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Kashmir Tulip Festival 2026 Begins Today: A Spectacular Celebration of Spring in Srinagar

By
Kanan Rathore
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0

The much-awaited Kashmir Tulip Festival has begun today, March 16, 2026, at the famous Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, marking the arrival of spring in the picturesque Kashmir Valley. Known as Asia’s largest tulip garden, the venue transforms into a colourful paradise every year, attracting thousands of tourists from India and around the world.

Festival Dates and Timings

The garden officially opened to visitors on March 16, 2026, and the tulip season is expected to continue until late April, depending on weather conditions and bloom cycles.

The garden remains open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, allowing visitors ample time to explore the vibrant terraces of flowers.
The peak bloom period usually occurs during the first two weeks of April, when the majority of the tulips are fully open and the valley showcases its most colourful landscapes.

A Sea of Tulips and Floral Varieties

Spread across nearly 30 hectares at the foothills of the Zabarwan Mountains overlooking Dal Lake, the garden hosts an extraordinary display of over 1.7 million tulips across more than 70 varieties.

Kashmir Tulip Festival 2026 Begins Today: A Spectacular Celebration of Spring in Srinagar


Visitors will witness a stunning range of tulip types, including:

•Single Early Tulips
•Triumph Tulips
•Darwin Hybrid Tulips
•Parrot Tulips
•Fringed and Double Late varieties

Along with tulips, the garden also features other spring flowers such as daffodils, hyacinths and ranunculus, adding further colour to the landscape.


Highlights of the Festival

Beyond the breathtaking floral displays, the festival also celebrates Kashmiri culture and tourism. Visitors can enjoy traditional folk performances, local handicraft exhibitions, and stalls serving Kashmiri cuisine. The event aims to promote spring tourism and showcase the natural beauty of the valley.


Symbol of Spring in Kashmir

Launched in 2007, the Tulip Festival has grown into one of Kashmir’s biggest seasonal attractions. With snow-capped mountains in the background, Dal Lake nearby, and millions of blooming flowers, the festival offers a truly unforgettable visual experience.

As spring unfolds across the valley, the Kashmir Tulip Festival 2026 once again invites visitors to witness one of nature’s most colourful celebrations in the heart of the Himalayas.

Oscars 2026: Major Wins, Big Moments and the Complete Winners List

By
Kanan Rathore
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0

The 98th Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, were held on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, United States. Organised by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the ceremony honoured the best films and performances released in 2025. The event was hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien.

The night’s biggest winner was the film One Battle After Another, which won six awards including Best Picture and Best Director, while Sinners followed with multiple major wins including Best Actor.

Major Award Winners

●Best Picture: One Battle After Another

Producers: Adam Somner, Sara Murphy, Paul Thomas Anderson

●Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson – One Battle After Another

●Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan – Sinners

●Best Actress: Jessie Buckley – Hamnet

●Best Supporting Actor: Sean Penn – One Battle After Another

●Best Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan – Weapons

Screenplay and Music Awards

●Best Original Screenplay: Ryan Coogler – Sinners

●Best Adapted Screenplay: Paul Thomas Anderson – One Battle After Another

●Best Original Score: Ludwig Göransson – Sinners

●Best Original Song: “Golden” – from KPop Demon Hunters

Technical and Craft Awards

●Best Cinematography: Autumn Durald Arkapaw – Sinners

●Best Film Editing: Andy Jurgensen – One Battle After Another

●Best Production Design: Tamara Deverell & Shane Vieau – Frankenstein

●Best Costume Design: Kate Hawley – Frankenstein

●Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Mike Hill, Jordan Samuel, Cliona Furey – Frankenstein

●Best Sound: F1 – Gareth John, Al Nelson, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Gary A. Rizzo, Juan Peralta

●Best Visual Effects: Avatar: Fire and Ash – Joe Letteri, Richard Baneham, Eric Saindon, Daniel Barrett

