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 []
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.
Six months of war: Iran stands, US goals remain unmet as conflict drags
The Iranian leadership, increasingly dominated by military men, sees its own survival as the nation's, and it considers the sacrifices of ordinary Iranians as a necessary act of patriotism
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
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.
Neurosurgeon says one habit can train your brain to help you win in life: Everytime you rehearse
You can indeed manifest your dreams to come true. According to neuroscience, there is a process called neuroplasticity, which trains the brain to align itself with your desires and help you achieve your goals more quickly. However, that requires positive thinking and developing certain habits.
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.
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.
Six Months In, Iran Appears Stronger and U.S. Goals Unclear
Trump
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 .
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.
Barcelona Triumphs Over Athletic Bilbao 2-0 in La Liga Opener
Barcelona, August 28: FC Barcelona kicked off the 2026/27 La Liga season with an impressive victory. After winning their first match, they defeated Athletic Bilbao 2-0 at Camp Nou in their second encounter. Raphinha scored the first goal in the 37th minute, followed by Fermn Lpez, who netted the second in the 82nd minute, playing ... Read more Barcelona Triumphs Over Athletic Bilbao 2-0 in La Liga Opener
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
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.
This multimedia installation explores the notion of home and memory
Reminiscences of Home, a multimedia installation by Assamese indigenous artist Dhiraj Rabha, combines archival material, interviews, audio-video, and physical structures to give voice to the untold stories of people who lived in a Goalpara camp for former ULFA members
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 []
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.
Amit Shah Urges Graduates to Set Goals for Society, Not Just Themselves
Ahmedabad, August 27: Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed graduating students at Gujarat Vidyapeeth on Thursday, urging them to set goals that extend beyond personal ambitions and family interests. He emphasized the importance of aiming for the betterment of society and marginalized communities. This perspective, he noted, would help them face challenges without the burden ... Read more Amit Shah Urges Graduates to Set Goals for Society, Not Just Themselves
Nadda has cordial discussions with one faction of anti-quota protesters
Other Reservation Hatao Andolan leaders claim delegation was a government plant, insist that protests will continue; CJPs Abhijeet Dipke asks why Mr. Nadda is not naming the movement or its goals
Some stocks and mutual funds may remain in your portfolio despite prolonged underperformance. These zombie investments may no longer fit your strategy or goals. Here's how investors can spot warning signs and review whether such investments still deserve a place in their portfolio.
American eagle vs Canadian goose: How a Goan photographer's US retreat was edited out
The White House shared an image of a bald eagle attacking a Canadian goose. This photograph was intended to symbolise American dominance in trade negotiations. However, the actual wildlife event showed the goose fighting back successfully. The eagle eventually abandoned its pursuit, and the image backfired diplomatically. This incident highlights the administration's social media efforts often failing.
Sidharth Malhotra is set to explore the world of Indian folklore with The Vvaan, an upcoming fantasy adventure also starring Tamannaah Bhatia. For the actor, preparing for the role involved more than achieving a particular physique. He focused on developing the physicality required for a character navigating the film's demanding world. Speaking about his approach to preparing for physically demanding roles, Sidharth said, For me, the physical preparation always starts with understanding the character and what the world demands of him. I don't believe you can just arrive on set and expect the physicality to come together. It has to become part of the character. The actor explained that he distinguishes between simply looking fit and being physically ready for the requirements of a role. For The Vvaan, this meant considering how his character moves and responds to different situations. There is a difference between looking fit and being physically prepared for a role. For Vvaan, I had to think about how this character moves, how he reacts, how he carries himself and how he physically