Category Archives: News

India Stunned as Germany Clinch FIH Pro League Win

June 19: India produced a spirited performance but fell short against Germany in a closely contested FIH Pro League encounter, despite showing resilience and creating several key scoring opportunities throughout the match.

Both teams started on an aggressive note, with Germany managing to take control in crucial phases of the game. India responded with determined attacking play and solid defensive efforts, keeping the contest competitive until the final stages.

India’s forwards tested the German defence on multiple occasions, while the midfield worked hard to maintain possession and build attacking transitions. However, Germany’s clinical finishing and structured gameplay gave them the edge in the decisive moments of the match.

Despite the result, India’s performance was marked by fighting spirit and tactical discipline, with several positives to take forward in their ongoing Pro League campaign. The team will look to build on this performance as they prepare for upcoming fixtures.

Coaching staff emphasized the importance of converting opportunities and maintaining consistency against top-ranked opponents, noting that such high-intensity matches are crucial for long-term development and preparation.

The encounter adds valuable experience for India as they continue their campaign in the FIH Pro League, with focus now shifting to upcoming matches.

UN Marks International Yoga Day with Global Participation and Wellness Focus

New York, June 19: The United Nations marked International Yoga Day with a global gathering that brought together diplomats, delegates, and wellness practitioners from several countries to highlight the growing global embrace of yoga as a holistic practice for health and well-being.

The event featured guided yoga sessions and demonstrations showcasing traditional practices aimed at improving physical fitness, mental clarity, and emotional balance. Participants underscored yoga’s relevance in promoting healthier lifestyles and managing stress in today’s fast-paced world.

Speakers at the celebration emphasized that yoga has evolved beyond a traditional discipline into a global wellness movement, widely adopted across cultures as part of preventive healthcare and daily well-being routines.

The programme also highlighted yoga’s role in fostering mindfulness, inner harmony, and a sense of collective well-being. Delegates noted that its universal appeal continues to bridge cultural differences and encourage shared approaches to health and wellness.

The observance at the UN reinforced the importance of international cooperation in promoting holistic health practices and sustainable well-being initiatives, reflecting yoga’s enduring contribution to global peace and harmony.

Fish Oil Supplements May Not Prevent Alzheimer’s-Related Decline

LOS ANGELES: Americans spend more than $1 billion annually on fish oil supplements, in part due to purported cognitive benefits from the omega-3 fatty acids they contain, essential nutrients that help form brain cell connections needed for cognition. 

However, a new Keck Medicine of USCstudy published today in eBioMedicine suggests that increasing omega-3 levels via supplements has little effect on brain health despite showing evidence that the nutrients directly reach the brain.

The two-year, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study of older adults with an elevated risk of developing Alzheimer’s showed that high doses of omega-3s did not improve memory, cognitive function or brain cell loss in areas of the brain related to Alzheimer’s.

“We all wish there was a silver bullet for preventing Alzheimer’s, but our findings showed that fish oil supplements do not appear to protect brain health,” said Hussein Naji Yassine, MD, director of the USC Center for Personalized Brain Health and lead investigator of the study. “While omega-3s play an important role in forming brain cell connections needed for cognition, our results do not support fish oil supplements as a preventive measure against Alzheimer’s.”

How the study was conducted

Researchers recruited 365 adults, ages 55 to 80 who rarely ate fish, which is rich in omega-3s, and who study authors considered at risk for Alzheimer’s. About half (47%) carried an APOE4 gene, the strongest genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer’s. Participants were randomly chosen to receive either daily fish oil supplements or a placebo. The supplements contained 2,000 mg of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a key omega-3 involved in brain function.

Researchers were first interested to learn whether the omega-3 in the supplement was able to reach the brain. 

They measured DHA levels in cerebrospinal fluid, which surrounds the brain, and found an average 17% increase of DHA levels in patients’ brains after six months, confirming the omega-3 reached its intended target.

