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Happy Makar Sankranti 2026: Celebrating the Festival of Harvest, Hope, and New Beginnings

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com
Makar Sankranti 2026

Makar Sankranti, also known as Uttarayana, Makara Sankranti, or simply Sankranti, is one of India’s most vibrant and auspicious festivals. Celebrated every year with immense joy and devotion, it marks the Sun’s transition into Capricorn (Makar Rashi), symbolizing the end of winter and the beginning of longer, warmer days.

In 2026, Makar Sankranti brings with it renewed hope, prosperity, and positivity, as farmers welcome a new agricultural season and families come together to celebrate abundance, gratitude, and unity.

Unlike many Indian festivals that follow the lunar calendar, Makar Sankranti is based on the solar cycle, making it one of the most consistent festivals, usually celebrated on January 14 or 15. This sacred transition of the Sun into the northern hemisphere, known as Uttarayana, is considered highly auspicious in Hindu tradition. It represents:

  • The victory of light over darkness
  • Knowledge over ignorance
  • Positivity over negativity
  • New beginnings and spiritual awakening
  • How Makar Sankranti Is Celebrated Across India
  • Makar Sankranti is celebrated in diverse ways across different regions:
  • Pongal in Tamil Nadu 🌾
  • Lohri in Punjab 🔥
  • Uttarayan in Gujarat with colorful kite flying 🪁
  • Magh Bihu in Assam 🌾
  • Khichdi Parv in Uttar Pradesh

Despite regional differences, the essence remains the same gratitude for nature, harvest, and life’s blessings.

Traditions and Rituals

  • Kite Flying: Filling the sky with vibrant colors, symbolizing freedom and joy
  • Holy Dips: Taking ritual baths in sacred rivers like the Ganga
  • Sesame & Jaggery Sweets: Tilgul, laddoos, chikkis signifying warmth, unity, and sweetness in relationships
  • Charity & Sharing: Donating food, clothes, and essentials to the needy

Why Sesame (Til) and Jaggery Are Important

The phrase “Til-gul ghya, god-god bola” beautifully captures the spirit of the festival take sweets and speak sweet words.

Sesame provides warmth during winter, while jaggery symbolizes sweetness, harmony, and goodwill.

Meaningful Makar Sankranti Wishes 2026

  • May this Makar Sankranti 2026 bring lasting peace, good health, and prosperity to your home, and may every new sunrise fill your life with hope and happiness.
  • As the Sun enters Makar Rashi, may your life move toward success, clarity, and positive growth in every direction. Happy Makar Sankranti!
  • May the warmth of the Sun God bless you with strength, wisdom, and the courage to overcome every challenge in the year ahead.
  • On this auspicious day of Uttarayana, may all negativity fade away and your life be filled with joy, harmony, and new opportunities.
  • May your hard work yield abundant results, just like a rich harvest, and may your days ahead be bright and fulfilling.
  • As kites rise high in the sky, may your dreams soar higher and your efforts lead you to great success. Wishing you a joyful Makar Sankranti 2026.
  • May sweetness of til and jaggery strengthen your relationships and fill your life with kindness, love, and understanding.
  • May this festival mark a fresh beginning, bringing stability to your career, happiness to your family, and peace to your heart.
  • With the Sun’s northward journey, may your life move toward prosperity, good fortune, and spiritual growth.
  • May Makar Sankranti bless you with good health, steady progress, and the fulfillment of your dreams throughout the year.
  • Wishing you and your loved ones a Makar Sankranti filled with laughter, togetherness, delicious sweets, and unforgettable memories.
  • May this sacred festival bring your family closer and your home overflow with warmth, respect, and happiness.
  • May every moment of Makar Sankranti strengthen bonds, spread smiles, and create beautiful memories with those you cherish.
  • May this Makar Sankranti inspire new goals, steady growth, and continued success in your professional journey.
  • Wishing you prosperity, progress, and positive outcomes in all your endeavors this Makar Sankranti 2026.
  • May this Makar Sankranti bring clarity, confidence, and consistent success into your life.
  • Wishing you a joyful Makar Sankranti filled with peace, purpose, and prosperity.
  • May the blessings of the Sun God guide you toward happiness and fulfillment this year.

Let this Makar Sankranti 2026 be a turning point where hope rises higher, efforts turn fruitful, and life moves toward lasting happiness. Happy Makar Sankranti!

