Lower home loan interest rates have significantly improved housing affordability across seven of India’s eight major cities in 2025, according to Knight Frank India’s latest Affordability Index.

The report further showed that Ahmedabad has emerged as the most affordable housing market, with households spending just 18% of their income on home loan EMIs.

Pune and Kolkata follow closely, each recording an EMI-to-income ratio of 22%. These levels are well below the 50% threshold typically considered the upper limit of affordability by lenders.

Mumbai has achieved a notable milestone. The city’s EMI-to-income ratio has fallen below the critical 50% mark, improving to 47% in 2025.

This shift reflects a combination of easing interest rates, steady income growth, and moderated price increases, signalling a more sustainable affordability environment for homebuyers, Knight Frank India said.

The report attributes the improvement largely to the Reserve Bank of India’s monetary easing. After raising the repo rate by 250 basis points between May 2022 and early 2023 to combat inflation, the RBI has cut rates by 125 basis points since February 2025.

This has reduced borrowing costs and strengthened affordability across most urban housing markets, it said.

While affordability improved or remained stable in most cities, the National Capital Region (NCR) was the sole market to see a marginal deterioration in 2025.

The decline was driven by a sharp rise in weighted average prices, largely due to increased activity in the premium housing segment. Despite this, NCR’s affordability remains comfortably within acceptable limits, with an EMI-to-income ratio of 28%.

Bengaluru and Hyderabad recorded stable affordability levels, as rising demand and higher prices were offset by income growth and stable financing conditions. Chennai also saw improvement, with affordability strengthening to 23% in 2025.

The report also highlights that residential sales have remained close to the post-pandemic peak of 2024, despite earlier concerns about market overheating.

With India’s economy projected to grow at a healthy pace and interest rates expected to remain benign, Knight Frank expects housing affordability to continue supporting homebuyer demand into 2026.

With the BJP initiating seat-sharing talks with the AIADMK, the Dravidian major, heading the NDA in Tamil Nadu, has made it clear to its national ally that it wants to contest a lion’s share of 170 of the total 234 seats in the 2026 assembly election, which is a few months away.

According to sources, at a meeting here with the AIADMK delegation led by party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS), visiting Union Minister Piyush Goyal, who is also the saffron party’s election in-charge for the state, was presented with a list earmarking the quantum of seats for the NDA constituents. This is the first meeting on seat-sharing in the NDA initiated by the BJP. Goyal was accompanied by Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal besides leaders from the state unit.

The AIADMK, which had commenced the distribution of applications for ticket aspirants, has arrogated to itself 170 seats, leaving 23 each for the BJP and the PMK, a potential partner, and 18 for others, the sources added. This might not be palatable for the BJP, which had been demaning 40 to 60 seats. Further, EPS had reportedly informed Goyal that it was up to the BJP to accommodate rebel AIADMK leader and former Deputy CM, O Panneerselvam (OPS) and Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) leader TTV Dhinakaran. Both were part of the NDA in the 2024 Lok Sabah elections but have deserted the alliance after the AIADMK’s re-entry into the saffron alliance as their hopes of the BJP facilitating their home coming into the AIADMK proved futile.

After the meeting with EPS and the AIADMK team, Goyal told the media that the NDA would face the assembly elections under the leadership of EPS and defeat the DMK-led alliance. “Removing the corrupt DMK from power is the task before us. We will face the elections with confidence under the leadership of AEAPS and the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The NDA will have a resounding victory,” he asserted.

Expressing happiness and satisfaction about his talks with the AIADMK leadership, he said, “We discussed the coordination for the poll campaign with development, growth and employment being the focus.”

Indicating that the BJP had given up its hopes of roping in the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) of actor Vijay into the NDA fold, Goyal, addressing the core-committee meeting of the state BJP, said, “Vijay is a spoiler.” This comes a day after EPS inviting parties opposed to the DMK to join the AIADMK-led combine to defeat the ruling party, which was seen as yet another attempt at wooing the TVK even as Vijay continued to disregard the AIADMK as party in the ring and blaming it for aligning with the communal BJP. Going a step further, Vijay has started appropriating ‘Anna’, CN Annadurai, after whom the AIADMK is named, and AIADMK founder and matinee icon MGR (MG Ramachandran), claiming that they are common assets of Tamil Nadu.

