Category Archives: News

Pracheen Kala Kendra to Present Three-Day Malhaar Utsav in Chandigarh

Chandigarh, August 17: Pracheen Kala Kendra, supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, will organise the three-day Malhaar Utsav 2026 at Rani Laxmi Bai Hall, Sector 38, Chandigarh, from August 20 to 22.

The festival, themed around “The Magic of Monsoon” and “Timeless Raagas,” will bring together leading Hindustani and Carnatic vocalists for three evenings of classical music. The programmes will begin at 6:30 pm each day.

Dr Sukhminder Kaur Brar, Chairperson of the Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi, will be the chief guest and inaugurate the festival. The organisers have invited music enthusiasts to attend the programme, with entry on a first-come, first-served basis.

The opening evening on August 20 will feature vocal recitals by Vidushi Shubhra Talegaonkar and Vidushi Ronkini Gupta. They will be accompanied by artistes on tabla, harmonium and sarangi.

The August 21 programme will showcase Carnatic vocal recitalist Vidushi Sudha Raghuraman and vocalist Vidushi Dhanashree Pandit Rai. The performances will feature accompaniment on mridangam, flute, tabla and harmonium.

The festival will conclude on August 22 with vocal recitals by Vidushi Ruchira Kedar and Pt Sankumay Debnath, accompanied by tabla and harmonium artistes.

The three-day event is expected to offer Chandigarh’s classical music enthusiasts an opportunity to experience diverse vocal traditions while celebrating the cultural and musical associations of the monsoon season.

The organisers have advised visitors to take their seats before 6:30 pm, with admission being subject to availability on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hockey World Cup: India Women Hold Olympic Silver Medallists China to 2-2 Draw in Opener

Amstelveen, August 17: The Indian women’s hockey team began its FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign with an impressive 2-2 draw against Olympic silver medallists China at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands.

India made a strong start, with Navneet Kaur putting the team ahead in the eighth minute. China responded through Zhang Ying in the 15th minute to level the score.

India regained the lead in the second quarter when Deepika found the net in the 25th minute, giving her side a 2-1 advantage. China, however, fought back and Ma Ning scored in the 39th minute to restore parity.

Neither side could find a decisive goal in the final quarter, as India held on for a valuable point against the Olympic silver medallists. The result marked a determined performance by the Indian side against one of the strongest teams in women’s hockey.

India will next face South Africa in Pool D as it looks to build on the encouraging opening result and strengthen its position in the tournament.

Dr Jitendra Singh to Confer National Anubhav Awards 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan

New Delhi, August 17: The Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW), under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, will organise the 9th National Anubhav Awards Ceremony and the 60th Pre-Retirement Counselling (PRC) Workshop at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on August 17, 2026.

The programmes will be held under the auspices of Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, who will confer the National Anubhav Awards 2026 on 15 selected awardees.

The Anubhav platform provides a forum for retiring and retired employees of the Central Government, 12 Public Sector Banks and Central Public Sector Enterprises to document and share their experiences, insights and contributions from their years of public service.

The 15 awardees selected under the National Anubhav Awards Scheme 2026 have made significant contributions to nation-building and have been associated with a range of important government initiatives. Their work includes contributions to Passport Seva Kendras, updating and reformulating rules to meet contemporary requirements, technological adoption in administration and accounting, and energy conservation, among other areas.

The 60th Pre-Retirement Counselling Workshop will focus on employees of the Government of India who are nearing retirement, particularly those posted in the National Capital Region. The workshop will provide information on retirement-related procedures and the steps required to ensure the timely settlement and payment of pension and other retirement benefits.

The programme will also witness the release of the Handbook on Pension Mitra and the Guidelines for the nationwide Digital Life Certificate (DLC) Campaign 5, aimed at facilitating pension-related services for beneficiaries.

As part of the event, a Bank Exhibition will also be organised, with 17 pension-disbursing banks showcasing products and services relevant to retiring government employees.

