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Airplane sized Asteroid 2026 FB: NASA warns: Airplane-sized asteroid 2026 FB zooming past Earth at 34,000 mph today; what could happen next |

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NASA warns: Airplane-sized asteroid 2026 FB zooming past Earth at 34,000 mph today; what could happen next

NASA is keeping an eye on near-Earth objects. One such object is a small asteroid called 2026 FB. This asteroid is expected to pass close to the Earth today. The asteroid is small in size, but it is still keeping the attention of experts. To observe the movement of such objects, ground-based telescopes and radars are used. Observing objects such as 2026 FB is part of the overall planning and strategy that scientists have in place for planetary defence. This particular asteroid is not a threat at the moment, but observing it is important in providing scientists with more knowledge in the future.

NASA confirms asteroid 2026 FB to fly past today: Speed and distance

Asteroid 2026 FB is one of the smaller near-Earth objects being observed. Its width of roughly 69 feet is enough to make monitoring important. The asteroid’s closest approach is nearly three times the distance to the Moon. NASA has confirmed that a small asteroid called 2026 FB will make a close approach to Earth on 18 March 2026. The asteroid measures about 69 feet in width, roughly the size of a small aeroplane. At its closest point, it is expected to pass at around 683,000 miles, or 1.1 million kilometres, from Earth. This is well beyond the Moon’s orbit, which averages about 239,000 miles away. Experts say there is no immediate danger from this asteroid.NASA experts say that even if a similar asteroid entered the atmosphere, it would likely burn up before reaching the surface. It could create a bright fireball, but no significant damage would occur.

Frequency of similar asteroids

Small asteroids like 2026 FB are relatively common. Thousands pass near Earth each year. Most are too small to cause serious harm and go unnoticed. Only a few are large enough to be detected regularly. Larger asteroids capable of causing regional or global damage are rare. Continuous observation allows scientists to differentiate between harmless flybys and hazardous objects.

Why is asteroid monitoring important

Monitoring 2026 FB contributes to understanding the distribution and behaviour of near-Earth objects. Observations improve scientific models and help plan for future risks. Data from small asteroids like this one is useful for both research and planetary defence.

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LPG crisis: Centre pushes states to fast-track switch to PNG amid Hormuz supply disruption

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LPG crisis: Centre pushes states to fast-track switch to PNG amid Hormuz supply disruption

As the Middle East crisis continues to escalate, its impact is now being felt across Indian households and businesses such as eateries and restaurants, with the country relying on imports for 60% of its LPG needs. Amid rising concerns over LPG supply flows, the government is encouraging both households and commercial users to shift towards PNG.It has urged states to fast-track approvals and cut charges so that more homes can shift to piped natural gas (PNG) at a time when liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies remain under stress. According to an official cited by ET, states have been asked to speed up permissions for laying pipelines and to do away with road restoration and related fees imposed by local authorities. The aim is to accelerate infrastructure rollout and make it easier for households to adopt PNG.As part of the relief measures, the petroleum and natural gas regulatory board has waived imbalance charges for city gas companies, shippers and consumers “as a temporary relief measure in light of the extraordinary circumstances” due to ongoing Iran war. These charges are typically imposed when the actual quantity of gas taken or injected by a shipper differs from the amount scheduled on the pipeline network.Officials said the Centre is trying to overcome “structural constraints” that have slowed the growth of PNG connections. Sujata Sharma, joint secretary at the ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, outlined a series of steps proposed to states in a presentation shared on Monday.These include directing states to:

  • Issuing deemed permission for pending applications for laying city gas distribution (CGD) pipelines
  • Mandating approval of all new CGD permissions within 24 hours
  • Waiving road restoration and permission charges levied by state or local authorities
  • Relaxing working hours and working seasons
  • Appointing state nodal officers for support, coordination and faster implementation

