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February 27, 2026
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Bollywood-drug probe: NCB arrests executive producer Kshitij Prasad

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) have arrested Kshitij Ravi Prasad on Saturday in connection with their ongoing probe into the alleged Bollywood’s drug ‘nexus’ which has emerged after the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. Kshitij was previously associated with Karan Johar-led Dharma Productions as he worked with the company as an executive producer in 2019.

According to media reports, he was taken to the NCB office after narcotic substance was found at his house in a raid by the agency. His arrest came hours after he was quizzed by the NCB for hours.

“We have arrested Kshitij. He will be presented before a Special NDPS court on Sunday. Details will be put before the court,” MA Jain, NCB South-Western Region Deputy Director General, told the media.

On Friday, Karan Johar had released an official statement wherein he had said that Kshitij is not associated with Dharma Productions as of now. The filmmaker although asserted that Kshitij joined Dharmatic Entertainment, sister concern of Dharma Productions, in November 2019 as one of the executive producers on contract basis for a project, which was eventually halted.

Karan had shared the statement with regard to an old video which showed several Bollywood stars at his house under the influence of drugs allegedly.

The video was posted on July 28, 2019, by Karan featuring several Bollywood celebrities including Deepika Padukone, Arjun Kapoor, Malaika Arora, Shahid Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor, Vickey Kaushal present at the party.

There were speculation that the filmmaker might get a summon from NCB over the controversial video, however, NCB South-Western Region Deputy Director-General told the media that video is not a part of ongoing investigation.

“No, there is no connection of that said video with this case,” he said.

NCB also informed that till that, 18 to 19 persons have been sent into judicial custody as part of their probe into the Bollywood-drug case.

Happy Daughters’ Day 2020: Wishes, images and Quotes to share with your precious daughters

Daughters are precious and it is no lesser than a universal fact. They are heart of the family as they never fail to shower everyone around with them with utmost love. They are considered god’s one true blessing for all the love and warmth they share. Their smiles light up their parents’ whole world and it is not wrong to say that daughters are sunshine on the darkest days.

Daughters must be protected at all cost for they are most beautiful creations of God and Daughters’ Day is the reminder of the same.

Daughters’ Day is celebrated on different days across the world. In India, every year, fourth Sunday of September is marked as the Daughters’ Day.

This day was first founded with the aim to get rid of the stigma around having a girl child. Even in developing countries, daughters are still seen as a burden, on account of cultural practices like giving of dowry, etc.

Daughters’ Day, hence, reminds everyone to appreciate the presence of the little angels in one’s life.

US, UK, Canada and Germany are among the other countries that will celebrate Daughters’ Day on September 27. In some countries, this day is also celebrated on September 25 while other countries celebrate the day on October 1.

On this day, parents appreciate their daughters and celebrate the gift of their existence. They often shower their daughters by sharing wishes, presents and chocolates. Parents tell them that they are no less than sons and are equally loved and respected.

As we celebrate this Daughters’ Day today, here’re a few wishes and images to share with your Daughters to reminds them how precious they are.

You are my sunshine, you are my raindrops, you are the blooming flowers, you are my first and the last love. Happy Daughters’ Day!

Oh, dear daughter, you make me so proud. We will always be praying for your success and prosperity. Keep shining and smiling. Happy Daughters’ Day!

Daughters are the most beautiful and magical creations in their parents’ life. A daughter brightens and softens her mother and father’s hearts. She adds colour, sound, and beauty to make this Earth a better place. Happy Daughters’ Day!

My little girl, I want you to know that you have made my life beautiful and I thank god every day for blessing me with a daughter like you. Happy Daughters’ Day!

I must have done something right in my life to deserve a daughter so brave, kind, sweet, and smart as you. Never change, my love. Happy Daughter’s Day!

Daughters are angels sent from above to fill our heart with unending love. I might have done some great to be blessed with a daughter like you. I love you, my lovely daughter! Wish you a happy Daughters’ Day!

Daughters are special; there is no doubt, once we have them, we can never be without. Happy Daughters’ Day!

A daughter is God’s way of saying “thought you could use a lifelong friend”. Thanks for being that treasured friend my darling.

What sunshine is to flowers, and tides are to the sea, is nowhere as important as your being in my life is to me. I love you darling, Happy Daughter’s Day!

