Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday inaugurated advanced medical facilities at Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital, including a 256-slice spectral CT scanner, a Cath Lab, and a modern Neuro Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with an Operation Theatre Complex.

256-slice Spectral CT Scanner is installed at a cost of approximately Rs 20 crore. The scanner features “always-on” spectral imaging technology, enabling high-resolution imaging and rapid diagnosis. It supports evaluation of cardiac, oncological, neurological and vascular conditions while operating at reduced radiation levels.

जी.बी. पंत अस्पताल में सीटी स्कैन, नई कैथ लैब और न्यूरो आई.सी.यू. का उद्घाटन कर इन्हें जनता की सेवा में समर्पित किया।

हमारा लक्ष्य है कि विश्वस्तरीय, सुलभ और भरोसेमंद स्वास्थ्य सेवाएं हर जरूरतमंद तक पहुंचें। इसी संकल्प के साथ सरकार दिल्ली के अस्पतालों को लगातार आधुनिक बना रही… pic.twitter.com/ZnlKvPI06u

— Rekha Gupta (@gupta_rekha) February 9, 2026

Neuro Cath Lab is established at a cost of Rs 9 crore, and will enable advanced interventional procedures for neurovascular disorders. The facility is expected to provide treatment to over 1,200 patients annually, supporting timely intervention in neurological emergencies.

Modern Neuro ICU is a16-bed Neuro ICU and Operation Theatre Complex has been developed at a cost of approximately Rs 2 crore. The unit is equipped with advanced monitoring systems, specialised operative facilities and trained medical personnel to provide critical and post-operative neurological care.

Rekha Gupta said that these facilities would benefit patients from Delhi as well as those coming from other states for treatment.

She stated that the Delhi Government is working to enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare services in government hospitals, ensuring advanced medical treatment is available to all sections of society.

The 256-slice spectral CT scanner installed at GB Pant Hospital is the first of its kind in a government hospital in North India.

The machine will assist in the diagnosis of cancer, cardiac conditions, stroke, neurological disorders and angiography-related diseases, enabling faster and more accurate clinical assessment.

In the field of neurosciences, a Philips Azurion monoplane neuro Cath Lab has also been installed at the hospital. The facility will support advanced treatment of neurovascular conditions such as stroke, aneurysms and brain tumours.

In addition, the existing Neuro ICU has been renovated and upgraded to a 16-bed, modern facility with advanced patient monitoring systems and specialised critical care facilities.

Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh was also present on the occasion. He said that the commissioning of the CT scanner, Neuro Cath Lab and upgraded Neuro ICU would improve the capacity of GB Pant Hospital to manage neurological and diagnostic cases and help reduce waiting time for patients requiring specialised care.

He added that these facilities would support the timely treatment of complex neurological conditions and critical cases.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s (MCD) sanitation workers met Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday and expressed their gratitude for the cashless medical facility provided to them by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Delhi government.

“Today, MCD sanitation workers met Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at the Delhi Secretariat and expressed their gratitude for the cashless medical facility provided to them by the Delhi government,” the CMO of Delhi said.

The workers also presented their problems to the chief minister, who assured them that the state government would take the “necessary steps to resolve their issues.”

“At the same time, the workers also presented their problems and some demands to the government. The Chief Minister, while appreciating their contribution to keeping Delhi clean and beautiful, assured them that their demands would be seriously considered and the government would take necessary steps to resolve their problems. On this occasion, Delhi government Cabinet Minister Ravindra Inderaj Singh and MLA Harish Khurana were present,” the CMO Delhi further said.

In May 2022, the three existing civic bodies—East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC), North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC), and South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC)—were re-unified into a single entity as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.

Reportedly, the MCD is one of the largest municipal bodies in the world, providing civic services to more than 20 million people of Delhi. It occupies an area of 1397.3 sq. kms., which is subdivided into 12 zones—Centre, South, West, Najafgarh, Rohini, Civil Lines, Karol Bagh, SP-City, Keshavpuram, Narela, Shahdara North, and Shahdara South.

Yash-starrer upcoming action-packed thriller ‘Toxic’ hits screens on March 19. The movie, directed by Geetu Mohandas, has had a rollercoaster journey, from big-time shooting controversies to digital teasers stirring public outrage.

