NEW DELHI: MILAN 2026, a multilateral naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy, concluded on February 25 with a closing ceremony held onboard aircraft carrier INS Vikrant off the coast of Visakhapatnam.The ceremony was attended by naval officers from participating countries and presided over by Rear Admiral Alok Ananda, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet. The exercise was conducted in the Bay of Bengal and involved ships, submarines and aircraft from multiple countries.

A total of 42 ships and submarines and 29 aircraft participated in the exercise, including 18 warships from foreign navies. Maritime patrol aircraft from France, Germany and the United States also took part.“Held under the theme ‘Camaraderie, Cooperation, Collaboration’, MILAN 2026 witnessed participation on an unprecedented scale, comprising 42 ships and submarines and, 29 aircraft. These also included 18 ships from the participating Friendly Foreign Countries,” the ministry of defence said in a statement.The exercise began with a harbour phase that included bilateral engagements, subject matter expert exchanges and an international maritime seminar.Professional interactions were accompanied by cultural activities, cross-deck visits and outstation visits by participating personnel.Technological demonstrations and interactions among young naval officers were also held. “Technological demonstrations and the MILAN of Young Officers (MOYO) interaction facilitated the exchange of best practices, while friendly sports fixtures enabled informal interaction,” the statement read.This was followed by the sea phase, which included “high-intensity operational drills” such as integrated air defence exercises, anti-submarine warfare operations and maritime interdiction drills.Surface strike coordination exercises, communication drills and cross-deck flying operations were also conducted.Live firing exercises involving naval guns and anti-air weapons were carried out during the operational phase.Participating navies also conducted tactical manoeuvres at sea as part of coordinated operational drills.During the closing ceremony onboard INS Vikrant, officers from participating ships reviewed the conduct of the exercise.According to the official statement, the exercise focused on operational coordination and maritime cooperation among participating navies.

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday strongly reprimanded the NCERT over its now-withdrawn chapter in the newly introduced Class 8 textbook, which had been added to the syllabus days ago and outlined “corruption” and “backlogs” in the judiciary.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.

Megastar Chiranjeevi is one of the most prominent stars and belongs to one of the most influential families in the Telugu entertainment industry. Coming from the Allu-Konidela family, the members have been involved in films, with some acting in them and some producing. The lineage from legendary comedian Allu Ramalingaiah, including the Megastar and today’s generation stars, including Ram Charan and Allu Arjun.

The Foundation by Allu Ramalingaiah

Speaking of Allu Ramalingaiah, he was a legendary comedian in the Telugu cinema circle and has been part of more than 1000 projects, making a name out of audience smiles, laughter and love. He laid the stepping stone of this handsome legacy. He was also honored with the Padma Shri Award.

His son, filmmaker Allu Arvind, later helmed the torch of this family as he went on to become one of the most successful producers in the industry. Under the banner of Geetha Arts, he has backed some of the biggest superhits and acclaimed movies of Tollywood. On the other hand, Chiranjeevi made his name in Tollywood, he later married to Allu Arvind’s sister, Surekha Konidela. Both the actor and producers have been instrumental in each other’s success. Aravind’s production house has backed many of Chiranjeevi’s massive hits, creating a powerful, interconnected, and highly successful film family in Tollywood.

The Konidela brothers

Chiranjeevi’s brother Nagendra Babu has also worked as an actor and also produced films. His younger brother, Pawan Kalyan, also received stardom from the fans for his action-packed performances. After a monumental run at the box office, he has also been influential in politics. He also founded the Jana Sena Party and became an important political figure. Today he stands as the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh while entertaining his fans on-screen with his cinematic outings.

