India News & Trends
EC requires pre-certification on all platforms and tightens regulations on digital ads ahead of state elections.
With the announcement of the Assembly election schedule for Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry, as well as by-elections in six states, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has implemented a more comprehensive regulatory framework to control political advertising, emphasizing digital platforms, transparency, and the control of misinformation.A pre-certification requirement for all political advertisements in electronic and online media is at the heart of the directive. The action is a reflection of the Commission's effort to stay up with the quickly changing political landscape, where voter perception is now significantly shaped by social media amplification and digital outreach.Before distributing commercials, all political parties, candidates, and affiliated organizations must first receive approval from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committees (MCMCs), according to the new regulations. This holds true for a variety of digital channels, such as social media platforms, e-papers, bulk SMS, voice messaging, and public audio-visual displays, in addition to more conventional electronic media like radio and television.While recognized political parties can apply for certification through state-level committees, candidates and individuals must apply to district-level MCMCs. To examine disputed rulings, an appeals process has also been established, with each state's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) serving as its head. The Commission has effectively extended regulatory authority deep into the digital ecosystem by making it plain that no political advertisement may be published or distributed on internet-based platforms without prior approval.In addition to certification, MCMCs have been assigned to monitor suspected "paid news" situations more closely, which has long been a problem in Indian elections. When content is discovered to be promotional but presented as editorial, the committees are supposed to keep a careful eye on media outputs and take appropriate action. Candidates are now required to disclose all official social media accounts in their nomination papers as part of a concurrent push for transparency. In online campaigning, where unofficial or proxy accounts have frequently been used to reinforce narratives without credit, this rule aims to ensure traceability and responsibility.
Published 21 Mar 2026 05:42 PM
Owning your uniqueness is empowerment Mona Jain advocates for genuine leadership
At the 7th Women Disruptors Summit & Awards 2026, which was organized by Adgully, industry professionals came together to celebrate women's accomplishments and discuss how to encourage future leaders, with a focus on gender parity and inclusive leadership.A keynote speech by Mona Jain, President of Revenue Growth & Business Development at ABP Network, was one of the summit's highlights. Speaking on the topic of "Empowering Women, Empowering Change," Jain offered a very intimate analysis of resiliency, self-assurance, and the transformational potential of women supporting one another. Jain began her speech on a contemplative tone, highlighting the subtle but significant influence of self-assured female leadership in the workplace. "When a woman leads confidently in the workplace, she creates opportunities for other women to follow." "At that point, empowering women turns into empowering change," she stated. Jain acknowledged that her mother had shaped her perspective and linked her confidence in independence and leadership to her childhood.the same attitude toward my kid and the young ladies I work with," she said. She acknowledged that there were difficulties along the way in the corporate world. Like many women pursuing leadership roles, Jain was open about her periods of uncertainty and emotional exhaustion. There were numerous times when I struggled and doubted myself. There were moments when I wanted to give up and take a simpler route. However, I persevered.
Published 17 Mar 2026 05:26 PM
IPL 2026 Cultural Toolkit for Brands Folk Frequency Releases
BARC India and Nielsen have jointly announced the launch of BARC | Nielsen ONE Ads, a first-of-its-kind cross-media advertising measurement solution that combines digital and linear television data into a single, unified framework, marking a significant milestone for the Indian advertising sector. The absence of a unified, single-source view of campaign effectiveness across screens is a persistent problem in the advertising ecosystem that the new approach seeks to solve. In order to maximize media spending, marketers and agencies need more integrated measuring solutions as media consumption continues to split across platforms and devices.BARC | Nielsen ONE Ads integrates Nielsen ONE Ads' digital measuring capabilities with BARC's linear television viewership statistics. Advertisers can assess actual campaign reach and frequency across the whole media landscape thanks to the platform's deduplicated view of audiences across various screens, including Linear TV, Connected TV (CTV), Mobile, and Computer/Desktop. JioHotstar will be the first platform to use the framework, starting with the ICC Men's T20 World Cup India & Sri Lanka 2026. The partnership is a major step toward measuring premium internet and television content across platforms. Further industry-wide cross-screen coverage may be possible in the future with further involvement from other broadcasters.
Published 09 Mar 2026 05:20 PM
How CTV can prevent repeating the ad errors of linear TV for living room monetization
Connected TV live sports are about to enter a crucial period of recalibration. The medium is plagued by an old broadcast reflex: more advertisements equal more money, despite its promises of scale, accuracy, and living-room supremacy. A fundamental concern for the ecosystem is raised by the growing need to profit from every stop as live matches draw enormous concurrent audiences. To what extent can ad loads be increased before fandom becomes transactional and viewer immersion breaks down? Tolerance is a delicate currency in an environment where control and choice are paramount. This unique research explores what sustainability actually means during live sports by bringing together voices from the CTV, ad-tech, platform, and agency sectors. Beyond simple inventory counts, topics like experience design, temporal intelligence, creative ecosystems, and attention economics are covered. The emphasis is on creating a model where monetization does not come at the expense of loyalty, taking into account factors like the unpredictable nature of live broadcasts and the potential to increase interaction after the final whistle. The fundamental conflict is obvious: how well the ecosystem learns to use the screen, rather than how much advertising it can accommodate, will determine the direction of CTV sports in the future.
Published 24 Feb 2026 05:42 PM
NMDC Appoints Krishna Kumar Thakur as Director (Personnel)
Krishna Kumar Thakur, an officer from the 1998 batch, has taken over as Director (Personnel) at NMDC Limited. The biggest producer of iron ore in India is NMDC. He began working as an Indian Railway Personnel Service official. He has worked for Indian Railways and other public sector organizations for more than 20 years in human resource management.The appointment is a significant step toward strengthening the organization's HR leadership. As part of determined attempts to create a more effective and people-centered system, he formally assumed leadership on March 20, 2026. He is anticipated to play a significant part in raising employee engagement and productivity because of his solid background in HR administration and policy execution.He brings extensive experience in managing human resources in the public sector to his role as Director (Personnel). Additionally, he has worked in important railway divisions including Mumbai, Bhopal, and Solapur. He oversaw the hiring of about 12,000 workers while serving as Chairman of Western Railway's Railway Recruitment Cell. This innovation demonstrates his proficiency in workforce planning and large-scale employment. His excellent academic record strongly supports his qualifications for the Director (Personnel) position. He holds a postgraduate degree in literature from Tilka Manjhi University in Bhagalpur. Additionally, he has a PGDM in Human Resources from one of India's top universities, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences.He held important positions in important public sector institutions before to joining. He also contributed to an international rail operations project in Saudi Arabia at RITES Limited. Additionally, he oversaw Konkan Railway Corporation Limited's HR department. wherein he simplified HR regulations. He later implemented improvements like standardized incentive programs while serving as Director (HR) at BHEL.
Published 21 Mar 2026 05:56 PM
Arun Mammen was re-elected as the chairman of ATMA.
Arun Mammen has been re-elected as the Chairman of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA). MRF Ltd.'s managing director and vice chairman is Arun Mammen. This announcement, which was released on March 16, 2026, highlights a shift in leadership within the association that represents the automotive tire industry in India.The Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association's leadership will continue with Arun Mammen's reelection as ATMA Chairman. Mr. Arun Mammen has long been involved in debates on industry policy and the tyre manufacturing sector in India as the Vice Chairman and Managing Director of MRF Ltd. Arun Mammen is anticipated to lead the association in tackling a number of industry issues, including raw material pricing, technological advancement, and global competitiveness, under the ATMA leadership 2026.Rajarshi Moitra has also been appointed by the ATMA association. As the new Vice Chairman of ATMA, she is the Managing Director of Bridgestone India Pvt Ltd. Her selection will be in line with the association's plan to include both domestic and foreign tire manufacturers in leadership roles within the industry. Rajarshi Moitra's leadership position at Bridgestone India allows him to provide years of experience from the global tire sector. automotive industry.Sanjay Chatterjee's appointment as Director General of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association is another shift in the organization's leadership. He will now oversee the executive operations of the association after holding the position of Assistant Director General. After serving in the leadership position, Rajiv Budhraja is set to retire on March 31, 2026. Sanjay Chatterjee will take his place.
Published 17 Mar 2026 05:52 PM
According to FT, Meta reduces stock rewards for the majority of employees by 5%.
As CEO Mark Zuckerberg invests billions of dollars in its artificial intelligence goals, Meta cut the annual payout of stock options for the majority of its employees by roughly 5%, according to a Financial Times report on Thursday.In the fierce AI race in Silicon Valley, Meta and other Big Tech companies are vying with one another to outbuild one another with enormous data centers. In January, the social media corporation stated that it anticipated spending between $115 billion and $135 billion on capital projects in 2026.According to the report, which cited people familiar with the situation, Meta has reduced equity-based incentives for the majority of its employees for the second consecutive year. According to the FT story, the corporation stunned some employees by reducing the stock reward by about 10% last year.The entity incorporates Meta's ambitious "metaverse" wager, which has resulted in losses of about $70 billion since 2021. According to President Donald Trump, Meta is investing $50 billion to develop a number of gigawatt-scale data centers across the United States, including one in rural Louisiana.
Published 20 Feb 2026 01:03 PM
A former secretary of consumer affairs has been appointed to a key USISPF position.
The appointment of former Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh as Chair of the Global Value Chains Committee of the US–India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) on February 9, 2026, marked a major step forward for India-US economic interaction. The action underscores the increased focus on reliable supply chains and reliable alliances.Selection of the Chair of USISPF's Global Value Chains Committee Rohit Kumar Singh, a former secretary of consumer affairs, has been named chair of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum's Global Value Chains Committee. Singh, who has extensive administrative experience and a history of change, puts Indian policy knowledge at the center of debates about the global value chain in his new position. Rohit Kumar Singh's Identity A 1989-batch IAS officer from the Rajasthan cadre, Rohit Kumar Singh has a wealth of knowledge in economic governance. He was instrumental in reforming India's consumer protection laws while serving as Secretary of Consumer Affairs. His leadership earned praise for enhancing responsiveness and openness by fusing technology-driven governance with regulatory reform. In his new worldwide job, he is well-positioned to combine policy, industry, and international cooperation thanks to his administrative background.Why USISPF Is Important and What It Is Through cooperation between governments, corporations, and thought leaders, the US–India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) is a premier forum that enhances strategic and economic connections between the US and India. It operates in a variety of industries, including supply chains, trade, technology, energy, and defense. At a time when global trade is fragmented and under geopolitical stress, USISPF is essential in facilitating conversation and coordinating policy agendas.
Published 10 Feb 2026 05:46 PM
![Day 3 box office receipts for Dhurandhar The Revenge [LIVE] The Ranveer Singh and Rakesh Bedi film brings in Rs 270 crore, while worldwide receipts reach Rs 333 crore.](https://watstrending.com/images/post_image/69be8cbcd0662.webp)
Day 3 box office receipts for Dhurandhar The Revenge [LIVE] The Ranveer Singh and Rakesh Bedi film brings in Rs 270 crore, while worldwide receipts reach Rs 333 crore.
