http://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php?feed=atom&namespace=0&title=Special%3ANewPagesIndpaedia - New pages [en-gb]2026-10-01T08:03:44ZFrom IndpaediaMediaWiki 1.19.2http://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Nuclear_Power_Corporation_of_India_LtdNuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd2026-09-10T00:19:08Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:Crime |N ]]<br />
[[Category:S&T |N ]]<br />
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=Cyber security=<br />
==2026: data breach==<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=16_07_2026_001_021_cap_TOI Surendra.Singh, July 16, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
New Delhi : Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd, which is leading construction and operation of reactors at the Kudankulam nuclear plant, as well as Anil Ambani’s Reliance Group, whose arm Reliance Infra was involved with building infrastructure at two units, Wednesday said its core systems were untouched by a “cyber security incident”, after well-known ransomware group World Leaks posted a huge cache of files related to the plant on the dark web and claimed data breach. <br />
<br />
NPCIL and Russia’s Rosatom are jointly developing the 6,000-MW Tamil Nadu-based nuclear plant. While units 1 and 2 are operational, units 3, 4, 5, and 6 are under various stages of construction and commissioning. Reliance Infra was involved in designing and building infrastructure for the plant’s unit 3 and unit 4 in 2018. <br />
<br />
The nuclear plant, located in Tamil Nadu, is the largest of India’s nuclear plants.<br />
<br />
<br />
''' Files are not related to nuclear safety, security: NPCIL '''<br />
<br />
In response to a TOI query, spokesperson of Anil Ambani’s Reliance Group said, “The company was informed by Yotta Data Services Private Limited (Yotta), its third-party data centre service provider, of a cybersecurity incident involving an attempted ransomware attack that resulted in partial breach of data hosted on one of Yotta’s servers. Yotta has informed the company that the suspicious process was identified and terminated immediately, and the incident was contained and also that no ransomware execution, data loss, or lateral movement occurred, and services were restored.”<br />
<br />
The company spokesperson further said, “Yotta has confirmed that enhanced security monitoring and preventive controls are now in place. The company has directed Yotta to conduct a detailed investigation and submit a report. The incident has been reported to CERT-In and disclosure has been made to the stock exchanges.” <br />
<br />
When asked about the claims that 19,000 of the 8.6 lakh Reliance files put on the World Leaks website ap peared to be most sensitive, NPCIL executive director (CP&CC) Prateek Agrawal told TOI , “They (files) are not at all related to nuclear safety and security. Like thermal power plants, tenders are issued for common services. Such common services are not associated with the core systems of the nuclear plant.” <br />
<br />
In a statement, NPCIL said the engineering, procurement and construction contract for the common services awarded to R-Infra is of conventional nature and is typically found in thermal power plants as well as other process industries. “They are not related to nuclear safety or nuclear security systems.”</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Night_lights:_South_AsiaNight lights: South Asia2026-09-10T00:04:08Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |N ]]<br />
[[Category:Development |N ]]<br />
<br />
=Night light intensity=<br />
==2025==<br />
[[File: Night light intensity In the urban areas of Bangladesh, India and other countries, presumably as in 2025.jpg|Night light intensity In the urban areas of Bangladesh, India and other countries, presumably as in 2025 <br/> From: [https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=17_07_2026_012_005_cap_TOI July 17, 2026: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]<br />
<br />
'''See graphic''':<br />
<br />
'' Night light intensity In the urban areas of Bangladesh, India and other countries, presumably as in 2025 ''</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Katni:_Sleemanabad_TunnelKatni: Sleemanabad Tunnel2026-09-10T00:03:25Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |K ]]<br />
[[Category:Development |K ]]<br />
[[Category:Places |K ]]<br />
<br />
=Briefly= <br />
==As of 2026 July==<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=17_07_2026_028_002_cap_TOI P.Naveen, July 17, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
Bhopal : Legend has it that Narmada and Sonbhadra, born in the same Maikal hills, are estranged lovers destined to flow in opposite directions, never to meet. <br />
An engineering feat that took 18 years to achieve will soon change that as the Narmada waters will finally enter the Son basin through India’s longest underground water conveyance tunnel — the 11.9-km-long Sleemanabad Tunnel in MP’s Katni district. <br />
<br />
The breakthrough came on July 14, when the last rock that stood as a barrier cracked. The water will be released only after the tunnel boring machine is dismantled and pulled out, officials said. <br />
<br />
The tunnel is designed to carry Narmada waters from the Bargi reservoir beneath the Vindhya hills to the drought-prone Vindhya region and Son basin through gravity flow, without using pumps. It is the backbone of the Bargi diversion project that will eventually provide irrigation to 2.5 lakh hectares of farmland across nearly 1,450 villages in Jabalpur, Katni, Satna, Maihar, Rewa and Panna districts. <br />
<br />
The construction began in 2008, but progress was slowed by some of the toughest geological conditions encountered in an irrigation tunnel. Engineers had to cut through hard marble, limestone and dolomite formations while tackling underground cavities, heavy groundwater inflows, unstable rock and carbon dioxide emissions. These conditions repeatedly damaged the cutter heads of the machines. <br />
<br />
A Robbins boring machine deployed in 2011 managed to excavate only 1.4km in four years. A second German-made one was launched from the opposite end in 2016. The work escalated the project cost from Rs 799 crore to Rs 1,600 crore. <br />
<br />
The tunnel passes 20-40m below the surface. Irrigation will be introduced over the next three rabi seasons.</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Narwar_FortNarwar Fort2026-09-09T23:35:53Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:Crime |N ]]<br />
[[Category:Places |N ]]<br />
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=Crime=<br />
==2007, 2026: major thefts==<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=18_07_2026_027_012_cap_TOI July 18, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
<br />
Bhopal : An armed gang of 25 to 30 men allegedly stormed the centuries-old ASIprotected Narwar Fort in MP’s Shivpuri district and stole a rare 16th-century cannon weighing more than 1,000kg after threatening unarmed security guards. <br />
The cannon, stolen on the intervening night of July 15 and 16, was one of the 14 historic artillery pieces displayed in the fort’s open courtyard. <br />
<br />
The heist has revived memories of a similar theft in 2007, when another historic Mughal-era cannon, measuring about 7 feet in length and weighing nearly 3,000kg, was stolen from the fort’s Kachahari Mahal premises. <br />
<br />
The historic hill fort is associated in local tradition with Kush, the son of Lord Ram, and the legendary king Nala and his wife Damayanti. <br />
<br />
According to security guards, the gang entered the monument through a rugged rear approach on loading vehicles, brought on purpose to transport the massive cannon.</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Fast-track_special_courts:_IndiaFast-track special courts: India2026-09-09T22:54:29Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |F ]]<br />
[[Category:Law,Constitution,Judiciary |F ]]<br />
<br />
=Status=<br />
==Backlog==<br />
===As of 2025, Dec===<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=25_07_2026_007_011_cap_TOI July 25, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
<br />
[[File: Cases disposed of by Fast-track special courts, 2021-25, year-wise.jpg|Cases disposed of by Fast-track special courts, 2021-25, year-wise <br/> From: [https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=25_07_2026_007_011_cap_TOI July 25, 2026: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]<br />
<br />
<br />
New Delhi : Fast-track special courts, which are meant to complete trials within a year of taking cognisance of offences related to rape and Pocso Act, have not been working at the expected speed. In 2025, which saw more than 1.4 lakh rape and Pocso cases being registered, only 66,500 were disposed of.<br />
<br />
The backlog of cases had reached 2.5 lakh on Dec 31, 2025. The trend has been similar over the last three years, with the total pendency at over 2 lakh. Since fast-track special courts were constituted in 2019, case pendency has always been around 2 lakh over the last seven years despite the scheme mandating time-bound trials. <br />
<br />
“The scheme has been extended twice, with the last extension valid up to March 31, 2026, for establishment of 790 fast-track special courts. The scheme has now been extended up to Sept 30 this year,” law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal informed Parliament in a written response Thursday. <br />
<br />
The minister added that according to information made available by high courts, 775 fast-track special courts, including 398 exclusive Pocso (e-Pocso) courts, were functional in 29 states/Union Territories as of April. <br />
<br />
Centre and states share expenditure on these courts in a 60:40 ratio. This covers the salaries of one judicial officer along with seven support staff for each fast-track court, in addition to a grant for meeting day-to-day expenses. <br />
<br />
Since the inception of the scheme, Centre has released Rs 1,260 crore to states and UTs to ensure the courts functioned smoothly, Meghwal said. <br />
<br />
The minister said he had written to chief ministers and Chief Justices of high courts regarding the “need for timely action and strict compliance with timelines under Pocso Act and BNSS”. <br />
<br />
Meghwal, however, said it was the responsibility of states and HCs to recruit judges and fill vacant positions of judicial officers in district and subordinate courts, including fast-track ones.</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Sai_Nachiketh_BhatrajuSai Nachiketh Bhatraju2026-09-09T22:47:42Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |B ]]<br />
[[Category:Sports |B ]]<br />
<br />
=YEAR-WISE DEVELOPMENTS= <br />
=2026=<br />
==July==<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=27_07_2026_015_007_cap_TOI July 27, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
Hyderabad : A week after winning the All England junior title, Hyderabad lad Sai Nachiketh Bhatraju clinched the Turkiye Junior International in Halkali Merkez, Istanbul, on Sunday. Nachiketh upset top seed Mehmet Can Toremis of Turkey in straight games 21-11, 23-21 in a closely-fought final. Earlier, in the semifinals, he defeated Amer Mohammed of Saudi Arabia 2113, 21-19. Nachiketh, who trains at the Chetan Anand Badminton Academy here, became the first Indian to win the All-England junior title last week.<br />
<br />
Lauding his feat, former world No.10 Chetan Anand, who trains Nachiketh, said, "It's not easy to win back-to-back international tournaments. I am very happy he maintained concentration, composure and also managed the stress both mentally and physically for over two weeks.” TNN</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/GitHub/_Bitchat_and_IndiaGitHub/ Bitchat and India2026-09-09T22:47:05Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |B ]]<br />
[[Category:Economy-Industry-Resources |B ]]<br />
[[Category:S&T |B ]]<br />
<br />
=YEAR-WISE DEVELOPMENTS= <br />
==As of 2026 July==<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=27_07_2026_011_013_cap_TOI Aabhas.Sharma, July 27, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
<br />
New Delhi : Bitchat, the internet-free messaging app at the centre of a govt crackdown, has continued to gain traction in India despite authorities ordering GitHub to remove its source code repository and civil liberty groups challenging the move as unconstitutional. Bitchat, founded by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, allows users to message without any internet using Bluetooth mesh networks. <br />
<br />
New data from Appfigures shows India accounted for 53% of Bitchat’s estimated over 1.2 lakh global downloads over the 30 days ending July 24. The app generated an estimated 65,462 downloads in India during the period, with virtually all of them — 65,435 installs — coming in just the final seven days, underscoring the speed of its rise.<br />
<br />
The surge gathered pace after July 20. Daily downloads in India climbed from 291 on July 19 to 946 on July 20, before jumping to 8,759 on July 21, 21,508 on July 22 and peaking at 28,574 on July 23. During the latest seven-day period, India contributed 84% of Bitchat’s global downloads, as per data shared by Appfigures with TOI. <br />
<br />
The latest figures, which build on Sensor Tower data reported earlier, revealed daily active users crossing 3.3 lakh. The app has also retained strong visibility on app stores, reaching No. 7 among iPhone social networking apps in India by July 24, up from No. 46 on July 20. On Google Play, it climbed to No. 23 among communication apps after first appearing in the rankings only on July 22. Android accounted for about 76% of the app’s Indian downloads. <br />
<br />
The Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF), however, has criticised the order, arguing that it amounts to an unconstitutional restriction on access to open-source software and raises concerns over transparency and due process.</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/P_H_KurianP H Kurian2026-09-09T20:20:04Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |K ]]<br />
[[Category:Health |K ]]<br />
<br />
=A brief biography=<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=/ccidist-ws/toi/toidelhibs_delhi/issues/83353/OPS/GEPL485MA.1+GIUL48DVV.1.html&channel=TOI August 28, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
<br />
P H Kurian, a Kerala cadre Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1986 batch, is best known for being the man who issued India’s first-ever compulsory license for the manufacture of the cancer drug Sorafenib tosylate, which was till under patent in March 2012. This historic decision, which allowed the generic manufacture of the drug for treatment of advanced kidney and liver cancer, made the life-saving drug accessible by bringing down the price from Rs 2.8 lakh to just Rs 8,800 for a month’s treatment regimen of 120 tablets.<br />
<br />
Kurian, who retired as the additional chief secretary of Kerala on Jan 31, 2019, passed away Wednesday in Thiruvananthapuram.<br />
<br />
Kurian’s decision on the compulsory license was issued during his tenure as India’s Controller General of Patents from 2009 to 2012. His 68-page airtight ruling in favour of the Indian company Natco, which had applied for a compulsory license to manufacture Sorafenib tosylate with the brand name Nexavar, for which the German multinational, Bayer, held the patent, shook up the global pharmaceutical world. It meticulously established Bayer’s exorbitant pricing and exploitative marketing strategies and firmly set a precedent for using the flexibilities available in Indian patent law to safeguard public health. Though no further compulsory licenses have been issued since due to immense pressure from Big Pharma, Kurian’s bold decision was a global victory for the movement to make high-cost essential medicines accessible.<br />
<br />
Born on Jan 20, 1959, Kurian was pursuing research at Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru after a PG degree in chemistry from Kerala University when he cracked UPSC exam for civil services. He had wide experience in e-governance initiatives, labour relations and industrial financing.<br />
<br />
As the Principal Secretary, Information Technology Department, he played a significant role in expanding and strengthening the Akshaya network, which improved citizen’s access to govt services through technology. He also played a crucial role in the growth of Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram, one of Asia’s largest information technology parks that has given direct employment to 80,000 people and supports around 2.3 lakh indirect jobs.</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Vetiver/_khus_(chrysopogon_zizanioides)Vetiver/ khus (chrysopogon zizanioides)2026-09-09T20:05:23Z<p>Jyoti: /* Pilot project, 2026 */</p>
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[[Category:India |V ]]<br />
[[Category:Flora |V ]]<br />
<br />
=Pilot project, 2026=<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=/ccidist-ws/toi/toidelhibs_delhi/issues/84503/OPS/GMML4LKP5.1+GMML4LS69.1.html&channel=TOI Joeanna.Fernandes, August 30, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
As Nepal tallies the cost of its recent disaster, vetiver, a humble grass with roots in India, is drawing attention as a low-cost defence against floods and landslides. Known for essential oils and sherbets, it is now being revived for its dense, deep roots that bind soil, slow runoff and hold slopes together in heavy rain.<br />
<br />
Last week, in a pilot commissioned to an agribusiness firm, Central Railways planted 10,000 slips of vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) across 5,600sqm of hillside in the Bhor Ghat section between Karjat and Lonavala. On July 6, a heavy-rain landslide tore through part of the tracks here, halting train services for 23 days.<br />
<br />
According to the Geological Survey of India, 12.6% of India’s land area (excluding snow-covered regions) is prone to landslide hazards, a figure climate change and unchecked development could raise. CR has traditionally relied on grey engineering — concrete and steel — to stabilise slopes and reinforce embankments.<br />
<br />
This year, for the first time, CR is adding vetiver, the “living nail”, whose roots can grow up to 4m and have tensile strength one-sixth that of mild steel. A CR official says bioengineering is being used on high embankments compromised by rain where soil has lost shear strength. Two sites, 1km and 15km from the landslide site, were chosen for the ongoing Rs 5 lakh pilot, with slips planted along hill contours.<br />
<br />
Chandan Ghosh, ex-head of NIDM, explains that rainfall infiltration raises pore water pressure; vetiver’s porous root infrastructure channels water through the slope face, reducing instability.<br />
<br />
At a nursery in Neral, Saguna Sustainability Solutions is running CR’s pilot. Founder Chandrashekhar Bhadsavle has studied vetiver for over a decade. With associates Anil Nivalkar and Parshuram Agival, he found vetiver absorbed nearly 100% of incident rainfall versus 40% on barren soil, and he is studying its role in reducing salinity.<br />
<br />
Govts are also trialling it: Himachal SDMA began a bioengineering pilot last year and set up a Solan nursery. CISF planted a lakh slips with 1,000 trees across six acres of Yamuna riverbanks in Delhi.<br />
<br />
[[Category:Flora|V <br />
VETIVER/ KHUS (CHRYSOPOGON ZIZANIOIDES)]]<br />
[[Category:India|V <br />
VETIVER/ KHUS (CHRYSOPOGON ZIZANIOIDES)]]</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/UdmalUdmal2026-09-09T19:52:56Z<p>Jyoti: /* Astro-tourism */</p>
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[[Category:India |U ]]<br />
[[Category:Places |U ]]<br />
[[Category:S&T |U ]]<br />
<br />
=Astro-tourism=<br />
==2026==<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=/ccidist-ws/toi/toidelhibs_delhi/issues/85099/OPS/GDVL4QPHO.1+GDVL4QTJT.1.html&channel=TOI Abhilash.Botekar, August 31, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
<br />
Nashik: While thousands leave their villages in search of brighter futures under city lights, a tribal youth from a remote corner of Nashik’s Surgana taluka believes prosperity lies in preserving the darkness. For Vipul Khiradi, the journey began with a simple act of looking up.<br />
<br />
One night in 2019, as a 14-year-old Class VIII student at Eklavya English Medium Residential School in Nashik’s Satana taluka, he attended a stargazing programme organised by Pune-based AstronEra. The stars sparked a fascination that would eventually lead him to dream of putting his native village, Udmal, on the global astro-tourism map.<br />
<br />
Today, the 22-year-old physics student is at the centre of an ambitious effort to transform the tribal-dominated village into Maharashtra’s first Dark Sky Community, a place where the night sky is protected from light pollution and turned into an asset for education, conservation and tourism.<br />
<br />
“I was attracted to the twinkles,” Vipul said. “It generated a lot of interest in me, so much that Shweta Kulkarni, the director of AstronEra, asked me to join field events whenever they were conducted.”<br />
<br />
As Vipul volunteered with AstronEra and travelled to astronomy events across the country, he discovered a world where darkness itself was a resource.<br />
<br />
During one such visit to Manali, an idea hit him. “Why can’t my village be part of this world map?” he said.<br />
<br />
Nestled in the hills of Surgana, away from the glare of urban development, Udmal already possessed something increasingly rare in modern India — naturally dark skies.<br />
<br />
Villagers initially worried that a dark-sky project would mean restrictions on daily life and lighting. Vipul went door to door, explaining the goal. What started as a teenager’s dream soon evolved into a community movement.<br />
<br />
“I was the first one from the village to fly to some places, thanks to AstronEra, and this alone was more than enough for me to convince the villagers that what I was doing had scope,” he said.<br />
<br />
The vision has also received govt backing.<br />
<br />
District collector Ayush Prasad said, “The administration has decided to provide Rs 42 lakh from the district planning committee to ensure the village gets recognition at the earliest. This might also encourage others to follow suit.”<br />
<br />
Udmal is among 11 locations identified by the state for potential International Dark Sky Places designation, alongside destinations such as Kaas Plateau, Lonar and Toranmal.<br />
<br />
[[Category:India|U <br />
UDMAL]]<br />
[[Category:Pages with broken file links|UDMAL]]<br />
[[Category:Places|U <br />
UDMAL]]<br />
[[Category:S&T|U <br />
UDMAL]]</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Uzbekistan-_India_relationsUzbekistan- India relations2026-09-09T19:50:46Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |U ]]<br />
[[Category:Uzbekistan |I ]]<br />
[[Category:Foreign Relations |U ]]<br />
<br />
=YEAR-WISE DEVELOPMENTS= <br />
=2026=<br />
==PM Modi’s visit==<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=/ccidist-ws/toi/toidelhibs_delhi/issues/85099/OPS/GDVL4QPHF.1+G8BL4QRTU.1.html&channel=TOI Sachin.Parashar, August 31, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
India and Uzbekistan upgraded their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, set an annual trade target of $5 billion and closed in on an agreement for uranium supply to India, as PM Narendra Modi held talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent.<br />
<br />
Modi announced that India would get into a long-term arrangement for supply of uranium from Uzbekistan, a major regional producer and exporter. Both sides agreed to establish a foreign minister-level coordination council to guide all aspects of cooperation under the elevated partnership.<br />
<br />
Following the talks that focused on expanding cooperation in defence and security, trade and investment, critical minerals, AI, agriculture and health, the two sides signed 11 MoUs. The areas covered included culture, education, mining, Ayurveda, tourism and restoration of Buddhist sites.</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Kundi_BhandaraKundi Bhandara2026-09-08T22:17:59Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |K ]]<br />
[[Category:Places |K ]]<br />
[[Category:History |K ]]<br />
<br />
=Briefly=<br />
==As of 2026==<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=/ccidist-ws/toi/toidelhibs_delhi/issues/73487/OPS/GPIKUSFN2.1+G5AKUSTF5.1.html&channel=TOI Vinita Chaturveditnn, August 2, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
[[File: MP is reviving Kundi Bhandara, in Burhanpur, a 400-year old Mughal-era underground drinking water system.jpg|MP is reviving Kundi Bhandara, in Burhanpur, a 400-year old Mughal-era underground drinking water system <br/> From: [https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=/ccidist-ws/toi/toidelhibs_delhi/issues/73487/OPS/GPIKUSFN2.1+G5AKUSTF5.1.html&channel=TOI Vinita Chaturveditnn, August 2, 2026: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]<br />
<br />
Bhopal: Over four centuries after Mughal engineers taught an entire city to drink water without a single pump, Madhya Pradesh is preparing to make the impossible work again. In an unprecedented heritage engineering mission, the state has launched a scientific effort to revive Burhanpur’s Kundi Bhandara, a 400-year-old system that once solved a city’s water crisis and may now help solve a modern one.<br />
<br />
Kundi Bhandara is a Unesco Tentative World Heritage Site — a landmark or area that a country has officially put on a waiting list to be considered for full World Heritage status.<br />
<br />
Built around 1615 under Mughal governor Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khana during the reign of Jahangir on the Persian qanat principle, the Kundi Bhandara network comprises more than 100 vertical shafts linked by nearly 4km of underground galleries that intercepted groundwater from Satpura hills and carried it across Burhanpur entirely by gravity — without pumps or electricity.<br />
<br />
Parts of the system still survive despite centuries of neglect, encroachments and collapsed shafts. Recent visits found water continuing to flow beneath sections of the network, raising hopes that scientific restoration could revive larger stretches.<br />
The state’s Directorate of Archaeology, Archives and Museums (DAAM) is spearheading the revival initiative. A study is being carried out by a multidisciplinary team from Bhopal’s govt-run Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), led by water resources professor Rutuja Chavan. Her team will use magnetic surveys and other non-destructive technologies to map hidden galleries, identify structural failures and prepare the first comprehensive revival blueprint.<br />
<br />
“This is not a dead structure. The groundwater is still there and the engineering principles continue to work. Our study will establish how the network can be safely revived, so that this extraordinary system can once again serve people while preserving its historic character,” Chavan said.<br />
<br />
Burhanpur collector Harsh Singh said the initiative could become a global benchmark in heritage-led sustainability. “Very few places in the world possess a living underground water system of this scale that still functions. Reviving it is about safeguarding an internationally significant heritage asset while enhancing its future water-carrying capacity. For many years, people in the area have not used this water, but we are sure after its revival, Kundi Bhandara will quench the thirst of many,” said the collector.<br />
<br />
Calling it one of MP’s most important “living heritage” structures, DAAM joint director Manisha Sharma said the restoration will begin after a report from the MANIT experts. Sharma added that its revival could create a national model for heritage conservation.</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Ganga_waters,_sharing_between_Bangladesh._IndiaGanga waters, sharing between Bangladesh. India2026-09-08T21:44:15Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |G ]]<br />
[[Category:Bangladesh |G ]]<br />
[[Category:Foreign Relations |G ]]<br />
[[Category:Rivers |G ]]<br />
<br />
=Treaty on Sharing of the Ganga Waters at Farakka=<br />
==As of 2026== <br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=/ccidist-ws/toi/toidelhibs_delhi/issues/79256/OPS/GGBL2CK1S.1+GVFL2GJGV.1.html&channel=TOI Sanjay Kumar Jha, August 20, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
India should seriously consider whether we need to renew the 1996 India-Bangladesh Ganga Water Treaty – formally the Treaty on Sharing of the Ganga Waters at Farakka – as the 30-year deadline nears. Bihar has lost much due to this treaty in the last three decades, and we should consider it appropriate to flag our pressing concerns and anxiety, as so much has changed during this period. Instead of adjustment at the margins, our position should be that this instrument, in this form, must not be carried into a fourth decade, in the interest of Bihar and the country.<br />
<br />
The treaty was a child of the Gujral Doctrine: the proposition that India as South Asia’s largest country should extend unilateral concessions to neighbours without expecting reciprocity. Whatever its merits, its bill was sent to a single state. When Bihar’s rights were conceded in Dec 1996, Lalu Prasad Yadav sat at the heart of the United Front govt, while then Congress president supporting that govt from outside, Sitaram Kesri, was himself a Bihari. Both were silent on the consequences for Bihar.<br />
<br />
