PM Narendra Modi launches HPV vaccination drive

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Programme, targeting girls aged 14 years across all States and Union Territories. The initiative was launched during his visit to Ajmer, Rajasthan. It aims at preventing cervical cancer and is part of the government’s larger effort to strengthen women’s health and advance preventive healthcare across the country.The programme will cover approximately 1.15 crore girls each year and the vaccine will be provided free of cost at designated government health facilities, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Primary Health Centres), Community Health Centres, Sub-District and District Hospitals, and Government Medical Colleges.Vaccination will be voluntary, with parental or guardian consent obtained before administration. Each session will be supervised by trained medical officers and supported by skilled healthcare teams. All sites will have functional Cold Chain Points and access to 24×7 government health facilities to manage any rare Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI).In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the daughters of the country are healthy and prosperous. In this direction, this morning, around 11:30 AM, I will launch the nationwide HPV vaccination campaign in Ajmer, Rajasthan. The objective of this initiative is the prevention of cervical cancer. During this time, I will also have the opportunity to lay the foundation stones and inaugurate several projects, along with handing over appointment letters to my young colleagues.“Alongside the health initiative, PM Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects in Ajmer worth over Rs 16,680 crore. These include projects in urban development, roads, irrigation, drinking water supply, energy and industrial infrastructure. Key infrastructure projects include the 4-lane greenfield expressway from Bandikui to Jaipur, 6-lane highway in the Amritsar-Jamnagar Economic Corridor, and 8-lane carriageway in the Delhi-Vadodara Expressway. Foundations will also be laid for elevated roads, state highways, and major drinking water projects.Furthering the Government’s commitment to youth empowerment, PM Modi will distribute over 21,800 appointment letters to newly recruited government employees in Rajasthan.According to a Press Information Bureau (PIB) release, the nationwide HPV vaccination drive represents a significant step in India’s public health journey and aligns with the government’s vision of “Swastha Nari”, ensuring prevention, protection, and equity in women’s healthcare.

Pakistan will face a herculean task when they take on Sri Lanka in a crucial Super 8s clash at the Pallekele International Stadium on Saturday. Pakistan’ fate, however, has an added twist — the weather. England did them a huge favour on Friday by beating New Zealand, denying the Kiwis a clear path to the knockouts. Pakistan now have their destiny in their own hands. As things stand, New Zealand sit second in Group 2 with three points and a healthy Net Run-Rate of +1.390. Pakistan, meanwhile, have a solitary point after two matches (NRR: -0.461).

To overtake New Zealand, Pakistan must either beat Sri Lanka by roughly 64 runs or chase down the target in about 13.1 overs (assuming a 160-run target).

PAK vs SL T20 World Cup Super 8s: But what if rain intervenes?

The equation is simple: a washout in the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka clash would hand New Zealand a semi-final spot. Pakistan earned their only point in the Super 8s after their earlier match against New Zealand was washed out, but another rain-affected game would only take them to two points — still short of New Zealand’s tally.Currently, the Super 8 Group 2 points table stands as follows:England – 6 points, 3 matches, NRR +1.096New Zealand – 3 points, 3 matches, NRR +1.390Pakistan – 1 point, 2 matches, NRR -0.461Sri Lanka – 0 points, 2 matches, NRR -2.800According to AccuWeather, there’s just a 1 per cent chance of rain at Pallekele on Saturday, with temperatures ranging between 19-26 degrees Celsius.If Pakistan manage to qualify, the first semi-final will be played in Colombo. If New Zealand advance, the match shifts to Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

PAK vs SL in T20Is: STAT ATTACK

Pakistan lead 17-12 in T20Is against Sri Lanka and hold a 4-2 edge in encounters since 2025, but this Super 8s showdown could very well hinge on the weather.Sri Lanka squad: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Kusal Perera, Pramod Madushan, Janith Liyanage, Kamil MisharaPakistan squad: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha(c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan(w), Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq, Khawaja Nafay, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf

In the wake of Operation Sindoor and amid a rapidly evolving global security landscape, India is leaving no stone unturned in strengthening its defence preparedness.

