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New Delhi, Aug 22 (IANS) The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday confirmed that Navi Mumbai will replace Bengaluru as one of the five venues for the upcoming ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 in a revised schedule for the showpiece event.

The DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai will host up to five fixtures comprising three league matches, a semifinal and potentially the final after a rejig was necessitated because of the unavailability of Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

The development occurred after the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) failed to meet multiple BCCI deadlines for obtaining police approvals, following the stampede during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) IPL victory celebrations earlier this year.

ICC confirmed that tournament dates remain the same – September 30 to November 2 – as do the other venues, which are the ACA Stadium (Guwahati), Holkar Stadium (Indore), ACA-VDCA Stadium (Visakhapatnam) and R. Premadasa Stadium (Colombo, Sri Lanka).

ICC Chairman Jay Shah expressed satisfaction at the announcement of the new venue, which he felt was an ideal one for women’s cricket.

"Navi Mumbai has emerged as a genuine home for women’s cricket in recent years. The support it has received during international fixtures and the Women’s Premier League has been remarkable, creating an atmosphere that elevates the players and inspires fans. I am certain that the same energy will define the big matches of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup as it returns to India after 12 years," he said in an ICC release.

“We stand at a pivotal moment in the journey of the women’s game. This World Cup has the potential to be remembered as one of those defining milestones that shaped the sport’s future, not only in India but across the cricketing world.

“While unforeseen circumstances required us to adjust the schedule and replace a venue, we are pleased to now have a line-up of five world-class venues that will showcase the very best of the women’s game. The stage is set, and I am confident this tournament will capture imaginations and inspire a new generation of fans.”

The final of the tournament will be held either in Colombo or Navi Mumbai on November 2; the first semifinal will take place in Guwahati or Colombo on October 29 and the second semifinal in Navi Mumbai on October 30.

India are scheduled to play co-host Sri Lanka in the tournament opener in Guwahati on September 30.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 22 (IANS) Automotive retailing solutions provider izmo locked in another 20 per cent upper circuit on Friday after its special division, izmomicro, developed a high-density silicon photonics packaging platform.

The stock hit a fresh all-time high of Rs 587.55 apiece, up Rs 97.90 during intra-day trade, after the company's achievement led to India’s entry into next-generation semiconductor technologies.

The Bengaluru-based company announced that the innovation will be crucial for advancing artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and future telecom networks. This advancement supports scalability and efficiency for hyperscale data centres, AI clusters, and next-generation 5G and 6G networks.

The company has developed a high-density silicon photonics packaging platform that supports 32-channel fibre input and output, achieving an industry-leading insertion loss of under 2 dB.

It achieved this density by overcoming a significant challenge of reaching nanometre-level optical alignment, using advanced assembly processes, and seamlessly integrating electronics.

The company said in its regulatory filing that the module integrates 32 DC input/outputs, 4 RF input/outputs, and provides high-speed RF performance up to 70 GHz.

“Only a few companies worldwide have demonstrated this capability, and we are proud to be the first in India. This breakthrough positions us as a critical partner for the global silicon photonics industry. As AI and data-driven applications demand ever-higher performance, our innovation will help power the infrastructure of the future,” said Dinanath Soni, Executive Director of izmomicro.

Silicon photonics is taking over copper interconnects for high-speed data transmission, becoming the key technology for multi-terabit optical communication. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 79th Independence Day address from the Red Fort, declared that Made-in-India semiconductor chips will be available in the market by the end of 2025.

The Union Cabinet this week approved four semiconductor projects worth Rs 4,600 crore. Odisha will receive two new projects, and Andhra Pradesh and Punjab will each receive one. After new approvals, there are ten India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)-sanctioned projects in six states.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 22 (IANS) WinZO, India’s largest social gaming and interactive entertainment platform, on Friday announced that it will withdraw its impacted offerings from August 22, following the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025.

The company said it remains committed to complying with the law of the land while continuing to fuel India’s digital journey.

Launched in 2018, WinZO has grown into a community of over 250 million users engaging with more than 100 games in 15 languages, developed by third-party creators from across the globe.

The company said it has always upheld the highest standards of integrity, ensuring user safety and national security.

It added that every feature on the platform was driven by responsibility and innovation rather than the pursuit of monetisation.