Consider what the treaty asks of Bihar. Its obligations are written at Farakka: a 50:50 division whenever there is 70,000 cusecs or less of river water, with 35,000 cusecs guaranteed to each country in three alternating 10-day periods between March 11 and May 10. However, that volume of water is simply not available in the river when it enters Bihar. At Buxar, Ganga carries roughly 14,000 cusecs in those months. Close to three-quarters of the lean-season flow reaching Farakka is generated within Bihar’s own 445km stretch. Thus, only one state underwrites an international commitment while being denied its ordinary riparian rights.<br />
<br />
Since the Farakka barrage was commissioned in 1975 to keep Kolkata Port navigable, silt that once travelled to the sea settles upstream instead. Ex-CM Nitish Kumar has argued for two decades what engineers now largely concede: Ganga’s aviralta (uninterrupted flow) is broken, its bed is rising along its entire Bihar course, and water that once stayed in the channel now stands in villages. Then the river turns and starves us. Groundwater is falling not only in south Bihar’s drought districts, but also in flood-prone districts of Darbhanga and Madhubani. Reservoir storage has averaged barely 35% of capacity over five years.<br />
<br />
Some vouch for renewal with adjustments. But record does not support that hope. Bihar did exactly what Centre asked: we assessed our requirement to 2050 and placed a demand for 2,000 cusecs before the committee constituted by GOI. The committee’s final report provides 900 cusecs, less than half, for drinking water and industry alone, with irrigation excluded and no published reasoning for the cut. If Bihar’s own calculations can be halved within our own system, renewal will not be the moment our claim is finally honoured.<br />
<br />
This is where the national case begins. The treaty has served India poorly. The country accepted a 30-year lock-in with no meaningful exit and no reciprocal guarantee, nothing on the Teesta, nothing on the wider basin. Dhaka today links the breadth of the bilateral relationship to renewal, which tells you where the leverage sits. The hydrology has moved too. The 1996 formula rests on flow records from the middle of the last century, compiled before Himalayan glacial retreat and the collapse of dry-season predictability. Committing another 30 years to that arithmetic in a climate-altered basin is not continuity. It is negligence dressed as continuity.<br />
<br />
There is a deeper objection of principle. India has never scientifically apportioned the Ganga among the states that feed it; there is no settled allocation for Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar, Jharkhand or West Bengal. A nation cannot responsibly commit abroad what it has not first allocated at home. To renew before that allocation is worked out repeats the errors of 1996 at greater cost. Because Bihar in 2026 is not the Bihar of 1996: it had roughly 7.3cr people then and now has more than 13cr, while our entitlement has stayed frozen.<br />
<br />
Let’s be clear about what non-renewal means. It is not hostility towards Bangladesh, nor the abandonment of water sharing. Dec 12, 2026, is not a rupture; it is the date a fixed-term contract ends. India should let it end and negotiate afresh, preceded by a scientific allocation among the basin states, built on current hydrological data rather than 1950s’ records, carrying shorter review cycles and a real exit clause, and providing at minimum the 2,000 cusecs Bihar’s assessment establishes for drinking water, irrigation, and industry. The National Silt Management Policy must at last be notified.<br />
<br />
In 1996 Bihar was not in the room, and the country was assured generosity abroad would be its own reward. Thirty years of data have belied that. A treaty that floods one state in July and parches it in April, binds the Union to arithmetic older than most of its citizens, and purchases no reciprocity cannot be renewed by default. It should be allowed to expire. India can then negotiate again: from knowledge, from strength, and this time with Bihar in the room.<br />
<br />
The writer is a member of Rajya Sabha and Bihar’s former minister for water resources</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Manuscripts:_IndiaManuscripts: India2026-09-08T21:28:17Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |M ]]<br />
[[Category:Art |M ]]<br />
[[Category:Literature |M ]]<br />
<br />
=Auction prices=<br />
==A Thought for the Day==<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=/ccidist-ws/toi/toidelhibs_delhi/issues/79708/OPS/GJOL2OMB5.1+GJOL2OMCV.1.html&channel=TOI Neelam.Raaj, August 21, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
A thought for the day isn’t just a WhatsApp forward; it can be worth a fortune if it’s written in Bapu’s hand. On Wednesday, Mahatma Gandhi’s daily thoughts sold for Rs 16.2 crore ($1.7 million) at a Saffronart auction, setting a world record for an Indian historical document.<br />
<br />
“A Thought for the Day” comprises 688 dated reflections by Gandhi for his confidant, disciple, and publisher Anand T Hingorani, who was mourning the death of his wife Vidya. The document, offered as Lot 80, emerged as the highest-valued work in the auction and was bought by an Indian bidder.<br />
<br />
''' Details '''<br />
<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=/ccidist-ws/toi/toidelhibs_delhi/issues/79708/OPS/GJOL2OMBA.1+G9TL2OQLA.1.html&channel=TOI August 21, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
<br />
Spanning more than two decades, Hingorani’s archive brought together personal correspondence, handwritten reflections, photographs and objects such as a peti charkha that document not only defining moments in India’s freedom struggle, but also the friendship between Gandhi and Hingorani.<br />
<br />
Dinesh Vazirani, co-founder of Saffronart, said the record price reflected a growing interest in collecting and preserving India’s cultural history. “Though these documents are not traditional art objects, the exceptional response to Lot 80 shows that Indians now value their cultural heritage much more and want to preserve it,” he said. Hingorani, as Gen Z would call it, was quite the Gandhi fanboy. According to author and historian Saaz Aggarwal, Hingorani began following Gandhi at the age of 13 and swore to wear only khadi. Nine years later, as a law student in Karachi, his admiration deepened when Gandhi visited Sindh in Feb 1929 They met in person at Lahore Congress of 1929, and Gandhi invited him to come and stay at Sabarmati Ashram.<br />
<br />
Hingorani also marched with Gandhi to Dandi (the only Sindhi to do so). He went on to court arrest five times during the civil disobedience movement. Those periods of imprisonment left him hearing-impaired. Gandhi encouraged him to try various naturopathy treatments, but also joked that being deaf was not necessarily a bad thing.<br />
<br />
In 1947, as independent India’s first govt was being formed, Gandhi instructed Jawaharlal Nehru to appoint Hingorani as a Cabinet minister, according to Aggarwal. Hingorani declined. Instead, he devoted himself to disseminating Gandhi’s ideas, eventually publishing more than 50 books on him and building an extensive repository of his writings — a legacy that, almost 80 years later, has created history in the auction market.</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Glacial_lakes:_IndiaGlacial lakes: India2026-09-08T21:19:00Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |G ]]<br />
[[Category:Environment and pollution |G ]]<br />
<br />
=Himachal Pradesh=<br />
==2026: Study: Multiplying glacial lakes pose severe flood risk==<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=/ccidist-ws/toi/toidelhibs_delhi/issues/81195/OPS/GS5L3D0R8.1+GS5L3D0U7.1.html&channel=TOI Rohit.Mullick, August 24, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
Kullu: The number of glacial lakes in Himachal Pradesh has surged over fivefold and their total surface area more than doubled since 1990, raising severe risks of glacial lake outburst floods coinciding with extreme rainfall, according to a joint study by IIT Ropar and University of Technology, Sydney.<br />
<br />
Researchers found that glacial lakes in the state grew from 107 in 1990 to 669 in 2024 (a 525% increase), expanding their combined area by 102% from 5.5 sq km to 11.2 sq km. Very small lakes (0.01 sq km or less) showed the highest rise in number, jumping from 9 to 487.<br />
<br />
Out of 669 lakes, 88 of the 94 measuring at least 0.02 sq km are susceptible to outb-urst flood triggers, primarily due to unstable natural dams, earthquake risks, ice cores and rockfalls. Nine lakes were categorised as “very high hazard”, 18 “high hazard”, and 26 “medium hazard”.<br />
<br />
In the Beas basin, the researchers studied Himsu Lake, which has an area of just 0.05 sq km and is fed by a 1.2-sq-km glacier and lies about 30km from Hurla village. In the Satluj basin, they studied an unnamed lake with an area of 0.36 sq km and fed by a 4.9-sq-km glacier. The modelling estimated if the natural dams failed, the peak outburst discharge could reach 1,385 cubic metres per second from the Beas lake and 3,507 cubic metres per second from the Satluj lake.</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Vandan_Alankar_SawaiVandan Alankar Sawai2026-09-08T21:01:41Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |S ]]<br />
[[Category:Sports |S ]]<br />
<br />
=YEAR-WISE DEVELOPMENTS= <br />
=2026=<br />
==Beats Carlsen==<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=/ccidist-ws/toi/toidelhibs_delhi/issues/82414/OPS/G94L3Q1V5.1+GCJL3Q80J.1.html&channel=TOI Meghna Dhulia & Yudhvir Rana, August 26, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
Vandan Alankar Sawai won three of the four games he played on Aug 18. Then he simply walked into the next room and told his parents he was done for the night. There was no celebration, no excited retelling of the games, and no mention that one of those three victories had come against World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in 50 moves.<br />
<br />
The 15-year-old had returned from Europe with his mother just two days earlier after a month-and-a-half-long trip for a chess tournament and was still tired and jet-lagged. It was only when his father, former banker Alankar Sawai, opened his Chess.com profile that the family realised what had happened.<br />
<br />
“He just came into the room and said, ‘I’m done with my four rounds. That’s it,’” his mother, Dr Madhuri Alankar Sawai, recalled. “My husband opened his profile to see the games and suddenly asked him, ‘You played against Magnus! And you won?’”</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Saraswati,_deitySaraswati, deity2026-09-08T20:59:16Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |S ]]<br />
[[Category:Religion |S ]]<br />
<br />
=The musical instrument=<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=/ccidist-ws/toi/toidelhibs_delhi/issues/82414/OPS/G94L3Q1V5.1+GCJL3Q80H.1.html&channel=TOI Vinita Chaturveditnn, August 26, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
[[File: The 2nd century AD sculpture of Sri Saraswati from Manasa (Neemuch).jpg|The 2nd century AD sculpture of Sri Saraswati from Manasa (Neemuch) <br/> From: [https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=/ccidist-ws/toi/toidelhibs_delhi/issues/82414/OPS/G94L3Q1V5.1+GCJL3Q80H.1.html&channel=TOI Vinita Chaturveditnn, August 26, 2026: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]<br />
<br />
Bhopal: Nearly 1,800 years ago, a Malava (ancient Indian community) sculptor gave Goddess Saraswati an instrument — a sweeping, arched, harp-like veena. Today, that tiny black sandstone idol is emerging as a document on ancient Indian music.<br />
<br />
Found at Manasa in Neemuch in the 1980s, the 30 x 27 x 8 cm sculpture has been in Ujjain Museum for decades. Catalogued simply as ‘78’, it drew fresh attention when archaeology commissioner Madan Kumar visited the museum recently and curator Yogesh Pal pointed it out.<br />
<br />
Archaeology dept then undertook an iconographic survey of Saraswati sculptures in MP museums. The conclusion: the sculpture belongs to Malava era and dates to second century CE. The survey also points out it is the oldest Saraswati idol found in MP with a musical instrument.</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/River_SoneRiver Sone2026-09-08T20:55:16Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |S ]]<br />
[[Category:Rivers |S ]]<br />
<br />
=Bihar- Jharkhand dispute=<br />
==2026 accord==<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=/ccidist-ws/toi/toidelhibs_delhi/issues/85509/OPS/GGKL50N3U.1+G49L50QHK.1.html&channel=TOI Sep 1, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
<br />
New Delhi: Bihar and Jharkhand signed a water-sharing agreement for Sone river, resolving a 25-year-old dispute over sharing of water between the two states.<br />
<br />
The agreement, signed here in the presence of union home minister Amit Shah and CMs of Bihar and Jharkhand — Samrat Choudhary and Hemant Soren respectively — will provide irrigation water to millions of farmers across vast rural areas of the states, while also ensuring access to drinking water for the people in both the states.<br />
<br />
Shah said the agreement is an excellent example of the ‘Team Bharat’ vision and cooperative federalism championed by PM Modi. “While all states possess their own distinct identities, if they move forward as ‘Team Bharat’ within the national context, there is no problem which cannot be resolved,” he said after the signing of the agreement.<br />
<br />
He said that issues concerning vast geographical areas, farmers, rural regions, and drinking water supplies in both states have been “permanently resolved” with the agreement.<br />
<br />
Sharing details, the home minister said the agreement would ensure the availability of adequate water for drinking and irrigation to a large population across the districts of Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas, Kaimur, Aurangabad, Arwal, Gaya, and Patna in Bihar. “Moreover, water would become available for irrigation and drinking purposes in Palamu, Garhwa, and other regions of Jharkhand,” he said.<br />
<br />
Though an agreement was reached among Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and undivided Bihar on the water sharing of Sone river and the cost of Bansagar dam in Madhya Pradesh in 1973, a dispute started in 2000 when Jharkhand was carved out of Bihar as a new state and it demanded a bigger share of water in Bansagar project as a large chunk of the catchment area came under it. Bihar, on the other hand, cited the 1973 agreement to claim water from the project.</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Nagarmal_Bajoria_%E2%80%98Dhartipakad%E2%80%99Nagarmal Bajoria ‘Dhartipakad’2026-09-08T19:09:13Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |D ]]<br />
[[Category:Politics |D ]]<br />
<br />
=A brief biography=<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=/ccidist-ws/toi/toidelhibs_delhi/issues/86639/OPS/G8IL5LKQI.1+G81L5LU0H.1.html&channel=TOI Kumar Rajeshtnn, Sep 4, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
Bhagalpur: He lost 281 elections — from municipal to presidential — but never the spirit for a contest in the electoral battleground. Nagarmal Bajoria, a maverick social worker and indefatigable election contestant from Bhagalpur in Bihar, was popularly known as Dhartipakad.<br />
<br />
Bajoria contested 281 polls and never won one. He remained unfazed, though, and often said, “I do not lose elections, but people always do.”<br />
<br />
Born in Lahore in undivided India, Bajoria migrated to Bhagalpur in 1930s and established a business in city’s main market. His electoral journey took him from civic polls to MP elections in Patna and Delhi. He contested against many political stalwarts, including Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi, A B Vajpayee and L K Advani.<br />
<br />
His first electoral contest was against then presidential candidate V V Giri in 1969. He later filed nominations for posts of President and VP 18 times, with his last poll participation coming in 2019.<br />
<br />
Bajoria devoted himself to social work, from arranging mass marriages for poor girls to promoting simple, dowryless weddings and helping install tubewells at places where drinking water was needed.<br />
<br />
For him, elections were less about becoming a parliamentarian or an MLA and more about drawing attention to social and national issues and encouraging voters to choose the best candidate.<br />
<br />
“Though electoral victory eluded him, his constant participation in the democratic process, courage to challenge the system and never-say-die attitude will live long in the memories of the people of Bhagalpur,” his grandson Gourav Bajoria said.</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Belgium-_India_relationsBelgium- India relations2026-09-08T19:08:51Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |B ]]<br />
[[Category:Politics |B ]]<br />
[[Category:Foreign Relations |I ]]<br />
<br />
=YEAR-WISE DEVELOPMENTS= <br />
=2026=<br />
==De Wever’s visit==<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=/ccidist-ws/toi/toidelhibs_delhi/issues/86639/OPS/G8IL5LKQI.1+G81L5LU0L.1.html&channel=TOI Sep 4, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
<br />
PM Narendra Modi announced a mechanism to fast-track investment between the two countries.<br />
<br />
Belgium accounted for $4.2bn of FDI inflows from April 2000 to Dec 2025, making it the 18th-largest source of FDI into India. De Wever’s visit resulted in 10 major outcomes — five MoUs, including two to boost indigenous defence manufacturing, co-design and co-development, and another five announcements, including appointment of a defence attache in Indian embassy in Brussels.<br />
<br />
Asked whether there was any discussion on pending extradition of fugitive Mehul Choksi, who remains in a Belgium jail, MEA secretary Sibi George said law enforcement cooperation was an “important topic of discussion and an important aspect of the relationship with Belgium”.<br />
<br />
“All issues of concern and interest are discussed at all levels of our engagement ... India remains committed to ensuring that fugitives are brought back to the country to face the law,” he added.<br />
<br />
Modi said ties with Belgium had expanded beyond traditional sectors. “Defence and security cooperation is a key pillar of our relationship. Today, we agreed to enhance military exchanges and training cooperation between the two countries,” said the PM. “The agreements between our govts and defence industries will open up opportunities for defence co-development and co-production. We will also further strengthen intelligence sharing and cooperation between our agencies to combat crime,” he added.<br />
<br />
PM said unprecedented cooperation, including the recently concluded FTA between India and EU – two of the world’s largest democratic blocs – would give a boost to global stability, development and shared prosperity.<br />
<br />
The leaders also discussed Ukraine and West Asia, underlining their support for the rule of law, dialogue and diplomacy. In a joint statement, they stressed the importance of ensuring the safety and security of maritime routes and maintaining safe and unimpeded maritime shipping.<br />
<br />
“Whether it is Ukraine or West Asia, we support all efforts aimed at an early end to conflicts and the restoration of peace,” the PM added.<br />
<br />
The leaders called for closer partnerships in semiconductor technologies to create resilient and advanced technology ecosystems in both countries, with Modi saying that Belgium’s expertise in semiconductors and India’s scale complement each other.<br />
<br />
The two leaders agreed to soon conclude a migration and mobility agreement to facilitate talent mobility.<br />
<br />
Belgium also expressed solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism. De Wever condemned the attack on civilians at Pahalgam in April 2025. “Both leaders underscored their commitment to a comprehensive/global approach to counterterrorism and affirmed that terrorism, in any form and manifestation and anywhere, could never be justified and called for its perpetrators to be held accountable in accordance with the law,” said the statement.<br />
<br />
The leaders also focused on clean energy, critical minerals and reliable supply chains. “The MoU on Renewable Energy signed today will give momentum to our sustainability cooperation. In critical minerals, we have decided to enhance ties in processing & recycling,” PM said.</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Tata_ChemicalsTata Chemicals2026-09-08T19:07:43Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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</div><br />
|}<br />
<br />
[[Category:India |T ]]<br />
[[Category:Economy-Industry-Resources |T ]]<br />
[[Category:Kenya |T ]]<br />
<br />
=Ouster from Kenya/ 2026=<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=/ccidist-ws/toi/toidelhibs_delhi/issues/86639/OPS/G8IL5LKQ1.1+G8IL5LKQV.1.html&channel=TOI Sep 4, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
Nairobi: Kenya’s President William Ruto said that he had ordered Tata Chemicals to stop its operations as its presence had failed to benefit the country. Fresh investors would take over its mining rights for minerals that are processed into soda ash.<br />
<br />
Ruto said he asked a unit of the Mumbai-based company “to pack and go” because it has been exporting soda ash rather than using it at local facilities to make glass and chemicals. “That Tata company... had that contract for 100 years yet it has not built anything in Kajiado,” Ruto said of the county that’s home to Lake Magadi, from which the firm has extracted minerals to make soda ash for two decades. “They take our resource to India and other places.”<br />
<br />
Kenya has produced the resource since 1911 and Tata bought the operation from Brunner Mond Ltd in 2005. Ruto’s statement refers to the century-long concessions originally granted to its predecessor. Tata Chemicals declined to comment.<br />
<br />
<br />
''' Details '''<br />
<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=/ccidist-ws/toi/toidelhibs_delhi/issues/86639/OPS/GHJL5GD1Q.1+GKOL5L60U.1.html&channel=TOI Sep 4, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
Ruto’s remarks came five weeks after Kenya’s mining ministry directed Tata Chemicals Magadi Ltd to suspend operations, citing its failure to make royalty payments and to meet other regulatory requirements. “We have said we will bring a new company and... they should put a big glass company here in Kajiado. And another company to make chemicals here in Kajiado. Are we slaves to other people?” “Come what may, because they have been unable to do what is required, I have told them to pack and go,” Ruto said.<br />
<br />
Local reports said the opposition slammed Ruto’s decision, accusing him of ousting Tata Chemicals to bring in other companies associated with his govt allies to explore oil in the area. Democracy for Citizens Party said 500 direct employees and thousands of support workers had been rendered jobless overnight due to the closure.Kajiado governor Joseph Ole Lenku said the mining rights expired in 2023. “Those who we will licence to extract the resource must build a huge processing facility here to produce glass. They should build a big factory to produce chemicals here,” he told supporters at a rally. agencies</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Gloria_Steinem_and_IndiaGloria Steinem and India2026-09-08T19:06:48Z<p>Jyoti: </p>
<hr />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
=A year in India=<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=/ccidist-ws/toi/toidelhibs_delhi/issues/86639/OPS/G8IL5LKQ1.1+G8IL5LKRN.1.html&channel=TOI Meghna.Dhulia, Sep 4, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
[[File: Gloria Steinem.Jpg| Gloria Steinem <Br/> From: [https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=/ccidist-ws/toi/toidelhibs_delhi/issues/86639/OPS/G8IL5LKQ1.1+G8IL5LKRN.1.html&channel=TOI Meghna.Dhulia, Sep 4, 2026: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]] <br />
<br />
<br />
Gloria Steinem was 22. Having graduated from Smith College, she received a Chester Bowles Asian Fellowship that gave her the chance to spend a year in India. Long after, the journalist, activist and feminist said it was in India that she began to understand feminism without yet knowing the word for it.<br />
<br />
Steinem, who became one of the most recognisable faces of the American women’s movement for more than five decades.<br />
<br />
Steinem lived for about a year in Miranda House hostel in Delhi, according to the college principal. She then travelled to Calcutta, southern India and Bombay, wrote about the country, and learnt grassroots organising from the followers of Mahatma Gandhi.<br />
<br />
The trip to India, she is said to have recounted later, appealed to her not merely as a chance to step away from the life she knew, but as a way of discovering for herself a country whose history and culture had long interested her. Steinem even featured in sari ads, as a way of supplementing her income in India .<br />
<br />
[[Category:India|S <br />
GLORIA STEINEM AND INDIA]]<br />
[[Category:Pages with broken file links|GLORIA STEINEM AND INDIA]]<br />
[[Category:Politics|S <br />
GLORIA STEINEM AND INDIA]]</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Commonwealth_Games_and_India:_2026Commonwealth Games and India: 20262026-09-04T21:27:54Z<p>Jyoti: </p>
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|}<br />
<br />
[[Category:India |C ]]<br />
[[Category:Sports |C ]]<br />
<br />
=A summing up=<br />
https://sports.ndtv.com/commonwealth-games-2026/indias-commonwealth-games-2026-medal-tally-lowest-in-24-years-yet-among-the-best-11857435 <br />
=Details=<br />
India finished fourth at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with 39 medals: 13 gold, 17 silver and 9 bronze, won by 38 athletes (runner Gulveer Singh was the only Indian to win two medals).cnbctv18+2<br />
<br />
Below is the complete list of all 39 medals, with athlete name, sport, event and medal type, compiled from official tallies and multiple Indian media summaries of the Glasgow 2026 results.english.mathrubhumi+3<br />
<br />
''' Gold (13) '''<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" border="1"<br />
|+ Gold medal winners (13)<br />
! # !! Athlete !! Sport !! Event !! Medal<br />
|-<br />
| 1 || Saikhom Mirabai Chanu || Weightlifting || Women’s 48 kg || Gold<br />
|-<br />
| 2 || Sharmila Dhankar || Para Athletics || Women’s Shot Put F57 || Gold<br />
|-<br />
| 3 || Dilip Mahadu Gavit || Para Athletics || Men’s 100 m T47 || Gold<br />
|-<br />
| 4 || Soman Rana || Para Athletics || Men’s Shot Put F57 || Gold<br />
|-<br />
| 5 || Asmita Dey || Judo || Women’s 48 kg || Gold<br />
|-<br />
| 6 || Harsh Singh || Judo || Men’s 60 kg || Gold<br />
|-<br />
| 7 || Sakshi Chaudhary || Boxing || Women’s 51 kg || Gold<br />
|-<br />
| 8 || Preeti Pawar || Boxing || Women’s 54 kg || Gold<br />
|-<br />
| 9 || Jaismine Lamboria || Boxing || Women’s 57 kg || Gold<br />
|-<br />
| 10 || Priya Ghanghas || Boxing || Women’s 60 kg || Gold<br />
|-<br />
| 11 || Arundhati Choudhary || Boxing || Women’s 70 kg || Gold<br />
|-<br />
| 12 || Sachin Siwach || Boxing || Men’s 60 kg || Gold<br />
|-<br />
| 13 || Ankush Panghal || Boxing || Men’s 80 kg || Gold<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Boxing was India’s biggest success story, with 10 medals including a record 7 golds – the highest gold tally by any nation in boxing at a single Commonwealth Games. cnbctv18+1<br />
<br />
<br />
'''🥈 Silver (17) '''<br />
<br />
Weightlifting contributed 6 silvers, while athletics and paraathletics together added 5 more.economictimes.indiatimes+2<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" border="1"<br />
|+ Silver medal winners (17)<br />
! # !! Athlete !! Sport !! Event !! Medal<br />
|-<br />
| 1 || Rishikanta Singh || Weightlifting || Men’s 60 kg || Silver<br />
|-<br />
| 2 || Muthupandi Raja || Weightlifting || Men’s 65 kg || Silver<br />
|-<br />
| 3 || Gyaneshwari Yadav || Weightlifting || Women’s 53 kg || Silver<br />
|-<br />
| 4 || Valluri Ajaya Babu || Weightlifting || Men’s 79 kg || Silver<br />
|-<br />
| 5 || Harjinder Kaur || Weightlifting || Women’s 69 kg || Silver<br />
|-<br />
| 6 || Lovepreet Singh || Weightlifting || Men’s +110 kg || Silver<br />
|-<br />
| 7 || Sarvesh Anil Kushare || Athletics || Men’s High Jump || Silver<br />
|-<br />
| 8 || Murali Sreeshankar || Athletics || Men’s Long Jump || Silver<br />
|-<br />
| 9 || Neeraj Chopra || Athletics || Men’s Javelin Throw || Silver<br />
|-<br />
| 10 || Praveen Chithravel || Athletics || Men’s Triple Jump || Silver<br />
|-<br />
| 11 || Gulveer Singh || Athletics || Men’s 10,000 m || Silver<br />
|-<br />
| 12 || Yamini Mourya || Judo || Women’s 57 kg || Silver<br />
|-<br />
| 13 || Mohammed Basil || Para Athletics || Men’s 100 m T47 || Silver<br />
|-<br />
| 14 || Shubham Juyal || Para Athletics || Men’s Shot Put F57 || Silver<br />
|-<br />
| 15 || Jadumani Singh || Boxing || Men’s 55 kg || Silver<br />
|-<br />
| 16 || Lovlina Borgohain || Boxing || Women’s 75 kg || Silver<br />
|-<br />
| 17 || Narender Berwal || Boxing || Men’s +90 kg || Silver<br />
|}<br />
<br />
<br />
''' Bronze (9) '''<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" border="1"<br />
|+ Bronze medal winners (9)<br />
! # !! Athlete !! Sport !! Event !! Medal<br />
|-<br />
| 1 || Jhandu Kumar || Para Powerlifting || Men’s Heavyweight || Bronze<br />
|-<br />
| 2 || Bindyarani Devi || Weightlifting || Women’s 58 kg || Bronze<br />
|-<br />
| 3 || Shilpa K. Shyla || Para Athletics || Women’s Shot Put F57 || Bronze<br />
|-<br />
| 4 || Seema Kaliraman || Athletics || Women’s Discus Throw || Bronze<br />
|-<br />
| 5 || Tejaswin Shankar || Athletics || Men’s Decathlon || Bronze<br />
|-<br />
| 6 || Yashvir Singh || Athletics || Men’s Javelin Throw || Bronze<br />
|-<br />
| 7 || Selva Prabhu Thirumaran || Athletics || Men’s Triple Jump || Bronze<br />
|-<br />
| 8 || Gulveer Singh || Athletics || Men’s 5,000 m || Bronze<br />
|-<br />
| 9 || Unnati Sharma || Judo || Women’s 63 kg || Bronze<br />
|}<br />
<br />
<br />
