New Delhi: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) chief spokesperson Saurav Das on Friday questioned the criminal case registered against a 25-year-old woman who allegedly used abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Das described the FIR as a misuse of the criminal justice system and argued that while abusive or offensive language could be condemned, it should not automatically lead to criminal proceedings. The woman was allegedly seen making objectionable remarks against the Prime Minister during the July 23 Jantar Mantar protest, and a video of the incident later circulated widely on social media. According to the police, she was booked on allegations including intentional insult, public mischief and defamation after a complaint was lodged at the Expressway police station in Noida. Police registered a "zero FIR" before transferring the case to Parliament Street police station in New Delhi, where the alleged incident took place. A zero FIR allows a complaint to be registered at a police station irrespective of where the alleged offence occurred, after which it can be transferred to the police station having jurisdiction.

Reacting to the case, Das said profanity by itself should not result in a criminal case and accused authorities of unnecessarily targeting young protesters. In a post on X, he questioned why police resources were being used against a 25-year-old woman and referred to criminal cases involving members of Parliament while making his argument. Speaking separately to news agency ANI, Das asked when using abusive language had become a criminal offence in the country. He said such language was used in everyday life and maintained that deploying the criminal justice machinery against protesters in this manner was unjustifiable. Das nevertheless described the alleged remarks as condemnable, while appealing to the government and police to stop what he called harassment of young people. His comments came amid continuing political debate surrounding the recent CJP-led protests at Jantar Mantar and the police response to demonstrations over examination-related issues.

The complaint in the case was filed by Ghaziabad resident Smriti Singh, who approached Noida Police on Wednesday. According to the complaint cited in the FIR, the woman allegedly used abusive and objectionable language in public against the Prime Minister. Singh alleged that the remarks affected the dignity of a constitutional office and were intended to spread hatred and disturb public peace. She also claimed that several videos circulating on social media showed the woman making abusive remarks about Modi and his mother. Singh said she identified the woman with the help of her friends through social media before approaching police and seeking action. The case has now been sent to Parliament Street police station for further investigation. Das, meanwhile, has maintained that offensive speech should be criticised without using criminal proceedings to target young protesters. The police investigation will determine how the allegations and provisions cited in the FIR are taken forward.

The developments came within hours of each other, catching political observers off guard. Pawar dismissed persistent speculation about a reunion between his NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) faction and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, which broke away in 2023 and now sits within the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra. Having firmly closed that door, Pawar then extended an invitation to PM Modi to visit Baramati — a move that immediately raised questions given Pawar's continued position within the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, alongside Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT).

This isn't the first time Pawar's engagement with Modi has generated friction within his own alliance. He has a long history of maintaining a working personal relationship with the Prime Minister even while sitting in opposition — including sharing a stage with Modi at a Pune award ceremony in 2023, despite objections from Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) at the time, and hosting Modi at agricultural institutions in Baramati on separate occasions in past years. Pawar has consistently defended such engagements as separate from party politics, often citing prior commitments or his role heading non-political institutions like the Vasantdada Sugar Institute and Vidya Pratisthan.

The latest invitation comes at a politically sensitive moment, with speculation already swirling around Pawar's positioning following recent shifts in Maharashtra's political landscape, including the ongoing upheaval within Trinamool Congress in West Bengal and broader questions about opposition unity nationally. Political commentators in Maharashtra have noted that Pawar's dual move — rejecting a merger with his nephew's faction while simultaneously reaching out to Modi — sends a somewhat contradictory signal about where his politics are actually headed.

Neither Congress nor Shiv Sena (UBT), Pawar's MVA allies, had issued a public response to the Baramati invitation at the time of publishing. Whether Modi accepts the invitation, and what timeline any such visit might follow, remains unconfirmed.

Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for rail and road infrastructure projects worth ₹5,470 crore, including the redevelopment of 75 railway stations across 20 states under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, and flagged off the Amritsar (Chheharta)-Varanasi Sant Ravidas Express — a new direct rail link between two significant spiritual centres. He greeted the gathering in Punjabi, arrived wearing a green turban as a symbolic gesture toward the state's farming community, and interacted with Dera Sachkhand Ballan chief Sant Niranjan Dass and schoolchildren before the train's flag-off.

