Prime Minister Modi Leads High-Level Meeting on Developed India Goals
New Delhi, July 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting at his residence on Wednesday to review progress towards the Developed India goals in rural development, agriculture, social welfare, and related sectors. The meeting included secretaries and senior officials from various ministries, who discussed ongoing programs, challenges, and future strategies in their respective ... Read more Prime Minister Modi Leads High-Level Meeting on Developed India Goals
Japanese mindset of the day: A Japanese saying advises against waiting for luck to change life's circumstances. Passively waiting for good fortune can hinder personal growth and missed opportunities. Taking action, even small steps, creates possibilities for learning and advancement. Effort and preparation are within our control, unlike unpredictable luck.
Like Tokyo Olympics, India can end five-decade World Cup medal drought: Harmanpreet
We had similar feelings as before the Tokyo Olympics. Our preparation is equally strong because our only goal is to end the 50-year World Cup podium drought, Harmanpreet said
State govt proposes first-of-its-kind framework to trace used cooking oil
Shahin Bepari Lambe Panaji With the aim of channeling used cooking oil for biodiesel production, the state government has proposed a first-of-its-kind framework to plug gaps in the collection and digital traceability of used cooking oil (UCO) in Goa. The will ensure that the oil is collected through authorised channels and eventually channelled for biodiesel []
Goa has potential to emerge as key Israel tourism hub
Diana Fernandes Margao Israel Ministry of Tourisms Director of Marketing, India, Amruta Bangera, who is currently in Goa,said the state has the potential to become one of Israels biggest tourism hubs, with opportunities extending beyond faith-based travel to leisure and MICE tourism. She also said discussions have been held on establishing direct flights between Goa []
Experts suggestions to shape Tribal Vision Document 2037
NT Reporter Margao Tribal Welfare Minister Ramesh Tawadkar on Wednesday said the Tribal Welfare Department would incorporate the views and suggestions of experts and resource persons while preparing the Goa Tribal Vision Document 2037. He made the statement after a one-day conference on the Goa Tribal Vision Document 2037 organised by the Directorate of Tribal []
Voices of support & dissent amplify, faultlines widen
NT Reporter Panaji The BJP Goa unit, led by president Damodar Damu Naik, staged a protest near Congress House in Panaji on Wednesday, accusing the Congress of promoting sponsored anarchy and manufactured chaos. Several state ministers, including Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte and Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar, along with MLAs and party workers, participated in the []
S Goa advocates back CJP protest, demand action over NEET issue
NT Reporter Margao A group of young advocates from South Goa on Wednesday extendedtheir support to the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), backing the youth-led movements ongoing national and local protests. The educational and systemic issues raised by the movement were not limited to Goa but reflected concerns across the country, they told reportersin Margao. The []
Quote of the day by Katharine Hepburn reminds people that success depends on completing what they begin instead of only making a strong start. The quote explains the value of resilience, perseverance, determination, endurance, execution and commitment. Katharine Hepburn's life and career reflected this message through many challenges, career setbacks and achievements. The quote continues to inspire people working toward personal, educational and professional goals.
Trump Administration Leverages Tariffs for New Trade Agreements
Washington, July 22: The Trump administration is utilizing tariffs to exert pressure on trade partner nations. The goal is to open their markets to American companies, ensure better compliance with regulations, and strengthen manufacturing in the United States. This statement was made by U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer during a session with lawmakers on Wednesday. ... Read more Trump Administration Leverages Tariffs for New Trade Agreements
Quote of the Day by Arnold Schwarzenegger: Arnold Schwarzeneggers quote, Bodybuilding is much like any other sport. To be successful, you must dedicate yourself 100% to your training, diet and mental approach, explores the importance of discipline, commitment, and a strong mindset in achieving success. The quote suggests that reaching any goal requires complete dedication, consistent effort, and proper preparation rather than relying only on talent or motivation. It highlights how physical training, healthy choices, and mental strength work together to create lasting progress.
Govt aims to double food processing level to 2% over next five years: Chirag Paswan
India plans to double its food processing level to twenty-five percent within five years. This ambitious goal follows significant reforms implemented over the past twelve years. The government views food processing as a priority sector for national economic growth. Various schemes are actively supporting micro and large food processing enterprises. Connecting every farm to a processing unit is a key future objective.
Best German proverb of the day: A German proverb highlights the dangers of delaying important tasks. The saying The devil's favorite piece of furniture is the long bench warns against procrastination. This ancient wisdom encourages timely action and efficient responsibility management. Procrastination can lead to missed opportunities and increased stress levels. Overcoming delay is crucial for achieving long-term personal and professional goals.
Messi's Gesture For Family Of Vozinha, Whho Gave Argentina Massive Scare
Cape Verde and their goalkeeper Vozinha had a memorable FIFA World Cup 2026 debut, despite going down 3-2 to defending champions Argentina in a valiantly contested match
How ULIP plans can help you with legacy planning
Legacy planning helps Indian families transfer wealth smoothly across generations. Unit Linked Insurance Plans offer life cover and market-linked growth potential. Life insurance provides immediate financial security after an unexpected earning member's demise. ULIPs build a long-term corpus and offer liquidity after a lock-in period. Bajaj Life Supreme can support wealth creation and family protection goals.
Environmental CSR in India has grown steadily over the past decade, with Corporate India investing Rs. 17,377 crore across environmental sustainability, conservation of natural resources and agroforestry initiatives. However, a new report by Sattva Consulting, powered by India Data Insights (IDI), finds that while environmental CSR has expanded, funding remains concentrated among a relatively small group of companies and is not always aligned with the geographies and sectors facing the country's greatest environmental challenges. The report, A Decade of Green Spending: What Rs. 17,000 Crores of Environmental CSR Reveals About Corporate India, lands at a moment when India, ranked the 9th most climate-vulnerable nation in the Climate Risk Index 2026, is under growing pressure to align corporate giving with climate resilience goals under Viksit Bharat 2047 and its 2070 Net Zero commitment. Environmental CSR spending fell to a post-pandemic low of 4.4% of total CSR outlay in FY2020-21, as companies redirected funds towards health and relief efforts. It has since recovered, stabilising at 8.4% of total CSR spend in FY2023-24, still well behind enduring priorities such as education and health. The report notes that with an estimated $2.5 trillion needed to meet India's Nationally Determined Contributions by 2030, and $10 trillion required to build a climate-resilient economy by 2047, CSR capital has a distinct role to play in bridging gaps where public systems face capacity or resource constraints. While environmental CSR is growing, corporate philanthropy is not yet fully aligned with India's highest climate risks, especially sectors with the greatest environmental footprint. A Concentrated Funding Base Just one out of five companies that report CSR spending direct any of it towards the environment. Less than a fifth of smallest CSR spenders allocate funds towards climate action. In contrast, nearly all of the companies with CSR budgets over Rs. 50 crore reserve a portion of their outlay for environment-related projects. European-headquartered MNCs operating in India show markedly higher participation (about two-thirds) than Indian companies (54%), a gap the report links to the influence of stringent European regulatory frameworks, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Growth Without Scale The growth in environmental CSR is being driven almost entirely by a rising number of small and mid-sized projects rather than larger, systemic investments. The number of environmental CSR projects grew 20% over the past three years, while aggregate spending grew only 6% in the same period, leaving the average project size flat at Rs. 45 lakh. Only 29 projects in FY2024 carried budgets of Rs. 10 crore or more, barely up from 22 such projects in FY2020-21. Divergence In Environmental Footprint And Funding The report finds a marked disconnect between industries' environmental footprint and their environmental CSR behaviour. Sectors with some of the largest environmental footprints, including Energy, Mining, and Oil, Gas, Coal & Petroleum, show relatively low participation in environmental CSR. Even where companies in these sectors do undertake environmental initiatives, they allocate only 5-7% of their CSR budgets towards environmental causes, well below several consumer-facing industries. By contrast, consumer-facing sectors such as FMCG, Food and Beverages, and Automotive, despite a comparatively lighter environmental footprint, allocate over 10% of CSR spend to environmental causes, a pattern the report attributes to brand positioning and consumer-facing ESG commitments rather than direct impact alignment. Climate-Vulnerable Districts Underfunded The report's starkest finding concerns geography. Nearly 45% of environmental CSR funding is directed to pan-India or multi-state programmes, and a further 22% flows to Tier-1 cities, leaving just over a third of funding for more localised, place-based interventions. States including Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh, all classified as highly climate-vulnerable, receive less than Rs. 25 per capita in environmental CSR. The pattern sharpens at the district level: among India's 50 most climate-vulnerable districts, 30 of them received only 1% (Rs. 106 crore) of total environmental CSR spending over the past three years, with a handful of districts in Assam alone accounting for 60% of what little vulnerable-region funding exists. Traditional Themes Dominate Among high-value environmental CSR projects (Rs. 50 lakh and above) in FY2023-24, Water Management (15%), Renewable Energy (12%), and Biodiversity (11%) together account for 38% of all high-value project funding. Air quality, despite its acute public health relevance, received just Rs. 14 crore, around 5% of the high-value project pool reflecting the longer gestation periods and more complex measurement frameworks associated with system-level environmental interventions. The report identifies Rs. 243 crore directed over the past three years towards emerging themes such as public transport and climate. Among high-value environmental CSR projects (Rs. 50 lakh and above) in FY2023-24, Water Management (15%), Renewable Energy (12%), and Biodiversity (11%) together account for 38% of all high-value project funding. Air quality, despite its acute public health relevance, received just Rs. 14 crore, around 5% of the high-value project pool reflecting the longer gestation periods and more complex measurement frameworks associated with system-level environmental interventions. The report identifies Rs. 243 crore directed over the past three years towards emerging themes such as public transport, climate governance and carbon MRV, and circular economy alongside nearly Rs. 500 crore embedded within Health, Livelihoods, and Education CSR programmes that integrate water, clean energy, and climate-resilience programmes. What This Means For Corporate India "India's climate ambitions will require every form of capital to work more strategically. As climate risks increasingly affect business operations, supply chains and communities, CSR has an opportunity to evolve from project-based philanthropy into catalytic capital, supporting climate-vulnerable regions, strengthening ecosystem resilience, and complementing broader sustainability and ESG efforts," said Srikrishna Sridhar Murthy, Co-founder and CEO, Sattva Consulting . Looking Ahead The report's authors argue that as ESG disclosure norms tighten and climate risk becomes more immediate for business operations, CSR has an opportunity to evolve from a fragmented, theme-led funding mechanism into a more targeted, catalytic lever for climate resilience. It should align more closely with industry's environmental footprint, channel funding towards India's most climate-vulnerable geographies, and complement existing project-led giving with longer-horizon, systemic interventions in areas such as air quality, circular economy, and climate governance. Realising this shift, the report notes, will require coordinated, collective action across corporates, philanthropy, and ecosystem actors, rather than standalone funding approaches. The report is based on an analysis of CSR disclosures filed with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) for FY2014-15 to FY2023-24, covering 17,377 crore in spending across Environmental Sustainability, Conservation of Natural Resources, and Agroforestry. www.sattva.co.in/quick-read/environmental-csr-in-india-lessons-from-%e2%82%b917000-crore-of-investments/ . About Sattva Consulting Sattva Consulting is a global impact consulting firm from India. Since 2009, we have engaged with communities, business, and government to achieve societal impact at scale. We believe that Civil society, Business, and Government all have a critical role to play in building an equitable and sustainable world, and we actively partner with all stakeholders to enable impact through our advisory and orchestration services, knowledge and data platforms—built as public goods for the ecosystem, and collaborative solutions and partnerships. To know more, visit sattva.co.in . About India Data Insights India Data Insights (IDI), an initiative by Sattva Consulting, aims to empower India’s development sector with actionable, ready-to-use data insights to enable sharper decisions and maximise impact. Built as a public good, IDI consolidates public data across SDG practice areas on one, unified platform, offering insightful visualisations, interactives, blogs and ready-to-use-charts and dashboards. To know more, visit indiadatainsights.com .