In the wake of Operation Sindoor and amid a rapidly evolving global security landscape, India is leaving no stone unturned in strengthening its defence preparedness. Showcasing a range of game-changing weapons capable of decisively neutralising adversaries, the Indian Air Force (IAF) demonstrated the lethal capabilities of its fighter aircraft, helicopters, missiles, laser-guided bombs and other advanced munitions during Exercise Vayu Shakti at the Pokhran Field Firing Range on Friday. Held in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu as the Chief Guest, the day-and-night firepower demonstration reaffirmed India’s status as one of the world’s most formidable air forces.

A Theme of “From Inception to Execution”

Conducted under the theme “From Inception to Execution,” the exercise highlighted the IAF’s ability to translate operational concepts into decisive battlefield outcomes. Fighter jets, attack helicopters and missile systems such as Akash and SPYDER air defence systems struck simulated enemy targets with precision, creating a dramatic battlefield scenario at Pokhran. The sheer intensity of the explosions, dust clouds and coordinated strikes symbolised India’s readiness to counter any challenge across all fronts. Dignitaries present included Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade, Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan, and Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh, along with Members of Parliament and foreign delegates from friendly nations.

Image Credit: TOI

With the international border barely 125 km from Jaisalmer, the display sent a strong strategic message beyond India’s frontiers.

Massive Aerial Participation

A total of 77 aircraft, including fighter jets, combat helicopters and transport aircraft, operated from airbases such as Jaisalmer, Suratgarh, Jodhpur, Phalodi, Nal and Uttarlai. They executed coordinated strikes on simulated targets, including enemy radar sites, troop concentrations, ammunition depots and fuel installations. Frontline aircraft such as the Rafale, Su-30MKI, MiG-29, Mirage 2000 and Jaguar delivered precision-guided munitions and conventional bombs with deadly accuracy. The Rafale generated a precisely timed sonic boom, followed by low-level Jaguar reconnaissance runs capturing high-fidelity imagery.

Image Credit: TOI

Transport and support aircraft such as the C-17, C-130J, IL-76, IL-78, AN-32 and Embraer platforms demonstrated strategic airlift, mid-air refuelling and logistics support capabilities. A C-17 executed a Containerised Delivery System drop, while a C-130J carried out assault landings with the IAF’s Garud Special Forces. The indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) ‘Prachand’ showcased its air-to-ground missile capabilities, while Mi-17 helicopters launched rocket attacks on ground targets. The Advanced Light Helicopter Mk-IV weaponised variant participated in joint operations with the Indian Army. In a first, Chinook helicopters airlifted M-777 Ultra-Light Howitzers in underslung mode, demonstrating the rapid deployment of combat assets. Indigenous air defence systems Akash and SPYDER successfully neutralised simulated aerial threats, underscoring India’s commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

Image Credit: TOI

As dusk fell, night operations intensified. The Su-30MKI and Jaguar conducted strategic bombing missions, while the C-130J performed flare dispensing. The highlight of Vayu Shakti 2026 was a grand drone show — the first of its kind at the exercise — depicting India’s map, Air Force formations, and historic operations including the 1965 Sargodha strike, Kargil’s Tiger Hill bombing, the Balakot air strike and Operation Sindoor. In just three hours, approximately 120 tonnes of ordnance were delivered over a two-square-kilometre area, reflecting the IAF’s immense destructive capability and pinpoint accuracy.

Image Credit: TOI

Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026 ultimately stood as a resounding testament to the Indian Air Force’s operational preparedness, technological advancement and unwavering resolve to safeguard the nation.

Jairam Ramesh (PTI image)

NEW DELHI: Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Saturday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi after US President Donald Trump praised Pakistan’s leadership amid the ongoing conflict between Islamabad and the Taliban.Reacting to Trump’s remarks praising Pakistan’s leadership, Ramesh took to X to express his disapproval.

