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2 dead, 5 hurt as basement wall of under-construction house collapses
A basement wall collapse in Agra's Bah sub-division tragically claimed two lives and left five others critically injured. Villagers were gathered around a bonfire near the newly built wall when it gave way, burying them under debris. The injured were rushed to a community health center, with two succumbing to their injuries.
A first in 40 years: Kamptee president post goes to BJP
BJP secured the Kamptee municipal council president post for the first time in 40 years, with Ajay Agrawal winning by a narrow margin of 103 votes. The close contest saw allegations of malpractice from the runner-up, Congress' Shakur Nagani, who claimed a suspicious late shift in results.
The Jats draw up new power plans
Members of the community, who held significant power in north Indian politics for decades, have lost their grip on it over the past few years due to various social, political, and economic factors. Now, they are seeking new alliances among other agrarian communities to revive their influence, evident from recent conferences andpanchayats, findsAshok Kumar
Mumbai Star Shardul Thakur And His Wife Blessed With Baby Boy
Lucknow Super Giants: Mumbai and India all-rounder Shardul Thakur and his wife Mittali Parulkar have been blessed with their first child, a baby boy, the cricketer announced on Sunday via a social media post. Shardul, who has played 13 Tests, 47 ODIs, and 25 T20Is for India and was recently traded to the Mumbai Indians from Lucknow Super Giants, revealed the secret they had carried for nine months via an Instagram story on Sunday. Hidden beneath parents' hearts, protected by silence, faith, and endless love. Our little secret is finally here. Welcome, baby boy- the dream we held quietly for 9 beautiful months, wrote Shardul in his Insta story, which was accompanied by a poster announcing We are blessed with a Baby Boy!. The post received a hailstorm of reaction with fans coming out to congratulate the pacer and his wife. Shardul and Mittali got engaged in November 2021 and married on February 28, 2023. The Kohlapur-bornMittali is a baker by profession. Thakur is currently gearing up for the upcoming Indian Premier League season. In 105 IPL games played so far, Thakur has taken 107 wickets, with a highest score of 68 as a batter. Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene said seam-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakurs addition will lend the side a different structure in IPL 2026, citing his versatility and experience as key assets. Thakur is currently gearing up for the upcoming Indian Premier League season. In 105 IPL games played so far, Thakur has taken 107 wickets, with a highest score of 68 as a batter. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Were very pleased with the balance weve been able to build after the auction. Shardul (Thakur) gives us a different structure with his versatility, experience, and all-round depth. Him being a Mumbai boy It's a great story from where he started and then became part of the Mumbai Indians, added the Mumbai Indians coach. Article Source: IANS
Uttar Pradesh: 2 dead, 5 injured as wall of under-construction house collapses in Agra
The incident occurred in Bijauli village when seven people had gathered in the basement of the house to warm themselves by lighting a bonfire. All of them were trapped under the debris after the wall collapse. Here are more details on this.
NAGPUR: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said the BJP has set a record in local body polls with 48 per cent of councillors winning on the party symbol, and its candidates elected as presidents in 129 municipal councils. He attributed the Mahayuti alliance's success in the municipal council and nagar panchayat elections to the BJP organisation and development agenda of the government. Counting of votes for elections to the posts of president and members in 286 municipal councils and nagar panchayats held in two phases began in the morning. Fadnavis said the BJP has once again emerged as the single largest party. 48 per cent councillors have been elected on the BJP symbol, which is a record. The BJP has created another record with 3,300 councillors being elected from the party. BJP candidates have been elected as presidents in 129 municipal councils. In 75 per cent of the local bodies, Mahayuti nominees have been elected as municipal presidents, he said. Fadnavis emphasised that the BJP's national leadership has put faith in the state leadership for elections. It is the team effort - the organisation and government. We fought the polls on the development plank. I led a positive campaign on the development agenda. I never criticised any political leader or party. I solicited votes on the development agenda, the work done by the government so far, and our blueprint for the future, the chief minister told a press conference. In the multi-dimensional contests, Mahayuti allies- the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar's NCP- contested against each other in some places. There were alliances as well as friendly fights among Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) constituents- the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SP), and Congress. The opposition Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) virtually conceded defeat in the elections, accusing the election commission of facilitating the victory of the ruling Mahayuti. State Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal congratulated the party candidates who won the posts of municipal president and councillors. In a terse comment, he congratulated the state poll body for helping the ruling Mahayuti alliance in the elections. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut attributed the victory of Mahayuti to ampering of EVMs. He said the opposition couldn't withstand a hailstorm of money. His party colleague Ambadas Danve alleged money and muscle power shaped the Mahayuti win. The Mahayuti has bagged a larger number of seats as compared to constituents of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, thanks to the muscle and money power deployed by the ruling parties, Danve told PTI in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan claimed the party had got a decisive mandate as voters had rejected the Opposition's fake narrative. He claimed the Mahayuti had won more than 250 councils, nagar parishads and nagar panchayats out of 288, with BJP candidates securing 134 out of 236 council chief posts and over 3,000 councillor seats. The Opposition levelled all kinds of allegations during the campaign, but people saw through them. Uddhav Thackeray himself said he had nothing to offer to the people and that is why his party was rejected. His party could not even win council chairperson posts in double digits, Chavan claimed. Now, Mumbaikars too would reject the opposition's narrative in the upcoming BMC polls, he said. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said the overwhelming success of the BJP was a victory of the (party) workers. This is a victory of our workers. Thank you to the people who supported the BJP by maintaining faith in its development-oriented working style, the Union minister stated. Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule claimed the Mahayuti is headed to secure two-thirds seats. The Mahayuti has taken a very good lead in Maharashtra and the people have rejected the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP), he added. State minister Shivendrasinh Bhosale claimed BJP candidate Amol Mohite was elected municipal president in Satara district by 42,000 votes, an outcome that even surpassed the vote margins typically seen in assembly elections. Minister of state for home Yogesh Kadam claimed the Mahayuti had registered a clean sweep in Khed municipal council in Ratnagiri district by winning all 21 seats, including 17 seats won by Shiv Sena. The BJP has won the president's post in four out of five local bodies in Udgir, Ahmedpur, Nilanga, and Renapur in Latur district, while its ally NCP bagged the seat in Ausa. In the Beed district, the Mahayuti combine has taken a decisive lead. People have demolished the plot of the Opposition to defame Parli and Beed through the results of the local body polls, former Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Dhananjay Munde claimed. The Congress and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) claimed they had retained their party bastions in Chandrapur and Sangli districts. The Congress won the municipal council president's post as well as 21 of the 23 seats in the Brahmapuri municipal council in Chandrapur district, party leader Vijay Wadettiwar said. The BJP and NCP have secured one seat each. In the Urun-Ishwarpur municipal council in Sangli district, the NCP (SP) has won 23 seats as well as the post of council president, senior leader Jayant Patil claimed. In Palghar district, the Shiv Sena has won the president's election in the municipal councils of Palghar and Dahanu, while the BJP bagged the president's posts in Jawhar municipal council and Wada Nagar Panchayat. Recounting of votes was ordered after the Congress objected to the 116-vote win of BJP candidate Ajay Agrawal in Kamptee municipal council polls in Nagpur district, an official said. In a setback for the BJP, the party candidate for the post of Loha municipal council president, Gajanan Suryavanshi, and his five kin lost. The post was won by Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party, whose candidate, incidentally, is named Sharad Pawar. The NCP emerged victorious in Loha, Kandhar, Degloor and Umri, while the BJP won in Kundalwadi, Mudkhed and Bhokar in Nanded district. The Shiv Sena and Marathwada Janhit Party won from two places each, while the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress emerged victorious from one place each, officials said. Only the NCP (SP) led by opposition stalwart Sharad Pawar failed to capture any of the municipal councils that went to polls in the district, they added. BJP consolidates Mahayuti dominance in Maharashtra local body polls, big blow to MVA
Manish Malhotra shares why Rekhas style remains unchanged, rooted, and eternal
Mumbai: Fashion designer Manish Malhotra recently celebrated veteran actress Rekhas timeless sense of style. In his latest post, he highlighted how her fashion choices remain unchanged, rooted, and eternal. On Sunday, Manish took to his Instagram handle and shared a couple of Rekhas photos and videos from her appearance at Red Sea International Film Festival. Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Lars Eidinger to feature in Superman: The Man of Tomorrow from James Gunn
LOS ANGELES, Dec 21: German actor Lars Eidinger became the latest addition to the star cast of the upcoming film Superman: The Man of Tomorrow. Directed by James Gunn, the film is set to release in theatres on October 9, 2027. The filmmaker shared the news with an Instagram post on Saturday and said the actor will essay the role of Brainiac. Sharing the picture of the actor, Gunn wrote, In our worldwide search for Brainiac in Man of [] The post Lars Eidinger to feature in Superman: The Man of Tomorrow from James Gunn appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
IAS Pratibha Singh is a 2020-batch officer, currently serving as the Chief Development Officer (CDO) in Agra. IPS Aditya Langeh, a 2016-batch officer, is currently serving as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh. Read here to know about their love story
Nora Fatehi says Im alive and well after being into a car accident in Mumbai
Actress Nora Fatehi got into a car accident on Saturday after a drunk driver slammed into her car. However, she has now assured all her well-wishers that she is alive and well despite suffering some minor injuries. Nora dropped a video on her Instagram Stories saying, Hey guys, Im just coming here to tell you Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Dense fog Engulfs Agra, Taj Mahal Fades from View
Multiple parts of Delhi experienced dense haze, with pollution levels remaining alarmingly high
Bollywood actress Nora Fatehi sustained minor injuries after a drunk driver crashed into her car in Mumbai. Despite the collision, she proceeded with her scheduled performance at the Sunburn music festival. Fatehi later shared her experience on Instagram, emphasizing the dangers of drinking and driving.
Reviving Indias smallest farms could be the quiet solution to its deepest agrarian crisis
On Saturday, the late actor's elder son, Sunny Deol, took to his Instagram and shared a BTS video from 'Ikkis'.
Advocates with criminal records face licence suspension: UP Bar Council to HC
Prayagraj: The Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh has informed the Allahabad High Court that it has taken a unanimous decision to suspend the licences of advocates who are listed as history-sheeters or gangsters in police records. On the history sheeter advocates, the court was also informed that the Bar Council had taken suo motu cognisance Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Kangana reviews Ranveer's Dhurandhar, praises Aditya Dhar
Kangana Ranaut has showered praise on Aditya Dhars directorial Dhurandhar, calling it a masterpiece and applauding the filmmakers intent and craft. Sharing the films trailer on Instagram, Kangana revealed she thoroughly enjoyed the high-octane political thriller.
Harshita: I used to actively seek love, but now I believe in alignment
From winning hearts as the spirited Sanyukta in Sadda Haq to delivering layered performances in Mirzapur and Agra Affair, Harshita Gaurs journey reflects quiet evolution rather than loud reinvention. In a candid interview with ETimes, Harshita speaks about how the digital space helped refine her craft, why success today feels deeply personal, and how self-love and introspection have shaped both her choices and her performances.
Harvard-trained gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi highlights four fruits that offer targeted health benefits. In an Instagram post, he explains that blueberries support brain health, oranges boost immunity, apples improve digestion and pomegranates aid heart health and blood flow. He emphasises that fruits act as functional foods, with specific plant compounds influencing immunity, gut bacteria and circulation. Simple daily choices, he says, can support long-term overall health.
