Category Archives: News

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.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/catl-and-quinbrook-build-on-supernode-partnership-following-stage-2-and-stage-3-major-milestones-302852287.html

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.

President’s Medal for Distinguished Service Awarded to Railway Security Officer

New Delhi, August 15, 2026: On the occasion of Independence Day 2026, the President of India has conferred the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) and Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) on officers and personnel of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF).

Rajesh Lal, Assistant Security Commissioner at the Railway Board, has been awarded the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service, recognising his distinguished contribution to railway security and service.

Another 15 officers and personnel from the RPF and RPSF have received the Medal for Meritorious Service for their dedicated service and professional commitment.

The recipients of the MSM are:

• Satya Prakash, Principal Chief Security Commissioner, North Eastern Railway
• C. S. Chengappa, Assistant Security Commissioner, Southern Railway
• Krishna Kumar Mishra, Assistant Security Commissioner, North Eastern Railway
• Vivek Verma, Assistant Security Commissioner, North Central Railway
• Moni Taro, Inspector, Railway Protection Special Force
• Barun Prasad Laheri, Inspector, Railway Protection Special Force
• H. K. Doddaiah, Sub Inspector, South Western Railway
• Kailash Prasad, Sub Inspector, North Eastern Railway
• Naresh Kumar, Sub Inspector, Northern Railway
• Guru Prasad Nagarikanti, Sub Inspector, South Central Railway
• Ram Prasad Meena, Assistant Sub Inspector (MT), Railway Protection Special Force
• E Arun Moli, Assistant Sub Inspector, Southern Railway
• Vikas Kumar, Assistant Sub Inspector, North Central Railway
• Niraj Ahlawat, Assistant Sub Inspector, Northern Railway
• Shankar Shivswami Edle, Head Constable, Central Railway

The Independence Day honours recognise the contribution of railway security personnel who work to protect passengers, railway infrastructure and the wider railway network. The awards also acknowledge sustained professionalism and commitment to duty across different zones and units of the RPF and RPSF.

PM Modi Remembers Sri Aurobindo, Highlights His Enduring Influence on India and the World

New Delhi, August 15, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tribute to Sri Aurobindo on his birth anniversary, recalling his contribution as a philosopher, nationalist, poet and thinker who devoted his life to India’s freedom and the broader advancement of humanity.

In a message shared on social media, Modi said Sri Aurobindo’s writings on a wide range of subjects continue to influence and inspire people across the world. He also highlighted the spiritual leader’s strong belief in India’s future and in humanity’s capacity for transformation.

The Prime Minister noted that Sri Aurobindo’s vision remains relevant even today, particularly his belief in the country’s potential and the possibility of human progress.

Sri Aurobindo remains an important figure in India’s intellectual and spiritual history. His ideas brought together nationalism, philosophy, spirituality and social thought, leaving a lasting influence on generations of Indians and readers worldwide.

The Prime Minister’s tribute comes as the nation remembers the legacy of a thinker whose writings continue to shape discussions on India’s civilisational identity, national development and human evolution.

Government Removes 12-Minute Ad Cap for Television Channels

New Delhi, August 15, 2026: The government has decided to remove the long-standing 12-minute-per-hour limit on television advertisements, marking a significant change in the regulatory framework governing India’s broadcasting industry. The decision was announced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on August 14.

The advertising cap was introduced in 2006 under the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994, when India had only 62 television channels. The sector has since expanded to more than 900 channels, while digitalisation has transformed the distribution landscape through DTH, digital cable, HITS and IPTV platforms.

The government said the earlier restriction needed to be reconsidered as television broadcasters face growing competition from digital media, which does not operate under a comparable advertisement-duration ceiling. The move is intended to provide broadcasters greater commercial flexibility, promote fair competition and improve ease of doing business.

The change is expected to give television networks greater scope to optimise advertising inventory and revenue, although it could also lead to longer or more frequent commercial breaks for viewers.

