The much-awaited announcement for Bigg Boss 19 has been made. Superstar Salman Khan, who will once again host the show, introduced this season with a new twist—a politics-inspired theme.
Laut aaya hoon main leke Bigg Boss ka naya season! Aur iss baar chalegi – Gharwalon Ki Sarkaar👑
In the official promo, released via Salman Khan’s Instagram account, he declared, “I am back with the new season of Bigg Boss. And this time, the government of the housemates will prevail.” The teaser hints at a unique format where strategy, leadership, and power dynamics will play a central role, much like in the world of politics.
Salman Khan will be seen in a leader-like avatar this season, setting the tone for what promises to be an intense and dramatic journey inside the Bigg Boss house.
The show is all set to premiere on 24th August, raising anticipation among fans who eagerly await the contestants and controversies that will unfold.
The European Commission has launched a new fast-track “cascade” visa system for Indian travellers, offering long-term, multiple-entry Schengen visas to those with a clean visa history. The initiative aims to simplify travel across 29 countries in the Schengen Area and foster stronger people-to-people ties.
What is the Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa allows non-EU nationals to enter and move freely within the Schengen Area, which includes 29 countries—most of them EU members, along with a few from the European Free Trade Association. The visa is valid for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It can be used for tourism, business, family visits, medical treatment, or cultural events, but not for employment.
The Cascade Visa Scheme: How It Works
The new cascade system grants visas with increasing validity based on the applicant’s prior Schengen travel history:
1-year visa: For applicants with three Schengen visas in the last two years.
2-year visa: For holders of a 1-year multiple-entry visa used in the past two years.
5-year visa: For those with a 2-year multiple-entry visa used within the last three years.
Applications must be made from the applicant’s home country, with valid documentation proving the purpose of travel. Transit visas or country-specific visas do not qualify. Any misuse—such as overstaying or working illegally—may lead to disqualification.
Key Benefits for Indian Travellers
Indian citizens with at least two Schengen visas in the past three years are now eligible for a 2-year multiple-entry visa, which can later be extended to five years, provided the passport remains valid. Travellers can freely visit any Schengen country without needing to specify a purpose, although the 90 days in 180 days rule still applies. The scheme promotes convenience, repeat travel, and business or cultural exchange.
Broader Policy Context
The cascade visa scheme is part of the EU’s 2020 reform of the Schengen Visa Code. It promotes mobility for trusted travellers and supports EU priorities in trade and international cooperation. Currently, the scheme is available only to nationals of India, Turkey, and Indonesia. Expansion to other countries may follow, depending on diplomatic relations and readmission agreements.
Schengen Member Countries
The Schengen Area consists of 25 EU countries, excluding Ireland and Cyprus, and includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Internal border checks are largely removed, allowing seamless travel. External borders follow strict control measures to maintain order and security.
The Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025 came into effect on 1 August 2025. This act introduces key reforms across five major banking legislations. It aims to improve governance, protect depositors, and enhance audit quality in India’s banking sector. The amendments reflect the need to modernise rules that have remained unchanged for decades.
Scope and Notification
The Act includes 19 amendments spanning the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, Banking Regulation Act, 1949, State Bank of India Act, 1955, and the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Acts of 1970 and 1980. The Central Government notified the implementation date as 1 August 2025 for several key sections. These provisions were formally notified in the Official Gazette in July 2025.
Redefinition of Substantial Interest
One major change is the increase of the threshold for ‘substantial interest’ from ₹5 lakh to ₹2 crore. This limit, fixed since 1968, determines eligibility for directorship in banks. The revision ensures that only stakeholders can influence bank governance. This modernisation aligns with the current economic environment and banking practices.
Director Tenure in Cooperative Banks
The Act aligns cooperative bank director tenures with the 97th Constitutional Amendment. The maximum tenure for directors, excluding chairpersons and whole-time directors, is extended from 8 years to 10 years. This change aims to provide stability and continuity in cooperative bank management.
Transfer of Unclaimed Amounts to IEPF
Public sector banks (PSBs) are now allowed to transfer unclaimed shares, interest, and bond redemption amounts to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF). This brings banking practices in line with the Companies Act. It improves management of dormant accounts and safeguards investor interests.
Empowering Statutory Auditors
The amendments empower PSBs to remunerate statutory auditors. This facilitates the hiring of skilled audit professionals. Enhanced audit quality will lead to better transparency and accountability in public sector banks.
