Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s planned visit to the United States has been cancelled after the Centre did not grant the required clearance, the Telangana Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said on Friday.

Reddy, who is currently in London as part of an official Telangana Rising delegation, was scheduled to travel from the UK to the US before returning to Hyderabad on August 30. He will now return to Telangana on August 23 instead.

The CMO alleged that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) refused permission for the US leg of the trip on "political grounds". The Centre’s position on the allegation was not included in the statement issued by the Telangana government.

US Leg Of Tour Cancelled

According to the CMO, the official delegation led by Reddy had planned a series of engagements in the US after completing his UK programme.

The chief minister was scheduled to travel to Boston on August 24 and visit Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He was also expected to interact with the Virginia Tech team in Boston on August 25.

The delegation had further planned engagements in New York, including a programme organised by the US chapter of the Indian Overseas Congress on August 26.

The cancellation means these planned engagements will no longer take place as scheduled.

Reddy Currently In London

Reddy arrived in London on August 20. His UK itinerary includes engagements at Oxford University, Cambridge University, the University of London and London Business School.

He was also scheduled to attend an English Premier League football event at Emirates Stadium as part of the London programme.

After completing his UK engagements, Reddy was expected to continue to the United States. Instead, the chief minister will now return directly to Hyderabad.

Telangana CMO Raises Political Allegation

The Telangana government has described the denial of clearance as a political decision.

In its statement, the CMO said the "official Telangana Rising delegation" had been forced to cancel its US visit because the MEA had refused clearance on political grounds.

The statement did not provide details of what the Telangana government believes were the political reasons behind the Centre's decision.

Clearance from the Union government is required for certain official visits by serving chief ministers and other public representatives abroad.

Planned US Engagements

The proposed US visit was intended to include academic and diaspora engagements.

Reddy's schedule included meetings at Harvard and MIT, along with an interaction with the Virginia Tech team. The New York programme was expected to provide an opportunity to engage with members of the Indian diaspora through the US chapter of the Indian Overseas Congress.

The Telangana government has been promoting its "Telangana Rising" initiative to attract investment, strengthen international partnerships and showcase the state's economic and development priorities.

Return To Hyderabad On August 23

With the US leg cancelled, Reddy is now expected to return to Hyderabad on August 23 instead of August 30.

The development comes as the Telangana government continues its overseas outreach and investment-promotion activities. The cancellation of the US programme is likely to trigger a political debate in the state, particularly over the CMO's allegation that the clearance was denied for political reasons.

The Centre's response will be significant in establishing the reasons behind the decision and whether the denial was related to the proposed itinerary, administrative considerations or other factors.

Anjani Kumar takes charge as India’s new envoy to Ukraine

Veteran diplomat Anjani Kumar has formally taken charge as India’s Ambassador to Ukraine after presenting his credentials to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marking the beginning of a new diplomatic assignment for the 2003-batch Indian Foreign Service officer at a sensitive time in India-Ukraine relations. Kumar’s appointment comes as the Russia-Ukraine war continues and New Delhi maintains engagement with Kyiv while also pursuing its wider policy of strategic autonomy.

Kumar was appointed India’s ambassador to Ukraine by the Ministry of External Affairs in July. Before moving to Kyiv, he served as a Joint Secretary at the MEA headquarters in New Delhi. He has also handled diplomatic assignments abroad, including as India’s ambassador to Mali, with concurrent accreditation to Mauritania. The formal process for his new posting had already begun on August 10, when he presented copies of his credentials to Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Oleksandr Mishchenko. His meeting with Zelenskyy now completes the formal presentation of credentials and marks his assumption of the ambassadorial role.

The posting comes at a time when India’s diplomatic engagement with Ukraine continues to involve several sensitive issues. New Delhi has repeatedly backed dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred way to resolve the conflict, while stressing the importance of international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity. At the same time, India has maintained relations with Russia and has avoided taking a formal alignment with either side of the war. For Kumar, managing these different strands of foreign policy will be an important part of the assignment.

