Dhurandhar 2 has stayed firm at the box office even in its sixth week, continuing a rare long theatrical run despite fresh competition and shrinking screens. As per trade tracker Sacnilk, Dhurandhar 2 Box Office Day 42 pushed the film’s India net collection to Rs 1,133.47 crore, with India gross at Rs 1,356.64 crore and overseas earnings at Rs 424.75 crore. Its worldwide total now stands at Rs 1,780 crore-plus.

The film, led by Ranveer Singh and directed by Aditya Dhar, has held steady through its sixth week even as Akshay Kumar’s Bhooth Bangla added pressure at the ticket window. Trade analysts say the film’s sustained run reflects strong recall value and repeat viewership in core Hindi markets.

Baahubali Record Close

With its latest global total, Dhurandhar 2 has moved within touching distance of Baahubali 2: The Conclusion’s long-standing worldwide benchmark of around Rs 1,788 crore. That places the film on the verge of overtaking one of Indian cinema’s most durable box office records.

The gap is now narrow enough for the film to likely cross the Baahubali 2 mark in the coming days, provided weekday collections remain stable and screens are retained through the weekend.

Dangal Still Safe

While Baahubali 2 now looks within reach, Dangal remains a much tougher target. The Aamir Khan-starrer’s worldwide total was powered by an exceptional overseas run, particularly in China, where the sports drama turned into a breakout phenomenon and lifted its global earnings far beyond its domestic base.

That remains the biggest gap for Dhurandhar 2. Though the film has delivered massive business in India, its overseas haul has not expanded at the same pace needed to challenge Dangal’s global dominance. Trade watchers say that is the single biggest reason the film has not yet emerged as the outright highest-grossing Indian title worldwide.

Overseas Gap Widens

The numbers underline the challenge. Dhurandhar 2 has built its run largely on domestic strength, with India gross accounting for the bulk of its total. By contrast, Dangal’s international performance transformed its final global standing.

Industry trackers note that without a major breakout market similar to China, crossing Dangal becomes significantly harder for any Indian film, regardless of domestic dominance. That remains the missing piece in Dhurandhar 2’s record chase.

Competition Slows Pace

The film’s momentum has also slowed in recent weeks. After a massive opening stretch, collections began easing in week two and then tapered further as IPL season, new releases and reduced show counts affected footfalls. On Day 42, the film was running in just over 2,000 shows, a sharp drop from its early peak.

That decline was expected, but it has made the race to Dangal more difficult. The film still has enough momentum to add to its total, but not at the pace needed for a dramatic leap.

Japan Release Push

The next major trigger for Dhurandhar 2 could come from overseas expansion. Sources indicated the makers are preparing a Japan release, a market that has shown steady interest in Indian films over the years. A strong Japan run may not fully replicate Dangal’s China effect, but it could add useful late-stage numbers and extend the film’s global shelf life.

In Bollywood, celebrity relationships often draw intense public scrutiny, and personal milestones rarely stay private for long. Over the years, several Bollywood actresses made headlines after timelines around their marriages and pregnancies sparked public attention. From Alia Bhatt to Neha Dhupia, a number of high-profile names have been linked to reports of being pregnant before marriage, based on public announcements and delivery dates.

Alia Bhatt's Timeline

Alia Bhatt married Ranbir Kapoor in April 2022 in a private ceremony in Mumbai. In June that year, she announced her pregnancy, and in November 2022, the couple welcomed their daughter Raha. The timeline prompted widespread speculation that the actor was already expecting before marriage, though neither Alia nor Ranbir publicly addressed that claim directly.

Neha Dhupia Confirmed

Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi tied the knot in May 2018 in a low-key wedding. Just months later, the couple welcomed their daughter Mehr. Neha later acknowledged in interviews that she was pregnant before marriage, making her one of the few actors to openly confirm it.

Natasha's Joint Announcement

Model-actor Natasa Stankovic and cricketer Hardik Pandya announced both their engagement and pregnancy in 2020 during the lockdown. Their son was born later that year. The couple’s simultaneous announcement made national headlines and remained one of the most discussed celebrity updates at the time.

Dia Mirza Clarified

Dia Mirza married businessman Vaibhav Rekhi in February 2021. Weeks later, she shared photographs revealing her pregnancy. The development triggered speculation that the marriage had been advanced because of the pregnancy. Dia later clarified that the wedding had already been planned and was not driven by that factor.

