Khesari Lal and Kajal Raghwani: Bhojpuri songs are gaining popularity now days. Many old song keep on surfacing now and then, which is loved by the viewers and vied in millions. one such song ‘6 Mahina Ke Laika Niyan’ is breaking all the records of viewership on social media.
‘6 Mahina Ke Laika Niyan’ is breaking all records
Khesari Lal and Kajal Raghwani are seen romancing each other in the bedroom. The sizzling chemistry between the two on ‘6 Mahina Ke Laika Niyan’ is too enticing for fans to watch. Kajal Raghwani’s bold look is grabbing Khesari Lal’s attention. Talking about the outfit Kajal Raghwani is seen wearing a red saree and Khesari Lal is in a white kurta pajama.
Watch Video Here
Credit: YouTube
Views on the Video
The power-packed dance performance of this couple has received 31,990 views. Fans are also showing love in the comment section. The hot and romantic chemistry between this couple has no comparison. Watch the hottest video on Internet today. Khesari and Kajal Raghwani’s Jodi is also known as the best pair in the Bhojpuri industry.
Khesari Lal and Kajal Raghwani: Khesari Lal Yadav is one of the most popular actors of the Bhojpuri industry. He remains in the limelight for his songs and videos. Khesari’s old and new songs go viral on the internet. Once again, his song is grabbing fans attention. The Bhojpuri song ‘Khoji Naa Balamua Diya Baari’ picturised on Khesari Lal, and Kajal Raghwani is creating buzz on social media.
Khoji Naa Balamua Diya Baari
Khesari Lal Yadav and Kajal are creating buzz on YouTube. This song has received more than 6.5 million views. And fans are fiercely commenting on this video and are even calling the pair of Khesari Lal Yadav and Kajal as number one Jodi. Kajal Raghwani and Khesari Lal Yadav have a huge fan following. The couple is enough to set the song, music video, or film on fire. Fans love watching this couple together. They are the most loved Actors in the Bhojpuri Industry. The chemistry between the two is really amazing and they truly make the videos worth watching.
Kajal Raghwani and Khesari Lal Yadav
Kajal Raghwani and Khesari Lal Yadav are seen getting very romantic in the video. For the uninitiated, the couple is one of the most loved in the Bhojpuri industry. They have a huge fan following. Their chemistry is amazing in every song video. Fans like watching Kajal Raghwani and Khesari Lal Yadav even though this video is in huge demand. The pair is making the audience crazy with their power-pack performance. You will enjoy watching this video which is increasingly getting viral.
Khesari Lal and Kajal Raghwani: Bhojpuri industry superstar Khesari Lal Yadav remains in limelight for his songs and videos. Khesari’s old and new songs go viral on the internet. Once again, his song is grabbing fans attention. The Bhojpuri song ‘6 Mahina Ke Laika Niyan’ picturised on Khesari Lal, and Kajal Raghwani is creating buzz on social media.
6 Mahina Ke Laika Niyan
Khesari Lal Yadav and Kajal are creating buzz on YouTube. This song has received more than 8 million views. And fans are fiercely commenting on this video and are even calling the pair of Khesari Lal Yadav and Kajal as number one Jodi. Kajal Raghwani and Khesari Lal Yadav have a huge fan following. The couple is enough to set the song, music video, or film on fire. Fans love watching this couple together. They are the most loved Actors in the Bhojpuri Industry. The chemistry between the two is really amazing and they truly make the videos worth watching.
Kajal Raghwani and Khesari Lal Yadav
Kajal Raghwani and Khesari Lal Yadav are seen getting very romantic in the video. For the uninitiated, the couple is one of the most loved in the Bhojpuri industry. They have a huge fan following. Their chemistry is amazing in every song video. Fans like watching Kajal Raghwani and Khesari Lal Yadav even though this video is in huge demand. The pair is making the audience crazy with their power-pack performance. You will enjoy watching this video which is increasingly getting viral.
Jharkhand News: The night sky over Deoghar turned into a canvas of devotion and technology as hundreds of drones lit up in formation to recreate the image of Baba Baidyanath, drawing large crowds during the ongoing Rajkiya Shravani Mela 2026. The spectacle, organised under Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s government, has emerged as one of the standout attractions of this year’s month-long religious fair.
