QUICKREADS

Afternoon brief: Puducherry to shut schools amid H3N2 spread fear, and all the latest news

Know all about the latest news and other news updates from Hindustan Times. Puducherry schools to remain shut from March 16-26 Amid the spike in cases of H3N2 virus, Puducherry Education minister A Namassivayam announced that all schools in the union territory will remain closed from 16 March (Thursday) to 26 March (Sunday). Watch SS Rajamouli's Telugu film RRR's song Naatu Naatu has become a sensational hit worldwide.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to visit flood-hit Punjab on Monday

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will visit flood-affected areas in Punjab on Monday, meeting families impacted by the disaster. The state is experiencing its worst floods since 1988, with 56 fatalities and extensive crop damage. Prime Minister Modi has announced Rs 1,600 crore in assistance and compensation for victims. Heavy rainfall has exacerbated the flooding from local rivers.

India moving forward on development path by proving everyone's predictions wrong: Mohan Bhagwat

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasized India's progress in development, countering predictions of division post-independence. Speaking in Indore, he referenced Winston Churchill's skepticism about India's unity, asserting that the nation has remained intact and resilient. Bhagwat highlighted the importance of faith and belief in India's identity, urging unity and action for future growth.

Congress stands with Pak, encourages illegal immigration, encroachment: PM Modi

Prime Minister Modi accused Congress of supporting Pakistan, encouraging illegal immigration, and encroachment in Assam. He criticized the party's stance during past conflicts and inaugurated infrastructure projects worth Rs 18,530 crore, emphasizing national development and self-reliance.

‘My brain worth ₹200 crore, know how to earn honestly’: Nitin Gadkari amid ethanol row

Nitin Gadkari defended himself amid the ethanol controversy, claiming his brain is worth Rs 200 crore and he knows how to earn honestly. He dismissed critics' allegations, emphasizing ethanol's importance for the sugar industry and rejecting claims about fuel efficiency.

5 tips to make your saree AI edit look like a real Bollywood poster

AI-powered saree portraits are trending on Instagram, mimicking vintage Bollywood posters. Use Google Gemini's Nano Banana tool with clear solo shots, golden-hour lighting, specific saree details, cinematic extras, and emotive expressions to create authentic retro-style images.

Chhattisgarh to relocate six tigers from MP to boost population in two tiger reserves

Chhattisgarh plans to relocate six tigers from Madhya Pradesh's reserves to Udanti–Sitanadi and Guru Ghasidas Tamor Pingla to boost tiger population, with NTCA approval, aiming to enhance conservation efforts and ecological balance.

8 students in Odisha hospitalised after eyes sealed with Fevikwik

Eight students from a Tribal Welfare Residential School in Odisha were hospitalized after fellow students allegedly sealed their eyes with adhesive while they slept. The incident, deemed potentially malicious, led to significant eye damage but did not cause permanent loss of vision. The school's headmaster was suspended, and an investigation is underway amid calls for accountability.

Delhi: Speeding car lands on railway track after toppling off Mukarba Chowk flyover

A speeding car toppled off the Mukarba Chowk flyover in Delhi, landing on railway tracks near Haiderpur metro station. The driver, Sachin Chaudhary, suffered minor injuries after losing control. No train movement was disrupted, and police are investigating.

5 Bangladeshi students of NIT Silchar suspended for campus violence

Five Bangladeshi students at NIT Silchar were suspended for two semesters after violent campus clashes, possessing narcotics, and attacking fellow students with weapons, causing serious injuries during a 30-minute rampage.

Southwest monsoon starts retreating three days early from west Rajasthan: IMD

Southwest monsoon begins retreating from west Rajasthan three days early, meeting meteorological conditions. IMD reports withdrawal started on September 15, marking the earliest retreat since 2015, with favorable conditions for further progression.

New freshwater fish species Garra Nambashiensis discovered in Manipur’s Taretlok river

Scientists discovered Garra Nambashiensis, a new freshwater fish species, in Manipur's Taretlok river. Measuring 9-14 cm, the fish has unique features like a quadrate-shaped proboscis and distinctive black stripes, expanding knowledge of Northeast India's aquatic biodiversity.

PM Modi lays foundation for Assam projects, slams Congress over immigration, Bharat Ratna row

PM Modi laid foundation stones for Assam infrastructure projects, criticizing Congress for past policies. He emphasized fighting illegal immigration, defended Bhupen Hazarika's Bharat Ratna, and highlighted BJP's development initiatives, urging support for Indian products.

‘BCCI can still show that…': Aaditya Thackeray renews boycott calls hours before India vs Pakistan match

Aaditya Thackeray calls for boycotting India-Pakistan cricket match, criticizing BCCI and BJP for proceeding with the game after Pahalgam terror attack. Shiv Sena protests, urging players to consider victims' families and questioning the match's timing amid Operation Sindoor.

'Don't want to trouble...': Woman, son found dead in Greater Noida; suicide note suggests distress over child’s illness

A mother and her 11-year-old son died after jumping from their 13th-floor apartment in Greater Noida. A suicide note revealed distress over the child's prolonged illness, suggesting they wanted to avoid troubling the family further.

Govt reopens PLI scheme for white goods for three months starting Monday

Government reopens Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for white goods like ACs and LED lights for three months, starting September 15. Aims to boost domestic manufacturing, attract investments, and enhance value addition in the sector.