A daughter is the best thing that can happen to you because a daughter fills your heart with magic and love. Happy daughter’s day!

No matter where you choose to go or what to do with your life, I will always be your biggest fan. That’s because you are my daughter, and I will love you always.

IPL 2020: CSK batsmen need to have ‘glucose’ to boost-up their intensity says Virendra Sehwag

Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag stated that MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batsmen are not playing freely so far in this year’s IPL. He commented CSK batsmen need to have “glucose” to boost-up their intensity in the game.

“Chennai ke batsman simply not getting going. Glucose chadwaake aana padega next match se batting karne. (CSK batsmen are not getting going. They need to have glucose when they come out to bat in the next match),” Sehwag said in a tweet on Saturday.

Chennai Super Kings are completely failed in this season of IPL and they lost two one-sided encounters, which is totally opposite to the character of the team. It’s obvious that Chennai have one of the weakest side in the league but this is theie story every year. Even with the weakest team on paper MS Dhoni has been able present a strongest team in the every season.

“I don’t think it was a good game for us. The wicket did slow down a bit, there was no dew, but I think we are lacking steam in the batting department. We need to figure that out,” the 39-year-old said after the match.

“The break in the next seven days is the best chance we could get: give them match simulation and look for the right balance,” Dhoni added.

Till when do we have to wait? PM Modi says while addressing at UNGA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly. In his speech, the PM strongly raised India’s claim for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

He also raised terrorism issue and called terrorism an enemy of all humanity.

PM Modi, in his speech, presented a soaring picture of New India, referring to public welfare schemes.


“Till when do we have to wait? Till when will India be kept away from the UN’s decision-making process?” PM said.


PM Modi said that 130 crore Indians still believed in its ideals.


“Reform is needed at the United Nations and India is waiting for that reform,” the Prime Minister said.


”India is proud of the fact that it is the founding member of UN. The world was significantly different in 1945. The problems, solutions were all different. The challenges of our present and future are now different. The international community is faced with an important question. Is the UN of 1945 still relevant?” he said in his 22 minute long speech.


”It is true that the Third World War did not happen to say, but it cannot be denied that there have been many wars, many civil wars have also taken place. How many terror attacks kept the rivers of blood flowing. In these wars, in these attacks, the people who were killed were human beings like you.” he added.


PM said that ”Changes in UN reactions, changes in arrangements, change in appearance- Today is the need of the hour. The people of India have been waiting for a long time to complete the process that is going on with the reforms of the United Nations. People of India are worried whether this process will ever reach the logical end. After all, how long India will be kept separate from the decision making structures of the United Nations.”

PM Modi Speech Highlight –


1.” When we were weak, we didn’t trouble the world. When we became strong, we didn’t become a burden on the world. Till when do we have to wait? The ideals of UN and the India’s main principles are similar. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam has echoed in the UN halls many a time.
India has always stressed on vishwa-kalyan in the UN.”

2.” India is looking at an extended role in the UN. The International Day of Non-Violence and Yoga was given by India. India has always thought about the welfare of the world. From our neighbourhood first policy to look-east policy, are all guided by these principles.”

3. ”Over 150 countries were sent medical supplies by Indian Pharma during pandemic. Our vaccine production will help in bringing the world out of the pandemic. We are moving towards Phase 3 of clinical trials. We are increasing infra and will help others increase it.”

4. ”India will stand for Shanti, Suraksha and Samridhi. We will always oppose drugs, illegal weapons, etc. India’s experience will strengthen the way for vishwa kalyan. India brought changes through Reform-Perform-Transform process.”


5.”In 4-5 years, linking 400-500 million with the banking system was not easy. India is one of the leaders in digital transactions globally. We are working on making country TB-free by 2025. India has also initiated a huge process of connecting villages with optical fibre.”

6. ”Atmanirbhar Bharat programme will be a force-multiplier for the world economy.
We are promoting women enterprises. India is one of the countries where women get 26 weeks’ paid maternity leave. India has brought legal reforms for security of transgender community.”

IPL 2020: Buttler eager to make a comeback in the game against KXIP

Rajasthan Royals will look to register their second win of the season against the Kings XI Punjab in their third match of Indian Premier League 2020.

The veteran English batsman Jos Buttler, who had missed the first game will make a comeback in this game. A day prior to the start of the game Buttler stated that his team played brilliantly against the three-times champions Chennai Super Kings in their first game on Tuesday.

