The Andhra Pradesh Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Deputy Executive Officer Mendu Lokanatham in a disproportionate assets case following searches at several locations linked to him and his family members. The ACB conducted searches at Lokanatham’s residence, office and other properties in Tirupati and surrounding areas as part of its investigation. During the searches, officials reportedly recovered around 2 kg of gold, 6.5 kg of silver and ₹12.5 lakh in cash, besides documents relating to properties and fixed deposits.
According to the investigating agency, the assets identified during the operation have been provisionally valued at around ₹5 crore. The ACB is examining whether these assets can be explained through Lokanatham’s known sources of income. Property documents and financial records recovered during the searches are also being scrutinised as part of the investigation.
The case is reportedly linked to information that emerged during the Central Bureau of Investigation’s probe into alleged irregularities involving the supply of ghee used in the preparation of Tirumala Laddu prasadam. Information concerning the assets of certain TTD officials was reportedly shared with the state ACB for further investigation.
The ACB registered a disproportionate assets case against Lokanatham under the relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Following the searches, he was taken into custody and subsequently produced before the court for further proceedings. Lokanatham has had a long association with the TTD. He joined the temple administration as a junior assistant in 1989 and subsequently served in several positions before being promoted to Deputy Executive Officer.
The ACB investigation is continuing, with officials examining property records, bank transactions, income details and other documents to determine the source of the assets under scrutiny. The allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings, and guilt has not been established by a court.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from The Hindu.
A 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) has been constituted to examine the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, with BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal appointed as the chairperson of the panel. The committee will undertake a detailed review of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, before submitting its recommendations to Parliament.
The committee consists of 21 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha, with representation from several political parties. The BJP has the largest number of members on the panel, while the Congress and other opposition parties have also been given representation. The formation of the committee comes after the government agreed to send the proposed legislation for wider parliamentary scrutiny following strong opposition during its introduction in Parliament.
The FCRA governs the acceptance and utilisation of foreign contributions by individuals, associations and organisations in India. The proposed amendments have generated considerable political debate, particularly over provisions dealing with organisations whose FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered or not renewed.
One of the key issues expected to come under the JPC's examination is the treatment of assets acquired or created using foreign contributions. The proposed changes seek to establish a framework for dealing with such assets in circumstances where an organisation loses its permission to receive foreign funding. Opposition parties have questioned the extent of government powers under the proposed provisions and have called for greater safeguards.
The government has maintained that the amendments are intended to strengthen transparency and accountability in the handling of foreign contributions and ensure that funds received from overseas sources are used for legitimate purposes. The legislation is expected to be examined clause by clause by the parliamentary panel, which may also consider views from relevant stakeholders before finalising its recommendations. The JPC has been given a deadline to submit its report during the Winter Session of Parliament. Its findings could lead to changes in the proposed legislation before it is taken up for further consideration by both Houses.
The committee's examination will therefore be closely watched by non-governmental organisations, charitable institutions and other bodies that depend on foreign contributions. The final recommendations are expected to provide greater clarity on the government's proposed regulatory framework and the safeguards that may accompany it.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after she achieved a historic political milestone by becoming Italy’s longest-serving prime minister of the post-war era. Meloni has now surpassed the previous record held by former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, marking more than 1,400 consecutive days in office. She became Italy’s first woman prime minister when she took charge in October 2022, and her continued tenure has now placed her among the country’s most enduring political leaders since the Second World War.
Congratulating Meloni, PM Modi described the achievement as a reflection of the trust placed in her by the Italian people. He also highlighted the close relationship that has developed between India and Italy during her time in office. Modi referred to Meloni as a friend and expressed his wish to continue working together to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
The milestone is particularly significant because Italy has historically experienced frequent changes of government. Since the establishment of the Italian Republic after World War II, the country has gone through numerous governments and political transitions. Against this background, Meloni’s ability to remain in office continuously for several years represents an unusual period of political stability.
Meloni leads a coalition government that includes her Brothers of Italy party along with Forza Italia and the League. Despite the competing political interests within the coalition, her government has managed to remain intact since taking office. Her longevity has therefore become an important feature of Italy’s current political landscape.
