India's telecom sector needs policy support to boost domestic manufacturing and exports. Heavy reliance on imports, especially from China, poses supply chain risks. The sector has significant growth potential driven by 5G and expanding digital services. Targeted interventions can help achieve national policy goals and increase GDP contribution. Increased localization and export focus can position India as a major manufacturing hub.
Monsoon no longer an off-season for Goa as tourist footfall rises
Goa welcomed over 61 lakh visitors from January to July this year. July alone showed a notable year-on-year increase in tourist arrivals. The state is actively diversifying its tourism offerings beyond beaches. Efforts focus on wellness, heritage, and MICE tourism for year-round appeal. Enhanced international connectivity and new markets are also being developed.
Iran Speaker claims absolute victory over US, Israel: They failed all war goals
Iran Speaker claims absolute victory over US Israel They failed all war goals
PSG Beaten By Lens In French Champions' Trophy
Ten-man Lens denied Paris Saint-Germain a second trophy in five days as Florian Thauvin's first-half goal secured a 1-0 victory in the French Champions' Trophy on Sunday.
Formal child adoption remains low in J&K; CARA records 42 cases in 2025-26
Jammu and Kashmir recorded 42 children adopted through the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) during 2025-26, a figure substantially lower than adoption numbers reported by several major States, according to data presented by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development in the Rajya Sabha. The State/UT-wise data, furnished in response to a parliamentary question answered on August 12, shows that Maharashtra recorded the highest number of CARA-facilitated adoptions during the financial year, with 792 cases. Gujarat followed with 547, while Tamil Nadu recorded 501 adoptions. Karnataka accounted for 377 cases, followed by Odisha with 308 and Telangana with 307. Jammu and Kashmirs 42 adoptions were also lower than the figures reported by several northern and neighbouring States. Rajasthan recorded 172 adoptions, while Punjab reported 49, only seven more than J&K. Uttar Pradesh registered 231 cases, Haryana 68, Uttarakhand 30, Himachal Pradesh 14 and Delhi 109. Among other States, Assam recorded 186 adoptions, Kerala 170, Andhra Pradesh 140, Bihar 125 and Chhattisgarh 114. West Bengal reported 237 cases, Madhya Pradesh 221 and Jharkhand 60. The data also showed considerable variation among the northeastern States. Meghalaya and Nagaland reported 13 adoptions each, Mizoram 78, Tripura seven, Arunachal Pradesh five and Manipur four. Sikkim recorded 28 cases. Smaller Union Territories and States also reported relatively modest numbers. Goa recorded 25 adoptions, Chandigarh 18, Puducherry 15 and Andaman and Nicobar Islands 11. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu reported five cases. No adoption through CARA was recorded in Ladakh or Lakshadweep during 2025-26. Across the 36 States and Union Territories listed in the annexure, the reported number of CARA-facilitated adoptions stood at 5,022 during the financial year. J&Ks 42 cases therefore accounted for less than one per cent of the reported national total. The Ministry, however, has clarified that adoption figures should be viewed in the context of the availability of children who have been declared legally free for adoption. The waiting period for prospective adoptive parents depends not only on the number of applicants but also on the availability of legally free children and the age group preferred by prospective parents. The government is seeking to strengthen the adoption infrastructure through Mission Vatsalya. States and UTs have been advised to establish at least one Specialised Adoption Agency (SAA) in every district under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and the Adoption Regulations, 2022. As of July 29, 2026, 795 SAAs had been approved across the country under Mission Vatsalya. These agencies support the formal adoption process and provide residential care to adoptable children below six years of age. The adoption system has also been substantially digitised. All SAAs are required to operate through the integrated CARINGS-Mission Vatsalya platform, which facilitates digital processing of cases from referral and matching to documentation. The system also allows authorities to monitor compliance through real-time dashboards at the Central and State levels. The Ministry said District Magistrates have been empowered to issue adoption orders under the Juvenile Justice Act and Adoption Regulations. Prescribed timelines have been laid down for different stakeholders, while CARA undertakes regular monitoring and follow-up with States and UT administrations to reduce delays. The Centre is also using Mission Vatsalya for awareness campaigns promoting legal adoption and foster care. Nationwide and local outreach programmes, workshops, seminars and orientation sessions are being conducted, while CARA uses print, electronic and social media platforms to spread information on legal adoption procedures.
Srinagar Premier League 2026 |Downtown Heroes FC beats Kanwal Football Club 30
Downtown Heroes FC produced a strong second-half performance to secure a convincing 30 victory over Kanwal Football Club in an exciting Srinagar Premier League encounter played at TRC Turf, Srinagar, on Sunday. The match, as per a DFA statement, began with both sides showing determination and discipline from the opening whistle. With three points at stake, Downtown Heroes FC and Kanwal Football Club looked to establish control of the game, resulting in a competitive first half. Despite several attacking attempts from both teams, neither side managed to break the deadlock before the interval. The first half ended 00, with both defenses holding firm and the goalkeepers keeping their sides in contention. The second half, however, brought a completely different momentum to the contest. Downtown Heroes FC returned from the break with greater attacking intent and began putting sustained pressure on the Kanwal defence. Their increased intensity eventually paid off as they found the breakthrough and changed the complexion of the game. With the opening goal, Downtown Heroes FC gained confidence and continued to push forward. Kanwal Football Club attempted to respond and get back into the contest, but Downtown Heroes FC remained organised and continued to threaten in the attacking third. The pressure eventually resulted in a second goal for Downtown Heroes FC, giving them a valuable cushion and putting Kanwal Football Club in a difficult position. Kanwal Football Club continued to fight until the final whistle, searching for an opportunity to reduce the deficit. However, Downtown Heroes FC maintained their composure and defensive organisation while continuing to look dangerous on the counter and through their attacking movements. As the match entered its final stages, Downtown Heroes FC added a third goal, completing an impressive second-half display and putting the result beyond doubt. The final whistle confirmed a 30 victory for Downtown Heroes FC, following a goalless first half and a dominant attacking display after the restart. For Downtown Heroes FC, the result will provide significant confidence as they continue their campaign in the Srinagar Premier League. Their ability to remain patient during a difficult first half before producing three goals after the break highlighted their determination and attacking quality. For Kanwal Football Club, the result will be disappointing after they managed to keep Downtown Heroes FC scoreless during the opening 45 minutes. The team showed resilience in the first half but struggled to contain the increased pressure following the restart. The encounter once again showcased the competitive nature of the Srinagar Premier League, with both teams demonstrating commitment and fighting spirit throughout the match. The atmosphere at TRC Srinagar added to the occasion as football fans followed an entertaining contest that remained goalless at half-time before coming alive in the second period. With the 30 victory, Downtown Heroes FC Walk away with all three points, while Kanwal Football Club will look to regroup and return stronger in their upcoming fixture. The match was another important chapter in the ongoing Srinagar Premier League campaign, where every point matters and every performance can have an impact on the standings.
