May 19, 2026
Asha Bhosle passes away: Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma pay tribute to the legendary singer, ‘Your voice will live on forever’

Asha Bhosle passes away: Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma pay tribute to the legendary singer, ‘Your voice will live on forever’

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

As the nation mourns the loss of legendary singer Asha Bhosle, heartfelt tributes continue to pour in from across the country. Joining the many voices remembering her were star couple Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma, who took to social media to express their condolences.“Rest in peace, Asha Bhosle ji. Your voice touched millions and will…

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Happy Baisakhi 2026: Top 50 Wishes, Messages and Quotes to share with your loved ones

Happy Baisakhi 2026: Top 50 Wishes, Messages and Quotes to share with your loved ones

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Celebrate Baisakhi 2026 with heartfelt wishes and messages. This article offers 50 diverse options, from simple greetings to reflective quotes, perfect for sharing with loved ones. It emphasizes the festival’s significance for the Sikh community and its broader appeal for fresh starts and genuine happiness. There is something about Baisakhi that just hits differently. Maybe…

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Mukesh Khanna expresses shock as Samay Raina announces India’s Got Latent 2: ‘Nahi aane dena chahiye… poora desh khada ho jayega’

Mukesh Khanna expresses shock as Samay Raina announces India’s Got Latent 2: ‘Nahi aane dena chahiye… poora desh khada ho jayega’

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Comedian Samay Raina recently addressed the controversy surrounding his show India’s Got Latent during his special Still Alive on April 7, also announcing a second season. However, actor Mukesh Khanna has strongly reacted to the development, reiterating his disapproval.Reacting to the possibility of a second season, Mukesh told Hindustan Times, “Nahi aane dena chahiye. Mujhe…

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‘Ready to mediate’: Putin tells Iran president after peace talks with US fails

‘Ready to mediate’: Putin tells Iran president after peace talks with US fails

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Putin and Pezeshkian (File photos) Russian President Vladimir Putin told Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday that he was ready to help mediate efforts to bring peace in the Middle East, the Kremlin said.“Vladimir Putin emphasised his readiness to further facilitate the search for a political and diplomatic settlement to the conflict, and to mediate…

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5 best fantasy dramas to watch on Hulu

5 best fantasy dramas to watch on Hulu

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

Fantasy dramas offer something real life never can: a true escape. Lately, though, they’ve become so much more than dragons and spells. These days, the best ones are packed with emotion, sharp characters, and stories that mix romance, politics, myths, and even a little psychology. Honestly, if that’s what you’re looking for, Hulu’s library quietly…

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‘I am shy of my achievements because I have so much more to learn’: When Asha Bhosle reflected on her glorious legacy | Hindi Movie News

‘I am shy of my achievements because I have so much more to learn’: When Asha Bhosle reflected on her glorious legacy | Hindi Movie News

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

In what now feels like a message left behind for the ages, Asha Bhosle once told Bombay Times, “Since my name is Asha, I would like to conclude by saying I am not done yet.” Those words, spoken with characteristic quiet confidence by a woman who had already spent eight decades reshaping Indian music, carry…