Konkona's Private Phase

Konkona Sen Sharma and actor Ranvir Shorey married in 2010 after a long relationship. Within months, the couple welcomed their son Haroon. Public discussion around the timeline led to similar speculation, though both largely kept their personal life away from media glare.

Ileana and Kalki

Actor Ileana D'Cruz welcomed her son in 2023 after reports linked her marriage to Michael Dolan earlier the same year. While the actor kept much of her private life guarded, the timeline led to media attention.

Kalki Koechlin took a different route. She welcomed her daughter in 2020 with partner Guy Hershberg while the couple was in a live-in relationship. They married later, making her case distinct from others on the list.

Changing Social Norms

These celebrity stories have repeatedly drawn public interest, largely because they reflect changing attitudes around marriage, motherhood and personal choice in India’s entertainment industry. What was once treated as taboo now often unfolds in full public view, with actors addressing such conversations more openly than before.

Sufiyan Nadiadwala, the younger son of filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala, has become the latest star kid to grab attention online after a recent public appearance in Mumbai triggered comparisons with Salman Khan’s 1990s look. The young Nadiadwala, who has not yet made his acting debut, has found himself at the centre of a growing social media conversation after videos from a film screening went viral.

His appearance has quickly turned into one of the latest talking points in Trending News India, with users across platforms calling him a striking resemblance to the Bollywood star’s younger self.

Who Is Sufiyan

Sufiyan Nadiadwala is the son of producer Sajid Nadiadwala, one of Hindi cinema’s most established filmmakers known for backing several mainstream commercial hits. While his elder brother Subhan Nadiadwala is reportedly preparing for his Bollywood debut, Sufiyan is still pursuing his studies and has largely stayed away from the public eye until now. That changed this week when Sufiyan was photographed during a film screening in Mumbai, marking one of his first widely noticed public appearances.

Salman Khan Comparison

The comparisons began almost immediately after clips of Sufiyan surfaced online. Dressed in a fitted blue T-shirt with a pendant and earrings, Sufiyan’s styling and facial features led many social media users to draw parallels with Salman Khan’s on-screen image from the 1990s.

Several users described him as a “carbon copy” of Salman Khan, while others said he appeared to be a blend of multiple Bollywood actors. The Salman Khan comparison became the dominant theme in the comment section, with many users focusing on his hairstyle, physique and overall screen presence. The reaction reflects how quickly star kids are assessed in the digital age, often before any confirmed film project or formal debut.

Social Media Reaction

The viral clip generated a wave of reactions across entertainment pages and fan accounts. Social media users flooded the comment sections with observations linking Sufiyan’s look to Salman Khan’s younger years.

Some comments remained light-hearted, while others turned speculative, underscoring how quickly celebrity culture can drive online narratives. Though much of the reaction remained playful, the volume of attention around Sufiyan’s appearance highlighted the intense scrutiny attached to celebrity families. As per reports, the video continued to gain traction through reposts and fan edits, pushing Sufiyan further into the entertainment spotlight without any official project announcement.

Family Film Legacy

Sufiyan comes from one of Bollywood’s most influential film families. His father, Sajid Nadiadwala, has produced several successful Hindi films and remains a major figure in commercial cinema. The producer also shares a long-standing professional and personal association with Salman Khan.

The two have worked together on multiple projects over the years and are known to share a close equation within the industry. That association has only added fuel to the online comparisons, with some users linking the resemblance narrative to the long-standing bond between the two families.

Industry Interest Grows

In Bollywood, star kids often attract attention well before their screen debut, and Sufiyan now appears to be the latest entrant in that cycle. From Aryan Khan to Navya Naveli Nanda, several celebrity children have remained in the spotlight even without acting careers.

Sufiyan’s sudden popularity reflects the current media environment, where one appearance can generate widespread public interest. For entertainment watchers and industry observers, the attention around him signals early audience curiosity, even though no acting plans have been formally announced.

Actor Sanjay Dutt appeared before the National Commission for Women (NCW) on Monday in connection with the Sarke Chunar controversy, which erupted after objections were raised over the alleged vulgar and objectionable portrayal of women in the song “Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke”.

The hearing was held before the Commission under the chairpersonship of NCW chief Vijaya Rahatkar. According to officials, Sanjay Dutt submitted a written apology and expressed regret for any unintended offence caused to society through the song’s depiction.

The Sarke Chunar controversy has remained in focus despite the Hindi version of the Kannada pan-India film track being removed from YouTube following public backlash.

