Month: May 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the recent CBSE mandate for schools across the country affiliated under the board to install sugar boards to educate students on the risks of high sugar intake.

“You must have seen blackboards in schools, but now sugar boards are also being installed in some schools – not blackboard, but sugar board,” said the Prime Minister in the 122nd episode of his monthly ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address to the country.

The initiative by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), said PM Modi was aimed at making children aware of their sugar intake and help them to choose healthy options.

“By understanding how much sugar should be consumed and how much sugar is being consumed, children have started choosing healthy options themselves” PM Modi said.

The PM further stated that the initiative would be helpful in inculcating healthy lifestyle habits right from childhood, and stressed on the importance of a Fit India.

“This is a unique effort and its impact will also be very positive. It can prove to be very helpful in inculcating healthy lifestyle habits from childhood,” he said.

“Many parents have appreciated it and I believe that such initiatives should also be taken in offices, canteens and institutions. After all, if there is health, there is everything. Fit India is the foundation of a strong India,” the Prime Minster said.

The initiative to introduce sugar boards by CBSE comes amid the growing concerns of Type 2 diabetes among school students due to high consumption of sugar.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), following recommendations from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), has directed all affiliated schools to install ‘Sugar Boards’ by July 15, 2025.

The action has come in light of the rising trend of children being diagonised with Type 2 diabetes, a condition once almost exclusively seen in adults, obesity, and other health issues linked to sugar overconsumption in children.

The ‘Sugar Boards’ in schools aim to visually represent how much sugar is present in commonly consumed snacks and drinks, comparing it with the recommended daily intake.

The ‘Sugar Boards’ will display information on recommended daily sugar intake Sugar content in common junk foods and beverages, the health risks of high sugar consumption and also provide healthier food alternatives

“Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in Type 2 diabetes among children, largely due to the easy availability of sugary snacks, beverages and processed foods within school environments,” the CBSE circular noted.

Schools under the board have also been directed to organize awareness seminars or workshops for students to promote healthy dietary choices.

This effort, guided by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), aims to promote informed food choices and long-term well-being. (ANI)

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Sunday confirmed that all 24 crew members of the Liberia-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA 3 have been rescued which capsized around 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi coast.

According to the Indian Coast Guard, as of Sunday morning, all three crew members who remained on the ship were rescued by INS Sujata, which joined the operation on Saturday evening.

The other 21 crew members were already rescued, while the other three members, which included the Captain, Chief engineer, and second engineer, remained onboard to facilitate planned salvage operations.

The ICG further added that the reason for the vessel to capsize is due to flooding in one of the holds.

All crew are now safe and the ICG are assessing the situation for further action.

“Update as of 0830 hrs on 25 May 25:-In the early hours of 25 May 25, the vessel capsized rapidly reportedly due to flooding in one of the holds. 03 crew remaining onboard abandoned ship and were rescued by INS Sujata, which joined operations last evening. All crew remain safe and ICG is conducting assessment of the situation and issuing advisory to state authorities accordingly. Further updates follows,” the Indian Coast Guard stated on X.

Earlier, the Coast Guard PRO stated the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy are maintaining their positions to monitor the situation of the vessel.

Indian Navy are currently making assessments to determine if the vessel can be towed, aiming to prevent additional environmental damage.

The 184-metre-long ship had departed from Vizhinjam Port on May 23 and was expected to reach Kochi on May 24.

Around 1:25 PM on Saturday, the vessel’s operator, MSC Ship Management, informed Indian authorities about the incident and sought immediate assistance.

The Indian Coast Guard swiftly initiated rescue efforts, deploying ships and aircraft in the vicinity to provide aerial support. (ANI)

Alia Bhatt continue to stun everyone with her breathtakingly beautiful looks at Cannes 2025. After striking in a Schiaparelli cream gown and sizzling in a shimmery one, the Bollywood diva makes a statement in the first-ever Gucci saree at the closing ceremony.

The unique saree was soaked in Swarovski crystals, and her minimal make-up well complemented her gorgeous ensemble.

