April 8, 2026

Image: IANS NEW DELHI: Highway construction and awards for new works fell to a seven-year low in 2025-26, official data show. While overall construction stood at less than 10,000 km, a first since 2019-20, barely 7,000 km of works were awarded in FY26.The reasons for the fall in performance on these two key parameters in the highway sector include road agencies’ following stricter pre-condition of land availability and clearances before bidding out projects and a sharp decline in conversion of state highways to National Highways (NHs).Officials said that agencies have maintained “self-restraint” to ensure that projects once bid out don’t get stuck or delayed due to non-availability of land and other issues, such as forest and environment clearance and utility shifting.“Projects getting delayed serve no purpose; rather this results in cost escalation. A lot of efforts have been put into bringing down the number of delayed projects. Second, the focus now is on building more economic corridors and expressways rather than incremental expansion of existing highways,” an official said.National Highways Corporation of India (NHAI), which is responsible for construction and maintenance of wider highways, said last week the agency had constructed 5,313 km of NHs, which was about 15% higher than the target of 4,640 km for the year.Industry insiders said that as the number of NH development projects offered by NHAI and other agencies have fallen substantially, contractors are scrambling to get work, quoting rates up to 42% less than bid prices. “The impact of fewer projects being bid out will be visible in the next couple of years,” said a senior executive of a major highway developer.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosManipur Erupts Again After Deadly Blast Kills 2 Children; Curfew Imposed, Internet Shutdown’Avoid Military Areas, Stay Indoors’: India Issues Advisory For Indians In Iran As Tensions RiseManipur Erupts Again: Curfew, Internet Shutdown As Violence Returns Over Killing Of Two ChildrenTejas Back In Air After Setbacks, But Reliability And Delays Raise Fresh Questions’Target Of Akhand Bharat’: Pakistan Senator Sounds Alarm Over Growing India-UAE Ties’At The Behest Of Mamata’: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s Shocking Claim On Pakistan’s Kolkata ThreatIndia Seeks US Waiver On Chabahar Amid Conflict; Iran Envoy Hints At Key Port Revival After WarBJP Calls Kharge’s ‘Snake’ Remark Dangerous, Alleges Communal ProvocationAssam Passport Row Turns Personal: Himanta Sarma Takes ‘Peda’ Jibe At Pawan Khera, Congress Responds’Pakistan Will Be Divided Into…’: Rajnath Singh’s Strong Response To Khawaja Asif’s Kolkata Threat123Photostories8 animals that shed their skin in the most surprising waysYou have heard of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ cholesterol: But what if that’s not the full story and you’re reading it wrong?5 cheapest Indian states to buy gold in 202610 short baby girl names inspired by beautiful flowersFrom Divyanka Tripathi to Karishma Tanna confirming their pregnancies to Surbhi Jyoti flaunting her baby bump; TV actresses who are all set to embrace motherhoodWhy this is the only Indian dish among the 50 Best Bean Dishes in the World5 fun and unusual vacation ideas for the summer holidays in IndiaStep inside Kapil Dev’s Delhi residence that defines understated luxurySimple remedies to attract wealth based on your numberHappy birthday Jackie Chan: ‘Drunken Master’, ‘Police Story’ to ‘Rush Hour’ – The legend’s greatest hits123Hot PicksThierry HenryUpdated IPL Points TablePurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingBuffalo BillsIShowSpeedStephen CurrySheldon KeefeUS stocks todayIran AdvisoryCarlos AlcarazIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date

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Image: IANS NEW DELHI: Highway construction and awards for new works fell to a seven-year low in 2025-26, official data show. While overall construction stood at less than 10,000 km, a first since 2019-20, barely 7,000 km of works were awarded in FY26.The reasons for the fall in performance on these two key parameters in the highway sector include road agencies’ following stricter pre-condition of land availability and clearances before bidding out projects and a sharp decline in conversion of state highways to National Highways (NHs).Officials said that agencies have maintained “self-restraint” to ensure that projects once bid out don’t get stuck or delayed due to non-availability of land and other issues, such as forest and environment clearance and utility shifting.“Projects getting delayed serve no purpose; rather this results in cost escalation. A lot of efforts have been put into bringing down the number of delayed projects. Second, the focus now is on building more economic corridors and expressways rather than incremental expansion of existing highways,” an official said.National Highways Corporation of India (NHAI), which is responsible for construction and maintenance of wider highways, said last week the agency had constructed 5,313 km of NHs, which was about 15% higher than the target of 4,640 km for the year.Industry insiders said that as the number of NH development projects offered by NHAI and other agencies have fallen substantially, contractors are scrambling to get work, quoting rates up to 42% less than bid prices. “The impact of fewer projects being bid out will be visible in the next couple of years,” said a senior executive of a major highway developer.