Post Pradhans resignation, protestors in Chennai say abolishing NEET is their goal
While the Cockroach Janta Party withdraws agitation in Delhi, protestors at Balan Illam look to bigger venues to continue their agitation against NEET
Goas fight against cancer begins with prevention
The incidence of cancer is rising across the world, including India and Goa. India records around 1.57 million new cancer cases annually, while Goa reports approximately 1,700 new cases every year. Several factors contribute to this rising trend such as increased life expectancy, improved methods of diagnosis, better control of infections, changes in diet and []
Thousands of devotees from Goa, Maharashtra throng Sankhali temple for Ashadhi Ekadashi
NT Reporter Sankhali Thousands of Warkaris and devotees from Goa and neighbouring Maharashtra thronged the Shri Viththal-Rukmini Temple at Viththalapur in Sankhali, popularly known as Goas Prati Pandharpur, to celebrate Ashadhi Ekadashi. The temple premises echoed with chants of Dnyanoba Tukaram, Pundalik Varada Hari Viththal and Jai Jai Ram Krishna Hari as devotees gathered from []
Fight for education reforms must continue, says Congress
NT Reporter Panaji Congratulating students on the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, an outcome of nationwide protests over the NEET-UG examination paper leak, Congress in Goa stressed theneed for education reforms and eradicating the corrupt system. Congress leader Yuri Alemao said Pradhans resignation is the victory of the youth of the country, who []
No one can ignore youths voice: Sardesai
NT Reporter Panaji The Goa Forward Party has welcomed the resignation of the Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, calling it a victory for Indias youth, students and parents who fought for fairness, transparency and accountability in the education system. The youth and students of our nation have won; their relentless struggle for accountability and fairness []
Lokayukta registers plaint against Margao CO over NOC complaint
NT Reporter Margao The Goa Lokayukta has registered a complaint against Margao MunicipalCouncil (MMC) chief officer Madhu Guno Narvekar following a grievance filed by former chairperson and Congress leaderSavio Coutinho. The complaint, filed under the Goa Lokayukta Act, 2011, alleges corruption, maladministration and abuse of authority in issuing a no objection certificate (NOC) to a []
A life of courage in the skies
John Aguiar Goa has produced many sons and daughters who have served the nation with distinction. Among them is the inspiring story of Wing Commander Oswald de Abreu, a distinguished Indian Air Force fighter pilot whose life was defined by courage, professionalism and unwavering dedication to the nation. Born on November 29, 1970, and raised []
Additional Central Provident Fund Commissioner of Karnataka and Goa Zone Jay Kumar has emphasised improving service delivery, timely settlement of claims and grievance redressal
Financial freedom at 32, but at what cost? The 4.5 crore health warning
A 32-year-old struggled with health due to long work hours and poor self-care, leading to a diabetes and hypertension diagnosis. His story highlights the relationship between health and financial risk, emphasizing the need for professionals to prioritize well-being alongside career goals.
Victory of democracy: Sonam Wangchuk on Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation
New Delhi, July 25: Following weeks of relentless nationwide protests and a gruelling 26-day hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The move came as a response to growing unrest over examination irregularities and paper leak allegations, particularly surrounding the NEET-UG exams. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who spearheaded the hunger strike alongside the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and student groups, marked the development as a major milestone for direct civic action in India. Reacting to the news on X, Sonam Wangchuk commended the resilience of the nation's youth and citizens. IT'S A VICTORY OF DEMOCRACY. direct democracy... straight from the streets. It's a victory of peace, patience & perseverance. Congratulations CJP, Gen Z of the nation and thank you all citizens for shedding fear and the fear of fear and rising up from every corner of the nation. FROM ACCOUNTABILITY, NOW TO REFORMS, posted Wangchuk. Wangchuk emphasised that while holding the government accountable was necessary, the ultimate goal must now pivot toward systemic reforms within India's education structure. His remarks came after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned, stating that he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that the situation arising from protests over examination irregularities was not exploited by anti-national forces. Welcoming the minister's resignation, the CJP said it would nevertheless continue its agitation at Jantar Mantar until all of its demands were fulfilled. Addressing supporters, CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke said, Kaha jaata tha iss sarkar main istife nahi hote. Jhukti hai duniya, jhukaane vaala chahiye. We have done it, describing the resignation as the first by a Union Minister under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. Visuals from the protest site showed demonstrators cheering and celebrating after news of Pradhan's resignation emerged. Dipke said the movement would continue until the remaining demands were addressed, including compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of students who died by suicide over examination-related issues and action against Delhi Police personnel accused of carrying out a lathi charge on protesters. In a post on X, the CJP marked Pradhan's resignation as achieved but listed two demands as pending: compensation for affected families and assurance that no action would be taken against student protesters. In his resignation letter shared on X, Pradhan said he had decided in the larger interest of students and the nation. The situation that has emerged at Jantar Mantar and elsewhere in the country should not be exploited by anti-national forces. The unity of the country must remain intact. The future of every student in India should not get entangled in legal complications, he wrote. Pradhan said he had always believed in the aspirations and strength of India's youth and that the developments of the past few days had deeply saddened him Defending the government's handling of the NEET-UG controversy, Pradhan said irregularities detected in the May 3, 2026 examination prompted the Centre to immediately hand over the investigation to the CBI, cancel the examination and announce a re-test. He said the re-examination for over two million candidates was successfully conducted on June 21 with the support of state governments, district administrations, students, parents and guardians. He also announced that the NEET-UG examination would be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode from next year to strengthen transparency. Meanwhile, the Centre is preparing to introduce a stringent anti-paper leak law that will provide for Special Fast-Track Courts, a Special Task Force (STF), and other measures aimed at preventing examination malpractices across the country. (ANI)
Watch: Abhishek Banerjee tells PM Modi to change DP at Goa student protest
Actor Abhishek Banerjee joined the student protest in Goa on Friday, holding a creative banner. He addressed the protestors, saying he was a fan of Gen Z and asked PM Modi to change his 'DP'
Goal Is To Pick Wickets And Win Games For India Just Like Bumrah: Yash Thakur
Yash Thakur: India fast bowler Yash Thakur has revealed that mastering death bowling has been the defining objective of his career, while describing premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah as the benchmark he hopes to emulate across all formats of the game. Thakur said he made a conscious decision early in his senior career with Vidarbha to specialise in bowling at the death, believing those overs often determine the outcome of matches. Ever since I started playing senior white-ball cricket for Vidarbha, I set one clear goal for myself: to become a specialist at death bowling. Matches are won and lost in the final overs, and that's where I wanted to make a difference for my team, Thakur told JioStar. The right-arm seamer said that philosophy has remained unchanged through his progression from domestic cricket to India A and now the senior national team. I have carried that mindset with me throughout my career. Whether I am playing for Vidarbha, India A, or in the IPL, I see death bowling as the toughest challenge in cricket, and I want to master it. If I can perform in high-pressure situations, that is when I can truly make an impact, he added. Thakur credited Bumrah as the biggest influence on his approach, praising the India pace spearhead's ability to excel regardless of the format or phase of the innings. I have carried that mindset with me throughout my career. Whether I am playing for Vidarbha, India A, or in the IPL, I see death bowling as the toughest challenge in cricket, and I want to master it. If I can perform in high-pressure situations, that is when I can truly make an impact, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Explaining the standard he has set for himself, Thakur added, I try to follow his approach, to be a bowler the captain can trust at any stage, whether it's the powerplay, the middle overs, or the death. My goal is to be someone who can pick up wickets and win games, just like Bumrah does for India. Article Source: IANS
Cardi Bs children show off their Spanish skills
In a heartwarming display of family fun, Cardi B shared vacation clips from the Dominican Republic, where her children amazed fans with their fluent Spanish skills. Kulture and Wave engaged in lively conversations about the picturesque landscape, while little Blossom happily pointed at a goat. Meanwhile, the youngest son clung to Cardi B, seeking refuge from pesky mosquitoes.
Choosing an MBA in 2027 requires looking beyond brand names and rankings, with placement data emerging as a crucial factor for aspirants. While top IIMs and premier B-schools continue to dominate with high salary packages and strong recruiter networks, several non-IIM institutes are also delivering competitive outcomes. Experts suggest evaluating placement rates, median salaries, alumni networks, fees, industry exposure and ROI before selecting a business school aligned with career goals.
Vozinha ends Lionel Messi's Inter Miami links with dream move to Colo Colo
Vozinha, Cape Verde's FIFA World Cup 2026 hero, has agreed to join Chilean giants Colo Colo after emerging as one of the tournament's biggest breakout stars. The 40-year-old goalkeeper, previously linked with Lionel Messi's Inter Miami, completed a remarkable journey from free agent to FIFA Dream Team selection following his stunning World Cup performances.
Many investors do not know the exact monthly SIP needed for their financial goals. Excel's PMT function helps calculate the required investment amount for future targets. Investors must first determine their target corpus and the desired time frame for accumulation. Accounting for inflation is crucial to adjust the financial goal's future value. This calculation ensures investors can effectively reach their desired corpus through systematic investments.
Jana Nayagan box office Day 2: Vijay's farewell film lags behind Leo, GOAT
Jana Nayagan box office Day 2: Vijay's farewell film lags behind Leo, GOAT
Grain-based ethanol gains momentum: What it means for Indias blending programme
It lifts farmer incomes, supports rural industry, and moves India closer to its clean energy goals
Anju Yadav's journey from a farmer's family in Haryana to becoming a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in the Rajasthan Police is a story of resilience and determination. After early marriage, motherhood, personal struggles, and the loss of her husband, she continued pursuing her goals while working as a teacher. Clearing the Rajasthan Administrative Service (RAS) Examination 2021 in her first attempt, she now inspires countless civil services aspirants to overcome adversity and pursue success.