The drama began back in 2024, but it has resurfaced recently on Reddit, causing fans and critics to buzz all over social media. An FIR was against KVN Productions, the makers of ‘Toxic’, for allegedly chopping down trees to build a movie set on forest land in Bengaluru.

Shockingly, the FIR didn’t just target random crew members. It named the Canara Bank General Manager and Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) General Manager too.

Satellite images shared by India Today at the time revealed startling change: lush greenery vanished, replaced by cleared land for the film set.

Karnataka Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre didn’t mince words. Speaking to ANI, he said, “I personally visited the land where ‘Toxic’ is being shot. Hundreds of trees have been illegally cut down for the filming of the movie on forestland under HMT’s jurisdiction. Cutting trees in forestland without legal permission is a punishable offence. We will take necessary actions against the people who violated the rules.”

 

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Political heat and complaints

The controversy didn’t stop with the FIR. The teaser, which dropped on YouTube a few weeks ago, created its own firestorm. The Women’s Wing of the Aam Aadmi Party filed a formal complaint with the Karnataka State Women’s Commission.

While the teaser showed glimpses of Yash in high-octane action, it also raised questions about ethics and legal permissions.

March 19 release clashes with big hits

Despite the controversy, ‘Toxic’ is all ready to hit theaters on March 19, the same day as ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’.

Fans remember the first part of ‘Dhurandhar’, which released in December and smashed box office records, raking in Rs 1300 crore worldwide.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttar Pradesh has for some time been working on a political strategy aimed at consolidating Hindu voters across caste lines. However, recent controversies triggered by new University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations have emerged as a significant hurdle to this effort, complicating the party’s political calculus ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.

Through Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s slogan, “Batenge toh katenge, judenge toh jeetenge” (If we divide, we will be cut; if we unite, we will be safe), and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s repeated emphasis on Hindu unity and righteousness, the BJP sought to transcend traditional caste identities and forge a broader religious consolidation of voters.

That strategy, political observers say, has suffered a setback following the introduction of new UGC regulations in 2026 under the central government. The rules provide special safeguards for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) to prevent caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions. While aimed at social justice, the absence of explicit provisions to penalise false or motivated complaints has generated unease among sections of the general category, particularly upper-caste communities.

Although the Supreme Court has placed an interim stay on the implementation of these regulations, analysts argue that the political damage may already have been done. The controversy has reignited latent caste anxieties and once again exposed internal fault lines within Hindu society, precisely what the BJP was attempting to bridge.

A senior BJP leader in the state told The Statesman on Tuesday that the party’s electoral strength in Uttar Pradesh has traditionally rested on communities such as Brahmins, Rajputs, Vaishyas, Kayasthas and Bhumihars, considered the BJP’s core support base. In the aftermath of the UGC rules, voices of dissent have grown louder within these very groups. “There is visible resentment and the party leadership is deliberating how to address it,” the leader said.

Signs of organisational discontent have also surfaced on the ground. Resignations of BJP office-bearers and workers have been reported from several districts, while in some areas party flags were removed as a mark of protest. Political circles view these developments as early indicators of internal unrest within the party structure.

The fallout has extended beyond politics into academic campuses as well. Incidents of confrontation between students and faculty members have been reported at institutions such as Banaras Hindu University and Allahabad University. Allegations of a widening divide between upper-caste and lower-caste groups on campuses have further heightened tensions.

Social media platforms have amplified the controversy, with aggressive and polarised reactions adding fuel to the fire. As the 2027 Assembly elections draw closer, the issue has emerged as a serious political challenge for the BJP in the state.

Feedback reaching the party’s central leadership has reportedly deepened concerns. The BJP is now hoping for a resolution at the central government level that could help defuse anger and restore balance within its core voter base.

Political analysts warn that if the discontent among traditional supporters persists, it could directly impact the BJP’s electoral arithmetic in Uttar Pradesh. The key question remains whether the party can recalibrate its social and political messaging in time and successfully manage the delicate balance between social justice policies and its broader Hindu unity narrative.

In an endeavour to strengthen their faith and commitment to the values of peace and international understanding, Dhaula Kuan and Pusa Road units of Springdales School jointly organised the Y Kumar Memorial Assembly on Tuesday, at The Rajni Kumar Hall of Friendship & Peace.

The annual assembly, held in fond remembrance of the school’s founder Y Kumar, reflected the institution’s guiding philosophy of “Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam” – The World is One Family.

