2, Jul 2026
Asian Kabaddi League Unveils Women’s Chapter 1; International League to be Telecast in Prime Time from 1–16 August
New Delhi, July 2 :The Asian Kabaddi League unveiled Women’s Chapter 1, a dedicated international professional league for women’s kabaddi, at a press conference at the Constitution Club of India. Matches will be held from 1 to 16 August 2026 and telecast in prime time, with Sony as the official broadcasting partner.
The league was launched in association with the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India , the South East Asian Kabaddi Federation and the state kabaddi associations of Jharkhand, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh. Representatives of the participating federations and state associations were felicitated at the event in recognition of their support.
AKL – Women’s Chapter 1 has a single objective: to promote and develop women’s kabaddi at the international level. While most professional kabaddi leagues worldwide remain focused on the men’s game, AKL is introducing a dedicated women’s competition to give women athletes equal opportunity, international exposure and a genuinely professional platform — an aim aligned with the wider national push for women’s empowerment and sports development.
The Announcement
Introducing the league, Vikram Vijay Chandan, President – Growth & Media, AKL, said AKL will bring together the finest women kabaddi players and team heads from across Asia, telecast by Sony in prime time.
“AKL – Women’s Chapter 1 is a professional platform that unites the finest women kabaddi players and team heads from across Asia. With Sony as our broadcaster and matches in prime time, we are determined to give women’s kabaddi the stage, visibility and respect it deserves.”— Vikram Vijay Chandan, President – Growth & Media, AKL
Dr. Praveen Shetty, League Chairman, welcomed the representatives from the participating states and reaffirmed the league’s founding belief — that talent exists in every region and deserves an equal, professional platform.
Players Welcome a Long-Awaited Platform
International kabaddi player Suman Shokeen said women players had long awaited a professional league of this scale, calling AKL a fresh beginning that will inspire more young girls to take up the sport.
“Women players have waited a long time for a professional league of this scale. AKL is a fresh beginning — it gives us a stage to show what we can do and will encourage many more young girls to take up kabaddi.”— Suman Shokeen, International Kabaddi Player
Shri Narayanan thanked the organisers and the state kabaddi associations — with particular appreciation for the Tamil Nadu Kabaddi Association — and noted that players from Southeast Asian countries will feature alongside Indian players.
Format and Next Steps
Kuldeep Rana confirmed that invitations have been extended to the participating teams and that the final team list will be announced shortly. The league will be telecast on Sony Sports; prize money and the official tip-off event will be announced separately. Future editions are planned in a home-and-away format, with the goal of establishing AKL as a high-quality, fully professional women’s league.
JC Sharma said the league will create more tournaments and playing opportunities for women, helping them prepare for professional competition and opening pathways to financial growth, recognition and employment. A dedicated booth for guests and promotional activity was also set up at the venue.
Geetanjali Sharma, Chairperson of National Anti Doping Agency said the league will create valuable opportunities for woman in the country, the whole idea of women empowerment and the way league is designed to enable the woman from the grassroots. She praised the organisers on following the footsteps of Honourable Prime Minister and his views on Women Empowerment
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- By Neel Achary
2, Jul 2026
Rreal Tacos Acquires the Red Mesa Cantina Building in Downtown St. Pete
2, Jul 2026
Heavy Monsoon Rains Disrupt Mumbai
Heavy Monsoon Rains Disrupt Mumbai; Over 99 Tree Falls and Multiple Power Faults Reported
Mumbai, July 2: Continuous heavy rainfall has severely disrupted normal life across the city, leading to widespread tree falls and power-related incidents.
According to initial reports, more than 99 cases of trees being uprooted or falling were recorded, along with at least 13 incidents of short circuits in various parts of Mumbai. The relentless rain has also affected road movement and local infrastructure, causing delays and safety concerns for residents.
Municipal authorities and emergency response teams are actively working to clear debris, restore electricity, and ensure public safety. Citizens have been urged to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel until weather conditions improve.
2, Jul 2026
South Korea Pharma Exports Surpass Dollar 10 Billion in 2025
Seoul, July 2: South Korea’s pharmaceutical exports have surpassed $10 billion for the first time in 2025, marking a major milestone for the country’s healthcare and biotechnology sector.
The strong performance has been driven by rising global demand for biosimilars, vaccines, and advanced drug formulations developed by South Korean companies. Industry experts say increased overseas approvals and expanded production capacity have also contributed to the growth.
Officials and analysts view this achievement as a sign of South Korea’s growing competitiveness in the global pharmaceutical market, with expectations of continued expansion in the coming years.
2, Jul 2026
Precious Metals Trade Mixed as Markets Weigh Possible Fed Rate Hold
July 2: Global gold and silver markets traded mixed amid rising expectations that the US Federal Reserve may keep interest rates unchanged in the near term.