“Great to get a win on the board, the team played fantastically well in the first game. It was an outstanding batting performance and a fantastic bowling performance in tough bowling conditions,” said Buttler as per a release shared by the Royals.

“I am really excited to play my first game, it was great to be back in training with the boys. There’s a great vibe around the team, so I’m really looking forward to taking the field. The atmosphere and energy around the squad is fantastic. Obviously, (there’s) lots of confidence after that first game,” he added.

The English batsman also praised KL Rahul who scored a sensational 132 not out against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

“The training has been very energetic, guys are lively and enjoying each other’s company. So yeah (it’s a) good atmosphere around (and we are) expecting a really tough match against Kings XI,” said Buttler.

“Obviously a fantastic team, KL Rahul was in exceptional form the other night against RCB, so he will be a key wicket as always and I think we’ll see another potentially high-scoring game at Sharjah with small boundaries and the dew factor coming in,” he added.

Jane Jones, stated about the ‘enormous gap’ behind Dean’s death in Mumbai

Late Australian cricketer Dean Jones wife Jane Jones, stated about the ‘enormous gap’ which is left behind the death of her husband in Mumbai on September 24. Jones, was in India for commentary in the 13th season of IPL, died of a massive heart attack in his hotel.

“My girls and I are devastated and saddened beyond belief to hear of Dean’s death in India,” Jane told The Age.

“My beautiful husband, the love of my life has lived his life with every bit of energy at his disposal, and he leaves an enormous gap in our lives which can never be filled.

“He leaves us with so many wonderful memories that will last forever. At this challenging time, when our grief is so raw, we have drawn much consolation from the many messages of goodwill and support from so many people around the world.

“Given Dean’s special love for the sub-continent, it was especially touching to hear so broadly from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. We are overwhelmed by the scale of the response to the news of his death and we will forever be grateful for that.”

Jane also said that she is thankful to the Australian bowler, Brett Lee, who tried to revive Jones by performing CPR twice.

“We want to especially thank and acknowledge Brett Lee’s tireless efforts to keep Dean alive,” Jane said.

“At this moment, we would sincerely ask the cricketing world to respect the privacy of our family. Details of Dean’s memorial celebration will be released in due course, so everyone has the chance to rightly commemorate his wonderful legacy and bid farewell.”

Meanwhile, Brett Lee also shared a video on his Instagram account and wrote an emotional message.

https://twitter.com/BrettLee_58/status/1309470374002737152?s=20

In an Instagram post, Jones’ daughter Phoebe too thanked Lee for his efforts.

“Our family is eternally grateful to Brett Lee for doing everything he could,” she said. “We are overwhelmed with your outpouring of kind words, support and tributes.

“His legacy will live on in every life he touched.

“I just keep staring at my phone waiting for him to call and tell me this is just a bad dream.”

Jones’ daughter Augusta too posted on Instagram saying ‘everything she does is for you’.

“I cannot believe I am writing this. My heart is broken, My Dad. My Hero. The sweetest and most caring person you could ever meet,” she wrote.

“If only you could see now how many lives you touched. If only you could see now how loved you were.

“You held my hand through the toughest times this year, how will I do this without you?

“The heavens have opened their gates for another angel. Wait for me dad. Everything I do is for you. I love you Dad.”

Harley-Davidson exit from India will lead to 2,000 job loss

Harley Davidson, India, FADA
Harley Davidson, India, FADA

The officials of the American motorcycle brand Harley-Davidson has stated that they are going to discontinue their sales and manufacturing operations in India.

The Automobile dealing body Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA) stated that the closure of Harley Davidson operations in India will lead to job loss of more than 2,000 workers across the nation.

“Harley-Davidson has not informed any of its dealer partners about its closure plans and dealers are yet to receive any official communication,” FADA President Vinkesh Gulati said.

“Luxury two-wheeler dealership on an average employs 50 people. With 35 Harley dealers, around 1,800-2,000 people at dealerships will lose their jobs,” he added.

Harley-Davidson’s portfolio in India comprises of bikes like Street 750 and Iron 883 with prices starting from Rs 4.69 lakh and going up over Rs 18 lakh.

FADA also said that the American cult bike maker’s exit would also lead to the loss of Rs 130 crore for the brand dealing partners across the country.

