After a ‘historic’ address in the Knesset, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set for day two as a part of his second visit to the country since 2017. PM Modi began his two-day state visit to Israel on Wednesday.
During his second day of visit, PM Modi will hold delegation level talks with Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. (X/@narendramodi)
His itinerary for the second day includes talks with Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, interaction with members of the Indian-Jewish community among others before he emplanes back for New Delhi.
Here is the detailed schedule of PM Modi’s second day at Israel:
12.15 pm-1 pm (IST): Visit Yad Vashem
1 pm-2.10 pm (IST): Bilateral Engagements with President Isaac Herzog of Israel
2.40 pm-3.20 pm (IST): Delegation Level Talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
3.25 pm-3.55 pm (IST): Exchange of MoUs and Press Statements at Hotel King David
4 pm-4.10 pm (IST): Interaction with Prominent Members of Indian-Jewish Community at Hotel King David
5.50 pm (IST): Emplane for Delhi
The Prime Minister would start the day with a visit to Israel’s official memorial institution to the victims of the Holocaust, Yad Vashem. The memorial was established in 1953 by an act of the Knesset or the Israeli parliament, read its official website.
His visit will be immediately followed by bilateral discussions with Israeli President Isaac Herzog from 0930 to 1040 hrs.
After a short break, PM Modi will hold delegation level talks with Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu which will be followed by exchange of MoUs and press statements. According to an AP report, Netanyahu’s office said that the two leaders would sign myriad economic, security and political cooperation agreements.
Finally, the PM would also interact with prominent members of the Indian-Jewish community before boarding the plane back to New Delhi.
India-Israel ties
On his visit to Israel, PM Modi said that India is “committed to further consolidating” its relationship with Israel “across many sectors,” including security and the sharing of advances in artificial intelligence and quantum technology.
During his address at the Knesset, he added that the two nations are committed to expanding trade, strengthening investment flows and promoting joint infrastructure development.
In the last fiscal year, total trade between Israel and its second largest trading partner in Asia – India, was valued at $3.6 billion, according to India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry cited by news agency AP.
Netanyahu also extended gratitude to the Indian PM as he was one of the first global leaders to express solidarity to Israel after the attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
“You didn’t flinch. You didn’t waver. You didn’t give excuses. You stood next to Israel. You stood by Israel,” Netanyahu said as he spoke at Knesset.
Narendra Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to set foot in Israel in 2017, which led to the Israeli PM to reciprocate the move with a trip to India in the next year.
Political tensions have escalated in India over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel, with the Congress party demanding clarity on India’s position regarding the ongoing Gaza conflict. As PM Modi prepares to address the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, the opposition has urged him to raise humanitarian concerns and mention what it described as the “Gaza genocide” in his speech. The Congress has argued that India has historically maintained a balanced foreign policy in West Asia, supporting both strong ties with Israel and the rights of Palestinians. Party leaders say the Prime Minister’s speech presents an opportunity to reiterate India’s commitment to peace, diplomacy, and the protection of civilian lives amid rising regional tensions.
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Several rounds were fired at a car with five occupants in north Delhi’s Kashmere Gate late on Tuesday, police said adding that one person sustained injuries. A man who claims to be gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s advocate was in the car at the time of the incident.
A police officer said that crime and forensics team has been called for inspection and CCTV footage is being obtained. (RAJ K RAJ /HT PHOTO/Representational Image)
Joint commissioner of police (central range) Madhur Verma who visited the spot confirmed the incident.
According to an officer aware of the matter, the incident was reported around 10:30pm regarding multiple rounds being fired near ISBT Kashmere Gate. “When police reached the spot, they were informed that unidentified assailants fired several rounds at a car. One person had sustained injuries,” the officer said.
The officer added that five men were in the car and a man identified as Sandeep who was sitting at the back sustained a bullet injury near his shoulder at the back. “A man who identified himself as Deepak Khatri said that he was an advocate and represents gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. His claims are, however, being verified” the officer said.
Later, preliminary probe revealed that Deepak Khatri’s wife Rajni Khatri is Bishnoi’s lawyer and Sandeep works at an NGO. “The five people were sitting in a Ciaz when the assailants came and fired from behind,” the officer said.
According to initial findings, three men came on a scooter and one of them fired, however, CCTV footage will bring more clarity.