Humanitarian assistance and support for Indian nationals are also expected to remain part of the embassy’s work. India has provided medical supplies and other assistance to Ukraine, while the conflict has affected Indian students and citizens living or studying in the country. Education and people-to-people contacts could therefore remain practical areas of engagement alongside the larger diplomatic discussions.

Kumar takes over from Ravi Shankar, who completed his tenure as India’s ambassador to Ukraine in May. His arrival also comes as international discussions increasingly look beyond the immediate conflict towards Ukraine’s eventual reconstruction. Trade, infrastructure, education and other areas could offer room for greater India-Ukraine cooperation if conditions allow.

The exact priorities of the new envoy will become clearer as he begins his meetings with Ukrainian officials and other stakeholders. For now, his appointment places an experienced Indian diplomat at the centre of a relationship that requires careful handling, particularly as the war continues and diplomatic efforts around a possible settlement remain active.

India and China held a fresh round of border discussions under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on Thursday, with both sides engaging in what the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described as "frank" exchanges on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), boundary management and broader bilateral issues.

The talks come ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's proposed visit to India, a development being closely watched amid ongoing efforts by both countries to stabilise ties following years of military tensions along the disputed border.

Focus on Border Stability

According to the MEA, the two delegations reviewed the prevailing situation along the LAC and exchanged views on boundary delimitation, border management, institutional mechanisms and trans-border cooperation.

Both sides reiterated that maintaining peace and tranquillity in border areas remains essential for the overall development of India-China relations.

The Indian delegation was led by Sujit Ghosh, Joint Secretary (East Asia), Ministry of External Affairs, while the Chinese side was headed by Hou Yanqi, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

India Raises River Data Sharing

During the discussions, India stressed the need for the early convening of the next meeting of the Expert Level Mechanism on trans-border rivers.

New Delhi also emphasised the importance of timely sharing of technical information related to upstream infrastructure projects, an issue that has remained sensitive due to concerns over Chinese projects on rivers flowing into India.

Existing Military Channels to Continue

The two countries agreed to continue using existing diplomatic and military communication channels to prevent misunderstandings and reduce the risk of escalation along the LAC.

These include the WMCC framework, local commander-level meetings and other established mechanisms aimed at addressing unresolved issues through dialogue.

Officials said sustained communication remains critical to maintaining stability in border areas.

Follow-up to Earlier Agreements

The latest WMCC meeting follows the 24th round of Special Representatives' (SR) talks, led by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

During those discussions, both countries agreed to establish multiple working groups to address long-pending boundary-related issues. These include an expert group for boundary delimitation, another group focusing on border management, and additional General-level mechanisms for the eastern and middle sectors of the border.

These initiatives are intended to institutionalise dialogue and reduce the possibility of future military confrontations.

Relations Improving, Challenges Remain

India-China relations deteriorated sharply after the military standoff that began in eastern Ladakh in 2020, including the deadly Galwan Valley clash, which claimed the lives of 20 Indian soldiers.

Following several rounds of diplomatic and military negotiations, both countries reached an understanding in October 2024 to partially disengage in eastern Ladakh, leading to renewed high-level political engagement.

However, several contentious issues continue to affect bilateral ties, including the unresolved boundary dispute, China's claims over parts of Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, its continued presence in Aksai Chin, and broader strategic concerns related to regional security.

Diplomatic observers believe the latest WMCC discussions indicate continued engagement between the two sides, although a comprehensive resolution of the decades-old boundary dispute is expected to remain a long-term process.

Government Details Major Rescue Operations

India has spent nearly ₹216 crore over the past five years on emergency evacuation missions that brought home more than 32,000 Indian nationals stranded in conflict-hit countries, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed Parliament.

The data, tabled in the Lok Sabha, highlights the scale of India's overseas rescue efforts since 2021, covering crises in Ukraine, Afghanistan, Sudan, Israel, Iran, Haiti, Syria, Iraq and other regions affected by armed conflicts and humanitarian emergencies.

Operation Ganga Was the Largest Mission

Among all evacuation efforts, Operation Ganga, launched during the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, emerged as India's largest rescue mission in both scale and expenditure.

