PPUMMHAPU faculty development programme calls for stronger academic cooperation
CUSB scientist presents waste management innovation at international conference
CM transfers Rs 112cr to over 2L flood-hit farmers
NSS volunteers of MMC conduct cleanliness drive at Anta Ghat
Packaged water units face action for violating norms
West Bengals sacred soil shapes citys Durga idols
Darbhanga graduates constituency braces for four-way electoral tussle
17 Hotels To Vie For Top Honours At Vizag Star Chef Challenge
Chefs from 17 star-category hotels will compete in Visakhapatnam on October 16, showcasing traditional seafood recipes and Andhra coastal cuisine.
Tejashwi seeks impartial probe into boat capsize
Six years on, MVI held in stolen SUV auction case
Vizag Clinches State Under-17 Football Crowns
Visakhapatnams boys and girls teams won the state-level Under-17 football tournament in Rajamahendravaram, securing their third consecutive tournament victories.
Sand mining to resume in Bihar tomorrow: Govt
Presented by Reva Creative House and DebGuru Films, the title track of Tum Mere Ho, featuring Gurmeet Choudhary and Isha Malviya, has been released. Penned by Rashmi Virag, the song explores the emotions of love and the feeling of finding someone who becomes an integral part of one's life. Following their first collaboration, Khamoshiya, Rashmi has reunited with Gurmeet for another romantic track. The song features Gurmeet and Isha in a series of romantic visuals, highlighting their on-screen chemistry through their performances. The music and visuals come together to convey the emotions associated with the film's central theme of love. Talking about the title track, Gurmeet Choudhary said, The title track holds a special place because it captures the emotions that are central to Tum Mere Ho. It was lovely to shoot for a song that expresses love in such a heartfelt way. I hope audiences enjoy the track and connect with the emotions we have tried to bring to the screen. Isha Malviya added, The title track has a beautiful romantic feel, and I really enjoyed shooting for it with Gurmeet. Songs like these allow you to express so much through your performance and the smallest of moments. I hope people enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed creating it. Speaking about the song, Mohammad Faiz said, Singing Tum Mere Ho was a wonderful experience. The melody and lyrics carry a beautiful emotion, and I wanted to bring that feeling into my voice. I hope listeners connect with the song and find something of their own in its words and music. Produced by Aarti S and Debina Bonnerjee, the film is co-produced by Romanch Mehta and Aman Riyastee and directed by Ashish Panda. The cast includes Gurmeet Choudhary, Isha Malviya, Anushkaa Luhar and Shaan Grover. Also Read : Gurmeet Choudhary to begin Tum Mere Ho promotions in Patna; actor returns to hometown for his first film as producer
Families bid tearful farewell to 13 victims of Raghopur boat tragedy
Odisha: ED uncovers organised network behind SI exam paper leak
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Oct 14 (IANS) The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Bhubaneswar Zonal Office, has conducted a search operation at 12 premises located in Odisha and West Bengal between October 9, 10 and 12, in connection with the leakage of the question paper of the Sub Inspector Recruitment Exam-2024 in Odisha, the agency informed on Wednesday. The searches were carried out at the premises of M/s Silicon Techlab Private Limited, M/s Panchsoft Technologies Private Limited, M/s PSIL International Limited, their directors and other associates. During the searches, the ED sleuths unearthed and seized various incriminating documents, electronic devices and records under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The seized materials are under further examination. The case dates back to October 2025, when Odisha Police registered an FIR after intercepting three buses carrying 114 SI recruitment candidates near Ichhapuram on September 30 last year. The case was later taken over by the CBI. Candidates were also allegedly asked to pay Rs 15 lakh to Rs 30 lakh each for leaked question papers. The exam was scheduled for October 56, 2025, the ED said. The ED found that the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB) assigned the examination to Central PSU ITI Limited, which subsequently outsourced the work to Bhubaneswar-based Silicon Techlab Private Limited (STPL). However, STPL, through its director Suresh Chandra Nayak, allegedly sublet the work of handling sensitive candidate information to Panchsoft Technology Private Limited without the written permission of ITI Limited, in connivance with Panchsoft Technologys director Sankar Prusty. Subsequently, the persons linked with Silicon Techlab and Sankar Prusty approached the candidates and lured them with the promise of providing the confidential information of the exam paper in place of money and mobilised them, the ED noted. The sleuths came across a set of transactions between accused Prusty and STPL even before the commencement of the SI Recruitment Exam-2024 process, which shows their connivance. It is also revealed that PSIL International Limited (formerly Patnaik Steel International Limited) and its directors, Sameer Rath and wife Saswati Mishra, acquired a majority stake in Silicon Techlab under a purported share purchase agreement dated August 5, 2023, which is under further examination. Investigation revealed that the said agreement was never submitted before the Registrar of Companies by either of the two companies, ED stated. The agency found that despite PSIL directors acquiring a controlling stake and management control of STPL, Nayak remained its director and corresponded with ITI Limited on the SI examination without authorisation. Despite knowing that Nayak was handling the examination work without authorisation, Sameer Rath and Swasti Mishra did not inform ITI Limited. Subsequently, Nayak unauthorisedly accessed the examination papers. Investigations and searches conducted so far have unearthed the role of companies/entities which have so far remained outside the investigative net of agencies. Further, searches have also revealed the possible role of other persons, including those associated with OPRB & other companies/ entities. Such entities are intricately linked with the entire examination cycle, ED added. The agency concluded on the basis of evidence collected during searches that the question paper was leaked in an organised manner, generating substantial proceeds of crime through cash collected from candidates.