The achievement also comes at a time when India and Italy are seeking to expand their bilateral relationship. Cooperation between New Delhi and Rome has grown in areas including trade, investment, defence, technology, infrastructure, manufacturing and strategic affairs. The two countries have also placed greater emphasis on their broader engagement with Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
The personal relationship between Modi and Meloni has received considerable attention in recent years. Their meetings and diplomatic exchanges have coincided with efforts to strengthen the India-Italy Special Strategic Partnership. Both leaders have repeatedly spoken about expanding economic opportunities and improving cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Meloni had also congratulated PM Modi earlier in 2026 after he reached a significant milestone in his own tenure as India’s longest-serving democratically elected prime minister. Her message at the time underlined the importance both governments attach to their bilateral partnership. For Italy, Meloni’s record is more than simply a measurement of time in office. It reflects the ability of her government to survive the political pressures that have historically contributed to short-lived administrations. At the same time, her government continues to face major domestic challenges, including economic growth, immigration, public finances and structural reforms.
The continuity of Meloni’s government provides a stable political partner in Rome as both countries look to deepen their economic and strategic engagement. Modi’s latest congratulatory message therefore carries significance beyond a routine diplomatic greeting. Meloni’s record marks an important moment in modern Italian political history, while Modi’s message highlights the increasingly warm relationship between the Indian and Italian leaderships. As both countries seek to build stronger links across trade, technology, defence and other strategic sectors, the continued engagement between Modi and Meloni could play an important role in shaping the next phase of India-Italy relations.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Neetu Kapoor and her daughter Riddhima Kapoor Sahni remembered late Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor on his birth anniversary by sharing nostalgic pictures and emotional memories of the celebrated star on social media. Neetu Kapoor marked the special day by posting a throwback photograph with her late husband, taking fans back to one of the many cherished moments they shared together. Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor married on January 22, 1980, and went on to build a family with their two children, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni and actor Ranbir Kapoor.
The couple was also one of Hindi cinema’s most loved on-screen pairs, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s. They appeared together in several successful films, including Amar Akbar Anthony, Khel Khel Mein, Rafoo Chakkar, Kabhi Kabhie and Besharam. Their chemistry in films, combined with their real-life relationship, made them a memorable couple in Bollywood.
Riddhima Kapoor Sahni also joined in remembering her father by sharing an old photograph featuring herself with Rishi and Neetu Kapoor. Known to have shared a close relationship with her father, Riddhima’s tribute offered an intimate glimpse into the family’s memories of the late actor. Born on September 4, 1952, Rishi Kapoor was the son of legendary filmmaker and actor Raj Kapoor and Krishna Kapoor. He came from the renowned Kapoor family, which has played a significant role in the history of Indian cinema. Rishi first appeared on screen as a child actor in his father’s Mera Naam Joker in 1970. Three years later, he made his debut as a leading actor in Bobby, opposite Dimple Kapadia. The film became a major success and turned him into one of Bollywood’s most popular young stars.
Throughout his extensive career, Rishi Kapoor appeared in a wide range of films and successfully evolved as an actor. While he became particularly popular for romantic roles during the early part of his career, he later embraced more varied and challenging characters. His notable films included Khel Khel Mein, Rafoo Chakkar, Amar Akbar Anthony, Kabhi Kabhie, Karz, Naseeb, Prem Rog, Chandni, Saagar, Agneepath and Kapoor & Sons, among many others.
Filmmaker Subhash Ghai also paid tribute to the actor by recalling a memorable incident involving their film Karz. Ghai revealed that he received a phone call from Rishi Kapoor at around 2:30 in the morning in 2010 after the actor had watched the 1980 musical thriller again. Kapoor reportedly called the filmmaker with excitement and praised the film, before ending the conversation and going back to sleep.
Remembering the actor, Ghai highlighted Rishi Kapoor’s unique personality and his contribution to Hindi cinema. He described Kapoor as a charming romantic star during the early stages of his career and praised the transformation he underwent later, when he began taking on different kinds of characters. According to Ghai, Kapoor’s versatility continued to surprise filmmakers during the second phase of his career. Ghai also spoke warmly about Rishi Kapoor’s relationship with Neetu Kapoor, praising her for being able to handle the actor’s outspoken and energetic personality. He recalled his affection for the couple while wishing his longtime industry colleague on his birth anniversary.