The events underscore the government’s focus on supporting employees through the transition to retirement while recognising the institutional knowledge and public-service contributions of retiring and retired personnel.

XPPen Marks Its 21st Anniversary with “DOODLE THE WORLD”, Bringing Creativity Beyond Boundaries

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — XPPen, a leading global digital art innovation brand, proudly celebrates its 21st anniversary. Marking 21 years of empowering creators worldwide, XPPen introduces this year’s theme, “DOODLE THE WORLD,” with a series of creative experiences, including the Global Art Toy Design Contest co-hosted by XPPen and TOP TOY, a globally renowned art toy brand, the upcoming Artist Ultra 14 drawing display, artist conversations, the Doodle & Spin Game on official website, and exclusive anniversary offers. Through these initiatives, XPPen encourages creators worldwide to explore diverse forms of artistic expression and create without limits.

“At XPPen, we believe creativity should have no boundaries, not limited by mediums or imagination,” said Brian Huang, Marketing Director at XPPen. “For 21 years, we have empowered creators with innovative solutions to bring their ideas to life. ‘DOODLE THE WORLD’ embodies our belief that inspiration can flow freely across paper, screens, and beyond. Through this anniversary celebration and collaboration with TOP TOY, we unite around a shared belief in creativity without boundaries and the power of imagination, while embracing a more youthful and trend-inspired creative culture through the fusion of digital art and designer toy culture.”

XPPen × TOP TOY Global Art Toy Design Contest

As one of the highlights of XPPen’s 21st anniversary celebration, XPPen has partnered with TOP TOY, a leading global art toy brand, to launch the Global Art Toy Design Contest, inviting creators worldwide to explore the possibilities of Zero, TOP TOY’s original IP character. Through this collaboration, creators can transform their ideas into collectible designs.

Running from August 16 to October 16, 2026, the contest encourages participants to reinterpret Zero through designs including the Null Shell Design, Fenix Shell Design, and Zero Figure Design. Participants can draw inspiration from seasons and clothing styles or develop their own original themes. Winners will receive XPPen creative devices, cash prizes, blind boxes, and X-Coins from the XPPen Community, which can be used for community giveaways and exclusive rewards. Selected winning works will also have the opportunity to be developed into physical art toys and stocked in TOP TOY stores worldwide. Join the contest at https://community.xp-pen.com/events/global-art-toy-design-contest?lang=en

A panel of artists and creative professionals will judge the entries, including Katun, an influential Southeast Asian graffiti artist; Josephine Rais, a German illustrator and strategic designer; Jun Oson, a Japanese illustrator and contemporary artist; together with TOP TOY’s senior art toy designer jury. “I hope creators can create boldly, not only through colors, but also by exploring more possibilities in subtle elements such as materials and emotions,” said Tong Liu, Senior Designer at TOP TOY, as one of the jury.

New Addition to the Artist Ultra Series

Continuing the celebration of XPPen’s 21st anniversary, the Artist Ultra 14 will launch on August 17. As the newest member of the Artist Ultra Series, Artist Ultra 14 delivers Ultra Clear True Color with exceptional accuracy and clarity in a slim, portable design, providing creators with a flexible and immersive experience. The new product will also be available as one of the prizes in the Global Art Toy Design Contest and the anniversary game on XPPen’s official website.

Celebrating Creativity Across Mediums and Beyond

To further explore this year’s theme, XPPen has invited artists from different creative fields, including Chromakane, Tattoo Artist, and Marina Esmeraldo, Multidisciplinary Artist, to share their creative journeys and interpretations of “DOODLE THE WORLD.” Through these conversations, XPPen showcases how drawing can take place across different mediums and creative environments, inspiring everyone to embrace the freedom to create anytime, anywhere.

Beyond artistic conversations, everyone is invited to join the anniversary game on XPPen’s official website. Participants can join the 21-Day Doodle Journey and spin the wheel to win prizes. XPPen’s official online stores will also roll out global anniversary offers, featuring discounts of up to 50% on selected products.