Welcoming the august gathering, Dr Jyoti Bose, Director, Springdales Schools, stressed the need to promote empathy, restore hope, and bring humanity back to the forefront in today’s dystopian world.

Giving his greetings on the occasion, the Guest of Honour, Abdallah M Abu Shawesh, Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary, Embassy of the State of Palestine, suggested that education is the pathway to dignity, social progress and economic development.

Ambassador Shawesh further advised the students to dream bigger and help India achieve greater heights.

Delivering the 49 th Y Kumar Memorial Lecture on “How does India see itself in the 21st Century World?” Rakesh Sood, the Chief Guest and the former diplomat, traced the remarkable journey of India till date since independence.

Highlighting the challenges that our country faces today, including growing inequalities between its states, growing polarisation between communities and adversaries, Sood commented that despite all this, India has maintained its unity and strengthened its economic position. The students’ interaction with Sood following his thought-provoking lecture was highly informative.

The cultural presentations by the students of the two units, “What About Us” and “Giving Wings to Our Dreams,” reflected on the power of youth in building a more compassionate and equitable future.

A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the Y Kumar Student Award for International Understanding, which was hosted by the Pusa Road unit.

This prestigious competition, held the previous week, tested participants across multiple rounds, including a quiz, an essay on international understanding, a group discussion, and a personal interview. Mother’s International School was the proud recipient of the Y Kumar award.

The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Dr Mala Gupta, principal, Springdales School, Pusa Road.

The Netflix series ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ has suddenly become talk of the town not for its story, but for its title. Social media erupted after the reveal with critics slamming the series for allegedly hurting the Brahmin community. The controversy grew so intense that the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) even demanded a ban. And now, the makers have decided to act.

In a major update, the team behind the Manoj Bajpayee starrer informed the Delhi High Court that they will change the show’s name.

This comes after multiple FIRs, rising social media pressure, calls for a ban from across the country. A writ petition has also been filed in court arguing that the title and promotional content are defamatory and communally sensitive.

Also Read: ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’ row explained: FIR over alleged insult to Brahmin community; trailer taken down, Manoj Bajpayee reacts

The uproar isn’t limited to Delhi. In Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, political protests have erupted. Brahmin organisations are demanding a ban accusing the series of targeting a particular community.

FIRs have been lodged against the director, effigies of the filmmakers and Manoj Bajpayee were burnt in several towns.

At the heart of the controversy is the title itself, ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’, which loosely translates to “Corrupt Pandit”.

Manoj Bajpayee responds

Manoj Bajpayee took to social media to address the controversy. “When something you are part of causes hurt, it makes you pause and listen,” he wrote.

Bajpayee clarified that his choice to work on the project due to the character’s arc and not meant as a commentary on any community.

He added that the team had already removed promotional material in light of public sentiment.

Director Neeraj Pandey clarifies

Director Neeraj Pandey, along with co-writer Ritesh Shah, also responded on Instagram. He emphasised that the series is a fictional cop drama, and the word ‘Pandat’ was a colloquial name for a fictional character.

 

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Pandey stated that the story revolves around an individual’s actions and choices and does not reflect or comment on any caste, religion, or community.

The production team stressed that they voluntarily withdrew the promotional material even before any government directive came into play.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has approved an increase in the honorarium of contractual AYUSH doctors working under the National Health Mission (NHM) in Odisha.

Recognising the significant contribution of AYUSH doctors to the state’s healthcare delivery system and to motivate them to provide better services, the Odisha government on Tuesday announced a two-fold increase in the honorarium of contractual AYUSH doctors working under the National Health Mission (NHM) in the state.

As per the Chief Minister’s decision, the monthly honorarium of contractual AYUSH doctors under NHM has been enhanced by Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000 based on their length of service, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said in a statement.

Doctors with less than five years of service will receive an increase of Rs 20,000 per month, raising their minimum monthly honorarium to Rs 56,948.

Those with five to ten years of service will get an increase of Rs 25,000 per month, taking their salary to Rs 74,467. Doctors with ten to 15 years of service will receive an additional Rs 30,000 per month, raising their honorarium to Rs 80,467, while those with more than 15 years of service will receive a hike of Rs 40,000 per month, taking their maximum monthly honorarium to Rs 91,467, it further stated.

