Author: Sharad Natani
At just 10 years old, Ritika Chitlangia had a dream — to serve the nation as an IAS officer. While many childhood dreams fade over time, hers only grew stronger. This year, the 23-year-old Delhi University graduate turned that vision into reality, securing All India Rank (AIR) 55 in the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024, in only her second attempt. Born in Kolkata and raised in Delhi, Ritika completed her schooling at Birla Vidya Niketan and went on to graduate with a BA (Hons) in Geography from Miranda House, Delhi University, scoring an impressive CGPA of 9.0. Alongside her…
It moves quietly through your bloodstream every day, playing a small but vital role. Low-Density Lipoprotein — LDL cholesterol — is nicknamed the “bad” cholesterol, but in truth, it’s only bad when it overstays its welcome. In the right amount, it helps your body build healthy cells and produce essential hormones. But when levels rise too high, this waxy fat can become a dangerous saboteur. Unlike High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), the “good” cholesterol that sweeps away excess fats from your arteries, LDL does the opposite — laying down sticky deposits inside artery walls. Over time, this buildup causes the arteries to…
For years, daily commuters in Delhi have been unknowingly passing through some of the city’s most dangerous stretches — places where fatal accidents are not a rare headline, but a grim routine. Now, the Delhi Traffic Police wants to change that. In a first-of-its-kind move, they are teaming up with Google Maps to mark all “black spots” — accident-prone zones — so drivers get real-time alerts before entering them. The goal is simple but urgent: warn people early enough to save lives. What’s a black spot? It’s not just a bad patch of road. A black spot is officially a…
In a major shift from rote-based learning, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has approved the introduction of open-book assessments for Class 9 from the 2026-27 academic year. The move follows a pilot study that found strong teacher support despite students facing initial challenges. Under the plan, open-book tests will be integrated into three pen-and-paper assessments each term, covering languages, mathematics, science, and social science. Students will be allowed to refer to textbooks, class notes, and other resources — but the real test will be their ability to apply, analyse, and synthesise information rather than just recall it. The…
A new wave of cybercrime is sweeping across India, and it’s hitting unsuspecting citizens hard. Known as eSIM fraud, this latest scam allows criminals to siphon off lakhs of rupees from victims’ bank accounts — even after ATM cards and UPI services are blocked. In a recent shocking case from Mumbai, a man lost ₹4 lakh within minutes, despite taking immediate action to block his ATM card and digital payment services. The fraudsters didn’t need physical access to his phone or bank — they only needed a small window of opportunity. How the Scam Works Unlike traditional SIM cards, an…
In a significant move aimed at transforming India’s maritime logistics and strengthening national security, the Parliament has passed the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025, despite vocal protests from opposition members in the Rajya Sabha. The Bill is expected to simplify regulations for Indian ships, streamline coastal trade, and boost the nation’s supply chain resilience. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, while introducing the Bill, emphasized its alignment with the government’s broader agenda of ‘Ease of Doing Business’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat. He asserted that the legislation will reduce regulatory burdens on Indian vessels, promote domestic participation in coastal shipping,…