Mumbai, Mar 20 (PTI) Aditya Dhar's "Dhurandhar 2," which stars Ranveer Singh as an undercover agent in Pakistan, shattered numerous records to have one of the greatest debuts in Indian cinema, with an expected first-day revenue of over Rs 100 crore. According to preliminary estimates by trade tracking website Sacnilk, the movie made over Rs 43 crore from paid previews on Wednesday—the largest amount ever for an Indian film—and Rs 102.55 crore on its opening day on Thursday, bringing its total earnings in India to almost Rs 145 crore.The film has already topped the opening day receipts of recent Hindi blockbusters, including Shah Rukh Khan's "Jawan" (Rs 75 crore) and "Pathaan" (Rs 57 crore), as well as the horror-comedy "Stree 2" (Rs 54 crore). The makers are anticipated to update the official figures later in the day. Given the excitement around the release of the second half following the enormous success of "Dhurandhar," the movie's global box office receipts are predicted to surpass Rs 200 crore.With nearly 15 lakh tickets sold, including paid previews, "Dhurandhar: The Revenge" debuted in theaters on Wednesday. It is anticipated to outperform the first "Dhurandhar," which made Rs 1,300 crore globally following its debut in December 2025."Dhurandhar: The Revenge," which was produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Lokesh Dhar, stars Ranveer Singh as Jaskirat Singh Rangi, a young guy who changes into Hamza Ali Mazari, a clandestine agent working deep within Pakistan. The sequel traces the beginnings of the guy beneath the cover while charting Mazari's ascent in the Karachi underworld. The sequel, which was released in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam, also stars actors R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi. BK RB RB PTI
Published 21 Mar 2026 05:49 PM
The duration of Dhurandhar 2 is three hours and fifty-five minutes. In viral memes, fans are packing their suitcases for a night out.
Social media suggests that you might need to bring more than popcorn if you intend to see Dhurandhar: The Revenge in theaters. The internet suggests that a small suitcase, some snacks, and possibly even a pillow could be useful. Thanks to its eye-popping duration, the new spy thriller, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, has become the focus of a hilarious online meme fest.Social media users have transformed the cinema experience into a full-fledged comedy sketch, with reports indicating that the movie is 3 hours and 55 minutes long (not counting breaks and promotions). Influencers on Instagram have begun sharing videos of themselves getting ready to spend the night at the movies. One popular video shows a bunch of pals rolling their bags out of the house and declaring they are going to see Dhurandhar 2. Another depicts a family packing food supplies with care, as though they were going on a lengthy train ride.The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has banned Dhurandhar: The Revenge, awarding it a "A" (adults only) certificate with an authorized runtime of 232 minutes, or three hours and fifty-two minutes. Compared to the previous movie, Dhurandhar, which ran for around 214 minutes, the sequel is about 30 minutes longer.
Published 17 Mar 2026 05:42 PM
In a sexual assault case, a Kerala court grants Manjummel Boys director Chidambaram anticipatory bail.
Chidambaram S. Poduval, the renowned film director and screenwriter of Manjummel Boys, was granted anticipatory relief on Saturday, March 7, by the District and Sessions Court, Ernakulam. Sri. K.K. Balakrishnan, the District Judge, issued the judgment giving Chidambaram bail on conditions. The prosecution claims that during the first week of May 2022, Chidambaram entered the de facto complainant's bedroom with the intention of offending her modesty and pressing on her breast.Based on the de facto complainant's First Information Statement, the Ernakulam South Police Station registered a crime on February 28, 2026, for offenses covered by Sections 354 [Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty], 354A(1)(i) [Sexual harassment], and 509 [Word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman] IPC.Chidambaram, a renowned director in the Malayalam film industry, claims that he met the de facto complainant for his role in Manjummel Boys during the film's production and filming. He has argued that he acted professionally toward the de facto complaint and that she was the one who initiated a "campaign" to damage his reputation. Additionally, he claims that the complainant accused him of sexual assault and uploaded a clip on her Instagram account. Additionally, he claimed that in December 2025, an interim order prohibiting her from posting defamatory news on any media platform was issued after he filed a damage suit against her at the Bombay High Court. He claims that she fabricated the current case in order to avoid the legal repercussions of releasing derogatory material about him. Chidamabaram emphasized that he had no criminal history and that the case was not reported for four years. There is no need for custodial interrogation and no materials are gathered because the de facto complaint is overseas.
Published 09 Mar 2026 05:28 PM
Lekin, I never believed in oiling before.Behind her shiny hair, Chitrangada Singh reveals a secret combination.
On the podcast Let's Talk for Namitaa, Chitrangada Singh recently talked about her hair care regimen and credited oiling for improving the quality of her hair. "I never used to believe in oiling, lekin bahut farak padta, oiling is very, very important," she said. The quality of your hair has improved since I started using rosemary, pepper mint, almond oil, and teen cheezon ko mix karke mujhe diya hai kisni.IndianExpress.com contacted Dr. Bhawuk Dhir, Consultant Dermatology, PSRI Hospital, to verify the actor's claim. He concurred that oiling has advantages, "but with realistic expectations."According to Dr. Dhir, "regular hair oiling can be scientifically effective, but its impact varies from person to person." He explains that oils don't directly promote the growth of new hair by activating biological growth pathways. The main functions of oils are as protecting and emollients. They protect the hair shaft from friction and environmental harm, prevent breakage, lessen dryness, and seal in moisture," he says. During oil application, a light scalp massage may also promote improved blood circulation. Dr. Dhir continues, "The evidence is stronger for improved texture and reduced damage rather than dramatic hair growth, even though this creates a healthier scalp environment."
Published 24 Feb 2026 05:56 PM
What becomes more expensive and less expensive following Budget 2026. Check entire list
With the release of the Union Budget 2026, Indian consumers are anticipated to pay more for some items and less for others. As finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman delivered the budget in Parliament today, she spoke about specific commodities on which the government is planning to lower customs duty.She added that the government was thinking about decreasing taxes on a few imports from other nations, which would result in lower prices for Indian customers. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated during the Budget's presentation in Parliament on Sunday that the Union Budget 2026–27's changes to customs duties will reduce the cost of a number of necessities, such as 17 cancer medications and medications and specialized nutrition used to treat seven uncommon diseases. Duties have also been lowered on microwave oven components, lowering production expenses. The Budget proposed a range of tariff cuts and tax rationalisations targeted at alleviating costs for consumers, exporters and critical sectors. TCS reduced the price of overseas tour packages from 5–20% to 2% with no minimum. Foreign remittances for education and medical care under LRS: TCS cut to 2% from 5% Microwave ovens: Customs duty exemption on selected manufacturing parts Imports for personal use by foreign visitors: Customs duty was reduced from 20% to 10%.Imports for personal use by foreign visitors: Customs duty was reduced from 20% to 10%. Textile and leather exporters: Export realisation time extended to one year, alleviating working capital constraint Cancer and critical disease medicines: Basic customs duty totally waived on 17 pharmaceuticals Foods, medications, and drugs for specific medical needs pertaining to seven uncommon disorders Imported medications and drugs for individual use Essential Parts of Microwave Ovens Components or parts, including engines of aircraftSolar glass ingredients Goods purchased for nuclear power projects Capital products for essential minerals
Published 02 Feb 2026 06:03 PM
GST reform: starting Monday, these goods will be subject to the highest tax. View the complete list
September 22 GST changes: Under the new tax structure, which goes into effect on Monday, items falling within these categories will be subject to the newly revised highest tax rate of 40% GST. View the items' list here.After its 56th meeting on September 3, 2025, the GST Council, which is led by the Indian federal government, voted to streamline the indirect tax system in India by redesigning the current goods and service tax (GST) slab structure into a "two-tier" system.Indian customers will benefit from a revamped "two-tier" tax structure that goes into effect on Monday, September 22, 2025. Depending on the type of commodity sold in the country, it will be subject to either the 5% or 18% tax band. In India, GST is now imposed in four slabs: 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%. However, the government has since modified these slabs. Many products sold in the Indian economy will see price reductions as a result of the federal government's action; nevertheless, starting Monday, a wide range of products will also be subject to higher consumer taxes. 1. Sin Goods: Generally speaking, sin goods are things that are detrimental to society and health, such as cigarettes and pan masala. Cigarettes, pan masala, beedi, and other tobacco goods including chewing tobacco and gutka, as well as online gaming and gambling, would all be subject to a 40% GST tax starting on Monday, September 22, 2025. 2. Luxury cars: Four-wheelers with an internal combustion engine (ICE) capacity greater than 1,200cc and a length greater than four meters were also placed in a 40% tax level by the GST Council. In the past, the ex-showroom pricing of SUVs and MPVs, which are included in this group, was increased by 28% GST and 22% Cess. 3. Over 350cc two-wheelers: The GST Council raised the tax rate for two-wheelers with engines larger than 350cc from 28% GST and 3% Cess to 40%. Despite the removal of the Cess levy, two-wheelers with engines larger than 350cc will now be subject to a higher tax rate. 4. Soft drinks: The central government raised the GST rate from 28% to 40%, which will result in a price increase for soft drinks and other non-alcoholic beverages like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Fanta, and flavor-infused waters. 5. Items that cost more when you're in the 18% tax bracket: Items that will be subject to GST at the higher 18% slab starting on Monday, September 22, 2025, include dining at restaurants, particularly those with air conditioning and premium outlets; consumer durables like refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners; beauty and grooming services at salons and spas; and high-end smartphones and imported devices.
Published 23 Sep 2025 01:19 PM
Live Updates on New GST Rates: When GST 2.0 goes into effect, food, cars, and televisions all get cheaper.
GST Reforms 2025 List: Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms have become effective today, September 22, marking a historical shift in the country’s indirect taxation by merging four slabs into two (5% and 18%) and a special tax slab of 40% for “sin goods".The GST council, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, early in September announced a major overhaul in the indirect taxation system, aimed at simplifying the slabs, boosting the consumption and rationalizing the rates. Under the new plan, the government is set to merge the four slabs into two main categories with an additional “sin tax" bracket: 5% slab — for essential goods. 18% slab – for most other goods and services. 40% slab – for luxury and sin goods such as tobacco, alcohol, betting, and online gaming. This consolidation is expected to make tax compliance easier and also reduce prices on many items currently taxed at 12% or 28%.This consolidation is expected to make tax compliance easier and also reduce prices on many items currently taxed at 12% or 28%.Consumers will see essential items becoming cheaper from September 22, as several sectors from FMCG to Auto have announced earlier to pass on the benefits of lower GST to them.
Published 22 Sep 2025 05:13 PM
Live updates for the ITR due date: Will there be another extension of the income tax return deadline?
Date of ITR due REAL-time updates: The deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the assessment year 2025–2026 is now. Over 6.69 crore returns have already been received by the Income Tax Department, of which over 6.03 crore have been validated and 4 crore have been processed.Taxpayers who miss today's deadline risk interest on unpaid taxes, delayed refunds, and late fines of up to ₹5,000 (limited at ₹1,000 for individuals with incomes up to ₹5 lakh). Therefore, it is essential to file and confirm returns on time in order to prevent fines and guarantee prompt refund processing.The deadline is applicable to non-audit instances, such as the majority of salaried individuals, small enterprises or professions under the presumptive taxation plan, and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs). It is recommended that taxpayers refrain from spreading false information about extensions and instead rely solely on official updates from Income Tax India.In order to assist last-minute filers in appropriately completing submissions, the department's helpdesk is open around-the-clock and provides assistance via phone, live chat, WebEx sessions, and social media.The department's help line is open around-the-clock, providing assistance via phone, live chat, WebEx sessions, and social media to help filers who are submitting at the last minute appropriately.
