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India leads in Global South’s response to AI and automation: Report

The GLMC’s report “Navigating Tomorrow: Mastering skills in a dynamic global labour market” emphasises India’s key role in the Global South’s response to AI and automation.

As ministers, academics and experts gather in the Saudi Arabian capital to discuss the challenges facing the global labour market, a report has positioned India as the leader in the Global South’s response to disruptions such artificial intelligence (AI) and automation.

The Global Labour Market Conference (GLMC), a flagship event of the Saudi government, has attracted participants from some 150 countries, including International Labour Organization (ILO) director-general Gilbert Houngbo and representatives of leading Indian players such as Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to discuss practical strategies for the sustainability of labour markets.

The GLMC’s report “Navigating Tomorrow: Mastering skills in a dynamic global labour market” emphasises India’s key role in the Global South’s response to AI and automation and says the country’s workers have been frontrunners in skill development and technological adaptation.

The report, which focuses on technological advancements, demographic shifts and climate change as factors reshaping employment trends across 14 countries, including India, states more than 70% of Indian professionals actively seek opportunities to upskill, making the country a global leader in technological adaptation.

While global trust in governments to support upskilling remains low at 20%, Indian respondents (31%) and Saudi Arabia respondents (35%) showed significantly higher confidence in their governments. The figures for the US (15%) and the UK (12%) were lower.

The urgency to reskill because of technological advancements is a concern among Indian professionals, with 55% fearing their skills could become partially or fully obsolete within five years. This places India in line with similar concerns expressed by 61% in Brazil and 60% in China, compared to lower levels in developed markets such as the UK (44%) and Australia (43%).

Several sessions at the GLMC have focused on disruptions caused in the global and regional labour markets by AI and the need for new strategies and training programmes to deal with these challenges. In his opening address at the conference on Wednesday, Saudi Arabia’s human resources minister Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi emphasised the need for “bold steps” to respond to emerging challenges.

“The world is witnessing rapid technological advancement, fundamental demographic changes and emerging issues such as climate adaptation. These developments require us to take proactive and bold steps to prepare humanity for the future,” Al-Rajhi said.

Al-Rajhi announced a key initiative – the launch of the Riyadh- based Global Labour Market Academy in partnership with the World Bank – to provide policymakers worldwide, especially in middle and low-income countries, with tools to implement effective labour market reforms.

“Our vision remains clear and our goals steadfast to work together to build a flexible and inclusive labour market that can adapt to future challenges and changes efficiently and effectively,” he said.

West Asian countries are key for the Indian labour force as they host nine million expatriates. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) each are home to almost three million Indians, including blue collar workers engaged in construction and a growing number of professionals in fields such as IT, engineering, medicine, architecture and services.

The GLMC’s report also noted that climate change has spurred upskilling or reskilling in India, with 32% of respondents identifying it as a factor influencing their reskilling decisions in the next five years.

However, barriers to upskilling or reskilling remain consistent globally, with Indian respondents citing lack of time (40%) and financial constraints (38%) as primary challenges. This was in line with patterns in Brazil, where 43% reported lack of time and 39% financial constraints, and South Africa, where 45% and 42% respectively cited these barriers.

The report said India’s proactive stance on upskilling (55%) for the next five years contrasted with trends in more developed markets such as the US (51%), UK (44%), and Australia (49%), where fewer workers reported an urgency to reskill due to technological change. Also, 26% of Indian respondents expressed anxiety about job automation, showing a more optimistic outlook compared to 36% in China, which led as the “most technologically anxious market”.

(The author Rezaul H Laskar , is in Riyadh at the invitation of the Saudi Arabian government.)

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

Noida teen earns NASA recognition for asteroid discovery, will get to name it: ‘This is like a dream come true’

Daksh Malik, 14, is already brainstorming potential names for the asteroid he discovered. Among his creative ideas are “Destroyer of the World” and “Countdown”.

Daksh Malik, a Class 9 student from Shiv Nadar School in Noida, has earned recognition from NASA for his provisional discovery of an asteroid, currently labelled as ‘2023 OG40.’ This unique opportunity also grants Daksh the privilege of naming the celestial body after its verification process, which could take around four to five years.

Reflecting on his fascination with space, Daksh told The Print, “I’ve been fascinated with space…I used to watch all these documentaries on National Geographic about planets and the solar system. This is like a dream come true.”