Next, researchers tested participants’ memory and cognitive abilities at the beginning of the study and again two years later. Study participants who took DHA supplements did no better on the tests than those who took a placebo. Brain scans also showed that supplements did not prevent shrinkage of the hippocampus, a brain region important for memory that is often used as a marker of brain aging and Alzheimer’s risk.

Looking beyond supplements

Now, Yassine and his team are focused on solving why omega-3 supplements can reach the brain but not affect brain health. Based on their previous research, they believe omega-3s may work better as a part of a Mediterranean-style diet, which is naturally rich in omega-3s and linked with lower Alzheimer’s risk, than in a standalone supplement.

“We’re focused on better understanding how the brain processes omega-3s and whether factors, such as poor health, dietary pattern, genetic risk and age, may change the brain’s ability to effectively absorb and use omega-3s,” said Yassine. “We are working to develop medications that may help the brain better utilize these nutrients to preserve cognitive function.”  

Holistic lifestyle remains the best prevention

While out of scope of the study, the researchers stress that overall healthy living — rather than relying on fish oil supplements alone —is the best way to protect brain health. 

“Staying healthy throughout life remains the most powerful tool we have for reducing Alzheimer’s risk, including regular exercise, quality sleep and a balanced diet,” said Yassine. “Living a healthy lifestyle is the brain’s equivalent of getting regular car maintenance and high-quality oil changes. The brain is more likely to lose greater function if health issues in other parts of the body go unaddressed, in the same way that car engines stop working if regular maintenance is skipped.”

Other USC authors for the study include Lina D’Orazio, PhD, a clinical psychologist and neuropsychology specialist with Keck Medicine; Lon Schneider, PhD, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Keck School of Medicine of USC; Michael Harrington, MD, a professor of research neurology at the Keck School; and Meredith Braskie, PhD, an assistant professor of neurology at the Keck School.

Amit Shah Reviews Steps to Strengthen Cooperative Banks and Boost Exports

New Delhi, June 19: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Thursday reviewed a set of ongoing measures aimed at strengthening the cooperative banking sector and enhancing India’s export competitiveness.

 Pic Credit: https://x.com/AmitShah

The review focused on improving the financial stability, governance, and operational efficiency of cooperative banks, which play a key role in providing credit support at the grassroots level, especially in rural and semi-urban regions. Discussions also highlighted the need to deepen financial inclusion and expand the reach of cooperative institutions.

Alongside this, the meeting assessed strategies to boost exports by improving global competitiveness, supporting diversification of export products, and ensuring better institutional coordination for trade promotion. Emphasis was placed on enabling stronger linkages between financial institutions and export-oriented industries.

Officials noted that modernising the cooperative sector is essential to strengthening rural credit systems and supporting economic activity at the grassroots level. The Minister underlined the importance of ensuring transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability within cooperative banking institutions.

The review forms part of the government’s broader effort to reinforce the cooperative sector as a pillar of inclusive growth while simultaneously advancing India’s export-led economic expansion.

Kolkata Metro to Begin Early Morning Services on June 21 for Yoga Day and NEET-UG

Kolkata, June 19: In a passenger-friendly move, Kolkata Metro Railway will commence services from 4:00 a.m. on June 21 to facilitate commuters on the occasion of International Yoga Day and the NEET-UG examination.

The early start has been planned to ensure smooth and timely travel for students appearing for the national medical entrance examination, as well as participants attending Yoga Day events across the city. Officials said the decision aims to reduce travel stress and provide convenient connectivity during peak early morning hours.

Metro authorities have advised passengers to plan their journeys in advance and make use of the additional services being introduced for the day. Security and operational arrangements will be strengthened to manage the expected rise in early morning footfall.

The special schedule reflects Kolkata Metro’s continued focus on passenger convenience, particularly during important national events and examinations, ensuring reliable and efficient urban transport for the city’s commuters.

