A chance to set a precedent: Mercedes Kilmer on father Val Kilmer’s AI-powered final roleA chance to set a precedent: Mercedes Kilmer on father Val Kilmer’s AI-powered final role Apr 30, 2026, 14:19:13 IST PTI Share via Copy link Los Angeles
There was "no meaningful shift" away from big tech platforms like TikTok and Instagram in the immediate wake of Australia's world-leading teen social media ban, government documents obtained by AFP show.Australia in December banned under 16s from a raft of popular social media platforms
Do the 2026 exit polls signal a comeback for the Congress, or do they underline its shrinking footprint? Projections across key states point to a familiar, uneven story—pockets of resilience in the South, particularly Kerala, but continued struggles in high-stakes battlegrounds like Assam and
The Bombay High Court on Wednesday granted bail to Sharad Kalaskar, one of the convicts in the murder of anti-superstition activist Narendra Dabholkar, Live Law reported. A bench of Justices Ajay Gadkari and Ranjitsinha Bhonsale also expressed doubts about Kalaskar being identified as the assailant
Yami Gautam says Dhurandhar's success tells ‘it was always about scripts’; reveals Aditya Dhar is ‘unaffected’ by itYami Gautam emphasised that Dhurandhar's success reflected a shift towards quality storytelling, while she and Aditya remain humble and grateful. Apr 30, 2026
Three steps New Delhi and Dhaka must take to reset their relationship
South Asia doesn’t often get a clean reset moment. Too many relationships in our neighbourhood are trapped in either nostalgia or suspicion, reacting to old talking points instead of new realities.
That’s why the India-Bangladesh choreography since Dhaka’s election feels noteworthy: both sides have largely said the right things, signalled the right intentions and moved quickly to keep the relationship on track.
Start with what happened immediately after the verdict. Prime Minister Narendra Modi picked up the phone and spoke with Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Tarique Rahman to congratulate him on his party’s win.
In diplomacy, timing is policy.
A prompt, direct leader-to-leader outreach after a politically consequential election reduces the space for rumours, bureaucratic drift and adversarial “interpretations” of intent.
It tells Dhaka that New Delhi is prepared to work with the government the Bangladeshi people have chosen, without performative hesitation.
Dhaka’s response also mattered. Bangladesh invited Modi to the swearing-in ceremony of the new government, an old but effective signal of political goodwill and regional comfort.
Even when scheduling meant Modi would not be able to attend in person, India decided to be represented at a high level, sending Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for the February 17 oath-taking.
That combination, invitation from Dhaka and serious representation from Delhi, keeps the relationship institutional, not personality-driven, and reduces the risk of ties becoming hostage to optics.
There is a deeper story here too, one that began before election night. When former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s health became a matter of public concern, Modi publicly expressed concern and offered “all possible support.”
Tarique Rahman, as Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s key leader and Zia’s son, acknowledged that this outpouring of support from leaders abroad was a source of strength.
In the hard world of South Asian politics, this kind of humane diplomacy does two things at once: it lowers political temperatures and it creates a small but real reserve of trust that can be drawn upon during tougher negotiations later.
This is why, even if disagreements persist, the current mood is still good news. It is good to see both sides choosing positivity and moving forward, not because it solves every pending issue overnight, but because it restores the habit of engagement.
And habits matter in diplomacy: they determine whether talks become crisis-management, or normal governance.
What makes this moment especially important is that it comes after a turbulent period in Bangladeshi politics. A post-election transition is exactly when external actors and domestic spoilers try to weaponize uncertainty, by spreading “Delhi will punish Dhaka” narratives on one side, or “Dhaka must confront Delhi” narratives on the other.
Fast, clear signalling, Modi’s congratulatory call, the swearing-in invitation, the decision to send Om Birla, shrinks the oxygen available to such manipulation.
Now comes the real test: converting goodwill into a forward agenda. Here, both governments would be wise to focus on three low-drama, high-impact baskets early on.
First, keep the messaging disciplined. The best India-Bangladesh phases have been built on predictable, institutional communication, not social-media brinkmanship.
One reason the recent moves landed well is that they were formal and unambiguous: Congratulations, invitation, representation. That clarity should continue, especially around sensitive issues where misquotes become diplomatic incidents.
Second, prioritise a “people-first” deliverables list. In South Asia, the quickest way to protect a relationship from political swings is to tie it to everyday benefits: smoother cross-border logistics, predictable trade facilitation, credible border management that reduces harm to ordinary people, and visible cooperation on shared challenges.
