Asia News & Trends
Beyond Google The Impact of AI Assistants on Brand Discovery
A major discussion in the marketing and technology industry today highlights how AI assistants such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity are changing the way people discover brands online. Instead of typing keywords into Google and visiting many different websites, consumers are increasingly asking AI assistants direct questions and receiving complete answers with product recommendations. This means the traditional search journey is changing, as AI tools now act as the first point of contact between customers and brands. Experts believe this shift is forcing businesses to rethink their digital marketing strategies and create content that AI systems can easily understand, trust, and recommend.The growing influence of AI assistants is also changing how companies measure online visibility. Rather than focusing only on search engine rankings, brands are now trying to improve their presence in AI-generated responses by publishing accurate information, earning positive reviews, and building credibility across trusted websites. Marketing experts say that businesses with reliable and well-structured content are more likely to be recommended by AI assistants. As AI-powered discovery becomes more common, companies are expected to invest more in AI-ready content, digital trust, and customer experience to remain competitive in the evolving online marketplace.This strategy is supported by the most recent developments in the AI ecosystem. Google's greater integration of AI into Search, Anthropic's ongoing investment in enterprise AI, and OpenAI's development of ChatGPT into a more comprehensive work platform all point to the same future. Developing stronger AI models is no longer the race. It aims to become the interface through which individuals find, evaluate, collaborate, and make decisions. Marketing adapts to changes in the interface. Brands fought for consumers' attention for twenty years. They then engaged in traffic competition. Competition for confidence will define the next ten years. That's a different goal.A brand's homepage is no longer always the first thing people see of it. The AI-generated response that a customer sees prior to clicking a single link is becoming more and more common. Visibility is no longer sufficient on its own. Brands need to be able to be recommended. While working with businesses on AI visibility, one realization has become more apparent. Uncertainty was represented by each click. Because they still wanted more information before making a choice, people clicked. AI modifies that formula. AI is progressively assisting customers in becoming self-assured enough to stop seeking, rather than assisting them in finding information. For this reason, the next competitive advantage in marketing might be confidence rather than substance.
Published 17 Jul 2026 05:37 PM
images of Ranjit Singh, a seasoned businessman, is named Chief Operating Officer of Smarten.
Smarten Power Systems has appointed Ranjit Singh as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective 1 August 2026, as the company strengthens its leadership team to support its next phase of growth. The appointment was approved by the company's Board of Directors during its meeting held on 14 July 2026. Before this promotion, Singh served as Consultant – Vice President, Operations at Smarten, where he played a key role in improving manufacturing processes, increasing operational efficiency, and supporting several strategic initiatives. In his new position, he will oversee the company's end-to-end operations, including manufacturing, supply chain management, quality systems, and strategic execution. His leadership is expected to help Smarten expand its business in both India and international markets. Ranjit Singh brings more than 52 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, product development, power electronics, telecom power, and renewable energy. One of his notable achievements at Smarten was leading the successful transition of the company's in-house battery manufacturing facility at Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, following its IPO. He established systems and processes that enabled stable in-house battery production and prepared the company for future manufacturing expansion. Speaking on his appointment, Singh said he is honoured to take on the new responsibility and will focus on strengthening manufacturing excellence, improving supply chain agility, enhancing quality systems, and building a culture of continuous improvement. Smarten's management believes his extensive industry experience will help the company meet the rising demand for power backup and renewable energy solutions while supporting long-term, sustainable growth.
Published 16 Jul 2026 05:30 PM
Shark Tank India 6 launches a fresh campaign to begin registration.
The makers of Shark Tank India have officially opened registrations for Season 6 with a fresh campaign encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs from across India to apply. The new campaign highlights that every great business starts with a bold idea and invites founders at every stage—from early concepts to established startups—to pitch for funding and mentorship.The registration process has been divided into two phases. The first call for registrations ran from July 1 to July 11, 2026, while the second phase opened on July 13 and will continue until July 31, 2026. Applications can be submitted through the Shark Tank microsite on the SonyLIV app after mobile number verification.As part of the campaign, Sony has also introduced a priority registration drive for women entrepreneurs, encouraging more women-led startups to participate. Promotional videos and social media posts emphasize that innovative ideas can come from anyone, regardless of business size or experience.According to the official FAQs, Indian citizens aged 18 years or above can apply. Entrepreneurs below 18 can also participate through a parent or legal guardian. The show welcomes founders from all sectors, whether they have a prototype, a growing business, or a new startup idea.Since its debut, Shark Tank India has become one of the country's biggest startup platforms, helping hundreds of entrepreneurs secure investments, mentorship, and national recognition. The new Season 6 campaign continues this mission by encouraging innovators to take their ideas to the next level and present them before some of India's leading investors.
Published 14 Jul 2026 05:48 PM
Storytellers rely more on human imagination when AI joins the filmmaking process.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an important part of the film industry. Today, many filmmakers use AI to help with tasks such as writing rough scripts, creating storyboards, editing videos, designing visual effects, improving sound quality, and even making digital characters. AI can complete many of these jobs much faster than humans, which helps save both time and money during film production. Big film studios and independent creators are exploring AI tools because they make the production process easier and more efficient. However, AI is still only a tool. It can analyze data and generate ideas based on existing information, but it cannot truly understand human emotions, personal experiences, or real-life relationships in the way people do.Because of this, storytellers are placing even greater importance on human imagination and creativity. Writers, directors, actors, and artists believe that the heart of every great film is its emotional connection with the audience. A powerful story comes from personal experiences, dreams, struggles, memories, and feelings that only humans can express. AI may be able to suggest scenes or dialogue, but it cannot create the same depth of emotion, originality, or cultural understanding that a human storyteller brings. As AI becomes more common in filmmaking, many creators are focusing on developing unique stories that reflect real human experiences instead of depending only on technology.Many experts believe that the future of filmmaking will be a partnership between humans and AI rather than a competition. AI can handle repetitive and technical tasks, allowing filmmakers to spend more time on creativity, storytelling, and connecting with audiences. Film schools and production companies are also encouraging creators to learn how to use AI responsibly while protecting originality and artistic expression. The growing use of AI has started important discussions about copyright, ownership of creative work, and the need to protect the jobs of writers, actors, and other artists. These conversations are helping the industry create guidelines for the responsible use of AI.
Published 09 Jul 2026 08:43 PM
MHA requests input from stakeholders and suggests a CEO and more CEO positions for I4C.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has invited comments from stakeholders on a proposal to create new senior leadership positions in the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). The proposal includes one Chief Executive Officer (CEO) post and three Additional Chief Executive Officer (Additional CEO) posts to strengthen India's cybercrime prevention and response system. According to the draft recruitment rules, the CEO post will be at Pay Matrix Level-15 (equivalent to Additional Secretary rank), while the three Additional CEO posts will be at Pay Matrix Level-14 (Senior Administrative Grade). These positions will function under the Cyber and Information Security (CIS) Division of the MHA and are expected to improve strategic planning, coordination, and administration within I4C. The MHA has asked all stakeholders to submit their suggestions and comments by August 14, 2026. After reviewing the feedback, the ministry will finalize the recruitment rules. The appointments will be made on a deputation basis under the Non-Central Staffing Scheme and will not come under the jurisdiction of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Instead, the appointments will be approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) based on recommendations from a Search-cum-Selection Committee headed by the Union Home Secretary. The proposed eligibility criteria require candidates to have a bachelor's degree along with significant experience in areas such as cyber security, cybercrime investigation, cyber forensics, information and communication technology (ICT), or internal security. The move is intended to strengthen I4C's leadership structure and enhance India's capacity to tackle the growing threat of cybercrime through better coordination and expert management.
Published 16 Jul 2026 06:00 PM
Indias New Ambassador to North Korea is Sanjeev Jain.
The Government of India has appointed Sanjeev Jain as the country's next Ambassador to the North Korea. The appointment was announced by the Ministry of External Affairs on 7 July 2026. Jain is expected to assume his new diplomatic responsibilities in Pyongyang shortly.Sanjeev Jain is a 2008-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). Before this appointment, he was serving as India's Ambassador to the Cabo Verde. During his diplomatic career, he has handled several important international assignments, giving him extensive experience in foreign policy, bilateral relations, and multilateral diplomacy.His appointment comes at an important time for India's engagement with North Korea. Although India maintains limited diplomatic and economic relations with Pyongyang because of international sanctions and security concerns, New Delhi has continued to keep diplomatic communication channels open through its embassy in the North Korean capital.India's embassy in Pyongyang resumed normal diplomatic activities after a prolonged disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions. The appointment of a new ambassador reflects India's intention to maintain a regular diplomatic presence while carefully balancing its broader strategic interests in the Korean Peninsula.The Ministry of External Affairs stated that Sanjeev Jain will take up the assignment shortly. His role will include managing India's diplomatic relations with North Korea, monitoring regional developments, assisting Indian interests, and representing India on political and humanitarian issues wherever required.India continues to support peace, stability, and the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula while maintaining stronger economic and strategic partnerships with South Korea. The appointment of Sanjeev Jain underscores India's commitment to sustaining diplomatic engagement with all countries in the region despite complex geopolitical challenges.
Published 07 Jul 2026 05:24 PM
Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary, Receives a One Year Extension
The Central Government has approved a one-year extension for Vikram Misri as India's Foreign Secretary, allowing him to continue in office until July 14, 2027. The decision was cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) under the provisions of Fundamental Rule 56(d), which permits extensions for select senior government officials in the national interest. Vikram Misri, a 1989-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, assumed charge as Foreign Secretary in July 2024. During his tenure, he has overseen India's diplomatic engagements on several critical global issues, including relations with neighboring countries, strategic partnerships with major powers, and India's participation in multilateral forums. His extension reflects the government's confidence in his leadership and diplomatic experience. Before becoming Foreign Secretary, Misri served as Deputy National Security Adviser and held ambassadorial assignments in China, Spain, and Myanmar. He is particularly recognized for his expertise on China and played a significant role in managing diplomatic engagement following the India-China border tensions after the Galwan Valley clashes. His long diplomatic career has earned him a reputation as one of India's most experienced foreign policy experts. One of the unique aspects of Misri's career is that he has served as Private Secretary to three Prime Ministers—I. K. Gujral, Manmohan Singh, and Narendra Modi. This rare distinction highlights the trust successive governments have placed in his administrative and diplomatic capabilities. The extension comes at a time when India is navigating an increasingly complex international environment marked by geopolitical competition, regional security concerns, and expanding global partnerships. Maintaining continuity in the leadership of the Ministry of External Affairs is expected to help sustain ongoing diplomatic initiatives and negotiations across multiple regions.
Published 03 Jul 2026 05:21 PM
The CBDT has reappointed Ravi Agrawal as chairman, extending his term to December 2026.
The Union Government has reappointed Ravi Agrawal as the Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), extending his tenure until December 31, 2026. The decision was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), ensuring that Agrawal will continue to lead India's apex direct tax administration body for another six months on a contractual basis. Ravi Agrawal, a 1988-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, first assumed charge as CBDT Chairman on July 1, 2024. Although he had reached the age of superannuation, the government has continued to retain his services through successive extensions, highlighting its confidence in his leadership and experience. The CBDT plays a crucial role in formulating direct tax policies, administering the Income Tax Department, strengthening tax compliance, and improving taxpayer services. Under Agrawal's leadership, the department has focused on expanding digital tax administration, simplifying compliance procedures, and enhancing transparency in tax collection. The latest extension comes at a time when the government is working to sustain strong growth in direct tax collections and improve the efficiency of tax administration. Retaining the existing leadership is expected to ensure continuity in ongoing reforms, including the use of technology, data analytics, and taxpayer-friendly initiatives. Officials believe that extending Agrawal's tenure will help maintain stability in policymaking as the government pursues broader fiscal and revenue objectives. His continued leadership is also expected to support the implementation of pending tax reforms and strengthen coordination between the CBDT and the Ministry of Finance. The reappointment reflects the Centre's emphasis on continuity and experienced leadership in one of India's most important financial institutions. With his tenure now extended until the end of December 2026, Ravi Agrawal will continue to oversee the country's direct tax administration and contribute to policies aimed at improving tax compliance, boosting revenue collection, and enhancing taxpayer services.
