Mumbai, December 19: The popular reality show ‘Last Samurai Standing’ has been officially renewed for a second season, the producers announced on Thursday. The show, known for its unique blend of martial arts challenges and celebrity participation, gained a strong following in its first season.
According to the makers, Season 2 will feature a bigger lineup of contestants, more intense challenges, and a fresh format designed to engage audiences further. Fans can expect a mix of action, entertainment, and inspiring stories as participants push their limits.
The production team said filming is set to begin early next year, with new locations and advanced set designs to enhance the visual appeal. The announcement has generated excitement among viewers and social media enthusiasts, eager to see their favourite contestants return.
New Delhi, December 19: Recent financial trends indicate that consumers are increasingly using credit cards and UPI platforms for high-value purchases, reflecting a shift in payment behaviour across India. Analysts said the change is driven by convenience, rewards, and improved digital payment infrastructure.
According to experts, the use of UPI for significant transactions has grown due to its real-time settlement feature, while credit cards offer additional benefits such as cashback, EMI options, and purchase protection. Retailers and service providers are adapting by supporting multiple digital payment methods to cater to evolving consumer preferences.
Financial institutions noted that this shift also signifies growing consumer confidence in digital and cashless payments. The trend is expected to continue, influencing banking strategies, digital payment adoption, and overall economic activity in the country.
Bhubaneswar, December 19: Odisha on Thursday inaugurated a two-day regional Artificial Intelligence (AI) summit aimed at promoting innovation and sustainable development through advanced technology. The summit brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers to discuss AI applications in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and urban planning.
Officials said the event will showcase emerging AI solutions that can help achieve environmental sustainability, enhance efficiency, and drive economic growth. Key sessions will focus on ethical AI, data-driven governance, and collaboration between academia and industry.
The summit also includes workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for startups and technology enthusiasts. Organisers highlighted Odisha’s vision of becoming a regional hub for AI innovation while prioritising responsible and sustainable technological advancement.
New Delhi, December 19: The Civil Aviation Ministry on Thursday issued an advisory warning that airport operations in some regions of the country may be impacted due to adverse weather conditions and technical factors. Authorities have asked airlines, passengers, and airport staff to stay alert for possible delays or schedule adjustments.
The ministry advised passengers to check flight status with airlines before traveling and to plan their journeys accordingly. Officials said contingency measures are being put in place to minimise inconvenience and ensure safety at all airports.
Airports across affected regions may experience temporary disruptions in take-offs and landings, and additional air traffic management measures have been deployed. The ministry emphasised that passenger safety remains the top priority while operations continue under monitoring conditions.
Agartala, December 19: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday inaugurated the third Foundation Day celebrations of Agartala Government College, highlighting the institution’s contributions to higher education in the state. The event marked an occasion to celebrate academic achievements and future development plans.
Speaking at the event, CM Saha emphasised the importance of quality education and encouraged students and faculty to continue pursuing excellence in academics and research. He also underlined the role of government institutions in shaping the future workforce and fostering innovation.
Officials said various cultural and academic programs were organised as part of the celebrations, with students and staff participating enthusiastically. The Chief Minister also interacted with students and faculty, appreciating their efforts in promoting a vibrant educational environment in Agartala.
Rajouri, December 19: An 11th‑class student from Jammu and Kashmir has made headlines with the launch of an innovative educational app designed to support students nationwide. Imran Choudhary, a Class 11 student of Himalayan Education Mission in the Doongi area of Rajouri district, developed the app called “Lagnever” to address the challenges he faced during his own studies.
The Lagnever app offers AI‑powered educational tools, including smart explanations, NCERT‑aligned answers, flashcards, and handwritten‑style notes aimed at helping students learn more effectively. Choudhary said his motivation came from limited access to advanced learning resources in his border region, and the app reflects his efforts to bridge those gaps through technology.
Despite his young age, Imran has been personally involved in the app’s design and development, leveraging self‑learning and experimentation. He hopes the platform will grow into a leading educational tool across India, making quality learning accessible and affordable for students from small towns and remote areas.
New Delhi, December 19: Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Thursday expressed concern over what he described as an unfortunate atmosphere in the House, which disrupted the smooth conduct of proceedings during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament. He highlighted that repeated interruptions and adjournments are affecting the discussion of critical bills and policy matters, delaying the government’s legislative agenda. The minister emphasised that such disruptions are a setback to parliamentary decorum and public trust in democratic institutions.