Tejashwi Yadav visits Raghopur after boat tragedy, demands probe
Digital Desk | Patna, Oct 14 (IANS) Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly and RJD National Working President, Tejashwi Yadav, headed to Raghopur after arriving in Patna from Delhi to meet the families affected by the boat tragedy that claimed the lives of 13 children. Tejashwi Yadav had expressed condolences over the incident in a post on Tuesday night. On Wednesday, he again mourned the deaths and described the tragedy as a case of gross negligence. Speaking to reporters at Patna Airport, the RJD leader said he would meet the bereaved families and seek answers about the circumstances that led to the accident. He questioned how the boat was operating at night, who was responsible for allowing it to do so, and at what level the alleged negligence occurred. Tejashwi Yadav also raised concerns about the medical facilities available to the victims, alleging that hospitals lacked adequate arrangements. He demanded a thorough investigation into the incident and strict action against anyone found responsible. He announced that the RJD would provide financial assistance to the families who lost their children in the tragedy. Responding to allegations from ruling party leaders that he remains absent during times of crisis, Tejashwi dismissed the criticism as baseless. He reiterated his intention to meet the affected families in Raghopur and called for accountability over the boat tragedy. Tejashwi Yadav also addressed the oppositions allegations of vote theft, stating that a decision on launching a major agitation would be taken at the next meeting. He indicated that the proposed movement could extend beyond Bihar and be organised at the national level. The private boat capsized in the Ganga River near Rampur Shyamchand Panchayat in Vaishali district at around 8:30 pm on Tuesday. The 13 deceased children included nine girls and four boys. Six other peopletwo adults and four childrenwere rescued and taken to Nalanda Medical College Hospital (NMCH) in Patna for treatment.
Patna HC advocates protest over voter deletions, demand Gyanesh Kumars resignation
Digital Desk | Patna, Oct 14 (IANS) Advocates at the Patna High Court staged a protest against alleged irregularities in the electoral roll revision process, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and condemning the police action against lawyers protesting in Delhi. The demonstration was organised by the Indian Association of Lawyers (IAL), Patna High Court, at Gate No. 4 of the court premises on Wednesday. Participants raised slogans and called for accountability over the alleged deletion of voters names during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Addressing the protesters, senior Patna High Court advocate Yogesh Chandra Verma described the police action against advocates participating in a peaceful protest in Delhi as highly condemnable. He said peaceful demonstrations were a democratic right and that detaining protesters amounted to the suppression of those rights. The Bihar Bar Council strongly condemns this incident, and the entire legal community registers its protest against this action, Verma said. The protesters also questioned the reported deletion of the names of more than 13 crore citizens during the SIR process. They asked why names removed during the revision were now reportedly being restored to electoral rolls and called for a clear explanation from the Election Commission of India and three election commissioners. They also demanded that the three election commissioners, including Gyanesh Kumar, should do the press conference and respond to the questions that arose after the news report published in September. The advocates demanded transparency in the process of deleting and subsequently restoring voters names, along with accountability for the decisions taken during the revision exercise. Senior advocates Yogesh Chandra Verma, Ramjeevan Babu and Uday Pratap Singh, along with other members of the legal fraternity, participated in the demonstration. The protesters reiterated their demand for the Chief Election Commissioners resignation and called for greater transparency in the management of electoral rolls.
RTPS resumes, dongle use for mutation stays suspended
No longer confined to single maritime theatre, Indian Navy operates across regions
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS) The Indian Navy's operational activity in 2026 demonstrates a force increasingly capable of operating simultaneously across the Indian Ocean, Indo-Pacific, Mediterranean and Atlantic approaches while exercising with major maritime powers. More significantly, its growing global presence is being matched by indigenous warship construction, maritime surveillance, electronic warfare, unmanned systems and technology development, signalling a transition from an Indian Ocean-focused navy towards a broader blue-water and technology-enabled maritime power. The Indian Navy's trajectory in 2026 is increasingly defined not by individual exercises, but by the simultaneous scale, geographical spread and technological depth of its engagements, from the Bay of Bengal and Southeast Asia to the Arabian Sea, Mediterranean and Atlantic approaches, Indian naval ships and personnel have maintained an expanding operational footprint while engaging partner navies through exercises, training deployments, capacity-building missions and specialised exchanges. This pattern matters because a blue-water navy is not demonstrated simply by possessing large warships, it is seen through its ability to deploy, sustain, integrate and operate those forces far from home waters while maintaining interoperability with advanced foreign navies. India's 2026 activities increasingly demonstrate these characteristics. The year began with the Indian Navy's long-range training deployment to Southeast Asia, involving INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata and ICGS Sarathi, with engagements planned in Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand. The deployment combined officer training with India's wider Act East maritime engagement, the scale became more pronounced with MILAN 2026, which brought together 42 ships and submarines and 29 aircraft, including 18 foreign ships. Conducted from Visakhapatnam, the exercise placed the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant at the centre of a major multilateral maritime engagement. The significance was not merely the number of participating platforms but India's ability to host, coordinate and exercise with a broad spectrum of foreign naval forces. India simultaneously expanded its regional maritime-security role through IOS SAGAR, deploying INS Sunayna with personnel from 16 partner nations across the Indian Ocean. It included port calls and training in seamanship, navigation, communications, VBSS, firefighting, damage control and bridge operations. This represents a different dimension of naval power: rather than merely demonstrating combat capability, India is developing the ability to build the operational capacity of partner navies. The geographical spread of India's 2026 deployments is particularly significant. In Southeast Asia, the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise 2026 brought INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish into coordinated maritime activity with ASEAN forces in the Philippines. The sea phase included HADR, VBSS, underway replenishment, cross-deck helicopter operations, vertical replenishment and CASEVAC drills. Such activities test practical interoperability rather than ceremonial naval diplomacy. At the other end of the maritime spectrum, INS Trishul's 2026 deployment demonstrates India's ability to project a frontline