Kangana  did not mention Sanon's name directly, but her comments appeared to refer to the actor's new jewellery ad, which has triggered a debate on social media.

In an Instagram Story on Tuesday, Kangana Ranaut said women today have a wide range of clothing options and questioned why someone would choose to wear a bikini while tying a Rakhi to her brother.

She described the advertisement as "intentionally creepy" and questioned the styling used for the campaign.

Kriti Sanon's ad sparks debate

Kriti Sanon's jewellery advertisement was widely discussed on social media after it was released on Monday. Some users criticised her sleeveless outfit and called the styling inappropriate for a Raksha Bandhan-themed campaign.

One social media user questioned the choice of outfit, while another argued that creative freedom should not take away from the traditional meaning associated with the festival.

However, the advertisement also received support from people who felt the criticism was unnecessary.

Some users pointed out that women should be free to choose what they wear and argued that the focus on an actor's clothes was misplaced.

The controversy has once again brought up the debate over traditional festivals, advertising and the way women are portrayed in commercial campaigns.

While some viewers believe that advertisements based on cultural occasions should maintain a certain traditional tone, others feel that modern clothing does not necessarily conflict with the values of a festival.

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The picture shows three men standing outside a roadside shop, wrapped in bedsheets carrying the distinctive blue strip associated with Western Railway. The unusual sight quickly caught attention online, with many users sharing the image and wondering how the railway linen was taken out of the train.

Reacting to the viral picture, Northern Railway shared a witty message on its official social media account. “Style aapse hai, train ke bedroll se nahi!” the Railways said.

Style aapse hai, train ke bedroll se nahi!

Use your bedroll responsibly and leave it in its place when you deboard.

Use It Right. Travel Responsibly. Be A #SmartRailYatri. pic.twitter.com/2LA7OoMBd2

— Northern Railway (@RailwayNorthern) August 24, 2026

In its post, Northern Railway reminded passengers that train linen is meant for their comfort during the journey and not to become part of their wardrobe.

“Linen is for Your Comfort In Train, Not For Wardrobe. Use It Right, Travel Smart, Be A Smart Rail Yatri,” the railway authority said.

The viral picture has also raised a more serious question: how did the railway bedsheets make their way outside the train?

Some social media users have demanded an inquiry into the matter and called for action against those responsible. Questions have also been raised over whether the linen was taken away by passengers or if there was any involvement of railway staff.

There has been no official confirmation, however, about how the bedsheets reached the roadside location shown in the viral image.

While some users were unhappy about the apparent misuse of railway property, others chose to see the funny side of the incident.

Several posts joked that Indian Railways had accidentally launched a new fashion line. Some users even referred to the Western Railway bedsheets as a rather unexpected “premium shawl collection”.

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Sulabh Mathur said he visited PAUL at Horizon Centre around 11 AM with his friends. The group of friends ordered around 6-7 dishes, however their meal reportedly took an unpleasant turn after they spotted a live worm crawling inside the dish.

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The diner while raising alarming concerns over food safety shared the incident on on social media and urged other customers to exercise due caution.  

“Shocking incident at Paul’s, Horizon Centre today! We went for breakfast around 11 AM and ordered 6–7 dishes. We were horrified to find A LIVE WORM in their Caesar's Salad! Extremely disturbing and concerning. Food hygiene compromised. Customers, please be careful and vigilant about what you’re being served,” the man’s post read.

Mathur later shared a screenshot of a WhatsApp conversation with someone linked to the restaurant. The person had reportedly contacted him to apologise.

“Sharing the response from the PAUL India team. They are trying to apologise and move on. Feels like a standard draft reply from them. Since many of you have also shared similar experiences at PAUL outlets, it seems they don't take things seriously at all and are confident that their outlet will continue to do business irrespective,” the post read.

“Good evening, Mr Mathur. My name is Rajneesh and I'm from PAUL Restaurant. I tried reaching you by phone today, but unfortunately, I was unable to connect. I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you regarding your recent experience at OHC. Kindly let me know a convenient time when I may call you. We value your trust and assure you that maintaining the highest standards of food quality and guest safety remains our top priority. Thank you,” the text read.

“Just your experience at OHC as I’m told you are our regular, and this unfortunate experience happened. So calling you personally to apologise meanwhile we are investigating it and ensuring it is not repeated,” it further read.

Internet Reacts

The post received a strong response on social media, with many users expressing concerns about the restaurant’s food safety standards.

One user said they appreciated Mathur for raising the issue and said they would stop visiting the restaurant.

Another user claimed they had reported a similar problem a few months ago but said no action had been taken to address it.

A third person also shared their experience, alleging that restaurant staff had reused glasses without washing them before serving customers at different tables. They said the experience made them stop visiting the restaurant.

According to Ladakh Police, the video was recorded around Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26, when the road was temporarily closed for security reasons. The incident took place near the Minimarg check post in the Dras area, where traffic on the Minimarg-Zoji La-Sonamarg route had been stopped.

The woman said she regretted her remarks and had never intended to insult the armed forces or become popular through the incident.

"I respect the Indian army so much. I could never dream that they would feel bad because of something I said. That day, we were travelling from Ladakh to Delhi. We didn't know there was going to be a VIP movement. We waited for three to four hours in the morning, and when we asked a soldier how much longer it would be, he said another hour," the woman said. 

