13, Jul 2026
Security Intensified at Rajasthan High Court After Fresh Bomb Threat
Jaipur, July 13: Security arrangements have been strengthened at the Rajasthan High Court premises in Jaipur and Jodhpur following a fresh bomb threat, prompting authorities to launch precautionary measures and an investigation.
After receiving the threat, security agencies conducted detailed checks at the court complexes and increased deployment to ensure the safety of judges, lawyers, staff, and visitors.
Police and security teams are examining the details of the threat and taking necessary steps to identify its source. Officials are closely monitoring the situation while maintaining strict security protocols across both locations.
Authorities have assured that all precautionary measures are being implemented to prevent any untoward incident and ensure the smooth functioning of court proceedings.
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- By Neel Achary
13, Jul 2026
Rajasthan Boosts DISCOM Reforms and Renewable Energy Push
Jaipur, July 13: Rajasthan is taking significant steps to build a stronger and more sustainable power sector by improving the financial health of electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs) and accelerating the adoption of renewable energy solutions.
The state is focusing on enhancing the operational efficiency and financial stability of DISCOMs through improved management practices, better resource utilisation, and measures aimed at creating a more reliable electricity distribution network.
At the same time, Rajasthan is expanding its renewable energy footprint by leveraging its strong potential in solar and wind power. The push towards clean energy is aimed at meeting growing electricity demand while supporting environmental sustainability and reducing dependence on conventional energy sources.
The state’s initiatives are expected to strengthen energy security, improve power supply reliability, and support long-term economic growth. Modernising power infrastructure and promoting clean energy development remain key priorities as Rajasthan works towards building a resilient and future-ready energy ecosystem.
The combined focus on DISCOM reforms and renewable energy expansion reflects Rajasthan’s commitment to creating a balanced power sector that supports consumers, industries, and sustainable development goals.
13, Jul 2026
Delhi Launches Major Plantation Drive to Expand Green Cover; CM Urges Citizens to Join Effort
New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta participated in the city’s ambitious 70 lakh tree plantation campaign, calling on residents to actively support efforts aimed at increasing green cover and creating a healthier environment.
The large-scale initiative focuses on promoting urban greenery, improving environmental sustainability, and encouraging community participation in plantation activities across the national capital. Government departments, civic bodies, and citizens are joining hands to strengthen Delhi’s green infrastructure through widespread tree planting.
Highlighting the importance of collective action, the Chief Minister urged people to not only plant trees but also take responsibility for their care and maintenance to ensure long-term environmental benefits.
The plantation campaign is expected to contribute towards improving air quality, enhancing biodiversity, and creating more sustainable urban spaces. Authorities are identifying suitable locations for plantation while focusing on the survival and growth of newly planted trees.
The initiative reflects Delhi’s continued efforts to address environmental challenges and build a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable city for future generations.
13, Jul 2026
SEBI Tightens Employee Service and Investment Rules
New Delhi, July 13: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced updated service and investment guidelines for its employees, aimed at promoting greater transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct within the organisation.
The revised framework places stronger emphasis on compliance, investment disclosures, and responsible financial practices to minimise potential conflicts of interest. The move is intended to ensure that employees maintain the highest standards of professionalism while carrying out their regulatory responsibilities.
As India’s securities market regulator, SEBI continues to focus on strengthening internal governance systems and maintaining public trust. The enhanced guidelines are expected to reinforce a culture of integrity and accountability among employees.
The updated measures reflect SEBI’s ongoing commitment to ensuring transparency in its operations and upholding confidence in the country’s financial markets.
13, Jul 2026
Mortal Remains of 15 Indians from Vietnam Boat Tragedy to Be Repatriated Today
New Delhi, July 13: The mortal remains of 15 Indian nationals who lost their lives in the tragic Vietnam boat accident are being repatriated to India, bringing relief and closure to grieving families awaiting the return of their loved ones.
The unfortunate incident occurred when a tourist boat carrying Indian passengers capsized near Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam, resulting in the loss of several lives. Following the tragedy, rescue teams and local authorities carried out emergency operations, while officials worked to assist survivors and manage the aftermath.
The repatriation process is being carried out with coordination between Indian and Vietnamese authorities to ensure the safe return of the mortal remains. Necessary arrangements have been made for transportation and completion of required formalities before the bodies are handed over to the respective families.
The tragedy has left families across India mourning the loss of their loved ones. The incident has also drawn attention to the importance of maritime safety measures and emergency preparedness for tourist and passenger vessels.
Authorities from both countries continue to extend support to the affected families and are working to complete all procedures related to the repatriation and further investigation into the incident.
The return of the mortal remains marks an important step in supporting the bereaved families as they cope with the devastating loss.
13, Jul 2026
Gujarat Trains 4,526 Volunteers Under Aapda Mitra Scheme to Boost Disaster Preparedness
Gujarat, July 13: Gujarat has trained 4,526 volunteers under the Aapda Mitra scheme as part of efforts to strengthen community-level disaster response and preparedness across the state.
