India’s Green Leap: A 257 GW Milestone in Renewable Energy

India has officially ascended to the ranks of the world’s top four renewable energy producers, boasting an installed capacity of 257 gigawatts (GW)—a remarkable leap from 81 GW in 2014. This achievement underscores the nation’s accelerating transition toward clean energy, with solar power driving much of the growth.

Veteran actor Sudhir Dalvi, a familiar face in Indian cinema and television, has been hospitalised in Mumbai due to severe sepsis. The actor, celebrated for his decades-long contribution to the entertainment industry, is currently undergoing intensive medical care. His family has appealed for financial assistance of Rs. 15 lakh to meet the mounting treatment expenses. Actress Rudhima Sahni Kapoor has come forward to support the veteran, encouraging others in the fraternity to help.

Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh has reportedly received threats from a Khalistani extremist group following his recent appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), where he was seen touching veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan’s feet as a mark of respect. The incident, which quickly went viral on social media, drew admiration from fans nationwide but also triggered backlash from separatist elements who accused the singer of betraying Sikh values.

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Satish Shah, a beloved figure in Indian cinema known for his impeccable comic timing and versatility. While paying tribute to his late colleague, Shah took a critical view of the Hindi film industry, accusing it of typecasting talented actors like Satish Shah into repetitive roles. He lamented that despite their immense range, many performers in Bollywood are confined to narrow stereotypes, preventing them from exploring their full creative potential.

In a sharp political attack, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being “scared” of former U.S. President Donald Trump, alleging that India’s foreign policy under the Modi government has been marked by timidity and misplaced priorities. Speaking at a public gathering, Gandhi criticized the Prime Minister’s approach to global diplomacy, suggesting that India’s leadership has compromised national interests for personal optics.

A retired Indian Air Force (IAF) officer has fallen victim to a sophisticated share trading scam, losing a staggering Rs. 97 lakh to cybercriminals posing as investment advisors. Lured by promises of high returns through a stock trading platform, the victim reportedly borrowed Rs. 55 lakh in loans to meet the fraudsters’ escalating demands. The case highlights the growing menace of financial scams targeting educated and tech-savvy individuals under the guise of online trading.

A former judge has emphasized that no religion condones actions causing harm to the environment, underscoring the need for a collective moral and civic responsibility in safeguarding ecological balance. His remarks, made in the context of public debates surrounding firecracker usage during festivals and the noise from Azaan on loudspeakers, call for a rational and lawful approach over emotional or religious rhetoric.

In a major relief to businesses and tax professionals, the government has extended the deadline for filing tax audit reports for the financial year 2023–24. The new deadline provides additional time for corporates, firms, and individual taxpayers required to undergo tax audits under Section 44AB of the Income Tax Act. This extension, aimed at easing compliance pressure, comes amid ongoing representations from professional bodies citing delays in audit finalizations.

As Bihar braces for the upcoming Assembly elections, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has assured voters that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will release its election manifesto on Thursday, pledging to honor every commitment outlined within it. Speaking at a pre-poll rally, Singh emphasized that the BJP’s manifesto would reflect both the aspirations of the people and the party’s long-term vision for Bihar’s development.

President Droupadi Murmu’s recent meeting with Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, India’s first woman pilot to fly the Rafale fighter jet, captured national attention — not only for its symbolism but also for the story it represents. Singh, a trailblazer in the Indian Air Force (IAF), rose to prominence after commanding one of the world’s most advanced combat aircraft. Her photograph with the President resonated widely, particularly after Pakistan once falsely claimed she had been captured during border tensions.