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February 26, 2026
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Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant says ”Railway privatisation a win-win situation”

By
Neha Kumari
-

Privatisation of the railways will create a win-win situation for both the Indian railways as well as the investors, and also the users, Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said during addressing a joint press meet, along with Railway Board chairman VK Yadav.

“It is like when private banks were set up in India. So many private players came in the banking sector. But that didn’t lead SBI to shut. Private investment will bring in newer technologies. It will create competition in the railway sector. Competition will increase efficiency and reduce fare — in the long run,” Kant said.

On airport-like user charge to be raise for re-developed of railway stations, Railway Board chairman VK Yadav said the charge. Which will translate to a hike in railway fare, and will be nominal.

“The user charge will be nominal. Also, the charge will be applicable only for redeveloped stations. Not all stations are being redeveloped at present,” Yadav said.

“We’re looking at 109 Origin Destination pairs, divided into 12 clusters requiring 151 trains. They’re being taken up for transparent competitive bidding and some most attractive routes which are based on huge unmet demand, will be put out to run premium passenger services,” NITI Aayog’s CEO said.


However, Indian Railways confirmed that the first set of 12 private trains will be introduced in 2023, followed by 45 more in the next fiscal, according to an initial timeline drawn by the railways which plans to roll out all 151 such train services by 2027.

What is Operation Polo, Know 17 September History

By
Neha Kumari
-

Although the date of 13 September looks like ordinary days, but it matters a lot in the history of Hindustan. This is because we got our freedom on August 15, 47, but it was not complete. Many princely states were bent on separation. Among them, the most powerful princely state was Hyderabad, Nizamshahi was there.

He refused to accept the rule of Hindustan. Operation Polo is called the military campaign after which the princely states of Hyderabad and Brar joined the Indian Union. This was needed because Nizam Osman, Ali Khan, Asif Jah Seventh of Hyderabad decided to remain independent after the partition of the country. After the independence of India, many princely states wanted their own country. But the Indian government was not ready for this. No argument was in favor of his point.

As a result, out of love or rebuke, everyone had to reunite with India. Here the lineage of Asafjah from Samarkand was run. These people were the governors of this princely state on behalf of the Mughals. After Aurangzeb, he was ruled here. They were called Nizams. So in 1948, Nizam Osman Ali Khan Asaf Jah ruled the seventh subjects, mostly Hindus.

The Nizam had a dream to have a separate country. For this, apart from his army, he had created a separate army. In which there were people of Muslim community. They were called Razakars. Before this, the Nizam had also gone to the British Government. That they should have their own country under the Commonwealth. But Mountbatten refused. A. G. Noorani has written that Nehru wanted to settle the matter through negotiations. But Sardar Patel did not agree.

The main reason Patel opposed the plan & suspected the Nizam’s intention, was due to the geography of the state.  Sardar Patel setup an investigation team to find out what the Nizam was upto, and it was found that the he was actually trying to strike a deal with Jinnah to use Karachi port. i.e Hyderabad was trying to build friendly relations with Pakistan, while at the same time, being hostile to India.


When India merged, Hyderabad was the largest and more prosperous state than the rest. Its geographical scope was about 82 thousand square miles. It had a population of 16 million at the 1941 census. Of that, 85 percent of the population was Hindu, but 40 percent of the territory’s land was owned by the Nizam and the Muslim elite.

Till now the agreement with Hyderabad was that you should run your state now. Princely state of Hyderabad also gave crores of rupees to Pakistan. Because of this, both sides kept accusing each other of breaking the agreement. The princely state alleged that the Indian government was surrounded by them from all sides. The government said that you are not using our currency. Arms are being ordered from Pakistan. Making an army of Razakars. What do you want?

Lok Sabha pass Banking Regulation Bill, 2020

By
Neha Kumari
-

The Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was passed in the Lok Sabha.

The bill, moved by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, wants to bring cooperative banks under the supervision of the Reserve Bank of India .

