BJP prepares month-long 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' in Gujarat to mark PM Modi's 25-year public life
Vadodara, Sep 6 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Gujarat has begun preparations for a month-long 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25 years in public life, with State party President Jagdish Vishwakarma holding organisational workshops in Ahmedabad and Vadodara on Sunday. The campaign, scheduled from September 17 to October 17, will be observed nationwide. The BJP has said the month-long programme is being organised to mark the 25th anniversary of PM Modi becoming Gujarat Chief Minister in October 2001 and his subsequent tenure as the country's Prime Minister. Addressing the BJP workshop at Dinesh Hall on Ashram Road in Ahmedabad, Vishwakarma described PM Modi's journey from a poor family to Gujarat Chief Minister and Prime Minister as extremely inspiring. He said that PM Modi's 25 years in public life had seen Gujarat and the country witness historic and unprecedented work across sectors and new dimensions of development. The decisions he (PM Modi) has taken for the overall development of Gujarat and the country, public welfare, nation-building and the security of the country are a symbol of his continuous service, dedication and commitment to the nation, Vishwakarma added. He instructed party office-bearers, leaders, elected members and workers on organising programmes under the campaign and urged party workers to ensure that information about government initiatives and development works reaches people at the grassroots. A similar workshop was held at the BJP office, Namo Kamalam, under Vishwakarma's chairmanship in Vadodara. He said that PM Modi's 25-year public life represented service, resolve and dedication to the nation and credited his decisive leadership and public welfare policies with giving a new direction to Gujarat and the country. The 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' is not merely a series of programmes, but a campaign to take Prime Minister Narendra Modi's life of service and resolve for nation-building to every person, Vishwakarma added. The Vadodara workshop was attended by state Minister Manisha Vakil, state general secretary Hitendrasinh Chauhan, BJP Yuva Morcha national president Hemang Joshi, state vice-president Rasik Prajapati, city BJP president Jayprakash Soni, Mayor Gita Makwana, MLAs, Corporators and other party functionaries. The workshops come ahead of PM Modi's scheduled Vadodara visit on September 8. Vishwakarma also visited the programme venue on Sunday to inspect preparations and arrangements. The BJP's nationwide campaign is expected to include a range of public outreach and service-oriented programmes during the month.
Groundwork begins for Gujarat biz summit with focus on future industries
CM Bhupendra Patel believes that after proving its strength in traditional industries, the state is now geared up to take the lead in future industries. Archis Mohan reports
Rafuchakkar Takes Off with Grand Muhurat in Ahmedabad; Shoot Begins September 16
Ketudada Entertainments new Gujarati comedy promises clean humour, family entertainment and a laughter-packed theatrical experience Bilkul online Ahmedabad | 06 The post Rafuchakkar Takes Off with Grand Muhurat in Ahmedabad; Shoot Begins September 16 appeared first on Bilkul Online .
Indian pharma sector must lead in research and development, new molecules, biotech: Piyush Goyal
New Delhi, Sep 6 (IANS) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday said that India must build resilient, globally integrated healthcare supply chains, strengthen its position as a trusted healthcare partner of the world and move beyond its success in generics towards greater research, development and innovation. Addressing the Bharat Health Global Expo 2026 here, the minister said Indias pharmaceutical sector has a significant opportunity to showcase its capabilities to the world and that the country, known as the pharmacy of the world, must aim for a much bigger and better future. Highlighting the importance of resilience in supply chains, Goyal said that the world is increasingly looking for resilient supply chains and is not comfortable with excessive geographical dependence on one or two locations or with supply chains that could potentially be weaponised. He noted that India had earlier lost ground in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and Key Starting Materials (KSMs) for a variety of reasons and said that it was now time to restore resilience in the pharmaceutical supply chain. Goyal further stated that pooling Indias demand would identify several products currently imported where there is potential for indigenous production. He added that countries across the world are now competing to attract investment and build resilience in their supply chains. The competition for investment is no longer limited to developing countries, with the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Europe and other developed economies also seeking to attract investments to their geographies. He said that India is, therefore, competing not only in goods and services but also with developed countries in attracting investment, making the task of strengthening Indias investment proposition even more important. Goyal noted that Indias success in generics has been built through the active and sustained efforts of the pharmaceutical industry. However, he said India cannot rest its case with generics if it aims to become a developed country by 2047. India must promote greater R&D, develop and patent its own products, and make use of programmes launched to support R&D and innovation. He added that the pharmaceutical sector should be at the forefront of R&D and leverage initiatives such as the Research and Development Innovation Fund (RDIF). He called for Indian companies, engineers and talent to focus on new molecules, biosimilars and biotechnology, which he said should become the next frontier for the sector. On infrastructure, Goyal said the government has been working to develop bulk drug parks, with projects coming up in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh, including both old and new parks. He said that 100 new industrial parks are coming up where dedicated areas can be provided for the pharma and healthcare sector, if required. On Ayush, Shri Goyal said that it represents Indias traditional medicine and traditional wisdom, but India is still exporting raw herbs. He called for greater scientific validation of Ayush products so that they can gain wider acceptance globally, noting that the Government has already been working in this direction. The minister attended the Expo along with Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, and Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal.
