IAF Ramps Up Sri Lanka Relief
The Indian Air Force has intensified humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu following Cyclone Ditwah, deploying another C-130J transport aircraft and positioning Mi-17 V5 helicopters in Colombo for rapid relief operations. The aircraft is carrying equipment for a National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) team and will also facilitate evacuation of stranded Indian citizens. Earlier, two IAF transport planes, C-130J and IL-76, delivered nearly 21 tonnes of relief material, including medical supplies and HADR equipment, alongside 80 NDRF personnel and four canines. The Indian Navy’s INS Sukanya and Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant are also aiding search and rescue operations with Sri Lankan forces. The Disaster Management Centre in Colombo reported 132 deaths and 176 missing over the past four days due to the cyclone, which caused extensive damage to infrastructure. India’s continued support underscores its commitment to timely aid for neighboring nations in crisis.
US meets Ukranian negotiators
Top Trump administration officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met Ukrainian negotiators in Florida this weekend to advance a proposed peace framework aimed at ending Russia’s war in Ukraine. The talks precede key discussions in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukraine’s delegation now includes senior military and security officials following the resignation of chief of staff Andrii Yermak amid an embezzlement scandal. The framework, initially a 28-point plan criticised for favoring Russian demands, is reportedly being revised, though details remain unclear.
Rs3,000-Rs5,000 crore CWG budget
The upcoming 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad is being planned with an operational budget of Rs3,000-Rs5,000 crore, excluding infrastructure development costs, according to sources involved in preparations. Officials are finalising estimates for upgrades to sports and public utility facilities. Gujarat authorities have emphasised learning from the 2010 Delhi Games, which faced cost overruns, delays, and corruption controversies, and aim for greater financial discipline this time. Plans include forming an Organising Committee (OC) as a not-for-profit company, modeled on the successful 2006 Melbourne Games, to ensure transparency and professional management.