Building on 21 years of innovation, XPPen will continue empowering creators and advancing digital art. XPPen will also showcase its latest innovations and upcoming products at IFA 2026, including new releases ahead of official launch. More details will be revealed at IFA 2026.

For more information, please visit https://www.xp-pen.com/21st-anniversary-celebration.html

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Water Bill Relief Extended: Delhi Waives Late Payment Surcharge Till March 2027

New Delhi, August 16: The Delhi government has extended its 100 per cent Late Payment Surcharge (LPSC) waiver scheme on outstanding water bills until March 31, 2027, giving consumers additional time to clear their pending dues without paying the accumulated penalty.

Delhi Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma announced the extension on Sunday, saying the initiative would provide relief to families and other consumers struggling with old water bill arrears. Under the extended arrangement, eligible consumers who pay the principal amount of their outstanding water bill can get the entire applicable LPSC waived.

The deadline was earlier set for August 15, 2026, but has now been extended by more than seven months. The move is aimed at encouraging consumers with long-pending bills to settle their accounts and at the same time helping the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) recover its outstanding principal dues.

Announcing the decision, Verma said old water bills had remained a source of financial stress for many families in Delhi and that the extension would provide consumers an opportunity to close their outstanding accounts without the additional burden of late-payment charges.

The minister urged consumers with pending water bills not to allow the outstanding amount to increase further and to use the extended window to settle their principal dues.

The LPSC waiver is particularly significant for consumers whose bills have accumulated over several years, as late-payment charges can substantially increase the total amount payable.

The extension also comes against the backdrop of the Delhi government’s efforts to improve revenue collection by the Delhi Jal Board and address the city’s long-standing water billing issues.

The government has previously stated that a substantial amount of money remains locked in outstanding water bills, with LPSC accounting for a significant portion of the accumulated liability. By waiving the surcharge while retaining the principal demand, the government is seeking to make settlement more attractive to consumers while improving actual collections.

According to figures cited by the Delhi government, more than 4.5 lakh domestic consumers and around 11,400 commercial consumers had already benefited from the LPSC waiver scheme.

The scheme was initially introduced in October 2025 primarily for domestic consumers. It was subsequently expanded to include commercial consumers, widening the potential beneficiary base.

The government had earlier extended the deadline from January 31, 2026, to August 15 after receiving requests from residents, public representatives and resident welfare associations. At that stage, the government reported that more than 3.3 lakh consumers had already taken advantage of the scheme, with approximately Rs 430 crore in principal dues collected and nearly Rs 1,494 crore in LPSC waived by January 29.

The latest extension is therefore being positioned as another opportunity for consumers who could not settle their bills within the earlier deadlines.

Delhi’s water billing system has faced persistent complaints over delayed billing, incorrect meter readings, estimated consumption and accumulated arrears. A Delhi Assembly review in 2024 noted that out of around 27 lakh water connections, approximately 10.6 lakh customers had pending arrears. The document also referred to concerns over inflated bills and the accumulation of late-payment charges.

The Delhi Jal Board has introduced various waiver and settlement schemes over the years to address accumulated arrears. Official DJB records show that earlier schemes included 100 per cent LPSC waivers for specified categories of consumers. A DJB budget document said more than 4 lakh consumers had benefited from an earlier waiver initiative, with rebates amounting to hundreds of crores of rupees.

For eligible consumers, the latest decision effectively provides a longer window to settle the principal water bill without the additional LPSC burden. However, consumers should verify their outstanding amount, eligibility and applicable conditions with the Delhi Jal Board before making payment.

The government is also expected to use the extended period to push consumers towards clearing long-standing dues and improve the overall efficiency of water-bill collection.

With the new deadline now fixed at March 31, 2027, the government has given Delhi’s water consumers substantially more time to resolve old liabilities while seeking to strengthen the financial position of the Delhi Jal Board.

