Bank stocks lift indices ahead of RBI policy
The Indian stock markets saw an upswing fueled by the performance of banking stocks amid falling oil prices. The Sensex and Nifty enjoyed substantial rises, as market participants eagerly anticipated the upcoming Reserve Bank of India monetary policy decision. Key players like Axis Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank reported strong quarterly figures, lifting investor mood.
Jefferies favours Indian largecap stocks amid rising bond yields
Jefferies has suggested enhancing investments in large-cap stocks in India, citing their favorable valuations compared to midcaps. The brokerage has also added Kotak Mahindra Bank to its model portfolio and increased its weight in Reliance Industries. It emphasizes that large-caps present a better risk-reward scenario as earnings growth gap narrows. Meanwhile, exposure to rate-sensitive sectors has been reduced due to rising global bond yields.
Kota teen stabbed to death; 5 booked for revenge attack
Taylor Swift missed the Chiefs-Raiders game but quietly supported Dakota Johnson at her SNL birthday party before reuniting with Travis Kelce in New York.
Kotak, IndusInd, Axis Bank shares jump on strong Q2 business updates
Lenders report strong credit and deposit growth aided by FCNR(B) inflows, though analysts flag concerns over CASA momentum
Varuna Yagams Held Across Nellore Seeking Rainfall
A Varuna Yagam was also held at the Sri Rajarajeswari Ammavari Temple in Nellore Rural constituency under the guidance of MLA Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy: Reports
Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan inaugurates six Nagaravanams, calls for boosting eco-tourism
With the six new urban forests at Bapatla, Chirala, Kotappakonda, Vinukonda, Piduguralla and Macherla, developed across 304.60 hectares at a cost of 13 crore, the total Nagaravanams in the State has gone up to 25
19-yr-old detained for raping minor girl in Kota
Verity Box Office Collection Day 4: Anne Hathaway-Dakota Johnson Thriller Sees Major Drop
Verity collected Rs 42.02 lakh on Day 4, registering a 69.1% drop in India from the previous day's earnings.
Stock markets surge for 2nd day as oil drops below USD 100 per barrel
Mumbai, Oct 6 (PTI) Market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended sharply higher on Tuesday, extending their previous sessions rally, as a decline in crude oil prices below the USD 100 per barrel mark and buying in bank stocks and Reliance Industries added to investors optimism. The 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 685.34 points, or 0.95 per cent, to settle at 73,067.81. The 50-share NSE Nifty climbed 220.35 points, or 0.98 per cent, to end at 22,776.10. From the 30 Sensex firms, Trent surged the most by 12.78 per cent. Kotak Mahindra Bank, Hindustan Unilever, Reliance Industries, InterGlobe Aviation, Eternal and
Kota BTech Student Murder: Student Beaten With Sticks, Stabbed Over Old Rivalry
Kota, October 6 (Udaipur Kiran): A 19-year-old BTech student was allegedly murdered in Kota following an old rivalry. The attackers reportedly beat the student severely with sticks before stabbing him and fleeing the spot. The accused were known to the student, and the two sides had reportedly been involved in a dispute in March. Anantpura ... Read more Kota BTech Student Murder: Student Beaten With Sticks, Stabbed Over Old Rivalry
Verity Makes a Stunned Box Office Debut With $62M Worldwide Opening Weekend
The cinematic adaptation of Colleen Hoovers bestselling novel Verity has made a powerful splash at the global box office. Starring Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson, the erotic psychological thriller pulled in an impressive $62 million globally during its opening weekend, comfortably surpassing initial industry projections. In North America, the film raked in a spectacular $32 [] The post Verity Makes a Stunned Box Office Debut With $62M Worldwide Opening Weekend appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Indian banks face a Q2 paradox: FCNR boosts loan growth but margins shrink
Indian banks are heading into the Q2 earnings season with strong loan growth, helped by FCNR(B) deposit inflows, but margins are likely to remain under pressure. Analysts expect healthy earnings growth on lower credit costs and stable asset quality, while favouring large private banks such as HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank.
Domestic banks tighten grip on equity deals as fundraising surges
Kotak Mahindra Capital Co. reclaimed the top position after working on 45 deals through the end of September, capturing a 9.5% market share
North Dakota governors residence project uncovers seven coffins and human remains
Banks vs NBFCs: Which stocks could benefit as RBI set to hike rates for the first time in 3 years?
The RBIs expected first rate hike in three years could have a mixed impact on banks and NBFCs. While higher funding costs may pressure NBFC margins, lenders with floating-rate assets and strong liquidity could benefit. Brokerages favour HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Bajaj Finance and Tata Capital.
KK Line Landslide Crisis: 14 Days On, Train Services Remain Disrupted
Fourteen days after a severe depression triggered massive landslides along the strategic Kotavalasa-Kirandul (KK) railway line, train services remain completely paralysed, causing immense hardship to passengers across the region. The calamity struck between the Maliguda and Chhatriput stations near Jayapur, where massive chunks of earth collapsed from the hillsides, severely damaging both the up and [] The post KK Line Landslide Crisis: 14 Days On, Train Services Remain Disrupted appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Indian banks' Q2FY27 earnings seen rising 11%; FCNR deposits may weigh on margins: Kotak
Indian banks are projected to see an 11 percent year-on-year growth in earnings for the second quarter of FY27. The report anticipates that private sector banks will perform better than public sector banks during this period. Deposit growth is supported by significant FCNR inflows, which may temporarily decrease net interest margins. The outlook for asset quality remains stable, with no major signs of deterioration reported.
IIIT Kota Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online
Indian Institute of Information Technology Kota (IIIT Kota) Recruitment 2026 for 1 post of Junior Research Fellow (JRF). Candidates Can Apply Online. The last date to apply online is 03-11-2026. The candidate shall apply online through IIIT Kota official website.
How Jefferies is reshuffling its portfolio as soaring bond yields give Nifty bulls sleepless nights
Jefferies is favouring largecaps as rising bond yields pressure Indian equities, citing relatively attractive valuations and a narrowing earnings gap with midcaps. The brokerage has added Kotak Mahindra Bank and Reliance Industries to its preferred portfolio.
Kotak Mahindra Bank jumps 3.7% after strong Q2 loan, deposit data
The stock opened at 422, touched a high of 434.40 and has seen traded volumes of 153.20 lakh shares worth 658.94 crore so far in the session
Stock markets trade higher, led by bank stocks, Reliance Industries
Of the 30 Sensex firms, Trent surged over 11%. Kotak Mahindra Bank, Axis Bank, Hindustan Unilever, Reliance Industries and InterGlobe Aviation were also among the winners
Stock markets trade higher led by bank stocks, Reliance Industries
Mumbai, Oct 6 (PTI) Market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty climbed in early trade on Tuesday, extending their previous sessions rally, aided by buying in bank stocks, Reliance Industries and positive global cues. The 30-share BSE Sensex advanced 120.22 points to 72,535.41 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty was up 47.15 points to 22,603.10. From the 30 Sensex firms, Trent surged over 11 per cent. Kotak Mahindra Bank, Axis Bank, Hindustan Unilever, Reliance Industries and InterGlobe Aviation were also among the winners. Tech Mahindra, ITC, Mahindra & Mahindra and Infosys were among the laggards. Indian equity markets are expected
Last line of defence! How 7 Nifty stocks survived the markets two-month bloodbath
In an unprecedented downturn, the Nifty has faced its longest losing streak in 25 years, sliding for over eight weeks as foreign investors withdrew significant funds from Indian equities. Despite this market decline in September, seven stocks, led by Kotak Mahindra Bank and Dr Reddy's Laboratories, demonstrated resilience. Particularly, Kotak Mahindra Bank's performance is linked to robust analyst endorsements and optimism surrounding the banking sector's recovery.
Kotak Mahindra Bank shares in focus as Q2 net advances rise 25% YoY, deposits up 23%
Kotak Mahindra Banks net advances rose nearly 25% YoY to 5.77 lakh crore in Q2 FY27, up 13% sequentially from 5.12 lakh crore. The strong loan growth could keep the stock in focus.
Kotak Bank Share Price Highlights: Kotak Bank Stock Price History
Kotak launches Nifty 500 Index Fund, lets you invest in top 500 companies, check subscription dates
Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company has launched a new equity index fund for investors. The company has introduced the 'Kotak Nifty 500 Index Fund'. This open-ended scheme will track the Nifty 500 Index. The new fund offer (NFO) opened for subscription on October 5, 2026, and will conclude on October 19, 2026.
Stock ideas for today: Kotak Sec is bullish on HAL & one more stock
Kotak Securities recommends 'Add' on Hindustan Aeronautics and 'Buy' on Honasa Consumer, citing strong order visibility and margin expansion for both the companies.
