Two firms fined for selling spurious cosmetic products
Vikrama Simhapuri University inks MoU with NIOT for fellowships, research centre
Gold falls Rs 250 to Rs 1,00,370/10 g; silver rallies Rs 1,000
NEW DELHI, Aug 22: Gold prices fell Rs 250 to Rs 1,00,370 per 10 grams in the national capital on Friday amid a weak global trend, according to the All India Sarafa Association. The precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity had closed at Rs 1,00,620 per 10 grams on Thursday. In the national capital, gold of 99.5 per cent purity slipped Rs 150 to Rs 1,00,050 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes) on Friday. It had settled [] The post Gold falls Rs 250 to Rs 1,00,370/10 g; silver rallies Rs 1,000 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Security Breach at Puri Srimandir: UP Man Detained While Attempting to Scale Temple
The individual was identified as Manoj Singh, a resident of Azamgarh district in Uttar Pradesh.
Classroom horror: Hyderabad school teacher thrashes 6-year-old student
Hyderabad: In a shocking incident, a 6-year-old student was allegedly thrashed by a teacher in the classroom of a school in Hyderabad. The alleged incident which took place at The Model City School, Gautampuri Colony, Erragadda on August 13 came to limelight after details surfaced on social media. Details of the incident As per the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Affordable housing demand may slow if costs rise, but luxury segment remains resilient: Anuj Puri
Anuj Puri of ANAROCK Group suggests home loan rate hikes may affect affordable and mid-range housing demand. Luxury housing is expected to remain stable. Cost-sensitive buyers might delay purchases. Demand for larger homes, driven by lifestyle needs, is less vulnerable. Developers may offer flexible pricing to optimize costs. The real estate sector is watching interest rate impacts.
Police Seize DJ System at Idol Installation
Chaitanyapuri police seize sound system, vehicle; issue safety rules
AIADMK former Minister files PIL in Madras High Court for purification of electoral rolls
He says failure to delete fraudulent, ineligible and dead voters from the rolls could affect the poll results in a big way
Gold Falls Rs 400 to Rs 1,00,020/10g; Silver Slumps Rs 1,500
SRINAGAR: Gold prices dropped Rs 400 to Rs 1,00,020 per 10 grams in the national capital due to continuous selling by stockists, according to the All India Sarafa Association. The precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity had settled at Rs 1,00,420 per 10 grams in the previous market close. In the local market, gold []
NGT seeks action on coal-based sponge iron units
NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to respond within a month to a report by IIT-Kharagpur which has raised grave environmental concerns over the use of coal-based rotary kiln technology in steel manufacturing. IIT-Kharagpur submitted a report to the NGT, recommending the complete phasing out of small to medium and lower capacity coal-based sponge iron or Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) plants. These plants are primarily concentrated in Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. This recommendation aims to mitigate carbon emissions. The report suggests that the government should not grant any environmental clearance to such units. The DRI process is highly energy-intensive, using coal to remove impurities and produce sponge iron. It is called sponge because the removal of oxygen creates tiny holes, giving it a spongy appearance under a microscope. In addition, the report. titled Decarbonizing Coal-based Rotary Kiln Steel Sector in India advises providing support to larger plants with capacities exceeding 500 tonnes per day (tpd). These plants are more efficient and can be improved further through retrofitting with new technology. The IIT prepared this report in response to environmental concerns raised by the NGT regarding coal-based rotary kiln technology used in steel manufacturing. Following the report, the NGT directed the CPCB to respond within one month. Currently, smaller DRI plants lead to carbon emissions at a rate of 4.1 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of sponge iron, as compared to the global average of 1.9 tonnes of CO2 per tonne. This situation challenges Indias efforts to meet the goals set by the Paris Agreement in 2015 to curb global warming. The report indicates that there is limited potential to enhance the capacity and efficiency of these smaller plants. This is a critical time for India to ban granting environmental clearance to any new (greenfield) or existing (brownfield) coal-based sponge iron production through rotary kilns, as these processes are carbon-intensive, visibly polluting, and pose serious health risks to both workers and surrounding communities, the report says. It recommends the government establish short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals for these DRI plants to reduce CO2 emissions and enhance their sustainability. It also suggests installation of Waste Heat Recovery plants and tech interventions to curb pollution.
Patna Diary | Lalu exhorts voters to unseat chor BJP govt
RJD chief Lalu Prasad took a jibe at the BJP, referring to it as thieves. Chor ko hataiye, BJP ko bhagaiye, aur hume jitaiye (remove the thieves, make BJP run away and help us win), Lalu said at the launch of Vote Adhikar Yatra from Sasaram in Rohtas district. He appealed to the electorate to remove the BJP from power at any cost. He declared that only a united Opposition could topple the BJP, urging everyone to rally behind Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav, uproot the ruling combine to save democracy. Despite his poor health, Lalu stood up from his chair and addressed the crowd, leaving his political rivals visibly unsettled. Ex-minister Nagmani joins saffron party The BJP is making all-out efforts to retain OBC and EBC votes ahead of the Assembly elections. Former Union minister and prominent Kushwaha leader Nagmani joined the BJP, vowing lifelong loyalty. His dramatic pledge sent a ripple of surprise through the crowd at the Milan Samaroh as he had changed political parties 11 times in the past. Son of a former freedom fighter, late Jagdeo Prasad, Nagmani claimed that Kushwaha votes will go in favour of the NDA in the assembly election as all three prominent Kushwaha leadersSamrat Choudhary, Upendra Kushwaha, and Nagmanihave come together before elections. Jain temples among tourist destinations Places like Vaishali, Ara, Patna, Rajgir, Pavapuri, and Champapuri will be developed as the Tirthankar circuit of Bihar under the Swadesh Darshan Yojana of the Union Government. These religious places, related to Lord Mahavirs life, will be included in the project, which will cost `33.96 crore. Ajay Mandal, MP, raised a question in the Lok Sabha about promoting Jain temples of Bihar, including in Bhagalpur, as tourist destinations. The Jain Tirthankar Circuit in Bihar encompasses significant sites related to Jainism, particularly those associated with lord Mahavir and other Tirthankars. Ramashankar Our correspondent in Bihar ramashankar@newindianexpress.com
Gold price drops Rs 400, silver plunges Rs 1,500
New Delhi, Aug 20: Gold prices dropped Rs 400 to Rs 1,00,020 per 10 grams in the national capital on Wednesday due to continuous selling by stockists, according to the All India Sarafa Association. The precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity had settled at Rs 1,00,420 per 10 grams in the previous market close. [] The post Gold price drops Rs 400, silver plunges Rs 1,500 appeared first on The Shillong Times .
