The government has reduced the number of subsidized LPG cylinders available annually to Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) beneficiaries from nine to four, in line with the average household consumption level, a senior government official said on Monday, PTI reported. Under the flagship scheme launched in May 2016, beneficiaries were initially entitled to 12 subsidized 14.2 kg LPG cylinders every year. Last year the quota was reduced to nine cylinders and now it has been reduced to four. At a media briefing, Praveen Mal Khanuja, additional secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said the revised eligibility broadly reflects the average annual consumption of Ujjwala beneficiaries. To promote clean cooking fuel and improve affordability, the government introduced a targeted subsidy of Rs 200 per 14.2 kg LPG cylinder in May 2022, which is credited directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries after each refill purchase. In October 2023, the subsidy was increased to Rs 300 per cylinder, with the proportionate benefit extended to 5 kg cylinders. The latest cut in the subsidized quota has come amid repeated increases in LPG prices. The retail price of a 14.2 kg LPG cylinder in Delhi has cumulatively increased by Rs 89 in two hikes in the last three months, including the latest increase on June 7, taking the price to Rs 942 per cylinder. After adjustment of subsidy of Rs 300, PMUY beneficiaries have to pay Rs 642. Khanuja said the revised eligibility broadly matches the average consumption pattern among PMUY households. According to him, beneficiaries effectively get support of around Rs 1,000 per cylinder compared to the government’s estimated supply cost of around Rs 1,600 per cylinder. On June 7, the price of LPG was increased by Rs 29 per cylinder. “This increase works out to one rupee per day,” he said, adding that for a family of five this increase works out to about 20 paise per day. Khanuja said Indian households continue to pay the lowest cooking gas prices globally despite a sharp rise in international LPG prices following the disruptions in the Middle East. He said the cost of supplying a domestic LPG cylinder has crossed Rs 1,600 due to the rise in global LPG prices following the outbreak of the Middle East conflict in late February. India’s LPG import cost is linked to the Saudi contract price (CP), the global benchmark for the fuel. The benchmark has surged nearly 46% since February as disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted supplies from the Gulf region. The government has provided Rs 52,000 crore in LPG subsidy from 2022, he said. Khanuja said that despite the recent price hike, oil marketing companies are incurring a loss of about Rs 700 on the sale of every 14.2 kg LPG cylinder. He said that oil companies are selling petrol and diesel at prices lower than cost. The under-recovery on petrol is Rs 6 per litre, while the under-recovery on diesel is around Rs 30 per litre. Explaining the reason behind the price hike, he said, “Overall, oil companies are incurring a loss of Rs 600-700 crore.” Apart from LPG, oil companies have increased the prices of petrol and diesel by about Rs 7.50 per liter in four installments last month. CNG prices have also been increased by Rs 6 per kg.

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has insisted on a cautious, pragmatic approach when it comes to integrating teenage player Vaibhav Suryavanshi into the national set-up. The 15-year-old wunderkind earned his historic first T20I call-up for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England after a stellar, record-breaking season in the Indian Premier League.

While India achieved a spectacular victory over Afghanistan In his only Test at Mullanpur, the buzz has already started about his white-ball challenges. This is mostly due to Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been included in his T20I senior team for the first time For their tour of Ireland and England, followed by the Asian Games.

IND vs AFG Live Score: Highlights of the one-off Test, Day 3

However, there is a healthy debate around How will Indian management handle and implement Suryavanshi’s talent? Which is already a T20 World Cup winning combination. Speaking about the challenge of working with modern international players who already have a successful formula, Kotak pointed out that over-coaching a young player can often do more harm than good.

“Look, as a batting coach or any coach, it is always a challenge to work with a player. Because at this level, they all have their own thinking, their own style, their own way of being successful. And then, you try to add something, it always takes time, it always requires belief to believe. And for me, it is very important how much you want to add and when you want to add it.”

“Whenever we observe something, we will definitely try to help him as much as he needs. The more complicated you make it by giving constant advice, the more disorganized the mind becomes.”

Suryavanshi made his way into the national team after a breathtaking IPL campaign with Rajasthan Royals, where he won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award of the tournament and finished as the leading run-scorer with an astonishing 776 runs. If the prodigy makes his debut against Ireland in Belfast, he will become India’s youngest male debutant in the history of international cricket, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar.

How will Team India handle Vaibhav Suryavanshi?

The Indian team management is aware of the massive spotlight on Kishore and plans to provide a protective environment that values ​​observation over immediate technical intervention. Having watched him play since his Under-19 days and demolish world-class bowling attacks on the biggest domestic stage, Kotak admits that the prodigy’s current baseline ability is already extraordinary.

