News Plate

17/08/2025

Here’s a snapshot of the Chief Election Commissioner’s (Gyanesh Kumar) statements today, alongside the Congress party’s responses:

⸻

What the CEC Said (Today, August 17, 2025)
1. Special Identification Revision (SIR) Dates
The CEC clarified that the Election Commission has not yet decided on the schedule for the SIR exercise in West Bengal and other states. 
2. Upload of Deleted Voters’ List in Bihar
In compliance with a Supreme Court directive, the Commission uploaded details of 65 lakh deleted voters from Bihar’s draft electoral rolls within 56 hours. These are now available on district magistrates’ websites. 
3. Explanation for Multiple Voter Cards
The CEC attributed the issue of some voters holding multiple voter ID cards to migration and administrative oversights, stating that errors are being rectified through the ongoing SIR in Bihar. 
4. Allegations of “Vote Theft” – Ultimatum to Rahul Gandhi
The CEC took a stern stance against Rahul Gandhi’s “vote chori” (vote theft) allegations, demanding he either submit an affidavit with evidence within seven days or issue a public apology, warning that otherwise the claims would be deemed baseless.  
5. Accusations of Data Manipulation
Gyanesh Kumar accused Rahul Gandhi of manipulating EC data to support his vote theft claims, asserting that the public understands the truth and that the allegations are unfounded. 
6. Defense of EC Integrity & Transparency Measures
The CEC reaffirmed the Election Commission’s credibility and described measures like CCTV installation, publicly accessible corrections (such as fixing “house number zero”), and rigorous verification procedures, urging political parties to cooperate rather than question the process. 

⸻

Congress Party’s Reaction (Today)
1. ** distrust and Call for Reforms**
Congress MP Manish Tewari spoke of a growing “trust deficit” between the public and the Election Commission, while Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav pushed for urgent electoral reforms. 
2. Targeted Criticism of EC’s Neutrality Claims
Congress labeled the Election Commission’s claim that it makes “no distinction between the ruling party and the opposition” as “laughable,” suggesting instead that there exists a tacit “EC–BJP consensus.” 
3. Broader Critique of EC’s Integrity
Through voices like Jairam Ramesh, Congress dismissed the EC’s defenses as inadequate, asserting that Rahul Gandhi had merely cited the EC’s own data. Ramesh accused the Commission of incompetence and partisan behavior, and emphasized that the EC must fully implement the Supreme Court’s directions (such as publishing the complete deleted voter list).

15/08/2025

Blending ethanol with petrol (gasoline) in India — like the E10, E12, E15, and now E20 fuels — is a bit of a double-edged sword for car engines.
Here’s a clear breakdown of pros, cons, and considerations for engine health:

⸻

1. How Ethanol Affects Engines

✅ Potential Benefits
• Cleaner combustion – Ethanol burns more completely than pure petrol, producing fewer carbon monoxide emissions.
• Higher octane rating – Can reduce knocking in engines designed or tuned for higher-octane fuels.
• Environmental compliance – Helps meet government emission norms.

⚠️ Potential Drawbacks (Especially in Older Cars)
• Corrosion & wear risk – Ethanol attracts water from the air (hygroscopic), which can lead to rust in fuel tanks, fuel lines, and injectors over time.
• Rubber/plastic degradation – Some seals, hoses, and gaskets in older vehicles (especially pre-2010 models) may not be ethanol-resistant.
• Lower energy content – Ethanol has less energy per litre than petrol, so mileage can drop slightly (2–8% depending on blend).
• Cold start issues – In colder climates, high ethanol blends can make starting harder (less of an issue in most of India).

⸻

2. Engine Compatibility in India
• Newer cars (post-2017): Most are built to handle at least E10 without problems; many newer petrol cars are tested for E20.
• Older cars: May face faster wear, fuel system corrosion, and possible drivability issues at higher blends.
• Manufacturer stance: Many automakers (Maruti, Hyundai, Honda, Toyota) now publish E20-ready model lists. Using higher ethanol content than recommended can void warranty.

⸻

3. Best Practices if You’re Using Ethanol-Blended Fuel
1. Check your vehicle’s ethanol compatibility – Usually in the owner’s manual or from the manufacturer.
2. Regularly service fuel system – Replace filters more often, check hoses/seals.
3. Avoid long-term storage with E20 – If the car sits for weeks, ethanol can separate and cause issues.
4. Use fuel stabilizers if storage is unavoidable.
5. Fill from busy, high-turnover pumps – Reduces the chance of water-contaminated ethanol fuel.

⸻

Bottom Line
• E10 is generally safe for most modern petrol cars in India.
• E20 is safe only if your car is rated for it; otherwise, it can accelerate wear.
• For diesel engines, ethanol blending is still experimental — not yet a mainstream risk.