A Divine Display In The Sky
The drone show was held at the Shivlok premises near Bajrangi Chowk, one of the most popular gathering spots for pilgrims visiting the temple town. As dusk fell, hundreds of LED-equipped drones rose into the air and arranged themselves into illuminated formations depicting Baba Baidyanath and Lord Shiva. The state’s Information and Public Relations Department confirmed that the show was designed to give devotees a unique visual experience, merging traditional faith with modern aerial technology.
देवघर में राजकीय श्रावणी मेला, 2026 की चौथी एवं अंतिम सोमवारी पर शिवलोक परिसर में भव्य ड्रोन शो ने बाबा नगरी को दिव्यता से सराबोर कर दिया।
आसमान में सैकड़ों ड्रोन्स से साकार हुई बाबा बैद्यनाथ की महिमा, पौराणिक कथाएं, श्रावणी मेला की परंपरा और द्वादश ज्योतिर्लिंगों की झलक ने… pic.twitter.com/kcdatJSyv5
The drone display is not a standalone event. Every evening at Shivlok Bhawan, visitors have also been treated to laser light shows, devotional bhajans, and performances depicting the Shiva Tandava, all aimed at enriching the spiritual atmosphere around the fair. Inside the venue, exhibits showcasing Jharkhand‘s rural culture and tourism destinations have further encouraged pilgrims to explore the state beyond Deoghar.
Massive Scale Of Shravani Mela 2026
This year’s Shravani Mela, which began on July 30 and concludes on August 28, is expected to draw between 50 and 55 lakh devotees. The fair centres around the Kanwar Yatra, where pilgrims known as Kanwariyas walk roughly 105 kilometres barefoot from Sultanganj in Bihar to Deoghar, carrying holy water from the Ganga to offer at the Baidyanath Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Security And Governance Push
The Hemant Soren-led government has paired the cultural spectacle with heavy administrative planning. Around 11,500 police personnel, AI-based drones for surveillance, and facial recognition cameras have been deployed to manage the massive footfall. The state cabinet has also approved 28 temporary fair outposts and 19 traffic outposts, along with an AI-based integrated control room, to ensure smooth crowd movement and pilgrim safety throughout the month.
Symbol Of Faith Meeting Innovation
Jharkhand News: Officials say the drone show reflects the state government’s effort to showcase Jharkhand‘s blend of spiritual heritage and technological progress on a national stage. With the illuminated formations of Baba Baidyanath drawing appreciation from both pilgrims and visitors, the event has reinforced Deoghar’s growing reputation as a destination where centuries-old devotion meets contemporary innovation, all unfolding under the current state leadership.
Anurag Dhanda: A fresh political spat has broken out between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after a BJP spokesperson accused the Punjab government’s education department of misspelling “Ludhiana” on a School of Eminence signboard. AAP’s national media in-charge, Anurag Dhanda, quickly dismissed the claim as fabricated and shared what he said was the real image of the building.
BJP’s Original Claim
The row began when a BJP spokesperson posted an image on social media purportedly showing a School of Eminence signboard with the word “Ludhiana” spelt incorrectly as “LUGHIANA.” The post mocked the alleged error, sarcastically suggesting that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s education department had discovered a new district in Punjab. The image, focused on the building’s facade, was widely shared to target the AAP government’s flagship education scheme.
Dhanda’s Response
Reacting sharply, Dhanda wrote:
“This is fake news being spread by the BJP to defame Punjab’s education model.”
He posted an alternate image of the same building, this time showing the signboard clearly reading “SCHOOL OF EMINENCE INDRAPURI, LUDHIANA,” with no spelling error visible. Alongside the corrected signboard, Dhanda also shared a photograph of a swimming pool built within the school premises, positioning it as evidence of the scale and quality of the newly constructed facility.
3 दिन में सिर्फ 2 फेक न्यूज़? भाई थोड़ी स्पीड पकड़ो नहीं तो अमित मालवीय की तरह लात मार देंगे तुमको भी बीजेपी वाले।
Anurag Dhanda: Dhanda’s response is part of a pattern where AAP leaders have accused BJP functionaries of circulating doctored or out-of-context visuals to discredit the Punjab government’s education reforms. Schools of Eminence have been central to AAP’s messaging in Punjab, presented as flagship institutions offering upgraded infrastructure, including facilities like swimming pools and modern classrooms, to students from government schools.
