The Indian Air Force’s famous Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team thrilled thousands of spectators with a grand air show above the Somnath Temple on May 11 during the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav-2026 celebrations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the special event, which marked 75 years since the reconstruction of the historic temple. The colourful flypast and precision aerial formations became one of the biggest highlights of the celebrations in Gujarat, drawing devotees, tourists, and aviation ent

India's military leadership is set to undergo one of the most significant top-level shake-ups in recent years, with the official announcement of key appointments in the country's armed forces. On May 9, the Indian government named Lieutenant General N S Raja Subramani (Retd.) as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan as the new Chief of Naval Staff. These appointments will take effect at the end of May. Lt Gen Raja Subramani will succeed General Anil Chauhan, who held the position of CDS before retiring. Vice Admiral Swaminathan will take over from Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, who has served as the Chief of Naval Staff for the past few years. The appointments mark a significant change in the leadership structure of India’s armed forces, reflecting the government’s intent to revamp its military leadership for the coming years. The announcement comes after a period of intense speculation about who would fill these critical positions. The new leadership appointments come at a time when India is focusing on modernizing its defense forces and enhancing the capabilities of its military in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. The new CDS, Lt Gen Raja Subramani, will be tasked with overseeing the integration of the armed forces, a key goal under the leadership of the CDS role, which was created to provide greater coordination between the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Lt Gen Raja Subramani brings with him decades of experience, having held senior military roles during his service. His appointment is seen as a step towards strengthening India’s defense strategy, particularly in dealing with regional security challenges. On the other hand, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, who will take charge of the Indian Navy, is expected to further enhance naval capabilities, focusing on both maritime security and strengthening India’s naval presence in the Indian Ocean region. The appointments of Lt Gen Raja Subramani and Vice Admiral Swaminathan represent a pivotal moment for India’s military, ensuring continuity while introducing new leadership to navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving defense environment. With these changes, India continues its commitment to strengthening its defense forces and enhancing its security posture on the global stage.

On May 7, India and Pakistan held parallel press conferences marking the anniversary of Operation Sindoor, with each side offering contrasting perspectives on the recent conflict. During Pakistan’s press briefing, held by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the focus was on refuting India’s actions during the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir. Pakistan claimed that India’s response to the attack, which killed 26 people, was "unpro

Rabindranath Tagore, born on May 7, 1861, in Kolkata, India, was a polymath who earned recognition as a poet, philosopher, musician, and artist. His literary genius, especially through Gitanjali, garnered global fame, while his music and art formed an integral part of Bengal’s cultural heritage. His contributions extended far beyond writing; Tagore’s impact on education, spirituality, and national identity continues to influence generations. Tagore's Literary C

Hema Malini breaks down remembering Dharmendra: ‘Don’t know how I’ll cope’ as veteran actress Hema Malini became emotional while speaking about her late husband during a tribute event in Mumbai, reflecting on his legacy, life, and deep connection with audiences across generations. The tribute was held on Thursday at the National Gallery of Modern Art during the opening of “Lens & Legacy: Bollywood in Focus,” where Hema Malini spoke about Dharmendra??

The IC 814 hijacking remains one of India’s most serious aviation crises, and the role of Ajit Doval in managing the situation from behind the scenes highlights the complexity of decisions taken under extreme pressure. The hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC-814 on December 24, 1999, forced India into a difficult choice between saving hostages and long-term security concerns. The flig

Raghu Rai’s photography stands as a timeless tribute to Bengal’s rich cultural and intellectual heritage, capturing a remarkable spectrum of personalities and moments that shaped the region’s identity. Widely regarded as one of India’s most influential photographers, Raghu Rai used his lens to document not just events, but the deeper emotions and stories behind them. His iconic black and white portraits of legends such as Satyajit Ray and Mother Teresa remain some of the most powerful visual records of their lives and work. Through subtle expressions, light, and composition, Rai was able to reveal the humanity, depth, and quiet strength of his subjects, turning simple photographs into lasting narratives. Kolkata, often considered the cultural capital of India, played a central role in Rai’s photographic journey. The city’s streets, intellectual circles, and artistic traditions frequently appeared in his work, giving audiences a glimpse into its vibrant soul. His images went beyond famous figures to include everyday life, traditions, and social realities, creating a layered and authentic portrayal of Bengal. Over the years, his work has not only preserved history but also inspired generations of photographers and art lovers. As tributes continue to pour in, his legacy endures through images that still speak with emotional clarity and cultural significance, ensuring that the spirit of Bengal’s icons and people lives on through his extraordinary vision.