Delhi Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh announced the extension on August 16, 2026; contemporary reports confirm the revised deadline and the 100 per cent LPSC waiver.

Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Interacts with MY Bharat-NSS Volunteers During Independence Day Celebrations

New Delhi: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya interacted with MY Bharat-NSS volunteers during the Independence Day celebrations at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, appreciating their participation and contribution to the national event.

The MY Bharat-NSS volunteers attended the Independence Day programme as special guests, giving them an opportunity to witness the celebrations and interact directly with the Union Minister.

During the interaction, Dr. Mandaviya appreciated the volunteers for their involvement in social service and urged them to continue contributing to nation-building and civic engagement. He said the energy, commitment and innovative ideas of young people would be crucial to achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat and a developed, self-reliant India.

The interaction also allowed the volunteers to share their experiences, ideas and aspirations with the Minister. The engagement highlighted the importance of creating meaningful platforms for young people to participate in public life and take up leadership roles in community and nation-building initiatives.

Earlier in the day, MY Bharat-NSS volunteers and students from eight schools and educational institutions across Delhi participated in a large-scale human formation depicting ‘Vande Mataram’.

Around 500 students took part in the formation, presenting a display of patriotism, national unity and collective participation as part of the Independence Day celebrations.

The programme underlined the role of youth volunteers in national events while providing them with opportunities to engage in civic activities and contribute to the broader vision of youth-led nation building.

Government Unveils National Framework to Strengthen ITDAs and ITDPs

New framework focuses on institutional reform, convergence, digital governance and outcome-based monitoring for tribal development

New Delhi: Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Shri Jual Oram and Dr. R. Balasubramaniam, Member, NITI Aayog, on Saturday jointly released the National Framework for Strengthening of ITDAs and ITDPs and the Operational Guidelines for Strengthening of ITDAs and ITDPs, marking a major step towards strengthening last-mile delivery of tribal development programmes across the country.

The two publications are the outcome of a comprehensive, consultative and evidence-based national exercise aimed at improving the functioning of Integrated Tribal Development Agencies and Projects (ITDAs/ITDPs), which serve as key field-level institutions connecting government programmes with tribal communities.

The release ceremony was attended by Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Smt. Ranjana Chopra; Additional Secretary Shri Manish Thakur; and senior officials of the Ministry.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Jual Oram said ITDAs and ITDPs have historically played an important role in translating government initiatives into outcomes for tribal communities. Their significance, he noted, has increased with the expansion of interventions under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA) and PM-JANMAN.

Dr. R. Balasubramaniam said the principles of institutional ranking, real-time data-driven monitoring and convergence, which have helped improve outcomes in aspirational districts and blocks, have now been incorporated into the ITDA/ITDP reform architecture.

He said evidence-based administrative interventions can help transform regions that lag behind, and the new framework seeks to apply this approach to the tribal development ecosystem, with ITDAs serving as vehicles for achieving saturation of entitlements at the last mile.

The exercise was undertaken under the overall guidance of Secretary, Tribal Affairs, Smt. Ranjana Chopra, with a focus on moving beyond a uniform approach and developing context-specific and accountable field institutions.

The Ministry began the exercise in April 2026, covering 214 ITDAs/ITDPs across 17 States and Union Territories. The assessment involved Project Officers, State Tribal Welfare Departments and Tribal Research Institutes.

Unlike a desk-based assessment, the exercise incorporated State-level workshops, field visits and direct consultations with officials and institutions at the ground level. The process culminated in an Evidence-Weighted ITDA Diagnostic Scoring Framework, which assesses institutions across 15 parameters covering five institutional domains.

Structured consultation workshops were held across States and UTs during April and May 2026 under the leadership of Dr. Varnali Deka, Director, DAJGUA Division, and Shri Jafar Malik, Deputy Secretary, EMRS. The consultations enabled the Ministry to assess institutional capacity, identify challenges and document successful practices before validating the findings.

A major milestone in the exercise was the National Conclave on Strengthening of ITDAs and ITDPs, held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on June 3, 2026, in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu.