CM Yogi Aditynath:Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has launched the Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra scheme, offering lifelong free bus travel to women aged 60 and above across Uttar Pradesh. The Chief Minister flagged off special buses in Lucknow, calling the initiative a step toward making travel more convenient and dignified for elderly women in the state.
Cabinet Approval And Scale Of Benefit
The scheme, formally named the Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yojana, was approved by the state Cabinet along with 23 other proposals. Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh said more than one crore women are expected to benefit from the decision, which grants lifetime free travel across all general buses operated by the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC).
जिस मातृशक्ति ने जीवन भर परिवार और समाज की राह सहज की, उसकी यात्रा को सुगम और सम्मानपूर्ण बनाने का संकल्प डबल इंजन सरकार में साकार हो रहा है।
आज लखनऊ में 'लोकमाता अहिल्याबाई मातृशक्ति यात्रा' का शुभारंभ होगा, जिसके अंतर्गत प्रदेश की 60 वर्ष एवं उससे अधिक आयु की माताओं-बहनों को…
Women aged 60 years and above who are residents of Uttar Pradesh can access the free travel facility by presenting a valid identity document, such as a Voter ID card or Aadhaar card, at the time of boarding. No fare will be charged from eligible passengers once the scheme becomes fully operational from August 29. During the launch event, the Chief Minister also distributed smart travel cards to elderly women.
Special Raksha Bandhan Arrangement
Ahead of the scheme’s full rollout, the government has announced a special three-day arrangement for Raksha Bandhan, from August 27 to 29, under which all women, mothers, sisters and daughters, will be able to travel free on UPSRTC buses along with one accompanying passenger.
Honouring Ahilyabai Holkar’s Legacy
The scheme has been named after the 18th-century ruler Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, whom CM Yogi described as an exemplary figure of good governance and women’s self-reliance. He credited her with restoring temples across the country that had been damaged during periods of invasion, and said her legacy continues to inspire the state’s welfare initiatives for women.
Part Of A Broader Package
CM Yogi Aditynath:The women’s travel scheme was cleared alongside several other major Cabinet decisions, including an extension of the Ganga Expressway up to Haridwar in Uttarakhand at an estimated cost of over ₹10,761 crore. Officials say the free bus travel initiative fulfils a promise made in the BJP’s election manifesto and is aimed at easing mobility for senior women undertaking religious, social, family and medical trips, while also providing them long-term financial relief.
CM Yogi Aditynath: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has formally launched the UP-AGREES (Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Growth and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening) project, a flagship agricultural modernization scheme backed by the World Bank, targeting the historically underdeveloped regions of Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bundelkhand.
Project Scope And Funding
The World Bank-supported initiative will be implemented across 28 districts of Uttar Pradesh, comprising 21 districts in Eastern UP and 7 districts in the Bundelkhand region. The project carries an estimated outlay of roughly ₹4,000 crore, funded through a ₹2,737 crore World Bank loan alongside a ₹1,166 crore contribution from the state government. The initiative has a planned implementation period of about six years.
कृषि विकास में प्रगति ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों में समृद्धि…
प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी के मार्गदर्शन एवं मुख्यमंत्री @myogiadityanath जी के नेतृत्व में उत्तर प्रदेश के किसानों को आधुनिक कृषि तकनीकों से जोड़ते हुए उनकी आय में वृद्धि और कृषि क्षेत्र के समग्र विकास के लिए निरंतर… pic.twitter.com/sm1ZY6Gsfd
A key feature of UP-AGREES is its targeted approach: officials have identified 123 low-productive blocks out of a total of 319 within the project area for focused intervention. The scheme is designed to modernize farming through better seed availability, the development of commodity-specific Centers of Excellence, and wider adoption of modern agricultural technologies.
Benefits For Farmers
The project is expected to directly benefit around 10 lakh farmers across the two regions. Notably, the scheme places emphasis on women’s participation in agriculture, targeting 30 percent involvement of women farmers and the formation of 10,000 women producer groups. As part of efforts to expose local farmers to advanced global practices, the government also plans to send 500 farmers abroad for training and exposure visits.
