CBSE’s new order requiring Class 9 students to study three languages ​​from the 2026-27 session has been challenged legally in the Supreme Court. The petitioners have argued that the sudden implementation lacks proper infrastructure, risks academic disruption, and forces many students to abandon foreign languages ​​they have studied for years.

A major legal challenge has reached Supreme Court Against the decision of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to make third language mandatory for class 9 and 10 students from the 2026-27 academic session. According to a report by Live Law, a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by parents and teachers from several cities has questioned both the timing and implementation of the new language policy.The matter was mentioned before Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, who agreed to list the petition next week after senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi sought urgent hearing.During the mention, Rohatgi argued that the new policy could seriously hamper the academic preparation of students. He told the court that students studying in Class 9 cannot be expected to suddenly learn a new language and then appear for the Class 10 examinations within such a short period of time, Live Law reported. He warned that the move would cause “chaos” for students, schools and parents.

Parents and teachers from four cities reached the court

The petition has been filed under Article 32 of the Constitution by 19 petitioners, including parents and teachers from Delhi, Gurugram, Noida and Chennai. The respondents in the case are the central government, CBSE and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).At the center of the controversy is CBSE circular number Acad-33/2026 issued on May 15, 2026. The circular said that from July 1, 2026, Class 9 students will have to study three languages, identified as R1, R2 and R3, of which at least two will be native Indian languages.Under the policy, students who wish to study foreign languages ​​like French or German can do so as a third language only if the first two languages ​​are Indian languages. Otherwise, foreign language can be taken only as an additional fourth subject.

The petition states that CBSE suddenly changed its stand

The petitioners have argued that the circular directly contradicts CBSE’s earlier communication issued on April 9, 2026. According to the petition, CBSE had earlier clarified that the mandatory third language requirement for Class 9 students will not be implemented till the 2029-30 academic session.The petition claims that schools and families planned the academic year based on that assurance. It has been argued that the sudden reversal just weeks before implementation has confused students and institutions.The petition further states that many students have already spent years studying foreign languages ​​and will now be forced to suddenly switch to another language stream in the middle of their schooling.

Questions raised on teachers and textbooks

A central argument in the petition relates to the lack of infrastructure to implement the policy. The petitioners have alleged that the circular itself acknowledges the shortage of trained teachers and textbooks. According to the petition, CBSE has allowed temporary arrangements such as appointing teachers from other subjects who have “functional proficiency” in a language and using Class 6 textbooks with additional local content for Class 9 students.The petition argues that such measures highlight the lack of preparedness behind the rollout. Citing Article 14 of the Constitution, the petition claims the policy is “patently arbitrary”. It also cites Article 21A, arguing that meaningful education cannot be ensured by merely imposing a compulsory subject without proper teaching infrastructure and academic planning.

The petition has been cited NEP 2020Warned of stress on students

The petitioners have also relied on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, arguing that the policy framework emphasizes flexibility and clearly states that no language should be imposed on students or states.The plea further claims that the revised mandate is against the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023 and contradicts CBSE’s own previous notifications regarding phased implementation.Another concern raised before the court is the academic stress it may cause to students already studying foreign languages. The petition argues that forcing them to change subjects at the secondary level may disrupt continuity and create unnecessary pressure during board exam years.

Foreign language teachers may also be affected

The petition additionally cites Article 19(1)(g), arguing that teachers and institutions involved in foreign language education may face professional harm if foreign languages ​​are excluded from the mainstream three-language system.Citing media reports and representations from parents, the petition claims that confusion has started spreading among schools. A communication referred to in the petition reportedly offered Hindi, Sanskrit and French as language options for Grade 9 under the revised structure.The petitioners have sought quashing of the May 15 CBSE circular and restoration of the previous position of April 9, which had postponed the mandatory implementation for Class 9 students till 2029-30. They have also sought interim relief to prevent the implementation of the policy on existing students while the matter is pending before the Supreme Court.