Stocks in news: Vedanta, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Marico, Axis Bank, Trent and Zydus Lifesciences
Indian equity markets showed signs of recovery on Monday after softer-than-expected US jobs data was released. The Nifty 50 index ended the session up, suggesting improved investor confidence. Investors are watching key corporate updates from companies like Vedanta and Kotak Mahindra Bank for future trends. Firms reported various operational advancements and financial performance improvements for the quarter. The overall sentiment in the market remains cautiously optimistic amid external economic influences.
Kanpur chess players win big at Kota FIDE tournament
Contractual worker caught taking bribe for PMAY funds in Kota
Kota maternal death families seek inquiry reports after doctors reinstated
Taylor Swift SNL Cameo: One joke revealed the truth about her friendship With Dakota Johnson
Dakota Johnson was hosting Saturday Night Live for the third time. During her monologue, she looked back at her dating life and the musicians she had been linked to. She joked that she often left concerts with a relationship instead of merchandise. Johnson then said her closest friends never judged her decisions. Right on cue, Swift walked onto the stage.
Rajasthan: ACB arrests contractual employee in bribery trap
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Oct 5 (IANS) Acting on the directions of the ACB Headquarters, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Kota unit, conducted a trap operation on Monday and arrested Akhilesh Meena, a contractual employee of the Kota Municipal Corporation, red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000. Meanwhile, another accused contractual employee, Naresh Verma, fled the spot after sensing the trap operation. Efforts to locate and apprehend him are underway. Govind Gupta, Director General of Police, Anti-Corruption Bureau, stated that the complainant had lodged a complaint with Vijay Swarnkar, Additional Superintendent of Police, ACB Kota. The complainant alleged that Akhilesh Meena and Naresh Verma, both contractual employees of the Kota Municipal Corporation, were demanding a bribe from the first instalment of Rs 50,000 sanctioned for house construction under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). They allegedly threatened to withhold approval of subsequent instalments if the bribe was not paid. Following the complaint, verification of the alleged bribe demand was conducted on October 1, 2026. During verification, it was confirmed that Akhilesh Meena had allegedly demanded Rs 10,000, while Naresh Verma had allegedly demanded Rs 5,000. After confirmation of the demand, the ACB conducted a trap operation on Monday under the supervision of Omprakash Meena, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Kota Range, and the direction of Vijay Swarnkar, Additional Superintendent of Police, ACB Kota. The operation was led by Anish Ahmed, Deputy Superintendent of Police. During the operation, Akhilesh Meena, a contractual employee of the Kota Municipal Corporation, was arrested red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000 from the complainant outside the Kota Municipal Corporation premises. Meanwhile, Naresh Verma fled the spot after becoming aware of the trap operation. The ACB team is conducting searches to locate and apprehend him. Interrogation of the arrested accused, Akhilesh Meena, and further proceedings are under way under the supervision of Smita Srivastava, Additional Director General of Police, ACB, and S. Parimala, Inspector General of Police, ACB. The ACB will register a case under the relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and undertake further investigation. Efforts to locate and arrest the absconding accused, Naresh Verma, are continuing. The ACB stated that if a case, including a formal complaint or preliminary enquiry, has been registered against an individual, the concerned person may contact the ACB directly to present their side or submit an explanation. As part of its standard operating procedure, the ACB takes decisions regarding investigation only after a detailed examination of any explanation submitted.
Arijit Singh announces 9-city India Tour 2027 to mark 20 years in music
Arijit Singh has announced his biggest-ever India tour, which will take him across nine cities between January and May 2027. The tour will mark 20 years of his journey in the music industry and bring his music to audiences across some of the countrys large-scale venues. Titled Kotak Solitaire presents Arijit Singh India Tour 2027 powered by Visa, the tour will begin in Ahmedabad on January 9 and conclude in Hyderabad on May 15. The singer will also perform in Chandigarh, Jaipur, Mumbai, Bengaluru, New Delhi, Pune and Indore. Produced and promoted by Team Innovation, the tour will feature multiple stadium-scale presentations. Tickets will be available exclusively through thumpN. The performances are expected to feature songs from different phases of Arijit Singhs career, covering the music that has connected with listeners over the years. The production will include a multi-tiered stage with an extended runway, allowing the singer to perform closer to different sections of the audience. The shows will also feature 360-degree spatial audio, LED fixtures, panoramic screens, laser arrays and pyrotechnics. Speaking about the tour, Arijit Singh said, 20 years of music is a journey I feel very grateful for. The greatest part of it has always been the people - the listeners who have given these songs a life of their own. Im really looking forward to travelling across India and experiencing that love together, live on stage. There are so many songs, so many memories and so many people to meet. I cant wait. Mohit Bijlani, Founder, Team Innovation, said, We take immense pride in presenting a nationwide tour of this magnitude to audiences across the country. Bringing Indias most loved voice to so many cities is a deeply meaningful milestone for our team. It is a genuine tribute to an extraordinary musical legacy, and we are thrilled to create an unprecedented live event. Every single detail of this journey is being designed to world-class standards, offering fans a live experience at a scale never seen before in his home country. Varun Khare, CEO, thumpN, said, There are very few artists whose announcement can make an entire country stop and ask one question: When do the tickets go on sale? Arijit Singh is one of them. His music has an extraordinary ability to bring people together - and we expect these shows to be exactly that. Thousands of people singing the same words, at the same time, in the same place. For thumpN, being the ticketing platform for this tour is a privilege. Our job is to make sure that getting from I need to be there to actually being there in the moment is as seamless as possible. Were incredibly excited to bring this experience to fans across all 9 cities. Alaap Gosher, CEO & Co-Founder, TM Ventures, said, This tour has been an exciting opportunity to bring together the experience and expertise of the people weve worked with for over 13 years with a fresh team of creative minds and new perspectives. Theres something powerful about combining deep knowledge of the artist and his live journey with a new generation of creative thinking. With an artist like Arijit, the ambition has always been to keep evolving the live experience, and this time we wanted to challenge ourselves to look at the show through a completely fresh lens - bringing new ideas and approaches while staying rooted in what makes his connection with audiences so unique. Its been an incredible journey of combining experience with fresh thinking to build something that feels both familiar and completely new, and we cant wait for audiences across India to experience it. Gaurav Ramdev, Head Of Marketing, India And South Asia, Visa, said, Music has an incredible power to connect people, and Arijit Singh's journey over the past 20 years reflects that beautifully. At Visa, we believe in being present wherever our cardholders want to be, whether that's an everyday purchase or a once-in-a-lifetime moment. This tour represents millions of fans coming together to celebrate songs that have become the soundtrack to their lives, and we're proud to help make those moments possible. Because at Visa, we don't just enable transactions, we power the extraordinary moments that move people. The Kotak Solitaire Visa Credit Card pre-sale will begin on October 10, 2026, at 12 PM and continue until October 11 at 2 PM. The pre-sale for all Kotak Visa Credit Cards will run from October 11 at 12 PM to October 13 at 2 PM. The general sale will begin on October 13 at 2 PM onwards. Also Read : Arijit Singh voices Main Na Raha Mera title track featuring Adhyayan Suman and Divita Rai
Kotak Mahindra Banks net advances climb 25% YoY to Rs 5.77 lakh crore; deposits grow 23% in Q2
Kotak Mahindra Banks net advances rose 24.7% year-on-year to Rs 5,77,094 crore by September 30, 2026, while total deposits increased 23.2% to Rs 6,51,491 crore. CASA deposits grew 11.3%, according to provisional data disclosed by the lender.
Kotak eyes doubling SME portfolio to 2.5 lakh crore in three years
The private-sector bank sees a Rs 28 lakh crore untapped credit opportunity; combines funding, digital solutions and IIT-led AI training programmes to deepen entrepreneurs engagement
Arijit Singh to embark on nationwide tour starting January 2027 celebrating his 20 years in music
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 5 (IANS) Playback singer Arijit Singh, who has completed 2 decades in the business, has announced a 9-city stadium-scale India Tour from January 2027 to May 2027. The tour will span cities like Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Mumbai, Bengaluru, New Delhi, Pune, Indore and Hyderabad. Talking about the show, Arijit Singh said in a statement, 20 years of music is a journey I feel very grateful for. The greatest part of it has always been the people, the listeners who have given these songs a life of their own. He further mentioned, Im really looking forward to travelling across India and experiencing that love together, live on stage. There are so many songs, so many memories and so many people to meet. I cant wait. The experience will feature 360-degree spatial audio, kinetic LED fixtures, panoramic screens, laser arrays and stadium-scale pyrotechnics, with a live production designed to immerse fans in the experience. Mohit Bijlani, Founder, Team Innovation, said, We take immense pride in presenting a nationwide tour of this magnitude to audiences across the country. Bringing Indias most loved voice to so many cities is a deeply meaningful milestone for our team. It is a genuine tribute to an extraordinary musical legacy, and we are thrilled to create an unprecedented live event. Every single detail of this journey is being designed to world-class standards, offering fans a live experience at a scale never seen before in his home country. The tour is presented by Kotak Solitaire, and produced and promoted by Team Innovation. Varun Khare, CEO, thumpN said, There are very few artists whose announcement can make an entire country stop and ask one question:,When do the tickets go on sale? Arijit Singh is one of them. His music has an extraordinary ability to bring people together, and we expect these shows to be exactly that. Thousands of people singing the same words, at the same time, in the same place. For thumpN, being the ticketing platform for this tour is a privilege> Our job is to make sure that getting from I need to be there to actually being there in the moment is as seamless as possible. Were incredibly excited to bring this experience to fans across all 9 cities, he added.