Gulveer Singh is the only Indian to appear twice in this list (silver in 10,000 m and bronze in 5,000 m), so 39 medals were won by 38 different athletes.economictimes.indiatimes+2<br />
<br />
===Sport-wise breakdown===<br />
Boxing: 10 medals (7G, 3S, 0B) – India’s most successful sport at Glasgow 2026.cnbctv18+1<br />
<br />
Athletics & Para Athletics: 16 medals (3G, 7S, 6B).bharat2030cwg<br />
<br />
Weightlifting: 8 medals (1G, 6S, 1B).bharat2030cwg<br />
<br />
Judo: 4 medals (2G, 1S, 1B).bharat2030cwg<br />
<br />
Para Powerlifting: 1 medal (0G, 0S, 1B).</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Baigachak,_DindoriBaigachak, Dindori2026-09-04T14:19:28Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |D ]]<br />
[[Category:Archæology |D ]]<br />
[[Category:Places |D ]]<br />
[[Category:Fauna |D ]]<br />
<br />
=Sacred coral=<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=/ccidist-ws/toi/toidelhibs_delhi/issues/74169/OPS/GDVL0GE1N.1+GDVL0GE2B.1.html&channel=TOI Vinita Chaturvedi, Aug 10, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
[[File: Sacred coral protected by the Baigas.jpg| Sacred coral protected by the Baigas <br/> From: [https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=/ccidist-ws/toi/toidelhibs_delhi/issues/74169/OPS/GDVL0GE1N.1+GDVL0GE2B.1.html&channel=TOI Vinita Chaturvedi, Aug 10, 2026: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]<br />
<br />
Bhopal: The Baigas guarded a stone for centuries because it felt sacred. Science has revealed why it was extraordinary — a 65-million-year-old secret preserved in a forest shrine. A relic from a vanished world when T-Rex ruled North America and Rajasaurus narmadensis stalked volcanic plains in India.<br />
<br />
Madhya Pradesh directorate of archaeology, archives and museums recently identified the strange, temple-like formation deep in the jungles of Dindori district as a rare coral fossil from the twilight of the dinosaurs.<br />
<br />
A team documenting Dindori’s little-explored geological wealth first spotted photographs of the unusual formation worshipped by the Baiga indigenous people. Its layered, coral-like appearance raised questions. A field visit and several tests followed. But the rock is only half the story.<br />
<br />
ASI archaeologist Dr Manoj Kumar Kurmi said the tradition surrounding the stone shrine could date to 8,000-10,000 years ago.<br />
<br />
==Details==<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=/ccidist-ws/toi/toidelhibs_delhi/issues/74169/OPS/GDVL0GE1P.1+G63L0GESA.1.html&channel=TOI August 10, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
<br />
Human presence in the region is much older though. “In those early times, there were no temples in the architectural sense. People worshipped nature — a rock, a tree, a mountain or any other element they considered sacred and later that may have been marked as a shrine,” ASI archaeologist Dr Manoj Kumar Kurmi said.<br />
<br />
Go back 65 million years and Earth was a different place. A roughly 10km-wide asteroid slammed into Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Alongside intense volcanic activity from India’s Deccan Traps, it triggered a global nuclear winter, wiping out about 75% of life and ending the dinosaur era while opening the door for small mammals.<br />
<br />
Archaeology commissioner Madan Kumar Nagargoje, who led efforts to document Dindori’s geological riches, said tribal people may not have had scientific instruments to determine the age or composition of rocks, “but they had the intelligence to know they had something precious and they were guarding it”.<br />
<br />
Classified as a “particularly vulnerable tribal group”, Baigas are concentrated in forested districts, including Dindori, across thousands of villages and hamlets in the region historically known as Baigachak. Forests remain central to Baiga life, providing food, medicine and livelihoods while preserving generations of traditional knowledge.<br />
<br />
For Priyanka Ghose, a gynaecologist who worked for indigenous tribes and helped document Stone Age rock shelters at Ghodamada caves in Dindori, the discovery is another glimpse into a landscape still keeping its secrets: “Dindori is an anthropological treasure trove. A hidden chest waiting to be decoded.” Selected Dindori finds will soon go on display in a new gallery at the state museum in Bhopal.</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Ashmita_ChalihaAshmita Chaliha2026-09-04T13:53:21Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |C ]]<br />
[[Category:Sports |C ]]<br />
<br />
=YEAR-WISE DEVELOPMENTS= <br />
=2026=<br />
==Aug: Korea Masters Super 300==<br />
[[File: In 2026 Ashmita Chaliha won the Korea Masters Super 300 title.jpg|In 2026 Ashmita Chaliha won the Korea Masters Super 300 title <br/> From: [https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=/ccidist-ws/toi/toidelhibs_delhi/issues/74254/OPS/GJ2L0M7CD.1+GTQL0MD8K.1.html&channel=TOI August 10, 2026: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]<br />
<br />
'''See graphic''':<br />
<br />
'' In 2026 Ashmita Chaliha won the Korea Masters Super 300 title ''</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Vaishya_Tekri/_Vaish_TekriVaishya Tekri/ Vaish Tekri2026-09-04T13:08:40Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |V ]]<br />
[[Category:Archæology |V ]]<br />
[[Category:Places |V ]]<br />
<br />
=Stupa=<br />
==1938, and after==<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=/ccidist-ws/toi/toidelhibs_delhi/issues/74883/OPS/G94L148V2.1+G45L14ANI.1.html&channel=TOI P.Naveen, August 13, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
Bhopal: Bigger than Sanchi. Older than two millennia. Born around Ashoka’s era, perhaps inspired by his wife Devi. A massive mound in Ujjain’s Vaishya Tekri kept its secrets buried since a 1938-39 excavation uncovered what an archaeological report called “perhaps the biggest known” Buddhist stupa, before work was halted after a gas leak left labourers unconscious.<br />
<br />
Now, Madhya Pradesh is ready to dig again. CM Mohan Yadav is pushing the project and state govt is working with ASI to explore a fresh excavation.<br />
<br />
The British-era report put the stupa at 350ft in diameter and at least 100ft high, dwarfing Sanchi’s 120ft diameter and 54ft height. It dated the structure to the Mauryan period, around 3rd century BCE, making it roughly 2,200 years old. Vaishya Tekri lies about 236km west of Sanchi.<br />
<br />
<br />
''' Details '''<br />
<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=/ccidist-ws/toi/toidelhibs_delhi/issues/74883/OPS/G94L148UF.1+G94L1490M.1.html&channel=TOI August 13, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
<br />
The report described Vaishya Tekri as a large circular mound ringed by a rectangular depression. Partial digging exposed the main stupa and remains of two smaller stupas. It was described as a “peculiar construction not met with anywhere else”. Archaeologists found unusually large bricks, some more than 22 inches long, along with a punch-marked coin and an Avanti coin. The finds backed a Mauryan-period date.<br />
<br />
The report left open a tantalising possibility: the stupa could have been among those attributed to Emperor Ashoka, though no conclusive link was established.<br />
<br />
ASI superintending archaeologist Shivakant Bajpai, who has been studying Ujjain’s archaeological landscape, said some records associate the monument with Ashoka’s time.<br />
<br />
“It is believed that when Ashoka was governor of Ujjain, he had constructed a stupa at this site under the inspiration of his wife, Devi, who was the daughter of Nagarshreshthi (merchant chief) of Vidisha,” he said. “Therefore, this Buddhist site, established under the inspiration of a Vaishya’s daughter, came to be known as Vaisya Tekri over time.”<br />
<br />
Vaishya Tekri has also been linked to Kanakgiri Vihara, mentioned in ancient Buddhist literature, and possibly to a massive stupa described by Chinese traveller, Hiuen Tsang, in his account of Ujjain. Both connections remain archaeologically unproven. A fresh excavation could separate fact from folklore. Ujjain divisional commissioner, Asheesh Singh, said: “We are working closely with state and central archaeological departments…”</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Buffalo_meat_exports:_IndiaBuffalo meat exports: India2026-09-04T12:34:30Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |B ]]<br />
[[Category:Cuisine |B ]]<br />
[[Category:Economy-Industry-Resources |B ]]<br />
<br />
=A backgrounder=<br />
==As of 2026==<br />
[https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-buffalo-meat-exports-5-billion-10839359/ Harish Damodaran, August 20, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
[[File: India's Buffalo Meat Exports, 2014-26, lakh tonnes.jpg|India’s Buffalo Meat Exports, 2014-26, lakh tonnes <br/> From: [https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-buffalo-meat-exports-5-billion-10839359/ Harish Damodaran, August 20, 2026: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]<br />
<br />
[[File: India's Buffalo Meat Exports, in billion dollars, 2014-26.jpg|India's Buffalo Meat Exports, in billion dollars, 2014-26 <br/> From: [https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-buffalo-meat-exports-5-billion-10839359/ Harish Damodaran, August 20, 2026: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]<br />
<br />
[[File: Indian Buffalo Meat exports, 2014-26, details.jpg|Indian Buffalo Meat exports, 2014-26, details <br/> From: [https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-buffalo-meat-exports-5-billion-10839359/ Harish Damodaran, August 20, 2026: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]<br />
<br />
[[File: Buffalo Meat, the use and the economic value, 2026.jpg|Buffalo Meat, the use and the economic value, 2026 <br/> From: [https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-buffalo-meat-exports-5-billion-10839359/ Harish Damodaran, August 20, 2026: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]<br />
<br />
<br />
In 2014-15, India exported 14.8 lakh tonnes (lt) of buffalo meat worth $4.8 billion, translating into an average value of $3,240 per tonne. The subsequent years till 2023-24 recorded a drop in the value as well as quantity of exports (see charts), and also average realisations to $2,700-3,000 levels.<br />
<br />
The revival started in 2024-25, when exports touched $4.1 billion at a unit value of $3,236 per tonne. The latter number rose to $3,591 in 2025-26 and $4,392 during April-June 2026.<br />
<br />
“The higher unit value realisations indicate improved product acceptability of Indian buffalo meat. This has been enabled by government policy, allowing exports only from plants registered by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) that is conditional upon their meeting stringent safety, hygiene and infrastructure requirements. We also ensure ongoing compliance through periodic and surprise inspections,” the official explained.<br />
<br />
India has 83 APEDA-approved integrated abattoirs-cum-meat processing plants that can handle between 500 and 2,000 large animals (buffaloes) each daily. In addition, there are five standalone slaughterhouses and 10 meat processing plants registered by APEDA for export purpose.<br />
<br />
''' Market widening and deepening '''<br />
<br />
“In the last couple of years, we have consciously worked at making Indian buffalo meat a global brand and not a number two alternative to cattle beef. The world too is recognising our product quality and safety standards,” claimed Fauzan Alavi, secretary of the All-India Buffalo and Sheep Meat Exporters Association.<br />
<br />
This is reflected in Indian buffalo meat being previously exported at $3,000 per tonne versus $5,000 for Brazilian beef. That gap or discount has since reduced to $500-700 per tonne<br />
<br />
India is the world’s third largest bovine meat exporter. Its projected volume of 17 lt (in carcass weight equivalent) for 2026 is next to Brazil’s 42.8 lt and Australia’s 21.6 lt, as per US Department of Agriculture data. The country’s top three exporters are the Mumbai-based Allanasons Private Ltd, the Abu Dhabi-headquartered LuLu Group-owned Fair Exports India, and HMA Agro Industries, Agra.<br />
<br />
Indian buffalo meat, also called carabeef, is widely used for processed industrial foods such as sausages, burger patties, emulsified nuggets, canned and ready-to-eat products. But there’s a concerted attempt now at boosting value realisation by selling more through retail channels – including in 1-kg or less consumer packs, as against 20-30 kg bulk frozen blocks.<br />
<br />
APEDA has, since October 29, been imposing a Rs 250/tonne levy on exports of all frozen and chilled buffalo meat. The proceeds go towards a Meat Export Development Fund, similar to the one created for basmati rice in 2008.<br />
<br />
“The fund is meant for promoting exports, both to new and existing markets. It covers activities from sponsoring trade delegation visits and international buyer-seller fairs, to addressing non-tariff barriers restricting market access,” the earlier-quoted official added.<br />
<br />
That these efforts are bearing fruit is borne out by the diversification of export destinations.<br />
<br />
In 2014-15, 45% of India’s $4.8 billion buffalo meat exports went to Vietnam ($2.2 billion), followed by Malaysia ($422.9 million), Egypt ($422.3 million), Thailand ($393.4 million), Saudi Arabia ($259 million), United Arab Emirates ($130.8 million), Algeria ($125.1 million) and Philippines ($115.8 million).<br />
<br />
Cut to 2025-26, where out of the total $5.1 billion, 10 countries imported over $100 million worth each: Vietnam ($933.9 million), Egypt ($725 million), Malaysia ($654.1 million), UAE ($444.2 million), Saudi Arabia ($359.3 million), Uzbekistan ($307 million), Indonesia ($301.3 million), Iraq ($300.1 million), Philippines ($176.6 million) and Jordan ($105.5 million).<br />
<br />
“Uzbekistan is a new market. So are others that have become significant buyers: Russia ($97.5 million), Georgia ($70.5 million), Oman ($82.7 million) and Senegal ($70.9 million),” the official noted.<br />
<br />
''' Supporting the dairy economy '''<br />
<br />
The success story of buffalo meat exports isn’t limited to market expansion leading to higher unit value realisations. It also ticks all the right boxes with respect to India’s livestock economy and its dairy farmers.<br />
<br />
India doesn’t permit export of beef (cattle meat). Even export of carabeef is from buffaloes that do not produce enough milk after around five calvings/lactations (when they would be 8-9 years old), are infertile, have damaged udders or happen to be male. For farmers, maintaining them is uneconomical, both direct and indirect in terms of diverting fodder, feed, water and labour resources away from bovines giving milk now or in future.<br />
<br />
By providing a market for unproductive animals, the meat export industry has been complementary to dairying. A buffalo weighing, say 400 kg, yields roughly 125 kg of meat, with bones, hide, edible and non-edible offals, blood, horns, hooves and undigested food/ingesta constituting the rest.<br />
<br />
Taking an average boneless meat yield of 100 kg, the 14-15 lt exported annually would entail culling of 1.4-1.5 crore animals.<br />
<br />
Given India’s total buffalo population of 11 crore (2019 Livestock Census), it allows farmers to systematically replace their low-yielding/aging animals with high-milking/young stock. The recommended herd turnover ratio for commercial dairy cattle is, in fact, 25-30%.<br />
<br />
“In Brazil, Australia or US, beef cattle compete with dairy cattle for scarce resources. In India, we have no such competition because cattle and buffaloes aren’t raised specifically for meat. Only non-milk yielding buffaloes are culled, which is actually beneficial to the dairy sector,” an industry source pointed out.<br />
<br />
The purchase price that abattoirs pay for buffaloes is based on carcass yield – basically the weight of meat and bones. This is usually 47-48% of live weight, working out to about 190 kg for a 400-kg buffalo. The going rate for animals delivered at plants in Uttar Pradesh today is Rs 300-320 per kg of carcass weight. On 190 kg, that comes to Rs 57,000-60,800.<br />
<br />
For a dairy farmer, a 3.5-4-year-old, first-time lactating buffalo capable of producing 2,000 litres or more annually costs Rs 1.25-1.5 lakh. If the farmer realises Rs 50,000 for a spent buffalo, it can cover at least a third of the cost for a new productive animal. The meat industry, thus, adds to the viability of her dairy enterprise, by making it possible to regularly replace older buffaloes with fresh stock.<br />
<br />
''' Bullish on buffalo '''<br />
<br />
That has relevance in the present time, when demand for high-fat milk in India is growing at twice the rate of normal toned milk, according to R.S. Sodhi, former managing director of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation.<br />
<br />
“We are also seeing higher growth for ghee, cream, paneer, ice-cream and khoa-based sweets. The cut in their goods and services tax rates to 0-5%, besides recent crackdowns on adulterated ghee and analogue khoa and paneer, has further fuelled demand for these products. And they all require high-fat milk, which comes largely from buffaloes,” he noted.<br />
<br />
Dairy plants in UP are procuring buffalo milk at a rate of Rs 880-920 per kg fat. For 6.5% fat milk, the corresponding price would be Rs 59-62 per litre. With an average Rs 60/litre realisation from sale of milk and Rs 50,000 from old/unfit animals, farmers have incentive to rear buffaloes and augment production on the back of rising consumer demand.<br />
<br />
What buffalo meat exporters are seeking is policy predictability and stability. They point to five plants in UP – A.Q. Frozen Foods (Amroha), Al-Falah Global and Al-Rehman Frozen Foods (Sambhal), Al Haq Foods (Unnao) and Omar International (Bijnor) – that have been shut down, despite meeting all the compliances for APEDA registration.<br />
<br />
“The Yogi Adiyanath administration is clear about two things – no culling of govansh (cattle) and no illegal slaughterhouses operating without licence – and we completely welcome that. Our problems are when officials at lower levels follow rules different from that laid at the top,” the industry source clarified.</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Sarah_JosephSarah Joseph2026-08-29T21:21:26Z<p>Jyoti: </p>
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<br />
=A brief biography=<br />
==As of 2026==<br />
[https://indianexpress.com/article/books-and-literature/sarah-joseph-malayalam-literature-love-feminism-gen-z-interview-10820796/ Nidheesh M K, Aug 10, 2026: ''The Indian Express'']<br />
<br />
Sarah Joseph was married at 15 and taught that the love she found outside that marriage was a crime. At 80, one of Malayalam's greatest writers speaks of it without lowering her voice, while watching a younger generation claim as a right what hers could barely whisper.<br />
<br />
Seated in a rocking chair on the veranda, with an oil lantern on the table beside her, is Sarah Joseph. Behind her, the house is almost entirely books: glass-fronted shelves packed two rows deep, more stacked on the floor and across the table where she works. She has often said that writing is her life, that she cannot imagine a day without reading a few pages or writing a few lines. The house looks like the inside of that sentence.<br />
<br />
She is 80. She won the Sahitya Akademi Award for Aalahayude Penmakkal and returned it in 2015, joining writers protesting what they saw as a growing climate of fear. She founded the feminist collective Manushi in the 1980s. In Malayalam literature, her name is spoken alongside Madhavikutty, or Kamala Das, who wrote about women’s desire with an honesty the language had rarely seen. Most recently, she had just sent her publisher a new novel, meeting yet another deadline.<br />
<br />
But what she wants to talk about is love. The married kind and the other kind. She speaks of both without lowering her voice, saying things that many women in Kerala, whether her age or much younger, would still hesitate to say aloud.<br />
<br />
“Love was a crime,” she says. “Before marriage a crime. Outside marriage a crime. Always a crime.”<br />
<br />
Sarah lived a quieter version of the same punishment.<br />
<br />
In 1961, when she was in Class IX, she was pulled out of school and married to a man much older than her. She knew nothing of marriage, love or desire. She had been a town girl who could identify every blade of grass in her yard, every flower that grew there. She climbed between two jackfruit trees and lay looking up at clouds drifting overhead.<br />
<br />
Marriage took her to eight acres of paddy on a hill — a farming household with no neighbours nearby, no electricity, no bus service, and a house with a cow-dung floor. At first, the view held her. Soon it no longer did. What remained, she says, was a sadness she now recognises as depression, though she had no language for it then.<br />
<br />
One afternoon, her daughter Geetha, then two years old, sat in the cow dung and began sliding across the floor. Watching her, Sarah, who was 19, made a decision. Her children had a right to something else, and that she would be the one to go and get it.<br />
<br />
It took a decade.<br />
<br />
She walked 3.5 kilometres to school each day, managed a household built on relentless labour, cared for her children, and studied whenever she could find the time. She became a teacher, later cleared the Public Service Commission examination, and eventually joined a college as a lecturer. Somewhere along the way, her father died.<br />
<br />
She looks back at that decade now and cannot account for it. “It was I who did all this,” she says, almost as though she is describing a stranger.<br />
<br />
The public story is well known: the girl who escaped an isolated marriage to become one of Malayalam’s most celebrated writers, winning nearly every major literary honour in the language. But she would rather talk about the private story — the marriage she was handed at 15, and the writing that everyone praises came straight out of it.<br />
<br />
The institution runs on its own rules, she says. “There is no democracy in it. No love. If love happens, that is luck.”<br />
<br />
She wrote a story called Scooter: a husband, a wife, a child, riding together, the two adults tied like bullocks pulling opposite ways, moving forward only because there is one scooter and no choice.<br />
<br />
Women of her age, she says, searched for love the way people search for a gap in a wall. She admits she did the same – in secret, in fear, believing all the while that she was a thettukaari, a woman in the wrong.<br />
<br />
Many women lived similar lives, she says. Even she hesitated until the Gen Z gave her the courage to say these things loud.<br />
<br />
“Madhavikutty could write love the way she did because of the Calcutta house she grew up in and the air in it. A girl raised under mothers who taught her to take the dust off her husband’s feet and put it on her own head does not get to write it,” she says. “We got to hide a hint in a story and hope one reader finds it.”<br />
<br />
What saved her was what she calls “don’t care”. She refused to perform shame for the people standing around waiting to name the crime.<br />
<br />
On being asked what that love felt like, her voice softens.<br />
<br />
“It was a mad thing,” she says. “It was madness, not fullness.”<br />
<br />
She reaches for Dostoevsky, recalling the writer who refused to wish away his epilepsy. “It gripped like an octopus. It went deep, it did harm, and it never once let poverty or illness reach me.”<br />
<br />
She wrote a story called Pranayam (Love). Read it, she says, and you will understand. In it, a lover walks up to you with a knife to kill you, for no reason at all. That, she says, is what love is like.<br />
<br />
In an interview with malayalam.indianexpress.com, Sarah speaks with ease about extramarital desire, tradwives and premarital sex, in a vocabulary that often sounded closer to that of a 20-year-old.<br />
<br />
On being told about a tradwife reel, she says she knew about it already. She knows about OnlyFans too, about women who have decided their body is their only wealth and sell the sight of it online.<br />
<br />
They are our children, she says. She watches them. Her granddaughter studied at VIT, worked in Bangalore, and now lives in the US. The first time Sarah saw her wearing short clothes, she says, she felt the old discomfort, the idea of clothing that has to break in you before it lets you breathe. Then she watched her granddaughter move through the world, unconcerned about her clothes.<br />
<br />
It reminded her of her own small rebellion.<br />
<br />
She never liked wearing a saree, a garment she describes as the “six yards that cover you and expose you at once”. After retirement, she stopped wearing it altogether. Women of her generation, she says, had their thighs pinched blue for letting their knees drift apart, and sat with their legs pressed together for life. These children, she says, took the armour off and do not feel it there.<br />
<br />
She came to see her own body with similar acceptance. Vitiligo first appeared on her face in her forties and then spread to her whole body. She says she got over that too, and saw it as a shortfall of melanin and nothing more, and the only trouble it ever gave her was the thought that it might unsettle a stranger seated next to her on a bus.<br />
<br />
Marriage, she says, was the least democratic institution she knew, where the women would find herself seeking permission for the smallest decisions. And when she sees today’s young adults, who are unmarried and do not see the problem, she admires them. “Her body is hers.<br />
<br />
She talks about the Gen Z protesters on the streets, reading the Constitution, turning the police barricades into a train of wheels to play with, singing Jana Gana Mana.<br />
<br />
When the feminist activist organisation Manushi organised marches in the 1980s, she had wished for girls on bicycles to lead. Out of fear, they held back. When girls gave speeches, they were mocked for their feminine voice. Now the girls have the road, she says.<br />
<br />
She says today’s youth will come and they will practise what the Constitution preached. “We the people. Not we the Hindu, not we the Christian. No one above them.”<br />
<br />
That conviction, that the books belong to everyone, is something she has based her writing on.<br />
<br />
She spent decades taking the country’s myths back for the people they were used against.<br />
<br />
She has rewritten the Ramayana from the perspective of Shurpanakha, imagining her not as a demoness but as an independent woman whose mutilation sets the epic’s violence in motion.<br />
<br />
“Now, who is the demon?,” she asks. In another reading of the epic she argues that the vanaras (monkeys) of Kishkindha were not monkeys but a tribe, and vanara was only their emblem.<br />
<br />
This is why critics had to coin a new word in Malayalam to mark her writing: pennezhuthu, women’s writing. But the label, she says, soon hardened into a way of confining women writers.<br />
<br />
It has nothing to do with gender, she says. “It is politics. A woman telling her own experience in her own language, quarrelling with the order that shut her out, gathering in everyone that order threw away,” she says.<br />
<br />
To write Budini, one of her recent novels, she went to Jharkhand, researching the story of the Santhal girl who garlanded Jawaharlal Nehru at a dam and was cast out by her own people, who read the garland as a marriage outside the community.<br />
<br />
To write Cara, set at the Dead Sea, she went to Jordan. She went off the highway and through the wilderness, down to the lowest point on the surface of the earth, no person, no animal, no grass, only black and red hills and a desert lying in waves.<br />
<br />
Looking back, she thinks their generation set out to change how women lived, and what changed instead was the men. Feminism made the man who was raised never to touch a broom ask who he was to make anyone obey. He came down a step. She will not say he climbed. He came down to where the wife was standing.<br />
<br />
On being asked if she has any regrets, anything she would correct, she says “none”. “We could not say no. What is done is done.”<br />
<br />
[[Category:India|J <br />
SARAH JOSEPH]]<br />
[[Category:Literature|J <br />
SARAH JOSEPH]]</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Dnyandeo_Yashwantrao_PatilDnyandeo Yashwantrao Patil2026-08-29T20:50:22Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |P ]]<br />
[[Category:Education |P ]]<br />
<br />
=Briefly=<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=/ccidist-ws/toi/toidelhibs_delhi/issues/73749/OPS/G3AKVEBNA.1+G02KVECGQ.1.html&channel=TOI Abhijeet.Patil, August 5, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
<br />
Kolhapur: Dr Dnyandeo Yashwantrao Patil’s network of universities and colleges reshaped private higher education in India.<br />
<br />
Known as “Dada”, DY Patil leaves behind one of India’s largest private education networks comprising 182 institutions, three deemed universities and five state private universities with more than 1.5 lakh students and around 26,000 employees.<br />
<br />
Condolences poured in from across the political spectrum, led by PM Modi, CM Fadnavis, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar and Congress netas Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and party chief Mallikarjun Kharge.<br />
<br />
Born in 1935, Patil entered public life at 19 as the chairman of Shri Ram Multipurpose Cooperative Society in Kasba Bawda. <br />
<br />
