Mahindra's new Thar OG arrives at Rs 10.32-18.99 lakh with a stiffer platform, stronger engines, a diesel RWD automatic and up to six airbags. Mahindra has put the new Thar OG on sale in India at introductory prices that begin at Rs 10.32 lakh and reach Rs 18.99 lakh, ex-showroom. The three-door SUV replaces the Thar that first appeared in 2020, and Mahindra has reworked its chassis, engines, exterior, interior and safety kit. Deliveries start on October 11, 2026. The range is built around three trims - AXT, LXT and ZXT - offered across 15 combinations of engine, gearbox and drivetrain. The introductory prices apply only to vehicles handed over on or before November 30, 2026. Prices, trims and a new diesel automatic The entry AXT comes solely with the 1.5-litre diesel, a manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive, and is priced at Rs 10.32 lakh. The LXT opens at Rs 12.99 lakh and the ZXT at Rs 13.99 lakh. A newly added 2.2-litre diesel paired with rear-wheel drive and an automatic transmission costs Rs 16.49 lakh in LXT form and Rs 17.49 lakh in ZXT. The most expensive version is the ZXT diesel with four-wheel drive and an automatic, at Rs 18.99 lakh. That rear-drive diesel automatic is one of the launch's main talking points, letting buyers pick the bigger engine and self-shifting gearbox without paying for a four-wheel-drive system. Stronger petrol and diesel outputs The 2.0-litre mStallion turbo-petrol now makes 119 kW, roughly 159.6 bhp, with 330 Nm of torque. The 2.2-litre mHawk diesel is rated at 111.9 kW, about 150.1 bhp, and also 330 Nm. Both units gain power and torque over the versions they replace. The 1.5-litre D117 CRDe diesel carries over unchanged at 87.2 kW, close to 116.9 bhp, and 300 Nm. It is fitted with a manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive in every trim. The two larger engines can be had with manual or automatic gearboxes in four-wheel-drive guise, while their rear-drive forms are automatic only. New platform and reworked ride The update centres on the M_Glyde 4G platform, which Mahindra says is stiffer than before. At the back sits a Pentalink setup with a Watt's link, intended to sharpen cornering behaviour. The top ZXT adds Mahindra's DaVinci frequency-dependent damping, tuned to keep the body settled while smoothing out rough roads. Electric power steering is standard from the base AXT, and Mahindra points to lighter effort, steadier response when driving straight and better self-centring. Reduced noise and vibration round out the mechanical changes. Four-wheel-drive LXT and ZXT models carry a rear electronic locking differential plus Sand, Snow and Mud terrain modes, which alter traction control, steering assistance, throttle response and, on automatics, gearshift behaviour. These versions also use a transfer case with 4H and 4L settings. The rear-drive petrol and 2.2-litre diesel instead get Terrain Assist. A washable floor with drain plugs is reserved for the four-wheel-drive cars. Fresh styling and eight colours Outside, the Thar OG wears a new five-slot grille, redesigned bumpers and a wider track, while keeping the boxy profile, round headlamp housings and spare wheel mounted on the tailgate. Eight paint choices are on offer, including two newcomers, Artemis Silver and Jeans Blue. Equipment climbs with each trim. The AXT runs halogen headlamps and 18-inch steel wheels; the LXT switches to 18-inch alloys; the ZXT gains 19-inch alloys, LED headlamps with C-shaped daytime running lights and cornering LED fog lamps. LED tail-lamps feature across the range. Cabin upgrades and safety Inside, the SUV uses new materials, soft-touch door panels and optional Truffle Brown leatherette. Rear air-conditioning vents, a height-adjustable driver's seat, push-button start and padded second-row armrests are included from the AXT. The LXT brings a 26.03 cm (about 10.25-inch) HD touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a colour driver display, cruise control and electrically adjustable mirrors, alongside embossed fabric seats, a rear wiper and washer, tyre direction monitoring and Adventure Statistics Gen II. The ZXT adds embossed leatherette seats, a leatherette-wrapped wheel and wireless charging. Safety differs sharply by trim. The ZXT carries six airbags - two front units plus four described by Mahindra as HPTS, covering head, pelvis, thorax and shoulder - while the AXT and LXT make do with dual airbags. The ZXT also fits disc brakes at all four corners, a tyre pressure monitor, a reversing camera and front parking sensors; lower trims pair front discs with rear drums. ESP with rollover mitigation, traction control, hill hold and hill descent control, part of Mahindra's ESP 9.3 package, is fitted from the AXT upward. Mahindra Thar OG, 2026 Thar price, Thar OG variants, mHawk diesel automatic, M_Glyde 4G platform, Thar OG features, Indian SUV launch, Thar six airbags

