NEWS AN LIVE

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Donald Trump on winning a second term as US President. Modi, one of the first world leaders Trump spoke with, expressed enthusiasm for continued collaboration between the two nations. Trump referred to India as a "magnificent country" and praised PM Modi's global standing.

Veteran Indian folk singer Sharda Sinha, renowned for her contributions to Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Hindi music, passed away at 72. Prime Minister Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar led tributes, remembering her iconic voice, especially her renditions associated with the Chhath Puja festival.

A new well-being survey at IIT Madras revealed that one-third of freshmen require mental health support. The survey, conducted to address suicides and self-harm incidents, found loneliness and past trauma as significant challenges. The institute is implementing stress management programs, reducing course load, and introducing mandatory recreational courses to support student well-being.

The BJP and the Maha Vikas Aghadi faced rebel candidates in the Maharashtra assembly polls, despite attempts to consolidate support. Several high-profile candidates withdrew, leading to a final count of 4,140 candidates vying for 288 seats. Key constituencies like Mumbai and Pune witnessed intense competition, with rebel candidates adding to the complexity of the political landscape.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau admitted that accusations against India in Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing were based on weak intelligence, not solid evidence. This coincides with Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun’s claim of sharing information with Trudeau’s office, deepening the bilateral rift.