survives everything the story puts him through. The training has to support all of that, he said. Sidharth has previously undergone specialised training for action-oriented roles. For Yodha, he worked on close-quarter and hand-to-hand combat with Craig Macrae and his team, while also focusing on his overall conditioning. His preparation for The Vvaan similarly involved developing functional strength and agility suited to the character. The actor said he enjoys the physical aspect of preparing for his films, particularly when it allows him to learn something new for a role. I actually enjoy the physical side of preparing for a film. I like being active, and I like pushing myself to learn something new for every character, Sidharth said. He added, The goal isn't to make the training visible. The goal is for the audience to believe the character when they see him on screen. According to Sidharth, maintaining a sense of realism was particularly important for The Vvaan, given its fantastical setting. The world of Vvaan is unlike anything I've done before. So the responsibility was to make sure that even within this fantastical setting, the character always feels grounded and believable, he said. The Vvaan is rooted in folklore and combines elements of fantasy, adventure, mystery and humour. The film is written by Arunabh Kumar and directed by Deepak Mishra, with Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia in the lead roles. The project also marks a collaboration between TVF, Balaji Motion Pictures and 11.11 Production. Presented by Balaji Motion Pictures, a division of Balaji Telefilms Ltd, in association with TVF and 11.11 Production, the film is produced by Shobha Kapoor, Ektaa R Kapoor, Arunabh Kumar and Niraj Kothari. Manu Anand serves as the director of photography and visual director. The Vvaan is scheduled to release in cinemas on September 25, 2026. Also Read:The Vvaan teaser out: Sidharth Malhotra, Tamannaah Bhatia lead a visually stunning fantasy folklore spectacle
Nike bags drop as low as $31: Tech Crossbody, Varsity Elite USA, Commute Tote, more (Up to 38% off)
Today we sifted through Nikes official sale page with one goal in mind: find the best bag markdowns. We hand picked 10 different options that range from the Tech Crossbody Bag to its Soccer Duffel, Gym Club Training Bag, and more. Just note that you can also score quarter-zip sweaters from $15 , Bruno Marcs hybrid MaxFlex oxfords at $35 , and much more in our apparel guide . Head below to see the Nike bags on sale.
Amit Shah urges Gujarat Vidyapith graduates to set goals for society and nation
The News Mill
Hockey WC: India hammer Germany 3-1 to seal best finish since 1974
India defeated Germany 3-1 to finish fifth at the 2026 Womens Hockey World Cup, their best result at the tournament in 52 years. After a goalless first half, Ishika opened the scoring before Navneet Kaur struck twice in quick succession. Germany pulled one back late through Krings, but India held firm to complete a memorable campaign.
Historic! India Women Claim Fifth Place at Hockey World Cup
The Indian women's hockey team secured a commendable fifth-place finish at the FIH World Cup by defeating Germany 3-1 in a classification match, with Navneet Kaur scoring two goals.
86 percent of employers see rising AI adoption in recruitment, says Deloitte report
Artificial intelligence is reshaping campus hiring as employers increasingly adopt it. Organizations are boosting recruitment budgets and strengthening internship programs for talent. AI integration is redefining campus readiness and driving demand for new skills. Critical roles in AI and technology are attracting higher compensation premiums. Gender diversity is now an explicit campus hiring goal for organizations.
Raising a child in India could cost nearly Rs 7 crore, financial advisors estimate sparks debate
Finance advisor and content creator Udayan Adhye has sparked an online discussion after estimating that raising a child in an Indian metro could cost nearly Rs 6.75 crore. His calculation considers education inflation alongside healthcare, extracurricular activities, technology, travel, childcare and lifestyle spending. Adhye says parents should treat these expenses as long-term financial goals rather than relying only on present-day costs.
Quote of the Day by Jennifer Lopez: Jennifer Lopezs quote, I think the best partner you can have is someone who makes you want to be the best form of yourself, explores the importance of encouragement, personal growth, and emotional support in relationships. The quote suggests that a meaningful partnership should inspire people to recognize their potential, pursue their goals, and become better versions of themselves. A supportive partner can provide motivation, understanding, and confidence without trying to change a persons identity or individuality.
