Latest news with #Indians'
The Print
an hour ago
- Politics
- The Print
Congress says Modi govt ‘misled' nation on Op Sindoor losses, demands Kargil-like review
The party said it was 'extraordinary' that such a revelation had come from the CDS's interview in Singapore instead of the government telling the Opposition. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also demanded that a special session of Parliament be immediately convened as '140 crore patriotic Indians' deserve to know answers to some 'very important questions'. New Delhi: Accusing the Modi government of 'misleading' the nation, the Congress Saturday demanded a 'comprehensive review' of India's defence preparedness by an independent panel along the lines of the Kargil review committee after Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Anil Chauhan admitted to loss of fighter jets during Operation Sindoor. Kharge also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alluding to his remarks on Operation Sindoor at various public rallies over the past week. He alleged that Modi was on an election blitz, taking personal credit for the valour of the armed forces and 'hiding behind their bravery'. In the wake of the remarks made by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in Singapore in an interview, there are some very important questions which need to be asked. These can only be asked if a Special Session of the Parliament is immediately convened. The Modi Govt has misled the… — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) May 31, 2025 On Saturday, Gen Chauhan in an interview to Bloomberg TV admitted to loss of Indian Air Force (IAF) assets during Operation Sindoor, but added 'what is important is not jet being down but why'. He also said that the 'good part is that we are able to understand the tactical mistake which we made, remedy it, rectify it, and then implement it again…' In a separate interview to Reuters, he said, 'What I can say is that on the 7th [May], in the initial stages, there were losses but numbers, that is not important. What was important is why these losses occur and what we will do after that.' Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has also been asking the government to come clean on the number of fighter jets India lost during the operation. Leaders of the ruling BJP had so far responded by accusing Gandhi of speaking the language of Pakistan. There was no immediate reaction from the BJP on Gen Chauhan's remarks in interviews to Bloomberg TV and Reuters in Singapore. 'In the wake of the remarks made by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in Singapore in an interview, there are some very important questions which need to be asked. These can only be asked if a Special Session of the Parliament is immediately convened. The Modi Govt has misled the nation. The fog of war is now clearing,' Kharge wrote on X. He added, 'Our IAF pilots were risking their lives fighting the enemy. We have suffered some losses, but our pilots were safe,' he added. The Congress chief also demanded the government's clarification on US President Donald Trump and his administration's repeated assertions that Washington played a key role in brokering a truce between India and Pakistan during the conflict. Kharge said that Trump's claim was a direct affront to the 1972 Simla agreement that precludes the involvement of any third-party mediation in disputes between the two neighbours. 'Is India and Pakistan now again hyphenated? What are the conditions of the CEASEFIRE agreement? 140 Cr Patriotic Indians deserve to know this,' Kharge added. Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh also underlined the need to set up a committee along the lines of the one set up after the 1999 Kargil war under the chairmanship of K. Subrahmanyam, the late father of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. On July 29, 1999, the Vajpayee Govt set up the Kargil Review Committee under the chairmanship of India's strategic affairs guru K. Subrahmanyam – whose son is now our External Affairs Minister. This was just three days after the Kargil War had ended. This Committee submitted its… — Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) May 31, 2025 'On July 29, 1999, the Vajpayee Govt set up the Kargil Review Committee under the chairmanship of India's strategic affairs guru K. Subrahmanyam—whose son is now our External Affairs Minister. This was just three days after the Kargil War had ended. This Committee submitted its detailed report five months later. The report titled 'From Surprise to Reckoning' was then laid on the Table of both Houses of Parliament on Feb 23, 2000 after the necessary redactions,' Ramesh wrote on X. (Edited by Amrtansh Arora) Also Read:
Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Indian Express
Singapore Open: Satwik-Chirag go down in three games against nemesis Chia-Soh but take away positives on comeback from break