When a failing heart left no option but transplant, help came for Gujarat minister
Surat, Sep 6 (IANS) A 37-year-old Surat resident has received a new lease of life after undergoing a free heart transplant at Ahmedabads U.N. Mehta Heart Hospital, following efforts by state Health Minister Praful Pansheriya and the hospitals transplant team. Kishan Pethani, originally from Amreli and now living in Surat, had been suffering from a serious heart condition for nearly two years. His condition deteriorated despite treatment in Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Surat, including the insertion of two stents at a private hospital in Surat. Doctors eventually advised that a heart transplant was his only option. According to Kishan, his financial condition made the prospect of a transplant particularly difficult. He approached Pansheriya, explaining his medical condition and financial circumstances, following which the minister recommended his case to U.N. Mehta Hospital. My heart was damaged over time, and there was no option other than a heart transplant. When I brought my illness and weak financial condition to the attention of Minister Praful Pansheriya, he recommended me to U.N. Mehta Hospital. Through his efforts, my heart transplant was successfully performed on June 27, and today I am completely healthy, he said. The transplant was carried out, under the supervision of Dr Vishal Sharma, by Dr Chirag Doshi and Dr Pratik Manek. Kishan said the treatment had given him what he described as a ew life. He also recalled an emotional moment during his recovery. His birthday fell on July 3, shortly after the transplant, and doctors and nursing staff at U.N. Mehta Hospital joined him in cutting a cake to mark the occasion. It became a memorable moment for me and a lifelong cherished memory, he said. After recovering, Kishan met Pansheriya personally to express his gratitude. Speaking about organ donation, Pansheriya said organs donated by a single brain-dead person could potentially save the lives of seven to eight people. He added that donated tissues, including skin, eye corneas, bones and heart valves, could benefit around another 50 to 75 needy people. Government institutions including Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, the Kidney Hospital and Surat Civil Hospital had carried out significant work in organ donation and transplantation, with support from doctors and NGOs working to raise awareness about the process, Pansheriya noted. He also praised families who agree to donate the organs of deceased relatives despite the grief of losing a loved one. Such decisions, he said, represented a humanitarian act that could give others a chance at life. Such collective efforts towards organ donation have given a new lease of life to several needy patients, Pansheriya said, adding that Kishan had now regained the ability to walk and run as before. The minister appealed to citizens to come forward and participate in organ donation, particularly in brain-dead cases, so that donated organs and tissues could help more patients awaiting transplants. Gujarat has continued to focus on organ donation and transplantation as part of its public healthcare system, with government hospitals and transplant centres playing a key role in facilitating treatment for patients who otherwise may not be able to afford such procedures. Recent discussions on Gujarats healthcare system have also highlighted the state's efforts to expand access to transplantation and improve coordination in organ donation.
Japanese envoy takes dip in Ganga in Rishikesh, calls it 'unforgettable moment'
Rishikesh, Sep 6 (IANS) Japanese Ambassador to India, Ono Keiichi, took a dip in the river Ganga in Uttarakhand's Rishikesh and described it as a ruly unforgettable moment. Sharing the experience of taking a dip in the Ganga on social media platform X, Keiichi said that he felt a profound spiritual connection, along with awe, humility, and gratitude. He also lit an earthen lamp (diya) at the banks of the river Ganga. While sharing pictures and a video of himself immersed in the sacred water, the Japanese envoy said, Finally, a full dip in the Ganges in Rishikeshthree times! Over the Janmashtami weekend, surrounded by people carrying on centuries-old faith and traditions, I felt a profound spiritual connection, along with awe, humility, and gratitude. A truly unforgettable moment. Ono Keiichi has been regularly sharing his experience of exploring India and relishing its rich cuisine on his social media account. On August 18, he enjoyed masala dosa and filter coffee at Tamil Nadu House in New Delhi. Sharing his experience on X, the Japanese envoy said, Enjoyed a delicious masala dosa and filter coffee at Tamil Nadu House. A wonderful taste of South India! On August 8, Ono Keiichi, along with his staff, enjoyed dhokla and chaas at Gujarat Bhawan in New Delhi. On May 22, the Japanese envoy joined the India-Japan Cultural Exchange on Tea at UN House to mark International Tea Day. In a post on X, he said, Wonderful to join the India-Japan Cultural Exchange on Tea at UN House, New Delhi, celebrating International Tea Day. Masala chai and matcha differ in taste and cultural spirit, but both reflect respect, hospitality, and harmony values shared by India and Japan. On May 12, Keiichi enjoyed a meal at Andhra Pradesh Bhavan and shared his experience on X. Delighted to return to my favourite Andhra Pradesh Bhawan! Brought Special Advisor to the Japan Prime Minister Uno Yoshimasa to enjoy an authentic thali with the team. Always grateful for the warm hospitality, and had fun trying the recommended Double Ka Meetha at the end sweet and delicious, he wrote on X.
Gujarat: Ahmedabad Railway Division sets new single-day freight loading record with 85 rakes
Ahmedabad, Sep 6 (IANS) The Ahmedabad Division of Western Railway has set a new all-time record for single-day freight loading, moving 85 rakes comprising 3,580 wagons on September 5. The performance surpassed the divisions previous best of 80 rakes, or 3,525 wagons, recorded in a single day. The latest figure represents the highest single-day loading achieved in the operational history of the Ahmedabad Division. The record was accompanied by peak loading figures across several freight categories. A total of 42 container rakes were loaded during the day, including 21 double-stack container rakes. The division also loaded six automobile rakes, eight salt rakes and 17 fertiliser rakes. Divisional Railway Manager (Ahmedabad) Ved Prakash said: The achievement reflected coordinated efforts by the divisions teams, improved operational planning and effective utilisation of available freight capacity. The latest record comes after a strong performance by the division in August. During the month, the Ahmedabad Division loaded 4.4651 million tonnes of freight and generated Rs 631.31 crore in freight revenue. Operationally, an average of 218.84 trains were interchanged each day during August, an increase of 2.5 per cent over the previous year. At Dedicated Freight Corridor points, the average interchange rose by 11.8 per cent to 100.81 trains per day. The division also operated 365 long-haul trains during the month. Prakash congratulated the Ahmedabad Division team, including personnel from the Operations and Commercial departments and officers and employees of DFCCIL (Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited), for the record performance. The division said the higher loading figures would support the movement of essential commodities and other freight while contributing to railway freight revenue. The Ahmedabad Division is an important part of Western Railway and currently operates around 142 stations.
