Maiden Durga Puja celebrations at IIT Madras a big success
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 20 (IANS) The first ever Durga Puja held with the campus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras turned out to be a great hit, with more than 2,500 people attending over the last four days. The Durga Puja has been organised by the IIT Madras Bengali community in association with Diganto. Diganto is an independent student body and cultural club under Sangam -- the institute's cultural club umbrella. It celebrates Bengali culture, language and festivals on campus. The five-day festivities bring the vibrant traditions and cultural spirit of Bengal to the campus, from Sasthi evening to Vijaya Dashami, IIT Madras said in a statement. From Vedic chanting, Homam and Arati to the participation of IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti, who joined the rituals and chanted chapters from the Durga Saptashati, the celebrations are filled with devotion, cultural heritage and community spirit, it said. The Puja was organised at the institute's community hall and everybody, including people from the neighbourhood were encouraged to participate. It has brought together students, faculty, staff, campus families and visitors from across Chennai, reflecting the inclusive spirit of IIT Madras, the institute said. A professor said how attention was paid to every detail. There were some who got the opportunity to participate in a Durga Puja for a first time and all the rituals were explained to them. It turned out to be a cultural melting point. Locals, as well as people from other regions in the country participated wholeheartedly. That is what made the effort a great success, he added. Chennai has about 8-10 prominent Durga Pujas organised by the Bengali community. The scale of the festivities draws people from the state to participate. Durga Puja is primarily celebrated in a big way in the country's eastern states, comprising West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, and the Northeastern states of Assam and Tripura. There are subtle variations across the states, though the primary theme remains intact. By organising the Durga Puja for the first time on campus, the students, teachers, and staff have paved the way for an integration of culture. At the same time, Bengali students and families living on campus get a feel of being at home during this festive occassion, the professor noted. The event was not only about religion, but an exchange of culture, he said. People got to learn of the traditional offerings made to the Goddess, such as the concept of Bhog. They got to learn about the significance of rituals like Sandhi Puja. People got to know how the Goddess is treated as a daughter during Durga Puja. Tomorrow, they will witness her send-off, as she sets off for Lord Shiva's abode in Mt. Kailash with her children, the teacher said.
Puri Man Held In Jharkhand 57 Days After Allegedly Killing Mother, Hiding Body Under Kitchen Slab
Puri Police arrested Madan Dalei in Jharkhand, 57 days after his mother's decomposed body was found concealed beneath a kitchen slab at their home.
Ranji Trophy: Bengal Defend 208 to Sink Services
Bengal secured a 60-run victory over Services in a Ranji Trophy Group C match, powered by Pradipta Pramanik's four-wicket haul. Elsewhere, Delhi established a significant lead against Gujarat, while Maharashtra built a massive first-innings advantage over Jharkhand with centuries from Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ankit Bawne, and Digvijay Patil.
Young Man Shot Dead in Jharkhand, Incident Initially Misreported as Accident
A 27-year-old man was shot dead in Deoghar, Jharkhand, with initial reports suggesting a road accident. Police are investigating the case. Young Man Shot Dead in Jharkhand, Incident Initially Misreported as Accident
Built at an estimated cost of 1,908.43 crore, the highway forms a key link in the proposed Raipur-Dhanbad Economic Corridor under the Bharatmala Pariyojana.
Jharkhand Police solve CCL employee
Jharkhand Police solve CCL employees murder in Hazaribagh, say compassionate job was motive Hazaribagh: Jharkhands Hazaribagh police have claimed that they have solved the murder of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) employee Manglesh Pal alias Happy within 24 hours, arresting his wife, Sonali, and her cousin and alleged lover, Kaushik Kumar Naunia. A minor has also [] The post Jharkhand Police solve CCL employees murder in Hazaribagh, say compassionate job was motive appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Immerses Mothers Ashes in Sacred Rarappa Confluence
Hemant Soren bids farewell to his mother by immersing her ashes in the sacred waters of Rarappa, honoring tradition and community. Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Immerses Mothers Ashes in Sacred Rarappa Confluence
Wife and Lover Arrested in Shocking Murder Plot in Hazaribagh
A wife and her lover have been arrested for the murder of her husband in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, in a plot to secure a job. Wife and Lover Arrested in Shocking Murder Plot in Hazaribagh
XLRI Hosts Manakriti 3.0 on Translating Agentic AI into Measurable Business Outcomes
PNN Jamshedpur (Jharkhand) [India], October 19: XLRI
Jharkhand Police Rescue Four Minor Girls from Human Trafficking in Delhi and Jaipur
Four minor girls were rescued from human trafficking in Jharkhand, with three found in Delhi and one in Jaipur, after years of being missing. Jharkhand Police Rescue Four Minor Girls from Human Trafficking in Delhi and Jaipur
Last-mile Nutrition Delivery Systems in the Algorithmic Age: Are They Designed With Women?