“Statements of the occupants of the car and locals are being recorded. Crime and forensics team has been called for inspection and CCTV footage is being obtained,” the officer said.
A case will be registered under relevant sections in due course, they said.
The Delhi government is planning a ‘eBike Didi Yojana’, a mobility initiative under which women drivers will ferry women tourists on electric two-wheelers, officials aware of the proposal said.
Under the proposed model, trained women riders will operate electric scooters or bikes to ferry women passengers to tourist destinations and to the nearest metro stations.. (Representational Image)
The project, currently at the consultation stage, aims to provide a safe, affordable and environmentally friendly last-mile transport option for women visitors. Under the proposed model, trained women riders will operate electric scooters or bikes to ferry women passengers to tourist destinations and to the nearest metro stations.
“The initiative is a move to empower women and also strengthen women safety. Women tourists will feel safer with female drivers. We are in the process of consulting other departments on this proposal,” said an official.
Officials said the government has tied up with Bharat Taxi, a ride-hailing platform, to operationalise the scheme. “The Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) had signed an MoU with Bharat Taxi for cooperative cab services. We might collaborate with Bharat Taxi on this scheme to give commuters the option to book e-bikes. Only women commuters will be able to avail of these services,” the official said.
According to officials, women aged 18 to 40 are likely to be considered for enrolment in the scheme. They should be residents of Delhi and possess a valid driving licence. The eligibility criteria will be finalised once the scheme is approved.
Discussions are underway to work out the modalities, including driver onboarding, fare structure, safety protocols, insurance coverage, and route mapping.
“The idea is to create a safe and reliable transport option for women while also generating livelihood opportunities. We are also considering providing financial support to women drivers to help them procure electric two-wheelers. It could be in the form of a subsidy or an incentive,” an official said, adding that the details of the project are being finalised. If implemented, the scheme could align with the government’s push for electric mobility and women’s empowerment.
By deploying electric scooters, the initiative is also expected to help reduce emissions and promote sustainable urban transport. People familiar with the matter indicated that the government may begin with a pilot phase in key tourist circuits, depending on the outcome of consultations. Based on feedback and operational feasibility, the scheme may be expanded in phases.
The proposal also envisages structured training for women riders on road safety, vehicle maintenance, soft skills and awareness of tourist routes. Background verification and safety features such as GPS tracking will be incorporated to enhance passenger confidence.
While no timeline has been finalised, officials said the government is keen to move forward after stakeholder consultations are complete.
Union home minister Amit Shah said, ‘Sarathi Didi’, or the women drivers facility of Bharat Taxi will empower women to become self-reliant and ensure the safety of women passengers and drivers.
Bathrooms are usually the last space we think about while planning a home. By the time we get here, the budget is almost gone, and the focus has shifted elsewhere. Yet this is the one corner everyone uses daily. A few smart additions can instantly make it feel fresh, organised and thoughtfully put together. If you are looking for budget-friendly bathroom accessories under ₹500 that still look chic, this list keeps things simple.
Simple bathroom shelf styled with chic soap dispensers, trays and organisers under 500, proving small details make a big difference. (Ai generated)
Each pick comes with strong ratings and positive reviews, so you are not guessing your way through checkout. These are quick online finds that balance function and design, helping your washroom look polished without overspending.
Bathroom accessories under ₹500 with 4+ star ratings handpicked by me
Counter space disappears quickly in a bathroom, especially around the sink. This wall-mounted dispenser set keeps surfaces clear and daily essentials neatly in place. Each unit holds 400 ml, so you are not refilling every few days, and the transparent window lets you see when it is time to top up. It works well for handwash near the basin or shampoo and conditioner in the shower. The pump action feels steady and controlled, avoiding messy spills. Refillable and easy to clean, it cuts down on single-use plastic bottles while keeping the space looking tidy and organised.
A small detail can make a big difference in a bathroom, and this stainless steel soap dish holder keeps things orderly. The brushed finish looks clean and modern next to tiles, and the open design lets water drain away so soap lasts longer and stays firm rather than turning mushy.
It sits firmly on the counter and feels solid without being heavy or cumbersome. Easy to wipe down between uses, this stand stops rings and drips on your basin surface. If you want a simple way to keep bar soap neat and easy to reach, this does that job with quiet reliability.
