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.
Old Age and Abandonment of Elderly: Some Thoughts
Old age is an interim period between life and death. It can be paradoxically both fascinating and painful. Much depends on how one lives this phase of life. Poets of major languages have reflected on this theme with great poignancy and sometimes reflected upon individual cases to drive home the reality of life and death. Old age necessarily and compulsively evokes memories of youth and looks forwards to the end of lifes journey. Why has the care and concern for elderly by young and adults diminished or completely disappeared from some societies and elders have been abandoned without any qualms of conscience. The truth is that this crisis did not appear all of a sudden. It has been building up for centuries and has only reached its culmination point in the twentieth century. Because of disintegration of a whole value system derived from shared Judo-Christian culture, a new secular culture came into being in the West which destroyed the old cultural moorings. The new culture was individualistic, materialistic, self -centred and body- centric and self- glorifying. The social structures in the rest of the world were still very cohesive, communitarian and supportive of elders as they lived in close-nit joint families, caring for the young and the elderly as they were not affected on a large scale by the changes that had taken place in the west because the new knowledge and its impact on their societies had remained confined to highly educated minuscule minorities in Asian African and other continents . But globalization and technological revolution, the previously unimaginable reach of IT technology wrought havoc in the whole world as western culture spread like wild fire. In a way it democratised and globalized secular modernity, individualism and the cult of materialism that wrecked human relationships and body worship became the highest goal. The duty toward others became an avoidable liability, cumbersome and restrictive of individuals autonomy. It is in this backdrop that elderly persons are neglected, abused, robbed of their property mostly by their own close relatives. One component of the modern knowledge/ outlook on life was social Darwinism and essentialist, exclusivist and autonomous interpretations of feminism devoid of metaphysical grounding which imperceptibly played its role in dismantling collective communitarian supportive structures of the families and the concomitant dehumanization of the entire societies by rapid environmental vandalism and industrialization. Then the biopolitics of the Countries has assumed alarming proportions. After the colossal devastation of World War II and the destruction of human values the UN was formed to revive and uphold human rights and human dignity and its charter of Universal Human Rights was announced in 1948. In spite of breaking a new moment in the history of protecting the dignity and rights of human beings, it has remained a frozen document, a toothless guarantor of human dignity and rights because countries have not upheld its articles in spite of being signatories to it. In fact its articles are observed in breach rather than in compliance. The primary provisions in the UN Chater addressing human rights are Articles 55and 56. Article 55 mandates the members to promote conditions for economic and social progress, development and universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Article 56 requires all member nations to pledge themselves to take joint and separate action to achieve these purposes The specific legally binding details are outlined in international Bill of Human Rights which consist of two treaties which are binding on member countries namely, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). These have remained mainly relics securely placed in the cupboard of oblivion. Realistically speaking governments cant do much in alleviating the sufferings of the elderly in spite of different schemes and projects they have launched for the welfare of the elderly as they have larger issues to attend to. Though there are legal mechanisms in place which could be invoked, but the question is who would file cases in the courts and follow their labyrinthine long drawn proceedings for ages when the elderly are already in decrepit state. In India, the primary legislation to protect elderly persons from abuse is the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007. It makes it a punishable offence for children or care takers to abandon or abuse a senior citizen. Then there is BNS and Criminal Procedure and Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005. Article 41 of Indian Constitution establishes that the states must make effective provisions for securing public assistance for citizens in cases of old age. Additionally the govt operates the Elderline Helpline 14567 which is supposed to provide immediate on-ground assistance, legal aid and councelling for seniors facing mistreatment. How many elders really make use of it is a million dollar question. Closer home in JK the centres Act has been adopted in 2014 and corresponding bylaws were framed in 2017 and 2021. This legislation ensures financial support, medical care and the protection of life and property of individuals of 60 years and above. It entails mandatory maintenance and support. Adult children and legal heirs are legally required to provide a monthly maintenance allowance to parents and grand parents who cant support themselves. All these safeguardsprotections exist on papers only. In reality majority of people are ignorant about these provisions. But even those who are aware of these dismiss them with disdain as nobody is going to take them to task. The elders generally cant invoke them as that is beyond their means and capacity. After taking the synoptic global and regional overview, let me come down to our local scenario as it is not possible to encompass the problems of elders all over the world as societies respond differently to the challenges we are faced with. Locally we were doing well before the advent of modernity and the rat race for materiality. The first thing, therefore, that needs to be done is to reverse it. The point I am trying to drive home is that there is a dire need to reorient our lives on metaphysical principles which enjoin on all of us besides other things, the responsibilities of the weak and elderly to be performed willingly and lovingly in the family. It is the family support and care alone that could ensure security of the lives of the elderly in every sense. We have to bid goodbye to material lust, to hoarding of property, cheap display of wealth, ostentatious life style; and rehumanise ourselves, narrow down our needs and not be enslaved by lust for more and more. Unless we change our attitude and outlook on life, try to assimilate virtues of service in ourselves, live our faith rather than perform rituals, understand the prime importance of aamali saleh Good Deeds -in our practice of religion and derive satisfaction from it, we will continue to abandon, abuse and avoid the elderly no matter how many laws are there to prevent us. In short, unless we base our actions on the faith in God and His commandments, we will not only leave elderly in lurch but be abandoned, isolated, lonely and desperate when it is our turn. Kashmiris in particular were known for respecting, serving, caring and loving elders so much so that when they would pass away, the families would almost live with the dead, going to their graves every day and offering Fateha for their salvation while giving charity in their name every now and then. Same was true of Pandits and Sikhs; in their own way they would serve the elderly and remember them after their death for years. Even today there are oases in the desert of abandonment, neglect and abuse but these need to be expanded into larger inclusive islands of care and respect for elders, their dignity and human substance. Muhalla committees Masjid committees could act as watch dogs to ensure that elders are looked after well in their respective localities as these are the smallest units after family of our community life. People acting collectively in good faith could alone satisfactorily address familial and social issues. No govt or legal system could substitute active collective communitarian synergy for this sacred task. Hameedah Nayeem, former Professor Department of English, University of Kashmir
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
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
UTT 7: History-Makers Goa Challengers Beat UP 10-5, Finish League Phase Unbeaten
Dempo Goa Challengers became the first team in the competition's history to remain unbeaten through the league phase after defeating UP Prometheans 10-5 in Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) Season 7 on Wednesday.
State level Subroto Mukherjee Cup: Goals galore on Day 2
Shillong, July 22: The sporting momentum continued on Day 2 of the State-Level Subroto Mukherjee Cup Football Tournament 2026. Organised by the Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs, Wednesdays fixtures across the Under-15 Boys, Under-17 Boys, and Under-17 Girls categories delivered a spectacle of attacking football, highlighted by several commanding victories and stunning individual performances []
A Morning run against a growing habit
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.
