NEW DELHI: The Tamil Nadu government on Friday issued an advance payment of Rs 3,000 to 131 crore women beneficiaries and an additional Rs 2,000 as a “special summer package” under the Kalainiya Women’s Rights Scheme ahead of the assembly elections.In a social media post by X, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin received an advance payment of Rs 3,000 for the months of February, March and April. He also claimed that “some people” were trying to block women’s rights allocations for three months citing the upcoming elections, but said his government acted in advance to ensure beneficiaries did not face any disruption.“For the women of Tamil Nadu, this women’s rights grant is a promise given by Stalin. No matter who wants to create obstacles, I will not back down. They tried to block funds for women’s rights for three months, citing elections as a reason,” Stalin said. “But our #DravidianModel government is already ahead of them! As advance payment – Rs 3,000 for February, March and April, and special summer package of Rs 2,000! This morning, a total of Rs 5,000 has been deposited to all 131 crore beneficiaries of the Kalainiya Women’s Rights Scheme,” he added.He added that under the “Dravidian Model 2.0”, the current monthly assistance of Rs 1,000 would be doubled to Rs 2,000 if voted back to power, saying it was a commitment to women in Tamil Nadu.“With the support of #WinningTamilWomen, we will continue to win! We will increase women’s rights grant of Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 as per #DravidianModel 2.0! This is Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin’s promise to my sisters! #WeWillWinTogether,” the post further read.Meanwhile, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhgam unveiled five election promises, including increasing social security pension from Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,000 for senior citizens, elderly widows, unmarried elderly women, women abandoned by their husbands, disabled people and transgender persons.Amid the election preparations, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is scheduled to hold a tightly controlled election meeting at Seelanayakkanpatti in Salem on Friday. Party leader Vijay is expected to address 4,998 attendees at the KVP Garden venue.The conference will strictly limit the participation of people holding QR code admission passes, and a large number of police will be deployed to check vehicles and divert traffic to ensure safety. Authorities stressed that people without passes should watch the show through live channels.Security measures were tightened after a stampede at a TVK rally in September that killed 41 people, prompting authorities to ensure strict crowd management during the high-profile political event.The 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly will go to polls in the first half of this year. DMK won 133 seats in the 2021 assembly elections. Congress won 18, PMK won 5, VCK won 4 and others won 8.
Americans who live alone may end up paying $10,000 more per year than those who live in a shared household. this Report Real estate marketplace Zillow follows suit Valentine’s Day. They call the fee the state’s “singles tax.”
A recent report showed that living alone is more expensive than living in a shared house. Images used for representational purposes. (Pixar Bay)
According to Zillow, renters who live alone pay an average of $10,470 more per year than renters who share a home. The report attempts to highlight the huge price differences while keeping in mind that living alone comes with its own benefits, such as privacy and control over personal space. “Love is not just romantic, it’s also financial,” the Zillow report reads.
What is the “singles tax” and how does it work?
According to Zillow, the “single tax” refers to the additional costs a person must bear when living alone rather than sharing a home. Data shows that tenants who choose to live alone end up paying more than those who rent.
Tenants who share one lease instead of maintaining two separate households can save up to $20,940 per year when it comes to rent, according to the company’s analysis. Known as the “couples discount,” this can save thousands of dollars each year for other expenses and even increase personal savings.
“When you live alone, you can pay your entire rent with one income, and that income adds up quickly. Apartments often make living alone easier while also providing shared space that helps people feel connected. For renters who choose to live with a partner or roommates, sharing daily expenses like rent, utilities, and groceries can go a long way in easing the stress of today’s higher cost of living,” says Zillow rental trends experts.
Data display in reports New York This is the most expensive market for renters living alone. Single renters in New York end up paying $23,400 more per year than those who choose to rent in a shared apartment. San Jose is second, followed by boston.
However, finding shared accommodation in these places can bring the greatest rewards. “Tenants in shared housing can save more than $30,000 per year in New York City, San Jose, Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego,” the report states.
Despite the high costs, the report noted that apartment affordability is at its best level since April 2021, taking into account rising incomes. This is bound to come as a relief to some renters. According to another recent analysis, renting is now cheaper than buying by up to $548 per month.
Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, Steve Smith (Cover by Mitchell Marsh).
Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Bradley Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Brendan Taylor.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi India on Friday congratulated Bangladesh Nationalist Party Chairman Tariq Rehman for his “decisive victory” in the country’s parliamentary elections and reiterated India’s continued support for a “democratic, progressive and inclusive” Bangladesh.Prime Minister Modi posted on“I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relationship and advance our shared development goals,” he added.The BNP secured a two-thirds majority in the general election, winning more than 200 seats, its strongest performance ever, surpassing 193 seats in 2001. The outcome was widely seen as paving the way for political stability after months of turmoil following the former prime minister’s ouster. Sheikh Hasina August 2024 Generation Z-led uprising.Rahman, the son of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman, is expected to be sworn in as prime minister. He returned to Dhaka in December after spending 18 years abroad. His father ruled Bangladesh from 1977 until his assassination in 1981 and remains a key figure in the country’s independence-era politics.Shortly after the results were announced, the BNP thanked voters and urged supporters to exercise restraint. The party said in a statement that “despite… the massive vote win, no celebratory marches or rallies will be organized” and called for nationwide prayers.The election was Hasina’s first since she fled to neighboring India. Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, 85, has been serving as head of an interim government since leaving office. Hasina, who currently lives in exile in New Delhi, has dominated Bangladeshi politics for years alongside Rahman’s mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.The Awami League, which has been in power for 15 years but was barred from contesting this election, had previously won 230 seats in 2008.Meanwhile, the Jamaat-e-Islami president admitted defeat and said the party would not engage in “opposition politics” just for its own benefit. The National Civic Party (NCP), led by youth activists, played a major role in the campaign against Hasina and was part of the Congress-backed alliance, but won only five of the 30 seats it contested.
more and more American Retirees are moving to smaller communities where the cost of living is low and the standard of living is high. In these smaller cities, where concerns about the cost of living and financial pressures associated with retirement age are growing, an annual salary of about $50,000 can provide millionaire luxury.
Increasing numbers of American retirees are relocating to small towns with high living standards and affordability, offering a luxurious lifestyle on a modest income. (Unsplash | For reference only)
Here’s a roundup of 10 towns across the country that fit the bill, including low housing costs, friendly neighborhoods and amenities that appeal to seniors. This list is compiled based on data from Zillow and Apartments.com.
As its name suggests, this city in the Bayou State is surrounded by swamps and rivers that grandparents can explore by boat on quiet and peaceful evenings.
Lake Charles is located in southwestern Louisiana and has one of the largest lakes in the carnival The state hosts annual events that provide visitors with a true flavor of local culture.
Now, the most important factor in this city of lakes is The average rent is $1,100, Enjoy your own backwater boating experience within the city.
this average house price Located in Lake Charles is $197,799.
Morristown, Tennessee
If you’re a nature lover and enjoy watching the kids play in a nearby state park, Morristown is the place for you.
The picturesque Cherokee Reservoir is located near Morristown, and adjacent state parks provide easy access to outdoor activities.
It’s even the disc golf capital of Tennessee, which could be a fun new pastime. this average rent rising in morristown to $1,650,and The average home price is $257,008.
freeport illinois
for freeportlet’s dig deeper into the city’s most attractive feature, which is average rent lie in $722 per month. this The average home price is $120,331.
This is a cost-effective city where you can live a “millionaire’s” lifestyle for just a few dollars.
In addition, Freeport is also an excellent choice. The charming city center offers many dining and shopping options. It’s ideal for retirees looking to settle down in their later years.
Freeport is home to several community theaters and groups that host monthly events, like gilmore girls‘Starry sky.
To keep your days filled with activity and vitality, Eufaula offers excellent opportunities, and the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge is an ideal place for hiking, boating, and bird watching.
Eufaula sits on the Chattahoochee River, across the water from the state of Georgia. The town is rich in history and its buildings are set among charming oak trees.
this The average rent in Eufaula is nearly $865,as well as The average house price rose to 156,982.
Florence, Alabama
Florence is located across from Muscle Shoals on the banks of the Tennessee River. Both cities are known for their great music, with plenty of live music venues and events year-round.
Much like Eufaula and Morristown, there are plenty of hiking trails in the area if you want to get out and about. The town has a vibrant senior center that hosts activities most days of the week.
this The average rent is nearly $1,100, and The average home price is $200,270.
tupelo mississippi
Southern states are known for their small-town charm. Tupelo has just that kind of charm.
Take in stunning natural scenery and sample mouth-watering dishes at highly regarded restaurants along the Natchez Trace Parkway just outside the city.
The nearby senior center hosts weekly activities, including a bridge club popular with card enthusiasts.
this Average rent is approximately $1,150the average house price here is $197,596.
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Hattiesburg is not only known for its affordable cost of living. This community excels in many ways, including providing housing for Southern University mississippi. There are an incredible number of cultural events held throughout the year, partly due to the university town atmosphere.
This town has plenty to offer seniors, including a bustling downtown and several museums.
this Average rent is $1,150,as well as The average home price is $213,638.
Santa Rosa, New Mexico
If you’re looking for a place with talent, Santa Rosa may be the ideal place to retire. Located on historic Route 66, it has a fascinating history that attracts creatives and artists from across the country.