Video Games Weekly: Silksong and Gamescom
Welcome to Video Games Weekly on Engadget. Expect a new story every Monday or Tuesday (or Wednesday, whatever), broken into two parts. The first is a space for short essays and ramblings about video game trends and related topics from me, Jess Conditt, a reporter who's covered the industry for more than 13 years. The second contains the video game stories from the past week that you need to know about, including some headlines from outside of Engadget. Please enjoy and I'll see you next week. On a planet shrouded in myth, in a land surrounded by lore, on a mountain draped in mystery, in a cave suffocated by secrets, the legend sleeps. For six years, the legend has slumbered while wild stories spiral around it, twisting and expanding and entwining. New words have been born and old words infused with evolved meanings: Believer. Doubter. Silkpost. The lies have grown so thick theyve become corporeal, spreading trickery with a name and a dead smile. For six years, the legend has slept while the masses roiled, all of them waiting for the signal to awaken and know truth. All of them waiting for a bell that will ring, finally and clearly, on Thursday, August 21, 2025. Skong . Skong . Skong . Its a special time in the Silksong subreddit . After years of silence around its sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong , Team Cherry has scheduled a livestream with a special announcement about the game for August 21 at 10:30AM ET. Not only is this exciting for Metroidvania fans everywhere, but its also possible that this announcement marks the final moments of the Silksong subreddit as we know it. A strange cocktail of game delays, inconsistent updates and hyper-focused cult fandom has cultivated a fascinating little universe in r/Silksong, complete with its own rules, villains and heroes. Its a place where clown wigs are commonplace and contributors have turned trolling into a role-playing artform. A LARPform, if you will. Its a place thats consistently made me laugh every time its appeared in my feed over the past year or so. Ahead of Thursdays special announcement, this sub is experiencing the last gasps of desperate myth-making and hopeless anticipation before it transforms into something else entirely, armed with actual information about the sequel, gameplay videos and maybe even a firm release date. Or, dare I say it, a surprise launch. For just a moment longer in r/Silksong, anything is possible. And then itll be over. No matter what happens during Thursdays livestream, the day will come when Silksong comes out and the drip-feed of silkposts dries up completely. But for now, our face paint is ready. Sometimes its just nice to recognize the madness and the beauty of the moment, before it slips away for good. The news News from ONL 2025 Gamescom 2025 kicked off on Tuesday with Opening Night Live, a showcase hosted by Geoff Keighley and the folks behind The Game Awards, and there were plenty of delightful morsels on display. Engadget UK Bureau Chief Mat Smith is on the ground at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany, to play upcoming titles and talk to developers, but for now, here are our headlines straight out of ONL 2025: Denshattack! is a blend of Tony Hawk, trains and shonen anime Battlestar Galactica might finally get the video game adaption it deserves Absolum is awesome and I can't wait to play it on October 9 Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 arrives on November 14 FromSoft's Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is becoming an anime Fallout season two has a teaser trailer and a December 17 release date Black Myth: Zhong Kui is the next title from Game Science Studio Cult of the Lamb's next DLC is Woolhaven, out in early 2026 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is coming to the Switch 2 And our headlines from Gamescom 2025 so far: Onimusha: Way of the Sword might be a more forgiving kind of samurai epic Resident Evil Requiem feels very familiar, but it's so well made that I respect the hell out of it Engadget's Gamescom Opening Night Live 2025 liveblog How to watch Gamescom 2025 and what to expect Gamescom 2025 runs through August 24. ROG Xbox Ally lands in October Microsoft is slowly establishing its handheld era with news that the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X will be available on October 16. Theres still no official word on how much theyll cost, but there are hints: As spotted by Wario64 , Best Buy recently listed the Xbox Ally at $550 and the Xbox Ally X at $900, and these fall in line with our predictions, which were based on the prices of existing ROG Ally handhelds. Alongside the release date, Microsoft announced the Handheld Compatibility Program , an initiative aimed at optimizing games for portable devices and informing players about how well they perform. Its essentially Steam Deck Verified, but for Xbox handhelds, and its yet another sign that Microsofts portable gaming ambitions stretch beyond just one hardware manufacturer. The PS5 will cost more tomorrow than it does today First Nintendo and Microsoft raised the prices of their latest consoles, and now its Sonys turn. Sony on Wednesday announced the following price increases for the PS5 family: Standard PS5 with a disc drive: $550, up from $500 PS5 digital edition: $500, up from $450 PS5 Pro: $750, up from $700 Sony blames the increases on a challenging economic environment, echoing sentiments from its contemporaries. The price hikes come at a time in the hardware generation when were used to seeing consoles get cheaper, which just makes this whole thing more frustrating. Rod Fergusson is in charge of BioShock again and already making big changes There have been signs of turmoil at BioShock 4 studio Cloud Chamber for a while now, including news earlier this month that the game failed a review with 2K executives and was due for a complete narrative revamp. Now, were seeing even more fallout. Former Gears of War and Diablo head Rod Fergusson has left Blizzard to lead development of BioShock 4 at Cloud Chamber, and his appointment comes alongside news that 80 people at the studio are being laid off. This is actually the second time Fergusson has joined the development of a BioShock game at the last second he similarly swooped in and cut aspects of BioShock: Infinite at Irrational Games in 2012. The race through development hell between Judas and BioShock 4 continues. Blizzards cinematic and narrative team is unionizing Microsoft is the home of another video game union. Workers with Blizzard Entertainments Story and Franchise Development team, which handles in-game cinematics and lore for titles including Overwatch and World of Warcraft , voted this week to unionize under the Communications Workers of America. This covers about 169 developers and it marks the fourth unionization effort from Microsofts gaming teams, joining QA workers at Activision , ZeniMax and Raven Software . Steam censorship is breaking PayPal PayPal isnt a valid way to buy games on Steam in certain countries any longer. Steam in July removed hundreds of games with adult and NSFW themes from its storefront, and updated its policies to ban content that may violate the rules and standards of its payment processors. This was incredibly vague and raised immediate concerns around financial censorship, especially when combined with a related culling of thousands of games from Itch.io . Now, its confirmed that PayPal has terminated its partnership with Steam in multiple countries, affecting any denomination other than EUR, CAD, GBP, JPY, AUD and USD. Valve says its being pressured by payment processors including Visa, MasterCard and PayPal to remove certain games and implement puritanical censorship policies, and this has already resulted in at least one game being unjustly removed from the platform. That game, VILE: Exhumed , is now available as shareware . Roblox is changing its rules after so, so many child-safety lawsuits Roblox is locking down its system for sharing and viewing user-generated games following a wave of lawsuits accusing developers of failing to protect their young userbase. All unrated experiences, or user-created games, will be restricted to the developer and anyone actively working on them, rather than being available to anyone over the age of 13, as is currently the case. This change and others, including a new system that automatically detects and tracks violative scenes on individual servers, will roll out over the coming months. Analogue delayed its N64 remake again Its now due out in Q4 2025. :( Additional reading Kris Holts indie game roundup More action than RPG, Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 struggles to convince after a few hours' play by Robert Purchese at Eurogamer This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/video-games-weekly-silksong-and-gamescom-221635822.html?src=rss
On 34th Manipuri Language Day, A Renewed Call For Classical Status
The 34th Manipuri Language Day Celebration in commemoration of the inclusion of the Manipuri language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution was held on Wednesday.
Gold Drops To Nearly Rs 1 Lakh Per 10 grams; Silver Falls Rs 1,500
In the local market, gold of 99.5% purity slipped Rs 350 to Rs 99,700 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes) on Wednesday.
Tamil Nadu's Fight Against Drug Trafficking: Insights from Police Chief Shankar Jiwal
Tamil Nadu's proactive 'Drugs Free Tamil Nadu' campaign focuses on disrupting trafficking networks rather than increased usage, making it a leader in combating illegal substances. While the state is primarily a destination and transit point, not a production hub, police track street prices and purity to gauge the impact of seizures.
Indian Railways To Introduce Airport-Style Baggage Regulations At Several Stations Check Details
The new rules could be introduced at NCR stations which include Prayagraj Junction, Chheoki, Subedarganj, Kanpur Central, Mirzapur, Aligarh Junction, Govindpuri, Lucknow Charbagh, Banaras and Etawah.
U.P.s Jalalabad to get a new name, its Parashurampuri
The State government had told the Centre that Jalalabad is known as the birthplace of Parashuram, the saint, and houses an ancient temple dedicated to him
Centre approves renaming of UP's Jalalabad town to Parashurampuri: Union minister Jitin Prasada
Jalalabad in Uttar Pradesh is now Parashurampuri. The Home Ministry approved the name change. Union Minister Jitin Prasada thanked the central and state governments. Locals wanted the change to honor Lord Parashuram. BJP MLA Hariprakash Verma said it removes a symbol of slavery. The government aims to replace names linked to slavery.
Modis Brahmastra of Reforms for a Viksit Bharat
Hardeep S Puri I have been privileged to attend 15thAugust speeches from the time I was in school, but PM Modi 12thIndependence Day speech on Friday was unprecedented and stood out. It unleashed a Brahmastra Arjuns legendary weapon with no counter aimed straight at accelerating Indias path to Viksit Bharat. At a time [] The post Modis Brahmastra of Reforms for a Viksit Bharat appeared first on Northlines .
Jalalabad town in Uttar Pradesh's Shahjahanpur district renamed as Parashurampuri
LUCKNOW: In a significant move, the Jalalabad town of Shahjahanpur district in western Uttar Pradesh, has been renamed as Parashurampuri on Wednesday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah approved the renaming of the town, as the demand for it had been pending for a long time. The move was hailed by his BJP colleagues. According to the sources, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had received a letter from the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh urging it to approve the proposal to change the name. The MHA said that it had o objection to the proposal for renaming the town of Jalalabad to Parashurampuri. As per the sources, the UP government, in its correspondence regarding the proposal to the MHA, had said that the Jalalabad town was known as the birthplace of Bhagwan Parashuram, the Godly saint. It also has an ancient temple of Parashuram, and the municipal board of Jalalabad had passed a resolution to rename the city after Bhagwan Parashuram. '' @AmitShah ! @narendramodi . @myogiadityanath , pic.twitter.com/d6EanSsCL3 Jitin Prasada (@JitinPrasada) August 20, 2025 The MHA said that it had received a proposal from the UP government to rename Jalalabad as Parashurampuri on June 27, 2025. I am to invite attention to the Government of Uttar Pradesh letter No. 591 dated 27.06.2025 on the subject mentioned above and to say that Government of India has No Objection to the change of the name of town Jalalabad as Parashurampuri, District Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, said the MHA reply. The letter from MHA further urged the UP government to notify the new name Parashurampuri by registering it in Devnagri and Roman scripts and all the regional languages. Following the Union Home Ministrys approval, Union Minister and Pilibhit MP Jitin Prasada, who hails from Shahjahanpur, expressed his gratitude on X. Heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the Honourable Home Minister @AmitShah ji for granting permission to change the name of Jalalabad in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, to Parashurampuri! he said. Prasada also expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for their leadership. He also hailed the decision as a moment of pride for the Sanatani community. This decision, made under your guidance and leadership, has provided a moment of pride for the entire Sanatani community. Millions of salutations at the feet of Lord Parshuram ji! It is only by your grace that I could become an instrument in this sacred task. May your gracious gaze remain upon the entire world, he said.
The Samajwadi Party leader Dimple Yadav is the incumbent Member of Parliament from the Mainpuri Lok Sabha constituency. Swara Bhasker's husband Fahad Ahmad was also a member of Samajwadi Party for two years before he joined Nationalist Congress Party - Sharadchandra Pawar in 2024.
The Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, has approved the renaming of Jalalabad in Uttar Pradesh's Shahjahanpur district to Parshurampuri. This decision follows a letter sent to the state's Chief Secretary, indicating the central government's approval.
Bhojpuri actor Pawan Singh in trouble: Fraud case explained
A Varanasi court has ordered the police to register a case of fraud against Bhojpuri actor-singer Pawan Singh and three others.
Varanasi court orders FIR against Bhojpuri actor Pawan Singh, three others
The order was passed on August 13, 2025 by the court of the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate-II after hearing an application filed by businessman Vishal Singh
Varanasi Court Mandates FIR Against Bhojpuri Actor Pawan Singh, 3 Others
Vishal Singh's counsel, Ashish Singh alleged that his client was duped in the name of investment in the 2018 film Boss.
A Varanasi court has instructed police to file a fraud case against Bhojpuri actor Pawan Singh. This follows a complaint by hotelier Vishal Singh. He alleges being cheated out of investments in the 2018 film 'Boss'. Vishal Singh claims he was promised profits but received nothing. He further alleges threats from Pawan Singh when demanding his dues.
Pampa on the path for inclusion in National River Conservation Plan
ALAPPUZHA: The central government has initiated steps to include the Pampa River under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP), a multi-crore initiative aimed at protecting major rivers in the country. Union Ministry for Jal Shakti has asked the state government to submit a detailed report as part of the inclusion process. Kodikunnil Suresh MP said the ministry sought the report to facilitate conservation efforts for the river, which holds significant environmental and religious importance. The Pampa is closely linked to the Sabarimala shrine and major religious gatherings such as the Maramon and Cherukolpuzha conventions, giving it a sanctity comparable to that of the Ganga. We had submitted a representation to the central government requesting its inclusion in the NRCP. After considering my letter, the ministry has asked the state government to prepare and submit a report, Suresh said. He added that the project can help conserve the river. Pollution levels are high on many stretches due to large-scale dumping of waste by local bodies. In several areas, destruction of the riverbank is a major challenge. Inclusion in the NRCP will give a much-needed boost to conservation efforts, he said. Once the state governments report is submitted, the Centre will prepare a detailed project to prevent wastewater discharge into the river, remove waste, and construct water-purification plants. It will also fund riverbank-protection measures, including the construction of river walls. Technical assistance will also be provided to the state government and local self-government institutions. Chengannur municipal chairperson Sobha Varghese said that coastal erosion is one of the biggest threats facing the Pampa. During the rainy season, riverbanks are destroyed in many places due to the absence of proper retaining walls. Inclusion in the NRCP will help secure more projects for protection, the chairperson said. Earlier, the state government had proposed a Pampa River Basin Authority for the rivers protection, but the plan was shelved. The Pampa flows past around 30 panchayats and Chengannur municipality. Features Of Pampa The third-longest river in the state Length: 176 km Ranges: Western Ghats Starting altitude: 5,410 ft Districts covered: Pathanamthitta, Idukki and Alappuzha Starting point: Pulachimalai hill in Peermade plateau Panchayats covered: 30 Municipality: 1 (Chengannur) Pampa basin area: 2,235 sqkm Number of tributaries: 14
Nod to Rs 8.3K cr Bhubaneswar Bypass
NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday approved two mega infrastructure projects, including one for Odisha and another for Rajasthan, with cumulative estimated cost of over `9,500 crore. Briefing media after the meeting of the CCEA, Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the construction of a 6-lane access-controlled Capital Region Ring Road (Bhubaneswar Bypass) in Odisha with an estimated cost of Rs 8,307.74 crore has been approved. The nod has also been given to the construction of green-field Kota-Bundi airport in Rajasthan with a total estimated capital investment of Rs 1,507 crore, he added. The Minister said, the length of the ring road project for the twin capital city of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack would be 110.875 km and it would be developed on Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM). At present, the Rameshwar -Tangi stretch of the existing National Highway faces severe congestion due to heavy traffic moving through urban centres like Khordha, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack. The new Greenfield ring road aims to divert heavy commercial vehicles away from these cities, thereby improving freight efficiency, reducing logistics costs, and promoting socio-economic development in Odisha and neighbouring eastern states, Vaishnaw said. The alignment will integrate with three National Highways (NH-55, NH-57, NH-655) and one State Highway (SH-65), offering seamless connectivity to economic and social hubs across the region, he said. It will also connect with 10 Economic Nodes, 4 Social Nodes, and 5 Logistic Nodes, along with key infrastructure such as Bhubaneswar Airport, Khordha Railway Station, a proposed Multi-Modal Logistics Park, and two major ports (Puri and Astrang), the Minister said. Later, in a statement, the government said that following the completion, the project is expected to generate 74.43 lakh person-days of direct employment and 93.04 lakh person-days of indirect employment, creating new opportunities for local communities. Meanwhile, the Union Cabinet also cleared the proposal for building a green field airport - Kota-Bundi - in Rajasthan, the Minister said, adding that it would be funded by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). For the airport, 1,089 acres of land has been provided free of cost by the Rajasthan government and the airport will have a capacity to handle 2 million passengers per annum, he said, while noting that the new aviation facility will significantly improve regional connectivity and promote the local economy. The AAI will fund the project through its internal accruals and is expected to be completed in 24 months. In the last 11 years the number of operational airports in the country has more than doubled to 162 in 2025 from 74 in 2014. Also, the number of air passengers has increased to 41.2 crore this year from 16.8 crore in 2014, the Minister noted.
State karatekas bag 41 medals at All India event
By Our Reporter Shillong, Aug 19: Athletes from the All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association returned with a rich haul of medals from the 19th All India Independence Cup Karate Championship, held at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi, from August 8 to 10. A 57-member squad, led by Donboklang Lyngdoh, Greater E.M. Kharpuri, and Pynhunlang Kharbuli, delivered an [] The post State karatekas bag 41 medals at All India event appeared first on The Shillong Times .
Botched up drain works inundate colonies in Sainikpuri
95% conviction rate in prohibition offences since July 2024, say Tamil Nadu police
Afterhooch tragedies claimed over 90 lives inKallakurichi, Villuppuram, andChengalpetdistricts, special teams were formed to expedite the trial in pending cases as part of a strategy to curb the brewing, transport, and sale of spurious liquor in 10 northern districts
Ahead of Onam, 17,000 litres of spurious, sub-standard coconut oil seized in inspections
Legal measures initiated against coconut oil manufacturers selling fake brands, with fake FSSAI licences
Introduced 28 key initiatives over past six months to strengthen electoral system: ECI
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday announced that it has introduced 28 key initiatives over the past six months, aimed at modernising and strengthening the countrys electoral system. In an official statement, the poll panel said the reforms, spread across six pillars stakeholder engagement, electoral system cleanup, technology adoption, electoral roll purity, ease of voting and capacity building are intended to ensure transparency, inclusivity and efficiency in upcoming polls. As part of its outreach, Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), District Election Officers (DEOs) and Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) held 4,719 all-party meetings nationwide, engaging with over 28,000 political representatives. The Commission also interacted directly with party presidents and senior leaders through 20 high-level meetings. In efforts to strengthen electoral systems, the ECI delisted 334 inactive registered unrecognised political parties (RUPPs) in the first round and identified another 476 for removal, it said. Standard photo ID cards have been issued to Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to enhance transparency, while a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) mandates verification of microcontrollers in 5 per cent of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) after results are declared. On the technology front, the ECI has launched ECINET , a one-stop digital platform integrating more than 40 apps for voters, officials and political parties. Other measures include 100 per cent webcasting at polling stations, real-time voter turnout updates every two hours, and mandatory Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slip counts in case of mismatches. To improve electoral roll integrity, Bihar underwent a Special Intensive Revision (SIR), while rolls were updated ahead of recent by-elections across four states the first such exercise in nearly two decades. The delivery of Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) has been fast-tracked to 15 days with SMS notifications sent to electors, while duplicate EPIC numbers have been eliminated. For voter convenience, the ECI has capped polling station limits to 1,200 voters, introduced mobile deposit facilities outside booths, and mandated clearer voter slips. Candidates booths are now permitted just beyond 100 metres of polling stations. Capacity-building efforts included doubling the remuneration of BLOs, training more than 7,000 officials at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), and conducting special sessions for police and political party agents.
Gold Falls Rs 500 To Rs 1,00,420 Per 10 Grams; Silver Declines Rs 1,000
The precious metal of 99.9% purity had ended at Rs 1,00,920 per 10 grams in the previous market session.
Gold falls Rs 500 to Rs 1,00,420/10 g; silver declines Rs 1,000
NEW DELHI, Aug 19: Gold prices fell Rs 500 to Rs 1,00,420 per 10 grams in the national capital on Tuesday amid a firm trend in the overseas markets, according to the All India Sarafa Association. The precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity had ended at Rs 1,00,920 per 10 grams in the previous market session. In the national capital, gold of 99.5 per cent purity dipped Rs 450 to Rs 1,00,050 per 10 grams (inclusive of all [] The post Gold falls Rs 500 to Rs 1,00,420/10 g; silver declines Rs 1,000 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Apple just ended Steve Jobs iPad vision-its a Mac now
Apples iPad now behaves like a Mac with true windowing and multitasking, effectively ending the original third device idealyet a hidden mode still preserves that oneappatatime purity.