Gold prices moved with mild volatility as investors assessed inflation trends and signals from the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy outlook. Silver also saw uneven trading, reflecting cautious sentiment across the commodities sector.
Market participants are closely watching upcoming US economic data and central bank commentary for clearer cues on the future direction of interest rates, which are expected to influence precious metals in the days ahead.
2, Jul 2026
Delhi EV Model Shows INR 1 Lakh Crore Savings Path
New Delhi, July 2: India’s transition towards electric mobility could deliver significant economic and environmental benefits, with estimates suggesting that achieving 20% electric vehicle (EV) penetration by 2030 may help save nearly ₹1 lakh crore in fuel import costs.
According to policy insights, a higher adoption of EVs will substantially reduce the country’s dependence on imported crude oil, thereby strengthening energy security and easing pressure on the import bill. Experts believe that the transport sector, which remains a major consumer of fossil fuels, holds the key to achieving these savings through large-scale electrification.
The Delhi EV policy has emerged as a notable example of successful implementation, demonstrating how targeted incentives, regulatory support, and infrastructure expansion—such as charging stations and consumer subsidies—can accelerate EV adoption in urban areas.
Officials and experts further noted that expanding EV usage will not only reduce import costs but also contribute to improved air quality, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and long-term environmental sustainability. The shift is also expected to promote innovation and investment in clean mobility technologies across the country.
They emphasized the need for coordinated efforts between the Centre and states to scale up charging infrastructure, support manufacturing, and encourage consumer adoption in order to meet the 2030 target effectively.
2, Jul 2026
WhatsApp Username Rollout Put Under Government Review
New Delhi, July 2: The Central Government has raised concerns over WhatsApp’s proposed username feature and has sought clarification from its parent company Meta.
The Ministry of Electronics and IT has asked Meta to explain the feature and its safety measures before any rollout. The government has also directed that the feature should not be implemented until further review is completed.
Officials have expressed concern that the feature could be misused for cyber fraud by hiding user identities. At present, WhatsApp accounts are linked to mobile numbers, while the new system would allow users to interact using usernames.
The matter is under examination, and further discussions are expected between the government and Meta.
2, Jul 2026
Annapurna Girls’ Hostel enhances Student Dining Experience with Fresh, Seasonal, and Balanced Meal Plans
Noida, July 02: Annapurna Girls’ Hostel enhances student dining experience by offering fresh and healthy meals as the need for nutritious food increases. These nutritious meals assist in improving the health of the students. This motive shows the hostel’s aim to create a home-like environment where students grow academically as well as physically.
As the demand for accommodation that goes beyond basic amenities grows among students, Annapurna Girls’ Hostel has made it its goal to enhance its food services to keep pace with students’ changing requirements. The meal plans are carefully compiled and consist of various vegetables and fruits, fresh food items, and healthy, well-nourished ingredients, prepared using hygienic cooking methods. As the monsoon season approaches, Annapurna Girls’ Hostel prepares its menu list by ensuring students get the home-made food feel in the mess. Dishes that are easy to digest are prepared. Apart from healthy food ingredients, the hostel caters to an interactive dining area where residents socialise with each other and form good friendships. It proves the fact that when humans receive genuine and true care, they develop a positive sense of feeling about the living conditions. This goal perfectly aligns with Annapurna Girls’ Hostel’s motive, which ensures students living there get nutritious food, a clean environment, and activity areas to help them relax.
On this approach, the Founder of Annapurna Girls’ Hostel, Kunwar Gaurav Giri, stated that numerous students every year leave their homes for a new place for studies and jobs. This change is believed to be one of the challenging phases of their lives, where food portrays a great emotional setback for them. The Annapurna Girls’ Hostel serves each meal with the approach to provide both healthy and comfort food so that students feel like they are at home. As soon as monsoon time comes near, catering to residents’ needs regarding food becomes essential. The hostel strives to maintain a healthy living environment for every individual, considering improving their well-being, which includes food as one of the major components.
As the fitness of the students remains a significant component of living, Annapurna Girls’ Hostel has improved its facilities by focusing mainly on healthy meals, socialisation, and peace. The goal is to provide a positive living experience for students by combining a home-like dining experience with the safety and comfort of a warm and inviting environment, along with resident-focused services By offering an enriching living experience, the hostel aims to support students throughout their academic journey, while helping students to feel “at home” at any time during the year.
2, Jul 2026
Indian REITs Association Appoints Shirish Godbole as Chairperson
Mumbai,July 2: The Indian REITs Association today announced the appointment of Mr. Shirish Godbole, Chief Executive Officer of Knowledge Realty Trust, as its chairperson, with immediate effect. He succeeds Mr. Alok Aggarwal, who stepped down as Chairperson following his retirement as Managing Director & CEO of Brookfield India Real Estate Trust.
