‘Belong to nation and countrymen’: PM Modi highlights India’s key Nov achievements in ‘Mann Ki Baat’

New Delhi, Nov 30, 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the “major achievements” of the nation in the month of November and said that they brought many inspirations for the people and hence belong to the country.

Addressing the 128th episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, the Prime Minister said, “The month of November has brought many inspirations. A few days ago, on November 26, a special programme was organised at the Parliament’s Central Hall. A grand series of nationwide events commenced on the 150th anniversary celebrations of ‘Vande Mataram’. On November 25, the ‘Dharma Dhwaja’ was hoisted at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. On the same day, the Panchajanya memorial was inaugurated in Kurukshetra’s Jyotisar.”

He praised the world’s largest Leap Engine MRO facility in Hyderabad, and said that India has taken a “major step” in the field of maintenance, repair and overhaul sector of aircraft.

The Prime Minister also mentioned the induction of INS Mahe in the Indian Navy, Skyroot’s Infinity Campus and said that these achievements have “become a reflection of Bharat’s new thinking, innovation and youth power”.

Stressing that India has achieved a “major milestone” in the agriculture sector, PM Modi said, “India has set a record of producing 357 million tonnes of food grain. Compared to a decade ago, India’s food grain production has increased by 100 million tonnes.”

In the world of sports, the Prime Minister said that India’s flag is flying high.

“A few days ago, it was announced that India will host the Commonwealth Games. These achievements belong to the nation, to the countrymen. Mann Ki Baat is a wonderful platform to celebrate such accomplishments of the countrymen to bring forward collective efforts of the people,” he said.

“If there is determination in the heart, faith in the collective strength to work as a team, if there is the courage to fall and then rise again, then success is guaranteed even in the difficult times,” he added.(Agency)

Shefali Shah reveals life-altering experience of bringing Ria to life in ‘Monsoon Wedding’

Mumbai, Nov 30, 2025
Veteran actress Shefali Shah celebrated 24 years of her iconic film “Monsoon Wedding,” reflecting on her transformative journey as Ria.

In her latest post on Instagram, the ‘Darlings’ actress opened up about how the role became a voice for countless women. Shefali shed the light on courage, resilience, and the power of storytelling that continues to resonate even decades later.

Sharing a heartfelt video from the movie, she wrote, “Monsoon Wedding was actually like one big family coming together for a wedding. We all did group yoga in the morning, then a big breakfast that @pagliji got from her home.

This was followed by a workshop by Naseer bhai, and then post lunch Mira worked with us on individual scenes. The film went on to become a cult, and it won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. What an incredible run I had thought then. I didn’t realise how this film and Ria would become the voice of so many girls who had gone through it, then and till date.”

“When I did the film it was a cathartic experience, but I think I was focusing more on the creative process. But later from the outside, I could see her churning up the latent strength that lies in every woman. Guilt and shame is ingrained in us. She disowned it and put it on the person who was responsible for causing the damage.

She shed her guilt, she repudiated shame, and stood up for herself, and along with herself, unknowingly she became a voice for all those women who had stayed silent for so long.”

Shefali Shah added, “How many others got strength from Ria I don’t know, but I do know that character came to life and became more true because of all the stories of women known and unknown to me.

Often I’m troubled by a question, “What have I done in my life that has been life-altering? I’m not a doctor or a scientist or a researcher or lawyer, activist or anyone who actually helps make others’ lives better. But what do I do? Nothing.”

“I remember years later when I was in Delhi, a very handsome elderly couple walked up to me. The gentleman very warmly appreciated my work while this beautiful, dignified, stately woman, his wife, stood silent throughout, just holding my hands. After thanking them, I was about to leave when the man told me, “She went through what Ria did. Thank you for giving her the voice and strength to talk about it after holding it in for years.”

The post further read, “If anyone saw us, they would have seen a group of three people huddled together, tightly holding hands with tears in their eyes. Two women of different ages sharing the same silent strength. And this is the answer to my haunting question. Sometimes what I do does make a difference.”