The next generation takes over

The legacy is now carried forward by their children. Chiranjeevi and his wife have three children, including Ram Charan and daughter Sushmita Konidela and Sreeja Konidela. His children are also part of this industry, as Ram Charan with his impactful performace rose to success and has highly praised for his role in ‘Magadheera’ and later gained international fame with ‘RRR’. His films now open with huge anticipation, making him one of the most bankable stars. Meanwhile, Sushmita Konidela is a Telugu film producer and costume designer and Sreeja Konidela has also been part of Tollywood. In addition to it, Varun Tej and Sai Dharam Tej, also Chiranjeevi’s nephews, built their own identities and found success in films. Niharika Konidela, Chiranjeevi’s niece, worked as an actress and later stepped into production.On the other hand, Allu Arvind’s son Allu Arjun is also one of the biggest stars of the industry. After a slow start to his career, the actor rose to fame with the film ‘Arya’. Later, he saw success with multiple projects with ‘Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo’, becoming a fan favorite. His most recent came with the ‘Pushpa’ franchise, which made him a global star. Allu Arjun’s younger brother Allu Sirish is also a well known actor and is getting married on March 6, 2026, to his long time partner Nayanika Reddy

The future generation

Today these stars are ruliing box office and soon there childrens too might be expected to be joining the business. Ram Charan has a two-year-old daughter, Klin Kaara Konidela and recently became a parent of twins Shivram and Anveera Devi with his wife Upasana Konidela.On the other hand, Allu Arjun has a son and a daughter with his wife Sneha Reddy. Theare named Ayaan and Arha, respectively.Varun Tej, who got married to actress Lavanya Tripathi are also a parent to Vaayuv Tej Konidela.

The Donald Trump administration is planning to selectively raise global tariffs from 10% to 15%, while China will be spared from a raise for now. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Wednesday that tariff rates on imports from certain countries will increase to 15% or even higher from the recently introduced 10% level, though he did not identify the countries affected or offer additional specifics.In an interview with Fox Business Network’s “Mornings with Maria” programme, Greer said the Trump administration does not plan to raise tariffs on Chinese imports beyond their current levels, as President Donald Trump is expected to visit China in the coming weeks.Jamieson Greer told Fox Business that the Trump administration’s proposal to replace emergency tariffs invalidated by the Supreme Court with a new set of duties would remain consistent with current trade agreements. These measures include temporary tariffs imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which came into force on Tuesday at a rate of 10%.

Trump tariffs: From 10% to 15% or Higher soon

“Right now, we have the 10% tariff. It’ll go up to 15(%) for some and then it may go higher for others, and I think it will be in line with the types of tariffs we’ve been seeing,” Greer said according to a Reuters report.Later, speaking on Bloomberg TV, Greer said the White House is preparing a proclamation to increase the temporary tariffs to 15% “where appropriate.” He added that the move would “accommodate” countries that have trade agreements in place, without elaborating further.Greer said the administration intends to follow the necessary legal procedures when implementing the tariff increases, noting that such measures often face legal challenges. “Any time we put on a tariff, we’re going to have foreign interests who want to bring it down. So people are going to sue us.”He said that investigations into unfair trade practices under Section 301 of the same law would form the core of the new approach. The probes would focus on countries accused of maintaining excess industrial capacity, relying on forced labour within supply chains, discriminating against US technology companies, or providing subsidies for products such as rice and seafood.Greer said he and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have repeatedly discussed the issue of surplus industrial capacity with Chinese officials, noting that some Chinese companies continue operating despite being unprofitable due to government support.“I don’t think they’re going to resolve that problem fully, and that’s part of why we need to have tariffs on China and Vietnam and other countries that have this problem,” he said.When asked whether the administration might impose significantly higher tariffs on Chinese imports that could disrupt the fragile trade truce, Greer said: “We don’t intend to escalate beyond” rates that are currently in place. “We intend to really stick to the deal that we have with them.”Greer told Fox Business that Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, a law dating back nearly a century, remains valid and could be applied in situations where countries treat US trade less favourably than that of other nations. The provision permits the imposition of tariffs of as much as 50 percent on imports from targeted countries.

NEW DELHI: New Zealand knocked co-hosts Sri Lanka out of the T20 World Cup with a comprehensive 61-run win in Colombo on Wednesday, but the result has also kept Pakistan in contention for a dramatic semi-final qualification. With England already through, the race for the final spot from Super Eights Group 2 will now be decided over the last two matches.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Chasing 169, Sri Lanka needed a convincing victory to stay alive but faltered badly, crawling to 107/8 and exiting the tournament with one game still to play. The heavy defeat ended their campaign and confirmed a fifth straight failure to reach the semi-finals since their 2014 title triumph. The win also significantly boosted New Zealand, whose net run rate jumped to a healthy +3.050, putting them in pole position to qualify alongside England.