Currently, 2,912 AYUSH doctors are engaged in the state. With this decision, the state government will incur an additional annual expenditure of around Rs 1 crore.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi later expressed optimism that the move will further strengthen AYUSH healthcare services in Odisha.

The Netherlands registered a dominant seven-wicket victory over Namibia in their Group A match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday, with Bas de Leede producing a commanding all-round performance.

A strong crowd of 6,139 turned up at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, continuing the trend of healthy attendances for non-India fixtures in the tournament. De Leede was named Player of the Match for his outstanding display, taking 2/20 with the ball before scoring an unbeaten 72 off 48 balls to guide the Netherlands’ successful chase of 157.

Netherlands captain Scott Edwards won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that paid dividends as Namibia were restricted to 156/8 on a slightly tacky surface. Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton top-scored with 42, while Jan Frylinck (30), Gerhard Erasmus (18) and JJ Smit chipped in with brief cameos, but Namibia struggled to build substantial partnerships and fell short of a competitive total.

De Leede was impressive in the middle overs, while Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt and Colin Ackermann kept the scoring rate in check. The Dutch bowlers tightened the screws at the death, conceding just 26 runs in the final three overs to prevent Namibia from accelerating.

In reply, the Netherlands suffered an early setback as Max O’Dowd fell cheaply, but Michael Levitt provided early impetus with a brisk 28 off 15 balls. From there, de Leede took charge of the chase, combining clean hitting with smart strike rotation.

He stitched together a match-defining 70-run partnership with Colin Ackermann, who made 32, before captain Scott Edwards joined him to apply the finishing touches as the Netherlands reached the target with two overs to spare.

The victory marked the Netherlands’ biggest win by wickets in T20 World Cup history and a timely response after their narrow loss to Pakistan in Colombo. Namibia, meanwhile, will look to regroup after missed chances in the field and an underwhelming batting effort as they prepare to face defending champions India at the same venue on Thursday.

Brief Scores:
Namibia 156/8 in 20 overs (Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton 42, Jan Frylinck 30; Logan van Beek 2/13, Bas de Leede 2/20)
Netherlands 159/3 in 18 overs (Bas de Leede 72*, Colin Ackermann 32)

Amid the uncertainties over the India-US trade which was announced by US President Donald Trump last week, the White House has released a fact sheet, addressing several concerns and sharing key agreements reached between the two countries.

According to the White House, Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached a framework for an Interim Agreement on reciprocal trade and reaffirmed their commitment to broader US-India Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) negotiations.

While the deal was announced, it has still not been signed although both countries have shared some details of the interim agreement.

According to Trump and the White House, India has committed to stop purchasing the Russian oil. However, there is still no clarity on this as Russia has said that it has not received any communication regarding this from India.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also not confirmed this and maintained that the government’s purchase of energy products will ensure the interests of 1.4 billion Indians.

However, the White House has reiterated in the fact sheet that India has indeed committed to stop buying Russian oil.

“President Trump agreed to remove the additional 25% tariff on imports from India in recognition of India’s commitment to stop purchasing Russian Federation oil. Accordingly, the President signed an Executive Order last Friday removing that additional 25% tariff,” the White House said.

Below are the key agreements of the India-US trade deal as per the White House fact sheet

• India will eliminate or reduce tariffs on all US industrial goods and a wide range of US food and agricultural products, including dried distillers’ grains (DDGs), red sorghum, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruit, certain pulses, soybean oil, wine and spirits, and additional products.
• India committed to buy more American products and purchase over $500 billion of US energy, information and communication technology, agricultural, coal, and other products.
• India will address non-tariff barriers that affect bilateral trade in priority areas.  The United States and India will negotiate rules of origin that ensure that the agreed benefits accrue predominately to the United States and India.
• India will remove its digital services taxes and committed to negotiate a robust set of bilateral digital trade rules that address discriminatory or burdensome practices and other barriers to digital trade, including rules that prohibit the imposition of customs duties on electronic transmissions.
• The United States and India committed to strengthen economic security alignment to enhance supply chain resilience and innovation through complementary actions to address non-market policies of third parties as well as cooperating on inbound and outbound investment reviews and export controls.
• The United States and India will significantly increase bilateral trade in technology products and expand joint technology cooperation.

