About 50 out of 71 candidates on the BJP's initial list for Bihar were repeat candidates; senior ministers and deputy chief ministers

For the Bihar Assembly elections next month, the BJP on Tuesday unveiled its initial list of 71 candidates, keeping a number of its current ministers and MLAs but adding fresh names in a few constituencies.About half of the 71 names are repeat candidates who ran in the 2020 elections, such as Vinod Narayan Jha (Benipatti), Pawan Jaiswal (Dhaka), Rana Randhir Singh (Madhuban), Awadhesh Singh (Hajipur), and Sanjay Saraogi (Darbhanga).Outgoing deputy chief ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha will run in the next Bihar assembly election from the Tarapur and Lakhisarai assembly constituencies, respectively, according to the Bharatiya Janata Party's first list of candidates released on Tuesday. Election results for the 243-seat Bihar legislature will be revealed on November 14 after two phases of voting on November 6 and 11.The Bharatiya Janata Party and the Janata Dal-United (JDU) are running for 101 seats apiece, while the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), led by Chirag Paswan, is running for 29 seats. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) finalized their seat-sharing formula for the Bihar assembly elections on Sunday. Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), also known as HAM(S), and Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) will compete for six seats each.As the party ran for 115 seats in the 2020 Bihar assembly election, Nitish Kumar's JD(U) saw a decline in the final seat-sharing results. Additionally, the BJP lost 110 seats from the previous election to 101.Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan wrote on X to announce the completion of the seat-sharing arrangement, saying, "The NDA allies have finished the distribution of seats in a cordial atmosphere." This is greatly appreciated by all NDA party leaders and employees. Bihar is prepared, and an NDA government will be established once more.  

No Aadhaar, no school Pakistani refugee children's education in Delhi is in a state of uncertainty

Five years have passed since Daulatram's family departed Sindh, Pakistan, in search of a brighter future for his kids. However, his children's education and that of other residents of the hamlet close to Delhi's Signature Bridge are in a state of uncertainty. Most children have been forced to quit out after fifth grade due to a lack of documentation.Only one of Mr. Daulatram's five children, who owns a roadside stand, attends a primary school run by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) close to Majnu ka Tilla. Sandhya, his daughter, is in fifth grade and will have to leave school the next year. "We invested a lot of money and our hearts here. We are merely getting by, we don't see any progress, and we don't have a suitable location," he remarked.Children of refugees living in a camp close to Delhi's Signature Bridge Picture: Unique Arrangement Five years have passed since Daulatram's family departed Sindh, Pakistan, in search of a brighter future for his kids. However, his children's education and that of other residents of the hamlet close to Delhi's Signature Bridge are in a state of uncertainty. Most children have been forced to quit out after fifth grade due to a lack of documentation. Only one of Mr. Daulatram's five children, who owns a roadside stand, attends a primary school run by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) close to Majnu ka Tilla. Sandhya, his daughter, is in fifth grade and will have to leave school the next year. "We invested a lot of money and our hearts here.  

In the push for OBC quota, BJP MP government aligns its argument with Congress's 'jitni abaadi, utna haq' pitch

The BJP government in Madhya Pradesh, led by Mohan Yadav, is advocating in the Supreme Court for an increase in the reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) from 14% to 27%. This initiative would violate the top court's quota ceiling of 50%. It appears to resonate with Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi's call for “jitni abaadi, utna haq (representation proportional to population).”In an affidavit submitted on September 23 before the Supreme Court proceedings that commenced Wednesday, the Madhya Pradesh government referenced 2011 Census data, stating that disadvantaged groups including Scheduled Castes (SCs) at 15.6% of the population, Scheduled Tribes (STs) at 21.1%, and OBCs at over 51% together constitute over 87% of the state's population. On Sunday, veteran Congress politician Kamal Nath charged that the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh was perpetrating a “drama” under the pretext of providing a 27 percent reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs). He claimed that the ruling party aimed to deny this community its rights. The OBC quota was raised from 14% to 27% by an ordinance under Nath's Congress government in 2019, but litigation prevented its implementation.Nath asserted in an X post that the Mohan Yadav government was using court procedures and legal advice as a repeated excuse to protect itself.    