PM Modis I-Day speeches chart Indias shift from basic needs to advanced ambitions
New Delhi, Aug 16:Prime Minister NarendraModis Independence Day speeches over the past decade offer a snapshot of what his government sees as Indias evolution from addressing basic development gaps to pursuing technological self-reliance and global economic influence. The shift is visible in the subjects of his Red Fort addresses from toilets, roads, electricity, poverty, and bank accounts in the early years to semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence, quantum technology, nuclear energy, space missions, and global supply chains in 2026. Taken together, the speeches show a progression from expanding access and fixing basic deficiencies towards building capabilities, creating new platforms and positioning India as a global innovation and manufacturing hub. In 2014, PM Modi made sanitation and womens dignity a central theme, asking: Can't we just make arrangements for toilets for the dignity of our mothers and sisters? By 2026, the focus had moved to semiconductors, which he described as indispensable to electronic goods, medical equipment and transportation systems. In today's digital world and technology-driven era, we understand the importance of the chip, the PM said, warning that the world had reached a point where the entire system could come to a standstill without chips. India has begun establishing its own semiconductor manufacturing capacity as part of the drive towards self-reliance, he said. In 2016, PM Modi described rural roads as a perpetual issue, saying every rural citizen craved pakka roads. In 2018, he highlighted the achievement of Indian scientists launching more than 100 satellites in one go, saying it had left the world astonished. In 2024, the PM said the success of the Chandrayaan mission had created a new atmosphere of interest in science and technology in schools and colleges. In 2025, he said India was preparing for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat Gaganyaan mission and working towards building its own space station. By 2026, the agenda expanded to AI, quantum technology, space, robotics, and data centres. Today is the age of AI, quantum technology, space, robotics and data centres, PM Modi said. An entirely new domain has opened up. Emerging technologies, he said, were challenging India every moment. The country should not merely become a market for the world but should become a hub of innovation. Poverty was a defining concern in his first Independence Day address. If the people of India could remove such a big empire without the power of the government, without weapons and even without resources, then friends, it is the need of the hour to eradicate poverty, can we not overcome poverty? Can we not defeat poverty? the PM said in 2014. My 125 crore dear countrymen, let us resolve to eradicate poverty, to win against it, he said. By 2026, PM Modi framed the issue around development reaching the last person. The resolve for a developed India will be fulfilled only when development reaches the last person, he said. Before 2014, only 25 crore people had social security cover, the PM said, adding, We have provided social security cover to 100 crore countrymen within a decade. In 2014, he asked whether it was acceptable that women had to defecate in the open. We are living in 21st century. Has it ever pained us that our mothers and sisters have to defecate in open? Whether dignity of women is not our collective responsibility? PM Modi said. He described the plight of poor rural women who had to wait for darkness before they could go out to defecate, asking: Can't we just make arrangements for toilets for the dignity of our mothers and sisters? In 2018, the PM announced with pride the grant of Permanent Commission for the appointment of women officers in the Short Service Commission of the Indian Armed Forces. In 2026, his focus was on political representation. Let us step forward to uphold their dignity and ensure that our mothers and sisters secure 33 percent representation in the Legislative Assemblies and the LokSabha as soon as possible, so they may contribute to shaping India's policies, he said. It is the need of the hour and I once again urge all the political parties, come and join in the cause, PM Modi said. In 2014, he focused on farmer suicides and debt. But, please tell me why our farmers commit suicide? the PM said, describing farmers borrowing from moneylenders, struggling to repay loans and facing hardship after borrowing for expenses such as their daughters weddings. He chooses to commit suicide. Who will save the poor families of such farmers? he said. In 2018, PM Modi said economists, farmer organisations, farmers and political parties had for years demanded that farmers receive an MSP equal to one-and-a-half times their investment. The matter was debated for years, files moved to and fro, and but was stuck, he said. Finally, we took the decision. We took a bold decision of giving the farmers the MSP which is one and half times their investment, the PM said. In 2025, he said Indian farmers had broken all previous records in grain production and that agro products worth 4 lakh crore rupees had been exported. By 2026, the focus had shifted towards global markets. Our farmers now have access to global markets, PM Modi said, pointing to free trade agreements, or FTAs, that were opening access to large markets. We have to move from the farm to the export market, he said, citing traditional cuisine, millets, spices, fruits and flowers. Today due to this FTA, the possibility of export of our shrimp has increased a lot, the PM said. In 2015, he said he wanted to strengthen the start-up ecosystem and announced his resolve to establish Start-up India and Stand-up India. In 2016, PM Modi said there should not be any district or block in India where start-ups were not initiated. Whether India cannot dream that India becomes number one in the world of start-up. Today we are not at that position, he said. By 2026, the PM pointed to the expansion of private entrepreneurship into the space sector. We have opened up numerous avenues; we have opened up the startup sector, he said. PM Modi said private Indian start-ups, led by young people with an average age of 28, had launched satellites and rockets and succeeded in their very first trial. They have accomplished something truly remarkable, he said. Manufacturing and technology self-reliance In 2014, the PM launched his manufacturing vision with a call for Make in India. From electrical to electronics, 'Come, Make in India', from automobiles to agro value addition 'Come, Make in India', paper or plastic, 'Come, Make in India', satellite or submarine 'Come, Make in India', he said. In 2025, PM Modi said an Indian-made chip would be available in the market by the end of that year. 'Made in India' chip, manufactured in Bharat by the people of Bharat, will be available in the market, he said. The PM extended the self-reliance agenda to operating systems, cybersecurity, deep technology and artificial intelligence. From operating systems to cyber security, from deep tech to artificial intelligence, everything should be our own, on which the strength of our own people is concentrated, we should introduce the power of their capabilities to the world, he said. By 2026, PM Modi was calling for a much broader manufacturing ecosystem. We must significantly advance the manufacturing sector; alongside boosting production, we need to manufacture everything from small components to large-scale products, he said. The entire value chain should be ours and we should move ahead with it, we need components as well as complete manufacturing, we need complete product also, the PM said. From design to manufacturing, India must emerge as a trusted hub in the global supply chain, he said. Village electrification to nuclear energy In 2015, PM Modi set a target of providing electric poles, wires and electricity to 18,500 villages within 1000 days. By 2026, the focus had shifted to energy security and nuclear power. Energy security is the need of the hour, and therefore, we have already taken a series of strong steps in this direction, he said. The PM identified nuclear energy as one major means of ensuring energy security. By passing the SHANTI Act in Parliament, we have paved the way towards a new goal, he said. By 2047, India was working towards a target of 100 gigawatts of nuclear power, PM Modi said, while within the decade the government had set a target of starting five new nuclear reactors. In 2015, he focused on the potential of broadband connectivity to transform rural education. You can imagine what a quality education the children in villages will get, if all the villages of India are connected with Broadband Connectivity and if we are able to give long distance education to the schools in every remote corner of the villages, the PM said. In 2024, he recalled the days when Indians struggled even for 2G connectivity. We are already working in the mission mode for 6G and we shall surprise the world with our progress, PM Modi said. By 2026, he said the number of internet users and consumers had increased nearly fourfold, patents granted had increased fourfold and digital transactions had increased 100 times. Our goal should be to ensure that Made-in-India 6G reaches every corner of the world, the PM said. We must accelerate our efforts in this direction, and our commitment to this endeavour must not diminish, he said. PM Modis speeches have also tracked the governments campaign against Left-Wing Extremism and Naxalism. In 2017, he praised security forces for curbing Left-Wing Extremism, saying their efforts had mobilised many young people in affected regions to surrender and join the mainstream. In 2018, the PM said Left-Wing Extremism and Maoism had been bleeding the country, with violent incidents, people fleeing their homes and hiding in forests becoming a daily occurrence. He said continuous efforts by security forces, development projects and efforts to connect people with the national mainstream had reduced the number of districts affected by Left-Wing Extremism from 126 to 90. In 2025, PM Modi said there had been a time when Naxalism had taken root in more than 125 districts, with tribal areas and youth caught in the grip of Maoism. Today, we have reduced that number from over 125 districts to merely 20, he said. In 2026, the PM said that when his government received the mandate to serve in 2014, it had resolved on that day to free India from Naxalism. Today, I am happy to say that Naxalite-Maoist violence may no longer even have the strength to take its final breath, he said. We are moving towards eliminating it completely, he said. In areas where Naxalites once fired their guns, where the land was once stained with blood, today, in those very Naxal-affected regions and areas, the tricolour of development, trust and endeavour is flying high, PM Modi said. In 2015, he highlighted the lack of basic banking access. Even after sixty years of independence... 40% people of the country were without a bank account... the doors of the banks were not open for the poor, the PM said. By 2025, his focus had shifted to Indias digital payments infrastructure. Our own UPI platform is surprising the world today, he said, adding that India alone was accounting for 50 percent of real-time transactions through UPI. In 2026, PM Modi said India had already demonstrated its capabilities through UPI and digital public infrastructure. We have made the world aware of our strength, he said. Now Bharat must take its digital public technologies to every corner of the world, the PM said. Across the speeches, the trajectory is clear: PM Modis early Independence Day addresses concentrated on toilets, electricity, roads, poverty, and financial inclusion, while later speeches increasingly emphasised space, start-ups, digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, AI, quantum technology, and nuclear energy. For the government, the progression represents a shift from solving immediate deficiencies to building systems and capabilities designed to make India more self-reliant and competitive in global markets and supply chains.
