All 30 constituencies of the 16th Puducherry Legislative Assembly will go to polls.Addressing a press conference, Chief Election Commissioner Janesh Kumar said elections in four states and one Union Territory must be conducted in a free, fair and violence-free manner. He said the Electoral Commission will take strong action against any attempts at violence or inducement and ensure transparency in the counting process and results announcement.
Puducherry elections 2026: Key dates
For Puducherry, the elections will be held in phases on April 9 and the results will be declared on May 4. The Union Territory is participating in the polls along with Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.The Election Commission has announced polling for all 30 assembly seats in Puducherry, where nearly 9.44 lakh voters are eligible to vote.
Pondicherry voters and polling stations
According to data shared by the Election Commission, Puducherry has about 4.43 lakh male voters, 500,000 female voters and 139 third gender voters, with a total electorate of about 9.44 lakh.Among them, there are 54 centenarian voters in the federal territories, 6,034 voters aged 85 and above, and 12,204 people with disabilities. It also has 23,033 first-time voters aged 18 to 19, about 187,000 voters in the 20 to 29 age group and 328 service voters.Voting will be held at 1,099 polling stations, 610 of which are in urban areas and 489 in rural areas. The Election Commission said the average number of voters per polling station in Puducherry was 859, with the number of voters ranging from 750 to 900 in the five polling districts.
The committee also said that Puducherry will have 30 model polling stations, 60 polling stations run by women and 4 polling stations run by persons with disabilities. Importantly, polling stations will be 100% webcast.
What the Electoral Commission said
CEC Gyanesh Kumar said that a total of 174 million voters are eligible to vote in the five assembly elections in 824 constituencies. In four states and one Union Territory, voting will be conducted at about 2.19 lakh polling stations, with nearly 2.5 million election officials deployed.Kumar said the total number of voters in the five polling areas is equivalent to the population of countries such as Australia, France, South Africa, Germany and Canada. He also said that a pure electoral roll was the cornerstone of democracy, stressing that no eligible elector should be excluded and no ineligible elector should be included.Representatives of electoral bodies from 20 countries will visit states where polls are going to be held to observe the electoral process in India, the CEC added, calling it a “festival of democracy”.
What happened in Puducherry elections 2021?
The last assembly elections in Puducherry were held in 2021, when the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a simple majority. N Rangaswamy of the All India National Congress (AINRC) was sworn in as the Chief Minister for the fourth time.In that election, the NDA won 16 seats with 44.2% of the vote, while the UPA won eight seats.From a political party perspective, AINRC emerged as the largest party with 10 seats and 26.2% of the vote. DMK won 6 seats with 18.8% vote share while the BJP also won 6 seats with 13.8% vote share. The Congress won two seats with 15.9% of the vote.
NDA Seat Sharing Plan 2026
The AINRC-BJP alliance has finalized a seat-sharing arrangement ahead of the 2026 general elections. As per the formula, AINRC will contest 16 seats while the BJP-led coalition will contest 14 seats.The alliance said it is also in talks with the AIADMK. In the last election, five seats were allotted to the AIADMK in the BJP’s quota.
Puducherry Election Result Date 2026
The results of the 2026 Puducherry Assembly elections will be announced on May 4, when votes will be counted along with the other four state elections.
Eid Al Fitr Holidays in Qatar 2026: Qatar News: Public Sector Employees Announced 7 Days Eid Al Fitr Holidays 2026 | World News
Qatar has officially announced a seven-day Eid al-Fitr holiday for public sector employees, giving government workers an extended break to celebrate the end of Ramadan.According to Emir Diwan, ministries, government agencies and public institutions will celebrate Eid al-Fitr from Monday, March 17 to Sunday, March 23, 2026, and will resume work on Monday, March 24.The extended leave allows thousands of government employees to celebrate the holidays with their families and attend cultural events and gatherings across the country.Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, a time of fasting, prayer and reflection for Muslims around the world.
Who is included in the Eid al-Fitr holidays in Qatar?
This directive from Emir Diwan covers a wide range of state administration and public infrastructure.
