Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu congratulated visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his accomplishment of being India’s second-longest-serving Prime Minister in consecutive terms in a scene filled with diplomatic grace and historical significance on Friday.

President Muizzu celebrated Prime Minister Modi’s 4,078-day tenure in office, calling it a testament to his “unwavering commitment to public service and dedication to the progress and prosperity of the Indian people” while speaking at a formal banquet held in his honor in Male.

The ceremony demonstrated a cordial exchange of goodwill between the two countries.

“In keeping with the spirit of the two countries’ longstanding connections, we are honored to return that friendliness and goodwill tonight. Let me start by expressing my sincere congratulations to your excellency for becoming India’s second-longest serving prime minister today. President Muizzu remarked, “This incredible milestone of 4,078 days in office is a testament to your unwavering commitment to public service and dedication to the progress and prosperity of the Indian people.”

Along with key members of his Cabinet, including the Foreign Minister, Defense Minister, Finance Minister, and Homeland Security Minister, President Muizzu personally met him at the airport in a noteworthy gesture.

In the context of the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations, PM Modi is visiting as the Guest of Honor at the kind invitation of President Muizzu.

In addition to marking the two countries’ long-standing relationship, the event serves as a reminder of India’s early acceptance of Maldivian independence in 1965.

The diplomatic meeting is viewed as a chance to reaffirm shared interests in the Indian Ocean region and to reframe bilateral relations.

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Prime Minister Modi’s attendance at this historic event shows India’s ongoing commitment to maritime cooperation, cultural exchange, and regional stability.

Prime Minister Modi has now completed 4,078 days in office without a break, surpassing the late former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s record of 4,077 days from 1966 to 1977.

As part of India’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (Plant for Mother) and the Maldives’ ‘Pledge of 5 million Tree Plantation’ campaigns, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Mohamed Muizzu planted mango seedlings on Friday, demonstrating their strong commitment to protecting the environment.

“India and the Maldives are acutely aware of the problems posed by environmental deterioration and climate change. Additionally, we’re determined to take every action we can to promote sustainability. President Muizzu and I planted saplings in Male this evening, bolstering the Maldives government’s pledge to plant five million trees and the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (a tree for Mother) campaign, “PM Modi wrote on X.

Today, the two leaders also co-opened the Maldives’ cutting-edge Ministry of Defense (MoD) headquarters in Male.

The 11-story structure, which faces the Indian Ocean, is a representation of the two nations’ deep and enduring defense and security collaboration.

This significant milestone strengthens the story of PM Modi’s enduring leadership and solidifies his position in India’s political history.

The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was greeted by farmers on Thursday, who described it as a significant boon to Indian agriculture and a watershed moment for the farming sector.

According to a farmer, who offered his opinions on the agreement, it will assist farmers shift from conventional farming patterns to more lucrative ones like oilseed and horticulture, in addition to increasing incomes.

“This is a really wise choice. It will assist us in resolving issues with water scarcity and crops. We will make more money if we cultivate and export high-quality fruits. There would be significant advantages to crops like soybean and mustard as well,” He said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his UK counterpart, Keir Starmer signed the historic trade deal, which guarantees zero-duty access to 99 percent of Indian exports, including a variety of agricultural goods.

It is anticipated that this will help Indian farmers realize higher prices and put their goods on par with those of their European rivals in the UK market.

One fo the farmer emphasized that a lot of farmers are trapped in the cycle of growing sugarcane and cumin seeds, which results in stagnant income.

Another farmer stated, “We may now investigate other lucrative crops because exports are offering better rates. It’s time to stop growing the same crops over and over again.

He added that encouraging oilseed crops will increase sustainability and lessen the strain on water supplies.

“Mustard, soybean, and fruits grown for export will not just boost our income but also support India’s overall development,” he stated.

With lower tariffs and quicker regulatory clearances, the agreement is also anticipated to open up the UK market for horticulture products.

“With easier access and improved competitiveness, Indian farm exports like spices, fresh fruits, processed foods, and oilseeds will now reach more global customers,” a different farmer said.

