In the holy city of Varanasi, Rangbhari Ekadashi ushers in a burst of colors and devotion, marking Lord Shiva’s return with Mata Parvati to Kashi. Celebrated four days prior to Holi in the bright fortnight of Phalgun, this festival revives an ancient legend of the divine couple’s gouna baraat. Devotees fill the air with jubilant slogans praising Shiva as Parvati’s husband. Gulal rains down, flowers scatter, and the city pulses with early Holi fervor—unique to Kashi, where bhakts request and receive divine sanction to play colors ahead of the festival. The highlight is the grand dola yatra from Kashi Vishwanath…
Author: News Analysis India
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Tensions between nuclear-armed Pakistan and Taliban-ruled Afghanistan have boiled over into outright aerial warfare. Friday morning marked the start of Operation Gajab Lil-Haq, with Pakistani jets pounding Afghan military installations in a barrage that targeted the capitals of Kabul and Kandahar, plus Paktia province. This aggressive response followed Afghan incursions, prompting Pakistan to unleash its air power in what officials describe as a defensive necessity. Reports from the ground paint a vivid picture: thunderous detonations echoed through Kabul streets, jets streaked across the sky, and panic gripped neighborhoods. Without an air force of its own, Afghanistan absorbed the blows, suffering…
Mark your calendars, India—March 2026 is loaded with bank holidays. With 18 closure days nationwide due to festivals, weekends, and statutory offs, timely planning is key for banking needs. The RBI’s official list highlights state-specific observances alongside regular breaks like second and fourth Saturdays. Starting strong: March 1 is Sunday off everywhere. Holika Dahan keeps Uttar Pradesh banks shut on March 2. The vibrant Holi festival on March 3 closes operations in nearly 15 states including Delhi, Maharashtra, and Punjab; select regions add March 4 as an extension. Sundays on March 8 and 22, plus March 15, ensure routine rests.…
In a pointed critique from Lucknow, Minister Sanjay Nishad of the Uttar Pradesh government tore into former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, labeling his entire tenure a complete letdown for the masses. ‘Years in power, but not a single meaningful action for UP’s people,’ Nishad told journalists Friday. This absence of progress, he argued, explains the state’s current trajectory. Contrasting sharply, Nishad praised his government’s investment drive. ‘We’re opening doors for investors—why does that irk the opposition?’ he asked rhetorically. ‘Let them disclose their investment figures and development speeds from their rule. They can’t, because there’s nothing.’ With the BJP administration…
Sri Lanka’s Easter Sunday horror of 2019, where suicide bombers slaughtered 279 innocents, is back under the microscope with the stunning arrest of Suresh Salleh, ex-head of the State Intelligence Service. This move by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake fulfills his vow to pursue justice without mercy. Salleh rose to prominence crushing the LTTE, earning accolades before his SIS appointment post-Rajapaksa’s 2019 victory. Now, whispers of complicity swirl: did he orchestrate or allow the NTJ-led carnage to boost Rajapaksa’s election chances? The political fallout is seismic, igniting fears of LTTE ghosts resurfacing. Enter India’s angle. Blast architect Zahran Hashim, an ISIS…
Amid swirling uncertainties in US trade policy, India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal vowed on Friday to recalibrate the impending trade deal with Washington to shield national priorities, following a pivotal US Supreme Court verdict striking down Trump-era tariff impositions. In a candid address during a press interaction in New Delhi, Goyal outlined India’s proactive stance. ‘US tariff dynamics are in flux post the court’s intervention. We’re tracking every move and will safeguard our stakes accordingly,’ he declared. Delving deeper, the minister cautioned against complacency, as the Trump team could deploy alternative strategies like a 10 percent tariff levy or escalate…
As Holi approaches, excitement builds, but so do concerns over skin safety. Today’s synthetic colors pack chemicals that harm skin, especially on the face. Proactive care transforms potential disaster into a seamless festive experience. The face’s thin skin absorbs irritants quickly, risking allergies, pigmentation, and infections. A pre-applied protective coat acts as armor, scientifically proven to repel colors and simplify washing. Prep timeline: 24-48 hours prior, exfoliate lightly with a soft cleanser to unclog pores. Layer on generous amounts of protective agents – think sesame oil, petroleum jelly, or aloe-based products. These create an impermeable film. Sunscreen is non-negotiable on…
Jammu & Kashmir’s dream run in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 has captivated the nation, culminating in their maiden final appearance against Karnataka in Hubli. At the heart of this fairy tale is fiery pacer Aaqib Nabi, whose lethal spells have turned heads and sparked calls for his India inclusion. Sourav Ganguly, the legendary ‘Dada’ of Indian cricket, led the chorus on X: ‘J&K proved effort and resolve conquer all. They’ve instilled pride in their homeland. Adversity builds champions. Aaqib Nabi is primed for India colors—England tour this summer is perfect.’ By tagging BCCI and Ajit Agarkar, Ganguly made it a…
The marriage of Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna has set social media ablaze, with their lavish wedding rituals drawing millions of views. Amid the festivities, Vijay’s groom attire stands out as a tribute to South India’s storied traditions, turning heads with its royal splendor. Opting for authenticity over modernity, Vijay adorned himself with classic South Indian jewelry pieces that are steeped in mythology and craftsmanship. The star piece was undoubtedly the temple harm—a massive, weighty necklace etched with gods and peacocks, revered for its sacred aura. Complementing it was a temple necklace, both showcasing the exquisite temple jewelry style from…
In a riveting press conference at BJP headquarters, Sudhanshu Trivedi, the party’s vocal MP and spokesperson, put the Gandhi family and Congress on the mat Friday. Leveling serious charges rooted in foreign publications, he demanded clarity on espionage and funding scandals from Indira Gandhi’s tenure. ‘Spying in South Asia’ by Paul Magor paints a grim picture, Trivedi quoted, suggesting CIA infiltration permeated every corner of Indian governance. The book allegedly details Politburo’s two-million-dollar infusion into Congress coffers, corroborated by ex-officials. Turning to the explosive Mitrokhin Archives, Trivedi highlighted KGB ties, including direct payments of two million rupees to Congress in…