In a landmark move that could reshape work-life balance in India, the Lok Sabha saw the introduction of the Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025, by MP Supriya Sule. The bill seeks to give employees the legal right to switch off meaning they won’t be required to respond to work calls, emails or messages outside official working hours or on holidays.
What exactly does the bill propose?
According to the bill, once your official workday ends, you’re free to ignore work-related communication whether it’s a late evening email, a text after midnight, or a call on a Sunday. No pressure, no guilt. Under the proposed law: Refusing after-hours calls, emails or messages will not attract disciplinary action. If an employee chooses to respond voluntarily after hours, that extra time should count as overtime and paid accordingly. To ensure enforcement, the bill envisions an “Employees’ Welfare Authority” that would monitor company compliance, collect data on digital workloads, and help set fair after-hours communication norms. In short “When you log off, you stay off.”
Why now? The problem of always-on work culture
With remote work, hybrid jobs, and 24/7 connectivity becoming the norm, many workers especially in IT and corporate jobs increasingly report burnout, stress, sleep problems, and blurred boundaries between work and personal life. Advocates of the bill argue that such unceasing connectivity isn’t a sign of productivity, it’s a mental health hazard. The Bill aims to restore a buffer between professional demands and personal time.
What’s the catch and why passage isn’t guaranteed
It’s worth noting that the Right to Disconnect Bill is currently a private member’s bill. That means it’s introduced by an MP not the government and historically, such bills rarely become law. Still, even if it fails to pass, the Bill will have served its purpose: sparking public debate on a serious issue, pushing companies and policymakers to rethink how we treat “off time.”
What it could mean for employees and Indian work culture
If enacted, this Bill could: Give millions of workers peace of mind no more mid-night calls or weekend pings. Bring accountability and fairness: extra work = extra pay. Encourage companies to plan better, respect boundaries, and value employee well-being.
For many workers, especially in high-stress jobs, that kind of clarity could mean the difference between mental exhaustion and real rest. From midnight-email marathons to guilt-free logout this Bill could be the first real step toward a healthier, more balanced future for work in India.
Imagine the golden years of your life under bright Mediterranean sun, by tranquil seas, amid ancient wonders all without draining your savings. Greece has recently been ranked the world’s No. 1 retirement destination for 2026, and for retirees around the world, it checks almost all the boxes: affordability, healthcare, lifestyle, climate, and cultural charm.
A lifestyle that respects time: “Siga-Siga” (Slow-ly, Slowly)
One of Greece’s biggest draws for retirees is its relaxed, unhurried pace of life. Locals often call it “siga-siga” meaning slowly, slowly and that ethos fits perfectly when work is behind you and you want to savour your days.
Here you’ll find charming seaside towns, centuries-old villages, small islands, coastal walks or sunny cafes whether in lively urban settings or peaceful countryside. The climate helps a lot: mild winters, long warm summers, and plenty of sunshine make everyday walks, beach visits or simple errands a pleasure.
Comfortable living without financial stress
Retirement often means fixed income and Greece recognises that. Compared to many Western nations, day-to-day living costs in Greece are significantly lower. Many expats and retirees report that they can live comfortably on modest income.
Whether it’s a cozy apartment in a quiet town or a seaside cottage on a tranquil island, housing tends to be much more affordable than in major EU or American cities. Alongside that, groceries, local transport, utilities and leisure don’t burden the wallet letting you enjoy life without constant budgeting worries.
Accessible & reasonable healthcare, a big plus for seniors
A major concern when retiring and visiting another country is reliable healthcare. Greece addresses this well: it offers both public and private medical services, and private coverage tends to remain affordable compared to many developed nations.
For retirees, that peace of mind knowing health needs are properly met can make a big difference in quality of life. Add to that a gentle climate and overall calm surroundings, and daily living becomes both easier and more enjoyable.
Beauty, culture & variety, from islands to mountains
Greece isn’t just affordable and comfortable it’s also stunningly beautiful and steeped in history. Whether you prefer sun-bleached islands, ancient ruins, olive-grove villages, or scenic coastlines, there’s a little something for every retiree.