Could BJP nominate Maithili Thakur to resonate well in Mithilanchal? Celebration, young folk music performer – let out a few suggestions

As reported by The Indian Express, 25-year-old folk singer Maithili Thakur may run for the Benipatti or Alinagar seat in the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections in Mithilanchal. At the age of 12, Maithili first rose to fame by launching a YouTube channel where she sang Maithili and Bhojpuri songs. She currently boasts more than 5.1 million YouTube subscribers and 6.3 million Instagram followers.Thakur's recent meetings with Vinod Tawde, the national general secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party and Bihar organisation in-charge, as well as with Union minister Nityanand Rai, have led to speculation regarding her candidacy in the elections. During her visit to Jabalpur for a performance at the Narmada Mahotsav, the folk singer informed journalists that she feels a special bond with her hometown and believes beginning her political career there would provide her with valuable lessons.Bihar's assembly elections will take place in two phases on November 6 and 11, with vote counting scheduled for November 14. When asked about her preferred assembly constituency, Maithili responded, "There hasn't been any official announcement yet, but I would like to go to my village area because I have a special connection with it." Beginning there will provide me with an opportunity to learn as well. By meeting people and talking to them, I will gain more understanding if I start from my village," she added.In response to a question concerning the Bihar assembly elections, the 25-year-old singer expressed her willingness to help with the country's development in any way she can. Thakur mentioned that she and Tawde and Rai talked about various aspects of Bihar's future during her meeting with them. Thakur, who was born in Madhubani district of Bihar at Benipatti to a father who was a Maithili musician, made his musical mark in 2011 at the age of 11 and has remained active in the field since then. Vinod Narayan Jha, a BJP leader and ex-minister, is the current representative of Benipatti in the Bihar assembly. In this constituency, which is dominated by Brahmins, the BJP leader (aged 68) triumphed over Bhavana Jha of Congress in 2020, winning by over 30,000 votes.  

PM Modi recalls V K Malhotra: ‘An indefatigable Karyakarta, a superb organiser, and a builder of institutions’

Shri Vijay Kumar Malhotra Ji, one of our most senior leaders, passed away a few days ago. He lived a long life full of achievements, but what mattered more was that he led a life characterized by unwavering diligence, resolve, and service. His life offers a glimpse into the core ethos of the RSS, Jana Sangh, and BJP: courage in adversity, selfless service, and a profound dedication to cultural and national values.The family of VK Malhotra Ji endured the atrocities of partition. He did not become bitter or withdrawn as a result of the trauma and displacement. Rather, he dedicated himself to helping others. He discovered his vocation in the beliefs of the RSS and Jana Sangh. It was a time of great difficulty, indeed. Malhotra Ji devoted himself to social work, assisting thousands of displaced families who had lost everything in rebuilding their lives. The Jana Sangh was also guided by this spirit. In those days, his fellow Karyakartas included Madanlal Khurana Ji and Kidar Nath Sahni Ji. Individuals such as them, along with innumerable others, led the way in altruistic service—an endeavor that struck a chord with the people of Delhi. The Lok Sabha and various state assembly elections of 1967 were a shocker for the all-powerful Congress, as is well known. Another election that occurred, but is not as well-known, was the inaugural Delhi Metropolitan Council election. The Jana Sangh achieved a tremendous triumph in the national capital. Shri LK Advani Ji took on the role of Chairman of the Council, while Malhotra Ji was tasked with the role of Chief Executive Councillor, which is approximately equivalent to that of a Chief Minister. Zu diesem Zeitpunkt war er erst 36 Jahre alt. During his time in office, he focused on the needs of Delhi, particularly with regard to civic and infrastructure matters.Malhotra Ji’s connection with Delhi was strengthened by this responsibility. Malhotra Ji was not a bystander but an active participant representing the voice of the public whenever there was an issue of public importance. In the late 1960s, he participated in the cow protection movement, during which he fell victim to police excesses. He played a leading role in the movement opposing the Emergency. As the streets of Delhi became scenes of brutal violence against Sikhs, he emerged as a voice of tranquility and solidarity for the Sikh community. He was of the opinion that political activity (beyond winning elections) revolved around principles and safeguarding individuals and values at crucial times.  