As the wait continued, a large number of travellers gathered at the spot and tensions increased. In the viral video, the woman can be seen questioning security personnel about why some people, including a minister, were allegedly allowed to pass while other travellers were stopped.

She is heard saying that they had been waiting for nearly five hours and questioned why they were not being allowed to continue their journey. She also criticised the authorities for not explaining the reason for the road closure or providing anyone to address the travellers’ concerns.

Several tourists at the spot were seen supporting and cheering her during the argument.

The video sparked criticism on social media, while several former Army officers defended the security personnel and expressed support for the soldiers involved.

The incident also led to a political reaction from Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who commented on the woman repeatedly saying, “We are Gen Z.” Abdullah cautioned against using the phrase as a threat whenever someone feels offended or unhappy. He compared it with the old-style statement, “Jaante nahin ho mera baap kaun hai?”

Rahul Gandhi shared the heartfelt message on the occasion of Rajiv Gandhi’s 82nd birth anniversary. He spoke about the difficult years his mother went through following Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination in 1991 and said he and his sister Priyanka Gandhi were among the few people who truly understood what she had endured.

Mama,

I last saw you and Papa together more than 35 years ago. Since the day Papa left, I have watched you face everything life threw at you with never-ending courage and dignity. Only Priyanka and I really know what you have been through, and how difficult your life after Papa… pic.twitter.com/OYumcZ2hnC

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 20, 2026

Addressing Sonia Gandhi affectionately as “Mama”, Rahul recalled the last time he saw his parents together, more than 35 years ago.

“Since the day Papa left, I have watched you face everything life threw at you with never-ending courage and dignity. Only Priyanka and I really know what you have been through, and how difficult your life after Papa truly was,” he said.

Rahul Gandhi also expressed his happiness and pride over Sonia Gandhi’s decision to share her life story through her upcoming memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love.

He said he understood how difficult it must have been for someone as private as his mother to open up and share deeply personal experiences with the world.

“Today, on his birthday, I can see Papa smiling and looking down proudly at his beautiful Sonia,” Rahul Gandhi said in his post.

On my father’s birthday today, I think he would have been especially proud of my mother for having written her story with so much heart and honesty.

For me, it’s one of the greatest love stories of our time. I feel privileged to have witnessed it and I am happy that through her…

— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) August 20, 2026

Priyanka Gandhi calls her parents relationship a great love story

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also remembered her parents on Rajiv Gandhi’s birth anniversary and shared an emotional message about Sonia Gandhi.

She said Rajiv Gandhi would have been proud of his wife for telling her story with “so much heart and honesty”.

Describing her parents' relationship as “one of the greatest love stories of our time”, Priyanka said she felt privileged to have witnessed their bond.

She added that Sonia Gandhi’s memoir would give readers an opportunity to know her not only as a public figure but also as a woman who was brave, loyal, compassionate, strong and full of life.

“Love you, ma and so, so proud of you,” Priyanka ended her post.

Sonia Gandhi’s memoir to release in November

Sonia Gandhi’s memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love, is scheduled to be released on November 10. Publisher Alfred A Knopf announced the publication earlier this week, while Penguin Random House India is yet to confirm the book’s India release date.

The memoir is expected to offer a personal account of Sonia Gandhi’s journey, beginning with her childhood in post-war Italy and her eventual marriage to Rajiv Gandhi.

The book also explores her transition into one of India’s most prominent political families and the personal tragedies that shaped her life.

Among the experiences covered are Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination, the death of Sanjay Gandhi and her relationship with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Sonia Gandhi also writes about learning Hindi and adjusting to life in India.

Her decision to enter politics following Rajiv Gandhi’s death and her refusal to become Prime Minister after the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance came to power in 2004 are also part of the memoir.

Sonia Gandhi has described writing the book as a difficult experience, saying it required her to open up about memories and emotions she had kept “deep inside”.

Rajiv Gandhi’s birth anniversary

Rajiv Gandhi was born on August 20, 1944. He served as India’s Prime Minister from 1984 to 1989. He was assassinated in 1991 by a suicide bomber linked to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. Rahul Gandhi was 20 years old at the time.

A smuggler was caught allegedly bringing gold worth around Rs 1 crore by hiding it inside the lids of a non-stick kitchen set. However the efforts to tranport gold in an unusualy illegal way went down the drain as it could not go undetected. 

Gold hidden inside cooking utensils

The smuggler had allegedly hidden 523 grams of gold inside three cookware lids. He had travelled from Riyadh to Delhi via Mumbai. More than half a kilogram of 24-carat gold was recovered from him.

The Customs Department took action at Terminal 1 of Indira Gandhi International Airport.

15 pieces of gold worth around Rs 1 crore recovered

The passenger was thoroughly searched after an X-ray scan showed suspicious images. During the search, customs officials recovered 15 pieces of 24-carat gold cleverly hidden inside the solid portions of the cookware lids.

The total weight of the recovered gold was 523 grams.

Passenger detained based on intelligence inputs

Based on intelligence inputs and passenger profiling, customs officials detained the passenger, who was travelling on flight 6E-315. Further investigation is underway to determine who was behind the smuggling attempt and where the gold was meant to be delivered.