It happened towards the end of Game 2 of the semifinal at the Singapore Open when the Malaysian duo of Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik had built up a good head of steam after dropping the opener. In one of the many mini-skirmishes for supremacy at the net against Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty. As the shuttle cleared the top of the tape and drew the Indians forward, Satwik was closer to it on the left side but Chirag, who is nominally in charge of the frontcourt, also made his move across from the other side. It must have caught the peripheral vision of Satwik, who stopped himself, but Chirag too wasn't fully committed, and they both ended up missing it. A former Indian doubles international once said what makes Satwik-Chirag so special is that you'll barely ever see them upset with each other on court during a match. Here as well, it wasn't a display of frustration, but they exchanged glances that could be captioned, 'how did we let that happen?' It illustrated the rustiness in the Indians' gameplay as Chia-Soh won 19-21, 21-10, 21-18 in 64 minutes to reach the final. Just like that heartbreaking day in Paris last year at the Olympics, the Malaysians came from a game down to beat Satwik-Chirag. The lead-up to this tournament couldn't have been more contrasting for the two pairs. Satwik-Chirag had been out of action since the All England in March where they had to retire mid-way from the second round due to the latter's back niggle. Chia-Soh, on the other hand, had won the Asian Championships in April, then made the finals at Thailand Open and Malaysia Masters in the last fortnight (winning in Bangkok). 'We take a lot of positives. To come this far with the number of days we've trained and the weeks, months we've had both professionally and personally, to get back here and to play a semifinal, we never really expected,' Chirag told BWF later. He had said on Friday that they had trained for just 10 days in the last two months. 'When I look back at what we have faced over the past couple of months, it's a really good start.' The match started off in expected men's doubles fashion, with barely any developed rallies and a lot of the points getting decided at the net in the service-return-third shot exchanges. A five-point run on either side of the interval gave SatChi a cushion to hold on to, despite a late fightback from Chia-Soh. If Satwik and Chirag are both masterful at raining down smashes whenever they get the height to work with, Chia and Soh are blessed with the ability to change angles at full speed even when defending on flatter exchanges. They started Game 2 on a flurry of points and it signalled a change in momentum as well as tactics; they'd simply not allow SatChi to dictate with their height advantage. The near side also saw the Indians struggle with judging the length on both attack and defence, and the scoreline of 10-21 didn't augur well for what was to come in the decider when they wouldd have to finish from the same side. To their credit, the Indians dug deep from a near-impossible position as the Malaysians stiffened up from 20-11. Not one, not two, seven match points were saved by a combination of Malaysian nerves and SatChi's steadier radar, but it was too big a gap to bridge. The defeat meant that Satwik-Chirag have three semifinal appearances in three BWF World Tour events they have played this year, barring the All England pull-out. Given the context of their troubles, it is a solid return. But reflecting on now being world No 27, Satwik quipped after the match: 'We didn't like that number 27. But it's because of the break we had.' The best is yet to come, he added. 'Really, hats off to Chirag. Last month wasn't easy. I know he's having pain now also, but he's still not telling me,' he smiled. Next week is the big one. Satwik-Chirag will head off to the Indonesia Open, a Super 1000 that is the site of one of their best ever titles in 2023, one they clinched beating Chia-Soh in the final. And as luck would have it, a rematch is on the cards as early as the second round. Vinayakk Mohanarangan is Senior Assistant Editor and is based in New Delhi. ... Read More
The Hindu
a day ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Goa Challengers begins its quest for hat-trick of titles
When Harmeet Desai led the Dempo Goa Challengers to a terrific triumph in Chennai last September, the team scripted history by becoming the first team to win two titles, and that too back-to-back, in Ultimate Table Tennis. As the franchise-based table tennis league returns for its sixth edition, Challengers would be gunning to register a hat-trick of triumphs. Challengers would begin their quest by taking on Ahmedabad SG Pipers, who will hope to see Amdavadis turn up to support it despite the IPL frenzy in town for the next four days. Pipers had a topsy-turvy campaign to its campaign in the last edition. Despite receiving a setback in Manika Batra's late pull-out due to a conspicuous injury, Pipers would be banking on Ayhika Mukherjee to grab the opportunity and Ricardo Walther to absorb the pressure against Harmeet & Co. 'To win it twice was thrilling last year. A hat-trick of titles — that too in my home state — will be an incredible achievement. We know how challenging and competitive UTT is, but we are confident Goa Challengers can repeat history,' Harmeet told The Hindu on Friday. Manika's injury has increased the list of prominent Indian absentees. A. Sharath Kamal hung up his boots in March while Manush Shah, the defending men's singles National champion, and Manav Thakkar have preferred their pro commitments over UTT. The leading Indians' absence, though, will mean rising stars like Payas Jain, Akash Pal and SFR Snehit will have an opportunity to prove their mettle under pressure. The fact that Fan Siqi will become the first Chinese paddler in the UTT arena when she dons the Chennai Lions' yellows indicates the growing acceptance of the league in the global arena. Saturday's fixtures: Jaipur Patriots vs. Dabang Delhi T.T.C. (5 p.m.); Ahmedabad SG Pipers vs. Dempo Goa Challengers (7.30 p.m.)
