Category: News

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a large-scale recruitment drive to strengthen the state’s Anganwadi system, with plans to hire 5,000 Anganwadi workers and 60,000 helpers this year.

The move is aimed at improving the delivery of nutrition, healthcare, and early childhood services under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme. Officials said the recruitment will help address staff shortages and ensure better outreach, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Highlighting the importance of Anganwadi centres, the Chief Minister stressed their role in supporting the health and development of children, as well as providing essential services to pregnant women and new mothers. Strengthening this network, he noted, is key to improving overall community well-being.

The state government is expected to streamline the recruitment process to ensure transparency and timely appointments. Once completed, the expanded workforce is likely to enhance service delivery and bring greater efficiency to grassroots welfare programmes.

Gloves are stepping back into the spotlight as a surprising yet stylish accessory this season. Once reserved for winter wardrobes or formal occasions, gloves are now making waves in spring and summer fashion, with designers showcasing sheer leather, delicate lace, and lightweight fabrics that blend style with functionality.

Pic Credit: Pexel

This season’s glove trend is not just about aesthetics. Lightweight gloves offer a practical benefit for sunny days: protecting your hands from harmful UV rays. While most people remember sunscreen for their face and arms, hands are equally exposed to sun damage, which can lead to premature aging, dark spots, and even skin cancer. Summer-friendly gloves provide a chic shield while keeping your look sophisticated.

Designers are experimenting with textures and transparency to ensure gloves remain breathable and comfortable in warmer weather. Sheer leather gloves in pastel tones, lace gloves with intricate patterns, and fingerless designs allow for freedom of movement while making a fashion statement. They pair effortlessly with flowing dresses, tailored blazers, or even casual denim, adding a touch of elegance to everyday outfits.

In addition to sun protection, summer gloves can help keep hands clean and hygienic, especially during outdoor events or travel. Lightweight, breathable fabrics make it easy to wear them throughout the day without discomfort.

Whether you choose a delicate lace pair for a garden party or a sleek leather design for urban outings, gloves are proving they are far more than a cold-weather accessory. This summer, they combine fashion, functionality, and sun-smart protection, making them a wardrobe essential for the style-conscious and health-conscious alike.

Toledo, Spain: India delivered a strong performance at the Spanish Para-Badminton International 2026 – Level 1, with Pramod Bhagat emerging as the star performer. The Paralympic champion secured one gold and two silver medals, driving India’s impressive showing on the international stage.

Bhagat’s standout moment came in the Mixed Doubles SL3-SU5 category, where he partnered with Manisha Ramdass. The Indian pair showcased exceptional coordination and resilience, defeating compatriots Nitesh Kumar and Thulasimathi Murugesan in straight sets. They comfortably took the first set 21-15 and edged a tense second set 24-22, clinching the title in just 30 minutes.

In the Men’s Singles SL3 final, Bhagat earned a silver medal after a hard-fought match against Nitesh Kumar, losing 10-21, 17-21. He added another silver in the Men’s Doubles SL3-SU5 event alongside Sukant Kadam. The duo staged a strong comeback after dropping the first set 16-21 against Naveen Sivakumar and Surya Kant Yadav, winning the second 21-12, but eventually fell 15-21 in the decider.

India’s overall campaign in Toledo was highlighted by multiple podium finishes. Nitesh Kumar claimed gold in the Men’s Singles SL3, while Manasi Joshi and Thulasimathi Murugesan triumphed in the Women’s Doubles SL3-SU5. Thulasimathi Murugesan also added an individual medal to her tally, contributing to India’s strong medal haul.

The team’s performance reflects India’s growing dominance in para-badminton and underscores the depth of talent across categories.

Bhubaneswar, March 30, 2026 – The Odisha Khadi Fair 2026 concluded in Bhubaneswar after seven days of celebration, highlighting the pivotal role of khadi in generating rural employment and driving economic growth.

The 7 day long Odisha Khadi Fair–2026 concluded in Bhubaneswar, highlighting khadi’s key role in rural employment and economic growth.

Organized by the Odisha Khadi and Village Industries Board, the fair onboarded 50 artisan groups to ONDC, promoting digital inclusion. With 75… pic.twitter.com/hdfgBiBnOd

— I & PR Department, Odisha (@IPR_Odisha) March 29, 2026

Organized by the Odisha Khadi and Village Industries Board, the fair provided a platform for over 50 artisan groups to onboard onto the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), advancing digital inclusion for traditional crafts. With 75 stalls featuring products from Odisha and other states, the event facilitated business worth approximately ₹1.2 crore, strengthening market connections and supporting artisan livelihoods.

The fair emphasized not only commerce but also the preservation of handloom traditions, creating opportunities for small-scale producers to reach wider audiences while promoting sustainable, locally-made products.

Bhubaneswar, March 30, 2026 – Odisha has completed a year of significant progress under the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana, a flagship program focused on providing safe and dignified housing for the State’s most vulnerable families. The initiative has reached thousands of households, including in remote districts such as Kalahandi, ensuring that marginalized communities have access to secure homes and improved living conditions.