Kota maternal deaths: Clean chit to suspended doctors raises fresh questions
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Oct 5 (IANS) Questions are mounting over accountability in the Kota maternal deaths case after senior doctors, suspended following the deaths of several new mothers and kidney failure among other women, were reinstated. The doctors had faced action amid findings of serious treatment and protocol lapses, but enquiry committees set up by the Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma-led Rajasthan government, have now reportedly given them a clean chit, raising a crucial question: If there was no negligence, why were they suspended and if serious lapses did occur, who is responsible? The sequence has triggered a fundamental question in Rajasthan: If there was no medical negligence, why were senior doctors suspended in the first place and if serious lapses were identified, who is accountable for the deaths and debilitating complications suffered by the patients? The Kota maternal death case has once again come under scrutiny following the reinstatement of three senior doctors of Kota Medical College including Dr. B.L. Patidar, Dr. Khushbu Meena and Dr. Navneet Kumar. The three were suspended in May after the deaths of new mothers and reports of kidney failure among other post-delivery patients. Four enquiry committees from Kota, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Delhi have now reportedly found no medical negligence attributable to the doctors, paving the way for their reinstatement. However, the clean chit has opened more questions than it has closed. The government's initial response in May was unequivocal. Inspections and preliminary enquiries reportedly flagged failures in treatment protocols, absence of senior doctors in the post-gynaecology ward, problems inside the operation theatre, sanitation concerns and questions surrounding medicines and emergency facilities. On May 11, Medical Department Principal Secretary, Gayatri Rathore, reportedly acknowledged that a preliminary enquiry had found shortcomings in adherence to protocols in the operation theatre. Dr. B.L. Patidar and Dr. Khushbu Meena were suspended over alleged negligence in treatment and supervision. Action was also initiated against nursing staff and hospital officials. Now, months later, the doctors have been cleared. That is the question the government must answer publicly. The initial investigation had reportedly thrown up a disturbing list of issues. Excessive fluids and antibiotics were allegedly administered to women after childbirth. Dampness and fungal growth were found in the post-gynaecology ward and Operation Theatre. Questions were also raised over alleged fumigation before culture samples were collected. Culture samples from the ward and OT reportedly failed twice. On May 11, when the condition of a patient identified as Pinky deteriorated, an ambulance equipped with a ventilator was reportedly unavailable. Another inspection on May 17 reportedly found filth and fungal growth in the gynaecology ward. Then, on May 26, the Drug Department reportedly found an Oxytocin injection sample to be substandard. Yet the final outcome has now cleared the three suspended doctors of medical negligence. For the families of the five women who died, the controversy is not an administrative file. For women such as Ragini Meena, Aarti, Dhanni, Pinky and Sushila, who reportedly suffered kidney failure after childbirth, the consequences continue. The women have demanded that the government make the enquiry committee and forensic reports public and explain what caused their kidney failure. They reportedly remain dependent on dialysis and have described severe physical and psychological distress, including episodes of temporary vision loss. Their demand is simple: Tell them what happened and who is responsible. The investigation is not entirely over. Samples of nine medical devices from the new hospital were reportedly sent to a laboratory in Kolkata for testing. Their reports are still awaited. That makes the government's responsibility to maintain transparency even more important. Patients' relatives said that the government cannot allow the issue to end with the reinstatement of three doctors. If the doctors were wrongly suspended, the government must explain why such serious action was taken on the basis of the initial findings. If the initial findings were correct and there were genuine failures in treatment, hospital management, sanitation, medicines, emergency response or adherence to protocols, then who will be held accountable, they added. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Chief Secretary V. Srinivas recently directed officials to strengthen emergency transportation arrangements for pregnant women, particularly those with high-risk pregnancies. Officials have been asked to improve coordination between maternal healthcare services and ambulance operations and regularly review ambulance utilisation. The measures are important, but they do not answer the central question arising from Kota. Five women died. Others were left facing prolonged kidney treatment. Doctors were suspended, then reinstated. Reports remain pending. The Rajasthan government now owes the patients, their families and the public a clear answer as relatives of new moms, who have left their kids orphaned due to system failure, ask who ultimately, is responsible for the maternal deaths.
$100/barrel crude on screen, $145/barrel in physical market: Kotak Securities sees two prices
Crude oils physical market price could reach nearly $145 a barrel even if benchmark prices show $100, as soaring VLCC shipping costs widen the gap, Kotak Securities Anindya Banerjee said. He expects India to remain protected by ample refining capacity and diversified supplies, while predicting RBI rate hikes in October and December as liquidity remains abundant.
Taylor Swift plays Dakota Johnson's therapist in surprise SNL cameo
Taylor Swift made a surprise appearance on Saturday Night Live during Dakota Johnsons opening monologue, joking about the actors dating life and calling out her weekly therapy sessions at Swifts home. Swift later returned with a birthday cake for Johnson
One Drunken Order, 128 Years in Chains: The Story of Pakistan
A banyan tree in Landi Kotal, Pakistan, has remained chained to the ground for more than a century under a bizarre colonial-era arrest order, with a sign declaring, I am under arrest. According to a long-running local account, the unusual incident dates back to 1898, when the region was under British rule. British Army officer [] The post One Drunken Order, 128 Years in Chains: The Story of Pakistans Prisoner Tree appeared first on Northlines .
A banyan tree in Landi Kotal, Pakistan, has remained chained to the ground since 1898, when a reportedly intoxicated British officer, James Squid, allegedly believed the tree was moving towards him and ordered it to be arrested. A board still reads I am under arrest. Passed down through generations and reported by media, the bizarre colonial-era story has since become a symbol of British authority in the region.
Kotak Bank Share Price Live Updates: Kotak Bank Stock Details
Verity Box Office Collection Day 2: Anne Hathaway-Dakota Johnson Starrer Sees Dip In India Earnings
Directed by Michael Showalter and starring Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson, Verity collected Rs 1.49 crore on Day 2, witnessing a 9.2% drop in India.
On the occasion of National Anti-Drug Addiction Day and the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) Rajasthan Unit organised a series of Awareness Programmes in opium cultivation areas to sensitise cultivators and local communities about the harmful effects of drug abuse and promote the message of a drug-free India. An awareness session on drug abuse and its adverse effects was organised at the University of Kota under Operation Yuva Raksha by the Central Bureau of Narcotics, Kota. The session was attended by Murlidhar Pratihar, Registrar, University of Kota, NSS Head Shweta, and faculty members; students were also present. During the session, the Chief Guest Naresh Bundel, Deputy Narcotics Commissioner, Kota, interacted with the students and explained how even intelligent and well-informed individuals can be influenced through manipulation, peer pressure and social conditioning. Through practical examples, presentations and videos, he explained the c...
Taylor Swift surprises Dakota Johnson on SNL
3 passive mutual fund NFOs to open on Monday. Check key details
Three passive mutual fund NFOs from JioBlackRock, Kotak and HDFC will open for subscription on October 5 and close on October 19. Here are their investment categories, minimum application amounts and other key details.
Mathura-Sawai Madhopur Passenger Cancelled for Two Days, Nizamuddin-Indore Special Diverted
Bharatpur, October 4, 2026: Train services on the Kota division will be affected due to yard remodelling work at Mathura and Bhuteshwar stations on the Palwal-Mathura railway section under the Agra division. According to information issued by the Railways, two passenger trains will remain cancelled on specified dates, while the Hazrat Nizamuddin-Indore Special will operate ... Read more Mathura-Sawai Madhopur Passenger Cancelled for Two Days, Nizamuddin-Indore Special Diverted
Kota doctors reinstated after probes find no negligence
Bhupalpally: Trainee Group-I, II Officers Visit Historic Kotagullu Temple Complex
The officers learnt about the historical significance of the temple complex and appreciated its architectural style and intricate stone carvings.