“Monsoon Wedding,” directed by Mira Nair, written by Sabrina Dhawan, starred Naseeruddin Shah, Lillete Dubey, Shefali Shah and Vasundhara Das. The film, set during a traditional Punjabi Hindu wedding in Delhi, was released in India on 30 November 2001.(Agency)

Man shot dead in Delhi’s Aya Nagar over ‘family enmity’

New Delhi, Nov 30, 2025
A 55-year-old man was allegedly shot dead in Delhi’s Fatehpur Beri police station area following enmity over a property in the early hours of Sunday.

The deceased was identified as Ratan Lohiya.

The incident occurred at around 5 a.m. when the victim, who left home for his dairy work in Aya Nagar, was cornered by assailants and shot dead.

It came to the fore that the enmity of Lohiya’s son with one Ramveer over property led to the murder.

Around two years ago, Lohiya’s elder son Deepak was thrashed by Ramveer’s goons, and the hearing is on in that case.

Six months ago, Deepak, angered over getting continuous threats over the issue, allegedly shot dead Ramveer’s elder son Arun, in Chhatapur CDR chowk. The police had arrested Deepak, and he was now in Tihar jail.

Lohiya’s relatives claimed that he had no enmity with anyone, and Ramveer killed him to avenge his son’s death.

The deceased’s sister, Maimla, told IANS that Lohiya had been getting continuous death threats for the past three years.

She said that her brother was shot in the head.

Stating that such incidents will make their living in the village difficult, she demanded justice.

Maimla alleged that even after being informed, the police did not take action against Ramveer and his family.

The deceased’s wife, Kamlesh, said her husband was attacked by a group of 12 people.

Advocating for her son, Deepak, she said, “He was a simple youth. He was attacked by 20 people. Two days after he regained consciousness, a case was filed. However, whenever he used to go for hearings, Ramveer’s group gheraoed him and threatened him. Enraged over that, Deepak shot dead Ramveer’s son Arun.”

She said that they have been living under constant threat.

Kamlesh said the accused included Ramveer, his son, his relatives, and Kamal.(Agency)

PM Modi says India’s cultural legacy ‘rooted in peace’, highlights global interest in Bhagavad Gita

New Delhi, Nov 30, 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the spirit of peace and compassion has always remained central to India’s civilisational ethos, while also noting the growing interest worldwide in the country’s cultural heritage.

Addressing the 128th episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, PM Modi said that although everyone knows the Mahabharata battle took place in Kurukshetra, one can now “literally experience” it at the Mahabharata Experience Centre, where the epic is presented in 3D using sound, light, and digital technology.

“When I visited Kurukshetra on November 25, the experience at this Anubhav Kendra filled me with joy,” he said.

Calling his presence at the International Gita Mahotsav at Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra “very special”, the Prime Minister said he was moved by how people across continents were drawing inspiration from the Bhagavad Gita.

“I was deeply impressed to see how people from all over the world are being inspired by the divine scripture, the Gita. People from many countries around the world, including Europe and Central Asia, have participated in this festival,” he said.

He added that this month, for the first time, the Gita was performed on a public platform in Saudi Arabia, while Latvia hosted a memorable Gita Mahotsav with enthusiastic participation from artists from Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania and Algeria.

Reiterating that peace and compassion lie at the heart of India’s culture, PM Modi cited the humanitarian efforts of Jam Saheb Maharaja Digvijay Singh of Nawanagar during World War II.

“Imagine the Second World War, when a horrific atmosphere of destruction prevailed everywhere. During such difficult times, the great work done by Jam Saheb Maharaja Digvijay Singh of Nawanagar, Gujarat, continues to inspire us even today. At that time, Jam Sahib wasn’t thinking about any strategic alliance or war strategy. Rather, his concern was how Polish Jewish children were protected during World War II. He sheltered thousands of children in Gujarat and gave them a new life, which remains an example even today,” he said.

He noted that a statue of Jam Saheb was recently unveiled in Moshav Nevatim in southern Israel.

“This was a very special honour. Last year, I had the privilege of paying my respects at Jam Sahib’s memorial in Warsaw, Poland. That moment will remain unforgettable for me,” he said.

The Prime Minister also spoke about the upcoming ‘Kashi Tamil Sangamam’, which will begin on December 2 at Namo Ghat in Varanasi, urging people to participate in large numbers.

