National

Jaishankar Opens New Indian Consulate in Manchester

Published

1 year ago

March 9, 2025

During the inauguration of the new Consulate General of India in Manchester, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that this mission represents the significance of the growing Indian Diaspora in the region and signals forthcoming developments, including a Free Trade Agreement between India and the UK. “We view the free trade agreement not just as a trade or investment pact, but as a transformative opportunity—a profound shift towards a deeper bilateral relationship,” he stated.

Mr. Jaishankar remarked that his formal visit to Manchester signifies the advancement of the India-UK relationship over the past forty years. He envisions the new Consulate as a catalyst for enhanced bilateral ties. “This is more than just an office; it is an investment in a relationship that holds tremendous promise. We are optimistic that it will foster increased trade, investment, education, and technological collaboration,” he noted.

Addressing the Indian community in Manchester, the minister highlighted that no Prime Minister has dedicated as much effort to strengthening ties with the Diaspora as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has. “The importance and value we place on the Diaspora as a vital connection to the world—what we term the ‘living bridge’—is extraordinary. It’s not merely an emotional connection; there is a profound understanding that the Diaspora significantly influences India’s global image,” he added.

Mr. Jaishankar informed the Diaspora about the ongoing developments in India, many of which reflect India’s international relationships. “One notable initiative concerning the UK is the establishment of support centers for those in need, known as Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendras. The first of these centers in this part of the world will be in the UK, with its official inauguration occurring today or perhaps through this announcement,” he shared.

He reiterated that the Diaspora is a key priority for India. “Our focus extends to trade, technology, and people exchanges. We recognize the importance of globalization—although we strive for fairer practices. Ultimately, we see the world as filled with opportunities rather than challenges. When India engages with the world, we do so with confidence, which may not be the case for everyone else, but that is their concern,” he remarked.

Mr. Jaishankar recalled that the BJP’s election manifesto last year dedicated a significant section to foreign policy, explicitly stating the intention to increase the number of embassies and consulates worldwide.

“Therefore, today’s event is not only a commitment to the community but also a promise to ourselves to cultivate a more globalized India. We are dedicated to fostering a more connected India that recognizes the invaluable contributions of the Indian community abroad,” the minister concluded.

National

West Bengal Man Detained in Bengaluru over Alleged Terror Links

Published

7 hours ago

August 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bengaluru: Bengaluru police have detained a 25-year-old man from West Bengal over his alleged links with a terror group.

The accused has been identified as Asafool Mallik. He is a native of Naopara village in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district.

Police detained Mallik in the Jigani area after receiving information about his alleged suspicious online activities.

According to the police, Mallik had allegedly established contact with a person identified as Imran Haider through Facebook. Haider, who is from Afghanistan, is suspected to have links with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Police said Mallik allegedly wanted to travel to Afghanistan and join the group. He also allegedly discussed retaliatory attacks against the Pakistan Army and possible attacks in India.

Mallik had reportedly applied for a visa to travel to Afghanistan. However, he later dropped the plan due to financial difficulties and family responsibilities, police said.

Mallik was living near APC Circle in Jigani. He had been working as a security guard at Tata Advanced Limited in the Jigani Industrial Area since December 2025.

Police said they received information about his activities while conducting patrols in the Bommasandra Industrial Area.

During questioning, Mallik allegedly said he was angry over what he believed were attacks on Muslims in Pakistan. He also reportedly expressed anger over Pakistan’s position on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Police further said Mallik was allegedly being encouraged to retaliate if Muslims faced difficulties in India.

Police later examined Mallik’s mobile phone. They allegedly found chats, voice calls and audio conversations between Mallik and Haider.

The police are now examining the chats, recordings and other material recovered from the phone.

The investigation is underway to determine the extent of Mallik’s alleged links with the terror network.

National

Google Marks India’s Independence Day With Vibrant Doodle

Published

15 hours ago

August 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mangaluru: India is celebrating its Independence Day on August 15, 2026. Google has joined the celebrations with a special Doodle on its homepage.

The colourful Doodle reflects India’s rich culture and heritage. It features patterns inspired by traditional Indian textiles.

The artwork replaces the usual Google logo with bright colours and traditional motifs. It gives the familiar logo a distinct Indian look.

The Doodle also highlights India’s cultural diversity. Its detailed designs are inspired by India’s traditional art and textile heritage.

India became independent from British rule on August 15, 1947. The day is celebrated across the country with flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural programmes, parades and other patriotic events.

Kite flying and cultural activities are also part of the Independence Day celebrations in many parts of the country.

India gained independence on August 15, 1947, after nearly two centuries of British rule.

The freedom struggle involved the sacrifices of millions of Indians. Several prominent leaders and freedom fighters played important roles in the movement.

Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Bhagat Singh are among the prominent figures associated with India’s freedom struggle.

As the nation celebrates Independence Day, Google’s special Doodle adds a colourful digital tribute to India’s history, culture and national spirit.

National

India Celebrates Independence Day with Focus on Viksit Bharat

Published

15 hours ago

August 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: India celebrates Independence Day on August 15, 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national celebrations at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi.

The ceremony highlighted 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram. The event also focused on the power of the youth, or Yuva Shakti.

Prime Minister Modi stressed the vision of building a developed India, or Viksit Bharat, by 2047. He called on the youth to play a key role In achieving this goal.

For the first time in the history of the Red Fort celebrations, Vande Mataram was officially rendered during the ceremony.

Prime Minister Modi appeared in a traditional tie-and-dye red turban. He paired it with a white kurta and a chocolate-brown jacket.

The celebrations followed the traditional state protocol. The national flag was hoisted at the Red Fort. A 21-gun salute was also given.

A ceremonial Guard of Honour was presented to the Prime Minister. He later addressed the nation from the Red Fort.

The 2026 Independence Day celebrations combined India’s historic legacy with a strong message for the future. The focus remained on youth power and the goal of making India a developed nation by 2047.