Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attended the Maha Shivratri celebrations at the Isha Yoga Centre, joining thousands of devotees for the festivities. Their visit included participating in traditional rituals and interacting with volunteers and spiritual leaders at the event.
Pakistan cricket great Shoaib Malik weighs in on which Indian player could pose the biggest challenge for Pakistan ahead of the high-voltage India–Pakistan encounter.
'Vande Mataram', the national song, must be played before the national anthem, i.e., 'Jana, Gana, Mana' at all government events and in all schools, the Union Home Ministry said in new rules issued Wednesday morning. The new rules also require all persons to stand when 'Vande Mataram' is played.
The national song must now also be played at civilian awards ceremonies, like the Padma awards, and all other events attended by the President, during their arrival and departure. It will also be played in public spaces like cinema halls, though standing up is not mandatory in this instance.
Workers of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) allegedly assaulted staff members at a Physics Wallah coaching centre in Nashik after some students claimed they were insulted for speaking Marathi. According to the allegations, staff members had referred to Marathi-speaking students as "rustic" and "mannerless," triggering outrage. MNS workers stormed the centre, slapped staff, created a ruckus, and warned the management against disrespecting the Marathi language. They also demanded that Marathi-speaking teachers be appointed within eight days, failing which they threatened stronger action. The incident has reignited debate over linguistic identity politics and law and order in Maharashtra.