Quote of the Day: Walt Whitman's quote Happiness, not in another place but this place...not for another hour, but this hour encourages finding happiness in the present moment. This timeless message reminds us that joy exists right here and now and many people postpone happiness by waiting for future achievements and goals.
Too many trucks, too many zeros: Army audit drive exposes flaws as Pentagon nears 2028 goal
The Pentagon aims for its first clean financial audit by 2028. New systems are uncovering numerous data entry errors in financial records. These mistakes include incorrect zeros and misplaced letters in inventory tracking. The Army's new digital dashboard provides a unified view of spending. This consolidated data helps correct errors and improve financial accountability.
Can VR help you achieve your goals?
A Max Planck researcher has developed VR and smartphone tools that let you meet your future self. The science behind it is more powerful than it sounds.
The world’s largest cleft-focused organization, Smile Train, concluded the Indo-Africa Cleft Conference in Goa today. Building on the initiative first established in 2012, Indo-Africa Synergy 2026 brought Smile Train's India and Africa teams together to exchange knowledge and experience and collaborate towards advancing sustainable cleft care. Indo-Africa Cleft Conference Synergy 2026: Excelling Together The conference brought together surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, speech therapists, orthodontists and multidisciplinary cleft care professionals from Smile Train’s two largest regions, reaffirming its commitment to stronger, locally led sustainable healthcare systems through collaboration, continuous learning and knowledge exchange. Over the past decade, both India and Africa have made significant strides in expanding access to comprehensive cleft care in their own regions. Each region has developed unique areas of excellence shaped by real-world experience and field-led innovation. Indo-Africa Cleft Conference 2026 was designed to bring these learnings together, creating opportunities to exchange proven approaches, adopt best practices and jointly develop solutions that strengthen cleft care across both regions while contributing to Smile Train's global pursuit of ensuring every child born with a cleft has access to safe, timely and comprehensive care. Speaking on the occasion, Mamta Carroll, Senior Vice President and Regional Director, Asia, Smile Train , said, "Indo-Africa Synergy represents much more than a conference; it reflects how Smile Train believes sustainable change happens. Over the past decade, both India and Africa have built remarkable expertise through locally led program, and today we can learn from one another as equal partners. By sharing knowledge, strengthening skills and co-creating solutions, we are investing not only in healthcare professionals but also in better outcomes for every child born with a cleft. This collaboration demonstrates that when expertise is shared across borders, its impact extends far beyond any one country ." Nkeiruka Obi, Vice President and Regional Director, Smile Train, Africa , added, “ India and Africa bring together two of Smile Train’s largest and most experienced programs, each with deep expertise gained over years in providing safe and high-quality comprehensive cleft care within diverse local contexts. In our shared commitment to healthcare equity, this conference offers a valuable opportunity to learn from our experiences, share practical solutions, and innovations, while strengthening capacity of cleft care professionals. By advancing South–South collaboration, we truly can accelerate access to quality cleft care for more children and families in our communities .” The two-day program featured expert discussions, knowledge sharing and hands-on workshops covering surgical excellence, patient safety and comprehensive cleft care. Participants also exchanged experiences on advocacy, engagement and healthcare system strengthening, recognizing that sustainable cleft care extends beyond surgery to encompass the entire continuum of care. The conference truly reflects Smile Train's sustainable model of strengthening local healthcare systems by investing in medical professionals through continuous training, mentorship and global knowledge exchange. By fostering collaboration between India and Africa, Smile Train is building stronger local capacity and advancing comprehensive cleft care for children in both regions. Smile Train programs in Africa began in 2002 and since then, they have spread across nearly 40 countries, transforming the lives of 200,000+ cleft-affected individuals. Since 2000, Smile Train has supported more than 800,000 free cleft surgeries across India through a network of 130+ partner hospitals. For cleft treatment-related queries or support, please call the India toll-free helpline number: 1800 103 8301 . For more information, please log on to www.smiletrainindia.org .
'Involving Family Is So Low': British Outlet Under Fire For Targetting Lionel Messi
The article titled Lionel Messi's full humiliation laid bare: Left crying as his Argentine thugs disgraced themselves... how this World Cup exposed the GOAT's dark arts shame slammed Lionel Messi and Argentina for resorting to dirty tactics.
Crickets governing body shifts the goalposts for the usual reasons
To change the format 15 months ahead of the World Cup with no assurance it wont be changed again brings no credit to the ICC. Guaranteeing at least two India v Pakistan matches, perhaps even three, is a strong motivation
Goa has officially raised the casino entry age to twenty-one years. This new rule mandates stricter identity verification for all casino operators. Travellers planning a visit must now carry valid government-issued photo identification. Families with young adults under twenty-one will not be permitted in gaming areas. This regulation aligns casino entry with Goa's legal drinking age.
Before the world wakes up, Ankur Warikoo gives himself 5 hours. His morning routine explains why
Ankur Warikoo shared his morning routine, which he says helps him start each day with purpose. He sleeps by 9:30 pm, wakes up at 4:50 am, meditates, reads, spends time with family, plays tennis, works out and follows an 18-hour fast. Warikoo said the goal of a routine is not simply waking up early but creating time for yourself before giving it to others. He also acknowledged his privilege of having household support.
BITSAT 2026 Iteration IV seat allotment result will be released today, July 22, 2026. Candidates can check their allotment status through the BITS admission portal using their application number and password. Students receiving seats must complete fee payment by July 25 and report physically between July 28 and July 30. The article covers expected rank ranges, campus-wise cutoff trends and important admission timelines for BITS Pilani, Goa and Hyderabad campuses.
InsuranceDekho enters cricket sponsorship with India's Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka tours
InsuranceDekho has secured prominent deal with Indian cricket team to elevate its brand visibility. Notably, they are the title sponsor for India's Test series in Sri Lanka and the co-presenting sponsor for the T20I series in Zimbabwe. This strategic move complements their 'Bharat, Khul Kar Khelo' initiative, with the goal of driving greater insurance awareness and accessibility across the nation.
Today's Quote of the Day by Miguel de Cervantes reminds us that remarkable achievements begin long before successthey begin with the courage to try. His timeless words, In order to attain the impossible, one must attempt the impossible, encourage us to move beyond fear, embrace uncertainty, and take meaningful action. More than four centuries later, this inspiring message continues to resonate with entrepreneurs, students, leaders, artists, and anyone determined to turn an ambitious dream into reality.
Climate finance must reach nations that need it most, says UN Climate Chief
Climate finance is rising but not fast enough for developing nations. Developed countries must triple adaptation finance and deliver USD 300 billion annually by 2035. Accelerating climate technology development and transfer is essential for Paris Agreement goals. India's clean energy investment drives economic growth and creates jobs. Moving quickly to renewable energy offers energy security and sovereignty.