Fewer Flight Delays As BestTurn Can Find Airport Ground Crews in Minutes
For passengers, a flight delay often looks simple: the departure time changes, the gate gets more crowded, and a connection more uncertain. But the cause is ordinary and much harder to fix. A cabin-cleaning team may be short-staffed. A wheelchair attendant may be unavailable. A late-arriving aircraft may need more people on the ground than the original shift plan anticipated. I met BestTurn s founder and CEO Wonjin Choi in person at the Incheon Startup Park (S. Korea) to discuss how his startup approaches that problem. Today, his company operates at Incheon International Airport and says its SpotWork platform can identify and match qualified workers to an urgent airport task within three minutes. BestTurn is not creating a qualified airport worker in three minutes. It is trying to match from a pool of people who have already been trained, credentialed, and prepared to work in the airport environment. When I asked whether the company was essentially Uber for airport staff, Choi agreed with the broad analogy, then immediately explained its limits. BestTurn does not cover flight attendants, for example. It focuses on the ground-side jobs needed to prepare an aircraft for its next departure: cabin cleaning, loading and unloading, catering, passenger assistance, and other services around the aircraft turnaround. Choi said there can be roughly 30 job functions associated with a single flight operation. Passengers may notice a cleaning team entering the plane or someone assisting a traveler with a wheelchair, but most of the work remains invisible. It happens between the moment one group of passengers leaves the aircraft and the moment another group boards. If any part of that chain is delayed, the effects can reach the next departure. The company says its platform digitizes workers security passes, training records, and job qualifications, then uses factors such as certification, skill, location, preference, and fatigue to recommend assignments. Its investor deck says the system is intended to respond to disruptionssuch as delays, no-shows, or sudden demand for another cleaning team. The key detail from our conversation is where those workers come from. The goal is to recruit local people who live near the airport, then prepare them for eligible work. He said that process can take more than a month because workers need training, licenses where applicable, and airport-security access before they can be dispatched. Only after that preparation can the work become flexible. Choi described workers receiving an alert on their phones and accepting an assignment when they are available. Some may spend time at the airport before a shift, taking advantage of its facilities, while others may come from nearby. The important point is that they are not anonymous gig workers entering a secure environment without preparation. That is what makes BestTurn more interesting than a conventional staffing app . The matching software is key, but the more difficult work is building a trusted pool of workers that airlines, ground handlers, and airport operators will accept. Airport ground operations are safety-sensitive, regulated, and labor-intensive. That is BestTurns potential moat . Matching software can be copied, but building a trusted, credentialed worker pool and earning acceptance from airlines and airport operators requires experience, compliance systems, and time. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says the sector continues to face skilled-worker shortages, recruitment challenges, and the need for standardized training and attention to fatigue and other human factors. IATAs ground-operations guidance shows why an airport cannot treat this like ordinary on-demand work. The startups business argument is equally straightforward. Airlines and handlers need enough people to manage peak periods, but keeping a large reserve workforce can be costly when activity falls. BestTurn argues that a more flexible pool lets customers pay for work performed rather than maintaining as much idle capacity. Its investor deck uses a wheelchair-service example in which the airline pays about $30 per service hour, the worker receives about $21, and BestTurn keeps about $9. This seems comparable to rates Ive seen or heard about in the temporary staffing industry. The U.S. market is attractive because the scale is enormous. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said its commercial airports handled nearly 146 million passengers in 2024, their second consecutive record year. The Port Authoritys announcement illustrates the number of aircraft turnarounds and service handoffs that take place every day across the region. BestTurn says it hopes to enter the U.S. through relationships developed with airlines at Incheon, including American Airlines and Alaska Airlines. The companys investor deck says it is seeking $1.5 million to support a planned first U.S. airport operation by the first half of 2027. Fewer Flight Delays As BestTurn Can Find Airport Ground Crews in Minutes , original content from Ubergizmo . Read our Copyrights and terms of use .
East Bengal FC Advances to Semifinals with Narrow Win
Kolkata, August 16: East Bengal FC secured a place in the semifinals of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup by defeating Indian Army FT 1-0 in a quarterfinal match held at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Sunday. The only goal of the match came from PV Vishnu in the 38th minute with a header. From ... Read more East Bengal FC Advances to Semifinals with Narrow Win
East Bengal FC Advances to Semifinals with Victory Over Indian Army FT in Durand Cup
Kolkata, August 16: East Bengal FC secured their place in the semifinals of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup by defeating Indian Army FT 1-0 in a quarterfinal match on Sunday. The decisive goal came from PV Vishnu in the 38th minute, courtesy of a header. The match took place at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. ... Read more East Bengal FC Advances to Semifinals with Victory Over Indian Army FT in Durand Cup
Villarreal Battle Back To Earn Draw At Promoted Racing Santander
Villarreal needed two goals in just over a minute to snatch a 2-2 draw at promoted side Racing Santander on Sunday in their opening La Liga clash.
Statsguru: India's high income goal faces roadblocks on the path to 2047
India needs sustained 9.25% annual growth to become a developed economy by 2047, but low investment and a prolonged lower-middle-income phase remain key challenges
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard delivered a man of the match performance capped by the final goal in his team's dominant 3-0 victory in Cardiff on Sunday.
Ashwin Mushran Accused Of Hitting Father-Son Duo In Goa; Munna Bhai Actor
Black Hawks Triumph In Inaugural Guardians Trophy
Hyderabad Black Hawks U21 have won the inaugural Guardians Trophy, defeating hosts Goa Guardians U21 3-1 in the final. The tournament provided a crucial platform for emerging Indian volleyball talent, with individual awards and prize money distributed to top performers.
Four arrested for killing Bidar man over goats damaging crops
How ChatGPT helped man locate his lost shoes at MP temple
A Goa-based man, Shubhang Borkar, ingeniously used ChatGPT to locate his lost footwear amidst a pile of shoes outside the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. He uploaded images of the footwear and his own shoes to the AI chatbot, which then successfully identified his pair, showcasing a practical and unusual application of artificial intelligence.
Indian Womens Hockey Team Draws 2-2 Against China in World Cup Opener
Amstelveen, August 16: In their opening match of the 2026 Hockey World Cup, the Indian womens team played to a 2-2 draw against China on Sunday. Navneet and Deepika scored for India, while Zhang Ying and Ma Ning netted goals for China. The match, held at the Wagner Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, saw both teams ... Read more Indian Womens Hockey Team Draws 2-2 Against China in World Cup Opener
Goal Fest as SC Delhi Sink Raengdai to Reach Durand Cup Semis
SC Delhi staged a remarkable second-half comeback, scoring five goals to defeat debutants FC Raengdai of Manipur 5-1 in the Durand Cup quarter-finals. After conceding an early goal, Joseph Sunny's brace, along with goals from Rodriguinho, Juan Sebastian Pena, and Augustine Lalrochana, secured their place in the semifinals.
House of Abhinandan Lodha targets 40 boutique resorts in five years
House of Abhinandan Lodha plans to establish 40 boutique resorts under its Miros brand, focusing on luxury experiences rather than conventional hotels. The initial properties will be in Goa, with others planned across Maharashtra and Ayodhya over the next five years.
Anders Antonsen Aims for Gold at BWF World Championships in New Delhi
New Delhi, August 16: World number 4 player Anders Antonsen will kick off his BWF World Championship campaign in New Delhi on Monday. His goal is to add another medal to his collection. Following his victory at the Thailand Open, Antonsen is eager to claim the world title in mens singles. Antonsen has already secured ... Read more Anders Antonsen Aims for Gold at BWF World Championships in New Delhi
Decoding Aston Villa's goalkeeping situation in 2026 summer transfer window
Aston Villa are embracing themselves for a busy period in terms of goalkeeping situation this summer.
If you are likely to continually experience work-related relocation, then you must consider investing primarily in financial assets; buying land must be to park surplus cash, not to achieve life goal
Food Safety Deptt keeps watch over pilgrims' plates
Baltal (Ganderbal), Aug 15: While thousands of pilgrims trek through the mountains to the Holy Cave, Food Safety Department teams are keeping a close watch on the food being served along the Amarnath Yatra routes. The department, working under the Jammu and Kashmir Food and Drugs Administration, has deployed teams at major transit points and base camps, including Baltal and Pahalgam, to inspect langars and other food outlets. Mobile Food Testing Vans have also been deployed to check food items and drinking water on the spot. Officials said teams are inspecting raw-material storage, cooking areas, utensils and water quality during daily checks. So far, 576 food samples have been tested and 354 langars inspected, officials said. They said the department has also organised 144 awareness programmes involving more than 1,200 people and held 103 training sessions during the Yatra. Officials said expired, damaged or substandard food items found during inspections are destroyed on the spot. The department is also training food handlers and sewadars on basic hygiene and safe food handling. They are being advised to use masks, hairnets and gloves and take precautions against cross-contamination. Officials said teams are also checking compliance with the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Boards food guidelines, including restrictions on excessive oil, salt and sugar. Heavy fried food, carbonated drinks and other prohibited items are not allowed along the high-altitude routes. Serving thousands of pilgrims at high altitudes requires absolute vigilance. Our goal is simple: ensure every pilgrim receives wholesome, safe food so they can complete their holy pilgrimage in good health, a senior food safety officer at Baltal base camp said. Food inspections and sample testing will continue through the Yatra period, officials said.
Can you name every goalscorer in the Community Shield since 2010?
How's your knowledge of the Community Shield? The post Can you name every goalscorer in the Community Shield since 2010? appeared first on Planet Football .
PM inaugurates National Fisheries Fortnight-2026
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today formally inaugurated the National Fisheries Fortnight-2026, aiming to further strengthen the fisheries sector to advance the government's goal of building a self-reliant and welfare-oriented Bangladesh.