Daksh and two friends from his school have participated in the International Asteroid Discovery Project (IADP) for the past year and a half. They learned about this opportunity through an email from their school’s astronomy club, which introduced them to the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC). The IASC is a NASA-affiliated citizen science initiative that invites people worldwide—including students—to discover asteroids.

Daksh Malik, a Class 9 student from Shiv Nadar School in Noida, has earned recognition from NASA for his provisional discovery of an asteroid, currently labelled as ‘2023 OG40.’ This unique opportunity also grants Daksh the privilege of naming the celestial body after its verification process, which could take around four to five years.

Reflecting on his fascination with space, Daksh told The Print, “I’ve been fascinated with space…I used to watch all these documentaries on National Geographic about planets and the solar system. This is like a dream come true.”

Daksh and two friends from his school have participated in the International Asteroid Discovery Project (IADP) for the past year and a half. They learned about this opportunity through an email from their school’s astronomy club, which introduced them to the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC). The IASC is a NASA-affiliated citizen science initiative that invites people worldwide—including students—to discover asteroids.

Despite over 6,000 participants joining the IADP annually, only a handful successfully discover new asteroids. Before Daksh, just five other Indian students had achieved a named asteroid discovery.

While waiting for NASA’s final verification, Daksh is brainstorming potential names for his asteroid. His ideas range from the dramatic “Destroyer of the World” to the intriguing “Countdown”.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)


India’s Gongadi Trisha scripts history; becomes first centurion in the history of Women’s U19 T20 World Cup

Right-handed batter Gongadi Trisha scripted history as she became the first centurion in the history of Women’s U19 T20 World Cup. 

Right-handed batter Gongadi Trisha scripted history as she became the first centurion in the history of Women’s U19 T20 World Cup. On Tuesday, the youngster smashed a ton off just 53 balls in India’s Super Six clash against Scotland at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur.

She eventually remained unbeaten on 110 off just 59 balls. Her innings was studded with 13 fours and 4 sixes. She and Sanika Chalke powered India to a commanding total of 208/1 in the allotted twenty overs.

Earlier, Scotland had won the toss and opted to field. India openers Kamalini G and Trisha Gongadi started the innings with a bang, hitting boundaries constantly. The duo put on 67 runs in the powerplay.

The opening batters put on a stand of 147 runs for the first wicket. Kamalini eventually lost her wicket in the 14th over of the innings as she walked back to the hut after scoring 51 off 42 balls.

The opening stand of 147 runs is the highest partnership for any wicket in the ongoing Women’s U19 T20 World Cup.

Sanika Chalke also remained unbeaten on 29 as India posted more than 200 runs on the board.

India register a commanding 150-run win

Aayushi Shukla, Vaishnavi Sharma and Gongadi Trisha took all the ten wickets between themselves to bundle out Scotland for 58 inside 14 overs.

Aayushi took four wickets, while Vaishnavi and Trisha took three wickets each. For Scotland, opening batters Pippy Kelly and Emma Walsingham were the only ones who seemed cut out to handle the pressure situation.

The rest of the batters collapsed in quick succession, and India ultimately registered a comprehensive win. Gongadi Trisha was adjudged as Player of the Match for her perfect all-round effort.

India have already qualified for the semi-finals and the defending champions will play their semi-final on Friday, January 31.

The final of the tournament is scheduled for Sunday, February 2.

source/content: hindustantimes.com / Crickit by HT (headline edited)

Dimple Bhati mounts 12-foot ladder on bike, sets world record at Republic Day parade

Army daredevils drop jaws with stunts like bullet wheelie and human pyramid.

A daring group of soldiers performed breathtaking stunts on motorcycles, leaving viewers in awe, as part of the 76th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path here on Sunday.

Known as ‘The Dare Devils’, the Motorcycle Rider Display Team of the Army’s Corps of Signals showcased their exceptional skills, indomitable courage and teamwork and attempted to set two world records in the process.

Captain Dimple Singh Bhati, led the fighter formation and set a World Record by becoming the first woman officer of the Indian Army to present a salute to President Droupadi Murmu on a 12-foot ladder mounted on a moving motorcycle.

With remarkable balance and poise, Bhati presented a sharp and graceful salute to the President, embodying the courage, precision and excellence of the Corps.

The daredevils displayed a ‘Three Peak Devil Formation’ by Naik Jayakumar, Naik SP Mangu and Signalman Sanket making a world record for the longest assisted handstand on Kartavya Path.

