Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar speaking at the Nehru Place Post Office in New Delhi on Thursday.
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PM Modi called on Italian President Sergio Mattarella and discussed different aspects relating to India-Italy friendship, including trade, investment and cultural linkages Updated
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during a meeting, in Italy. Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor (NSI) Ajit Doval are also seen. (@NarendraModi/YT via PTI Photo)
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (May 20, 2026) held wide-ranging talks with his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, focusing on areas such as trade, defence, clean energy and technology.Ahead of bilateral talks, PM Modi called on Italian President Sergio Mattarella and discussed different aspects relating to India-Italy friendship, including trade, investment and cultural linkages. They also discussed collaboration in areas such as AI, critical minerals, space and nuclear energy.Also Read | Modi and Meloni outline road map for India-Italy strategic partnershipDuring the bilateral meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accompanied by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other senior diplomatic officials.Also Read | India, Nordic nations agree to elevate ties to Green Technology and Innovation Strategic PartnershipEarlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Italy, where he met his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni, over dinner, followed by a visit to the Colosseum. Before arriving in Rome, the Prime Minister was in Oslo, Norway, where he participated in the 3rd India-Nordic Summit.Follow the latest updates here:May 20, 2026 16:57 India-Italy relations are now capable of reaching their full potential: MeloniFollowing bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi, Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni stated, “We are elevating ties to a special strategic partnership. India-Italy relations are now capable of reaching their full potential.”“India and Italy formed a friendship based on respect and mutual trust. It is important to have freedom of navigation in Indo-Pacific,” she added.May 20, 2026 16:51 We have decided to revitalise India-Italy relations, says MeloniItalian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated at a joint press conference that India and Italy decided to revitalise their relations following bilateral talks on Wednesday (May 20, 2026).May 20, 2026 16:43 WATCH | PM Modi, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni attend joint press meetMay 20, 2026 15:42 PM Modi and Italian PM Meloni hold delegation-level talksPrime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni hold a meeting in Rome.May 20, 2026 15:27 PM Modi receives ceremonial military honour PM Modi receives a ceremonial military honour during his visit to Italy as part of the final leg of his five-nation tour. May 20, 2026 15:21 PM Modi, Sergio Mattarella discuss trade, AI, clean energy and global issues: MEAMEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in a post on X, talks about Prime Minister Modi’s meeting with President Sergio Mattarella. “The two leaders reaffirmed the strong and enduring India-Italy partnership and held discussions in areas including trade, technology, innovation, clean energy, AI and culture,” the statement says. “They also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest”, the statement adds. May 20, 2026 14:40 Congress insults PM Modi just because he belongs to OBC community: Shehzaad Poonawala On Lok Sabha LoP and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s statement, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla says, “…The kind of words used by Rahul Gandhi for PM Narendra Modi show his upbringing. The Congress always use bad words for him.” May 20, 2026 14:24 PM Modi holds delegation-level talks with Italian President Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds delegation-level talks with the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarel
Telangana government has already submitted proposals for the second-phase expansion of the HMR, covering 162 km.
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The Centre has, in-principle, raised no objection to Phase II of the Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) project and is willing to proceed on a 50:50 cost-sharing basis with the Telangana government, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar said on Wednesday (May 20, 2026).According to an official release, Mr. Khattar conveyed this assurance to Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, who is also Secunderabad MP, during a meeting in New Delhi.Mr. Khattar noted that the Telangana government has already submitted proposals for the second-phase expansion of the HMR, covering 162 km. He assured that the Centre would give the proposal “positive consideration” and initiate “necessary further measures”.
Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy with Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar said on Wednesday (May 20, 2026).