'Goal Is To Win Trophies': Klaasen Speaks Up Ahead Of The Hundred Final
European T20 Premier League: Heinrich Klaasen has set his sights on winning trophies for the teams that he plays for after having hung up his boots from international cricket. Klaasen, who is plying his trade for Manchester Super Giants in the ongoing The Hundred gears up for the final against 2022 champions Trent Rockets on Sunday in what is a rematch of 2022's final. Speaking ahead of the final, Klaasen laid down his main goals in franchise competitions. Winning trophies is one goal. Its been a lean run on the trophies, so the personal goal is to get into, and get the team into positions to win trophies. Then, obviously, a big challenge now, playing less cricket, is to keep the quality of cricket up, he told JioHotstar. Klaasen had a stellar IPL 2026 with Sunrisers Hyderabad, wherein he scored 624 runs in 15 innings and had an impressive start to The Hundred too. I had a good IPL, Ive had a good start to The Hundred, it was a little bit silent in the middle, but the key was to get some runs under the belt and keep my standard up to what it normally is, Klaasen added. Klaasen has been one of the busiest players in franchise cricket since he retired from international cricket in June 2025. Apart from the IPL and The Hundred, he appears in the SA20 (Durban Super Giants), is set to make his debut in the ILT20 with the Gulf Giants and will be in action for the Rotterdam Dockers in the inaugural European T20 Premier League. Klaasen had a stellar IPL 2026 with Sunrisers Hyderabad, wherein he scored 624 runs in 15 innings and had an impressive start to The Hundred too. I had a good IPL, Ive had a good start to The Hundred, it was a little bit silent in the middle, but the key was to get some runs under the belt and keep my standard up to what it normally is, Klaasen added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, the former Proteas star also listed one Indian bowler he loves facing and the other that he wants to avoid. I love facing Yuzvendra Chahal, while I would happily avoid Arshdeep Singh with the new ball, he said. Article Source: IANS
If you are likely to continually experience work-related relocation, then you must consider investing primarily in financial assets; buying land must be to park surplus cash, not to achieve life goal
Pakistani national detained by BSF after crossing into India; claims he strayed while grazing goats
Goa Man Uses ChatGPT To Find Lost Footwear Outside Ujjain Temple
Shubhang Borkar turned his phone into a scanning device outside the Mahakal Temple in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain, sharing snapshots of footwear with the chatbot until it flagged his missing pair
Goa Man Loses His Shoes At Ujjain Temple, Uses ChatGPT To Find Them
These days Artificial intelligence use has become for every day to day work and one such case has come from Ujjain where a Goa man experiment took AI to find the temple shoe reck. A goa man named Shubhang Borkar came
Bangladesh Secures Historic Victory Against Australia in First Test
New Delhi, August 16: Bangladesh has achieved a remarkable victory against Australia in the first Test match, marking a significant milestone in their cricketing history. Chasing a target of 57 runs, Bangladesh successfully reached the goal with just one wicket lost. This victory represents Bangladeshs first Test win on Australian soil. The match took place ... Read more Bangladesh Secures Historic Victory Against Australia in First Test
Messi misses third successive penalty as Inter Miami go down to Nashville SC
Messi, had a chance to level the scores at 1-1 in the third minute, but his penalty spot was saved by Nashville goalie Brian Schwake. Sergio Reguilon did put in an equaliser through a rebound, but it was disallowed for encroachment after a VAR, as per ESPN.
SSY vs PPF in 2026: Compare interest rates, tax benefits, returns and key differences
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) v Public Provident Fund (PPF) in 2026: Compare interest rates, tax benefits, eligibility, maturity, withdrawals and returns to understand which government-backed savings scheme better suits your financial goals.
ChatGPT helps Goa man find lost footwear outside Ujjain Temple
Panaji: Proving that artificial intelligence can find goofy solutions to routine problems, a Goa-based man used ChatGPT to resolve every temple visitors challenge: finding one specific pair of shoes in a sea of footwear. Shubhang Borkar turned his phone into a scanning device outside the Mahakal Temple in Madhya Pradeshs Ujjain, sharing snapshots of footwear 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 .
ChatGPT to the rescue: Goa man uses AI hack to find lost footwear
Proving that artificial intelligence can find goofy solutions to routine problems, a Goa-based man used ChatGPT to resolve every temple visitor's challenge: finding one specific pair of shoes in a sea of footwear. Shubhang Borkar turned his phone into a scanning device outside the Mahakal Temple in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain, sharing snapshots of footwear with the chatbot until it flagged his missing pair. Borkar shared a video of his AI experiment titled Used ChatGPT to find my lost clogs on Instagram four days ago. The video shows how Borkar, who described himself as hacker on weekdays (cybersec), explorer on weekends, used the AI chatbot to identify his footwear after failing to pick it out from the crowded shoe racks outside the temple. In the video, he first shot rows of footwear around him, highlighting how difficult it was to distinguish one pair from another, and then opened ChatGPT and uploaded pictures of his shoes along with a separate image showing what his clogs look
Congress President Kharge To Address Congress Workers In Goa On Aug 17
This is the first time Kharge will address party workers in Goa after taking charge as the Congress national president
Quote of the Day by Thomas Jefferson highlights the need for new actions to achieve different outcomes. Many personal goals require breaking familiar patterns and accepting uncertainty. Taking risks and trying new things can lead to unforeseen possibilities. Jefferson, a key figure in American history, owned enslaved people. His legacy shows that change often demands leaving comfort zones and trying something different.
Jindal Stainless investing Rs 900 crore to increase cold rolling capacity to 2.67 MT by FY28: MD
Jindal Stainless plans a Rs 900 crore investment to expand its cold rolling capacity. This expansion will support rising demand from key industrial sectors. The company is also planning a significant Rs 40,000 crore manufacturing facility in Maharashtra. This new plant will produce specialized steel grades for emerging strategic sectors. Jindal Stainless reported strong financial performance and progress towards sustainability goals.
Minister urges officials to achieve Swarna Kadapa 2047 goals
The Minister also mentioned the substantial allocation of funds to the municipalities, Water Resources and the Tourism departments
Akur-chi-bhaji and the Ancient Mysteries of Ferns
In Goa, boundary walls bloom with ferns that eagerly absorb the monsoon rains. These ancient plants have a unique reproductive process through spores, once dubbed magical. Remarkably, some ferns can boast around 1,400 chromosomes. Edible varieties, particularly the tender young shoots known as fiddleheads, are a seasonal treat enjoyed in India and Japan.
