NEW DELHI: The Center on Monday approved increase in commission rates for wheat and paddy procurement in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan starting from the Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) starting this month. The rate hike comes at the behest of the state government. The food ministry said a committee has been formed and based on its recommendations, the government has approved the rate hike. “After the revision, commission for Arthiyas wheat in Punjab and Haryana will increase from Rs 46 per quintal to Rs 50.7 per quintal, while commission for wheat in Rajasthan will increase from Rs 41.4 per quintal to Rs 45.6 per quintal. Commission for paddy will increase from Rs 45.8 per quintal to Rs 50.6 per quintal. Commission on procurement of wheat will increase from Rs 27 per quintal to Rs 29.7 per quintal, while commission on rice will increase from Rs 32 per quintal to Rs 35.3 per quintal, it added.
What is NVIDIA DLSS 5? Why is it important? List of games that support it
NVIDIA has unveiled its most ambitious graphics technology yet, DLSS 5, which the company calls the biggest leap forward in computer graphics since the advent of real-time ray tracing in 2018.
The news was announced by NVIDIA founder and CEO Jensen Huang, who described the new system as a major step forward for computer graphics.
Problems DLSS 5 attempts to solve
Hollywood movies can take minutes or even hours to render a single frame to achieve truly realistic visuals. a video game On the other hand, rendering each frame in real time takes only 16 milliseconds. The huge gap between what movies can achieve and what games can achieve has been one of the biggest challenges facing game graphics for decades.
Also read: Rocket League servers down: Thousands complain about widespread outage; how to fix login issues
So what exactly is DLSS 5?
DLSS 5 is a real-time neural rendering model that uses artificial intelligence infusion game Visual effects with realistic lighting and materials.
It works by taking as input color and motion data from each frame of the game, then using AI models to enhance the scene with realistic lighting and materials that are consistent from frame to frame. It runs in real-time at up to 4K resolution, which means gameplay remains smooth and interactive while looking even better.
“Twenty-five years after NVIDIA invented programmable shaders, we are reinventing computer graphics again,” Huang said.
He added: “DLSS 5 is a GPT moment in graphics – combining hand rendering with generative AI to achieve a quantum leap in visual realism, while retaining the control artists need for creative expression.”
What makes it smarter than previous versions
DLSS began using AI in 2018 to improve game performance, first by increasing resolution and later by generating additional frames. It is now used in over 750 games. Although NVIDIA has introduced several major graphics innovations, including programmable shaders with GeForce 3 in 2001, CUDA with GeForce 8800 GTX in 2006, and real-time ray tracing with GeForce RTX 2080 Ti in 2018, it still cannot match Hollywood-level rendering.
DLSS 5 uses AI to bring the game closer to a level of visual realism.
Additionally, DLSS 5 allows game developers to control intensity, color, and masking to match the look of each game. It uses the same framework as earlier DLSS versions, integrating seamlessly into existing workflows.
Which games will support
Some of the biggest names in gaming are already on board. Publishers and developers including Bethesda, CAPCOM, Ubisoft, Tencent, Warner Bros. Games, etc. have confirmed support for DLSS 5.
Games that have been confirmed to support DLSS 5 include “Assassin’s Creed: Shadows”, “Hogwarts Legacy”, “Starfield”, “Resident Evil Requiem”, “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered”, “Phantom Blade Zero”, etc.
Assam MP says ‘step aside’, sparking buzz that he may quit party too
Guwahati: Trouble brewing again congress exist assam Nagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi said he feels marginalized and humiliated within the party, sparking speculation that he may follow former state PCC chief Bhupen Kumar Borah and others who resigned ahead of the declaration of assembly polls, Kangkan Kalita reported. Bordoloy, a three-time cabinet minister, has written to the party high command claiming he was ignored in key organizational decisions and publicly undermined by colleagues. He accused party MLA Asif Nazar of supporting a man who allegedly attacked his convoy during the panchayat polls last year.
