Author: Neel Achary

G. Kishan Reddy Inaugurates Nand Ghars, Boosting Nationwide Grassroots Development

Hyderabad,  Mar 30: Marking a significant milestone, G. Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Government of India, inaugurated Nand Ghars in Hyderabad, Telangana formally ushering the initiative into the community with 36 centers in Hyderabad district. Nand Ghar, Vedanta’s flagship social impact initiative, is transforming India’s anganwadi ecosystem by creating modern, tech-enabled centers that deliver integrated services including nutrition, early childhood care and education, primary healthcare, and women empowerment.

 With this expansion, Nand Ghar significantly deepens its footprint in southern India, further consolidating its presence across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and now Telangana, strengthening its commitment to driving holistic community development across the region. It is a major step forward for strengthening the anganwadi ecosystem in Telangana and underscores Vedanta’s commitment to scalable, high-impact social development.

Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines, shared in a post on X and wrote, “Inspected the Anganwadi Centre in Bhaghavanthapuram, Sanathnagar, and reviewed its overall functioning, including service delivery in early childhood care, nutrition, and maternal health. Distributed stationery kits and interacted with the children and staff. Highlighted the need to further strengthen grassroots support systems for holistic child development.”

Through these Nand Ghars, the initiative is set to positively impact nearly 3,000 children and women in the district, providing access to quality nutrition, education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities. During his visit, the Hon’ble Minister engaged warmly with children, mothers, and sevikas, witnessing firsthand the impact of the initiative. He distributed school essentials such as bags and bottles, along with nutritious millet bars, reaffirming Nand Ghar’s commitment to ensuring Poshan through supplementary nutrition interventions and ensuring healthier futures for children.

Adding to this, Shashi Arora, CEO, Nand Ghar who was present at the inauguration, stated, “We are honoured to have the Hon’ble Minister inaugurate and witness the impact of Nand Ghars firsthand. Guided by our Chairman’s vision of transforming rural communities through scalable and sustainable models of development, our endeavour is to create an ecosystem where every child receives the right start in life and every woman is empowered with opportunities to thrive. With continued support and partnerships, we aim to scale this model further and deepen our impact across communities.”

As Nand Ghar continues to expand its footprint, now spanning over 12,700 Nand Ghars, this milestone reflects the power of collective action, where government support, community participation, and institutional commitment come together to drive meaningful change.

Looking ahead, the initiative remains firmly anchored in its vision to impact 14 lakh anganwadis across India and transform the lives of 8 crore children and 2 crore women. With a strong focus on scale, sustainability, and partnerships, Nand Ghar is poised to accelerate its journey, building resilient communities and shaping a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive and every woman is empowered to lead change.

Himachal Governor Briefs PM Modi on Key Development Initiatives

New Delhi: Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to discuss a range of important initiatives and developments in the state.

During the meeting, the Governor apprised the Prime Minister of ongoing welfare programmes, administrative priorities, and efforts aimed at strengthening infrastructure and public services in Himachal Pradesh. He also highlighted steps being taken to promote sustainable development and improve the overall quality of life for residents.

The discussion included key sectors such as rural development, healthcare, and tourism, which continue to play a vital role in the state’s growth. The Governor shared updates on recent progress and sought continued support from the Centre for upcoming projects.

Prime Minister Modi appreciated the efforts being made in the state and reiterated the Centre’s commitment to supporting Himachal Pradesh’s development journey. The meeting reflects ongoing coordination between the state and the Centre to ensure effective implementation of policies and programmes.

Uttar Pradesh to Expand Anganwadi Workforce with Major Recruitment Drive

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a large-scale recruitment drive to strengthen the state’s Anganwadi system, with plans to hire 5,000 Anganwadi workers and 60,000 helpers this year.

The move is aimed at improving the delivery of nutrition, healthcare, and early childhood services under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme. Officials said the recruitment will help address staff shortages and ensure better outreach, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Highlighting the importance of Anganwadi centres, the Chief Minister stressed their role in supporting the health and development of children, as well as providing essential services to pregnant women and new mothers. Strengthening this network, he noted, is key to improving overall community well-being.

The state government is expected to streamline the recruitment process to ensure transparency and timely appointments. Once completed, the expanded workforce is likely to enhance service delivery and bring greater efficiency to grassroots welfare programmes.

Successful Candidates Felicitated at Drishti IAS Noida; Dr. Vikas Divyakirti Shares Insights on the UPSC Journey

Following the declaration of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination 2025 results, a special felicitation ceremony was organised at the Noida centre of Drishti IAS. Nearly 50 successful candidates from across the country attended the event, accompanied by their parents and friends. All those present have been associated with various academic programmes of Drishti IAS at different stages of their preparation.

The occasion was more than a felicitation – it was a gathering of stories that reflect what it truly takes to clear one of the most demanding examinations in the country. Speakers at the event emphasised that UPSC preparation goes well beyond textbooks. It is a long journey built on consistent answer writing, precise feedback and sustained mental discipline.