Written Apology Submitted

During the proceedings, Sanjay Dutt acknowledged concerns raised by the Commission over the portrayal of women in the song and accepted the need for greater responsibility in creative content.

As per officials, the actor conveyed in writing that he regretted any unintended hurt caused by the song and recognised the importance of ensuring dignified and responsible representation of women in films and music content.

The Commission examined whether sufficient due diligence had been exercised before participating in content that could be viewed as promoting obscenity and objectification of women.

Education Support Pledge

As part of corrective measures, Sanjay Dutt informed the Commission that he would sponsor the education of 50 tribal girls.

Officials said the commitment was presented as a step towards social welfare and women’s empowerment, and was placed on record during the hearing. The move was seen as an effort to respond to concerns raised in the Sarke Chunar controversy with a tangible social commitment.

The Commission also reviewed the accountability of senior public figures and their role in influencing public discourse through mass media content.

Legal Vetting Promised

Sanjay Dutt also assured the Commission that future artist contracts linked to his projects would include mandatory legal scrutiny clauses.

According to officials, the proposed safeguards would seek to ensure that women and children are portrayed in a dignified and legally compliant manner in films and related creative works.

The assurance came amid growing scrutiny over content accountability in mainstream entertainment, a recurring issue in recent Government Updates and public interest debates around media standards.

Nora Seeks New Date

Actor Nora Fatehi, who was also summoned by the Commission in the matter, did not appear before the NCW on Monday. Officials said Nora Fatehi informed the Commission that she was out of the country and requested a fresh date for appearance. The Commission is expected to issue a revised hearing schedule.

Her absence means proceedings in the Sarke Chunar controversy will continue, with further scrutiny likely on the role of performers and producers associated with the song.

Earlier Appearances Recorded

The Commission had earlier conducted hearings in the matter on April 6, when other individuals and entities linked to the song appeared before the panel.

Those who appeared included director Kiran Kumar alias Prem, lyricist Raqeeb Alam and representatives of KVN Production, including Gautam K.M. and Supreeth. They had also submitted apologies before the Commission, as per reports.

The NCW had then reiterated that artistic freedom must operate within the bounds of responsibility, sensitivity and respect for women’s dignity.

What Happens Next

The NCW is expected to continue proceedings in the case after Nora Fatehi’s appearance and may review further compliance on assurances made during the hearing.

The Sarke Chunar controversy has again brought the spotlight on content regulation, accountability in popular entertainment and the responsibilities of influential public figures in shaping cultural standards.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a final appeal to voters in West Bengal on the last day of election campaigning, releasing a letter addressed to the people of the state and urging them to back the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for political change.

The letter, shared on X on Monday, came hours before campaign restrictions came into force at 5 pm. In it, Modi said West Bengal was ready for change and called on voters to replace fear with trust, declaring, “Bhay bahut hua, ab bharosa chahiye, ab BJP chahiye.”

Letter to Bengal

In his message, Modi said he was writing to every family in West Bengal to express his thoughts at the close of the campaign. He described the state’s election atmosphere as energetic and said he had witnessed a strong public desire for change during his rallies, roadshows and public meetings.

He said Bengal’s voters, especially youth, women, farmers, labourers and small traders, were united in their aspiration for a “Viksit Bengal” and wanted faster development, better security and wider economic opportunity.

Campaign Ends Today

The Prime Minister said his final rally in the state had concluded and that the formal campaign window was ending by evening. His letter marked the BJP’s last direct voter outreach before the silence period began.

According to party leaders, the outreach was designed to reinforce the BJP’s closing campaign message and consolidate support across urban and rural constituencies. The letter was positioned as both a political pitch and a personal message to voters.

Focus on Change

Modi used the letter to sharpen the BJP’s core election narrative in West Bengal, framing the contest as a choice between fear and trust. He said every family in the state was moving forward with one resolve to bring change.

He said Bengal’s youth wanted open opportunities, women wanted safety and dignity, and citizens wanted a governance model that delivered development without fear. The BJP has repeatedly centred its Bengal campaign on law and order, women’s safety and governance reforms.

Personal Political Tone

The Prime Minister also adopted a personal tone in the letter, saying he felt a distinct energy during the Bengal campaign and that despite the heat and intense schedule, he did not feel fatigue during the election trail.

He described his rallies and roadshows in the state as spiritually significant and said the affection shown by people across age groups remained his “real wealth”. Modi also referred to the public messages, letters and sketches he received during the campaign, saying he reviewed them personally after events.