Khandwa Municipal Corporation Leader of Opposition Deepak “Mullu” Rathore staged the protest to raise questions over the city’s growing stray dog population and the money allegedly spent on controlling it.

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Rathore arrived at the hearing accompanied by a person dressed as a dog. A police officer posted at the entrance initially stopped them from entering, leading to a brief exchange. The situation was resolved after officials inside the venue asked the police to let them through.

Once inside, Rathore approached municipal officials and sought answers about the sterilisation programme. He later submitted a formal complaint before Additional Collector Kashiram Badole, detailing his allegations.

13,225 dog-bite cases alleged

Rathore claimed that 13,225 persons had suffered dog bites in Khandwa over the last four years. He also alleged that the municipal corporation had spent more than Rs 40 lakh on dog sterilisation during the same period. Despite the expenditure, he claimed, the number of stray dogs in the city had continued to rise.

Rathore used the masked man to make his point in a dramatic manner. He introduced him as a dog that had supposedly undergone sterilisation but had nevertheless fathered six puppies.

The unusual example was meant to question whether the sterilisation work had actually been carried out properly.

‘Dog’ threatens defamation case

Rathore alleged that corruption had taken place in the name of stray dog control and demanded an investigation into the matter.

He also said that if his complaint was not taken seriously, the ‘dog’ would approach the matter as a defamation case against the municipal corporation, alleging that its name had been used in the purported irregularities.

Adding to the theatrical nature of the protest, Rathore described the masked ‘dog’ as “very educated and intelligent” and said it had come before the officials to present its complaint with folded hands.

The sight initially surprised people at the hearing, with some attendees laughing when they realised why the masked man had been brought in.

Committee to examine allegations

The masked person remained seated on a chair while the complaint was being heard. After listening to Rathore's allegations, Additional Collector Kashiram Badole assured him that a committee would be constituted to examine the claims. He also said appropriate action would be taken based on the findings of the inquiry.

A man wearing a dog mask appeared at a Khandwa public hearing as Deepak Rathore alleged irregularities in the stray dog sterilisation drive and sought an inquiry.

The 33-second video, reportedly uploaded on August 13, shows the youth lying on a bed inside a room. He appears frightened and repeatedly folds his hands while urging people not to travel to Mexico through the illegal ‘donkey route’.

The identity and exact location of the youth have not been disclosed in the video.

#jodhe during their Gurdwara sponsored dunki route in Mexico..#Waheguru Mehr kare. pic.twitter.com/0gX4WCEw69

— The Paa (@thePaaReal) August 11, 2026

Youth claims he was beaten after trying to escape

In the viral clip, the young man claims that he entered Mexico through the illegal migration route and later tried to escape from the people allegedly involved in the network. He says he was assaulted after attempting to flee and claims that the injuries were so severe that he is now struggling to walk properly.

The youth also points towards the person recording the video and alleges that the same person had brought him to the location.

Visibly distressed, he tells others not to repeat his mistake. He admits that travelling through the illegal route was a mistake and says he has already suffered the consequences.

Folded hands, emotional appeal to others

Throughout the video, the youth appears emotional and repeatedly appeals to people not to get trapped in similar situations.

His warning is aimed particularly at those considering travelling abroad through agents who promise to arrange journeys through illegal migration networks.

He says that people should think carefully before trusting such agents and taking the risky route.

The video ends with the youth folding his hands and apologising.

Social media claims several youths are stranded

Posts accompanying the video claim that several young people who travelled through the ‘donkey route’ are stranded in Mexico. The posts also state that prayers are being offered for the safety of those allegedly stuck there.

However, the viral video itself does not independently establish the identity of the youth, his exact location or the circumstances surrounding his alleged assault.

What is ‘donkey route’?

The term ‘donkey route’ is commonly used for irregular migration journeys in which migrants travel through multiple countries in an attempt to eventually reach destinations such as the United States. These journeys are often arranged through agents or intermediaries and can involve significant amounts of money. The cost can reportedly range from around Rs 20 lakh to Rs 70 lakh, depending on the route and arrangements.

Important: The claims made by the youth in the viral video and the accompanying social media posts have not been independently verified. The identity of the person, his exact location and the circumstances of the alleged assault remain unclear.

Thousands of people are expected to attend the celebrations, including special guests, young people and members of the public.

If you are not able to reach the Red Fort, you can still watch the Independence Day ceremony and PM Modi’s speech live from home.

Independence Day 2026: Watch on TV

Doordarshan will provide live coverage of the Independence Day celebrations on August 15. According to the broadcaster, live coverage will begin at 6.30 am.

The ceremony can be watched on DD National, while DD News and other Doordarshan platforms will also carry updates and coverage from the Red Fort.

People with DD Free Dish can also watch the celebrations without a monthly subscription, as the service offers free-to-air channels.

Several private news channels are also expected to carry live coverage of PM Modi’s Independence Day speech.

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Those who prefer watching the ceremony on their phones, laptops or smart TVs will have several free options. The official Doordarshan YouTube channel will livestream the Independence Day celebrations.

The event will also be available on WAVES, the Prasar Bharati platform that streams Doordarshan channels and major national events.

Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort

Around 27,000 people are expected to attend the Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort. The gathering will include around 5,000 special guests from different walks of life, along with members of the public and young people.

So, if you are staying at home this August 15, you can watch the ceremony live on television or stream it online for free.