You can spend mornings walking through ancient monuments, afternoons sipping coffee by the sea, and evenings enjoying local music or simple dinners under the stars. There’s a richness to everyday living here not in luxuries, but in ease, beauty, and calm.
For retirees who want life, not just years
If you’re imagining your retirement as a time to slow down, breathe deep, enjoy simple pleasures, and perhaps rediscover joy in everyday moments Greece offers that and more. From affordable living and reliable healthcare to sun-drenched landscapes and warm, welcoming culture it stands out as a place where retirement isn’t just about winding down, but truly living.
Maybe it’s time to trade in the rush for olive groves, sea breezes and easy mornings and see retirement as the beginning of another beautiful chapter.
The snow falls like a curtain rising on winter’s greatest theatrical performance. From November 29, 2025, to March 22, 2026, the world’s finest biathletes transform frozen landscapes into arenas of breathtaking precision and explosive speed. The 49th men’s and 44th women’s IBU Biathlon World Cup season delivers 69 competitions across 9 stages—a marathon of heart-pounding action where milliseconds separate triumph from heartbreak.
Picture this: athletes gliding through pristine white expanses, rifles strapped to their backs, lungs burning with exertion. Then, sudden stillness—the transition to shooting range where trembling hands must steady, where racing hearts must slow, where champions prove their mettle. This is biathlon at its purest, and the 2025-26 season promises drama that rivals any Hollywood blockbuster.
Early results electrify the bookmakerMostbet Nepalprediction landscape, with Norway’s Johan-Olav Botn seizing the opening men’s individual victory, while Italy’s Dorothea Wierer claimed women’s glory. The betting odds shift like avalanches—Eric Perrot leads men’s predictions at 10/3, while Lou Jeanmonnot dominates women’s forecasts at 2.75. These numbers tell stories of expectation, of calculated risk, of fans worldwide leaning forward in anticipation.
Tournament Profile
The International Biathlon Union orchestrates this winter symphony with military precision. Sprint races deliver quick-fire excitement, pursuit events transform into chess matches on snow, individual competitions test endurance over grueling distances, mass starts create explosive showdowns, and relays forge national pride into tangible glory.
⭐ Key Competition Types:
Sprint: 7.5km (women) / 10km (men) with two shooting bouts
Pursuit: Chase format based on sprint results, four shooting rounds
Individual: 15km (women) / 20km (men), one-minute penalties per miss
Mass Start: Top 30 athletes, winner-takes-all atmosphere
Relay: 4x6km (women) / 4×7.5km (men), teamwork under pressure
Weekly stages cascade across Europe and North America, each venue presenting unique challenges. Alpine cold bites differently than Nordic chill. Wind patterns shift strategies. Track conditions evolve hour by hour, transforming the World Cup into meteorological warfare where athletes battle elements as fiercely as opponents.
Schedule & Venues
Stage
🌍 Venue
📅 Dates
🎯 Featured Events
1
Östersund, Sweden 🇸🇪
Nov 29 – Dec 7
Individual, Short Individual, Pursuit, Relay, Mixed Relay, Single Mixed Relay
2
Hochfilzen, Austria 🇦🇹
Dec 12–14
Short Individual, Pursuit, Relay
3
Annecy–Le Grand-Bornand, France 🇫🇷
Dec 18–21
Short Individual, Pursuit, Mass Start
4
Oberhof, Germany 🇩🇪
Jan 8–11
Short Individual, Pursuit, Relay
5
Ruhpolding, Germany 🇩🇪
Jan 14–18
Short Individual, Pursuit, Relay
6
Nové Město, Czech Republic 🇨🇿
Jan 22–25
Individual, Mass Start, Mixed Relay, Single Mixed Relay
🏅
Olympics, Antholz-Anterselva, Italy 🇮🇹
Feb 8–21
(Separate from WC standings)
7
Kontiolahti, Finland 🇫🇮
Mar 5–8
Individual, Mass Start, Relay
8
Otepää, Estonia 🇪🇪
Mar 12–15
Short Individual, Pursuit, Mixed Relay
9
Oslo Holmenkollen, Norway 🇳🇴
Mar 19–22
Short Individual, Pursuit, Mass Start
Opening Events
Östersund emerged from winter darkness to host the season opener—a Swedish fortress where careers launch and legends cement legacies. The November 29 relay blasts showcased Norway’s men bulldozing competition with a 92% accuracy rate, while France’s women demonstrated clinical precision. These opening salvos set tones, establish hierarchies, create narratives that will echo through March.
