India will host a United Nations peacekeeping conference in New Delhi from October 14 to 16, bringing together military leaders from more than 30 nations. Lt. Gen. Rakesh Kapoor outlined the event's framework during a preview session at Manekshaw Centre on Wednesday. The gathering will serve as a forum for countries that contribute troops to UN missions to exchange strategies and strengthen partnerships.
Delegates from Bangladesh, Nepal, France, Italy, Brazil, Kenya, Indonesia and two dozen other nations will participate in the three-day program. Sessions will address peacekeeping effectiveness in modern conflict zones and the role of technology in missions. India ranks among the largest contributors of personnel to UN operations...
Selena Gomez paid tribute to her new husband, Benny Blanco, through hidden details in her wedding attire. The 33-year-old actress embedded their initials inside a heart on one of three Ralph Lauren gowns she wore during the December ceremony. The lace halter dress also featured the wedding date and 300 handcrafted lace flowers with crystal accents on a painted corset.
Blanco, 37, shared a mirror selfie with his bride and called her a real-life Disney princess on Instagram. Gomez wore a silk satin halter gown with hand-draped panels and a macrame collar for the ceremony, carrying a bouquet of lilies of the valley. She changed into a shorter reception dress made from pleated cotton, silk, and linen voiles.
A source reported that the...
The US Embassy in India confirmed Wednesday that passport and visa operations will remain active during the Washington government shutdown. The embassy posted on social media that scheduled services at embassies and consulates worldwide will proceed as conditions allow.
Congressional Democrats blocked Republican spending legislation in the Senate on Tuesday after weekend negotiations between party leaders and President Donald Trump failed to produce an agreement. Trump accused Democrats of refusing to compromise and suggested federal workforce reductions during the shutdown period.
Democrats want healthcare provisions restored from a bill passed earlier this year, while Republicans proposed extending funding through November 21...
India's Test captain Shubman Gill stated that adapting between cricket formats requires more mental adjustment than technical changes. The skipper addressed reporters on Wednesday before the opening Test against West Indies in Ahmedabad after wrapping up his Asia Cup duties. Gill emphasized his team aims to deliver competitive cricket across all five days rather than seeking quick results.
The captain indicated India might deploy three seamers depending on pitch moisture levels assessed Thursday morning. Teams visiting India typically struggle against spin bowling and reverse swing, according to Gill's assessment. His squad possesses the talent to reverse unfavorable situations during matches. The two-match series begins at Narendra...
India's central bank kept its benchmark interest rate steady at 5.50 percent following a monetary policy review that ended Wednesday. The Reserve Bank of India raised its growth projection for the current fiscal year to 6.8 percent from 6.5 percent based on robust consumption and investment activity. Officials lowered the inflation outlook to 2.6 percent from 3.1 percent after consumer prices hit an eight-year low of 1.6 percent in July before rising slightly to 2.1 percent in August.
The central bank announced plans to expand the use of the rupee in cross-border transactions with neighboring countries. Indian banks may soon provide rupee-denominated loans to residents of Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Merchandise exports increased 2.5...
Twinkle Khanna reminisced about unplanned fashion matches with Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan through social media posts. The actress shared photos showing herself and Bhatt wearing nearly identical striped blue shirts with navy slip dresses at separate occasions. Another image captured Khanna and Dhawan both dressed in white shirts and denim at different airport appearances.
The posts promote her upcoming talk show with Kajol that will feature Bhatt and Dhawan as guests. The actors made their film debut together in 2012's Student of the Year and later appeared in three more movies. Their on-screen chemistry has maintained strong fan appeal throughout their careers. The episode streams on Prime Video with anticipation building around...
India and Russia convened their sixth special mechanism meeting in Moscow to address security challenges in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Deputy National Security Advisor Pavan Kapoor represented India, while Alexander Venediktov from Russia's Security Council led discussions on regional conflicts and international security matters. The talks took place within the framework of both nations' special and privileged strategic partnership.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval traveled to Russia in August for separate meetings with top officials. He engaged with First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov on military cooperation and joint ventures in aviation, metallurgy, and the chemical sectors. Doval also consulted with Security Council...
Gujarat hosted a fisheries registration event on Wednesday in Jodia, where Agriculture Minister Raghavjibhai Patel distributed licenses to 50 fishermen from Pagadia. The National Fisheries Digital Platform allows coastal workers to obtain identity cards and access government welfare programs through Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives. Jamnagar district features 170 kilometers of shoreline with Jodia serving as one of six major fishing hubs for communities dependent on marine harvests.
The Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages program allocated 2 crore rupees per village to eight locations in Gujarat for infrastructure upgrades, including jetty repairs and solar lighting systems. Fishermen from Bedi port praised the...
India collected 1.89 lakh crore rupees in goods and services tax during September, representing a 9.1 percent annual increase that marks the strongest performance in four months. The government sustained collections above 1.8 lakh crore rupees for nine straight months despite consumers delaying purchases while awaiting tax cuts on non-durable goods. Second-quarter revenues totaled 5.71 lakh crore rupees, with 7.7 percent growth compared to a 11.7 percent expansion in the previous quarter.
Officials restructured the GST system to establish two primary rates: 5 percent and 18 percent, for most products, while imposing a 40 percent levy on cigarettes, tobacco, and sugary beverages. The Reserve Bank of India raised growth projections by 30...