Anchor Anasuya Denies Participation in Bigg Boss Telugu 9
Anasuya is currently part of Tawar, an ambitious film starring Akash Puri in the lead.
Malayali diaspora prefers international migration to internal relocation: Study
KOCHI: Malayalam-speaking folks have got a thing for going global! A new study shows among Indias major linguistic diasporas, Malayalam speakers have the highest ratio of international to internal migration. According to Chinmay Tumbe of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, the Malayali diaspora hailing mostly from Kerala numbers over 4.6 million. That is 3 million outside India and over 1.6 million within. Tumbes study maps out Indias linguistic diasporas and finds over 60 million Indians in internal diasporas in 2010 nearly thrice the size of Indias international diaspora estimated to be 21.7 million. The internal diaspora is larger than its international counterpart for all major linguistic groups except for Malayalam and Tamil, and a third of the internal diaspora is dispersed across Indias 10 largest cities. The paper reveals that while the phrases internal migration and international migration are widely used around the world, diaspora is specifically used for international migration, almost by definition. Diasporas original meaning of being dispersed away from the original homeland has in recent years also encompassed recent immigration and temporary international migration, in addition to old settlements that have been formed over centuries. Tumbe writes that a detailed analysis of Keralas migration patterns over the past century reveals that internal migration was significant during the 20th Century, particularly to northern India, but shifted dramatically since the 1970s due to the Gulf oil boom. This redirected outmigration toward the Gulf region, including the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. There is also a Malayalam-speaking diaspora in USA and Italy and many other countries, as also an older diaspora in Sri Lanka. In the internal diaspora, among cities, Mumbai was by far the most important in 2001, followed by Bengaluru, Chennai and Delhi, the study states. Speaking to TNIE, Tumbe said that Kerala is unique in having both mass outmigration and now mass in-migration as well. While men still dominate outmigration from Kerala for work, it is more gender-balanced than what you see from the North, he said. I think now that Kerala has a very low birth rate, the pressure on land will reduce in the coming days and the migration propensity will gradually wear off. It would well become a state with net in-migration in the coming decades, he added. The Hindi-speaking diaspora (encompassing numerous sub-languages as defined by the Indian Census) is the largest, totalling around 40 million in 2010 across both internal and international migrants. Its estimated international diaspora of over 6 million includes historic communities in Latin America and Africa drawn from the Bhojpuri-speaking belts of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, outmigration to Nepal, and subsequent flows to countries around the world. The Indian Tamil diaspora comprises over 8 million people, with more than 4 million outside India and nearly 4 million within the country. It stands as the second-largest linguistic diaspora in India, after Hindi.
The Delhi High Court has ruled in favor of an Indian woman, Mrs. Shamina, whose gold bangles were seized at Delhi airport. Customs officials confiscated the jewellery, citing its high purity (24 karat) and her failure to declare them. The court, however, stated that the gold's purity is irrelevant in determining if it qualifies as personal effects. Read more.
We need to stop putting ourselves in danger
Just before the 7.7-km Igatpuri tunnel, Maharashtras longest road tunnel that bypasses the old Kasara Ghat section, motorists are seen halting their vehicles to pose for selfies
Disbursal of subsidy to Totapuri mango farmers in full swing in Chittoor
Subsidies worth 130 crore is being credited directly to farmers accounts, says Collector
Gold trades flat at Rs 1,00,920/10 g, silver climbs Rs 1,000
New Delhi, Aug 18 (PTI) Gold prices remained flat at Rs 1,00,920 per 10 grams in the national capital on Monday, according to the All India Sarafa Association. On Saturday, the precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity had declined Rs 500 to close at Rs 1,00,920 per 10 grams from Thursdays closing of Rs 1,01,420 per 10 grams. The Bullion markets were closed on Friday on the countrys 79th Independence Day. In the local market, the yellow metal of 99.5 per cent purity remained flat at Rs 1,00,500 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes) on Monday. Gold traded
Glenmark, Alembic Pharma, Sun Pharma recall products in US: USFDA
Glenmark, Alembic Pharmaceuticals, and Sun Pharma are recalling various products in the US due to manufacturing issues, according to the USFDA. Glenmark is recalling Carvedilol tablets due to nitrosamine impurity and Theophylline tablets for failed dissolution. Alembic is recalling Doxepin capsules for a similar impurity issue, while Sun Pharma recalls Spironolactone tablets due to aluminum contamination.
Nara Lokesh, Andhra Pradesh IT Minister, engaged with Union Ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and S. Jaishankar in Delhi. Discussions centered on fast-tracking the BPCL refinery project in Ramayapatnam. Lokesh also promoted the Deepam 2.0 scheme. He sought central support for energy and maritime sector investments. Furthermore, Lokesh pushed for stronger diaspora engagement and skills mobility with Jaishankar.
Insider track | Mann Ki Baat: Capital talk
Cabinet whispers: Winds of change There is an undercurrent of speculation in political circles, especially around the BJP, that a few long-serving ministers might soon see changes in their roles. The buzzstill firmly in the realm of gossipsuggests that the RSS has nudged the party leadership to rethink the positions of about six ministers who have held the same portfolios across two terms. Some are seen as having delivered little headline-worthy work in their current jobs, though that judgment is always subjective. The BJP, however, isnt keen to drop them entirely as most are considered close to the top brass. So, they may be shifted laterally into organisational roles. Allies, on the other hand, are unlikely to face any change unless they ask for it themselves. For now, the matter remains a quietly evolving story. Mann Ki Baat: Capital talk Since its launch in October 2014, Mann Ki Baat has become a monthly ritual in many Indian homes. What began as a simple radio address by the Prime Minister has grown into a multimedia platformbroadcast on All India Radio, Doordarshan, YouTube, NewsOnAIR, and even overseas through social media and OTT platforms like WAVES. It shares inspiring stories, social messages, and reflectionsbut beyond content, it has also proven financially successful. Official data shows it has generated Rs 34.13 crore in revenue so far. That this has been achieved without commercial advertising, with the reach and impact to boot, is remarkable. In an age defined by speed and brevity, Mann Ki Baat demonstrates that thoughtful, long-form storytelling can still resonate widelyand even pay its way. Jharkhands bureaucratic snag In Jharkhand, a scheduled Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meeting on August 18 was supposed to consider promoting senior state police officers to the IPS cadre. Instead, it has been put on hold. The reason: the UPSC did not recognise the states acting DGP, Anurag Gupta, who was meant to be part of the panel. The snag reflects a larger tussle between the state and the Centre. The Ministry of Home Affairs had refused a request from the Hemant Soren government to extend Guptas tenure beyond his superannuation in April 2025. Despite this, the state retained him as acting DGPa decision now under challenge in the Supreme Court. In the process, routine career progression for several officers has been stalled, showing how bureaucratic files can be caught in political crosswinds. A diplomatic reunion One of the heartwarming moments of the week was the visit of South Koreas Foreign Minister, Cho Hyun. He was returning to Delhi after nearly a decade. He spoke fondly of his earlier posting here as Koreas Ambassador to India, recalling his interactions with Indias current External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankarthen serving as Foreign Secretary. Cho Hyun marvelled at how India has changed in the last decade, attributing much of it to Prime Minister Modis leadership. Such laudatory compliments are a routine in diplomatic circles. However, his seemed genuinely personal, shaped by his own memories of India. The meeting of two former colleagues, now facing each other as equals on the global stage, was a quiet reminder that international relationships often evolve as much between individuals as between nations. The Constitution Club showdown The elections at the Constitution Club of India are over, but Lutyens Delhi is still talking about them. What should have been a quiet vote turned into a mini power battle within the BJP. On one side stood Rajiv Pratap Rudy, former Union Minister and trained commercial pilot, who currently holds a key post at the club. On the other side was Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, former MP from Muzaffarnagar, backed by sitting MPs unhappy with how the club was being run. The twist came when a Chief Ministers office from a BJP-ruled state reportedly stepped in to rally support for Rudy, asking MPs and ex-MPs from that state to back him. Balyans camp claimed Rudy had also roped in Opposition MPs onto his panel, and that helped secure his victory. They pointed out the unusually high turnout of former MPs, while noting the irony that many new BJP MPs, including ministers like Hardeep Singh Puri and S. Jaishankar, had not even signed up as members.
'Misinformation' by a few parties: CEC on SIR
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar addressed concerns regarding misinformation surrounding the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, urging political parties to actively participate in the purification process and submit evidence-backed claims.
India is expanding energy infrastructure in quest for self-reliance: Puri
New Delhi: Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Sunday that India is powering its quest for energy security with a focus on strengthening and expanding energy infrastructure in the country. For a growing India, real freedom means securing energy with its own resources for consumers, the minister said in a post Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Death of Puri burn victim: Police says ignore social media posts; claims probe in last stage
Odisha police are investigating the death of a 15-year-old girl who suffered severe burns in Puri district, urging the public to disregard social media posts due to the sensitive nature of the case and the victim's minor status. The investigation is nearing completion, focusing on how a video of the injured girl went viral, potentially violating the Juvenile Justice Act.