News National

0 6 0

Tirupati Tirumala Temple Complete Guide to Tirumala Temple, Darshan, Places to Visit and Travel Tips Tirupati, in Andhra Pradesh, is one of India's most important pilgrimage and tourist destinations. Located at the foothills of the Seshachalam Hills, the city serves as the main gateway for millions of devotees visiting Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple every year. Along with its famous temple, Tirupati and the surrounding region offer several historic temples, waterfalls, scenic locations and cultural attractions. Whether you are visiting Tirupati for a spiritual journey, a family trip or a weekend getaway, proper planning can make your visit more comfortable. Here is a complete Tirupati travel guide covering the major temples, transportation, accommodation, places to visit and important travel tips. Tirupati and Tirumala: What's the Difference? Tirupati is the city located at the foothills of the Seshachalam Hills, while Tirumala is the hill town where the famous Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple is located. The temple is situated approximately 22 km from Tirupati, depending on the route. Pilgrims generally travel from Tirupati to Tirumala by road, while some devotees also choose to walk through the traditional footpath routes. Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Tirumala The Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple is the principal attraction of the region and one of the most visited pilgrimage centres in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, also known as Balaji or Srinivasa. It is located on the Tirumala Hills and is administered by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). Millions of devotees visit the temple every year to seek the blessings of Lord Venkateswara. Darshan Planning Visitors should plan their temple visit in advance, particularly during: Weekends Festival periods School holidays Major religious occasions Brahmotsavam and other important temple events Depending on the available arrangements, devotees may have different darshan options. Visitors should check the latest official TTD information before travelling because booking procedures, timings and availability can change. Kapila Theertham Kapila Theertham is a well-known temple and pilgrimage location situated close to Tirupati. The site is particularly known for its natural waterfall and the Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. During the rainy season, the surrounding landscape can become especially attractive. It is a popular stop for devotees and visitors exploring Tirupati's religious attractions. Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple Located in the heart of Tirupati, the Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple is another important Vaishnavite temple. The temple's impressive architecture and religious significance make it an important destination for pilgrims visiting the city. Its location also makes it convenient for travellers staying in central Tirupati. Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple The Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple at Tiruchanur, near Tirupati, is dedicated to Goddess Padmavathi, regarded as the consort of Lord Venkateswara. Many devotees visiting Tirumala also include Tiruchanur in their pilgrimage itinerary. The temple is one of the major religious attractions around Tirupati and can generally be included as part of a one-day local sightseeing plan. Sri Kalahasti Temple Srikalahasti, located near Tirupati, is another major pilgrimage destination in Andhra Pradesh. The Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is traditionally associated with the Vayu element among the Pancha Bhoota temples. Visitors planning a longer trip around Tirupati can consider adding Srikalahasti to their itinerary. Talakona Waterfalls For travellers interested in nature, Talakona Waterfalls is one of the notable attractions in the wider Tirupati region. Surrounded by forests and hills, the area provides a different experience from the city's temples and pilgrimage sites. The location is particularly attractive for visitors looking to combine spirituality with nature and outdoor sightseeing. Chandragiri Fort History enthusiasts can include Chandragiri Fort in their Tirupati travel plans. The historic fort complex provides an opportunity to explore the region's architectural and political history. Its elevated location and surrounding landscape also make it an interesting sightseeing destination. How to Reach Tirupati Tirupati has good connectivity by air, rail and road. By Air Tirupati Airport provides air connectivity to the region. Travellers can check available flights from their departure city before planning their journey. By Train Tirupati has an important railway station with connectivity to several major cities across India. Travelling by train can be a convenient option for pilgrims coming from cities such as Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and other parts of the country. By Road Tirupati is well connected by road with several cities in Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states. Buses, taxis and private vehicles are commonly used to reach the city and travel between Tirupati and Tirumala. Best Time to Visit Tirupati Tirupati can be visited throughout the year, but weather conditions and crowd levels should be considered before planning a trip. The cooler months are generally more comfortable for sightseeing and walking. Summer can be hot, particularly during the daytime. Devotees planning a temple visit during major festivals should expect potentially higher visitor numbers and should make travel and accommodation arrangements well in advance. Where to Stay in Tirupati Tirupati offers accommodation options for different budgets, including: Budget hotels Family hotels Guest houses Pilgrim accommodation Mid-range hotels Premium hotels Travellers should select accommodation based on their temple schedule, transportation requirements and budget. Those planning an early morning or late-night Tirumala visit may prefer accommodation with convenient transportation arrangements. Suggested Two-Day Tirupati Itinerary Day 1: Tirupati Local Sightseeing Start the day with a visit to: Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple Kapila Theertham Local attractions and markets If time permits, visitors can also explore nearby historical or cultural attractions. Day 2: Tirumala Begin early and travel from Tirupati to Tirumala. Complete the planned darshan and spend time visiting important locations around Tirumala before returning to Tirupati. Visitors with additional time can extend their trip to destinations such as Chandragiri or Srikalahasti. Important Travel Tips for Tirupati Visitors Before travelling, visitors should keep the following points in mind: Check the latest TTD information before your journey. Make accommodation arrangements in advance during peak periods. Carry valid identification documents where required. Allow extra travel time during weekends and festival periods. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear for walking. Follow temple rules and dress guidelines. Avoid carrying prohibited items into temple premises. Keep drinking water available, especially during warmer months. Senior citizens and families with children should plan their travel schedule carefully. Keep sufficient time between different sightseeing locations. Tirupati Travel: A Combination of Spirituality, History and Nature Tirupati is more than a pilgrimage destination. The region combines spiritual attractions, historic landmarks, natural landscapes and cultural experiences. For first-time visitors, the ideal trip can include Tirumala temple darshan along with important temples in Tirupati. Travellers with additional time can explore Srikalahasti, Chandragiri Fort and Talakona. With advance planning, visitors can enjoy a smoother and more comfortable journey while experiencing the religious and cultural heritage of the region. Frequently Asked Questions How far is Tirumala from Tirupati? Tirumala is located on the Tirumala Hills above Tirupati. The road journey generally takes around an hour or more depending on traffic, route and travel conditions. Which temple is the main attraction in Tirupati? The Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Tirumala is the region's principal pilgrimage attraction. Can Tirupati be covered in two days? Yes. A two-day trip can cover Tirumala darshan and several important temples and attractions in Tirupati. Additional destinations may require more time. Is Tirupati suitable for family travel? Yes. Tirupati attracts families, senior citizens and travellers of different age groups. However, visitors should plan walking, transportation and waiting times according to their family's needs. What should visitors check before travelling? Travellers should check current temple arrangements, darshan information, accommodation availability, transportation schedules and weather conditions before starting their journey. A trip to Tirupati can be a memorable combination of devotion, history, culture and nature. From the sacred hills of Tirumala to the temples, waterfalls and historic sites surrounding the city, the region offers attractions for both pilgrims and tourists. For the best experience, travellers should plan their itinerary in advance, verify current temple and travel information and allow sufficient time for darshan and local sightseeing. Note: Temple timings, darshan arrangements, accommodation availability, transportation services and other visitor facilities may change. Travellers should verify the latest information through official sources before their journey.

News National

0 11 0

The Nasdaq closed at a record on Tuesday as chip stocks jumped, while the Dow ended lower. Labcorp and Quest fell; Apple and Danaher neared buy points. The Nasdaq composite closed at a record high on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, even as the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped and the major U.S. stock indexes finished the session mixed. Blue chips lagged the broader market while technology names, led by chipmakers, pushed higher. The Dow industrials came off their session lows but still ended lower. The advance across other indexes was helped by falling oil prices and declining Treasury yields, which sparked a rally through the day. President Donald Trump was a focus for traders after he threatened Iran during a speech at the United Nations, then described the talks that followed as "productive." Semiconductor stocks did much of the heavy lifting. Nvidia led a group of surging chipmakers, while Sandisk and Micron jumped. AMD, Intel, Micron, Nvidia and Sandisk were all flagged as key movers in the session, reflecting renewed appetite for the sector as yields eased. Apple And Danaher Near Buy Points Among individual stocks outside the chip space, Apple (AAPL) and Danaher (DHR) traded near buy points, technical levels that chart-focused investors watch as potential entry signals. Their strength stood in contrast to the day's weakest names. Diagnostics companies were hit hard. Labcorp (LH) and Quest Diagnostics (DGX) both swooned during the session, ranking among the notable decliners as the Dow struggled to hold ground. Trump Trading Filing Separately, a regulatory filing showed that Trump made a series of trades, according to reporting tied to Tuesday's market coverage. The filing added another layer of attention to the president's activity on a day when his remarks at the United Nations were already moving sentiment. The mixed finish left the market split between record-setting momentum in growth and technology shares and weakness among blue chips and diagnostics names. With oil prices and yields both retreating, buyers leaned toward the sectors that benefit most from lower rates, leaving the Nasdaq at a new high while the Dow closed in the red. Nasdaq record close, Dow Jones, Apple stock, chip stocks, Nvidia, Micron, stock market today, Trump UN speech