Iran targets American strongholds around the Gulf while US hits more Iranian military sites
Irbil, Jul 25: Iran targeted American strongholds around the Persian Gulf on Friday, while the US bombarded Iranian military sites as the rivals showed no sign of backing away from their conflict after a 13th straight night of strikes. With fighting flaring again and diplomacy uncertain, both sides made moves suggesting an escalation was possible. US embassies in the Middle East began alerting Americans in the region that options to leave could become more limited, while Iran's Revolutionary Guard advised residents of neighbouring countries to stay away from bases with US troops. Vowing that Iran will not bow to US bullying, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi noted ongoing discussions with two global powers often at odds with Americans China and Russia and warned in an interview with the semiofficial news outlet Tasnim that the Islamic Republic is neither intimidated by threats nor will we yield to pressure. US President Donald Trump described current negotiations with Iran as by far the most serious that we've seen, even as the US has launched daily strikes. We're locked and loaded and ready to go, but we're talking to them, Trump told reporters Friday, adding that he's not in a hurry to end the war. At the center of the fight is the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for world energy supplies that has been effectively shut down by Iranian attacks, sending fuel prices soaring and causing widespread economic turmoil. US strikes sites across Iran and countries in the region are targeted In the northern Iraqi city of Irbil, which is home to a contingent of American military advisers, security officials said Friday that US-led forces had shot down five explosive-laden drones. Repeated blasts echoed in Irbil, the capital of Iraq's semiautonomous Kurdish region, and plumes of black smoke were seen near its airport, where US forces are based. US military officials did not respond to a request for comment on the apparent attacks. Meanwhile, Iran's Revolutionary Guard said it had targeted the US base in Udairi, Kuwait, setting ablaze and destroying three ammunition and storage sheds. It also claimed to have struck a watchtower for the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, based in Bahrain, which it said was damaged. US Central Command did not respond to inquiries about the claims. Both Bahrain and Jordan said they had intercepted aerial attacks by Iran on Friday. As a barrage of assaults was aimed at bases of the United States and its allies, the US hit a Revolutionary Guard naval base in northern Iran, according to the semiofficial news outlets Fars and ISNA. Blasts from US bombardment were also reported on Iran's Qeshm Island, a base for naval assets including drone boats that Iran can use to attack vessels in the strait, as well as in Isfahan province, home to a major Iranian air base and one of Iran's nuclear sites. Additional strikes reportedly hit Iran's southwest Khuzestan province and southern Fars province. Central Command said the latest barrage was designed to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting regional waters as the Americans push to reopen the strait, through which one-fifth of the world's oil and gas transited in peacetime. Houthi attacks give Iran more leverage in potential negotiations A diplomatic delegation from Oman, which has been involved in mediation efforts between the US and Iran, was in Tehran on Friday to discuss managing shipping traffic in the strait, according to Iran's state news agency. Iran's ability to effectively close the strait and cause economic chaos far beyond the Middle East gives it tremendous leverage in negotiations. Its Houthi allies increased that leverage when they targeted two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea on Thursday increasing the risks of shipping through another vital route for Middle Eastern oil. The attacks made good on the Houthis' threat to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to Saudi-linked shipping. The strait at the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, and around 12 per cent of the world's trade, including one-fourth of global container traffic, passes through there. The passage has become more crucial for Saudi Arabia, which has been forced to divert millions of barrels of oil a day to bypass the strait. Trump has threatened major military punishment against the Houthis if their attacks on ships continue. The price of Brent crude oil, the international standard, dipped slightly Friday to about USD 96, but it is still up substantially from before the start of the war, when it was trading around USD 72 a barrel. Motorists in the US saw gas prices tick up to an average of USD 4.11 a gallon, AAA said. No signs of diplomatic breakthrough as war's human toll expands Beyond the economic impact, the human toll was also apparent, with the Iranian Health Ministry reporting that 3,434 people have been killed since the war began. In other developments, the International Maritime Organization said at least 6,000 mariners were stranded on about 400 vessels around the Strait of Hormuz. UN human rights chief Volker Turk called for urgent action to help them. His office said the seafarers are exposed to the fighting and some have been abandoned by their ships' owners, leaving them to fend for themselves without food, water, fuel, medical care, electricity or means to communicate with their families. There have been no public signs of progress in any negotiation efforts. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar of Pakistan, which has played a significant role in previous negotiations, met his Iranian counterpart, Araghchi, on Friday. But before the meeting, Araghchi appeared to brush off any attempts at mediation, saying he did not think the conflict needed more mediators, instead insisting the US must change its position. The US and Israel attacked Iran on Feb 28 and have offered shifting goals for the war, including toppling Tehran's government and eliminating its nuclear programme. Israel signalled its willingness to rejoin the conflict in recent days. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he would travel to the US next week and meet with Trump.
No deal with Centre, ended fast fearing crackdown like Ladakh: Sonam Wangchuk
Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike after receiving written assurances from the Centre. He feared a crackdown and wanted to prevent violence against protesters and students. Wangchuk emphasized his primary goal was protecting students from legal consequences and violence. Union ministers met him and agreed to consider compensation and parliamentary discussion. He expressed confidence that the movement would continue pressing for the minister's resignation.
Northern Army Commander reviews hinterland security grid in Kashmir
Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command, carried out a comprehensive two-day review of the security framework and operational readiness of hinterland formations across the Kashmir Valley. The Army Commander, accompanied by GOC 15 Corps, Lt Gen Balbir Singh visited multiple sectors in the hinterland and received detailed briefings on the integrated intelligence architecture, revised operational procedures and the strengthened joint-response mechanisms that form the backbone of the current security grid. A key component of the review was a close examination of the multi-layered security architecture put in place for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra 2026, which began on July 3 and is scheduled to conclude on August 28. After completing the ground-level assessment, Lt Gen Sharma chaired an Apex Level Security Coordination Meeting in Srinagar. The high-level meeting brought together key stakeholders from the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces and various intelligence agencies. Detailed discussions were held to evaluate the evolving security environment in the region and to further refine coordinated operational responses. Reiterating the paramount importance of synergised and coordinated joint operational mechanisms along with real-time intelligence sharing, the Army Commander appreciated the professionalism and collective efforts of all ranks of the Army and personnel from sister agencies working towards the common goal of peace and stability in the Valley. The review comes at a time when security forces continue to maintain a robust multi-agency grid both along the yatra routes and in the hinterland areas to ensure uninterrupted pilgrimage and overall stability. Earlier this year, Lt Gen Sharma had also reviewed operational preparedness under Operation SHIVA along the Baltal and Pahalgam axes, underscoring the Northern Commands sustained focus on seamless inter-agency coordination for the annual yatra. Northern Command shared details of the latest review on its official X handle, highlighting the continued emphasis on joint efforts to safeguard peace in the region.
India vs US: Where should US-based NRIs invest their money?
US-based NRIs should align investments with future financial needs and currency. Future expenses should guide asset allocation decisions for these investors. India investments offer diversification while US assets match dollar liabilities. Investors should hold assets in the currency of their future liabilities. This approach ensures financial goals align with investment strategies.
Mirwaiz concerned over mass detentions following killing of policeman
Srinagar, Jul 24: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday expressed concern over mass detentions in the valley in the wake of the killing of a policeman by a lone terrorist in Anantnag, and demanded an investigation into the attack. Addressing the Friday congregation at the Jamia Masjid here, Farooq expressed serious concern and anguish over large-scale detentions, questioning and harassment of youth across Kashmir during the past few days. Over 3,500 suspected over-ground workers have been detained across the valley since the attack, police had said. He said the killing of the policeman came after the government's claim that militancy has ended in Kashmir. Taking of every human life is wrong and unacceptable, but an act of violence by one cannot justify collective punishment for all. The killing should be investigated and those responsible be dealt with according to law. But innocent youth and their families should not be made scapegoats and made to suffer, he said. Referring to the demolition of the houses of terrorists in Anantnag following the cop's killing, the valley's chief preacher said it is another extrajudicial and unjust measure. Such measures deepen resentment and are ultimately counterproductive, he added. Referring to the Cockroach Janta Party protests in Delhi, Farooq said young people raising their genuine concerns should be heard and engaged with, not subjected to policing and force.
RGP dissolves all committees; fresh polls in 45 days
NT Reporter Panaji In a major decision, the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) dissolved all its existing state, district, block, taluka and ward level committees as well as other organisational committees with immediate effect and announced fresh elections for all the executive committees within45 days. The communication was issued on Friday by St Andre RGP legislator []
Digital survey to map Goas crops, land from next month
Roque Dias Margao In an effort to modernise Goas farming sector, the agriculture department has decided to commence a Digital Crop Survey (DCS) across the state during the kharif season starting August 1 to combine land records and crop information into onesimple system. This follows successful completion of a pilot project in the villages of []
Childhood cancer and survival rates
Maria Fernandes | NT Childhood cancer remains one of Indias most challenging yet often overlooked health concerns. Addressing this critical issue was medical oncologist at Goa Medical College Dr. Anupama Borker, the guest on the recent episode of The Navhind Times Talk from the Heart, which aired on Goa 365 channel. While childhood cancers are []
Chikhal Kalo reflects Goas rich spiritual & cultural heritage: CM
NT Reporter Ponda Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday said Goa is increasingly being recognised not only for its coastline but also for its temples, traditions and hinterland experiences, aligning with the state governments vision of promoting Tourism Beyond the Sea and Beaches. Inaugurating the three-day Chikhal Kalo Festival 2026 at the Devki Krishna Maidan []
Industry bodies welcome land allotment for IIT at Farmagudi
NT Reporter Panaji Goan industry bodies have welcomed the governments decision to finally allot land for the Goa campus of IIT at Farmagudiin Ponda. Industry associations, including the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Goa State Industries Association (GSIA), Madkai Industrial Estate Association (MIEA), and Kundaim Industrial Estate Association (KIEA), said the move brings []
Why have Goa MLAs not used funds for aided schools: AAP
NT Reporter Margao Former Delhi chief minister Atishi and Benaulim AAP MLA Venzy Viegas on Friday inaugurated an integrated VR Science Lab at Sacred Heart of Jesus High School, Carmona, set up using the MLAs funds. Viegas stated that every school in Benaulim would be provided with a similar laboratory as part of efforts to []
Congress questions transparencyover govts Rs 800cr event spending
NT Reporter Panaji The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) on Friday accused the BJP-led state government of turning governance into an event management exercise to facilitate corruption, alleging that nearly Rs 800 crore had been siphoned off through expenditure on public events, festivals and government programmes. The party demanded transparency in the utilisation of public []
A growth story that needs women at work
Womens employment is essential for growth, productivity, and achieving Viksit Bharat goals
NT BUZZ Dalgado Konkani Akademi in collaboration with the Konkani Department of Carmel College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Nuvem, Goa organised Buzvonn Boska a condolence meet to honour the memory of 40 prominent personalities who dedicated their lives to promote Romi Konkani. The programme started with a short prayer service by the students []
Ferran Torres delivered Spain's World Cup-winning goal, but his funniest post-tournament moment came during a royal reception when Princess Leonor reminded him of a pre-tournament promise to shave his head if Spain lifted the trophy. The Barcelona forward laughed off the question, while several other Spain stars still face unusual challenges after their historic triumph.