Published 02 Jul 2026 05:20 PM
Never Heard About It Growing Up Sana Saeed, Little Anjali of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Makes A Startling Admission
Actress Sana Saeed, who became famous as little Anjali in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, has shared a deeply personal story about her childhood and the health challenges she quietly faced for many years. In a recent social media post and video, Sana revealed that she struggled with bulimia, a serious eating disorder, from a young age. She admitted that while growing up, she had never heard of the condition and did not understand why she felt anxious about food. Because she had no knowledge of eating disorders, she believed there was "something wrong" with her instead of recognizing that she needed help. Sana said that the lack of awareness made it difficult for her to identify her condition, and she spent years dealing with the problem in silence before finally understanding what she was going through. Recalling those difficult years, Sana explained that she often worried about eating in front of others and feared people would judge her. She said that reading The Bulimia Help Method became a turning point in her recovery because it helped her understand that her struggles had a name and that she was not alone. Even after discovering the condition, she found it extremely difficult to accept that she had bulimia because of the shame and stigma attached to eating disorders. Sana's statement, "I never heard about it growing up. I wish I'd heard about it, so I would have gone straight to the problem," highlights the importance of mental health education and awareness from an early age. She hopes that by sharing her experience, others facing similar challenges will recognize the signs sooner and seek professional support without fear or embarrassment. The actress also shared an encouraging update about her life, saying that she has now fully recovered and feels happier and healthier than ever before. She emphasized that recovery is possible with the right guidance and support. Sana encouraged anyone struggling with an eating disorder or any mental health issue to speak to someone they trust and seek qualified professional help. Her honest confession has received appreciation from fans and mental health advocates, who praised her courage for speaking openly about a topic that is often misunderstood. Many people believe that her story will help spread awareness about eating disorders and encourage more open conversations about mental health, body image, and emotional well-being.
Published 17 Jul 2026 05:41 PM
A New Chapter Unfolds as Alia Bhatt enters the world of Tumbbad 2, according to Sohum Shah.
Alia Bhatt has officially joined the cast of Tumbbad 2, one of the most anticipated sequels in Indian cinema. The announcement was made today by actor-producer Sohum Shah, who welcomed Alia to the film with a social media post saying, "A new chapter unfolds. Welcome to #Tumbbad2." The news has generated significant excitement among fans, who have been eagerly waiting for updates on the sequel since the original Tumbbad became a cult classic. According to reports from multiple entertainment websites, Alia Bhatt will play a pivotal role in expanding the mysterious world of Tumbbad. While the makers have not revealed details about her character, reports suggest that her role will be crucial to the film's biggest twists and will further explore the dark mythology surrounding Hastar. Her addition is expected to bring a fresh dimension to the horror-fantasy franchise. Entertainment portals have also highlighted that Tumbbad 2 marks Alia Bhatt's first full-fledged venture into the horror genre. In her statement, the actress expressed excitement about joining a film universe that has fascinated audiences for years. She said that Tumbbad stayed with her long after watching it and that becoming part of its sequel is both exciting and creatively fulfilling. The sequel will reunite Sohum Shah with acclaimed actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui and is being directed by Adesh Prasad. Produced by Sohum Shah Films in association with Pen Studios, the film aims to build upon the mythology established in the original movie while introducing new characters and expanding its supernatural world. Industry experts believe that Alia Bhatt's casting significantly raises the profile of Tumbbad 2. The original film earned widespread appreciation for its unique storytelling, stunning cinematography, and blend of folklore and horror, eventually becoming a cult favorite. With Alia joining the franchise, expectations for the sequel have increased, and many believe it could become one of the biggest Indian horror films upon release.
Published 14 Jul 2026 05:55 PM
played at a nearby gurdwara after being pulled out of ZEE5. In Punjabi villages, Diljits Satluj is given a second chance at life.
Diljit Dosanjh's film Satluj has received a new life in Punjab, even after being removed from the OTT platform ZEE5 in India. The film was taken down just two days after its release, leading to disappointment among fans who were eager to watch it online. However, instead of allowing the film to disappear, people in Punjab have started organizing public screenings in villages, gurdwaras, school grounds, and community halls. These screenings are being arranged by local sports clubs, youth groups, and Sikh organizations, which are using projectors, LED screens, and sound systems so that everyone can watch the film together.Many people believe that Satluj tells an important chapter of Punjab's history and should be available for the public to watch. Because of this, the community has come together to ensure that the film reaches as many people as possible. In several villages, volunteers have donated money, equipment, and their time to organize these events. Families, young people, and elderly residents have gathered in large numbers to watch the movie, turning the screenings into community events. Some participants have even described these efforts as a form of "seva" (selfless service) because they feel they are helping preserve an important story.The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) has also announced that it will hold public screenings of the film in gurdwaras and organize educational seminars about the life of Jaswant Singh Khalra, whose story inspired the movie. The committee believes that people should have the opportunity to learn about this part of history despite the film's removal from the streaming platform. Similar screenings are now being planned in several states, including Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Jammu, showing the strong public support for the film.The controversy over Satluj has also sparked legal and public debate. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, asking for the film to be restored on ZEE5. The petition argues that removing the film without a clear public explanation raises concerns about freedom of expression and transparency. Meanwhile, Diljit Dosanjh has said that he was not surprised by the film's removal, as it had already faced several delays and challenges before its release. Despite these obstacles, the overwhelming support from local communities has given Satluj a second life, proving that audiences are determined to keep its story alive.
Published 09 Jul 2026 08:49 PM
Shreya Kalras revelation that Akanksha Chamola is bisexual is criticized by Sreshta Iyer as not her story.
The controversy around Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa has intensified after Sreshta Iyer criticized fellow contestant Shreya Kalra for revealing Akanksha Chamola's bisexuality on national television without her consent. In a recent interview following her eviction from the reality show, Sreshta said that Akanksha's sexual orientation was never Shreya's story to tell and that such deeply personal information should only be shared by the individual concerned.Sreshta explained that the conversation about Akanksha's sexuality originally took place privately between Akanksha and the show's makers. Although she and Shreya happened to overhear parts of the discussion backstage, Sreshta stressed that overhearing a conversation did not give anyone the right to make it public. She remarked that if Akanksha had wanted everyone to know, she would have shared it herself. The incident became one of the biggest talking points on the show after Shreya allegedly disclosed Akanksha's bisexuality during a conversation with another contestant. Many viewers criticized the move, calling it an invasion of privacy and accusing Shreya of using sensitive personal information as part of the game's strategy.Following the controversy, Akanksha herself spoke openly about her past. She confirmed that she had identified as bisexual before her marriage and had relationships with women. However, she became emotional while explaining that she wanted the decision to reveal such a personal aspect of her life to be hers alone, not someone else's.Support for Akanksha has come from several members of the entertainment industry. Former contestant Nehal Chudasama publicly condemned Shreya's actions, describing it as "deeply unfair" to expose someone's identity without permission. Actress Shiny Doshi also expressed solidarity with Akanksha, praising her courage for speaking her truth after the incident.
Published 07 Jul 2026 05:23 PM
Axis Bank is Religares pick of the month for March, 10% upside seen at TP of ₹1,185; should you buy?
Domestic brokerage firm Religare Broking has picked Axis Bank as its stock pick of the month for March 2024 with a potential upside seen around 10 per cent. Shares of Axis Bank were on an uptrend and gained around three per cent today as Nifty 50 hit a fresh lifetime high of 22,353.30 on strong macroeconomic indicators.On Friday, March 1, shares of Axis Bank opened at ₹1,074.05 and gained 2.5 per cent to hit an intra day high of ₹1,101.60 against its 52-week high of ₹1,151.50 apiece on the BSE. Shares of Axis Bank settled 2.20 per cent higher at ₹1,099.35 apiece on the BSE. At a current market price (CMP) of ₹1,085, Religare sees a potential upside of 10 per cent on Axis Bank stock at a target price of ₹1,185 from an initiation range of ₹1,080-1,085 and a stop loss of ₹1,030. Religare Broking highlights that in its report that Axis Bank has remained one among the top performer among the private banking majors and we expect the outperformance to continue. ‘’The stock has been in a primary uptrend from last more than eight months, forming series of Higher Highs and lows with gradual rise in volumes. It has formed an elevated base around the 20 weekly EMA which also coincides with rising support trend line,'' said Religare Broking. Following the price action and uptick in volumes indicates the stock to resume its prevailing trend and inch higher to surpass its previous swing high, according to the brokerage. The stock gained marginally (around three per cent) in the previous series with reduction of eight per cent open interest (OI). 98 per cent of the open positions rolled which is same with respect to previously. ‘’OI of 82k contracts as against 89k previously. Decent cash based buying also seen in last three days of February series. With fresh cash accumulation and shorts being trapped, it may witness good short covering,'' said Religare Broking. The bank's net interest income (NII) in the third quarter at ₹12,532, crore, which rose by nine per cent - almost in line with the market estimate of ₹12,555 crore. NII is the difference between interest earned by a bank through loans and interest it pays to depositors. Meanwhile, the net interest margin (NIM) stood at 4.01 percent for the quarter ended on December 31, 2023. Net Interest Margin refers to the difference between the interest income earned and the interest disbursed by a bank in relation to its interest-generating assets such as cash.
Published 01 Mar 2024 09:35 PM
Potential for any re-rating delayed for Paytm, says UBS; still sees 25% upside in the stock – heres why
Shares of One 97 Communications (Paytm) have witnessed an almost 50 percent drop just in February as investor sentiment turned negative amid the RBI and Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) saga.In a recent note, brokerage house UBS said it believes that any potential for a re-rating of Paytm based on profitability improvement has been delayed. It has retained a 'neutral' call on the stock and reduced its target price to ₹510 (from ₹650 earlier). The new target indicates an over 25 percent potential upside. "Paytm's share price has derated significantly post RBI regulatory action and the stock is trading at 1.5x EV to one-year forward consensus sales, nearly an 80 percent discount to its Indian internet peers. Our ₹510 price target implies a 2.4x EV to FY25E sales, which is still a 70 percent discount to Indian internet peers. We believe this is justified as Paytm's growth profile is now much weaker at an 8 percent expected revenue CAGR over FY24-26E, versus Indian peers at a much higher 27 percent. Additionally, Paytm's re-rating potential based on its profitability improvement is now also pushed out and the company's margin profile is much weaker than peers. Furthermore, the loss of investor confidence based on the regulatory action is unlikely to change in a hurry. We believe only sustained execution in the coming quarters can re-build investor confidence which would drive a re-rating," explained the brokerage. The RBI on January 31 directed PPBL to stop accepting deposits or top-ups in customer accounts, wallets, FASTags, and other instruments after February 29, citing large-scale non-compliance with regulations and supervisory concerns. In the latest update, the Reserve Bank of India clarified that non-Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL) linked merchants (85 percent of the total) can continue to function as normal and gave a 15-day extension till 15th March for most PPBL-linked activities. RBI also informed that @paytm UPI handles can be migrated to banks after approval from NPCI. This implies key linkages between Paytm and PPBL will be transferred to other banks via Paytm and also clears the way for Paytm to function as third-party app provider (TPAP), similar to its competitors PhonePe and Google Pay, once NPCI provides approval for the same. Following RBI's latest update, the anticipated negative impacts on Paytm have been alleviated to a considerable extent. Paytm is poised to retain a significant portion of its customer and merchant base pending certain approvals from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). However, UBS anticipates a churn of 15-20 percent in merchants, customers, and devices in Q4 compared to Q3 levels, accompanied by a steep decline of around 60 percent quarter-on-quarter in loan origination. Additionally, it foresees a challenging FY25 with a projected 2 percent revenue decline, attributed to the loss in the wallet business and gradual normalisation in payments and loan origination activities. To regain lost customers, Paytm is expected to escalate its marketing expenditure, leading to heightened EBITDA losses in FY25, consequently prompting adjustments in its EPS estimates.
Published 01 Mar 2024 09:35 PM
Stock market selloff: Nifty forms Bearish Engulfing; 21,850 next?
Nifty on Wednesday could not sustain early gains and saw heavy selling, as it closed below the psychological mark of 22,000 for the time since February 15. The index formed a Bearish Engulfing pattern on the daily chart, which has a negative connotation. The silver lining was the index somehow managed to settle above its 21-day EMA on a closing basis. If the index stays below 22,000 level, chances are it may revisit 19,850-800 level, analysts said.“The index dropped below the 22,000 mark, indicating a growing weakness. Nevertheless, it managed to close just above the 21EMA on the daily timeframe. Observing the daily chart, the index has been navigating within a rising channel. A decline below 21,950 could potentially trigger a correction towards 21,800 in the near term,” said Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities. For the day, the 50-pack index closed at 21,951.15, down 247.20 points or 1.11 per cent. A sustained Nifty trade above 21,950 might spur a recovery in the index towards 22,100, De added. With the Bearish Engulfing candle, Nifty has given up all the gains of the previous week, said Chandan Taparia of Motilal Oswal Securities. This analyst believes that were the index say below 22000, weakness could be seen towards 21,850, followed by 21,700 levels. Resistances are seen at 22,150 and 22,222 levels, he said.atin Gedia – Technical Research Analyst at Sharekhan said that the index has reached its 20-day moving average of 21,944. He said the broad range of 21,800-22,300 still has not been breached. "The daily as well as hourly momentum indicators have a negative crossover, which is a sell signal. But prices are still in a range and, hence, a decisive breach below 21,875 i.e. the previous swing low is required to validate the change of trend. The Index is around the crucial support zone 21,900, which is likely to act as a make-or-break level from short term perspective," Gedia said.