Britain formally adopts new transgender guidance on single-sex spaces under Equality Act rules / Image: File

Britain is preparing for one of the biggest changes to its equality guidance in years, after the government formally unveiled new transgender access rules for everything from public toilets and hospital wards to gyms, schools and women-only refuges.The updated guidance outlines how transgender people could be legally excluded from some single-sex spaces under UK law, a move that is already sparking intense national debate over privacy, safety, inclusion and equality rights.The new code follows a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom in 2025, which held that under the Equality Act 2010, the legal definition of “sex” refers to biological sex rather than gender identity. The ruling effectively means that a transgender woman is considered legally male under equality law, while a transgender man is considered legally female for the purposes of single-gender protections.The guidance was prepared by the UK’s independent equality watchdog, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), and formally presented to Parliament by the UK Government Equality Office under the Minister for Women and Equalities, Bridget Phillipson.Parliament now has a 40-day investigation period before fully implementing the code on public bodies, workplaces and service providers across England, Scotland and Wales.The updated rules replace earlier guidelines from 2011 and are expected to impact policies across the National Health Service (NHS), schools, universities, gyms, sports organisations, employers and local councils across the country.

UK single-sex space rules

The new code states that organizations can legally exclude transgender individuals from certain single-sex services if doing so is considered a “proportionate means” of protecting privacy, dignity, safety or fairness.The guidance applies to places and services including:

Under the updated framework:

The EHRC also stressed that transgender people are still protected under the Equality Act through the protected characteristic of gender reassignment.However, the guidance states that organizations should balance those protections with the rights of women and other service users. The code repeatedly emphasizes “case-by-case” assessment rather than a blanket ban.One important point is that the guidance warns organizations against creating situations of “double exclusion” where transgender people are unable to access male or female facilities.

Big changes can be seen at the workplace

Some of the most immediate impacts are expected in health care, workplaces and sports.The draft guidance states that hospitals can legally place patients on wards based on biological sex rather than gender identity. NHS policies may now require revision following the publication of the updated code.In sports, the Code states that participation in sex-segregated competitions must generally be based on biological sex.For workplaces, employers may need to reconsider toilet and changing-room arrangements. Legal experts have noted that many organizations are still trying to understand how to practically implement the decision without creating risks of discrimination.The guidance also acknowledges practical complexities. For example, it says it would be unrealistic to routinely ask people for proof of biological sex before using common public facilities such as toilets.The code further states that the exclusion of trans men from certain health services, such as gynecology or obstetrics, may in itself be disproportionate or discriminatory.

an argument breaks out trans rights Law

The publication of the guidance has sparked intense debate in politics, legal circles, LGBTQ+ organizations and women’s rights groups.Supporters argue that the new rules finally provide legal clarity after years of confusion around the Equality Act. Many women-only campaigners welcomed the Code as a necessary step following the Supreme Court decision.However, critics warn that the guidance could marginalize transgender people and create fear in accessing public facilities. Some LGBTQ+ activists and advocacy groups say the practical effect could lead to trans individuals facing exclusion and stigmatization.Legal challenges have already surrounded earlier versions of the EHRC’s interim guidance. While a High Court challenge failed earlier this year, the debate over how the law should be interpreted is still unresolved.International human rights experts have also urged the UK to ensure that both women’s rights and transgender rights are equally protected under future policy implementation.

New Delhi: The Election Commission on Friday announced that elections for 24 Rajya Sabha seats from 10 states will be held on June 18. According to the Election Commission, the vacancies are arising due to retirement of existing members between June 21 and July 19.Four seats each from Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Karnataka will be included in the elections; three each in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan; two in Jharkhand; And one seat each in Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.The Election Commission said that the last date for filing nominations will be June 8.Voting for the Rajya Sabha elections will take place between 9 am to 4 pm, with counting starting at 5 pm on the same day. The Election Commission said that the entire election process will be over by June 20.The Commission clarified that voters will be allowed to use only the integrated purple sketch pen supplied by the Returning Officer to mark preferences on the ballot papers. Use of any other pen will not be allowed during voting.The ECI also said that observers will be deployed and other necessary arrangements will be made to ensure free and fair elections.Elections are being held for seats in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka and Mizoram.Several prominent leaders are set to retire from the Upper House, including veteran Congress leader Digvijay Singh from Madhya Pradesh and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda as well as Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge from Karnataka.Voting will also be held for JMM founder Shibu Soren’s Rajya Sabha seat from Jharkhand, which is vacant since August 2025 after his death.Other members who completed their tenure include Ayodhya Rami Reddy Alla, Pillai Subhash Chandra Bose, Rambhai Harjibhai Mokaria, George Kurien, Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba, Wanweiroy Kharlukhi, Neeraj Dangi, Rajendra Gehlot, Nabam Rebia, Iranna Kadadi and K Vanlalvena.The Rajya Sabha, or Council of States, is the upper house of the Parliament whose members are elected by the legislators of the states and union territories through proportional representation.

