current case was different. According to him, the previous fraud was something beyond his control, and he had eventually managed to get that money back. This time, however, things were trickier because there was some level of user interaction involved.

Towards the end of the vlog, Parmeet pointed out the key difference bluntly, this time, Aayushmaan had clicked something that allowed the deduction. It wasn’t entirely unauthorised in the technical sense, even if it felt unfair.

That small detail turned the situation from a clear scam into a grey area, making it harder to immediately reverse the transaction.

How the family reacted

If there’s one thing this family knows how to do, it’s handle stress with humour. Even as Aayushmaan dealt with the situation, the mood in the room kept shifting between concern and comedy.

At one point, Aaryamann joked to his father, “Your boy has become a man. He has been cheated.”

Soon after, Aaryamann’s fiancée, Yogita Bihani, stepped in to check on Aayushmaan. With a teasing tone, she asked if he was crying. His response? A firm and slightly defensive “No!”

But the most surprising moment came when Aayushmaan was spotted casually playing video games shortly after losing the money. Aaryamann couldn’t help but question it, how could someone just lose ₹87,000 and immediately go back to gaming?

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Aayushmaan’s answer was simple and practical. He had already contacted the company, and they told him it would take 48 hours to respond. With nothing else to do in the meantime, he chose to distract himself.

There was also a moment that left everyone laughing. It was when Aayushmaan complained about not being able to reach a real person in customer support. “They are making me speak to the AI only,” he said, summing up a frustration many people can relate to today.

Parmeet, ever the problem-solver, suggested trying email as an alternative way to contact the company’s help centre.

Meanwhile, Yogita added another playful twist by joking that Aayushmaan seemed like a “regular customer” for fraudsters, given his past experience. He quickly corrected her, insisting that the earlier case had been resolved and wasn’t his fault.

In a significant political reset ahead of Israel’s next elections, former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid on Sunday unveiled a joint political front, bringing their parties together under a new banner – ‘Together, Led by Bennett’ – to challenge incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The agreement, finalised a day earlier, will see Lapid’s Yesh Atid and Bennett’s newly formed Bennett 2026 contest the elections as a single list. With polls due no later than October, the merger is being viewed as a decisive attempt to consolidate Israel’s fragmented opposition and mount a direct challenge to Netanyahu’s long-standing political dominance.

Opposition unity pitch gains momentum ahead of October polls

Addressing a joint press conference in Herzliya, Bennett framed the alliance as a turning point in Israeli politics. “I am taking the most Zionist and most patriotic step we have ever taken, for our country,” he said, asserting that the move signals “the era of division is over.”

Lapid, standing alongside him, called on centrist voters to close ranks behind the new formation. “To win the elections, the entire Israeli centre must rally behind Naftali Bennett,” he said, drawing comparisons with opposition alliances in other countries that have succeeded electorally.

The two leaders also made it clear that their bloc would only engage with Zionist opposition parties and would not enter into any coalition with Arab parties. The position is likely to shape coalition arithmetic if the alliance performs strongly.

Policy signals: Security focus, reforms, and social measures

Outlining his roadmap, Bennett said that if voted to power, his government would set up a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 attacks, introduce a universal conscription law, and enforce an eight-year cap on the prime minister’s tenure.

He also indicated support for advancing civil and same-sex marriage, even as he stressed a hardline national security stance. “We will safeguard the lands of our country and will not hand over a single centimetre to the enemy,” Bennett said.

The alliance has also reached out to Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar! Party, in a bid to widen the opposition front. “Our door is open to you,” Bennett said, signalling that talks to bring in more partners are ongoing.

Political reactions and electoral math

The announcement drew quick responses across the political spectrum. Opposition figures welcomed the move as a necessary step towards unity, while members of Netanyahu’s ruling coalition were critical, pointing to Bennett and Lapid’s previous government, which had included the Ra’am Party.

Recent opinion polls cited by Israeli media suggest that Bennett’s bloc is now running neck and neck with Netanyahu’s Likud party, even as support for Lapid’s Yesh Atid has dipped.

