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Maldives first in India’s Neighbourhood First policy, says PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced India’s decision to provide critical financial assistance to the Maldives to help it recover from an ongoing economic downturn.

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Prime Minister also announced India’s decision to provide critical financial assistance to the Maldives to help it recover from an ongoing economic downturn.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reaffirmed the Maldives pivotal role in India’s Neighbourhood First policy and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision during a meeting with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. Both the leaders discussed deepening bilateral ties after a period of strained relations between the nations.  

Narendra Modi said that India and Maldives relations are centuries old. He added that India is Maldives’ nearest neighbour and close friend. He further asserted that Maldives holds an important position in India’s neighbourhood policy and SAGAR vision. India has always played the role of first responder for Maldives, he mentioned.

Maldives president Muizzu, who arrived in New Delhi on Sunday, is on his first state visit to India since assuming office last November. President Mizzu’s visit comes amid efforts to mend relations while navigating an ailing economy back home.

Ties between India and the Maldives have been fraught ever since Muizzu won the presidency on an India Out campaign and directed the eviction of Indian troops from the island nation. Recently, he has toned down his anti-India rhetoric, but New Delhi remains wary of his pro-China leanings.

Despite these aforesaid challenges, both leaders expressed a commitment to enhancing their relationship. Prime Minister Modi stressed on India’s role in supporting the Maldives during times of crisis. The Prime Minister stated that both countries have adopted a shared vision of a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership.

He added that development partnership is an important pillar of India-Maldives relations. He added that INdia has always given preference to the priorities of the people of Maldives. 

Furthermore, the Prime Minister also announced India’s decision to provide critical financial assistance to the Maldives to help it recover from an ongoing economic downturn.

He said that this year, SBI did a rollover of 100 million dollars of the Treasury Bench of Maldives. According to the needs of Maldives, a 400 million dollars and Rs 3000 crores currency swap agreement was also signed.

Notably, the economic cooperation extends to infrastructure development as well. PM Modi and Muizzu virtually inaugurated the redeveloped Hanimaadhoo International Airport, a project supported by India. Other agreements include Introduction of Rupay card in Maldives by India, both the nations discuss opening of Indian consulate in Addu, and Maldivian consulate in Bengaluru, India hands over 700 social housing units built with its support to Maldives.

In addition, India will roll over a $50 million Treasury Bill for another year to provide essential budgetary relief to the Maldivian government. India and Maldives are also set to start talks on a Free Trade Agreement.

Maldives President Muizzu extended gratitude to PM Modi for the financial support and acknowledged that India has always stood by the island nation in its time of need. He further invited PM Modi to visit the Maldives. He announced a new comprehensive vision document that will include development, maritime security, trade partnerships, energy projects, health.

Entertainment

RJ Mahvash breaks silence on Yuzvendra Chahal dating rumours, says she’s single

RJ Mahvash has clarified she is not dating Yuzvendra Chahal, stating she only dates when there’s a potential for marriage.

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Chahal dating rumours

Instagram influencer and podcast host RJ Mahvash has finally addressed ongoing rumours linking her with Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal. After the two were spotted together at the ICC Champions Trophy final, social media was abuzz with speculation about a possible romance. However, Mahvash has now clarified her relationship status, stating that she is very much single.

In a candid podcast appearance, Mahvash dismissed any notions of casual dating. I don’t even believe in casual dating. I will only date someone I want to get married to, she said, adding that she doesn’t understand the idea of modern-day marriages.

“Marriage concept doesn’t make sense to me anymore,” says Mahvash.

Opening up about her personal journey, Mahvash revealed that she was engaged at the age of 19 but ended the relationship by the time she turned 21. Reflecting on her upbringing in Aligarh, she said,“Growing up, we were conditioned to believe that marriage was the ultimate goal. But now I’ve hit pause on that idea.”

She explained that her stance on love and relationships has changed significantly since then. “I’m that kind of person who sees a future first. Like in the film Dhoom, I see the wife and kids behind the bike,” she quipped.