New Delhi: Bought a defective product? Facing poor service from a company, builder, bank, airline, hospital or online platform? Indian consumer law allows you to approach the Consumer Commission for compensation and relief without going through the lengthy civil court process.Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, consumers can file complaints against unfair trade practices, defective goods, deficiency in services, overcharging, misleading advertisements, etc.

Who can file a consumer complaint?

The complaint can be filed by an individual consumer, group of consumers, legal heir or representative, registered consumer association or even by the Central or State Government in some cases. “Consumer” generally means a person who purchases goods or hires services for personal use and not for commercial resale.You can approach the consumer commission for issues like faulty mobile phones, electronics or appliances, online shopping fraud, delay in possession by builders, insurance claim rejection, banking or credit card disputes, medical negligence, airline cancellation or poor service, misleading advertisements, charging more than MRP and poor telecom or internet services.Before filing a case, it is advisable to send a written notice or email to the company or seller explaining your problem, the compensation or refund you want, and the deadline for resolution. Many disputes are resolved at this level.Keep copies of invoices, receipts, emails, chats, screenshots, warranty cards and transaction details. These documents become important evidence later on.

Where should you file a complaint?

Consumer cases are filed before consumer commissions based on the price you paid for goods or services. Under the 2019 Act, jurisdiction is determined by the actual consideration paid and not by the compensation being claimed.There are three levels of consumer commission. The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission handles cases where the value of goods or services paid is up to ₹50 lakh. For claims above ₹50 lakh and up to ₹2 crore, the case goes to the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. Cases where the value paid exceeds ₹2 crore are heard by the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, commonly known as NCDRC.The complaint can generally be filed where the opposite party lives or works, where the business is conducted, or where the cause of action arose. Importantly, under the 2019 Act, a consumer can also file from where they live or work – they do not need to travel to the seller’s location.

Can complaints be filed online?

Yes. Consumers can lodge complaints online through the government’s eDaakhil portal (edaakhil.nic.in). The portal allows users to lodge complaints, upload documents, pay fees online and track the status of the case digitally.

What details should be contained in the complaint?

The consumer complaint must clearly state the name and address of both the parties, the facts of the dispute, the date of purchase or transaction, the amount paid, the deficiency or defect involved, supporting evidence and the relief sought.You can seek refund, replacement, compensation, removal of defects, litigation costs, or compensation for mental harassment.

Is it mandatory to appoint a lawyer?

No, consumer courts are designed to be consumer-friendly, and individuals can argue their cases without hiring a lawyer. However, for complex or high-value cases, legal aid may still be a better option.

What is the filing deadline?

The complaint must generally be filed within two years from the date when the cause of action arose. If there is delay, the Commission may allow the case even if sufficient cause for the delay is shown.Once the complaint is accepted, a notice is issued to the opposite party, the company or seller files a reply, the evidence is examined, a hearing is held and the Commission passes an order.Before proceeding to a full hearing, the Commission may refer the case to arbitration if both parties agree. This may result in a quick resolution without the need for a lengthy hearing.The Commission may order refund, replacement of goods, compensation, penalty for unfair practices or closure of misleading advertisements.

Can the order be challenged?

Yes. Appeals against the orders can be made from the District Commission to the State Commission within 45 days, from the State Commission to the National Commission within 30 days and to the National Commission within 30 days. Supreme Court within 30 days.