Popular actor and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has recently undergone a surgical procedure, triggering widespread discussion and concern among fans and the film industry. The news surfaced quickly and spread across media platforms, leading to speculation about the reason behind the surgery and his current health condition. According to initial reports, the procedure was planned and conducted under medical supervision, suggesting that it was not an emergency situation. Sources close to the development indicate that the surgery was successful, and doctors are closely monitoring his recovery. However, no official statement has been released detailing the exact nature of the medical condition or the treatment involved. The development has generated significant attention, particularly because of Kalyan’s dual role as a leading figure in both politics and the entertainment industry. His active public presence and strong connection with supporters have intensified public interest in his health status. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of support and wishes for a speedy recovery, reflecting the deep admiration and concern of his followers. Recovery Updates and Public Response Despite the ongoing speculation, individuals close to Pawan Kalyan have reassured that his condition remains stable and is steadily improving. Industry colleagues and political associates have also expressed optimism, urging the public not to jump to conclusions in the absence of confirmed information. Early indications suggest that he is responding well to post-surgery care and is expected to recover gradually. While the timeline for his return to public duties and film commitments remains unclear, it will largely depend on medical advice and recovery progress. Experts note that such procedures are often routine or preventive, and not necessarily linked to serious health concerns. This incident also highlights the importance of prioritizing health, even for public figures with demanding schedules. Regular medical check-ups and timely treatment are essential for long-term well-being. As fans await official confirmation, the overwhelming support pouring in from across the country underscores the strong bond between Pawan Kalyan and his audience.

Baahubali: The Eternal War has taken a major step forward in global animation, earning an official selection for the Work-in-Progress showcase at the 2026 Annecy International Animation Festival. Directed by Ishan Shukla, the amb

​A key provision in President Donald Trump’s recent tax legislation introduced significant federal deductions on tips and overtime pay, but the changes do not fully eliminate taxation for millions of American workers. As taxpayers finalize their 2025 returns ahead of the federal filing deadline on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, state governments are emphasizing that these earnings may still be subject

Filmmaker Vignesh Shivan has opened up about his strained relationship with actor Dhanush, calling the loss of their friendship his “biggest regret.” In a recent interview, Vignesh shared that he still holds Dhanush in high r

A 19th-century painting by renowned Indian artist Raja Ravi Varma has set a new benchmark in the global art market, selling for 1.67 billion rupees ($17.9 million) at an auction in New Delhi on Wednesday, April 2, 2026. The sale marks the highest price ever achieved for an Indian artwork, surpassing the previous record held by a work from modernist painter MF Husain. The painting, titled Yashoda and Krishna, is an oil-on-canvas masterpiece created in the 1890s, during the peak of Va

Renowned Bengali actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee tragically passed away following a boating accident at Talsari beach in Odisha. The 42-year-old actor was reportedly in the region for a film shoot when the incident occurred, sending shockwaves across the Bengali film industry and his fan base. Acco

In a tragic incident, two Indian Air Force pilots were killed after their Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jet crashed in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam. The aircraft, which was on a routine training mission, went missing shortly after taking off from the Jorhat airbase, located about 60 km away from the crash site. The missing jet was reported to have lost contact with the control tower at approximately 7:42 pm, and it was later discovered to have crashed in a remote, hilly region. Residents of

India is preparing to buy five additional squadrons of the Russian‑made S‑400 Triumf long‑range air defence missile system, a plan driven by the system’s highly effective performance during last year’s Operation Sindoor. The move aims to significantly bolster the Indian Air Force’s layered air defence network across both eastern and western fronts against evolving aerial threats. Defence ministry sources say the proposal from the Indian Air Force will soon be taken up fo

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a significant gesture during his private dinner with Prime Minister Narendra Modi by wearing a traditional Indian jacket, warmly greeting the Indian leader. This thoughtful attire choice was widely seen as a symbol of the growing strategic partnership between India and Israel. The move not only emphasized the strengthening diplomatic and defense ties but also highlighted the personal rapport shared by both leaders, underscoring the deepening coop

Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan has once again captured public attention with a mysterious and cryptic post on X, leaving fans puzzled and curious. The veteran actor, known for his thoughtful and often philosophical social media presence, shared a short yet striking message that immediately sparked widespread speculation. His post read, “T 5661(i) – CHUUUUUUPPPP!!!!” accompanied by an angry emoji, triggering a wave of reactions from his millions of followers across the platform.