BJP’s Bengal Pitch

The BJP has sought to frame the West Bengal election as a high-stakes contest over governance, development and political stability. Modi’s letter echoed that line, promising safety, development and political accountability if the BJP comes to power in the state.

He said serving Bengal and securing its future was both his promise and responsibility. He also expressed confidence that the BJP would form the next government in the state and said people would together celebrate the swearing-in of a BJP chief minister.

What Happens Next

With campaigning now closed, attention shifts to polling and voter turnout across West Bengal. The Prime Minister’s final letter is likely to remain central to the BJP’s last-mile messaging as party workers move into booth-level mobilisation.

India and New Zealand on Monday signed a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA), marking a major step in efforts to deepen economic ties and expand two-way trade and investment. The India-New Zealand FTA was signed in the presence of Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay, according to officials.

The agreement gives Indian exporters tariff-free access to the New Zealand market across all tariff lines, covering 100 per cent of India’s exports to the country. Officials said the deal is expected to strengthen trade in labour-intensive sectors and improve India’s export competitiveness in a key overseas market.

Duty-Free Market Access

Under the pact, Indian goods will now enter New Zealand without import duties across all product categories. This is expected to benefit sectors such as textiles, garments, leather, footwear, gems and jewellery, engineering goods and processed food.

Officials said the removal of tariffs would help Indian products compete more effectively with goods from other countries in the New Zealand market. Earlier, New Zealand imposed tariffs of up to 10 per cent on several Indian products, including ceramics, carpets, motor vehicles and auto components.

The agreement is expected to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which form a large part of India’s export base, and generate employment in labour-driven sectors.

India Protects Sensitive Sectors

India has offered tariff concessions on 70.03 per cent of tariff lines, which account for 95 per cent of bilateral trade by value. At the same time, 29.97 per cent of tariff lines have been kept outside the agreement to protect sensitive domestic sectors.

These excluded categories include dairy products such as milk, cream and cheese, several animal products, major farm items including onion, gram, peas, maize and almonds, sugar, artificial honey, oils and fats, arms and ammunition, selected gems and jewellery, and products linked to copper and aluminium.

According to officials, this calibrated approach seeks to balance trade liberalisation with domestic industry protection, particularly in politically and economically sensitive segments.

Tariff Relief For Imports

India will eliminate tariffs on nearly 30 per cent of New Zealand’s tariff lines, including products such as wood, wool, sheep meat and raw hides. Duties on another 35.60 per cent of tariff lines will be phased out over three, five, seven and 10 years.

These include petroleum oils, malt extract, vegetable oils and selected machinery. New Zealand products set to receive tariff concessions also include wine, pharmaceuticals, polymers, aluminium, and iron and steel goods.

Some products, including manuka honey, apples, kiwi fruit and albumin, will be covered under tariff rate quotas, allowing limited imports at lower duty rates.

Investment Clause Added

A key feature of the India-New Zealand FTA is a commitment to facilitate up to $20 billion in investment into India. Officials said the agreement also includes a rebalancing clause to maintain equilibrium if investment targets are not met.

The provision is seen as a safeguard aimed at ensuring that trade concessions remain aligned with investment outcomes. It also reflects India’s growing preference for linking market access with measurable capital commitments.

Trade Ties Expand

The agreement comes as both countries seek to expand a relatively modest trade relationship. In 2024, total bilateral trade in goods and services between India and New Zealand stood at $2.4 billion.

Trade officials have for years flagged untapped potential in sectors such as food processing, advanced manufacturing, clean energy and services. The latest move is expected to widen market access and create new channels for commercial engagement.

As per reports, both sides also see the agreement as part of a broader strategy to diversify trade partnerships amid shifting global supply chains and rising protectionism.

What Comes Next

The India-New Zealand FTA now moves to the implementation stage, where tariff schedules, customs procedures and compliance mechanisms will determine the pace of gains. Businesses in both countries are expected to closely track the rollout of sector-specific concessions.

For India, the agreement strengthens export access while shielding politically sensitive sectors. For New Zealand, it opens a large and growing market with phased entry across key product categories.

The Share Market ended with strong gains on Monday as benchmark indices rallied on broad-based buying led by IT and pharmaceutical stocks. The BSE Sensex climbed 639 points, or 0.83 per cent, to settle at 77,303, while the NSE Nifty advanced 194 points, or 0.81 per cent, to close at 24,092.