Wider Government Push For Bundelkhand And Purvanchal
The launch of UP-AGREES fits into a broader pattern of the Yogi Adityanath government’s outreach to Bundelkhand and Eastern UP, regions long associated with migration, water scarcity, and lagging industrial growth. The Chief Minister has repeatedly visited these areas in recent months to inaugurate development projects and lay foundation stones for infrastructure works, framing Bundelkhand’s transformation into an industrial and defence manufacturing hub as a central priority of his administration.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann paid tribute to Mother Teresa on her birth anniversary, remembering her lifelong devotion to humanity, compassion, and selfless service. He highlighted her commitment to helping the needy without discrimination and said her values continue to inspire people to serve society with kindness and dignity.
Remembering Mother Teresa by Bhagwant Mann
On Mother Teresa’s birth anniversary, Bhagwant Mann paid homage to Mother Teresa, a famous humanitarian who made a great contribution to society. He stated that her life and works have been great sources of inspiration for all people. Mother Teresa always worked for the poor and needy and served people without any discrimination. Her work has been a great inspiration in serving people with compassion and humanity.
Mother Teresa’s dedication to serving the needy continues to inspire people across generations. Her message of compassion, kindness and service remains relevant in building a more caring and inclusive society.
Selfless Service
The Punjab Chief Minister also spoke about the importance of following Mother Teresa’s principles of kindness and selfless service. It showed the importance of serving the most vulnerable members of society in a kind manner. Bhagwant Mann said her life serves as an example for people who work towards improving the condition of needy people. Her legacy inspires many people to serve others and create an inclusive society.
Commitment Towards the Welfare of the Poor
The Punjab Chief Minister also said that helping people without discrimination is essential. He said it is important to serve needy people and take care of their welfare. Mother Teresa’s life shows the importance of compassion and selfless service towards needy people.
Bhagwant Mann: The Punjab Police has further intensified its ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ operation on Day 216, with 651 raids resulting in 460 arrests and recovery of five weapons.
Continued Efforts Against Gangster Activities in Punjab
The current Bhagwant Mann government has continued its relentless efforts against gangsters and organized crime in Punjab. The Punjab Police, as part of the ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign, made 651 raids on Day 216 of the campaign. The campaign intends to curb any organized criminal network and activity that is connected with gangster activities, such as the presence of illicit weapons and narcotics.
According to the Punjab Police, in the recent raids, the police managed to make 460 arrests. In addition, nine proclaimed offenders were arrested in criminal cases against them. Also, five weapons have been seized by the police during the operation. The present operation forms a part of the wider anti-gangster operation being conducted in Punjab.
Cumulative Arrests Cross 64,000
Through this ongoing campaign, the total number of cumulative arrests has been recorded as 64,218 since the beginning of the campaign on January 20, 2026. The campaign shows the determination of the government to deal with organized criminal activities. In this regard, the police, along with the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), are conducting vehicle checks and searches in various places.
Encouraging Citizens for Sharing Information
In this connection, the Punjab Police has further invited citizens to report gangster activities to help in the ongoing operation. The citizens can file information about gangster activities through the Anti-Gangster Helpline Number.
Bhagwant Mann: A flaw in the software has caused increased electricity bills for a portion of consumers in Punjab. The government has assured that the consumers who are eligible for the free electricity benefit will continue to enjoy it.
Software Flaw Causes Increased Electricity Bills
There are some consumers who have been getting increased electricity bills owing to a software issue. As per the government, this glitch has affected about 2% of the consumers. This has created panic among consumers as the issue affected them of getting free electricity benefit from the state. However, the Bhagwant Mann government has clarified that this problem will be sorted out and consumers will not lose this benefit.
The Bhagwant Mann government has assured affected consumers that billing concerns will be addressed promptly. Officials will work to correct the technical issue and ensure eligible households receive their 300 units of free electricity benefit.
Benefits of 300 Units Free Electricity Will Be Continued
As per the government, the benefit of free electricity for up to 300 units will be continued. Consumers will continue enjoying the benefit as per the provisions laid down. The administration will take necessary measures to rectify the issue of increased bills of electricity and ensure that consumers get accurate bills.