Moon sighting in Saudi Arabia on Eid 2026? Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court calls on Muslims to discover Shawwal AH 1447 crescent moon on March 18
As Ramadan 2026 comes to an end, Muslims around the world are preparing for one of the most anticipated moments in the Islamic calendar, the appearance of the crescent of Shawal, which marks the beginning of the new moon. eid al-fitr Eid celebrations. The authorities are Saudi Arabia A formal call has now been issued urging Muslims across the country to watch the skies on Wednesday evening to spot the new moon, which will determine when Eid celebrations start.
Saudi Arabia calls for observation of Shawal crescent phenomenon Ramadan 2026 is coming to an end
this Supreme Court Saudi Arabia has asked Muslims across the country to look for the crescent moon of Shawal on the evening of Wednesday, March 18, 2026, the 29th day of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. If the new moon is seen, the next day, March 19, will mark the first day of Eid al-Fitr, a festival that celebrates the end of a month of fasting and spiritual reflection.The court also asked anyone who sees the crescent moon with the naked eye or binoculars to report their sightings to the nearest court so an official announcement can be made. This centuries-old tradition remains an important part of determining the Islamic calendar, which follows the lunar cycle rather than the Gregorian calendar used in most of the world.
Eid al-Fitr date depends on Observing the Moon
The appearance of the crescent moon of Shawal determines the first day of the Islamic month of Shawal and therefore the date of Eid al-Fitr. If the new moon is visible on March 18, Saudi Arabia may celebrate Eid al-Fitr on Thursday, March 19, 2026. If the new moon is not visible that evening, Ramadan will end 30 days ago and Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026.Astronomical forecasts indicate that the moon may be difficult to see on the night of March 18, meaning festivals in many parts of the Arab world may begin on March 20. However, the final decision will only be confirmed after the official Lunar Observation Committee verifies reports from observers across the Kingdom.Saudi Arabia’s announcement has global significance as many Muslim communities around the world refer to the kingdom’s moonshot announcement when deciding on the start of Eid celebrations. Gulf states including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait often align their Eid al-Fitr dates with official announcements from Saudi Arabia. However, South Asian countries such as India, Pakistan and Bangladesh typically celebrate Eid a day later because they rely on local moon sightings or slightly different lunar visibility conditions.
Eid al-Fitr 2026: Why moon-gazing is central to Islam
Unlike the solar calendar, the Islamic calendar is entirely based on lunar cycles. Each month begins after sunset when the new moon appears. Because lunar months last 29 or 30 days, Islamic holidays advance each year in the Gregorian calendar. The night when the moon is sighted is popularly known as ‘Chand Raat’, when families reunite, markets stay open late and preparations for Eid celebrations begin.In Saudi Arabia and the wider Muslim world, preparations for Eid al-Fitr are already underway. Markets are seeing a surge of shoppers buying new clothes, sweets and gifts, while mosques are preparing for special Eid prayers to be held early in the morning on the first day of Showar.
Eid al-Fitr 2026: Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court urges Muslims to visit Shawal Crescent on Wednesday
Eid al-Fitr, meaning “Feast of the Eid”, marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and is one of Islam’s most important celebrations. The day begins with collective prayers, followed by family gatherings, festive meals and charity events known as Eid al-Fitr, ensuring those in need can participate in the celebrations.For now, Muslims in Saudi Arabia and beyond are awaiting the moment the slender crescent moon appears in the night sky. The sighting will mark the end of Ramadan and usher in a day of celebration for the world’s more than one billion Muslims. Ahead of the official announcement, anticipation is building as the community sets its sights on the horizon, hoping to spot the new moon marking the arrival of Eid al-Fitr 2026.
Trump names Vice President JD Vance as ‘fraud czar’: What the role means and why it’s controversial
president Donald Trump Declared “War on Fraud” and handed over to Vice President JD Vance to lead it. The move has raised eyebrows about how much direct control the White House plans to exert over federal law enforcement.
What did Trump say?
In his State of the Union address to Congress on February 24, Trump stated that he was launching a tough crackdown on fraud across the United States.