He later became the youngest councillor of the then Kolhapur Municipal Council and went on to serve two terms as a Congress MLA. A Congress loyalist, he remained closely associated with the Gandhi family and was among the few legislators who backed VV Giri in the 1969 presidential election. He also served as the governor of Tripura, Bihar and Bengal — the latter two briefly. Patil later stepped away from active politics to pursue his vision of expanding higher education. Taking advantage of Maharashtra’s 1983 policy opening professional education to private participation, he built a network of institutions spanning medicine, engineering, pharmacy and other disciplines that widened access to professional education for thousands of students.<br />
<br />
The Padma Shri awardee is survived by sons Satej, Sanjay, Vijay and Ajinkya Patil, and daughters Bhageshree, Supriya, Rajashree, Nandita Palshetkar and Pooja Patil. His funeral will be held Wednesday evening in Kolhapur with state honours.</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Rajghat,_VaranasiRajghat, Varanasi2026-08-29T20:44:14Z<p>Jyoti: </p>
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<br />
=A backgrounder=<br />
Rajghat is a major archaeological site on the north-eastern edge of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, near the Ganga and Varuna river confluence. Discovered in 1940, it shows cultural continuity from around 800 BCE, spanning pre-Mauryan periods, Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) eras, and medieval times. [1, 2, 3, 4]<br />
<br />
’’’ Discovery and Excavations '''<br />
<br />
First Found: Discovered in 1940 during work to expand the Kashi railway station.<br />
<br />
Major Digs: Excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) between 1957 and 1969.<br />
<br />
Cultural Phases: Uncovered six distinct cultural periods showing ancient homes, seals, and terracotta items. [1, 2, 3]<br />
<br />
''' Recent Scientific Studies '''<br />
<br />
Human Skeleton Analysis: BHU started a modern genetic and bio-archaeological study on an unanalyzed skeleton found during early excavations at Rajghat. [1]<br />
<br />
DNA and Diet Tests: Researchers are using ancient DNA and isotope tests to check the ancestry, lifestyle, and diet of early Kashi people. [1]<br />
<br />
Indus Valley Links: Scientists aim to compare these Gangetic valley findings with skeletal data from the Indus Valley Civilization site at Rakhigarhi.<br />
<br />
=1957: skeleton=<br />
[https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/bhu-varanasi-1000-year-old-skeleton-dna-analysis-rajghat-10819566/ Manish Sahu, Aug 6, 2026: ''The Indian Express'']<br />
<br />
<br />
'' The skeleton, believed to be about 1,000 years old, was preserved in a wooden box at Banaras Hindu University since its discovery at the archaeological site of Rajghat in Varanasi. ''<br />
<br />
For nearly 70 years, a human skeleton lay sealed inside a wooden box at Banaras Hindu University (BHU). Now, researchers have opened it, hoping its bones can reveal more about who lived in Varanasi nearly 1,000 years ago.<br />
<br />
The skeleton was recovered during excavations at Rajghat, an archaeological site in the middle Ganga Valley, in 1957 and has remained in the custody of BHU’s Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology ever since.<br />
<br />
On Tuesday, a team of experts specialising in ancient DNA collected samples from the skeleton for genetic and bio-archaeological analysis.<br />
<br />
''' Why was the box opened now? ''' <br />
<br />
It was the department head, Professor M P Ahirwar, who took the lead to reopen the box and examine the skeletal remains. He approached Professor Gyaneshwar Chaubey of BHU’s Department of Zoology.<br />
<br />
“Following correspondence and the necessary approvals, it was decided to conduct a comprehensive scientific examination of the skeleton. At our request, a team of scientists led by Dr Prajwal Pratap Singh from the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad, visited BHU,” said Professor Chaubey.<br />
<br />
''' How was the skeleton examined? '''<br />
<br />
Before opening the box, the team of experts trained BHU officials in the proper scientific procedures to prevent contamination of the ancient remains.<br />
<br />
Donning protective gear, the researchers carefully handled and examined the skeleton. Since the bones had not been treated with any chemical preservatives, they were considered suitable for scientific testing.<br />
<br />
“When we opened the box, we found that the skeleton was in pieces. We selected a few well-preserved long bones that are suitable for ancient DNA testing. The collected bone samples will now be sent to a specialised laboratory for genetic analysis,” said Professor Chaubey.<br />
<br />
The samples will be analysed at one of the specialised ancient DNA laboratories in Hyderabad, Lucknow or Bengaluru, where scientists will attempt to recover genetic material from the centuries-old bones.<br />
<br />
''' What can it reveal? '''<br />
<br />
Professor Chaubey said the skeleton is believed to be about 1,000 years old. “But its age can only be confirmed through radiocarbon dating, which will provide a more precise estimate of when the individual lived.”<br />
<br />
“In addition to radiocarbon dating, we will analyse mitochondrial DNA, which is inherited through the maternal line and can reveal maternal ancestry extending back thousands of years.”<br />
<br />
He added that since the skeleton appears to be that of a male, researchers will also try to recover Y-chromosome DNA. “This could help trace his paternal lineage and provide clues about his ancestral origins,” Professor Chaubey said.<br />
<br />
He said the project will involve two types of analysis.<br />
<br />
The first, ancient DNA analysis, will help scientists identify the individual’s genetic ancestry and determine how the person was related to other ancient populations in South Asia, including those from the Harappan site of Rakhigarhi.<br />
<br />
The second is stable isotope analysis, which can reveal the person’s diet and the types of food they consumed.<br />
<br />
Professor Ahirwar said the department had preserved the skeleton for nearly 70 years and that advances in scientific technology now made it possible to answer long-standing questions about the people who once lived in the middle Ganga Valley.<br />
<br />
''' Why is Rajghat important? '''<br />
<br />
Rajghat, located on the north-eastern edge of Varanasi near the confluence of the Ganga and Varuna rivers, is one of the most important archaeological sites in the middle Ganga Valley.<br />
<br />
The site came to light in 1940 during the expansion of the Kashi railway station. Excavations carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India and BHU between 1957 and 1969 uncovered remains from several cultural periods, shedding light on the early history of the region.<br />
<br />
===Details===<br />
[https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-history/rajghat-excavation-1950s-varanasi-history-10861691/ Sep 3, 2026: ''The Indian Express'']<br />
<br />
[[File: The 10,000 artefacts include sculptures, ancient coins, tools, stamp seals and objects made of copper, ivory and bone. (Image- Special Arrangement).jpg|The 10,000 artefacts include sculptures, ancient coins, tools, stamp seals and objects made of copper, ivory and bone. (Image: Special Arrangement) <br/> From: [https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-history/rajghat-excavation-1950s-varanasi-history-10861691/ Sep 3, 2026: ''The Indian Express'']|frame|500px]]<br />
<br />
[[File: An ivory die and other artefacts. (Special Arrangement).jpg|An ivory die and other artefacts. (Special Arrangement) <br/> From: [https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-history/rajghat-excavation-1950s-varanasi-history-10861691/ Sep 3, 2026: ''The Indian Express'']|frame|500px]]<br />
<br />
''' Why a 1950s excavation is shedding new light on Varanasi’s ancient past now '''<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
'' What can the Rajghat artefacts reveal about Varanasi, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world? And why are the boxes being examined now? ''<br />
<br />
The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) recently examined 22 boxes stored with it for around 70 years, to find more than 10,000 artefacts, including painted black pottery believed to be 3,000 years old.<br />
<br />
The artefacts were excavated from Rajghat, one of the oldest known settlements in the Varanasi region, between 1957 and 1969.<br />
<br />
''' Where is Rajghat and why is it significant for the history of Varanasi? '''<br />
<br />
Rajghat today refers to a neighbourhood located in eastern Varanasi. But the Rajghat archaeological site more specifically refers to the ancient settlement located in the northeastern outskirts of the city, near the confluence of the rivers Ganga and Varana.<br />
<br />
Archaeologist and former professor of archaeology at BHU, Vidula Jaiswal, explained that Rajghat is identified as the capital of the Kashi Janapada. Janapadas were territorial kingdoms or political units that emerged in ancient India, particularly during the later Vedic period. Some of these janapadas grew into larger, more powerful kingdoms known as mahajanapadas by the 6th century BCE. Early Buddhist and Jain texts mention Kashi as one of 16 mahajanpadas in the Indo-Gangetic plain.<br />
<br />
The region of Kashi, more popularly known as Varanasi, is dotted with several ancient settlements. A number of them have been excavated in the last few decades, which includes Aktha, Ramnagar, Sarnath and Rajghat.<br />
<br />
Jaiswal, who has led excavations at eight sites in the region, concluded that while Sarnath emerged as a pilgrimage site, Rajghat developed as the main urban centre. The remaining settlements, which are dated to be several centuries older, were peripheral, rural regions of Kashi.<br />
<br />
''' When was Rajghat excavated and what did the excavations reveal? '''<br />
<br />
The settlement at Rajghat first came to archaeological attention in 1940, when a railway contractor reported finding archaeological remains while excavating earth for the extension and remodelling of Kashi Railway Station. The archaeologist Krishna Deva then took up trial excavation of the site on behalf of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in October-November of the year.<br />
<br />
Consequently, excavations were carried out at three mounds at Rajghat in 1957 by A K Narain and his colleagues from BHU’s Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology. Conducted in four phases over 12 years, the excavations unearthed a large number of significant artefacts. The lowest, and therefore oldest, layer of the settlement yielded pre-Northern Black Polished Ware (pre-NBPW), a type of pottery associated with an earlier phase of the Iron Age. Based on this evidence, the origins of the settlement at Rajghat were dated to around 800 BCE.<br />
<br />
Several years later, in the early 2000s, Jaiswal and archaeologist B R Mani re-excavated Rajghat to verify the dating of its oldest layer. “We just dug the lower levels of the site, starting from the Kushana period (1st century BCE to 3rd century CE), and kept going further down,” Jaiswal said. Scientific analysis of the artefacts recovered from these layers subsequently confirmed the date of the settlement’s oldest layer as around 800 BCE.<br />
<br />
Among the artefacts recovered from the site are hundreds of seals and sealings. Professor Mahesh Prasad Ahirwar, head of the department at BHU, said that the seals are the most important artefacts from Rajghat. “Many of them carry Greek inscriptions. Several of them carry names of the administrative units and their officials,” he said. That apart, ivory and iron objects, punch-marked coins, and terracotta figurines have also been found.<br />
<br />
The significance of these finds, said Ahirwar, is in tracing the development of human civilisation in the subcontinent.<br />
<br />
Jaiswal said the antiquity of Varanasi is well established in mythological and religious texts. When she first excavated Rajghat, one of the questions was whether the archaeological evidence from the region corresponded with these textual traditions. But, she cautioned, mythology and archaeology operate on very different bases.<br />
<br />
“When a site has to be established as important, there is a tendency to describe it as pracheen (ancient),” she said. “We must remember that the connection between Varanasi, Shiva and the Ganga is a product of late medieval texts.”<br />
<br />
Archaeology, meanwhile, dates a settlement based on its material remains. Jaiswal said remains from Rajghat and other sites in Varanasi can be dated to as far back as 1800 BCE. The considerable gap between these archaeological dates and the period of the textual traditions, she argued, needs to be kept in mind when reconstructing the history of Varanasi.<br />
<br />
''' Why is BHU documenting the artefacts now? '''<br />
<br />
The recent documentation of the Rajghat artefacts, said Ahirwar, is part of the centenary celebrations of his department at BHU. The idea was to preserve all the past work that the department has done over the last 100 years, and lay them out in the public domain for future generations of researchers. “There are also plans for developing a museum in future,” Ahirwar said.<br />
<br />
The documentation, which started from January this year, has already recorded about 4,000 artefacts. Ahirwar believes that there are close to 10,000 objects from Rajghat alone.<br />
<br />
He also pointed out that the Rajghat excavation reports are already in the public domain and the artefacts have been available to researchers all these years. Some researchers have also studied the material. However, this is the first concerted and organised effort to document all the findings.<br />
<br />
The human skeleton is the only artefact that has been opened for the first time. “When Professor Narain excavated it in the 1960s, we did not have the technology to analyse human remains,” said Ahirwar. With advances in techniques such as DNA sampling and analysis, he believes the skeleton could now yield more information about the age, ancestry and lifestyle of the people who lived in the region in antiquity.<br />
<br />
[[Category:Archæology|R <br />
RAJGHAT, VARANASI]]<br />
[[Category:India|R <br />
RAJGHAT, VARANASI]]<br />
[[Category:Places|R <br />
RAJGHAT, VARANASI]]</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Medhijan_Gajala_SatraMedhijan Gajala Satra2026-08-29T20:35:42Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |M ]]<br />
[[Category:Literature |M ]]<br />
[[Category:Religion |M ]]<br />
<br />
=Manuscripts=<br />
==As of 2026==<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=/ccidist-ws/toi/toidelhibs_delhi/issues/73664/OPS/GB7KV7GJ4.1+G06KV7H3I.1.html&channel=TOI August 4, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
[[File: Handwritten Vaishnavite manuscripts of early 18th-century, on the verge of being lost forever from floods in Assam, 2026.jpg|Handwritten Vaishnavite manuscripts of early 18th-century, on the verge of being lost forever from floods in Assam, 2026 <br/> From: [https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=/ccidist-ws/toi/toidelhibs_delhi/issues/73664/OPS/GB7KV7GJ4.1+G06KV7H3I.1.html&channel=TOI August 4, 2026: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]<br />
<br />
<br />
Guwahati: A team from Gauhati University is on a rescue mission of a different kind at Medhijan Gajala Satra (monastery) in Assam’s flood-ravaged Sivasagar district: to save handwritten Vaishnavite manuscripts of early 18th-century vintage from being lost forever to a dual assault of moisture and fungi.<br />
<br />
Around 35 of these texts – scribbled on sanchipat or sun-dried strips of agarwood bark that traditional scribes used more than a century before Baptist missionaries set up the state’s first printing press – have been restored since the operation began last weekend, reports Kangkan Kalita.<br />
<br />
The collection includes manuscripts of the Kirtan, Dasham, Namghosa, Bhakti Ratnawali, Bhakti Premawali, Ramayan, Vyakhyashram Kathasar, Gopal Atar Charit and Adi Charit, all linked to Assam’s 16th-century patron saint Srimanta Sankardev’s Vaishnavite movement.<br />
<br />
<br />
''' Details '''<br />
<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=/ccidist-ws/toi/toidelhibs_delhi/issues/73664/OPS/GB7KV7GJL.1+GB7KV7GUR.1.html&channel=TOI August 4, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
The oldest of the texts the conservation team is trying to restore include a Ramayan manuscript estimated to be 300-odd years old and a 263-year-old copy of the Kirtan and Dasham from the Bhagavat, said Medini Mohan Gogoi, scientific officer (Indian knowledge systems) at university’s Centre for Southeast Asian Studies.<br />
<br />
“We have been primarily carrying out antifungal treatment. Pages of many of these manuscripts are sticking like glue after being submerged for so long... Restoring them to their original form is a challenge,” he said.<br />
The restoration started after Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi flagged the issue, prompting vice-chancellor Nani Gopal Mahanta and registrar Utpal Sarma to dispatch a team.<br />
<br />
Medini Mohan and archival assistant Dhanjit Talukdar of the university’s K K Handiqui Library reached the satra Saturday and got to work immediately, restoring the first batch of manuscripts by Monday. They have been separating, cleaning and chemically treating each page to halt fungal damage.<br />
<br />
The heritage at stake extends beyond the satra. Several manuscripts have been preserved by families traditionally associated with the monastery. “We were told the flooding started without warning and the manuscripts were submerged in no time. People were in tears on seeing the damage,” the scientific officer said. The monastery dates back to the reign of the 34th Ahom king Lakshmi Singha (1769-1780).</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Bulldozer_justice/_Demolition_of_properties_by_the_executive:_IndiaBulldozer justice/ Demolition of properties by the executive: India2026-08-16T19:16:19Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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<br />
[[Category:India |B ]]<br />
[[Category:Crime |B ]]<br />
[[Category:Law,Constitution,Judiciary |B ]]<br />
<br />
=Verdicts of the higher courts=<br />
==Allahabad HC: 2026==<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=22_07_2026_012_005_cap_TOI Rajesh Kumar Pandey, TNN, July 22, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
Prayagraj : An Allahabad HC division bench has delivered a split verdict on whether additional judicial safeguards are needed to prevent punitive demolition of properties linked to accused persons. <br />
<br />
Hearing a plea by a petitioner from Hamirpur, Justices Atul Sreedharan and Siddharth Nandan wrote separate orders Monday. While the two judges unanimously held that demolishing homes to punish an accused was illegal and a retributive abuse of power, they differed on whether the state could be barred from demolishing the house of an accused for two years from the date of registration of an FIR.<br />
<br />
While Justice Sreedharan held that an accused’s house should not be demolished for two years, Justice Nandan said no such blanket protection could be granted. The bench referred the matter to the Allahabad high court Chief Justice for a decision by a third judge.<br />
<br />
Starting his order with a couplet from poet Bashir Badr, ‘ Log toot jaate hain ek ghar banane mein, tum taras nahin khaate bastiyan jalaane mein (People are broken just making a house, while you feel no remorse setting ablaze entire settlements)’, Justice Sreedharan said: “This action by the State is largely to satiate the perceived bloodlust of a society fed on a staple diet of bulldozer justice over the electronic media, social media and messaging platforms... Rushing to demolish the dwelling place of a person accused of an offence under the garb of the same being violative of municipal laws is impermissible...” Justice Nandan, on the other hand, said no fixed time period could be prescribed as “it would result in keeping the operation of an enactment in abeyance for the said period”.<br />
<br />
The first issue referred to the Chief Justice was whether, in the exercise of powers under Article 226 (writ jurisdiction) of the Constitution, a general direction could be issued restraining the state — for a period of two years or otherwise — from taking any action under UP Urban Planning and Development Act, 1973, subject to certain exceptions. The other was whether a direction could be issued to the authorities to give a “notice of intent” one year prior to initiating such proceedings under municipal laws. <br />
<br />
Justice Sreedharan said the court had witnessed several cases in which demolition notices immediately after the registration of an FIR, following which demolition was carried out under the ostensible fulfilment of statutory requirements. The judge said such demolitions had continued unabated notwithstanding the law laid down by Supreme Court. <br />
<br />
“In case notices are issued for the violation of construction norms, the same shall be valid only if simultaneous proceedings are also initiated against the erring officers,” the judge said. He also said state action must not be directed against only one individual while ignoring similar violations in the vicinity.</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Rich_List,_India:_2025Rich List, India: 20252026-08-16T18:48:04Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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<br />
[[Category:India |R ]]<br />
[[Category:Economy-Industry-Resources |R ]]<br />
<br />
=Rs 100 crore + income league=<br />
==Increases by a third==<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=28_07_2026_014_003_cap_TOI July 28, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
[[File: Individuals with over Rs. 100 crore income, 2021-26, year-wise.jpg|Individuals with over Rs. 100 crore income, 2021-26, year-wise <br/> From: [https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=28_07_2026_014_003_cap_TOI July 28, 2026: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]<br />
<br />
New Delhi : Govt said that there were 576 individuals who had disclosed a gross income of over Rs 100 crore during financial year 2024-25 (assessment year 2025-26), with 161 added during the year. <br />
<br />
The additions during the year also mark the highest number in at least four years. While it is a small fraction of the around 8.1 crore who filed returns in 2024-25, govt is drawing comfort from the rise in number of taxpayers who are disclosing higher income. Given the rising level of exemptions over the years, more than 60% of those who filed returns regularly have not paid any tax.<br />
<br />
Most of the taxpayers in the “super rich club” of over Rs 100 crore will be non-salaried, given by past trends. For instance, in FY2022-23, of the 282 in the Rs 100-500 crore bracket, only 16 were salaried, indicating that some of the CEOs of top companies were part of the segment. <br />
<br />
Unlike earlier years, tax authorities have not released the details of tax returns for the last assessment year, with the latest number disclosed in Parliament only providing a glimpse of the statistics. Typically the data also provides the number of taxpayers with over Rs 500 crore of gross income. During FY2022-23, there were 2.3 lakh individuals with over Rs 1 crore annual income. <br />
<br />
The Centre has been seeking to widen the direct tax base given the high level of evasion seen among the non-salaried and is relying on multiple sets of data for better tracking. As a result, the share of direct taxes in the overall collection has increased from an average 52% in the pre-pandemic period to 59% in FY2024-25, according to official data. In 2000-01, the share was 36%. Direct tax to GDP ratio was estimated at 6.7% in FY2024-25, compared with 3.3% in 2000-01 and 5.6% in 2013-14. <br />
<br />
Given the data available and the rise in income levels, the number of tax filers has increased from just above 3 crore in FY2013-14. So far this year, 4 crore returns have been filed for FY2025-26 with July 31 being the deadline. \<br />
<br />
=See also…=<br />
[[Rich List: India]] <> [[Rich List: India, 2014: Forbes]] <>[[Rich List: India, 2014: Hurun]] <>[[Rich List: India, 2015: Forbes]] <> [[Rich List: India, 2015: Hurun]] <>[[Rich list, India: 2016]] <> [[Rich List: India, 2016: Forbes]] <> [[Rich List: India, 2017]] <> [[Rich List: India, 2017: Hurun]]<> [[Rich list, India: 2018]]<> [[Rich list, India: 2019]]<> [[Rich List, India: 2020]]<> [[Rich List, India: 2021]] <br />
<br />
[[Rich list of film artistes: India]] <br />
==…and also==<br />
[[Rich List: Nepal]]<> [[Celebrity List: India]]<> [[Indian money in HSBC, Switzerland]] <> [[Private lives of famous Indians]]<br />
==…and also==<br />
[[Public Companies, South Asia's Biggest]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Economy-Industry-Resources|R <br />
RICH LIST, INDIA: 2024]]<br />
[[Category:India|R <br />
RICH LIST, INDIA: 2024]]</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Girish_BharadwajGirish Bharadwaj2026-08-01T22:29:37Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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<br />
[[Category:India |B ]]<br />
[[Category:Development |B ]]<br />
<br />
=A brief biography=<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=09_07_2026_024_005_cap_TOI July 9, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
<br />
Mangaluru : Long before govts began speaking of rural connectivity as a development mantra, Padma Shri Girish Bharadwaj was already solving it village by village — for children who walked through forests to reach school, patients who had no way to reach a hospital in the monsoon, and farmers whose produce never made it to market because a river stood in the way. <br />
<br />
Fondly known as the ‘Bridge Man of India’ and ‘Sethu Bandhu’, Bharadwaj, who died at a private hospital in Sullia in Dakshina Kannada district Tuesday at the age of 76, built more than 140 suspension bridges across rural India.<br />
<br />
He was born on May 12, 1950, in Aletty village of Sullia taluk. The nearest school was 5km away through dense forest, so he began his education directly in Class V. A bright student who later graduated in mechanical engineering in 1973, he briefly worked as a farmer before and after his engineering course and, on his parents’ advice, set up a small engineering workshop in Sullia. The early years were marked by struggle. Seasonal repair work on farm machinery, fabrication jobs and automobile repairs barely kept the workshop afloat. Work slowly picked up only after a govt rubber factory opened nearby.<br />
<br />
Then came the moment that would define his life. In 1989, people from his village approached him with an unusual request: to build a hanging bridge across the Payaswini river. Bharadwaj initially declined, admitting he had no experience in bridge engineering. But the villagers believed ‘an engineer is an engineer’ and refused to take no for an answer. <br />
<br />
Accepting the challenge, he designed asimple suspension footbridge using indigenous materials and local skills. Villagers pooled money, contributed labour, and built the towers and anchorages under his guidance, while Bharadwaj offered his technical expertise and fabrication work free of cost. The bridge was completed in Aug the same year.<br />
<br />
News of the low-cost bridge spread rapidly. Within a few years, govt departments began inviting him to replicate the model elsewhere. The first bridge in Sullia stands as a monument to community participation and grassroots innovation.<br />
Over the next three decades, Bharadwaj built suspension footbridges across Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and other states. Inspired by iconic suspension bridges such as San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and Japan’s Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, he simplified the technology to suit rural India using locally available materials and cost-effective designs. <br />
<br />
His work also took him into difficult terrain. While constructing bridges in Odisha, he encountered Naxals but refused to abandon projects meant to serve remote communities. In one location in the state, he built a bridge because he was moved by the plight of villagers carrying bicycles to cross a water body. Honoured with the Padma Shri in 2017 and several awards over the years, Bharadwaj never viewed bridge-building as a business. Inspired by the story of Guha, the boatman in the Ramayana, he believed helping people cross rivers was a sacred service. “People’s tears of joy are my biggest award,” he often said. <br />
<br />
He believed in former President APJ Abdul Kalam’s vision that rural connectivity was the foundation of national development. Bharadwaj was also involved in water conservation initiatives.</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Investment_Index:_IndiaInvestment Index: India2026-08-01T22:26:00Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |I ]]<br />
[[Category:Law,Constitution,Judiciary |I ]]<br />
[[Category:Government |I ]]<br />
<br />
=YEAR-WISE DEVELOPMENTS= <br />
=2026=<br />
[https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-ranks-125th-in-global-passport-index-2026-slips-one-spot-from-last-year-101783216644352.html Jul 5, 2026: ’'Hindustan Times'']<br />
<br />
<br />
''' Investment Index: India ranks 94th '''<br />
<br />
India was ranked 94th in the Investment Index, moving up three places from 97th in the previous edition.<br />
<br />
<br />
The Investment Index evaluates a country's economy as a destination for investment and business opportunities.<br />
<br />
Countries with strong and growing economies receive higher scores, while personal taxation is also factored into the assessment. This category makes up 25 per cent of the overall score, the report says.</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Quality_of_Living_Index:_IndiaQuality of Living Index: India2026-08-01T22:24:14Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |Q ]]<br />
[[Category:Law,Constitution,Judiciary |Q ]]<br />
