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Salman Khan Claims Advertisement Featured Silver-Coated Cardamom Over Pan Masala Ad Row

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Salman Khan
Salman Khan

Bollywood actor Salman Khan has submitted a detailed response to the Kota Consumer Court regarding allegations of misleading pan masala advertisements, asserting he endorsed silver-coated cardamom rather than gutkha or pan masala products.

The case originated from a complaint filed by Kota BJP leader and advocate Inder Mohan Singh Honey, who alleged Khan and Rajshree Pan Masala misled consumers through advertisements promoting “saffron-coated cardamom” and “saffron-coated pan masala.” The complainant questioned the authenticity of using genuine saffron in products priced at Rs 5 per pouch.

Legal Arguments Challenge Court Authority

Salman Khan’s representative, advocate Ashish Dubey, argued the Consumer Commission lacks jurisdiction over the matter, stating the actor is neither a manufacturer nor service provider for pan masala products. Dubey characterized Khan’s involvement as legally unjustified and accused the complainant of causing “unnecessary harassment” through false allegations.

The defense maintained that silver-coated cardamom does not classify as pan masala, fundamentally undermining the complaint’s basis.

Signature Authenticity Questioned

Complainant Pradeep Instructor Singh Hani has challenged the submitted response, claiming the signatures do not appear genuine. Hani requested the court order Khan’s personal appearance and verify the document’s authenticity.

Public Health Concerns Raised

Honey emphasized the broader implications of celebrity endorsements for tobacco-related products. “The company, Rajshree Pan Masala, and its brand ambassador, actor Salman Khan, claim that the product contains saffron and encourages young people to consume it. Salman Khan is a role model for many people,” Honey told ANI.

He contrasted Indian celebrity practices with international standards, stating, “celebrities or film stars in other countries don’t even promote cold drinks, but they are promoting tobacco and pan masala. I urge them not to spread the wrong message to the youth as pan masala is one of the leading causes of mouth cancer.”

The advocate warned such advertisements encourage youth consumption of harmful products linked to severe health consequences, particularly mouth cancer.

Case Proceedings Continue

The Kota Consumer Court has issued notices to both Salman Khan and Rajshree Pan Masala. The next hearing is scheduled for December 9, when the court will consider jurisdictional arguments, signature verification requests, and the substantive allegations regarding product classification and advertising standards.

Delhi AQI Remains in Very Poor Category for 15 Consecutive Days

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Delhi
Delhi

Delhi: Delhi’s air quality continued in the very poor category for the 15th consecutive day Saturday, with the Central Pollution Control Board recording an Air Quality Index of 338 at 7 a.m., representing a slight improvement from Friday’s reading of 385.

Citywide Monitoring Shows Persistent Poor Conditions

CPCB monitoring stations across the capital Saturday morning revealed most areas remained in the very poor category. Locations including Anand Vihar (354), Ashok Vihar (347), Bawana (364), Burari (347), Chandni Chowk (351), Dwarka Sector 8 (368), ITO (343), Patparganj (341), Punjabi Bagh (355), Rohini (364), and Vivek Vihar (358) all exceeded the 300 AQI threshold.

Some stations recorded marginally better readings in the poor range, including IGI Airport (295), Dilshad Garden (272), Mandir Marg (251), and NSIT Dwarka (252).

Neighboring National Capital Region cities also reported poor to very poor air quality, with Noida at 344, Ghaziabad at 333, Gurugram at 293, and Faridabad at 207.

Week-Long Pollution Trend

Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI Friday stood at 369, following readings of 377 on Thursday, 327 on Wednesday, 352 on Tuesday, and 382 on Monday—all within the very poor category. Friday morning saw 19 of the city’s 39 monitoring stations register severe category air quality during early hours.

Dwarka Sector 8 recorded the highest city reading Friday at 414, according to CPCB’s Sameer app.

Pollution Source Analysis

The Decision Support System operated by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology identified vehicular emissions as contributing 18 percent to Delhi’s pollution. Neighboring districts Sonipat, Karnal, and Panipat contributed 8.7 percent, 3.9 percent, and 6.9 percent respectively.

Stubble burning accounted for 1.2 percent of pollution, with Saturday projections estimating vehicular emissions at 18.4 percent and stubble burning at 1.7 percent.