- Government agencies: All federal ministries and state-run sectors will be closed.
- Public authorities: include public health entities, municipal offices, and education regulators.
- School holidays: Schools across Qatar generally follow the public sector calendar, which means students can expect a significant break from their studies.
- Private Sector: While private companies are required to provide at least three days of paid leave, many companies in Qatar have chosen to align with the government’s schedule or provide five days of leave to maintain operational harmony.
Estimated Eid al-Fitr date 2026
Astronomical forecasts indicate that Eid al-Fitr in 2026 is likely to fall on Friday, March 20, although the exact date will only be confirmed after the official sighting of the Chauwar Crescent.In Qatar and across the Gulf, Islamic holidays are determined according to the Hijri lunar calendar, meaning authorities announce the final date shortly before the holiday begins.If the forecast date goes as planned, the Eid celebrations will take place during the government holiday and public sector workers can enjoy the festival during the extended holiday.
How is the banking and finance industry in Qatar?
While the government holiday schedule for various ministries and public institutions has been determined, the work schedule for banks and financial institutions will be announced separately.In Qatar, financial institutions generally follow directives issued by the Qatar Central Bank, which determine their operating schedule during public holidays.These announcements are usually made closer to Eid, once the lunar observations are confirmed.
Eid al-Fitr celebrated across Qatar
Eid al-Fitr is one of the most important celebrations in Qatar and the wider Muslim world.The day traditionally begins with special Eid prayers in mosques and prayer places, followed by family visits, festive meals and charity events. Many residents also donate al-Fitr, a form of charity that helps those in need celebrate the festival.Across the country, Eid is marked by:
- Large family gatherings and social visits
- Special shopping promotions and Eid markets
- Cultural performances and festivals
- Residents take advantage of extended holiday travel plans
Since weekends in Qatar fall on Friday and Saturday, the additional government holidays give many public officials a back-to-back week-long break.
UAE residents pay close attention to Eid holiday
Qatar’s holiday announcements are often closely watched by residents of the Gulf region, including the United Arab Emirates, where the Eid al-Fitr holiday is also one of the longest public holidays of the year.UAE authorities usually confirm official Eid holidays through the federal government’s Human Resources Management Authority, which declares a public sector holiday once the Eid moon landing is confirmed.In recent years, the Eid holiday in the UAE has typically been four to five days, depending on how the holiday falls into the weekend.Many expats in the Gulf also use the Eid holiday to travel internationally or visit family, making it one of the busiest travel times of the year for regional airports.With Qatar having confirmed that the public sector will be implementing a week-long holiday, residents in the region will now be closely watching how other Gulf countries organize their own Eid al-Fitr 2026 holidays.
Forbes’ 40th annual list of the world’s billionaires features the biggest names linked to the Epstein dossier – who are they?
Forbes The 40th annual list of the world’s billionaires has been released, highlighting figures linked to the Jeffrey Epstein dossier.
Following the U.S. Department of Justice’s release of the late pedophile’s records on December 19, several wealthy and prominent figures associated with Epstein resigned and issued numerous public apologies.
Forbes Rich List and Billionaires Linked to Epstein
According to the New York Post, a large number of names on the latest Forbes list (including 3,428 people) also appear in Epstein’s files and are mentioned to varying degrees.
bill gatesWith a net worth of US$108 billion, he stands out as the 19th richest person in the world.
In emails disclosed by federal authorities, Epstein Claims the Microsoft co-founder, who frequently visits his Upper East Side residence, requested medication to treat a sexually transmitted infection he contracted from having sex with a “Russian girl.”
Gates, 70, later admitted flying on Epstein’s private jet and having sex with two Russian women and called his relationship with Epstein a “huge mistake.” He further claimed that he was not involved in or witnessed any illegal activity.
New York Giants chairman Steve Tisch, who ranks 1,193rd among the world’s richest people with a fortune of $2.2 billion, exchanged several emails about the incident with a sex offender.
He expressed remorse for his relationship with Epstein after the Epstein documents were released. Last week, he announced that he would transfer ownership of the NFL team to his children.
