Manipur CM bids farewell to outgoing Chief Secy Puneet Kumar Goel
Imphal, Aug 30 (IANS) Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh hosted the outgoing Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel at his official residence and lauded his contributions to the administration, particularly towards the resettlement of violence-affected internally displaced persons and restoration of peace in the state. Goel, a 1991-batch Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory (AGMUT) cadre []
Quote of the day by Tom Cruise: Tom Cruise's quote from Magnolia highlights taking action to achieve life goals. He emphasizes that success comes from what you take, not just what you hope for. Cruise's own journey shows persistence and risk-taking led to his Hollywood stardom. He learned acting through experience and performing his own stunts. His career demonstrates recognizing opportunities and acting upon them.
'If any Hindu thinks there should be no Muslim in Bharat...'
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated that a true Hindu believes in the unity of humanity and that all religious paths lead to the same goal, asserting that 'if any Hindu thinks that there should be no Muslim in Bharat, he will not remain Hindu'.
Japanese proverbs emphasize purposeful living through balanced ambition and effort. Vision without action remains merely a daydream, a mere aspiration. Conversely, action without a clear vision leads to wasted effort and frustration. This ancient wisdom highlights the need for both dreams and practical steps. Achieving goals requires patience, planning, and persistence towards a defined purpose.
Jaissle claims first Premier League win at lacklustre Spurs
Second-half goals from Anthony Elanga and Yoanne Wissa give manager Matthias Jaissle his first Premier League victory, as Newcastle United win 2-0 at Tottenham Hotspur.
How to turn the light off and keep it on
Some places are intentionally becoming unattractive to deter unwanted migrants. This strategy aims to keep out certain groups while welcoming others. Cities like Gurgaon and Bangalore showcase issues to discourage potential arrivals. This approach seeks to preserve neighborhood desirability and market value. The goal is to control who enters and who remains in desirable locations.
A triumph both on and off the goalball court
Greater awareness about goalball needs to be created so that the visually challenged take it up
Ohio is rolling out an unusual new deer management program that will use five refrigerated trailers to collect donated deer during key hunting weekends. The $200,000 initiative, inspired by Michigans successful trailer program, aims to tackle growing deer populations, crop damage and declining hunter participation. But the plan has another important goal: turning donated venison into high-quality protein for food-insecure Ohio residents.
Hockey: Argentina lift Women's Hockey World Cup title to break Dutch dominance
Argentina secured the Women's Hockey World Cup title on Saturday. They defeated hosts Netherlands 3-1 in a tense shootout after a 1-1 draw. This victory marks Argentina's third World Cup title and their first since 2010. Earlier, Belgium claimed bronze by defeating Australia 1-0 in their playoff match. Charlotte Englebert scored the decisive goal for Belgium in that game.
A goal but only 13 touches - how does Iraola get best out of Isak?
Alexander Isak scored his first goal of the season in the 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest - but how do Liverpool get the best out of him?
Best German Proverb of the Day: You cant wash the fur without getting it wet offers a practical lesson about accepting the effort and inconvenience that accompany desired results. The German proverb suggests that people cannot always achieve their goals while avoiding the difficult or uncomfortable parts of the process, encouraging realistic expectations, patience and responsibility when pursuing an outcome.
Noting that the Union government implemented the RTI Act on October 12, 2005, Walvekar highlighted that the primary goal of the Act is to bring transparency to government functioning
'Need to be stronger defensively': Harmanpreet after Indias eighth-place in WC
India's hockey captain expressed regret over the team's eighth-place finish at the World Cup, emphasizing the need for improved defense against elite rivals. Although showing promise against Belgium, the overall outcome fell short of expectations. The squad's immediate goal is to capture gold at the Asian Games, securing their spot in the Los Angeles Olympics.
Goa businessman shot at by bike-borne assailants outside his casino; CM vows action
Goa businessman shot at by bikeborne assailants outside his casino CM vows action
There is no challenge for BJP: Ram Madhav on the partys next big goal | The Hindu Mind
Ram Madhav, BJP National Vice President and former General Secretary, speaks on the BJPs growth over the last 12 years, the partys future electoral ambitions, RSS at 100, Jammu & Kashmir statehood, Gen Z protests, social media politics, Indias neighbourhood policy, and the Ayodhya trust controversy. In this wide-ranging conversation, he shares his views on the BJPs challenges, ideology, governance, and political strategy. Watch the full interview with Political Editor Nistula Hebbar for insights into the BJPs roadmap, the RSSs centenary year, youth politics, foreign policy, and key national issues.
Goalpara District Recruitment 2026 - Walkin for Data Entry Operator and Copyist Posts
Goalpara District has announced the Recruitment 2026 notification for 2 Data Entry Operator and Copyist posts. Eligible candidates can attend the Walk-in Interview on 09 and 11 September 2026 as per the post-wise schedule. Candidates must report at the designated venue with the required documents.
Duleep Trophy Semis: East Face Central, North Take On South (Preview)
North East Zone: Eyes will be on teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi once again when he takes the field in the Duleep Trophy semifinal for East Zone against Rajat Patidar's defending champions, Central Zone, while South Zone will face North Zone in the other semifinal. Both matches are set for Sunday. East Zone won their quarter-final against North East Zone, as all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed starred with both bat and ball to lead the side to an innings-and-210-run win. Shahbaz (167) forged a strong 150-run partnership with the other centurion, Sudip Kumar Gharami (146), to power the Ishan Kishan-led side to a daunting 467. Medium-pacer Abhijit K Sarkar and Shahbaz then plotted the downfall of the North East side, with Abhijit taking 5-20 and Shahbaz 3-20 as they bowled Rongsen Jonathan's team out for 111 and enforced a follow-on. North East Zone again faced the brunt of East Zone's bowlers and were bowled out for 146 in the follow-on, with no one scoring a half-century. Ankulul Roy starred with a five-wicket haul, while Sooryavanshi took two wickets in a surprise move. East Zone won by an innings and 210 runs. However, a much tougher test will await them in the semi-final, when they will face the defending champions at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1. Central Zone have the much stronger personnel, with Patidar leading the way and the likes of Rinku Singh, Harsh Dubey, Yash Thakur and Saransh Jain posing a significant threat. Saransh made his India debut in Colombo against Sri Lanka and will be gunning for success in the domestic circuit. Meanwhile, North Zone, who defeated West Zone in a close quarter-final, will face Tilak Varma's South Zone. Kanhaiya Wadhawan's North Zone defeated the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led West Zone by 52 runs, as Abid Mushtaq and Nishant Sindhu shared six wickets to deny West a chase of 286 on the final day of the quarter-final. North had scored 251 in the first innings after a late-order 