i rise

Desires are categorized as rising (burning and karma-creating) and setting (non-burning and ego-free). Rising desires cease with Soul-realization, while setting desires, a discharge of past karmas, continue until liberation. Enlightenment, the right belief of 'Who am I,' stops new karma by eliminating wrong beliefs and ego, allowing one to observe desires without entanglement.

Kavery Nambisan is a surgeon and a novelist from Karnataka. She has won the Tata Excellence Award for her work in tea plantations in Tamil Nadu. She has written articles and essays on medical and literary issues. Her novels include ‘The Scent of Pepper’, ‘The Story That Must Not Be Told’ and ‘A Town Like Ours’. Her two non-fiction books are ‘A Luxury Called Health’ and ‘Cherry Red, Cherry Black’. Today she discusses her latest novel, ‘Rising Sons’.

In Bihar, the price of petrol has crossed Rs 109 per litre, while diesel is close to Rs 96, following a rapid surge in just a week. This spike, a consequence of escalating global crude oil prices amid the US-Iran tensions, is tightening the belts of families across the state.

In Patna, gig workers are navigating a turbulent sea of survival, grappling with relentless petrol price increases that devour their already limited incomes. With no raises from their platforms, the escalating costs of fuel and food are now swallowing up to half of their daily take-home pay.

India's affordable smartphone segment faces a significant slowdown due to soaring component costs, particularly memory. Analysts predict prices may continue climbing until late 2027 or early 2028. This 'forced premiumization' is pushing consumers towards delaying upgrades or opting for used devices, as the gap between feature phones and smartphones widens.

Tensions are flaring in the music world as MGK and Yungblud clash over the skyrocketing prices of concert tickets. MGK has called out Yungblud for alleged double standards, pointing out that he canceled shows due to low ticket sales yet was spotted dining at an upscale eatery.

In the bustling city of Guwahati, public transport operators find themselves at a crossroads. Despite the relentless surge in fuel prices, they are reluctant to hike fares, fearing that an increase might drive passengers away during these tough economic times.

Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson has discussed 'The Smashing Machine' and said the biographical sports drama film has changed his life in many ways.

Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's advice to cut fuel use and avoid gold purchases, accusing him of burdening common citizens while undertaking expensive foreign trips. Gandhi alleged that inflation and economic distress will worsen, with industrialists benefiting from rising fuel prices and the country heading towards a major economic crisis.

Aravindh Chithambaram recently became the first Indian to qualify for the 2026 Esports Chess World Cup after winning at DreamHack Atlanta. Raised by his mother and grandparents after losing his father at age three, Aravindh discovered chess through his grandfather. With strong family support and guidance from coach RB Ramesh, he steadily rose through the ranks to become a national champion and elite player.

Founder of the satirical Cockroach Janta Party, Abhijeet Dipke, has reported receiving death threats on WhatsApp, urging him to shut down the viral social media outfit or join the BJP. His parents have also voiced concerns about his safety and potential arrest due to the party's rapid online popularity.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a 15-year-old Indian cricketer, is captivating global audiences with his IPL 2026 performances. Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes Sooryavanshi's age is the only barrier to his India debut. Vaughan considers him the season's best opener, urging his inclusion in the T20I squad. Sooryavanshi's exceptional batting has made him a standout player.

But for now, here’s how Goans are beating the heat and humidity

Industry Flags Cost Pressure; Household Budgets To Tighten Further

Higher Cost Of Diesel, Raw Materials, Packaging & Transport All Fuel Price Rise

Ravi Kishan reflects on his decision to step away from Bollywood at a time when Bhojpuri cinema lacked acceptance and recognition. The actor looks back at his efforts to change perceptions around the industry, his belief in its potential, and his role in helping it gain wider respect. While acknowledging the progress Bhojpuri cinema has made today, he believes there is still work to be done, particularly in writing, filmmaking and music, as he now sets his sights on creating a Bhojpuri film worthy of national recognition.