Published 01 Mar 2024 09:34 PM
IIT Kanpur’s 1974 batch pledges Rs 10.11 crore
"The Class of 1974 of the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) has committed Rs 10.11 crore to fund a range of institute initiatives. The promise is made as part of the batch's Golden Jubilee Reunion, which will take place from February 23 to February 25, 2024, and will bring together over 80 graduates and their families. ""IIT Kanpur takes great pride in its alumni, and time and time again, our alumni have come together for supporting the growth of their alma mater through various means,"" stated Prof. S Ganesh, Director of IIT Kanpur, in response to the Class of 1974's kind pledge. The Class of 1974's commitment to support greatness at the institute by aiding in its development aligns with a shared goal He continued, ""The 'Batch Legacy Fund' will be used to enhance possibilities for both faculty and students. ""We, the proud alumni of the Class of 1974, are honored to unite and contribute to our cherished alma mater, IIT Kanpur,"" he stated, thanking his classmates for this endeavor and his alma mater, batch coordinator Yogesh Khosla. Our combined support is a testament to our great pride in the organization and our common goal of seeing it succeed moving forward. I would want to sincerely thank everyone of my classmates for their kind cooperation in this project. The Class of 1974's 50th reunion was a happy event full with memories, laughter, and introspection that will live on in the archives of IIT Kanpur, an institution thinkinh said. IIT Kanpur stated that the ""Class of 1974 Batch Legacy Fund"" will undoubtedly advance learning within its community and expressed its sincere gratitude to the Class of 1974 for their outstanding contribution and steadfast dedication. The researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) will present their findings to the students during an open house. The purpose of the event is to give students a forum to interact with professionals and well-known businesspeople. March 2 and March 3 of 2024 will be dedicated to the open house. Shaastra will host IITM for Everyone. A statement on the social media account read, ""IIT Madras is open to all for the first time in 15 years."" "
Published 28 Feb 2024 05:34 PM
AAP must leave its headquarters by June 15th, per a Supreme Court order.
The Aam Aadmi Party of Arvind Kejriwal will have to leave its headquarters, which are located on a plot of land designated for the High Court. The good news is that you still have until June 15 to act. The Supreme Court gave the party a long deadline because of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, emphasizing that this is an encroachment case. The party may now submit an application for alternative land to the Land and Development Office of the Center.The bench, which included Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, stated, "We would request the L&DO to process the application and communicate its decision within a period of four weeks." The bench continued, "AAP has no legal right to remain on the land." The Delhi High Court was granted land in February to expand its operations and build more courtrooms for the Rouse Avenue location. The court had noticed that the AAP was intruding on this land. When considering a case involving the nation's judicial system, the highest court took notice of the issue.The state government promised at a meeting on February 15 that the plot would be removed in two months if a substitute plot was provided, in response to a court order. However, the situation remained unchanged. According to India's Chief Justice, DY Chandrachud, nobody has the authority to impose law on others. "It is absurd for any political party to sit on it. Every intrusion will be eliminated... The land should be given to the High Court so that it can be utilized by the general public and citizens, Justice Chandrachud stated.
Published 04 Mar 2024 05:31 PM
Article 21: The Constitutions Soul, with Citizens Liberty Supreme
According to the Supreme Court, Article 21 is the essence of the Constitution because it protects citizens' rights to liberty, which are so valuable that a person would lose them if the high court takes too long to decide cases pertaining to it. Amol Vithal Vahile, a prime accused in the murder of a corporator in Maharashtra, was granted bail by the Bombay High Court on January 29 following prodding from the top court, according to a bench of Justices B R Gavai and Sandeep Mehta.In a recent ruling, the bench stated that it is evident that prior to this court's order being issued on January 29, 2024, the high court had dismissed the bail application on one or more grounds rather than considering it on its merits.It goes without saying that Article 21 of the Indian Constitution is its core because it upholds the fundamental right to liberty for all citizens. It stated, "Depriving the party of their precious right guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India would mean not reaching a quick decision and brushing off the issue on one or the other basis pertaining to a citizen's liberty." The bench stated that it has encountered numerous cases from the Bombay High Court in which the applications for bail and anticipatory bail were not resolved promptly. The bench mentioned one instance where the application for anticipatory bail was pending for over four years. "We have also encountered many cases where the judges find an excuse to reroute the case on unrelated grounds rather than rendering a decision based on the merits of the case. As a result, we ask the chief justice of the Bombay High Court to communicate our request to all judges who have criminal jurisdiction so that the issue of bail and anticipatory bail can be decided as soon as possible," the bench stated.It requested that the Supreme Court's Registrar (Judicial) forward this directive to the High Court's Registrar (Judicial), who will present it to the Bombay High Court's chief justice. The bench stated on January 29 that, despite the fact that Vahile had been detained for more than seven years, on March 30, 2023, the high court had ordered him to appear before the trial court for regular bail.
Published 02 Mar 2024 06:02 PM
SEA urges Centre to not extend ban on export of de-oiled ricebran
The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) has asked the Indian Government to not extend the ban on the export of de-oiled rice bran beyond March 31.In a letter to Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution; and Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying; the President of SEA, Ajay Jhunjhunwala, said the total export of de-oiled rice bran constitutes only around 6 per cent of the production. The restriction has adversely affected processors and exporters along with paddy farmers, hindering them from realising better returns on their produce, he said. The government banned the export of de-oiled rice bran in a notification dated July 28, 2023, effective until November 30, 2023. This was further extended till March 31, 2024 in a notification dated December 8, 2023. Stating that processing of ricebran has picked up with the commencement of new season in November, he said availability of de-oiled ricebran has improved. This is evident from the reduction of price from ₹18,000 a tonne on July 28 2023 (the date of issuing notification) to ₹12,500 a tonne at present. Mentioning that the industry benefits from the export of de-oiled rice bran, he said easy clearance of meal leads to sustained processing, leading to better capacity utilisation, continuous oil availability, increased employment, and significant value addition along with valuable foreign exchange. India, which has successfully developed export market for de-oiled rice bran over the last 30 years, primarily serves Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh and other Asian countries. “An abrupt change in export policy has given opportunity to our competing countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh to capture Vietnam market for de-oiled ricebran and the market will be lost in no time,” he said. Eastern States, including West Bengal, are a significant producer of de-oiled ricebran. Since the cattle feed industry remains underdeveloped in this part of the country, there is limited demand for de-oiled ricebran in eastern India, he said. “The exorbitant local freight charges to move de-oiled ricebran from eastern India to south or west India makes export the principal means of disposal for de-oiled ricebran in the region. Since export is banned, ricebran processors in Eastern India are facing the prospect of shutting down their operations, adversely impacting the rice milling industry and reducing ricebran oil production,” Jhunjhunwala said. Though export restriction on de-oiled ricebran was imposed in July 2023 to ease milk prices, there is almost no reduction in milk prices across the country since this ban, he said. This is because the cost component of de-oiled ricebran in milk price is very nominal. “We are still of the view that continuing this ban will not support reduction in milk prices but will continue to negatively impact the ricebran processors and de-oiled ricebran exporters,” he said, and requested the government not to extend the ban beyond March 31.
Published 01 Mar 2024 09:45 PM
Government Employees Platform Plans Strike From May 1 Over OPS Demand
A group of Union and state government employees announced they will go on indefinite strike starting on Labour Day (May 1) this year to demand the restoration of the old pension scheme (OPS), The Hindu reported.The Joint Forum For Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (JFROPS), which was described as a platform of trade unions and associations working among Union and state government employees, said it had decided to serve strike notices starting March 19. Under the OPS, which was retired in 2004, retired government employees received half their last-drawn salary every month as a pension. The government concerned would foot the entire amount. The National Pension Scheme (NPS) replaced the OPS and involves the employee contributing 10% of their basic salary and the government contributing 14% into a corpus, which can be invested into different types of funds. How much an employee would receive upon retirement depends on the market return on these investments. Shiv Gopal Mishra, who is convenor of the JFROPS and is among the leaders of a railway workers’ union, told The Hindu that the decision to go on strike was taken after talks with the Union government had broken down. “We held several protests demanding restoration of OPS. We wrote letters to prime minister and finance minister urging them to restore the OPS. We have also been raising this issue in the JCM [joint consultative machinery] meetings, but the government ignored our demands and we are now forced to go on an indefinite strike,” Mishra was quoted as saying.The Hindu also cited government employees’ unions as claiming that ahead of the call for a strike, ballots conducted in various government departments suggested that nearly 100% of employees supported a strike.They have also argued that pensioners were worse off under the NPS because it does not hike pensions on a regular basis in order to correct for inflation. Some state governments have decided to restore the OPS for their employees. But the Reserve Bank of India has said that going back to the OPS would increase governments’ liabilities and put their financial security at risk. The Union government said in parliament in December that it does not plan on restoring the OPS. It has also warned its employees from going on strike before and argued that their right to form associations did not include a guaranteed right to go on strike. When Mishra was asked by The Hindu how the model code of conduct for the general elections would affect their planned strike, he said they wanted the issue to be discussed by the people. “This is an issue that involves lives of crores of people. Let the people discuss and decide on our demands. Even if the model code of conduct comes in picture, the Cabinet will be there, the Cabinet secretary will be there and they can take a decision on our demand,” he told the newspaper. Another employees’ union leader was cited as saying that ‘all unions’ except the pro-government Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh would take part in their planned strike.
Published 01 Mar 2024 09:44 PM
What your scalp might be trying to tell you about why your dandruff keeps returning
Dandruff is one of the most common scalp problems, affecting millions of people worldwide. While many assume it is simply caused by a dry scalp, experts say recurring dandruff often points to a more complex issue. If white flakes continue to return even after using anti-dandruff shampoos, your scalp may be signaling an imbalance that needs more than a temporary fix. Factors such as excess oil production, fungal overgrowth, stress, weather changes, and even diet can contribute to persistent dandruff. One of the primary causes of recurring dandruff is the overgrowth of a naturally occurring yeast called Malassezia. This fungus lives on everyone's scalp but can multiply rapidly when excess oil is present. As it feeds on scalp oils, it produces by-products that irritate the skin, leading to itching, redness, and flaking. Individuals with oily scalps are particularly prone to this cycle, which explains why dandruff often returns soon after treatment is stopped. Your scalp can also reflect your overall health. Dermatologists note that persistent dandruff may indicate conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, or sensitivity to certain hair-care products. If dandruff is accompanied by severe itching, inflammation, yellowish flakes, or patches of redness, it is advisable to seek medical advice rather than relying solely on over-the-counter shampoos. Treating the underlying condition is often the key to achieving long-term relief.Lifestyle habits play a significant role as well. High stress levels can weaken the body's natural defenses, making the scalp more susceptible to irritation and fungal growth. Poor sleep, an unhealthy diet lacking essential nutrients such as zinc and B vitamins, and inadequate hydration may also worsen scalp health. Experts recommend maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats to support healthy skin and scalp function.
Published 06 Jul 2026 05:07 PM
A Significant Return for Marc Jacobs Beauty
Luxury makeup brand Marc Jacobs Beauty has officially returned in 2026 after being discontinued in 2021, marking one of the most talked-about beauty industry comebacks of the year. The brand relaunched with an entirely new collection of makeup products, including lipsticks, blush sticks, bronzers, eyeliners, mascaras, eyeshadows, and highlighters. The comeback is being led in partnership with Coty Inc., with products launching online and through Sephora stores.Beauty enthusiasts and industry experts have responded positively to the relaunch. The new collection features playful heart, star, and daisy-inspired packaging while maintaining the bold, high-performance formulas that made the original brand popular. Several products, particularly the Heart On Lipstick, Drawn This Way Eyeliner, and Born Star Eyeshadow, have generated strong demand and early sell-outs.Industry analysts view the return as a strategic move in the premium beauty market, where consumers are increasingly seeking distinctive brands with strong creative identities. Marc Jacobs himself recently described the relaunch as a modern reinvention rather than a revival of the old line, emphasizing individuality and self-expression as the brand's core philosophy.
Published 04 Jun 2026 06:02 PM
The days of microbladed eyebrows are over but are they reversible
Our eyebrows have seen more changes than any other feature. Brows have seen it all, from the thin, pencil-style brows of the year 2000 to the fuller, laminated look of today. But one thing hasn't changed: if you get your eyebrows correct, half of your appearance is taken care of.Microbladed eyebrows were commonplace for a very long period. Because the fad promised bigger, more natural-looking brows with less daily work, celebrities, influencers, and regular people loved it. For many, it provided a long-term solution for uneven or sparse eyebrows. But beauty trends change quickly, and what was once considered contemporary and attractive is now beginning to feel antiquated. Many people are starting to reconsider their previous microblading decisions as softer, more natural brows become more popular.In essence, microblading is a cosmetic tattooing method in which pigment is manually applied to the skin's surface to simulate eyebrow hair. According to Dr. Ruby Sachdev, an aesthetician and consultant at Gleneagles Hospital in Bengaluru, it became well-liked by those who want larger eyebrows without using makeup every day.