E-Books or Printed Books: A discussion
The rapid expansion of digital technology has transformed education across India. From online classrooms to digital libraries, students now have access to a wealth of learning resources at the touch of a button. Among these changes, one question continues to spark debate among educators, parents, and students alike: Should higher secondary students rely on e-books or continue studying from printed books? E-books offer several undeniable advantages. Thousands of textbooks and reference materials can be stored on a single device, making learning more convenient and reducing the burden of carrying heavy school bags. They are often less expensive than printed books and can be updated easily to reflect the latest syllabus. Digital features such as keyword searches, bookmarks, highlighting, and built-in dictionaries also help students study more efficiently. For students in remote areas, e-books provide access to educational resources that may otherwise be difficult to obtain. However, the increasing use of digital devices also raises important concerns. Prolonged screen exposure may contribute to eye strain, headaches, sleep disturbances, and reduced concentration. Notifications from social media, games, and other applications can interrupt study sessions and reduce productivity. Furthermore, not every student has reliable access to smartphones, tablets, or high-speed internet, creating a digital divide that can widen educational inequalities. Printed books, despite the digital revolution, continue to offer significant educational benefits. Research has consistently shown that reading from paper improves comprehension, long-term retention, and focused attention, particularly for complex subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. Printed books eliminate digital distractions and encourage disciplined study habits. They also provide a tactile learning experience that many students find easier for annotation, revision, and memory recall. On the other hand, printed books are heavier, occupy physical space, and can be relatively expensive, particularly when multiple guidebooks and reference texts are required. They also cannot be updated as quickly as digital resources when curricula change. Educational research increasingly suggests that the most effective learning strategy is not choosing one format over the other, but combining both. Printed textbooks remain the preferred medium for deep reading, conceptual understanding, and examination preparation, while e-books serve as valuable tools for quick reference, revision, multimedia learning, and accessing supplementary resources. For Indian higher secondary students preparing for competitive examinations such as NEET, JEE, CUET, and board examinations, a balanced approach appears most beneficial. Printed books can strengthen concentration and conceptual clarity, whereas e-books can enhance flexibility, accessibility, and efficient revision. Technology should complementnot replacethe enduring value of printed books. The goal of education is not merely to read more but to understand, retain, and apply knowledge effectively. In this digital era, the future of learning lies in using both mediums wisely to create confident, informed, and successful learners. (The Author is a student enrolled at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, College of Engineering and Applied Science. Email:- shayaanerd@gmail.com )
GMC triumph in inter-college chess
NT Reporter Cujira Goa Medical College, Bambolim emerged champions of the Inter-College Chess Tournament organised by the Department of Physical Education and Sports and the Rotaract Club of DCTs Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College (Autonomous), in collaboration with the Tiswadi Taluka Chess Association, to mark World Chess Day. Featuring participants from 19 colleges across Goa, the []
The Rise of AI Agents: The Next Digital Revolution
The next revolution in computing may not arrive as a new device. It may arrive as an intelligent digital partner capable of planning, reasoning and working alongside people. Artificial intelligence agents are reshaping computing, moving beyond systems that simply respond to commands to intelligent assistants capable of understanding goals, planning tasks and helping complete complex work. Not long ago, artificial intelligence mainly meant asking a chatbot a question and receiving an answer. Today, AI agents represent a different stage of development. They can analyse information, use digital tools, organise workflows, assist with research and complete tasks with limited human guidance. From Stanford University and MIT to Google DeepMind, researchers increasingly describe AI agents as one of the most significant developments in computing since the smartphone era. With its strong tradition of learning, Kashmir is well positioned to view this as more than another technology trend. It is an opportunity to rethink how students learn, how businesses grow, how professionals work and how young entrepreneurs build the next generation of digital services. Unlike traditional AI chatbots, AI agents are designed to act. Instead of asking a chatbot how to prepare for an exam, a student could ask an AI agent to create a personalised study plan, organise learning materials, schedule revision sessions, track progress and adjust the plan as learning improves. A small business owner could ask an AI agent to analyse sales, prepare invoices, respond to customers and identify new market opportunities. Rather than simply answering questions, these systems help people complete complex tasks and achieve specific goals. This shift has attracted attention from some of the world's leading universities, research centres and organisations. The Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI), Stanford Digital Economy Lab, Harvard Business School, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), MIT Media Lab, Google DeepMind, Microsoft Research, OpenAI, Anthropic, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and McKinsey & Company are studying how AI agents could influence education, healthcare, scientific discovery, business and the future of work. The evidence indicates that this transition is already underway. According to the Stanford AI Index 2026, organisational AI adoption and technical capabilities continue to expand steadily, while AI systems are demonstrating stronger performance on increasingly complex real-world tasks. Research from Harvard Business School and other institutions also suggests that knowledge workers are increasingly using AI tools and AI agents for research, learning and productivity. The economic potential is equally significant. PwC estimates that artificial intelligence could contribute trillions of dollars to the global economy in the coming years, while market analysts project strong growth in the agentic AI sector. More importantly, this story is not only about technology. It is about people. In Kashmir, the real question is not whether AI agents have arrived. They already have. The more important question is whether students, professionals, entrepreneurs and organisations are ready to use them wisely, responsibly and creatively. The impact of AI agents could be especially significant in areas where knowledge, accessibility and efficiency matter most. In Kashmir's context, artificial intelligence is not only about adopting a new technology; it is about understanding how emerging tools can strengthen education, improve essential services, encourage entrepreneurship and support local innovation. Education could become one of Kashmir's greatest opportunities. AI agents can act as personalised learning assistants that explain difficult concepts, organise study material, create revision plans and adapt lessons to each learner's pace. Teachers could use AI to prepare classroom resources, reduce routine workloads and devote more time to mentoring students. Research from the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI) and the MIT Media Lab suggests that the future of education lies not in replacing teachers but in strengthening the partnership between educators and intelligent tools. Healthcare is another area where AI agents could make a valuable difference. They may help doctors organise patient information, summarise medical research, support documentation and improve access to reliable medical knowledge. While human judgement must remain central to clinical decisions, AI can serve as a supportive tool, helping healthcare professionals work more efficiently while allowing greater focus on patient care. Tourism, horticulture and local businesses also present promising opportunities. AI agents could help tourism operators offer personalised travel recommendations, improve communication with visitors and enhance customer service. In horticulture and agriculture, including apple cultivation and saffron production, AI-powered systems could help growers interpret weather information, monitor crop conditions and access market insights. Similar AI-supported agricultural initiatives are also being explored in Maharashtra, demonstrating how intelligent technologies can support better-informed decision-making. Within Kashmir's entrepreneurial ecosystem, AI agents could become affordable digital partners. They can support market research, business planning, software development, customer service and content creation, allowing startups to operate more efficiently with limited resources. Instead of viewing artificial intelligence only as global technological development, Kashmir has an opportunity to nurture local talent and encourage solutions designed around regional needs. Equally important, the rise of AI agents calls for thoughtful and responsible adoption. Researchers at Stanford, MIT, Google DeepMind and other leading institutions continue to emphasise the importance of human oversight, privacy, cybersecurity and ethical AI development. Intelligent systems can make mistakes, misunderstand context and generate inaccurate information, making critical thinking and human judgement indispensable. The defining advantage will belong not only to those who use AI, but to those who understand its strengths, recognise its limitations and apply them responsibly. In Kashmir's evolving digital landscape, AI agents represent more than a technological advance. They present an opportunity to strengthen education, encourage innovation and prepare people to participate confidently in the global digital economy. Such preparation could prove to be one of the defining investments in Kashmir's digital future. (The Author writes on emerging technologies. Email: bakshisuhaib094@gmail.com)
Robles stars as Goa Challengers enters final in style
US nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia sparks proliferation concerns
A deal between the United States and Saudi Arabia to equip the kingdom with a civilian nuclear programme has provoked a flood of questions about the risks of nuclear proliferation. If Riyadh had wanted to just have US backing for a civilian program, it would have done so years ago... the goal is to get US support for a deal that doesn't fully exclude a pathway to a weapons program, analyst Michael Horowitz wrote, in a post on X. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stressed there are safeguards against proliferation.
Life lesson by Magic Johnson: Magic Johnson's quote emphasizes pursuing dreams and not letting others' doubts limit potential. He believes motivation and consistent effort can achieve any life goal. Many realize too late they feared failure and others' expectations. Johnson's message highlights that action must follow belief in a dream.
African Proverb of the Day teaches a timeless life lesson that feels especially relevant today. Success should never erase your memory of struggle. Every achievement began with obstacles, failure, and uncertainty. This powerful African proverb reminds us to respect people still chasing their goals. Real wisdom grows through empathy, humility, and patience.
The words emotionally intelligent people choose often reflect these skills because their goal isn't just to express their own thoughts, it's to create understanding and strengthen communication with others.
CreditAccess Grameen Limited - First Quarter FY26-27 Results
AUM Grew 16.4% YoY to INR 30,319 Crore PPOP Grew 33.6% YoY to INR 873 Crore PAT Grew 719.7% YoY to INR 493 Crore CreditAccess Grameen Limited (NSE: CREDITACC, BSE: 541770, ‘CA Grameen’), India’s leading rural-focused inclusive financing platform, today announced its unaudited and limited reviewed financial performance for the first quarter for the financial year 2026-2027. Business Highlights: Q1 FY27 AUM grew 16.4% YoY from 26,055 crore to INR 30,319 crore Disbursements increased by 11.9% YoY from INR 5,458 crore to INR 6,107 crore Retail Finance portfolio share at 20.6% in Jun-26 Vs 18.1% in Mar-26 Healthy new borrower addition of 2.5 lakh with 35% being New-to-Credit (NTC) Portfolio share of unique borrowers in Group Lending at 46% in Q1 FY27 Vs 36% in Q1 FY26 PAR 0+ decreased from 3.0% in Q4 FY26 to 2.2% in Q1 FY27 X-Bucket Collection Efficiency stood at 99.68% in June 26 Branch network grew by 7.7% YoY from 2,114 in Jun-25 to 2,276 branches in Jun-26 Employee base grew by 3.0% YoY from 21,333 to 21,981 with annualised quarterly attrition rate of 20.6% Financial Highlights: Q1 FY27 Total income increased by 21.9% YoY to INR 1,784 crore Pre-provision operating profit (PPOP) increased 33.6 % YoY to INR 873 crore Credit cost declined by 62.8% YoY to INR 212.5 crore or 0.72% on a non-annualized basis Profit Before Tax (PBT) grew 713.7% YoY from INR 81.1 crore to INR 660.0 crore Profit After Tax (PAT) grew 719.7% YoY from INR 60.2 crore to INR 493.4 crore GNPA / NNPA measured at 60+ dpd (GL) stood 2.18% / 0.76%, with PAR 90+ of 1.46% Robust liquidity of INR 3,535.5 crore of cash, cash equivalents, and investments, 10.4% of the total assets Healthy capital position with a CRAR of 24.9% Credit Rating: AA-/Stable by CRISIL, ICRA & India Rating Commenting on the business performance, Mr. Ganesh Narayanan, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CreditAccess Grameen Ltd , remarked, “ The Company delivered a steady and disciplined performance in Q1 FY27. AUM grew 16.4% YoY to INR 30,319 crore, notwithstanding the typical Q1 seasonality and continued write-offs over the past 12 months. Retail Finance now constitutes 20.6% of AUM, up from 18.1% a quarter ago, driven by the graduation of long-vintage, credit-tested customers into secured, higher-ticket products, a trend that is expected to gain further momentum. During the quarter, we also completed a private NCD issuance of INR 425 crore, which further diversifies our liability base. Our overall funding profile remains healthy, with foreign borrowings at 23.9% of our liability mix and capital position remaining strong with CRAR at 24.9% . Our asset quality metrics remained within our expected range through the quarter, supported by sustained collection efficiency across all operating geographies. Our continued ability to recover quickly, drove strong improvement in profitability, a trend now visible for the second consecutive quarter. We expect this trajectory to be sustained through the rest of the year helping achieve our FY27 performance guidance. Operating metrics continued to strengthen, with PPOP up 33.6% YoY to INR 873 crore, followed by 62.8% YoY decline in Credit Cost to INR 212 crore, resulting in a PAT of INR 493 crore, up 719.7% YoY. These outcomes lay a strong foundation to undertake 'Project Shakti,' our transformational journey anchored in the strength and resilience of the communities we serve .” About CreditAccess Grameen Limited CreditAccess Grameen Limited is India’s leading rural-focused inclusive financing platform headquartered in Bengaluru. The Company provides a curated lifecycle credit suite to low-middle income households spanning group loans, individual business loans, secured business loans, affordable housing loans, and two-wheeler financing. The Company operates across 457 districts in 16 states (Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh & West Bengal) and one union territory (Puducherry) through 2,276 branches. The Company’s Promoter is CreditAccess India B.V., a multinational company focused on inclusive financing, supported by leading global institutional investors.
With an annual revenue target of 11,000 crore for the current financial year, the Department of Mines and Geology will assign district-wise revenue and operational targets to geologists, Secretary of the MSME and Mines and Geology Department Rohini Sindhuri said
India engaged with US for negotiating trade pact, govt tells Rajya Sabha
The Indian government is reviewing recent US tariff developments and remains engaged with Washington on negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement. Commerce officials said consultations are ongoing with farmers, exporters, industries and other stakeholders to safeguard Indias trade interests while advancing the goal of expanding bilateral trade.