Shekhawat stated that Parliament is the primary platform for debating and deliberating issues that impact millions of citizens, and disruptions prevent meaningful discussions on key national concerns. He underlined that both ruling and opposition members have a responsibility to engage constructively, while respecting the rules and traditions that govern parliamentary proceedings. The minister further remarked that dialogue, debate, and consensus-building are essential to ensure that Parliament functions effectively, serving the larger interest of the nation.
The Union Minister also urged opposition members to cooperate and allow legislative business to proceed without obstruction, stressing that public expectations from Parliament are high. He added that the government remains committed to addressing genuine concerns raised by all parties, but such engagement must happen in an orderly manner within the established parliamentary framework. Shekhawat concluded by reaffirming that maintaining decorum and fostering a collaborative environment are vital for a healthy democracy and effective governance.
Visakhapatnam, December 19, 2025: The stage is set in Visakhapatnam to create a new chapter in the IT sector. Global technology giant Google has given the green signal for an unprecedented large-scale investment in Andhra Pradesh. With a massive investment of ₹87,520 crore, Google is set to establish a mega AI Data Center, marking one of the biggest technology investments ever in the state.
To fast-track the execution of this ambitious project and ensure there are no bureaucratic delays, the Andhra Pradesh government has moved swiftly. In a key decision, the government has issued orders constituting a special Executive Steering Committee, aimed at eliminating red tape and ensuring smooth and timely implementation.
1,000 MW Capacity, Partnership with Adani Group
The prestigious project will be undertaken by Raiden Infotech India Private Limited, a subsidiary of Google. The AI Data Center will be developed in Visakhapatnam with a massive 1,000 megawatt capacity. For this project, Google has partnered with select industry leaders, including Adani Infra, Adani Connex, and Nxtra (Airtel), which have been designated as “notified partners.”
To facilitate the project, approximately 480 acres of land have been identified across Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli districts. Raiden Infotech has requested the state government to transfer these land parcels to Adani Infra and other project partners.
High-Powered Committee to Address Bottlenecks
Given the scale of the project, the government has entrusted oversight responsibilities to a high-level, multi-departmental committee to prevent any delays. The IT Department Secretary will serve as the Chairperson, while the Special Chief Secretary (IT) will act as the Convener.
The committee includes senior officials from key departments such as IT, Energy, Municipal Administration, Water Resources, Revenue, Commercial Taxes, and Finance. Representatives from the AP Pollution Control Board, AP FiberNet, APIIC, and APEDB are also part of the committee.
From the investors’ side, representatives of Raiden Infotech, Adani Group, and Airtel, along with a nominee from the Union Ministry of IT, will be members of the committee.
Role and Responsibilities of the Committee
The committee’s primary objective is to ensure the swift completion of the project. Its responsibilities include facilitating land allocation, environmental clearances, municipal permissions, and other approvals through a single-window mechanism.
The committee will identify inter-departmental coordination issues and resolve bottlenecks that could hinder progress. It will also monitor the timely release of government incentives. Issues that cannot be resolved at the committee level will be escalated to the Chief Secretary, who is mandated to resolve them within 14 days. The committee will meet twice every month to review project progress and address challenges.
Deadline Set Until 2026
The government has set a defined tenure for the Executive Steering Committee, which will remain operational until December 31, 2026. The tenure may be extended if required until the project is fully completed.
Experts believe the Google AI Data Center will be a game-changer in transforming Visakhapatnam into a major IT hub. The proactive steps taken by the state government are expected to boost investor confidence and strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s position in the global technology ecosystem.
New Delhi, December 19: Congress leaders and Rajya Sabha MPs Randeep Singh Surjewala and Abhishek Manu Singhvi on Thursday criticised the Centre over the VB-G RAM-G Bill, alleging that the legislation undermines federal principles and weakens institutional safeguards.
The Opposition MPs said the bill was being pushed through without adequate consultation and debate, accusing the government of bypassing democratic processes. They asserted that such legislations require wider consensus, warning that the move could have long-term implications on governance and constitutional values.
Bengaluru, December 19: The Karnataka government has announced that district-level programmes will be organised across five districts under the VGRC initiative, aimed at strengthening grassroots outreach and public participation.
Officials said the programmes will focus on reviewing implementation of government schemes, addressing local issues and engaging with beneficiaries directly. The initiative is expected to improve coordination between district administrations and the public while ensuring effective delivery of welfare measures.
