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Stray dog attack kills four goats in Erode
LG Manoj Sinha Reviews Progress Of Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan
Jammu, Dec 20: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, at a high-level meeting on Saturday, reviewed the implementation and progress of Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan in the UT of Jammu Kashmir. The Lieutenant Governor reaffirmed the UT Administrations commitment to the national goal of tuberculosis elimination. He emphasised on conducting a deep analysis of TB-related cases, and treatment outcomes. He called for seamless inter-departmental coordination and a robust community-based support system to ensure no patient is left behind. The Lieutenant [] The post LG Manoj Sinha Reviews Progress Of Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
10 motivational quotes for students to ace their goals
Goa Club Fire: Cops Seek Blue Corner Notice Against Co-Owner Who Fled To UK
Goa Police have started the process to secure a Blue Corner Notice against British national Surinder Kumar Khosla, an accused in the December 6 nightclub fire that killed 25 people, through Central agencies, a senior officer said on Saturday.
Goa Nightclub Fire: Blue Corner Notice Sought Against Accused Who Fled to UK
Panaji, Dec 20: Goa Police have initiated the process to secure a Blue Corner Notice against British national Surinder Kumar Khosla, an accused in the December 6 nightclub fire that claimed 25 lives, through Central agencies, a senior police officer said on Saturday. The officer said Khosla was present in Goa when the incident occurred [] The post Goa Nightclub Fire: Blue Corner Notice Sought Against Accused Who Fled to UK appeared first on Northlines .
Goa nightclub fire: Police initiate process for Blue Corner Notice against Khosla who fled to U.K.
Police have so far arrested eight people, including the nightclub owners Saurabh Luthra, Gaurav Luthra, and Ajay Gupta, and five others
Art, beats, cuisine: Serendipity Arts Festival celebrates 10th edition in Goa
In this photo essay, we showcase a range of outstanding creative works from SAF 2025 in Goa, along with curator insights.
ZP elections to be held in Goa today
NT Reporter Panaji Grassroots democracy will be in a celebrative mood in Goa on Saturday as elections to both zilla panchayats will be held, where 8,69,356 voters are eligible to vote to decide the fate of 226 candidates in 50 seats. The State Election Commission has set up 1,284 polling booths across the state for [] The post ZP elections to be held in Goa today appeared first on The Navhind Times .
CM Sawant pins hopes on development, community farming to uplift rural Goa
Special Correspondent Panaji Announcing his plans to strengthen both zilla panchayats (ZP) on the eve of the elections to the district-level local bodies in Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday said his roadmap for spreading prosperity in Goan villages through both ZPs include rural development and community farming. Community farming in areas like agriculture, [] The post CM Sawant pins hopes on development, community farming to uplift rural Goa appeared first on The Navhind Times .
On Liberation Day, CM says Goa is one step ahead of other states
NT Reporter Panaji Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday said that despite its liberation from the colonial Portuguese regime after 14 years of Indias Independence, Goa is one step ahead of other states in the country in overall development. He also stated that life expectancy has been rising in Goa due to good health infrastructure, [] The post On Liberation Day, CM says Goa is one step ahead of other states appeared first on The Navhind Times .
20 resorts, nightclubs inspected in S Goa after Birch inferno, says district collector
NT ReporterMargao South Goa Collector Egna Cleetus said on Friday that the enforcement and monitoring teams constituted by the government to scrutinise resorts and nightclubs for compliance with safety norms have so far inspected 20 establishments in South Goa following the Birch fire incident that claimed 25 lives. The enforcement and monitoring teams have conducted [] The post 20 resorts, nightclubs inspected in S Goa after Birch inferno, says district collector appeared first on The Navhind Times .
Adidvara Job Habba today to bridge disability employment gap
BENGALURU: AssisTech Foundation (ATF) will host the Adidvara Job Habba at BMS College for Women in Basavanagudi on Saturday, bringing inclusive employers and job seekers with disabilities on to a single, technology-enabled hiring platform. The event, supported by the Department for the Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens (DWDSC), the Karnataka Skill Development Authority (KSDA) and the Karnataka Skill Development Corporation (KSDC), is aimed at expanding access to formal employment for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) across sectors. More than 500 job seekers, representing all 21 notified disability categories, are expected to participate. Employers from IT, retail, manufacturing, BFSI, hospitality and services will take part in the event, which is designed to facilitate both direct recruitment and structured employercandidate interactions. Speaking about the initiative, Prateek Madhav, CEO and Co-Founder of AssisTech Foundation, said, By bringing together training, assistive technology and employment on one platform, we are working towards creating sustainable and dignified career pathways for PwDs, he said. Nagaraj N M, Managing Director of KSDC, said the initiative aligns with Karnatakas broader skilling and inclusion goals. Candidates wishing to take part in the Job Habba can register through the Adidvara mobile application. For details, call Suchandana Roy at 98180 05423.
U.S. military to stop shooting pigs and goats as a way to train medics for the battlefield
Mr. Buchanan's office said the Defence Department will continue to allow training that involves stabbing, burning and using blunt instruments on animals, while also allowing weapon wounding, which is when the military tests weapons on animals
Attempts to kill film fest resisted, says CM Pinarayi Vijayan
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Taking a swipe at the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday said attempts to kill the film festival through censorship were countered by the decision to screen the films in question. He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the 30th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) at the Nishagandhi Auditorium in Thiruvananthapuram. The chief minister said the state government, through that particular decision, ensured it stood with the rights of delegates to watch critically acclaimed films screened and awarded at major international festivals. IFFK will remain here, confronting any fascist action against democratic rights. It will not bend its knees before intrusions into freedom of expression, Pinarayi said. The chief minister alleged that even artists invited to the festival were being monitored by the Union government. He pointed out that artists are required to be cleared through the political clearance section of the I&B ministrys portal and that visas were being denied after assessing their political leanings. Calling the practice unacceptable, he said three artists were denied visas -- the director and producer of a Turkish film in the competition section and a jury member from Azerbaijan. They asked whether it was because of them or because of their country. Such actions of the central government bring shame to the nation and must be condemned, chief minister said. Stressing the need to reclaim cultural spaces from communalism and narrow-mindedness, he said the state government would continue to work with the public towards that goal. Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian said that despite the state government and the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy making all arrangements to screen the best films from across the world, there were conspiracies to censor selected films. He also reiterated that the state government stood firmly with the survivor in the actor assault case and would protect her to the fullest extent. He said these positions defined the identity of the 30th IFFK. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, we decided to face these challenges head-on. We do not have a history of backing away when films are denied censor certificates. Thirteen such films received approval. We will neither retreat nor yield to threats, Cherian said. Chalachitra Academy Chairperson Resul Pookutty spoke about the pressures cinema is facing today, saying films were confronting challenges beyond the screen. Wall of fame Suvarna Chakoram Best Film Two Seasons, Two Strangers - Sh Miyake Rajata Chakoram Best Director: Carina Piazza & Luca Bracelis (Before the Body) Best Debut Director: Tanushree Das & Saumyananda Sahi (Shadowbox) Audience Poll Award Thanthapperu - Unnikrishnan Avala FFSI KR Mohanan Award: Best Debut Director from India Shadowbox by Tanushree Das & Saumyananda Sahi NETPAC Awards Best Malayalam Film: If On a Winters Night / Khidki Gaav - Sanju Surendran Best Malayalam Film: Thanthapperu - Unnikrishnan Avala Best Asian Film in Competition: Cinema Jazireh - Gzde Kural FIPRESCI Awards Best Malayalam Film by a Debut Director: Desire / Moham - Fazil Razak Best Film in International Competition: If On a Winters Night / Khidki Gaav - Sanju Surendran International Competition Awards Special Jury Mention - Performance: Tillotama Shome (Shadowbox ) Special Jury Mention - Technical Excellence: Black Rabbit, White Rabbit - Shahram Mokri Jury Prize: Thanthapperu - Unnikrishnan Avala LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR ABDERRAHMANE SISSAKO At the valedictory function, Mauritanian-born Malian filmmaker Abderrahmane Sissako was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award which carries a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, a statuette and a citation. Sissako termed it one of the most significant moments of his life. Recalling his long association with Kerala, he said filmmaker Shaji N Karun, who passed away earlier this year, introduced him to the state and had stood by him like a brother in cinema. Reflecting on the India-Africa connection, he said both regions shared deep and meaningful cultural ties. Filmmaker and chairperson of the K R Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts, Saeed Mirza, who has completed 50 years in cinema, and Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof, who was the jury chairperson, too were honoured by the chief minister. A DELIBERATE MOVE The chief minister said the decision to deny censorship exemptions to 19 films scheduled for screening at IFFK was not merely a technical error resulting from the ignorance of officials, but a deliberate authoritarian move. By completely cancelling the films in the Palestine package, the Central Government has clearly revealed its stance on the Palestine issue, the chief minister added. He pointed out that the cancellation of a Spanish film Beef proves that the Centre perceives only one meaning for the word beef. He also expressed strong protest over the banning of the all-time classic film Battleship Potemkin.