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosManipur Erupts Again After Deadly Blast Kills 2 Children; Curfew Imposed, Internet Shutdown’Avoid Military Areas, Stay Indoors’: India Issues Advisory For Indians In Iran As Tensions RiseManipur Erupts Again: Curfew, Internet Shutdown As Violence Returns Over Killing Of Two ChildrenTejas Back In Air After Setbacks, But Reliability And Delays Raise Fresh Questions’Target Of Akhand Bharat’: Pakistan Senator Sounds Alarm Over Growing India-UAE Ties’At The Behest Of Mamata’: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s Shocking Claim On Pakistan’s Kolkata ThreatIndia Seeks US Waiver On Chabahar Amid Conflict; Iran Envoy Hints At Key Port Revival After WarBJP Calls Kharge’s ‘Snake’ Remark Dangerous, Alleges Communal ProvocationAssam Passport Row Turns Personal: Himanta Sarma Takes ‘Peda’ Jibe At Pawan Khera, Congress Responds’Pakistan Will Be Divided Into…’: Rajnath Singh’s Strong Response To Khawaja Asif’s Kolkata Threat123Photostories8 animals that shed their skin in the most surprising waysYou have heard of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ cholesterol: But what if that’s not the full story and you’re reading it wrong?5 cheapest Indian states to buy gold in 202610 short baby girl names inspired by beautiful flowersFrom Divyanka Tripathi to Karishma Tanna confirming their pregnancies to Surbhi Jyoti flaunting her baby bump; TV actresses who are all set to embrace motherhoodWhy this is the only Indian dish among the 50 Best Bean Dishes in the World5 fun and unusual vacation ideas for the summer holidays in IndiaStep inside Kapil Dev’s Delhi residence that defines understated luxurySimple remedies to attract wealth based on your numberHappy birthday Jackie Chan: ‘Drunken Master’, ‘Police Story’ to ‘Rush Hour’ – The legend’s greatest hits123Hot PicksThierry HenryUpdated IPL Points TablePurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingBuffalo BillsIShowSpeedStephen CurrySheldon KeefeUS stocks todayIran AdvisoryCarlos AlcarazIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date


Construction, award of highway projects at 7-year low in 2025-26

NEW DELHI: Highway construction and awards for new works fell to a seven-year low in 2025-26, official data show. While overall construction stood at less than 10,000 km, a first since 2019-20, barely 7,000 km of works were awarded in FY26.The reasons for the fall in performance on these two key parameters in the highway sector include road agencies’ following stricter pre-condition of land availability and clearances before bidding out projects and a sharp decline in conversion of state highways to National Highways (NHs).Officials said that agencies have maintained “self-restraint” to ensure that projects once bid out don’t get stuck or delayed due to non-availability of land and other issues, such as forest and environment clearance and utility shifting.“Projects getting delayed serve no purpose; rather this results in cost escalation. A lot of efforts have been put into bringing down the number of delayed projects. Second, the focus now is on building more economic corridors and expressways rather than incremental expansion of existing highways,” an official said.National Highways Corporation of India (NHAI), which is responsible for construction and maintenance of wider highways, said last week the agency had constructed 5,313 km of NHs, which was about 15% higher than the target of 4,640 km for the year.Industry insiders said that as the number of NH development projects offered by NHAI and other agencies have fallen substantially, contractors are scrambling to get work, quoting rates up to 42% less than bid prices. “The impact of fewer projects being bid out will be visible in the next couple of years,” said a senior executive of a major highway developer.



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ANI file photo NEW DELHI: India’s room air-conditioner market is heading into the summer season under clear price pressure, even as companies remain bullish on long-term growth. Manufacturers including Blue Star have indicated further price hikes, driven by rising commodity costs, tighter energy-efficiency labelling norms that came into effect in Jan 2026 and current global headwinds. “The increase in commodity prices has been unprecedented,” said B Thiagarajan, managing director of the company.Industry executives estimate that higher input costs have added roughly 8-9% to material expenses, while the shift to more energy-efficient models is pushing prices up by another 5-8%. Together, this has translated into a 13% increase in AC prices, said Thiagarajan. However, a GST reduction has softened the blow, with consumers likely to see an effective rise of about 5% compared to last year. Companies have already passed on part of the increase, with more expected in phases. “A large part of the increase is already behind us. The balance will be taken as the season progresses,” Thiagarajan said, indicating a staggered pricing strategy. Other players, including Godrej Enterprises Group, have also raised prices. “Despite a challenging year for the AC industry, which witnessed a decline in overall sales, Godrej ACs achieved significant growth,” said Kamal Nandi, business head, appliances business at the company. Godrej has increased AC prices by nearly 10%. At Hisense India, CEO Pankaj Rana said the recent price hikes are a function of sustained input cost pressures. “The recent increase in AC prices is primarily driven by a sharp rise in input costs, including raw materials, logistics, and broader supply chain disruptions,” he said.Rana noted that companies have ensured adequate inventory and strong on-ground presence to meet summer demand. “While demand remains robust, any further price revisions will depend on how input costs evolve, as well as the competitive landscape, with potential increases in the range of 7-10%, depending on demand trends and competitive responses,” he said. Manufacturers are walking a tightrope between protecting margins and sustaining demand during peak summer months. Apart from commodity inflation, elevated copper prices, a weaker rupee, and higher freight and component costs continue to weigh on profitability. Demand, meanwhile, has been volatile due to erratic weather and unseasonal rains, which impacted peak-season sales last year. Thiagarajan said 