Category: India

Mumbai: SBI Life Spell Bee, one of India’s long-running spelling competitions, concluded its Grand Finale, marking the successful culmination of the 15th edition of the initiative in association with Mirchi. Eleven-year-old, Master Avik Agrawal, from Bombay Scottish School, Powai, Mumbai, emerged as the winner, through a gruelling competition that witnessed participation from over 1.25 lakh students across 300 schools nationwide, earning him the prestigious ‘Spell Master of India’ national title. The Grand Finale, hosted by Indian actor, fashion designer and television presenter Ms. Mandira Bedi, witnessed an engaging face-off among…

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Mumbai: When the results of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections were declared on January 16, 2026, the headlines were dominated by the sweeping victory of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance. Yet, beneath the larger narrative of power consolidation and the end of Thackeray-era dominance, another story quietly but decisively unfolded — the arrival of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) as a consequential force in Mumbai’s civic politics. For a party that until a decade ago had little footprint beyond Hyderabad and a few pockets of Maharashtra, AIMIM’s performance in…

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By Dr Atul Malikram, Political Strategist Lucknow: In Indian democracy, no defeat is ever final. The electorate does not permanently reject a political party; instead, it periodically holds up a mirror. History shows that parties willing to look honestly into that mirror are the ones that return to the pinnacle of power. From the Congress comeback in 1980, to the Trinamool Congress dismantling the Left fortress in West Bengal, and the Aam Aadmi Party’s resurgence in Delhi—each narrative reinforces one truth: electoral defeat is, in itself, an opportunity. An electoral…

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Lucknow: Udyam Vyapar successfully organised a community discussion and LPG iron box distribution programme in Delhi to empower ironing entrepreneurs and promote cleaner, safer, and more efficient livelihoods. The event saw participation from members of the ironing vendor community from Sarojini Nagar, Ballabhgarh, Model Town, Noida, and Faridabad, coming together to celebrate their transition towards improved working practices. During the programme, ironing entrepreneurs shared their experiences, discussed challenges, and learned about the benefits of shifting from traditional coal-based irons to LPG-powered iron boxes. Designed for professional use, LPG iron boxes…

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Shimla: Apple growers in Himachal Pradesh have been grappling with multiple challenges over the past few years, including changing weather patterns, reduced chilling hours, erratic rainfall, and frequent hailstorms. These factors have not only impacted overall yields but have also affected the quality of apple produce. At such a critical juncture, soil health has emerged as a key factor in supporting sustainable and high-quality apple cultivation. With this objective, Adani Agri Fresh Limited (AAFL) has launched a comprehensive soil testing campaign for apple growers across Himachal Pradesh, aimed at promoting…

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Mumbai: The upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election has emerged as a critical political contest, with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis leading the BJP’s push to capture the financial capital, while Uddhav Thackeray aims to protect Shiv Sena (UBT)’s last stronghold. For over 25 years, the BMC was dominated by the undivided Shiv Sena, making it a symbol of the party’s influence in Mumbai. Following the split in the Shiv Sena in 2022 and the emergence of Eknath Shinde’s faction, the BJP now sees a clearer path to securing control…

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Lucknow | Yawar Ali Shah, Co-Founder and CEO of AMA Herbal Group of Companies and former Co-Chairman of the Indian Industries Association, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy (Honoris Causa PhD) along with a gold medal by Maryland State University. The prestigious recognition was conferred for his historic global contributions to the herbal industry, natural dyeing, and sustainable technology. According to the confirmation letter issued by the University’s Doctoral Monitoring Board, the honour acknowledges Shah’s pioneering work in innovation within the herbal and natural dyeing sectors, environmental conservation, rural…

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New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said that the key priorities of the BRICS Summit to be held under India’s chairmanship this year will be resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. Speaking at the launch of the BRICS 2026 logo, theme, and official website, he said these priorities provide a coherent framework for the grouping’s three core pillars—political and security, economic and financial, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. The BRICS 2026 logo reflects India’s identity as well as the collective spirit of the grouping. Inspired by the lotus, India’s…

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