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Comprehensive examination of DPRThe meeting also reviewed key aspects of the Phase II project. Mr. Khattar indicated that, since the State government has taken over the project from L&T, the Centre would undertake a comprehensive examination of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and other technical specifications. The remaining components of Phase II would be considered once the DPR and relevant information are received, following which an appropriate decision would be taken.39 STPs sanctioned to treat wastewater flowing into MusiThe Ministers also conducted a joint review of major urban development initiatives underway in Hyderabad, particularly those related to the sanitation and rejuvenation of the Musi River. Mr. Khattar stated that under the Centre’s AMRUT 2.0 scheme, 39 sewage treatment plants (STPs) were sanctioned to treat wastewater flowing into the Musi. The projects have a total estimated cost of ₹3,975 crore.These STPs will have a combined capacity to treat 972 million litres of sewage per day. The initiative is expected to prevent untreated wastewater from entering the river, while significantly contributing to its conservation and improving the city’s overall sanitation standards.Mr. Khattar reiterated that the Centre is extending full cooperation for Hyderabad’s development and infrastructure enhancement. Mr. Reddy expressed his gratitude for the support, the release added. Published - May 20, 2026 01:59 pm IST
In this screengrab from a video posted on May 18, 2026, newly sworn-in Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan during the swearing-in ceremony of the State government, in Thiruvananthapuram. Photo: @IndianNationalCongress/Yt via PTI Photo
Senior Congress leader V.D. Satheesan was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Kerala along with 20 Ministers at a ceremony held at a packed Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday (May 18, 2026). Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy to Mr. Satheesan and the Ministers-designate over a one-hour ceremony that commenced around 10.15 a.m.The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) had scripted a landslide victory over the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front
in the April 9 Assembly elections by claiming 102 of the 140 seats in the State Assembly.Kerala swearing-in ceremony LIVE updatesMr. Satheesan, 61, who was Opposition Leader during 2021-2026, was the first to be sworn in. Mr. Arlekar read out the oath of office which Mr. Satheesan repeated after him. The procedure was repeated with the oath of secrecy. Mr. Satheesan then signed the oaths in the books kept on the table. Afterwards, Mr. Arlekar presented Mr. Satheesan with a bouquet as the stadium drowned in cheers and slogans from the crowd. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi greeted the new Chief Minister with a hug.The Chief Secretary then presented the other Ministers-designate individually. Mr. Arlekar administered the oaths to them.In taking the oaths, Mr. Satheesan was followed by Ministers-designate P.K. Kunhalikutty, Ramesh Chennithala, Sunny Joseph, K. Muraleedharan, Mons Joseph, Shibu Baby John, Anoop Jacob, C.P. John, A.P. Anil Kumar, N. Shamsudeen, P.C. Vishnunadh, Roji M. John, Bindu Krishna, M. Liju, K.M. Shaji, P.K. Basheer, V.E. Abdul Gafoor, T. Siddique, K.A Thulasi and O.J. Janeesh. All of them took the oath in Malayalam, except K. Muraleedharan who took the oath in English.All except Mr. Shibu Baby John and C.P. John took the oath in the name of God. Shibu Baby John, who represents the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), and C.P. John, the Communist Marxist Party (CMP), made solemn affirmation of their commitment.The Congress has 12 members in the Cabinet including the Chief Minister. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has five Ministers, while the Kerala Congress (Joseph), Kerala Congress (Jacob), RSP and CMP have one each. Mr. Satheesan, who succeeds CPI(M)’s Pinarayi Vijayan as the Chief Minister, is also the 13th person to hold the post.The portfolios of the Chief Minister and the Ministers are expected to be made public later today (Monday). Mr. Satheesan had said on Sunday (May 17) that the list would be handed over to the Governor after the swearing-in ceremony and published through a gazette notification.Huge crowds had gathered at the Central Stadium since early morning to witness the function. Extensive arrangements, including traffic regulations, were in place across the State capital.The ceremony commenced around 10.15 a.m. and concluded around 11.30 a.m. with the recital of the Vande Mataram followed by the National Anthem.Among those present at the event were Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, senior leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Pinarayi Vijayan who is set to be Kerala’s new Opposition Leader, AICC general secretaries K.C. Venugopal and Deepa Dasmunshi, BJP State president and MLA Rajeev Chandrasekhar and CPI State secretary Binoy Viswam.Following the declaration of the election results on May 4, the Congress party had taken ten days to pick Mr. Satheesan over Mr. Chennithala and AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal as the Congress Legislative Party leader and CM-designate. After that, the entire focus had shifted to Cabinet formation. The discussions had stretched into Sun
BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao speaking at L.B. Nagar constituency party workers meeting held in Hyderabad on Sunday as local MLA D. Sudheer Reddy looks on.
