the indian express

Fresh off her National Award win, Manasi Parekh is championing Gujarati cinema at the Cannes Film Festival. As accredited producers, she and her team are showcasing 35 films to international buyers, highlighting the industry's creative depth and storytelling prowess.

Punjab Kings bowler Arshdeep Singh faces backlash after a video surfaced showing him allegedly making a racially insensitive remark to Mumbai Indians batter Tilak Varma. Former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan strongly condemned the comment, recalling his own experiences with skin tone-based mockery and demanding strict action against Arshdeep.

A report claims Diljit Dosanjh acquired US citizenship in 2022 and travels to India on an e-visa. Amid his AURA World Tour 2026, the singer-actor is yet to respond. Last week, he had already rejected calls to join politics, saying entertainment is his only passion.

Indian band SANAM connects generations through music. Their covers of classic songs introduce timeless melodies to younger audiences. Older listeners experience nostalgia. The band's approach preserves the original emotion while adding their own style. This balance creates a unique space in India's music scene. SANAM's music extends memories across different age groups.

The Indian Consulate in Shanghai hosted FICCI President Anant Goenka and Chinese business leaders to boost bilateral economic cooperation. Consul General Pratik Mathur highlighted India's economic vision and opportunities in advanced manufacturing, green tech, and the digital economy, emphasizing collaboration for mutual growth.

Former captain Tamim Iqbal, now heading an interim BCB committee, expressed disappointment over Bangladesh's mishandled exclusion from the T20 World Cup 2026. He believes the previous administration failed to find a compromise with the ICC, costing the country a valuable opportunity. Tamim also emphasized the strong relationship between the BCB and BCCI, assuring India of Bangladesh's safety for future tours.

Dancer Sohini Roychowdhury, alongside the India Quartet, captivated audiences in Austria and Germany through a unique blend of Bharatanatyam, storytelling, and Indian classical music. Across 20 educational institutions, students explored Shiva's tales and Vedic concepts via interactive workshops, fostering cultural exchange. The performances highlighted the universal appeal of Indian artistic traditions.

India has strongly condemned an attack on an Indian-flagged ship near Oman, deeming it 'unacceptable' and expressing deep concern over ongoing threats to commercial shipping. All Indian crew members aboard the vessel are reported safe, with thanks extended to Omani authorities for their rescue.

Austria's World Peace One Inclusivity Festival showcased 65 global artists, including neurodivergent performers, celebrating unity and artistic freedom. Visionary artist Christof Hot curated the event, which featured a mesmerizing Bharatnatyam performance by Sohini Roychowdhury, accompanied by sitar maestro Indro Roychowdhury and tabla player Sanjib Pal. The festival culminated in a powerful finale honoring peace and shared humanity.

Indian singer Talwiinder's surprise appearance at Pakistani artist Hasan Raheem's Toronto concert has ignited a debate. While some fans celebrated the cross-border musical collaboration, others criticized the move amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions. The incident has sparked discussions online regarding the separation of art and politics.

Upadhyaya Says Rhymes Teach Children To Lie, Promote Selfishness

The performance at the recent World Athletics Relays turned out to be underwhelming, with none of the five Indian teams securing qualification for next year’s World Championships.

The Department of School Education and Literacy has launched the Bharatiya Bhasha Summer Camp in New Delhi to promote multilingual learning among school students. Launched by Secretary Sanjay Kumar, the programme aligns with NEP 2020 and focuses on exposing students to Indian languages through school-based activities. It covers Classes 1 to 12 and includes Indian Sign Language. Officials said it aims to support language learning, cognitive development, and awareness of linguistic diversity across schools.

In a passionate statement, the Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) has voiced serious concerns regarding the persistent NEET paper leak scandals. They are calling for an impartial investigation, pointing out both systemic failures and the National Testing Agency's dubious history.

Hailing from Madhubani, Shaikh Mohammad Shams Alam has made waves at the Para Swim Open in Sweden, grabbing a bronze in the 100m breaststroke. Not only did he secure his place in the 2026 Asian Para Games in Japan, but he also broke the national record in a stunning display of athleticism, showcasing his unwavering commitment to Indian para sports.

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya expressed strong confidence in the BJP's long-term dominance in Uttar Pradesh, predicting the party will continue to lead for at least 21 years. He highlighted the state's progress towards development and dismissed opposition criticism, asserting the BJP's commitment to public service and welfare schemes for all sections of society.

A British couple's journey through India with their two-month-old son, Alexander, has gone viral. They praised Indian Railways as an excellent travel method, noting the ease of booking and station amenities. Strangers' warmth and hospitality towards their baby, along with Alexander's ability to sleep through the country's vibrant chaos, made the experience unexpectedly wholesome and memorable.

New labour codes would dismantle job security; give unrestricted freedom to employers: AITUC

Rajasthan's iconic Palace on Wheels luxury train is breaking its 43-year tradition by operating in May for the first time. This unprecedented move is driven by a significant surge in passenger demand and a special charter booking, signaling a new era for year-round luxury rail tourism in the desert state.

Rohit Sharma went viral after an awkward selfie moment with a female fan outside the Mumbai Indians bus. As the fan realised her phone had switched off, Rohit jokingly replied, “Toh abhi kya karu mai phir?” The clip sparked laughs online. Meanwhile, Harbhajan Singh praised Rohit’s recent impact and said his earlier return from injury could have changed Mumbai’s IPL season.

Aaron Finch warns that Mumbai Indians, despite their IPL 2026 standing, are a dangerous 'nothing to lose' opponent against Punjab Kings. Finch highlighted PBKS's poor fielding, citing 19 dropped catches this season as a major concern that has cost them crucial points and jeopardized their playoff hopes.

The Supreme Court hearing on the law governing CEC and election commissioners’ appointment has turned the spotlight on the Prime Minister-led selection panel that gives the government veto power