Home Blog Page 69

Healthier Punjab This Independence Day: Bhagwant Mann Govt’s Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana Crosses 6 Lakh Treatments

CM Mann

As India celebrates its 80th Independence Day, freedom from the fear of an unaffordable medical emergency is emerging as an important measure of public welfare. In Punjab, the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana (MMSY) provides cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh per family per year and has recorded more than six lakh treatments over the past seven months.

State Health Agency data show that 26,18,712 beneficiaries have been enrolled against a reported eligible base of 69,12,697 families. So far, 3,02,906 patients have received treatment, accounting for 6,06,892 treatments and 15,267 procedures. The scheme has 880 empanelled hospitals, with the reported average claim value standing at ₹14,628.04.

On this occasion, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said, “From dialysis to cancer care, Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana crosses six lakh treatments in Punjab. The scale of utilisation is particularly visible in critical and high-cost healthcare. Chronic haemodialysis accounts for 1,99,417 treatments, while 60,504 cancer cases and 1,85,220 emergency cases have also been recorded.”

Additionally, cardiac care remains a major component. The data records 10,428 PTCA procedures, including diagnostic angiography, involving expenditure of ₹100 crore. CABG accounted for 611 treatments and approximately ₹8.20 crore, while 507 pacemaker procedures involved about ₹6.79 crore.

Orthopaedic treatment has also seen substantial utilisation, with 11,796 total knee replacements involving expenditure of ₹94.89 crore. The scheme recorded 1,092 total hip replacements costing ₹10.75 crore, along with more than 2,200 fracture fixation procedures. Cancer treatment accounted for approximately ₹159.41 crore across 60,504 reported cases, while dialysis expenditure stood at ₹33.14 crore for 2,02,793 reported cases.

The scheme’s reach extends across public and private hospitals. Private facilities handled 3,36,161 cases, compared with 2,70,731 cases in government hospitals. Reported expenditure stood at ₹614.08 crore and ₹479.85 crore respectively.

District-level figures show varying patterns of utilisation. Patiala recorded the highest number of patients treated at 28,977, followed by Bathinda with 23,446, Ludhiana with 22,620 and Jalandhar with 20,193. Bathinda recorded the highest expenditure at ₹200 crore, followed by Patiala at ₹100 crore, Amritsar at ₹99.23 crore and Jalandhar at ₹91.30 crore.

*Behind the numbers, the beneficiaries*

The statistics show the scale of the scheme, but beneficiary experiences show what access to cashless healthcare can mean for families. Sandeep Kaur, who received treatment for gallbladder and spine-related conditions, said the treatment has helped her return to a better life “After successful treatment, I am much better than before. I am living my life with new hope,” she said.

For Nishi Gupta, who is undergoing breast cancer treatment, the Health Card has provided relief from the financial pressure associated with prolonged care. “With the Health Card, my breast cancer treatment has started free of cost and is continuing without any expense. This has brought great relief to me and my family,” she said.

For Hakam Singh of Patiala, the scheme proved crucial during a sudden cardiac emergency. Recalling the onset of his symptoms, he said, “I suddenly had pain in my chest.” After receiving free treatment for his heart condition, Hakam Singh thanked the government for the support and said he can now live a happier life.

Another beneficiary, Gurcharan Singh, described the financial fear that can accompany serious illness in even more direct terms: “We would have just died thinking about where we would get the money from,” he said.

For beneficiaries like these, the value of cashless healthcare goes beyond the amount spent by the government. It represents money their families did not have to arrange at a time when their priority was survival and recovery.

As the nation marks Independence Day, Punjab’s Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana figures offer another way of looking at public welfare, not simply through the number of people covered, but through the number of people able to access critical treatment when they need it most.

Bhagwant Mann Conducts 630 Raids in Statewide Gangster Crackdown, 353 Arrested

Bhagwant- Mann
Google

Punjab Police, in coordination with the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), intensified its statewide crackdown on gangster networks as part of its ongoing ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign.

