Home Blog Page 71

With 39% Excess Monsoon Showers, Himachal Faces Economic Hit of ₹4,881 Crore

0
Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh

Shimla in Himachal Pradesh recorded 39 per cent above-normal rainfall during the monsoon season that lasted from June 1 to September 30. According to the Meteorological Department, the state received 1,022.5 mm of rainfall against the seasonal average of 734.4 mm.

The intense rains caused widespread destruction across the hill state, leading to estimated losses of more than ₹4,881 crore. During the season, Himachal witnessed 47 cloudbursts, 98 flash floods and 148 significant landslides. The calamities claimed 454 lives, highlighting the severe toll of this year’s monsoon.

Looking at long-term records, the earliest onset of the southwest monsoon in the last 29 years was on June 9, 2000, while the most delayed arrival was on July 5, 2010. Similarly, the earliest withdrawal took place on September 18, 2001, and the latest was noted on October 11, 2019.

This year’s rainfall has been ranked as the 15th-highest monsoon total in the past 125 years and the highest in nearly three decades. For context, the heaviest rainfall on record during the same period was 1,314.6 mm in 1922.

Month-wise distribution revealed that rainfall was 34 per cent above normal in June, 68 per cent higher in August and 71 per cent higher in September. July, however, saw a deficit of 2 per cent. The MeT office confirmed that very heavy rain days numbered 36 this season.

Of the total fatalities, 264 people died in rain-related incidents while 190 lost their lives in road accidents. Another 498 individuals sustained injuries, and 50 remain unaccounted for. The latest assessment from the State Emergency Operation Centre, issued on September 24, reported that around 9,230 houses were either fully destroyed or partially damaged.

Bihar Dominates Amrit Bharat Train Network with 13 Out of 15 Services

0
Bihar
Bihar

Bihar has emerged as the primary hub for Amrit Bharat Express trains, operating 13 out of 15 such services nationwide following the addition of three new trains on September 29.

Program Overview – Bihar Amrit Bharat Train

Launched in 2023, Amrit Bharat trains aim to provide affordable, high-quality travel experiences for lower-income and lower-middle-income passengers. Currently, 12 trains operate across India, with 10 originating from Bihar.

Complete List of Bihar Amrit Bharat Services

  • Darbhanga-Anand Vihar Terminal Amrit Bharat Express
  • Saharsa-Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Amrit Bharat Express
  • Rajendranagar Terminal-New Delhi Amrit Bharat Express
  • Bapudham Motihari-Anand Vihar Terminal Amrit Bharat Express
  • Darbhanga-Gomtinagar Amrit Bharat Express
  • Malda Town-Gomtinagar Amrit Bharat Express
  • Sitamarhi-Delhi Amrit Bharat Express
  • Gaya-Delhi Amrit Bharat Express
  • Jogbani-Erode-Jogbani Amrit Bharat Express
  • Saharsa-Chheharta (Amritsar)-Saharsa Amrit Bharat Express
  • Muzaffarpur-Cheralpalli Amrit Bharat Express (Inaugurated September 29)
  • Chapra-Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal) Amrit Bharat Express (Inaugurated September 29)
  • Darbhanga-Madar (Ajmer) Amrit Bharat Express (Inaugurated September 29)

Train Composition

Non-AC Amrit Bharat trains comprise:

  • 11 General Class coaches
  • 8 Sleeper Class coaches
  • 1 Pantry car
  • 2 Second class-cum-Luggage-cum-Guard Van and Disabled-Friendly Compartments

Railways has provisioned production of 100 Amrit Bharat trains.

Advanced Safety Features

Trains are equipped with:

  • Kavach automatic train protection system
  • Semi-automatic couplers
  • Crash tubes
  • EP-assisted braking systems for instant emergency braking
  • Fully sealed coaches with gangways and vacuum evacuation systems
  • Fire detection system in non-AC coaches (first-time implementation)
  • Talkback and response units in guard rooms for enhanced security

Future Development: Amrit Bharat 3.0

Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF) is developing Amrit Bharat 3.0 trains, which will feature a combination of Air-Conditioned and Non-Air-Conditioned coaches, expanding service options for passengers.