Police Crack Down on Illegal Gambling in Gujarat, 42 Arrested
Gujarat police arrested 42 individuals in a raid on an illegal gambling den, seizing assets worth over 16 lakh rupees. Police Crack Down on Illegal Gambling in Gujarat, 42 Arrested
Gujarat: 42 held in gambling raid, property worth Rs 16 lakh seized
Junagadh, Sep 6 (IANS) Forty-two people were arrested after the Gujarat Police's State Monitoring Cell (SMC) raided an alleged card gambling operation at Suthar Samaj Wadi near Chorwad Girls School in Chorwad of Junagadh district, seizing cash and other property collectively valued at Rs 16.02 lakh, police said on Sunday. The raid was conducted by a team led by Police Sub-Inspector K.D. Ravia following directions from Director General of Police (DGP) G.S. Malik to take legal action against illegal liquor and gambling activities in the state. According to the State Monitoring Cell, the operation resulted in the seizure of Rs 3,72,200 in cash, one four-wheeler, 11 two-wheelers, 42 mobile phones and gambling-related materials. The total value of the seized property was assessed at Rs 16,02,900. A case was registered at Chorwad Police Station on September 5 under Sections 4 and 5 of the Gambling Act. Police said 44 people were named in the case, including 42 arrested accused and two wanted accused. Among those arrested were Manish Parmar and Haresh Chudasama, both identified by police as alleged organisers of the gambling activity. The arrested persons included residents of Chorwad and other parts of Junagadh district, as well as individuals from Gir Somnath, Morbi, Kutch and Rajkot. The two wanted accused have been identified as Viren Sevra, a resident of Ramvav Chowk in Chorwad and Lala of Chorwad. Police identified Lala as the person who allegedly rented out Sutharwadi for gambling. Further investigation into the case is being conducted by the police. The latest raid is part of a continuing enforcement drive by the SMC against illegal gambling and liquor networks. In August, the SMC arrested 16 people and seized cash, vehicles and mobile phones collectively valued at about Rs 39 lakh in a gambling raid in Mehsana. In another gambling operation in Gandhinagar in December last year, the SMC seized cash, 10 mobile phones and five vehicles worth a total of Rs 26.16 lakh and detained 11 people, while six others were declared wanted. The SMC has also carried out major prohibition-related seizures, including an operation in Navsari in which 14,016 bottles of Indian-made foreign liquor valued at Rs 37.62 lakh were seized in January, along with a vehicle and other items, taking the total value of the seizure to Rs 62.69 lakh.
Gujarat Police Uncover Daylight Burglary Gang, Arrest Two Suspects
Gujarat police have arrested two habitual offenders linked to a series of daylight burglaries in Vapi, recovering stolen cash and jewelry. Gujarat Police Uncover Daylight Burglary Gang, Arrest Two Suspects
Enjoy The New Gujarati Music Video For 'Prem Na Geeto' By Kaushik Bharwad
Enjoy the latest Gujarati song 'Prem Na Geeto' sung by Kaushik Bharwad. The music for this captivating track has been composed by Dj Kwid and Gaurav Dhola, with lyrics penned by Anil Meer and Rahul Dafda. The music video features Kaushik Bharwad and Prachi Modh and has been directed by Aakash Shah. Don't miss the opportunity to watch the latest Gujarati video song 'Prem Na Geeto' and immerse yourself in its romantic vibe. For more Gujarati songs, be sure to visit the music videos section of Gujarati ETimes. Experience the musical prowess of Kaushik Bharwad, new Gujarati songs of 2026, Gujarati love songs, Gujarati music videos and Aakash Shah music videos.
Gujarat Police flog accused after viral fatal assault video
Ahmedabad: A Muslim man accused of fatally assaulting his live-in partner was flogged in public by police personnel in Gujarat at the same spot while reconstructing the crime scene on Saturday, September 5. A police inspector defended the action, claiming they had to go the extra mile, treating the incident as a rarest of rare 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 .
Police in India's Gujarat publicly beat man accused of killing partner - dawn.com
DP Abhushan eyes 51 stores in Tier 2-3 cities, 15,000 cr revenue by FY30
Jewellery retailer DP Abhushan is targeting Rs 15,000 crore in revenue by 2029-30, and plans to increase its store count to 51, particularly across tier-II and III cities, a top company executive said. Currently, we have 12 stores in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. But now, we are expanding to Gujarat, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. We have set a target of 51 stores by 2029-30, mainly in central, north and west India. For this phase of expansion, we are adopting a franchise model, as well as company-owned, DP Abhushan Promoter Vikas Kataria told PTI. He said the company achieved Rs 4,065.13 crore revenue in FY26, and with this expansion, it is eyeing Rs 15,000 crore topline by FY30. DP Abhushan is targeting to be present in 7-8 states, he added. The company is entering Chhattisgarh with a store in Raipur. In Maharashtra, it is exploring Nagpur and Nasik, and Dahod and Baroda in Gujarat, he said. Meanwhile, in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, Kataria said, the company is continuing t
DP Abhushan targets 51 stores, Rs 15,000 crore revenue by FY30
The company is entering Chhattisgarh with a store in Raipur. In Maharashtra, it is exploring Nagpur and Nasik, and Dahod and Baroda in Gujarat, a company executive said.