Epidemic in India is far from over: Lancet

Lancet, COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccine, India COVID-19
Lancet, COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccine, India COVID-19

With more than 58 lakh cases India is at the second position worldwide when it comes to the COVID numbers. But the fear for the virus has decreased and now the people are taking it much lightly. As of now the epidemic in the nation is far from over and there is no room for the “false optimism”.

The scientific journal Lancet stated that the surge of the virus is definitely a matter of concern but the relaxation of restrictions has created an atmosphere of fatalism.

“Most crucially, the rapidly growing case numbers, alongside the continuing relaxation of restrictions, are creating an atmosphere of fatalism mingled with false optimism that undermines effective use of non-pharmaceutical interventions such as masks and physical distancing,” the editorial said.

“The epidemic in India is far from over, with a potentially huge burden of mortality and morbidity to come unless public health measures are used and adhered to. Without clear and honest communication of the risks of Covid-19 to the population, stemming the epidemic will be impossible,” it added.

Lancet also raised concerns for the way Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has pictured the COVID-19 situation in the country.

However, the editorial also praised the early impose of lockdown in the nation by the central government and their efforts in the vaccine making.

India and Japan to tie-up for 5G technologies

India and Japan have decided to come together to build 5G and 5G Plus technology. For this, help will be taken from the US, Australia and Israel, the strategic negotiating members of the Quad. The next generation of telecommunications technology will be discussed in the quad foreign ministers meeting in Japan next month. According to media reports, while India and Japan have decided to develop 5G and 5G Plus technology, India is eyeing 3GPP.

According to reports, apart from deal, India is also eyeing the 3GPP, umbrella mobile telecommunications standard organization.

India along with their partners now will setting technological standards. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to recently appointed Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga to take the bilateral particular strategic.

“India and Japan have agreed to intently cooperate and develop the 5G and superior applied sciences with US and Australia ramping up technological assist. We’re additionally taking assist from Israel. There are discussions on inside the authorities and our 5G coverage will take a ultimate form within the coming days. However Japan will probably be an in depth associate however,” stated an official concerned within the train.

JIMEX- 20 , Naval drill exercise between India and Japan

The Defense Ministry will launch a bilateral maritime exercise- JIMEX 20 between India and Japan on the west coast of India.

It is fourth edition of JIMEX, a bilateral maritime exercise. It will be held in the North Arabian Sea from 26 to 28 September 2020.

Notably, the series of JIMEX exercises was launched in January 2012 with a special focus on security cooperation.

Earlier JIMEX was held in October 2018 in Visakhapatnam coast of India.

The naval exercise is taking place amid China’s military activity in the Indian Ocean Region as well as in the Indo-Pacific.

The officials said the fourth edition of the India-Japan maritime exercise JIMEX will feature a multitude of advanced exercises across the spectrum of maritime operations, in reflection of high degree of inter-operability and joint operational skills.

Sushant Singh Rajput’s family accuses NCB of diverting attention from actor’s death case

Sushant Singh Rajput’s family’s lawyer, Vikas Singh, on Friday said that investigation of the deceased actor’s death case has been derailed. He said that the case has become like the Mumbai Police investigation and Narcotics Control Bureau(NCB) is conducting a “fashion parade” of Bollywood stars to divert media attention.

“The family feels that the investigation is going in such a way that the truth is not coming out. The NCB (Narcotics Control Bureau) case has become like the Mumbai Police investigation, all stars are now being called. The people called in and not are a part of a syndicate and not distributors. It is just a Mumbai Police type of investigation. Sushant’s case has taken a back seat,” the lawyer said in a Thursday press conference, according to ANI.

“Why is CBI converting this to murder from abetment? The investigation is not on track. I will not say I am not happy with CBI, but it’s the lack of importance that the case is getting is what I am worried about. The forensics response of the AIIMS should be made public that is what will satisfy the family,” he said.

“Today, we are helpless as we don’t know in which direction the case is going. Till today, CBI has not done a press briefing on what they have found out. I am not happy with the speed at which the case is going,” he added.

“The family feels that the probe is being taken in a different direction. All attention is being diverted towards the drugs case. AIIMS doctor told me that Sushant’s death was by strangulation,” he added. Vikas Singh had made this claim in a tweet as well

However, Dr Sudhir Gupta, the panel chief of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) forensic team conducting an examination of Sushant’s death, has refused the claims.