The firm also expressed gratitude to its team, investors, and partners for standing by it through challenges such as the pandemic, taxation shocks, and regulatory changes.

“In compliance with the new law, we are responsibly withdrawing impacted offerings w.e.f 22nd August 2025,” the company said.

Meanwhile, PokerBaazi also announced that it has paused all real money online gaming operations with immediate effect.

“With a very heavy heart, we announce that PokerBaazi will be pausing its operations in compliance with The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. Effective immediately, no real money games will be offered on our platform,” the company said in a statement.

PokerBaazi added that it will evaluate the future course of action once the Bill is fully enacted.

The fresh announcements come after industry majors like Dream11 and My11Circle had already stopped offering real money games earlier this week -- underscoring the wide impact of the new legislation on India’s booming online gaming sector.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 22 (IANS) The National Consumer Helpline (NCH) successfully facilitated refunds amounting to Rs 2.72 crore in July, addressing 7,256 consumer grievances across 27 sectors, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs said on Friday.

The e-commerce sector recorded the highest volume of refund-related grievances with 3,594 cases, resulting in refunds worth Rs 1.34 crore, followed by the travel and tourism sector, which accounted for refunds of Rs 31 lakh.

The helpline’s technological transformation has significantly enhanced its reach and efficiency.

Call volumes have increased more than tenfold, from 12,553 in December 2015 to 1,55,138 in December 2024, the Ministry stated.

Similarly, average monthly complaint registrations have grown from 37,062 in 2017 to 1,11,951 in 2024.

According to the Ministry, consumer adoption of digital channels has also surged, with grievance registration via WhatsApp rising from 3 per cent in March 2023 to 20 per cent in March 2025.

NCH acts as a unified platform bringing together consumers, government agencies, private sector companies, and regulatory bodies. The number of convergence partners has expanded steadily from 263 in 2017 to 1,131 companies in 2025, strengthening collaborative redressal mechanisms.

In line with its mandate to safeguard consumer rights and promote fair trade practices, the Department of Consumer Affairs monitors grievance data received through the NCH.

In addition, the Department also identifies companies with a high volume of complaints that are not yet part of the convergence programme for further engagement.

NCH collaborates with companies demonstrating a proactive approach to grievance redressal, onboarding them as convergence partners voluntarily, the Ministry highlighted.

Once onboarded, NCH provides these businesses with real-time complaint data, facilitating cooperative engagement and a free, equitable, and quick resolution.

NCH has integrated WhatsApp with its toll-free number (1915) in order to improve accessibility and expedite grievance registration during times of high call volume.

When customers experience lengthy wait times because of high traffic or technical issues, automated WhatsApp notifications are sent to them, allowing them to file complaints straight through the app.

This initiative enhances the helpline's responsiveness and efficiency by providing a smooth and easy-to-use substitute.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 22 (IANS) The Indian white-collar job market is expected to maintain strong hiring momentum, with 94 per cent of employers saying they plan to hire during the second half of 2025 (H2 2025), a report said on Friday.

Additionally, hiring employers, nearly three-quarters (72 per cent) indicated they expect new job creation, while 22 per cent of employers specified they largely foresee only replacement hiring to fill existing vacancies, Naukari, a recruitment platform, said in a report.

According to the recruitment agency, IT, Business Development, and Operations functions are expected to drive this hiring momentum.

Surprisingly, the report found that despite the ongoing buzz around job losses due to AI, 87 per cent of employers do not foresee any significant impact on overall employment.

Instead, 13 per cent of them expect AI to act as a catalyst for job creation, particularly in emerging roles.

"Functions most likely to benefit include IT (42 per cent), Analytics (17 per cent), and Business Development (11 per cent), where employers anticipate the rise of new AI-driven opportunities," the report stated.

The strong hiring sentiment is powered by demand for specialised technology roles, with 37 per cent of employers planning to hire for IT positions.

However, this demand is increasingly driven by emerging technologies rather than traditional IT functions, with companies specifically seeking professionals skilled in Machine Learning, Data Science, and AI-related technologies as these capabilities become essential across industries, the report noted.

Mid-level professionals with 4-7 years of experience are most in demand, with 47 per cent of employers planning to hire in this experience band.

Entry-level candidates (up to 3 years) account for 29 per cent of hiring intentions, the report said.