60 from Anshul Kamboj, while Mushtaq took a five-for in the first innings, as his team took a 44-run lead. North did enough in the second innings too, as Ayush Badoni hit 50 and Sindhu made 44, taking the team to 222. Mushtaq stood tall once again with the ball, taking 4-60 in the second innings, while Sindhu took 2-59 in a 52-run win. South Zone will pose a significant threat to North's title hopes. The side is led by India T20I vice-captain Varma, while the likes of Smaran Ravichandran, Karun Nair, Shreyas Gopal and Narayan Jagadeesan add strength to the side. When: Sunday, August 30, 9:30 AM IST Where: BCCI CoE Ground 1 and BCCI CoE Ground 2 Where to watch: The match will be streamed live on the JioHotstar app and website. Squads East Zone Squad: Ishan Kishan (Captain & Wicketkeeper) (Jharkhand), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Vice-Captain) (Bihar), Denish Das (Assam), Abhimanyu Easwaran (Bengal), Sudip Kumar Gharami (Bengal), Shahbaz Ahmed (Bengal), Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal (Bengal), Mohd Shami (Bengal), Mukesh Kumar (Bengal), Kumar Kushagra (Wicketkeeper) (Jharkhand), Shikhar Mohan (Jharkhand), Anukul Roy (Jharkhand), Virat Singh (Jharkhand), Subhranshu Senapati (Odisha), Abhijit Sarkar (Tripura). Central Zone Squad: Rajat Patidar (Captain) (Madhya Pradesh), Rinku Singh (Vice-captain) (Uttar Pradesh), Ayush Pandey (Chhattisgarh), Saransh Jain (Madhya Pradesh), Aryan Pandey (Madhya Pradesh), Arshad Khan (Madhya Pradesh), Kunal Singh Rathod (Wicketkeeper) (Rajasthan), Aryan Juyal (Wicketkeeper) (Uttar Pradesh), Zeeshan Ansari (Uttar Pradesh), Kunal Chandela (Uttarakhand), Aman Mokhade (Vidarbha), Yash Rathod (Vidarbha), Harsh Dubey (Vidarbha), Yash Thakur (Vidarbha), Nachiket Bhute (Vidarbha). East Zone Squad: Ishan Kishan (Captain & Wicketkeeper) (Jharkhand), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Vice-Captain) (Bihar), Denish Das (Assam), Abhimanyu Easwaran (Bengal), Sudip Kumar Gharami (Bengal), Shahbaz Ahmed (Bengal), Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal (Bengal), Mohd Shami (Bengal), Mukesh Kumar (Bengal), Kumar Kushagra (Wicketkeeper) (Jharkhand), Shikhar Mohan (Jharkhand), Anukul Roy (Jharkhand), Virat Singh (Jharkhand), Subhranshu Senapati (Odisha), Abhijit Sarkar (Tripura). Also Read: Special Cricket Stories South Zone Squad: Tilak Varma (Capain) (Hyderabad), Ricky Bhui (Vice-captain & Wicketkeeper) (Andhra), SK Rasheed (Andhra), K Sai Teja (Andhra), T Vijay (Andhra), Abhinav Tejrana (Goa), K Himateja (Hyderabad), T Thyagarajan (Hyderabad), R Smaran (Karnataka), Karun Nair (Karnataka), Shreyas Gopal (Karnataka), V Kaverappa (Karnataka), MD Nidheesh (Kerala), N Jagadeesan (Wicketkeeper) (Tamil Nadu), Aman Khan (Pondicherry). Article Source: IANS
'I Prefer Goa': Rupali Ganguly Says Nothing Is Better Than India' After Maldives Holiday
Rupali Ganguly recently travelled to Maldives for a holiday along with her family and later said she prefers Goa over it
India, Canada Set $70 Billion Trade Target By 2030
India and Canada have taken a major step towards strengthening their economic ties by setting a target to expand bilateral trade to 70 billion Canadian dollars by 2030. The announcement came following Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharamans visit to Toronto, where she held talks with her Canadian counterpart, Franois-Philippe Champagne.Caption: India, Canada Set 2030 Goal []
Sports Min Mandaviya Leads National Sports Day Celebrations At Major Dhyan Chand Stadium
Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya led National Sports Day celebrations at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on Friday, joining hundreds of participants in sporting activities as part of the nationwide Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein initiative. The celebrations marked the 121st birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand and focused on encouraging citizens, particularly young people, to dedicate time to sports, fitness and physical activity. Union Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal was also present at the programme, which began with the two ministers paying floral tributes to Major Dhyan Chand by garlanding his statue. Participants began assembling at the stadium from 8 am, taking part in a range of sporting and fitness activities organised under the initiative, which aims to strengthen the Fit India Movement and promote regular physical activity. Speaking at the event, Mandaviya said the nationwide campaign aimed to make sports and fitness an integral part of people's lives. On the 121st birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, celebrated as National Sports Day, the nationwide Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein programme has been organised to promote the Fit India Movement, he said. Mandaviya said young people across the country had actively embraced the initiative. Lakhs of youth across the country have been actively participating in every street, on every ground, to come out to play for one hour. I am glad to say that under Modi ji's leadership, the country is changing, the country is moving forward, a new India is being built, said Mandaviya. The Sports Minister also linked physical fitness and a healthy society with the broader goal of national development. In fulfilling Modi jis vision of building a new India, we must also envision everyone to be fit, society should be healthy. That is what will help us become a prosperous nation. Let's all spend one hour every week on the playing field, and pay attention to our health, he said. Meghwal, meanwhile, extended his greetings on National Sports Day and emphasised the importance of incorporating physical activity into everyday life for both physical and mental well-being. He said, Sports have always been a part of my life, from kabaddi and football to playing badminton almost every day. My personal motto is morning music and evening play. Regular participation in sports keeps us physically fit, healthy and free from mental stress. Prime Minister Narendra Modi jis call to dedicate one hour to sports on National Sports Day is vital for India. It supports the Hum Fit Toh India Fit initiative and plays an important role in building a developed nation. Cricket, football and tug-of-war were among the activities held at the stadium to promote participation, teamwork and an active lifestyle. A four-team cricket competition featuring Ministry XI, SAI XI, Media XI and Influencers XI was also organised as part of the celebrations. The Ministry XI, led by Mandaviya and featuring Department of Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao and Ministry officials, registered a convincing victory over Media XI in the opening match. The Influencers XI included prominent social media personalities and Fit India Ambassadors. A four-team cricket competition featuring Ministry XI, SAI XI, Media XI and Influencers XI was also organised as part of the celebrations. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The programme also underlined the government's wider push to build a stronger culture of sport, fitness and active living across the country through initiatives that encourage greater participation at the grassroots level. Article Source: IANS
IIT Goa Sports Coach Recruitment 2026 - Walkin
Indian Institute of Technology Goa (IIT Goa) has released the Recruitment 2026 notification for 3 Sports Coach posts. Eligible candidates can attend the walk-in interview on 07 September 2026 at the designated venue. The detailed notification is available on the official website.
In your 20s? Follow these 5 simple money rules to build a strong financial future
Check out five simple money rules for your 20s, including budgeting, building an emergency fund, investing early. These practical personal finance tips can help young earners develop stronger financial habits and prepare for future goals.