EVERY DECADE HAS WITNESSED technological hype , catalysing innovation and automation by shifting systems from manual to digital. Each transition is judged by how far citizens and communities, especially those facing multiple social and digital divides, are left behind in the race towards socio-economic progress. Today, artificial intelligence (AI) is presented as a disruptive technology across every sector, institution, and design, promising to reach where systems have struggled to reach. Yet the reality for rural, underserved, and unconnected field workers and communities points to several failures in technology adoption , compounded by marginalisation that denies them access to the digital world. This piece asks whether AI-enabled nutrition and public health systems are designed, developed, deployed and adopted by factoring womens interests and perspectives , especially those at the bottom of the social hierarchy and adversely affected by the gender digital divide, as the starting point or as an afterthought. Women are not a Monolithic Community The World Health Organisations A Global Health Strategy for 2025-2028 report indicates that malnutrition among women and children causes 4 million deaths annually globally. Official statistics on the nutritional status of women in India are evident, showing a high prevalence of anaemia among women, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and children, with numbers exceeding those of previous survey rounds. NFHS-5 data show that 57% of women of reproductive age (15-49 years) are anaemic, while 67.1% of children are also affected by anaemia. Anaemia is more prevalent among women (61.1%) in the Aspirational Districts. The highest anaemia rates are recorded among women from SC/ST, Muslim, rural, and economically disadvantaged households. These data identify the same women who also face the gender digital divide . For example, 31% of women in India have ever used the internet, with 24.6% in rural and 51.1% in urban areas. Among the poorest population, who fall in the bottom 20% of the socio-economic hierarchy, only 9% of women have ever used the internet. Regarding mobile ownership , only 31% of women own a mobile phone, and India has one of the widest gender gaps in the Asia-Pacific region. The lack of literacy, along with barriers related to gender, caste, religion, and demographics, impacts women differently. This evidence shows that the same women facing the highest anaemia burdens also face the lowest digital access. Consequently, women lack access to health and nutrition information, as well as the ability to address digital, social, and health-related harms or to navigate their circumstances with autonomy. Against this background, while the latest NHFS-6 fact sheet has introduced digital literacy, it has not provided anaemia statistics among many other important indicators, while making the headline : NFHS-6 reflects Indias accelerated progress in maternal and child health, nutritional and financial protection. Although the Government cites this as a conscious decision citing the blood-testing method issue , this absence of anaemia estimates from the NFHS-6 fact sheet limits the continuity in nutrition-tracking and the implications for evidence-based planning. Without the crucial data, how can policy-design develop hyperlocal strategies and interventions to address contextual health and nutrition-related challenges? Moreover, as monitoring nutrition and prevention of anaemia have been a huge part of frontline health delivery, what implications will the absence of data have for the scope of work of frontline community health workers? Frontline Health Institutions in the Technocratic Era Let us examine the role of Government-designed AAA platform for health and nutrition service delivery: - the Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA), the Anganwadi Worker (AWW), and the Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM). These women are frontline community health workers, including 1 million ASHA workers, 1.3 million AWW workers, and 0.2 million ANM workers, all of whom serve as primary access points for communities and therefore form the backbone of health and nutrition delivery in the contemporary technocratic India. Their mandates are huge and diverse, ranging from facilitating maternal and child health services, immunisation support, nutrition counselling, supplementation follow-up, take-home ration distribution, community mobilisation for health awareness, access to information about health schemes, monitoring growth, and data collection and reporting using technology interfaces. It is widely reported that rural women hired as volunteers in the AAA technology-integrated frontline delivery system are overburdened, undertrained, and underpaid (below the minimum wage), while expected to perform care, data, digital, and reporting work. Women from marginalised castes are often subjected to untouchability, exclusion, and prejudice, which undermine their role as frontline community health workers. Amid a lack of safeguards, redressal mechanisms, capacity-building and institutional support, this workforce is treated with disrespect and is often blamed for failures in the digital health system with no appeal mechanism available to them. Do Data Systems reflect the Ground Realities? Built on existing institutions and systems and confronted with several basic challenges - gender digital divide, unreliable connectivity, shared mobile ownership, lack of hyperlocal need assessment resulting in no adequate targeted literacy and capacity building, and overburdened field workers - technologies are integrated as add-on layers that link data and identification systems to enable targeted service delivery. Because these data systems are only as good as the data fed into them, their unavailability shapes the inaccessible outcomes. In most of the Asia-Pacific region, data quality is low , incomplete, incomprehensive, and it is firmly entrenched among the more privileged on the socio-economic