TN Governor doing cheap politics than opposition: CM Stalin
Dharmapuri: Chief Minister M K Stalin on Sunday mounted a scathing attack on Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi, accusing him of doing cheap politics than the opposition and charged him with spreading canards against the ruling DMK and the party-led government. Listing out the various pro-people welfare initiatives of his government, he said Tamil Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Tamil Nadu Governordoing cheap politics than Opposition: CM Stalin
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announces Dravidian Model 2.0 for 2026 elections and launches an instant crop loan scheme in Dharmapuri
Most Air Purifier Claims Lack Real-Life Testing, Warn Researchers
NEW DELHI, Aug 17: Planning to purchase that sleek air purifier for your home or office You may want to think twice. While these devicesfrom sleek designer models to compact plug-and-play gadgets are widely marketed as solutions for cleaner, healthier indoor air, new research suggests that many of them lack real-world evidence to support their claims. In fact, some may even produce harmful byproducts like ozone, raising fresh concerns about their long-term safety and effectiveness, as has been found by [] The post Most Air Purifier Claims Lack Real-Life Testing, Warn Researchers appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
CBC Jammu celebrates Independence Day with patriotic fervour
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 16: As part of the nationwide celebrations of Independence Day, the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) organized a small yet impressive function in the premises of its Regional Office here. The programme commenced with the unfurling of the National Flag by Ayushi Puri, Deputy Director, in the presence of all staff members of CBC Jammu. The gathering resonated with patriotic fervour as the Tricolor fluttered high. In her address, Puri recalled inspiring stories from Indias freedom [] The post CBC Jammu celebrates Independence Day with patriotic fervour appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Director Info hoists Tricolour at DIPR Complex Srinagar
Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Aug 16: Celebrating the 79th Independence Day, the Director Information, Nitish Rajora, hoisted the National Flag at the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Complex at Poloview here. Joint Director Hqrs, Vivek Puri, Deputy Director,(PR/AV) Javed Ahmad and other senior officers and officials of the Directorate participated in the flag-hoisting ceremony. At the outset, the Director extended his heartfelt Independence Day greetings, recalling the sacrifices of freedom fighters and emphasizing the need to uphold the values [] The post Director Info hoists Tricolour at DIPR Complex Srinagar appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
4 Folk Singers Killed, 7 Injured in Road Accident in Shivpuri
The ill-fated bus, carrying 20 folk singers, was going to Gujarat from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh
Karnataka Kolhapuri Chappal makers seek PRADAs support
Most of the production of Kolhapuri chappals happens in Karnataka, while most of the sale happens in Maharashtra. They are named after the city they are sold in, not made in
Parties failed to flag errors in time: EC rejects allegations of fudging in voter rolls
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Saturday pushed back against allegations of large-scale manipulation of voter lists, stressing that political parties had ample opportunity to scrutinise the rolls during the official claims and objections period but failed to raise concerns in time. In a statement, the poll panel said that some parties and their booth-level agents did not examine the electoral rolls at the appropriate time and did not point out errors, if any. It underlined that this window is designed precisely to allow parties and electors to check the draft lists and seek corrections before they are finalised. The EC noted that physical and digital copies of draft rolls are routinely shared with recognised parties, besides being uploaded on its website for public access. Once published, the final list is again circulated to all political parties, and a system of appeals is in place for anyone dissatisfied with the decisions of the Electoral Registration Officers (EROs). The commission maintained that it continues to welcome scrutiny of the rolls, saying, Such oversight helps the EROs identify and rectify mistakes, ensuring the purity of the electoral roll, which has always been our objective. Election Commission of India says, Recently, some Political Parties and individuals are raising issues about errors in the Electoral Rolls, including those prepared in the past. The appropriate time to raise any issue with the Electoral Rolls would have been during the Claims pic.twitter.com/0Q2e9brBES ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2025 The statement comes at a time when the poll body is facing mounting criticism from the Opposition. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has alleged that fake voters were inserted in key constituencies to favour the BJP, claiming that irregularities may have influenced the outcome in dozens of seats where margins were narrow. The EC has dismissed the charge and, according to officials, asked Gandhi to provide documentary proof or withdraw his accusations. Separately, in Bihar, the Commission is conducting a Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls ahead of the assembly polls. Opposition parties there have alleged that the exercise could disenfranchise large numbers of genuine voters. The EC has countered that all parties were given detailed lists of proposed deletions, covering deaths, migrations, duplicate entries and other grounds, along with clear instructions on how to file objections. The Commission is scheduled to hold a press conference on Sunday, where it is expected to address both the recent controversies and explain the safeguards built into the voter roll revision process. (WIth inputs from PTI)
4 Members of Gujarat Music Band Killed In Bus-Truck Collision In Madhya Pradesh: Cops
Four members of a Gujarat-based music band were killed and 11 other persons were injured on Saturday in a collision between a mini bus and a small truck in Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh, police said.
Spirit of Krishnas selfless karma is our strength, making us invincible, says CM Yogi
LUCKNOW: Reiterating the purpose of the 8th incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Shree Krishna to safeguard the virtuous and to destroy evil, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath said Lord Krishna turned the battlefield into the land of 'Dharma'. The inspiration of Shri Krishnas selfless actions gives us strength. The spirit of Shri Krishnas selfless karma is our power, making us invincible. As long as this inspiration will remain with us, no one can harm us, said the CM. He was participating in the Janmashtami celebrations to mark the 5252nd birth anniversary of Lord Krishan in Mathura on Saturday. Visiting the land of Lord Krishna for the 38th time during his tenure as CM, Yogi unveiled a Rs 30,000 crore master plan for the holistic development of the Braj region. The CM also inaugurated 118 projects worth Rs 646 crore. He said the master plan would connect pilgrimage sites like Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, and Gokul with the memories of 'Dwapar Yuga'. He said, Our government is committed to enrich the Braj region, thereby, respecting the sentiments of revered saints. We are making possible the works which were once considered impossible. Citing the example of Kashi Vishwanath Dham and the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, he said that ten years ago, even imagining them seemed impossible, but today they have become a reality. In Kashi, where earlier not even 50 devotees could visit together, now 50,000 devotees can have darshan at once. In Ayodhya, the grand Ram Temple is reviving the memories of 'Treta Yuga'. Similarly, a grand corridor has also been completed at Vindhyavasini Dham. He also mentioned the ropeway facility in Barsana, calling it a great relief for the elderly. He said, This is the benefit of development, that we are continuously working for the convenience and safety of devotees. Later, addressing a gathering, Yogi said that Mathura reflected 5,000 years of ancient history and devotion. On Shri Krishna Janmashtami, devotees from across India and the world have converged here, he noted, adding that Lord Krishna resided in every particle of Mathuras sacred soil a devotion unparalleled anywhere else. I bow countless times to this holy land, he said. CM Yogi said he has had the privilege of joining celebrations like 'Rangotsav' and 'Janmashtami' in Mathura for several years. He stressed on Indias role to present spirituality blended beguilingly with modern development before the world. He added that the world was eager to study Indias spiritual legacy, which, in times of global crises, was the ultimate resort to lasting peace and harmony. The CM also mentioned the success of MahaKumbh-2025 which witnessed 67 crore devotees taking the holy dip in the confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati. Similarly, the double-engine government is working with full honesty for the uninterrupted flow and purity of Yamuna, he said. The Chief Minister noted that India has completed 78 years of independence, while highlighting PM Narendra Modis vision of new resolutions for the centenary in 2047. Referring to the recent 24-hour discussion in the UP Assembly, he said society and government must work together to make Uttar Pradesh prosperous and developed by 2047. CM Yogi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 118 development projects worth Rs 646 crore for Mathura-Vrindavan. These included the inauguration of 80 projects worth about Rs 273 crore, and the foundation laying of 38 projects worth Rs 373 crores. These projects included beautification of Parikrama paths, entrance gates, restoration of kunds facilities for devotees, connectivity, water conservation, and environmental protection. Yogi also honoured the saints of the Braj region during his visit.
MP: Four of Gujarat musical troupe killed, 11 injured in Shivpuri road accident Punjab News Express
Four killed, 11 injured as mini bus collides with small truck in MP's Shivpuri
SHIVPURI: Four persons were killed and 11 others injured after the mini bus they were travelling in collided with a small truck on a highway in Madhya Pradesh's Shivpuri district on Saturday, police said. The accident occurred around 5 am on National Highway 46, around 30 km from the district headquarters, when the mini bus carrying a Gujarat-based music troupe was returning from a programme at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Survaya police station house officer (SHO) Arvind Chari told PTI . He said the bus driver lost control of the wheel, entered the wrong lane and collided with a small truck. The deceased included Hardik Dave (37), a singer in the music troupe, Raja Thakur (28), Ankit Thakur (17) and Rajendra Solanki (47), all members of the band, the SHO said. He said the injured persons have been admitted to hospitals. A preliminary probe suggests that the driver of the mini bus with 17 people onboard might have dozed off at the wheel, Chari said, adding that further investigation is underway.
