NEW DELHI: CJI Surya Kant has devised four categories of cases to prioritise listing and hearing of petitions filed by socially, physically, and financially disadvantaged people. The new categories of cases relate to those filed by disabled people and acid attack survivors, by senior citizens above 80 years, persons who are below poverty line and those who have approached the court through legal aid services that provide free advocate assistance to poor litigants. The new categorisation was needed as their cases used to get lost in the crowd of 800-odd cases that get listed on Mondays and Fridays, the two days in a week when 16 benches of SC entertain fresh petitions and determine whether these require longer hearing. A circular by the SC registry said, “Members of the Bar, parties-in-person and all stakeholders are required to invariably mention the relevant head… under which the matter actually falls, in all the fresh petitions to be filed… and submit an appropriate application/letter along with the documentary proof issued by an appropriate govt authority in this regard.”SC handled 75k cases in 2025, unmatched by any top courtFurther, all concerned are also requested to provide the said details in pending matters/cases to enable the registry to appropriately update the matter under the respective head. This will enable the registry to prioritise listing of such cases,” it said. The humongous volume of cases handled by the highest court of the country is unmatched by any country’s Supreme Court, by a huge margin. In 2025, as many as 75,280 cases were filed in SC – 51,357 civil and 23,923 criminal. It decided 65,403 (87% of the total filing), 42,793 civil and 22,610 criminal. In contrast, though thousands of cases are filed every year in US Supreme Court, it accepts only 70-80 cases for arguments. Till Dec 29, UK Supreme Court had received little over 200 cases and gave judgments in around 50 cases. Their Indian counterpart gave 1,400 lengthy judgments and thousands of orders to dispose of cases. SC, which saw three CJIs in 2025 in Justices Sanjiv Khanna, B R Gavai and Surya Kant, will not see a new CJI till Feb 2027, when Justice Kant retires. In 2027, SC will see a record four CJIs – Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath (from Feb to Sep), BV Nagarathna (for 37 days) and PS Narasimha.

Bollywood actress Khushi Mukherjee and Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav (Insta)

Bollywood and television actor Khushi Mukherjee has moved to clear the air around her recent comments involving India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, addressing the issue in an exclusive interaction with NDTV. Her clarification has eased concerns among the captain’s supporters and Indian cricket followers, especially with a major ICC event on the horizon. Responding to questions from the channel, Khushi remarked, “Can’t we talk as friends?” Her explanation follows a statement made a day earlier that triggered widespread debate within cricket circles. With the T20 World Cup less than six weeks away and the Indian squad already announced under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership, the interpretation of her earlier remarks was viewed as potentially unsettling for the team setup. Such off-field noise often raises fears about its impact on dressing-room harmony.

Despite leading India to the Asia Cup title in 2025, Suryakumar Yadav has recently faced scrutiny due to a lean run with the bat. Against this backdrop, Khushi Mukherjee’s remarks added to the buzz. Notably, her earlier comments surfaced at a time when Suryakumar was on a personal visit to the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirupati along with his wife, Devisha, on Tuesday. The Indian captain has so far chosen not to respond publicly to the controversy. Speaking to NDTV, Khushi categorically stated that there was no “romantic relationship” between her and Suryakumar Yadav. She said her words had been taken out of context and sensationalised, and also claimed that her Instagram account had been hacked. Khushi explained that she had spoken to Suryakumar as a friend in the past but stressed that they are no longer in contact. She added that there has been no communication between them even after the issue erupted. Wishing the Indian team well, she expressed her support for Suryakumar Yadav and Team India ahead of the upcoming World Cup, mentioning that the cricketer had once spoken to her as a friend following a defeat. The controversy began after Khushi gave a striking response to a question at a recent event, where she said she did not wish to date any cricketer, claimed that several cricketers had approached her, and referred to Suryakumar Yadav messaging her in the past. Khushi Mukherjee is known for her appearances in television shows such as MTV Splitsvilla, Kahat Hanuman Jai Shri Ram, Baalveer Returns and MTV Love School, along with work in Tamil and Telugu cinema. In her earlier statement as well, she reiterated that she has no intention of dating a cricketer.

India new labour code (Image for representation)

NEW DELHI: A month after notifying the four new labour codes, Centre on Wednesday released draft rules for their implementation, which lay out how minimum wages will be calculated, fix weekly working hours, set procedures to recognise and verify trade union membership, and provide for the composition of a National Social Security Board that will look after the welfare of gig and platform workers among other things. Under the draft rules, seeking public comments within 30-45 days, minimum daily wages will be based on the needs of a standard working-class family comprising the worker, a spouse and two children. This includes a daily intake of 2,700 calories per person, clothing needs of 66 metres a year for the family, house rent at 10% of food and clothing costs, 20% of wages for fuel, electricity and other essentials, and an additional 25% to cover education, healthcare, recreation and contingencies. An official told TOI that the calculation of minimum wage follows the principles laid down in the Reptakos Brett judgment, which took the socio-economic aspect of the wage structure into consideration, as a worker’s wage is no longer a contract between an employer and an employee. “Subsequently, the minimum wages are expected to see upward revision once the new codes come into effect.” Besides, the rules cap weekly working hours at 48, while daily working hours, rest intervals, and spread-over time will be notified separately. The proposed national social security board for gig workers will include lawmakers, representatives from states, worker and employer organisations, along with Centre’s nominees. On gratuity, govt clarified that the provisions will apply prospectively from Nov 21, 2025, the date the labour codes come into force. Fixed-term employees will be eligible for gratuity after one year of continuous service, compared with five years earlier for permanent workers. The labour ministry also iterated the definition of wages under the labour codes. If components other than basic pay, dearness allowance and retaining allowance exceed 50% of total pay, the excess will be treated as wages. Performance-linked incentives, ESOPs, variable or reimbursement-based payments and leave encashment are excluded. In the meantime, old rules will remain in force until final notification of the new rules during the transition period, the ministry clarified separately. States will also need to release draft rules under the new labour codes.