Guillermo Ochoa Retires At 41, Closing A 22-Year Career For Club And Country
Guillermo Ochoa, widely considered among the greatest Mexican goalkeepers in history, announced his retirement from elite soccer on Tuesday, bringing an end to a distinguished 22-year professional career.
Indian philosophy and spirituality live in our everyday traditions: LG Manoj Sinha
The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today addressed the Shakti Mimamsa national symposium, a collaborative initiative by the Central Sanskrit University (Jammu Campus), Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University. He said the deliberation on the spiritual heritage of the 51 Shakti Peethas over the next 4-days will allow us to reconnect with the ancient Sanatana consciousness that has long defined Indias soul. Shakti is the very heartbeat and sustaining consciousness of the cosmos. It manifests in all motion and creation, shining through compassion, knowledge, love, patience, and life itself. From Vedic hymns and Upanishadic philosophy to the Devi Mahatmya, every facet of Indias spiritual heritage highlights that the Supreme Reality and Shakti are eternally inseparable, the Lieutenant Governor said. He said the Indian philosophy and spirituality are not just found in ancient texts but they live in our everyday traditions. One can see this in village prayers, household Navaratri rituals, and our natural respect for motherly power. In our villages, countless women who have never read a word of Sanskrit embody the true spirit of Shakti through their daily lives. This is the heartbeat of Indias cultural and spiritual continuity. The Shakti Peethas are powerful symbols of our national unity and beacons of our shared cultural consciousness. A nations unity is built from shared memories, shared faiths and shared cultural journeys. The Shakti Peethas have carried out this work for centuries. They have united India not merely geographically but emotionally and spiritually as well, he said. The Lieutenant Governor said that an academic focus on the Shakti Peethas is more urgent today than ever, driven by several key goals. He said, we must revive our ancient knowledge system and our youth need to realise that these sacred sites are living libraries of Indian philosophy, architecture, art, music, science, and history. Our ancestors chose these locations not just for spiritual reasons, but for their natural and cultural importance. Studying these sacred places is rigorous research that helps us understand Indias ancient knowledge traditions on their own terms. The second dimension is the renaissance of feminine consciousness. The whole world knows that from ancient times India has revered women as goddesses. We worship Mother Durga, Mother Saraswati, Mother Lakshmi and Mother Shakti. Yet we must ask ourselves whether our social systems are providing every daughter, every sister and every mother the respect that our culture teaches. Remember that worship of the Goddess becomes meaningful only when respect for women becomes a natural part of our conduct. True worship of Shakti lies in ensuring equality, safety, dignity and opportunities for women in society, the Lieutenant Governor said. He said the third goal is preserving our heritage. The Lieutenant Governor observed that many of our ancient manuscripts, inscriptions, folktales, and architectural wonders are fading away and without proper documentation today, future generations will lose this priceless legacy. This four-day symposium is a vital national mission to safeguard our cultural memory. The fourth goal is building national confidence. While many societies worldwide face an identity crisis, India stands strong with its unique cultural unity. The network of Shakti Peethas has kept our nation connected through shared faith and culture for centuries. Our youth should take immense pride in this. Through facts, evidence, and rigorous study, they can discover the true depth of Indian civilisation. This knowledge will not only boost their confidence but also help present Indias rich cultural identity to the world more effectively, the Lieutenant Governor said. Padma Shri Prof. Vishwa Murti Shastri; Prof. Shrinivasa Varkhedi, Vice Chancellor, Central Sanskrit University; Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University; Alok Kumar Maurya, Additional CEO, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Prof. R.G. Murali Krishna, Registrar, Central Sanskrit University; Prof. Satish Kumar Kapoor, Director, Shri Maharaja Ranbir Singh Campus, Jammu; distinguished scholars, and students attended the national symposium.
China to Develop Modern Integrated Transportation System
Beijing, July 22: The Chinese State Councils news office held a briefing on Tuesday. During this event, Deputy Minister of Transport Xu Changguang announced that China has entered a new phase in traffic and transportation development. The primary goal is to establish a fundamentally modern integrated transportation system during the 15th Five-Year Plan. Xu Changguang ... Read more China to Develop Modern Integrated Transportation System
CUK participates in empowering India 2026 at Goa
The three-day national event Empowering India 2026, held at Goa from 18 to 20 July 2026, concluded with a valedictory ceremony attended by representatives of participating institutions from across the country. On behalf of the Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir), Prof. Shahid Rasool, Dean, Academic Affairs, received the Certificate of Participation. The delegates representing the University were also awarded certificates. Speaking during the valedictory session, Prof. Shahid Rasool said the CUKashmir strongly encourages participation in such national platforms as they promote academic collaboration, research, innovation, and meaningful engagement among educational institutions, industry, and government organizations. He emphasized that such events provide opportunities for knowledge sharing, institutional networking, and showcasing the academic and research strengths of universities. The three-day event witnessed participation from leading higher educational institutions, including National Institutes of Technology (NITs), NCERT, Government Departments of Goa, agricultural institutions, and other organizations from across the country. Through exhibitions and interactive sessions, the participants showcased their academic programmes, research achievements, innovations, and best practices. During the event, CUKashmir received an encouraging response from students, academicians, researchers, government officials, and visitors, who interacted with the University's representatives and appreciated its academic programmes, research initiatives, and student-centric activities. The University's participation reaffirmed its commitment to promote excellence in higher education, research, innovation, and contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Prevention and Screening in Older Adults
Advances in modern medicine have enabled people to live longer than ever before. While increased life expectancy is a remarkable achievement, healthy aging involves more than simply living longerit means maintaining independence, physical function, mental well-being, and a good quality of life. As the population ages, preventive healthcare has become increasingly important in helping older adults remain active, healthy, and engaged in their communities. Many of the health problems that affect older adults, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, vision and hearing loss, certain cancers, and memory disorders, often develop gradually and may not cause symptoms in their early stages. Regular health screening allows these conditions to be identified early, when treatment is most effective and complications can often be prevented. Equally important are preventive measures such as vaccination, balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, smoking cessation, adequate sleep, medication review, and fall prevention, all of which contribute significantly to healthy aging. Preventive care in older adults is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Every individual ages differently, and healthcare decisions should be tailored to a persons overall health, existing medical conditions, functional status, life expectancy, and personal preferences. Regular consultations with a healthcare provider help ensure that screening tests and preventive interventions are appropriate, evidence-based, and aligned with the individuals health goals. Healthy aging is a shared responsibility between individuals, families, healthcare professionals, and society. By embracing regular screening and preventive healthcare, many illnesses can be detected early or prevented altogether, allowing older adults not only to live longer but also to enjoy healthier, more independent, and fulfilling lives. As the saying goes, prevention is always better than cureand in older age, it is one of the most effective investments in lifelong health. A framework for individualized decision making for preventive medical interventions should include an understanding of patient values and preferences, overall life and health expectancy, the potential harms of the intervention and the expected time-to-benefit of the intervention. First, estimate life expectancy. By definition prevention involves an intervention in the present to avoid illness in the future. Although it is impossible for clinicians to predict the exact life expectancy of an individual person, it is possible to use clinical judgement to make reasonable estimates of whether a person is likely to live substantially longer or shorter than an average person in his/her age cohort. Second, determine the time-to-benefit for a preventive intervention. Third, review the most likely benefits of prevention. Fourth, review the most likely harms of prevention. Application of screening principles to specific cancers Breast cancer: A survival meta-analysis of randomized trials of screening mammography suggested that it takes 11 years to prevent 1 breast cancer death after screening 1000 women. Benefits: mammography is the only screening modality that has been shown in randomized controlled trials to decrease breast cancer mortality. Harms: among women aged 75 and older who undergo biennial screening mammography, the cumulative probability of a false positive mammogram over 10 years ranges from 14% to 27% and this risk nearly doubles when women are screened annually. Frail older women are at increases risk for experiencing harms from screening. Recommendations: the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends mammography every 2 years for women age 50-74, stating the evidence is insufficient to assess the additional benefits and harms of screening in women 75yrs and older. The American Cancer Society recommends annual screening among women 45 to 54 years old and biennial screening among women 55 years or older and a life expectancy of greater than 10 years. Colorectal Cancer A survival meta-analysis of randomized trials of screening fecal occult blood testing for colorectal cancer suggested that it takes 10 years to prevent 1 colorectal cancer death after screening 1000 persons. Benefits: methods for screening for colorectal cancer include FOBT, fecal immunochemical testing, flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. Guaiac-based FOBT has the strongest evidence for screening efficacy based on three European randomized controlled trials showing reductions in colorectal cancer-specific mortality of 11% to 16% and a large US trial showing reductions of 22% to 32% overall and a 53% reduction among adults 70 to 80 yrs old. Harms: colonoscopy is the standard work-up following a positive FOBT and may have serious complications such as perforation (1/1000), serious bleeding (3/1000), cardiorespiratory events (12/1000) and death ( 1/1000). Recommendations: the USPSTF recommends colorectal cancer screening for all older adults age 45-75 and that screening decisions should be selectively offered to persons 76 to 85 years of age based on health and prior screening history. The ACS recommends screen all adults 45-75 yrs if life expectancy >10 yrs. Individualized decisions in adults 76-85 y based on preferences, life expectancy, health status and prior screening history. Discourage screening in adults >85y. Cervical cancer: There are no data about the time to benefit for cervical cancer screening in women 65yr or older. Routine vaccination for human papilloma virus (HPV) strains related to cervical cancer occurrence in younger adults is expected to lower the incidence of cervical