Published 03 Jun 2026 09:52 PM
Benefits of Sattu Indias first protein beverage
These days, a growing number of individuals are including tasty and nourishing "superfoods" from all over the world in their diets. Imagine those colorful matcha lattes, creamy avocado toasts, delicious chia pudding, quinoa salads, and cool kale smoothies. They are healthy in addition to being aesthetically pleasing. Just a gentle reminder: Is it really necessary to spend a lot of money to maintain your health?No, I believe! Sattu is an ancient superfood from India that is tasty, affordable, and very potent. This adaptable component, which is made from roasted gram flour, has been loved and consumed for more than 3,000 years, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Chana sattu, once cherished by diligent farmers for a rapid energy boost, is now widely accepted as a wholesome and organic supplement to contemporary meals nationwide. Let's examine the advantages of sattu powder, how it outperforms the most well-liked protein-rich foods, and why it should be at the top of your diet list before you hurry to try another foreign health craze.A traditional Indian flour produced from roasted barley or chickpeas is called sattu powder. In India, it is a native source of protein. It is a well-liked superfood with several health advantages due to its high protein content. Sattu, sometimes referred to as the "desi protein shake," is high in minerals, fiber, and plant-based protein. It is a popular dish in India that is becoming more and more well-known abroad.
Published 08 May 2026 06:04 PM
Ek bihari sab pe bhari Virat Kohli gives Vaibhav Sooryavanshi particular recognition
Virat Kohli's heartfelt praise for young Bihar cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has become one of the most talked-about moments after the IPL 2026 season. Following Royal Challengers Bengaluru's title-winning campaign, Kohli met the 15-year-old sensation and shared words of encouragement that quickly went viral on social media.In a video released by RCB, Kohli advised Vaibhav to stay focused on hard work and self-belief rather than outside opinions. He told the youngster that his success had come through dedication and confidence and urged him to keep aiming higher. The highlight of the conversation was Kohli's special line, "Ek Bihari, sab pe bhari", praising the Bihar-born batter for his remarkable performances throughout IPL 2026. .Vaibhav emerged as one of the biggest stars of the tournament, earning widespread admiration for his fearless batting and maturity at such a young age. His performances attracted praise from former cricketers and fans alike, with many viewing him as one of Indian cricket's brightest future prospects.The interaction between Kohli and Vaibhav was widely appreciated by cricket fans, who saw it as a passing-of-the-torch moment between one of India's greatest batters and a rising teenage talent. Kohli's message of humility, hard work, and self-belief has since been shared extensively across social media platforms.
Published 04 Jun 2026 05:53 PM
Virat Kohli changes once more incorporating elements of Abhishek and Sooryavanshi into his game
The cameras showed Kohli putting his arm over Sooryavanshi's shoulder and conversing with him for several minutes. Although the topic of the talk is unknown, rest assured that Sooryavanshi returned home much wealthier than he would have if he had only received a few honors. Less than a day has passed since Sooryavanshi was recommended for Test cricket by none other than the great Sachin Tendulkar. He had also complimented his batting style earlier.It is important to note that earlier in the 2026 IPL season, Kohli signed Sooryavanshi's cap and gave him an autograph after the left-handed hitter destroyed the RCB bowlers all over the field during the match at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.Sooryavanshi won five awards when the IPL 2026 concluded. The 15-year-old was named Super Striker, Super Sixes of the Season, Orange Cap, Emerging Player of the Season, and Most Valuable Player. Sooryavanshi broke Chris Gayle's record for the most maximums in a single IPL season with 72 sixes during the 19th T20 competition. In the competition, he also became the fastest Indian to reach 1000 runs. In addition, he became the youngest player in the tournament to hit 1000 runs, surpassing Rishabh Pant.Sooryavanshi acknowledged that he would need to improve his fitness going forward if he wanted to have a lengthy career after receiving so many honors. "I need to improve my fitness if I want to avoid getting hurt. Everyone is really encouraging. In an interview with Ravi Shastri, Sooryavanshi stated, "Everyone supports me, including the senior players and support staff. It's a good atmosphere." Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar has praised Sooryavanshi as well. According to the renowned Indian hitter, the young player possesses all the necessary skills to participate in the game's longest format.In relation to Sooryavanshi, the next tri-series in Sri Lanka will include him. The left-hander will play for India A against Afghanistan A and Sri Lanka A.In relation to Sooryavanshi, the next tri-series in Sri Lanka will include him. The left-hander will play for India A against Afghanistan A and Sri Lanka A.
Published 02 Jun 2026 10:57 PM
For the first time in an IPL season Indian hitters outpace foreign batters
IPL 2026 had the highest batting strike rate of any season at 156.34. For the first time in an IPL season, Indian hitters (157.10) scored more runs than foreign batters (154.71). 237.30 strike rate, 776 runs, and 72 sixes In an IPL season, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became just the second hitter to score the most runs, hit the most sixes, and have the greatest strike rate (minimum 50 balls faced). Like Sooryavanshi, Chris Gayle was named Most Valuable Player in 2011.In the previous nine seasons, none of the highest run-scorers were among the top 15 strike rates in that season. The difference between Sooryavanshi's IPL 2026 run total and the next highest total for a batsman with a strike rate of 235 or more in any IPL season (Romario Shepherd's 70 runs in 2025) is 706 runs. IPL 2026 saw 65 totals of 200 or more, the highest in a T20 competition and 13 more than the previous record of 52 in IPL 2025. Individual teams also set new records in IPL 2026: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and Rajasthan Royals (RR) all scored nine runs of 200 or more, the most in a Twenty20 competition.In terms of bowling, PBKS and RR gave up 200-plus totals nine times, which is also the most in a Twenty20 competition. IPL 2026 saw the highest number of sixes struck in a season, 1426, up 10.2% from the previous record of 1294 sixes in 2025. Thanks to 72 sixes from Sooryavanshi, who established the individual record for most sixes in a T20 competition, RR struck 181 sixes, the most of any team in a T20 event.
Published 01 Jun 2026 09:34 PM
Ramakrishna Ghoshs injury has been replaced by Macneil Noronha.
Macneil Noronha, an all-rounder from Karnataka who recently won the MA Chidambaram Trophy at the Naman awards for being the highest run-getter in the 2024/25 Colonel CK Nayudu Trophy, will join Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for INR 30 lakh as a replacement for Ramakrishna Ghosh, who injured his right foot during their game against Mumbai Indians on May 3rd and is out for the season. He will not play this season.Macneil Noronha will take Ghosh's place at CSK for INR 30 lakh.Noronha, a Karnataka all-rounder, has won the MA Chidambaram Trophy at the Naman Awards for scoring the most runs in the Colonel CK Nayudu Trophy for 2024–2025. Noronha was called up by the Karnataka team for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy after an outstanding season, and he played in three games for his state.For the remainder of the 2026 Indian Premier League season, the Chennai Super Kings have selected Karnataka all-rounder Macneil Noronha to replace injured uncapped player Ramakrishna Ghosh.He was called up to Karnataka's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad as a result of his domestic achievements, and he played in three games. Noronha made an impressive 34 off 21 deliveries in his most recent match against Tripura in December 2025. He also contributed a wicket. The move comes after Ghosh was sidelined for the rest of the season due to a right foot injury he sustained during Chennai's match against Mumbai Indians on May 3. Ghosh had just made his eagerly anticipated IPL debut in that match, contributing to Chennai's decisive eight-wicket victory. Introduced into the attack in a high-pressure match, the young player returned figures of 1 for 24 from his three overs, taking the crucial wicket of Suryakumar Yadav, who had looked dangerous after reaching 21 off just 12 balls. In that match, Ghosh made his eagerly anticipated IPL debut and contributed to Chennai's convincing eight-wicket victory. The youthful player, who was brought into the attack in a high-stress match, recorded figures of 1 for 24 from his three overs, taking the crucial wicket of Suryakumar Yadav, who had appeared dangerous after reaching 21 off only 12 balls.Chennai will be hoping that Noronha will offer valuable depth as they continue to strive for a play-off position in spite of the setback.
Published 13 May 2026 05:46 PM
Congress MP Imran Masood irritates an ally by saying, SP cannot tolerate Muslim leaders.
Congress MP Imran Masood has sparked political controversy after alleging that the Samajwadi Party (SP) "cannot tolerate Muslim leaders." His remarks came during an ongoing war of words with SP leaders and have created visible friction between the two parties, which have previously cooperated under the INDIA bloc. According to reports, this is the first time since the INDIA alliance was formed in 2023 that a senior Congress leader has publicly accused SP of sidelining Muslim leadership. Masood's comments were made while responding to criticism from SP leader Udayveer Singh. He claimed that SP has a history of not allowing strong Muslim leaders to emerge and said the party is uncomfortable with Muslim politicians who speak independently and keep their promises. He also referred to past Muslim leaders associated with SP to support his argument. The remarks have reportedly upset several SP leaders, who fear the controversy could damage the party's image among Muslim voters ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Some leaders are also unhappy that the Congress has publicly backed Masood instead of distancing itself from his statements. Political observers believe the exchange reflects growing tensions between Congress and SP over leadership and seat-sharing as preparations for future elections begin. While neither party has officially announced any change in alliance strategy, the public disagreement has raised questions about the strength of opposition unity in Uttar Pradesh.
Published 16 Jul 2026 06:01 PM
Any anti-sacrilege law must have strict safeguards to prevent its weaponization, said Akal Takht Jathedar.
The debate over Punjab's anti-sacrilege law has intensified after Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, the Jathedar of the Akal Takht, said that any law dealing with sacrilege must include strong safeguards to prevent its misuse. In an interview published on Tuesday, he clarified that the Akal Takht is not opposed to legislation aimed at preventing sacrilege but wants a law that protects innocent people from being falsely implicated.According to Gargajj, past experiences with laws such as those related to sedition and anti-terror provisions have shown that legal measures can sometimes be misused. He argued that sacrilege is an extremely sensitive issue in Punjab and that any new law should clearly distinguish between deliberate acts of desecration and cases of administrative negligence. He warned that harsh penalties for unintentional lapses could lead to injustice.The Jathedar also suggested that the law should go beyond punishing the individual who physically commits an act of sacrilege. He said that if investigations reveal links to organisations, sects, or deras that allegedly encourage or plan such acts, their leadership should also face legal action. In his view, targeting only the immediate accused would leave the real conspirators untouched and weaken the effectiveness of the legislation. Another point of concern raised by the Akal Takht relates to the wording of the proposed law. Religious authorities have objected to certain definitions and terminology, arguing that they do not accurately reflect Sikh religious beliefs and traditions. They have urged the Punjab government to revise these provisions after consulting Sikh institutions before implementing the law.The issue has also led to growing tensions between the Akal Takht and the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government. Recently, the Akal Takht issued a warning to the government over what it described as defamatory campaigns against Sikh institutions and continued to press for amendments to the anti-sacrilege legislation.The Punjab government, on the other hand, has maintained that the objective of the law is to provide stronger legal protection against incidents of sacrilege. It has also expanded the list of protected religious terms and symbols used during investigations. The debate is expected to continue as both the government and Sikh religious authorities seek a balance between safeguarding religious sentiments and ensuring that the law cannot be misused for political or personal purposes.
Published 07 Jul 2026 05:25 PM
Uddhav Thackeray’s Hindutva reset How Ayodhya row handed him an opening
The alleged irregularities in donations to the Ayodhya Ram Temple have provided a fresh political opportunity for Uddhav Thackeray to reclaim the Hindutva narrative that has long been associated with the Shiv Sena. Launching the 'Ram Raksha Andolan' in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief accused the BJP of exploiting Hindu sentiments and demanded an impartial investigation into the alleged misuse of temple donations.At a rally in Mumbai, Thackeray revived slogans closely linked to his father, Bal Thackeray, including "Garv Se Kaho Hum Hindu Hain." He argued that his party had never abandoned Hindutva, but had only parted ways with the BJP. By doing so, he attempted to re-establish Shiv Sena (UBT) as the original champion of Hindutva while accusing the BJP of turning the ideology into a political tool.Thackeray also alleged that those responsible for the alleged donation irregularities could not be trusted to investigate themselves. He called for an independent probe, stating that "those looting Hindus are in power." His remarks sought to shift the debate from temple construction to accountability and transparency in the management of religious donations. The political significance of this campaign extends beyond the Ayodhya controversy. Since the 2022 split in the Shiv Sena, the BJP and the faction led by Eknath Shinde have repeatedly accused Uddhav Thackeray of abandoning Hindutva after aligning with the Congress and the NCP. By making the Ram Temple issue central to his campaign, Thackeray is attempting to counter that narrative and reconnect with traditional Sena supporters.The BJP has rejected Thackeray's allegations and responded by saying that he had "finally remembered Ram." Party leaders maintain that Uddhav's campaign is politically motivated, while reiterating that investigations into the donation controversy are already underway. Meanwhile, the Ram Temple Trust is reviewing developments related to the case as public attention remains focused on the issue.Political observers believe the Ayodhya donation row has handed Uddhav Thackeray an opening to revive his party's core ideological identity ahead of future elections. Whether this strategy succeeds will depend on the outcome of the investigation and whether voters view his renewed emphasis on Hindutva as credible or primarily a political response to the BJP's dominance over the issue.