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NEW DELHI: Election campaigns across India are increasingly defined by what parties promise to give and while the “freebie culture” may be catching on in other states, it was pioneered in Tamil Nadu. Across the state, parties are once again rolling out promises of cash transfers, subsidised services and household goods, each attempting to outdo the other. It is the season of manifesto releases and high-decibel campaigning, where the language of welfare dominates every rally and roadshow.For many voters shaped by decades of Dravidian politics, such promises are not extraordinary giveaways but part of the normal grammar of governance.What sets Tamil Nadu apart is not just the scale of its welfare, but the depth of its political memory. From early interventions in food and education to more visible, consumption-oriented schemes, successive governments have built an expectation that the state must play an active role in everyday life.What is changing is not just the scale of welfare, but its form, with earlier schemes centred on goods like televisions, mixers and grinders giving way to direct cash transfers and other similar schemes.Therefore, the contest reveals less about excess and more about continuity, showing how deeply this model is embedded in Tamil Nadu’s political imagination.Similarly, in 2026, what is unfolding is not simply a contest of promises, but a competition within limits that no major party is willing, or able, to redraw.How welfare became the normThe story begins not with excess, but with intent. Under MG Ramachandran, welfare was embedded into governance as a tool of legitimacy. His most enduring intervention, the expansion of the Nutritious Meal Scheme, ensured cooked mid-day meals for schoolchildren at scale, significantly boosting enrolment and retention. Alongside this, subsidised rice through the public distribution system was widened, and schemes such as free school uniforms and textbooks strengthened access to basic education. These were not framed as discretionary benefits but as foundational state responsibilities, particularly for poorer households.It was under J Jayalalithaa that welfare acquired a sharper political edge and a more visible form. Her governments introduced a range of consumer-oriented schemes that made state support immediate and tangible: free colour televisions for households, mixers, grinders and electric fans for women beneficiaries, and laptops for students aimed at bridging the digital divide. At the same time, the Amma brand of subsidised services, including the well-known Amma Canteens offering low-cost meals, as well as Amma salt, water and pharmacies, extended welfare into everyday consumption. These initiatives did more than provide material support; they reshaped how voters experienced the state, turning welfare into something seen, used and remembered.What followed was not competition over whether to provide welfare, but over how much and how effectively. The alternation between the DMK and the AIADMK did not disrupt this model; it entrenched it. Each government inherited the expectations set by its predecessor and added to them. By the time MK Stalin took office, the model had evolved again. The emphasis shifted towards more targeted schemes and direct transfers, particularly for women and students, refining rather than reversing what came before.Neither the DMK nor the AIADMK, led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami in opposition, can credibly campaign on reducing welfare. Criticism, when it comes, focuses on inefficiency or corruption rather than on the principle itself. Can the model last?Tamil Nadu’s welfare model remains fiscally sustainable, underpinned by a strong economy, is what most parties would say. The state has one of India’s most robust industrial bases, leads in electronics manufacturing and has seen steady growth, outpacing the national average in recent years. By standard measures, it is not in fiscal distress. Debt has eased from its peak to around 26% of GSDP, and the fiscal deficit is projected to return close to the 3% target. Strong own-tax revenues and relatively low borrowing costs reinforce this picture. Social outcomes also support the case: welfare programmes have improved education, especially among women, and strengthened workforce participation.Yet caution persists. Tamil Nadu’s debt remains high in absolute terms, and welfare spending continues to expand. Interest payments are taking up a growing share of revenues, while deficits remain elevated. Critics warn that constant escalation in promises risks tightening fiscal space. Even within government estimates, large-scale cash schemes could impose significant recurring costs. Welfare itself may not be unsustainable, but the accumulation of commitments is narrowing flexibility. The debate is less about immediate crisis and more about how long the balance can hold.A competition with no exitNo major party in Tamil Nadu now campaigns against welfare. Instead, the contest is over scale and delivery. The 2026 manifestos reflect this logic. The DMK has proposed an Rs 8,000 household coupon and expanded financial support for women, alongside continued subsidies and services. The AIADMK has responded with its own expansive promises, including direct cash