18, Aug 2026
Shikshana Prasaraka Mandali Inaugurates and Names New Modern Educational Campus

Pune, 18th August: Marking a significant milestone in its long and illustrious educational journey, Shikshana Prasaraka Mandali inaugurated and named its new, modern educational campus today amidst an enthusiastic gathering of distinguished guests, educators, academicians and well-wishers.
The new educational campus has been developed with the objective of providing students with a more enabling and enriching environment for modern, quality-driven, technology-enabled and holistic education. Keeping pace with the evolving needs of the education sector, the campus is envisioned as a hub for initiatives integrating management education, skill development, modern technology, research, innovation and the Indian Knowledge System (IKS).
The foundation stone of the new campus was unveiled by Shri Chandrakant Dada Patil, Hon’ble Minister of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The campus was formally named by Shri Suresh (Bhaiyyaji) Joshi, Hon’ble Member of the Akhil Bharatiya Karyakarini of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, conveyed his greetings and best wishes through a detailed video message. In his message, he extended his heartfelt wishes to all the dignitaries and expressed confidence that the initiative would prove to be a significant and successful milestone in the growth and progress of Shikshana Prasaraka Mandali. He also expressed confidence that the institution would play an important role in the effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and take the lead in promoting and integrating the Indian Knowledge System into education.
Delivering the introductory address, Shri Sudhir Kalkar, Chairman, Managing Council, Shikshana Prasarak Mandali, spoke about the organisation’s rich and longstanding educational legacy. He highlighted that the new campus has been developed to address the evolving requirements of modern education while creating a meaningful balance between tradition, contemporary learning and the educational needs of the future.
He stated that the campus would place special emphasis on management education, skill development and modern technology. By integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), emerging technologies and the Indian Knowledge System (IKS), the institution aims to nurture leadership qualities, innovative thinking, management capabilities and industry-oriented competencies among students. He expressed confidence that the new campus would play a significant role in preparing students to meet the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world.
Addressing the gathering, Adv. Shri Sadanand Phadke, President, Shikshana Prasaraka Mandali, emphasised the need to look at education not merely as a means of obtaining a degree or securing employment, but as a powerful instrument for personality development and nation-building.
He noted that, against the backdrop of rapidly evolving technology, artificial intelligence and emerging skill requirements, students must acquire contemporary knowledge while remaining firmly connected to Indian values, traditions and knowledge systems. He expressed confidence that the new campus would provide students with opportunities to develop not only knowledge but also skills, leadership abilities, innovation and social awareness.
He further urged students to move beyond merely seeking employment and instead become capable individuals who can create new opportunities, identify societal needs, develop solutions and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.
In his address, Shri Chandrakant Dada Patil, Hon’ble Minister of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra, highlighted the importance of education in the mother tongue. Referring to the National Education Policy 2020, he emphasised the importance of value-based education rooted in discipline and संस्कार. He also underlined the significance of preserving and promoting India’s rich knowledge traditions and extended his best wishes to Shikshana Prasaraka Mandali for its future journey.
Shri Suresh (Bhaiyyaji) Joshi, Member of the Akhil Bharatiya Karyakarini of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, recalled the educational values and principles upheld by the institution over the years. He emphasised the need for the institution to take more concrete steps towards equipping students with the knowledge, skills and capabilities required to meet the evolving needs of the industrial and professional world.
The dignitaries present on the occasion appreciated Shikshana Prasaraka Mandali’s rich educational legacy and its contribution to the field of education over the years. They also emphasised the importance of equipping students for future opportunities through modern infrastructure, technology-enabled learning and skill-based education.
The event was attended by former members of the Managing Council, current and former office-bearers of Shikshana Prasaraka Mandali, public representatives and political leaders from various political parties, office-bearers of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh at various levels, educationists, academicians, representatives from the social sector and distinguished personalities associated with the institution across various fields.
