India is scheduled to host the 16th BRICS health ministers meeting starting on Wednesday. Senior health officials and health ministers from BRICS member nations will attend the meeting in order to advance cooperation on equitable access to high-quality healthcare, pandemic preparedness, digital health, and health security.

Under its BRICS Chairmanship in 2026, India’s dedication to promoting collective action on important global health objectives via the guiding topic of Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability is demonstrated by the three-day meeting in Chandigarh.

Discussions will center on strengthening collaboration in areas like health security, pandemic readiness, digital health, innovation, access to inexpensive medicines, traditional, complementary and integrative medicine, tuberculosis, healthy lifestyles, mental wellness, and robust health systems, according to Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava.

She pointed out that the conference would offer a crucial forum for improving collaboration and information exchange among BRICS nations in order to advance the health objectives of the Global South.

The meeting will include technical experts, high government officials, and health ministers from the 11 BRICS countries, including Indonesia, Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the senior officials’ meeting will start the event on Wednesday, and the BRICS Health Ministers’ Meeting, which will be presided over by Union Health Minister JP Nadda, will follow on Thursday.

India will organize a high-level side event on Friday, focusing on utilizing interoperable digital health infrastructure and responsible artificial intelligence to improve continuity of care and build future-ready health systems across BRICS countries.

In an official statement, India said it has maintained current priorities while introducing two new priority areas—BRICS Mission for Healthy Lifestyle and Promotion of Mental Wellness, reaffirming its commitment to preventive and promotive healthcare, building on work completed during previous BRICS Chairships.

With a U/A certificate, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has approved the release of director Vishnu Edavan’s highly anticipated romantic entertainer ‘Hi,’ starring Nayanthara and Kavin.

Seven Screen Studios, the production company, posted on its social media sites to announce the news, saying, “A tale that will steal your heart now has its date locked. ” Headed for theatres on August 14, 2026, and censored with a UA! A Jen Martin music.

Additionally, Kureishi, Adithya Kathir, Sathyan, Radhika, Prabhu, and K Bhagyaraj are just a few of the performers who will be appearing in the movie, which is being co-produced by Zee Studios South, The Rowdy Pictures, and Seven Screen Studios.

The narrative of the movie spans three cities: Chennai, Coimbatore, and Pollachi. Additionally, they state that the picture would be a family-friendly entertainment with no antagonists.

Vishnu Edavan, who is directing this film for the first time, previously served as associate director for master director Lokesh Kanagaraj on a number of projects, including “Kaithi,” “Master,” and “Vikram. ”

While discussing his movie before, director Vishnu Edavan stated that it would be a complete family film that would highlight the meaning of true love.

This movie has high expectations since it is the first time that Nayanthara and Kavin will be working together.

Jen Martin will compose the music and Rajesh Shukla will film the movie, which is proud of its outstanding technical crew. Philomin Raj will handle the film’s editing, and Shekhar B will be in charge of art direction. Brinda will choreograph the film’s dances, and Dinesh Kasi will choreograph the stunts.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar said that India was interested in establishing closer links with Panama due to its important location and high level of economic stability, which make it a desirable ally for New Delhi.

During a meeting in New Delhi on Monday with Javier Martinez-Acha Vasquez, his Panamanian counterpart, EAM Jaishankar emphasized the eagerness of both parties to deepen their cooperation in his opening statements. He said he hopes Javier Martinez-Acha Vasquez’s visit would help promote relations between the two countries in all areas.

The two of us had recently co-chaired the 5th India-SICA Ministerial meeting last September on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. However, your current trip strengthens the momentum of high-level meetings we’ve had, and I think both of our leaders and governments are quite eager to broaden and deepen our alliance.

EAM Jaishankar stated, “And we definitely anticipate closer ties with Panama since you provide a very strategic position and great economic stability and potential for a partner like India. ”

He emphasized that Panama and India collaborate closely in the United Nations and other multilateral forums. EAM Jaishankar stated that India appreciates Panama’s desire to collaborate in a variety of industries, including trade, technology, pharmaceuticals, scholarships, and education.