The update was announced on Thursday by Instagram head Adam Mosseri through posts on Instagram and Threads. Mosseri said the redesign was intended to make the wordmark look cleaner and more modern while retaining elements of Instagram's original visual identity.

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The updated Instagram wordmark continues to use the platform's recognisable script-style lettering, but the individual letters have been redrawn.

Mosseri said the change was overdue because the wordmark displayed at the top of the Instagram app had remained largely unchanged for 10 years.

He described the refreshed design as cleaner and more modern, while saying it still reflects the simplicity and craftsmanship associated with Instagram. The company has not made a major change to the wordmark since 2016.

What has changed in Instagram's logo?

The latest update focuses specifically on the Instagram wordmark, rather than replacing the colourful camera icon that users are familiar with.

The lettering retains its distinctive script appearance but has been refined to give it a more polished and contemporary feel.

Instagram's broader visual identity has evolved significantly over the years. In 2016, the platform replaced its older brown camera logo with the colourful pink, purple, orange and yellow gradient icon that remains associated with the app today.

Social media users have mixed reactions

While some Instagram users welcomed the updated wordmark, the response online was far from universally positive.

Several users questioned whether the redesign was necessary, while others poked fun at the appearance of the new lettering.

One of the most common jokes was that the redesigned wordmark could be read as "Instagzam", with users pointing to the shape of the letter "r" in the updated font.

Instagram keeps its familiar identity

Despite the criticism, Instagram's latest move is a relatively small visual change rather than a complete rebranding.

The company has retained the script-based character of its name while making subtle changes to the letterforms.

As August 15 approaches each year, a familiar argument breaks out on WhatsApp groups, Twitter threads  and even in classrooms: is it the 79th Independence Day this year or the 80th? In 2026, the confusion is once again doing the rounds, with many people confidently, but incorrectly, insisting India is entering its 80th year of freedom. 

The correct answer is 79th.

Where the confusion comes from

The mix-up usually happens because people try to calculate the count the way they'd calculate someone's age — by subtracting birth year from the current year and stopping there, without accounting for how the very first year is counted.

Here's the actual logic: India became independent on August 15, 1947. That day itself was celebrated as the first Independence Day  not "year zero." So the counting starts immediately, right from 1947.

Also Read | Why India celebrates Independence Day on August 15 while Pakistan marks it on August 14

That means:

August 15, 1947 = 1st Independence Day

August 15, 1948 = 2nd Independence Day

August 15, 2022 = 75th Independence Day (widely marked as "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav")

August 15, 2026 = 79th Independence Day

The formula is straightforward: subtract 1947 from the current year, and that gives the correct count. For 2026, that's 2026 minus 1947, which comes to 79.

People who arrive at "80" are usually making the mistake of treating 1947 as a starting point of zero, rather than as the first count itself, similar to confusing a person's age with the number of birthdays they've celebrated.

A recurring mix-up

This isn't a new problem. Versions of this confusion pop up every year around mid-August, particularly among students, event organisers and content creators putting together posters, captions or school programmes. In several cases in the past, banners and social media posts have gone up with the wrong number, only to be corrected  sometimes after they'd already gone viral.

Government departments, media houses, and official communications typically get it right, but the confusion at the public level persists simply because the maths isn't taught or explained often, and most people default to simple subtraction without pausing to check the counting convention.

As India prepares to mark 79 years of independence on August 15, 2026, the reminder is simple: 1947 was year one, not year zero and that one detail changes everything.

India observes Independence Day on August 15, while Pakistan celebrates its national day on August 14. The difference often raises a historical question: if both countries emerged from British India at the time of Partition, why do they have different Independence Day dates?

Historical records provide a more complicated answer than the dates on today's calendars suggest.

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The legal foundation for the creation of India and Pakistan was the Indian Independence Act, 1947, passed by the British Parliament in July 1947.

The Act provided for the creation of two independent dominions, India and Pakistan, from August 15, 1947. In legal terms, therefore, both countries were established under the same legislation and at the same point in time.

The formal transfer of power, however, took place through separate ceremonies because the last Viceroy of India, Lord Louis Mountbatten, had to be physically present in both Karachi and Delhi.

Why Pakistan's ceremony was held on August 14

Mountbatten's schedule is one of the main reasons behind the different dates followed today. He travelled to Karachi and attended the transfer-of-power ceremony there on August 14, 1947. He then returned to Delhi for India's independence ceremonies on August 15.

During his address to Pakistan's Constituent Assembly on August 14, Mountbatten referred to the new government taking charge the following day.

Pakistan's founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, also described August 15 as the birthday of the country's independent and sovereign state in a radio address.

Historical accounts, including the biography of Mountbatten by Philip Ziegler, have documented August 15 as the date specified for the independence of both dominions.

Mountbatten could not be in Karachi and Delhi at the same time

The practical problem was simple: the transfer of power required the Viceroy's presence. Mountbatten was still the representative of the British Crown when power was handed over in Pakistan. He could therefore participate in the Karachi ceremony on August 14.

He then travelled to Delhi for the Indian independence ceremonies the next day.

Historian KK Aziz, in Murder of History, argued that this sequence should not be interpreted as meaning that Pakistan legally became independent a day earlier.