Seeking only Statehood Is like asking for shoes after losing feet: Mehbooba
Srinagar, Jul 22: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday mounted a sharp political attack on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over his recent remarks on Article 370, accusing him of lowering the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and attempting to normalise the constitutional changes of August 5, 2019. Reacting to Abdullahs press conference on Tuesday, where he argued that restoration of statehood should take precedence over the demand for restoration of Article 370, Mehbooba said any suggestion that Article 370 cannot be restored amounts to giving up on the political aspirations of the people. Stating that Article 370 will not return is like throwing acid on the hopes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. That should not be done. He wants to instil a sense of defeat among the people, which I dont think any leader should do. It is not right, Mehbooba told reporters here. Her remarks came a day after Omar Abdullah said that demanding restoration of Article 370 before statehood only provided the BJP-led Centre with an excuse to delay the restoration of statehood. He had also said expecting the present Central government to restore Article 370 would be foolishness, while maintaining that restoration of statehood could lay the foundation for pursuing the return of special status in the future. Rejecting that formulation, Mehbooba asserted that the political issue of Jammu and Kashmir cannot be reduced to the question of statehood alone. The Kashmir issue is alive even today and it has to be resolved. Articles 370 and 35A should be a part of that resolution. Statehood is only one part of what happened to us in 2019. It is like cutting off someones feet and then saying, Since the feet are gone, give me the shoes. I feel this is unfair to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and even to his own party, which made promises ranging from autonomy to the restoration of special status, she said. The former chief minister accused the National Conference of gradually legitimising the constitutional changes effected by the Centre in 2019. Drawing a parallel with the 1975 Indira-Sheikh Accord, Mehbooba alleged that the NC had historically accepted the erosion of Jammu and Kashmirs constitutional position and was following a similar path today. The NC has always normalised such situations. When Sheikh Abdullah signed the 1975 Accord, the posts of Prime Minister and Sadr-e-Riyasat had already been abolished. By accepting the office of Chief Minister, all those erosions were normalised. Today, Omar Abdullah is going to JantarMantar only for statehood, avoiding Article 370, and now saying its restoration is impossible. They are normalising what happened in 2019, just like the BJP, she alleged. Questioning the National Conferences electoral commitments, Mehbooba asked why the party had repeatedly promised restoration of Article 370 and special status during the 2024 Assembly election campaign if it no longer believed those objectives were achievable. Why did they include restoration of special status in their manifesto? Why did they repeatedly speak about it in their public meetings? she asked. Referring to the reopening of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road during the tenure of her late father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in 2005, the PDP president said political goals dismissed as unrealistic could eventually become a reality. When Mufti Mohammad Sayeed installed those boards, many said he was selling false dreams. Fourteen of our workers and security personnel were martyred in 2004, but in 2005 the Muzaffarabad road was opened. Likewise, restoration of Article 370 or resolution of the Kashmir issue is not a false dream; it is a reality that can be achieved, she said. Drawing a comparison with Ladakh, Mehbooba said sustained public pressure had compelled the Centre to provide constitutional safeguards there and argued that the people of Jammu and Kashmir could similarly persuade New Delhi to engage politically. If not today, then tomorrow. Just as the people of Ladakh united and compelled the Government of India to provide constitutional safeguards for their land and jobs, we too can compel the Centre to talk to us and secure something for our people, she said. The PDP chief also accused the Omar Abdullah-led government of focusing more on attacking her party than on governance. We have our own agenda and continue to follow the vision of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. It saddens me that a party with 50 MLAs, founded by leaders like Sheikh Abdullah and Farooq Abdullah, is reducing the entire issue of Jammu and Kashmiran oceaninto a small vessel by making it only about statehood, she said. Maintaining that Jammu and Kashmirs political aspirations extend beyond administrative restoration, Mehbooba said the peoples mandate was not confined to the demand for statehood. People have been struggling for their political rights since 1947. To say that every problem of Jammu and Kashmir will be solved by restoring statehood is an injustice to the people. The mandate given to Omar Abdullah was not just for statehood; it was for addressing the larger political issues and the hardships people face, she said. Mehbooba also referred to her recent letter to National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, in which she had urged the party to convene an all-party meeting before organising its protest in New Delhi seeking restoration of statehood. Had there been a consensus among all political parties, we could have gone to Delhi together. We will continue to remind Omar Abdullah of the larger mandate the people have given him. He may not like it, but we will continue to do so, she added.
48th State Level Senior Men and Women's Handball Tournament begins
The 48th edition of the State Level Senior Men and Women's Handball Tournament kicked off today at YLK ground, Chingarel Tejpur, Imphal East this afternoon As many as 8 men's teams and 6 women's teams clustered into two pools are taking part in the tournament The opening day of the tournaments saw hosts YLK beat KKLYDO, Kongpal by 16 7 goals in the women's opener Pool A before YLK beat NSU 17 9 in the men's opener Pool B br br table align center cellpadding 5 width 610 tbody tr td table class capbox width 100 tbody tr td img width 600 src https www e pao org galleries images News Related 2026 07 Handball 20260723 jpg border 1 alt 48th State Level Senior Men and Women's Handball Tournament begins td tr tr td align center 48th State Level Senior Men and Women's Handball Tournament begins td tr tbody table td tr tbody table br br In the women's opening match, Y Monika scored 7 goals alone to steer the hosts team to the 16 7 victory against KKLYDO Her compatriot N Sophiya meanwhile netted 3 goals as N Bijaya and L Aliya added 2 goals apiece and Kh Melody and N Vidyanandini added 1 goal apiece N Dolly 2 , RK Nilamjoyshree 2 , Th Christina 1 , M Lucky 1 and K Ayingbi 1 were on target for KKLYDO in this match Later in the men's opening match, A Bikramjit shone with 8 goals as L Beckham and E Priyokumar scored 3 goals apiece to earn YLK a 17 9 win over NSU Ng Krishnakanta 2 and Md Sahrukhan 1 meanwhile contributed the remaining 3 goals For NSU, Y Romario top scored with 5 goals as Manglem 2 , Visma 1 and Enungyai 1 managed 4 goals The day also witnessed OYO, Kongpal getting the better of KKLYDO by 17 12 goals in the Pool A opener RK Devajit and N Lamjingba led the scoring for OYO by scoring 4 goals each as T Sunderjit scored 3 goals and the trio of Ksh General, B Bikash and Th Lucky scored 2 goals apiece For KKLYDO, Th Bikash scored thrice as M Rajkumar, Th Sonamani and M Leishemba scored 2 goals apiece Th Bidyachandra, Ch Ajitkumar and Chingthanganba also contributed a goal apiece for the team Source The Sangai Express
Manipur's one of the rising athletes Huidrom Bhumeshwory has called on the State Government to provide high quality, disturbance free training infrastructure to help State athletes excel on National and international stages Bhumeshwory recently scripted history by winning a bronze medal in the women's 800m event at the 2026 Asian U23 Athletics Championships held in Ordos, China br br table align center cellpadding 5 width 610 tbody tr td table class capbox width 100 tbody tr td img width 600 src https www e pao org galleries images News Related 2026 07 Bhumeshwory 20260723 jpg border 1 alt Asian U23 Athletics C'ships bronze medallist Bhumeshwory accorded warm reception td tr tr td align center Asian U23 Athletics C'ships bronze medallist Bhumeshwory accorded warm reception td tr tbody table td tr tbody table br br The rising athletic talent was accorded a warm reception today at the All Manipur Sports Association AMSA hall at Mapal Kangjeibung, jointly organized by the Athletics Association of Manipur AAM and the Manipur Running Team Speaking at the event, Bhumeshwory credited her rapid rise to the unwavering support of the AAM, her coaches, guardians, and well wishers If an athlete pursues their goals with determination and perseverance, success is bound to come, she said, urging younger athletes to stay focused on their targets However, she noted that an athlete's growth is strictly limited by their training environment, expressing regret over the severe infrastructural deficit being faced by State athletes She emphasized that proper athletic facilities are foundational for talent development, safety, and long term competitive success, urging the State Government to work out a proper policy to transform Manipur's enormous sporting potential into podium finishes Many concerned personalities also echoed her concerns, criticizing the monopolization of existing facilities Ito Tongbram, Secretary of the AAM, flagged unfairness on the part of authorities, highlighting the excessive, long term usage of the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium for a single, specific sport Tongbram noted that the stadium serves as the primary venue for regular practice and competitions for most State athletes, and demanded that authorities ensure unrestricted, year round access to the facility except during major tournaments Khogendra Khomdram, Editor of The Sangai Express, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the need for equitable treatment across all sporting disciplines to sustain Manipur's rich sporting legacy He stated it is unfortunate when massive sports facilities are heavily allocated to one sport, adding that all athletes deserve equal access The reception program was attended by several prominent presidium members, including Leishangthem Ajit President, AAM , retired Youth Affairs and Sports athletic coaches Sapam Rashwori and Soibam Somchandra, and retired Sports Authority of India SAI coach Dr Konthoujam Koshana As part of the celebration, Bhumeshwory was honored with a memento and gifts for her historic international achievement Source The Sangai Express
Prime Minister Modi Leads High-Level Meeting on Developed India Goals
New Delhi, July 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting at his residence on Wednesday to review progress towards the Developed India goals in rural development, agriculture, social welfare, and related sectors. The meeting included secretaries and senior officials from various ministries, who discussed ongoing programs, challenges, and future strategies in their respective ... Read more Prime Minister Modi Leads High-Level Meeting on Developed India Goals
Japanese mindset of the day: A Japanese saying advises against waiting for luck to change life's circumstances. Passively waiting for good fortune can hinder personal growth and missed opportunities. Taking action, even small steps, creates possibilities for learning and advancement. Effort and preparation are within our control, unlike unpredictable luck.