Published 06 Jul 2026 04:51 PM
Why the Vijay governments White Paper raises financial concerns ahead of the Tamil Nadu budget
Ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Budget, the government led by C. Joseph Vijay has released a White Paper on the state's finances, presenting a serious assessment of Tamil Nadu's fiscal position. The document reviews the financial performance of the previous administration and highlights rising debt, shrinking revenues, and increasing financial obligations that could limit the government's ability to introduce new welfare schemes and development projects. According to the White Paper, Tamil Nadu's outstanding liabilities have increased significantly over the past five years, touching nearly ₹10 lakh crore. While the debt-to-GDP ratio has remained relatively stable, the absolute debt burden has grown rapidly, making Tamil Nadu one of the most indebted states in the country. The report also notes that the state's per capita debt is higher than that of several other major industrial states, raising concerns about long-term financial sustainability. Another major concern highlighted in the report is the sharp rise in interest payments. The government warns that Tamil Nadu is entering a "debt-interest spiral," where increasing borrowings are required simply to service existing debt. Interest payments now consume nearly a quarter of the state's revenue receipts, leaving less money available for infrastructure projects, public services, and new welfare initiatives. The White Paper also points to weakening revenue generation. Although tax collections have increased in absolute terms, they have declined as a share of the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The report argues that slower revenue growth, combined with rising expenditure on salaries, pensions, and interest payments, has created a structural revenue deficit that has persisted for several years. The document further states that Tamil Nadu's share of central tax devolution has steadily declined over the years, adding pressure on the state's finances. The government contends that reduced transfers from the Centre, coupled with high committed expenditure, have constrained fiscal flexibility. As a result, funding new development programmes without additional borrowing has become increasingly difficult.
Published 03 Jul 2026 05:25 PM
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Sports Trend
The 10-man USA eliminates Bosnia to go to the round of 16 and maintains the World Cup dream.
Published 07 Jul 2026 05:07 PM
The 10 man USA eliminates Bosnia to go to the round of 16 and maintains the World Cup dream.
Published 02 Jul 2026 04:39 PM
Ramakrishna Ghoshs injury has been replaced by Macneil Noronha.
Published 13 May 2026 05:46 PM
Twenty four hours before to the Indias Got Latent controversy, Kapil Sharma forewarned Samay Raina that something bad is going to happen.
Published 08 May 2026 06:00 PM
Political Trends
- Any anti-sacrilege law must have strict safeguards to prevent its weaponization, said Akal Takht Jathedar.
- Uddhav Thackeray’s Hindutva reset How Ayodhya row handed him an opening
- Why the Vijay governments White Paper raises financial concerns ahead of the Tamil Nadu budget
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Events
The first hydrogen-powered train in India will travel 89 kilometers in Haryana.
India has achieved a major milestone in green transportation by launching its first hydrogen-powered passenger train, marking a significant step toward cleaner and more sustainable railway travel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the train on 17 July 2026. The train will operate on the 89-kilometre Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana, making India one of the few countries in the world to introduce hydrogen-powered rail technology. Instead of using diesel, the train runs on hydrogen fuel cells that generate electricity by combining hydrogen with oxygen, producing only water vapour as the main emission. This technology is expected to reduce pollution, lower carbon emissions, and support India's long-term environmental goals. The hydrogen-powered train has been developed using indigenous technology under the "Make in India" initiative. It consists of two hydrogen-powered driving coaches and eight passenger coaches, with a seating and carrying capacity of around 2,600 passengers. The train can operate at speeds suitable for regional passenger services while providing a quieter and cleaner travel experience than conventional diesel trains. To support the new technology, Indian Railways has also established a dedicated hydrogen production, storage, and refuelling facility at Jind, ensuring safe and efficient operation of the service. Advanced safety systems have been installed to continuously monitor hydrogen pressure, detect leaks, and maintain passenger safety. The choice of the Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana was made after careful technical evaluation. The route is approximately 89 kilometres long, includes several intermediate stations, and provides suitable operating conditions for testing and demonstrating hydrogen-powered railway technology. Railway officials believe this corridor offers the right balance of passenger demand, infrastructure, and operational requirements to successfully introduce the country's first hydrogen train. The project is expected to provide valuable experience that can help expand hydrogen-powered rail services to other suitable non-electrified routes in the future. This launch is not only an achievement for Indian Railways but also an important step in India's broader green hydrogen mission. The hydrogen train demonstrates the country's commitment to developing environmentally friendly transport solutions and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. While more than 99% of India's broad-gauge railway network has already been electrified, hydrogen technology offers an additional clean-energy option for routes where alternative fuel solutions may be beneficial. Experts believe the project will encourage further research, investment, and innovation in hydrogen technology, strengthening India's position among nations promoting sustainable transportation and supporting its long-term target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
Events
Sonam Wangchuk is urged to put an end to the hunger strike by Kapil Sibal, who claims that the government will not listen.
Senior Advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal has appealed to activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk to end his indefinite hunger strike, expressing deep concern over Wangchuk's deteriorating health. Addressing the media, Sibal acknowledged Wangchuk's commitment and sacrifice but said that continuing the fast could put his life at serious risk. He remarked that if the government was not prepared to respond to the protest, there was no reason for Wangchuk to continue risking his health. Sibal stressed that the country still needs leaders like Wangchuk to fight many important public issues in the future and urged him to preserve his strength for those battles. Sibal also criticized the Central Government, describing it as insensitive to public concerns and alleging that it has repeatedly ignored democratic voices. He said that Wangchuk enjoys immense respect across the country because of his honesty, dedication, and willingness to stand up for people's rights. According to Sibal, public movements require committed leaders who can continue working over the long term, rather than sacrificing themselves when there is little indication that the authorities will respond. He assured Wangchuk that many people continue to support his cause and that the struggle for justice can continue through democratic means instead of an indefinite fast. Wangchuk has now spent nearly three weeks on hunger strike, demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Doctors monitoring his condition have warned that he has lost more than nine kilograms and faces increasing health risks, including the possibility of organ damage if the fast continues. Despite these concerns, Wangchuk has remained firm in his decision, saying that he will continue his protest until meaningful action is taken. The issue has also reached the courts. The Delhi High Court directed the Centre and the Delhi Government to regularly monitor Wangchuk's medical condition and ensure that appropriate medical intervention is provided if doctors consider it necessary. The court observed that the protection of life is of utmost importance while respecting the democratic right to peaceful protest. The legal proceedings have further highlighted growing concern over Wangchuk's health as public support for his movement continues to expand. Apart from Kapil Sibal, several public figures have appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast while continuing his campaign through dialogue and democratic engagement. Senior lawyers, social activists, and public personalities have expressed solidarity with his demands but have emphasized that his life is too valuable to be endangered. The developments have intensified the national debate on government accountability, examination reforms, and the importance of constructive dialogue between citizens and the administration.
Events
Top Court Warns Comedian Samay Raina, Pay 3 Lakhs, Will Add One More 0.
According to multiple reports published today, the Supreme Court strongly criticized comedian Samay Raina during a hearing related to the ongoing case over allegedly insensitive remarks about persons with disabilities. The bench observed that Raina had failed to fully comply with its earlier directions and said he had "taken the court for a ride." The judges initially imposed a fine of ₹10 lakh, expressing dissatisfaction with his conduct and the delay in complying with the court's orders. During the hearing, Raina's lawyer requested the court to show leniency and grant one final opportunity to comply with all directions. After considering the request, the Supreme Court reduced the penalty from ₹10 lakh to ₹3 lakh. However, the bench issued a stern warning, stating that if it was not satisfied with compliance at the next hearing, the fine could be increased to ₹30 lakh. This warning led to the widely reported headline, "Pay 3 Lakhs, Will Add One More 0..." The court also questioned why the required compliance affidavit had not been properly filed despite claims from the defence that it had already been submitted. The judges remarked that merely making statements before the court was not enough and emphasized that court directions must be followed strictly. They added that public personalities cannot ignore judicial orders or assume they are beyond the court's jurisdiction. Several media outlets reported that the case is linked to previous controversies involving Samay Raina's comedy content and remarks that allegedly hurt the sentiments of persons with disabilities. The Supreme Court reiterated that freedom of expression carries responsibilities and that public figures must respect the law while exercising their right to free speech.
Events
According to an Indian government official, Indonesia will purchase BrahMos missiles.
India and Indonesia have taken a major step in strengthening their defence partnership, with Indonesia agreeing to purchase the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system from India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Indonesia. The agreement was reached after talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and is being seen as one of the biggest milestones in India's defence exports.According to Indian government officials, India will also supply the Astra air-to-air missile to Indonesia. The BrahMos missile, jointly developed by India and Russia, is among the world's fastest operational supersonic cruise missiles and can be launched from land, sea, and air platforms. Indonesia plans to integrate the Astra missile with its Russian-made Sukhoi fighter aircraft.The missile deal is estimated to be worth around $630 million, although the exact value has not been officially disclosed. The agreement reportedly includes not only the missile systems but also training, maintenance, infrastructure development, and long-term technical support for the Indonesian armed forces. With this purchase, Indonesia becomes the third foreign customer for the BrahMos missile system after Vietnam and the Philippines. The export highlights India's growing role as a defence manufacturer and supplier under the government's push to expand indigenous defence exports and strengthen strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.The agreement also reflects the deepening strategic relationship between India and Indonesia. Besides defence cooperation, both countries signed several memorandums of understanding covering critical minerals, steel, agriculture, maritime cooperation, and trade. Leaders from both nations emphasized their commitment to regional security, economic growth, and a free and open Indo-Pacific.Strategic analysts believe the BrahMos deal will enhance Indonesia's coastal defence capabilities and strengthen maritime security around important sea lanes in Southeast Asia. The agreement also supports India's Act East Policy and demonstrates New Delhi's ambition to become a leading defence exporter while expanding its influence across the Indo-Pacific region.
Events
NEET-UG 2026 canceled LIVE: Nashik police detain suspects in paper leak
Due to reports of a paper leak, the National Testing Agency (NTA) canceled the May 3 NEET-UG 2026 exam on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. The government has requested that the CBI conduct a thorough investigation into the "irregularities." While the Rajasthan Special Operations Group looks into the claims of the exam paper leak, this decision was made."With the approval of the Government of India, the National Testing Agency has decided to cancel the NEET (UG) 2026 examination conducted on May 3, 2026, and to re-conduct the examination on dates that will be notified separately, based on the inputs subsequently examined by NTA in coordination with the central agencies, and the investigative findings shared by the law enforcement agencies and to ensure that there is transparency in the system," the NTA stated in a press release. It further stated that the Agency's official channels will be used to disseminate the updated exam dates and admission card issuance timetable. The Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) took action in response to claims that the NEET-UG 2026 entrance test question paper, which was administered on May 3, had been leaked.The purported anomalies concern "a guess paper" that was distributed prior to the test and allegedly included questions that were quite similar to the real paper. According to Vishal Bansal, Additional Director General of the Rajasthan Police SOG, the agency was investigating if the material's distribution was connected to organized crime. On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, a large-scale demonstration against the purported paper leak was organized by the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) and took place close to the Shastri Bhawan.