Mid-Season Stages
The bookmaker enthusiasts track every intermediate stop like treasure hunters following cryptic maps. Hochfilzen’s Austrian Alps test altitude adaptability. Annecy’s French slopes reward home-crowd warriors. Oberhof’s German precision challenges discipline. Ruhpolding amplifies pressure. Nové Město’s Czech technicality separates pretenders from contenders.
🏔️ Mid-Season Highlights:
Hochfilzen: Notoriously challenging shooting range with swirling alpine winds
Annecy–Le Grand-Bornand: Massive French crowds creating electric atmosphere
Oberhof: Technical difficulty rating of 9/10, favoring experienced shooters
Nové Město: Fast tracks rewarding aggressive skiing tactics
Olympic break: Athletes pivot focus to Antholz glory (February 8-21)
Between these stages, athletes don’t merely compete—they wage psychological warfare through social media platforms. Instagram feeds overflow with training footage, YouTube video channels dissect shooting techniques, WhatsApp groups buzz with fan theories, while Google searches spike around breakout performers. The ESPN coverage amplifies storylines, transforming statistics into sagas.And if you like to pair passion with prediction, some fans mix their fandom with smart Betting strategies, using data‑driven markets and welcome offers—like a bookmaker Mostbet Promo Code or the long‑running Code MOSTBETGLOBAL24—to add another layer of adrenaline to each loop and each shot.
Final Stage & World Cup Final
Oslo Holmenkollen stands like a cathedral at season’s end. March 19-22 transforms into judgment day where accumulated points crystallize into Crystal Globe glory. The Norwegian fortress witnessed legends born—Martin Fourcade’s dominance, Johannes Thingnes Bø’s brilliance, Tiril Eckhoff’s triumph. Now, new names chase immortality.
Results & Rankings
Latest Race Results
December’s opening salvos revealed hierarchy shifts. The sports betting markets exploded as Johan-Olav Botn claimed men’s 20km individual victory on December 3, posting 0 penalties and scorching ski times. Martin Uldal grabbed silver, Sebastian Samuelsson bronze—a Swedish-Norwegian showdown promising seasonal fireworks.
Women’s 15km individual saw Dorothea Wierer resurrect Italian hopes with December 2 dominance. Sonja Leinamo’s Finnish surge secured silver, while Camille Bened delivered French bronze. These results weren’t flukes—they’re declarations of intent backed by 95% shooting accuracy in Wierer’s case.
🎖️ Early Season Standouts:
Norway’s relay team: Unbeaten across opening weekend
France’s women: Three medals in opening individual race
Czech Republic: Bronze in women’s relay announcing competitive depth
Overall Standings
🥇 Rank
🎿 Men’s Leader
🇳🇴 Nation
📊 Points
1
Johan-Olav Botn
NOR
90
2
Martin Uldal
NOR
75
3
Sebastian Samuelsson
SWE
65
4
Sivert Guttorm Bakken
NOR
55
5
Sturla Holm Lægreid
NOR
50
🥇 Rank
🎿 Women’s Leader
🇮🇹 Nation
📊 Points
1
Dorothea Wierer
ITA
90
2
Sonja Leinamo
FIN
75
3
Camille Bened
FRA
65
4
Lou Jeanmonnot
FRA
55
5
Hanna Öberg
SWE
50
These standings vibrate with potential energy. Norway floods men’s top five like a tidal wave—1,252 points in Nations Cup standings translates to 47% dominance over total field. France’s women counter with 1,229 points, establishing 51% superiority in their division. Numbers tell cold truths, but beneath them pulse stories of sacrifice, training camps at altitude, equipment tweaks measured in micrometers.