[[Category:Government |Q ]]<br />
<br />
=YEAR-WISE DEVELOPMENTS= <br />
=2026=<br />
[https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-ranks-125th-in-global-passport-index-2026-slips-one-spot-from-last-year-101783216644352.html Jul 5, 2026: ’'Hindustan Times'']<br />
<br />
''' Quality of Living Index: India ranks 118th ''' <br />
<br />
In the latest rankings, the Indian passport secured 118th place in the Quality of Living Index, improving by 11 positions from 129th last year.<br />
<br />
The index measures six major aspects that determine a country's quality of life and account for 25 per cent of the overall score. According to the report, it also considers factors such as healthcare, education and personal safety.</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Enhanced_Mobility_Index:_IndiaEnhanced Mobility Index: India2026-08-01T22:23:07Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |E ]]<br />
[[Category:Law,Constitution,Judiciary |E ]]<br />
[[Category:Government |E ]]<br />
<br />
=YEAR-WISE DEVELOPMENTS= <br />
=2026=<br />
[https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-ranks-125th-in-global-passport-index-2026-slips-one-spot-from-last-year-101783216644352.html Jul 5, 2026: ’'Hindustan Times'']<br />
<br />
''' Enhanced Mobility Index: India ranks 136th ''' <br />
<br />
India was placed 136th in the Enhanced Mobility Index, one position lower than its ranking last year.<br />
<br />
<br />
This category, which accounts for 50 per cent of the overall score, measures the travel advantages a passport offers. It also considers how attractive a destination country is by taking into account its quality of life.</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Navaneeth_UnnikrishnanNavaneeth Unnikrishnan2026-08-01T22:11:14Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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<br />
[[Category:India |U ]]<br />
[[Category:Cinema-TV-Pop |U ]]<br />
[[Category:Music |U ]]<br />
<br />
=YEAR-WISE DEVELOPMENTS= <br />
==As of 2026==<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=10_07_2026_017_003_cap_TOI Sreerag.PS, July 10, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
<br />
At first blush, Navaneeth Unnikrishnan could easily pass for a typical Gen Z-er who grew up far from his cultural roots.<br />
<br />
Born and raised in Arizona, US, the 21-year-old Indian-origin lad speaks with an American accent. He walks on stage in an open plaid jacket over a white T-shirt. But once the lights dim and the spotlight settles on him, Navaneeth takes his audience on a journey through vintage Indian melodies by some of the greatest composers the country has produced. <br />
<br />
''' Gen Z Looks, Vintage Hooks '''<br />
<br />
On stage, Navaneeth becomes a bridge between audiences, continents, and musical traditions. In one performance, he sings the classic Malayalam song, ‘Innenikku Pottukuthaan Sandhyakal Chalicha Sindooram (Today, Iadorn my forehead with vermilion woven from twilight)’. After completing the opening stanza, he pauses to explain that the composition is rooted in Miya ki Malhar, a Hindustani raga. <br />
<br />
“Miya ki Malhar is a Hindustani raga. It’s very commonly sung in concerts. But you would never have thought of hearing that in a Malayalam film song,” he tells the audience. <br />
<br />
In another segment, he traces the musical journey of Indian composer Salil Chowdhury across languages. He demonstrates how Chowdhury’s Bengali song ‘Jhanana Jhanana Baje’ later became the basis for the Malayalam song, ‘Kaadaru Maasam Naadaru Maasam’, from the 1968 film Ezhu Rathrikal . In doing so, he shows how melodies travelled across regions, taking on new languages and contexts while retaining their emotional and musical essence.<br />
<br />
What sets Navaneeth apart is not just his command over Indian film songs, ragas, musical instruments and their use in cinema, but the way he breaks them down for an audience. He can sing, analyse and explain the science behind a composition without making it sound intimidating. <br />
<br />
''' Drawing Old-School Crowds '''<br />
<br />
In a relatively short span, Navaneeth has built a following both online and offline. What makes his rise especially striking is the audience he has managed to draw. At one of his concerts in Kochi earlier this year, rows of middle-aged men and women sat listening in rapt attention as a young man raised in the US brought to life the songs of their youth.<br />
<br />
Through his renditions and explanations, Navaneeth explores the nuances of compositions by legends such as music composer Devarajan Master, Salil Chowdhury, Ilaiyaraaja and others, dissecting their structures and illuminating the musical anatomy hidden beneath familiar melodies. <br />
<br />
His popularity has also made him a recurring attraction for the Bank Employees Arts Movement Ernakulam (BEAM), which has invited him to Kochi for three consecutive years.<br />
<br />
“After Navaneeth’s first performance, people demanded that we invite him again. People even started buying our annual membership just to attend his concert. It is due to the craze for his concerts that we conducted his events three years in a row,” said BEAM president K S Raveendran.<br />
<br />
Recognition has followed the applause. Navaneeth has received several prominent honours and accolades, including the 49th Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Male Playback Singer for his rendition of ‘Vidaparayam’ from the film Hridayapoorvam , and the Swaralaya-Devarajan Master Award in 2025.<br />
<br />
Music historian Ravi Menon says Navaneeth’s popularity has fascinated him. “Navaneeth is a self-made musician, highly influenced by Devarajan Master, who died around the time he was born. Yet Navaneeth studied compositions that are over 50 years old, analysing and understanding them, which is no small feat,” Menon said. <br />
<br />
''' Kerala On Replay '''<br />
<br />
Navneeth’s relationship with Indian music began long before he could understand its grammar. Born and raised in America to parents from Kannur in Kerala, he grew up in a home where music was a living presence. His father, Unnikrishnan Vadakkan, and mother, Priya Vannarath, migrated to the US in 1998. Vadakkan works as an engineer at a semiconductor firm, while Priya is apaediatrician.<br />
<br />
Some of Navaneeth’s earliest memories are of sitting beside his parents and listening to Indian classical music, Malayalam songs, devotional recordings and folk traditions. Their collection of cassettes and CDs became his first music library, introducing him to musicians whose work would later shape his identity.<br />
<br />
Navaneeth jokes that as a child, he could read English before he could comfortably speak it because life at home revolved around Kerala. As for Malayalam, he worked on his pronunciation, listening to recordings repeatedly until every syllable felt right and often turning to family members and friends for help. He brings the same discipline to Hindi and Bengali songs, convinced that respecting a language begins with respecting its sound.<br />
<br />
His musical ability was evident from a very young age. Vadakkan said Navaneeth started singing when he was one-and-ahalf years old and could identify songs by their opening notes. By the age of three, he had memorised more than 2,000 Malayalam, Tamil and Hindi songs.<br />
“By hearing the initial sounds of a song, he could identify the music. <br />
<br />
That was when we realised he was different from most other children,” Vadakkan said.<br />
<br />
He added that several musicians later recognised Navaneeth’s rare talent. “As a child, he was fascinated by the violin and flute. The first name he learnt to write was that of violinist Balabhaskar, not his own,” he said.<br />
Vadakkan said neither he nor his wife had a musical background. “We just played music at home. Nothing more than that,” he said. <br />
<br />
''' Cinema And Classical Music '''<br />
<br />
Navaneeth’s parents enrolled him for Hindustani classical music lessons when he was four, and years of training under respected gurus was later complemented by lessons in Carnatic music. But, for him, classical music and cinema were never separate worlds. Every raga he learnt prompted him to revisit familiar film songs with fresh ears.<br />
<br />
Gradually, he realised that many composers had woven complex classical structures into melodies that millions could hum without recognising the underlying musical sophistication.<br />
<br />
Vadakkan said Navaneeth’s performances are not heavily planned. “In a three-hour concert with around 120 songs, he may prepare only about 10 songs. The rest are stored in his mind. He can talk about music for days without preparation,” he added.<br />
<br />
Navaneeth remembers listening to M Balamuralikrishna’s renditions of Tyagaraja’s kritis, or structured devotional compositions, and being mesmerised by the expressive power of Indian classical music. Around the same time, Malayalam cinema introduced him to the genius of K J Yesudas, Devarajan Master, Johnson Master, M S Baburaj and Salil Chowdhury. For a child growing up far from India, music became his strongest bridge to home, keeping Malayalam and its culture alive despite the thousands of kilometres that separated him from Kerala. <br />
''' The Past, In A New Pitch '''<br />
<br />
Despite his liking for classic film songs, Navaneeth rejects the simplistic belief that only older music deserves admiration.<br />
<br />
Every generation, he says, produces its own innovators. While Devarajan Master, Baburaj and Ravindran transformed Malayalam music in their era, contemporary composers such as Sushin Shyam and Rex Vijayan are expanding its vocabulary in new ways. He is equally enthusiastic about Kerala’s thriving independent music scene.<br />
<br />
Perhaps the most refreshing aspect of Navaneeth’s musical philosophy is his refusal to lean only on nostalgia. Many in his audience grew up with the songs he performs, but he does not choose them simply because they remind people of the past. He chooses them because they reward close listening. Every composition, he believes, carries lessons in melody, poetry, orchestration and imagination. <br />
<br />
After his graduation in data science from New York University, Navaneeth is preparing to begin a full-time career in data science next month. But he says music will remain an integral part of his life. He plans to continue performing, deepen his learning and focus on creating more independent music. <br />
<br />
Looking ahead, Navaneeth hopes to explore the vast diversity of Indian music beyond classical and film traditions. He is keen to study semi-classical, folk and regional musical forms, including music from North Kerala traditions such as Theyyam music and Pulluvan Pattu, while drawing connections between different styles of music from across India and beyond. <br />
<br />
“In every form of music there’s something to learn from. So, I want to explore that, and go deeper into that and understand the links between different forms of music. That is something I’m very passionate about. That is my dream, to do that more and more at a grander scale,” says Navaneeth.<br />
<br />
===Factfile 2026===<br />
21-year-old born in Arizona, US, with roots in Kannur, Kerala<br />
<br />
■ Trained in Hindustani and Carnatic music from a young age <br />
<br />
■ Data science graduate from New York University<br />
<br />
■ Won the 49th Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Male Playback Singer<br />
<br />
■ Got the Swaralaya-Devarajan Master Award in 2025</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/S_JanakiS Janaki2026-08-01T20:42:13Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India | ]]<br />
[[Category:Cinema-TV-Pop |J ]]<br />
<br />
=Briefly=<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=12_07_2026_022_005_cap_TOI Neeraja.Ramesh, July 12, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
<br />
Chennai/Mysuru : Few playback singers have shaped south Indian cinema the way S Janaki did. Whether it was romance, sorrow, devotional, folk music or a light comedy, she could alter the texture of her voice to suit the character on screen, making audiences forget there was a singer behind the actor.<br />
<br />
Born in Andhra Pradesh, Janaki moved to Chennai in the mid-1950s and joined AVM Studios and became the voice of Tamil cinema over the decades. But, her strongest musical bond was with Karnataka and she recorded the highest number of songs in Kannada. Her playback journey began in 1957 with the Tamil film ‘Vidhiyin Vilayattu’ but her breakthrough came with ‘Singara Velane Deva’ from ‘Konjum Salangai’ (1962). The song remains one of Tamil cinema’s greatest musical achievements and announced her arrival as a singer adept at blending classical finesse with cinematic expression. The legendary singer went on to record more than 48,000 songs in over 20 languages in a career spanning over six decades. <br />
<br />
Throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, she delivered a string of memorable hits in Tamil cinema under the baton of ‘king of melody’ M S Viswanathan. While MSV championed Janaki, it was Ilaiyaraaja who elevated her to legendary status.<br />
<br />
Their collaboration, often alongside S P Balasubrahmanyam, transformed Tamil film music from the late 1970s through the 1990s.<br />
Ilaiyaraaja repeatedly trusted Janaki with his most demanding compositions because of her unmatched ability to shift effortlessly between Western melodies, Carnatic ragas, rustic folk numbers and emotionally charged ballads. Janaki’s greatest strength was her ability to perform a song rather than merely sing it. She laughed, cried, whispered, giggled, teased and even mimicked voices whenever the situation arose. Directors often remarked that she could understand a character’s emotional graph after a single narration.<br />
<br />
After the arrival of A R Rahman on the scene in the 1990s, she continued to produce memorable songs with him despite a new generation of singers emerging. <br />
<br />
She received four National Film Awards, several Filmfare Awards and numerous state honours during her distinguished career. She, however, declined the Padma Bhushan awarded by the Union govt as a mark of protest, saying south Indian artistes had not been suitably recognised. <br />
<br />
After a career spanning nearly 60 years and thousands of songs across several Indian languages. Janaki chose to retire from playback singing in 2017 and made Mysuru her home. Unlike many artists whose careers faded gradually, she stepped away on her own terms, leaving behind a catalogue that continues to inspire singers across generations.</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Atiqa_MirAtiqa Mir2026-07-28T22:01:50Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |A ]]<br />
[[Category:Sports |A ]]<br />
<br />
<br />
=2026=<br />
==May==<br />
''' Atiqa Mir races to dominant win: '''<br />
<br />
Atiqa Mir, 11, reinforced her status as India’s leading racer on the world stage with a dominant win in Round 2 of the Champions of the Future Academy Program, making a clean sweep of qualifying, heat races and the finals in Thessaloniki, Greece.</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Tahsin_JamshidTahsin Jamshid2026-07-28T20:35:10Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |S ]]<br />
[[Category:Sports |S ]]<br />
<br />
=YEAR-WISE DEVELOPMENTS= <br />
=2026=<br />
==In Qatar’s World Cup team==<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=03_06_2026_029_005_cap_TOI Rayson.Tennyson, June 3, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
<br />
Kochi : Tahsin Jamshid is on the verge of doing what very few Indians expected to see in a World Cup. The nineteen-year-old is set to become the first Indian passport holder to play in a World Cup after Qatar named him in their 26-member squad for the showpiece event in the US, Canada and Mexico.<br />
<br />
Born in Doha to parents from Kerala, Tahsin is about to realise every Indian football lover’s dream on world sport’s grandest stage. Along with the Indian passport, he has a Qatari mission passport, a special document that allows foreign-born athletes to represent Qatar in international competitions.<br />
<br />
“According to FIFA rules, if a player is born in a country, they’re eligible to play for that country. Moreover, I have a Qatari passport. There’s no politics... For me, playing football is the only motive; there’s nothing else to it,” Tahsin was quoted as saying by a Qatar news website.<br />
<br />
“This is such a joyous moment for me personally. To see my son achieve the heights I dreamt of at his age is truly remarkable,” Tahsin’s father Jamshid Thachankandy told TOI over phone from Doha. Jamshid himself had played for the Kerala sub-junior team in 1985.<br />
<br />
<br />
''' How Kerala boy Tahsin took flight with Qatar '''<br />
<br />
Unlike full citizenship, the mission passport is limited in scope and does not provide the broader social rights, permanent status, or financial benefits available to Qatari nationals. <br />
<br />
Jamshid is from Thalassery, while his wife Shaima hails from Valapattanam in Kannur district. The family moved to Qatar years ago seeking better opportunities, but Jamshid carried his love for football with him.<br />
<br />
“Tahsin’s biggest strength is that he can play on both wings and can also be used as a striker. He has an extraordinary dribbling ability and is aggressive inside the box,” the proud father said. <br />
<br />
Tahsin’s progress accelerated through Qatar’s Aspire Football Academy. The young midfielder drew attention in 2021 when he broke into Qatar’s Under-16 national team. He then moved up to the Under-17 squad and continued his development at Al Duhail, the powerhouse of Qatar Stars League. He was also part of the Qatar U-17 side that played India’s youth team during an exposure tour in 2023.<br />
<br />
After impressing at the AFC U-20 Asian Cup in China, he made his senior debut for Qatar in a World Cup qualifier against Afghanistan in June 2024. <br />
<br />
For Tahsin, the selection to Qatar’s World Cup squad is almost as if realising his father’s own fervent dream, as his own football journey shaped his son’s path. A former Calicut University player, he became Tahsin’s first coach and mentor, introducing him to the game early and guiding his development. <br />
Jamshid’s own playing career was promising. He represented the Kerala sub-junior team in 1985 and later progressed through junior and youth levels, playing alongside former India international Jo Paul Anchery. However, his rise was cut short when an injury forced him to retire at just 25. <br />
<br />
However, the setback did not diminish Jamshid’s commitment to football. After moving to Qatar, he continued to stay close to the sport while working at a private company in Doha. In his free time, he accompanied Tahsin and his elder brother, Michelle, to the football grounds and kept an eye on their structured training.</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Subhash_C_KashyapSubhash C Kashyap2026-07-28T20:28:18Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |K ]]<br />
[[Category:Law,Constitution,Judiciary |K ]]<br />
<br />
=Briefly=<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=05_06_2026_024_008_cap_TOI Avijit Ghosh, June 5, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
New Delhi : Subhash C Kashyap’s encyclopaedic knowledge of constitutional law and parliamentary affairs made him the go-to person for politicians, bureaucrats and journalists alike, and whose books on Parliament became bestsellers and mandatory reading for students of political science and law.<br />
Kashyap served as Lok Sabha’s secretary general from 1984-90, but was associated with Parliament for over three and a half decades. “Be it privilege motions, anti-defection law, impeachment, ex-pelling or disciplining members, he was the person everyone consulted whenever there was a dispute related to parliamentary procedure,” said former Prasar Bharti chairman, A Surya Prakash, who as a journalist reported extensively on Parliament.<br />
<br />
Born in May 1929 in Chandpur village in United Provinces’ (now UP) Bijnor district, Kashyap came from a family of freedom fighters. As ateenager, he actively participated in the national struggle for independence leading student movements in Bijnor and Meerut, a biographical note said. Kashyap received higher education in Allahabad, New Delhi, Washington DC and London. He launched his professional career as a journalist, taught at University of Allahabad, and trained as an advocate in the same city before joining Parliament. <br />
<br />
“He was approached for advice by members of the ruling party as well as the opposition. He was accessible and helpful to all. Many media-persons would consult him whenever there was a crisis in Parliament regarding procedure — an adjournment motion, a privilege motion or a no-confidence motion,” said Surya Prakash. <br />
<br />
A prolific author and a Padma Bhushan recipient, he wrote the magisterial six volume set, ‘History of the Parliament of India’. <br />
<br />
President Draupadi Murmu condoled Kashyap’s demise. “Through his scholarship and insight, he enriched the study of Constitution and the evolution of our parliamentary system,” she said on X.</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/National_Film_Awards_(India):_2026_(for_2024_films)National Film Awards (India): 2026 (for 2024 films)2026-07-18T17:45:07Z<p>Jyoti: </p>
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<br />
<br />
=The winners=<br />
[https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2286143&reg=48&lang=2 July 18, 2026: ''Press Information Bureau'']<br />
<br />
The winners of the 72nd National Film Awards for the year 2024 were announced today. The awards recognise the best achievements in Indian cinema across feature films, non-feature films and writings on cinema.<br />
<br />
Article 370 won the Best Feature Film award, while Bhangaar was named Best Non-Feature Film and Ram-Nami received the Best Documentary award.<br />
<br />
Yami Gautam won the Best Actress in a Leading Role award for Article 370, while Mammootty (Bramayugam) and Kartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion) shared the Best Actor in a Leading Role award.<br />
<br />
Randeep Hooda won the Best Debut Director award for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, while blockbuster films like Kalki 2898 AD, Amaran, Pushpa: The Rule Part-02, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Stree 2, also bagged major honours, reflecting the diversity and excellence of Indian cinema.<br />
<br />
The awards were announced by Shri Jayaraj, Chairperson of the Feature Film Jury, Shri Aseem Sinha, Chairperson of the Non-Feature Film Jury, Shri A. Chandrasekhar, Chairperson of the Best Writing on Cinema Jury in the presence of Dr. Ajay Nagabhushan M.N., Joint Secretary (Films) and Shri Dhirendra Ojha, Principal Director General, Press Information Bureau (PIB).<br />
<br />
= 72nd National Film Awards, 2024 =<br />
<br />
'''The complete list of the awardees is provided below.'''<br />
<br />
== Feature Films Section ==<br />
<br />
{| border="1" class="wikitable"<br />
! S. No.<br />
! Category of Award<br />
! Title of the Film<br />
! Awardee<br />
! Medal & Cash Prize<br />
|-<br />
| 1.<br />
| '''Best Feature Film'''<br />
| Article 370<br>(Hindi)<br />
| Producer: Jio Studios & B62 Studios<br>Director: Aditya Suhas Jambhale<br />
| Swarna Kamal<br>Rs. 3,00,000/- (each)<br />
|-<br />
| 2.<br />
| '''Best Debut Film of a Director'''<br />
| Swatantrya Veer Savarkar<br>(Hindi)<br />
| Director: Randeep Hooda<br />
| Swarna Kamal<br>Rs. 3,00,000/-<br />
|-<br />
| 3.<br />
| '''Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment'''<br />
| Kalki 2898 AD<br>(Telugu)<br />
| Producer: Vyjayanthi Movies<br>Director: Nag Ashwin Singireddy<br />
| Swarna Kamal<br>Rs. 3,00,000/- (each)<br />
|-<br />
| 4.<br />
| '''Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values'''<br />
| Captain Miller<br>(Tamil)<br />
| Producer: Sathya Jyothi Films<br>Director: Arun Matheswaran<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/- (each)<br />
|-<br />
| 5.<br />
| '''Best Children's Film'''<br />
| 35- Chinna Katha Kaadu<br>(Telugu)<br />
| Producer: S Originals & Waltair Productions Pvt. Ltd.<br>Director: Nanda Kishore Emani<br />
| Swarna Kamal<br>Rs. 3,00,000/- (each)<br />
|-<br />
| 6.<br />
| '''Best Direction'''<br />
| Amaran<br>(Tamil)<br />
| Director: Rajkumar Periasamy<br />
| Swarna Kamal<br>Rs. 3,00,000/-<br />
|-<br />
| 7.<br />
| '''Best Actor in a Leading Role'''<br />
| Bramayugam<br>(Malayalam)<br><br>Chandu Champion<br>(Hindi)<br />
| Actor: Mammootty<br><br>Actor: Kartik Aaryan<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/- (shared)<br />
|-<br />
| 8.<br />
| '''Best Actress in a Leading Role'''<br />
| Article 370<br>(Hindi)<br />
| Actress: Yami Gautam<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/-<br />
|-<br />
| 9.<br />
| '''Best Actor in a Supporting Role'''<br />
| Bhakshak<br>(Hindi)<br />
| Supporting Actor: Sanjay Mishra<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/-<br />
|-<br />
| 10.<br />
| '''Best Actress in a Supporting Role'''<br />
| Maharaja<br>(Tamil)<br><br>Mithya<br>(Kannada)<br />
| Supporting Actress: Sachana Namidass<br><br>Supporting Actress: Ropashree Varkady<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/- (shared)<br />
|-<br />
| 11.<br />
| '''Best Child Artist'''<br />
| Mithya<br>(Kannada)<br><br>35- Chinna Katha Kaadu<br>(Telugu)<br><br>Onko Ki Kothin<br>(Bengali)<br />
| Child Artist: Athish S Shetty<br><br>Child Artist: Arundev Pothula<br><br>Child Artist: Riddhiman Banerjee, Tapomoy Deb, Gitashree Chakraborty<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/- (shared)<br />
|-<br />
| 12.<br />
| '''Best Male Playback Singer'''<br />
| Gharat Ganpati<br>(Marathi)<br />
| Male Playback Singer: Abhay Jodhpurkar<br>(For Song: Navasachi Gauri Mazi)<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/-<br />
|-<br />
| 13.<br />
| '''Best Female Playback Singer'''<br />
| A. R. M<br>(Malayalam)<br />
| Female Playback Singer: Vaikom Vijayalakshmi<br>(For Song: Angu Vaana Konilu)<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/-<br />
|-<br />
| 14.<br />
| '''Best Cinematography'''<br />
| Bramayugam<br>(Malayalam)<br />
| Cinematographer: Shehnad Jalal<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/-<br />
|-<br />
| 15.<br />
| '''Best Screenplay'''<br />
| i. Pushpa (The Rule Part - 02)<br>(Telugu)<br><br>ii. Swargandharva Sudhir Phadke<br>(Marathi)<br><br>iii. Lucky Baskhar<br>(Telugu)<br />
| Screenplay Writer (Original): Bandreddi Sukumar<br><br>Screenplay Writer (Adapted): Yogesh Deshpande<br><br>Dialogue Writer: Venky Atluri<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/- (each)<br><br>Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/-<br><br>Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/-<br />
|-<br />
| 16.<br />
| '''Best Sound Design'''<br />
| Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3<br>(Hindi)<br />
| Sound Designer: Manas Choudhury<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/-<br />
|-<br />
| 17.<br />
| '''Best Editing'''<br />
| Amaran<br>(Tamil)<br />
| Editor: R. Kalaivannan<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/-<br />
|-<br />
| 18.<br />
| '''Best Production Design'''<br />
| Kalki 2898 AD<br>(Telugu)<br />
| Production Designer: Nitin Zihani Choudhary<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/-<br />
|-<br />
| 19.<br />
| '''Best Costume Design'''<br />
| Pushpa (The Rule Part - 02)<br>(Telugu)<br />
| Costume Designer: Deepali Noor & Sheetal Sharma<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/- (shared)<br />
|-<br />
| 20.<br />
| '''Best Make-up'''<br />
| Committee Kurrollu<br>(Telugu)<br />
| Make-up Artist: P Ravi Kumar<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/-<br />
|-<br />
| 21.<br />
| '''Best Music Direction'''<br />
| i. Article 370<br>(Hindi)<br><br>ii. Amaran<br>(Tamil)<br />
| Music Director (Songs): Shashwat Sachdev<br><br>Music Director (Background Music): G. V. Prakash Kumar<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/-<br><br>Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/-<br />
|-<br />
| 22.<br />
| '''Best Lyrics'''<br />
| Maidaan<br>(Hindi)<br />
| Lyricist: Manoj Muntashir (For Song: Jaane Do)<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/-<br />
|-<br />
| 23.<br />
| '''Best Choreography'''<br />
| Stree 2<br>(Hindi)<br />
| Choreographer: Vijay Ganguly (For Song: Aaj Ki Raat)<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/-<br />
|-<br />
| 24.<br />
| '''Best Action Direction (Stunt Choreography)'''<br />
| Maharaja<br>(Tamil)<br />
| Stunt Choreographer: Anl Arasu<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/-<br />
|-<br />
| 25.<br />
| '''Best Feature Film in each of the language specified in the Schedule VIII of the Constitution'''<br />
| '''a. Best Assamese Film'''<br>Juiphool<br><br>'''b. Best Bengali Film'''<br>Chalchitra Ekhon<br><br>'''c. Best Gujarati Film'''<br>Maaran<br><br>'''d. Best Hindi Film'''<br>Srikanth<br><br>'''e. Best Kannada Film'''<br>Mithya<br><br>'''f. Best Konkani Film'''<br>Mog Asum<br><br>'''g. Best Malayalam Film'''<br>Feminichi Fathima<br><br>'''h. Best Manipuri Film'''<br>Sunita<br><br>'''i. Best Marathi Film'''<br>Mukkam Post Bombilwadi<br><br>'''j. Best Odia Film'''<br>Lahari<br><br>'''k. Best Tamil Film'''<br>Raayan<br><br>'''l. Best Telugu Film'''<br>Committee Kurrollu<br />