2025 turned out to be a weak summer, with industry volumes likely declining 5-7.5% compared to FY25. The outlook, however, remains strong. The domestic AC market, estimated at 14 million units, is expected to nearly double to about 30 million units by FY30, driven by rising incomes, heat, and deeper penetration in smaller towns.About the AuthorAabhas SharmaAabhaasEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosManipur Erupts Again After Deadly Blast Kills 2 Children; Curfew Imposed, Internet Shutdown’Avoid Military Areas, Stay Indoors’: India Issues Advisory For Indians In Iran As Tensions RiseManipur Erupts Again: Curfew, Internet Shutdown As Violence Returns Over Killing Of Two ChildrenTejas Back In Air After Setbacks, But Reliability And Delays Raise Fresh Questions’Target Of Akhand Bharat’: Pakistan Senator Sounds Alarm Over Growing India-UAE Ties’At The Behest Of Mamata’: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s Shocking Claim On Pakistan’s Kolkata ThreatIndia Seeks US Waiver On Chabahar Amid Conflict; Iran Envoy Hints At Key Port Revival After WarBJP Calls Kharge’s ‘Snake’ Remark Dangerous, Alleges Communal ProvocationAssam Passport Row Turns Personal: Himanta Sarma Takes ‘Peda’ Jibe At Pawan Khera, Congress Responds’Pakistan Will Be Divided Into…’: Rajnath Singh’s Strong Response To Khawaja Asif’s Kolkata Threat123PhotostoriesHow to make protein-rich Egg Poha for breakfast at home8 animals that shed their skin in the most surprising ways5 cheapest Indian states to buy gold in 2026You have heard of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ cholesterol: But what if that’s not the full story and you’re reading it wrong?10 short baby girl names inspired by beautiful flowersFrom Divyanka Tripathi to Karishma Tanna confirming their pregnancies to Surbhi Jyoti flaunting her baby bump; TV actresses who are all set to embrace motherhoodWhy this is the only Indian dish among the 50 Best Bean Dishes in the World5 fun and unusual vacation ideas for the summer holidays in IndiaStep inside Kapil Dev’s Delhi residence that defines understated luxurySimple remedies to attract wealth based on your number123Hot PicksShreyas Iyer SisterUpdated IPL Points TablePurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTaylor Swift and Travis Kelce RelationshipIShowSpeedStephen CurrySheldon KeefeUS stocks todayIran AdvisoryCarlos AlcarazIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date

ANI file photo NEW DELHI: India’s room air-conditioner market is heading into the summer season under clear price pressure, even as companies remain bullish on long-term growth. Manufacturers including Blue Star have indicated further price hikes, driven by rising commodity costs, tighter energy-efficiency labelling norms that came into effect in Jan 2026 and current global headwinds. “The increase in commodity prices has been unprecedented,” said B Thiagarajan, managing director of the company.Industry executives estimate that higher input costs have added roughly 8-9% to material expenses, while the shift to more energy-efficient models is pushing prices up by another 5-8%. Together, this has translated into a 13% increase in AC prices, said Thiagarajan. However, a GST reduction has softened the blow, with consumers likely to see an effective rise of about 5% compared to last year. Companies have already passed on part of the increase, with more expected in phases. “A large part of the increase is already behind us. The balance will be taken as the season progresses,” Thiagarajan said, indicating a staggered pricing strategy. Other players, including Godrej Enterprises Group, have also raised prices. “Despite a challenging year for the AC industry, which witnessed a decline in overall sales, Godrej ACs achieved significant growth,” said Kamal Nandi, business head, appliances business at the company. Godrej has increased AC prices by nearly 10%. At Hisense India, CEO Pankaj Rana said the recent price hikes are a function of sustained input cost pressures. “The recent increase in AC prices is primarily driven by a sharp rise in input costs, including raw materials, logistics, and broader supply chain disruptions,” he said.Rana noted that companies have ensured adequate inventory and strong on-ground presence to meet summer demand. “While demand remains robust, any further price revisions will depend on how input costs evolve, as well as the competitive landscape, with potential increases in the range of 7-10%, depending on demand trends and competitive responses,” he said. Manufacturers are walking a tightrope between protecting margins and sustaining demand during peak summer months. Apart from commodity inflation, elevated copper prices, a weaker rupee, and higher freight and component costs continue to weigh on profitability. Demand, meanwhile, has been volatile due to erratic weather and unseasonal rains, which impacted peak-season sales last year. Thiagarajan said 2025 turned out to be a weak summer, with industry volumes likely declining 5-7.5% compared to FY25. The outlook, however, remains strong. The domestic AC market, estimated at 14 million units, is expected to nearly double to about 30 million units by FY30, driven by rising incomes, heat, and deeper penetration in smaller towns.About the AuthorAabhas SharmaAabhaasEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosManipur Erupts Again After Deadly Blast Kills 2 Children; Curfew Imposed, Internet Shutdown’Avoid Military Areas, Stay Indoors’: India Issues Advisory For Indians In Iran As Tensions RiseManipur Erupts Again: Curfew, Internet Shutdown As Violence Returns Over Killing Of Two ChildrenTejas Back In Air After Setbacks, But Reliability And Delays Raise Fresh Questions’Target Of Akhand Bharat’: Pakistan Senator Sounds Alarm Over Growing India-UAE Ties’At The Behest Of Mamata’: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s Shocking Claim On Pakistan’s Kolkata ThreatIndia Seeks US Waiver On Chabahar Amid