
ASER 2023: 82% of Children Know How to Use Smartphones, but Only 57% Use Them for Learning
The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2023, released on Tuesday, highlights several key findings about the state of children's education in rural India. One of the key insights is that over 82% of children aged 14-16 are proficient in using smartphones, but only 57% are leveraging them for educational purposes. This underscores a gap in the use of technology for learning despite widespread access. Additionally, the report revealed that the percentage of underage children
ASER 2023: 82% of Children Know How to Use Smartphones, but Only 57% Use Them for Learning
The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2023, released on Tuesday, highlights several key findings about the state of children's education in rural India. One of the key insights is that over 82% of children aged 14-16 are proficient in using smartphones, but only 57% are leveraging them for educational purposes. This underscores a gap in the use of technology for learning despite widespread access. Additionally, the report revealed that the percentage of underage children

World's largest cricket stadium to be built in Amravati, announces ACA
Amravati, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, is set to make cricketing history with the construction of the largest cricket stadium in India, which will surpass the current record-holder, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) has announced that the new stadium will have a seating capacity of over 1.32 lakh spectators, making it the largest in the country. The ACA president, Kesineni Sivanth, revealed that the state government has been asked to allo
World's largest cricket stadium to be built in Amravati, announces ACA
Amravati, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, is set to make cricketing history with the construction of the largest cricket stadium in India, which will surpass the current record-holder, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) has announced that the new stadium will have a seating capacity of over 1.32 lakh spectators, making it the largest in the country. The ACA president, Kesineni Sivanth, revealed that the state government has been asked to allo

Akhilesh Yadav to Campaign for AAP Ahead of Delhi Assembly Polls
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav will campaign for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidates ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections on February 5, joining forces with AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal. Yadav will participate in a roadshow in Rithala on January 30, and other SP MPs, including Iqra Hasan from Kairana, will also lend their support to AAP’s candidates in the Delhi poll race. The collaboration between SP and AAP comes as part of the INDIA bloc, which also includes Congress
Akhilesh Yadav to Campaign for AAP Ahead of Delhi Assembly Polls
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav will campaign for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidates ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections on February 5, joining forces with AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal. Yadav will participate in a roadshow in Rithala on January 30, and other SP MPs, including Iqra Hasan from Kairana, will also lend their support to AAP’s candidates in the Delhi poll race. The collaboration between SP and AAP comes as part of the INDIA bloc, which also includes Congress

TTD Requests Cancellation of Land Allotment for Mumtaz Hotel Near Tirumala
The newly appointed Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board, under the leadership of Chairman BR Naidu, held its first meeting on Monday at the Annamayya Bhavan in Tirumala. During this meeting, the board passed several resolutions, one of which was a strong request to the Andhra Pradesh government to cancel the allotment of 20 acres of land near Alipiri for the proposed Mumtaz Hotel. The decision comes after growing concerns that the hotel project could hurt the religious sentiments of de
TTD Requests Cancellation of Land Allotment for Mumtaz Hotel Near Tirumala
The newly appointed Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board, under the leadership of Chairman BR Naidu, held its first meeting on Monday at the Annamayya Bhavan in Tirumala. During this meeting, the board passed several resolutions, one of which was a strong request to the Andhra Pradesh government to cancel the allotment of 20 acres of land near Alipiri for the proposed Mumtaz Hotel. The decision comes after growing concerns that the hotel project could hurt the religious sentiments of de

Afghanistan Women's Cricket Team to Play Historic Exhibition Match in Melbourne
Cricket Australia (CA) Chief Executive Nick Hockley has hailed an upcoming exhibition match in Melbourne as a significant milestone for the Afghanistan Women's XI, a team composed of refugees now living in Australia. The team will face Cricket Without Borders XI in a T20 match at Junction Oval, scheduled for Thursday morning, just before the Women's Ashes Test opener at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This match marks the first time the Afghanistan Women’s team has
Afghanistan Women's Cricket Team to Play Historic Exhibition Match in Melbourne
Cricket Australia (CA) Chief Executive Nick Hockley has hailed an upcoming exhibition match in Melbourne as a significant milestone for the Afghanistan Women's XI, a team composed of refugees now living in Australia. The team will face Cricket Without Borders XI in a T20 match at Junction Oval, scheduled for Thursday morning, just before the Women's Ashes Test opener at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This match marks the first time the Afghanistan Women’s team has

