Assam’s Minister for Industries, Commerce, and Public Enterprises, Bimal Borah, announced at the Rising Northeast Investors’ Summit in Delhi that the state aims to achieve a Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Rs 11 lakh crore by 2030. During the ministerial session on ‘Infrastructure and Logistics,’ which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he stated, “With the visionary guidance of Prime Minister Modi and continuous support from the Government of India, Assam has experienced significant economic growth. Our GSDP has increased from Rs 2.8 lakh crore in 2018 to Rs 5.7 lakh crore in 2024, reflecting the resilience and determination of our people.”

“Today marks the beginning of a transformative journey, as we elevate Assam from its rich cultural roots to a thriving economic future,” he continued.

Borah emphasized Assam’s potential beyond its scenic beauty and cultural diversity, noting, “Our strategic position, with Guwahati as the gateway to the seven sister states, uniquely positions us to harness the vast opportunities of Southeast Asia.” He also highlighted the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, which has facilitated the identification and promotion of distinctive products from each district, such as muga silk, tea, and handloom items, thereby boosting local entrepreneurship and export opportunities.

A BJP councillor from Kerala’s Palakkad municipality has lodged a complaint against rapper and songwriter Vedan, also known as Hirandas Murali, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. The complaint alleges that Vedan insulted Prime Minister Narendra Modi in one of his songs.

In her complaint, Mini Krishnakumar, the BJP councillor, claims that the lyrics of Vedan’s song “Voice of Voiceless,” released four years ago, contain defamatory remarks about the Prime Minister. She further contends that the artist promotes societal division based on caste through his music.

The complaint highlights phrases such as “pseudo-nationalist” and lines that suggest, “The country is in the hands of the one who wields the sword.” Mini alleges that these lyrics are a deliberate affront to the Prime Minister and has called for an investigation by central agencies into the artist’s intent.

She stated, “The artist has made unsubstantiated, disrespectful, and offensive remarks about the Prime Minister, which not only tarnish his personal and political image but also undermine the dignity of India’s highest constitutional office.”

Mini’s complaint follows a wave of criticism directed at Vedan from Sangh Parivar leaders. RN Madhu, editor of Kesari, the RSS mouthpiece, accused Vedan of being backed by powerful sponsors and of promoting caste-based terrorism and separatist ideologies through his music. Additionally, KP Sasikala, a leader of the Hindu Aikya Vedi, criticized Vedan’s attire and expressed the belief that rap music lacks relevance for Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) communities.

The recent selection of actress Tamannah Bhatia as the brand ambassador for Mysore Sandal soap has sparked controversy among Kannada activists. Renowned for her impressive performances in films like Bahubali, Tamannah was chosen by Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) for her extensive digital reach, pan-India appeal, and favorable contract terms. Mysore Sandal soap, celebrated for its unique fragrance, is a product deeply tied to Karnataka’s heritage.

Tamannah’s latest project, *Odela 2*, will be followed by the folk thriller *Vvan – Force of the Forest*, in which she stars alongside Siddarth Malhotra.

However, the decision to appoint her as the face of this iconic Kannadiga product has faced backlash from Kannada language activists. They argue that a local product should be represented by a Kannada-speaking ambassador. In defense, MB Patil, the Minister for Commerce and Industries in Karnataka, emphasized the choice was based on factors such as national recognition and popularity among youth, noting that the contract with Tamannah is valued at ₹6.2 crores for two years.

In a social media post, Minister Patil stated, “KSDL aims to boost its revenue to ₹5,000 crores by 2028, implementing significant changes with multi-dimensional strategies for comprehensive organizational growth.”

Karnataka Rakshana Vedike has raised strong objections, asserting that KSDL is part of the rich history of Kannada culture, and employing a non-Kannada actress as its representative is inappropriate. Social activist Marilingegowda Patil has also approached Chief Minister S. Siddaramaiah regarding this matter.

Nevertheless, the government maintains that the decision is strictly a business strategy and not influenced by regional identities. Notably, other prominent actresses like Deepika Padukone, Rashmika Mandanna, and Kiara Advani were also considered for the role.