Raksha Bandhan 2025: Free bus rides for women announced across multiple states | Check full list
India will celebrate the festival of Raksha Bandhan on Saturday (August 9) this year. It is considered a cherished festival of sibling love and bonding. On this special occasion, several state governments have rolled out a heartwarming gift for women — free travel on government buses. While some states have offered free rides for a day, a few have extended the benefit for two or even three days. Notably, states like Punjab and Karnataka already offer free bus services to women throughout the year. In Delhi, only women residing in the capital can enjoy free travel in DTC buses.
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No ‘phansi ghar’ at Delhi Assembly, says Speaker Vijender Gupta; Privileges Committee to summon Kejriwal
In a sharp rebuttal to claims about the existence of a British-era “phansi ghar” (execution chamber) within the Delhi Assembly premises, newly appointed Speaker Vijender Gupta on Thursday clarified that no such structure ever existed. He announced that the matter would be forwarded to the Privileges Committee for a detailed inquiry that will summon former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and others associated with the issue.
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NCERT sets up expert panel amid controversy over Rajput, Ahom, and Paika history in ‘new textbooks’
Facing criticism over alleged factual errors and omissions in newly revised school textbooks, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has constituted a committee of senior experts on Thursday (August 7) to review the feedback and make recommendations. The panel, led by Professor Ranjana Arora, head of NCERT’s Department of Curriculum Studies and Development, will examine concerns raised about the representation of various regional histories, including that of the Rajputs, Ahoms, and Paikas.
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OPINION | How serious is Trump’s tariff threat?
National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval reached Moscow on Tuesday to hold talks on strategic partnership, defence, and security cooperation between India and Russia. He is expected to call on Russian President Vladimir Putin. Hours earlier, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose additional tariff on India for buying Russian oil. In an interview to CNBC, US President Trump said, “India has not been a good trading partner, because they do a lot of business with us, but we don’t do business with them. So we settled on 25% (tariff), but I think I’m going to raise that very substantially over the next 24 hours, because they’re buying Russian oil. They’re fuelling the war machine. And if they’re going to do that, then I’m not going to be happy.”
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FASTag Annual Pass: 5 game-changing benefits that make it a no-brainer over per-trip fees
In a significant development for commuters, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced that a new annual FASTag will be unveiled, starting August 15, 2025. While the existing FASTag ecosystem will continue to remain operational, the new annual pass is not mandatory for users. Users have the option to continue using their FASTag for regular transactions. The annual pass can be activated either through the National Highway Association of India (NHAI) website or the Rajmargyatra mobile app.
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Air India to fully resume international flights from October 1 after temporary suspension
Air India is set to resume its international flight operations from October 1, marking a major step towards normalcy after a temporary suspension. The Tata-owned carrier had halted its overseas services following the tragic Ahmedabad plane incident on June 12, which prompted a thorough internal review of its operations. Acknowledging the challenges faced in recent weeks, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson assured passengers that the airline is working diligently to improve its internal systems. He emphasised the airline’s commitment to minimising disruption and ensuring a smoother travel experience in the future.
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‘Phansi Ghar’ row heats up as CM Rekha Gupta seeks probe into AAP’s claims
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta demanded an official inquiry into the Aam Aadmi Party’s claim that a British-era ‘Phansi Ghar’ (execution room) existed on the Assembly premises. The structure was inaugurated in 2022 by former CM Arvind Kejriwal. The Chief Minister and demanded that the amount be recovered from the AAP government. “This is not a gallows room, this is a lie. A big drama. AAP has degrees in drama and psychology,” CM Gupta said during her address.
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Mahua Moitra, Pinaki Misra host wedding reception at Delhi hotel | Here’s who all attended the ceremony
Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra and former Biju Janata Dal MP Pinaki Misra celebrated their wedding with a lavish reception held on Tuesday (August 5) at Hotel Lalit in New Delhi. The glittering evening saw the presence of several prominent political leaders from across party lines who came together to congratulate the couple and join in the celebrations. At the reception party, Mahua Moitra looked radiant in a red saree adorned with golden embroidery paired with traditional gold jewellery while Pinaki Misra opted for a timeless white traditional ensemble with a red embroidered border. The couple warmly greeted guests as seen in several photographs shared on social media, capturing the joyous moments and heartfelt blessings from friends and colleagues.
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Abhishek Banerjee appointed TMC leader in Lok Sabha, replaces Sudip Bandopadhyay
In a significant development, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Monday appointed its national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee as the party’s new leader in the Lok Sabha, news agency PTI reported citing sources. Banerjee, a three-time Member of Parliament from Diamond Harbour and the nephew of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, takes over the role from senior leader Sudip Bandopadhyay.
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Andhra lecturer ends life months after marriage, names husband and in-laws in suicide note
A young college lecturer in Andhra Pradesh’s Krishna district died by suicide just six months into her marriage, leaving behind a heartbreaking note that accused her husband and his family of persistent abuse, reported India Today. The 24-year-old, Srividya, described in detail the physical and emotional torment she allegedly faced at the hands of her husband, Rambabu, and ended her note with a final Raksha Bandhan message to her brother.
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