The Gujarat Police traced 1,470 missing persons during a month-long statewide campaign called Operation Milap, reaffirming its focus on public safety and family reunification. Launched on May 7, the initiative aimed to investigate pending missing persons cases across Gujarat and strengthen citizens’ trust in policing.
According to police records, 24,767 people have been reported missing in the state since 2007. Under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Gujarat Police adopted a citizen-focused policing strategy emphasising women’s safety, child protection, action against drug networks, identification of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, and national security concerns. Operation Milap was a major part of this broader effort. Director General of Police GS Malik stated that although the special drive has formally concluded, police personnel will continue investigating missing persons cases alongside their regular duties. He stressed that locating missing women and children remains a top priority for the department.
Ajay Choudhary, Additional Director General of Police, CID Crime (Women Cell), said the operation combined technical analysis and human intelligence. Investigators reviewed old case files, monitored digital and social media records, checked transport hubs and shelter homes, and revisited complainants and witnesses to obtain new leads. The operation uncovered key trends in missing persons cases, particularly among adolescent girls, who were identified as the most vulnerable group. Police traced several long-pending cases and recovered individuals from states including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
Among the 1,470 people traced were 852 women, 342 men, 42 minor boys, and 234 minor girls. Surat City Police recorded the highest number of recoveries, successfully tracing 341 missing persons. Police analysis revealed that romantic relationships and elopement were the primary reasons behind many disappearances, especially among girls aged 14 to 17 years. Other major factors included family disputes, parental pressure, academic setbacks, and migration among labour families, which often led to interstate movement and complicated investigations.
As part of Operation Milap, authorities reopened several old cases dating back to 2007, leading to the successful tracing of individuals whose whereabouts had remained unknown for years. Officials credited the success of the initiative to extensive field investigations, intelligence gathering, mobile phone tracking, interstate coordination, and family counselling efforts. The operation also highlighted Gujarat Police’s continued commitment to responsive and people-centric policing.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Morgan Stanley expects that global debt issuance linked to AI companies will exceed $500 billion in 2026, driven by aggressive capital expenditure plans from major hyperscalers such as Amazon, Google, and Meta. The bank projects this issuance could rise to around $570 billion as AI firms increasingly turn to alternative funding sources to support expansion.
Recent large-scale financing efforts underline this trend. Alphabet, the parent of Google, recently launched an $85 billion fundraising plan aimed at expanding AI infrastructure such as data centres and computing facilities, and earlier issued a rare 100-year bond to support its AI investments. According to estimates cited by Reuters, AI-related global debt issuance had already reached nearly $236 billion by the end of May 2026, marking a fourfold increase from the previous year.
Strong demand for advanced AI models and the rapid development of agentic AI systems have also prompted companies like Anthropic and OpenAI to scale up spending significantly, with both reportedly preparing for potential public market listings. Their valuations are estimated at about $965 billion and $852 billion respectively.
The heavy computing requirements needed to train and deploy these models are pushing hyperscalers to expand data centre capacity and increase capital spending, with Morgan Stanley forecasting hyperscaler capex could exceed $1 trillion by 2027. It also notes that these firms are diversifying funding sources, including issuing more non-US dollar debt. Amazon recently raised C$14 billion through Canadian dollar-denominated notes and also secured €14.5 billion in one of the largest euro corporate bond deals, highlighting how hyperscalers are tapping global debt markets to finance large-scale AI infrastructure expansion.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Veteran actor Rajinikanth on Wednesday paid homage to legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja, calling him a monumental force in Tamil and South Indian cinema whose legacy will endure for generations. Rajinikanth visited Bharathiraja’s residence in Chennai, where relatives, political leaders, and members of the film industry had gathered to offer their condolences following the director’s passing at the age of 85 due to age-related health complications.
Addressing reporters outside the residence, the superstar praised Bharathiraja for transforming South Indian cinema and supporting artists and technicians during challenging times. He said the filmmaker revitalized the industry and consistently stood up for the welfare and rights of people in the film fraternity whenever they faced difficulties. Rajinikanth further stated that Bharathiraja’s impact on cinema would remain timeless, adding that his achievements and dedication to the industry would always be remembered by the people of Tamil Nadu. He concluded his tribute by praying for the filmmaker’s soul to rest in peace.
S. Joseph Vijay also visited Bharathiraja’s home to pay his respects by garlanding the late director’s mortal remains. In a message shared on X, the Chief Minister described Bharathiraja as a visionary storyteller who brought the beauty and authenticity of rural life to the big screen and carved a permanent place for himself in Tamil cinema history. Vijay also announced that the celebrated filmmaker would receive state honours during his funeral ceremonies in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to cinema.
Bharathiraja began his directing journey with the acclaimed 1977 film 16 Vayathinile and went on to become one of the most influential figures in Tamil cinema. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he directed over 40 films and earned the title “Iyakkunar Immayam” for his exceptional cinematic achievements.
Among his best-known works are Kizhake Pogum Rail, Sigappu Rojakkal, Alaigal Oivathillai, Kaadhal Oviyam, and Mudhal Mariyathai, many of which are now regarded as timeless classics. His final directorial project was Paravai Kootil Vaazhum Maangal, part of the anthology series Modern Love Chennai on Prime Video. Bharathiraja also had a notable acting career. His latest appearance was in Thudarum, starring Mohanlal, while the unreleased film Pulavar is expected to be his final performance as an actor. Over the years, he also acted in films such as Aayutha Ezhuthu, Pandianadu, Eeswaran, Thiruchitrambalam, and Maharaja.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday described the newly launched Uttarakhand Science, Technology and Innovation Policy-2026 as a transformative roadmap aimed at building a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy in the state. According to the Chief Minister, the policy is designed not only to promote scientific advancement but also to integrate technology into key sectors such as governance, disaster management, healthcare, agriculture, education and employment generation. He said the initiative would create a unified platform for young innovators, researchers, scientists, startups and grassroots innovators across Uttarakhand.
