Festive hiring in India likely to rise up to 20 pc as demand shifts to specialised frontline roles

IANS | August 12, 2026 12:46 PM

New Delhi, Aug 12 (IANS) Temporary hiring across India's organised retail, e‑commerce, quick commerce, logistics, FMCG and consumer durables is expected to grow 15–20 per cent this festive season, with employers moving beyond volume recruitment toward specialised frontline roles to support a longer sales calendar and faster fulfilment, a report said on Wednesday.

'Maybe political connections were used': Cong demands strict action after Prajwal Revanna found with phone in jail

IANS | August 12, 2026 12:41 PM

New Delhi/Bengaluru, Aug 12 (IANS) A political controversy erupted after a mobile phone was recovered from the barrack of former JD(S) MP from Hassan, Prajwal Revanna at Bengaluru's Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, as the Congress questioned how a convicted rape accused could gain access to a prohibited device inside the high-security facility and demanded strict action against him.

Lokesh Kanakaraj launches Rio Raj's 'Ram in Leela' trailer

IANS | August 12, 2026 12:37 PM

Chennai, Aug 12 (IANS) Ace director and actor Lokesh Kanakaraj on Wednesday released the hilarious trailer of director Ramachandrran Kannan's upcoming romantic comedy 'Ram in Leela', featuring actors Rio Raj and Varthika in the lead, much to the delight of fans and film buffs.

Veteran White House reporter breaks 26-year silence on Clinton’s 2000 Pakistan decoy plane

IANS | August 12, 2026 12:34 PM

Washington, Aug 12 (IANS) A veteran White House reporter has broken a 26-year silence to reveal that the Clinton administration briefed journalists before using a decoy aircraft during the US president’s high-risk visit to Pakistan in 2000.

Opposition raises concern over Air India pilot’s Marijuana use, seeks strong action

IANS | August 12, 2026 12:32 PM

New Delhi, Aug 12 (IANS) Opposition parties on Wednesday expressed serious concern over reports that the pilot of an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi allegedly tested positive for marijuana in two separate dope tests following an in-flight incident that left several passengers and crew members injured.

'We've prepared ourselves pretty well': Shanto unfazed by 54 all out ahead of Darwin Test

IANS | August 12, 2026 12:30 PM

Darwin, Aug 12 (IANS) Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto believes his side is well prepared to deal with the extra bounce expected from Australia’s tall pace attack as the visitors prepare to return to Test cricket on Australian soil after more than two decades.

Ready to answer everything: Amit Shah offers discussion till late night to break logjam, slams Oppn

IANS | August 12, 2026 12:30 PM

New Delhi, Aug 12 (IANS) Amid the Opposition's continued demand for his presence in Parliament, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said that he was "ready to answer everything" regarding the police action against students during the July 20 Parliament march over the NEET paper leak issue, while accusing the Opposition of deliberately preventing a discussion from taking place.

Akhilesh Yadav alleges FCRA Bill aimed at targeting minorities; Opposition demands withdrawal

IANS | August 12, 2026 12:28 PM

New Delhi, Aug 12 (IANS) Samajwadi Party chief and MP, Akhilesh Yadav, on Wednesday alleged that the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) were aimed at targeting minorities and accused the NDA government of introducing the legislation to serve its own interests.

Pakistan opener Shan Masood returns to training ahead of England Tests

IANS | August 12, 2026 12:27 PM

New Delhi, Aug 12 (IANS) Pakistan received a major boost ahead of the start of their World Test Championship campaign in England, with Shan Masood stepping back into batting practice after recovering from a finger injury.

Kareena Kapoor reveals Sara Ali Khan’s favourite food on her birthday

IANS | August 12, 2026 12:19 PM

Mumbai, Aug 12 (IANS) Actress Sara Ali Khan received a sweet and playful birthday wish from Kareena Kapoor, who took to social media to celebrate the occasion with a special note.