New Delhi: The government has ordered railway concessions in the form of complimentary free railway travel for life for gallantry medal recipients, defense officials said on Thursday.He said each recipient could be accompanied by one person, who would also travel for free.For posthumous recipients, their parents or spouse are eligible to avail the benefits of this scheme. Spouses can benefit from the scheme only till they are married, whereas in case of parents, the benefit is available only if the recipient was unmarried at the time of their death.“Government of India has issued an order granting railway concession in the form of complimentary lifetime free travel in First Class/2 AC/AC Chair Car with one companion in trains. Indian Railways Parents of SANA/Navy/Air Force Medal for Gallantry awardees/their spouses (widows/widowers unless remarried)/unmarried posthumous awardees,” officials told news agency ANI.‘cooperation framework‘ InitiativeIndian Railways and Army have introduced a “Framework for Cooperation” to expand post-retirement employment opportunities for firefighters and serving military personnel transitioning to civilian life.According to the Railway Ministry, the initiative aims to smooth civilian career transition, increase awareness about job prospects and create a support system for retired personnel.Under this, 10% of Level-2/above posts and 20% of Level-1 posts are reserved for ex-servicemen, while 5% of Level-2/above and 10% of Level-1 posts are reserved for retired firefighters. There were 14,788 posts reserved in 2024 and 2025, which included 6,485 Level-1 and 8,303 Level-2/above posts. Recruitment is conducted through competitive examinations through RRC (Level-1) and RRB (Level-2/above).To fill the vacant posts expeditiously, ex-servicemen are being recruited as contract pointsmen. More than 5,000 Level-1 posts are under process, and 9 divisions have signed MoUs with Army organizations for recruitment.The framework also calls for army recruiting bodies to coordinate with railway divisions to expedite these recruitments.(With ANI inputs)

March 2026 – Ramzan in India is a time defined by contemplation, togetherness and unforgettable food experiences – from bustling iftar gatherings to lively late-night sehri meals. With this initiative, Thums Up, one of India’s most iconic beverage brands, brings this spirit alive with its high-energy campaign, “Sehri Ki Jaan: Biryani and Toofan”. Celebrating the vibrant culture of Ramzan nights, the campaign combines the aromatic flavors of Biryani with the bold kick of Thums Up.

Creative Concept: The Toofani Biryani Truck At the center of the campaign was the Toofani Biryani Truck – a dynamic sensory experience designed to capture people’s attention and spark curiosity around the iconic pairing of Biryani and Thums Up. As it passed through Ramzan hotspots in Meerut, Lucknow and Hyderabad, the truck turned normal roads into fragrant aroma routes, with the rich, unique aroma of biryani wafting in the air.

It did not need any announcement. The scent worked.People didn’t just notice the truck – they were drawn to it, following its scent as it moved through town and creating moments of pause, intrigue and discovery.Built as more than just a visual spectacle, the truck also features an AR-enabled screen, allowing visitors to step into stormy moments, snap photos, and access them instantly via QR – expanding the experience from street to social.The truck became a magnet. moment. Destination.And wherever it stopped, it gave rise to the whirlwind Biryani Gali – transforming familiar Ramzan food lanes into high-energy hubs of celebration, connection and culture, all anchored in the surefire combo of biryani and Thums Up.Campaign Execution: A Social-First, Influencer-Led Approach The campaign followed a social-first, influencer-led storytelling approach. The influencers received a mysterious box from an anonymous friend inviting them to the ceremony, as well as a letter prompting them to “follow the scent.”As they set out on their journey, the invited influencers crossed paths on the way, eventually reuniting with the friend behind the mysterious box at the final destination – the Thums Up truck – turning the moment into a celebration of friendship and bonding over the pairing of the iconic biryani and Thums Up.The activation quickly gained popularity on social media, with many city pages and creators arriving on the scene to capture the excitement and enjoy the experience. creating a cultural moment Through “Toofani Biryani Gali”, Thums Up did more than run a campaign – it organized a cultural moment. By combining its bold, action-driven identity with the warmth of community gatherings, the brand strengthened its connection with a new generation of consumers.This Ramzan, as the trucks passed through the iconic food routes of India, Thums Up transformed ordinary Sehri moments into memorable celebrations – proving that the best memories of Ramzan are made with great food, shared moments and a refreshing Thums Up.Disclaimer: Content produced by Coca-Cola India Pvt. Ltd.

New Delhi: Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan targeted on thursday Rahul Gandhi and this CongressThey are called the “B-Team” BJPAs the political fight is intensifying before the elections in the state.Addressing a press conference in Ernakulam, Vijayan said Rahul Gandhi lacked even the basic understanding expected from a Congress worker in Kerala.

He said, “Rahul Gandhi is a national leader, yet he lacks the basic awareness of a common local Congress worker in Kerala; he refuses to learn from experience or mistakes. It is difficult to understand how he has fallen so low.” “Rahul Gandhi and his Congress are the ‘B-team’ of the BJP in the country, and yet their stand is being adopted across India,” he said.The comments come a day after Rahul Gandhi accused the ruling Left Democratic Alliance (LDF) of striking a secret pact with the BJP. Launching the United Democratic Alliance (UDF) campaign in Kozhikode, Rahul said there are only two parties in Kerala politics.Rahul said, “There are actually only two parties fighting here in Kerala. One is the UDF alliance, and the other is the partnership between the BJP and the LDF. The UDF unites the people, listens to them, and embraces them and empowers them. The LDF and their hidden partners divide the people and crush them.”He also raised questions on the job related promises of the state government. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s National Employment Pledge and the Kerala government’s commitments, he said, “Modi ji had promised 2 crore jobs nationally. The Kerala Chief Minister had promised 40 lakh jobs in the state, and after a decade, you find that he has not given a single job to the people; in fact, he has destroyed jobs.”The Congress leader further said that both BJP and LDF do not consider themselves accountable to the people. “Neither the BJP nor the LDF believe that they are accountable to the people. They do not believe that the people of Kerala should be able to ask them questions,” he said.Kerala will go to polls in a single phase on April 9, with counting taking place on May 4. The tenure of the current assembly ends on May 23.