If you’re driving an older petrol car and regularly filling with E20, it may shorten fuel system life unless you retrofit ethanol-compatible parts.

15/08/2025

Is Ethanol Mixed into Petrol (Gasoline) by Indian Oil Companies?

Yes, ethanol is actively blended into petrol by Indian Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs)—both public sector and some private players—under the national Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme.
• Public sector OMCs like Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL) are the main participants, selling petrol blended with ethanol to achieve the government’s ambitious target of 20% ethanol by 2025–26    .
• They’ve ramped up from around 14–15% ethanol blend by March 2025 to meeting the 20% target ahead of 2025    .

Private OMCs (e.g., Shell, Nayara)
• While less documented officially, consumer reports suggest that private fuel players such as Shell and Nayara are likely dispensing fuel with up to 12% ethanol, possibly even E20 in some cases .

⸻

Ethanol in Diesel?
• IOC and another OMC are conducting pilot work blending ethanol into diesel (around 5%) alongside domestic engine-manufacturer partners to assess compatibility—results are expected or were underway as of mid-2023 .
• No widespread commercial roll-out has been confirmed yet.

24/05/2025

The Indian government is finalizing a new toll policy that proposes a one-time annual payment of ₹3,000 for private car owners, allowing unlimited travel on national highways and expressways for a year.

⸻

🚗 Key Features of the Proposed Toll Policy
• Annual Toll Pass: Pay ₹3,000 once a year for unlimited access to national highways and expressways. 
• Lifetime Toll Pass: A 15-year pass available for a one-time payment of ₹30,000. 
• Integration with FASTag: These passes will be embedded into the existing FASTag system, eliminating the need for additional devices or documentation. 
• Optional Participation: The passes are optional; users can choose between the annual/lifetime pass or continue with the current pay-per-use model. 
• Alternative Payment Model: For occasional travelers, a distance-based model is proposed, charging ₹50 per 100 kilometers. 

⸻

📊 Rationale Behind the Policy
• Revenue Distribution: Private cars account for 53% of toll transactions but contribute only 21% of toll revenue. 
• Traffic Congestion: Private vehicles constitute nearly 60% of traffic at toll plazas during peak hours, leading to congestion. 
• Simplified Toll Collection: The new policy aims to streamline toll collection, reduce congestion, and provide financial relief to frequent travelers. 

⸻

🛣️ Additional Developments
• Toll-Free Two-Lane Highways: The government is considering making national highways with less than four lanes toll-free. 
• Advanced Tolling Systems: Plans are underway to implement an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system combined with FASTag for barrier-less tolling at selected plazas. 

⸻

📅 Implementation Timeline

While the policy is in advanced stages of planning, it has not been officially implemented yet. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is expected to announce the finalized policy soon. Once approved, the passes will be available through the existing FASTag system. 

⸻

This proposed policy aims to enhance the convenience of highway travel for private car owners by offering cost-effective and streamlined toll payment options.

10/05/2025

India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire, effective from 5:00 PM IST on May 10, 2025, following a significant escalation in hostilities over recent weeks. The agreement was reached after U.S.-mediated talks and confirmed by both governments.  

Background: Escalation and Crisis

The latest conflict was triggered by a terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, where 26 people, including 25 Indian tourists and one Nepalese national, were killed. India attributed the attack to Pakistan-based militant groups, leading to retaliatory airstrikes on Pakistani territory on May 7, which reportedly resulted in 26 deaths and 46 injuries. Pakistan denied involvement in the attack and responded by closing its airspace and escalating military readiness.  

Ceasefire Agreement Details

The ceasefire was formalized through a direct conversation between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries. They agreed to halt all military actions—land, air, and sea—from 5:00 PM IST on May 10. The DGMOs are scheduled to hold further talks on May 12 to ensure the ceasefire’s implementation and address any arising issues. 

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the agreement, stating, “After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE.” 

Reactions and Implications

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the ceasefire, emphasizing it as “full-fledged” and “not partial.” Following the agreement, Pakistan reopened its airspace, which had been closed during the conflict.  

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that the ceasefire was worked out directly between the two countries, highlighting India’s commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms. 

While the ceasefire brings immediate relief, especially to civilians in the Kashmir region, analysts caution that its durability will depend on both nations’ adherence to the agreement and their willingness to address underlying issues through sustained dialogue.

10/05/2025

Details of terrorists killed in the Indian strikes on 7th May in Pakistan: Sources

1) Mudassar Khadian Khas @ Mudassar @ Abu Jundal. Affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba. His funeral prayer was held in a government school, led by Hafiz Abdul Rauf of JuD (a designated global terrorist). A serving Lt. General of the Pak Army and the IG of Punjab Police attended the prayer ceremony.