combatant into European waters. Trishul participated in the 24th edition of Exercise Varuna with the French Navy at Toulon before continuing its deployment into the Mediterranean and Atlantic approaches, including a port call at Valencia, Spain. The operational message is important as Indian naval deployments are no longer geographically confined to the immediate Indian Ocean. A frontline Indian frigate can participate in a high-level bilateral engagement with France and then continue operating through European maritime spaces, demonstrating endurance, diplomatic reach and expeditionary flexibility. India's growing interoperability with major naval powers is equally important, Its institutionalised relationships include exercises and engagements with the United States, France, Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom and other advanced maritime forces. The 2026 Indian NavyUS Navy EOD exercise, for example, focused on specialised diving, explosive ordnance disposal, cross-training, equipment demonstrations and emerging technologies. Meanwhile, India's assumption of command of Combined Task Force 154 under the US-led Combined Maritime Forces represented a particularly significant step. The Indian Navy's leadership of the multinational training task force places Indian officers within a wider coalition framework involving more than 40 nations, Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 subsequently brought together 276 personnel from 27 countries in India, covering maritime law, maritime domain awareness, counter-narcotics, force protection, asymmetric threats and uncrewed systems. This demonstrates that India's maritime role is evolving from participant to organiser, trainer and operational coordinator. Operational reach, however, cannot be sustained without technological depth. In 2026, India continued to expand its indigenous naval-industrial base. The commissioning of INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak and INS Agray added capabilities spanning surface combat, hydrographic surveying and anti-submarine warfare, INS Mahendragiri, a Project 17A stealth frigate with 75% indigenous content, further strengthened the fleet's combat capability. Technology development is also moving beyond conventional platforms. India contracted for 20 enhanced-capability GNSS jammers with at least 75 per cent indigenous content, providing electronic-warfare capabilities against adversary navigation systems. Similarly, the leasing of two MQ-9B Sea Guardian systems provides persistent maritime surveillance and ISR coverage across the Indian Ocean, reinforcing the importance of maritime domain awareness in India's wider naval strategy. The result is an increasingly layered force surface combatants, submarines, naval aviation, ISR, electronic warfare, unmanned systems and indigenous shipbuilding are developing together rather than in isolation. The most important development in 2026 is therefore not any single exercise. It is the convergence of presence, interoperability and indigenous capability. India is demonstrating that it can operate in different maritime environments while simultaneously maintaining its principal responsibility in the Indian Ocean, Its participation with advanced navies enhances interoperability, its leadership of multinational training initiatives increases strategic influence, and its indigenous technology programmes reduce dependence in critical capability areas. There are, nevertheless, limitations. A globally dispersed naval presence requires substantial logistics, replenishment, maintenance, fleet availability and sustained investment in submarines, maritime aviation, unmanned systems and network-centric warfare. Global presence must therefore be measured not simply by the number of port calls, but by the Navy's ability to sustain credible combat power over extended distances. The Indian Navy's 2026 operational pattern points towards a force increasingly comfortable operating across regions rather than within one maritime theatre, from MILAN in the Bay of Bengal and IOS SAGAR across the Indian Ocean to AIME in Southeast Asia and Varuna in the Mediterranean, India's naval diplomacy is increasingly backed by genuine operational activity. The emerging model is therefore broader than traditional blue-water power. India is building a navy capable of combat operations, maritime security, coalition interoperability, capacity building, technological innovation and sustained overseas presence simultaneously. The Indian Navy's significance is increasing extending beyond being the principal maritime force of the Indian Ocean to becoming one of the important globally deployable naval powers of the Indo-Pacific century.
Local body polls: Visakhapatnam Collector reviews arrangements at strong rooms, counting rooms
Boat tragedy a case of gross negligence: Chirag
Finish pending rural housing projects in week: Minister
Bhagalpurs historic Pujas preserve Bengali heritage
Wife, paramour held over mans murder in Nalanda
Probe begins into DMCH liquor party video
Two get life term for stabbing man to death
Man held for killing ailing father in Gaya
Missing schoolboy found dead in Madhepura bamboo grove, police suspect murder
Rising rice prices spur anxiety in Visakhapatnam
Naveen Condemns BJP Over Satyabadi Block Office Vandalism, Warns Odisha
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday strongly condemned an alleged incident of violence at the Satyabadi block government office in Puri district, accusing BJP workers of entering the premises and creating chaos. In a post on X, Patnaik said the incident had disturbed the people of Odisha and [] The post Naveen Condemns BJP Over Satyabadi Block Office Vandalism, Warns Odishas Peace Is Under Threat appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Dont need divorce: Khagaria SP Bhanu Pratap Singhs wife seeks reconciliation
Digital Desk | Patna, Oct 14 (IANS) The family dispute involving Bhanu Pratap Singh, an IPS officer and Superintendent of Police (SP) of Bihars Khagaria district, has returned to the spotlight after his wife, Pooja Singh, met Bihar DGP Preeta Verma over the family dispute and presented her side of the matter. Pooja told media persons that she did not want a divorce and hoped to reconcile with her husband. She also stressed that she did not want the dispute to affect his professional career. Pooja Singh described Bhanu Pratap as an honest police officer and said she did not want him to lose his job because of the ongoing family dispute. She said she had also shared the dream of seeing him become an IPS officer and did not want his career to suffer. According to Pooja, Bhanu Pratap had expressed a desire to make a fresh start. She indicated that she remained hopeful that their differences could be resolved through dialogue and that their relationship could be restored. Pooja said she met the Bihar DGP Preeta Verma to explain her position and seek a resolution. According to her account, the DGP has given the couple five days to work towards a settlement. She added that if Bhanu Pratap did not agree to a resolution within that period, the DGP would summon both of them for a discussion. There has been no fresh public statement from Bhanu Pratap on the latest development, leaving his position on the proposed reconciliation unclear. Reports of a dispute between Bhanu Pratap and Pooja Singh emerged in September 2026. At the time, Pooja Singh travelled to Bharatpur in Rajasthan and lodged a complaint against her husband and in-laws. Following her meeting with the Bihar DGP, Pooja has expressed hope that the matter can be resolved amicably. The next steps will depend on the couples response to the proposed dialogue and whether they can reach a mutually acceptable understanding.