The revised rule will take effect once the amendment to the Cable Television Networks Rules is formally notified in the Gazette.

Amit Shah Begins Rajasthan Visit, Rs.667 Crore Aid to Benefit 66.74 Lakh Farmers

Jaipur, August 15, 2026: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah begins a two-day visit to Rajasthan today, with a major focus on farmer support, employment generation and infrastructure development across the state.

A key highlight of the visit will be the transfer of ₹667 crore to 66.74 lakh farmers under the sixth instalment of the Mukhyamantri Kisan Samman Nidhi. The government will also release around ₹152 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, providing financial support to eligible farmers.

Shah is also scheduled to participate in the state-level Mukhyamantri Rozgar Utsav, where appointment letters will be handed over to 10,548 newly recruited personnel. The programme is expected to underline the government’s emphasis on expanding employment opportunities for Rajasthan’s youth.

The minister’s itinerary includes the inauguration and foundation-laying of a large number of development projects. In Nimbahera, Shah will unveil a statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and dedicate 944 projects worth ₹5,659 crore spread across 15 districts.

The visit will also take Shah to Alwar, where he is scheduled to address a public gathering and dedicate additional development works valued at around ₹6,453 crore.

With agriculture, jobs, infrastructure and cooperative development featuring prominently on the agenda, Shah’s Rajasthan visit is set to highlight the government’s broader push to strengthen rural incomes while accelerating development across the state.

PM Modi Highlights Self-Reliance, Youth and Developed India Vision in Independence Day Address

New Delhi, August 15, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on India’s 80th Independence Day, calling for a renewed national resolve to build a developed and self-reliant India by 2047. He paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, freedom fighters and the nation’s security personnel.

In his address, the Prime Minister placed strong emphasis on manufacturing, agriculture and food processing, technology and innovation, infrastructure, defence, the green and blue economy, and India’s soft power. He described these seven areas as key pillars of national strength and growth.

Youth empowerment and technology emerged as major themes. Modi announced plans to provide AI training to one crore young Indians over the coming year, along with free online coaching initiatives for competitive examinations. He also highlighted the importance of domestic manufacturing, energy security and innovation in strengthening India’s economic resilience.

The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of Make in India, Swadeshi and Vocal for Local, urging citizens and businesses to contribute to a stronger domestic production ecosystem. The address came as India marked 80 years of Independence, with the national song Vande Mataram being rendered at the Red Fort as part of celebrations marking its 150th anniversary.

VICTORINOX INDIA WELCOMES ABHAY DEOL AS A FRIEND OF THE BRAND

SHARED VALUES. AUTHENTICITY. CHARACTER.

MUMBAI, India, Aug. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Victorinox India today announced actor Abhay Deol as a Friend of the Brand for its watch portfolio for the coming 18 months. Known for his authenticity, independent spirit and thoughtful approach to life, Deol reflects values that have guided Victorinox for more than 140 years.

The association will bring Abhay Deol across Victorinox’s watch portfolio, all collections including I.N.O.X., Maverick, Concept One Solar, Air Pro, Dive Pro and Concept One Automatic. Throughout this term, Deol will feature across all media touch touchpoints including digital, outdoor and retail touchpoints, celebrating a shared commitment to character, quality and enduring craftsmanship.

SPEND YOUR TIME WISELY, CELEBRATED THROUGH AN INDIAN LENS

At the Heart of the Collaboration Is Victorinox’s Global Watch Campaign – Spend Your Time Wisely. a Belief That Time Is Our Most Valuable Resource, and That How We Choose to Spend It Says Something About Who We Are.

For India, Victorinox is bringing this global philosophy to life through Abhay Deol, whose distinctive approach to life reflects the idea of making thoughtful, individual choices. Through his journey with the brand, Abhay will introduce audiences to Victorinox watches not simply as timepieces, but as companions to the moments that make time meaningful.