C R Patil's "killer instinct" reign is coming to an end, and the BJP will select a new Gujarat chief.

A unexpected candidate for the position was Chandrakant Raghunath Patil, who is expected to leave his position as Gujarat BJP president after more than five years of success, including more than two years of extension. The first "non-Gujarati" to occupy the position was Patil, or CR as he is more widely known, who was born in Jalgaon, Maharashtra.Given Patil's lengthy tenure in Gujarat, where the former police constable rose through the ranks, and the influence of Amit Shah and Narendra Modi in the state where the BJP has risen steadily, it was not surprising that few questions were raised. Patil was also viewed as Modi's choice.While the BJP was still getting over the 2017 Assembly elections, in which the Patidar movement had whittled the party down to 99 seats in the 182-member House and a slim majority, the 70-year-old assumed power in July 2020. During the first Covid wave, when anti-government feeling was at its peak, Patil also took charge.By-elections were held in Gujarat in November 2020, months after he was appointed, to fill eight Assembly seats that Congress MLAs had left for the BJP. All were won by the BJP. Before the 2022 Assembly elections, Patil would go on to oversee the startling decision to completely restructure the Gujarat Cabinet, starting at the top with the late Vijay Rupani taking over as Chief Minister, replacing numerous incumbent MLAs with fresh candidates, and enforcing age and tenure restrictions on ticket distribution in local body elections.Subsequent surveys demonstrated Patil's skill in preventing the adjustments from backfiring. The local body elections, which included all six municipal corporations, were decisively won by the BJP in March 2021. The party not only overran Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation, a stronghold of the Congress party, but won 41 of the 44 wards in October 2021. The 2022 Assembly elections followed, which were viewed as a litmus test to see if the BJP had moved past the 2017 results and if its reform of its state unit would help it avoid anti-incumbency. By winning the Assembly elections with the greatest majority in Gujarat's history (156, or 85% of the Assembly members), the BJP disproved critics on both fronts.The BJP decided to support Patil for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and granted him an extension when his three-year term ended in July 2023. Despite losses in other regions of the nation, Patil delivered once more, as the BJP won 25 of Gujarat's 26 Lok Sabha seats.  

Harish Rawat: „Das Kongress-Motto lautet: ‚Papierdiebe, lasst den Thron frei!‘“ Paper leak, similar to vote chori, jeopardizes the lives of youths.

Youth protesting against an alleged leak of the question paper for the Uttarakhand Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UKSSSC) government jobs test called off their demonstration until October 10 on Monday – the eighth day of their protest – after Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami assured them that their demand for a CBI investigation would be met. Meanwhile, the Opposition Congress continues to apply pressure on the BJP government.The Congress has persisted in scrutinizing the operation of institutions such as the UKSSSC and Uttarakhand Public Services Commission (UKPSC), which are responsible for overseeing job recruitment examinations. In an interview with The Indian Express, veteran Congress leader and former chief minister Harish Rawat discusses a range of pressing issues, from the paper leak controversy to Congress’s strategies for the 2027 Assembly elections. Auszüge:Our tagline is paper chor, gaddi chhor. A paper leak, similar to vote chori, involves manipulating the lives of young people. Just as the names of numerous voters are removed and altered, the paper chori also affects individuals' lives. We will support those who demonstrate against it. It is necessary to resist any undermining of public trust, be it through deleting votes or manipulating exams.If any word from a question paper appears, it constitutes a leak. If three pages are making the rounds on social media, how can anyone dispute it? Even the law – The Uttarakhand Competitive Examination (Measures for Control and Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Act, 2023 – introduced by the CM to combat cheating in recruitment exams, criminalises these actions.The Commission and the government are responsible for organizing exams in a manner that instills confidence. The Commission bears a significant responsibility, and it has not succeeded in meeting its obligations or rebuilding trust since 2017.  