“I’m officially declaring a war on fraud,” Trump said. He added, “If we could find enough fraud, we would actually have a balanced budget.” He then added that the vice president Vance will monitor the effort, noting that Minnesota is a prime example of federal authorities investigating cases of fraud.
“The Somali pirates who sacked Minnesota remind us that in much of the world, bribery, corruption and lawlessness are the norm rather than the exception,” he said, adding that illegal immigration and open borders played a role in the fraud.
what is vance actually doing
Vance announced at a press conference that the Justice Department will create a new senior position, Assistant Attorney General for National Fraud Enforcement, with broad authority to investigate fraud nationwide. He said the position would be “separate from the White House” and would be directly accountable to himself and President Trump.
Vance said the Justice Department already has a national fraud unit chief, but the new position will focus on investigating those who “defraud the United States.”
The new unit will enforce federal criminal and civil laws to combat fraud nationwide against government programs, federally funded benefits, businesses, nonprofit organizations and private citizens. The individual in this position will oversee interregional and interagency fraud investigations, work with federal agencies to identify and dismantle organized fraud schemes, and provide advice to the Attorney General on major fraud cases.
Vance said the White House expected to nominate someone to the position within days, after which the nominee would need to be confirmed by the Senate.
why this is controversial
Some critics said the plan was controversial because J.D. Vance said the new anti-fraud chief would work under the president’s direct supervision, The New York Times reported. It would break with a longstanding practice of distancing the White House from federal law enforcement decision-making since the Watergate scandal of the 1970s.
The Justice Department already has a senior official, called the Chief of the Fraud Section, who handles fraud prosecutions nationwide. But critics say the new role could give the White House more direct control over the investigation. Vance said the position would be part of a “very broad, cross-agency” effort “led from the bottom up by the President of the United States.”
However, Pam Bondi supported the move and said the Justice Department is ready to “continue prosecuting fraudsters, dismantling the structures that allow fraud, and holding bad actors accountable.” She also warned protesters not to “test our resolve.”
Cause of Odisha hospital fire not yet clear
BHUBANESWAR/CUTTACK: An electrical fire broke out at the trauma department of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack in Odisha on Monday, killing 12 patients. Hospital sources said the fire started due to a small spark caused by an electrical spark in the trauma intensive care unit on the first floor and was quickly extinguished. Until Monday night, it was unclear whether the same spark or an undetected fault elsewhere was the source of the blaze that later spread to the patient room and two floors above. The fire department reported that the time between the initial warning signal and the time firefighters on campus were alerted was more than 15 minutes. Fire chief Sudhansu Sarangi said the department received a call from emergency number 112 at 2:58 am. “Fire trucks were on scene within two minutes,” he said. Health Minister S Aswathy said 11 hospital staff were among the injured. “They were injured while helping rescue and evacuate patients and are now out of danger,” she said. “My sister-in-law Menaka Rout, 54, suffered a head injury in a fall on March 1 and is currently recovering. She is expected to be discharged from the ICU this week. Who could have imagined that something like this would happen,” said Niranjan Swain of Kendrapada.
Hours after the fire, Ghanshyam Behera of Daspara stood outside the hospital building, looking distraught as the gravity of the tragedy began to emerge. “My father had an accident and was being treated in the ward on the third floor when I heard shouts and screams. Black smoke soon covered the ward. I carried my father on my shoulders and ran out,” he said. Gansham’s father Jadumani has since been shifted to the Orthopedic Intensive Care Unit. Sudipta Nayak from Bhadrak spent hours trying to find her 17-year-old cousin, who was in the trauma intensive care unit. “She was on ventilator support for the past eight days due to kidney disease and respiratory complications,” Sudipta said. Security guards asked the teen’s mother Sumati to sign some documents in the morning and said her niece was among the deceased. “I was shocked to hear the news and I went to look for the body. It is already evening and I still haven’t found my cousin,” Sudipta told TOI. The last such hospital fire tragedy in Odisha occurred in October 2016 at the private IMS & SUM Hospital in Bhubaneswar. In recent years, the SCB Medical College has come under fire for its alleged crumbling infrastructure amid plans to upgrade it to an ‘AIIMS Plus’ institution.