Bennett and Lapid had earlier shared power in a rare rotation arrangement following a prolonged political deadlock between 2019 and 2021. Their coalition, however, collapsed within a year, paving the way for Netanyahu’s return to office in 2022.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (local time) described the tense moments after gunfire broke out at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, saying he dropped to the floor with First Lady Melania Trump after Secret Service agents ordered them to take cover.

The shooting at the high-profile Washington event has triggered fresh concern over political violence in the United States, with investigators examining a manifesto allegedly sent by the suspect shortly before the attack. The accused, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, was subdued after allegedly breaching security and firing shots at the venue.

Trump says suspect was ‘radicalised’ and ‘sick’

Speaking to CBS News, Trump said he had reviewed the suspect’s manifesto and believed it showed signs of radicalisation and instability.

“I read a manifesto… he’s radicalised. He was a Christian believer, and then he became an anti-Christian… His family was very concerned. He was probably a pretty sick guy,” Trump said.

Trump also claimed the suspect’s family had raised concerns earlier. “His brother complained about him, and I think reported him to the police. And his sister, likewise, complained about him. His family was very concerned,” he said.

US Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said preliminary findings suggest the suspect may have been targeting members of the Trump administration. Investigators are examining his electronic devices, travel history and personal links to establish motive.

‘Please go down’: President recounts evacuation

Trump said he initially tried to understand what was happening before fully following security instructions.

“When they said, ‘Drop down,’ that meant trouble… I listened to what they said… ‘Sir, please drop down,’” Trump said. “I was about halfway there when they said, ‘Please go down to the floor,’ so I dropped to the floor. So did the First Lady.”

He admitted he may have slowed the evacuation because he wanted to see the situation for himself.

“It was a little bit me. I wanted to see what was happening… I said, ‘Wait a minute… lemme see,’” he said.

Trump said Melania Trump quickly understood that the sound was not routine ballroom noise. “By that time, I think she realised ahead of time that that was more of a bullet than it was a tray,” he said.

Trump rejects Epstein-linked claims in suspect’s manifesto

Trump also pushed back strongly against allegations referenced in the suspect’s manifesto, which broadly accused “administration officials” of serious crimes and appeared to link him to controversies involving Jeffrey Epstein.

“I read the manifesto. You know, he’s a sick person… I’m not any of those things,” Trump said in the CBS interview, adding, “I’m not a rapist… I’m not a paedophile.”

He said the accusations were baseless and insisted he had been “totally exonerated,” while suggesting attention should be directed elsewhere.

“You read that crap from some sick person? I got associated with all the stuff that has nothing to do with me. I was totally exonerated. Your friends on the other side of the plate are the ones that were involved with, let’s say, Epstein or other things,” he said.

Secret Service praised after officer injured

Authorities said Trump, Melania Trump and Vice President JD Vance were safely evacuated. A security officer sustained injuries during the response.

Trump praised the Secret Service for acting quickly.

“Those guys did a really good job,” he said, adding, “I’m a big fan of the people of law enforcement…As soon as they saw that, you could see them draw their guns… they were so professional… and then they took him down immediately.”

White House Correspondents’ Association President Weijia Jiang called it a “harrowing moment” and said the actions of security personnel “protected thousands of guests.”

Former US president Barack Obama also condemned the attack, saying violence has no place in democracy. “Although we don’t yet have the details about the motives behind last night’s shooting at the White House Correspondents Dinner, it’s incumbent upon all of us to reject the idea that violence has any place in our democracy,” Obama said in a post on X.

Trump wants dinner held again within 30 days

Despite the disruption, Trump said he wanted the event to continue and later called for it to be held again within 30 days.

“I want them… to do it again. We can’t let something be— it’s not that I wanna go… I think it’s very important that they do it again,” Trump said.

He added, “They’ll have even more security, and they’ll have bigger perimeter security. It’ll be fine.”

Trump said he did not want “a crazy person” to cancel an event associated with press freedom and the relationship between the presidency and the media.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday offered prayers at the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu.

Speaking to reporters, the chief minister said that she offered prayers to Maa Vaishno Devi to continue showering her blessings upon the people of Delhi and the entire nation, and to bless every family with happiness, prosperity, good health and joy.