The newly released National Framework sets out the assessment methodology and broader strategic direction for institutional strengthening. The Operational Guidelines, meanwhile, translate the recommendations into actionable measures covering institutional restructuring, convergence of schemes, evidence-based planning, digital governance, outcome-based monitoring and capacity building.

For the first time, States will have access to a common institutional assessment methodology through which individual ITDAs can identify gaps and prepare Performance Improvement Roadmaps tailored to their local requirements.

Shri Oram emphasised that the exercise should not be viewed merely as a mechanism for ranking institutions. Instead, its objective is to establish a culture of continuous institutional improvement.

He urged States to conduct State-level reviews involving all ITDA/ITDP Project Officers, prepare institution-specific action plans and introduce quarterly monitoring of institutional performance, drawing on the monitoring approach followed under the Aspirational Districts Programme and Aspirational Blocks Programme.

The Minister also called for measures to strengthen the ITDA/ITDP ecosystem, including improving fund-flow mechanisms and examining the possibility of directly transferring funds to ITDAs. He also stressed the need to increase technical manpower to improve project execution.

Regular meetings of Governing Councils, with active participation from Panchayati Raj Institution representatives and senior State leadership, were also recommended to strengthen convergence, accountability and implementation.

The two publications are expected to provide States with a structured roadmap for transforming ITDAs and ITDPs into more responsive, data-driven and outcome-oriented institutions capable of delivering tribal welfare and development programmes more effectively at the grassroots level.

Tributes Paid to Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Death Anniversary

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 16 (UDN): Tributes were paid to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary, remembering him as a distinguished nationalist, visionary statesman and exceptional orator who made significant contributions to India’s development and democratic traditions.

 Pic credit : x.com/MohanMOdisha

Vajpayee’s life and political legacy continue to inspire citizens across the country. His tenure in public life was marked by a strong emphasis on good governance, national development and India’s global stature.

His visionary outlook, unwavering faith in democratic values and commitment to inclusive development remain important chapters in India’s political history.

Vajpayee was also remembered for his exceptional dedication to public service and nation-building. His approach to politics and governance continues to be regarded as a source of inspiration for generations.

On the occasion, tributes highlighted his contribution to national unity, democratic values and the country’s development, with his ideals continuing to inspire the younger generation.

His enduring commitment to nation-building and public service remains deeply etched in the collective memory of the country.

CATL and Quinbrook Build on Supernode Partnership Following Stage 2 and Stage 3 Major Milestones

BRISBANE, Australia, Aug. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Quinbrook’s Supernode battery energy storage project has completed Stage 2 commercial operation and reached financial close on A$469 million financing for Stage 3, marking a further milestone in the phased development of Australia’s largest operational BESS campus.

With planned capacity expected to exceed 3 GWh, Supernode is supported by CATL as its core energy storage system supplier for all three stages, providing advanced storage solutions and lifecycle support to enable reliable long-term operation.

Located at Brendale, north of Brisbane, Supernode is adjacent to the South Pine substation, a key hub in the Queensland power system and the regional reference node for marginal loss factors (MLFs). This location provides a favourable MLF position and approximately 4,000MW of available connection capacity for phased expansion. The project’s development coincides with Queensland’s accelerating energy transition and the infrastructure investment cycle.

Stage 3 has reached financial close on A$469 million in debt financing, bringing total project financing across Supernode Stages 1, 2 and 3 to approximately A$1.2 billion. Across its first three stages, Supernode is set to reach 780MW / 3,074MWh. Capacity across the three stages has been contracted under long-term offtake arrangements. 

The long-term value of such assets depends on the continued availability, operational efficiency, safety and reliability of their energy storage systems. CATL has provided EnerC Plus systems for Stages 1 and 2 and will supply TENER S systems for Stage 3, establishing a consistent technology platform across the campus.