Forecast Indicates Continued Poor Conditions

The Air Quality Early Warning System predicts air quality will remain in the very poor range throughout the coming week, offering little respite for residents.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast fog for Saturday, with maximum temperatures around 26 degrees Celsius and minimum temperatures near 11 degrees. Weather conditions are not expected to significantly alter pollution levels in the immediate term.

Amid Wedding Delay, Smriti Mandhana and Palash Muchhal Adjust Instagram Bios

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Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana

Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana and composer Palash Muchhal have postponed their November 23 wedding following health complications affecting both their families. The couple updated their Instagram bios with a nazar emoji amid widespread social media speculation about the delay.

Health Emergencies Prompt Postponement

The wedding was delayed after Smriti’s father, Shriniwas Mandhana, experienced a health scare requiring medical attention. Subsequently, Palash also fell ill with acidity and a viral infection, necessitating hospitalization.

Palash was initially admitted to a facility in Sangli before being transferred to SRV Hospital in Goregaon, Mumbai. Medical staff declared him fit for discharge on November 26.

Social Media Activity Fuels Speculation

Following the postponement announcement, users across platforms including Reddit, Instagram, and X noticed Smriti Mandhana had removed wedding-related content from her Instagram account, including engagement and proposal photographs. The deletions, combined with the couple’s limited public statements, generated substantial online discussion and rumor circulation.

The couple’s decision to add protective emoji symbols to their Instagram bios appears to address the attention and speculation surrounding their personal circumstances.

Teammate Provides Support

Indian batter Jemimah Rodrigues has chosen to remain in India to support her close friend and teammate rather than return to Australia for Women’s Big Bash League commitments with the Brisbane Heat.

The WBBL franchise confirmed it granted Rodrigues permission to miss the tournament’s remainder to be present for Mandhana during this period. The decision reflects the strong bonds within the Indian women’s cricket team and prioritizes personal support over professional obligations.

No New Wedding Date Announced

Neither Smriti Mandhana nor Palash Muchhal have publicly announced a rescheduled wedding date. The couple has maintained relative privacy regarding their personal situation while dealing with family health matters and subsequent recovery.

The postponement follows what was expected to be a high-profile union between one of Indian cricket’s most prominent players and an established music composer. Mandhana remains one of India’s leading batters and a central figure in women’s cricket both domestically and internationally.

The couple’s families are reportedly focusing on recovery and health stabilization before making decisions about rescheduling the ceremony. Friends and colleagues from both cricket and entertainment industries have expressed support during this challenging period.

Safety Critical: Indian Airlines Scramble to Fix A-320 After EU Agency Alert

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Safety Critical: Indian Airlines Scramble to Fix A-320 After EU Agency Alert
Safety Critical: Indian Airlines Scramble to Fix A-320 After EU Agency Alert

Hundreds of Airbus aircraft operated by Air India and IndiGo are undergoing mandatory inspections following an emergency airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. The directive temporarily grounds up to 6,000 Airbus A320-family aircraft globally until critical flight control system fixes are completed.

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued a “most urgent” mandatory modification notice requiring airlines to inspect and replace flight control components, specifically the ATA 27 system involving elevator aileron computers. The affected aircraft include A318, A319, A320, and A321/5 series models.

Airlines Report Progress on Compliance

Air India stated its engineering teams are working continuously to complete required checks. “We have already completed the reset on over 40 per cent of our aircraft that are impacted by this, and are confident of covering the entire fleet within the timeline prescribed by EASA,” the airline said.

The carrier reported no flight cancellations resulting from the directive and minimal impact on schedule integrity across its network. Industry sources indicated both airlines expect full compliance by day’s end, with any delays limited to under 30 minutes.

Incident Triggers Global Safety Alert

The EASA directive followed a midair incident last month involving an A320 traveling from Cancun to Newark. The aircraft, cruising at 35,000 feet, suddenly pitched nose-down without pilot input, causing an unexpected altitude drop before safely diverting to Tampa.

Investigators identified a malfunction in the elevator aileron computer, a critical system that translates pilot commands to wing and tail control surfaces.

Solar Radiation Identified as Software Vulnerability

Airbus investigation findings revealed an unexpected cause: intense solar radiation can corrupt recently updated ELAC software, affecting critical data bits. This corruption risks uncommanded aircraft maneuvers that could potentially overload the plane’s structural limits.

