Category Archives: News

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.

Noida International Airport Launch Marks Major Infrastructure Push in Uttar Pradesh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Noida International Airport at Jewar, marking a significant step in Uttar Pradesh’s infrastructure growth. With this addition, the state now ranks among those with the highest number of international airports in India.

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

Describing the occasion as important for both the state and the country, he said the airport reflects the broader vision of a developed Uttar Pradesh contributing to a developed India. He also noted his long-standing association with the state, emphasizing that the project strengthens its identity at a national and global level.

The airport is expected to improve connectivity across western Uttar Pradesh, benefiting cities such as Agra, Mathura, Aligarh, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Etawah, Bulandshahr, and Faridabad. It is likely to create new opportunities for farmers, small businesses, and young people in the region, while also supporting trade and travel.

Referring to global challenges, Modi mentioned ongoing tensions in West Asia and their impact on supplies of essential commodities like fuel and fertilizers. He said the government is taking steps to reduce the burden of such disruptions on citizens.

He also highlighted recent development projects in the region, including a semiconductor facility in Noida, expansion of metro services in Meerut, and the progress of the Namo Bharat rail corridor. These initiatives, he said, are strengthening connectivity and supporting economic growth.

The airport project was originally approved in 2003 during the tenure of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and has now been completed after gaining momentum in recent years. It is expected to emerge as a key aviation hub for North India.

Frequent Social Media Use Could Impact Child Development

By: Sydney Barrilleaux Newswise

Regular social media use across early adolescence is related to worse reading and vocabulary development over time, according to new research from the University of Georgia.

The study found that adolescents who used social media more often each day tend to struggle with recognizing and pronouncing words.

The new findings come just as Australia became the first country to ban children under 16 from using social media. As other countries consider similar measures, and social media platforms roll out age verification to restrict adolescents’ online activity, the study raises additional concerns on the impact of social media and screen use on childhood development, the researchers said.

“The brain is like a muscle. The more you use it, the more it changes according to however you’re using it,” said Cory Carvalho, lead author of the study who received his doctorate from the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences. “If you think of the Olympics, the figure skaters are really good at figure skating because they spend eight hours a day doing it. Their muscles are wired to be figure skating machines.

“If kids spend over eight hours a day using social media, that’s what their brains are going to adapt to and be wired for.”
Spending excessive time on social media linked to weaker reading skills, vocabulary The study relied on longitudinal data from the ongoing Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study, which follows more than 10,000 adolescents over six years starting around age 10.

The researchers found that frequent social media use was linked to struggles with reading and vocabulary across four years.

“There’s a time cost to social media use. If you’re spending time doing one thing, that means you’re not spending time doing another thing,” Carvalho said. “Other studies found that the more kids are using social media, the less they’re reading, so reading development lags behind. We also found this with their vocabulary.”

Weaker reading and vocabulary skills could impact a child’s school performance.

Children who used social media more often also struggled with attentional control across the same period. This could be because juggling multiple tasks and frequent notifications disrupt kids’ attention, but it’s also possible that adolescents who already struggle with focusing are more likely to use social media, the researchers said.

Kids who use social media more tend to process information faster Not all the impacts of social media use were negative, though, the researchers said. Children who were on social media frequently processed information faster and had shorter reaction times. However, the researchers cautioned that these observed benefits may be limited to screen-based assessments of processing speed, like the one used in the study.

“It’s not necessarily that social media is having only these negative effects or only these positive effects,” said Niyantri Ravindran, co-author of the study and an assistant professor in the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences. “The negative effects on vocabulary and reading are more expected because social media is potentially depriving kids of opportunities to engage in some of those higher-level cognitive skills.”

Social media can also help children stay connected with others, especially if they’re in an environment where making friends is difficult, the researchers said.

Limiting screen time, waiting to get kids a smartphone could build better habits To help combat those negative effects, the researchers suggest limiting screen time for adolescents, especially before bed. They also recommend waiting until kids are older to purchase a smartphone.

If parents do need to stay in touch with their kids, a “dumb phone” that can’t access social media could also be an option, the researchers said.
“Social media is new, so everybody’s trying to figure out what we do with this new paradigm,” Carvalho said. “Kids like it. Adults like it. And everybody uses it.

“What you’re going to see is that a lot of different states, countries and organizations are going to try different things. Hopefully, we settle on some norms that work for kids and not for profits.”

IndiGo Flight Makes Safe Emergency Landing at Delhi Airport

An IndiGo flight was forced to make an emergency landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport on Saturday, following a technical issue reported mid-air. All passengers and crew on board were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.

Airport and airline officials confirmed that the flight landed smoothly, and emergency services were on standby as a precaution. Passengers were later assisted with alternate travel arrangements.

IndiGo has stated that it is investigating the cause of the incident and emphasized that passenger safety is its top priority. The airline also reassured travelers that all standard safety protocols were followed.

Authorities are coordinating with the airline to ensure that operations at the airport continue without disruption while the investigation is underway.

PM Modi to Inaugurate ₹891 Crore Rail Projects in Gujarat

Gujarat is set to witness a major boost in railway infrastructure as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to inaugurate a series of projects worth ₹891 crore. The initiatives include a new rail line and multiple track-doubling projects aimed at enhancing connectivity and improving the efficiency of the state’s rail network.

Officials say that the new rail line will connect key regions, reducing travel time and providing better access for passengers and freight transport. The track-doubling projects are expected to ease congestion on busy routes, allowing more trains to run smoothly and improving punctuality.

The launch of these projects reflects the government’s continued focus on strengthening infrastructure to support economic growth and regional development. Enhanced rail connectivity is expected to benefit industries, trade, and tourism across Gujarat.

With these initiatives, commuters can look forward to faster, more reliable train services, while the state’s transport network becomes better equipped to handle increasing passenger and cargo demand.

The Prime Minister’s visit underscores the importance of modernizing the rail sector and delivering infrastructure projects that directly improve the quality of life for residents while fostering economic opportunities.