The rally came amid sustained buying across major sectors, helping domestic equities recover firmly by the closing bell. Market breadth remained positive, with 22 of the 30 Sensex stocks ending in the green.

IT, Pharma Lead

Buying in information technology and pharmaceutical counters drove the market higher through the session. Nifty Pharma emerged as the top sectoral gainer, rising 2.59 per cent, while Nifty IT gained 2.26 per cent.

Other sectoral indices also ended higher, reflecting broad participation in the rally. Nifty Media rose 2.38 per cent, Realty added 2.44 per cent, Healthcare climbed 2.41 per cent, and Consumer Durables gained 2.57 per cent. Metal, Auto and Oil & Gas indices also posted healthy gains. The sharp rise in defensive and export-oriented sectors indicated renewed investor confidence in select large-cap counters.

Broad-Based Buying Seen

The rally was not limited to one segment, as buying interest remained visible across sectors. FMCG, PSU Banks, Private Banks and Mid-Small Healthcare indices all closed in positive territory, though gains in banking remained measured.

Market participants tracked strong buying in heavyweight counters, which provided support to benchmark indices throughout the trading session. The gains also reflected improving sentiment in the broader Share Market amid steady institutional participation.

Sensex Stocks Advance

Among Sensex constituents, Sun Pharma emerged as the top gainer, surging 7.03 per cent. The stock led the pharma rally and significantly boosted index gains.

Other major gainers included Reliance Industries, Adani Ports, NTPC, Tech Mahindra, Mahindra & Mahindra, HCLTech, TCS, Tata Steel and Infosys. Gains were also seen in Kotak Mahindra Bank, Power Grid, Maruti Suzuki, SBI, Titan, Larsen & Toubro, ITC, HDFC Bank, Bharti Airtel, Bajaj Finance, Asian Paints and UltraTech Cement. The sharp rise in technology names such as Infosys, TCS and HCLTech provided strong momentum to the broader market.

Select Stocks Slip

Despite the overall positive close, a few frontline stocks ended lower. Axis Bank, Bharat Electronics, Trent, ICICI Bank, Eternal, Hindustan Unilever and Bajaj Finserv closed in the red.

Losses in select financial and consumer names capped the upside to some extent, though they did little to alter the market’s positive direction.

Market Sentiment Improves

The day’s rally pointed to improving investor sentiment, supported by strong sectoral participation and buying in index heavyweights. Analysts said gains in IT and pharma suggested investors were rotating into sectors seen as stable amid global uncertainty.

According to market watchers, defensive buying and selective accumulation in quality large-caps helped sustain momentum through the session. The move also reflected optimism around earnings resilience in sectors such as healthcare and technology.

This India News Update comes at a time when investors remain focused on earnings, global cues and institutional flows, all of which continue to guide short-term market direction.

Outlook For Investors

The near-term trend for the Share Market is expected to remain stock-specific, with earnings, global developments and foreign fund activity likely to shape sentiment in the coming sessions.

Analysts expect volatility to persist, but sustained buying in leadership sectors could continue to support the market at higher levels. Investors are likely to track earnings from heavyweight companies and sector-specific developments closely for fresh cues.

The 8th Pay Commission has received a wide-ranging set of demands from the Federation of National Postal Organisations (FNPO), with the postal employees’ body seeking a steep revision in salaries, promotions and service benefits for India Post staff. In its memorandum submitted on April 20, FNPO urged the commission to raise the basic salary of a postman from the current Rs 25,500 to Rs 1.12 lakh, marking one of the most significant pay revision demands placed before the panel so far.

The development assumes significance ahead of the commission’s scheduled consultations with employee unions in New Delhi from April 28 to 30, according to officials familiar with the process. The 8th Pay Commission is expected to examine representations from multiple central government staff bodies as part of its ongoing review, making this one of the key Government Updates in the current policy cycle.

Fitment Factor Demand

At the centre of FNPO’s proposal is a demand to raise the fitment factor to 3.83 from 2.57 under the 7th Pay Commission. The fitment factor determines the revised basic salary by multiplying the existing base pay.

If accepted, the proposed formula would push the minimum basic pay for Level-1 employees, including multi-tasking staff, to around Rs 69,000 from Rs 18,000. FNPO argued that the current salary structure no longer reflects the cost of living and needs urgent correction under the 8th Pay Commission framework.

Higher Annual Increment

The federation has also sought a doubling of annual increments from 3 per cent to 6 per cent. In its submission, FNPO said the present increment rate has remained unchanged since the 6th Pay Commission and has failed to keep pace with rising household expenses.