India beat Wales 3-1 in Hockey World Cup opener; Harmanpreet Singh scores twice
India opened their FIH Mens Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign in style, defeating Wales 3-1 in their Pool D opener at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen on Saturday. Captain Harmanpreet Singh led from the front with two goals, while Sanjay also found the net as India collected three valuable points. All three of Indias goals [] The post India beat Wales 3-1 in Hockey World Cup opener; Harmanpreet Singh scores twice appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
LG Ladakh VK Saxena hoist Tricolour in Leh
The 80th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour and gaiety across Ladakh union territory. In Leh district, the main function was held at the historic Pologround where the Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena hoisted the National Flag, inspected the parade and saluted the marching contingents, including the Armed forces and school students, which took part in the march past during the event. Addressing the gathering, Saxena paid tribute to the freedom fighters whose sacrifices secured Indias Independence and laid the foundation of its democratic journey. He also saluted personnel of the Armed Forces, paramilitary forces, Ladakh Scouts, police and the Border Roads Organisation guarding the countrys borders in Ladakhs challenging terrain and harsh climate. The LG highlighted the creation of Ladakh as a separate Union Territory in 2019 as a significant milestone in its development journey. He said the administration, with the support of the Centre, has focused on strengthening infrastructure, governance, healthcare, education, tourism, renewable energy, agriculture, water security, connectivity and social welfare. Saxena said five new districts Sham, Nubra, Changthang, Zanskar and Drass along with 17 new tehsils and 16 new engineering divisions, have brought administration and public services closer to the people. He also highlighted the ongoing process of establishing Hill Councils in all seven districts to strengthen grassroots democracy. On tourism and connectivity, the LG said Ladakh had received more than 3.30 lakh tourists by the end of July this year, nearly 98 per cent of the total tourist arrivals recorded during the whole of 2025. He said Ladakhs road network has expanded from 1,799 km before the formation of the UT to more than 4,200 km, while the number of bridges has increased from 19 to 72. Projects such as the Zojila Tunnel and Leh Bypass, he said, are further strengthening all-weather connectivity. Emphasising sustainable development, Saxena highlighted initiatives including Project Him Sarovar, Himalayan rock check dams, the Indus River Green Corridor, expansion of tap-water coverage, renewable energy projects and geothermal wells at Puga. He also underlined efforts to strengthen the Pashmina sector, including the Ladakh Pashmina Development Board, incentives for more than 1,200 pashmina producers and an ` 8 crore revolving fund to ensure timely payments. The LG expressed gratitude to farmers, Changpa herders, teachers, doctors, nurses, health workers, engineers and citizens for their contribution to Ladakhs development. He urged the youth to acquire knowledge, embrace innovation and make use of emerging opportunities. Stressing the need to balance development with environmental protection, Saxena said future generations must inherit a Ladakh that is prosperous, peaceful, vibrant and ecologically sustainable. He expressed confidence that Ladakh would continue to contribute to the national goal of Viksit Bharat @2047 with the support of the Centre. The march past featured contingents from the CRPF, RAF, ITBP, CISF, Ladakh Police, Ladakh Police Commando and ex-servicemen, besides NCC cadets from the first and second Ladakh Battalions. Students from schools across Leh, Kargil, Drass, Nubra, Sham, Changthang and Zanskar also participated. A demonstration by the Ladakh Police K-9 Squad and a performance by the Ladakh Police Women Pipe Band were among the highlights. Cultural performances were presented by the Ladakh Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, as well as schools and educational institutions from across the Union Territory. Lieutenant Governors Appreciation Certificates were also conferred on officials and organisations for exemplary work. The family of late Col Sonam Wangchuk (Retd.) received the dPal rNgam Duston Lifetime Achievement Award, while His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa was conferred the dPal rNgam Duston Award 2026. Meanwhile, in Kargil the Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, hoisted the National Flag at Khree Sultan Chow Sports Stadium, Biamathang, Kargil, and took the salute at the march past as the nation marked its 80th Independence Day. The celebration witnessed enthusiastic participation from contingents of Ladakh Police, the Police Band Party, NCC Cadets, and students from various government and private schools. Prominent dignitaries in attendance included Executive Councillors Aga Syed Mujtaba and Aga Syed Ali; Deputy Commissioner and CEO LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar; Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kargil, Nitin Yadav; Directors of FCS&CA, ULB, Tourism and Education; Additional Deputy Commissioner Kargil; ACR Kargil; senior district officers, representatives of religious organisations, and members of the public. On the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon extended warm greetings to the people of Kargil and the nation and paid rich tributes to the freedom fighters and national leaders whose sacrifices paved the way for Indias independence. CEC Kargil said that August 15 is not merely a day of celebration but also an occasion to reaffirm the countrys commitment towards national unity, integrity, peace and development. He said the sacrifices of the freedom fighters and national leaders continue to inspire the nation, and called upon everyone to work collectively for the progress and prosperity of the country. CEC Kargil said that Kargil is not merely a border district but a land where people from different parts of the country live together in harmony. He said Kargil has always been a symbol of the countrys security and sacrifice, with its brave soldiers guarding the nations borders. He paid tribute to the armed forces and said that the younger generation must continue to uphold the spirit of patriotism and national service. Highlighting the importance of development, CEC Kargil said that the administration and the Hill Council are working to make Kargil a developed and self-reliant district by 2047. He said a strong foundation in the education sector is essential for achieving this goal and that the Council has prepared a Kargil District Vision 2047 Vision Document covering various measures for improving the quality of education.
'Scoring off the field:' How football helped two global leaders to achieve their goals
Scoring off the field How football helped two global leaders to achieve their goals
CSR initiatives can focus on waste management, plastic-free tourism, renewable energy, water conservation, and environmentalCorporate Social Responsibility can play a significant role in strengthening tourism and rural development by encouraging corporates to invest directly in the places where they operate or have a business presence. Corporates can contribute towards preserving local culture and heritage, improving tourism infrastructure, supporting local artisans and entrepreneurs, creating employment opportunities for youth and women, and promoting sustainable practices. Their CSR initiatives can also focus on waste management, plastic-free tourism, renewable energy, water conservation, and environmental protection. By partnering with local communities, government agencies, NGOs, and tourism stakeholders, corporates can help ensure that tourism growth benefits the local population while protecting the cultural and natural resources of the destination. In this way, CSR can transform corporate presence into a meaningful contribution towards inclusive, sustainable, and community-led tourism development. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can become a powerful catalyst for sustainable rural tourism by ensuring that tourism development benefits local communities while protecting indigenous culture, conserving the environment, and creating long-term livelihood opportunities. Rather than viewing tourism merely as a commercial activity, CSR can encourage corporates to invest in the social, cultural, economic, and environmental well-being of rural destinations. This approach is closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to poverty reduction, decent work, sustainable communities, responsible consumption, and climate action. The rise of online travel platforms is an irreversible reality, but it should not come at the cost of marginalizing Kashmirs travel agents, who have long been the backbone of the regions tourism industry. Instead of viewing technology as a threat, the focus should be on creating a level playing field where digital innovation strengthens rather than replaces local businesses. The Government, Tourism Department, travel associations, technology companies, and the corporate sector through CSR must work together to digitally empower local travel agents by providing training in digital marketing, online booking systems, artificial intelligence, customer relationship management, and multilingual communication. A dedicated Kashmir Tourism Digital Marketplace should be established to connect registered local travel agents, hotels, houseboats, guides, transport operators, artisans, and rural tourism enterprises directly with tourists, ensuring that a larger share of tourism revenue remains within the local economy. Policies should encourage transparency and fair competition by ensuring online aggregators prominently feature registered local operators while discouraging practices that unfairly disadvantage small businesses. At the same time, local travel agents should focus on offering personalized, authentic, and experience-driven tourism packages that global platforms cannot easily replicate, such as village tourism, cultural immersion, heritage walks, eco-tourism, local cuisine, handicraft trails, and community-based tourism. CSR initiatives can further accelerate this transformation by funding digital infrastructure, technology adoption, skill development, entrepreneurship, and innovation among small tourism enterprises. Such a collaborative approach will not only protect thousands of livelihoods but also strengthen Kashmirs tourism ecosystem by ensuring that economic benefits reach local communities, promote sustainable and responsible tourism, preserve the regions unique cultural heritage, and position Kashmir as a globally competitive yet locally inclusive tourism destination. The future lies not in choosing between technology and local travel agents, but in integrating both so that digital progress becomes a catalyst for inclusive growth, resilience, and long-term prosperity for the people of Kashmir. CSR can support rural tourism by investing in villages with cultural, ecological, and heritage value. Corporate interventions can strengthen basic infrastructure, improve tourism facilities, promote local enterprises, preserve traditional knowledge, and enhance the visitor experience without compromising the authenticity of rural life. One of the greatest strengths of rural tourism is its indigenous identity. CSR can contribute to documenting and promoting local folklore, traditions, festivals, music, oral histories, traditional architecture, foods like WAZWAAN , HAAK , NOONCHAI, KEHWA ETC and indigenous knowledge. It can support artisans involved in handicrafts, handlooms, pottery, wood carving, papier-mch, embroidery, and other traditional crafts. Restoration of heritage homes, community spaces, village museums, and cultural interpretation centres can further preserve local identity. Training young people in traditional skills can ensure that this heritage is transferred to future generations while creating income through cultural tourism. CSR can also strengthen rural livelihoods by training local youth as tourist guides, eco-guides, interpreters, adventure tourism professionals, and hospitality workers. Women-led