Punjab wheat procurement, Jalandhar, Wheat procurement, Wheat procurement crisis, wheat production, Punjab wheat production, Indian express explained, explained news, current affairs

How weather and govt policy slowed Punjab’s wheat procurement this season

Explained April 18, 2026

Punjab's wheat procurement season is hindered by weather-affected crops and delayed policy decisions, causing farmers to struggle with shrivelled and dull wheat. The government's delay in addressing these issues has slowed down procurement, leaving farmers with unsold produce and long waiting times. Despite potential market price effects, the nutritional value remains largely unaffected.

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Dr Madhu Chopra learns secrets to avoiding dry mouth in summer

Lifestyle 18 min ago

Dermatologist Dr Madhu Chopra learns tips from Dr Neetika Modi to protect dry mouth in summer. Suggestions include avoiding alcohol-based mouth rinses, trying salt water or oil pulling, staying hydrated, and maintaining good oral hygiene. Dr Shareefa Chause also advises drinking enough water, avoiding caffeine and sugary drinks, and seeking medical help if dry mouth persists.

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File image of Indian women's hockey team coach Sjoerd Marijne. (Photo: Hockey India)

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Marijne aims to improve India’s consistency as Asian Games, World Cup loom large

Sports 46 min ago

In a season packed with big-ticket events like the Asian Games and the World Cup, India’s women's hockey team coach Sjoerd Marijne is focused on minimising injuries and maintaining consistency.

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3-year-old falls into borewell pit in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur, rescue operation underway

Cities 46 min ago

Authorities launched a rescue operation Friday evening after a three-year-old boy fell into an open borewell pit at Chak Samana village in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur. The child, identified as Gurkaran Singh aka Vansh, was playing near agricultural fields outside his home at around 4 pm when he slipped into the pit and got trapped nearly 25 feet underground.

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‘They live that long?’ Trump exclaims as Xi shows him 400-year-old trees in Chinese garden

World 28 min ago

After talks, Chinese President Xi Jinping showed off the centuries-old trees in Beijing's walled-off Zhongnanhai compound, where he strolled with US President Donald Trump. A former imperial garden that now houses the offices of the ruling Communist ⁠Party and the state council, or China's cabinet, the compound is adjacent to the capital's famed landmark of the Forbidden City.

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Feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks? You might be experiencing ‘functional freeze’

Lifestyle 1 hr ago

Functional freeze is a psychological state triggered by everyday stressors, causing feelings of helplessness and inaction. It can affect individuals with high-stress sensitivity, trauma history, or burnout. Strategies like mindfulness, breaking tasks into smaller chunks, seeking support, and regular exercise can help overcome this state.

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It would therefore be in the interest of the Trust as well as interest of justice that such meeting is deferred till submission of report of the Inspector inquiry ordered by ACC, the order said.

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Charity Commissioner orders Tata Trusts to defer its Saturday board meeting

Business 2 hr ago

Tata Trusts on Friday deferred indefinitely its much-awaited board meeting scheduled for Saturday following an order from the Charity Commissioner of Maharashtra. In an email to the trustees, the trust has not given any reason for the indefinite postponement of the meeting.

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Aarti Chabria entered showbiz at 3, won beauty pageant, yet lost Bollywood films

Entertainment 2 hr ago

Aarti Chabria, a well-known figure in the Indian entertainment world since childhood, has a successful career with over 300 commercials and a Miss India Worldwide title at 17. Despite facing challenges, she gained fame through music videos and mainstream films. Now, she focuses on spirituality and personal growth, while holding onto her dream of winning a National Award.

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Akash had shared new ball duties with Mohammed Shami (BCCI/Creimas Photo)

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What LSG’s Akash Singh said in note he held up to celebrate wickets vs CSK

Sports 2 hr ago

Akash ripped through the CSK top order in the three overs he bowled either side of the end of the powerplay and each time he took a wicket, he pulled out a little note and held it up.

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Chabahar port India Iran, abbas araghchi, s jaishankar,

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Chabahar a golden gateway, hope India continues to develop it: Iran FM Araghchi

India 2 hr ago

Underlining that India can play a “constructive role” in the region, visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi Friday described his country’s Chabahar port a “golden gateway” and a “symbol of cooperation”, expressing the hope that India will continue to develop the strategic port. Araghchi made these remarks at the Iranian embassy in New Delhi.