State govt proposes first-of-its-kind framework to trace used cooking oil
Shahin Bepari Lambe Panaji With the aim of channeling used cooking oil for biodiesel production, the state government has proposed a first-of-its-kind framework to plug gaps in the collection and digital traceability of used cooking oil (UCO) in Goa. The will ensure that the oil is collected through authorised channels and eventually channelled for biodiesel []
Goa has potential to emerge as key Israel tourism hub
Diana Fernandes Margao Israel Ministry of Tourisms Director of Marketing, India, Amruta Bangera, who is currently in Goa,said the state has the potential to become one of Israels biggest tourism hubs, with opportunities extending beyond faith-based travel to leisure and MICE tourism. She also said discussions have been held on establishing direct flights between Goa []
Experts suggestions to shape Tribal Vision Document 2037
NT Reporter Margao Tribal Welfare Minister Ramesh Tawadkar on Wednesday said the Tribal Welfare Department would incorporate the views and suggestions of experts and resource persons while preparing the Goa Tribal Vision Document 2037. He made the statement after a one-day conference on the Goa Tribal Vision Document 2037 organised by the Directorate of Tribal []
SP Crime to inquire into advocate assault, HC told
NT Reporter Panaji The High Court of Bombay at Goa was informed on Wednesday that the Superintendent of Police (Crime) has taken charge as the inquiry officer (IO) to conduct a departmental inquiry into the assault on advocate Ankur Kumar and his client at Tembwada-Morjim. The newly appointed IO has already secured registers and documents []
Voices of support & dissent amplify, faultlines widen
NT Reporter Panaji The BJP Goa unit, led by president Damodar Damu Naik, staged a protest near Congress House in Panaji on Wednesday, accusing the Congress of promoting sponsored anarchy and manufactured chaos. Several state ministers, including Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte and Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar, along with MLAs and party workers, participated in the []
S Goa advocates back CJP protest, demand action over NEET issue
NT Reporter Margao A group of young advocates from South Goa on Wednesday extendedtheir support to the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), backing the youth-led movements ongoing national and local protests. The educational and systemic issues raised by the movement were not limited to Goa but reflected concerns across the country, they told reportersin Margao. The []
Quote of the day by Katharine Hepburn reminds people that success depends on completing what they begin instead of only making a strong start. The quote explains the value of resilience, perseverance, determination, endurance, execution and commitment. Katharine Hepburn's life and career reflected this message through many challenges, career setbacks and achievements. The quote continues to inspire people working toward personal, educational and professional goals.
Trump Administration Leverages Tariffs for New Trade Agreements
Washington, July 22: The Trump administration is utilizing tariffs to exert pressure on trade partner nations. The goal is to open their markets to American companies, ensure better compliance with regulations, and strengthen manufacturing in the United States. This statement was made by U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer during a session with lawmakers on Wednesday. ... Read more Trump Administration Leverages Tariffs for New Trade Agreements
Govt aims to double food processing level to 2% over next five years: Chirag Paswan
India plans to double its food processing level to twenty-five percent within five years. This ambitious goal follows significant reforms implemented over the past twelve years. The government views food processing as a priority sector for national economic growth. Various schemes are actively supporting micro and large food processing enterprises. Connecting every farm to a processing unit is a key future objective.
Best German proverb of the day: A German proverb highlights the dangers of delaying important tasks. The saying The devil's favorite piece of furniture is the long bench warns against procrastination. This ancient wisdom encourages timely action and efficient responsibility management. Procrastination can lead to missed opportunities and increased stress levels. Overcoming delay is crucial for achieving long-term personal and professional goals.
Cape Verde and their goalkeeper Vozinha had a memorable FIFA World Cup 2026 debut, despite going down 3-2 to defending champions Argentina in a valiantly contested match
Messi's Gesture For Family Of Vozinha, Whho Gave Argentina Massive Scare
Cape Verde and their goalkeeper Vozinha had a memorable FIFA World Cup 2026 debut, despite going down 3-2 to defending champions Argentina in a valiantly contested match
How ULIP plans can help you with legacy planning
Legacy planning helps Indian families transfer wealth smoothly across generations. Unit Linked Insurance Plans offer life cover and market-linked growth potential. Life insurance provides immediate financial security after an unexpected earning member's demise. ULIPs build a long-term corpus and offer liquidity after a lock-in period. Bajaj Life Supreme can support wealth creation and family protection goals.