International, Documentary and Animation

●Best International Feature Film: Sentimental Value (Norway)

●Best Documentary Feature: Mr. Nobody Against Putin

●Best Animated Feature: KPop Demon Hunters

●Best Animated Short Film: The Girl Who Cried Pearls

●Best Live Action Short Film: The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva (tie)

Highlights of the Night

The ceremony celebrated both established and emerging filmmakers, with “One Battle After Another” dominating the night and “Sinners” receiving the highest number of nominations (16). The event also introduced a new category for Best Casting, awarded to casting director Cassandra Kulukundis for One Battle After Another.

The 98th Academy Awards once again showcased the diversity and creativity of global cinema, honouring outstanding achievements across acting, directing, storytelling, and technical craftsmanship.

Assembly Elections 2026 Announced: Full Schedule, States Voting and Key Details Explained

By
Kanan Rathore
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0

The Election Commission of India has officially announced the schedule for the 2026 Legislative Assembly elections, setting the stage for a major democratic exercise in the country. Elections will be held in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. With millions of voters participating, these elections are expected to significantly shape the political landscape of these regions for the next five years.

What Are Legislative Assembly Elections?

Legislative Assembly elections are held to elect representatives for a state’s Vidhan Sabha, the lower house of the state legislature. Citizens vote for candidates from different political parties in their constituencies, and the party or alliance that wins a majority forms the state government. The elected representatives then choose the Chief Minister who leads the government.

2026 Election Schedule

According to the schedule announced by the Election Commission:

●Kerala, Assam and Puducherry will vote in a single phase on April 9, 2026.

●Tamil Nadu will go to the polls on April 23, 2026.

●West Bengal, due to its large size and security considerations, will vote in two phases on April 23 and April 29, 2026.

Counting of votes for all states and the Union Territory will take place on May 4, 2026.

Together, these elections cover hundreds of constituencies and over 17 crore registered voters, making it one of the most significant electoral exercises of the year.

Election Commission’s Preparations

Announcing the schedule, Gyanesh Kumar, Chief Election Commissioner of India, said the Commission is committed to ensuring free, fair and peaceful elections across all states. Security forces, polling personnel and election observers are being deployed to ensure smooth conduct of the polls.He also emphasised voter participation, encouraging citizens—especially young voters—to actively take part in the democratic process.

Model Code of Conduct in Effect

With the announcement of the election dates, the Model Code of Conduct has come into immediate effect in the poll-bound states. This means governments cannot announce new schemes, projects or policy decisions that could influence voters during the election period.

Why These Elections Matter

The states going to the polls in 2026 are politically significant, representing diverse regions of India—from the southern states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu to the eastern state of West Bengal and the northeastern state of Assam. The results will determine the political direction and governance priorities in these regions for the coming years.

As campaigning begins and political parties prepare their strategies, the 2026 Assembly elections once again highlight the scale and vibrancy of India’s democratic process. Millions of voters will head to polling booths in the coming weeks to shape the leadership of their states.

General Bipin Rawat: Honouring the First Chief of Defence Staff on His Birth Anniversary

By
Kanan Rathore
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0

India remembers one of its most distinguished military leaders, Bipin Rawat, on his birth anniversary on March 16. As the country’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Rawat played a pivotal role in strengthening India’s defence structure and promoting greater coordination among the armed forces. His leadership, experience, and vision left a lasting mark on India’s military reforms.

Early Life and Military Background

Born in 1958 in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, General Rawat came from a family with a strong military tradition. His father, Lieutenant General L.S. Rawat, also served in the Indian Army. After completing his education at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, Rawat was commissioned into the 5th Battalion, 11 Gorkha Rifles in 1978, beginning a distinguished career that spanned over four decades.

A Distinguished Journey Through the Ranks

During his long service in the Indian Army, General Rawat held several key positions across operational, staff, and command roles. He commanded units in challenging areas such as the Line of Actual Control with China and the Line of Control with Pakistan.