Founder of Virgin Richard BransonRanked 1,504th on the Forbes list of richest people with a net worth of $2.8 billion, he lives on a private island in the British Virgin Islands, only a 20-minute helicopter ride away from Epstein’s infamous “pedophile island.” He showed enthusiasm in emails about Russian girls Epstein introduced to him.
The pair went on two social outings in 2013 on the 75-year-old British entrepreneur’s Necker Island, with Epstein providing girls during both visits.
Branson was so delighted that after their second meeting, he sent Epstein an email saying, “Anytime you’re in the area I’d be happy to see you! Just bring your harem!”
Forbes list: Other billionaires suspected of ties to Epstein
Leon BlackThe 74-year-old private equity tycoon ranks as the 251st richest person in the world with $12.1 billion. he visits often Epstein’s The Manhattan residence where Epstein managed his investments. Black faces charges of sexual misconduct at Epstein’s estate and of conspiring to “overpower and destroy” victims. However, he refuted all the accusations. He resigned from Apollo in 2021.
Victoria’s Secret founder Les WexnerNow 88 years old, he ranks 402nd on the list with a net worth of US$8.8 billion. he is among them Epstein’s and admitted to visiting Epstein’s island, which he described as “terrible.” Wexner gave Epstein a power of attorney to handle his financial affairs and was considered a possible co-conspirator by federal authorities. He called Epstein a fraud who embezzled his funds.
Reid Hoffmanco-founder LinkedIn 58 years old, ranked 1,560th with a wealth of US$2.7 billion. In 2014, he visited Epstein’s island and joked about later giving ice cream “to the girls” as gifts
Glenn DubinThe 68-year-old hedge fund manager ranks 1,440th on the world’s richest list with $2.9 billion. According to flight records, he flew on Epstein’s private jet (known as the “Lolita Express”) 21 times. Dubin and his wife Eva Dubin, Epstein’s ex-girlfriend, were acquaintances of the convicted sex offender.
Secretary of Commerce Howard LutnickThe 64-year-old former CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald is the 542nd richest person with a family fortune of $7.2 billion and lives next to Epstein on East 71st Street. He claims he visited Epstein only once in 2005 and was so disturbed by the massage parlor that he never returned. But later it was revealed Lutnick I visited this infamous island in 2012.
Sergey Brinco-founder Google The world’s third-richest man, worth $237 billion, visited Epstein’s island in 2007 and corresponded via email about a dinner at Epstein’s townhouse.
Tom PritzkerThe 75-year-old Hyatt hotel heir and the 677th richest person in the world, with a net worth of $6.2 billion, traveled on the Lolita Express in 2018 and assisted Epstein’s girlfriend Karyna Shuliak on a trip to Southeast Asia in order to help her find a new partner for Jeffrey. He resigned as chairman of Hyatt Hotels, saying he “deeply regrets” his relationship with Epstein.
Kerala election schedule 2026: Phased voting on April 9, results on May 4; check full details
The Election Commission on Sunday announced the election dates for Kerala. The state will go to polls in the first phase on April 9. Counting will take place on May 4.
Elections will be held for all 140 seats in the Kerala Legislative Assembly, with the Chief Minister-led ruling party Left Democratic Front (LDF) Pinarayi Vijayan After being successfully re-elected in 2021, seeking a third consecutive term.
The Liberal Democratic Party is expected to face a strong challenge from the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) led by the Indian National Congress, while the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Bharatiya Janata Party will also be involved in this contest, trying to expand its influence in the state and do everything possible to reverse the situation.In the 2021 Kerala Assembly elections, the LDF won a historic second consecutive term, winning 99 seats while the UDF won 41 seats. The BJP failed to open an account in Parliament that year. The state’s voter turnout rate was 74.06%.In the 2016 parliamentary election, the Liberal Democratic Front returned to power with 91 seats, defeating the then-ruling United Front with 47 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party won the Inner Mongolia constituency and opened an account in the Kerala Assembly for the first time, with a voter turnout of 77.35%.The upcoming election is expected to be mainly a direct contest between the LDF and the United Democratic Front, with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance trying to make inroads and turn the contest into a triangular contest in several constituencies.at the same time, election commission of india Reviewed poll preparations in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, assam and Puducherry earlier this month. As part of the preparatory work, the Commission appointed central observers under its plenary powers conferred by Section 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to assist in the conduct of free and fair elections and to oversee the management of the electoral process on the ground.