T20 WC 2026: 'Dropping Gill And Jitesh Sharma, I Didnt See It Coming', Says Dinesh Karthik
New Zealand T20I: Former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik was shocked after the exclusion of India's Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill from the T20 World Cup 2026 and the New Zealand T20I series. Along with Gill, Karthik also expressed his disappointment at the removal of Jitesh Sharma from the squad. The squad was announced by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, captain Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar on Saturday, and Axar Patel was named as the vice-captain. Ishan Kishan makes a remarkable comeback after showcasing explosive form while leading Jharkhand to victory in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Rinku Singh also returns to the T20I squad after missing out on the 3-1 series win in South Africa. Karthik admitted surprise at Shubman Gills exclusion and expressed disappointment over Jitesh Sharma missing out, terming both as shocking omissions from the squad. The big news of the day: India World Cup T20 squad is announced and guess what? Shubman Gill, the current vice captain of the T20 team, incumbent opener has been dropped. Not just from the XI but from the squad. They wanted to bring in an extra opener and they brought in Ishan Kishan and dropped Jitesh Sharma as well. And instead of Jitesh Sharma, its gonna be Rinku Singh. That is huge news. Dropping Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma. I didnt see it coming. Just tells you theres a little bit of clarity lacking. They have backed Shubman Gill for so long and come the day they pick the squad, they have let him go, Karthik said on Instagram. Karthik believes India head into the upcoming T20 World Cup with a formidable squad on paper, built around match-winners across all skillsets. Karthik said India possess the best opener in Abhishek Sharma, the best spinner in Varun Chakaravarthy, the worlds premier allrounder in Hardik Pandya and arguably the best fast bowler ever in Jasprit Bumrah, which ensures a strong playing XI even before final combinations are decided. However, he pointed out a couple of potential vulnerabilities, highlighting that for the first time India will go into a T20 World Cup without the experience of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, while also flagging concerns over Suryakumar Yadavs recent form, though he backed him to turn it into a strength once he regains touch. Karthik believes India head into the upcoming T20 World Cup with a formidable squad on paper, built around match-winners across all skillsets. Karthik said India possess the best opener in Abhishek Sharma, the best spinner in Varun Chakaravarthy, the worlds premier allrounder in Hardik Pandya and arguably the best fast bowler ever in Jasprit Bumrah, which ensures a strong playing XI even before final combinations are decided. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India's T20 World Cup campaign will start on February 7 at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium against the United States. After that, on February 12, they will head to New Delhi to play Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The big match versus Pakistan at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 15 would come next. On February 18, India will play the Netherlands at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad to conclude their group round. Article Source: IANS
Jonas Brothers Dance to Bollywood Track Shararat, Spark Viral Frenzy Among Indian Fans
In a clip shared on Instagram, Nick Jonas, along with brothers Kevin and Joe, grooves to the energetic Shararat number.
From insurgency to bricklaying, surrendered Maoists help build PMAY-G houses in Chhattisgarhs Sukma
RAIPUR: In Chhattisgarhs Sukma district, long affected by Maoist violence, surrendered cadres are now playing a role in rural development by constructing houses sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Awas YojanaGramin (PMAY-G), reflecting a shift from armed insurgency to livelihood-based rehabilitation. Several surrendered Maoists, after undergoing professional training at the district rehabilitation centre, have become skilled masons and are engaged in building partially completed and new PMAY-G houses across the district. The initiative is part of the States Naxal surrender, relief and rehabilitation policy aimed at mainstreaming former cadres through skill development and employment. Muchaki Ranvati, a surrendered cadre from Purvarti village, said her life had changed in every way after acquiring masonry skills. She added that she was also given an opportunity to participate in the recently held Bastar Olympics. Similarly, Pordium Bhima, a native of Polampalli who was associated with the Maoist organisation for nearly 30 years, said his future felt more secure and dignified at the rehabilitation centre compared to his earlier life spent in inhospitable forest terrain. Where guns have fallen silent for cadres who renounced the violent path of the CPI (Maoist), foundations for a new future are now being laid through bricks and mortar. Initially, 35 surrendered Naxalites were trained as masons at the Sukma district rehabilitation centre. The hands that once caused violence are now engaged in shaping structures, gaining an understanding of construction materials, manual dexterity, the use of tools and productive work methods. With more surrendered cadres joining the local skilled workforce, the long-standing shortage of trained masons in Maoist-affected and remote areas is also being addressed. The core objective of our rehabilitation policy is to connect surrendered youths to the mainstream by providing them skills, employment and respect, said Vishnu Deo Sai, Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. The trained personnel were provided with mason kits to help them secure self-employment in the construction sector. Providing skill development, employment opportunities and basic facilities to youths living in rehabilitation centres remains a top priority of the district administration. Such an initiative is a significant step towards social transformation, said Sukma Collector Devesh Dhruv. Skilled human resources are crucial to support the effective implementation of government construction schemes, including PMAY-G, said Mukund Thakur, Chief Executive Officer of the Sukma district panchayat. A new and optimistic chapter of the rehabilitation programme focusing on skill development is unfolding in Sukma. At the rehabilitation centre, surrendered Naxalites, including 15 women, were given professional masonry training, enabling them to move towards self-reliance as skilled workers. They were imparted structured, hands-on training in essential aspects of building construction, including foundation work, bricklaying, plastering, roof casting, adherence to standards and basic safety practices, allowing them to work competently in both government and private construction projects. The initiative goes beyond routine skill training, emerging as a medium to provide a new direction to the lives of surrendered youths. In addition to vocational training, surrendered cadres in the district were also provided with mobile phones, utility kits, Aadhaar-Ayushman cards, ration cards and job cards.
Delhi-based nutritionist Lovneet Batra highlights that all salts are not nutritionally equal, explaining how salt choice can affect thyroid health, digestion, hydration and mineral balance. In an Instagram post, she outlines the roles of iodised table salt, Himalayan pink salt, kala namak and sea salt, noting their benefits and limitations. Batra urges a personalised approach, advising consumers to select salts based on individual health needs rather than trends alone.
Army jawan arrested for raping woman in Ranchi
The accused jawan is a resident of the Sarha police station area in Prayagraj district, Uttar Pradesh, and was posted with the 42 Medium Regiment in Punjabs Patial
Video: Mahira Khan reacts to her smoking pics with Ranbir Kapoor
Mumbai: Celebrities and controversies often go hand in hand, with several incidents over the years making headlines and creating massive public debates. One such controversy involved Pakistani actress Mahira Khan and Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor. A video that is now going viral on Instagram shows Mahira reacting to the controversial photos of her and Ranbir Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
'Princess of Jaipur' Gauravi Kumaris style era has officially arrived
Princess Gauravi Kumari is back on Instagram, and the new photos feel quietly confident. No loud styling. No trying too hard. Just strong looks set against heritage spaces that already carry their own weight.
Watch! Bharti Singh and Haarsh announce arrival of son sharing cute video
Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa have welcomed their second child, a son, on December 19. The couple shared the joyous news on Instagram with an adorable video and caption. Several celebs congratulated them
Pete Davidson welcomes daughter with girlfriend Elsie Hewitt, reveals her name
The SNL alum has welcomed his first child, a daughter, with girlfriend Elsie Hewitt. Taking to her Instagram handle, Elsie announced the baby`s arrival along with her name
6 multibaggers Vijay Kedia and Mukul Agrawal unearthed in a tough 2025 market
In a challenging 2025, Vijay Kedia and Mukul Agrawal spotted six multibagger stocks, including OSEL Devices and Zelio E-Mobility, that delivered exceptional returns despite a tough market for smallcaps.
Tapping Indias dynamic customer base, Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the worlds leading lighting company, marks the grand inauguration of three new Philips Smart Light Hubs (SLH) in Bangalore. Launched on a single day, these strategic additions highlight Signifys commitment to delivering innovative and immersive lighting experiences to consumers, architects, and interior designers across the city. Mr. C. Arun Kumar, Head of Consumer Business, Signify, Greater India As consumers increasingly gravitate towards premium, design-led and smart lighting solutions, Bangalore stands out as a pivotal market. As Indias innovation and IT capital, Bangalore has a high concentration of tech-forward customers who are early adopters of smart home automation and place strong value on modern, decorative design. This demographic readiness combined with the thriving real estate landscape makes Bangalore the ideal, high-impact market for our triple launch. Philips Smart Light Hub, Bangalore Commenting on the milestone launch, C Arun Kumar, Head of Consumer Business, Signify Greater India said, Bangalore continues to be a key market for us, driven by consumers who embrace both functionality and innovative design. We have 328 stores across India now, the simultaneous launch of three new Philips Smart Light Hubs, anchored by our largest premium store, is a significant step in our journey. These immersive hubs will allow customers, architects, and interior designers to truly explore the transformative potential of our smart and decorative lighting portfolio, reinforcing our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions. Located across prime locations in Bangalore these stores feature an exclusive experience center including a wide range of smart, connected and decorated lights. These stores are designed to meet the customers home lighting requirements, ranging from decorative lights like chandeliers, wall lights, floor lamps and track lights to functional lights like modular COB, downlighters, magnetic tracks, panels, and spots. The store also features WiZ, our smart lighting solutions and smart services that offer customers connected lighting, so they can enjoy their daily moments with more comfort and ease. Additionally, the store features an exclusive display of Ecolink BLDC Fan Range and Philips iluminAir LED Light with fan, offering energy-efficient and stylish options for modern homes. Store 1: Second Floor, Samir Enterprises, Whitefield Main Rd, opposite Swastha Hospital, Palm Meadows, Whitefield, Bangalore, 560066 Store 2: Home Concepts, Second Floor 1st Main Road, Sundar Nagar, Mathikere, Bangalore Urban - 560054 Store 3: Ground Floor, Amro Interio (Mamtha Enterprises) 3rd phase, No.235/A, Hosur Rd, next to total LPG Gas Station, Bommasandra Industrial Area, Bangalore - 560099 This momentous occasion promises to showcase innovations in smart lighting technology and reinforce Signify s position as a pioneer in the industry. About Signify Instagram . Information for investors is located on the Investor Relations page.
Adaptability lands Kottayam man farming 'Oscar
KOTTAYAM: At the age of 25, when Mathewkutty Tom decided to defy conventional wisdom by leaving his high-paying job for a calling in farming, many advised him against doing so. For him, quitting a career with a luxury automobile brand, trading it for an uncertain path in agriculture, was not at all an easy decision. However, his passion for farming compelled him to embrace the unknown. Fast forward a decade, and Mathewkutty has not only boosted his annual income around 150 times but also placed his village of Marangattupilly, in Kottayam, in the national limelight, by winning the prestigious Millionaire Farmer of India (MFOI) Awards 2025 -- widely recognised as the Oscars of Indian Agriculture. The 36-year-old with an MBA is now a trailblazer, demonstrating through his integrated methods that agriculture, when approached with a business acumen, is a highly profitable venture. Transforming his 20-acre property into a modern agricultural ecosystem, Mathewkutty now generates an annual income of `22 crore, which earned him the Richest Farmer in India (RFOI) second runner-up title at the MFOI Awards, organised by Krishi Jagran and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) last week, for his success with a balanced model of crops and animal husbandry. His TJT Farms engages in a wide range of activities from growing paddy, seasonal vegetables and fruits to animal husbandry and meat processing. It was not an overnight success, but the result of hard work and adaptability, says Mathewkutty. Agriculture is profitable if approached as a business venture and one can introduce changes in keeping with viability and market demand. I began in 2015 with plantain and tapioca cultivation, but dropped it when market prices softened and middlemen took a significant share. Similarly, I concentrated on ornamental fish farming, when demand was high during the Covid pandemic, he said. In the realm of animal husbandry, he manages farms with buffaloes, pigs, goats, chickens, quails, and ducks. District animal husbandry officer Dr P K Manoj Kumar said Mathewkutty has demonstrated the profitability of agriculture and animal husbandry, inspiring more young people to follow suit.