transfers, free appliances including refrigerators and fuel support. Many of these echo earlier schemes, showing how deeply embedded this model has become.The political exchange has turned into a familiar cycle. Edappadi K. Palaniswami has criticised M. K. Stalin’s proposals as inefficient, while promising more direct cash support. The DMK, in turn, defends its approach as targeted welfare with developmental outcomes. Behind the rhetoric, both sides operate within the same constraint: withdrawing benefits carries political risk. The competition is no longer about whether to provide welfare, but how visibly and efficiently it can be delivered.Voter logicAttempts to challenge this framework have had limited traction. Seeman has openly rejected the language of freebies, arguing for dignity and self-reliance over state handouts. Yet his position remains outside the mainstream. Even Vijay, who initially framed his politics around welfare rather than giveaways, has offered a slate of benefits that mirrors established parties.This reflects a deeper reality. Tamil Nadu’s electorate is not passive, but it is shaped by decades of policy that have made welfare both tangible and reliable. Programmes are often targeted and linked to real outcomes, from education to nutrition.For many voters, these distinctions are less ideological than practical. Welfare is assessed in terms of reliability and access rather than intent. Whether support arrives as a subsidy, a service or a direct transfer often matters less than whether it arrives on time and reaches the intended household. This creates a feedback loop in which parties are judged not for offering benefits, but for delivering them efficiently. In that sense, electoral competition reinforces the system even as it appears to contest it.What’s the way forwardThe emergence of new actors ahead of 2026 has raised the possibility of such a shift. Seeman and Vijay, in different ways, have gestured towards a politics of dignity and self-reliance. Their rhetoric hints at discomfort with an ever-expanding welfare state, suggesting that dependence may carry its own costs.As a result, even potential disruptors face a dilemma. To oppose welfare outright is to risk marginalisation; to accept it is to become part of the same competitive cycle. So far, the latter instinct has prevailed. The challenge they pose is therefore indirect, nudging the conversation rather than overturning it.The real test is not whether parties can step away from welfare, but whether they can sustain it without closing off their own future choices. For now, Tamil Nadu’s growth has allowed this balance to hold, masking the trade-offs beneath it. But that balance rests on assumptions that may not always endure.Tamil Nadu has not so much fallen into a freebie trap as constructed a system that works, until it doesn’t. The uncertainty lies in what breaks first: the economics that sustain it, or the politics that demand it.About the AuthorVivek DubeyA digital news desk journalist at The Times of India with over two years of experience. Closely tracks foreign affairs and international politics. Fondness for precise language and clever headlines. When not editing news, he is usually refining a turn of phrase.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMobile Internet Ban Extended After CRPF Firing Shocker That Killed ProtestersSwami Vivekananda’s First-Ever Life-Size Statue Unveiled In Seattle, US‘Had Great Difficulty’: Stranded Indian Fishermen In Iran Return Home Via Armenia‘India Is New Engine Of Globalisation, Becoming Attractive Investment Hub’: Former WEF DirectorJaishankar Meets UAE FM In Abu Dhabi, Discusses West Asia Situation And Strategic Partnership”Don’t Assume It’s Over” Rajnath Cautions On West Asia ConflictJag Vikram Leads Way, First Indian Ship Through Hormuz Post CeasefireSupreme Court Clarifies: Right To Vote And Contest Elections Not Fundamental Rights, But StatutoryCDS General Anil Chauhan Says All Services On The Same Page On Theatre CommandTharoor Attacks Pak, Says Terror History Can’t Be Wiped Out Before Talks123PhotostoriesLife lessons hidden in your favourite TV sitcoms: ‘Friends’, ‘The Office’ and moreMumbai’s top 5 residential buildings redefining luxury and premium livingBefore your blood tests turn abnormal: 6 silent heart warning signs you’re missing, and how to fix them earlyTop temples in India to visit believed to bring wealth and prosperityAsha Bhosle passes away at 92: Ode to the voice behind generations of Bollywood’s divas, from Madhubala to Karisma Kapoor’Euphoria’ controversies explained: Zendaya-Sydney Sweeney feud, drug glorification row, every scandal from 2019 to Season 3Asha Bhosle, who recorded 11,000 songs, dies at 92; her life in picturesUpcoming week’s OTT releases (April 12th to April 19th): ‘Euphoria’ Season 3, ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles,’ and moreWhat ₹1000 can get you to eat around the worldType 2 diabetes doesn’t start with high sugar: Early metabolic shifts that begin years earlier and how lifestyle changes can help reverse them123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAndhra Pradesh Girl MurderUS Iran talksMI vs RCB Today IPL MatchBadminton Championships FinalPune tempatureTS Inter 1st 2nd Year Result 2026Asha BhosleSara TendulkarSchool Holidays in AprilAyush Shetty