“The confluence of the world’s oldest language and one of the world’s oldest cities is always a wonderful experience. I’m talking about the ‘Kashi Tamil Sangamam’. The fourth Kashi-Tamil Sangamam is commencing on the 2nd of December at Namo Ghat in Kashi. This year’s Kashi-Tamil Sangamam has a very interesting theme: Learn Tamil — Tamil Karkalam,” he said.

He added that the event has become an important platform for those connected to the Tamil language.

“Whenever one speaks to the people of Kashi… they always say that they enjoy being a part of the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam. Here, they get the opportunity to learn something new and meet new people. This time too, the people of Kashi are very eager to welcome their brothers and sisters from Tamil Nadu with full enthusiasm.

I urge all of you to be a part of the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam. Along with this, do consider other platforms as well, that strengthen the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat-Shrestha Bharat’,” PM Modi added.(Agency)

‘Justice will ultimately triumph’: Cong on FIR in National Herald case

New Delhi, Nov 30, 2025
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh on Sunday strongly criticised the fresh FIR registered by the Delhi Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) against Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in the long-running National Herald money laundering case.

In a post on X, Ramesh wrote: “The Modi-Shah duo is continuing with its mischievous politics of harassment, intimidation, and vendetta against the top leadership of the INC. Those who threaten are themselves insecure and afraid. The National Herald matter is a completely bogus case.

“Justice will ultimately triumph. Satyameva Jayate,” he added.

Ramesh’s comments come amid escalating political tensions following the registration of the FIR, which has reignited a decade-long dispute involving the National Herald newspaper and its parent company, Associated Journals Limited (AJL).

The FIR names Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and six others in connection with allegations of criminal conspiracy and financial irregularities.

The Congress leader accused the BJP leadership of using investigative agencies to target opposition figures, calling the move an attempt to intimidate and harass party leadership.

His remarks highlight the ongoing clash between the ruling party and Congress over the handling of high-profile legal cases, which opposition leaders claim are politically motivated.

The registration of the FIR comes after repeated scrutiny of financial transactions and property acquisitions linked to AJL and associated entities.

Congress leaders have consistently maintained that the case is politically engineered to malign the party and its senior leadership, while BJP leaders have defended it as a legitimate legal action backed by evidence.

The EOW registered the FIR on October 3, based on a complaint from the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The FIR accuses Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and six others of criminal conspiracy to “fraudulently take over Associated Journals Limited (AJL)”, the parent company of the out-of-print National Herald newspaper.

Alongside Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, the FIR names Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey, and Sunil Bhandari, as well as three entities: Young Indian, Dotex Merchandise Pvt Ltd, and AJL.

According to the FIR, the alleged conspiracy aimed to acquire AJL — which owned properties valued at over Rs 2,000 crore — for a nominal sum of Rs 50 lakh through Young Indian, a company reportedly beneficially owned by Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.(Agency)

Unregistered coracle operators putting tourists at ‘risk’ in TN’s Hogenakkal

Chennai, Nov 30, 2025
Concerns are mounting in Hogenakkal as registered coracle operators warn of a growing influx of unlicensed operators who, they say, are flouting safety regulations and putting tourists at serious risk.

They have urged the Dharmapuri district administration to intervene immediately to prevent unregistered individuals from conducting tourism activities on the Cauvery. Hogenakkal has long been a popular tourist destination, but its waters have also seen tragedy.

In 2015, six people lost their lives after a coracle capsized. The incident pushed the administration to enforce strict safety measures, including mandatory registration for coracle operators, designated operation zones and compulsory use of life jackets for all passengers. For several years, these rules ensured safe and organised tourism.

However, in recent months, registered operators said several unlicensed individuals have begun ferrying tourists illegally, often venturing into hazardous stretches of the river.

Registered operators pointed out that there are around 428 licensed coracle operators in Hogenakkal, all of whom are required to follow the safety standards set by the administration. Operating without life jackets or entering restricted areas can lead to immediate cancellation of their registration and penal action.

The operators said they are routinely monitored by the local coracle committees and Block Development Office, ensuring compliance.

However, the unregistered operators are reportedly bypassing all these rules.

According to the registered operators, these unauthorised coracle handlers are inexperienced and often take tourists towards dangerous stretches, including deep and fast-flowing zones near Periyapaani and the Five River convergence area – places known for strong currents and serious accident risk.