The Indian Independence Act had specified August 15 as the date on which the two dominions would come into existence.

The role of August 14 and 15 ceremonies

Records held by the University of Southampton's Broadlands Archives, which contain Mountbatten's papers, also document the two-stage process. A ceremony was held at Karachi's Legislative Assembly on August 14, after which Mountbatten flew back to Delhi. The following day, August 15, the formal independence ceremonies took place in India.

Later on August 15, a resolution was passed declaring India's independence and inviting Mountbatten to serve as the country's first Governor-General.

Did Ramadan influence Pakistan's date?

Another explanation is linked to the Islamic calendar.

The night of August 14-15, 1947 coincided with the 27th night of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. The night is widely associated with Laylat al-Qadr, considered one of the holiest nights in Islam.

Because Pakistan was established as a Muslim-majority country, some historians have suggested that the coincidence may have influenced the eventual choice of August 14 as the country's national day.

However, the historical record does not establish this as the sole reason for the change.

Could time zones have played a role?

Time zones provide another explanation that is sometimes cited. Pakistan's standard time is 30 minutes behind India's. As a result, when it was midnight in Delhi on August 15, the local time in Karachi was still 11.30 pm on August 14.

However, this factor alone does not explain the legal date of independence. The Indian Independence Act continued to specify August 15 as the date for the creation of the two dominions.

Pakistan officially adopted August 14 later

Pakistan formally began observing August 14 as Independence Day in 1948, a year after Partition. The decision is generally attributed to a cabinet meeting chaired by Pakistan's first Prime Minister, Liaquat Ali Khan.

The original written minutes of that meeting are not publicly known. Historians have instead pointed to several possible considerations, including the August 14 transfer-of-power ceremony in Karachi, its connection with the 27th night of Ramadan and the desire to establish a separate national day from India.

Since then, Pakistan has consistently celebrated August 14 as its Independence Day.

August 15 still appears in Pakistan's early history

The date August 15 did not completely disappear from Pakistan's early national history. Pakistan's first commemorative postage stamps, issued after independence, carried references to August 15.

The historical record therefore shows that the different dates celebrated today emerged from a combination of legal provisions, the timing of the transfer-of-power ceremonies, Mountbatten's travel schedule and later political and national decisions.

While India marks August 15 and Pakistan marks August 14, the story of their independence is rooted in the same dramatic transfer of power that ended British rule and divided the subcontinent in 1947.

The video, now doing the rounds on social media, shows a massive crowd gathered at the spot, all waiting their turn to collect cash handouts. Things got so chaotic that the organisers had to bring in bouncers just to keep the lines from turning into a stampede.

500 Rupees, Burgers, cold drinks langar were organized in Chandigarh today evening.

The King of Amritsar distributed Rs 500 notes and fast food to the people, organized a money langar at the Sanatan Dharam Mandir in Sector-8.#Langar #chandigarh #foods #Breakingnews pic.twitter.com/HkxENFauAo

— Ravinder Singh (@ravindraJourno) August 11, 2026

Who's behind it

The man running the show goes by "Raja Ji The King," and he's originally from Amritsar. He's no stranger to hosting these kinds of langars. He says he's been at it for years and Chandigarh is just his latest stop since 2025. Before this, he reportedly held similar events back home in Amritsar.

Clips from the scene show him personally handing out the Rs 500 notes to people in the queue, with security personnel standing by to manage the swelling crowd.

'It's a command from Mata Rani,' he says 

When asked why he does this, Raja Ji didn't hesitate. He credits his charitable streak to his faith, saying he's simply following a command from Mata Rani and using a portion of his income to help those in need. According to him, this isn't a one-off publicity stunt. It's something he's been doing consistently.

As for where the money comes from, he claims to run a cryptocurrency business and says the langars are funded through his crypto earnings.

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What started as a simple act of charity quickly turned into a logistical headache. As word spread and the crowd kept growing, organisers had to introduce a coupon system so that people couldn't line up multiple times to grab extra cash. It was as much about fairness as it was about keeping the chaos in check, with that many people chasing free money, things could easily have spiralled.

Petrol langar too?

This isn't the first unconventional langar tied to his name. Raja Ji has earlier claimed to have organised a "petrol langar" in Chandigarh's Manimajra area and he's hinted at plans for a future petrol-and-diesel langar as well. None of these claims, including the petrol langar, have been independently verified so far.

Where's the money coming from? Questions remain

Naturally, handing out cash to hundreds of people in public raises eyebrows. Where exactly is this money coming from, and is it all above board? Raja Ji insists he's been questioned by the relevant authorities in the past and maintains that his income is entirely legitimate. That said, this claim, too, remains unverified independently.

For now, the story is spreading mostly because of how unusual the combination is — burgers, cold drinks and cold hard cash, all handed out at what's supposed to be a traditional religious service. Whether it's genuine devotion, a clever social media strategy or something that needs a closer look from authorities, the internet clearly can't stop talking about it.

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated every year on the full moon day or Purnima Tithi, of the Shravan month. This year, however, the dates may cause some confusion as the Shravan Purnima Tithi falls across August 27 and 28.

According to the Panchang, the Shravan Purnima Tithi will begin at 9.08 am on August 27 and end at 9.48 am on August 28. So, when is Raksha Bandhan 2026? August 27 or August 28?


