NEW DELHI: Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday said user consent must be mandatory for “all synthetically generated” content and called on digital platforms to take proactive steps to curb cyber fraud.Speaking at the Third Annual Storyboard18 Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) Conclave 2025 in New Delhi, Vaishnaw said, “Platforms must take responsibility of what they are publishing. Times have gone when a platform could say that they are responsible for the content. Those times have gone because the platforms have themselves changed from being pure platforms to becoming hosts to the world. They must take the responsibility for the harmful content which is hosted by them.““Social media platforms must share revenue in a fair way with content creators… including creators sitting in far-flung areas, influencers, professors… There has to be a fair share of revenue with people creating content,” Vaishnaw said.“There has to be user consent for all synthetically generated content…platforms must take proactive action on cyber fraud,” he added.Emphasising the importance of trust in democratic systems, Vaishnaw said, “Human society is built upon trust and institution. When human beings created the social structures. They created so many institutions beginning with the institution of family, a social identity, judiciary, media, legislature and a democratic way of coming together and deciding things.”“All these institutions were built on one fundamental premise. The premise of trust,” he noted.“And that basically means that diff arms of the society, different institutions within the society and the individuals interacting with those institutions. They believe that institutions work on certain principles which are based upon trust,” he said.“Mutual trust defines the entire core of the institution,” the Union minister added.Warning that this foundation is under strain, Vaishnaw said, “The way the world is emerging today, that core tenet of trust is under threat. That threat is coming from so many different angles, deepfakes which can make you believe in things which have never happened anywhere.”“Disinformation barrage which can cause a sense of distrust, which doesn’t exist in real life. Creating synthetically generated photos and videos which have absolutely no relation with reality. And all that content when it reaches the common citizen. They start questioning the very basic structure of the society. And this is a big threat that every country including India is juggling with these issues now,” he added.Earlier, DNPA Chairperson and Manorama Online CEO Mariam Mammen Mathew opened the conclave, saying artificial intelligence and rapid shifts in the digital ecosystem are fundamentally reshaping how news is created, distributed, discovered and monetised.Speaking on the theme she said, “Transformation of Media in the Age of Artificial Intelligence is at a critical juncture as AI, evolving data governance norms, shifting platform economics and changing audience behaviour redefine digital journalism.”The DNPA Conclave 2026 brought together policymakers, media leaders and industry experts to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of news, governance and digital innovation. As a key industry platform, the conclave featured curated panel discussions and expert-led sessions examining emerging trends, addressing shared challenges and outlining a forward-looking roadmap for India’s digital media ecosystem.Discussions focused on the evolving regulatory environment governing digital communications and how policy frameworks can balance innovation with consumer protection and industry growth in an AI-driven era. Sessions also explored how artificial intelligence is transforming newsroom workflows, content creation, distribution strategies and audience engagement across platforms.The conclave further examined where audiences are turning for credible information, how trust can be built and sustained, and what constitutes the new public square in a fragmented, platform-led media landscape. The impact of regulatory changes on various stakeholders was also discussed, including who stands to benefit, who bears the costs, and how the ecosystem can remain competitive and inclusive.

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday strongly reprimanded the NCERT over its now-withdrawn chapter in the newly introduced Class 8 textbook, which had been added to the syllabus days ago and outlined “corruption” and “backlogs” in the judiciary. Calling it a “deep-rooted conspiracy,” the CJI issued a show-cause notice to the NCERT director and pushed for action, seeking a “deeper probe” into the matter.Amid the controversy surrounding the top court’s remarks, it also directed the seizure of physical and digital copies of the NCERT textbook in circulation that contained the chapter on judicial “corruption.”