File picture: Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (TOI photo)

New Delhi: Former Indian cricketer and famous commentator Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has made another explosive revelation about his years in cricket broadcasting, alleging he was forced to return to commentary duties soon after his elder brother’s cremation.The former leg spinner, who recently retired from the BCCI commentary panel citing “color discrimination”, shared the emotional incident through a series of posts on social media on Thursday.“My elder brother passed away a few years ago. We completed the cremation in the evening, a few minutes after that, the BCCI broadcast director called me and said, ‘Now that the cremation is done, can you take a flight to Mohali the next morning to do commentary on the India vs Australia Test?’ I went,” Sivaramakrishnan wrote on X.The 60-year-old revealed that despite the personal grief, he prioritized his professional commitments.He said, “I gave up mourning and went away. My mother passed away when I was commentating in Pune. After going through so much, I was subjected to whatever I had to do.”

‘That’s why I retired’In another post, Sivaramakrishnan hinted that the same person was one of the major reasons behind his decision to step away from commentary duties earlier this year, although he stopped short of naming the person publicly.In March, just days before IPL 2026, Sivaramakrishnan had announced his retirement from BCCI commentary, alleging discrimination on the basis of skin color and claiming that he was sidelined in favor of newcomers.The former India spinner, who represented the country in nine Tests and 16 ODIs, had earlier opened up in interviews about battling depression, anxiety and severe emotional trauma during his commentary career.

‘I thought I was going to die’In an intensely personal conversation with The Indian Express earlier this year, Sivaramakrishnan had talked about experiencing a mental breakdown during the IPL in the UAE during the COVID-19 period.“I became completely depressed and I didn’t want to look at myself in the mirror,” he said. “Every time I woke up, I felt like I was going to die.”He described terrifying hallucinations, sleepless nights and emotional isolation, and also alleged years of racism and appearance discrimination in the cricket world.Sivaramakrishnan further claimed that he was often denied high-profile on-air roles because he was considered “not presentable”.“I have never done a toss or a presentation,” he previously said, adding that producers reportedly told him they were instructed not to put him in those positions.The former spinner also recalled traumatic experiences from his early cricket days and said that such incidents caused severe damage to his self-esteem at a young age.

A world record-breaking floating offshore wind turbine with a capacity of 16 MW has been installed in China, creating an outstanding record in clean energy and offshore wind turbine technology. The wind turbine, nicknamed the “Three Gorges Pilot”, is expected to generate enough electricity to supply electricity to approximately 4,200 homes each year. Designed specifically for deep-sea areas where regular offshore turbines cannot be used, this floating wind farm serves as evidence of the growing interest in such offshore facilities. Scientists claim floating wind turbines could help harness large wind energy resources offshore and promote clean energy development.

what makes it floating wind turbine Unique

The new floating offshore wind turbine was designed by China Three Gorges Corporation and installed at a site near Yangjiang in Guangdong province. Unlike offshore wind turbines, which are typically mounted directly into the seabed, the new technology involves a semi-submersible floating platform with a state-of-the-art anchoring mechanism. The power generation capacity of this new turbine is 16 MW, while its huge rotor diameter is 252 meters. Its blade tips rise more than 270 meters above sea level, making it one of the largest and tallest floating wind turbines ever built. As stated in company information sources cited in the articles, the structure can withstand extremely harsh sea conditions such as waves of more than 20 meters and winds equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane.expert of State Key Laboratory of Coastal and Offshore Engineering, Ocean University of ChinaCombined with offshore renewable energy engineers, there is a belief that there is an increasing need for floating platforms as most of the shallow shorelines suitable for conventional offshore wind farm installation are now either fully utilized or geographically restricted.