According to the MEA, the operation brought back 18,282 Indian citizens from war-hit Ukraine at a cost of ₹116.58 crore, accounting for more than half of the government's total evacuation spending during the five-year period.

The operation remains one of India's biggest overseas civilian evacuation exercises.

Multiple Rescue Missions Across Continents

The government also carried out several other evacuation operations as conflicts erupted across different regions.

Under Operation Devi Shakti in 2021, India evacuated 669 people from Afghanistan following the Taliban's return to power, spending ₹1.90 crore.

In 2023, Operation Kaveri rescued 4,097 people, including 136 foreign nationals, from conflict-hit Sudan at a cost of ₹45.63 crore.

During the Israel-Hamas conflict, Operation Ajay brought back 1,343 people, including 14 OCI card holders and 20 foreign nationals, with an expenditure of ₹16.87 crore.

The government also conducted evacuation operations from Haiti, Syria, Iraq and the Thailand-Myanmar border, besides organising a humanitarian mission to repatriate the mortal remains of 45 Indian nationals from Kuwait.

Iran Rescue During West Asia Crisis

The MEA said India continued evacuation efforts during the escalating West Asia crisis.

Under Operation Sindhu in 2025, 3,597 Indian nationals were evacuated from Iran at a cost of ₹27.68 crore, while another 818 Indians were brought back from Israel under the same operation.

In 2026, the government facilitated the evacuation of 2,557 Indians from Iran through neighbouring Armenia, spending ₹6.05 crore.

Separately, Indian diplomatic missions helped 1,40,605 Indian nationals return safely from countries affected by the 2026 West Asia crisis by coordinating transit visas, local transportation, accommodation, cross-border movements and flight clearances.

The highest number of assisted returns came from Qatar, where around 1,00,000 Indians received assistance, followed by Kuwait, with nearly 30,000 beneficiaries.

Digital Emergency Platform Under Trial

The Ministry of External Affairs said Indian missions worldwide remain connected with citizens through 24x7 emergency helplines, WhatsApp, social media platforms, email services and community networks during crisis situations.

It also informed Parliament that the government is conducting the final trials of a digital emergency response platform, which will allow stranded Indians to register online, share geo-tagged locations in real time and request assistance during emergencies.

According to the ministry, evacuation missions often face significant challenges, including security threats, restricted airspace, disrupted communications and limited ground movement. These operations are coordinated through close cooperation between Indian diplomatic missions, government agencies, airlines, shipping companies and foreign governments to ensure the safe return of Indian nationals.

The Karnataka Hakki Pikki Tribal Organisation has urged the Central Government to intervene after nine members of the Hakki Pikki tribal community were arrested in Ivory Coast for allegedly selling herbal oil without the required permission.

The nine tribal members, including six men and three women from Karnataka's Shivamogga and Mysuru districts, have reportedly been lodged in jail for the past four days after being detained by local authorities in the West African nation.

According to local police and community representatives, the group had travelled to Ivory Coast around six months ago as part of their traditional business of selling herbal massage oils, a livelihood that many members of the Hakki Pikki community have pursued across African countries for years.

Arrest Over Business Activity

Police identified the detained individuals as Prabhudev, Nirveni, Shahajan, Shanthi, Girish, Lakshmi, Pappu P, Pappa and Simbran.

The arrests were reportedly made after authorities alleged that the group was selling herbal oil without obtaining the necessary local permissions.

Community leaders said the group was detained while conducting business in Abengourou, located nearly 200 kilometres from Ivory Coast's commercial capital, Abidjan.

Organisation Appeals for Government Intervention

The Karnataka Hakki Pikki Tribal Organisation has appealed to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy in Ivory Coast to take immediate steps to secure the release of the detained tribal members and facilitate their safe return to India.

State President of the organisation, Puneeth Kumar R., urged the Centre to intervene diplomatically, stating that the group has been unable to continue its business and remains stranded in prison.

Family Claims Documents Were Available

Speaking from prison to The Indian Express, one of the detainees, Nirveni, said the group was arrested on July 29 despite informing the police that one member possessed the required business-related documents.