Environmental CSR in India has grown steadily over the past decade, with Corporate India investing Rs. 17,377 crore across environmental sustainability, conservation of natural resources and agroforestry initiatives. However, a new report by Sattva Consulting, powered by India Data Insights (IDI), finds that while environmental CSR has expanded, funding remains concentrated among a relatively small group of companies and is not always aligned with the geographies and sectors facing the country's greatest environmental challenges. The report, A Decade of Green Spending: What Rs. 17,000 Crores of Environmental CSR Reveals About Corporate India, lands at a moment when India, ranked the 9th most climate-vulnerable nation in the Climate Risk Index 2026, is under growing pressure to align corporate giving with climate resilience goals under Viksit Bharat 2047 and its 2070 Net Zero commitment. Environmental CSR spending fell to a post-pandemic low of 4.4% of total CSR outlay in FY2020-21, as companies redirected funds towards health and relief efforts. It has since recovered, stabilising at 8.4% of total CSR spend in FY2023-24, still well behind enduring priorities such as education and health. The report notes that with an estimated $2.5 trillion needed to meet India's Nationally Determined Contributions by 2030, and $10 trillion required to build a climate-resilient economy by 2047, CSR capital has a distinct role to play in bridging gaps where public systems face capacity or resource constraints. While environmental CSR is growing, corporate philanthropy is not yet fully aligned with India's highest climate risks, especially sectors with the greatest environmental footprint. A Concentrated Funding Base Just one out of five companies that report CSR spending direct any of it towards the environment. Less than a fifth of smallest CSR spenders allocate funds towards climate action. In contrast, nearly all of the companies with CSR budgets over Rs. 50 crore reserve a portion of their outlay for environment-related projects. European-headquartered MNCs operating in India show markedly higher participation (about two-thirds) than Indian companies (54%), a gap the report links to the influence of stringent European regulatory frameworks, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Growth Without Scale The growth in environmental CSR is being driven almost entirely by a rising number of small and mid-sized projects rather than larger, systemic investments. The number of environmental CSR projects grew 20% over the past three years, while aggregate spending grew only 6% in the same period, leaving the average project size flat at Rs. 45 lakh. Only 29 projects in FY2024 carried budgets of Rs. 10 crore or more, barely up from 22 such projects in FY2020-21. Divergence In Environmental Footprint And Funding The report finds a marked disconnect between industries' environmental footprint and their environmental CSR behaviour. Sectors with some of the largest environmental footprints, including Energy, Mining, and Oil, Gas, Coal & Petroleum, show relatively low participation in environmental CSR. Even where companies in these sectors do undertake environmental initiatives, they allocate only 5-7% of their CSR budgets towards environmental causes, well below several consumer-facing industries. By contrast, consumer-facing sectors such as FMCG, Food and Beverages, and Automotive, despite a comparatively lighter environmental footprint, allocate over 10% of CSR spend to environmental causes, a pattern the report attributes to brand positioning and consumer-facing ESG commitments rather than direct impact alignment. Climate-Vulnerable Districts Underfunded The report's starkest finding concerns geography. Nearly 45% of environmental CSR funding is directed to pan-India or multi-state programmes, and a further 22% flows to Tier-1 cities, leaving just over a third of funding for more localised, place-based interventions. States including Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh, all classified as highly climate-vulnerable, receive less than Rs. 25 per capita in environmental CSR. The pattern sharpens at the district level: among India's 50 most climate-vulnerable districts, 30 of them received only 1% (Rs. 106 crore) of total environmental CSR spending over the past three years, with a handful of districts in Assam alone accounting for 60% of what little vulnerable-region funding exists. Traditional Themes Dominate Among high-value environmental CSR projects (Rs. 50 lakh and above) in FY2023-24, Water Management (15%), Renewable Energy (12%), and Biodiversity (11%) together account for 38% of all high-value project funding. Air quality, despite its acute public health relevance, received just Rs. 14 crore, around 5% of the high-value project pool reflecting the longer gestation periods and more complex measurement frameworks associated with system-level environmental interventions. The report identifies Rs. 243 crore directed over the past three years towards emerging themes such as public transport and climate. Among high-value environmental CSR projects (Rs. 50 lakh and above) in FY2023-24, Water Management (15%), Renewable Energy (12%), and Biodiversity (11%) together account for 38% of all high-value project funding. Air quality, despite its acute public health relevance, received just Rs. 14 crore, around 5% of the high-value project pool reflecting the longer gestation periods and more complex measurement frameworks associated with system-level environmental interventions. The report identifies Rs. 243 crore directed over the past three years towards emerging themes such as public transport, climate governance and carbon MRV, and circular economy alongside nearly Rs. 500 crore embedded within Health, Livelihoods, and Education CSR programmes that integrate water, clean energy, and climate-resilience programmes. What This Means For Corporate India "India's climate ambitions will require every form of capital to work more strategically. As climate risks increasingly affect business operations, supply chains and communities, CSR has an opportunity to evolve from project-based philanthropy into catalytic capital, supporting climate-vulnerable regions, strengthening ecosystem resilience, and complementing broader sustainability and ESG efforts," said Srikrishna Sridhar Murthy, Co-founder and CEO, Sattva Consulting . Looking Ahead The report's authors argue that as ESG disclosure norms tighten and climate risk becomes more immediate for business operations, CSR has an opportunity to evolve from a fragmented, theme-led funding mechanism into a more targeted, catalytic lever for climate resilience. It should align more closely with industry's environmental footprint, channel funding towards India's most climate-vulnerable geographies, and complement existing project-led giving with longer-horizon, systemic interventions in areas such as air quality, circular economy, and climate governance. Realising this shift, the report notes, will require coordinated, collective action across corporates, philanthropy, and ecosystem actors, rather than standalone funding approaches. The report is based on an analysis of CSR disclosures filed with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) for FY2014-15 to FY2023-24, covering 17,377 crore in spending across Environmental Sustainability, Conservation of Natural Resources, and Agroforestry. www.sattva.co.in/quick-read/environmental-csr-in-india-lessons-from-%e2%82%b917000-crore-of-investments/ . About Sattva Consulting Sattva Consulting is a global impact consulting firm from India. Since 2009, we have engaged with communities, business, and government to achieve societal impact at scale. We believe that Civil society, Business, and Government all have a critical role to play in building an equitable and sustainable world, and we actively partner with all stakeholders to enable impact through our advisory and orchestration services, knowledge and data platforms—built as public goods for the ecosystem, and collaborative solutions and partnerships. To know more, visit sattva.co.in . About India Data Insights India Data Insights (IDI), an initiative by Sattva Consulting, aims to empower India’s development sector with actionable, ready-to-use data insights to enable sharper decisions and maximise impact. Built as a public good, IDI consolidates public data across SDG practice areas on one, unified platform, offering insightful visualisations, interactives, blogs and ready-to-use-charts and dashboards. To know more, visit indiadatainsights.com .
Quote of the Day: Walt Whitman's quote Happiness, not in another place but this place...not for another hour, but this hour encourages finding happiness in the present moment. This timeless message reminds us that joy exists right here and now and many people postpone happiness by waiting for future achievements and goals.
Can VR help you achieve your goals?
A Max Planck researcher has developed VR and smartphone tools that let you meet your future self. The science behind it is more powerful than it sounds.