Gujarat Launches Month-Long Seva Samarpan Campaign to Honor PM Modis Birthday
In Ahmedabad, the BJP kicks off a month-long Seva Samarpan campaign to celebrate PM Modis birthday and 25 years of public service. Gujarat Launches Month-Long Seva Samarpan Campaign to Honor PM Modis Birthday
Odisha signs MoUs with 3 orgnisations for skill development, digital learning of students
The agreements were signed with Gujarat-based CSRBOX, Telanganas Naandi Foundation and the Odisha Knowledge Corporation Ltd (OKCL)
Nine dead after consuming spurious liquor in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district
Nine individuals died and others fell ill after consuming spurious liquor in Sagar district. Two additional deaths occurred around the same time but remain unlinked. Local officials confirmed nine deaths from the illegal alcohol consumption in two villages. The incident follows a similar tragedy in Gujarat's Bhavnagar district last month. Screening has begun in the affected villages as authorities investigate the deaths.
Sachin Pilot Gets Key Punjab Role In Major Congress Organisation Reshuffle
The Congress has announced a major reshuffle in its organisation, with Sachin Pilot appointed as the partys new Punjab in-charge, replacing Bhupesh Baghel. Baghel has been assigned Assam, while Randeep Surjewala has been appointed Gujarat in-charge as part of the organisational changes.
Baghel replaced as in-charge amid rift in Punjab Cong
The Congress party has announced a significant organisational reshuffle, appointing new general secretaries and state in-charges. Sachin Pilot has been made in-charge of Punjab, and Randeep Singh Surjewala for Gujarat, ahead of crucial assembly elections. Other changes include new in-charges for Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, with some outgoing leaders being replaced.
Cops thrash Guj man at same spot where he killed partner
A man accused of fatally assaulting his live-in partner in Bhavnagar was publicly thrashed by police during a crime scene reconstruction. Police officials defended the action, citing the need to restore public faith after the brutal murder, despite a recent circular from the Gujarat Home Department restricting such conduct.
Leaders Mourn the Passing of Jharkhand Minister Sudivya Sonu
Jharkhand leaders express deep sorrow over the death of Minister Sudivya Sonu, highlighting his significant contributions to the state. Leaders Mourn the Passing of Jharkhand Minister Sudivya Sonu
Haryana CM affirms full support for northeastern youth in state
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IMD issues heavy rain alert for Delhi, UP, Bihar, Rajasthan and other states
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for heavy rain and strong winds across several parts of the country on September 6. Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are likely to experience unsettled weather, with winds reaching up to 60-65 kmph in several areas.
US shares video of strike on Iranian oil tanker, then takes cheeky dig at Tehran
US shares video of strike on Iranian oil tanker then takes cheeky dig at Tehran
Manoj Bajpayee: We actors are not so bothered about laying certain age
Mumbai, Sep 6 (IANS) National Award-winning actor Manoj Bajpayee, who is awaiting the release of his upcoming film Last Man in Tower, has shared that actors are not bothered about playing a certain age on the screen. The actor spoke with IANS along with actress Divya Dutta and director Ben Rekhi during the promotions of the film in the Andheri West area of Mumbai. He told IANS, Playing a certain age is not something that we actors are so bothered about. What we are mostly bothered about is the layers that we can touch, the depth of the character. All the characters are like an onion, like a human being. To find those layers is a very difficult thing. There is a backstory, there is a characterization. You go through the script. So the script is showing you so many ideas. And on that basis, you are, you know, jotting it down and you are trying to make a backstory, which is full of grays, full of nuances and full of layers. He further mentioned that the real job for an actor starts with the shoot because things happen in real time during the shoot as they have to make minor tweaks along the way or change gears as per the demand of the film while the narrative is shaping up during the shoot. He further mentioned, But still, there are many layers you find out when you're doing it. Just the setting, the energy of the co-actor, the manner she is, you know, tackling her character. It is actually forcing you or compelling you to open up more as an actor, more as a performer. So there, and the way they are treating my character is also giving me an idea to have a few more layers to it. So it's an ongoing process. Acting never stops. The whole process never stops before shooting. It actually starts taking off with the shoot, and sometimes in a very new direction, where preparation actually didn't, didn't go at all. The journey into the unknown is something I find quite fascinating. First, you are scared that you have to take a plunge into this dark hole. But once you are there, you start enjoying it, he added. Last Man in Tower is set to release in cinemas on September 11, 2026.
Police thrash live-in partner murder accused in Gujarat; defend action citing reputation damage
Police thrash live-in partner murder accused in Gujarat; defend action citing reputation damage
Devotees Gather for Grand Bhasma Aarti at Ujjains Mahakal Temple
Thousands of devotees attended the Bhasma Aarti at Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, witnessing a sacred tradition filled with music and rituals. Devotees Gather for Grand Bhasma Aarti at Ujjains Mahakal Temple
Quote of the day by Sam Altman: The most successful people I know believe in...
Quote of the day by Sam Altman The most successful people I know believe in
A young student single-handedly cleaned a garbage-choked river over seven months. His persistent efforts restored a section of the Ajnar river in Biaora. The Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister praised his determination and offered government support. He also heard about a potential job offer from the Netherlands. The student aims to expand his cleanliness mission to other public places.
It felt impossible: How a 16-year-old from Uttarakhand reached the North Pole
It felt impossible How a yearold from Uttarakhand reached the North Pole
'The flood is coming': How a Nepal principal saved 900 students
Rajendra Dawadi was inside his school near Nepal's Trishuli River with around 900 students last week when a colleague delivered an urgent warning
Rescuers in Nepal pull 2 people alive from the debris 10 days after devastating floods
Nepalese rescuers pulled a Chinese worker and a woman alive from separate sites Saturday, 10 days after devastating floods killed at least 1,300 people. The worker was rescued from a hydropower tunnel, while the woman was found inside a damaged house. Search teams continue looking for more than 5,000 missing people.
