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New Delhi [India], July 15 (ANI): The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), in collaboration with internationally acclaimed sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik, has launched two pioneering SWAYAM online courses on Sand Art, marking a historic step in integrating India's rich cultural heritage into digital learning. According to an official release, these two courses - titled 'Introduction to Sand Art' and 'Principles and Formats of Sand Art' have been specially curated and delivered by Sudarsan Pattnaik, who brings decades of experience and global recognition in this unique art form from Odisha. Designed for learners across all age groups and backgrounds, the courses aim to nurture creativity, promote Indian art on a global platform, and provide structured learning pathways in the field of visual arts. The launch event held jointly by IGNOU and Pattnaik at the IGNOU Headquarters in New Delhi, in the presence of Professor Uma Kanjilal, Vice Chancellor, IGNOU and other officials of IGNOU. Speaking at the occasion, the Vice Chancellor of IGNOU, said, 'This collaboration embodies the vision of NEP 2020 to integrate Indian Knowledge Systems and art forms into mainstream education. Through SWAYAM, we are proud to bring sand art to the fingertips of learners across the country and the world This is the first of its kind of initiative to offer courses on Sand Art.' Padma Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik expressed his enthusiasm, stating, 'It is my dream to make Sand Art a global symbol of Indian creativity. With IGNOU and SWAYAM, we are now empowering thousands to learn this art from anywhere. This is not just a course-it's a celebration of India's heritage and storytelling through sand. Thanks to Ministry of Education and IGNOU for making my dream a reality for making Sand Art a vocational and skill based education form.' Each course is structured into video lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on assignments, and offers a certificate upon successful completion. The Introduction course introduces learners to basic tools, techniques, and creative expression, while the other course dives deeper into large-scale sculptures, thematic compositions, and the cultural narratives behind sand art. These courses are now available for free enrollment on the https://onlinecourses.swayam2.ac.in/nou25_as02/preview and https://onlinecourses.swayam2.ac.in/nou25_as03/preview. This initiative aligns with IGNOU's ongoing mission to democratize education, foster inclusive learning, and showcase India's traditional and contemporary art forms on digital platform. (ANI)
NEW DELHI: Axiom-4 crew members, including Shubhanshu Shukla, were welcomed with hugs and drinks as they stepped into the International Space Station on Thursday. The newly launched spacecraft -- the fifth in the Dragon series and named Grace -- successfully completed a soft docking with the International Space Station at 4.01pm while orbiting above the North Atlantic Ocean."At 6:31 am EDT (4:01 IST) on Thursday, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docked to the International Space Station for the fourth private astronaut mission to the orbiting laboratory, Axiom Mission 4," the National Aeronautics ...Read More >
Sambalpur (Odisha) [India], June 28 (ANI): Union Education Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday participated in a mass plantation drive under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative. While speaking to ANI, Pradhan stated that the plantation of trees under this initiative increased hope for nature, fulfilled the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and was also a significant step towards making India a net-zero country by 2070. Also Read | West Bengal: Woman Accuses Padma Shri Awardee Kartik Maharaj of Rape and Forced Abortion, Monk Dismisses Allegations As Conspiracy. He fu ...Read More >
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 1 (ANI): A sandalwood tree worth lakhs of rupees was stolen from the official residence of the King George's Medical University (KGMU) Vice-Chancellor in Lucknow, despite security arrangements in place. KGMU spokesperson KK Singh said the 50-year-old tree was cut down and taken away by thieves. The residence, located within the campus, is currently unoccupied. Also Read | Rules Changing From July 1, 2025: From LPG Cylinder Prices and Railway Fares to Aadhaar-PAN Link, Check Key Rule Changes Taking Place Next Month. An FIR has been lodged, and CCTV foota ...Read More >
Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], July 6 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel paid floral tribute to the portrait of the late nationalist Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his birth anniversary at the Gujarat Legislative Assembly podium, an official statement said. On this occasion, Health Minister Rushikesh Patel and Minister of State for Cooperation Jagdish Vishwakarma were also present, and they offered floral tributes to the portrait of the late Syama Prasad Mookerjee. Minister Rushikesh Patel stated that July 6 marks the birth anniversary of India's great son, Syama Prasad Mookerjee. He g ...Read More >