2) Hafiz Muhammed Jameel. Affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed. He is the eldest brother-in-law of Maulana Masood Azhar.

3) Mohammad Yusuf Azhar @ Ustad Ji @ Mohd Salim @ Ghosi Sahab. Affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed. He is brother-in-law of Maulana Masood Azhar. He was wanted in the IC-814 hijacking case.

4) Khalid @ Abu Akasha. Affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba. He was involved in multiple terrorist attacks in Jammu & Kashmir and was engaged in weapons smuggling from Afghanistan. His funeral was held in Faisalabad and attended by senior Pakistani Army officials and the Deputy Commissioner of Faisalabad.

5) Mohammad Hassan Khan. Affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed. He was the son of M***i Asghar Khan Kashmiri, operational commander of JeM in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). He played a key role in coordinating terrorist attacks in Jammu & Kashmir.

07/05/2025

If a country is at war, citizens must prioritize safety, preparedness, and staying informed. Here’s a breakdown of what they should do, what to store, and precautions to take:

⸻

1. What Citizens Should Do
• Stay Informed: Follow government announcements, news from reliable sources, and emergency alerts.
• Obey Government Instructions: If told to evacuate, shelter in place, or take cover, comply immediately.
• Register for Emergency Services: Sign up for SMS alerts or community groups that provide real-time information.
• Avoid Rumors & Panic: Don’t spread unverified information—this can cause unnecessary fear and confusion.
• Know Emergency Locations: Be aware of the nearest shelters, hospitals, and safe zones.

⸻

2. What to Store at Home

Essential Supplies (minimum for 2–3 weeks):
• Food: Non-perishable items like rice, pasta, canned foods, dried fruits, and nuts.
• Water: At least 3–4 liters per person per day. Store extra for sanitation.
• Medical Supplies: First-aid kit, prescription medications, painkillers, antiseptics, etc.
• Flashlights & Batteries: Power outages are common during conflict.
• Power Banks & Chargers: Keep mobile devices functional.
• Personal Hygiene Products: Soaps, sanitary items, diapers, toilet paper.
• Emergency Tools: Radio (battery/solar-powered), multipurpose knife, duct tape.
• Important Documents: IDs, passports, insurance papers, kept in a waterproof folder.
• Cash: In small denominations, in case digital systems go down.
• Fuel: For vehicles or generators if safe and legal to store.

⸻

3. Precautionary Measures
• Secure Your Home: Reinforce windows, doors, and know how to turn off gas, water, and electricity.
• Create a Family Emergency Plan:
• Meeting points.
• Emergency contacts.
• Roles for each family member.
• Stay Indoors During Attacks: If air raids or bombings occur, go to the basement or center of the building, away from windows.
• Emergency Bag (Go Bag): Ready-to-grab backpack with essentials in case you must flee.
• Mental Preparedness: Be psychologically ready for disruptions and help children stay calm and informed.

, ,

07/05/2025

Operation Sindoor is a significant military operation launched by India on May 6, 2025, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. This action was in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, including 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen.

⸻

🔍 Overview of Operation Sindoor
• Objective: To dismantle terrorist infrastructure linked to groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen, believed to be responsible for orchestrating attacks against India.
• Ex*****on: The operation was a coordinated effort involving the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Precision strikes were carried out using advanced weaponry, including SCALP missiles and AASM Hammer bombs deployed from Rafale jets. The operation lasted approximately 23 minutes and targeted nine sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)  .
• Targeted Locations: Key sites included Muridke and Bahawalpur, known strongholds of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, respectively. Specific targets comprised the Markaz Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur and the Syedna Bilal Camp in Muzaffarabad .  

⸻

⚔️ Aftermath and Escalation
• Casualties and Damage: Pakistan reported at least eight fatalities, including a child, and over 35 injuries. Damage to civilian structures, including mosques, was also reported .  
• Retaliation: In response, Pakistan has initiated shelling across the Line of Control, resulting in additional casualties. India reported three civilian deaths due to Pakistani shelling .  
• Diplomatic Tensions: Both nations have suspended visa issuances and expelled diplomats, further straining bilateral relations. India has also threatened to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, a critical water-sharing agreement between the two countries .  

⸻

🌐 International Reactions
• United Nations: Secretary-General António Guterres urged both India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint to prevent further escalation . 
• United States: U.S. officials have called for de-escalation and emphasized the importance of maintaining regional stability . 
• China: Expressed regret over the military actions and called for dialogue between the two nations .

⸻

🗣️ Official Statements
• India: The Ministry of Defence stated that the strikes were “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” emphasizing that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar remarked, “The world must show zero tolerance for terrorism” .  
• Pakistan: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the strikes as an “act of war” and vowed a robust military response . 

