Omar Abdullah slams mosque closure on Eid, questions ‘normalcy’ claim

Omar Abdullah slams mosque closure on Eid, questions ‘normalcy’ claim

SRINAGAR\JAMMU: J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah expressed grave concern Saturday over Eid prayers being blocked at Srinagar’s historic Jamia Mosque, terming it “regrettable” and questioning LG Manoj Sinha-led administration’s claims of “normality” in the Union territory.“Across J&K, Eid prayers were offered. But prayers were not allowed at Jamia Mosque. It exposes the administration that controls…

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Meet Anant Yardi: Indian-origin billionaire alumnus donates  million to IIT Delhi | World News

Meet Anant Yardi: Indian-origin billionaire alumnus donates $8 million to IIT Delhi | World News

In a significant act of giving back to his alma mater, Anant Yardi, an Indian-origin entrepreneur and graduate of Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, has pledged $8 million to the institute, matching an earlier contribution and taking his total donation to approximately $16 million. The funds will support artificial intelligence research and campus infrastructure development….

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NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday released a list of nine candidates for the upcoming Puducherry Legislative elections, which it is contesting in alliance with All India NR Congress. The Central Election Committee of the BJP met on March 18 to decide on candidates in poll-bound states.According to the list, A Namassivayam will contest from Mannadipet, while E Theeppainthan will contest from Oussoudu (SC). PML Kalyanasundaram will contest from Kalapet, VP Ramalingame from Raj Bhavan and A Johnkumar from Mudaliarpet.Embalam R Selvam will contest from Manavely, GNS Rajasekaran from Thirunallar and A Dineshan from Mahe.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Israel pounds Tehran as Iranians mark Nowruz; UAE, Kuwait defences respond to missile barrageOver 20 nations issue joint statement condemning Iran’s de facto closure of Hormuz StraitMissiles Fired Toward Diego Garcia: Iran tests long-range weapons; US rushes Marines and warshipsThe Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday announced the completion of the first randomisation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) for the upcoming 2026 assembly elections scheduled to be in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry.Once the final list of contesting candidates is prepared, the comprehensive records of both the first and second randomised EVMs and VVPATs will be shared with all candidates to ensure complete transparency in the electoral process, the release said.Additionally, the EC has also concluded the randomisation process for the upcoming bye-elections in Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland, and Tripura. These states are scheduled to go to the polls on April 9, with the final lists for both EVMs and VVPATs now randomised in preparation for the voting. End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”Claims Are Baseless” Says Former Envoy Sanjay Verma On Trudeau’s AllegationsRahul Gandhi Warns Of Inflation Wave Amid Rupee Fall, Slams Modi Govt Over StrategyVillage Playgrounds To Mega Stadiums: Yogi Adityanath Outlines UP Sports VisionIndia Weighs Return To Iranian Crude As US Grants Short Waiver During Oil Supply DisruptionTamil Nadu Elections 2026: Chidambaram Targets AIADMK-BJP Alliance, EPS’s Delhi Visits Trigger RowINS Taragiri To Commission by April 2026, Fourth Project 17A Stealth Frigate to Join In 11 MonthsINS Taragiri To Commission by April 2026, Fourth Project 17A Stealth Frigate to Join In 11 MonthsHandmade Rumani Semiya & Sheer Kurma | Ramzan Tradition from ChennaiHAL Reports Tejas Mk-1A, Prachand, Dhruv Orders Worth ₹2.22 Lakh Crore To Parliamentary CommitteePM Modi Discusses West Asia Crisis, Secure Shipping Routes With Iran President123Photostories7 traditional Indian drinks that are reasonably good source of protein6 mistakes people make while kneading atta and why the rotis don’t turn out right8 things that make you a typical Delhiite8 ways to rewire your brain and enter a higher dimension5 crucial marriage lessons to learn from Justin Bieber and HaileyWhy your body twitches, tingles, or has mini spasms: Hidden causes and proven ways to calm your nervous system7 mistakes that make dal lose its protein valueFrom Kotpad Tussar to Ghicha Silk: Kangana Ranaut serves ultimate saree goals14 scientific facts you probably didn’t know10 oldest dishes that have survived for centuries123Hot PicksIran newsGautam SinghaniaStrait of HormuzGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingIga SwiatekAir India Boeing 77760% free seat ruleQatar LNG ExportsMojtaba KhameneiJames GraceySpring EquinoxDiesel price hike8th Pay CommissionPremium Petrol Price Hike

NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday released a list of nine candidates for the upcoming Puducherry Legislative elections, which it is contesting in alliance with All India NR Congress. The Central Election Committee of the BJP met on March 18 to decide on candidates in poll-bound states.According to the list, A Namassivayam will contest from Mannadipet, while E Theeppainthan will contest from Oussoudu (SC). PML Kalyanasundaram will contest from Kalapet, VP Ramalingame from Raj Bhavan and A Johnkumar from Mudaliarpet.Embalam R Selvam will contest from Manavely, GNS Rajasekaran from Thirunallar and A Dineshan from Mahe.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Israel pounds Tehran as Iranians mark Nowruz; UAE, Kuwait defences respond to missile barrageOver 20 nations issue joint statement condemning Iran’s de facto closure of Hormuz StraitMissiles Fired Toward Diego Garcia: Iran tests long-range weapons; US rushes Marines and warshipsThe Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday announced the completion of the first randomisation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) for the upcoming 2026 assembly elections scheduled to be in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry.Once the final list of contesting candidates is prepared, the comprehensive records of both the first and second randomised EVMs and VVPATs will be shared with all candidates to ensure complete transparency in the electoral process, the release said.Additionally, the EC has also concluded the randomisation process for the upcoming bye-elections in Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland, and Tripura. These states are scheduled to go to the polls on April 9, with the final lists for both EVMs and VVPATs now randomised in preparation for the voting. End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”Claims Are Baseless” Says Former Envoy Sanjay Verma On Trudeau’s AllegationsRahul Gandhi Warns Of Inflation Wave Amid Rupee Fall, Slams Modi Govt Over StrategyVillage Playgrounds To Mega Stadiums: Yogi Adityanath Outlines UP Sports VisionIndia Weighs Return To Iranian Crude As US Grants Short Waiver During Oil Supply DisruptionTamil Nadu Elections 2026: Chidambaram Targets AIADMK-BJP Alliance, EPS’s Delhi Visits Trigger RowINS Taragiri To Commission by April 2026, Fourth Project 17A Stealth Frigate to Join In 11 MonthsINS Taragiri To Commission by April 2026, Fourth Project 17A Stealth Frigate to Join In 11 MonthsHandmade Rumani Semiya & Sheer Kurma | Ramzan Tradition from ChennaiHAL Reports Tejas Mk-1A, Prachand, Dhruv Orders Worth ₹2.22 Lakh Crore To Parliamentary CommitteePM Modi Discusses West Asia Crisis, Secure Shipping Routes With Iran President123Photostories7 traditional Indian drinks that are reasonably good source of protein6 mistakes people make while kneading atta and why the rotis don’t turn out right8 things that make you a typical Delhiite8 ways to rewire your brain and enter a higher dimension5 crucial marriage lessons to learn from Justin Bieber and HaileyWhy your body twitches, tingles, or has mini spasms: Hidden causes and proven ways to calm your nervous system7 mistakes that make dal lose its protein valueFrom Kotpad Tussar to Ghicha Silk: Kangana Ranaut serves ultimate saree goals14 scientific facts you probably didn’t know10 oldest dishes that have survived for centuries123Hot PicksIran newsGautam SinghaniaStrait of HormuzGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingIga SwiatekAir India Boeing 77760% free seat ruleQatar LNG ExportsMojtaba KhameneiJames GraceySpring EquinoxDiesel price hike8th Pay CommissionPremium Petrol Price Hike

NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday released a list of nine candidates for the upcoming Puducherry Legislative elections, which it is contesting in alliance with All India NR Congress. The Central Election Committee of the BJP met on March 18 to decide on candidates in poll-bound states.According to the list, A Namassivayam will…

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‘Came out of the airport and into a fix’: Imtiaz Ali recounts how a Mumbai Police officer saved him from an airport mishap

‘Came out of the airport and into a fix’: Imtiaz Ali recounts how a Mumbai Police officer saved him from an airport mishap

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali expressed gratitude to Mumbai Police after Officer Nazim Pathan helped him retrieve a forgotten bag at the airport. Ali shared the stressful incident on Instagram, highlighting the prompt and exceptional assistance received. Meanwhile, Ali is gearing up for his next film, ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga,’ a romantic drama slated for a June 12,…

