4+ hour, 51+ min ago (1314+ words) Sathya Sai Baba continues to draw millions to Puttaparthi, the headquarters of the Sri Sathya Sai district, through his profound teachings and humanitarian institutions like free hospitals and educational centres A light breeze sweeps across Puttaparthi, the headquarters of Sri Sathya Sai district that was carved out of semi-arid Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh three years ago. The town, about 150km northeast of Bengaluru, nestles against the rolling foothills of the Eastern Ghats, with the Chitravati river flowing quietly alongside. Four years later, still in his teens, he built a small ashram near Puttaparthi. He frequently travelled in south India, staying at the homes of newfound devotees, and giving them rings and pendants taken out of thin air. "Miracles are my visiting cards," he famously said years later. But his greatest miracle is the transformation of human hearts. Many of those devout…...

5+ hour, 2+ min ago (933+ words) The managing trustee of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust since 2020, R.J. Rathnakar studied inschools and colleges founded by Sathya Sai Baba, and earned an MBA. His father,R.V. Janakiramaiah, was Baba's younger brother. Edited excerpts from an interview: QWhat are your earliest memories of Baba? I must have been six years old then; I remember him calling me and asking my name. QHow was he at home, away from the crowds? He walked the talk'he lived his entire life in perfect alignment with his teachings. Whether he was before thousands of devotees, in his private chambers, in his drawing room or dining hall, he was always the same'serene, radiant and divinely poised. Ordinary human beings often act differently in public and in private. But with Baba, there was no difference. His divine nature was constant. Those close to him were always…...

5+ hour, 59+ min ago (176+ words) Sri Sathya Sai Baba's life was a testament to the infinite power of 'Seva' (service), the prime minister wrote Sri Sathya Sai Baba often said that the word "Seva" (service) holds'infinite power. His life was a living testament to this ideal. It has been my good fortune to witness Sri Sathya Sai Baba"s life up close, to learn from him and to get his blessings. He always extended a special affection towards me and guided me with his blessings. Even the deepest truths he would express with remarkable simplicity. Many of his guiding principles, such as Love All, Serve All, Help Ever, Hurt Never, Less Talk, More Work, Every Experience is a Lesson;'Every Loss is a Gain, continue to inspire us. His compassion and wisdom touched countless people.'I recall how, during the earthquake in Gujarat, he personally'reached…...

6+ hour, 40+ min ago (321+ words) Nitish Kumar's political success in Bihar was secured through a combination of women-centric policies, a broad caste-agnostic vote base, and the BJP's strong organisational machinery In terms of messaging, the NDA relied on two potent themes: repeated invocation of the Lalu era as "jungle raj" and a focus on the delivery of welfare schemes. The welfare push included 125 units of free electricity for 1.67 crore households, 33 per cent reservation for women in government jobs, higher social security pensions and free bus travel for women. "Nitish Kumar built trust among women, who constitute 50 per cent of the population, and drew support from extremely backward classes, Pasmanda Muslims, and dalits," said JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar. The NDA campaign showcased a new political playbook of preemptive action. In April, after months of hesitation, the Centre agreed to conduct a caste census along with the…...

6+ hour, 43+ min ago (408+ words) Bihar's women voters showed a significant, caste-neutral shift, favouring the NDA due to factors like direct benefit transfers and a perceived leadership vacuum in the Opposition The Bihar election hints at a structural shift in the state's electoral behaviour. A 5 per cent rise in turnout produced a decisive tilt toward the National Democratic Alliance. The most striking feature was the gender gap71.6 per cent turnout among women compared to 62.9 per cent among men, though women voters were fewer in absolute numbers. This is now a women-centred democracy in practice. Alliance composition and organisational discipline also shaped the outcome. Stable vote bases of NDA partners added volume. The grand alliance lacked that coherence. Multiple alliance constituents did not match their claims of support. As a result, the NDA expanded its base; the opposition could not protect its own. The dark horse was…...