Your logistics infrastructure, which is based around the Panama Canal, serves as a worldwide benchmark, acting as a gateway for the greater Latin American area and as a natural link for us to global trade routes. We appreciate your desire to work together in a number of fields, including technology, education, scholarships, pharmaceuticals, and, of course, trade, which is the most crucial. EAM Jaishankar stated that “as we ourselves accelerate our development towards the quest of Viksit Bharat or developed India by 2047, we do think our bilateral relationship will get more important, we note that you have had a consistently high growth trajectory. ”

He thanked Panama for supporting India’s right to self-defense in the aftermath of the terrorist assault in April 2025 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

I want to express my gratitude to you and the Panamanian government for your display of solidarity and backing for our right to self-defense in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist assault last year, as well as for your very clear condemnation of terrorism in all of its manifestations and forms. Once more, I think your visit adds to the momentum that already exists between our two countries, and I anticipate our conversations today, which I am very certain will contribute to broadening our collaboration.

Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary told Parliament on Monday that there is no plan currently being considered by the government to abolish the long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax on equity transactions for retail and domestic investors.

As part of the annual budget process and legislative reforms, the minister further stated in a written response to a question in the Lok Sabha that tax policies, such as capital gains rates, are evaluated regularly after considering macroeconomic parameters.

From Rs 72,249 crore in assessment year (AY) 2024-25, which corresponds to financial year 2023-24, to Rs 1,29,158 crore in AY 2025-26, which corresponds to FY 2024-25, LTCG tax receipts on equity transactions surged. Through LTCG tax, the government collected Rs 2. 01 lakh crore over the course of the two years.

The LTCG tax on equity mutual funds and listed equities has been set at 12. 5%, which applies only to profits over Rs 1. 25 lakh each fiscal year. A long-term capital asset is one that has been kept for over 12 months.

The minister stated that the 12. 5% LTCG tax rate on equity investments is the same for FPIs, domestic investors, and retail investors in response to concerns about whether Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) have been excluded from paying the levy while domestic and retail investors still do.

For investments in equity, the tax rate of 12. 5% on LTCG is the same for FPIs as it is for local and retail investors. The minister said that the government has rationalized the tax treatment relevant to FPI investments in G-Secs only by exempting such investments from income tax on any interest or capital gain through the Income-tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026.

The government is willing to hear worries brought up by stock market investors about the tax system, including issues regarding LTCG and short term capital gains (STCG) tax, according to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who stated this in May of this year.

However, she did not promise a lower tax rate.

Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr. Jitendra Singh called for a comprehensive evaluation of pension rules to make sure they match shifting societal circumstances, noting that outdated rules are a significant cause of ongoing pension-related lawsuits.

According to the minister, speaking at the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare’s second National Workshop on Pension Litigation, the government’s goal is to establish a zero-litigation pension system via policy changes, simplified regulations, enhanced grievance resolution, and improved inter-ministerial coordination.

He emphasized that the emphasis of pension management should be on avoiding disputes via timely policy adjustments rather than on settling them once they have gone to court.

Singh stated that frequent litigation usually suggests that specific regulations need to be reevaluated.

The minister said that a reassessment of the underlying policy should be prompted by similar complaints arising in different regions of the nation, rather than being handled as isolated instances.

Saying such measures have made pension policies more inclusive and human while lessening the requirement for drawn-out legal procedures, the minister emphasized recent changes by mentioning the government’s decision to simplify eligibility requirements for providing pension benefits to separated daughters.

Additionally, he stated that a number of family pension clauses inherited from previous administrative frameworks have been changed in recent years to ensure that beneficiaries obtain legitimate benefits without having to resort to judicial action.

Singh urged agencies to examine litigation trends and stakeholder input to pinpoint inadequacies in current legislation, calling for a research-driven strategy to policymaking.

He also emphasized that grievance settlement should be a tool for policy improvement rather than simply a way to resolve complaints.

While stating that grievance platforms based on artificial intelligence have boosted efficiency, the minister added that technology should be accompanied by in-person conversation with pensioners in order to gain a better understanding of their concerns.

Singh also debuted a Compendium of Case Laws on Pension Litigation, a flyer on pension litigation, and the Department’s Special Campaign 3. 0 during the event. These materials are intended to improve litigation management and offer citizen-centric pension services.

The Department of Pension and Pensioners‘ Welfare reports that the number of pension litigation cases on its Litigation Information Management System has decreased by almost 20% in the last year. The Department further stated that the average time for addressing pension complaints via the CPENGRAMS portal has been lowered to under 20 days.

The only goal of the match was scored by Ferran Torres, a former City player, in extra time as Spain, the current European champions, narrowly defeated Argentina in the World Cup final.