Great athletes are made on maidans, not in malls or on artificial turf. With playgrounds in the city rapidly shrinking, our netas must ensure they are protected from encroachment and are free for all to use
SIIEDC organises workshop on Goal Setting and Decision Making
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 19: A one-day workshop on topic Goal Setting and Decision Making organized by the Skill Incubation Innovation Entrepreneurship Development Centre (SIIEDC), University of Jammu, was held here today. The workshop was organised under the guidance of Prof Alka Sharma, Director, SIIEDC and coordinated by Dr Pallavi Sachdeva, University of Jammu. The session was conducted by Neetu Dhar, who participated as the Expert Resource Person. The workshop aimed at sensitising students about the importance of setting clear [] The post SIIEDC organises workshop on Goal Setting and Decision Making appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Sikkims comeback win spoils Meghalayas evening
Shillong, Dec 19: Sikkim came from a goal down in the first half to win 2-1 against Meghalaya in the first Group E match of the Senior Mens National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy 2025-26 preliminary round at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, here on Friday evening. Hardy Cliff Nongbri (19) gave []
US military to stop shooting pigs and goats as a way to train medics for the battlefield
The U.S. military will end its practice of shooting pigs and goats to help prepare medics for treating wounded troops in a combat zone
Curlie's is a popular beachside pub in North Goa which has been sealed by the Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) authorities. The nightclub has been repeatedly flouting regulatory norms.
5th T20I: Surya The Batter Went Missing Somewhere, He Will Be Back Stronger, Says Yadav
T20 World Cup: After India clinched a 3-1 T20I series win over South Africa through a 30-run victory in the fifth game, skipper Suryakumar Yadav admitted his own batting form went missing during the series but promised with absolute honesty that he would come back stronger with the bat in future. In the series, Suryakumar managed scores of 12, 5, 12 and 5, raising serious concerns over his form ahead of next years T20 World Cup. At the same time, he expressed satisfaction at Indias overall performance in T20Is this year, though he couldnt score a single fifty. Maybe the only thing we couldnt quite manage was finding Surya the batter. I think he went missing somewhere! But hell be back stronger. As a team, Im really happy. Whenever we were in trouble, someone always put their hand up and pulled us through. As captain, thats very satisfying, he said in the post-match presentation ceremony. Reflecting on the teams approach in the series win, Suryakumar highlighted the emphasis on consistency and intent. From the start of the series, we wanted to stick to a particular brand of cricket and we did exactly that. We didnt try to do anything different. We wanted to express ourselves in all departments and the results are right there in front of everyone. This is something we felt was missing in our last few series. This is exactly how we wanted to bat, once someone gets going, they dont stop. We wanted that relentless intent, and today it worked beautifully, he said. Suryakumar also explained the tactical use of Jasprit Bumrah and praised Washington Sundars contribution with the ball upfront. Yes, we wanted to try something different. The plan was to use Bumrah in one over in the powerplay, control the middle phase after drinks and then have him ready for the death overs. Washi stepped up brilliantly today and took responsibility. We were under pressure at times, we were challenged, but this game is about how you respond and the boys did really well. Its been challenging but a very good series. We did almost everything we wanted to, he added. South Africa skipper Aiden Markram said a chase of 232 always needed perfect things, but felt the experience of playing the T20I series will prove to be valuable in their World Cup preparation. Chasing 232 was always going to need a near-perfect effort. Quinny and the top three set it up really well for us and we were right in the contest. But in the middle overs, we just couldnt quite maintain that momentum. Still, theres plenty to take away - lessons well learn as a group. With quite a few World Cup games being played here, Im sure this experience will prove valuable. It was challenging, definitely. We were asked some tough questions. Thats a good thing because now we have a clearer idea of whats required if we want to lift the World Cup. We faced a quality Indian side that played really well, and credit to them. But we also looked inward, identified areas to improve, and the lessons weve learned over these two weeks are invaluable, he elaborated. Still, theres plenty to take away - lessons well learn as a group. With quite a few World Cup games being played here, Im sure this experience will prove valuable. It was challenging, definitely. We were asked some tough questions. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I think now weve got a lot of answers. Heading into the World Cup, things will definitely be more structured. Whatever we do, itll be with one goal in mind - giving ourselves the best chance to lift that trophy. Article Source: IANS
Sanskrit University VC Appreciates Historian Prof. Sheikh Ali
The VC unveiled a commemorative volume titled New Facets of Indian Historiography and Historical Methods dedicated to Prof. Sheikh Ali, founder vice chancellor of Goa University as well as Mangalore University.
One of our favorite budgeting apps is 50 percent off right now
If you have a resolution in the new year to get more acquainted with your finances, a good budgeting app can help with that. One of our favorites is a bit cheaper to sign up for right now: Monarch Money is offering 50 percent off annual subscriptions for new users. Use the code MONARCHVIP at checkout to get half off, so you'll pay just $50 for one year of access. Monarch Money was the runner-up in our guide to the best budgeting apps in 2025, and it was definitely a grower. Initially we found the experience of using the app to be needlessly complicated compared to some of its rivals, but get over that hurdle and its impressively fully-featured. There are plenty of customization options, a helpful goals feature and a thorough month-in-review recap that beats out similar features from some of its competitors. We also like how you can grant account access to others. Besides the steep learning curve, we also noted that the mobile app is less intuitive to use than the web version, which might pose a problem if you were hoping to do most of your accounting on the go. We also had some issues with the app failing to distinguish between bills and other recurring expenses, as well as a few bugs along the way. All things considered, Monarch is definitely one of our favorite budgeting apps, only being beaten out by Quicken Simplifi. As you might expect, the biggest strength of Simplifi is its simplicity, and how it eases you into using its various features. If you value that kind of user experience, it might be a better choice for you, but theres unfortunately no free trial to take advantage of. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/one-of-our-favorite-budgeting-apps-is-50-percent-off-right-now-154056703.html?src=rss
Messi will be playing a record 6th World Cup, but can he win again?
Lionel Messi will be playing his sixth FIFA World Cup tournament next year. Nobodyelse has achieved this landmark. In the sport of football, goalkeepers, whose job is less tiring and therefore lasts longer, usually play more matches than their teammates. Several goalkeepers have played in five tournaments. But even among them, no one has played 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 .