The organisation cited higher housing costs, education expenses and medical inflation as key reasons for the proposed increase. It argued that dearness allowance adjustments alone have not been sufficient to offset the erosion in real wages, as per reports submitted to the commission.

Five Promotions Sought

Another major demand relates to career progression. FNPO has asked for at least five promotions for every postal employee during service under the Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) scheme.

The federation said limited promotion avenues in the postal department have led to stagnation and lower lifetime earnings for employees. It maintained that the expanded role of postal staff, especially in financial and digital services, warrants faster and more structured career advancement.

HRA, GDS Inclusion

FNPO has also proposed a substantial increase in house rent allowance (HRA). It has sought HRA at 40 per cent of basic pay in X-category cities, 35 per cent in Y-category cities and 30 per cent in Z-category cities. At present, the rates stand at 27 per cent, 18 per cent and 9 per cent respectively.

The federation has further demanded that rural postal workers, including Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS), be brought under the 8th Pay Commission.

Women, Health Benefits

In its memorandum, FNPO also proposed a set of gender and welfare reforms. These include 12 days of menstrual leave annually, improved child care leave, workplace crèche facilities and women-sensitive postings.

The organisation has also sought universal cashless treatment under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) for all postal employees and pensioners. It recommended expansion of CGHS services to district headquarters with at least 1,000 central government employees and pensioners, according to officials.

What Happens Next

The 8th Pay Commission will hold consultations with unions and staff organisations in New Delhi between April 28 and 30. The commission has indicated that it has received a large number of representations and may conduct additional regional consultations in the coming weeks.

For postal employees, the FNPO memorandum has set the tone for what could become one of the most closely watched salary negotiations under the 8th Pay Commission.

A large group of saints, gau sevaks and members of social organisations gathered in Rewa on Monday under the ‘Go Samman Aahwan Abhiyan’ and submitted a memorandum to the local tehsildar, pressing for a series of demands linked to cattle welfare and cow protection.

The delegation, which moved through the city before reaching the tehsil office around noon, said the memorandum carried signatures of nearly 5,000 people. Organisers urged the district administration to forward the representation to the President, Prime Minister, Governor and Chief Minister for consideration.

Demand For Status

The central demand raised in the memorandum was to grant ‘Rashtramata’ status to the cow. Participants said the demand reflected both religious sentiment and a wider cultural position rooted in Indian tradition.

Alongside the symbolic demand, the delegation also called for immediate intervention to improve the condition of gaushalas, ensure protection for stray cattle and strengthen access to fodder, water and veterinary care for abandoned bovines.

City March Held

Before submitting the memorandum, participants carried out a public march through parts of Rewa city as part of what organisers described as a mass outreach effort. The procession drew support from saints, gau raksha volunteers and local residents associated with multiple social and religious groups.

Organisers said the march and signature campaign were intended to build wider public support and present the issue as a matter of social and civic concern rather than a limited religious appeal.

Welfare Issues Raised

Speakers associated with the campaign said the condition of gaushalas in several areas remained poor and required immediate structural attention. They also highlighted the growing issue of stray cattle and called for a coordinated administrative response.

The memorandum sought better funding and planning for shelter infrastructure, regular fodder supply and improved medical treatment for cattle. Campaign members said these measures were necessary to address both animal welfare concerns and local civic issues linked to abandoned livestock.

Organisers Cite Culture

Devendra Dwivedi, one of the campaign representatives, said the issue extended beyond faith and was linked to Indian cultural values and long-standing social traditions. He said support was being mobilised in different regions to build broader consensus on the demand.

Kusum Singh said improving the condition of gaushalas was now a matter of urgency and required a structured policy response. She also said district authorities must take a more active role in protecting stray cattle and ensuring basic facilities.

Appeal To Administration

Brijendra Pandey said the campaign was also aimed at creating wider public awareness around gau seva and its social relevance. He said the response to the signature campaign showed visible public backing for the demands raised in the memorandum.

The delegation urged the local administration to treat the matter as a priority and ensure the memorandum was sent to higher authorities without delay. According to organisers, the campaign has been designed as a public interest story with wider social participation.

What Happens Next

District officials are expected to process the memorandum and forward it through the administrative channel, as per procedure. No official response had been issued on the demands till the filing of this report.

The development adds to a wider pattern of cow protection campaigns being seen across parts of Madhya Pradesh and other states in recent months.