Pic Credit:https://x.com/CMO_Odisha

The scheme goes beyond building houses, fostering stability, security, and dignity for families that have long faced economic and social challenges. With effective implementation across the State, Antyodaya Gruha Yojana has become a model of inclusive development, demonstrating how targeted social welfare programs can transform lives and strengthen communities.

Odisha’s flagship Subhadra Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme is emerging as a key driver of women’s empowerment and economic stability in the state. Designed to strengthen financial independence among women, the initiative is showing measurable improvements in household resilience and participation in the local economy.

According to a recent report by State Bank of India Research, beneficiaries of the scheme have recorded a 45% increase in savings and a 28% rise in spending. These trends indicate not only improved financial security but also greater confidence in managing household finances.

The Subhadra scheme, which provides direct financial support to women, is helping expand access to formal banking systems while encouraging regular savings habits. Increased spending among beneficiaries is also contributing to local economic activity, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.

Experts note that such targeted DBT initiatives play a crucial role in promoting inclusive growth by ensuring that financial resources reach women directly. This, in turn, enhances their decision-making power within households and supports long-term socio-economic development.

The Odisha government has positioned the scheme as part of a broader strategy to improve livelihoods, reduce financial vulnerability, and strengthen grassroots economic participation. Early indicators suggest that the initiative is not only uplifting individual households but also contributing to the state’s overall economic momentum.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Noida International Airport at Jewar, marking a significant step in Uttar Pradesh’s infrastructure growth. With this addition, the state now ranks among those with the highest number of international airports in India.

Pic Credit: https://x.com/PMOIndia

Describing the occasion as important for both the state and the country, he said the airport reflects the broader vision of a developed Uttar Pradesh contributing to a developed India. He also noted his long-standing association with the state, emphasizing that the project strengthens its identity at a national and global level.

The airport is expected to improve connectivity across western Uttar Pradesh, benefiting cities such as Agra, Mathura, Aligarh, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Etawah, Bulandshahr, and Faridabad. It is likely to create new opportunities for farmers, small businesses, and young people in the region, while also supporting trade and travel.

Referring to global challenges, Modi mentioned ongoing tensions in West Asia and their impact on supplies of essential commodities like fuel and fertilizers. He said the government is taking steps to reduce the burden of such disruptions on citizens.

He also highlighted recent development projects in the region, including a semiconductor facility in Noida, expansion of metro services in Meerut, and the progress of the Namo Bharat rail corridor. These initiatives, he said, are strengthening connectivity and supporting economic growth.

The airport project was originally approved in 2003 during the tenure of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and has now been completed after gaining momentum in recent years. It is expected to emerge as a key aviation hub for North India.

An IndiGo flight was forced to make an emergency landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport on Saturday, following a technical issue reported mid-air. All passengers and crew on board were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.

Airport and airline officials confirmed that the flight landed smoothly, and emergency services were on standby as a precaution. Passengers were later assisted with alternate travel arrangements.

IndiGo has stated that it is investigating the cause of the incident and emphasized that passenger safety is its top priority. The airline also reassured travelers that all standard safety protocols were followed.

Authorities are coordinating with the airline to ensure that operations at the airport continue without disruption while the investigation is underway.

Gujarat is set to witness a major boost in railway infrastructure as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to inaugurate a series of projects worth ₹891 crore. The initiatives include a new rail line and multiple track-doubling projects aimed at enhancing connectivity and improving the efficiency of the state’s rail network.

Officials say that the new rail line will connect key regions, reducing travel time and providing better access for passengers and freight transport. The track-doubling projects are expected to ease congestion on busy routes, allowing more trains to run smoothly and improving punctuality.

The launch of these projects reflects the government’s continued focus on strengthening infrastructure to support economic growth and regional development. Enhanced rail connectivity is expected to benefit industries, trade, and tourism across Gujarat.

With these initiatives, commuters can look forward to faster, more reliable train services, while the state’s transport network becomes better equipped to handle increasing passenger and cargo demand.

The Prime Minister’s visit underscores the importance of modernizing the rail sector and delivering infrastructure projects that directly improve the quality of life for residents while fostering economic opportunities.

The Parliament on Friday passed the Finance Bill 2026, paving the way for the implementation of the Union Budget 2026-27 from April 1. The Rajya Sabha returned the bill to the Lok Sabha by a voice vote after a brief discussion, during which Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed questions raised by members.

The Lok Sabha had cleared the bill on March 25, incorporating 32 amendments. With its approval, the budget proposals now have legal backing for execution in the new financial year.

The Union Budget 2026-27 outlines total expenditure of ₹53.47 lakh crore, a 7.7% rise over the current fiscal year. Capital expenditure is set at ₹12.2 lakh crore, aimed at accelerating infrastructure projects, generating employment, and supporting economic growth—up ₹2.2 lakh crore from the previous year.

To facilitate major infrastructure initiatives, an Infrastructure Risk Development Fund will be established. The fiscal deficit is projected to fall to 4.3% of GDP in 2026-27, balancing growth support with fiscal stability.

The government plans net borrowing of ₹11.7 lakh crore through dated securities to fund the deficit, with gross market borrowing estimated at ₹17.2 lakh crore.

The Finance Bill’s passage ensures that key budget measures, including infrastructure investment and fiscal consolidation, will be implemented smoothly at the start of the new fiscal year.