The discovery highlights vulnerabilities in aviation software systems to space weather phenomena, prompting immediate global action to inspect and modify affected aircraft systems.

Operational Impact Contained

Both major Indian carriers emphasized their commitment to safety compliance while minimizing disruption to passengers. The coordinated response between EASA, DGCA, and airlines demonstrates the aviation industry’s rapid safety protocol implementation when critical vulnerabilities are identified.

The directive affects one of the world’s most widely used commercial aircraft families, underscoring the scale of the coordinated international aviation safety response.

What to Eat With Your Tea: A Guide to Smart Food Pairings

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Tea
Tea

Tea remains a cornerstone of daily routines for millions, but nutritionists emphasize that food pairings significantly impact both digestion and nutrient absorption. Understanding which combinations work and which don’t can transform a routine tea break into a healthier experience.

Beneficial Tea Companions

Research from 2009 indicates that fiber-rich snacks like roasted makhana, wholegrain crackers, and murmura chivda help slow caffeine absorption, preventing acidity and jitters. These options balance tea’s tannins while keeping the stomach comfortable.

Light protein sources including boiled eggs, roasted chana, and paneer cubes provide satiety without interfering with tea’s natural compounds. These maintain stable blood sugar levels without the heaviness of fried alternatives.

Low-iron foods such as plain biscuits, toast, and rice-based snacks pair smoothly with tea since they don’t compete with tannin absorption. For those who prefer strong tea, anti-acidity options like bananas, jaggery, or cucumber sandwiches help counter stomach dryness.

Digestive spices in snacks like ajwain mathri or ginger-infused bites complement tea by reducing bloating and supporting digestion.

Foods to Avoid

Delhi-based nutritionist Shilpa Arora warns against several problematic pairings. Iron-rich meals containing legumes, lentils, and dark leafy vegetables should be consumed separately from tea, as tannins significantly reduce non-heme iron absorption.

Citrus fruits and fruit salads may increase stomach acidity when combined with tea, causing digestive discomfort. Heavy gram-flour or deep-fried snacks often trigger bloating when paired with tea’s tannins.

Full-fat dairy products or curd-based foods consumed alongside tea can diminish antioxidant absorption and upset digestion in sensitive individuals. Highly spicy or acidic foods may overstimulate the stomach when combined with tea’s astringency.

Optimal Tea Timing

Nutritionist Rupali Datta recommends consuming tea after breakfast or lunch rather than on an empty stomach. Evening consumption should conclude before 6 p.m. to avoid sleep disruption.

Excessive tea intake can trigger acidity, bloating, and restlessness. Studies suggest overconsumption may interfere with iron absorption, particularly concerning for individuals with anemia or low iron levels.

Strategic food pairing and mindful timing can maximize tea’s benefits while minimizing potential digestive issues, transforming a simple beverage into a balanced dietary component.

No Child To Be Overlooked in Punjab, Mann Government Says as 45 MCCCs Are Established

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Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s government has launched a major shift in Punjab’s public health system, placing a strong emphasis on the wellbeing of mothers and young children. A central part of this effort is the establishment of forty five Mother and Child Care Centers, which are intended to lower maternal deaths and ensure that every newborn receives proper care from the very beginning. This initiative brings the state closer to the vision of a vibrant and healthy Punjab where quality healthcare is available to everyone.

The pace of work on these centers has been remarkable. Out of the planned forty five facilities, more than thirty five are already operational, showing how committed the government is to completing the project on schedule. These centers are not simply new structures; they are fully equipped medical hubs. Many have been set up in rural and remote regions, allowing people in underserved areas to access quality care without traveling far. The center in Budhlada in Mansa district, for example, was built for a little over five crore rupees with complete transparency, highlighting responsible use of public funds.

Each Mother and Child Care Center has been planned with the needs of pregnant women and infants in mind. The services include safe childbirth, thorough health checkups before and after delivery, advanced care for newborns, and special monitoring for women with high risk pregnancies. These centers are especially important in areas where conditions such as anemia are widespread. Thanks to this system, families no longer need to rely on costly private hospitals or make long trips to large cities, as the required care is available right in their locality.