They began their performance with the riders performing an ‘Opening Salute’ with ‘Bullet Wheelie’.

The Corps of Signals’ Dare Devils team was led by Captain Ashish Rana, who presented a crisp and smart salute to the President.

The riders performed the Shatrujeet Formation led by Naik Sumit Kumar Yadav and seven other daredevils, depicting the soldiers’ valour and excellence.

The Mercury’s Peak Formation was performed by Havildar Pramod Patil, Havildar Sangram Keshari Jena and 12 other daredevils.

This awe-inspiring act represented the speed, communication and efficiency that define the Corps of Signals.

The Info Warriors Formation, symbolising the new age of technological warriors and the pride of the Corps of Signals, was performed by Havildar Gamit Paresh, Naik Sunil Kumar and 14 other daredevils. It represented the Army’s mastery of modern technology and its pivotal role in ensuring secure and seamless communication on and off the battlefield.

Next was the magnificent Lotus Formation by Company Havildar Major Durgesh Kumar, Company Quartermaster Havildar Sujit Mondal and 20 other daredevils.

This stunning display vividly recreated India’s national flower, the lotus, symbolising purity, resilience and enlightenment. The team’s flawless synchronisation and artistry made this formation a breathtaking tribute to the spirit and heritage of the nation.

The final act was a team of 33 personnel forming a human pyramid on nine moving motorcycles, pushing the boundaries of human endurance and mechanical precision.

The balancing act, performed by Naib Subedar Anil Kumar and a team of eight daredevils showcased the ultimate synergy of strength, skill and coordination, leaving the audience in absolute admiration.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Telegraph Online staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)

January 26th – 76th Republic Day Parade: India to display military might, cultural heritage; celebrate 75 years of Constitution

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the chief guest on the occasion and the ceremonial parade will also see participation of a marching contingent and a band contingent from Indonesia.

India is set to showcase its military prowess and rich cultural heritage and display a symbolic confluence of ‘virasat’ and ‘vikas’ on Kartvya Path in New Delhi to mark the 76th Republic Day on January 26 when the nation will also commemorate the platinum jubilee of the enactment of the Constitution.

Republic Day 2025 updates : January 26

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the chief guest on the occasion and the ceremonial parade will also see participation of a marching contingent and a band contingent from Indonesia.

He will be the fourth Indonesian President to attend India’s Republic Day celebrations. Mr. Sukarno, the first President of Indonesia, was the chief guest at India’s first Republic Day celebrations in 1950.

75 years of Constitution is the focus

While 75 years of the Constitution is the focus of celebrations this year, the theme for the tableaux is ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’.

Republic Day Parade : Chief guests India hosted

Sixteen tableaux from across states and Union Territories and 15 from central ministries, departments and organisations will roll down the ceremonial boulevard on Sunday.

The country will display its military prowess by showcasing some of the cutting-edge defence platforms including BrahMos, Pinaka and Akash, with the Army’s Battle Surveillance System ‘Sanjay’ and DRDO’s surface-to-surface tactical missile ‘Pralay’ set to register their presence in the ceremonial parade for the first time.

T-90 ‘Bhishma’ tanks Sarath (infantry carrying vehicle BMP-II), Short Span Bridging System 10m, Nag Missile System, multi-barrel rocket launcher system ‘Agnibaan’ and ‘Bajrang’ (light specialist vehicle) will also be part of the parade, officials said on Thursday.

Parade will see many firsts

The parade will see many other firsts as well, such as the tri-services tableau that will depict the spirit of “jointness” among the armed forces.

The tableau would display a battlefield scenario demonstrating a synchronised operation in land, water and air with the indigenous Arjun battle tank, Tejas fighter aircraft and advanced light helicopter, according to the Defence Ministry.

The theme of the tri-services tableau will be ‘Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat’ (Strong and Secure India).

Besides, the DRDO will present a tableau with the theme ‘Raksha Kavach — multi-layer protection against multi-domain threats’, officials said.

President Droupadi Murmu will deliver an address to the nation on the eve of the Republic Day.

This January 26 will carry extra significance as India’s Constitution, which came into effect on this historic day in 1950, completes 75 years.

The Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949.

Modi to lead nation in paying tribute to martyrs

Before the parade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the nation in paying tribute to the country’s martyrs by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial.