With the expectation of the announcement of several sops for women and the poor, the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh will table its 10th budget proposals in the state assembly on Wednesday. This budget will be the last one for the Yogi Adityanath 2.0 government, as the assembly polls in the state will be held in early 2027.

Hence, the BJP government is expected to bring a populist budget to woo the 25 crore electorate of the state. The government is likely to announce several sops, which will address women, youths, and the poor with new schemes in this budget.

The budget proposals for 2026-27 will be tabled in the assembly at 1100 hrs tomorrow by State Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna in the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Before the tabling of the budget, the state cabinet will approve the budget during a meeting at the CM’s residence.

According to sources, the government is slated to bring budget proposals of approximately Rs 9 lakh crore this year.

The government’s main focus will be on the development of the state and providing facilities for the people. Significant expenditure is expected, particularly on roads, bridges, urban development, and infrastructure.

In the last financial year, Uttar Pradesh’s budget was approximately Rs 8.08 lakh crore, which was 9.8 per cent higher than the previous year.

A senior official has confirmed that the upcoming budget will be larger, and that emphasis will be on the expansion of welfare schemes.

The government is likely to allocate substantial funds for youth employment, farmer support, and schemes for the poor and needy. It is also preparing to strengthen programmes related to education, health, housing, food security, and social security to ensure that their benefits reach every citizen effectively. The budget will also focus on improving law and order.

It is estimated that approximately 25 per cent of the total budget will be spent on infrastructure, 15 per cent on education, 12 per cent on agriculture, 8 per cent on health, and 5 per cent on social security schemes. The government aims to maintain financial balance alongside development.

Tollywood is buzzing again and this time it’s all about a pairing that has fans whispering and debating. Could social media sensation-turned-actor Imanvi Ismail really be romancing Power Star Pawan Kalyan, who is 24 years her senior, in the upcoming Surender Reddy film? The news has sent the Telugu film industry into a frenzy. Fans are now eager to see how this move unfolds.

Also Read: Govinda targets Karan Johar over ‘Govinda Naam Mera’ for using his name and touching his personal life

Surender Reddy and Pawan Kalyan: The big reunion

Known for his larger-than-life storytelling, Surender Reddy is reportedly cooking up a cinematic spectacle for Pawan Kalyan. The film is still in its scripting stage, with Vakkantham Vamsi penning the story.

Rumour has it the makers are planning a March 19, 2026 launch, timed with Ugadi festival.

Fans are speculating about the film’s genre, style, and scale. With Ram Talluri producing under Jaithra Rama Movies, it’s said to be a grand entertainer, with a theatrical release aimed for Sankranthi 2027.

Given Pawan Kalyan’s busy political calendar, team is reportedly planning shooting schedules carefully to avoid delays.

Imanvi Ismail: From YouTube to Tollywood

Multiple reports suggest that Imanvi Ismail might be the female lead. Known for her viral choreography videos, including the Tamil hit ‘Tum Tum’, Imanvi first captured Tollywood’s attention when she was signed opposite Prabhas in ‘Fauzi’, directed by Hanu Raghavapudi. That film, launched in August 2024 with a traditional Hyderabad puja, also boasts veterans Mithun Chakraborty and Jaya Prada and is set in the pre-independence era.

 

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If Imanvi is confirmed opposite Pawan Kalyan, it would mark her second major Telugu film.

While the pairing is sparking conversations, Pawan Kalyan himself is gearing up for Ustaad Bhagat Singh, releasing March 26, 2026.

Springdales School on Tuesday successfully organised the Y. Kumar Memorial Assembly. The annual assembly was held at The Rajni Kumar Hall of Friendship & Peace, and was jointly organised by the Dhaula Kuan and Pusa Road units of Springdales School.

The Annual Assembly is held in memory of the school’s founder, Shri Y Kumar. This year’s event stressed the guiding philosophy of the institution, which is ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam – The World is One Family’.

Speaking on the occasion, Springdales Schools’ Director Dr Jyoti Bose underscored the need to promote empathy, restore hope, and bring humanity back to the forefront in today’s age.

The Guest of Honour was H.E. Mr. Abdallah M. Abu Shawesh, Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary, Embassy of the State of Palestine, who described education as the pathway to dignity, social progress, and economic development. He urged the students to dream big and work towards making their country’s achievements shine.

Former diplomat Mr. Rakesh Sood was the chief guest who delivered the 49th Y. Kumar Memorial Lecture on the topic: ‘How does India see itself in the 21st Century World?’