The buzz around the much-awaited finale of Stranger Things 5 has taken a uniquely Indian turn, with cricket superstar Rohit Sharma adding to the excitement through a special promotional video released by Netflix ahead of Volume 2.

Netflix dropped the promo on Tuesday, blending cricketing flair with supernatural drama. Sharing the video, the streaming platform captioned it:
“Hitman aa raha hai upside down ko seedha karne ❤️‍
Watch Stranger Things 5: Volume 2, out 26 December at 6:30 AM IST, only on Netflix.”

 

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Stranger Things 5: Volume 2 will feature three new episodes, which are set to premiere on Netflix on Christmas Day. The highly anticipated finale episode will then drop on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025, bringing the globally popular series to a close.

In the video, Rohit Sharma is seen addressing his teammates, initially in a playful mood, before urging them to get serious as they prepare to face Vecna, the primary antagonist of the Stranger Things series.

“Listen carefully. The finale is coming,” Sharma tells the group. “Not just your career—your entire life could get flipped upside down.”

Using familiar cricketing terminology, Sharma explains the looming threat in classic locker-room style. “The opposition can attack from anywhere – through the ground, the wall, or even the roof,” he says, referencing the dangers of the Stranger Things universe.

The promo also features Sharma unveiling a special Stranger Things-themed kit, with a nod to fan-favourite character Steve Harrington, portrayed by Joe Keery.

When asked about the opposition, Sharma delivers the punchline with a grin: “The same guy who lifts people up like kites – Vecna.”

“Get ready, boys. It’s time to straighten the Upside Down. Vecna, your fielding is set,” he adds, wrapping up the promo with a trademark cricketing twist.

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma has also been in the spotlight for his candid revelation about contemplating stepping away from the sport following the heartbreak of the 2023 ODI World Cup final.

“After the 2023 World Cup final, I was completely distraught and felt like I didn’t want to play this sport anymore because it had taken everything out of me, and I felt I had nothing left,” Rohit said during a Masters’ Union event.

Rohit retired from T20Is in June 2024 and from Test cricket on May 7, 2025. He was also removed from India’s ODI captaincy earlier this year. However, the veteran batter continues to play the 50-over format and is keen to end his career with one final push at the 2027 ODI World Cup. He is scheduled to represent Mumbai in the first two matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 season.

Reliance Jewels brings back its much-loved Dream Diamond Sale, offering shoppers an attractive and inviting way to celebrate the season. Running till 27th January 2026, the sale arrives at a time when people are choosing thoughtful year-end gifts, planning festive purchases, and stepping into the New Year with something memorable.

This year’s Dream Diamond Sale is designed to make diamond shopping feel accessible for everyone – whether someone is buying their very first diamond, a festive shopper marking a celebration, or someone finally bringing home a diamond piece they have long desired. Customers will get a 0.25 gm gold coin free for every ₹25,000 spent on diamond jewellery. This season’s sale offers the unique opportunity to bring home diamond and gold together, making shopping inclusive and memorable. Customers can also enjoy FLAT 20% OFF ON GOLD MAKING CHARGES for all Gold jewellery purchases of ₹ 75,000 and above during the sale period.

Shoppers can explore any diamond piece across Reliance Jewels stores from everyday favourites like earrings, rings, and chains to statement styles such as chokers and bridal designs. The variety ensures there’s something for every style, occasion, and personal milestone.

The Dream Diamond Sale gives jewellery lovers a meaningful reason to explore diamonds and take-home gold with every qualifying purchase. The sale is available across 145+ Reliance Jewels stores in India.

A multi-tier security grid supported by Quick Response Teams (QRTs) will be deployed along the nearly 13-km-trek route of the Vaishno Devi shrine in view of the anticipated heavy influx of pilgrims during the New Year.