Published 15 Sep 2025 05:53 PM
What is the reason behind Punjab Governor Kataria's abrupt praise of the Bhagwant Mann government in contrast to cooperation
The Punjab Assembly's budget session began earlier this week when Governor Gulab Chand Kataria gave a speech that mainly commended the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's performance, despite opposition protests interfering with Assembly business and the governor's own anti-drug march weeks prior continuing to garner political attention.In sharp contrast to his predecessor, Banwarilal Purohit, who had multiple run-ins with the Punjab government, Kataria praises the initiatives of the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government. The government drafts the governor's address, which summarizes their accomplishments.Governors Thaawar Chand Gehlot and R N Ravi, who has since been named governor of West Bengal, have recently omitted portions of their speeches that commended the state governments in states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, where the governors are perceived to have a tumultuous relationship with the state government.Mann's AAP government and Purohit had a number of issues between 2022 and 2024. One such disagreement occurred in early 2023 when the Governor first refused to approve the Budget session, which forced the state government to petition the Supreme Court.However, Kataria's 51-page speech on March 6 detailed the state government's efforts in a number of areas, including welfare programs, infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and anti-drug campaigns.The extension of Aam Aadmi Clinics throughout the state was one of the efforts that were emphasized. According to the governor, hundreds of clinics are currently in operation and have given locals crores of free consultations and medications. The speech also mentioned the government's "Yudh Nashean Virudh" anti-drug program, which includes outpatient opioid-assisted treatment clinics and de-addiction centers for drug addicts' rehabilitation.In order to improve government education, Kataria mentioned hiring thousands of instructors and creating Schools of Eminence. The address also mentioned road infrastructure upgrades, irrigation facilities, 300 units of free power for the majority of homes, and farmer welfare programs including increased sugarcane prices.Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa and other Congress lawmakers frequently interrupted the speech by shouting slogans about things like law and order. Assuring the lawmakers that they could voice their objections during the discussion later, Kataria pleaded with them to let him finish the constitutional address first. Congress MLAs eventually organized a walkout as the protests persisted. Following the speech, the Governor spoke at a joint press conference with Mann, praising the Punjab government's efforts to combat drug misuse and enhance education. According to him, the Opposition ought to have let the speech end before voicing its opinions in the House so that their complaints could be legally documented.
Published 09 Mar 2026 05:58 PM
Unauthorized reviews, dubious log-ins, and fuzzy documents: TMC MP to Supreme Court on SIR
TMC MP Dola Sen told the Supreme Court that Election Commission-appointed micro-observers were allegedly overriding decisions made by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), the statutory authority for including and deleting electors, raising concerns that eligible voters could be removed from the final electoral roll during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal.In two applications filed on February 16 and 18, Sen, a petitioner before the Supreme Court contesting the SIR, also claimed that documents uploaded to the system were becoming "blurry" after submission and that officials were allegedly logging into the ECINET portal from locations other than where they were deputed. On February 28, West Bengal's final electoral roll is expected to be released. The Indian Express asked the EC for comment on Sen's claims, but the EC did not reply.The EC only deployed micro-observers in West Bengal, which was a first, despite announcing the SIR in nine states and three Union Territories on October 27 of last year. The EC informed the Supreme Court on February 4 that the purpose of the 8,100 micro-observers, who work for the Central Government, was to support EROs and Assistant EROs (AEROs). The EC had stated, "It is false to suggest that statutory powers have been vested in the micro-observers."
Published 25 Feb 2026 05:54 PM
Don't you feel guilty about selling Bharat Mata Rahul Gandhi criticizes the US accord and the Center
Speaking in the Lok Sabha following days of deadlock, Rahul Gandhi criticized the Central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for the recently concluded trade agreement with the United States, saying the administration should be embarrassed of it. In a vicious attack, Gandhi said that the Center "sold India" and that the government was endangering farmers' livelihoods by permitting US goods to enter."India is no longer yours. Do you not feel guilty for selling India? In reference to the trade deal, he declared, "You have sold our mother, Bharat Mata." He added that it was a "wholesale surrender" in which the interests of farmers were jeopardized and India's energy security was given to America. Gandhi went on to say that Donald Trump would have been advised to treat India equally if an INDIA Bloc administration had negotiated the trade deal with the US."This is total capitulation. The fact that it is a capitulation by more than simply the prime minister makes it tragic. He has given up the 1.5 billion Indians' future. Gandhi claimed that he had given up the future in order to save the BJP's financial structure, which is the subject of a case in the US.Gandhi claimed that the farmers' interests had been compromised and that they were facing a "storm" as American agricultural products flooded Indian markets. Additionally, he claimed that the Indian textile sector is "finished."We are about to enter a period of unrest, and the country has been sold. The country is sold out. "Its farmers and data have been sold," Gandhi reaffirmed as he wrapped up his remarks.Following Rahul Gandhi's address, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju declared that no one could sell India and charged that the Congress party was undermining the nation. "Congress is sad because India is progressing," he stated, asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is India's strongest PM. He claimed that before leaving Parliament, the Congress MP gave speeches full of falsehoods and unfounded accusations. Rijiju remarked, "He never stays back to hear the minister's response."It is regrettable that we lack a serious personality or a person with a serious character that would be appropriate for the role of opposition leader. Rahul Gandhi's lies will be refuted by our party both within and outside the House.
Published 11 Feb 2026 11:10 PM
Updates for the 10th day of the Parliament Budget Session The Government-Opposition deadlock ends, and both Houses begin discussing the budget
The Lok Sabha began discussing the Union Budget on Tuesday, February 10, 2025, in the afternoon, signaling the end of the impasse between the opposition and treasury benches. The discussion had been delayed for days due to the opposition's insistence that LoP Rahul Gandhi be given the opportunity to speak on a number of topics. Following two adjournments, the House reconvened at 2 p.m., and the Speaker, Krishna Prasad Tenneti, invited Congressman Shashi Tharoor to commence the debate. The Thiruvananthapuram MP then began discussing the matter. Soon after opposition parties filed a notice to introduce a motion to oust Om Birla as Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the thaw occurred. Sukhendu Sekhar Roy of the Trinamool Congress emphasized that rising inequality could cause a "social upheaval," akin to what was seen in neighboring countries, as opposition parties criticized the government for failing to address issues like unemployment and inflation in the Union Budget during the budget discussion."If the situation is not brought under control, I fear that the country will soon experience social unrest similar to what has recently occurred in some of our neighboring countries. We have never witnessed such skyrocketing inequality between the rich, super rich, upper middle class, middle class, and the poor," Mr. Roy stated.
Published 11 Feb 2026 11:06 PM
Can face acupuncture provide a more natural lift than botox and fillers?
There has been a subtle change in the beauty industry during the past year. The popularity of dermal fillers and botox appeared to be waning. It appears that beauty enthusiasts are giving the needles a breather, as seen by celebrities discontinuing their procedures in favor of a more natural appearance and the growing popularity of products like face rollers and gua sha for a naturally elevated appearance.Instead of employing toxins or fillers to freeze or plump the skin, face acupuncture increases collagen and elastin through micro-trauma, providing a more natural, holistic lift than Botox and fillers. It improves skin texture and gives a subtle, refreshed appearance, but it takes several sessions to see noticeable changes. In contrast, Botox produces quicker, more noticeable, but transient, effects. Facial Acupuncture for Natural Lift: Mechanism: Increases circulation and collagen synthesis by stimulating the body's natural healing mechanisms with several small needles. Results: Enhances rather than changes face structure, giving the appearance of a subtle, renewed, and "lifted" appearance without the "frozen" or "pillowy" aspect. Benefits: Provides improved skin tone and texture by addressing the underlying causes of aging, including tension, stress, and hormonal imbalance. Longevity: Because they support the body's natural healing processes, benefits may be longer-lasting even though they are not instantaneous. Side effects: There is little chance of minor redness or bruises, and there is no recovery period.
Published 25 Feb 2026 05:50 PM
When you chew a piece of ginger every day for sixty days, your body experiences this.
Strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can be found in ginger. However, what would happen if a person chewed a piece of ginger every day for sixty days? When we asked Dr. Amreen Sheikh, chief nutritionist at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, about it, he replied that it increases circulation, relaxes the airways, and progressively lessens throat inflammation. Many patients report decreased bloating, improved digestion, and fewer coughs after six to eight weeks. Ginger can ease the inner lining of the airways and provide general lung comfort for people who are susceptible to seasonal respiratory symptoms, according to Sheikh.Yes, but with reasonable expectations, Sheikh argued. Unlike medication, ginger does not "open the lungs." Rather, it operates subtly. It can aid those who frequently experience irritation from pollutants, relieve moderate wheezing from cold weather, and clear congestion in the throat. Additionally, by loosening mucus, its warming impact facilitates its expulsion during an illness. Ginger can help with long-term lung conditions like COPD or asthma, but it should never take the place of prescription medication, Sheikh said.While using ginger on a daily basis is generally safe, Sheikh pointed out that excessive use can cause oral irritation, cause acidity in those who are sensitive, or slightly thin the blood. Before developing a habit, people who take blood thinners or have gastritis or acid reflux should speak with a doctor. A tiny portion is more than sufficient; moderation is crucial," Sheikh stated.
Published 23 Dec 2025 11:46 PM
Cough syrup deaths: TNFDA probe reveals Coldrif manufacturer's shortcomings
According to CDSCO sources, the investigation into the Kanchipuram-based Coldrif cough syrup producer, which was connected to child fatalities in Madhya Pradesh, has shown shortcomings in the Tamil Nadu Food and Drug Administration's enforcement of fundamental regulatory standards.They said that Sresan Pharma, which was granted a license by the Tamil Nadu Food and Drug Administration (TNFDA) in 2011, carried on operating undetected for more than ten years in spite of its inadequate infrastructure and many infractions of national drug safety regulations.According to the sources, a recent examination by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) revealed the unit's terrible conditions and complete disregard for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). "The CDSCO has not participated in any of Sresan Pharma's audits. This company was not included in any of the CDSCO databases since the CDSCO was not involved and the state FDA did not provide the CDSCO with any information on it, according to a source.Rule 84AB of the D and C Rules mandates that manufacturers update all of their certified items on the "Sugam" site, according to another source at the CDSCO.In order to facilitate improved monitoring, the regulation was notified to create a national database of all the authorized items in the nation. "The business failed to list its goods in the database. It did not follow this guideline as a result. According to the source, the state regulator is in charge of ensuring that the regulation is followed in the state.
Published 15 Oct 2025 04:59 PM
Why the most popular (and dubious) fad right now is North West's finger piercing
The Kardashian-Jenner family is known for starting trends, some of which are lighthearted, some of which are outrageous, and others of which are downright dubious. When Kim Kardashian and her 12-year-old daughter North West were spotted in Rome recently, everyone's attention was drawn to North's middle finger dermal piercing.Their excursion has generated a lot of controversy, with Kim facing backlash for permitting her preteen child receive the piercing. However, finger piercings have also gained popularity, and many people are now interested in learning more about them, their process, and their safety.A dermal piercing, also known as a micro dermal or single-point piercing, is a way to change your body where a piece of jewelry is inserted under the skin so that only the pretty top is visible, says Sahil Bali, an artist at Devil'z Tattooz in Delhi. Bali continues by explaining that dermal piercings are single-entry piercings, as opposed to conventional piercings, which enter one side of the skin and exit the other. "They are performed by using a needle or dermal punch to make a tiny pocket in the skin, after which an anchor base is inserted beneath the skin. After that, a decorative stud or gem is put onto the anchor," he explains, adding that these piercings may be done practically anywhere on the body, including the fingers, lower back, cheekbone, and chest, but they take longer to heal than conventional piercings."Dermal piercings need careful cleaning and protection, as they can get easily irritated or caught on things, making them slightly higher maintenance than normal piercings," says Dr. Shireen Furtado, senior consultant, medical and cosmetic dermatology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru.
Published 07 Oct 2025 09:43 PM
Axar Patel leads DC to a decisive victory over Rishabh Pant's LSG on a night that contrasts for the captains.
Returning to Lucknow for the first time since his unsatisfactory dismissal from the team, KL Rahul ended the game with a spectacular six to go undefeated in a run-chase with a 42-ball 57.On a night full of stories at Lucknow's Ekana Stadium, the Delhi Capitals won by 8 wickets in a 160-run chase, solidifying their status as this season's title contenders. KL Rahul, who is making his first appearance in Lucknow after his unsatisfactory dismissal from the team, ended the game with a spectacular six to go undefeated in a run chase with a 42-ball 57. In the twelfth over of their respective innings, LSG and DC both lost their second wicket. Axar Patel entered when a composed Abishek Porel collapsed. At this point, DC was only under a little pressure to take a few wickets, but it might have grown complicated because new batters take time to get comfortable. With two sixes over the midwicket zone, his favorite hit against spin, Axar took out Ravi Bishnoi in the very next over after Avesh Khan had dismissed him after four dot balls.In the following over, facing Avesh once more after being outscored by a few deliveries, he decided to take a chance and hit a four to try to clear the fielder at mid-off. The most impressive stroke came from Shardul Thakur, who took up a not-so-short ball with the weight still on his backfoot and sent it over long on for a six.
