Category Archives: News

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.

Arth Art International presents Artist Talk – ‘Journey with the Divine Flow’: A Solo Exhibition by Jayant K, Ambassador of India to Spain and Andorra

New Delhi, Mar 30: Arth Art International presents Artist Talk – ‘Journey with the Divine Flow’, an immersive evening featuring a solo exhibition by Jayant K, Ambassador of India to Spain and Andorra, along with an engaging conversation with Jyoti A. Kathpalia, Associate Professor and Art Curator. To be held at Travancore Palace Gallery, 10A, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi, on Wednesday, April 1st, 2026 at 6:00 PM, the evening brings together the exhibition viewing and an in-depth dialogue on the artist’s journey, processes, and philosophical underpinnings.

 The exhibition is curated by Gargi Seth and artworks are on display until April 5th, 2026. Shaped by his years in the Indian Foreign Service, Jayant K’s artistic journey draws deeply from a life of constant movement; of uprooting and re-rooting across cultures, absorbing new landscapes, people and sensibilities. This cycle of displacement, discovery and quiet introspection has lent his work an emotional undercurrent, where art becomes both anchor and expression. Without formal training, his practice has evolved through lived experience and sustained exposure to art across geographies, allowing instinct, memory and observation to guide his visual language. This journey finds expression across 45 artworks, rendered in oil on canvas, acrylic on canvas, mixed media, oil on print on canvas and installation.

The exhibition brings together a body of work that unfolds through a threefold lens: nature, rhythm and the divine icon. Nature appears as more than a backdrop, emerging as a living, contemplative space carrying an unseen presence; dance and music infuse the canvases with movement and inner rhythm, where figures swirl, play and dissolve into their own worlds; while icons of gods and epic imagery, inspired by Indian traditions and their echoes across Southeast Asia, anchor the works in a sacred visual vocabulary. Together, these elements are bound by a continuous thread of lyricism, introspection, and a quiet search for the divine flowing through all creation.

On his artistic journey, Jayant K says,

“Nature, for me, is where the divine first reveals itself – petal by petal, leaf by leaf, in a language that is quiet yet profound. In its rhythms, I begin to hear deeper music, one that flows into movement, into dance, where the body becomes a vessel of that same unseen energy. And then, in the forms of the divine, I seek to give that presence a shape; something we can recognise, revere and connect with.”
Jayant further added, “My work moves through these three realms: nature, rhythm and the sacred form, all as a continuous journey. It is my way of seeking meaning, of allowing the finite to reach towards the infinite, and of discovering that the divine is not distant, but present in all that surrounds and moves within us.”

Jyoti A Kathpalia shared her views as,

“I look forward to engaging in a conversation that goes beyond the canvas—exploring the many layers within Jayant K’s work, from the quiet presence of the divine in nature to the rhythm and movement that animate his figures. The idea is to open up the artist’s journey, his processes and the philosophical threads that run through his practice, creating a space for dialogue, reflection and deeper connection with the works.”

Enthralled to open this one-of-a-kind evening to the audiences, Mr. Sushil Shriwastwa, CEO, Arth Art International and Founder, Asian Art Diversity, said,

“With Artist Talk – Journey with the Divine Flow, we wanted to create an evening that goes beyond viewing art to truly engaging with it. Jayant K’s works are deeply introspective, and the conversation with Jyoti A. Kathpalia adds an important layer. Together, the exhibition and the talk open up a more immersive space to explore the ideas of nature, rhythm, and the divine that run through his work.”

Odisha Khadi Fair 2026 Showcases Artisans and Boosts Rural Economy

Bhubaneswar, March 30, 2026 – The Odisha Khadi Fair 2026 concluded in Bhubaneswar after seven days of celebration, highlighting the pivotal role of khadi in generating rural employment and driving economic growth.

The 7 day long Odisha Khadi Fair–2026 concluded in Bhubaneswar, highlighting khadi’s key role in rural employment and economic growth.

Organized by the Odisha Khadi and Village Industries Board, the fair onboarded 50 artisan groups to ONDC, promoting digital inclusion. With 75… pic.twitter.com/hdfgBiBnOd

— I & PR Department, Odisha (@IPR_Odisha) March 29, 2026

Organized by the Odisha Khadi and Village Industries Board, the fair provided a platform for over 50 artisan groups to onboard onto the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), advancing digital inclusion for traditional crafts. With 75 stalls featuring products from Odisha and other states, the event facilitated business worth approximately ₹1.2 crore, strengthening market connections and supporting artisan livelihoods.

The fair emphasized not only commerce but also the preservation of handloom traditions, creating opportunities for small-scale producers to reach wider audiences while promoting sustainable, locally-made products.

Odisha Celebrates a Year of Transforming Lives Through Antyodaya Gruha Yojana

Bhubaneswar, March 30, 2026 – Odisha has completed a year of significant progress under the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana, a flagship program focused on providing safe and dignified housing for the State’s most vulnerable families. The initiative has reached thousands of households, including in remote districts such as Kalahandi, ensuring that marginalized communities have access to secure homes and improved living conditions.

Pic Credit:https://x.com/CMO_Odisha

The scheme goes beyond building houses, fostering stability, security, and dignity for families that have long faced economic and social challenges. With effective implementation across the State, Antyodaya Gruha Yojana has become a model of inclusive development, demonstrating how targeted social welfare programs can transform lives and strengthen communities.

Subhadra Scheme Drives Financial Inclusion and Economic Gains in Odisha

Odisha’s flagship Subhadra Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme is emerging as a key driver of women’s empowerment and economic stability in the state. Designed to strengthen financial independence among women, the initiative is showing measurable improvements in household resilience and participation in the local economy.

According to a recent report by State Bank of India Research, beneficiaries of the scheme have recorded a 45% increase in savings and a 28% rise in spending. These trends indicate not only improved financial security but also greater confidence in managing household finances.

The Subhadra scheme, which provides direct financial support to women, is helping expand access to formal banking systems while encouraging regular savings habits. Increased spending among beneficiaries is also contributing to local economic activity, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.

Experts note that such targeted DBT initiatives play a crucial role in promoting inclusive growth by ensuring that financial resources reach women directly. This, in turn, enhances their decision-making power within households and supports long-term socio-economic development.

The Odisha government has positioned the scheme as part of a broader strategy to improve livelihoods, reduce financial vulnerability, and strengthen grassroots economic participation. Early indicators suggest that the initiative is not only uplifting individual households but also contributing to the state’s overall economic momentum.