The FTA, which was signed during PM Modi’s visit to the UK, is expected to improve India’s economic ties with one of the biggest economies in the world and boost bilateral trade by roughly $34 billion.

The first Indian film to be shown at a Dolby Cinema in India is the action movie “War 2,” which stars Hrithik Roshan and NTR Jr.

This is a turning point in the nation’s cinematic narrative and viewing experience. Furthermore, the film is scheduled to be released in Telugu and Hindi at Dolby Cinema locations in North America, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and numerous other international markets.

Dolby Laboratories, Inc. and Yash Raj Films (YRF) have partnered to offer spectators a brand-new cinematic experience. With the delicate details and incredibly vibrant colors of Dolby Vision and the realistic and engrossing sound of Dolby Atmos, which bring artists’ visions to life by completely capturing their creative imagination and pushing the boundaries of their art, the film ushers in a new era in Indian cinema.

“YRF has always believed in pushing boundaries to deliver the most enriching cinematic experiences to its audiences,” stated Rohan Malhotra, Yash Raj Films’ vice president of distribution. From adopting Dolby Audio in the 1990s to being the first to use Dolby Atmos in our blockbusters to now setting the standard with Dolby Cinema, we are dedicated to telling stories that immerse you in the narrative rather than merely providing entertainment.

We are thrilled to usher in a new age of cinematic experiences with War 2, one in which Dolby Vision enhances every scene, Dolby Atmos makes every sound more engrossing, and Dolby Cinema creates a more memorable theatrical experience than ever before.

At India’s first Dolby Cinema, which opened earlier this month at City Pride Multiplexes in Kharadi, Pune, moviegoers can enjoy this intense action show exactly as the filmmakers intended. We are excited to establish additional Dolby Cinema theaters in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Trichy, Kochi, and Ulikkal, among other places in India.

“We have worked with Yash Raj Films for decades, and we have reached many milestones,” stated Michael Archer, Vice President of Worldwide Cinema Sales and Partner Management at Dolby Laboratories. With War 2 (Hindi & Telugu), which will be accessible in Dolby Cinemas in India and abroad starting on August 14th, we are honored to carry on that tradition.

Additionally, it is the first Indian film to be shown at a Dolby Cinema in India. Dolby Cinema offers an unparalleled cinematic experience, complete with immersive Dolby Atmos sound and breathtaking Dolby Vision graphics, all inside a setting designed to fully immerse viewers in the power of narrative. This marks a turning point for both our partnership and the way that movies will be viewed in India going forward.

A collection of popular songs from the album “Best of YRF” became YRF the first music company in India to offer a Dolby Atmos Music experience in 2020.

August 14, 2025, is when “War 2” is scheduled to open in theaters.

As the nation transitioned from an import-dependent mobile market in 2014–15 to a worldwide manufacturing and export hub in 2024–25, Indian mobile exports outpaced domestic demand to take the lead in production, according to a report released on Wednesday.

Net exports of mobile phones have been robust since 2018–19, increasing from $0.2 billion in 2017–18 to $24.1 billion in 2024–25.

India is developing a more sophisticated industrial foundation where sophisticated components are produced domestically, going beyond merely assembling imported parts.

Domestic Value Addition (DVA) increased significantly in India’s mobile phone production, both directly and through related businesses. According to a study conducted by the social science research center Centre for Development Studies (CDS), “this suggests a maturing ecosystem with stronger domestic participation.”

During 2022–2023, the total DVA (direct + indirect) rose to 23%, or over $10 billion.

With $20.5 billion in mobile phone exports (CY2024), the nation is currently the third-largest exporter in the globe. The results demonstrated that Indian success is driven by government support since 2017 and strategic integration into global value chains (GVCs) following the introduction of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) program.

In 2022–2023, the mobile phone manufacturing sector will employ 17 lakh people. According to the survey, jobs associated with mobile phone exports increased by more than 33 times.