Published 23 Apr 2025 08:56 PM
Nitish Rana on RR not selecting him for Super Over against DC despite 51 off 28: "One person never takes the call."
Despite hitting 51 off 28 balls against the Delhi Capitals, Nitish Rana was left out of the Super Over lineup as the Rajasthan Royals entered with Hetmyer and Riyan Parag.Nitish Rana remained in the middle until the 18th over of the chase after smashing 51 off 28 balls. At the Arun Jaitely Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday, the Rajasthan Royals sent neither batsman to bat despite Yashasvi Jaiswal's 51 off 37 balls in the Super Over against the Delhi Capitals. Eyes were rolling when Shimron Hetmyer and Riyan Parag came out to bat in the Super Over. Rana wasn't even on the list of the three batters for the Super Over, but Jaiswal was chosen to bat following a wicket fall.RR's choice proved to be a poor one as Mitchell Starc of DC cramped the Hetmyer for space with yorkers and the reverse swing, allowing him to begin the Super Over with a dot ball. The Australian bowler was hit for four after missing his mark on the next delivery, but he recovered with another low full toss in the third ball. A single was taken by Hetmyer.Starc's low full toss was hit by Riyan Parag over third man for a boundary, sometimes known as a no-ball. After it appeared that RR would easily reach 15 with three balls left, the game took yet another sharp turn. RR was bowled out for just 11 as Parag and Jaiswal were ran out in the following ball.KL Rahul and Tristian Stubbs smash two sixes in the first three balls of Sandeep Sharma's Super Over to give DC a historic victory, so the total was insufficient. Following the game, Nitish Rana stated that the decision to send Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer instead of him for the Super Over was made by the RR management. Rana said he didn't have an alternative response, adding that if Hetmyer had hit a couple of sixes in the Super Over, the questions would have been different."The call is answered by management, not a single individual. Along with two other senior players and coaches, the captain is present. You wouldn't be asking this question if Shimron Hetmyer had hit two sixes. I'll respond with the same response. I have no other response. Every choice we made was the right one. Everyone knows that Hetmyer is our finisher. During the press conference, Rana stated, "He has previously delivered."
Published 17 Apr 2025 09:05 PM
Who Won CSK vs. RR, Match 11 in Yesterday's IPL 2025 Match?
The outcome of yesterday's IPL 2024 match between CSK and RR: Watch the most recent IPL action as CSK and RR square off in the 2025 season's first game. Get all the match information and updates here, along with the results of the encounter.The highly anticipated Match 11 between the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season was played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lost against Rajasthan Royals (RR) by a margin of six runs. First to bowl, RR amassed 182 runs. Despite pursuing the objective, CSK ended up at 176 for 6 in 20 overs. The Rajasthan Royals (RR) defeated the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 6 runs in the March 30 IPL 2025 match. After two losses earlier in the season, this victory was RR's first. In contrast, CSK lost this game for the second time in a row.Highlights of the IPL 2025 match between the Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings: Wanindu Hasaranga takes four wickets to help the Royals overcome the Super Kings by six runs.
Published 31 Mar 2025 08:23 PM
India's bold strategy aids in a quick T20 reconstruction
The world champions are creating an environment where players perform well without worrying about keeping their spots in the squad or taking wickets.Kolkata: Although it's early, the process and outcomes give hope that India would successfully defend the T20 World Cup at home the following year. Despite the pessimism caused by the Test and ODI transition issues, India's T20 trajectory stands out thanks to series victories against South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and now England. Even more so when one considers that Kuldeep Yadav, Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, and Yashasvi Jaiswal have not been parachuted in.This is most likely a greater accomplishment. However, they have approached it virtually undetected. No culture of stars. Verify. No set order for batting. Verify. Just a group of young, talented, and incredibly self-assured cricket players going about their business without worrying about career curves. By the way, all IPL linchpins.Captain Suryakumar Yadav acknowledges his lack of quality as he is left off the Champions Trophy roster. Abhishek Sharma thinks a ball is there to be struck, hence he doesn't count returns. As long as Tilak Varma is at the crease, the second Twenty20 match in Chennai demonstrated that no equation is too difficult. And the fact that India lost to 12/3 and then 79/5 at Pune on Friday, yet still managed to score 181, demonstrated that the previous game's disaster chasing in Rajkot was really a fluke. The realization that not everything can be managed lies at the core of this long-term upsurge. Earlier this week, Sitanshu Kotak, India's new batting coach, said it. "To achieve a score of 200 or 225, and if you are
Published 04 Feb 2025 04:28 PM
Bihar Catch-22 Congress and RJD are hesitant to take action against MLAs who did not participate in Rajya Sabha elections
Both parties are currently in a difficult situation after the Opposition Mahagathbandhan lost to the NDA in the pivotal Rajya Sabha elections earlier this week due to the absence of four of its MLAs, three from the Congress and one from the RJD. They are unsure of how to deal with them. Surendra Mehta (Valmiki Nagar), Manoj Vishwas (Forbesganj), and Manohar Prasad Singh (Manihari) have all received show-cause notices from the Congress, and the RJD has not yet made a decision regarding their Dhaka lawmaker Faisal Rahman.Asit Nath Tiwari, a spokesperson for the Bihar Congress, told The Indian Express that the notifications were sent out despite the fact that Rajya Sabha elections are exempt from the anti-defection law. "Top party leaders will meet and decide on the appropriate course of action after we receive their responses," he stated.Another Congress leader, however, pointed out that the MLAs make up almost half of the party's strength in the Assembly and suggested that disciplinary action was improbable. What happens if the Speaker acknowledges them as a distinct group? Regardless, the rebels weren't actually members of Congress. Singh is known to be close to JD(U) leaders, whereas Mehta received a ticket because of the influence of (Independent Purnea MP) Pappu Yadav," the politician stated.Rahman, the son of former MP Motiur Rahman, presents a similar problem for the RJD. "Faisal narrowly secured his seat in the Assembly elections last year. Additionally, we have verified that his mother was quite ill on March 16, the day of the election. The party is likely to call the MLA once our leader Tejashwi Yadav comes to Patna. An RJD senior stated that the party will not be provoked by NDA leaders "who want to further weaken it," although no official show-cause notice has yet been issued.
Published 21 Mar 2026 05:57 PM
What is the reason behind Punjab Governor Kataria's abrupt praise of the Bhagwant Mann government in contrast to cooperation
The Punjab Assembly's budget session began earlier this week when Governor Gulab Chand Kataria gave a speech that mainly commended the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's performance, despite opposition protests interfering with Assembly business and the governor's own anti-drug march weeks prior continuing to garner political attention.In sharp contrast to his predecessor, Banwarilal Purohit, who had multiple run-ins with the Punjab government, Kataria praises the initiatives of the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government. The government drafts the governor's address, which summarizes their accomplishments.Governors Thaawar Chand Gehlot and R N Ravi, who has since been named governor of West Bengal, have recently omitted portions of their speeches that commended the state governments in states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, where the governors are perceived to have a tumultuous relationship with the state government.Mann's AAP government and Purohit had a number of issues between 2022 and 2024. One such disagreement occurred in early 2023 when the Governor first refused to approve the Budget session, which forced the state government to petition the Supreme Court.However, Kataria's 51-page speech on March 6 detailed the state government's efforts in a number of areas, including welfare programs, infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and anti-drug campaigns.The extension of Aam Aadmi Clinics throughout the state was one of the efforts that were emphasized. According to the governor, hundreds of clinics are currently in operation and have given locals crores of free consultations and medications. The speech also mentioned the government's "Yudh Nashean Virudh" anti-drug program, which includes outpatient opioid-assisted treatment clinics and de-addiction centers for drug addicts' rehabilitation.In order to improve government education, Kataria mentioned hiring thousands of instructors and creating Schools of Eminence. The address also mentioned road infrastructure upgrades, irrigation facilities, 300 units of free power for the majority of homes, and farmer welfare programs including increased sugarcane prices.Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa and other Congress lawmakers frequently interrupted the speech by shouting slogans about things like law and order. Assuring the lawmakers that they could voice their objections during the discussion later, Kataria pleaded with them to let him finish the constitutional address first. Congress MLAs eventually organized a walkout as the protests persisted. Following the speech, the Governor spoke at a joint press conference with Mann, praising the Punjab government's efforts to combat drug misuse and enhance education. According to him, the Opposition ought to have let the speech end before voicing its opinions in the House so that their complaints could be legally documented.
Published 09 Mar 2026 05:58 PM
Unauthorized reviews, dubious log-ins, and fuzzy documents: TMC MP to Supreme Court on SIR
TMC MP Dola Sen told the Supreme Court that Election Commission-appointed micro-observers were allegedly overriding decisions made by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), the statutory authority for including and deleting electors, raising concerns that eligible voters could be removed from the final electoral roll during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal.In two applications filed on February 16 and 18, Sen, a petitioner before the Supreme Court contesting the SIR, also claimed that documents uploaded to the system were becoming "blurry" after submission and that officials were allegedly logging into the ECINET portal from locations other than where they were deputed. On February 28, West Bengal's final electoral roll is expected to be released. The Indian Express asked the EC for comment on Sen's claims, but the EC did not reply.The EC only deployed micro-observers in West Bengal, which was a first, despite announcing the SIR in nine states and three Union Territories on October 27 of last year. The EC informed the Supreme Court on February 4 that the purpose of the 8,100 micro-observers, who work for the Central Government, was to support EROs and Assistant EROs (AEROs). The EC had stated, "It is false to suggest that statutory powers have been vested in the micro-observers."
Published 25 Feb 2026 05:54 PM
A new system is implemented by Priyanka Gandhi to choose Congress candidates for the Assam elections.
Senior state leaders are typically summoned to the nation's capital for the screening committee's meeting with the state election committee (SEC) in Delhi. The three committee members have been given five districts each by Priyanka ji, who has instructed them to visit these areas in order to get input from stakeholders and local leaders. The three leaders are currently visiting local media, civil society activists, and cadres in the three areas. All of these sessions are private, and the results will be presented to the screening committee at its next meeting," the source stated. If Vadra's trial is successful and the system functions effectively, the AICC may think about adopting it for next state elections, a senior AICC leader told The Indian Express. According to the leader, "this system could be emulated in other upcoming elections, regardless of how we do in the Assam polls in terms of winning seats."The rest of the state would be discussed later, but the exercise is currently taking on in Upper Assam. Additionally, the split was made using the districts' social engineering. Since Ulaka is a tribal leader himself, he has been allocated several districts with a sizable population of tribal communities, whereas Masood has been allotted districts with a sizable Muslim population, the source said.
Published 18 Feb 2026 05:52 PM
Entertainment
- The duration of Dhurandhar 2 is three hours and fifty-five minutes. In viral memes, fans are packing their suitcases for a night out.
- In a sexual assault case, a Kerala court grants Manjummel Boys director Chidambaram anticipatory bail.
- Lekin, I never believed in oiling before.Behind her shiny hair, Chitrangada Singh reveals a secret combination.
- Kerala HC wants to see The Kerala Story 2 after discovering that the teaser and trailer misrepresent the state.
- The price of lodging at ITC Mementos, the location of Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda's wedding
- Review of the Assi film: Taapsee Pannu and Kani Kusruti feature in an urgent, necessary call to arms that is a must-see
- The reception invitation for Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda's February 26 wedding has surfaced.