However, the senior-level recruitment tells a different story. Only 17 per cent of employers plan to hire professionals with 8-12 years of experience, while just 3 per cent plan to hire those with 13-16 years of experience, the report highlighted.

The report was prepared by drawing insights from over 1,300 employers.

--IANS

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Jaipur, Aug 21 (IANS) Serious irregularities have been uncovered in the Rajasthan Government Health Scheme (RGHS), leading to the suspension of nine individuals, including five doctors - two from Ayurveda and three from allopathy - and four other government employees.

In addition, an FIR has been filed against a private hospital, a medical store, three doctors, and a cardholder involved in the alleged fraud. Gayatri Rathore, Principal Secretary of the Medical and Health Department, stated that the department had been receiving complaints of irregularities from various stakeholders over a period of time.

Following a detailed investigation, strict action was taken. Suspended personnel include Dr. Kavita Dhankhar and Dr. Pawan Jangid (Ayurveda doctors, Government Ayurveda DB General Hospital, Churu), Dr. Manisha (CHC Bibirani, Khairthal-Tijara), Dr. Narsilal Pachauri (District Hospital, Alwar), Dr. Kapil Bhardwaj (TBC, Alwar), Madan Mohan Pandey (Compounder, Government Ayurveda Pharmacy, Nahri Ka Naka), Chandrashekhar Jatav (Compounder, Ayurveda Pharmacy, Baleta, Alwar), Mohsin Khan (Attendant, Office of Deputy Director, Ayurveda Department, Jaipur) and Mahesh Kumar Mahawar (Assistant Administrative Officer, Water Resources Department) According to Harji Lal Atal, CEO of the Rajasthan State Health Assurance Agency, an FIR has been filed against Rajasthan Pensioners Association Medical Store (Company Bagh Road, Alwar), Mittal Hospital, three doctors, and the staff card holder involved.

The investigation revealed that fake OPD slips were generated in collusion with doctors, pharmacy staff, and the cardholder.

Instead of dispensing prescribed medicines, non-medical items were allegedly taken from the medical store.

Shockingly, using just one OPD card, treatments and medicines worth approximately Rs 26.7 lakh were billed in a single year.

The matter is under further investigation, and more actions may follow, said officials.

--IANS

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New Delhi, June 28 (IANS) On a day destined to be etched in golden letters in India’s space saga, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the second Indian to journey beyond the confines of Earth, spoke from the International Space Station to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Orbiting 400 kilometres above Earth, Captain Shukla made history as the first Indian aboard the ISS (International Space Station) - a moment cherished across the nation.

During a live conversation with the Prime Minister, he shared an observation that resonated deeply back home: “Jab maine Bharat ko space se dekha, toh laga ki woh nakshon mein jitna dikhta hai, usse kaafi bada hai.” (When I saw India from space, it looked much bigger than how it appears on the map). The sentiment was more than geographical—it was emotional. It captured the awe of seeing one’s country without borders, politics, or constraints. Just land, culture, and identity stretching beyond outlines.

In a warm and inspiring interaction broadcast to the nation on Saturday, PM Modi congratulated Captain Shukla not merely as a soldier of science but as a symbol of new beginnings.

“Aapke naam mein bhi ‘shubh’ hai aur aapki yatra naye yug ka ‘shubh aarambh’ hai,” he remarked, noting how the astronaut’s very name embodied the auspiciousness of the moment.

“Aap se iss samay 140 crore Bharatiyon ke jazbaat jude hue hain,” the Prime Minister added, his voice filled with emotion.

“Main aap se sirf ek neta ke roop mein nahi, par har Bharatiya ke garv aur ummeedon ka pratinidhi ban kar baat kar raha hoon.”

From the calm interior of the orbiting station, Captain Shukla replied with a composed smile.

“Main yahan surakshit hoon, swasth hoon, aur Bharat ke liye yah anubhav ek naye yug ki shuruaat hai,” he said.

“Main desh ka pratinidhitva karne ke liye abhaari hoon. Mujhe kabhi laga nahi tha ki ek din main antariksh mein jaa paunga. Parantu aapki netritva mein, Bharat ne sapne dekhne bhi seekhe hain aur unhe poora karne ka sahas bhi paaya hai.” (I am safe and healthy here, and for India, this experience marks the beginning of a new era. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent the nation. I never imagined that one day I would travel to space. But under your leadership, India has learned not only to dream but also to summon the courage to fulfil those dreams.)