His career included roles such as commanding a brigade in the Kashmir Valley, leading a division along the Line of Control, and heading the III Corps in the Northeast, an area known for complex security challenges. In December 2016, he was appointed the 27th Chief of the Army Staff, becoming the head of the Indian Army.

India’s First Chief of Defence Staff

In January 2020, General Rawat was appointed as India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, a position created to enhance coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. In this role, he was tasked with promoting jointness and integration among the three services, improving defence planning, and overseeing the creation of integrated theatre commands.

His tenure as CDS marked an important phase in India’s military reforms, with a strong focus on modernisation, strategic preparedness, and efficient use of defence resources.

Legacy and National Tribute

General Rawat’s life was dedicated to the service of the nation. His leadership during critical military operations and his vision for a more integrated defence system earned him immense respect within the armed forces and among the public.

On his birth anniversary, the nation pays tribute to a soldier who devoted his life to strengthening India’s security. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of officers and serves as a reminder of the courage, discipline, and commitment that define India’s armed forces.

National Vaccination Day: Celebrating India’s Journey Towards a Healthier Nation

By
Kanan Rathore
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0
National Vaccination Day Vector Illustration on March 16 with Vaccine Syringe for Strong Immunity from Bacteria and Health Care in Flat Background

Every year on March 16, India observes National Vaccination Day to highlight the importance of immunisation in preventing life-threatening diseases and protecting public health. The day marks a major milestone in India’s healthcare history—the launch of the Pulse Polio Immunization Programme in 1995, which aimed to eradicate polio from the country.

How the Day Began

National Vaccination Day commemorates the first nationwide administration of the oral polio vaccine under the Pulse Polio campaign. The initiative was part of the global effort led by the World Health Organization and partner organisations to eliminate polio worldwide. Thanks to sustained vaccination drives and public awareness campaigns, India was officially declared polio-free in 2014, a major achievement in global public health.

India’s Expanding Immunisation Programme

Vaccination efforts in India actually began much earlier with the Expanded Programme on Immunization launched in 1978. This initiative later evolved into the Universal Immunization Programme in 1985, one of the largest public health programmes in the world.

Today, the programme provides free vaccines against several diseases including tuberculosis, measles, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B, and more to millions of children and pregnant women every year.

Major Government Vaccination Initiatives

In recent years, the government has strengthened immunisation efforts through initiatives like Mission Indradhanush, launched in 2014 to increase vaccination coverage among children and pregnant women. Special campaigns under the programme focus on reaching underserved and remote areas.India’s large-scale vaccination efforts were also demonstrated during the COVID‑19 pandemic, when the country conducted one of the world’s biggest vaccination drives using vaccines such as Covishield and Covaxin.

Why National Vaccination Day Matters

The day serves as a reminder that vaccines are one of the most effective tools in preventing infectious diseases and saving millions of lives. It also encourages parents, healthcare workers, and communities to remain aware of routine immunisation schedules.

Theme for National Vaccination Day 2026

The theme for National Vaccination Day 2026 is “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible”. The theme highlights the universal importance of immunisation in protecting individuals and communities, while emphasising the need to ensure equal vaccine access for every citizen, regardless of location or socio-economic background.

Building a Healthier Future

From eradicating polio to expanding immunisation coverage across the country, India’s vaccination journey reflects the power of science, public awareness, and collective effort. National Vaccination Day not only celebrates past achievements but also reinforces the ongoing commitment to safeguarding the health of future generations.

Akshay Kumar’s Explosive Entry Turns Golmaal 5 into the Ultimate Chaos Fest!

By
Nirjala Gaud
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0

PC (YouTube)

The wait is officially over – and it’s bigger, louder, and balder than ever! Akshay Kumar has finally confirmed his entry into Golmaal 5 with a bang, dropping a hilarious behind-the-scenes announcement video that has sent fans into a complete frenzy.