Here are the key observations made by the Supreme Court:

The court will hear suo motu case on this matter on March 11.This follows the introduction of a new NCERT social science textbook for Class 8, which highlighted key challenges facing the country’s judicial system, including corruption, a heavy backlog of cases, and an insufficient number of judges. The revised chapter, titled ‘The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society’, goes beyond explaining the structure of courts and access to justice, addressing systemic issues that affect the functioning of the judiciary. Previous editions primarily focused on the organisation and role of courts.One section of the new textbook discusses corruption within the judicial system and its impact on access to justice, particularly for economically disadvantaged groups. “People do experience corruption at various levels of the judiciary. For the poor and the disadvantaged, this can worsen the issue of access to justice. Hence, efforts are constantly being made at the State and Union levels to build faith and increase transparency in the judicial system, including through the use of technology, and to take swift and decisive action against instances of corruption wherever they may arise,” the chapter states.The textbook also provides data on the scale of pending cases across courts, estimating around 81,000 cases in the Supreme Court, about 62.40 lakh in high courts, and approximately 4.70 crore in district and subordinate courts.

Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday unveiled new reforms for Indian Railways as part of the ‘Reforms Express’ that PM Narendra Modi has spoken of. The two reforms unveiled today focus on a new rail tech policy, and reforms in disposal of railway claims tribunal cases.Indian Railways aims to engage innovators, startups, industry, and institutions to promote innovation. The new policy simplifies selection of innovators and a new ‘Rail Tech Portal’ for innovation is being launched. The innovation challenge can be initiated by any innovator or departmental user.

Rail Tech Portal:

• Single-stage detailed submission of proposals by the Innovator
• Scale-up grant increased more than 3 times
• Maximum grant doubled for prototype development and trials
• User friendly interface

Innovation Challenges Listed by Railway Minister• AI based Elephant Intrusion Detection System (EIDS)• AI based fire detection system in coaches• Drone based broken rail detection system• Rail stress monitoring system• Sensor based load calculation device on parcel vans (VPUs)• Solar panel on coaches• AI based coach cleaning monitoring system• Obstruction detection in foggy environment• AI based pension, dispute resolution

Disposal of railway claims tribunal cases

• A citizen centric reform and a digital solution designed to streamline and modernize processing of court cases in Railway Claims Tribunal (RCT)
• It aims to improve efficiency, accessibility, and transparency in all 23 RCT benches to be connected digitally across India
• It will benefit litigants to file their cases from anywhere electronically easily with 24/7 availability

Last month, Vaishnaw had convened a meeting with senior railway officials, during which he unveiled a roadmap to introduce 52 key reforms over 52 weeks in 2026.Deliberations centred on expanding infrastructure, improving maintenance practices, and increasing network capacity. Officials observed that wide-ranging changes are required within Indian Railways to enhance passenger facilities and strengthen operational safety.The “52 Reforms in 52 Weeks” initiative is intended to bring structural improvements in efficiency, administration, and service standards.The press note also pointed to a strong emphasis on safety, with a target of bringing railway accidents down to a single-digit figure from 11 recorded in 2025-26.Additional measures proposed under the reform agenda include greater use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies, modernisation of talent development and training systems, and improvements in food and catering services.

