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Bhubaneswar, July 23: The Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), Bhubaneswar is set to introduce a new hub-and-spoke travel model from August to improve international flight connectivity for passengers from Odisha.

Under the proposed system, overseas travellers departing from Bhubaneswar will have access to connecting international flights through the Delhi hub, with the model focusing on night-time international departures.

Passengers travelling from Bhubaneswar during the early evening will be able to connect with available overnight international flights from Delhi, creating a smoother and more convenient travel option for those heading to overseas destinations.

The initiative aims to strengthen Bhubaneswar’s role as an aviation gateway for Odisha and improve access to global destinations by better integrating domestic and international flight schedules.

Airport authorities expect the new transit arrangement to benefit passengers by reducing travel difficulties and providing more coordinated connectivity between regional and international routes.

The move is part of broader efforts to enhance air connectivity, support tourism, and facilitate easier international travel for passengers from Odisha and neighbouring regions.

July 23: Tamil Nadu has recorded stronger revenue performance in the first quarter despite a decline in financial support received through Central government grants, highlighting the state’s improved revenue mobilisation and fiscal management.

The state’s own revenue sources have shown positive momentum, supported by economic activity, improved tax collections, and better compliance across key sectors. The growth has helped offset the impact of reduced transfers from the Centre during the period.

Officials said the state government continues to focus on strengthening revenue generation while maintaining expenditure priorities across development programmes, infrastructure projects, and welfare initiatives.

The performance reflects Tamil Nadu’s efforts to improve financial stability through effective resource management and expansion of its economic base. The state has continued to prioritise investments in sectors that support long-term growth and public welfare.

Financial experts noted that maintaining steady revenue growth will be important for managing fiscal requirements and supporting development activities amid changing economic conditions.

Bengaluru, Karnataka, July 23: Akshar Yoga Kendraa, an internationally recognised yoga institution dedicated to preserving and propagating the authentic Himalayan yogic sciences, has achieved 21 new Guinness World Records™, taking its cumulative total to 42.

The milestone will be commemorated at the Akshar Yoga Kendraa Global Yoga Excellence Awards & Guinness World Records™ Celebration 2026, to be held on Saturday, 25 July 2026 at Sheraton Grand, Bengaluru, honouring the individuals, institutions, volunteers, partners and participants who made the achievement possible. The event brings together participants from more than 80 countries.

The celebration will be graced by dignitaries including His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Dr. Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji, 72nd Pontiff of Sri Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math; Dr. C. N. Ashwath Narayan, MLA and former Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka; Shri N. A. Haris, MLA and Chairman, Bangalore Development Authority; Shri Seemant Kumar Singh, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City; Shri K. V. Sharat Chandra, IPS, Principal Secretary, Home Department, Government of Karnataka; and Shri Dinesh Kumar Yadav, IPS, Inspector General, Border Security Force, Bengaluru Frontier.

The 21 new records were created on 21 June 2026, on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga, involving students, yoga teachers, healthcare professionals, police personnel, defence forces, educational institutions and corporate organisations. A key highlight was the Global Online Tratak Meditation Attempt, connecting thousands of participants across continents.

As part of the celebration, Akshar Yoga Kendraa will felicitate the organisations, trainers, coordinators and volunteers whose contributions made the achievement possible.

Speaking on the occasion, Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, Founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa, said: “Yoga is India’s timeless gift to humanity. It is a complete science for the evolution of human consciousness—bringing harmony to the body, clarity to the mind, balance to the emotions and awakening the highest human potential. At Akshar Yoga Kendraa, our mission is to preserve the authenticity of the Himalayan yogic tradition while making this profound knowledge accessible to every individual, irrespective of nationality, culture or background. Every yoga teacher trained through a structured, authentic and uniform system becomes a torchbearer of this ancient wisdom, carrying its transformative power into families, communities and nations for generations to come.”

During the celebration, Akshar Yoga Kendraa will also announce its commitment to training 100,000 certified yoga teachers in 2026 through its Scholarship Yoga Teacher Training Programme, offering fully sponsored, one-month residential training to individuals from underprivileged and marginalised communities.

With 42 Guinness World Records™ and a global community spanning more than 80 countries, Akshar Yoga Kendraa continues to advance its mission of preserving the Himalayan yogic tradition.

July 23: Indian fencers Taniksha Khatri and Prachi Beniwal have scripted a historic moment for Indian fencing by securing qualification for the main draw of the Senior World Fencing Championships.

The Indian duo delivered impressive performances in the qualifying rounds, overcoming strong international competition to earn their spots in the prestigious tournament. Their achievement marks a significant milestone for the sport in India and reflects the growing strength of the country’s fencing talent pool.

The qualification of Taniksha and Prachi highlights the progress being made in Indian fencing and provides a major boost to athletes aspiring to compete at the highest international level. Their success is expected to inspire greater participation and development of the sport among young players across the country.

The Senior World Fencing Championships feature the world’s best fencers and serve as one of the biggest platforms for athletes to showcase their skills, determination, and competitive spirit.

With their main draw berths confirmed, Taniksha and Prachi will now focus on delivering strong performances and making a lasting impact at the global championship.

Mumbai, July 23: India is set to welcome university-level squash talent from across the world as Mumbai prepares to host the FISU World University Squash Championship from August 3.

The international championship will bring together top university athletes competing for honours on a global platform, showcasing skill, determination, and the growing popularity of squash among young sports enthusiasts.

The hosting of the prestigious event marks a significant achievement for India’s sports ecosystem and reflects the country’s increasing capability to organise international competitions with world-class standards. The championship is expected to provide valuable exposure to emerging athletes while promoting the growth of squash at the university and grassroots levels.

Organisers are making comprehensive arrangements to ensure a successful tournament, including quality playing facilities, efficient event management, and support systems for participating teams and athletes.

The championship is also expected to strengthen India’s position in global university sports and encourage greater participation in squash among young players.

Kolkata, July 23: Football enthusiasm has reached a high in Kolkata as the prestigious Durand Cup trophies were showcased in the city ahead of the tournament’s commencement on July 25.

The display of the iconic Durand Cup, President’s Cup, and Shimla Trophy marked the final phase of the trophy tour and celebrated the rich legacy of one of India’s oldest and most prestigious football tournaments. The event brought fans closer to the historic silverware and highlighted the deep-rooted connection between Kolkata and Indian football.

The upcoming edition of the Durand Cup will see top football clubs compete for the coveted trophies, with matches scheduled across multiple venues. Kolkata, known as the heartland of Indian football, is set to host several important fixtures, adding to the excitement among supporters.

Organisers said the tournament continues to serve as an important platform for clubs, established players, and emerging football talents to showcase their skills at the national level. The competition also reflects the enduring relationship between Indian football traditions and the armed forces, which have played a key role in the tournament’s history.

With the opening match just days away, teams are preparing for a challenging campaign while fans across the country eagerly await the return of the historic football championship.