Sri Lanka has bestowed its highest civilian award, the Mithra Vibhushana, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recognition of his role in strengthening ties between the two nations. The award was presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at a ceremony in Colombo. PM Modi expressed gratitude, stating the award honors not just him but also the people of India. The Mithra Vibhushana, instituted in 2008, has previously been awarded to prominent figures such as former Maldivian president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri highlighted the award as a recognition of PM Modi's contribution to strengthening the India-Sri Lanka partnership, particularly during Sri Lanka's economic crisis. The award includes a citation and a silver medal adorned with Sri Lankan gems and symbolic motifs representing shared heritage and prosperity.
The BJP has accused AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal of an "extravagant lifestyle" after an RTI reply revealed that Rs 3.69 crore was spent annually on maintaining his former bungalow. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva cited the RTI response, claiming that Kejriwal, who came to power on promises of serving the common man, is contradicting his promises with his lavish spending. The BJP is demanding an explanation from Kejriwal on the excessive maintenance costs.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR from the strategically located Karwar naval base in Karnataka, signifying India's commitment to regional maritime security. He also inaugurated newly developed infrastructure at the base, a key milestone under Project Seabird. The expansion of the naval base strengthens India's maritime security with cutting-edge facilities and advanced operational capabilities.
Protests and a partial bandh were observed in the communally sensitive Bhaderwah town of Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday following an objectionable social media post allegedly put up by a leader of a Hindu group. The post drew resentment from members of both Hindu and Muslim communities, prompting authorities to suspend mobile internet services as a precautionary measure. An FIR has been registered against the accused, Virender Razdan, and raids are underway to nab him.
Images from the IPL 2025 match between Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals in Mullanpur onSaturday
A private marketing firm in Kerala has been accused of subjecting its underperforming employees to degrading treatment, including making them walk on their knees like chained dogs and lick coins from the floor. The state Labour department has ordered a probe into the alleged inhuman workplace harassment after disturbing visuals were aired by local television channels. The incident has sparked outrage and prompted investigations by the Labour department, the State Human Rights Commission, and the Kerala State Youth Commission.
US President Donald Trump has proposed a deal to China that would see the sale of TikTok's US operations to an American buyer in exchange for a reduction in tariffs on Chinese exports to the US. The proposal comes amid a trade war between the two countries and follows China's retaliation of Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods. Trump has also said that tariffs are a powerful economic tool and that he is determined to ensure fair trade between the US and China.
CSK head coach Stephen Fleming said Mahendra Singh Dhoni is 'still going strong' and putting an end to the former skipper's run in the IPL is not a role assigned to him.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with members of the 1996 World Cup-winning Sri Lankan cricket team during his official visit to Colombo.
In a significant step towards restoring peace in Manipur, representatives of the warring Meitei and Kuki communities met face-to-face for the first time since ethnic violence erupted nearly two years ago. The meeting, facilitated by the Union Home Ministry, aimed to enhance trust and cooperation between the communities and find a roadmap to restore normalcy in the state.
Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad expressed his concerns with his team's struggles in the Powerplay.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed India's expectation to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake that Colombo will fulfill the aspirations of the Tamil community in the island nation and conduct provincial council elections. The issue was discussed during wide-ranging talks between Modi and Dissanayake. Modi also met with Tamil leaders from Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka, reaffirming India's commitment to supporting the community's well-being. The Tamil community has been advocating for the implementation of the 13th Amendment, which provides for devolution of power. Modi expressed hope that Sri Lanka will fully implement its constitution and conduct provincial council elections.
An island holiday is a package deal -- sun, sand, pristine beaches, isolation. Their location makes them off the beaten track. And their distance from the mainland ensures that the pace of life is slower or different. Go island hopping with Mayur Sanap/Rediff.com as he shows you some of the prettiest isles of India.
India, a land of wonderful spiritual diversity, has always honoured her holiest sites by issuing beautifully-crafted postage stamps over the years.
Who doesn't like khichdi! Bolly diva Kareena Kapoor, we recently discovered, eats it every few days. PM Narendra Modi prefers it too. As did late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The Mughals ate a lot of it. A Bengali version called Nani Ma's khichdi is popular in the Bachchan home. There is a khichdi for every mood, weather, diet, state...
Everton did neighbours Liverpool a massive favour by holding title-chasing Arsenal to a 1-1 Premier League draw.
K L Rahul stroked a fluent half-century as a dominant Delhi Capitals outclassed Chennai Super Kings by 25 runs.