7+ hour, 3+ min ago (330+ words) B.B. Benegal Studio, founded by Balkrishna Benegal, was a pioneering force in Indian film poster art, creating a distinct visual language for cinema publicity Noted publisher and printer Chintamani Ghosh, whose Indian Press in Allahabad had first printed Rabindranath's works, including the Nobel-winning Gitanjali, spotted Balkrishna's work early at an exhibition at the GSA. As soon as he passed out of art school, Chintamani invited him to Allahabad to work as resident chief illustrator with the Indian Press. Sometime in the early 1940s, Balkrishna moved his studio and family (he had four children by then) to a bigger rented place further down the road, next to the recently built Jyoti Cinema. After the city was evacuated following the Japanese bombing during World War II, accommodation became cheap. Balkrishna rented two flats: one to live in and another above it for his studio....

7+ hour, 55+ min ago (587+ words) Video game studios are not exactly known for transforming their bestselling titles into 2D relics. Yet, from time to time, there come certain titles on the board game scene that carve an identity of their own, while also reminding you of what made the original video games popular. Here are seven board games that perfectly captured the spirit of the original to become tabletop treasures: Set aeons before Geralt of Rivia's time, this adaptation lets you play as a witcher from one of five schools. It sees 2-5 players travel across a vast map, embark on well-translated quests, make grey choices, and fight monsters (or sometimes other witchers!). The first player to obtain 4-6 trophies wins the game. Prepare to have your patience tested: this one's punishingly tough! This exploration-based board game for 1-4 players quickly immerses you, building a danger-ridden world around itself…...

8+ hour, 1+ min ago (302+ words) Directed by Rahul Ravindran and co-starring Dheekshith Shetty, the film explores a woman's emotional journey to overcome a toxic and manipulative relationship Rashmika Mandanna's Telugu-language relationship drama The Girlfriend has a confirmed streaming date. Netflix has announced that the Rahul Ravindran directorial will begin streaming from December 5. Featuring Kannada actor Dheekshith Shetty as the boyfriend of Rashmika's character Bhooma, the Telugu-language relationship drama, which released in theatres in the first week of November, depicts a romance gone awry and revolves around a young woman trying to overcome a toxic and manipulative relationship. Rashmika's performance has been widely praised by some critics, while others criticised the film's pacing and screenplay structure. Despite the largely positive feedback, the film didn't fare well at the box office. It collected a worldwide gross of close to Rs. 29 crores. Written by Rahul Ravindran, The Girlfriend's…...

8+ hour, 7+ min ago (429+ words) Virat Kohli smashed his 83rd century in international cricket during the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi Virat Kohli was in full flow during the first game of the three-match ODI series against South Africa in Ranchi on Sunday (November 30). The 37-year-old notched up his 83rd international hundred in a knock of excellent rhythm from the get-go. It was his 52nd hundred in ODI cricket and second of the year. As soon as he got to his hundred with a boundary, Kohli let out the signature celebratory jump with a fist-pump to thrill the viewers at the ground. There was a lot of emotion on show, which suggested that this knock meant a lot more to him than his recent hundreds. It must be noted that Kohli started the Australian series with two successive ducks and there were retirement rumours everywhere. Moments…...

9+ hour, 24+ min ago (373+ words) On Sunday (November 30), Rohit Sharma broke a long-standing record held by Shahid Afridi Rohit Sharma may be at the fag end of his international career but he is still breaking records at will. A month after becoming the top-ranked ODI batter for the first time in his career, Rohit notched up a new record during the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi on Sunday (November 30). The fourth ball of the 20th over, bowled by Marco Jansen, disppeared over fine leg for a six. Predictably, it was a short delivery that Rohit pulled away with disdain, bringing up his 352nd six in ODIs. This makes him the highest six-hitter in ODI cricket, overtaking Shahid Afridi (351). Chris Gayle (331) is the only other batter with 300-plus sixes in the format. Jansen, though, had the last laugh as he got one delivery to stay low,…...