| Producer & Director: Jadumoni Dutta<br><br>Producer: Anjan Dutt Production; Director: Anjan Dutt<br><br>Producer: Cineman Productions Limited; Director: Abhishek Jain<br><br>Producer: Super Cassettes Industries Pvt. Ltd.; Chalk N Cheese Films Production LLP; Director: Tushar Hiranandani<br><br>Producer: Paramvah Pictures & KRG Studios; Director: Sumanth Bhat<br><br>Producer: Flowing Mandovi Films LLP, R S Creations, Kathputlee Arts and Films Pvt. Ltd.; Director: Radheshyam Pipalwa & Agnelo Angelo Braganza<br><br>Producer: 1001 Stories & AFD Cinemas; Director: Fasil Muhammed<br><br>Producer: Skyline Pictures, Khuman Leipak Pictures, H. M. Production & Cultural Society Khuman Maheikol Production; Director: Yumnam Ajit Singh<br><br>Producer: Vivek Films, Mayasabha Karamanuk Mandali LLP; Director: Paresh Mokashi<br><br>Producer: Jhilik Motion Pictures; Director: Amartya Bhattacharyya<br><br>Producer: Sun TV Network Limited; Director: Dhanush<br><br>Producer: Pink Elephant Pictures, Shree Radha Damodara Studios; Director: Yadhu Vamsee<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/- (each)<br />
|-<br />
| 26.<br />
| '''Best Feature Film in each of the Languages other than those specified in Schedule VIII of the Constitution'''<br />
| '''a. Best Garhwali Film'''<br>Dholi<br><br>'''b. Best Tulu Film'''<br>IMBU<br />
| Producer: SC Pharmachem Pvt. Ltd.; Director: Dinesh P. Bhonsle<br><br>Producer: Pichchar Studio; Director: Shivadhwaj Shetty<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/- (each)<br />
|-<br />
| 27.<br />
| '''Special Mention'''<br />
| Captain Miller<br><br>Meiyazhagan (Tamil)<br />
| Actor: Dhanush<br><br>Film Sound Mix Engineer: Suren G.<br />
| Certificate<br />
|}<br />
<br />
== Non-Feature Films Section ==<br />
<br />
{| border="1" class="wikitable"<br />
! S. No.<br />
! Category of Award<br />
! Title of the Film<br />
! Awardee<br />
! Medal & Cash Prize<br />
|-<br />
| 1.<br />
| '''Best Non-Feature Film'''<br />
| Bhangaar<br>(Marathi & English)<br />
| Producer & Director: Sumira Roy<br />
| Swarna Kamal<br>Rs. 3,00,000/- (each)<br />
|-<br />
| 2.<br />
| '''Best Debut Film of a Director'''<br />
| Angen<br>(Santhali)<br />
| Director: Ravi Raj Murmu<br />
| Swarna Kamal<br>Rs. 3,00,000/-<br />
|-<br />
| 3.<br />
| '''Best Biographical / Historical Reconstruction / Compilation Film'''<br />
| Kakori<br>(Hindi)<br />
| Producer: KSR Brothers, Minti Mishra<br>Director: Kamlesh K Mishra<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/- (each)<br />
|-<br />
| 4.<br />
| '''Best Arts / Culture Film'''<br />
| Main Nida<br>(Hindi)<br />
| Producer: Sampreshan Multimedia Pvt. Ltd.<br>Director: Atul Pandey<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/- (each)<br />
|-<br />
| 5.<br />
| '''Best Documentary'''<br />
| Ram-Nami<br>(Hindi)<br />
| Producer: BBP Studio Virtual Bharat Pvt. Ltd.<br>Director: Bharatbala Ganapathy<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/- (each)<br />
|-<br />
| 6.<br />
| '''Best Non-Feature Film Promoting Social and Environmental Values'''<br />
| Piplantri: A Tale of Eco Feminism<br>(Hindi, Rajasthani & English)<br />
| Producer: Johnsons Suraj Films International<br>Director: Suraj Kumar<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/- (each)<br />
|-<br />
| 7.<br />
| '''Best Animation Film'''<br />
| Touched as Water<br>(Silent)<br />
| Producer: JB Productions<br>Director & Animator: Joshy Benedict<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/- (each)<br />
|-<br />
| 8.<br />
| '''Best Short Film (Up to 30 Min)'''<br />
| Hamsafar<br>(Marathi)<br />
| Producer: Anushka Motion Pictures and Entertainments<br>Director: Abhijeet Arvind Dalvi<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/- (each)<br />
|-<br />
| 9.<br />
| '''Best Direction'''<br />
| Statue of Unity - Ekta ka Prateek<br>(Hindi)<br />
| Director: Aanand L Rai<br />
| Swarna Kamal<br>Rs. 3,00,000/-<br />
|-<br />
| 10.<br />
| '''Best Cinematography'''<br />
| Life in Loom<br>(English, Tamil, Hindi, Assamese & Bengali)<br />
| Cinematographer: Edmond Ranson<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/-<br />
|-<br />
| 11.<br />
| '''Best Sound Design'''<br />
| Blue<br>(Tamil)<br />
| Sound Designer: T S Hari Hara Sudhan<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/-<br />
|-<br />
| 12.<br />
| '''Best Editing'''<br />
| NDA<br>(Hindi)<br />
| Editor: Manvir Jasrotia<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/-<br />
|-<br />
| 13.<br />
| '''Best Music Direction'''<br />
| Parat 41°chya Magavar (On the Trail of 41°)<br>(Marathi)<br />
| Music Director: Shivpal Singh Kang<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/-<br />
|-<br />
| 14.<br />
| '''Best Narration/ Voice Over'''<br />
| Little Planet: A Tale of Frogs<br>(English)<br />
| Narrator: Soundarya Jayachandran<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/-<br />
|-<br />
| 15.<br />
| '''Best Script'''<br />
| Obur<br>(Hindi & Kashmiri)<br />
| Script Writer: Faraz Ali<br />
| Rajat Kamal<br>Rs. 2,00,000/-<br />
|-<br />
| 16.<br />
| '''Special Mention'''<br />
| Bhadra-Kali Natakam<br>(Malayalam)<br><br>Chola Dora aur Sui<br>(Hindi)<br />
| Director: Ananda Jyothi (Jose Antony)<br><br>Director: Jaymin Modi & Lokesh Ghai<br />
| Certificate<br><br>Certificate (each)<br />
|}<br />
<br />
== Best Writing on Cinema ==<br />
<br />
=== Award for Best Book on Cinema ===<br />
<br />
{| border="1" class="wikitable"<br />
! S. No.<br />
! Title of the Book<br />
! Language<br />
! Name of the Author<br />
! Name of the Publisher<br />
! Medal and Cash Prize<br />
|-<br />
| 1<br />
| Naaniruvude Nimagaagi Naadiruvude Nanagaagi: Kannada Cinemada Thathva matthu Rajakeeya<br />
| Kannada<br />
| Kenchanuru Pradeep Kumar Shetty<br />
| Mirror Pusthaka<br />
| Swarna Kamal and Rs. 1,00,000/- (each)<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Award for Best Film Critic ===<br />
<br />
{| border="1" class="wikitable"<br />
! S. No.<br />
! Name of Critic<br />
! Language<br />
! Medal and Cash Prize<br />
|-<br />
| 1.<br />
| Sanjeev Shrivastava<br />
| Hindi<br />
| Swarna Kamal and Rs. 1,00,000/-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
== 72nd National Film Awards, 2024 Jury ==<br />
<br />
=== Feature Films Jury ===<br />
<br />
==== Central Panel ====<br />
<br />
{| border="1" class="wikitable"<br />
! S. No.<br />
! Name of the Jury<br />
|-<br />
| 1.<br />
| Sh. Jayaraj (Chairperson)<br />
|-<br />
| 2.<br />
| Sh. Om Raut (Member)<br />
|-<br />
| 3.<br />
| Sh. Aseem Bajaj (Member)<br />
|-<br />
| 4.<br />
| Ms. Priya Krishnaswamy (Member)<br />
|-<br />
| 5.<br />
| Sh. Rakesh Ranjan (Member)<br />
|-<br />
| 6.<br />
| Sh. Napoleon RZ Thanga (Member)<br />
|-<br />
| 7.<br />
| Ms. Meerra Chopraa (Member)<br />
|-<br />
| 8.<br />
| Ms. Sreelekha Mukherji (Member)<br />
|-<br />
| 9.<br />
| Ms. Archana Udupa (Member)<br />
|-<br />
| 10.<br />
| Sh. V N Aditya (Member)<br />
|-<br />
| 11.<br />
| Ms. G Kala (Member)<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Regional Jury ====<br />
<br />
{| border="1" class="wikitable"<br />
! Panel<br />
! S. No.<br />
! Name of the Jury<br />
|-<br />
| '''EAST PANEL'''<br />
| 1.<br />
| Sh. B S Basavaraj (Chairperson)<br />
|-<br />
| '''EAST PANEL'''<br />
| 2.<br />
| Sh. Surya Deo (Member)<br />
|-<br />
| '''EAST PANEL'''<br />
| 3.<br />
| Sh. Sanjeev Rattan (Member)<br />
|-<br />
| '''EAST PANEL'''<br />
| 4.<br />
| Sh. Tushar Kanti Bandyopadhyay (Member)<br />
|-<br />
| '''EAST PANEL'''<br />
| 5.<br />
| Sh. Thokchom Jimmy (Member)<br />
|-<br />
| '''NORTH PANEL'''<br />
| 1.<br />
| Sh. Akshaya Kumar Parija (Chairperson)<br />
|-<br />
| '''NORTH PANEL'''<br />
| 2.<br />
| Sh. Panchakshari (Member)<br />
|-<br />
| '''NORTH PANEL'''<br />
| 3.<br />
| Sh. Arfi Lamba (Member)<br />
|-<br />
| '''NORTH PANEL'''<br />
| 4.<br />
| Sh. Kumar (Member)<br />
|-<br />
| '''SOUTH I PANEL'''<br />
| 1.<br />
| Ms. Manju Borah (Chairperson)<br />
|-<br />
| '''SOUTH I PANEL'''<br />
| 2.<br />
| Sh. Santhosh Damodharan (Member)<br />
|-<br />
| '''SOUTH I PANEL'''<br />
| 3.<br />
| Sh. Manoj Pillai (Member)<br />
|-<br />
| '''SOUTH I PANEL'''<br />
| 4.<br />
| Sh. S Muthu Ganesh (Member)<br />
|-<br />
| '''SOUTH I PANEL'''<br />
| 5.<br />
| Sh. Adeep Tandon (Member)<br />
|-<br />
| '''WEST PANEL'''<br />
| 1.<br />
| Sh. Supratim Bhol (Chairperson)<br />
|-<br />
| '''WEST PANEL'''<br />
| 2.<br />
| Sh. Shashi Khandare (Member)<br />
|-<br />
| '''WEST PANEL'''<br />
| 3.<br />
| Ms. Kshitija Khandagale (Member)<br />
|-<br />
| '''WEST PANEL'''<br />
| 4.<br />
| Sh. Pritesh Sodha (Member)<br />
|-<br />
| '''SOUTH II PANEL'''<br />
| 1.<br />
| Ms. Gopi Desai (Chairperson)<br />
|-<br />
| '''SOUTH II PANEL'''<br />
| 2.<br />
| Sh. M S Prasad (Member)<br />
|-<br />
| '''SOUTH II PANEL'''<br />
| 3.<br />
| Ms. Prashanti Harathi (Member)<br />
|-<br />
| '''SOUTH II PANEL'''<br />
| 4.<br />
| Sh. Sandesh Ajri (Member)<br />
|}<br />
<br />
== Non-Feature Films Jury ==<br />
<br />
{| border="1" class="wikitable"<br />
! S. No.<br />
! Name of the Jury<br />
|-<br />
| 1.<br />
| Sh. Aseem Sinha (Chairperson)<br />
|-<br />
| 2.<br />
| Sh. Kamlesh Udasi (Member)<br />
|-<br />
| 3.<br />
| Sh. Harri Nair (Member)<br />
|-<br />
| 4.<br />
| Sh. Kedar Gaekwad (Member)<br />
|-<br />
| 5.<br />
| Ms. Thripthi Sundar Abhikar (Member)<br />
|-<br />
| 6.<br />
| Sh. James Khangenbam (Member)<br />
|-<br />
| 7.<br />
| Sh E V Ganeshbabu (Member)<br />
|}<br />
<br />
== Best Writing on Cinema Jury ==<br />
<br />
{| border="1" class="wikitable"<br />
! S. No.<br />
! Name of the Jury<br />
|-<br />
| 1.<br />
| Sh. A Chandrasekhar (Chairperson)<br />
|-<br />
| 2.<br />
| Ms. Rwita Dutta (Member)<br />
|-<br />
| 3.<br />
| Ms. Sujata Shiven (Member)<br />
|}<br />
<br />
<br />
=See also=<br />
[[National Film Awards (India): 2014]] <br/><br />
[[National Film Awards (India) 2014, II: Other awards]] <br/><br />
[[National Film Awards (India): 2015]] <br/><br />
[[National Film Awards (India): 2016]] <br/><br />
[[National Film Awards (India): 2017]] <br/><br />
[[National Film Awards (India): 2021]] <br/><br />
[[National Film Awards, 2023]] <br/><br />
[[National Film Awards (India): 2024]] <br/><br />
[[National Film Awards (India): 2025 (for 2023 films)]] <br/><br />
[[National Film Awards (India): 2026 (for 2024 films)]] <br/><br />
<br />
[[Category:Cinema-TV-Pop|NNATIONAL FILM AWARDS (INDIA): 2026 (FOR 2024 FILMS)NATIONAL FILM AWARDS (INDIA): 2026 (FOR 2024 FILMS)<br />
NATIONAL FILM AWARDS (INDIA): 2026 (FOR 2024 FILMS)]]<br />
[[Category:India|N NATIONAL FILM AWARDS (INDIA): 2026 (FOR 2024 FILMS)<br />
NATIONAL FILM AWARDS (INDIA): 2026 (FOR 2024 FILMS)]]</div>Pdewanhttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Football_in_India:_HistoryFootball in India: History2026-07-17T10:36:01Z<p>Jyoti: /* Jaipur */</p>
<hr />
<div>{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
|colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"><br />
This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/><br />
Additional information may please be sent as messages to the Facebook <br/>community, [http://www.facebook.com/Indpaedia Indpaedia.com]. All information used will be gratefully <br/>acknowledged in your name. <br />
</div><br />
|}<br />
<br />
<br />
=Victories: 2001-19: some memorable victories=<br />
[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2019%2F09%2F12&entity=Ar02201&sk=25A804D7&mode=text Marcus Mergulhao, Sep 12, 2019: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
It’s only a point and keeps India fourth in a fiveteam group, yet the significance of the goalless draw against Qatar in a World Cup 2022 qualifier last night in Doha cannot be lost. To get a measure of what the Indian defence and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu achieved, it’s important to look at what Qatar have done this year. They’ve looked invincible, bulldozing every opponent they faced in Asia and winning the Asian Cup 2019 with a 3-1 win against heavyweights Japan. They scored 19 goals in just seven matches and began their World Cup qualifiers with a 6-0 hammering of Afghanistan at home.<br />
<br />
Against India, without captain Sunil Chhetri and two exhausted players – Ashique Kuruniyan and Brandon Fernandes – nobody gave them a chance, certainly not when three of the four defenders – Rahul Bheke, Adil Khan and Mandar Rao Desai – had played less than 20 international matches between them. “This point is great, but the work and effort my players put in is the best answer to those who criticised our fitness level and the best possible invitation for Indians to wake up. We are playing football now,” coach Igor Stimac told TOI long after he had celebrated with the team and returned to his hotel room.<br />
<br />
Stimac had faced criticism after India surrendered a one goal advantage and lost 1-2 against Oman last week. India huffed and puffed towards the closing stages, yet Stimac clearly knew what he was doing.<br />
He opted for newbie Mandar – playing his first official competition -- at leftback in place of the established Subhashish Bose.<br />
<br />
Even before he became the coach, Stimac had wondered why Adil was not part of the national set-up, while Bheke was persisted with despite criticism that he cannot replicate his club form for country. In midfield, Samad Abdul Sahal, Brandon Fernandes and Nikhil Poojary are Stimac’s discoveries for the national team, while it takes a brave man to handpick the young Manvir Singh – one goal in 19 matches, largely substitute, for FC Goa -- as a replacement for Chhetri upfront.<br />
<br />
In fact, more than half of Stimac’s starting 11 against Qatar were not even among the 23 registered for the Asian Cup 2019 under former coach Stephen Constantine. “My players are on the right path. That’s what makes me most happy. We have a future in front of us. I am very proud of what they have done,” said Stimac.<br />
<br />
At half time when India had managed to keep a clean slate despite the Qatar bombardment, home coach Felix Sanchez kept shaking his head in disbelief. A stone’s throw away, Stimac was preparing for the second-half. In the dressing room, the former Croatia coach spoke about being more disciplined when captain Hassan Al Haydoos and Abdel Aziz Hatem were making the runs. “They had nearly scored in the last few minutes of the first half. We knew we can handle the crosses and harm them on the counter. Rahul (Bheke) was asked to stay close to the captain and before receiving the ball, just watch and close down his right leg,” said Stimac.<br />
<br />
The defenders hardly put a foot wrong and Gurpreet was impeccable, handing India a point they would cherish for a long time to come. <br />
<br />
<br />
==Details==<br />
<br />
MEMORABLE NIGHTS…<br />
2001: India vs UAE, World Cup 2002 qualifier, Bengaluru<br />
<br />
Jules Alberto Dias scored the all-important goal as India got the better of UAE, who were ranked 64 in the world and sixth in Asia.<br />
<br />
2009: India vs Syria, Nehru Cup final, Delhi<br />
<br />
Locked goalless till the 90th minute, Renedy Singh put India ahead only for Syria to equalise. In the tiebreaker, Subrata Paul saved three penalties as India won 6-5<br />
<br />
2019: India vs Thailand, Asian Cup 2019, Abu Dhabi<br />
<br />
India kickstarted their campaign with an exceptional 4-1 win against Thailand with captain Sunil Chhetri scoring a brace<br />
<br />
In friendlies, India defeated Qatar 2-1 with 10 second-half substitutions in 2011 and held China and Oman goalless in 2018<br />
<br />
[[Category:India|F FOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIA<br />
FOOTBALL IN INDIA: HISTORY]]<br />
[[Category:Pages with broken file links|FOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIA<br />
FOOTBALL IN INDIA: HISTORY]]<br />
[[Category:Sports|F<br />
FOOTBALL IN INDIA: HISTORY]]<br />
<br />
=Calcutta: Memories of the Maidan derby=<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=04_05_2025_028_006_cap_TOI Dwaipayan Datta, May 4, 2025: ''The Times of India'']<br />
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<br />
The British colonizers wanted Kolkata to be the London of the east, but in spirit, the Bengalis have always preferred Paris. From the musicality of the two languages to the celebration of avant-garde art, the cities do share a bond. When Satyajit Ray won the Legion de Honneur — the highest French national order of merit — in 1987, the standard feeling in Kolkata was ‘we’ll always have Paris’. <br />
<br />
The cultural connect is on the wane. But now, there’s a football parallel between the cities as Paris FC won their promotion into the top tier of French football — Ligue 1. Parc des Princes, home to Paris St Germain, is merely 193m away from the new Paris FC ground, and the fans have already started calling it ‘the closest derby in the world’. <br />
<br />
But then, Kolkata isn’t too far away. The East Bengal and Mohun Bagan grounds, located in the Maidan area, are just 800m away. But if you take a short cut, it is merely a five-minute walk. <br />
<br />
The two giants don’t play the derby, when it involves senior men’s football, at their own grounds anymore. They prefer the Salt Lake Stadium — a la San Siro in Milan — because of security issues. The fact that Salt Lake Stadium can accommodate up to one lakh fans makes it financially viable for the clubs as well. <br />
But there was a time when the two teams played at each other’s grounds. There was, of course, the ‘neutral’ Eden Gardens, designated venue of the ‘big match’, but cricket always took precedence there. <br />
The famous 1975 IFA Shield final, where East Bengal beat Mohun Bagan 5-0, the biggest margin recorded between the two teams till date, was played at the Bagan ground. The hero of that afternoon, the late Subhas Bhowmick, would often recall how difficult it was to return to their home tent on that afternoon, with thousands of fans making it an occasion to remember. <br />
<br />
Till the late 1980s, the two teams did play at each other’s homes on and off, especially in the Calcutta Football League. The hockey derby was played at East Bengal and Mohun Bagan grounds, but that’s also a thing of the past. Memories of the Maidan derby linger, and when PSG and Paris FC take the field for the ‘closest derby’, the old Maidan regular will take a trip down memory lane — once upon a time it was ours.<br />
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=Coach Bhowmick’s best India’s XI in history=<br />
[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F05%2F31&entity=Ar02400&sk=46C1A438&mode=text Subhas Bhowmick- (As told to Marcus Mergulhao), May 31, 2018: ''The Times of India'']<br />
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[[File: COACH- SUBHAS BHOWMICK.jpg|COACH: SUBHAS BHOWMICK <br/> <br />
Indian football has, perhaps, seen more successful coaches. SA Rahim, Amal Dutta, PK Banerjee, even Armando Colaco could rank ahead of him, but nobody is quite like Subhas Bhowmick. His character, out-ofthe-box thinking and daredevil approach is just what an all-star team needs. “I’ll handle this team any day, anytime,” he says. <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F05%2F31&entity=Ar02400&sk=46C1A438&mode=text Subhas Bhowmick- (As told to Marcus Mergulhao), May 31, 2018: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]<br />
<br />
[[File: Players- football.jpg|Players- football <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F05%2F31&entity=Ar02400&sk=46C1A438&mode=text Subhas Bhowmick- (As told to Marcus Mergulhao), May 31, 2018: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]<br />
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It’s never an easy task to handpick the best XI footballers that India has produced. There are so many greats, you do not know whom to include and whom to leave out. I would pick only those whom I have seen in the prime of their careers.<br />
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Peter Thangaraj would be the first name on the team-list. I’ve seen a wide range of superb goalkeepers — Sanat Shet, SS Narayanan, Bhaskar Ganguly, Tarun Bose. The list is endless, but to guard India’s goal, you cannot find a better goalkeeper than Thangaraj. He was like Lev Yashin, the legendary USSR goalkeeper. When he spread his hands, he looked like a full-fledged eagle in the sky. His ability to pick up players almost 40-45 metres away was also unmatched.<br />
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Sudhir Karmakar, at rightback, is India’s greatest ever, and you cannot look beyond him. At the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok, Fifa officials could not believe their eyes and wondered how a player of Sudhir’s ability was playing in India.<br />
<br />
Arun Ghosh and Jarnail Singh are made for each other as India’s best central-defensive pairing. While Arun is technically very sound, Jarnail’s clearing and covering — not to forget fierce determination — made him an automatic choice. At left-back, there are several choices but none better than SK Azizuddin.<br />
<br />
Yousuf Khan and Tulsidas Balaram would be my picks for central midfield. Picking Yousuf over Sudip Chatterjee is a tough call, but Yousuf is a complete footballer. I have seen him play stopper back for India, midfield and centre forward as well. Many would say Balaram was an attacker but he is another complete footballer. He could defend, and attack, and when the ball was at his feet, you couldn’t really figure out his next move.<br />
<br />
PK Banerjee on the right wing and Chuni Goswami in the hole behind the lone striker are choices which I don’t even need to explain. And Sunil Chhetri is the lone player from the current generation who makes my best XI on the left wing. Surprised? Don’t be.<br />
<br />
For the last 30-35 years, he is easily the best Indian footballer that I have seen. Since returning from Portugal and joining Churchill Brothers, where I was the technical director, there is an amazing transformation. His approach has changed. At 32, can you really tell the difference between Sunil and any foreign player? I am amazed. He is technically sound, blessed with speed, can score with both feet and is not found lacking with headers too.<br />
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IM Vijayan would walk into any India XI, and I had penciled him in first as the lone striker in this line-up.<br />
<br />
But later, I went for Inder Singh. Inder could change the course of a match with a moment of brilliance and he gets my vote ahead of Vijayan and Bhaichung Bhutia.<br />
<br />
This is one fierce team. A team that has stability, creativity and five players who can get you the goals which win matches.<br />
<br />
=Coach Igor Stimac’s era=<br />
==Astrologers pick the team/ 2022==<br />
[https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/asian-cup-prelims-india-football-coach-gave-details-of-players-to-astrologer-picked-team-on-his-advice-8935614/ Mihir Vasavda, Sep 13, 2023: ''The Indian Express'']<br />
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Coach Stimac says football federation introduced astrologer Sharma; ex-official said Sharma was paid ‘Rs 12-15 lakh’.<br />
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“Hi dear friend, you can check charts for each player from the list for 11 June. Kick off time is at 20.30.”<br />
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ON June 9, 2022, 48 hours before India were scheduled to face Afghanistan in a crucial Asian Cup qualifier in Kolkata, national football team coach Igor Stimac sent this message to Bhupesh Sharma, an astrologer from Delhi NCR, who was introduced to him by a top All India Football Federation (AIFF) official, The Indian Express has learnt.<br />
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The “list” Stimac referred to had the names of the probable 11 for the game, a must-win for an out-of-form and injury-ridden India to remain in contention for the prestigious continental championship.<br />
<br />
Within hours, the astrologer replied with his remarks against each name: “Good”; “can do very well. Needs to avoid over confidence”; “a below average day”; “a very good day for him but might get over aggressive”; “not recommended for the day”.<br />
An hour before kick-off on June 11, when India’s team for the match was declared, two established names whose stars weren’t favourable, according to the astrologer, did not make the cut.<br />
<br />
This conversation wasn’t a one-off.<br />
<br />
Indeed, there are close to 100 messages, purportedly exchanged between Stimac, a former Croatian international, and Sharma in May-June 2022. India played four matches during this period: a friendly against Jordan followed by three Asian Cup qualifiers against Cambodia, Afghanistan and Hong Kong.<br />
<br />
Before each game, the messages show Stimac was in touch with Sharma. Not only do these messages put a question mark on the integrity of the Indian team’s selection process, they also raise issues of propriety — vital team information being shared with an “outsider” runs the risk of being misused.<br />
<br />
The purported messages, reviewed by The Indian Express, reveal a telling pattern, all player names have been withheld to protect their identities:<br />
<br />
* Before each match, Stimac sought inputs of the astrologer before finalising his team and shared injury updates as well as substitution strategies.<br />
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* In one early conversation, Stimac wrote: “Hi dear Bhupesh, it was a pleasure meeting you and discussing future work! I would kindly ask you to provide opinion on the following players.” He went on to share the date, time and place of birth of four players, three of whom represented India at the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.<br />
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* Stimac passed on the list of 24 squad members, bearing similar details, before a friendly match against Jordan on May 28, 2022. After Sharma sent his recommendations, Stimac shared the fitness details of two players, expressing concerns about their injuries.<br />
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* In another conversation, astrologer Sharma told Stimac that it wasn’t an ‘ideal day or phase” for an attacking midfielder. Stimac then requested Sharma to compare this player’s stars with those of three other attackers. Sharma replied within minutes, with the player in question ranked third in his order of preference. That player did not start the game against Jordan and came on as a second-half substitute.<br />
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* After India’s defeat in that game on May 28, Stimac discussed individual performances of a few players, hinted at changing the squad for the Asian Cup qualifiers and commented that against a team like Jordan, “we can’t consider our physically weak players even if they are in great phase.”<br />
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Sharma agreed and replied: “We can’t fight race and body types in such kind of high energy games. And Indian history in football is pathetic. Even in cricket it took a century to reach where they are today.”<br />
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* For the Asian Cup qualifiers in Kolkata from June 8 to 14, the duo decided to meet and discuss “two days prior” to each game.<br />
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* Ahead of the first qualifying match against Cambodia on June 8, Stimac shared his preferred starting 11 along with a list of reserve players. He added that three players were “coming from injuries so we would like to save them for (the) second game”.<br />
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* On June 12, a day after the second game against Afghanistan, which India struggled to win 2-1, Sharma messaged Stimac: “Do let me know how close we were in this match player analysis as per charts when you get free.”<br />
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Stimac responded: “Everything was spot on, I will explain to you when we meet.” The following afternoon, Stimac and Sharma met to discuss India’s playing 11 for the match against Hong Kong. India won that game and qualified for the Asian Cup.<br />
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Astrologer Sharma did not respond to calls and messages. Praful Patel, who was the president of the AIFF at the time this exchange took place, told The Indian Express that he “was not aware or told” about the issue.<br />
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Then secretary-general of AIFF, Kushal Das, admitted he introduced Stimac to Sharma in May 2022.<br />
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“I met him at a meeting. He (Sharma) had worked for a lot of telecom companies and Bollywood personalities. What they presented was that astrological timings and the current phase of players can help motivate people into taking the right decisions,” Das told The Indian Express.<br />
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He added: “That time, I was worried if India would qualify for the Asian Cup and so was Igor, let me be very honest. It was not a comfortable situation. For me, the most important thing was that India should qualify. So I told him (Sharma) that I will put you in touch with the coach and if he likes it, he thinks your services can be utilised, he can get back to me. Igor was very convinced and they were in Kolkata throughout.”<br />
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When asked why he used the astrologer and acted on his advice, Stimac said: “Bhupesh was recommended to me and I was convinced (by others) that I have to check upon his possible effects in sports…No more than that. I requested another foreign assistant coach which was never even considered and was shocked to find out the size of Bhupesh’s contract…”<br />
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When asked about Sharma’s contract, Das said: “Since we used his professional services for two months, we paid him around Rs 12-15 lakh. That didn’t seem a huge amount since India qualified for the Asian Cup.”<br />
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Told about the exchange, Das said that he was not aware of the details of conversations between Stimac and Sharma. “In my 12 years with AIFF, I have never discussed team selections with the coach or anyone else,” Das said.<br />
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Incidentally, Patel’s tenure as the head of AIFF ended last year following a tumultuous period during which India was banned by FIFA due to governance issues. Das, who had been the secretary general for more than a decade, resigned at the same time, citing medical reasons.<br />