Conflict; Iran Envoy Hints At Key Port Revival After WarBJP Calls Kharge’s ‘Snake’ Remark Dangerous, Alleges Communal ProvocationAssam Passport Row Turns Personal: Himanta Sarma Takes ‘Peda’ Jibe At Pawan Khera, Congress Responds’Pakistan Will Be Divided Into…’: Rajnath Singh’s Strong Response To Khawaja Asif’s Kolkata Threat123PhotostoriesHow to make protein-rich Egg Poha for breakfast at home8 animals that shed their skin in the most surprising ways5 cheapest Indian states to buy gold in 2026You have heard of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ cholesterol: But what if that’s not the full story and you’re reading it wrong?10 short baby girl names inspired by beautiful flowersFrom Divyanka Tripathi to Karishma Tanna confirming their pregnancies to Surbhi Jyoti flaunting her baby bump; TV actresses who are all set to embrace motherhoodWhy this is the only Indian dish among the 50 Best Bean Dishes in the World5 fun and unusual vacation ideas for the summer holidays in IndiaStep inside Kapil Dev’s Delhi residence that defines understated luxurySimple remedies to attract wealth based on your number123Hot PicksShreyas Iyer SisterUpdated IPL Points TablePurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTaylor Swift and Travis Kelce RelationshipIShowSpeedStephen CurrySheldon KeefeUS stocks todayIran AdvisoryCarlos AlcarazIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date

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Image: PTI NEW DELHI: In a debate over faith and belief vs fundamental rights emerging from the striking down of the customary ban on the entry of menstruating women into Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala, Justice B V Nagarathna on Tuesday criticised the past social practice of treating women as ‘untouchables’ for three days every month.Part of the CJI Surya Kant-headed nine-judge constitution bench that commenced what promises to be an intense yet interesting elucidation of contesting constitutional and legal principles on equality, religion, religious practices, faith and belief, Justice Nagarathna said, “As a woman, I do not agree.”Slated to be the first woman Chief Justice of India in Sept next year, she questioned the social practice that isolated menstruating women and said, “There cannot be three days of untouchability in a month for women, after which they are treated normal.”The remark came when solicitor general Tushar Mehta was questioning the rationality of the Sept 28, 2018, SC judgment in the ‘Indian Young Lawyer Association vs Kerala’ case in testing the practice of barring entry of women in the 10-50 age group into the Sabarimala temple on the touchstone of Article 17, which abolished untouchability and made its practice a penal offence.He said in India women are worshipped, and “we have a president, PM, governors and constitutional post-holders in women”. Equality for women is the cornerstone of govt policies, and hence, applying the Article 17 test to declare the custom at Sabarimala as unconstitutional appears to stretch the jurisprudence far beyond the ambit, he said.He said women of all ages enter all Ayyappa temples, but the practice of barring entry of menstruating women into Sabarimala was unique as devotees consider the Lord Ayyappa deity at the temple a “naistik brahmachari”.”This unique attribute of the deity can’t be tested by SC,” Mehta said, and complained that the jurisprudence of testing every issue with the gender equality litmus paper has unfortunately crept into constitution benches in the last few decades. “Women are equal in every aspect and must be treated equally,” he said.Justice M M Sundresh said it is the Centre’s argument that since the attribute of the deity is intrinsically linked to the faith and belief of devotees and Lord Ayyappa followers at Sabarimala, the court cannot embark on the validity test of such faith and belief.Mehta said the Sabarimala temple practice is ‘sui generis’ (of its own kind) and similar attributes could be found in other religious institutions also. “Someone may find that his/her right to freedom of expression in keeping their hair uncovered is being violated when they are forced to cover their head while entering a mazhar or gurdwara,” he said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosManipur Erupts Again After Deadly Blast Kills 2 Children; Curfew Imposed, Internet Shutdown’Avoid Military Areas, Stay Indoors’: India Issues Advisory For Indians In Iran As Tensions RiseManipur Erupts Again: Curfew, Internet Shutdown As Violence Returns Over Killing Of Two ChildrenTejas Back In Air After Setbacks, But Reliability And Delays Raise Fresh Questions’Target Of Akhand Bharat’: Pakistan Senator Sounds Alarm Over Growing India-UAE Ties’At The Behest Of Mamata’: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s Shocking Claim On Pakistan’s Kolkata ThreatIndia Seeks US Waiver On Chabahar Amid Conflict; Iran Envoy Hints At Key Port Revival After WarBJP Calls Kharge’s ‘Snake’ Remark Dangerous, Alleges Communal ProvocationAssam Passport Row Turns Personal: Himanta Sarma Takes ‘Peda’ Jibe At Pawan Khera, Congress Responds’Pakistan Will Be Divided Into…’: Rajnath Singh’s Strong Response To Khawaja Asif’s Kolkata Threat123Photostories10 short baby girl names inspired by beautiful flowersFrom Divyanka Tripathi to Karishma Tanna confirming their pregnancies to Surbhi Jyoti flaunting her baby bump; TV actresses who are all set to embrace motherhoodWhy this is the only Indian dish among the 50 Best Bean Dishes in the World5 fun and unusual vacation ideas for the summer holidays in IndiaStep inside Kapil Dev’s Delhi residence that defines understated luxurySimple remedies to attract wealth based on your numberHappy birthday Jackie Chan: ‘Drunken Master’, ‘Police Story’ to ‘Rush Hour’ – The legend’s greatest hitsBrad Pitt, Tom Cruise and more: Hollywood stars who adore Bollywood actors, trends and moviesTamil Nadu’s Buckingham Canal gets Rs 45 crore makeover: Walkways, cycling tracks, Miyawaki forests planned6 Japanese ideas that quietly help calm an overthinking mind123Hot PicksThierry HenryUpdated IPL Points TablePurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingBuffalo BillsIShowSpeedStephen CurrySheldon KeefeUS stocks todayIran AdvisoryCarlos AlcarazIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date