The bulk of his speech, however, was aimed squarely at the AAP state government, which Modi accused of corruption, mounting debt, poor governance and deteriorating law and order, going as far as calling the party "kattar beiman" — staunchly dishonest — a pointed jab at AAP's own long-running "kattar imaandar" (staunchly honest) branding. He accused party leaders of facing corruption allegations themselves while lecturing citizens not to pay bribes, and argued that only a "double-engine" government, with the same party in power at the Centre and the state, could deliver the security and development Punjab needed.

Modi didn't stop at AAP. He also criticised the Congress for being consumed by internal infighting rather than governance — a reference that lands squarely amid the party's ongoing Punjab leadership standoff between Charanjit Singh Channi's camp and PCC chief Raja Warring — and said the Shiromani Akali Dal had lost sight of the state's future while trapped in its own internal crisis.

The visit carried clear electoral signalling beyond the speech itself. It marked the first major BJP platform appearance for former AAP Rajya Sabha members Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Harbhajan Singh and Ashok Mittal since crossing over to the party, while former two-time Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh skipped the event. Modi's repeated engagement with Sant Ravidas and Dera Sachkhand Ballan — whose followers make up a significant share of the electorate in Punjab's Doaba region, home to the state's large Dalit population — was widely read as a deliberate outreach ahead of Sant Ravidas' 650th birth anniversary, which falls close to the 2027 election.

Taken together, political observers noted, the visit strongly suggested the BJP is preparing to contest all 117 Punjab Assembly seats independently in 2027, rather than through a traditional alliance arrangement. Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu, addressing the gathering ahead of Modi, said the Jalandhar station's redevelopment had finally become reality after decades of neglect, and took his own swipe at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for skipping the event in favour of political engagements with AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal.

Neither AAP, Congress nor the Akali Dal had issued detailed rebuttals to Modi's specific charges at the time of publishing, though the speech's framing — Modi positioning BJP as the only credible alternative to three parties he cast as compromised in different ways — is likely to dominate Punjab's political conversation heading into election season.

The Union Cabinet has approved the construction of a six-lane Greenfield Elevated Corridor along the Ganga River in Varanasi, a major infrastructure project aimed at reducing urban congestion, improving regional connectivity and strengthening multimodal transport links in one of India's busiest pilgrimage and cultural cities.

The project, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will be developed under the National Highways (Original) [NH(O)] programme using the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). The total capital investment for the project has been pegged at ₹14,447.64 crore.

The proposed 46.039-kilometre corridor will connect National Highway-19 with the Varanasi Ring Road, providing a high-speed, access-controlled route along the Ganga riverfront. The project will feature a six-lane elevated main carriageway, ramps, loops, service roads, a landmark cable-stayed bridge, and an extradosed foot-over bridge equipped with travelators.

Designed to Cut Travel Time

According to the government, the corridor has been designed for operating speeds of 80–100 kmph, significantly reducing travel time across the city.

The average travel duration on the affected stretch is expected to decline from nearly 60 minutes to around 20 minutes, representing a reduction of about 67 percent. Travel between NH-19 and Kashi Railway Station is also expected to become considerably faster, with journey time falling from nearly 50 minutes to 25 minutes.

Officials said the project will help divert through traffic away from congested urban roads, improving daily commuting conditions while reducing vehicle operating costs, fuel consumption and emissions.

Boost to Pilgrimage and Tourism

Varanasi attracts more than 15 million tourists and pilgrims annually, making efficient transport infrastructure increasingly important for the city's economy and visitor experience.

The elevated corridor will improve access to several prominent religious, educational and cultural destinations, including Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Namo Ghat, Ramnagar Fort, and the historic ghats along the Ganga.

The project also includes an elevated spur between BHU/Lanka and Samne Ghat, intended to ease congestion at the busy Lanka intersection, one of the city's major traffic bottlenecks.

Strengthening Multimodal Connectivity

The government said the corridor aligns with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, enhancing seamless connectivity between highways, railway stations, airports and inland waterways.

The project will provide improved access to major transport hubs including Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Kashi Railway Station, Banaras Railway Station, Varanasi City Railway Station, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction, and the Ramnagar Inland Waterways Port.