Speakers at the event highlighted that while many aspirants are able to prepare for the Preliminary stage, the phase leading to the Main Examination often requires consistent answer writing, revision, and regular academic feedback. In recent years, educators have increasingly emphasised the need for continuity in preparation, particularly during this transition.

Addressing the candidates, Dr. Vikas Divyakirti said that maintaining discipline and clarity over a long preparation period remains central to success in the examination. “First of all, I would like to congratulate all the successful candidates. Clearing the Civil Services Examination is never easy – it demands patience, discipline and sustained effort over a long period of time.”

“At this stage, I would like to share a few simple thoughts with you. As you move forward, it is important to remain grounded and not lose sight of where you come from. With success often comes attention and recognition, but it is important to stay focused on your responsibilities rather than getting carried away by it. Continue to work with honesty and commitment, just as you did during your preparation. And equally important, stay connected with your family – their support plays a quiet but significant role throughout this journey. In the end, what will matter is not just clearing the examination, but how you carry yourself in the responsibilities that follow.” he added.

Candidates present at the event also reflected on their preparation journeys. One of the successful aspirants said that having a structured environment helped maintain consistency during demanding phases of the examination cycle. “There are periods when preparation feels uncertain, but regular evaluation and a disciplined routine help you stay on track,” the candidate said.

According to the institute, more than 150 candidates associated with its various academic and mentorship initiatives have been recommended in the final result this year, across different stages of their preparation.

The Civil Services Examination is conducted annually by UPSC in three stages – Preliminary, Main and Personality Test and continues to draw aspirants from diverse educational and social backgrounds across the country.

The event concluded with the felicitation of candidates, marking the transition from years of preparation to the responsibilities of public service.

Senior leadership of Drishti Group, including Co-Founder Dr Taruna Verma, CEO Vivek Tiwari, Deputy CEO Abhishek Singh, and other key members of the academic and administrative team, were present at the felicitation ceremony. These included Gaurav Bana, Chief Marketing Officer, Rabmeet Kaur, Chief Marketing Officer, Neel Parmar, Chief Content Officer, Vipan Joshi, Chief Finance Officer, Abhishek Baru, Chief Technical Officer and Dipanshu, Head of the Mentorship Programme.

Lighting Double-Height Spaces for Impact

Jaipur Mar 30: Double-height spaces present some of the most compelling opportunities in contemporary architecture. Their openness introduces volume and spatial drama, but it also requires thoughtful lighting to ensure that the scale feels intentional rather than overwhelming. In these environments, lighting becomes essential in establishing proportion, guiding visual movement, and reinforcing architectural clarity.

Unlike standard ceiling heights, double-height volumes demand fixtures that can engage with vertical space. Chandeliers and suspended lighting elements help bridge this scale, creating continuity between different levels while introducing a strong visual anchor.

“Lighting plays a critical role in defining how double-height spaces are experienced,” says Naman Jain, Founder of Lumeil. “The right fixture helps establish proportion and balance. It ensures that the space feels cohesive rather than empty.”

Statement chandeliers are often central to these environments. Fixtures such as the Twinkling Tapestry Chrome Luxe Chandelier introduce visual structure while interacting dynamically with light across multiple levels. Its layered composition enhances vertical continuity, allowing the lighting to become part of the architectural expression.

Similarly, the Halo Golden Brass Crystal Chandelier offers both presence and refinement. Its balanced form complements expansive volumes while introducing warmth through its brass finish. These fixtures help define the scale of the space, ensuring that lighting supports the architectural intent.

In staircases, suspended lighting plays an equally important role. As one moves between levels, lighting helps guide the transition, creating a sense of continuity. Carefully selected chandeliers ensure that staircases feel integrated into the overall design rather than functioning as purely utilitarian elements.

“Staircase lighting shapes how people move through the space,” explains Jain. “It enhances the journey between levels and ensures visual continuity across the architecture.”

Wall lighting further enhances this experience by reinforcing vertical surfaces. Fixtures such as the Metronome Glow LED Wall Mounted Lamp introduce controlled illumination that highlights structural elements without overwhelming the space. These lights help define edges and boundaries, ensuring clarity within expansive environments.

Similarly, sculptural wall fixtures like the Scallop Duo Golden Brass Wall Light contribute warmth and visual rhythm. Their presence enhances surfaces while maintaining balance, ensuring that the lighting composition remains cohesive.

Layering chandeliers and wall lighting allows architects and designers to create environments that feel both expansive and refined. Chandeliers establish focal presence, while wall fixtures enhance continuity and depth.

At Lumeil, lighting for double-height spaces is approached with careful consideration of scale, proportion, and architectural integration. Each fixture is curated to ensure that it complements the spatial intent while enhancing the overall experience.

“We see lighting as essential to completing the architectural vision,” says Jain. “In double-height spaces, the right fixture brings clarity, balance, and identity.”