The occasion also witnessed the presence of the Vice President and members of the Managing Council of Shikshana Prasaraka Mandali, the Secretary, heads of various institutions, principals, teachers and professors, employees and a large number of well-wishers.
The programme was compered by Parag Thakur, Member, Managing Council, Shikshana Prasaraka Mandali, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Rama Kulkarni, Secretary, Shikshana Prasaraka Mandali.
- 0
- By Neel Achary
18, Aug 2026
New Scientific Approach Offers Fresh Insight Into Great Barrier Reef Health
Aug 18: Australian researchers have developed a new framework to help measure the health of the Great Barrier Reef and understand how climate-related events are affecting coral ecosystems.
Pic Credit: Pexel
The researchers used more than 30 years of reef data, focusing on coral cover and algae levels. The new system classifies reefs as healthy, coping or struggling based on changes in coral cover compared with each reef’s historical condition.
The study found that reefs generally entered a “coping” state when coral cover dropped below about 65 per cent of its historical maximum. A decline below 35 per cent was linked to a “struggling” state, with increased algae and major losses of reef-building corals.
The researchers also found that complex coral structures were more vulnerable to disturbances such as coral bleaching, cyclones and floods. Their loss can reduce shelter for marine life and make reefs more exposed to storm damage.
Researchers said the framework could help scientists identify vulnerable reefs earlier and support more targeted conservation and recovery efforts.
18, Aug 2026
ICMAI Prepares Finance Sector for April 2027 ECL Rollout with New Guidance Handbooks
New Delhi, Aug 18: The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) on Tuesday launched two professional handbooks on Expected Credit Loss (ECL) and restructuring of bank loans, aimed at helping banks, borrowers, MSMEs and finance professionals prepare for the Reserve Bank of India’s ECL framework coming into effect from April 1, 2027.
The launch was attended by CMA Chittaranjan Chattopadhyay, President, ICMAI; CMA Manoj Kumar Anand, Vice-President, ICMAI; CMA Harshad Deshpande, Chairman, BFSI Board, ICMAI, who joined online; CMA Puneet Jain, Director, NIPSCOM; Dr. P. Siva Rama Prasad, author of the publications; and Dr. Ramjas Yadav, former Executive Director, Bank of Baroda. CMA M. K. Mohan Tanksale, former Chairman and Managing Director of Central Bank of India and former Chief Executive of the Indian Banks’ Association, also addressed the event online.

The publications — Expected Credit Loss (ECL) Framework: A Practical Handbook for Indian Banks and Handbook on Restructuring of Bank Loans — have been developed as practical reference resources for bankers, CMAs, corporate borrowers, MSMEs and other stakeholders navigating changes in credit assessment and stressed-loan management.
The ECL handbook explains key aspects of the new framework, including Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 classification, Probability of Default (PD), Loss Given Default (LGD), Exposure at Default (EAD), forward-looking macroeconomic factors, data requirements, model development and validation, technology and automation, accounting, audit, disclosure and transition strategies. It also includes case studies and practical illustrations.
The Handbook on Restructuring of Bank Loans focuses on the identification and management of financial stress. It covers early warning signals, evaluation of restructuring proposals, regulatory requirements, financial assessment, Techno-Economic Viability (TEV) studies, financial projections, operating-cost analysis, resolution plans, digital footprint analysis and documentation.
ECL transition calls for greater preparedness
Speaking at the launch, CMA Chittaranjan Chattopadhyay, President, ICMAI, said the transition to ECL would be an important development for the Indian banking sector and underlined the need for adequate preparedness among banks and other stakeholders.
He said ICMAI’s objective was to support professionals and institutions in understanding the practical dimensions of the framework and adapting to a more forward-looking approach to credit-loss recognition.
The discussions at the event highlighted that the ECL framework could strengthen the quality of credit assessment by encouraging financial institutions to identify and recognise potential credit losses at an earlier stage. Speakers also emphasised the importance of awareness among borrowers so that businesses facing temporary financial stress can better understand their options.