The world’s largest cleft-focused organization, Smile Train, concluded the Indo-Africa Cleft Conference in Goa today. Building on the initiative first established in 2012, Indo-Africa Synergy 2026 brought Smile Train's India and Africa teams together to exchange knowledge and experience and collaborate towards advancing sustainable cleft care. Indo-Africa Cleft Conference Synergy 2026: Excelling Together The conference brought together surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, speech therapists, orthodontists and multidisciplinary cleft care professionals from Smile Train’s two largest regions, reaffirming its commitment to stronger, locally led sustainable healthcare systems through collaboration, continuous learning and knowledge exchange. Over the past decade, both India and Africa have made significant strides in expanding access to comprehensive cleft care in their own regions. Each region has developed unique areas of excellence shaped by real-world experience and field-led innovation. Indo-Africa Cleft Conference 2026 was designed to bring these learnings together, creating opportunities to exchange proven approaches, adopt best practices and jointly develop solutions that strengthen cleft care across both regions while contributing to Smile Train's global pursuit of ensuring every child born with a cleft has access to safe, timely and comprehensive care. Speaking on the occasion, Mamta Carroll, Senior Vice President and Regional Director, Asia, Smile Train , said, "Indo-Africa Synergy represents much more than a conference; it reflects how Smile Train believes sustainable change happens. Over the past decade, both India and Africa have built remarkable expertise through locally led program, and today we can learn from one another as equal partners. By sharing knowledge, strengthening skills and co-creating solutions, we are investing not only in healthcare professionals but also in better outcomes for every child born with a cleft. This collaboration demonstrates that when expertise is shared across borders, its impact extends far beyond any one country ." Nkeiruka Obi, Vice President and Regional Director, Smile Train, Africa , added, “ India and Africa bring together two of Smile Train’s largest and most experienced programs, each with deep expertise gained over years in providing safe and high-quality comprehensive cleft care within diverse local contexts. In our shared commitment to healthcare equity, this conference offers a valuable opportunity to learn from our experiences, share practical solutions, and innovations, while strengthening capacity of cleft care professionals. By advancing South–South collaboration, we truly can accelerate access to quality cleft care for more children and families in our communities .” The two-day program featured expert discussions, knowledge sharing and hands-on workshops covering surgical excellence, patient safety and comprehensive cleft care. Participants also exchanged experiences on advocacy, engagement and healthcare system strengthening, recognizing that sustainable cleft care extends beyond surgery to encompass the entire continuum of care. The conference truly reflects Smile Train's sustainable model of strengthening local healthcare systems by investing in medical professionals through continuous training, mentorship and global knowledge exchange. By fostering collaboration between India and Africa, Smile Train is building stronger local capacity and advancing comprehensive cleft care for children in both regions. Smile Train programs in Africa began in 2002 and since then, they have spread across nearly 40 countries, transforming the lives of 200,000+ cleft-affected individuals. Since 2000, Smile Train has supported more than 800,000 free cleft surgeries across India through a network of 130+ partner hospitals. For cleft treatment-related queries or support, please call the India toll-free helpline number: 1800 103 8301 . For more information, please log on to www.smiletrainindia.org .
'Involving Family Is So Low': British Outlet Under Fire For Targetting Lionel Messi
The article titled Lionel Messi's full humiliation laid bare: Left crying as his Argentine thugs disgraced themselves... how this World Cup exposed the GOAT's dark arts shame slammed Lionel Messi and Argentina for resorting to dirty tactics.
Tamil Nadu Government Expands Nursing Education with 855 New Seats
Chennai, July 22: The Tamil Nadu government has made a significant decision to enhance nursing education in the state. The number of seats in government nursing institutions will increase from 796 to 1,651. This initiative will add a total of 855 new seats across undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs. The primary goal of this ... Read more Tamil Nadu Government Expands Nursing Education with 855 New Seats
Crickets governing body shifts the goalposts for the usual reasons
To change the format 15 months ahead of the World Cup with no assurance it wont be changed again brings no credit to the ICC. Guaranteeing at least two India v Pakistan matches, perhaps even three, is a strong motivation
Goa has officially raised the casino entry age to twenty-one years. This new rule mandates stricter identity verification for all casino operators. Travellers planning a visit must now carry valid government-issued photo identification. Families with young adults under twenty-one will not be permitted in gaming areas. This regulation aligns casino entry with Goa's legal drinking age.
Before the world wakes up, Ankur Warikoo gives himself 5 hours. His morning routine explains why
Ankur Warikoo shared his morning routine, which he says helps him start each day with purpose. He sleeps by 9:30 pm, wakes up at 4:50 am, meditates, reads, spends time with family, plays tennis, works out and follows an 18-hour fast. Warikoo said the goal of a routine is not simply waking up early but creating time for yourself before giving it to others. He also acknowledged his privilege of having household support.
BITSAT 2026 Iteration IV seat allotment result will be released today, July 22, 2026. Candidates can check their allotment status through the BITS admission portal using their application number and password. Students receiving seats must complete fee payment by July 25 and report physically between July 28 and July 30. The article covers expected rank ranges, campus-wise cutoff trends and important admission timelines for BITS Pilani, Goa and Hyderabad campuses.
Today's Quote of the Day by Miguel de Cervantes reminds us that remarkable achievements begin long before successthey begin with the courage to try. His timeless words, In order to attain the impossible, one must attempt the impossible, encourage us to move beyond fear, embrace uncertainty, and take meaningful action. More than four centuries later, this inspiring message continues to resonate with entrepreneurs, students, leaders, artists, and anyone determined to turn an ambitious dream into reality.
Climate finance must reach nations that need it most, says UN Climate Chief
Climate finance is rising but not fast enough for developing nations. Developed countries must triple adaptation finance and deliver USD 300 billion annually by 2035. Accelerating climate technology development and transfer is essential for Paris Agreement goals. India's clean energy investment drives economic growth and creates jobs. Moving quickly to renewable energy offers energy security and sovereignty.
Guillermo Ochoa Retires At 41, Closing A 22-Year Career For Club And Country
Guillermo Ochoa, widely considered among the greatest Mexican goalkeepers in history, announced his retirement from elite soccer on Tuesday, bringing an end to a distinguished 22-year professional career.
Beyond MBBS | NEET opens doors to many rewarding healthcare careers
Thousands of students who qualified the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) may not secure an MBBS seat. However, missing out on medicine does not mean the end of a career dream in healthcare. NEET serves as the gateway to rewarding professional courses - from dentistry and veterinary science to AYUSH disciplines and allied health sciences. These courses promise careers and opportunities for higher education, and have good employment potential in the changing world scenario. While MBBS seats have significantly expanded over the past decade, competition remains intense. The, number of aspirants continues to outnumber available seats by lakhs. While counselling is set to begin, experts advise students to look beyond the traditional perception of MBBS as the only choice. Instead, they advise that they must consider their aptitude, interests and long-term career goals. BDS: The Closest Alternative Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is the most sought-after alternative to MBBS. The five-year professional course trains students to diagnose and treat diseases of the teeth and oral cavity. Graduates establish private clinics, work in hospitals, pursue MDS specialisations or enter academics and research. In J&K, BDS is offered at the Government Dental College, Srinagar, and Indira Gandhi Government Dental College, Jammu. One private dental colleges is also participating in counselling. Veterinary Science: A Profession Beyond Cattle Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (BVSc & AH) is perhaps the more rewarding of many other options after NEET. It offers opportunities in the fields of animal health, livestock management and public health. Veterinarians find employment in government animal husbandry departments, dairy and poultry industries. In addition, pharmaceutical companies, research institutions and wildlife conservation also look for BVSc graduates. The pet industry is expanding at a fast pace and pet clinics is a lucrative career choice for graduates. The course is offered at the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry of SKUAST-K at Shuhama and SKUAST-J at R.S. Pura in J&K. Nursing: One of the Most Employable Professions BSc Nursing continues to be among the most employable healthcare courses. The demand in government and private hospitals, community health programmes, teaching institutions and overseas healthcare systems is often insatiable. BSc Nursing is offered at many government and private colleges across J&K, with admissions conducted through JKBOPEE. Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) prepares students to help patients recover from injuries, surgeries and neurological disorders through scientific physical exercises and maneuvers. Physiotherapists work in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, sports medicine facilities and private practice. Allied Health Sciences The rapid expansion of hospitals and diagnostic services has increased demand for allied healthcare professionals. These professionals play indispensable roles in diagnosis, surgery, intensive care and rehabilitation and form the backbone of modern healthcare services. Courses available in J&K include Medical Laboratory Technology, Radiography and Imaging Technology, Operation Theatre Technology, Anaesthesia Technology, Dialysis Technology, Cardiac Care Technology, Critical Care Technology, Optometry, Dental Hygiene and Dental Technology. Admissions to these programmes are also conducted through JKBOPEE. AYUSH Courses Although allopathic medicine forms the core of medical science, many people resort to alternative medicine for treatments. Students inclined towards serving with the system of treatments perceived as traditional and safe can pursue professional degrees in Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS) and Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS). In J&K, like in most states of India, graduates are often allowed to practice in allopathic hospitals and government AYUSH services and wellness centres. J&K has AYUSH College in Srinagar. The career opportunities are immense and a missed chance of securing an MBBS seat may be a door opened for a more rewarding career in a different field of health sciences. Aspirants must ensure that the career path they choose and the college opted for is recognised by the professional board of that stream.