“I pray at the holy feet of Mata that she continues to shower her blessings upon all Indians and that India keeps progressing continuously under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji…,” said CM Gupta.

CM Gupta also interacted with devotees during the visit and enquired about their well-being. The devotees greeted her with “Jai Mata Di” as she walked past them.

In a heart-warming gesture, the Delhi CM offered little girls money (a common Indian tradition) and touched their feet, given girls are considered the embodiment of the goddess.

Cole Thomas Allen, the suspect arrested for the shooting incident during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, had reportedly written a “manifesto” and sent it to his family members shortly before the incident.

“I am no longer willing to permit a pedophile, rapist, and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes,” gunman Cole Allen allegedly wrote in the manifesto, according to the New York Post.

The US President’s name had prominently appeared in the US Justice Department’s release of files related to convicted pedophile and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

He said that all Trump administration officials, not including FBI Director Kash Patel, are his targets, prioritised from highest-ranking to lowest.

Allen’s manifesto further added that “hotel security, the Capitol Police, National Guard, hotel employees and guests were “not targets at all.”

The suspect had allegedly opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner attended by US President Donald Trump, the first lady, Melania Trump, and Vice President JD Vance.

The armed gunman was intercepted by Secret Service agents before he could reach the ballroom hosting nearly 2,500 guests, including journalists, politicians and other prominent figures.

The security forces overpowered the suspect after a brief shootout, during which one personnel was also shot in the chest area but a bullet-proof vest saved his life.

US President Trump, and other protectees who were present at the ballroom at the time of the incident, were swiftly evacuated by Secret Service agents.

Amid the ongoing uncertainty over peace talks with the US, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi on Sunday evening returned to Islamabad, a day after he departed from the country after holding talks with the Pakistani leadership.

Araghchi had visited Pakistan on Saturday but left the country without meeting the US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

The Iranian minister had said that he has conveyed Tehran’s position on terms of ending the war, asserting that the ball is now in the US court.

He then went to Oman and returned to Pakistan on what is being described as a short transit stop before heading to Russia.

According to Pakistani media reports, Araghchi’s return to Pakistan is part of diplomatic efforts to continue to sustain the US-Iran peace talks, despite US President Donald Trump cancelling the planned visit of his representatives to Islamabad.

Earlier today, Araghchi held high-level talks in Muscat with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman at Al-Baraka Palace, where discussions focused on bilateral relations, regional developments, and diplomatic efforts to address ongoing tensions in West Asia, reported Iranian state media.

The minister reportedly briefed the Omani leadership on Tehran’s perspective regarding recent regional developments, while also appreciating Oman’s mediation efforts and role in promoting dialogue.

Sultan Haitham stressed the importance of a diplomatic solution to the war to ensure regional peace and stability.

After Araghchi departed from Pakistan, Trump had cancelled the visit of his representatives to Islamabad to hold peace talks with Iran.

The US President had asserted that a lot of time was being wasted on travels, adding that if Iran wants to talk, it will have to call.

Around 12,96,000 passengers have returned to India from the Gulf region since February 28 when the US and Iran war broke out, the government said on Sunday, sharing sector-wise update on the West Asia conflict.

According to the release, Ministry of External Affairs continues to monitor developments in the Gulf and West Asia region, with “focussed efforts on ensuring safety, security and welfare of the Indian community in the region.”

Indian Missions across the region remain actively engaged with the Indian community including the various associations, organizations, professional groups, Indian companies and other stakeholders in the region.

In the UAE, airlines continue to operate limited commercial flights between the UAE and India based on operational and safety considerations, with around 110 flights expected today between UAE and India.

Flights also continue to operate from various airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to destinations in India.

With Qatar airspace partially open, Qatar Airways is also operating flights to various destinations in India, the release said.

More than 2,764 Indian seafarers, including 24 in the last 24 hours, have safely repatriated from across the Gulf region.

Meanwhile, India’s crude and energy positions also remain stable, with refineries operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, while sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are being maintained.

Domestic LPG production from refineries has also been increased to support domestic consumption.

Total commercial LPG allocation has been increased to about 70 per cent of pre-crisis levels, including 10 per cent reform-linked allocation, the released added.