- The producer of the Vijay-starrer is allowed to drop their writ petition in the Jana Nayagan censorship dispute by the Madras High Court.
- Rajesh Khanna accused Salman Khan of betraying him by offering to labour for free in order to purchase his mansion, saying, "Mujhe sadak par lana chata hai."
- The Bollywood movie Battle of Galwan has caused controversy due to its factual distortion experts claim that a country's holy area cannot be impacted by over-the-top drama.
Sports Trend
Iranian soccer players who sought shelter in Australia work out with a local team.
Published 17 Mar 2026 05:36 PM
Australia Women vs. India Women LIVE Score Updates, First ODI: Australia wins easily thanks to Beth Mooney's elegant 76
Published 24 Feb 2026 05:48 PM
Suryakumar believes India will win the T20 World Cup.
Published 23 Feb 2026 05:58 PM
T20 World Cup, India vs. Pakistan: Salman Agha considers the "big picture" following defeat, while Suryakumar dedicates victory to India
Published 16 Feb 2026 05:43 PM
Political Trends
- What is the reason behind Punjab Governor Kataria's abrupt praise of the Bhagwant Mann government in contrast to cooperation
- Unauthorized reviews, dubious log-ins, and fuzzy documents: TMC MP to Supreme Court on SIR
- A new system is implemented by Priyanka Gandhi to choose Congress candidates for the Assam elections.
- Updates for the 10th day of the Parliament Budget Session The Government-Opposition deadlock ends, and both Houses begin discussing the budget
- Revanth Reddy at a Christmas event Will bring law to punish those who insult other religions
Events
The United States waives sanctions for the selling of Iranian oil at sea for 30 days.
In an effort to alleviate strain on the energy supply since the beginning of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, the Trump administration on Friday, March 20, 2026, approved a 30-day waiver of sanctions for the purchase of Iranian oil at sea, according to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.In around two weeks, the United States has temporarily waived sanctions three times. According to the license posted on the Treasury Department's website, the U.S. has earlier loosened sanctions on Russian oil and on Friday, March 20, 2026, issued a general license for the sale of Iranian crude oil and petroleum products loaded on boats as of March 20 to April 19."The United States will swiftly bring about 140 million barrels of oil to global markets by temporarily unlocking this existing supply for the world, expanding the amount of worldwide energy and helping to relieve the temporary pressures on supply caused by Iran," Mr. Bessent stated in a statement on X."As we continue Operation Epic Fury, we will essentially be using the Iranian barrels against Tehran to keep the price down," Mr. Bessent stated. According to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the waiver will assist ease strain on the energy supply and bring around 140 million barrels of oil to international markets. The action underscores the White House's worry that rising oil prices, which have risen by around 50% to over $100 per barrel, the highest since 2022, will negatively impact US consumers and businesses in the run-up to the November midterm elections, when Republicans aim to keep control of Congress. But Bessent's prior proposal for a waiver sparked worries that it might help Iran's military program.
Events
Fact-Checker Iran School Hit By Tomahawk, Israel Not Known To Have It
A conflict researcher with the Dutch fact-checking organization Bellingcat told X on Sunday night that a Tomahawk missile was responsible for the February 28 attack on a military installation in Minab, Iran, which resulted in the destruction of a school and the deaths of over 165 people, primarily children. Trevor Ball posted what he claimed to be previously unseen footage of the missile hitting a building in the compound associated with the elite Revolutionary Guard Corps from Iran's Mehr News in a thorough thread. He claimed that the footage demonstrated "for the first time, that the United States (had) struck the area."Bell also included a map showing the missile's wider impact area and satellite images of the IRGC property in his thread. Images reveal that only two buildings, including a clinic, were damaged inside this red cone. The other building looks to be a bunker coated with dirt.Washington and Tel Aviv launched hundreds of missiles at Iranian regime installations and facilities in Tehran and other major cities on February 28, the first day of the joint US-Israel war on Iran. Near the Shajarah Tayyebeh Elementary School, one of the strikes detonated.The United Nations and human rights monitors quickly denounced the hit, which had the largest recorded number of civilian deaths since the start of the conflict.Fact-Checker: "Iran School Hit By Tomahawk, Israel Not Known To Have It"Washington and Tel Aviv launched hundreds of missiles at Iranian regime installations and facilities in Tehran and other major cities on February 28, the first day of the joint US-Israel war on Iran. World News at NDTV News Desk
Events
Karur stampede: Actor Vijay’s TVK has approached the Supreme Court to request an independent investigation into the tragedy that occurred on September 27
On Friday, the Supreme Court is expected to consider a request from Tamil actor Joseph Vijay’s political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), challenging the Madras High Court’s order to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the Karur stampede on September 27 that resulted in 41 fatalities.The plea argued that the high court, despite making an observation that raised doubts about the independence of the police investigation, ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team consisting exclusively of three senior officers from the Tamil Nadu Police. It noted that the order appointing a Special Investigation Team (SIT) consisting exclusively of state police officers prejudices the petitioner-party and its leader, even though the high court has voiced dissatisfaction with the independence and actions of the state police.G.S. Mani, a Tamil Nadu BJP leader and vice president of the state legal cell, has submitted a petition to the Supreme Court requesting a CBI investigation into the stampede in Karur during a rally organized by actor Vijay's political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), on September 27, which resulted in 41 fatalities. He has requested an inquiry to be conducted by either the CBI or an independent Special Investigation Team led by a retired or current Supreme Court judge.Mani, a practising advocate, has contested the Madras High Court's October 3 ruling that dismissed several PILs demanding a CBI investigation. This includes his own writ petition requesting the transfer of the investigation from State police to the CBI and seeking adequate compensation.
Events
‘EC-BJP gathbandhan’: Congress targets poll body following Bihar election date announcement
After the Election Commission declared the dates for the Bihar Assembly elections, Congress accused the poll body of being in an "alliance" with the BJP and claimed it did not answer the questions posed by Rahul Gandhi.After the poll panel’s ‘failure’ to answer questions posed by Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, Congress alleged on Monday that the Election Commission of India operated in an ‘alliance’ with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). On the day that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar declared November 6 and 11 as the dates for two phases of voting in the 2025 Bihar assembly elections, the Congress charge was made. According to the poll body's schedule, votes will be counted on November 14. Following the announcement of poll dates, Pawan Khera, head of Congress' media and publicity department, stated to news agency PTI, "We don't receive answers to our questions. The Election Commission faces daily scrutiny. They established a political climate populated by illegal migrants; where are these illegal migrants? They provided no answer.The 2025 Bihar election is anticipated to be a competition between the ruling coalition of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal United (JDU) and the Mahagathbandhan, spearheaded by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress party. Prashant Kishor, who transitioned from election strategist to politician, is competing with his Jan Suraaj Party. During an interview with PTI Videos, Khera stated, "The questions posed by Rahul Gandhi and the INDIA bloc remain unanswered." He claimed that the announcement made on Monday provided the ruling coalition with an opportunity to provide financial resources to citizens.
Events
YouTuber Felix Gerald apprehended for purportedly disseminating false information regarding the Karur stampede
Felix Gerald, a YouTuber from Tamil Nadu who operates the RedPix channel, was detained by Cyber Crime Police on suspicion of posting false information related to the Karur stampede at Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam rally.Felix Gerald, a YouTuber from Tamil Nadu, has been detained by the Cyber Crime Police on suspicion of disseminating false information related to the Karur stampede that resulted in 41 fatalities during the campaign of actor-politician Vijay, leader of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Gerald, the operator of the RedPix YouTube channel, was arrested after police alleged that he had uploaded fabricated content related to the incident.On Monday, the Chennai Police filed cases against 25 individuals for allegedly sharing inflammatory content on social media regarding the Karur stampede that resulted in 41 fatalities during the campaign of actor-turned-politician Vijay, leader of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The individuals are anticipated to be detained in relation to the posts.The FIR did not name Vijay, the TVK chief, but it did identify three party office-bearers: Mathiyalagan (Karur district secretary), Bussy N Anand (state general secretary), and CTR Nirmal Kumar (state joint secretary). It also stated that Vijay held unauthorised roadshows before reaching Velusamypuram, where his vehicle halted in the midst of a large crowd. A police official stated that the three party leaders have been charged under sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 125 (endangering life), and 223 (disobedience to order) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with section 3 of the Tamil Nadu Public Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act, 1992.
Events
Mumbai is on rain alert, and schools in Palghar are closed today | Weather updates
As Maharashtra endured relentless rains for the third day in a row, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued red and orange alerts for heavy downpours in multiple districts, including Mumbai.As of 6:32 AM on September 29, Nashik, Palghar, Thane, Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban, Raigad, and Pune were placed under red alert due to predictions of overcast conditions and very heavy rain along with thunderstorms and strong winds.Nandurbar, Jalgaon, Bhandara, Ratnagiri, Satara, and Sindhudurg were under an orange alert due to forecasts of torrential rain, lightning, and squalls all day.The remaining districts — Gondia, Gadchiroli, Nagpur, Chandrapur, Wardha, Yavatmal, Amravati, Akola, Buldhana, Jalna, Aurangabad, Ahmednagar, Nanded, Hingoli, Parbhani, Beed, Latur, Osmanabad, Solapur, Sangli and Kolhapur — were placed under a yellow alert by the IMD. This is the second level in their four-tier warning system.Since Saturday night, Mumbai has experienced intense rainfall. The city and its suburbs were hit by sporadic downpours on Sunday, with some regions logging over 50 mm of rain between 8 am and 1 pm, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).From 8 am to 1 pm, the island city experienced an average precipitation of 47.47 mm, whereas the western and eastern suburbs recorded rain amounts of 53.61 mm and 37.92 mm, respectively. The Thane and Palghar districts, located close to Mumbai, experienced significant rainfall in the past 24 hours. Officials reported that 262 individuals from 71 families were rescued in the Bhiwandi taluka of Thane.Palghar district is under a red alert from IMD, indicating that heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in multiple areas on September 29, with the chance of extremely heavy rain in specific spots. As worries grow about flooding and waterlogging in different areas of the district, the alert—issued after the IMD’s forecast—was released.Considering the warning, district collector Manik Gursal declared a holiday for all government and private schools in Palghar on Monday, including Anganwadis, Zilla Parishad schools, municipal schools, and aided institutions. The directive was issued to guarantee the safety of students and staff as the region prepares for heavy rain.
Events
India coming to the table is Navarro's most recent comment as trade talks with the US resume.
"India is coming to the table. Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent out a very conciliatory, nice, constructive tweet, and President Trump responded to that. We will see how this works," Peter Navarro told CNBC in an interview on Sunday (local time)."India will be joining the table.They have extremely high tariffs on the trading side. Their non-tariff obstacles are extremely high. As with any other nation that engages in such behavior, we had to deal with that," Navarro added."There's also this issue of India buying Russian oil, which it never did," he continued. You know this. It didn't do that prior to 2022.Trump's advisor asserted, "They exploit us through unfair trade, and many workers suffer." "The Russians use that money to purchase weapons, and they use that money to purchase Russian oil."Trump's advisor asserted, "They exploit us through unfair trade, and many workers suffer." "The Russians use that money to purchase weapons, and they use that money to purchase Russian oil."The comments are made as US lead negotiator Brendan Lynch prepares to travel to India late Monday evening for a full day of talks on Tuesday, September 16, to talk about the proposed bilateral trade agreement between the US and India.Navarro had previously stated that trade talks with the US "won't end well" for Delhi until India "comes around" at some time.Howard Lutnick, the secretary of commerce, claimed on Sunday that despite boasting of 1.4 billion people, India will not purchase a single grain of American corn. Additionally, Lutnick cautioned that New Delhi will have a "tough time" doing business with the US until it lowers its tariffs.