In the viral clip shared across social media by Rohit Shetty, Ajay Devgn, and Akshay himself, the core gang – Ajay Devgn (Gopal), Arshad Warsi (Lucky), Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade (Shyam), and Kunal Khemu (Vasooli Bhai) are gathered, reminiscing about the franchise’s epic 20-year journey that began with the original Golmaal: Fun Unlimited in 2006.

They joyfully welcome back Sharman Joshi as the original “Laxman” (after his long absence since the first film), with Sharman delivering his classic fast-talking line: “Beta subha ka bhoola agar shaam ko laut aaye toh usse bhoola nahi…” before the gang playfully drags him away.
But the real jaw-dropper comes next: Akshay Kumar bursts onto the set in a striking bald look, dressed in an all-black kurta-pajama ensemble with a lungi and dark sunglasses – channeling major “Bala” energy from Housefull 4 but with a ruthless, villainous twist.

Ajay Devgn hilariously quips, “Koi franchise nahi chhodta hai yeh!” (This guy doesn’t leave any franchise alone!), leading to multiple over-the-top hugs between the two in classic Tom & Jerry rival style. The instant chemistry is pure chaos – and pure gold!

Reports indicate Akshay is portraying the lead antagonist (villain) this time, setting up an epic comedic rivalry and clash with Ajay’s Gopal character. This bold new direction blends high-stakes action-comedy with the signature Golmaal slapstick, misunderstandings, family drama, and laugh-out-loud moments that have defined the series for two decades.

Early buzz suggests the plot revolves around a chaotic treasure hunt packed with hilarious twists, hidden clues, mistaken identities, double-crosses, and the gang’s trademark antics – now supercharged with Akshay’s antagonistic edge and Sharman’s nostalgic return. Rumors are also swirling about potential appearances or cameos from other familiar faces like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Priyamani, or Triptii Dimri to crank up the star power even further.

Filming has kicked off, and the team is aiming for a grand theatrical release in 2027 – perfectly timed to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the beloved Golmaal franchise. Social media is exploding with fan reactions.

Akshay Kumar himself posted the video with the caption “Excited to be joining this crazy family of Golmaal 5! Let the chaos begin! “

From the heartwarming polio victory celebrations to this non-stop Bollywood entertainment bomb, today is delivering one epic highlight after another! The Golmaal gang – now supercharged with Akshay’s explosive entry, Sharman’s comeback, and Rohit Shetty’s signature high-octane direction – is all set to deliver double the chaos, triple the laughs, and quadruple the blockbuster vibes in 2027. Get ready, India – the madness is officially reloaded!

“Sinners” Sweeps the Night: Ryan Coogler’s Supernatural Epic Claims Best Picture Glory at the 98th Oscars

By
Nirjala Gaud
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0

PC (Tom’s Guide)

In a stunning triumph that blended chilling horror with profound social commentary, Ryan Coogler’s Sinners emerged as the big winner at the 98th Academy Awards, held on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Hosted by the witty Conan O’Brien, the ceremony celebrated the best of 2025 cinema, with Sinners taking home the coveted Best Picture Oscar alongside a string of major honors.

Directed, written, and produced by Coogler, Sinners follows twin brothers Elijah “Smoke” and Elias “Stack” Moore (both portrayed masterfully by Michael B. Jordan) as they return to their Louisiana hometown in the 1930s Jim Crow South. Hoping to start anew, they instead confront an ancient, blood-thirsty evil rooted in Caribbean folklore-the soucouyant, a vampiric creature symbolizing the systemic extraction and exploitation of Black lives and labor.

The film’s “vampire” twist serves as a powerful metaphor for racial terror, while Delta blues music pulses at its core. The title “Sinners” cleverly doubles as a nod to both the supernatural monsters and the townspeople’s struggles with faith, survival, and sin. Jordan’s dual performance-achieved through innovative motion control and twinning effects-allowed the brothers to share intense, physical interactions, earning him the Best Actor Oscar in a breakthrough win.

