NATIONAL 
EXPRESS

Iran’s parliamentary speaker has accused the United States of secretly planning a ground invasion, despite appearing to pursue diplomatic efforts to end the Middle East conflict. Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said that Iranian forces are ready to respond if US troops enter the country, warning that they would be set on fire and pledging retaliation against regional partners. He also called for national unity, saying the conflict has reached a most critical stage. The United States Ship (USS) Tripoli, carrying 3,500 sailors and Marines, has arrived in the Middle East, said US Central Command (CENTCOM). In a related development, the Chief of US Central Command, Admiral Brad Cooper, met with Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir and senior Israeli military officials in Israel to discuss the ongoing conflict with Iran and efforts to curb Tehran’s weapons production. Earlier, an Israeli military spokesperson said the IDF expects to complete strikes on all critical components of Iran’s military production within days. Meanwhile, Iran’s joint military command has declared private residences of US and Israeli officials as legitimate targets. Spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari said the move targets military and political officials in the region, including Israel, in response to attacks on Iranian residential areas by the United States and Israel. Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has also strongly condemned the US-Israeli strikes targeting Iranian universities and educational institutes, accusing both countries of attempting to suppress knowledge through violence and intimidation amid the West Asia conflict. Following this, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a stern warning that American and Israeli universities in the West Asian region could be considered legitimate targets in retaliation. In diplomatic efforts, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Türkiye, and Pakistan met in Islamabad to discuss ways to de-escalate the conflict and promote regional security. The meeting came amid delays in direct US-Iran talks, but no joint statement was issued. The death toll continues to rise as over 3,000 people have been killed in the war that began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran. More than 1,900 have died in Iran, 19 in Israel, 1,100 in Lebanon, 80 in Iraq, and 20 in the Gulf states.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the banks in the country operate under a strict legal and regulatory framework to ensure the safety and confidentiality of customers’ data. The Minister was replying to supplementaries during Question Hour in the Lok Sabha today. Ms Sitharaman said, under the Know Your Customer (KYC) framework and guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India, banks are required to maintain the secrecy of customer information. She informed that there are five different acts and banks have to comply with these laws. This includes the State Bank of India Act, the Banking Companies Act, the Regional Rural Banks Act, the Credit Information and Companies Act, and the Public Financial Institutions Act. The Minister said that the data is collected only on a need-to-know basis and shared with the authorities when required. Ms Sitharaman said, in cases of fraud or unauthorised data sharing, complaints can be made to the RBI or relevant authorities, which take necessary action upon receiving such complaints.

The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has extended condolences at the tragic demise of an Indian national due to an attack on a desalination facility in Kuwait yesterday. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has extended condolences at the tragic demise of an Indian national due to an attack on a desalination facility in Kuwait yesterday. In a social media post, the Embassy said that it is closely coordinating with the Kuwaiti authorities to render all possible support and assistance.

In IPL cricket, the Mumbai Indians defeated the Kolkata Knight Riders by six wickets in the second match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai last night. Put into bat first, Kolkata Knight Riders posted a massive total of 220 for 4 with the help of captain Ajinkya Rahane’s 67 and Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s 51 runs. In reply, the Mumbai Indians overhauled the target for the loss of four wickets in 19.1 overs, riding on Rohit Sharma’s 78 and Ryan Rickelton’s 81 runs. Mumbai Indians bowler Shardul Thakur was named Player of the Match after picking up three wickets. The two-month-long tournament will continue till 31st of May. Today, Rajasthan Royals will take on Chennai Super Kings at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati at 7:30 PM.

Jawahar Prabhu Y, a distinguished innovator from Telangana, has been conferred the prestigious Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 by the Veyil Foundation. This esteemed recognition celebrates his outstanding contributions to the field of artificial intelligence, particularly his authorship of the groundbreaking AI Agile Manifesto. The AI Agile Manifesto represents a transformative framework that redefines the relationship between humans and AI systems. Far beyond a theoretical concept, it establishes a comprehensive set of values and principles designed to guide effective and ethical collaboration in an increasingly AI-driven world. By emphasizing adaptability, responsiveness, and human-centered design, the manifesto introduces a new paradigm for integrating AI into organizational and societal ecosystems. Jawahar Prabhu Y’s work stands out for its clarity of vision and practical relevance. His manifesto not only addresses emerging challenges in AI adoption but also offers a strategic roadmap for organizations seeking to leverage AI responsibly while preserving human agency and values. This balance between innovation and ethics positions him as a leading voice in the evolving discourse on artificial intelligence. The recognition by the Veyil Foundation highlights the growing importance of frameworks that shape how technology interacts with humanity. As AI continues to influence every aspect of modern life, Jawahar Prabhu Y’s insights and thought leadership are poised to play a crucial role in guiding the future of human-AI collaboration. This honor not only celebrates his achievements but also underscores the significance of forward-thinking approaches that ensure technology evolves in harmony with human needs and aspirations.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan and UK’s Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Harvey Smyth, held a meeting in New Delhi yesterday, focusing on progress in training exchanges, intelligence collaboration, and integrated military engagement between the two nations. In a social media post, the High Commission of India in London stated, Advancing future-ready India-UK defence engagement, General Anil Chauhan, CDS, interacted with Air Chief Marshal Sir Harvey Smyth, Chief of Air Staff, Royal Air Force. The discussions centred on progress in training exchanges, intelligence collaboration, and integrated military engagement.” During the meeting, General Anil Chauhan commended the successful conduct of the 17th Military SubGroup Meeting and expressed confidence in advancing a deeper, more integrated, and future-ready defence engagement between India and the UK. UK’s High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, and other officials were also present during the meeting. Air Chief Marshal Sir Harvey Smyth, who is on an official visit to India, had met Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh on Monday. The discussions during that meeting focused on enhancing operational cooperation, interoperability, and strengthening air power ties.