Meet Fouzia Mahmoudi: Moroccan ‘hopemaker’ changing thousands of lives through Operation Smile | World News
For thousands of children born with cleft lip and palate, having surgery can be life-changing. However, in many parts of North Africa, specialized treatment is often out of reach for families who cannot afford it. For more than two decades, Moroccan humanitarian Fouzia Jbara Mahmoudi has been working to change this reality by providing free surgeries and medical care to children through the global charity Operation Smile.
Who is Fauzia Jabala Mahmoudi?
Fouzia Jbara Mahmoudi is a Moroccan humanitarian based in Casablanca and co-founder and Vice President of Operation Smile Morocco. She also serves as Operation Smile’s Senior Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa.In February 2026, Mahmoudi received regional recognition as Dubai’s top Arab Hopemaker and received a Dh1 million prize for his humanitarian efforts in helping children with cleft lip and palate receive free treatment.
Fouzia Jbara Mahmoudi and Sheikh Hamdan/Photo: X
Through her work, Mahmoudi helps oversee programs across the Middle East and North Africa region, working with global teams to plan programs, budgets and fundraising efforts to expand access to surgical care.Operation Smile is one of the world’s largest volunteer medical charities, providing free surgeries to children born with cleft lip and palate. The organization was founded in 1982 by Dr. Bill Magee, a plastic and craniofacial surgeon, and Kathy Magee, a nurse and clinical social worker.
Dr. William Magee and Kathy Magee/Photo: Operational Smile website
The charity operates 31 care centers in 16 countries and regular medical projects in 32 countries, bringing together volunteer surgeons and medical teams to provide life-changing surgical care and long-term treatment.
Her Operation Smile journey
Mahmoudi’s journey with Operation Smile began in 1999 when she volunteered on a medical mission in Morocco. At the time, she was working as a vice president at Citibank, a position she held from 1983 to 2007.Inspired by the impact of volunteer surgeons treating children born with clefts, she helped establish Operation Smile Morocco that same year. What began as a volunteer initiative quickly grew into a national program dedicated to providing free medical care to children with cleft lip and palate.Over time, Mahmoudi built a strong network of volunteers and health care professionals across the country. Today, the organization is supported by more than 650 volunteers from across Morocco, helping to expand surgical services and strengthen health care capacity in underserved areas.
Expand the scope of free surgeries
Under Mahmoudi’s leadership, Operation Smile Morocco has grown into a major health care program in the region. The organization has performed more than 19,000 free reconstructive surgeries for children and young adults born with cleft lip and palate.In addition to surgical care, the program provides oral and dental health services to more than 120,000 people.Since the organization’s work began, Operation Smile has helped more than 204,000 patients receive cleft surgery, oral health care and comprehensive cleft treatment across the wider Middle East and Africa.
Medical Center and Outreach Mission
To expand access to care, Operation Smile Morocco currently operates three specialized medical centers in Casablanca, Al-Jedida and Oujda. A fourth center in Marrakech is nearing completion, which will further strengthen surgical services in the country.The organization also operates mobile medical missions across Morocco, sending surgical teams to communities lacking specialized medical facilities. These missions typically last five days, during which doctors screen 100 to 150 patients and perform about 90 surgeries.To date, Operation Smile Morocco has carried out 164 medical missions in 30 cities in the country.
Learn about cleft lip and palate
A cleft lip is a congenital birth defect that occurs when the tissue in the upper lip fails to fuse properly early in pregnancy. This causes openings or gaps in the lips, which may appear on one or both sides of the mouth. The condition can range from a small notch on the lips to a larger separation extending into the nose. Children with clefts may face feeding difficulties and may require medical care soon after birth.