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‘Security of Cyprus fundamental to UK’: Keir Starmer says Cyprus bases won’t be used for Iran attacks

‘Security of Cyprus fundamental to UK’: Keir Starmer says Cyprus bases won’t be used for Iran attacks

File photo: UK PM Keir Starmer (Picture credit: AP) Britain has assured Cyprus that its military bases on the island will not be used for offensive action in the Iran conflict, even as London strengthens protective measures around the Republic of Cyprus amid regional tensions.As per news agency Reuters, the assurance was conveyed during a…

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Photo credit: IANS NEW DELHI: Power distribution companies in Mumbai, Delhi and Noida emerged as the top performers in 2024-25 among all electricity utilities surveyed by the ministry of power.Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited (AEML), Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL) in the capital, and Noida Power Company Limited (NPCL) in Uttar Pradesh grabbed the top spots in the distribution utilities ranking. Dakshini Gujarat Vij Company Limited and Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport were placed fourth and fifth, respectively.Delhi’s three power utilities – BSES Rajdhani, BSES Yamuna and TPDDL – remained on top in the consumer service rating of discoms, followed by Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited and Tata Power Company Limited (Maharashtra).Both reports were released on Friday at the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Israel pounds Tehran as Iranians mark Nowruz; UAE, Kuwait defences respond to missile barrageOver 20 nations issue joint statement condemning Iran’s de facto closure of Hormuz StraitMissiles Fired Toward Diego Garcia: Iran tests long-range weapons; US rushes Marines and warshipsThough there are 76 state-run and private power discoms in the country, 66 were evaluated for the two surveys as the remaining 10 failed to submit the required documents. For the CSRD report, the discoms were graded into six different categories based on their response to customers. The discoms were evaluated on four parameters: operational reliability; metering, billing and collection; fault rectification and grievance redressal; and connections and other services.The performance of six discoms was categorised as A+, 21 were rated in the A category, and 27 were rated B+. While 10 were placed in the B category, one each was placed in the C+ and C categories. No discom was categorised as D in the rating.“This tiered grading is intended to stimulate healthy competition and encourage continuous improvement in service quality,” the govt said in a statement.Officials said the CSRD report aims to craft a comprehensive strategy to elevate consumer satisfaction and foster cross-disciplinary learning. “It examines a range of consumer-centric services, uses electricity rules’ service standards to assess discoms across key areas, and monitors and evaluates their compliance with and implementation of these rules,” an official said.For the distribution utilities ranking report, a comprehensive and objective assessment of the performance of power distribution utilities was carried out using a multi-dimensional evaluation framework, including institutional capability, financial sustainability, operational efficiency and service delivery outcomes.Officials said the surveys are conducted every year and past performance of discoms is also taken into account while drawing up the final ranking. The report shows where the discoms stood in the last evaluation, whether their performance improved, and the number of places these utilities jumped or slipped compared with the previous survey.About the AuthorAtul MathurAtul Mathur is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India with over 27 years of experience in journalism. Based in Delhi, he has spent much of his career reporting on governance, public policy and politics, churning out researched, data-driven stories that impact daily lives. Atul is known for investigative depth and strong human-interest narratives as he strives to bring clarity and context to complex issues. He currently tracks the energy sector, writing on power, renewable energy, coal and mines.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosVillage Playgrounds To Mega Stadiums: Yogi Adityanath Outlines UP Sports VisionIndia Weighs Return To Iranian Crude As US Grants Short Waiver During Oil Supply DisruptionTamil Nadu Elections 2026: Chidambaram Targets AIADMK-BJP Alliance, EPS’s Delhi Visits Trigger RowINS Taragiri To Commission by April 2026, Fourth Project 17A Stealth Frigate to Join In 11 MonthsINS Taragiri To Commission by April 2026, Fourth Project 17A Stealth Frigate to Join In 11 MonthsHandmade Rumani Semiya & Sheer Kurma | Ramzan Tradition from ChennaiHAL Reports Tejas Mk-1A, Prachand, Dhruv Orders Worth ₹2.22 Lakh Crore To Parliamentary CommitteePM Modi Discusses West Asia Crisis, Secure Shipping Routes With Iran PresidentWorld on edge! Rajnath Singh warns of global fallout from Iran warIAF Pursuing Acquisition Of 200 Israeli ROCKS Missiles With ToT For Domestic Manufacturing: Reports123Photostories7 traditional Indian drinks that are reasonably good source of protein6 mistakes people make while kneading atta and why the rotis don’t turn out right8 things that make you a typical Delhiite8 ways to rewire your brain and enter a higher dimensionWhy your body twitches, tingles, or has mini spasms: Hidden causes and proven ways to calm your nervous system7 mistakes that make dal lose its protein valueFrom Kotpad Tussar to Ghicha Silk: Kangana Ranaut serves ultimate saree goals14 scientific facts you probably didn’t know10 oldest dishes that have survived for centuries5 reasons why everyone is talking about Chile right now123Hot PicksIran newsGautam SinghaniaStrait of HormuzGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingIga SwiatekAir India Boeing 77760% free seat ruleQatar LNG ExportsMojtaba KhameneiJames GraceySpring EquinoxDiesel price hike8th Pay CommissionPremium Petrol Price Hike