The legendary Thrissur Pooram was held in a significantly scaled-down manner following the tragic fireworks explosion at Mundathikode on Tuesday. While the absence of the iconic fireworks cast a somber shadow, thousands of enthusiasts still gathered at the Thekkinkadu Maidan to witness the core religious and musical rituals.

The Kudamattam-the ceremonial exchange of decorated umbrellas involving caparisoned elephants, which used to last for about an hour and a half, was reduced to 15 minutes. However, the competitive exchange of vibrant parasols, was received with great enthusiasm by the Pooram lovers on Sunday.

Both the Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu devaswoms first raised their traditional colorful umbrellas. The colorful umbrella exchange took place before a sea of people at the Thekkinkadu maidan in Thrissur. Since the time was short, both the teams quickly exchanged the umbrellas they were raising. Instead of the typical 50 sets of umbrellas, only around 10 sets were displayed.

The world-renowned Ilanjithara Melam, the traditional percussion ensemble and Madathil Varavu Panchavadyam conducted as scheduled, drawing massive crowds despite the scorching heat.

With an aim to enhance the spiritual experience of devotees, a state-of-the-art sound system has been installed at Sri Harmandir Sahib through the seva of UK-based Sikh families, ensuring uninterrupted and crystal-clear transmission of Gurbani kirtan across the shrine complex.

The shrine now features a brand-new, advanced sound system, installed through the seva of UK-based Sikh families and formally inaugurated by SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami following an Ardas ceremony.

More than 130 speakers have been installed across the parikrama and surrounding areas of the Darbar Sahib complex, ensuring that the voice of Gurbani kirtan reaches every corner of one of Sikhism’s holiest sites clearly and without interruption for the thousands of devotees who visit the holy place daily.

The initiative was led by Gursewak Singh Shergill, also known as Tony Shergill of BritAsia TV, along with Gulinder Singh, Jatinder Singh Hair, Ranjit Singh Saggu, Pardeep Singh Nijjar, and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu — all UK-based Sikhs who coordinated closely with the SGPC.

“It is a blessing for us to be part of this seva,” Shergill said at the conclusion of the event.

Dhami said the upgrade is part of ongoing improvements at the shrine, emphasising that as the number of visitors grows, the quality of facilities must also improve.

The SGPC also held discussions with the UK delegation on strengthening ties with the global Sikh diaspora and supporting religious initiatives abroad. The upgrade is designed to carry the melodious voice of Gurbani kirtan clearly to every corner of the sacred complex, ensuring that the ‘sangat’ (holy congregation) does not miss a single shabad, regardless of where they are.

The SGPC also acknowledged the contributions of the UK sangat and reiterated its commitment to enhancing facilities at the shrine. Known worldwide as the Golden Temple, Sri Harmandir Sahib receives thousands of devotees every day. This latest initiative reflects the enduring spirit of seva that connects Sikhs across the world. In the Sikh community, the message is clear, seva knows no borders.

Sanjay Jamuar has been appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Delhi Metro International Limited (DMIL) which has been set up by the DMRC with the support of the government to take up Metro projects as well as Operation and Maintenance (O&M) assignments in India outside Delhi and abroad.

“DMIL has the mandate to offer advisory services to other authorities and lenders to help develop, improve and prepare long term plans for metro and transit systems. DMIL will leverage the experience and expertise of the DMRC which has directly or indirectly helped many cities in India to build their own metro systems,” a DMRC spokesperson said on Sunday.

Jamuar is a former IRTS officer with wide experience across the Indian railways, DMRC, and internationally in the UK, US, France, Middle East and Europe. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in strategic leadership from Warwick Business school UK, and has done research work at Leeds University in Transport Economics. Incidentally, when he joined DMRC in 1998, he was the first O&M employee. Therefore, coming back to DMRC is like a homecoming for him.

The DMRC is already involved as a consultant with the Dhaka Metro project in Bangladesh. It is also handling crucial O&M contracts for the Chennai, Mumbai and Patna Metro projects and has played the role of the consultant for almost all major Metro projects in India.

The DMRC has also carried out construction work for Metro projects in Mumbai, Jaipur and Patna. Therefore, the DMIL is now expected to further expand DMRC’s footprint across the world.