He wrote, “President Trump’s full-throated and categorical support for Pakistan in its war with Afghanistan is another setback for Indian ‘huglomacy.’ He has once again gone out of his way to praise the man whose inflammatory remarks provided the backdrop to the terrorist attacks in Pahalgam on April 22nd, 2025 that were orchestrated by Pakistan.”

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Ramesh also pointed to economic concerns arising from India-US trade engagements. “Our economic diplomacy with the US has failed badly, as evinced by Mr. Modi suddenly surrendering to a clearly one-sided trade deal in which India has made firm pledges especially to import from American farmers, while the US has made vague commitments to allow for greater exports from India. Not only that, days after the agreement, the US imposed a 125.87% import duty on solar modules from India,” he wrote.On strategic diplomacy, Congress leader added, “Our strategic diplomacy has received repeated blows by President Trump repeatedly cozying up to the Pakistani establishment and reverting to the hyphenation of India and Pakistan. The Prime Minister may, through his means, manage to get awards. But the fact is that the self-declared Vishwaguru has been exposed and the world, especially the US, has got his measure.”The remarks come after Trump praised Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces, Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif amid Islamabad’s ongoing conflict with the Taliban. At a White House briefing, Trump said, “Well, I would [intervene], but I get along with Pakistan, as you know, very well. Very, very well. You have a great prime minister, you have a great general there, you have a great leader. I think two of the people that I really respect a lot. I think Pakistan is doing terrifically well.”Following Trump’s comments, US Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker also expressed Washington’s backing for Islamabad. She wrote on X, “Spoke today with Pakistan Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch to express condolences for lives lost in the recent conflict between Pakistan and the Taliban. We continue to monitor the situation closely and expressed support for Pakistan’s right to defend itself against Taliban attacks.”The escalation comes after Pakistan carried out airstrikes on Afghan cities this week, marking its most significant military action since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Subsequent Taliban retaliation triggered further Pakistani strikes, with defence minister Khawaja Asif declaring that Pakistan was now in an “open war” with Afghanistan.While countries like the UK have urged de-escalation, China called for a ceasefire and Iran offered to mediate, India has maintained a close watch over developments. The New Delhi government has repeatedly denied any US role in facilitating ceasefires between India and Pakistan, attributing progress to direct bilateral talks.

India’s real GDP grew at a robust 7.8% in the third quarter of FY 2025-26 according to data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). This is the first GDP data that has been released by MoSPI under the new series which revises the base year for calculation purposes.India’s economy grew at 7.8% in the October–December quarter of 2025-26, compared with 7.4% in the corresponding period a year earlier, according to the revised national accounts series.

MoSPI on Friday released the updated annual and quarterly national accounts estimates based on the 2022-23 base year, replacing the earlier series that used 2011-12 as the reference year.

India’s Q3 FY 2025-26 GDP data: Key Highlights

1. Under the revised series, GDP growth for the current financial year is projected at 7.6 per cent, slightly higher than the 7.4 per cent estimate provided in the ministry’s advance projections issued in January. Nominal GDP is projected to increase by 8.6 per cent in FY 2025-26. 2. The growth estimate for the July–September quarter of 2025-26 has been revised upward to 8.4 per cent from the earlier 8.2 per cent. 3. In contrast, the estimate for the April–June quarter has been lowered to 6.7 per cent from the previously reported 7.8 per cent.4. The overall economic performance in FY 2025-26 has been supported mainly by strong real growth recorded in the second quarter at 8.4 per cent and in the third quarter at 7.8 per cent.5. The economy has maintained steady growth momentum, with real GDP rising by 7.2 per cent in FY 2023-24 and 7.1 per cent in FY 2024-25.6. Nominal GDP growth stood at 11.0 per cent in FY 2023-24 and 9.7 per cent in FY 2024-25.7. Following the base year revision, the manufacturing sector has emerged as a key contributor to the economy’s resilience over the past three financial years, seeing double-digit growth in FY 2023-24 and again in FY 2025-26.8. Growth in both the secondary and tertiary sectors has also strengthened economic performance, with each recording growth of more than 9 per cent in FY 2025-26.9. Within the services segment, the “Trade, Repair, Hotels, Transport, Communication and Services related to Broadcasting and Storage” category registered growth of 10.1 per cent at constant prices in FY 2025-26.10. On the expenditure side, Private Final Consumption Expenditure and Gross Fixed Capital Formation each recorded growth exceeding 7 per cent during FY 2025-26.