Dhami stated that the policy aligns with the state’s vision of becoming self-reliant by combining traditional knowledge systems with modern scientific and technological solutions. Following the Chief Minister’s announcement, the Department of Information Technology, Good Governance, and Science & Technology formally issued the Uttarakhand Science, Technology and Innovation Policy-2026. The policy seeks to position Uttarakhand as a leading centre for science, technology and information technology while promoting innovation-led development.
Officials said the policy focuses on strengthening scientific thinking, research and innovation ecosystems to address local challenges effectively. It also emphasises sustainable development by balancing economic progress, environmental protection and social inclusion. To ensure proper implementation, the state government plans to establish a high-level advisory body responsible for policy monitoring, evaluation and coordination. A decentralised institutional framework will also be created to encourage research and innovation activities across different regions of the state.
As part of the policy framework, the government intends to strengthen collaboration among departments, public sector organisations, private companies, startups and academic institutions. A State-Level Coordination Committee will be constituted to facilitate the establishment of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) units across multiple sectors.
The policy further proposes wider access to scientific information and research resources. Data generated through publicly funded research projects will be digitally archived and made securely accessible to stakeholders. Researchers and institutions in Uttarakhand will also benefit from the Government of India’s “One Nation, One Subscription” initiative, which provides access to scientific journals and research archives.
Special emphasis has been placed on indigenous technology development and localisation to support the vision of “Atmanirbhar Uttarakhand.” The policy aims to encourage locally developed technological solutions suited to the state’s unique geographical and environmental conditions while promoting the integration of traditional knowledge with modern innovation.
The policy outlines plans to improve science and technology infrastructure in educational institutions and launch capacity-building programmes for students, teachers and researchers. Advanced Teaching-Learning Centres are also proposed in line with the National Education Policy to strengthen teaching capabilities. To increase public engagement in science, the government plans to establish Science Cities, Science Centres, Planetariums, Atal Tinkering Labs, Artificial Intelligence laboratories, astronomy observation centres and Centres of Excellence throughout the state.
The policy identifies emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Robotics, Drones, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR) as priority areas. Research and development will also be promoted in sectors including biotechnology, space technology, nanotechnology, digital technologies, food-water-energy security and disaster management.
Additionally, workshops, fellowships, scholarships and collaborative research programmes will be launched to strengthen cooperation between scientists, technical experts and grassroots innovators. The government also plans to create a dedicated digital engagement portal for Uttarakhand’s scientific community. A Science, Technology and Innovation Observatory will be established as a central digital repository containing information on schemes, grants, programmes and incentives related to science and innovation. Innovators will also receive assistance in areas such as patents, copyrights, intellectual property rights and legal support.
Officials believe the policy will act as a major catalyst for research-led development and technological self-reliance in Uttarakhand while accelerating the state’s progress toward becoming a developed and empowered region. The Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) will serve as the nodal agency for implementing and promoting scientific initiatives under the policy.
UCOST Director General Prof. Durgesh Pant said the state currently faces critical challenges including climate change, natural disasters and increasing pressure on the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. He noted that the new policy would improve coordination among scientific institutions, industries, academic bodies and innovators to address these concerns more effectively. Prof. Pant also highlighted that the policy aims to ensure inclusive participation in science and innovation by creating equal opportunities for women, rural communities, marginalised groups and persons with disabilities.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Chandrasekaran said India remains a "bright spot" in the global economy despite geopolitical uncertainties, supported by strong growth, a large market, rising consumption, and changing consumer trends. Speaking at Tata Consumer Products’ AGM, he noted that global conditions are being shaped by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, energy transition, and rapid advances in AI. He added that although the year began positively with trade developments involving the EU and the US, fresh concerns emerged due to inflation and conflicts. He said businesses are now focusing more on resilience, continuity, and trust-based decisions. Highlighting India’s strength, he pointed to its fast-growing economy, young population, and expanding digital and physical infrastructure. He also mentioned the rise of digital and quick commerce, changing how consumers shop, and said companies with strong innovation and brands are best positioned to benefit.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
Israel and Iran have carried out direct strikes against each other for the first time since an April ceasefire, increasing concerns that the situation could escalate into a wider regional conflict. The Israeli attacks appear to go against advice from Donald Trump, who reportedly urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to respond militarily to Iran in order to protect ongoing peace negotiations from collapsing. Journalist Nosheen Iqbal discusses the developments with the Guardian’s senior international correspondent Julian Borger.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
On Made in SG, Melanie Oliveiro chats with Singaporean singer-songwriter Frances Tan, who recently competed in the Commonwealth Song Contest — an international music competition featuring participants from all 56 Commonwealth countries. Tan shares her experience of being chosen as a Grand Finalist, representing Singapore alongside six other finalist nations. She also discusses her original track, Just Me, which she submitted as her contest entry.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
A second batch of more than 1,000 pages of documents concerning Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador has been made public. The files were expected to shed light on what ministers knew about Mandelson’s connections to Epstein and the vetting process behind his approval. Instead, they exposed internal government tensions and early concerns over Keir Starmer’s leadership. Lucy Hough talks with the Guardian’s head of national news, Archie Bland.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
On Saturday, Donald Trump stated that negotiations with Tehran were progressing positively and that a deal to end the conflict was largely in place. Just a day later, the United States carried out strikes in southern Iran. By Thursday, Trump had shared a draft peace proposal for the Iran conflict with allied nations. As the future of a US-Iran agreement remains uncertain, Jonathan Freedland speaks with Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group to explore why Trump has repeatedly shifted his approach to ending the war.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