LG Sinha Attends National Sports Day Function; Paid Tributes to Major Dhyan Chand
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 29: The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today paid solemn tribute to Major Dhyan Chand, the wizard of hockey, on the occasion of National Sports Day. Recalling his legendary performance, the Lieutenant Governor described Major Dhyan Chand as one of Indias deepest and most enduring symbols, whose brilliance compelled the world to pause and acknowledge Indias immense sporting talent. In his address on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor observed that every stroke of Major Dhyan Chands hockey stick symbolised discipline, dedication, and willpower. He emphasized that sports are not merely about medals but about cultivating resilience, unity, and the spirit of nation-building. Sport is lifes most honest teacher. The playing field never lies; rather, it tells you precisely where you stand today and what you must do to become better tomorrow. There are no shortcuts in sports. Even on the hockey turf, there is no place for excuses. There is only hard work, opportunity, and a test of your character. Sports cultivate the fundamental strength of nation-building that society needs. Sports produce young people who know how to fall and then rise again to hoist the flag of victory. Sports nurture the spirit and sentiment that teach us to believe in shared triumph, he said. Highlighting the role of youth, the Lieutenant Governor said that sports give wings to dreams. He expressed confidence in the young athletes of Jammu Kashmir, noting that they represent the bright future of India. He envisioned a future where every Gram Panchayat harnesses the power of sports, where academies in small towns nurture talent, and where farmers daughters receive the same scientific training as athletes in Centres of Excellence in big cities. The Lieutenant Governor also underlined the importance of sports science, management, and technical expertise in universities and institutions, which would produce trainers, physiotherapists, and managers for the future. He expressed hope that Jammu Kashmir would not only participate in international sporting events but also host them, showcasing its talent to the world. It is a resolve filled with infinite possibilities. Our achievements in sports over the past six years prove that if young people are prepared for sports with dedication, the region will create an entire era of champions, the Lieutenant Governor said. Calling upon youth to contribute to building Viksit Bharat of 2047, the Lieutenant Governor stressed that champions are forged through discipline and effort, not shortcuts. He urged corporate houses to support athletes at the stage of talent recognition, rather than only after they win medals. He emphasized the collective responsibility of society, coaches, support staff, and parents in shaping champions. The Lieutenant Governor outlined three duties for youth, calling them to lead by example, compete with dignity, accept defeat gracefully, and inspire future generations. He asked the youth to use the unity of sports to transcend differences of language and faith. The Lieutenant Governor called upon youth to give Back to Society by guiding and mentoring the next generation, repaying the community that supports every athlete. He commended the youth for their participation in the Drug-Free Campaign, setting an example for the nation. He reiterated that development is not measured by GDP alone but by the health, energy, and confidence of citizens. A healthy India is a fearless India. A sporting India is a confident India. And a confident India is an invincible India. Major Dhyan Chand, the wizard of hockey, gave the entire world one message to find your goal. That must be our message today as well. Whatever field we stand in, whether it is the field of sports, science, or public service we must identify our goal, move towards it, and achieve it together, the Lieutenant Governor said. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor administered the National Sports Day pledge and felicitated the top-performing sportspersons of the 69th National School Games. MoUs were also exchanged between the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports, J&K, and Abhinav Bindra Foundation, Dani Sports Foundation and Common Services Centres, for promotion of sports in J&K. Shri Ashwani Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department; Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services and Sports; Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor SKUAST Kashmir; Shri Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Shri Sujit Kumar, IGP Kashmir; Shri Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Ms. Anuradha Gupta, Director General, Youth Services and Sports; senior officials, representatives of Abhinav Bindra Foundation, Dani Sports Foundation, Common Services Centre, sportspersons and youth in large number attended the celebrations at Shalimar Campus, SKUAST Kashmir.
Man City Overrun Palace To Stay Perfect in the Premier League
Haaland, the league top goal-scorer last season, opened his account after 17 minutes with a neat header
Ajay Devgn is set to return as one of his most memorable characters, Vijay Salgaonkar, with the much-awaited Drishyam The Conclusion. The third instalment of the Hindi crime thriller franchise is scheduled to release theatrically on October 2, 2026, promising to take forward the gripping story of Vijay and his family. The makers recently dropped a poster confirming the release date with a powerful statement that captures Vijays central motivation: Sahi ya galat, jo bhi ho... main apni family ke liye kisi bhi hadh tak ja sakta hoon (Whether it is right or wrong, whatever it is. I can go to any extent for my family). The announcement once again puts the spotlight on Vijay Salgaonkar, a man willing to cross every line to protect his loved ones. Presented by Star Studio18, Drishyam The Conclusion is a Panorama Studios production directed by Abhishek Pathak. The screenplay and writing credits include Abhishek Pathak, Aamil Keeyan Khan and Parveez Shaikh. The film is produced by Alok Jain, Ajit Andhare, Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak. The Drishyam franchise has established a strong following among audiences with its combination of crime, suspense, family drama and psychological tension. The Hindi films, starring Ajay Devgn as Vijay Salgaonkar, are adaptations of the Malayalam franchise led by Mohanlal. Over the years, the Hindi series has developed a cult following, particularly for its layered storytelling and Vijays elaborate attempts to protect his family. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Star Studio18 (@starstudio18) Set against the backdrop of Goa, Drishyam The Conclusion will once again revolve around Vijay Salgaonkar but this time it will be focusing more on the emotional aftermath of the events surrounding a murder. Having spent years attempting to stay ahead of the police and protect his family, Vijay now faces another chapter in a story that has continued to haunt him. With Ajay Devgn reprising the role, the third chapter is expected to further explore Vijays battle between protecting his family and confronting the emotional consequences of his actions. The title Drishyam The Conclusion also signals that the upcoming film could bring the long-running story of the Salgaonkar family to its decisive chapter. Drishyam The Conclusion is slated to release in cinemas on October 2, 2026. Also Read: Drishyam The Conclusion director Abhishek Pathak says story continues from where Drishyam 2 ended
Goa police hunt for suspects who fired at casino director; Cong flags law and order concerns
If criminals can allegedly open fire in the vicinity of a police station, how safe is the common Goan, asked the Goa Congress chief Girish Chodankar
Goa draws 61.38 lakh visitors in seven months; international charter bookings rise
Goa has recorded an overall growth in tourist arrivals, welcoming 61.38 lakh visitors between January and July 2026
Bayern Munich Steamroll Stuttgart In Bundesliga Opener
Michael Olise and Luis Diaz were among five goalscorers as Bayern Munich cruised to a 5-1 home win over Stuttgart in Friday's Bundesliga opener.
Marijnes masterplan: Team first, personal goals later
Convincing players to replace individual goals with team targets and tackling behavioural issues head-on helped chief coach Sjoerd lead Indian womens hockey team to historic 5th-place finish
Goncalo Ramos Strikes As AC Milan Beat Venezia
Star signing Goncalo Ramos scored with a flashing drive from a tight angle for his first Serie A goal as AC Milan beat Venezia 2-0 at the San Siro on Friday.