Meanwhile, the gap between LPG and PNG usage remains wide. India has around 10 million active PNG consumers, compared with about 330 million LPG users.Hospitality and consumers are already feeling the strain of LPG-related disruptions. The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) (HRAWI) has approached the Maharashtra government seeking an extension or staggered payment of annual licence fees, saying a commercial LPG shortage has forced several establishments to shut. In Patna, residents have flagged delayed deliveries and cases where cylinders are marked as delivered but not received, prompting the district administration to step up monitoring, even as officials maintain there is no shortage. The impact is also visible in other industries. In Gujarat’s Morbi, around 430 ceramic units are set to remain shut for at least three weeks after the West Asia conflict disrupted gas supplies essential for manufacturing, according to an industry representative.

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Watch: Israeli strike in Beirut reduces building to rubble in seconds

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Videos captured the moment an Israeli airstrike brought down an entire residential building in central Beirut early Wednesday, as strikes intensified across Lebanon, amid repeated Israeli warnings. The strike occurred around 5.30 am reported Aljazeera, flattening the structure and sending up a large cloud of dust and smoke.The video shows an enormous cloud of dust and smoke as the entire building comes down seconds after being hit by the missile.According to Aljazeerea the building had been targeted earlier this month. Israeli forces had previously struck its basement on March 12 and returned before dawn to level it completely.

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ON CAM: Israeli Town In Ruins After Hezbollah Unleashes Rocket-Drone Attack On Nahariya

Residents had received prior warning. About 90 minutes before the strike, a message from the Israeli military spokesperson urged people to move at least 300 metres away from the site.The Beirut strike was part of a wider series of attacks across the capital. Multiple locations in central Beirut were hit in what appeared to be targeted strikes, involving smaller munitions aimed at specific apartments within residential buildings.At least three apartments were struck in downtown areas. According to Lebanon’s health ministry, six people were killed and 12 others injured in the overnight attacks.Authorities have not yet confirmed the intended targets of the strikes. However, the attacks are seen as part of a broader pattern of Israeli operations across Lebanon over the past two weeks, involving both large-scale and precision strikes.

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‘At least 60% seats should be given without charge; flyers of same PNR should be seated together:’ DGCA to airlines

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‘At least 60% seats should be given without charge; flyers of same PNR should be seated together:’ DGCA to airlines

NEW DELHI: Airlines will now have to offer at least 60% seats “on any flight” without any selection charge and passengers travelling on the same PNR — who are usually family members or the travelling in a group — will need to be seated together, “preferably on adjacent seats,” The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Wednesday issued these passenger-friendly directives, in a bid to address one of the biggest grouses of air travellers.Now, airlines have been asked to make available “minimum 60% of seats on any flight to be allocated free of charge to ensure fair access” and that “passengers travelling on the same PNR to be seated together, preferably on adjacent seats.How this is implemented remains to be seen as pre-booked seats can affect availability of passengers travelling on same PNR being seated together. The issue of people travelling in groups being seated separately if they do not pay extra for seat selection has been irking travellers across the world and not just in India. The US, for instance, has been grappling with this issue for years.Then US President Joe Biden had on February 5, 2023, said on X (former Twitter): “Some airlines charge extra to pick your seat, including for parents who want to sit next to their child on a plane. Congress should pass the Junk Fee Protection Act so we can crack down on these fees and give hard-working Americans just a little bit more breathing room.” In April 2024, the DGCA had mandated that airlines will have to ensure that young children are seated with at least one of their parents or guardians on flights without being required to pay extra for seat selection charge if travelling on the same PNR (booking reference). Following numerous complaints from passengers travelling in groups about being seated separately — especially from their children — if they choose not to pay extra for seat selection, the DGCA had two years back issued this directive to airlines: “Airlines shall ensure that children upto the age of 12 years are allocated seats with at least one of their parents/guardians, who are travelling on the same PNR and a record of the same shall be maintained.Going a step ahead for protecting consumer rights, the regulator has now directed that “carriage of sports equipment and musical instruments (should) be facilitated in a transparent and passenger-friendly manner, subject to applicable safety and operational regulations. Airlines shall also bring out clear, transparent policies for carriage of pets.” The DGCA has called for “strict adherence to passenger rights framework, particularly in cases of delays, cancellations and denied boarding; prominent display of passenger rights across airline websites, mobile applications, booking platforms, and airport counters; and clear communication of passenger entitlements in regional languages to ensure wider accessibility and awareness.”In a statement issued Wednesday, the aviation ministry said it “remains committed to enhancing passenger experience, ensuring transparency, reducing grievances and upholding the highest standards of safety across the aviation ecosystem.”