News18
3 days ago
- Health
- News18
World Digestive Health Day: How Fibre, Sleep, and Stress Shape Digestive Health
Last Updated: On World Digestive Health Day, let's pledge to nurture our guts in a holistic way because a happy tummy is the cornerstone of a fulfilling life. In today's fast-paced world, digestive health often takes a backseat until discomfort arises. Yet, the gut is far more than just a processing unit for food—it's the cornerstone of overall well-being, influencing everything from immunity to mental health. Recent findings from the Aashirvaad Multigrains Happy Tummy Survey reveal startling gaps in Indians' fibre intake, with 70% falling short of daily recommendations. But fibre is just one piece of the puzzle. Sleep, stress, and lifestyle factors intertwine to form a rich tapestry that either supports or undermines digestive harmony. Alarmingly, the survey also states that 74% of women and 64% of men are not consuming enough fibre daily. This shortcoming is concerning, given the role fibre plays in preventing constipation, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Even more troubling is that 78% of Indians do not know how much fibre they need, revealing a knowledge gap that perpetuates the issue. Fibre isn't merely about regularity; it acts as a prebiotic that nourishes the gut microbiome, a trillion-strong community of bacteria responsible for digestion, immunity, and even mood. The diversity and health of gut microbiota rely on fibre-rich diets, especially from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Yet the survey highlights poor consumption habits: 74% omit multigrains daily, 70% do not eat fruits daily, and 55% eat vegetables only once a day. By Dr. Agatha Betsy, Head: Nutrition Sciences, ITC Limited shares powerful insights: Although diet is paramount, digestive health is also influenced by two frequently underemphasized factors: sleep and stress. Sleep deprivation doesn't just pose a general health risk—it directly affects the balance of the gut microbiota. Studies link inadequate sleep to a decrease in beneficial gut bacteria and an increase in inflammation, aggravating conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Interrupted sleep patterns also impair gut motility, leading to bloating and irregular bowel movements. 2. Stress: The Gut's Frenemy Stress activates the 'fight-or-flight" response, which redirects blood flow away from the gut and slows digestion. Chronic stress can disrupt gut bacteria, increase intestinal permeability (commonly known as 'leaky gut"), and worsen symptoms in disorders like acid reflux and IBD. The gut-brain axis—a two-way communication network—allows stress to cause digestive issues, and vice versa, creating a vicious cycle of discomfort and anxiety. Bridging the Gap: Easy Steps to Holistic Gut Health Fibre First: Include multigrains such as oats, millets, or atta with multigrains, along with legumes and 5–7 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Just three rotis made from multigrain atta can contribute up to 35% of your daily fibre requirement. Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep. Establish a bedtime routine by reducing screen time at night and creating a sleep-friendly environment. Stress Management: Practice mindfulness, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises. Even 10 minutes a day can reduce cortisol levels and enhance gut function. Hydration and Movement: Drink plenty of water to help fibre function effectively, and engage in regular physical activity to stimulate digestion. Simple dietary changes can transform gut health, but it's essential to take a broader view. Digestive well-being isn't just about what's on your plate, it's a harmonious balance of nourishment, rest, and emotional resilience. On World Digestive Health Day, let's pledge to nurture our guts in a holistic way because a happy tummy is the cornerstone of a fulfilling life. First Published: May 29, 2025, 12:21 IST
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Indian Express
As Indians look to travel more in 2025, overseas holidays likely to pick up further