“We are trying to bring this amendment to protect the depositors. As in some unfortunate situation in banks, depositors are put to hardship,” said Sitharaman.

banking-regulation-amendment-bill-2020-passed-by-lok-sabha

Anand Sharma, Congress leader questioned Union health minister Harsh Vardhan’s claim that the lockdown prevented around 14 to 29 lakh COVID-19 cases and 37,000-78,000 deaths in the country and also questioned the government to explain the basis of the claim.

“Yesterday, the health minister said that this decision (lockdown) prevented approximately 14 to 29 lakh COVID-19 cases & 37,000-78,000 deaths. The house must be informed what is the scientific basis on which we’ve reached this conclusion,” Sharma said in Rajya Sabha.

About the Bill

  • Oversight of cooperative banks would be brought under the Reserve Bank of India through an amendment to the Banking Regulation Act, in order to increase professionalism and improve corporate governance.
  • Cooperative banks would be audited according to RBI rules.
  • Appointment of CEOs would require prior approval from the central bank. 
  • The RBI will also have the right to supersede the management of a cooperative bank in case of governance failure.

Indian, Chinese NSAs to join BRICS meet today

By
Neha Kumari
-

India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval will join his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi. For a virtual meeting of the NSAs of the Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa.

It is fourth time this month when Indian and Chinese leaders have been in meetings hosted by Russia.

“There will be statements by the NSAs and discussions on the items on the agenda which has already been decided. Besides, the BRICS grouping has no scope for taking up bilateral matters,” one of the people cited above said.

On 17 September, the Russian chairmanship will hold the 10th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisors.

According to a statement issued by Russia, the BRICS NSAs meeting is expected to discuss “threats and challenges to national security”.

“The meeting’s agenda comprises of challenges and threats to global, regional and national security in today’s world,” the statement said. The event will take place via video conference and Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of the security council of the Russian Federation, will represent Moscow at the meeting.

IPL 2020: Mumbai Indians sets to continue with Rohit-de Kock pair in opening order

By
Harshit
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IPL, IPL 2020, Mumbai Indians, Rohit Sharma
IPL, IPL 2020, Mumbai Indians, Rohit Sharma

The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League will kick-off on September 19. Just two days prior to this season Mumbai Indians have made it clear that Rohit Sharma will open the batting this year as well for the franchise.


The defending Champions will up against Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2020 opening game.

MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene and the captain Rohit Sharma briefed the press conference on Thursday.

“I opened for the entire tournament last year and will continue to do that. As a team, we keep all options open. I’m happy to do what the team wants. I enjoy batting at the top of the order and I’ve been doing it for a while. But even when I play for India, the message to the management is to not close any door and keep all the options open, so I’ll do the same here,” Rohit Sharma said in a press conference on Thursday.

Later on, head coach Mahela Jayawardene made it clear that there is no scope for any other opener in the line up as they are banking on Rohit-de Kock pair.

“Lynn is a great addition to the squad, but the combination of Rohit and Quinton did a phenomenal job for us last season. They complement each other well, they’re consistent and both of them are experienced. They’re good leaders as well, so why would you want to fix something that isn’t broken? We will continue to go with that,” said Jayawardene.
“Lynn as an option gives us flexibility in the squad and that’s what we’ve always done. We try and add more value to the team, give more options so that we can be unpredictable when it comes to tournaments and big matches. Quinton and Rohit as a combination have been brilliant.”

When asked about the bowling concerns Rohit said,”For anyone, it’s hard to fill his boots. What he has done for MI and Sri Lanka is remarkable. He has been a match-winner for MI, whenever we were in trouble, Malinga bailed us out. His experience will be missed and what he did for MI is unbelievable. Nathan Coulter-Nile, James Pattinson and Dhawal Kulkarni are some of the names who can be his replacement. What he did for MI cannot be compared and he cannot be replaced.”

“The challenge for us would be to adapt to these conditions. Not a lot of cricketers from our group have played here. People who have been here need to share their experience with the players who have not played so far. Mentally, it’s about going there and understanding the pitch is doing. We have played some practice matches here and we know what to expect there. Reading the pitches will be very important,” Rohit stated when asked about the UAE playing conditions.