Image: PTI NEW DELHI: In a debate over faith and belief vs fundamental rights emerging from the striking down of the customary ban on the entry of menstruating women into Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala, Justice B V Nagarathna on Tuesday criticised the past social practice of treating women as ‘untouchables’ for three days every month.Part of the CJI Surya Kant-headed nine-judge constitution bench that commenced what promises to be an intense yet interesting elucidation of contesting constitutional and legal principles on equality, religion, religious practices, faith and belief, Justice Nagarathna said, “As a woman, I do not agree.”Slated to be the first woman Chief Justice of India in Sept next year, she questioned the social practice that isolated menstruating women and said, “There cannot be three days of untouchability in a month for women, after which they are treated normal.”The remark came when solicitor general Tushar Mehta was questioning the rationality of the Sept 28, 2018, SC judgment in the ‘Indian Young Lawyer Association vs Kerala’ case in testing the practice of barring entry of women in the 10-50 age group into the Sabarimala temple on the touchstone of Article 17, which abolished untouchability and made its practice a penal offence.He said in India women are worshipped, and “we have a president, PM, governors and constitutional post-holders in women”. Equality for women is the cornerstone of govt policies, and hence, applying the Article 17 test to declare the custom at Sabarimala as unconstitutional appears to stretch the jurisprudence far beyond the ambit, he said.He said women of all ages enter all Ayyappa temples, but the practice of barring entry of menstruating women into Sabarimala was unique as devotees consider the Lord Ayyappa deity at the temple a “naistik brahmachari”.”This unique attribute of the deity can’t be tested by SC,” Mehta said, and complained that the jurisprudence of testing every issue with the gender equality litmus paper has unfortunately crept into constitution benches in the last few decades. “Women are equal in every aspect and must be treated equally,” he said.Justice M M Sundresh said it is the Centre’s argument that since the attribute of the deity is intrinsically linked to the faith and belief of devotees and Lord Ayyappa followers at Sabarimala, the court cannot embark on the validity test of such faith and belief.Mehta said the Sabarimala temple practice is ‘sui generis’ (of its own kind) and similar attributes could be found in other religious institutions also. “Someone may find that his/her right to freedom of expression in keeping their hair uncovered is being violated when they are forced to cover their head while entering a mazhar or gurdwara,” he said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosManipur Erupts Again After Deadly Blast Kills 2 Children; Curfew Imposed, Internet Shutdown’Avoid Military Areas, Stay Indoors’: India Issues Advisory For Indians In Iran As Tensions RiseManipur Erupts Again: Curfew, Internet Shutdown As Violence Returns Over Killing Of Two ChildrenTejas Back In Air After Setbacks, But Reliability And Delays Raise Fresh Questions’Target Of Akhand Bharat’: Pakistan Senator Sounds Alarm Over Growing India-UAE Ties’At The Behest Of Mamata’: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s Shocking Claim On Pakistan’s Kolkata ThreatIndia Seeks US Waiver On Chabahar Amid Conflict; Iran Envoy Hints At Key Port Revival After WarBJP Calls Kharge’s ‘Snake’ Remark Dangerous, Alleges Communal ProvocationAssam Passport Row Turns Personal: Himanta Sarma Takes ‘Peda’ Jibe At Pawan Khera, Congress Responds’Pakistan Will Be Divided Into…’: Rajnath Singh’s Strong Response To Khawaja Asif’s Kolkata Threat123Photostories10 short baby girl names inspired by beautiful flowersFrom Divyanka Tripathi to Karishma Tanna confirming their pregnancies to Surbhi Jyoti flaunting her baby bump; TV actresses who are all set to embrace motherhoodWhy this is the only Indian dish among the 50 Best Bean Dishes in the World5 fun and unusual vacation ideas for the summer holidays in IndiaStep inside Kapil Dev’s Delhi residence that defines understated luxurySimple remedies to attract wealth based on your numberHappy birthday Jackie Chan: ‘Drunken Master’, ‘Police Story’ to ‘Rush Hour’ – The legend’s greatest hitsBrad Pitt, Tom Cruise and more: Hollywood stars who adore Bollywood actors, trends and moviesTamil Nadu’s Buckingham Canal gets Rs 45 crore makeover: Walkways, cycling tracks, Miyawaki forests planned6 Japanese ideas that quietly help calm an overthinking mind123Hot PicksThierry HenryUpdated IPL Points TablePurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingBuffalo BillsIShowSpeedStephen CurrySheldon KeefeUS stocks todayIran AdvisoryCarlos AlcarazIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date