The parade will begin in the morning with the National Salute and will continue for 90 minutes, reflecting the journey of India’s heritage and growth.

C-130J Super Hercules, C-295, C-17 Globemaster, P-8I, MiG-29 and Su-30, among other aircraft, will also take part in the celebrations.

The ceremonial parade will be heralded by 300 cultural artistes playing ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha’ on musical instruments representing different parts of the country, according to the Defence Ministry.

Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area will be the Parade Commander, while Parade Second-in-Command will be Chief of Staff (COS), Delhi Area, Maj Gen Sumit Mehta.

India’s military prowess

Maj Gen Mehta said the event will showcase India’s military prowess with a number of cutting-edge platforms and a range of vibrant tableaux depicting the country’s heritage.

Two Param Vir Chakra awardees — both Kargil war heroes — and one Ashok Chakra awardee will be part of the parade, he said.

The flypast will feature 40 Indian Air Force aircraft and three Dornier aircraft of the Indian Coast Guard.

The Indian Army will be represented by a mounted column, eight mechanised columns, and six marching contingents, officials said. The column will be represented by the 61 Cavalry.

The marching columns will consist of contingents from the Brigade of the Guards contingent, Jat Regiment, Garhwal Rifles Regiment, J&K Light Infantry (JAKLI) regiment and a contingent of the Corps of Engineers.

Capt Ritika Khareta will be the contingent commander of a marching contingent of the Army’s Corps of Signals. The officer is the only woman member of her contingent and the rest are men.

There will also be a motorcycle display by daredevils of the Corps of Signals. Capt Ashish Rana will be its leader and Capt Dimple Singh Bhati, the second in line.

“I will be riding a ladder on a motorcycle and give a salute to the president during the parade,” Bhati said soon after the full dress rehearsal on January 23.

Capt Rana said Capt Bhati would become the “first woman officer” from the Army to give the ladder-born salute to the president in the history of Republic Day celebrations.

States that will display their tableaux during the 76th Republic Day Parade include Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Bihar, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Tripura, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Delhi and Chandigarh will showcase them among the Union Territories.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

IMD’s Mrutyunjay Mohapatra wins Outstanding Service Award from American Meteorological Society

IMD DG Mrutyunjay Mohapatra won the award for ‘enhancing tropical cyclone prediction and warning systems in the Indian Ocean region through exceptional leadership and services’.

Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the director general (meteorology) of India Meteorological Department,  has won the Outstanding Service Award, 2025, from American Meteorological Society (AMS). He received the award for “enhancing tropical cyclone prediction and warning systems in the Indian Ocean region through exceptional leadership and services”, according to the citation.

A PhD holder in Physics, Mohapatra also serves as India’s Permanent Representative to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). With three decades of meterology-related experience in the bag, he was elected the third vice-president of WMO in 2023 for a four-year term.

Mohapatra has vast experience in refining weather-prediction technology.

As part of WMO’s Tropical Cyclone Programme, he helped improve cyclone warning services to 13 WMO/ESCAP (United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific) panel member countries. This meant the track & intensity forecast errors up to 72 hours were cut by 25 per cent in 2018-22 compared to 2013-17. Landfall errors, meanwhile, were down 40-70 per cent, according to the WMO website.

‘Weather forecasting challenging’

Speaking to The Indian Express earlier this month, Mohaptra had said that weather forecasting has become very challenging in evolving climatic conditions.

“Climate change is leading to increased frequency and uncertainty in extreme weather events. It is also seen that drier regions are getting increased rainfall and wet regions are receiving lesser rainfall. Localised extreme events have increased, like higher intensity rainfall is occurring in lesser time duration,” the former Physics lecturer had said.

Keeping the evolving climate scenario in mind, India Meteorological Department, the country’s premier weather forecasting agency, launched Mission Mausam in 2024 as it stepped into its 150th year of existence.

Over the years, Mohapatra has chaired many WMO committees, such as the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones (2017-18) and the executive council of South Asia Hydromet Forum.

He has served as an expert member on nearly a dozen WMO committees including the International Organising Committee for 8th & 9th International Workshop on Tropical Cyclones and the expert team on climate impact on tropical cyclones

Who wins the award?

The Outstanding Service Award is given to an individual who has made significant contributions to the committee/board of the Scientific and Technological Activities Commission (STAC) or in service to the larger community in the committee/board discipline, according to the AMS website.