India’s performance is similar to that of other Asian countries in that it prioritizes scale and gradually increases value addition. Over the next ten years, the government’s continued assistance in this area would be crucial, according to Professor C. Veeramani, the director of CDS and the chair of the RBI.

“India can replicate similar strategies across the electronics sector to position the country as a global manufacturing leader, with mobile phone manufacturing providing a blueprint for growth,” he continued.

“This study reaffirms what ICEA has consistently advocated that strategic integration into global value chains is critical for scaling exports, enhancing domestic value addition, and creating jobs,” stated Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman of the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), in response to the study’s findings.

“The data unequivocally supports our assertion that India has benefited greatly from its involvement in backward-linked GVCs,” he continued.

According to a report released on Wednesday, the Union Cabinet’s adoption of “Khelo Bharat Niti 2025” will create significant economic value by fostering the growth of new businesses and increasing local manufacturing.

Currently, 60% of India’s sporting goods are exported. India’s part of the $600 billion global sports market is still small, but even minor advancements in this area might have a significant positive economic and social impact.

The study from credit rating organization CareEdge Ratings stated that the legislation “promotes innovation through startups, encourages CSR investments, supports domestic manufacturing, and fosters public-private partnerships.”

With “Khelo Bharat Niti 2025” (National Sports Policy-2025) approved by the Cabinet, India would be positioned as a global leader in sports, with hopes of competing in the 2036 Olympic Games. The report also stated that this effort, which will replace the 2001 policy, will improve business possibilities for enterprises in the sports goods manufacturing sector and encourage growth in the sector.

Return on investment (ROI) factors for private organizations will be incorporated into the policy, making their participation in sports development both alluring and long-lasting. It will be emphasized to integrate the sports equipment manufacturing sector with national initiatives like “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” in order to improve sports infrastructure, generate employment opportunities, and improve product quality and competitiveness in the market.

“Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 will increase demand for sports gear in a number of different sports.” The development of sports facilities in both urban and rural regions will help India’s sports products manufacturing industry, according to Puneet Kansal, Director of CareEdge Ratings.

Businesses in the sector would be able to increase capacity and generate more revenue as a result of this expansion. In order to meet the anticipated rise in industry demand, he added, new manufacturing hubs are anticipated to thrive in the medium term.

The market for sports equipment manufacture in India is expanding steadily due to a number of factors, including urbanization, growing disposable incomes, and government programs encouraging sports participation. According to the research, the market is further fueled by the growth of e-commerce platforms, which increase the accessibility of sports equipment for customers across the country.

According to Baijayant Jay Panda, a BJP MP who chaired the Parliamentary Select Committee tasked with studying the legislation, the new income tax law will make it simpler for small businesses and regular citizens to file taxes.

Once passed, he said, the new law will eliminate legal ambiguity, streamline India’s decades-old tax system, and assist MSMEs and individual taxpayers in avoiding needless litigation.

“There are over 4,000 modifications and more than 5 lakh words in the present Income Tax Act of 1961. It’s gotten too complicated. The new measure makes it much easier for regular taxpayers to read and comprehend by simplifying it by around 50%, according to Panda.

He emphasized that MSMEs and small business owners, who frequently lack the financial and legal know-how to handle complex tax systems, will benefit the most from this simplicity.

“MSMEs and regular taxpayers face difficulties, in contrast to large corporations that have access to tax consultants and legal advisors. “There will be fewer disputes and easier compliance with a simpler law,” he stated.

Panda led the Select Committee through 36 consecutive meetings over a number of months.

Over one hundred stakeholders, including trade associations and individual specialists, were consulted.

Panda proudly pointed out that this committee is a unique example of effective legislative functioning because not a single meeting was postponed and no extension was requested.

The report was turned in considerably ahead of schedule and is anticipated to be tabled during the current Monsoon Session. It contains more than 300 suggestions.

“The new law could go into effect on April 1st of next year if it is passed,” he continued. Panda attributed this achievement to collaboration between the two parties.

