New Delhi, May 15 (IANS) India’s competitive edge makes it a natural choice for tech giants like Apple and the US-based company has assured the government of its commitment to manufacture its products and boost the ‘Make in India’ initiative.The country has shown big companies like Apple the value of “Make in India”, according to informed sources on Thursday.According to people close to the matter, “There is no change in Apple’s investment plans in India”.Earlier, US President Donald Trump said that he told Apple CEO Tim Cook to give up his plan of setting up more manufacturing facilities in India and focus on building these plants in the US instead. “Apple will be upping its production in the United States,” Trump added during a meeting in Doha, Qatar.India has become a key hub for Apple’s global supply chain in recent years.Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said earlier this month that global tech giants such as Apple see a lot of economic sense in setting up manufacturing facilities in India.”Apple has decided to source and produce all its mobile phones in India in the years to come. Because when you invest in India, you are choosing affordability, you are choosing reliability, you are choosing originality,” the minister remarked.Apple CEO Tim Cook recently announced that the tech giant will source the majority of its iPhones for the US market from India in the April-June quarter, while China will produce the devices for other markets.Apple registered the highest growth of 23 per cent among the top five brands in India in the January-March quarter, shipping a first-quarter record of three million units, an IDC report said on Monday.In the March quarter, iPhone 16 was the highest shipped model, accounting for 4 per cent of overall India shipments during Q1 2025.Prabhu Ram, VP at CyberMedia Research (CMR), told IANS that India is increasingly becoming a critical and strategic node in Apple’s global supply chain — not just owing to its growing attractive domestic market, but also its expanding export capabilities and conducive policy environment.“With scalable, high-quality manufacturing, a skilled labor pool, and rapidly developing infrastructure, India is increasingly positioned as Apple’s most viable alternative to China for both assembly and exports over the next decade,” he mentioned.Despite political push for US-based manufacturing, replicating Asia’s strong ecosystem capabilities as well as tightly integrated supply chain in the US will remain a costly and complex challenge.“Most components would still need to be sourced from Asia, and any meaningful shift would require sustained investment over the next many years. In this context, India’s role will continue to deepen, reinforcing its importance in Apple’s global manufacturing and distribution strategy,” said Ram.—IANSna/

Srinagar, May 15 (IANS) Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu said on Thursday that as the difficult three weeks (referring to heightened India-Pakistan tensions) are over, it is time to unite and support the economy of Jammu and Kashmir.Speaking to reporters on his arrival here, Ram Mohan Naidu said: “Operation Sindoor sent out a powerful message to the enemies of the country that we can go any far to avenge the blood of our civilians. I bow and salute the armed forces of the country for their bravery and professional superiority shown during Operation Sindoor. I am also proud of the fact that despite provocation, our armed forces did not target civilians during the strikes across the border.”He said since the three-week-long difficult period is now over, it is time for all of us to unite and support the economy of Kashmir.“The resumption of flights at Srinagar airport is the first step towards revival of tourism in Kashmir,” the minister said.He appreciated the airport staff for having worked alongside the armed forces during the NOTAM period.“It was good to see smile on their faces. I appreciate their effort in supporting the armed forces at the airport during NOTAM period,” he said.The Civil Aviation Minister reviewed the security arrangements at Srinagar and Jammu airports as he visited the Union Territory for the first time after the conflict between India and Pakistan.Airports of Jammu and Srinagar were shut temporarily for civilian flights in the wake of the conflict and were reopened for civilian flights this week.Ram Mohan Naidu arrived at the Srinagar airport in the morning and held a comprehensive discussion with security agencies and relevant stakeholders, according to a release issued by the minister’s office.He also reviewed the passenger facilities and infrastructure development at the Srinagar airport and later visited the Jammu airport.An official said the minister reviewed the security arrangements at the two airports.Besides, Minister Naidu also visited Lal Chowk in Srinagar.Security measures were enhanced, and at least 32 airports in northern and western parts of the country were temporarily shut following the conflict.On Saturday, India and Pakistan reached an understanding to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea with immediate effect.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said: “This understanding is respected only as long as Pakistan does not allow any terrorist activity from its land.”The minister was addressing the army soldiers at the Badami Bagh Cantonment headquarters of army’s 15 corps in Srinagar during his first visit to Kashmir after ceasefire was announced by the two countries.–IANSsq/pgh