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Swanand Kirkire fears for the soul of Bollywood music

Entertainment 3 hr ago

Swanand Kirkire, a renowned actor-singer, reflects on the changing landscape of the film industry after the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses the struggle to create original content in Mumbai and the growing role of artificial intelligence in entertainment. While AI has not yet reached a level to create emotional songs like "O Ri Chiraiya."

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As GT continue to ascend with a template that is considered past the sell-by date in T20s, alongside their openers, Washington is a classic case of a player fitting a role that may not be possible elsewhere. (BCCI/Creimas Photo)

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Solid but evolving: Why Washington Sundar remains a work in progress at GT

Sports 3 hr ago

Just before the IPL retentions towards the end of last year, Washington Sundar faced a dilemma. One of the players most affected by the arrival of the Impact Player rule, Washington’s game time had been shrinking in the IPL. For a player who was struggling to cement a spot in India’s T20 and ODI setup, the lack of game time was far from ideal.

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In 2025-26, India imported a record $71.98 billion of gold, up 24% from the previous year.

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April gold imports surge 82%, no more steps planned to curb imports

Business 3 hr ago

Two days after the government raised the import duty on gold, silver, and platinum to cool the pressure on the rupee amid the ongoing war in West Asia, data from the commerce ministry on Friday showed that gold imports jumped 82% year-on-year to $5.63 billion in April, with the overall merchandise trade deficit rising to a three-month high of $28.38 billion.

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The momentum from the first half of the season has disappeared quickly for the Shreyas Iyer-led side, who slumped to a fifth straight defeat after losing to Mumbai Indians (MI) in Dharamshala on Thursday. (BCCI/Creimas Photo)

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From title contenders to freefall: What’s gone wrong for Punjab Kings

Sports 3 hr ago

Punjab Kings (PBKS) looked like the team to beat in the first half of IPL 2026, winning six of their first seven matches and playing with the confidence of genuine title contenders. But the momentum has disappeared quickly for the Shreyas Iyer-led side, who slumped to a fifth straight defeat after losing to Mumbai Indians (MI) in Dharamshala on Thursday.

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Woman preparing for NEET found dead at Delhi home: Police

Cities 4 hr ago

A 20-year-old woman preparing for NEET was found dead at her home in Delhi. Police were alerted when her family tried to cremate her without following proper procedures. Initial investigations suggest she died by suicide. The body was taken into police custody and an examination is being conducted.

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Yograj Singh gave marriage advice to son Yuvraj Singh before he married Hazel Keech

Entertainment 4 hr ago

Yograj Singh, former Indian cricketer and actor, is known for his unfiltered opinions, which often lead to controversy. His son Yuvraj Singh, also a cricketer, moved to Mumbai with his wife Hazel Keech and they have two children. Before their marriage, Yograj had controversially expressed a desire for Yuvraj to marry an 'Irish or English' girl.

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aviation, atf fuel price hike, maharashtra

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Maharashtra cuts VAT on aviation fuel to 7% for next 6 months

Cities 4 hr ago

In the wake of the West Asia crisis which is likely to spiral into a financial crisis for the aviation industry, the Maharashtra government announced reducing VAT on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) from 18 per cent to 7 per cent till November 14, 2026. The state government issued the notification on May 14 which will be applicable from Friday.

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The announcement ends a standoff over television rights for the tournament in the country, with the CMG group saying that the agreement also covers broadcasting rights to the men's tournament in 2030 and for the Women's World Cups in 2027 and 2031 (AP Photo)

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China’s state broadcaster announces deal to broadcast 2026 World Cup

Sports 4 hr ago

China Media Group (CMG), the parent body of China's state broadcaster, said on Friday that it has reached an agreement with FIFA for broadcasting the 2026 World Cup with less than a month left for the start of the tournament. The World Cup is set to start on June 11.

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Pooja Bedi admits she was never a good actor: ‘But I was 100% good at being sexy’

Entertainment 4 hr ago

Pooja Bedi, a former "sex symbol" in India, left her successful acting career to prioritize marriage and family. Despite criticism, she never regretted her decision and candidly admitted that acting never truly excited her. Known for breaking social taboos, she embraced her unconventional lifestyle and was more famous for being famous.

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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during a meeting with Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, left, on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting, in New Delhi. (@DrSJaishankar/X via PTI Photo)

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‘No trust in America’: Iran FM Araghchi talks of Strait of Hormuz during India visit

World 5 hr ago

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday said Tehran had “no trust” in the United States and would agree to negotiations only if Washington showed a genuine commitment to diplomacy, amid continuing tensions following the recent Iran-US conflict.