Reporting and Regulatory Changes
The Act revises reporting timelines for banks to the Reserve Bank of India. Instead of weekly reporting every Friday, banks will now report on the last day of the fortnight, month, or quarter. This adjustment streamlines regulatory compliance and reduces reporting burdens.
Legislative Journey
The bill was introduced in August 2024 but faced delays in parliamentary discussion. It was passed by the Lok Sabha in December 2024 and approved by the Rajya Sabha in March 2025 with amendments. The Lok Sabha gave final approval in April 2025, making it law.
Pt. Vijay Shankar Mehta delivered an inspiring talk, sharing his success formula drawn from the Hanuman Chalisa and introduced his unique ‘One-Two Ka Five’ mantra to motivate students at Mody University in Laxmangarh on Friday.
Mody University of Science and Technology (MUST) hosted a grand Orientation Session 2025 to welcome its first-year students. The event took place at the Swami Haridas Auditorium and was graced by renowned motivational speaker Pandit Vijay Shankar Mehta as the chief guest.
The program began at 10:00 AM with Saraswati Vandana and the university’s Kulgeet. This was followed by a melodious performance by the musical band of Mody School, which set a warm and vibrant tone for the event.
In his inaugural address, University President Prof. (Dr.) Ashutosh Bhardwaj welcomed the students and highlighted the importance of education and the achievements of Mody University. He also felicitated Chief Guest Pandit Vijay Shankar Mehta. Prof. (Dr.) Jitendra Binwal, Chairman of the MUST Management Council, welcomed President Bhardwaj on behalf of the university.
Senior officials including the Dean, Registrar, and academic heads were introduced to the students. Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Agarwal, Vice President (Finance and Administration), provided an overview of the university’s operations. Mr. Praveen Jha, DGM Admissions, delivered the formal welcome address.
Mrs. Shanu Ora, Head of SEFS, shared department-specific information, followed by Dr. Amit Khare, who outlined the objectives of the Career Development Cell (CDC) and the Talent Skill Development Center (TSDC). Dr. Surendra Rajpurohit, Joint Dean of the International Department, spoke about global academic opportunities available at Mody University.
Chief Guest Pandit Vijay Shankar Mehta delivered an inspiring lecture, emphasizing life values, self-confidence, and spirituality. He engaged students in a lively dialogue session and shared his “One-Two-Five” success formula along with key teachings from the Hanuman Chalisa.
In the afternoon session, Prof. (Dr.) Vinod Mann, Chief Warden, spoke on the theme “Home Away from Home”. Dr. Rajiv Mishra, Tapovan Manager, discussed the role of spirituality in student life. Mrs. Rupal Arora, a psychologist, shared insights on mental health and stress management. Mrs. Anita Kaushik, AGM Sports, introduced the university’s sports facilities, and Mr. Akshay Jain, Library In-Charge, explained the library’s resources and services.
The event concluded with Abhivyakti 2025, a colorful cultural program in which new students showcased their talents with enthusiasm and creativity
Ajay Devgn returns as Jaswinder “Jassi” Singh Randhawa in Son of Sardar 2, released today, August 1, 2025. The sequel arrives 13 years after the original Son of Sardar (2012), and while it carries forward the spirit of comedy, it introduces new themes, characters, and emotional depth.
Son of Sardar 2, released today, brings back Ajay Devgn’s quirky charm in a fresh setting, shifting from Punjab to the UK and Scotland. The film blends comedy, romance, and cross-border drama with new characters like Mrunal Thakur’s Rabia, a Pakistani wedding dancer, and Deepak Dobriyal’s standout role as a transgender character. While the humor is more situational and emotionally grounded than the slapstick of the original, the film still leans on exaggerated scenarios and predictable twists. The music adds flavor, and the film’s light-hearted take on Indo-Pak relations gives it a warm, festive vibe.
Compared to Son of Sardar (2012), the sequel feels more modern and inclusive, tackling themes like identity, divorce, and cultural clashes with a softer tone. Gone are the feuding families and action-heavy sequences; instead, we get a comedy of errors set around a wedding, with Ravi Kishan playing a conservative father and Chunky Pandey adding comic relief. Though not groundbreaking, Son of Sardar 2 delivers enough laughs and heart to entertain fans of the original, offering a breezy, family-friendly watch.