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According to the Udaya Tithi, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on Friday, August 28. The auspicious time for tying rakhi will be from 5:57 am to 9.48 am on August 28.

The Bhadra period will end before sunrise on Raksha Bandhan, so the morning rakhi ceremony can be performed during the given auspicious period.

Raksha Bandhan 2026 rakhi tying shubh muhurat

Date: August 28, 2026

Rakhi tying time: 5.57 AM to 9.48 AM

Sisters can tie rakhi to their brothers during this period while following their family traditions and Panchang timings.

Auspicious muhurat on Raksha Bandhan 2026

Several auspicious periods will be observed on August 28:

Brahma Muhurat: 4.28 am to 5.12 am

Pratah Sandhya: 4.50 am to 5.57 am

Abhijit Muhurat: 11.56 am to 12.48 pm

Vijay Muhurat: 2.31 pm to 3.22 pm

Godhuli Muhurat: 6.47 pm to 7.10 pm 

Sayahna Sandhya: 6.47 pm to 7.54 pm

Amrit Kaal: 7.44 pm to 9.23 pm 

Raksha Bandhan 2026 Shubh Choghadiya

The Choghadiya timings for the day are:

Char: 5.57 am to 7.33 am

Labh: 7.33 am to 9.10 am

Amrit: 9.10 am to 10.46 am

Shubh: 12.22 pm to 1.58 pm

Char: 5.11 pm to 6.47 pm

Labh: 9.35 pm to 10.59 pm

Apart from Raksha Bandhan and Shravan Purnima, several other religious observances will also fall on August 28. These include:

Varalakshmi Vrat

Gayatri Jayanti

Narali Purnima

Sanskrit Day

Shravan Purnima

Lunar eclipse on Raksha Bandhan 2026

A lunar eclipse will also occur on the day of Raksha Bandhan. According to the Panchang, the eclipse will begin at 6.55 am and end at 12.30 pm.

However, the eclipse will not be visible from India. Therefore, according to the given Panchang details, it will not have a direct impact on Raksha Bandhan celebrations in India.

Raksha Bandhan 2026:FAQs

Raksha Bandhan: August 28, 2026

Shravan Purnima begins: August 27 at 9:08 AM

Shravan Purnima ends: August 28 at 9:48 AM

Rakhi tying Shubh Muhurat: August 28, 5:57 AM to 9:48 AM

Bhadra: Ends before sunrise

Lunar eclipse: 6:55 AM to 12:30 PM

Eclipse visible in India: No

The independent artist shared an alleged threatening message on social media and said such threats would not stop him from speaking about issues he believes need to be discussed.

Santy Sharma said he was raising questions about the reservation system and claimed that he was being targeted for expressing his views. He also made it clear that his comments were not directed against any particular community.

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Santy Sharma is the stage name of Ganesh Sharma, a rapper, singer and lyricist from Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh. Sharma began his music journey in the mid-2010s and gradually built an audience through independent music releases. Over the years, he has released several songs online, including Suni Suni Sadko, Udaan, Koshish Meri, The Valentine Song, Peeta Daaru and Black Heart.

His music career expanded further with the release of his studio album Reborn in 2025.

Sharma has also ventured into mainstream Bollywood entertainment. He contributed to the music of the 2025 comedy film Housefull 5, adding a mainstream project to his independent music career.

Why is Santy Sharma in the news?

The rapper recently claimed that he received death threats following his comments on reservation reform. According to Sharma, he shared a screenshot of an abusive social media comment on his Instagram Story and responded to the alleged threat.

He said that speaking about reservation in the interest of students would not make him back down.

In another social media post, Sharma said he was being targeted because he was questioning aspects of the reservation system. He also stressed that he was not against any student or community and described his position as a call for a fair discussion on reservation.

Sharma further said that the alleged threats would not silence him and that he intended to continue raising the issues he believes in.

Santy Sharma’s views on reservation

Reservation has been a sensitive and widely debated issue in India, particularly in discussions involving education, employment and opportunities for students.

Sharma has used his social media platforms to voice his views on the subject. He has also discussed student-related concerns and an organisation he refers to as the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP).

His recent posts have brought renewed attention to his views and his public campaign on reservation reform.

What Is Santy Sharma’s ‘Reservation Hatao – August Kranti’ campaign?

Earlier this month, Santy Sharma launched a campaign called “Reservation Hatao – August Kranti.” Sharma has described it as an independent public awareness initiative focused on the reservation debate.

The campaign was launched at a press conference in Andheri West, Mumbai. Through the initiative, Sharma has sought to bring the issue into public discussion and encourage debate around the existing reservation system.

Is Santy Sharma going to be on Bigg Boss 20?

Santy Sharma has also been linked to Bigg Boss 20, which is set to be hosted by Salman Khan. However, his participation has not been officially confirmed by the show's makers. His name is currently part of the speculation surrounding the possible contestants.

Until an official announcement is made, reports about Sharma entering the Bigg Boss 20 house should be treated as rumours.

The Rajya Sabha MP, who joined the BJP after quitting the AAP, shared a clip showing two turbaned men who appeared unsteady and disoriented on a roadside. Sharing it, he voiced deep concern over what is being called Punjab's "zombie drug" menace, writing that "the evil eye has struck" the state and that successive governments had failed its youth.