Indian philosophy and spirituality live in our everyday traditions: LG Manoj Sinha
The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today addressed the Shakti Mimamsa national symposium, a collaborative initiative by the Central Sanskrit University (Jammu Campus), Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University. He said the deliberation on the spiritual heritage of the 51 Shakti Peethas over the next 4-days will allow us to reconnect with the ancient Sanatana consciousness that has long defined Indias soul. Shakti is the very heartbeat and sustaining consciousness of the cosmos. It manifests in all motion and creation, shining through compassion, knowledge, love, patience, and life itself. From Vedic hymns and Upanishadic philosophy to the Devi Mahatmya, every facet of Indias spiritual heritage highlights that the Supreme Reality and Shakti are eternally inseparable, the Lieutenant Governor said. He said the Indian philosophy and spirituality are not just found in ancient texts but they live in our everyday traditions. One can see this in village prayers, household Navaratri rituals, and our natural respect for motherly power. In our villages, countless women who have never read a word of Sanskrit embody the true spirit of Shakti through their daily lives. This is the heartbeat of Indias cultural and spiritual continuity. The Shakti Peethas are powerful symbols of our national unity and beacons of our shared cultural consciousness. A nations unity is built from shared memories, shared faiths and shared cultural journeys. The Shakti Peethas have carried out this work for centuries. They have united India not merely geographically but emotionally and spiritually as well, he said. The Lieutenant Governor said that an academic focus on the Shakti Peethas is more urgent today than ever, driven by several key goals. He said, we must revive our ancient knowledge system and our youth need to realise that these sacred sites are living libraries of Indian philosophy, architecture, art, music, science, and history. Our ancestors chose these locations not just for spiritual reasons, but for their natural and cultural importance. Studying these sacred places is rigorous research that helps us understand Indias ancient knowledge traditions on their own terms. The second dimension is the renaissance of feminine consciousness. The whole world knows that from ancient times India has revered women as goddesses. We worship Mother Durga, Mother Saraswati, Mother Lakshmi and Mother Shakti. Yet we must ask ourselves whether our social systems are providing every daughter, every sister and every mother the respect that our culture teaches. Remember that worship of the Goddess becomes meaningful only when respect for women becomes a natural part of our conduct. True worship of Shakti lies in ensuring equality, safety, dignity and opportunities for women in society, the Lieutenant Governor said. He said the third goal is preserving our heritage. The Lieutenant Governor observed that many of our ancient manuscripts, inscriptions, folktales, and architectural wonders are fading away and without proper documentation today, future generations will lose this priceless legacy. This four-day symposium is a vital national mission to safeguard our cultural memory. The fourth goal is building national confidence. While many societies worldwide face an identity crisis, India stands strong with its unique cultural unity. The network of Shakti Peethas has kept our nation connected through shared faith and culture for centuries. Our youth should take immense pride in this. Through facts, evidence, and rigorous study, they can discover the true depth of Indian civilisation. This knowledge will not only boost their confidence but also help present Indias rich cultural identity to the world more effectively, the Lieutenant Governor said. Padma Shri Prof. Vishwa Murti Shastri; Prof. Shrinivasa Varkhedi, Vice Chancellor, Central Sanskrit University; Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University; Alok Kumar Maurya, Additional CEO, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Prof. R.G. Murali Krishna, Registrar, Central Sanskrit University; Prof. Satish Kumar Kapoor, Director, Shri Maharaja Ranbir Singh Campus, Jammu; distinguished scholars, and students attended the national symposium.
China to Develop Modern Integrated Transportation System
Beijing, July 22: The Chinese State Councils news office held a briefing on Tuesday. During this event, Deputy Minister of Transport Xu Changguang announced that China has entered a new phase in traffic and transportation development. The primary goal is to establish a fundamentally modern integrated transportation system during the 15th Five-Year Plan. Xu Changguang ... Read more China to Develop Modern Integrated Transportation System
CUK participates in empowering India 2026 at Goa
The three-day national event Empowering India 2026, held at Goa from 18 to 20 July 2026, concluded with a valedictory ceremony attended by representatives of participating institutions from across the country. On behalf of the Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir), Prof. Shahid Rasool, Dean, Academic Affairs, received the Certificate of Participation. The delegates representing the University were also awarded certificates. Speaking during the valedictory session, Prof. Shahid Rasool said the CUKashmir strongly encourages participation in such national platforms as they promote academic collaboration, research, innovation, and meaningful engagement among educational institutions, industry, and government organizations. He emphasized that such events provide opportunities for knowledge sharing, institutional networking, and showcasing the academic and research strengths of universities. The three-day event witnessed participation from leading higher educational institutions, including National Institutes of Technology (NITs), NCERT, Government Departments of Goa, agricultural institutions, and other organizations from across the country. Through exhibitions and interactive sessions, the participants showcased their academic programmes, research achievements, innovations, and best practices. During the event, CUKashmir received an encouraging response from students, academicians, researchers, government officials, and visitors, who interacted with the University's representatives and appreciated its academic programmes, research initiatives, and student-centric activities. The University's participation reaffirmed its commitment to promote excellence in higher education, research, innovation, and contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Prevention and Screening in Older Adults
Advances in modern medicine have enabled people to live longer than ever before. While increased life expectancy is a remarkable achievement, healthy aging involves more than simply living longerit means maintaining independence, physical function, mental well-being, and a good quality of life. As the population ages, preventive healthcare has become increasingly important in helping older adults remain active, healthy, and engaged in their communities. Many of the health problems that affect older adults, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, vision and hearing loss, certain cancers, and memory disorders, often develop gradually and may not cause symptoms in their early stages. Regular health screening allows these conditions to be identified early, when treatment is most effective and complications can often be prevented. Equally important are preventive measures such as vaccination, balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, smoking cessation, adequate sleep, medication review, and fall prevention, all of which contribute significantly to healthy aging. Preventive care in older adults is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Every individual ages differently, and healthcare decisions should be tailored to a persons overall health, existing medical conditions, functional status, life expectancy, and personal preferences. Regular consultations with a healthcare provider help ensure that screening tests and preventive interventions are appropriate, evidence-based, and aligned with the individuals health goals. Healthy aging is a shared responsibility between individuals, families, healthcare professionals, and society. By embracing regular screening and preventive healthcare, many illnesses can be detected early or prevented altogether, allowing older adults not only to live longer but also to enjoy healthier, more independent, and fulfilling lives. As the saying goes, prevention is always better than cureand in older age, it is one of the most effective investments in lifelong health. A framework for individualized decision making for preventive medical interventions should include an understanding of patient values and preferences, overall life and health expectancy, the potential harms of the intervention and the expected time-to-benefit of the intervention. First, estimate life expectancy. By definition prevention