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BlogBusinessFeaturedIndia

A Strong Start to the New Year for Equity Markets

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com
Equity Markets

Indian equity markets delivered a confident performance in the first trading week of 2026, ending January 2 at record closing levels after weeks of consolidation. A mix of improving earnings expectations, optimism around the upcoming Union Budget, and sector-specific tailwinds helped indices move higher, while broader markets also showed steady participation.

After trading in a narrow range through most of December, investors appeared more willing to take positions, encouraged by early signals of resilient domestic demand and stable macroeconomic conditions.

One of the key factors supporting the rally was anticipation around December quarter (Q3FY26) earnings. Market participants expect corporate results to reflect steady consumption trends, improving margins in select sectors, and continued credit growth.

At the same time, expectations that the Union Budget may include measures to support growth, infrastructure spending, and manufacturing added to the positive undertone. Together, these factors helped lift sentiment across both frontline and broader indices.

Sector-wise, the auto space stood out, supported by encouraging December sales data that pointed to sustained demand across passenger and commercial segments. PSU banks also remained in focus as improving asset quality and expectations of faster credit expansion attracted buying interest.

The utilities segment gained traction on hopes of rising power demand and increased industrial activity. In contrast, FMCG stocks faced pressure, largely due to selling in ITC, which weighed on the otherwise stable defensive pack.

Broader markets outperformed benchmark indices during the week, with midcap stocks showing stronger momentum than large caps. Smallcaps also posted gains, though at a more measured pace.

Meanwhile, precious metals witnessed sharp profit booking. Gold futures fell nearly five percent during the week, while silver declined around 1.5 percent, reflecting shifting risk appetite and positioning after recent gains.

Weekly Market Performance Snapshot

By the close of the week, the Nifty 50 had gained 286 points, rising 1.1 percent to end at 26,329. The BSE Sensex advanced 721 points, or 0.85 percent, to settle at 85,762.

Among broader indices, the Nifty Midcap 100 climbed 1.74 percent, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 added 0.77 percent, underlining improving participation beyond frontline stocks.

What to Watch in the Coming Week

Looking ahead to the week beginning January 5, markets are expected to trade in a range with a positive bias. Investors will closely track provisional quarterly business updates and early earnings-related commentary.

Global cues may introduce some near-term volatility, particularly around geopolitical developments involving the US and Venezuela. Additionally, key global data points such as US payroll numbers, unemployment figures, services PMI, and inflation data from China could influence market direction. Movements in crude oil and precious metals prices will also remain on the radar.

While near-term fluctuations cannot be ruled out, the broader market tone remains constructive. Strong domestic fundamentals, improving sectoral trends, and expectations of policy support continue to provide a stable base for equities as the new year unfolds.

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BlogBusinessFeaturedIndia

Markets Begin on a Steady but Selective Note on First Day of 2026

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com

Indian equity Markets benchmarks closed largely unchanged on the first day of 2026, reflecting a cautious but resilient market mood. While headline indices struggled to gain momentum, strength in banking, auto, and midcap stocks helped offset weakness from select heavyweights, allowing the Nifty to defend crucial levels.

The session highlighted a market that remains selective, with investors rotating capital toward pockets showing earnings visibility and volume growth.

Benchmark Performance: Flat Close with Underlying Support

The Sensex edged lower by 32 points to finish at 85,189, while the Nifty added 17 points, settling at 26,147. Despite the modest movement, the Nifty’s ability to remain above the 26,100 mark was seen as a positive technical signal.

Banking stocks provided stability, with the Nifty Bank index gaining 130 points to close at 59,712. Broader markets outperformed the benchmarks, as midcap stocks extended their strength, lifting the midcap index by 266 points to 60,750. Market breadth remained favourable, with advances outnumbering declines.

ITC Drag Limits Upside After Excise Duty Hike

A sharp decline in ITC weighed on overall market sentiment. The stock fell nearly 9% following the government’s decision to raise excise duty, making it the single largest drag on the Nifty during the session.

The decline in ITC capped broader gains, even as several other sectors traded with a positive bias.

Auto and Financial Stocks Lead Gains

Auto and financial stocks emerged as key gainers, driven by optimism around demand trends and upcoming data releases. Shriram Finance topped the Nifty leaderboard with a 3% rise, while Bajaj Auto gained a similar amount ahead of its monthly sales numbers.

Other auto names such as Mahindra & Mahindra and Ashok Leyland also advanced after reporting encouraging December sales volumes, reinforcing confidence in the sector’s near-term outlook.

Midcap Stocks Show Continued Strength

The midcap segment once again outperformed, reflecting sustained investor interest beyond large-cap names. Stocks such as JSW Energy, PNB Housing Finance, Astral, and Supreme Industries posted gains of 3–4%.

APL Apollo Tubes climbed 3% after announcing strong volume growth for the third quarter, adding to the positive momentum in industrial and infrastructure-linked names.

Select Stocks Face Selling Pressure

On the downside, Avenue Supermarts slipped around 2% ahead of its quarterly business update, as investors remained cautious on near-term margins.

PB Fintech also declined after concerns emerged around higher insurance commissions flagged by the Reserve Bank of India. Meanwhile, MCX ended about 1% lower, largely due to profit booking after recent gains.

Market Outlook: Stability with Stock-Specific Action

The first session of 2026 suggests that markets are entering the new year with measured optimism rather than broad-based enthusiasm. While headline indices may remain range-bound in the near term, continued strength in banks, autos, and midcaps indicates that investors are actively seeking opportunities at the stock level.

Sustaining key support levels and earnings-driven moves are likely to shape market direction in the sessions ahead.

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BlogFeaturedIndia

Surakshit Awards Honour Pune Waste Picker Anju Mane for a Remarkable Act of Honesty

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com
Surakshit Awards

Mumbai, December 30, 2025 — At a time when stories of fraud and deception dominate daily headlines, one quiet act of honesty from Pune has restored faith in human values. On December 30, 2025, the Surakshit Awards honoured Anju Mane, a waste picker from Pune, for an extraordinary display of courage and integrity that has resonated far beyond her neighbourhood.

Anju found a bag containing ₹10 lakh lying unattended on a street in Sadashiv Peth. With no one watching and every opportunity to walk away, she made a choice that would soon inspire many, she returned the money to its rightful owner without any kind of hesitation.

A Choice That Defined Character

For Anju, the decision was simple. Despite living a life of daily struggle, she refused to let temptation outweigh her values. Her act was not driven by recognition or reward, but by an unwavering sense of right and wrong.

This quiet moment of honesty became a powerful statement in a society often challenged by unethical shortcuts. It demonstrated that integrity is not defined by social status, but by personal conviction.

Voices That Echoed Her Values

The Surakshit Awards committee described Anju’s act as a powerful reminder that true security begins with trust. In an age where scams and dishonesty are increasingly common, her actions reaffirmed the belief that ethical values still hold ground in everyday life.

Anju herself remained humble while speaking about the incident. She shared that the thought of keeping the money never crossed her mind, believing it belonged to someone who must have been deeply worried. Doing the right thing, she said, was all that mattered.

Community leaders present at the ceremony called her honesty a beacon of hope, stating that Anju’s example proves that values, compassion, and responsibility continue to shape society in meaningful ways.

More Than an Award, a Social Message

The felicitation ceremony went beyond celebrating a single act. It positioned Anju Mane as a role model, reminding people that ethical behaviour does not require power, wealth, or education—only integrity.

Her story stands as a benchmark for everyday ethics, showing that even the smallest decisions can leave a lasting impact on society.

About the Surakshit Awards

The Surakshit Awards is a national initiative dedicated to recognising individuals and organisations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to security, ethics, and community trust. Established in collaboration with security professionals and corporate partners, the initiative seeks to celebrate courage in daily life, promote ethical conduct across sectors, and highlight role models who strengthen social responsibility.

Through stories like Anju Mane’s, the Surakshit Awards continues to amplify voices that inspire trust, honesty, and hope.

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BlogEnvironmentFeaturedIndia

WEC Brings Healing Support to Seth Ayurvedic Hospital This Christmas

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com
WEC

Mumbai: This Christmas brought more than festive cheer to Seth Ayurvedic Hospital in Sion, Mumbai. It marked a meaningful step forward in community healthcare as the World Environment Council (WEC) donated advanced physiotherapy equipment and essential accessories to the hospital. The initiative focuses on supporting patients from economically weaker sections, helping them recover faster and regain mobility with dignity.

The contribution is expected to significantly improve rehabilitation services, enabling timely, effective physiotherapy care within the hospital’s integrative treatment framework.