CJI's mother will be the chief guest at the RSS event, and his brother states that the invite and ideology are 'separate'

MUMBAI: A debate has sparked regarding the attendance of Chief Justice of India Bhushan Ramakrishna Gavai's mother at a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) event in Maharashtra’s Amravati district on October 5, which commemorates both Vijayadashami and the centenary of the organization. It was reported that the RSS had extended an invitation to Dr. Kamaltai Gavai, spouse of the late RS Gavai (a former governor), to be the chief guest at the event. The event will take place at Srimati Narsamma Mahavidyalaya Maidan, located in the Kiran Nagar area of Amravati.The centenary celebrations will feature over one lakh Hindu Sammelans and thousands of symposiums nationwide, starting with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s annual Vijayadashami address at the organisation’s Nagpur headquarters on October 2. The printed and circulated invitation card featured the name of Kamaltai Gavai. Following backlash from Dalit, progressive, and secular groups, it was clarified that the name had been added without the Chief Justice's consent. A letter that circulated on social media also mentioned that Kamaltai was an Ambedkarite and would not participate in the RSS programme. When her other son, Rajendra Gavai, released a video stating that his mother would be at the event on October 5, it intensified the controversy. He stated that the Gavai family maintained relationships across various parties and ideologies, but this did not imply that they adhered to those beliefs.Rajendra noted that his mother had accepted the invitation to the Amravati event, which he pointed out was distinct from the main RSS function in Nagpur on October 2. “Moreover, personal relationships and political relationships are not the same. This does not imply participating in an RSS event while disregarding our Ambedkarite ideology. This is untrue. He stated, "We have a strong belief in our ideology."  

‘Firing on unarmed protestors has shaken public trust and could have been managed with more patience’: Senior BJP leader and former Ladakh MP speaks out

Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, a senior BJP leader and former MP of Ladakh, stated that the police's actions on September 24 in Leh—specifically, firing on unarmed demonstrators—had “shaken the public trust.” He added that the crisis in the Union Territory could have been managed with more patience.The former MP, in correspondence dated September 25 with Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta, requested an unbiased and transparent judicial investigation into the deaths of four protesters in Leh and called for the establishment of a “credible dialogue process.”Ladakh protest highlights: Following a violent escalation of a massive agitation over statehood and other demands in Leh, resulting in at least four fatalities and over 50 injuries, the home ministry reported that the situation in Ladakh has been under control since Wednesday at 4 PM.Live updates from the Ladakh protest: After the health of two individuals on a 35-day hunger strike since September 10 worsened, requiring their transfer to a medical facility on Tuesday evening, the youth wing of the Ladakh Apex Body (LAB) issued a protest call. The hunger strike sought to compel the Centre to reopen discussions on their four-point charter of demands: statehood, an extension of the Sixth Schedule, separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil, and employment reservations.According to officials cited by the PTI news agency, Leh town experienced a total shutdown on Wednesday in response to the protest call, as large crowds assembled at the NDS Memorial Ground and marched through the streets chanting slogans in favor of statehood and the Sixth Schedule. When some young people began hurling stones at the offices of the Hill Council and the BJP, the situation intensified. The report added that police and paramilitary forces, who had been deployed in large numbers throughout the town, fired teargas shells to restore control of the situation.  