Goa bill proposes life imprisonment for forced religious conversion
FDA action in Goa: Three govt canteens in Porvorim asked to stop operations
The FDA had carried out inspections as part of a surveillance exercise covering canteens and eateries operating in and around office establishments in the area, officials said
Ganpati special trains: CR to run four more services between Mumbai-Madgaon
According to an official statement, the special trains will run on September 11 and 13, 2026, providing additional travel options for passengers travelling between Mumbai and Goa and destinations along the Konkan route
Barcelona Signs Croatia Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic From Fenerbahce
Barcelona said that the 31-year-old Livakovic signed a contract until 2030
Goa FDA Flags Serious Lapses, Halts Operations at 3 Government Canteens
FDA ordered three canteens to halt operations after inspections found serious hygiene and structural deficiencies.
Would A Child Plan Or Term Plus SIP Still Fund The Goal If A Parent Dies?
Most comparisons between a child insurance plan and a term policy paired with a SIP focus on which one grows your money faster. That's the wrong question to lead with. The actual point of either option is to make sure a specific goal, say 50,00,000 for a child's education in 15 years, still gets funded if the parent paying for it doesn't make it to the finish line. Almost nobody actually stress tests that scenario with real numbers before choosing. Here's what happens to each option if the parent dies partway through. Why Is This The Wrong Comparison Most Articles Make? Comparing returns assumes the parent survives the entire term, which is the outcome nobody actually needs protection for. The real test of either structure is what happens in the scenario where protection matters, the parent dying mid way through the goal. If a plan performs beautifully as long as nothing goes wrong, it hasn't actually been tested. What Happens To A Term Plus SIP Combo If The Parent Dies At Year Five? Say the goal is 50,00,000 in 15 years, and to get there through a SIP growing at an assumed 10% a year, the required contribution is about 12,450 a month. By year five, five years of that SIP has built up roughly 9,60,750. If the parent dies at this point, the term insurance pays out a lump sum to the family, separate from the SIP itself. What happens next depends entirely on what the family actually does with that money and their own finances going forward. If they keep the 12,450 monthly contribution going for the remaining ten years, using income from the term payout or other sources, the existing 9,60,750 plus ten more years of contributions reaches almost exactly the original 50,00,000 target. The math works out. But if the family doesn't continue those monthly contributions, whether because the term payout gets absorbed into immediate expenses, debt, or simply because nobody kept managing it, that 9,60,750 just sits and grows on its own. By year 15, it reaches only about 24,91,945, roughly half the original target, a shortfall of about 25,08,055 on the goal it was meant to fund. What Happens To A Child Insurance Plan In The Exact Same Scenario? Most child insurance plans include a built-in feature, often called a premium waiver or payor benefit, that activates automatically if the parent paying the premiums dies. All future premiums are waived, the policy continues exactly as originally structured, and the full maturity benefit, the original 50,00,000 target in this example, still gets paid out on schedule. No family member has to remember to do anything, redirect any money, or make any investment decisions during what's already the hardest period of their life. That's the actual mechanical difference. It isn't about which option earns more. It's that one option requires a grieving family to execute a plan correctly for ten more years, and the other doesn't require them to do anything at all. Does That Mean The Child Plan Always Wins? No, and this is the part that gets left out when this comparison turns into a sales pitch. In the much more likely scenario where the parent lives through the entire term, a pure term plus SIP combination will very often build a larger corpus for the same monthly outlay, since a straightforward money saving plan invested in growth assets tends to outperform the blended, more conservative return most child insurance plans are structured to deliver. You're comparing two different things: a guarantee that costs you some growth potential, against growth potential that comes with no guarantee at all if things go wrong. What Should You Actually Weigh Before Choosing? Question Favors term plus SIP Favors a child insurance plan Will the surviving parent or family actually manage investments consistently for years? Yes, confident in this Not certain, or no one else is equipped to Is the term cover sized generously enough to also fund continuing the SIP? Yes Doesn't matter as much here Do you want the goal amount fixed and certain no matter what happens? No, comfortable with some variability Yes, certainty matters more than upside Is maximizing the final corpus the top priority if nothing goes wrong? Yes Growth is secondary to guaranteed floor Who Should Lean Toward A Child Insurance Plan For This Goal? If you're not confident a spouse or family member would keep a SIP running through years of grief, life changes, or simply losing track, or if there's genuinely no one positioned to manage that money on the child's behalf, the automatic premium waiver removes that entire risk from the equation. Who Should Not Rely On Term Plus SIP Alone For This Goal? Don't lean purely on term plus SIP if your term cover isn't sized to comfortably absorb both ongoing family expenses and continuing this specific goal's contributions. Underinsured term cover is the most common reason this combination fails in practice, not poor investment choices. If the payout barely covers a couple of years of expenses, there's nothing left to keep the SIP going, and the goal quietly falls behind. What Should You Actually Do? Size the term cover first, generously enough that continuing every existing financial commitment, including this goal's monthly contribution, is realistic without touching the core payout. If you're confident that discipline will hold, term plus SIP usually builds more toward the same goal. If you'd rather remove that dependency entirely, a child insurance plan with a premium waiver benefit guarantees the number regardless of what happens next. Many families split the difference, covering part of the target through a plan with a built in guarantee and the rest through growth investments, so the worst case still funds something close to the full goal, and the best case still leaves room to do better.