Meanwhile, actor Rhea Chakraborty who was arrested in drug case by the NCB has is in judicial custody till October 6. She had filed for bail but her plea was rejected by the court.

UK raises Uygar muslims in China issue at UN

Britain’s government on Friday appealed to the United Nations to interrupt in human rights violations of Uygar Muslims in China.

The British government said that ‘China’s policies against Uygar Muslims are a matter of grave concern’ in the region.

Foreign Office Minister of South Asia and Commonwealth Tariq Ahmed said in a statement that there has been evidence of Violation Human Rights in Xinjiang. On the Hong Kong issue, Ahmed said that this is a direct threat.

He said, “Pressures are being made on media freedom in the country from all four sides which are a matter of grave concern. We ask China to uphold rights and freedoms in the joint declaration. Respecting the independence of the Hong Kong judiciary released all those who were arbitrarily detained in Xinjiang. “

Ahmad said, there is strong proof in Xinjiang province that human rights are being violated. This has been revealed in the documents of the Chinese authorities themselves.

He said, culture and religion are severely restricted in the region and we have seen reliable reports of forced labor and forced birth control. The surprising thing is that 18 lakh people have been detained without trial here. Ahmed said, “We are also seriously concerned about the freedom of media across the country.”


He added: “Across the country, we also remain seriously concerned about the pressure on media freedom… (We) call on China to uphold the rights and freedoms in the Joint Declaration, to respect the independence of the Hong Kong judiciary, allow unfettered access to Xinjiang and to release all those who are arbitrarily detained ”.

“The National Security Law is being implemented with the apparent intention to eliminate dissent. It allows prosecution of certain cases in mainland China, a jurisdiction where defendants are often held for long periods without charge or access to legal counsel, and where we have concerns about judicial independence, due process, and reports of torture ”, he told the council .

Aamir Khan appointed as the new brand ambassador of Ceat tyres

Ceat tyres, one of the leading tyre manufacturing companies has announced that they have appointed Amir Khan as brand ambassador by signing a deal for two years. Under this deal, Amir Khan will be featured in two commercials during the span of IPL 2020 to promote Ceat’s SecuraDrive range of Car tyres.

The first ad will be aired at the beginning of IPL and will also be rolled out/promoted across different media platforms both online and offline. The campaign based on the theme ‘don’t be a dummy’ emphasises on the usage of high quality tyres that provide complete safety in any kind of driving conditions.

Mr. Amit Tolani, Chief Marketing Officer, CEAT Tyres Ltd, said, “We at CEAT have always believed in our vision of ‘Making Mobility Safer and Smarter Every day’. The launch of our new campaign articulates the same for our premium sedans and compact SUVs tyre range. The central idea is to highlight the importance of using credible, reliable and durable tyres as against using any ‘dummy’ tyre. We are delighted to have Aamir Khan on board for this campaign as he perfectly embodies CEAT’s core values of integrity, passion, perfection and innovation. With one of the best actors in the industry, associating with one of the best tyres in its segment, we believe we have a winning combination at hand. IPL offers an ideal opportunity for us to connect with our customers as it is one of the most widely watched events in India with a massive viewership.”

Bollywood actor, Mr. Aamir Khan said, “I am proud to be associated with one of the most respected brands in India. When CEAT reached out to me for this campaign, I instantly connected with the idea and completely fell in love with the script. Playing a character of a dummy was a unique experience and I thoroughly enjoyed the shoot. I am looking forward to an exciting journey with CEAT tyres.”

The campaign is created by O&M, it is crafted interestingly to attract the audience and educate them at the same time. There will be a short but intriguing storyline set in advance trye testing facility, where test dummies are used for testing. Aamir Khan will play a character of dummy who comes to life when no one is observing and manipulates situations to save himself from the pain of crash during the trye testing. The core idea is to educate people about the safety and showcase the technology of CEAT SecuraDrive car tyres which enables a safe driving in different conditions. 

Mr. Rohit Dubey, Group Creative Director, O&M said, “On a regular day CEAT tries to push the envelope of tyre advertising, so when it came to Super Bowl of India – IPL, the brand set the bar higher for itself. Disruption, with a tinge of CEAT’s trademark tongue-in-cheek approach, led us to collaborating with Aamir Khan. A big challenge was, what newness can we create with him. And hence the ‘paranoid, crash test dummy.’ Being aware of COVID production reality, we scripted it such that it doesn’t require a crowd scene and kept it contained. We hope “Baat safety ki hai, Don’t be a dummy”, strikes a chord with consumers and stands out in the crowd of IPL spots.”