Retired thrill seekers may find it interesting that Santa Rosa even offers diving opportunities in its deep blue waters.
this average rent in santa rosa is $1,200,as well as The average home price rose to $306,813.
bluefield, west virginia
Bluefield is like the ultimate mountain summer retreat. Bluefield’s famed Appalachian Mountains provide a tranquil backdrop for your golden years.
There’s a lot to enjoy about this lovely place, including mild summers and small-town charm. Plus, enjoy the natural beauty of nearby New River Gorge National Park with easy access.
With over 20% of the town’s population over 65, there are plenty of opportunities to meet other retirees.
this average rent Because this little paradise is as low as $850,as well as The average home price is $105,770.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
The Cedar Rapids Kernels, minor league baseball team, Indian Creek Nature Center and McGrath Amphitheater are just a few of the city’s many recreational facilities.
There’s always something going on, including support for youth hockey teams, numerous museums and a busy city market. There are so many people over 65 here that you’ll have no problem making friends with other retirees.
this Average rent is $1,090,as well as The average home price rose to $202,097.
Plaqueboymax live-streamed Tyla DMs on Twitch and then deleted the Valentine’s Day voice note ahead of NBA All-Star Weekend (Image via Getty)
Just days before Valentine’s Day, Plaqueboymax caught the attention of social media. On February 12, 2026, a clip of his Twitch stream began circulating on X after it was shared by the user account @FearedBuck. In the video, the popular streamer revealed that he had sent a direct message and voice note to the singer silenceasking her to be his lover. He openly told the audience that he admired her music and wanted to “get his shot.”During the live broadcast, Plaqueboymax recorded his conversation with Tyla. In the message, he said: “I really love your music. I know you probably don’t know me yet, but that’s okay. I just wanted to say that I love your songs. Will you be my lover? But just seconds after sending it, he quickly changed his mind. He deleted the audio and told viewers: “No, no, no.” We have to rephrase this. ” The small moment made fans laugh and quickly became a trending topic online.
Plaqueboymax reveals Tyla Valentine DM moment and shares NBA All-Star weekend plans Bose and lil yacht
The Valentine’s Day message wasn’t the only reason why Plaqueboymax was popular that day. He also shared big career news during a Twitch livestream on February 12. He announced that through his partnership with Bose, he was invited to participate in NBA All-Star Weekend events.Plaqueboymax explained that on Friday, February 13, he will be working on a creative project with NBA players. According to him, the idea is to turn basketball stars into “superstar artists” and merge music and sports culture in one event. “On Friday, we’re going to work with some NBA players and we’re going to turn them into superstar artists,” he told the audience.He then shared his plans for Saturday. He said he would play basketball with rapper Lil Yachty and members of the Concrete Boys. Talking about the competition, he added, “We’re going to do some running games on Saturday with Yachty and the Concrete Boys. I need some guys who can run with me.”As if that wasn’t enough, Plaqueboymax also addressed another situation during the live stream. He recently publicly supported Aspen Katir after animal cruelty accusations surfaced online. He made it clear that he supported Cartier in the controversy.From a deleted Valentine’s Day voice note to a high-profile invitation to NBA All-Star Weekend, February 12th was a big day for Plaqueboymax. Fans are now waiting to see if Tyra responds and how his NBA weekend unfolds.
New Delhi: Former Chief Justice of India BR Gavai on Thursday told a parliamentary committee that the Concurrent Elections Bill does not violate the basic structure of the Constitution.According to sources, Gavai, the sixth former CJI to appear before the joint committee of Parliament headed by BJP MP PP Chaudhary, said if the bill is passed, it will neither affect the federal structure nor the democratic form of governance, thereby aligning the proposed law with the basic structure.The One Nation, One Election Act, popularly known as the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 129, only changed the way elections were conducted once, while the structure of the polls and the rights of voters remained unchanged.Excited about Gawai’s support, Chaudhry said the opposition parties should join the ruling alliance in supporting the bill so that the proposed law can be materialized, paving the way for simultaneous Lok Sabha and Parliament polls.He told reporters that it was in the national interest and that all parties should put aside political interests to support the proposal, noting that most legal experts believe there is nothing constitutionally wrong with the bill.Sources added that the former CJI dismissed criticism questioning the parliamentary mandate as the bill also affects states and said the legislature has the mandate.He pointed out that India held simultaneous elections until 1967.The entire opposition bloc condemned the bill as an attack on India’s federal structure and questioned the government’s arguments in support of it.
As tax filing season approaches before the April 15 deadline, many taxpayers are waiting for their tax returns. Refund arrive. this IRS (IRS) offers an online tracking feature called “Where’s My Refund?” Allow filers to monitor the status of their returns.
The IRS typically issues most refunds within 21 days of receiving an electronically filed return. (AFP Getty Images)
This tool is available 24 hours a day through IRS.gov and the IRS2Go mobile app.
How this tool works
The “Where’s My Refund?” tracker shows return progress in three stages:
Tax Return Received – The IRS has received the tax return and is processing it.