Mr. Sood spoke about the challenges facing India and also traced the country’s remarkable journey since Independence.

He further stressed that India has managed to uphold its unity and strengthen its economy despite growing inequalities and polarisation.

A key highlight of the day was cultural presentations by students of the two schools, on topics ‘What About Us’ and ‘Giving Wings to Our Dreams’. The presentations reflected on the power of youth in building a more compassionate and equitable future.

“A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the Y Kumar Student Award for International Understanding which was hosted by Pusa Road unit. This prestigious competition, held the previous week, tested participants across multiple rounds, including a quiz, an essay on International Understanding, a Group Discussion, and a Personal Interview. Mother’s International School was the proud recipient of the Y. Kumar Award,” a release from the institution said.

The implementation of the four new Labour Codes marks a significant step toward improving the ease of living for India’s vast workforce, particularly those in the informal and unorganised sectors. These reforms aim to ensure floor-level minimum wages for all workers, without the hurdles of complex industry classifications. By introducing mandatory identity cards for every worker, the Codes seek to empower them with direct access to social security benefits. Regular and compulsory health check-ups will help safeguard workers’ well-being, enabling them to lead healthier and more productive lives. Furthermore, a time-bound grievance redressal mechanism promises to reduce the mental stress and uncertainty faced by aggrieved workers. Collectively, these measures represent a progressive framework focused on dignity, security, and inclusive growth for Indian workers.

However, despite these positive provisions, a section of politically motivated central trade unions frequently resorts to strikes, often without fully considering their adverse impact. Such strikes result in significant wage losses, particularly for the nearly 380 million workers in the informal economy, who depend on daily earnings for survival. Instead of resolving their issues, frequent strikes tend to weaken the process of constructive and rigorous collective bargaining, thereby undermining the possibility of achieving fair and balanced outcomes for workers and employers alike.

Over time, the repeated call for strikes has proved to be both ineffective and counterproductive. The frequency of such actions has led to widespread fatigue among workers, causing an overwhelming majority to disengage or ignore these calls. In some cases, a small section of workers is compelled to participate in strikes against their own will, further eroding the moral legitimacy and collective strength of these movements. Ultimately, this trend diminishes the overall impact of labour welfare measures and weakens solidarity within the workforce.
The broader consequences of strikes extend beyond the workplace. Industrial production suffers, daily commuters face severe inconvenience, and the livelihoods of street vendors, domestic workers, and small service providers are disrupted. For these workers, even a single day’s loss of income can trigger a livelihood crisis, forcing them to exhaust their limited savings and plunge deeper into economic insecurity.

In emerging economies like India, trade unions must prioritise dialogue, negotiation, and constructive engagement with employers and the government. A model based on sustained bargaining and cooperative problem-solving can resolve workers’ concerns without disrupting manufacturing, employment, and overall economic growth. In the current context, Indian central trade unions, which are gradually losing their influence, need to introspect and adapt to more effective and forward-looking approaches followed elsewhere.

Indian workers should be organised with a holistic vision that emphasises ease of living, social security, and positive engagement. Resolving disputes through dialogue rather than confrontation will ensure that the operational process remains uninterrupted and the engine of national growth continues to run smoothly. Only through such balanced and pragmatic strategies can workers’ rights be genuinely strengthened and protected in the long run.

(S. P. Tiwari, National General Secretary, Trade Union Co-ordination Centre – TUCC)

Bollywood’s evergreen entertainer Govinda is not laughing this time. The actor, who made generations roar with laughter through his slapstick comedy and energetic dance moves, has now spoken up about something that clearly didn’t amuse him, a film that carried his name but, according to him, crossed a personal line.

In a recent chat with ANI, Govinda hinted at his displeasure over the 2022 film ‘Govinda Naam Mera’. Without taking names directly, the actor made it clear who he was pointing at. He said someone made a movie using his name and added that he thinks it was made by Karan Johar.

Also Read: Sunita Ahuja opens up on Govinda affair rumours, says children Tina and Yash were deeply affected

The film, ‘Govinda Naam Mera’, was directed by Shashank Khaitan and produced by Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, and Shashank Khaitan. It starred Vicky Kaushal, Bhumi Pednekar, and Kiara Advani and revolved around a complicated story involving a husband, wife, and girlfriend.