cancer in future generations. Recommendations: guidelines recommend cervical cancer screening with cytology every 3 yr for women age 21 to 65. Combining cytology testing with HPV testing every 5 years may provide added benefit. Lung cancer: Two large trials of low-dose lung CT scans show reductions in lung cancer-specific mortality after 6 years. Potential benefits: the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) found that among current and former heavy smokers age 55 to 74, low-dose lung CT scans decreased lung cancer mortality by 20%. Specifically, for 1000 persons screened, 4 lung cancer deaths would be avoided in 6 years. Potential harms: false positives are common with low dose CT scans of the lung; in one trial 39% of people who received a CT scan had at least 1 positive test result and 96% of positive results were false positives. Complications after invasive lung procedures may occur 1 in 5 older adults and rates may be higher for older adults in worse health. Additional harms include anxiety from false-positive results, frequent need for follow up, repeat imaging, financial strain, and radiation exposure. Recommendation: the ACS and USPSTF recommend annual low-dose CT Scans for lung cancer screening in adults 55 to 74 yrs old (or upto 80 in USPSTF guidelines) who have a 30- pack- year history and currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years. Prostate Cancer Screening: the USPSTF and American Cancer Society recommend that men age 55 to 69 make an individualized decision about PSA screening after discussion with a clinician and consideration of life expectancy (typically greater than 10-15 yrs), and recommend against screening in men older than 70 yrs old. Treatments for many asymptomatic chronic medical conditions impose immediate risks and burdens on patients with the promise of delayed benefits. IMMUNIZATIONS In contrast to screening interventions the risks associated with immunizations are much lower than the benefits. Thus targeting is less important and nearly all older adults should receive the pneumococcal vaccination, annual influenza vaccination, and zoster vaccination. Pneumococcal vaccination: the US Advisory Council on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends all older adults older than age 65 sequentially receive both the Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccine (PCV 13) followed in 6 to 12 months by the Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV 23). Influenza vaccination; its recommended for all persons older than 6 months. There is some evidence that a high dose influenza vaccine may be more effective in eliciting immunogenic response in adults older than age 65. Tetanus/Diptheria/Pertussis: The ACIP recommends that all adults receive Td (Tetanus/Diptheria) or Tdap booster every 10 years. In addition adults older than age 65 should receive a one time dose of Tdap (tetanus/diptheria/acellular pertussis) if they have not received pertussis revaccination after age 19 in lieu of Td vaccination. Zoster vaccination: the ACIP recommends 2- dose RZV Vaccination for adults age 50 and older, including those who have previously received the ZVL vaccination. The ZVL remains a recommended vaccine in adults age 60 or older. Behaviours to maintain health Like immunization, healthy behaviors have few, if any, adverse outcomes, meaning that they can be recommended to nearly all older adults. However unlike immunizations which are initiated and provided by the healthcare system, healthy behaviors require a personal commitment from individual patients. Nutrition counselling : Screening tools or questions: mini nutritional assessment; malnutrition screening tool; food insecurity screens Intervention: healthy diet counselling, including the Mediterranean diet when appropriate. Prevention of malnutrition can include addressing polypharmacy, dental health, food insecurity, depression, reducing mealtime isolation, and avoiding restrictive diets when not needed. Physical activity: Screening tools: frequency of walking, light sports or recreational activity, stretching or balance activities, and housework. Frequency of sedentary behaviour. Intervention: 30-min or more of moderate-intensity exercise 5 d a week. Flexibility, stretching, and balance exercise can complement strength and endurance training. Provide individualized guidance for older adults with pain, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, or at risk of falling. Consider starting with light-intensity, low impact physical activity if needed. Social connection: Screening tools: abbreviated Berkman-Syme social network index; UCLA 3-item loneliness questionnaire; frequency of engagement in community activities; availability of friends, relatives and children. Intervention: ask if individuals like more social contact, what types of contact they prefer and connect individuals to community programs. Identify and address barriers to interacting with others such as hearing impairment, functional impairment, or cognitive impairment. Depression: Screening tools: Patient Health Questionnaire 2-item or 9-item screen (PHQ-2 or PHQ-9) Intervention: further assessment of older adults screening positive for depression to ensure accurate diagnoses, effective treatment and follow up. Dr Murassa Shamshad is a Geriatrician in the Department of Health Kashmir
Conversation Every Family Should Have
At present, I am caring for several frail, bedridden older adults through home-based care. Some have advanced dementia. Others have end-stage heart failure, stroke, advanced cancer or multiple organ dysfunction. They are receiving everything modern medicine recommendsappropriate investigations, evidence-based medicines, nutritional support, wound care, pain control, physiotherapy, caregiver education and regular monitoring. Yet their illnesses continue to progress. This is not a failure of medicine. It is the natural course of many diseases. Unfortunately, many families struggle to accept this reality. Perhaps nowhere is this more visible than in Kashmir. THE QUESTION NOBODY WANTS TO ASK Families often ask: Doctor, what else can we do? Sometimes they are not asking for treatment. They are asking for hope. Medicine should always offer hope. But hope changes. In the beginning, hope means cure. Later it becomes control of disease. Eventually, for some patients, hope becomes comfort, dignity and freedom from suffering. Understanding when hope changes is one of the hardest lessons in medicine. We are taught to fight disease. But not every battle can be won. Modern medicine has transformed countless lives. Heart attacks can be opened with angioplasty. Many cancers can be cured. Hip fractures can be replaced. Kidneys can be supported with dialysis. But medicine also has boundaries. A 92-year-old with advanced dementia, severe frailty, recurrent aspiration pneumonia, kidney failure and severe malnutrition is very different from a healthy 65-year-old with early-stage cancer. Their biological reserves are not the same. Their ability to recover is not the same. Treating both patients identically would actually be poor medical practice. ONE SHOE NEVER FITS EVERY PATIENT People often compare treatment between relatives. Our neighbour underwent surgery. My uncle received chemotherapy. Someone survived after being flown to Delhi. These comparisons are understandablebut medically misleading. Treatment is never based on disease alone. It is based on the whole person. Doctors consider: Agebut more importantly, biological age. Frailty. Functional status. Nutrition. Memory and cognition. Heart, lung and kidney reserve. Quality of life. Patient wishes. Expected benefit versus expected harm. A treatment that saves one patient may seriously harm another. Evidence-based medicine is not about doing everything. It is about doing the right thing for the right patient at the right time. THERE ARE THREE KINDS OF ILLNESSES This is something every family should understand. Curable Illnesses Can be treated and cured. Examples: Pneumonia, urinary tract infection, tuberculosis (with treatment), appendicitis, cataract. Chronic but Controllable Illnesses Cannot be cured but can be managed for many years. Examples: Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma, chronic kidney disease (early stages), hypothyroidism. Advanced or Life-Limiting Illnesses Treatments no longer change the course of the illness. The focus shifts to comfort, dignity, and symptom control (palliative care). Examples: Advanced cancer, end-stage heart failure, advanced COPD, end-stage kidney disease (not on dialysis), advanced dementia, motor neuron disease (ALS). Knowing which category a patient belongs to helps families make wiser decisions. It also prevents unnecessary suffering. THE PRESSURE MANY KASHMIRI FAMILIES FACE In Kashmir, another challenge influences medical decisions. Families often fear society more than disease. If an elderly parent dies at home, relatives sometimes ask: Why wasnt he/she taken outside?. Why didnt you spend more?. Could Delhi have saved him?. Why wasnt he admitted to another hospital? Suddenly, grief becomes mixed with guilt. Children feel compelled to pursue every possible interventionnot always because medicine recommends it, but because society expects it. Many families travel hundreds of kilometres. Some spend their lifes savings. Some sell land. Others borrow heavily. Occasionally, these journeys save lives. But sometimes they only prolong suffering during the final days. Medicine should never become a competition to prove how much money was spent. Love cannot be measured by hospital bills. Nor by the number of referrals.Nor by the distance travelled. Sometimes the greatest act of love is ensuring that a parent is comfortable, pain-free and surrounded by family. MORE TREATMENT DOES NOT ALWAYS MEAN BETTER TREATMENT Many people assume that aggressive treatment is always superior. It is not. Every intervention has benefits. Every intervention has burdens. A frail elderly patient may not survive major surgery. Chemotherapy may reduce quality of life more than it prolongs survival. Repeated ICU admissions may increase suffering without changing the final outcome. Ventilators can support breathing. They cannot reverse advanced dementia. Dialysis can replace kidney function. It cannot restore a body that has become too frail to recover. The question should never be: Can this treatment be done? The better question is: Should this treatment be done for this patient? That is the essence of good medical practice. What is advance care planning? Advance care planning simply means discussing future healthcare before a crisis occurs. It includes conversations such as: What matters most to the patient? What quality of life would they consider acceptable? Who should make decisions if they lose capacity? Which treatments would genuinely help? Which treatments would only prolong suffering? In many countries, these wishes are documented formally. India is gradually moving in this direction. Legal recognition of advance directives has evolved through Supreme Court judgments, but formal advance care planning is still uncommon in everyday clinical practice. Most decisions continue to be made collectively by families and treating doctors. Our culture is deeply family-centred. That is one of our strengths. But families also need honest, compassionate conversations before emergencies arise. CHOOSING COMFORT IS NOT GIVING UP One of the biggest misunderstandings is that palliative care means stopping treatment. It does not. Palliative care continues treatment. It simply changes the goal. Pain is treated. Breathlessness is treated. Anxiety is treated. Pressure sores are prevented. Nutrition is supported where appropriate. Caregivers receive guidance. Symptoms are controlled. Dignity becomes the priority. Comfort care is active care. It is not abandonment. WHAT FAMILIES NEED MOST Families rarely need miracles. They need clarity. They need doctors who explain honestly. They need reassurance that they are not abandoning their loved one. They need permission to choose comfort when cure is no longer possible. Above all, they need freedom from unnecessary guilt. No doctor can promise immortality. No hospital can stop ageing. No amount of money can defeat every disease. But every patient deserves respect. Every patient deserves relief from suffering. Every patient deserves dignity. Perhaps that is the most important treatment medicine can still offer when cure is no longer possible. Because in the final chapter of life, success is not always measured by how long someone lived. Sometimes it is measured by how peacefully they lived until the very end.