Nations Cup Rankings
France, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Italy—these aren’t just countries, they’re biathlon empires. France’s women amass 1,229 points through depth nobody matches. Norway’s men? An avalanche at 1,252 points, burying opposition under relentless excellence. The match between these nations transcends individual races, becoming seasonal warfare where club training philosophies clash, where national pride fuels superhuman efforts.
Top Athletes to Watch
Leading Men
Sturla Holm Laegreid defends his crown like a dragon guarding treasure. The Norwegian posts 93% shooting accuracy—numbers that seem computer-generated rather than human-achieved. Eric Perrot emerges from France’s factory of champions, summer victories predicting winter dominance. Tommaso Giacomel represents Italy’s future, U25 leadership hinting at generational talent.
🌟 Men’s Powerhouses:
Sturla Holm Laegreid (NOR): Reigning champion, ice-cold under pressure
Eric Perrot (FRA): Summer circuit dominator, 10/3 betting favorite
Tommaso Giacomel (ITA): Youth movement leader, 9/1 odds reflecting potential
Sebastian Samuelsson (SWE): Veteran closer, historically strong finisher
Quentin Fillon Maillet (FRA): Olympic champion seeking World Cup redemption
Johan-Olav Botn (NOR): Current leader, proving consistency trumps flash
Sebastian Samuelsson brings Swedish steel—17/4 odds reflect bookmakers’ respect for a closer who thrives when pressure peaks. Quentin Fillon Maillet carries Olympic gold’s weight, transforming burden into motivation. These men don’t merely compete; they sculpt legacies from snow and sweat.
In the middle of all this, some supporters jump from the shooting range drama to online action: slots like Sugar Rush Slot Game bring a different kind of rush, while others lean into analytics‑driven Betting on bookmaker https://guidebook.mostbet.com/registration/sports betting platforms, cross‑checking form charts, splits and historical scores.
Leading Women
Franziska Preuss rewrote German biathlon history last season, her career-best performance silencing doubters who questioned her consistency. Lisa Vittozzi returns stronger, Italy’s ace transforming rehabilitation into resurrection. Lou Jeanmonnot’s 2.75 betting odds reflect consistency that boring to describe but beautiful to witness—podium after podium, points accumulating like compound interest.
💎 Women’s Elite:
Franziska Preuss (GER): Defending champion, 5.50 odds for repeat glory
Lisa Vittozzi (ITA): Comeback queen, previous season winner
Lou Jeanmonnot (FRA): Consistency personified, 2.75 favorite status
Suvi Minkkinen (FIN): Breakout star, podium jumper from nowhere
Dorothea Wierer (ITA): Current leader, veteran experience meeting renewed hunger
Elvira Öberg glides with speed that defies physics—her ski times force competitors into shooting errors through psychological pressure alone. Suvi Minkkinen emerged from Finnish forests like a fairytale character, her breakout podiums rewriting national expectations.
Rising Talents
Campbell Wright carries dual flags—New Zealand birth, USA representation—embodying biathlon’s global expansion. Vitalii Mandzyn fights for Ukraine while his homeland endures unimaginable challenges, every race a statement of resilience. Maren Kirkeeide leads U23 standings, Norway’s assembly line producing another potential champion.
Rihards Lozbers, born 2009, shatters age assumptions. The Latvian teenager becomes the youngest World Cup starter ever, likely the youngest Olympian, posting IBU Cup course times that embarrass veterans. His presence whispers revolution—biathlon’s future arriving ahead of schedule.