Supporting viable businesses through restructuring
The second handbook addresses the challenges faced by businesses when financial stress affects their ability to meet debt obligations.
Dr. P. Siva Rama Prasad, author of the publications and a former State Bank of India professional, said the handbook draws on his banking experience and seeks to address knowledge and communication gaps faced by SMEs, MSMEs, mid-sized companies and corporates approaching banks for restructuring.
He said disruptions arising from factors such as geopolitical developments and the COVID-19 pandemic had contributed to financial stress for several businesses. The handbook aims to provide practical guidance on restructuring so that viable businesses can continue operations rather than moving directly towards non-performing assets.
ICMAI officials said the publication is not intended to replace existing banking processes, but to improve awareness among entrepreneurs and borrowers about the mechanisms and options available when businesses experience financial difficulties.
CMAs emerging as key partners in banking
The launch also highlighted the expanding role of Cost and Management Accountants in the banking and financial services sector.
CMA Manoj Kumar Anand, Vice-President, ICMAI, said banks were increasingly recognising the importance of cost professionals as financial institutions focus on cost efficiency, operational performance and profitability.
He said CMAs can contribute beyond traditional accounting functions in areas such as cost optimisation, credit analysis, risk management, budgeting, performance evaluation and strategic decision-making.
ICMAI also called for greater institutional focus on cost governance in banking and suggested that banks consider dedicated cost-focused positions, including a Chief Cost Compliance Officer, to strengthen cost control and accountability.
Focus on capacity building and emerging banking risks
CMA Puneet Jain, Director, NIPSCOM, said four ECL training programmes had already been conducted in association with ICMAI, with further programmes planned to support capacity building among banking professionals.
ICMAI’s BFSI-focused programmes cover credit management, treasury and international banking, concurrent audit, and the three major banking risks — credit, operational and market risk.
The institute is also strengthening its focus on financial technology and has introduced an Advanced Certificate Course on FinTech for graduates and professionals, including MBAs, CAs and CMAs, in response to the growing role of technology in banking and financial services.
ICMAI also highlighted the growing participation of banks and financial institutions in its campus placement programme, with nearly 1,000 successful placements recorded during the last year.
Participating organisations included ICICI Bank, Cosmos Co-operative Bank, Saraswat Co-operative Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, Power Finance Corporation, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, Shriram Finance, Bajaj Finserv, HSBC Bank and CSB Bank, among others.
ICICI Bank recruited more than 250 CMA professionals, while Cosmos Co-operative Bank recruited more than 80 CMAs. The highest CTC reported through the placement programme was ₹36 lakh per annum, while the average CTC ranged between ₹12 lakh and ₹14 lakh per annum.
The institute said the participation of banks and financial institutions reflected the growing demand for CMAs in financial management, cost management, credit analysis, risk management and strategic decision-making.
The launch brought together professionals from ICMAI, banking and financial services, professional education and the media to discuss the upcoming ECL transition, effective management of stressed loans and the evolving contribution of CMAs to India’s banking and financial ecosystem.
ICMAI said stronger credit assessment, cost governance and restructuring of viable stressed businesses can together support greater financial discipline and contribute to a more resilient banking sector.
18, Aug 2026
SEBI, NSE Step Up Investor Awareness to Promote Safer Digital Investing
New Delhi, Aug 18: As online investing becomes increasingly accessible, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) are stepping up efforts to help investors make informed decisions and participate in the market with greater confidence.
For many Indians, investing has moved from traditional channels to smartphones and digital platforms. Opening an investment account and accessing market information can now take only a few minutes, making the stock market easier to reach for young professionals, first-time investors and families building long-term savings.
With this growing accessibility, investor education has become increasingly important. SEBI and NSE are focusing on helping people understand basic financial concepts, assess investment risks and identify authorised platforms and registered market professionals.