Helpline Available For Consumers With Complaints
Consumers having issues with their electricity bills can contact the dedicated toll-free helpline number to report the issue. This facility will continue to assist people with any issues related to billing.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann extended heartfelt Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi greetings to everyone and highlighted Hazrat Muhammad Sahib Ji’s timeless teachings of love, compassion, peace, brotherhood, and humanity. He emphasised the importance of following these values to promote harmony, kindness, and mutual respect in society.
Bhagwant Mann Sends Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi Greetings
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann greeted people on the occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi and wished all celebrating the festival peace, happiness, prosperity, and good health. He said the occasion has special importance as it makes people remember the teachings of Hazrat Muhammad Sahib Ji. He called upon people to take guidance from the teachings of Hazrat Muhammad Sahib Ji and apply them in their life.
Bhagwant Mann highlighted how the teachings of Hazrat Muhammad Sahib Ji continue to inspire people to embrace kindness, compassion, and humanity. He stressed that these values can strengthen brotherhood, promote peace, and encourage people to care for one another.
Message of Love and Compassion
Bhagwant Mann talked about the message of love and compassion given by Hazrat Muhammad Sahib Ji. He said these teachings promote the spirit of respecting and treating others with dignity. According to him, these values of humanity encourage people to help those who are in need and make strong bonds among people. These values also make people go beyond their differences and serve humanity.
Message of Peace and Brotherhood
Bhagwant Mann emphasized the importance of peace, brotherhood, and mutual respect in society. He further added that spreading understanding and harmony can help in building a united society. It is hoped that Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi will encourage all people to walk on the path of kindness and humanity.
Toxic Movie Review: Film critic Umair Sandhu, known for posting his reviews ahead of a movie‘s theatrical release, has called Toxic a “dull and cheap copy of Animal.” The verdict comes as a genuine surprise, especially since Sandhu had earlier described the film’s trailer as a “blockbuster” after watching it at the Censor Board screening, going as far as predicting it would cross the Rs 1,000 crore mark at the box office and give Dhurandhar 2 tough competition.
Just 2 Stars for a Pan-India Spectacle
Despite the massive scale, star power, and months of pre-release buzz surrounding Toxic, Sandhu awarded the film only 2 stars, signaling a major gap between expectation and execution. For a project positioned as Yash’s big follow-up after the success of the KGF franchise, the rating marks a significant setback in the conversation around the film heading into release day.
Yash’s Overloaded Responsibilities Under Scrutiny
Sandhu suggested that Yash taking on multiple responsibilities on the project, including story, direction, and production duties, may be behind the film‘s shortcomings. The critic’s implication is that spreading creative control this thin across departments may have come at the cost of a tighter, more focused final product.
Echoes of the Animal Comparisons
The “cheap copy” label isn’t new to Toxic. Even before release, the film’s trailer had drawn comparisons to Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal over its dark tone, raw violence, and larger-than-life male lead. Social media reactions at the time ranged from calling the trailer derivative to arguing that Toxic was pushing the same gritty template even further. Other early reviewers have echoed similar concerns, with some pointing to an overlong runtime, a script that doesn’t match the film’s visual ambition, and supporting performances that fail to leave an impact despite a stacked cast.
Addressing an event at the Vivekananda Centre in New Delhi, Chauhan confirmed that an Indian loitering munition had struck Kirana Hills during Operation Sindoor last year, but described the hit as accidental. He explained the broader mission context rather than framing the incident as a targeting decision.
Why the Munition Hit Kirana Hills
Chauhan said Indian forces had deployed loitering munitions to search for radars around Sargodha and Kirana Hills, a militarily significant area roughly 10 km north of Sargodha. He noted the munition, believed to be an Israeli-designed Harop drone, had limited flight endurance, and after failing to locate its intended radar target within that window, it came down over one of the hills in the area.
A Shift From India’s Earlier Position
The clarification marks a departure from India’s initial stance. In the days following the operation, the Indian Air Force had publicly denied hitting Kirana Hills, with Air Marshal AK Bharti stating at a media briefing that the site had not been struck. Chauhan’s remarks now offer a more detailed, if still cautious, account of what actually happened.
