Category Archives: News

Durand Cup Excitement Builds in Kolkata as Historic Trophies Unveiled Ahead of Tournament Opener

Kolkata, July 23: Football enthusiasm has reached a high in Kolkata as the prestigious Durand Cup trophies were showcased in the city ahead of the tournament’s commencement on July 25.

The display of the iconic Durand Cup, President’s Cup, and Shimla Trophy marked the final phase of the trophy tour and celebrated the rich legacy of one of India’s oldest and most prestigious football tournaments. The event brought fans closer to the historic silverware and highlighted the deep-rooted connection between Kolkata and Indian football.

The upcoming edition of the Durand Cup will see top football clubs compete for the coveted trophies, with matches scheduled across multiple venues. Kolkata, known as the heartland of Indian football, is set to host several important fixtures, adding to the excitement among supporters.

Organisers said the tournament continues to serve as an important platform for clubs, established players, and emerging football talents to showcase their skills at the national level. The competition also reflects the enduring relationship between Indian football traditions and the armed forces, which have played a key role in the tournament’s history.

With the opening match just days away, teams are preparing for a challenging campaign while fans across the country eagerly await the return of the historic football championship.

India Showcases 2030 Commonwealth Games Vision as Glasgow Edition Begins with 74 Nations

July 23: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya participated in the Commonwealth Sports Ministers’ Meet and discussed India’s preparedness and vision for hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad.

During the meeting, Mandaviya highlighted India’s growing sports infrastructure, commitment to athlete development, and readiness to deliver a world-class sporting event. The discussions focused on strengthening international cooperation, improving sporting facilities, and promoting the values of inclusivity and excellence through sports.

Meanwhile, the 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Games commenced in Glasgow, Scotland, with athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations competing across 10 sports. The nine-day event will feature more than 3,000 athletes participating in 215 medal events until August 2.

India has sent a 125-member contingent to the Glasgow Games, with athletes competing in disciplines including athletics, swimming, weightlifting, boxing, gymnastics, judo, cycling, netball, and lawn bowls. The Indian team will aim to deliver strong performances despite the absence of key medal-winning sports such as badminton, wrestling, and hockey from this edition.

Olympic medallists and leading athletes, including Neeraj Chopra, Mirabai Chanu, and Lovlina Borgohain, are among India’s major medal hopes. The athletics squad, led by Chopra, along with the weightlifting and boxing teams, are expected to play a crucial role in India’s medal campaign.

India had finished among the top five nations in the previous Commonwealth Games with 61 medals and will look to improve its performance in the ongoing edition.

The Commonwealth Sports Ministers’ discussions and India’s preparations for Ahmedabad 2030 reflect the country’s growing role in global sports and its ambition to host major international sporting events with modern infrastructure and world-class standards.

Young Indian Squash Star Anahat Singh Reaches World Junior Championship Quarterfinals

July 23: Indian squash player Anahat Singh has secured a place in the quarterfinals of the World Junior Squash Championship after an impressive run in the tournament.

Displaying remarkable skill, determination, and tactical strength, Anahat overcame strong international competition to advance to the last eight stage. Her consistent performances have highlighted her growing stature in junior squash and strengthened India’s presence on the global sporting platform.

The young athlete’s achievement has drawn praise from the sporting community, with expectations high as she continues her campaign in the prestigious championship. Anahat will now look to build on her momentum and secure a place in the semifinals.

Her progress reflects the growing talent pool in Indian squash and the emergence of promising young athletes capable of competing at the highest international level.

Cedars-Sinai Supports Local Nonprofits With Dollar 20 Million in Grants

LOS ANGELES, July 23: Cedars-Sinai has awarded Dollar 20 million to local nonprofits, reinforcing its commitment to advancing the health and wellbeing of Los Angeles communities.

During the fiscal year that ended June 30, the medical center supported organizations through 169 grants to address critical needs, including access to healthcare, housing stability, food security and other essential resources.

A $300,000 grant to the Los Angeles Food Policy Council will strengthen regional food access through CalFresh outreach and enrollment efforts. The funding will also support the infrastructure of local farmers markets and coordinated strategies to protect food-purchasing power and access to healthy, culturally relevant food for low-income residents.

The medical center has invested in regional food systems by backing local growers and issuing grants to programs such as FeedLA through the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles as well as YMCA Center for Community Well-Being locations.

A grant to ALMA Backyard Farms helped expand the urban agriculture infrastructure, workforce training opportunities and fresh food distribution in communities with limited access to healthy food and green space. This contribution includes aid toward the development of a new farm hub in Carson.

Shifts in public program protocols continue to reshape the social services landscape. Cedars-Sinai has pledged to expand its investments in community-based organizations.

The latest round of grants also included Dollar 250,000 to Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County to assist residents navigating programs like Medi-Cal, CalFresh, Covered California and Medicare.