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‘Pressure from Israel’: Why did US counterterrorism chief and MAGA loyalist Joe Kent turn against Donald Trump amidst Iran war

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'Pressure from Israel': Why did US counterterrorism chief and MAGA loyalist Joe Kent turn against Donald Trump amidst Iran war

US President Donald Trump’s aggressive push on Iran has triggered rare dissent within his own camp, with a senior counterterrorism official and prominent MAGA figure stepping down over the policy, citing concerns over the rationale behind the war.Joe Kent, who headed the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned on Tuesday, marking the most high-profile exit from the administration since the US and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran on February 28. In his resignation letter, Kent said he could not support the conflict, arguing that Tehran posed no immediate threat to the United States.“I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran,” Kent wrote in a letter posted on X. “Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.”The resignation comes even as Trump has publicly defended the military campaign, describing it as successful and asserting that the damage inflicted on Iran could take years to rebuild. However, Kent’s departure highlights growing unease within sections of the administration and the broader MAGA base over the direction of US foreign policy.

‘Echo chamber’ and no imminent threat

In his letter, Kent alleged that the decision to go to war was shaped by what he described as an “echo chamber” involving sections of the media, Israeli officials and lobby groups.“This echo chamber was used to deceive you into believing that Iran posed an imminent threat to the United States, and that if you struck now, there was a clear path to a swift victory,” he wrote.He further drew parallels with past US interventions in the Middle East, warning against repeating mistakes. “This was a lie and is the same tactic the Israelis used to draw us into the disastrous Iraq war… We cannot make this mistake again.”Kent, a former US Army special forces soldier with multiple combat deployments, also cited personal costs of prolonged conflicts, referring to the death of his wife, Shannon Kent, in a 2019 bombing in Syria.

A MAGA insider breaks ranks

Kent’s criticism carries weight within Trump’s political base. A former Republican congressional candidate backed by Trump, he had strong credentials within the MAGA movement and served less than eight months in his intelligence role after Senate confirmation.He was also seen as part of a more non-interventionist faction within the administration, alongside figures like vice president JD Vance and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, though the latter distanced herself from his resignation and reiterated support for Trump’s decisions.Kent’s exit is not an isolated case. Other conservative commentators, including Tucker Carlson, have raised concerns about the Iran conflict, signalling potential fractures within Trump’s support base.“Joe is the bravest man I know, and he can’t be dismissed as a nut,” Carlson said in a New York Times interview. “He’s leaving a job that gave him access to the highest-level relevant intelligence. The neo-cons will try to destroy him for that.”

Trump, White House push back

Trump dismissed Kent’s criticism, questioning his judgement on national security. “It’s a good thing that he’s out because he said that Iran was not a threat,” the president said, calling him “a nice guy” who was “very weak on security.”White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt likewise dismissed Kent’s claims as “both insulting and laughable”.Meanwhile, in Congress, House Speaker Mike Johnson called Kent “clearly wrong” in his assessment that Iran posed no imminent threat to the US. That was a rationale Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas echoed.“Kent and his family have sacrificed greatly for our nation, and I thank him for his service,” Cotton wrote in a statement. “But I disagree with his misguided assessment.”Representative Don Bacon, a former US Air Force brigadier general who serves on the House armed services committee, was among the critics who took up the line of argument that Kent’s letter and pinning the blame on Israel was anti-Semitic. “Anti-Semitism is an evil I detest, and we surely don’t want it in our government,” Bacon wrote in response to Kent’s departure on social media.Other Republican leaders also rejected Kent’s claims. Several lawmakers argued that Iran posed a credible threat, while the White House termed his remarks “insulting and laughable,” according to inputs.

