Cigarette prices in India will rise sharply from February 1. The Tobacco Institute of India warns that sudden large price increases may encourage smuggling. The industry suggests avoiding a steep one-time tax hike, saying gradual adjustments are better to prevent illegal trade and protect both consumers and the legal tobacco market.
The arrival of a new calendar year offers a chance for renewal, a spirit embodied by the Mahayana New Year celebrated today by millions of Buddhists worldwide. Marked by messages of peace, compassion, and self-awareness, the occasion is observed with spiritual rituals. Countries including China, Japan, Tibet, and Korea commemorate the festival with devotion.
Security has been tightened for BJP’s final Tamil Nadu rally tomorrow, where Home Minister Amit Shah will speak. Drones are banned, entry points have frisking and barricades, and extra police are deployed to manage crowds and traffic. Officials urged public cooperation. The rally aims to energize party workers before Assembly elections.
AP Home Minister Anitha is scheduled to visit Srikakulam district today to attend the valedictory event of the Abhyudayam Cycle Yatra at Ichchapuram. The initiative saw police personnel cycle nearly 1,200 km across six districts of North Andhra to create awareness among youth. The yatra, which began at Payakaraopet, concludes today.
Several parts of Hyderabad will face an 18-hour drinking water disruption starting at 10 AM today due to leak repairs and maintenance on the Krishna Phase-III pipeline and the 132 kV Peddapur feeder. Areas affected include Madhapur, Kondapur, Balanagar, Miyapur and surrounding localities. Normal water supply is expected to resume by 4 AM on January […]
Ahead of municipal polls, Mahayuti—BJP, Shinde Shiv Sena, and NCP—has won 64 Maharashtra municipal seats unopposed as opposition candidates withdrew. BJP led with 43 seats, Shiv Sena 19, and NCP 2. Region-wise, victories spanned Kalyan-Dombivli, Bhiwandi, Panvel, and more. The win strengthens the ruling alliance ahead of the January 15 civic polls.
Tollywood actor Aadi Saikumar has been blessed with fatherhood for the 2nd time as his wife Aruna delivered a baby boy. The joyous news comes soon after the success of Aadi’s recent film ‘Shambala’, making the moment even more special. Married in 2014, the couple already has a daughter. Fans are pouring in congratulatory messages […]
Prabhas, known for his larger-than-life action roles, will surprise fans with a boy-next-door avatar in “The Raja Saab”. This refreshing makeover contrasts his recent powerful characters, showing him in a lighter, relatable role. Fans are excited, but whether audiences will embrace this change remains uncertain. Director Maruthi’s move is undeniably a bold risk.
National Women Teacher’s Day is celebrated every year today. The day marks the birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule, India’s first woman teacher and social reformer, who fought for women’s empowerment. The day is honoring Savitribai Phule’s vision for women’s education and empowerment. She established the first school for girls in Pune in 1848.
On the full-moon day, the sacred Sri Sitarama Kalyanam will be performed in a grand manner at the Kodanda Rama Temple in Ontimitta, Kadapa district of AP, at 9:30 am today. Temple authorities confirmed that all arrangements are in place for the ceremony. Devotees wishing to participate in the Arjitha Seva can do so with […]
MI Emirates booked a place in the ILT20 final after defeating Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 7 wickets in the 2nd semi-final. Batting first, ADKR managed 120 for 8. MI Emirates comfortably chased the target in 16.1 overs. Tom Banton starred with a fluent 63, while Shakib Al Hasan added 38. MI Emirates will meet […]
The annual Arudrotsavam was held with grandeur at the Srisailam temple in Nandyal district of AP. Early this morning at 4:30 am, special rituals were performed for Lord Mallikarjuna and Goddess Bhramaramba. A traditional village festival followed, with Goddess Bhramaramba taken in procession on the Nandi chariot along the main streets in the Dhanur month.
Yemen’s UAE-backed separatists announced a 2-year independence transition despite 20 fighters killed in Saudi-led airstrikes. The Southern Transitional Council plans “South Arabia,” with dialogue and a referendum, warning it may declare immediate independence if attacked, following its rapid southern advance, escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The Malayalam mystery thriller ‘Eko’ is now streaming on Netflix in Telugu. The film stars Sandeep Pradeep and others and was praised by audiences and critics. Though Netflix said dubbed versions would arrive on January 7, they are already available, delighting Telugu viewers. The film is expected to gain strong viewership.
US Homeland Security faced backlash after sharing a Japanese artist’s artwork to promote deportations without consent. The image showed an empty beach and message on mass deportations. Artist Hiroshi Nagai objected publicly. Critics say DHS keeps misusing art and music for immigration messaging, despite past objections from artists and singers.