Self-Help Groups can be supported in food processing, catering, handicrafts, traditional cuisine, and homestay operations. Farmers can benefit from agri-tourism initiatives, while rural entrepreneurs can receive support in business development and market linkages. Such interventions can generate local employment, empower women and youth, reduce migration, and ensure that a greater share of tourism income remains within the community. Sustainable infrastructure is another important area for CSR intervention. Corporates can support eco-friendly public toilets, safe drinking water, solar lighting, walking and cycling trails, visitor information centres, digital connectivity, signage, and facilities for elderly and differently-abled tourists. Such infrastructure must be designed in harmony with local architecture and ecology. A critical challenge of rural tourism is the generation of waste. CSR can help develop Zero Waste Tourism Villages through scientific waste segregation, collection, transportation, composting, recycling, and Material Recovery Facilities. Waste can be segregated into wet, dry, plastic, glass, metal, and e-waste. CSR can also promote plastic-free tourism by supporting refill water stations, reusable bottles, cloth bags, eco-friendly packaging, and awareness campaigns. Through circular economy models, organic waste can be converted into compost, agricultural waste into useful products, and recyclable materials into crafts and souvenirs, thereby turning waste management into a source of livelihood. Community participation is essential for sustainable tourism. CSR can fund awareness campaigns, school eco-clubs, clean-village initiatives, responsible tourism programmes, and volunteer clean-up drives. It can also support biodiversity conservation through afforestation, wetland and river restoration, protection of flora and fauna, conservation of medicinal plants, and responsible eco-tourism. Digital technology can further strengthen rural tourism through websites, mobile applications, social media promotion, QR-based heritage information, online homestay booking, and e-commerce platforms for local products. Capacity-building programmes in hospitality, hygiene, financial literacy, digital marketing, tourist safety, entrepreneurship, and sustainable tourism can equip local communities to manage tourism professionally For Jammu and Kashmir, CSR can play a transformative role by developing model sustainable tourism villages that showcase the regions natural beauty and cultural heritage while protecting its fragile ecosystems. Corporate investment can support community-owned homestays, preservation of traditional Kashmiri architecture, promotion of Pashmina, papier-mch, walnut wood carving and other crafts, training of local eco-guides, renewable energy, rainwater harvesting, and scientific waste management in valleys, lakes, meadows, and trekking routes. An effective CSR model should bring together government departments, corporates, NGOs, Panchayats, Self-Help Groups, tourism entrepreneurs, educational institutions, and local communities. Such a public-private-community partnership can ensure accountability, local ownership, and long-term sustainability. Ultimately, CSR can transform tourism from a purely commercial activity into a model of inclusive, community-led, culturally sensitive, and environmentally responsible development. By connecting heritage preservation, livelihood creation, sustainable infrastructure, biodiversity conservation, digital promotion, and scientific waste management, CSR can ensure that tourism remains a source of prosperity without destroying the very culture, communities, and landscapes that attract visitors. In addition to it In essence, the goal should not be to fight technology, but to empower Kashmirs travel agents to use technology. Digital platforms should serve as partners that expand market access while preserving local livelihoods, ensuring that tourism continues to benefit Kashmirs communities rather than diverting value away from them. Author is Faculty at JKIMPARD
PM promises jobs for 3.5 crore youth
New Delhi, Aug 15:Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced a nationwide talent hunt for children aged 5 to 15 to identify future Olympic athletes, as he positioned India's youth and sporting ambitions at the centre of his vision for a developed nation by 2047. Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on India's 80th Independence Day, PM Modi said India's performance in international sport was steadily improving and the country was moving forward as a strong contender to host the 2036 Olympics. He also said India would host the Commonwealth Games in 2030. India's performance in the world of sports is steadily improving, and we are moving forward as strong contenders to host the 2036 Olympics. Bharat is also going to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030, he said. The PM said the Olympic Games encompass roughly 40 sports and between 325 and 350 events, but India does not participate in nearly two-thirds of those events because it does not qualify. In nearly two-thirds of these 325 events, Bharat does not even participate. We are not present; we do not qualify, he said, adding that India had decided it wanted the 2036 Olympics to be held in the country and must focus on these areas. We also want to launch a talent-hunt campaign, PM Modi said. He said the campaign would be conducted in villages, cities and schools across the country to identify sporting talent among children aged between 5 and 15. If we need athletes for 2036, we must focus today on these young boys and girls who are 5, 10 or 15 years old. We must pay attention to our daughters as well, the PM said. Children identified through the campaign would have their abilities assessed and receive specialised training to help develop them into athletes capable of representing the country, he said. PM Modi highlighted advances across India's sporting ecosystem, citing the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), Khelo India Games, University Games, Winter Games and Beach Games, alongside sports infrastructure, coaching, sports medicine and sports nutrition. The TOPS scheme has achieved tremendous success. Khelo India Games, University Games, Winter Games, Beach Games, sports infrastructure, coaching for sports, sports medicine and sports nutrition, Bharat is moving forward towards achieving excellence in all these areas, he said. The PM said that opportunities were also expanding around sport for young people who may not become athletes themselves. For young people, even if they are unable to become athletes themselves, a vast new field of opportunities is opening up within the support system around sports, he said. PM Modi also announced the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana, a scheme worth Rs 1 lakh crore that he said would create new employment opportunities for approximately 3.5 crore youth. Today, on August 15, we are launching and implementing a scheme worth Rs 1 lakh crore for the youth of my country, he said. Under the scheme, the government will provide Rs 15,000 to every young person who gets a job in the private sector. Companies that generate more opportunities for new employment will also receive incentives, the PM said. The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana will create new employment opportunities for approximately 3.5 crore youth, he said. PM Modi said young people would be the greatest beneficiaries of his vision of a Viksit Bharat, or developed India, by 2047. If there is one, it is the youth of my country, the youth power of the country. The youth have a very important role to play in the journey towards a 'Viksit Bharat', he said. Therefore, we must take forward the goal of a 'Viksit Bharat' by connecting it with the aspirations and participation of our youth. We must move forward with our youth as our highest priority. The PM also highlighted the expansion of India's startup ecosystem, saying there were now more than 2.5 lakh registered startups under the Startup India initiative. Referring to the government's Rs 1 lakh crore Innovation Fund, he encouraged young entrepreneurs to pursue their ideas. Come forward with your dreams; we will ensure that there is no shortage of resources, PM Modi said. He also announced free online coaching for young people preparing for various examinations, saying the cost of coaching classes had become a major burden for middle-class families. The pressure of coaching classes has become a major burden for our middle-class families, the PM said. Therefore, we have decided to provide free online coaching for young people preparing for various examinations, he said. PM Modi said the initiative would combine India's digital public infrastructure, teaching talent, and teachers to build a nationwide network offering free coaching. We have the digital public infrastructure, we have excellent talent, and we have teachers. By bringing these resources together, we are going to build an extensive network to provide free coaching to the young people of the country, he said. The PM also warned of growing substance abuse among young people and called for a collective national response. Drug abuse is becoming a major crisis for the country and its young people. A 'Nasha Mukt Bharat' must be a collective responsibility for all of us, he said. For the sake of our bright future, our younger generation must be strong, and the strength of our youth must be harnessed for the progress of our country, PM Modi said. The announcements formed part of the PM's broader Independence Day message focused on youth participation, employment, entrepreneurship, education and sport, as well as India's longer-term ambition to become a developed nation by 2047.
Beijing Emerges as Hub for Humanoid Robot Revolution
Beijing, August 16: China is poised to make a significant leap in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. The focus has shifted from merely developing industrial robots to creating humanoid robots capable of thinking, learning, and performing various tasks in real-world scenarios. To achieve this ambitious goal, Beijing is rapidly developing a comprehensive ... Read more Beijing Emerges as Hub for Humanoid Robot Revolution
CM: Over 6,000 jobs to be created in next 6 months
NT Reporter Panaji Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday said the Goa Human Resource Development will create 6,000 to 8,000 jobs in the next six months, and linked the job creation to wider efforts on infrastructure, connectivity and cultural preservation. Addressing the people during the 80th Independence Day celebrations held near the old secretariat, the []
Goa saw 40 crimes against foreign tourists in 3 years
NT Reporter Panaji Goa recorded 40 cases of crime against foreign tourists between 2022 and 2024, with the police filing chargesheets in 28 cases. Trials were completed in four cases, resulting in two convictions, according to data tabled in the Rajya Sabha on August 13 by Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. Shekhawat said tourism, including []
Jellyfish bacterium yields biodegradable polymer
Abdul Wahab Khan Panaji A bacterium living on jellyfish found off the Goa coast has emerged as a promising source of a biodegradable polymer after researchers isolated it from Chrysaora and demonstrated its ability to rapidly produce exopolysaccharide (EPS), a class of biopolymers with potential applications ranging from food and cosmetics to pharmaceuticals and environmental []
Reservation, representation,and democracy in Goa
As Goa prepares for ST reservation in four Assembly constituencies, questions arise over representation,political opportunity, rotation and whether the system will benefit those most in need MITHIL FALDESAI Four of Goas 40 Assembly constituencies are expected to be reserved for Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates in the upcoming election. This is exactly 10% of the Assembly, []
Indias Education Report Card in Light of the Latest UNESCO SDG 4 Scorecard
Indias education story is often narrated through expansion like more schools, higher enrolment, new institutions, digital initiatives and ambitious policy announcements. But the latest UNESCO SDG 4 Scorecard invites more uncomfortable questions. The question is: are our investments and systems doing enough to ensure that children not only enter school, but stay, progress and complete their education? The latest assessment provides important signals that deserve serious reflection by policymakers, educators and the relevant institutions. The 2026 SDG 4 Scorecard, prepared by UNESCOs Institute for Statistics and the Global Education Monitoring Report, assesses countries against the education benchmarks they have set for themselves. It is therefore not simply a ranking of countries or a declaration of success and failure. Rather, it examines whether countries are progressing sufficiently towards their own commitments. UNESCO's assessment places particular emphasis on completion rates and highlights the continuing difficulty of achieving universal completion, particularly at the upper-secondary level. Indias education financing figures deserve particular attention. Public expenditure on education is around 4.1% of GDP. While this technically remains above UNESCOs broad minimum reference threshold of 4%, it is considerably below Indias own aspiration of allocating 6% of GDP to education. The 6% goal, reiterated in the National Education Policy 2020, has long been regarded as essential for strengthening the public education system, improving infrastructure, supporting teachers and ensuring equitable access to quality education. The picture becomes more concerning when education expenditure is measured as a proportion of total government expenditure. Indias latest figure is around 14.2%, below UNESCOs 15% reference threshold and also below Indias own national benchmark of 17% for 2025. This distinction is important. The issue is not simply whether governments are spending more money in absolute terms. It is also about the priority accorded to education within overall public expenditure. A country aspiring to become a knowledge-driven economy cannot afford to treat education as merely another competing budgetary demand. However, financing is only one part of the story. The more fundamental question is what happens to children after they enter school. India has made considerable progress in enrolment, but enrolment alone cannot be the ultimate measure of educational success. A child entering school but leaving before completing secondary education represents an unfinished educational journey. Retention, transition and completion therefore need to become much more central to the way we evaluate the performance of our education system. India had set a national benchmark of 98.5% for lower-secondary completion by 2025, with the ambition of reaching 100% by 2030. UNESCO's assessment indicates that India is not on course to meet the 2025 benchmark. This should concern us because lower secondary is a crucial stage at which many educational journeys begin to diverge. Children facing academic difficulties, poverty, family responsibilities, migration or inadequate support can gradually disengage from schooling and eventually drop out. The challenge becomes even more pronounced at the upper-secondary level. Indias national benchmark was 84% completion by 2025, rising to 88% by 2030. Yet the latest available UNESCO data put India's upper-secondary completion rate at around 63.9% in 2024. The gap between the current position and the national ambition is therefore substantial. Upper-secondary education is particularly important because it connects school education with higher education, vocational training, employability and the broader opportunities available in adult life. These figures should also make us rethink the way we discuss dropout and retention. A dropout number is not merely an administrative statistic. Behind every percentage is a young person whose educational trajectory has been interrupted. The reasons may include poverty, academic difficulty, lack of parental support, distance, migration, family responsibilities, disengagement or the belief that education offers inadequate returns. Addressing these factors requires stronger early-warning systems, academic support, counselling, parent engagement and meaningful pathways towards higher education and employment. India has undoubtedly made significant progress in expanding access to education. The UNESCO Scorecard should therefore not be interpreted as a declaration that India's education system has failed. It should instead be read as an accountability document. Our targets tell us where we intend to go, while the data tell us whether the pace of progress is sufficient. The uncomfortable gap between ambition and outcomes is precisely where serious educational policy must begin. The message is clear. India needs not merely more children entering classrooms, but more children staying, completing and learning. Achieving the ambitions of NEP 2020 and SDG 4 will require sustained public investment, stronger secondary-school retention, better support for vulnerable learners and a sharper focus on completion. The real measure of educational progress is not simply how many children we enrol, but how many we successfully carry to the finish line. (The author is an educationist and columnist based in north Kashmir. He writes extensively on educational, social and youth-related issues. He can be reached at: rayeesmasroor111@gmail.com )
Niche tourism to Konkani AI models: Khaunte
NT Reporter Mapusa Tourism and IT Minister Rohan Khaunte, in his Independence Day address at the Administrative Office in Bardez, outlined thegovernments vision of building a Viksit Goa by balancing economic development with the preservation of the states culture, heritage and identity. Khaunte said tourism would continue to remain the backbone of Goaseconomy, while stressing []
Government weighs PNG drive 3.0 to speed up adoption; launch likely in September
The government is set to launch the PNG Drive 3.0 initiative, designed to expedite gas connections for households and industries alike. Previous drives resulted in heightened PNG adoption due to worries surrounding LPG supply. Officials are currently frustrated with their progress and goals. The ministry is determined to enhance PNG consumption in cities that already have relevant infrastructure.
Hockey World Cup: Important to start with a good win, says Harmanpreet
India captain Harmanpreet Singh on Saturday expressed satisfaction on his side's 3-1 victory over Wales in the men's Hockey World Cup opener here, saying that it was important to win the first match by a good margin and get full three points. We played very well. Our aim was to create chances and score goals match after match. It doesn't matter who is the man of the match or who is scoring the goals. We just need to score goals. We played with that mindset, Harmanpreet, who scored a brace in the team's win, said after the match. It was important to begin with a good win. We won 3-1 and took three points, which is a good result, he added. Wales scored in the final minutes to deny India a clean sheet, but Harmanpreet said his team would learn from their mistakes in future matches. We tried our best, but they also played well. This was only the first match, and we will try not to make mistakes in future matches. said the ace drag-flicker. India scored all three goals from penal
Quote of the day by Xunzi: Ancient Chinese philosopher Xunzi emphasized the difficulty of pursuing multiple goals simultaneously. He believed that attempting to travel two roads at once leads to nowhere. This ancient wisdom highlights the importance of focused effort for achieving progress.
India beat Wales 3-1 in FIH Hockey World Cup opener with three penalty corner goals
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Quote of the day by George Orwell: George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four warns about power becoming the ultimate goal. His quote highlights that control is sought for its own sake. Orwell, born Eric Blair, explored oppression and totalitarian rule in his works. He experienced colonial rule and the Spanish Civil War firsthand.
Former Tennis Star Roberto Bautista Agut Shines with Two Goals in Football Debut
New Delhi, August 15: Former tennis player and 2019 Wimbledon semifinalist Roberto Bautista Agut made a remarkable entrance into football, scoring two goals in his debut match. The 38-year-old athlete played a crucial role in leading Spains seventh-tier team, CD El Esbarzos, to a 4-2 victory. Just a month after retiring from tennis, Bautista Agut ... Read more Former Tennis Star Roberto Bautista Agut Shines with Two Goals in Football Debut
A 25-year-old Gen Z professional reportedly turned down a 1 crore job offer because he did not want to compromise on his mental peace and work environment. The decision has sparked a debate online about how younger workers are redefining career success, while psychology suggests that behaviours such as questioning conventional choices and prioritising long-term goals can often be misunderstood by society.
Hockey World Cup: Harmanpreet Reflects on India's Strong Start
India's men's hockey team, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, secured a 3-1 victory over Wales in their Hockey World Cup opener. Harmanpreet, who scored two goals, expressed satisfaction with the win, emphasizing the importance of a strong start. Despite conceding a late goal, the team remains confident and focused on a podium finish.
Karnataka, Bihar, Mizoram Shine in Jr Women's Hockey
On the fourth day of the 16th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship 2026, Karnataka, Bihar, and Mizoram secured significant victories. Karnataka defeated Uttarakhand 6-1, Bihar beat Goa 6-0, and Mizoram overcame Kerala 2-0. Other matches saw Assam, Gujarat, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu also win, with Rajasthan and Jammu & Kashmir receiving forfeit victories.
No proposal for Environmental Clearance pending for Mahadayi: Centre
Karnataka officials argue that an Environmental Clearance is not needed for a drinking water project, and therefore, the question raised by Goa MP in Lok Sabha is irrelevant
No proposal for Environmental Clearance pending for Mahadayi: Centre
Karnataka officials argue that an Environmental Clearance is not needed for a drinking water project, and therefore, the question raised by Goa MP in Lok Sabha is irrelevant
Karnataka, Bihar, Mizoram register wins in Jr Women''s National Hockey Championship
Karnataka, Bihar, and Mizoram secured victories in their respective matches. Karnataka defeated Uttarakhand by a commanding 6-1 margin in their game. Bihar also achieved a comprehensive 6-0 win against Goa in another contest. Mizoram earned a 2-0 victory over Kerala in their pool encounter. Other teams like Assam and Gujarat also registered wins in their divisions.
Leopard carries away goat from farm shed near Thalavadi
Python Enters UP Meat Shop To Hunt Goat. Drunk Man Wraps It Around His Neck
The bizarre situation pulled in a large crowd, eager to witness the astonishing incident. Passersby and local shopkeepers stood in awe as they saw the scene unfold.
India beat Wales 3-1 to begin FIH Men's Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign with a win
India secured a 3-1 victory against Wales in their opening World Cup match. Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored two penalty-corner goals to establish an early lead. India extended their advantage to three goals after the break with another penalty-corner conversion. Wales managed to score a consolation goal in the final minutes of play. This win places India at the top of Pool D in the tournament.
Harmanpreet Singh's brace powers India to 3-1 win over Wales in World Cup opener
India began their FIH Hockey World Cup campaign with a strong 3-1 victory over Wales. Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored two goals, leading the team's dominant performance. Sanjay opened the scoring for India in the eighth minute of the match. Wales managed to pull one goal back late in the game. India secured three points from their opening Pool D fixture.
CM Naidu calls for collective resolve to build Swarna Andhra by 2047
Highlighting the goal of a Healthy, Wealthy and Happy AP, the Chief Minister says the government has spent 1.50 lakh crore on welfare and 1.34 lakh crore on development in 26 months
Goa Government To Create Up To 8,000 Jobs In Next Six Months: Says Pramod Sawant
Goa CM Pramod Sawant announces 6,000 to 8,000 government jobs in six months, along with new infrastructure projects and cultural initiatives.