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As controversies overshadowed the Gandhi family's time in Wayanad, the district Congress president has been dismissed

Following the visit of Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi to Wayanad, which Priyanka Gandhi represents in Parliament, the party’s district president has stepped down from their position.On Thursday, Sunny Joseph, president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), informed the media that Wayanad District Congress Committee (DCC) president N D Appachan has voluntarily resigned and his resignation letter has been submitted to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) for further action.On Thursday, N.D. Appachan, the president of the Wayanad District Congress Committee (DCC), stepped down from his position. This resignation was confirmed by Sunny Joseph, who is both a legislator and the president of Congress in Kerala. The resignation occurs amid the Wayanad Congress unit's struggle with internal crises, including the suicides of two senior party leaders that have shocked and disorganized the local organization. It has been reported that tensions increased after Appachan made a comment about Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s recent visit to the district, which allegedly displeased the party leadership.However, Appachan denied being forced to resign, stating, “I had myself informed the leadership that I was prepared to step down, and I have done that.” He underscored his lack of involvement in the suicides, while recognizing that he had been indirectly implicated in related issues. In response to claims of financial misconduct, Appachan clarified that he had not gained any personal benefits from financial transactions. He alleged that some local factions were intentionally causing organizational issues and disseminating misinformation, such as the assertion that he had blocked Priyanka Gandhi from seeing him.  

Beginning of the end for the "corrupt" Modi government, with Nitish "mentally retired" and Kharge launching a full-frontal assault from a Bihar platform

For the first time since Independence, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) convened in Patna on September 24. They utilized this uncommon meeting to refine their approach for the Bihar assembly elections and to launch a direct assault on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which they accused of “vote chori” and exacerbating communal polarization.In his opening of the meeting, party president Mallikarjun Kharge proclaimed that the Bihar elections would signify “the beginning of the end of the Modi government’s corrupt rule.”Kharge alleged that the ruling party was orchestrating manipulations of voter rolls and weakening democratic institutions, presenting the matter as crucial not only for Bihar but for the country’s political future. He called Bihar's Chief Minister and Modi ally, Nitish Kumar, "mentally retired" and stated that the BJP viewed him as a liability. Kharge made a comment that seemed to allude to recent statements and actions of US President Donald Trump while also taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi."Narendra Modi and his government have failed in diplomacy, which is why we are facing problems on the international stage."  He stated, “The same friends of the prime minister that he brags about as ‘my friends’ are currently causing India multiple problems.”  

In the midst of the tariff and H-1B fee hike controversy, Jaishankar meets Rubio and Goyal visits Greer in New York City. What does it signify for US-India relations?

A variety of bilateral and global problems of "current concern" were discussed during Monday's meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.This is their first in-person meeting since President Donald Trump imposed a 25 percent tariff on India for Delhi's purchases of Russian oil, bringing the total levies imposed on India to 50 percent. The meeting took place at Lotte New York Palace on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.In a statement released by the US Department of State, Rubio was quoted as saying, "Secretary Rubio reiterated that India is a relationship of critical importance to the United States and expressed his appreciation for the Indian government's continued engagement on a number of issues including trade, defense, energy, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, and other items related to the bilateral relationship. "The last time the two leaders met was during the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting in July in Washington, DC. The day of their meeting coincides with talks between the US and India to reach an early trade accord completion.Days after the Trump administration decided to increase the cost of H-1B visas, Jaishankar met with Rubio. Trump's unexpected $100,000 (about ₹90 lakh) increase in the H-1B visa price caused a panic, putting tech companies like Microsoft and Meta on edge. The White House emphasized on September 20 that the $100,000 price is not an annual fee and would not be applied to current visa holders who are returning to the country.  

Today marks the start of the Karnataka caste survey, despite BJP and Congress concerns.