“There was no political point-scoring. For the benefit of taxpayers, each member concentrated on making the tax code simpler. In the sake of the country, it was a true collective effort,” he said.

“The bill lays a modern, simplified foundation that allows existing and future tax policies to be implemented more clearly and effectively, even though it does not alter tax policies themselves—which remain the purview of the Finance Bill and the Union Budget,” he continued.

Panda said that the committee made sure the legal framework is accessible to all citizens and supports all recent improvements, but it did not suggest any modifications to the policies.

“Simplifying the law itself helps policy implementation and reduces confusion for both taxpayers and tax administrators,” he stated.

In Harish Shankar’s much awaited film “Ustaad Bhagat Singh,” actress Raashii Khanna will appear on screen alongside Pawan Kalyan.

Her role as the female lead in this action-packed entertainer was revealed by the producers on Tuesday. Raashii was featured in an Instagram photo posted by Mythri Movie Makers with the remark, “Team #UstaadBhagatSingh welcomes the angelic @RaashiiKhanna on board as ‘Shloka’.” She adds her elegance and charisma to the sets as filming gets underway. Power star @sreeleela14 @harish2you @pawankalyan.

Raashii Khanna plays Shloka in the film’s first trailer, a powerful and essential character who adds a new dimension to the plot. Alongside Pawan Kalyan, the actress is presently filming in Hyderabad, and the project is anticipated to go until the end of the month. Before moving on to the next stage of production, the team intends to finish Pawan Kalyan’s portions by the first week of August.

“Ustaad Bhagat Singh,” which is supported by Mythri Movie Makers, features a stellar ensemble cast with notable roles from Sreeleela, Prathiban, KS Ravikumar, Ramky, Nawab Shah, Avinash (of KGF fame), Gauthami, Naga Mahesh, and Temper Vamsi. Raashii and Pawan will work together onscreen for the first time on the next film.

Before, Khanna collaborated with director Harish Shankar on commercial films like “Hyper” and “Bengal Tiger,” which are both available for streaming on OTTplay Premium.

According to reports, the Harish Shankar-directed project is a police drama. While fulfilling his ongoing film commitments, Pawan Kalyan, who is currently Andhra Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister, is juggling his political obligations. According to reports, the actor-politician is now totally focused on “Ustaad Bhagat Singh,” which is progressing quickly in Hyderabad, since “Hari Hara Veera Mallu” and “OG” are already finished.

Raashii Khanna features an intriguing cast that includes “Ustaad Bhagat Singh.” She is scheduled to co-star with Vikrant Massey in the Bollywood movie “Talakhon Mein Ek” and will shortly make an appearance in “Telusu Kada.” She is also working on Farzi 2, which is anticipated to start production in December.

On Monday, India’s 14th vice president, Jagdeep Dhankhar, submitted his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu, citing health concerns. He has two years left in his position until he resigns.

He cited Article 67(a) of the Indian Constitution, which allows for the vice president’s resignation, in his letter.

Experts predict that the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar will now initiate the constitutional procedure for choosing a new Indian vice president. Experts stated that the position cannot be unfilled for very long because the vice president also holds the position of chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Despite its brief duration, his tenure was distinguished by his keen legal understanding and strong mastery of legislative procedures. During his public life, he was actively involved in national concerns.

The tale of Dhankhar’s ascent from a small Rajasthani village to one of India’s most important constitutional positions is one of tenacity, adaptability, and public duty. He has been in the public eye for more than forty years.

Jagdeep Dhankhar was born on May 18, 1951, in Kithana, a tiny village in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district. He comes from a humble agricultural family. The BJP then emphasized his status as a “Kisan Putra” (farmer’s son) in its political rhetoric when he was nominated for vice president.

He finished his education at Sainik School in Chittorgarh, which is renowned for turning out a number of prominent public servants and members of the armed forces. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Rajasthan in Jaipur, he continued his education there to earn his LLB.