Spain’s savior was substitute Ferran Torres, who scored the game-winning goal in extra time as La Roja defeated defending winners Argentina 1-0 at the New York New Jersey Stadium to claim the FIFA World Cup 2026 title.

Torres ultimately broke the stalemate in the 106th minute, following a tense and hotly contested 90 minutes that ended goalless. The forward connected with Nico Williams’ directed knockdown before releasing a powerful left-footed shot past Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to secure Spain’s second FIFA World Cup victory, their first since winning the trophy in South Africa in 2010.

Martinez was in superb form throughout the final, denying the European team again and over as Spain controlled the ball for lengthy periods and made the more chances. Argentina, on the other hand, had difficulty creating clear-cut chances because Spain’s disciplined defence had contained captain Lionel Messi.

Argentina was down to ten players for extra time after midfielder Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card in stoppage time of normal time, dealing a crushing blow to the defending champions.

Spain maintained their pressure and appeared to have increased their advantage during stoppage time, but the goal was disallowed because of an infraction during the lead-up. But Argentina’s reign as world champions was ended by Luis de la Fuente’s men, who remained composed and finished out the last stages with ease.

Spain finished the competition undefeated and claimed their second World Cup in addition to their 2010 win, completing a remarkable tournament. Argentina, who were crowned champions in Qatar four years ago, came agonizingly close to keeping hold of football’s biggest prize.

In the end, I believe that 47 million people, not just those of us present, scored the goal. Today, our fate was determined, we were meant to triumph. “We’re far from our people today, but we attempted to be as near as possible to them,” stated Torres, who had not scored in the competition before Sunday.

For the year 2024, the 72nd National Film Awards honor excellence in Indian film. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting revealed the awards.

An 11-member Central Jury, presided over by renowned Malayalam filmmaker Jayaraj, judged the awards. Jayaraj supervised the final selection process after reviewing submissions from all across the nation.

The National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC) organizes the event, which has a well-defined jury system. With a formal presentation, the prizes seek to recognize Indian films’ artistic and technical accomplishments without any public bias.

Although the ceremony’s location has not been disclosed, the National Awards will likely take place in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, where the President of India has historically presented the National Film Awards to the victors. Recent editions, such as the 70th and 71st National Film Awards, have been held there.

Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan and Malayalam cinema icon Mammootty shared the award for Best Actor, which was revealed on Saturday at the National Media Centre for the upcoming 72nd National Film Awards.

Kartik was recognized for his role in the sports biopic “Chandu Champion,” while Mammootty received the award for his performance in “Bramayugam.”

Yami Gautam received Best Actress recognition for her performance in “Article 370.”

The prize for her brilliant acting in Aditya Suhas Jambhale’s Hindi film “Article 370,” which was also declared the Best Feature Film, went to Yami Gautam. Shashwat Sachdev, the music director of Article 370, also won the Best Music (Songs) award.

Rajkummar Rao‘s “Srikanth – Aa Raha Hai Sabki Aankhein Kholne” was named Best Hindi Film. The movie is based on Srikanth Bolla, an entrepreneur with visual impairment, and is directed by Tushar Hiranandani.

‘Pushpa 2‘ earned director Sukumar the National Award for Best Screenplay.

Shashwat Sachdev, who recently scored the movies ‘Dhurandhar’ and ‘Dhurandhar The Revenge’, received the Best Music Direction prize for ‘Article 370.’

‘Kalki 2898 AD‘ received Best Production Design, while ‘Stree 2‘ was awarded Best Choreography.

Randeep Hooda, an actor, has responded to his National Award win for Best Debut Director, “Swatantryaveer Savarkar.”

“I’m still trying to process the announcement that I won the National Award for Best Debut Director for ‘Swatantryaveer Savarkar,'” he said. This film demanded more of me than any other I’ve ever done. The journey of this film was fraught with difficulties at every turn, but I’m glad we persevered and overcame each one. And despite that, we somehow continued to find the strength to move on. As an actor, co-writer, and first-time director, I poured my all into this film because I felt a tremendous responsibility to tell Veer Savarkar’s story honestly and sincerely. What we endured while making this film is nothing compared to the life he lived and the sacrifices he made. ”

“I am profoundly appreciative of my whole team for believing in this dream and supporting it through all the good and bad times. This honour belongs to all of us, and I hope it will motivate more individuals, particularly the younger generation, to explore and consider Veer Savarkar’s legacy,” he continued.