NEW DELHI: Election campaigns across India are increasingly defined by what parties promise to give and while the “freebie culture” may be catching on in other states, it was pioneered in Tamil Nadu. Across the state, parties are once again rolling out promises of cash transfers, subsidised services and household goods, each attempting to outdo the other. It is the season of manifesto releases and high-decibel campaigning, where the language of welfare dominates every rally and roadshow.For many voters shaped by decades of Dravidian politics, such promises are not extraordinary giveaways but part of the normal grammar of governance.What sets Tamil Nadu apart is not just the scale of its welfare, but the depth of its political memory. From early interventions in food and education to more visible, consumption-oriented schemes, successive governments have built an expectation that the state must play an active role in everyday life.What is changing is not just the scale of welfare, but its form, with earlier schemes centred on goods like televisions, mixers and grinders giving way to direct cash transfers and other similar schemes.Therefore, the contest reveals less about excess and more about continuity, showing how deeply this model is embedded in Tamil Nadu’s political imagination.Similarly, in 2026, what is unfolding is not simply a contest of promises, but a competition within limits that no major party is willing, or able, to redraw.How welfare became the normThe story begins not with excess, but with intent. Under MG Ramachandran, welfare was embedded into governance as a tool of legitimacy. His most enduring intervention, the expansion of the Nutritious Meal Scheme, ensured cooked mid-day meals for schoolchildren at scale, significantly boosting enrolment and retention. Alongside this, subsidised rice through the public distribution system was widened, and schemes such as free school uniforms and textbooks strengthened access to basic education. These were not framed as discretionary benefits but as foundational state responsibilities, particularly for poorer households.It was under J Jayalalithaa that welfare acquired a sharper political edge and a more visible form. Her governments introduced a range of consumer-oriented schemes that made state support immediate and tangible: free colour televisions for households, mixers, grinders and electric fans for women beneficiaries, and laptops for students aimed at bridging the digital divide. At the same time, the Amma brand of subsidised services, including the well-known Amma Canteens offering low-cost meals, as well as Amma salt, water and pharmacies, extended welfare into everyday consumption. These initiatives did more than provide material support; they reshaped how voters experienced the state, turning welfare into something seen, used and remembered.What followed was not competition over whether to provide welfare, but over how much and how effectively. The alternation between the DMK and the AIADMK did not disrupt this model; it entrenched it. Each government inherited the expectations set by its predecessor and added to them. By the time MK Stalin took office, the model had evolved again. The emphasis shifted towards more targeted schemes and direct transfers, particularly for women and students, refining rather than reversing what came before.Neither the DMK nor the AIADMK, led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami in opposition, can credibly campaign on reducing welfare. Criticism, when it comes, focuses on inefficiency or corruption rather than on the principle itself. Can the model last?Tamil Nadu’s welfare model remains fiscally sustainable, underpinned by a strong economy, is what most parties would say. The state has one of India’s most robust industrial bases, leads in electronics manufacturing and has seen steady growth, outpacing the national average in recent years. By standard measures, it is not in fiscal distress. Debt has eased from its peak to around 26% of GSDP, and the fiscal deficit is projected to return close to the 3% target. Strong own-tax revenues and relatively low borrowing costs reinforce this picture. Social outcomes also support the case: welfare programmes have improved education, especially among women, and strengthened workforce participation.Yet caution persists. Tamil Nadu’s debt remains high in absolute terms, and welfare spending continues to expand. Interest payments are taking up a growing share of revenues, while deficits remain elevated. Critics warn that constant escalation in promises risks tightening fiscal space. Even within government estimates, large-scale cash schemes could impose significant recurring costs. Welfare itself may not be unsustainable, but the accumulation of commitments is narrowing flexibility. The debate is less about immediate crisis and more about how long the balance can hold.A competition with no exitNo major party in Tamil Nadu now campaigns against welfare. Instead, the contest is over scale and delivery. The 2026 manifestos reflect this logic. The DMK has proposed an Rs 8,000 household coupon and expanded financial support for women, alongside continued subsidies and services. The AIADMK has responded with its own expansive promises, including direct cash transfers, free appliances