Emirates resumes flights after Dubai International airport closure due to security incident: What travelers need to know amid Iran, US-Israel war
The Middle East aviation industry has begun to stabilize after a brief but significant disruption, with Emirates confirming it has resumed flight operations following a temporary grounding triggered by security concerns in the region. The airline, one of the world’s largest international airlines, has restarted flight services at Dubai International Airport after authorities cleared airspace and airport infrastructure to ensure safe operations.Early Monday morning, the Dubai Media Office reported a drone incident near Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest airport for international passengers. According to the DMO, the incident affected a fuel tank at the airport. Emergency response teams from the Dubai Civil Defense rushed to the scene and successfully controlled the fire that broke out after the impact near the fuel storage area. The Dubai Media Office said in an update that authorities confirmed there were no reports of injuries.Emirates was forced to temporarily ground its flights after a drone-related incident near the airport led to a fire near the aviation hub. Given Dubai’s central role in connecting passengers between Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas, the closure disrupted dozens of flights and had ripple effects across the global travel network.
Emirates resumes flights after security checks amid Iran-U.S.-Israel war
Emirates confirmed it has begun a gradual resumption of its flight schedule as airport authorities complete security checks and reopen operations at Dubai International Airport. The airline said it would initially reduce its flight schedule while clearing a backlog of delayed flights and ensuring passenger safety.The temporary grounding has forced the airline to cancel or postpone several flights, affecting thousands of passengers who rely on Emirates’ extensive global network. As operations resume, travelers are advised to check flight status before traveling to the airport as flight schedules may still change during the resumption of normal operations.Industry observers point out that restarting operations for major hub airlines like Emirates requires complex coordination between airlines, air traffic controllers and airport authorities. Aircraft that were diverted or delayed during the grounding had to be relocated, and flight crews and ground staff had to adapt to the revised schedule.
Dubai’s flag carrier Emirates at the center of global aviation amid war between Iran and US-Israel
Emirates plays a pivotal role in global air travel. The airline operates hundreds of daily flights to destinations on six continents and relies heavily on Dubai International Airport as its main hub. Therefore, any disruption to airline operations could affect passengers in dozens of countries.While flights were grounded, several Emirates flights already bound for Dubai were forced to delay their arrivals or temporarily change their routes while the situation near the airport was assessed. The airline is working closely with airport authorities to ensure passenger safety while preparing to resume operations as soon as conditions permit.Travel analysts said the swift restart of flights highlighted the airline’s operational resilience. Major international airlines typically have contingency plans in place to enable rapid recovery from unexpected disruptions such as weather events, security incidents or airspace closures.
Emirates flights in Dubai suspended, passengers disrupted due to war between Iran and US-Israel
During the temporary closure, passengers traveling with Emirates experienced cancellations, delays and missed connections across the airline’s global network. Many travelers transfer through Dubai, one of the busiest international transportation hubs in the world. The airline advised affected passengers to rebook their flights via its website, mobile app or customer service channels.Emirates is also coordinating with airport authorities to manage crowds in the terminals and ensure stranded passengers receive the latest information about their travel plans. Although the grounding lasted only a few hours, the disruption highlighted the extent to which the global aviation network relies on major hub airlines such as Emirates. Due to the huge number of flights operated by Dubai International Airport through the hub every day, a single operational suspension could affect multiple continents. The incident comes as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East remain high, raising concerns about the potential impact on key transportation infrastructure in the region. Aviation authorities have strengthened security monitoring around major airports and airspace corridors to ensure the safety of commercial flights. For Emirates, maintaining uninterrupted operations is particularly important as the airline’s business model is built around connecting long-haul passengers through Dubai.Even a brief disruption can impact hundreds of subsequent flights and create logistical challenges for airline staff and passengers. Despite these challenges, Emirates emphasizes that safety remains its top priority. The airline said it will continue to work with airport authorities and regulators to ensure all flights are operated with strict safety protocols as regional conditions change.