According to Punjab Police, security teams conducted 630 targeted raids at identified and mapped locations across the state. The operation was aimed at taking action against individuals allegedly linked to gangster networks and criminal activities.

Bhagwant Mann Conducts 630 Raids in Statewide Gangster Crackdown

The latest enforcement drive resulted in the arrest of 353 individuals, including nine proclaimed offenders. Police also reported the recovery of four weapons during the operation.

With the latest arrests, the cumulative number of arrests made since the launch of the campaign has reached 60,354, according to the Punjab Police.

Coordinated Action Across Punjab

The operation involved coordination between Punjab Police and the AGTF, with teams conducting raids at locations identified through the police’s mapping and intelligence efforts.

The continuing campaign reflects the Punjab Police’s stated objective of disrupting gangster networks and taking sustained action against those involved in organised criminal activities.

Authorities have maintained that such targeted operations are part of broader efforts to strengthen law enforcement and improve security across the state.

Police Appeals to Public for Information

Punjab Police has also appealed to members of the public to share information related to gangster activities. Citizens can provide information anonymously through the Anti-Gangster Helpline at 93946-93946.

The police said the campaign will continue as part of its efforts to dismantle gangster networks and contribute to a safer Punjab.

The latest figures underline the scale of the ongoing enforcement campaign, with thousands of arrests recorded since its launch. Punjab Police has reiterated its commitment to sustained action against criminal networks operating in the state.

CM Yogi Adityanath Marks Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, Pays Tribute to Victims of 1947

CM- Yogi -Adityanath
Google

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath on Friday remembered the victims of the 1947 Partition on Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, saying the division was not limited to the redrawing of geographical boundaries but also resulted in the painful separation of families, relationships and dreams.

CM Yogi Adityanath Marks Partition Horrors Remembrance Day

In a post on social media, Adityanath said the observance of Partition Horrors Remembrance Day serves as a reminder of the immense suffering endured during the Partition and offers an opportunity to learn from that painful chapter of history.

He stressed that the day conveys the importance of placing the unity and integrity of the nation above all else.

Paying tribute to those who lost their lives during the Partition, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister expressed respect for the innocent civilians who perished amid the upheaval.

Adityanath said their memories should continue to inspire efforts toward building a strong, united and undivided India.

What Is Partition Horrors Remembrance Day?

Partition Horrors Remembrance Day is observed in India on August 14 to remember the suffering and loss associated with the Partition of 1947. The Partition led to mass displacement, violence and the separation of communities and families as British India was divided into India and Pakistan.

The day is intended to remember those affected by the tragedy and preserve the historical memory of the people who endured the upheaval.

Bhagwant Mann Government Caps Private School Fee Hike at 5%, Restricts Forced Purchases

Bhagwant- Mann
Google

The Punjab government has announced measures aimed at providing relief to parents and protecting students from excessive financial pressure related to private school education.

Bhagwant Mann Government Caps Private School Fee Hike at 5%

Punjab Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that under the Bhagwant Mann-led government’s decision, private schools will not be allowed to increase annual fees by more than 5%.

Restricts Forced Purchases

The government has also prohibited private schools from forcing parents or students to purchase books, uniforms or other educational items from a specific shop. The move is intended to give families greater freedom to purchase required materials from the sellers of their choice.

Cheema described education as a right of children rather than a means for commercial exploitation. He said the decisions would provide significant relief to parents across Punjab and help bring greater transparency and accountability to private school fee practices.

The measures are expected to be particularly significant for families facing rising education-related expenses, as schools prepare for the new academic cycle.

Bhagwant Mann Government Sends Notices to Rajasthan and Haryana Over Water Dues

Bhagwant- Mann
Google

The Bhagwant Mann government has written to the governments of Rajasthan and Haryana seeking payment of what it describes as outstanding dues for the use of Punjab’s water resources.

