NEW DELHI: A “clarification letter” issued by the Center in 2004 brought discriminatory standards for determination of milk fat layer into reality, but surprisingly, its roots are yet to be identified.While settling the dispute and ruling that all government and non-government employees must follow the same standards, the Supreme Court noted that the Parliamentary Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes had also stated in its report that the source of the letter was contrary to the 1993 Office Memorandum (OM) and could not be traced.“The opinion of the parliamentary committee provides institutional support for the view that paragraph 9 creates an ambiguity of interpretation and may go beyond its intended scope. The report records that the 2004 letter did not originate from the Department of Transport Secretariat and that its source cannot be traced from the original explanatory document,” the court said.The court further observed that it is a settled principle that any proceeding in the nature of an administrative order or office memorandum issued in the exercise of executive power under Article 162 of the Constitution, a government letter alone cannot have the effect of overturning, overruling or superseding any proceeding. “The clarification letter must, therefore, be strictly construed as interpreting or supplementing the basic guidelines laid down in the OM, 1993, which was issued after due consideration and following necessary procedures, and not altering its substantive framework,” it said.
Leeds Sunrisers’ official X account suspended shortly after signing Abrar Ahmed
Sunrisers face backlash on social media after signing Pakistan mystery spinner Abra Ahmed at the inaugural 2026 Men’s Top 100 auction on Thursday. Abrar became the first Pakistani player to be signed by an Indian team in the top 100, with the Sunrisers paying $255,000.The move angered many Indian fans, who criticized the Sunrisers and team owner Kavya Malan for signing a Pakistani player, saying it went against national sentiments.During the auction, Kavya Malan was seen sitting at the table with head coach Daniel Vettori. Whether Indian teams would bid for Pakistani players had come under intense scrutiny amid reports of a possible shadow ban.Shortly after acquiring Abrar, Sunrisers Leeds’ official account on X was suspended. The platform did not give a specific reason, but users saw an “account suspended” message when they visited the page, which said “X has suspended accounts that violate X rules.”Last year, Indian media company Sun TV bought a 49% stake from the ECB and a 51% stake from Yorkshire, fully taking over Leeds’ franchise in The Hundred (formerly known as the Northern Superchargers).Sunrisers’ other franchises Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL) and Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SA20) have never signed an active Pakistani player before. In the auction, Sunrisers won the bidding war with Trent Rockets to acquire Abrar Ahmed.
Planning to buy a 2 ton air conditioner? Here are the top 10 options, starting at Rs 33,000
When summer temperatures begin to climb, cooling larger rooms becomes a challenge for many homes. For spaces that require stronger cooling output, 2-ton capacity air conditioners are often chosen. These models are designed to manage heat in larger rooms while controlling power consumption through inverter technology and energy-saving modes.
Some manufacturers offer 2-ton air conditioners with features such as switchable cooling modes, temperature sensors, Wi-Fi connectivity and dehumidification. Many models also include copper condenser coils, stabilizer-less operation, and filters designed to improve indoor air quality. These systems are usually chosen in areas where summer temperatures can reach 45 to 50 degrees Celsius.
Here are some 2 ton AC options available from different brands.
Panasonic’s 2-ton split air conditioner uses a variable frequency compressor that can adjust the cooling output according to the heat load of the room. The unit includes a switchable feature with seven cooling modes, allowing users to control capacity between lower and higher cooling levels.
It provides airflow up to 720 CFM and supports cooling operation up to 55 degrees Celsius. The four-way swing helps distribute air throughout the room. This model supports Wi-Fi connectivity and operates without an external stabilizer.
This Blue Star split air conditioner uses sensors to detect indoor and outdoor temperature conditions and adjust cooling accordingly. The system includes a four-way swing that moves air horizontally and vertically to reach different parts of the room.
The AC includes corrosion-resistant blue fins to reduce damage from moisture and dust. It also supports voice-based control and includes anti-spill and anti-rust protection.
Godrej 2 Ton Inverter Split Air Conditioner features i-Sense technology which reads the temperature around the user through a remote control sensor and adjusts the cooling accordingly.