After crossing the 3-crore mark for the first time in 2024, the number of Indians travelling overseas appears set for another increase in 2025, with as many as 85 per cent of respondents in a survey saying they plan to more than double the frequency of their holidays—both domestic and overseas—this year to four to six. According to Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel's India Holiday Report 2025, which was released Wednesday, not only are Indians planning to go on more holidays, they are also looking to spend more, with around 84 per cent of respondents considering spending anywhere between 20 per cent and 50 per cent more on travel this year 2025. 'The survey…reflects a significant shift driven by rising disposable incomes and the growing aspirational value of travel, including experiential holidays,' the report said. Growing number of globetrotters Indians are travelling overseas like never before, with international departure numbers recovering rapidly since the pandemic ebbed, and now at record levels. Among other factors, driving this surge is the growing international footprint of Indian airlines and various countries offering simplified and hassle-free visas to Indians. The number of countries offering visa-free entry to Indian citizens has also grown over the past three years. In 2024, Indian nationals' departures to foreign countries rose 8 per cent to 3.02 crore after 2023 saw a 29 per cent year-on-year jump to 2.79 crore, crossing the pre-pandemic peak of 2.69 crore that was achieved in 2019, as per Ministry of Tourism data. In the first two months of 2025, 50.9 lakh Indians travelled abroad, up 6 per cent from the corresponding period last year, tourism ministry data showed. According to the report, 44 per cent respondents are more likely to visit countries offering simplified visa processes like e-visa or visa-on-arrival options such as Thailand, Malaysia, the UAE, Sri Lanka, while countries that issue long-term visas—like Australia, Japan, and the US—are also seeing an uptick. More international trips, while indicative of premiumisation in travel preferences, does not necessarily mean that Indian travelers have become spendthrift. As many as 39 per cent of the 2,500 survey respondents said that they actively seek promotions, discounts, and special offers while making their travel decisions. In fact, according to Reserve Bank of India data, Indians' outward remittances for travel under the central bank's Liberalised Remittances Scheme (LRS) edged down by 2 per cent to $16.71 billion in 2024, accounting for 57 per cent of total outward remittances under the scheme. There does seem to be a discernible premiumisation of Indians' travel plans, as has been the case in the domestic market for goods and services in the post-pandemic years. According to the survey, more than 36 per cent of respondents want 'premium experiences' such as luxury cruise holidays in Scandinavia countries, the Mediterranean, and the US, private island dining in Australia, stays in boutique hotels and chalets and heritage properties in India. Where to next? In terms of preferred international destinations, Europe continues to top the list with half of the respondents naming the continent among their destination preferences. Switzerland, France, Austria, Germany lead the European pack, with Eastern European destinations like Czech Republic, Hungary, and Croatia also gaining popularity. 'Short-hauls like Southeast Asia follows with favourites like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore (46%); also Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Ras Al-Khaimah (37%); Japan & South Korea (35%) and Australia-New Zealand (26%); Island locales – Mauritius, Maldives, Bali, Sri Lanka (22%); South Africa & Kenya (12%),' the report said. Central Asian countries like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgystan were among other emerging destinations mentioned by respondents, while Morocco, Iceland, and Greenland 'emerging on the radar'. Inbound tourism still behind pre-pandemic levels While Indians are now travelling overseas in droves, foreign tourist arrivals are yet to reach pre-pandemic levels. In 2024, total foreign tourist arrivals rose to 97 lakh, well short of the 1.09 crore arrivals witnessed in 2019. Foreign tourists are a key source of earnings for the domestic tourism economy, with 2024 seeing total foreign exchange earnings rising 18 per cent to $33.19 billion. In rupee terms, this was equivalent to Rs 2.78 lakh crore. According to the government, the tourism sector contributed 5 per cent to India's GDP in 2022-23, with the total number of jobs supported directly and indirectly due to tourism rising 9 per cent to 7.6 crore.