Kolkata, August 27: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated on Thursday that the primary goal of the newly established dual-engine government is to ensure public welfare through economic transformation in the state. He emphasized his readiness to attract significant investments and facilitate ease of doing business in West Bengal to achieve this objective. While ... Read more West Bengals Dual-Engine Government Aims for Economic Transformation, Says Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari
3 govt office canteens shut in Goa after FDA finds structural, hygiene lapses
Goa's Food and Drug Administration has halted three government canteens. Serious structural deficiencies and poor kitchen hygiene were observed during a recent drive. The health minister stated operations will resume after compliance is verified. The FDA will now conduct a special drive across institutions in Goa. Canteen contractors must ensure strict adherence to food safety standards.
Psychology says people who keep feeling the pain of losing someone may not be choosing to stay stuck
The psychological goal of grief is not necessarily to erase the person from your thoughts. Sometimes, adapting to loss means learning to live with their absence while still holding on to the memories, values and meaning that the relationship brought into your life.
Tata Power Renewable Energy commissions 72.5 MW solar project in Rajasthan
Tata Power Renewable Energy has commissioned a 72.5 megawatt solar project in Rajasthan. This new facility will supply clean energy to Tata Steel through a subsidiary. The project is expected to generate significant green energy annually and reduce carbon emissions. With this addition, TPREL's total renewable utility capacity now stands at 12.3 gigawatts. This development advances Tata Steel's decarbonisation efforts and India's renewable energy goals.
Dehradun T20 Leagues Goal Is To Provide An Environment That Speeds Up Their Growth: Mahim Verma
Dehradun T20 League: Former BCCI vice-president and former Cricket Association of Uttarakhand secretary Mahim Verma believes the inaugural Dehradun T20 League 2026 will provide a crucial platform for young cricketers in the state, offering them greater exposure and an opportunity to develop in a professional competitive environment. The six-team franchise tournament will be held from September 2 to 9 at the Abhimanyu Cricket Academy in Dehradun, featuring Rishikesh Dragons, Doiwala Kings, Mussoorie Thunder, Herbertpur Knightriders, Vikasnagar Dhamaka and Selaqui Strikers. A total of 18 matches will be played during the competition. Verma said one of the league's primary objectives was to bridge the gap between grassroots cricket and the professional game by giving promising players an environment in which they could test themselves under pressure. Our main goal with the Dehradun T20 League is to give our boys the kind of environment that speeds up their growth. Uttarakhand has no shortage of raw talent, but what our young players needed was a high-exposure platform where they could test themselves under pressure, learn professional match standards, and get noticed, Verma said. Navneet Mishra, CEO of the Dehradun T20 League, said organisers had focused on creating a professional ecosystem for players through investment in infrastructure, broadcast facilities and player welfare. We haven't spared any effort in making sure this league matches the highest professional standards in terms of infrastructure, broadcast, and player facilities. Our focus is to create an ecosystem where young athletes feel valued and inspired to perform at their absolute best. Seeing the enthusiasm from players and franchises alike gives us complete confidence that this league will become a cornerstone for cricket development in the region, Mishra stated. According to Verma, one of the key benefits for emerging players will be the opportunity to share dressing rooms and playing environments with experienced domestic cricketers, helping them understand the demands of competing at higher levels. When an 18 or 19-year-old kid shares a dugout with established domestic names, their entire perspective changes. They learn how to handle big-match pressure, how to prepare mentally, and how to carry themselves as professionals. That exposure is priceless, and it will give them the confidence to perform at higher levels of Indian cricket, Verma added. All 18 matches, including 15 league fixtures, two semi-finals and the final, will provide the tournament and its players a wider audience. When an 18 or 19-year-old kid shares a dugout with established domestic names, their entire perspective changes. They learn how to handle big-match pressure, how to prepare mentally, and how to carry themselves as professionals. That exposure is priceless, and it will give them the confidence to perform at higher levels of Indian cricket, Verma added. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories With the inaugural edition set to get underway next month, the organisers are hoping the Dehradun T20 League will establish a stronger pathway for emerging talent and become a significant platform for the continued development of cricket in Uttarakhand. Article Source: IANS
U.S. Reaffirms Commitment to Complete Denuclearization of North Korea
Seoul, August 27: The United States has reiterated its goal of achieving complete denuclearization of North Korea, asserting that there has been no change in its policy. This statement comes amid growing speculation about a potential summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. According to the Yonhap News Agency, a ... Read more U.S. Reaffirms Commitment to Complete Denuclearization of North Korea
50 Goals Per Season Not Enough: Deep Dive Into German Youth System With Borussia Dortmund
Speaking to NDTV in Germany, the Director of Borussia Dortmund's Youth Academy, Paul Schaffran, addressed the million-dollar question regarding the country's unsuccessful World Cup runs over the last decade and explained how the club is playing a central role in its pursuit of a revival.
50,000 goats once ravaged Hawaiis Kahoolawe island before eradication
After six months of Iran war, US goals have shifted. The Strait of Hormuz is now a top concern
Six months after its start, the US war with Iran shows no clear end in sight. Original objectives have shifted, and some key goals remain unfulfilled. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane, has been largely closed since the war began. While US forces achieved tactical successes, Iran's nuclear program and proxy groups are still concerns.
Trump-Iran war at six months: goals shift, Hormuz remains shut, no end in sight
TrumpIran war at six months goals shift Hormuz remains shut no end in sight
Adobe to Offer Free Express, AI Skill-Building Resources Across Government Schools in India
Adobe on Thursday announced a new education initiative in India that will bring free access to Adobe Express for Education to government schools, through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the respective state governments. The programme covers seven states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Assam and Goa and expand Adobe's K-12 reach. The company said that it will provide access to its digital media app, along with resources focused on digital creativity and AI skills.
Ahmedabad, August 27: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel was warmly welcomed at Ahmedabad Airport upon his return from a successful trip to the United States and Canada. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi greeted him at the airport. Patel emphasized that the state governments goal is to attract more global investment to Gujarat. In a conversation ... Read more Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel Welcomed at Ahmedabad Airport, Aims for Increased Global Investment
Goa cabinet clears anti-conversion bill, to be tabled in upcoming assembly session
Goa's cabinet has approved a bill against religious conversion, proposing stringent penalties. This bill will be tabled in the state assembly's upcoming monsoon session for consideration. Offenders may face up to life imprisonment and significant fines for unlawful conversions. Marriages conducted solely for religious conversion will be declared void under the new legislation. Similar anti-conversion laws have already been enacted in several other Indian states.
World Cup Sensation Vozinha Makes Colo-Colo Debut In Copa Chile Clash
Goalkeeper Vozinha - who starred during Cape Verde's World Cup debut - finally made his first appearance for Chilean powerhouses Colo-Colo on Wednesday in a Copa Chile soccer match against Union Espanola.