Lal Bagh walk to introduce biodiversity through Ramayana and Mahabharata
The story goes that...Bheema, wanting to prank his beloved wife Draupadi chopped up a shalmali trees trunk, placed it on his bed and hid it under some blankets. Oblivious to this, Draupadi came by and as she did often, began massaging what she believed were her husbands legs. But his unnatural quietness and stillness slowly made her suspicious and when she starts to hear the distant sounds of laughter, those suspicions are confirmed. She flies into a rage and curses the shalmali tree to grow thorns, so that no woman will mistake it for a mans leg again, Anupriy Kanti tells the story with a laugh, as he does on his curated walks through Lal Bagh, encouraging participants to feel and engage with the trees, plants, and natural formations in the garden while learning all about the myths and folk tales that have been told about them. For Kanti, who has taken part in and been part of organising walks in Delhi and Bengaluru, this approach to combining nature with mythology emerged from the history walks that the city sees plenty of. He says, There are some amazing walks happening in the city, in Lal Bagh too, but I noticed that a lot of them just covered colonial history despite the fact that the park has huge botanical variety that have cultural significance across civilisations. With this in mind, he started Before and Beyond History Walks, combining botanical information about the plants in the park and their prehistoric roots while telling stories across cultures from Greek myths to Filipino folktales. The walk set to happen this weekend focuses specifically on the Indian Epics the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Right now, mythology has become a little bit of a polarised term with people either trying to prove that mythology is history or completely dismissing mythology. Im not trying to say that they are real or not, Im saying that they mean something to us as a civilisation. Through the walk, your relationship with the stories, the garden and your way of seeing nature will also change, he says. To encourage people to look at the epics with fresh eyes, as they are doing so with the park, Kanti has curated stories that may have slipped through familiar mainstream narratives. I have gone into local Kannada folklore and even stories from foreign countries that people may not be familiar with, he says, adding, Well also be talking about how the tradition has evolved for example, with the Ramayana, you have Valmikis Sanskrit version, but also versions around the globe and modern adaptations that change the story. This weekend, roll out of bed and escape into nature and the world of stories our ancestors made with it after all, unlike the heroes of these epics who had to brave the natural world for years in exile, we can come back to city life anytime. (On Saturday, the Ramayana Quest will be held at 7.30am and Mahabharata Quest at 3pm.Vice-versa on Sunday. To book, visit @prihistorica on Instagram. Prices range from `599 to `999)
Even before the crack of dawn, Chennaiites wake up to the musical notes of birds, the winter wind so chilly that it demands a woolen armour to brave the streets that stir to life as the day progresses. Men, women, and children gather to sweep their respective thresholds and sprinkle water as a ritual and then create pattern of curves, grids, dots, lines, and loops. This art form kolam holds a special significance during the Tamil month of Margazhi , which falls in December. Traditionally, kolam is believed to symbolise prosperity, good luck, and welcome goddess Lakshmi into homes. It is also said that kolam wards off evil energies and spirits. Kolams are practised differently in different parts of the country: Pookalam in Kerala, Muggulu in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Alpana in West Bengal, Rangoli in Karnataka, and Sathiya in Gujarat. Mention of this practice in Tamil lit can be traced back to Sangam literature, dating from the third century BCE to third century CE. In this literature, the description of drawing kolam s exactly matches the visuals seen on the streets of Chennai today. This shows how age-old the practice of kolam is, shares historian Meenakshi Devaraj. The 15th verse of the second chapter, 518th verse overall, in revered poet and saint Andals Nachiyar Thirumozhi reads, Vellai nunmanal kondu sittril visiththirapada , which roughly translates to: using fine white sand, we carefully draw beautiful kolams on the streets. There are also literary sources that show men indulging in this exercise. A 12th century poem mentions a ghost, presumably male, making decorative patterns from pearl dust. According to Meenakshi, The practice of drawing kolam has evolved over centuries. This shows the dynamic nature of this custom. The other characteristics include constantly changing in terms of its designs and colours. Adding to the list, Meenakshi notes, It is therapeutic. It brought some healing in me. Sacred patterns on streets This ever-evolving art form finds its expression during Margazhi as this Tamil month brings with it positivity and happiness. Vardhani KL, a software analyst (@kolamveri on Instagram), shares, I always look forward to Margazhi . It is one of my favourite months because it is winter. When you wake up, you see how beautiful the climate is. It is also the season of bhajans and keerthans . And when you do the kolam , you hear them. She describes kolams as a habit of decorating our homes. It is an extension to the decoration we do inside. Vardhani urges that everyone should come forward and take up this habit and it shouldnt be restricted to a particular religion or region. Meenakshi echoes the same thoughts. Schools should recognise this practice and encourage kids to take it up. Kolam shouldnt be shrunk to a particular religion, and to women, she says. Usually there is a gender restriction that it should be done only by ladies in the family but the case is not like that for us because its just an art form. The main point here is that tradition should not be lost, says Jayashankar Sreenivasan (@mrsandmrkolam on Instagram). Jayashankar learnt this skill from his chithi (aunt) and his mother. He shares, Every morning, they put kolam on the threshold. Sitting there and watching them raised an interest in me. I thought this form should not be restricted only to the female community. Why should girls have all the fun? His family was supportive and encouraged him in building this talent and excelling. With respect to my wife, she has the leverage of doing it. Nobody is going to stop her, he remarked. His wife keeps the dots and he continues the kolam , he says, adding, We discuss what kind of designs to draw the next day. It brought a uniqueness in our collaborative creativity. Visual grammar In any pattern, keeping a symmetric dot is pivotal. If the dots are haywire, your design goes haywire, points out Jayashankar. The dots are then followed by designs and patterns. I bring geometry into my designs. Celtic designs are popular in foreign countries especially in Europe and the UK. Its looked upon as a symbol of oneness. Our temple carvings have celtic designs. We brought such kinds into our kolam designs, he shares. Once the intricate designs are outlined, it is then filled with colours, not every but a select few, each carrying a symbolic meaning. The popular kaavi (red) colour represents auspiciousness. When added with white, it brings in the value of Shiva and Shakti. The white is Shiva and the red is the Shakti, explains Jayashankar. Additionally, manjal (yellow) adds a devotional aspect to the kolam . To please the eyes, green and blue colours are included. Green is pasumai . Blue is water, neer . It is also associated with agayam, he says. Nowadays using grey and black has become a common practice. The 2025 Margazhi This Margazhi season, while Meenakshi will follow her tradition of showing the verses of Thiruppavai in her kolams , Varadhini is excited about her chikku kolams , Jayashankar and his wife are are working on a series of new designs, something on aspects of Andal Pasurams . We want to depict it in the chikku kolam and padi kolam . Ensuring we keep it traditional rather than trying something with the latest trend, he concludes.
PMGSY, PMAY-G transforms rural J&K: Over 8,600 km roads, 3.2 lakh houses completed
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 19: Under key rural development schemes including the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and Pradhan Mantri Awaas YojanaGramin (PMAY-G), Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed large-scale infrastructure and housing development over the past five years, with more than 8,600 kilometres of rural roads and over 3.20 lakh houses completed across the Union Territory. Replying to an unstarred question of Member Parliament Gulam Ali Khatana in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Rural Development Shri Kamlesh [] The post PMGSY, PMAY-G transforms rural J&K: Over 8,600 km roads, 3.2 lakh houses completed appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Belly fat not budging? Harvard-trained gut doctor reveals a fasting formula that actually works
Harvard and Stanford trained gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi says stubborn belly fat may be linked more to timing than overeating. In a recent Instagram report, he shared a three step intermittent fasting routine. It includes starting with a gentle 12 hour fast, sticking to non-caloric drinks while fasting, and focusing on high-protein, high-fiber foods during eating hours to support better sleep, appetite control, and steady abdominal fat loss.
NYU neuroscientist Dr Wendy Suzuki says morning caffeine cravings may actually signal dehydration. In an Instagram report, she explained that even mild fluid loss can impair brain signaling, memory, and focus, often mistaken for fatigue or hunger. Her simple brain hack is to drink a full glass of water immediately after waking, followed by two more later in the day, helping restore clarity, mood, and steady energy before reaching for coffee.
Satyagraha Soudha: 2 crore grant for development works
A Delhi RML Hospital surgeons Instagram post recounts how a 36-year-old mother suffered a heart attack after ignoring subtle symptoms for eight hours. Dr Obaidur Rahman explains that atypical myocardial ischemia in women often begins with extreme fatigue, nausea, arm heaviness, and breathlessness rather than chest pain. Commonly mistaken for stress or acidity, these quiet warning signs delay care, underscoring the need for early symptom awareness among younger women globally.
Decode Trending Skin Foods: Dermatologist Reveals What Really Works And Whats Just Hype
Dermatologist Dr Jushya Bhatia Sarin decodes the trending foods Instagram swears by, and explains if these viral fixes actually help your skin.
Man posing as cop sends Ahmedabad police on wild goose chase, arrested
AHMEDABAD: What began as a routine police call soon escalated into a high-alert case of deception after a man posing as a police sub-inspector managed to send Ahmedabads Navrangpura Police and Gujarat University Police on a chase before suspicion caught up with him. The sequence was triggered when the PSO on duty at Navrangpura Police Station received a call from a man confidently introducing himself as PSI Rathod from Mehsana district. Speaking authoritatively, the caller instructed the PSO to dispatch a police vehicle to a specific address, claiming that an accused linked to his case was hiding there. As the address fell under the jurisdiction of Gujarat University Police Station, the call was transferred, an administrative step that unknowingly played into the impersonators plan. Acting on the directions, Gujarat University Police sent a PCR van to the location. However, the plot began to unravel when the PCR driver contacted the so-called PSI Rathod after reaching the spot. His tone, responses and mannerisms raised suspicion, prompting immediate concern. Sensing foul play, Gujarat University Police quietly verified whether any PSI named Rathod was posted in Mehsana district and whether the mobile number belonged to a serving officer. Both checks returned negative. With the deception confirmed, a case was registered at Gujarat University Police Station for impersonation, cheating and misleading the police. Investigators launched a search using technical surveillance and human intelligence. The trail led to Patan district, where the caller was identified as Tarun Brahmabhatt. He was arrested and brought in for questioning. During interrogation, Brahmabhatt claimed he had impersonated a PSI to pressure a man who was allegedly harassing his wife with obscene messages. Police, however, found the explanation questionable, particularly in light of his criminal history. Investigators revealed that Brahmabhatt has multiple cases of cheating and impersonation registered against him at Mehsana, Khokhra, Patan and Chansma police stations. This prompted authorities to widen the probe to identify any additional offences. Explaining the sequence of events, Ahmedabad B Division ACP H.M. Kanasagra said the accused had exploited jurisdictional boundaries to carry out the deception. He first called Navrangpura Police Station posing as PSI Rathod from Mehsana and gave an address claiming it fell under their area. When it was clarified that the location came under Gujarat University Police limits, the call was transferred. A PCR van was sent and instructed to contact him, but the driver immediately sensed something was wrong, Kanasagra said. He added that verification through technical surveillance and internal records confirmed that no PSI Rathod was serving in Mehsana district. Once that was established, we registered a case for impersonation and misleading the police, the ACP said. Gujarat University Police are now examining records across districts to determine how many times the accused has masqueraded as a police officer and how close he came to misusing the system before being exposed by an alert PCR driver.