The initiative also highlights the importance of checking information before acting on investment advice. Social media has become a popular source of market commentary, but investors may encounter recommendations from people who are not authorised to provide investment advice. SEBI has recently cautioned investors about live trading strategies and real-time market tips shared through social-media platforms.
SEBI and NSE are also drawing attention to verified trading applications and investor grievance mechanisms. These measures are intended to make it easier for people to confirm that they are dealing with legitimate market participants and know where to seek assistance when they have concerns.
The message is particularly relevant for ordinary households because investment decisions often involve hard-earned savings. Someone investing for a child’s education may have very different needs from a young professional building wealth or a retiree managing savings for everyday expenses.
Investors are therefore being encouraged to take a thoughtful approach rather than rushing into decisions. Checking the credentials of an intermediary, understanding the investment product and considering the possible risks can help people choose options that are appropriate for their financial circumstances.
The wider aim is to make financial markets easier to understand and less intimidating for new participants. Greater financial literacy can help investors develop realistic expectations and make decisions based on their goals rather than short-term market excitement.
As India’s retail investment community continues to grow, responsible investing will increasingly depend on a combination of access, awareness and discipline.
For investors, the best approach is simple: verify the information, understand the risks and invest according to your financial goals. Better awareness can help people participate in India’s growing capital markets with greater confidence while making more thoughtful decisions about their savings.
18, Aug 2026
UIDAI Completes Over 2 Crore Mandatory Biometric Updates for School Children
New Delhi, August 18: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has completed more than 2 crore Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBU) for school children as part of its nationwide mission-mode drive, covering around 1.56 lakh schools across the country.
The special drive, launched in September 2025, has been undertaken in coordination with State and Union Territory education departments to make Aadhaar biometric updates more accessible to children. Dedicated camps and school-level outreach programmes have enabled students to complete the mandatory process at their schools.
The initiative has been strengthened through UIDAI’s technological integration with the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+), allowing schools to access information on the MBU status of children and facilitate timely updates.
Aadhaar enrolment for children below five years captures demographic details and a photograph, while fingerprints and iris biometrics are not recorded because these biometric features are still developing. Mandatory biometric updates ensure that the Aadhaar record is updated with the child’s latest biometric information as they grow.
MBU is required when a child reaches the age of five and again at 15. Timely completion of these updates helps ensure a smoother Aadhaar authentication experience as children move through school, higher education and other services where Aadhaar authentication may be required.
To encourage parents and guardians to complete the updates on time, UIDAI has waived MBU charges for children aged 7 to 15 years from October 1, 2025, for one year. MBU for children in the 5–7 and 15–17 age groups is already free. As a result, Mandatory Biometric Updates are currently free for children aged 5 to 17 years until September 30, 2026.
UIDAI has cautioned that failure to complete mandatory biometric updates could create difficulties in Aadhaar authentication while accessing benefits under various government schemes. It may also affect processes involving Aadhaar authentication, including registration for competitive and university examinations such as NEET, JEE and CUET.
UIDAI has urged parents and guardians to check the Aadhaar biometric update status of their children and complete the mandatory updates within the stipulated period.
18, Aug 2026
Samsung’s Vision AI TVs Light Up Onam Celebrations with My Kerala, My Samsung Campaign
Gurugram, Aug 18: Samsung, India has announced exclusive Onam festival offers ‘My Kerala My Samsung’ on its premium Vision AI TV lineup for consumers across Kerala. Built around technology and size upgrades during the festive season, the campaign makes it easier for consumers to bring home Samsung’s latest AI-powered televisions and enjoy an immersive big-screen experience.
The campaign highlights Samsung’s cutting-edge Vision AI innovations, which integrate AI service platforms like Bixby, Perplexity, and Microsoft Copilot to deliver a personalised and intelligent viewing experience. These features are available on the latest Micro RGB, OLED, Neo QLED, Mini LED, and Crystal UHD TVs, bringing the thrill of cinema, sports, and everyday entertainment directly into the living room.