Competition Format
Points System
Mathematics meets adrenaline: 90 points for victory, 75 for silver, 65 for bronze, descending to single point for 40th place. This structure rewards consistency over brilliance, marathon effort over sprint glory. Athletes drop two worst results, creating strategic calculations about rest versus racing, risk versus reward.
📈 Scoring Breakdown:
1st place: 90 points (maximum reward for podium supremacy)
2nd place: 75 points (substantial return, minimal gap to victory)
3rd place: 65 points (bronze increasingly valuable in tight races)
11th-40th: 28-1 points (every position matters in season totals)
Drop rule: Worst two results excluded, rewarding overall consistency
The bookmaker Promo Code MOSTBETGLOBAL24 unlocks betting opportunities across these intricate scoring systems. Understanding point distributions transforms casual viewing into strategic analysis, where fifth-place finishes sometimes matter more than podiums depending on seasonal context.
Race Rules
Biathlon combines contradictions beautifully. Athletes explode from start gates, hearts hammering at 180 beats per minute, then must slow hearts to 130 for shooting precision. Miss a target? Sprint penalty loops add distance and time. Individual races impose one-minute penalties per miss—cruel mathematics where single errors compound exponentially.
Season Scoring
The Big Crystal Globe represents overall supremacy. Small Globes reward discipline specialists—sprint demons, pursuit tacticians, individual endurance monsters. Athletes balance specialization against versatility, calculating whether dominating one discipline outweighs consistent scoring across all formats.
Nation Highlights
Strongest Teams
Norway’s men don’t merely win—they overwhelm. Four athletes in the top five standings isn’t depth, it’s monopoly. France counters with women’s supremacy, relay combinations clicking like Swiss watches. Sweden provides balance, threatening across both genders. Germany and Italy lurk, hungry wolves awaiting Norwegian stumbles.
🏆 National Powerhouses:
Norway (Men): Unmatched depth, 1,252 Nations Cup points, relay dominance
France (Women): 1,229 points leadership, Julia Simon scandal notwithstanding
Sweden: Balanced excellence, podium threats across all events
Germany: Traditional strength rebuilding, Preuss carrying hopes
Finland: Emerging force, Minkkinen and Leinamo announcing arrival
The game between these nations unfolds across months, finals determining not just individual glory but national bragging rights worth more than gold medals.
Historical Leaders
Johannes Thingnes Bø’s name echoes through biathlon halls like thunder. Multiple overall titles between 2018-2023 established Norwegian dynasty. Before him, Martin Fourcade ruled France’s golden age—2011-2018 dominance redefining excellence. Ole Einar Bjørndalen stands atop all-time wins with 95—a mountain nobody climbs.
Women’s history celebrates Magdalena Forsberg’s 42 victories, Swedish supremacy before Norwegian takeover. Tiril Eckhoff, Marte Olsbu Røiseland—recent champions proving Norway’s factory produces across genders. The champions league of biathlon reads like Nordic mythology made flesh.
Medal Statistics
Olympic all-time statistics reveal biathlon’s geographic soul: Norway leads with 55 medals including 22 gold, Germany counters with 52 total and 19 gold, France claims 32 medals with 12 golden. These aren’t random distributions—they reflect decades of infrastructure investment, cultural prioritization, geographical advantages that snowball into systematic excellence.
The draft of young talent into national programs determines future medal counts. Norway’s junior systems feed senior teams seamlessly. France identifies prodigies early, Germany engineers technical perfection, Sweden balances athletics with academics. These philosophies clash on World Cup live score boards, victories representing years of invisible preparation.
Scandals—Julia Simon’s legal troubles, Heikkinen’s license loss, Besseberg’s corruption sentencing—remind us that sport involves humans, flawed and fascinating. Yet excellence transcends scandal. When Johan-Olav Botn steadies his rifle, when Dorothea Wierer attacks the final climb, when relay teams exchange in split-seconds—these moments erase everything except pure competition.
The rifles are loaded. The tracks are groomed. The athletes are ready. Let the games begin.