The new year arrives without fanfare, prompting a moment of reflection before sending messages. The article offers simple, honest phrases for New Year’s greetings, acknowledging that not everyone starts the year with grand plans. It emphasizes genuine connection and self-compassion over forced cheerfulness, encouraging a quiet, hopeful approach to the year ahead.

The new year doesn’t announce itself properly. It just shows up.One day you’re still replying to old messages, finishing leftover work, putting off thoughts you don’t want to have yet. And then suddenly, it’s time to say something. To people you love. To people you haven’t spoken to in months. To people who stayed. To people who drifted.Most of us pause at the screen longer than we admit. Because “Happy New Year” feels polite, but not always honest. And honesty feels risky.So here are words for that moment. Not shiny. Not dramatic. Just words that sound like something a real person might send, without thinking too hard about it.

You can copy them. You can tweak them. Or you can just read them and figure out your own.That works too.Happy New Year 2026. I hope this year feels easier on you.Wishing you a year that doesn’t ask for too much at once.May the coming months give you time to catch your breath.Here’s to days that feel calm enough to get through.I hope 2026 brings you good health and quieter worries.Another year begins. May it be gentler than the last.Sending you warm wishes as the calendar turns.Hope this year treats you with a bit more kindness.May the new year meet you where you are.Happy New Year. Take it slow.Some people walk into the new year full of plans. Others just want rest. Both are fine.Happy New Year, my friend. I’m glad you’re still here with me.Another year, still figuring things out. At least we’re doing it together.Thanks for being steady when things weren’t.Wishing you laughter that comes without effort.I hope this year gives you what you’ve been quietly hoping for.Here’s to conversations that don’t need explanations.New year, same bond. That matters.Grateful for your presence, now and always.2026 already feels better knowing you’re in it.May you feel supported, even on days you don’t say much.Family has a way of carrying time differently.Happy New Year to the people who make life feel familiar.Grateful for another year of shared meals, arguments, laughter, and forgiveness.Wishing our family health and patience in the year ahead.No matter where we are, this stays constant.May 2026 bring us closer in ways that matter.Thankful for the love that doesn’t need reminders.Here’s to more time together.

Happy New Year 2026 wishes, messages and quotes for family, friends & loved Ones to share on WhatsApp, Facebook & Instagram

New year. Same roots.Sending love as we begin again.Hope home always feels safe.Love doesn’t reset on January 1. It just continues.Happy New Year. I’m thankful I get to do life with you.Another year of choosing each other, even when it’s not easy.May this year bring us understanding where words fall short.Thank you for being my constant.New memories. Familiar love.Here’s to growing, even when it’s uncomfortable.Starting the year with you feels right.With you, the days make more sense.May we be patient with each other.Love feels like enough.Some wishes aren’t loud. They don’t sparkle. They sit quietly.A new year doesn’t fix everything. It gives space.May you stop chasing perfect.Here’s to healing without deadlines.Wishing you peace, even when answers take time.May kindness start with how you treat yourself.Growth can be slow and still real.I hope this year lets you breathe.You don’t have to rush.Let go of what weighs you down.Trust yourself a little more.Sometimes all you need is a short line.Happy New Year 2026.Wishing you calmer days.A fresh start.Peace, wherever you need it.Here’s to what’s next.Hope the year feels lighter.Sending good thoughts.New beginnings, quietly.Take care this year.Stepping forward.And then there are the words that feel like thoughts, not messages.“A new year doesn’t demand change. It allows it.”“Some beginnings are quiet, and that’s okay.”“You don’t have to have it all figured out.”“Time does more than effort sometimes.”“Hope doesn’t need noise.”“Carry less into this year.”“Progress isn’t always visible.”“Let the year unfold.”“Gentle changes last.”“Rest is not falling behind.”Work messages don’t need to sound like announcements.Wishing you steady progress in the year ahead.May your work feel meaningful, not draining.Here’s to balance, wherever possible.Hope your efforts are recognised.May this year bring clarity to your goals.Looking ahead with quiet optimism.Success matters more when peace comes with it.Wishing you patience and focus.A good year to grow, without burning out.All the best for what’s ahead.And finally, this.However 2026 turns out for you, I hope you don’t lose yourself in it.May you feel held, even on days you feel distant.Here’s to trusting the slow process.Let this be the year you’re a little less hard on yourself.Wishing you strength for the difficult days and comfort in the ordinary ones.New Year wishes don’t have to be clever. They just have to be real. Sometimes the simplest line lands the deepest.Say what feels true. And step into the year ahead quietly hopeful.