Consumers can enjoy a range of exciting offers on select Samsung Vision AI Big TVs, including free soundbars worth up to INR 102990, free TVs worth up to INR 529990, cashback of up to 20%, zero down payment, and EMIs up to 36 months. Additionally, the campaign provides value-added benefits such as Samsung TV Plus, Samsung Care+, Samsung Finance+, Samsung Sound+, Samsung Art+, and up to seven years of OS upgrades.
The complete Vision AI TV range and the festive offers under ‘My Kerala, My Samsung’ are available at Samsung retail stores across Kerala, leading consumer electronics outlets and on Samsung.com.
18, Aug 2026
Resolve 360 Secures Patent for Innovative Rehabilitation Technology Targeting Neuromuscular and Musculoskeletal Disorders
Aug 18: Resolve360 is a physical medicine and rehabilitation company that provides evidence-based, personalized rehabilitation programs for individuals suffering from neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders. Resolve360 has been granted an Indian patent for its proprietary rehabilitation methodology, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of physical medicine and rehabilitation. The patented methodology introduces a structured, evidence-based framework for treating neuromuscular and musculoskeletal (NMSK) disorders, covering the entire patient journey from prognosis and personalized protocol creation to treatment delivery, monitoring, and long-term recovery. The patent, titled “System and Method for Prognosis, Protocol Creation, Delivery & Execution for Neuromuscular and Musculoskeletal Disorders,” was granted by the Patent Office, Government of India in July 2026.
The methodology is the outcome of nearly a decade of clinical learning. The concept was first envisioned in 2016, with Resolve360 being founded in 2019 to develop and refine the approach through continuous clinical practice. After years of research, patient feedback, and protocol optimization, the company filed its patent application in 2024, receiving the grant in 2026. During this journey, Resolve360 has treated over thousands of patients and delivered 20+ lakh rehabilitation sessions, helping validate and strengthen the effectiveness of the methodology across a wide range of neuromuscular and musculoskeletal conditions.
Unlike conventional rehabilitation approaches that often focus on temporary pain relief, Resolve360’s methodology is designed to identify not only the primary root cause of a patient’s condition but also the interconnected underlying factors contributing to it. The methodology develops a comprehensive prognosis that addresses both the affected area and related musculoskeletal and neuromuscular regions, enabling a customized treatment pathway tailored to the patient’s overall clinical needs.

Dr. Apoorva Shrivastava, CEO and Founder Resolve360 and Shivam Gupta, Co-Founder, Resolve360
The innovation comes at a time when neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders are emerging as one of the fastest-growing health challenges globally. Sedentary lifestyles, prolonged screen time, and technology-driven routines have led to a sharp rise in chronic pain, muscle dysfunction, spinal disorders, ligament injuries, and mobility issues even among younger populations. As these conditions continue to increase, the need for scientifically designed, personalized rehabilitation has never been greater.
While physiotherapy became significantly more accessible through online consultations following the pandemic, rehabilitation practices remain largely fragmented. Many existing approaches continue to rely on generalized exercise plans or symptom-based pain management, often without standardized protocols for diagnosis, treatment execution, adherence, or long-term monitoring. More importantly, rehabilitation is often approached as an afterthought in the continuum of care rather than as a proven, structured treatment methodology in itself. Resolve360’s patented methodology seeks to address this gap by bringing structure, consistency, and clinical rigor to rehabilitation, transforming it from a reactive service into a comprehensive, protocol-driven treatment methodology.
Through its proprietary core clinical process flow and Seamless App, Resolve360 also delivers rehabilitation sessions to patients across geographies, enabling members of the Indian diaspora to access expert-led care remotely. The platform currently serves patients in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, the UAE, and other Gulf countries, extending evidence-based rehabilitation to individuals seeking personalized and continuous care regardless of location.

Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Apoorva Shrivastava, CEO Resolve360 and Inventor of the patented methodology, said:
“Every era faces its own health epidemic, and today’s epidemic is neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders driven by sedentary lifestyles and technology-centric living. Despite advances in healthcare, rehabilitation continues to lack standardized treatment methodologies that ensure consistent outcomes. This patent represents years of clinical learning brought together into a structured rehabilitation framework that focuses on identifying the root cause, delivering customized physical medicine in the right dosage, and guiding patients through complete recovery rather than temporary pain relief. Our vision is to establish physical medicine as a science-led discipline capable of delivering measurable, long-term outcomes.”
Looking ahead, Resolve360 is also building AI capabilities to support the future of rehabilitation. As the burden of musculoskeletal disorders continues to grow, the company believes that delivering personalized rehabilitation entirely through manual processes will become increasingly challenging. Its AI initiatives are therefore being developed to complement the patented methodology, helping clinicians enhance treatment personalization, monitoring, and clinical decision-making while preserving expert-led patient care.
The company’s growth has also been strengthened through seed funding from Kalaari Capital (investment amount undisclosed), which will support Resolve360’s expansion and its continued investment in research, technology, and innovation to make evidence-based rehabilitation more accessible and scalable.
18, Aug 2026
NORDAC FUSION: combines motor and inverter into a compact high-performance unit
NORDAC FUSION – the compact drive solution with the decentralised NORDAC ON inverter for dynamic applications

With NORDAC FUSION, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS launches a powerful drive system that combines motor and inverter into a compact unit.
Aug 18: Thanks to the optimal electrical and mechanical adjustment of both components, NORDAC FUSION achieves high power density, while particular attention was given to keeping the installation space as small as possible. Users benefit from a ready-to-use system that operates reliably once connected. This eliminates extensive parameterisation or time-consuming selection of components. NORDAC FUSION is the answer for everyone, who looks for maximum drive power in a very small space – simple, quick and efficient.
For logistics projects with a high level of automation, this means: less engineering efforts per drive axle, faster commissioning and consistently high drive quality – from the first conveying point to the last transfer station. NORDAC FUSION’s decentralised design furthermore allows for direct mounting on the respective unit. Centralised control cabinets are thus no longer required and wiring efforts are considerably reduced.
NORDAC FUSION – Various combinations
NORDAC FUSION combines asynchronous motors (IE3) and permanent magnet synchronous motors (IE5+) in ventilated and unventilated versions with a decentralised NORDAC ON frequency inverter. The optimised motor/inverter combinations cover a power range from 0.31 to 3.7 kW. They feature consistent safety and communication properties, are suitable for worldwide use, and can be ideally complemented with a gear unit from the manufacturer’s modular product range.
The decentralised frequency inverters are characterised by their compact design, full plug-in capability and high reliability. Special features include the integrated PLC and their multi-protocol Ethernet interface. PROFINET, EtherNet/IP and EtherCAT can be easily set via parameters. Integrated safety functions enable safe operation of almost all motion sequences in automated production.
Advanced communication and safety functions
Apart from STO and SS1, the NORDAC ON series will also feature the motion monitoring function SLS, SMS or SSM for fail-safe control of the rotary movement. They can be integrated via PROFIsafe or FSoE into a fail-safe application within an existing Industrial Ethernet network. Stand-alone use is also possible. The safe digital inputs and outputs can be used to incorporate fail-safe peripheral components or functions. Emergency stop buttons, safety door switches, photoelectric sensors, etc. can thus be connected directly. Two safe single-channel digital inputs can be combined into one safe two-channel digital input, and two safe outputs can be combined into one safe two-channel output. The level of functional safety can thus be individually set with NORDAC FUSION as well.
Encoderless control in dynamic applications
Another advantage is the encoderless control of NORDAC FUSION with the manufacturer’s highly efficient IE5+ synchronous motors (PMSM). Using the CFC open-loop injection method, the motor’s rotor position and speed can be captured without additional sensors. With this, NORD offers a robust, streamlined and economical drive solution that is also suitable for dynamic applications.