Ghamasaan: Tigmanshu Dhulia on casting Arshad Warsi as the antagonist
Ghamasaan, directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, will premiere on ZEE5 on September 11 after its theatrical release was delayed. Dhulia reveals why he chose Arshad Warsi as the antagonist, praising his acting and performance in Sehar
There is no limit on ownership of gold if it is acquired legally. Evidence proving the source is essential during income tax assessments. Here's the meaning behind 500g, 250g and 100g limits and what happens if the person fails to explain the source.
Beyond Synergies: Navigating The Cultural Integration Paradox
In the modern corporate landscape, a merger represents one of the most significant strategic maneuvers a business can undertake. Whether driven by the need to capture greater market share, achieve economies of scale, or diversify service offerings, mergers are transformative events that redefine the identity of the involved organizations. However, the path to a successful []
India weather today: The India Meteorological Department forecasts heavy rainfall across many Indian states. Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds are also expected in numerous regions. States like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh will experience significant weather events. Arunachal Pradesh and Assam will see heavy showers along with lightning. The weather agency warns of strong winds and squally conditions in the Arabian Sea.
Mirzapur The Movie Box Office Day 2: 50 , , !
Mirzapur The Movie Box Office Day
'Fed up': The story behind Russia No. 1 Ian Nepomniachtchi's tattoos
Russias No. 1 chess grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi has two tattoos. Both carry different stories. His left-arm full sleeve took eight sessions over eight months, with flights from Moscow to Munich to meet his tattoo artist. From a phoenix and a favourite quote to Greek mythology, chess pieces and the pain involved, Nepo opens up about the stories behind his ink.
Kenneth Branagh on being part of the Harry Potter franchise
Pix for the story - Nashik city witnesses cool nights and warmer days
Pix for the story - CCTV project is still incomplete even after six years
24_Kol_DG_Dwaipayan Two Maid Thefts
Building collapses after heavy rain in northern India
A building collapsed in Muradabad, northern India, tearing through power lines and sending sparks into the street. Building collapses after heavy rain in northern India
Mohammed Shami is set to play his 100th first-class match in the Duleep Trophy final, but he hasn't played for Team India in more than a year.
24_Kol_DG_Dwaipayan Southern Avenue Fire
Photo Story no-6 The Department of Women, Child Development
The expanding InvIT universe: 20 trillion asset base targeted beyond roads and telecom
India's infrastructure investment trusts plan to diversify beyond roads, tapping into power, logistics and digital sectors to reach 20 trillion in assets by 2030. This transformation signals a significant shift in infrastructure financing as more operational assets become available for investment.
Shefali Verma sets record to score fastest T20 3000 runs; becomes the youngest woman batter too
Indian opener Shefali Verma became the fastest as well as the youngest batter to achieve the feat of 3000 T20 ... Read more
The next James Bond: the (00)7 questions fans want answered
Speculation has been building recently that an announcement about Daniel Craig's successor could be close.
CM reminds oppn of their reduced strength in assembly
Theres a lot riding on cos getting rural 2-wheeler mix right
Two-wheeler companies face complex rural stocking challenges for the upcoming festive season. Rural markets account for over half of industry sales, with varied product preferences across regions. Electric vehicle demand is concentrated in select states, adding another stocking layer. Manufacturers must ensure the right product mix is available in the right locations. This strategic stocking is critical for meeting diverse rural demand during peak sales.
Majority Russian-speaking city in Ukraine considers language ban in the arts
Ukraine's third-biggest city Odesa decides this week whether to ban Russian-language content in music and literature in public.
'One of the best' - boxing world reacts to Taylor's farewell win
Some of the biggest names in women's boxing pay tribute to Katie Taylor after the Irish great ended her career with victory over Flora Pili at Croke Park.
24_Luc_PC_former block head and 2 others awarded life imprisonment in Ambedkarnagar
Seattle Times and Newsday are the latest publications to sue OpenAI and Microsoft
Two more news organizations are suing OpenAI and Microsoft over the supposed use of their journalism to train AI.
In 'Primetime,' Robert Pattinson takes on the 'irresistible' role of Chris Hansen
Robert Pattinson didn't plan to play Chris Hansen in Primetime, which debuted Saturday at the Venice Film Festival, but it became irresistible
The Venezuelan billionaire the US investigated for money laundering now has a Pentagon oil deal
Highlights of eight Premier League matches, including Hull City v Aston Villa.
Satwik and Chirag Reach Finals at China Masters for the Third Time
The Indian duo of Satwik and Chirag secures a spot in the China Masters finals after a thrilling semifinal victory. Satwik and Chirag Reach Finals at China Masters for the Third Time
More voters identifying as Democrats and not calling themselves Republican
Quote of the day by Albert Einstein, A person starts to live when he can live outside himself, explains how life can gain meaning when people move beyond ego, personal worries and comfort. The quote focuses on empathy, connection, service and purpose. Its message suggests that caring for others and contributing to a larger purpose can change how people understand life.
OpenAI responds after report exposed another incident in which its AI agents went rogue
Reuters reported earlier this week that the agents hijacked a German wiki forum in an incident OpenAI did not disclose.
In an interview, Vishal Chaturvedi, director of Hanuman Ansh, one of India's biggest blockbusters which is inching close to the Rs 100 crore mark at the box-office revealed that he ensured the environment at the sets matched the sacred subject of the devotional drama. The food served on the set was completely vegetatarian.
A study led by the University of Jyv
Reef Balls are designed artificial reef modules mimicking natural structures. These concrete units provide habitat and shelter for marine species. Thousands of coral colonies were propagated and rescued during a major project. The initiative created breakwater reef systems and fish spawning sites. This project demonstrated effective and ecologically sound marine environmental solutions.
