General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Army Staff of India, is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka early next month to reinforce defence cooperation with the island nation, a key partner in India’s Neighbourhood First policy. The visit aims to build on years of high-level military engagement between the two countries, enhancing mutual trust, strategic alignment, and operational synergy, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defence.
Dwivedi’s trip comes on the heels of Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi’s visit to Colombo in September, marking a year of continuous bilateral military diplomacy. Earlier this year, Lieutenant General B K G M Lasantha Rodrigo, commander of the Sri Lanka Army, visited India to strengthen defence ties and strategic cooperation. During his visit, he returned to his alma mater, the Indian Military Academy, as the reviewing officer for the passing out parade of cadets.
India and Sri Lanka have a history of close military exchanges. In 2021, then-Army Chief General M. M. Naravane visited Sri Lanka for wide-ranging discussions with the leadership and witnessed the Mitra Shakti joint military exercise, which has become a symbol of army-to-army collaboration. In 2023, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, then commander of the Sri Lanka Army, visited India to reaffirm his country’s commitment to maintaining close defence and institutional ties.
General Dwivedi’s visit is expected to significantly strengthen army-to-army cooperation through training exchanges, capacity building, and joint exercises such as Mitra Shakti. The visit will also provide an opportunity for both nations to engage on emerging security challenges in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions, including maritime domain awareness and counter-terrorism cooperation.
In addition to military discussions, the Army Chief is expected to pay homage at shared military memorials, underscoring the historical and cultural bonds between India and Sri Lanka. The visit also reflects broader diplomatic convergence, with Sri Lanka supporting India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, while India backs Sri Lanka’s aspirations for a greater role in BRICS and other multilateral forums. Through this visit, India reaffirms its role as a trusted neighbour to Sri Lanka, strengthening strategic and maritime cooperation while advancing the objectives of its Neighbourhood First policy.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate 'Panchajanya', a monument in Kurukshetra dedicated to the sacred conch of Lord Krishna. The ceremony will coincide with a special programme marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the revered ninth Sikh Guru. As part of the commemorations, the Prime Minister will also release a special coin and a commemorative stamp and address the gathering, highlighting the significance of the occasion.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi will visit the Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra, an immersive experiential centre in Kurukshetra. The centre features installations that depict significant episodes from the Mahabharata, showcasing the epic’s enduring cultural, spiritual, and historical relevance. These exhibits aim to bring the teachings and stories of the Mahabharata to life for visitors, offering a deeper understanding of India’s rich heritage.
The government is observing a year-long commemoration to honour the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to protecting religious freedom. During his visit, the Prime Minister will also perform darshan and pooja at Brahma Sarovar, one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage sites, associated with the divine revelation of the Bhagavad Gita.
Modi’s visit will also coincide with the International Gita Mahotsav, which is being celebrated in Kurukshetra from November 15 to December 5. The festival aims to promote the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and celebrate India’s spiritual and cultural heritage, drawing devotees, scholars, and visitors from across the country and abroad.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.
Amid a surge in leopard attacks in Pune district, villagers in Pimperkhed, Shirur taluka, have resorted to unusual safety measures. They are wearing belts or collars fitted with sharp nails around their necks while working in the fields and have installed iron grills around their homes for protection. Some households have also set up electric fences as an additional precaution.
Residents say frequent leopard sightings and recent attacks have made routine outdoor activities, especially in the early morning and late evening, extremely risky. Villager Vitthal Rangnath Jadhav told ANI that leopards are spotted almost daily in the area. He shared that his mother was killed by a leopard a month ago, and earlier, a young girl also fell victim to an attack.
Jadhav said, “We wear these collars to protect ourselves from leopards. They can appear at any time, and farming is our only source of livelihood. We cannot stay home in fear. One month ago, my mother was dragged about a kilometre into the sugarcane fields by a leopard. Everyone in the village is terrified, which is why we wear these collars whenever we step outside. I urge the government to take action to address this issue.”
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the BSF’s 61st Raising Day celebrations on Friday as the Chief Guest at the 176th Battalion campus in Haripar Bhuj. He paid homage to BSF personnel who sacrificed their lives, laying a wreath at the memorial. The BSF, responsible for guarding the India-Pakistan border, was formed in 1965 after the Indo-Pak war, replacing the State Armed Police Battalion. Starting with 25 battalions, it expanded over time to tackle challenges such as militancy in Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and the Northeast. Today, the force has 193 battalions (including three NDRF units) and seven artillery regiments, securing borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The BSF also handles anti-infiltration duties in Kashmir, counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast, anti-Naxal missions in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, and security at integrated check posts along both borders. During Operation Sindoor, launched after the Pahalgam attack on April 22, BSF units on the Jammu frontier destroyed more than 118 Pakistani posts, severely weakening Pakistan’s surveillance infrastructure. Shah noted that even in peacetime, BSF remains alert and responds swiftly based on accurate intelligence.
As the world’s largest border-guarding force with more than 2.7 lakh personnel, the BSF has played a crucial role in national security for over six decades. The 2024 Raising Day parade was held in Jodhpur, where Shah highlighted the sacrifices of BSF personnel. Up to 2024, 1,992 BSF members have laid down their lives, and 1,330 have received medals, including Maha Vir Chakra, Kirti Chakras, Vir Chakras, Shaurya Chakras, Sena Medals, and Police Medals.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Four people died after a major fire broke out in several high-rise towers in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday. Thick smoke poured from the buildings as firefighters struggled to contain the blaze. According to RTHK, several residents are still trapped, and two people are in critical condition with severe burns. Some firefighters were also injured while trying to put out the flames that swept through the 31-storey towers. Crowds gathered on a nearby walkway as smoke rose from buildings covered in bamboo scaffolding. Dozens of fire engines and ambulances were at the scene. The Fire Services Department said it has not yet confirmed how many people remain inside. The fire was first reported at 2:51 p.m. and upgraded to a No. 4 alarm at 3:34 p.m. Wang Fuk Court, where the fire broke out, is a complex of eight blocks with nearly 2,000 units. Due to the incident, part of Tai Po Road has been closed and bus routes are being diverted.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Just over 50% of voters acknowledge that climate change is real and driven by human activity, according to the latest Guardian Essential poll. Interestingly, a similar proportion held the same view more than 15 years ago. Essential Media’s executive director, Peter Lewis, and political reporter Josh Butler examine the disconnect between climate science and the politics of climate action in Australia. They also discuss why self-aware AI, rather than climate change, is seen as the biggest existential threat, and how strong public backing for gambling reform highlights the gap between Prime Minister Albanese’s current policies and the public’s appetite for change.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Frances Wong, who led a global anti-scam team at an international bank, discovered that her own mother had fallen prey to a scam. Motivated by this, she left her position and founded White Byte, a company dedicated to educating vulnerable individuals and businesses about scam prevention. Frances discusses how she connects with the elderly, migrant workers, and other at-risk groups, the advice she gives to victims, and the guidance she would offer her younger self.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.
A month has passed since global leaders met in Egypt for a peace summit aimed at securing a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Since then, both parties have traded accusations of breaching the deal. Andrea Heng reviews the progress made during the first month and examines whether the fragile truce can endure, in conversation with Dr. Eyal Mayroz, Senior Lecturer in Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Sydney.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.
Last weekend, millions across the U.S. took part in No Kings protests opposing Donald Trump. Although the president denied any desire to be a king, he shared an AI-generated video showing himself as one, piloting a fighter jet and dropping excrement on demonstrators. Jonathan Freedland discusses with political scientist Barbara Walter the strategies the Trump administration is employing against protesters.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian
