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28 Feb

Indian Idol expands global footprint with Abu Dhabi Shoot at Yas Island

Business BureauBusiness

In a first for the franchise, Indian Idol Season 16 has marked its international debut with two special episodes filmed at Yas Island, in collaboration with Sony Pictures Networks India. Shot at Warner Bros. World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the region’s largest indoor theme park, the episodes aired on Indian Idol on February 21 and 22 on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV. The Abu Dhabi specials aligned with this season’s theme, “Yaadon Ki Playlist”, blending nostalgia and timeless music with Yas Island’s immersive entertainment landscape. The judging panel — Badshah, Vishal Dadlani and guest judge Madhubanti Bagchi — along…

28 Feb

Jammu and Kashmir Win Maiden Ranji Trophy Title

anuprovaSports

In a historic moment for Indian domestic cricket, Jammu and Kashmir scripted a fairytale ending to their season by clinching their first-ever Ranji Trophy title, defeating heavyweights Mumbai in a thrilling final that will be remembered for generations. This landmark victory marks the culmination of years of perseverance and structural development within the region's cricketing circuit, as the team overcame immense logistical challenges and limited infrastructure to stand at the pinnacle of the sport. The final match saw a masterclass in grit and determination, with the J&K bowlers dismantling a formidable Mumbai batting lineup in the fourth innings to secure…

28 Feb

Supersonic signs long-term LNG deal with UGEL to power blue energy motors fleet

Business BureauBusiness

Kolkata, February 26: Supersonic has signed a long-term LNG supply agreement with Ultra Gas & Energy Limited (UGEL) to support the expansion of its LNG-powered heavy-duty truck fleet from Blue Energy Motors. The agreement, signed in Kolkata, establishes a structured LNG supply framework through UGEL’s retail network to ensure reliable fuel access across key freight corridors. The partnership is aimed at strengthening fuel infrastructure as Supersonic scales its alternative fuel operations. Director S K Mittal (Agarwal) said the company has seen strong performance and efficiency from Blue Energy Motors’ LNG trucks on long-haul routes and that assured fuel supply and…

28 Feb

ASCI ropes in influencers to tackle greenwashing, dark patterns in digital ads

Business BureauBusiness

The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has launched its first-ever influencer-led consumer awareness campaign targeting greenwashing and dark patterns; two practices increasingly seen as manipulating consumer choice in the digital ecosystem. The initiative is part of ASCI Academy’s broader agenda to equip consumers to navigate advertising in a more informed manner. The campaign will encourage consumers to question sustainability claims, decode eco-labels and distinguish credible environmental commitments from marketing buzzwords. Influencers will also explain deceptive “dark patterns” such as basket sneaking, hidden costs and confusing design choices that nudge users into unintended decisions. Content creators including Shraddha Jain, Aalekh…

28 Feb

CAQM Mulls Phased EV Sales Mandate for Automakers in Delhi-NCR

nanikaBusiness

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is considering a major policy shift that could reshape the automobile market in Delhi-NCR. The panel may introduce mandatory annual electric vehicle (EV) sales targets for automakers operating in the region, with the goal of gradually transitioning to 100 percent EV sales over a defined period.The proposal was discussed during a recent meeting between the 15-member expert committee—formed in December 2025—and representatives of two- and four-wheeler manufacturers. The committee is tasked with drafting a comprehensive strategy to curb vehicular emissions, a major contributor to air pollution in Delhi-NCR.According to sources familiar with the…

28 Feb

Lalduhoma Faces Backlash After Assembly Passes Mizo Marriage and Inheritance (Amendment) Bill Amid Gender Bias Concerns

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

Mizoram’s largest women’s organisation, the Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP), has urged the state government to withdraw the recently amended marriage and inheritance law, saying the changes are inadequate and could be unsafe for Mizo women.The appeal came on February 27, a few days after the Mizoram Legislative Assembly passed the Mizo Marriage and Inheritance of Property (Amendment) Bill on February 24. In a statement, the MHIP said that under the earlier law, provisions applied uniformly to all Mizo citizens, including those who married outside the community. However, the amended law excludes Mizo women who marry non-tribal men. The organisation…

28 Feb

C Lalsawivunga Tells Assembly 8,966 Families Hit by ASF; Govt Under Lalduhoma Announces Relief Measures

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

Mizoram has suffered an estimated financial loss of Rs 960 crore due to the continued outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF), which has killed more than 71,000 pigs in the state since 2021.Informing the Assembly on February 27, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister C Lalsawivunga said the disease has badly affected the livestock sector, especially pig farmers across the state.Speaking in the House in Aizawl, the minister said that since the first outbreak was reported in March 2021, a total of 71,912 pigs have been lost. He said 8,966 families have been affected by the outbreak. Out of the total…

27 Feb

32 Beneficiaries Assessed, Assistive Devices to Be Provided Through Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

A health assessment camp for persons with disabilities was held at Putlungasih village under Lungsen RD Block as part of Project LEAP, an initiative taken up under the leadership of the Deputy Commissioner of Lunglei. Project LEAP, which stands for Lunglei’s Empowerment for Access and Equity for All Persons, aims to improve access to health care, government services and support systems for persons with disabilities in rural areas. The medical camp was conducted by a team led by Senior Specialist (Orthopedician) Dr Joseph Lalrindika Chawngthu. The team included an audiologist, a clinical psychologist, an ophthalmic assistant, members of the NCD…

27 Feb

Mizoram’s Tax Share Rises Under 16th Finance Commission as 2026–27 GSDP Pegged at Rs 43,817 Crore

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, who also holds the Finance portfolio presented the State Budget for 2026–27 in the Assembly. After the presentation in the House, he addressed the media at a press conference held at the Assembly Annexe Conference Hall in Aizawl and explained the main points of the Budget. The Chief Minister said Mizoram’s share under Horizontal Devolution has increased to 0.564 per cent as recommended by the 16th Finance Commission. Because of this, the State is expected to receive Rs. 8,608.08 crore as its share of Central Taxes and Duties during 2026–27. This is Rs. 976.80 crore more…

27 Feb

Swiggy Dineout ropes in Bhuvan Bam for GIRF 2026, rolls out ‘Bill Half. Party Full.’ across 60+ cities

Business BureauBusiness

Swiggy Limited, India’s leading on-demand convenience platform, has announced the launch of Swiggy Dineout’s Great Indian Restaurant Festival (GIRF) 2026, onboarding Bhuvan Bam as the official ambassador. The two-month festival will go live from February 15, 2026, offering up to 50% off across 40,000 top restaurants in more than 60 cities nationwide. Branded under the theme ‘Bill Half. Party Full.’, GIRF 2026 integrates the popular BB Ki Vines universe into the campaign. Characters such as Babloo, Babli, Sameer and Bhuvan represent relatable diner archetypes, addressing common concerns like discount caps and fine print. The campaign will run across digital, social,…