They also allegedly overcharge tourists, offering trips beyond the permitted routes such as the Chinnar–Kothikal–Manalmedu circuit, where a standard round-trip for five people is officially capped at Rs 1,500.

Locals have echoed these concerns, saying that any mishap affects not just the victims but the reputation and livelihood of the entire community. They want the administration to strictly enforce designated operation zones, place warning boards for tourists, and intensify monitoring to prevent exploitation and accidents.

Officials from the Pennagaram Block Development Office said they had not yet received formal complaints but assured that they would consult local operators and take steps to ensure tourist safety.

With tourist arrivals expected to increase in the coming months, registered operators emphasise that swift administrative action is essential to prevent avoidable tragedies and restore order in Hogenakkal’s coracle operations.(Agency)

‘Virat, Rohit bhai will do their talking with bats…’, says Arshdeep ahead of 1st ODI vs SA

Ranchi, Nov 30, 2025
As India’s three-match ODI series against South Africa gets underway here on Sunday afternoon at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, India pacer Arshdeep Singh reflected on Indian batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s form and said the duo will “do the talking with their bats rather than words.”

With Rohit and Kohli back in action after playing in the ODI series against Australia in October, the chatter has been huge over whether the veteran duo can sustain their form and fitness to feature in the 50-over World Cup two years from now.

Rohit and Kohli headlined India’s previous ODI assignment in Australia, considering it’s the only format they play now in national colours. For now, everyone’s focus will be on how the duo fare against the Bavuma-led Proteas in Ranchi, Raipur and Visakhapatnam.

“Virat bhai and Rohit bhai will do their talking with the bat rather than words. I really enjoyed watching them middle the ball so well during practice. As a bowler, I wouldn’t enjoy bowling to them in this form, but as a teammate, I’m excited to see them play so well. We can definitely expect big runs from them in the first ODI,” Arahdeep said on JioStar.

After India suffered a clean sweep at home in the red-ball leg of multi-format series, this ODI series carries added significance and the veteran duo will bring cheer to the team.

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma acknowledged the challenge of facing Virat and Rohit in India and said, “It’s exciting for local fans to watch their two legends play at home again. We’re looking forward to experiencing the special energy these star players bring. While we’ll prepare specific plans for them like any other players, we know the atmosphere will be different and exciting when these big names are playing.”

“India deserves full respect in every format because they always field a strong team. Playing them in their home conditions makes the challenge even tougher. Their ODI team looks stronger with experienced players returning, which will definitely test us as a team during this series,” he added.(Agency)

Subhash Ghai celebrates timeless bond with Laxmikant–Pyarelal after 95-year-old’s viral rendition of ‘Bada Dukh Dina’

Mumbai, Nov 30, 2025
Filmmaker Subhash Ghai recently reflected on his timeless bond with legendary composers Laxmikant–Pyarelal.

In his recent post on Instagram, he emphasized that great music in films comes from emotional harmony between the director and music composers, not from financial transactions. Subhash shared that a video reel of a 95-year-old village woman singing “Bada Dukh Dina” with full tune and vigor inspired him.

The performance moved him so much that he called veteran composer Pyarelal ji over video to reminisce about the deep emotional bond they shared in creating music during the 1980s and 1990s.

The veteran director also expressed happiness over reconnecting and wished Pyarelal ji a healthy, long life, while also remembering the late Laxmi. Sharing their monochrome throwback picture, Subhash Ghai wrote, “Only emotional harmony between a director n music composers can bring great music in a Film. Not money transactions.

I got a video reel in social media on 95 years village woman singing ‘bada dukh dina “ in full tune n vigour that inspired me to call Pyarelal ji on video n talk about our true emotional tie up to bring such music in 80/90 s We felt happy. God bless him healthy long life. We miss luxmi ji too.”(sic)

Laxmikant–Pyarelal were a legendary Indian composer duo, comprising Laxmikant Shantaram Kudalkar. Over a prolific career spanning from 1963 to 1998, they composed music for around 750 films and collaborated with numerous renowned filmmakers.

Laxmikant–Pyarelal began their career by composing music for Babubhai Mistri’s Parasmani, which proved to be a commercial success.