Why deep water wind energy cases

Floating wind energy technology is said to be one of the next technological frontiers in renewable energy generation. Offshore sites located in deep water away from coastlines experience stronger winds, enabling greater power generation. Fixed-bottom foundations normally installed for conventional offshore wind farms become impractical to install at deeper locations due to their complexity and prohibitive cost in deep waters. However, the solution that was found was the use of floating turbines, which allowed renewable energy generation facilities to be installed in deep water.According to information released by engineers, the project uses a specially designed dynamic sub-sea cable system, which is flexible enough to adapt to ocean conditions and safely transmit power to the shore. The majority of the turbine system was built on shore before being moved to its location in the open sea.It is estimated that this particular floating wind turbine will be capable of producing approximately 44.65 million kilowatt-hours of electricity every year. This amount of energy is enough to power 4,200 homes every year.

Engineering challenges behind floating wind farms

The construction of floating wind turbines in deep sea waters is considered one of the most complex processes in renewable energy engineering. Such offshore power plants need to withstand constant fluctuations induced by waves, currents and storms to ensure reliable production of electrical energy.According to research under the titleDevelopment and future challenges of offshore floating wind turbine technologies in China‘,The base used for a wind turbine includes elements such as suction anchors, heavy anchor chains and high performance polyester mooring cables, which help to stabilize the entire structure. Additionally, ballasting techniques are used to reduce the effects of vibration during operation.Industry experts claim that with improved advances in floating wind energy technologies and reductions in installation costs, offshore projects could increasingly expand into the planet’s deepest oceans.

How China is expanding renewable energy innovation

China has made substantial investments in renewable energy infrastructure over the past decade, from solar farms to hydroelectric systems to offshore wind projects. The construction of the world’s largest floating wind turbine shows how China is rapidly developing advanced renewable energy systems that will enable it to reduce its carbon footprint.It also shows how a trend is developing around the world where large renewable energy systems are being built offshore. According to energy experts, floating wind farms will be important for countries that do not have much coastline but have huge wind energy potential in the offshore area.With growing concerns over climate change and electricity consumption, ventures like the “Three Gorges Pilot” could prove influential in the years to come.

Kolkata: The BJP It managed to capture 207 seats in the West Bengal Assembly elections, leading to a massive victory over the Trinamool Congress, which was reduced to 80 seats after the late declaration of results from Rajarhat New Town – the constituency which recorded the lowest victory margin in this election.Congress and Aam Janata Unnayan Party won two seats each, while CPM and All India Secular Front (AISF) won one seat each.The final result from Rajarhat New Town came after long counting, in which BJP candidate Pijush Kanoria defeated Trinamool’s Tapas Chatterjee in a close contest by just 316 votes. After 18 rounds of counting, Kanoria got 1,06,564 votes, while Chatterjee got 1,06,248 votes.The BJP also registered other minor victories across the state. In Satgachhi, BJP’s Agnishwar Naskar defeated Trinamool’s Somashree Betal by 401 votes, while in Raina, BJP’s Subhash Patra defeated Trinamool’s Mandira Dalui by 834 votes.The measure of BJP’s victory was visible not only in seat share but also in vote percentage. The party increased its vote share from 38% in the 2021 assembly elections to 45.84% in 2026, a jump of nearly eight percentage points. Meanwhile, Trinamool’s vote share fell from 48% to 40.8%, a decline of nearly seven percentage points.Despite the vote share difference between the BJP and Trinamool being only 5 percentage points – the smallest difference between the two in the last 25 years – the BJP converted that lead into a major one, winning more than 2.5 times the number of seats secured by the ruling party.Geographically, the BJP’s victory was particularly impressive in several districts, where it completely shut out the Trinamool. The party wiped out the ruling party in eight districts – Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong and Darjeeling in north Bengal, and Purulia, Bankura, East Burdwan and Jhargram in the south. In Cooch Behar, Trinamool could win only one seat.The BJP was expected to show a strong performance in areas where it had already built momentum in the recent elections, including North Bengal and Jangalmahal. However, its performance in the second phase of voting proved decisive in turning the contest into a landslide.Of the 152 seats that went to polls in the first phase, the BJP won 109 seats, while the Trinamool won 38 seats.In the second phase, 142 constituencies were scheduled to vote on 29 April, however voting in Falta was canceled and will now take place on 21 May, with results expected on 24 May. Excluding Falta, BJP won 98 of the remaining 141 seats, while Trinamool managed to win 42 seats.The numbers underline the scale of the BJP’s success in a state that has long been considered one of the toughest political battlegrounds.All data points are available on Google Pinpoint.