Chandrababu Naidu Plans to Make Vizag a Major Tech Hub
Chandrababu Naidu, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, is once again setting his sights on revolutionizing the state’s technology landscape. After turning Hyderabad into a leading IT hub, Naidu is now focused on developing Vizag as a major tech destination. His plan involves the creation of a Data City in Madhurawada, spanning 500 acres, designed to serve as a center for IT companies and innovation. Following the success of Hyderabad’s Hi-Tech City, which attracted tec
Chandrababu Naidu Plans to Make Vizag a Major Tech Hub
Chandrababu Naidu, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, is once again setting his sights on revolutionizing the state’s technology landscape. After turning Hyderabad into a leading IT hub, Naidu is now focused on developing Vizag as a major tech destination. His plan involves the creation of a Data City in Madhurawada, spanning 500 acres, designed to serve as a center for IT companies and innovation. Following the success of Hyderabad’s Hi-Tech City, which attracted tec

Amul Slashes One-Litre Milk Prices Across India by Rs 1
The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), known for marketing dairy products under the Amul brand, has reduced the price of its one-litre milk packs across India by Rs 1. The new prices are now Rs 67 for Amul Gold and Rs 55 for Amul Taaza per litre in Delhi, compared to their previous prices of Rs 68 and Rs 56, respectively. This reduction applies only to one-litre packs and not to half-litre variants, with the aim to encourage consumers to buy larger packs of milk.
Amul Slashes One-Litre Milk Prices Across India by Rs 1
The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), known for marketing dairy products under the Amul brand, has reduced the price of its one-litre milk packs across India by Rs 1. The new prices are now Rs 67 for Amul Gold and Rs 55 for Amul Taaza per litre in Delhi, compared to their previous prices of Rs 68 and Rs 56, respectively. This reduction applies only to one-litre packs and not to half-litre variants, with the aim to encourage consumers to buy larger packs of milk.

Health Risks of Alcohol and the Rise of Non-Alcoholic Alternatives in India
Alcohol’s Negative Health Impact: Alcohol consumption, including beer and wine, is harmful to health. Even one drink per day is linked to several negative health effects such as liver cirrhosis, cancers, and injuries. A lower risk of ischemic stroke is the only potential benefit found in the recent studies. Thes
Health Risks of Alcohol and the Rise of Non-Alcoholic Alternatives in India
Alcohol’s Negative Health Impact: Alcohol consumption, including beer and wine, is harmful to health. Even one drink per day is linked to several negative health effects such as liver cirrhosis, cancers, and injuries. A lower risk of ischemic stroke is the only potential benefit found in the recent studies. Thes

Adani Group Clarifies Reports of Wind Power Project Cancellation in Sri Lanka
Adani Group has issued a statement refuting claims that its 484 MW wind power projects in Sri Lanka, located in Mannar and Pooneryn, have been cancelled. The company clarified that the recent decision by the Sri Lankan Cabinet to reevaluate the tariff approved in May 2024 is part of a routine review process, especially with the new administration in place. The reevaluation aims to align the terms with the country’s evolving energy policies. The company emphasized its commitmen
Adani Group Clarifies Reports of Wind Power Project Cancellation in Sri Lanka
Adani Group has issued a statement refuting claims that its 484 MW wind power projects in Sri Lanka, located in Mannar and Pooneryn, have been cancelled. The company clarified that the recent decision by the Sri Lankan Cabinet to reevaluate the tariff approved in May 2024 is part of a routine review process, especially with the new administration in place. The reevaluation aims to align the terms with the country’s evolving energy policies. The company emphasized its commitmen

Ford Recalls Over 270,000 Vehicles for Potential 12-Volt Battery Failures
Ford is recalling approximately 272,817 vehicles due to issues with their 12-volt batteries, which could fail unexpectedly and pose safety risks. The recall affects specific 2021-2023 Bronco Sport SUVs and 2022-2023 Maverick pickup trucks. The issue, which was identified as a manufacturing defect from a supplier, could lead to battery degradation and sudden failure. The National Highway Traff
Ford Recalls Over 270,000 Vehicles for Potential 12-Volt Battery Failures
Ford is recalling approximately 272,817 vehicles due to issues with their 12-volt batteries, which could fail unexpectedly and pose safety risks. The recall affects specific 2021-2023 Bronco Sport SUVs and 2022-2023 Maverick pickup trucks. The issue, which was identified as a manufacturing defect from a supplier, could lead to battery degradation and sudden failure. The National Highway Traff