Development of party its main agenda: Odisha LoP Naveen Patnaik targets BJP govt
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Oct 14 (IANS) Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday targeted the BJP-led Odisha government, alleging that the previous BJD government had prioritised the development of Odisha, while the present government was concerned only with the development of the ruling party. The BJD supremo made the remarks while addressing a gathering during the Jana Samparka Padyatra organised by the regional party in the Bhubaneswar Central Assembly constituency on Tuesday. Addressing the gathering during the programme, LoP Patnaik said, During the BJD government, Odishas development was our number one agenda, but under this double-engine government, their partys development is their main agenda, not Odishas. Patnaik further stated that people from all sections of society were facing difficulties under the present government. Farmers, women, elderly people, the poor and the middle class were all suffering, while the future of Gen Z was uncertain, he alleged. Prices of essential commodities were rising continuously, causing hardship to people, but the government remained indifferent to their problems, Patnaik alleged. Taking a dig at the state government, he said Odisha under the current BJP-led government is ranked number one in the country in terms of incompetence. Patnaik urged party workers to stay connected with the people and expose what he described as the failures of the state government. He advised the party workers to take the failures of the double-engine government to every household and create awareness among the people. Former minister Ashok Panda, MLAs Sushant Rout and Ananta Narayan Jena, Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das and Manmath Routray also addressed the gathering and strongly criticised the state government. MP Shubhashish Khuntia and Begunia MLA Pradip Sahu were among those present. Local corporator Bharat Lenka delivered the vote of thanks. The programme also witnessed a large gathering of people. It is worth noting that the public outreach march by BJD, which began on October 2 on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, will continue until November 2.
Schedule for local body elections in Andhra Pradesh announced
Digital Desk | Amaravati, Oct 14 (IANS) Elections for 100 Urban Local Bodies in Andhra Pradesh will be held on October 28, while Gram Panchayat elections will be conducted in three phases in November-December. The State Election Commission on Wednesday announced the poll schedule for the Urban and Rural Local Bodies. State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha announced that the Model Code of Conduct has come into force with immediate effect. The announcement of the schedule came after the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department furnished the Gazette Notifications containing the particulars of reservations to the seats and offices in Urban Local Bodies to the State Election Commission, along with readiness for the conduct of the elections. Out of 123 Urban Local Bodies, the Commission has issued notifications for conduct of elections to 100 Urban Local Bodies (13 Municipal Corporations and 87 Municipalities/Nagar Panchayats). Elections have not been notified yet for the remaining 23 Urban Local Bodies (4 Municipal Corporations and 19 Municipalities/ Nagar Panchayats) as the pre-election activities for them are underway. Polling will be held for Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC), Vizianagaram, Eluru, Machilipatnam, Guntur, Ongole, Nellore, Tirupati, Chittoor, Kadapa, Kurnool and Anantapuram Municipal Corporations and 87 Municipalities/Nagar Panchayats. The Commission also announced that elections to Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituencies (MPTCs) and Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTCs) will be held on November 3. The Gram Panchayat elections will be conducted in 3 phases November 26, November 29 and December 2. The State Election Commission issued the notification for elections to 100 ULBs. The nominations will be accepted till October 18, while scrutiny of nominations will be undertaken on October 19. According to the schedule, October 21 will be the last date for withdrawal of candidates. Polling will be held on October 28, while counting of votes will be taken up on October 30. For MPTC and ZPTC elections, the notification will be issued on October 19. Nominations will be received till October 23, while scrutiny of nominations will be taken up the next day. October 27 is the last date for withdrawal of candidates. Polling will be held on November 3, while results will be declared on November 5. Counting of votes for Gram Panchayats will be taken up immediately after completion of polling in all three phases.
Chausa Ramleela row ends after officials intervene
Criminal shot in leg during exchange of fire with police in Fatuha
Neeraj Goyat vs Anthony Pettis: India set for boxing showdown
Indian professional boxer Neeraj Goyat is set to fight former UFC lightweight world champion Anthony Pettis in a six-round super welterweight contest on January 23 next year. The high-profile bout, sanctioned by the Indian Boxing Council, is being considered for Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, or Chennai, marking a significant event for Indian boxing.
BJD Holds Massive Padayatra in Bhubaneswar, Targets Govt over Inflation
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday organised a high-intensity Janasamparka Padayatra (Mass Contact Rally) in the Bhubaneswar Middle Assembly constituency, drawing a massive gathering of party workers and local citizens. Addressing the large assembly, BJD President and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched a scathing attack on the ruling government, accusing it of utter [] The post BJD Holds Massive Padayatra in Bhubaneswar, Targets Govt over Inflation appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
India must seek UNESCO tag for ports to mark oceanic journeys of girmitiyas: Fiji envoy
Fiji's High Commissioner to India, Jagnnath Sami, has urged the Centre to consider seeking UNESCO World Heritage recognition for Kolkata, Visakhapatnam and Madras ports to commemorate the historic journeys of Indian indentured labourers, known as girmitiyas. He also called for India and Fiji to collaborate on preserving archives and documenting their shared heritage.
22, 24 carat Gold prices down across other cities on October 14
Delhi-Patna Vande Bharat Special For Diwali, Chhath: Route, Stops And Fare
Indian Railways has announced a 16-coach Vande Bharat Festival Special train equipped with modern amenities between the national capital Delhi and Bihar's capital, Patna.