Why the film didn’t sit right with him

Govinda explained that the movie showed conflicts between couples and misunderstandings in personal relationships. While he enjoys humour and comedy, the veteran actor stressed that jokes should come with limits.

He requested filmmakers not to interfere in his personal life. Folding his hands, he said that jokes are not suitable everywhere or in every way.

Govinda in a proud father mode

Away from the controversy, Govinda spoke warmly about his son Yashvardhan Ahuja, who is preparing for a career in films. The actor did not hide his confidence in his son’s abilities and openly said that Yashvardhan would become a better actor than him.

According to Govinda, Yashvardhan is technically much stronger and has a solid understanding of filmmaking. He even revealed that he requested producer Sajid Nadiadwala to give his son a cabin so he could learn different aspects of cinema from close quarters.

On politics and family first

Govinda also addressed questions related to claims made by his wife, Sunita Ahuja. The actor clarified that he stepped away from politics for the sake of his family. He said he did not want his political life to disturb his family or negatively affect his children.

When it came to personal allegations, Govinda chose to draw a firm boundary. He stated that he does not want to discuss such topics any further.

In the 11th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates, Tim Seifert and Finn Allen scripted a world-record opening partnership of 175 runs as the Kiwis cruised to a dominant 10-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates in their Group C clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday.

The emphatic win marked New Zealand’s second consecutive victory in Chennai, while the UAE remained winless in the tournament and struggled to match the Black Caps’ firepower.

UAE captain Muhammad Waseem won the toss and elected to bat on a true, bouncy surface. However, Aryansh Sharma endured a brief stay at the crease, miscued a rising delivery from Jacob Duffy, and departed for 12 as the UAE slipped to 12/1.

Waseem and Alishan Sharafu then steadied the innings with a commanding 107-run stand for the second wicket off just 77 balls. Both batters struck fluent half-centuries, with Sharafu reaching his fifty first before Waseem brought up his 29th T20I half-century.

New Zealand clawed back some momentum through Mitchell Santner, who dismissed Sharafu for 55, before Glenn Phillips chipped in with a wicket in the following over. The Black Caps applied the squeeze, conceding just 10 runs across 18 balls while picking up two wickets.

The UAE broke free late in the innings as Mayank Kumar and Waseem launched a counterattack, smashing Phillips for 27 runs in the 18th over. Late hitting propelled the UAE to 173/6, their highest-ever T20 World Cup total. Waseem remained unbeaten on 66, while Matt Henry (2/37) and Santner (1/23) were the standout New Zealand bowlers.

In reply, Seifert and Allen unleashed a brutal assault from the outset, racing to 78 runs in the powerplay and effectively ending the contest early. Overs of 20 and 22 runs dismantled the UAE bowling attack and erased any hopes of a comeback.

Both openers brought up rapid half-centuries, with Allen scoring 84 off 50 balls and Seifert smashing an unbeaten 89 off just 42 deliveries. Their unbroken 175-run opening stand set a new T20 World Cup record, surpassing previous landmark partnerships in the tournament’s history.

New Zealand chased down the target in just 15.2 overs without losing a wicket, completing one of the most dominant performances of the tournament.

Captains’ Take at the Toss

UAE captain Muhammad Waseem won the toss and elected to bat first in the Group C clash.

UAE captain Muhammad Waseem said:

“We are going to bat first. The pitch is looking good. I believe it is going to be the same in both the innings so hopefully we put a good score up. It is difficult to get a good playing XI, though we have a good combination of spinners and fast bowlers. Hopefully it works for us. Absolutely we want to show the world how well we are playing T20 cricket. Yes, it is a tough group but we ready for the challenge. We have come here with a strong mindset. Confidence is good. However, it is a different venue and a different pitch, so I’ll try my best.”

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said:

“It looks like a good wicket to me. If we’d won the toss, we probably would’ve looked to bat as well. But having said that, the pitch seems to play pretty well throughout the day. We’re going with the same team. It’s a similar combination to what we played with the other day.”

Talking about their preparation, Santner added, “These days, you have to do a lot of video analysis. With franchise cricket around, you can find footage of almost anyone. We only had a day between games, so yesterday was about reviewing our own plans and getting ready for a stronger opposition. It’s about being smart with preparation.”