News National

0 10 0

India opened its 2026 Asian Games gold account as Harmanpreet Kaur's cricketers beat Sri Lanka by 147 runs, with badminton and wushu medals also secured. India collected its opening gold medal of the 2026 Asian Games on Tuesday when the women's cricket team overwhelmed Sri Lanka by 147 runs in the final at Aichi-Nagoya, holding on to the title the country claimed at the previous edition. The result lifted India's overall count at the Games to seven medals and finally delivered the gold the contingent had been chasing. Harmanpreet Kaur's side chose to bat and built 216 for 3, the highest score India has ever managed in women's cricket at the event. Smriti Mandhana anchored the innings with 79 from 45 deliveries, Shafali Verma struck 48 off 29, and Richa Ghosh closed the innings in a hurry with an unbeaten 49 from just 22 balls. Sri Lanka's reply never got going, and the bowlers wrapped up the innings for 69 to complete the rout. The cricketers were not the only Indians to make the day count. The men's badminton team booked at least a bronze, wushu competitor Roshibina Devi Naorem guaranteed herself another podium finish, and the men's hockey squad extended its run of lopsided wins. Badminton men reach semis, women fall The men's shuttlers, runners-up at the last Asian Games, beat Japan 3-0 to reach the last four and lock in a medal. Lakshya Sen opened the tie, and after dropping the first game and falling behind 14-19 in the decider against world number seven Kodai Naraoka, he turned the match around to win 11-21, 21-5, 21-19. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty followed by beating former world champions Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi 21-18, 24-22. Ayush Shetty then closed it out 21-10, 21-19 against world number 16 Koki Watanabe. The women's team, however, went out earlier in the day, losing 1-3 to Japan in the quarterfinals. PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist, pushed world number three Akane Yamaguchi before going down 23-21, 18-21, 6-21. Unnati Hooda lost to Tomoka Miyazaki, the 2022 world junior champion, 16-21, 18-21. Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand kept India in it with a 21-17, 21-16 win over Yuki Fukushima and Mayu Matsumoto, but Tanvi Sharma fell 12-21, 10-21 to Nozomi Okuhara to hand Japan the tie. Roshibina secures third straight medal Roshibina Devi Naorem, from Manipur, reached the semifinals of the women's Sanda 60kg wushu event by beating Macau's Chu Man Sin at the Aichi Prefectural Martial Arts Hall, guaranteeing at least a bronze. She won bronze at Jakarta in 2018 and silver at Hangzhou in 2023, making this her third medal in a row. Her place in the squad came only after a selection dispute, with the federation citing an injury to Divyanshi Choudhary before naming Roshibina as the replacement. Hockey rout, boxing upsets The defending champion men's hockey side thrashed Sri Lanka 16-1 in its second Pool A fixture. Jugraj Singh scored four times, Abhishek Singh and Dilpreet Singh each completed hat-tricks, and Harmanpreet Singh added two. Having beaten Indonesia 13-1 in their opener, India now hold a goal difference of plus 27. India's boxers stayed unbeaten. Sakshi Chaudhary produced a notable win, ousting Paris Olympic bronze medallist Aira Villegas in the women's 51kg class to reach the pre-quarterfinals. Jadumani Singh moved into the last 16 of the men's 55kg division with a 5-0 verdict over Nepal's Chandra Bahadur Thapa. Gymnast Pranati Nayak advanced to the women's vault final after placing seventh out of 19 in qualifying. The three-time Asian Gymnastics Championships bronze medallist posted a combined 12.916 to reach the eight-strong final set for September 24. Table tennis and shooting split results The women's table tennis team squeezed past Thailand 3-2 to reach the quarterfinals. The men's team was knocked out, losing 0-3 to South Korea in the round of 16 after an earlier group-stage loss to Iran. Shooting, usually a reliable source of medals for India, came up empty in one event. Elavenil Valarivan and Parth Mane qualified second in the 10m air rifle mixed team but finished fourth in the final with 376.3, missing the medals despite both having won in other events. In skeet there was better news, as 28-year-old Anantjeet Singh Naruka shot 96 to sit in a four-way tie for the lead after four rounds of qualification. Asian Games 2026, India women's cricket gold, Harmanpreet Kaur, Aichi-Nagoya, Roshibina Devi wushu, India men's badminton, Smriti Mandhana, India hockey

News National

0 10 0

Prof Peter Fonagy's independent review says mental distress among children and young people is genuinely rising, with anxiety, depression and self-harm most common. Children and young people in Britain are experiencing a genuine increase in mental distress, and dismissing them as a "snowflake generation" is mistaken, according to Prof Peter Fonagy, who leads an independent review into mental health, ADHD and autism. Fonagy told the BBC that the rise is real, not imagined, with anxiety, depression, self-harm and eating disorders standing out as the most frequent problems affecting young people today. The review was commissioned nine months ago by Wes Streeting. As health secretary at the time, Streeting had argued in an interview that young people were being over-diagnosed and, in his words, "written off" - a claim that prompted the independent examination now under way. Fonagy's assessment directly challenges the idea that today's youth are simply less resilient than earlier generations. He rejected the accusation that those growing up now are overly sensitive, pointing instead to a measurable growth in distress. To test the findings against lived experience, reporter Catherine Burns spoke with several young mental health ambassadors. They agreed with the conclusions of the review and pressed for more mental health support to be made available. One of the ambassadors captured a generational contrast in a single line, saying that "other generations just buried it" - a reference to the way older people, in their view, kept mental health struggles hidden rather than speaking about them openly. The young people echoed the report's core message and called for an expansion in the help on offer, reflecting concern that current provision is not keeping pace with the level of need they describe. The review covers mental health alongside ADHD and autism, three areas at the centre of debate over whether diagnoses have expanded appropriately or gone too far. Fonagy's early comments suggest his work will land on the side of those who see the surge in reported difficulties as reflecting real strain rather than a loosening of standards. The findings set up a pointed response to the position Streeting took before ordering the work. Where the then-health secretary raised the prospect of over-diagnosis, the review's leader is emphasising that the underlying distress among children and young people is authentic and growing. youth mental health, Peter Fonagy review, Wes Streeting, anxiety depression young people, self-harm eating disorders, ADHD autism review, mental health support, snowflake generation