This corner soap rack makes good use of the often-neglected space in a bathroom. Designed to stick firmly with adhesive, it avoids drilling into tiles, and the compact build sits neatly in a shower corner or near the basin. The open frame lets water drain away, so soap stays firm and cleaner longer than in a flat dish.
Installation is quick, and tools are not needed, making it a good fit for rented homes or quick updates. It feels sturdy in daily use and keeps bar soap off wet surfaces, helping the area look tidier with minimal effort.
This refillable dispenser bottle is a tidy solution for organising liquid essentials in your bathroom. With a 350 ml capacity, it holds a generous amount of hand wash, shampoo or lotion, so you are not topping up every day. The transparent body makes it easy to see how much product is left and helps you plan refills before it runs out. The pump action feels smooth and consistent, so you are less likely to get a mess on the counter. A simple shape and clear design blend with a range of interiors. Practical and fuss-free, it brings a neatness to daily routines without complication.
A clever bit of kit for anyone tired of soggy soap and slippery counters. This double soap dish holds two bars easily, cutting down clutter and keeping them dry thanks to simple drainage holes that let water escape rather than pool. The box shape catches drips neatly and is quick to rinse out when needed. Lightweight yet sturdy, it sits confidently on a shower shelf or near the basin. Plastic feels durable and easy to wipe clean in moments. If you want an uncomplicated way to keep soap lasting longer and the surface beneath cleaner, this does a valuable job without fanfare.
A neat fix for crowded shower corners, this wall shelf keeps all your daily essentials within easy reach. Made from stainless steel, it feels solid and resists rust over time, so bottles and brushes sit securely without wobbling. The top shelf holds shampoo and body wash bottles, while the row of hooks below is handy for loofahs or hand towels.
Installation is simple and feels secure on tiled walls, making it a good choice for renters or quick updates. If you like a clear and organised washroom with less clutter on basin edges, this helps create that with a bit of practical style.
The author of this article holds a Master’s Degree in Interior Design and has spent over a decade in research, teaching, and designing homes from scratch.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Austin Tucker Martin was identified as the armed man who broke into President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach in the early hours of Sunday. The Secret Service said the 21-year-old was shot and killed at the scene.
Austin Tucker Martin was identified as the Mar-a-Lago break-in suspect (AFP)
Trump has faced several threats over the last two years, including two assassination attempts during his 2024 presidential campaign. The 79-year-old and his wife, Melania, often spend weekends in Palm Beach. But they were at the White House on Saturday night, when the Mar-a-Lago breach occurred. The White House is yet to issue a statement.
Austin Tucker Martin was armed and drove into the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago at around 1:30 AM local time on Sunday. He was fatally shot by a Secret Service agent. His family was being notified.
Austin Tucker Martin was armed
The Secret Service revealed that Austin Tucker Martin had a gas can and a shotgun. Spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi even displayed a photo of his weapon at a press conference on Sunday morning.
Missing from North Carolina
The 21-year-old had been reported missing by his family a few days ago, and investigators believe he headed south and picked up the shotgun along the way. Guglielmi said a box for the weapon was discovered in the man’s vehicle after the incident.
Message from family
Conservative commentator Laura Loomer reported that Martin’s family had posted about him being missing on social media. Loomer stated that a Chrissie Fields, believed to be the suspect’s aunt, wrote in one post, “My nephew Austin Tucker Martin is missing. He left home at 1:00 pm yesterday and hasn’t had contact with anyone since 7:51 yesterday. This is not like him at all. Vass/Southern Pines area. The local police are involved and they have also reached out to the FBI. Please reach out if you have seen him.”
A missing person flyer shared online stated, “Tucker Austin Martin was last heard from on Feb 21st at 7:51pm! Drives a 2013 Silver Volkswagen Tigeaun Approx 6 foot tall and lives in the Carthage NC area.”
Austin Tucker Martin’s motive
In a press conference, officials said: “He was ordered to drop those two pieces of equipment that he had with them. At which time he put down the gas can, raised the shotgun to a shooting position.” The two agents and the deputy “fired their weapons to neutralize the threat.”
Investigators said they are currently working to compile a psychological profile, and a motive is still under investigation. Asked whether the individual was known to law enforcement, officials said, “not right now.”