The Gujarat Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill with a majority voice vote after a marathon debate lasting over seven hours yesterday. The bill proposes a common legal framework to govern marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships, irrespective of religion. Earlier in the day, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel tabled the bill, a week after a state-appointed panel submitted its final report on the implementation of the UCC. With the passage of the bill, Gujarat becomes the second state in the country, after Uttarakhand, to adopt the UCC. Uttarakhand was the first state to pass a UCC Bill in February 2024. Titled the ‘Gujarat Uniform Civil Code, 2026,’ the proposed law will apply throughout the state and to residents of Gujarat living outside its territorial limits. However, the bill specifies that the code will not apply to members of Scheduled Tribes (ST) and certain groups whose customary rights are protected under the Constitution. The “Objects and Reasons” of the bill state that the code aims to create a uniform legal framework. Among its provisions, the bill includes registration of live-in relationships and formal processes for their termination. Additionally, it prohibits bigamy, stating that an individual cannot enter into a second marriage while their spouse is still alive. A marriage will be considered valid under the code only if neither party has a living spouse at the time of marriage. While tabling the bill, CM Patel described it as a step toward a unified legal framework grounded in constitutional principles.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met US Under Secretary of War Elbridge Colby in New Delhi this afternoon. In a social media post, Dr Jaishankar said they exchanged views on the current geopolitical scenario.

In Ladakh, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena launched the Indus River Green Corridor eco-restoration project near Leh yesterday, marking World Forest Day. The initiative aims to boost green cover and restore ecology through community participation. Around one thousand saplings of indigenous species were planted, with parallel plantation drives underway across Leh. The Lieutenant Governor said the project is a unique cold desert riverbank restoration effort and reaffirmed India’s commitment to combating land degradation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A military transport plane with 125 people on board crashed shortly after taking off in southwestern Colombia, causing an undetermined number of casualties. At least 77 people were rescued alive. Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez said in a social media post that the plane was carrying troops when the tragic incident occurred in Puerto Leguizamo, a remote municipality in the Amazonian province of Putumayo, on the Peru and Ecuador borders. The commander of Colombia’s Air Force, Carlos Fernando Silva, issued a video saying that 125 people were on board the Hercules C-130 plane, including 114 passengers and 11 crew members.

In Lok Sabha today, the discussion on The Finance Bill, 2026, will resume. The bill seeks to give effect to the financial proposals of the Central Government for the financial year 2026-2027. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had moved the bill in the House yesterday. Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr Virendra Kumar to move the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 bill. The bill seeks to amend the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. In the Rajya Sabha today, the house will take up The Appropriation (No. 2) Bill, 2026 for further discussion. It seeks to authorise payment and appropriation of certain sums from and out of the Consolidated Fund of India for the services of the financial year 2026-27. After the discussion, the legislation will be returned to the Lok Sabha. The Lower House passed the legislation last week.

Keralam-based Kids India International has been awarded the prestigious Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 by the Veyil Foundation, recognizing its significant contributions to early childhood education and institutional development across the region. The award highlights the organization’s achievement in successfully managing and empowering more than 100 preschools and primary schools, setting a notable benchmark in the education sector. With a strong emphasis on quality learning and structured development, Kids India International has built a reputation for fostering supportive and engaging academic environments for young learners. Under the leadership of Dr. T. A. Majeed, CEO and Director of Kids India International Primary School Education, the institution has implemented a comprehensive curriculum designed to address the diverse needs of early education. The academic framework integrates both scholastic and co-scholastic elements, ensuring a balanced approach that promotes intellectual growth alongside emotional and social development. Teacher training remains a core focus area, with the organization conducting regular professional development programs for educators and administrative staff. These initiatives aim to enhance teaching standards and equip faculty members with modern pedagogical skills. In addition, Kids India International organizes talent search examinations to identify and nurture the abilities of students at an early stage. These programs contribute to building confidence and encouraging academic excellence among children. The institution also maintains active collaboration with parents, recognizing their role in a child’s educational journey. Through continuous engagement and support systems, it ensures a cohesive learning environment that extends beyond the classroom. The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 serves as a recognition of Kids India International’s sustained efforts in delivering quality education and its commitment to shaping future generations through structured and inclusive learning practices.