However, Pakistan’s hopes hinge on the outcome of England versus New Zealand in Colombo on Friday. If New Zealand defeat England, they will finish on five points and qualify directly, rendering Pakistan’s final Super Eights clash against Sri Lanka irrelevant.Pakistan’s opportunity opens up only if England beat New Zealand. In that scenario, England will top the group with six points, leaving New Zealand on three and Pakistan with a chance to draw level if they beat Sri Lanka in their final match in Kandy.If Pakistan win and both teams finish on three points, qualification will be decided by net run rate. The current projections underline the scale of the task facing Pakistan.

T20 World Cup Super 8s Group 2 Points Table

For instance, if England beat New Zealand by 50 runs, Pakistan would need to defeat Sri Lanka by roughly 20 runs to edge ahead on net run rate, assuming a first-innings score of around 170.If Pakistan chase instead, the equation becomes tougher. They would need to complete the chase in approximately 17.5 overs to surpass New Zealand’s net run rate. Any slower victory could still leave them behind the Blackcaps.England’s dominance in the Super Eights has simplified the group standings, but Sri Lanka’s exit has ensured the final semi-finalist will be decided in a tense finish. Pakistan must now deliver not just a win, but a big one — and hope England do them a favour — to keep their World Cup dream alive.

With India facing a must-win T20 World Cup match against Zimbabwe, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has expressed support for under-pressure opener Abhishek Sharma and number three Tilak Varma, saying both are close to delivering.India are coming off a 76-run defeat to South Africa in Ahmedabad and need a win against Zimbabwe on Thursday to stay in contention. They will also partly depend on South Africa finishing the Super Eight stage unbeaten. The struggles of Abhishek and Tilak, especially against off-spin, have hurt India’s campaign.Abhishek, the world number one T20I batter, entered the South Africa game after three consecutive ducks in the tournament. He scored 15 off 12 balls but failed to convert the start. The left-hander continued to attack but could not build an innings. Tilak, meanwhile, has scored 107 runs in five innings at an average of around 21, with a strike rate just above 118.“We lost one game only, it was a good game for them (South Africa), we did not bat well. Abhishek looked good in the last game; overthinking about one individual does not make sense. It puts too much pressure on them. Our job is to keep him in a good frame of mind. So when he was scoring 80, 70, 90 in 30 balls, 100 in 40, 50 balls, that time nobody was discussing his game. Once he starts hitting the ball again, you will see the same Abhishek again. There is no doubt. Now, in this game, nobody can give a guarantee that he will do it in the next match. But I think he is not far (from a big score),” said Sitanshu.Kotak also defended Tilak’s strike rate, referring to his 25 off 24 balls against Pakistan on a Colombo pitch where the team was targeting 175 or more.“Our planning was right. The ball was spinning there. Ishan gave us a fine start, and after such a start, no team wants to lose three or four wickets quickly. It is a matter of two boundaries for Tilak. Sometimes a batsman does not get those balls. So I don’t think there is a question of run-a-ball. Neither is he instructed (to go at run a ball). Neither does he think so himself. Sometimes, depending on wickets and depending on the situation, I think there was more about partnerships in that game in Colombo. And I think we achieved that,” he concluded.

NEW DELHI: It begins innocently. One short video while waiting for a cab. Another before dinner. A few more before sleeping. Somewhere between swipe and scroll, 40 minutes pass.Short-form videos are everywhere – on Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts and similar platforms. But a global review of nearly 98,000 people, published in Psychological Bulletin, suggests that heavy, compulsive use may be affecting how we focus and how we feel.The analysis combined 71 studies across countries and age groups, including teenagers and adults, with the average participant in their early twenties. It does not claim that short videos cause permanent harm. But it finds consistent links between heavier scrolling and weaker attention, poorer impulse control and higher stress and anxiety.