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In a dramatic turn of events at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, England’s four-wicket victory over New Zealand in Colombo on Friday has thrown the Group 2 qualification race wide open, giving Pakistan a lifeline to keep their semi-final hopes alive. The result at the R. Premadasa Stadium has transformed what seemed like a complicated mathematical equation for the Men in Green into a straightforward -albeit challenging – path to the knockout stage.

England’s victory shakes up Group 2 standings

Chasing a target of 160, England found themselves in early trouble at 2/2 before captain Harry Brook steadied the innings. Later, Will Jacks contributed a stable 32 off 18 deliveries, while Rehan Ahmed’s cameo of an unbeaten 19 off just seven balls sealed the chase with three balls to spare. The victory confirmed England’s position at the top of Group 2 with an unbeaten record and six points from their three Super 8 matches.

For New Zealand, the defeat meant they concluded their Super 8 campaign with three points from three matches, though they maintain a formidable net run rate of +1.390.

Current Group 2 standings

Following Friday’s result, the Group 2 points table presents a clear picture:

• England – Qualified for semi-finals with 6 points
• New Zealand – 3 points (NRR: +1.390), campaign complete
• Pakistan – 1 point (NRR: -0.461), one match remaining
• Sri Lanka – 0 points, eliminated

Also READ: Fans erupt as Will Jacks’ all-round heroics help England pip New Zealand to keep Pakistan alive in T20 World Cup 2026

Explained: Pakistan’s qualification scenarios

Pakistan’s path to the semi-finals is now entirely within their control. They must defeat Sri Lanka in their final Super 8 match at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday. However, a mere victory will not suffice – the margin of victory is crucial.

With New Zealand boasting a superior net run rate compared to Pakistan, the Salman Agha-led side needs a commanding win to leapfrog the Black Caps for the second semi-final spot.

If Pakistan bats first

If Pakistan wins the toss and elects to bat, they need to win by a minimum margin of 64 runs to overhaul New Zealand’s NRR. The exact requirement varies slightly based on the total posted:

• If Pakistan scores 250, they need to win by at least 66 runs
• If Pakistan scores 200, they need to win by at least 65 runs
• If Pakistan scores 150, they need to win by at least 64 runs
• If Pakistan scores 100, they need to win by at least 62 runs

If Pakistan bowls first

In case Pakistan is asked to chase, they must achieve the target with exceptional haste:

• If Sri Lanka scores 250, Pakistan needs to win in 14.3 overs or less
• If Sri Lanka scores 200, Pakistan needs to win in 13.5 overs or less
• If Sri Lanka scores 150, Pakistan needs to win in 13.1 overs or less
• If Sri Lanka scores 100, Pakistan needs to win in 12.2 overs or less

The match against Sri Lanka effectively serves as a virtual knockout for Pakistan. If they fail to meet the required victory margin, New Zealand will advance to the semi-finals based on their superior net run rate.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 – What if the India vs West Indies Super 8 clash at Eden Gardens gets washed out due to rain in Kolkata?

Arshdeep Singh (Getty Images)

CHENNAI: There is an infectious aura around Arshdeep Singh. The left-arm pacer can be cut-throat with his yorkers and swing on the field, but off it, he is a ball of energy.Here in Chepauk on Thursday night, Arshdeep was in ominous touch, swinging the ball both ways and keeping Zimbabwe’s batters on a tight leash. He picked up three wickets and went past Jasprit Bumrah to become India’s leading wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history with 35 scalps. And after helping India drub Zimbabwe, Arshdeep showed a different shade of himself from his menacing on-field persona at the media zone. Most of his replies were full of beans.