India joins Indian Ocean grouping opposition to piracy as observer

By
Neha Kumari
-

India announced on Wednesday they had joined the Djibouti Code of Conduct or DCOC, a grouping on maritime matters aimed at countering piracy, as an observer as part of efforts aimed at enhancing maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. The move to join the grouping followed a high-level virtual meeting held on August 26, the external affairs ministry said.

On January 29, 2009 DCOC, which goals to repress piracy and armed theft towards ships within the western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden, was adopted by the representatives of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Seychelles, Somalia, Tanzania and Yemen.

The 18 member states are situated in spaces adjacent the Purple Sea, Gulf of Aden and the east coast of Africa and come with island international locations within the Indian Ocean.

But even so India, the opposite observers within the grouping are Japan, Norway, the United Kingdom and the USA.

“As an observer at [DCOC], India seems to be ahead to running along side… member states in opposition to coordinating and contributing to enhanced maritime safety within the Indian Ocean Area,” the exterior affairs ministry mentioned.

TKM appoints Ayushmann Khurrana as brand ambassador for Toyota Urban Cruiser

By
Shivani Negi
-

Toyota Kirloskar Motor(TKM) has appointed Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana as the new brand ambassador for Toyota Urban Cruiser.

The actor will be the face of Cruiser’s promotional campaigns as well work with various and print communications to enhance its image.

Naveen Soni, senior vice president, sales and service, TKM, said, “Ayushmann Khurrana is an exemplar of a self-made actor, someone who is extremely versatile and respected by critics and audience alike. His story is an inspiration to many young people and resonates the spirit of the all-new Urban Cruiser. We are confident that with this association, we will be able to connect with the customers, especially the young, across the nook and corners of the country.”

Khurrana added, “When people ask me about my journey, the love and respect I have earned in the entertainment industry, I always say ‘Respect is simply an outcome of what I have done’. Therefore, I love the idea of ‘respect’ being the mantra of the Urban Cruiser.”

Toyota will launch Urban Cruiser on 23 September. It is based on Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, with Smart Hybrid Technology. The feature list on Urban Cruiser includes a seven-inch Smart Playcast system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, push-button start/stop, automatic AC, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers among others.

Meanwhile, the car would be promoted with the idea that respect cannot be demanded; it must be earned.

PLA puts up loudspeakers at Finger 4, play Punjabi songs

By
Jyoti B
-

Chinese troops have set up loudspeakers that belt out Punjabi numbers at their forward posts! This comes in the wake of Indian troops setting up an around the clock observation at the dominating height near Finger 4, overlooking the positions of the Peoples Liberation Army.

ANI sources, the post at which the Chinese Army has put up loudspeakers is under 24×7 constant watch by Indian soldiers.

According to agency report citing sources, the latest drama by the Chinese troops could ‘perhaps be to relieve the pressure’. The latest tactic may, however, be viewed on the backdrop of the fact that at least three firing incidents have taken place in the area in the last 20 days.

India and China have had at least three firing incidents between their troops in Eastern Ladakh in the last 20 days over the ongoing territorial dispute there.

“As this House is aware, China is in unauthorized occupation of about 38,000 square km of land in Ladakh. Also, under a so-called Boundary-Agreement in 1963, Pakistan illegally handed over 5180 square km of Indian land of PoK to China.

Urmila Matondkar is a soft porn star, says Kangana Ranaut

By
Shivani Negi
-

Kangana Ranaut is currently invested in a tirade against Bollywood. Every now and then, the actress keeps taking jibe at people belonging to the Hindi Industry. In the latest, veteran actress and former Congress MP Urmila Matondakar has become Kangana’s target.

During an interaction with Times Now, Kangana touched upon an interview by Urmila wherein she mocked former for her accusations against Bollywood ‘drug-mafia’.