Neem Karoli Dham: The Heart of Babas Spiritual Journey
Neem Karoli Dham is a significant spiritual site, with its main priest highlighting its importance and ongoing development for tourism. Neem Karoli Dham: The Heart of Babas Spiritual Journey
The conversation explored everyday legal questions creators often grapple with from copyright and contracts to what happens when someone uses their work without permission
In 1951, two female stray dogs named Dezik and Tsygan became the first mammals to successfully cross the border of space and return alive. Their July 22 flight reached 110 kilometers above Earth. The mission tested how living organisms responded to launch forces, weightlessness and reentry. The data later supported Soviet research into animal and human spaceflight.
Of the importance of gut microbiome and the change they could create in life
The reasons rugged laptops are rarely bought by consumers
There are plenty of durable, versatile rugged laptops on the market, but you'll rarely see one get pulled out at the coffee shop. Why?
AP Sets the Ball Rolling for Modified Urban Local Body Elections
Voters will separately elect their ward member and the mayor or chairperson representing the entire ULB.
The Shiva Within: Why Kashmir Gave Shaivism a Different Voice
There are landscapes that are beautiful, and there are landscapes that become philosophies. Kashmir belongs to the latter category. Its mountains, rivers, springs and forests have never been merely elements of geography. They have been woven into the spiritual imagination of its people. The silence of its mountains invited contemplation; its springs became sacred spaces; its rivers acquired a life beyond their physical existence. In such a landscape, perhaps it was inevitable that the question of God would eventually become a question about consciousness itself. It is in this setting that Kashmiri Shaivism emergednot simply as another school of worshipping Shiva, but as one of the most sophisticated philosophical and mystical traditions to emerge from the Indian subcontinent. What makes it distinctive is not that Kashmiris alone discovered Shiva, nor that their Shaivism existed in complete isolation from other traditions. Its uniqueness lies in the particular synthesis it achieved: Shiva as supreme consciousness, Shakti as the dynamic power of that consciousness, the universe as its manifestation, and liberation as the recognition of one's own true nature. In its deepest sense, Kashmiri Shaivism does not tell man merely to search for God outside himself. It turns the search inward. The central insight is at once simple and profound: the individual consciousness is not fundamentally separate from the universal consciousness. What we experience as an isolated self is, in the final analysis, an expression of the same reality that manifests as the universe. Shiva is not merely a distant deity presiding over creation. Shiva is consciousness itself, and the universe is the unfolding of that consciousness through Shakti. This gives the tradition a remarkably affirmative view of existence. The world is not simply something from which one has to escape. It is a manifestation of the divine. The ordinary experiences of lifeseeing, hearing, thinking, loving, creating and even sufferingcan become opportunities for spiritual awakening when their deeper nature is recognised. This idea becomes particularly important when Kashmiri Shaivism is compared with other Indian philosophical traditions. While there are profound affinities between Kashmir Shaivism and Advaita Vedanta, they do not approach the relationship between consciousness and manifestation in exactly the same manner. Kashmir Shaivism gives an especially dynamic place to Shakti and to the universe as an expression of consciousness. It does not simply reduce worldly existence to something that must be dismissed as unreal. The world may appear fragmented to the limited individual, but behind that fragmentation is the pulsation of one consciousness. This pulsation is expressed through the idea of Spanda a subtle movement, vibration or throbbing of consciousness. It is not a physical vibration in the ordinary sense. It points towards the dynamic character of ultimate reality: consciousness is not inert. It possesses freedom, creativity and the power to manifest. And then comes one of the most beautiful ideas in the Kashmiri philosophical tradition Pratyabhij , or recognition. Liberation, in this vision, is not necessarily the acquisition of something that one did not previously possess. It is the recognition of what has always been present. The seeker does not manufacture divinity; he recognises it. The veil is removed, and what was obscured becomes visible. Perhaps this explains why the philosophy feels so deeply experiential. It does not rest merely upon intellectual acceptance. The real journey is from knowing about consciousness to experiencing one's identity with it. But why did such a remarkable philosophical vision take shape in Kashmir? The answer cannot be reduced to a single cause. Kashmir had already inherited an ancient sacred culture in which Shiva, Shakti, nature and local sacred traditions occupied an important place. The mountains and springs of the valley were not divorced from religious imagination. Spirituality was embedded in the landscape. At the same time, Kashmir became one of the great intellectual centres of medieval India. Philosophers and scholars belonging to different traditions encountered one another, debated one another and responded to one another. Buddhist philosophical thought, particularly its sophisticated reflections on consciousness, perception and the nature of reality, existed within the wider intellectual environment in which Shaiva thinkers developed their ideas. Tantric traditions also contributed an important dimension by questioning the rigid separation between the sacred and the worldly. The result was not a simple mixture of different philosophies. It was something more interesting: a sustained process of questioning, debate, assimilation and refinement. Kashmir produced thinkers of extraordinary intellectual stature. Vasugupta is traditionally associated with the foundational teachings of the Shiva Sutras . Somananda developed the philosophical foundations of the tradition; Utpaladeva gave profound expression to the doctrine of recognition; and Abhinavagupta brought together philosophy, Tantra, aesthetics, yoga, literature and spiritual experience with an intellectual breadth that remains astonishing even today. Abhinavagupta is particularly important because his thought reveals something essential about the Kashmiri mind: spirituality and aesthetics were not necessarily opposing worlds. For him, the experience of beauty could itself illuminate something about consciousness. His reflections on rasa transformed Indian aesthetic theory and demonstrated that the experience of art could involve a temporary transcendence of the narrow boundaries of the individual self. The spectator, for a moment, moves beyond private concerns and enters a more universal experience. It is difficult not to see in this a larger Kashmiri tendencythe desire to discover the universal within the particular. A flower is not merely a flower. A mountain is not merely a mountain. A poem is not merely a poem. Behind the visible lies another dimension of experience. And perhaps this is where philosophy eventually met poetry. What the great Kashmiri philosophers articulated through Sanskrit scholarship found another, more immediate voice in the vakhs of Lal Ded. She did not write philosophical treatises. She spoke through