Photo credit: IANS NEW DELHI: Power distribution companies in Mumbai, Delhi and Noida emerged as the top performers in 2024-25 among all electricity utilities surveyed by the ministry of power.Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited (AEML), Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL) in the capital, and Noida Power Company Limited (NPCL) in Uttar Pradesh grabbed the top spots in the distribution utilities ranking. Dakshini Gujarat Vij Company Limited and Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport were placed fourth and fifth, respectively.Delhi’s three power utilities – BSES Rajdhani, BSES Yamuna and TPDDL – remained on top in the consumer service rating of discoms, followed by Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited and Tata Power Company Limited (Maharashtra).Both reports were released on Friday at the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Israel pounds Tehran as Iranians mark Nowruz; UAE, Kuwait defences respond to missile barrageOver 20 nations issue joint statement condemning Iran’s de facto closure of Hormuz StraitMissiles Fired Toward Diego Garcia: Iran tests long-range weapons; US rushes Marines and warshipsThough there are 76 state-run and private power discoms in the country, 66 were evaluated for the two surveys as the remaining 10 failed to submit the required documents. For the CSRD report, the discoms were graded into six different categories based on their response to customers. The discoms were evaluated on four parameters: operational reliability; metering, billing and collection; fault rectification and grievance redressal; and connections and other services.The performance of six discoms was categorised as A+, 21 were rated in the A category, and 27 were rated B+. While 10 were placed in the B category, one each was placed in the C+ and C categories. No discom was categorised as D in the rating.“This tiered grading is intended to stimulate healthy competition and encourage continuous improvement in service quality,” the govt said in a statement.Officials said the CSRD report aims to craft a comprehensive strategy to elevate consumer satisfaction and foster cross-disciplinary learning. “It examines a range of consumer-centric services, uses electricity rules’ service standards to assess discoms across key areas, and monitors and evaluates their compliance with and implementation of these rules,” an official said.For the distribution utilities ranking report, a comprehensive and objective assessment of the performance of power distribution utilities was carried out using a multi-dimensional evaluation framework, including institutional capability, financial sustainability, operational efficiency and service delivery outcomes.Officials said the surveys are conducted every year and past performance of discoms is also taken into account while drawing up the final ranking. The report shows where the discoms stood in the last evaluation, whether their performance improved, and the number of places these utilities jumped or slipped compared with the previous survey.About the AuthorAtul MathurAtul Mathur is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India with over 27 years of experience in journalism. Based in Delhi, he has spent much of his career reporting on governance, public policy and politics, churning out researched, data-driven stories that impact daily lives. Atul is known for investigative depth and strong human-interest narratives as he strives to bring clarity and context to complex issues. He currently tracks the energy sector, writing on power, renewable energy, coal and mines.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosVillage Playgrounds To Mega Stadiums: Yogi Adityanath Outlines UP Sports VisionIndia Weighs Return To Iranian Crude As US Grants Short Waiver During Oil Supply DisruptionTamil Nadu Elections 2026: Chidambaram Targets AIADMK-BJP Alliance, EPS’s Delhi Visits Trigger RowINS Taragiri To Commission by April 2026, Fourth Project 17A Stealth Frigate to Join In 11 MonthsINS Taragiri To Commission by April 2026, Fourth Project 17A Stealth Frigate to Join In 11 MonthsHandmade Rumani Semiya & Sheer Kurma | Ramzan Tradition from ChennaiHAL Reports Tejas Mk-1A, Prachand, Dhruv Orders Worth ₹2.22 Lakh Crore To Parliamentary CommitteePM Modi Discusses West Asia Crisis, Secure Shipping Routes With Iran PresidentWorld on edge! Rajnath Singh warns of global fallout from Iran warIAF Pursuing Acquisition Of 200 Israeli ROCKS Missiles With ToT For Domestic Manufacturing: Reports123Photostories7 traditional Indian drinks that are reasonably good source of protein6 mistakes people make while kneading atta and why the rotis don’t turn out right8 things that make you a typical Delhiite8 ways to rewire your brain and enter a higher dimensionWhy your body twitches, tingles, or has mini spasms: Hidden causes and proven ways to calm your nervous system7 mistakes that make dal lose its protein valueFrom Kotpad Tussar to Ghicha Silk: Kangana Ranaut serves ultimate saree goals14 scientific facts you probably didn’t know10 oldest dishes that have survived for centuries5 reasons why everyone is talking about Chile right now123Hot PicksIran newsGautam SinghaniaStrait of HormuzGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingIga SwiatekAir India Boeing 77760% free seat ruleQatar LNG ExportsMojtaba KhameneiJames GraceySpring EquinoxDiesel price hike8th Pay CommissionPremium Petrol Price Hike