The expansion underscores Bihar’s strategic importance in Indian Railways’ efforts to improve connectivity and provide affordable travel options for economically weaker sections across the country.

Mukesh Ambani Retains India’s Richest Title with ₹9.55 Lakh Crore Net Worth

0
India
India

Mukesh Ambani and his family have maintained their position as India’s wealthiest, with a net worth of ₹9.55 lakh crore, according to the 14th edition of the M3M Hurun India Rich List 2025 released Tuesday.

Gautam Adani and his family secured second place with ₹8.15 lakh crore, continuing the intense competition at the apex of India’s billionaire rankings.

Historic Achievement for Roshni Nadar

Roshni Nadar Malhotra and her family entered the top three for the first time, recording a net worth of ₹2.84 lakh crore, making her India’s richest woman. The report highlighted the growing presence of women entrepreneurs reshaping the country’s wealth landscape.

Billionaire Class Expands Rapidly

India’s billionaire count has crossed 350, representing a sixfold increase since the list’s inception 13 years ago. Their collective wealth totals ₹167 lakh crore, approximately half of India’s GDP, according to the report published in The Economic Times.

Aravind Srinivas, 31, founder of Perplexity, became India’s youngest billionaire with ₹21,190 crore. Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan joined the billionaire club for the first time with a net worth of ₹12,490 crore, demonstrating the convergence of entertainment and business success.

Niraj Bajaj and his family recorded the highest absolute gain, adding ₹69,875 crore to reach ₹2.33 lakh crore, illustrating the dynamic nature of wealth creation across sectors.

Geographic and Sectoral Distribution

Mumbai remains India’s billionaire capital with 451 of the wealthiest individuals, followed by New Delhi with 223 and Bengaluru with 116.

Pharmaceuticals led sector representation with 137 entrants, followed by industrial products with 132 and chemicals and petrochemicals with 125.

Women and Self-Made Entrepreneurs

The 2025 list features 101 women, including 26 dollar billionaires, reflecting increasing female entrepreneurship. Self-made individuals constitute 66 percent of the list, with 74 percent of new entrants having built their fortunes independently, underscoring India’s entrepreneurial spirit.

The report indicates that wealth creation in India continues to accelerate, with new billionaires emerging from diverse sectors and backgrounds, including younger entrepreneurs and entertainment personalities alongside traditional business families.

Telugu Star Akkineni Nagarjuna Secures Personality Rights Protection From Delhi HC

0
akkineni nagarjuna

The Delhi High Court has ruled that depicting a celebrity in misleading, derogatory, or inappropriate contexts using their persona can damage their reputation and undermine their goodwill. In a recent judgment, the court upheld Telugu actor Akkineni Nagarjuna’s personality and publicity rights, prohibiting entities from commercially exploiting his name, image, or voice without his consent.

Justice Tejas Karia directed multiple entities to remove URLs infringing upon the actor’s personality rights within 72 hours. The order, issued on September 25 and made public on Tuesday, addressed Nagarjuna’s petition seeking protection of his name, image, voice, and other distinctive personal attributes.

In the case, represented by senior advocate Vaibhav Gaggar and advocate Pravin Anand, Nagarjuna claimed that his persona was being misused to sell merchandise for illegal commercial purposes. He also alleged that his image had been morphed into pornographic content and artificial intelligence was being used to create YouTube videos linking him to terrorist organizations and gambling activities.

The 13-page ruling emphasized that unauthorised use of the actor’s persona could mislead the public and create the false impression that he endorsed certain products or activities. The court noted, “Exploitation of one’s personality rights jeopardizes not only economic interests but also the right to live with dignity. Unauthorised adoption of attributes such as name, image, and likeness inevitably confuses the public regarding association with or endorsement by the Plaintiff, causing irreparable harm to reputation and goodwill.”

The judgment further stated, “The Plaintiff is a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry. Depictions that are misleading, derogatory, or inappropriate inevitably dilute the reputation and goodwill associated with the Plaintiff.”

Nagarjuna’s suit, also represented by advocates Vaishali Mittal, Vibhav Mithal, and Shivang Sharma, highlighted that despite issuing notices to the infringing entities, the violations of his personality rights persisted, and their dissemination was tarnishing his public image.