As Earth rotated silently below, Captain Shukla shared a vision few are privileged to witness—a borderless world. “When I saw India for the first time, it appeared much larger than what we see on maps. Observing it from space makes it clear that all of us, human beings, share one common home: Earth. No borders, no states, just humanity,” he reflected.

There was, however, a tender and unexpected indulgence aboard the spacecraft, gajar ka halwa. India’s beloved winter dessert had made the journey into orbit, lovingly packed alongside aamras (mango pulp).

“Main gajar ka halwa aur aamras lekar aaya hoon… yeh sirf swaad nahi, yeh ghar ki yaadon ka ek hissa hai,” Captain Shukla chuckled.

His fellow astronauts, Peggy Whitson from the US, Sawosz Uznanski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary, received their first taste of Indian hospitality, 400 kilometres above sea level. The Prime Minister, delighted by this cultural gesture, reminded Shukla of the profound responsibility resting on his shoulders.

“This journey of yours is not yours alone; it is a source of inspiration for an entire generation. Now, you are being given a special assignment—your experience will illuminate India’s Gaganyaan mission, our goal of building a space station and stepping onto the Moon,” PM Modi said with encouragement. Navigating life in zero gravity isn't easy.

Captain Shukla described the challenges of sleeping in space and adjusting to an environment where every movement must be reconsidered.

“Nothing here is ordinary. Even sleeping is a challenge. Without gravity, everything feels different,” he explained candidly.

Despite a year of intense training, no amount of preparation could replicate the feeling of floating through each task. Yet, amid the complexity of life aboard the ISS, Captain Shukla’s presence—and his gajar ka halwa—serve as powerful metaphors.

In a world where tradition and technology often seem at odds, he brought both into harmony, carrying the warmth of his heritage while advancing India’s global footprint in space.

As the conversation drew to a close, it was clear this was no ordinary exchange—it was a national moment of pride, a dialogue between Earth and its dreams. With pride swelling at home and the Tricolour silently unfurling above the planet, India found in Shubhanshu Shukla not merely an astronaut, but a story of bold beginnings, cherished memories, and infinite aspiration.

--IANS

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New Delhi, June 28 (IANS) India has recorded a phenomenal expansion of social security coverage from 19 per cent in 2015 to 64.3 per cent in 2025. This means that 64.3 per cent of India’s population, comprising 94.3 crore people, are now covered under at least one social protection benefit.

This unprecedented increase has also been acknowledged by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on its ILOSTAT database. This 45-percentage point jump over ten years marks one of the most significant expansions globally.

In terms of the number of beneficiaries, India now ranks second in the world after China in providing social protection to citizens.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment is working closely with the ILO for a national social protection data pooling exercise to obtain a holistic picture of social protection coverage in India.

Under this project, encrypted Aadhaar is being used as a unique identifier across 34 major Central schemes such as MGNREGA, EPFO, ESIC, APY, and PM-POSHAN, to identify unique beneficiaries.

Financial inclusion has been at the heart of India’s social security push. As of June 18, 2025, over 55.64 crore people hold Jan Dhan accounts, giving them direct access to government benefits and formal banking services.

The Aadhaar programme has helped create a unique digital identity system. As of June 27, 2025, over 142 crore Aadhaar cards have been issued. This system supports authentication and delivery of benefits to the right person at the right time.

The DBT system has streamlined welfare payments, reducing leakages and delays. Cumulative savings have reached Rs 3.48 lakh crore as of March 2023, reflecting its efficiency and scale.

More than 51.06 crore people enrolled in PM Suraksha Bima Yojna, 23.64 crore people in PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojna.

Apart from this, over 51.35 lakh workers in PM Shram Yogi Mandhan Yojna and more than 3 crore women to be empowered as Lakhpati Didis, over 4 crore houses have also been allotted under PM Awas Yojna to uplift the poor, the official figures show.

As per the ILO, social security is the protection that a society provides to individuals and families to ensure access to health care and to guarantee income security. It is especially important in times of old age, sickness, unemployment, disability, maternity, work injury or the loss of a breadwinner. Defined in ILO conventions and UN instruments, social security is recognised as a basic human right.