News National

0 10 0

Learn the complete technical SEO checklist covering crawling, indexing, sitemaps, speed, mobile SEO, HTTPS, structured data, redirects and more. Technical SEO Checklist Complete Guide to Optimizing Any Website. Technical SEO is an important part of building a website that search engines can properly discover, crawl, understand and index. A website may have excellent articles, products or services, but technical problems can prevent search engines from accessing important pages or understanding how the website is structured. Whether you operate a news website, business website, blog, online store, portfolio or information portal, a regular technical SEO check can help identify problems that may affect search visibility and user experience. This guide explains the most important technical SEO factors website owners should review. What Is Technical SEO? Technical SEO is the process of improving the technical structure and performance of a website so that search engines can efficiently crawl and understand its content. Technical SEO generally covers areas such as: Website crawling Search engine indexing XML sitemaps Robots.txt Canonical URLs Website speed Mobile usability HTTPS Structured data Internal linking Redirects Broken links Duplicate URLs Server errors Website architecture JavaScript rendering Image optimization Technical SEO works together with content quality and other SEO activities. A technically accessible website does not automatically rank highly, but technical problems can make it harder for valuable content to be discovered and processed. 1. Check Whether Your Website Can Be Crawled Search engines use automated crawlers to discover and process web pages. The first technical SEO check is making sure important pages are accessible to search-engine crawlers. Check whether: Important pages are publicly accessible. Pages are not accidentally blocked. Internal links work correctly. Important resources can be loaded. The server responds reliably. Important pages do not repeatedly return errors. A website redesign, server migration or CMS change can sometimes introduce crawling problems, so crawlability should be checked after major technical changes. 2. Check Your Robots.txt File The robots.txt file provides instructions about which areas of a website crawlers may access. A basic example looks like this: User-agent: * Disallow: /private/ Sitemap: https://example.com/sitemap.xml The rules should be customized according to the website. Website owners should be careful not to accidentally block important pages, images, CSS files or JavaScript resources. It is also important to understand that robots.txt is primarily a crawling-control mechanism. It should not be treated as a general method for removing a page from search results. 3. Create an XML Sitemap An XML sitemap provides search engines with information about important URLs on a website. A sitemap can be particularly useful for: Large websites News websites New websites Websites with frequently published content Websites with many pages Websites with complex structures A sitemap should contain useful, preferred URLs rather than a collection of outdated, redirected or unwanted URLs. Website owners should regularly check that the sitemap is working and contains the correct URLs. 4. Submit the Sitemap to Search Engines After creating an XML sitemap, website owners can submit it through search-engine webmaster tools such as Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools. Submitting a sitemap does not guarantee that every URL will be indexed. It simply provides search engines with a useful source for discovering URLs. The website should still have good internal linking and technically accessible pages. 5. Check Website Indexing Crawling and indexing are different processes. Crawling means a search engine accesses a page. Indexing means the search engine processes and stores information about the page for potential inclusion in search results. Common indexing-related problems include: Pages blocked from crawling Noindex directives Duplicate URLs Canonical problems Server errors Poor internal linking Low-value or substantially duplicated content Incorrect redirects Website owners should regularly review indexing reports in their search-engine webmaster tools. 6. Use Canonical URLs Correctly A canonical URL indicates the preferred version of a page when multiple URLs represent the same or substantially similar content. For example: Canonicalization can be important for websites that generate multiple URL variations through: Tracking parameters Filters Sorting Session parameters Duplicate category paths Different URL formats Canonical URLs should point to the correct preferred page and should not be used carelessly. 7. Fix Broken Links Broken links can negatively affect navigation and create a poor experience for visitors. Regularly check for: Internal broken links Links to deleted pages Incorrect URLs Broken external references Links returning 404 errors When an important page has moved permanently, an appropriate redirect can often be used instead of leaving users with a broken link. 8. Understand HTTP Status Codes HTTP status codes tell browsers and search engines what happened when a URL was requested. Some common codes are: Code Meaning 200 Page successfully loaded 301 Permanent redirect 302 Temporary redirect 404 Page not found 410 Content permanently removed 500 Internal server error 503 Service temporarily unavailable Important website pages should normally return a successful response. Large numbers of server errors should be investigated because they may prevent visitors and search engines from accessing content. 9. Manage Redirects Properly Redirects are useful when URLs change. For example, if an article moves from an old URL to a new permanent URL, a 301 redirect can tell browsers and search engines that the page has permanently moved. Avoid unnecessary chains such as: URL A → URL B → URL C → URL D Where possible, redirect the old URL directly to the final destination. 10. Make the Website Mobile-Friendly A website should provide a good experience across smartphones, tablets and desktop computers. Check: Responsive design Readable text Properly sized images Easy navigation Touch-friendly buttons No unnecessary horizontal scrolling Consistent content between desktop and mobile Mobile usability is particularly important because search engines use mobile crawling for many websites. 11. Improve Website Loading Speed Visitors generally expect web pages to load quickly. Large images, unnecessary scripts, excessive plugins, poorly optimized databases and slow servers can contribute to slow performance. Useful improvements may include: Compressing images Using modern image formats Browser caching Content delivery networks Reducing unnecessary JavaScript Removing unused CSS Optimizing server response time Lazy-loading suitable images Reducing unnecessary third-party scripts Performance should be measured rather than estimated. 12. Understand Core Web Vitals Core Web Vitals are a group of user-experience measurements used to evaluate important aspects of web performance. They include: Largest Contentful Paint — LCP Measures loading performance. Interaction to Next Paint — INP Measures how responsive a page is to user interactions. Cumulative Layout Shift — CLS Measures unexpected movement of page content. Improving these measurements can contribute to a better user experience, although SEO performance depends on many factors rather than a single metric. 13. Use HTTPS HTTPS protects communication between the visitor and website. Check that: The website loads through HTTPS. HTTP requests redirect appropriately to HTTPS. Internal links use HTTPS. Canonical URLs use HTTPS. Sitemap URLs use HTTPS. Images and scripts are loaded securely. Website security is important for both visitors and website owners. 14. Optimize Website URLs Good URLs should be understandable and reasonably concise. For example: Better: example.com/technology/artificial-intelligence-trends Instead of: example.com/page?id=8392&cat=4&ref=abc Avoid unnecessarily complicated URL structures. URLs should also remain stable whenever possible. Frequent URL changes can create unnecessary redirects and indexing complications. 