Author: News Desk
Former Indian cricketer and AAP MP Harbhajan Singh has called for stricter laws to block pornography websites and regulate harmful online content while speaking in the Rajya Sabha during Parliament’s Budget Session. Singh said “strict action is needed” and urged the Government of India to implement stronger legal measures to prevent easy access to pornographic websites and explicit material online. He also recommended introducing strong age-verification systems and restricting children below 16 from accessing social media platforms. The AAP MP raised concerns that children are increasingly being exposed to sexualised or semi-pornographic content on platforms like Instagram, which he said could negatively impact their mental health and behaviour. His…
The ongoing conflict in Iran is creating turbulence in India’s $5 billion packaged water industry just as the summer season approaches. Manufacturers are facing higher costs for everything from plastic bottles to caps, labels, and cardboard boxes, prompting some to raise prices for distributors. While large brands have so far absorbed most of the extra costs, around 2,000 smaller bottled water producers have increased rates for resellers by about 1 rupee per litre—a 5% rise—with a further 10% hike expected in the coming days, according to the Federation of All India Packaged Drinking Water Manufacturers’ Association. Currently, consumers typically pay…
The Adani Foundation plans to reach one million women across India under its Swabhimaan initiative, its chairperson Priti Adani announced on Thursday. She emphasized that empowering women is not just about supporting individuals but about investing in the future of entire communities and generations. Speaking at the event “Swabhimaan: The Rise of S.H.E”, organized by the foundation in collaboration with Adani Electricity and Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal (MAVIM), Priti Adani highlighted that women’s empowerment goes beyond charity. She said it thrives through opportunities, access to resources, and the development of skills and capabilities. “Whenever I meet the women of Swabhimaan, I…
The first auction of The Hundred’s private era on March 12, 2026, intended to be a celebratory milestone for the ECB, instead ignited a heated debate in India. SunRisers Leeds, an Indian-owned franchise affiliated with IPL’s SunRisers Hyderabad, caused a social media uproar after winning the bid for Pakistan’s mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed. The contract, reportedly worth £190,000 (around ₹2.34 crore), is notable as it marks the first time in years that a franchise with Indian ownership has actively recruited a Pakistani international. While UK observers praised the decision as a win for merit-based selection, many Indian fans reacted negatively,…
Amid reports of cooking gas shortages across India, the central government announced on Thursday that oil marketing companies (OMCs), in coordination with state governments, will allocate 20% of the average monthly commercial LPG requirement starting 12 March. The move aims to prevent hoarding and black marketing. Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri made the announcement in the Lok Sabha, emphasizing that the regulation is intended to manage supply rather than penalize the hospitality sector. Commercial LPG is sold in a fully deregulated, over-the-counter market at market prices, without government subsidies, registrations, or delivery tracking. The decision comes…
Researchers at the Graphene India 2026 conference highlighted how MXene-based materials could revolutionize future energy storage technologies, including batteries and supercapacitors. During sessions focused on two-dimensional (2D) materials for energy applications, experts such as Prof. Rupesh S. Devan (IIT Indore), Dr. Rakhi Raghavan Baby (CSIR-NIIST), and Chandra Sekhar Rout (Jain University) presented developments in MXene research aimed at higher energy density, faster charging, and longer-lasting devices. MXenes are ideal for electrodes because of their excellent electrical conductivity, large surface area, and mechanical strength. These properties allow electrons and ions to move more efficiently within batteries, increasing storage capacity and reducing…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the worsening situation in West Asia. In a post on X, PM Modi said the conversation focused on the “serious situation” unfolding in the region, expressing concern over rising tensions, civilian casualties, and damage to infrastructure. This marked PM Modi’s first direct discussion with an Iranian leader since the outbreak of the war following joint United States-Israel attacks on Iran on February 28. Earlier, S. Jaishankar had spoken with Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi. During the call, PM Modi highlighted India’s priorities: the safety and security of Indian nationals and…
The conflict involving Iran, United States, and Israel continues to intensify across West Asia, with several Gulf nations reporting missile and drone interceptions amid growing regional instability. UAE Intercepts Missiles and Drones Authorities in the United Arab Emirates said they intercepted 10 missiles and 26 drones on Thursday as hostilities linked to the ongoing conflict expanded across the Gulf. Similar defensive actions were reported by neighboring countries including Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, indicating a widening security threat in the region. Mojtaba Khamenei Vows Retaliation In a statement broadcast on Iranian state television, Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, promised retaliation for…
A rare and highly prized fruit, the Miyazaki mango—often called “Eggs of the Sun”—has been successfully cultivated on a rooftop terrace in Udupi. Gardener Joseph Lobo’s experiment demonstrates that even luxury fruits, traditionally grown in specialized orchards, can thrive in limited urban spaces, inspiring other home gardeners to explore exotic crops. Japan’s Luxury Mango Reaches Indian Terraces Originating in Japan, the Miyazaki mango is known for its deep red color, creamy texture, and intensely sweet flavor. The fruit commands remarkable prices in luxury markets, sometimes selling for Rs 2.5 lakh to 3 lakh per kilogram. Its high value and delicate…
The government announced that the cooperative-run ride-hailing service Bharat Taxi will be rolled out to all major cities and talukas within the next two to three years. Union Minister of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal said the platform was launched to empower drivers, increase their earnings, and provide them with ownership in the service. Easy, Secure, and Transparent Ride Booking Bharat Taxi bookings can be made through a mobile app that ensures security, transparency, and has been integrated with the Delhi Police for added safety. The platform is already operational in Delhi-NCR and in cities across Gujarat including Ahmedabad, Rajkot,…