Strengthening Recovery Through Modern Support

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in restoring movement and independence, especially for patients undergoing long-term treatment. With the newly donated equipment, Seth Ayurvedic Hospital will be better equipped to meet growing rehabilitation needs while maintaining accessibility for marginalized communities.

The support bridges a vital gap, ensuring that quality recovery care is not limited by financial constraints.

Voices Behind the Initiative

Speaking on behalf of the World Environment Council, Founder Mr. Ganesh Channa and Executive Director Mr. Godfrey Lobo shared the broader vision behind the initiative. They emphasized that true sustainability begins with healthy communities and that integrating modern rehabilitation tools with India’s traditional Ayurvedic wisdom creates a more complete healing approach.

From the hospital’s side, trustee member Dr. Vishawjeet Patade expressed appreciation for the timely support, noting that improved recovery outcomes directly translate into a better quality of life for patients. Dr. Pankaj P. Tathed, Head of the Panchakarma and Physiotherapy Unit, highlighted how the equipment would strengthen day-to-day clinical care and long-term rehabilitation outcomes.

Ayurveda and Innovation: The Road Ahead

The donation marks the beginning of deeper collaboration between WEC and healthcare institutions. Building on this foundation, the organization plans to roll out a series of forward-looking programs aimed at prevention, education, and innovation.

One key focus will be community-based Ayurvedic workshops and the development of medicinal gardens in schools, colleges, churches, and local forums. These initiatives aim to promote preventive healthcare using Ayurveda’s centuries-old knowledge system.

In parallel, WEC plans to introduce specialized training programs for resident doctors. These modules will explore the use of artificial intelligence in Ayurvedic diagnosis and treatment planning, improve communication skills for better patient engagement, and offer life excellence training centered on ethics, leadership, and holistic professional growth.

A Broader Vision for Sustainable Health

Through initiatives like this, the World Environment Council continues to position health as a cornerstone of sustainability. By supporting physiotherapy services, advancing Ayurvedic education, and embracing responsible innovation, WEC is shaping a healthcare model that focuses not only on curing illness but also on long-term well-being.

This approach reflects a growing recognition that true progress lies in systems that heal, educate, and empower communities simultaneously.

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BlogFeaturedIndiaSports

India’s Flag Rises High at the World Rapid Chess Championship

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com
World Rapid Chess Championship

India’s remarkable chess journey added another proud chapter in Doha as Koneru Humpy and Arjun Erigaisi secured bronze medals at the 2025 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championships. Competing against the world’s elite, both players delivered performances that reflected resilience, consistency, and world-class skill, reinforcing India’s stature as a global chess powerhouse.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged their achievements, praising their dedication and determination – a gesture that further underlined the growing national recognition of chess and its champions.

Koneru Humpy’s Grit

Koneru Humpy entered the Women’s World Rapid Championship as the defending champion and once again proved why she remains one of the most formidable names in the sport. Finishing the tournament as joint leader with 8.5 points, Humpy’s podium position was ultimately decided by FIDE’s tie-break rules.

Despite missing out on gold, her bronze medal was a testament to sustained excellence across more than two decades of elite competition. A title win would have seen her create history as the first woman to claim three World Rapid crowns and join an exclusive list of back-to-back champions. Instead, she finished just behind China’s Zhu Jiner and Russia’s Aleksandra Goryachkina, the latter going on to claim her maiden world rapid title.

Even in disappointment, Humpy’s performance stood as a reminder of her enduring legacy and competitive spirit.

Arjun Erigaisi’s Breakthrough on the Global Stage

In the Open category, Arjun Erigaisi delivered one of the standout Indian performances of the tournament. Finishing behind world number one Magnus Carlsen and Russian Grandmaster Vladislav Artemiev, the 22-year-old clinched a historic bronze medal.

With this achievement, Erigaisi became only the second Indian male player, after Viswanathan Anand, to reach the podium at the World Rapid Championships. His fearless approach and calm under pressure marked him as one of the brightest stars of the new generation.

The Prime Minister praised Erigaisi’s grit, acknowledging the significance of his accomplishment on one of chess’s biggest stages.

Recognition from the Highest Office

PM Modi’s messages celebrating both players reflected his continued effort to personally acknowledge sporting excellence across disciplines. His public appreciation not only honoured the medalists but also highlighted chess as a sport where India is consistently competing at the highest level.

Such recognition carries symbolic weight, inspiring young players and reinforcing the value of long-term dedication to the game.

While the World Rapid Championship has concluded, the spotlight remains on Humpy, who will next compete in the World Blitz Championship in Doha. With her experience and form, she remains a strong contender for another podium finish.

For Erigaisi, the bronze medal represents both a milestone and a beginning a clear signal that he belongs among the world’s best and is poised for even greater achievements.

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BlogFeaturedIndiaSports

Vaibhav Suryavanshi Honoured with PMRBP After Record-Breaking Feats

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com

At an age when most teenagers are still discovering their strengths, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has already etched his name into India’s sporting narrative. The 14-year-old cricketing sensation from Bihar was honoured with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP), the country’s highest civilian award for children, at a ceremony held in New Delhi.

Vaibhav travelled to the capital earlier this week to receive the award from President Droupadi Murmu, marking a proud moment not only for his family and state but also for Indian sport. The recognition places him among a select group of young achievers whose work and talent have earned national admiration.

A Prestigious Honour at a Young Age

The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is reserved for children who demonstrate extraordinary ability and commitment in their chosen fields. For Vaibhav, the award acknowledges his exceptional achievements in cricket, where his performances have stood out even among seasoned domestic players.

Following the award ceremony, Vaibhav and the other recipients are set to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The interaction is designed to encourage young achievers and reinforce the idea that excellence, discipline, and dedication are valued at the highest levels of leadership.

Balancing Recognition and Responsibility

Receiving the PMRBP came with a professional compromise. Vaibhav had to miss Bihar’s Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Manipur and will be unavailable for the remainder of the tournament due to his presence at the national ceremony.

For any competitive athlete, time away from the game is never easy. However, being recognised on a national platform for sporting excellence is a rare honour, one that acknowledges not just recent performances but the promise of a long and impactful career ahead.

Performances That Turned Heads

Vaibhav’s rise has been driven by performances that defy expectations for his age. His most talked-about innings came in Bihar’s opening Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Arunachal Pradesh, where he produced a breathtaking knock of 190 runs off just 84 balls.

That innings did more than win a match. It announced Vaibhav as a fearless batter with the ability to dominate attacks, earning attention far beyond domestic cricket circles. The knock has since been widely regarded as one of the most explosive performances by a young Indian batter in recent times.

From Bihar’s Grounds to Rashtrapati Bhavan

Vaibhav’s journey reflects the changing face of Indian sport, where talent from every corner of the country is finding recognition. Rising from Bihar’s cricketing circuits to receiving an award at Rashtrapati Bhavan, his story resonates with young athletes who dream of making it big despite limited resources.

The honour he has received serves as validation of years of practice, discipline, and belief — both his own and that of those who supported him along the way.

What the Award Represents

The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar celebrates children between the ages of 5 and 18 who demonstrate outstanding achievement in diverse fields. These include bravery, art and culture, environment, innovation, science and technology, social service, and sports.

In Vaibhav’s case, the award recognises sporting excellence and the inspiration his achievements provide to other young Indians. It is not just a reward for past success, but an encouragement to continue striving for greater heights.

Looking Ahead

As Vaibhav Suryavanshi returns to the field after this moment of recognition, expectations will naturally grow. Yet, the PMRBP serves as a reminder that his journey is still at an early stage. With talent already evident and experience steadily building, his path forward holds immense promise.

For now, the award stands as a milestone — a moment where potential met recognition, and a young cricketer from Bihar found himself celebrated on the nation’s highest stage.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi Receives PMRBP at 14 for Cricketing Excellence

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BlogFeaturedIndia

Indian Railways introduce new Train fares from December 26

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com
Indian Railways

Train journeys across India have become slightly more expensive starting today, following a revision in passenger fares announced by the Ministry of Railways. This marks the second fare hike in the past six months, signalling a calibrated move by the government to address rising operational costs while attempting to keep rail travel accessible for the majority of passengers.

According to the Railways Ministry, the decision has been taken to strike a balance between passenger affordability and the long-term sustainability of railway operations. The revised fares apply only to tickets booked on or after December 26. Passengers who booked their tickets earlier will not face any additional charges, even if their journey takes place after the new fares come into force.