In simple terms, the more compulsive the scrolling, the harder it may be to concentrate on slower tasks – reading, studying or finishing work without checking the phone. Researchers suggest when every swipe delivers something new, the brain begins to expect constant stimulation. When that pace slows, boredom may set in faster.Clinicians say the design of these platforms plays a role. Short bursts of novelty, colour and instant reward repeatedly activate the brain’s reward pathway, reinforcing the urge to keep watching. Most people can step away with conscious effort, but those predisposed to addictive or obsessive traits may find it harder to disengage, says Dr Paramjeet Singh, consultant psychiatrist at PSRI Hospital, who notes that excessive scrolling is increasingly showing up in clinics as fatigue, reduced focus and even strain in relationships.From a psychological standpoint, the concern is not dramatic harm but gradual shifts in how the brain responds to stimulation. Dr Jyoti Mishra, senior consultant – Psychology at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Delhi, says short-form videos are engineered around novelty and instant gratification. Compulsive watching can slowly erode attention span and impulse control. Prolonged exposure to fast, emotionally charged content keeps neural networks in a heightened state of alert, she explains, which may manifest as restlessness, poor concentration and anxiety, particularly in young adults. The good news, she adds, is that practising digital hygiene – limiting screen time, taking breaks and protecting sleep – can reverse many of these effects.The review found that addictive or hard-to-control use had stronger links with these effects than total screen time alone.Importantly, the research shows association, not proof of cause. People already struggling with attention or anxiety may be more drawn to fast-paced content. Still, when dozens of studies point in the same direction, the pattern deserves attention. The scroll is effortless. Sustained attention takes work. And that balance may be worth preserving.

As he became the first Indian PM to address the Israeli Knesset, Narendra Modi solidly backed Israel on the issue of terrorism, strongly condemning the Oct 7, 2023, attacks and naming Hamas for the “barbaric” act, while also asserting that India stood with Israel and with full conviction “in this moment, and beyond”.Modi did not mention India’s long-standing support for a two-state solution, but said the Gaza peace initiative endorsed by UNSC held the promise of a just and durable peace for all people of the region, including by addressing the Palestine issue. “We feel your pain, share your grief. No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism,” said Modi, drawing applause. Recalling the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, which counted Israeli citizens, too, as victims, Modi said that India, like Israel, follows a consistent and uncompromising zero-tolerance policy against terrorism with no double standards. “Terrorism aims to destabilise societies, to block development, and to erode trust. Countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action, because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere,” said the PM. India with Israel & world for dialogue, peace, stability: PM Modi While on the Gaza issue, PM Modi said the road to peace is not always easy, but India is with Israel and the world for dialogue, peace and stability in this region. “Let all our efforts be guided by wisdom, courage, and humanity,” said the PM, while endorsing the UNSC-backed peace initiative that he said offered a path.In his 30-minute speech, Modi also mentioned the Abraham Accords, which had been strongly backed by India.“Some years ago, when you concluded the Abraham Accords, we applauded your courage and vision. It was a moment of new hope for a long-troubled region. Since then, the situation has changed significantly. The path is even more challenging. Yet it is important to sustain that hope,” said the PM.The PM said a strong partnership between India and Israel not only serves national interests but also contributes to global stability and prosperity. “Let us ensure that the friendship between India and Israel remains a source of strength in an uncertain world,” said Modi. He said that with India likely to be among the top three economies globally, and Israel a powerhouse of innovation and technological leadership, there was a natural foundation for a forward-looking partnership. He backed ongoing talks for a free trade agreement, saying India is committed to expanding trade, strengthening investment flows and promoting joint infrastructure development.“Our bilateral goods trade has grown manifold in recent years. But it does not reflect the full scope of opportunity. That is why our teams are working hard to negotiate an ambitious free trade agreement. It will unlock the vast untapped potential in our trade relationship,” said the PM. He described defence and security as another important pillar of the partnership, saying in today’s uncertain world, a strong defence partnership between trusted partners is of vital importance.Modi called for deeper interaction between the two countries in India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and I2U2 frameworks.