Opposition Members Suspended Over Protests on Waqf Amendment Bill
On Friday, a motion to suspend opposition members from the parliamentary panel discussing the Waqf Amendment Bill was passed after protests and allegations of hasty proceedings. BJP's Nishikant Dubey moved the motion, which was supported by the committee, resulting in the suspension of several opposition members, including Kalyan Banerjee, Mohammad Jawed, A Raja, Asaduddin Owaisi, Naseer Hussain, Mohibullah, Mohamed Abdullah, Arvind Sawant, Nadeem-ul Haque, and Imran Masood. The
Opposition Members Suspended Over Protests on Waqf Amendment Bill
On Friday, a motion to suspend opposition members from the parliamentary panel discussing the Waqf Amendment Bill was passed after protests and allegations of hasty proceedings. BJP's Nishikant Dubey moved the motion, which was supported by the committee, resulting in the suspension of several opposition members, including Kalyan Banerjee, Mohammad Jawed, A Raja, Asaduddin Owaisi, Naseer Hussain, Mohibullah, Mohamed Abdullah, Arvind Sawant, Nadeem-ul Haque, and Imran Masood. The

NOSH Launches Cooking Robot for Indian Households, Priced at ₹73,000
NOSH, a Bengaluru-based company, has launched a cutting-edge cooking robot designed to cater to the needs of Indian households. Priced at ₹73,000, this cooking robot aims to simplify the cooking process by automating key tasks without compromising the authenticity of traditional Indian dishes. Equipped with a dedicated pan, stirrer, and exhaust filter, the robot ensures efficient cooking with minimal user intervention. It also features a dual-compartment container for water and oil, an eigh
NOSH Launches Cooking Robot for Indian Households, Priced at ₹73,000
NOSH, a Bengaluru-based company, has launched a cutting-edge cooking robot designed to cater to the needs of Indian households. Priced at ₹73,000, this cooking robot aims to simplify the cooking process by automating key tasks without compromising the authenticity of traditional Indian dishes. Equipped with a dedicated pan, stirrer, and exhaust filter, the robot ensures efficient cooking with minimal user intervention. It also features a dual-compartment container for water and oil, an eigh

Anush Agarwalla Bids Emotional Farewell to His Gold-Winning Horse Manni
In a heartfelt announcement on Friday, Indian equestrian Anush Agarwalla revealed the end of his seven-year partnership with his horse, Manni, who will now retire from competitive sport. The duo shared numerous successes, including a gold medal in the dressage team event and a bronze in the individual event at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. In an emotional Instagram video, Agarwalla expressed gratitude for Manni's support, saying that the horse had been central to his achievemen
Anush Agarwalla Bids Emotional Farewell to His Gold-Winning Horse Manni
In a heartfelt announcement on Friday, Indian equestrian Anush Agarwalla revealed the end of his seven-year partnership with his horse, Manni, who will now retire from competitive sport. The duo shared numerous successes, including a gold medal in the dressage team event and a bronze in the individual event at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. In an emotional Instagram video, Agarwalla expressed gratitude for Manni's support, saying that the horse had been central to his achievemen

Roman-Era Cemetery in Cambridgeshire Unveils Rare Gypsum Burial and Grave Goods
Archaeologists in Cambridgeshire have made an extraordinary discovery of a Roman-era cemetery that includes a unique burial involving liquid gypsum, providing rare insights into ancient burial practices. The central grave, believed to belong to a high-status individual, was found encased in a stone coffin with gypsum poured around the body, a practice known from Roman times but poorly understood. The gypsum preserved impressions of fabric from the individual's clothing, offering a glimpse
Roman-Era Cemetery in Cambridgeshire Unveils Rare Gypsum Burial and Grave Goods
Archaeologists in Cambridgeshire have made an extraordinary discovery of a Roman-era cemetery that includes a unique burial involving liquid gypsum, providing rare insights into ancient burial practices. The central grave, believed to belong to a high-status individual, was found encased in a stone coffin with gypsum poured around the body, a practice known from Roman times but poorly understood. The gypsum preserved impressions of fabric from the individual's clothing, offering a glimpse

Djokovic Retires in Australian Open 2025 Semi-Final, Zverev Reaches First Melbourne Final
In a dramatic turn of events at the Australian Open 2025, Novak Djokovic was forced to retire from his semi-final clash against Alexander Zverev, citing injury concerns. The match, which saw Zverev win the first set 7-6, ended prematurely when Djokovic walked to the net and informed his opponent of his decision to withdraw. Djokovic had been battling an injury sustained during his quarter-final match against Carlos Alcaraz, which became more apparent as the match progressed, especially with t
Djokovic Retires in Australian Open 2025 Semi-Final, Zverev Reaches First Melbourne Final
In a dramatic turn of events at the Australian Open 2025, Novak Djokovic was forced to retire from his semi-final clash against Alexander Zverev, citing injury concerns. The match, which saw Zverev win the first set 7-6, ended prematurely when Djokovic walked to the net and informed his opponent of his decision to withdraw. Djokovic had been battling an injury sustained during his quarter-final match against Carlos Alcaraz, which became more apparent as the match progressed, especially with t