During the war between Iran and the United States and Israel, Emirates gradually resumed normal operations in Dubai
With flight operations now resuming, Emirates is focusing on clearing delayed flights and returning to normal flight schedules. The airline expects services to stabilize in the coming hours as flight schedules return to normal and passengers complete rebooking arrangements. Travel experts say the rapid recovery demonstrates the resilience of Emirates and Dubai’s aviation infrastructure.Over the years, the airline has developed sophisticated operating systems capable of managing large-scale disruptions while maintaining passenger safety and service continuity. For travelers around the world, the resumption of Emirates flights signals a return to stability after a brief period of uncertainty. However, as geopolitical developments continue to evolve, aviation authorities and airlines in the region are likely to remain on high alert.
Landslide in Arunachal leads to wall collapse, killing 4, injuring 3
Itanagar: Four people were killed and three injured when the protective wall of a building collapsed in a landslide in Arunachal Pradesh capital Niti Vihar around 4 pm on Monday, Joken Ete reported. Officials said seven workers were buried under the rubble after a wall of the building under construction collapsed. Rescue teams pulled seven people from the rubble. Four of them were found dead and three others were taken to Heema Hospital. Officials said the deceased were identified as Choki Tasar, Ratan Burman, Godak Raja and Godak Tabin.
The injured workers are Tatung Tajit, Choki Takio and Hasinoor Ali. Tamo Dada, the city’s assistant commissioner, said seven workers were at the site when the wall collapsed. Rescue efforts have been hampered by persistent rains, making it difficult for rescuers to find trapped people. “Due to the rain, the soil has become dense and unstable, making it difficult to determine the exact location of the victims. “The rescue team made all efforts to rescue them,” Dadar said. National Disaster Relief Force personnel, Itanagar police and district administration officials launched rescue operations immediately after being notified of the incident.
Nancy Guthrie case: FBI finds new photos from Arizona home; key clues still missing
investigators are looking for Nancy GuthrieSavannah Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother recovered more images from cameras at her Arizona home.
The FBI recently recovered thumbnails from motion-activated cameras placed around Nancy’s property in Tucson, sources told ABC News. The cameras were focused on the backyard, side yard and pool area.
what the camera captured
In recent weeks, the FBI has pulled thumbnails from motion-activated cameras pointed at the backyard, side yard and swimming pool of Nancy’s property, according to sources who spoke to ABC News. However, none of the footage recorded anything suspicious or captured any information from the night of her abduction.
On Friday, March 13, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that it “continues to analyze all forms of evidence in the Nancy Guthrie case, including laboratory materials and camera images and videos,” adding that it would not comment on the details or status of the analysis at this time.
Also read: Nancy Guthrie update: Two key dates in FBI investigation that could solve case, Savannah ‘outrage’
Sheriff warns suspect of possible attack again
In an interview with NBC News on Thursday, March 12, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos issued a stern warning that those responsible for Nancy’s disappearance may be targeting others.
Nanos said investigators believe Nancy was the “target,” although they’re not entirely sure. “It’s stupid to tell people ‘Don’t worry, you’re not his target.’ You might be,” he said, referring to the apparent kidnapper.
However, the sheriff did not explain why investigators believe the suspect might strike again or provide more details about other theories surrounding Nancy’s disappearance.
Also read: Nancy Guthrie Update: Police release latest information on suspect’s motive; ‘Another strike likely’
Investigation is still ongoing
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said in a Feb. 27 update that the investigation is ongoing.
“This remains an active investigation and will continue until Nancy Guthrie is found or all leads are exhausted,” the department said.
Officials added that detectives are continuing to monitor the case and patrol officers will maintain a presence in Nancy’s community.
Additionally, on February 24, Savannah announced that the family had increased the reward to $1 million for information leading to Nancy’s recovery or arrest.