Events
As Modi Meets Putin, U.S. Reaffirms Strong Ties with India
Just moments before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, the United States issued a pointed message reaffirming its commitment to its relationship with India. The U.S. Embassy described the India-U.S. partnership as one of the most significant of the 21st century, underscoring Washington’s ongoing effort to keep its ties with New Delhi close amid shifting global alignments. The timing of the message drew attention, coming as Modi held talks not only with Putin but also with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The rare interaction between the leaders of India, Russia, and China was widely viewed as a moment of diplomatic engagement in a complex geopolitical environment. During the meeting, Modi and Putin reaffirmed their long-standing cooperation, particularly in the energy sector. Meanwhile, India continues to navigate international pressure over its oil trade with Russia. Washington recently raised tariffs on certain Indian exports in response to India’s growing energy imports from Moscow. Despite this, New Delhi has maintained its position, balancing its global partnerships while pursuing its national interests. The SCO summit has highlighted the fine line India walks between major global powers. While ties with Russia and China remain rooted in regional and historical contexts, the United States’ message served as a clear reminder that it values its strategic partnership with India—especially during moments when global alliances appear to be evolving.
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Activist Jarange: Give Marathas reservation within the legal framework by Aug. 26 or face agitation."
Manoj Jarange, an activist, stated on Monday that if the government does not declare Maratha reservation "within the legal framework" by Tuesday, he will go on to Mumbai to start an agitation.He stated that he has no interest in traveling to Mumbai for a "indefinite hunger strike," which he said would be a nonviolent protest, if the demand is met by Tuesday.Jarange has called for a protest to begin on August 29 in Mumbai's Azad Maidan, calling for the Maratha community to be given preference in government employment and education under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.He has been leading the push to recognize all Marathas as Kunbis, an agrarian caste that falls under the OBC category, so that they can be given preference in government employment and education.In order to demonstrate the Marathas' Kunbi identity, the activist has emphasized the community's need for the application of historical records, such as the Bombay, Satara, and Hyderabad gazettes."Give us reservation that fits in the legal framework," Jarange stated during a press conference held in the Jalna district's Antarwali Sarati hamlet, from which he intends to depart for the agitation on August 27. He claimed that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is purposefully adopting a "stubborn stand". 29 castes were been added to the OBC category by the government. According to the activist, this is akin to inciting the Maratha community. "Today and tomorrow belong to the government. Give us our reservation; we don't want to travel to Mumbai," he remarked.Jarange has been demanding the quota under the OBC category, despite the state government's announcement last year of a 10% reservation for the Maratha community under a different category. "A quota ought to be granted to the Maratha group since they have records of Kunbis. We don't want the 10% reservation to be canceled at any time," he stated. He stated, "We will also stand with him if reservation is given," if the chief minister believes that the OBC community supports the BJP.
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OnePlus 15 to Launch with 165Hz Display and Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Elite Chip
OnePlus has officially confirmed that its upcoming flagship, the OnePlus 15, will debut with a super-smooth 165Hz display — the highest refresh rate ever seen on a OnePlus device. Designed for an ultra-responsive experience, this upgrade is expected to benefit gamers and everyday users alike, making scrolling, animations, and gameplay feel faster and more fluid than ever. Under the hood, the OnePlus 15 will be powered by Qualcomm’s next-gen Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Elite chipset, promising significant boosts in performance, AI processing, and power efficiency. While full specs are still under wraps, this combination of display and silicon signals OnePlus’s continued push to stay at the forefront of premium Android smartphones. With an official launch expected in the coming months, the OnePlus 15 is shaping up to be a major contender in the flagship space. More details — including camera upgrades and software features — are likely to surface soon.
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In response to growing user safety concerns, OpenAI will introduce "teen-friendly" ChatGPT.
In light of the ongoing discussion and controversy about the impact of AI chatbots on youth mental health, OpenAI has announced that it is developing a "different ChatGPT experience" tailored to teens that will be released later this year.OpenAI has said that it is developing a "different ChatGPT experience" tailored for teens that will be released later this year, amid ongoing discussions and debates over the impact of AI chatbots on youth mental health.A number of important policy changes have been published by OpenAI, the company that created the popular ChatGPT, with the goal of improving user safety for its youngest users. The action was taken in the midst of growing criticism and a lawsuit brought by the family of a 16-year-old who committed suicide, claiming the AI chatbot was responsible for his demise. Under the new precautions, users under the age of eighteen will automatically activate a "teen-friendly" version of ChatGPT. Stricter content filters will be included in this version to block sensitive subjects including self-harm conversations and explicit sexual material. "Safety ahead of privacy and freedom for teens," according to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, is a significant philosophical shift in the company's approach to AI ethics.Highlights of the New Teen Safety Plan: Age Forecast Technology: Based on a user's interaction patterns, OpenAI is creating a system to determine the user's age. The safer, under-18 experience will be used by default if the system is unsure.
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Activist Jarange: "Give Marathas reservation within the legal framework by Aug. 26 or face agitation."
Manoj Jarange, an activist, stated on Monday that if the government does not declare Maratha reservation "within the legal framework" by Tuesday, he will go on to Mumbai to start an agitation.He stated that he has no interest in traveling to Mumbai for a "indefinite hunger strike," which he said would be a nonviolent protest, if the demand is met by Tuesday.Jarange has called for a protest to begin on August 29 in Mumbai's Azad Maidan, calling for the Maratha community to be given preference in government employment and education under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. He has been leading the push to recognize all Marathas as Kunbis, an agrarian caste that falls under the OBC category, so that they can be given preference in government employment and education.In order to demonstrate the Marathas' Kunbi identity, the activist has emphasized the community's need for the application of historical records, such as the Bombay, Satara, and Hyderabad gazettes."Give us reservation that fits in the legal framework," Jarange stated during a press conference held in the Jalna district's Antarwali Sarati hamlet, from which he intends to depart for the agitation on August 27. He claimed that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is purposefully adopting a "stubborn stand". 29 castes were been added to the OBC category by the government. According to the activist, this is akin to inciting the Maratha community. "Today and tomorrow belong to the government. Give us our reservation; we don't want to travel to Mumbai," he remarked.Jarange has been demanding the quota under the OBC category, despite the state government's announcement last year of a 10% reservation for the Maratha community under a different category. "A quota ought to be granted to the Maratha group since they have records of Kunbis. We don't want the 10% reservation to be canceled at any time," he stated. He stated, "We will also stand with him if reservation is given," if the chief minister believes that the OBC community supports the BJP.
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Google Rolls Out Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Prioritizing Practical Design
Google has introduced its latest foldable phone, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, offering a refined design and performance upgrades. The device features a large 8-inch main display and a 6.4-inch cover screen, both designed to deliver a smooth user experience whether folded or open. Powered by Google's new Tensor G5 chip and 16 GB of RAM, the phone supports multitasking and demanding apps with ease. It includes a triple rear camera system—featuring wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses—along with dual front cameras tailored for both folded and unfolded use. Google has also brought in subtle AI features across the phone, including smarter camera tools and on-device assistance, aiming to make everyday tasks feel more fluid without overcomplicating the experience. With a starting price of ₹1,72,999 in India, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold targets users who want a flexible form factor without sacrificing power or reliability. It marks Google's most polished attempt yet in the foldable space.
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Nothing Phone 3 Review: Premium Design, Higher Price – Is It Worth It?
The Nothing Phone 3 has officially arrived, positioning itself as a serious competitor in the premium smartphone market. It is easily the brand’s most advanced smartphone to date. Launched on July 1, 2025, the Phone 3 brings smarter software, stronger hardware, and a higher price tag—all wrapped in the same transparent design language that made the brand stand out in the first place. Based on Counterpoint's April report, Nothing shined as the fastest-growing brand in India during that quarter. It saw an impressive 156% increase compared to the previous year, mainly thanks to the launch of the 3a series. The research firm highlighted that this was the fifth straight quarter where Nothing held the top spot for growth in India. The entry into the premium segment might be a sign of the brand's hopeful outlook in the market. With this new chapter in its smartphone journey, Nothing is poised to be compared with the top brands in the premium smartphone range. Nothing has refined its signature look with cleaner lines, a sturdier build, and now IP68 water and dust resistance. It still looks like a Nothing phone, but it now feels more like a proper flagship. The new Glyph Matrix on the back is a major update—489 small LEDs form a circle that lights up for notifications, calls, time display, and even games. It’s unique, fun, and functional. Up front, the Nothing Phone 3 has a bright 6.67-inch LTPO AMOLED display, with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of nearly 4,500 nits. This makes it easy to see outdoors, whether you're watching videos or reading in direct sunlight. It’s powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, so everyday performance is fast, responsive, and future-proof. For the first time, Nothing delivers a well-rounded camera setup. The triple 50MP rear camera system includes a main lens, an ultra-wide, and a 3x periscope zoom lens. You get sharper details, better low-light photos, and smoother 4K video at 60fps. There’s also a 50MP selfie camera, making it great for both content creators and casual users who want solid results without much effort. The battery size has increased to 5,150mAh globally (and 5,500mAh in India), offering a full day of use with ease. It supports 65W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and even reverse wireless charging, so you can top up accessories or other phones on the go. Running on Nothing OS 3.5 (based on Android 15), the software stays minimal and clean, but adds useful features like Essential Space, Essential Search, and Flip to Record for fast video capture. Nothing promises 5 years of Android updates and 7 years of security patches, which puts it on par with leading Android flagships in terms of long-term value. The Nothing Phone 3 is no longer just about looking different—it’s about offering a complete experience. With stronger cameras, better performance, smarter software, and longer support, it feels like a proper flagship. However, with the price now in premium territory, it’s a choice for those who want a phone that’s both stylish and capable. The Nothing Phone 3 is stylish, fast, and well-built. But with a higher price, it’s no longer just about being different—it’s about proving it can compete. If you value design and are ready to spend more, it could be a smart upgrade. Otherwise, earlier models might still offer better value. If you're upgrading from an older model or switching from another brand, the Nothing Phone 3 is worth considering, especially if you want to stand out without compromising on function.
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In accordance with the Inter-Services Organizations Act, the center notifies
Greater unity and command efficiency in the armed forces are made possible by the Center's notified regulations, which were developed under the Inter-Services Organizations Act.In accordance with the Inter-Services Organizations Act, the Center has issued regulations that improve military unity and command effectiveness. This measure avoids duplication of proceedings, speeds up disciplinary actions, and gives heads of ISOs more authority.The official notification states that personnel from any of the three services posted or attached to Inter-Services Organizations (ISOs) will now be subject to full disciplinary and administrative authority from the Commander-in-Chief of a Joint Services Command, the Officer-in-Command of an inter-services establishment, and the Commanding Officer of an inter-services unit.By facilitating quicker decision-making and effective treatment of disciplinary problems, the implementation of these rules completely operationalizes the Act and is anticipated to improve ISO effectiveness. Given the upcoming theater command structures, this development takes place against the backdrop of continuous efforts to encourage greater unity among India's military services. The action is regarded as a crucial reform in India's defense management system and enhances the power of ISO chiefs. Center Notifies Rules for Unified Command Under Inter-Services Act 1881764 https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/
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India announces a port limitation measure for shipments from Bangladesh.
New Delhi: The Indian Gazette has announced a port restriction on the import of specific commodities from Bangladesh into India. Monday was the official date of the gazette notification, which was published today.Following contentious comments made by Bangladesh's interim chief advisor Muhammad Yunus regarding the northeastern region of India during his visit to China, India has placed restrictions on the entry of Bangladeshi ready-made garments (RMG) and other products through its northeastern land ports, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, as well as Fulbari and Changrabandha in West Bengal.In a lecture in China, Yunus, the chief adviser for Bangladesh, referred to the northeastern provinces of India as a "landlocked region with no access to the ocean." Since Indian officials see this remark as undercutting the region's status and connectivity, it has caused diplomatic tension. Bangladesh was forced to reroute exports, including ready-made garments (RMG), plastics, melamine, furniture, juices, carbonated drinks, bakery goods, confectionery, and processed foods, through Kolkata port in West Bengal or Nhava Sheva port in Maharashtra due to the new restrictions, which were imposed on May 17 and went into effect immediately. This resulted in a significant increase in logistics costs.Previously, 93% of Bangladesh's exports to India went via these land routes, so the impact on the country's ready-made clothing industry, which sends around USD 740 million worth of clothing to India each year, might be significant. It is anticipated that the action will upend Bangladesh's apparel sector, increasing prices and restricting access to markets while opening up new prospects for Indian producers.