'Let me live': Survivor in 2017 Kerala actor assault case speaks out in emotional message
KOCHI: The survivor of the 2017 actor abduction and sexual assault case on Friday appealed to the public to let her live with dignity after a video circulated by Martin Antony, the second accused in the case, allegedly revealed her identity. In an emotionally charged post on social media, the actor said the only mistake she made was approaching the police immediately after the violence against her and pursuing legal action. Rejecting labels imposed on her, she wrote on Instagram, Not a victim, not a survivor, just a simple human being. Let me live. Had she remained silent, she wrote, she would later have been accused of not reporting the crime at all. I should have stayed quiet, accepted what happened as fate, and ended my life, the post read, laying bare the emotional toll of continued attacks against her. Actor abduction and sexual assault case: Conspiracy or not, many questions need answers Her response came after she watched the video released by Martin Antony, who has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment in the case. Condemning his actions, she said he could just as easily have levelled even more damaging and false allegations against her. You could have even claimed that I had filmed a nude video of you, she wrote, underscoring the extent of the humiliation and targeting she continues to face. The actor said those who make such allegations, circulate them online and their relatives should never have to face a similar situation in life. Earlier, after the court acquitted Dileep, the actor had shared a similar emotional post that received widespread public support. On December 13, the Ernakulam District and Sessions Court sentenced all six convicts in the case , including prime accused Pulsar Suni, to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment. The accused were found guilty under Sections 376D (gang rape) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code and were also fined Rs 50,000 each. The verdict and sentence were pronounced by Principal Sessions Judge Honey M Varghese. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.) Actor abduction and sexual assault case: Judgment comes after eight years, justice not yet
PNB MetLife and Policybazaar Launch DigiProtect Term Insurance for India's Salaried Individuals
PNB MetLife DigiProtect Term Plan (UIN-117N141V01) for salaried individuals. Sarbvir Singh, Joint Group CEO, PB Fintech and Sameer Bansal- MD & CEO, PNB MetLife Offered through a fully digital platform in collaboration with Policybazaar, it is an individual non linked, non-participating, pure term insurance plan. The digital-first approach not only simplifies access but also extends the reach of life insurance to salaried individuals in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Exclusive benefits include a first-year, upto 21% discount, on the first premium, that significantly lowers the entry cost for policyholders. The plan goes beyond traditional coverage features, empowering the growing number of Indias salaried individuals juggling rising aspirations, lifestyle commitments, and evolving financial priorities. Key features of the PNB MetLife DigiProtect Term Plan : Comprehensive Life Cover : Provides protection for life, including accelerated benefits in case of terminal illness. Special Exit Value : Option to exit the policy before maturity and receive a refund of all premiums paid- at no additional cost. Premium Break Option : Flexibility to pause premium payments for 12 consecutive months after completing three years of policy, available every 5 years. Express Claim Payout : Rs. 3 lakh payable (as an accelerated benefit) within one working day upon claim registration, after 3-year waiting period from policy inception or revival, whichever is later (subject to submission of all mandatory documents). Choice of Payout Options : At the claim stage, nominees can choose to receive death benefit amount as lump sum, monthly instalments, or a combination of lump sum + monthly instalments. Attractive Discounts : Exclusive first-year discount, making the plan even more affordable. Speaking about the launch, Sameer Bansal, Managing Director & CEO, PNB MetLife , said India continues to face an 91% life protection gap, which means, for every Rs. 100 required to financially secure families, only Rs. 9 is covered. The gap is even more significant for the salaried segment, who face rising financial responsibilities- from supporting dependents and funding their childrens education to planning for home ownership and long-term retirement. We have, introduced the PNB MetLife DigiProtect Term Plan, so that salaried individuals can secure their families as they build their dreams . Sarbvir Singh, Joint Group CEO, PB Fintech said, Indias protection gap remains one of the largest in the world, and it is the salaried middle class that is most exposed to the risks of being underinsured. A digital, feature-rich term plan like PNB MetLife DigiProtect Plan offers them affordability, flexibility and absolute clarity. Our collaboration with PNB MetLife brings these benefits to salaried individuals across the country, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where access has historically lagged. At Policybazaar, our focus is to expand meaningful protection and make quality term insurance easier to buy, understand, and sustain ." About PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited (PNB MetLife) is one of the leading life insurance companies in India that combines the financial strength of MetLife, Inc. with the credibility of PNB, one of the India's oldest nationalized banks. PNB MetLifes positioning, Milkar Life Aage Badhaein, is demonstrated through its customer-centric innovations and employee empowerment practices. With a strong presence in 178 branches and access to customers in over 20,000 locations through bank partnerships, PNB MetLife offers a comprehensive insurance solutions portfolio covering Child Education, Family Protection, Long-Term Saving and Retirement. The Company has a wide range of protection and retirement products available through its sales channel of over 36,000 financial advisors and multiple bank partners and caters to over 585 group relationships in India. For more information, follow us on Facebook - www.facebook.com/PNBMetLife Instagram - www.instagram.com/pnb_metlife visit - www.pnbmetlife.com About Policybazaar As Indias largest insurance broker, Policybazaar is committed to making insurance accessible and understandable for every Indian. Since 2008, we have been at the forefront of transforming the insurance sector by providing transparent, efficient, and unbiased solutions tailored to the diverse needs of over 80.5 million registered users. With a dominant market share of over 93% in the digital insurance aggregator space and annual premium collection exceeding Rs. 15,000 crore in FY24, we have established ourselves as a trusted name in insurance and financial protection. Our platform facilitates millions of insurance inquiries annually and features a wide range of products from over 50 insurance partners, covering health, life, motor, and corporate insurance solutions. To date, we have issued over 44.3 million policies and played a crucial role in protecting 9 million families against death, disease, and disability. Our 24x7 online support, combined with on-ground assistance from over 6,000 insurance advisors, ensures a seamless experience for our customers.
Ishan Kishan's bhangra celebration steals the show - WATCH
Ishan Kishans innings helped Jharkhand post a formidable 262/3, anchored by a 177-run second-wicket partnership with Kumar Kushagra, who contributed a lively 81 off 38 balls. Medium pacer Anukul Roy delivered a crucial all-round performance, taking two early wickets and adding a rapid 40 off 20 balls, while Haryanas Yashvardhan Dalal top-scored with 53 in a losing cause.
StockGro raises $13M from BITKRAFT Ventures in Series B1 funding round
Earlier this month, StockGro also raised Rs 150 crore from stock market investor Mukul Agrawal in a Series B funding round.
The results for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT 2026) have been announced, and once again, students from the Bhopal-headquartered institute, Toprankers-Legal Edge ,have delivered an exceptional performance in this prestigious national-level exam for entry into National Law Universities (NLUs). According to the released results, students from this institute have secured the top three spots All India Rank (AIR) 1, 2, and 3 . Geetali Gupta from Toprankers-Legal Edge This marks thefourth time in the last six yearsthat the institute's students have achieved a 'Clean Sweep' of thetop three ranks. Data released by the institute indicates a dominant hold over the results, with7 students in the Top 10and51 students in the Top 100hailing from Toprankers-Legal Edge. " Guidance Received Exclusively from Legal Edge " AIR-1 GeetaliGupta, a resident of Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, secured AIR 1. Expressing her thoughts on social media, Geetali said, "My parents taught me discipline since childhood, and Legal Edge gave that discipline the right direction. Throughout my preparation, I placed the utmost emphasis on consistency." Clarifying the role of the coaching institute, she added," I have been a student exclusively of Legal Edges 'Warriors Gold Batch'Classroom Program. The mentors at Legal Edge played a pivotal role in identifying and fixing my weaknesses. This success is the result of my parents' sacrifices and the guidance of my teachers. " Performance Analysis: As per the details shared by the institute,AIR 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, and 10are students of the' Regular Classroom Program .'Meanwhile,AIR 3 (Rohan, Karnataka Topper)achieved this feat through the institute's 'Distance Learning' course. Experts believe that securing AIR 3 through a distance course is a testament to the sheer quality of the institutes study material. Furthermore, the fact that6 out of the Top 10students were from the direct classroom program proves the successful impact of Legal Edgesmentorship. Consistency and Selection Standards Clean Sweep: This is the4th time in the last 6 yearsthat AIR 1, 2, and 3 are from the same institute in CLAT. Selection Ratio: This year, 51 students in the Top 100 are from Legal Edge. This means nearly 50% of the students entering the countrys top law colleges have been trained by this institute. Top Rankers: The institute has now produced the CLAT All India Rank 1 (AIR 1) a total of 7 times. Harsh Gagrani , Co-founder and Chief Academic Officer of the institute, stated," This result validates our academic process. For us, AIR 1 is as important as the last student who worked hard to improve their rank. We have always prioritized right guidance and hard work, and we will continue to do so in the future ." The CLAT 2026 results indicate that in an era of social media and aggressive advertising, success ultimately stems from a disciplined routine, right mentorship, and the synergy between teacher and student. About Toprankers Toprankers runs 50+ centres across India, teaching 20,000+ classroom students and serving 30,000+ learners overall, while operating Indias most-searched non-STEM test-prep platform, with 1.5M monthly users and 20M+ page views across Law, Management, and Design & Architecture.
Nick Jonas groves on this Dhurandhar track as his new pre-show ritual
Mumbai: It seems like Priyanka Chopras American husband, Nick Jonas, is having a phase with Bollywood songs. After the Aavan Jaavan track from War 2, Nick has found a new pre-show hyper song, this time from Dhurandhar. Nick took to his official Instagram handle and posted a clip of himself and his team members grooving Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Zero visibility across north India as IMD sounds red alert for Delhi
A thick blanket of dense fog covered large parts of north India on Friday morning, severely impacting the visibility. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Delhi, warning of major disruptions to road, rail and air traffic. Satellite imagery showed widespread fog over Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, northeast Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. Visibility dropped to zero metres at several locations, including Agra, Bareilly, Saharanpur and Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh; Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bathinda and Adampur in Punjab; Safdarjung in Delhi; Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh; Bhagalpur in Bihar; and Daltonganj in Jharkhand. The IMD cautioned that extremely poor visibility could impact airport operations and cause delays on highways and railway routes. An orange alert was issued for multiple districts in Uttar Pradesh, parts of Uttarakhand, Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar, and several districts in Punjab, including Amritsar, Patiala and Sangrur. Meteorologists warned of hazardous driving conditions and an increased risk of road accidents, along with the possibility of power line tripping in affected regions. Residents were advised to avoid unnecessary travel, use fog lights, and stay updated on transport advisories. According to IMD definitions, very dense fog occurs when visibility ranges between 0 and 50 metres, while dense fog refers to visibility between 51 and 200 metres. As North India chokes, there can be no hiding 'behind the smokescreen of farm fires anymore' In Delhi, early morning visibility remained poor due to dense fog mixed with smog. Delhis air quality remained alarming, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 382, placing it in the very poor category and close to severe. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed that 14 monitoring stations reported severe air quality, while the remaining recorded very poor levels. Vivek Vihar registered the worst AQI at 434. The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi has forecast that air quality will stay very poor until Saturday and may deteriorate to severe on Sunday. Meanwhile, stricter pollution control measures came into effect in the national capital on Thursday. The entry of non-Delhi private vehicles below BS-VI emission standards has been banned, and the No PUC, No Fuel rule is being enforced. Fuel stations are denying fuel to vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control certificates, with checks supported by automatic number plate reader cameras, voice alerts and police deployment. 'More headline and image management': Unreliable data mask just how bad India's air quality crisis is
Apple is bringing even more ads to the App Store
Apple just announced it will be integrating more ads into the App Store because our poor eyeballs must be assaulted at all times. The company plans on littering search results with advertisements beginning next year . Currently, the App Store only has one ad spot. That's at the very top of search results. If you search for something like Instagram it's likely that top spot will be filled with an ad for a rival social media platform. The new ads will appear further down the actual search results. Apple says that advertisers won't have to alter their campaigns, as the ads will run in either the existing position at the top of search results or further down in search results. The company says that 65 percent of app downloads happen after a search, so this move will give advertisers more opportunities. Google began inundating the Play Store with more ads last year and, well, the results haven't been pretty . The general consensus is that the store has become more frustrating to use . We'll have to wait and see just how intrusive these App Store ads end up being. Recent reporting also indicates that Apple plans on bringing ads to the Maps app . This is reportedly scheduled for next year, though the company has yet to comment. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/apple-is-bringing-even-more-ads-to-the-app-store-193416921.html?src=rss
Bestselling author and behavioural science expert Daniel Pink has shared three science-backed ways to overcome procrastination in a recent Instagram post. He explains that delay stems from poor decision design, not lack of effort. Pink advises making the first step effortless, choosing the next days top task in advance, and preparing the work environment beforehand. Together, these small design changes help reduce hesitation and improve focus and productivity.
