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extreme poverty. «I learnt a lot from people who came to my father's tea shop while I used to sit there; I applied those learnings in my public life,» said PM Modi. «Every morning, around 4:00 or 4:30 am, he would leave the house, walk long distances, visit several temples, and then reach his shop,» PM Modi said. He described how his father’s traditional leather shoes made a distinct tock, tock, tock sound as he walked through the village. «People in the village used to say that they could tell the time just by hearing his footsteps—‘Oh yes, Mr. Damodar is on his way.’ Such was his discipline,» he recalled.

The Senior Citizens League has proposed that a one-time financial relief payment be issued to eligible recipients, drawing from funds that the government typically receives through overpayments each year. This recommendation aims to provide much-needed support to senior citizens who rely on Social Security benefits for their daily expenses. ALSO READ: Is Elon Musk planning to use AI to run the US government? What you need to know

Swara Bhaskar recently stood up in support of her husband, Fahad Ahmad, after he became the target of online criticism for not taking part in Holi celebrations. The Prem Ratan Dhan Payo star took to social media to shut down the negativity directed at her spouse. On Friday, Swara delighted her Instagram followers by sharing a glimpse of her Holi festivities spent with family and friends. The picture featured Swara, her husband Fahad, and their little daughter Rabiya, immersed in the cheerful essence of the festival. Swara and Rabiya's faces gleamed with vivid Holi colors, whereas Fahad appeared without any pigment on his skin. Several social media users took notice of this and voiced their opinions in the comment section.

Mexico City offered more than music, food and booze. Amidst the usual festival fare, a booth provided free, anonymous drug testing. The initiative, known as «Checa tu Sustancia» (Check Your Substance), is one of several recent efforts by Mexican civil society to reduce risk among people taking drugs. Spearheaded by the Instituto RIA, a Mexico-based drug policy research and advocacy organization, it aims to address drug use from a public health and social justice perspective, rather than a security one. In a well-lit corner of the festival, members of the Instituto RIA used reagents and laboratory porcelain plates to test substances that some of the partygoers planned to use and recorded the data. Their analysis uses color changes to indicate what's in the drug: It can reveal the presence of adulterants but not their exact proportion. They also offered test strips that can detect the presence of fentanyl and nasal sprays of naloxone, a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdose. Also available were informational flyers detailing the effects of various psychoactive substances and what to do to reduce the risks associated with using them, including simple but critical measures like staying hydrated and eating well.

Five months after the assault, she lay on a mat in a displacement camp in South Sudan's capital, rubbing her swollen belly. «I felt like I wasn't heard… and now I'm pregnant,» she said. The Associated Press does not identify people who have been raped. Sexual assault is a constant risk for many women in South Sudan. Now one aid group is trying to bridge the gap with technology, to find and help survivors more quickly. But it's not easy in a country with low connectivity, high illiteracy and wariness about how information is used. Five months ago, an Israel-based organization in South Sudan piloted a chatbot it created on WhatsApp. It prompts questions for its staff to ask survivors of sexual assault to anonymously share their experiences. The information is put into the phone while speaking to the person and the bot immediately notifies a social worker there's a case, providing help to the person within hours. IsraAID said the technology improves communication. Papers can get misplaced and information can go missing, said Rodah Nyaduel, a psychologist with the group. When colleagues document an incident, she's notified by phone and told what type of case it is.

Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the Hyperloop testing facility at IIT Madras on Saturday and said that the Hyperloop tube, being developed with the help of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, will soon be the world's longest tube, measuring 410 meters in length. The 410-meter-long Hyperloop test tube located at IIT Chennai is already the longest Hyperloop test facility in Asia. Hyperloop is a high-speed train that runs in a vacuum in a tube. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday in a social media post added, «Longest Hyperloop tube in Asia (410 m)… soon to be the world's longest.»

Donald Trump launched a full-fledged large-scale military strikes against Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis on Saturday over the group's attacks against Red Sea shipping, killing at least 24 people at the start of a campaign expected to last many days. At least 21 people were killed after Trump ordered large scale military strikes against Houthis on Saturday. The action follows the group's attacks on Red Sea shipping, which Trump vowed to stop, warning that «hell will rain down» on the Houthis if they continue.

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway… there has to be a reason Nordic countries consistently rank at the top of the list of the world’s happiest countries. It’s well documented that the Nordic countries—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden—are among the world’s most stable, prosperous and least corrupt.