Alia made a breathtaking debut at the 78th Cannes Film Festival on Friday. Decked up in a Schiaparelli cream gown, the ‘Highway’ actor stole everyone’s attention with her look.

She walked the iconic red carpet in an off-shoulder outfit made in ecru Chantilly lace, with organza and enamel flowers embroidered on the bodice.

The custom soft nude bodycon version, which was elevated with tulle ruffles at the hem, received a thumbs up from fashionistas. Alia was styled by Rhea Kapoor. She styled her hair in a neat bun with edges in a unique pattern. For the makeup, she kept it shiny and radiant.

Alia’s gorgeous second look at Cannes 2025 in a stunning bejewelled gown.

Alia appeared on the red carpet with elan, striking stylish poses for the shutterbugs. She even greeted the paparazzi with a ‘namaste’ gesture.Reportedly, Alia was supposed to make her Cannes debut during the opening ceremony. However, in the wake of India-Pakistan tensions, she postponed her travel.

On her birthday in March, Alia, during a press meet, confirmed her Cannes debut.”This is going to be my first year when I’m going to Cannes. So I’m very nervous and very excited, and I’m also now trying my hand at new makeup looks and videos. I put up a makeup tutorial of my own at the beginning of the year. Now my, you know, my team is like, Why don’t we try something that you’ve never done before, like blue eyeshadow or pink eyeshadow or something like that?” she said. (ANI)

The city of Cannes was hit by a five-hour power outage on Saturday morning ahead of the film festival’s awards ceremony, with electricity finally returning around 3:30 p.m. local time.

Despite the technical challenges, a festival rep previously told that the closing ceremony would “proceed as planned” after the Palais des Festivals “switched to an independent power supply,” reported Variety.

According to Franceinfo, the cause of the outage may be foul play with two arson acts reported overnight and several power lines pylons were discovered to have been sawn off in the Alpes-Maritimes.

Karin Topin-Condomitti, director of services at the Cannes city hall, said the local government was still trying to determine whether the power outage was caused by a malicious act. She said an investigation would likely be conducted, as per the outlet.

“We have read, as I’m sure you have, reports in the media and press of malicious acts,” Topin-Condomitti said. “In my opinion, this should be the subject of an ongoing investigation, subject to confirmation by the public prosecutor’s office. In any case, we’re taking action to deal with the consequences of this power cut as best we can. The courts will investigate.”

Around 10:15 a.m., as the press conference for Kelly Reichardt’s competition film “The Mastermind” began, power went out in certain parts of the city. According to Screen, which was the first to report on the loss, power went out in numerous screening rooms, pausing films midway through their showings, although power remained on in the Palais thanks to backup generators.

The power flickered on and off many times at the J.W. Marriott on the Croisette, a festival hub where many attendees sought internet connectivity. Due to the power outage, numerous establishments closed or switched to cash only. That was problematic because ATMs went down as well, reported Variety.

“A power outage is currently affecting the city of Cannes and surrounding areas,” a representative for the festival told Variety. “At this stage, the cause of the outage has not yet been identified. Restoration efforts are underway.”

The rep added, “The Palais des Festivals has switched to an independent power supply, allowing all scheduled events and screenings, including the Closing Ceremony, to proceed as planned and under normal conditions. However, screenings at the Cineum have been temporarily suspended and will resume as soon as power is restored,” as per the outlet.

At 2:20 p.m. local time, the power had yet to be restored. However, the mayor of Cannes, David Lisnard, said power company EDF is working on restoring power by this afternoon. Franceinfo has reported that “malicious acts” may be the source of the outage, citing France’s Ministry of the Interior. According to Franceinfo, the two arson attacks occurred at the Saint-Cassien power plant, reported Variety.

The 78th Cannes Film Festival closed with Iranian director Jafar Panahi accepting the Palme d’Or for ‘It Was Just an Accident’. (ANI)

Two people lost their lives and four others were injured in a fire at an E-Rikshaw charging station at Moti Ram Road, in the national capital’s Shahdara area.