The unit is self-cleaning and designed to remove moisture from indoor units to reduce the build-up of microorganisms. It can operate in outdoor temperatures up to 52 degrees Celsius and includes system alarms to notify users of potential maintenance issues.
Carrier’s 2-ton Flexicool split air conditioner uses a variable speed inverter compressor to adjust power consumption according to room temperature. The unit includes a six-in-one conversion mode that allows users to modify cooling capabilities to reduce power consumption.
This air conditioner is made with copper condenser coils and anti-corrosion coating. It provides a cooling capacity of approximately 6000 watts, up to approximately 6580 watts. This model also supports Wi-Fi connectivity.
This Blue Star model is designed for rooms from 151 to 200 square feet. It includes 2D air swing technology and five switchable cooling modes.
The air conditioner produces up to 576 CFM of airflow and can operate in ambient temperatures up to 52 degrees Celsius. Includes turbo mode to quickly lower room temperature. The unit is protected with a copper condenser coil with a blue fin coating.
The O-General 2-ton inverter split air conditioner uses a high-temperature rotary compressor and is designed to operate at temperatures up to 55 degrees Celsius.
The unit features Coanda Airflow technology, which distributes air throughout the room. It also has an antimicrobial filter that reduces dust and particles in indoor air. Copper condenser coils support long-term operation with low maintenance requirements.
Lloyd split air conditioners include an air-cooled electric control box, allowing the system to continue operating at outdoor temperatures up to 52 degrees Celsius.
The unit offers 12 meters of range and four-way swing airflow control. It includes a five-in-one conversion mode that allows users to adjust the cooling capacity. Other features include turbine cooling, stabilizer-less operation, low gas detection and filter cleaning alarms.
Blue Star also offers 2-ton window air conditioners with turbo cooling designed to quickly lower room temperatures. The system includes an eco mode that adjusts compressor performance to save electricity.
The unit features copper condenser coils and anti-corrosion blue fins. Other features include auto-restart, humidity control, sleep mode and self-diagnostics.
Haier 2 ton window air conditioner is designed to operate at temperatures up to 54 degrees Celsius. It includes a micro antimicrobial filter and a fluted copper condenser coil.
Side airflow with automatic oscillation distributes cool air throughout the room. This model also includes Eco Mode, Turbo Cooling and Quiet Mode to reduce operating noise.
Carrier’s 2-ton window air conditioner includes a four-layer filtration system including dust filter, electric filter, carbon filter, and zeolite filter. These filters help reduce dust particles, odors, and air pollutants.
The unit includes automatic oscillating airflow, energy saving mode and sleep mode to manage power usage. Features like self-diagnostics and easy cleaning help users identify maintenance needs. The air conditioner can be operated using a remote control and generates a noise level of approximately 52 decibels.
5 Main Factors to Consider Before Buying a 2 Ton Air Conditioner
1. Room area and cooling capacity
2-ton air conditioners are generally suitable for larger rooms. Buyers should check room size before selecting capacity. A 2-ton air conditioner is typically suitable for rooms between 200 and 300 square feet, depending on ceiling height, insulation, and heating conditions.
2. Energy Rating
Energy efficiency plays a key role in long-term electricity consumption. AC models with a 5-star rating consume less power than devices with lower ratings. Checking the BEE energy rating can help buyers estimate running costs.
3. Inverter technology
Inverter air conditioners adjust the compressor speed based on cooling demand. This helps maintain stable temperatures and reduces power consumption. Many 2-ton models now include convertible inverter modes, allowing the user to vary cooling capacity.
4. Cooling characteristics and airflow
Features such as turbine cooling, multi-directional air oscillation, dehumidification and temperature sensors improve cooling distribution. High airflow capabilities help cool large spaces faster and more evenly.
5. Build quality and maintenance
Air conditioners with copper condenser coils generally require less maintenance and support better heat transfer. Buyers should also check for features such as anti-corrosion coatings, self-cleaning technology, filter alarms and stabilizer-free operation.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay updated with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has affiliate partnerships, so we may get a share of the revenue when you make a purchase. We are not responsible for any claims relating to the products under applicable law (including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act 2019). The products listed in this article are in no particular order of preference.