poetry, experience and the language of ordinary life. Yet her spiritual questioning carries the unmistakable force of a seeker who has turned away from external appearances and towards the mystery within. Lal Ded occupies a special place in Kashmir's spiritual memory because she made profound ideas intimate. Her poetry refuses to allow spirituality to remain confined to institutions, rituals or learned discourse. The body becomes a site of inquiry; the mind becomes the field of struggle; the self becomes the place where the search must ultimately end. In her, philosophy begins to breathe. This movement from learned philosophy to lived spirituality is one of the most fascinating features of Kashmir's cultural history. It also helps explain why Kashmir developed such a powerful tradition of mysticism in which the boundaries between philosophical schools could sometimes become less rigid at the level of lived spiritual experience. The later presence of Nund Rishi and the flowering of the Rishi-Sufi tradition added another dimension to Kashmir's spiritual landscape. Shaiva, Shakta, Buddhist and Islamic mystical currents did not become identical, nor should their differences be erased for the sake of creating an artificial harmony. But Kashmir did develop a culture in which spiritual ideas could encounter one another, influence the vocabulary of one another and coexist within a shared cultural space. That may be one of Kashmir's greatest civilisational contributions. Its spirituality was not always about winning an argument. It was often about deepening the question. And the question remains relevant today. We live in an age in which human beings possess extraordinary knowledge about the external universe but remain uncertain about the universe within. We can measure distances between galaxies, manipulate matter at microscopic levels and create technologies that would have seemed magical to earlier generations. Yet anxiety, alienation and the sense of separation remain deeply embedded in modern life. Kashmiri Shaivism approaches this crisis from another direction. It asks us to reconsider the very meaning of the self. Are we merely isolated individuals moving through an indifferent universe? Or is consciousness itself something far more fundamental? The answer offered by Kashmir is radical: the separation may be real at the level of ordinary experience, but it is not the final truth. This does not mean abandoning life. On the contrary, it means looking at life differently. The world becomes a field in which consciousness reveals itself. The senses need not simply be enemies; experience itself can become a doorway. The body need not automatically be regarded as an obstacle to spirituality. The mind need not be destroyed; it has to be understood. There is, therefore, an unusual generosity in this philosophy. It does not tell us that the sacred begins where life ends. It suggests that the sacred is already present in life, waiting to be recognised. Perhaps this is what makes Kashmiri Shaivism so profoundly Kashmiri. Kashmir has always lived between the visible and the invisible. Its landscape has a physical beauty that often seems to conceal something beyond itself. Its poetry has repeatedly searched beneath words. Its saints have questioned rituals when they became substitutes for experience. Its philosophers have tried to understand consciousness rather than merely describe God. The valley's ancient spiritual question was therefore not simply, Where is Shiva? It was something more unsettling and more intimate: If Shiva is consciousness, who am I? The question travels from the mountains to the human heart. It passes through the philosophical brilliance of Abhinavagupta, the mystical utterances of Lal Ded, the spiritual simplicity of the Rishis and the countless unnamed seekers who looked beyond the surface of existence. Perhaps the enduring message of Kashmir Shaivism is that liberation does not always require us to flee from the world. Sometimes it requires us to see the world againwith awakened eyes. The mountain remains a mountain. The river remains a river. The human being remains human. But something changes in the one who sees. The world that once appeared divided begins to reveal an underlying unity. The self that seemed small begins to open towards something immeasurable. And the God whom one had been searching for somewhere beyond oneself begins to emerge as the very consciousness through which the search was being made. Perhaps, then, Shiva was never absent from Kashmir. He was present in its mountains, its springs, its poetry and its silence. But above all, he was present in the consciousness of the seeker who kept asking the question. And perhaps the final wisdom of Kashmir is not that it found Shiva somewhere outside itself, but that, after centuries of philosophical inquiry and mystical searching, it dared to look within. (The author is RK columnist and can be reached at: sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com )
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PM Modi's Strong Message to the World from the SCO Summit in Bishkek
FRAGRANCE OF IDEAS Prime Minister Narendra Modi was recently on a very successful four-day visit to two Central Asian nations, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Besides attending the usual official ceremonies, bilateral meetings and other important engagements in the two countries, PM Modi also attended the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The Summit was also attended by the Russian President, Vladimir Putin and the Chinese President, Xi Jinping, besides the other heads of government that were invited to the Summit. There is no doubt in the fact that the visit of PM Modi and the SCO Summit 2026 attracted the attention of the whole world, and all these developments were duly reported and covered by the global media. The presence of the heads of the governments of China, Russia and India in Bishkek was seen with keen interest by the international media, geopolitical watchers and the Western media and political establishments. PM Modi made a very impactful presence in Tashkent-Uzbekistan during his visit there before coming to Kyrgyzstan. The talks therein were focussed on bilateral cooperation, energy issues, and regional security. The Indian side also discussed the important issue of a possible uranium supply programme in the near future to India from Uzbekistan. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev received PM Modi at the Tashkent international airport and accorded him a befitting welcome on behalf of his government. He also conferred Uzbekistans prestigious honour 'Oliy Darajali Do'stlik' (Order of Friendship) upon PM Modi in recognition of his international stature and huge positive contribution to the global cooperation. This is Modi's 36th international award, which he has received over the last 12 years globally. PM Modi also held very productive delegation-level strategic talks with the Uzbek's side during his two-day stay in Tashkent. Modi also participated in yoga programmes in Tashkent, inter-cultural events, Ramcharitmanas recitation event, interactive programmes with scholars, Indologists, youth and the students at the university and the tree-plantation ceremonies. He also visited the former Prime Minister of India Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial and paid floral tributes to his memory. It was here in Tashkent that the former PM Shastri breathed his last during the Indo-Pak talks in 1966. On reaching Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, from Tashkent, PM Modi received an impressive ceremonial