Air India suspends Dubai flights and diverts Emirates flights to Sharjah and Abu Dhabi overnight due to Iran’s war with US and Israel
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have escalated rapidly and have now spread to the global aviation industry, forcing major airlines to urgently adjust flight schedules. national airline india air india The airline has diverted several flights to the United Arab Emirates from Dubai International Airport to Sharjah and Abu Dhabi as security concerns and operational disruptions continue to affect the region.The airline also suspended scheduled flights to Dubai, reflecting the deepening impact of the ongoing Iran-related conflict on one of the world’s busiest air corridors.
Dubai air services suspended due to war between Iran and US-Israel
Air India confirmed that its flights to Dubai have been temporarily suspended as authorities assess the security situation and airspace restrictions in the Gulf. Meanwhile, flights to other UAE airports such as Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah continue, helping to maintain at least partial connectivity between India and the UAE during the crisis.The move comes as airlines around the world scramble to adapt to rapidly changing conditions in Middle Eastern airspace. Wider regional conflicts have forced airlines to reroute flights, suspend services or operate through limited air corridors to avoid dangerous areas.
Gulf aviation industry caught in widening geopolitical fallout amid Iran-U.S.-Israel war
The aviation disruption follows a series of security incidents that have heightened concerns about the Gulf’s main transport hub. A drone strike near Dubai’s main airport temporarily halted operations in recent days and forced several flights to be rerouted to other airports while authorities took control of security in the area.
Passenger Alert: Air India suspends Dubai flights, diverts flights to Sharjah and Abu Dhabi as Iran-US-Israel war escalates
These developments have increased uncertainty about air travel in the region. Since the Middle East is a key crossroads for international aviation, any instability can quickly ripple through global travel networks. Airlines operating between Asia, Europe and North America often rely on Gulf hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi for connecting flights, meaning disruptions could span multiple continents.
Emirati passengers face flight cancellations and uncertainty amid Iran-U.S.-Israel war
The sudden change caused confusion and delays for thousands of passengers traveling between India and the UAE. Some travelers had their flights canceled or rescheduled, while others were rerouted through other airports. Airlines are urging passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport and prepare for schedule changes.Air India and its low-cost subsidiary Air India Express have also started operating limited temporary or special flights to help maintain connectivity as much as possible. These additional services are subject to airport slot availability and the evolving security situation across the region. Other Indian airlines including IndiGo and SpiceJet have warned that their flight schedules may also change as authorities impose temporary restrictions on flight operations.The disruptions highlight how vulnerable the global aviation industry is to geopolitical crises. The Middle East is at the center of international routes connecting Europe, Asia and Africa, making its airports key nodes in the global travel network. Since tensions escalated earlier this year, several countries in the region have imposed airspace restrictions or temporary closures, forcing airlines to reroute flights and reduce services.In some cases, aircraft are forced to take longer routes around restricted airspace, increasing flight time and fuel costs. Travel experts say such disruptions could quickly evolve into wider logistics challenges, affecting freight, tourist flows and business travel across continents.
Efforts to restore connectivity amid Iran-U.S.-Israel war
Despite the disruption, aviation authorities and airlines are working hard to resume operations as safely and quickly as possible. Some flights are gradually resuming through strictly monitored corridors, while alternative airports are being used to maintain regional connectivity. Meanwhile, special rescue flights are being organized to help stranded passengers.
Dubai travel takes another hit: Air India suspends flights over Iran, US-Israel war, diverts to Sharjah and Abu Dhabi
For example, budget airline SpiceJet has launched special services from Fujairah to help passengers return to India during the crisis. The recent grounding of flights highlights the profound impact geopolitical tensions can have on global travel. Even limited disruption in a key hub like Dubai can ripple across the entire aviation network, affecting passengers, airlines and businesses around the world.Currently, as the situation continues to evolve, travelers between India and the UAE are advised to stay informed of the latest developments through airline notifications and official aviation authorities. Flight schedules across the Gulf are likely to remain unstable in the coming days as the security situation remains uncertain. The coming weeks will determine how quickly normal air operations can resume in one of the world’s most strategic travel corridors, as airlines adapt to the changing geopolitical landscape.