Storm Eowyn: UK and Ireland Bracing for Devastating Weather, Red Warning Issued
The United Kingdom and Ireland are preparing for what could be one of the deadliest storms in recent history. Storm Eowyn is rapidly intensifying, and the Met Office has issued a Status Red weather warning for both regions. The storm is expected to bring severe weather conditions, including winds exceeding 130 km/h, torrential rain, and even snow in certain areas. The multi-hazard event is anticipated t
Storm Eowyn: UK and Ireland Bracing for Devastating Weather, Red Warning Issued
The United Kingdom and Ireland are preparing for what could be one of the deadliest storms in recent history. Storm Eowyn is rapidly intensifying, and the Met Office has issued a Status Red weather warning for both regions. The storm is expected to bring severe weather conditions, including winds exceeding 130 km/h, torrential rain, and even snow in certain areas. The multi-hazard event is anticipated t

Gold Futures Prices Hit Record High on MCX
Gold futures on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) have surged to an all-time high, climbing 0.43% from Thursday's rates, reaching Rs 79,970 for contracts expiring on February 5, 2025. The precious metal has seen an upward trajectory this week, following a climb in spot prices which also touched record highs. As of 6:50 a.m. on Friday, gold's spot price in India stood at Rs 79,980 per 10 grams, according to the India Bullion Association. Despite the earlier rise, prices cooled o
Gold Futures Prices Hit Record High on MCX
Gold futures on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) have surged to an all-time high, climbing 0.43% from Thursday's rates, reaching Rs 79,970 for contracts expiring on February 5, 2025. The precious metal has seen an upward trajectory this week, following a climb in spot prices which also touched record highs. As of 6:50 a.m. on Friday, gold's spot price in India stood at Rs 79,980 per 10 grams, according to the India Bullion Association. Despite the earlier rise, prices cooled o

Explosion at Ordnance Factory Near Nagpur Kills 8
A deadly explosion occurred at an ordnance factory in Bhandara district, near Nagpur, Maharashtra, this morning, resulting in at least eight confirmed deaths. The blast took place in the LTP (Load, Test, and Pack) section of the factory around 10:30 AM, causing significant damage. The impact of the explosion was so severe that it was heard from 5 km away, and a thick plume of smoke was seen rising from the site. The blast led to the collapse of the factory roof, trapping workers inside.
Explosion at Ordnance Factory Near Nagpur Kills 8
A deadly explosion occurred at an ordnance factory in Bhandara district, near Nagpur, Maharashtra, this morning, resulting in at least eight confirmed deaths. The blast took place in the LTP (Load, Test, and Pack) section of the factory around 10:30 AM, causing significant damage. The impact of the explosion was so severe that it was heard from 5 km away, and a thick plume of smoke was seen rising from the site. The blast led to the collapse of the factory roof, trapping workers inside.

D Gukesh Becomes Highest-Ranked Indian Chess Player, Surpassing Arjun Erigaisi
D Gukesh has continued his rapid ascent in the world of chess by overtaking Arjun Erigaisi to become the highest-ranked Indian chess player in the latest FIDE rankings. The 18-year-old achieved this milestone after winning his second game in the prestigious Tata Steel Tournament in Wijk Aan Zee, Netherlands, defeating Germany’s Vincent Keymer. Gukesh now holds an impressive rating of 2784 points, putting him at fourth place globally, while Erigaisi, the previous highest-ranked Indian, h
D Gukesh Becomes Highest-Ranked Indian Chess Player, Surpassing Arjun Erigaisi
D Gukesh has continued his rapid ascent in the world of chess by overtaking Arjun Erigaisi to become the highest-ranked Indian chess player in the latest FIDE rankings. The 18-year-old achieved this milestone after winning his second game in the prestigious Tata Steel Tournament in Wijk Aan Zee, Netherlands, defeating Germany’s Vincent Keymer. Gukesh now holds an impressive rating of 2784 points, putting him at fourth place globally, while Erigaisi, the previous highest-ranked Indian, h

Women at Higher Risk of Long Covid, Study Finds; Age Group 40-55 Most Affected
A recent study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open reveals that women may have a 31% higher risk of developing long Covid compared to men, with the highest risk observed in those aged 40-55 years. Among this group, menopausal women face a 42% higher risk, while non-menopausal women show a 45% increase. The study, based on the 'RECOVER' trial, included over 12,200 participants and was led by researchers from The University of Texas,
Women at Higher Risk of Long Covid, Study Finds; Age Group 40-55 Most Affected
A recent study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open reveals that women may have a 31% higher risk of developing long Covid compared to men, with the highest risk observed in those aged 40-55 years. Among this group, menopausal women face a 42% higher risk, while non-menopausal women show a 45% increase. The study, based on the 'RECOVER' trial, included over 12,200 participants and was led by researchers from The University of Texas,