ladder. For example, the lack of statistical data on anaemia in the NFHS-6 fact sheet breaks the continuity of data essential for evaluating and designing nutrition policies. This evidence helps explain why women, particularly experiencing multiple forms of marginalisation, are underrepresented in data systems and why the resulting technology solutions are unrelatable and exclusive. It also explains why women are not properly trained to keep pace with rapid changes in frontline service delivery, why they lack adequate digital literacy, and why they are overburdened with deliverables that lack sufficient support or training to use technology interfaces. A major roadblock to social, digital, and health inclusion is also the digital-only policy approach, which entails an unprecedented and often unquestionable and unchallengeable integration of data-intensive technologies into every domain, while undermining the critical role that manual, human-assisted design has played. Notwithstanding the significant gaps in design thinking, contextualisation, hyper-local assessment, representation in datasets, infrastructure, and capacities, most governance models are de facto ready to integrate AI to deliver seamless services. The grassroots realities, however, highlight the status quo, with people struggling to avail entitlements even before the AI hype took over. For example, many communities affected by digital exclusion were not able to use Aarogya Setu during COVID-19. Hence, data on COVID-19 disease spread remained incomplete and underrepresented , leaving out those who needed public health support the most. In its latest move, the POSHAN Tracker app has integrated facial recognition software (FRS), developed by Google , to track the distribution of take-home rations among communities This necessitates that Anganwadi workers use facial recognition and e-KYC, which can create gaps and exclusions, including authentication failures and mismatches due to connectivity issues and inadequate training to navigate this scheme, and data-related concerns that reinforce social biases, leading to the denial of ration . In rural Jharkhand, a lactating woman and her child were denied supplementary nutrition because FRS did not validate the mother's photograph in the Aadhaar Card. Moreover, as the phone linked to her Aadhaar Card was with her husband, who lived in Delhi for construction work, she could not receive the OTP. Owing to biological changes that pregnant women experience, there are multiple cases where they have not been recognised and validated by the FRS, leading to denial of rations. These realities show a glimpse of why the technocratic, digital-only policy approach could still be missing the picture emerging from on-the-ground evidence. Just AI for Last-Mile Nutrition Delivery Digital Empowerment Foundation's (DEF) Just AI - Data & Algorithms for Communities initiative approaches AI through a social justice lens. The fundamental question of this inquiry is: Can we build Just AI ? How do we ensure we account for women and resource-constrained contexts in digital design and nutrition AI systems? What should be the criteria to decide whether digital intervention is required at all? DEFs work with last-mile communities over three decades has given us many lessons. Our proposition is simple and direct. Let us go to the communities first, not last. Public health and nutrition technologies cannot be supply-driven; they must be demand-driven, grounded in an ecosystem approach, bottom-up, women-led, phygital, community-centric design. With a pan-India network of 2400+ Communication Information Resource Centres (CIRCs) led by SoochnaPreneurs ( Soochna = Information; Preneurs = Entrepreneurs) across 28 states, this design thinking has centered women and PwDs with different marginalities, showcasing the role of community-owned infrastructure in strengthening rural digital entrepreneurship and ensuring meaningful access to information, digital services, health services, education, financial services, digital market linkages and livelihood opportunities. Built on six grassroots models - SoochnaPreneur , SmartPur , Udyamini , Internet Roshni , Wireless for Communities , and Samriddh Gram - DEFs Just AI framework entails a long-standing, community-owned, self-sustainable, environmentally just, and trustworthy social infrastructure. These hyperlocal digital ecosystems, when integrated with AI, have the potential to span multiple layers, ranging from addressing connectivity challenges to ensuring phygital access to digital services, social welfare for target communities, participatory data practices, capacity building, meaningful inclusion, and livelihoods. . We must question the data. The question we should ask is not what AI can do, but who decides and designs it and who it is designed for, centring the most marginalised are at its heart . AI must be leveraged to turn authenticated data into wisdom for the benefit of people, not just for the intermediary tech companies that house the data. Backed by reliable, trusted, disaggregated data - the nutrition programs, policies, and systems should be designed to serve the poorest women - who are severely deprived of resources that affect their access to sufficient, timely, and nutritious food and a healthy environment. In schools and colleges across the country, nutrition should be studied as part of the curriculum, so children grow up aware of its importance in living a healthy, dignified life. Most importantly, a phygital AI ecosystem built on well-researched, disaggregated, hyperlocal, community-owned, trustworthy, contextualised data must be co-created with 2,50,000+ Gram Panchayats across the country. This ecosystem will thrive only when it has built-in needs assessment, human-assisted design, independent audits, evaluations, accountability checks and grievance redressal mechanisms; an authenticated, trusted call centre with a person on the other end, not a bot; and mobile-friendly access for resource-limited settings.