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One of the biggest visible changes is the addition of two new scroll wheel-style controls positioned near the bottom of the controller. (Image: X/KoreanXboxnews)

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Xbox Elite 3 controller leak suggests new features and a removable battery

Technology 5 hr ago

Leaked images of the next-generation Xbox Elite controller reveal a redesigned premium controller with new controls and cloud gaming features. The Elite 3 retains features from the current Series 2 while introducing a refined design and additional hardware controls. It also includes a new pairing system and a smaller and removable rechargeable battery.

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Not tiny animals, just algae: Study challenges evidence for early animal life on Earth

Technology 5 hr ago

New study reveals that Ediacaran fossils were not wormlike creatures or marine animals, but rather communities of algae and bacteria. This challenges previous beliefs about the evolution of life and suggests that the Cambrian explosion may have been driven by increased oxygen levels in ancient oceans.

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Prince Yadav celebrates taking a wicket of Virat Kohli. (FILE photo)

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Virat Kohli explains why helping players like Prince Yadav is worth it

Sports 5 hr ago

Virat Kohli, captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore, has been praised for his sportsmanship and willingness to help players from rival teams. He believes that by helping these players improve their game, the overall standard of Indian cricket will also improve. Kohli shared his experiences of helping young players, including Prince Yadav and Mohammed Siraj, and how it ultimately benefits the game.

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From landslide to slide: How Keir Starmer became so unpopular so soon

Explained 5 hr ago

Political turmoil in the UK as ministers resign and calls for Prime Minister Starmer to step down increase. Labour's landslide victory in 2024 has been overshadowed by declining popularity, fueled by smaller parties and Brexit dissatisfaction. Starmer's efforts to strengthen ties with the US have been hindered by Trump's presidency and the UK's Ambassador scandal.

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Diabetic denied toilet access before flight landing: Experts on safety vs medical urgency

Lifestyle 5 hr ago

Shubham Kushwaha accuses IndiGo of denying diabetic passenger washroom access, raising concerns about aviation safety and medical emergencies. IndiGo defends safety protocols, while experts call for a balance between safety and compassion, emphasizing the importance of communication for diabetic passengers in need of urgent medical attention.

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2 rhinos ‘lock horns’ in Nepal near Chitwan National Park; viral video stuns tourists

Trending 5 hr ago

A rare wildlife spectacle unfolded in Nepal when two one-horned rhinos were seen locked in an intense fight on a public road, leaving tourists and locals stunned. Videos of the dramatic clash, filmed close to the edge of Chitwan National Park, have since gone viral. The incident happened in Sauraha, a popular gateway for jungle safaris, where sightings of wild animals are common.

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Inside Trump’s Beijing summit: $100B+ Boeing and soybean deals sealed

World 5 hr ago

US President Donald Trump on Friday wrapped up a high-profile visit to Beijing with a series of wide-ranging remarks touching on Taiwan, trade, Iran, fentanyl, denuclearisation and economic ties with China after holding extensive talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two leaders met during a closely watched summit in the Chinese capital.

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With Indian badminton in the doldrums in this period and only an Australian Open Super 500 crown for Lakshya Sen, Satwik and Chirag could be said to have literally carried the sport. (Badminton Photo)

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Are Satwik-Chirag India’s most consistent badminton players right now?

Sports 6 hr ago

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have played semifinals or better, in 11 of the 22 tournaments they have featured in since start of 2025. That's a 3/4 or runner-up finish in every second tournament they play.

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Virat Kohli warms up before the start of the Indian Premier League cricket match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders in Raipur, India, Wednesday, May 13, 2026. (AP Photo)

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Virat Kohli opens up on playing for India in ODIs and having to prove his worth

Sports 6 hr ago

Virat Kohli discusses his preparation for the upcoming ODI World Cup and his commitment to the game. He emphasizes the importance of being valued and appreciated by the team and speaks about his recent experience playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Kohli also addresses the issue of inconsistent support and the need for clear communication in the workplace.

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The vessel, which was sailing from Somalia, came under attack on Wednesday, according to India's Ministry of External Affairs. (AP)

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Why UAE is terming strike on Indian ship off Oman a ‘terrorist attack’

World 6 hr ago

The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned an attack on an Indian-flagged commercial vessel off the coast of Oman, describing it as a "terrorist attack" and warning that it represents a threat to the security of international navigation at a time of already heightened tensions in the region.