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HYDERABADWorking president of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) K.T. Rama Rao has demanded that Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar be removed from the Council of Minister to enable an impartial inquiry into the POCSO case registered against his son Bandi Sai Bageerath.Speaking at the party workers meeting of the L.B. Nagar constituency held here on Sunday, he said perhaps it could be for the first a look out notice was issued against a Union Minister’s son and suggested Prime Minister Narendra Modi that mere slogan of “Beti Bachao and Beti Padhao” would not serve any purpose and firm action was needed to ensure justice to a “beti” in the POCSO case involving Mr. Sanjay’s son.He sought to know who was protecting the Union Minister’s son for nine days after the POCSO case was registered from arrest and asked whether he was hiding in a safe haven without the knowledge of Mr. Sanjay and Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. It was the Union Minister’s son who had assaulted the minor girl and it was the Union Minister himself who had terrorised the minor girl’s parents.Mr. Rama Rao alleged that it was the Chief Minister who had attempted to dilute the sensitive case due to his “give and take” relations with the Union Minister. Both the Union Minister and the Chief Minister had tried to paint the case as a honey trap and tried to stifle the media by baiting some organisations with money trap.Despite all sorts of pressures, harassment, threatening and terrorising the girl’s parents stood up bravely, the BRS leader said and stated that it was due to BRS women leaders’ and general secretary R.S. Praveen Kumar’s struggle in different forms had forced the government to oppose the narrative of the accused in the High Court and provide some solace to the victim and her family.It was the collective struggle of BRS cadre, women leaders, student activists, and public pressure, the accused was finally forced to surrender or arrest bringing at least some hope of justice for the victim.Deputy Floor Leader of BRS in the Assembly Talasani Srinivas Yadav, L.B. Nagar MLA D. Sudheer Reddy and others spoke at the party workers’ meeting. Published - May 18, 2026 06:45 am IST
Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi speaks over the NEET-UG 2026 row, on May 16, 2026. Photo: @RahulGandhi X/ANI Video Grab
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday (May 17, 20260 asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi why he was not sacking Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan despite repeated paper leaks in his tenure.In a post on X, Mr. Gandhi also questioned the "silence" of the Prime Minister on the matter.
Also read: NEET-UG | Test in turmoil "NEET 2024: Paper leaked. Exam not cancelled. Minister did not resign. CBI set up an investigation. A committee was formed.”"NEET 2026: Paper leaked. Exam cancelled. Minister still did not resign. CBI is investigating again. Another committee will be formed," Mr. Gandhi posted on X.The National Testing Agency cancelled the National Eligibility cum Entrance Exam (Undergraduate) held on May 3 amid allegations of irregularities. The re-exam has been scheduled for June 21."Mr Modi, the country is asking you some questions - answer them! Why are paper leaks happening repeatedly? Why are you silent time and again on this 'Pariksha pe Charcha'? Why aren't you dismissing the education minister who keeps failing repeatedly?" The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha asked, using the hashtag "#SackPradhan".'Pariksha pe Charcha' is a programme in which the Prime Minister interacts with students, parents and teachers. The initiative aims to reshape the examination experience of students by fostering confidence, positivity, and holistic well-being.On Saturday (May 16, 2026), Mr. Gandhi demanded that the Prime Minister should immediately sack Pradhan or take responsibility himself.He also alleged that the "BJP-RSS nexus" has destroyed India's education system and said the hard work of 22 lakh NEET aspirants has gone to waste."The whole country knows that two days before NEET, its question paper was being distributed on WhatsApp. Dharmendra Pradhan ji says he has nothing to do with the matter. The (Parliamentary) Committee had made recommendations but he put it in the dustbin on the pretext that opposition people were on the committee and that it was of no use," Mr. Gandhi said in a video statement."The truth is that you [government] have damaged the core of India. This is a nexus of the RSS, the BJP and their people that have been installed in universities, vice chancellors and professors, to mint money," the former Congress president said, adding that all people involved in the alleged paper leak be put in jail.Mr. Pradhan on Friday (May 15, 2026) announced that the NEET-UG re-examination would be held on June 21. He said the medical entrance exam would be computer-based from next year onwards in view of irregularities linked to it. Published - May 17, 2026 04:24 pm IST
