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Supreme Court says state can set National Song, but cannot impose conscientious objectors to penal action
The court sought a response from the Union government on a petition filed by renowned Carnatic vocalist and author T.M. Krishna challenging the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026
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Tom Hanks’ philanthropy goes beyond Hollywood
Tom Hanks is known for his decades-long Hollywood career, but his philanthropy has also focused on causes far beyond the movie industry. From launching a coffee brand that directs net profits toward veterans and military families to supporting education, the arts, humanitarian efforts and cancer research, here’s a closer look at Tom Hanks’ charitable work and the causes connected to his name.
Rani Mukerji’s mother Krishna passes away at 75
Rani Mukerji's mother, Krishna Mukerji, passed away on September 22 at 75. Yash Raj Films confirmed the news and requested privacy for the family. A playback singer with Bengali-Hindi film ties, she was married to filmmaker Ram Mukerji and sister to Debashree Roy. Rani has often credited her mother as a major influence on her life.
Gold jumps 60% to Rs 1.57L from Rs 98,000 a year ago; sales fall 15%, coins gain
In Mumbai's spot market on Monday, gold was trading at Rs 1.57 lakh per 10 grams, including 3% goods and services tax. This was around 60% higher than the Rs 98,000 per 10 grams recorded on Ganesh Chaturthi last year, which fell on August 28.
National song choice is State’s call, penal consequences open to scrutiny: SC
The bench said its scrutiny would focus on the penal consequences attached to the 2026 amendment to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act
Is not singing Vande Mataram punishable offence? Supreme Court to examine
The Supreme Court will not decide on the National Song's stanza length now. It will examine if not singing it can be a punishable offense. The court referenced a past ruling stating no one can be punished for not singing the National Anthem. The Centre opposed the challenge, citing a "naxalite mindset" for questioning the song. The court asked the Centre to file its response to the public interest litigation.
From rallies to reels: political catchphrases turn dance anthems in Kolkata
A political catchphrase inspired by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has become a massive hit in Kolkata's nightlife. The song, featuring the animal sound imitation 'Hamba Hamba' from her 2021 election speech, was remixed into a techno track by music production house Bajania Ghar and is now being played in city clubs.
'No complaint received by SC/ST cell from Sahil': IIT-B prof on student suicide case
Faculty forum stages march in support of Prof Surya NEW DELHI: IIT Bombay faculty forum president and professor Rajkumar Pant has rejected allegations against professor Suryanarayana Doolla following the death of second-year BTech student Sahil Wakode, saying the institute's SC/ST cell had no record of the student approaching it with a complaint in the months preceding his death.Pant said he spoke to IIT Bombay deputy director professor Ravindra Gudi, who confirmed that the SC/ST cell had issued a notice stating that there had been no attempt by Sahil to approach the cell in the previous three or four months. “There was absolutely no attempt by the late Sahil to approach the cell over the last three or four months. No complaint was recorded by him — forget about a formal complaint; he had not even approached the SC/ST cell for anything,” Pant said. ‘Doolla acted as per institute rules’Addressing allegations against Professor Doolla, Pant said faculty members were required to discharge their duties in accordance with institute procedures and defended Doolla’s actions in the matter. Join conversation View All Comments → Share your thoughts in the comments Insightful Agree Disagree Skeptical Concerning Promising Worth Reading Big Development Post Comment Be respectful · TOI community guidelines “We are teachers, and we are discharging our duties as mandated by the institute while following institute procedures. Professor Doolla did the same,” he said.Pant said Doolla had previously served as dean of student affairs before taking up his current position as dean of academic affairs and described him as someone known for being helpful to students. “To expect that a person of his nature — who is known to be very helpful to students — would do this is unreasonable,” Pant said.He said there could be situations where faculty members had to act firmly and that Doolla had acted according to the rules.“I'm personally convinced that he is not the kind of person who would indulge in these kinds of acts,” Pant said.His remarks come amid protests by IIT Bombay students following Sahil's death. Student representatives have said their protest was not intended to justify cheating or academic misconduct, but was aimed at raising concerns over institutional systems and seeking reforms.
MS Dhoni Involved In Zaheer Khan's CSK Appointment? Franchise Official Sets Record Straight
Five-time champions CSK on Monday named Zaheer Khan, 47, as their head coach for IPL 2027 and fill the high-profile vacancy left by ex-New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming.
Kerala HC quashes order by Income Tax Appellate Authority dismissing actor Jayasurya’s appeal against tax assessment
In a decision on Thursday, the Kerala High Court quashed an order by the Income Tax Appellate Authority that had dismissed actor Jayasurya’s appeal against a tax assessment. Justice A.A. Ziyadh Rahman held that the authority could not reject an appeal merely because the assessee failed to appear, and that it must give written reasons for dismissal under the Income Tax Act. The court found the order violated statutory requirements and set it aside.
Survey discovers six new species from Periyar Tiger Reserve in Keralam
A four-day wildlife survey in Kerala's Periyar Tiger Reserve has recorded six previously undocumented species, boosting the reserve's biodiversity count. The new discoveries include the golden-headed cisticola bird, the common onyx butterfly, and four new dragonfly and damselfly species. Experts say these findings highlight the reserve's healthy ecosystems and the importance of regular conservation efforts.
Kerala film fest: 31 films yet to receive Centre’s clearance
Thirty-one films are still waiting for clearance from the Central government for the Kerala film festival. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting clarified that permission has not been denied. Instead, officials asked the organizers to provide more detailed information about six specific films before making a final decision.
Taylor Swift gets new MTV VMA honour as Madonna returns: 5 things to know about 2026 awards
Pop star Taylor Swift is set to receive the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honor at the upcoming 2026 MTV Video Music Awards. The high-profile ceremony will also mark the grand return of Madonna to the VMA stage. Additionally, rap legend Snoop Dogg will host the event, while rock band Nirvana will be honored with the prestigious Video Vanguard Award.
Taylor Swift wins MTV's new artist director award
Taylor Swift will be the first recipient of the MTV Video Music Awards artist-director honors at this year's awards ceremony, a newly created award recognizing musicians whose work behind the camera has contributed to music video production and
Why a Bollywood celebrity manager's 2020 death case has been reopened
Disha Salian's father insists her death was not suicide or an accident, but that she was gang-raped and murdered.
DBRC held livelihood support programme for waste and hair pickers in Vijayawada
The Dalit Bahujan Resource Centre (DBRC) held a livelihood support programme in Vijayawada on September 21, 2026, distributing four-wheeler carts, utensils, and vending materials worth ₹3.20 lakh to 40 waste and hair pickers. The initiative aims to strengthen their income opportunities and economic security. District officials praised the workers' contribution to urban and rural cleanliness.
Manoj Bajpayee moves Delhi High Court to protect personality rights from AI misuse
In a notable legal move, actor Manoj Bajpayee has turned to the Delhi High Court to safeguard his identity. He claims his image and voice have been used without permission, particularly through AI technologies. The court raised issues regarding jurisdiction; however, Bajpayee's legal team referenced defendants based in Delhi. This petition mirrors the growing trend of public figures seeking similar protections due to concerns over unauthorized endorsements and AI-generated content.