One such reply came when he was asked about South Africa’s win over West Indies earlier in the day, which had already eased India’s path. Grinning, he offered a playful “thank you” to the Proteas and even shared how the tension had played out back in the hotel room.“We weren’t glued to the match but kept checking the scores here and there. My family was in the hotel room and when the West Indies batters were hitting, my dad was cursing them. I said, ‘Don’t get angry, just enjoy the match, and hope that South Africa win’. They (SA) played very well, thank you to them for giving us the chance to decide our result in the next match. It was fun to watch, and we’ll try to beat them in the final,” Arshdeep said.India’s next fixture against the West Indies at the Eden Gardens will be a virtual quarterfinal, and Arshdeep knows it won’t be a straightforward affair. The Caribbean side’s power-hitters can change the script in the blink of an eye and he was quick to point out that they are not merely one-dimensional. Windies, after all, clawed their way to a competitive total despite being down to 83-7 against South Africa on Thursday.

“It’s not like they have only one gear. If you look at their game against SA, they played really nicely in the middle as well. They took the game deep and then made around 180 runs. So I guess they can also adapt according to the situation. Looking forward to the game, we’ll see how the pitch plays and what the conditions are like. The focus right now is on recovery, and we’ll assess things on game day,” said Arshdeep.One thing Arshdeep will be focused on against West Indies come Sunday is, in his own words, “trying to control the chull (urge) of bowling bad balls (laughs)”. And he went on to add that he and his fellow bowlers are happy to do the “dirty job” on batting-friendly surfaces.“As long as our batters are having fun batting on these surfaces, we’re more than happy to do the dirty job. We don’t mind being hit for runs. Our game plan has been to score big and then try to defend it,” said the 27-year-old.

Harvard University (AP image)

Harvard University has issued an apology after a social media post by its Department of South Asian Studies featuring artwork related to its Sanskrit programme sparked allegations of insensitivity and bias online.The controversy began after an image used to represent Harvard’s Elementary Sanskrit course drew criticism on social media. The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) accused the university of promoting what it described as “blatant Hinduphobia,” claiming the artwork portrayed Sanskrit and Hinduism in a dark and negative manner.Responding to the backlash, the Department of South Asian Studies issued a formal statement expressing regret. In its statement, the department said, “The South Asian Studies Department deeply regrets the posting of an insensitive image in relation to our Sanskrit program. As a department, we have a long and celebrated history of teaching Sanskrit, and we remain committed to teaching the language and the great intellectual and cultural tradition it carries.”The department further added that it is reviewing its internal processes. “We are reviewing our internal social media process to ensure future posts more accurately reflect the mission and values of the Department.” It also clarified that the post had no connection to another Harvard entity, stating, “We would also like to clarify that the social media post in question has no connection whatsoever with The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute, which is a separate and distinct entity at Harvard.”CoHNA welcomed the apology and shared the statement on X. The organisation wrote that it was “one of the rare moments where a university department has formally apologized for their Hinduphobic insensitivity”. The organisation added that it was glad to see respect being shown toward Sanskrit, which it described as an ancient language that has influenced civilisations around the world.“We are glad to see the department showing respect and appreciation for an ancient language that has made a huge impact on civilizations around the world,” the organisation wrote. The debate erupted after CoHNA criticised an artwork featured on the department’s website for its Elementary Sanskrit course. The organisation alleged that the visual depicted a dark Hindu figure with a tilak holding what appeared to be a ghostly figurine and claimed it framed Sanskrit and Hinduism in an “oppressive” manner.Some users pointed out that the artwork, titled Master of Puppets, was reportedly created by Indian artist Anirudh Sainath under the brand Molee Art. According to online comments, the artwork was inspired by themes from the Mahabharata and depicted Krishna’s Ras Leela. Users also highlighted that the artist was known for creating devotional art based on Hindu themes.The organisation had also highlighted its concerns over how Sanskrit is being introduced to students.“This is how students are introduced to Sanskrit, one of most ancient languages that has given birth to classic literature, arts, music, and so much more. The mother of many languages around the world,” the organisation wrote on X.