Coogler reunited with key collaborators, including composer Ludwig Göransson (who claimed Best Original Score) and cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw. Shot on 70mm IMAX, the film delivered a lush Southern Gothic visual style, contrasting the bayou’s haunting beauty with visceral, grounded horror.

A Landmark Film and a Historic Night After the global success of Black Panther, Coogler deliberately pivoted to a smaller-scale, original story. He secured a unique deal with Warner Bros. allowing rights to revert to him after 25 years-a savvy move for an auteur-driven project.

The cast featured strong supporting turns from Jack O’Connell as the human antagonist, Hailee Steinfeld as a local woman tied to the town’s dark past, and Delroy Lindo as a wise town elder and spiritual guide.
The Oscars, evolving from a modest 1929 dinner into a global spectacle broadcast in over 200 countries, continue to shape cinematic history. From the first Best Picture winner (Wings in 1929) to innovations like the sealed envelope (introduced in 1941), the awards offer career-defining validation, the famous “Oscar bump” for box office, and a benchmark for filmmaking excellence.

Sinners not only delivered thrills but also sparked vital conversations about legacy, identity, and resistance -proving that horror can be both terrifying and transformative. As Coogler and Jordan celebrated on stage, it marked a bold new chapter for original storytelling in Hollywood.

Two Drops That Changed a Nation: India’s Unstoppable Vaccination Journey on National Vaccination Day

By
Nirjala Gaud
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0

PC(Positive.Digital)

Every March 16, India celebrates a quiet revolution that began with a simple promise: “Do Boond Zindagi Ki” – two drops of life. On this day in 1995, the first nationwide pulse of oral polio vaccine reached millions of children, igniting one of the greatest public health triumphs in history. From a country once burdened by thousands of polio cases annually, India emerged polio-free in 2014, certified by the World Health Organization – a feat that proved even the largest, most diverse nation can conquer a crippling disease through sheer determination, logistics, and collective will.

Today, on March 16, 2026, under the inspiring theme “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible”, the day has grown far beyond polio. It stands as a vibrant reminder that vaccines remain humanity’s most powerful shield against preventable suffering. The Universal Immunization Programme one of the world’s largest – delivers free protection against 12 deadly diseases to roughly 2.6 crore infants and 2.9 crore pregnant women each year. From tuberculosis and hepatitis B to measles, rubella, pneumonia, and meningitis, these shots build the first line of defense for the youngest and most vulnerable.

High vaccination coverage creates herd immunity, a protective circle that safeguards newborns too fragile for certain vaccines, the elderly, and those with weakened immunity. When most of us are protected, outbreaks lose their fuel. This invisible shield is why every dose counts.

Behind this massive effort are millions of unsung heroes: ASHA workers, ANMs, volunteers, and health teams who trek through remote villages, urban slums, and difficult terrains to ensure no child is left behind. Their dedication keeps cold chains running, stocks fresh, and every scheduled dose delivered on time.

Digital innovation powers the next chapter. The U-WIN portal, built on the success of Co-WIN, lets parents register, receive timely SMS reminders, track records, and access QR-coded certificates – with national portability so a child can get vaccinated anywhere in India. The eVIN system monitors temperatures and inventories in real time, while over 1.84 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs serve as trusted vaccination hubs even in the remotest corners.

Mission Indradhanush continues its catch-up missions, targeting low-coverage districts to push full immunization toward 90% and beyond, with the latest intensified phase extending reach to children up to five years and accelerating measles-rubella elimination.

Oscars 98th Academy Awards: Simmers Secures Highest Nominations in History…

By
EBNW Story
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0

As the global film industry prepares for its biggest night, the 98th Academy Awards are set to unfold tomorrow, March 16, at the iconic Dolby Theatre. For viewers in India, the ceremony will begin at 4:30 AM IST, bringing with it a mix of anticipation, historic nominations, and a few compelling Indian connections.