Patna horror: 2 children found dead inside parked car in Indrapuri; probe on
In Patna's Indrapuri area, tragedy struck as two children, a girl aged around nine and a boy about five, were discovered deceased inside a parked car on Friday evening. Police responded to a 112 call and found one child alive, but the child later died in hospital.
Six killed as vehicle jumps divider and hits truck in Chhattisgarh
The victims were travelling from Indore to Puri via Chhattisgarh when the vehicle they were in hit a road divider and vaulted over it to collide with a truck coming from the opposite direction
SP Kameshwar Puri, 3 DySPs Among 38 Police Personnel Awarded JKPMG
JAMMU, Aug 15: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has awarded Jammu and Kashmir Police Gallantry Medals to 38 police personnel. Among the awardees are SP Kameshwar Puri, DySPs Imtiyaz Ahmed, Rahul Nagar, and Ashwani Kumar. See Order Copy Click Here The post SP Kameshwar Puri, 3 DySPs Among 38 Police Personnel Awarded JKPMG appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Independence Day celebrations held in Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri
Mangolpuri tree felling: NGT holds Delhi Police accountable, orders compensatory plantation
PM Modi announces National Deep Water Exploration Mission to find oil under seabed
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced a National Deep Water Exploration Mission aimed at discovering oil and gas reserves beneath the seabed, as part of efforts to boost domestic production and reduce the country's multi-billion-dollar import bill. India is dependent on imports to meet as much as 88 per cent of its needs of crude oil, which is converted into fuels like petrol and diesel, and about half of its requirement of natural gas, which is used to generate electricity, produce fertilisers and converted to CNG to power automobiles. One reason for high import dependence is that the country is not endowed with easy-to-find reserves. Large oil and gas discoveries like KG-D6 of Reliance Industries and KG-DWN-98/2 of ONGC happened in the pre-2014 period in deep-sea blocks. A huge portion of the budget is spent on importing petrol, diesel, gas, and other such resources... lakhs of crores of rupees go into this, Modi said. If we weren't dependent on energy imports, that money could have been used for eradicating poverty, farmers' welfare and improving conditions in our villages... but instead, we have to send it to foreign countries. The government, he said, is now working to make the country self-reliant in energy. To make India a developed nation, we are now embarking on a new phase of Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean), he said. Building on this effort, we aim to work in mission mode to explore and discover oil and gas reserves beneath the sea. That's why India is launching the National Deep Water Exploration Mission - a significant step toward achieving energy independence. While the large discoveries of KG-D6 and KG-DWN-98/2 and a few more off the East Coast happened in areas awarded under the New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP) prior to 2014, the Modi government has revamped the exploration policy, ushering in an open acreage licensing policy and opening up record area for exploration of oil and gas. Commenting on the announcement, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, in a post on X, said several key reforms, including legislation like the ORD Amendment Act, have been put in place to enhance exploration and production activities in India over the last few years. 52 discoveries have been made in the last five years, and 172 since 2014, including 66 offshore. Acreage of more than 0.38 million square kilometres has been awarded (for exploration) as compared to 82,327 sq km between 2009 and 2014. India's energy sector is exploring new horizons. Recently, nearly 1 million sq km of erstwhile 'No-Go' areas have been opened up for exploration and put up for bidding. The areas opened up include new deepwater frontiers like the Andaman-Nicobar basin. Deep water, particularly off the Andhra coast and the Andaman Sea, may hold some prospects. Puri and his ministry have been touting the prospects of the Andaman Sea for some time now. Andaman-Nicobar: India's Next Oil & Gas Hotspot! Its tectonic setting and proximity to proven petroleum systems in Myanmar and North Sumatra make it a high-potential exploration zone attracting global interest, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas had said in a post on X on July 31. Puri, in a post on July 30, had said, Andaman's waters could hold the key to India's energy future. Stating that India is exploring this untapped frontier, he had said that 25 blocks have been offered for bidding under the current OALP-X bid round, including promising ones in the Andaman Basin, spanning around 2 lakh sq km. A breakthrough here means less imports, more jobs, and stronger energy security, he stated.
Director Information hoists Tri-Color at DIPR Complex Srinagar
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 15: Celebrating the 79th Independence Day, the Director Information, Nitish Rajora, today hoisted the National Flag at the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Complex at Poloview here. Joint Director Hqrs, Vivek Puri, Deputy Director,(PR/AV) Javed Ahmad and other senior officers and officials of the Directorate participated in the flag-hoisting ceremony. At [] The post Director Information hoists Tri-Color at DIPR Complex Srinagar appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
On the 79th Independence Day, Team Border 2 unveiled the first poster of the much-awaited film, featuring Sunny Deol as Major Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri.
RSS chief Bhagwat says stray dog crisis needs population control not sheltering
CUTTACK: Amidst the raging controversy over the Supreme Court order , Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said the stray dog crisis can be resolved by regulating the canine population, and not by sending the animals to shelter homes. All animals have the right to live, said Bhagwat, speaking at the birth anniversary celebrations of Srila Prabhupada and the centenary celebrations of Sri Sachchidananda Math organised by the Gaudiya Vaishnava Sammilani at Cuttack. He emphasised the fine equilibrium between man and nature. The crisis can be solved by regulating the street dog population and not by sending them to shelters, he said. While milking cows, Indians take some milk and leave the rest for the calf, which is an art of striking a balance between man and nature. Nature should be conserved by maintaining a balance between development and the environment, he said. Bhagwat went to Puri, where he visited the Shree Jagannath Temple to seek the blessings of the deities and then met Shankaracharya Nischalananda Saraswati. The RSS chief arrived here on Wednesday evening. He is scheduled to hoist the national flag at the Utkal Bipanna Sahayata Samiti office in the capital city and address the gathering on Independence Day. Stray dogs in Delhi: SC slams local authorities for inaction, reserves order
Policeman murders friend in Dharmapuri, arrested
Former RJD MLA Rajballabh Yadav acquitted by Patna HC in minor's rape case
PATNA: Former RJD MLA Rajballabh Prasad, better known as Rajballabh Yadav, got a reprieve from Patna High Court on Thursday after he was acquitted in a minor girls rape case. Yadav was awarded a life sentence by a POCSO court in Nalanda district on December 15, 2018. Five other accused, including three who were awarded a 10-year sentence, have also been absolved of the charge. A single bench of justice Mohit Kumar Shah had reserved its order after hearing both sides on May 7. The accused had appealed in the high court against the lower courts judgment. The High Court had appointed Anukriti Jaypuriyar as amicus curiae to plead the case on behalf of the rape survivor. A senior advocate, Surendra Singh, appeared on behalf of the convict. The court acquitted all six accused in the case for lack of evidence. Rajballabh had to lose his membership from the Nawada assembly seat after he was convicted in the case by a POCSO court in 2018. On February 14, 2016, RJD suspended him from the party. He was debarred from contesting the election after being convicted in the case. The case was registered against the then MLA for allegedly raping a minor girl at his residence near Biharsharif on February 6, 2016. He was held guilty under section 376 (punishment for rape) of the Indian Penal Code and relevant sections of the POCSO Act, 2012. As he has been acquitted by the higher court, he may contest the forthcoming election. But it all depends on RJD chief Lalu Prasads discretion whether he fields Rajballabh as party candidate in the coming election, a close relative of former MLA said. He said that he will be released from jail after completing the necessary formalities. The news about Rajballabhs acquittal in the case spread like wildfire in Nawada, and several supporters reached his house in Dipnagar police station area. For the main OppositionRJD, Rajballabhs acquittal has come as a booster before assembly elections due in October-November this year.
Union Minister Chouhan orders strict enforcement to curb sale of uncertified bio-stimulants
The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has directed officials to ensure that only 600 registered and certified bio-stimulants are sold in the market, amid concerns over the alleged sale of fake and spurious products to farmers. On 16 July, Chouhan had expressed strong concerns regarding the unregulated sale of fake and spurious bio-stimulants to farmers across the country. Bio-stimulants are substances, microorganisms, or a combination of both that enhance plant growth, health, and productivity by stimulating natural processes within the plant, regardless of the presence of essential nutrients. This process can lead to higher yields and improved crop quality. Chouhan urged state governments to take strict action against the sale of fake fertilisers, urea, and uncertified bio-stimulants. Around 30,000 bio-stimulant products were being sold earlier, many without proper certification, said Chouhan. So far, only 600 bio-stimulants have been certified and allowed to be sold, he added. The government has also issued notifications related to all certified bio-stimulants. Chouhan directed officials to ensure that only these certified products reach farmers, and stressed that forcing farmers to purchase other products along with fertilisers is wrong and strict action should be taken against it. In a high-level meeting in Delhi, attended by various state agriculture ministers, Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi, Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research Dr M.L. Jat, along with senior officials and scientists from several states, Chouhan announced that another round of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan for the Rabi crop will begin on 3 October. He also instructed officials to prepare the outline for a five-year agricultural action plan by incorporating suggestions from progressive farmers, experts, and other stakeholders. On the issue of high demand and inadequate supply of urea, Chouhan stated two reasons behind it. There could be two main reasons for the increased demand for urea: first, an increase in the sowing of rice, maize, and other crops due to good rainfall; second, possible misuse of urea for non-agricultural purposes, remarked Chouhan. He further said that if the demand is genuinely for farming needs, urea will certainly be supplied, and the ministry is working promptly on this. On the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Chouhan emphasised that the government is committed to ensuring complete transparency in its implementation. Compensation is being directly transferred to farmers accounts through digital payment. If any insurance company or state government delays claim settlement, an additional 12% interest will have to be paid directly to farmers accounts, said Chouhan.