IIIT-H Lab Offers Low-cost Fix For Chaotic Roads
At the recent TechForward seminar, Prof. C.V. Jawahar showcased how the Centre for Visual Information Technology (CVIT) at IIITH was building AI not just to detect, but anticipate road risks. Most global models are trained on neat, rule-following traffic. That doesnt help much in India, Prof Jawahar explained. Our goal is to build systems that work amid uncertainty, and on a phone, not just in a lab.
LG for reviving ancient knowledge systems
Srinagar, Jul 21: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said the deliberation on the spiritual heritage of the 51 Shakti Peethas over the next four days will allow us to reconnect with the ancient Sanatana consciousness that has long defined India's soul. Addressing the Shakti Mimamsa nationalsymposium, a collaborative initiative by the Central Sanskrit University (Jammu Campus), Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University,the LG said, Shakti is the very heartbeat and sustaining consciousness of the cosmos. It manifests in all motion and creation, shining through compassion, knowledge, love, patience, and life itself. From Vedic hymns and Upanishadic philosophy to the Devi Mahatmya, every facet of India's spiritual heritage highlights that the Supreme Reality and Shakti are eternally inseparable. Sinha saidIndian philosophy and spirituality are not just found in ancient texts but live in everyday traditions. One can see this in village prayers, household Navaratri rituals, and our natural respect for motherly power. In our villages, countless women who have never read a word of Sanskrit embody the true spirit of Shakti through their daily lives. This is the heartbeat of India's cultural and spiritual continuity, he said. The LGsaidthat Shakti Peethas are powerful symbols of our national unity and beacons of our shared cultural consciousness. A nation's unity is built from shared memories, shared faiths, and shared cultural journeys. The Shakti Peethas have carried out this work for centuries. They have united India not merely geographically but emotionally and spiritually as well, he said. The Lieutenant Governor outlined four key goals driving the academic focus on Shakti Peethas: 1. Reviving ancient knowledge systems: Youth need to realise that these sacred sites are living libraries of Indian philosophy, architecture, art, music, science, and history. Our ancestors chose these locations not just for spiritual reasons, but for their natural and cultural importance. 2. Renaissance of feminine consciousness: The whole world knows that from ancient times India has revered women as goddesses. Yet we must ask ourselves whether our social systems are providing every daughter, every sister, and every mother the respect that our culture teaches. True worship of Shakti lies in ensuring equality, safety, dignity, and opportunities for women in society, he said. 3. Preserving heritage: The Lieutenant Governor observed that many ancient manuscripts, inscriptions, folktales, and architectural wonders are fading away, and without proper documentation, future generations will lose this priceless legacy. 4. Building national confidence: While many societies worldwide face an identity crisis, India stands strong with its unique cultural unity. The network of Shakti Peethas has kept our nation connected through shared faith and culture for centuries. Our youth should take immense pride in this, he said. The symposium was attended by Padma Shri Prof Vishwa Murti Shastri, Central Sanskrit University Vice Chancellor Prof. Shrinivasa Varkhedi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University Vice Chancellor Prof Pragati Kumar, SMVDSB Additional CEO Alok Kumar Maurya, Central Sanskrit University Registrar Prof R.G. Murali Krishna, Shri Maharaja Ranbir Singh Campus Director Prof. Satish Kumar Kapoor, distinguished scholars, and students.
Tighter pollution rules now for Goa hotels, restaurants
NT Reporter Panaji In a policy decision impacting pollution control norms for Goas tourism and hospitality establishments, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has revised the pollution index (PI) categorisation of small hotels, restaurants (including cloud kitchens without rooms), banquet halls and resorts. The updated guidelines shift most of these businesses into the orange and []
HC steps up scrutiny of police conduct in Morjim attack case
NT Reporter Panaji A day after the High Court of Bombay at Goa directed the Superintendent of Police, North Goa, to transfer the investigation into the Morjim advocate attack case to an experienced officer from a different police station, it stepped up pressure on the police department on Tuesday. It gave the Inspector General of []
Congress demands BJP apology over termites remark, warns of agitation
Panaji: The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) demanded an unconditional apology from the BJP within 24 hours for allegedly referring to protesting youth as termites. Congress warned that it would launch a statewide agitation if the ruling party failed to withdraw the remarks attributed to BJP vice president and former MP Narendra Sawaikar. A social []
African Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of He who does not look ahead always remains behind. The saying emphasizes the importance of foresight, planning, and preparing for the future instead of focusing only on the present. It reminds us that progress comes from setting goals, anticipating challenges, and making thoughtful decisions today that create better opportunities tomorrow. Those who develop a long-term vision are more likely to adapt, grow, and move forward, while those who fail to plan risk falling behind.
Punjab & Sind Bank eyes Rs 4 lakh cr business by FY29: Lender bets big on technology transformation
Punjab & Sind Bank is setting ambitious goals, aiming for a staggering 4 lakh crore in business by the fiscal year 2028-29. The bank projects a healthy credit growth ranging from eighteen to twenty percent for the current year. To bolster its growth, it is investing in digital transformation projects aimed at enhancing digital lending capabilities and account acquisition strategies.
Forgotten hero takes center stage
Two plays on the life of Goas freedom struggles first martyr Bala Raya Mapari were recently staged as part of the National Theatre Festival organised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi KALYANI JHA | NT BUZZ Two Goan plays Vande Mataram: Desh Raag and Vande Mataram: Veer Dharma were performed last week as part []
VINIKA VISWAMBHARAN | NT BUZZ Rain has a way of making people pause. Perhaps that is why Goas monsoon feels like the perfect setting for an evening of qawwali, where every verse asks listeners to slow down, reflect, and listen as much with the heart as with the ears. When Tasawwur Qawwali Ensemble takes the []
Quote of the day by Justin Bieber reminds people that talent alone cannot earn approval from everyone. The message explains the value of resilience, self-acceptance and moving forward despite criticism. It encourages people to stop depending on external validation and continue working towards their goals. The quote also reflects Justin Bieber's own experiences as a global music star who faced public attention, criticism and success throughout his career.
Teen kills goat herder to fund Daman trip
Sold Two Of 66-Year-Olds Animals, Left For Excursion
AstroSage.com, Building castle in the air won?t help you. You should do something to live upto family's expectations. Be secretive about your investments and about your future goals. Do not share your personal matters with the casual acquaintances. Today, your lover may feel bad about one of your habits and become annoyed with you. Success and recognition would be yours if you stay focused on your job. Today, you can get involved in an argument with someone without any reason. Doing so will spoil your mood as well as waste your precious time. An old friend of yours might come and remind you the old beautiful memories with your spouse. Lucky Number: 8
Sensitivity of protest venue, stature of LoP led to quicker talks, but Rahul changed goalposts: Govt
Union Minister of State for the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) Jitendra Singh, the governments interlocutor, met LoP Rahul Gandhi at the sit-in; Mr. Singh says Mr. Gandhi initially agreed to suspend the dharna but later also raised the demand of Dharmendra Pradhans ouster as Education Minister; to this, Mr. Singh said it did behove an LoP to change stance
A plain-looking lithium rock is now more valuable to the modern economy than its appearance suggests. Hidden inside are critical minerals that power electric vehicle batteries, smartphones, renewable energy storage, and America's growing clean energy network. The U.S. Geological Survey classifies lithium as a critical mineral because demand continues to rise with battery manufacturing and energy security goals.
Football is simple for complete midfielder Rodri
The Spanish captain, who led La Roja to their second world crown, couldve easily been overlooked for the Golden Ball honours for the glamorous numbers of Messi (eight goals & four assists) or Mbappe (10 & four)
Proverb of the day highlights the saying, When the mantis hunts the locust, he forgets the shrike that's hunting him. The proverb teaches people to avoid tunnel vision and pay attention to risks beyond immediate goals. It explains how focusing only on short-term success can create problems later. The saying also reminds people to understand consequences, think about the bigger picture, and remain aware of changing situations in daily life.
Ipswich Town Signs Dutch Goalkeeper Ken van Oevelen on a Five-Year Deal
New Delhi, July 21: English club Ipswich Town has strengthened its squad ahead of the new Premier League season by signing Dutch goalkeeper Ken van Oevelen on a five-year contract from FC Volendam. The 22-year-old goalkeeper will join the first team at the ongoing pre-season training camp in La Manga, Spain, marking the beginning of ... Read more Ipswich Town Signs Dutch Goalkeeper Ken van Oevelen on a Five-Year Deal
One Launch A Month Our Next Goal After Vikram-1 Success: Skyroot CEO
Pawan Kumar Chandana said SpaceX reached orbit only on its fourth launch attempt, while Skyroot succeeded on its very first attempt.