including refrigerators and fuel support. Many of these echo earlier schemes, showing how deeply embedded this model has become.The political exchange has turned into a familiar cycle. Edappadi K. Palaniswami has criticised M. K. Stalin’s proposals as inefficient, while promising more direct cash support. The DMK, in turn, defends its approach as targeted welfare with developmental outcomes. Behind the rhetoric, both sides operate within the same constraint: withdrawing benefits carries political risk. The competition is no longer about whether to provide welfare, but how visibly and efficiently it can be delivered.Voter logicAttempts to challenge this framework have had limited traction. Seeman has openly rejected the language of freebies, arguing for dignity and self-reliance over state handouts. Yet his position remains outside the mainstream. Even Vijay, who initially framed his politics around welfare rather than giveaways, has offered a slate of benefits that mirrors established parties.This reflects a deeper reality. Tamil Nadu’s electorate is not passive, but it is shaped by decades of policy that have made welfare both tangible and reliable. Programmes are often targeted and linked to real outcomes, from education to nutrition.For many voters, these distinctions are less ideological than practical. Welfare is assessed in terms of reliability and access rather than intent. Whether support arrives as a subsidy, a service or a direct transfer often matters less than whether it arrives on time and reaches the intended household. This creates a feedback loop in which parties are judged not for offering benefits, but for delivering them efficiently. In that sense, electoral competition reinforces the system even as it appears to contest it.What’s the way forwardThe emergence of new actors ahead of 2026 has raised the possibility of such a shift. Seeman and Vijay, in different ways, have gestured towards a politics of dignity and self-reliance. Their rhetoric hints at discomfort with an ever-expanding welfare state, suggesting that dependence may carry its own costs.As a result, even potential disruptors face a dilemma. To oppose welfare outright is to risk marginalisation; to accept it is to become part of the same competitive cycle. So far, the latter instinct has prevailed. The challenge they pose is therefore indirect, nudging the conversation rather than overturning it.The real test is not whether parties can step away from welfare, but whether they can sustain it without closing off their own future choices. For now, Tamil Nadu’s growth has allowed this balance to hold, masking the trade-offs beneath it. But that balance rests on assumptions that may not always endure.Tamil Nadu has not so much fallen into a freebie trap as constructed a system that works, until it doesn’t. The uncertainty lies in what breaks first: the economics that sustain it, or the politics that demand it.About the AuthorVivek DubeyA digital news desk journalist at The Times of India with over two years of experience. Closely tracks foreign affairs and international politics. Fondness for precise language and clever headlines. When not editing news, he is usually refining a turn of phrase.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMobile Internet Ban Extended After CRPF Firing Shocker That Killed ProtestersSwami Vivekananda’s First-Ever Life-Size Statue Unveiled In Seattle, US‘Had Great Difficulty’: Stranded Indian Fishermen In Iran Return Home Via Armenia‘India Is New Engine Of Globalisation, Becoming Attractive Investment Hub’: Former WEF DirectorJaishankar Meets UAE FM In Abu Dhabi, Discusses West Asia Situation And Strategic Partnership”Don’t Assume It’s Over” Rajnath Cautions On West Asia ConflictJag Vikram Leads Way, First Indian Ship Through Hormuz Post CeasefireSupreme Court Clarifies: Right To Vote And Contest Elections Not Fundamental Rights, But StatutoryCDS General Anil Chauhan Says All Services On The Same Page On Theatre CommandTharoor Attacks Pak, Says Terror History Can’t Be Wiped Out Before Talks123PhotostoriesLife lessons hidden in your favourite TV sitcoms: ‘Friends’, ‘The Office’ and moreMumbai’s top 5 residential buildings redefining luxury and premium livingBefore your blood tests turn abnormal: 6 silent heart warning signs you’re missing, and how to fix them earlyTop temples in India to visit believed to bring wealth and prosperityAsha Bhosle passes away at 92: Ode to the voice behind generations of Bollywood’s divas, from Madhubala to Karisma Kapoor’Euphoria’ controversies explained: Zendaya-Sydney Sweeney feud, drug glorification row, every scandal from 2019 to Season 3Asha Bhosle, who recorded 11,000 songs, dies at 92; her life in picturesUpcoming week’s OTT releases (April 12th to April 19th): ‘Euphoria’ Season 3, ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles,’ and moreWhat ₹1000 can get you to eat around the worldType 2 diabetes doesn’t start with high sugar: Early metabolic shifts that begin years earlier and how lifestyle changes can help reverse them123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAndhra Pradesh Girl MurderUS Iran talksMI vs RCB Today IPL MatchBadminton Championships FinalPune tempatureTS Inter 1st 2nd Year Result 2026Asha BhosleSara TendulkarSchool Holidays in AprilAyush Shetty

