Renowned filmmaker Karan Johar has voiced concerns over the rising trend of podcasts where guests make disparaging remarks about the film industry. In a candid statement, he emphasized that while creative critique is natural, spreading disrespectful or misleading narratives can harm the credibility and unity of the industry. Johar called for responsible content creation and greater accountability among hosts and participants in digital media.

Punjab is witnessing an alarming surge in cesarean deliveries, with the C-section rate nearing 50%, significantly higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended threshold of 10–15%. Medical experts and public health authorities warn that such a high proportion of surgical births poses potential risks to maternal and neonatal health. Analysts attribute the trend to factors including increasing private hospital interventions, convenience-driven deliveries, and insufficient awareness about natural childbirth.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has sharply criticized the Punjab government for allegedly failing to implement several central government schemes in the state. Party leaders argue that this delay has deprived citizens of crucial welfare benefits, ranging from subsidized food and housing initiatives to employment and health programs. The criticism comes amid mounting political tensions between the state and central authorities, highlighting governance challenges and administrative bottlenecks.

Punjab Chief Minister has issued a firm statement pledging that not a single ration card in the state will be deleted, directly opposing the Centre’s proposed policy to purge certain cards from the national database. The move is framed as a protection of citizens’ food security rights and a safeguard for vulnerable populations dependent on the Public Distribution System (PDS). The CM emphasized that any attempt to remove ration cards without proper verification could adversely affect millions of families.

Gem Aromatics, a fragrance and flavor manufacturer with a diverse portfolio of products, made its market debut with muted investor response. Despite moderate demand during the subscription period, the shares listed at only a marginal premium before losing steam in early trade. Analysts attribute the subdued performance to stretched valuations, fragile market sentiment, and selective investor appetite for small- and mid-cap offerings. While the company boasts a solid presence in domestic and international markets, the listing highlighted broader investor caution.

Vikram Solar, one of India’s leading solar module manufacturers, made its much-anticipated entry into the stock market with a debut that failed to match expectations. Despite optimism surrounding the renewable energy sector, the company’s shares listed at a modest premium before losing momentum in early trading. Analysts attribute the subdued response to high valuations, market volatility, and cautious investor sentiment toward new energy IPOs.

The latest season of Bigg Boss 19 has welcomed a fresh face that has already captured widespread public attention—Tanya Mittal, a popular influencer who rose to fame after her videos from the Maha Kumbh went viral. Known for her unique style and growing online presence, Tanya has now transitioned from digital stardom to the country’s most-watched reality television platform, hosted by Salman Khan.

Shreeji Shipping, a coastal logistics and marine transportation company, made a strong debut on the stock market, with its shares listing at a premium and climbing nearly 8% above the issue price. The upbeat response reflects investor optimism around India’s expanding port infrastructure and growing demand for efficient cargo movement. Analysts note that the company’s niche positioning in coastal shipping, coupled with favorable government policies promoting multimodal logistics, has boosted sentiment.

Renowned music composer and singer Amaal Mallik has revealed that fans frequently mistake him for popular Bollywood actors such as Vicky Kaushal, Ranveer Singh, and Aditya Roy Kapur. The composer noted that these recurring cases of mistaken identity have become a common feature of his public appearances, often leading to humorous and unexpected interactions with fans. Mallik’s reflections highlight how physical resemblance, combined with celebrity culture, can shape public perception.

Fantasy sports platform Dream11 has officially withdrawn as the title sponsor of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after recent regulatory challenges and gaming restrictions in several states. The exit comes at a time when the gaming sector is under heightened scrutiny, with policymakers tightening frameworks around online fantasy sports and related platforms.