Govt to roll out data centre policy as concerns grow over power use
The move follows protests by residents in cities such as Mumbai and Visakhapatnam against data centres planned by Amazon and Google over concerns including water and electricity use
AI skills redraw entry-level jobs map
Indias IT-BPM sector is set to revive fresher hiring after a sharp contraction, but the recovery is rewiring the skills companies seek in graduates.Fresher hiring in the sector is projected to rise to up to 2.1 lakh in FY27, after falling to an estimated 1.75 lakh in FY26 from 4 lakh in FY22, according to technology consulting and talent advisory firm HAN Digitals IT-BPM Graduate Hiring Outlook 2027.However, demand is increasingly shifting towards artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), data engineering, cybersecurity and other specialised technology roles, away from conventional entry-level coding and business process outsourcing jobs.IT Services players will remain the largest employers of the sectors freshers, accounting for about 60% of hires, though growth now will be concentrated in AI-adjacent and specialised roles.GCCs are the fastest-growing channel, expected to recruit 28% of talent as they expand intake into Tier II/III cities. Pure-play BPOs share keeps shrinking, mirroring the shift from routine execution to specialised, AI-adjacent work.The rise in fresher hiring reflects a structural reset in how IT services firms are building their talent pyramid, said Saravanan Balasundaram, CEO, HAN Digital Solution.As system integrators and IT Service providers sign more AI, data engineering and AI-enabled deals with existing and new clients, the bench capacity reduced by layoffs over the last few years can no longer absorb the demand, he said. At the same time, new AI roles in data engineering, AI testing, annotation and model operations are opening up at the base of the pyramid, where AI-ready graduates can be skilled and deployed at scale, while mid-level hiring in the four+ years band remains under cost and productivity pressure.The shift is changing expectations from new recruits. As AI tools take over parts of routine coding, testing and repetitive tasks, employers increasingly want graduates who can work with AI systems, validate their outputs and apply technology to business problems.The skillsets that companies are hiring for are definitely changing, said Sangeeta Gupta, senior VP, Nasscom. Its much more focused on AI capabilities there are new jobs that are also opening up with data centres coming up.The traditional model of bulk hiring, six months of training and deployment is also changing. The new kind of freshers companies need are AI-native, she said.This change is also visible in salaries. Freshers with AI-allied skills can command significantly higher pay, indicating that employers are increasingly paying for specialised skills rather than graduate headcount alone.Indias Tier-1 IT Services players 2027 fresher model offers Rs 1222 lakh for select specialised engineers in AI, data engineering, cybersecurity and enterprise tech as the premium shifts toward specialised technology capability, found the report.This would never happen in the past, said Gupta, citing Infosys plan to offer up to Rs 21 lakh for certain specialised tech roles. Entry-level salaries across ITeS meanwhile have largely stagnated at Rs 3-4 lakh for years.Recruitment geography is widening too. Bengaluru remains the leading fresher destination, accounting for an estimated 25% of onboarding, followed by Delhi-NCR at 17%, Hyderabad at 16%, Chennai at 15% and Mumbai and Pune at 10% each. Yet, Tier 2/3 corridors are outpacing metro growth, albeit on a smaller base, at 35% year-on-year.Coimbatore, Jaipur, Kochi, Indore, Ahmedabad, and Visakhapatnam are attracting freshers via local GCC centres and IT services players seeking lower-cost talent pools beyond major metros.
CtrlS to invest 10,000 crore in Bihar to strengthen digital infrastructure
The companys 400-crore AI and cloud-ready data centre in Patna was formally inaugurated on Tuesday and currently offers an IT load of 12 MW with the potential to expand per-future demand.
Canada Will Need 15,000,000 New Immigrants To Meet Growing Job Demand, Says Diplomat
Patnaik argued that Canada, with a population of roughly 42 million and a shrinking share of working-age people, faces a labour gap.
Lying atop woman, sans backing proof, can't be held as rape: Patna high court
Visakhapatnam: Three Arrested in Woman's Death Over Dowry Harassment
According to reports, Srivani, daughter of Gudu Sadhu Rao, a resident of the BHPV area, married Malla Mukunda Vijay in 2022. The couple have a two-year-old daughter.
Eight children among 11 dead as boat capsizes in Ganga River in Bihar
Eight children among 11 dead as boat capsizes in Ganga River in Bihars Vaishali Patna: At least 11 people, including eight children, died after a boat carrying passengers capsized in the Ganga River in Bihars Vaishali district on Tuesday. The accident occurred near Rampur Shyamchand village under the Raghopur police station area while the passengers [] The post Eight children among 11 dead as boat capsizes in Ganga River in Bihars Vaishali appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
GK correspondent among 24 journalists complete DCC 2026
Jammu, Oct 13:Greater Kashmir correspondent Sumit Bhargav is among 24 journalists from across the country, who have successfully completed the Defence Correspondents Course (DCC 2026), conducted by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, under its Directorate of Public Relations from September 21 to October 10. The Defence Correspondents Course concluded at Tezpur. Its Navy leg was conducted at Vizag (Visakhapatnam), followed by the Air Force leg at Tezpur and the Indian Army leg at Tezpur, Tenga and Tawang. The three-weeks course provided participating journalists with an understanding of the roles, capabilities and operational environments of the three Services, the Ministry of Defence said. The valedictory function was chaired by Lieutenant General Neeraj Shukla, General Officer Commanding, Gajraj Corps. Vijay Kumar, Additional Director General (Media and Communication), Ministry of Defence, along with officials of the Directorate of Public Relations, also attended the event. The course is conducted annually by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India through the Directorate of Public Relations. After receiving applications from journalists from across the country, a strict screening-criteria is followed that includes in-depth analysis of professional working, experience and reporting intellect of aspirants followed by an interaction which is conducted by a team of officers of concerned authority. Greater Kashmir correspondent Sumit Bhargav was selected for DCC 2026 after he successfully fulfilled all the prerequisites of the Ministry of Defence. The course started on September 21 from Vizag (Visakhapatnam) where its Navy leg was conducted wherein twenty four journalists from across the country attended the proceedings at Eastern Naval Command. Beside going through presentations and allied aspects, the journalists also got a rare opportunity to see submariners beside taking a sea sortie in a Destroyer ship wherein they (journalists) understood the circumstances in which Navy personnel carry out their professional assignments despite multiple challenges that primarily include difficult sea states. Navy Leg was followed by Indian Air Force leg that was held at Air Force Station Tezpur wherein beside