The Delhi Fire Department said they received a call from the e-charging station on Sunday morning reporting a fire at the site. Fire tenders were immediately dispatched to douse the blaze.

Two charred bodies were recovered from the spot, and four persons who sustained injuries were rushed to the GTB hospital.

The charging station, under a tin shed area of approx 400 square yards, was completely damaged.

Further details awaited. (ANI)

Following heavy rain accompanied by strong winds in the national capital in the early hours of Sunday, 49 flights, including 17 international flights, were diverted between 11:30 pm and 4 am.

“Due to adverse weather conditions in Delhi, 49 flights were diverted between 11:30 pm and 4 am. Normal services restored,” Delhi Airport sources said.

49 flights included 17 international flights, Airport sources added.

The Delhi Airport issued a passenger advisory at 06:50 am on Sunday.

In a post on X, Delhi Airport stated, “Due to adverse weather conditions last night, some flights have been impacted. Passengers are advised to check their flight status regularly and stay in touch with airline staff for updates. Our on-ground teams are diligently working with all stakeholders to ensure a seamless and efficient passenger experience.”

Meanwhile, the temperature dropped by 8 to 10 degrees Celsius from 31 to 22 degrees Celsius, as seen from Lodhi Road data.

The temperature fell between 1:15 am to 02:30 am today morning due to the thunderstorm.

In the Safdarjung Airport the temperature dropped from 31.0°C to 21.0°C. In the Palam Airport from 29.0°C to 22.0°C. In Pusa it fell from 31.8°C to 20.5°C. In Pragati Maidan temperature fell from 31.4°C to 21.3°C. In Lodhi Road temperature dropped from 31.0°C to 22.3°C.

In the past 24 hours, rainfall over Delhi observed at 08:30 hrs IST today at Lodhi Road was 69.6 mm, at Aya Nagar it was 37.0 mm, at Safdarjung it was 81.4 mm, Palam reported 68.5 mm, and Ridge reported 69.1 mm.

Areas affected include Moti Bagh, Minto Road, and near Delhi Airport Terminal 1. Visuals from Delhi’s Minto Road showed a car submerged due to severe waterlogging caused by the heavy rainfall.

Clearance work was carried out at the Akbar Road after several trees fell due to storms and heavy rainfall last night in the NCR.

Severe waterlogging was witnessed in several parts of Delhi after the heavy rains. Traffic congestion and slow vehicular movement were witnessed at Dhaula Kuan.

Severe waterlogging was witnessed in Nanakpura Underpass following heavy rainfall.

The heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms also lashed several parts of Haryana’s Jhajjar.

Earlier on Saturday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Delhi and nearby areas, warning of strong thunderstorms, rain, and high-speed winds over the next two to three hours.

The alert is part of a Nowcast warning based on the current weather conditions. According to the IMD, a thunderstorm cell is approaching Delhi and adjoining areas from the west/northwest. Under its influence, severe thunderstorm or dust-raising wind activity accompanied by frequent lightning and gusty winds (speed reaching 40-60 km/h or more) will likely affect parts of the city in the next one to two hours.

The weather department urged residents to take necessary precautions. The IMD has cautioned people to avoid open spaces and not to take shelter under trees. They have also asked citizens to avoid weak walls or unstable structures and stay away from water bodies.

Possible impacts from the thunderstorm include tree uprooting and branch breaking. Crops like bananas and papaya could suffer moderate damage, and dry tree limbs might fall due to strong winds. Dust storms may also occur in some parts of the city.

Authorities have urged people to remain alert and take all necessary precautions to stay safe. (ANI)

NITI Aayog Chief Executive Officer (CEO) BVR Subrahmanyam said that India has overtaken Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, citing data by the International Monetary Fund.

Addressing a press conference of the 10th NITI Aayog Governing Council Meeting on ‘Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat 2047’, Subrahmanyam stated that India’s economy has reached the USD 4 trillion mark.