There are two other awards, namely, Outstanding Early Career Award and Distinguished Scientific/Technological Accomplishment Award.

He has served as an expert member on nearly a dozen WMO committees including the International Organising Committee for 8th & 9th International Workshop on Tropical Cyclones and the expert team on climate impact on tropical cyclones

Who wins the award?

The Outstanding Service Award is given to an individual who has made significant contributions to the committee/board of the Scientific and Technological Activities Commission (STAC) or in service to the larger community in the committee/board discipline, according to the AMS website.

There are two other awards, namely, Outstanding Early Career Award and Distinguished Scientific/Technological Accomplishment Award.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

Indian Navy completes hydrographic survey of 25,000 sq. nautical miles of Mauritius

The fair sheet of the hydrographic survey were formally handed over to Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool by High Commissioner of India to Mauritius Anurag Srivastava at a formal ceremony on Thursday.

The Indian Navy’s INS Sarvekshak completed the final phase of the hydrographic survey of Mauritius covering an extensive area of over 25,000 square nautical miles. The fair sheet of the hydrographic survey, along with newly prepared nautical charts and survey equipment were formally handed over to Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool by High Commissioner of India to Mauritius Anurag Srivastava at a formal ceremony on Thursday (January 23, 2025).

“The creation of a new nautical chart will enable Mauritius to develop its maritime infrastructure, resource management and coastal development planning. This milestone event reflects the enduring partnership between India and Mauritius in fostering maritime development and regional cooperation,” the Indian Navy said in a statement.

In addition, Captain Tribhuvan Singh, Commanding Officer of INS Sarvekshak called on Shakeel Ahmed Yousuf Abdul Razack Mohamed, Minister of Housing and Lands, Mauritius and discussed the details of survey operations undertaken.

Indian Navy hydrographic vessels regularly assist various countries in hydrographic surveys of their exclusive economic zones (EEZs). “In line with Government of India’s SAGAR initiative, the survey ships of the Indian Navy have conducted various joint survey operations with friendly foreign nations covering an area of 89,000 sq. km. in the last five years and have produced 96 charts,” the Navy said on June 21 last year when World Hydrography Day is observed.

The Navy has also assisted them by capacity building and knowledge sharing. These efforts are undertaken by indigenously built survey ships mapping the vast Indian Ocean Region.

On the bilateral front, India and Mauritius have extensive defence cooperation spanning various domains. Mauritius has an International Liaison Officer at the Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Centre for Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) located in Gurugram. Mauritius also hosts radar centres that are part of India’s joint coastal radar surveillance system. Mauritius Police Force operates two Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH)-MkIII and one Dornier Do-228 aircraft built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

India has significantly scaled up its capacity building assistance to littoral states in the Indian Ocean as part of efforts to augment their national capacities. There has also been a particular focus on increasing defence exports in the last few years.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Iron age began in now TN 5,300 years ago, says CM Stalin

Chennai, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Thursday claimed that the Iron Age began in the region and the use of iron on Tamil soil could be dated to the first quarter of 4th millennium BCE, thus establishing that iron usage was prominent in South India over 5,300 years ago.

The history of the Indian subcontinent can no longer overlook Tamil Nadu. In fact, it must begin from here, the CM said.

“I am making an important announcement here. Based on research, the use of iron on Tamil soil could be dated back to early 4000 BCE. Melting iron was introduced about 5,300 years,” he said citing the recent findings of the Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department during excavations in the state.

Speaking after releasing a book on “Antiquity of Iron” authored by K Rajan and Sivanantham and published by TN Archaeology Department, at a function held at the Secretariat here, Stalin said the specimen of the relics obtained at archaeological sites were sent to a reputed research centre in Pune, and a renowned international research facility in Florida for analysis.

“We sent samples for analysis at national institutes and for radiocarbon dating, too. The results showed that iron was introduced to South India as early as 3345 BC,” he said.

The chief minister laid the foundation stones for Keeladi Open Air Museum, Gangaikonda Cholapuram Museum and launched a webiste for Keeladi Museum, on the occasion.

“I have been saying that the history of India should begin from Tamil soil. The Tamil Nadu Archaeological Department is continuously conducting excavations in this direction and these findings are emerging as turning points in our history,” the CM said.