Iran’s leader ‘eliminated’, look what happens today: Trump issues big warning in war
U.S. President Donald Trump said in a social media post on Friday that the United States was “totally destroying” Iran’s leadership and military capabilities, saying Tehran had been defeated militarily, economically and otherwise.
He claimed that Iran’s navy and air force had been eliminated and its missiles and drones “destroyed.” In the post, Trump said the United States had “unparalleled firepower” and warned of further action against what he called the “terrorist regime in Iran.”
ALSO READ | Trump says stopping Iran’s nuclear weapons ‘more important’ than soaring oil prices amid global crisis
“Iran’s navy is gone, their air force is non-existent, missiles, drones and everything else have been destroyed, and their leader has disappeared from the face of the earth,” he wrote.
The US president said the US military had “unparalleled firepower” and “unlimited ammunition” and warned further action against Tehran was possible.
Trump also lashed out at some media outlets, specifically new york timeswho accused the report of inaccurately describing the situation. He said media coverage could create the impression that the United States was not “winning” the conflict.
In the same message, Trump mentioned Iran’s alleged role in violence around the world over the past four decades and said it was a “tremendous honor” to confront the country as the 47th president of the United States.
ALSO READ | Trump adviser urges him to find Iran exit ramp, fears political backlash
“We have enough time – see what will happen to these crazy scumbags today. For 47 years they have been killing innocent people around the world and now, I, as the 47th President of the United States of America, am killing them. What an honor to be able to do this!” he said in the post.
The comments come amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran, a conflict that has stoked global concerns about a widening crisis in West Asia.
CBI to probe two ‘digital arrests’ worth Rs 31 crore
New Delhi: In a major move, India’s Central Bureau of Investigation has taken over two cases of mass “digital arrests” reported in Gujarat last year. The financial losses in these cases – the victims, all elderly, amounted to Rs 192 million and Rs 114 million respectively – are among the largest amounts misappropriated in such scams.Officials said fresh FIRs have now been filed in the two cases by the CBI’s economic crimes wing, which will be headed by a dedicated investigation unit to trace the flow of funds and nab the masterminds. Last year, the SC directed the CBI to launch a larger probe into the “digital arrest” case.In first case, Gujarat doctor lost Rs 19 crore; second, Rs 11 croreThe first case dates back to March 2025, where a 74-year-old woman from Gandhinagar, a retired doctor, was defrauded of over Rs 19.2 crore through an elaborate scam. On March 15, a group of scammers pretending to be employees of the telecommunications department, police officers and prosecutors called her and led her to believe that she was involved in a money laundering investigation.The scammers kept the woman under constant surveillance through video calls and forced her to liquidate all her assets, including destroying her FD, selling her house and gold, and selling her stocks. They provided forged “financial regulatory” certificates on forged ED letterhead to authorize transfers. The digital arrest lasted until July 16 and the woman was told her money would be returned after “verification”. When this did not happen, she lodged a complaint and an FIR was lodged based on the complaint.In the second case, fraudsters targeted a retired professor living in Ahmedabad on June 10, 2025, posing as Trai officials and police, claiming that her Aadhaar details were related to criminal activities. After asking her for daily updates, they directed her to speak to her husband on August 1.The scammers threatened the couple to transfer up to Rs 11.4 crore from their account.