Security agencies briefed the meeting on the multi-tier security grid in place, comprising personnel from the Police, CRPF, and Shrine Board security, supported by Quick Response Teams (QRTs) for swift action. The deployment of advanced surveillance tools for real-time threat assessment was also highlighted.

Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), on Tuesday reviewed comprehensive arrangements to ensure a safe, smooth, and hassle-free pilgrimage for devotees.

The meeting was attended by senior officers of the Shrine Board, District Administration, representatives of security agencies, and other key stakeholders.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) directed the concerned authorities to further strengthen Yatra management and security measures, particularly along the track and at the Bhawan. Emphasis was laid on the strict regulation of the Yatra through RFID-based access control, ensuring that only pilgrims possessing valid RFID cards are permitted to proceed.

He also instructed for the deployment of additional handheld RFID scanners and adequate manpower at key checkpoints to avoid any lapses.

The CEO was informed that a comprehensive training programme had been conducted at the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), SGC Katra. Accordingly, joint round-the-clock monitoring is being undertaken, with special focus on high-footfall and congested locations, to ensure real-time surveillance, prompt response, and enhanced situational awareness.

The CEO underscored the importance of strict adherence to prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and reiterated the need for meticulous compliance across all aspects of disaster preparedness.

The concerned agencies were directed to ensure proper verification of individuals employed in private establishments and service operators along the track, in order to safeguard the sanctity of the Shrine area and the safety of pilgrims.

Special emphasis was laid on addressing traffic bottlenecks caused by unauthorised parking, particularly in the Banganga area and the Tarakote Marg.

The meeting was attended by the Additional CEO, SMVDSB; SSP, Reasi; Joint CEO, SMVDSB; SDM, Katra and Bhawan; SP, Katra, and Commandant, CRPF.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday alleged that the Jharkhand government had reduced Scheduled Caste (SC) reservation in urban local body elections, thereby limiting Dalit representation in civic institutions.

Former Leader of Opposition Amar Kumar Bauri said the government led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren had moved away from its stated commitment to social justice. He alleged that despite repeated concerns raised by the opposition, the condition of the SC community in the state continued to remain unsatisfactory.

Bauri said the seriousness of the issue was evident from the fact that a minister in the government had sought measures in writing to improve the situation of Scheduled Castes. He alleged that long-pending demands to support SC students pursuing higher education abroad had not been addressed and that welfare schemes had failed to adequately cover the SC population, estimated at nearly 50 lakh in Jharkhand.

Referring to urban local body elections being held following court directions, Bauri alleged that reservation for backward classes had been implemented on the basis of voter lists without adequate ground-level assessment, resulting in anomalies and affecting fair representation.

Citing Ranchi Municipal Corporation, he alleged that only two wards had been reserved for the SC category. He further alleged that different norms were being applied across municipal bodies, leading to unequal treatment of the SC community.

The BJP leader said the government was proceeding with election preparations under judicial timelines while overlooking the organised concerns of the SC community. He alleged that reduced Dalit participation in civic bodies was contrary to the spirit of the Constitution.

Bauri demanded transparency in the conduct of municipal elections to ensure equitable representation for all sections. He also alleged that several statutory and constitutional bodies, including the SC Commission, Women’s Commission, Child Commission, and the post of Information Commissioner, were yet to be constituted in the state.

Samajwadi Party National President Akhilesh Yadav has said that the plight of farmers in Uttar Pradesh is worsening under BJP rule.

Paying tributes to late PM Choudhury Charan Singh on his birth anniversary, the Samajwadi Party chief said, “It’s said that there’s a double-engine government here, and there are tall claims of development, but in reality, everything seems hollow. The government has never fulfilled the promises made to farmers, as a result, their plight is worsening day by day. The burden of inflation and debt are forcing them to commit suicide. This is the gift the BJP government has given farmers on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh.”