It will also strengthen connectivity to the Chandauli Special Economic Zone (SEZ), an aspirational district, and multiple logistics centres, supporting freight movement and regional economic development across eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Advanced Engineering Features

The corridor incorporates several high-end engineering components intended to improve both functionality and urban aesthetics.

Among its key features is a 910-metre cable-stayed bridge across the Ganga River and a 1.32-kilometre foot-over bridge-cum-major bridge fitted with travelators to facilitate pedestrian access towards the Kashi Vishwanath Temple area.

The project also includes a rail overbridge over the existing and proposed Malviya Bridge alignment, emergency parking facilities, sound barriers, architectural lighting, and design elements inspired by Varanasi's cultural heritage.

The government said these features are expected to transform the city's skyline while improving transport efficiency and reinforcing Varanasi's position as a major religious and cultural destination.

Supporting Long-Term Urban Growth

Officials believe the project will play a significant role in easing traffic congestion, improving road safety and facilitating smoother passenger and freight movement. By integrating multiple transport modes and supporting tourism, pilgrimage and commerce, the corridor is expected to contribute to sustainable urban development in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

The approval marks another major investment in Varanasi's transport infrastructure as the city continues to witness rapid expansion in road, rail and public infrastructure projects under the government's broader connectivity agenda.

In his letter, the AAP national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister argued that E20 petrol has caused problems for vehicles manufactured before 2023 that weren't originally designed to run on the blend, citing reduced mileage, faster engine wear and added financial strain on owners of older cars and two-wheelers. His central demand is straightforward: that petrol stations offer consumers a genuine choice between pure petrol and E20-blended fuel, rather than E20 being the only option available at the pump. He's also asked for E20 to be priced lower than regular petrol, arguing that its lower calorific value already means reduced mileage for users, and that the pricing should reflect that shortfall.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the letter becoming public, Kejriwal pushed back against how the government has characterised critics of the E20 rollout, saying people raising concerns about the fuel are simply citizens voicing genuine grievances rather than acting against the country's interest, and that they deserve to be heard rather than dismissed. He said democratic government requires listening to public concerns and acting on them, not brushing them aside.

Kejriwal said the party has launched an online petition asking citizens to share their direct experiences with E20 petrol, particularly around mileage, and that he intends to present the collected responses to the Prime Minister once a meeting is granted. He has also asked AAP workers and volunteers to visit petrol pumps and service stations directly, talk to consumers about their experiences, and document those conversations on social media.

E20 petrol — a blend containing 20 percent ethanol — has been rolled out nationally as part of the government's ethanol-blending programme, aimed at cutting fuel import costs and vehicular emissions. The programme has drawn periodic criticism from vehicle owners and some opposition leaders over compatibility concerns with older engines, though the Centre has maintained that BS-VI-compliant vehicles from recent years are built to handle the blend without issues.

As of Tuesday, neither the Prime Minister's Office nor the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas had responded publicly to Kejriwal's letter or confirmed whether the requested meeting would take place.

Qatar's Amiri Diwan confirmed the death in a statement issued Sunday morning, saying the country's "great leader" had passed away and offering prayers for him. The former Emir, who ruled Qatar from 1995 until his voluntary abdication in 2013, is widely credited with transforming the small Gulf nation into a major player in global diplomacy, media and investment — a legacy that includes the launch of Al Jazeera in 1996 and Qatar's successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Qatar has announced a four-day mourning period, with flags at half-mast and government offices closed.

Modi posted his condolences on X, describing Sheikh Hamad as a "visionary leader" and recalling that he'd had the honour of meeting him personally during his visit to Qatar in February 2024. The Prime Minister extended his sympathies to the current Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, along with the royal family and the people of Qatar, and offered prayers for the departed leader. Modi's message came as he was returning to India following the final leg of his three-nation Indo-Pacific tour.

Sheikh Hamad's death has drawn condolences from leaders across the world. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Dubai's ruler, and Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam were among those who issued statements mourning his passing, several of them describing his role in shaping the modern Gulf region as historic.