With severe heatwave conditions sweeping across Delhi and several parts of North India, health experts and home nutrition advocates are advising people to focus on hydration and cooling foods. Among the seasonal remedies gaining attention is the mango gond katira drink, a traditional summer beverage known for its cooling and digestive properties.

As temperatures continue to rise, the mango gond katira drink has become a practical addition to daily diets, especially for those looking to prevent dehydration, fatigue and heat stress during peak summer. The drink combines seasonal mango with gond katira, also known as tragacanth gum, and soaked sabja seeds to create a cooling mix suited for extreme weather.

What The Drink Offers

The mango gond katira drink is a simple homemade beverage made using chilled water, mango pulp, soaked gond katira, sabja seeds, mint and common Indian spices. It is being recommended in many households as a natural way to stay refreshed during prolonged heat exposure.

The drink is especially relevant at a time when many parts of the country are reporting sustained high temperatures and increased risk of heat-related illness. According to health advisories issued during summer months, staying hydrated and consuming cooling foods remain key to preventing heat exhaustion.

Ingredients Required

The drink requires one glass of chilled water, two to three tablespoons of mango puree, one teaspoon of soaked gond katira, one teaspoon of sabja seeds, fresh mint leaves, roasted cumin powder, black salt, regular salt, chaat masala and ice cubes.

These ingredients are commonly available in Indian kitchens during summer and can be prepared without elaborate cooking, making the recipe both affordable and accessible for daily use.

Simple Preparation Method

To prepare the drink, gond katira and sabja seeds must first be soaked separately for seven to eight hours, preferably overnight. By morning, both ingredients swell and soften, making them suitable for consumption.

In the next step, chilled water is mixed with mango puree and ice in a glass. The soaked gond katira and sabja seeds are then added to the mixture. A pinch of salt, black salt, roasted cumin powder and chaat masala is sprinkled over the drink, followed by lightly crushed mint leaves for added freshness. The beverage is then ready to serve and is best consumed fresh during the day.

Cooling Health Benefits

The mango gond katira drink is widely regarded as a useful summer beverage because of its cooling effect on the body. Gond katira has traditionally been used in Indian households to regulate body heat and provide relief during intense summer conditions.

Its high fibre content may also support digestion and help ease constipation, a common issue during hot weather and reduced water intake. Sabja seeds are known to aid hydration as they absorb water and expand, while mango adds natural sugars and flavour, making the drink both energising and palatable.

Nutrition observers say the drink also contains antioxidant-rich ingredients that may help support immunity and skin hydration during summer. Mint and cumin further add digestive benefits, making the beverage suitable as a mid-day cooling option.

Why It Matters Now

The growing popularity of traditional cooling beverages reflects a broader shift toward simple, home-based dietary solutions during extreme weather. With heatwave alerts becoming more frequent, households are increasingly turning to familiar ingredients to manage seasonal health risks.

The mango gond katira drink fits into this trend as a low-cost and practical public interest story tied to seasonal wellness. It also aligns with wider Government Updates and summer health advisories that stress hydration, electrolyte balance and heat protection.

Seasonal Use Ahead

With peak summer still underway, seasonal drinks such as the mango gond katira drink are expected to remain in demand across homes and local markets. As per reports, nutrition-led summer remedies continue to draw attention on English News Portal India platforms due to their direct relevance in extreme weather.

The JEE Advanced 2026 admit card is expected to be released shortly, with IIT Roorkee likely to activate the download link in the second week of May. Candidates who have qualified JEE Main and completed registration for the entrance test will be able to access their hall tickets online through the official website.

As per the latest update, no physical copy of the JEE Advanced 2026 admit card will be sent to candidates. Students must download the document online and carry a printed copy to the examination centre on the day of the test.

Official portal access

Candidates can download the JEE Advanced 2026 admit card by visiting the official website, jeeadv.ac.in, once the link is activated. The admit card will be available only in online mode and can be accessed using the JEE Main application number, date of birth and registered credentials.

Officials have advised students to avoid waiting until the last moment to download the document, as high traffic on the portal may lead to delays. Students should also keep a digital copy saved on their phone or email for backup.

Details to verify

After downloading the JEE Advanced 2026 admit card, candidates must check all details printed on it carefully. These include the candidate’s name, roll number, photograph, signature, category, exam date, reporting time and examination centre address.