This decision follows a series of similar rulings by the Delhi High Court. In May 2024, the court protected veteran actor Jackie Shroff’s personality and publicity rights, noting that unauthorised merchandise and altered videos generated commercial gain through exploitation. In 2023, the court restrained misuse of actor Anil Kapoor’s name, image, voice, and his signature “jhakaas” catchphrase. In November 2022, it safeguarded Amitabh Bachchan’s personality and publicity rights.

Earlier in September, the court also extended protections to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, and filmmaker Karan Johar. In Johar’s case, the court ordered the removal of obscene memes and posts from social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube, emphasizing that unauthorised use of a celebrity’s persona not only causes commercial harm but also violates their right to dignity, while tarnishing their goodwill.

Trump And Democrats Refuse To Compromise, US Government Halts Operations

0
Clash between opposition and trump.

The US government officially went into shutdown early Wednesday after Congress and President Donald Trump were unable to resolve a contentious budget dispute, marking the nation’s 15th funding lapse since 1981 and the first since the record 35-day closure of 2018–2019.

Federal agencies began halting operations at 12:01 a.m. after Senate Democrats blocked a Republican stopgap measure that would have maintained government funding through November 21. Democrats insisted that the bill include an extension of health-care subsidies and a rollback of Medicaid cuts, which Republicans refused to incorporate.

The stalemate is expected to furlough up to 750,000 federal employees at a cost of roughly $400 million per day, while essential personnel such as military troops will continue to work without pay. The shutdown is likely to delay the release of critical economic data, including Friday’s jobs report, slow air travel, pause scientific research, and disrupt services nationwide.

Tensions escalated on Tuesday when Trump warned that the shutdown could lead to permanent cuts in programs and jobs, as part of his broader plan to reduce the federal workforce by approximately 300,000 by the end of the year. He stated, “A lot of good can come down from shutdowns,” adding that many of those affected would be Democrats.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer accused Republicans of attempting to pressure his party into accepting a minimal bill. He said, “All they want to do is try to bully us. And they’re not going to succeed.”

Republicans argued that Democrats were holding the government hostage over health care. Senate Majority Leader John Thune described the failed measure as a “nonpartisan” bill and claimed there was no substantive reason for a shutdown beyond political motives.

With $1.7 trillion in agency funding at risk, representing roughly a quarter of the government’s $7 trillion budget, analysts warned that this shutdown could last longer than previous ones due to the polarized political environment and both parties’ refusal to compromise.

The Senate is expected to hold additional votes in the coming days, but with both sides firmly entrenched, there is no immediate solution for reopening the government.

Extreme Vows? Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas Reportedly Eyeing Space for Wedding

0
Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise

Hollywood stars Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas are reportedly preparing for a wedding ceremony that could redefine the term “destination.” While official engagement news remains unconfirmed, sources suggest the high-profile couple is exploring a series of highly unconventional and adventurous venue options, including the possibility of an outer space celebration.

Tom Cruise, Ana de Armas to get married in Space

The reported plans reflect the pair’s mutual affinity for extreme experiences, a key element of their bond, according to an insider. “One of the things that really bonds them is how much they both love doing these daring feats, so having a wedding that leans into that really appeals to both of them,” a source shared with RadarOnline.

Tom Cruise, 63, who is well-known for his enthusiasm for aviation and ambitious film stunts, is reportedly driving the push for an extraordinary event.

“Tom is obsessed with space travel, so the idea of being the first couple to marry in outer space really excites him,” the insider claimed. Other unique concepts reportedly discussed include a skydiving-related ceremony, potentially involving the exchange of vows mid-air.

The couple’s desire to stand apart from traditional celebrity nuptials is evident in their planning. “Whatever they do, they want it to be as far from ordinary as you can get,” the source added. Regardless of the final choice, extravagance is a priority for the pair. “He and Ana both want an extravagant wedding, regardless of what people are going to say,” the source told RadarOnline.

Tom Cruise – de Armas Secret Lovers

Cruise, a three-time divorcee, and de Armas, 37, have kept their relationship largely private. Their romance was publicly confirmed in July after they were photographed together in Vermont earlier this year.