The plum, walnut, almond and rum caramelised and infused into Christmas cakes become secret coordinates of a map back to Kolkatas past
New-generation Fast Patrol Vessel Amulya commissioned in Coast Guard
NEW DELHI: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Friday inducted a new-generation Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) into its fleet with the commissioning of ICG Ship Amulya in Goa. According to the ICG, Amulya is the third vessel in the series of eight Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels being built for the force. The ship will be deployed to undertake a wide range of missions, including surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue, anti-smuggling operations and pollution response, strengthening the Coast Guards role in safeguarding the eastern seaboard. The vessel features a modern design focused on efficiency, endurance and rapid response capability. Powered by two 3,000 kW advanced diesel engines, it can achieve a top speed of 27 knots and has an operational endurance of 1,500 nautical miles, enabling extended missions across Indias maritime zones. It is equipped with indigenous, state-of-the-art weapons and systems, offering enhanced manoeuvrability, operational flexibility and performance at sea. The Ministry of Defence had signed a contract with Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) for the construction of eight Fast Patrol Vessels for the Indian Coast Guard at a total project cost of Rs 473 crore. ICGS Amulya will be based at Paradip in Odisha and will operate under the administrative and operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (North East). The ship is commanded by Commandant (JG) Anupam Singh and has a complement of five officers and 34 personnel. The 51-metre-long vessel, designed and built by GSL, marks a new benchmark in indigenous shipbuilding. With over 60% indigenous components, Amulya, which means priceless, highlights Indias progress towards defence self-reliance in line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Joint Secretary (IC), Ceremonial and CAO, Amitabh Prasad, and attended by senior officials from the Indian Coast Guard, Central and State governments, and representatives of GSL. The induction of the vessel is another step in the ICGs ongoing fleet expansion aimed at strengthening coastal security. The Indian Coast Guard was established in February 1977 with a modest fleet of seven ships to conduct surveillance across Indias waters and its 2.01 million sq km Exclusive Economic Zone. The force is projected to reach a strength of 200 surface platforms and 100 aircraft by 2030.
Olivier Rioux, Florida's 7-foot-9 center, made history with his first college basketball dunk. He is now the tallest player to score a field goal in a college game. Rioux, already a Guinness World Record holder, recently played his first minutes for the Gators. This marks a significant achievement for the young athlete as Florida continues its season.
IIT JEE Preparation From Class 11: Why Starting Early Gives An Edge
IIT JEE Preparation: At this stage, students gain greater clarity about their career goals and are better positioned to balance JEE preparation alongside their regular academic studies.
Putin tells his annual news conference that the Kremlin's military goals will be achieved in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that Russian forces have fully seized strategic initiative and would make more gains by the year's end
SHANTI Bill 2025: How can it help India achieve self-reliance in nuclear energy
The Bill enables responsible private and joint venture participation to bridge resource constraints, shorten gestation periods, and support the national goal of 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047, without compromising national security or public interest.
Putin tells his annual news conference that Kremlins military goals will be achieved in Ukraine
MOSCOW, Dec 19: Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that Moscows troops were advancing across the battlefield in Ukraine, voicing confidence that the Kremlins military goals would be achieved. Speaking at his highly orchestrated year-end news conference, Putin declared that Russian forces have fully seized strategic initiative and would make more gains by the years end. Russias larger, better-equipped army has made slow but steady progress in Ukraine in recent months. The annual live news conference is combined with [] The post Putin tells his annual news conference that Kremlins military goals will be achieved in Ukraine appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Why Just Quit Smoking Doesn't Work: Ex-Smokers Share The Real Struggles
Quitting smoking ranks among the toughest health goals for 2026. Three former smokers share personal journeys, from cravings to triggers and the turning points that helped them quit.
Travis Head Powers Australia to Commanding Lead in Ashes Test
Danger man Travis Head crunched his fourth century in as many Tests at Adelaide Oval Friday as Australia built a 356-run lead over England to stand on the brink of retaining the Ashes. The hosts were 271-4at stumps on day three of the third Test with Head on 142 and first-innings century-maker Alex Carey not out 52, taking the five-match series out of England's reach. England must win after crashing inside two days at the first Test in Perth and inside four in Brisbane, both by eight wickets. But it appears to be an impossible task with the highest run chase at the ground 316 by Australia against England in 1902. Head said the job was not finished yet and Australia had to rock up again on Saturday. We've had another really, really good day today. Tomorrowwill beanother huge day, the wicket is deteriorating and starting to spin. The goal is to try and put on as many as we can in the morning and get to work and try to win the Test match. Head's crucial ton, his 11th, came off a composed 146 balls although he almost didn't get there, dropped on 99 by Harry Brook as impatience got the better of him. He has now scored a century in four consecutive Tests on his home ground, following 140 against India last year and 119 and 175 against the West Indies. - 'It calls for heroes' - The way Head has batted is next level, and he has shown us how to go about it, conceded England spin coach Jeetan Patel. Every game of Test cricket we play, especially out here in Australia, calls for heroes. And we haven't had them just yet, but maybe we will have them tomorrow and the day after. Australia suffered an early setback in a tense 20 minutes before lunch after England were all out for 286 on the back of Ben Stokes's gritty 83 in response to Australia's first innings 371. Bryson Carse trapped Jake Weatherald lbw for one and he did not review although replays showed the ball was pitching outside leg stump. It gave England a glimmer of hope, but after the break Head slammed the door shut, cutting and chopping boundaries all around the ground. Marnus Labuschagne went for 13 when he edged Josh Tongue to Harry Brook at slip, with reviews showing it carried. Usman Khawaja, who hit a defiant 82 in the first innings after his last-minute call-up for the ill Steve Smith, was a perfect foil for the more aggressive Head. But on 40 he was caught behind off Will Jacks and Cameron Green followed soon after for seven, edging Tongue to Brook. After getting through the nervous 90s, Head finally brought up his century with a four off Joe Root, taking off his helmet and kissing the turf before pumping his fists. While not in the same vein as his match-winning 69-ball century in Perth, it was a critical knock, supported by Carey and aided by Stokes not bowling. - Gutsy Stokes - Patel said Stokes, who batted for two sessions on Thursday in 40 Celsius heat, was not injured. From what I understand he is fit to bowl, said Patel. He's just knackered, he's taken a lot out of himself to get to this point in the game. On Friday's resumption, Stokes and Jofra Archer kept England's dreams just about alive with a stirring 106-run ninth-wicket stand. They began at 213-8 in muggy conditions with Stokes not out 45 and Archer on 30. Stokes, who suffered leg cramps and dehydration during his gutsy rearguard action on Thursday, brought up his slowest ever 50 in Tests, off 159 balls. He finally fell when Mitchell Starc took the new ball and bowled him, with Stokes one of the few players who showed the fight he had demanded before the game. Archer was another, ably helping his captain. The fast bowler was the last man out when caught by Labuschagne off Scott Boland for 51 -- his highest Test score and a maiden half-century Also Read: Live Cricket Score Boland ended with 3-45 while Pat Cummins took 3-69 in his first Test since July.
Abhishek and Shivaleeka reveal pregnancy 2 years post-wedding
Drishyam 2 director Abhishek Pathak and Shivaleeka Oberoi announced their first pregnancy on Instagram, two years after their 2023 Goa wedding. The post features baby socks, a Christmas tree, and Baby Pathak Arriving 2026. Caption: Tiny blessing joining our universe. Celebs like Rakul Preet congratulated them.
Operation Vijay, India's first joint military operation involving all three services, liberated Goa, Daman, Diu, and Anjidiv Islands from 450 years of Portuguese rule in a swift 40-hour action. The successful military campaign, supported by local freedom fighters, concluded on December 19, 1961, marking a significant moment in India's post-independence history.
IPO watch: Public listing is a milepost, not a goal
Indias 2025 IPO boom signals more than listingsit reflects a shift toward building durable public companies. Post-IPO success hinges on operational discipline, repeatable unit economics, governance, and long-term leadership. Investors should focus on profitability, maturity, and strategic vision, treating the IPO as a transition, not the ultimate goal.
Budget 2019-20: Fiscal discipline, structural reforms, a mega projects road map
The Union Budget 2019-20 focused on achieving fiscal discipline, strengthening Indias structural reforms: Budget 2019-20 charted a course for India's $5 trillion economy goal, prioritising investment in infrastructure, digital growth and MSME job creation. Key initiatives included rural connectivity, water security, and reforms in taxation, housing, and banking.
