In a sharp rebuke of Pakistan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar described the country as a “cancer” that is now affecting its own society. His comments were made during the 19th Nani A Palkhivala Memorial Lecture in Mumbai, where he also outlined India’s diplomatic stance over the past decade.

“Pakistan stands as an exception in our neighborhood, primarily due to its support for cross-border terrorism, which is akin to a cancer affecting its own body politic,” Jaishankar stated. He emphasized the collective regional interest in seeing Pakistan move away from such policies.

In his lecture, Jaishankar expressed that despite India’s non-Western alignment, it maintains a strategy that is not anti-West, advocating for advancement in critical and emerging technologies. He also pointed out the challenges posed by the “weaponisation of financial institutions,” suggesting that India needs to bolster its internal growth and reduce external vulnerabilities.

The minister used the term ‘vishwabandhu’, meaning a friend to the world, to describe India’s role on the global stage, aiming to enhance relationships while safeguarding national interests.

Jaishankar’s remarks also covered the importance of middle powers in regional politics and how India has expanded its diplomatic reach through strategic partnerships, highlighting mutual respect, sensitivity, and interest as the pillars of India’s foreign policy.

“The past decade has demonstrated our ability to progress on multiple fronts, advancing diverse relationships without exclusivity and effectively bridging divides in polarized situations,” he concluded.

In a significant ruling, the Sealdah Additional District and Sessions Court has convicted Sanjay Roy, a 33-year-old civic police volunteer, for the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The verdict, which concluded with a 160-page judgment on Saturday, addresses the charges of rape, murder, and causing death under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Judge Anirban Das delivered the judgment, highlighting critical issues in the conduct of police and hospital authorities during the investigation. “Certain activities of the HoD, MSVP, and Principal during the proceedings were confusing and warrant criticism,” he remarked in court.

The verdict has brought a moment of profound grief and relief to the victim’s family, as her father emotionally thanked the judge, affirming his faith in the judicial system.

Amidst tight security, Roy was brought to court where he reiterated his innocence, claiming to be framed, and mentioned an “IPS” who allegedly knew the real facts of the case. His sentencing is scheduled for Monday, where the court will also address his claims and determine appropriate punishment.

This case, initially handled by the Kolkata Police, was later transferred to the CBI due to concerns over evidence tampering, who ultimately supported the conviction based on Roy’s initial confession and further evidence.

Mumbai was left in shock after the tragic demise of 23-year-old TV actor Aman Jaiswal, who was fatally injured in a road accident on Jogeshwari road this Friday. Known for his lead role in the popular television serial “Dhartiputra Nandini”, Jaiswal’s life was cut short when a truck collided with his motorcycle.

Jaiswal was immediately rushed to Cama Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, confirmed by an Amboli police station official. Following the incident, a case was registered against the truck driver for rash and negligent driving, and an investigation is currently underway.

The news deeply affected his co-star, Hritik Yadav, who played Jaiswal’s brother in “Dhartiputra Nandini”. Yadav, devastated by the loss, shared details of the bond they had formed on set, emphasizing the profound impact Jaiswal had on those around him. “Our camaraderie was beyond just co-stars; it was truly brotherly,” Yadav recounted.

Aman, hailing from Balia, Uttar Pradesh, was en route to an audition when the accident occurred. The casting team, concerned by his delay, contacted him only to learn of the accident from a passerby who answered his phone.

At the time Yadav arrived at the hospital, although Jaiswal’s family members had not yet reached, several of his neighbors and friends from his hometown were already present, sharing their grief and disbelief over the sudden loss.

The incident has left the community and his fans mourning, highlighting the unpredictable nature of life and the close-knit relationships formed in the entertainment industry.