NEW DELHI: Power distribution companies in Mumbai, Delhi and Noida emerged as the top performers in 2024-25 among all electricity utilities surveyed by the ministry of power.Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited (AEML), Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL) in the capital, and Noida Power Company Limited (NPCL) in Uttar Pradesh grabbed the top spots in the…

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Afghan cricketer who warned Pakistan after Kabul attack celebrates with IPL team — here’s where he’s playing

Afghan cricketer who warned Pakistan after Kabul attack celebrates with IPL team — here’s where he’s playing

Mumbai Indians marked a light moment in their IPL 2026 preparations as captain Hardik Pandya and teammates celebrated the birthday of Afghanistan’s Allah Ghazanfar during a training camp.The celebration took place during a practice session, where players and support staff gathered to mark the occasion. Ghazanfar, a young spinner, is part of the MI squad…

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Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda jet off to Thailand to enjoy a quiet Koh Samui getaway in private villa

Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda jet off to Thailand to enjoy a quiet Koh Samui getaway in private villa

Newlyweds Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda have jetted off to Koh Samui, Thailand, for a private getaway following their recent wedding. Opting for a secluded villa near the beach over a luxury resort, the couple is enjoying peaceful moments away from the public eye. Their tranquil escape continues to captivate fans eager for glimpses of…

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1,300+ flight delays, 2-hour lines: TSA crisis sparks nationwide travel chaos as Democrats’ shutdown persists

1,300+ flight delays, 2-hour lines: TSA crisis sparks nationwide travel chaos as Democrats’ shutdown persists

Airports across the country were on the brink of closure as Transportation Security Administration agents continued to resign and call out, TSA acting deputy administrator Adam Stahl warned.“It’s not hyperbole to suggest that we may have to quite literally shut down airports, particularly smaller ones, if call-out rates go up,” Stahl told CNN.Thousands of TSA…

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Farah Khan asked Javed Akhtar to translate Gulzar’s lyrics of ‘Satrangi Re’: ‘Mani Ratnam did not know Hindi’

Farah Khan asked Javed Akhtar to translate Gulzar’s lyrics of ‘Satrangi Re’: ‘Mani Ratnam did not know Hindi’

Mani Ratnam’s Dil Se remains iconic not just for its powerful narrative but also for its unforgettable music, composed by AR Rahman. Among its standout tracks was ‘Satrangi Re’, choreographed by Farah Khan and featuring Shah Rukh Khan alongside Manisha Koirala. While the song became visually and musically memorable, Farah revealed that bringing it to…

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Ashwin says ‘deduct Rs 2 crores’ if star Australian cricketer fails to bowl four overs in IPL

Ashwin says ‘deduct Rs 2 crores’ if star Australian cricketer fails to bowl four overs in IPL

Cameron Green of Australia during a nets session at Lord’s Cricket Ground on June 09, 2025 in London, England. (Photo/Getty Images) Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin raised concerns over player workload and suggested that franchises should have the option to reduce payments if contracted roles are…

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