Mega deals signed during PM's Israel visit, Saiyami Kher on Mumbai's air pollution, more

The big focus of this episode of 5 Live is on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Israel during which 16 agreements were inked, and 11 announcements made, elevating bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership. Key sectors involved include agriculture, artificial intelligence, cyber security, and defence. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the establishment of the India-Israel Academic Forum and cooperation on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. Addressing the West Asia situation, PM Modi emphasised dialogue and diplomacy. Separately, the Prime Minister expressed displeasure over a Class 8 NCERT textbook containing sections on judicial corruption, according to sources. The Supreme Court issued contempt notices to the NCERT Director and School Education Secretary, labelling the content a conspiracy to defame the judiciary.  Additionally, the show reports on Mumbai’s deteriorating air quality. Actor Saiyami Kher highlighted health risks associated with the toxic AQI, as experts compare Mumbai’s pollution levels to Delhi, citing construction and vehicular emissions as primary causes.