Alongside these centers, the administration has also expanded its network of Aam Aadmi Clinics. With more than eight hundred clinics functioning across the state, people can receive basic treatment, free diagnostic tests, and a wide range of essential medicines close to home. This creates a two level system, where Aam Aadmi Clinics manage everyday health problems while Mother and Child Care Centers focus on specialized services. Free prenatal testing for expectant mothers has recently been added to the clinics, ensuring that only those who truly need advanced care are referred to larger facilities.

The government is making sure that the quality of services inside these centers matches the quality of the infrastructure. The Chief Minister personally visits hospitals to identify gaps such as shortages of medical staff or sanitation workers. These inspections ensure that the large investments being made actually result in round the clock functional facilities that serve the public without compromise.

This balanced approach to expanding healthcare infrastructure, supervision, and accountability highlights the administration’s focus on good governance. Public money is being directed toward projects that directly improve people’s lives, and these investments will strengthen Punjab’s economy as well, as healthier communities are more productive. Work is already underway to complete the remaining Mother and Child Care Centers so that the full network can start serving mothers and children throughout the state.

The plan to build forty five Mother and Child Care Centers is more than a healthcare program; it is a step toward reshaping the social fabric of Punjab. The determination of the AAP government, combined with efficient execution and coordination between basic and specialized care, has created a model for the rest of the country. This progress clearly shows that Punjab is moving steadily toward becoming a state where reliable, modern, and inclusive healthcare is available to all.

Delhi to Build 53-Km Cycling and Walking Track Along Yamuna River – Details Inside

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Delhi
Delhi

Delhi: Delhi is launching one of its largest non-motorized transportation initiatives with a 53-kilometer continuous cycling and walking corridor along both banks of the Yamuna River, extending from Wazirabad Barrage to NH-24 and Kalindi Kunj Biodiversity Park.

The Delhi Development Authority will implement the project across three phases, with Phase I scheduled to commence in early 2026 and complete within 12 months. Officials expect the entire corridor to be operational within three years, with tenders issued and most regulatory approvals secured.

Project Specifications and Infrastructure

The dual-bank pathway comprises 23 kilometers on the western bank and 30 kilometers on the eastern bank. The corridor will feature well-lit, clearly marked cycling paths designed with safety as a priority.

Environmental protections are built into the plan, prohibiting construction in sensitive floodplain areas and implementing strict regulations to preserve existing vegetation. The track will connect established riverfront parks, biodiversity zones, and green spaces developed over the past two years.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta characterized the initiative as a “historic step” toward cleaner air and healthier lifestyles during a recent project review.

Implementation Timeline

Phase I will cover the Old Yamuna Rail Bridge to NH-24 section, beginning early 2026 with a 12-month completion target. Phase II extends from NH-24 to Kalindi Kunj Biodiversity Park, while Phase III connects Wazirabad Barrage to the Old Yamuna Rail Bridge, all within the three-year overall timeline.

Expected Benefits for Urban Development

Officials anticipate the corridor will reduce vehicular dependence by providing safe commuting alternatives for pedestrians and cyclists. Projected outcomes include decreased traffic congestion on major routes including NH-24, Old Yamuna Bridge, and Kalindi Kunj, alongside improved air quality through reduced vehicle emissions.

The infrastructure is designed to accommodate all age groups for exercise and recreation, while potentially boosting eco-tourism through enhanced access to biodiversity parks and restored green areas.

Integration with Broader Environmental Goals

The cycling corridor forms part of Delhi’s comprehensive plan to restore its relationship with the Yamuna River. The project complements ongoing river cleanup initiatives, floodplain biodiversity restoration efforts, and public space development between Wazirabad and Okhla.

Upon completion, the continuous pathway will offer residents an uninterrupted traffic-free route along the river, potentially establishing new standards for green mobility infrastructure in Indian urban centers.

128 Dead in Hong Kong’s Worst Fire Since 1948

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Hong Kong
Hong Kong

Hong Kong: A catastrophic fire at Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po has resulted in 128 confirmed deaths, marking the city’s deadliest blaze in nearly 80 years. The inferno engulfed eight residential towers on Wednesday, spreading rapidly through structures covered in bamboo scaffolding.

Emergency crews have spent days searching the burned buildings, with 25 distress calls still unresolved as of Friday. Families gathered at community centers to identify victims through photographs of the disaster scene.

Construction Firm Faces Criminal Charges

Authorities arrested three employees of Prestige Construction, including two directors and an engineering consultant, on manslaughter charges. The firm had been conducting renovation work at the site for more than a year.