Fenerbahce Stun Lyon In Champions League As AEK Crush Levski
Goals from Vedat Muriqi and English defender Archie Brown helped Fenerbahce stun Lyon in the Champions League on Wednesday and qualify for the league phase.
1 Kashmir-tested antibiotic among 199 samples flagged in CDSCOs July alert
Srinagar, Aug 26:A Cefpodoxime dispersible tablet sample tested through DTL, Dalgate Srinagar has failed description test, and is listed among the 199 flagged samples found Not of Standard Quality by Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO). The country-wide alert includes medicines, cosmetics and medical devices found NSQ or misbranded. One product, Diabetes All Powder has been declared spurious. The spurious drug sample tested at Chattrapati Sambhajinagar Lab in Maharashtra raises serious concerns about a formulation that was being sold for life-threatening disease diabetes. The CDSCO has a robust network of laboratories across states and UTs for ensuing quality healthcare formulations, disposables, devices and other items in healthcare. The batch of Cefpodoxime Dispersible Tablets Nexopod-100DT is an antibiotic sample reported by the Drug Testing Laboratory (DTL), Dalgate, Srinagar. It has been included among 199 drug, cosmetic and medical-device samples flagged by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in its July 2026 State Drug Alert. The antibiotic sample was recorded as failing the Description test. The product Cefpodoxime Dispersible Tablets Nexopod -100DT, with batch number BL-033E25 is the NSQ sample listed. Its manufacturing date is listed as May-2025, while the expiry is Apr-2027. The manufacturer has been identified as Austin Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Antibiotics remain among the medicines routinely used across clinics and hospitals. The CDSCO's July alert covers a broad range of pharmaceutical and healthcare products, including antibiotics, antidiabetics, antihypertensives, analgesics, gastrointestinal medicines, cardiovascular drugs, corticosteroids, antiepileptics, vitamin and mineral preparations, including injections. It also lists medical devices and cosmetic products. The 199 samples have been flagged under different categories of quality and compliance failures, involving parameters such as assay, dissolution, disintegration, identification, description, pH, sterility, uniformity of weight, content of active ingredients and compliance with label claims. Many products have been classified as misbranded. The July list contains several other antibiotic formulations including Cefixime Dispersible Tablets IP. Many formulations of Amoxycillin and Potassium Clavulanate Tablets IP, a commonly prescribed antibiotic combination have failed quality tests. A Levofloxacin Tablets IP 500 mgandCefpodoximeProxetil-Clavulanic Acid have also been listed as NSQ. Pantoprazole Tablets IP, manufactured by Finecure Pharmaceuticals, is among the products listed, alongside Methotrexate Tablets IP 7.5 mg manufactured by Macmillon Pharmaceuticals, Calcium and Vitamin D3 Tablets IP manufactured by Cureza Healthcare, Pregabalin Capsules IP 300 mg manufactured by Divine Medicare, Itraconazole 100 mg manufactured by MK Healthcare. The July alert also includes Calcium and Vitamin D3 Tablets IP. Failures extend to injections and topical medicines. Shockingly, Oxytocin Injection IP 5 IU/ml. The July 2026 State Drug Alert reflects quality-control findings reported by laboratories across multiple jurisdictions, including Punjab, Rajasthan, Odisha, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Chandigarh.
