Month: March 2025

Tamil Nadu’s MK Stalin government has replaced the Rupee symbol ‘₹’  for the Indian currency with the Tamil alphabet ‘Ru’ in state Budget logo amid the raging language row between the State and the Central government.

The previous budget logo for the Budget of 2024 -25 carried the Indian currency symbol ₹. The budget 2025-26 is set to be presented in the Tamil Nadu assembly on March 14.

Tamil Nadu CM on Thursday released a video which showcased the logo for the Budget of 2025-26 and in this logo the national currency symbol had been substituted with the Tamil Alphabet ‘Ru’

The State government has locked horns with the Central government over the three-language formula proposed in the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020.

BJP’s Tamil Nadu Chief, K Annamalai lashed out over the State Government’s “stupid” move, stating that a Tamilian and son of a former DMK MLA designed the Rupee symbol.

“The DMK Government’s State Budget for 2025-26 replaces the Rupee Symbol designed by a Tamilian, which was adopted by the whole of Bharat and incorporated into our Currency. Thiru Udhay Kumar, who designed the symbol, is the son of a former DMK MLA. How stupid can you become, Thiru @mkstalin?” K Annamalai said.

Earlier on Wednesday, MK Stalin launched a scathing attack on the central government, labelling the National Education Policy (NEP) as a “saffronise policy” aimed at promoting Hindi rather than developing India, alleging that the policy threatens to destroy Tamil Nadu’s education system.

“National Education Policy is not education policy, it is saffronise policy. The policy was not created to develop India but to develop Hindi. We are opposing the Policy as that would destroy the Tamil Nadu education system completely,” CM Stalin said in Tiruvallur.

Stalin accused the central government of withholding funds to coerce the state into accepting the NEP.

“We are asking for your tax share, which we paid with our efforts. What is the problem with this? Is it fair to threaten without releasing funds for the welfare of 43 lakh schools? As we didn’t accept NEP, they are refusing to release funds that belong to Tamil Nadu. We would have welcomed the scheme if it brought everyone into education. But is NEP like that? NEP has all the factors that remove people from education. This is how this policy is, and that’s why we are opposing it,” he added.

At the heart of the controversy is the NEP’s three-language formula, which Tamil Nadu fears will impose Hindi on the state. Stalin argued that the policy prioritizes Hindi over regional languages, undermining the state’s autonomy and linguistic diversity. (ANI)

The Indian Space Research Organisation on Thursday announced the successful completion of its SpaDeX mission’s space de-docking, marking a significant milestone in India’s future in space exploration.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh extended his congratulations to the ISRO team after the “SPADEX satellites accomplished the unbelievable de-docking” and said that the event was “heartening for every Indian!”

“This paves the way for smooth conduct of ambitious future missions including the Bharatiya Antriksha Station, Chandrayaan 4 and Gaganyaan,” Singh said in a post on X.

Further he said that “PM Narendra Modi’s continuous patronage keeps the spirits soaring.”

The undocking process involved a precise sequence of events, culminating in the separation of the SDX-01 (Chaser) and SDX-02 (Target) satellites that was launched on December 30 in 2024, using Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C60, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

It included the successful extension of SDX-2, the planned release of Capture Lever 3, and the disengagement of the Capture Lever in SDX-2. After these maneuvers, the decapture command was issued in both SDX-1 and SDX-2, leading to the successful separation of the satellites.

ISRO successfully completed docking of the two SPADEX satellites (SDX-01 and SDX-02) in the early hours of January 16 this year, marking India’s entry towards becoming the fourth country -alongside China, Russia and the United States-in the world to have space docking technology.

According to the space organization, the groundbreaking mission aims to showcase India’s technological prowess in spacecraft rendezvous, docking, and undocking — a critical capability for future advancements such as satellite servicing, space station operations, and interplanetary exploration.

It is a cost-effective technology demonstrator mission for the demonstration of in-space docking using two small spacecraft launched by PSLV.

This technology is essential for India’s space ambitions such as putting an Indian on Moon, sample return from the Moon, the building and operation of Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), etc. In-space docking technology is essential when multiple rocket launches are required to achieve common mission objectives.

The SpaDeX spacecraft were designed and realized by the UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) with the support of other ISRO centers (VSSC, LPSC, SAC, IISU, and LEOS). (ANI)

India is poised to become the world’s most sought-after consumer market while undergoing a significant energy transition, rising credit-to-GDP ratio, and expanding manufacturing sector, according to Morgan Stanley’s latest report.

