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Government to expand NIOS outreach to bring back out-of-school children, target full enrolment by 2030 | India News


Government to expand NIOS outreach to bring back out-of-school children, target full enrolment by 2030

NEW DELHI: Union education ministry will launch a nationwide drive to identify and enrol out-of-school and dropout children through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), as part of efforts to achieve 100% gross enrolment ratio (GER) from pre-school to secondary level by 2030.Data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24 shows nearly 2 crore children in the 14-18 age group are not attending school. Around 11% of children in Classes III to VIII remain out of school, while over 50 lakh students fail board examinations each year.Officials of the department of school education and literacy said open schooling will be used to bring such children back into the education system, especially those unable to attend regular schools due to economic, social or geographical reasons. NIOS offers flexible admissions, multiple attempts to clear exams, on-demand examinations and vocational courses, with certification recognised at par with other boards.The ministry will work with states and UTs to identify out-of-school children using district-level survey data and enrol them through targeted outreach. A programme titled “NIOS Mitra” will be introduced to support this effort. Trained facilitators will identify children, counsel families and assist with enrolment and academic guidance, with a focus on marginalised and disadvantaged groups.To improve access, the ministry plans to expand the network of NIOS centres. At present, NIOS operates over 10,800 study and examination centres across the country. The government aims to establish at least one centre in every block.PM SHRI schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas and government senior secondary schools will be used as NIOS centres to support enrolment and examinations.



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‘Now only into writing fiction’: Former Army chief Gen MM Naravane after uproar over unpublished memoir | India News


'Now only into writing fiction': Former Army chief Gen MM Naravane after uproar over unpublished memoir

NEW DELHI: Former Army chief General MM Naravane said that he would only write fiction now. The statement came at a book signing event on Friday. Naravane’s unreleased memoir ‘Four Stars of Destiny’ created an uproar in Parliament last month with Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi used excerpts from the book published in a magazine and accused PM Narendra Modi of “not fulfulling responsibility” during the 2020 India-China military clashes in Ladakh.“I’ve always been writing from time to time, not only military reports but also for various academic journals of the Army. I had also written a few short stories, one of which was even published in the Femina. I am now only into writing fiction,” he added.“My book ‘The Cantonment Conspiracy’ was released last year, and I’m glad to say that the book is relatively well for a first-time author who had no idea how to write. It has been an interesting journey to write this book and transition from being a soldier to being a storyteller. So I enjoyed writing it, and I’m sure all those who read it will enjoy reading it too,” he said.During the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address on February 2, the Lok Sabha saw heated exchanges after Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi attempted to quote a magazine article featuring excerpts from an unpublished memoir by Naravane. Gandhi’s remarks were interrupted by defence minister Rajnath Singh, who objected to citing material from an unauthenticated and unpublished book. Members of the ruling benches also opposed the move, intensifying the confrontation in the House. The dispute escalated further when Opposition MPs moved a no-confidence motion against Om Birla, alleging that Gandhi was not being allowed to speak. However, the motion was later defeated through a voice vote during the second phase of the Budget Session of Parliament.



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PM Modi speaks with Bahrain King, condemns attacks on infrastructure, stresses secure shipping routes | India News


PM Modi speaks with Bahrain King, condemns attacks on infrastructure, stresses secure shipping routes

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a telephonic conversation with Bahrain’s King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, discussing regional developments in West Asia, condemning attacks on critical infrastructure, and stressing the need to keep global shipping routes secure.“Had a fruitful discussion with the King of Bahrain, His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa. Conveyed warm greetings on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr to him and the people of Bahrain,” Modi said in a post on X.PM Modi said both leaders reviewed the current situation in West Asia and jointly expressed concern over attacks targeting energy and civilian infrastructure in the region.“We discussed the current situation in the West Asian region. Condemned attacks on the energy and civilian infrastructure in the region, underscoring their adverse impact on global food, fuel and fertilizer security,” he said.PM Modi also reiterated the importance of maintaining uninterrupted maritime movement amid rising tensions affecting key global trade routes.“Reiterated the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and keeping shipping lines open and secure,” he said.He further thanked the Bahraini leadership for its continued support to the Indian community residing in the country.“Thanked His Majesty for his continued support for the well-being of the Indian community in Bahrain,” PM Modi added.