Other Details From the Briefing
Beyond Kirana Hills, Chauhan also revealed that the Indian Air Force had received clearance to strike Skardu in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir during the operation, though the mission was called off due to poor weather conditions. He added that Pakistan had struggled to produce credible evidence of successful hits on Indian targets throughout the conflict.
The Bigger Picture
Chauhan’s comments underline a broader message India has maintained since Operation Sindoor: that the mission was calculated and constrained, even amid the fog of a fast-moving conflict — and that any brush near sensitive sites was circumstantial, not intentional escalation.
Dolly Parton: Parton’s first Grammy came in 1979 for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female, for “Here You Come Again.” Over the following decades, she added wins across country and collaborative categories, including a 2017 Best Country Duo/Group Performance win with Pentatonix for their a cappella take on “Jolene.” Her nomination count places her among the most recognised women in Grammy history, trailing only a handful of contemporary superstars.
The Lifetime Achievement Honour
In 2011, the Recording Academy awarded Parton its Lifetime Achievement Award, a recognition reserved for artists whose influence extends beyond any single hit or era. The honour formally acknowledged what fans had long known: Parton’s songwriting shaped country music’s DNA and reached far beyond it.
Songs That Outgrew the Awards Stage
No accolade fully captures the reach of “Jolene” or “I Will Always Love You.” The latter, written by Parton, became a generational phenomenon after Whitney Houston’s 1992 recording — a reminder that her impact often outran the ceremonies built to measure it. Both songs earned spots in the Grammy Hall of Fame, a distinction separate from competitive wins.
A Legacy Bigger Than the Trophy Case
Parton’s final Grammy nomination came in 2025, for her audiobook memoir “Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones” — proof she was still creating and still being recognised until the very end. Her Grammy history, impressive as it is, tells only part of the story of an artist whose songs became part of the cultural fabric far beyond any single award.
A quick note
Dolly Parton: Recent reporting from the Recording Academy following her passing lists her official win count as 10 (55 nominations), slightly different from the commonly cited “11.” Worth double-checking against the Recording Academy’s own site if precision matters for this piece.
Mohan Bhagwat: There has been a political controversy in New York regarding the forthcoming event with the participation of RSS leader Mohan Bhagwat at Madison Square Garden. This event will take place on August 29 and has been organized under the title of “Universal Oneness Celebration” for the Indian-American community.
Why Does Zohran Mamdani Oppose the Event?
Mayor of New York Zohran Mamdani has expressed his opinion that he doesn’t support this event. He criticized the exclusionary vision of the RSS and compared it with his image of a pluralistic and secular India. This statement is especially important as Mamdani himself is Indian-American and has talked about his relationship with India. He stated that his perception of India is based on a society where people were not classified by their religion, caste, or color.
What Makes the Madison Square Garden Event Controversial?
There has been opposition towards the appearance of Bhagwat from some civil rights groups and interfaith organizations. Some have expressed their doubts regarding the RSS and the philosophy behind it, but it is claimed by RSS that they do not practice any kind of intolerance and they consider themselves to be a cultural movement for Hindu unity.
Will Mamdani Be Able to Cancel the Event?
Although Mamdani opposes the program, he still believes that the city might not have any legal right to cancel a privately organized program. This means that Mamdani’s government cannot prevent Bhagwat from speaking at the Madison Square Garden.
The country is seeing an increase in the number of seasonal cases of influenza, with H1N1 comprising almost 98% of the detected Influenza A cases. But as per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), there is no need to be alarmed, as this is not a new case or virus.
What Does the 98% Number Really Mean?
The 98% number refers to the number of people suffering from the flu who have been detected with H1N1 after getting diagnosed with Influenza A. This means that 98% of the people suffering from influenza A infection are actually suffering from H1N1. ICMR Director General Dr. Rajiv Bahl stated that currently, H1N1 comprises almost 98% of Influenza A cases, whereas, H3N2 forms only a very small proportion.
Does India Have a New H1N1 Strain?
As per ICMR, there is no evidence of India having a new or unusual strain of the virus. The current virus in circulation is an H1N1 pdm09-like seasonal virus strain that has been circulating in India since 2025. Health ministry says genomic surveillance has only picked up the usual mutations that happen with seasonal influenza viruses.