Who Is Not Affected by the Hike

One of the key takeaways from the announcement is that not all travellers will feel the impact. Suburban train services and all season tickets, whether suburban or non-suburban, remain completely untouched by the revision. This ensures that daily commuters and regular passengers are shielded from higher costs.

Additionally, reservation fees, superfast surcharges, and other ancillary charges remain unchanged. The Railways has also clarified that GST rules will continue as before, with fares rounded off according to existing norms.

Revised Fares for Second Class Ordinary Travel

For passengers travelling in Second Class Ordinary coaches, the fare increase depends on the distance covered. Short-distance journeys of up to 215 kilometres will see no change at all. However, longer routes will now cost slightly more.

Journeys between 216 and 750 kilometres will attract an additional ₹5, while trips ranging from 751 to 1,250 kilometres will cost ₹10 extra. For distances between 1,251 and 1,750 kilometres, passengers will pay ₹15 more, and those travelling between 1,751 and 2,250 kilometres will see an increase of ₹20.

Changes in Sleeper and First Class Ordinary Fares

Passengers travelling in Sleeper Class Ordinary and First Class Ordinary coaches will face a marginal increase calculated on a per-kilometre basis. The fare has been raised by 1 paisa per kilometre, keeping the hike relatively modest even for longer journeys.

Mail and Express Trains See a Uniform Increase

For Mail and Express trains, the fare revision is more uniform. Across both non-AC and AC classes, fares have been increased by 2 paise per kilometre. This applies to Sleeper Class, First Class, AC Chair Car, AC 3-Tier, AC 2-Tier, and AC First Class.

In practical terms, this means that for a 500-kilometre journey in a non-AC Mail or Express coach, passengers will pay roughly ₹10 more than before. The revised fares will also apply to premium and semi-premium services such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Vande Bharat, Tejas, Humsafar, Amrit Bharat, Garib Rath, Jan Shatabdi, Gatimaan, Antyodaya, Mahamana, Yuva Express, and Namo Bharat Rapid Rail.

What the Railways Is Saying

The Ministry of Railways has maintained that the revision follows a balanced approach. While acknowledging the importance of affordable travel, it has stressed the need to support infrastructure upgrades, service quality, and operational efficiency.

By limiting the hike to ticket fares and keeping other charges unchanged, the ministry appears to be aiming for a gradual adjustment rather than a sharp increase.

What Passengers Should Keep in Mind

For most travellers, the hike translates into a small addition to the ticket price rather than a significant burden. However, frequent long-distance travellers and those using premium services are more likely to notice the difference.

As with previous revisions, passengers are advised to check the updated fare while booking tickets to avoid surprises and plan their travel budgets accordingly.

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BlogFeaturedIndia

ISRO’s LVM3 Sets New Benchmarks with BlueBird Block-2 Commercial Mission

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com
ISRO

India’s heavy-lift launch vehicle, LVM3, delivered another defining moment for the country’s space programme with the successful launch of the BlueBird Block-2 mission. On the morning of December 24, 2025, the LVM3-M6 rocket lifted off from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, carrying one of the most ambitious commercial communication satellites ever built.

Within just 15 minutes of liftoff, the mission achieved its objective, placing the satellite precisely into its designated low Earth orbit. The success added yet another chapter to ISRO’s growing reputation as a reliable partner in the global space market.

Two Records in a Single Mission

The BlueBird Block-2 launch was not routine by any measure. It marked two significant firsts for India. The satellite became the largest commercial communications spacecraft ever deployed in low Earth orbit, and at 6,100 kilograms, it also emerged as the heaviest payload launched by LVM3 from Indian soil.

ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan described the mission as a moment of pride, highlighting the exceptional orbital accuracy achieved. The deviation from the intended orbit was under two kilometres, a performance that stands among the best globally for heavy-lift launch vehicles.

India’s First Dedicated US Commercial Launch

This mission also carried strategic importance. It was the first time ISRO undertook a fully dedicated commercial launch for a customer from the United States. Developed by AST SpaceMobile, the BlueBird Block-2 satellite represents a new generation of space-based communication platforms.

With this launch, India’s cumulative tally rose to 434 satellites launched for 34 different countries, reinforcing ISRO’s role as a trusted launch service provider.

What Makes BlueBird Block-2 Special

BlueBird Block-2 is part of a broader low Earth orbit constellation aimed at redefining mobile connectivity. Unlike traditional satellites that rely on ground terminals, this system is designed to connect directly with standard smartphones.