Kangana said, “I saw one very derogatory interview given by Urmila Matondkar. The way she was talking about me, pulling faces, making a mockery about my struggles, attacking me on the fact that I am trying to appease BJP for a ticket. One doesn’t have to be a genius to figure for me it is not very difficult to get a ticket. Urmila is a soft porn star. She is not known for her acting for sure, what is she known for? For doing soft porns right. If she could get a ticket, why wouldn’t I get a ticket?”

Soon after Kangana’s remark, Bollywood celebs posted in Rangeela actress’ support while mentioning accomplishments of her career.

Swara Bhasker took to Twitter and shared, “Dear @UrmilaMatondkar ji, remembering ur outstanding performances in Masoom, Chamatkaar, Rangeela, Judaai, Daud, Satya, Bhoot, Kaun, Jungle, Pyaar Tuney Kya Kiya, Tehzeeb, Pinjar, Ek Hasina Thi.. among others and have marvelled at your acting chops & brilliant dancing! Love u”

https://twitter.com/ReallySwara/status/1306324593922244609

“Just felt like saying this to one of the most beautiful, elegant, evocative, expressive actresses ever. Sending you love @UrmilaMatondkar,” Anubhav Sinha said in a tweet.

Actress-filmmaker Pooja Bhatt also extended support to Urmila, tweeting: “Urmila Matondkar, you are a legend. #Rangeela was a treat visually,emotionally and you raised the bar for all of us in so many ways. You left us all, co-actors and an entire generation of movie goers awestruck! Sensuality & dignity.. two qualities you combined & embodied. Respect!”

Talking about Kangana in an interview with India today, Urmila said, “To claim that the entire film industry is all about drug mafia is not just an overstatement, but I don’t even know what to call it.Everything that you have got today, the name, the fame and the money, is all thanks to Mumbai and the film industry. Why is it that you have not spoken about these things in the last so many years and are speaking about all this only in the last few months? The timing seems funny. Everything seems to be going a bit berserk.”

Meanwhile, Kangana launched a fresh attack defending her remark on Urmila Matondkar while mentioning fake feminists are equating being a porn star to something derogatory.

“Liberal brigade once virtually lynched a renowned writer in to silence for saying people like Sunny Leone should not be our role models, Sunny is accepted by the industry and entire India as an artist, suddenly fake feminists equating being a porn star to something derogatory,” Kangana tweeted on Thursday.

Russia to sell 100 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine to India

By
Jyoti B
-

Russia’s sovereign wealth fund has agreed to supply 100 million doses of its 
coronavirus vaccine, Sputnik-V, to Indian drug company Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, the fund said on Wednesday, as Moscow speeds up plans to distribute its shot abroad.

“India is amongst most severely impacted countries from COVID 19 and we believe our human adenovirus dual vector platform will provide a safe and scientifically validated option to India in the battle against COVID-19,” RDIF chief executive officer Kirill Dmitriev said in a statement.

The Sputnik-V vaccine, which is based on human adenoviral vector platform, is undergoing clinical trials.

Deliveries could potentially began in late 2020, subject to completion of successful trials and registration of the vaccine by regulatory authorities in India.

Phase III trials, involving at least 40,000 people, are ongoing in Russia. Initial results are expected in October or November, RDIF head Kirill Dmitriev has said.

Dr Reddy’s, one of India’s top pharmaceutical companies, will carry out Phase III clinical trials of Sputnik-V in India, RDIF said. Following the news, Dr Reddy’s shares rallied to close 4.18% higher in India on Wednesday.

Three people arrested for attacking Suresh Rain’s kin

By
Shivani Negi
-

The Punjab Police have arrested three suspects responsible for the killing of cricketer Suresh Raina’s kin. The three accused arrested are a part of an inter-state gang of robbers, CM Amarinder Singh said on Wednesday as he affirmed the case has been “solved”.