Bhagwant Mann Government Sends Notices to Rajasthan and Haryana

Punjab Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal shared details of the letters, according to a post by the Aam Aadmi Party’s Punjab unit.

The Punjab government alleged that Rajasthan stopped making payments for Punjab’s water after 1961, attributing the situation to the alleged failure or complicity of successive governments. The state government has reportedly issued a notice to Rajasthan seeking ₹1.83 lakh crore in outstanding dues.

Notices to Rajasthan and Haryana Over Water Dues

The Punjab government has also sent a letter to Haryana, alleging that payments due to Punjab were stopped after 2015-16.

Goyal also raised concerns over the distribution of the burden caused by floods. He argued that Punjab has to bear the losses caused by floods on its own, while neighbouring states continue to assert their rights over Punjab’s water resources.

The latest move is likely to add to the ongoing political and inter-state debate over water sharing, financial liabilities and Punjab’s rights over its river waters.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath Government Announces Special Bus Services for Raksha Bandhan 2026

CM- Yogi -Adityanath
Google

The Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath government has announced special transport arrangements to make travel easier, safer and more convenient for mothers and sisters during the upcoming Raksha Bandhan festival.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath Government Announces Special Bus Services

According to the Uttar Pradesh government, additional buses will be operated across the state from August 26 to August 31, 2026, to meet the expected rise in passenger demand during the festive period.

Bus Services for Raksha Bandhan 2026

The special transport arrangement aims to ensure that women travelling to meet their families during Raksha Bandhan can reach their destinations comfortably and safely. The move is expected to provide additional connectivity during one of the busiest travel periods associated with the festival.

The announcement was shared by the Government of Uttar Pradesh on social media, highlighting the state government’s focus on facilitating hassle-free travel for women during Raksha Bandhan.

The special bus services are expected to benefit passengers travelling between major cities, towns and rural areas across Uttar Pradesh.

Budha Nallah To Be Cleaned Soon, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Lays Foundation Stone Of Compressed Biogas Plant In Ludhiana’s Haibowal

Punjab news

Budha Nallah is set to get cleaner as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab Government moves to stop waste from entering it, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday laying the foundation stone of a ₹65-crore Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) Plant at Haibowal, Ludhiana. The project will help address sewer blockage and pollution in the Budha Nallah by scientifically processing 300 tonnes of cattle dung generated daily at the Dairy Complex.

Being developed on 2.5 acres and scheduled to become operational by September 2027, the plant will also give 435 dairy owners new income opportunities under the ‘Waste-to-Wealth’ mission, besides producing around five tonnes of CBG and organic bio-fertiliser every day.

Sharing a few snippets on X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “Today, laid the foundation stone of the ₹65-crore Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) Plant at Haibowal, Ludhiana, which will be ready by September 2027. Under the ‘Waste-to-Wealth’ mission, the plant will scientifically process 300 tonnes of cattle dung every day. This will prevent waste from entering the Budha Nallah, help resolve the problem of sewer blockages and directly benefit 435 dairy owners. Our government’s people-centric approach to protecting Punjab’s waters and preserving the environment has always stood firmly for the rights of our farmers and will continue to do so.”

Addressing the gathering after laying the foundation stone of the CBG Plant at Haibowal, Describing the foundation stone laying ceremony as a historic occasion, he said, “Today is a historic day as the foundation stone of the Compressed Biogas Plant is being laid here. I thank the officials of HPCL (Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited) for playing an important role in the execution of this project. This initiative will prove to be a historic milestone under the Budha Darya Rejuvenation Programme. The project will be developed at a cost of ₹65 crore and is expected to become operational by September 2027.”

Highlighting the role of the Punjab Government in facilitating the project, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “The AAP government has provided 2.5 acres of land for the project, and around 300 tonnes of cattle dung generated daily at the Haibowal Dairy Complex will be scientifically processed and disposed of. The project will prevent untreated dung and waste from entering the Budha Nallah, thereby reducing water pollution and improving the environment. It will also significantly improve cleanliness in and around the Dairy Complex.”