all other important aspects of studying the working of Air Force, the Journalists got a thrilling opportunity to witness a real time mock drill of response of pilots towards an emergency situation from adversaries beside a night time sortie of SU-30 MKI fighter plane. Under the umbrella of 4 Corps of Indian Army, referred to as Gajraj Corps under Eastern Army Command, the Army leg of DCC 2026 was conducted in areas of Arunachal Pradesh focussing on Indo-China LAC. The Army keg started from Gajraj Corps HQ after which journalists were taken to Tenga where they not only studied the working mode of army troops on LAC but also joined army troops in their day to day working schedule that especially included firing practices. The journalists on DCC 2026 were taken to Tawang which is a high-altitude area in Arunachal Pradesh and is strategically very important as it is located on Indo-China LAC. At Tawang, the journalists visited a number of strategic LAC locations including Bumla LAC point where cross border meetings are held while army personnel of both Indian and Chinese armies standing next to each other followed by visits to holy waterfall, holy tree, Border Brew cafe and other LAC locations. The Journalists got a rare opportunity to understand the situation on LAC and the way troops of the Indian Army are guarding LAC despite tough weather conditions and other multiple challenges. At the high altitude area of Tawang, Journalists also joined army troops in night patrolling and alongside a Bada Khana (social evening) to spend time with troops together. Defence Correspondents Course 2026 concluded at Corps Headquarters Tezpur wherein General Officer Commanding (GOC), Gajraj Corps ( 4 Corps ), Lt Gen Neeraj Shukla interacted with DCC Journalists and both sides shared experiences with each other on a range of issues. The Journalists also shared their experiences of entire DCC proceedings that especially included visits to forward LAC locations. During this event, Lt Gen Neeraj Shukla felicitated Greater Kashmir Correspondent Sumit Bhargav who has successfully completed Defence Correspondents Course and has been empanelled with Ministry of Defence as a Defence Journalist. Through a series of briefings, field visits and interactions with military personnel, the participants gained insights into the functioning of the defence forces and the responsibilities associated with defence reporting, a statement of the Ministry of Defence read. The engagement also strengthened mutual understanding between the defence forces and the media, underscoring their shared commitment to enhancing public awareness while maintaining due regard for operational sensitivities and national security considerations, the Ministry further stated. Sharing his perspective, Sumit Bhargav said, Defence Correspondents Course is a vital step by MoD's Directorate of Public Relations which is mainly aimed to ensure that both reporting on defence aspects of country and national security do not clash with each other. He stated, Many a time, Fastest Fingers First and Breaking News syndrome on issues related to the defence sector prove detrimental to national security and can even prove handy for adversaries for which journalists also need to maintain a constructive approach. He further said that during DCC, all the journalists attending the course came to know about the country's fast progress in the defence sector and steps being taken to strengthen the security and defence apparatus especially under Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Patna High Court acquits 13 accused in 1996 Jehanabad quadruple murder case
A Division Bench comprising Justice Rajeev Ranjan Prasad and Justice Kumar Manish delivered the ruling, citing grave lapses in the police investigation
13 drown, 4 missing as boat carrying feast-goers capsizes in Ganga in Bihar
Traffic violations fetch Rs 15 cr in fines in 10 days
Traffic police announce vehicle restrictions, diversions for Durga Puja
Four arrested with gold, cash in Gaya dacoity case
Two road accidents claim four lives in Patna district
Darbhanga teachers constituency sees multi-cornered fight for MLC post
HC acquits 13 in Karpi murder case, slams police
Where is the evidence? Indian envoy asks Canada over Nijjar case
Digital Desk | Ottawa, Oct 13 (IANS) Indias High Commissioner to Canada Dinesh Patnaik has challenged Canada to produce evidence of Indian government involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, saying it should have come out by now. Its been almost three years since Prime Minister Trudeau spoke in parliament. Where is the evidence? Patnaik said in an interview with CPACs Open Question, hosted by Marc-Andre Cossette. If you have evidence which implicates anybody in India on this issue, we are willing to take action. We are ready to take action. Show us the evidence, he said. The interview was posted on October 9. Then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told Parliament in September 2023 that Canadian agencies were pursuing credible allegations of a potential link between Indian government agents and the killing. India rejected the charge as absurd. Patnaik declined to discuss the case of four people on trial in Surrey. There are four individuals who are being tried and so its now in the court. So Im not going to comment on it, he said. If the case brings out any evidence that there are people in India involved in it, we will take action against them, he said. He cited Operation Hardball, a US-led investigation that he said made arrests in the US and Canada about two months earlier. He said it identified the Bishnoi gang, but they were very clear on both the American side the Canadian side there though no involvement of the Indian government in this. Any suggestion that a government is involved with criminal gangs is just preposterous, he said. Patnaik called the rupture a blip and said: We do not have any geopolitical problems between us. And yet all it took was one politician for whatever reason to spoil it. He did not name the politician. He also pushed back on reports that Prime Minister Mark Carney had told The New York Times he could not guarantee India would not commit crimes in Canada. He said, I cannot guarantee no crime will be committed in Canada, Patnaik said. On Canadas spy agency, CSIS, which listed India among the main sources of foreign interference in its 2025 public report, he said: We are very clear. We do not do such things. He said the same report described Canada-based Khalistan extremists as the biggest threat to both countries. It puts India in the list which I hope by next year when they produce their report, India will be removed from the list, he said. Khalistan is not an issue in India. Its in Canada, Patnaik said, noting that a pro-Khalistan party once held seats in Punjab but now has none. Asked about a public inquirys finding that India does not distinguish between lawful advocacy and violent extremists, he said Canadians had the right to peacefully advocate for whatever they believe in. Politically, we have absolutely zero problem, he said. What we say is dont bring the negativity, the filth, the terrorist element, the gun running, the drug smuggling, the organised crime, extortion, he said. He urged people not to equate Khalistan extremists with the Sikh community, pointing to 45,000 fans at a Diljit Dosanjh concert in Toronto and 15 protesters outside. Patnaik said the Canadian government had taken a lot of action over the past year to dismantle extortion, drug smuggling and human trafficking networks.
