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Canberra, Nov 8 (IANS) Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Sunday extended wishes to people who are celebrating Diwali, stressing that shining diyas, candles, and lanterns reflect shared hopes for humanity and assure people that goodness, knowledge, and truth will always prevail.Albanese's message for Diwali was shared by Australian High Commissioner to India Philip Green on X."I send my best wishes to everyone observing Deepavali, the great celebration of the victory of light. For Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist communities, Deepavali is deeply embedded in culture - an ancient tradition of spiritual and personal renewal, underpinned by the cultivation of generosity and the embrace of new beginnings," Albanese said."In many ways, the signs and symbols of Deepavali transcend reli...

New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) As the people in India and abroad celebrate Diwali on Sunday, Embassies and High Commissions from across the world extended their wishes to the people on the festival of lights.The Greek Embassy in India extended wishes to people on Diwali and also shared glimpses from their own celebration on X. In the video, the Greek diplomats responded to different questions like what their favourite Diwali sweet is, their Diwali memory in India, and what Diwali tradition they would like to take back home."My wish for all our Indian friends for Diwali is that your life is as sweet as kaju barfi. Shubh Diwali," one diplomat said.Another said: "One thing I learned about Diwali is that light is not simply something we celebrate, it's something we choose to share and if light brin...

New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit reached a forward base on Sunday and joined frontline troops in Diwali festivities. He celebrated the festival with the 'Air Warriors' deployed at the station.Upon arriving at the forward-area Air Force station, the IAF chief interacted with the Air Force warriors and 'Agniveervayus' (Agniveers in the Air Force) deployed there, entrusted with safeguarding the nation's airspace.The IAF chief distributed sweets and extended festive greetings to the brave. The Air Force Chief commended the Air Warriors for fulfilling their duties in the service of the nation with unwavering commitment, even while staying away from their families on the auspicious occasion of Diwali.He said that while most people celebrate ...

Hyderabad, Nov 8 (IANS) Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Sunday offered prayers at the Bhagyalakshmi Temple abutting historic Charminar.The Governor, accompanied by his spouse, Janaki Shukla, visited the temple occasion of Diwali.The Governor and his spouse offered special prayers to the Goddess. Temple trustee Shashikala briefed them on the significance of the temple.Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla prayed for the prosperity of the nation and Telangana and wished the people happiness, peace and good health.Meanwhile, the Governor had extended Diwali greetings to the people of Telangana.He urged people to celebrate the festival with love, compassion and a spirit of service. He said that Diwali symbolises the victory of light over darkness and called upon everyone to spread happiness, ...

New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi's description of the Emergency as a ’mistake’, in an interview with British newspaper 'The Guardian', has triggered reactions from political leaders, with Union Ministers Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Ramdas Athawale commenting on the legacy of the 1975-77 period.Speaking to IANS on the issue, Rajiv Ranjan Singh noted that Sonia Gandhi's forthcoming book could shed light on several aspects of the country's political history that had not been widely discussed."She has mentioned several things in her revelations. After reading her book, the nation will get an opportunity to know about many such untouched aspects that people were not aware of. But one thing is certain: she has once again touched the sensitive nerve of the ...

Chennai, Nov 8 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Ministers on Sunday paid floral tributes to renowned Italian scholar and Tamil literary figure Veeramamunivar, remembering his remarkable contributions to the development of Tamil language, literature and grammar on his birth anniversary.Representing the Tamil Nadu government, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Venkitaramanan, School Education, Tamil Development and Information Minister Rajmohan and Social Justice Minister Vanni Arasu garlanded Veeramamunivar's statue on Kamarajar Salai near Marina Beach in Chennai.They also showered flower petals on his portrait.Veeramamunivar, originally named Constantine Joseph Beschi, was born in Italy and arrived in India in 1710.Although he came as a Christian missionary, he subsequently emerged as one of the most in...

Chandigarh, Nov 8 (IANS) Despite the dipping Air Quality Index (AQI) in the Delhi-NCR region and worsening breathing conditions, the stubble burning crisis continues to remain a challenge for the administration, as despite multiple warnings and reminders, the incidents continue to be reported, with as many as 200 in Punjab's Patiala district alone.Thousands of incidents of agricultural residue burning have been reported across Punjab, bypassing the pollution control board’s instructions.According to a report by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), a total of 3,307 incidents of stubble burning were recorded in the state till November 7. Out of these, 2,903 sites were inspected, and the burning of crop residue was confirmed at 1,275 locations.A fine of Rs 60.60 lakh has also been impos...

Chennai, Nov 8 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu government has initiated an administrative reshuffle in the Public Libraries Department following a controversy over the selection and procurement of books for the Periyar Library in Coimbatore.This issue has triggered considerable discussion in the state's political and administrative circles. As part of the changes, IAS officer Jayanthi, who had been holding additional charge as Director of Public Libraries, has been relieved of the responsibility.The government has appointed IAS officer R.V. Shajeevana as the new Director of Public Libraries (DPL). Jayanthi, who also serves as Chairperson of the Teachers Recruitment Board (TRB), will continue in that position.The decision effectively separates public library administration from her existing respons...

New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) Political violence continues to trouble Bangladesh despite the country's change of political leadership, with recent killings involving supporters of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) highlighting persistent rivalries over local influence, political positions, and control of resources.A report published in “The Diplomat” has examined the pattern of violence over more than two decades, drawing on records of Bangladeshi human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), academic studies, and media investigations. Its findings suggest that political clashes have continued under successive administrations, including during periods of significant political transition.One of the latest incidents occurred on October 18, when Ripon Mia, a local leader of the...

Kolkata, Nov 8 (IANS) Pollution levels in several areas of Kolkata and Howrah have reached alarming levels on the night before Kali Puja, with many 'red' spots visible on the pollution map, an official said on Sunday.The pollution level in Kolkata's air has been increasing over the last two days before Kali Puja. Since Friday night, toxic smoke from firecrackers has been mixed in the air of Howrah, Jadavpur, and Salt Lake. Since Saturday night, the level has increased further. Several more areas have been newly added to this list.The maximum level of PM 2.5 in the air of Ghusuri in Howrah was 350, 336 at Salt Lake, 326 in Jadavpur, 321 in Ballygunge, and 313 in Howrah district's Belur.The state government has already issued strict rules to control air pollution and noise pollution levels d...