Author: newshens

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has announced that nearly all states in India are actively implementing the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), even those initially hesitant but using different terms. Speaking at the inauguration of IInvenTiv 2024, the country’s largest R&D Innovation Fair, Pradhan highlighted the event’s expansion beyond IITs and outlined plans to extend research and development opportunities to tier-2 and tier-3 cities. He challenged the perception that only IITs represent quality institutions.  Pradhan expressed satisfaction with the widespread adoption of NEP 2020, emphasizing its philosophical and historical significance. The event, showcasing extensive participation from Higher Education Institutions…

A senior UN official has voiced concerns over a potential “lost generation” in Gaza due to the extensive destruction caused by the war. The war, initiated by Israel in response to a massive attack by Hamas, has resulted in widespread damage to public and private buildings, including homes, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. The UN’s Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) reports that at least 60% of homes in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged, with nine out of ten schools suffering significant damage. The Commissioner General for UNRWA, Phillippe Lazzarini, warns that over half a million children in…

On Wednesday, Apple’s announcement permitting app developers to sell products outside its App Store while still imposing a commission has sparked a heated response from Spotify. Accusing Apple of prioritizing profits and engaging in “outrageous” practices, Spotify is urging the UK government to intervene against similar fees. Apple’s new rules in the US, following legal battles with Epic Games, allow subscriptions outside its payment system but come with a commission of up to 27% for developers. The court ruling found Apple in breach of the law by limiting developers from informing users about alternative payment methods. Apple defended its commission…

In Kampala, Uganda, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Moosa Zameer, his Maldivian counterpart, amidst heightened tensions between India and the Maldives. The encounter occurred on the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit, providing a crucial platform for leaders to discuss pressing international issues. The meeting primarily addressed the recent withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives, contributing to strained bilateral relations. Described as a “frank conversation,” both leaders underscored the importance of open dialogue to navigate the complexities of the ongoing diplomatic controversy. The outcome of this pivotal meeting, coupled with India’s active participation in the NAM…

The Ministry of Finance has announced a significant development in personal income tax benefits, fulfilling promises made in the Finance Act, 2023. According to a tweet from the official Ministry of Finance account, Section 87A of the Income-tax Act, 1961, has been amended, allowing a rebate that eliminates tax liability for individuals with income up to Rs. 7 lakh. This amendment aligns with the government’s commitment to reducing the tax burden on the middle-income segment. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has actively delivered on budget promises for the fiscal year 2023-24, focusing on personal income tax relief. The…

In the midst of recent speculation surrounding actor Prabhas’ purported donation of ₹50 crore and sponsorship of food expenses for the consecration of Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir on January 22, the controversy took a turn when Andhra Pradesh MLA Chirla Jaggireddy endorsed these claims at an event. Jaggireddy asserted that Prabhas had generously agreed to contribute to the temple and also sponsor the meals for those attending the ceremony. However, Prabhas’ team swiftly moved to quash these rumors, labeling them as “fake news” in a statement to India Today. The team clarified that the renowned actor neither made a substantial financial…

The Ministry of Education’s Department of Higher Education in the Government of India has introduced comprehensive guidelines for coaching centers. These guidelines aim to address concerns related to unregulated private coaching centers, focusing on issues such as exorbitant fees, student stress, and malpractices. Key aspects of the guidelines include a structured registration process, ensuring that coaching centers comply with specified forms, fees, and document requirements within their local jurisdiction. The guidelines emphasize the responsibility of State/UT governments for regulating +2 level education. To maintain transparency, coaching centers are required to refrain from making misleading promises and maintain updated websites with…

Aitana Bonmati’s journey from a small town in Catalonia to becoming a prominent figure in women’s football is a saga of mental strength, intensity, and unwavering desire. Facing skepticism as the only girl in a boys’ football team, she defied stereotypes and embraced her passion. Her mother, Rosa Bonmati, played a pivotal role in shaping Aitana’s identity by challenging traditional naming conventions. A proposal to change the law allowed Rosa to put her own name before her husband’s, reflecting early examples of standing up for beliefs. A peaceful upbringing in Ribes, where intellectual stimulation outweighed athletic passion, fostered Aitana’s love…

EDF’s strategic move to extend the operational lives of UK nuclear plants, coupled with potential Sizewell B extension plans, marks a pivotal step towards enhancing the country’s energy security and achieving carbon reduction goals. With a decision anticipated by year-end, the firm’s commitment to invest approximately £1.3bn underscores its dedication to the UK’s nuclear power sector. The alignment with government targets for nuclear power to constitute 25% of electricity by 2050 positions EDF’s initiatives as crucial for meeting clean energy objectives. The company’s emphasis on safety considerations, regulatory approvals, and innovative solutions exemplifies collaborative efforts in sustaining and advancing the…

The AquaLunar challenge, a collaborative initiative by the Canadian and U.K. space agencies, has been launched to seek groundbreaking solutions for purifying water on the moon. With water abundance near the moon’s south pole, the challenge addresses the critical issue of contaminants, necessitating innovative purification systems for potential lunar habitation. Participants are tasked with overcoming challenges such as the corrosive lunar soil, low-mass system requirements, and adapting to the unique lunar environment with only one-sixth of Earth’s gravity. The data on moon water contamination, gathered from NASA’s LCROSS mission in 2009, underscores the complexity of the challenge, revealing elements like…