15. Build a Clear Website Structure A logical website architecture helps visitors navigate content and helps search engines understand relationships between pages. A news website might organize content into: India World Politics Business Technology Sports Entertainment Health Lifestyle Travel Categories should have a clear purpose rather than being created simply to generate additional URLs. 16. Strengthen Internal Linking Internal links connect pages within the same website. For example, an article about artificial intelligence could link to another relevant article about AI regulations, technology companies or recent developments. Good internal linking can help: Visitors discover related information. Search engines discover pages. Important pages receive internal links. Content relationships become clearer. Use natural and descriptive anchor text instead of forcing keywords into every link. 17. Optimize Images Images are important for news websites, blogs and many other websites. Technical image SEO includes: Compressing images Using appropriate dimensions Choosing suitable formats Adding meaningful alt text Using descriptive filenames Implementing responsive images Lazy-loading appropriate images For example: india-budget-2026.jpg is generally more descriptive than: IMG00983.jpg Alt text should describe an image when it provides useful information. Decorative images may require different treatment. 18. Implement Structured Data Carefully Structured data is machine-readable information that can help search engines understand the content of a page. Depending on the website, structured data may be relevant for: Articles News articles Breadcrumbs Products Events Organizations Local businesses Recipes Reviews Structured data should accurately describe the content visible on the page. It should not be used to provide misleading information. 19. Check Duplicate Content Duplicate or substantially similar content can occur for many technical reasons. Examples include: Multiple URL versions URL parameters Duplicate category pages Printer-friendly pages HTTP and HTTPS versions www and non-www versions Similar archive pages Repeated content across different URLs Website owners should identify unnecessary duplicate URLs and use appropriate canonicalization, redirects or indexing controls. 20. Check Meta Titles and Descriptions Important pages should have descriptive titles. A good title should clearly communicate what the page is about. Meta descriptions should also accurately summarize the page. Avoid: Keyword stuffing Identical titles across hundreds of pages Misleading descriptions Extremely generic titles Search engines may sometimes generate their own search-result snippets, so the meta description is not a guarantee of exactly what will appear. 21. Check JavaScript SEO Modern websites often depend on JavaScript. Problems can occur when important content, navigation or links are available only after complex client-side processing. Check that search engines can properly access important: Text Links Images Navigation Metadata Structured data Article content JavaScript-heavy websites should be tested using appropriate search-engine inspection and rendering tools. 22. Review Pagination Large websites may divide content across multiple pages. Pagination can appear in: News archives Category pages Ecommerce listings Search results Blog archives Forums Make sure important content remains discoverable through normal links and that pagination does not create thousands of unnecessary URLs. 23. Manage Website Search Pages Internal search pages can sometimes generate a very large number of URLs. For example: example.com/search?q=technology and thousands of similar combinations can create unnecessary crawl activity. Website owners should review how internal search pages are handled and prevent low-value search-result URLs from becoming a major part of the crawlable website where appropriate. 24. International SEO Websites targeting multiple countries or languages need additional technical planning. Consider: Separate language URLs Language navigation hreflang implementation where appropriate Correct canonical URLs Translated content Country-specific pages Consistent indexing signals For example, a website serving English, Hindi and Telugu audiences should make the relationship between its language versions clear. 25. Technical SEO for News Websites News websites have some additional technical considerations because they may publish dozens or hundreds of pages every day. Important areas include: Fast article publishing XML sitemaps News sitemaps where appropriate Article structured data Clear publication dates Updated dates where appropriate Author information Category pages Internal links Mobile performance Image optimization Reliable hosting Search Console monitoring A clean technical foundation is particularly important for publishers with large amounts of frequently changing content. 26. Website Security and Technical SEO Security should be part of regular website maintenance. Website owners should monitor: SSL/TLS configuration Malware Unauthorized files Suspicious redirects Compromised accounts Outdated software Vulnerable plugins Server security Security headers A compromised website can create serious problems for both users and search visibility. 27. Monitor Server Errors Server errors can prevent both visitors and search engines from accessing pages. Common problems include: 500 errors 502 errors 503 errors Database connection failures Server timeouts DNS problems Website owners should monitor server logs and website monitoring systems to identify recurring problems. 28. Check DNS and Domain Configuration Technical website health also depends on correct domain configuration. Review: A records AAAA records CNAME records MX records Nameservers SSL certificates Domain expiration DNS propagation after major changes Incorrect DNS configuration can make a website or its associated services unavailable. 29. Use Webmaster Tools Regularly Search-engine webmaster platforms can provide valuable information about website health. Google Search Console can help website owners investigate: Search performance Indexing Sitemap status Search enhancements Core Web Vitals Security issues Manual actions URL inspection Bing Webmaster Tools provides additional information for websites appearing in Bing search. 30. Create a Regular Technical SEO Audit Schedule Technical SEO should not be treated as a one-time activity. Weekly checks Major website errors New indexing problems Server availability Newly published important pages Monthly checks Sitemap Broken links Redirects 404 pages Core Web Vitals Mobile usability Canonical URLs Structured data After major changes Perform a fresh technical audit after: Website redesign CMS migration Domain migration Server migration HTTPS implementation URL structure changes Major software updates Database changes Complete Technical SEO Checklist Website owners can use the following checklist as a quick reference: ☐ Website is accessible to search engines☐ Robots.txt is correctly configured☐ XML sitemap exists☐ Sitemap contains appropriate URLs☐ Sitemap is submitted to webmaster tools☐ Important pages can be indexed☐ No accidental noindex directives exist☐ Canonical URLs are correct☐ Important pages return successful responses☐ Broken links are fixed☐ Redirects are working correctly☐ Redirect chains are minimized☐ 404 pages are handled properly☐ HTTPS is working☐ Website is mobile-friendly☐ Pages load efficiently☐ Core Web Vitals are monitored☐ Images are optimized☐ Internal linking is useful☐ Website architecture is logical☐ Structured data is accurate☐ Duplicate URLs are controlled☐ JavaScript content is accessible☐ URLs are clean and understandable☐ Meta titles are descriptive☐ Meta descriptions are relevant☐ Security is monitored☐ Server errors are monitored☐ DNS configuration is correct☐ International SEO is configured where necessary☐ News SEO requirements are reviewed where applicable Final Thoughts Technical SEO provides the foundation for a healthy website. It helps search engines discover important pages and understand the structure and content of a website while also improving the experience for visitors. However, technical SEO is only one part of successful search optimization. Website owners should combine a technically sound website with useful original content, clear navigation, strong internal linking, good page experience and responsible publishing practices. A regular technical SEO audit can help identify problems early and keep a website easier to crawl, maintain and use. Whether the website is a news portal, business website, blog, ecommerce store or personal project, maintaining its technical health should be an ongoing part of website management.