Political and policy implications

Analysts say Kent’s resignation may not immediately alter US strategy but could have political consequences ahead of upcoming elections. His stance is seen as reflective of a broader debate within the Republican base over foreign interventions.According to expert commentary cited by Al Jazeera, such a high-level resignation would typically pose a challenge to a president’s narrative, though its actual impact will depend on whether more insiders publicly dissent.For now, the Trump administration continues to press ahead with its military campaign, even as internal criticism adds to scrutiny over the justification and long-term goals of the Iran conflict.(With inputs from agencies)

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‘Was at his daughter’s house’: Inside the strike that killed Iran security chief Ali Larijani

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'Was at his daughter’s house': Inside the strike that killed Iran security chief Ali Larijani

Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, was killed on Tuesday in a strike at his daughter’s home in the Pardis area, according to Iranian state media. The state affiliated, Fars News Agency described him as “one of the country’s prominent and prudent officials” and said the attack also claimed the lives of his son, a deputy, and several bodyguards. Iran labelled him a martyr, honouring his role in shaping the country’s defence and regional policies.US strikes Iran missile sites near Strait of Hormuz – Follow live updatesThe strike came amid escalating hostilities between Iran, Israel, and the United States. Larijani, 68, had been a central figure in Iran’s security apparatus, particularly after the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Watch

Tel Aviv DEVSTATED; Iran Unleashes Cluster Fury To Avenge Larijani | Two Dead | WATCH

Analysts say he effectively oversaw the country’s defence strategy, regional operations, and internal security, acting as the right-hand man of the late leader. The attack has intensified an already volatile conflict. Iran responded with missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and Gulf Arab neighbours, while the US conducted heavy airstrikes on Iranian missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz. These operations targeted “hardened” facilities deemed a threat to international shipping, using bombs weighing up to 5,000 pounds each. The region, through which a fifth of the world’s oil passes, is now under heightened tension, raising global concerns over energy supply and oil prices.

Israel’s strategic hit

Israel confirmed it had carried out the strike that killed Larijani along with General Gholam Reza Soleimani, head of the Basij paramilitary force. Israeli officials said the operation aimed to “undermine the Iranian regime” and give the Iranian people an opportunity to challenge their leaders. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his long-term goal of weakening Iran’s authority, though he stopped short of advocating regime change outright.Brigadier General Effie Defrin, an Israeli military spokesman, said the strikes were designed to target Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has remained largely out of public view since succeeding his father. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that more than ten Basij posts in Tehran had also been targeted. The killings represent a major blow to Iran’s security leadership, particularly as both Larijani and Soleimani had been heavily involved in the country’s crackdown on dissent, including the protests that erupted in January against the regime.In Israel, two civilians were killed after an Iranian missile barrage hit near Tel Aviv, while in the UAE, explosions in Dubai were reported early Wednesday, though the city’s air defences intercepted incoming missiles. These attacks underscore the regional dimension of the conflict, with Gulf states facing a growing threat from Iranian-launched missiles and drones.Iran has signalled it will maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz, keeping a chokehold on a crucial artery for global oil transport. The US has demanded allies deploy warships to secure the passage, but few have responded, leaving President Donald Trump to assert that American forces “do not need the help of anyone.” Oil prices have risen sharply in response, reflecting global concerns over supply disruptions.The International Atomic Energy Agency reported a projectile hit the Bushehr nuclear plant complex, though no injuries or damage were confirmed. Meanwhile, Israel continued strikes on Iran-backed Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. More than a million people have been displaced there, with many sleeping in cars or crowded shelters. The Lebanese government reports over 900 fatalities from Israeli strikes, while at least 14 have been killed in Israel from Iranian missile fire. More than 1,300 people have died in Iran since the war began on February 28.