The Siddaramaiah-led Congress government will begin the Socio-economic and Educational Survey, also known as the caste survey, on Monday, despite fierce opposition party protests and internal dissent. The survey will cover two crore homes throughout Karnataka.In order to suggest welfare measures, the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes (KSCBC) will gather detailed information on the social, economic, and educational circumstances of different caste groups. In Bengaluru, where government representatives will help instructors gather the data, the survey, which is scheduled to run throughout the state until October 9, is probably going to be postponed by a week.On Monday, September 22, 2025, Karnataka will conduct its second socio-economic survey. The initial survey's report from 2015 and the recommendations that were made based on it and submitted in 2024 were thrown aside by the Congress government. The second survey, which will be carried out by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes over the course of two weeks, is being held in the midst of several protests from the BJP and some land-owning, politically powerful, and numerically dominating populations.A preliminary list of 1,400 castes has been created by the Commission. A Pandora's Box has been unlocked by this. The Siddaramaiah government has been under fire from the BJP for trying to "divide Hindus." Some caste groups and the BJP have objected to the inclusion of Christian sub-castes, which were initially recognized in the last survey based on self-names. These sub-castes included Vokkaliga-Christian, Brahmana-Christian, and Lingayat Christian.    

The idea that Andhra Pradesh will benefit from Karnataka's defeat is the driving force behind Nara Lokesh's invitation to become CEO of BlackBuck.

Andhra Pradesh Information Technology Minister Nara Lokesh is not opposed to adopting non-traditional methods to attract business to his state, as seen by his response on X to a post by a Bengaluru start-up CEO when he was on investment roadshows in London."ORR Bellandur has been our office + home for the last nine years," said Rajesh Yabaji, co-founder and CEO of logistics start-up BlackBuck, in a post on X on Tuesday, expressing his annoyance at Bengaluru's pothole-filled roadways. But it's really difficult to go on from here now. We've made the decision to leave.With Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka snarling at each other following a tech CEO's widely shared grievance about the city's potholes and traffic jams, Bengaluru's deteriorating infrastructure crisis has taken on a political dimension. Citing intolerable commutes and bad driving conditions, BlackBuck co-founder and CEO Rajesh Yabaji revealed plans to move his company's office away from Bengaluru's Outer Ring driving, sparking the debate. Politicians took notice of the message right once, and Andhra Pradesh intervened to court the logistics company.Andhra Pradesh Human Resources Minister Nara Lokesh made another attempt to get Yabaji to think about moving to Visakhapatnam on Thursday evening. Lokesh criticized DK Shivakumar, the Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister, for his recent statement that "governments can't be blackmailed" by business concerns. "Andhra Pradesh is unique in that we don't call legitimate complaints 'blackmail,'" Lokesh stated. We react with respect and gravity.  

OpIndia Investigates: Rahul Gandhi’s EC Accusations

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has once again raised red flags over the integrity of India’s voter lists, accusing the Election Commission of overlooking serious discrepancies. In his recent statements, Gandhi claimed that thousands of genuine voters were being left out — particularly in opposition strongholds — hinting at possible bias in favor of the ruling BJP.   To separate rhetoric from reality, OpIndia went on the ground to investigate. What we found paints a more balanced picture. Yes, there are instances where names have been missed or mismatched — a recurring issue in India’s vast electoral database. But there's no strong evidence pointing to systematic manipulation or politically motivated deletion of voters on a large scale.   Officials, including booth officers and local staff, confirmed corrections are ongoing. The Election Commission addressed many claims, urging citizens to use verification tools and grievance mechanisms.   Rahul Gandhi’s concerns tap into a broader anxiety many voters feel — that their voices may be silenced without notice. While vigilance is essential in any democracy, the facts on the ground suggest that the problem may be less about conspiracy and more about administrative lapses in a massive and complex system.

Trump lists Afghanistan, India, China, and Pakistan as key nations for the transit and production of illegal drugs.

India, Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan are among the 23 countries that US President Donald Trump has designated as "major drug transit or major illicit drug producing countries." He has warned that the production and trafficking of drugs and precursor chemicals from these countries poses a threat to the safety of the US and its citizens.The list, referred to as the "Major's List" in Washington, names nations that are either major transit points or significant sources of illegal drugs entering the United States, according to a "Presidential Determination" that Trump filed to Congress on Monday.Afghanistan, the Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, Burma, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Laos, Mexico, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela are among the countries mentioned. According to the White House, "even if a government has engaged in robust and diligent narcotics control and law enforcement measures," the designations were made based on a combination of geographic, commercial, and economic variables that enable drug manufacture or transit. According to the State Department, being on the list does not always indicate a lack of collaboration with the US.Trump cited five countries as having "failed demonstrably" to fulfill their international counternarcotics commitments during the previous 12 months: Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia, and Venezuela.Regarding Afghanistan, Trump rejected the Taliban's widely reported narcotics ban, claiming that methamphetamine manufacturing and stockpiles continued to support global markets and finance terrorists. "I am once again designating Afghanistan as having failed demonstrably to uphold its drug control obligations, and some Taliban members continue to profit from this trade," he stated.  

On his 75th birthday, PM Modi's photographs illuminate the Burj Khalifa.

In honor of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 75th birthday, pictures of him illuminated Dubai's famous Burj Khalifa on Wednesday night. Signifying the growing friendship between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the tallest structure in the world lighted the city's skyline with birthday wishes and photographs of the Indian leader.Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the United Arab Emirates, posted a heartfelt greeting on social media earlier in the day. Sincere congrats on your birthday, Narendra Modi. "I hope you stay healthy and happy, and that you continue to make progress for India and its people's prosperity," he wrote on X.People from all around the world flooded PM Modi with birthday greetings. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), wished Modi well and commended his leadership. "To Prime Minister @narendramodi, happy 75th birthday! Your leadership in action is impressive. You are starting a significant project to advance and safeguard women's health in India, even on your special day," he wrote.King Charles of the United Kingdom also commemorated the event in a symbolic manner. Inspired by the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, he gave the Indian Prime Minister a Kadamb tree. "His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to send a Kadamb tree to India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday," the British High Commission said on X. Their shared commitment to environmental preservation is demonstrated by the gesture.Other world leaders that sent their best wishes included US President Donald Trump, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.In response to the greetings, Prime Minister Modi said he was blown away by the kind words that people and leaders from all over the world were sending him.  

As regional tensions rise, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan sign a mutual defense treaty.

In the face of increased regional tensions, Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan have formally inked a mutual defense pact, a step that greatly fortifies a decades-long security cooperation. The improved defense relations coincide with Gulf Arab nations' growing skepticism about the US's capacity to uphold their long-standing security guarantee, which was exacerbated by Israel's attack in Qatar last week.When questioned about the timing of the deal, a senior Saudi official stated, "This agreement is the result of years of discussions." "This is an institutionalization of long-standing and profound cooperation between our two countries, not a reaction to particular nations or events." Arab nations were incensed when Israel attempted to murder Hamas leadership officials in Doha with airstrikes while they were debating a ceasefire proposal that Qatar is mediating.In a complicated region, the agreement on Wednesday may change the strategic equation. In an effort to address long-standing security concerns, Washington's allies, the Gulf monarchs, have worked to stabilize their relations with Israel and Iran. However, the war in Gaza has completely upended the area, and twice in a single year, Israel and Iran have directly attacked the Gulf state of Qatar. Speaking under anonymity, the top Saudi official agreed that relations with India, Pakistan's competitor and another nuclear-armed state, must be balanced."We have a stronger relationship with India than we have ever had. We shall keep strengthening our bond and do everything in our power to promote regional harmony. The official responded, "This is a comprehensive defensive agreement that encompasses all military means," when asked if Pakistan would be required to give Saudi Arabia a nuclear umbrella under the accord. After signing the deal, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler of the kingdom, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif were seen embracing on public television. Field Marshal Asim Munir, the head of Pakistan's army and considered the most powerful individual in the nation, was present."This agreement, which reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieving security and peace in the region and the world, aims to develop aspects of defense cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression," read a statement from the office of the prime minister of Pakistan. "Any aggression against one of the countries will be deemed an aggression against both, according to the agreement."