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FSSAI bans plastic in pan masala packaging, mandates natural materials only

In a major move to curb plastic pollution, India's food regulator FSSAI has banned the use of plastic in pan masala packaging. Under the new Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2026, materials like polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, and PVC are now completely prohibited. Only paper, paperboard, cellulose, tin, or glass will be allowed, and even these must be entirely free of plastic, aluminium foil, or metallised layers.

Former CJI DY Chandrachud appointed Russia’s arbitrator in Oschadbank dispute

Former CJI DY Chandrachud has been appointed as Russia’s arbitrator in a high-stakes treaty dispute with Ukraine’s Oschadbank.

Sri Lanka recall keeper Niroshan Dickwella in 16-man squad for India Tests

Sri Lanka recall Niroshan Dickwella for the 1st Test against India in Galle as Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka miss out due to injuries. Check the 16-man squad.

Parliamentary panel finds Justice Yashwant Varma guilty in cash-at-home row

A Parliament-appointed inquiry panel has found all three charges proved against Justice Yashwant Varma over unexplained cash recovered from his official residence, failure to preserve evidence and evasive explanations.

Private Hospital Bills May Face New Limits as Parliamentary Panel Recommends Major Reforms

A parliamentary standing committee on health has proposed a series of measures aimed at controlling rising medical expenses and making private healthcare costs more transparent. Among its recommendations is a proposal to benchmark room rents at private hospitals against rates charged by three-star hotels. The panel has also suggested separate billing for resident doctors, nursing care, consumables, meals and laundry services. The committee cited National Sample Survey data highlighting the significant difference in hospitalization costs between government and private hospitals, with average expenses reported at around ₹6,600 in government hospitals compared with more than ₹50,000 in private facilities. The panel has also called for a legal mechanism to standardize and cap charges for essential treatments and routine procedures at private hospitals. It recommended standard package rates for surgical procedures and mandatory disclosure of treatment costs before admission.

US-Iran war: Voter confidence in Trump's Iran handling plunges 24 points ahead of midterms

Trump’s handling of Iran is becoming a growing political headache as voter confidence reportedly plunges 24 points. With the midterm elections approaching, the fallout could put his Iran policy under a sharper political spotlight.

'We will respond in kind': Putin warns Europe over seizure of Russian vessels

Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened to retaliate anywhere if European countries seize Russian shadow fleet ships enforcing oil sanctions, calling potential vessel detentions act of piracy and banditry.

YouGov poll: 47% of Britons want fewer or no Israeli migrants

A new YouGov poll reveals that British attitudes toward immigration have hardened significantly since 2016, with nearly half the country now wanting fewer or no Israeli migrants in the UK. The survey found 47% support restricting immigration from Israel, up eight points from 39% a decade ago, with Remain voters showing the sharpest shift. Interestingly, most Britons remain welcoming toward migrants from countries like Ireland, Canada, Australia, and Poland, showing the shift isn't uniform.

H1N1 Cases Surge in Delhi: Over 1,300 Infections Reported as Doctors Warn High-Risk Groups

H1N1 influenza cases are rising sharply in Delhi, with more than 1,300 cases reportedly recorded in the national capital, nearly six times the number reported during the same period last year. Doctors say most H1N1 infections are generally mild, with fever often subsiding within three to five days. However, elderly people, children and those with conditions such as diabetes and heart disease may face a higher risk of complications. Common symptoms include sore throat, nasal discharge, dry cough, headache and fever. Health authorities have advised affected individuals to isolate at home, wear masks and follow basic hygiene precautions. The government has also issued a public advisory urging people to cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, wash their hands regularly, avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, and stay away from crowded places when symptomatic. People have also been advised not to take medicines without consulting a doctor and to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen, particularly in cases of high fever, breathing difficulties, bluish skin or lips, or blood in the sputum.

Sports ministry suspends Table Tennis Federation of India recognition, seeks IOA intervention

Sports Ministry suspends TTFI recognition over governance issues and directs IOA to form an ad-hoc committee to oversee table tennis in India

Scam 2010: Hansal Mehta unveils the first look of his new series based on Subrata Roy

The third instalment of Scam, titled Scam 2010 will be based on Sahara founder Subrata Roy. Scam 2010 features actor Siddharth Bodke in the lead.

‘Unhygienic’ food handling puts Zepto, Blinkit under scanner: Warehouses sealed, licence suspended

Food safety authorities in Karnataka and Maharashtra sealed a Zepto warehouse in Bengaluru and suspended a Blinkit license in Mumbai over severe hygiene, storage, and labelling violations.

FCRA Amendment Bill referred to JPC amid Parliament disruptions; Opposition seeks withdrawal

The FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, was referred to a 31 member Joint Parliamentary Committee amid Opposition protests and demands for its withdrawal over allegations that it targets religious minorities.

Raazi to Neerja: Best women-led patriotic films to watch this Independence Day
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On the occasion of Independence Day 2026, watch these top female-led patriotic films that remind us that patriotism is not defined by gender. These Bollywood titles have shown \the contribution of women in safeguarding India's integrity.

Wednesday star Jenna Ortega’s latest appearance sparks concern; fans call her ‘Ariana Grande 2.0’

Jenna Ortega recently dominated headlines after fans expressed concern over her slimmer appearance in a recent interview. She also recalled her early days in her acting career and revealed that she could go entire days without asking for food or water.

‘Nation First’: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta joins Tiranga Yatra at Kartavya Path, urges residents to hoist Tricolour at home

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta joined the Tiranga Yatra at Kartavya Path. Calling the Tricolour a symbol of India’s pride, honour and sacrifice, she urged Delhi residents to actively participate in the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.

Independence Day 2026: Historical sites that reveal untold story of India’s freedom struggle
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As India celebrates its 80th Independence Day, the nation looks back on the struggles, sacrifices and defining moments that shaped its freedom movement. Here are the historical places that tell the story of India’s journey to independence.

Total Solar Eclipse 2026: Astrology tells you to step away from the noise

Total Solar Eclipse 2026: An eclipse or grahan in India is considered a bad day to do anything auspicious or new. The day is meant to be taken slowly and low, and it is best to postpone anything important that you want to say or do. Here is what to keep in mind on a solar eclipse.

Megan Park on Sterling Point, sisterhood, and the challenges of authentically writing for Gen Z | Exclusive

Canadian filmmaker and actress Megan Park recently spoke to WION about her Prime Video coming-of-age drama, Sterling Point. Park opened up about women storytellers, the challenges of creating content for Gen Z and more.