The buzz is real: the sequel to the cult-classic film 3 Idiots is officially moving forward. Reports confirm that the script for 3 Idiots 2 has been locked, and the stellar original cast Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, R. Madhavan and Sharman Joshi are set to reunite under the direction of Rajkumar Hirani.
This long-awaited revival comes almost 15 years after the original film released in 2009 a movie that became more than a blockbuster, turning into a phenomenon for its humor, heart and honest take on the education system. Now, the makers seem determined to recreate that magic.
Script locked & magic rekindled
According to sources close to the project, the team behind Idiots 2 believes they’ve recaptured the spirit of the original with a screenplay that promises the same blend of laughter, emotion and meaningful storytelling. What’s more, after shelving their planned biopic of cinema pioneer Dadasaheb Phalke, director Rajkumar Hirani and producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra have devoted their full attention to perfecting this sequel.
Filming is expected to begin in the second half of 2026, giving fans time to brace themselves for what could be one of Bollywood’s biggest comebacks.
Reunion of beloved characters
What adds to the excitement is that the sequel isn’t just a standalone film rather a continuation of the first, picking up 15 years later. Rancho, Farhan, Raju (and Pia!) are expected to reconnect after their separate life journeys, leading to possibly hilarious, poignant, and nostalgic transformations. For fans of the original, this means those memorable dialogues, that friendship bond, and the life-lessons wrapped in humor might once again come alive but with the added weight of time, maturity, and new perspectives.
Why 3 Idiots 2 already feels like a must-watch
The original 3 Idiots was more than entertainment it spoke to an entire generation about dreams, pressure, friendship and what really matters. Its return isn’t just nostalgic; it feels necessary. With the same core team, polished script, and a storyline reflecting life after a decade and a half this sequel is shaping up to be relevant for today’s world while retaining the charm that made the first film timeless.
In a stunning upset that’s sending ripples across the global podcasting world, Raj Shamani’s show Figuring Out With Raj Shamani has surged to the top knocking out heavyweights like Joe Rogan and Diary of a CEO to become India’s #1 podcast in 2025. His announcement on social media confirms the milestone, and it marks a defining moment for Indian creators on the global stage.
From Indore to International podcaster: How Raj did it
Raj Shamani’s story is anything but typical. Born in Indore and once helping his father sell soaps in a small family business, he slowly built his journey into a global-ranked content powerhouse. What began as motivational videos on Instagram and YouTube evolved into “Figuring Out”, where Raj speaks candidly with luminaries from global business icons to Bollywood stars. Today, with almost 13.5 million YouTube subscribers, his reach isn’t just massive it’s influential. He recently shared a behind-the-scenes snapshot of his journey tracing the path from his original humble setup to a full-fledged podcasting studio. That post, he says, is proof that consistency, hard work and authenticity not gimmicks paved the way to his #1 ranking.
Surpassing global titans: What it means
That “Indian podcast beats Joe Rogan and Diary of a CEO” reads like a clickbait headline but the reality is deeper. Raj’s victory signals a shift: Indian content isn’t just for local audiences anymore. With his show entering the Top 100 podcasts globally, he’s joining a select league of worldwide creators.
This rise also reflects a wider trend: listeners across India and beyond are craving content that speaks to their aspirations, struggles, and realities. Raj’s blend of ambition, wisdom and relatability seems to have struck exactly that chord.
What’s Next: Global ambitions, bigger conversations
After achieving the No. 1 spot in India, Raj isn’t stopping. In a bold statement, he declared his ambition to crack the global Top 10 podcast list something no other Indian show has done yet. For creators, this success is a blueprint: starting small, staying consistent, and being authentic. For listeners it’s proof that homegrown voices can stand toe-to-toe with global legends.
As the podcasting world watches, one thing is clear: Raj Shamani isn’t just India’s top podcaster he could be its global voice.