“From last year’s IPL and the way he bats, the way he executes those shots, honestly it’s exciting for a 15-year-old kid. And for all the world-class bowlers, the way he has faced and the way he has succeeded is unbelievable how talented he is. So, I’m really excited.”

Rather than trying to restructure his natural temperament or iron out invisible flaws ahead of the international transition, the coaching staff intends to give Suryavanshi the freedom to settle into the dressing room on his own terms.

“But personally, we just let him come, let’s see what really helps him. It doesn’t mean we have to get involved in anything special… because he’s doing well.”

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar expressed similar sentiments on the team’s selection, saying that while international cricket brings tough challenges, Suryavanshi has shown a temperament far beyond his years.

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Most brain tumors develop without a clearly identifiable cause, making them difficult to predict or prevent.

The human brain controls every thought, memory, movement and emotion. Yet most people think little about brain health until something goes wrong.World Brain Tumor Day serves as a reminder that while heart health, diabetes and cancer prevention often dominate the public conversation, neurological health should receive equal attention. Brain tumors are one of the most complex medical conditions because, unlike many other cancers, their exact causes are often difficult to identify.Brain tumors occur when abnormal cells begin to grow within the brain or surrounding tissues. Some tumors are benign and grow slowly, while others are malignant and can spread rapidly. Symptoms can vary widely, ranging from frequent headaches and seizures to changes in vision, speech, memory, or personality.The challenge is that many brain tumors develop in people who have no obvious risk factors. This raises a common question: Can lifestyle choices make a difference?According to Dr. Arvind Budiger, Technical Director, BDR Pharmaceuticals, lifestyle cannot directly determine whether a person has a brain tumor or not, but it can play an important role in maintaining overall brain health.“A common question asked by patients and caregivers is whether lifestyle affects brain health and the development of brain tumors. Although the exact cause of most brain tumors is still unknown, growing scientific evidence suggests that having a healthy brain through a good lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk factors that cause brain tumors.”

What science knows and doesn’t know about brain tumor risk

One of the biggest misconceptions related to brain tumors is that any specific food, gadget or daily habit is directly responsible for its occurrence.Current scientific evidence paints a more complex picture.according to US National Cancer InstituteThe strongest established risk factor for some brain tumors is exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation, often from previous medical treatments involving radiation. Certain inherited genetic syndromes may also increase the risk. Increasing age is another factor associated with certain tumor types.Similarly, comprehensive Research The survey, conducted by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), found that the evidence linking mobile phone use to brain tumors is inconclusive and studies are ongoing.This uncertainty can be frustrating for patients and families looking for clear answers. However, experts caution against oversimplifying the disease, which is influenced by many biological and genetic factors.As Dr. Badiger points out, “Although some cancers, such as lung cancer, have strong risk factors, including smoking habits, there is no clear link established between lifestyle and the development of brain tumors.”That distinction is important. Lifestyle cannot directly prevent brain tumors, but it can strengthen the body’s resilience, support brain function and reduce the burden of other diseases that affect neurological health.

Nevertheless, experts believe that maintaining overall brain health through healthy lifestyle habits may help reduce some risk factors and support long-term neurological well-being.

Nourishing the brain: why everyday food choices matter

The brain consumes about 20 percent of the body’s energy despite being only a small fraction of the total body weight.What goes on the plate every day can impact how efficiently the brain performs its functions.Research funded by NIH Suggest that diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, nuts, legumes and lean proteins are associated with better cognitive health and may help protect against age-related neurological decline.“Eating a healthy and balanced diet ensures intake of foods containing key nutrients essential for brain health. Fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and proteins contain antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress and other chronic conditions,” said Dr. Badiger.What makes this advice especially relevant is that brain health isn’t just about avoiding disease. It is about preserving memory, concentration, emotional balance and cognitive performance over decades.

The often overlooked power of sleep, exercise, and stress control

Modern lifestyle often celebrates busyness while considering comfort as luxury. Neuroscientists would argue the opposite.Sleep is one of the most important maintenance processes of the brain. During sleep, the brain removes metabolic waste, consolidates memories and repairs neural pathways.Dr. Badiger explains, “The process of rest and recovery is important for the proper functioning of your brain because it facilitates repair, restoration of the brain, and removal of waste. Lack of sleep can adversely affect your cognitive ability in the future.”Exercise also plays an important role. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, improves heart health and aids the growth of new nerve connections.Meanwhile, stress has emerged as a major concern in today’s always-connected world.Chronic stress can affect memory, concentration, mood, and sleep quality. Managing stress doesn’t require dramatic lifestyle changes. Regular walks, meditation, hobbies, meaningful conversations and maintaining social relationships can all help protect mental well-being.As Dr. Badiger said, “Stress affects your health both mentally and physically. You can manage this through meditation, engaging in exercise and maintaining social interactions.”