Ishan Kishanleads Jharkhand to a memorable maiden triumph
The skippers 49-ball 101 and his 177-run partnership withKumar Kushagrahelps the team pile up a massive total of 262 which proves too much for Haryana to overhaul
Kishan and Kushagra lead Jharkhand to SMAT glory
The pair muscled Jharkhand to 262, ensuring they clinched their maiden T20 trophy with ease
UPEIDA issues fresh speed limits for expressways due to prevailing foggy conditions
LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) issued fresh speed limit guidelines for the high-speed corridors, including the Agra-Lucknow, Purvanchal, Bundelkhand, and Gorakhpur Link Expressways. The move comes in the wake of the ongoing foggy conditions, leading to a rise in accidents on expressways owing to visibility issues. The revised speed limits will come into effect immediately and will remain in force till mid-February or until the fog conditions ease out. As per the authorities concerned, directives were present to issue overspeed challans through the Advanced Traffic Management System based on the new guidelines. For M-1 category vehicles (passenger vehicles with no more than eight seats, in addition to the drivers seat), the normal limit of 120 km/h will be lowered to 80 km/h during the day (8 am to 8 pm) and to 60 km/h at night (8 pm to 8 am). For M-2 and M-3 category vehicles (passenger vehicles with nine or more seats, including the drivers seat), the usual speed limit of 100 km/h has been reduced. During the day (8 am to 8 pm), the limit is now 60 km/h, and at night (8 pm to 8 am), it is 50 km/h. For N category vehicles and motor vehicles used to carry goods, the usual speed limit of 80 km/h has been reduced to 50 km/h during the day (8 am to 8 pm), and 40 km/h at night (8 pm to 8 am). The installation of fog lights at the entry and exit points of all expressways, along with a large board appealing to drivers to maintain controlled speeds in view of the danger posed by fog, are other measures to be put into place. As per the officials, directions have been issued to increase the number of road reflectors and blinkers along expressway curves and stretches prone to dense fog due to the proximity of rivers and streams. In heavy fog conditions (visibility less than 560 meters), the security team should stop vehicles at the nearest toll or wayside amenity, petrol pump, restaurant, gather them, and send them off in a convoy, security teams deployed at the expressways have been directed. A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) would be prepared by UPIEDA, in coordination with the police, for the purpose, officials said.
Harvard-trained gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi says a simple 10-minute walk after meals can help control blood sugar without changing diet. In an Instagram post, he explained that post-meal walking allows muscles to draw glucose from the bloodstream, reducing insulin spikes and liver fat. The habit may benefit people with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and fatty liver, offering an accessible approach to metabolic health.
Bigg Boss 19 Winner Gaurav Khanna's YouTube Channel Shuts Down Within 24 Hours
When clicking on the link that Gaurav Khanna shared on his Instagram stories, the channel displays a 404 error along with a message
Honourable prefix inappropriate for bureaucrats: Allahabad HC
Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court questioned the use of the term honourable for bureaucrats and state government officials, asking the Uttar Pradesh revenue departments principal secretary to file a personal affidavit disclosing the authority of law that justifies the phrasing. A bench comprising Justice Ajay Bhanot and Justice Garima Prashad passed the order hearing a Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Students' Biennale: Next Gen goes next level
Over the years, the Students Biennale has evolved into an engaging platform for emerging artists to articulate personal histories and social concerns through contemporary art. Conceived as a space for experimentation, critical inquiry and dialogue, this segment of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale brings together budding artists from across the country, foregrounding works shaped by lived experiences and regional realities. This year, it unfolds across multiple venues in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, including the VKL Warehouse, Arthshila Art Centre, St Andrews Parish Hall, and Space Gallery. Themes such as displacement, cultural erosion, labour, fragility and social control run through this edition, curated by Salman Baba. At the VKL Warehouse, Shifting Landscapes by Reppandee Lepcha of Sikkim, emerges from an urgent need to preserve a community on the brink of cultural erasure. The installation centres on the Lepcha (Rong) community, an indigenous group facing the gradual loss of language, traditions and land due to environmental crises and development projects. This work was born from the frustration of not being able to do anything for my community, says Reppandee, who is a student at Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan. Imprinting scripts onto walls and incorporating traditional motifs, the installation draws on everyday Lepcha phrases she remembers hearing while growing up. Today, she rues, conversations around the community are dominated by words such as flood, construction and dam. Reppandee uses perishable materials native to the region and weaving techniques historically practised by the Lepcha community. A central motif is the Pogo Reep, or the Indian Trumpet Flower, a ritualistic bloom found in almost every Lepcha household. I am trying to hold on to whatever is left and pass it down to the next generation like a baton, she says, describing weaving as a literal means of connecting past, present and future. The installation, she adds, is not meant to last, but to create a lasting impact. At the same venue, Adil Farooq Maliks Remains of a Home reflects on memory, identity and physical space in the context of rapid urban transformation. I have drawn from personal experience to examine what happens when a home is taken away in the name of progress, says the student at Institute of Music & Fine Arts, University of Kashmir. My ancestral home in Kashmir was demolished in 2023 as part of a road expansion project. It took away what was an integral part of my identity. Inheritance of the Hand by Mohammad Riyaz and Aman Kumar The installation brings together remnants windows, a chair, ruined photographs, and pieces of paper bearing Urdu writing left behind after the demolition. Nearby, Through Their Eyes by Vikas Kumar, a student at JLN Government College of Art in Shimla, turns attention to perception and surveillance. The work is a take on how people quietly observe and judge others. Vikas began with video recordings of performative actions, later distilling them into graphic prints. The project reflects on the tension between who we are, who we want to be and how we are ultimately seen by others. Being observed and judged is a shared experience, often uncomfortable and uninvited, he says, adding that the works relatability lies in this collective unease. At the BMS Warehouse, an intriguing work is Death Circle by Krishna Murthy P S, a student at Chamarajendra Government College of Arts in Mysore. It centres on a colony of ants fashioned from seeds and tree spines. Through Their Eyes by Vikas Kumar I have been observing ants closely since childhood, within and around my home. Its a practice that continues to this day, he says. I also collect seeds and tree spines found in my immediate surroundings. The work references the phenomenon of an ant mill a rare occurrence in which army of ants, having lost their pheromone trail, move in an endless circular loop until exhaustion leads to mass death. Through this work, I explore cycles of instinct, disorientation and collective movement within nature, says Krishna, adding that the installation is shaped by philosophies of ephemerality, decay and seasonal change. At Arthshila Art Centre, Inheritance of the Hand brings together the collaborative work of Mohammad Riyaz of Government Institute of Fine Arts, Gwalior, and Aman Kumar from Government College of Arts, Jabalpur. Rooted in farming, tailoring and textile traditions, the installation uses hand-painted muslin and stitching to explore agrarian distress, generational knowledge, and the dignity of labour. Adil Farooq Maliks Remains of a Home Mohammad, who hails from an agrarian family, recalls learning tailoring in Class 7 as a practical skill valued more than formal education in his village. Aman draws from his grandmothers stories to explore memory and generational loss, with weaving and painting becoming shared languages of dialogue and support. Also at Arthshila, Durgesh Prajapatis Expression of Fragility reflects on the vulnerability of traditional craft. Born into a potter family of the Kumhar community in Uttar Pradesh, Durgesh uses red clay sourced from his village pond to symbolise both physical and cultural fragility. Fragility is a metaphor for the extinct and endangered conditions of terracotta practice in rural areas, he says. Created collaboratively with community members, the work bears thousands of hand impressions, emphasising skill, labour and individual identity. Shifting Landscapes by Reppandee Lepcha Durgesh Prajapatis Expression of Fragility Durgesh, a student at Banaras Hindu University, signs off by saying he is grateful to the Kochi-Muziris Biennale team for creating such a wonderful platform for young artists. Thumbs-up to that. Together, the works featured here demonstrate why the Students Biennale remains one of the most compelling sections of Kochis grand art carnival. It offers a glimpse into how young minds across India are using art to spur conversation.
7 beautiful plants you can use instead of a traditional Christmas tree this festive season
As homes and preferences evolve, living plants are increasingly replacing traditional Christmas trees. These natural alternatives offer a calmer, longer-lasting festive feel, suiting various spaces and styles. From the tree-like Norfolk Island pine to the fragrant rosemary and space-saving Italian cypress, these options bring enduring greenery and subtle seasonal charm.
Payal Gaming, whose real name is Payal Dhare, has broken her silence after she was embroiled in alleged video controversy. In an Instagram post, she clarified that the content circulating online falsely associates her name and image and urged the public to refrain it from sharing. Payal Dhare is a popular YouTuber and influencer and is a prominent figure among Indian gamers.
Instagram Reels are now on TV, here's how you can watch
Instagram Reels are now on TV, here's how you can watch
Belgium Court Rejects Mehul Choksi's Appeal Against Extradition
The highest court of Belgium has rejected the appeal of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi against India's extradition request, while endorsing a lower court's view that there are no grounds for his claims of flagrant denial of justice.
This Is Deeply Disturbing...: Sreeleela Speaks Out Against Deepfake Content, Misuse of AI
On Instagram, the actress shared a strong message raising awareness, I put my hands together and request every social media user not to support Al-generated nonsense.