Assam Strengthens Power Infrastructure, Targets Energy Surplus Status

Guwahati, June 19: Assam is making significant strides in strengthening its power infrastructure and is steadily progressing towards becoming an energy-surplus state, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

Underscoring the government’s commitment to building a robust and reliable energy ecosystem, the Chief Minister highlighted ongoing investments in power generation, transmission, and distribution networks across the state. These initiatives are aimed at ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply, meeting rising energy demand, and supporting Assam’s long-term economic growth.

Sarma noted that a stronger power sector is essential for attracting investments, promoting industrial development, and improving the quality of life for citizens. The state government has prioritized the modernization of energy infrastructure, expansion of grid connectivity, and enhancement of operational efficiency to deliver reliable power to both urban and rural communities.

The Chief Minister emphasized that Assam’s energy transformation is not only about meeting current demand but also about creating the capacity required for future growth. With several infrastructure projects underway, the state is laying the foundation for a self-reliant and sustainable power sector capable of supporting expanding industries, businesses, and households.

As Assam advances towards achieving energy-surplus status, the strengthened power network is expected to boost economic activity, generate employment opportunities, and enhance the state’s competitiveness as a preferred investment destination in Northeast India.

The government’s continued focus on infrastructure development reflects its broader vision of driving inclusive growth and ensuring that reliable energy remains a catalyst for Assam’s development journey.

Boosting Yuva Shakti: PM Modi to Distribute INR 2,400 Crore

New Delhi, June 19: In a significant step towards empowering India’s youth and strengthening formal employment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today distribute incentives worth ₹2,400 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY).

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

The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to creating sustainable employment opportunities and supporting young individuals as they enter the workforce. The incentives will be transferred directly to more than 15 lakh beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism, ensuring transparency and timely assistance.

Speaking about the programme, Union Labour and Employment Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the scheme’s positive impact since its launch in August last year. More than 63 lakh individuals have been brought into the formal workforce under PM-VBRY, with nearly 30 per cent of the beneficiaries being women, reflecting the scheme’s contribution towards greater workforce participation and gender inclusion.

The programme also provides special support to first-time job seekers. Young individuals securing their first employment opportunity will receive financial assistance of up to ₹15,000 in two instalments, helping them transition into the professional world with greater confidence and financial security.

Dr. Mandaviya noted that over 80 per cent of the establishments benefiting from the scheme are small enterprises employing fewer than 25 workers. By supporting these businesses, PM-VBRY is helping generate employment at the grassroots level while strengthening the country’s micro and small enterprise ecosystem.

The initiative forms a key part of the government’s broader vision of harnessing the potential of India’s “Yuva Shakti” by creating opportunities, encouraging entrepreneurship, and promoting inclusive economic growth. As employment generation continues to remain central to India’s development journey, PM-VBRY is emerging as an important bridge connecting aspiring youth with meaningful livelihood opportunities.

Dr. Rajashekhar from Hyderabad Becomes First Doctor from South India to Complete Seven Summits

#Dr. Rajashekhar Successfully Summits Mt. Denali, Completing Historic Seven Summits Challenge

Hyderabad, June 19: Indian mountaineer and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Rajashekhar has successfully summited Mt. Denali, North America’s highest peak, completing the prestigious Seven Summits challenge—climbing the highest mountain on each continent. With this achievement, he becomes the first doctor from the South Indian states to accomplish the feat.

For Dr. Rajashekhar, the journey to the Seven Summits has been shaped as much by personal adversity as by high-altitude achievement. Throughout this journey, he received invaluable support and guidance from Bharath Thamineni, founder of Boots and Crampon, whose encouragement played an important role in helping him pursue this ambitious goal.

A specialist in hip and knee surgery and a robotic surgeon, he spent years working alongside leading orthopedic surgeons in Hyderabad while also training younger surgeons entering the field. However, his life took an unexpected turn during the COVID-19 pandemic when he contracted the virus and was hospitalized.

The recovery proved difficult. According to Dr. Rajashekhar, lingering fatigue and a loss of motivation forced him to step away from his profession for nearly a year.