Vamsikrishna07 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Election campaigns across India are increasingly defined by what parties promise to give and while the “freebie culture” may be catching on in other states, it was pioneered in Tamil Nadu. Across the state, parties are once again rolling out promises of cash transfers, subsidised services and household goods, each attempting to outdo…

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IPL 2026: Why RCB, Mumbai Indians players are wearing black armbands – Explained

IPL 2026: Why RCB, Mumbai Indians players are wearing black armbands – Explained

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Hardik Pandya and Rajat Patidar (Image credit: Mumbai Indians) NEW DELHI: Fans were eagerly awaiting the mouth-watering IPL 2026 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. Apart from the high-profile contest, the spotlight was also on the much-anticipated face-off between batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, known for their…

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US states roll back in-state tuition for undocumented students amid rising policy and legal battles

US states roll back in-state tuition for undocumented students amid rising policy and legal battles

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Dreamers face higher college costs as states reconsider in-state tuition eligibility rules across US Across the United States, a growing policy battle over in-state tuition for undocumented students is reshaping access to higher education for thousands of young learners. What was once seen as a bipartisan bridge to college is now becoming a point of…

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Makers of ‘Chand Mera Dil’ postpone title track release by a day after Asha Bhosle’s passing: ‘In honor of a legacy…’

Makers of ‘Chand Mera Dil’ postpone title track release by a day after Asha Bhosle’s passing: ‘In honor of a legacy…’

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

In a heartfelt gesture following the passing of legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle, Karan Johar’s production house has postponed the release of the title track of its upcoming film ‘Chand Mera Dil’ by one day. The song, featuring Ananya Panday and Lakshya, was originally scheduled to drop on April 13, the same day as Asha…

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Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel scandal takes darker turn as past tweet raises serious dating questions

Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel scandal takes darker turn as past tweet raises serious dating questions

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel are under scrutiny after Arizona hotel photos sparked rumors of a relationship. Both denied any romantic involvement, calling the meeting professional. However, a resurfaced January 2026 post by Russini supporting Vrabel has fueled fresh speculation. Reports also suggest the photos were quietly circulated before publication, adding mystery, though no verified…

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Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru look to bounce back in Mumbai

Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru look to bounce back in Mumbai

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Mumbai Indians (MI) batting coach Kieron Pollard remains optimistic about the imminent arrival of England all-rounder Will Jacks ahead of their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Addressing the media in the pre-match press conference, Pollard dismissed concerns around Jacks’ fitness, stating that the team management has not been informed…

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Gold, silver outlook: US-Iran talks collapse to drive volatility; inflation data, global cues in focus

Gold, silver outlook: US-Iran talks collapse to drive volatility; inflation data, global cues in focus

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Gold, silver outlook: Precious metals are expected to remain volatile when markets open on Monday as the breakdown of US-Iran negotiations keeps sentiment fragile, with investors also tracking domestic inflation data and key global cues, analysts said.Apart from developments in West Asia, traders will monitor the US Producer Price Index (PPI), crude oil prices and…

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‘I feel truly blessed I got to meet this legend’: Mika Singh shares throwback video of when Asha Bhosle served him homemade Biryani

‘I feel truly blessed I got to meet this legend’: Mika Singh shares throwback video of when Asha Bhosle served him homemade Biryani

