In a move that offers much-needed relief to consumers grappling with rising living costs, Amul, one of India’s leading dairy brands, has announced a price reduction on three of its popular milk variants. The price cut, effective immediately, affects the 1kg packs of Amul Gold, Amul Taaza, and Amul Tea Special, each seeing a reduction of ₹1.

The announcement was made by Jayen Mehta, Managing Director of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), the entity that operates the Amul brand. Mehta emphasized the company’s commitment to its consumers, stating that the decision to lower prices was made with the intention of providing relief without compromising the high-quality Amul is known for. He underscored Amul’s dedication to serving its customers and ensuring accessibility to essential dairy products.

The ₹1 reduction may seem modest, but its impact is significant, particularly considering the current economic climate. The rising cost of essential commodities has placed a considerable strain on household budgets across the country, making even small price adjustments on staples like milk a welcome development. Amul’s decision reflects an understanding of these economic pressures and a proactive response to alleviate some of the burden on consumers.

Amul’s extensive reach across India means this price reduction will benefit millions. The brand holds a prominent position in the daily lives of countless Indian families, making its products a staple in countless households.

The price cut underscores Amul’s role not just as a major dairy producer, but also as a brand responsive to the needs and challenges faced by its consumers. This move is likely to be seen as a positive step, demonstrating corporate social responsibility amidst challenging economic times.

The reduction is expected to provide tangible relief, even if small, to consumers across the nation, further strengthening Amul’s image as a brand committed to its consumers’ well-being. The timely price adjustment aligns with the brand’s long-standing commitment to affordable and high-quality dairy products.

Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Friday that daughters are the symbol of strength, courage and dedication and emphasized the responsibility of providing a secure and promising future for girls.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he eloquently described daughters as symbols of strength, courage, and unwavering dedication, brimming with hopes and aspirations for a better tomorrow. He issued a powerful call to action, urging a commitment to granting full rights to this half of the population, underscoring the inherent injustice of denying them equal opportunities.

National Girl Child Day, observed annually on January 24 in India, serves as a crucial platform to advocate for the rights, education, and well-being of girls. This year, the day saw prominent figures reiterate the urgent need for societal change to ensure a brighter future for the nation’s daughters.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge further reinforced the importance of gender equality as the cornerstone of true progress. He underscored the historical significance of National Girl Child Day, established in 2008 by the Congress-led UPA government, as a testament to India’s constitutional commitment to gender justice.

His message on X emphasized the need for a concerted effort to ensure girls receive quality education, essential healthcare, unwavering safety, and adequate nutrition. He framed the observance of this day not merely as a symbolic gesture but as a potent reminder to recommit to dismantling gender discrimination and providing every girl with the opportunities she rightfully deserves.

The origins of National Girl Child Day lie in the Ministry of Women and Child Development’s initiative to address the systemic inequalities faced by girls in India. The day’s significance extends beyond symbolic gestures; it serves as a vital catalyst for broader societal conversations. It highlights the persistent challenges girls face, including issues like female foeticide, the alarming decline in the sex ratio, and the pervasive biases that limit their potential.

National Girl Child Day provides an annual opportunity to assess progress, identify shortcomings, and galvanize collective action. It compels us to examine deeply entrenched societal attitudes and biases, to challenge discriminatory practices, and to advocate for policy changes that genuinely promote gender equality.

The ultimate goal is to create a society where every girl child has the chance to thrive, reaching her full potential without facing the barriers of gender discrimination. This requires a sustained and multifaceted approach, encompassing educational reforms, improved healthcare access, enhanced safety measures, and a concerted effort to challenge deeply ingrained societal norms.

As the 97th Academy Awards nominations were unveiled, Indian cinema found itself with mixed fortunes. While the much-anticipated Oscars saw the inclusion of one Indian film, Anuja, in the Best Live Action Short Film category, several major contenders were left out of the nominations entirely.

This year, despite the strong buzz surrounding Indian films like Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, Putul, Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life, All We Imagine As Light, Band of Maharajas, Kanguva, The Zebras, Girls Will Be Girls, and Santosh, none of them made it to the final list of nominees. The exclusion of these titles has raised eyebrows, particularly among fans and industry insiders who had high hopes for their inclusion.

The lone Indian contender making waves at the Oscars 2025 is Anuja, a poignant short film produced by Guneet Monga and Priyanka Chopra. Directed by Adam J. Graves, the film follows the story of Anuja, a young girl played by Sajda Pathan, who works in a garment factory in Delhi. Anuja, along with her sister Palak (played by Ananya Shanbhag), is faced with an incredibly difficult decision that could alter the course of her life and her family’s future.

The announcement of the nominations was made today during a live-streamed ceremony hosted by actors-comedians Rachel Sennott and Bowen Yang, which took place at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater. The event revealed the nominees across all 24 Oscar categories.

While the exclusion of several noteworthy Indian films is disheartening for many, the success of Anuja offers a glimmer of hope for Indian cinema in the global spotlight. The 97th Academy Awards ceremony will be held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, with Conan O’Brien serving as the host for the star-studded event.

As the Oscars approach, the spotlight remains on Anuja, with audiences eager to see how the film will fare in the prestigious race for the gold statue.