Kabul/New Delhi, May 15 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Thursday evening spoke with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, appreciating the ruling regime’s condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack and outright dismissal of attempts being made to create distrust between Kabul and New Delhi.”Good conversation with Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi this evening. Deeply appreciate his condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack,” EAM Jaishankar posted on X after the phone call.”Welcomed his firm rejection of recent attempts to create distrust between India and Afghanistan through false and baseless reports. Underlined our traditional friendship with the Afghan people and continuing support for their development needs. Discussed ways and means of taking cooperation forward,” he added.Last week, Afghanistan had termed Pakistani allegations of India launching missile strikes on the Afghan territory as “baseless” and “unfounded”.In an interview with Afghan media outlet Hurriyat Radio on May 10, Afghanistan’s Defence Ministry spokesperson Enaitullah Khawarzmi had outrightly rejected Pakistan’s allegations that India had carried out a missile strike on Afghan soil, labeling such claims as false and unfounded.The reaction from Kabul came a few hours after the Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had also rejected Pakistan’s “totally frivolous allegations”, terming them as nothing but “ludicrous claims”.Speaking at a special media briefing on Operation Sindoor alongside Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, Misri had urged the Afghan people to remember which nation had repeatedly targetted civilian infrastructure in their country.”There is this yet again completely ludicrous claim that Indian missiles have hit Afghanistan. Totally frivolous allegation. And, I only want to point out that Afghan people don’t need to be reminded about which country it is, that has on multiple occasions, in just the last one and a half years, targeted civilian populations and civilian infrastructure in Afghanistan,” said Misri while highlighting Pakistan’s role in destabilising and destroying Afghanistan.Kabul had earlier expressed deep concerns about the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, following the heinous Pahalgam terrorist attack which had resulted in the death of 26 innocent civilians.“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan expresses concern over the escalating tensions between Pakistan and India, viewing further escalation as not being in the interest of the region. Afghanistan reaffirms its belief that security and stability serve the collective interests of all countries in the region. Meanwhile, it urges both sides to exercise restraint and resolve their issues through dialogue and diplomacy,” the Afghan Foreign Ministry said in a statement.–IANS/as

Mumbai, May 15 (IANS) Actress Neha Sharma revealed her go-to look for brunch through her latest Instagram post.The ‘Crook’ actress took to her Instagram stories and dropped a couple of sneak peeks from her latest brunch getaway.Keeping the fashion police on their toes, Neha looked as appealing as ever in a blush yellow sweater, with a white top underneath, which she paired with black trousers.For the makeup, the stunner went with soft smoky eyes, with a brown shade of lipstick, along with a pink-toned blush. Neha decided to leave her hair open.Revealing that she did her own makeup, Neha wrote in one of her stories, “Also, guys, I did my own makeup…decided to do a soft smoky eye and glossy lips.”In May this year, Neha concluded her schedule for her upcoming Punjabi film “Sanjog”.Sharing the professional update on social media, Neha took to her Instagram to drop a string of photos from her time in Himachal Pradesh. The post included some behind-the-scenes moments on set and a stunning panoramic view from her hotel room. She also shared some clips of the crew celebrating after wrapping up.“Which team are you on – Pahadon wali Maggie ya chai? #schedulewrap #sanjog #highupinthesky,” Neha captioned the post.Helmed by Harish Gargi, “Sanjog” will also see Jassi Gill and Happy Raikoti in crucial roles, along with others.In addition to “Sanjog”, Neha will also be a part of the much-awaited drama, “De De Pyaar De 2.” The project is the sequel to the 2019 hit “De De Pyaar De.” Made under the direction of Anshul Sharma, the film will have the original cast, featuring Ajay Devgn, Rakul Preet Singh, Tabu, Jimmy Shergill, Alok Nath, and Inayat Sood reprising their roles. Additionally, R Madhavan will essay the role of Dev Khurana, Ayesha’s father.”De De Pyaar De 2″ is scheduled to reach the cinema halls on 14th November.–IANSpm/