State Finance and Archaeology Minister Thangam Thennarasu, and Principal Secretary to the Government T Udhayachandran, and other officials participated.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

‘Sentinels of the Sea ‘ – SARHAD SE SAMANDAR’ Motorcycle Expedition by Indian Coast Guard

As part of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) 49th Raising Day
celebrations, ICG proudly announces the commencement of the ‘Sentinels of the Sea

  • Sarhad Se Samandar’ motorcycle expedition. The landmark event will be flagged off
    by Inspector General Bhisham Sharma, PTM, TM, Commander Coast Gurad Region
    (West) along with Dr Atul Fulzele, Inspector General, BSF Punjab Frontier at 1330 hrs
    on 22 January 2025, from the Attari Border, Amritsar.

  • This prestigious rally, organized by the ICG Regional Headquarters West in
    collaboration with Triumph Motorcycles Ltd. will span over 10 days, covering a distance
    of 2,300 Kilometers. The route traverses India’s border towns and coastal cities
    including Sri Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Vadodara, Daman
    and concludes at the iconic Gateway of India, Mumbai on 01 Feb 25 (Coast Guard
    Day-25).
  • The expedition is a tribute to the unwavering dedication and valour of the
    ICG in safeguarding the nation’s maritime boundaries. It symbolizes the Coast Guard’s
    critical role in national security, vigilance at sea and highlights India’s proud maritime
    heritage. The rally also fosters the spirit of national unity, environmental
    consciousness and camaraderie, reflecting the collective strength of India’s defence
    forces.

In line with Govt. of India’s vision of Fit India Movement, Beti Bachao – Beti Padhao
and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan will be highlighted during the rally. The expedition
encourages emotional resilience, well-being and teamwork. Through the journey, the
ICG personnel will interact with students at various schools en-route, conducting
awareness drives aimed at inspiring young minds with India’s rich maritime legacy.
This motorcycle rally offers a chance to physically connect with the countrymen
residing in the hinterland of India. The ride through the vast and diverse terrains will
bring ICG closer to the land, the culture, and the people, reminding us that our roots
are firmly planted in the rich soil of India’s history, values, and traditions.

The expedition also reinforces the importance of road safety and responsible driving,
emphasizing the values of teamwork, discipline and adventure. It celebrates the spirit
of exploration while spreading the message of environmental stewardship and
sustainable practices. The ICG remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard the
nation’s maritime interests while promoting awareness and unity through such
meaningful initiatives

source/content: indiancoastguard.gov.in (headline edited)

Kho Kho World Cup: After women, Indian men’s team also crowned champion

The Men in Blue dominated the final against Nepal with captain Pratik Waikar and tournament standout Ramji Kashyap leading from the front.

The Indian men’s team beat Nepal 54-36 in the final to win the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup title in New Delhi on Sunday (January 19, 2025).

The Indian men’s team title came after the women’s side were also crowned the champions after defeating Nepal in the final.

The Men in Blue dominated the final against Nepal with captain Pratik Waikar and tournament standout Ramji Kashyap leading from the front.

Attacking first, an exceptional sky dive by Ramji Kashyap got Nepal’s Suraj Pujara. Suyash Gargate then touched Bharat Sahu to give India a great start with 10 points in just four minutes.

Sky dives were the name of the game for the Men in Blue, and this ensured a bright start for the side in Turn 1, preventing the Dream Run for their opponents. At the end of the turn, the scoreline was 26-0 in favour of the Indians.

In Turn 2, Nepal were not able to match India’s levels but did prevent the home side from going on a single Dream Run.

Aditya Ganpule and skipper Pratik Waikar carried the team through this turn, and despite regular touches from the likes of Janak Chand and Suraj Pujara, India carried a 26-18 lead into the second half of the clash.

India were in their stride in Turn 3, displaying unwavering confidence throughout. Captain Pratik Waikar shone on the mat with multiple sky dives, and with the support of Ramji Kashyap, another star of the tournament.

Aditya Ganpule was also at his finest, and the home team’s collective effort took the score to 54-18 entering the final turn of the match – and the tournament.

Nepal fought hard in Turn 4 in their bid to come back against India. But the defenders, once again led by Pratik Waikar and Sachin Bhargo proved too strong. Mehul and Suman Barman were equally impressive.

India showcased their dominance throughout the tournament, beginning with convincing victories over Brazil, Peru and Bhutan in the group stages. Their momentum continued through the knockout rounds, where they outclassed Bangladesh in the quarterfinals before overcoming a strong South African side in the semifinals.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)