Yadav lamented that in the name of providing relief to farmers, the BJP government has always exploited them. “When farmers need fertilizer and seeds, they face a severe shortage. They are desperately seeking urea and fertilizer. Their pleas are falling on deaf ears. Farmers waiting in line for hours in the winter to get urea are only met with disappointment,” he said.

He further said that the news coming from Uttar Pradesh shows painful scenes of gross neglect and ill-treatment of farmers by the BJP government. “In Shikohabad, the farmers who waited in line for hours had to return disappointed. In Balrampur, a fight broke out between a farmer and the secretary over urea. In Kaimganj, farmers were also left scrambling for fertilizer. The BJP government made no preparations for fertilizer,” he alleged.

The SP chief said as paddy procurement is not taking place in the state farmers’ crops are not being purchased at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Middlemen are looting them by purchasing their crops at throwaway prices. Instead of helping the farmers, those in charge at procurement centers are sending them to middlemen. Numerous deficiencies are reported in farmers’ crops, he added.

He said the BJP government is manipulating procurement data. Its intention is not to help farmers.

Yadav stated that the BJP government’s policies are driving inflation higher. Farmers are no longer even receiving input costs. Electricity is expensive. Pesticides and seeds are unavailable. Law and order is in shambles. The public’s patience is now wearing thin. Farmers are eagerly awaiting the 2027 assembly elections. They want the removal of the BJP government, only then will farmers and youth prosper.

North India-based hospital chain Park Medi World has said that it has signed an agreement to acquire KP Institute of Medical Sciences (KPIMS) in an all-cash deal worth Rs 245 crore. The transaction covers the purchase of the entire existing shareholding of KPIMS and is expected to strengthen Park Medi World’s hospital network in North India.

As per a regulatory exchange filing, under the agreement, Park Medi World will take full ownership of KPIMS. The acquisition adds a tertiary-care hospital with a total capacity of 360 beds to the Park Group’s portfolio.

The company said the facility will be integrated into its existing operations after the completion of the transaction. With KPIMS, the group aims to improve clinical programmes, raise efficiency levels, and increase bed utilisation over the coming years.

Park Medi World said the deal will strengthen its presence in major urban centres across North India. The company expects the institute to add value soon after integration, supporting its plans to expand healthcare services in the region.

Commenting on the acquisition, Ankit Gupta, Managing Director, Park Medi World, said: “The acquisition of the KP Institute of Medical Sciences (KPIMS) marks a significant step in expanding our footprint in North India, in line with the vision of our Chairman Ajit Gupta for ‘wellness for all’ to deliver accessible, high quality, and affordable healthcare for everyone. It will strengthen our regional presence and yield strong operational and financial results.”

All Vijay Hazare Trophy matches that were set to take place at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium have been relocated to the BCCI Centre of Excellence, due to a directive from the Karnataka government citing security issues.

“All Vijay Hazare Trophy matches scheduled to be held at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will now happen at the BCCI CoE. It’s a decision which was taken earlier in the day due to security reasons, as said by the state government,” a DDCA official told IANS on Tuesday.

The official further said that both participating teams for the opening game had been notified, and their pre-match training session is now set to take place at the BCCI CoE. “The Delhi team has been told about it and their pre-match practice against Andhra will now happen at CoE,” the official added.

Meanwhile, all the Vijay Hazare matches in Bengaluru will be held without spectators. The Bengaluru police have assured a strong security presence around the Aerospace Park, where CoE is located.

Karnataka Police have refused permission for the Vijay Hazare Trophy match between Delhi and Andhra Pradesh at Chinnaswamy Stadium, citing serious safety and crowd-control concerns. The decision was taken after a thorough inspection by Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar, officials from the Greater Bengaluru Authority, and the Fire Department, who identified critical gaps in venue infrastructure and emergency preparedness.

On Monday, a committee constituted by the Karnataka government, comprising officials from the police, public works and fire safety departments, inspected the Chinnaswamy Stadium and submitted a report. The Bengaluru City Police Commissioner had already issued a 17-point advisory outlining mandatory safety measures. The committee verified whether these points had been complied with and submitted its findings to the government.