Underlining the economic benefits of the project, the Chief Minister said, “Around 435 dairy owners in the area will directly benefit from this project, which is a major step towards the concept of ‘Waste-to-Wealth’. Scientific utilisation of cattle dung will create new sources of income for dairy farmers. The plant will produce organic bio-fertiliser, helping reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers, improve soil fertility and promote organic farming. The plant will generate approximately five tonnes of Compressed Biogas every day and create new opportunities for direct and indirect employment for the youth.”

Reiterating his government’s commitment to environmental protection, he said, “Our government remains firmly committed to making Punjab greener and pollution-free. This project will also give a major boost to green investment in Punjab. This is not merely a gas plant; it is a testimony to our commitment to making Punjab pollution-free, greener and economically stronger.”

Talking about green energy and environmental protection, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “More such plants will be installed across Punjab to promote green energy on one hand and curb the menace of pollution on the other. I also appeal to the people to ensure that untreated water is not put into the water sources of the state so that their purity can be maintained for the well-being of every human being.”

He said, “It is unfortunate that the water of the state is no longer potable for drinking and most of the zones are going into the dark zone. When our government assumed office, only 22% of canal water was being used in the state for irrigation, but today this has risen to more than 88%.”

Highlighting the expansion of canal irrigation infrastructure, the Chief Minister said, “Our government has laid 14,000 kilometres of pipes, equivalent to the distance between Canada and Baghapurana, to provide canal water to farmers. In addition to this, another 7,000 kilometres of pipes will be laid by the end of this year. We have laid pipes and watercourses across Punjab to facilitate farmers in every nook and corner of the state, and this is benefiting them greatly by catering to their irrigation needs. Recharge points have been kept in canals and rivers so that the water level can be enhanced, and 21 lakh cusecs of water has been recharged, enhancing the water level by two to four metres.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann pointed out, “Our government is constructing more than 43,000 kilometres of roads, with contractors being made responsible for their maintenance.”

Speaking about employment generation, he pointed out, “The state government has provided more than 69,000 jobs to the youth of Punjab completely on the basis of merit, without any recommendation or corruption. The AAP is a product of the anti-corruption crusade and is working tirelessly for empowering the common man. Our government works for the welfare of every section of society and does not believe in vendetta politics or putting false cases against people or political opponents.”

Highlighting the prudent utilisation of public money, the Chief Minister said, “The AAP government is optimally utilising every single penny of the state exchequer for the well-being of the people. More than 90% of households in Punjab are getting free power, and even farmers are today getting power during the daytime, which is unprecedented. The tax money of the people belongs to the state, and we are judiciously spending it on their welfare. People’s money is coming back to the people through development, schools, hospitals and roads.”

Speaking about the response of people to the government’s initiatives, he said, “People from across Punjab shower love on me due to several path-breaking initiatives taken by the state government, whereas they are sceptical of even shaking hands with the opposition leaders. Ludhiana is my Karam Bhumi, as I came here for the first time in 1992.”

Highlighting the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Our government has launched the first-of-its-kind Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, under which all women of Punjab above 18 years of age are eligible for the benefits of the scheme. SC women are getting ₹1,500 per month, while every woman from Punjab is getting ₹1,000 per month. The total target is more than one crore women and 72.13 lakh beneficiaries are getting the benefits of the scheme. The scheme is benefiting more than 97% of women, making it one of the most comprehensive women-centric social protection initiatives in the country.”

Speaking about the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, theChief Minister noted, “This ambitious scheme provides cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh for every resident family in Punjab. It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Punjab is the first Indian state to offer such comprehensive healthcare coverage, which has significantly eased the financial burden on the public while ensuring quality health services. This historic move is aimed at providing universal healthcare to all families of the state, and people have availed free treatment worth more than ₹937 crore so far.”

