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India’s room air-conditioner market faces price hikes due to rising commodity costs and stricter energy-efficiency norms, with manufacturers indicating further increases. Despite a challenging year and volatile demand, companies are optimistic about long-term growth, projecting the market to nearly double by FY30.

Highway construction and new project awards in 2025-26 hit a seven-year low, with less than 10,000 km built and only 7,000 km awarded. This decline is attributed to stricter land availability pre-conditions and fewer state highways being converted to National Highways. Agencies are prioritizing economic corridors and expressways to avoid project delays and cost escalations.

Justice B.V. Nagarathna strongly criticized the historical practice of isolating menstruating women, deeming it a form of “untouchability.” While hearing arguments on the Sabarimala temple entry ban, she questioned the validity of such social customs. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta countered, arguing the deity’s unique attributes and devotees’ faith should not be tested by gender equality

Soaring LPG prices are forcing migrant workers back to Bihar. Families are disembarking at Patna Junction, their journeys driven by unaffordable cooking gas in cities. Construction workers and factory hands cite exorbitant costs, with some stating two days’ wages barely cover a kilogram of LPG. This exodus highlights the severe economic strain impacting livelihoods.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made multiple visits to Tamil Nadu for campaigning, while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s absence has fueled speculation about discord within the Congress-DMK alliance. Gandhi’s recent campaign in Puducherry also saw him avoid mentioning DMK leader M.K. Stalin, suggesting underlying friction between the parties.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah strongly condemned Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge’s “illiterate” jibe at BJP supporters and his venomous snake analogy for the RSS and BJP. Shah asserted that such remarks are undemocratic and urged voters to decisively defeat the Congress in upcoming elections, stating the party has become a threat to the democratic system

Television rating points for news channels have been suspended for another four weeks by the information and broadcasting ministry. This decision, citing concerns over sensationalizing the West Asia conflict, aims to curb unwarranted sensationalism and speculative content. The move, following a previous suspension linked to alleged manipulation, signals increased regulatory oversight during crises.

An appellate tribunal ruled that Motab Shaikh and Motab Herul are the same person, accepting his Aadhaar card as proof of identity after the Election Commission failed to provide reasons for his exclusion. The tribunal noted discrepancies in voter lists and relied on supporting documents like Aadhaar, passport, and driving license to establish his identity.