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How Ayodhya's Ram Temple Looks From Space. See Pics By India's Satellites
Ahead of the grand consecration ceremony at Ayodhya, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has given the country the first 'darshan' or glimpse of the magnificent Ram Temple as seen from space using our own indigenous satellites.The 2.7-acre Ram Temple site can be seen and an enlarged view of the same is also provided using the Indian Remote Sensing series of satellites. The under construction temple was captured on December 16 last year, just about a month ago. Since then, dense fog over Ayodhya has made it difficult to get a clear view.In the satellite images, Dashrath Mahal and Sarayu River are clearly seen. The newly renovated Ayodhya railway station is also visible.India currently has over 50 satellites in space, and some of them have a resolution of less than a metre. The image has been processed by the National Remote Sensing Centre in Hyderabad, a part of the Indian space agency.ISRO technologies have also been used at other stages of the temple's construction. A big challenge in the grand project was to identify the exact location to place the idol of Lord Ram. The trust entrusted with building the temple wanted the idol to be placed in a 3 feet X 6 feet space where Lord Ram is believed to have been born.Alok Sharma, International working President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, is closely involved with the Ram Temple project. He told NDTV that following the demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992, 40 feet of debris covered the spot where Lord Ram is believed to have been born. This debris had to be removed and the location secured so that the new idol is exactly and precisely at that spot.This was easier said than done because construction of the temple began nearly three decades after the demolition. Then, space technology came to the rescue.To identify the exact spot, contractors for construction firm Larsen & Toubro used the most sophisticated Differential Global Positioning System (GPS)-based co-ordinates. The co-ordinates, precise to nearly 1-3 centimetres, were drawn up. They formed the basis for the placement of the statue in the temple's garba griha or sanctum sanctorum.The precision equipment used in these geographical instruments also incorporates precise location signals from India's own 'swadeshi GPS' -- the ISRO-made 'Navigation with Indian Constellation' or the NavIC satellite constellation.ISRO chairman S Somanath told NDTV that five satellites of the NAvIC constellation are working, and the system is currently set for an upgrade.
Published 23 Jan 2024 09:01 PM
Consecration At Incomplete Ram Temple? Key Official Responds To Huge Row
Shankaracharyas are pontiffs of four mutts in four corners of the country -- Uttarakhand in the north, Odisha in the east, Karnataka in the south and Gujarat in the west. They are considered the tallest leaders of Hindu faith.Amid last-minute preparations for the consecration ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, chairman of the temple construction committee Nripendra Misra has responded to the criticism by Hindu religious leaders Shankaracharyas and their decision to stay away from the event.While two of them have spoken out against the way the consecration ceremony is being organised and have said they won't attend it, the other two have been silent. Explaining why they won't be attending the event, leaders of the mutts in Odisha's Puri and Uttarakhand's Joshimath have flagged several points. They have said the pran pratistha should not be held before the temple construction is complete. They have also questioned why the Prime Minister will be inside the sanctum sanctorum when the Shankaracharyas have been allotted seats outside it. The event, they have alleged, is being given a political angle.Responding to the controversy in an exclusive chat with NDTV, Mr Misra said, "Shankaracharyas are dharm gurus. I am no one. They are responsible for the observants of Sanatan Dharma. Having said so, I want to give a message to the nation"."What we had announced was that Ram Lalla, the child Ram, will be in bhootal (the temple's ground floor). The bhootal will have the garba griha (sanctum sanctorum), five mandaps, (religious) iconography. That has been completed," Mr Misra explained.What remains incomplete is the first floor, he said. "The first floor is Ram Darbar. It's where Raja Ram comes, where he sits with Sita. On the first floor, you will have Ram, Sita, Laxman and Hanuman," he said.Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com. A retired IAS officer, Mr Misra served as principal secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi from 2014 to 2019. Following his retirement and in the aftermath of the Supreme Court judgment that cleared the path for the temple's construction, Mr Misra was appointed chairman of the construction committee in 2020.Speaking to NDTV, Mr Misra also listed the itinerary for tomorrow and explained step-by-step how a devotee would proceed towards 'darshan' of Lord Ram after she enters the temple.
Published 23 Jan 2024 09:00 PM
Watch: Heartwarming video of 400 students singing for teacher battling with cancer resurfaces
In the video shared by @historyinmemes on X, the melodic voices of the students harmonise beautifully, creating a moving choir that echoes through the neighbourhood.In the digital age, where viral videos often showcase the bizarre and unexpected, a heartwarming clip from Christ Presbyterian Academy in Nashville, Tennessee, is taking the internet by storm.The video captures a touching moment when around 400 students and school faculty gathered outside the home of their beloved teacher, Ben Ellis, to shower him with a symphony of hymns and religious songs. Ben Ellis, a dedicated educator at Christ Presbyterian Academy, was facing a challenging battle with cancer that had confined him to his home. In a demonstration of genuine love and compassion, the students and staff organised a surprise visit to uplift their teacher’s spirits in a truly unique way.The footage, originally recorded a few years ago, resurfaced recently and quickly gained traction across various social media platforms. The power of the internet has allowed this simple yet profound act of kindness to reach a global audience, touching the hearts of viewers worldwide. In the video shared by @historyinmemes on X, the melodic voices of the students harmonise beautifully, creating a moving choir that echoes through the neighbourhood. The re-emergence of the video has prompted an outpouring of positive comments and messages from people who have been inspired by the unity and compassion displayed. One user wrote, “Thiss video restored my faith in Humanity he must be so happy.” Another added, “That meant more to him then they could possibly know. He has touched them and taught them well in life.” A third said, “Such a beautiful tribute to a beloved teacher, may his memory live on in the hearts of those he touched.”A fourth concluded by saying, “That’s heartbreaking. It’s beautiful to see the impact that a teacher can have on students, and it’s wonderful that they came together to show their love and support. His memory will surely live on through their touching tribute.”
Published 23 Jan 2024 08:59 PM
‘Showstopper’: Pluto’s most accurate natural colour images awes netizens as 2015 click goes viral
NASA marked a groundbreaking achievement as New Horizons became the first-ever spacecraft to closely observe Pluto and its moons. On July 14, 2015, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft completed a historic encounter with the distant Pluto, making a close pass at a mere 7,750 miles (12,472 km) above its surface.New Horizons is the first and only spacecraft to approach Pluto, exploring this relic from the solar system’s formation. It covered a greater distance and duration (over nine years) than any previous deep space probe, upon reaching Pluto.The spacecraft navigated through a precise 36-by-57 miles (58 by 92 km) window in space, akin to a commercial airliner arriving with a precision no greater than the width of a tennis ball.This mission marked a groundbreaking achievement as New Horizons became the first-ever spacecraft to closely observe Pluto and its moons, including Charon, Nix, Hydra, Styx, and Kerberos. One of the initial and visually striking revelations from New Horizons was the discovery of a prominent heart-shaped feature on Pluto’s surface. Subsequent to this, on March 29, 2022, scientists unveiled that colossal ice volcanoes contribute to some of Pluto’s most intriguing surface characteristics. The evidence suggests ongoing geological activity, possibly with active eruptions still occurring. Reflecting on the past year, it is astonishing to consider that we once had little insight into the nature of Pluto. However, the revelations quickly highlighted Pluto’s unique and unexpected qualities. The photo shared by @thebestfigen on social media platform X has triggered a wave of awe among netizens. With over 20k views, many users flooded the post expressing their astonishment and excitement. One user wrote, “I always thought Pluto would have a more vibrant color palette than this!” Another mentioned, “I want to see the funky aliens on the dark side of the moon.” A third added, “Amazing capture.” A fourth said, “Such a showstopper!”The beauty and complexity observed in Pluto and its moons have left us captivated, and anticipation for further discoveries remains high. It is noteworthy that New Horizons’ mission to Pluto stands out as a singular opportunity in the lifetimes of many, emphasising the exceptional nature of this space exploration endeavour.
Published 23 Jan 2024 08:59 PM
China, Cote d'Ivoire pledge to advance win-win cooperation
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cote d'Ivoire Kacou Houadja Leon Adom on Thursday in Abidjan, the economic capital of the West African country, with both sides pledging to advance all-round cooperation to achieve win-win results. Radio TVChina, Cote d'Ivoire pledge to advance win-win cooperationPolitic. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cote d'Ivoire Kacou Houadja Leon Adom in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, January 18, 2014. /Chinese Foreign MinistryChinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cote d'Ivoire Kacou Houadja Leon Adom in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, January 18, 2014. /Chinese Foreign MinistryChinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cote d'Ivoire Kacou Houadja Leon Adom on Thursday in Abidjan, the economic capital of the West African country, with both sides pledging to advance all-round cooperation to achieve win-win results. Adom said that Cote d'Ivoire adheres to the one-China principle and supports China in defending its legitimate rights and interests in the South China Sea.He thanked the Chinese side for always caring for the needs of Cote d'Ivoire and providing valuable support in various fields, noting that China has helped Cote d'Ivoire successfully host the 34th Africa Cup of Nations.Cote d'Ivoire is willing to continue developing dynamic relations with China, further expand mutually beneficial cooperation, learn from China's experience, and explore a path to modernization that suits Cote d'Ivoire's national conditions, he said.Adom said that China has always been sincere and friendly to Africa, carrying out cooperation with Africa in accordance with the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits.Africa looks forward to taking the next meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) as an opportunity to deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields, and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results, he added.Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China and Cote d'Ivoire are friends and partners striving for development and revitalization, and the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries has achieved fruitful results.He expressed delight over China's contribution to the success of the ongoing football tournament, stressing that China is willing to work with Cote d'Ivoire to advance pragmatic cooperation in various fields and open up new prospects for bilateral relations in a new era, under the guidance of the important consensus reached by the two heads of state. Wang said that Cote d'Ivoire is the last leg of his New Year trip to Africa, during which leaders of the four African countries announced their firm support for the Chinese government's position on the Taiwan question and for China's efforts in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, fully demonstrating the tradition of mutual support between China and Africa. China will firmly support Africa in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and national dignity, and support African countries in seeking strength through unity and exploring a development path with African characteristics that accelerates its development while maintaining independence, Wang said.Wang stressed that the FOCAC has made great achievements in promoting China-Africa cooperation, which has also effectively promoted the international community to increase input in Africa. China has confidence in Africa's development and supports Africa in striving for its rightful place in the global multipolar system and fully enjoying the dividends of economic globalization, Wang said.China will strengthen the synergy of development strategies and exchange of governance experience with Africa to accelerate the realization of modernization in China and Africa, he added. The two sides also exchanged views on cooperation in a wide range of fields, including economy and trade, investment, infrastructure, education and training, and agriculture. Both sides share a high degree of consensus on international and regional issues and will maintain close communication and coordination to jointly promote peace and security in Africa, safeguard the legitimate interests of China and Africa, and uphold international fairness and justice.