News National

0 10 0

Nepal PM Balendra Shah told Parliament the August 26 Bhotekoshi flood, which killed 1,127, shows rising Himalayan climate risk and needs global action. Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Wednesday told Parliament that the Bhotekoshi River flood of August 26 was a stark warning of mounting climate danger across the Himalayan region, and he pressed the international community to share the burden of confronting it. Shah said experts had traced the flood to an avalanche of snow and rock high in the mountains, ranking it among the largest disasters the region has seen. The death toll now stands at 1,127 bodies recovered, with 3,916 people still unaccounted for, according to figures presented by Nepali Police. The flood tore through riverside communities in Rasuwa district on the morning of August 26 and quickly spread to the neighbouring areas of Nuwakot and Dhading. Rescue teams have pulled 11,993 people to safety. Hospitals admitted 292 injured, and 182 of them have already been sent home, ANI reported. "This is a serious signal that, alongside climate change, the risks we must bear in the Himalayan region are increasing," Shah said. He argued that Nepal must make a strong case to the world about the disasters it endures because of a warming planet. Shah framed the crisis as a collective one. "Climate change is a product of the whole world's contribution; mitigating and managing its effects is the shared responsibility of the global community," he said, calling for international cooperation to deal with the fallout. Power and roads knocked out The flood inflicted heavy damage on the country's infrastructure. Eight working hydropower plants with a combined 281 MW of capacity were hit, along with four plants still under construction that would have added 388 MW. In total, 431.1 MW of generation capacity was knocked offline. Major stretches of the Galchhi-Betrawati-Rasuwagadhi road and the Prithvi Highway were destroyed or badly damaged. The disaster also wrecked 48 suspension bridges and 31 motorable bridges. Search operations for the missing are continuing. The scale of the loss has drawn fresh attention to how exposed Himalayan settlements and their infrastructure remain to increasingly severe, climate-driven hazards. Bhotekoshi flood, Nepal flood, Balendra Shah, Himalayan climate risk, Rasuwa district, Nepal hydropower damage, climate change Nepal, Prithvi Highway damage

News National

0 9 0

Britain will send an RAF Voyager to Cyprus to refuel Saudi fighter jets in mid-air, backing 'defensive' operations against Iran-backed Houthi attacks. Britain will send a military aircraft to keep Saudi Arabian fighter jets in the air during the kingdom's fight against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. Defence Minister Luke Pollard said the Royal Air Force would begin "air-to-air refuelling" flights within days, using a single RAF Voyager based in Cyprus after London agreed to a direct request from Riyadh. Pollard, speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, said the mission was strictly for "purely defensive" Saudi operations and would last a "matter of weeks, rather than days". The refuelling, he said, would allow Saudi aircraft to stay aloft longer so they can intercept incoming threats, including shooting down drones and missiles fired from Yemen. The deployment follows a fresh wave of Houthi strikes. In recent days the group said it had launched drones and ballistic missiles at Riyadh, the Saudi capital, and at energy sites along the country's Red Sea coast. The Houthis remain locked in a civil war against Yemen's internationally recognised government, which Saudi Arabia supports. Pollard framed the assistance as a matter of loyalty to a partner. The RAF's help, he said, complied fully with international humanitarian law and was about "being true to our allies". Officials have stressed the offer is limited in scope and duration. A single aircraft from a small fleet The commitment is modest. Just one Voyager will fly the missions, drawn from a core RAF fleet of nine - eight registered for military use and one civilian-registered. Five further aircraft can be recalled for military service if required. Compared with the scale of the conflict, a lone refuelling plane sits at the lighter end of what counts as military support, and some observers may read it as a symbolic gesture toward an ally under pressure. Saudi Arabia has struggled to blunt the Houthi campaign. The group appears to hold a deep stock of drones and missiles that it continues to fire across the border at its larger neighbour to the north, leaving Saudi air defences stretched. Fuel prices and the Red Sea British ministers tied the decision to economic pressures at home. A UK figure travelling with the government delegation to the United Nations General Assembly in New York connected the move to the cost of living, saying it was about protecting Britain's interests and stability across the wider region. With Saudi Arabia already absorbing attacks and bracing for more, the argument ran, keeping supply routes open justified agreeing to the request. Pollard made the same case in economic terms. The RAF support, he said, was meant to prevent further escalation in the Red Sea that could push fuel prices higher. The concern is grounded in recent figures: the Office for National Statistics reported that UK petrol prices climbed in August to their highest level in almost four years, with diesel also rising sharply. The Red Sea is one of the world's busiest shipping corridors and a critical channel for global trade. The Houthis have tightened their grip on the waterway, recently taking the port city of Mokha and Perim Island, both of which command access to the sea lane that Saudi Arabia relies on. Risk of deeper involvement Although officials describe the operation as time-limited, the wider picture is more tangled. Yemen has been at war intermittently since 2014, and the current flare-up is complicated by the Houthis' backing from Iran, which is itself engaged in an on-and-off standoff with the United States. For Britain, the immediate exposure is small. But conflicts have a way of pulling outside powers in gradually, with commitments that grow over time. A short refuelling mission today could prove harder to end than planned - an outcome that may ultimately serve Saudi interests more than British ones. UK Saudi Arabia refuelling, RAF Voyager, Houthi attacks, Yemen conflict, Luke Pollard, Red Sea shipping, Saudi jets, air-to-air refuelling

