Evening news wrap: PM Modi says 21st century belongs to India-ASEAN, Army on high alert ahead of cyclone Montha & more | India News – The Times of India

Speaking at the 22nd Asean Summit, PM Modi said the 21st century belongs to India and Asean and announced 2026 as the “Asean-India Maritime cooperation year.” The Army has been placed on high alert ahead of Cyclone Montha, expected to intensify over the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal in the next 48 hours.US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that strengthening ties with Pakistan will not affect America’s “good” partnership with India. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has promised a welfare boost for Bihar’s Panchayat representatives if the INDIA bloc comes to power, pledging higher allowances, pensions, and insurance coverage.

Addressing the 22nd Asean Summit, PM Modi declared that the 21st century “belongs to India and Asean,” highlighting deepening cooperation in disaster relief, maritime security, the blue economy, education, tourism, and technology. He announced 2026 as the “Asean-India Maritime Cooperation Year” and emphasized shared visions—Viksit Bharat 2047 and Asean Community Vision 2045. Follow live updates

The Army has been placed on high alert as two developing cyclonic systems over the East Central Arabian Sea and South East Bay of Bengal are likely to intensify into Cyclone “Montha” within 48 hours. The situation is being closely monitored in coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and state governments to ensure preparedness and timely response. Read full story

French police have arrested two men over the recent theft of precious jewellery from the Louvre museum. One suspect was caught at Charles de Gaulle Airport as he tried to board a flight abroad, while the second was detained later evening in the Paris region. Read full story

US secretary of state Marco Rubio said that America’s efforts to deepen ties with Pakistan will not come at the expense of its “good” partnership with India. Speaking at a press briefing, Rubio remarked, “I don’t think anything we’re doing with Pakistan comes at the expense of our relationship or friendship with India, which is deep, historic, and important.” Read full story

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, at a Patna rally, promised higher allowances, pensions, and Rs 50 lakh insurance for Panchayat and Gram Kachari members if the INDIA bloc wins, while vowing to bring a “new Bihar” after two decades of BJP rule. He also pledged increased margin money for PDS distributors. Read full story