Deepika, Shraddha and Sara appears before NCB in drug link

Deepika Padukone and Shraddha Kapoor and Sara Ali Khan have appeared before the Narcotics Control Bureau today, they were summoned with regards to the drug case which came into light during the investigation of Sushant Singh Rajput’s death case.

Deepika’s manager Karishma Prakash is also being grilled by the investigating agency. On the other hand, Rhea Chakraborty and her brother Showik’s custody has been extended till October 6.

Alleged chats between Deepika Padukone and Karishma Prakash from October 2017 have led to their summoning, where the actor asked for ‘maal’ and ‘hash’.

In the latest revelation, it emerged that they were a part of a group called ‘DP+Ka+KWAN’, where Deepika Padukone was the admin.

The group was formed by Jaya Saha and its admins were Deepika Padukone and Karishma Prakash. Other members include Vijay Subramaniam, Anirban Das, Producer Madhu Mantena, KWAN CEO Dhruv Chitgopekar among many others. 

As per NCB sources to CNN-News18, Deepika Padukone has admitted that the phone number in the 2017 WhatsApp chats belongs to her, however, she has refused to consume drugs. Sharddha and Sara too denied drugs consumption.

Reportedly, Sara Ali Khan and Shraddha Kapoor have made big revelations in relation to the case. Both the actresses disclosed that the ‘Kedarnath’ actor used to take drugs in his vanity van and also during shooting breaks.

Sara and Shraddha both revealed that they saw Sushant Singh Rajput taking drugs.

Rakul Preet Singh was interrogated on September 25 for around 4 hours where she denied consuming any narcotic substances but confessed about her ‘drugs chats’ with Rhea Chakraborty.

She further denied having any contact with the drug peddlers. If needed, the NCB will call the ‘De De Pyaar De’ actress again for questioning.

The NCB officials also grilled Dharma Productions executive producer Kshitij Ravi Prasad and Deepika Padukone’s manager, Karishma Prakash, as part of their investigation into the alleged Bollywood drugs case.

Meanwhile, the NCB has arrested Kshitij Prasad, the manager of Dharma Productions today. 

PM Modi holds virtual bilateral summit with Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held wide-ranging talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa, covering the entire expanse of bilateral ties and with a focus on further expanding cooperation in key areas.

According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, the virtual bilateral summit is PM Modi’s first such virtual engagement with a neighbouring country and also PM Rajapaksa’s first diplomatic engagement with a leader of a foreign country after he was sworn in as the Prime Minister on August 9, 2020.

At the virtual bilateral summit, PM Modi said he was confident that the massive electoral victory of the ruling party in Sri Lanka backed by the Rajapaksa government’s policies will facilitate deeper cooperation between the two countries.

“An opportunity has come to begin a new chapter in India-Sri Lanka ties after your party’s electoral victory. People from both the countries are looking at us with new hope and expectations,” PM Modi said.
While this is the third virtual summit amidst COVID crisis by PM Modi, this is a first with a leader of the neighbouring country. 

While this is the third virtual summit amidst COVID crisis by PM Modi, this is a first with a leader of the neighbouring country. 

PM Modi’s first meeting was with Australian PM and second meet with the European Union leadership. 

During the virtual meeting, Modi congratulated Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapakse for his recent victory which he said shows “confidence in your leadership” and “will give the opportunity to start a new chapter in Indo-Sri Lanka ties”. 

“Under neighbourhood first policy and SAGAR Doctrine, we will give priority to Sri Lanka,” Modi added.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that India has announced USD 15 million grant assistance to Sri Lanka for the promotion of Buddhist ties between the two countries.

“Testifying the long and civilization links and cultural heritage between the two countries, Prime Minister Modi announced grant assistance of USD 15 million for the promotion of Buddhist ties between the two countries,” Amt Narang, the Joint Secretary for Indian Ocean Region Division (IOR) of the MEA said on India-Sri Lanka virtual Bilateral Summit.

“This grant will help deepen people to people linkage between the two countries in the sphere of Buddhism,” he added.

MEA official further said that External Affairs Ministers S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla also took part in the meeting. (ANI)