UP’s resilient agriculture model global example for small farmers: World Bank chief Ajay Banga
Lucknow: World Bank Group President Ajay Banga has praised Uttar Pradesh’s efforts to integrate technology with agriculture, describing the state’s “resilient farming model” a global example for small and marginal farmers. Speaking at the AgriConnect Flagship event during the 2025 Annual Meetings of the World Bank, Banga showcased the UP model, having visited the state…
China calls on Pakistan, Afghanistan to reach lasting truce
Beijing: China on Thursday welcomed the 48-hour ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan after heavy fighting and called on both countries to reach a comprehensive and lasting truce to resolve their differences. “We noted that Pakistan and Afghanistan decided to implement a temporary ceasefire and will seek a solution through constructive dialogue, which serves the common…
Bihar polls: Cong names 48 candidates in first list, fields state unit chief Rajesh Ram from Kutumba
New Delhi: The Congress on Thursday released its first list of 48 candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, fielding its state unit chief Rajesh Ram from the Kutumba seat and CLP leader Shakeel Ahmad Khan from Kadwa. The party announced the candidates even before finalizing the seat-sharing arrangement with its Mahagathbandhan allies, including the…
Ton-up Healy powers Australia to WC semi-final
Visakhapatnam: Skipper Alyssa Healy continued her golden run, smashing her way to a second consecutive ton as Australia cantered home by 10 wickets and took a giant leap towards a Women’s ODI World Cup semifinal berth in Visakhapatnam on Thursday. Asked to bowl, a disciplined Australia first restricted Bangladesh to a modest 198 for 9,…
Closely monitoring situation: India on Afghanistan-Pakistan clashes
New Delhi: India on Thursday said it is closely monitoring the situation arising out of the conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India remains fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Afghanistan. “Three things are clear – one, that Pakistan hosts terrorist organizations and sponsors terrorist…
India’s Growth, Defying the Odds
When the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised India’s GDP growth forecast upward to 6.6 percent for 2026, it did more than publish a statistic—it validated New Delhi’s steady economic stewardship and unflinching national resolve in an increasingly uncertain world. That this optimism comes despite punitive U.S. tariffs, global trade disruptions, and a barrage of Western…
NIPER: Inheriting a Legacy of Mismanagement
When I took charge as Director of the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Mohali, my immediate concern was understanding what had gone wrong in an institute once envisioned as a beacon of excellence in pharmaceutical research. What I discovered was disturbing—a pattern of procedural violations, administrative neglect, and entrenched fiefdoms that had…
Women Leaders Redefining Power: From Controversy to Courage
The Controversial Rise of Giorgia Meloni Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s first female Prime Minister, has faced persistent controversies throughout her political career. Critics have scrutinized her past affiliations with right-wing movements, her strong nationalist rhetoric, and polarising policy stances, especially concerning immigration and social conservatism. Despite these challenges, Meloni has maintained a firm public persona, navigating…
Stubble burning rages in North India: Solutions benefit both farmers and the environment
Every year, during October and November, the smoke rising from the fields of Punjab and Haryana chokes Delhi and all of North India. Stubble burning is a result of both farmers’ compulsion and policymakers’ failure. Unless farmers’ interests, agricultural needs, and environmental protection are addressed in tandem, pollution will neither decrease nor will rural India…
Duryodhana plots a new plan after Pandavas’ marriage
The great sage Vedavyasa, like the rising sun that scatters night’s deep gloom, dispelled the darkness of King Drupada’s doubts and gladdened his heart, for the monarch now stood eager to celebrate the wedding of his daughter Draupadi with the sons of Pandu. Approaching Kunti and the eldest of her sons, Vedavyasa spoke with quiet…