According to her, local authorities allegedly did not consider their explanation before taking them into custody.

The group has remained behind bars since the arrest and is unable to return home.

Traditional Livelihood Abroad

Members of the Hakki Pikki tribe have traditionally travelled to several African countries to market herbal oils and other natural products. The business has become an important source of income for many families from the community.

The latest incident has once again highlighted the legal and documentation challenges faced by small traders working overseas.

The Ministry of External Affairs has not yet issued an official statement regarding the arrests or any diplomatic engagement with the authorities in Ivory Coast.

Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Saidov Bakhtiyor Odilovich has arrived in India on a four-day official visit aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries. The visit, scheduled from August 2 to August 5, will focus on expanding cooperation in trade, connectivity, investment, technology and regional security under India's Connect Central Asia policy.

The high-level visit comes as New Delhi and Tashkent seek to deepen economic and strategic engagement across multiple sectors.

High-Level Meetings Scheduled

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visiting foreign minister reached New Delhi on Sunday.

During the visit, he will call on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan and hold delegation-level talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at Hyderabad House.

The discussions are expected to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and identify new areas for collaboration.

Trade and Investment in Focus

A key highlight of the visit will be participation in a business forum in New Delhi, where the Uzbek foreign minister will interact with Indian industry leaders.

The forum is expected to promote greater investment and private-sector partnerships in sectors including:

• Pharmaceuticals

• Information Technology

• Manufacturing

• Emerging technologies

Both countries are looking to expand economic cooperation by encouraging greater business-to-business engagement.

Connectivity to Top Agenda

Improving connectivity between India and Central Asia is expected to be a major focus of the bilateral discussions.

The two sides are likely to explore ways to enhance regional trade through strategic connectivity projects such as:

• International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)

• Chabahar Port in Iran

Strengthening these transport links is expected to improve access between India and Central Asian markets while boosting regional trade.

Strategic Cooperation

Apart from economic ties, India and Uzbekistan are expected to discuss cooperation in several strategic sectors, including:

• Critical minerals

• Digital public infrastructure

• Defence collaboration

• Counter-terrorism

• Regional security

The discussions reflect growing strategic convergence between the two countries amid evolving geopolitical and economic developments in the region.

Growing Bilateral Engagement

The visit follows a series of high-level interactions between New Delhi and Tashkent over the past year.

The two foreign ministers have already met on the sidelines of several international forums earlier in 2026, underlining the growing momentum in bilateral relations.

The latest visit is expected to further strengthen cooperation under India's broader engagement with Central Asia.

 India and Canada are working towards concluding negotiations on the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed Parliament on Friday, signalling continued progress in bilateral trade relations after diplomatic ties resumed last year.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said both countries have completed three rounds of negotiations, with the latest round held in Ottawa from July 6 to July 10, 2026.

The minister said discussions have advanced across multiple negotiating areas and both governments are working towards completing the agreement by late 2026.

Trade Pact to Boost Economic Cooperation

According to the MEA, the proposed CEPA is aimed at establishing a comprehensive free trade framework between India and Canada by reducing or eliminating tariffs and other trade barriers.

The agreement also seeks to facilitate greater trade in goods and services, improve investment flows, strengthen supply chains, enhance transparency in trade regulations, and deepen overall economic cooperation.

Officials believe the pact could significantly expand bilateral trade while creating new opportunities for businesses, exporters and investors in both countries.

Negotiations Gain Momentum

The government said negotiations have resumed at a steady pace following the restoration of diplomatic engagement between the two nations.

The three completed negotiation rounds have covered several chapters of the proposed agreement, including market access, trade facilitation, investment, services and regulatory cooperation.

Officials from both sides are expected to continue discussions over the coming months to resolve outstanding issues before the targeted conclusion next year.

Relations Improve After Diplomatic Reset

The MEA highlighted that India-Canada relations have witnessed positive momentum since the normalisation process began in June 2025.