Diwali: In a landmark moment for India, Diwali—the Festival of Lights—was officially added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on Wednesday. With this inscription, Diwali becomes India’s 16th entry on the prestigious global list, honoring its timeless traditions, cultural depth, and message of prosperity and harmony. Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, present at the ceremony, called the recognition “a day of pride for India and a moment of gentle radiance for the entire world.”
In his address, Shekhawat said that Diwali is not merely celebrated in India—it is felt, lived, and passed down as an emotional and spiritual experience across generations. “Diwali is the unwavering assurance that light will prevail, that righteousness will triumph, that hope will be rekindled,” he said, invoking the ancient prayer: Asato Ma Sadgamaya, Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya (Lead us from darkness to light).
Shekhawat noted that UNESCO’s recognition honors not just a festival, but humanity’s eternal aspiration for peace, renewal, and the victory of good. He emphasized that Diwali survives through millions of hands that nurture it—the potter crafting the humble earthen lamp, artisans decorating homes, farmers bringing in the harvest, sweet makers preparing festive treats, and priests offering prayers. “These are the true custodians of our cultural flame,” he said.
He also acknowledged the global Indian diaspora, which has carried Diwali’s light to every corner of the world—from Singapore to South Africa, and from the Gulf to the Caribbean—showcasing India’s spirit of openness, warmth, and coexistence.
Calling the recognition both an honor and a responsibility, the Union Minister stressed the need to keep Diwali a living tradition. “Our children must know why we light the diya—not just how. They must understand that Diwali celebrates the ideals of Ram Rajya, of good governance, in an uncertain world.”
“Diwali teaches us that a lamp may be one, but its light belongs to all,” Shekhawat said. “Even a small flame, offered with love, can dispel the deepest darkness.” Expressing gratitude to UNESCO and the committee, he invited the world to light an extra diya this Diwali—one for gratitude, peace, shared humanity, and good governance.
He highlighted that since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed leadership, culture and heritage have been given the same priority as development in India’s national agenda.
Concluding his address, Shekhawat chanted the mantra “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah” (May all be happy, may all be healthy) and raised the slogan “Jai Raja Ramchandra Bhagwan Ki Jai.”
In a historic cultural milestone, Diwali – the Festival of Lights – has officially been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The announcement was made during the 20th session of the International Committee, currently underway from December 8 to 13 at the Red Fort, New Delhi.
As the declaration was made, chants of “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai” echoed through the venue, reflecting the pride and emotion associated with India’s cultural celebration receiving global honour.
The recognition highlights India’s rich cultural legacy and acknowledges Diwali’s universal message of light triumphing over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
With this inscription, India’s tally on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list rises to 16. The existing entries include the Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja of Kolkata, Garba of Gujarat, Yoga, the tradition of Vedic chanting, and Ramlila, among others.
— UNESCO 🏛️ #Education #Sciences #Culture 🇺🇳 (@UNESCO) December 10, 2025
The inclusion of Diwali marks a significant moment for India, reaffirming the festival’s cultural, spiritual, and social relevance not only within the country but across the world.
A recent report claims that Apple is actively testing under-screen Face ID technology for next year’s iPhone 18 Pro models. According to a Chinese tipster, the system uses a specially spliced micro-transparent glass window integrated directly into the display panel.
This transparent section allows infrared light from the sensor array to pass through with minimal distortion, enabling Face ID functionality while keeping the rest of the display unchanged. If finalized, this would mark Apple’s first major step toward a completely notch-free and hole-free front design.
According to a post shared by a leaker known as Smart Pikachu on Weibo, Apple has begun testing a new display design that could enable Face ID sensors to operate under the OLED panel. The report (via MacRumors) suggests the company is using a “spliced micro-transparent glass” layer within the display. This component would allow infrared sensors from the TrueDepth camera system to scan a user’s face without interference from the screen.
The technology, still in testing, aims to make the Face ID system work seamlessly beneath the display. It must ensure the infrared projection can accurately map the user’s facial features for authentication. Although Apple has not confirmed any such project, the company has reportedly asked suppliers to speed up preparations for production, which suggests that the feature could be in an advanced stage of development.