Raina’s uncle Ashok Kumar, a contractor, was found dead after the robbery attack at their house in Pathankot on August 19. His son, Kaushal Kumar, was badly injured in the attack and succumbed to injuries on August 31. Kumar’s wife Asha Rani is currenlty being treated at hospital and is in a critical condition. Two others who were also atttacked by the robbers have recovered.

Police is yet to locate other 11 members of the robbery-gang.

To probe the case as soon as possible, the Punjab CM had ordered the constitution of a Special Investigation Team(SIT) under IGP border Range Amritsar with SSP Pathankot, SP Investigation and DSP Dhar Kalan as its members.

More than 100 suspected persons were examined during the investigation, according to DGP Gupta. After a hint on three suspects who were caught on the camera on the day of incident, the police conducted a raid in jhuggis near the Pathankot Railway Station and caught the all three. A gold ring bearing the initials AK, a gold chain, Rs 1530 in cash, and two wooden sticks, presumably used in the attack, were recovered from the accused Sawan, Muhobbat and Shah Rukh Khan.

The night on which robbery was committed, the robber moved according to their modus operandi in groups of 2 or 3 and entered Rain’s uncle’s house through ladder. When they saw people inside the house quietly lying on mats, they hit them on the head before committing the crime.

The accused then ran away in similar fashion and distributed the looted things among them. More details on the case are still awaited.

Covid-19 update: Over 90,000 cases in 24-hour take India’s tally past 51 lakh

By
Shivani Negi
-

Coronavirus situation in India continues to worsen as the country keeps reporting over 90,000 cases in a single day. With 97,894 cases in last 24-hour, the total toll has reached past 51 lakh mark. The death toll now stands at 83,198 with fresh 1,132 fatalities.

The total case tally stands at 51,18,254 including 10,09,976 active cases, 40,25,080 discharged & 83,198 deaths, The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare said in a statement.

6,05,65,728 samples tested up to 15th September for Covid-19, of these, 11,36,613 samples tested yesterday, said ICMR.

Delhi saw the biggest jump in its coronavirus cases as it reported 4,473 cases in a single-day, taking the total toll to 2.3 lakh.

The US health officials on Wednesday said that masks are definitely better protection than vaccination, with President Donald Trump insisting that the vaccine for Americans will be available till October. Robert Redfield, director of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, has said face masks offered much better protection against the infection than a vaccines would. “We have clear scientific evidence mask work, and they are our best defence. I might even go so far as to say that this face mask is more guaranteed to protect me against Covid-19 than when I take a vaccine,” Redfield said.

Meanwhile, opposition parties in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday slammed the ruling party for its management to combat the coronavirus pandemic. The Opposition condemned the unprepared nationwide lockdown in March four hours’ notice, accusing the Central government for their unfair treatment to migrant workers.

The overall number of global coronavirus cases has topped 29.7 million, while the fatalities have increased to over 939,000, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

As of Thursday morning, the total number of cases stood at 29,760,579 and the fatalities rose to 939,427, the University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) said in its latest update.

‘Covid-19 does not respect borders’: UN chief urges India-Pakistan to resolve border dispute

By
Shivani Negi
-

At a time when world continues to suffer due to the coronavirus pandemic, India’s primary concern still remains border dispute with its neighbouring countries including Pakistan and China.

Addresing the hybrid press conference, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a resolution to the matter and urged the countries to move in a specific direction to sort our differences at border.

The UN chief also emphasised the need of multilateralism, saying the world needs to come together to combat the novel coronavirus. He also mentioned that finding the cure of the infection should be first and foremost focus as the virus does not “respect borders”.

“The virus is the number one global security threat in our world today. The international community needs to come together to defeat the virus”, Xinhua news agency quoted the UN chief as saying.

“We need a vaccine to be affordable and available to all – a people’s vaccine. That means a quantum leap in funding for the ACT-Accelerator and its COVAX Facility. For any vaccine to work, people across the globe need to be willing to take it,” said the secretary-general, adding that “with the spread of the virus, we are also seeing a proliferation of misinformation about a future vaccine.”