‘Disband Hezbollah’: Nighttime operations in Lebanon captured by IDF body cameras – watch the video
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday released body camera video showing a coordinated strike on infrastructure linked to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.The strikes were carried out in Beirut and southern Lebanon. Debris from a command center used by Hezbollah operatives can be seen scattered around the site, with smoke billowing from Israeli troops firing shots during the operation, according to a video shared by the Israel Defense Forces.The IDF said in a post on X that its forces were continuing operations near the border to ensure the safety of civilians in northern Israel.“The Israel Defense Forces continue to maintain a forward defense posture to protect the population of northern Israel. Over the past week, our forces have conducted targeted nighttime operations in southern Lebanon, destroying Hezbollah’s terror infrastructure,” the Israeli military wrote.Several Hezbollah command centers were attacked, where the militants allegedly launched and planned attacks against Israel and its civilians, according to an IDF spokesman.The Israel Defense Forces claimed in a statement that Hezbollah was embedding its infrastructure in civilian areas across Lebanon, calling it a tactic that endangers civilians, state-run Israel National News reported. “A number of measures were taken before the attack to minimize the risk of harm to civilians, including advance warning, the use of precision munitions and aerial surveillance,” the IDF said.“The Israel Defense Forces are resolutely combating the Hezbollah terrorist organization following its deliberate decision to attack Israel on behalf of the Iranian regime. The Israel Defense Forces will not tolerate any harm to residents of the State of Israel. ” the statement added.Earlier, the Israel Defense Forces said an overnight operation by its air force eliminated Ali Muslim Tabaja, a commander linked to the Imam Hussein division.The IDF also said it eliminated the commander of Hezbollah’s Radwan forces in southern Lebanon.According to the military, more than 100 militants have been killed so far, while more than 60 Radwan Force command and control centers have been dismantled in ongoing operations.
Video claims that anchor Neon was arrested at O’Block in Chicago; netizens question authenticity – “This was staged”
A viral video circulating on social media claims that controversial streamer Rangesh “N3on” Mutama, better known online as Neon, was arrested while trying to enter O’Block. chicago. However, the video sparked widespread skepticism among viewers, many of whom believed the incident appeared to be staged.
The video was shared on X by user FearBuck, who wrote: “Neon was just arrested while trying to get into O’Block,” and appeared to show several people confronting the streamer.
In the video, people in dark uniforms can be heard shouting “get out” at Neon. As they prepared to detain him, the anchor repeatedly questioned the situation.
“Why am I getting arrested?” he asked, before adding multiple times: “I was just trying to raise some money for the kids, man.”
The brief video attracted attention online, but many viewers in the comments section doubted whether the confrontation was real.
Also read: Radule Bojovic Case Update: Why ICE Arrested Chicago Police Officer; ‘Broken Law’
Netizens called the video “staged”
Some users claimed that the situation looked scripted and suggested that the streamer orchestrated the scene.
“For the kids who don’t know, this is staged. He arranged this with actors and paid them to do it. You click, share, and get scared and he makes money. Stop,” one commenter wrote.
Others noted what they believed to be inconsistencies in the uniforms worn by those seen in the video.
“He didn’t even try to make it look like a real uniform,” one user commented. Another added: “This is fake. None of them.” uniform Is it a police uniform or a police officer? They are all security guards. “
Some users claiming to be from Chicago also questioned the authenticity of the video.
“I live in Chicago. This is the fakest thing I’ve ever seen,” one comment read, while another said, “Fake as hell, that was a security guard not a police officer.”
There has been no independent confirmation that an arrest occurred in the area shown in the video.
neonLive-streaming on platforms such as Kick, he is known for his provocative live streams and viral stunts that often spark online debate.
First, the EC appoints SDM level officers and SDM level officers. Above are the election officials of Bengal polls
New Delhi: election committeeFor the first time, West Bengal has upgraded the returning officers (ROs) of its 152 assembly constituencies to the level of sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) or sub-divisional officer (SDO) and above, in line with the norms followed in other parts of the country.This is seen as promoting free and fair parliamentary elections in the state as senior officials are seen as less prone to bias and partisanship, especially against the ruling party.Sources said the move is historic as West Bengal is the only state since Independence that has an RO level below or equivalent to SDM, while other states/Union Territories provide officers at the level of SDM/Divisional Officer (SDO) and above. “West Bengal is the only state that has not complied with the EC directive of June 26, 2023 and has been providing junior officers at the level of Block Development Officer (BDO) for appointment as RO. The EC has issued reminders to the West Bengal government on January 20 and February 2, 2026, asking it to rectify the issue,” an EC official said.Finally, at the insistence of the Election Commission, the state government agreed to retain officials with requisite qualifications as election officials. Based on this, the Election Commission on Thursday issued a notification for appointment of ROs for all 294 assembly constituencies for the upcoming assembly elections, including 152 constituencies in the state where junior officers were provided earlier.