involves an intervention in the present to avoid illness in the future. Although it is impossible for clinicians to predict the exact life expectancy of an individual person, it is possible to use clinical judgement to make reasonable estimates of whether a person is likely to live substantially longer or shorter than an average person in his/her age cohort. Second, determine the time-to-benefit for a preventive intervention. Third, review the most likely benefits of prevention. Fourth, review the most likely harms of prevention. Application of screening principles to specific cancers Breast cancer: A survival meta-analysis of randomized trials of screening mammography suggested that it takes 11 years to prevent 1 breast cancer death after screening 1000 women. Benefits: mammography is the only screening modality that has been shown in randomized controlled trials to decrease breast cancer mortality. Harms: among women aged 75 and older who undergo biennial screening mammography, the cumulative probability of a false positive mammogram over 10 years ranges from 14% to 27% and this risk nearly doubles when women are screened annually. Frail older women are at increases risk for experiencing harms from screening. Recommendations: the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends mammography every 2 years for women age 50-74, stating the evidence is insufficient to assess the additional benefits and harms of screening in women 75yrs and older. The American Cancer Society recommends annual screening among women 45 to 54 years old and biennial screening among women 55 years or older and a life expectancy of greater than 10 years. Colorectal Cancer A survival meta-analysis of randomized trials of screening fecal occult blood testing for colorectal cancer suggested that it takes 10 years to prevent 1 colorectal cancer death after screening 1000 persons. Benefits: methods for screening for colorectal cancer include FOBT, fecal immunochemical testing, flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. Guaiac-based FOBT has the strongest evidence for screening efficacy based on three European randomized controlled trials showing reductions in colorectal cancer-specific mortality of 11% to 16% and a large US trial showing reductions of 22% to 32% overall and a 53% reduction among adults 70 to 80 yrs old. Harms: colonoscopy is the standard work-up following a positive FOBT and may have serious complications such as perforation (1/1000), serious bleeding (3/1000), cardiorespiratory events (12/1000) and death ( 1/1000). Recommendations: the USPSTF recommends colorectal cancer screening for all older adults age 45-75 and that screening decisions should be selectively offered to persons 76 to 85 years of age based on health and prior screening history. The ACS recommends screen all adults 45-75 yrs if life expectancy >10 yrs. Individualized decisions in adults 76-85 y based on preferences, life expectancy, health status and prior screening history. Discourage screening in adults >85y. Cervical cancer: There are no data about the time to benefit for cervical cancer screening in women 65yr or older. Routine vaccination for human papilloma virus (HPV) strains related to cervical cancer occurrence in younger adults is expected to lower the incidence of cervical cancer in future generations. Recommendations: guidelines recommend cervical cancer screening with cytology every 3 yr for women age 21 to 65. Combining cytology testing with HPV testing every 5 years may provide added benefit. Lung cancer: Two large trials of low-dose lung CT scans show reductions in lung cancer-specific mortality after 6 years. Potential benefits: the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) found that among current and former heavy smokers age 55 to 74, low-dose lung CT scans decreased lung cancer mortality by 20%. Specifically, for 1000 persons screened, 4 lung cancer deaths would be avoided in 6 years. Potential harms: false positives are common with low dose CT scans of the lung; in one trial 39% of people who received a CT scan had at least 1 positive test result and 96% of positive results were false positives. Complications after invasive lung procedures may occur 1 in 5 older adults and rates may be higher for older adults in worse health. Additional harms include anxiety from false-positive results, frequent need for follow up, repeat imaging, financial strain, and radiation exposure. Recommendation: the ACS and USPSTF recommend annual low-dose CT Scans for lung cancer screening in adults 55 to 74 yrs old (or upto 80 in USPSTF guidelines) who have a 30- pack- year history and currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years. Prostate Cancer Screening: the USPSTF and American Cancer Society recommend that men age 55 to 69 make an individualized decision about PSA screening after discussion with a clinician and consideration of life expectancy (typically greater than 10-15 yrs), and recommend against screening in men older than 70 yrs old. Treatments for many asymptomatic chronic medical conditions impose immediate risks and burdens on patients with the promise of delayed benefits. IMMUNIZATIONS In contrast to screening interventions the risks associated with immunizations are much lower than the benefits. Thus targeting is less important and nearly all older adults should receive the pneumococcal vaccination, annual influenza vaccination, and zoster vaccination. Pneumococcal vaccination: the US Advisory Council on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends all older adults older than age 65 sequentially receive both the Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccine (PCV 13) followed in 6 to 12 months by the Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV 23). Influenza vaccination; its recommended for all persons older than 6 months. There is some evidence that a high dose influenza vaccine may be more effective in eliciting immunogenic response in adults older than age 65. Tetanus/Diptheria/Pertussis: The ACIP recommends that all adults receive Td (Tetanus/Diptheria) or Tdap booster every 10 years. In addition adults older than age 65 should receive a one time dose of Tdap (tetanus/diptheria/acellular pertussis) if they have not received pertussis revaccination after age 19 in lieu of Td vaccination. Zoster vaccination: the ACIP recommends 2- dose RZV Vaccination for adults age 50 and older, including those who have previously received the ZVL vaccination. The ZVL remains a recommended vaccine in adults age 60 or older. Behaviours to maintain health Like immunization, healthy behaviors have few, if any, adverse outcomes, meaning that they can be recommended to nearly all older adults. However unlike immunizations which are initiated and provided by the healthcare system, healthy behaviors require a personal commitment from individual patients. Nutrition counselling : Screening tools or questions: mini nutritional assessment; malnutrition screening tool; food insecurity screens Intervention: healthy diet counselling, including the Mediterranean diet when appropriate. Prevention of malnutrition can include addressing polypharmacy, dental health, food insecurity, depression, reducing mealtime isolation, and avoiding restrictive diets when not needed. Physical activity: Screening tools: frequency of walking, light sports or recreational activity, stretching or balance activities, and housework. Frequency of sedentary behaviour. Intervention: 30-min or more of moderate-intensity exercise 5 d a week. Flexibility, stretching, and balance exercise can complement strength and endurance training. Provide individualized guidance for older adults with pain, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, or at risk of falling. Consider starting with light-intensity, low impact physical activity if needed. Social connection: Screening tools: abbreviated Berkman-Syme social network index; UCLA 3-item loneliness questionnaire; frequency of engagement in community activities; availability of friends, relatives and children. Intervention: ask if individuals like more social contact, what types of contact they prefer and connect individuals to community programs. Identify and address barriers to interacting with others such as hearing impairment, functional impairment, or cognitive impairment. Depression: Screening tools: Patient Health Questionnaire 2-item or 9-item screen (PHQ-2 or PHQ-9) Intervention: further assessment of older adults screening positive for depression to ensure accurate diagnoses, effective treatment and follow up. Dr Murassa Shamshad is a Geriatrician in the Department of Health Kashmir
IIIT-H Lab Offers Low-cost Fix For Chaotic Roads
At the recent TechForward seminar, Prof. C.V. Jawahar showcased how the Centre for Visual Information Technology (CVIT) at IIITH was building AI not just to detect, but anticipate road risks. Most global models are trained on neat, rule-following traffic. That doesnt help much in India, Prof Jawahar explained. Our goal is to build systems that work amid uncertainty, and on a phone, not just in a lab.