Barcelona mark Rodris debut with win over Athletic Bilbao
Raphinha rounded the goalkeeper and slid the ball home in the 37th minute to give Barca the lead before Lopez doubled their advantage in the 82nd-minute.
Want to turn 50,000 into 1 lakh? Compare KVP, PPF, SCSS, Sukanya Samriddhi and NSC interest rates, doubling periods, eligibility, tax treatment and lock-ins to identify which small savings scheme best suits your financial goal.
Bayern steamroll Stuttgart in Bundesliga opener
Michael Olise and Luis Diaz were among five goalscorers as Bayern Munich cruised to a 5-1 home win over Stuttgart in Friday's Bundesliga opener.
RGP MLA Viresh Borkar condemns Goa government after Porvorim casino shooting
The News Mill
Ramban daughters celebrate festival with Army soldiers
The Indian Army organised Threads of Valour, a special Raksha Bandhan celebration at Maitra, bringing together nearly 300 daughters of Ramban with soldiers of Rashtriya Rifles in a heartfelt expression of trust and national unity. The gathering included students from various schools and colleges, Girls' Kabaddi Team, Girls' Boxing Team and NCC cadets of Government Degree College, Karol. Their participation added the values of physical confidence, teamwork, discipline and youth leadership to the occasion. The event was graced by MLA Ramban, Arjun Singh Raju, Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Mohd Alyas Khan, and Commanding Officer, Rashtriya Rifles, Nachlana. The celebration reflected the enduring relationship between the Indian Army and the people of Ramban. Daughters of Ramban tied Rakhis to soldiers, symbolising a bond founded on mutual respect, gratitude, trust and shared responsibility. The affectionate participation of the students and soldiers transformed the occasion into a memorable celebration of the Army-community relationship. The programme combined tradition with empowerment, awareness and aspiration. A self-defence demonstration introduced the students to the importance of confidence, alertness and personal safety. The participation of the girls' Kabaddi and Boxing teams further highlighted the growing presence of young women in sports and their commitment to physical fitness, resilience and excellence. A dedicated career-awareness session provided information on opportunities available to women in the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. The session encouraged the students to set ambitious goals and explore careers involving leadership and service to the nation. The presence of NCC cadets from GDC Karol reflected the role of NCC in developing discipline, character, confidence and a spirit of national service among young citizens. A weapons display familiarised the students with the professionalism, training, discipline and responsibility associated with military service. Cultural performances by the students showcased the talent, energy and rich cultural identity of Ramban. A specially created Messages to Soldiers Wall provided every participating girl an opportunity to write a personal message for the soldiers. Through words of affection, encouragement and gratitude, the students expressed their appreciation for the commitment and service of the Defence Forces. The wall emerged as a collective and lasting reflection of the emotional bond shared by the Daughters of Ramban and their soldiers.
A magician and a maverick - this could be Cherki's moment for Man City
After two goals and a swaggering display against Crystal Palace, Phil McNulty asks if this is Rayan Cherki's time to shine for Manchester City.
IIT Madras Launches Fiball, A New Invasion Sport Inspired by Basketball
Chennai, August 29: IIT Madras is set to launch a new invasion sport called Fiball as part of its National Sports Day celebration. This game emphasizes speed, teamwork, and technical decision-making, featuring three teams competing on a goal court. The event will include IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti, faculty members, and students. Prof. Satyanarayana ... Read more IIT Madras Launches Fiball, A New Invasion Sport Inspired by Basketball
Wavre, Aug 29 (IANS) India signed off from the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 with an eighth-place finish after losing to hosts Belgium 3-4 in the shootout in the 7th-8th place classification match at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre on Friday. The regulation period ended 3-3 after Indias last-minute goal to force a shootout []
Diverse portfolio of protected areas key to Mexican conservation efforts
In 2020, Mexico joined 150 nations committing to protect 30% of its territory by 2030 as part of the global 30x30 initiative. More than halfway through the decade, there is ongoing debate about how to effectively expand protected areas to meet that ambitious goal.
12 years of PM Jan Dhan Yojana: Banking for All, Empowerment for All
Today, the aim of this programme goes beyond focusing on household, but every adult who did not yet have a bank account In January 2015, a remarkable thing happened in India that more than one crore eighty lakh bank accounts were opened across the country within a week, this feat was also recognised by the Guinness World Records. This didnt happen in a big-city alone, but across small towns and remote villages, where families who had never possessed a bank account gained access to banking for the first time. That January week-long drive is now popularly known as Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, or simply PM-JDY. A large number of those who opened accounts had no prior experience of dealing with banks; they had never owned a debit card, and never had a place to keep money safe other than at home. Since then this drive has grown into a nationwide movement that has assisted the lives of hundreds of millions of Indians. The trajectory of PM-JDY As of August this year, the number of PM-JDY accounts across the country stands at 59.09 crore, this number was recorded to be 14.72 crore in 2015. The numbers have gone four times. Of these bank accounts, nearly 46 crore belong to people in rural and semi-urban areas, the places where access to banks was hardest to come by. As per the official records, around 33 crore of the account holders are reportedly women, a number that has kept rising year after year. When the scheme started, at that time the goal was deemed to give every household a bank account. A few years later, in 2018, that goal grew bigger. Today, the aim of this programme goes beyond focusing on household, but every adult who did not yet have a bank account. This shift meant more people, especially women and workers in informal jobs, could open an account in their own name, not just through the head of the family. Opening the account is only the beginning of what the scheme offers. Other benefits of this scheme According to this scheme, every account holder gets a RuPay debit card, which works at ATMs and shops across the country. So far more than 41 crore such cards have been given out. Along with the card comes accident insurance, worth up to two lakh rupees for accounts opened after August 2018, and the account holder does not pay anything for this cover. After six months of regular use, account holders can also apply for an overdraft of up to ten thousand rupees, giving a small cushion of credit to families who may never have had access to a loan before. The scheme also acts as a window to other government support. Money meant for pensions, subsidies, and welfare payments reaches people directly through these accounts, cutting out delays and middlemen. Account holders can also join pension and insurance schemes such as the Atal Pension Yojana, the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, and the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, all built around the same bank account. Money in these accounts has grown too, and grown fast. Deposits have gone from about fifteen thousand crore rupees in 2015 to over three lakh sixteen thousand crore rupees in 2026. This tells us something beyond numbers on a balance sheet. It tells us that people are saving more, trusting banks more, and relying less on cash kept at home or informal moneylenders. India's Financial Inclusion Index, a measure of how well people across the country can access banking, credit, insurance, and digital payments, has moved from 53.9 in 2018 to 67 in 2026. Global institutions like the IMF and the World Bank have also spoken about the role PM-JDY has played in this change. What began as a week of opening accounts has turned into a permanent shift in how India banks. A scheme that started with a simple idea, that every family deserves a place to keep their money safe, has grown into a wide network of savings, credit, insurance, and pensions reaching the parts of the country that needed it most. Twelve years is a long time in the life of any government programme, but for the person who opened their first account in that record-breaking week in 2015, it has been the start of something that continues to shape how they save, borrow, and plan for the future. (Courtesy: PIB Srinagar)
WC: Belgium break Indian hearts in shootout as Harmanpreets side finishes eighth
India's spirited hockey fightback concluded with heartbreak against Belgium. The teams played to a thrilling 3-3 draw in regulation time. Belgium ultimately prevailed in a tense penalty shootout after the match. India had initially taken the lead through Abhishek's early field goal. Harmanpreet Singh scored twice to force the shootout, but Belgium won.