Sheikh Hamad came to power in 1995 after deposing his father in a bloodless palace coup, and went on to steer Qatar through nearly two decades of rapid transformation — from a relatively obscure emirate into one of the world's largest exporters of liquefied natural gas and an increasingly influential voice in regional diplomacy. He played a mediating role in conflicts ranging from Sudan's Darfur crisis to Lebanese factional disputes and the Hamas-Fatah rift, and in 2012 became the first head of state to visit the Gaza Strip since Hamas took control there five years earlier. In 2013, he made history in the Gulf Arab world by voluntarily handing power to his son, Sheikh Tamim, rather than ruling until death — a rare and, at the time, surprising move in the region.

Funeral prayers for Sheikh Hamad were scheduled for Sunday evening in Doha, with burial to follow at Lusail Cemetery.

Astrologers are closely examining Prime Minister Narendra Modi's horoscope as July 2026 presents complex planetary combinations that could test his leadership across multiple fronts. Vedic astrological analysis reveals a fascinating picture of both challenges and powerful protective yogas.

Scorpio Ascendant and Planetary Strength

According to Vedic astrological analysis, PM Modi's horoscope features an extremely powerful basic structure with Scorpio Ascendant and Scorpio zodiac influence. Mars, the lord of the ascendant, is located in its own sign, giving the native a never-say-die nature, extraordinary struggle ability, a deep tendency to take risks and an amazing ability to lead even in times of fierce crisis. Additionally, exalted Mercury in Virgo provides tremendous strategic thinking, administrative skills and sharp communication capabilities.

Current Planetary Period: Ketu Antardasha and Venus Transit

In June-July 2026, PM Modi is running under the influence of Ketu's Antardasha and Venus's transit in the Mahadasha of Mars. This combination is not considered normal in astrology because while ascendant Mars greatly increases fighting power and decision-making ability on one hand, Ketu suddenly brings big controversies, unexpected events and ideological distance with colleagues.

The Moon Factor: Public Perception Challenges

The most sensitive point of this horoscope is that the Moon is in Scorpio and is degraded. In politics, the Moon is considered the main factor of public opinion and emotional support. Whenever the Moon is adversely influenced, the politician often faces major challenges related to public perception, criticism and image.

Five Key Challenges in July 2026

Astrologers have identified five major pressure points during this period:

1. Education and Examination System: Major administrative issues like NEET and CBSE take big shape, directly affecting youth and their families

2. Inflation Impact: The second house in astrology represents the economy, and due to the low Moon, public perception becomes a major test for the government

3. Global Uncertainty: US-Iran tensions and global uncertainty demand extreme balance and caution at the foreign policy level

4. Opposition Aggression: Fiery Mars in the horoscope makes opponents equally vocal and aggressive

5. Alliance and Administrative Systems: Even the smallest mistake in implementation can lead to big political debate

Powerful Raja Yogas Provide Stability

Despite these challenges, powerful planetary yogas ensure stability. The transit of Jupiter and Saturn in Pisces is fueling religious and cultural matters where the public can take things emotionally. This tension is expected to continue until mid-July.

The Larger Picture

In the last 12 years of Indian politics, there has hardly been a time when PM Modi has faced challenges on so many diverse fronts simultaneously. Questions on the education system, inflation concerns, international tensions, opposition aggression and growing public expectations all converge during this period.What Lies Ahead

Astrologers suggest that PM Modi's horoscope, with its inherent strength and powerful planetary combinations, provides the resilience needed to navigate these challenges. The never-say-die nature indicated by Mars in its own sign suggests that despite temporary difficulties, the leadership will find ways to overcome obstacles and maintain political stability.

The boat, operated by Ocean Pearl Island Company, was carrying 32 Indian tourists along with a flight attendant and four crew members when it malfunctioned and capsized near Hon May Rut Ngoai island around 1 pm local time, according to Vietnamese outlet VnExpress, which cited authorities from the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone. Nearby tourist boats moved in to help once the vessel got into distress, according to the same report.

The An Thoi Port Border Guard Station said the dead included two women and 13 men. The 21 people rescued were taken to medical facilities for emergency treatment; their conditions haven't been detailed publicly.