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Sunday urged Industry to leverage education, talent mobility, and cross-sector opportunities under India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

On the eve of the signing of the India-New Zealand FTA, Goyal, and Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Investment, New Zealand, participated in an Industry Engagement Programme at Agra.

MoS of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying S P Baghel also participated in the interaction which brought together leading industry representatives from the leather and footwear, AYUSH, medical devices, light engineering, sports goods sectors and Laghu Udyog Bharati, Uttar Pradesh.

Representatives of the industry presented its views reflecting the depth and diversity of India’s leather manufacturing prowess, Pharma industry, medical devices industry, engineering products.

In keeping with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of building the trade partnerships that are inclusive, forward-looking, and firmly rooted in India’s national priorities, both the ministers underscored that the India-New Zealand FTA is far more than a tariff agreement.

It is a comprehensive framework encompassing market access, agricultural productivity, investment, talent mobility, collaboration in sports, tourism, and people-to-people ties, designed to benefit manufacturers, farmers, MSMEs, women entrepreneurs, students, and skilled professionals across both nations.

Agra, which accounts for approximately 75 per cent of India’s leather footwear production, holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its leather footwear and is a flagship product under the One District One Product scheme.

With the FTA eliminating duties on 100 per cent of Indian exports from Entry into Force, and bringing tariffs on leather and footwear from 5 per cent to zero, Indian exporters are set to gain a decisive competitive advantage.

Industry representatives highlighted the sector’s potential to grow to USD 50 billion by 2030, driven by a strategic shift from mass production to high value-added manufacturing.

New Zealand’s rich raw leather resources, combined with India’s manufacturing capabilities, offer a strong complementarity that both sides expressed keenness to harness.

On the occasion, both the ministers, along with Industry representatives, spoke of positioning Agra as a global sourcing destination, an employment engine, and an export powerhouse on the world stage.

The interaction also covered the pharmaceutical and medical devices sectors.

The Industry representatives welcomed the FTA’s provisions for faster regulatory access, including acceptance of GMP and GCP inspection reports from comparable international regulators, which will reduce compliance burdens and expedite product approvals for Indian manufacturers. They welcomed the inclusion of a dedicated chapter on Health and Traditional Medicine in the FTA, a first for both the countries recognising AYUSH.

Goyal also touched upon the significant opportunities the Agreement creates in education and talent mobility. He urged the industry and stakeholders to actively leverage these provisions, encouraging Indian students and professionals to explore the new pathways the FTA opens, and called upon all to view this Agreement as a gateway to a deeper, people-centred partnership between the two nations.

Addressing the gathering, Goyal described the FTA as an opening of both doors and minds, and urged industry to think beyond the ordinary and leverage the full breadth of the Agreement across sectors including pharma, AYUSH, education, sports, tourism and investment.

He called upon industry bodies to ensure that its benefits reach every MSME and small enterprise.

On a sweltering Sunday afternoon, Mamata Banerjee stepped out in her trade mark rubber slippers and white sari with a simple, almost austere border at Chakraberia, in the heart of her Bhabanipur constituency, from where she had stormed out last night, protesting the loud use of mikes by rival BJP workers to drown out her campaign meet.

As the crowd cheered, and an old Sikh gentleman stepped out to grasp her hands, Banerjee once again came across as the ‘street fighter politician’ who had managed to keep at bay the BJP juggernaut from defeating her in West Bengal.

She was heard telling policemen, “Ei aste dao, ora sob amar chena” (Let them come near, they are all known to me), as the crowd pushed forward to greet her during the ‘padyatra’ from Lansdown to a fire station at Kalighat, where she lives. It’s going to be a busy day for Banerjee with pit stop public rallies throughout South Kolkata.

A day before the first phase of elections to the West Bengal assembly, which were held on April 23, BJP leader and prominent industrialist Sishir Bajoria had remarked to UNI “The TMC chief appears nervous on stage and has made statements about ‘if TMC stays alive’ … these are telling.”