Goas new community radio, Radio Mandovi is handing over the mic to locals. NT BUZZ speaks to the man behind the idea KALYANI JHA | NT BUZZ As an economist working in the education space, Ashwin Fernandes work often takes him to universities around India and abroad. It was there that he first observed the []
Blue Material, Indias first Dalit-led, queer-affirmative comedy collective, will perform in Goa today as part of its Recording Tour 2026 CHRISTINE MACHADO While caste is by no means an unfamiliar term in India, discussions today tend to centre on politics, reservations, and related issues. Its very one-dimensional. But there is much more to our existence, []
ADELMO FERNANDES Writer Tinusha Pereira has recently released her second book Ever Only You, a beautiful love story about friendship, heartbreak, self-worth, and belonging. Born and raised in Goa, the Melbourne-based writer has always loved reading romance novels and watching romantic comedies. Having previously penned Islamic Heritage of Goa, which celebrates and preserves the often-overlooked []
Saptadhara is seven streams of rhetoric, not a growth strategy
Prime Minister Modi's Saptadhara initiative outlines seven development streams for India. This plan reiterates existing goals without detailing necessary reforms for faster growth. India's current growth rate is strong but insufficient for high-income status by 2047. Job creation remains a significant challenge for the educated and impatient young population. Political hurdles prevent the implementation of radical reforms needed for true progress.
Germany could miss climate goal in 2026 for the first time: Think tank
Germany risks missing an annual climate target in 2026 for the first time unless cuts to greenhouse gas emissions sharply accelerate, a think tank warned Friday.
Centre notifies select list of J-K Civil Service Officers for IAS AGMUT cadre induction
New Delhi [India], August 28 : The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) officially notified the select list of State Civil Service (SCS) officers from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for induction into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) under the Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram, and Union Territories (AGMUT) cadre. Union Minister of State (MoS) Jitendra Singh on Friday shared the development, noting on X, #IAS induction of #J&K officers. #DoPT has notified the following select list of J&K officers for filling up the AGMUT cadre of IAS. The nortification read, In exercise of powers conferred by Rule 8(1) of the Indian Administrative Service (Recruitment) Rules, 1954, read with Regulation 9(1) of the Indian Administrative Service (Appointment by Promotion) Regulations, 1955, the President is pleased to notify the Select Lists of State Civil Service officers of UT of J&K Segment containing the following names prepared on 24.04.2026 under Regulation 5(5) and approved on 03.08.2026, under Regulation 7(2) towards filling up promotion quota vacancies in AGMUT cadre of IAS under State Civil Service category determined by the Government of India under Regulation 5(1) of the said Regulations in consultation with the State Government for the Select List of 2019 and Select List of 2020. As per the notification, the select list of 2019, which was prepared against vacancies from January 1 to December 31, 2019, features 18 officers, including Babila Rakwal, Anil Koul, Shabnam Shah Kamili, Ghulam Nabi Itoo, Rachna Sharma, Leela Padha, Kusum Badyal, Rajinder Singh Tara, Vivek Sharma, Tariq Hussain Ganai, Munir-ul-Islam, Mohammad Harun Malik, Nisar Ahmad Wani, Jatinder Singh, Sajjad Hussain Ganai, Anoo Malhotra, Shamim Ahmad, and Nitu Gupta. The list also states that Nisar Ahmad Wani's inclusion is provisional, subject to the grant of an Integrity Certificate by the State government. The select list of 2020, which was prepared against vacancies from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020, features 6 officers, starting with Nisar Ahmad Wani (included provisionally and in addition to the normal size of the select list), followed by Prediman Krishan Bhat, Tariq Ahmad Zargar, Bhawani Rakwal, Smita Sethi, and Anuradha Gupta. (ANI)
Quote of the day by Justin Bieber is a reminder that ambition becomes more meaningful when it is connected to positive influence. You can do anything if you just put your mind to it is not simply an invitation to dream; it is a call to believe, act, persevere, and inspire. The journey toward a goal may be difficult, and success may take longer than expected, but every determined effort can build confidence and experience. When people combine self-belief with discipline and use their influence to encourage rather than discourage others, their accomplishments can reach beyond themselves. The most powerful form of success may therefore be not only achieving something personally meaningful, but helping someone else believe that they can achieve something meaningful too.
Departing Watkins apologised for refusing to play - Emery
Ollie Watkins is leaving Aston Villa as their record Premier League goalscorer.
CII taskforce seeks new green finance institution for sustainability goals
The institution can help catalyse up to one trillion dollars of investments over a 5 to 10-year period, said the report
Bombay High Court Upholds Goa Municipalities Ordinance, Sets January 2 Deadline for Elections
Bombay High Court Upholds Goa Municipalities Ordinance, Sets January 2 Deadline for Elections. The court held that no government can choose a politically convenient date for elections whose periodicity is fixed by the Constitution
India's women's hockey team has ended a 52-year wait for a top-five finish at the World Cup. After beating Germany 3-1 to secure fifth place, captain Salima Tete and veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia spoke exclusively to NDTV.
Score up to 33% Labor Day savings on ECOVACS
As part of Amazons Labor Day Sale event, you can find ECOVACS latest robot lawn mowers getting up to 33% discounts, like the Goat O1000 LiDAR PRO Robotic Lawn Mower down at $999 shipped. Its dropping down from a $1,500 full price here, landing it back at the all-time lowest rate we have tracked since its release in February, giving you $501 in total savings. You can also find the A2000 LiDAR PRO model down at its $1,399 low, as well as the A3000 LiDAR PRO model down at $1,962 shipped, not to mention the brands other robot deals in the official Amazon storefront here.
Kicking goals for junior sport culture
New research on improving behavior in youth sports calls for a move beyond trying to fix individual parents
Can you name every player to score 10+ Premier League goals for Crystal Palace?
Some memorable cult players make this list. The post Can you name every player to score 10+ Premier League goals for Crystal Palace? appeared first on Planet Football .
Eagles known as hunting specialists reveal an unexpected taste for goat
Eagles are symbols of hunting prowess. Known as top predators wherever they live, they are often assumed to kill as their primary mode of obtaining food. However, a new study published in the Journal of Raptor Research reports the first confirmed case of sustained carrion use by Verreaux
Quote of the Day by Cardi B addresses how true self-confidence must be cultivated from within rather than granted by outside approval. In everyday life, this principle offers a constructive way to navigate workplace skepticism, social comparison, and personal setbacks without losing sight of long-term goals. The feature explores essential lessons in self-reliance, emotional resilience, and redirecting energy toward personal milestones rather than public validation.