India and the Netherlands on Saturday (May 16, 2026) decided to elevate their relationship to the strategic partnership level following extensive talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Dutch counterpart Rob Jetten amid shifting global geopolitics.Mr. Modi began his two-day visit to The Hague on Friday (May 15, 2026) as part of a four-nation trip to Europe that is aimed at ramping up bilateral ties in a range of key areas.India and the Netherlands also inked a number of agreements to further enhance their cooperation in a range of areas."There has been significant progress in India-Netherlands ties in last one decade," Mr. Modi said in his televised opening remarks during the talks with Dutch PM Jetten.Netherlands is one of India's largest trading destinations in Europe, with bilateral trade touching $27.8 billion in 2024-25. The European nation is India's fourth largest investor with cumulative foreign direct investment of $55.6 billion.In his remarks, the Prime Minister said India considers the Netherlands among its most important partners as the historical and people to people relations between the two sides are "deep" rooted."Democratic values, market economy and responsible behavior are part of our common approach. Our cooperation in areas of Water, healthcare and education has been making the lives of our people better," he said.Mr. Modi also highlighted India's economic growth.The Prime Minister suggested that there should be convergence of the Netherlands' expertise and India's "speed and skill" in every sector."We need to take our cooperation in areas of innovation, investment, sustainability, and defence to new heights. Under this common vision, we are taking India-Netherlands relations to the level of strategic partnership," Mr. Modi said.In his comments, Mr. Jetten also highlighted various key aspects of growing ties between the two countries and announced elevating the relations to the level of strategic partnership.Ahead of the bilateral talks, PM Modi, along with Mr. Jetten, interacted with prominent CEOs of leading Dutch companies across various sectors such as energy, ports, health, agriculture trade, and technology, among others.Modi invites Dutch companies to IndiaPM Modi invited Dutch companies to explore opportunities in India, particularly in maritime, renewable energy, digital technologies, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and healthcare sectors."We are continuously reducing compliance and increasing the ease of doing business. We have recently carried out next-generation reforms in taxation, labour code, and governance," he told the business leaders.Mr. Modi said manufacturing in India is becoming very cost-effective, and in the services sector, it has become the engine of efficiency and innovation."We invite all of you to design and innovate in India. There can be no better time for this than today," Mr. Modi said."Today's India is a symbol of scale and stability. In terms of scale, we are also the fastest-growing major economy in the world and the world's largest talent pool. Infrastructure, clean energy or connectivity – no one in the world can match India's speed," he said."And on the subject of stability, I have completed 12 years of serving as the Prime Minister of the world's largest democracy. In these 12 years, with continuous reforms, we have transformed our economic DNA. Our direction has been clear – to give policy predictability to the private sector and increase opportunities for them," he added.Mr. Modi said his government has opened up every sector for the private sector, be it space, mining or nuclear energy.The two Prime Ministers underlined the importance of early implementation of the India-EU-FTA.
Dhaka-Delhi ties to depend on Ganges treaty: Bangladesh minister The Times of India Ties with India to 'depend' on Ganges Water Treaty, says BNP | All about the pact with Bangladesh Hindustan Times Bangladesh says future ties with India depend on new Ganges water treaty Telegraph India Bangladesh’s ties with India hinge on renewal of Ganges treaty: Fakhrul The Daily Star Rivers in Chapainawabganj drying up into sandbanks due to Farakka Barrage Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)
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The Prime Minister said he would hold talks with Dutch PM Jetten and call on King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima Updated
Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets the Indian diaspora on his arrival, in Amsterdam on mya 15, 2026. Photo: Narendra Modi Photo Gallery via ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Netherlands on Friday (May 15, 2026) on the second leg of his five-nation tour, during which he will hold talks with his Dutch counterpart Rob Jetten to further deepen bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, defence and renewable energy.Mr. Modi was received at the airport by Rear Admiral Ludger Brummelaar, Adjutant-General and Chief of the Military Household of His Majesty the King; Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen; and India’s Ambassador to the Netherlands Kumar Tuhin, along with other senior officials of the Dutch Government.People-to-people ties remain a key pillar of the bilateral relationship.Also Read | ‘We condemn attacks on UAE’, says PM Modi, signs defence cooperation pactIndia and the Netherlands have significantly expanded cooperation in recent years beyond traditional sectors such as trade, investment and the priority areas of water, agriculture, and health. The partnership has grown in strategic sectors, including technology, innovation, defence, security, semiconductors, renewable energy, education and the maritime domain, the MEA said.The PM’s visit to the European nation from May 15 to 17 is his second trip to the country after his 2017 visit and comes at an “important juncture” in India-Netherlands ties, officials said.Follow the latest updates here:May 16, 2026 12:50 Photos | PM Modi welcomed at The Hague by India diaspora, cultural performancesAmsterdam, May 16 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets the Indian diaspora on his