News National

0 9 0

Thousands of depositors, many elderly, say they lost their savings in an alleged Rs 700-crore fraud at Chennai's Mylapore Hindu Permanent Fund. Hundreds of depositors, most of them elderly, marched through Chennai recently to demand a swift investigation and the return of savings they say vanished in an alleged Rs 700-crore fraud at the Mylapore Hindu Permanent Fund Ltd. The protesters called for government intervention and help recovering money that, for many, represented a lifetime of earnings. The case centres on the Mylapore Hindu Permanent Fund Nidhi, which was led by businessman and politician Devanathan Yadav. He has been arrested in connection with the matter. According to the depositors' association, at least 6,000 people have been affected, and more than 40 of them have died while still waiting to be repaid. One of those still fighting is Shanmugasundaram, a man well into his eighties who placed Rs 68 lakh with the fund. The amount was everything he had received from selling his property, set aside to keep him secure in his final years. He picked the fund, an institution more than 150 years old, because it paid two percentage points more than the banks. He now says the decision cost his family dearly. He recalled being unable to help his sister-in-law during her battle with cancer, and being unable to touch the savings when they were needed most. The fund's troubles are already before the courts. The Madras High Court has taken up its failure to meet payment obligations, with proceedings noting that payouts halted in February 2024. Bail-related proceedings have included conditions tied to a Rs 100-crore deposit. The Economic Offences Wing is carrying out its own inquiry into the alleged financial irregularities. Depositors want the response widened and sped up. They are pressing for a dedicated fast-track court to hear the case, a forensic audit of the fund's books, and a thorough investigation into how the money was handled. They also want the authorities to attach and sell off properties and assets, where the law allows, so that the proceeds can go back to those who lost their deposits. The personal accounts from the protest lay out the scale of the loss. Devika, who put in Rs 48 lakh, said she had kept the money separate even from her own son so she could stay financially independent in old age. She described the collapse as daylight robbery and urged the government to act so depositors could recover what they were owed. Another demonstrator, aged 87 and barely able to walk, said he and his wife had each deposited Rs 5 lakh after the fund offered a higher rate to what it termed super senior citizens. What was meant to cushion their last years instead became a source of hardship. For Jayashree, a heart patient, the failure has turned into a health emergency. Her family lost Rs 10 lakh, and the roughly Rs 9,000 in monthly interest they had leaned on has dried up. She said the family had no work to fall back on and that she urgently needed money to pay for her medicines. Devanathan Yadav's public profile adds a political dimension to the case. He ran in the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Sivaganga, standing as an NDA candidate on the BJP symbol. He also headed his own small outfit, the Indhiya Makkal Kalvi Munnetra Kazhagam. Across the crowd, depositors described the same sequence of events. Cheques bounced, deposits that had matured were never paid out, and the regular interest that many households relied on simply stopped, leaving families scrambling to cover everyday costs. For depositors who had counted on the fund to carry them through retirement and medical bills, the wait for justice has become a daily struggle to get by. Mylapore Hindu Permanent Fund, Rs 700 crore scam, Chennai depositors protest, Devanathan Yadav, Economic Offences Wing, Nidhi fund fraud, senior citizen savings, fast-track court

News National

0 9 0

US analysts Bonnie Glaser and Dennis Wilder expect Xi Jinping to raise Taiwan and arms sales when he meets Trump in Washington this week. Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to bring up Taiwan when he sits down with US President Donald Trump in Washington this week, two US analysts said on Monday, with American weapons sales to the island expected to top his list of grievances. Bonnie Glaser, managing director of the Indo-Pacific program at the German Marshall Fund, a Washington-based think tank, said Xi would probably steer any discussion of Taiwan toward those arms transfers. In Xi's view, she said, the two leaders share an understanding that ties between their countries should rest on stable, constructive strategic footing, and that Washington should refrain from steps that erode that foundation. "Xi Jinping would say that arms sales to Taiwan would undermine that understanding and inject greater friction into the relationship," Glaser said. Dennis Wilder, a former director for China at the US National Security Council, offered a similar reading. He said Beijing would probably put the matter on the table and try to cast Taiwanese President William Lai as the party driving up tensions across the strait. Trump, by contrast, is highly unlikely to bring up Taiwan himself, Wilder said. The US president regards the current arrangement as entirely satisfactory and sees no cause to alter it. Should the topic come up anyway, Glaser said Trump would be wise to warn Xi against any military move on Taiwan and to back the preservation of the existing situation in the Taiwan Strait. She added that Trump should point out that the United States acts according to its own laws, as China does, and that the Taiwan Relations Act obliges Washington to supply the island with defensive weapons. Japan's worries and the Takaichi meeting Wilder said Japan may be feeling greater unease about the summit than Taiwan is. Tokyo's relations with Beijing are currently tense, and he expects Chinese officials to press Trump with complaints about Japan, among them claims of a resurgent "neo-militarism." "The Japanese will be eager for reassurance that the United States remains very committed to Japan, and that even though the relationship with Beijing is improving, that it isn't at the expense of Japan," Wilder said. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is due to hold her own talks with Trump in New York on Tuesday. Iran, tariffs and rare earths Beyond Taiwan, Glaser said Iran is likely to rank near the top of Trump's own priorities. She said the US president may want to gauge how far Xi is prepared to go, including whether Beijing could nudge Tehran back into talks or cut its imports of Iranian crude oil. Washington, she said, is plainly working to pressure Iran into concessions. Glaser also anticipates that tariffs, rare earth minerals and a proposed "Board of Trade" will feature in the conversation. Under a framework the two governments are drawing up, as much as US$30 billion worth of non-sensitive goods could see tariffs lowered. Both analysts expect artificial intelligence to be discussed as well. The subject carries weight for each side, and at their meeting in May the two leaders agreed to set up a dedicated AI dialogue. Wilder said that while intense rivalry between the two powers will persist, they could still work together to curb the dangers of AI, including the risk that hostile actors or terrorists gain access to and misuse advanced systems. Glaser said Trump might also raise the situation of Americans held in China, noting that he has taken personal credit for helping win the release of some detained US citizens. Hopes for the AI dialogue and mineral shipments Both experts said they hoped the meeting would yield movement on AI and on the supply of rare earths, a sector China dominates. That dominance leaves other economies exposed to Beijing's warnings that it could halt exports of the critical minerals. Glaser said she wanted the two leaders to settle on the aims and scope of the planned AI dialogue, while Wilder likewise looked for headway in those discussions. Glaser also said she would like Trump and Xi to prolong the current tariff arrangement and to secure Chinese follow-through on its pledges, including on rare earth shipments. Wilder said China had fallen short in delivering rare earths to the United States and voiced hope that Beijing would offer further commitments. Trump Xi summit, Taiwan arms sales, Bonnie Glaser, Dennis Wilder, Taiwan Relations Act, US China relations, rare earths, William Lai