Equipped with a massive 223 square metre phased array, the satellite is built to enable 4G and 5G services from space. Voice calls, video calls, messaging, streaming and data access are all intended to work seamlessly, even in remote and underserved regions. The scale and ambition of this satellite underline why it has drawn global attention.

Reliability of LVM3 Comes to the Fore

The LVM3-M6 mission was the ninth successful flight of India’s heavy-lift launch vehicle and its third dedicated commercial mission. With every success, LVM3 continues to demonstrate consistent performance and reliability, qualities essential for both human spaceflight and international commercial launches.

Dr. Narayanan also noted that this was the 104th launch from Sriharikota and a rare operational achievement: two LVM3 missions completed within a span of just 52 days. Coordinating such back-to-back launches required intense planning and close collaboration across multiple ISRO centres.

A Boost for Future Missions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the achievement, noting that the success reflects the growing strength of India’s space ecosystem, driven largely by young scientists and engineers. He highlighted that the dependable heavy-lift capability of LVM3 lays a strong foundation for upcoming missions such as Gaganyaan, expanded commercial services and deeper international partnerships.

The mission also aligns with India’s broader push toward technological self-reliance while remaining globally connected.

Expanding India’s Space Horizon

Beyond the technical milestones, the BlueBird Block-2 launch sends a clear message. India is no longer just a cost-effective launch option; it is a precision-driven, high-capacity spacefaring nation capable of handling some of the world’s most complex commercial payloads.

As demand for low Earth orbit constellations continues to grow, ISRO’s demonstrated ability to deliver heavy satellites with accuracy and speed positions it strongly for the next phase of global space activity.

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BlogBusinessEnvironmentIndiaWorld

World Environment Council and Surakshit Movement Announce Strategic Collaboration to Advance ESG Leadership in Safety and Security

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com

Mumbai / Pune, 24, December 2025: The World Environment Council (WEC) and the Surakshit Movement have entered into a strategic collaboration to strengthen the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles within India’s safety, security, and resilience ecosystem. The partnership formalises WEC as the Sustainability Partner for the Surakshit Movement, including the Surakshit Awards platform.

This collaboration brings together WEC’s global expertise in sustainability governance, climate education, and ESG capacity-building with the Surakshit Movement’s industry-led focus on safety, security, governance, and community resilience. The objective is to ensure that ESG considerations are embedded meaningfully into safety leadership frameworks rather than being treated as standalone or compliance-driven initiatives.

Under the partnership, WEC will play a key role in shaping and governing the ESG Award Category within the Surakshit Awards, including contribution to evaluation frameworks, jury expertise, and knowledge inputs. Beyond the awards, the collaboration will extend to ESG-focused workshops, dialogues, whitepapers, training programmes, and community initiatives conducted under the Surakshit Movement umbrella.

The partnership is deliberately structured to remain restricted to ESG-related domains, preserving the independence and integrity of the core Surakshit Awards and non-ESG categories. Both organisations have agreed on clear governance mechanisms, including the formation of a dedicated ESG Working Group, to jointly oversee frameworks, content, and ESG initiatives.

Speaking on the collaboration, Prof. Ganesh Prakash Channa, Founder and President of the World Environment Council, said that the partnership represents an important step toward aligning sustainability thinking with real-world safety and governance challenges. He noted that ESG outcomes are strongest when environmental responsibility, social impact, and governance discipline are integrated into operational decision-making and leadership behaviour.

PSP core team, the driving force behind Surakshit, said the collaboration with WEC adds depth and credibility to the ESG dimension of the platform. They emphasised that the Surakshit Movement aims to recognise organisations and leaders who demonstrate intent, execution, and measurable impact, and that ESG must be evaluated with the same rigour as safety and security outcomes.

The collaboration was formally acknowledged during Surakshit Pune Awards 2025, where sustainability and ESG leadership featured as an integral part of the recognition framework. The tie-up reinforces the shared belief that safety, security, sustainability, and governance are interconnected responsibilities, and that future-ready organisations must address them together.

Through this partnership, WEC and the Surakshit Movement aim to create a credible, practitioner-driven ESG platform that supports responsible governance, strengthens community resilience, and contributes to safer and more sustainable institutions across India.

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Explosive Growth, No Profit: Inside OpenAI’s Ad Gamble
A potential EU–India trade deal with global impact now down to the summit.
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