These aren’t glamorous, but they make ties resilient.
Third, separate legacy disputes from the new trust-building cycle. Water-sharing, border incidents, and domestic political narratives are real, and will not vanish.
A smart approach is sequencing: Build confidence through quick wins and regular engagement, while placing complex legacy issues into structured, time-bound negotiating tracks. The point isn’t to postpone them forever; it’s to prevent them from hijacking everything else.
To be clear, optimism is not naïveté. Bangladesh’s new political era will understandably want a relationship with India that feels dignified, reciprocal and responsive to Bangladeshi public sentiment.
India, for its part, will want assurances that regional stability and security cooperation remain strong, and that anti-India extremist narratives don’t gain space in the mainstream.
These are not incompatible goals, if both sides resist the temptation to “win” the relationship and instead choose to manage it.
The encouraging part is that the opening signals have been mature. Modi’s outreach to Tarique Rahman after the election, Dhaka’s invitation for the swearing-in, and Delhi’s decision to send a senior representative all point in the same direction: Steady hands, pragmatic minds, and a shared recognition that India and Bangladesh do better when they work with each other, not around each other.
In a region where distrust is often the default setting, that is not a small achievement. It is, in fact, the right move, by both sides.
Rishi Suri is the chief editor at The Daily Milap, one of India’s oldest and largest Urdu language newspapers. His email address is rishi.suri@thedailymilap.com.
This article first appeared on Counterpoint Bangladesh.
Source: Scroll
Related Posts: South Korea's Lee Jae Myung meets China's Xi as he seeks to reset ties South Korea's Lee Jae Myung to meet China's Xi in reset of relations South Africa hammer India by 408 runs to complete historic clean sweep How many times does Trump's name get mentioned in Epstein Files Not many female actors get opportunities Will Trump's no-show eclipse South Africa's G20 moment Johannesburg G20 marks a Global South moment South Vs. South UK surgeon explains why yawning often results in a sudden improvement in hearing Why January Fitness Resolutions Often Lead To Injuries And How To Prevent Them
In a time when wellness and mindful eating are reshaping everyday kitchens, the focus is shifting from restrictive diets to nourishing, balanced meals that support long-term health. Today’s approach to food is less about cutting out ingredients and more about choosing what truly fuels the body
6 hours ago
US-Iran War: Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephonic conversation with US President Donald Trump and warned of “inevitable and extremely damaging consequences" if the United States and Israel resume military action against Iran, the Kremlin said after the call
6 hours ago
Priyanka Chopra has opened up about the many phases in her career, starting from being a pageant winner to becoming a global star who has conquered both Bollywood and Hollywood. Priyanka made her debut in 2002 in Thamizhan. In 2003, she was seen in both The Hero: Love Story of a Spy and Andaaz
6 hours ago
Cristiano Ronaldo moved a step closer to the elusive 1000-goal milestone after scoring in Al-Nassr’s 2-0 win over Al-Ahli SFC on Wednesday. The goal took his official tally for club and country to 971, underlining his remarkable longevity. Kingsley Coman added the second to seal a result that
6 hours ago
The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has announced the results of the Class 10 (ICSE) and Class 12 (ISC) board examinations on Thursday (April 30, 2026) at 11 a.m., officials said. Parents and students can access the official CISCE websites for downloading the
6 hours ago
What is ‘Operation Child Protector VIII’? All about US sting that led to arrest of ‘for-hire Santa Claus’ & 18 othersAs many as 19 people have been arrested during an undercover operation – ‘Operation Child Protector VIII’ – that focused on child predators. Published on: Apr 30
6 hours ago
One of Malayalam cinema’s most anticipated releases, Patriot, is gearing up for a grand theatrical release on May 1. Directed by Mahesh Narayanan, the spy action thriller has already generated significant buzz, largely due to its star-studded cast and gripping premise
6 hours ago
Strong demand for in China has nearly doubled prices for 's B300 servers to about 7 million yuan ($1 million) each, industry sources said, as a crackdown on chip smuggling dries up black-market supply.Prices of Nvidia's most advanced and powerful server
6 hours ago
At Jus Drums, there is a variety of percussion to choose from at their 24th annual summer camp; the drums, konakkol or the art of vocal percussion which has its origins in South India, cajón which is a box-shaped instrument from Peru played by slapping its hide, and the djembe
6 hours ago