As contemporary architecture continues to embrace openness and verticality, the importance of lighting in these spaces becomes even more pronounced. It ensures that scale is supported by structure and that openness is complemented by visual cohesion.

When thoughtfully integrated, lighting transforms double-height spaces from purely architectural volumes into environments that feel connected, balanced, and complete.

Elvin Industries Targets 1 Million Solar Rooftop Installations

Vijayawada, Mar 30: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed satisfaction over the rapid expansion of the solar energy sector in Andhra Pradesh, noting the rise in investments and employment driven by the State government’s proactive renewable energy policies.

 Elvin Industries Chairman Vijay Bhaskar met the Chief Minister in Amaravati on Saturday and presented a detailed update on the company’s ongoing solar rooftop initiatives and their progress across the State.

He reaffirmed that Elvin Industries is committed to supporting the government’s vision of transforming Andhra Pradesh into a leading green energy hub. As part of its long-term strategy, Elvin Industries aims to install solar rooftop systems in 1 million households across the State.

Bhaskar stated that the initiative would strengthen energy self-sufficiency while significantly contributing to environmental sustainability.

Highlighting employment generation, he noted that Elvin Industries has already created around 500 jobs and is planning to generate nearly 20,000 additional employment opportunities in the coming year.

He also mentioned that Elvin Industries has received recognition for its excellence in the solar sector from reputed industry platforms such as EQ Magazine and SolarQuarter.

The Chief Minister commended Elvin Industries for its commitment to quality standards and customer satisfaction, encouraging the company to maintain its growth momentum and further strengthen its role in advancing the State’s renewable energy ecosystem.

He expressed confidence that strong collaboration between the government and private enterprises like Elvin Industries will help position Andhra Pradesh as a leader in the green energy sector.

Hand in Glove: Why Gloves Are the Must-Have Accessory This Summer

Gloves are stepping back into the spotlight as a surprising yet stylish accessory this season. Once reserved for winter wardrobes or formal occasions, gloves are now making waves in spring and summer fashion, with designers showcasing sheer leather, delicate lace, and lightweight fabrics that blend style with functionality.

Pic Credit: Pexel

This season’s glove trend is not just about aesthetics. Lightweight gloves offer a practical benefit for sunny days: protecting your hands from harmful UV rays. While most people remember sunscreen for their face and arms, hands are equally exposed to sun damage, which can lead to premature aging, dark spots, and even skin cancer. Summer-friendly gloves provide a chic shield while keeping your look sophisticated.

Designers are experimenting with textures and transparency to ensure gloves remain breathable and comfortable in warmer weather. Sheer leather gloves in pastel tones, lace gloves with intricate patterns, and fingerless designs allow for freedom of movement while making a fashion statement. They pair effortlessly with flowing dresses, tailored blazers, or even casual denim, adding a touch of elegance to everyday outfits.

In addition to sun protection, summer gloves can help keep hands clean and hygienic, especially during outdoor events or travel. Lightweight, breathable fabrics make it easy to wear them throughout the day without discomfort.

Whether you choose a delicate lace pair for a garden party or a sleek leather design for urban outings, gloves are proving they are far more than a cold-weather accessory. This summer, they combine fashion, functionality, and sun-smart protection, making them a wardrobe essential for the style-conscious and health-conscious alike.

India Shines at Spanish Para-Badminton International 2026, Pramod Bhagat Leads the Way

Toledo, Spain: India delivered a strong performance at the Spanish Para-Badminton International 2026 – Level 1, with Pramod Bhagat emerging as the star performer. The Paralympic champion secured one gold and two silver medals, driving India’s impressive showing on the international stage.

Bhagat’s standout moment came in the Mixed Doubles SL3-SU5 category, where he partnered with Manisha Ramdass. The Indian pair showcased exceptional coordination and resilience, defeating compatriots Nitesh Kumar and Thulasimathi Murugesan in straight sets. They comfortably took the first set 21-15 and edged a tense second set 24-22, clinching the title in just 30 minutes.

In the Men’s Singles SL3 final, Bhagat earned a silver medal after a hard-fought match against Nitesh Kumar, losing 10-21, 17-21. He added another silver in the Men’s Doubles SL3-SU5 event alongside Sukant Kadam. The duo staged a strong comeback after dropping the first set 16-21 against Naveen Sivakumar and Surya Kant Yadav, winning the second 21-12, but eventually fell 15-21 in the decider.

India’s overall campaign in Toledo was highlighted by multiple podium finishes. Nitesh Kumar claimed gold in the Men’s Singles SL3, while Manasi Joshi and Thulasimathi Murugesan triumphed in the Women’s Doubles SL3-SU5. Thulasimathi Murugesan also added an individual medal to her tally, contributing to India’s strong medal haul.

The team’s performance reflects India’s growing dominance in para-badminton and underscores the depth of talent across categories.