If India were imagined as a magnificent tapestry woven with the vibrant threads of tradition, music, color, and history, Western Rajasthan would be its most dazzling, lively, and soulful gem. Spread across the golden sands of the Thar Desert, vast arid landscapes, and borderlands, this region is not merely a place on the map—it is a living, breathing canvas drenched in the hues of folk culture, timeless beauty, and vibrant traditions. The folk melodies carried by every breeze, the colorful handicrafts, and the stories etched in ancient forts captivate the heart of every traveler, making this land an unforgettable cultural celebration.
A Land Where the Desert Sings
Western Rajasthan is where the desert doesn’t just stretch—it sings. The golden dunes of Jaisalmer, often called the “Golden City,” shimmer under the sun like molten gold. Here, camel caravans move rhythmically across the sands, and ancient forts rise like mirages from the earth. The Sonar Quila (Golden Fort), built entirely of yellow sandstone, glows at sunset, casting a spell on every traveler. But the magic doesn’t end in Jaisalmer. Travel eastward and you’ll find Bikaner, a city of intricate havelis and regal architecture. Its Usta art—delicate floral and geometric patterns painted on walls and ceilings—is a testament to the region’s artistic finesse. The Junagarh Fort, with its blend of Mughal and Rajput styles, stands as a proud reminder of Bikaner’s royal legacy.
Jodhpur: The Blue Symphony
Further south lies Jodhpur, the “Blue City,” where indigo-painted houses cluster around the mighty Mehrangarh Fort. The city’s color isn’t just aesthetic—it’s symbolic. Blue was traditionally associated with Brahmins, but over time, it became a cooling hue in the desert heat. Walking through Jodhpur’s narrow lanes feels like stepping into a dreamscape where history and daily life blend seamlessly. Jodhpur is also a hub of rural artistry. Villages like Salawas and Chopasni are known for dhurrie weaving and pottery, offering visitors a chance to witness craftsmanship passed down through generations.
Barmer: Where Music Meets the Horizon
In Barmer, the desert finds its voice. This district is home to legendary musical communities like the Langas and Manganiyars, whose soulful tunes echo across the dunes. Their songs, often passed down orally, tell tales of love, valor, and devotion. The melodies are haunting, the rhythms hypnotic—and they form the heartbeat of Rajasthan’s folk identity. Barmer’s rustic charm lies in its simplicity. Villages like Shiv and Pataudi offer a glimpse into authentic desert life, where hospitality is heartfelt and traditions are deeply rooted.
More Than a Destination—A Soulful Experience
Western Rajasthan is not just a tourist destination—it’s an experience that lingers long after the journey ends. It’s in the warmth of a villager’s smile, the swirl of a Kalbelia dancer’s skirt, the aroma of bajra roti cooked on a clay stove, and the intricate patterns of a handcrafted leather bag. This region has transformed itself into a cultural tourism powerhouse, drawing travelers not just for its sights but for its soul. The Rajasthan government’s initiatives, including partnerships with UNESCO and the development of rural tourism hubs, have further elevated its global appeal.
A Realm of Timeless Wonder
To visit Western Rajasthan is to step into a realm where time slows down, and every moment is steeped in tradition. It’s where the past isn’t forgotten—it’s celebrated. The desert may seem barren at first glance, but look closer, and you’ll find it teeming with life, color, and stories waiting to be told. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or a seeker of soulful experiences, Western Rajasthan welcomes you with open arms and a song in the wind.
In the summer of 2025, Gaza—home to roughly 2.1 million people—is experiencing what humanitarian groups warn may be the worst food crisis seen anywhere in recent history. According to the latest IPC analysis, nearly one in five Gazans—about 500,000 people—are living under famine-like conditions.
Blockade Brings Collapse
Since March 2, 2025, Israel imposed a complete blockade on Gaza, halting all humanitarian and commercial imports. The WFP’s supported bakeries ran out of flour and cooking oil within weeks, and by late April, community kitchens were forced to shut down due to depleted food stocks. During the blockade, prices skyrocketed—flour rose as much as 3,000% in many parts of the territory.
A Humanitarian Catastrophe
UN-affiliated agencies now say two of the three famine threshold criteria have been exceeded: severe reductions in food intake, high acute malnutrition, and rising deaths among children. Over 70,000 children under five and more than 17,000 pregnant or breastfeeding women face acute malnutrition requiring urgent treatment. Recent reports cite at least 154 confirmed starvation-related deaths, including 89 children, and many more likely unrecorded.