In close collaboration with Quinbrook, CATL has supported project-specific design optimisation to enable high-density deployment within the constraints of available industrial land. EnerC Plus supports back-to-back installation, reducing the required site footprint by approximately 20% compared with EnerC. Its integrated liquid-cooling system maintains an internal container temperature differential within 5°C and is designed to deliver reliable operation over a 20-year lifecycle.

CATL’s contribution extends beyond equipment supply. Under a Long-Term Service Agreement (LTSA), CATL will further support the full lifecycle of the energy storage asset through condition monitoring, performance tracking, fault response and preventive maintenance to help ensure reliable long-term operation. CATL’s proven product performance, scalable delivery capabilities and lifecycle service model provide greater confidence in the long-term reliability and performance of the energy storage asset.

Tim Hornemand, Managing Director and Regional Lead, Australia, at Quinbrook, said:

“Achieving commercial operations for Stage 2 means we’ve successfully delivered both Origin-contracted stages on schedule, an outcome we’re incredibly proud of given the complexity of commissioning utility-scale battery storage projects in Australia. With Stage 3 now fully financed, we’ve reached another important milestone in Supernode’s continuing development. The ongoing support of our banking partners also reflects confidence in the Supernode project, our delivery track record and the long-term outlook for battery storage in Australia.”

Tan Libin, CCO and Co-President of Sales & Marketing at CATL, said:

“Energy storage is evolving from a standalone technology deployment into a strategic energy asset. The next stage of industry development will depend not only on technological advancement, but also on the ability to create long-term value through collaboration, innovation and scalable deployment. At CATL, we are committed to working with partners to unlock the full potential of energy storage assets and support the transition toward a more flexible and resilient energy system.”

CATL and Quinbrook are also working together on EnerQB, an eight-hour battery storage solution being considered for future stages of the Supernode development. The initiative builds on CATL’s role as energy storage system supplier across Supernode’s first three stages. CATL will continue to work with partners worldwide to deliver reliable technologies, scalable solutions and lifecycle support.

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National Council for Senior Citizens Reviews Key Measures for Elderly Welfare and Healthcare

New Delhi, August 15, 2026: Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar chaired the fifth meeting of the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSrC) in New Delhi, where the government and stakeholders reviewed a range of issues related to the welfare, healthcare, social security and empowerment of India’s elderly population.

The meeting brought together officials from the Centre and states, Council members, experts, NGOs and senior citizen organisations. Discussions focused on improving the implementation of welfare programmes and ensuring that senior citizens have access to healthcare, social protection and opportunities for active participation in society.

Dr. Virendra Kumar said ensuring a life of dignity, security, good health and meaningful participation for senior citizens remains an important priority. He described elderly welfare as an integral part of the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision and called for closer coordination between ministries, states and other stakeholders.

The Council reviewed the implementation of the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY), assessing its reach and effectiveness. It also discussed the expansion of Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) health insurance coverage to all senior citizens aged 60 years and above, irrespective of their economic status.

Another issue considered was a proposal to include geriatric caregiver services in the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) rate card. The Council also reviewed action taken on recommendations from its previous meeting and considered suggestions concerning social security, institutional care, active ageing and community participation.

A major highlight of the meeting was the launch of “SNEHA – Stories of Nurturing, Engagement, Happiness & Active Ageing”, an e-book documenting major initiatives and achievements for senior citizens between October 2024 and June 2026. The publication captures the government’s efforts towards healthy ageing and greater participation of elderly citizens in community and nation-building activities.

The meeting also highlighted two technology-driven initiatives. The JEEVAN (Joint Elderly Empowerment & Virtual Assistance Network) App is designed to provide senior citizens and their families with easier access to welfare schemes and services, while SHATAYU (Senior Holistic Care Assistance and Training for Your Utility) aims to connect people with trained geriatric caregivers and promote the concept of ageing in place.

The Council concluded with a renewed focus on inter-ministerial coordination, digital governance and improved service delivery, with the broader objective of enabling senior citizens across India to lead healthier, more active and dignified lives.