On February 6, Galgotias University made headlines with a bold announcement: it had invested more than Rs 350 crore in artificial intelligence infrastructure, calling it the largest AI investment by any private university in India. The statement positioned the institution as a future global AI powerhouse, citing partnerships, supercomputing infrastructure, and ambitions aligned with global leaders s

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art in the United States has announced that it will return three historic bronze sculptures to India after concluding that the works were illegally removed from temple sites in Tamil Nadu. The decision follows an extensive provenance review of the museum’s South Asian collection and marks a significant step in addressing the long-standing issue of illicit trafficking of cultural heritage. The most prominent of the sculptures slated for return is a bronze depiction of Shiva Nataraja, dating to around A.D. 990. Created during the Chola period, the sculpture represents the Hindu deity Shiva in his cosmic dance, symbolizing the cycle of creation and destruction. The figure shows Shiva dancing upon a demon that embodies ignorance, encircled by a ring of fire and standing on a lotus base. Art historians regard this form as one of the most visually powerful and symbolically rich representations in Indian art, revered both within India and among global audiences. Alongside the Shiva Nataraja, the museum will repatriate a Somaskanda sculpture from the 12th century, also from the Chola period. This bronze depicts Shiva seated with his consort Parvathy and their son Skanda, reflecting devotional traditions that were central to temple worship in medieval South India. The third work to be returned is a 16th-century bronze titled Saint Sundarar With Paravai, dating to the Vijayanagar period, which portrays the revered Shaivite saint with his companion. The museum stated that the return of these works reflects its commitment to ethical museum practices and responsible stewardship. A comprehensive review was initiated to determine whether any objects in the collection had been unlawfully acquired. During this process, researchers uncovered evidence that raised serious concerns about the origins of the three bronzes. The Shiva Nataraja entered the museum’s collection in 2002 through a New York art gallery. Subsequent investigation revealed inconsistencies in the documentation associated with the acquisition, including the inability to verify the gallery’s listed address. Researchers later established that the sculpture appeared in photographs taken at a Tamil Nadu temple during the 1950s, confirming that it had been removed from its original religious setting. Further inquiry connected the gallery to a network involved in the trafficking of stolen antiquities. Court records have shown that individuals associated with this network engaged in smuggling cultural objects from South Asia and falsifying provenance records to introduce them into the international art market. In recent years, other institutions have also returned comparable works linked to the same sources. The Somaskanda and Saint Sundarar With Paravai sculptures were donated to the museum in 1987 as part of a major private collection. Their provenance came under scrutiny after a tip prompted researchers to consult archival material held by the French Institute of Pondicherry. Photographs from the 1950s in the institute’s archives showed both sculptures installed in temples in Tamil Nadu, providing clear evidence that they had been stolen and exported illegally. Experts note that bronze sculptures from South Indian temples have been frequent targets of theft due to their artistic value and global demand. Replicas have circulated widely in tourist markets, while original works disappeared from sacred sites, often leaving communities without objects of worship that had been central to their cultural and religious identity for centuries. The Smithsonian’s decision is being viewed as part of a broader international movement toward repatriation and accountability in the museum sector. By returning these sculptures, the institution acknowledges the importance of restoring cultural heritage to its place of origin and reinforces growing global standards for transparency and ethical collecting practices.

The Defence Procurement Board has cleared a proposal to acquire 114 additional Rafale fighter aircraft, marking a major step forward in India’s effort to strengthen its air combat capabilities. The clearance, granted after an initial examination of the case, advances one of the Indian Air Force’s most significant modernisation plans aimed at addressing long-standing operational gaps and preparing for future security challenges. The proposal is intended to narrow the difference b