George Orwells quote, Men can only be happy when they do not assume that the object of life is happiness, highlights why constantly chasing happiness can create dissatisfaction. In his 1944 essay, Arthur Koestler, Orwell explored how pursuing idealised goals can lead to moral conflicts and disappointment. His message suggests that happiness is not a destination but a result of living with purpose, values and meaningful experiences rather than making happiness the sole aim of life.
CM Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' exceeds Rs 16 crore in India pre-sales
Jana Nayagan's advance ticket sales have surpassed sixteen crore rupees in India. The film's Tamil version has driven significant bookings across key southern states. However, these early figures trail behind Vijay's previous blockbusters Leo and GOAT. Trade experts anticipate a surge in last-minute bookings before its release. Projections suggest an opening day collection between fifty and sixty crore rupees.
'My First Target Will Be To Wear India Jersey': Ashok Sharma Eyes Debut In Zimbabwe T20Is
Zimbabwe T20Is: Fast bowler Ashok Sharma opened up about the emotions of earning his maiden India call-up and stated that wearing the national jersey has been a long-cherished dream as he is targetting an international debut after earning his maiden senior team call-up for the T20I series against Zimbabwe, starting Thursday. The three-match series will be played in Harare from July 23 to 26, with the fast bowler in line to make his first appearance for India. Speaking about his immediate goals ahead of the series, Ashok said representing the country remains his biggest motivation. My first target will be to wear the India jersey. I am waiting for that moment to wear that jersey and represent my nation. I have waited for this for a long time. So that will be the first thing. The second thing is that I will keep doing what I know best. Whatever I have done till now- the hard work in domestic cricket, the preparation and the routines- I will just keep following that. I will stick to my strengths and not try anything extra, he told Jio Star. Ashok also outlined his ambitions for the Zimbabwe tour, saying he wants to make the most of the opportunity if he gets a chance to play. Now that I am in the squad for the series against Zimbabwe, my next target will be to take as many wickets as possible and try to play as many matches as I can. I want to make this opportunity count. My next goal after that will be to play red-ball cricket for India as soon as possible, he added. Before receiving his maiden senior India call-up, Ashok had also been drafted into the India A squad during the tour of Sri Lanka in June. He joined the side after pacer Yudhvir Singh suffered an injury while fielding, earning an opportunity to train and travel with the developmental squad. The young quick also spoke about the fast bowler who has had the biggest influence on his game, naming former South Africa great Dale Steyn as his role model. Before receiving his maiden senior India call-up, Ashok had also been drafted into the India A squad during the tour of Sri Lanka in June. He joined the side after pacer Yudhvir Singh suffered an injury while fielding, earning an opportunity to train and travel with the developmental squad. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I follow him in terms of his aggression, his run-up, his intensity and the way he used to set up batters. Everything about him is inspiring. He is someone I look up to as a fast bowler, he added. Article Source: IANS
Harvard Health Publishing suggests there is science behind the advice Virat Kohli gave PV Sindhu about finding your joy again. According to the publication, neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin and endorphins play a key role in promoting positive emotions. It recommends regular exercise, helping others, meditation, learning new skills, focusing on positive experiences, limiting negativity and pursuing meaningful goals to cultivate lasting joy, especially during difficult times.
Why Spain players cut the goal nets after winning World Cup
Spain celebrated their 2026 FIFA World Cup victory by cutting down goal nets. This tradition was borrowed from American basketball championship celebrations. Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in extra time against Argentina. Spain secured their second World Cup title after a dominant performance. The players took pieces of the net as souvenirs of their triumph.
ED attaches 389 properties worth Rs 240 crore in Grand Venezia Mall money laundering case
The Enforcement Directorate has provisionally attached properties valued at over 240 crore. These assets are linked to a money laundering case involving Bhasin Infotech and Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. The attached properties include commercial units and real estate in Goa. Investors were allegedly lured with assured returns and timely possession of units. The agency is continuing its investigation into the matter.
Elon Musk suggests assuming one is wrong to encourage learning and personal development. This approach involves questioning current knowledge and identifying potential errors effectively. Mistakes serve as valuable teachers, guiding individuals to avoid repeating past errors. Remaining open to new information and changing circumstances is crucial for continuous growth. Humility allows for listening and receiving constructive criticism, aiding better decision-making.
The discussion highlights the need for innovation, premiumisation and stronger industry government partnership to build globally competitive Indian brands.
Konrad Laimer Extends Bayern Munich Contract To 2029
Laimer has made 136 competitive appearances for Bayern, scoring seven goals and providing 19 assists. His versatility has allowed him to play in several positions, although he has established himself primarily at right back.
How Spain built a soccer identity that conquered the world
New York, Jul 21: Spanish soccer has reached a level of its own. Spain's World Cup victory on Sunday added to the nation's long list of recent triumphs across men's, women's and youth competitions, highlighting the dominance of a system that has stuck to a tactical identity and the development of collective talent. The men's team is also the current European champion, the Olympic gold medalist and has reached the Nations League final twice winning it once. The women's squad is the defending World Cup champion and a two-time Women's Nations League winner. It also made it to the final of the 2025 European Championship. Spain is the first nation to hold both the men's and women's World Cup titles at the same time and is the only country with two men's World Cup triumphs this century. The nation also has won several youth tournaments in recent years with both the men's and women's teams. The men's senior squad has been racking up titles since it was gradually revamped after the demise of a golden generation that won the nation's first World Cup in 2010 with the likes of Andrs Iniesta, Xavi Hernndez, Sergio Ramos and Gerard Piqu. Players such as Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubars, Rodri and Ferran Torres the goal scorer in the 1-0 win over Argentina in Sunday's final now are the ones representing a new generation that has taken La Roja back to the top. I'm very emotional looking back, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said. We've talked about it with the players; we have won everything, it's wonderful It's a generation of players that has been an example for Spanish sports, for young Spaniards, for Spain. Together we are stronger. Spain hadn't gone past the last 16 of the men's World Cup since winning the title in South Africa in 2010. It has been in contention in nearly every competition it has played since De la Fuente's arrival in 2022 and it's 38-match unbeaten streak is the longest in men's international soccer. Collective talent Despite a very talented group of players, it has been Spain's collective performance that has impressed the most and the team hasn't had to rely on star players. It also has been thriving defensively, with a solid backline and a relentless pursuit to regain possession. We played against the best national squads in the world, but we were the best team in the world, De la Fuente said. I'm very proud of this generation of players. They have grown with this idea, they've been loyal to this idea, they have given us an example of a group, of a team, of a family. I'm very proud of them. It's been an honor. How can other teams possibly replicate the Spanish system? Go to work, former France player Thierry Henry, a commentator for Fox Sports, said after the final. Think about how you want to go about it at every level and play the same way. This is why they are dominating world football on every level, men and women, it doesn't really matter, they go about it the same way. Youth-system success The recent wave of success can be tracked to the surprise hiring of De la Fuente to replace Luis Enrique following the team's elimination against Morocco in the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. De la Fuente was relatively unknown at the time, but the Spanish soccer federation knew him well. By hiring him, Spain was actually betting on its youth system as De la Fuente had been coaching Spain's younger national teams for some time. He was well versed in the soccer federation's process of instilling a tactical identity at all levels, from the bottom up and across men's and women's squads, allowing players from youth teams to go through a seamless transition to the main squads. It was the case for players such as Yamal, Cubars, Nico Williams, Pedri and Gavi, who are among the youngsters set to keep Spain's men's team thriving for some time. When you look at everything that we've gone through, you realize how this process was important, De la Fuente said. Certainly, we wouldn't have been able to do what we did today if we hadn't gone through this process with these players. And it's not something that happened during this World Cup, it has been happening for several years. Tactical identity Spain's tiki-taka style of valuing ball possession and focusing on quick passing, which led to the 2010 World Cup title and victories at Euro 2008 and Euro 2012, had come under attack after the national team began to struggle. Some said the style lacked efficiency, and a few coaches made some changes to it over time. But Spain never fully abandoned the idea of controlling ball possession to dominate games. Part of De la Fuente's success stemmed from his ability to get his squad to successfully mix ball possession and efficiency. And it showed as Spain led this year's World Cup in both passing and attempts on goal. Coaching prowess De la Fuente's recent success quickly put him in the group of Spanish coaches who have been leading national teams and helping clubs thrive across the globe. Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique, Mikel Arteta, Unai Emery, Xabi Alonso and Roberto Martnez are among the successful coaches spreading Spanish tactics everywhere another sign of the nation's prominence in global soccer. We are exactly where we want to be, De la Fuente said. We are privileged to represent a wonderful national team with exceptional players. But the real merit we have is to seek good travel companions, people with values and principles who make our lives easier and at the same time are very talented. We'll enjoy this now, because it's historic, and then we will start thinking match by match again.
From small contributions to big dreams
Ashok Padapati founded Vadhanya Jana Society with one clear goal. The post From small contributions to big dreams appeared first on Fusion - WeRIndia .