Trump administration escalated its rift with South Africa by declaring the country’s ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, persona non grata—a rare diplomatic rebuke typically reserved for lower-ranking officials. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Rasool of harboring anti-Trump sentiments, citing a webinar where the ambassador criticized Elon Musk’s ties to far-right European figures. Rubio’s announcement, made via social media during a flight from G7 meetings, left the State Department scrambling to clarify details, including whether Rasool was even in the U.S. at the time. Rasool, a veteran anti-apartheid activist and ally of Nelson Mandela, previously served as ambassador from 2010–2015 before returning in January. His expulsion follows Trump’s executive order slashing aid to South Africa, citing contested claims about land reforms targeting white Afrikaners. The move marks a dramatic downturn in relations, echoing Cold War-era diplomatic standoffs but breaking precedent by targeting an ambassador.

Trump said he ordered a series of airstrikes on Yemen's capital, Sanaa, on Saturday, promising to use «overwhelming lethal force» until Iranian-backed Houthi rebels cease their attacks on shipping along a vital maritime corridor. «Our brave Warfighters are right now carrying out aerial attacks on the terrorists' bases, leaders, and missile defenses to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore Navigational Freedom,» Trump said in a social media post. «No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World.» He also warned Iran to stop supporting the rebel group, promising to hold the country «fully accountable» for the actions of its proxy. The Houthis reported a series of explosions in their territory Saturday evening. Images circulating online show plumes of black smoke over the area of the Sanaa airport complex, which includes a sprawling military facility. The extent of the damage was not yet clear. The airstrikes come a few days after the Houthis said they would resume attacks on Israeli vessels sailing in waters off Yemen in response to Israel's blockade on Gaza. There have been no Houthi attacks reported since then.

Three federal immigration agents showed up at a Columbia University apartment searching for Ranjani Srinivasan, who had recently learned her student visa had been revoked. Srinivasan, an international student from India, did not open the door. She was not home when the agents showed up again the next night, just hours before a former Columbia student living in campus housing, Mahmoud Khalil, was detained, roiling the university. Srinivasan packed a few belongings, left her cat behind with a friend and jumped on a flight to Canada at LaGuardia Airport.

The bill, passed by the House with rare GOP unity, funds the government until September but omits safeguards against Trump’s unilateral agency closures and budget slashing. Progressive lawmakers like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ro Khanna slammed Schumer’s pivot as a betrayal, arguing it surrenders congressional oversight and empowers Trump’s austerity agenda. The legislation mandates $1 billion cuts to Washington, DC, risking layoffs for teachers and police, while past shutdowns saw federal workers furloughed and services disrupted. Schumer defended his decision, claiming a shutdown would grant Trump unchecked authority to define “essential” operations, though critics like Sen. Chris Van Hollen argue the bill still enables executive overreach. With Democrats divided, the move highlights tensions over balancing fiscal responsibility with resisting Trump’s dismantling of federal programs, as the administration continues sidelining agencies like Social Security without congressional input.

Although «The Crossword» its larger, more challenging cousin — remains exclusive to subscribers, The Mini has carved out a dedicated following of its own, offering a brief yet engaging challenge each day. If today’s puzzle, released on Saturday, March 15, 2025, has left you stumped on a clue or two, worry not. Below, we provide a carefully organized list of hints for both «Across» and «Down» words, followed by the full answers for those seeking a little extra help. Proceed with caution if you wish to avoid spoilers!

Lakhimpur Superintendent of Police Mihirjit Gayan told PTI that Singh was arrested after a complaint by the wife of BJP MLA Manab Deka for a post on X two days ago. «We have arrested him under relevant sections of law. He is being brought to Lakhimpur now,» he added. Singh made a post on X on March 13 with a news report about three individuals being convicted by a court for a rape case in the Dhemaji district in 2021. «These culprits got the punishment they deserved. But what @BJP4Assam r@pe accused Ministers and MLAs like Manab Deka, Ex Party President Bhabesh Kalita, ex Minister Rajen Gohain? Is the law equal for all?» the Congress leader had asked in his post. Live EventsKalita, who was the BJP Assam president till January this year, is an MLA with Deka, while Gohain was the Union Minister of State for Railways during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first term. During the arrest of the Congress leader, a lot of drama unfolded at the apartment of the accused in the Ulubari area, with Singh initially clai

Vice President JD Vance has found himself at the center of an online controversy following remarks he made about his wife, Usha Vance, who also holds the title of Second Lady of the United States. The incident took place during a public appearance in Michigan, where his comments quickly drew widespread criticism across social media platforms. A video capturing Vance’s statement, which he seemingly intended as a lighthearted joke, did not sit well with the internet audience. Standing with Usha positioned behind him, Vance acknowledged her contributions as Second Lady before quipping, «Here's the thing. The cameras are all on; anything I say, no matter how crazy, she has to smile, laugh and celebrate it.» True to his words, Usha responded accordingly, smiling and laughing as the gathered crowd reacted to his comment.