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Explosion at ex-MLA Vijay Singh’s UP house leaves sons, others injured | Kanpur News

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Explosion at ex-MLA Vijay Singh’s UP house leaves sons, others injured

KANPUR: Former Samajwadi Party MLA Vijay Singh’s two sons, Avinash Singh alias Sikki and Vikki, were seriously injured in a massive explosion that occurred at his residence in Mohalla Machratta, Farrukhabad, around 7:30 pm on Tuesday.Vijay Singh is serving a life sentence in Varanasi jail after being convicted for the murder of BJP leader and former energy minister Brahmdatt Dwivedi. His wife and former Palika Adhyaksh, Damyanti Singh, claimed that someone had orchestrated the incident, which injured her sons and several others, besides shattering the windowpanes of the four-storey building and scattering valuable belongings kept in the rooms. Besides MLS’s son, those injured include Bhaiyalal of Jasmai, Rashu of Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, Ishu Chaurasiya, Bhaiya Lal Chauhan, and another person identified as Rashu. Rashu was admitted to Lohia Hospital, while the other injured were taken to a nursing home located at Sahabganj Chauraha. Vijay Singh’s sons were also undergoing treatment at a private nursing home. Meanwhile, Bhaiya Lal was referred to a higher medical centre in Kanpur. District magistrate Ashutosh Kumar Dwivedi and superintendent of police Aarti Singh, along with other senior officials, reached the spot after receiving the information. Aarti Singh said, “The injured have been hospitalised, and further investigations are underway to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion. Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) and forensic teams are conducting the investigation.” BJP leader and former energy minister Brahmdatt Dwivedi, a resident of Senapat, Farrukhabad, was shot dead on the night of Feb9, 1997. In this case, on May 27, 2017, Vijay Singh was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment. Since then, he has been in jail and is currently lodged in Varanasi.

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Happy Ugadi 2026: Top 50 Telugu New Year Wishes, Messages and Quotes to share with your loved ones

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Happy Ugadi 2026: Top 50 Telugu New Year Wishes, Messages and Quotes to share with your loved ones
(Image Credits: Pinterest)

Fresh mango leaves hanging by the door, the unmistakable scent of marigolds in the air, and a bustling kitchen—Ugadi is finally here. Marking the Telugu New Year, this vibrant festival hits the perfect reset button on life. Between busy work schedules and endless digital noise, taking a day off to dress up in traditional wear, listen to the Panchanga Sravanam, and reconnect with your roots feels incredibly grounding. You simply cannot talk about Ugadi without mentioning Ugadi Pachadi. This iconic dish—a quirky mix of sweet jaggery, bitter neem, fiery green chilies, tangy tamarind, salt, and raw mango—is far more than a seasonal recipe. It serves as a brilliant philosophical reminder. The year ahead will inevitably throw a bit of everything at us, and we just have to embrace every single flavor life serves up. While you prep the festive lunch and get the house in order, there is one more tradition to tackle: the morning message blast. Sending out texts to family, friends, and colleagues is practically mandatory today. Staring at a blank screen trying to type something original can be exhausting when you have a million other things to do. Sometimes you need a thoughtful note for your parents, while a quick, funny text works much better for your best friend. To save you the hassle, we curated a fresh list of 50 Ugadi wishes for 2026. Copy, paste, and spread the joy!