Kolkata, May 15 (IANS) The Monsoon Session of the West Bengal Assembly will start on June 9, during which a special resolution will be brought by the Treasury bench of the House thanking the Indian Armed Forces for the latter’s heroic role in Operation Sindoor crushing several terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.Although the Speaker of the House, Biman Bandopadhyay, confirmed that a special resolution in the matter will be tabled during the Monsoon Session, he did not specify any date when that will be tabled. According to him, a decision on this count will be taken at the meeting of the business advisory committee of the state assembly.He also did not specify anything about the date till when the Monsoon Session will continue. However, insiders from the state Assembly said that the duration of the Monsoon Session is likely to be for two weeks or a little more than that.Political observers feel that the Monsoon Session of the house is likely to be quite stormy, mainly over the communal violence and riot-like situation in Murshidabad district of West Bengal last month, after protests against the newly promulgated Waqf (Amendment) Act turned violent.Several Hindu temples and religious establishments were vandalised, and several properties and shops owned by Hindu residents there were gutted by the protestors. So there is a high possibility for the house being stormed by the opposition BJP legislators demanding statements from the Chief Minister on the Murshidabad violence during the Monsoon Session.Another issue, according to political observers, over which the forthcoming Monsoon Session of the house is likely to be stormy is the surfacing controversy over the newly inaugurated Lord Jagannath Temple at Digha in East Midnapore district of West Bengal which has reportedly been modeled after the iconic Shree Jagannath Dham Temple at Puri in Odisha.On Monday, the body of the Trinamool Congress legislator from Tehatta in Nadia district, who died this morning due to a brain stroke, was brought to the Assembly premises, and the Trinamool Congress legislators paid their last homage to the deceased soul there. Trinamool Congress general secretary and the party’s Lok Sabha member, Abhishek Banerjee, also turned up at the assembly to garland the body of the deceased MLA.–IANSsrc/pgh

New Delhi, May 15 (IANS) As the business end of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 approaches, franchises are being forced into last-minute changes due to the unavailability of overseas players because of various reasons and injury setbacks. Express pacer Mayank Yadav has been ruled out of the remainder of the season owing to a back injury, forcing Lucknow Super Giants to bring in a replacement.The 22-year-old, who dazzled in IPL 2024 with his raw pace and breakthrough performances, has struggled with fitness ever since.After making a much-awaited return this season, Yadav featured in only two games before his body gave way once again. “Yadav sustained a back injury and is ruled out for the remainder of the season,” read a statement from the IPL.LSG, currently fighting for survival in the league stage, have named New Zealand fast bowler Will O’Rourke as Mayank’s replacement. The 22-year-old Kiwi, known for his bounce and discipline, has been signed at a reserve price of ₹3 crore.Meanwhile, Punjab Kings, still in contention for a playoff spot, have brought in Kyle Jamieson to replace fellow New Zealander Lockie Ferguson, who has also been sidelined due to injury. Jamieson, a versatile seam-bowling all-rounder, joins the Shreyas Iyer-led squad for Rs 2 crore.In another notable update that impacts the top of the table, Jos Buttler will be unavailable for the Gujarat Titans during the playoffs. Buttler has been called up by England for their upcoming ODI series against the West Indies, which begins on May 29 — the same day the IPL playoffs kick off.To fill the void, GT have signed Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis, who will make his IPL debut.Mendis, who had been part of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) until earlier this month, had been playing for Quetta Gladiators, scoring 143 runs at a striking rate of 168 in five matches. He will now shift focus to India, having decided to opt out of the remainder of the PSL due to security concerns.–IANShs/bsk/

Srinagar, May 15 (IANS) J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday suggested a well-thought-out comprehensive plan to revive tourism in Kashmir in the aftermath of the Pahalgam killings of 26 civilians by the terrorists.

Omar Abdullah chaired a meeting with key tourism stakeholders to listen to their concerns and discuss the way forward for the tourism sector in Kashmir in the aftermath of the recent adverse situation affecting tourism in the region.Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister called for the formulation of a comprehensive and well-thought-out tourism revival plan.“This is my suggestion for your consideration that we thoughtfully shape and finalise this plan without undue haste,” he said.He proposed that a robust tourism revival strategy be jointly developed with the Tourism Department after the conclusion of this year’s Shri Amarnath ji Yatra.The package, he said, should extend support to hotels, houseboats, shikaras, taxis, handicrafts and explore innovative models such as unique shopping festivals on the analogy of those in Dubai.“We should also consider engaging artists for cultural performances, restarting the laser fountain shows, and introducing other attractions to enhance the tourist experience,” the Chief Minister added.Acknowledging the difficulties faced by the tourism sector, Omar Abdullah said, “I understand the challenges many of you are grappling with, be it managing establishments, retaining employees, or dealing with fixed overheads. Many among you are under pressure due to bank loans.”He expressed particular concern for small-scale entrepreneurs who have recently taken loans to purchase tourist taxis, deluxe minibuses or built guest accommodations in their homes.“I plan to engage with the Tourism Department and relevant authorities to advocate for a dedicated relief package from the Government of India. A comprehensive package should cater to individuals affected in the border areas, where homes and shops have been damaged. For the tourism sector, we will explore the possibility of loan deferments for at least two quarters, which would provide temporary relief and reduce financial stress on stakeholders,” the Chief Minister stated.Highlighting the ongoing interest in J&K as a tourism destination, Omar Abdullah said there is already enthusiasm for promotional activities and FAM (Familiarisation) tours.“I have been receiving calls from individuals and organisations eager to promote Jammu and Kashmir and bring back tourists in large numbers,” he said, adding that he would personally participate in joint promotional campaigns as the situation stabilises.The Chief Minister assured the gathering that he would take up the issue of financial support and interest relief directly with the Prime Minister, the Finance Minister, and other senior central government officials.“We will approach this in a structured and result-oriented manner,” he affirmed.Earlier in the meeting, tourism stakeholders put forward several suggestions, including organising FAM tours, inviting the corporate sector to avail LTCs and host meetings in the region, holding government conferences in J&K, and seeking reductions in airfares to make travel more affordable.They emphasised that with the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, it is an opportune time to send a strong message to the rest of the country that Kashmir is peaceful and ready to welcome tourists with warmth and brotherhood.–IANSsq/dan