However, that nervousness, if it was there, seems to have dissolved. The creases and worry lines on her face appered to have disappeared overnight. On Thursday, in an attacking speech, Banerjee had vowed “I will take over Delhi once I have secured victory in Bengal. I will do so by rallying all the political parties together. I won’t want the seat (of power); I want the complete dismantling of the BJP in Delhi.”

Some 76 kms away, at Bongaon, the man whom she has promised to unseat in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attacked her government for encouraging corruption and letting Bengal decline economically.

“At some stage, there were many jute mills and factories along the river from here to Barrackpore … most of them have shut shop over the years. Only one shop has survived – of taking cut money … TMC does not deserve Bengal, the state deserves a government which will fulfill its people’s dreams,” thundered Modi.

The prime minister had, before coming to Bongaon, visited Thakurnagar, the headquarters of the 3 million-strong Matua religious community. The Matuas, a community of Namashudras who follow the preachings of 19th-century reformer Harichand Thakur and have their origins in what is now Bangladesh, have been up in arms over the deletion of their community members’ names from the voter rolls by the special intensive revision which is being carried out.

Modi’s trip was meant to assure them that their Indian citizenship would not be hampered or questioned. Matuas, who are spread over several border districts of South Bengal, can make or break the BJP’s chances of coming within striking range and the anger in their villages is palpable.

“There have been 200-300 deletions in every village … young girls are asking me, will I never be able to vote?” Dilip Matua, secretary of Matua Samaj, an NGO which works for the upliftment of the community, told UNI at his society’s office in a village on the outskirts of North 24 Parganas.

In Bhabanipur, where Mamata Banerjee’s TMC has held sway since 2011, she seemed well entrenched, despite hectic campaigning by her former lieutenant turned BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, whose workers have been mapping the constituency, a mosaic of many communities, often called mini-India, in order to micro-manage a loyalty shift away from Banerjee.

Bengali speakers jostle for space with Gujaratis, Sikhs, Tamils and Hindi speakers from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in this sprawling constituency at the heart of the city, which straddles South and Central Kolkata.

Muslims make up a quarter of the population but have been hit by voter deletions during the SIR. However, Banerjee had a massive lead of over 58,000 votes last time round, and analysts believe this is unassailable.

“Quite rightly, the chief minister concentrated on campaigning in other parts of Bengal, leaving Bhabanipur to last-minute campaigns. This is a strategy which paid off for her earlier,” points out political scientist Sabyasachi Basu Roy Chowdhury, former Vice Chancellor of Rabindra Bharati University.

However, Banerjee’s confidence in her hold over Bhabanipur also stems from the exceptionally well-organised TMC election machinery, which is visible everywhere, especially in the last mile connectivity.

As the campaign hurtles towards its final phase, the contrasts on Bengal’s political stage have sharpened into a high-stakes duel between a regional incumbent banking on grassroots networks and a national challenger pressing for structural change.

The energy on the streets, from Bhabanipur’s dense lanes to the restless border districts, suggests a contest that is as much about identity and belonging as it is about governance and development.

With voter anxieties over citizenship, livelihoods and representation simmering beneath the surface, the decisive question now is not merely who commands the louder campaign, but who can convert that into ballots when Bengal finally returns to the polling booth coming Wednesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed deep grief over the death of legendary Indian photojournalist Raghu Rai, describing his passing as an irreparable loss to the world of photography and culture.

‎In a post on X, Modi paid tribute to Rai’s immense artistic legacy and his contribution to capturing the essence of India through his lens. “Shri Raghu Rai Ji will be remembered as a creative stalwart, who captured India’s vibrancy through his lens. His photography had extraordinary sensitivity, depth and diversity. It brought people closer to the different aspects of life in India,” the Prime Minister wrote.

‎Conveying his condolences, Modi added, “His passing is an irreparable loss to the world of photography and culture. My thoughts are with his family, admirers and the photography fraternity in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”

Raghu Rai, one of India’s most celebrated photographers, passed away earlier in the day after a prolonged illness, according to sources close to his family. He was in his early eighties. His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, artists and members of the media fraternity across the country.

