Author: Supriya Jena

  • Israel and Hamas: Ceasefire Talks and Humanitarian Crisis

    Israel and Hamas: Ceasefire Talks and Humanitarian Crisis

    Israel is sending a team to Doha on Monday to talk about extending a fragile ceasefire in Gaza. This comes after Israel cut off electricity to put pressure on Hamas. The first part of the ceasefire ended on March 1, and while both sides have not resumed fighting, they still disagree on how to move forward.

    Hamas wants to start discussions for a new phase of the truce, but Israel prefers to extend the current situation. Israel has also stopped aid deliveries to Gaza and has cut off electricity to make Hamas release hostages. Energy Minister Eli Cohen announced this power cut, emphasizing that Israel will do everything it can to bring back the hostages.

    Currently, many people in Gaza are living in tents because supplies are low, especially with nighttime temperatures dropping to about 12 degrees Celsius (54 degrees Fahrenheit). A top Hamas official criticized Israel for cutting off electricity, saying it’s a desperate attempt to weaken their resistance.

    Hamas is asking for a second phase of the ceasefire that includes an exchange of hostages, a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, a permanent ceasefire, and reopening the borders. Former US President Joe Biden also supported a plan to get hostages back and remove Israeli forces from Gaza.

    The US envoy, Adam Boehler, stated that a deal could happen soon. Out of 251 hostages taken during the October 7 attack, 58 are still held in Gaza. Boehler mentioned that they were close to reaching an agreement that could release all hostages.

    Israel’s earlier proposal to remove Palestinians from Gaza faced backlash, leading to other plans that do not require displacing anyone. The previous phase of the ceasefire, which started on January 19, had reduced fighting and brought relief to the civilians in Gaza. However, after Israel cut off aid on March 2, the UN accused them of using hunger as a weapon. Many in Gaza now struggle without food and medicine, and the situation is challenging.

  • Boney Kapoor Plans Mom 2 with Khushi Kapoor at IIFA 2025

    Boney Kapoor Plans Mom 2 with Khushi Kapoor at IIFA 2025

    Producer Boney Kapoor announced exciting news at the IIFA 2025 awards! He revealed that he is planning to make a sequel to his late wife Sridevi’s last movie, Mom, and wants his daughter, Khushi Kapoor, to star in it. Speaking on the green carpet, Boney said he loves both his daughters, Khushi and Janhvi, and they are working hard to reach the same level of greatness as their mother did in acting.

    Boney talked about Khushi’s recent films like Archies, Loveyappa, and Nadaaniyaan, saying he has watched them all. He is looking forward to creating a film with her after his project No Entry, and hinted it could be called Mom 2. He believes Khushi and Janhvi can achieve the same level of success as Sridevi.

    Mom, which came out in 2017, featured Sridevi and earned her the Best Actress National Award after she sadly passed away.

    Boney also shared that he is working on a follow-up to his hit comedy No Entry, which was very successful when it was released in 2005. He mentioned that they are still choosing actresses for the new film, and they will announce the stars once everything is finalized.

    At the IIFA awards, which took place on March 9, the digital awards earlier in March saw wins for stars like Kriti Sanon and shows like Panchayat Season 3. The event also included a special tribute to the classic film Sholay.

  • Finance Minister Encourages CEOs for India’s Economic Growth

    Finance Minister Encourages CEOs for India’s Economic Growth

    In a recent speech, India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman encouraged business leaders to think positively about the country. She reminded them that great leaders from the past achieved many things, but today we face challenges that must be tackled together.

    Sitharaman expressed her belief that the younger generation in India will expect more from businesses and ask tough questions if they don’t see progress. She highlighted that Indian startups have succeeded even when times were tough, and she urged all companies to work harder to make India grow faster.

    She asked business leaders to speak up about any concerns they have so that the government can understand the business environment better. Railway and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also asked companies to invest in new products, which can help the economy thrive.

    Sitharaman emphasized the importance of making smart decisions that benefit India, instead of sticking to old theories. She talked about reviewing trade agreements to protect local industries from too many foreign goods. She explained that while it’s important to give smaller businesses cheaper materials, the country shouldn’t fall victim to unfair practices from other countries.

