Standing ovation

The first briefing post Operation Sindoor by the Tri-service chiefs was a bit different. Media personnel not just thanked Army personnel for Operation Sindoor, they were also given a standing ovation.

India armed forces top brass, recently stole the spotlight discussing Operation Sindoor’s success, earning appreciation from PM Modi, the Opposition leaders, to X users. While stoic briefings don’t usually spark applause, the vibe this time was different.

Poetry in uniform

Who said Armed force briefings are supposed to be stoic and serious? As the Tri-service chiefs briefed media of the successes of Operation Sindoor, there was plenty of of poetry and wit.

On the second day of the briefing, Air Marshal AK Bharti quoted Rashtrakavi Ramdhari Singh Dinkar’s poem Yachna Nahi, Ab Rann Hoga (Now not pleading, but battlefield will be) to underscore India’s strong defense against Pakistani attacks.

The poem was used to convey a message of resolute resolve and a warning against aggression. And if this wasn’t enough, a journalist pointed out that the Army had used the Shiv Tandav Strotram during a video representation.

So, was there a clear message out there? Pat came Air Marshal Bharti’s reply — a couplet from Ram Charit Manas: “Vinay Na Manat Jaldhi Jad, Bhaye Teen Din Beet, Bole Ram Sakop Tab, Bhai Bin Hoi Na Preet.” (“The ocean remained unmoved by humble requests, three days passed. Then Lord Rama, with rising anger, declared without fear, there can be no love.”)

Of course, the spontaneous response drew applause from the media personnel. And this was not the end of it.

A journalist also asked him if India had struck Pakistan’s nuclear facility Kirana Hill. Once again, it was Air Marshal Bharti: “I am coming to know from you only that there were nuclear facilities there. I did not know.” The sarcasm was unmistakable, invoking laughter and smiles across the room.

Undeterred tourists

As emotions run high about Türkiye and Azerbaijan supporting Pakistan, and as calls for boycotting the two upcoming tourist hubs rises, travel agents and companies say that it hasn’t so far showing on the ground.

While there are no new bookings to the two countries, travel plans made before the conflict began are proceeding as cancellations are costly.

“We don’t think people are as determined to cancel bookings already made and that involves a huge cost,” an expert said. “The film industry, especially Kollywood, have been huge patrons to Azerbaijan recently for shooting their movies, and we will have to see how that changes,” another travel agent said.

GST wheels along

In the run-up to GST’s eighth anniversary, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), in coordination with the FIT INDIA Movement, organised a nationwide cyclothon — “Sundays on Cycle”.

Flagging the cyclothon at New Delhi, Shashank Priya, Member (GST), CBIC, highlighted the transformational impact of GST on the Indian taxation system, emphasising how GST has unified around 30 different indirect taxes into a single, transparent tax structure, according to official release.

The Mumbai and Pune Zone of CGST also roped in Bollywood celebrities like Sunil Shetty, Milind Soman, and John Abraham.

“The cyclothon is part of a broader initiative blending public health advocacy with taxpayer engagement. This initiative is yet another example of CBIC’s commitment to engaging with taxpayers and the general public through innovative and inclusive outreach programmes,” the statement said.

So, basically don’t miss any opportunity says the taxman.

Published on May 18, 2025