A key milestone came during the G7 Leaders' Summit in Evian, France, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on June 16, 2026.

During the meeting, both leaders reviewed progress made in restoring bilateral engagement and expressed satisfaction over the improving relationship between the two countries.

Diplomatic Engagement Restored

The government said several confidence-building measures have already been implemented following the diplomatic reset.

These include:

• Restoration of High Commissioners in New Delhi and Ottawa.

• Gradual rebuilding of diplomatic staff at both missions.

• Resumption of bilateral dialogue mechanisms across multiple sectors.

• Revival of high-level political and official exchanges.

The MEA stated that these developments have created a conducive environment for advancing negotiations on the trade agreement.

Strategic Importance of CEPA

A comprehensive trade agreement is expected to strengthen commercial ties between two major economies that already share growing cooperation in education, technology, agriculture, clean energy and innovation.

Canada remains an important destination for Indian exports and investments, while India represents one of Canada's fastest-growing trade and investment partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

Industry experts believe a successful CEPA could improve market access for businesses, reduce trade costs and encourage greater cross-border investment while enhancing long-term economic cooperation.

With negotiations progressing and diplomatic relations stabilising, both countries are aiming to conclude the agreement before the end of 2026, potentially opening a new chapter in India-Canada economic relations.

India has strongly condemned the attack on the commercial cargo vessel GFS Galaxy near the coast of Oman, confirming that 10 of the 11 Indian nationals aboard have been rescued safely, while one Indian crew member remains missing.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Indian Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and is working in coordination with Omani authorities as search and rescue operations continue for the missing crew member.

India Monitoring Rescue Efforts

The MEA said the Indian mission in Muscat remains in constant contact with local authorities and is actively assisting in the ongoing rescue operation.

"The Embassy of India in Oman is closely monitoring the developments and is coordinating with the Omani authorities engaged in the search and rescue efforts," the ministry said.

The government also expressed its gratitude to the Sultanate of Oman and its agencies for their prompt response and assistance in rescuing the Indian nationals.

India Condemns Attacks on Commercial Shipping

Expressing concern over the growing security risks in the region, the MEA condemned the repeated attacks on commercial shipping routes.

The ministry said such incidents pose a serious threat to international maritime trade and regional stability. It reiterated India's call for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and urged all parties to pursue diplomatic dialogue to restore peace and stability in the region.

The government emphasized that ensuring the safety and freedom of international shipping remains critical for global trade and energy security.

Vessel Targeted Near Strait of Hormuz

According to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), the Cyprus-flagged container vessel GFS Galaxy came under attack while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest and most strategically important maritime corridors.

CENTCOM alleged that the attack was carried out by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The US military said the assault resulted in significant damage to the vessel's engine room, triggering a fire that left the ship unable to continue its voyage.

Authorities also confirmed that one civilian crew member remains unaccounted for following the attack.

Search Operation Continues

Search and rescue operations remain underway to locate the missing Indian national. Omani authorities, supported by the Indian Embassy, continue to coordinate efforts in the area.

Officials have not yet released the identity of the missing crew member, while further details regarding the circumstances of the attack are awaited.

Regional Security Concerns Intensify

The latest incident comes amid continuing tensions in the Gulf region, where attacks on commercial vessels have raised concerns over the safety of international shipping lanes.

The Strait of Hormuz handles a significant share of the world's oil and commercial cargo traffic, making security in the region a matter of global economic importance.

India, which has substantial trade and energy interests in the Gulf and thousands of nationals working aboard international merchant vessels, has consistently advocated peaceful dialogue and diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.

With one crew member still missing, Indian authorities continue to work with Omani officials while closely monitoring developments surrounding the attack on the GFS Galaxy.

In an official statement issued on Sunday, the MEA described the incident as deeply concerning and reiterated India's position that attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure must stop immediately. The ministry said the safety of seafarers and the security of international maritime routes remain a matter of serious importance.

According to the statement, the vessel was carrying 11 Indian citizens at the time of the attack. Rescue efforts have so far located and saved 10 crew members, while search operations are continuing for the remaining Indian national.