On World Brain Tumor Day, experts explain what science currently knows about brain tumors, the role of lifestyle choices, and why everyday habits still matter even if the direct connection remains unclear.

Prevention is uncertain, awareness is essential

Perhaps the most important message on World Brain Tumor Day is that good health habits should never take the place of medical care.A healthy lifestyle can aid brain function, but it does not make a person immune to neurological disease.Persistent headaches, unexplained seizures, blurred vision, memory problems, difficulty speaking or sudden personality changes should not be dismissed as stress or aging without proper evaluation.Dr. Badiger advised, “Despite leading a healthy life, it is important for you to know all the symptoms that may point towards a neurological condition. In case of persistent headaches, seizures, blurred vision, memory loss or speech problems, immediately consult a medical specialist.”Scientists around the world continue to investigate the causes of brain tumors. Until clear answers emerge, awareness will remain one of the most valuable tools available.The reality is both reassuring and humbling. No lifestyle habit can guarantee protection from brain tumors. Yet every healthy meal, every night of quality sleep, every walk, and every effort to manage stress contributes to a strong, healthy brain that is capable of supporting overall well-being across the lifespan.Medical experts consultedThis article includes expert inputs shared with TOI Health:Dr. Arvind Budiger, Technical Director, BDR Pharmaceuticals.The inputs were used to explore whether everyday lifestyle habits such as diet, sleep, exercise, stress management and avoidance of harmful substances can support brain health and potentially influence factors associated with brain tumor risk, as well as current scientific evidence regarding prevention and early awareness.

Tata Motors Recently, the updated 2026 Tiago EV has been launched in India with cosmetic tweaks, additional features and better value positioning. The electric hatchback continues to take on urban-focused electric cars like the MG Comet EV. While both vehicles target budget-conscious buyers who want to switch to electric mobility, they take very different approaches.Take a closer look at how the two affordable EVs compare in terms of design, battery options, range, features and more.

2026 Tata Tiago EV vs MG Comet EV: Design and dimensions

The Tata Tiago EV follows a traditional hatchback design and looks similar to its petrol-powered brother. The updated version includes revised styling elements, refreshed alloy wheel design and cosmetic updates.Meanwhile, the MG Comet EV takes a completely different path. It has a tall, ultra-compact design that is primarily intended for use in a crowded city. The Comet’s small dimensions make it extremely easy to park and maneuver in tight urban spaces.

2026 Tata Tiago EV vs MG Comet EV: Battery pack and range

The biggest advantage of the Tata Tiago EV is the availability of multiple battery pack options. Tiago EV comes with 19.2 kWh and 24 kWh battery pack options. The larger 24 kWh version offers a claimed MIDC range of around 285 km on a single charge.The MG Comet EV uses a small 17.3 kWh battery pack paired with a rear-mounted electric motor. MG claims a driving range of around 230 km on a single charge.

2026 Tata Tiago EV vs MG Comet EV: Performance

In terms of performance, Tata Tiago EV is available in two powertrain options. The 19.2 kWh version produces 60 bhp and 110 Nm, while the larger 24 kWh battery version develops 74 bhp and 114 Nm of torque. The MG Comet EV uses a 17.3 kWh battery pack mated to an electric motor producing 41 bhp and 110 Nm of torque. MG claims a driving range of 230 km on a single charge.

2026 Tata Tiago EV vs MG Comet EV: Features and tech

Tata Motors has updated the Tiago EV with many new features in the 2026 model. Depending on the variant, buyers get a touchscreen infotainment system, connected car technology, automatic climate control, cruise control, push-button start, wireless phone connectivity and a digital instrument cluster. Higher variants also get a 360-degree camera and updated interiors.The MG Comet EV counters that with a tech-heavy cabin layout. It has dual 10.25-inch screens, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, connected car technology and a modern dashboard design.

2026 Tata Tiago EV vs MG Comet EV: Pricing

Tata Tiago EV is offered with both outright purchase and battery-as-a-service options. Prices for the updated Tiago EV start at Rs 6.99 lakh, ex-showroom, for the standard ownership model, while the BaaS version starts at Rs 4.69 lakh with a battery subscription cost of Rs 2.6 per kilometre.MG Comet EV is available with and without BaaS plan. Under the battery subscription model, prices start at Rs 4.99 lakh and the battery rental charge is Rs 3.2 per kilometre. Without BaaS, the Comet EV range starts at around Rs 7.62 lakh and goes up to Rs 9.99 lakh, ex-showroom, depending on the variant.