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

In a heartfelt tribute, Mika Singh uploaded a charming video of the legendary Asha Bhosle, showcasing her graciousness as a host and her love for cooking. Captured during her 90th birthday celebration, the footage reveals Asha herself preparing a delightful meal for her guests. Mika couldn’t help but express his gratitude, while her humble response…

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After Amazon stock’s worst day since 2022, CEO Andy Jassy has a message for Wall Street: We’re not going to…

After Amazon stock’s worst day since 2022, CEO Andy Jassy has a message for Wall Street: We’re not going to…

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy used his annual shareholder letter to defend the company’s $200 billion AI spending plan for 2026—months after the announcement tanked the stock over 10% in a single session. Jassy disclosed AWS’s AI business has hit a $15 billion annual run rate, pointed to customer commitments backing “a substantial portion” of the…

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China sets up new county near PoK, Afghan border to curb Uyghur infiltration

China sets up new county near PoK, Afghan border to curb Uyghur infiltration

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

China has established a new county in its Xinjiang region near Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the Afghanistan border, a move that comes amid ongoing tensions with India over disputed territories, particularly in Ladakh.The county, named Cenling, was announced by the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region government on March 26 and will be administered by Kashgar prefecture, according…

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Image: IANS The Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps has launched Sikkim’s first border village community radio station, “Sikkim Sundari”. The move aims to improve communication and access to information in remote high-altitude areas, officials said.According to the Defence PRO, the station will broadcast local news, weather updates, and information on government schemes, while also serving as a platform to promote local culture and encourage youth participation.It will further provide opportunities for local youth to develop communication skills and take part in community engagement.“The initiative will help connect communities, amplify local voices, and support development in remote areas,” a senior army official was quoted as saying by PTI.The radio station was inaugurated in the presence of senior officers of the Trishakti Corps, civil administration representatives, and members of the local community.Meanwhile, the additional director general of border roads (East), Jitendra Prasad, visited the landslide-affected area at Taramchu in North Sikkim to review the situation on the ground.According to the Defence PRO, he assessed the damage and interacted with personnel of the Border Roads Organisation deployed at the site. He also reviewed ongoing restoration work and directed officials to expedite efforts to reopen the route at the earliest, as cited by ANI.During the visit, Prasad inspected the progress of work and reiterated the organisation’s focus on restoring and maintaining connectivity in the region, noting the importance of road links for local communities and access to border areas.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSwami Vivekananda’s First-Ever Life-Size Statue Unveiled In Seattle, US‘Had Great Difficulty’: Stranded Indian Fishermen In Iran Return Home Via Armenia‘India Is New Engine Of Globalisation, Becoming Attractive Investment Hub’: Former WEF DirectorJaishankar Meets UAE FM In Abu Dhabi, Discusses West Asia Situation And Strategic Partnership”Don’t Assume It’s Over” Rajnath Cautions On West Asia ConflictJag Vikram Leads Way, First Indian Ship Through Hormuz Post CeasefireSupreme Court Clarifies: Right To Vote And Contest Elections Not Fundamental Rights, But StatutoryCDS General Anil Chauhan Says All Services On The Same Page On Theatre CommandTharoor Attacks Pak, Says Terror History Can’t Be Wiped Out Before TalksMaha Vir Chakra Awardee Col Sonam Wangchuk Passes Away; Kargil War Hero Remembered For Bravery123PhotostoriesLife lessons hidden in your favourite TV sitcoms: ‘Friends’, ‘The Office’ and more4 simple hacks to keep love aliveMumbai’s top 5 residential buildings redefining luxury and premium livingBefore your blood tests turn abnormal: 6 silent heart warning signs you’re missing, and how to fix them earlyTop temples in India to visit believed to bring wealth and prosperityAsha Bhosle passes away at 92: Ode to the voice behind generations of Bollywood’s divas, from Madhubala to Karisma Kapoor’Euphoria’ controversies explained: Zendaya-Sydney Sweeney feud, drug glorification row, every scandal from 2019 to Season 3Asha Bhosle, who recorded 11,000 songs, dies at 92; her life in picturesUpcoming week’s OTT releases (April 12th to April 19th): ‘Euphoria’ Season 3, ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles,’ and moreWhat ₹1000 can get you to eat around the world123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAndhra Pradesh Girl MurderUS Iran talksMI vs RCB Today IPL MatchBadminton Championships FinalPune tempatureTS Inter 1st 2nd Year Result 2026Asha BhosleSara TendulkarSchool Holidays in AprilAyush Shetty