cabinet sub-committee, which was formed last year to look into grievances against the present reservation policy in the Union Territory. The information was given by Sakeena Itoo, the minister in-charge social welfare, in a written reply to a starred question by Peoples Conference legislator Sajad Gani Lone in the House. The cabinet sub-committee headed by Itoo with ministers Satish Sharma and Javed Rana as its members was constituted in December last year and is going to submit its report to the council of ministers headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Reservation has become a major issue in Jammu and Kashmir following the Central government's decision to add more communities to the reserved category and expand quotas in the UT over the past five years. There are increasing objections to the Centre's move to push the reservation quota to 70 per cent in Jammu and Kashmir. «The Cabinet Sub Committee stands constituted vide Government order No. 2061- JKGAD of 2024, dated 10.12. 2024 to examine the grievances projected by a section of aspirants for various posts regarding reservation rules. However, no specific timeline has been fixed for submitting the report,» the minister said in response to Lone, who had asked whether a six months time period had been granted to the panel to review the existing reservation policy. Itoo said that a total of 5,39,306 Scheduled Tribe population — 4,59,493 in Jammu division and 79,813 in Kashmir division — have obtained ST certificates in the last two years effective from April 2023, while 67,112 certificates have been issued to scheduled caste population of Jammu region during the same period.

Bahujan Samaj Party founder late Kanshi Ram on his 91st birth anniversary, with senior leader Rahul Gandhi saying his struggle for the rights of Dalits, deprived and exploited «will continue to guide us» at every step in the fight for social justice. «Respectful tributes to the great social reformer, Honourable Kanshi Ram Ji, on his birth anniversary. His struggle for the rights of Dalits, deprived and exploited will continue to guide us at every step in this fight for social justice,» Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also paid tributes to the late Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader. «We pay our humble tributes on the birth anniversary of great social reformer, Manyawar Kanshi Ram Ji, who contributed significantly in connecting the Dalit, deprived, exploited and backward classes of the society with the mainstream of Indian politics,» Kharge posted on X. «He left an indelible mark as a pioneer of equality and social justice,» he added. Born in Punjab's Rupnagar on March 15, 1934, Kanshi Ram worked for the upliftment and political mobilisation of people belonging to backward classes.

Islamic State in Iraq and Syria has been killed in Iraq in an operation by members of the Iraqi national intelligence service along with U.S.-led coalition forces, the Iraqi prime minister announced Friday. «The Iraqis continue their impressive victories over the forces of darkness and terrorism,» Prime Minister Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said in a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, or "Abu Khadija," was «deputy caliph» of the militant group and as «one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world,» the statement said. On his Truth Social platform Friday night, U.S. President Donald Trump said: «Today the fugitive leader of ISIS in Iraq was killed. He was relentlessly hunted down by our intrepid warfighters» in coordination with the Iraqi government and the Kurdish regional government. «PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH!» Trump posted.

Donald Trump to be signed into law. The essentially party-line vote, 54-46, reflected gnawing Democratic angst over how to confront the Trump administration as its Department of Government Efficiency fires federal workers and dismantles operations. Democrats argued over whether to fight even risking a shutdown and fumed that Republicans drafted a measure that included little of their input, shortchanging health care, housing and other priorities. But in the end, enough of the Democratic senators decided a government shutdown would be even worse, and backed Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer's strategy to allow the bill to come forward. «A shutdown will allow DOGE to shift into overdrive,» Schumer said. «Donald Trump and Elon Musk would be free to destroy vital government services at a much faster rate.» Democrats were confronted with two painful options: allowing passage of a bill they believe gives President Donald Trump vast discretion on spending decisions or voting no and letting funding lapse. All told, 10 Democrats voted to break the party's filibuster to advance the bill to a final vote. On final passage, two Democrats supported the bill, and one Republican, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, opposed it. It funds the government for another six months.

Tamannaah Bhatia and Vijay Varma, whose relationship has been the subject of much speculation, were recently spotted at Raveena Tandon’s Holi celebration. The duo, however, carefully avoided being photographed together, further fueling rumors about their alleged breakup. The grand Holi party, hosted by Raveena Tandon and her husband Anil Thadani, took place at their Mumbai residence and was attended by several celebrities. Tamannaah and Vijay arrived separately and participated in the festivities alongside Raveena’s daughter, Rasha Thadani, with whom they share a close bond. Social media influencer Ashish Chanchlani, filmmaker Abhishek Kapoor, and his wife Pragya Kapoor were among the other notable guests present at the event.