Is a New H1N1 Strain Spreading in India?
According to ICMR, there is no evidence of a new or unusually dangerous H1N1 strain. The virus currently circulating is an H1N1 pdm09-like seasonal strain that has been present in India since 2025. The Health Ministry said genomic surveillance has found only the normal genetic changes expected as seasonal influenza viruses circulate.
Should People Be Worried?
ICMR has advised people not to panic. Most infections are mild and self-limiting, while severe illness and hospitalization remain relatively low. Health officials are continuing to monitor the situation through a nationwide surveillance network. People should still follow basic precautions, especially when experiencing flu-like symptoms. Staying home while unwell, maintaining hand hygiene and avoiding close contact can help reduce transmission.
U.S. sanctions against Iran have now been expanded, targeting some Indian companies. Within its recent “Operation Economic Outcast”, the US has imposed sanctions on four Indian companies and three Indian individuals for their alleged association with the Iranian petroleum and petrochemical industry.
Why is the U.S. sanctioning Indian firms?
The current US sanctions have been imposed on firms that were allegedly involved in importing Iranian petroleum products or shipping petrochemical products into India. The companies that have been named by the US include Sadashiva Overseas Limited, PP Softtech Private Limited, Prakrutees Infra Impex India Private Limited, and Portease Partners LLP. The US has also targeted three Indian individuals associated with these firms. According to the allegations raised by the US, Sadashiva Overseas was responsible for importing petroleum products from Iran worth $69 million during February 2024-June 2025. The imports worth about $25 million were attributed to PP Softtech and Prakrutees Infra, while Portease Partners was blamed for shipping Iranian petrochemical products into India.
Implications for Indian Business
The sanctions will pose compliance and payment risks to Indian businesses trading with Iran. Indian companies that operate in energy, shipping, logistics, financial services, and international trade will have to be more vigilant about their transactions with the Iranian business partners. Indian businesses may face complications from banks, insurance providers, shipping lines and financial institutions if any of the transactions are associated with a sanctioned entity.
Will the Trade Between India and Iran Be Affected?
It goes without saying that the impact of the sanctions will not be limited only to the four sanctioned companies. Indian exporters are already facing problems due to the complicated nature of transactions that involve Iran. India’s exports to Iran, including rice, tea and pharmaceuticals, will have increased costs associated with transportation, insurance, and payments.
India’s Energy Security
Energy security continues to be a major concern. The restrictions on Iranian oil could limit India’s access to a competitive source of crude oil. In spite of the reduced dependence on Iranian oil in India, the renewed efforts by the US government could have an impact on the oil market globally, shipping costs and insurance premiums.
A specially modified Vande Bharat Express has recently attracted attention after completing a trial run through the challenging Western Ghats in Karnataka. The striking orange-and-white train was seen winding through tunnels, bridges and sharp curves, earning it the popular nickname “Orange Snake of India.”
The trial is significant because the route presents several operational challenges for a modern semi-high-speed train. Indian Railways is testing the train’s braking, speed control and handling capabilities before any decision on regular passenger operations.
Vande Bharat Trial Run Through the Western Ghats
The trial was conducted on the Bengaluru–Mangaluru railway route, particularly the difficult Sakleshpur–Subrahmanya Road ghat section.
This approximately 55-km stretch passes through a demanding mountainous landscape featuring around 57 tunnels, more than 200 bridges and about 108 sharp curves. The route also has steep gradients, making speed and braking control especially important.
The specially prepared Vande Bharat rake was brought from the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, for technical trials in Karnataka.
Why Is It Called the “Orange Snake”?
The nickname is inspired by the train’s appearance during the trial. As the long orange-and-white rake moved through the green Western Ghats, it appeared to wind through the hills like a snake.
However, “Orange Snake” is not the train’s official name. It is simply a popular description used for the visually striking train seen during the trial.
Special Safety System Added to the Train
One of the most important aspects of the trial is the use of an Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) system.
The system is particularly relevant on the mountainous section, where steep gradients and curves require careful speed management. During the trial, the train’s speed on the difficult 55-km section was planned at around 30 kmph, with the braking system designed to help prevent excessive speed when required.