India U17 Women's Team To Face Philippines In Goa Friendlies
The India U17 women's football team will play two friendly matches against the Philippines in Goa in late September as part of their preparations for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. These matches will serve as the final warm-up before their qualification campaign in Malaysia in October, where they aim for a second consecutive appearance in the Asian Cup.
Uber Eats drone delivery could soon reach your home
Uber Eats drone delivery launches later this year through a Zipline partnership, starting in Dallas and Houston with a goal of one million daily flights.
Toxic Box Office Collection Day 3: Yash Starrer Slows Down; Will Weekend Bring A Boost?
Directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups is a period gangster drama set in Goa between the 1940s and 1970s.
American eagle vs Canadian goose: A photograph of a bald eagle attacking a Canadian goose became an unexpected political symbol after the White House shared it to represent American dominance over Canada. However, the full footage revealed that the goose fought back and the bald eagle eventually retreated. The unexpected ending turned the intended political message into a social media meme. The photograph was captured by Goan immigrant and wildlife photographer Mervyn Sequeira during the natural wildlife encounter in Ontario, Canada.
Happy That I Was Able To Show I Can Get Big Runs In Test Arena, Says Devdutt Padikkal
Devdutt Padikkal: India batter Devdutt Padikkal said he was deeply satisfied in terms of proving his calibre in the Test cricket arena, adding that his strong performances in the 1-0 series win over Sri Lanka reflected the consistency he has built over the years of playing domestic first-class cricket games. Padikkal was in sublime form by scoring 328 runs in the two-match series at an average of 109.33, including hitting two centuries as a number three batter in place of injured B Sai Sudharsan. It feels great. Again, coming into this series, once I knew that I was going to get that opportunity, I was really looking forward to it. I felt that this is my chance to really prove something and make sure that I show everyone that I'm capable of getting big runs, and I've done that throughout my career in first-class cricket as well, and I'm really happy that it showed in the Test arena as well. So I'm really happy with that, and hopefully I can take the confidence that I've got from this forward in my career, Padikkal said in a video posted on BCCIs social media accounts on Friday. Highlighting the physical grind experienced by the squad amidst hot and humid weather in the island nation, Padikkal commended the entire setup for pushing through the exhaustion. A lot of good effort from everyone, the entire squad. I feel it was some challenging conditions out there; it wasn't always easy. I think they played some really good cricket. It was hot, and it took a lot out of the team, and I think everyone really put their 100 percent effort out there, and it's a really good sign that we are really pulling towards a common goal, and I'm really happy with that, he added. Padikkal also revealed that tackling Sri Lankan spinners on their home turf was a core focus of his pre-series preparations, which paid off very well. When you come to Sri Lanka, you always expect that challenge of playing spin, and I think personally, that was something that I was really looking forward to doing. Also, I made sure that I prepared really well leading up to the series to make sure that I was ready for that challenge. I'm really happy that I was able to tackle spin well to the best of my ability, and hopefully I can continue to work on that and get better at it, he stated. Padikkal also revealed that tackling Sri Lankan spinners on their home turf was a core focus of his pre-series preparations, which paid off very well. When you come to Sri Lanka, you always expect that challenge of playing spin, and I think personally, that was something that I was really looking forward to doing. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Definitely, I think lots of credit goes to Sonal and Keshara. I think the way they batted was pretty unbelievable, and I think our bowlers pretty much gave it their all. They tried a lot of things. We gave it our best, but I think at the end of the day, they played some good cricket and they deserve to get that draw. Article Source: IANS
Goa-born Canadian's photos reveal the full story after Trumps eagle-goose post backfires
A White House photograph intended to show American dominance backfired online. The image depicted a bald eagle struggling against a Canada goose. This photo was previously used after the US hockey team defeated Canada. The US recently imposed significant tariffs on Canadian goods. Canada responded with retaliatory tariffs on American products.
'PM has set goal for all, youth top priority': Amit Shah on Modis 3-phase vision for India
'PM has set goal for all, youth top priority': Amit Shah on Modis 3-phase vision for India
'On the right track': Savita's bold India hockey claim
Veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia highlights a significant shift in the Indian women's hockey team's mindset and dressing room atmosphere, attributing their best World Cup finish in over five decades to a newfound belief and openness among players.
Gumpe Rime Scripts History, Becomes First Arunachalee Coach In Indian Super League (ISL)
Itanagar, August 28: Former India goalkeeper Gumpe Rime has created history by becoming the first coach from Arunachal Pradesh to join an Indian Super League (ISL) coaching staff. He has been appointed as the Goalkeeping Coach of Chennaiyin FC for the upcoming season. Hailing from West Siang district, Rime enjoyed a 16-year professional playing career,... The post Gumpe Rime Scripts History, Becomes First Arunachalee Coach In Indian Super League (ISL) first appeared on Northeast Today .
This Raksha Bandhan 2026, consider the thoughtful gift of a mutual fund SIP to nurture long-term wealth. This investment approach fosters consistent saving, allowing your funds to compound impressively over time. A small monthly contribution can accumulate into a substantial amount in fifteen years. Selection of the appropriate fund type should reflect your sibling's financial goals and current investments.
Architecting Velocity Through Immutable Deployment Pipelines
In the modern software development landscape, speed and reliability are no longer mutually exclusive goals. Businesses are under constant pressure to push features faster while maintaining high-quality standards. This is where CI/CD (Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment) comes into play. By automating the integration, testing, and delivery of code, CI/CD pipelines allow development teams to []
India-Russia ties to deepen across sectors towards $100 bn trade goal: Russian Deputy Consul General
India-Russia relations are expected to further deepen and expand across areas of bilateral cooperation as the two countries work towards their target of USD 100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, Russian Deputy Consul General Aleksandr Fursov said.
Stand-in goalie Govind turns hero for Arya Vidya Mandir
Only Astitva Upadhyay and Pratham Chopra scored for Witty. For AVM, Saransh Narang, Utkarsh Worlikar and Ayushman Dhawan were on target
Wipro shares gain 2% after IT major expands Google Cloud AI partnership. What investors should know
Wipro's stock experienced an uptick following its announcement of an enhanced partnership with Google Cloud. The goal of this collaboration is to foster greater enterprise integration of Gemini Enterprise and agentic AI. Wipro plans to arm over ten thousand AI-certified professionals with cutting-edge resources, while launching the LIFT framework to streamline AI transformations, aiming to evolve from mere automation to fully autonomous AI capabilities.
BMC school used to tether goats? Corporators demand probe
Raphinha, Fermin Lopez Strike Again As Barcelona Beat Athletic Bilbao
Raphinha and Fermin Lopez goals helped Spanish champions Barcelona beat Athletic Bilbao 2-0 on Thursday in La Liga to continue their perfect start to the season.