The initiative focuses on equipping volunteers with essential skills in emergency response, rescue operations, first aid, and disaster management to provide timely support during natural calamities and other emergencies.
The state is also working towards achieving 50% participation of women volunteers under the programme, promoting greater inclusivity and enhancing community resilience during disaster situations.
The trained volunteers will serve as a vital support system for authorities during emergencies, helping improve response efficiency and ensuring assistance reaches affected communities quickly.
The Aapda Mitra initiative highlights Gujarat’s commitment to building a stronger, better-prepared, and more resilient disaster management network through active citizen participation.
13, Jul 2026
Rainfall Brings Field Relief, but Samba Plans Remain Uncertain
Tamil Nadu, July 13: Farmers in Tamil Nadu’s Nagapattinam district are adopting a cautious approach towards the upcoming samba cultivation season as uneven rainfall patterns bring both opportunities and challenges for agricultural activities.
Recent showers in several parts of the district have improved soil moisture conditions, allowing farmers to begin essential field preparation work, including ploughing and land readiness activities. The rainfall has provided some relief by creating favourable conditions for initial farming operations.
However, inconsistent rainfall distribution has raised concerns among farmers regarding long-term water availability and irrigation support needed for successful samba paddy cultivation. While some areas have received beneficial rainfall, others continue to monitor weather conditions before making final decisions on sowing.
Farmers are closely observing rainfall trends, groundwater levels, and available irrigation resources to determine their cultivation plans. The continuation of adequate rainfall in the coming weeks will play a key role in shaping the prospects of the samba crop this season.
Agricultural stakeholders have emphasised the importance of efficient water management, timely guidance, and continued support to help farmers respond to changing weather conditions and maintain productivity.
As the samba season approaches, farmers across Nagapattinam remain hopeful while carefully assessing climatic conditions to make informed cultivation decisions.
13, Jul 2026
Kin Global Reports Strong Commercial Momentum Ahead of Inaugural PPA Asia 500 Leapmotor Singapore Open Under Its Multi-Year Partnership Agreement
SINGAPORE, July 13 - Kin Global Limited (“Kin Global” or the “Company”, and together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”), Singapore’s largest sports events management company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Kin Productions Pte Ltd (“Kin Productions”), is pleased to update on the commercial and operational progress of the inaugural PPA Asia 500 Leapmotor Singapore Open.
The event marks the first year of Kin Global’s multi-year partnership with Professional Pickleball Association Asia (“PPA Asia”) and reflects the Group’s strategic focus on expanding its Intellectual Property (‘IP”) portfolio of sports, events and experiences.
Mr. Vincent Chai, Chief Executive Officer of Kin Global, commented: “The PPA Asia 500 Leapmotor Singapore Open represents an important step in Kin Global’s strategy to move up the events tourism value chain by securing and commercialising popular sports IP, events and experiences.
We believe our multi-year partnership with PPA Asia underscores the Group’s proven capabilities and strong track record in event delivery, operational excellence, and commercial execution, reinforcing our position as a trusted partner for world-class events.
The encouraging response from commercial partners, professional athletes, amateur participants and fans reinforces our confidence in the long-term commercial potential of both the pickleball sport and the broader sports experiences market.”
Ms. Kimberly Koh, Managing Director of UPA Asia, said: “Bringing a PPA Asia 500 tournament to Singapore for the first time is a massive step forward for the sport’s global footprint. The incredible response, resulting in full player registrations and sold-out weekend tickets, proves that the appetite for top-tier pickleball in Southeast Asia is undeniable. Kin Global has been an exceptional partner in creating an ecosystem that not only showcases world-class athletic talent competing for a US$70,000 prize purse but also engages the local community through an unforgettable event experience.”
Mr. Isaac Yeo, Managing Director of Stellantis ASEAN, said, “Our role as Title Sponsor of the PPA Asia 500 Singapore Open Tournament reflects Leapmotor’s commitment to engaging with fast-growing communities across Southeast Asia. Much like pickleball, our Leapmotor vehicles are designed to be accessible, intelligent and versatile, meeting the needs of modern drivers who seek both practicality and performance. This partnership reinforces our long-term investment in the region while strengthening meaningful connections beyond traditional automotive touchpoints.”
Multi-Year Partnership Agreement with PPA Supports Kin Global’s IP Strategy
The PPA Asia 500 Singapore Open forms part of a multi-year partnership agreement between Kin Global and PPA Asia. As the sixth stop on the 2026 PPA Tour Asia calendar, the PPA Asia 500 Leapmotor Singapore Open represents a key addition to Kin Global’s portfolio of international sporting events and experiences.
The partnership also positions Kin Global within one of the world’s fastest-growing sports ecosystems, where industry investment and commercial interest in pickleball have accelerated globally in recent years, supported by growing participation levels, expanding professional circuits and increasing sponsorship activity across major markets.
Recent institutional investments into the broader PPA and professional pickleball ecosystem further underscore growing confidence in the sport’s long-term commercial potential.