Cleft lip/representative picture
Meanwhile, a cleft palate occurs when the upper jaw does not close completely during development in the womb. This leaves an opening between the mouth and nasal cavity. The condition can affect the way your child eats, talks, and breathes, and if left untreated, can lead to ear infections or hearing problems.
Cleft Palate/Representative Image
Although these conditions can pose significant challenges in early childhood, they can be treated with surgery and specialized medical care. In many cases, a child may require multiple forms of treatment over time, including reconstructive surgery, dental care, speech therapy, and long-term follow-up with medical specialists. With appropriate treatment, most children born with cleft lip and palate are able to live healthy, active lives. More than two decades after she first volunteered with Operation Smile, Fouzia Jbara Mahmoudi continues to lead efforts to provide life-changing medical care to children in need. Her work reflects the power of humanitarian service, demonstrating how determination, collaboration and compassion can help expand access to health care for vulnerable communities in Morocco and the wider region.
2017 Champions Trophy winner captain Sarfaraz Ahmed retires from all formats of cricket
previous Pakistan team leader Sarfaraz Ahmed He confirmed his retirement from all forms of cricket on Sunday, bringing an end to a long international career that saw him guide his team to memorable victories over arch-rivals India in the finals of two major International Cricket Federation tournaments.The last wicketkeeper-batsman to play for the team pakistan national cricket team The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released a statement announcing his decision during the December 2023 Test against the Australian national cricket team in Perth.
According to sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), a formal announcement could now see Sarfaraz appointed as the head coach of the national Test team on a permanent basis.The position of red-ball coach has been vacant since the board decided not to continue Azhar Mahmood, who served as interim head coach of the Test team last year.Sarfaraz, who will turn 39 in May, has already assumed several responsibilities within the Pakistan cricket structure. Recently, he was appointed as a member of the national selection committee and appointed as mentor and manager of Pakistan U-19 and Shaheens teams.Even though his career is coming to an end, the Karachi-born cricketer continues to play domestic cricket and featured in a first-class match in October last year. However, he said in the statement that he now intends to devote his time to administrative and coaching duties.“I never dreamed of captaining Pakistan in all three formats and winning the 2006 ICC U-19 World Cup and the 2017 Champions Trophy… It was an unforgettable moment for me,” he said.Sarfaraz added that throughout his career, his aim has been to encourage fearless cricket while also fostering strong unity in a team environment.During his international tour, the wicketkeeper-batsman represented Pakistan in 54 Test matches, 117 One-Day Internationals and 61 T20 Internationals. He also captained the national team and played 100 games across three formats.
Mamata Banerjee hikes monthly honorarium of pastors, muezzins by Rs 500 ahead of EC poll schedule announcement
New Delhi: Chief Minister of Bangladesh Mamata Banerjee An increase of Rs 500 in the monthly honorarium of pastors and muezzins in West Bengal was announced on Sunday, even as the Election Commission plans to announce the polling dates for assembly elections in four poll-bound states and the Union Territory of Puducherry. She also announced that the state government, led by AITC, would approve all new applications.The announcement comes ahead of the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct, which comes into effect after the election timetable is announced and will prohibit the government from making new policy announcements or financial commitments that could affect voters.In a post on X, Banerjee said the state government has decided to increase the monthly honorarium of pastors (purohits) and muezzins by Rs 500.“I am happy to announce an increase of Rs 500 in the monthly honorarium of our Purohits and Muezzins, whose services sustain the spiritual and social life of our communities. With this revision, they will now receive Rs 2,000 per month.Meanwhile, all new applications duly submitted by Purohit and Muezzin have also been approved by the state government,” the West Bengal Chief Minister wrote in a post on X.After the revision, the monthly payment will increase to Rs 2,000 for both groups. The chief minister further added that all fresh applications submitted by priests and muezzins seeking honorarium have been approved by the state government.Banerjee said the move reflected the government’s commitment to recognizing the role religious workers play in society.“We are proud to foster an environment where every community and every tradition is valued and strengthened,” she wrote, adding that the government’s efforts are to ensure those who uphold the nation’s spiritual traditions receive the recognition and support they deserve.Mamata Banerjee also announced in another article that the West Bengal government will start paying pending salary allowance (DA) arrears under ROPA 2009 to employees and pensioners from March 2026. The West Bengal Chief Minister said in a post on “I am happy to announce that our M-M administration has fulfilled its promise to all employees and pensioners, to the lakhs of teaching and non-teaching staff of our educational institutions, as well as employees/pensioners of our other grant-in-aid institutions like panchayat, municipal bodies, other local bodies, etc.,” she wrote. She added that payments will be made in a manner notified by the National Treasury starting next month. “They will start collecting ROPA 2009 DA arrears from March 2026 in the manner detailed in the notice issued by our Finance Department.”The announcements were made under the leadership of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Election Commissioners Sukbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi expected to announce assembly election schedule for Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala assam At a press conference in New Delhi at 4 p.m.