A Delhi University panel's decision to drop proposed postgraduate Political Science papers on Islam, Pakistan, and China has failed to find consensus among the members. Photograph: Courtesy @UnivofDelhi/X While some called it ideological censorship, those who supported the decision termed it a step towards making the syllabus "India-centric" and free from bias. In its meeting on Wednesday, DU's Standing Committee for Academic Matters directed the removal of four elective papers -- Islam and In ...Read More >
VISAKHAPATNAM: Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar inaugurated Andhra Pradesh's first Super ECBC (Energy Conservation Building Code) compliant building at Sagar Nagar in Visakhapatnam on Friday. Terming it a landmark in sustainable infrastructure, he emphasised the government's commitment to energy efficiency and green design in public facilities. The facility will serve as a national-level training hub for power sector staff. He urged power utilities to expedite 20 lakh rooftop solar connections, targeting 10,000 in each Assembly segment. He reaffirmed nine-hour uninterrupted power for agri ...Read More >
Chandigarh: Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday said the state govt was consistently working to provide better resources to the doctors and quality healthcare services to the citizens.He mentioned that medical colleges were being established in every district.While there were only six medical colleges in 2014, the number has now increased to 15, and nine new colleges are under construction. As a result, MBBS seats in the state increased from 700 in 2014 to 2,185, at present. The state govt aims to increase the MBBS seats to over 3,400 by 2029, said Saini.The CM was addressing a ...Read More >
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 4 (ANI): Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Friday took a jibe at the Bihar government for appointing principals to five colleges in Patna University via a draw of lots. She alleged that the principals have not been appointed based on their expertise in a subject. Sharing an X post, Mayawati wrote, "The issue of appointing principals through a new 'lottery' system in five prestigious colleges of the renowned Patna University in Bihar has become quite interesting, garnering significant attention across the country, especially in the media and educ ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: The announcement by chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi to upgrade Puri municipality into a municipal corporation and revamp the tourist infrastructure marks a crucial turning point for Odisha's premier tourist destination. This long-overdue development comes at a time when the holy city faces increasing competition from emerging tourist destinations.Despite being one of Hinduism's char dhams and home to the revered Jagannath Temple, Puri's tourism infrastructure remained largely underdeveloped. As CM Majhi himself pointed out, visitors to Puri currently have limited options, primar ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 6 (ANI): Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday paid tribute to Syama Prasad Mookerjee on the occasion of his birth anniversary, stating that the struggle of the Jana Sangh's founder ended in 2019 when Article 370 was abrogated from the Constitution. Addressing a public meeting in the national capital, Vaishnaw said, 'It is because of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee's ideas and struggles that such great achievements have been possible, achievements crucial for India's unity and for our ideological oneness as a nation.' 'The struggle that Mookerjee undertook was finally ...Read More >
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 6 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid floral tribute to Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary on Sunday. Addressing the event in Lucknow, CM Yogi remembered Mookerjee's contributions as an educationist and his service during the Bengal famine in 1943. 'It is the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee today. On behalf of the people of the state, I pay tribute to him today. Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee was born on 6th July 1901. At the age of 33, he became the youngest Vice Chance ...Read More >
Haridwar (Uttarakhand) [India], July 6 (ANI): Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev on Sunday paid tribute to Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary, saying that if Kashmir is fully part of India today and Article 370 was removed, it is because of Dr Mookerjee's inspiration, contribution, and sacrifice. Speaking to the reporters, Baba Ramdev said, "Today, if Kashmir is an integral part of India and Article 370 has been removed there, then the main inspiration, contribution, and sacrifice behind this is Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee's..." Also Read | Bihar Assembly Elections 2025: Chirag Paswa ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 5 (ANI): Jitender Singh Shunty, a Social activist and Padma Shri awardee joined Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the presence of the Party's National Convener Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday. Jitender Singh Shunty is also the founder of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Sewa Dal (SBS) Foundation. Upon officially joining the party, Kejriwal expressed his admiration for Jitender Singh Shunty's significant contributions to society during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted Shunty's dedication and efforts in supporting those in need and commended his commitment to ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 27 (ANI): Actress Kajal Aggarwal has officially commenced filming for her much-awaited movie 'The India Story'. On Monday, the actress took to her Instagram stories to share her excitement with fans, posting a picture from the movie's sets while holding a clapperboard. Also Read | Padma Awards 2025: Pandit Ronu Majumdar Expresses Joy and Gratitude After Being Conferred Padma Shri; Says, 'This Award Gives Me Strength'. Alongside the picture, she wrote, "Kickstarting our first schedule in Pune, for The India Story! Excited to bring this untold, impactful ...Read More >
