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US Woman's Basmati Rice Tote Bag Goes Viral, Sparks Fashion Debate
- On December 29, 2024, a video of a woman carrying a Basmati rice bag as a tote in a US salon went viral, amassing over 800,000 views.
- Instagram user Amanda John Mangalathil shared the video, humorously comparing the rice bag to luxury brands and noting its low cost in India.
- The trend sparked discussions on sustainability, creativity, and consumerism in fashion, with many praising the unconventional accessory choice.
- Social media users reacted with amusement, comparing the bag to other Indian exports and jokingly preferring it over high-end designer brands.
- This viral moment follows other unconventional fashion trends, like Moschino's celery-shaped clutch priced at ₹3.75 lakh earlier in 2024.
Cloudburst Cases Jump 121% in Himachal Pradesh, IIT Study Exposes Alarming Climate Trends
- IIT Mandi research shows a 121% increase in cloudburst incidents in Himachal Pradesh over the past decade.
- Major causes identified include climate change, deforestation, and mining activities in the region.
- Recent cloudbursts have caused deaths, missing persons, and severe damage to homes and infrastructure.
- Most affected districts include Kullu, Kangra, Mandi, and areas near glaciers and snow-clad mountains.
- Authorities have issued alerts and intensified rescue operations as monsoon rains continue to trigger disasters.
The World’s Top Military Drones: Discover the Nations at the Forefront of Advanced Drone Technology
- The MQ-9 Reaper (USA) is the most advanced, offering long-range, high payload, and combat-proven capabilities.
- Turkey’s Bayraktar TB2 is cost-effective, battle-tested, and widely exported, showing rapid technological growth.
- China’s Wing Loong II stands out for its affordability, powerful performance, and increasing global presence.
- Israel’s Heron TP excels in surveillance and intelligence, with advanced sensors and long-endurance missions.
- Russia’s Kronshtadt Orion and Iran’s Shahed-136 highlight new tech trends like autonomous strikes and kamikaze missions.
8th Pay Commission: Full Pension Restoration May Come in 12 Years
- Government may reduce commuted pension restoration period from 15 years to 12 years.
- Employee unions have long demanded this change for quicker full pension restoration.
- The proposal is expected to be included in the 8th Pay Commission’s Terms of Reference.
- If implemented, retirees will regain full pension sooner, improving financial security.
- The 8th Pay Commission is set to be effective from January 1, 2026, benefiting lakhs.
PM Kisan 20th Installment: Some Farmers May Miss Out on Payment
- Farmers who have not completed e-KYC will not receive the 20th installment in their accounts.
- Incomplete or unverified land records can lead to payment delays or rejection for many applicants.
- Aadhaar must be correctly linked with the bank account; mismatches or inactive accounts can block payment.
- Only eligible small and marginal farmers, whose names are on the beneficiary list, will get the installment.
- Farmers should check their beneficiary status on the PM-Kisan portal to ensure their name is listed.
Elon Musk Slams Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ as Threat to US Jobs and Future
- Musk warns bill could destroy millions of US jobs, harming America’s economy.
- He calls legislation ‘utterly insane and destructive’ for future-focused industries.
- Bill cuts Medicaid, food stamps; boosts defense, border, and immigration enforcement.
- Musk says bill favors old industries, threatens clean energy and innovation.
- Republican divisions over bill; some fear it will increase national debt.