The campaign brings Spend Your Time Wisely to life across the most important festive occasions in India, from Diwali, Raksha Bandhan and the wedding season. Highlighting the importance of time during celebrations and milestones. Each occasion captures a different way of spending time with family, with loved ones, celebrating traditions, pursuing passions or simply being present in the moment.

In doing so, the Swiss heritage and craftsmanship of Victorinox embraces Indian festivities by being ‘The Ideal Gift – Time’ during these occasions and milestone moment.

Commenting on the campaign, Avirup Mukhopadhyay, Head of Marketing, Victorinox India, said:

“With Spend Your Time Wisely, we are bringing Victorinox’s iconic Swiss heritage and craftsmanship into the heart of Indian celebrations. Our ambition is to make Victorinox watches the ideal gift for every festive occasion and the important moments that define our lives, creating a meaningful bridge between Swiss excellence and the traditions of India.“

SHARED VALUES, MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS

Commenting on the announcement, Debraj Sengupta, Managing Director, Victorinox India, said:

“At Victorinox, every partnership is guided by shared values. Abhay Deol represents authenticity, thoughtful choices and quiet confidence – qualities that closely reflect our brand philosophy. As we continue strengthening our presence in India, this collaboration marks an important step in building deeper connections with consumers while staying true to our Swiss heritage and commitment to quality.”

More than a brand partnership, this collaboration brings together two philosophies rooted in authenticity, independence and long-term thinking. Throughout his career, Abhay Deol has been recognized for forging his own path, making deliberate choices and remaining true to his convictions. It is an approach that closely mirrors Victorinox’s enduring commitment to quality, purpose and staying true to its values.

Commenting on the collaboration, Abhay Deol said:

“I’ve always believed that the choices we make define who we become. What resonates with me about Victorinox is its authenticity, its strong sense of purpose and the integrity with which it has stayed true to its values for generations. There is a timeless quality to the brand that goes beyond products. I’m delighted to be part of this journey and to share that message with Indian audiences across the world.”

DOWNLOAD  

Please download image material here.

ABOUT VICTORINOX  

140+ YEARS OF BEING BEST PREPARED.

The origins of Victorinox date back to 1884, when Karl Elsener opened a knifemaking workshop in a village in central Switzerland. Elsener delivered his first soldier’s knife to the Swiss Army in 1891. Six years later, he created the Swiss Officer’s and Sports Knife – now known as the original Swiss Army Knife™ – which would lay the foundation for a thriving global company.

Victorinox is now a fourth-generation family business operating in over 120 countries. In addition to its iconic pocket knives, Victorinox produces premium household and professional knives, watches and travel gear. Victorinox products embody the brand and ensure consumers are best prepared for everyday challenges by offering smart and masterful solutions. The enterprising spirit of the founder and a commitment to strong, values-based corporate governance live on until today.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/victorinox-india-welcomes-abhay-deol-as-a-friend-of-the-brand-302852253.html

79 years after Partition, museum to remember those uprooted in 1947 and honour stories of resilience, rebuilding and hope

Aug 15: The Partition Museum, Delhi, in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), commemorated the 79th year of India’s Partition on Friday, August 14th, 2026, at 11 A.M. at the Partition Museum and Cultural Hub, Dara Shukoh Library Building, inside Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University Campus, Lothian Road, Delhi.

The memorial ceremony was held in the distinguished presence of Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA, as the Guest of Honour, Lady Kishwar Desai, Founder and Chair, Partition Museum, Ms Lakshmi Puri (Former Assistant Secretary General, United Nations), Shri K. Mahesh (MD, DKVIB and Secretary ACL Department under the Government of NCT of Delhi). 

Though unable to be present in person, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Sardar Taranjit Singh Sandhu, shared his thoughts as, “Partition was not merely the drawing of a border; it was the uprooting of millions from their homes, communities and memories. Delhi bears the imprint of that history in neighbourhoods such as Lajpat Nagar, Punjabi Bagh, Model Town and Khan Market, shaped by the rehabilitation of displaced families who arrived with little, yet rebuilt their lives and contributed to the making of a new nation.

