Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday inaugurated the new Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited Hospital at Kedarnath Temple, marking a major step toward improving healthcare facilities in the high-altitude pilgrimage region. The hospital will be managed by the Swami Vivekananda Health Mission Society.

The Chief Minister said the Uttarakhand government is consistently working to ensure better and faster medical services for pilgrims visiting Kedarnath Dham. He highlighted that establishing a modern healthcare facility equipped with advanced medical infrastructure in the difficult Himalayan terrain would greatly strengthen emergency and routine healthcare services in the region.

According to Dhami, the hospital will not only support lakhs of devotees arriving during the annual Char Dham Yatra but will also benefit local residents living in nearby mountainous areas where access to quality healthcare often remains limited. The Chief Minister further stated that the state administration is giving special attention to healthcare arrangements to make the Kedarnath Yatra safe, organised, and convenient for devotees. He noted that doctors, paramedical teams, medical check-up centres, oxygen support systems, and emergency healthcare services have been deployed across the yatra route to handle any medical emergencies effectively.

Emphasising the government’s broader healthcare vision, Dhami said Uttarakhand is actively working toward building a “Healthy Uttarakhand, Prosperous Uttarakhand.” He added that nearly 6.1 million Ayushman cards have already been distributed under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, helping thousands of people receive free medical treatment across the state. The Chief Minister also shared that the government is moving ahead with plans to establish at least one medical college in every district to strengthen medical education and healthcare accessibility.

During his visit to Kedarnath, Dhami also offered prayers at Baba Kedar and wished for peace, prosperity, and the well-being of the people of Uttarakhand. He described Kedarnath Dham as not just a major spiritual destination, but also a symbol of public service and humanity. He said the government remains committed to improving healthcare and essential public infrastructure throughout Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. On the occasion, Asha Nautiyal praised the initiative and said the hospital reflects a strong commitment to public welfare and service. She added that the facility would play an important role in delivering improved healthcare services to both pilgrims and local communities in the years ahead.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Chandranath Rath, a former Indian Air Force veteran who later worked as a close aide to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was killed after being attacked by unidentified assailants in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district, police confirmed on Wednesday. According to preliminary information, Rath was travelling when he was allegedly targeted. The attackers struck suddenly, leaving him critically injured. He was immediately rushed for medical treatment, but doctors declared him dead on arrival or shortly after, officials said. The exact sequence of events is still being verified as part of the ongoing investigation.

Police have launched a detailed probe into the incident and are examining multiple angles, including personal enmity and possible political links. No arrests have been made so far, and investigators are working to identify the assailants using local intelligence inputs and CCTV footage from nearby areas.

Chandranath Rath had a background in the Indian Air Force, where he served for several years before retiring. Known among acquaintances for his disciplined and structured approach, he later transitioned into political work in West Bengal. Over time, he became associated with Suvendu Adhikari’s political team and was considered part of his inner circle of aides.

While Rath was not a frontline political leader or public spokesperson, he was reportedly engaged in behind-the-scenes coordination work, including organisational support and logistical assistance. His military background was often cited as a reason for his disciplined handling of responsibilities within the team. The killing has triggered concern in political circles across the state, with leaders expressing worry over the deteriorating law and order situation. Opposition and ruling party voices are expected to intensify debate over the incident in the coming days.

Security has been increased in the area as police continue their investigation. Officials have assured that all possible leads are being followed and that those responsible will be brought to justice. As the probe continues, Rath’s death has left a void within his political circle and raised fresh questions about safety and targeted violence in the region.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.

Tamil Nadu Congress President K. Selvaperunthagai and state in-charge Girish Chodankar met TVK chief Vijay at the TVK headquarters in Chennai on Wednesday, officially confirming their support for the newly formed party in its bid to form the next government in Tamil Nadu. With Congress holding five seats and TVK securing 108 seats, the combined strength of the alliance has reached 113 seats, still falling short of the 118-seat majority by five seats. To overcome this gap, TVK has reportedly reached out to AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, whose party has won 47 seats in the assembly election. If AIADMK joins the arrangement, it would comfortably push the alliance beyond the halfway mark.

The Congress party had formally announced its full backing for Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam and its leader Vijay, marking a significant political shift as it distanced itself from its long-standing ally DMK in the state’s power contest. In its debut electoral performance, TVK, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, delivered a strong showing, outperforming expectations and challenging the dominance of established Dravidian parties like DMK and AIADMK. The result has been widely seen as a major disruption in Tamil Nadu politics.