“The committee had gone to the stadium on Monday, on the instructions of the Home Department. Officers from various departments, including fire, Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (Bescom), Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and police, had inspected the stadium. As per the report from the officers, permission has not been granted for the match on Wednesday at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The committee has also given a detailed report,” Commissioner Singh stated.

The KSCA had earlier expressed confidence in staging matches featuring Kohli and Pant at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Amid ongoing turbulence within the country, Bangladesh is reported to be in talks with Pakistan to formalise a military pact. The military deal could be part of the ongoing scheme of things wherein Bangladesh is constantly moving away from India and towards Pakistan since the interim government of Muhammad Yunus came to power in the South Asian country last year.

A report by news agency IANS said the Bangladesh-Pakistan military deal could be on the lines of the pact, which India’s western neighbour earlier signed with Saudi Arabia.

The deal, if signed, would see Pakistan and Bangladesh emerge as close military allies. The development has already heightened concerns within the Indian intelligence establishment, even as relations with Bangladesh continue to plummet since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina as prime minister last year. The former Bangladesh PM is currently living in exile in India.

Opinion: Ill winds blow in Bangladesh

If and when the deal is signed, Bangladesh and Pakistan would officially start sharing intelligence and even hold military drills, something that would raise eyebrows in India, with the two countries sharing borders with us on the eastern and western sides.

The report said while the Pakistan-Saudi military pact does not cover the nuclear aspect, the N-capabilities may eventually find their way into the Dhaka-Islamabad deal. This would heighten Indian concerns immensely.

Delhi: Massive protest outside Bangladesh High Commission

The report further said a joint mechanism to draft the Mutual Defence Agreement has already been set up, and the aim is to sign the pact before the February General Elections in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Army is also reported to be on the Yunus government’s side as far as the proposed military deal is concerned.

It has further been reported that military officials of the two countries have already visited each other’s countries as part of the discussions.

Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra, along with his wife, Himani Mor, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence on 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Modi shared glimpses of the meeting on X (formerly Twitter), describing the interaction as warm and engaging.
“Met Neeraj Chopra and his wife, Himani Mor at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg earlier today. We had a great interaction on various issues, including sports, of course!” the Prime Minister wrote.

 

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Neeraj Chopra, widely regarded as India’s golden boy of athletics, has enjoyed an extraordinary career marked by historic achievements. He created history at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 by winning gold in javelin throw, becoming the first Indian to claim an Olympic gold medal in track and field. He followed it up with a gold medal at the World Athletics Championships in 2023 and added a silver medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024, registering an impressive throw of 89.45 metres.

Earlier this year, Chopra reached another landmark when he breached the elusive 90-metre mark for the first time in his career. At the 2025 Doha Diamond League on May 16, he recorded a stunning throw of 90.23 metres on his third attempt, setting a new Indian national record and surpassing his previous personal best of 89.94 metres achieved at the 2022 Stockholm Diamond League. Despite the feat, Chopra finished second, with Germany’s Julian Weber clinching gold with a final-round throw of 91.06 metres.

With this achievement, Chopra became the 25th man in history and only the third Asian, after Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem and Taiwan’s Chao-Tsun Cheng, to enter the elite 90-metre club.

Prime Minister Modi had congratulated Chopra at the time, praising his dedication and discipline. “A spectacular feat! Congratulations to Neeraj Chopra for breaching the 90 m mark at Doha Diamond League 2025 and achieving his personal best throw. This is the outcome of his relentless dedication, discipline and passion. India is elated and proud,” Modi had posted on X.

A spectacular feat! Congratulations to Neeraj Chopra for breaching the 90 m mark at Doha Diamond League 2025 and achieving his personal best throw. This is the outcome of his relentless dedication, discipline and passion. India is elated and proud. @Neeraj_chopra1 pic.x.com/n33Zw4ZfIt

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 17, 2025

In recognition of his contributions to sport and the nation, Neeraj Chopra was conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army. He was awarded the honorary commission by President Droupadi Murmu on April 16, 2025, following an earlier announcement by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Chopra has also been honoured with several of India’s highest civilian and sporting awards, including the Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) marked National Energy Conservation Day 2025 by unveiling its new “Sustainable Energy Policy”, reaffirming its commitment to energy efficiency, conservation, and responsible environmental stewardship across the organisation.