High uric acid levels in fingers and hands: Know its symptoms and ways to prevent
Elevated uric acid levels, stemming from purine-rich diets or impaired kidney function, can trigger hyperuricemia and gout, particularly affecting the hands and fingers. This leads to intense joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and potentially tophi formation. Managing diet, staying hydrated, and monitoring uric acid levels are crucial for prevention and management.
Gold climbs Rs 400 to Rs 1,01,420, silver rallies Rs 1,500
NEW ;Gold prices climbed Rs 400 to Rs 1,01,420 per 10 grams in the national capital on Thursday on fresh buying by stockists in line with firm global trends, according to the All India Sarafa Association. The yellow metal of 99.9 per cent purity had settled at Rs 1,01,020 per 10 grams in the previous []
Radioactive contamination affects habitations in Punjab, parliamentary panel urges urgent action
A parliamentary panel has expressed concerns about uranium contamination in Punjab's drinking water, affecting 32 habitations. While some areas have received purification solutions, the committee urges swift action for the remaining habitations and long-term safety measures.
MMTC-PAMP has received several awards since its inception from local and global industry bodies for Refining, Brand and Sustainability. Notably, MMTC-PAMP is Indias First Precious Metals Company to have Science-based Emissions Reduction Targets Approved by SBTI. Recognized by the Asia and India Book of Records, MMTC-PAMP is acclaimed as the country's only brand providing the purest gold and silver coins and bars with 99.99%+ (999.9+) purity levels and positive weight tolerance to consumers. Adding to its laurels, MMTC-PAMP was honoured as India's Most Trusted Brand of the Nation at The Brand Story- Indian Brand and Leadership Conclave & Awards, 2024.
Manipur Police Arrest 29-Year-Old for Smuggling Drugs from Myanmar
HT DIGITAL IMPHAL, AUGUST 14: A 29-year-old man belonging to the Manipuri Muslim community was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly importing illegal drugs into Manipur from Myanmar via porous areas of Tengnoupal district, officials said on Thursday. Operating on reliable inputs, an anti-smuggling squad of the Manipur Police conducted an operation where the suspect was []
Man detained for hinting at terror attack on Puri shrine, released later
Mechanical engineer allegedly running Rs six crore online scam arrested from Noida
NEW DELHI: A mechanical engineer was arrested for allegedly running Rs 6.03-crore online investment scam that duped victims via social media platforms, Police said on Wednesday. The accused has been identified as Krishna Kumar, who holds a B.Tech in mechanical engineering, as the prime executor of the fraud module. The accused lured victims through social media, promising extraordinary returns in stock trading. A team under the leadership of inspector Shiv Ram and supervision of ACP Anil Sharma nabbed the accused from Kulesara in Greater Noida, UP during an operation. The fraudster targeted victims via social media and induced them to join a Telegram channel named Plus500 Global CS. Inside private groups, victims were shown fake profit screenshots, fabricated trading dashboards, and scripted chats to create trust, Deputy Commissioner of Police (crime) Aditya Gautam said. The victim in this case was persuaded to invest Rs 6.03 crore, transferred in multiple installments to accounts controlled by the syndicate, the DCP said. He used fake numbers and virtual phone lines to conceal identities. Funds were routed through multiple accounts, layered to evade detection. Cyber Cell traced Rs 57 lakh to an account of Priyanka Placement and Loan Services, a front company controlled by the accused, he said. Kumar ran two cyber cafs to facilitate fraudulent activities and mask transactions. The accused was taken into police custody for sustained interrogation to identify other syndicate members. Advanced digital forensics, device cloning, and financial trail mapping are underway to dismantle the wider network and recover assets, police added. In another incident, police have arrested three people, including a inwoman, for robbing a man of cash and documents near the Gokalpuri flyover in northeast Delhi. When police were patrolling on Wednesday around 4 am, they noticed a commotion near the Gokulpuri flyover. After reaching the spot, they found a man -- identified as Sarbjeet (36), a resident of Kaithal in Haryana -- caught another person, a senior police officer said. Sarbjeet informed police that he was coming from Harsh Vihar and near the flyover, he was caught by two men. Shortly afterward, a woman also joined them. The trio forcibly snatched his wallet containing Rs 2,500 cash and other documents. One of the men took Rs 500 from his shirt pocket. As the assailants attempted to flee, Sarbjeet raised an alarm and managed to apprehend one of the robbers -- identified as Rahul (22). However, his associates managed to escape, police said. Based on Rahuls statement, raids were conducted, and his associates, Sameer (24) and the woman, were also nabbed. The victims robbed wallet containing Rs 2,500 and other documents was recovered from their possession, they added.
NEW DELHI: Hitting back at the BJP for claiming irregularities in seats contested by some top opposition leaders, the Congress on Wednesday said the data shared by the ruling party points to its collusion with the Election Commission (EC) and demanded that the 2024 Lok Sabha polls be considered ull and void for being held on fake voter lists. The opposition party also demanded the electronic voter list of Varanasi, from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi had won the electoral contest, so that people get to know whether he had truly won or not. The Congress's attack came after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claimed irregularities in voter registration in the Rae Bareli, Wayanad, Diamond Harbour and Kannauj parliamentary seats, and asked Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Abhishek Banerjee and Akhilesh Yadav to resign as Lok Sabha MPs, alleging that they secured their electoral triumphs with vote chori. Giving a slide-show presentation on the issue at the BJP headquarters here on an 'analysis' of electoral rolls in these constituencies represented by opposition leaders, former Union minister Anurag Thakur also flagged irregularities in the voter registration in Kolathur assembly seat in Tamil Nadu and in Mainpuri Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh. He asked Chief Minister and DMK supremo M K Stalin and SP leader Dimple Yadav to resign for igging election. Hitting back at Thakur, Congress's media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said, The numbers of five-six Lok Sabha constituencies that he (Thakur) has released ...it took us six months to collect for just one Vidhan Sabha. Where did he get the electronic voter list from? This shows how deeply aligned BJP leaders are with the EC. We also want to point out that what he has released today is evidence of a crime. We demand that this evidence be handed over to us within 24 hours so we can proceed with the investigation. We also want the electronic voter list of Varanasi, from where the prime minister won (the Lok Sabha election) by a very small margin, so that people can know whether he truly won or not, Khera told PTI Videos . The entire 2024 general election was conducted on such fake voter lists, the Congress leader alleged. Today, he (Thakur) has released the data for five-six Lok Sabha constituencies, whereas we had only released a list of 50 booths from one Vidhan Sabha. This proves, by his own action, that the election was held on a fake voter list. We demand that the Lok Sabha election be considered null and void, Khera said. Thakurslammed the Congress, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, and DMK leaders for raising questions on the Election Commission. He accused them of running a vicious propaganda against the special intensive revision (SIR) of the elector rolls, which is currently underway in Bihar and would be launched in other states. He claimed that the aim of the oppositions criticism was to protect their vote bank of illegal Bangladeshi infiltration and other intruders. Seeing this 'shor' (hue and cry) being made by the opposition, it now seems that 'chor machaye shor', the BJP leader said, suggesting that those who were in the wrong are now crying foul. Rae Bareli, Wayanad, Kannuaj to Diamond Harbour -- everywhere one question is coming up, why did they make fake voters? Will they resign for indulging in 'vote chori' and protecting intruders? Thakur asked. Dissolution of Lok Sabha first step towards genuine SIR: Abhishek Banerjee Trinamool Congress (TMC) general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Wednesday said immediate dissolution of the Lok Sabha should be the first step towards conducting a genuine Special Intensive Revision (SIR). In a post on X, the TMC leader also said that the SIR should be implemented across the country and not selectively in the poll-bound states. The EC (Election Commission) has stated that the voter lists across various states on the basis of which the General Elections were held barely a year ago in 2024 are faulty and riddled with irregularities, Banerjee said. If that is indeed the case, and if the GoI (Government of India) agrees with the EC's assessment, then the first step towards conducting a genuine SIR and standing on moral high ground is the immediate dissolution of Lok Sabha, he said, and added, If one truly supports the idea of SIR, then as per the EC's own statement - the people of this country have been betrayed, he said. Banerjee said the Lok Sabha should be dissolved, the SIR should be conducted across the country, and general elections should be held. Aap chronology samajh lijiye (understand the chronology) - dissolve the House, conduct SIR across the country, go for elections and face the people, he said. The INDIA bloc parties have been protesting against the ongoing the SIR exercise in Bihar, calling it vote chori (vote theft), and an exercise which would lead to the disenfranchisement of many. The opposition parties have been pressing for a debate on the issue in Parliament. They also attempted a march to the EC office on Monday, but were stopped midway. The Congress on Wednesday announced that Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, along with the INDIA bloc leaders in Bihar, will embark on a 'Vote Adhikar Yatra' across the state starting August 17.
