Author: News Desk
The Indian women’s cricket team had a special surprise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi when they met him in New Delhi on Wednesday, November 5. The World Cup winners presented him with a jersey signed by every player, carrying the name NaMo 1 as a mark of respect and appreciation. PM Modi hosted the triumphant squad at his residence to celebrate their historic Women’s World Cup victory. True to his tradition of meeting athletes who bring glory to the country, he welcomed captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her teammates and listened to their stories from a campaign that ended years of…
Microsoft will restart hiring after its 228,000 employees complete a year-long AI training program, CEO Satya Nadella announced, giving the first clear timeline for ending a hiring freeze that led to over 15,000 job cuts in 2025. The company laid off 9,000 workers in July, its largest single reduction this year, following additional cuts in January, May, and June. Nadella has emphasized that employees must “unlearn and relearn” their roles using AI tools before new hires are approved. This represents a sharp shift from fiscal 2022, when Microsoft grew its workforce by 22% before the AI-driven slowdown. Nadella told investor…
Russia has offered to share technology for its Kh-69 stealth subsonic cruise missile to equip India’s Su-30MKI fighters. The proposal, first made at Aero India 2025, could include local production in India if orders are large enough. The Kh-69 is a modern upgrade of the Kh-59 missile, with a 400 km range, 310 kg warhead, and a low-radar airframe that flies close to terrain to avoid air defenses. It uses advanced guidance combining satellite, inertial, and electro-optical systems, making it suitable for precise strikes on command centers, airfields, and other critical targets. It has been combat-tested in Ukraine since 2022.…
Saudi Arabia has officially opened registration for Hajj 1447 AH (2026) for pilgrims from Muslim-minority countries via the Nusuk Hajj platform. The fully digital system allows direct registration without intermediaries, enabling users to create accounts, upload documents, and include up to seven family members. Guides can also apply through the same platform. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah warned against unauthorised services, stressing that only licensed providers are permitted. Eligible pilgrims can now register directly through Nusuk Hajj, eliminating the need for external agents and ensuring a secure, official process. Registration began on 15 Rabi’ Al-Thani 1447 AH, corresponding to…
India’s naval power is growing rapidly, with a new indigenous warship or submarine joining the fleet every 40 days, according to Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. Speaking at the India Defence Conclave, he said the Navy’s priority is to strengthen self-reliance and build sovereign capabilities to meet evolving maritime challenges. The Navy currently operates around 145 warships and submarines and aims to expand to over 200 by 2035. All 52 vessels currently under construction are being built in Indian shipyards. Admiral Tripathi said the Navy’s vision is to extend self-reliance down to the component level and become…
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday sought to ease concerns that the privatisation of public sector banks would harm financial inclusion or weaken national interest. Speaking at the Diamond Jubilee Valedictory Lecture at the Delhi School of Economics, she said that the 1969 bank nationalisation, while politically significant, did not fully achieve its intended goals. It helped promote priority sector lending and expand government-led programmes, but she argued that government control had also made public sector banks less professional and efficient. “Even after five decades of nationalisation, the objectives were not entirely met,” she said. “Once we professionalised the banks,…
Mehli Mistry, recently removed from Tata Trusts after an internal disagreement, has written to Noel Tata in a letter that reflects restraint and loyalty to the organisation’s legacy. In the letter, Mistry reminded Noel Tata of a promise he once made to Ratan Tata to always act in a way that would not draw the Tata Trusts into controversy. He said that provoking conflict would only damage the Trusts’ long-standing reputation and the values they stand for. Mistry said his message should help end ongoing media speculation that distracts from the Trusts’ purpose and vision. He recalled that during his…
India and Israel have signed a major agreement to expand their already strong defence partnership, focusing on strategic collaboration, advanced technology, and joint innovation. The new memorandum of understanding (MoU) aims to deepen cooperation in key areas including military training, defence-industrial projects, science and technology, research and development, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Signed during a joint working group meeting in Tel Aviv, the agreement was co-chaired by India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Israel’s Defence Ministry Director-General Maj Gen (retd) Amir Baram. Both sides described the pact as an important step toward building a future-ready security relationship. “The MoU…
The death of Gopichand P. Hinduja, chairman of the Hinduja Group and one of Britain’s richest businessmen, has turned attention to the future of one of the world’s most influential family empires. His passing comes less than two years after that of his elder brother and predecessor, Srichand P. Hinduja, closing a defining chapter for the century-old conglomerate. Gopichand, who took over as group chairman in May 2023, led a business network that spans continents and industries including automotive, banking, energy, healthcare, and digital services. Under his leadership, the Hinduja family remained the wealthiest in the United Kingdom, topping The…
Reiterating Delhi’s support for the Gaza peace process and joint resolve against terrorism, India and Israel on Tuesday underscored their commitment to a long-term strategic partnership during talks between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and visiting Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar in New Delhi. Jaishankar said the India-Israel partnership “has real meaning,” built on trust and reliability through challenging times. Both ministers agreed to expand cooperation in counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, semiconductors, renewable energy, healthcare, and agriculture. They also discussed greater participation of Indian companies in Israel’s infrastructure projects and more mobility for Indian skilled workers. Sa’ar, recalling that Prime Minister Narendra…