The report highlights that India is gaining a greater share in global output due to strong foundational factors such as robust population growth, a functioning democracy, macroeconomic stability, better infrastructure, a growing entrepreneurial class, and improved social outcomes.

The financial services giant expects India’s economic growth to recover following a slowdown in the second half of 2024. It forecasts GDP growth at 6.3 per cent in FY2025 and 6.5 per cent in FY2026, driven by fiscal and monetary policy support, as well as a recovery in service exports.

The report emphasizes that macroeconomic stability should remain within a comfortable range, providing policymakers with flexibility. However, it also notes that risks stem primarily from external factors such as global trade policies, interest rate movements in the U.S., and geopolitical tensions.

Morgan Stanley believes India’s stock market outlook remains promising.

The report indicates that equity markets are currently undervalued despite strong fundamentals and macroeconomic improvements. Earnings growth is expected to accelerate, with financials, consumer discretionary, industrials, and technology sectors likely to outperform.

The firm suggests that India’s strong economic fundamentals and stable macroeconomic environment make it an attractive market, especially in an uncertain global economic landscape.

On the monetary policy front, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has adopted an accommodative stance by cutting rates and increasing liquidity in the system. Morgan Stanley anticipates another rate cut in April, further supporting economic growth.

On the fiscal side, the Indian government has focused on boosting consumption through income tax cuts and increasing capital expenditure while maintaining fiscal discipline.

The report also highlights the importance of domestic demand in driving India’s economic growth. Consumption recovery is expected to broaden as urban demand rises due to tax cuts, while rural consumption remains strong.

Investments from the public and household sectors are expected to play a significant role in economic expansion, while private corporate investments will gradually pick up. Additionally, strength in service exports is likely to support job creation and purchasing power, further fuelling economic growth.

Inflation is expected to remain stable, with headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation projected to decline to 4.3 per cent in FY2026-27 from 4.9 per cent in FY2025. The report attributes this to moderating food prices and stable core inflation. The current account deficit is also expected to stay below 1 per cent of GDP, indicating resilience in India’s external balance sheet.

Looking ahead, the report suggests that India is likely to recover lost ground among emerging markets in 2025. (ANI)

DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai on Thursday criticised the BJP-led Central government’s three-language policy in the National Education Policy (NEP), saying there is no need for anyone to learn a third language and added, “Please throw this third language in the dustbin.”

Speaking to ANI, Annadurai said, “Nobody needs to study a third language. The BJP is trying to trivialise this issue. It will be good for the students of this entire country if the BJP scraps the third language. People in North India don’t even study two languages. Why is Annamalai hell-bent on imposing a third language on the students?”

Annadurai accused the BJP of imposing a third language as part of a “sinister agenda” to exclude Tamil Nadu students from the education system.

“There is a sinister agenda behind this. They want to find ways to filter out the Tamil Nadu students from the education system. The RSS doesn’t want the Indian masses to be educated. They want all these people to be trained in vocational courses. They want plumbers, carpenters, cobblers. Please consign this third language to the dustbin,” Annadurai said.

Earlier today, Congress leader V Hanumantha Rao criticised the BJP-led central government over the imposition of Hindi and delimitation, saying it was an injustice to South India. He urged all parties to unite against these issues and support the efforts of Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin.

Speaking to ANI, Congress leader V Hanumantha Rao said, “He has been saying that the Hindi imposition and delimitation are just to serve North India and unfair to South India. All parties should unite against these matters. Delimitation will lessen our MP seats. This is the work of the saffron party. Everyone should support the good work that Stalin is doing on this issue.”

On Wednesday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on criticised the central government, labelling the National Education Policy (NEP) as a “saffronise policy” aimed at promoting Hindi rather than developing India, alleging that the policy threatens to destroy Tamil Nadu’s education system.

“National Education Policy is not education policy, it is saffronise policy. The policy was not created to develop India but to develop Hindi. We are opposing the Policy as that would destroy the Tamil Nadu education system completely,” CM Stalin said in Tiruvallur.

Stalin accused the central government of withholding funds to coerce the state into accepting the NEP.

“We are asking for your tax share, which we paid with our efforts. What is the problem with this? Is it fair to threaten without releasing funds for the welfare of 43 lakh schools? As we didn’t accept NEP, they are refusing to release funds that belong to Tamil Nadu. We would have welcomed the scheme if it brought everyone into education. But is NEP like that? NEP has all the factors that remove people from education. This is how this policy is, and that’s why we are opposing it,” he added.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has denied allegations of Hindi imposition, stating that the policy allows states to choose their own languages.