Jerusalem/Tehran, June 8 (IANS) Iran fired several missiles at Israel on Sunday evening and warned Israel not to retaliate, the first such attack since a ceasefire in April.

As soon as the ceasefire came into effect on April 8, Iran’s skies were cleared of American and Israeli warplanes. Since then, Iran has used the ceasefire to enhance its military capabilities. Despite the damage caused during the conflict, Tehran has managed to reopen the entrances to tunnels and caves where it stored missiles and drones.According to CNN report, Iran has reopened 50 of the 69 tunnels that were bombed during the war. The United States alone attacked more than 13,000 targets, including excavation equipment that could be used to access underground missile and drone storage sites. With no fear of US or Israeli warplanes operating overhead, Iranian forces have repaired damaged facilities, reorganized logistics networks and ramped up production lines that had been disrupted during the dynamic phase of the conflict.According to a report by DW, intelligence assessments show that only about half of Iran’s missile and drone arsenal was destroyed during the fighting, leaving thousands of martyred drones and dozens of missile launchers intact. Iran adapted its strategy by reducing launch rates to conserve inventories, as well as improving attack accuracy, targeting the energy and water infrastructure of neighboring Gulf states.This change demonstrated not only conservation of capacity but also growth in operational effectiveness. According to the same DW report, drone production proved particularly profitable, with Iran able to manufacture up to 10,000 units per month before the war.The relatively low cost of drones compared to the high expense of intercepting them created a cost asymmetry that favored Tehran. It also enabled Iran to act as a regional proxy and supply drones to Russia, expanding its influence beyond its borders.Missile production continued despite attacks on factories, with estimates ranging from 40 to 300 missiles per month depending on wartime conditions. According to another CNN report, foreign support, particularly from China and Russia in the form of precision components and machine tools, helped maintain Iran’s missile industry despite sanctions.Beyond replenishment, Iran took advantage of its ability to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, threatening global oil flows and using that pressure as leverage in indirect negotiations.Therefore, the ceasefire became less a step toward peace and more a calculated opportunity for Iran to repair tunnels, replenish drone stocks, and restart missile production at its underground facilities.

Where others see flawless textures and clean lines, his keen eye finds blemishes and cracks. And while most people are amazed by the delicate embellishments, they find themselves constantly worried that a stone will slip here and there. Then there are beehives and rogue plants to remove, and many other unwanted elements to protect against. The attention should not be excessive because after all, this is a timeless beauty and a wonder of the world that needs to be kept as amazing as ever. engaged in the maintenance of Taj Mahal Say this is all a labor of love.
Long before the first tourist buses reach the Taj, Dilip Sharma is already on his tour. At around 4 a.m., he begins walking the perimeter of the monument that was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 1632 and 1654 in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. He examines the stonework, scans the lawn, and looks for anything that shouldn’t be there. Sharma is one of about 80 employees of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) – which looks after the Taj – for whom the day begins before dawn and the vigil never ends.

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, while interacting with the media ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup, responded to a question about her retirement with a strange smile, which led to some heat. The experienced batsman, who will lead India in another global tournament, was present at the joint captains’ press conference before the start of the competition.

India will begin their campaign with warm-up matches against West Indies and England as they aim to end their long wait for a T20 World Cup title.

During the press conference, Harmanpreet was asked about her future in the game and whether she has thoughts of retirement in her mind. The Indian captain replied with a wry smile before turning away the reporter’s question.

“Do you think I should stop?” Harmanpreet asked, causing laughter to echo in the room.

When the journalist clarified that he was only checking, Harmanpreet quipped: “Well, then why are you asking?” His response made the attendees laugh even more and helped lighten the mood during the media session.

beyond the snap

Apart from the humorous exchange, Harmanpreet also reflected on the impact of India’s recent success and how it has contributed to the growth of domestic women’s cricket. The Indian captain highlighted the increase in interest among young girls following the team’s achievements on the global stage.

“We saw it during the World Cup last year when we won. After that, we have seen a massive change,” he said.

“A lot of girls, they are coming to play cricket, and I think a lot of things change when we do well, and hopefully, we will play our best cricket and try to make an impact on women’s cricket.”

The upcoming tournament is expected to be one of the most competitive editions ever, featuring traditional powers like Australia, India, England and New Zealand. Meanwhile, Ireland return to the competition after missing out on 2024 and arrive with new confidence after a period of steady improvement.

India will officially start their campaign on June 14 against arch-rivals Pakistan and will then play against tournament debutants Netherlands on June 17. South Africa, Australia and Bangladesh are also in their group. Only the top two teams will qualify for the semi-finals.

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