Rs 3.08 Lakh Crore Income Tax Refunds Disbursed in FY 2025, Up 46%
Between April and November 2024, the Indian government dispersed Rs 3.08 lakh crore in income tax refunds, reflecting a significant 46% increase compared to the same period last year. As of November 22, about 98.35% of Income Tax Returns (ITRs) filed have been e-verified, with a record-breaking 69.93 lakh ITRs submitted on a single day, July 31. The total number of ITRs filed by November 22 stands at 8.50 crore, a 7.32% increase from the previous year. The introduction of innovation
Budaun Court to Decide on Neelkanth Temple Plea at Jama Masjid Site on January 18
A Budaun court will decide on January 18, 2025, whether to hear a plea that claims the existence of a Neelkanth temple at the site of the Jama Masjid Shamsi mosque. The case, which began in 2022, arose when Mukesh Patel, then convener of Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha, claimed that a temple existed at the site and sought permission to worship there. Lawyers from both sides presented their arguments on December 17, but the court did not pass a decision and postponed it to January 18 due to the o
Rising Wheat Flour Prices Impact FMCG Growth in Rural India, Slow Urban Market Growth
The surge in wheat flour (atta) prices, which have reached a 15-year high, is significantly affecting the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector in rural India. According to a recent Kantar report, the rise in atta prices is slowing growth in rural FMCG consumption, which recorded just a 4% increase in the quarter ending October, lower than urban growth at 4.5%. Wheat flour prices have remained elevated for several months, despite government efforts to control food inflation. In December, t
China in Talks to Sell J-35A Stealth Jets to Pakistan
In a potentially game-changing move, China is in talks with Pakistan for the sale of 40 advanced J-35A stealth fighter jets, the most cutting-edge aircraft in China's military arsenal. If the deal goes through, Pakistan will become the first country outside of China to possess these jets, marking the first international sale of China’s most advanced military aircraft. This move would provide Pakistan with a significant boost to its air defense capabilities, potentially shifting regi
JEE Main 2025: Exam Dates, Subjects, and Marking Scheme
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that JEE Main 2025 will be conducted between January 22 and 31, 2024. Students who register for the January session can choose whether to appear in the April session based on their performance. Candidates are not required to appear in both sessions of JEE Main 2025. The exam will be held for admissions to BTech, BE, BArch, and BPlanning courses. The subjects for each paper are as follows: BTech/BE Exam
China Building World's Largest Airport on a Man-Made Island
China is building the world’s largest airport on a man-made island. The Dalian Jinzhou Bay International Airport, located off China’s northeast coast, spans a massive 20 square kilometer island and will feature four runways and a 900,000 square meter passenger terminal. Construction for the airport began in earnest after plans were first made in 2003, with the airport set for completion in 2035. Once finished, Dalian Jinzhou Bay International will become the largest arti
Dalai Lama Hopes to Live Beyond 100, Addresses Succession Concerns
The 14th Dalai Lama, now 89, expressed his belief that he will live beyond 100, despite recent health challenges, including knee surgery. Although he still walks with assistance, he continues to meet hundreds of followers in Dharamshala, India, where he resides. He has been a spiritual leader and advocate for Tibet for decades, and concerns about his succession have grown as his health has become a focal point for Tibetan Buddhists. The Dalai Lama's predictions about his long li
Bill Clinton Hospitalized for Testing After Developing Fever
Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States, was hospitalized on Monday at Georgetown University Medical Center for testing and observation after experiencing a fever. His deputy chief of staff, Angel Urena, shared the news on social media, assuring the public that Clinton remains in good spirits despite the health scare. The 78-year-old former president has a history of health issues. In 2004, Clinton underwent a quadruple bypass surgery at age 58 due to extensive heart d
"NASA's Dawn Spacecraft Uncovers Secrets of Gullies on Asteroid Vesta"
NASA's Dawn spacecraft, which orbited asteroid Vesta in 2012, captured images of enigmatic gullies on the asteroid's surface, prompting scientists to investigate their origins. A recent study published in the Planetary Science Journal explores the possibility that these gullies were formed by brief liquid flows involving briny water. Researchers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) simulated conditions similar to Vesta's surface using the Dirty Under-vacuum Simul
Practical Tips for Eye Care: Hygiene, Diet, and Healthy Habits
Our eyes are essential to how we experience the world, yet they are often neglected in our daily routines. With the increasing amount of time spent in front of screens and exposure to environmental pollutants, it has become more important than ever to maintain eye health. Taking care of our eyes goes beyond just regular eye check-ups; it involves practicing proper hygiene, eating a balanced diet, and adopting habits that protect our vision over the long term. This article explores s