“We are the fourth largest economy as I speak. We are a USD 4 trillion economy as I speak, and this is not my data. This is IMF data. India today is larger than Japan. It’s only the United States, China, and Germany which are larger, and if we stick to, you know, what is being planned, what is being thought through, it’s a matter of another 2, 2.5 to 3 years; we would become the third largest economy,” said BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog.

“It’s only the United States, China, and Germany which are larger, and if we stick to what is being planned, what is being thought through, it’s a matter of another 2, 2.5 to 3 years; we would become the third largest economy,” Subrahmanyam added.

According to the IMF’s April edition of the World Economic Outlook report, the nominal GDP for fiscal 2026 is expected to reach around USD 4,187.017 billion. This is marginally more than the likely GDP of Japan, which is estimated at USD 4,186.431 billion.

India was the fifth largest economy in the world till 2024.

The global financial body projects that India will remain the fastest-growing major economy over the next two years. India’s economy is expected to grow by 6.2 per cent in 2025 and 6.3 per cent in 2026, maintaining a solid lead over global and regional peers, the April 2025 edition of the IMF’s World Economic Outlook added.

India is projected to remain the fastest-growing large economy for 2025 and 2026, reaffirming its dominance in the global economic landscape.

In contrast, the IMF projects global economic growth to be much lower, at 2.8 per cent in 2025 and 3.0 per cent in 2026, highlighting India’s exceptional outperformance.

NITI Aayog CEO further stated that India is at a turning point and at a take-off stage where it can grow very, very rapidly.

Sharing more information on the matters discussed during the Governing Council Meeting, NITI Aayog’s CEO said that the Centre and States discussed the strategies for manufacturing services, rural, non-farm, urban, informal, and the green economy sectors.

“We had sub-themes for manufacturing services, rural, non-farm, urban, informal, and the green economy, as well as the circular economy. These were the broad themes that were there,” Subrahmanyam said, explaining the other details of the meeting that took place in New Delhi on Saturday. (ANI)

Good news for all the Kapil Sharma fans. The comedian is all set to tickle your funny bones with the season 3 of ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show’.

Kapil will be joined by his hilarious partners Sunil Grover, Kiku Sharda, Krushna Abhishek, and Archana Puran Singh, ready to once again grace the kursi (seat) with her infectious laughter.

Taking to its Instagram handle, Netflix dropped the promo, which starts with Kapil calling Archana and asking, “Where are you babes?” However, Archara responded, “Yaar mai bank aayi hun.”

Kapil quipped, “Are loan won lene ki jarurat nahi hai, apna season 3 aa raha hai (There’s a no need to take a loan. We are coming back for 3rd season).”

Kapil called Kiku and asked him, “Yaar show me ek chota sa kaam kar sakte ho aap (Can you do something nonsensical in the show).”

Kiku responded, “nahi bhai comedy me aajka ulta sidha kuch kar do to phir bhagana padta hai… aur aapko to pata hai, mai bhaag nahi sakta (No, No nowadays, when you try and do something new in comedy then you have to run and you know I can’t run).”

Later, in the promo, Kapil talked to Krushna, who said, “Bhai dance karein (Can we dance?).” Kapil responded, Bhai dance to Kiku bhi kar leta hai (Kiku can also dance).”

Sunil tells Kapil, “When have we ever done any intellectual…all of it is nonsensical.”

Kapil replied, “Mera matlab kuch aisa jo audience ne abhi tak dekha na ho (I mean something the audience hasn’t seen before).”

Archarana responded, “Mai apne muh me paani bhar ke 10 meter tak fek sakti hun Kapil (I can fill water in my mouth and spit up to 10 meters away, Kapil).”

“Hassi hogi out of control ‘cuz Kapil and gang are back once more..Ab har Funnyvaar, badhega humara parivaar with the new season of The Great Indian Kapil Show, streaming from 21 June, only on Netflix!,” reads the caption along with the promo.

Talking about the new season, Kapil Sharma shared, “Coming back for another season on Netflix truly feels like coming home to family — and this time, the family’s only getting bigger. Every season, we’ve brought together an exciting mix of guests from all walks of life to keep the laughs rolling and the energy fresh. We have aimed at showcasing diverse conversations about careers, life choices, family, love, and used comedy as the medium to reach everyone.”