Avtar Group, India’s leading workplace culture consulting firm, celebrated its silver jubilee in a memorable event at Hotel Savera, Chennai, on the evening of 18th December 2025. Founded in 2000 by Dr. Saundarya Rajesh to help women enter the workplace, Avtar has today grown into a national social enterprise. Over two+ decades, Avtar has helped more than 100,000 women re-enter the workforce and guided over 800 companies towards authentic inclusion. Avtar Celebrates 25 Years in A Memorable Event, Honoring Trail-blazing Second-Career Women & Project Puthri Alumni Avtar’s 25th anniversary celebration was a deeply moving occasion, marked by two special award segments. One segment honored exemplary second-career women who were placed by Avtar years ago in leading companies across industries, and have since gone on to build remarkable careers. The award recipients - Ms. Anju Awal, Ms. Eswari Rao, Ms. Vyapti Trivedi, Ms. Elakkiya Chandrasekaran, and Ms. Sreeja Nair - were felicitated by the Chief Guest, Ms. Bharathy Bhaskar, renowned speaker and independent director. Congratulating the winners, Ms. Bharathy Bhaskar said, “Restarting a career after a break means rebuilding confidence, skills, and credibility, often while managing disproportionate personal responsibilities. You persisted, delivered, and succeeded. And you proved that capability does not disappear during a pause. Your journeys set the bar for what’s possible after a break.” The second award segment honored outstanding alumni of Project Puthri, Avtar’s flagship CSR initiative and India’s first career-intentionality program for schoolgirls from underprivileged backgrounds. The awards were presented by acclaimed music director Mr. Bharadwaj to Kamalisri J., Sneha K., and Sharon Kiruba N., who are now doing exceedingly well in their corporate careers. Speaking at the milestone event, Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Managing Director of Avtar , said, “When Avtar was founded 25 years ago, the goal was simple – to help more women begin their careers. But over time, this mission has grown into something much bigger, encompassing research, benchmarking, countless partnerships, and the complete redesign of systems to remove bias. Now, we celebrate 25 years of careers rebuilt, lives transformed, and workplaces changed for the better. Today’s award winners – second-career women, alumni of Project Puthri, along with every Avtarite, stand as powerful examples of Avtar’s impact. Congratulations to all the winners! Your resilience truly reflects the spirit of Avtar. As we look ahead, we remain committed to building inclusive workplaces and taking our model to over 25 cities by 2030. This is only the beginning.” The celebration also honored Avtar’s long-serving employees and top performers. Ms. Geetha Ramamoorthy, MD of KBR India and Chief Guest , presented awards to the tenured team members, saying, “ Standing by a mission for 25 years is no small feat. These employees have demonstrated resilience, focus, and determination, driving meaningful change that touches numerous lives and workplaces.” The event also featured celebrated Carnatic vocalist Mr. P. Unnikrishnan and Mr. Balaji Nuthalapadi, Executive Director – Technology & Operations, Equitas Small Finance Bank, as special guests, who recognized the exceptional contributions of Team Avtar. Mr. Karthik Ekambaram, Chief Sales Officer of Avtar, and Mr. Umasanker Kandaswamy, Chief Operating Officer, reflected on Avtar’s impactful journey, highlighting key milestones achieved and challenges overcome. Ms. Priya Dayabaran, Chief of Staff and Head – HR, delivered the vote of thanks, concluding with a hopeful outlook for Avtar’s continued journey ahead. www.myavtar.com . About Avtar Avtar, founded in 2000 by Dr Saundarya Rajesh, is one of India’s leading workplace culture consulting firms, supporting hundreds of companies in creating diverse and supportive workplaces. Avtar is also the country’s largest provider of second career opportunities for women. An ISO 20700 certified firm, Avtar’s biggest research projects are its annual benchmarking studies – the Best Companies for Women in India (BCWI) and the Most Inclusive Companies Index (MICI). Done in partnership with Seramount, BCWI and MICI are India’s largest workplace inclusion benchmarking studies, which have paved the way for the employment of more women and other under-represented groups. Avtar also promotes inclusive hiring through MyAvtar, India’s first job portal for under-represented professionals. A snapshot of Avtar’s work in the last 25 years Provided advisory services in inclusive practices to 800+ organizations Conducted 5000+ workshops and training programs in companies of different sizes, spanning industries and locations Facilitated the re-entry of 1,00,000 second-career women into the workforce through MyAvtar.com Engaged with 200,000+ women through career enablement programs Offered unique skilling programs such as DigiPivot (a prestigious course in digital marketing, conducted in partnership with Google, HUL, and ISB) to hundreds of women. Provided career intentionality training, employment guidance, and access to industry leaders every year to 10,000+ girls from underprivileged backgrounds through Project Puthri, an initiative of the Avtar Human Capital Trust (AHCT). Impacted 4000+ schoolboys through MITR (Men Impacting Trust and Respect), an initiative by AHCT that mentors boys to be advocates for women. For its transformational impact in the realm of DEI, Avtar Group was listed in the prestigious Steward Leadership 25 Listing by Straits Times & INSEAD at Singapore in 2022.
The Uttar Pradesh government has announced plans to recruit 1.5 lakh employees in 2026 as part of its broader goal to create 10 lakh government jobs by 2030. The new recruitment will cover sectors like police, education, health, revenue and more.
On Goa Liberation Day, nation remembers bravehearts who fought colonial rule: President Murmu
New Delhi, Dec 19: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday greeted the people of Goa on the states liberation day and said the nation remembers the bravehearts who fought relentlessly against colonial rule. In a post on X, Murmu said the country salutes freedom fighters and armed forces for their unwavering resolve and unflinching dedication. I wish the people of Goa a bright and prosperous future, she said. On Goa Liberation Day, the nation remembers with gratitude the bravehearts who fought [] The post On Goa Liberation Day, nation remembers bravehearts who fought colonial rule: President Murmu appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Pomelo Employer Branding Appoints Jasprit Khurana and Karan Bamba
Pomelo Employer Branding (Pomelo EB), a specialist employer branding firm, has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Jasprit Khurana as Senior Partner – People Advisory & HR Strategy and Karan Bamba as Senior Partner – Business, Transformation & Employer Brand , effective immediately from December 2025 . The appointments are aimed at deepening the impact of Pomelo’s employer branding work for India-based and international Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and technology enterprises, amid intensifying competition for critical digital and technology talent. Pomelo Employer Branding Senior Leadership Team for GCC and Tech Enterprises in India As India emerges as one of the world’s fastest-scaling GCC hubs, employer branding is being tested beyond visibility on leadership alignment, localisation, retention of critical skills and measurable ROI. Both appointments are partner-level executive advisory roles and form part of Pomelo Employer Branding’s senior leadership team. Jasprit Khurana and Karan Bamba will work closely with Sonya Sahni, Founder & Managing Partner, to strengthen employer branding outcomes through deeper alignment with people systems, leadership practices and business realities. The roles are not board-level or day-to-day operational positions. Sonya Sahni, Founder & Managing Partner, Pomelo Employer Branding said, “ Employer branding today is under pressure to prove both credibility and impact. For tech companies and GCCs, a compelling employer brand cannot exist in isolation from leadership behaviour, culture and people systems. Strengthening our leadership bench enables us to help clients build employer brands that are grounded in organisational reality, while keeping employer branding firmly at the core of what we do.” As Senior Partner – People Advisory & HR Strategy , Jasprit Khurana brings over 25 years of experience as a strategic HR leader and fractional CHRO. He has built and scaled HR functions across organisations ranging from 300 to over 15,000 employees, spanning India, the UK, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. In his role at Pomelo EB, he will support employer branding outcomes by aligning EVP and employer brand strategy with HR strategy, people policies, remuneration philosophy, culture and leadership capability, particularly for scaling and international GCC environments. He will be accountable for strengthening EVP credibility by ensuring alignment between employer brand promises and HR systems and leadership practices. Jasprit Khurana said, “ What attracted me to Pomelo is its sharp focus on employer branding and its understanding that credibility comes from how people actually experience the organisation. My role is to strengthen that link, ensuring employer brand narratives are supported by people policies, leadership capability and organisational culture .” Karan Bamba , appointed as Senior Partner – Business, Transformation & Employer Brand , brings over three decades of leadership experience across business operations and large-scale transformation. His career includes senior roles at Reliance Jio, Siemens and Nokia Siemens Networks, where he led complex, multi-market operations and large workforce transformations. At Pomelo EB, he will strengthen employer branding by connecting business goals with people strategy, operating models and HR interventions that support scale and transformation. He will be accountable for ensuring employer branding initiatives are grounded in business and operational reality and linked to productivity and transformation outcomes. Karan Bamba said, “ Employer branding works best when it reflects how organisations truly operate. Pomelo’s approach stands out for its willingness to engage with real business and operational realities. My role is to help ensure employer brand strategy aligns closely with how work gets done across large and complex organisations.” While employer branding remains Pomelo EB’s core focus, the leadership strengthening adds people advisory and business leadership depth to support greater credibility, localisation and measurable outcomes for clients, especially in complex GCC and technology environments.