Epicurus (Image: Wikipedia)

There are some ideas that feel immediately comfortable, and there are some that only become meaningful when life forces people to experience them in person. This quote attributed to Epicurus belongs to the second category. It does not promise easy happiness or suggest that life becomes meaningful only during peaceful moments. Instead, it points to something that many people eventually realize through the experience: Comfort can make life pleasant, but struggle often changes people in deep ways.Most people naturally gravitate toward happiness. They want stable relationships, good times, supportive friendships, and circumstances that make life feel secure. No one wakes up expecting heartbreak, disappointment, or emotional exhaustion. No one actively seeks out hard times. People usually spend a lot of time trying to avoid pain because the pain itself feels uncomfortable and uncertain.Yet life doesn’t always cooperate with those plans. Relationships face challenges, expectations are shattered, people leave, mistakes are made, and circumstances change without warning. During such moments, most people focus only on surviving the difficulty because they cannot immediately see anything of value hidden within the experience. However, looking back years later, many people realize that difficult periods have often changed them in a way that easy periods never did.Perhaps this is what makes this quote interesting. Epicurus appears to suggest that courage is not born within comfort. Courage usually appears when people go through a difficult situation and find that they are still standing.

Today’s Quote by the Greek Philosopher Epicurus

“You don’t develop courage in your relationships by being happy every day. You develop it by surviving tough times and challenging adversity.”

Know the meaning behind Epicurus’ quote

This quote seems to separate happiness from courage, not because happiness lacks value, but because happiness and growth sometimes teach different things. Being happy every day in relationships can create comfort and emotional security, which are important parts of life. But comfort rarely demands too much effort from people. When things are going well, individuals move through life without feeling pressured to discover hidden strengths.Difficult situations create completely different situations. During challenging times, people are often forced to confront feelings they want to avoid. They may be dealing with disappointment, uncertainty, rejection, or fear. Those moments are uncomfortable because they eliminate predictability and force people into unfamiliar emotional territory.Epicurus seems to be suggesting that courage does not come as a sudden gift. It develops slowly. People build courage through experiences that ask something difficult of them. A person who survives emotional pain may discover a resiliency he or she never noticed before. A person who goes through failure may realize that even after losing confidence, he or she can start again.The interesting thing is that people usually do not notice these changes when they are happening. Development often becomes visible only later.

Why do humans naturally run away from trouble?

People generally associate difficult experiences with loss. A person loses mental peace, certainty or emotional balance. Because of this, the first reaction to difficulty is usually resistance. Humans prefer situations that they can control because control creates security.This tendency manifests itself in small ways in everyday life. People avoid uncomfortable conversations because they fear confrontation. People delay making difficult decisions because uncertainty feels stressful. Some people remain in familiar situations simply because unfamiliar situations create anxiety.There is nothing unusual in this behavior. It is deeply human.Yet avoiding every challenge creates another problem. People sometimes protect themselves so carefully that they accidentally avoid experiences that could help them grow. Strength develops with use in the same way muscles develop. If something never faces resistance, it is rarely strong.Many of the qualities that people admire in others emerge from difficult situations rather than easy ones. Patience often develops after waiting for a long time. Wisdom often follows mistakes. Emotional maturity often appears after disappointment.Courage seems to work the same way.

Seeing Epicurus beyond common notions

Epicurus is often incorrectly remembered as someone who encouraged only pleasure and leisure. The misconception probably comes from modern usage of terms related to his philosophy. On hearing his name, many people imagine luxury, indulgence and endless happiness.His views were actually much more thoughtful and balanced.Epicurus believed that pleasure mattered, but he saw pleasure as distinct from endless excitement or material satisfaction. He often emphasized peace of mind, meaningful relationships, and freedom from unnecessary fear. He spent a lot of time asking questions about what truly creates satisfaction and what creates unnecessary suffering.That perspective makes this quote particularly interesting because it fits naturally into his broader thinking. He understood that a satisfying life is not made up entirely of comforts. Humans also need emotional flexibility because uncertainty and difficulty eventually come into every life.