Kings have no plans to protest on March 28: Where, when, key details
Nationwide ‘No king’ protest Demonstrations are expected to take place in hundreds of US cities, scheduled for March 28, as activists mobilize against administration-related policies Donald Trump.
Organizers said more than 1,000 locally coordinated events have been registered, according to information cited by Good Good Good. It follows mass demonstrations under the same banner in 2025, with millions of participants likely to take part.
Where to plan protests and how to find them
Events will be held in towns across the United States, with local groups organizing demonstrations. Organizers said many rallies are expected to take place in the late morning or early afternoon, but the exact times will vary by location.
Protest organizers also shared an online map listing registered events, allowing participants to find planned demonstrations in their area.
Also read: What’s next after the “No King” protests? Activists detail plan to ‘save democracy’
One such protest will be held in Ypsilanti, michigan. The party will begin at 10 a.m. at the Ypsilanti Farmers Market, 16 S. Washington Street, where attendees can get supplies to make signs and posters, the Eastern Echo reported.
The march and rally are expected to begin at 11 a.m., with protesters walking along Washington Street and Michigan Avenue before returning to the market.
How the ‘No King’ protests started
The movement first appeared on June 14, 2025, which coincided with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army’s military parade and Trump’s 79th birthday.
Organizers said the protest was aimed at opposing what they said was the government’s authoritarian behavior. The first nationwide demonstrations drew an estimated five million people to the streets.
A second round of protests took place on October 18, 2025, with millions of people again gathering in largely peaceful demonstrations across the country.
Advocacy groups including Indivisible, MoveOn and the American Civil Liberties Union are among the organizations supporting the movement.
Also read: Amid ‘No King’ protests, US president responds with ‘King Trump’ AI video | WATCH
What problems exist?
Organizers said the March 28 demonstrations would focus on several national and local issues. A major issue expected to be raised is criticism of immigration enforcement policies and the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“Peaceful, people-led movements have always led to real change,” Deirdre Schiffering, chief political and advocacy officer of the American Civil Liberties Union, said in a statement.
Campaign groups also held training sessions ahead of protests, including guidance on de-escalation, recording techniques and sustaining non-violent demonstrations.