Best Lip Balm in India: How Weather Affects Your Lips and What to Use
Chapped lips in Delhi winter, tanning after a Goa trip, or peeling lips from spending all day in air-conditioned offices, many people notice the problem only when their lips start peeling. Unlike the rest of the skin, the lips have a very thin protective barrier and lose moisture quickly. That is why a lip balm that works in one season may not be enough in another. If you are looking for the right lip balm for your concern, it helps to choose one based on how the Indian weather affects your lips throughout the year. Why Indian Weather Can Damage Your Lips Lips dont have sebaceous glands, which means they cant produce the natural oils that the skin on your face does. As a result, they dry out more easily, especially if exposed to heat, cold wind, pollution or constant air conditioning. Indian weather adds a layer of stress: High summer temperatures can dehydrate the lips. Winter winds can strip away moisture. Humidity in monsoons, followed by AC exposure, causes dryness. The lips can darken due to prolonged exposure to the sun and pollution. Thats why many dermatologists recommend adding a protective lip balm to your daily routine rather than using it only when your lips start cracking. How Weather Changes Affect Your Lips Through the Year India's climate varies significantly from region to region, with different seasons, and your lips react to those changes more quickly. Knowing how each season affects the lips makes it easier to choose the right texture, ingredients, and reapplication time. Summer Dehydration, rough texture and increased pigmentation can be caused by strong UV exposure and heat. In cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad, where the summer sun is quite intense, apply an SPF lip balm every 2-3 hours while outdoors, especially if you are sweating or drinking frequently. Winter Cold wind and low humidity can dry out the moisture from the lips. Thats when youre more likely to get cracking, peeling and painful dryness. A richer lip balm for dry lips containing hydrating ingredients like Shea Butter works better with a lightweight formula. Monsoon Many people believe humidity keeps lips hydrated, but moving from humid outdoors to air-conditioned indoors can still cause dryness. In cities like Mumbai, Kochi and Chennai, where there is a lot of humidity, go for a non-sticky balm that won't feel heavy in humid weather but still has ingredients to reduce moisture loss. Signs Your Lips Are Damaged by Weather Weather damage does not always appear as severe cracking. Some common signs include: Discomfort or tightness after washing the face Flaking or peeling skin Burning sensation in cold weather Fine cracks at corners of mouth. Dark patches/uneven lip colour Lips that feel dry again within an hour If lip darkening develops gradually due to sun exposure, smoking, dehydration, or irritation, the first step is usually protecting the lips and repairing the skin barrier. Consistent application of a moisturising lip balm with SPF can often help prevent any further pigmentation. Key Ingredients to Look for in a Lip Balm Dermatologists often look for ingredients that both hydrate and prevent moisture loss. Ingredients to help with Dry and Chapped lips Shea butter Rich in fatty acids to smooth rough spots and make lips feel more comfortable if they feel tight. Ceramide Helps repair the lip barrier and reduces the risk of recurring lip dryness. Beeswax Creates a breathable layer to hold moisture and protect from wind exposure. Hyaluronic Acid Draws moisture to the lips and can make dehydrated lips feel smoother. Vitamin E Provides antioxidant support and helps soothe lips stressed from environmental exposure. Ingredients useful for Sun-related Lip Darkening SPF 30 or higher : Helps reduce UV damage that can lead to tanning and uneven lips. Zinc oxide or Titanium dioxide : These are physical UV filters that sit on the surface of the skin and reflect sunlight. They are good for sensitive lips. Niacinamide : Helps to improve the evenness of the lip tone and strengthens the skin barrier. Try to avoid excess menthol, camphor, strong artificial fragrances, and repeated lip-plumping ingredients if you have sensitive lips. How to Apply Lip Balm the Right Way Many people don't realise that application technique is more important than it is. Follow these tips to get better results: Apply to slightly damp lips after washing your face. Instead of rubbing the product back and forth, use a thin, even layer. Gently press the lips together to spread the balm. Reapply before stepping into harsh sun, cold wind, or air-conditioned environments. At night, apply a slightly thicker layer to help reduce moisture loss overnight. If your lips are very dry, most dermatologists recommend applying a hydrating layer first and then sealing it in with a moisturising balm before bed. Common Lip Care Mistakes to Avoid Licking your lips frequently It looks like a quick fix, but saliva evaporates quickly, leaving the lips even drier. This cycle is often more apparent in air-conditioned offices and classrooms. Only applying a lip balm when the lips are already cracked By the time you see severe cracking, the lip barrier is already compromised. Regular use is usually more effective than waiting until visible damage occurs. Ignoring sun protection Many people apply sunscreen to the face but skip the lips. Repeated exposure to UV in the Indian summer can also cause dryness and gradual darkening. Over-exfoliating Harsh sugar scrubs or scrubbing too hard can make peeling worse and cause small injuries. Gentle exfoliation once in a while is usually enough. Picking peeling skin Picking at the flaky skin can cause bleeding and delay healing. It is better to put a thick layer of balm on and let the skin soften naturally. Conclusion When you are looking for the best lip balm in India , make sure you choose the one that matches your climate, lifestyle, and lip concerns. Summer requires SPF protection, winter requires richer moisturisation, and monsoon requires frequent reapplication. If you have ongoing dryness, then pick a nourishing lip balm for dry lips with barrier-supportive ingredients. Consistent protection is important, especially if you have gradual pigmentation due to sun exposure or irritation. A good lip balm works best when its a daily habit, not a seasonal rescue product.
From Local Dreams to Global Careers: Free SAP Learning for Students in India
For years, a degree was the thing that got you hired. That’s changed. Employers now want graduates who can pick things up fast, understand how a business actually runs, and work comfortably in tech-driven teams that often span several countries at once. SAP Learning Hub, student edition A student graduating in Bengaluru or Pune might, within months, be collaborating with colleagues in Berlin or clients in Singapore. Workplaces have moved faster than classrooms in this respect, and that gap is exactly why continuous learning now matters almost as much as the degree itself. Enterprise technology is a big part of that gap. Large organizations run on integrated systems that touch everything from finance and procurement to supply chains and customer service. Most students never encounter these systems until they’re already on the job, at which point they’re expected to learn them on the fly. SAP thinks students shouldn’t have to wait that long. Through SAP Learning Hub, student edition , eligible final-year college and university students in India get free access to premium SAP learning resources once they complete academic verification — no subscription, no hidden cost. Students pick learning journeys based on what interests them, sit in on expert-led sessions, get hands-on time with real practice systems, and join a learning community that stretches well beyond their own campus. The program also covers two SAP Certification exam attempts, so students walk away with credentials employers recognize internationally. “ Today's careers are rarely confined to one geography ,” says David Chaviano, Program Manager, SAP Learning Hub, student edition . “ Students who understand how businesses operate, and who keep learning throughout their careers, will be better prepared to succeed in an increasingly connected economy .” None of this is limited to engineering or computer science students, either. Whether you’re studying commerce, management, or a technical discipline, there are learning paths in finance, procurement, HR, supply chain, customer experience, analytics, and business technology. The goal isn’t to churn out software users, it’s to help students understand how modern organizations actually function. Global careers, it turns out, usually start with local preparation. Getting a head start on industry-relevant skills before graduation can make that first jump from campus to workplace feel a lot less daunting, and considerably more rewarding. For India’s graduates entering an increasingly connected economy, understanding how global businesses work may end up mattering just as much as the degree hanging on the wall. https://learning.sap.com/free-student-edition
World Cup medal and LA Olympics hockey star Manpreet's last two goals
Veteran hockey player Manpreet Singh desires a World Cup medal. He aims to achieve this before retiring after the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. India's last World Cup medal was in 1975, a jinx he hopes to break.
Anupam Kher revisits his 1981 Mumbai journey with emotional throwback photos
Anupam Kher shared his initial Mumbai portfolio pictures from 1981. He was twenty-five years old when he arrived in the city. Kher recalled his early struggles and insecurities about his appearance. He drew strength from his training and determination to succeed. The actor encouraged dreamers to remain committed to their goals.
Jana Nayagan day 1 box office: Vijay's swansong collects Rs 41 crore in India
Vijay's final film Jana Nayagan collected Rs 41 crore net in India and Rs 78.27 crore worldwide on its opening day. Despite a strong start and massive fan celebrations, the H. Vinoth directorial couldn't surpass the opening-day collections of Beast, GOAT or Leo
UTT 7: Dabang Delhi TTC Enter Semifinal With Win Over Pune, Set To Meet Goa Challengers
Dabang Delhi TTC secured the fourth and final semifinal berth in Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) Season 7 with a 10-5 victory over PBG Pune Jaguars in Panaji on Thursday.
Where should you invest Rs 10 lakh? Equity, hybrid or debtfind the best option
Financial planning: Investing ten lakh rupees requires aligning financial goals with suitable timeframes. Short-term goals necessitate conservative assets offering high liquidity and capital protection. Medium-term objectives allow for a balanced approach with hybrid and equity fund allocations. Long-term wealth creation benefits from a significant allocation towards diversified equity funds. Investors should also consider tax implications and rebalance portfolios as goals approach.
Quote of the day by Beyonc Knowles offers a timeless perspective on what it truly takes to achieve meaningful success. Beyonc reminds us that lasting accomplishment is rarely accidental. It grows from disciplined effort, thoughtful choices, and the willingness to remain committed even when progress feels slow. True power is not measured by fame, titles, or wealth alone. It is measured by the strength to pursue meaningful goals with integrity, the discipline to keep learning, and the courage to make sacrifices that create a better future. When happiness is built on hard work and purpose, success becomes more than an achievementit becomes a lasting source of confidence, fulfillment, and inspiration.
Jana Nayagan, Vijay's final film, opened with strong box office collections on Thursday. The movie failed to collect Rs 100 crore at the worldwide box office. This performance, however, did not surpass Vijay's previous film collections. The film's weekend performance will be crucial for its overall success. Vijay is now focusing on politics full-time after this release. Read on!
Death, as we realise bitterly, keeps its own calendar, runs in its own timeline. Divinely ordained, it is a great leveller and rips through all barriers, high and low. It can neither be cajoled nor bribed. It stands deadly insulated against all pleas, mercies and beseeching. Its single frown is enough to numb anyone into a soul-less corpse. Abdul Khaliq Tak popularly known as Tak Zainagiri, was a remarkable man, for decades he served his fellow people in a selfless way that made him a symbol of human goodness and kindness. This most amazing and selfless human being was born for what he achieved in decades of dedication to humanitarian work, a testimony to the natural goodness in all human beings. This great philanthropist of the valley, the iconic founder of the Jammu and Kashmir Yateem Trust breathed his last on 24th July, 1989. He was a great Kashmiri philanthropic, social activist, poet, writer and researcher. On his final journey from this world, all people, particularly, orphans, destitute, penniless students, poor and neglected, had tears to express their love for this noble humanitarian soul. Though pangs of separation seared through the hearts of the lovers but the nature has its own ways of putting balm on lacerated wounds and after recuperating steadily through the phase of gloom, his illustrious and dedicated son Zahoor Ahmad Tak and a team of workers, donors, and sympathisers geared up to act together and continue his noble mission of the Jammu and Kashmir Yateem Trust, turning it into a success story. He was born on 19th of May 1924 in a financially modest family with educational upbringing at Hard Shuva Zaingir, Sopore. His father, Haji Ghulam Rasool Tak who was a professional hand and also served as the Imam of the village mosque without any demand for wages; exhibiting his religious touch and spirit. Being the eldest among four brothers, Abdul Khaliq Tak grew up in an environment steeped in learning and moral values. Since his father was enthusiastic about learning Arabic and Persian, he wanted that his children pursued the inspiration. Tak Zaingiri received his early education in these languages at home and later studied up to the eighth standard in the village school and afterwards passed the matriculation examination under Lahore University in 1940 with distinction from a school in Sopore. He earned the distinction of being the first matriculate from the entire Zaingiri region in Tehsil Sopore, District Baramulla, Kashmir. Abdul Khaliq Tak Zainagiri was an exceptionally talented student and family responsibilities and economic hardships compelled him to seek government employment. He joined the Revenue Department as a Patwari during a period when land settlement manoeuvres were in full swing across the state. The work required dexterous officials to serve in remote areas under extremely difficult climatic conditions. His early postings were in Lolab and Handwara. He was promoted as Girdawar, and Naib Tehsildar in 1965 and finally Tehsildar for some time. He was posted in Drass, Kargil during the Indo-Pak war. Despite the difficult circumstances of war, he did a splendid humanitarian service there also. Simultaneously, he came into contact with scholars, saints, and spiritual personalities. According to his son, Mr. Zahoor Ahmad Tak, a coincidental meeting with a mystic known as Munawar Sahib profoundly transformed his fathers life. Although he was already conversant in religious matters, this spiritual awakening deepened his concern for human suffering. He also benefited from the guidance of venerated spiritual personalities such as Kausar Sahib Bandipora, Mama Sahib Kupwara, and Mirak Shah Kashani. This change made him acutely sensitive to the plight of the poor. His extensive travels throughout Kashmir exposed him to a wide range of social issues, further strengthening his pledge to public welfare. His literary pursuits embellished his professional career. Tak Zaingiri wrote the book: Myon Aalaw (3 volumes), Azich Kasheer (a poetic drama, depicting abysmal conditions, exploitation & sufferings of marginalized Kashmiris) and Kashryuk Ellaqa War Phera te Kashir Zaban. This is a linguistic reference book which won him prestigious national Sahitya Academy Award & also an award from J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages. After George Griersons Kashmiri dictionary this is the second such linguistic research book depicting different dialects of Kashmiri Language. Tak Zainagiris work focused on socio-cultural evolution, a selfless service. He used to read and listen to the verses of the legendary poet of Kashmir Peerzada Ghulam Ahmad Mehjoor, and occasionally shared his own compositions. He remained intensely attached to the works of Kashmiri Sufi poets and often recited their verses. His poetic outlook, coupled with his meditative nature and unworldly experiences, led him to begin writing seriously and contribute in the realm of art. Perhaps the best way to look at Tak Zangaris legacy is to analyse his character and lifestyle. He, undoubtedly, was the most famous and well-known personality, a real celebrity. But he never lived like a celebrity. He was caring, irrespective of someones status, a firm believer in justice and fairness. He was a true, tireless worker and servant of humanity, who epitomised the following verse of the Holy Quran: Those who strive and work hard for our sake we certainly will show them the way to success. I vividly remember my conversation with Tak Sahab when I had been selected for M. A. English Programme in Kashmir University and was direly in need of money to continue my studies. That day and that noon changed my future when he sanctioned a monthly loan of Rs. 100 without interest in my favour to save my career, which enabled me continue my studies and life a head for better. The greatest legacy left by Tak Zaingiri is the charitable Organisation founded by him in 1972 - The Jammu & Kashmir Yateem Trust. It serves orphans, destitute, marginalised downtrodden sections of people. It stands as the first and oldest charitable organisation in J&K. The Trusts decentralized structure, with 80 units across the region, 13 orphanage centres, allows it to effectively assist people in various areas. Led by a Board of Trustees and guided by its patron, the Trust operates through dedicated volunteers who selflessly contribute their time seeking no compensation. The primary goal of the Trust and its members is to please their Lord, and positively influence the local community. His son Zahoor Ahmad Tak is the patron of the trust at present, and his team works tirelessly to serve the cause of humanity, its advancement through education. It has established a number of educational institutions, vocational and, child care centres. In Kashmir, for the longest time, the name, Tak Zaingiri has been synonymous with relief, protection, empathy and most importantly shelter to orphans. With his passing, Tak Zaingiri passed the baton to his able son, family members and friends who work closely and continue his mission. Taking over the mantle from the Valleys greatest humanitarian is no easy feat, but they are now more committed than ever. Tak Zaingiri set an unparalleled example of service to humanity. He was a priceless asset to the nation of Kashmir who exemplified compassion not only for the people of the valley but for all human beings. On his death anniversary, let us not just remember Tak Zaingiri, let us learn from him. From a man who came with nothing but gave everything. Tak Zaingiri showed us the power of what one person can do when moved by empathy and is anchored in principle.