As winter gently gives way to warmer days, Mumbai’s thriving community of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts is swapping hill trails for golden fields. This season, sunflower farm visits on the city’s outskirts have emerged as a favourite weekend escape, drawing families, pet parents and adventure lovers alike.What makes these visits special is not just the sea of yellow blooms stretching endlessly toward the horizon, but the sense of togetherness they foster.Raj Chedda, founder of the adventure community organising these outings, says the idea was always to create a space that welcomes everyone. “We are a family-friendly and pet-friendly hiking community that encourages people to explore the beauty of nature with their children and pets. We aim to create unforgettable moments of togetherness, laughter and adventure,” he says.Emphasising inclusivity, safety and accessibility, the group ensures that outdoor experiences remain enjoyable regardless of age or experience level. “We want to promote a more connected, healthier and happier lifestyle by fostering a strong bond between people, their pets and the environment,” he adds.Beyond the postcard-perfect visuals, the experience is immersive. Jainam Shah, from the team who hosted the event, explains that the outing goes far beyond a simple farm walk. “Our participants don’t just see nature — they taste it through our authentic farm-to-table experience. Our meals are prepared using fresh produce sourced directly from the farm, including pure sunflower oil extracted from the very fields you explore. When we say farm to table, we mean food that travels only from the soil to your plate — simple, honest, and full of flavour. It’s not just a visit — it’s a meaningful connection to where real food comes from.”For many Mumbaikars, the sunflower fields offered a rare pause from the city’s relentless pace. Nikita Shah, from South Mumbai and Head Operations & Customer Experience at a company, says, “It was truly an unforgettable experience. Everything was beautifully organised, making the journey smooth, safe, and incredibly enjoyable for the kids. The team was extremely cordial, supportive, and always ready with a smile. It created wonderful memories for our family.”Ekta Acharya, founder of a baking company based in the Western Suburbs, echoes the sentiment. “The sunflower farm experience felt refreshing and thoughtfully curated. For me, it was a perfect weekend escape from the city’s fast pace. We genuinely enjoyed the warmth and simplicity of the outing.” For Shreya Jaokar, a developmental psychologist from Andheri, the appeal lay in the sheer visual splendour. “We had a fantastic time at the Sunflower Farm visit near Mumbai. We loved the beautiful fields in full bloom. It felt like the perfect weekend getaway near the city.”The experience wasn’t limited to admiring flowers. Deepika Khaladkar, a homemaker from South Mumbai who attended with her family, says, “We had a wonderful experience. We enjoyed every aspect of the visit, from the sunflower fields to the river dip and the delicious lunch. Excellent trip.”In a city constantly racing against time, these sunflower farm visits have become more than just Instagram-worthy outings. They represent a growing desire among Mumbaikars to slow down, reconnect with nature and create shared memories at these golden fields.

The legendary Sachin Tendulkar delivered a deeply moving speech during the pre-wedding celebrations of his son, Arjun Tendulkar, and his fiancée, Saaniya Chandhok. Hosted by Mukesh and Nita Ambani at their sprawling residence in Jamnagar on February 25, 2026, the event served as a star-studded prelude to the couple’s upcoming wedding. The atmosphere was one of profound nostalgia and joy, as two of India’s most influential families came together to bless the union. A video shared by the Mumbai Indians (MI) captured the ‘Master Blaster’ reflecting on the poignant realization that his son had truly transitioned into adulthood.

Sachin Tendulkar’s emotional tribute to Arjun and Saaniya Chandhok

Taking the stage in the presence of the Ambani family, Sachin expressed his immense pride and gratitude. He spoke about the universal experience of a parent watching their child grow up, noting that the moment Arjun introduced Saaniya to the family, it marked a significant shift in their household dynamic. Sachin’s words resonated with everyone present, highlighting the deep bond between the father and son as Arjun prepares to start his own family.

“Thank you very much for having us here. When a son brings a girl home to introduce her, then you know that the son has grown up. They look madly in love with each other. Arjun, I have to say I am extremely proud of you to have found someone so special who loves you as much as you love her.” Sachin said.

Here’s the video:

Welcoming Saaniya: Nita Ambani’s heartfelt blessings

Nita Ambani, who has shared a long-standing friendship with the Tendulkars and watched Arjun grow up from a young boy at her school, also addressed the gathering with visible affection. She spoke warmly about the couple’s future and welcomed Saaniya into their extended family circle. The celebrations were rooted in tradition, featuring Ganesha pujas and classic silhouettes, with Nita Ambani praising Saaniya’s vibrant spirit and the couple’s “beautiful partnership.”

“My dear Arjun, I have seen you grow up from a little boy at our school and now standing here, ready to begin the most beautiful partnership of your life. Saaniya, you have such a warm and positive energy around you. It’s wonderful getting to know you and see you both together. And may God bless your union forever.” Nita Ambani said.

Also WATCH: Arjun Tendulkar makes headlines after dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal’s brother in DY Patil T20 Cup 2026

Who is Saaniya Chandhok? Arjun Tendulkar’s fiancée

Saaniya Chandhok is far more than just a bride-to-be; she is an accomplished entrepreneur and professional with a distinguished academic record. She represents a blend of high-level business acumen and a deep-seated passion for animal welfare, making her a perfect match for the disciplined Arjun.