The Cuban actress and the Top Gun star are also reportedly slated to work together on the supernatural ocean thriller Deeper, which is currently on hold. As details remain fluid, one aspect of the potential wedding is clear: their intent is to celebrate their union with an unprecedented ceremony.

Election Commission Releases Revised Bihar Voter List Ahead of State Polls

0
Bihar
Bihar

The Election Commission released the revised electoral roll for Bihar on Tuesday following completion of a special intensive revision aimed at updating voter lists ahead of state elections.

New Electoral Roll Published Ahead of Bihar Polls

The poll body made the updated voter list available on its website. “In light of the special intensive revision, the final electoral roll has been published on 30.09.2025. Any voter can view the details of their name in the electoral roll through the provided link,” the EC stated in a social media post on X.

The Election Commission initiated the special drive in July to remove foreign illegal migrants from electoral rolls. The large-scale exercise was conducted with assistance from over 77,000 Booth Level Officers (BLOs), nearly 3,000 assistant officers, and more than 160,000 Booth Level Agents (BLAs) representing all major political parties.

Supreme Court Scrutiny

The Supreme Court is currently hearing opposition petitions challenging the Special Intensive Revision process. The court indicated that if any illegality is found in the methodology adopted by the Election Commission during the SIR exercise, the entire revision could be struck down.

Political Controversy

The revision process has drawn criticism from opposition parties. Congress leader and MP Rahul Gandhi alleged irregularities were occurring in the electoral roll update exercise in poll-bound Bihar, raising concerns about the fairness of the process.

EC’s Response

The Election Commission dismissed opposition claims of political bias, asserting its neutrality. The poll body stated there was “no ruling side or opposition” for them, emphasizing its impartial approach to electoral roll management.

Citizens can now verify their registration status and details through the Election Commission’s online portal. The revised list will serve as the basis for conducting Bihar’s upcoming assembly elections, expected to be announced next month.

Significance

The special intensive revision represents one of the most comprehensive electoral roll updates undertaken in Bihar, involving extensive ground-level verification and cross-checking of voter data. The exercise aims to ensure accuracy and prevent fraudulent voting while maintaining legitimate voters’ rights.

The controversy surrounding the revision process highlights ongoing tensions between the Election Commission and opposition parties regarding electoral integrity measures in the state.

Government Employees May Receive 3% DA Hike from July, Second Increase This Year

0
Hike
Hike

Government employees and pensioners are expected to receive a three percent increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) this month, with the hike taking retrospective effect from July 1, sources revealed Wednesday.

Govt. Employee to get 3% Hike

If approved by the Union Cabinet, this will mark the second DA increase in 2025. In March, a two percent hike was announced, raising DA from 53 percent to 55 percent of basic pay. That followed a three percent increase in October 2024, demonstrating regular adjustments to offset inflation.

Financial Impact

The proposed increase aligns with Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for industrial workers, which forms the basis for bi-annual DA revisions. Under the new calculation, an employee with a basic salary of ₹60,000 will receive ₹34,800 as DA, up from ₹33,000 after the March increase.

DA is provided to government employees as compensation for inflation, ensuring their purchasing power remains stable amid rising costs.

Eighth Pay Commission Awaited

Further salary and allowance revisions will be determined by the Eighth Pay Commission, announced in January. However, official notification regarding its members and terms of reference remains pending.

Salary increments will depend on the ‘fitment factor,’ a multiplier applied to basic pay. Experts estimate this factor could range between 1.83 and 2.86, potentially resulting in salary increases of approximately 13 to 34 percent.

DA Reset Expected

The current DA rate of 55 percent will likely be reset to zero and merged with basic pay once the commission’s recommendations are implemented from January 1, 2026. While this merger may moderate the effective increase, it remains beneficial as pensions are linked to both basic pay and DA.

Historical Context

The Seventh Pay Commission reviewed nearly 200 allowances, abolishing 52 and merging others to create a more transparent and less complex salary structure. The Eighth Pay Commission is expected to follow similar principles while addressing current economic conditions and employee welfare needs.

The bi-annual DA revision mechanism ensures government employees receive regular adjustments based on inflation data, maintaining compensation levels in line with cost-of-living changes. The Union Cabinet’s approval is awaited for the latest increase to take effect officially.