‘My little brother belongs to Saaniya now’: Sara’s touching post melts hearts
New Delhi: Sachin Tendulkar’s daughter Sara Tendulkar on Thursday shared a heartfelt message to her brother Arjun Tendulkar and his wife Saaniya Chandhok, days after their glamorous wedding in Mumbai.Push boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!Sarah posted unseen photos from the wedding festivities on Instagram, giving fans a rare glimpse into the intimate moments from the wedding. One of the pictures shows a smiling Arjun performing the traditional ritual of applying Sindoor on Saaniya, marking a crucial moment of the wedding.“My little brother now belongs to @saaniyachandhok. May the universe shower you both with endless blessings, abundance, everything your hearts desire and of course protect you from Nazar for the rest of your life,” Sara wrote in the emotional caption.In another affectionate message, she added, “Thank you @arjuntendulkar24 for giving me a sistaaaa”, much to the delight of her fans who flooded the comments with congratulations. The wedding took place at the luxurious St. Regis Hotel in Mumbai and turned out to be a star-studded affair with big names from cricket, film and business in attendance.Notable guests included India head coach Gautam Gambhir, former captains MS Dhoni and Rahul Dravid, IC chairman Jay Shah, Harbhajan Singh and commentator Harsha Bhogle. Bollywood icons include Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan Aamir Khan, business tycoon Mukesh Ambani and their families were also present.Saaniya is the granddaughter of industrialist Ravi Ghai of Graviss Group. Arjun currently plays domestic cricket for Goa.
AI laptops get cheaper: Top 10 powerful AI laptops with price cuts
Artificial intelligence is becoming a core part of modern laptops, delivering smarter features, faster workflows, and more efficient performance. From AI-assisted photo editing to smart productivity tools, many new laptops now come with specialized hardware designed to accelerate these tasks directly on the device.
Several popular AI laptops have also seen significant price cuts recently, making them more accessible to buyers planning to upgrade. These machines typically feature modern processors with dedicated AI engines, greater battery efficiency, and strong overall performance for creative work, productivity, and everyday use. In this guide, we highlight some of the best affordable AI laptops available right now, helping you find a powerful system that combines advanced technology with better value.
The Acer Aspire Go 14 is an affordable AI-powered laptop for students and everyday productivity users. The laptop is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H processor with built-in AI acceleration and provides reliable multitasking performance with 16GB DDR5 memory. Its 14-inch WUXGA IPS display offers good viewing angles and a 16:10 aspect ratio, making it suitable for productivity tasks such as browsing, office work, and coding. It comes pre-installed with Windows 11, Microsoft Office and has a lightweight design for those who want an affordable AI laptop for daily computing and work.
Specification
processor
Intel Core Ultra 5 125H
Memory
16GB DDR5 (upgradeable)
exhibit
14-inch WUXGA IPS (1920×1200)
graphics
Intel integrated graphics
2. HP OmniBook 3 AMD Ryzen AI 5 340 Next Generation AI Laptop, (16GB DDR5, 512GB SSD), Anti-Glare, 15.6 in/39.6 cm Full HD, Win11, Office24, Silver, 1.7 kg, Full HD Camera with Privacy Shutter, fn0007AU
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HP OmniBook 3 is designed as an entry-level AI laptop powered by AMD Ryzen AI 5 processor. It comes with 16GB DDR5 RAM and 512GB SSD, which is suitable for daily productivity, multitasking, and basic creative work. The 15.6-inch Full HD anti-glare display provides a comfortable viewing experience for long working hours. Featuring Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, a full-size backlit keyboard, and a privacy shutter camera, it’s aimed at professionals and students who want an affordable AI-powered laptop with reliable performance and modern connectivity features.
Specification
processor
AMD Ryzen AI 5 340
exhibit
15.6-inch FHD anti-glare
HP OmniBook 5 OLED is a new generation AI laptop powered by Snapdragon X processor, designed for efficient performance and long battery life. Its 16-inch OLED display offers vibrant colors, high contrast and wide color coverage, making it ideal for multimedia consumption and creative work. The laptop also features Wi-Fi 6E and USB-C ports for fast connectivity. With a slim design and integrated AI capabilities, it’s designed to deliver powerful productivity and smooth multitasking for professionals and creators.