Teen Found Dead In Ranchi, Rape Suspected
A 17-year-old girl was found dead near her home in Ranchi, Jharkhand. Police suspect she was raped and murdered, with initial findings indicating strangulation. A post-mortem report is awaited to confirm rape, and an investigation is underway.
Bank holiday today: Banks to remain closed in UP, Bihar and other states, check full list here
If you're planning to visit your bank today, October 19, 2026, to complete important business, check the holiday list before leaving home. According to the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) bank holiday calendar, bank branches will be closed in 13 states today, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Jharkhand. However, banks will remain open in other states, including Delhi, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. So, check your state's holiday information before visiting the bank.
Women devotees preserve Dhunuchi dance tradition at Jamshedpur Durga Puja pandals
Man kills wife, dies by suicide in Sahibganj
CCL employee killed at Hazaribag quarter, wife assaulted
Naga sadhu assaulted near Garga Bridge
Dumka man beaten to death, 1 held
Prohibitory orders imposed near BSL main gate after blockade by job seekers
Dhanbad artist paints tribute to West Bengal stampede victims at Durga Puja pandal
Bokaro police recover youths body with crushed face in Dompara field
Ranji Trophy: Saharan Ton Overshadows Gill's Return, Rinku, Arya, Badoni Hit Centuries
Skipper Uday Saharan: Skipper Uday Saharan struck an unbeaten century to rescue Punjab after Shubman Gill's return to the Ranji Trophy lasted just five balls, while Rinku Singh, Priyansh Arya and Ayush Badoni also notched up hundreds on day one of the second round of the prestigious competition on Sunday. In the Elite Group B clash at the new PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh, Saharan's unbeaten 106, laced with 13 fours, lifted Punjab to 269/4 against Chhattisgarh. Rinku's 118 not out, coming off 186 balls and laced with 11 fours and two sixes, pulled Uttar Pradesh out of trouble to 202 Goa, before the latter reached 43/0 in 12 overs. Arya, playing his first game of the season, fell one run short of a maiden double hundred in first-class cricket, while captain Badoni hit 115 not out to put Delhi in command by taking them to 381/4 against Gujarat. Saharan, who captained India to runners-up finish in the 2024 Mens U19 World Cup, used the sweep and the slog sweep to good effect against Chhattisgarh's left-arm spin pair of Dharmendrasinh Jadeja and Ajay Mandal. Openers Vihaan Malhotra (40 off 77 balls) and Harnoor Pannu put on another half-century stand to see off the new ball, before the duo were trapped lbw by Jadeja and Mandal respectively. Gill, playing his first Ranji game of the season before departing for India's tour of New Zealand, came in at number four but fell for one. Mandal drew him forward and beat him through the gate to knock back the stumps. Saharan and Prabhsimran Singh (62 off 133 balls) then rebuilt the innings with a 130-run stand for the fourth wicket. Though Prabhsimran was trapped lbw by Jadeja before tea break arrived, Saharan marched forward to bring up his third first-class hundred off 168 balls. Wicketkeeper-batter Salil Arora (38 not out off 75 balls) ensured Punjab added 71 runs in the final session without further loss. In Elite Group A game at Green Park in Kanpur, Rinku hit his 11th first-class century, his second in successive games this season, to single-handedly drag Uttar Pradesh from 137/9 to 202 against Goa. At Reliance Stadium in Vadodara, Raj Limbani's four-wicket haul helped Baroda bowl out Bihar for 166, before they reached 77/3. At Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar, debutant Kawalpreet Singh fell four runs short of a century but rescued defending champions Jammu and Kashmir, who were all out for 260 in 82.5 overs against Vidarbha. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh's pacers bowled out Puducherry for 177, with the former finishing on 23/ 2 at stumps. In Elite Group B, a maiden fifty from Manvanth Kumar led a lower-order fightback for Karnataka, who reached 281/8 after birthday boy Jaydev Unadkat and Chetan Sakariya had made early inroads for Saurashtra in Alur. Sibsankar Roy's half-century steered Assam to 228/6 against Tripura, while Andhra spinners Saurabh Kumar and T Vijay bowled out Hyderabad for 275. Andhra were 9 for no loss at stumps and trail by 266 runs. In Elite Group C, without veteran pacer Mohammed Shami, Bengal were bowled out for 184 by Services, but the visitors came back to leave the hosts at 83/5. Sachin Baby's unbeaten 112 rescued Kerala, who reached 245/6 against Odisha. Left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Vicky Ostwal's four-wicket haul helped Maharashtra dismiss Jharkhand for 169, with the hosts reaching 85/3 at stumps at Pune. In Elite Group D, Mumbai bowled out Himachal Pradesh for 140 at Bilaspur and were 107/2 at stumps, and trail by just 33 runs. At the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, left-arm pacer Gurjapneet Singh (4-34) and left-arm spinner and captain R Sai Kishore (4-40) shared eight wickets as Tamil Nadu bowled out Uttarakhand for 134 in 56.2 overs. Avneesh Sudha top-scored for Uttarakhand with 54 off 103 balls, hitting seven fours, while Mayank Mishra chipped in with a patient 33 off 114 deliveries, including hitting a four and two sixes. In reply, Tamil Nadu reached 85/2 in 27 overs at stumps and trail by 49 runs. N Jagadeesan made 37 off 53 balls, while Pradosh Ranjan Paul was unbeaten on 37 off 73 deliveries. Overnight rain in Chennai and a wet outfield delayed the start until 10.30 am, and bad light brought an early end to the day's play at 5.28 pm. Avneesh Sudha top-scored for Uttarakhand with 54 off 103 balls, hitting seven fours, while Mayank Mishra chipped in with a patient 33 off 114 deliveries, including hitting a four and two sixes. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
RMC steps up preparations at three major Ravan Dahan venues
RMC deploys teams at 18 sites for idol immersion
Puja celebrations on second Saptami blend faith with family fun
Police step up vigil at Ranchi puja pandals after Kolkata stampede
Snares, arrows recovered from Damchua forests near Jharkhand-Chhattisgarh border
CCL employee hacked to death at home in Jharkhand, wife tied up and jewellery looted
Cops intervene after clash between trainers at Chatra stadium
Thousands Pay Tribute at Hemant Sorens Mothers Memorial Feast in Ramgarh
A large gathering in Ramgarh honored the late Rupai Soren, mother of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, with heartfelt tributes and condolences. Thousands Pay Tribute at Hemant Sorens Mothers Memorial Feast in Ramgarh
While taking a regular ride, a Jharkhand woman struck up a conversation with the Rapido driver about his profession. To her surprise, he disclosed that his earnings were substantially higher than what he made as an engineer. He left his old job due to unmet family needs, prompting her to reflect on how success can take different shapes for everyone.
Hemant performs mothers shradh rituals in Nemra
88-Km Patna-Jharkhand Stretch on NH-139 to Feature Multiple Bypasses
Shocking Murder of CCL Employee in Ramgarh: Attackers Flee After Tying Up Wife
A Central Coalfields Limited employee was brutally murdered in Ramgarh, Jharkhand, as attackers tied up his wife and escaped. Shocking Murder of CCL Employee in Ramgarh: Attackers Flee After Tying Up Wife
BJP leader Braj Mohan Ram takes oath as Odisha governor
Braj Mohan Ram was sworn in as the 28th Governor of Odisha during a ceremony at Lok Bhavan. The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice Harish Tondon in the presence of notable dignitaries. Ram is a three-time Lok Sabha Member of Parliament from Jharkhand's Palamu district. He succeeds Hari Babu Kambhampati, who held the position before him. Ram was appointed by President Droupadi Murmu on October 12.