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Image: PTI PATNA: Trains rolled in. Platforms swelled. Migrant families from Bihar stepped down at Patna Junction with bedding, steel containers, plastic sacks – returning from cities where cooking has become unaffordable. Faces carried fatigue and a decision driven by empty cylinders and the search for a flame that costs less than a day’s wage. LPG shortage bites.”LPG vendors are charging Rs 500 a kg. It lasts two days,” said Manoj, a construction worker from Punpun in Patna district who arrived from New Delhi with his wife and two children. “We could not continue.”Ramu, a Chennai factory worker bound for Saharsa, did the maths. “Two days’ wages for gas to cook one meal. Better unemployed at home than starving in a big city.”Officials said around 2,500 workers have returned so far, many citing cooking gas costs. Bihar has an estimated 48 lakh migrants working across Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Mumbai. Labour department teams have begun panchayat-level surveys to track returns.Magadh Express from New Delhi pulled in around 12.30pm Tuesday to a surge of workers heading home. By 2.20pm, Brahmaputra Mail brought another wave. Azimabad Express from Gujarat. Ernakulam Express from the south. Each arrival added to the churn.Danapur mirrored the flow – Sanghamitra Express from Bengaluru, Udhna Express from Gujarat – unloading passengers who have walked away from jobs as fuel costs spike.Many returnees hail from Siwan, Gopalganj, Madhubani, Darbhanga and Saharsa. Work left behind spans construction sites, factories, dhabas and housing complexes. Sonu, a security guard in Noida earning Rs 6,000 a month, said options ran out when his cylinder emptied. “We ate on the streets for a few days. Coal or wood not allowed in residential area,” he said.Nishi Devi, a domestic help returning to Bhojpur with three children, counted days since a proper meal. “The employer helped at first. Then they faced the same crisis. We cannot pay black-market rates and rent. At home, I will cook on cow dung cakes,” she said.Trains kept arriving. Bikash, a porter with 12 years at the station, saw the shift in footfall. “Not like pandemic rush, but numbers are rising the past two weeks,” he said.About the AuthorAdwitiya DebAdwitiya primarily covers crime and civic stories. She has in the past written on varied topics, including decline of the glass bangle culture, illegal trade of firecrackers in Champahati, West Bengal apart from many more on food and travel. She has recently completed her PGDM in journalism from Xavier’s, Mumbai. She loves music and is very affectionate about animals.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosManipur Erupts Again After Deadly Blast Kills 2 Children; Curfew Imposed, Internet Shutdown’Avoid Military Areas, Stay Indoors’: India Issues Advisory For Indians In Iran As Tensions RiseManipur Erupts Again: Curfew, Internet Shutdown As Violence Returns Over Killing Of Two ChildrenTejas Back In Air After Setbacks, But Reliability And Delays Raise Fresh Questions’Target Of Akhand Bharat’: Pakistan Senator Sounds Alarm Over Growing India-UAE Ties’At The Behest Of Mamata’: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s Shocking Claim On Pakistan’s Kolkata ThreatIndia Seeks US Waiver On Chabahar Amid Conflict; Iran Envoy Hints At Key Port Revival After WarBJP Calls Kharge’s ‘Snake’ Remark Dangerous, Alleges Communal ProvocationAssam Passport Row Turns Personal: Himanta Sarma Takes ‘Peda’ Jibe At Pawan Khera, Congress Responds’Pakistan Will Be Divided Into…’: Rajnath Singh’s Strong Response To Khawaja Asif’s Kolkata Threat123PhotostoriesFrom Divyanka Tripathi to Karishma Tanna confirming their pregnancies to Surbhi Jyoti flaunting her baby bump; TV actresses who are all set to embrace motherhoodWhy this is the only Indian dish among the 50 Best Bean Dishes in the World5 fun and unusual vacation ideas for the summer holidays in IndiaStep inside Kapil Dev’s Delhi residence that defines understated luxurySimple remedies to attract wealth based on your numberHappy birthday Jackie Chan: ‘Drunken Master’, ‘Police Story’ to ‘Rush Hour’ – The legend’s greatest hitsHeartbroken? 7 inspiring quotes on why this isn’t the end of your storyBrad Pitt, Tom Cruise and more: Hollywood stars who adore Bollywood actors, trends and movies4 non-negotiable rules for a healthy relationshipTamil Nadu’s Buckingham Canal gets Rs 45 crore makeover: Walkways, cycling tracks, Miyawaki forests planned123Hot PicksLuka Doncic InjuryUpdated IPL Points TablePurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingBuffalo BillsIShowSpeedStephen CurrySheldon KeefeUS stocks todayIran AdvisoryCarlos AlcarazIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date

Image: PTI PATNA: Trains rolled in. Platforms swelled. Migrant families from Bihar stepped down at Patna Junction with bedding, steel containers, plastic sacks – returning from cities where cooking has become unaffordable. Faces carried fatigue and a decision driven by empty cylinders and the search for a flame that costs less than a day’s wage. LPG shortage bites.”LPG vendors are charging Rs 500 a kg. It lasts two days,” said Manoj, a construction worker from Punpun in Patna district who arrived from New Delhi with his wife and two children. “We could not continue.”Ramu, a Chennai factory worker bound for Saharsa, did the maths. “Two days’ wages for gas to cook one meal. Better unemployed at home than starving in a big city.”Officials said around 2,500 workers have returned so far, many citing cooking gas costs. Bihar has an estimated 48 lakh migrants working across Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Mumbai. Labour department teams have begun panchayat-level surveys to track returns.Magadh Express from New Delhi pulled in around 12.30pm Tuesday to a surge of workers heading home. By 2.20pm, Brahmaputra Mail brought another wave. Azimabad Express from Gujarat. Ernakulam Express from the south. Each arrival added to the churn.Danapur mirrored the flow – Sanghamitra Express from Bengaluru, Udhna Express from Gujarat – unloading passengers who have walked away from jobs as fuel costs spike.Many returnees hail from Siwan, Gopalganj, Madhubani, Darbhanga and Saharsa. Work left behind spans construction sites, factories, dhabas and housing complexes. Sonu, a security guard in Noida earning Rs 6,000 a month, said options ran out when his cylinder emptied. “We ate on the streets for a few days. Coal or wood not allowed in residential area,” he said.Nishi Devi, a domestic help returning to Bhojpur with three children, counted days since a proper meal. “The employer helped at first. Then they faced the same crisis. We cannot pay black-market rates and rent. At home, I will cook on cow dung cakes,” she said.Trains kept arriving. Bikash, a porter with 12 years at the station, saw the shift in footfall. “Not like pandemic rush, but numbers are rising the past two weeks,” he said.About the AuthorAdwitiya DebAdwitiya primarily covers crime and civic stories. She has in the past written on varied topics, including decline of the glass bangle culture, illegal trade of firecrackers in Champahati, West Bengal apart from many more on food and travel. She has recently completed her PGDM in journalism from Xavier’s, Mumbai. She loves music and is very affectionate about animals.