Gold falls Rs 500 to Rs 1,01,020/10 g, silver trades flat
New Delhi, Aug 13 (PTI) Gold prices slipped Rs 500 to Rs 1,01,020 per 10 grams in the national capital on Wednesday due to continuous selling by stockists, according to the All India Sarafa Association. The precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity had closed at Rs 1,01,520 per 10 grams in the previous market session. In the national capital, gold of 99.5 per cent purity dipped Rs 500 to Rs 1,00,600 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes) on Wednesday. However, silver prices traded flat at Rs 1,12,000 per kilogram (inclusive of all taxes) on Wednesday. Spot gold in
'Chor machaye shor': BJP alleges irregularities in voter registration in seats of Oppn leaders
NEW DELHI: The BJP on Wednesday claimed irregularities in voter registration in Rae Bareli, Wayanad, Diamond Harbour, and Kannauj parliamentary seats and asked Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Abhishek Banerjee, and Akhilesh Yadav to resign as Lok Sabha MPs, alleging they secured victory in elections with vote chori. Giving a slide-show presentation on the issue at the BJP headquarters here on an 'analysis' of electoral rolls in these constituencies represented by opposition leaders, former Union minister Anurag Thakur also flagged irregularities in the voter registration in Kolathur assembly seat in Tamil Nadu and in Mainpuri Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh. He asked Chief Minister and DMK supremo M K Stalin and SP leader Dimple Yadav to resign for igging election. He slammed the Congress, TMC, Samajwadi Party, and DMK leaders for raising questions on the Election Commission. He accused them of running a vicious propaganda against the special intensive revision (SIR) of the elector rolls, which is currently underway in Bihar and would be launched in other states. Thakur claimed that the aim of the oppositions criticism was to protect their vote bank of illegal Bangladeshi infiltration and other intruders Seeing this 'shor' (hue and cry) being made by the opposition, it now seems that 'chor machaye shor', he said, suggesting those who are in the wrong are now crying foul. Have 'open and shut proof' that EC is involved in 'vote theft': Rahul Gandhi Rae Bareli, Wayanad, Kannuaj, to Diamond Harbour -- everywhere one question is coming up -- why did they make fake voters. Will they resign for indulging in vote chori and protecting intruders? Thakur asked. Levelling allegations of vote chori, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi had on Thursday, through a presentation at a press conefrence, cited data from the 2024 Lok Sabha polls to claim that over 1 lakh votes were stolen in Mahadevapura assembly segment in Karnataka through five types of manipulation, including duplicate voters, fake and invalid addresses, single-address voters. On Tuesday, opposition leaders took out a protest march from the Parliament House to the Election Commission's headquarters here on the issue, but were stopped and briefly detained by the police. The Congress on Wednesday stepped up its campaign against alleged 'vote chori' by releasing a new video depicting how fake votes were being cast, with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge asking people to raise their voice and save constitutional institutions from the clutches of the BJP. Gandhi also shared the minute-long video and said, Aapke vote ki chori aapke adhikar ki chori, aapki pehchaan ki chori hai.
'Terrorists Will...' Threat Graffiti On Puri Jagannath Temple Walls Sparks Panic In Odisha
Puri Police have started an investigation, with Puri SP Pinak Mishra saying efforts have been initiated to identify the suspects by scanning CCTV footage
Terror Graffiti Warning To 'Destroy Jagannath Temple' Found Near Puris Shrine; One Held
The incident has once again raised concerns over Srimandirs security, with the Union Home Ministry and NSG earlier recommending tighter safety measures.
Threatening Graffiti at Puri Jagannath Temple Sparks Terror Alert, Probe Begins
Eyewitnesses reported that the graffiti also featured a few phone numbers with instructions to call, along with phrases such as Kula Budiba (you will get destroyed) and the word terrorists written in bold.
Manager held for stealing jewels from employers house in Bengaluru
BENGALURU: Jayanagar police arrested a 40-year-old granite company manager and recovered over 1kg of stolen gold, and 1kg of silver ornaments worth Rs 89 lakh. The accused, KC Karthik, a resident of Thygarajanagar, was working as a manager with 67-year-old Ashoak Parasrampuriya, a resident of Jayanagar 8th Block near Sangam Circle, for 20 years. The accused has reportedly stolen over 2kg of gold ornaments, Rs 9 lakh in cash, along with other valuables worth about Rs 1.68 crore, over a span of eight years. The incident first came to light in November last year. The businessman had assumed that the ornaments must have been kept somewhere safe. Again, ornaments were found missing in June 2025. Since nobody was taking responsibility, the businessman fixed a secret camera inside the cupboard that recorded the manager stealing ornaments, and the businessman filed a complaint on July 27, suspecting his manager and two housemaids. The complainant had also given the manager a spare key to the house when they had gone out of town. The accused started stealing gold ornaments and biscuits. He had stolen around 1,000 small-sized gold biscuits and 17 gold chains, said an officer.
Regaal Resources Aiming To Become Third Largest With Current Expansion Plan, Says CMD And Director
Regaal Resources is focusing on capacity expansion rather than producing value-added products, said Chairman Anil Kishorepuria.
A Gen Z makeover for ice creams
Tucked away in the silent streets of Cenatoph Road, Alwarpet, inside the casual buzz of Double Roti, Scoop Dawg bursts into view with neon-bright signage. Sharing the restaurants seating but standing apart with its bold branding and quirky flavour names, this frozen dessert brand is crafted to speak directly to the citys Gen Z crowd. Its a brand made for them, by understanding their language and their vibe, says chef Shriram Rajendran, the brain behind Scoop Dawg. If you look at a Gen Z laptop, [its] covered in stickers...thats the vibe we want. Calling it a frozen-powered brand, Shriram shares, If its frozen, we want it here gelato, sorbet, frozen yoghurt, protein ice cream, even choco bars inspired by Dubai. With over 25 products on the menu, the brands goal is to offer variety thats fresh, authentic, and packed with personality. No cap scoops Step up to the counter and there are playful options that turn traditional dessert rules on their heads. The Drool Bowls, their over-the-top sundaes piled high with toppings, have already become a favourite. The Chocolate Riot combines two scoops of chocolate, vanilla, brownie chunks, fudge sauce, cookie bites, Nutella fudge, and Oreos a chocoholics fantasy. Meanwhile, the Cassata Smash takes us on a nostalgic rollercoaster, reviving the childhood favourite with real vanilla, strawberry, and pistachio ice cream, whipped cream, tutti frutti, and almond flakes. One customer told me shed only ever had cassata made with artificial essences, Shriram recalls. When she tried ours made with real ingredients she said it changed how she thought about ice cream forever. Thats the brands motto: authentic, quality ingredients sourced thoughtfully. We use Pollachi vanilla because its the best in India. Belgian chocolate for real richness. Sicilian pistachios for crunch. But the creativity doesnt stop at classics. Dare to try their Pani Puri sorbet, a tangy and playful homage to a street food favourite, or the zero-alcohol Negroni and Gin & Tonic sorbets, which pack a grown-up punch without the hangover. We want people to experience something new, says Shriram. Thats why we have flavours like smoked chocolate, black sesame, and Taro bubble tea. The brand also caters to health-conscious dessert lovers. We have a Whey Protein ice cream which has 30 grams of protein per scoop, claims Shriram. And our Dark Chocolate sorbet is 40% fewer calories than regular ice cream but still satisfies your sweet cravings. The vegan sorbets and frozen yoghurts offer lighter, healthier alternatives without skimping on flavour. By Gen Z, for Gen Z Scoop Dawgs voice and visuals are as important as its flavours. The branding is fluorescent, its on your face, Shriram says. We took input from over 20 Gen Z customers before launch for curating the flavour names, combos, everything. The Taro ice cream was their idea, and its already a bestseller. The team behind Scoop Dawg is also deeply involved in the local community and culture. We want to stay rooted when it comes to authenticity, Shriram shares. Thats why we source ingredients like Pollachi vanilla and Ooty strawberries. Its about respecting the local while adding an international touch. This blend of the global and local is reflected not just in ingredients but in the brands collaborations with Tamil illustrators who bring the packaging to life. Its a visual story that connects with the citys youth and their love for creativity. Looking ahead, Shriram says, The goal is to keep innovating seasonal flavours, interactive experiences, maybe even soft serve soon. But at the heart, its about giving people a moment to pause, enjoy, and share something genuinely exciting. He adds that two new flavours will be introduced every month, swapping them out every 15 days so that the brand celebrates the seasonal ingredients and surprises the customers with fresh, unexpected tastes. Ultimately, Scoop Dawg is about more than desserts its about moments. Shriram shares, They [Gen Z] want something that speaks their language and surprises them. Thats what Scoop Dawg delivers.
Food Safety wing seizes 16,565 litres of spurious coconut oil in raids
9,337 litres of coconut oil not meeting the standards seized from Kollam and 6,530 litres from Alappuzha