PM Modi Recalls Sacrifices of Freedom Fighters on Goa Liberation Day
The day is celebrated on December 19 every year to mark the success of 'Operation Vijay' undertaken by the armed forces to liberate Goa from Portuguese rule in 1961
Trumps Fed Contenders: Divergent paths to a common goal of lower rates
As Donald Trump weighs successors to Fed Chair Jerome Powell, Kevin Hassett, Christopher Waller and Kevin Warsh emerge as leading contenders with differing views on rates, reforms and the Feds role.
Bank Holiday on December 19: Are banks open or closed in your state? Check state-wise list here
As December 2025 nears its end, multiple bank holidays across states may affect branch operations. Banks will remain closed in Goa on December 19 for Goa Liberation Day and nationwide on December 25 for Christmas. Customers are advised to plan transactions in advance.
Kozhikodes tabletop airport eased officials decision to choose Kochi
KOCHI: It was a miraculous escape for 160 passengers and crew of the Air India Express flight from Jeddah to Calicut, after the pilots realised mid-air that the landing gear developed a technical glitch, caused by multiple tyre bursts. That the flight was heading to the dangerous table-top airport at Calicut made the scenario all the more dangerous, and the pilots had to make some quick decisions weighing the limited options before them. It was decided to divert the Air India Express flight IX 398 as the tabletop airport at Calicut was posing high risk. Tabletops are risky and challenging to the best of pilots, and here the aircraft landing gear was stuck. So there were no second thoughts to divert the aircraft to nearby airports, said airline sources. The pilots were left with the choice to divert the flight to either Mangaluru, Kannur or to two airports in Goa, but they finally chose Kochi airport, given the airports preparedness and better facilities, including modern firefighting equipment. The preparedness at Kochi airport is world-class. The same was proved in the full-scale mock drill, showcasing the airports emergency preparedness, held just a couple of months back, on October 28, 2025. Further, an emergency landing involving a SpiceJet aircraft in a similar scenario was successfully carried out at the airport two years back. Hence it was decided to divert the flight to Kochi airport and make an emergency landing, even as the pilots were trying to gauge the extent of damage to the landing gear and the tyres,they said. The pilots quickly contacted the Air Traffic Control unit of the Kochi airport mid air at 8.35 am. An alert was sounded and the airport authorities immediately activated the Emergency Response Plan, without wasting a second. The authorities mobilised all relevant operational units, including Airport Fire & Rescue Services (AFRS), medical units, and security personnel, and positioned them along the runway as a precautionary measure. External stakeholders including State Fire & Rescue and State Police also joined them in keeping a high alert and ready to face any eventuality, an airport spokesperson said. The Air India Express flight touched down safely at Kochi airport at 9.08 am under full emergency conditions. However, what proved crucial in the end was the airport fire safety team spraying Fire Retardant Foamall along the course of the dedicated section of runway marked for the emergency landing. With all the emergency services activated, the aircraft landed safely at 9.08 am. During landing, sparks could be seen, and markings formed due to the damaged tyres. We were much relieved after it finally came to a halt. Luckily the aircraft didnt sway too much and the sparks died down even as they formed, the sources said. The gravity of the potentially dangerous situation was revealed when a post-landing inspection by technical teams confirmed that both the tyres on the right-side landing gear and the one at the left side had burst. The emergency response system too worked out to perfection. The markings caused due to the emergency landing were fixed with the help of modern systems. The aircraft was safely taxied off the runway, which was subsequently inspected for debris and released for normal flight operations shortly thereafter. No passenger or crew suffered any injuries. The teams worked in close coordination and the runway was cleared in just 35 minutes as it was (9 am to 10 am) peak traffic hour. All operations were coordinated according to standard procedures, and it is a relief that all passengers and crew are safe and being transported to their destination, said CIAL managing director S Suhas. Meanwhile, a section of passengers protested when the airlines informed the passengers that they would be transported to Calicut by road. The authorities initially assured us that we would be flown to our original destination in Karipur after a brief halt. However, once the passengers disembarked, the airline shifted its stance, stating we will be transported by bus instead, said an agitated passenger. Safe Touchdown 8.35 am: Pilots alert Kochi ATC 9.08 am: Aircraft lands under full emergency 9.45 am: Runway cleared
Extreme cold waves, rising pollution, and local holidays are causing school closures and schedule changes across India on December 19, 2025. Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Jammu & Kashmir and Tamil Nadu are among the states affected, with some schools shifting to online or hybrid modes.
PM Modi highlights Indias Growth, Unity in Diversity, and Strengthening Ties with Oman
MUSCAT, Dec 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that 21st-century India takes bold and swift decisions, pursues ambitious goals, and delivers results within defined timelines, underlining that the country continues to remain the worlds fastest-growing major economy. Addressing an interaction with the Indian community and students in Muscat, the Prime Minister said the gathering reflected the spirit of Indias unity in diversity. Today, we have all gathered here as one family. We are celebrating our country, our Team [] The post PM Modi highlights Indias Growth, Unity in Diversity, and Strengthening Ties with Oman appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
NT Reporter Porvorim Chandigarh hold all the cards heading into the final day of their Cooch Behar Trophy (Elite Group D) clash after carving out a hefty 149-run first-innings lead over Goa at the GCA Academy ground, before the hosts offered some resistance with the bat late on Day 3. Replying to Goas 308, Chandigarh [] The post Goa trail by 43 runs appeared first on The Navhind Times .
NT Reporter Panaji Goas Vijay Merchant Trophy campaign slipped deeper into trouble after another difficult opening day, as Andhra seized control of their third-round clash at the Sector 10 BSP Cricket Stadium with a commanding 76-run first-innings lead and nine wickets still intact. Sent in after winning the toss, Goa were rescued almost single-handedly by [] The post Adeeps lonehand not enough appeared first on The Navhind Times .
More than 8.69 lakh voters to decide fate of ZP nominees
NT Reporter Panaji The State Election Commission (SEC) said that 8,69,356 voters are eligible to vote in the elections to both zilla panchayats in Goa scheduled for December 20, 2025. The commission has set up 1,284 polling booths across the state for the polling for the district-level local bodies. Campaigning for the ZP elections ended [] The post More than 8.69 lakh voters to decide fate of ZP nominees appeared first on The Navhind Times .
Goas Justice Sonaktipped to be CJ of Jharkhand HC
NT Reporter Panaji Goas Justice Mahesh S Sonak, a senior judge of the Bombay High Court, has been recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium to be the next Chief Justice of the JharkhandHigh Court. The Supreme Court Collegium on Thursday recommended the appointment of five High Court judges as Chief Justices of different High Courts [] The post Goas Justice Sonaktipped to be CJ of Jharkhand HC appeared first on The Navhind Times .
Nurture scientific temper, CM tells students
Special Correspondent Panaji Asking the students not to hesitate in exploring or facing uncertainty, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday said the Manohar Parrikar Vidnyan Mahotsav has become a key platform to nurture scientific temper, curiosity and innovation among the youth in Goa. He further asked the students to opt for asking one more question [] The post Nurture scientific temper, CM tells students appeared first on The Navhind Times .