The war has had no clear mission, no strategy, no end goal, said Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal, a Democrat who led the resolution on the House floor
Scorpio Daily Horoscope for July 24, 2026
You are likely to be in a more serious frame of mind. The practical issues of life are going to demand your attention today. But you are full of faith and optimism and are ready to take chances at the deepest emotional levels. Someone near to you will exhibit concerns regarding your aims and goals. Take the time to explain the situation to them. Read full Scorpio horoscope
Psychology says people who are ready to rebuild their lives at any moment aren't driven only by sudden decisions. This mindset often reflects adaptability, emotional recovery, and the ability to accept change. Psychological theories and research suggest that some people recover from setbacks by adjusting their goals instead of holding on to situations that no longer work. Understanding this behavior can help people respond better to change and future uncertainty.
Indias Digital Health BackboneABDM
More than 104 crore health records so far have been linked with ABHA, through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), which the government calls one of the largest health programmes in the world. The agenda behind this health account is to connect a patient's health history with doctors, hospitals, and insurers on one network. Considering the advancing global standards of healthcare infrastructure, India is also moving away from traditional paper records and making it easier for citizens to reach healthcare. Ever since the ABDM started across the country, in 2021, it has grown as an ecosystem that links patients, hospitals, labs, and insurers together. One part of this system is Aarogya Setu 2.0. The app that began during COVID-19 as a contact tracing tool, which has now become a health app under ABDM. Launched in June 2026, by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda. By virtue of this app, citizens are creating their ABHA ID, managing their health records, and registering at hospitals by scanning a code. It also has a feature called Smart Reports, which uses OCR technology to read documents. Patients using this app are checking their insurance details through NHCX, it has an option to find nearby hospitals, and even see blood availability through e-RaktKosh. The app also allows individuals to book doctor visits and track health data from wearable devices. Another service under ABDM is National Health Authoritys Scan and Share, which started in 2022. A study conducted by the Indian Institute of Health Management Research found that this mobile service has significantly streamlined outpatient registration by leveraging mobile technology and QR codes. The study further stated the patients are simply scanning a QR code at a hospital, and their details are pulled from their ABHA account. This creates a digital token in the queue. Henceforth, the waiting time dropped from around one hour to just 2 to 5 minutes, the study added. Official estimates are suggesting that more than 23.21 crore tokens have been issued as of June 2026. While the government is facilitating more and more hospitals as well as private clinics to join in this mission through the Digital Health Incentive Scheme. However, the hook is that any facility that wants to join will get money reimbursed for digitising their records, and they also get cash incentives for each record they link. The latest reports mention that as much as INR 107 crore has been given to different hospitals for digitizing. Similarly, labs and pharmacies have received INR 2.95 crore, and digital solution companies have been offered about INR 26 crore. Like many others Dr Praveen Sikka, who runs a pharmacy in Gurugram became a beneficiary of this scheme recently. Sikka registered on ABDM in about 2 hours. Now his patients are storing and viewing their records through the ABHA app, and his pharmacy earns money for every record it links. For smaller clinics, to reap benefits out of this mission, the government has built a tool called eSushrut@Clinic. Made for Development of Advanced Computing and launched last month. It helps clinics handle patient registration, billing, and reports. Only verified doctors and facilities can use it, checked through the Healthcare Professionals Registry and Health Facility Registry. As the statistics show that more than 2200 facilities have joined and created over 1633 health records. These records also connect with the National Health Claims Exchange, or NHCX, which handles insurance claims. This should make claims move faster, cut hospital paperwork, and let patients see their benefits and medical history in one place. Doctors can also see a patient's past treatment, with the patient's consent, which can cut down on repeated tests. The Unified Health Interface (UHI), lets any patient using a UHI app connect with any verified hospital or doctor, even if they use different platforms. Right now, it covers five services: (1)finding blood banks, (2)searching hospitals under PM Jan Arogya Yojana, (3)finding Jan Aushadhi Kendra stores for cheaper medicines, (4)booking ambulances, and (5)booking doctor visits. On privacy note, the data imported stays with whoever creates it, such as the hospital or lab. There is no single government server holding everything. Records move only when the patient agrees. New apps must pass tests in a sandbox and go through a security check before they can connect. In February 2026, the government started two programmes for AI in health: SAHI and BODH, at the India AI Impact Summit. SAHI sets rules for how AI should be used in healthcare. BODH lets developers train AI models without seeing raw patient data. As a large percentage of records are getting linked to ABHA accounts with each passing day, ABDM is destined to achieve the goal of a digital health record for every person across the country. (Courtesy: PIB Srinagar)
Goas formal employment growth rate slows to 2.5%
NT Reporter Panaji Formal employment generation in Goa, indicated by the number of workers enrolled with the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), grew marginally by 2.5% in 2025-26, according to data from the Ministry of Labour and Employment. The state recorded 3 lakh registered employees in 2025-26, compared to 2.97 lakh in the previous fiscal []
ED Arrests Dubai Resident in Major Global Drug Syndicate Bust
Panjim, July 24: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Nihal VN, a resident of Dubai, in a significant operation targeting a crypto-hawala and international narcotics money laundering syndicate. This action is part of a strategy to dismantle the financial infrastructure of international drug networks. The EDs Goa zonal office detained Nihal VN under the provisions ... Read more ED Arrests Dubai Resident in Major Global Drug Syndicate Bust
Beyond Singular Meaning: New Horizons of Society and Education
DR SURENDRA KUMAR An informed introspection about the contemporary world clarifies that increasing disconnect between existence and human beings is a new norm largely considered an inevitable outcome emerged from the processes of modernisation. Ironically, this disconnect manifests continuously in so many ways, such as genocides/ brutality witnessed in day-to-day public as well as personal life, etc., but hardly these issues perturb human beings. How do we analyse human-made hot weather leading to forest fires burning 13.5 million hectares of forest across the world in 2024? The NDTV reported on 20/7/26 that the Uttarakhand Govt put a break on the proposed felling of around 3000 trees for the Rishikesh- Bhaniyawala four-lane project; obviously, the resistance of people ensured that the awakened CM realised heat leading to hold on the proposal. It raises a very pertinent issue. Why and how does education fail us to get connected and learn from what is happening in our surroundings? Have we not seen how paper leaks and issues of corruption are products of educated human beings? Have we not seen failure to empathise with students protesting for basic rights? Have we not witnessed what has happened to life in cities where human beings have established total conquest over nature? Are the educated people not participants in this conquest-oriented mindset that has deprived cities from providing pure air, clean water and accommodation to not only human beings but also all living beings? Why do the educated people accept the legitimacy of emerging fragmented consciousness generated out of these excluded spaces of cities? It is crystal clear that human beings have entered into a phase defined by not only conflict with nature and others, but also the human being is in conflict with himself/herself? It raises another question: who will save this human being situated in conflict with himself /herself, and which processes led to the emergence of this human being shaped by fragmented consciousness? Historically, the perspective which shaped the worldview of Modern human beings can be classified as Singular. No doubt, the spaces created by educational institutions in the modern period aimed to surpass limitations imposed by structures inhabited by human beings and facilitate coordination and communication among teachers as well as students as an associated way of life. Unfortunately, this aim has been negotiated differently in different countries; at the same time, pedagogy has overwhelmingly remained rooted in the singular meaning of words and concepts, leading to disconnection from emerging reality across time and space. The education rooted in a paradigm disconnected from reality is largely a Banking Model of Education argued by Paulo Freire in the book Pedagogy of the Oppressed. He raises a very valid issue that the school students raise more questions outside the school rather than inside the school; whether this conformity of education or Conceptualisation of Education as Training is a product of disconnected curriculum or disconnected educator, or narrowing down education as the Text based knowledge. Have we not read how the Guardian newspaper described the Dark side of Coaching Capital Kota ( 9/10/23) or the BBC reported cases of suicides ( 22/10/23) or the Indian Express stated Rajasthans Kota: the Killer Coaching Hub? It indicates that the proposition that education training has been falsified and new ways of conceptualisation of education, human beings and existence is crucial for meaningful existence. Pondering the question of what is education and what has to be educated, the point of departure is how human beings and education were conceptualised in World societies prior to 1492 and in countries premised on co-existence after 1492. Unlike the linearity of time/Primacy of Mind imposed since 1492 as the foundation of a conquest-oriented mindset, Time has existed in both linear and non-linear manner. Human beings engaged in issues of public life and personal life face an overlap of this notion of time; for example, a person is in a linear mode of time when engaged in office work; at the same time, he/she is in a non-linear mode of time when engaged in caring for family members or empathising with anybody in need at the office or outside the office. If the mind is the sole site of getting educated and text is the only source of education, how do we explain the timeless wisdom emerging out of nature, forests, Religious sites, and various elements of our existence? How do we resolve a contradiction when a person of 60 years makes a decision that may be legitimate at the age of 20 years? What corrupts an educated human being? Contrary to monolithic analysis of human beings in binary of mind & matter, A deeper analysis of human being shows that human being is a complex living being existing at the level of public, personal/family and cosmological level as well as corresponding to the surroundings at the level of body, mind and element beyond body & mind/soul conceptualised in Indic Traditions and argued by Giani Sant Singh Ji Maskeen. The crisis underlines the contradictory nature of the relationship between the evolution of body and mind. Biologically, the body expands and shrinks, but the mind/desires do not necessarily mature in the same manner as the body. Truly, the three-dimensional aspect of human beings shows that any monolithic process of education cannot educate a human being. It proves that the text, the space inhabited by human beings and the experience of interaction with existence are the most important constituent elements of the education process; human beings are educated continuously at every interaction with existence. Hence, these processes of education need to be appropriated and accommodated at every step of human beings, both at formal as well as informal levels. In other words, the process of life itself is educational, and the essence of this education is communication across spaces inhabited by Text, Classroom, Campus, society and the entire existence inhabited by non-human beings. A life lived at the level of public/society, family and cosmological level must be a shared and communicated life. In fact, John Dewey argued that there is a relation between three words: common, community and communication and the proximity of people becomes a community if it has commonality in aims, aspirations and goals of life. This commonality of goals, aims, and aspirations changes across time and space, and therefore, words acquire multiple meanings over a period of time. If education and society correspond to these overlapping meanings acquired by words and concepts, it is always rooted in reality and becomes a problem-posing education, enlightening and situating human beings beyond the singular perspective. Therefore, New Horizons of education and society must be rooted in reality and taking into consideration, beyond the singular perspective, along with classroom and text-based learning, the totality of knowledge and discourse that emerged in the processes of evolution of human beings in the space inhabited by existence. (The author is Associate Professor, University of Delhi. Email: humanrights_jnu@yahoo.co.in)
Pragya, Dimple, Arnav bag double titles in their respective categories Panaji: Mohammed Umar clinched the honours with a triple crown, while Pragya Audi, Dimple Revankar and Arnav Saraf secured double titles at the State Sub-Junior (U15 & U17) Badminton Ranking Tournament organised by Salcete Badminton Club under the aegis of the Goa Badminton Association and []
Govt eyes marigold festive bloom, to distribute 3L Israeli-tech seedlings
Roque Dias Margao: The Agriculture Department will distribute three lakh marigold seedlings to farmers across Goa in August. The seedlings are being raised for the first time at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) at Codar, Dharbandora, under technical assistance from Israel. The Directorate of Agriculture partnered with Israel under the Indo-Israel Agriculture Project (IIAP) a []
Dont waste time on reels, chase your goals instead: Sawant tells students
Sankhali: Urging students to set high goals and work relentlessly towards achieving them, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said success comes only to those who pursue their dreams with determination, perseverance and consistency. Merely spending time watching reels on mobile phones will not help you gain knowledge. Instead, students should use technology to learn new skills, []
EDITORIAL The Goa policy on used cooking oil can prevent health risks and create clean energy In a positive development, the Goa Cabinet approved a policy on Wednesday for the management of Used Cooking Oil (UCO) for the production of biodiesel. The policy is designed to solve a dual problem: preventing toxic, degraded oil from []
Best of best: FIFA unveils World Cup Dream XI with 11 players voted as tournament's finest
FIFA has unveiled the official 2026 World Cup Dream XI following a global fan vote, recognising the tournament's standout performers. World champions Spain lead the selection with three players, while France and Argentina also feature prominently. Jude Bellingham represents England after a record-breaking campaign, while Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha earns a surprise spot after becoming one of the tournament's biggest breakout stars.