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Harssh Limbachiyaa says younger son was in NICU for two days

Lifestyle 6 hr ago

Scriptwriter Harssh Limbachiyaa and his wife, standup comedian Bharti Singh, recently shared that their son, Yashveer, also known as Kaju, was admitted to the NICU. Dr Jaykishan Tripathi, a pediatric critical care consultant, explained that NICU care is meant to provide quick help and close monitoring for newborns facing health challenges.

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Drishyam star Ansiba Hassan has formally resigned as AMMA's joint secretary, adding to speculations of a widening rift among the members.

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Workplace harassment row rocks AMMA; Baburaj blasts top brass

Entertainment 9 hr ago

AMMA is embroiled in a new controversy as a former office manager accuses two senior members of harassment and wrongful termination. Actor Ansiba Hassan's resignation as joint secretary adds to rumours of a divide within the association. Vice-president Lakshmipriya denies any connection between the two issues, while actor Baburaj condemns the current leadership for damaging AMMA's reputation.

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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has responded to Wes Streeting’s resignation as health secretary, praising his role in improving the NHS and advancing major health reforms. (File Photo)

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NHS was ‘back on its feet’: Keir Starmer praises Streeting despite dramatic resignation

World 6 hr ago

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday wrote back to Wes Streeting, who resigned as health minister on Tuesday, saying he was sorry that he had stepped down. He said, "We must deliver on... our promise to turn the page on the chaos that was roundly rejected by the British people at the last general election".

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Sharib Hashmi on financial toll of his wife’s cancer relapse

Entertainment 7 hr ago

Sharib Hashmi, who is coping with his wife Nasreen’s cancer relapse, has opened up about the financial toll the prolonged battle has taken on him.

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The Asus ExpertBook Ultra’s understated design and nano-ceramic finish keep the laptop looking clean and professional even after long hours of use. (Image: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express)

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Asus ExpertBook Ultra review: Thin, light, and surprisingly powerful

Technology 7 hr ago

The Asus ExpertBook Ultra is a top-performing and compact work laptop with a perfect blend of power and portability. Its lightweight design, excellent keyboard and display, and long battery life make it a reliable choice for professionals. It also boasts AI features, a strong thermal system, and various ports for daily use, making it one of the best Windows business laptops available.

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Mumbai family celebrates son's results with marksheet cake

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Mumbai family celebrates son’s 55% result with marksheet cake

Trending 7 hr ago

In a country where board exam scores often become a source of stress, comparisons, and sky-high expectations, one family in Mumbai chose to celebrate something far more important—their son’s happiness. Mohammed Zaid scored 55 per cent in his school exams, and instead of disappointment, his family marked the occasion with a special celebration.

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From domestic help to MLA: Starting new job, Kalita Maji says she knows pain of poor

Cities 7 hr ago

Kalita Maji, a former domestic worker, has been elected as the MLA of West Bengal's Ausgram constituency. She is determined to bring development to her constituency and serve the people. Her former employers are proud of her and have high expectations. Maji's focus is on helping the poor, building proper roads, providing drinking water, and ensuring the safety of women.

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Farah Khan stunned to see Palak Muchhal's walk-in closet

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‘Get out of bedroom’: Farah tells husband Shirish after seeing Palak Muchhal’s closet

Entertainment 7 hr ago

Filmmaker Farah Khan and her cook Dilip visit music director Mithoon and singer Palak Muchhal's house in Mumbai for their cooking vlog. The couple shares their love story and their journey in the music industry. Farah is amazed by Palak's huge closet and jokes about wanting to build one for herself.

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Karuppu movie review: Suriya Sivakumar is in top form, but the film is not

Entertainment 6 hr ago

Suriya and Trisha star in the Tamil movie Karuppu, directed by RJ Balaji, where a deity becomes a lawyer to fight corruption in rural Tamil Nadu. Suriya delivers a strong performance, while Trisha shines as his colleague. The first half is engaging, but the second half lacks development in plot and characters.

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Southwest monsoon over Kerala likely on May 26, says IMD

India 5 hr ago

The Southwest monsoon is likely to make a before-time arrival over Kerala for yet another year and most likely on May 26. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Friday said, " This year, the southwest monsoon is likely to set in over Kerala on May 26, with a model error of ± 4 days."

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The elusive, golden-furred Nilgiri Marten captures hearts online

Lifestyle 7 hr ago

The Nilgiri Marten, a rare and playful creature with golden-yellow and chocolate-brown fur, is facing a larger crisis due to unsustainable development and habitat loss in the Western Ghats. Despite its endangered status, conservation efforts often overlook this elusive animal, emphasizing the need for urgent action to protect its shrinking ecosystem.