NT Reporter Mapusa Dempo Sports Club crushed Sporting Clube de Goa 4-0 in the Reliance Foundation Development League 2025-26 Regional Qualifiers at Duler Stasium Mapusa on Thursday morning. Murphy Fernandes opened the scoring in the 10th minute, and Swavel Furtado took charge from there, striking twice, first in the 33rd minute and again in [] The post Dempo SC thump Sporting Clube appeared first on The Navhind Times .
Nearly 80 Ktaka exporters eye Mormugao port as container services resume
Panaji : Goas recently resumed container shipping services from Mormugao Port could see increased freight movement from Karnataka, with industrial units from the neighbouring state showing interest in using the fortnightly vessel service operated by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI). Around 80 exporters from Karnataka expressed willingness to transport cargo through the Vasco port [] The post Nearly 80 Ktaka exporters eye Mormugao port as container services resume appeared first on The Navhind Times .
Over Rs 3 cr spent on cancer treatment, palliative care in past 10 yrs, says GCS
NT Reporter Panaji The Goa Cancer Society (GCS) has provided financial support to more than 600 cancer patients over the last decade at both private and government-run hospitals. The society has also offered free counselling services to 234 patients through more than 650 counselling sessions. GCS honorary president Shrinivas Dempo said that the society has [] The post Over Rs 3 cr spent on cancer treatment, palliative care in past 10 yrs, says GCS appeared first on The Navhind Times .
Bedridden seniors fear losing vote as polls lack home voting provision
NT Reporter Margao Many ailing and bedridden senior citizens, along with others facing mobility challenges, have expressed a strong desire to exercise their right to vote in the December 20 zilla panchayat election. However, due to the absence of provisions in the Goa Panchayat Raj Act and other technical issues, the State Election Commission is [] The post Bedridden seniors fear losing vote as polls lack home voting provision appeared first on The Navhind Times .
Low-key campaign ends; 226 candidates vie for 50 zilla seats
NT Reporter Margao The low-profile and largely complaint-free zilla panchayat election campaign across Goa concluded on Thursday, with 226 candidates111 from North Goa and 115 from South Goaset to contest 50 seats statewide. A total of 40 independent candidates in South Goa and 23 in North Goa are contesting the elections, with their political futures [] The post Low-key campaign ends; 226 candidates vie for 50 zilla seats appeared first on The Navhind Times .
'Russian army is battle-hardened': Putin issues chilling nuke warning, vows to achieve Ukraine goals
Forget your 401(k)? Why this overlooked number could decide your retirement future
A big 401(k) balance can look safe, but it may not protect your retirement life. Experts say the real focus should be on your income replacement ratio, not just savings size. This number shows how much of your salary your retirement income can replace. Planning by income goals, not lump sums, can help secure a steady retirement future.
LIC says insurance amendment to increase coverage
Parliament's amendments to insurance laws aim to boost coverage, enhance policyholder protection, and strengthen regulatory oversight, aligning with India's development goals. The changes, including a Policyholders Education and Protection Fund and removal of FDI caps, are expected to deepen insurance penetration and support sector growth.
Indias manufacturing ambitions trigger scramble for leadership talent
India seeks leaders for its manufacturing growth. Companies are hiring experts in engineering, electronics, and semiconductors. Demand is high for digital transformation and sustainability skills. Multinationals and domestic firms are recruiting, alongside expats for high-tech roles. Salaries are competitive. This hiring surge supports India's goal to expand markets and reduce global dependencies.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Assam starting December 20. The Assam cabinet approved land for an Ammonia-Urea Project. Wetlands in Goalpara district will become Proposed Reserved Forests. Land is also transferred for a CRPF centre. Modi will address BJP workers and inaugurate new projects. He will also interact with students.
Parliament passes nuclear energy Bill
NEW DELHI: Parliament on Thursday passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill with the Rajya Sabha giving its nod to the legislation by a voice vote. The Bill, which was passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, seeks to open the tightly-controlled civil nuclear sector for private participation. Initiating the discussion in the Upper House, the Minister of State of the Department of Atomic Energy, Jitendra Singh, said that nuclear energy is a reliable 24/7 power supply source. He asserted that no compromise would be made with the safeguard mechanism in place. Replying to a discussion on the Bill, Singh also sought to allay fears of radiation, stating that so far there has been no report of any radiation-related hazards to the public. It is for the first time after 2014, priority is being given to global concerns, be it climate, energy, energy security or clean energy, the minister added. Singh told the House that there would be a diversion towards clean energy for a number of reasons, as the entire world is moving towards it, and it is important for us to achieve the goal in toto, so that India becomes less dependent on petroleum resources or fossil fuel sources. However, the Opposition questioned the government for allowing private operators into the nuclear power sector, stating that it could impact the sovereignty of the country. While participating in the discussion on the Bill, the Congress MP Jairam Ramesh took a jibe at the Centre for coining catchy acronyms and colourful titles for legislation. He further stated that an impression is made that everything in India started in 2014, especially programmes related to atomic energy, space and technology. SHANTI Bill: Opposition slams 'oligarchisation' of nuclear energy, raises serious safety, liability concerns He noted that the first Bill about atomic energy in Independent India was passed not in 1962, but on April 6, 1948, and stated that there was a debate after Jawaharlal Nehru moved the Bill. At least 30-40 members participated in the debate. On April 06, 1948, the first Atomic Energy Act was passed. On May 22, 1948, PM Nehru presented a cabinet note on what the countrys atomic energy policy should be. On August 15, 1948, the Atomic Energy Commission was established with Dr Homi Bhabha as its chairman, and KS Krishnan and Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar as members, and it reported directly to the Prime Minister, said the Congress MP, who is also general secretary of the party. He opposed the Bill, saying there is a need for further consultations before bringing such crucial legislation. He further stated that the government may have many compulsions, such as the US, foreign firms, and domestic private firms, but a Bill should not be introduced under compulsion. 'Dangerous leap': Opposition flags risks as ruling MPs back private push in nuclear energy Bill If we ignore our public sector and promote the private sector, then it is not in the interest of our nation. I am a supporter of the private sector. But it cannot be a growth engine, Ramesh said. Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sagarika Ghose said that the Bill is not just flawed but fundamentally dangerous. As a country, are we now prepared to abdicate our sovereign responsibility, gamble with public safety and place one of the most sensitive sectors of the nation at the mercy of crony capitalism and government-friendly oligarchs as well as foreign pressure?... This Bill is not a reform; it is recklessness. This Bill is not for the public, it's for profit, she said. DMK MP P Wilson said that the Bill is a nuclear bomb that threatens the country's peace and security. The nuclear supply chain is sought to be removed from the sovereign functions and from the Union of India government's active oversight. There is nothing peaceful, nothing sustainable, nothing transformative about this legislationOn the contrary, it is a reckless, dangerous and deeply flawed attempt to privatise one of the most sensitive and high-risk sectors of a nation, he said.
Dec 18 Throwback: When Messi lifted WC and touched immortality
On December 18, 2022, Lionel Messi finally achieved his lifelong dream, leading Argentina to World Cup glory in a thrilling final against France. Despite an early setback, Messi inspired his team, scoring crucial goals and demonstrating unwavering belief. This victory cemented his legacy, fulfilling a pursuit that defined his career and a generation of fans.
Financial Planning For New Mothers In 2026: Tips To Secure Newborn's Future
A clear goal, early action and discipline ensure that education is driven by your child's aspiration and not limited by financial constraints.