Events
The ninth edition of Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival showcased special balloons shaped like elephant and frogs
"The ninth annual Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival featured unique balloons fashioned like ducks and twin frogs, but Elli, the UK-made balloon built like an elephant, stole the show. It leaves an indelible impression. Soaring over coconut fields in a hot air balloon, I get the breathtaking image of the buttery sun shimmering over the foggy Pollachi landscape. The pilot guides Elii, a unique balloon shaped like a grey elephant, as it ascends over the sky, Mark Stokoe. The co-pilot, Lisa Stokoe, is ecstatic about the star attraction at the just finished Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival (TNIBF). ""This elephant can fly."" Based in the UK, the duo intends to showcase Elii in international ballooning events as they travel the globe. Cartoon-shaped balloons are visually appealing, particularly at the largest event, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico, when up to 500 balloons are arranged in a line. We innovate shapes for fun, but many people do it for profit. Talking about her family's two loves, travel and hot air ballooning, Lisa states, ""My son Ben has a pilot's license and has been training with Mark during his outings in Thailand and France."" Based in the UK, the duo intends to showcase Elii in international ballooning events as they travel the globe. Cartoon-shaped balloons are visually appealing, particularly. G.D. Gopalakrishnan, President of the Chamber of Commerce in Pollachi, officially opened the ninth edition of the Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival. The festival at Pollachi on January 12 featured hot air balloons from the United Kingdom, France, Netherlands, Spain, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam. In association with Global Media Box, Tamil Nadu Tourism served as the festival's host. Between January 13 and January 16, more than ten balloons representing the UK, France, Netherlands, Spain, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam filled the air. Every day from 2 pm to 10 pm, there will be carnivals that provide visitors of all ages with an authe"
Events
Vishwakarma Jayanti 2024 From history, significance to puja rituals
"Today, February 21, 2024, marks the beginning of the fourth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir. On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, the fourth iteration of the Khelo India Winter Games festival is scheduled to begin. The sporting event is scheduled to occur at Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir. During the event, athletes from across the nation will compete in a variety of winter sports, such as snowboarding, snow mountaineering, Nordic skiing, and alpine skiing. The Department of Youth Services & Sports, J&K Sports Council, in partnership with the Tourism Department, the Gulmarg Development Authority, and multiple other stakeholders, is organizing the Khelo India Winter Games 2024. The first phase of the 2024 Khelo India Winter Games festival was held from February 2–6 in Leh, and it mostly featured ice hockey and ice skating games. Start Date of the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg, 2024 On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, in Gulmarg, the Khelo India Winter Games 2024 are slated to begin. To promote awareness of issues related to the preservation of natural habitats, wildlife protection, and indigenous groups' worries about mountain development, the Khelo India Winter Games 2024 mascot is a snow leopard. Khelo India Winter Games 2024: Closing Date in Gulmarg The last day of the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg is February 25, 2024. Khelo India Winter Games: Gulmarg, 2024: Total Registrants. The official website, kheloindia.gov.in, states that more than 1200 people will be participating in the Games, including more than 700 athletes, 141 support staff, 113 technical officials, 250+ volunteer and A total of 136 medals and a sports-specific volunteer are up for grabs in the Khelo India Winter Games 2024 in Gulmarg. View the schedule for every event at the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg in 2024. Nordic Skiing at the Golf Course, Gulmarg, J&K, February 21–24, 2024 Ski Mountaineering at Kangdoori, Gulmarg, J&K, February 22–24, 2024 Alpine Skiing in Kangdoori, Gulmarg, J&K, February 22–25, 2024 February 22–25, 2024: Snowboarding in Gulmarg, J&K at Kangdoori. "
Events
IPL 2024 Schedule announced Timings, venues, squads, live streaming and all you need to know about 17th season of IPL
"IPL 2024 Schedule: The season's opening game will pit Royal Challengers Bangalore against the reigning champions, Chennai Super Kings. IPL 2024 Schedule in Full: According to the official schedule announcement, the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) will begin action on March 22 in Chennai. However, because the T20 extravaganza coincides with the impending general elections, only the first 21 matches—which stretch over 15 days—were revealed on Thursday. Following the election commission's announcement of the Lok Sabha election date, the remaining schedule will be made public. In the opening game of the season, Royal Challengers Bangalore will play the reigning champion Chennai Super Kings. Seventy league games in all and the two qualifiers, the elimination round, and the championship game will be among the four playoff games. Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Lucknow Super Giants are the ten IPL teams for 2024. Take a look at the schedule that follows: March 22: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs. Chennai Super Kings, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, 8 p.m. Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali, hosts the Punjab Kings vs. Delhi Capitals match on March 23 at 3:30 PM. On March 23, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the Kolkata Knight Riders take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (7.30 PM) Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur will host the Rajasthan Royals vs. Lucknow Super Giants on March 24 at 7:30 PM. Mar. 24: Mumbai Indians vs. Gujarat Titans, 7.30 p.m., Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad Mar. 25: Punjab Kings vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, 7:30 p.m. Mar. 26: Gujarat Titans against. Chennai Super Kings, 7.30 PM, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Mar. 27: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad will host Sunrisers Hyderabad vs. Mumbai Indians (7.30 PM) March 30: 7.30 PM match between the Lucknow Super Giants and the Punjab Kings at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow March 31: Gujarat Titans at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad against Sunrisers Hyderabad (3.30 PM) 28 March: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur; Rajasthan Royals vs. Delhi Capitals, 7:30 PM Mar. 29: Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will host the Royal Challengers Bangalore vs. Kolkata Knight Riders (7.30 PM) match. March 31: Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Stadium vs. Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals Visakhapatnam's ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium (7.30 PM) April 1: 7.30 PM Mumbai Indians vs. Rajasthan Royals at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai April2: 7.30 PM match between the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Lucknow Super Giants at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru April 3: Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Stadium vs. Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals Visakhapatnam's ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium (7.30 PM) April 4: 7.30 PM game between Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad April 5: 7.30 PM, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad; Sunrisers Hyderabad vs. Chennai Super Kings Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, Rajasthan Royals vs. Royal Challengers, Bangalore, April 6 (7.30 PM) April 7: 3.30 PM, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India vs. Delhi Capitals April 7: Gujarat Titans vs. Lucknow Super Giants, 7.30 PM, Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow"
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Government should review its stand on keeping Ram Temple Trust outside preview of RTI says CPI(M) MP John Brittas
CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas has urged the Union government to reconsider its position that the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust does not come under the ambit of the Right to Information Act, 2005. In a letter addressed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Brittas argued that institutions enjoying immense public trust and handling large public donations should also maintain the highest standards of transparency and accountability.The demand comes amid an ongoing controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in the handling of donations received by the Ram Temple Trust. Brittas maintained that public confidence in such institutions can be strengthened through greater openness rather than reduced oversight. He said that bringing the Trust under the RTI framework would improve public accountability without affecting its religious functions.In his letter, Brittas referred to the Trust's unique legal status. He pointed out that following the 2019 Supreme Court judgment in the Ayodhya dispute, the Central government constituted the Trust through a gazette notification, transferred the acquired land to it, and initially nominated most of its members. According to him, these factors indicate substantial government involvement in the Trust's creation. Brittas also questioned the reasoning behind a 2025 decision of the Central Information Commission, which had ruled that the Trust was not a "public authority" under the RTI Act. He argued that the Commission's conclusion relied heavily on the Ministry of Home Affairs' stand and requested the Centre to reconsider its position before the matter receives further judicial scrutiny.The Union government's existing position is that the Trust functions independently and is neither controlled nor funded by the government, making it outside the scope of the RTI Act. The Ministry of Home Affairs has stated that the Trust is autonomous and manages its affairs without government interference, a view that has also been reflected in the Central Information Commission's ruling.The issue has sparked renewed debate over the balance between institutional autonomy and public accountability. While supporters of the Trust's current status argue that religious bodies should remain independent of government oversight, advocates of greater transparency believe that organizations managing significant public donations should be subject to disclosure obligations under the RTI Act. The matter could see further legal and political developments in the coming weeks.
Gadgets
Before its launch in India, the Realme 12 5G was teased with a dynamic button.
On March 6, the Realme 12 5G is expected to debut in India. It will be released in the nation concurrently with the recently unveiled Realme 12+ 5G model in a few markets. Pre-orders for both phones were made available by the company last week. Prior to the models' release in India, Realme has also disclosed a few of their most important features. The Realme 12 5G's design, camera, and color options have been verified. There are now hints that the phones will have a dynamic button.On March 6, the Realme 12 5G is expected to debut in India. It will be unveiled in the nation concurrently with the Realme 12 5G, which has been hinted at to feature a Dynamic Button that functions similarly to Apple's Action Button. According to the teaser, the button can be used to access a number of custom actions that control various features, including the flashlight, do not disturb (DND) mode, silent mode, airplane mode, shutter on the camera, and more. This has a similar purpose to Apple's Action button, which lets users personalize which actions activate the flashlight, camera, focus modes, and other features. The button, which is located on the right edge beneath the volume rocker, has not been given any information by the company.The Realme 12+ 5G variant,The Realme 12 5G will have a 108-megapixel primary sensor with a 3x in-sensor zoom, as the company had previously confirmed. It has also been hinted at in a purple hue. Large circular rear camera modules are featured in the teasers, which also feature designs similar to those of the Realme 12+ 5G, Realme 12 Pro 5G, and Realme 12 Pro+ 5G.In India, the Realme 12 5G and Realme 12+ 5G will go on sale simultaneously. It is anticipated that the phone's Plus version will resemble its international counterpart. The company has stated that the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 SoC, a 120Hz AMOLED display with rainwater smart technology, and a 50-megapixel Sony LYT-600 OIS-supported primary camera will be included in the Indian version.
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At MWC 2024, brands show the future of connected cars and aerial mobility
While Wireless and Mobile technologies took centerstage at the just concluded Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, there was also some spotlight at the connected cars and aerial mobility at arguably the world’s most important consumer tech show. The Smart Mobility Summit at MWC brought together industry leaders from both established automotive and drone companies, along with tech pioneers. The transportation and travel sectors face a dual challenge — increasing capacity and reducing emissions. Embracing digital transformation is crucial to overcoming these hurdles, paving the way for substantial growth in both connected cars and aerial mobility. And this transformation was the key topic of discussion among the industry executives who gathered at the summit. The aerial mobility market is expected to reach $68.1 billion by 2032, growing at 35.2 per cent annually. Connected car drivers in the US alone are projected to increase by 15.5 per cent by 2027, reaching 174.8 million. Mobile network technologies like 5G and network slicing enable new features like autonomous driving, piloting, and C-V2X communication. Additionally, the growing availability of technologies like 4G and LPWA lays the foundation for reliable, always-on connectivity for transportation networks. The discussions were also important because deploying connected transportation solutions varies by region and requires a deep understanding of available networks and technologies. Given that the MWC saw attendance of industry veterans from different parts of the world, they could share knowledge and discuss smart solutions relevant to them. Led by industry leaders and experts, the summit covered topics such as enhancing cars with new connected features, recent advancements and challenges in smart drones, and mid-to-long-term transformation, including the role of new network technologies, electrification, and the use of teleoperation and digital twins. The Smart Mobility Summit also presented a unique opportunity to industry veterans to connect with key players who are shaping the future of mobility.
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Realme 12 5G, Realme 12+ 5G pre-orders begin in India. Launch date, pre-order benefits and more
Realme has confirmed that its Realme 12 5G smartphone will also make its debut in India alongside Realme 12+ 5G on March 6. The Chinese smartphone maker has also opened pre-orders for the Realme 12 series from today with a promise of availing limited time benefits of up to ₹ 3,000. The Realme 12 5G and Realme 12+ 5G can be pre-ordered by going to Amazon, Realme's official website and mainline stores. The two devices will be availabe to pre-order from 2pm onwards on February 29 and will go on till March 5. Meanwhile, the Realme 12 5G series will go on sale from 3:00 pm from March 6th onwards and will be available with limited offers till March 10th. Customers pre-ordering the Realme 12+ 5G are eligible for a ₹1,000 bank offer and ₹1,000 price offer on the 8GB RAM/128GB storage variant and ₹1,000 bank offer on the 8GB RAM/256 GB storage variant. Furthermore, customers will also be entitled to 1 year of complete mobile protection on Flipkart and 1 year of screen damage protection on the Realme website. Meanwhile, customers pre-ordering the 6GB RAM/128GB storage variant of the Realme 12 5G are eligible for a coupon of ₹2,000 coupon and customers pre-ordering the 8GB RAM/128GB storage variant are entitled to a ₹1,000 coupon. Apart from this, Realme is also offering the same 1 year of mobile protection and 1 year of screen damage protection as the Realme 12+ 5G. Realme had earlier also confirmed that the upcoming Realme 12+ 5G will be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset and will sport a 50MP Sony LYT 600 primary sensor with support for optical image stabilization and up to 2x in sensor zoom. Realme 12+ 5G is also confirmed to come with a 120Hz AMOLED panel which will come with the latest Rainwater Smart Touch feature which will help users take advantage of their smartphone even with wet or dry hands.
Gadgets
OnePlus 12R Genshin Impact edition launched in India: Price, specs, launch offers and everything you should know
OnePlus has launched a Genshin Impact Edition of the OnePlus 12R, which brings a host of design and UI changes to the smartphone based on the popular mobile game from miHoYo. The smartphone was unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain and will be available in India and other global markets from next month. The latest OnePlus 12R Genshin Impact edition is priced at ₹49,999 for the 16GB RAM/256GB storage variant. In contrast, the standard OnePlus 12R is priced at ₹45,999 for the same RAM and storage configurations, while the 8GB RAM/128GB storage variant is priced at ₹39,999. The latest OnePlus smartphone will go on sale from March 19 and will be available on Amazon, OnePlus.in and select OnePlus Experience Stores from March 19. The OnePlus 12R Genshin Impact Edition can be purchased at a discount of ₹1,000 using the OneCard, while an exchange bonus of ₹3,000 is also available on the purchase of the new smartphone. The OnePlus 12R Genshin Impact Edition comes with numerous design changes inspired by the character of Keqing and is available in the only 'Electro Violet' colour variant with the word Keqing inscribed on the bottom of the smartphone. The smartphone comes in a collectible gift box with a special Keqing themed case, a customised charging cable and adapter, and a distinctive Lighting Stiletto design on the SIM tray. OnePlus is also bringing many UI changes with the OnePlus 12R Genshin Impact Edition, including a special charging animation, live wallpaper and Always On Display elements. The phone's hardware remains the same as the usual OnePlus 12R, including a 6.78-inch AMOLED ProXDR display with support for LTPO4.0 and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset underneath. The smartphone is paired with the Adreno 740 GPU to handle any graphics-intensive tasks, and comes with a massive 5,500mAh battery that can be fast-charged via the 100W SUPERVOOC charger provided inside the box. In terms of optics, the phone houses a 50MP Sony IMX890 primary sensor with support for OIS and EIS, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens and a 2MP macro lens. There is also a 16MP front-facing camera on the smartphone to meet all the selfie and video calling needs. The camera app on the OnePlus 12R comes with a host of features including Interval Shooting, Nightscape, Hi-Res Mode, Pro Mode, Movie Mode, Ultra Steady Mode, Dual View Video, Portrait Mode, Video Portrait, Pano, Macro, Slo-mo, Time Lapse, Long Exposure, Text Scanner and more.