‎Over a career spanning more than six decades, Rai became synonymous with powerful visual storytelling, documenting India’s social fabric, political shifts and everyday life with remarkable depth. A former chief photographer at The Statesman and a longtime contributor to international publications, he earned global recognition for his iconic images, including his coverage of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy and portraits that reflected the complexity and diversity of Indian society.

‎Widely regarded as a pioneer of modern photojournalism in India, Rai’s work combined technical mastery with a deep humanistic approach, shaping the visual narrative of the nation for generations. His photographs not only chronicled history but also connected people to the lived realities of the country, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire photographers and storytellers worldwide.

Uttarakhand cabinet minister’s plan to hold a grand marriage function for his son inside Rajajj Tiger Reserve (RTR) was foiled on Sunday by forest officials after a video of the ceremony at RTR’s Ranipur forest range Haridwar went viral in social media.

A social media post on the marriage ceremony of the son of Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Khajan Dass scheduled at the Sureshwari Devi Temple located inside RTR proved detrimental to the function as it would violate forest and wildlife law.

The RTR officials thwarted the plan in view of post marriage celebrations that would have caused massive disturbances to the reserve wildlife. The officials ensured that no function other than the solemnization of marriage was held inside the forest area after marriage rituals at the temple.

The social media post based on media reports that the cabinet minister’s son was to get married at Sureshwari Temple alleged that the marriage function inside the RTR was illegal as only prayers and rituals were permitted at the temple.

The post alleged that large-scale arrangements were being made for a high-attendance event post marriage rituals at the temple scheduled for Sunday. The minister was criticised for the celebration that included use of electric generators and high-decibel sound systems that would have allegedly disrupted wildlife movements inside the protected forest cover.

It was also alleged that the function was being aided by forest officials.

The matter was immediately brought to the knowledge of senior officials in the department following which an SDO, Forest was deputed to look into the matter.

Rajeev Dhiman, acting RTR director, confirmed that a complaint against the marriage ceremony was received by his office and a team of the foresters was rushed to the spot for necessary action. After the officials reached the temple premises, they instructed the family members of the minister and people working to remove arrangements for the light and sound activities.

Reacting to the allegations of misuse of power and unlawful act by him, the minister clarified, “The event was a traditional wedding ritual followed by a Bhandara (community meal) to distribute Prasad to the guests. There were no plans for loud music or drums.”

Bhandaras were historically allowed at the temple without any issue. Khajan Dass assured that no event was held that could have impacted the forest or its wildlife at RTR.

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal, the Padma Shri-winning environmentalist-spiritual leader, has claimed that Vikram Sahney, who is among the seven party MPs merging with the BJP, had reached out to him before they went public with their move.

“Vikram Sahney called. He said they were forming an independent group, and many had signed on. He asked me to sign too,” Seechewal told local media in Punjab.

However, Seechewal rejected the offer. “I said no. I had no desire for that.”

The AAP MP said that Sahney had even told him that “the university one” – a reference to fellow MP Ashok Mittal, had also signed.

Mittal, the founder of Lovely Professional University, was appointed as Rajya Sabha deputy leader following Raghav Chadha’s removal from the post. Coincidentally, his university was raided by the Enforcement Directorate following his appointment and within days, he joined the BJP.

Speaking to Punjab Tak, Seechewal further stated that he was reached out to by Raghav Chadha during the recent Parliament session. “‘Baba ji, tuhanu aapan chaa piaiye, baith ke (Let’s have tea together)”, Chadha told Seechewal, to which he responded, “pee lo tusi”. According to Seechewal, this was the first time his fellow AAP MPs had given a tea invitation to him.

His remarks came two days after several AAP Rajya Sabha MPs – Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal, Vikram Sahney, Swati Maliwal, Harbhajan Singh and Rajinder Gupta – merged with the BJP.

They alleged that the party has deviated from its principles and accused its leader Arvind Kejriwal of corruption.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has moved a petition before the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and Vice President, CP Radhakrishnan, seeking the disqualification of the seven of its MPs.

Terming their move a “betrayal of the people of Punjab,” AAP leader Sanjay Singh stated that constitutional experts believe the disqualification of these MPs is inevitable.

He asserted that their actions amounted not only to a betrayal of the AAP but also of the people of Punjab, democracy, and the Constitution.