Assam orders expulsion of 15 'illegal Bangladeshi immigrants' from Nagaon under Immigrants Act 1950
GUWAHATI: Invoking the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950, the District Commissioner of Nagaon has issued separate orders directing 15 illegal Bangladeshi immigrants to leave the territory of Assam and India within 24 hours. The action follows earlier rulings by foreign tribunals, which had declared the individuals as foreigners. Foreigners tribunals are quasi-judicial bodies mandated to decide cases involving suspected illegal immigrants. The expulsion orders were issued to Jahura Khatun, Abdul Aziz, Aheda Khatun, Azufa Khatun, Hussain Ali, Fazila Khatun, Anura Begum, Asha Khatun, Nazrul Islam, Rahim Sheikh, Burek Ali, Idris Ali, Rustam Ali, Anwar Khan and Taher Ali. being a declared foreign national, your presence in India/Assam is detrimental to the interest of the general public and also for the internal security of the state, the order issued to Jahura read. Exercising powers under Section 2 of the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950, the District Commissioner directed to remove yourself from the territory of Assam/India within 24 hours from receiving this order The order further stated that failure to comply would compel the government to take appropriate action to remove you from the territory of Assam/India under the provisions of the Act. Nagaon police would execute the expulsion of 15 individuals. At present, they are lodged at the Matia Transit Camp in Goalpara district and at an Assam Police battalion facility in Kokrajhar district. There are 19 of them and we have received expulsion orders for 15. The remaining four persons have some pending court cases, Nagaon Superintendent of Police Swapnaneel Deka told this newspaper on Thursday. He added that Nagaon police personnel would travel to Matia to take custody of the individuals before escorting them to the IndiaBangladesh border for deportation. This is the second known instance of the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950 being invoked in recent times. On November 19, the District Commissioner of Sonitpur ordered the expulsion of five persons who had been declared foreigners by a foreigners tribunal. That case had reached the tribunal in 2006, based on a report submitted by the Border Police.
We are also covering: PM Modi Hails India's Growth During Oman Visit After Rahul Gandhi Stirs Fresh Row In Germany, and other top stories.
Time to be cautious on sectoral, thematic funds; gold a must in portfolios: Harshvardhan Roongta
For investors reviewing or starting their portfolios now, Roongta advised focusing on discipline rather than trends. Ask yourself whether you are following a long-term asset allocation plan or simply reacting to recent market performance, he said. He added that changes in asset allocation should only be made based on risk profile, financial goals, and time horizonnot past returns.
Brother Ink Tank Series Celebrates 10 Years of Reliability in India
Brother International (India) Pvt. Ltd ., a Japanese multinational company and global leader in printing and imaging solutions, celebrates a decade of its Ink Tank printer series in India, marking ten years of innovation, high performance, and value-driven technology that has supported millions of users nationwide. A Decade of Innovation & Trust, 10 Years of Brother InkTank Since introducing its first Ink Tank printer to the Indian market in 2015, Brother has focused on delivering durable, cost-effective, and user-friendly printing solutions tailored for homes, offices, and small businesses. Over the years, the Ink Tank series has earned a strong reputation for dependable performance, becoming a preferred printing choice for millions across the country. A Decade of Reliable Innovation Across three series of Ink Tank printers, Brother has continuously refined its technology to meet evolving customer needs. The latest models bring enhanced convenience, performance, and eco-conscious design, featuring: High-yield, low-cost printing for maximum savings Spill-free refill systems for clean and efficient operation Enhanced auto-duplex functionality, supported by wireless, mobile, and LAN connectivity Compact, eco-friendly design that reduces plastic usage Professional-quality output with sharp text and vibrant colours “ Completing a decade of Ink Tank printers in India is a proud milestone for Brother. Over these ten years, we’ve transformed the way India prints, delivering reliability, performance, and value. As we look ahead, our goal is to expand our market presence to 25% by 2026, with a strong focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities ,” said Alok Nigam, Managing Director, Brother International India Pvt Ltd. Brother International India continues to strengthen its presence by expanding its dealer and service networks and launching innovative products. The company’s commitment to customer satisfaction, reliability, and sustainability remains at the core of its growth strategy. Brother Group continues to make significant strategic investments to strengthen its ink tank business. By enhancing its capabilities, expanding production, and diversifying its product range, the company aims to meet growing global demand and deliver advanced technologies, improved performance, and a continuously evolving lineup of Ink Tank solutions to customers worldwide. Brother Ink Tank printers are available in India through authorised channel partners & major e-commerce platforms, ensuring easy accessibility and consistent support. With a strong nationwide network of 240 service centres, Brother remains committed to delivering reliable after-sales service to customers across India. About Brother International (India) Pvt Ltd Brother International India is a leading provider of printing, sewing, and labeling solutions, committed to delivering products that combine reliability, innovation, and efficiency. As part of the global Brother Group, the company reflects the brand’s long-standing promise of being “At Your Side”, offering exceptional customer support and value-driven solutions for homes, businesses, and industries across India. With a strong focus on quality and customer satisfaction, Brother continues to enhance productivity and inspire trust in every interaction.
Lionel Messi donned the Indian cricket jersey gifted by Jay Shah and met Indian sporting stars from different disciplines, including Kuldeep Yadav, Renuka Singh Thakur, Sumit Antil, Nishad Kumar and Nikhat Zareen, during a special crossover shoot on his GOAT India Tour.
India's Rajya Sabha is debating the SHANTI Bill, which aims to allow private companies into the civil nuclear sector. Union Minister Jitendra Singh assured that safety measures will not be compromised. The move supports India's growing global role and clean energy goals. Nuclear power offers reliable 24x7 energy, unlike other renewables.
Messi GOAT Tour Chaos: Sourav Ganguly sends Rs 50 crore notice to Argentina fan club 'president'
Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly is suing an Argentina fan club founder for 50 crore over defamatory remarks linking him to the chaotic Lionel Messi GOAT tour event in Kolkata. The fan club chief accused Ganguly of being a stooge and financially ruining Bengal cricket. The Messi event at Salt Lake Stadium saw fan anger and vandalism.
Medical Complaints, Dubious Documents: Luthras Evade Goa Police's Questions
Saurav and Gaurav Luthra, the brothers in Goa Police custody over a fire at a nightclub in Goa that killed 25 people, are evading questions posed by the cops, sources told NDTV.
KOCHI: In a significant boost to Indias defence manufacturing ambitions, Kochi-based SFO Technologies has secured a high-value contract from Thales for the production of complex wired structures for the RBE2 AESA Radar fitted on Indian Rafale fighter aircraft. The contract, which pertains specifically to the manufacture of advanced wired structures, marks an important milestone in Thales Make in India roadmap for the localisation of critical Rafale sub-systems. The order follows Indias recent procurement of 26 Rafale aircraft for the Indian Navy and reinforces the growing role of Indian companies in global defence supply chains. Noida-based Thales said the agreement reflects its long-standing partnership with SFO Technologies across multiple defence and aerospace programmes, and its commitment to building indigenous capabilities in India. The scope of work under the partnership spans precision machining, assembly and wiring, electronics and microelectronics, and complex system integrationareas where SFO has developed strong expertise over the past three decades. This partnership with SFO Technologies reflects our steadfast commitment to the Make in India initiative, said Philippe Knoche, senior executive vice president (operations and performance), Thales. Through decades of strong local collaborations, we have consistently invested in building indigenous capabilities and fostering world-class expertise within the Indian ecosystem. N Jehangir, chairman and managing director of SFO Technologies, said the company was proud to contribute to the Rafale programme in India. We are honoured by Thales continued trust. Deploying new expertise in the Indian ecosystem while contributing to Rafale equipment production is a matter of pride for us. Quality and punctuality will remain our top priorities, he said. Industry sources noted that several reports had incorrectly described the agreement as a radar contract. Clarifying the scope, the companies said the order is strictly limited to the wired structures of the RBE2 radar, a technically demanding sub-system that plays a vital role in the radars performance. Headquartered in Kochi, SFO Technologiespart of the NeST Groupoperates 22 factories worldwide and employs over 8,000 people, supplying mission-critical systems to the defence, aerospace, space and healthcare sectors. For Keralas technology and manufacturing ecosystem, the contract underscores Kochis growing footprint in high-end defence production aligned with Indias self-reliance goals.