Heartfelt Ugadi Wishes for Family

1. Hoping our family’s year is just like our favorite Ugadi Pachadi—a mix of everything, but perfectly balanced in the end. Happy Telugu New Year! 2. I hope this Ugadi completely refreshes our home with good energy, brighter mornings, and lasting prosperity for all of us. 3. Mom and Dad, Happy Ugadi! Whatever crazy flavors life decides to throw our way this year, I know we’ll handle them all with a smile. 4. Here is to handling all of life’s unpredictable flavors this year with a smile. Happy Ugadi, Mom and Dad! 5. May the divine blessings of this auspicious day bring incredible health and wealth to our doorstep. 6. Sending my warmest thoughts to my favorite people. May the canvas of your life be painted with the brightest colors this Ugadi. 7. Leaving behind the old and welcoming 2026 with open arms. Happy Ugadi to the best family in the world! 8. May the sweet melody of the cuckoo bird usher in a season of endless happiness for our household. 9. Wishing you a festival packed with sweet memories and a year full of even sweeter success. I miss you all today! 10. Let’s welcome this New Year with immense joy. May our bond grow stronger and our lives grow richer. 11. May the light of this festive season shine brightly on us, guiding our family through any dark days ahead. 12. From our home to yours, may this Ugadi bring you everything you have been working so hard for. Stay blessed! 13. Celebrating the spirit of the Telugu New Year with the ones I love the most. May we be blessed with profound peace.

Fun and Casual Messages for Friends

Keep it light, energetic, and full of good vibes for your friends. These are perfect for a quick text or a group chat drop. 13. Happy Ugadi! May your 2026 be 90% sweet jaggery and only 10% bitter neem. Let’s make it epic. 14. Wishing you a New Year packed with wild adventures, huge paychecks, and absolutely zero drama. 15. Here is to a fresh start and a brand new chapter. May all those crazy dreams of yours turn into reality this year. 16. Sending you loads of love, massive good vibes, and a virtual bowl of Pachadi! Have a fantastic day. 17. May this Ugadi give you the strength to chase your goals and the patience to deal with life’s little annoyances. 18. New Year, new goals, same awesome friend. Wishing you a very Happy Ugadi! Let’s catch up and celebrate soon. 19. May the joy of this festival fill up both your heart and your bank account. Have a prosperous one! 20. Wishing you a year that’s loud, bright, and completely unforgettable. Happy Ugadi, buddy! 21. Let the festivities begin. May your days be merry, your stress levels stay low, and your happiness multiply. 22. Out with the old routines, in with the new adventures! Hope this Ugadi brings you endless reasons to smile. 23. Wishing you a beautiful Ugadi! Please don’t eat all the Bobbatlu without me. 24. May the universe finally hand you all the good things you deserve this year. Happy Ugadi 2026! 25. To my favorite partner in crime: May this New Year bring us even more ridiculous memories. Happy Ugadi!

Short Quotes for WhatsApp Status and Instagram

26. Embracing the sweet, the sour, and everything in between. Happy Ugadi 2026! ✨ 27. New beginnings and beautiful old traditions. Wishing everyone a blessed Telugu New Year. � � 28. Life is a beautiful mixture of experiences. Savoring every single flavor today. � �🌿 29. May this Ugadi usher in a heavy dose of peace, prosperity, and positivity. � � 30. Stepping into the Telugu New Year with a heart full of gratitude. Happy Ugadi! � � 31. Let the mango leaves keep the bad vibes away, and let the joy stay forever. � �✨ 32. Wishing you a year as rich in joy as the Ugadi Pachadi is in flavor! � � 33. Spring is nature’s way of saying it is time to celebrate. Happy Ugadi! � � 34. May the glow of the festival light up your path to success this year. � � 35. Celebrating culture, cherishing roots, and welcoming 2026. Happy Telugu New Year! � � 36. A new year is just a blank canvas. Paint it however you want. Happy Ugadi. � � 37. May the bitterness of the past vanish and the sweetness of the future take over. ✨ 38. Dressed in tradition, ready for whatever the New Year brings. � �

Traditional and Spiritual Ugadi Greetings

For older relatives, colleagues, or community groups, a touch of respect and spirituality is the way to go.39. May Lord Brahma bless you with a year of immense prosperity, excellent health, and spiritual growth. 40. As we listen to the Panchanga Sravanam today, may the stars align in your favor for the rest of 2026. 41. May the divine grace of the Almighty always protect you and your family. Have a deeply joyful Ugadi. 42. On this auspicious day of Chaitra Sukla Padyami, I pray your life is filled with the light of knowledge. 43. Let us welcome this New Year by letting go of past sorrows and trusting the divine will. 44. May the blessings of the season surround you today and always. Have a wonderful traditional celebration. 45. Hoping the dawn of this New Year brings an abundance of tranquility into your home. Happy Ugadi. 46. May the festival of Ugadi bring you luck, joy, and the inner strength to face all of life’s seasons. 47. Sending you sincere wishes for a year filled with divine blessings and holistic well-being. 48. May your home resonate with the joy of festive chants and the laughter of loved ones today. 49. On this sacred day, may all your past struggles transform into beautiful, lasting victories. 50. As we celebrate the creation of the universe, may your personal world be filled with endless light. Happy Ugadi!

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BJP used money, threats and ‘partisan’ returning officer in Haryana: Congress | India News

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BJP used money, threats and 'partisan' returning officer in Haryana: Congress

Congress leaders Deepender Singh Hooda and Rajendra Pal Gautam address a press conference

NEW DELHI: Congress Tuesday said the governing BJP employed “money power, threats and misuse of returning officer” to win the Haryana Rajya Sabha election at any cost, as it slammed the rival for again “exposing its anti-Ambedkar character” by trying to steal the parliament membership of grassroots Dalit activist Karamvir Boudh.After scraping a victory in the Haryana Rajya Sabha polls, despite cross voting by five Congress MLAs and four of its votes declared invalid, Congress MP Deepender Hooda said BJP had appointed Gujarat deputy CM as the observer for the polls which showed that the BJP leadership wanted to win the election irrespective of the tactic used.“BJP tried to murder democracy in the dark of night. All the four votes declared as invalid were completely valid. They had even been put in the tray of valid votes by an official. But this was done by a blatantly partisan RO (returning officer) to contrive the numbers in favour of BJP,” he told a press conference with Congress’s scheduled castes department chairman Rajendra Pal Gautam.Deepender said Congress will take strong action against the MLAs who cross voted and betrayed the party, adding that people will not forgive the legislators who betrayed their mandate.He said BJP wanted to engineer cross-voting by nine or seven Congress legislators while securing two votes of INLD. He said INLD, “which is the B-team of BJP”, declared its decision to abstain from polling barely half an hour before the voting ended, because it was sure that Congress was winning the election.Deepender said when BJP’s “game of pressure and money” failed, BJP employed its third strategy of fixing the play through RO. “RO worked as a BJP agent,” he added.

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‘Eid ul Fitr 2026 on Friday’ trends online: Do we pray twice? UAE Fatwa Council clarifies as prayer confusion goes viral

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'Eid ul Fitr 2026 on Friday' trends online: Do we pray twice? UAE Fatwa Council clarifies as prayer confusion goes viral
One Day, Two Prayers: What Happens If Eid ul Fitr Falls on Friday in 2026? UAE Fatwa Council Clears the Biggest Prayer Confusion

As Muslims across the UAE and beyond await the crescent moon sighting that will mark the end of Ramadan, a unique and widely asked question is what happens if Eid ul Fitr 2026 falls on a Friday? With astronomical predictions suggesting that Eid in 2026 could fall on Friday, March 20, the overlap between Eid prayers and Jummah (Friday) prayers has sparked widespread curiosity and confusion.Now, the UAE Fatwa Council has stepped in to offer clear guidance, putting to rest debates that resurface almost every few years.

The big question: One prayer or two in the UAE on Eid ul Fitr 2026?