To support healthy aging and quality of life programs, Cedars-Sinai awarded two grants to expand services for seniors and their caregivers. A grant to Comprehensive Community Health Centers will help increase behavioral health engagement and ensure those in need can receive effective medical treatment.

Watts Healthcare also received a grant to aid its Healthy Aging and Wellness Program that promotes physical, emotional and social wellbeing through preventive care, fitness and nutritional support, and mental health resources.

Cedars-Sinai funded two initiatives focused on homeless prevention and long-term support to those facing housing instability. According to the 2025 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, more than 72,000 people experience homelessness on any given night across L.A. County.

A grant to the housing advocacy organization Brilliant Corners supported the Los Angeles County Homeless Prevention Unit’s efforts to provide flexible financial assistance to at-risk young adults in danger of losing housing.

A grant to local nonprofit Housing Works will fund enhanced training, professional development and wellness support for frontline staff serving those who have faced homelessness.

A Cedars-Sinai grant to Planned Parenthood Los Angeles will support care through the organization’s network of health centers, school-based wellbeing centers and its community outreach efforts.

“Cedars-Sinai is deeply compelled to continue providing support to organizational partners in their dedication to helping communities across this region,” said Andrea Iloulian, MPP, executive director of Grantmaking at Cedars-Sinai. “These organizations are on the front lines of improving access to medical care for everyone as well as providing food and housing assistance. This will help ensure vulnerable populations have the support and supplies they need to survive and thrive.”

NITI Aayog Gets New Leadership as Anurag Jain Appointed Chief Executive Officer

July 23: Senior IAS officer Anurag Jain has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NITI Aayog, bringing extensive administrative experience and policy expertise to the government’s premier public policy institution.

Jain’s appointment is expected to further strengthen NITI Aayog’s role in policy research, strategic planning, and facilitating collaboration between the Centre and states. The institution plays a key role in shaping development strategies, promoting innovation, and supporting evidence-based policymaking across various sectors.

A seasoned civil servant, Anurag Jain has held several important administrative responsibilities during his career, contributing to governance, infrastructure development, and public policy implementation. His experience in managing large-scale programmes and coordinating with multiple stakeholders is expected to support NITI Aayog’s future initiatives.

As CEO, Jain will oversee the organisation’s policy frameworks, research activities, and efforts to promote sustainable and inclusive growth. His leadership comes at a time when India is focusing on economic expansion, digital transformation, infrastructure development, and long-term development goals.

The government expressed confidence that Jain’s experience and administrative capabilities will help NITI Aayog continue its mission of strengthening policy innovation and supporting India’s development priorities.

Sikkim Tunnel Collapse: Death Toll Reaches 22

July 23: Rescue and recovery operations are continuing at the site of the tunnel collapse in Sikkim, where the death toll has risen to 22 following the recovery of additional bodies from the debris. Authorities have intensified efforts to locate the remaining missing workers, with multiple rescue agencies working round the clock despite difficult terrain and challenging weather conditions.

Specialized rescue teams are deploying heavy machinery, excavation equipment, and technical search tools to clear debris and access affected sections of the tunnel. Officials said the operation remains complex due to unstable ground conditions, but every effort is being made to safely recover those still trapped or missing.

The state administration, in coordination with disaster response agencies, has assured that all necessary resources are being mobilized to support the ongoing operation. Medical teams and emergency personnel remain on standby, while assistance is being extended to the families of the victims and missing workers.

Authorities have also announced that a detailed investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the collapse and assess compliance with safety standards at the construction site. The findings are expected to guide future measures aimed at strengthening safety protocols for infrastructure projects.

The state government has expressed its condolences to the bereaved families and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring accountability, completing the rescue operation, and providing all necessary support to those affected by the tragedy.

Bharat Forge And FLYING WHALES Sign Strategic MoU To Develop And Manufacture Heavy-Lift Airships For Sovereign Applications In India

July 22: Bharat Forge Limited, through its Aerospace Division, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with FLYING WHALES, a French-Canadian global pioneer in heavy–lift airship technology, to jointly develop, manufacture and field, advanced airships for India’s defence and strategic operational requirements. The MoU was signed by Mr. Guru BISWAL, CEO Aerospace, Bharat Forge Limited, and Mr. Sébastien BOUGON, President, FLYING WHALES, at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026.

The partnership marks a decisive step towards building an indigenous airship ecosystem in India, aligned to the Government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. The two companies will work towards establishing in India the manufacture, integration and production of FLYING WHALES–Bharat Forge airships for Defence applications, creating sovereign capabilities in a strategically important aerospace segment.

 At the core of the collaboration is the LCA60T platform- FLYING WHALES next-generation heavy–lift airship capable of transporting up to 60 tonnes of cargo with vertical take-off and landing capability, minimal ground infrastructure requirements, and hybrid-electric propulsion. Designed for point-to-point operations in challenging and remote environments, the platform opens new possibilities for military logistics, strategic mobility and disaster response.