AAP Will Return To Power In 2027: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Earlier governments used to only plan such projects, but instead of using the money for development, they pocketed it, putting the state’s development at risk. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will again form the government in 2027 and the deposits of the opposition will be forfeited.

Earlier, welcoming CM Bhagwant Singh Mann and highlighting the benefits of the project, Cabinet Minister Aman Arora said that the Haibowal CBG Plant would scientifically process cattle dung generated at the Dairy Complex while contributing towards environmental protection and the rejuvenation of the Budha Darya.

On the occasion, Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora and Hardeep Singh Mundian, Rajya Sabha MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal and others were present.

₹65-Crore CBG Plant To Process 300 Tonnes Of Cattle Dung Daily, Produce 5 Tonnes Of CBG

The ₹65-crore Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plant will be developed on 2.5 acres provided by the Punjab Government and will scientifically process around 300 tonnes of cattle dung generated daily at the Haibowal Dairy Complex. Expected to become operational by September 2027, the plant will produce approximately five tonnes of CBG every day and generate organic bio-fertiliser, while preventing untreated dung and waste from entering the Budha Nallah, reducing water pollution and improving cleanliness in and around the Dairy Complex.

The project will directly benefit around 435 dairy owners by creating new income opportunities through the scientific utilisation of cattle dung, besides generating direct and indirect employment and promoting green investment in the area.

Batwara 1947 Movie Review: Sunny Deol Delivers Powerful Performance on Partition, Still Trails Awarapan 2 in BO Numbers

Batwara- 1947- Movie- Review
Google

The film Batwara 1947 by Sunny Deol comes loaded with an emotionally charged subject matter and a perfect time release  Independence Day weekend. It is directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and produced by Aamir Khan. The film highlights the human loss resulting from the Partition of 1947.

Sunny Deol stands out in Batwara 1947

The biggest strength of Batwara 1947 appears to be Sunny Deol. Early reviews describe his performance as impactful and emotionally strong. His portrayal gives the film a grounded quality, particularly during its more intense and emotional moments. Preity Zinta also adds emotional depth to the story, while Shabana Azmi, Ali Fazal, and Karan Deol support the central narrative with important performances.

A powerful story about Partition

The film is set during the aftermath of Partition and follows a Muslim family that moves to Lahore. Their new home brings them face-to-face with the painful consequences of displacement and communal violence. The story uses this setting to explore questions of humanity, belonging and survival. This emotional focus has helped the film connect with early viewers, with social media reactions describing it as moving and worth watching.

Batwara 1947 vs Awarapan 2 at the box office

While Batwara 1947 is receiving positive reactions for its content, the box-office battle is currently favouring Emraan Hashmi’s Awar1947apan 2. The two films have opened during the same Independence Day weekend, creating one of the major Bollywood clashes of the period. Booking figures showed Awarapan 2 considerably ahead of Batwara 1947. Awarapan 2 had sold around 68,000 tickets across major national chains, compared with about 37,600 tickets for Batwara 1947. Early opening-day reports have also shown stronger audience turnout for Awarapan 2, giving Emraan Hashmi’s sequel an early commercial advantage. Batwara 1947 could still benefit from strong word of mouth. Its emotional subject and Sunny Deol’s performance may help it gain momentum over the extended Independence Day weekend.

From Family Groups to Social Feeds, These Independence Day 2026 Wishes Are Ready to Share, Check Details

Independence- Day -2026
Google

Independence Day wishes have become one of the easiest ways to send patriotic sentiments to your loved ones through messages in the form of Instagram stories, WhatsApp groups, and Facebook messages, among others. This Independence Day also gives us an opportunity to remember all the sacrifices that went into making India independent.

Independence Day wishes for family and friends

For family groups, simple and heartfelt messages can make the occasion more meaningful. People can share wishes that highlight freedom, unity, courage, and pride in the country.