He shared what is new in season 3, “This time, in season 3 apart from our interactions and amazing guests, Netflix and The Great Indian Kapil Show are doing something extra special. As a thank you for the incredible love we’ve received, we’re turning the spotlight on our superfans. Their stories, their quirks, their talent — they never fail to amaze us. Toh is baar socha kyu na apne fans ko show ka ek bohot hi mazzeddar hissa bana de. Hume to ab 192 countries ne dekh liya… ab aapko milwate hain humare superfans se (So this time, we thought — why not make our fans a truly fun part of the show? After all, we’ve now been watched in 192 countries… now it’s time to introduce you to our superfans!)!”

Tanya Bami – Series Head, Netflix India added, “The Great Indian Kapil Show is returning to capture our weekends, our screens and our hearts. The whole cast, crew and our team at Netflix are extremely excited because of a very special addition to India’s favourite parivaar this season. For the first time ever, we are inviting fans of Netflix and Kapil into the show to share the spotlight and add to the fun, humour and entertainment.”

The Great Indian Kapil Show starts on June 21 on Netflix. (ANI)

Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, will not resign, nor is he leaving the country amid political unrest.

Quashing all such rumours, an unscheduled meeting of the Advisory Council was held today, after the National Economic Council meeting. The meeting discussed the three primary responsibilities–elections, reforms, and justice–assigned to the interim government.

“The interim government will listen to the statements of political parties in this regard and clarify the government’s position,” the Advisory Council said in a statement after the meeting.

The meeting was held at the Planning Commission in the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area of the capital under the chairmanship of Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus.

The meeting discussed in detail how the normal working environment is being disrupted and doubts and suspicions are being created in the public mind by making various unreasonable demands, motivated and extra-judicial statements and programs in the discharge of these responsibilities, the statement said.

“The Advisory Council believes that greater unity is needed to keep the country stable, advance the election, justice and reform work and permanently prevent the arrival of dictatorship in this country,” it added.

The statement said that the interim government will listen to the statements of political parties in this regard and clarify the government’s position.

“Despite hundreds of obstacles, the interim government is fulfilling its responsibilities, ignoring group interests. If the government is made unable to fulfill its responsibilities due to the influence of defeated forces and as part of a foreign conspiracy, the government will raise all the reasons in public and take the next decision”, the statement said.

Amid ongoing political unrest and the interim government’s failure to announce a clear roadmap for the next parliamentary elections, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman has expressed desire that national elections should be held by December this year, local media reported on Thursday.

“Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman believes that national elections should be held by December. Regarding the elections, he said that his position on the matter is the same as before. An elected government has the right to determine the future course of the country”, the daily Prothom Alo reported.

The Army Chief mentioned some other issues in his officers’ address at the army premises of Dhaka Cantonment on Wednesday. Officers of various levels of the army stationed in Dhaka participated in it, and many other officers joined virtually, the report said.

Several political parties, including Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), have been demanding parliamentary elections by December. However, the National Citizens Party (NCP), a new party led by students who led to the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, wants fundamental reforms before the elections.

The interim government, led Muhammad Yunus, is allegedly supporting the NCP. The BNP activists have taken up a protest in front of Jamuna, the residence of the Chief Adviser, in Dhaka, demanding the removal of two student advisers from the interim government’s cabinet.

General Waqar-uz-Zaman also spoke about the discussions on the humanitarian corridor in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Responding to a question on the issue, he said, ‘The decision on the humanitarian corridor in Rakhine State must come from an elected government and it must be taken following a legitimate process. National interest must be considered here”, the report said.

General Waqar-uz-Zaman also gave a strong message against “mob violence” or organised chaos or attacks by unruly crowds. He said that the army is now taking a stricter stance on the law and order situation. Chaos or violence in the name of organised crowds will no longer be tolerated, the report said.

Sheikh Hasina was ousted as Prime Minister in a student-led uprising in August last year. Hasina fled to India and an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus was formed. (ANI)