Specification
processor
Qualcomm SnapdragonX
graphics
Qualcomm Adreno GPU
ASUS Gaming V16 is designed for users who need powerful gaming performance, content creation, and demanding workloads. The laptop is powered by Intel Core 5 210H processor and NVIDIA RTX 3050 graphics card, which can handle modern games and GPU-intensive applications. The 16-inch WUXGA display has a 144Hz refresh rate, providing smooth visuals during gaming. Equipped with DDR5 memory and a fast SSD, this laptop is designed to balance gaming performance and productivity.
Specification
processor
Intel Core 5 210H
exhibit
16-inch WUXGA 144Hz
ASUS Vivobook S14 is a modern AI laptop designed for productivity and portability. It is powered by AMD Ryzen AI 5 processor with an integrated AI engine of up to 50 TOPS, supporting AI accelerated applications and Copilot functionality in Windows. The laptop features a vibrant OLED display with wide color coverage, suitable for creative tasks and media consumption. With its lightweight metal design, long battery life, and fast connectivity, it’s aimed at professionals and students who need a powerful yet portable device.
Specification
processor
AMD Ryzen AI 5 330
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is designed for users who need reliable performance to increase their daily productivity. It comes with a powerful 13th generation Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB RAM for smooth multitasking across multiple applications. The 15.3-inch WUXGA IPS display provides a comfortable viewing experience for work and entertainment. It comes with Dolby optimized speakers and a privacy shutter webcam, and is aimed at professionals, students, and remote workers who need a balanced laptop to handle their daily tasks.
Specification
processor
Intel Core i7-13620H
exhibit
15.3 inches WUXGA IPS
graphics
Intel UHD Graphics
ASUS TUF Gaming A15 is designed for gamers and power users who demand powerful performance. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 processor and an NVIDIA RTX 3050 GPU, the laptop can handle modern gaming, video editing, and other demanding workloads. The 15.6-inch display has a 144Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals. Its durable design and upgradable RAM make it suitable for long-term gaming use.
Specification
processor
AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS
exhibit
15.6 inches Full HD 144Hz
The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 is an AI-enabled premium ultrabook designed for portability and performance. It’s powered by Intel Core Ultra processors with built-in AI acceleration, enabling modern AI features in Windows and productivity apps. The 14-inch OLED display offers excellent color accuracy and HDR support, making it ideal for creative work and media consumption. It features Dolby Atmos speakers and a lightweight design, targeting professionals looking for a powerful yet portable laptop.
Specification
processor
Intel Core Ultra 5 125H
exhibit
14-inch OLED WUXGA
graphics
Integrated Intel Arc
ASUS Zenbook 14 is a premium Ultrabook designed for portability and advanced AI computing. It features AMD Ryzen AI processors, which include an integrated NPU to accelerate AI workloads. The laptop features a stunning 3K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate that delivers vibrant colors and smooth visuals. Its thin and lightweight aluminum design makes it highly portable while still delivering powerful performance for multitasking and creative applications.
Specification
processor
AMD Ryzen AI 5 340
exhibit
14-inch 3K OLED 120Hz
graphics
AMD Radeon integration
The Dell 14 AI laptop is built for productivity and AI-accelerated computing. It is powered by AMD Ryzen AI 7 processor, which combines powerful multi-core performance with efficient AI processing. The laptop features a 14-inch FHD+ display and integrated Radeon graphics, making it suitable for daily productivity and light creative tasks. Equipped with 16GB LPDDR5X memory and 1TB SSD, it provides fast performance and large storage capacity for professionals and students.
Specification
processor
AMD Ryzen AI 7 350
graphics
AMD Radeon integration
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay updated with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has affiliate partnerships, so we may get a share of the revenue when you make a purchase. We are not responsible for any claims relating to the products under applicable law (including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act 2019). The products listed in this article are in no particular order of preference.