His post carried an emotional appeal, calling on people to "save Punjab" and protect its younger generation from the grip of narcotics.

ਨਜ਼ਰ ਲੱਗ ਗਈ ਯਾਰ ਸਾਡੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਨੂੰ… ????

ਸਰਕਾਰਾਂ ਨੇ ਕੀ ਹਾਲ ਬਣਾ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦਾ ਤੇ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਨੌਜਵਾਨਾਂ ਦਾ। ਰੋਣਾ ਆਉਂਦਾ ਏ ਇਹ ਸਭ ਦੇਖ ਕੇ। ????

ਬਖ਼ਸ਼ ਦਿਓ ਮੇਰੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਨੂੰ… ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰੋ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਨੂੰ। ????

ਕਿੱਥੇ ਲੈ ਆਏ ਓ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਨੂੰ?
ਜਿਹੜਾ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਕਦੇ ਚੜ੍ਹਦੀ ਕਲਾ, ਹਿੰਮਤ ਤੇ ਬਹਾਦਰੀ ਲਈ ਜਾਣਿਆ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਸੀ, ਅੱਜ ਉਸੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ… pic.twitter.com/RAp3aYy0i2

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) August 10, 2026

The twist: Police claim video isn't even from Punjab

The controversy took a sharp turn when the Punjab Police stepped in publicly to correct the record. According to the force, the video Bhajji shared was not filmed in Punjab at all, it actually originated in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan.

The police clarified there was no link whatsoever between the clip and Punjab and pointed out that simply having Punjabi audio playing in the background doesn't make an incident a "Punjab incident." They appealed to social media users and pages to verify locations and facts before posting content that could mislead the public, adding that tagging the Punjab force without confirmation only adds to the confusion.

"Responsible sharing matters," the police said, directly tagging Harbhajan Singh in their clarification.

The video being circulated is from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan—not Punjab—and has no connection with Punjab Police.

A Punjabi audio track does not make an incident a Punjab incident.

We urge users and social media accounts to verify the facts and location before posting… https://t.co/bNHwjXVXsC

— Punjab Police India (@PunjabPoliceInd) August 10, 2026

AAP goes on the offensive against Bhajji

The ruling AAP wasted no time capitalising on the police clarification. Punjab Cabinet Minister Dr Baljit Kaur launched a sharp attack on the former cricketer, accusing him of passing off a Rajasthan video as a Punjab one to score political points.

She alleged that Harbhajan Singh was more interested in pleasing his "new political bosses" in the BJP than in speaking the truth.

Look at the desperation to please his political bosses. He is sharing a video from Rajasthan and lying that it is from Punjab. You will do anything for BJP ki dalali, even if it means ruining Punjab's image. The people of Punjab will never forgive you for this.… https://t.co/d1JT5QFkzT

— Dr. Baljit Kaur (@DrBaljitAAP) August 10, 2026

A drug crisis that's real  even if this video wasn't

While the specific clip may have been misattributed, the underlying issue it touched on, Punjab's long-standing battle with drug abuse, including growing concern around so-called "zombie drugs", remains a genuine and sensitive subject for the state.

The Dahlias sits in Sector 54 along Golf Course Road, an address that has become synonymous with Gurugram's high-end property market. It is being marketed by DLF as its flagship offering in the ultra-luxury segment.

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According to details of the transaction, the penthouse spans a super area of close to 17,200 square feet, with a carpet area of roughly 10,500 square feet. That puts the per-square-foot cost at around Rs 1.58 lakh on the super-area basis and closer to Rs 2.6 lakh when calculated on carpet area, figures that place the deal firmly among the priciest home purchases India has seen.

Prices at this scale reflect a broader trend: penthouses at The Dahlias, thanks to their larger layouts and prime positioning within the project, are commanding a premium even over the already steep prices of regular apartments there.

Who is Manav Sardana?

Manav Sardana comes from a prominent Delhi-NCR business family with more than a century of history in the region. His father, SB Sardana, co-founded the family’s flagship company, Imperial Auto Industries, in 1969 along with Jagjit Singh.

Based in Faridabad, Imperial Auto Industries manufactures fluid transmission products used in automobiles and off-highway equipment. Over the years, the company expanded significantly and established itself as a major player in the sector.

Manav Sardana was involved with the Imperial Auto business before global private equity firm Warburg Pincus acquired the company. He continues to be associated with the family’s business interests. According to publicly available records, he currently serves on the boards of more than 12 companies linked to the Imperial Auto group. These include Imperial Silicon Private Limited, Kreuz Hydraulics Private Limited and Imperial Martor Engine Tubes Private Limited.

Inside DLF's The Dahlias Project

DLF unveiled The Dahlias in October 2024, spreading the super-luxury development across 17 acres in DLF Phase 5, Gurugram. The project includes about 420 residences in total,  apartments and penthouses combined,  with standard units reportedly priced between Rs 100 crore and Rs 170 crore. Penthouses, given their scale and premium placement, fetch even more.

The Dahlias follows in the footsteps of DLF's earlier landmark project, The Camellias, which played a major role in turning Golf Course Road into one of India's most sought-after residential stretches.

Cherilyn Cahilig had completed her Business Management degree at the University of Antique. She had been preparing to attend her graduation ceremony when she met with a road accident and died. 