TOISA Equestrian Nominations 2025: Celebrating Indian Saddle Stars
The eighth edition of the Times of India Sports Awards will be held in Lucknow on March 21, 2026, celebrating the achievements of India’s best athletes across multiple disciplines. The award recognizes performance between January 1 and December 31, 2025, and recognizes outstanding performance at global championships and major international competitions. Featuring over 45 categories, TOISA focuses on established champions and emerging talents who have brought pride to the country through outstanding performances throughout the year.The winners will be selected by a distinguished panel of judges comprised of some of India’s most renowned sports icons. Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra, hockey legend PR Sreejesh, former cricket team captain Mithali Raj, Paralympic great Devendra Jhajharia, table tennis stalwart Sharath Kamal and tennis icon Leander Paes Paes) will evaluate the nominees in various categories, ensuring a credible and professional assessment of excellence in Indian sports.The equestrian nominations reflect India’s growing equestrian prowess on the continental stage. Ashish Limaye created history by winning individual gold at the FEI Asian Equestrian Championships eventing, India’s first individual gold at the event, while also helping the country win a team silver medal. Veteran Shruti Vora put in a stellar performance, winning three silver medals in dressage, while Divyakriti Singh played a key role in India’s team dressage silver medal and continues to rank among Asia’s top riders. Together their performances highlighted an unforgettable year for Indian equestrian sport.Here are the nominees for the show jumping competition to ISA 2025:Ashish LimayeDate of birth: November 22, 1993Place of birth: Pune, MaharashtraSports: EquestrianMain achievements in 2025:FEI Asian Equestrian Championships: Gold Medal (Individual – Eventing), Silver Medal (Team – Eventing)Ashish Limaye led India to success in eventing with a landmark performance at the FEI Asian Championships, winning the individual gold medal and going down in history as the first Indian to win an individual gold medal at the event. He also played a key role in leading India to a team silver medal in eventing, joining forces with Shashank Singh Kataria and Shashank Kanmuri to give India a memorable podium finish.Shruti VoraDate of birth: January 6, 1971Place of birth: Kolkata, West BengalSports: EquestrianMain achievements in 2025:FEI Asian Equestrian Championships: three silver medals (Individual Dressage, Intermediate Freestyle-I, Team Dressage)Shruti Vora had a great 2025 season, especially with an impressive medal at the FEI Asian Championships in Pattaya, Thailand. The 55-year-old won three silver medals in dressage – one in the individual event, one in Intermediate Freestyle I and one in the team event. Vora joined forces with Divyakriti Singh and Gaurav Pundir to help India reach the podium in the team event, capping off a memorable continental campaign.Divyakriti SinghDate of birth: October 22, 1999Place of birth: Jaipur, RajasthanSports: EquestrianMain achievements in 2025:FEI Asian Equestrian Championships: Silver Medal (Team Dressage)Divyakriti Singh played a key role in Team India’s dressage silver medal win at the FEI Asian Championships, further cementing her status as one of India’s most accomplished riders. With her podium finish, she became the only Indian equestrian to win a medal at both the Asian Games and the Asian Championships. Earlier in May 2025, Divyakriti regained Asia’s number one spot in the 2024-25 global dressage rankings released by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), the sport’s global governing body.
How Japan’s long-range Type 12 missile forced Beijing to rethink Taiwan and regional strategy
Japan has deployed domestically produced Type 12 long-range surface-to-ship missiles near the East China Sea, a move that analysts say may be interpreted by Beijing as crossing a “strategic threshold.”The deployment is expected to have a major impact on regional deterrence and China’s operational planning in the East China Sea and around Taiwan.Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara confirmed on Monday that the upgraded missiles will be deployed at the Kengun military camp in Kumamoto Prefecture by the end of March. Military vehicles carrying the first batch of missile launchers were reportedly spotted arriving at the base after midnight, according to SGMP.Previously, the Japanese Ministry of Defense decided to advance the missile deployment schedule by one year in 2024. Rising military tensions with Beijing in the East China Sea near Taiwan have prompted Tokyo to speed up its defense capabilities.The Type 12 missile, developed and produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, has a range increased to about 1,000 kilometers (originally 200 kilometers), allowing Japan to cover almost the entire East China Sea from Kyushu to coastal cities in mainland China. The missile is designed to deter Chinese naval vessels in the event of a potential conflict.China has harshly criticized the deployment. According to the “SGMP” report, Jiang Bin, spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, said that Japan’s “right-wing forces” have been “accelerating re-militarization.”He added that Tokyo’s deployment of long-range offensive weapons with ranges well beyond Japanese territory “completely strips away the pretense of pure defense policy and self-defense.” Jiang Zemin further said: “This fully demonstrates that Japan’s ‘new militarism’ is no longer a dangerous tendency, but