Pumpkin flower: A matchmaker and Ayurveda hero that blooms in Margazhi
While Chennai is slowly warming up to the idea of girl-date bouquets and babys breath tied with handwritten notes, Tamil culture has long lived in an intimate and almost obsessive relationship with flowers. Here, flowers are not occasional gestures but daily companions, woven into hair, pinned behind ears, strung into garlands, and carried with love. Their colours announce mood, their fragrances linger long after they wither, and their aesthetics complete an ensemble in ways no ornament can. Yet this obsession runs deeper than the adornment. Flowers in Tamil society have also long carried meanings of class, caste , and sanctity. Some blooms are elevated, deemed worthy only of the gods, while others are considered too ordinary or too impure to be worn at all. Then there exist flowers that are neither garlanded nor used for worship. They linger instead on the margins of use and symbolism. In these margins exists the poosani poo or the pumpkin flower a large, trumpet-shaped yellow flower blossoming barely a foot or two above the ground in Margazhi the month devoted to the gods. Historian, Meenakshi Devaraj, says that the use of the pumpkin flowers in kolams during Margazhi and Thai isnt an ancient practice. It is just a local practice that came up in the pre-modern era. In many parts of Tamil Nadu, especially Coimbatore and Tiruppur, women pluck these flowers and decorate their kolams outside their homes along with cow dung cakes. Ecologically, cow dung cakes were placed atop kolams because they gradually enriched the soil with organic matter and microbes, creating a small but fertile micro-environment. At the same time, they sun-dry through the day and, once fully dried, were used as a low-cost cooking fuel in traditional Indian wood stoves. Though the flowers resting on them serve no functional purpose; their presence instead distills the act into a cultural symbol. But why were poosani flowers chosen specifically as a cultural symbol? Meenakshi says that there were many flowers that were used to decorate kolams but poosani poo seems to have stood the test of time. The reasons could be one or all of the following, she says, explaining, First, is its size. It is big and is therefore eye-catchy. Then comes its colour yellow which is associated with turmeric or gold. Whenever you describe yellow flowers, even kondrai [Cassia fistula] to a certain extent, they are compared to gold and are always seen as a symbol of prosperity. It is believed that they invite Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Third is, it is both seasonal and is easy to pluck since it grows close to the ground. Women also sang folk songs while going out to pluck poosani flowers and adorning their kolams with it, she notes. In many parts of Tamil Nadu, women even have the practice of collecting the sun-dried poosani flowers from their kolams throughout the month of Margazhi, and offering it to the nearest water body in Thai mainly on Maatu Pongal or Kaanum Pongal days. That is a celebration in itself, Meenakshi says. While this is primarily a ritual practice tied to honouring deities associated with rivers or offering prayers, the biodegradable flowers also helped support aquatic life by gradually releasing nutrients into the water body. A matchmaker In many villages, the poosani flower placed on doorposts or columns often acted as a subtle matchmaker. A bloom outside the home signalled that the family had a daughter of marriageable age, quietly inviting arranged marriage proposals. It is further understood in this context: in the pre-modern era, women had limited access to public spaces and were largely confined to their homes. Glimpses of young women of marriageable age were often caught during Margazhi, when they stepped out to draw kolams or to the nearby fields to pluck flowers for adornment, or when they visited temples, offering rare, fleeting opportunities for observation and matchmaking, Meenakshi illustrates. This custom even finds a playful echo in popular culture, such as the Ilaiyaraaja song Vasalile Poosani Poo sung by SPB and Janaki, where romance subtly unfolds around the act of keeping a pumpkin flower outside on a kolam. The timing of this practice can even be seen as deliberate. In Tamil Hindu culture, marriages are typically held in the auspicious month of Thai, giving prospective families just enough time to observe, inquire, and prepare for the matrimonial season. Beyond culture Beyond its roles in culture, decoration, and symbolism, the flower also finds applications in Ayurveda for its therapeutic properties. Dr Pratap Chauhan, founder of Jiva Ayurveda, says, Pumpkin flowers role in Ayurveda, is interesting to trace, since across south India, the knowledge has been passed down through families rather than texts and documentation. That lived experience usually tells you something valuable. The flower, though looks simple and fragile, carries beta carotene, Vitamin C, natural antioxidants, and a small amount of fibre that supports smooth digestion, he adds. In Ayurveda, we use it for its lightness, mild anti-inflammatory nature, and calming effect on the digestive tract. If you include it in your meals during humid months, you help your pitta (digestion and metabolism) stay steady, and your gut feels more at ease. Many people do not realise how gently it improves metabolism. Additionally, since it is light and low in calories, one can enjoy them without feeling weighed down, the Ayurveda doctor notes, adding that the key is to eat them fresh and keep the cooking method simple. Ultimately, the poosani poo, that blooms gently against the sprawl of the vine, weaves together multiple threads of life. So the next time you spot a pumpkin flower this season, pause to notice more than its colour.
OnlyFans creator Blake Mitchell (Lane Rogers) dies after motorcycle crash here's what happened
Blake Mitchell death: OnlyFans creator Lane Rogers, known online as Blake Mitchell, tragically passed away at 31 following a motorcycle accident on the Pacific Coast Highway in Oxnard, California. He sustained fatal blunt force trauma after colliding with a box truck. Rogers, who boasted over 400,000 Instagram followers, began his adult film career in 2014. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday commented on the fourth T20 International between India and South Africa being abandoned in Lucknow due to dense smog, suggesting the match should have been scheduled in Thiruvananthapuram instead of a north Indian city grappling with severe air pollution. The match was called off without a ball being bowled after visibility at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium was badly affected by a thick blanket of smog on Wednesday evening. Reacting on X, Tharoor said cricket fans had been left waiting in vain for the IndiaSouth Africa fixture to begin in Lucknow, but poor visibility caused by widespread smog made play impossible. Pointing to air quality concerns across north India, he said the game should have been held in Thiruvananthapuram, where air quality levels were significantly better. Several north Indian cities, including New Delhi, Agra, Lucknow and Chandigarh, remained enveloped in smog through the day. While Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 334 in the very poor category, Lucknow registered an AQI of 171, classified as moderate, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board. However, pollution levels varied across the Uttar Pradesh capital. Three of the citys six monitoring stationsKendriya Vidyalaya, Lalbagh and the Talkatora District Industries Centrerecorded AQI levels above 200, placing them in the poor category. The BCCI's Tours and Fixtures Committee's decision to slot matches in the eastern and northern regions of the country during winters has come under the scanner. Meanwhile, India vice-captain Shubman Gill is likely to miss the final T20I against South Africa after suffering a toe injury during a nets session, with the team opting for caution ahead of the T20 World Cup. Sanju Samson is expected to open in his absence. Gill was hit on the toe late in an extended practice session and was in visible discomfort, prompting the team to rest him as a precaution, a BCCI source said. His availability for the Ahmedabad game remains uncertain. The injury comes amid scrutiny over Gills form, with modest returns in the series, while Sanju Samson has impressed in recent outings. Gill had earlier missed the Test and ODI series against South Africa due to a neck injury that required hospitalisation. Despite the dip in form, the coaching staff led by Gautam Gambhir has reiterated its backing of Gill, viewing him as a key top-order batter for the T20 World Cup early next year. (With inputs from PTI)
Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Jeremy London has outlined seven practical habits to improve heart health in 2026 through an Instagram video. He emphasised consistency over drastic change, urging fixed bedtimes, morning sunlight, post-meal walks, quitting alcohol, weekly high-intensity exercise, regular hydration and strength training. With over 25 years of experience, Dr London highlighted that small, daily lifestyle choices can deliver lasting cardiovascular and overall health benefits when adopted gradually.
CHANDIGARH: Aishdeep Singh, the mastermind behind the murder of 30-year-old kabaddi player-cum-promoter Kanwar Digvijay Singh alias Rana Balachauria, was arrested on Wednesday by the Punjab Police from the Indira Gandhi International Airport at Delhi. Meanwhile, another key accused in the case Harpinder Middhi was killed in an encounter at Lalru near here in which two police personnel also sustained injuries. Police said the tussle between different gangsters over the organisation of kabaddi tournaments in Punjab led to the shooting. Senior Superintendent of Police of SAS Nagar Harmandeep Hans said Aishdeep Singh, who had been staying in Russia, came to India on November 25 on the directions of gangster-turned-terrorist Dony Bal to execute the murder. He was arrested from Delhi airport when he was planning to escape to Muscat. Aishdeep informed police about his accomplice Harpinder Middhi, a resident of Naushehra Pannuan in Tarn Taran, who actively supported the shooters and was supposed to escape along with him. Acting on the information, police parties led by Deputy Superintendent of Police of Dera Bassi Bikramjit Singh Brar and including inspectors Sumit Mor, Pushvinder Singh and Malkiat Singh conducted a raid at the location pinpointed by him on the Ambala-Lalru Highway near Jharmal River in Lalru. Upon seeing the police party, the suspect Harpinder Middhi opened fire resulting in serious bullet injuries to two police personnel -- head constables Gulab Singh and Kumar Sharma. The police party retaliated in self-defence during which the suspect was injured and was rushed to Civil Hospital Dera Bassi, where he succumbed to injuries, he said. Gang rivalry over kabaddi tournaments leads to killing of player-promoter Rana Balachauria in Mohali Hans said that police have also arrested another accused Jugraj Singh with the help of Amritsar (Rural) Police. All the accused persons involved in this case have been identified and raids are being conducted to nab the remaining accused, he said. Balachauria was shot dead in Mohali on December 15 by associates of gangsters Doni Bal and Lucky Patial. Police have identified the three accused including the two shooters who pumped bullets into Balachauria. They are Aditya Kapoor alias Makhan and Karan Pathak of Amritsar. The duo are currently absconding. Twelve teams of the Punjab AGTF, SSOC and the district police have been hunting for them for the past two days. Hours after the shootout, gangster Dony Bal claimed responsibility for the attack in a Facebook post. I, Donibal, Saganpreet, Mohabbat Randhawa, Amar Khabe, Prabh Daswal, and Kaushal Chaudhary, take responsibility for the killing of Rana Balachauria during the Kabaddi Cup in Mohali. This man (Rana) was in contact with our rivals Jaggu and Lawrence, it read. He had provided shelter to the killer of Sidhu Moosewala and personally looked after him. By killing Rana today, we have avenged the murder of our brother Sidhu Moosewala. This act was carried out by our brothers Makhan Amritsar and Defaulter Karan, it stated. The killing of Balachauria has brought back memories of a similar incident three years ago when another kabaddi player Sandeep Nangal was shot dead in Jalandhar district in the middle of a tournament at Mallian Kalan village. More recently, a 25-year-old kabaddi player named Teja Singh was shot dead in broad daylight in Jagraon in October this year.
Yamuna Expressway crash: Death toll may rise as identification of burnt bodies begin, say officials
MATHURA: The death toll in the multi-vehicle pile-up that has killed 13 people on the Yamuna Expressway in Mathura may rise further as several severely burnt human remains are yet to be identified, officials said on Wednesday. The identities of five victims of the accident, which took place on Tuesday morning, have been established so far. Many bodies were charred beyond recognition, making identification virtually impossible at this stage, officials said, adding that they were relying on DNA tests for the purpose. According to a panel of doctors conducting post-mortem, police have brought 18 body bags to the mortuary. These contained the heads of 10 victims, torsos of two others, and one largely intact body, while the remaining bags held only small, badly burnt fragments of human remains. Post-mortem examination of all the remains are being carried out and reports are being prepared, officials said. Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Gopal Garg said samples of all human remains have been collected and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory in Agra for DNA profiling and to establish their identities by matching them with samples provided by claimants. The district hospital has officially confirmed the death of 13 passengers in the accident. However, officials said that given the fragmented condition of the remains, the actual number of victims could increase once they receive the DNA test reports. Only after DNA testing of all the remains will it be possible to ascertain how many individuals they belong to. Identification will be confirmed after matching with the samples provided by family members, Dr Garg said. Assistant Regional Transport Officer Madan Sharma said Sunil Kumar (45), who was driving the Azamgarh-bound bus involved in the crash, was missing. The second driver and the conductor were admitted to the hospital with injuries, but they have no recollection of the incident. They told us they fainted immediately after the collision and regained consciousness only after being hospitalised. They are unable to say what happened to Sunil Kumar, whether he was injured or died in the crash. His fate may become clear after examination of the burnt remains, Sharma said. A passenger, Parvati (42) from Rath tehsil in Hamirpur district, also remained untraceable. Her brother-in-law Gulzari Lal searched for her till late on Wednesday evening across hospitals and mortuaries, but no information could be found, officials said. In another case, Kanpur resident Pooja has lost her brother-in-law Anuj Srivastava, who was travelling with her on the bus. With several passengers still unaccounted for and identification of remains pending, officials said the possibility of an increase in the death toll cannot be ruled out.