Oscars 98th Academy Awards: Simmers Secures Highest Nominations in History...

A Historic Night in the Making

This year, one film has completely dominated the nominations. The Hollywood drama Sinners has secured 16 nominations, the highest number ever received by a film in Oscar history. Until now, the record of 14 nominations was shared by classics such as All About Eve (1950), Titanic (1997), and La La Land (2016).

But the real suspense lies in what happens next. If Sinners manages to win 11 or more awards, it could become the most Oscar-winning film of all time—surpassing the current record jointly held by Ben-Hur, Titanic, and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, each of which won 11 Oscars.

Leonardo DiCaprio Returns to the Oscar Race

Another major highlight this year is the return of Hollywood superstar Leonardo DiCaprio to the Best Actor race. He has earned his sixth career nomination for his performance in the film One Battle After Another.

DiCaprio finally won his first Oscar in 2016 for his performance in The Revenant, after years of memorable nominations. Interestingly, One Battle After Another itself has received 13 nominations, making it one of the strongest contenders of the night.

Indian Presence at the Oscars

Although no Indian film has secured a nomination this year, India still has a notable presence.

Global star Priyanka Chopra will present an award at the ceremony—marking her second time as an Oscar presenter after her appearance in 2016. She remains the only Indian celebrity to present at the Oscars on two separate occasions, highlighting her continued influence in Hollywood.

Meanwhile, Indian-origin filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir has achieved a remarkable feat by receiving two Oscar nominations in the same year. Her films The Perfect Neighbor (Best Documentary Feature) and The Devil Is Busy (Best Documentary Short) have both been recognized by the Academy.

Gandbhir, a two-time Emmy winner, was born in Boston to an Indian father who migrated to the United States in the 1960s. Her documentary The Perfect Neighbor examines a shocking real-life case involving a woman named Ajike who was killed by a neighbor in Florida in 2023.

A New Category in Oscar History

The 98th Academy Awards will also mark a historic change. For the first time, the Academy will present an award for Best Casting, recognizing the crucial role casting directors play in shaping a film.

Films competing in this new category include Sinners, Marty Supreme, Hamnet, One Battle After Another, and The Secret Agent.

India’s Long Wait for the Top Oscar

The Academy Awards began in 1929, and the category now known as Best International Feature Film was introduced in 1957. That same year, legendary filmmaker Mehboob Khan sent India’s first official entry, the classic Mother India, which reached the final nomination stage.

Over the decades, a few Indian films have come close to Oscar glory, including Salaam Bombay!, Lagaan, and the Marathi film Shwaas—but none managed to win.

However, individual Indians have made their mark. Costume designer Bhanu Athaiya became the first Indian Oscar winner, while composer A. R. Rahman made history by winning two Oscars—Best Original Score and Best Original Song—for Slumdog Millionaire and its iconic track Jai Ho.

The Big Question

As Hollywood gathers under the lights of the Dolby Theatre, the biggest question remains:
Will Sinners make Oscar history—or will the night bring unexpected surprises?

For film lovers around the world, tomorrow morning promises drama, records, and perhaps a few unforgettable moments

Harish Rana: Family Bids Emotional Farewell As No One Could Cure Him for 13 Years

By
EBNW Story
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0

Harish Rana, a 32-year-old in a persistent vegetative state since a 2013 after falling down at age 19, will now die a dignified death as he received Supreme Court approval on March 11, 2026, for passive euthanasia—the first such case in India without a living will.

His grieving family in Ghaziabad shared a tearful goodbye Sunday morning before he was taken to AIIMS Delhi, where life support withdrawal began under medical supervision. The parents’ 13 years of round-the-clock care via PEG tube highlight their love, now culminating in a dignified end, with the family considering organ donation.

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