It is this lived history that Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi sought to preserve by designating 14 August as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day—a day to remember the pain, honour the resilience of survivors and reaffirm our commitment to unity and harmony.

For me, this resilience has a deeply personal resonance. My grandfather, Sardar Teja Singh Samundri, dedicated his life to courage, non-violence and service, and chose principle over personal liberty, attaining martyrdom in Lahore Central Jail in 1926. His life reminds us that true resilience lies not merely in enduring adversity, but in standing by one’s values and serving a larger cause.

As we remember Partition, let us preserve these stories as legacies of courage, rebuilding and nation-building.”

Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA and Guest of Honour, shared his views as, “The preservation of memory is an essential part of preserving culture. It is also essential to remember the agony of the Partition to keep our Country united and strong. The stories of Partition live not only in history books, but in oral histories, family photographs, documents and personal belongings passed down through generations. It is also to tell the world about this tragedy, which is one of the biggest human displacements of all time.

IGNCA values its association with the Partition Museum in bringing these lived histories into a larger cultural conversation, so that they may continue to be documented, studied and understood by generations to come.”

The programme brought together Partition survivors and families of eyewitnesses to remember the millions uprooted in 1947, evoking applause and teary eyes. The occasion also marked Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, designated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and was followed by a museum tour offering a glimpse into the personal histories, objects, photographs and documents that keep Partition’s memories alive.

Lady Kishwar Desai, Founder and Chair, Partition Museum, whose vision has been central to creating the Partition Museums, emoted, “The Partition Museum was created to ensure that the voices of ordinary people are not lost to the passage of time. The objects they carried, the photographs they preserved, the documents they saved and, most importantly, the stories they shared, tell us what Partition meant at a deeply personal level. On Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, we remember not statistics or borders, but people, their homes, their losses, their journeys and their extraordinary resilience. This commemoration is also an invitation to younger generations to listen to those memories and understand why they must never be forgotten.“

Lady Kishwar Desai furthered announced that as a special initiative for the 80th year of India’s Independence and Partition, The Partition Museum will undertake a project along with city governments and several young artists to create and place sculptures across the cities of New Delhi, Amritsar and Mumbai to honor the resilience and perseverance of the refugees who began a new life post partition. These sculptures would be of men, women and children, placed at key locations like Lajpat Nagar, Friend’s Colony, Khan Market and Kingsway Camp in New Delhi to mark the pain of those uprooted overnight. In Amritsar and Wagah Border as well there will be sights from the Partition of 1947. This project attempts at bringing the glimpse of personal tragedies of victims of partition out of the closed doors of museums and brings people together from all walks of life to identify with their profound pain.

The Partition Museum in Amritsar, established to mark the 70th anniversary of India’s Partition, was the first museum in the world to collect and publicly display oral histories, documents, photographs and objects carried across the border by refugees of 1947. It was established by The Arts and Cultural Heritage Trust (TAACHT) under the chairmanship of Lady Kishwar Desai, with Mallika Ahluwalia as its first curator. The museum has received more than seven national and international awards.

The Partition Museum, Delhi, is the second Partition Museum in the world. Both museums were conceived as people’s museums, centred on the lived experiences of those affected by Partition, and are run entirely through donations.

Their collections and exhibitions encompass the Punjab and Bengal Partitions, as well as the Lost Homeland of Sindh, bringing together personal narratives and material histories from communities whose lives were transformed in 1947. The museums also feature art installations and artworks by well-known artists who have themselves been impacted by Partition.

Today, the museums welcome national and international visitors, school and college students from India and abroad, and have been written about by international historians and featured in films and documentaries.

The August 14 ceremony at the Delhi museum will bring these strands together—memory, history, culture and lived experience—in an effort to ensure that the human stories behind Partition remain alive for generations that did not witness it.