  • Happy Independence Day 2026! May the spirit of freedom, unity, and hope always remain strong in every Indian heart. Jai Hind
  • Wishing everyone a proud and happy Independence Day. May India continue to grow, prosper, and inspire the world.
  • Let the Tricolour remind everyone of the courage and sacrifices that made India’s freedom possible. Happy Independence Day
  • Freedom is a precious gift. Let us honour those who fought for it and work towards a stronger India. Happy Independence Day
  • One nation, many cultures and one shared spirit. Wishing everyone a proud and joyful Independence Day 2026.

Independence Day messages for WhatsApp and social media

Social media users can choose shorter messages for Instagram captions, Facebook posts, and WhatsApp statuses. Current Independence Day coverage also highlights wishes focused on freedom, unity, the Tricolour, and remembering freedom fighters.

  • Proud of India’s journey, proud of its people. Happy Independence Day 2026
  • Let freedom, unity, and courage guide the journey ahead. Jai Hind
  • Remembering the heroes who fought for India’s freedom. Happy Independence Day!
  • May the Tricolour always fly high and inspire every generation. Happy 80th Independence Day
  • Freedom is our pride, unity is our strength, and India is our identity. Happy Independence Day
  • From the sacrifices of the past to the dreams of tomorrow, India continues to move forward. Happy Independence Day 2026

Grief Grips Uttarakhand After Fatal Flood Claims Laborers Lives Inside Under-Construction Chamoli Tunnel Accident

Chamoli- Tunnel- Accident
Google

Chamoli Tunnel Accident: Tragedy struck Uttarakhand‘s Chamoli district on Thursday evening when a massive volume of water and debris suddenly rushed into the Tail Race Tunnel of the under-construction Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project, being built by Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDC) near Pipalkoti on the Alaknanda River. Officials said the workers were engaged in welding reinforcement bars when a landslide near the Birhi River sent water and debris pouring into the passage, trapping around 28 workers inside.

Death Toll Rises As Rescue Continues

As rescue teams worked through the night, the toll climbed steadily. Of the roughly 22 workers evacuated so far, nine have died, while 11 remain under treatment at the district hospital in Gopeshwar and one has been shifted to a hospital in Srinagar for more advanced care. NDRF team commander Amrit Lal Meena said water levels inside the tunnel kept rising even after rescue crews arrived, complicating recovery efforts, with a machine loader reportedly getting stuck and damaged during the operation.

Workers Recall “Terrifying” Moments

Survivors described chaotic scenes as the water surged in without warning. One rescued worker said the flood felt like “a wave of terror,” with several others suffering fractures and injuries in the scramble to escape.

Officials Monitor Rescue Operation

Chamoli Tunnel Accident: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has been personally monitoring the rescue effort and directed officials to deploy all available resources on a war footing. He has also spoken with the chief ministers of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh regarding workers from those states who were among those trapped. NDRF, SDRF, and specialised Garhwal Scouts teams, along with a dog squad, remain deployed at the site as the search for the remaining workers continues.

Awarapan 2 Movie Review: The ‘Serial Kisser’ Tag Takes a Backseat, Emraan Hashmi Rocks as Shivam

Awarapan- 2- Movie- Review
Google

Awarapan 2 Movie Review:Bringing back a character this closely tied to one actor after nearly two decades was always a gamble. Awarapan 2 takes that risk, and for the most part, it pays off. Hashmi slips back into Shivam Pandit with the same brooding intensity that made the 2007 original a cult favourite, and this time, it’s his acting rather than any “serial kisser” reputation doing the heavy lifting.

A Bigger, More Ambitious Story

Directed by Nitin Kakkar, the film picks up the emotional thread of the original instead of simply recreating it. Shivam, still haunted by the memory of Aaliyah, comes across an abandoned infant at her grave, names her Aaliyah, and quietly arranges for her care. When the child he gave up for adoption is abducted, Interpol pulls him back into a world he had walked away from, this time facing an international child-trafficking syndicate.