PM Modi visit to Canada by year-end almost confirmed: Indian envoy
Digital Desk | Ottawa, Oct 13 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada towards the end of the year, Indias High Commissioner to Canada Dinesh Patnaik has said, describing the trip as almost confirmed. Prime Minister (Mark) Carney has confirmed it. Prime Minister Modi will be visiting Canada towards the end of the year, Patnaik said in an interview with CPACs Open Question, hosted by Marc-Andre Cossette. This just shows the shift that has taken place in the relationship and its today a very vibrant strong relationship, he said. The interview, posted on October 9, comes as Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu leads a Team Canada Trade Mission to India from October 12 to 17, with nearly 300 delegates and stops in Mumbai and Bengaluru. Ottawa has called it the largest trade delegation Canada has sent to India in over 30 years. Patnaik referred to that trip in the interview, saying Sidhu would be going with a huge team Canada next month. The envoy said he was confident that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) would be finalised before the first anniversary of its launch, which he dated to November 21, when the two Prime Ministers met in Johannesburg on the sidelines of the G20. I can tell you very confidently discussion has reached a very high level of uh collaboration, he said. I think before the one year is complete well be able to uh finalize the agreement. This would be one of the fastest we have done with any country, he said, adding that 10 years of earlier talks with Canada had helped. Negotiations move at the speed of trust. And because the trust factor is much higher today, our negotiations are much faster, Patnaik said. The two sides aim to double bilateral trade to $70 billion within five years. Patnaik said India wanted a zero tariff regime under the deal. In certain sectors like in textiles, leather, chemicals, and other things in pharmaceuticals etc. there are tariffs which other countries do not have, he said. We want to buy stuff from Canada. We want to buy oil and gas agri foods, he said, adding that India was already buying uranium. He also pointed to non-tariff barriers, including sanitary and phytosanitary rules, rules of origin and customs documentation, which he said were being discussed. On energy, he said: We want to buy more crude from you. India also wanted more LNG and More LPG which is butane and propane, he said. Patnaik said his earlier doubts about Canadas reliability were about its ability to deliver energy on time, given gaps in pipelines, ports and liquefaction terminals. I can sign something today but can I rely on you to be able to supply to me on time? he said. He said he now saw a new Canada under Prime Minister Mark Carney, citing the major projects office and the pace of legislation. Patnaik said Canada was important to India as the lead into North America, given its close links with the US. India, he said, is a nearly $4 trillion economy expected to reach about $25 trillion by 2047. Canada is an energy superpower, he said. He said Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand had met more than 12 times in the past year. Relations between the two countries plunged in 2023 after then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged a potential link between Indian government agents and the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India rejected the allegation as absurd.
CtrlS announces 10,000-crore AI factory in Bodh Gaya, opens 400-crore Patna data centre
The expansion will strengthen the companys presence in eastern India, with facilities aimed at meeting rising demand for digital infrastructure.
Young protesters in Patna seek resignation of CEC, PM
Members students wings of Left parties call for re-elections in Bihar and West Bengal; amid heavy deployment of police personnel, many are detained and taken in buses to designated areas for dispersal
AM/NS India signs pact to upgrade four ITIs in Visakhapatnam cluster
AM/NS India signs pact to upgrade four ITIs in Visakhapatnam cluster
Andhra SEC to announce local body polls schedule after gazette notifications
Digital Desk | Vijayawada, Oct 13 (IANS) The schedule for local body elections in Andhra Pradesh will be announced after the departments concerned issue gazette notifications, State Election Commissioner (SEC) Anil Chandra Punetha said on Tuesday. The SEC added that the poll schedule will be announced once the state government communicates its readiness for the elections. Punetha said the elections would be conducted in an effective manner. He assured all security measures in the sensitive and hyper sensitive areas. He held a meeting with representatives of 20 political parties here on Tuesday. He told media after the meeting that the political parties sought security for the contesting candidates. They also submitted various suggestions to the SEC, including timely issuance of caste certificates. The state government on Monday announced reservation for Scheduled Tribes (STs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), Backward Classes (BCs) and women for the posts of Mayors in 17 municipal corporations and chairpersons in 106 municipalities and nagar panchayats. The state government has earmarked one Mayoral seat for STs (Mangalagiri Tadepalli), two seats for SCs (Kurnool Women and Rajamahendravaram General), five seats for BCs (Kakinada Women, Machilipatnam Women, Eluru General, Anantapuram General, and Chittoor General). Five Mayoral seats have been reserved under Women (General) for Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Guntur, Kadapa, and the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC). Mayor seats in Tirupati, Vijayawada, Ongole, and Nellore remained unreserved. Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration, P. Sampath Kumar, issued an official notification determining and finalising the ward-wise reservation of seats for STs, SCs, BCs and women across 13 major municipal corporations in the state. The state government has capped overall reservation for all categories at 50 per cent after the High Court struck down its order for 34 per cent reservation for BCs. The Supreme Court on October 9 dismissed its plea challenging the Andhra Pradesh High Court. The apex court questioned the legal basis of the data relied upon by the state government to justify the enhanced BC quota, particularly the findings of a Unified Family Survey. On October 1, the Andhra Pradesh High Court struck down two government orders providing 34 per cent reservation for BCs in local body elections, saying that the quota breached the 50 per cent ceiling on total reservations. The High Court said that the aggregate reservation for all categories in local bodies should not exceed 50 per cent in accordance with the Supreme Court's guidelines. The court judgment came as a setback to the N. Chandrababu Naidu-led coalition government, as increasing BC reservation in local bodies from 20 per cent to 34 per cent was one of its key promises during the 2024 Assembly elections. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had announced the enhanced quota on August 18, saying that BCs would get 34 per cent reservation in rural local bodies and 33.33 per cent in urban local bodies.