Two songs from the film, “Hansta Hua Noorani Chehra, Kali Zulfen, Rang Sunehra” and “Woh Jab Yaad Aaye, Bahut Yaad Aaye,” became superhits and were featured in the annual Binaca Geetmala list. They further established themselves when they composed the soundtrack for Rajshri Productions’ blockbuster musical drama “Dosti.”(Agency)

National Herald FIR triggers political storm; BJP cites ‘credible evidence’, Cong calls it ‘conspiracy’

New Delhi, Nov 30, 2025
A fresh political confrontation erupted on Sunday after the Delhi Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) registered a new FIR against Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald money-laundering case.

The FIR has prompted sharp, contrasting reactions from BJP allies and the Congress.

BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal strongly defended the action, asserting that the FIR was grounded in substantial evidence gathered by investigative agencies.

“Look, charges have been framed. Their names appear in the FIR. This means the investigating agency and the police have credible evidence against them. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly said that those who have looted the country will have to return what they took. This is nothing new. The Congress and its leaders are known across the country for how funds have been misused,” he said, alleging long-standing patterns of financial impropriety within the party.

Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC also denied that the FIR was politically motivated, insisting the case was rooted in “financial wrongdoing”.

“The National Herald case is not a political witch hunt. The FIR is about a criminal conspiracy involving the assets of Associated Journals Limited, which owns the National Herald Company, worth almost Rs 2,000 crore. Now there are three companies whose beneficiaries are Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. When an FIR is being lodged against them – whether it is Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi or Sam Pitroda – the Constitution is above all. I believe let law do its work…”

The Congress, however, described the FIR as the latest attempt by the BJP to target opposition leaders through investigative agencies.

Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said, “There is an attempt to harass the opposition; this is a conspiracy. This has never been, nor will it ever be, the democratic way of the BJP. They are adopting a completely authoritarian approach, trying to eliminate and intimidate the opposition. But we will not be afraid…”

The EOW registered the fresh FIR on October 3, acting on a complaint from the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The case accuses Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and six others of criminal conspiracy to fraudulently take over Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the parent company of the now-defunct National Herald.

Others named in the FIR include Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey, Sunil Bhandari, and three entities: Young Indian, Dotex Merchandise Pvt Ltd, and AJL.

According to the FIR, the alleged conspiracy aimed to acquire AJL, which owned properties valued at over Rs 2,000 crore, for just Rs 50 lakh through Young Indian, a company said to be beneficially owned by Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.(Agency)

World AIDS Day: HIV infections down 49 pc, deaths reduced by over 81 pc in India

New Delhi, Nov 30, 2025
Between 2010 and 2024, India achieved 48.7 per cent decline in annual new HIV infections, 81.4 per cent reduction in AIDS-related deaths and 74.6 per cent decline in mother-to-child HIV transmission, the government said on Sunday, ahead of the ‘World AIDS Day 2025’.

India continues to demonstrate substantial progress under the current phase of the National AIDS Control Programme.

“HIV testing increased from 4.13 crore (2020–21) to 6.62 crore (2024–25); access to antiretroviral treatment rose from 14.94 lakh to 18.60 lakh PLHIV; and viral load testing nearly doubled from 8.90 lakh to 15.98 lakh in the same period,” said the Health Ministry.

These outcomes surpass global averages and reflect India’s leadership, sustained domestic investment, evidence-based strategies, and robust community engagement.

Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda will lead the national-level observance of ‘World AIDS Day’ at Vigyan Bhawan here on Monday, in the presence of senior officials — reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to advancing the national response to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and stigma elimination.

The event, organised by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), will bring together government leaders, development partners, youth representatives, community advocates, people living with HIV (PLHIV), and frontline health workers, reflecting a united approach to accelerating India’s journey towards ending AIDS as a public health threat.

According to the ministry, a youth-led flash performance will underscore the importance of awareness and responsible behaviour.

This will be followed by the inauguration of a thematic exhibition, showcasing digital innovations, programme achievements, and community-led models implemented under the National AIDS and STD Control Programme.

Beneficiary experience stories and an audio-visual presentation will highlight India’s progress under NACP-V, along with upcoming priorities, said the ministry.

A major highlight of the observance will be the launch of a new campaign video series under NACO’s national multimedia initiative, centred around three core pillars — Youth and Awareness, Elimination of Vertical Transmission, and Stigma and Discrimination.(Agency)

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