Praising the UAE, the Kiwi skipper said, “They’re a good side. We know they beat us in Dubai, and on these kinds of surfaces – slightly slower ones – they can be very tricky. They do rely on a few key players, but overall, their squad is solid. We know we have to be switched on today.”

New Zealand vs UAE, T20 World Cup: Live Streaming Details

Fans across the globe can catch the UAE vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 match live on TV and digital platforms.

• In India, the match will be televised on the Star Sports Network, while live streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app and website.
• Viewers in the UAE and MENA region can watch the match on CricLife Max, with StarzPlay offering live streaming.
• In New Zealand, the match will be broadcast on SKY Sport, with digital coverage available on SKY Sport NOW.
• Fans in the United Kingdom can tune in via Sky Sports Cricket, with streaming available on NOW.
• In Australia, the match will be streamed exclusively on Prime Video.
• For audiences in the USA and Canada, Willow TV will provide TV coverage, while Willow by Cricbuzz will offer live streaming.
• In Pakistan, the match will be broadcast on PTV Sports and Geo Super, with streaming options available on Myco, Tamasha, ARY Zapp, and Tapmad.
• Fans in Sri Lanka can watch the match on Dialog TV, with digital streaming on ThePapare.com and Dialog Play.

New Zealand vs UAE, T20 World Cup: Playing XIs

United Arab Emirates: Aryansh Sharma (wk), Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Mayank Kumar, Sohaib Khan, Harshit Kaushik, Muhammad Arfan, Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Rohid Khan

New Zealand: Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Jimmy Neesham, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy

The Uttar Pradesh government has stepped up its process to construct a new legislature complex in the state capital. The new Vidhan Bhawan is slated to be constructed on Sahara City land in the Gomti Nagar locality of the state capital.

The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has initiated the process of appointing a consultant, following government instructions.

An LDA source here on Tuesday stated that approximately 10 months ago, the LDA took possession of 75 acres of its land in Sahara City. Subsequently, in September last, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation took possession of 170 acres of its land after cancelling the lease. This leaves a total of 245 acres vacant. Now, preparations are underway to build a new Legislature complex on this land.

The UP government in the last budget (2025-26) had allotted Rs 50 crore for the new Legislature complex.

Sources said that on the government’s instructions, the land measurement report has been submitted. Further developments are underway to appoint a consultant and prepare a DPR and design.

Experts say that the government has been searching for approximately 200 acres of land for the construction of a new legislative complex for several years.

The total land area here, including 170 acres owned by the Municipal Corporation and 75 acres owned by the Local Development Authority (LDA), is 245 acres. The site is suitable for both location and traffic flow.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday filed civil and criminal defamation cases seeking Rs 500 crore in damages against senior Congress leaders Gaurav Gogoi, Bhupesh Baghel, and Jitendra Singh Alwar, escalating the political confrontation between the ruling BJP and the opposition party.

In a post on X, CM Sarma said the case was filed in connection with what he described as “false, malicious and defamatory” allegations levelled against him during a Congress press conference.

He reiterated that he would not be deterred by political pressure or public attacks.

“The era of hit-and-run politics is over. If they have even an ounce of courage or evidence, let them prove every allegation before a court of law,” the Chief Minister said.

The filing of the cases came days after CM Sarma had publicly declared that he would initiate legal action against the Congress leaders over the allegations, signalling his intent to pursue both civil and criminal remedies.

CM Sarma also accused the Congress leadership of resorting to coordinated slander and political theatrics, alleging that the attack was carried out at the behest of the Gandhi family.

He said the opposition should focus on issues and governance rather than personal vilification.

The Chief Minister’s move followed a press conference at Rajiv Bhawan, where Congress MP and Deputy Leader of the party in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, in the presence of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, launched a digital platform titled ‘WhoIsHBS.com’.

Gogoi said the portal was intended to scrutinise CM Sarma’s political journey and governance style, and claimed it contained documents, videos and other material related to the Chief Minister’s public life.

The Congress leader asserted that the initiative aimed to place “facts” before the people of Assam and promote accountability.

Gogoi also announced that the Congress had released a pamphlet with similar content, which would be distributed across the state as part of a broader outreach programme.

Echoing Gogoi’s remarks, Baghel stressed that transparency and accountability were essential pillars of democracy, particularly as Assam heads towards crucial political milestones.