5 Christmas-Themed Chaat Recipes for Your Holiday Party
Get ready to take your Christmas party to the next level with these 5 creative chaat recipes. Chaat is a favorite at many festive gatherings, and this year, you can give your menu a holiday twist. Whether you’re serving classic favorites like Dahi Bhalla or mixing it up with tangy fruit chaat, these dishes will bring both flavor and cheer to your celebrations. Palak Patta Chaat – Christmas Twist This classic chaat gets a festive mak
Trump Threatens to Take Control of Panama Canal Amid Rising Tensions with China
In a recent post on Truth Social, Donald Trump raised concerns about the growing influence of China over the Panama Canal, warning that the US would not allow the strategic waterway to fall into "the wrong hands." His remarks were sparked by rising tariffs imposed by Panama on the use of the canal, which Trump criticized as excessive. The Panama Canal, originally constructed by the US and transferred to Panama in 1999, is a critical trade route linking the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean
IIT Kanpur Sees Over 1,100 Job Offers in First Phase of 2024-25 Placements
IIT Kanpur has achieved remarkable results in the first phase of campus placements for the 2024-25 batch, with 1,109 job offers made between December 1 and 15. These offers include both campus placements and Pre-Placement Offers (PPOs) across various industries. International job offers have increased significantly, with 28 offers—a 27% rise compared to last year. This surge is attributed to growing student interest in core industries, with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited
12 Best Immunity-Boosting Drinks of 2024 for Every Month
In 2024, immunity-boosting drinks became a popular choice for people seeking natural remedies to strengthen their immune systems amidst health challenges and environmental concerns. These drinks, rich in herbs, fruits, and other natural ingredients, have gained prominence for their health benefits. Here's a look at the top immunity-boosting drinks of the year, one for each month, providing a seasonal and holistic approach to wellness. January: Golden Turmer
Centre Scraps 'No-Detention Policy' for Classes 5 and 8
In a significant change to school education, the Centre has scrapped the 'no-detention policy' for classes 5 and 8 in schools under its control. This means that students who fail the year-end exams will no longer automatically be promoted. Instead, they will have the chance to retake the exam after additional coaching within two months of the results. If they still fail, they will be held back in the same grade. This move follows amendments to the Right to Education Act (RTE
Bangladesh Asks India to Extradite Deposed PM Sheikh Hasina
Bangladesh's interim government has sent a diplomatic note to India requesting the extradition of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been in exile in India since August 5, 2023. Hasina fled Bangladesh after student-led protests led to the downfall of her 16-year rule. The Dhaka-based International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has issued arrest warrants for Hasina, accusing her and several former officials of "crimes against humanity and genocide." Foreign Affairs A
Apple Developing Smart Doorbell with Face ID
Apple is reportedly developing a new smart doorbell camera with advanced features, including Face ID for unlocking doors. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the doorbell could be released by the end of next year. The device is expected to function similarly to an iPhone, where the door automatically unlocks when you look at the camera, thanks to the integration of Apple’s Secure Enclave chip. The new smart doorbell will compete with Amazon's Ring and will work seaml
Indian Rupee Hits Record Low of 85.12 Against US Dollar
The Indian rupee weakened by 10 paise to a record low of 85.12 against the US dollar on Monday, marking a significant decline in its value. The domestic currency opened at 84.85, according to Bloomberg data, and had closed at 85.02 on Friday. This continued depreciation comes amid rising global pressures, including an increase in Brent crude prices, which rose 0.41% to $73.24 per barrel. The rise in crude prices was partly driven by easing concerns about a potential US government shutdown and
Bengaluru Engineer Loses Rs 11.8 Crore in Digital Arrest Scam
A Bengaluru software engineer was defrauded of Rs 11.8 crore over the span of just 18 days in a sophisticated "digital arrest" scam. The victim, a 39-year-old tech professional, filed a complaint with the North-East CEN police station on December 12 after realizing he had been tricked. The scam began when an individual posing as a Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) officer contacted the victim, falsely claiming his Aadhaar-linked SIM card was involved in illegal acti
PV Sindhu Marries Venkata Datta Sai in Udaipur
On Sunday, ace Indian badminton player PV Sindhu married her fiancé, Venkata Datta Sai, in a beautiful traditional ceremony in Udaipur. The couple exchanged vows in the presence of their families and close friends. Sindhu looked stunning in a traditional wedding attire, while the event was also attended by Jodhpur's Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who shared the first wedding picture on social media. Sindhu, who had been engaged to Venkata Datta Sai



