Police identified multiple safety violations that accelerated the fire’s spread. “We have reason to believe the decision-makers showed gross negligence,” Police Superintendent Eileen Chung stated. Investigators discovered flammable foam panels covering windows and combustible exterior materials that enabled flames to move vertically and horizontally between buildings within minutes.

Migrant Workers Heavily Affected

The death toll includes numerous foreign domestic workers residing in the complex. Philippine community organizations reported 19 Filipino workers remained missing, while Indonesian officials confirmed two fatalities among their citizens. Hong Kong employs over 368,000 migrant domestic workers, predominantly from Southeast Asian nations.

Traditional Scaffolding Method Questioned

The disaster has intensified scrutiny of Hong Kong’s continued use of bamboo scaffolding, a centuries-old practice still common throughout the city. Officials noted the fire originated on exterior bamboo structures before spreading internally and across multiple towers, aided by wind conditions.

While bamboo remains favored for its affordability and ease of installation in dense urban environments, it has contributed to 23 construction-related deaths since 2018. The government had already been considering transitioning to metal alternatives before this incident.

Response and Investigation

Chief Executive John Lee announced a HK$300 million relief package for affected families. Hundreds of displaced residents sheltered in nearby shopping centers while investigators worked to determine the precise ignition source. The combination of flammable materials and traditional construction methods created what experts described as catastrophic conditions for rapid fire spread.

‘Not Just a South Thing’: Raashii Khanna Points Out Objectification of Women Exists in Bollywood as Well

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Raashii Khanna

The way women are portrayed in South Indian films has often drawn criticism, with many pointing out that female characters are frequently reduced to decorative parts. In a conversation with Zoom, Raashii Khanna, who has worked across South industries as well as in Bollywood, noted that objectification is not limited to one region. According to her, Bollywood also has its share of problematic portrayals.

Reflecting on the issue, Raashii explained, “This is not something that exists only in the South. I see it happening quite often in the North too. Ultimately, it depends on what an actor chooses to accept. Some are comfortable with certain things, while others are not. I have done plenty of commercial films in the South, and now I feel the need to push ahead in Hindi cinema and focus more on content. I am open to commercial projects, but even I have my boundaries. Each actor’s threshold is different, and that is what shapes their identity.”

She continued, “For me, comfort is essential. If I feel that something crosses a line or makes me appear in a way I would not like, I will refuse it. Every actor has their own comfort space, and I do not judge anyone for their choices.”

Raashii Khanna’s recent projects and what comes next
Raashii was last seen in the film 120 Bahadur. Directed by Razneesh Ghai and produced by Excel Entertainment along with Trigger Happy Studios, the historical war drama features Farhan Akhtar as Major Shaitan Singh and Raashii as his wife, Shagun Kanwar, with Vivan Bhatena and Ankit Siwach in supporting roles.

The film is based on the Battle of Rezang La, one of the defining moments of the Sino Indian War on 18 November 1962. It tells the story of the Charlie Company of the 13 Kumaon Regiment, which was made up entirely of Ahir soldiers. Despite being a group of only 120 men, they fought off a Chinese force nearly twenty five times larger and inflicted heavy casualties. The film has received strong reviews and has earned about fifteen crore rupees at the domestic box office.

Raashii will next appear in Ustaad Bhagat Singh, which stars Pawan Kalyan and Sreeleela in key roles and is expected to release in theatres in April 2026. She is also preparing for the second season of Farzi with Shahid Kapoor, which is scheduled to begin production next year.

MEA Confirms Vladimir Putin’s India Visit Scheduled for December 4–5

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Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India on December 4 and 5, according to reports published by Russian state news agencies on Friday that quoted the Kremlin.

Earlier in the week, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Putin will arrive in India to take part in the annual summit between New Delhi and Moscow and to hold a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In an official statement on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs announced that President Vladimir Putin has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation and will undertake a State Visit to India from December 4 to 5, 2025, for the twenty third India Russia Annual Summit.

The ministry noted that President Putin will engage in formal discussions with Prime Minister Modi during his stay. The President of India will also welcome the Russian leader and host a banquet in his honour.

According to the statement, the upcoming State Visit will give both countries’ leaders an opportunity to assess the overall progress in their bilateral partnership, outline a roadmap to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, and exchange perspectives on important regional and global developments.