arrival, in Amsterdam on Friday. (Narendra Modi Photo Gallery/ANI Photo)Amsterdam, May 16 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi [unseen] receives a warm welcome from the members of the Indian diaspora on his arrival, in Amsterdam on Friday. (Narendra Modi Photo Gallery/ANI Photo)Amsterdam, May 16 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets the artists, in Amsterdam on Friday. (Narendra Modi Photo Gallery/ANI Photo)Amsterdam, May 16 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnesses a cultural performance on his arrival, in Amsterdam on Friday. (Narendra Modi Photo Gallery/ANI Photo)Amsterdam, May 16 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnesses a cultural performance on his arrival, in Amsterdam on Friday. (Narendra Modi Photo Gallery/ANI Photo)May 16, 2026 12:39 PM Modi witnesses cultural, classical performances; interacts with Indian diaspora at The HaguePrime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday was graced by an enthusiastic welcome by the Indian community, as well as various cultural performances in The Hague.PM Modi shared heartfelt moments with the Indian community and witnessed a cultural and classical performance after he arrived at the hotel.An artist, Gautam, who performed in front of PM Modi, expressed happiness upon his interaction. “We performed Garba to welcome PM Modi. We interacted with him, and we are all very happy,” he told
ANI.Another artist, Reema described the experience as “amazing” and said, “We are all feeling very happy to perform in front of PM Modi...The entire experience was amazing.”- ANIMay 16, 2026 12:22 PM visit carries 'rich and substantive agenda: MEAThe Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in a social media post, said the visit would provide an “opportunity to further strengthen the multifaceted India-Netherlands partnership and to engage with the largest Indian diaspora on mainland Europe”.MEA officials said the visit carries a “rich and substantive agenda” and is expected to consolidate the strategic dimensions of the partnership that have emerged through sustained engagement between the two countries.- THBMay 16, 2026 12:20 PM Modi arrives in Netherl
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced the new standard operating procedure (SoP) for the proceedings. File
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The Maharashtra Government announced that the use of Marathi is mandatory in hearings and orders passed by authorities in quasi-judicial proceedings in the revenue department.Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced the new standard operating procedure (SoP) for these proceedings.“Under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, we intend to make the revenue administration more citizen-centric and dynamic,” Mr. Bawankule said.The Government took the decision after considering earlier directives, recommendations from divisional commissioners, field-level instructions and observations of the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court, to issue the new directives.New SoPThe new SoP also makes it mandatory for all revenue officers to conduct hearings at least twice a week, preferably on Tuesdays and Fridays, while adjournments will be allowed only once and only for valid reasons. All interim and final orders will have to be uploaded on the ‘e-QJ Court’ system and issued only with digital signatures.No order can be passed without hearing both parties and recording proper reasoning. Speaking orders should be issued within a maximum period of eight weeks.Separate guidelines have been framed for cases related to minor minerals, farm access roads, petition matters, correction of clerical errors and various proceedings under the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code.The new rules are expected to reduce pendency in revenue courts, officials said. Published - May 16, 2026 12:55 pm IST
“From the beginning, our policy was not to provoke anyone. But if anyone provokes us, we do not spare them either,” Mr. Singh said. File photo: @rajnathsingh X/ANI
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday (May 14, 2026) warned Pakistan against terrorism and said India would strike back decisively if provoked again.Addressing a public gathering at Merta town in Nagaur after unveiling a statue of Rajput ruler Rao Duda, Mr. Singh said Operation Sindoor had sent a strong message to Pakistan."Perhaps Pakistan will not dare to look at India with hostility again. But I want to say that if it does, what has not happened till now will happen," he said."From the beginning, our policy was not to provoke anyone. But if anyone provokes us, we do not spare them either," Mr. Singh said.Referring to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 last year, he said the terrorists had killed people after asking about their religion."Indian culture says there should be no division based on caste or religion. We believe in justice and humanity. But terrorists from Pakistan were shooting people after asking their religion," he said."The entire country was angry. We gave such a strong reply that the enemy was stunned. We proved that India is no longer a country that silently suffers. If anyone attacks our citizens, we will enter their homes and respond. No border can stop us," Mr. Singh added.The Defence Minister said India has adopted a "zero tolerance" policy against terrorism, citing the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes as examples of India's changing response strategy. Published - May 14, 2026 04:19 pm IST
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