    Romal Shetty from Deloitte highlighted the innovative work being done by companies in India, like Mahindra & Mahindra’s advancements in defense technology and TVS Motor’s launch of a CNG scooter.

    Together, the government and businesses can lead India to a brighter future.

  • Syria’s Deadly Violence: Over 1,000 Dead After Assad’s Ousting

    Syria’s Deadly Violence: Over 1,000 Dead After Assad’s Ousting

    Months after Bashar al-Assad was removed from power, fighting in Syria has grown much worse. Supporters of the new Islamist leaders are attacking those loyal to Assad, who mostly belong to the Alawite community. A recent report states that over 1,000 people, many of them civilians, have died in just four days of fighting in Assad’s stronghold near the coast.

    Most of the casualties are from the Alawite community, which lives mainly in coastal cities like Latakia and Tartous. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that around 1,000 people died in two days of clashes, including 745 civilians and some security forces and fighters allied with Assad.

    Rami Abdulrahman, who heads the observatory, said these deaths are among the most significant since a chemical attack by Assad’s forces killed about 1,400 people in 2013. Ahmad Al-Sharaa, the interim president now leading the Sunni Islamist government, is calling for justice for those harming civilians or treating prisoners poorly.

    The recent violence has caused major destruction in several towns. Sunni militants have carried out many revenge killings against Alawites, regardless of whether they were involved in the fighting.

    Who Are the Alawites?

    Alawites are a branch of Shia Islam and were historically in power under Assad’s rule, even though most of Syria’s population is Sunni. Attacks against Alawites have risen since Assad’s ousting, even as the interim president pledged an inclusive government for all people.

    Despite this promise, violence has surged, with the government blaming “individual actions” for the chaos. A Kurdish group accused Turkish-backed Islamist forces of serious crimes against Alawites. The killings reportedly began after a suspect was arrested in an Alawite area, though calm returned somewhat by Saturday.

    The interim president has set up a committee to look into the violence from both sides. Graphic videos showing brutal attacks have circulated online. Meanwhile, Alawite gunmen briefly took control of Qardaha, Assad’s hometown, overwhelming security forces, but the government quickly regained control.

    Authorities are urging an end to this sectarian violence, but clashes continue, leading to many civilian deaths.

  • Can You Find the Hidden Dog in This Fun Optical Illusion

    Can You Find the Hidden Dog in This Fun Optical Illusion

    Optical illusions are fun pictures that trick our brains and change how we see things. People love them because they make us think and test our observation skills. If you enjoy solving puzzles, we have a brand-new challenge for you!

    Recently, a user named Piyush Tiwari shared a tricky optical illusion on X (formerly Twitter). It shows a colorful scene of a fox with a white duck in its mouth. The fox has bright reddish-orange fur and a fluffy tail, and it appears to be taking the duck away. Nearby, two other ducks look very worried.

    But here’s the twist—there’s a dog cleverly hidden somewhere in the scene! Can you find the hidden dog in just seven seconds?

    Look at the picture to give it a try! The caption says: “Optical illusion challenge: People with 20/20 vision can find the hidden dog in 7 seconds. Can you do it? Give it a shot!”

    Many users have shared their experiences, with some finding the dog quickly and others feeling stumped.

    Why We Love Optical Illusions

    Optical illusions are popular online for many reasons. They entertain us and give our brains a workout, helping us focus and think better. Sharing these puzzles with friends makes them even more fun!

    Optical illusions can go viral because they spark debates and friendly competition—everyone wants to show off their sharp eyesight and find things before their friends. This makes them exciting to share on social media.

    So, have you found the hidden dog yet? If not, take another look—you might surprise yourself!

  • Gyanendra Shah’s Return: Supporters Demand Monarchy in Nepal

    Gyanendra Shah’s Return: Supporters Demand Monarchy in Nepal

    On Sunday, Gyanendra Shah, Nepal’s former king, arrived in Kathmandu with heavy security. As he landed at the Tribhuvan International Airport from Pokhara in a helicopter, many supporters showed up to welcome him. They were shouting slogans like “We want our King back!” and “Bring back the monarchy!”