Quote of the Day by Henry Cavill: Henry Cavills quote, You can train and train until you are blue in the face, but you've got to diet, you've got to have that leanness because if you are not lean, your abs won't show. Of course, the training has to be put in, but then you've to shed all the fat and keep the fat off. And that's how you get an eight pack, explores the importance of discipline, consistency, and maintaining balance in achieving fitness goals.
ENGLISH WITH INDIAN WINGS There was a time when many children entered an English classroom with quiet fear. They are worried about making mistakes. They feared speaking in front of others. They believed that English belonged only to books, examinations, or a few people who spoke it well. For many learners, the language became a wall rather than a bridge. Today, India stands at the edge of a different journey. Across the country, schools are slowly changing the way they think about English. The question is no longer, How many grammar rules can students remember? The more important question is, What can students do with the language? This small change carries a very large promise. English is becoming less about repeating correct answers and more about asking thoughtful questions. It is becoming less about copying sentences and more about sharing ideas. It is becoming less about fear and more about confidence. That is the journey India has begun. The National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023 invite us to see language in a fresh light. English is not expected to replace our home languages. It is expected to grow beside them. A child who speaks Kashmiri, Dogri, Urdu, Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Kannada, Marathi, Garo, Khasi, Mizo, or any other Indian language does not begin from zero. That child already carries stories, songs, ideas, feelings, and dreams. English becomes another window through which those ideas can travel. This is one of India's greatest strengths. Many countries teach children through one dominant language. India teaches children who often think in more than one language before they enter school. This is not a problem to be solved. It is a gift to be celebrated. When a learner compares words across languages, new understanding grows. When a child explains a local festival in English, both languages become richer. When students discuss village life, family traditions, rivers, forests, markets, music, or crafts in English, they discover that learning a new language does not mean leaving their own world behind. Instead, they carry that world with them. That is what makes learning English in India unique. The classroom itself must also change. Imagine entering a classroom where the first five minutes are filled with conversation instead of silence. The teacher smiles and asks, What surprised you this morning? Another day, the question is, If you could improve your village or your neighbourhood, what would you begin with? Students talk to one another. They laugh. They disagree politely. They listen. They build confidence before opening a textbook. Language begins to live. The lesson then moves towards a story, a poem, an article, or a speech. Students do not read only to answer questions at the end of the page. They read to understand people. They read to discover ideas. They read to compare one life with another. A poem becomes a conversation. A story becomes an experience. An article becomes an invitation to think. When students write, they do not simply fill pages with memorised sentences. They write letters to their grandparents. They prepare speeches about clean rivers. They write reviews of books they enjoyed. They create travel guides for visitors. They record family memories before they disappear. They describe the smell of rain on village roads. They write about friendship, hope, courage, and change. Language slowly becomes personal. Speaking also changes. Instead of repeating lines after the teacher, students interview local farmers, artists, doctors, shopkeepers, sports players, and grandparents. They ask questions. They collect stories. They return to school carrying real-life stories from their communities. Every conversation becomes a lesson. Listening changes too. Students learn to listen with respect. They listen not only for correct answers but also for different opinions. They discover that understanding another person is one of the deepest forms of learning. This simple act builds kindness. Many people still ask whether grammar is important. The answer is yes. Accuracy matters because language helps people understand one another clearly. Yet accuracy grows best when learners have something meaningful to say. Children who write about their own experiences care more about making their writing clear. Students who prepare speeches naturally revise their words. Grammar becomes a helpful guide instead of a frightening gatekeeper. Fluency and accuracy are not enemies. They walk together. India also has an opportunity that few countries possess. Its classrooms hold many cultures. A single classroom may include children from different religions, traditions, languages, and family backgrounds. If guided well, this diversity becomes one of the richest classrooms in the world. Students learn that another language is never a threat to their own identity. Instead, every new language opens another friendship. This understanding is deeply important in today's world. The future will belong to people who can work with others, even when they speak differently, think differently, or live differently. English therefore becomes much more than an academic subject. It becomes a meeting place. The world itself is changing quickly. Artificial intelligence is growing. Digital communication crosses continents every second. Climate change affects every nation. Health, science, trade, and technology connect people across borders. Young people will need to work with teams from many countries. They will need to solve problems together. They will need to explain ideas with clarity and respect. English can help them do this. But there is an important difference between speaking English and thinking wisely. Language alone does not make a responsible citizen. Character does. Schools therefore carry a larger responsibility. They must help students ask honest questions. They must encourage them to examine facts before accepting them. They must help them distinguish truth from falsehood. They must teach them to disagree without hatred and to express confidence without arrogance. Language becomes the path through which values find expression. This is perhaps the greatest purpose of education. Another powerful change is taking place in classrooms that encourage creation rather than repetition. A group of students designs a podcast about local history. Another group prepares a short play on water conservation. Others create posters encouraging kindness. Some prepare a digital story about traditional crafts. Others write a newspaper report about a community event. Learning begins to resemble real life. Students are no longer only consumers of information. They become creators. Creation naturally leads to collaboration. No important work in today's world is completed alone. Scientists work in teams. Doctors work in teams. Engineers work in teams. Artists work in teams. Teachers work in teams. Students must therefore learn how to listen, contribute, encourage, and share responsibility. These qualities are learned through practice rather than lectures. The English classroom offers many opportunities for this growth. One group writes together. Another debates respectfully. Another solves a problem. Another presents findings. Every activity teaches both language and life. As students grow, they also learn to bring ideas together. A poem reminds them of a newspaper article. A science lesson connects with an environmental campaign. A history lesson inspires a speech. A family story becomes a research project. This ability to connect ideas is one of the highest forms of learning. It allows knowledge to become wisdom. India's future classrooms should therefore be places where languages meet, ideas meet, people meet, and dreams meet. No child should feel that English belongs only to someone else. Every child should believe that English is another instrument through which their own voice can be heard. That voice may speak about the Himalayas. It may describe the deserts of Rajasthan. It may celebrate the boats of Kerala. It may explain the traditions of Nagaland. It may tell stories from Kashmir. It may carry songs from Assam. It may introduce the world to the colours of Gujarat. It may speak of the hopes of every village and every city. The language becomes richer because India is rich. The learner becomes stronger because the learner remains rooted. Perhaps this is the greatest lesson of all. The goal is not to produce children who sound alike. The goal is to help every learner speak with confidence, write with clarity, think with honesty, listen with respect, and act with responsibility. When this happens, English becomes far more than a classroom subject. It becomes a bridge between home and school. Between village and city. Between India and the world. Between knowledge and action. Between imagination and reality. The flight toward better English is therefore not a race. It is a journey. Each learner travels at a different pace. Each classroom discovers its own path. Each teacher lights another lamp. Each family encourages another dream. Together they create a generation that is fluent without losing humility, accurate without losing creativity, multilingual without losing identity, proudly Indian while remaining open to the world, and ready not only to succeed but also to serve. That is the promise before us. If our schools continue to nurture curiosity instead of fear, conversation instead of silence, understanding instead of memorisation, and purpose instead of mere performance, the English classroom will become one of the strongest spaces for building thoughtful citizens. In the end, the true measure of language learning will not be found only in examination marks or certificates. It will be found in young people who can comfort a friend, explain a new idea, solve a common problem, celebrate their culture, respect another culture, work with others, and speak for what is right. When English helps learners do these things, it has fulfilled its highest purpose. And when India achieves this vision, the world will not simply notice that Indian students speak English well. The world will notice that they use English with wisdom, compassion, confidence, and hope. (The author is an educator committed to reimagining education through thoughtful leadership, reflective practice, curriculum innovation, and transformative learning; bridging local wisdom with global perspectives to empower every learner for a changing world. Feedback at: sheikhgulzar1970@gmail.com )
Urban mining push aims to turn Mumbai's discarded EV batteries into critical mineral source
In a progressive move, India is launching a vital incentive scheme dedicated to urban mining. This initiative's goal is to extract crucial battery minerals from e-waste, thus lessening the nations reliance on imports. With stricter regulations in place for recovery rates of valuable battery materials, this policy reinforces the countrys electric vehicle ambitions and energy sustainability.