On Saturday, actor Sivakarthikeyan declared that it was a proud day for the entire Amaran family as he expressed his pleasure that his film ‘Amaran’ had taken home three prizes at the 72nd National Awards, including one for Best direction.

Sivakarthikeyan shared a statement on his X timeline shortly after the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting revealed the winners of the 72nd National Film Awards, saying, “A proud day for our entire Amaran family. ” My beloved director has my deepest sympathies.

At the 72nd National Film Awards (2024), Rajkumar KP took home Best Director, G. V. Prakash was honored for Best Music Direction (Background Score), and Kalaivanan was honored for Best Editing.

For his ultimate sacrifice while battling militants in Jammu and Kashmir, Major Mukund Varadarajan was awarded the Ashok Chakra, the country’s highest medal for valor. Based on his life, “Amaran” earned Rajkumar Periasamy the award for Best Director. Kalaivannan also received the award for Best Editing for the movie, while G. V. Prakash Kumar took home the prize for Best Background Score.

In the same message, Sivakarthikeyan also congratulated other National Award winners, including actor Dhanush, who took home two awards, one for each of the Tamil movies ‘Raayan’ and ‘Captain Miller’. While ‘Captain Miller’ received a Special Mention award, ‘Raayan‘, directed by Dhanush, was selected as the Best Tamil Feature Film. The Best Feature Film for Encouraging National, Social, and Environmental Values went to Captain Miller as well.

Sivakarthikeyan penned, “I’d also want to congratulate @sunpictures, @dhanushkraja, @Sathya Jyothi,” as he offered his congratulations to Dhanush and the other champions.

The 72nd National Film Awards for winning National Awards, to @ArunMatheswaran, AnlArasu, @valentino_suren, @sachananamidass, TSHariHaraSudhan & @edmondranson.

In order to get to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, Argentina, the current champions, staged an incredible late comeback, scoring goals from Lautaro Martinez and Enzo Fernandez to overcome England 2-1.

With an incredible comeback, Argentina have now won six World Cup semi-finals in a row. On Sunday, Lionel Scaloni’s reigning champions will play Spain in the championship match in New York, New Jersey.

The Three Lions, competing in their second semi-final of the previous three World Cups, took the lead through Morgan Rogers’ cross, but it wasn’t enough to secure their first World Cup final place since 1966. Martinez headed in the winner in the third minute of injury time to give Argentina a chance to retain their title after Fernandez had scored from outside the box.

Italy (1934, 1938), Brazil (1958, 1962), Argentina (1986, 1990), Brazil (1994, 1998), and France (2018, 2022) have all won the World Cup and qualified for the next final, making Argentina the sixth side to do so. In the meantime, England has lost three World Cup semifinals (1990, 2018, and 2026) and has only made one final appearance, in 1966.

The match started out with a lot of energy. It was cautiously played and furiously challenged, and no side had a chance on goal until the 33rd minute. John Stones then nodded broad from a Declan Rice free-kick at the far post. Fernandez smacked a powerful shot over at the opposite side.

These teams had to work hard to get here. In the moments they most needed inspiration, they both discovered it. Julian Alvarez tried to create one such moment shortly after the restart by going past Djed Spence after a long ball ahead and forcing Jordan Pickford to make a wise stop at his near post.

Instead, the breakthrough came at the other end when Morgan Rogers, one of three players brought back into England’s starting XI, delivered a terrific low cross from the right. Gordon, who arrived at the back post, outmaneuvered Nahuel Molina to direct a fantastic controlled finish into the corner of Emiliano Martinez’s goal.

Spence, one of the starters Thomas Tuchel restored, made a fantastic goal-saving tackle to prevent Giuliano Simeone from scoring, but the close calls persisted as England played increasingly deep and Argentina’s pressure mounted. Alexis Mac Allister’s header struck the post, and substitute Nico Gonzalez’s header was stopped by a superb save from Pickford.

Eventually, the pressure told as Messi squared the ball to Fernandez after a short-corner routine, and he unleashed a magnificent strike from outside the box that sailed past Pickford to his right.

Then, in extra time, Mac Allister’s shot hit a post, but Messi retrieved the hazard, sending a right-foot cross that substitute Martinez buried at the far post.

Notably, Messi, at 39 years and 21 days old, surpassed Fritz Walter and Gunnar Gren, who were both 37 years and 236 days old when they played against each other for West Germany and Sweden, respectively, in 1958, to become the oldest outfield player to appear in a World Cup semi-final.