Nepal Airlines on Thursday (April 30, 2026) apologised for what it described as cartographic inaccuracies in the wake of a furore showing Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan in a “network map”. The airlines had deleted the social media post on Wednesday (April 29) following the backlash
6 hours ago
Was Nancy Guthrie crime scene ‘staged’ to mislead authorities? Experts's chilling theory, ‘Killed somewhere else…’A renowned forensic psychologist has suggested that the physical evidence left at Nancy Guthrie’s home may have been “staged.” Updated on: Apr 30
6 hours ago
Skeptical Democrats confronted Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday (April 29, 2026) for the first time since the Trump administration went to war with Iran, touching off tense exchanges over a costly conflict with unclear objectives that has been waged without congressional approval
6 hours ago
Anti-stigma campaign, digital tool help mitigate mental health problems in slums: StudyAnti-stigma campaign, digital tool help mitigate mental health problems in slums: Study Published on: Apr 30, 2026 2:38 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link New Delhi
6 hours ago
U.S. President Donald Trump warned Tehran on Wednesday (April 29, 2026) that it should "get smart soon" and capitulate to Washington's demands for tight controls on its nuclear programme, as a U.S. naval blockade turned the screws on Iran's economy
6 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Power cuts this summer are unavoidable: These 10 inverter and battery combos keep you preparedPower cuts during summer can disrupt daily life
6 hours ago
Supreme Court reserves order on Cong leader Pawan Khera’s anticipatory bail pleaSenior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who appeared for Congress leader Pawan Khera, argued that the case did not justify arrest Published on: Apr 30, 2026 2:42 PM IST By Ayesha Arvind Share via Copy link The Assam
6 hours ago
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) appointed Care Ratings Ltd. to function as the Past Risk and Return Verification Agency (PaRRVA), according to a circular released 29, April 2026. The agency will vet Investment advisors and research analysts for their past performance and risk
6 hours ago
China will ban the sale of drones in Beijing and require permits to fly them under new rules that take effect on Friday. Drones and key components will be prohibited from being sold, rented or brought into the Chinese capital. Drone owners will also be required to register their devices with the
6 hours ago
‘He didn’t stop because he accepted my ride’: Bengaluru woman gives T-shirt to drenched auto driver, internet movedA Bengaluru woman shared how she helped a drenched auto driver during rain, winning hearts online. Published on: Apr 30, 2026 2:07 PM IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Share via Copy
6 hours ago
India’s agricultural transformation has long been driven by technological shifts—from the Green Revolution’s high-yielding varieties to the widespread use of synthetic fertilisers. Today, nano urea is being positioned as the next leap: a precision input that promises higher efficiency
6 hours ago
Exit polls are revealing potential political shifts across India. In West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress faces its toughest challenge yet from the BJP. Assam shows continued BJP dominance. Tamil Nadu sees a complex scenario with the DMK alliance ahead but Vijay's new party disrupting the scene
6 hours ago
Kara Twitter review: Best Dhanush film ‘in recent years’ floors viewers, internet hails Vignesh Raja's gripping thrillerKara Twitter review: Dhanush plays a small-time thief who specialises in robbing the rich in this crime thriller directed by Vignesh Raja. Apr 30, 2026
6 hours ago
The IPL 2026 season isn’t just heating up on the pitch; it’s practically boiling over on social media. A new video released by the Rajasthan Royals (RR) has fans convinced that the franchise just took a massive, “pink-tinted" swipe at RCB icon Virat Kohli
6 hours ago
‘Ghost’ claim leads Guj officials to skeletal remains in 30-yr-old caseThe remains are suspected to belong to Farzana alias Shabnam, a Mumbai resident who had come to Ahmedabad to meet her partner, Shamshuddin over three decades ago Published on: Apr 30
6 hours ago
Former FBI Director James Comey surrendered to authorities to face charges alleging that an image he briefly shared on social media posed a threat to the life of US President Donald Trump. The case stems from a 2025 Instagram post shared by Comey
6 hours ago
Can autism or ADHD be diagnosed in adulthood? Psychologist shares what they look like in adultsExpert debunks common myths and discloses how ADHD and autism can be masked for years, well into adulthood. Published on: Apr 30, 2026 2:40 PM IST By Adrija Dey Share via Copy link Austism is usually
6 hours ago
Hyundai has taken its compact SUV and added a sporty twist with the Venue N Line N10 DCT Dual Tone, priced at Rs 15,66,000 (ex-showroom). This is the top model in the Venue N Line range and is aimed at buyers who want a small SUV that is not just practical, but also fun to drive
6 hours ago