Anthropic in talks with chip start up MatX to speed up chip design, sources say
The merger talks have shifted to a partnership discussion, highlighting the AI labs goal to acquire resources and talent for building its own chips
Mbappe scores hat-trick in Real win; Savio scores on debut with Spurs
Madrid, Aug 27: Kylian Mbappes first goals of the season came via a hat trick in Real Madrids 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad in the Spanish league, while newcomer Savio helped big-spending Tottenham rout Charlton 5-1 in the English League Cup. Vinicius Junior also scored for Madrid in the teams first home game in Jose []
Indian women beat Germany 3-1, finish 5th in Hockey World Cup
Amstelveen, Aug 27: Navneet Kaur scored a brace as the Indian womens hockey team defeated Germany 3-1in a classification match to finish a creditable fifth at the FIH World Cup here on Thursday. After a barren first half, India scored two goals in the third quarter. Ishika gave India the lead in the 43rd minute []
Ronaldo cries 'intensely' after being substituted on Al-Nassr comeback; here's why
Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly requested to be substituted at half-time during Al-Nassrs 3-2 comeback win over Al-Ettifaq, with Saudi journalist Khalid Al-Shanif claiming the star was crying intensely afterward. Ange Postecoglou said Ronaldo was always scheduled to play 45 minutes as his fitness is managed. Ronaldo then watched from the bench as Al-Nassr overturned a two-goal deficit.
Winston Churchill famously quipped that democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others that have been tried. It is a messy, inefficient, and deeply frustrating system. Yet, history has shown it is the least worst option we have for ensuring peaceful transitions of power, protecting civil liberties, and holding leaders accountable. But there is a glaring blind spot in the Western promotion of this ideal: we treat democracy as a universal, plug-and-play system that simply requires setting up ballot boxes. The philosopher-poet Allama Iqbal famously critiqued this mechanical approach to governance, observing: Jamhooriat ik tarz-e-hukoomat hai ke jis mein Bandon ko gina karte hain, tola nahi karte (Democracy is a certain form of government in which / Men are counted, but they are not weighed.) When we examine the struggles of democracy in the developing nations, the profound truth of Iqbals words emerges. Merely counting heads does not create a functioning state. For a democracy to take root and flourish, it requires a basic threshold of development. A harsh reality persists: democracy cannot feed a starving family. Abstract political rights mean little when basic survival is on the line, paving the way for systemic corruption, compromised elites, and a fractured moral compass. The Developmental Threshold Democracies do not exist in a vacuum. To function, they require an ecosystem of stability. Political scientists have long noted that a functioning democracy usually requires a robust middle class, widespread literacy, and a baseline of economic security. Critics often counter this by pointing to early Western democracies, asking how the United States or the United Kingdom achieved democracy before modern economic development existed. The answer is simple: they didnt. Early Western democracies were highly restricted oligarchies where voting was limited exclusively to wealthy, property-owning men. To be clear, acknowledging this history is not an argument for restricting voting rights in the developing world today. Universal suffrage is a non-negotiable human right. Rather, it exposes a profound double standard. The West artificially created a stable electorate by silencing the poor, and spent centuries building strong states before gradually expanding the vote. Today, developing nations are expected to run flawless, universal mass democracies while their populations are still fighting for basic survival. When a society actually reaches a developmental threshold, citizens have the time, education, and security to engage in the political process. They can afford to vote based on ideology, long-term policy goals, and institutional integrity. But in many developing nations, this foundational infrastructure simply does not exist. The Politics of Survival To understand why democratic institutions frequently collapse or erode in the Global South, we must look at human nature. When a population is deeply insecure, when the next meal is not guaranteed, when physical safety from violence is absent, and when there is no tangible hope for a better future, priorities shift radically. A mother living in extreme poverty cannot afford to cast her vote based on abstract concepts like separation of powers or freedom of the press. She is forced to vote for immediate survival. If a populist strongman or a local political boss offers a bag of rice, a temporary job, or protection from a rival faction in exchange for a vote, she will take the deal. In these environments, elections cease to be a democratic choice about the future of the nation. Instead, they devolve into transactional auctions for basic necessities. The electorate is essentially held hostage by their own vulnerability. The Roots of Endemic Corruption This desperate fight for survival is the direct engine of the higher levels of corruption seen in many developing nations. In the West, corruption is often viewed as a moral failing. In much of the developing world, it is a rational survival mechanism. When the state is too weak, impoverished, or inept to provide a social safety net, people must rely on informal networks. Nepotism and tribalism thrive because trusting your family or ethnic group is safer than trusting a faceless, broken government institution. Politicians exploit this insecurity, looting the state treasury not just to enrich themselves, but to fund the patronage networks that keep them in power. The citizens, in turn, tolerate the grand corruption of their leaders because those leaders are the only ones providing them with a trickle of resources. The Paradox of the Educated Elite This heavy reliance on tribal and family networks helps explain one of the most baffling realities of corruption in developing nations: it is rarely confined to uneducated warlords. Much of the grand corruption is orchestrated by highly educated bureaucrats, technocrats, and politicians, people with degrees from prestigious universities who have sworn formal oaths of office to uphold the constitution. How do these individuals, who understand the devastating macroeconomic impacts of corruption, participate in it so willingly? The answer lies in flawed motivations, systemic capture, and a culture of impunity. First, many of these individuals pursued these high positions not out of a genuine desire to serve society or build the nation, but because of immense societal pressure to achieve status and prestige. Because their ascent was driven by social expectations and personal elevation rather than civic duty, the internal moral barrier against corruption is already inherently weak. Once in office, they enter a deeply corrupt governmental structure where they face a stark choice: participate, or be expelled. In these systems, anti-corruption is not a virtue; it is a threat to the established order. Furthermore, an individual who achieves high office is burdened with immense expectations from their extended family, community, or village.. This kinship tax demands that the official use their power to secure jobs and resources for their community. In this twisted moral framework, an official who refuses to be corrupt is often viewed by their own people not as a hero of integrity, but as a selfish traitor. The formal oath to the state is easily drowned out by ancient obligations to the tribe. Finally, this cycle is sustained by a complete lack of accountability. These officials indulge in grand corruption because they know they will rarely face harsh punishment if challenged. Even on the rare occasions they are caught, they intimately understand the punitive system; they know exactly who to bribe, which political strings to pull, and how to buy their own freedom. The very institutions designed to hold them accountable are simply another transactional layer in the same corrupt ecosystem. Religion Without Civic Ethics This brings us to a final, striking paradox: the high level of religiosity in the Third World. By virtually every metric, developing nations are far more religious than the secularized West. Since every major world religion heavily emphasizes truthfulness, morality, and justice, one would logically expect these societies to be bastions of ethical governance. Instead, we see a glaring disconnect. How can a society pray so fervently yet steal so openly? In highly insecure environments, religion often morphs from a framework of universal ethics into a transactional coping mechanism. When the state provides no safety net, people turn to God for