Gujarat: Ahmedabad railway division records Rs 852 crore revenue in Sep
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Oct 3 (IANS) The Ahmedabad division of Western Railway recorded its highest-ever monthly passenger revenue of Rs 208.60 crore in September this year, helping the division earn around Rs 852 crore from freight, passenger and parcel operations during the month. Passenger earnings rose 34.54 per cent from Rs 155.05 crore in September 2025 to Rs 208.60 crore this September, while freight revenue increased 6.88 per cent to Rs 636.08 crore from Rs 595.16 crore a year earlier. Parcel revenue stood at Rs 7.40 crore, registering a 20 per cent increase over the previous year. Divisional Railway Manager Ved Prakash congratulated officers and employees of the commercial, operations and other concerned departments and appreciated their continued efforts behind the performance. Freight operations saw several new records during the month. Western Carriers India Pvt. Ltd. at Devaliya recorded its best monthly freight revenue of Rs 4.87 crore, surpassing its previous high of Rs 4.55 crore in July 2026. Naliya Goods Shed recorded Rs 4.75 crore against its previous best of Rs 3.96 crore, while Samakhiyali Goods Shed registered Rs 8.64 crore, exceeding its earlier record of Rs 8.49 crore recorded in March. Kandla Port Goods Shed was notified as a Container Rail Terminal for container traffic from September 30 and is set to operate round the clock. Naroda Goods Shed was notified from September 16 as an alternative goods shed for Kankaria. The division also expanded freight business to new commodities, destinations and customers. Shri Renuka Sugar Ltd loaded five rakes of sugar in BCN wagons from Gandhidham to different destinations, generating Rs 2.85 crore in additional revenue. Three rakes of imported steam coal loaded by DB Tradelink Pvt. Ltd. from Kandla Port Dock Rail Terminal to Dadhdevi in Kota Division generated Rs 2.12 crore. Railhaul Logistics Pvt. Ltd. operated three mini rakes of mixed commodities from Kankaria to Mirza in Rangiya Division, generating Rs 97.18 lakh. Two mini rakes of imported fertiliser were loaded by Shri Khaitan Chemicals & Fertilisers Ltd. At the same time, Threeline Logistics & Shipping Pvt. Ltd. operated a rake of bamboo pulp from Kandla Port Dock Rail Terminal to Bamanheri, generating Rs 29.53 lakh. In the parcel segment, an e-auction held on September 16 and 17 resulted in the successful leasing of four assets. The contracts are expected to generate Rs 3.61 crore over three years, including around Rs 61 lakh during 2026-27. Passenger services were also augmented to handle festival and fair-related demand. Asarva-Khedbrahma Mela Special trains were operated from September 21 to October 1 for the Bhadarvi Poonam fair. The AhmedabadDarbhanga Special was extended up to November 27 to cater to the Diwali and Chhath Puja rush, while the Ahmedabad-Mumbai Central TOD Special was operated from September 10 to November 26 for the Navratri, Diwali and Chhath Puja period. A total of 25 special train trips were operated, benefiting around 36,000 passengers and generating Rs 3.02 crore in passenger revenue. Ticket-checking drives during the month resulted in 475 cases during three fortress checks, 375 cases during two ambush checks and 1,557 cases during nine special fortress checks. Fines of Rs 4.56 lakh, Rs 3.50 lakh and Rs 16.54 lakh, respectively, were collected; around 160 anti-littering cases resulted in Rs 1.27 lakh in fines. In contrast, 16 anti-smoking cases led to another Rs 32,000 being collected. The division also continued to expand its freight and logistics infrastructure. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the Shivalakha Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal (GCT) and dedicated the Bhimasar, Devaliya and Chandisar GCTs to the nation on September 15. He also laid the foundation stone for the Linch GCT. On the occasion, India's first stainless steel salt container train was flagged off from Shivalakha to Mithapur. The newly constructed Gopalpur railway station was also inaugurated, eliminating the need for engine reversal at Gandhidham for trains operating between Ahmedabad and Bhuj. Train No. 22829 Bhuj-Shalimar Express was also provided a new scheduled halt at Anjar station.
NCLT admits insolvency plea by Kotak Mahindra Bank against Unity Realty
Kotak Mahindra Bank's insolvency petition against Unity Realty and Developers has been admitted by the NCLT. The petition was filed due to a claimed default of 68.49 crore, which dates back to September 2023. Unity Realty is a corporate guarantor for financial facilities availed by Unity Infraprojects, which faced financial difficulties leading to the current situation.
Naidu govt abandoned drought-hit farmers of Rayalaseema: YSRCP
Digital Desk | Tadepalli, Oct 2 (IANS) Former minister Kurasala Kannababu and YSRCP State General Secretary Gadikota Srikanth Reddy on Friday alleged that the coalition government had abandoned drought-hit farmers in Rayalaseema while spending heavily on publicity under the banner of Rising Rayalaseema and the proposed Rs 1 lakh crore horticulture hub. Kannababu alleged that the government delayed the declaration of drought despite conditions becoming severe much earlier and described the Madanapalle horticulture programme as another event-management exercise. He said the 2026-27 Budget allocated only Rs 1,123 crore to the Horticulture Department and just Rs 200 crore for the proposed hub. He also claimed that there was no clarity on private investors, the proposed Rs 60,000 crore private investment or the claimed World Bank funding. Kannababu compared the announcement with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidus earlier publicity surrounding projects such as Hyperloop, bullet trains, seaplanes, Airbus, Lockheed, Alibaba data centres and other proposals that, according to him, failed to materialise. He said Rayalaseema was facing severe drought, with 186 of the 388 drought-declared mandals located in the region and 159 of the 283 severely drought-affected mandals also situated there. According to Kannababu, rainfall deficits between June and September stood at 63.1 per cent in Annamayya district, 56.6 per cent in Sri Sathya Sai district, 47.3 per cent in Chittoor district, 46 per cent in YSR Kadapa district, 42 per cent in Kurnool district and 42.2 per cent in Nandyal district. He alleged that nearly seven lakh borewells had dried up by August, while mango and citrus orchards were withering and farmers were relying on tankers to save plantations. Srikanth Reddy alleged that the government had no contingency plan despite severe rainfall deficits and widespread crop distress. He claimed that tomato prices had fallen to Rs 30-Rs 40 per 15-kg box, while chilli, onion, banana, citrus and mango growers were also struggling due to non-remunerative prices. He alleged that farmers were drilling borewells up to 800 feet without finding water and that crop insurance, input subsidy and fodder support had been neglected. The YSRCP leaders demanded an immediate reassessment of drought-hit mandals, rescheduling of crop loans, restoration of free crop insurance, input subsidy, fodder support, compensation of Rs 25,000 per acre for damaged crops and Rs 15,000 per acre for unsown land. They said the government should stop publicity-driven events and immediately announce a comprehensive drought-relief programme for Rayalaseema farmers. Meanwhile, former minister Sake Sailajanath accused Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu of misleading Rayalaseema farmers over the proposed Horticulture Hub. He alleged that crops were drying up while the government was engaged in celebrations and claimed that the proposed Rs 1 lakh crore Horticulture Hub had no budgetary allocation. Sailajanath further alleged that the project could result in the transfer of farmers land to corporate entities and reduce farmers to labourers on their own land.
HDFC, Kotak Get Their Anups: Same Roots, But Very Different Challenges
Two of the country's biggest private banks -- HDFC and Kotak -- picked new chiefs on the same day. Both are named Anup. Both are Bengali.
Sujit Kalakal Defeats Olympic Champion Kotaro Kiyuka to Reach Asian Games Final
Sujit Kalakal secures a spot in the Asian Games final by defeating Olympic champion Kotaro Kiyuka in an intense semifinal match. Sujit Kalakal Defeats Olympic Champion Kotaro Kiyuka to Reach Asian Games Final
India's men's recurve team defeated Iran 6-0 to enter the final, while wrestler Sujeet Kalkal stunned reigning Olympic champion and home favourite Kotaro Kiyooka to reach the men's freestyle 65kg gold medal bout. Dhiraj Bommadevara, Neeraj Chauhan and Yashdeep Bhoge produced a dominant performance against Iran in the semifinal, winning all three sets to book their place in the gold medal contest against South Korea, according to ESPN. India began strongly, taking the opening set 58-53 after posting scores of 9, 10 and 10 in the first half and repeating the same combination in the second rotation. The Indian trio then extended their advantage by winning the second set 56-53. Neeraj and Yashdeep shot 9s before Dhiraj finished with a 10 to give India a 4-0 lead. Iran put up a stronger challenge in the third set, leading 29-28 at the halfway stage. However, India responded effectively, with Neeraj shooting a 10, Yashdeep a 9 and Dhiraj a 9 to finish on 56, while Iran ended on 55. India's v...