Advanced care must become a right, not a privilege: LG Sinha
Srinagar, Aug 26:Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said advanced care must become a right, not a privilege. Addressing the Quaternary Healthcare and Research Summit in Srinagar, LG Sinha emphasised that the summit marks a turning point in Jammu and Kashmir and Indias healthcare journey, where J&K and the nation must move beyond tertiary care and embrace quaternary-level treatment and research to ensure equal access for all citizens. Recalling his visit to Akhnoor during the 'Back to Village' programme in 2020, he shared a poignant interaction with doctors who discussed diagnosis for rare diseases and need for modern equipment. The LG said this moment revealed the greatest distance confronting us in J&K is the gap between healthcare available in small district hospitals and the healthcare actually required. He stressed that bridging this gap is a national priority. LG Sinha highlighted Indias remarkable progress under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. He said free treatment for more than 56 crore citizens surpassed the combined population of the US, France, Italy, and the UK. The LG said annual vaccination campaigns in the country covering 7 crore children, equal to the population of the UK. He said even e-Sanjeevani telemedicine providing care to 37 crore people annually, exceeding the population of the US. Expansion of infrastructure with 23 AIIMS, 2,045 medical colleges, and in Jammu Kashmir, 2 AIIMS, 10 medical colleges, 2 State Cancer Institutes, a Bone and Joint Hospital, a Paediatric Hospital, 52 nursing colleges, 23 paramedical colleges, and 5 pharmacy colleges are providing robust support to healthcare ecosystem. These figures show that India has succeeded in elevating primary, secondary, and tertiary care. But the time has come to scale up tertiary hospitals into quaternary centres, LG Sinha said. He also stressed that the advanced care must no longer remain a luxury confined to metropolitan cities. Quaternary care should not be a privilege reserved for the economically rich section of society. It must become a right of citizenship and a guarantee of the nation. For a very long time, quaternary care has been viewed as a luxury available only in metropolitan cities and accessible only to those who can afford it. I wish to state clearly from this platform that this era must now come to an end. The cooperation of all the stakeholders, private hospitals and research centres is essential for fulfilling this resolve, the LG said. He called upon hospitals to transform themselves into research institutions capable of organ transplantation, robotic and precision surgery, advanced genomics, cellular therapies, and AI-supported diagnostics. LG Sinha urged hospitals to allocate annual budgets for specialised infrastructure such as modern operating theatres and proton-beam therapy facilities. We must always remember that a quaternary centre should be capable of offering every diagnosis and treatment permitted by science. Therefore, hospitals will also have to make budgetary provisions to access expensive and modern technologies such as robotic surgery, gene therapy, proton-beam therapy and artificial-intelligence-based advanced diagnostics. While preparing the annual budget, hospitals should allocate funds each year for specialised infrastructure. This will enable them to gradually develop facilities such as modern operating theatres for delicate and complex procedures, he said. The LG also suggested building of a new corridor to connect district hospitals and tertiary centres directly with quaternary-care institutions, accelerating diagnostics, imaging, and specialist consultations. He said telemedicine and AI-enabled diagnostic tools should be integrated into standard healthcare infrastructure. He appealed for expanded fellowship and training opportunities in organ transplantation, oncology, genomics, and critical care. Advanced care is impossible without advanced specialists, LG Sinha said. He also suggested a mission uniting Himalayan states, J&K, universities, hospitals, private institutions, and innovators to jointly advance biomedical research and overcome funding challenges. We must develop new inventions ourselves instead of importing innovation from abroad, the LG said. He urged that hospitals be regarded as strategic national assets just like highways and ports, ensuring their preservation and development with equal dedication. We must create a robust quaternary-care framework that guarantees equal access to the son of a farmer and to a millionaire living in a city. This task will not be easy, but it must be undertaken as a matter of national dedication and service. Let us work together at this summit to prepare a strategy that will be remembered for the precise and effective implementation of these goals, LG Sinha said. On the occasion, he released Summit Souvenir and several publications. M Srinivas, Member, NITI Aayog; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Dr Digambar Behera, President, National Academy of Medical Sciences; Dr Kameshwar Prasad; M Raju, Commissioner Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department; Prof M Ashraf Ganie, Director SKIMS; heads of various institutions, researchers, scientists, and senior officials were also present on the occasion.
Companies may get a consult for nuclear power entry
Department of Atomic Energy is proposing a new consulting subsidiary for NPCIL. This unit will guide private companies entering the nation's nuclear energy sector. It will offer design, engineering, and regulatory support for PHWR units. The SHANTI Act opened nuclear generation to private players last year. This move supports India's goal of 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047.