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Current AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey did not reply to a message seeking his response while general-secretary Shaji Prabhakaran, asked about the coach-astrologer chats, declined to comment.<br />
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These revelations come when the Indian team’s fortunes are on the upswing as it climbs into the top 100 of the world.<br />
<br />
Incidentally, Stimac is embroiled in a tussle with the Indian Super League clubs, who have played hardball in releasing players for the national team for important international assignments, including the Asian Games starting next week.<br />
<br />
Recently, the AIFF issued a show-cause notice to the coach following an interview with The Indian Express, where Stimac said, among other things, that he “didn’t come to India to lick a**es, and wasn’t afraid of telling the truth.”<br />
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[[Category:India|F FOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIA<br />
FOOTBALL: INDIA]]<br />
[[Category:Pages with broken file links|FOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIA<br />
FOOTBALL: INDIA]]<br />
[[Category:Sports|F FOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIA<br />
FOOTBALL: INDIA]]<br />
<br />
=Famous footballers who have played in India=<br />
==I==<br />
[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F05%2F31&entity=Ar02401&sk=7DA3AA8E&mode=text Marcus Mergulhao, Football’s superstars in the backwaters, May 31, 2018: ''The Times of India'']<br />
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[[File: Best XI from among those footballers who have played in India.jpg|Best XI from among those footballers who have played in India <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F05%2F31&entity=Ar02401&sk=7DA3AA8E&mode=text Marcus Mergulhao, Football’s superstars in the backwaters, May 31, 2018: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]<br />
<br />
''India is famous as a land of vociferous, but displaced, football fans. While we swear allegiance to foreign clubs and watch with disbelief at each ageing star who lands on our shores, there was a time when the odd global legend would show up — complete with all his quirks — to give us a memory for all time''<br />
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A World Cup winner landed in India with a personal photographer and physio, another one was involved in a nasty fist-fight with the rival coach and the most famous of them all couldn’t really hide his weakness for a cigarette, even in the dressing room.<br />
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Footballers of all shades have played in India. From those on the run, painters looking for an alternative profession and students have been welcomed by clubs in the past. But there have been some real winners too, those who proved themselves on the biggest stage of them all.<br />
<br />
Convincing them wasn’t easy, though. Diego Forlan, the Uruguayan who won the Fifa Golden Ball as the outstanding player at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, wanted guaranteed access to a golf course before joining Mumbai City FC.<br />
<br />
Another man who would go on to win top individual honours at a World Cup, however, arrived in India to prove himself. Remember Salvatore Schillaci? Goa had heard this name, and even seen him, much before he won the Golden Boot as the leading goal scorer at Italia 1990 and Golden Ball as the best player.<br />
<br />
In 1984, Schillaci played at a 4,000-capacity stadium in Goa which was later razed down to make way for parking space. He was part of an Italian under-23 reserves, and never looked like the man who would surprise the world with his six goals in a World Cup six years later.<br />
<br />
Then there was Paolo Maldini, who lazed around on the Calangute beach in North Goa, and attracted attention only when he visited a famous night club in the vicinity. “I took him to the night club and next day the Italian press reported that Maldini was enjoying in Goa rather than focus on his recuperation. He was here with his physio,” said Fabian Fernandes, a local panch and founder of Goa United Sports Club.<br />
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After his IFA Shield final visit in the 1980s, in 1993, Bobby Moore, England’s only World Cup winning captain of 1966, was once again convinced to be the chief guest, of all events, for an inter-Village football tournament in Goa. “He was disgusted with the football but sat through the match and gave away the prizes,” said one of the organisers.<br />
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The advent of the Indian Super League has opened the doors for superstars to consider India as an option at the fag end of their careers. Italian Alessandro del Piero received Rs 10.8 crore for a four-month stint with Delhi Dynamos that yielded just one goal in 10 matches. Del Piero, however, was undoubtedly a star, roaming around with a personal photographer, physio and a posse of bodyguards.<br />
<br />
Most others had no airs about themselves and mingled freely with everyone. Arsenal legend Robert Pires went out of his way to make it comfortable for everyone at FC Goa, often driving for several kilometres to have lunch with his teammates. The Frenchman only lost his cool when he was involved in a fist-fight with Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) coach Antonio Habas and, when relegated to the bench, was involved in a war of words with his coach Zico, another legend of the game.<br />
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Top Brazilians have been here in plenty. Lucio, a World Cup winner with Brazil in 2002, can easily be counted among the humblest of footballers who helped his driver buy a luxury four-wheeler and start a business of his own.<br />
<br />
His Brazil teammate and World Cup winner, Roberto Carlos, was famous for smoking wherever he could find some privacy, and, some players suspect, it included toilets in the dressing room.<br />
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Before the ISL, there were World Cuppers playing for in Indian clubs too. Iran’s Majid Bhiskar was the first among all, and then there was Nigerian striker Emeka Ezeugo, who was detained for unlawful possession of a firearm. The Nigerian is the only player to first have a career in India before playing at the World Cup.<br />
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Many have struggled, none more than Michael Rodriguez. The Costa Rican who was part of the national squad for the 2006 World Cup in Germany landed at United Sikkim FC – owned by Bhaichung Bhutia – and soon discovered life wasn’t going to be easy. “Nobody could understand Spanish in Sikkim, and he had no clue about English,” said a former teammate.<br />
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It was frustrating for Rodriguez but he soon found a way: sign language. He survived the entire season without speaking a word!<br />
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==II==<br />
[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F05%2F31&entity=Ar02406&sk=59CB836E&mode=text May 31, 2018: ''The Times of India'']<br />
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<br />
'''Diego Forlan'''<br />
<br />
(Mumbai City): Golden Ball winner at the 2010 World Cup with five goals that took Uruguay to the semifinals, Forlan was the marquee player for Mumbai City FC in ISL 2016 and took them to the playoffs for the first time in three years.<br />
<br />
'''Oliver Kahn'''<br />
<br />
(Bayern Munich): Voted best player of the 2002 World Cup and three times world goalkeeper of the year, Oliver Kahn played his farewell game for Bayern Munich as the Bundesliga champions defeated Mohun Bagan 3-0 in 2008.<br />
<br />
'''Thomas Mueller'''<br />
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(Bayern Munich): The German hero, who won the Golden Boot during the 2010 World Cup, has played twice in India, first with Bayern reserves at the IFA Shield in 2005 and then for Oliver Kahn’s Bayern farewell in 2008 and in Bhutia’s farewell game in 2012.<br />
<br />
'''Gianluca Zambrotta'''<br />
<br />
(Italy, 2006): Among the better coaches to grace the ISL, Zambrotta guided Dynamos to a place in the semifinals. His tactics and playermanagement saw Delhi play their best football and they were unlucky to lose against Blasters on penalties.<br />
<br />
'''Alessandro Del Piero'''<br />
<br />
(Italy, 2006): The most expensive player in Indian football, Del Piero never really lived up to his billing. Just one goal through Dynamos’ campaign in the ISL seemed poor returns for the Rs 10.8 crore that they invested in the Italian goal machine.<br />
<br />
'''David Trezeguet'''<br />
<br />
(France, 1998): David Trezeguet has scored more than 300 goals in his career but the French striker struggled to replicate the same form for FC Pune City. In the eight matches, he scored two goals, and warmed the bench for some matches.<br />
<br />
'''Freddie Ljungberg'''<br />
<br />
'(Sweden, Arsenal): Injury never really allowed him to excel as marquee player for Mumbai City FC but whenever he took the field, there were glimpses of the style that made him an Invincible and fan favourite at Highbury and Emirates.<br />
<br />
'''Alessandro Nesta'''<br />
<br />
(Italy, 2006): The elegant defender was preparing to play a legends match in Bangkok when he got a call from Materazzi to join him at Chennaiyin as a replacement for Stiven Mendoza. He spent less than a month in Chennai.<br />
<br />
'''Laszlo Kiss'''<br />
<br />
(Hungary): A blend of handsome looks and silky skills, Laszlo Kiss played for Hungary in the 1982 World Cup. Was the first substitute to score three goals in a World Cup match against El Savador. Played in the Nehru Cup in 1984.<br />
<br />
'''Roger Milla'''<br />
<br />
(Diamond Club): The Cameroon striker caught the world’s attention with his goal celebrations at Italia ’90. A few months later, he toured India and played a match for Diamond Club as part of Mohun Bagan’s centenary celebrations.<br />
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=Jaipur=<br />
==Union: The 1st football club in India==<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=17_07_2026_021_005_cap_TOI Arpit.Basu, July 17, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
<br />
At dawn in Jaipur’s Ramniwas Bagh, football still follows old rituals. Boots scrape damp grass. Boys argue about Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Elderly men watch from the shade, their memories reaching back before India’s independence. <br />
In this historic public garden, Union Football Club still trains, still gathers, and still insists that Jaipur has a place in Indian football history that has never been properly acknowledged. Because, as members point out, theirs is India’s oldest football club. Union FC members say the club was inaugurated on Ram Navami day on April 9, 1889 — months before Mohun Bagan Sporting Club was founded in Kolkata. Yet, while Mohun Bagan became a national symbol, Union FC remained confined to local memory, its record scattered across old documents, civic files and oral histories. <br />
<br />
For the club’s current custodians, recognition isn’t just about pride — it’s about survival. Jaipur’s district football league has stayed dormant for years, cutting local clubs off from structured competition and leaving young players without a clear path forward. Union FC wants the league revived, and with Jaipur’s 300th anniversary coming in 2027, it sees a chance to revive the city’s football story. <br />
“We need to resume the district football league as soon as possible so that we are back in the mainstream. We may not be as successful as Mohun Bagan, but history is history. The club still exists, and on paper, we are the oldest existing football club in India,” says Mahipal Swamy, the club’s 72-year-old secretary. <br />
<br />
''' Nurtured In A Garden ''' <br />
<br />
Union FC’s story begins in Ramniwas Bagh, with a document dating back to 1909 — ‘Notes on Jaipur’ by one Lt Col HL Shower — stating that Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh had ordered the gardens built outside Jaipur’s Walled City in 1868. “These Ram Newas (sic) Public Gardens were begun in 1868... to provide employment for the poor of the city during the famine of that year. While one section is set apart for wild animals, there is an open-air gymnasium, a cricket ground and a place for football,” Shower writes. <br />
<br />
That single reference has become central to Union FC’s case. It doesn’t by itself prove the club’s founding date, but it shows football had a place in Jaipur’s public life well before the sport took institutional shape in India. In the club’s telling, the gardens were the cradle of Jaipur football, and Union FC the organised form that eventually grew out of it. <br />
<br />
“The foundation date of Union FC is widely known. Documents with Rajasthan HC, PWD and Jaipur Development Authority all mention the (April 1889) date,” says Gopal Krishna Telang, former footballer and journalist. Aug 15, 1889, is formally recognised as the day when Mohun Bagan was born. All India Football Federation recognises it as the country’s oldest existing club. Its identity became inseparable from Bengal’s sporting and nationalist memory — a history written, retold and preserved — while Jaipur’s football past has stayed largely invisible. <br />
<br />
“Football history in Kolkata is well scripted. A club like Mohun Bagan is known to everyone. Perhaps, AIFF did not recognise the Jaipur club as its success at the state or national level is very lean,” said veteran sports historian Nirmal Nath, who described Mohun Bagan as “Bengal’s emotion”. <br />
<br />
''' The Golden Years '''<br />
<br />
Union FC’s competitive record, though, is not exactly meagre. The club took a severe blow when several talented players migrated to Pakistan at the time of Partition in 1947. But, members say, it recovered quickly. “It was really a painful period for the club when many good footballers left for Pakistan after Partition. But we came back strongly and, in the next two decades, witnessed our golden period,” says Swamy. <br />
<br />
One of Union FC’s proudest moments came in 1950 at the Rajputana Ramchandra Rao Railway Football meet, when it entered two teams and both reached the final — one champion, the other runner-up. From 1947 to the mid-1980s, Union FC was a steady force in Rajasthan football. It hosted the All-India Sardar Patel tournament between 1958 and 1969 and its footballers represented Rajasthan in Santosh Trophy. <br />
<br />
Pradeep Singh Raghuvanshi, who represented Rajasthan in Santosh Trophy, says nearly a dozen Union FC footballers went on to play state football. “Among them was Magan Singh Rajvi, former India captain who represented the country twice at Asian Games.” <br />
<br />
''' Lost In The Wild '''<br />
<br />
Today, Union FC has 50-60 registered players across senior and U-18 squads who compete in tournaments hosted by clubs and institutions across Rajasthan and neighbouring states. The club also fields a women’s team. But its competitive identity is caught in an administrative deadlock. Jaipur’s district football association has been mired in disputes for years, and the district league hasn’t been held since 2008. <br />
<br />
Subrata Dutta, former AIFF senior vicepresident, says a team cannot be recognised as a football club unless it is registered with AIFF, or with a state or district body that’s affiliated to the federation. “The club must secure affiliation from Rajasthan Football Association (RFA) and submit valid documents through the recognised state body,” Dutta says. <br />
<br />
Dileep Singh Shekhawat, former footballer and secretary of RFA, says Union FC can’t rest on documents alone. “Even if Union FC has valid papers, its claims can’t be placed as the club is not playing any AIFF-recognised tournament,” he says. <br />
Shekhawat — also the nephew of Rajvi — says that because the district body has been defunct since 2008-09, Rajasthan Football Association allows Jaipur clubs to register directly. “Union FC has not taken that route,” he claims. But Swamy counters that “RFA cannot directly involve nearly 20 city teams before resolving the status of the district association,” he argues.<br />
<br />
=Kolhapur=<br />
==As of 2026==<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=17_07_2026_021_004_cap_TOI Vipashana.Kamble, July 17, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
<br />
It’s left now to Argentina and Spain to fight it out for the football’s greatest prize, the rest have all bowed out of the game’s biggest stage. But in Kolhapur, Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo still watches over a traffic junction, and Brazil’s talisman Neymar Jr towers above a neighbourhood awash in yellow and green. Lionel Messi is there, too, presiding over a busy crossroads.<br />
<br />
The city of the Mahalakshmi Temple in central Maharashtra chooses a different set of gods for the football World Cup. Made of iron frames and printed flex, they rise 45ft above roads and markets. Between 12 and 16 of these giants dot Kolhapur’s skyline — an improbable sight in a country that lives and breathes cricket. “The posters announce that Kolhapur is football-crazy in a cricketcrazy nation,” says Vikas Patil, a former player. Adds Shivtej Kharade, the manager of the 92-year-old Shiva ji Tarun Mandal, a football club: “There is no gully cricket here. There is gully football.”<br />
<br />
“When a child is born, we don’t put a cricket bat near him; we put a football at his feet,” Kharade says. His five-year-old son is already kicking a ball around. <br />
<br />
''' Royal Roots, Polish Influence '''<br />
<br />
Football’s roots here go back to the early 20th century. Locals trace its arrival to Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj, who is believed to have promoted it after returning from England around 1910. The Kolhapur Sports Association (KSA), which still runs the district leagues, was established in 1940 under the patronage of Chhatrapati Rajaram and Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj.<br />
<br />
During World War 2, Polish refugees housed near Kolhapur played local footballers in matches encouraged by the royals. Older administrators say the Poles introduced passing and technique to the city’s players, who mostly relied on strength. Shiva ji Tarun Mandal famously defeated a visiting Polish team, a result still recalled with pride.<br />
<br />
The KSA now oversees 16 clubs each in the A and B Divisions and around 80 in the C Division. Practice Football Club, founded in 1927, is among the oldest. Register secretary Ramesh More’s grandfather was a founder and played through the 1940s and 1950s. <br />
<br />
Practice spends around Rs 15 lakh annually, largely from public donations. More puts in over Rs 2 lakh. Across Kolhapur, A Division clubs’ collective spend runs into a few crores annually – money that’s raised almost entirely without corporate sponsorship. <br />
<br />
“We don’t get sponsors like clubs outside,” Kharade says. “We go to the public. We go to politicians. We adopt players. That’s how our club survives.”<br />
<br />
His club, founded in 1933, spends at least Rs 60,000 annually on each player and often helps them find jobs. “Earlier, it was emotional. Now, there is business in football. Boys don’t play unless they’re paid… their families depend on that income.” <br />
<br />
''' When The World Cup Comes '''<br />
<br />
There is no official fan festival. Neighbourhood clubs and volunteers collect donations, design banners and organise screenings. Kolhapur also celebrates its own just as loudly. Aniket Jadhav was the city’s first player to represent India’s senior national team. When he represented India at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in 2017, giant cutouts of him appeared across the city. Though born in Kolhapur, he trained in Pune and never actually played club football at home. Abhilash Chavan of AbhiAds, an ad agency, says he made around 25 cutouts this year. He charges roughly Rs 7,000 to print a 40ft Messi or Ronaldo. But Aditya Awale of the Kolhapuri Brazil Fan Club and More put the full cost closer to Rs 40,000 after adding the frame, permissions and rent for public space. <br />
<br />
“Individual karyakartas (workers) collect donations and organise the cutouts because they love their teams,” More says. However, inflation and the monsoon nearly stopped this year’s spectacle. “We weren’t sure whether we should put it up,” Awale says. <br />
<br />
''' Awaiting Investment ''' <br />
<br />
Kolhapur has proved it can pull a crowd. It has hosted an international women’s friendly between India and the Netherlands and several I-League matches. The 2013 match drew a packed crowd. In 2023, an estimated 18,000 people watched Maharashtra play Bengal in a Santosh Trophy tie at Chhatrapati Shahu Stadium.<br />
But infrastructure has not kept pace. Kolhapur has just one dedicated football stadium — Chhatrapati Shahu Stadium. Its natural grass pitch, Patil says, is a genuine luxury that is rare in Indian football. “There are no professional sponsors. Clubs survive almost entirely on what their own neighbourhoods are willing to hand over,” he says. Yet money has done little to weaken the devotion. Patil describes a tradition in which, during the ceremony held five days after a child is born, some families place a football and a club jersey before the family deity, alongside the customary books — a prayer that the child will one day play for that club.<br />
<br />
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FOOTBALL IN INDIA: HISTORY]]<br />
<br />
=See also=<br />
[[Football: India]]<br />
<br />
[[Football, India: Women’s]]<br />
<br />
[[Football in India: History]]<br />
<br />
[[Manipur: Sports]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:India|F FOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIA<br />
FOOTBALL IN INDIA: HISTORY]]<br />
[[Category:Pages with broken file links|FOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIAFOOTBALL: INDIA<br />
FOOTBALL IN INDIA: HISTORY]]<br />
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FOOTBALL IN INDIA: HISTORY]]<br />
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FOOTBALL IN INDIA: HISTORY]]<br />
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FOOTBALL IN INDIA: HISTORY]]<br />
[[Category:Sports|FFOOTBALL IN INDIA: HISTORY<br />
FOOTBALL IN INDIA: HISTORY]]</div>Pdewanhttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/BharathirajaBharathiraja2026-07-13T20:15:33Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |B ]]<br />
[[Category:Cinema-TV-Pop |B ]]<br />
<br />
=Briefly=<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=11_06_2026_015_012_cap_TOI A.Subramani, June 11, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
Chennai : Tamil film director Bharathiraja’s rustic themes won millions of hearts — and six national awards.<br />
<br />
Born in Theni-Allinagaram as Chinnasamy, Bharathiraja worked briefly as a malaria inspector in the Tamil Nadu health department. After short apprenticeships under different directors, he announced his arrival with a bang in 1977, with 16 Vayadhiniley. A cult movie that marked the beginning of a new era in Tamil cinema, it immortalised the characters played by Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan and Sridevi.<br />
<br />
Like Aladdin swiping the magic lamp to set free the genie, Bharathiraja liberated Tamil cinema that had remained bottled up in studio sets and shooting floors. His 16 Vayadhiniley revealed the rugged and lush beauty of TN countryside to both moviemakers and movie-goers. <br />
<br />
Asked about his achievement, Bharathiraja would famously tell a film gathering later: “Cinema took me to Chennai. I took the cinema to my villages. I filmed the life of laymen.” His second film, Kizhakkey Pogum Rayil, was a runaway hit, while Sigappu Rojakkal, a psychological thriller starring Kamal Haasan and Sridevi, and Alaigal Oayvathillai, a sparkling teenage romance, were among the many pathbreaking movies he churned out. <br />
<br />
Bharathiraja turned producer for his fourth film, Puthiya Vaarpugal, and made his assistant director K Bhagyaraj debut as actor alongside Rati Agnihotri. Both of them went on to become big stars in years to come. <br />
<br />
Though Bharathiraja initially wanted to be an actor, destiny had other plans and put him behind the camera. However, he started doing cameos in 1978 (Kizhakkey Pogum Rayil) and it continued till 2025 (Thudarum) in Malayalam. <br />
<br />
In a career spanning 43 years, Bharathiraja made 42 movies, besides a number of serials.</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Jaspal_RanaJaspal Rana2026-07-11T21:54:21Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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<br />
=Briefly=<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=13_06_2026_022_003_cap_TOI Tushar.Dutt, June 13, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
Pune : Jaspal Rana never shied away from two things: fearless shooting and straight talk. At an age when any youngster would be thinking of playing safe, Jaspal risked it all by challenging a system that wasn’t athlete-friendly, all while winning medals and breaking records. Jaspal, a name that brought shooting into prominence, died of a heart attack in New Delhi, 16 days short of his 50th birthday.<br />
<br />
Rana will not just be remembered for his medals or coaching credentials, but also for the fact that he was the first to make everyone believe that Indian shooters could win international medals.<br />
<br />
Rana could be abrasive, stubborn and controversial, yet even his strongest critics would feel that if Jaspal picked a fight, it was usually over something that mattered to the athletes. In an era when silence was safer, confrontation became his preferred language.<br />
<br />
A prodigy who shone at the shooting ranges when kids of his age were busy learning to balance on their bicycles, Jaspal won silver at his first Nationals at the age of 12. The Uttarkashi-born shooter stood out by winning Asian Games gold at the age of 18 — at Hiroshima 1994 — nine Commonwealth Games gold and six others, and then as the sport picked up in India he experienced a slump. Just as he was being written off, Jaspal stormed back with three gold and a silver, including a world record at the Asian Games gold in Doha in 2006.<br />
<br />
That late streak would also prove his closing statement as a shooter.<br />
<br />
As Gagan Narang wrote in his social media post, “Some names you grow up chasing, this was one of them.”Jaspal made Indian shooters believe they can be like him — a winner, a rebel and a pioneer who would carve his own niche at a time when shooters were perceived as mere travellers and not winners.<br />
<br />
Lately, one would spot him at the shooting ranges sitting behind his wards, just looking at the targets and occasionally at the shooters. He would rarely speak to the shooters during the process. He often said, “if you feel you can teach something new to the shooters at this stage, you would be a fool.” <br />
<br />
Since 2012, he was key in giving shape to the juniors development programme of the National Rifle Association of India and identified, trained, prepared shooters like Manu Bhaker, Anish Bhanwala, Saurabh Chaudhary and Chinki Yadav. Though he participated in the 1996 Olympics in 10m air pistol and 50m pistol, Olympics would elude him as his chief event, centre fire pistol was not an Olympic event. His dream would be realised in terrific fashion by his ward Manu at the Paris Games . <br />
<br />
His relationship with Manu was once famously tempestuous, had its shares of ups and downs, but when the duo decided to bury the hatchet and come back together, it became a mission that Jaspal wanted to succeed at with an almost ascetic zeal. He was a Dronacharya who would rather give his own thumb than ask his ward for one.</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Mohammad_Barkatullah,_freedom_fighterMohammad Barkatullah, freedom fighter2026-07-11T21:22:53Z<p>Jyoti: </p>
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<br />
=A brief biography=<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=15_06_2026_018_002_cap_TOI Tohid.Qureshi, June 15, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
<br />
[[File: Then CM Arjun Singh at the event where Bhopal University was named Barkatullah University in 1988; (right) An illustration of Mohammad Barkatullah from M Irfan’s Urdu biography, ‘Barkatullah Bhopali’.jpg|Then CM Arjun Singh at the event where Bhopal University was named Barkatullah University in 1988; (right) An illustration of Mohammad Barkatullah from M Irfan’s Urdu biography, ‘Barkatullah Bhopali’ <br/> From: [https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=15_06_2026_018_002_cap_TOI Tohid.Qureshi, June 15, 2026: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]<br />
<br />
Barkatullah, born on 7th July, 1859, in a small mud house in Itwara, became one of the loudest voices against British imperialism. For nearly 40 years, he circled the globe building alliances for the idea of India. In the freezing Dec of 1915, amidst the peaks of Kabul in Afghanistan, Barkatullah, alongside revolutionaries Raja Mahendra Pratap and Maulana Ubaidullah, breathed life into India’s first govt-in-exile. Raja Mahendra Pratap was declared President; Barkatullah was appointed PM.<br />
<br />
Four years later, they walked into Moscow to meet Vladimir Lenin. Barkatullah, asked if he was a communist, replied: “My only ideology was the expulsion of the British.” He saw European colonialism as the enemy, and in the Soviets a natural ally. He wrote and spoke of Hindus and Muslims dying together of starvation under colonial plunder. His politics was built on one unshakable belief: India could only be free if its people fought together. Divide-and-rule, he said, was Britain’s deadliest weapon.<br />