Asian Games: Sujeet enters 65kg freestyle wrestling final; Dipanshi to play for women's 50kg bronze
Digital Desk | Nagoya, Oct 2 (IANS) Asian Championships gold medallist freestyle wrestler Sujeet Kalkal sailed into the men's 65kg final after beating reigning Olympic champion Japan's Kotaro Kiyooka on Friday. Sujeet came from 0-2 down to defeat Olympic champion and home favourite Kotaro 3-3 on criteria in a thrilling semi-final, producing the biggest victory of his career. Sujeet will play for the gold medal against Abdulmazhid Kudiev of Tajikistan later in the day. A U23 world champion, Sujeet began his campaign with a 13-3 technical superiority win over Sayed Omar Zazai of Afghanistan in the pre-quarterfinal bout. Zazai got three points on Sujeet early in the round of 16 bout. But Sujeet settled down and got on board with a step-out. He then scored a four-pointer, a go-behind and an exposure to lead 9-3 before he completed a 13-3 win to move into the quarterfinals. Sujeet then booked his spot in the semifinal against Olympic champion Kotaro after a 10-0 win over Abbas Ebrahimzadeh. He began with an arm throw before scoring exposure points twice and two go-behinds as well to complete the win. In the semifinal against Kotaro, the Japanese wrestler scored two quick points to lead 2-0. But Sujeet made back-to-back scoring moves and held a 4-2 lead. After a review, Sujeet's total was down to 3, but he was still leading. Kiyooka then tied the contest 3-3, and Sujeet went through to the final, as he had a bigger-scoring move than the Japanese. In the mens 125kg freestyle, Ruhal went down 3-8 to Kazakhstans U20 world champion Yedige Kassimbek in the opening round. In the women's wrestling, India has had a difficult start as Priya Malik and Dipanshi (50 kg) both lost their opening bouts. Priya lost to world silver medallist Aiperi Medet Kyzy of Kyrgyzstan in the opening bout at 76kg. Priya made it 2-1 in the second period, but Medet Kyzy worked hard on a takedown to lead 4-1. Priya went for the big throw at the end but Medet Kyzy fell on top and got the pin. Meanwhile, Tokyo Olympics champion and home favourite Yui Ssaki of Japan got her campaign for a first Asian Games gold to go with her four Asian titles off to a hot start, knocking off Indian youngster Dipanshi 11-0. Susaki then needed just 44 seconds to book her place in the semifinals with a 10-0 TSU win, whitewashing Samnang Dit of Cambodia. The four-time world champion then defeated Zeinep Bayanova of Kazakhstan to enter the final. Meanwhile, with Susaki reaching the finals, Dipanshi got a revival as she entered the repechage round and earned a chance to fight for a bronze. In the repechage against Cambodia's Samnang Dit, Dipanshi registered a technical superiority (10-0) and will play for a bronze medal against Zeinep Bayanova of Kazakhstan.
Growth, deposits and faster decisions await new CEO Anup Saha at Kotak Bank
Kotak Mahindra Bank has picked insider Anup Saha as its next chief executive officer, signalling continuity but with a sharper focus on growth, retail lending and faster execution.
Two Anups, two IIT-IIM alumni: HDFC Bank, Kotak Mahindra get new CEOs
RBI Approves Anup Bagchi As MD, CEO Of HDFC Bank; Anup Saha For Kotak Bank
RBI approves Anup Bagchi as HDFC Bank MD and CEO and Anup Kumar Saha as Kotak Mahindra Bank MD and CEO.
HDFC Bank appoints Anup Bagchi as next MD & CEO, to take charge on Oct 27
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 1 (IANS) HDFC Bank has appointed Anup Bagchi as its next Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer after receiving approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), according to a stock exchange filing on Thursday. Bagchi, currently the MD and CEO of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, will assume charge on October 27, 2026, following the completion of incumbent MD and CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan's tenure on October 26. Jagdishan had chosen not to seek reappointment for another term. The Board of Directors of the Bank, based on the recommendation of the Governance, Nomination and Remuneration Committee, at its meeting held today i.e. October 1, 2026 approved the following: a. appointment of Anup Bagchi as an Additional Director of the Bank w.e.f. October 2, 2026 till the date of approval of the shareholders as per the provisions of Companies Act, 2013. b. appointment of Anup Bagchi as the MD & CEO of the Bank on such terms and conditions including remuneration, as approved by the RBI, for a period of 3 (three) years with effect from October 27, 2026, subject to approval of the shareholders as per the provisions of Companies Act, 2013, the private lender said. The appointment marks a key leadership transition at India's largest private sector lender. Earlier, HDFC Bank had submitted two names to the RBI for consideration for the top position: Anup Bagchi and the bank's Deputy Managing Director Kaizad Bharucha. In its filing, the bank also announced Bagchi's appointment as an Additional Director with effect from October 2, 2026, subject to shareholders' approval in accordance with the Companies Act, 2013. The RBI has approved both his appointment and remuneration under Section 35B of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. The development comes amid a broader reshuffle in the banking sector's top leadership. Earlier in the day, Kotak Mahindra Bank announced the appointment of Anup Kumar Saha as its new MD and CEO. HDFC Bank shares ended 1.76 per cent higher at Rs 721.20 on the NSE ahead of the announcement, reflecting positive investor sentiment as the bank prepares for its next phase of leadership under Bagchi.
The Trump administration has begun sending $500 Obamacare refund checksto nearly 1 million Americans across 30 states in October 2026. The states to receive Obamacare refunds are: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
CRICKET | Kotak raves about Gills hunger for big scores
Questions to Ask Before Choosing the Best Pension Plan in India
Retirement planning feels stressful when you're staring at dozens of options. Picking the best pension plan in India requires more than comparing brochures alone. You need clarity on payout structures, tax benefits, and long term flexibility offered by each plan. Most people rush this decision and regret it decades later when income stops completely. Comparing some of the best pension plans in India means checking annuity types, surrender terms, and guaranteed payouts carefully. Let's explore 7 direct questions that reveal whether the best pension plans in India truly match your retirement needs. Does the Plan Offer Guaranteed Income for Life? Guaranteed income is the single biggest factor separating a strong plan from a weak one. The best pension plan in India promises fixed payouts that don't fluctuate with market conditions. You should ask providers whether the payout continues for your entire lifetime or stops after a set period. Some plans may pay only until age 80, leaving a gap if you live longer. Always confirm this detail in writing before signing anything. How Flexible are the Premium Payment Options? Flexibility matters more than most buyers realize during the initial purchase stage. You might prefer a single lump sum payment, or you might want monthly contributions spread over years. Some of the best pension plans in India typically offer both single premium and regular premium structures. Choose based on your current cash flow and future earning stability. A rigid payment structure can strain your finances if your income changes unexpectedly. What Tax Benefits Come Attached to the Plan? Tax efficiency plays a major role in long term retirement planning decisions. Premiums paid toward the best pension plan in India often qualify for deductions under Section 80C. The maturity payout may also be subject to specific tax treatment depending on the plan structure. You should also compare this against the best savings scheme in India, since some savings instruments offer overlapping tax advantages. Understanding these details prevents surprises when you file returns later. Can you Choose Between Immediate and Deferred Annuity Options? This question determines when your payouts actually begin after purchase. An immediate annuity starts paying you right after you invest a lump sum amount. A deferred annuity builds a corpus over years before payouts begin later. The best pension plans in India usually offer both, letting you choose based on your retirement timeline. Does the Plan Include a Spouse or Family Benefit? Retirement planning isn't only about your own income needs after retiring. The best pension plan in India often includes an option to extend payouts to your spouse after your death. This feature, sometimes called a joint life annuity, ensures your partner isn't left without income. Ask providers directly whether this option is built in or requires an additional rider. Some best pension plans in India charge extra for this feature, so clarify costs upfront. How Does the Plan Fit Into Your Overall Retirement Income Needs? Your retirement income rarely comes from one single source once you stop working. Pension payouts, rental income, dividends, and interest often combine to cover monthly expenses. The best pension plan in India works as your guaranteed income floor, covering essential costs regardless of market conditions. Other instruments, including the best savings scheme, handle discretionary spending and short term emergencies separately. Think about what percentage of your monthly expenses this plan alone will cover after retirement. If pension payouts cover only a certain percentage of your needs, you'll need additional income sources to bridge that gap. Map your expected expenses against this plan's projected payout before finalizing your purchase decision. What Happens if You Need to Surrender the Policy Early? Life circumstances change, and sometimes you need access to funds before maturity. Surrendering a pension plan early often comes with penalties and reduced payout values. Best pension plans in India disclose surrender value calculations clearly in their policy documents. Read this section carefully before you commit to any long term contract. A plan with lenient surrender terms offers more safety if your financial situation shifts unexpectedly. Which Factors Truly Separate the Best Pension Plan in India From an Average One? Not every plan advertised online delivers what it promises after retirement begins. The table below breaks down the real differentiators worth checking. Factor What to Check Why it Matters Disclosure Transparency Compare surrender values, annuity rates, and rider costs listed in policy brochures Reliable insurers publish these clearly, while others hide restrictions behind vague marketing pamphlets Claim Settlement History Review the provider's payout record over the past several decades A consistent history shows whether a provider actually honors commitments when payouts come due Provider Comparison Shortlist and compare at least three providers before deciding Best pension plans in India vary widely in structure, so a single quote rarely gives the full picture Personal Fit Match the plan to your income stability, dependents, and expected retirement age The best pension plan in India for you depends on your circumstances, not the provider's popularity Fine Print Clarity Read every clause tied to withdrawal limits and annuity choice restrictions Confusing terminology often signals limitations providers would rather you overlook Take the Next Step Toward a Secure Retirement Plan You've now got seven filters that most buyers never bother applying before purchase. Use them to shortlist two or three plans, then compare payout structures side by side. Don't rely on brochures alone. Request detailed illustrations from each provider directly. Reputed online pension plan providers like Kotak Life Insurance offer transparent illustrations and flexible annuity structures suited to different retirement timelines. Speak with a financial advisor if numbers feel confusing at any stage. Delaying this decision reduces the accumulation period, which directly affects your eventual payout size. Compare annuity structures, surrender terms, and tax treatment carefully before finalizing any contract.