welcome. He held bilateral talks with the Kyrgyzstan delegation headed by their President, Sadyr Zhaparov, to enhance bilateral economic and commercial relationship between the two nations. He also attended the opening ceremony of the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan alongside visiting global and regional leaders who had come to Bishkek in connection with the SCO Summit on 31st August and 1st September 2026. At the Summit, PM Modi made a strong plea to the world to dismantle the entire ecosystem of terror financing without double standards. He said that in the previous meeting of the SCO, he had outlined three pillars as India's visionfor the SCO, and these included 'security, connectivity and opportunity'. He said, The time has come to move these three pillars beyond vision and translate them into concrete outcomes. The first and foremost requirement for this is peace and security. Terrorism continues to pose a serious challenge to humanity as a whole. In the fight against terrorism, we cannot remain confined to an action-reaction approach. We must dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorist financing, recruitment, radicalisation, and safe havens. We must speak with one voice and make it clear that there can be no place for double standards on this serious issue. We must send a strong message to countries that use terrorism as an instrument of policy and provide safe haven and support to terrorists that terrorism can never be a strategic asset for anyone. Our shared aspiration for a peaceful and secure Eurasia is also closely linked to peace and stability in Afghanistan. India has been contributing to the development and provision of humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan and will continue to do so. In todays interconnected world, the scope of security has become even broader. The crisis in West Asia has demonstrated that a conflict in one region does not remain confined to that region. Its impact is felt across the world, affecting energy security, maritime trade, and supply chains. The countries of the Global South bear the greatest brunt of such disruptions. Therefore, India has consistently called for all tensions and conflicts to be resolved not on the battlefield, but through dialogue and diplomacy. Drug trafficking is not merely a crime; it is a serious threat to our younger generation and regional security. The Centres being established under the SCO to address challenges such as security threats, organised crime, information security, and narcotics are a positive step. We must make these Centres an effective instrument for practical coordination and timely action. On the sidelines of the Summit, PM Modi met the Russian President Vladimir Putin and urged an immediate and peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. His quote got a lot of attention and appreciation that suggests; 'From endless war to the end of war'. He also met the Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to expand trade and address West Asian diplomatic stability. The President of Iran requested Modi to use his extensive resources to bring the Iran and West Asia crisis to a halt. Pezeshkian urged Modi to leverage India's extensive relationships with various international parties to help stop the cycle of violence and support a peaceful dialogue process. He also thanked India for its support and cooperation during the recent conflict and called Modi a man of peace. In a bizarre attempt to showcase his presence at the Summit, the Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharief, who was also attending the SCO Summit, committed his office to post an edited group-photograph of the leaders of the Summit on their social media handle. He did so immediately after PM Modi's office posted the original group photograph of the Summit on social media. However, due to the huge international criticism mixed with sarcasm and embarrassment, the Pakistan PMO was compelled to change the 'edited photograph ', which brought humiliation for Pakistan globally and left behind a diplomatic distaste. Additionally, Sharief, in his address, raked up the issue of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) at the SCO summit unsuccessfully. However, the External Affairs Ministry of India, under the leadership of Dr. S.Jay Shankar, External Affairs Minister, who was also attending the Summit, issued a befitting reply from Bishkek itself and made its stand known to the world on the IWT issue. The statement said that the Hague-based International Tribunal ruling that 'Indias decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty was not legally permissible and that the 1960 pact remains fully in force' was not in any way acceptable to India. India rejected the ruling, saying the tribunal had no jurisdiction to pronounce on its sovereign decisions. India rejected the award and also the interim measures order, reiterating that it does not recognise the Court of Arbitration and has never participated in its proceedings. This so-called court was constituted by the World Bank in patent breach of the terms of the Treaty; and India categorically rejects its so-called award, just as it has firmly rejected all prior pronouncements by this illegally constituted body, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a frontal statement issued from Bishkek. The statement is a rejoinder to all the concerned who try to intervene in the internal affairs of a sovereign nation-state. India walked the talk very emphatically during the whole diplomatic process, pursuing its established policy doctrines, i.e. Terror & Talks won't go together and Water & Blood can't flow together. Indias consistent policy in this regard has stood the test, particularly when it elaborated that as long as Pakistan abets, sponsors and supports terrorism, there can be no real and normal relationship with it. This time, even The New York Times, that keeps on criticising India's policies and PM Modi's leadership, was forced to change the line. It highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diplomatic strategy as a hedge against shifting U.S. trade policies under President Trump during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek. The New York Times reported that India is actively building new global partnerships and securing concrete economic and strategic deals to reduce its exposure to unpredictable U.S. trade pressures. The coverage in the paper noted that PM Modi has travelled extensively, visiting around 20 nations since August 2025, to hammer out independent economic ties, such as submarine technology cooperation with Germany and trade adjustments with European and Asian partners. The MOU signed with the European Union sometime back is a big example in this context. PM Modi's presence alongside Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping at the Bishkek summit was framed as part of India's multi-aligned foreign policy, balancing non-Western cooperation while navigating wider global and economic tensions. Energy security, new strategic deals, long term investments, historic engagements, forging cultural ties and opening new vistas for the establishment of peace in the highly volatile conflict regions globally are the most important takeaways of PM Modi's Central Asian tour this time. The whole world now awaits the BRICS summit that is going to take place on September 12 & 13 in New Delhi under India's BRICS 2026 chairship. (The author is a senior BJP & KP leader, Human Rights Defender and columnist and can be reached at: ashwanikc2012@gmail.com )
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