When Eid coincides with Friday, many wonder whether performing the Eid prayer is enough or if the Friday congregational prayer (Jummah) must still be observed. According to the UAE’s highest religious authority, the answer is clear. Both Eid prayer and Friday prayer must be performed, separately and at their designated times.This means:

  • You attend the Eid prayer in the morning
  • And return for the Friday (Jummah) prayer later in the day

The ruling reinforces that each prayer holds its own significance in Islamic practice and cannot replace the other. The confusion is not new. In fact, Islamic scholars have debated this scenario for centuries. Some interpretations in different parts of the Muslim world suggest that those who attend Eid prayer may be exempt from Friday prayer, particularly in smaller communities. However, the UAE Fatwa Council has aligned itself with the majority scholarly opinion, which emphasises maintaining both acts of worship. By doing so, the council prioritises consistency in religious observance, collective worship in mosques and adherence to widely accepted scholarly consensus.

How Eid ul Fitr 2026 will likely unfold this Friday

If Eid does fall on a Friday in 2026, the day will follow a structured religious schedule –

Morning: Eid prayer

  • Held shortly after sunrise
  • A special congregational prayer marking the end of Ramadan
  • Followed by sermons and celebrations

Midday: Friday (Jummah) prayer

  • Held at the usual weekly time
  • Includes the Friday sermon (khutbah)
  • Remains obligatory for adult Muslim men

Both prayers will be conducted independently, with separate sermons and timings.

Why both Eid ul Fitr 2026 and Friday (Jummah) prayers matter in the UAE?

The UAE Fatwa Council’s ruling highlights an important principle that Eid and Jummah serve different spiritual purposes. Eid prayer marks celebration, gratitude and communal joy after Ramadan while Friday prayer is a weekly obligation with its own religious significance.Merging or skipping one in favour of the other would dilute their distinct roles in Islamic life. Religious scholars in the UAE stress that maintaining both prayers reflects commitment to faith, respect for established religious practice and unity in communal worship In a country like the UAE, where mosques are highly organised and attendance is structured, this dual observance is both practical and encouraged. Interestingly, rulings on this issue can vary globally.In some regions:

  • Worshippers who attend Eid prayer may be allowed to skip Friday prayer
  • A regular Dhuhr prayer may be performed instead at home

However, in the UAE, the guidance is unambiguous. You have to attend both prayers at the mosque. This reflects the country’s broader approach of adopting clear, standardised religious rulings to avoid confusion among its diverse population.

Why is the question of one prayer or two in the UAE, on Eid ul Fitr, trending in 2026

This topic has surged in popularity for several reasons. Eid ul Fitr is likely falling on a Friday. Astronomical forecasts point to a strong possibility of Eid aligning with Friday this year, reigniting the debate. From WhatsApp forwards to TikTok debates, conflicting information has been circulating widely, prompting many to seek official clarification. Ramadan 2026 has seen heightened engagement with religious guidance, from zakat rules to prayer timings, making such questions more visible. Statements from authorities like the UAE Fatwa Council tend to go viral quickly, especially when they address commonly misunderstood practices.Eid Al Fitr is one of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar, marking the end of a month of fasting, prayer and reflection. In 2026, UAE residents are also expected to enjoy a four-day holiday, depending on moon sighting outcomes, adding to the anticipation. Mosques across the country are preparing for large Eid congregations, organised prayer schedules and increased attendance for Friday prayers. The possibility of both prayers falling on the same day only amplifies the scale of preparations.If Eid falls on a Friday in the UAE, here’s what you need to remember:

  • Attend Eid prayer in the morning
  • Attend Friday (Jummah) prayer later in the day
  • Do not assume one replaces the other
  • Follow official mosque timings and announcements

The overlap of Eid and Friday prayers may seem complex but the guidance is simple. According to the UAE Fatwa Council, both prayers remain obligatory and must be performed separately.

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