Neal Mohan, the Indian-origin Chief Executive Officer of YouTube, has been honoured as TIME Magazine’s CEO of the Year for 2025. TIME credits him with successfully guiding the platform through significant cultural and technological shifts, shaping what billions of users watch, share, and interact with daily.
A Leader Shaping Global Digital Culture
TIME describes Mohan as a “cultural architect” whose decisions directly influence the world’s digital consumption habits. Since assuming the role of CEO in 2023, Mohan has led strategic developments in content moderation, platform governance, and creator support — positioning YouTube as a driving force in global online media.
Personal and Educational Background
Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1973, Neal Mohan spent part of his childhood in Lucknow, India, where he became fluent in Hindi and also studied Sanskrit. He has spoken about the similarities between Sanskrit grammar and computer programming logic. Mohan later returned to the United States to pursue higher education, completing both his undergraduate degree and MBA at Stanford University.
His professional career began in consulting before joining NetGravity, which was later acquired by DoubleClick.
Rise Through the Tech Industry
Mohan played a crucial role in DoubleClick’s $3.1 billion acquisition by Google in 2007, which marked a turning point in his career. The move brought him into close collaboration with Susan Wojcicki, who later recruited him to YouTube. After years of working alongside her, Mohan succeeded Wojcicki as CEO in 2023. During her illness in 2024, he temporarily expanded his leadership responsibilities before officially taking charge.
Key Decisions Under His Leadership
One of the most notable developments during Mohan’s leadership was the resolution of a long-standing legal case concerning the suspension of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s channel. The dispute was settled in 2025 for $24.5 million, without any admission of wrongdoing. Mohan continues to prioritize platform safety, global content strategy, ethical AI adoption, and expanded creator tools — ensuring YouTube remains one of the world’s most influential digital platforms.
Key Points
Neal Mohan became CEO of YouTube in 2023
Named TIME’s CEO of the Year 2025
Key role in DoubleClick’s $3.1 billion sale to Google in 2007
Oversaw a $24.5 million YouTube legal settlement in 2025
Indian rice-exporting companies witnessed sharp declines on Dalal Street after US President Donald Trump warned of potential new tariffs on Indian rice imports. His remarks, made during an event announcing relief measures for American farmers, intensified trade tensions and triggered immediate volatility in rice-related stocks.
Market Reaction to Tariff Concerns
Kohinoor Foods saw the steepest fall, dropping nearly 10% to a 52-week low before staging a partial recovery. LT Foods and KRBL also declined sharply, while Chaman Lal Setia Exports slipped but later trimmed losses. Investors responded to fears that fresh US duties could weaken export competitiveness and disrupt trade flows.
Trump’s Accusations of Rice Dumping
Trump stated that India, along with Vietnam and Thailand, was “dumping” low-priced rice in the US, allegedly harming domestic growers. His comments emerged amid political pressure from the American farming community ahead of midterm elections. He also hinted that tariffs may extend to Canadian fertiliser imports, further raising uncertainty in the agriculture supply chain.
Wider Trade Context and Existing Tariffs
Washington had already imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods in August, citing geopolitical concerns linked to India’s energy imports. With a US delegation expected to visit India, analysts believe prospects for tariff rollback remain slim. Additional duties may heighten trade tensions at a time when multiple commodities are under review in Washington.
Facts
Indian rice stocks fell after Trump warned of new tariffs on imports.
Kohinoor Foods dropped nearly 10% before partial recovery.
Trump accused India of rice “dumping” in the US market.
US had already imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods earlier in 2025.
Outlook for Exporters and Consumers
Trade analysts suggest that even if duties rise, the overall impact on Indian exporters may be cushioned by strong demand in other global markets. However, higher tariffs could increase prices for US consumers who rely on Indian rice varieties. With policy signals from Washington remaining unpredictable, investors will closely monitor developments that may shape agricultural trade in the coming weeks.