Gadgets
Nothing Phone 2a virtual unboxing video shows design, Glyph lights: Details
Nothing is slated to launch the Phone 2a in India on March 5. Ahead of the launch, the British consumer technology startup runs a virtual unboxing video, which reveals the smartphone’s design and Glyph interface. Available on Nothing official handle on X (formerly Twitter), the virtual unboxing video highlights the horizontal camera island and transparent back cover on the rear. The Nothing Phone 2a back panel appears to be following the design language from the company’s previous smartphones. The smartphone appears to have a transparent back glass, showcasing certain elements from the inside of the smartphone. However, the biggest change is the horizontally placed dual-camera setup, which is aligned centrally. For reference, the Phone 2a camera placement is unlike the Nothing Phone (1) and Phone (2). Both these smartphones had vertically placed camera modules towards the top-left side. The video also confirms that the Nothing Phone (2a) will have the Glyph interface with light bars around the camera module. The frame also looks like it has a matte texture rather than a shiny metal finish. The Nothing Phone (2a) is set to launch in India on March 5 in an in-person launch event at Dwarka, Delhi. The company is selling tickets for the launch event that are available on PayTM Insider for Rs 999.In a run up to the launch, Nothing has confirmed several key specification details for the Phone (2a). The company previously announced that the smartphone will be powered by a custom-built MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset accompanied by 12GB RAM. The smartphone will feature 8GB virtual RAM that Nothing calls “RAM Booster”. The MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro powering the Phone (2a) is based on TSMC's latest second-generation 4nm process technology. According to the company, the chip has 8-core configuration with clocking speeds up to 2.8 GHz. According to media reports, the Phone (2a) will feature a 50MP Samsung S5KGN9 1/1.5-inch main sensor alongside a 50MP Samsung S5KJN1 1/2.76-inch ultra-wide-angle sensor at the back. On the front, the Nothing Phone (2a) will likely get a 32MP Sony IMX615 camera sensor.
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HONOR Magic 6 Pro with AI-powered features unveiled at MWC 24: Details here
Chinese smartphone brand HONOR has unveiled the Magic 6 Pro smartphone at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, US. The smartphone will be available in select countries and regions, including Europe, China, Malaysia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico. HONOR has not confirmed India availability yet. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the HONOR Magic 6 Pro smartphone boasts built-in AI capabilities leveraging open source LlaMA 2 AI model. Some of the AI features that will be available out-of-the-box include offline text generation and summarisation tools for long-form content. HONOR introduced MagicOS 8.0, based on Android, with the Magic 6 Pro. It is said to incorporate the company’s AI features for smartphones such as “Magic Portal”, which the company said uses AI to understand the user's usage pattern and behaviour for personalised suggestions. According to the company, the Magic Portal is capable of recognising addresses in a text message and directs users to Google Maps with a tap. HONOR said that the portal will also facilitate “image-based shopping experiences”. The company also announced that it would add more AI-powered features to the Magic 6 Pro smartphone in future such as the “AI-powered eye-tracking systems”. Currently in the experimental stage, the feature would allow users to control the smartphone and other connected smart devices hands-free – using eye-tracking from smartphone sensors.
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Global Release of Xiaomi 14 With Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and Leica Adapted Cameras
The Xiaomi 14 was released worldwide on Sunday, February 25, one day prior to the start of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 in Barcelona. The flagship phone from the Chinese company has an LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz dynamic refresh rate and is powered by Qualcomm's most recent Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. The Leica-branded triple rear camera unit with a Summilux lens is a feature of the Xiaomi 14. The phone is compatible with 90W HyperCharge wired charging and has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. Alongside the Xiaomi 14 Pro, the Xiaomi 14 was introduced in China last year. The Xiaomi 14's single 12GB RAM + 512GB storage model is priced at €999. It is available in White, Jade Green, and Black colors. According to reports, the phone will cost less after bank offers and will retail for less than Rs. 75,000 in India. On March 7, Xiaomi 14 is expected to officially launch in the Indian market. In addition to being offered for sale on Flipkart, it will be sold on Amazon. It is anticipated that the Indian version will have comparable specs to the international version. With an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz and a 6.36-inch LTPO AMOLED (1,200x2,670 pixels) display with 460ppi pixel density, the Xiaomi 14 dual SIM (nano +e-SIM) runs on the HyperOS interface, which is based on Android 14. The screen is rated to provide up to 240Hz touch sampling rate, support for HDR10+, and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection is applied to the screen, and 3D curved glass is coated on the back. It is powered by a 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, coupled with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage.
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Cow transformed into Valentine’s Day canvas sparks social media frenzy
A man found a unique way to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year. Instead of traditional cards or chocolates, he opted for something that is a bit more…udderly unexpected. An unsuspecting cow was turned into cupid’s canvas as the unknown artist decided to ditch the ordinary and deck the cow in a vibrant array of reds, pinks and blue, transforming the animal into a walking work of art. It became an unlikely muse for this Valentine’s Day masterpiece. The new look has taken the internet by storm. The post shared by @Rainmaker1973 got 25k views, 1.9k saves and 5.5k retweets within seconds. As the video of the bovine spread like wildfire across the social media platform X, netizens couldn’t help but churn out pun after pun in response. Comments ranged from hilarious to funny. An X user wrote, “I love how I see this kind of stuff shortly before I plan to go to bed. Definitely not what I want freshly served up on the subconsciousness platter.” Another joked, “I can definitely say I’ve never seen anything like that before. That’s pretty cool.” A third posted, “Awww. I like the way you moo-ve.” It seems the cow has stolen the hearts of netizens, proving once and for all that sometimes, all you need is a little creativity and a whole lot of moos to spread love.
Published 16 Feb 2024 09:46 PM
Rat-cage heels scurry into the New York fashion scene
Forget boring pumps and predictable platforms. Rat-cage heels are the hottest new shoe trend. Think sky-high stilettos with a whimsical twist – a miniature rat cage perched on the heel. A bold statement perfect for those who dare to ditch the ordinary. The video has 2,060,168 likes and millions of comments. While opinions on this trend vary widely, with some embracing its eccentric charm and others raising eyebrows at its unorthodox nature, it has ignited discussions on the boundaries of creativity and self-expression in an industry often characterised by its conformity. Some say these heels are a statement, a conversation piece, and a daring exploration of the unexpected. Whether you are a fan of the film Ratatouille or simply seeking to inject a bit of whimsy into your wardrobe, these heels are undeniably turning heads.
Published 16 Feb 2024 09:46 PM
UK baker’s life-size Taylor Swift Super Bowl cake goes viral
A 37-year-old baker, Lara Mason, is winning hearts on the internet after she created a lifesize Taylor Swift‘s Super Bowl cake. The UK baker took 38 hours to make the red velvet vanilla-flavoured cake and used 130 kg of ingredients, The Guardiaskills. rted. Mason also filmed the making of the giant cake, which garnered more than 3 million views on TikTok. She shared the pictures of the same on X and left netizens spellbound. The cake has the pop star holding the Super Bowl trophy and also donning a Kansas City Chiefs sweater. For those who have been asleep for decades, Taylor Swift’s footballer boyfriend, Travis Kelce, plays for the American football team. The Super Bowl is the annual championship game of the National Football League. “I’ve always wanted to make a Taylor Swift cake because for the last maybe five years, she has been top of everyone’s list. I really like her, I’m not a diehard Swiftie but I do really appreciate her music and the fact she is a role model for women,” Mason told the British newspaper. The photos show Mason taking a selfie with the giant cake. “I made a Lifesize cake of @taylorswift13 in a @Chiefs sweater holding up the @NFL Super Bowl trophy. What do you think,” the baker wrote. Mason’s cake won plaudits from several users online. One user commented, “Ahhhmazing!! Wow! Very talented.” Another user commented, “I love this. What an amazing cake to make. I hope TS sees it.” Yet another user said, “Gurllll… you’ve got mad skills
Published 16 Feb 2024 09:46 PM
Bank account freeze case: Why accounts of Congress were under I-T depts scanner | Explained
The Congress' main bank accounts were frozen on Friday over an income tax demand of ₹210 crore but an I-T appellate tribunal later allowed it to operate them pending a further hearing next week, a huge relief for the party which said the move had impacted all political activity.ITAT (Income Tax Appellate Tribunal) will hear the matter on February 21, sources told ANI, adding that the current due of Congress to the Tax Department totals ₹115 crores.No bank operations have been seized or stopped in the Congress bank account freeze case, the sources informed further. "The Congress' tax due pertains to FY 17-18, AY 18-19. The initial due to the Tax Dept was ₹103 crores and ₹32 crores in interest accrued on late payment. The claims were for not filing the returns on time. The tax due was reassessed at ₹105 crores on 6th July 2021. Post this, the INC appealed before Commissioner Appeals but did not pay the mandatory 20 per cent of the tax as they had filed a plea by then," a source said. "INC paid only ₹78 lakh, prompting CIT (Appeal) to dismiss their plea. Again, on May 2023, the INC went for 2nd appeal at ITAT. The Congress did not apply for any stay on the tax demand at ITAT. In October 2023, the INC paid ₹1.72 crore. No orders were passed by ITAT today. Nowhere in their appeal has the Congress disputed the tax-due amount. No bank account operation has been stopped by the Income Tax department," the source told ANI. “You are hereby required under Section 226(3) of the Income-tax Act, 1961, to pay to me forthwith any amount due from you to or, held by you, for or on account of Bank Account No. 062304xxxxx and any other bank account/fixed deposit with your bank in the name of Indian National Congress upto the amount of arrears shown above" All Our bankers are being sent this...
Published 16 Feb 2024 09:44 PM
57% vs 10%: BJP vs Congress share in electoral bond funds
In the six years since the electoral bonds scheme was introduced, more than half, or 57%, of the funds extended through bonds have gone to the BJP. The party, as per its declarations to the Election Commission, received Rs 5,271.97 crore via bonds between 2017-2022. The Congress was a distant second at Rs 952.29 crore. The EC is yet to publish the annual reports of parties for the financial year 2022-2023. The Supreme Court on Thursday held the changes made in the law to introduce the electoral bonds scheme as unconstitutional, in a unanimous verdict on a batch of pleas challenging the legal validity of the Centre’s scheme which allowed for anonymous funding to political parties. A five-judge Constitution Bench presided by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud also directed that “the issuing bank shall herewith stop the issuance of electoral bonds” and asked the State Bank of India (SBI) to “submit details of the electoral bonds purchased since the interim order of the court dated April 12, 2019, till date to the Election Commission of India (ECI)”. The bench, also comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna, B R Gavai, J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, said, “The deletion of the proviso to Section 182(1) of the Companies Act, permitting unlimited corporate funding to political parties is arbitrary and violative of Article 14”. Under the scheme, notified by the Narendra Modi government on January 2, 2018, electoral bonds could be purchased by any citizen of India or entity incorporated or established in India. An individual can buy electoral bonds, either singly or jointly with other individuals. It was pitched as an alternative to cash donations and as a way to increase transparency in political funding. In the period between 2017-2018 and 2021-2022, electoral bonds worth Rs 9,208.23 crore were sold, according to State Bank of India data obtained by The Indian Express through RTI.An analysis of the annual audited account statements submitted by the parties to the EC puts the worth of the contributions via bonds to the BJP at Rs 5,271.97 crore, from 2017-2018 till 2021-2022.