Womens quota for GVMC Mayor post sets off lobbying; senior leaders push spouses and daughters
The TDP cites its hold on Visakhapatnams core constituencies to claim the post; the BJP, the Jana Sena and the YSRCP have aspirants too
NLMC generates Rs 366.33 crore on Day 1 of RINL land e-auction, 150 plots sold
The National Land Monetisation Corporation (NLMC) recorded Rs 366.33 crore in successful bids on the first day of its maiden end-to-end e-auction of land parcels belonging to Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), according to the Ministry of Finance. A total of 150 plots were sold during the initial phase against an aggregate reserve price of Rs 312.48 crore, representing an average premium of 17.23 per cent over the baseline valuation. The transaction involved land owned by RINL, the corporate entity that operates the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. The Ministry stated that the outcome marked an operational milestone for the corporation. The first phase marks a significant milestone for NLMC, as it is the Corporation
10 IIT Patna Professors Named Among World's Top 2% Scientists by Stanford
RINL Land E-Auction in Visakhapatnam Sees Strong Response, Government Raises
The e-auction of RINL lands in Visakhapatnam garnered 366 crore, reflecting strong investor interest and market participation. RINL Land E-Auction in Visakhapatnam Sees Strong Response, Government Raises 366 Crore on Day One
Student, youth wings march in Patna seeking CEC
Patna: Activists of the student and youth wings of the CPI(ML) Liberation on Tuesday, October 13, held a protest march in Patna seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The protest march, starting from Gandhi Maidan under tight security measures, was headed towards Lok Bhavan but was stopped by the police at Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Protest Erupts in Patna as Students Demand Resignation of Chief Election Commissioner
Students staged a protest in Patna, clashing with police while demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner. Protest Erupts in Patna as Students Demand Resignation of Chief Election Commissioner
22, 24 carat Gold prices down across other cities on October 13
Improve civic infrastructure along Vizianagaram routes to Bhogapuram and Visakhapatnam: CREDAI
CREDAI Andhra Pradesh vice-president K.S.C. Bose asks the State government to prioritise civic infrastructure amid development along the two routes
Basudha Scheme Failure: Women Protest Dry Taps Outside Patnagarh Sub-Collector
Frustrated by three years of chronic water scarcity, local women took to the streets carrying empty pitchers and pots to protest outside the Patnagarh Sub-Collectors office in Odishas Balangir district, demanding immediate intervention to fix the failing Basudha scheme. On Tuesday, a large group of women gathered at the administrative office to voice their grievances. [] The post Basudha Scheme Failure: Women Protest Dry Taps Outside Patnagarh Sub-Collectors Office appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Around 100 YSRCP leaders and workers join TDP in Visakhapatnam ahead of local body polls
Ganta Srinivasa Rao welcomes leaders and workers from GVMC Ward 6 into the TDP
Man killed as e-rickshaw, motorcycle collide in Bihar's Katihar
Digital Desk | Patna, Oct 13 (IANS) One person was killed, and four others were injured when a Toto (electric rickshaw) collided with a motorcycle near Dumariya Mahanth Sthan on State Highway-77 in Bihar's Katihar district. The accident happened on Monday night and triggered panic at the scene. After receiving information, a Dial 112 police team reached the spot and took the injured to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Kursela. Doctors declared one of them dead during a medical examination. The deceased is believed to be the Toto driver, but his identity had not been established when this report was filed. The injured were identified as Mahtab Ansari of Devipur, Dinesh Prasad Yadav of Baghwa, Pujan Mahto of Rajjiganj and Ambika Mandal. Mahtab, who sustained serious injuries, was referred to a higher medical centre for further treatment. The other injured individuals are being treated at CHC Kursela. According to preliminary investigation, the Toto was travelling from Kursela towards Rupauli with around six passengers on board when the collision occurred. The circumstances leading to the accident, including the direction from which the motorcycle was approaching, remain unclear. Station House Officer Rakesh Kumar said police were working to establish the deceaseds identity and determine the cause of the collision. Earlier in a separate accident, two youths were killed on the spot after a tractor overturned near Kushiyari Mor on the Pothia-Dumar road in Katihar district on Monday morning. According to an official, five people, including the driver, were travelling on the tractor when it suddenly went out of control and overturned. Three others sustained injuries and were taken to a hospital for treatment. The deceased were identified as Safikul Ansari and Mohammad Manir, both residents of Jira Patti under the Barari police station area. The accident drew a crowd to the scene and left the victims families devastated. Family members were reportedly inconsolable after receiving news of the deaths. Further probes in both cases are underway.
Youthful Jharkhand aim higher in Ranji Trophy with a bunch of confident youngsters
Bihar face steep Elite test with little preparation ahead of Ranji Trophy
Kosi graduates poll tests BJPs hold as Jan Suraaj eyes youth
Cabinet vows to help achieve Viksit Bharat goal by 2047
Dhananjaya to carry howdah at Srirangapatna Dasara
HC: Issue appointment letters for history, geography asst professors
Minister: Education must be linked with culture, moral values
Gayas Durga Bari Samiti to celebrate 95 years of Puja
Chirag, Saraogi slam Cong for march to Supreme Court
CM transfers Rs112cr to 1.6L flood-hit families
Follow SC guidelines for Covid death relief: HC
PMCH to provide treatment on 2,500 beds with modern facilities: Samrat
Man thrown into boiling oil over wage row, dies
Expedite construction of emporium at Bodh Gaya: Minister
Driver, helper die as trailer rams stationary vehicle on NH-922 in Buxar
Parents protest proposed merger of Rohtas primary school