Kumar Kushagras India call-up gives Jharkhand youngsters a reason to dream
Opposition Leader Criticizes Jharkhand CM Over Sand Mining and Tax Collection Issues
Jharkhands Babulal Marandi demands accountability from CM Hemant Soren regarding sand mining, tax collection, and road projects. Opposition Leader Criticizes Jharkhand CM Over Sand Mining and Tax Collection Issues
IMD forecasts isolated rain, thunderstorms in southern Jharkhand
Two bodies recovered in Koderma; cops begin probe
Chatra administration fines tobacco law violators, tightens Durga Puja rules
Maha Saptami Doli Procession Draws Devotees in Hazaribag
BSL operations hit as protesters seeking jobs block all entry gates
Pandal hopping, selfies and street food add sparkle to Saptami
Indias Demographic Advantage Can Produce World-class Golfers, Says PGTI Board Member Amitabh Kant
PGTI Board Member Amitabh Kant: Making golf accessible in tier-two and tier-three cities can build Indias next generation of golfing talent, and the country can produce world-class players in the next decade, says Amitabh Kant, Board Member of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), on Saturday. Driven by its young population, wider access to the sport, stronger grassroots infrastructure and greater international exposure for Indian players, India has the potential to produce world-class golfers over the next decade, said leaders of PGTI at a media interaction on the sidelines of the India Championship at Delhi Golf Club. Amitabh Kant (IAS), Board Member, PGTI, Ex-G20 Sherpa, Govt of India & Former CEO of NITI Aayog; Atul Chaturvedi (IAS), Member, NCLT and Former Secretary, Govt of India; and Amandeep Johl, CEO, PGTI, highlighted the opportunities to expand golfs reach across India, strengthen the countrys presence in international competition and establish India as a destination for golf tourism. Drawing parallels with Indias journey in cricket, Amitabh Kant, Board Member, DP World PGTI, said, India has established itself in world cricket, and we are now beginning a similar journey in golf. Golf is entering an exciting phase in the country. This is a rare opportunity. The crowds coming to watch some of the worlds best golfers will inspire young Indians to take up the game. Our demographics are in our favour, and I believe the next decade can produce Indian golfers who will compete and win on the world stage. Stressing the need to make the game more accessible, Kant added, Golf has often been seen as an elitist sport, but that perception is changing. Tier-two and tier-three cities can produce some of our best golfers. He pointed to a strong response from Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, and cited the Chhattisgarh Governments efforts to promote golf and develop facilities for young players. If young boys and girls from tribal communities get those opportunities, there is no reason they cannot become exceptional golfers. Over the next 10 years, we want to see the game flourish across India and our players win global tournaments, he further added. Kant urged large enterprises to follow DP Worlds lead in supporting golf. He also suggested that 25 per cent of college and university admissions be based on sporting merit, using clear criteria such as state representation, so that athletes can continue their education while competing. Highlighting Indias potential to attract international golf tourists, Atul Chaturvedi, Member, NCLT and Former Secretary, Govt of India, said, I believe India has excellent golf courses and supporting infrastructure. What we need is stronger branding. India offers exceptional value as a golfing destination, both in terms of its courses and the cost of playing. Just as India has developed as a destination for health tourism, there is an opportunity to build golf tourism. Amandeep Johl outlined the tours efforts to strengthen international competition. These include inviting players from the Sunshine, Korean, Thai and Japan Tours, adding more co-sanctioned events with the Asian Tour and the HotelPlanner Tour, and funding Indian players to compete at overseas qualifying schools. Referring to Indias 1983 Cricket World Cup triumph, Amandeep Johl, CEO, DP World PGTI, said, The 1983 Cricket World Cup changed what India believed it could achieve. We are working towards a similar moment in golf. It could happen at the DP World India Championship, the Indian Open or somewhere else. We cannot predict it, but we can keep creating opportunities. Amandeep Johl outlined the tours efforts to strengthen international competition. These include inviting players from the Sunshine, Korean, Thai and Japan Tours, adding more co-sanctioned events with the Asian Tour and the HotelPlanner Tour, and funding Indian players to compete at overseas qualifying schools. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Not custodian of pending files: Jharkhand LoPs sharp message to CM Soren over stalled projects