Published 23 Jan 2024 08:58 PM
‘If I told you I was in Maldives’: Mamaearth co-founder Ghazal Alagh’s tweet on aerial view of Mumbai-Nashik trip awes netizens
In her tweet, Mamaearth co-founder Ghazal Alagh referred to Maldives and said Indians need to explore their country more. At a time when India’s ties with the Maldives have been strained over the disparaging remarks made by the island nation’s ministers on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep, social media users have been quick to highlight the beauty of domestic tourist locations.In one such tweet, Mamaearth co-founder Ghazal Alagh posted a video saying Indians need to explore their country more. “If I told you I was in the Maldives right now, you’d believe me, right? But, I’m actually in a chopper from Mumbai to Nashik. India really is no less than the foreign countries that we aspire to go to. We just need to explore it more,” Alagh wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Netizens also responded to her post. “No I’d not believe you were in Maldives when I can clearly see the red, volcanic soil of Maharashtra, home to all my known forefathers,” a user commented.“Amazing! I was a Maldives regular till just when the pandemic hit, but I have been to the Andaman Islands too! Andamans is so beautiful and a good alternative. Other places like Lakshadweep should be made tourist friendly,” another user posted. “It’s the commercialisation that is lacking. I went to Munnar in Kerala to do some hikes (which i do all around the world). India was by far the hardest to access the natural beauty. Permission and police guards everywhere.” a user posted sharing his personal experience.” With 290 and continuing retweets, 1.8k likes and 658.5K views, wondering where to capture the essence of this scenery? Look no further than India.
Published 23 Jan 2024 08:57 PM
What is Kanye West’s latest accessory worth $850,000?
The accessory is reminiscent of the iconic 1977 James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me and 1979's Moonraker. Kanye West has once again made headlines with his latest extravagant accessory. This time, it’s not his clothing, footwear or music that has captured everyone’s attention, but rather his jaw-dropping grill worth a staggering $850,000!When news first broke about Kanye’s dental transformation, rumours suggested that he had undergone a complete dental overhaul, replacing his teeth with titanium dentures. However, it has now been clarified that the rapper has actually opted for a luxurious grill, reminiscent of the iconic 1977 James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me and 1979’s Moonraker. For those unfamiliar with grills, they are decorative covers made from precious metals such as gold or platinum that are worn over the teeth. They have become a popular accessory among celebrities and musicians, with Kanye West being no exception.He underwent a fixed prosthodontics operation in which his teeth were fitted with grills composed of titanium, palladium, platinum, and other precious metals that he and his specialist developed. As news of Kanye’s grill spreads, social media platforms are buzzing with discussions about the extravagant accessory, with many expressing awe and admiration for Kanye’s bold fashion choice.One netizen wrote, “You know you have too much money when you do stuff like this.” Another wrote, “850k?? For dat??? Nah.” A third added, “Look like silver bubble gum wrapper to me.” A fourth said, “Biggest waste of money I’ve ever seen.” A few more comments were even more hilarious. “Thought it was tin foil at first … I was waiting to see the grill unwrapped in the tin foil,” mentioned one user. While another said, “I didn’t know the gum wrapper grills we did as kids were worth that much.”
Published 23 Jan 2024 08:56 PM
Exceptional service shines through as flyer praises Vistara for handling delay
In the midst of the recent surge in social media chatter about airport and flight services, a passenger took to X to share his experience with Vistara’s UK 963 flight, highlighting the airline’s exemplary handling of a significant delay. The passenger, who goes by @Akshay001, narrated a detailed account of his ordeal in a thread of posts, beginning with the revelation that his Vistara flight was delayed by a staggering six hours, with over three hours spent inside the plane waiting on the runway.“First, 100/100 on honest communication, what’s in their hands and what’s not, apologizing profusely, smile on their face.”He also commended Vistara for ensuring that air conditioning and ventilation systems ran throughout the ordeal. Despite the inconvenience, the airline did not compromise on the quality of service during the extended wait.With 5.1k views, the appreciation did not stop there, many users flocked to the platform to express their own fair share of love and support. One of them wrote, “My favourite is @airvistara.. hope they would keep up the great work..” The next lines read, “Food service ran for 45 mins to an hour, then some external safety drill, then something else.” This approach, described as the “simple Indian show-honest-effort-hack”, aimed to reassure passengers that efforts were being made to resolve the situation.A second added, “That’s why it’s worth to fly with them. Weather condition none of us responsible, but this service & there communication that what you need in such situation … good luck #airvistra”. The passenger concluded the tweet thread with a shoutout to specific Vistara staff members, namely Shreshtha, Nikitha and Jyoti, who were on the flight that day. Describing them as “true rockstars”, the passenger acknowledged the challenges faced by airline staff.X user Akshay Chaturvedi was all praises for Vistara even after his flight got delayed by six hours. Yes, you read that right. Chaturvedi shared how the airlines handled the 'mini crisis' and attended to all the passengers with a smile on their faces.Chaturvedi, in his tweet, wrote, "First, 100/100 on honest communication, what’s in their hands and what’s not, apologising profusely, smile on their face. Second, ACs/ventilation on throughout, not even for a second trying to cut corners from their standard brand experience is." (Also Read: Surbhi Chandna slams Vistara for ‘mentally torturing’ her, says the staff is ‘incompetent’)He also added that the passengers were served food every 45 minutes to an hour, and they were also taught about the external safety drill.Akshay Chaturvedi took to X to share about his experience with Vistara airlines after his flight was delayed by six hours.
Published 23 Jan 2024 08:55 PM
‘Jungle tax’: Watch these elephants in South Africa pull off a juicy heist
Move over Ocean’s Eleven, because there is a new gang in town and they have trunks – literally. In a plot twist that could give Hollywood a run for its money, a group of elephants has left the internet amused as they made the best of a zesty opportunity.The caper unfolded on a remote road in South Africa where a truck carrying a load of succulent oranges suffered a breakdown. Before long a herd of elephants descended and managed to help themselves to a citrusy feast.As the jumbos calmly relished the oranges, the drivers were seen trying to fix the broken-down truck.The video on Instagram quickly went viral with memes and comments. Soon, netizens marvelled at the elephants’ audacity and even joked about the animals summoning Uber Eats. “That truck didn’t break down. The elephants sabotaged it. It was all part of the plan,” said one playful comment.“It’s not robbing. It’s jungle tax that they’re collecting,” a user said, while another observed, “There are multiple stories on the Internet of elephants extorting ransom on delivery routes”.“You say rob, I say they were lightening the load so the truck wouldn’t breakdown again,” said a user. Clearly the crowd was in favour of the wild animals.Just another day in the world of wildlife crime, where the culprits have trunks and the loot is juicy and vitamin-packed.
Published 23 Jan 2024 08:54 PM
Man finds piece of metal in shawarma, gets no help from food delivery app
A resident of Bengaluru received an unpleasant surprise when he used a food delivery app to purchase a chicken shawarma. While he was eating he felt something metallic in his mouth, and later shared the startling find on Reddit. “This is what happened to me today, just a few minutes back. So I ordered a Shawarma from Absolute Shawarma (Near JMJ Hospital), Nagawara, Bangalore. I had ordered it through Swiggy, and once I started eating, I noticed something crisp, to my surprise, it was a metal piece from the flame grill used for the preparation of shawarma. I was so shocked to see the Swiggy support agent taking the matter so lightly. Is there any way for me to fight against this injustice legally or report it to concerned authorities who will definitely action on this?” wrote Reddit user.As people expressed concerns about food safety and related similar experiences, the episode soon gathered attention on the internet. While many seem to face the same issue with the app, users shared their own experiences.An individual wrote, “Yeah. The pizza cost almost ₹800 and I had eaten half of it anyway before I found the nail. Didn’t want to waste time since consumer complaints also take time to solve.”Second added, “I had found a finger nail in my pizza once and Swiggy refunded the entire amount for the pizza. I would suggest you try raising this issue through another complaint option on the app if the present guy isn’t helping you. Try to call them and speak to someone, if possible. That’s more effective than the chat. Otherwise, next best option is to file a consumer complaint against both Swiggy and the restaurant.” “Amazing! I was a Maldives regular till just when the pandemic hit, but I have been to the Andaman Islands too! Andamans is so beautiful and a good alternative. Other places like Lakshadweep should be made tourist friendly,” another user posted.Netizens also responded to her post. “No I’d not believe you were in Maldives when I can clearly see the red, volcanic soil of Maharashtra, home to all my known forefathers,” a user commented.“It’s the commercialisation that is lacking. I went to Munnar in Kerala to do some hikes (which i do all around the world). India was by far the hardest to access the natural beauty. Permission and police guards everywhere.” a user posted sharing his personal experience.”With 290 and continuing retweets, 1.8k likes and 658.5K views, wondering where to capture the essence of this scenery? Look no further than India.
Published 23 Jan 2024 08:54 PM
Won’t join Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra without seat-sharing formula: Trinamool
On December 19, the party communicated to the Congress that it will be able to concede only two seats, an offer that the Congress finds unpalatable. The Congress had fought the 2019 Lok Sabha poll with an electoral understanding with the Left Front and won two seats, cornering 5.67% of total vote share. The Trinamool Congress argues that barring the two seats the Congress won, the party has less than four per cent vote share in the remaining seats. The Left Front has already refused to ally with the Trinamool. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had written to heads of all INDIA bloc parties inviting them for the yatra. Speaking to The Hindu, a senior Trinamool leader said, “We cannot participate in a Congress event without an electoral understanding in place.” Mr. Yadav, who flagged off "Samvidhan Bachao, Desh Bachao Samajwadi PDA Yatra" from the party office in Lucknow, said that the yatra will spread the ideologies of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia and Mulayam Singh Yadav down to the villages. PDA stands for Pichada, Dalit, and Alpsankhyak-Muslims (backward, Dalits and minorities, especially Muslims)."We have taken a pledge to fulfil dreams of old socialists and the yatra will cover many districts of the State. It will attempt to unite backwards, Dalits, minorities and also upper castes," he said, adding that SP was the only party which was fighting to save constitutional values and the constitution.Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Ajay Rai told PTI that Rahul Gandhi's yatra is expected to come to Uttar Pradesh on February 14. It will spend 11 days in the State and pass through Prime Minister Narendra Modi's constituency Varanasi, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi's constituency Rae Bareli, and Rahul's former constituency Amethi, currently represented by Union Minister Smriti Irani, among others.
Published 23 Jan 2024 08:53 PM
Disability court asks DGCA to ensure airline websites are accessible to the blind
disabilities has ordered the aviation regulator to ensure that the websites of airlines and travel portals are accessible to people who are visually impaired, failing which they should be barred from selling air tickets. If the travel agents fail to do so, then the DGCA shall not allow them to sell air tickets on any websites throughout the country. The DGCA should also levy fines for non-compliance by the airlines or the travel agents,” the Court of Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities has said, according to the record of proceedings uploaded on Tuesday. The January 5 order to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) also directed the regulator to submit a report on action taken within 30 days.In a significant move towards promoting accessibility for persons with disabilities (PwD) in the aviation sector, the court of the Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) has issued a series of directives to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).The court's intervention came in response to a complaint highlighting critical accessibility issues faced by PwD in the aviation sector. One of the primary concerns raised was the non-compliance of airline and travel agent websites with accessibility guidelines mandated by the DGCA's 2014 instructions. This lack of conformity poses a significant challenge for individuals with total blindness, who are unable to independently book tickets, severely limiting their travel autonomy.Another issue brought to light by the complaint was the lack of awareness among call center and training staff regarding the assistance code required for passengers with disabilities. This oversight, coupled with limited options available in online reservation forms, creates additional barriers for PwD seeking necessary assistance.The complainant also highlighted the limitations faced by passengers with disabilities in web check-in processes. Citing concerns related to emergency seat allocation, airlines currently do not allow PwD to check-in online. This restriction further complicates the travel experience for individuals with disabilities.In response to these concerns, CCPD Rajesh Aggarwal emphasized that these issues fall within the framework of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act and various judicial decisions. Recognizing the importance of accessibility, the CCPD directed the DGCA to take decisive action to address these challenges.
Published 23 Jan 2024 08:52 PM