News National

0 8 0

Explore the history of Tirupati and Tirumala, including ancient temples, Lord Venkateswara legends, cultural heritage and the evolution of the sacred hills. Ancient Origins Tirupati and Tirumala are among the oldest pilgrimage sites in India, with references dating back to the Vedic period (over 2,000 years ago). The sacred Tirumala hills are part of the Seshachalam Range, formed around 2.5 billion years ago. Tirumala is also called “Kaliyuga Vaikuntham” (the abode of Lord Vishnu in this age of Kali). Legends from the Puranas (Varaha Purana, Venkatachala Mahatmya, Skanda Purana) mention the holiness of these hills. Mythological Significance According to Hindu belief, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Venkateswara to save mankind in Kali Yuga. Legend of Lord Venkateswara & Goddess Padmavati: Vishnu descended to earth and resided on Tirumala hills. He married Padmavathi, daughter of King Akasa Raja, at Tiruchanur (Padmavathi Temple). Their divine union is celebrated in Tirupati every year. The seven hills of Tirumala are said to represent the seven heads of Adisesha (the cosmic serpent of Lord Vishnu). Early Historical References The first recorded history of Tirupati is found in Tamil literature (Sangam age), referring to the temple as the abode of Thiruvenkata Mudayan (Lord Venkateswara). Alvars (Tamil Vaishnava saints, 6th–9th century) sang devotional hymns in praise of Lord Venkateswara. By the 9th century AD, the temple was well established as an important Vaishnavite center. Medieval Period Pallava Dynasty (4th–9th century): The temple received royal patronage and grew in popularity. Chola Dynasty (9th–13th century): Expanded temple architecture and supported Vaishnavism. Vijayanagara Empire (14th–16th century): The golden era of Tirumala’s history. Kings like Sri Krishnadevaraya (1509–1529) donated enormous wealth, jewels, and land. Many parts of the present-day temple architecture, gopurams (towers), and mandapams were built during this time. Nayak rulers (16th century): Continued contributions after the fall of Vijayanagara. Colonial Period During the 17th–18th century, Tirupati was controlled by different rulers including the Arcot Nawabs and the East India Company. In 1801, the British took over the temple administration but allowed Hindu religious management to continue. Modern Period In 1933, the administration of Tirumala Temple was handed over to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) trust. Since then, TTD has managed temple operations, donations, pilgrim facilities, education, health, and cultural preservation. Today, Tirumala is the richest temple in India and one of the most visited religious places in the world, with 50,000–100,000 visitors daily and over 30–40 million annually. Architectural Significance The temple is built in Dravidian style with massive gopurams, pillared halls, and golden coverings. The main idol of Lord Venkateswara is made of black stone and is said to be self-manifested (Swayambhu). The temple also houses priceless jewelry, ornaments, and treasures donated by kings and devotees for centuries. Cultural Importance Tirupati is not only a religious site but also a center of art, culture, and education. Tirupati Laddu (prasadam) has GI (Geographical Indication) status. TTD runs free meals (Annadanam) for all devotees daily. Major festivals include Brahmotsavam, Vaikuntha Ekadasi, Pavithrotsavam, Rathotsavam. In short: Tirupati and Tirumala have a blend of mythology, history, and devotion. From ancient times through empires and modern governance, the temple has always been a symbol of faith, wealth, and culture.

News National

0 11 1

The 2026 Maruti WagonR facelift has been spied testing with rectangular headlamps, a likely Z12E petrol engine and an underbody CNG tank. Maruti Suzuki is preparing a facelift for the WagonR, and fresh spy shots confirm the tallboy hatchback will get revised headlamps when it arrives later this year. The test mule caught on camera shows rectangular headlamp units that break from the larger clusters fitted to the current car, though heavy camouflage still hides much of the front end. The updated WagonR is expected to move to Maruti's new Z12E 1.2-litre petrol engine and adopt an underbody CNG tank, two changes that would reshape the car's mechanical package while keeping its familiar shape intact. The current WagonR starts at Rs 4.99 lakh, and the maker is likely to charge slightly more for the refreshed model. Outside, the boxy, upright silhouette carries over. The front fascia keeps the same broad design approach for the grille and bumper, but the camouflage suggests new detailing underneath. The side profile is unchanged, retaining flap-type door handles, blacked-out door mirrors with integrated turn indicators and the tall glasshouse that defines the model. Changes at the rear are subtle. The vertically stacked tail lamps remain, and the boot lid shape and number plate position stay put. The clearest tweak is to the reflectors, which now sit in a vertical arrangement instead of the horizontal layout on today's car. Minor styling elements could round out the update. Larger touchscreen and unchanged safety kit Inside, Maruti is expected to keep most of the existing layout while adding a few upgrades. Chief among them is a larger touchscreen infotainment system. The current WagonR uses a 7-inch Smartplay Studio unit with smartphone navigation, offered only on the 1.2-litre ZXi+ and ZXi+ AGS variants. New upholstery and small revisions to the dashboard and trim accents are also likely. Equipment set to carry over includes idle start-stop, remote keyless entry, power windows and an AC-and-heater unit. Connectivity runs to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB and AUX inputs, and steering-mounted audio and voice controls. Safety kit remains standard across the range. That list covers six airbags, electronic stability program, a speed alert system, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors and central locking. Engine shake-up and CNG rework The WagonR currently offers a 1.0-litre K10C petrol and a 1.2-litre K12N petrol. The smaller engine produces 68.5 PS and 91.1 Nm, while its CNG version makes 56.6 PS and 82.1 Nm. The 1.2-litre unit puts out 90.9 PS and 113.7 Nm. Both petrol engines pair with manual and AGS automated-manual gearboxes, and CNG is offered only with the 1.0-litre motor. For the facelift, the K12N is expected to give way to the Z12E, a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine that has already appeared in the new Swift, Dzire and Baleno. Whether the 1.0-litre engine survives the update is not yet clear. Either way, Maruti has confirmed the pattern that a CNG option will remain part of the line-up. The planned switch to an underbody CNG tank stands out as a practical gain. Moving the tank beneath the floor would free up boot space, a change aimed at fleet operators who run CNG WagonRs in large numbers as well as private buyers who lose luggage room to the current cylinder placement. Maruti has not announced a launch date beyond the expectation that the facelifted WagonR reaches showrooms later this year. Maruti WagonR facelift, WagonR 2026, Z12E engine, WagonR spy shots, underbody CNG tank, Maruti Suzuki, WagonR price, WagonR features

News National

0 8 0