daily survival, protection, and miraculous intervention. Citizens and leaders alike learn to sharply compartmentalize their lives. A bureaucrat might solicit a bribe on Friday morning and sit in the front row of a religious service that afternoon, feeling no cognitive dissonance. Allama Iqbal captured this exact tragedy of hollow piety when he lamented: Reh gayi rasm-e-azaan, rooh-e-Bilali na rahi Falsafa reh gaya, talqeen-e-Ghazali na rahi (Only the ritual of the call to prayer remains, the true spirit of Bilal is gone / Only empty philosophy remains, the moral teachings of Ghazali are lost.) Religion becomes a badge of community belonging and a ritual for personal salvation rather than a compass for civic behaviour. When faith is divorced from civic duty, and only the ritual of the call to prayer remains, you are left with a society that is immensely pious, yet systematically corrupt. A Stained Dawn Democracy remains the best system for human flourishing, but it is a fragile structure. We cannot expect a house to stand if it is built on quicksand. When many developing nations first adopted democratic systems, there was immense hope for a brighter, equitable future. Yet, the reality of poverty and systemic corruption has often crushed those hopes, leaving behind an illusion of freedom. The poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz captured this profound disappointment in his famous poem Subh-e-Azadi (The Dawn of Freedom): Yeh daagh daagh ujala, yeh shab gazeeda sahar Woh intezaar tha jis ka, yeh woh sahar to nahi (This stained, pockmarked light, this night-bitten dawn / This is not the dawn we had been waiting for.) If we want to see genuine democracy thrive and ensure the dawn is no longer stained, the focus cannot solely be on holding elections, writing constitutions, or administering oaths of office. The focus must be on establishing the threshold of human dignity: economic development, physical security, and a reliable social safety net that diminishes the desperate reliance on tribalism. Until a population is free from the daily panic of survival, and until civic ethics outweigh transactional survival tactics, democracy will remain an imported luxury rather than a lived reality. Khalid Bashir Mir is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Karmanos Cancer Institute in the United States specializing in molecular oncology and high-dimensional data analysis. He writes on science, society, and governance.
SBI sees corporate loan pipeline at Rs 5 lakh crore: CS Setty, SBI, Chairman
The State Bank of India forecasts a significant surge in corporate loan prospects, aiming for 5 lakh crore as companies pivot towards investments in renewable energy and battery storage solutions. SBI remains steadfast in its goal to secure $10 billion through FCNR(B) deposits while confidently targeting a 14-15% growth in credit. With robust capital buffers, banks are better positioned to navigate future economic fluctuations.
Study reveals inter-city collaboration on emission reduction boosts sustainability performance
With Hong Kong recently recording record-breaking high temperatures, extreme weather has once again raised public awareness of global warming and emission-reduction measures. A large-scale international study led by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has revealed that intercity collaboration on emission reduction can improve overall sustainability performance by more than 10%. This comprehensive analysis covers 4,116 cities and spans 11 years of data, shedding new light on regional and global strategies for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Goal is to ensure no woman goes unheard : new DCW Chairperson
GIDC plans safeguards on industrial land conversion
Shoma Patnaik Panaji Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) chairman Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco on Thursday said the corporation will make sure that the proposal for converting industrial estate land from leasehold to freehold is not misused by plotholders. Speaking on the sidelines of an industry event, Lourenco said, The corporation will keep the right to take []
No Goans missing in Nepal, says CM
NT Reporter Panaji Expressing grief over the deaths and devastation caused by flash floods in Nepal, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday said that as per initial information no Goans are among the missing tourists. Nepal floods are a very disheartening situation. We are in constant touch with all the national disaster management agencies, Sawant []
EDITORIAL Patradevi memorial stands as a symbol of Goas liberation struggle and national unity After inaugurating the newly re-developed Hutatma Smruti Smarak at Patradevi, a historic site associated with the states liberation struggle, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid glowing tributes to the satyagrahis of Goas freedom struggle. He said the memorial is not merely a []
Actress Hina Khan visits Army school in Boniyar, praises students
Srinagar, Aug 27: Film and television actress Hina Khan on Thursday expressed happiness over visiting the border area of Boniyar in north Kashmir and interacting with students at Army Goodwill School. The actress, who hails from Srinagar, interacted with students and later spoke to the media, praising their confidence, intelligence and clarity about their career goals. I was happy to meet the students here and see their confidence level. I got to know a lot about the school and its infrastructure, Khan said. She said the students were confident and intelligent, adding that she was impressed to learn that several of them had qualified for the NEET examination. Children are very confident and intelligent. I learnt that many of them have qualified NEET. They are clear about their goals in life. Some want to become doctors, while others want to become engineers. They are all clear about their careers, she said. Khan credited the defence forces for establishing and maintaining schools in remote and border areas and providing quality education to children. I think the credit goes to the defence forces for the way they have planned so many schools in such small and remote areas. I was telling them to do something similar in the main city as well so that students can get good education in Srinagar too, she said. Praising the teachers and facilities at the school, she said, They have wonderful teachers and the way the students are being taught is amazing. The defence forces are maintaining everything so well. Recalling her interaction with the students, Khan said many of them had been studying at the school since nursery and had continued their education there up to Classes 10 or 12. When I asked the kids about their studies, they said they had been studying in the school since nursery and had now reached Class 10 or 12. When you dont leave a school, you can understand its importance, she said. The actress also encouraged the students to remain focused on their ambitions and not lose their desire to achieve something in life. They have a thirst to do something in their life and that thirst should not vanish. I know it is a bit tough and hard. We have also crossed this phase and they too have to cross it. The fruit of this hard work is going to be very fruitful, she said. Khan advised the students to maintain a balance in life while keeping their parents happy and taking care of their own well-being. The 38-year-old actress is known for her appearances in television shows including Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and her participation in Bigg Boss. Khan, who originally hails from Srinagar, has also recently shared videos of herself singing Kashmiri songs during a marriage ceremony in the city.
Banks, FIU-IND work on sharper framework to flag money mule accounts
Banks are enhancing suspicious transaction reporting for money mule accounts. They aim for better analysis and pattern identification by the principal officer. Artificial intelligence and machine learning tools are now being deployed. This initiative follows parliamentary committee recommendations for accountability. The goal is to recover funds and prevent financial system misuse.
This Raksha Bandhan, choose between gold, fixed deposits and mutual funds according to your sister's age, goals, investment horizon and risk appetite.
Chelsea agree 7.5m fee for Villa's Martinez
Chelsea agree a 7.5m fee to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Nilekani panel races to ready roadmap ahead of October deadline for 2027 rollout
A dedicated task force is devising a comprehensive action plan for NEET-UG and other entrance examinations. Their goal is to implement a multi-day computer-based testing system for NEET-UG. Engaging the public for feedback and consulting with relevant government agencies, they aim to finalize recommendations by mid-September, ensuring timely execution. This initiative is focused on bolstering the credibility of future assessments.