• Professional Background: She is the founder of Mr. Paws Pet Spa & Store LLP, a brand she built to focus on elite pet grooming and wellness.
• Education: A 2020 graduate of the London School of Economics (LSE), she furthered her expertise by qualifying as a Veterinary Technician.
• Family Heritage: She is the granddaughter of Ravi Ghai, the Chairman of the Graviss Group, with her parents Sunny and Gaurika also being prominent figures in the organization.

The couple, who got engaged in August 2025, are preparing for a grand Mumbai wedding following their Jamnagar festivities. Reflecting the immense stature of both families, the guest list for the main event is expected to feature the highest levels of Indian leadership. The families recently made headlines for personally visiting and inviting dignitaries including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and President Droupadi Murmu.

Also READ: IPL 2026 Retentions: Sara Tendulkar reacts as her brother Arjun moves to Lucknow Super Giants from Mumbai Indians

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s upcoming visit to India may prove to be a turning point in bilateral ties between the two countries after three years. Carney will be in India from February 27 to March 2, 2026.Ties between the two countries had deteriorated sharply in September 2023 following allegations regarding India’s role in the killing of a Khalistan leader in Canada, which also led to the suspension of negotiations on a proposed free trade agreement. The visit comes at a time when India has sealed several free trade agreements in the last year. A trade deal with the US has also been announced, with tariffs on Indian exports reduced to 18% – however the fate of the agreement remains uncertain after the American Supreme Court struck down the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the Donald Trump administration.

India-Canada Bilateral Ties Reset

According to a report from Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), Carney’s visit is expected to have two major outcomes: the most significant of which could be the formal revival of negotiations for an India–Canada Free Trade Agreement. The two sides may also express a political commitment to finalize the agreement within a specified timeline.“Both countries have strong economic reasons to move forward: Canada wants to diversify trade beyond its heavy reliance on the United States, while India is seeking stable markets, and secure access to energy and critical minerals,” notes GTRI founder Ajay Srivastava.Bilateral trade between India and China has shown consistent growth. It reached about $7.8 billion in 2025. India’s exports stood at around$4.5 billion and included pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, textiles, and machinery. Canada’s exports were at around $3.3 billion, mainly comprising pulses, timber, pulp and paper, and mining-related products.Because the two countries trade largely complementary goods rather than competing products, an FTA could significantly expand trade and investment, especially in agri-food, clean energy, critical minerals, etc, says GTRI.Another key development from the visit could be the conclusion of a long-term uranium supply agreement that is aimed at supporting the expansion of India’s nuclear power sector. For Canada, such an arrangement would provide a stable and dependable export market for uranium beyond the United States.The importance of the agreement is heightened by recent reforms in India’s nuclear sector under the SHANTI Act, 2025, which are intended to attract foreign technology partners and speed up the deployment of advanced reactors and small modular reactors. A reliable supply of uranium from a trusted partner would be essential to support the planned increase in reactor capacity.

Mark Carney’s India Visit: What’s On Agenda?

India has said that the upcoming discussions between PM Narendra Modi and Mark Carney are expected to help strengthen a future-oriented partnership between the two countries.Carney is scheduled to begin a four-day trip to India on Friday, marking his first official visit to the country since assuming office as prime minister.The primary objective of the visit is to inject fresh energy into bilateral relations. The Canadian leader will first travel to Mumbai, where he is set to attend a series of business-related events and hold interactions with prominent Indian and Canadian industry representatives, financial professionals and innovators.He will then reach New Delhi on Sunday, with comprehensive talks between the two prime ministers planned for Monday.According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the two leaders will assess the progress made in various sectors under the India-Canada Strategic Partnership, building on their previous interactions in Kananaskis in June last year and Johannesburg in November.The ministry noted that the visit takes place at a significant stage in the process of restoring normal ties between India and Canada.