Hospitals and nutrition centers are collapsing. Therapeutic feeding and basic medical care can only assist a fraction of those in need, leaving severely ill infants and toddler’s untreated
Politics Vs. Humanity
Although the Trump administration publicly acknowledged severe hunger in Gaza and outlined plans for U.S.-supported food distribution centers, legislative efforts to limit military support to Israel failed in the U.S. Senate. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities deny that starvation is a policy objective, insisting aid is delivered—but critics argue logistics and restrictions render it ineffective.
Aid Barriers Despite Available Supplies
Tens of thousands of tons of food and nutritional supplies await entry into Gaza—but remain stranded at border crossings, blocked by political disputes, security checks, and bureaucratic delays. UN agencies emphasize there’s sufficient food sitting just outside Gaza to feed people—yet there’s no safe, uninterrupted route to those suffering inside.
Why Immediate Action Is Non-Negotiable
Experts warn that without urgent and large-scale humanitarian access, famine will become irreversible. Chronic famine risks, such as stunted growth, cognitive impairment, and weakened immunity among young children, are rapidly becoming a reality. Local food production is collapsing—agricultural lands are destroyed, wells disabled, and livestock populations dramatically reduced—deepening the long-term crisis .
Conclusion: Our Moral Imperative
Gaza’s starvation is entirely avoidable—and entirely man-made. Continuing to watch without demanding action makes us complicit in a tragedy that is unfolding in plain sight. The world must insist on unrestricted humanitarian access, open borders, and adherence to international standards of human dignity.
(Writer of this article is Vibha Sharma, who holds a Master’s degree in Political Science from Kanoria PG Mahila Mahavidyalaya)
On April 22, 2025, India witnessed one of the most brutal terror attacks in recent years. The serene tourist destination of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir was turned into a site of horror when armed terrorists killed 26 civilians—only Hindu men—after isolating them based on religion. In a powerful and calculated response, India launched Operation Mahadev, a surgical counter-terror operation aimed at bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Background: Pahalgam Terror Attack
The attack was carried out by five armed terrorists associated with The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-backed proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba. It took place in the Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam, targeting innocent tourists. The scale and brutality of the attack shocked the nation and prompted immediate action from security and intelligence agencies.
Intelligence and Preparation
Following the attack, Indian agencies launched a comprehensive intelligence-gathering mission. Signals intelligence, drone surveillance, and human sources indicated that key suspects had taken shelter near Mahadev ridge in the Dachigam forest area, on the outskirts of Srinagar.
Over the next 14 days, coordinated efforts by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, and intelligence units monitored movements and intercepted communications. By mid-July, actionable intelligence confirmed the presence of the Pahalgam attackers in the area.
Execution of Operation Mahadev
On July 28, 2025, Indian security forces launched Operation Mahadev, named after the Mahadev mountain ridge near the operation zone. Conducted in the Lidwas forest area, the operation involved a swift and stealthy joint assault by Para Commandos and local police units.
In the intense encounter that followed, three PAKISTANI terrorists were eliminated:
• Suleiman Shah alias Hashim Musa, the mastermind of the Pahalgam attack and a former Pakistani special forces operative.
• Hamza, an Afghan national linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba.
• Jibran alias Yasir, also a trained militant from Pakistan.
Forensic Evidence and Confirmation
After the operation, weapons recovered from the slain terrorists—including one M4 carbine and two AK-47 rifles—were flown overnight to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) in Chandigarh. Ballistic tests confirmed that these weapons matched those used in the Pahalgam massacre.
In addition to forensic proof, eyewitness accounts and seized identity documents—including Pakistani voter cards—provided further confirmation of their involvement.
Significance and Impact
The success of Operation Mahadev was widely hailed as a turning point in India’s counter-terror strategy. For the families of the Pahalgam victims, the operation brought a sense of justice and closure. For the security establishment, it demonstrated the strength of India’s intelligence and rapid-response capabilities.
Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the operation in Parliament, calling it a “clear and just answer to those who believe they can escape justice after killing innocents.” He also linked the mission to Operation Sindoor, India’s earlier cross-border strike on terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, calling both missions part of a coordinated national response.
Conclusion
Operation Mahadev was more than just a counter-terror mission—it was a message. A message that India will pursue justice relentlessly, with precision and without delay. By eliminating the key masterminds behind the Pahalgam attack, the operation reinforced national resolve and sent a strong signal to terror networks operating beyond the border.