“This is fueling vaccine hesitancy and igniting wild conspiracy theories,” he mentioned.

Talking about the security situation in a number of countries, the UN chief said, ” we must seize every opening in the weeks ahead and make a new collective push for peace. My appeal resonated with member states, civil society and a number of armed groups across the world.”

“And today, from Afghanistan to Sudan, we see hopeful new steps toward peace,” he said. “In Syria, Libya, Ukraine and elsewhere, ceasefires or standstills in the fighting can create space for diplomacy,” he added.

US plans to make Covid-19 vaccine available free of cost for all Americans

By
Shivani Negi
-

In a major breakthrough, US federal government announced that all Americans will be provided with free vaccines for Covid-19 once they get approval for emergency authorization.

A 57 page “playbook” from the US government highlighted plans to make the vaccine available for all Americans “without charging a dime” once it is proven safe and effective.

Despite President Trump’s constant assurance that the vaccine would be available before November 3, the officials still remain unclear about the timing of the vaccine. However, the officials are eyeing to begin the campaign in January next year.

The Pentagon is involved in the distribution of the vaccine but civilian health workers will be providing the shots to public.

The shot wouldn’t be broadly available to most of the US population until the summer or fall of 2021, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Dr. Robert Redfield told the Congress on Wednesday.

“We’re dealing in a world of great uncertainty. We don’t know the timing of when we’ll have a vaccine, we don’t know the quantities, we don’t know the efficacy of those vaccines,” said Paul Mango, the deputy chief of staff for policy at the Department of Health and Human Services.

“This is a really quite extraordinary, logistically complex undertaking, and a lot of uncertainties right now. I think the message we want you to leave with is, we are prepared for all of those uncertainties,” he added.

As per the playbook, people would need two doses of vaccine withing a period of 21 and 28 days. The vaccine injected for double dose should be from the same drug maker. It also mentioned that vaccination process will be gradual as initially, the supply would be limited. Health workers, essential services employees and people in vulnerable groups will be the first to get vaccinated.

“The goal of the US government is to have enough COVID-19 vaccine for all people in the United States who wish to be vaccinated,” the CDC said in its report.

Currently, three drug makers are conducting late-stage trials of the potential vaccine in the United States. Pfizer, one of the candidates, has said that they would be making the vaccine available for emergency authorization as early as October while the other two vaccines — Moderna and AstraZeneca– plan to make the vaccine available by the end of this year.

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi turns 70 today

By
Jyoti B
-

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is celebrating his 70th birthday on Thursday. He was born to Heeraben and Damodardas Modi in Vadnagar in Mehsana district of Gujarat. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader is credited for becoming the longest-serving Indian PM of non-Congress origin.

He is 14th and current Prime Minister of India since 2014.

He was the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014 and is the Member of Parliament for Varanasi. Modi is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist volunteer organisation.

He is the first prime minister outside of the Indian National Congress to win two consecutive terms with a full majority and the second to complete more than five years in office after Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

A Seva Saptah or week of service has been organized across the country by the ruling BJP to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 70th birthday on Thursday.

The BJP has been organising Seva Saptah for the last several years to mark PM Modi’s birthday week. This year, all social welfare activities revolve around the number 70.

There will also be 70 virtual rallies,” BJP president JP Nadda said. The BJP’s Seva Saptah campaign will continue till Sunday.

BJP national president JP Nadda will distribute pulse oximeters, wheelchairs, artificial limbs among needy besides distributing carts among the poor at a function in Model Town today as part of a week-long ‘Seva Saptah’.

In order to mark the prime minister’s 70th birthday, the civic body in Surat, in collaboration with several other business groups, will be planting 70,000 saplings across the city. Nirav Shah, Deputy Mayor of Surat, said that the initiative had been launched a fortnight ago and that they hope to complete planting 70,000 saplings by September 16, PM Modi’s birthday eve. 

Here is a glimpse of his timeless pictures from the past:

Wishes poured in from all corners of the world for Prime Minister Narendra Modi,

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