UP CM orders authorities to step up road safety measures following several crashes due to dense fog
LUCKNOW: Following the Yamuna Expressway accident, which claimed 13 lives in the Mathura stretch, UP CM Yogi Adityanath reviewed expressway safety with NHAI and state highway officials on Wednesday. He ordered stricter measures to avert any such incident in future under foggy conditions. CM directed the authorities concerned to increase patrolling, field inspections, deployment of teams at all black spots, installation of reflectors, and 247 availability of cranes and ambulances on expressways. The highway authorities in the state intensified safety measures on expressways and national highways to prevent road accidents amid dense fog conditions during the winter season. As per the senior officials, a day after multiple fog-linked crashes leading to the loss of multiple lives, across the state, the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA), the nodal authority operating key access-controlled highways including the Agra-Lucknow Expressway, Purvanchal Expressway, Bundelkhand Expressway and Gorakhpur Link Expressway, moved to put enhanced precautions in place. At least 25 people were killed and 59 were injured in a series of accidents attributed to poor visibility, with the worst incident reported from the Yamuna Expressway in Mathura, where a multi-vehicle pile-up claimed 13 lives. Four people each were killed in Basti and Unnao, while two fatalities were reported each from Meerut and Barabanki, said the officials on Wednesday. According to UPEIDA Nodal Officer Rajesh Pandey, fog-related accidents this season began on Tuesday. Most of the accidents, including those on the Purvanchal and Lucknow-Agra Expressways, were rear-end collisions caused by poor visibility. Pandey said UPEIDA was set to send a proposal to the state government soon to reduce the maximum speed limit on expressways from the current 120 kmph to 80 kmph during the fog period, which generally lasted until February 15. He said special advisories were being issued for two-wheeler riders, allowed on expressways. During fog, we request motorcyclists to halt at toll plazas. We are making arrangements for blankets and basic facilities for them, Pandey, a former IPS officer and SSP Lucknow, said. UPEIDA has also activated public address systems at all toll plazas to make real-time announcements about fog conditions ahead based on inputs from patrol teams, he said. Pamphlets containing safety guidelines, do's and don'ts, and emergency helpline numbers, including 14449, are also being distributed among commuters. Pandey reiterated that parking on expressways is strictly prohibited. Meanwhile, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has also launched a statewide drive to improve visibility and awareness among road users during winter fog. Officials said the speed limit on highways under NHAI is 100 kmph and stressed that besides fog, wrong-side driving and unauthorised entry and exit through highway cuts remain major causes of accidents. Authorities have urged motorists to drive cautiously, maintain safe distances and strictly follow advisories as dense fog conditions are expected to persist across the state in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, CM Yogi ordered the authorities to ensure safe traffic management on expressways during poor visibility. Proper arrangements should be ensured in dense fog. Street and lane lighting should be checked continuously. If any light is faulty, it should be fixed immediately. Officers should inspect to ensure no person is found sleeping in the open, the CM directed the officials at the review meeting. He also asked the local administrations to make proper arrangements for the homeless during the cold wave. The homeless should be taken to rain shelters. Blankets should be continuously distributed to the needy. Bonfires should be arranged at public places. Meanwhile, an intense cold wave is sweeping the state. The conditions are such that dew drops are falling like drizzle in the foggy weather with zero visibility. On Wednesday, 50 districts including Lucknow, Ayodhya, Prayagraj were in the grip of fog. Zero visibility was recorded in many places. Due to fog, more than 30 accidents have occurred in the last four days in the state. During this period, more than 150 vehicles collided.
I request every social media user not to support AI-generated nonsense: Sreeleela
Hyderabad: Actress Sreeleela, who is one of the top stars in the Telugu and Tamil film industries, on Wednesday urged every social media user not to support AI-generated nonsense. Taking to her Instagram page to post an emotional appeal, the actress wrote, I put my hands together and request every social media user not to Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Aviation Ivy Launches Free Career Guidance Platform for Aspiring Aviation Professionals
To address the growing need for unbiased career guidance, Aviation Ivy proudly announces its dedicated career counselling website. Aviation Ivy is designed for students and young professionals across India, seeking careers in aviation, hospitality, travel, or customer care. It is founded with the aim of providing free counselling to young aspirants and empowering them to make confident, well-informed career choices. Your Journey to a Confident Aviation Career Starts With increasing career options and limited guidance available, Aviation Ivy bridges this gap by offering expert-led personalised career counselling aligned with students interests and skills. Young students often struggle to identify the right path to achieve their goals. Aviation Ivy takes a transparent, student-first approach, offering services to help students focus on long-term career choices rather than follow job trends. It provides one-on-one counselling and training sessions, as well as detailed industry insights, all designed to help young aspirants gain clarity before committing time, energy, and resources to a particular career path. With presence across all major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Agra, Lucknow, Noida, Dehradun, and Rishikesh; Aviation Ivy is now available to all people seeking reliable career guidance from industry experts, at no cost, and is committed to helping students discover their true potential. For more information, please visit - aviationivy.com
Rahul Gandhi visits BMW Plant in Germany, calls for 'meaningful manufacturing ecosystems' in India
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday expressed concern over the decline in manufacturing in India while stressing that manufacturing is the ackbone of strong economies. The Congress leader made the remarks after visiting BMW Welt and the BMW Plant in Munich, as part of his visit to Germany. Sharing visuals of the guided tour at the manufacturing plant, Gandhi wrote in a post on Instagram, Had the chance to experience BMW's world in Munich, Germany with a guided tour of BMW Welt and the BMW Plant - an incredible look at world-class manufacturing up close. View this post on Instagram A highlight was seeing TVS's 450cc motorcycle, developed in partnership with BMW, he said, adding that it was a proud moment to see Indian engineering on display. Calling for the creation of meaningful manufacturing ecosystem in India, he said, Manufacturing is the backbone of strong economies. Sadly, in India, manufacturing is declining. For us to accelerate growth, we need to produce more - build meaningful manufacturing ecosystems, and create high-quality jobs at scale. Gandhi is visiting Germany at the invitation of the Progressive Alliance, a key group of 117 progressive parties from across the world. During his visit, Gandhi will engage with the Indian diaspora as well as meet German government ministers.
A Delhi-based 27-year-old sought psychiatric help for depression but found no relief until medical tests revealed severe Vitamin B12, D3 and magnesium deficiencies. In an Instagram post, Dr Obaidur Rahman of RML Hospital explains how hidden nutritional gaps can mimic mental health disorders. With targeted supplements and lifestyle changes, the woman recovered within months, highlighting a frequently overlooked cause of emotional and cognitive distress.
Dr Pal on Heart Health: 5 Facts That Change Everything
We often take our heart for granted until its too late. Heart disease doesnt happen overnight; it builds quietly through daily habits, stress, and lack of awareness. These eight facts, shared by cardiologist Dr Pal, highlight truths that can genuinely change how you think about heart health in his recent instagram post.
BENGALURU: The Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has taken urgent repairs due to a leak in the Cauvery 5th stage water supply project, which supplies water to some parts of Bengaluru city. There will be a disruption in the water supply to Bangalore city today (Dec. 17), said BWSSB Chairman Ram Prasat Manohar. The Chairman said, 3,000 mm diameter S-valve of the Cauvery 5th stage transmission line is leaking due to damage. The Water Board has taken up urgent repair work to prevent the said leakage and ensure smooth and uninterrupted water supply to Bengaluru city. There will be water disruption in the areas receiving Cauvery 5th stage water supply from 7 am to 10 pm and close to 110 area in the city will be halt. Areas where water supply will be disrupted: Anantpur, Doddabettahalli, Chikkabettahalli, Harohalli, Kenchanahalli, Govindpur, Vasudevapura, Manchenahalli, Kattigenahalli, Srinivasapura, Bellalli, Thirumenahalli, Chokkanahalli, Dasarahalli, Rachenahalli, Thanisandra, Challekere, Horamavu Agar, Amani Bhairathikhane, Geddalahalli, Kothanur Narayanpura, Kothanur, N Nagenahalli, Kailasanahalli, Bhairathi, Bili Shivahalli, Balagere, Bellandur Amanikere, Belathur, Chennasandra, Devarabeesanahalli, Gunjur, Agadur, Kadabisanahalli, Kayammana Agrahara, Kadogodi Plantation Kanekandya, Kumbena Agrahara, Nagondahalli, Panathur, Ramagondanahalli, Siddapur, Sorahunase, Tubarahalli, Varthur, Kalkare, Horamavu. K. Chennasandra, Varanasi, Vasantapura, Ullaal Sonnenahalli, Ganakallu, Hemmigepura, Somapura, Varasandra, Manavarthakavalu, Lingadeeranahalli, Hosahalli, Arehalli, Vaddarapalya, Uttarahalli, Subramanyapura. Gubbalala, Turahalli, Gidadakonenahalli, Alahalli, Ambalipur, Anjanapur, Basapura, Basavanpur, Begur, Bellandur, Chandrasekharpur, Dodkakalasandra, Gollahalli, Gottigere, Aralur Junasandra, Kaikondanahalli, Kalena Agrahara, Kambattahalli, Kammanahalli, Kasavanahalli, Kudalu, Parappana Agrahara, Pillaganahalli, Raghuvanahalli, Talaghattapura, Thippsandra, Vajarahalli, Yalenahalli, Bharatena Agrahara, Boganahalli, Chikkabellandur, Chikkateguru, Doddakannahalli, Doddeguru, Naganathpur, Abbigere, Chikkasandra, Shettahalli, Karihobanahalli, Andharahalli, There will be water disruption in Madarahalli, Doddabidarakallu, Lingadhiranahalli B, Herohalli, Hosahalli.
From Heartbreak to Homecoming: Prithvi Shaw's Instagram Posts On IPL 2026 Auction Go Viral
After going unsold twice at the IPL 2026 auction, Prithvi Shaw was finally bought by Delhi Capitals for Rs 75 lakh. The batter shared an emotional Instagram post calling it a return to family.
I Hope Football Has Bright Future in India: Messi After Amazing Tour
Taking to Instagram, the 38-year-old posted a one-minute highlights clip of the tour, featuring his interactions with Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor Khan and several young footballers
UP Board practical exam 2026 dates: The Board of Secondary Education, Uttar Pradesh, Prayagraj has released the schedule for the UP Board 2026 intermediate practical examinations. The exams will be conducted in two phases, with January 2930 excluded due to the UP TET written exam. Principals will oversee school-level practicals under CCTV surveillance, while marks for practicals, Yoga, Sports, and Moral Education will be uploaded online via upmsp.edu.in. Pre-Board Class XII practicals will take place during the first week of January.
Prithvi Shaw Makes Stunning U-Turn On Social Media After Being Bought By DC
Prithvi Shaw took a notable U-turn on social media as he posted a heartbreak emoticon on his Instagram story shortly after going unsold twice at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction, before...
Celebrities carry a much higher burden of responsibility
Taking to Instagram, he wrote that he would like to request all bike riders to wear helmets
Watch Instagram Reels on your TV now - these sets get the app first
Amazon Fire TV devices will be the first to have the new Instagram for TV app. Here's how to get started.
Please Save Me: Fathers Final Call To Daughter Before Dying Trapped In Bus On Yamuna Expressway
The accident occurred around 4.25 am at the 127th kilometre mark on the Agra-Noida carriageway and involved eight buses and three smaller vehicles.