Patna (Bihar) [India] June 6 (ANI): Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi attended the 'Samvidhan Sabha' in Rajgir, Nalanda, on Friday. Addressing the gathering, Gandhi emphasised the need for a caste census and criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's stance on the issue. He questioned PM Modi's claim of being an OBC while asserting that the BJP denies the existence of caste in India, emphasising the need for a genuine caste census. 'Narendra Modi used to say in every speech, I am OBC. Then, on the caste census, they say that there is no caste in India. If there is ...Read More >
Mumbai, June 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana joins names such as Kamal Haasan, Ariana Grande, and Jeremy Strong at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences this year. Ayushmann along with names such as Kamal Haasan Naomi Ackie, Gillian Anderson, Branford Marsalis, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Graham, Jodie Comer and Jason Momoa are among 534 individuals who were invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences on June 26. "We are thrilled to invite this esteemed class of artists, technologists, and professionals to join the Academy," said Ac ...Read More >
Agartala (Tripura) [India], June 27 (ANI): Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday said that the state government will not compromise on the development of education, while announcing that competitive exam centres will be opened in three places for job seekers. 'Considering the job-seekers of Tripura, Tripura Competitive Exam Centres will be opened in three places in the state. Financial resources have been allocated in the budget for setting up these centers in Udaipur, Agartala, and Ambassa,' he said. The Chief Minister said this today at the inauguration of Chinmaya Hari Hara Vidyalay ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 29 (ANI): The Delhi government has requested Rs 1,000 crore in funding from the Central government to deploy new technology and implement measures aimed at reducing the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital, Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh said on Sunday during an inspection of Nehru Park. Minister Singh visited Nehru Park along with Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, as part of the government's initiative to install air purifiers in the area. Also Read | US: 24-Year-Old Indian Woman Simran Simran Goes Missing Days After Arriving for Arranged Mar ...Read More >
Agartala (Tripura) [India], December 12 (ANI): Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha inaugurated the opening ceremony of the 68th National School Games for Judo (Under-17 Girls) at NSRCC, Netaji Chowmuhani in Agartala. The competition, which will take place from December 12 to 15, will feature talent at the national level and will feature 31 teams, comprising representatives from 27 states and four organisations. Approximately 350 players, coaches, and managers are attending. Tripura's athletes have consistently excelled, earning medals in previous editions of the National School Games and Khelo ...Read More >
The books for class 9-12 will be available from 2026-27. New Delhi: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has reduced the prices of books for classes 9 to 12 by 20 per cent. The decision was announced by NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani during an event held in the national capital on Monday. The reduction in the prices of books will be effective from the upcoming academic year. News agency PTI quoted the minister as saying that while the textbooks for classes 9- ...Read More >
Srinagar, June 7: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, on Saturday, congratulated the University of Kashmir for getting an A++ grade in the NAAC inspection. The Lt Governor extended his heartiest congratulations to the Vice Chancellor, faculty, staff, and students of the University of Kashmir for attaining the prestigious A++ Grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), and securing an outstanding Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.68 on a seven-point scale. Calling it a proud moment for J&K UT, the Lt Governor said, "The A++ Grade places the Un ...Read More >