AAP will ban E20 in Goa within 5 days of winning 2027 elections: Arvind Kejriwal
AAP will ban E in Goa within days of winning elections Arvind Kejriwal
Advanced healthcare must no longer remain luxury: LG Sinha
Srinagar, Aug 26: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said that quaternary care should not be a privilege reserved for the economically rich section of society. It must become a right of citizenship and a guarantee of the nation, the LG said as he addressed the Quaternary Healthcare & Research Summit in Srinagar. He added that the summit marks a turning point in Jammu Kashmir and India's healthcare journey. The Lieutenant Governor said the time has come to move beyond tertiary care and embrace quaternary-level treatment and research to ensure equal access for all citizens. Recalling his visit to Akhnoor during the Back to Village programme in 2020, the Lieutenant Governor shared a poignant interaction with doctors who discussed diagnosis for rare diseases and the need for modern equipment. He said this moment revealed that the greatest distance confronting us in the UT is the gap between healthcare available in small district hospitals and the healthcare actually required. He stressed that bridging this gap is a national priority. Sinha highlighted India's remarkable progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said free treatment for more than 56 crore citizens surpassed the combined population of the US, France, Italy, and the UK. He noted annual vaccination campaigns in the country covering 7 crore children, equal to the population of the UK, and e-Sanjeevani telemedicine providing care to 37 crore people annually, exceeding the population of the US. Expansion of infrastructure with 23 AIIMS, 2,045 medical colleges, and in Jammu Kashmir, 2 AIIMS, 10 medical colleges, 2 State Cancer Institutes, a Bone and Joint Hospital, a Paediatric Hospital, 52 nursing colleges, 23 paramedical colleges, and 5 pharmacy colleges are providing robust support to healthcare ecosystem. These figures show that India has succeeded in elevating primary, secondary, and tertiary care. But the time has come to scale up tertiary hospitals into quaternary centres, he said. The Lieutenant Governor stressed that advanced care must no longer remain a luxury confined to metropolitan cities. For a very long time, quaternary care has been viewed as a luxury available only in metropolitan cities and accessible only to those who can afford it. I wish to state clearly from this platform that this era must now come to an end. The cooperation of all the stakeholders, private hospitals and research centres is essential for fulfilling this resolve, he said. He called upon hospitals to transform themselves into research institutions capable of organ transplantation, robotic and precision surgery, advanced genomics, cellular therapies, and AI-supported diagnostics. He urged hospitals to allocate annual budgets for specialised infrastructure such as modern operating theatres and proton-beam therapy facilities. While preparing the annual budget, hospitals should allocate funds each year for specialised infrastructure. This will enable them to gradually develop facilities such as modern operating theatres for delicate and complex procedures, he said. The LG also suggested building a new corridor to connect district hospitals and tertiary centres directly with quaternary-care institutions, accelerating diagnostics, imaging, and specialist consultations. He said telemedicine and AI-enabled diagnostic tools should be integrated into standard healthcare infrastructure. He appealed for expanded fellowship and training opportunities in organ transplantation, oncology, genomics, and critical care. Advanced care is impossible without advanced specialists, he said. Sinha also suggested a mission uniting Himalayan states, Jammu Kashmir, universities, hospitals, private institutions and innovators to jointly advance biomedical research and overcome funding challenges. We must develop new inventions ourselves instead of importing innovation from abroad, he said. The Lieutenant Governor urged that hospitals be regarded as strategic national assets just like highways and ports, ensuring their preservation and development with equal dedication. We must create a robust quaternary-care framework that guarantees equal access to the son of a farmer and to a millionaire living in a city. This task will not be easy, but it must be undertaken as a matter of national dedication and service. Let us work together at this summit to prepare a strategy that will be remembered for the precise and effective implementation of these goals, he said. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor released Summit Souvenir and several publications. Dr M. Srinivas, Member, NITI Aayog; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Dr Digambar Behera, President, National Academy of Medical Sciences; Dr Kameshwar Prasad; M Raju, Commissioner Secretary, Health & Medical Education Department; Prof M. Ashraf Ganie, Director SKIMS; heads of various institutions, researchers, scientists, and senior officials were present.