Dhankhar registered with the Rajasthan Bar Council and started practicing law in 1979. He quickly gained a reputation as a strong legal intellect. He became one of the most well-known attorneys in the state after the Rajasthan High Court named him a Senior Advocate in 1990.

He practiced in several high courts as well as the Supreme Court of India, where he handled a range of constitutional and civil disputes. The Rajasthan High Court Bar Association elected Dhankhar as its president. His reputation in the legal community was further solidified by this position.

After obtaining a seat in the Lok Sabha from Jhunjhunu, he entered politics in 1989. On a Janata Dal ticket, this victory was achieved. He soon became a minister as a result of his persuasive parliamentary lobbying. In 1990, he was named Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs under Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar. He was in charge of crucial government-legislative coordination.

Later, from 1993 to 1998, he represented the Kishangarh constituency as a member of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly.

In addition to his role as Vice President, Dhankhar presided over important legislative discussions as the Rajya Sabha’s ex-officio Chairman.

Discussions regarding the function of the vice presidency in modern-day India will continue to be influenced by Dhankhar’s legacy as a constitutional authority, legal luminary, and supporter of democratic processes even after he stands down.

With 18 days remaining till the Amarnath Yatra‘s conclusion on August 9, more than three lakh Yatris have participated in the event, surpassing the official projection of 3.50 lakh this year. The Yatra began on July 3.

According to the administration, 3.07 lakh pilgrims had received “darshan” inside the sacred cave site as of Sunday.

In two protected convoys, another group of 3,791 Yatris departed Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas today for the Valley. At 3.33 a.m., the first escorted convoy of 52 cars left for Baltal base camp with 1,208 Yatris, and at 4.06 a.m., the second guarded convoy of 96 vehicles left for Pahalgam base camp with 2,583 Yatris, according to officials.

The chairman of the Shri Amarnath ji Shrine Board (SASB) and J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid a visit to the Baltal base camp on Sunday.

A meeting of officials was presided over by the L-G to examine the plans put in place to ensure the Yatra ran smoothly.

He and the Yatris ate lunch at one of Baltal’s “Langars,” or community kitchens. The L-G engaged with the Yatris as well.

The security and other preparations made for the Yatra were praised by the L-G.

On July 10 of this year, Pahalgam hosted the Bhumi Pujan of “Chhari Mubarak,” or Lord Shiva’s Holy. From its location at the Dashnami Akhara Building in Srinagar, a group of seers led by Mahant Swami Deependra Giri, the Chhari Mubarak’s only caretaker, transported it to Pahalgam.

The Bhumi Pujan was held in the Gauri Shankar temple in Pahalgam, where the Chhari Mubarak was brought. After that, the Chhari Mubarak was returned to its location at the Dashnami Akhara structure. The Yatra will officially come to an end on August 9 when it arrives at the sacred cave shrine after making its last trek from the Dashnami Akhara temple in Srinagar on August 4.

Because this year’s Amarnath Yatra follows the barbaric attack of April 22, in which terrorists backed by Pakistan massacred 26 civilians after separating them based on faith in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam, authorities have prepared substantial multi-tier security arrangements.

To supplement the current Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, and local police forces, 180 more CAPF companies have been added.

More than 8,000 fully trained commandos have been sent out by the Army to ensure the Yatris’ safe passage.

The Yatra this year began on July 3 and will conclude on August 9, which falls on Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan, after 38 days.

Yatris go either the shorter Baltal path or the more traditional Pahalgam way to reach the sacred cave shrine, which is located 3888 meters above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas.

To get to the cave shrine, those who choose the Pahalgam path walk 46 kilometers through Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni. To reach the cave shrine, a pilgrim must journey for four days. The 14-kilometer walk to the cave shrine requires those who choose the shorter Baltal path to return to the base camp the same day after receiving darshan.

For security concerns, Yatris will not have access to helicopter services this year.

An ice stalagmite structure inside the cave shrine waxes and wanes in accordance with the moon’s phases. The ice stalagmite structure, according to devotees, represents Lord Shiva’s legendary abilities.