RBI Confirms No UPI Transaction Charges Planned, Evaluates Mobile Phone Locking for EMI Defaults

0
RBI
RBI

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra on Wednesday dismissed speculation about imposing charges on UPI transactions while revealing that the central bank is reviewing a proposal to permit lenders to remotely lock mobile phones purchased on credit when borrowers default on EMI payments.

No UPI Charges on the Horizon – RBI

Addressing queries at a post-monetary policy press conference, Malhotra categorically ruled out any move to levy charges on UPI transactions.

“Are there going to be charges on UPI? Well, there is no proposal before us,” he stated, putting to rest concerns about potential costs for the widely-used digital payment system that has witnessed substantial growth in transaction volumes.

Phone Locking Proposal Under Assessment

The governor confirmed the central bank is examining the digital locking mechanism for phones bought on credit.

RBI Deputy Governor M Rajeshwar Rao elaborated on the complexities involved: “The issue of digital locking is under examination as the Governor has pointed out. There are pros and cons on both sides in terms of balancing customer rights and requirements, data privacy, and creditors’ requirements. So, we are examining the issue, we will…take a view at a later point in time.”

Economic Outlook and Policy Direction

On interest rate adjustments, Malhotra indicated that falling inflation has created room for monetary easing in upcoming policies. He expressed optimism about India’s economic trajectory, stating confidence that high GDP growth will persist alongside price stability while private capital expenditure is expected to gain momentum.

The RBI increased its GDP growth forecast to 6.8 percent for the current fiscal year from the previous estimate of 6.5 percent, citing robust economic activities during the first half of 2025-26.

Rupee Management Strategy

Regarding rupee depreciation against the US dollar, Malhotra clarified the central bank’s approach. He explained that the RBI does not target any specific exchange rate level or band but focuses on preventing excessive volatility in currency movements.

The press conference covered multiple aspects of monetary policy, digital payment infrastructure, and macroeconomic indicators, with Malhotra and deputy governors addressing concerns about financial sector regulations and growth prospects.

CSBC Announces Bihar Police Constable 2025 Results – Deets Inside

0
CSBC
CSBC

The Central Selection Board of Constable (CSBC) released results for the Bihar Police Constable recruitment written examination 2025, with over 99,000 candidates qualifying for the next stage of the selection process.

CSBC Result Announcement Details

Candidates who appeared for the examination can access their results on the official CSBC website at csbc.bihar.gov.in. The recruitment drive aims to fill 19,838 vacancies across Bihar Police and Bihar Special Armed Force.

Examination Statistics

The written examination was conducted over six days across 627 centers in 38 districts, with more than 1.3 million candidates appearing for different phases. The minimum passing percentage required was 30 percent. Qualified candidates will now proceed to the Physical Efficiency Test (PET), with successful completion leading to recruitment.

According to the results, 8,925 candidates qualified for home guard positions, while 8,930 candidates were selected for non-housekeeper roles within the force.

How to Check Results

Candidates can download their results by following these steps:

  • Visit csbc.bihar.gov.in
  • Click on “Written Exam Results For Shortlisting of Candidates” on the homepage
  • The result containing roll-number wise details of qualified candidates will automatically download
  • Save the document for future reference

Next Stage of Selection

The Physical Efficiency Test represents the second phase of the recruitment process. Candidates who successfully clear the PET will be eligible for appointment to Bihar Police and Bihar Special Armed Force positions. The physical test will assess candidates’ fitness levels and physical capabilities required for police duties.

Recruitment Significance

This recruitment drive represents one of the larger police constable hiring initiatives in Bihar’s recent history. The 19,838 positions are expected to strengthen the state’s law enforcement capabilities across various districts and specialized units.

The CSBC has not yet announced dates for the Physical Efficiency Test. Qualified candidates are advised to regularly check the official website for updates regarding PET schedules, venue details, and further instructions. The board typically releases detailed notifications well in advance of physical testing dates.

Candidates are recommended to maintain their physical fitness levels and prepare necessary documents for the upcoming physical examination phase. The recruitment process follows standard procedures for police constable selection in Bihar.