Goa's Drone Didi Initiative: A Boost For Women Entrepreneurship
Goa has successfully completed its first pilot drone-skilling workshop for 12 women and plans to train 100 women annually under the Goa Drone Didi Training Scheme. This initiative aims to promote drone technology, rural livelihoods, and women-led entrepreneurship, aligning with the Centre's Namo Drone Didi programme.
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi urged planning for Viksit Bharat by 2047. He noted only two decades remain to achieve this ambitious national goal. The state government is committed to welfare and development for all citizens. New hostels and safety measures are being implemented for vulnerable communities. Gujarat is a role model, providing significant employment opportunities for young people.
UCIL aims to boost nuclear fuel supply for India's 100 GW goal by 2047: CMD
Uranium Corporation of India Limited chairman-cum-managing director Dr K Anand Rao on Saturday said UCIL is committed to play a leading role to ensure the supply of nuclear fuel and contribute to the goal of 'Vikshit Bharat' by 2047. Hoisting the tricolour on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day at UCIL premises in Jaduguda, about 30 km from Jamshedpur, Rao said that, on the directive of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, UCIL is committed to play a leading role to ensure supply of nuclear fuel for country's nuclear energy programme and achieve the target of 100 GW nuclear energy to contribute in the vision Vikshit Bharat by 2047. Describing August 15th as the most important day of the glorious history of the country, when we achieved freedom following a long struggle and sacrifices, Rao said India has emerged as a strong and self-dependent nation on the global platform. The public sector unit has been continuously enhancing its mining and processing capacities to achieve thi
Ferran Torres Joins PSG After World Cup Glory with Spain
Paris, August 15: Ferran Torres, the forward who scored the only goal in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final for Spain, has officially joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). He has signed a contract with the French club that extends until 2031 and will wear the jersey number 9. Torres netted the winning goal against Argentina in ... Read more Ferran Torres Joins PSG After World Cup Glory with Spain
India vs Wales LIVE Score, FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Pool D Score and Results: The first quarter is underway in the opening match of the Men's Hockey World Cup between India and Wales.
UCIL eyes bigger uranium output to fuel Indias 100 GW nuclear push
UCIL aims to lead nuclear fuel supply for India's energy program. The company is enhancing mining and processing capacities for this goal. New mining activities are planned in other parts of the country. UCIL will utilize tailing ponds and expand its Tummalapalle plant. Environmental clearances are being sought for the Rohil project in Rajasthan.
Are Indian Careers Judged Before Theyre Even Chosen?
Still chasing Sharma Ji Ka Beta? In India, career choices are often about more than passion. From parents and peers to social status, money and job security, young people can find themselves choosing, or defending, careers based on what society considers respectable.This story explores why some professions continue to command greater respect, how socio-economic background shapes career choices, why women face additional societal pressures, and whether India is slowly moving from What will people say? to What do I actually want?. #CareerChoices #CareerPressure #CareerStatus #SharmaJiKaBeta #IndianYouth #CareerGuidance #ParentalPressure #SocialPressure #CareerSuccess #PassionVsPrestige #CareerGoals #IndianSociety #YouthInIndia #CareerDecisions #NameVsStatus
Arnold Schwarzenegger believes people may not hate their jobs as much as they hate lacking meaningful goals. Drawing from his bodybuilding journey, he says having a clear destination made every workout rewarding because each repetition brought him closer to becoming Mr. Universe. His message highlights how purpose can make difficult work worthwhile, while resilience and repeatedly getting back up are essential to achieving ambitious goals.
Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary emphasizes duty to realise development goals on 80th Independence Day
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Goa Chief Minister announces creation of 6,000 to 8,000 jobs in 6 months
Goa Chief Minister announces creation of to jobs in months
PSG sign World Cup final match-winner Torres from Barcelona
Ferran Torres, who scored the winning goal for Spain at the World Cup, has joined European champions Paris St-Germain from Barcelona.
Global innovation hub to AI skills training for 1 cr youth: PM Modi outlines nation's tech ambitions
New Delhi, Aug 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday put technology and innovation at the heart of India's growth ambitions, calling for leadership in emerging technologies and announcing AI skilling for one crore youth over the next one year. Addressing the nation on the 80th Independence Day, Modi said new frontiers in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, space, robotics and data centres are opening up rapidly, and stressed the need for the country to take the lead in technology and innovation. Outlining a seven-point framework for 'Viksit Bharat' - India's goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047 - the PM identified technology and innovation as the third 'shakti' of the Sapta Dhara vision, saying rapid advances in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, space, robotics and data centres are creating new opportunities. Today, the world is one of AI, quantum, space, robotics and data centres. New areas have opened up, the prime minister said. Modi further said India must respond to the challenges posed by emerging technologies by becoming a global innovation hub rather than merely a market for the world. We must become a global hub for innovation, he emphasised. Modi said India had already demonstrated, to the world, its capabilities in UPI and digital public infrastructure, and now needs to emerge as a force in 'digital public technologies'. India must lead in next-generation communications technology. Made-in-India 6G should reach every corner, and that should be our goal, he said. Placing a strong emphasis on preparing India's youth for the artificial intelligence-driven economy, Modi announced a large-scale skilling push. In the coming one year, we will work to provide AI skills training to one crore youth, so that India's youth can lead in the AI era, Modi said. The PM noted that energy security was becoming increasingly critical to India's technological ambitions, with chips, AI and data centres requiring vast amounts of electricity. He identified nuclear energy as a key component of energy security, and said the country is targeting 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, and plans to commission five new reactors this decade. Modi said cybersecurity was becoming a concern for every household. It is a domain of defence that offers an opportunity to harness the capabilities of India's youth, both for the country and the world, he pointed out. The prime minister also pointed to the changing nature of warfare, saying modern conflicts could target critical infrastructure such as refineries, banks and data centres rather than remain confined to borders. He said work on 'Mission Sudarshan Chakra' is progressing rapidly, and further added India's defence exports had risen nearly 50-fold. India's technology companies should aspire to become global leaders, the PM said while also calling for creation of homegrown brands that gain worldwide recognition and become synonymous with the country's identity. Modi said the government is seeking to draw young Indians towards technology from an early age, pointing to more than 10,000 'Atal Tinkering Labs' and the expansion of the startup ecosystem, itself. He also highlighted the achievements by young Indians in launching satellites and rockets. You may have seen how young Indians, averaging just 28 years of age, achieved a global first: they successfully launched their own satellite and rocket on their very first attempt, accomplishing a truly monumental feat, he said. Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 recently became India's first privately-developed rocket to successfully reach orbit, marking a historic milestone for the country's private space sector and commercial launch capabilities.
Modi's Independence Day Call For Tech Leadership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address, highlighted technology and innovation as central to India's goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. He called for India to lead in emerging technologies like AI, quantum computing, and space, announcing a massive AI skilling initiative for one crore youth. Modi stressed the importance of becoming a global innovation hub, bolstering energy security with nuclear power, and strengthening cybersecurity.
South Koreas President Lee Proposes Dialogue with North Korea
Seoul, August 15: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has made a significant proposal for dialogue with North Korea. On Saturday, he suggested formally ending the long-standing war between the two nations and initiating discussions on practical ways to halt North Koreas nuclear program. Lee emphasized his goal of establishing a permanent peace framework to replace ... Read more South Koreas President Lee Proposes Dialogue with North Korea
Why life insurance should be part of your financial freedom plan, not an afterthought
Financial freedom requires more than wealth creation. Learn how life insurance, emergency savings and disciplined SIP investing can protect family finances, support long-term goals and build a stronger financial plan against unexpected life events.
5 lakh investment plan: How to allocate your money wisely by age, risk and financial goals
Learn how to invest 5 lakh wisely at different ages with a practical asset allocation strategy covering equity, mutual funds, fixed deposits, gold and liquidity, while balancing risk, financial goals, family responsibilities and long-term wealth creation.
CJI Surya Kant wishes India stronger and brighter future on Independence Day
Chief Justice Surya Kant extended Independence Day greetings and wished for India's progress. Prime Minister Modi hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort while addressing the nation. He expressed strong confidence that India will become a developed nation by 2047. The Prime Minister urged citizens to dream big and work towards realizing this goal. The recitation of 'Vande Mataram' at Red Fort was noted as a historic moment.
PM ModisIndependence Day 2026 speech: Here are the key announcements
Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlines key initiatives aimed at achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047, says India must focus on key sectors, including digital technologies and nuclear energy
Urea, DAP kept affordable for farmers despite a global price surge: PM Modi in his Red Fort address
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted government efforts to provide affordable fertilizers. He stated that urea and DAP are available to farmers at significantly subsidized prices. Global fertilizer prices have seen a sharp increase due to geopolitical tensions. The government is absorbing the cost difference to ease farmers' financial burden. This initiative supports India's goal of self-reliance and a developed nation.