<br />
“Today, remembering Maulana Barkatullah is more than an act of historical recall; it is a reminder that freedom was achieved through the courage of those who organised beyond easy sight, who built networks across continents, and who kept faith when return seemed uncertain,” says author and historian Rana Safvi, who visited Barkatullah’s grave in 2019. <br />
<br />
''' Fading Memory '''<br />
<br />
Barkatullah moved from Bhopal to Bombay for higher studies, then to London. In Liverpool, he began teaching. His speeches and writings drew the British glare, and in 1899 he was forced to leave for the US. There, he corresponded with Maulana Hasrat Mohani — the man who coined “Inquilab Zindabad”.<br />
<br />
Historian Syed Khalid Ghanisays, “Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose established Provisional Govt of Free India (Arzi Hukumat-e-Azad Hind) on Oct 21, 1943. Barkatullah did that even before him. He was struggling for India’s freedom before Gandhi came into the picture. He travelled to Japan, England, US, Germany, Russia, Afghanistan, Brussels, Switzerland and France in days there were only ships and trains.”<br />
<br />
“In 2021, the PM laid the foundation stone of Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh University in Aligarh, named after the man who was President of govt in exile of which Barkatullah was the PM. The Centre is making efforts to create a legacy for one and the name of the other is being erased in his own hometown,” he adds. <br />
<br />
''' The Last Thing He Wanted '''<br />
<br />
Barkatullah didn’t return to India while it remained under British rule. Yet Bhopal never left his heart. “I have seen many important personalities of the world but the people of Bhopal, its houses and its lanes are still dear to my heart,” he once wrote. He vowed to return to an independent India. That day never came. On Sept 27, 1927, he died after a heart attack at a Ghadar Party event in Sacramento, California.<br />
<br />
In M Irfan’s Urdu biography ‘Barkatullah Bhopali’, Raja Mahendra Pratap recalls his last hours: “I performed his funeral. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and others were present.” His dying wish: “Bring back my mortal remains to rest in a free India.” <br />
A century later, the wish remains unfulfilled. He still rests in Marysville —an exile even in death.<br />
<br />
In 1988, Bhopal University was named after the forgotten hero. Historians and residents argue that to remove his name from the only institution that bears it is to risk erasing him from the collective consciousness of the city.<br />
<br />
[[Category:History|B <br />
MOHAMMAD BARKATULLAH, FREEDOM FIGHTER]]<br />
[[Category:India|B <br />
MOHAMMAD BARKATULLAH, FREEDOM FIGHTER]]<br />
[[Category:Pages with broken file links|MOHAMMAD BARKATULLAH, FREEDOM FIGHTER]]</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/WIMCO:_IndiaWIMCO: India2026-07-11T20:31:46Z<p>Jyoti: </p>
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=A brief history=<br />
[https://indianexpress.com/article/research/how-a-swedish-match-company-shaped-colonial-india-10765972/ Written by Eleonor Marcussen and Niladri Chatterjee, July 1, 2026: ''The Indian Express'']<br />
<br />
[[File: The WIMCO factory in Ambernath (Niladri Chatterjee, Jönköpings Matchstick Factory Museum, Sweden).jpg|The WIMCO factory in Ambernath (Niladri Chatterjee, Jönköpings Matchstick Factory Museum, Sweden) <br/> From: [https://indianexpress.com/article/research/how-a-swedish-match-company-shaped-colonial-india-10765972/ Written by Eleonor Marcussen and Niladri Chatterjee, July 1, 2026: ''The Indian Express'']|frame|500px]]<br />
<br />
[[File: for Swedish Match, India was one of the most important markets, and labels on its matchboxes were part of the strategy.jpg|for Swedish Match, India was one of the most important markets, and labels on its matchboxes were part of the strategy. (Niladri Chatterjee, Jönköpings Matchstick Factory Museum and Vadstena National Archive, Sweden.) <br/> From: [https://indianexpress.com/article/research/how-a-swedish-match-company-shaped-colonial-india-10765972/ Written by Eleonor Marcussen and Niladri Chatterjee, July 1, 2026: ''The Indian Express'']|frame|500px]]<br />
<br />
<br />
Imagine a bustling Calcutta street corner in the 1920s. The air is thick with humidity and the fervour of political resistance. A young nationalist volunteer urges passers-by to boycott British goods in the name of the Swadeshi movement. Reaching into his pocket to light a lantern, he pulls out a matchbox bearing the image of Bharat Mata, or a charkha, or even Mahatma Gandhi. It looks unmistakably Indian. It feels patriotic. Yet there is a profound irony concealed within that box of safety matches. It was likely neither made by an Indian cottage industry nor manufactured in Britain. Instead, it came from a corporate giant headquartered in the small Swedish town of Jönköping, carrying the iconography of Indian nationalism through circuits of foreign trade and industrial manufacture.<br />
<br />
That irony is where this story begins.<br />
<br />
Matches were humble objects, used for cooking, smoking, worship, and domestic labour. But precisely because they were cheap, ubiquitous, and constantly handled, they offer an unusual entry point into the political economy of everyday life. A matchbox passed through bazaars, factories, dockyards, and households. It also crossed imperial frontiers. To follow the journey of a matchstick, therefore, is to uncover a much larger history of capital, technology, visual culture, and nationalism.<br />
<br />
''' Beyond the imperial binary '''<br />
<br />
For decades, the history of colonial India’s economy has largely been told as a binary struggle: the exploitative British coloniser on one side and the subjugated Indian subject on the other. That framework remains indispensable, but it is incomplete. It overlooks the “third men” — the ‘tertium quid’ of the colonial economy. Research on British managing agencies, Indian industrial capital, and foreign commercial houses has shown that late colonial India was shaped not only by the relationship between Britain and India but also by competition among British firms, Indian entrepreneurs, and other foreign actors who operated in colonial markets without directly ruling them.<br />
<br />
This is where the Swedish Match Company, or Svenska Tändsticks Aktiebolaget (STAB), assumes historical significance.<br />
<br />
In the National Archives of Sweden and scattered across repositories in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Tokyo are company records, tariff inquiries, and trade statistics that tell the story of a Swedish firm becoming deeply embedded in India’s commercial life. Recent work on colonialism from the margins argues that states without large formal empires could still participate in imperial extraction and informal empire-building. Studies of Sweden’s overseas commercial expansion have similarly challenged the long-held assumption that Nordic enterprise existed outside colonial entanglements.<br />
<br />
''' Tariffs, offshoring, and WIMCO ''' <br />
<br />
In the early twentieth century, STAB was not merely a company. It was a global empire built in Sweden under the leadership of the ‘Match King’ Ivar Kreuger. Founded in 1917, the company expanded rapidly through acquisitions, cartels and monopoly agreements. By 1930, it was the dominant owner of match companies in 33 countries and controlled about 60 per cent of the world’s match production.<br />
<br />
India mattered enormously to this expansion. Research on the Japanese match industry suggests that before the First World War, Swedish and Japanese manufacturers often operated in distinct markets. India, however, was the principal market in which they competed directly. In 1910, the country had only six match factories, and domestic manufacturers were widely seen as undercapitalised and technologically weak. During the First World War, Japanese exporters captured a substantial share of this trade, while local industry remained fragile and unevenly developed. The Swedish answer was not retreat, but adaptation.<br />
<br />
When tariff policy and protectionist pressure made exports less secure, STAB moved towards production in India (Håkan Lindgren, 1979; Hand Modig, 1979).<br />
<br />
In 1923, the Western India Match Company, better known as WIMCO, was established in Ambernath near Bombay. Soon thereafter, WIMCO established a wider industrial network that connected Ambernath with factories in Calcutta, Madras and Bareilly in the United Provinces, Port Blair, and, through the Assam Match Company (AMCO), Dhubri, Assam.<br />
<br />
Calcutta occupied a particularly important place within this network. The Alambazar factory, established in 1930, placed Swedish Match within one of colonial India’s most politically charged and commercially connected urban regions, where labour organisation, nationalist consumption, port trade, and industrial production intersected. During the 1920s, Swedish Match’s share of the Indian market rose from around 24 per cent to about 45 per cent. By 1927, its production in India was already as large as its exports from Sweden.<br />
<br />
Local production, however, required more than just capital. Swedish Match Company built an elaborate sales network through Indian canvassers who travelled districts, cultivated retailers, channelled orders to wholesalers, and reported market conditions to the firm. By 1932, the company employed around 60 canvassers in India and Burma (now Myanmar), all of them Indians. Its success, therefore, rested not only on European finance and machinery but also on Indian intermediaries who made local markets profitable for them.<br />
<br />
The tariff debates of the late 1920s reveal the limits of both colonial policy and corporate strategy. Indian authorities were asking whether the country could sustain a protected domestic match industry, and one central issue was timber. Swedish Match argued on the technical and economic advantages of imported aspen. The Tariff Board, in contrast, maintained that the country’s labour force and market size could the domestic industry, even if raw material supplies remained imperfect in the short term. What emerges here is not a simple story of foreign domination or Indian weakness, but a contested industrial landscape in which technology, environment, taxation, and market size all mattered at once.<br />
<br />
''' Labour, welfare, and conflict '''<br />
<br />
The localisation extended to the factory floor. Swedish Match established or acquired facilities that integrated with different regions of the subcontinent. These workplaces reorganised labour markets, settlement patterns, and social life.<br />
<br />
At the factory in Madras in 1929, for instance, only 10 of the 805 employees were Europeans. At another plant, the number of European staff declined even as the overall workforce expanded. The pattern was clear: foreign ownership did not mean a predominantly foreign labour force.<br />
<br />
Company records also reveal a paternalist industrial world. Around more isolated factories, new communities developed with workers’ housing, company shops, medical facilities, and schools for employees’ children. At Ambernath, WIMCO provided housing, ran a shop that sold goods on wage-linked credit, employed a doctor, and maintained a school. Such initiatives can be considered as welfare measures, but they were also mechanisms for stabilising labour, managing space, and extending corporate authority beyond the factory gate.<br />
<br />
Yet to view these settlements solely through the lens of corporate welfare would be to misread the archive. These were not docile industrial communities. Wage disputes, labour grievances, and organised strikes punctuated the company’s life. At Ambernath, strikes in 1928, 1935, and 1936 drew the intervention of labour representatives and provincial authorities. One settlement resulted in lower rents for workers’ housing, improved compensation after accidents, and measures to address stoppages caused by machine breakdown. In other words, Swedish Match did not simply transfer technology. It entered a social world shaped by bargaining, resistance, and the growing force of labour politics in late colonial India.<br />
<br />
''' Selling nationalism '''<br />
<br />
The most captivating aspect of this commercial war was the battle for the consumer’s mind. Business historians Teresa da Silva Lopes and Shin Tomita, in an article Trademarks as “Global Merchants of Skill”: The Dynamics of the Japanese Match Industry, 1860s–1930s, write that Japanese firms built international competitiveness not only through low-cost production, but also through trademark registration, quality control, and sophisticated investments in graphic design tailored to export markets.<br />
<br />
Similarly, for Swedish Match, India was one of the most important markets, and labels on its matchboxes were part of the strategy. They depict Mahatma Gandhi, Bharat Mata, the Charkha, the Great Mogul, and Swadeshi Movement slogans like Vande Mataram. More striking still, most of these labels were not made locally. Many of these were labelled ‘Made in Sweden’. Nationalist iconography could be printed on an imported commodity and sold back into the colonial marketplace as a symbol of intimacy, aspiration, and belonging.<br />
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This matters because Swadeshi was never merely a cultural mood. It was an argument about political economy, about who should own capital, who should control industry, and whose consumption counted as patriotic. As the economic historian Aashish Velkar writes in Swadeshi Capitalism In Colonial Bombay, by the 1930s, swadeshi had become a language through which capitalism and nationalism could reinforce one another, and by the 1950s, it had generated a sharper anti-globalisation rhetoric around Indian industry.<br />
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Against this backdrop, the foreign appropriation of nationalist imagery was not incidental. It was commercially intelligent and politically revealing.<br />
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It was also a form of appropriation. The same marketplace that encouraged boycott of foreign goods also created incentives for foreign companies to mimic indigeneity, borrow patriotic symbols, and present themselves as less objectionable than openly British competitors.<br />
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This ambiguity benefited Swedish firms. They could appear foreign but not colonially sovereign; European but not British; global but adaptable. That is why Swedish Match’s story matters. It shows how capitalism could inhabit an empire without ever being identical to imperial rule.<br />
<br />
''' After empire '''<br />
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The British Empire eventually retreated, taking its viceroys and symbols of formal power with it. Swedish commercial power, however, proved far more resilient. WIMCO remained under Swedish Match Company’s control until 1991, and the Swedish group returned to a controlling position in the company in the late 1990s. The connection, therefore, outlived the empire by decades. Decolonisation, in this sense, did not dissolve foreign capital. It changed the terrain on which foreign capital operated. The longer history also intersects with postcolonial development.<br />
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In its article The Origins of Import Substituting Industrialization in India, historian Tirthankar Roy argues that India’s post-Independence import-substituting industrial regime had its roots in colonial protectionist debates of the 1920s, even though its application after independence became broader and less discriminatory. That continuity helps explain why firms such as WIMCO could survive in an altered form. They had already learned how to navigate tariffs, local production, Indian intermediaries, and the politics of nationality in the marketplace. It serves as a powerful reminder that while political flags may be lowered, the quiet, adaptable power of global capital often proves far more difficult to uproot than the empires that once sheltered it.<br />
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''' What, then, does this history change? '''<br />
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It reminds us that the British Raj in India was not a monolithic entity, and the economy of the British Empire was never a story of the Union Jack and the Indian tricolour, but a ‘polycolonial’ space where multiple global powers intersected, collaborated, and competed. It involved smaller European states, Japanese exporters, Indian merchants, provincial regulators, factory workers, and consumers whose choices were shaped by price, design, quality, and politics at once. It also shows that neutral or non-imperial actors were not outside colonialism. They could inhabit its opportunities without exercising direct sovereignty over it.<br />
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By placing Gandhi’s portrait, Bharat Mata’s image, or Vande Mataram on a matchbox, foreign manufacturers entered not only Indian markets but also Indian political imagination. That is why the history of Swedish Match in India is larger than the history of a company or a commodity. It is a history of how empire, nationalism, and capitalism became entangled in everyday life, and of how something as ordinary as a matchbox can illuminate the global complexity of India’s twentieth century.<br />
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*This article is based on research conducted at Linnaeus University Centre for Concurrences in Colonial and Postcolonial Studies and funded by the Swedish Research Council grant 2025-01142.<br />
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*This article is part of ‘The Lesser Colonisers of India’, a series that uncovers how commercial enterprises from countries other than Britain played a significant role in shaping colonial India. Next in the series are stories on a Czech shoe giant, German dye companies, a Swiss cotton enterprise, and more.<br />
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[[Category:Economy-Industry-Resources|W <br />
WIMCO: INDIA]]<br />
[[Category:India|W <br />
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[[Category:Pages with broken file links|WIMCO: INDIA]]</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Teejan_BaiTeejan Bai2026-07-11T19:26:30Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |T ]]<br />
[[Category:Music |T ]]<br />
<br />
=A brief biography=<br />
[https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/art-and-culture/teejan-bai-folk-icon-who-transformed-pandavani-dies-at-70-10772131/ Suanshu Khurana, July 6, 2026: ''The Indian Express'']<br />
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As a young girl, when Teejan Bai decided to sing her family folk form, Pandavani, she was thrashed by her father.<br />
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“No woman had ever dared to sing this style of music,” she recalled. In the Pardhi community, the indigenous nomadic community she came from, music by women outside of one’s home was considered blasphemous. Determined to pursue music despite her parents not allowing her to sing, Teejan ran away from home to a village called Chandrakhuri in Durg district, 25 km from Raipur in Chhattisgarh. It was a decision that cost her any place in her community, but one that would go on to change the trajectory of Pandavani as a folk form. She would go on to become one of its most well-known artistes.<br />
Teejan Bai, the noted Pandavani exponent who broke centuries-old cultural barriers and became the first woman from her Pardhi community to perform the folk form, eventually making it popular globally, passed away at AIIMS Raipur in the early hours of Sunday after a prolonged illness. Teejan leaves behind a legacy that transformed one of Chhattisgarh’s oldest oral traditions into a popular art form that found many takers internationally. Teejan was 70, had been unable to speak for over six months and was communicating with hand gestures.<br />
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Pandavani is a traditional performing art form where artists musically narrate and enact stories from the Mahabharata. While it originated in Chhattisgarh, it is also performed in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha.<br />
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Born in Ganiyari, near Bhilai in Chhattisgarh, Teejan Bai grew up listening to her mother’s bhajans at home and was fascinated by the Pandavani ballads narrated by her maternal grandfather, Brijlal Pardhi. At the time, the tradition was performed only by men. But when Teejan Bai decided she was going to sing, her family was not comfortable with a woman propping herself up on the stage to sing. Married off at 12, Teejan refused to give up music and left her husband’s home at 13. Ostracised by the Pardhi community for singing a form reserved for men, she spent years living in a small hut away from everyone. In Chandrakhuri, Teejan performed her first show at the age of 13 for Rs 10. Standing in the Kapalik style, where the performer stands, moves freely across the stage and enacts various characters from the Mahabharata epic, her swagger on stage with an ektaara on her shoulder would captivate the audiences instantly.<br />
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The people embraced the artiste that a community had rejected. Teejan soon began to receive Invitations to perform, taking her far beyond the boundaries of her village to neighbouring ones. One of her notable performances was at the prestigious Bharat Bhawan in Bhopal on the invitation of Adiwasi Lok Kala Parishad. But one performance changed her life completely. While performing in Madhya Pradesh in the 70s, Teejan was discovered by famed Urdu playwright Habib Tanvir, who was awestruck by her guttural voice and confident performance. He integrated her into his Naya Theatre Group and arranged a showcase for then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, which catapulted her to national and later international fame. She really enjoyed performing in Paris. “I have been there eight times,” she said to The indian Express in 2014.<br />
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Teejan Bai’s talent and her work in the arts eventually earned her the country’s highest honours, including the Padma Shri (1988), Padma Bhushan (2003) and Padma Vibushan (2019) and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1995). While Teejan found much success, none of her children, however, took to Pandavani. But she herself trained about 200 students in it over the course of her career. But what will always remain significant about Teejan Bai is the courage she showed in breaking the barriers she faced, paving the way for other women performers who continue to perform Pandavani globally.</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Slovakia-_India_relationsSlovakia- India relations2026-07-09T20:31:43Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |S ]]<br />
[[Category:Politics |I ]]<br />
[[Category:Foreign Relations |S ]]<br />
<br />
=YEAR-WISE DEVELOPMENTS= <br />
=2026=<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=16_06_2026_016_010_cap_TOI Sachin.Parashar, June 16, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
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New Delhi : India and Slovakia upgraded their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive partnership — exploring ways to expand cooperation in areas like defence and security, AI, space and civil nuclear energy — as PM Narendra Modi became the first Indian PM to visit the central European country since its independence in 1993. <br />
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After a bilateral meeting between Modi and his counterpart Robert Fico, the two sides announced over a dozen outcomes, including a joint working group on counterterrorism, a letter of intent for promoting defence cooperation and an MoU on labour migration. Modi is on a two-day visit to Bratislava and will return to France on Tuesday for the G7 summit.<br />
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Modi raised the issue of pending UN reforms in the meeting, saying later in his media statement that both leaders agreed global institutions must redefine themselves in keeping with the challenges and realities of the 21 st century. “We will work to strengthen global efforts on this issue,” said the PM. “The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, with the United Nations at its core, and to a rules-based international order, while supporting comprehensive reforms of multilateral institutions, including the UN, particularly the UNSC, to make them more representative, inclusive, effective and reflective of contemporary geopolitical realities,” said a joint statement, adding that India appreciated Slovakia’s continued support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed and expanded UNSC.<br />
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The PM underlined the significance of dialogue and diplomacy as he said both leaders agreed all disputes must be resolved through peaceful means and that India and Slovakia, a member of EU and Nato, would continue to work with their partners in that direction. With bilateral trade on an upswing, the leaders discussed early implementation of the India-EU FTA to ensure that traders, industries and startups in both countries can use it to their maximum advantage.<br />
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The leaders also condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism, and strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack on 22 April 2025. While agreeing to establish a joint working group on counterterrorism, they called for concerted international efforts to combat terrorism in a comprehensive and sustained manner.<br />
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The leaders also discussed the potential of Slovakia’s position as a central European transport hub and India’s large-scale manufacturing capabilities to boost trade and connectivity. “They also encouraged exploration of direct air connectivity between India and Slovakia to facilitate growing economic, business and people-to-people exchanges,” said the joint statement. Modi and Fico backed safe and legal mobility of skilled professionals, agreeing that the MoU for labour migration will facilitate mobility and promote exchange of information between the relevant authorities of India and Slovakia.</div>Jyotihttp://103.153.58.85/ind/index.php/Cabo_Verde-_India_relationsCabo Verde- India relations2026-07-09T18:02:22Z<p>Jyoti: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" |- |colspan="0"|<div style="font-size:100%"> This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.<br/> Additional information ma..."</p>
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[[Category:India |C ]]<br />
[[Category:Foreign Relations |C ]]<br />
[[Category:Cabo Verde |I ]]<br />
<br />
=History=<br />
==1950s: Goan priests==<br />
[https://epaper.indiatimes.com/article-share?article=17_06_2026_015_014_cap_TOI Marcus.Mergulhao, June 17, 2026: ''The Times of India'']<br />
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Goan priests who went to Cabo Verde during Portuguese rule and continued to serve there, have proved to be a powerful link between the two former colonies.<br />
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“When Fr Pereira passed away, there were two days of prayers in Cabo Verde, with the country’s president, ministers, and top dignitaries among thousands in attendance for the funeral,” his nephew Fr Ralin de Souza told TOI Tuesday. “They were six (newly-ordained) priests from the Archdiocese of Goa who left in the late fifties and continued to work there even after Liberation. They did a lot of good work and the largest avenue being named after my uncle in 2020 is proof of the kind of influence he had in the country.” De Souza said. <br />
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Fr Pimenta Pereira hailed from the Pajifond locality in south Goa’s Margao, and his family still lives in the same ancestral house. With him and five other priests on the mission to Cabo Verde was the bishop of Cabo Verde, Dom Jose Colaco, also from Margao. The last of the Goan missionaries to pass away was Fr Floriano Rodrigues, who was from Verna, in 2022.<br />
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“Cabo Verde will forever remain special. We were all naturally excited at their World Cup debut. Playing Spain on debut is scary, but they did remarkably well to hold them goalless. There are more people living outside the country than within, and since many of them come from diverse backgrounds, we didn’t really know how they would perform,” said de Souza, who attended his uncle’s funeral in 2007.<br />
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Sigmund de Souza, a veteran of Goa’s music scene, has never been to the archipelago nation of six lakh inhabitants off Africa’s west coast, but during a concert last week, a man hailing from the island approached him and told him they are related. <br />
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“He said he was Jean Valadares Dupret, and that his grandmother is one of my wife’s aunts. She moved to France and her son went to Cabo Verde and settled there,” revealed Sigmund de Souza. <br />
Until then, Sigmund’s connection to Cabo Verde was through music and Portuguese songs.Cabo Verdeans sway to the sound of morna with saudade its most famous song. <br />
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“Saudade refers to longing. ‘Estou com muita saudade de voce’ (I miss you so much),” he said. <br />
Saudade rings out every time the Blue Sharks take the field at the World Cup. And each time they play, you can be sure Goa too will be swaying to its tune.</div>Jyoti