a blatant and realistic threat, causing serious damage to regional peace and security.”Experts noted the strategic implications of the deployment. John Bradford, executive director of the Asia-Pacific Research Council in Yokosuka and a former U.S. Navy officer, said that Japan’s deployment of Type 12 anti-ship missiles in Kumamoto is a “new upgrade” that ensures it can threaten Chinese naval ships throughout the East China Sea. He explained: “This effort reflects China’s longstanding deployment of so-called air denial weapons that can target foreign ships entering the East China Sea. This will enhance deterrence because any naval vessel entering the East China Sea will know that it may become a target for China or Japan. ‘Mutual sea denial’ will make both sides hesitant to use force because they know they will face the challenge of gaining sea control of this strategic buffer zone.”“Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Ray Powell, director of the Sealight Maritime Transparency Initiative, said the deployment “plugs in” to the growing Allied missile network along the “first island chain.” This complicates Beijing’s military calculations and enhances Japan’s role in alliance burden-sharing, he added. “In terms of burden sharing, it significantly increases Japan’s value to the alliance. It shifts from relying heavily on the United States for long-range strike operations to exerting its own credible deterrence,” Powell said. “Tokyo is taking on the kind of operational risks and responsibilities that Washington has always wanted to see.“The missile deployment also comes amid an ongoing dispute with Beijing. Tensions increased after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in November that Japan could take military action if Taiwan was attacked, triggering outcry and economic retaliation from Beijing. Takaichi promised to speed up Japan’s military buildup. The defense budget has reached 2% of GDP, two months ahead of schedule, and the cabinet is pushing to revise major security and defense policies to strengthen independent defense against China, North Korea and Russia.Last month, Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said Japan would deploy Type 03 medium-range surface-to-air missiles on Yonaguni Island, the westernmost island in eastern Taiwan, by 2031.Liselotte Odgaard, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, described the Type 12 deployment as “one of the most significant shifts in Japan’s postwar defense posture.” She said: “Deploying Type 12 missiles will increase the cost of attacking Japanese territory and complicate the PLA’s plans. Beijing must now prepare for possible Japanese retaliation before launching operations in the East China Sea or around Taiwan, unlike before when Tokyo lacked long-range missiles capable of reaching PLA bases or coastal staging areas.” Given the ability of the Type 12 missile to strike mainland China, China may view its deployment as a direct military threat. China will see this as a dramatic increase in Japan’s ability to put Chinese military bases and logistics centers at risk. This undermines China’s confidence in its anti-access/area-denial posture… In China’s view, Japan has crossed a strategic threshold. “Odegaard added that Beijing could interpret the deployment as preparation for a potential conflict over Taiwan, fueling suspicions about Japan’s intentions and efforts to limit China’s freedom of movement. “This could reinforce China’s narrative that Japan’s behavior is provocative and opaque, increases the risk of miscalculation, intensifies the arms race in Northeast Asia, undermines regional stability and militarizes the East China Sea,” she said.
What is Japan’s Type 12 missile?
Long-range anti-ship missile designed for long-range strikeThe upgraded Type 12 anti-ship missile is a weapon developed domestically by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and is designed to enable Japan to hit enemy naval targets at longer distances. Unlike the original Type-12 system used by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, which had a range of about 200 kilometers, the upgraded version is expected to have a range of about 900 kilometers or even longer, although the specific range has not been officially disclosed. According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the new missiles also feature a low-observability design designed to reduce the chance of detection by enemy radar.
Multi-platform deployment to expand strike coverage
The upgraded Type 12 missile is designed to be deployed on multiple launch platforms, including land-based launchers, ships and aircraft, thereby significantly expanding the operational flexibility of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF). Once operational, the missile will enable Japanese forces to conduct long-range maritime strike operations, targeting enemy vessels from safer distances. This would significantly expand Japan’s maritime strike capabilities beyond its existing anti-ship missiles, such as the ASM-2 (Type 93).
part of Japan’s evolving counterattack strategy
The upgraded missiles are part of Japan’s broader “standoff” counterattack capabilities, designed to deter adversaries by striking enemy forces before they reach Japanese territory. According to an analysis by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the system is part of a broader missile modernization effort that includes hypersonic weapons and long-range cruise missiles. These capabilities are being developed in conjunction with expanded space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems to help locate and track targets remotely.