Ben Sears picked up five wickets as New Zealand outclassed Pakistan by 43 runs in the third and final ODI, to register a 3-0 series whitewash.
The complete schedule of the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League
The Allahabad High Court Bar Association (HCBA) has condemned the "clandestine" manner in which Justice Yashwant Varma, who was transferred from the Delhi High Court amid cash-at-home allegations, was administered the oath of office. The HCBA, which had opposed the judge's repatriation, questioned why the oath was not notified to the Bar and alleged that the move has further eroded public trust in the judicial system. The HCBA has urged the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court not to assign any administrative or judicial work to Justice Varma. The incident of cash recovery has reignited debate over the issue of judicial accountability, with calls for stringent action to restore faith in the judiciary.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) is set to elect its next general secretary, with speculation rife over who will lead the party. Leading contenders include M A Baby, backed by the party's Kerala unit, and Ashok Dhawale, who enjoys support from the West Bengal lobby. Other potential candidates include Mohammed Salim, B V Raghavulu, and Brinda Karat. The election will take place at the 24th CPI(M) congress in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Bayern Munich crowd favourite Thomas Mueller will leave the German record champions at the end of the season after 25 trophy-laden years.
How former India batter-keeper Vijay Dahiya discovered a gangly leg-break bowler -- Digvesh Singh Rathi -- with a high-arm action.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray has asked his party workers to temporarily halt the agitation demanding the use of Marathi language in banks and other establishments. Thackeray said the agitation has been successful in raising awareness about the issue and that the government should now implement the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) norms on the use of local languages. He warned that the MNS will take action if the government fails to ensure the law is followed.
Shiv Sena functionary Rahool Kanal has claimed that BookMyShow has removed stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra from its platform following protests from the party. Kanal, the social media in-charge of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, thanked BookMyShow CEO Ashish Hemrajani for "keeping its portal clean and keeping such artist out of the list of pure entertainment." BookMyShow has not commented on the matter. Kanal was booked along with Shiv Sainiks for allegedly vandalising the studio where Kamra had performed and alluded to Shinde while making a traitor jibe, which snowballed into a major row.
The film industry bid an emotional farewell to Manoj Kumar, one of Bollywood's legendary actors.
The Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune, India, has stopped taking deposits from patients at the emergency department after a pregnant woman died after being turned away for non-payment. The hospital faced intense criticism following the incident, which involved the wife of a BJP MLC's personal secretary. The woman was shifted to another hospital where she died after delivering twins.
This is the first time that Mahendra Singh Dhoni's parents Pan Singh and Devika Devi have attended a match in the stadium to watch him play.
LSG head coach Justin Langer created a hilarious moment when he picked up a reporter's phone call during the post-match press conference following their 12-run win over Mumbai Indians.
Sift Kaur Samra produced a sensational come-from-behind performance to win her first individual ISSF World Cup gold medal in the women's 50m rifle 3 positions.
World champion Max Verstappen took pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix on Saturday, stunning the McLarens with a late flying lap.
Sunrisers Hyderabad, reeling from three consecutive defeats, will face a resurgent Gujarat Titans in their fifth IPL encounter on Sunday.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized Rs 1.5 crore in cash from the premises of a chit fund company owned by Gokulam Gopalan, one of the producers of the Malayalam movie "L2: Empuraan", in connection with foreign exchange law violations. The searches were conducted at locations in Kozhikode, Kerala and Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The ED alleged that the company collected subscription to chit funds from persons residing outside India without due permission and violated regulations framed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a tri-services ceremonial welcome in Colombo, Sri Lanka, marking the first time such an honor has been bestowed upon a foreign leader. The welcome took place at the historic Independence Square, the venue for national day celebrations. Modi's visit comes as Sri Lanka shows signs of recovery from a recent economic crisis, with India playing a significant role in providing assistance. During the visit, both leaders are expected to discuss a range of issues, including defense cooperation, energy, and digital initiatives.
Rising India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has lauded former India head coach Rahul Dravid, calling him a "privilege" to have in this era.
Abhinash Jamwal delivered a near perfect performance against Italy's Gianluigi Malanga.
Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya achieved some remarkable individual feats on Friday although his team suffered a heartbreaking loss against Lucknow Super Giants in an away match in Lucknow.
News reports that GE Aerospace has delivered the first of 99 F404-IN20 engines ordered by Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) for the Tejas Mk-1A has revived interest in the HAL stock.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Saturday, April 5, 2025 accorded a grand ceremonial welcome at the historic Independence Square in Colombo, perhaps the first such honour given to a foreign leader.
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