The admit card will also carry important instructions related to the examination day. According to officials, any mismatch in personal details or exam centre information should be reported immediately through the official help channels to avoid problems on exam day.

Exam day rules

The JEE Advanced 2026 admit card remains the most important document for entry into the examination centre. No candidate will be allowed to enter the venue without a valid printed admit card and a prescribed photo identity proof.

Students have also been advised to read all instructions mentioned on the admit card before the exam. Reporting time, permitted items and conduct inside the exam hall will be governed strictly by the guidelines issued by the organising institute.

Exam scheduled May 17

JEE Advanced 2026 is scheduled to be conducted on May 17, 2026. The examination will be held for admission to undergraduate engineering programmes in the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), among the country’s most sought-after technical institutions.

The examination follows JEE Main and serves as the gateway for admission to IITs. Only candidates who qualified JEE Main and met the Advanced eligibility criteria were allowed to register for the second-stage entrance test.

Counselling after result

Following the examination and declaration of results, the admission process will move to the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) counselling stage. Through this process, candidates will be considered for seats in IITs, NITs, IIITs and other government-funded technical institutions.

What students should do

Students should keep checking the official website regularly for the latest notice on admit card release and examination updates. Officials have advised candidates to verify login details in advance and ensure they have uninterrupted internet access while downloading the document.

With the examination now weeks away, candidates should focus on final preparation, document readiness and timely access to the JEE Advanced 2026 admit card.

Congress in West Bengal has entered the Assembly election battle with a cautious but calculated strategy, seeking to revive its shrinking political base while avoiding a direct confrontation with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC). The party’s approach reflects a delicate balancing act as it attempts to regain organisational relevance in the state without damaging broader opposition equations.

Limited Seat Focus

Congress is contesting 292 seats in West Bengal, but party leaders have made it clear that the campaign is not spread evenly across the state. Instead, the focus remains on a limited set of constituencies where the party believes it still has organisational presence, identifiable voter support and realistic electoral prospects.

According to party sources, Congress expects that even a modest seat tally, combined with an improved vote share, would help re-establish its political relevance in the state. The party has concentrated resources on select districts rather than pursuing an expansive state-wide campaign.

Core Congress Pockets

The party’s campaign has largely centred around Malda, Murshidabad, Kolkata, Hooghly, Raiganj, North Dinajpur and Birbhum. These regions have historically formed the backbone of Congress support in West Bengal and continue to offer some residual social and political capital.

Congress is particularly attempting to consolidate its traditional voter base among minorities and rural communities in these districts. Party strategists believe these constituencies offer the best chance to rebuild grassroots structures and recover lost political space, as per reports from state leaders.

Rahul’s Measured Messaging

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s campaign stops in West Bengal reflected this selective strategy. He addressed rallies in Srirampur, represented by state Congress president Subhankar Sarkar, and in Murshidabad, the home district of senior leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury.

His messaging remained measured. While Rahul Gandhi mentioned Mamata Banerjee only briefly, his speeches were largely directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The calibrated tone suggested Congress was attempting to protect its own leadership space in Bengal without escalating tensions with the TMC.

Avoiding Direct Clash

Congress has been notably restrained in constituencies where the principal contest is between the TMC and BJP. Party leaders appear reluctant to adopt an aggressive posture in these seats, mindful of the larger opposition landscape beyond West Bengal.

Sources indicated that Congress does not want its state-level campaign to undermine the possibility of future cooperation with the TMC at the national level. This explains the party’s selective aggression assertive where it sees room for revival, cautious where direct attacks could complicate national opposition politics.

Identity Crisis Persists

The strategy, however, carries clear risks. Congress faces a persistent identity challenge in West Bengal, where its political space has been squeezed by both the TMC and BJP over the past decade. By avoiding a sharper line against the ruling party, Congress risks appearing politically ambiguous to voters.

The central question before the electorate remains whether Congress is positioning itself as an independent challenger or as a tacit ally in the state’s larger anti-BJP framework. That lack of clarity could weaken the party’s attempt to rebuild an independent political identity, according to political observers.

What Lies Ahead

For Congress, the immediate objective in West Bengal is less about sweeping gains and more about organisational survival. The party is using this election to test whether its old support base can still be mobilised and whether selective interventions can translate into electoral relevance.

Its performance in these targeted pockets will determine whether Congress can rebuild a durable state unit or remain a marginal player in Bengal politics. For now, Congress in West Bengal is betting on restraint, regional strength and careful messaging to stay politically afloat in a complex electoral contest.