Highly efficient IE5+ motor technology
NORD’s highly efficient IE5+ permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) are characterised by a constantly high efficiency of up to 95% over a wide torque range. In partial load and partial speed ranges, they therefore achieve optimum energy consumption performance and allow for a reduction of variants for more streamlined production, logistics, warehousing and service processes.
Ideal for demanding environments
The NORDAC FUSION drive solution can be used up to a temperature of -30 °C. The combination of IE5+ synchronous motors and NORDAC ON PURE with NXD tupH® is, for example, suitable for wash-down applications in the food sector. Ethernet on board, hybrid cables and daisy chain technology enable efficient and hygienic topologies that are more streamlined and easier to clean than conventional decentralised wiring.
18, Aug 2026
National Sports Awards 2025 Announced; 17 Sportspersons Named for Arjuna Awards
New Delhi, August 18: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on Tuesday announced the National Sports Awards 2025, recognising outstanding performances and contributions by sportspersons, coaches and organisations across various sporting disciplines.
The awards have been decided based on the recommendations of a selection committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice (Retd.) Arun Kumar Mishra. The committee included eminent sportspersons, sports journalists and sports administrators.
The National Sports Awards are presented annually to honour excellence in sports and encourage continued contribution to the development of Indian sport.
17 Sportspersons to Receive Arjuna Awards
A total of 17 sportspersons have been selected for the Arjuna Award for Outstanding Performance in Sports and Games 2025. The award recognises consistent performances over the previous four years, along with qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and discipline.
The awardees are:
- Tejaswin Shankar – Athletics
- Muhammed Ajmal V – Athletics
- Priyanka Goswami – Athletics
- Treesa Jolly – Badminton
- Pullela Gayatri Gopichand – Badminton
- Narender – Boxing
- Vidit Santosh Gujarathi – Chess
- Divya Jitendra Deshmukh – Chess
- Dhanush Srikanth – Deaf Shooting
- Lalremsiami – Hockey
- Rajkumar Pal – Hockey
- Surjeet – Kabaddi
- Pooja – Kabaddi
- Rudransh Khandelwal – Para-Shooting
- Ekta Bhyan – Para Athletics
- Arvind Singh – Rowing
- Akhil Sheoran – Shooting
Arjuna Award (Lifetime)
The Arjuna Award (Lifetime) has been announced for I Arumainayagam in recognition of his contribution to football.
The lifetime category is intended to honour sportspersons who have made significant contributions through their performances and continued to promote sports even after retiring from active competition.
Five Coaches Selected for Dronacharya Award
Five coaches have been selected for the Dronacharya Award for Outstanding Coaches in Sports and Games 2025.
In the regular category, the awardees are:
- Parveer Singh – Athletics
- Chhote Lal Yadav – Boxing
- Neha Nandkumar Chavan – Shooting
The lifetime category recognises:
- Dharmendra Singh Yadav – Boxing
- Virender Kumar – Wrestling
The Dronacharya Award recognises coaches for sustained and meritorious work that helps athletes achieve excellence at international competitions.
Army Paralympic Node Gets Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar
The Army Paralympic Node, Pune has been selected for the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar 2025.
The award is presented to corporate entities, both public and private, as well as non-governmental organisations that have played a significant role in promoting and developing sports.
Large Number of Applications Received
The Ministry said applications for the National Sports Awards were invited through an online portal, allowing sportspersons, coaches and eligible entities to apply themselves.
A large number of applications were received this year. These were examined by the selection committee headed by Justice (Retd.) Arun Kumar Mishra, along with members drawn from the sporting fraternity, sports journalism and sports administration.
The awards are aimed at recognising sporting excellence while encouraging athletes, coaches and organisations to make continued contributions towards strengthening India’s sporting ecosystem.