Northern Command chief hails troops for Op Mahadev success :
Sources
– [Ministry of Home Affairs, India]
– [India Today, The Hindu, The Print, Times of India]
In the sweltering summer of 2025, as Bihar prepared for its upcoming Assembly elections, a quiet revolution was brewing—not in the streets, but in the dusty registers of democracy. The Election Commission of India had launched a massive exercise called the Special Intensive Revision, or SIR, to clean up and update the state’s voter rolls. It wasn’t just a bureaucratic formality. It was a mission to ensure that every eligible citizen had a voice—and that no ghost or duplicate voter haunted the ballot.
The Beginning: A Knock at Every Door
Starting on June 24, thousands of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) fanned out across Bihar’s towns and villages. They carried forms, lists, and a sense of duty. Their task? To meet every household, verify voter details, and collect documents. People filled out forms, handed over Aadhaar cards, voter IDs, and even old land records. Some brought out faded copies of the 2003 electoral roll, hoping it would prove their legacy in the land. By July 25, the numbers were in: over 7.24 crore voters had submitted their forms. But not everyone made the cut. Around 65 lakh names were flagged for deletion—due to death, migration, or duplication.
The Reveal: Draft Roll Day
On August 1, the Election Commission unveiled the SIR Draft Voter Roll. It was like opening a giant ledger of democracy. The draft was published online, and political parties received copies to scrutinize. Citizens rushed to check if their names were still there. Some sighed in relief. Others frowned in confusion. A few were missing—and they wanted answers.
The Fix: Claims and Objections
But the story didn’t end there. The Commission had built in a safeguard: a Claims and Objections window from August 1 to September 1.
If your name was missing, you could file Form 6 to be added. If someone had been wrongly deleted, you could raise a claim. If your name was there but your age was wrong, you could request a correction. Behind the scenes, BLOs and officials worked tirelessly to verify each claim. Camps were set up at Block Development Offices to help people gather documents. Volunteers helped the elderly, the illiterate, and those from marginalized communities.
The Storm: Controversy Brews
But not everyone was happy. Opposition parties cried foul, alleging that lakhs of voters—especially from certain communities—had been unfairly removed. Petitions reached the Supreme Court, which reminded the Commission: “Inclusion must be the priority. Democracy thrives when every voice is heard.”
The Finale: September 30 Beckons
As the clock ticks toward September 30, the Election Commission is racing to resolve every claim and finalize the voter roll. The final list will decide who gets to vote in Bihar’s next big election—and who doesn’t
In a landmark move for global education, Extramarks Education has unveiled Extra Intelligence, a cutting-edge AI-powered suite designed to revolutionize how schools teach, assess, and support students. The launch positions Extramarks as one of the first edtech firms to integrate artificial intelligence meaningfully across the entire school ecosystem — from classrooms to after-school learning.
Transforming Teaching with AI
At the heart of Extra Intelligence is the Teacher Assistant, a tool that empowers educators to personalize digital lessons with real-world context, custom examples, and interactive content. Teachers can also generate collaborative group activities instantly, fostering teamwork and engagement with AI as a co-creator.
Smarter Assessments, Faster Feedback
A major breakthrough comes in the form of AI-evaluated assessments. Teachers can now conduct traditional pen-and-paper tests that are automatically graded by AI — including long-form subjective answers. This innovation drastically reduces grading time and enhances precision, freeing educators to focus on improving student outcomes.
Real-Time Classroom Insights
Live classes — both online and in-person — are now equipped with AI-based engagement tracking. The system monitors student participation, attentiveness, and disruptions, providing teachers with actionable insights to adapt their delivery in real time.
24/7 Student Support
For students, Extra Intelligence acts as a round-the-clock AI Co-Pilot, offering instant doubt resolution during video lessons and step-by-step guidance while solving complex problems. This ensures independent, confident learning beyond school hours.
Global Reach with Local Relevance
The platform also introduces curriculum mapping and multilingual support, allowing schools to align content with any syllabus and deliver lessons in regional languages like Marathi, Tamil, Arabic, and more. This makes quality education accessible and inclusive across geographies. The global launch event, held virtually on July 28, brought together educators, policymakers, and innovators from around the world. Extramarks will begin rolling out these features across its partner schools in a phased manner over the coming months.