The Indian Embassy in Hanoi confirmed the incident in a post on X, saying a boat carrying several Indian tourists had capsized near Phu Quoc and that exact details were still being established as search and rescue operations continued. The embassy said it had set up control rooms to coordinate the response.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the tragedy on X shortly after, writing that he was "extremely saddened to learn about the tragic news" and offering condolences to the families who lost loved ones, along with prayers for the injured survivors' recovery. He said the Indian Embassy and Consulate were providing all possible assistance and that officials were in close contact with Vietnamese authorities. Modi is currently returning to India after wrapping up a three-nation tour covering Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand.

As of the last update, there had been no official confirmation of the death toll or victims' identities from the Indian government directly — figures so far have come from local Vietnamese authorities and media. Further details on the cause of the malfunction, and on the identities and home states of those killed, are still awaited.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island and a fast-growing tourist destination in the Gulf of Thailand, has seen a steady rise in Indian visitor numbers in recent years as direct flight connectivity and holiday packages to Southeast Asia have expanded. The scale of Saturday's incident is likely to raise fresh questions about safety standards for tourist boat operators in the region, though no official assessment of what went wrong has been released yet.

The Ministry of External Affairs has not issued a separate statement beyond the embassy's post as of this writing.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday underlined the deepening ties between India and New Zealand, describing the relationship as one built on shared values, mutual trust and people-to-people connections, while addressing the Indian diaspora in Auckland during the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in four decades.

The visit marked a significant milestone in bilateral relations, with both nations elevating their engagement to a Strategic Partnership, signing multiple agreements and setting an ambitious target to double bilateral trade to around ₹35,000 crore by 2030.

Speaking before members of the Indian community, Modi blended personal memories with a broader vision for future cooperation, stressing that India's foreign policy values goodwill and public welfare over the size of any nation's population.

A Personal Story from Three Decades Ago

Recalling his first visit to New Zealand nearly 25 to 30 years ago, long before he assumed public office, Modi shared an emotional anecdote about a muffler gifted to him during that trip.

Holding up the same muffler while addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said he had preserved it for decades and continued to wear it, describing it as a symbol of the affection and warmth extended by the people of New Zealand.

He said such gestures reflected the strength of human relationships and demonstrated that India values the spirit of friendship above all else.

Strategic Partnership Enters New Phase

Earlier in the day, Modi held bilateral talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Auckland.

The two leaders announced 18 major decisions and signed 10 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering sectors including defence, trade, education, agriculture, sports, science, technology, disaster management and maritime cooperation.

The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across the Indo-Pacific and expanding economic engagement through the implementation of the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.

Focus on Trade, Technology and Innovation

Highlighting future opportunities, Modi said India and New Zealand should deepen collaboration in emerging sectors including space technology, digital innovation, renewable energy and sports.

Describing the present as "the era of collaboration," he said the two countries possess complementary strengths that can generate long-term economic growth and technological advancement.

The Prime Minister noted that New Zealand-based companies have already partnered with India's space programme and said cooperation in advanced technology reflects the shared aspirations of both nations.

He also called for stronger collaboration in sports, particularly rugby, saying India could benefit from New Zealand's expertise through coaches, trainers and technical specialists.

Praise for Indian Diaspora

Modi praised the Indian community in New Zealand for serving as a bridge between the two countries.

He said that although members of the diaspora live thousands of kilometres away from India, their emotional connection with their homeland remains intact.

According to the Prime Minister, the contributions of people of Indian origin have strengthened New Zealand's economy, society and cultural diversity while simultaneously reinforcing bilateral ties.

He added that New Zealand's leadership consistently acknowledges the positive role played by the Indian community in the country's development.

Learning from New Zealand

The Prime Minister also highlighted New Zealand's achievements in public welfare, women's empowerment and agricultural development, saying India continues to draw inspiration from the country's progress.

He noted that New Zealand was the first nation to grant women the right to vote and said India is also expanding opportunities for women across multiple sectors while pursuing balanced economic and social development.

Modi emphasised that India's growth story combines modern innovation with the preservation of its civilisational heritage, allowing the country to evolve while maintaining its cultural identity.

Strengthening Long-Term Bilateral Relations

The visit concluded with both countries expressing confidence that the newly announced Strategic Partnership will open fresh avenues for cooperation in trade, investment, education, security and people-to-people exchanges.