“I’m speechless, speechless. ” Following the final whistle, Argentina Coach Lionel Scaloni said, “What a delight for our country, for our people. ” I stated the other day that I’m always amazed by this team. And it is incredibly challenging to persuade individuals to realize what these players are capable of after this. It’s amazing. Really, we’re one of a kind, and we mean that with all our hearts—not out of vanity. We did that until the finish as well, and we had to dig in after we went up 2-1. When we’re small, we’re taught that this is a representation of everything we learn about what football is.

In a historic move that signals a turning point in the nation’s train mobility and provides a major boost to clean transportation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off India’s first hydrogen train from Jind, Haryana, on July 17.

Several firsts are among the many benefits of the cutting-edge Hydrogen train: no smoke, no carbon emissions, operation on clean hydrogen fuel, and water vapor as its only byproduct emission. Before its official release, it has been established as a major subject of national conversation because of these unique selling factors.

In addition to starting a thrilling new chapter in the nation’s green energy transition, the Hydrogen-powered train running between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana is a pilot project that will usher in a new era of rail travel.

The hydrogen train is powered by a 1200 kW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system and only emits water vapour, making it a sustainable, clean, and green option. It is the world’s most powerful hydrogen train, with 3200 horsepower.

India is about to make a huge leap forward in achieving cleaner and greener rail travels as well as furthering environmentally sustainable transportation and zero-carbon emission goals with the introduction of its first Hydrogen train.

Since the train has been developed and designed locally and is supported by Jind’s indigenous hydrogen storage and refuelling infrastructure, it will also be a major asset to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Mission.

Acknowledging the significant achievement in the history of Railways, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri declared that India has become a member of an exclusive club of countries, along with Germany, Japan, China, and the United States, that are examining hydrogen fuel cell technology for environmentally friendly rail operations.

The first hydrogen train in India can hold 2,600 people. Scheduled to start its journey from Jind on Friday, it promises to revolutionize Indian Railways‘ operations, enhance passenger travel experiences, and advance the ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision.

The producers of Mysskin‘s next film, ‘Train,’ which stars Vijay Sethupathi, have confirmed that it will be released in August of this year.

Let’s do it this August, producer Kalaipuli S Thanu remarked during his talk at the film’s teaser launch event, which was conducted recently. His V Creations is producing the film.

Director Mysskin, who was pleased by his announcement, attempted to get the producer to agree to a release date in a lighthearted manner.

Oh my God, is that correct, sir? “Please also announce the date,” he exclaimed in an eager voice.

But Suriya’s picture is out on August 14, sir, he added, pretending as if the filmmaker had confirmed August 14 as the release date, even as the producer just smiled and held his tongue.

The audience laughed as producer Thanu pointed out that he had only stated that the movie would open in August and had not mentioned August 14.

Since the creators released a preview on Sunday, director Mysskin’s quick-paced action thriller “Train,” starring actor Vijay Sethupathi, has garnered a great deal of attention from fans and film aficionados who may not be aware of it.

A speeding train being operated by several dangerous individuals is seen in the intense 43-second teaser. As one man (Vijay Sethupathi) fights a solo combat, terrified travelers fearing for their lives watch on. The teaser reveals that the train, which looks like a speeding beast, is not stopping at any of the scheduled stations.

Those who appear to have hijacked the train appear to have been well-prepared, which is even more important. What is their mission? These people are who? And who, most significantly, is attempting to challenge them? Train, like all of Mysskin’s other thrillers, promises to be an edge-of-the-seat experience.

Star-studded Train, directed by Mysskin and produced by V Creations, will feature Nasser, Shruti Haasan, Yugi Sethu, Narain, KS Ravikumar, Sampath Raj, Kalaiyarasan, Ira Dayanand, and Preethy Karan.

Mysskin himself wrote the score and Fowzia Fathima shot the cinematography for the picture.

Last year, Narain shared photos of himself on the set of Train in a social media post, which was intriguing. The images showed that he was portraying a police officer in the movie.

The disclosure prompted conjecture as to whether or not Mysskin was trying to establish a Mysskin Cinematic Universe with Train.

The speculation was sparked by Narain’s portrayal of a police officer in Mysskin’s immensely successful movie, “Anjaathey. ” However, this has not been confirmed.