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosManipur Erupts Again After Deadly Blast Kills 2 Children; Curfew Imposed, Internet Shutdown’Avoid Military Areas, Stay Indoors’: India Issues Advisory For Indians In Iran As Tensions RiseManipur Erupts Again: Curfew, Internet Shutdown As Violence Returns Over Killing Of Two ChildrenTejas Back In Air After Setbacks, But Reliability And Delays Raise Fresh Questions’Target Of Akhand Bharat’: Pakistan Senator Sounds Alarm Over Growing India-UAE Ties’At The Behest Of Mamata’: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s Shocking Claim On Pakistan’s Kolkata ThreatIndia Seeks US Waiver On Chabahar Amid Conflict; Iran Envoy Hints At Key Port Revival After WarBJP Calls Kharge’s ‘Snake’ Remark Dangerous, Alleges Communal ProvocationAssam Passport Row Turns Personal: Himanta Sarma Takes ‘Peda’ Jibe At Pawan Khera, Congress Responds’Pakistan Will Be Divided Into…’: Rajnath Singh’s Strong Response To Khawaja Asif’s Kolkata Threat123PhotostoriesFrom Divyanka Tripathi to Karishma Tanna confirming their pregnancies to Surbhi Jyoti flaunting her baby bump; TV actresses who are all set to embrace motherhoodWhy this is the only Indian dish among the 50 Best Bean Dishes in the World5 fun and unusual vacation ideas for the summer holidays in IndiaStep inside Kapil Dev’s Delhi residence that defines understated luxurySimple remedies to attract wealth based on your numberHappy birthday Jackie Chan: ‘Drunken Master’, ‘Police Story’ to ‘Rush Hour’ – The legend’s greatest hitsHeartbroken? 7 inspiring quotes on why this isn’t the end of your storyBrad Pitt, Tom Cruise and more: Hollywood stars who adore Bollywood actors, trends and movies4 non-negotiable rules for a healthy relationshipTamil Nadu’s Buckingham Canal gets Rs 45 crore makeover: Walkways, cycling tracks, Miyawaki forests planned123Hot PicksLuka Doncic InjuryUpdated IPL Points TablePurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingBuffalo BillsIShowSpeedStephen CurrySheldon KeefeUS stocks todayIran AdvisoryCarlos AlcarazIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date

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KOLKATA: “Motab Shaikh and Motab Herul are the same person,” the appellate tribunal ruled on April 5 in its first SIR appeal, accepting the Congress Farakka candidate’s Aadhaar card as proof of identity after the Election Commission provided no reason for his exclusion.Retired judge TS Sivagnanam, while adjudicating Motab’s appeal, said the tribunal sought the specific reasons recorded by the judicial officer for exclusion of Motab’s name. The EC, however, failed to provide any, citing “technical reasons”.In an earlier proceeding regarding SIR in West Bengal in Supreme Court, Justice Joymalya Bagchi pointed out that the software includes a specific column designed to record the “reason” for every voter’s inclusion or exclusion.Justice Bagchi had said: “The architecture of the software provides a field for remarks, where the officers concerned must provide reasons when deciding whether a logical discrepancy justifies deletion or warrants inclusion.”Senior advocate Dama Seshadri Naidu, representing EC, had assured the bench that the entire digital record would be made available to the appellate tribunal.The dispute stemmed from discrepancies between Motab’s name as on the 2002 voters’ list and the first list after SIR on Dec 16 last year.The tribunal examined the entire record placed before the AERO, where Motab’s Aadhaar card proved crucial. While Aadhaar is not a document proving citizenship, it serves as a document of identity. In fact, following the SC judgment in the Bihar SIR case on Sept 8, 2025, Aadhaar was included by EC as a “supporting” document.Applying that logic to Motab’s appeal, the tribunal said his Aadhaar reflects his name as Motab Shaikh. “This would be sufficient to accept the case of the appellant,” it said.The tribunal also took note of his passport (issued in 2018) and driving licence (issued in 2001), both of which identified him as Motab Shaikh, son of Ejabul Shaikh.The tribunal also considered the affidavit he filed for correction after his name was recorded as ‘Motab Herul’ instead of ‘Motab Shaikh’ following the 2002 SIR.Furthermore, he produced the birth certificates of his four children; on the certificate of the eldest, born in 1993, his name was recorded as ‘Motab Shaikh’. Interestingly, all six of Motab’s siblings had cleared the SIR process, with their names appearing on the poll rolls, while Motab’s was the only one excluded.