Published 16 Feb 2024 09:43 PM
After Swami Maurya, SP’s Apna Dal ally speaks out over ‘sidelining’ of backwards
There is trouble brewing within the Samajwadi Party (SP), with dissenters using the latest round of rolling Rajya Sabha polls, due on February 27, as a platform to voice their disagreements with the party leadership. At least two prominent leaders of the party have questioned the SP’s “treatment” of backward leaders, with questions raised on why it had not stood by its own Lok Sabha poll promises regarding, what it calls, the PDA (Pichda, Dalit and Alpasankhyak) groups, while naming its Rajya Sabha candidates. The first was party national general secretary Swami Prasad Maurya, who resigned from his post on Tuesday, claiming that he was being undermined within the party by other leaders who described his statements as his “personal views”. Now Pallavi Patel, who won the Assembly seat from Sirathu in 2022 on the SP symbol, with her party Apna Dal (Kamervadi) as SP’s ally, has said she won’t cast her vote for the Rajya Sabha polls. The vote of the lone Apna Dal (K) leader could become crucial for the SP in getting all three of its nominees elected to the Rajya Sabha. Patel has objected to the fact that two of the three candidates nominated by the SP are not from PDA communities, and she suggested Wednesday that it was not certain that her party would continue as an SP ally. SP sources claimed her real grievance was that her mother Krishna Patel wasn’t nominated. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, still recovering from the exit of ally RLD, asserted that there was no cause for worry. The SP, which can win 3 of the 10 Rajya Sabha seats from Uttar Pradesh that are falling vacant, has nominated former chief secretary Alok Ranjan, actor-turned-politician Jaya Bachchan — both Kayasths — and Ramji Lal Suman, a Dalit. Other party leaders too said on Wednesday that there was a difference between what SP chief Akhilesh Yadav is preaching and what he does. “To vindicate his PDA pitch, he should have sent three PDA people to the Rajya Sabha. He has sent Jaya Bachchan ji, who is a reliable leader for the SP. But was it the right choice in an election year? The second choice — Alok Ranjan — has raised more eyebrows within the party. He is from an upper caste, has no grounding in politics. The party leadership could have chosen a woman from a marginalised community. Maybe a Muslim woman and a backward class leader…,” a Lucknow-based SP leader said. Another SP leader said: “Look at what the BJP is doing. They have given Bharat Ratna to a farmer leader (Chaudhary Charan Singh) and a backward leader (Karpoori Thakur). This is all a part of their election strategy. Akhileshji and the top leadership could have also made the nominations a tactical move. The Muslims are a main vote bank for the SP now, but it seems they have no standing within the party.”
Published 16 Feb 2024 09:42 PM
Farmers protest: Congress promises MSP for various crops if INDIA bloc wins Lok Sabha elections
The Congress has promised to implement MSP for various crops if INDIA bloc wins the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The development came even as members of over 200 farmer unions began a Delhi Chalo agitation to press their demands. The protesters have called for several changes including the enactment of a law guaranteeing minimum support price for crops. “Farmer brothers, today is a historic day! Congress has decided to give legal guarantee of MSP to every farmer on crops as per Swaminathan Commission. This step will change the lives of 15 crore farmer families by ensuring their prosperity. This is the first guarantee of Congress on the path of justice," tweeted Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. Meanwhile Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge lashed out at the "dictatorial Modi government" for being “hell-bent on curbing the voice of farmers!". The Congress party, he assured, would provide full support to the farmers' movement. Barbed wire, tear gas from drones, nails and guns... everything is arranged. The dictatorial Modi government is trying to curb the voice of farmers! Do you remember that farmers were called "agitators" and "parasites"? In 10 years, the Modi government has broken three promises made to the food providers of the country -Farmers' income to double by 2022, according to Swaminathan report, implementation of Input Cost 50 per cent MSP and legal status to MSP," he said. The remarks however sparked censure in the BJP ranks with lawmakers noting that the other party had previously failed to implement its guarantees. “Congress failed not once but many times and the guarantees of Congress also failed...In Himachal Pradesh too, they had given a guarantee of ₹1500 to every woman per month...but all their guarantees have failed...we increased the prices of MSP and also increased the procurement and Congress spent ₹5.5 lakh crore. While the Modi government spent ₹18.49 lakh crore... the Modi government has done many times more work for the agriculture sector and the welfare of farmers and will continue to do so in future also…" Union Minister Anurag Thakur told ANI.
Published 16 Feb 2024 09:42 PM
Ashok Chavan to join BJP today, calls it ‘a new beginning’
Former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan on Tuesday morning announced that he would be formally joining the BJP today.Ashok Chavan resigned from the primary membership of the Congress party on Monday. Sources close to the party further revealed some MLAs and office bearers of the Congress party are also likely to follow him. After submitting his resignation to Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Nana Patole, he told reporters on Monday, "I have resigned from the Assembly membership as an MLA. I have given my resignation to the Speaker. I have resigned from the Congress Working Committee and the Congress primary membership." Ashok Chavan served in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly for three terms from 1999 to May 2014. He was the Chief Minister of Maharashtra from December 8, 2008, to November 9, 2010, when he was forced to resign due to corruption allegations linked to the Adarsh Housing Society scam. Meanwhile, several Congress leaders condemned the move, calling it a 'dirty political' game. Party leader Prithviraj Chavhan said, "Our senior colleague Ashok Chavan has resigned from the party and also as the MLA. It's a sad decision. This had been talked about for a long time. We didn't think he would make this decision. He was made the state CM on two occasions. What went wrong, who was he upset about--only he will tell about this. This is very tragic. All members of the Congress Legislative Party are together. BJP leaders are spreading rumours that some people are in touch with them," Chavan said while addressing the media. "It is really surprising. This hasn't happened in Maharashtra before. It is totally a dirty political game by the Bharatiya
Published 16 Feb 2024 09:41 PM
‘We Need Extensive, Systematic Datasets To Counter Narratives Around Caste’
In November 2023, Bihar released the findings of its caste survey, revealing tentative but crucial data on various caste groups in the state, and exposing privileges and disadvantages faced by caste groups. There has been a demand by opposition parties to conduct a nationwide caste census to collate caste data. Such an exercise was last conducted in 1931. Some states such as Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have decided to conduct state-level surveys.We have a stereotype about caste based on the varna hierarchy [traditional birth-based Hindu social order] that it is ancient and stable, and nothing changes. The reality of caste is different at the regional level,” said sociologist Surinder S. Jodhka. Caste is an important indicator of social exclusion, he added. While the population census, which is now more than a decade old and delayed by nearly three years, collects data on Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), caste-based enumeration must be done by state governments because “caste formations are regional in character”, he added. Jodhka is a professor of sociology at the Centre for the Study of Social Systems, School of Social Sciences in Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi. In an interview, he speaks about the need for state-based caste censuses, why governments must engage more with scholars to unpack caste data, and the need for subclassifications of SCs, STs and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
Published 16 Feb 2024 09:40 PM
Gandhi’s ‘Doctrine of Frightfulness’ Charge Against the British is Just as Relevant for India Today
After the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, Mahatma Gandhi wrote that the British regime perpetuated itself by employing the doctrine of frightfulness. It struck fear in the hearts of people who were expected to meekly surrender before the colonial authorities by accepting falsehoods spun by them and forsaking not just protest but even a questioning attitude either in public or through the media. That doctrine of frightfulness is being replayed in the India of 2024. Those sections of the media which question the Modi regime are under attack and opposition parties are being split. People’s representatives, some of whom occupy high constitutional positions, are not spared. Many of them face jail, the threat of incarceration or repeated coercive action at the hands of government agencies. On February 12, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan and a veteran leader of Congress resigned from the party. He was facing several corruption cases. A day later, he joined the BJP. The political buzz is that he was told he had two options – join the BJP or go to jail. This exemplifies how the doctrine of fear is used to actuate a former chief minister of a major state like Maharashtra to resign from his party and embrace the BJP. Several newspapers and independent media platforms such as Newsclick, Caravan, The Wire and Newslaundry have faced punitive action. In Kashmir, the press club was shut down and several journalists were jailed on trumped up charges. In the case of Newsclick, its founding editor Prabir Purkayastha faces terrorism charges under the draconian UAPA law for discharging journalistic responsibilities. Prime Minister Modi often takes pride in saying that India is the mother of democracy and yet his regime is acting contrary to basic democratic values. The relentless penal measures directed against the media flow from the doctrine of frightfulness which is applied with impunity to make independent and critical media subservient to the government, just as corporate media already is. These developments remind us of the dark days of martial law imposed in Punjab following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the suppression of the press. Mahatma Gandhi in his report on the Punjab Disorders observed that “The existence of independent journalism became an impossibility during the Martial Law regime and The Tribune, the Punjabee, and the Pratap stopped publishing”. Those words of Gandhi resonate in India now when there is a great threat posed to independent journalism and those media platforms who dare to question the powers that be.
Published 16 Feb 2024 09:38 PM
Demolitions as Extra-Judicial Punishment Have Left India in a Perpetual State of Violence
Under international human rights law, states must ensure that evictions only occur in exceptional circumstances, require full justification and the provision of adequate legal safeguards. None of that here in New India, of course. The demolitions in Uttarakhand last week, after which five people were killed in violence, follows a pattern that we see in Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled states. The pattern is of course that the government goes after citizens, especially Muslims. The demolitions are carried out as a form of extra-judicial punishment by the municipal authorities and the police, whether after episodes of communal violence or protests against discrimination. The pattern has been documented in reports like “Routes of Wrath: Weaponising religious processions” by the Citizens and Lawyers Initiative. In his foreword, former Supreme Court Justice Rohinton F. Nariman says the report corroborates the findings (of decline in Indian democratic values), adding: “It finds that in nine states, during Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti celebrations in April 2022, there were widespread acts of hooliganism and violence.” After this, the JCBs came out. A report by Amnesty International, of which I am India chair, has found similar patterns of people made homeless and deprived of livelihoods. These individuals were subjected to forced evictions, intimidation and unlawful force by the police and collective and arbitrary punishment, which undermined their rights to non-discrimination, adequate housing, and a fair trial. Muslim-concentrated localities were either chosen or Muslim-owned properties selectively targeted in diverse areas for demolitions.
Published 16 Feb 2024 09:37 PM
BJP imports leaders, exports confidence? What Ashok Chavan’s move says about the saffron party’s insecurities
The BJP needs Maharashtra to retain its strength in Parliament. With 48 seats — second only to Uttar Pradesh, which has 80 seats — the western state has been making the BJP nervous since the 2019 assembly elections when it failed to get a majority on its own On March 30, 2014, when he was in Nanded to campaign for the Lok Sabha elections, then Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi received huge applause for his announcement that should he become prime minister, he would send Ashok Chavan to jail “within six months”. In 2023, with the incumbent PM expecting to begin his third innings, Chavan found himself mentioned again for his role in the Adarsh scam in the Modi government’s much tom-tommed White Paper, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman last week. However, as the 10th anniversary of the promise made in Nanded approaches, and barely four days after coming up in Parliament for his alleged role in the Adarsh scam, Ashok Chavan has joined the BJP. This is perfectly in line with the BJP’s current policy: Accuse and appropriate. Last year, when addressing party workers in Bhopal, Modi charged the NCP leadership of swindling Rs 70,000 crore in various misdeeds, including the Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank scam, irrigation scam and illegal mining scam. Soon, Ajit Pawar, an alleged kingpin in these scams, joined hands with the BJP, sharing the deputy chief ministership with its home-grown stalwart, Devendra Fadnavis. The BJP’s “Free Incoming” policy, read with PM Narendra Modi’s frequent trips to the state, underlines the importance given to Maharashtra in pursuit of its “Mission 400” in the upcoming parliamentary polls. In contrast to its rhetoric, the BJP’s unabashed import of tainted leaders hints at how unsure it is about Maharashtra.Having peaked in the Hindi heartland, two states are crucial for the BJP’s parliamentary arithmetic — Bihar and Maharashtra. Thanks to habitual turncoat Nitish Kumar, the BJP is assured of its position in Bihar. However, Maharashtra continues to be its Achilles’ heel. This reality was reflected in the recent survey conducted by a private agency for a media house, which gave the ruling combine not more than 22 seats. This is despite the BJP making every effort to split the Shiv Sena and the NCP to form a three-party government in the state. If this poll is to be believed, the residual Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray and the NCP that is led by the old Maratha war horse, Sharad Pawar, could walk away with as many as 26 seats. The fact that in the 2019 general elections, the BJP-Shiv Sena combine had pocketed 41 out of 48 seats speaks of how tough the task in Maharashtra is for the BJP. The BJP needs Maharashtra to retain its strength in Parliament. With 48 seats — second only to Uttar Pradesh, which has 80 seats — the western state has been making the BJP nervous since the 2019 assembly elections when it failed to get a majority on its own. The subsequent experiment by the Congress, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP and the Shiv Sena to join hands and keep the BJP at bay forced the saffron party to adopt a two-pronged strategy: Split the Shiv Sena and the NCP and later weaken the Congress by incorporating many of its leaders. Having achieved the first two, the BJP is now on the third. A point worth noting is that all these imported settlers have a common imprint. Almost all of them are Marathas — be it Narayan Rane, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Harshvardhan Patil, etc — who were brought in a few years ago, or the fresh ones like Ajit Pawar and Ashok Chavan. The BJP’s quest for Maratha votes has a solid reason: It lacks its own Maratha leader who has popular appeal, particularly in western Maharashtra and Marathwada. The BJP has high hopes for Ajit Pawar for the former region, while it expects Ashok Chavan to deliver in the latter, where the BJP has been unable to find an able successor to the late Gopinath Munde. The legacy of Munde — who hailed from Beed, adjacent to Ashok Chavan’s constituency, Nanded — has three claimants: Two of his daughters, Pritam, a doctor and MP, and Pankaja, an MLA, and his nephew Dhananjay, who has joined hands with Ajit Pawar after a stint in the BJP. Even the three together do not wield the kind of influence that Munde did. Since his demise in 2014, the BJP has been in search of a formidable face in the region.
Published 16 Feb 2024 09:37 PM