Refund Approved – The refund has been approved and payment is being prepared.
Refund Sent – Refund has been issued via direct deposit or mailed check.
Once a refund is approved, the tool provides a personalized date by which the payment is expected to be sent.
The system is updated once a day, usually overnight, and may be temporarily unavailable early in the morning while updates are processed, the San Antonio Express-News reported.
When can you check the status of your refund?
taxpayer There is no way to check its status immediately after submission.
People who file their taxes electronically must wait at least 24 hours after the IRS confirms receipt of their return before they can use the tracker, the San Antonio Express-News reported. For prior year electronic returns, it may take three to four days for the information to appear.
If a return is submitted by mail, status information may not be available for up to four weeks.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) generally issues most refunds within 21 days of receipt of an electronically filed return, but some situations may take longer depending on individual circumstances.
To use the tool, taxpayers must provide their Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), filing status and the exact full dollar amount of the expected refund.
New Delhi: Tension as India prepares for the T20 World Cup against Pakistan has been revolving around a burning question – will Abhishek Sharma recover in time? Conflicting updates from teammates and captains only add to the intrigue ahead of Sunday’s big game.Push boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!Varun Chakravarthy has struck an optimistic note after India’s win over Namibia, revealing that the explosive opener could make a comeback. “From what I’ve talked to him, he looks good and he did some training today. He told me he’s on his way,” Varun said, hinting at a possible return.
T20 World Cup | Tilak Varma provides update on Abhishek’s fitness and mindset during recovery
Captain Suryakumar Yadav, however, painted a more cautious picture. Abhishek was hospitalized earlier this week due to a stomach infection and is still recovering after being discharged from the hospital. “Abhishek is not good yet and may need one or two games,” Surya admitted, advising the team to prioritize his full recovery.The attacking left-hander missed the Namibia match when Sanju Samson was paired with Ishan Kishan at No. 1. Even though the team was training at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Abhishek did not participate in the complete training session and there were reports of weakness and slight weight loss after the illness.
polling
Do you think Abhishek Sharma is fit to play against Pakistan?
The team management is expected to make a final decision after monitoring his workload during training in Colombo. Abhishek has traditionally spent a long time batting and the endurance test could determine whether he is ready to handle the pressure of the India-Pakistan showdown.At the moment, India seems to be caught between hope and caution: Varun’s optimistic “he’s on his way” and Suryakumar’s realistic “it may take a game or two” assessment.
Cannonball-sized dinosaur crystal eggs discovered in China (Photo source – Journal of Paleogeography)
Dinosaur eggs sometimes bring surprises. In eastern China, two fossilized eggs were discovered in a layer of red sandstone and subsequently cut open for study. What the researchers saw were not small bones inside, but hollow spaces lined with transparent crystals. The discovery comes from the Chishan Formation of the Upper Cretaceous in the Qianshan Basin, Anhui Province. The eggs are almost round, about 10 to 13 centimeters long, and the eggshell is 2.6 millimeters thick. Their appearance looks ordinary. Under a microscope, the shells show clear growth lines and a tightly packed structure. Scientists named them a new egg species: Shixinoolithus qianshanensis. No embryonic remains have been preserved. What survives are the shells and the minerals that slowly formed inside after burial.
Crystal-filled dinosaur eggs discovered in China contain no fossilized embryos
According to published in journal of paleogeographythe crystals in the egg are calcite crystals. While the eggs are alive, they have not yet formed. Once the eggs are buried in the soil, water seeps into the ground and brings dissolved minerals with it. The inside of the egg had rotted and turned into a hollow. Over time, minerals gradually deposited in the cavities, forming clusters of crystals. This method is commonly used for fossils. Organic material breaks down and minerals either replace it or fill in the gaps. Here the shell is intact, but the embryo is completely gone.
New species of dinosaur eggs discovered in Anhui Province
Even without bones, eggshells provide enough detail for identification. When the thin slices were examined under a microscope, the scientists observed uniform shell units and a dense internal structure. These characteristics differ slightly from known types.Because of these differences, these eggs were classified as a new egg species in the family Stalicoolithidae. This is the first time this group has been confirmed in the Qianshan Basin. Many dinosaur eggs have been produced in other parts of China, but so far there is no direct evidence from this basin.
fossil Eggs help confirm age of rocks
The eggs were found in layers formed by ancient rivers and lakes. The deposits belong to the late Cretaceous period, shortly before the mass extinction that ended the age of the dinosaurs.The discovery of dinosaur eggs in these rocks supports their dating. Fossils like this can help geologists confirm the age of rock formations and understand how the area changed over time.Only two eggs are preserved, one of which is incomplete. Still, they add useful detail to the record of dinosaur life in eastern China, a silent piece of evidence from the distant past.