A formal letter signed by Tamil Nadu Congress in-charge Girish Chodankar stated that the electorate had delivered a “clear, strong and overwhelming” mandate in favour of TVK under Vijay’s leadership. It further noted that both the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and the Congress Legislative Party had resolved to extend complete support to TVK in forming the government.

The decision has sparked criticism from DMK leaders. Senior DMK figure Saravanan Annadurai described Congress’s move as “short-sighted and myopic,” accusing the party of betraying INDIA alliance partners. He warned that such a shift could damage Congress’s credibility nationally, arguing that it sends a message of instability and unreliability in coalition politics. He also suggested that Congress may regret the decision in the long run, especially ahead of future national elections. The evolving political realignment has added fresh uncertainty to Tamil Nadu’s post-election scenario, with negotiations still ongoing and alliance equations yet to be fully settled.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from TVK.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated India’s strong and longstanding partnership with the United Arab Emirates, extending full support to the Gulf nation following an attack on civilian infrastructure in Fujairah, where three Indian nationals were injured. The strikes hit Fujairah, a key global energy and shipping hub on the UAE’s eastern coast that serves as an alternative route for oil exports bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. In a message on X, the Prime Minister expressed concern over the incident, stating that he strongly condemns the attack that injured three Indians and emphasized that targeting civilians and infrastructure is unacceptable.

He further stressed that India stands in complete solidarity with the UAE and continues to support resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy. Highlighting the importance of regional stability, he noted that safe and uninterrupted maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz is essential for global energy security and peace.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs also condemned the attack, calling for an immediate end to violence against civilians and reaffirming India’s commitment to peaceful diplomatic solutions in West Asia. It urged protection of free and lawful maritime trade in line with international law and said India is ready to assist efforts toward restoring peace and stability in the region.

The Indian Embassy in the UAE confirmed that three Indian nationals were injured in the incident in Fujairah and said it is coordinating with local authorities to ensure they receive proper medical care and support. Reports indicate the injuries occurred during a fire triggered in the Fujairah Petroleum Industries Zone following the strikes.

The UAE strongly condemned what it described as renewed unprovoked attacks, blaming Iranian missile and drone activity and calling it a serious violation of international law and a threat to its sovereignty and security. The UAE affirmed its right to respond under international law and demanded an immediate halt to hostilities.

The UAE defence authorities reported intercepting multiple missiles launched toward the country, with air defence systems successfully neutralising the threats. Emergency authorities also urged residents to follow safety instructions and avoid approaching any debris from intercepted projectiles.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Following the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Donald Trump and the White House administration responded strongly, accusing the media and the Democratic Party of contributing to rising political violence. Reged Ahmad and Jonathan Yerushalmy explore the origins of the deep political divide between Democrats and Republicans in the United States. At the same time, Usha Vance has started a new podcast, raising questions about her motives, while King Charles’s upcoming visit to the White House is expected to shed light on Donald Trump’s relationship with the British monarchy.

Disclaimer: This video is taken from The Guardian.

In “Made in SG,” Melanie Oliveiro interviews author K. C. Vijayan about his biography The Benjamin Sheares Story: From Pioneering Gynaecologist to Singapore President. The book offers a vivid and humanising account of Benjamin Sheares, Singapore’s second President and a prominent figure in the Eurasian community, tracing his journey from working in busy maternity wards during the baby boom era to serving as President of Singapore from 1971 to 1981 at the Istana.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

A new AI system developed by NTU can forecast the rate at which food spoils, enabling supermarkets to reduce waste, enhance safety, and manage inventory more efficiently. The technology works by predicting bacterial growth in food. Could this signal the future of food retail? Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss with Natalie Ong, CNA journalist, and Professor William Chen, Executive Director of FRESH@NTU, to explore the possibilities.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

This week, as the repercussions of the US-Israel conflict with Iran continue, Australians are feeling the pinch from a worsening fuel crisis. At the same time, the Liberal Party faces a critical moment as voters increasingly shift toward One Nation. In this edition of the Guardian’s Australian Politics podcast, political editor Tom McIlroy talks with Andrew Hastie, shadow minister for industry and sovereign capability, about Australia’s approach to the global fuel shock, the need for reindustrialisation, and his perspective on how the Liberal Party should respond to the rise of One Nation.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.