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Why NEET-UG is finally shifting to computer-based testing

Explained 6 hr ago

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that the NEET-UG exam will be a computer-based test from next year, citing increased security and the recommendation of a committee. The switch to CBT has been discussed since a paper leak in 2024, but concerns over access and infrastructure have delayed it. The NTA already conducts other exams online, but there have been issues in the past.

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Akshay Kumar ‘doesn’t want to do’ Welcome to The Jungle, but ‘crores come in the way’

Entertainment 7 hr ago

The much-awaited teaser for Welcome To The Jungle, starring Akshay Kumar and directed by Ahmed Khan, has finally been released. The action-packed teaser showcases a star-studded cast and a chaotic, war-like scenario at a border area. It also features a gorilla and humorous banter between Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty, making fans eager for their reunion after De Dana Dan.

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India is now the world’s fifth most spam-affected country, with millions facing fraud attempts daily, according to Truecaller. (Image for representation: Magnific)

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Beware: Are you falling for scams through spam calls?

Technology 8 hr ago

Scammers are using advanced technology and psychological tactics to target millions of Indians through spam calls, especially with financial scams. India ranks fifth in the world for spam calls, and experts advise caution and awareness as the best defenses against evolving phone scams. Tips include verifying suspicious claims, avoiding sharing sensitive information, and more.

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The Puri-Konark railway project is being executed under the administrative jurisdiction of the East Coast Railway (ECoR) zone. (Image generated using AI)

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Railways speeds up Puri-Konark line project to improve connectivity along coastal Odisha

India 8 hr ago

The Ministry of Railways has accelerated work on the Puri-Konark new rail line project, which is expected to emerge as a key link in Odisha's proposed coastal rail triangle (Bhubaneswar-Puri-Konark). The project was sanctioned by the Railway Board on February 19, 2024, and was later declared a Special Railway Project on March 7, 2024.

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Saina Nehwal praises ‘fighter mom’ Usha’s fitness commitment: ‘She never gives up’

Lifestyle 8 hr ago

Saina Nehwal's mother, Usha Rani, is setting fitness goals with traditional Indian exercise uthak baithak, which improves lower-body strength, mobility, functional aging, and bone health. It's important to consult a health practitioner and modify the exercise according to individual capacity. This reflects a mindset shift that fitness is not limited by age, but by movement.

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Missouri Republican Senator Eric Schmitt. (Photo: X/@SenEricSchmitt)

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US Senator sparks outrage after linking Hyderabad’s famous ‘Visa Temple’ to ‘cartel’

World 8 hr ago

Missouri Republican Senator Eric Schmitt found himself at the centre of a social media storm after he trained his guns on India's H-1B visa applicants - and on a temple in Hyderabad - in a series of pointed posts on X.

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OpenAI is bringing its AI coding assistant Codex to smartphones through the ChatGPT app on iOS and Android.(Express Image/Reuters)

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OpenAI brings coding tool Codex to ChatGPT phone app

Technology 8 hr ago

OpenAI's Codex, available on smartphones via ChatGPT, lets developers remotely monitor and manage coding workflows. Users can access live environments, review outputs, approve commands, switch AI models, and launch tasks from their phones. Rapid updates, including background execution and a Chrome extension, highlight competition in the AI coding assistant market.

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sharbat, summer cooler, Indian drinks, sharbats

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Summer in a glass: From Bengal’s aam pora shorbot to the ancient roots of Indian sharbats

Lifestyle 9 hr ago

Experience the refreshing taste of aam porar shorbot, a traditional Indian beverage made with green mango, ginger, salt, and sugar. With its Persian roots, sharbat has a long history in India and comes in a variety of flavors such as tamarind, gooseberry, and even rose. From medicinal purposes to a hot weather remedy, sharbat is a must-try for anyone visiting India. Stay tuned for more stories!

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What is withholding tax and could cutting it boost foreign inflows?

Explained 8 hr ago

India plans to decrease the withholding tax rate from 20% to 5% to attract foreign investors due to decreasing foreign exchange reserves and growing external pressures. This tax, collected at the source of income, is a major obstacle for foreign capital inflows. Lowering the tax could result in a significant rise in foreign inflows, particularly after India's addition to global bond indices.

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Mouni Roy disables Instagram comments amid divorce news, Disha Patani dragged in

Entertainment 9 hr ago

Mouni Roy has restricted comments on her Instagram posts after social media users began speculating about trouble in her marriage and dragged her BFF and actor Disha Patani into the online chatter.

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