Digital Desk | Ranchi, Oct 17 (IANS) Jharkhand Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi has questioned Chief Minister Hemant Soren over the functioning of the state government, flagging the closure of 288 sand ghats despite their auction, suspension of holding tax collection and delays in road construction projects worth Rs 1,410 crore in Ranchi. In a post on X, Marandi sought answers from the Chief Minister on the three issues and demanded time-bound action, transparency and public disclosure of the progress made. Government can run on the assurances of bureaucrats, but that does not absolve it of accountability, Marandi said, questioning why 288 out of 302 auctioned sand ghats in the state remained closed. He alleged that despite the completion of auctions, files related to mandatory approvals were still pending, creating conditions that encouraged illegal sand mining. He questioned who was responsible for completing environmental clearances, Gram Sabha permissions and other statutory formalities. Marandi also sought public disclosure of the role of Rajiv Lochan Bakshi, Member Secretary of the State Pollution Control Board, and details of work pending at his level. People cannot build houses merely by auctioning sand ghats. They need sand to be made available, he said, demanding regular supplies from authorised ghats at reasonable prices and transparent transportation arrangements. Raising the issue of holding tax collection, the BJP leader questioned why the process had remained suspended since August 21. He pointed out that the agreement with the previous agency had been terminated without putting an alternative arrangement in place. He demanded that the government disclose the period of suspension, the resulting revenue loss and the proposed alternative mechanism for collection. He also called for immediate restoration of collection and a clear timeline for introducing the new system. Former Jharkhand CM Marandi further flagged the delay in Ranchi's road infrastructure projects worth Rs 1,410 crore, saying residents were facing daily inconvenience because of the stalled works. Referring to Sunil Kumar, who is handling the important Road Construction and Urban Development departments, Marandi questioned the pace of implementation and accountability. He also alleged that certain officials had attempted to suppress reports about their irregularities by threatening to stop advertisements. The public is watching and understanding everything, he said, adding that those responsible would eventually have to answer for their actions. Listing eight demands, Marandi called for the publication of reasons behind the closure of 288 sand ghats and a list of pending approvals; fixed deadlines for environmental clearances, Gram Sabha permissions and other statutory procedures; regular sand supplies at reasonable rates; immediate restoration of holding tax collection; and disclosure of revenue losses and details of their recovery. He also demanded a review and progress report of the Rs 1,410 crore road projects, monthly updates on sand ghats, holding tax and road construction on a public portal, and action against responsible officials and contractors after reviewing pending cases. Issuing a pointed warning to the Chief Minister, Marandi said, An officer will simply write a remark on a file and move ahead, but the people will write the verdict on your tenure. He cautioned that if the government continued shielding officials over incomplete projects, the political consequences of their failures would also fall on the Chief Minister. People have elected a Chief Minister, not a custodian of pending files. Give answers, not excuses, Marandi said, asserting that the BJP would not compromise on issues concerning public interest.
Bhuiyadih road chokes as truckers protest theft from parked vehicles
Ranji Trophy 2026-27 | Jharkhands Virat and Aditya make merry on a batting paradise
They both score hundreds to take the host to 587 at the end of day two; Kerala seamer Edhen doesnt take the field after getting injured; Vaisakh puts in a shift to scalp five wickets
Temple-themed pandals turn Bokaro into Durga Puja draw
Boy, 3, dies after gun handed over by uncle as toy goes off in Bokaro
Ranji Trophy: Kerala and Odisha eye a turnaround after chastening opening round results
Cricket: The host, which was put through the wringer by Jharkhand, will bank on home advantage while the visitor, smarting after a 10-wicket loss to Gujarat, will aim to bounce back; the weather, however, may have the final say with the venue experiencing heavy rains
Gun salute for deities at Ranchis JAP-1 Durga Puja
Rs 21.4 lakh for replenishing ATMs looted from cash firm staffer in Bokaro
A 56-year-old Durga Puja tradition that brings Chatra family together
Man loses both legs after being hit by train near Haidernagar station
RANJI TROPHY | Shikhar notches up this editions first ton as Jharkhand wins the initial exchanges
Kerala works its way back in to the contest thanks to fine spells of off-spin by Jalaj and Vaisakh as the visitor puts a brake on the hosts march
JNAC launches flower waste collection drive for Durga Puja in Jamshedpur
Body of man found in Dumka pond, family alleges murder over land dispute
Woman killed as concrete mixer breaks loose from pickup and hits her
Chatra administration fines tobacco law violators, tightens puja rules
Asked uncle for chocolates, got pistol instead: 3-year-old dies after gun goes off
JSSC Assistant Jailor PET Schedule 2026 Out - Check JAJCE Physical Test Dates and Notice PDF
JSSC Assistant Jailor PET Schedule 2026 has been released for 45 Assistant Jailor (Sahayak Karapal) posts under JAJCE-2025. The Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST) begin on 28 October 2026. Check the candidate-wise test dates, reporting time, examination centres in Ranchi, Hazaribagh and Godda, and official schedule PDF at jssc.jharkhand.gov.in.