This revelation comes at a time when Chahal has officially ended his marriage with Dhanashree Verma, fueling public interest in his post-divorce life. While Mahvash’s comments have put a stop to dating rumours for now, her firm stance suggests she’s not looking for fleeting connections.

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Entertainment

Panchayat Season 4: TVF and Prime Video confirm return of rural drama on show’s 5th anniversary

On the fifth anniversary of the series, TVF and Prime Video announced that Panchayat Season 4 will be released on July 2, 2025.

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Panchayat S4 release date

The beloved comedy-drama Panchayat has officially completed five years since its debut on April 3, 2020. To mark the occasion, the makers have announced that Panchayat Season 4 will premiere on July 2, 2025, much to the excitement of fans across the country.

The announcement was made via a special promotional video released by Prime Video, featuring lead actor Jitendra Kumar, actress Jia Manek of Saath Nibhaana Saathiya fame, and internet sensation Darshan Magdum.

Cast and creators return for Season 4

The upcoming season will once again see the return of its star cast, including Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Chandan Roy, Sanvikaa, Faisal Malik, Durgesh Kumar, Sunita Rajwar, and Pankaj Jha, alongside Jitendra Kumar.

Produced by The Viral Fever (TVF), the show continues to be created by Deepak Kumar Mishra and Chandan Kumar, with direction by Deepak Kumar Mishra and Akshat Vijaywargiya.

Journey of a cult favourite

Panchayat follows the life of an engineering graduate who takes up a job as a Panchayat secretary in the fictional rural village of Phulera, Uttar Pradesh. The show has received widespread acclaim for its grounded storytelling, relatable characters, and humorous take on rural administration and village life.

The announcement of Season 4 not only celebrates its legacy but also assures fans that the charm of Phulera will return in the coming months with new twists and stories.

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India News

BJP demands Sonia Gandhi’s apology over Waqf Bill remarks amid Parliament uproar

After the Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, BJP demanded an apology from Sonia Gandhi for calling the Bill unconstitutional. Congress plans to challenge the law in the Supreme Court.

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Sonia Gandhi

The political temperature in Parliament rose sharply after the Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, with the BJP demanding an apology from Congress leader Sonia Gandhi for her sharp criticism of the legislation. Mrs Gandhi called the Bill a brazen assault on the Constitution and accused the ruling BJP of pushing India toward permanent polarisation.

Her comments, made during a Congress Parliamentary Party meeting at Samvidhan Sadan, drew a swift backlash from the BJP, with MPs led by Nishikant Dubey demanding a formal apology. They accused her of undermining constitutional values and the Parliament’s authority. The protests led to the adjournment of Lok Sabha proceedings on Friday morning, as BJP members chanted slogans calling for her apology.

Sonia Gandhi alleges ‘bulldozing’ of legislation

Sonia Gandhi strongly criticized the passage of the Waqf Bill, claiming it was bulldozed through the Lok Sabha. She also targeted the Modi govt’s push for the One Nation, One Election initiative, calling it a direct subversion of India’s constitutional framework. “Whether it is education, civil rights and liberties, our federal structure, or the conduct of elections, the Modi government is dragging the country into an abyss,” she said.

She accused the government of promoting a surveillance state and claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi was rebranding initiatives started during the UPA era as his own. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi were present during the meeting, where Mrs Gandhi urged Congress MPs to aggressively counter BJP narratives.

Waqf Bill passed after intense debate in both Houses

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha after a 12-hour debate. Amendments proposed by opposition members were rejected via voice vote. The final vote count stood at 288 in favour and 232 against. The Bill later cleared the Rajya Sabha with 128 votes supporting it and 95 opposing, amid claims from opposition parties that it is anti-Muslim and unconstitutional.

The government defended the Bill as a historic reform for the benefit of the minority community. The Congress has since announced that it will challenge the law in the Supreme Court, with Jairam Ramesh stating that the party would very soon contest the Bill’s constitutional validity.

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