Determined to rebuild his health, he set himself an ambitious goal. He chose mountaineering, a sport that demands exceptional endurance, physical fitness and mental resilience, and began training systematically.

His Seven Summits journey started with a successful ascent of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania on January 26, 2022. He followed that with a summit of Mt. Elbrus, Europe’s highest mountain, in August 2022.

After suffering multiple injuries, Dr. Rajashekhar took a year-long break before returning to the mountains. He climbed Mt. Kosciuszko in Australia in August 2023 and reached the summit of Mt. Aconcagua, South America’s highest peak, on February 4, 2024.

Just months later, he achieved his most significant mountaineering milestone by summiting Mt. Everest on May 23, 2024.

His first attempt on Mt. Denali in Alaska came in June 2025. Severe weather conditions prevented a summit push, and he suffered frostbite during the descent.

Rather than ending the project, the setback reinforced his determination. Later, he successfully climbed Mt. Vinson, Antarctica’s highest peak, alongside fellow climber Kavita.

On June 18, 2026, Dr. Rajashekhar reached the summit of Mt. Denali at approximately 8:30 AM IST. According to a voice message shared with family, the climb was completed smoothly despite cold temperatures and light winds.

“Summit was successfully done without any issue. Little winds and cold temperature otherwise everything is good. No injuries, whole team is doing well,” he said.

Reflecting on the achievement, Dr. Rajashekhar said, “Standing on Mt. Denali after everything I’ve been through is an incredibly emotional moment. This journey tested me physically and mentally, but it also reminded me of the power of resilience and purpose. Completing the Seven Summits is not just a personal milestone, but a message that recovery and determination can take you to the highest places on Earth.”

After the summit, he safely descended to the high camp at an altitude of approximately 5,247 meters, where the team regrouped. In his message, he added, “We just reached camp and are ready to enjoy tea being prepared by our leader Sewang. Please inform near and dear.”

With this successful ascent, Dr. Rajashekhar has officially completed the Seven Summits challenge, placing him among a select group of mountaineers worldwide who have stood atop the highest peak on every continent and becoming the first doctor from South India to achieve this milestone.

Beyond mountaineering, Dr. Rajashekhar draws immense strength from his close-knit joint family. He lives with his parents, brother, extended family members and grandmother. He and his wife, Dr. Haripriya, a specialist in Infectious Diseases, have a nine-year-old son. He takes great pride in his family, which has been a constant source of support throughout his journey.

Reacting to the achievement, Dr. Haripriya said, “This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From battling a serious illness to standing on the highest peaks in the world, his determination has inspired all of us. As a family, we are incredibly proud of his resilience, discipline and courage. This achievement belongs not just to him, but to everyone who stood by him through every challenge.”

For  the orthopedician-turned-mountaineer, the climb represents the final step in a journey that began with recovery from serious illness and evolved into one of the most demanding goals in global mountaineering—a remarkable story of resilience, determination and triumph.

Goa hosts state-wide cybersecurity workshop to strengthen public data across Government Departments

Direct Benefit of INR 18,880 Crore to Reach 9.44 Crore Farmers Under PM-KISAN

New Delhi, June 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to release financial assistance of ₹18,880 crore under the PM-KISAN scheme, directly benefitting approximately 9.44 crore farmers across the country.

The latest installment under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi initiative underscores the government’s continued commitment to supporting farmers’ income and strengthening rural economic stability through direct benefit transfers.

The scheme provides eligible farmers with periodic financial assistance to help meet agricultural input costs and household needs, contributing to improved financial security in rural India.

Officials noted that the timely disbursement of funds is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted support to farmers ahead of the upcoming agricultural cycle, helping them manage expenses related to seeds, fertilizers, and other essential inputs.

The PM-KISAN program remains one of the largest direct income support schemes in the world, playing a key role in enhancing rural livelihoods and promoting inclusive growth in the agriculture sector.

The release is expected to further reinforce the government’s focus on farmer welfare and sustainable agricultural development.