A heart-broken Dasun Shanaka issued a heartfelt apology to fans after Sri Lanka crashed out of the T20 World Cup, admitting failures, fitness concerns and missed opportunities contributed to another painful exit.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Co-hosts Sri Lanka were eliminated in the Super Eight stage following a crushing 61-run defeat to New Zealand, days after suffering a 51-run loss to England. The twin defeats left their final match against Pakistan inconsequential, extending a barren run in global tournaments since their 2014 triumph.

“We feel very sorry about this,” Shanaka said in an emotional post-match press conference. “For the spectators, I don’t have anything to tell. We have not given them any win that they can be happy about.”The captain admitted Sri Lanka had squandered crucial moments, especially against England. “England match was also a match that we could have won. If we were more sensible, we could have won that. This match was a one-sided game,” he said.

Shanaka also pointed to unexpected playing conditions, saying the pitches did not behave as anticipated despite the squad being built around proven domestic performers. “Before the start of the tournament, I mentioned I expected good wickets. The best batsmen in Sri Lanka are here. No one goes out there to fail; everyone goes to win for the country,” he said. “Unfortunately, sometimes we lose games from small changes we don’t even think of. So honestly, we are very sorry.”Fitness and injuries emerged as a major concern, with Shanaka admitting Sri Lanka were lagging behind global standards. “I don’t think the physical fitness is up to the maximum level. We had about four to five injuries, and our best players are out. When considering fitness levels, other teams are way ahead of us,” he said.He stressed that fitness must become “non-negotiable”, highlighting the absence of key players like Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana as a huge setback, while insisting he was not using injuries as an excuse.Shanaka also acknowledged Sri Lanka’s lack of power-hitters and called for long-term planning, while remaining uncertain about his own captaincy future. “As a captain, I have no idea how long I will be the captain. It’s decided by selectors. I have made good decisions and mistakes as well, but I’m happy I had this opportunity.”Despite the disappointment, Shanaka urged his side to finish strongly against Pakistan. “No matter the problems, we have to go positively. It’s very important to finish the World Cup well because it gives momentum for the next tournament,” he said.

Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) chairperson and Manorama Online CEO Mariam Mammen Mathew on Thursday opened the DNPA conclave and said that artificial intelligence and rapid shifts in the digital ecosystem are fundamentally reshaping how news is created, distributed, discovered and monetised.Speaking at the Third Annual Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave 2025 on the theme, “Transformation of Media in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” Mathew said the industry is at a critical juncture as artificial intelligence, evolving data governance norms, shifting platform economics and changing audience behaviour redefine digital journalism.With India preparing to implement a forward-looking AI regulatory framework, she described the dialogue between policymakers and industry leaders as both timely and essential.Mathew said DNPA has worked to ensure that the voice of credible digital publishers remains central to this transformation. The association has engaged with the government on key policy consultations, including the Digital Personal Data Protection framework, discussions on generative AI, copyright and broader regulatory developments affecting digital news.“Strong AI requires strong, credible journalism,” she said, highlighting the need to anchor technological advancement in trust and editorial integrity.Internally, she noted, DNPA has strengthened collaboration among its members, focusing on traffic growth, sustainable monetisation models, newsroom adoption of AI tools and collective opportunities for innovation. Through working groups, policy dialogues and knowledge exchanges, the association aims to ensure that no publisher navigates the ongoing disruption alone.Mathew emphasised that trust remains the core principle amid industry-wide transformation. She said DNPA has brought together policymakers, technology leaders, industry partners and publishers not only to discuss challenges but to co-create solutions. Key concerns include building sustainable monetisation in an AI-mediated ecosystem, protecting intellectual property while enabling innovation, and reducing platform dependency to build traffic resilience.The Digital News Publishers Association represents 21 prominent digital news publishers in India. The body advocates on behalf of its members in engagements with institutions such as the ministry of electronics and information technology, the ministry of information and broadcasting and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, while also promoting best practices and collaboration across the industry.