Asian Games the bigger goal for Mirabai and coach
Major Crackdown on Crypto Hawala and International Drug Trafficking in Goa
Panaji, July 23: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has made a significant move against a money laundering network linked to crypto hawala and international drug trafficking by arresting Nihal V.N., a resident of Dubai. The arrest was made under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. A special PMLA court in Goa has remanded the ... Read more Major Crackdown on Crypto Hawala and International Drug Trafficking in Goa
1 Crore Insurance Policy: Is it Enough for Your Family?
1 crore sounds substantial. It can clear a loan, support household expenses, and create a financial cushion after the loss of an earning family member. Yet insurance should not be judged by how impressive the sum looks today. Its value depends on how long the money must last, which responsibilities remain, and how inflation affects future expenses. A 1 crore insurance policy can suit some households but leave others underinsured. The answer becomes clearer after examining income, debts, dependants, savings, and long-term goals. Lets look at these further. What Does a 1 Crore Term Plan Provide? A standard term plan is designed mainly for protection. If the insured person passes away while the policy is active, the insurer pays the stated death benefit to the nominee, subject to policy terms. Standard term insurance generally offers no maturity payment when the policyholder survives the selected term. Under a 1 crore insurance policy, the untimely demise benefit is 1 crore. Depending on the plan, the nominee may receive it as a lump sum, regular income, or a combination. A lump sum can settle large liabilities, while periodic payments may support monthly household needs. However, the sum assured is not permanent family wealth. Debts, education costs, living expenses, and emergencies can reduce it quickly. When Can 1 Crore Be Enough? A 1 crore insurance policy may be adequate when the insured has a moderate income, limited debt, sufficient investments, and fewer long-term dependants. It may also work when a spouse earns independently and can meet part of the household budget. Consider a family with an outstanding loan of 20 lakh, planned education costs of 20 lakh, and a requirement of 40 lakh for income support. After setting aside 10 lakh for emergencies and other expenses, 1 crore may provide a workable buffer. Accessible investments and existing life cover can reduce the protection gap. Fixed deposits, mutual funds, provident fund balances, and employer cover may be counted carefully. The family home should not automatically be treated as available money, since selling it may affect stability. When Might 1 Crore Fall Short? The same 1 crore insurance policy may be insufficient for a household with a large home loan, young children, non-earning dependants, or expensive future goals. A family spending 1 lakh each month already needs 12 lakh annually before education, healthcare, and loan repayments. Inflation adds further pressure. A cover chosen at age 28 may look far less substantial when the policyholder reaches 45. The amount may also prove inadequate when one person supports parents, a spouse, and children simultaneously. In such cases, the payout must replace income, settle debts, fund education, cover medical needs, and preserve an emergency reserve. 1 crore can disappear faster than expected when it must serve every purpose. How to Assess and Maintain the Right Insurance Cover Choosing adequate life cover requires more than selecting a round figure or comparing premiums. You need to calculate your familys financial requirements, examine the policy carefully, and review the coverage whenever your responsibilities change. Calculate Your Familys Coverage Needs Before purchasing a 1 crore insurance policy, list your familys major financial needs. Include outstanding loans, household expenses, future goals, and an emergency reserve. Then subtract liquid investments and existing personal life cover that your family can genuinely access. For example, suppose a household needs 40 lakh for liabilities, 90 lakh for income replacement, and 35 lakh for future goals. After subtracting 25 lakh in usable investments and existing cover, the remaining protection gap would be 1.40 crore. In this situation, 1 crore would leave a noticeable shortfall. Cover worth approximately 10 to 15 times your annual income can provide an initial estimate. However, it should not replace a detailed calculation. Two people earning the same salary may require different cover because their debts, dependants, savings, and future goals vary. Look Beyond the Sum Assured Choosing a 1 crore insurance policy involves more than finding the lowest premium. Review the policy tenure, premium payment period, exclusions, medical requirements, payout options, and available riders. The insurers financial position and claim settlement record also deserve attention. A solvency ratio indicates whether the insurer has sufficient financial capacity to meet its obligations. Claim settlement data can support comparisons, although no single percentage can guarantee how an individual claim will be handled. Riders may provide additional protection against critical illness, accidental death, disability, or future premium payments. Since every rider has separate conditions and costs, select one only when it addresses a relevant financial risk. Review the Cover as Responsibilities Change A 1 crore insurance policy that suits your family today may not remain sufficient throughout a long policy tenure. Marriage, childbirth, a larger home loan, rising income, business borrowing, or responsibility for ageing parents can increase the required protection. Review your cover every few years and after any major financial change. Purchasing an additional term plan may help close a new coverage gap without replacing your existing policy. Since premiums depend on age, health, smoking status, tenure, and underwriting, buying suitable cover earlier may also be more economical. Choose Cover That Reflects Your Familys Needs There is no universal answer. A 1 crore insurance policy may protect a household with modest liabilities, shared income, and strong savings. It may be inadequate for a sole breadwinner supporting several dependants or carrying substantial commitments. Start with expenses, debts, future goals, and available assets. Then compare policy terms, payout structures, exclusions, and insurer disclosures. Online insurance brokers such as Jio Insurance Broking Ltd. let customers compare options from multiple insurers. The right cover is not simply the largest round number you can afford. It is the amount that gives your family enough income, time, and flexibility to continue without your earnings.
Quote of the Day by Robert Pattinson: Robert Pattinsons quote, Nothing can be good if you do it for money or for fame, explores the importance of passion, authenticity, and finding genuine purpose in life. The quote suggests that meaningful achievements come from love for the work itself rather than simply seeking financial rewards or public recognition. It highlights that true satisfaction comes when people pursue their goals with dedication, creativity, and personal commitment. Instead of being driven only by external success, individuals should focus on growth, passion, and the value they create through their efforts.
Hyderabad Police arrest five QNET representatives in Goa over 7.5 lakh pyramid scheme fraud
Bihars Daughters to Become Self-Reliant Through Skill Development: CM Samrat Chaudhary
Patna, July 23: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary stated on Thursday that skill development is the strong foundation for a prosperous Bihar, enabling the states daughters to become skilled, self-reliant, and successful in establishing their identity at the national level. He emphasized that the governments goal is to not only make youth employable but also ... Read more Bihars Daughters to Become Self-Reliant Through Skill Development: CM Samrat Chaudhary
Hyderabad police nab 5 QNET agents from Goa resort, cars seized
Hyderabad:The Hyderabad Police have arrested five representatives of the multi-level marketing firm QNET from a resort in Goa in connection with a multi-lakh fraud case, seizing three vehicles and digital evidence in the process. The Economic Offences Wing of the Central Crime Stations Detective Department arrested the five from the Novotel Resort and Spa in Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Fortis Hospitals Mumbai Launches 'Har Ghar Hero', A City-Wide Mission to Make Mumbai CPR-Ready
Fortis Hospitals Mumbai today announced the launch of 'Har Ghar Hero' , a first-of-its-kind, community-led CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) preparedness movement aimed at empowering Mumbaikars with the knowledge, skills and confidence to respond effectively during cardiac emergencies. Bringing together citizens from the length and breadth of Mumbai, across housing societies, corporates, schools, colleges and civic bodies, under one unified movement, the initiative reinforces a simple message - every household should have at least one person trained in CPR, a 'Hero' who can step forward when every second counts. Fortis Mumbai launches ‘Har Ghar Hero’ initiative to build CPR-ready Mumbai with (L-R) Dr Gore, Dr Gaikwad, Dr Singh, Hon. Ms. Hemangini Patil, Dr S. Narayani, Dr Gore & Dr Nabar The initiative was inaugurated by Hon. Ms. Hemangini Patil, Regional Transport Officer, Thane Region, and Dr. S. Narayani, Business Head – Fortis Hospitals, Maharashtra. They were joined by Fortis Mumbai's leadership team and emergency medicine specialists — Dr. Sandeep Gore (Director, Emergency Medicine, Fortis Hospital Mulund), Dr. Amit Nabar (Director, Emergency & Community Medicine, S. L. Raheja Hospital, Mahim - A Fortis Associate), Dr. Preetam Gaikwad (Head, Emergency Medicine, Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi - A Fortis Network Hospital) and Dr. Sudhir Gore (Head, Emergency Medicine, Fortis Hospital Kalyan), who spoke about the importance of building CPR preparedness beyond hospital settings. The launch was also supported by Dr. Manjeet Singh Arora, Senior Consultant-General Physician, Fortis Hospital Mulund, who has spearheaded CPR trainings in the community for the past two decades, and won multiple accolades for his contribution to community preparedness. In a sudden cardiac emergency, the first few minutes are often decisive. Through 'Har Ghar Hero' , Fortis Hospitals Mumbai aims to bring CPR awareness and training closer to communities, building a wider network of people who are prepared to act until professional medical help arrives. What sets the initiative apart is its scale and reach; it is designed to unite residents from every corner of the city, from South Mumbai to the far suburbs, in a single, sustained movement toward a common goal - a CPR-ready Mumbai. As part of the initiative, Fortis Hospitals Mumbai will partner with civic bodies, utility and service providers, transport operators, quick-commerce platforms, housing societies, corporate hubs, educational institutions and other community groups to expand CPR awareness across the city. The focus for the coming year would be on equipping 2 lakh Mumbaikars of all ages and backgrounds with essential CPR skills, and building a growing base of trained first responders who can act swiftly in a cardiac emergency, before EMS teams arrive. Fortis Mumbai will also launch a community perception survey to gauge current levels of emergency preparedness among Mumbaikars, and awareness about application of Basic Life Support (BLS), CPR and use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). These insights that will help identify gaps and shape future training efforts. Speaking at the launch, Dr. S. Narayani, Business Head – Fortis Hospitals, Maharashtra, said, "With 'Har Ghar Hero', Fortis Mumbai is taking an important step towards making CPR preparedness a community priority. In a cardiac emergency, the first responder is often not a healthcare professional but a family member, colleague, neighbour or passer-by. Our aim is to build a culture where every household has at least one person who knows what to do when it matters most. Through sustained partnerships and community-led training, we hope to create a city that is better prepared to respond to emergencies." Over the past few years, emergency medicine specialists from Fortis Hospitals Mumbai have collectively trained and certified 1.5 lakh Mumbaikars in CPR, and engaged with 1,000+ housing societies, 350+ corporate set-ups, 300+ colleges and schools, 100+ government bodies and civic institutions, and 600+ NGOs and community groups. Through 'Har Ghar Hero', Fortis Mumbai aims to build a sustained movement around CPR awareness, growing a network of trained citizens who can act as 'Heroes' in the moments when immediate action makes the difference. To get your workplace or housing society trained and certified, call 022 4111 4111. About Fortis Healthcare Limited Fortis Healthcare Limited is a leading integrated healthcare delivery service provider in India. The healthcare verticals of the company primarily comprise hospitals, diagnostics, and day care specialty facilities. Currently, the company operates 36 healthcare facilities (including JVs and O&M facilities) across 12 states and union territories. The Company’s network comprises over 6,000 operational beds (including O&M beds) and 400 diagnostics labs. www.fortishealthcare. com/ About IHH HEALTHCARE (“IHH”) IHH is a leading multinational healthcare provider shaping the future of care. Driven by our aspiration to Care. For Good., we unite medical excellence and innovation, pushing boundaries through our trusted brands such as Acibadem, Gleneagles, Fortis, Island, Mount Elizabeth, Pantai, Parkway and Prince Court. Across 10 countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Türkiye, India and Greater China, our 70,000-strong team delivers world-class excellence every day, within and beyond our 140 healthcare facilities, including more than 80 hospitals. Our comprehensive services span the full healthcare continuum, from primary and ambulatory to quaternary care, complemented by diagnostics, imaging, rehabilitation, telehealth and home care. In partnership with our stakeholders, IHH is advancing value-based care, building a sustainable healthcare ecosystem and creating meaningful impact, as we work towards our vision to become the world’s most trusted healthcare services network. www.ihhhealthcare.com
Phrase of the day by Joyce Meyer is more than an inspiring quoteit is a practical philosophy for navigating everyday challenges. Joyce Meyer reminds us that lasting success begins internally before it becomes visible externally. By choosing hope over discouragement, gratitude over constant complaint, and possibility over fear, individuals become better equipped to pursue meaningful goals and handle life's inevitable challenges. A positive life is rarely built by perfect circumstances alone. More often, it grows from a mindset that embraces learning, resilience, compassion, and determination. When we intentionally cultivate constructive thoughts and focus on opportunities instead of obstacles, we create the foundation for a more fulfilling, purposeful, and successful future.
Got Rs 15 lakh to invest for 10 years? Here's what expert recommends
An expert recommends diversifying Rs 15 lakh across equity mutual funds, precious metals and international funds for a 10-year horizon. Investors should align allocations with their risk profile and goals, while staggering investments over 1520 weeks to manage volatility.
Arshad Warsi and Maria Goretti's restored 150-year-old Portuguese villa Casa Zen in Goa
Actor Arshad Warsi and wife Maria Goretti have restored a 150-year-old Portuguese-style bungalow in Saligao, North Goa, transforming it into Casa Zen which is a five-bedroom heritage property with vibrant interiors, a swimming pool, solar panels and lush gardens. The home is now available for tourists to rent at Rs 75,000 per night, plus taxes.