Strong Commercial and Sponsorship Support Secured by Kin Global
The inaugural tournament has secured strong commercial and sponsorship support from a diverse range of international and local brands spanning the automotive, sports apparel, logistics, lifestyle, hospitality and consumer sectors.
Key partners and sponsors include Leapmotor as Presenting Partner and Official Automotive Partner, alongside Skechers as Official Apparel Partner, FedEx as Official Logistics Partner, Asahi as Official Beer Partner, PARKROYAL on Beach Road as Official Hotel Partner, and supporting partners from the global pickleball ecosystem, including JOOLA, Franklin, Paddletek and Facolos, among others.
The diversity of brands supporting the tournament demonstrates Kin Global’s capabilities in securing, commercialising and delivering integrated partnership opportunities for brands, while reinforcing the growing commercial attractiveness of pickleball as a platform for consumer engagement and experiential marketing.
Full Player Registration Capacity Validates Kin Global’s Sports Experiences Strategy
Strong participation from both pro and amateur players further demonstrates demand for professionally organised sports experiences. The event has achieved full player registration capacity, with more than 150 players participating in the pro category from over 13 countries, including players such as Len Yang (USA), Collin Johns (USA) and Aiko Yoshitomi (JPN). Pro category players will compete for a prize purse of more than US$70,000 and 500 PPA ranking points, while the amateur category will offer prize money totalling US$9,000.
Through the unique “Play Where the Pros Play” format, Kin Global has created an integrated sports experience that combines professional competition, community participation and commercial engagement.
Strong Ticket Sales Provide Additional Revenue Stream
Public response and fan engagement have been encouraging, with more than 80% of tickets sold across the four-day event as of 29 June 2026, while weekend sessions have already been fully sold out.
The strong response also reflects the rapid growth of pickleball across Asia. According to research conducted by UPA Asia and YouGov Singapore, approximately 1.9 billion people across 12 Asian markets(1) are aware of pickleball, while more than 282 million people participate in the sport at least once a month.
With Singapore recording one of the highest awareness levels in the region at approximately 70%, the findings underscore the growing demand for professional tournaments, organised competitions and sports experiences across Asia.
The PPA Asia 500 Leapmotor Singapore Open will take place from 23 to 26 July 2026 at The Sports Arina @ Singapore EXPO Hall 10.
11, Jul 2026
Centre Issues Guidelines for National Anthem, Song
New Delhi, July 11: The Central Government has issued fresh guidelines on the correct script, pronunciation, and rendition of the National Anthem and National Song to ensure uniformity during official and public events.
The guidelines stress maintaining the original words, proper pronunciation, and approved format while singing or reciting national symbols.
The move aims to create greater awareness and ensure respectful presentation of the National Anthem and National Song across schools, government offices, and public institutions.
Authorities have advised all organisations to follow the prescribed guidelines and avoid any changes or incorrect usage during programmes.
11, Jul 2026
New JMU Research Challenges Sleep Training Norms
July 11: New research by Jennie Rosier, associate professor in the School of Communication Studies at James Madison University, is challenging one of the most widely accepted parenting practices in the U.S.: cry-it-out sleep training.
In “Dispelling Cry-It-Out Sleep Training Myths and What to Do Instead,” Rosier and a team of interdisciplinary scholars argue that infant night waking is not a behavioral problem to fix, but a normal and developmentally expected part of infancy. Drawing from psychology, neuroscience, anthropology, and attachment research, the book questions whether popular sleep-training methods widely promoted by pediatricians, media and parenting influencers are as effective or benign as commonly believed.
The book takes a critical look at both extinction (“cry-it-out”) and controlled crying methods, highlighting:
- Evidence that infant night waking is biologically typical
- Concerns about how reduced caregiver responsiveness may affect stress regulation and attachment
- Methodological flaws in studies claiming sleep training success
- Practical, evidence-based alternatives that support sleep without leaving infants to cry alone
At a time when exhausted parents are often told independent sleep is essential, Rosier’s work reframes the conversation: What if the issue isn’t babies’ sleep but our expectations?
Why this matters now:
- Sleep training remains one of the most searched parenting topics online
- A growing cultural shift toward responsive parenting and attachment-based approaches
- Rising mental health concerns among new parents navigating conflicting advice
Rosier can discuss:
- Why sleep training became “authoritative” advice in Western culture
- What research says about infant sleep development
- Whether babies are capable of “self-soothing”
- Realistic sleep expectations for the first year
- Evidence-based alternatives to cry-it-out methods
“Parents have been told for decades that infants need to be trained to sleep independently, and that their nighttime waking is a problem to fix. But the evidence tells a different story. Waking at night is a normal, biologically expected part of infancy, not a behavioral flaw,” said Rosier.
“This new research challenges parents and practitioners to reconsider long-held assumptions about ‘cry-it-out’ methods and to recognize that responsiveness, not withdrawal, supports healthy development,” added Rosier.