Why do relationships often become unexpected teachers?

Relationships are usually where people discover many things about themselves. During peaceful times, relationships may feel comfortable. Conversations flow naturally, disagreements remain small and the emotional connection feels stable.Difficult times create completely different circumstances.Challenges within relationships often expose parts of people that they had never noticed before. Someone may find that they become impatient during times of stress. Someone else may realize that they avoid difficult conversations altogether. Others may recognize powers they never knew existed.Painful moments within relationships rarely seem meaningful while they are happening. During that period, people usually focus on fixing problems or surviving emotionally difficult situations. Much later, they sometimes realize that those experiences have changed them.Someone who has experienced heartbreak may be more emotionally aware. Anyone who has experienced disappointment can become stronger. A person who has gone through struggle can learn patience and understanding.This process usually feels uncomfortable because it is rarely announced while the development is taking place.

Hard times slowly reshape people in strange ways.

People often think of courage as something dramatic. Movies and stories sometimes present adventure as extraordinary moments that involve big decisions and obvious acts of bravery. Real life often looks very different.Courage often develops quietly.Someone wakes up after a grueling week and continues working.A person experiences failure and still tries again.A person loses self-confidence and gradually rebuilds it.One experiences disappointment and continues to move forward despite uncertainty.These moments may not seem extraordinary from the outside. Most people would not even pay attention to them. Yet these ordinary situations sometimes require immense emotional effort.People rarely become courageous because life remains easy every day. They become courageous because difficult experiences forced them to continue even when continuing seemed challenging.

Other famous quotes from Epicurus

Why do these words still matter in everyday life?

Some quotes remain memorable because they seem inspirational. Others survive because people eventually recognize parts of their experiences inside.This quote appears to be from the second group. Most people eventually discover that the moments they feared most were not always periods of pain. Sometimes those difficult times quietly, without any announcement, gave him a new look.Epicurus appears to suggest that courage is rarely born during perfect days when everything seems easy and predictable. Instead, courage often seems to appear in those moments when life becomes uncertain, and people move forward anyway.Many people are able to understand the truth only by looking back. They realize that difficult experiences don’t just test them. Those experiences also introduced him to powers he didn’t previously know he had.

New Delhi: Due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the government is facing a major shortage of bitumen, which is sure to impact the construction and maintenance of tar roads. While the price of VG-40, the most commonly used grade of bitumen, has almost doubled since the conflict began, its availability has fallen short of the estimated requirement of about six lakh tonnes by July 15 for highway projects alone.Industry insiders said crude availability in the country remains comfortable due to Russian oil imports, but this has not led to improvement in bitumen supply. Russia’s sweet crude cannot produce bitumen grades that are suitable for Indian weather conditions.Russian oil has very low sulfur levels, which naturally produces low bitumen grades such as VG-10 or VG-30 without special processing.“VG-40 is produced from crude oil that we get from West Asian countries and even most of the finished products were imported from these nationals through the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict has affected this supply and its impact is felt on the maintenance and construction of highways,” said a person familiar with the developments.The issue was also raised in the last meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGOM) chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, in which it was highlighted that non-availability of required quality of bitumen has reduced the pace of highway construction by one-fourth in April, sources said. Officials said the impact is similar in case of rural, municipal and state roads.Industry players said the road transport ministry has notified that highway builders in all types of projects will be adequately compensated for the high price of bitumen, but the main challenge is to get the necessary supplies before monsoon for timely maintenance. The price of one tonne VG-40 across various oil marketing companies (OMCs) rose from Rs 53,000-58,000 on March 1 to over Rs 1 lakh on May 1.“The prices are rising further. But the bigger challenge is how do we get bitumen to complete our work even at a higher cost. This has been discussed several times with officials and OMCs as well. Looking at the current availability trend, the supply will be much less than the requirement,” said a senior official of a highway construction company.Officials said although the current availability of bitumen with OMCs is very low, efforts are being made to see how to get more supply, including import at a higher price.