    Gyanendra, who is 77 years old, came back to Kathmandu after visiting religious sites. Supporters on motorbikes lined the streets holding his pictures and waving national flags.

    The police were present near the old royal palace to keep order because of rumors that Gyanendra might go there with his supporters. But everything went smoothly as the crowd made their way to his private home, Nirmal Niwas, outside the city.

    For several days, many people have been rallying for the monarchy to return since it was removed in 2008 during a movement for democracy. Popular Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala, who is related to a famous former prime minister, asked everyone on social media to welcome the former king at the airport.

    The pro-monarchy supporters have gained attention since Gyanendra said, “It’s time for us to help protect the country and create unity.”

  • Aamir Khan Reflects on Missed Film Opportunities: Darr and Bajrangi Bhaijaan

    Aamir Khan Reflects on Missed Film Opportunities: Darr and Bajrangi Bhaijaan

    Did you know that Aamir Khan had a chance to star in the films Darr and Bajrangi Bhaijaan, but he decided not to? This choice ended up benefiting Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. At the trailer launch for Aamir Khan: Cinema Ka Jadugar in Mumbai on Sunday, Aamir talked about these past opportunities.

    When asked which films he regret not taking, Aamir shared about Darr. He explained, “I was supposed to do Darr, but didn’t for some reasons, not related to creativity. Looking back, I think it worked out for the best because Shah Rukh fit the role better. If I had done it, everything might have turned out differently. I don’t really regret it since the film was great and successful. I just wasn’t the right match for it.”

    Then someone in the audience reminded him about Bajrangi Bhaijaan, and Aamir replied, “Oh yes! I heard the script and thought it would be better for Salman Khan. I liked the story but suggested that they show it to him instead. The writer didn’t go to Salman right away but went to Kabir Khan first, who then approached Salman.”

    Aamir also mentioned Munna Bhai, saying that the director, Raju, wanted him in the film, but things changed, making it more of a sequel.

    About the Films
    Darr, released in 1993 and directed by Yash Chopra, became a breakthrough for Shah Rukh Khan, who was fairly new in Bollywood. He played an obsessed lover and received praises for his performance.

    Bajrangi Bhaijaan, directed by Kabir Khan and released in 2015, was a huge hit. It starred Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and it tells the touching story of a man from Delhi helping a lost Pakistani girl find her way back home.

  • Students Rally for Education Rights on March 24

    Students Rally for Education Rights on March 24

    In New Delhi, seven student groups from different parts of India are getting together to protest at Jantar Mantar, a famous place in Delhi, on March 24. They will protest under the name ‘India Alliance Student Organisations.’ These students want to address important issues affecting them, like exam paper leaks, the need for university elections, and the removal of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

    The groups involved are the National Students Union of India (NSUI), All India Students Association (AISA), Students Federation of India (SFI), All India Students Federation (AISF), Muslim Students Federation (MSF), Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha, and Chhatra Rashtriya Janata Dal (CRJD). Starting from March 17 to March 22, they will hold protests and press conferences across the country to raise awareness for their cause leading up to the big protest on March 24.

    The Union education minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, responded to their concerns, explaining that new rules from the University Grants Commission (UGC) would give universities more power to hire their teachers and help develop state universities. However, some leaders from the opposition say these new rules take away important powers from the state governments regarding the hiring of university leaders.

    The student groups say they will invite teachers, education experts, political leaders from the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), and students from all over the country to join them. They hope to attract attention to educational issues during the government’s budget discussions.

    NSUI national president Varun Choudhary said, “We invite all student organisations, teachers, and education experts to join us on March 24. We expect around 5,000 students to participate. We want the NEP 2020 and the new UGC rules to be taken back. We also want fair student elections at all universities and colleges, filling of reserved seats, and support for scholarships.”

    The NEP 2020 was started by the Indian government on July 29, 2020, to improve the country’s education system and make it more relevant to future needs while keeping Indian culture in mind. This new policy replaced an older one from 1986 and suggested significant changes in how education is organized from schools to universities.