Image: IANS The Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps has launched Sikkim’s first border village community radio station, “Sikkim Sundari”. The move aims to improve communication and access to information in remote high-altitude areas, officials said.According to the Defence PRO, the station will broadcast local news, weather updates, and information on government schemes, while also serving as a platform to promote local culture and encourage youth participation.It will further provide opportunities for local youth to develop communication skills and take part in community engagement.“The initiative will help connect communities, amplify local voices, and support development in remote areas,” a senior army official was quoted as saying by PTI.The radio station was inaugurated in the presence of senior officers of the Trishakti Corps, civil administration representatives, and members of the local community.Meanwhile, the additional director general of border roads (East), Jitendra Prasad, visited the landslide-affected area at Taramchu in North Sikkim to review the situation on the ground.According to the Defence PRO, he assessed the damage and interacted with personnel of the Border Roads Organisation deployed at the site. He also reviewed ongoing restoration work and directed officials to expedite efforts to reopen the route at the earliest, as cited by ANI.During the visit, Prasad inspected the progress of work and reiterated the organisation’s focus on restoring and maintaining connectivity in the region, noting the importance of road links for local communities and access to border areas.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSwami Vivekananda’s First-Ever Life-Size Statue Unveiled In Seattle, US‘Had Great Difficulty’: Stranded Indian Fishermen In Iran Return Home Via Armenia‘India Is New Engine Of Globalisation, Becoming Attractive Investment Hub’: Former WEF DirectorJaishankar Meets UAE FM In Abu Dhabi, Discusses West Asia Situation And Strategic Partnership”Don’t Assume It’s Over” Rajnath Cautions On West Asia ConflictJag Vikram Leads Way, First Indian Ship Through Hormuz Post CeasefireSupreme Court Clarifies: Right To Vote And Contest Elections Not Fundamental Rights, But StatutoryCDS General Anil Chauhan Says All Services On The Same Page On Theatre CommandTharoor Attacks Pak, Says Terror History Can’t Be Wiped Out Before TalksMaha Vir Chakra Awardee Col Sonam Wangchuk Passes Away; Kargil War Hero Remembered For Bravery123PhotostoriesLife lessons hidden in your favourite TV sitcoms: ‘Friends’, ‘The Office’ and more4 simple hacks to keep love aliveMumbai’s top 5 residential buildings redefining luxury and premium livingBefore your blood tests turn abnormal: 6 silent heart warning signs you’re missing, and how to fix them earlyTop temples in India to visit believed to bring wealth and prosperityAsha Bhosle passes away at 92: Ode to the voice behind generations of Bollywood’s divas, from Madhubala to Karisma Kapoor’Euphoria’ controversies explained: Zendaya-Sydney Sweeney feud, drug glorification row, every scandal from 2019 to Season 3Asha Bhosle, who recorded 11,000 songs, dies at 92; her life in picturesUpcoming week’s OTT releases (April 12th to April 19th): ‘Euphoria’ Season 3, ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles,’ and moreWhat ₹1000 can get you to eat around the world123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAndhra Pradesh Girl MurderUS Iran talksMI vs RCB Today IPL MatchBadminton Championships FinalPune tempatureTS Inter 1st 2nd Year Result 2026Asha BhosleSara TendulkarSchool Holidays in AprilAyush Shetty

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The Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps has launched Sikkim’s first border village community radio station, “Sikkim Sundari”. The move aims to improve communication and access to information in remote high-altitude areas, officials said.According to the Defence PRO, the station will broadcast local news, weather updates, and information on government schemes, while also serving as a platform…

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