Baramulla, Kishtwar Chosen for Agriculture Push Under PMDDKY
SRINAGAR: Two districts of Jammu and Kashmir, Baramulla and Kishtwar, have been selected under the newly approved Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, a six year national agriculture programme, aimed at lifting productivity in lagging agrarian regions across the country. The Union government informed the Lok Sabha that the scheme, approved by the Cabinet []
CBSE Class 10 Biology exam preparation 2026: Top tips to score high, common mistakes and more
With the CBSE Class 10 Science exam scheduled for February 25, this guide focuses on the Biology section of the paper. It explains Biologys weightage in the 80-mark theory exam, lists the key chapters to revise, and shares teacher inputs on what students commonly get wrong. It also offers practical tips on diagrams, NCERT-based preparation, keywords and answer presentation.
Renowned Malayalam actress Manju Warrier, who was married to Dileep for 17 years from 1998 to 2015, penned a lengthy note on her Instagram a week after the trial court verdict. She expressed respect for the judiciary, but also stated that the justice for the survivor remains incomplete.
Mindless snacking often stems from habit, boredom, or convenience rather than hunger. Fitness expert Raj Ganpath, via Instagram, shares three practical rules to curb snack cravings: remove junk food from your environment, pause and question whether you truly need or want a snack, and observe your eating patterns to replace habits with healthier alternatives.
Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, announced the launch of its flagshipHar Gaon RoshanCSR initiative in Chhattisgarh. The momentous inauguration was graced by the Honble Union Home Minister of India, Shri Amit Shah, marking a powerful new chapter in rural transformation.Implemented in partnership with the Government of Chhattisgarh and Bharat Cares, this initiative will bring the glow of modern, energy-efficient LED streetlights to 70 villages across the Indravati Tiger Reserve area, paving the way for safer, more vibrant communities. Signify I Har Gaon Roshan Guided by the vision of the Honble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, this milestone mirrors Indias ambition ofViksit Bharat, a developed, empowered nation.Har Gaon Roshaninitiative aids in strengthening rural infrastructure, enhances community safety, and stimulates local economic growth. Signifys expertise in sustainable lighting innovation, the Government of Chhattisgarhs rural development priorities, and Bharat Cares deep community engagement form the foundation of this powerful collaboration, blending technology, governance, and grassroots action. Honble Union Home Minister of India, Shri Amit Shah inaugurating the Har Gaon Roshan CSR initiative in Chhattisgarh Nikhil Gupta, Head of Marketing, Strategy, Government Affairs & CSR, Signify, Greater India, said, Light is more than just illumination, its an enabler of safety, opportunity, and social connection . Har Gaon Roshan in Chhattisgarh demonstrates how government, industry, and community can unite to drive inclusive progress. At Signify, wearecommitted to using the power of light to support inclusive development and contribute meaningfully to Indias journey towards aViksit Bharat, ensuring every village shines brighter . T his partnership reflects the power of collective action in creating sustainable, long-term impact. Bhomik Shah, Founder, Bharat Cares, said, Chhattisgarh, with its rich natural resources and proud tribal heritage, stands at the cusp of meaningful change. Through our collaboration with Signify and the Government of Chhattisgarh under the Har Gaon Roshan initiative, we are enabling safer communities, supporting inclusive development, and strengthening harmony between people and nature. Built on a community-first model and implemented with support from district administrations and village representatives, ensuring that every installation meets local needs and achieves maximum impact.The new LED streetlights will boost public safety, unlock extended hours for commerce and community activities using energy-efficient technology. By enhancing accessibility after dark, the initiative enables more inclusive participation in social, educational, and economic life. Across multiple states, Har Gaon Roshan has already illuminated numerous villages, underscoring Signifys unwavering dedication to rural advancement. With each installation, the company reaffirms its mission: to transform lives, one village at a time, through sustainable lighting solutions that empower communities and inspire progress. About Signify Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) is the world leader in lighting for professionals, consumers and the Internet of Things. Our Instagram . Information for investors is located on the Investor Relations page.
Gang rivalry over kabaddi tournaments leads to killing of player-promoter Rana Balachauria in Mohali
CHANDIGARH: A tussle among rival gangsters over dominance in the organisation of kabaddi tournaments in Punjab has led to the killing of 30-year-old kabaddi player-cum-promoter Kanwar Digvijay Singh alias Rana Balachauria, who was shot dead in Mohali on Sunday evening. He was killed by associates of gangsters Doni Bal and Lucky Patial. This is not the first such incident, as two well-known players of the sport have earlier been assassinated in similar circumstances. Punjab Police have identified three alleged accused, including two shooters who fired multiple rounds at Balachauria. They have been named as Aditya Kapoor alias Makhan and Karan Pathak, both residents of Amritsar, with 13 and two FIRs registered against them respectively. Police said the accused belong to the gang of Doni Bal and Lucky Patial. No arrests have been made so far. According to police, the assailants fled on the Landran road after shooting Balachauria at point-blank range in the head and face during a private kabaddi tournament in Sector 82, Mohali, at around 6 pm. The tournament had been under way for the past few days. Balachauria, who had got married around 10 to 15 days ago, was rushed to Fortis Hospital with gunshot injuries, but despite immediate clinical assessment, he was declared brought dead. The tournament was being held at a packed ground, where Punjabi singer Mankirt Aulakh was also expected to attend the evening matches to distribute prizes. Police said four rounds were fired by the two accused, who approached the victim on the pretext of taking a selfie and took him aside near the parking lot before shooting him at point-blank range. While fleeing the spot, the accused fired shots into the air to scare youths who attempted to chase them. The police have linked the deceased to jailed gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria in connection with dominance over the organisation of kabaddi tournaments. Calling it a planned attack, Senior Superintendent of Police, SAS Nagar, Harmandeep Singh Hans said, The identity of the third person has been withheld till now. The police have also zeroed in on a few individuals involved in providing shelter and logistics to the assailants. As of now, the deceased has no role or link in the Moosewala murder case. Twelve police teams have been formed to trace the alleged shooters, with two teams operating in Delhi and Amritsar. Hours after the shooting, gangster Doni Bal claimed responsibility for the killing in a Facebook post. The post read, I, Donibal, Saganpreet, Mohabbat Randhawa, Amar Khabe, Prabh Daswal, and Kaushal Chaudhary, take responsibility for the killing of Rana Balachauria during the Kabaddi Cup in Mohali. This man (Rana) was in contact with our rivals Jaggu and Lawrence. The post further stated that the Saganpreet gang is closely linked to the Bambiha or Gopi Ghanshampur factions. He had provided shelter to the killer of Sidhu Moosewala and personally looked after him. By killing Rana today, we have avenged the murder of our brother Sidhu Moosewala. This act was carried out by our brothers Makhan Amritsar and defaulter Karan, it read. The killing of Balachauria has revived memories of a similar incident three years ago, when another kabaddi player, Sandeep Nangal, was shot dead in Jalandhar district during a tournament at Mallian Kalan village. More recently, a 25-year-old kabaddi player, Teja Singh, was shot dead in broad daylight in Jagraon in October this year. Meanwhile, the Opposition Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP slammed the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government over the Mohali incident, alleging a total collapse of law and order in Punjab.
Quikzii: The New Name for Speed in the UK Market Launches 1-Hour Superfast Delivery Service
Quikzii Ltd. , a new e-commerce and quick delivery platform designed with the backing of modern technology to precisely understand and cater to the daily needs of expatriate communities in the UKincluding Malayali, Arabic, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, South Asian, African, and othershas officially commenced operations. Quikzii launches with The First Hundred free premium products for expats On the day the Quikzii website launches-that is, December 17-a special gift offer has been announced for customers. Through this gift scheme called 'The First Hundred', the first 100 customers who visit the Quikzii website on that day will receive a premium product of their choice, specially selected, completely free! This special offer will run from 11 AM to 12 PM. It is a rare opportunity for customers to win an exceptional prize within the very first hour through the Quikzii website. Quikzii is the fastest e-commerce platform in the UK, offering 1-hour superfast delivery services in select cities. It focuses on delivering fresh vegetables, fruits, high-quality meat and fish, fashion and trendy fabrics, electronics, mobile accessories, daily groceries, and all other essential products to customers' doorsteps at amazing speed. By combining high quality with ultra-fast service, Quikzii will elevate the shopping experience of UK customers to a new level. The complete product range at Quikzii is curated by understanding the food preferences and lifestyles of Kerala, South Indian, North Indian, Arabic, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan customers, as well as other diverse communities in the UK. Customers can order products with just one click via the official website quikzii.com or through the Quikzii mobile app available on the Play Store and App Store. Ordered products will be delivered to the customer's home within 1 hour. Quikzii provides a powerful platform for small-scale industries and producers to bring their own products to the market at low cost. By offering logistics, delivery, advertising, and customer support all in one place, Quikzii promises significant support for the growth of entrepreneurs. " Our mission at Quikzii is to provide customers with a faster and more reliable shopping experience while opening doors for growth to small enterprises ," said Founder and CEO Sharath Jose in response to the media . (Quikzii's communication strategy, creative concepts, and content are handled by Curiouscat Ideas India Pvt Ltd) . For more information : quikzii.com www.facebook.com/quikziiApp Insta : www.instagram.com/quikziiapp
In a shocking incident, a newly married kabaddi player and promoter Rana Balachauria was shot dead in Punjab's Mohali during a tournament, raising questions about the state law and order. A rival gang of Lawrence Bishnoi has claimed the responsibility of the attack and said it was revenge as Rana provided shelter to the killers of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala. Amid this, an Instagram reel related to the murder is being probed by the Punjab police.
Neetti Ateliier Introduces a Fresh Perspective on Jewellery Craft
Neetti Ateliier , a new-age jewellery design house rooted in structure, clarity, and uncompromising craftsmanship. Founded by Nitin Lotia and co-founded by Nidhish Lotia , Neetti Ateliier brings together visionary design, skilled karigars, and advanced technology under one roof. As a complete design house, Neetti transforms ideas into heirlooms through a process that balances craft and precision, heritage and innovation. Neetti Ateliier Born from a vision that honours tradition while fearlessly embracing the future, Neetti stands as a space where bold thinking meets refined execution. Every line, every curve, every silhouette at Neetti is intentional - shaped by experience, elevated by innovation. From traditional foundations to modern momentum, the brand creates pieces that are not styled to please, but designed to lead. Nitin Lotia and Nidhish Lotia Neettis collection highlights span three distinct yet interconnected design philosophies: Heirlooms of Faith , where jewellery becomes a sanctum, carrying the poise of idols and the serene stillness of shrines; Contemporary Silhouettes , in which classics are reimagined with fresh eyes, fearless detailing, and architectural clarity; and Natures Muse , a celebration of natures effortless elegance, translated into metal and gemstone with forms that feel both organic and intelligently refined. Neetti Ateliier Speaking about the studios philosophy, Nidhish Lotia, Director & Co-founder , says, For us, jewellery is not only an accessory but a reflection of purpose and clarity. At Neetti, we prioritise honest design and responsible craftsmanship, ensuring that every creation is thoughtfully conceived, ethically produced, and made to stand the test of time. Neetti Ateliier Neetti is known for its collaborative design-thinking approach, co-creating with clients and partners to deliver high-impact design with emotional intent. The brand is equally recognised for its scalability without compromise, maintaining consistent excellence from one-of-a-kind pieces to large-scale retail collections. With a strong focus on ethical sourcing and stringent quality checks, every component used is responsibly sourced and meticulously examined. Neetti also stands out for its bespoke jewellery - tailor-made creations engineered with precision, intention, and deep personal meaning. Looking ahead, Neetti Ateliier plans to expand to international markets. The brand aims to partner with top retailers across global markets, taking its signature design language to the world stage. www.instagram.com/neettiateliier/?hl=en
AI-Generated Clip of a Yogi Lifting Heavy Weights Without Using Hands Viral
This video is created by an Instagram user aikalaakari, who identifies as an 'AI filmmaker.