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19-year-old beaten to death by five men suspecting him of stealing pigeons | Pune News


Pune: The police have registered a case of murder against five men for allegedly kicking, punching, and beating a 19-year-old youth to death near Canal Road in Wanowrie around 3am on Wednesday.The victim has been identified as Rupesh Shinde from Moshi in Pimpri Chinchwad. Police said the assault occurred when the accused thought that Shinde and his friend, Ajay Tingre (20), had come to the spot to steal pigeons. They also admitted the victim to a hospital after the thrashing and attempted to pass off his injuries as a road accident, said the police.Deputy commissioner of police (zone V) Rajlaxmi Shivankar said, “Our team is probing the case. We have identified the five men who attacked and killed Shinde. A case of murder has been registered against them at Wanowrie police station.”She added, “Shinde was a construction worker and used to assist his father at construction sites. Tingre said he and Shinde were riding a motorcycle and returning to Pimpri Chinchwad in the night when they stopped near some pigeon cages to relieve themselves. At this moment, the five men charged at them, suspecting that they were thieves attempting to steal pigeons.”According to the DCP: “Shinde tried to run but fell on the road. The five men caught him and beat him severely. They also assaulted him with a wooden bat. When Shinde lost consciousness, the accused took him to a hospital and admitted him. However, they attempted to pass off the incident as a road accident. The nature of the injuries, however, revealed that he had been assaulted, following which we registered a case of murder against the five men.



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Donald Trump administration sues Harvard University over Jewish students’ civil rights, seeks recovery of billions in public funds


Donald Trump administration sues Harvard University over Jewish students’ civil rights, seeks recovery of billions in public funds

The Trump administration sued Harvard University, alleging the school violated Jewish students’ civil rights, in the latest escalation of the government’s yearlong campaign against the Ivy League school.The suit alleged Harvard failed to protect its Jewish and Israeli students by ignoring hostility on campus and refusing to enforce antiharassment rules. The suit, being filed Friday in federal district court in Massachusetts, sought to compel the school to comply with civil rights law and recover millions of taxpayer dollars that Harvard accepted while allegedly in violation of the law, Wall Street Journal reported.Harvard was currently set to receive more than $2.6 billion in grants from the Department of Health and Human Services, among other federal agencies, according to the lawsuit.Since Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023 assault on Israeli civilians, “too many of our educational institutions have allowed anti-Semitism to flourish on campus, Harvard included,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said.Harvard didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. It previously said it devoted considerable efforts to addressing antisemitism on its campus, including strengthening rules and discipline measures against those who violated them.The lawsuit was the latest tactic in the Trump administration’s battle against Harvard and other elite universities. The administration froze $2.2 billion in federal research grants to Harvard last spring over allegations that the school tolerated antisemitism on campus. Since then, the administration threatened its tax-exempt status, targeted its ability to enrol international students and probed its acceptance of foreign donations.Harvard sued the administration and won a key court battle in September last year. A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration’s funding cuts were unconstitutional and ordered the money restored. In December, the administration filed an appeal. Harvard said it remained confident in its legal position.Harvard remained deeply dependent on federal funding, and President Trump had many levers he could pull to damage the university.In February, Trump posted on social media that he would seek $1 billion in damages from the school. A few days later, the Defense Department severed academic ties with Harvard, and the Justice Department then sued Harvard for allegedly failing to produce admissions documents it said it needed in an investigation into whether the school discriminates against white applicants.



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IPL 2026 [WATCH]: MS Dhoni gives a heartwarming response to RCB fans’ autograph requests during CSK’s training session



As the countdown to the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League begins, the atmosphere in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) camp is a mix of high-octane intensity and nostalgic warmth. While the franchise is busy fine-tuning its strategies to redeem a lacklustre 2025 season, its legendary talisman, MS Dhoni, continues to prove why he remains the heartbeat of Indian cricket. On Thursday, March 19, the internet was set ablaze by a viral video showing the 44-year-old veteran in a delightfully cheeky exchange with rival fans, reminding everyone that the spirit of cricket often wears a yellow jersey.

MS Dhoni adorably reacts to RCB fans asking for autographs after IPL 2026 practice

In a video shared by a popular Dhoni fan club, the CSK icon was seen heading back after a gruelling practice session at the high-performance centre. As he made his way through a throng of supporters, two young fans proudly sporting Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) jerseys approached him with an autograph request.