Kotak Mahindra Bank shares rise on new CEO appointment
The stock opened sharply higher at 426.00 against a previous close of 417.00 and touched an intraday high of 435.60 before paring gains through the session.
Sitanshu Kota on Shubman Gills 200 & Rohit Sharmas stunning start
Sitanshu Kota reflects on Shubman Gills record-breaking double century, Rohit Sharmas attacking start and Indias high-scoring 2nd ODI.
Who is Anup Kumar Saha, Kotak Mahindra Banks new CEO?
Anup Kumar Saha has been appointed as the next Managing Director and CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank. His term will commence on January 1, 2027, following Reserve Bank of India's approval. Currently a whole-time director, Saha brings over 32 years of experience in banking and financial services. He aims to enhance customer relationships and create sustainable value for stakeholders. The bank will seek shareholder approval to formalize his appointment.
Anup Saha to be next MD & CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank
Saha joined Kotak Mahindra Bank in January 2026 and currently oversees the retail banking, data analytics and marketing functions
Watch the Official Clip 'So Be It' from English movie 'Verity' starring Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, Josh Hartnett. 'Verity' movie is directed by Michael Showalter. To know more about 'Verity' official clip watch the video. Check out the latest English movie clips, new movie clips, trending English movie videos, and more at ETimes - Times of India Entertainment.
Kotak Mahindra Bank gets RBI nod to appoint Anup Saha as MD & CEO
Anup Kumar Saha has been appointed by the Reserve Bank of India as managing director and CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank. His three-year term will begin on January 1, 2027, succeeding Ashok Vaswani. Saha has extensive experience in financial services, including leadership roles at Bajaj Finance and ICICI Bank. The Kotak board will formalize this appointment and seek approval from shareholders.
Anup Kumar Saha appointed as new MD and CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank
The RBI has approved Anup Kumar Saha's appointment as Kotak Mahindra Bank MD & CEO for three years with effect from January 1, 2027
Kotak Mahindra Bank appoints Anup Kumar Saha as new MD and CEO
Anup Kumar Saha has been appointed as the new Managing Director and CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank. His tenure will start on January 1, 2027, and last for three years. Currently serving as an Executive Director, he has over 32 years of experience in financial services. He joined Kotak Mahindra Bank in January 2026 and previously handled multiple functions there.
Six Stocks To Buy Today, October 1: BSE, VA Tech Wabag, Netweb Tech, And More
Market experts recommend six stocks including Astra Microwave, VA Tech Wabag, Netweb Technologies, BSE, Carborundum Universal, and Kotak Mahindra Bank with targets showing 3 to 50% upside.
Martin Luther King Jr. and the Sufi Renaissance of Kashmir
The history of humanity is illuminated by those extraordinary souls who transcend the barriers of religion, race, nationality and social hierarchy to proclaim the inviolable dignity of every human being. Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Lal Ded, Hazrat Bulbulshah and Amir-e-Kabir Mir Syed Ali Hamdani belong, in their respective historical and spiritual contexts, to a larger civilizational conversation about justice, compassion, equality and the moral transformation of society. Though separated by centuries, geographical distances and distinct religious traditions, their teachings invite us to contemplate a universal truth: no civilisation can attain its highest glory unless it recognises the humanity of every individual. The philosophy of Martin Luther King Jr., the celebrated American civil rights leader, finds meaningful points of convergence with the Sufi conception of Renhumanityand the spiritual renaissance associated with fourteenth-century Kashmir. This comparison is not a claim that King directly inherited his philosophy from Kashmiri Sufis. Rather, it is an exploration of a profound ethical affinity between movements that challenged injustice through moral courage, spiritual conviction, non-violence and an unwavering belief in human equality. King's philosophy drew upon Christian teachings of love, the intellectual tradition of non-violent resistance and, decisively, the example of Mahatma Gandhi. He understood non-violence not as passive submission but as active moral resistance: a disciplined refusal to reproduce the hatred and cruelty of the oppressor. His vision of the Beloved Community represented a society in which reconciliation would overcome racial antagonism, and justice would become the foundation of social relationships. For King, peace without justice was incomplete, and freedom without equality was an unfulfilled promise. It is precisely here that his philosophy resonates with the humanistic traditions of Kashmir. The Kashmiri Sufi and Rishi traditions, expressed through spiritual practice, poetry, service and the rejection of ego, likewise sought to transform human relationships by placing compassion above prejudice and the dignity of the soul above inherited divisions. The humanistic significance of this encounter can be interpreted through the idea of Renhumanitywhich I regard as a foundational principle of Kashmir's spiritual renaissance. Ren signifies the recognition that human worth cannot be determined by religious affiliation, caste, ethnicity, social status or political power. It calls upon individuals to cultivate compassion, humility, mutual respect and a sense of shared human destiny. The concept is especially relevant when studying Kashmir's pluralistic heritage. Its Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim traditions developed through complex historical encounters, sometimes marked by harmony and sometimes by conflict. Yet the region's spiritual literature preserves enduring aspirations towards coexistence and the transcendence of narrow identities. Bulbulshah's legacy, viewed through this framework, becomes part of a broader story of spiritual dialogue: the possibility that religious transformation and social solidarity can coexist without diminishing the humanity of those who follow different paths. Lal Ded: The Poetic Voice of Universal Humanity If Bulbulshah represents an important chapter in Kashmir's Sufi history, Lal Ded, the fourteenth-century mystic poetess, represents one of its most compelling expressions of spiritual universality. Her vakhs, or poetic utterances, transcend the boundaries of formal religious identity and invite humanity to recognise the divine presence in all existence. Her celebrated verse, commonly translated as Shiva dwells in every place, do not discriminate between a Hindu and a Muslim, expresses a spiritual vision in which the divisions created by human beings cannot diminish the underlying unity of existence. Scholars have identified love, compassion, tolerance, equality and fraternity as central humanistic values in the philosophical interpretation of her poetry. Lal Ded's message bears a striking resemblance to the ethical foundations of King's philosophy. Both challenge the human tendency to construct hierarchies of worth and to treat difference as a justification for exclusion. Both invite us to look beyond outward identities and recognise the deeper moral obligations that bind human beings together. In this sense, Kashmir's spiritual renaissance was not merely a religious development. It was also a literary and cultural awakening in which poetry became a vehicle for ethical reflection, social understanding and the articulation of a shared human destiny. Shah Hamdan and the Wisdom of Chihil Asrar Amir-e-Kabir Mir Syed Ali Hamdani, affectionately remembered as Shah Hamdan, occupies another important position in Kashmir's spiritual and intellectual history. His arrival in Kashmir in the fourteenth century is traditionally associated with the expansion of Sufi teachings, Persian literary culture, religious learning and ethical discipline. His spiritual legacy, together with the tradition of Chihil Asrarliterally, Forty Secretsinvites reflection on the inward dimensions of faith. The precise authorship and textual history of particular works should be established through manuscript-based scholarship, but the broader ethical significance of the Hamadani tradition is unmistakable: spirituality requires self-discipline, humility, responsibility and the purification of the heart. For Kashmir, these teachings became part of a wider civilizational encounter involving indigenous Shaivite thought, Buddhist inheritances, Sufi spirituality and the Rishi tradition. The ideal of Ren, as articulated in my interpretation of Kashmir's humanistic heritage, offers a conceptual bridge between these traditions. Ren does not require the erasure of religious differences. Rather, it demands that differences never become an excuse to deny another person's dignity. Rinchan Shah, Kota Rani and the Historical Complexity of Kashmir The story of Sultan Sadruddin Rinchan Shah and his association with Bulbulshah provides a powerful point of departure for examining the relationship between spiritual conviction and political authority. Historical accounts identify Rinchan as a ruler of Ladakhi or Tibetan Buddhist background who embraced Islam and became associated with Bulbulshah. His life reminds us that the religious history of Kashmir cannot be reduced to a single narrative of uninterrupted uniformity. It involved individual decisions, changing political circumstances, intellectual exchanges and the interaction of diverse communities. Begum Sultana Kota Rani, remembered in Kashmir's historical tradition as a remarkable queen, also occupies an important place in the valley's political memory. Her story invites us to examine leadership, courage and the role of women in Kashmir's past. A chronological distinction is necessary here: Padmasambhava, the renowned Buddhist master associated with the transmission of Buddhism to Tibet, lived centuries before Rinchan Shah. They should not be identified as the same person. Nevertheless, Buddhist heritage, Rinchan's personal history and the region's Hindu traditions can all be examined within the wider history of Kashmir's civilizational diversity. The ideal society associated with Kashmir's spiritual renaissance should therefore be understood as a humanistic aspiration and a cultural interpretation, rather than as a claim that historical Kashmir was free from conflict or that every community experienced perfect equality. Its enduring significance lies in the possibility of transforming diversity into a source of mutual enrichment. Gandhi's Kashmir Experience and the Ray of Spirit Mahatma Gandhi's visit to Kashmir in August 1947 offers a particularly meaningful connection between Kashmir's humanistic traditions and the modern struggle for communal harmony. India was approaching independence amid Partition, displacement and communal violence. The question of how Hindus, Muslims and other communities could live together peacefully had become one of the most urgent moral challenges of the age. Gandhi's commitment to communal harmony and non-violence provided an ethical response to this crisis. His engagement with Kashmir during this turbulent period can be understood as part of his wider concern for the protection of human life, religious coexistence and the moral responsibilities of political leadership. In interpreting this episode, I see Kashmir's inherited traditions of Ren, Sufiyat and Rishi spirituality as a possible ray of hope: a reminder that the valley's cultural memory contained resources for reconciliation even when contemporary circumstances threatened to divide its people. This is not to suggest that Kashmir had escaped communal tensions or that its historical traditions automatically resolved the conflicts of 1947. Rather, the significance lies in the continuing possibility of drawing upon its pluralistic heritage to oppose hatred and restore trust. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Pilgrimage to India Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King, arrived in India in February 1959, accompanied by the American scholar Lawrence Dunbar Reddick. Their visit lasted approximately a month and was intended to deepen King's understanding of Gandhi's philosophy and the methods of non-violent social change. In July 1959, King published his reflections in Ebony magazine under the title My Trip to the Land of Gandhi. The article reveals the depth of his interest in India's experience of non-violent resistance. He recalled how Gandhi had served as the guiding light of the Montgomery bus boycott and expressed concern about economic inequality and the unfinished work of social justice. King's visit was not simply a journey of admiration. It was an intellectual and moral encounter with a method of resistance that sought to confront injustice without surrendering to hatred. Gandhi had demonstrated that non-violence could become a disciplined instrument of political struggle. King adapted this inheritance to the American civil rights movement, where racial segregation and discriminatory institutions denied African Americans equal rights. The connection with Kashmir's Sufi and Rishi traditions is philosophical rather than a documented chain of direct influence. There is no established evidence that King drew his ideas specifically from Bulbulshah or Lal Ded. Yet the comparison remains illuminating: different societies, confronting different forms of division, produced spiritual and ethical traditions that placed human dignity at the centre of social transformation. From Kashmir's Renaissance to a Universal Renaissance of Humanity The lesson connecting King, Gandhi, Bulbulshah and Lal Ded is not that their teachings were identical. Their religious foundations, historical circumstances and methods differed. Their shared significance lies in the moral questions they compel us to confront. Can religion become a force for reconciliation rather than division? Can political authority serve the vulnerable rather than perpetuate exclusion? Can communities preserve their distinctive identities while recognising the equal dignity of others? King's Beloved Community, Gandhi's non-violence, Bulbulshah's spiritual legacy and Lal Ded's poetic universalism offer different approaches to these enduring questions. For contemporary Kashmir, Ren must become more than a historical expression. It must find practical meaning in equal citizenship, respect for religious freedom, the protection of minorities, the rejection of discrimination and the preservation of shared cultural heritage. These principles can also be extended to a global dialogue among Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Sikh and other communities. The renaissance of humanity begins when compassion becomes stronger than prejudice and justice becomes more enduring than revenge. As I, Khwaja Farooq Renzushah, understand Kashmir's spiritual inheritance, the concept of Ren provides a framework through which its diverse traditions may speak to the modern world. It connects the valley's Sufi and Rishi heritage with the universal aspirations embodied in Gandhi's non-violence and Martin Luther King Jr.'s struggle for racial justice. The ultimate message is simple yet demanding: humanity must remain greater than the divisions through which we define ourselves. A civilisation is not measured merely by its monuments, kingdoms, conquests or material achievements. Its true stature is revealed by the dignity it affords the weakest, the justice it extends to the excluded and the compassion it preserves for those who differ from it. That is the enduring promise of Ren. That is the moral horizon of Kashmir's spiritual renaissance. And that is the universal human aspiration that brings Martin Luther King Jr.'s struggle into meaningful conversation with the Sufi wisdom of Kashmir. (The Author is Chairman, Kings Gandhi Foundation, Kashmir)
BKS honours women farmers, highlights their role in agriculture
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 30 (IANS) The Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) on Wednesday organised its first women farmers conference at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium here, with speakers stressing this often unsung section's contribution and the need to change the conventional image of women farmers. During the sessions, participants openly discussed challenges in the agricultural sector. They urged the government to pay immediate attention, according to a statement issued by the BKS, a farmers organisation aligned with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Addressing the inaugural session, Vice-Chancellor of Kota Agriculture University, Prof. Vimla Dunkwal, the Chief Guest, said Indias women's power can create and nurture simultaneously. She said women embody Annapurna and Durga, prioritising duties over rights. While introducing the conference, All India Womens Convener and Womens Coordinator Manju Dixit stressed the need to change the conventional image of women farmers in India. She said that today, equipped with modern technology and energy, women farmers are making significant contributions to their families' and the nation's growth. The organizations President K. Sai Reddy, Vice-President Sushila Bishnoi, and Secretary Veena Satish also addressed the session. In the valedictory session, BKS General Secretary Mohini Mohan Mishra said a developed and healthy India by 2047 was unattainable without Gau-Krishi-Vanijyam and organic farming. He called upon the government to formulate policies focused on poison-free farming, a disease-free society and food with nectar-like nutrition. BKS Organising Secretary Dinesh Kulkarni remarked that dignity for self-reliant and independent women farmers would naturally elevate the pride of villages, society and families. Thousands of women farmers from various states and villages across the country participated in the conference, the statement said. The event commenced with guests performing Gau-Pujan, Lord Balaram Pujan and flag hoisting, accompanied by the resounding chant: We, the women of India, shall bring glory. Also present were RSS National Sampark Pramukh Ramlal, Sah-Sampark Pramukh of Rashtra Sevika Samiti Ritu Sharma, and several senior office-bearers of the BKS. Women farmers with outstanding performance were also honoured from among entries received from across the country. The participants wore their respective traditional regional attire, sang folk songs in regional languages and performed cultural dances. A highlight of the conference was that the women farmers who participated met all costs on their own, including travel and related expenses, the statement added. Incidentally, the organisation held its first-ever such event in the year the United Nations declared the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
CAI sees FTAs opening new markets, boosting demand for Indian textiles and cotton
Improving cotton productivity, quality, contamination control, traceability, sustainability, price discovery and risk management would be critical to enhancing the competitiveness of Indian cotton, says CAI Chairman Vinay N Kotak
Verity movie review: Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson stumble through a corny thriller
Forget a dark, twisted, erotic drama, whats hiding beneath Verity is an unrealised parody
Highlights Dakota Johnson opened up about filming intimate scenes with Anne Hathaway for Verity . Johnson said: I would kiss Annie for the rest of my life. Every day. The actors improvised one of the films intimate scenes with director Michael Showalter. Josh Hartnett described the casts chemistry as coming from mutual respect and understanding. Dakota Johnson has opened up about filming intimate scenes with Anne Hathaway in Verity , the upcoming adaptation of Colleen Hoovers bestselling novel. Johnson plays Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer who is hired to complete the final book in the series of injured author Verity Crawford, played by Hathaway. Dakota Johnson on kissing Anne Hathaway Johnson spoke enthusiastically about her on-screen chemistry with Hathaway, telling Extra TV: I would kiss Annie for the rest of my life. Every day. If you need me, Im there. The actor also discussed their intimate scenes in an interview with Out magazine, joking about the experience and describing the scenes as very technical but incredibly enjoyable. Johnson explained that she spent several hours filming intimate scenes with both Hathaway and Josh Hartnett, who plays Jeremy Crawford. She described the process as highly choreographed, but said she enjoyed working with both actors. Hartnett also spoke about the scenes, saying the cast had great chemistry as friends on set. He added that the intimate scenes could feel a little bit goofy when the cameras were not rolling, but said the chemistry in the finished film came from mutual respect and understanding. The steamy scene was improvised Director Michael Showalter revealed that Johnson and Hathaway improvised one of the films intimate moments. The scene was originally based on a moment in Hoovers novel where Lowen and Jeremy share a hug, but Showalter felt there was an opportunity to introduce more sexual tension. The sequence eventually developed into a more unexpected encounter involving Hathaways character. Showalter said the idea emerged during discussions with the actors about how the scene could evolve, with Johnson and Hathaway helping shape the moment. Anne Hathaway had to get the headboard bite right Another memorable detail from Hoovers novel was recreated for the film when Hathaways character bites a headboard. Hathaway told E! News: I never thought Id bite a headboard on camera in my life. But that was just Tuesday. The scene required several rehearsals and tests before filming. Hathaway explained that the production could make changes to certain details of Veritys appearance, but the headboard bite was too distinctive to get wrong. She later recalled laughing while working out how to make the unusual moment look convincing on camera. Verity will leave audiences debating The film is also expected to leave audiences with an ambiguous ending. Hartnett said it was unusual for a major studio film to deliberately leave room for viewers to debate what they had seen. He said he hoped audiences would be able to argue about something thats as fun as this after watching the film. Based on Hoovers 2018 novel, Verity follows Lowen as she moves into the Crawford family home to ghostwrite Veritys unfinished book series. Her stay takes a darker turn when she discovers a disturbing manuscript that makes her question what really happened to Verity and her family.