“Of the 11 Indian nationals on board the vessel, 10 have been rescued so far, while one Indian citizen has been reported missing,” the ministry said.

The attack has once again highlighted growing security concerns in the region, where commercial shipping routes have faced repeated threats in recent months. The Arabian Sea and surrounding maritime corridors are among the world's busiest trade routes, carrying a significant portion of global energy supplies and commercial cargo.

Expressing concern over the recurring incidents, the MEA said continued attacks on commercial vessels are detrimental to regional peace and stability. The ministry emphasized that India supports dialogue and diplomatic engagement as the preferred path toward reducing tensions and resolving disputes.

The statement noted that New Delhi remains committed to efforts aimed at de-escalation and peaceful resolution of conflicts through ongoing diplomatic initiatives.

“India remains committed to the position that dialogue and diplomacy are the best means to address tensions. Ongoing diplomatic efforts and negotiations should be pursued in a constructive and peaceful manner to restore stability in the region,” the ministry said.

India also called for the protection of civilian infrastructure and international shipping operations. The MEA stressed that freedom of navigation and uninterrupted maritime trade must be safeguarded in accordance with international law.

The ministry added that attacks targeting commercial ships and civilian assets undermine global trade networks and pose risks not only to regional countries but also to the wider international community.

As search and rescue operations continue, the Indian Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring developments and coordinating with local authorities. The embassy is maintaining regular contact with Omani officials involved in the operation and is extending all possible assistance to the affected crew members and their families.

The MEA acknowledged the support extended by Oman in the rescue mission and thanked the country's authorities for their prompt response.

“We appreciate the assistance provided by the Omani authorities. Our Embassy in Oman remains in close coordination with them and is monitoring the ongoing search and rescue efforts,” the ministry said.

The incident is likely to renew discussions on maritime security in the region, particularly as global concerns grow over the safety of commercial shipping lanes. With one Indian sailor still unaccounted for, attention remains focused on the ongoing rescue operation and efforts to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Further updates are awaited as search teams continue their efforts in the waters off the Omani coast.

The Regional Passport Office (RPO), Pune, has organised a Special Passport Drive on Saturday, July 11, to facilitate quicker passport appointments for applicants in Normal and Tatkaal categories. The initiative is part of the Ministry of External Affairs' ongoing efforts to improve passport service delivery and reduce appointment waiting periods for citizens with urgent travel requirements.

The special drive is being conducted at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) Pune and Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) Solapur. While both Normal and Tatkaal applications are being accepted at the Pune centre, the Solapur centre is processing Normal category applications only. The drive covers both fresh passport applications and re-issue requests.

The passport centres will remain open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and applicants have been advised to report 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment time mentioned on the application receipt.

Faster appointments for applicants

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the special drive aims to make passport appointments available at an earlier date while ensuring timely processing for individuals with urgent travel plans.

Applicants are required to complete the online application process, pay the prescribed fee, and schedule an appointment through the Passport India Portal or the mPassport Seva App before visiting the Passport Seva Kendra.

Documents must be complete

The Regional Passport Office has advised applicants under the Normal category to carefully verify that all required documents are complete and comply with the provisions of the Passport Rules before visiting the centre.

Officials cautioned that applications with incomplete or incorrect documentation may not be accepted on the day of the appointment, leading to delays in passport processing.

Tatkaal applicants advised to check eligibility

Applicants seeking passports under the Tatkaal Scheme have been urged to carefully read the Tatkaal Advisory and Tatkaal Undertaking before booking appointments.

The Ministry noted that Tatkaal applications are subject to stricter eligibility conditions and require additional supporting documents. Many applicants fail to meet these requirements, resulting in rejection or non-acceptance of their applications.

Authorities have also advised applicants to verify whether they fall under any Tatkaal ineligible category before applying.

Passport Authority may seek additional verification

The Ministry reminded applicants that under Section 5 of the Passports Act, 1967, read with Rule 5 of the Passports Rules, 1980, the Passport Authority has the legal authority to seek additional documents or conduct further verification whenever necessary for processing an application.