Agartala (Tripura) [India], June 5 (ANI): Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said that the state government is prioritising quality education for students, and quality teachers are being recruited through the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET). Saha also informed that more recruitments will be made in the future. Also Read | Centre Notifies Waqf Management Rules 2025; Portal, Database, Audit of Waqf Properties. "Textbook education can never be the standard of life. One can become morally strong through education. Along with education, children should also be engaged in social work," he said. CM ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 6 (ANI): On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva said that the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, served as a true tribute to Mookerjee, emphasising that his vision of nationalism continues to guide the BJP today. Addressing the event in Delhi, Sachdeva said, 'If you want to understand nationalism, national policy and India and its culture, then one should read the life of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee. His journey is a 'nationalist' journey... The way he raised his vo ...Read More >
Amaravathi (Andhra Pradesh) [India], June 28 (ANI): YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Saturday paid tribute to former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao on his 104th birth anniversary. Former Andhra Chief Minister Reddy remembered Bharat Ratna PV Narasimha Rao as a visionary leader who revolutionised India's economic landscape through his reforms. In an X post, the Reddy wrote, 'The visionary who transformed the country's economic condition with reforms, Bharat Ratna PV Narasimha Rao. On the occasion of the birth anniversary of PV, who provided numerous remarkable service ...Read More >
Pune: Hospitals in Pune have started reporting an increase in dengue cases among children following recent heavy rainfall and intermittent showers. Conditions are now ripe for mosquito breeding, experts said, as they warned citizens to ensure there's no waterlogging or stagnant pools near homes and offices. "Dengue is typically seen first in children as they often play outside," said Dr Sagar Lad, a senior neonatologist and pediatric intensivist at Jehangir Hospital and Sahyadri Hospital, Shastrinagar. Dr Lad said he's seen at least three children admitted for dengue this week, with all of the ...Read More >
Nagpur/Riddhapur: In a landmark step for regional pride and linguistic scholarship, the world's first Marathi Language University commenced admissions for the 2025 academic session on July 1 in Riddhapur, a historic village in Amravati district. The event marked a significant cultural and academic development for Maharashtra and the broader Marathi-speaking community. Dr Avinash Awalgaonkar assumed office as the university's first vice-chancellor felicitated by Mahant Karanjekar Baba, the newly elected Akhil Bharatiya Mahanubhav Parishad president."The establishment of this university comes at ...Read More >
Hyderabad, July 6 (Maxim News): In a major boost to employment opportunities in the banking sector, public sector banks (PSBs) are set to recruit around 50,000 personnel during the current financial year (FY2025), according to data compiled from various banks. The move is aimed at supporting expanding business operations, enhancing customer services, and strengthening digital and physical infrastructure. The State Bank of India (SBI), the country's largest lender, is leading the hiring wave with plans to employ nearly 20,000 people in FY2025. This includes both probationary officers and speci ...Read More >
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], July 6 (ANI): Telangana BJP President N Ramchander Rao on Sunday paid floral tributes to Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary at the central hall of Samvidhan Sadan in Hyderabad. Rao praised Syama Prasad Mookerjee as the founder of the Jan Sangh and the architect of the 'one nation, one law' vision. He said the abrogation of Article 370 is a significant tribute to Mookerjee's nationalist ideals, which continue to inspire BJP workers and people across India. Speaking to ANI, N Ramchander Rao said, 'Syama Prasad Mookerjee is the founder of th ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 3 (ANI): India cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar met his childhood friend Vinod Kambli and unveiled a memorial of renowned cricket coach Ramakant Vitthal Achrekar at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park on Tuesday. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, former cricketer and Sachin's childhood friend Vinod Kambli, former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar, former bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, Pravin Amre, 1983 World Cup-winning player Balwinder Singh Sandhu and others were also present during the unveiling ceremony of the memorial of the legenda ...Read More >
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], June 28 (ANI): Telangana Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, Rajya Sabha MP and OBC Morcha International President K Laxman, along with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader NV Subhash, paid tribute to the former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao on the occasion of his 104th birth anniversary. NV Subash recalled Narasimha Rao's "bold steps" in implementing the economic liberalisation policy. He highlighted how Rao's vision, supported by BJP leaders like LK Advani, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Murli Manohar Joshi, shaped the country's economic growth. Also Read | MSME Day Concl ...Read More >