    The new rules about hiring teachers, shared on January 6, state that a special committee will help choose vice-chancellors at universities. This committee will include a governor’s representative as the chair and two others chosen by the UGC and the university board.

    Meanwhile, students at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) are also protesting because their student union elections have been delayed. At Delhi University (DU), students will elect leaders from their colleges to form a team for the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU).

    Aishe Ghosh, the SFI Delhi state secretary, said, “The central government wants to control student elections like they do with elections in states and at the national level.”

  • Teen and Man Found Dead in Kerala: Tragic Story Unfolds

    Teen and Man Found Dead in Kerala: Tragic Story Unfolds

    A 15-year-old girl and a 42-year-old man were found dead in a remote area of Kasaragod district, Kerala, on Sunday. They had been missing for three weeks. It seems they were in a relationship and might have taken their own lives.

    They were discovered hanging from a tree in a forest close to the girl’s home. Since their bodies were badly decomposed, police believe they died several days before being found. An officer from Kumbla police station reported that the inquest is done, and an autopsy will be performed at the Pariyaram Medical College hospital.

    The girl was in Class 10, and the man worked as a taxi driver. Their homes were only a kilometer apart. They disappeared on February 12, and the girl’s parents filed a missing person report that same day. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help.

    Here are some helplines:
    – Aasra: 022 2754 6669
    – Sneha India Foundation: +914424640050
    – Sanjivini: 011-24311918
    – Roshni Foundation: 040-66202001, 040-66202000
    – One Life: 78930 78930
    – Seva: 09441778290

  • India’s Hospitality Sector: A Bright Future Ahead in 2025

    India’s Hospitality Sector: A Bright Future Ahead in 2025

    The Indian hospitality industry is bouncing back strongly, and 2025 is looking like a great year for hotels and tourism. Many things are helping this growth, such as more people traveling for work and events, exciting festivals, and a busy wedding season.

    In the last part of the financial year 2025, hotel businesses are expected to do very well. They project that Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR), which tells us how much money hotels make per room, will go up by 12-14% compared to last year. This is thanks to a rise in room prices and high occupancy rates. Major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad are seeing more travel from business people and tourists coming for events.

    Big concerts and international festivals have shown that India can be an amazing place for entertainment, leading to higher room prices and more bookings in popular hotel areas. The government is also making efforts to boost tourism by developing 50 tourist spots focusing on spiritual and medical trips. The easier e-visa process for some countries is expected to bring in more foreign tourists, who are not yet at the levels seen before the pandemic.

    With a weaker rupee, India is becoming more affordable for international guests, attracting more high-end and luxury hotels. Improvements in airports and transportation are making India a competitive option for travelers from around the world.

    Businesses are well-positioned with an increased number of rooms, price hikes for corporate clients, and reopening revamped properties, which should increase earnings. Major sporting and cultural events like the Asia Cup and IPL are coming up in 2025, likely giving the hospitality sector extra boosts. Spiritual tourism is also booming, with many religious sites seeing a record number of visitors.

    Overall, due to strong economic growth, more disposable income, and more people traveling both domestically and internationally, India’s hospitality industry is set to grow. Companies in this sector are expanding and improving their services, keeping the momentum going for the future.

    Indian Hotels: Buy with a Target of Rs 960
    The management team expects strong revenue growth in 2025 thanks to weddings, travel, and events. Room prices and occupancy rates are looking good. The company is also focusing on spiritual tourism, which matches the government’s plan to develop 50 key tourist spots, with plans to open over 2,800 new rooms in locations like Ayodhya, Hampi, and Ujjain in the next 3-5 years. This, along with government support, positions Indian Hotels for continued growth.

    Lemon Tree: Buy with a Target of Rs 190
    Lemon Tree Hotels continues to grow quickly, showing a 23% revenue increase already in the 3rd quarter of 2025. Its occupancy rate is up to 74.2%, and room prices rose by 7%. The opening of new hotels is helping the company see more profits, increasing margins significantly. With a pipeline of 6,068 planned rooms, including new locations, Lemon Tree is in a great spot for continued success and expects a steady rise in earnings.

    Disclaimer: The views and suggestions in this article are from experts and do not represent the views of Economic Times.