Modi assured members of the Indian diaspora that high-level engagement between the two nations would become more frequent, saying they would not have to wait another four decades for the next visit by an Indian Prime Minister.

The Auckland visit capped Modi's three-nation tour and reinforced India's growing engagement with partners across the Indo-Pacific region, signalling a renewed commitment to expanding strategic and economic cooperation with New Zealand.

Originally from Bihar's Motihari district, Tanushree belongs to the 2017 batch of the Indian Police Service and has spent a significant part of her career in Jammu and Kashmir. During her tenure, she handled key law-and-order responsibilities in districts affected by militancy while also working to strengthen public trust in the police.

Her departure from Pulwama has drawn attention not only because of her policing record but also due to the relationship she developed with local communities, especially women and young people. Residents and social media users have shared messages appreciating her service and wishing her success in her new assignment.

Before joining the IPS, Tanushree served as an Assistant Commandant in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). She later cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination and was allotted the Jammu and Kashmir cadre. A graduate in Textile Design from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Gandhinagar, she followed an unconventional path from design studies to counter-insurgency policing.

One of the most widely discussed moments from her career came during an interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where she recounted an anti-terror operation carried out during her early years in the Valley.

Speaking at the event, Tanushree described an operation against a Hizbul Mujahideen commander identified as Junaid, who was allegedly involved in militant recruitment activities. According to her account, security agencies received intelligence about the militant's presence at a supporter’s residence. A joint team comprising Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Special Operations Group (SOG) and CRPF personnel launched an operation to surround the location.

She recalled that the encounter turned intense after the militants opened fire on security personnel. One security officer was injured during the exchange. Tanushree admitted that witnessing such a situation firsthand was initially intimidating, but she praised the courage of the security forces, who continued the operation while ensuring the injured personnel received medical assistance. The operation ultimately ended with the neutralisation of the militants involved.

During the same interaction, Prime Minister Modi expressed interest in Tanushree's educational background and learned that she had studied textile design before entering the civil services. Referring to the contrast between her academic training and policing duties, he remarked on the unique journey from working with textiles to tackling terrorism.

The Prime Minister also suggested that she use her design expertise to engage with women involved in traditional handicrafts and textile work in Kashmir. He encouraged her to interact with local artisans and self-help groups, share modern design perspectives and help promote skills that could create economic opportunities for women in the region.

The suggestion reflected a broader emphasis on combining security initiatives with community development and grassroots engagement. Tanushree later spoke about the interaction as one of the memorable moments of her career.

Over the years, she has served in districts such as Shopian and Pulwama, both of which have witnessed security challenges and anti-militancy operations. Colleagues and residents have often highlighted her calm approach, communication skills and focus on public outreach.

With her transfer to Delhi, Tanushree leaves behind a chapter that combined counter-terror responsibilities with community-focused policing. For many in Kashmir, her tenure is being remembered not only for maintaining law and order but also for efforts to build confidence between citizens and the police administration.

In a post on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to the celebrated artist and acknowledged her contribution to preserving and popularising Pandavani, a unique folk tradition based on episodes from the Mahabharata.

“Deeply saddened by the demise of renowned Pandavani singer Teejan Bai. Through her magnificent performances, she gave Chhattisgarh’s folk art a distinct identity across the world. Her passing is an irreparable loss to the world of art and culture. My condolences are with her family and admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti,” the Prime Minister said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also condoled her death and remembered her as one of India’s most influential folk artists. In his message, Singh said Teejan Bai left an indelible mark on the world of folk arts through her exceptional performances and played a significant role in bringing recognition to Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage at both national and international levels.

Teejan Bai had been undergoing treatment for health-related issues and breathed her last at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur. Her death marks the end of an era in Indian folk performance traditions, particularly for Pandavani, a narrative art form that combines storytelling, singing and dramatic expression to recount episodes from the Mahabharata.

Born in 1956 in Ganiyari village near Bhilai in present-day Chhattisgarh, Teejan Bai emerged from humble beginnings to become one of the most celebrated folk artists in the country. At a time when women rarely performed Pandavani publicly, she broke social barriers and established herself as a leading performer through her powerful voice, commanding stage presence and innovative style.