⸻
, , , ,

06/05/2025

Children should be kept away from excessive use of mobile phones for several important reasons:
1. Negative Impact on Brain Development: Children’s brains are still developing, and prolonged screen time can interfere with cognitive development, attention span, and learning ability.
2. Sleep Disruption: Blue light from screens can disrupt melatonin production, affecting sleep quality and leading to fatigue, irritability, and poor academic performance.
3. Reduced Physical Activity: Excessive phone use often replaces physical play, leading to sedentary behavior, which is associated with obesity and other health problems.
4. Poor Social Skills: Over-reliance on phones for entertainment or communication can hinder the development of face-to-face social skills and emotional intelligence.
5. Mental Health Concerns: Research has linked high screen time with increased risk of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem in children, especially through exposure to social media.
6. Exposure to Inappropriate Content: Without supervision, children may encounter harmful or age-inappropriate content, including violence, misinformation, or predators.
7. Addiction and Behavioral Issues: Mobile phone use can be addictive, leading to behavioral problems such as irritability, impulsiveness, and difficulty focusing.

, , , ,
, , , , ,
, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

06/05/2025

"There is an increase in the price of gold and silver today, i.e. May 6. According to the India Bullion and Jewelers Association (IBJA), the price of gold has increased by ₹1,479 to ₹96,761 per 10 grams of 24 carats. The price of 10 grams has increased from ₹95,282."

======
Here’s an infographic illustrating the historical gold prices in India over the past 50 years (1975–2025). The data reflects the average annual price of 24-karat gold per 10 grams, showcasing significant trends and milestones. 

!Gold Price in India (1975–2025)

Key Highlights:
• 1975: ₹540
• 1980: ₹1,330
• 1990: ₹3,200
• 2000: ₹4,400
• 2010: ₹18,500
• 2020: ₹48,651
• 2025: ₹85,200    
This upward trajectory underscores gold’s enduring value and its role as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainties.
, , ,

06/05/2025

WANT TO KNOW ABOUT META GALA?

The Met Gala, officially known as the Costume Institute Benefit, is an annual fundraising event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City. Held on the first Monday of May, it marks the opening of the Institute’s spring fashion exhibition. The Gala is renowned for its exclusive guest list, featuring celebrities, designers, and influential figures from various industries. Each year, the event centers around a specific theme, guiding the attire of attendees and the design of the exhibition. The Met Gala is organized by Vogue magazine, with Anna Wintour serving as the chair since 1995.

The 2025 Met Gala took place on May 5 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This year’s theme was “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” celebrating Black dandyism and sartorial expression. The event was co-chaired by Anna Wintour, Pharrell Williams, A$AP Rocky, Colman Domingo, and Lewis Hamilton, with LeBron James serving as honorary co-chair.

Several Indian and Indian-origin celebrities made notable appearances at the 2025 Met Gala: 
• Shah Rukh Khan: Making his Met Gala debut, Khan wore a custom black sherwani by Sabyasachi Mukherjee, accessorized with talismanic chains, a jeweled brooch, and an 18k gold cane. 
• Kiara Advani: The actress debuted at the Met Gala while proudly showcasing her baby bump in a custom Gaurav Gupta gown featuring a sculptural gold corset symbolizing motherhood. 
• Priyanka Chopra Jonas: A Met Gala veteran, Chopra attended with husband Nick Jonas, wearing a chic polka dot suit dress by Olivier Rousteing, complemented by Bvlgari jewels. 
• Diljit Dosanjh: The singer-actor embraced regal fashion in a Prabal Gurung ensemble, complete with traditional Golecha jewels and a Kripan, exuding Maharaja-inspired elegance. 
• Isha Ambani: Ambani wore a custom Anamika Khanna creation featuring a handwoven Benarasi train, styled with a historic Cartier necklace once owned by the Maharaja of Nawanagar. 
• Natasha Poonawalla: She donned a Manish Malhotra couture piece blending Indian craftsmanship with her Parsi heritage, incorporating vintage Parsi Gara saris and a sculptural lace cravat. 
• Mindy Kaling: The actress and comedian wore a tailored black gown with a white collar and red velvet detailing, adorned with geometric gold buttons and a slim train. 
• Manish Malhotra: The designer made his Met Gala debut in a sculptural black sherwani cape embellished with intricate embroidery and glass beadwork from his High Jewellery line. 
• Sabyasachi Mukherjee: Accompanying Shah Rukh Khan, the designer wore a sharply tailored ivory quilted overcoat with bold lapels, layered over a crisp white shirt and black trousers, accessorized with a velvet cap and jeweled plume. 

These appearances highlight the growing influence and representation of Indian fashion and culture on the global stage.

, , , ,

05/05/2025