Supporting Cast And Franchise Ambitions

Awarapan 2 Movie Review: Disha Patani plays Zara, a woman unwittingly caught in the criminal underworld surrounding her family, while Shabana Azmi makes a striking, menacing entrance as Nafisa. Writer-producer Vishesh Bhatt’s push to build Awarapan into a franchise gives the film a scale the original never had, and the returning tracks “Tera Mera Rishta” and “Toh Phir Aao” help keep its musical soul intact.

Running 140 minutes, Awarapan 2 is more conventional as a thriller than its predecessor, but it holds on to the grief, rage and search for redemption that made Shivam Pandit unforgettable. Early social media reactions echo the sentiment, with viewers calling Hashmi “the soul of the film” and praising the nostalgia factor, even as some early trailer reviews had questioned whether the sequel could recapture the original’s vibe.

Next Protest on Cards? Sonam Wangchuk Calls for Peaceful Revolution to Replace Corrupt Politicians with Principled Leaders, Check

Sonam- Wangchuk
Google

Sonam Wangchuk:Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Thursday called for a “peaceful revolution” in the way India chooses its political leaders, saying the country needs sweeping change if it hopes to remain globally competitive by 2047. In a video message posted ahead of Independence Day, Wangchuk said he had spent recent days unwell and reflecting on the nation’s direction.

“We need a very big change, we need a revolution, we need a peaceful revolution in this country, so that we can move forward with the right leaders.”

He said the real failure lay in how leaders are chosen in the first place, adding that until that changes, the country will keep heading down the wrong path.

Corruption “2-3 Times Bigger” Than Before

Wangchuk referenced the 2012-13 anti-corruption movement, noting that the change in government it brought about failed to end graft. Twelve years on, he said, corruption and injustice have resurfaced in a bigger, more brazen form. He also pointed out that nearly half of India’s sitting MPs face criminal cases, stressing this was not confined to any single political party.

A Call For India’s “2nd Independence Movement”

Sonam Wangchuk: Comparing India’s per capita GDP trajectory unfavourably with Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Wangchuk warned the country could fall further behind by 2047 without reform. He urged citizens to nominate “selfless, fearless men and women of character” to help shape a national conversation on leadership, framing the effort as India’s “2nd Independence movement” and asking supporters to translate and spread the message in regional languages.

The appeal comes as Wangchuk remains a contested figure, with his earlier Ladakh statehood agitation having turned violent and his detention case still pending before the Supreme Court.

US Tariff Row: India Named in China’s ‘Shadow Transhipment Network’ Allegedly Helping Beijing Evade Trump Tariffs, Impact Explained

US -Tariffs
Google

US Tariff: India is one such country, among more than 40 other nations, which has been accused by the US of having risks related to Chinese tariff evasion by way of transshipment.

What is the’Shadow Transshipment Network’?

As per a White House report, Chinese products might be shipped via some third-party countries before they enter into the American markets. These techniques could include renaming, repacking, re-invoicing, and minimal processing to disguise their original source of origination.

Why is India included?

India finds its place among some major countries whose risk levels are higher when it comes to transshipment. Nevertheless, being included in the list does not indicate that Indian officials and exporters are engaged in any illegal practice.

Why Is the US Targeting China?

The US claims that the transshipment practice enables Chinese exporters to evade increased tariffs imposed by the US by altering the point of origin of their exports. According to the Trump administration, the practice hinders proper enforcement of tariffs and places US manufacturers under undue pressure.

AI-Driven Monitoring by the US

The US has plans to implement more stringent surveillance of global cargo movements, which include AI-enabled monitoring of any unusual trade activities. The government officials have also threatened to punish

Implications of this Development for India

This development may lead to the tightening of checks on Indian exporters of products to the US and any involvement of Chinese elements in those products and logistics.