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosManipur Erupts Again After Deadly Blast Kills 2 Children; Curfew Imposed, Internet Shutdown’Avoid Military Areas, Stay Indoors’: India Issues Advisory For Indians In Iran As Tensions RiseManipur Erupts Again: Curfew, Internet Shutdown As Violence Returns Over Killing Of Two ChildrenTejas Back In Air After Setbacks, But Reliability And Delays Raise Fresh Questions’Target Of Akhand Bharat’: Pakistan Senator Sounds Alarm Over Growing India-UAE Ties’At The Behest Of Mamata’: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s Shocking Claim On Pakistan’s Kolkata ThreatIndia Seeks US Waiver On Chabahar Amid Conflict; Iran Envoy Hints At Key Port Revival After WarBJP Calls Kharge’s ‘Snake’ Remark Dangerous, Alleges Communal ProvocationAssam Passport Row Turns Personal: Himanta Sarma Takes ‘Peda’ Jibe At Pawan Khera, Congress Responds’Pakistan Will Be Divided Into…’: Rajnath Singh’s Strong Response To Khawaja Asif’s Kolkata Threat123PhotostoriesFrom Divyanka Tripathi to Karishma Tanna confirming their pregnancies to Surbhi Jyoti flaunting her baby bump; TV actresses who are all set to embrace motherhoodWhy this is the only Indian dish among the 50 Best Bean Dishes in the World5 fun and unusual vacation ideas for the summer holidays in IndiaStep inside Kapil Dev’s Delhi residence that defines understated luxurySimple remedies to attract wealth based on your numberHappy birthday Jackie Chan: ‘Drunken Master’, ‘Police Story’ to ‘Rush Hour’ – The legend’s greatest hitsHeartbroken? 7 inspiring quotes on why this isn’t the end of your storyBrad Pitt, Tom Cruise and more: Hollywood stars who adore Bollywood actors, trends and movies4 non-negotiable rules for a healthy relationshipTamil Nadu’s Buckingham Canal gets Rs 45 crore makeover: Walkways, cycling tracks, Miyawaki forests planned123Hot PicksLuka Doncic InjuryUpdated IPL Points TableOil PriceSilver Rate TodayLPG NewsPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingBuffalo BillsIShowSpeedStephen CurrySheldon KeefeUS stocks todayIran AdvisoryCarlos AlcarazIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date

KOLKATA: “Motab Shaikh and Motab Herul are the same person,” the appellate tribunal ruled on April 5 in its first SIR appeal, accepting the Congress Farakka candidate’s Aadhaar card as proof of identity after the Election Commission provided no reason for his exclusion.Retired judge TS Sivagnanam, while adjudicating Motab’s appeal, said the tribunal sought the specific reasons recorded by the judicial officer for exclusion of Motab’s name. The EC, however, failed to provide any, citing “technical reasons”.In an earlier proceeding regarding SIR in West Bengal in Supreme Court, Justice Joymalya Bagchi pointed out that the software includes a specific column designed to record the “reason” for every voter’s inclusion or exclusion.Justice Bagchi had said: “The architecture of the software provides a field for remarks, where the officers concerned must provide reasons when deciding whether a logical discrepancy justifies deletion or warrants inclusion.”Senior advocate Dama Seshadri Naidu, representing EC, had assured the bench that the entire digital record would be made available to the appellate tribunal.The dispute stemmed from discrepancies between Motab’s name as on the 2002 voters’ list and the first list after SIR on Dec 16 last year.The tribunal examined the entire record placed before the AERO, where Motab’s Aadhaar card proved crucial. While Aadhaar is not a document proving citizenship, it serves as a document of identity. In fact, following the SC judgment in the Bihar SIR case on Sept 8, 2025, Aadhaar was included by EC as a “supporting” document.Applying that logic to Motab’s appeal, the tribunal said his Aadhaar reflects his name as Motab Shaikh. “This would be sufficient to accept the case of the appellant,” it said.The tribunal also took note of his passport (issued in 2018) and driving licence (issued in 2001), both of which identified him as Motab Shaikh, son of Ejabul Shaikh.The tribunal also considered the affidavit he filed for correction after his name was recorded as ‘Motab Herul’ instead of ‘Motab Shaikh’ following the 2002 SIR.Furthermore, he produced the birth certificates of his four children; on the certificate of the eldest, born in 1993, his name was recorded as ‘Motab Shaikh’. Interestingly, all six of Motab’s siblings had cleared the SIR process, with their names appearing on the poll rolls, while Motab’s was the only one excluded.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosManipur Erupts Again After Deadly Blast Kills 2 Children; Curfew Imposed, Internet Shutdown’Avoid Military Areas, Stay Indoors’: India Issues Advisory For Indians In Iran As Tensions RiseManipur Erupts Again: Curfew, Internet Shutdown As Violence Returns Over Killing Of Two ChildrenTejas Back In Air After Setbacks, But Reliability And Delays Raise Fresh Questions’Target Of Akhand Bharat’: Pakistan Senator Sounds Alarm Over Growing India-UAE Ties’At The Behest Of Mamata’: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s Shocking Claim On Pakistan’s Kolkata ThreatIndia Seeks US Waiver On Chabahar Amid Conflict; Iran Envoy Hints At Key Port Revival After WarBJP Calls Kharge’s ‘Snake’ Remark Dangerous, Alleges Communal ProvocationAssam Passport Row Turns Personal: Himanta Sarma Takes ‘Peda’ Jibe At Pawan Khera, Congress Responds’Pakistan Will Be Divided Into…’: Rajnath Singh’s Strong Response To Khawaja Asif’s Kolkata Threat123PhotostoriesFrom Divyanka Tripathi to Karishma Tanna confirming their pregnancies to Surbhi Jyoti flaunting her baby bump; TV actresses who are all set to embrace motherhoodWhy this is the only Indian dish among the 50 Best Bean Dishes in the World5 fun and unusual vacation ideas for the summer holidays in IndiaStep inside Kapil Dev’s Delhi residence that defines understated luxurySimple remedies to attract wealth based on your numberHappy birthday Jackie Chan: ‘Drunken Master’, ‘Police Story’ to ‘Rush Hour’ – The legend’s greatest hitsHeartbroken? 7 inspiring quotes on why this isn’t the end of your storyBrad Pitt, Tom Cruise and more: Hollywood stars who adore Bollywood actors, trends and movies4 non-negotiable rules for a healthy relationshipTamil Nadu’s Buckingham Canal gets Rs 45 crore makeover: Walkways, cycling tracks, Miyawaki forests planned123Hot PicksLuka Doncic InjuryUpdated IPL Points TableOil PriceSilver Rate TodayLPG NewsPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingBuffalo BillsIShowSpeedStephen CurrySheldon KeefeUS stocks todayIran AdvisoryCarlos AlcarazIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date

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