How to book an appointment

Applicants can book appointments by completing the online passport application through the Passport India website or the mPassport Seva App, making the online payment, and selecting the preferred location while scheduling the appointment.

For this special drive:

• PSK Pune: Normal and Tatkaal (Fresh & Re-issue)

• PSK Solapur: Normal category (Fresh & Re-issue)

The Ministry has encouraged eligible applicants to make use of the special drive to obtain earlier appointment slots and ensure hassle-free passport services.

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday accepted the credentials of ambassadors and high commissioners from six countries during a ceremonial event held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking the formal commencement of their diplomatic assignments in India.

The envoys representing Mozambique, Nicaragua, Suriname, Gabon, Mongolia, and the Bahamas presented their Letters of Credence to the President in accordance with diplomatic protocol. The ceremony signifies the official recognition of the diplomats as representatives of their respective governments in India.

The Ministry of External Affairs follows the established practice under which newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners formally present their credentials to the President before assuming their official diplomatic responsibilities.

The dignitaries who presented their credentials were:

Armando Pedro Muiuane Junior, High Commissioner of the Republic of Mozambique

Nadeska Imara Cuthbert Carlson, Ambassador of the Republic of Nicaragua

Hanisha Jayaram, Ambassador of the Republic of Suriname

Aurelien-Marcel Mintsa Nguema, High Commissioner of the Gabonese Republic

Dr. Ulziit Luvsanjav, Ambassador of Mongolia

Peter Nicholas Simonette, High Commissioner of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas

The presentation of credentials is an important diplomatic tradition that formally establishes an envoy's authority to represent their country before the Head of State. It also reflects the continued strengthening of India's bilateral engagement with partner nations across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia.

India maintains diplomatic and development partnerships with all six countries in areas such as trade, investment, capacity building, education, healthcare, renewable energy, and multilateral cooperation. The appointment of new envoys is expected to further enhance bilateral dialogue and cooperation across sectors of mutual interest.

The ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan was conducted with customary diplomatic protocol and was attended by senior government and diplomatic officials.

 External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has commenced a four-nation diplomatic tour of West Asia as India steps up its engagement with key partners in the strategically important region. The visit comes amid evolving geopolitical developments and is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral ties, enhancing regional security cooperation and expanding collaboration in trade, energy and investment.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Jaishankar's engagements will include high-level meetings with political leaders and senior officials in the four countries. Discussions are also expected to cover regional stability, economic partnerships and issues of mutual strategic interest. The visit reflects India's continued efforts to deepen its presence in West Asia, a region that remains vital for the country's energy security, trade and diaspora interests.

ECI Clarifies Odisha Voter Roll Dispute

In a separate development, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has responded to allegations by opposition parties regarding the deletion of names from Odisha's electoral rolls. The controversy emerged after opposition leaders claimed that eligible voters had been excluded during the revision process.

The Commission said that only minor discrepancies had been identified in the draft electoral roll prepared following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. It clarified that the publication of the draft list is part of the regular revision process and that all claims, objections and correction requests will be thoroughly examined before the final electoral roll is notified.

The ECI reiterated that eligible voters would continue to have opportunities to seek corrections or inclusion of their names in accordance with the prescribed procedures.

58 Engineering Colleges Shut Down in One Year

Meanwhile, a report on India's higher education sector has highlighted growing challenges facing technical education. According to the report, 58 engineering colleges across the country have shut down over the past year, reflecting a continued decline in demand for conventional engineering programmes.

Education experts attribute the closures to falling student enrolments, financial constraints, changing employment trends and increasing preference for emerging technology and skill-based courses. Industry observers believe many institutions have struggled to adapt their curriculum to evolving market requirements, making it difficult to attract prospective students.

The findings have renewed calls for reforms in technical education, including stronger industry-academia collaboration, curriculum modernisation and greater emphasis on innovation and practical skills to improve graduate employability.

Together, the three developments underscore significant activity across India's diplomatic, electoral and education sectors, with policymakers expected to closely monitor their implications in the coming weeks.