FIFA World Cup 2026: Kartik Aaryan praises Lamine Yamal after Spain's title win
Despite repeated pressure led by young star Lamine Yamal, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez produced a series of crucial saves to keep his team in contention during regular time.
Big B reacts to Messis heartbreaking defeat
Amitabh Bachchan has reacted to Argentine great Lionel Messis defeat in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, sharing a heartfelt note after Spain lifted the trophy. Substitute Ferran Torres turned out to be Spains hero as he scored the decisive goal in extra time as La Roja edged defending champions Argentina 1-0 to lift the []
Method over madness: How Spain's collective brilliance conquered the world
Spain secured their World Cup title with a late extra-time goal from Ferran Torres. This victory mirrored Andres Iniesta's decisive strike from sixteen years prior. Argentina's performance lacked intensity and suffered from disciplinary issues throughout the match. Spain's methodical and dynamic play contrasted sharply with Argentina's struggles. The event concluded with a poignant moment between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal.
'The pain is immense': Lionel Messi pens emotional note after Argentina final defeat
Spain defeated Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final after extra time. Lionel Messi shared an emotional message acknowledging the immense pain of the loss. He expressed pride in the team's achievement of reaching consecutive World Cup finals. Substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute of the match. The defeat ended Argentina's hopes of defending their title successfully.
Supreme Court takes exception to meagre compensation for ex-HC judges
The Supreme Court has taken exception to low compensation for retired High Court judges. It asked the Union government to form a committee for uniform guidelines. This committee will consider basic minimum security and services for retired judges. The panel will study issues faced by retired judges and submit recommendations. The goal is to ensure retired judges lead a dignified post-retirement life.
Superb Spain worthy winners of FIFA World Cup dominated by superstar names
This World Cup, the first to feature 48 teams, had an average of 2.96 goals per game, making it the most prolific since 1970. Spain scored only 14 times in eight games, but they take the trophy home after silencing Lionel Messi and defeating a disappointing Argentina 1-0 at the end of extra time at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
Morjim lawyer assault: HC shifts probe team, cites serious lapses
Panaji: Taking cognisance of the violent attack on advocate Ankur Kumar during a demolition process in Morjim, the High Court of Bombay at Goa on Monday directed the Superintendent of Police, North Goa, to immediately transfer the investigation to an experienced officer from a different police station. The High Court said that the new officer []
Quote of the Day: Alexander the Great's quote highlights immense ambition and human desire. This saying, preserved by Plutarch, reflects his vast conquests and empire. The ancient leader's words explore the nature of achievement and limits of power. His ambition expanded with success, leaving satisfaction constantly out of reach. The quote encourages appreciating accomplishments while pursuing new goals.
Messi suffers unwanted first in FIFA World Cup final as Spain silence Argentina icon
Spain defeated Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final after extra time. Lionel Messi experienced a rare off day, failing to create any chances for teammates. Spain's defensive strategy successfully contained the legendary Argentine forward throughout the match. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal, securing Spain's second World Cup title. This victory extended Spain's impressive unbeaten international run to thirty-eight games.
After beating Argentina, Spain return to Madrid with FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy
Spain's national football team returned home after winning the FIFA World Cup 2026. The team landed in Madrid and will celebrate with supporters on July 20. Spain secured their second World Cup title by defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final. Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in extra time after a cross from Pedro Porro. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made a record eleven saves for Argentina during the match.
FIFA Takes Massive Step After Argentina's Post World Cup 2026 Final Fight Involving Leandro Paredes
Though the first and only goal of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final took 106 minutes to arrive, it was quite a one-sided affair in favour of Spain against Argentina
Quote of the Day by Christopher Nolan: Christopher Nolans quote, By the time I was 10 or 11, I knew I wanted to make films, explores the importance of discovering ones passion, following creative dreams, and developing a clear purpose from an early age. The quote suggests that a strong interest and imagination can become the foundation for lifelong dedication, inspiring individuals to pursue their goals with curiosity, creativity, and commitment. It highlights how childhood dreams, when supported by hard work and determination, can grow into meaningful achievements and lasting success.
227 meritorious students receive Shining Stars award in Nandyal
Minority Welfare Minister urges students to set high goals and move forward with determination, says giving enough recognition and encouraging talent enables students to scale great heights
HPCL invites LNG suppliers for spot and long-term import deals
Hindustan Petroleum Corp has invited LNG suppliers to register for future deliveries. The company seeks both spot purchases and long-term supply agreements. HPCL operates an LNG import facility with significant annual capacity. India aims to increase gas's share in its energy mix. This move supports the nation's goal to reduce its carbon footprint.
Why Rodri Won FIFA World Cup Golden Ball Over Lionel Messi Despite 0 Goals, 0 Assists - Explained
Lionel Messi's FIFA World Cup story ended in tears. Messi turned 39 in June, and by the time the next World Cup comes around in 2030, the Argentina great will be 43. For an outfield player, playing at that age on the biggest stage seems too tall an ask
Quote of the Day: Kobe Bryant's quote A lot of people say they want to be great, but theyre not willing to make the sacrifices necessary to achieve greatness highlights the need for sacrifice to achieve greatness. Ambition alone is insufficient without dedicated effort and discipline and the quote of the day applies to students, professionals, and individuals pursuing goals.
Mediators propose 10-day ceasefire to revive Iran-U.S. interim deal: Senior Iranian official
Senior Iranian officials have revealed to Reuters that mediators are pushing for a 10-day ceasefire. The goal is to breathe new life into a stalled interim deal between Iran and the United States, aiming to de-escalate tensions and reopen diplomatic channels for crucial negotiations.
WATCH: Spain players form guard of honour for Messi after World Cup win
Spain secured the FIFA World Cup 2026 title after a hard-fought extra-time victory over Argentina. The Spanish team formed a guard of honour for Lionel Messi and his teammates. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal which handed La Roja their second World Cup. Messi's quest for a second World Cup title ended as Argentina's reign concluded. Spain's disciplined defence successfully contained the legendary Argentine captain throughout the match.
The Asian Legends League: The highly anticipated second edition of the Asian Legends League (ALL) is scheduled to captivate cricket fans worldwide, taking place in Lusaka, Zambia, from July 30 to August 10, 2026. Following its highly successful first edition, the league returns to a larger stage, featuring six competitive teams, legendary former international cricketers, and a thrilling T20 format that guarantees unforgettable cricketing action. Chetan Sharma, League Commissioner, Asian Legends League, said, The second season of the Asian Legends League marks a significant milestone in our journey. The Asian Legends League has always been envisioned as a celebration of Asian cricket, and our long-term goal is to stage the tournament across different Asian nations. However, due to the prevailing geopolitical tensions in parts of the Middle East and the resulting logistical challenges, we have decided to host Season 2 in Zambia. This is the first and only time the tournament is being held outside Asia. From next season onwards, we intend to bring the league back to Asia, where it truly belongs. Season 2 promises to be bigger, more competitive, and more entertaining. The teams will be led by renowned Asian cricket figures. Yusuf Pathan will head the Indian Royals, Thisara Perera will play for the Sri Lankan Lions, Shakib Al Hasan will represent the Bangladesh Tigers, Asghar Afghan will captain the Afghanistan Pathans, Mohammad Hafeez will play for the Pakistan Panthers, and Tillakaratne (TM) Dilshan will lead the Rest of Asian Stars. The tournament will feature additional star power from several renowned former international cricketers, such as Ambati Rayudu, Naman Ojha, Rishi Dhawan, Upul Tharanga, Isuru Udana, Danushka Gunathilaka, Dilshan Munaweera, Asela Gunaratne, Imran Nazir, Saeed Ajmal, Umar Akmal, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Irfan, Alok Kapali, and Malinda Siriwardana. More marquee names are expected to be announced soon. The league will maintain its distinctive country-based franchise format, uniting legendary players from across Asia and honouring the region's rich cricketing history, intense rivalries, and the camaraderie that characterise the sport locally. Known to fans as the Retired Players Asia Cup, this tournament has quickly become one of the top legends-cricket events globally. The tournament will feature additional star power from several renowned former international cricketers, such as Ambati Rayudu, Naman Ojha, Rishi Dhawan, Upul Tharanga, Isuru Udana, Danushka Gunathilaka, Dilshan Munaweera, Asela Gunaratne, Imran Nazir, Saeed Ajmal, Umar Akmal, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Irfan, Alok Kapali, and Malinda Siriwardana. More marquee names are expected to be announced soon. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The tournament will showcase six country-based franchises representing major cricketing nations across Asia. The teams include Indian Royals, Sri Lankan Lions, Bangladesh Tigers, Afghanistan Pathans, Pakistan Panthers, and Rest of Asian Stars. Article Source: IANS
Spain deserved World Cup win after neutralising Messi: Indian football legends
In a thrilling final, Spain triumphed over Argentina to seize the World Cup title, displaying unparalleled skill and precision. Legends from Indian football praised Spain's robust defensive strategy and high pressing game. Lionel Messi found himself effectively contained by Spain's dual-marking tactics. Despite Argentina's challenges, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was instrumental in keeping the score respectable. Spain's possession-driven style is now revered as a benchmark in the football world.
'It's not just about scoring or assisting': Cucurella explains why Rodri deserved Golden Ball
Spain defender Marc Cucurella lauded captain Rodri's Golden Ball award. Rodri was recognized for his exceptional performances during Spain's World Cup 2026 victory. He controlled the midfield and organized the team throughout the entire tournament. Cucurella emphasized Rodri's invaluable contribution beyond mere goals and assists. Rodri's midfield mastery earned him the prestigious award over other stars.