The Indian REITs Association expresses its sincere gratitude to Mr. Aggarwal for his leadership and valuable contributions in guiding the Association during the formative phase of India’s REIT sector. Under his stewardship, the Association played a key role in strengthening investor education, fostering industry engagement, and supporting the growth of the country’s listed REIT ecosystem.
Founded in 2023 under the guidance of SEBI and the Ministry of Finance, the Indian REITs Association is a non-profit industry body dedicated to promoting the growth and development of India’s Real Estate Investment Trust sector. Its members include Brookfield India Real Estate Trust, Embassy Office Parks REIT, Mindspace Business Parks REIT, Nexus Select Trust, Knowledge Realty Trust, and Bagmane Prime Office REIT.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Shirish Godbole said
“I am honored to assume the role of Chairperson of the Indian REITs Association at a defining moment for the sector. In just a few years, REITs have established themselves as a credible and transparent investment avenue, and the opportunity ahead is even more exciting. As India’s commercial real estate market continues to mature, REITs have the potential to become a mainstream investment product for both domestic and global investors. I look forward to working closely with our members, regulators and other stakeholders to strengthen the REIT ecosystem, enhance investor awareness, uphold the highest standards of governance and transparency, and support the next phase of growth for the industry.”
Mr. Godbole currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Knowledge Realty Trust, India’s largest listed REIT by market capitalization, and brings over 25 years of experience in global real estate investing and finance. He has held senior leadership positions with globally renowned institutions, including AEW Capital Management in Boston; Morgan Stanley in New York, where he served as Managing Director in the Real Estate Assets Division; and Morgan Stanley India Financial Services Private Limited, where he headed Morgan Stanley’s Real Estate Investing business in India. He has also served as Managing Director in the Merchant Banking Division at Goldman SachsSecurities Private Limited.
Mr. Godbole holds a master’s degree in business administration from Northeastern University, Boston.
2, Jul 2026
Malnutrition Still a Challenge in Odisha: Ojan Utsav Intensifies Fight Against Child Undernutrition
Bhubaneswar, July 2: Despite steady improvements in child nutrition indicators over the past few years, malnutrition continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Odisha, particularly in remote tribal and hard-to-reach regions. To strengthen early detection and ensure timely nutritional intervention, the Odisha Government has launched the first phase of Ojan Utsav 2026 under Mission Poshan 2.0, which will be conducted from July 1 to July 25 across the state.
Representational image
Ojan Utsav is a biannual growth monitoring and measurement campaign aimed at assessing the height and weight of children below five years of age. The initiative seeks to identify children affected by Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) at an early stage and connect them with appropriate nutrition and healthcare services.
This year’s campaign places special emphasis on covering children living in remote, tribal and cut-off villages, ensuring that even the most inaccessible communities receive essential growth monitoring. Anganwadi Workers, ICDS Supervisors and frontline health functionaries are conducting the exercise across more than 72,000 Anganwadi Centres in Odisha.
Unlike routine growth monitoring, Ojan Utsav is conducted under the direct supervision of ICDS officials to ensure accurate anthropometric measurements. The height and weight data collected during the campaign are uploaded in real time to the Poshan Abhiyaan digital platform, enabling authorities to monitor children’s nutritional status and initiate timely interventions wherever required.
According to available data, nearly 29.1 per cent of children under five in Odisha are stunted, reflecting chronic undernutrition. Around 12.8 per cent are underweight, while 2.9 per cent suffer from wasting. The burden of Severe Acute Malnutrition remains concentrated in districts such as Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur, where geographical isolation and socio-economic challenges continue to affect child health outcomes.
Tribal communities continue to face disproportionate nutritional challenges. Among Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), undernutrition remains significantly higher than the state average, highlighting the need for focused interventions in remote habitations.
Experts attribute child malnutrition to a combination of poverty, food insecurity, poor maternal nutrition, inadequate sanitation and drinking water facilities, and difficulties in delivering healthcare services to inaccessible villages. These factors often delay early identification and treatment of vulnerable children.
To address these challenges, the state has strengthened its nutrition strategy through Mission Poshan 2.0, the Mukhyamantri Poshan Yojana, AMLAN (Anaemia Mukta Lakshya Abhiyaan) and the expansion of Anganwadi services in underserved areas. Ojan Utsav complements these initiatives by generating accurate growth data that supports evidence-based planning and targeted nutritional interventions.
Officials of the Department of Women and Child Development said the campaign is not merely a data collection exercise but a statewide effort to ensure that every child receives an equal opportunity to grow healthy. They appealed to parents and caregivers to participate actively in the campaign by bringing their children to the nearest Anganwadi Centre for growth assessment.
With the first phase continuing until July 25, the Government aims to strengthen child nutrition surveillance and reaffirm its commitment to building a healthier, malnutrition-free Odisha by ensuring that no child is left behind, irrespective of where they live.