India has a wide-ranging social security system comprising social insurance and social assistance schemes at both the central and state levels. These include welfare payments, mandatory social insurance with contributions from the employer and employee, and other employer-based benefits. In addition to these, there are also schemes providing in-kind benefits like food, health, shelter, security, etc.

Phase I of this pooling exercise started on 19th March 2025 and includes ten states including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Gujarat.

This data pooling exercise will not only strengthen India’s global reputation as a social protection pioneer but also facilitate the Central government, states and UTs to optimise welfare spending and move closer towards sustainable financing of social protection. It will help the states in identifying unique beneficiaries under state-specific social protection schemes.

--IANS

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Jaipur, June 28 (IANS) A thought-provoking discussion on the ‘Role of Society Against Terrorism’ was held on Saturday at the Constitution Club in Jaipur, under the banner of the Global Dialogue Forum 'Vishwam' on Saturday.

The session saw prominent voices, including Major General Sudhakar, former diplomat Gauri Shankar Gupta, and thinker Ashutosh Pant, expressing grave concerns over radicalisation and the growing threat of digital terrorism.

Major General Sudhakar warned that social media has become a new tool for terrorism, facilitating cognitive warfare, a psychological battle aimed at misleading and manipulating young minds.

He emphasised the urgent need for a national strategy to counter digital brainwashing, cautioning that if extremist narratives are not challenged, they will alter the very fabric of society.

Major General Sudhakar said that “social media is now rapidly becoming a new form of terrorism.”

He said that today, cognitive warfare, i.e. psychological warfare, is being used to mentally mislead the youth. He said that if we do not change the false and extremist narrative, then it will change us. He stressed the need to formulate a national strategy against digital brainwashing.

Former diplomat Gauri Shankar Gupta advocated for a unified education system across India to preserve social cohesion. He stressed that fragmented education models breed division and weaken the collective fight against radical ideologies.

He also backed the swift implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to ensure a common legal framework for all citizens.

Gupta called for uniting the society against terrorism and advocated the implementation of a uniform education system across the country. He said that different types of education systems are fatal to social unity.

Ashutosh Pant highlighted the importance of cultivating an aware, value-driven society, stating that terrorism can only be tackled effectively when citizens are morally and intellectually engaged.

Forum founders Vikrant Singh and Murari Gupta underlined the objective of the event, which is to address pressing societal concerns and shape a concrete action plan.

--IANS

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Kolkata, June 28 (IANS) The Trinamool Congress, on Saturday, officially censured a party Lok Sabha member and a party legislator for making controversial comments over the alleged rape of a law student within the college premises at Kasba in Kolkata earlier this week.

The two leaders who have been censured in the matter are the four-time Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member and senior advocate of Calcutta High Court, Kalyan Banerjee, and the party legislator Madan Mitra.

After the rape incident took place and three persons accused in the case, all having links with Trinamool Congress's students' wing -- Trinamool Chhatra Parishad, Kalyan Banerjee made a comment claiming that it would not be possible for government authorities to provide protection in cases, where a friend rapes another friend.

Later, Madan Mitra, infamous for his frequent loose comments, also made a controversial statement claiming that the rape incident had sent a message to all girls that they should not go to college when it is closed.

Both the comments created a stir across the political and social circles in West Bengal.

On Saturday, Trinamool Congress issued a statement claiming that the remarks made by Banerjee and Mitra in the matter were made in their individual capacities and hence the party had unequivocally disassociated itself from their statements and strongly condemned them.

"These views do not reflect the position of the party in any manner whatsoever. Our stance remains resolute; we have zero tolerance for crimes against women and demand the strictest possible punishment for all those involved in this heinous crime," the statement said.

Meanwhile, a Calcutta High Court advocate Souma Subhra Ray, on Saturday, wrote a letter to the Calcutta High Court Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam seeking suo motu cognisance of the court in the Kasba law college rape case.

In the letter, Ray had requested Justice Sivagnanam to issue directions for a court-monitored and independent criminal investigation, preferably by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), to ensure an impartial probe free from state's influence or interference.

Ray has also pleaded for constituting a judicial commission, headed by a retired judge of the Calcutta High Court, to investigate the institutional, administrative and security failures that permitted this incident to occur.

--IANS

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