New Delhi [India], July 20 (ANI): Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday alleged that the Union Government had supressed the National Conference protest for restoration of statehood. The JK CM affirmed that this would not deter their campaign for dignity and self-governance. Abdullah maintained that the movement for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood and constitutional rights has only just begun. Omar Abdullah, in a post on X, reflected on the challenges faced during the demonstration. He wrote, We were stopped from getting to Jantar Mantar & stopped from protesting peacefully for what is rightfully ours, but we were not silenced. This is only the beginning of our struggle for statehood, our rights, our dignity and everything that was taken away from us. Earlier, the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference staged a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to demand the restoration of statehood. Although party leaders faced restrictions while attempting to reach the protest site, they emphasised that the movement remains active and focused on their constitutional goals. Speaking to ANI, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference MLA Hasnain Masoodi emphasised that the continued delay in restoring statehood is damaging the national interest, adding that the reason for the protest is the prevailing uncertainty. He said, The promise regarding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood was made on the floor of Parliament, before the Supreme Court. Yet, for a year and a half, no action has been taken. We exercised patience for a year. We have come here now to address this and the prevailing uncertainty; such uncertainty is not in the interest of the nation or its people. That is the reason for our visit and our protest... On Saturday, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary said the National Conference's protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20 is aimed at reminding the Centre of its promise to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking to ANI, Jammu and Kashmir Dy CM said, ... During the 2024 elections, both the Prime Minister and Home Minister assured the people of Jammu & Kashmir that statehood would be restored once the elections concluded. Yet, twenty-one months have passed; we have exercised great patience and waited, hoping for the day when the PM and Home Minister would fulfill the promise made to the people of Jammu & Kashmir. A decision was taken during a party legislators' meeting to gather at Jantar Mantar on the 20th. We intend to remind the Prime Minister and Home Minister that the time has come to honour their commitment to restore statehood after the elections, he further added. On July 20, the National Conference called for a protest at the Jantar Mantar to demand statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. Party chief Farooq Abdullah invited the leaders across party lines to join the protest. Earlier, on July 10, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that the National Conference has not received permission for its July 20 protest, demanding restoration of full statehood for the Union Territory. He alleged that there was an intent to sabotage the National Conference's protest. Full statehood has been a part of NC's long-standing demand after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. National Conference has invited 52 leaders across party lines for the protest at Jantar Mantar. Following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the Centre formed two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. In 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the move to abrogate Article 370, while not taking up the question of the restoration of statehood, as the Centre had submitted that it would be restored in due time. (ANI)
At a creator staycation in Goa, Rippl hosted its first Sharing Circle, where the conversation was not about follower counts but about the recommendations that do not always make it to social media.
Spain Break Multiple Records, Argentina Equal Unwanted Feat In FIFA World Cup 2026
Ferran Torres' extra-time goal handed Spain a sensational victory over Argentina in the final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday.
NCAHP's New Framework: Ensuring Standards Without Slowing Workforce Expansion
The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions’ direction dated 8 April 2026 is an important regulatory development for allied and healthcare education in India. The communication clarifies the framework for institutions and courses for Academic Year 2026–27 and notes that 17 competency-based curricula covering around 28 professions have been released for implementation. The concern lies in the practical implication of this direction. New programmes can move forward only where an NCAHP-approved curriculum is available. Therefore, professions recognised under the NCAHP framework but still awaiting curriculum release may not be open for new programme launch. This matters because India is simultaneously pursuing a major expansion of its allied healthcare workforce. The policy challenge is not whether regulation is needed. It clearly is. The challenge is how to ensure standardisation without delaying the development of trained professionals required by India’s healthcare system. Why Standardisation Matters Standardisation in allied and healthcare education is essential. For years, allied health programmes across India have varied widely in nomenclature, duration, admission eligibility, curriculum depth, clinical exposure, assessment methods and faculty requirements. Such variation can affect graduate competency, professional mobility and public confidence. The NCAHP Act, 2021 was introduced to create a national framework for regulating education and services in allied and healthcare professions. Its mandate includes institutional assessment, maintenance of professional registers, and promotion of access, research and adoption of scientific advancement. Competency-based curricula can help align education with defined clinical skills, patient safety standards and healthcare service needs. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with NCAHP, launched competency-based curricula for ten allied and healthcare professions in April 2025, describing the initiative as a step toward uniformity and quality. Thus, NCAHP’s intent is appropriate. India needs nationally comparable standards. The concern is not standardisation itself, but whether incomplete curriculum coverage may unintentionally slow workforce expansion. The Emerging Policy Gap A. Approved curricula versus recognised professions NCAHP has released curricula in areas such as Physiotherapy, Optometry, Nutrition and Dietetics, Dialysis Therapy, Radiotherapy Technology, Medical Radiology and Imaging Technology, Anaesthesia and Operation Theatre Technology, Health Information Management, Physician Associates, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Occupational Therapy, Respiratory Technology, Medical Physics and Nuclear Medicine Technology. These releases are significant, but they do not yet cover the full range of professions recognised under the NCAHP framework. The April 8 communication itself states that the released curricula cover around 28 professions. This leaves several recognised professions outside the current curriculum structure. This creates a policy gap: a profession may be recognised, but institutions may still be unable to start a new academic programme because the approved curriculum is pending. In effect, legal recognition exists, but educational expansion is paused. B. Impact on institutions Universities across India are looking to invest substantial resources in allied healthcare education. These investments include simulation laboratories, skill labs, diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, hospital partnerships, faculty recruitment, digital learning systems and quality assurance processes. However, institutions may hesitate to invest if they are unsure whether a proposed programme can be launched. This is particularly relevant for private universities, healthcare groups and regional institutions that are willing to build capacity but need regulatory clarity. Programme launch also requires advance academic planning through Boards of Studies, Academic Councils, statutory approvals, clinical training agreements and admission processes. Uncertain curriculum timelines may therefore delay programme development, reduce student choice and weaken institutional responsiveness to healthcare sector needs. Implications for India’s Workforce Goals The April 8 direction must be viewed in the context of India’s broader allied health workforce agenda. In Union Budget 2026, the Government announced plans to upgrade existing allied health institutions, establish new institutions in both public and private sectors, and train one lakh allied health professionals over five years in selected disciplines, including optometry, radiology, anaesthesia, operation theatre technology and applied psychology. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s post-budget consultation on “Scale-up Allied Health Professionals” also focused on adding 1,00,000 Allied Health Professionals over five years. The discussion linked this requirement to demographic transition, non-communicable diseases, healthcare infrastructure expansion and increasing use of advanced medical technologies. The existing education base is sizeable. The Ministry noted that India has over 500 government institutes offering around 48,000 seats, and about 3,800 private institutes offering more than 3.6 lakh seats, while also acknowledging variation in infrastructure, laboratories, equipment and trained faculty. These figures show that India requires both expansion and quality improvement. If programme development is limited only to disciplines with released curricula, workforce growth may become uneven. Some fields may expand rapidly, while other recognised professions remain underdeveloped. In the short term, universities may delay investments and admissions. In the medium term, hospitals may continue to face shortages in specialised technical roles. In the long term, India may struggle to produce the right mix of allied health professionals across disciplines, geographies and levels of care. This is especially important because modern healthcare depends on allied professionals in diagnostics, imaging, emergency care, operation theatres, dialysis, rehabilitation, radiotherapy, critical care and chronic disease management. If formal education capacity does not expand across all required professions, hospitals may continue to rely on informal training or limited talent pools. The larger risk is therefore not merely delayed academic approval. It is a possible mismatch between regulatory implementation and national workforce planning. A Balanced Way Forward India should not treat quality and capacity as competing priorities. A balanced transition model can protect NCAHP’s standard-setting role while allowing responsible programme expansion. First, NCAHP could publish a time-bound curriculum release calendar for all remaining recognised professions. This would help universities, hospitals and state authorities plan investments and admissions more confidently. Second, institutions meeting defined requirements for infrastructure, faculty, laboratories, clinical exposure and governance could be considered for provisional programme approval in professions where curricula are still awaited. Third, any programme approved under such a transitional mechanism should be required to adopt the NCAHP curriculum once released. This would preserve national uniformity while avoiding unnecessary delays. Fourth, during the interim period, institutions could use benchmark curricula from established universities, national skills frameworks or internationally accepted competency models, subject to regulatory review. Fifth, regulatory oversight should focus not only on documents and infrastructure but also on student competencies, clinical exposure, assessment quality, internship standards and graduate readiness. Finally, curriculum development should involve universities, hospitals, professional associations, state councils and industry stakeholders so that academic standards remain connected to healthcare delivery realities. Conclusion The NCAHP’s April 8, 2026 direction is a significant step toward standardising allied and healthcare education in India. Its emphasis on approved curricula, common standards and institutional accountability is important for quality assurance and patient safety. However, if curricula for all recognised professions are not released in a timely manner, the framework may unintentionally delay programme development, institutional investment and student opportunity. It may also create uneven workforce growth across disciplines. At a time when India aims to train one lakh allied health professionals over five years, regulation must support both quality and scale. A calibrated transitional pathway would allow NCAHP to function not only as a regulator but also as an enabler of India’s future-ready allied healthcare workforce.