The policy aims to institutionalise best practices in energy management and foster a culture of sustainability among DMRC employees, a DMRC spokesperson said on Tuesday.

To acknowledge the dedicated efforts that led to DMRC’s three metro stations getting recognition by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).

Dr. Vikas Kumar, Managing Director, DMRC felicitated the station teams by presenting them with a ‘Certificate of Achievement’.

In addition, several employees were honoured with ‘Energy Conservation Excellence Awards’ for achieving significant energy savings through efficient operation and maintenance of systems.

This recognition is intended to motivate employees across the network to further enhance performance and adopt innovative energy-saving practices.

Solar developers associated with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for nearly a decade, were also felicitated for their exemplary collaborative efforts to maximise solar power generation and advance DMRC’s commitment to a greener and more sustainable future.

M/s Purshotam Rays Power Pvt. Ltd. & Purshotam Green Pvt. Ltd. secured the First Prize for achieving a 19.7 per cent increase in Capacity Utilisation Factor (CUF) compared to the previous year, while M/s Azure Power Saturn Pvt. Ltd. secured the Second Prize for recording a 12.12 per cent improvement in CUF over the same period. This was achieved through a joint initiative ‘SAHYOG’, launched by the DMRC with 14 Solar developers, to check the health of plants and maximise solar generation.

The DMRC continues to set benchmarks in sustainable urban mobility by integrating energy-efficient technologies, renewable energy solutions, and employee-driven conservation initiatives, reinforcing its role as a leader in sustainable mass transit.

Punjab Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr Baljit Kaur, on Tuesday, said that the state government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, remains firmly committed to making women in the state self-reliant and empowered.

Taking a significant step in this direction, the Punjab Government has so far provided financial assistance amounting to over Rs 895 crore to widowed and dependent women, she said in a statement.

Providing further details, Dr Baljit Kaur said that during the current financial year, regular financial assistance is being extended to as many as 6,75,857 eligible beneficiary women across the state. This support has been playing a crucial role in providing economic stability to lakhs of families.

The Cabinet Minister emphasized that the scheme is not limited merely to financial assistance, but is a strong initiative aimed at ensuring social security, self-respect and economic empowerment of widowed and dependent women, enabling them to secure a better future for themselves and their families.

Dr Kaur further informed that to ensure uninterrupted financial assistance to widows and dependent women, the Punjab Government has made a budgetary provision of Rs 1,170 crore under this scheme. The benefits are being delivered to eligible beneficiaries through a transparent and simplified process.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday expressed concern over the reported harassment of Hindu women in Bangladesh, saying the reports are “deeply disturbing”.

“Reports from Bangladesh about Hindu women fear moving freely while wearing sindoor are deeply disturbing,” Mehbooba wrote on X.

She further wrote, “Sadly, the Indian leadership appears to face a moral dilemma in raising this grave issue with Bangladeshi authorities, as lumpen elements at home are themselves seen forcibly pulling off the hijabs of Muslim women. In a world dominated by fanatics, who will truly stand up for the rights and dignity of women?”

Mehbooba also posted a video of a man trying to pull the hijab of a woman.

The Opposition in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Tuesday demanded a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, but the government rejected the demand, stating that the SIR is being conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the government has no control over it; therefore, the demand cannot be accepted.

State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna responded on behalf of the government to the questions raised regarding the deaths of Booth Level Officers (BLOs).

While refuting the Opposition’s allegations on the SIR issue during the discussion, Khanna said the loss of loved ones by these families is extremely tragic, and the government understands their pain. An inquiry will be conducted into the circumstances surrounding these deaths. However, the government’s role is limited in matters related to election work.