Jharkhands Health System Under Fire as BJP Criticizes Ministers Inaction
BJP accuses Jharkhands health minister of neglect as ambulance staff threaten indefinite strike over unpaid dues. Jharkhands Health System Under Fire as BJP Criticizes Ministers Inaction
NGT seeks Pakur DCs response on deaths linked to illegal mining
Missing girl found hanging from tree in Chatra, probe on
Jamshedpur traders launch market campaign to counter online shopping
Courier services to remain shut for 4 days
Ramgarh restricts heavy vehicles during Durga Puja
Manpower crunch affects fire services in Hazaribag
108 ambulance workers to ground fleet from Oct 21 after talks fail
Expired buns, poor-quality noodles and sweets destroyed in Palamu
Illicit liquor factory busted in Deoghar, 2 arrested
Dhanbad police hold flag march
12,000 additional personnel deployed in districts for Durga Puja security
State to host first National Forestry Congress in Dec, registration opens Oct 17
IIT puja pandal spotlights chips, critical minerals
Theft gang busted in Chatra, 4 held
Hunger strike over BSL jobs for displaced families enters 7th day
Security Tightened Across Jharkhand Ahead of Durga Puja
Monitoring will be done through CCTV and drone cameras
Youth held for slapping, molesting girl at Dandiya event
Three killed after speeding truck crushes e-rickshaw in Sahibganj
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 16 (IANS) After actor Imran Khan being served a notice to leave the country over his alleged unlawful participation in the recent August Kranti Maidan protests in Mumbai, NDA leaders said on Friday that the actor was not an Indian citizen and that his participation in the protests was illegal. They added that the law applies equally to everyone, whether Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders or Bollywood actors. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson Guru Prakash Paswan said, If he (Imran Khan) is not an Indian citizen, if he is here on a work visa and trying to be part of illegal protests, then action will be taken against him. Everyone is equal before the law, be it CJP leaders or Bollywood actors. Jharkhand BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo said, Imran Khan is an American citizen, and he was staying in India with a work permit. Now he is taking part in Indian protests. Why should an American citizen participate in India's protests? Why didn't he take Indian citizenship? Why is he here just for work in films? Previously, it was his relative (actor Aamir Khan and his wife Kiran Rao) who claimed that they felt unsafe in India, Deo added. Citing a clause of the 'Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025', which states that foreigners can't protest in India, Deo said that Imran Khan should be deported immediately. In Chhattisgarh, BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj said, There were two important issues of our nation: first was Lord Ram's temple -- the temple was built; there was no ounce of commotion; the other was Article 370 -- people said that it would bring bloodshed, but there was no change. But when PM Modi introduced the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, all the anti-national forces got together. More than Rs 30,000 crore enter the nation through FCRA to enforce Islam and enforce Christianity in the nation, or to run such protests in the country, he added. There are external forces which are working to sabotage PM Modi's vision for a Viksit Bharat by 2047. These protests are not against PM Modi or Home Minister Amit Shah; these protests are against the nation, the BJP MP said. BJP MP Rahul Sinha commented, he (Imran Khan) should be deported; why should a foreigner who is here for work be a part of such a protest? Janta Dal-United leader Shyam Rajak said that in a nation, only a citizen of the country can participate in such protests. If someone is here from outside the country, either they are here for tourism or for education. They can't be here for protests. You cannot come to a foreign nation and question their freedom; it's illegal, he added. Actor Imran Khan was ordered to leave India over his allegedly unlawful participation in the recent August Kranti Maidan protests, which demand the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) said in its order that the actor allegedly violated the Foreigners Act by participating in the protests as he is not an Indian citizen, and holds Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI).
2,000 police personnel in Jamshedpur for Durga Puja security
Loud music from pandals leaves residents in distress
Want to adorn Maa Durga? Wait till 2052 in this Hazaribag village
14-year-old girl found hanging from tree in Latehar, police suspect suicide
Palma-Gumla four-lane highway stretch opens
Old Video Falsely Shared as Recent Exchange Between Lawyer, Supreme Court Judge
The video dates back to October 2025 and shows an exchange between a lawyer and the Jharkhand High Court judge.
Jharkhand Ambulance Services Halted as Drivers and Technicians Begin 40-Hour Strike
Emergency ambulance services in Jharkhand face disruption as drivers and technicians strike over unpaid wages and job security. Jharkhand Ambulance Services Halted as Drivers and Technicians Begin 40-Hour Strike