New Delhi, May 15 (IANS) Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, on Thursday, lauded the efforts of students and teachers at Adani Vidya Mandir Ahmedabad (AVMA) for scoring 100 per cent results in the CBSE 2025 examination.

AVMA recorded a stellar 100 per cent pass rate, with all 95 students securing first division.”Our Adani Vidya Mandir, Ahmedabad, was just ranked among India’s top schools with 100 per cent CBSE results. Proof that when belief meets opportunity, magic happens!” Gautam Adani shared in a post on the social media platform X.Coinciding with the announcement of the CBSE Grade XII results on May 13, AVMA also scored a commendable 232 out of 250 in the NABET score for 2025.The achievement placed AVMA among the top-tier schools in the country and at the top of the list in the underprivileged category.”No Fees! No Limits! It was said that they were born with fewer chances. But they studied harder and dreamed bigger!” the Chairman of the Adani Group said.He also shared “a heartfelt thank you to the incredible teachers and staff for their relentless commitment!”Adani Vidya Mandir schools serve over 3,000 students through four campuses: Ahmedabad and Bhadreshwar in Gujarat, Surguja in Chhattisgarh and Krishnapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.In February, AVMA was adjudged the ‘National Winner’ in the category of ‘School for Underprivileged/Right to Education (RTE) Implementation’ and received the ‘Samagra Shiksha Award’ from Dr Sukanata Majumdar, Minister of State for Education.AVMA integrates the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were adopted by the United Nations in 2015, into its curriculum, ensuring a global perspective in its pedagogical approach.Among AVMA’s noteworthy recognitions are the International Green School Award by Green Mentors, presented at Cornell University, New York, US; and its certification as a ‘Kindness School’ by Random Acts of Kindness.These accolades epitomise the school’s dedication to environmental stewardship and fostering kindness as integral aspects of education.–IANSrvt/dan

Gurugram, May 15 (IANS) Gurugram Police have arrested three bail jumpers for allegedly failing to appear before the concerned court, police said.

According to the police, in the first case, the accused was identified as Vijay Sheri of Rajendra Park, Gurugram. A case was registered against the accused at the Sector-9A police station in Gurugram.The second accused was identified as Sonu Pal of Uttar Pradesh. A case was registered against him at the Badshahpur police station.In the third case, a case was registered against Shokeen, a resident of Nuh. The accused was involved in a theft case, police said.”The accused were involved in different cases and secured bail from the concerned court but failed to appear on the prescribed date and disobeyed the orders of the court; hence, the above accused were declared as post-bail offenders (bail jumpers),” a spokesperson for the Gurugram police said.The above-mentioned post-bail jumpers declared by the court were arrested by different teams of Gurugram Police on different days and presented before the court.Meanwhile, the police have also nabbed three minors accused of their alleged involvement in a house theft case under the Sector-9A police jurisdiction area.The complainant told the police on May 12 that an unknown accused stole a mobile phone and jewellery from his house in Sector-9A, police said.Based on the complaint, the police team nabbed the accused on May 13 and recovered two mobile phones and jewellery from their possession. Additionally, the Gurugram Police have also arrested two drug peddlers from two different locations in the city.The suspects were identified as Chandan Kumar, aka Sandeep, and Aakash Kumar of Bihar. Chandan was arrested on May 13 at Ambedkar Chowk in Sohna, and Akash was arrested on Wednesday at Kapashehra border. Their associate, Sushant Parmer, was arrested on May 12, and over 3 kg of ganja was recovered from his possession.Four cases under the Excise Act and NDPS Act were registered against Chandan in Gurugram, and one case of theft was registered against Akash in Delhi, police said.–IANSstr/dan

Garhwa, May 15 (IANS) In a significant step towards strengthening the health infrastructure at city’s…