Luthra Brothers Not Cooperating With Authorities In Goa Nightclub Fire Probe: Sources
The Luthra brothers were deported to India from Thailand over the Goa nightclub fire and sent to five-day police custody, while their plea for medical help was rejected.
Mohun Bagan banned from AFC games, fined 91 lakh over Iran pullout
Mohun Bagan Super Giant faces a ban from AFC club competitions until 2027-28 and a hefty fine of over $100,000 for refusing to travel to Iran for an AFC Champions League Two match. Citing security concerns for international players, the club's withdrawal led to disqualification and compensation payments. The AFC also fined the AIFF and FC Goa for separate incidents.
Divya Dutta, Naseeruddin Shah, celebrate Bandish Bandits 2 IFFI win
Divya Dutta took to Instagram to recall a lovely evening spent with Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak. They celebrated their show Bandish Bandits 2, which won the Best Series award at IFFI Goa
Inspect entire Cape Goa resort, initiate demolition if violations confirmed
NT Reporter | Margao The Deputy Collector (Revenue Section) at the South Goa Collectorate, Rohan Loliyenkar, on Tuesday directed the member secretaries of the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority and the Goa State Pollution Control Board to urgently conduct a comprehensive site inspection of the entire The Cape Goa resort at Cabo de Rama, Canacona, [] The post Inspect entire Cape Goa resort, initiate demolition if violations confirmed appeared first on The Navhind Times .
ZP polls: Parties pull out all the stops to woo voters
NT Reporter Panaji As campaigning for the zilla panchayat (ZP) elections comes to an end on Thursday evening, all political parties and their leaders, including ministers and MLAs, have intensified door-to-door campaigning in an effort to convince voters in rural Goa. Sitting MLAs are making all-out efforts to secure their political bastions in view of [] The post ZP polls: Parties pull out all the stops to woo voters appeared first on The Navhind Times .
Away from the busy main roads of Panaji, though not far from one, scores of brightly dressed folk spend a couple of days each December elegantly swaying and mellifluously singing. Not everyone attends a traditional mando festival. But the past week marked the All Goa State-level Mando Festivals 58th edition, and, despite some early challenges [] The post Mando musings appeared first on The Navhind Times .
When wires fail, why not look up
Every Goan has experienced it: the maddening moment when the internet stalls, video calls freeze, bank transactions fail and an ordinary workday collapses because yet another fibre-optic cable has been damaged. From highway expansion works to routine digging, Goas internet infrastructure has repeatedly fallen victim to the states own developmental activity. For a region aspiring [] The post When wires fail, why not look up appeared first on The Navhind Times .
Tracing Goas culinary heritage
VINIKA VISWAMBHARAN | NT BUZZ Food transcends flavour for Odette Mascarenhas. At Art Park, for the Serendipity Arts Festival, she unites years of research, personal experience and emotional effort in The Culinary Odyssey of Goa a culinary arts initiative inspired by her recent book bearing the same title. Mascarenhas who worked for three decades in [] The post Tracing Goas culinary heritage appeared first on The Navhind Times .
KPI Green shares gain 4% on landmark deal with Botswana for renewable energy projects
KPI Green Energy shares surged following its parent company's MoU with Botswana for renewable energy development. The agreement aims to establish large-scale generation, storage, and transmission infrastructure, requiring an estimated $4 billion investment. This collaboration supports Botswana's net-zero goals and KP Group's international expansion.
BRICS shifts gears as Brazil passes the gavel to India amid global tensions and ambitious goals
Brazils presidency of BRICS was punctuated by the aftereffects of multiple wars and Trumps slew of tariffs, among other challenges; yet, it worked towards sustainability and inclusive development, effectively steering the group through the calamity; Indias chapter is set to continue on this path
CA explains why budgeting wont fix your money problems and shares 5 uncomfortable truths
Budgeting alone doesn't solve money stress, as CA Nitin Kaushik explains. It fails to prevent emotional spending and requires active engagement, not just creation. Without clear goals, budgets become restrictive, and they cannot fix an income gap or automatically reduce debt. Budgeting offers clarity and direction, enabling better financial choices.
Bank Holiday on December 18: Are banks open or closed in your state? Check state-wise list here
December 2025 brings multiple bank holidays across India, especially in Meghalaya, Goa, Sikkim, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur. Key closures include U Soso Tham's death anniversary in Meghalaya (December 18), Goa Liberation Day (December 19), Christmas celebrations (December 24-26), and more.
The Messi mess definitely did not take us by total surprise. For we, the citizens of this country, have witnessed far worse. We are a nation of hotheads. We can riot and wreak havoc at the drop of a hat and when we do, we become such a formidable force of destruction that no superhero plot can compare. Our busy streets can become World War model battlegrounds and hitherto harmless stones and sticks cluttering our roadsides can turn into lethal missiles. How else can one vent out pent up frustrations from a lifetime of trying to adjust to the glaring faults in our system? Now, combine that anger with a sport that consumes the world and the Messi visit fiasco can be easily understood. The football fever grips India every once in a while, despite being a cricket obsessed country. In the states of Kerala, Goa, and West Bengal however, the sport is a way of life. Entire villages are painted in team colours and the arrival of the FIFA World Cup is enough to convert friendly fans into die-hard fanatics. Every local walks around adorning the colours of his Club. These Clubs logos and designs certainly have a history and an artist who created that history. Guillermo Laborde, an Uruguayan painter, sculptor and designer was one of the founders of the Planismo Movement, a distinctive art style characterised by bold colours and flattened forms. It was this style that was used in his iconic poster design for the inaugural FIFA World Cup in 1930. Featuring a lone goalkeeper, layered typography, and an emphasis on the drama of the sport, the poster is proof of the artists extraordinary skill and eternally remains not just an immensely prized memorabilia, but also a high standard for aesthetics in sports. Fred Gehrke was an American football player, who had majored in art in college. In 1948, he came up with an idea to paint his teams (the Los Angeles Rams) plain helmet with yellow ram horns on a blue background. His coach approved the design after seeing a sample and offered Gehrke money to paint the rest of the 75 helmets. The painstaking effort paid off and he received a standing ovation from the stunned spectators when the helmets made their debut. His innovation was a revolution in sports identity design. The work of Italian artist, Piero Gratton, is considered a masterpiece in football logo design which ultimately steered team identities away from traditional heraldic crests. He redesigned the crest of Italian Football club AS Roma, thus changing the course of the clubs identity forever. His iconic Lupetto logo, a wolfs head in black with a red eye and a yellow-red border was minimalism at its best. Decades after it was created, the Lupetto still inspires with its cult-like aura. So, while we go about worshipping our players and the sport, take a moment to also notice the art that quietly lends itself to crafting these personas.
Scorpio Daily Horoscope for December 18, 2025
You are likely to be in a more serious frame of mind. The practical issues of life are going to demand your attention today. But you are full of faith and optimism and are ready to take chances at the deepest emotional levels. Someone near to you will exhibit concerns regarding your aims and goals. Take the time to explain the situation to them. Read full Scorpio horoscope
Meghalaya eyes better household LPG coverage with PM Ujjwala Yojana 3.0
By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Dec 17: Meghalaya, which has one of the lowest LPG penetration rates in the country and remains below the national average, is aiming to significantly improve household coverage through the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) 3.0. The state government has set a goal to cover around one lakh households, which are []
Can humans live forever? Bryan Johnson says AI could make immortality possible by 2039
Bryan Johnson immortality: Tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson aims for immortality by 2039, believing current advancements in biological engineering make it a realistic goal. He cites nature's examples of longevity and the accelerating pace of AI-driven innovation as key factors. Johnson's ultimate aspiration is to achieve a youthful physical state combined with lifelong wisdom.
Telcos go big on AI-ready data centres
India's telecom companies are shifting focus from network expansion to building AI-ready data centers and cloud infrastructure. This strategic move involves an investment exceeding 1 lakh crore over the next two to three years. The goal is to significantly boost enterprise revenue, aiming for it to reach 40% of total earnings.