On Tuesday, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan challenged the DMK government in Tamil Nadu over the three-language policy and NEP, accusing MK Stalin of using the issue as a diversion.

“I stand by my statement made in the Parliament and am sharing the consent letter from Tamil Nadu School Education Department dated 15th March 2024. DMK MPs and Hon’ble CM can stack lies as high as they want, but the truth does not bother knocking when it comes crashing down. The DMK dispensation led by Hon’ble CM Stalin has a lot to answer to the people of Tamil Nadu. Raking the language issue as a diversionary tactic and denying facts as per their convenience will not shield their governance and welfare deficit,” he posted on X. (ANI)

After dazzling at the Met Gala last year, Bollywood star Alia Bhatt is now gearing up for yet another milestone on the international stage.

The ‘Raazi’ actress has officially confirmed that she will be making her debut at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2025, joining the Indian icons who have graced the red carpet in previous years.

During a recent media interaction in Mumbai, Alia shared the exciting news, saying, “I am looking forward to it.”

The 78th Cannes Film Festival, which will take place from May 13 to May 24, 2025, has long been a celebrated event for Indian stars. Over the years, personalities like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and Sonam Kapoor have been regular attendees.

Now, Alia is set to add her name to this illustrious list.

Alia made a stunning debut at the 2024 Met Gala, where she captivated audiences in a breathtaking Sabyasachi saree.

The pastel-hued ensemble, adorned with intricate embellishments and featuring a dramatic 23-foot-long train, paid homage to her Indian heritage while embracing a modern, global aesthetic.

The announcement came as Alia celebrated an early birthday with the press ahead of her 32nd birthday on March 15.

She was joined by her husband, actor Ranbir Kapoor, as she cut a cake and posed for pictures with the paparazzi. (ANI)

Parents-to-be Athiya Shetty and KL Rahul can’t wait to welcome their first child together.

Basking in pregnancy glow, Athiya on Wednesday shared a couple of adorable pictures from her maternity shoot with KL Rahul, who is a part of Indian cricket team.

One of the images shows Athiya and KL Rahul, gazing into each other’s eyes as the cricketer lays his head on Athiya’s lap. The other snap shows Athiya craddling her baby bump as she holds KL Rahul’s hands.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHGYFxUM_Ks/?hl=en&img_index=10

“Oh, baby,” Athiya captioned the post, adding cute emojis.

Reacting to the post, nana-to-be Suniel Shetty dropped a string of red heart emojis in the comment section.

“Too sweet ya,” actor Sonakshi Sinha commented.

Kiara Advani who is also pregnant at the moment dropped heart emojis.

Athiya Shetty and KL Rahul tied the knot on January 23, 2023, in an intimate ceremony at Suniel Shetty’s farmhouse in Khandala.

In November 2024, Athiya and KL Rahul announced their pregnancy, sharing an adorable post that read, “Our beautiful blessing is coming soon. 2025,” accompanied by baby feet emojis. (ANI)

Chhappan Bhog, a sweet shop in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, made history by entering into India’s Book of Records for making the world’s largest Gujiya, weighing 6 kg and measuring 25 inches, ahead of Holi festivities on Tuesday.

In an event hosted in Phoenix Palassio Mall, Chhappan Bhog has been credited with the title of making the largest Gujiya by an organisation. The gujiya is named ‘Baahubali Gujiya’ by this Lucknow sweet shop in their menu.

Pramil Dwivedi, the official Executor of the India Book of Records, confirmed that Chhappan Bhog has enlisted in the record book for making the largest gujiya in the world.

While speaking to ANI, he said,

“This Gujiya is made by Chhappan Bhog. It breaks the existing records. It weighs 6 kilograms and is 25 inches long. It had not been made by anyone before. That’s why when they claimed that they had produced such a massive Gujiya, we started our research and found that it had never been done by anyone before. In Phoenix Plassio mall, Chappann Bhog has made this record.”

During the event, Kshitij Gupta, the Marketing head of Chhappan Bhog, shared the inspiration behind preparing the largest Gujiya in the world.

While talking to ANI, he called Gujiya, a symbol of India’s culture which signifies the culmination of the diversity present in the society.

He said, “Gujiya is a symbol of the culture of Vasudev Kutumkam. Baahubali Gujiya is a symbol of our culture. We have made it by denoting all the colors of the world. We have tried to create a new trend. We held three festivals. One is the festival of India’s victory in cricket, another is the festival of Holi and Ramzan is also going on. It denotes how we Indians take the society together. We have made a special Gujia.”