Proverb of the day by Franz Kafka offers a timeless framework for navigating life's challenges. It reminds us that integrity should guide our decisions even when external pressures encourage easier alternatives. Franz Kafka's insight serves as an inspiring reminder that genuine success begins with strong character. Whether making decisions in the workplace, building relationships, serving communities, or pursuing personal goals, choosing what is right creates trust, earns lasting respect, and contributes to a stronger society. In a world where opinions constantly change, integrity remains one of the few qualities that never goes out of style. Those who consistently choose principle over convenience not only strengthen their own lives but also inspire others to do the same, creating a legacy built on honesty, responsibility, and enduring moral courage.
Quote of the Day: Helen Keller's quote The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight but no vision highlights the importance of vision beyond physical sight. The quote suggests that true vision involves setting goals and living with intention and the powerful message remains relevant in today's fast-paced and distracting world.
Phrase of the day by U.S. President Donald Trump encourages individuals to approach life with optimism, confidence, and purpose. The quote reminds us that our mindset influences the goals we pursue and the effort we invest in achieving them. President Trump's message offers an inspiring perspective in an era of rapid change and expanding possibilities. Whether pursuing career advancement, launching a business, continuing education, strengthening a community, or developing new skills, ambitious thinking can provide the motivation needed to move beyond comfort zones and embrace new opportunities. Big dreams alone do not create successbut they often inspire the commitment, perseverance, and continuous learning that make success possible. By combining bold vision with consistent action, thoughtful preparation, and unwavering determination, individuals can transform ambitious ideas into meaningful accomplishments that positively shape both their own lives and the world around them.
Despite fears, many who stayed away are now joining the protests
Muslim students debated joining protests, fearing backlash and becoming scapegoats. Many chose support roles like food distribution and legal aid instead. This shift occurred after initial warnings from elders and community leaders. Instagram reels later showcased Muslim volunteers actively participating in the demonstrations. The participation reflects a desire to stand for justice and constitutional rights.
Wish To Return As A Capped Player: Prabhsimran Eyes India Debut In Zimbabwe
New Delhi: Punjab wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh is hoping the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe becomes the moment he finally makes his international debut, with the uncapped opener saying his immediate goal is to earn his first India cap and make the most of the opportunity if selected. Named in India's squad after impressing in domestic cricket and the IPL, Prabhsimran also described the intense competition for opening slots as a positive challenge and praised fellow youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi following their recent stint together with India A. For the 24-year-old, a maiden appearance in India's colours would fulfil one of the biggest ambitions he has carried since taking up the sport. When you start playing cricket, there are two main objectives in your mind, and even in your parents' minds, to represent the country and to play in the IPL. I am playing in the IPL, but now I've gotten this opportunity to represent the country. I got it earlier as well during the Asian Games, but unfortunately, I couldn't play. Now, my only wish is that I return as a capped player this time around and, obviously, perform well there so that I get more opportunities, Prabhsimran told JioStar. Prabhsimran was part of India's squad for the Asian Games but did not feature in a match. With another opportunity now knocking, the opener is eager to translate selection into an on-field appearance and establish himself in the national setup. Competition at the top of India's batting order has intensified with several young players staking a claim through domestic performances and the IPL. However, Prabhsimran believes the battle for places is a healthy one that pushes players to improve. The IPL is such a big platform where you rub shoulders with international players from all around the world, youngsters from across the country, established players representing India, and even legends who are playing alongside you. So, obviously, it is a bit tough. But if you look at it, it's healthy competition. There is so much competition just for the opening spot in the Indian team, and the only thing that comes to mind is, 'Just give me an opportunity, and if I get the chance, hopefully I'll do well', he added. Competition at the top of India's batting order has intensified with several young players staking a claim through domestic performances and the IPL. However, Prabhsimran believes the battle for places is a healthy one that pushes players to improve. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Recently, we went to play the India A series against Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, and Vaibhav was there with me too. Watching him bat is so much fun; it brings a lot of joy. Since we were opening together, we got to spend more time together and discuss various things. It was a great experience, Prabhsimran stated. Article Source: IANS
Loan Fest 2026: Apply for a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan Online with Attractive Offers
Bajaj Finance, one of India's leading financial services providers, has announced the launch of Loan Fest 2026, a limited-period campaign designed to make online borrowing more rewarding for eligible customers. Running from 10th July to 31st August 2026, the campaign enables customers to apply for a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan through a simple digital process while offering attractive rewards on successful loan disbursal. Alongside the campaign benefits, customers can access loan amounts ranging from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 55 lakh, flexible repayment tenure of 12 months to 108 months, competitive personal loan interest rate options ranging from 10% to 30% per annum, and quick access to funds. Bajaj Finance Personal Loan Bajaj Finance Personal Loan offers a convenient solution for customers looking for quick and flexible financing. Attractive rewards during Loan Fest 2026 As part of Loan Fest 2026, eligible customers whose Bajaj Finance Personal Loan is successfully disbursed during the campaign period may receive an exclusive reward bundle. The bundle has been curated to provide additional value by combining entertainment, dining, music, and lifestyle benefits alongside the loan. These rewards are available only to eligible customers and are subject to the applicable campaign terms and conditions. The reward bundle includes: Zee 5, Sony Liv & 14 other OTTs – 6 months free membership JioHotstar membership – 3 months Free 3-month Zomato Gold Membership Free 3-month JioSaavn Pro Free 45 Day Gaana membership Free 40+ Vouchers The exclusive rewards complement the standard features of the Bajaj Finance Personal Loan, making the borrowing experience more rewarding during the campaign period. Why apply for a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan online? Applying for a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan online enables customers to complete the borrowing process conveniently without visiting a branch. The end-to-end digital application journey requires minimal documentation and allows eligible customers to check their loan offer, complete the application, and submit the required details online. Eligible applicants may receive quick approval, and funds can be disbursed within 24 hours* after approval and successful verification. The digital process is designed to provide customers with a faster and more convenient borrowing experience. Flexible borrowing with repayment tenure of up to 108 months One of the key highlights of the Bajaj Finance Personal Loan is the flexible repayment tenure ranging from 12 months to 108 months. The extended tenure gives customers greater flexibility to choose a repayment schedule that suits their financial goals and monthly budget. A longer repayment period may help reduce monthly EMIs compared with a shorter tenure for the same loan amount, enabling borrowers to manage larger financial commitments more comfortably. personal loan interest rate ranges from 10% to 30% per annum, depending on factors such as the customer's eligibility, credit profile, income, and internal assessment. Features of Bajaj Finance Personal Loan The Bajaj Finance Personal Loan is designed to support a wide range of personal financial requirements while offering a convenient borrowing experience. Key features include: Loan amount ranging from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 55 lakh Repayment tenure from 12 months to 108 months Personal loan interest rate from 10% to 30% per annum Collateral-free loan Quick approval for eligible applicants Funds disbursed within 24 hours* Minimal documentation Fully digital application process These features enable customers to borrow according to their financial requirements while choosing a repayment option that aligns with their budget. Estimate your EMI before applying Customers can use the personal loan EMI calculator available on the Bajaj Finance website before submitting an application. The calculator helps customers estimate monthly EMIs based on the selected loan amount, applicable interest rate, and repayment tenure. It also enables customers to compare different repayment options, understand their repayment commitments, and make informed borrowing decisions before applying for a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan. How to apply for a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan online Applying for a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan is simple and can be completed in a few steps: Visit the website: Customers begin by visiting the Bajaj Finance website and navigating to the Personal Loan page. Check loan eligibility: Customers enter the required loan amount and select the preferred repayment tenure. They then click "CHECK LOAN OFFER". Enter personal details: Customers provide their personal, financial, and employment details to receive a personalised loan offer. Review the loan offer: Customers review the available loan offer and may adjust the loan amount or repayment tenure based on their requirements. Complete KYC verification: Customers complete the KYC process and verify their bank account details to facilitate disbursal. Application assessment: The application is submitted for assessment, following which a loan specialist contacts the customer regarding the next steps in the process. Eligible applicants may receive funds within 24 hours* after approval and successful verification. A rewarding digital borrowing experience Loan Fest 2026 reflects Bajaj Finance's continued focus on providing customer-centric lending solutions through a seamless digital experience. By combining attractive rewards with flexible repayment tenure, competitive personal loan interest rate options, collateral-free borrowing, and quick access to funds, the campaign provides additional value for eligible customers applying for a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan online. Eligible customers can visit the Bajaj Finance website to check their loan offer and apply online during the Loan Fest campaign period. Terms and conditions apply* About Bajaj Finance Limited Bajaj Finance Ltd. (‘BFL’, ‘Bajaj Finance’, or ‘the Company’), a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Ltd., is a deposit taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC-D) registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is classified as an NBFC-Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC). BFL is engaged in the business of lending and acceptance of deposits. It has a diversified lending portfolio across retail, SMEs, and commercial customers with significant presence in both urban and rural India. It accepts public and corporate deposits and offers a variety of financial services products to its customers. BFL, a thirty-five-year-old enterprise, has now become a leading player in the NBFC sector in India and on a consolidated basis, it has a franchise of 69.14 million customers. BFL has the highest domestic credit rating of AAA/Stable for long-term borrowing, A1+ for short-term borrowing, and CRISIL AAA/Stable & [ICRA]AAA(Stable) for its FD program. It has a long-term issuer credit rating of BB+/Positive and a short-term rating of B by S&P Global ratings.
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Srinagar, Jul 22:The first thing Dr Mir IshfaqHussain and Farhan Shah noticed was not the parents exercising inside the gym. It was the children waiting outside. Some sat quietly. Others stared into mobile phones, their attention fixed on short videos that seemed to scroll endlessly. It wasn't just that they were using phones, Hussain and Farhan recalled. It was that they had nowhere else to be. That observation stayed with them long after they left the gym. Weeks later, it became the starting point of a community fitness campaign that now brings together doctors, health professionals, educators and senior public officials for morning runs, badminton games and public exercise sessions across Srinagar. Their goal is ambitious, persuade young people, and perhaps more importantly, their parents, that movement can compete with the pull of the screen. We wanted to do something meaningful for society. During our visits to gyms, we often noticed children sitting with mobile phones while their parents exercised. That made us realise how deeply screen addiction has entered our daily lives, DrHussain said. According to him, excessive consumption of short-form social media content is affecting children's attention span and concentration, making awareness on healthy digital habits increasingly important. DrHussain, who holds a PhD in musculoskeletal sports medicine from the American College of Sports Medicine and runs a chain of Hayat Multi-speciality Medical Centres in Kashmir, said the campaign is based on scientific principles rather than being merely a social media exercise. Our objective is not advertisement but awareness. We explain scientifically why excessive screen exposure is harmful and demonstrate healthy alternatives through physical activity, he said. Initially led by DrHussain, Farhan Shah and noted pulmonologist DrNaveedNazir Shah, the initiative has since been joined by noted TV broadcaster AzharHajini, renowned endocrinologist DrShariqMasoodi and senior police officials, including the SSP city Traffic. Children today are active online, he said. The question is how we make them active offline. Notably, public health researchers have long argued that role models can encourage healthier behaviour, particularly when combined with community participation. But they also caution that reducing children's dependence on digital devices requires more than symbolic gestures. It often involves changes at home, in schools and in the design of neighbourhoods where children have safe places to play. The campaign has also attracted questions. Some wonder whether a movement led largely by professionals in their forties and fifties can truly resonate with teenagers immersed in digital culture. Hussain acknowledges the challenge. Younger athletes and social influencers, he said, are gradually being invited to participate. The organisers also plan to expand the programme into colleges and universities, where they hope peer influence will prove more powerful than lectures. Responding to questions about how the initiative differs from other fitness groups operating in Kashmir, he maintained that the campaign places emphasis on scientific guidance and injury-free exercise. Every club has its own concept. Our focus is evidence-based fitness and educating people about the correct way to exercise while highlighting the health risks associated with excessive mobile phone use, he said. The organisers also pointed to their own physical transformation since the campaign began, saying it reflects the positive impact of consistent exercise and healthy habits. But on Srinagar's walking tracks, where the day's first light now falls on groups stretching, jogging and talking about health, the organisers believe change often begins the same way fitness does, not with a finish line, but with a first step.