LG for reviving ancient knowledge systems
Srinagar, Jul 21: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said the deliberation on the spiritual heritage of the 51 Shakti Peethas over the next four days will allow us to reconnect with the ancient Sanatana consciousness that has long defined India's soul. Addressing the Shakti Mimamsa nationalsymposium, a collaborative initiative by the Central Sanskrit University (Jammu Campus), Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University,the LG said, Shakti is the very heartbeat and sustaining consciousness of the cosmos. It manifests in all motion and creation, shining through compassion, knowledge, love, patience, and life itself. From Vedic hymns and Upanishadic philosophy to the Devi Mahatmya, every facet of India's spiritual heritage highlights that the Supreme Reality and Shakti are eternally inseparable. Sinha saidIndian philosophy and spirituality are not just found in ancient texts but live in everyday traditions. One can see this in village prayers, household Navaratri rituals, and our natural respect for motherly power. In our villages, countless women who have never read a word of Sanskrit embody the true spirit of Shakti through their daily lives. This is the heartbeat of India's cultural and spiritual continuity, he said. The LGsaidthat Shakti Peethas are powerful symbols of our national unity and beacons of our shared cultural consciousness. A nation's unity is built from shared memories, shared faiths, and shared cultural journeys. The Shakti Peethas have carried out this work for centuries. They have united India not merely geographically but emotionally and spiritually as well, he said. The Lieutenant Governor outlined four key goals driving the academic focus on Shakti Peethas: 1. Reviving ancient knowledge systems: Youth need to realise that these sacred sites are living libraries of Indian philosophy, architecture, art, music, science, and history. Our ancestors chose these locations not just for spiritual reasons, but for their natural and cultural importance. 2. Renaissance of feminine consciousness: The whole world knows that from ancient times India has revered women as goddesses. Yet we must ask ourselves whether our social systems are providing every daughter, every sister, and every mother the respect that our culture teaches. True worship of Shakti lies in ensuring equality, safety, dignity, and opportunities for women in society, he said. 3. Preserving heritage: The Lieutenant Governor observed that many ancient manuscripts, inscriptions, folktales, and architectural wonders are fading away, and without proper documentation, future generations will lose this priceless legacy. 4. Building national confidence: While many societies worldwide face an identity crisis, India stands strong with its unique cultural unity. The network of Shakti Peethas has kept our nation connected through shared faith and culture for centuries. Our youth should take immense pride in this, he said. The symposium was attended by Padma Shri Prof Vishwa Murti Shastri, Central Sanskrit University Vice Chancellor Prof. Shrinivasa Varkhedi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University Vice Chancellor Prof Pragati Kumar, SMVDSB Additional CEO Alok Kumar Maurya, Central Sanskrit University Registrar Prof R.G. Murali Krishna, Shri Maharaja Ranbir Singh Campus Director Prof. Satish Kumar Kapoor, distinguished scholars, and students.
Tighter pollution rules now for Goa hotels, restaurants
NT Reporter Panaji In a policy decision impacting pollution control norms for Goas tourism and hospitality establishments, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has revised the pollution index (PI) categorisation of small hotels, restaurants (including cloud kitchens without rooms), banquet halls and resorts. The updated guidelines shift most of these businesses into the orange and []
Goa cashew yield drops 28% to 17,870 tonnes
NT Reporter Panaji Goas cashew yield dropped significantly in 2025-26, according to the latest crop estimates from the Union Ministry of Agriculture. The ministrys second advance estimates place the states cashew production at 17,870 tonnes a 28% drop from 2024-25, when the Goa Directorate of Agriculture reported an average yield of 24,882 tonnes. State []
HC steps up scrutiny of police conduct in Morjim attack case
NT Reporter Panaji A day after the High Court of Bombay at Goa directed the Superintendent of Police, North Goa, to transfer the investigation into the Morjim advocate attack case to an experienced officer from a different police station, it stepped up pressure on the police department on Tuesday. It gave the Inspector General of []
Congress demands BJP apology over termites remark, warns of agitation
Panaji: The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) demanded an unconditional apology from the BJP within 24 hours for allegedly referring to protesting youth as termites. Congress warned that it would launch a statewide agitation if the ruling party failed to withdraw the remarks attributed to BJP vice president and former MP Narendra Sawaikar. A social []
African Proverb of the Day highlights the meaning of He who does not look ahead always remains behind. The saying emphasizes the importance of foresight, planning, and preparing for the future instead of focusing only on the present. It reminds us that progress comes from setting goals, anticipating challenges, and making thoughtful decisions today that create better opportunities tomorrow. Those who develop a long-term vision are more likely to adapt, grow, and move forward, while those who fail to plan risk falling behind.
Punjab & Sind Bank eyes Rs 4 lakh cr business by FY29: Lender bets big on technology transformation
Punjab & Sind Bank is setting ambitious goals, aiming for a staggering 4 lakh crore in business by the fiscal year 2028-29. The bank projects a healthy credit growth ranging from eighteen to twenty percent for the current year. To bolster its growth, it is investing in digital transformation projects aimed at enhancing digital lending capabilities and account acquisition strategies.
Forgotten hero takes center stage
Two plays on the life of Goas freedom struggles first martyr Bala Raya Mapari were recently staged as part of the National Theatre Festival organised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi KALYANI JHA | NT BUZZ Two Goan plays Vande Mataram: Desh Raag and Vande Mataram: Veer Dharma were performed last week as part []
VINIKA VISWAMBHARAN | NT BUZZ Rain has a way of making people pause. Perhaps that is why Goas monsoon feels like the perfect setting for an evening of qawwali, where every verse asks listeners to slow down, reflect, and listen as much with the heart as with the ears. When Tasawwur Qawwali Ensemble takes the []
Quote of the day by Justin Bieber reminds people that talent alone cannot earn approval from everyone. The message explains the value of resilience, self-acceptance and moving forward despite criticism. It encourages people to stop depending on external validation and continue working towards their goals. The quote also reflects Justin Bieber's own experiences as a global music star who faced public attention, criticism and success throughout his career.
Teen kills goat herder to fund Daman trip
Sold Two Of 66-Year-Olds Animals, Left For Excursion