He said that the ECI is silent on this matter, and the government is not a representative of the Commission. The government does not have any direct supervision over the Election Commission.

The parliamentary affairs minister further said that under the Representation of the People Act (RPA), all government employees are on deputation to the ECI during elections, and the entire matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission.

Taking a dig at the Opposition, he said, “The pain is in the knee, but the treatment is being given to the teeth,” meaning that questions are not being raised against the institution that is responsible.

Khanna also clarified that in the event of the death of any government employee, the state government will provide all admissible benefits to the deceased’s family members according to its rules. The government stands with the affected families on humanitarian grounds, but the decisions and responsibilities related to the electoral process rest with the ECI.

It is noteworthy that while raising the issue in the House under Rule 56 and demanding a discussion on the SIR, Congress leader Aradhana Mishra demanded that the families of the deceased BLOs be given a compensation of Rs 50 lakh and a government job for one family member.

India’s Deepti Sharma and South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt were the standout movers in the latest ICC women’s player rankings, with both climbing to the top of their respective charts following strong recent performances.

Deepti rose to the No. 1 spot in the T20I bowling rankings for the first time in her career after playing a key role in India’s opening T20I against Sri Lanka in Visakhapatnam. Her tidy spell of 1 for 20 from four overs in India’s eight-wicket win earned her valuable rating points, allowing her to edge past Australia’s Annabel Sutherland, who had held the position since August. Deepti’s gain of five points gave her a slender one-point advantage at the summit.

The latest update also reflected broader gains for India in the T20I rankings. Arundhati Reddy made a notable jump among bowlers, climbing five places to 36th after her contribution against Sri Lanka. Jemimah Rodrigues registered the biggest rise among batters, moving up five spots to ninth overall. Rodrigues’ unbeaten half-century in Vizag, which earned her the Player of the Match award, helped her break into the top 10, joining compatriots Smriti Mandhana (third) and Shafali Verma (10th).

In the ODI rankings, Wolvaardt reclaimed the No. 1 position among batters, overtaking Mandhana after South Africa completed a dominant 3-0 home series win over Ireland. The Proteas captain struck centuries in each of the final two matches, including a commanding hundred in the decider, and climbed to a career-best rating to return to the top of the list.

South Africa’s gains extended beyond Wolvaardt, with Sune Luus enjoying a significant rise. Luus moved up seven places to 34th in the ODI batting rankings and surged 11 spots to 22nd among all-rounders following consistent all-round contributions in the Ireland series.

Ireland also saw positive movement despite the series defeat. Arlene Kelly advanced five places to 27th in the ODI bowling rankings, while batters Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter climbed to 18th and 28th respectively, underlining their steady progress at international level.

A special NIA court in Kashmir’s Budgam district on Tuesday ordered the attachment of over 1.5 kanals (1 kanal is equal to 5,445 sq ft) of land belonging to US-based Kashmiri lobbyist Ghulam Nabi Shah alias “Dr Fai”.

Judge Yahaya Firdous passed the order after Assistant Public Prosecutor Mohammad Iqbal Rather moved an application seeking attachment of the property of Fai under Section 83 of the Criminal Procedure Code (85 of BNSS) on the ground that this court had already declared the accused an absconder in a case registered in 2020 under various sections of the UAPA.

The court directed the District Collector of Budgam to take immediate possession of the land in Wadwan and Chattabugh villages.

The Senior Superintendent of Police, Budgam, has been directed to provide necessary assistance to ensure the execution of the order.

The attachment was ordered in FIR No 46 of 2020 registered at Police Station Budgam under Sections 10, 13 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The order was passed after the accused failed to appear before the investigating agency despite the issuance of a proclamation notice.

The court noted that Dr Fai was declared a proclaimed absconder on April 26, 2025, for deliberately evading the legal process and avoiding arrest.

The prosecution, through the investigating officer, had moved an application seeking attachment of the accused’s property under Section 83 of the Criminal Procedure Code, now Section 85 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, citing that the accused had concealed himself.