Over the decades, she became synonymous with Pandavani and introduced the art form to audiences far beyond central India. Her performances captivated spectators across India and abroad, earning widespread appreciation for their emotional depth and dramatic intensity.

Cultural experts often credit Teejan Bai with transforming Pandavani from a regional folk tradition into a globally recognised art form. Through numerous national and international tours, she helped showcase India’s rich cultural heritage on some of the world’s most prestigious stages.

Her extraordinary contribution to Indian arts was recognised with several of the country’s highest honours. The Government of India conferred the Padma Shri on her in 1988, followed by the Padma Bhushan in 2003. In 2019, she received the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, in recognition of her lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting folk culture.

Apart from the Padma awards, Teejan Bai was also honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and several other prestigious accolades throughout her career. Her influence extended beyond performance, inspiring generations of artists to embrace and preserve traditional Indian art forms.

The passing of Teejan Bai has prompted tributes from across the country, with political leaders, artists and cultural institutions remembering her as a towering figure in Indian folk music and storytelling. Her legacy is expected to continue through the countless performers and admirers inspired by her work.

With her death, India loses not only a celebrated artist but also a cultural ambassador who dedicated her life to keeping a centuries-old tradition alive for future generations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his landmark three-day visit to Seychelles on Monday after holding a series of high-level engagements aimed at deepening bilateral ties. Before departing for New Delhi, the Prime Minister met members of the Indian community in Victoria, offered prayers at the Arul Mihu Navashakti Vinayagar Temple, and paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi's statue at Peace Park.

During his interaction with the Indian diaspora, Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the community's contribution to strengthening India-Seychelles relations. He also posed for photographs with community members before leaving for India, bringing to a close a visit marked by significant diplomatic, economic, and strategic outcomes.

The visit assumed special significance as it coincided with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles, as well as the island nation's Golden Jubilee of Independence. Prime Minister Modi attended the National Day celebrations as the chief guest, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to participate in Seychelles' Independence Day celebrations.

One of the major highlights of the visit was the announcement of 19 agreements and development initiatives covering a wide range of sectors. The two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in cyber security, artificial intelligence, healthcare, education, agriculture, maritime security, space technology and capacity building.

India also announced the launch of its Unified Payments Interface (UPI)-based digital payment system in Seychelles, marking another step in expanding India's digital public infrastructure globally. In addition, New Delhi extended a ₹1,250 crore Line of Credit to support Seychelles' infrastructure and development priorities.

Further reinforcing bilateral cooperation, India handed over a Fast Patrol Vessel to Seychelles to enhance its maritime surveillance capabilities. The assistance package also included 10 utility vehicles, five boats, six ambulances, 500 metric tonnes of rice and 8,500 metric tonnes of cement. These initiatives are expected to strengthen Seychelles' disaster response, transportation and maritime security infrastructure.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Modi participated in the Golden Jubilee National Day parade, where contingents of the Assam Rifles, the Indian Navy and the Indian Navy's marching band took part alongside Seychelles' security forces. Indian naval ships INS Tarkash and INS Ikshak also arrived at Port Victoria to mark the historic occasion, reflecting the growing maritime partnership between the two nations.

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi was conferred with Seychelles' highest civilian honour, the Guardian of the Blue Horizon, in recognition of his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. With this recognition, he has now received the highest civilian honours from 34 countries.

The Prime Minister also planted a sapling of the rare Coco de Mer tree, a species found naturally only in Seychelles. Known for producing the world's largest seed, the iconic tree symbolises the island nation's unique biodiversity and long-standing environmental heritage.

India's announcement of a broader economic assistance package worth approximately 175 million US dollars (around ₹1,651 crore), along with new agreements including an extradition treaty and expanded cooperation in strategic sectors, further underlined New Delhi's commitment to its maritime partner in the Indian Ocean.

The visit reaffirmed India's vision of strengthening partnerships with island nations under its Indo-Pacific strategy while expanding cooperation in trade, technology, connectivity, defence and sustainable development. Analysts believe the agreements signed during the visit will further elevate India-Seychelles relations and contribute to regional security and economic growth in the Indian Ocean.