The Larger Impact on Trade

According to the White House report, these goods may account for a sizeable share of global trade. The US loses several billion dollars worth of tariffs per annum, the White House report claims, because of this kind of behavior.

Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Hug’ Dig at Modi Sparks BJP Anger, Meloni Reference Fuels Controversy

Rahul- Gandhi
Google

Rahul Gandhi: Rahul Gandhi’s “hug” remark targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi sparked a political controversy after Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was referenced during the exchange. The BJP strongly criticised Gandhi’s comments, calling them inappropriate and demanding an apology.

Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi with Hugs Reference

Rahul Gandhi, from the Congress party, landed himself in a controversy following his jibe against PM Narendra Modi for giving hugs to foreign dignitaries during public appearances. Gandhi made this remark by referring to a hug he gave fellow Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit.

Reference to Giorgia Meloni Further Angers BJP

Sandeep Dikshit brought Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni into the exchange, making Gandhi’s remark more controversial. The reference quickly drew attention as the BJP accused Gandhi of making an inappropriate comment involving a foreign leader.

BJP Criticises Gandhi’s Comments

The BJP strongly reacted to Gandhi’s remarks and described them as objectionable. BJP leaders demanded an apology, arguing that comments involving the Prime Minister and a foreign leader should maintain political dignity.

Congress Stands by Gandhi

Congress stood by Gandhi’s remarks, stating that they were targeted at Modi’s foreign policy and his diplomatic behavior. The party ignored criticism from the BJP.

Controversy Grows Over Gandhi’s Remark

Rahul Gandhi’s comments have added another flashpoint to the ongoing Congress-BJP political battle. The BJP accused him of crossing political limits, while the controversy has also renewed debate over how leaders discuss India’s foreign policy and diplomatic relations

Remarks Trigger Fresh Political Clash

Rahul Gandhi’s comments have added to the growing political tension between the Congress and BJP. The BJP has questioned the remarks, while Congress has defended Gandhi’s criticism of Modi’s diplomatic style.

Why’s Manan Kumar Mishra Trending? BCI Penalises NALSAR Students Over CJI Surya Kant Boycott, Then a U Turn

Manan- Kumar- Mishra
Google

Manan Kumar Mishra is trending after the Bar Council of India (BCI) initially barred NALSAR’s 2026 graduates from enrolment following a student protest linked to CJI Surya Kant. 

Why Is Manan Kumar Mishra Trending?

Manan Kumar is trending after the BCI initially barred NALSAR’s 2026 graduates from enrolment over a student campaign concerning CJI Surya Kant.

What Happened at NALSAR University?

The controversy was started after about 70 students at the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research expressed their opposition to CJI Surya Kant being invited as the convocation chief guest because of his comments in a Supreme Court case.

What was the decision of BCI First?

As per reports, BCI, under the chairmanship of Manan Kumar, issued directions to the State Bar Councils not to enroll the students of the 2026 batch of NALSAR until further orders.

Why Did the BCI Withdraw the Order?

After rethinking its order, BCI later withdrew the restriction imposed on the graduating batch of 2026. Mishra clarified that the council had discovered that the overwhelming majority of students were innocent and had not taken part in the movement. 

Who Is Manan Kumar Mishra?

Manan Kumar Mishra is an eminent lawyer from Bihar and the Chairman of the Bar Council of India. He has practiced law for decades and argued cases before the Patna High Court and the Supreme Court of India. Mishra started his practice at the Patna High Court in 1982. He soon became one of the members of the BCI and even served as its chairman more than once.

Why Is the NALSAR Decision Controversial?

The BCI faced criticism for affecting the entire NALSAR batch instead of only the students involved. The later U-turn confirmed that most students were not part of the protest.

What Did Critics Say About Manan Kumar Mishra?

The BCI’s decision was widely condemned; Dipke and Das demanded the resignation of Manan Kumar . Opposition increased as the council hastily rescinded its decision.