Author: Rahul M

A LANDLOCKED region comprising Purnia, Katihar, Kishanganj, Supaul and Araria districts, the Muslim-dominated Seemanchal ranks the lowest on almost all development indices in Bihar. Around this time of the year, its foremost concern is the weather, with the rains bringing annual floods and distress.This time, there is another concern weighing Seemanchal down – the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, which requires voters to produce documents that few here own, or know how to go about procuring. With the poor and marginalised likely to be the most affected by the EC drive, as the only official documents most…

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal Saturday lashed out at Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accusing him and the Congress of belittling India’s scientific community and pharmaceutical sector. Goyal’s rebuttal came in response to Siddaramaiah’s recent remarks suggesting a possible link between Covid-19 vaccines and the rising incidence of heart attacks in Hassan district.Defending India’s vaccination drive, Goyal, speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, said, “India, with its vast population, successfully provided 250 crore vaccine doses free of cost because of our companies’ ability to manufacture vaccines for less than Rs 100 per dose. But here we have a chief minister…

A group of Dalit faculty members, holding key administrative posts in Bangalore University, wrote to the Vice-Chancellor, threatening to resign alleging caste-based discrimination in appointments to statutory positions and denial of service-related benefits.In a letter to Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Jayakara Shetty on July 2, the 10 professors alleged that despite having served in administrative roles for several years, alongside their teaching responsibilities, they are being “sidelined” in appointments to statutory positions and are being given only “supervisory” roles without adequate authority or recognition. They described this move as a “discriminatory policy” against Dalit faculty members. The professors also pointed out…

A prominent Patna-based businessman with business interests ranging from healthcare to real estate was shot dead late Friday night outside his apartment building in the city’s Gandhi Maidan area, six years after his son was killed in a similar fashion.The incident, which comes ahead of the Assembly polls in Bihar, quickly snowballed into a political flashpoint, with the opposition citing it as yet another example of the crumbling law and order in the state. According to the police, unidentified assailants shot Gopal Khemka (64), the owner of Magadh Hospital, from close range while he was waiting at his society’s gate…

Pilates has become one of the most popular fitness disciplines worldwide, offering a blend of strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. If you’re searching for top-notch Pilates in Adelaide, look no further than Benefitness Adelaide. Known for its wide range of health and fitness services, Benefitness Adelaide stands out as a hub for those keen on improving their well-being through expertly designed Pilates programs. With a mix of classical and contemporary Pilates techniques, as well as specialized classes for different lifestyles and needs, Benefitness Adelaide creates an inclusive and results-driven environment. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes their Pilates offerings unique…

A fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into your veterinary clinic, giving it a cleaner, more welcoming appearance for clients and their furry friends. But beyond aesthetics, repainting your clinic can significantly impact how pets, their owners, and your staff feel in the space. The right colors, proper preparation, and choice of materials all play a pivotal role in creating a safe and soothing environment. If you’re considering giving your veterinary clinic a much-needed makeover, this guide will walk you through everything—from choosing the best colors to hiring professional painters in Brisbane or tackling the project DIY-style. Why…

Sajad Lone’s Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference (JKPC), Hakim Yasin’s People’s Democratic Front (PDF) and a Jamaat-e-Islami faction Justice and Development Front (JDF) that contested the 2024 J&K Assembly polls, have recently formed an alliance to offer a political “alternative” in the Union Territory. The alliance has been named the People’s Alliance for Change (PAC).In an interview with The Indian Express, Sajad Lone speaks on a range of issues including the PAC’s roadmap and the performance of the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference (NC) government in J&K. Excerpts:I believe it (the alliance) is the need of the moment. J&K politics has…

THE bitterness of the Ludhiana West Assembly bypoll still in the air, leaders of the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party and BJP have found common cause in Punjab – in singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh.As producers of Dosanjh’s latest film Sardaar Ji 3 skip releasing it in India due to the controversy generated over his co-star Hania Amir being a Pakistani – with calls also made to revoke his citizenship – Sikh leaders across the three parties have called the treatment of the artist, one of India’s largest global music icons, unfair. BJP leaders were, in fact, the first to come to Dosanjh’s…

Apple+ With any other lead actor, Apple’s “Your Friends & Neighbors” would be a passably entertaining comedy series about a down-on-his-luck divorcé who deals with the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune by ripping off his wealthy neighbors. But the dark comedy series is elevated by Jon Hamm’s return to form as a charming and charismatic — not to mention ethically compromised –- scoundrel who will feel just a little familiar to fans of “Mad Men.” “Your Friends & Neighbors” follows wealthy hedge fund manager Coop (Hamm) as he dives…

SHARING A political stage for the first time in two decades, estranged cousins, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray, on Saturday hinted at their alliance as they launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Mahayuti government over its now-scrapped move to introduce Hindi as a third language in primary schools in Maharashtra.The joint rally at Mumbai’s National Sports Club of India in Worli, touted as their show of unity for Marathi pride and identity, saw the Thackeray cousins targeting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Raj said, “Fadnavis did what even Balasaheb Thackeray (Shiv…