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Rajasthan panchayat polls: BJP, Congress recalibrating strategies after civic election lessons
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 30 (IANS) After the civic body elections, the BJP and Congress are now recalibrating their strategies for the upcoming Panchayat polls in Rajasthan. For the BJP, the focus is on improving vote share and plugging organisational gaps, despite the party forming boards in around two-thirds of the state's civic bodies. The party organisation has intensified its grassroots preparations, with a focus on booth management, local caste equations, candidate selection and coordination between the government and the organisation. For the Congress, the challenge extends beyond winning seats to converting electoral gains into control of Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads. The party is reviewing the factionalism, ticket disputes and floor-management issues that affected board formation in several civic bodies. It is now weighing greater state-level intervention in candidate selection and post-election management, along with a wider network of observers, to keep its elected members together and prevent internal divisions from undermining its prospects in the Panchayat polls. For the BJP, the immediate focus is not just on the number of urban local bodies where it managed to form boards, but also on its vote share and the organisational gaps exposed during the civic elections. Despite securing boards in around two-thirds of the state's civic bodies, the party's central leadership is reviewing areas where its electoral performance fell short of expectations. The BJP has consequently intensified preparations at the grassroots level, with particular attention to booth management, local caste equations, candidate selection and coordination between the government and the party organisation. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has emerged as an active part of this organisational exercise. During his recent district tours, Sharma has combined government programmes with meetings involving party workers and local leaders. Feedback on Panchayat election preparations, possible candidates and booth-level mobilisation is being gathered during these interactions. State BJP president Madan Rathore has also increased his organisational outreach, including engagement with younger sections of the electorate. The Panchayat elections are expected to put the BJP's rural organisational network to another test. The party's strategy involves leveraging the government's development and welfare initiatives while simultaneously strengthening its booth-level machinery. Recently, BJP National General Secretary and Rajasthan State In-charge Sanjay Bhatia held an organisational meeting at the party's state office with state office-bearers, district presidents and in-charges of various organisational wings and departments. The meeting was Bhatia's first organisational review since taking charge as the party's Rajasthan in-charge. Addressing party leaders, he attributed the results of the recent local body elections to the hard work of BJP workers and the performance of the party-led government. Bhatia said the party's strategy for the upcoming Panchayat elections should build on the coordination between the government and the organisation demonstrated during the local body polls. He stressed the need to replicate this organisational synergy at the grassroots level. Now, the challenge is to translate government schemes and the party's organisational presence into support at the grassroots, where local issues, caste combinations and candidate equations can significantly influence electoral outcomes. Sharma's recent tour schedule reflects the BJP's effort to intensify organisational engagement. He visited Pratapgarh and Udaipur on September 26, Sri Ganganagar and Suratgarh on September 27, followed by Alwar-Khairthal Tijara, Kota-Jhalawar and Kishangarh. His upcoming visits to Barmer, Jodhpur and Pali are also expected to include organisational meetings. The Congress, meanwhile, is drawing lessons from the difficulties it faced while forming boards in several urban local bodies. Although the party had a substantial number of councillors in several civic bodies, it was unable to translate that strength into board formation everywhere. The issue of floor management has therefore emerged as a key concern for the party ahead of the Panchayat elections. The Congress is now considering greater involvement of the state organisation in the electoral process, including ticket distribution and the subsequent formation of Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads. The debate within the party centres on how much control should remain with district-level leadership and how much coordination should come from the state organisation. The Congress's experience in the civic elections has also raised concerns over factionalism and coordination among local leaders. Ticket-related disputes surfaced in several districts, while cross-voting was reported during the formation of some boards. Against this backdrop, the party is examining whether greater state-level supervision could help prevent similar problems during the Panchayat elections. The political challenge for the Congress will extend beyond winning individual seats. The party will also need to maintain cohesion among its elected members to secure control of Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads. As part of its preparations, the Congress is considering deploying observers not only at the Assembly constituency level but also at the Panchayat Samiti level. The proposal is aimed at strengthening coordination between the state organisation and local units, particularly during candidate selection and the post-election process of forming Panchayat bodies. Swarnim Chaturvedi, Media Chairperson of the Rajasthan Congress, said the party is considering appointing observers at the Panchayat Samiti level in addition to Assembly constituencies. With both parties now recalibrating their organisational strategies, the Panchayat elections are set to become a test of their grassroots networks, candidate management and ability to keep local factions aligned through the electoral and board-formation processes.
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Josh Hartnett says his 12-year-old goddaughter couldnt picture him as Jeremy in Verity
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 30 (IANS) Actor Josh Hartnett has revealed that his goddaughter initially struggled to imagine him playing Jeremy in the upcoming film Verity, saying that he was like a thousand years old for the role. During an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Hartnett spoke about how his then 12-year-old goddaughter told him he was too old to play Jeremy. The actor said: My goddaughter, who was 12 at the time, she's a very mature 12-year-old, she read the book. It's not really for 12-year-olds, but she'd read it. She's now almost 14. Hartnett added: She absolutely could not see me in that role. She was like, you can't be Jeremy. You know, the character's name is Jeremy. You can't be Jeremy. You're like a thousand years old. She wanted, like, she wanted, like, Timothee Chalamet or somebody to play. However, Hartnett, who became known as a teen idol through starring in films such as Halloween H20: 20 Years Later, The Faculty, The Virgin Suicides and Pearl Harbor said that the character was written in his 40s. To which, Fallon said: It's you. It is all you. I guess. It's all you. Verity is a 2026 American psychological erotic thriller film directed by Michael Showalter, written by Nick Antosca, and based on Colleen Hoover's novel of the same name. The film stars Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, and Josh Hartnett. It is scheduled to be released by Amazon MGM Studios in the United States and Canada on October 2, 2026. The story follows Lowen Ashleigh, who is a writer in need of work when she is contacted by Jeremy Crawford, the husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford. Due to a mysterious accident, Verity is unable to finish her successful book series, and Jeremy asks Lowen to complete the series. While working on it, Lowen discovers another manuscript, raising questions regarding Verity's psychological well-being and possible links to her publications.
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NITI Aayog workshop focuses on strengthening panchayats for Viksit Bharat
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Sep 29 (IANS) NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the Golap Borbora State Institute of Panchayat and Rural Development (GBSIPRD), organised a national workshop titled Viksit Panchayat: Connecting People, Places, Resources and Opportunities, bringing together policymakers, administrators and rural development experts to deliberate on strengthening Panchayats as engines of grassroots development, it was announced on Tuesday. The one-day workshop focused on building capable and empowered Panchayats that can drive inclusive growth, improve public service delivery and support sustainable development in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. The event was inaugurated by Assam Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Atul Bora, while NITI Aayog Member Dr R. Balasubramaniam attended as the Guest of Honour. Assam Chief Secretary Dr Ravi Kota and Rural Development Secretary Rohit Kansal were also present. During the inaugural session, speakers underscored the importance of decentralised governance, spatial planning, digitalisation, convergence of government schemes and capacity building for creating Viksit Gram Panchayats. Discussions centred on four key themes: decentralised and spatial planning, grassroots capacity development, spatial planning for priority sectors, and the integration of spatial planning into the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) process. The deliberations highlighted the constitutional foundation of Panchayati Raj institutions under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment and emphasised the need for clearer activity mapping, adequate financial resources, appropriate staffing and greater decision-making authority at the local level. Participants also stressed the importance of active Gram Sabha participation and stronger institutional accountability mechanisms. A major focus of the workshop was the shift from a sector-specific approach to a spatial and integrated model of local development. Experts discussed the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), geospatial data, village master plans and digital platforms to identify local resources, infrastructure gaps, land-use patterns and emerging development opportunities. Integrating spatial data with GPDP, eGramSwaraj and the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) was seen as a way to strengthen evidence-based planning and improve convergence across schemes and departments. Capacity development emerged as another key theme, with participants highlighting the need to equip elected representatives and Panchayat functionaries with skills in data analysis, investment prioritisation, resource mobilisation, convergence planning and outcome monitoring. Discussions also covered issues related to devolution of powers, activity mapping, District Planning Committees, digital and hybrid learning systems, competency development and last-mile technical support.