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Student dies in road mishap

Cherilyn died in a road accident just one month before her graduation ceremony. She had worked toward completing her degree and had hoped to personally walk across the stage to receive her diploma. However, her sudden death meant she could no longer be there for the moment she had worked so hard to achieve.

Her family and university community decided that her achievement should still be recognised.

University creates life-size graduation cutout

Teachers and friends at the University of Antique came up with a touching way to keep Cherilyn's presence alive during the graduation ceremony. They arranged a life-size cardboard cutout of Cherilyn wearing a graduation cap and gown.

The standee allowed her to symbolically take part in the ceremony despite her absence.

Father walks on stage with daughter’s cutout

During the graduation ceremony, Cherilyn's father, Cesar Cahilig, carried the life-size cutout of his daughter onto the stage. He accepted her diploma on her behalf.

Other members of the family also joined the emotional moment. They were seen carrying flowers and framed photographs of Cherilyn as the family gathered to honour her achievement. The scene left many people at the ceremony visibly emotional.

Emotional graduation photos go viral

Cherilyn could not be physically present to hear her name called or collect her degree herself. However, her family, friends and teachers ensured that her achievement received the recognition it deserved.

Photos and videos showing Cesar Cahilig receiving the diploma alongside his daughter's life-size cutout have since attracted widespread attention on social media.

Berwal recalled an interesting exchange with a Pakistani boxer following their bout at the 2015 World Military Games. His story about the repeated appearance of the name “Narender” in his life brought laughter to the room, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

#WATCH | "Pakistani boxer said to me 'Aapka naam Narender hai, aapke coach ka naam Narender hai, aapke Pradhan Mantri ka naam Narendra hai. Mujhe Narendra naam se nafrat ho gayi hai'..." says Heavyweight boxer and silver medallist Narender Berwal narrating his conversation with a… pic.twitter.com/qvmwO5D2sz

— ANI (@ANI) August 10, 2026

Pakistani boxer’s reaction after the bout

Berwal told PM Modi that after defeating the Pakistani boxer, both athletes later found themselves in the medical room for treatment.  During their conversation, the Pakistani boxer reportedly pointed out the repeated presence of the name “Narender” around Berwal.

According to the video shared on PM Modi’s YouTube channel, Berwal recalled the boxer telling him that his own name was Narender, his oach was also named Narender and India’s Prime Minister was Narendra.

The boxer then jokingly remarked that he had started disliking the name “Narender” after the bout.

The unexpected comment prompted laughter from PM Modi and others present at the meeting.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Indian athletes who won medals at the Commonwealth Games 2026 and congratulated them for their hard work, dedication and performances.

The Prime Minister praised the athletes for representing India on the international stage and bringing laurels to the country.

Indian boxers deliver record CWG performance

Indian boxers had a highly successful campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, winning a total of 10 medals. According to the information shared, the performance marked India's best-ever boxing medal tally at the Commonwealth Games. India also surpassed the previous record of six gold medals achieved by England in 1934 and 2018 and Canada in 1986.

Berwal contributed to India's campaign by securing the silver medal in the men's 90 kg category.

India finishes fourth in overall medal standings

The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow concluded after 11 days of competition, with India finishing fourth in the overall medal table.

India ended the Games with 13 Gold medals, 17 Silver medals, 9 Bronze medals and 39 Medals overall.

The strong performance across sports marked a notable campaign for the Indian contingent.

Commonwealth Games baton handed over to India

Following the conclusion of the Games in Glasgow, Scotland officially handed over the Commonwealth Games flag and baton to India. India is set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, which will mark the centenary edition of the event.

The handover has added significance as India prepares to host the Commonwealth Games for the first time since 2010.

The police say she built an entire fake police persona just to boost her social status and land a marriage proposal from a well-off household. Around a month ago, she reportedly got married into that family, all while still pretending to be a police officer.

The Daily tiffin routine landed her in soup

Here's where the story gets interesting. Komalpreet would show up regularly at the Sanjh Kendra near Moga City-1 Police Station and drop off her lunch tiffin with the staff there. Her reason? She claimed she was on traffic duty at Main Chowk and couldn't carry her lunch with her.

About an hour later, she'd come back, pick up her tiffin and head off again. This went on for weeks until someone decided to check the duty roster. And guess what? Her name wasn't on it. Anywhere.

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Once suspicion set in, police staff started asking her basic questions like which batch she belonged to, where she was posted and who her senior officers were. She reportedly couldn't give convincing answers. That's when things unraveled quickly.

A search of her belongings turned up: a full Punjab Police uniform, two walkie-talkie sets and a forged departmental ID card. Everything about her looked real — the uniform, the walkie-talkies, the ID card — except for one small detail: she genuinely wasn't a police officer.

Two months of pretending, undone in minutes

According to investigators, Komalpreet had reportedly kept up this act for over two months before getting caught. Her goal, the police believe, was simple: use the "police officer" tag to gain respect and social standing and use that image to secure a marriage into a financially well-off family.

The disguise held up for weeks until officers at the same police post she used to visit for lunch drops finally connected the dots.

What happens next

A case has now been registered against her under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) covering impersonation, forgery and misuse of official emblems.

The police are now investigating whether she used her fake police identity to take money or other benefits from anyone else during those two months.