Kshitij also shared the details of the Baahubali Gujiya’s recipe and price.

“If we look at the pricing point of view, it will cost around 20,000 to 25,000. It is the largest Gujia in the world. It has saffron, almonds, khoya, and other fruits like raisins. It shows India’s culture.” said Kshitij.

The gujiya by the Chhappan Bhog demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship and culinary expertise. (ANI)

Amid a row erupted over three-language policy, Tamil Nadu Minister Palanivel Thiagarajan said that implementing the new education policy is impossible as there is no funding or infrastructure to support it.

Slamming the New Education Policy, Thiagarajan said that the New Education Policy 2020 is like teaching an “LKG student” and a “higher education student” in the same way.

He further claimed that in the education policies introduced after 1968, there was a recommendation to learn South Indian languages. However, due to the lack of qualified teachers, this policy failed in Hindi-speaking states within 20 years.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Minister Palanivel Thiagarajan said, “In the education policies introduced after 1968, there was a recommendation to learn South Indian languages. However, due to the lack of qualified teachers, this policy failed in Hindi-speaking states within 20 years. Even in Uttar Pradesh, they could not fully implement the three-language policy. Yet, they have stopped PM-SHRI funding and continue to speak aggressively, like rowdies. NEP 2020 is like teaching an LKG student and a higher education student in the same way. Implementing the new education policy is impossible today as there is no funding or infrastructure to support it.”

BJP Tamil Nadu President K Annamalai slammed Minister Palanivel Thiagarajan for his statement on the three language policy. Claiming that his own sons studied English and a foreign language, Annamalai asked him that why they are doing “drama” to stop the implementation of the policy.

Defending the three language policy, Annamalai stated that this national policy will provide the government school students with the opportunity to learn a third Indian language, along with Tamil and English, or a foreign language at the higher levels.

In a social media post on X, Annamalai wrote, “I asked Minister @ptrmadurai for his response to a question I asked at a press conference yesterday. He has said that his two sons were educated under the dual language policy. However, brother Mr. PTR Palanivel Thiagarajan forgot to tell which two languages they were. The two languages his sons learned, First language: English Second language: French/Spanish Is this your bilingual policy? We are asking for a national education policy that will provide our government school students with the opportunity to learn a third Indian language, along with Tamil and English, or a foreign language at the higher levels. Why all this drama to stop that? I sincerely wish my brother PTR and his two sons the best in life. We ask that the opportunity to learn many languages that they have had should also be extended to the children of the poor and needy studying in our government schools.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin launched a scathing attack on the central government, labeling the National Education Policy (NEP) as a “saffronized policy” aimed at promoting Hindi rather than developing India, alleging that the policy threatens to destroy Tamil Nadu’s education system.

The central government, however, maintains that the NEP aims to promote multilingualism and flexibility in language education. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has denied allegations of Hindi imposition, stating that the policy allows states to choose their own languages.

On Tuesday, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan challenged the ruling DMK government in Tamil Nadu on the three-language policy and the NEP. In a post on X, the minister alleged that raking the language issue was a diversionary tactic from MK Stalin.

“I stand by my statement made in the Parliament and am sharing the consent letter from the Tamil Nadu School Education Department dated 15th March 2024. DMK MPs and Hon’ble CM can stack lies as high as they want, but the truth does not bother knocking when it comes crashing down. The DMK dispensation led by Hon’ble CM Stalin has a lot to answer to the people of Tamil Nadu. Raking the language issue as a diversionary tactic and denying facts as per their convenience will not shield their governance and welfare deficit,” he posted on X. (ANI)

One person has been arrested for allegedly raping a British woman at a hotel in Mahipalpur area of Delhi, while his accomplice has been taken into custody on molestation charges, Delhi police said on Thursday.

According to Delhi police, the woman had traveled from the UK to meet the accused, whom she had befriended through social media.

The incident came to light after the victim approached the police, who registered a case and arrested both suspects.

Police said that the woman arrived in Delhi and booked a hotel room where she met the man on Tuesday. However, she soon felt that he was attempting to assault her, leading to an argument between them.

The accused then allegedly raped her. The woman managed to escape and reached the hotel’s reception, but as she attempted to leave, another man allegedly molested her in the lift.

Delhi Police have arrested both suspects and have informed the British High Commission about the incident.

Further investigation is underway. (ANI)