Actor Jackie Shroff also remembered Rishi Kapoor on the occasion. Sharing a tribute on social media, Jackie recalled the late actor with affection and said he would always remain in the hearts of his admirers and colleagues. He accompanied the tribute with Mohammed Rafi’s evergreen song Dard-E-Dil Dard-E-Jigar from Karz, creating another nostalgic connection to one of Rishi Kapoor’s memorable films.
Rishi Kapoor and Jackie Shroff worked together in movies such as Azaad Desh Ke Gulam, Aurangzeb and Chalk n Duster. Their collaborations spanned different phases of Kapoor’s career and reflected his willingness to explore diverse roles. Rishi Kapoor passed away on April 30, 2020, at the age of 67 after battling leukaemia for two years. His death was mourned across the Indian film industry and by millions of fans who had followed his career for decades.
His final film, Sharmaji Namkeen, was completed with Paresh Rawal stepping in to shoot the portions that Kapoor could not finish. Released after his death, the film became a fitting final chapter in the career of an actor who remained an important part of Hindi cinema for several generations. On his birth anniversary, the memories shared by Neetu Kapoor, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni and his industry colleagues once again highlighted the lasting impact Rishi Kapoor had both on Bollywood and on the people who knew him personally.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
An IndiGo flight from Navi Mumbai to Srinagar hit a Visual Docking Guidance System pole while being parked at Srinagar Airport on Friday morning. The aircraft was damaged, but all passengers and crew members were safe and no injuries were reported. The AAI said an inquiry will determine the exact cause, while airport operations continued normally.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.
As artificial intelligence transforms the job market and changes the skills employers are looking for, workers are increasingly faced with a key question: which skills are truly worth investing in? Cheryl Goh speaks with Chandler Morse, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Workday, about whether businesses are prioritising specialists or generalists, how employees can distinguish genuine workplace demand from AI hype, and the steps they can take to stay relevant as the job market evolves.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
As floods continue to affect communities across Nepal and Tibet, the Red Cross is assessing the urgent humanitarian needs, efforts to locate missing people and the difficulties involved in delivering assistance to hard-hit areas. Elakeyaa Selvaraji and Hairianto Diman also examine how the Singapore Red Cross’s S$50,000 humanitarian contribution will aid relief operations, the circumstances that could lead to a deployment in Nepal and how members of the public in Singapore can support the response. They discuss these issues with Benjamin William, Secretary General and CEO of the Singapore Red Cross.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
When Jackson Pollock created Blue Poles, one of the defining works of American abstract expressionism, he could hardly have imagined that the painting would later become the centre of a major cultural and political debate in Australia. The artwork drew the attention of figures ranging from former prime minister Gough Whitlam to the Shah of Iran before ultimately finding a home at Canberra’s National Gallery, where it came to represent Australia’s growing embrace of modern art and cultural ambition. As Blue Poles prepares to move from Canberra to Perth, Guardian Australia political editor Tom McIlroy joins Rafqa Touma to explore the remarkable intersection of art, politics and national identity surrounding the painting. Their discussion draws on McIlroy’s book, Blue Poles: Jackson Pollock, Gough Whitlam and the Painting That Changed a Nation, which examines how one American artwork became deeply woven into Australia’s cultural and political history.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
The White House has announced the threat of sanctions against countries that continue to conduct trade with Iran, intensifying Washington’s efforts to put further economic pressure on Tehran as its military campaign faces mounting challenges. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled what he described as “Operation Economic Outcast”, drawing a comparison with the historic D-Day invasion to underline the scale of the economic measures being pursued against Iran. The strategy aims to deepen Iran’s economic isolation by discouraging other countries from maintaining commercial ties with Tehran. However, China, Iran’s largest trading partner, has already indicated that it is unlikely to support or comply with President Donald Trump’s efforts to target the Iranian economy. The latest measures come as the Trump administration looks to increase pressure on Tehran and force an end to the conflict. The move raises questions over how effective the economic campaign will be and whether Washington can persuade major trading partners to join its strategy. Lucy Hough discusses the latest developments with Julian Borger, senior international correspondent, examining the US pressure campaign, China’s position and what the economic escalation could mean for the wider conflict.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