 The partnership will explore defence applications including logistics support to forward operating bases, transportation of oversized equipment and critical military supplies, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, communication relay systems, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, and rapid deployment in remote border regions and difficult terrains.

 “Airships will redefine how nations move, supply and sustain their forces, and India will lead that change. This strategic partnership places India among a select group of nations with the capability to design, build and field heavy–lift airships, bringing together FLYING WHALES‘ pioneering technology and Bharat Forge‘s six decades of advanced engineering strength and deep understanding of India‘s defence needs. Aligned to the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, we are creating a sovereign capability, a new industrial ecosystem and an entirely new dimension of strategic mobility for the nation,” said Mr. Amit Kalyani, Vice Chairman & Joint Managing Director, Bharat Forge Limited.

“The LCA60T was conceived to reach the world’s most remote and demanding locations, and that promise finds its fullest expression in India, with its vast geography, challenging terrain and extraordinary ambition. We are delighted to partner with Bharat Forge, whose engineering depth, defence expertise and shared vision make this a true strategic alliance to take the programme to scale. Together, we will build in India, for India and for the world, laying the foundations of an airship industry that will serve this region for generations,” said Mr. Tanguy Lestienne, Chief Executive Officer, FLYING WHALES SERVICES.

The proposed localisation programme is expected to generate high-technology employment, develop an advanced supply chain and create future export opportunities, further strengthening India‘s position as a global aerospace manufacturing hub.

Adani Electricity Team Shines at National 5S Conclave with Excellence in Workplace Innovation

Mumbai, July 22: Adani Electricity’s workforce has been recognised for its excellence in workplace management and operational efficiency at the 12th National Conclave on 5S, held in Varanasi.

The achievement highlights the organisation’s commitment to fostering a culture of quality, innovation, and continuous improvement through the adoption of globally recognised 5S workplace practices.

The company’s employees demonstrated best practices in workplace organisation, process optimisation, safety, and operational excellence, earning appreciation for their efforts to enhance productivity and service delivery.

Officials said the recognition reflects the dedication and teamwork of Adani Electricity’s workforce in implementing efficient systems that improve workplace standards while promoting a safe and sustainable working environment.

The National Conclave on 5S brings together industry leaders and professionals from across sectors to share best practices in workplace management, efficiency, and organisational excellence.

The recognition reinforces Adani Electricity’s focus on building a high-performance work culture driven by innovation, employee engagement, and operational excellence, while supporting its commitment to delivering reliable services to consumers.

Kharchi Puja Begins in Tripura, Blending Centuries-Old Traditions with Green Mission

Agartala, July 22: The centuries-old Kharchi Puja, one of Tripura’s most significant religious and cultural festivals, began on Wednesday with a strong message of environmental responsibility under the theme ‘Ek Ped, Maa Ke Naam’.

The week-long festival brings together devotees, priests, and visitors from across the region to participate in traditional rituals that celebrate Tripura’s rich cultural heritage. This year, the celebrations have been aligned with the nationwide tree plantation campaign, encouraging people to contribute to environmental conservation by planting trees.

Organisers said the green theme aims to connect faith with sustainability, promoting awareness about ecological preservation while preserving the spiritual essence of the festival. Tree plantation drives and public awareness initiatives are expected to complement the religious observances throughout the celebrations.

Kharchi Puja is regarded as a symbol of Tripura’s cultural identity and communal harmony, attracting thousands of devotees every year. Along with traditional rituals, the festival also showcases the state’s vibrant heritage through cultural programmes and community participation.

The initiative reflects a growing effort to integrate environmental consciousness into traditional festivals, reinforcing the importance of sustainable living while preserving centuries-old customs and values.

India’s Primary Energy Supply Hits 39,055 Petajoules, Signalling Strong Economic Momentum

New Delhi, July 22, 2026 – India’s total primary energy supply has reached 39,055 petajoules (PJ), highlighting the country’s expanding energy capacity and its ability to meet the growing demands of a rapidly developing economy, the government informed Parliament.

The milestone reflects sustained growth in energy consumption across key sectors, including industry, transport, agriculture, and households, supported by continued investments in power generation, fuel supply, and energy infrastructure.

The minister said the government remains committed to strengthening India’s energy security through a diversified energy mix that combines conventional resources with renewable energy. Ongoing initiatives to expand clean energy capacity, modernise infrastructure, and improve energy efficiency are helping build a more resilient and sustainable energy ecosystem.

India’s rising primary energy supply also underscores the country’s progress in supporting industrialisation, urbanisation, and digital growth while ensuring reliable energy access for businesses and citizens.

With a continued focus on innovation, domestic resource development, and sustainable energy solutions, the government aims to create a future-ready energy sector capable of supporting long-term economic growth and meeting the nation’s evolving energy needs.

The latest figures reinforce India’s position as one of the world’s fastest-growing energy markets and reflect its ongoing efforts to balance economic development with energy security and environmental sustainability.