Instead of a standard signature, Dhoni paused and, with a glint of mischief in his eyes, pointed pointedly at their RCB t-shirts. The ‘Captain Cool’ persona was in full effect as he playfully signalled that signing for rival fans while they were in the enemy colours might be a conflict of interest. However, the tease was short-lived; Dhoni followed the gesture with a trademark warm smile, engaging in a brief, cute conversation with the youngsters before moving on with his practice kit.

While the interaction was heartwarming, eagle-eyed fans on social media were quick to point out a slight limp in Dhoni’s gait. Having undergone knee surgery after the 2023 title win and managing his fitness throughout 2024 and 2025, the sight of the legend struggling physically has added a layer of poignancy to his every appearance.

Here’s the video:

Also READ: Former batter picks the ideal top-order of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for IPL 2026

Is IPL 2026 Dhoni’s final season?

The million-dollar question looming over the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, where CSK kicks off their campaign against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on March 30, is whether this is truly the swansong for Dhoni. Speculation is at an all-time high, fuelled by the seismic shift in the CSK roster during the off-season.

The most significant indicator of a transition is the high-profile trade that brought Sanju Samson to Chennai from RR in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja. Samson, a premier wicketkeeper-batter and seasoned captain, is widely viewed as the heir apparent to Dhoni’s throne. While CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan recently confirmed that Dhoni would be available for all matches in 2026, the arrival of Samson creates a fascinating tactical dilemma.

In 2025, a season where CSK finished at the bottom of the table, Dhoni was forced to retake the captaincy mid-way after Ruturaj Gaikwad was sidelined with a fractured elbow. Now, with a refreshed squad including record-breaking buys like Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, the stage is set for a transition. Whether Dhoni plays as a specialist impact player, focuses on mentoring Samson, or gives the fans one last flurry of sixes, IPL 2026 feels like the closing chapter of an era that changed T20 cricket forever.

Also READ: Sanjay Bangar picks the ideal batting order of CSK for IPL 2026





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Jonathan Brown Health Update: Jonathan Brown gives health update from hospital after brain tumour surgery as Brisbane Lions icon details sudden diagnosis | International Sports News


Jonathan Brown gives health update from hospital after brain tumour surgery as Brisbane Lions icon details sudden diagnosis
Jonathan Brown (Image Via Getty)

Jonathan Brown, one of the most loved names in Australian football, is now recovering after brain tumour surgery. The former Brisbane Lions captain shared the news himself on Friday through a social media post. He posted a photo from his hospital bed, with a bandage on his head, while hugging his wife Kylie Brown. He confirmed that the surgery took place on Wednesday and said the result was positive.This news came as a surprise to many fans. Brown explained that the tumour was found during a routine scan, where doctors noticed a shadow on his brain. For now, he has asked for some quiet time to rest. In his own words, he said, “I understand a surgery of this nature creates interest and once I have recuperated, I will share my experience but for now I need to take some time to rest and recover.”

Jonathan Brown’s career, health struggles, and support from Garry Lyon and AFL community

Jonathan Brown’s journey in football has always been about strength and courage. He played 256 games for the Brisbane Lions and was part of three premiership-winning teams in 2001, 2002, and 2003. He also played in four straight grand finals, which shows how important he was for the team.During his career, Brown kicked 594 goals. He won the Coleman Medal in 2007, was named All-Australian twice, and also won the club’s best and fairest award three times. These achievements made him one of the top players of his time.However, his career also came with serious health concerns. Over 14 years, he suffered multiple head injuries. Because of this, he decided to retire in 2014. At that time, he clearly said his health was “not worth risking.” Now, after his recent surgery, many from the football world have shown support. Garry Lyon, who works with Brown on Fox Footy, spoke about him during Kayo Sports’ Friday Night Football. He said, “We’re throwing our thoughts out to one of our great mates.” He also shared that he spoke to Brown recently and added, “He was in the car and full of beans, bouncing around talking to Kylie and annoying her.”Lyon also added a warm message, saying, “So on behalf of all of us at Fox Footy and the broader footy community, there has been few more popular players than Jonathan Brown and few tougher. We send you our love, big fella. Take it easy, rest up, recuperate and we look forward to seeing your ugly mug back on here in the not too distant future.” Right now, the focus remains on Brown’s recovery, and early signs look positive.

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‘Paper tiger without US’: Trump lashes out at Nato for not joining Iran war; calls allies ‘cowards’


'Paper tiger without US':  Trump lashes out at Nato for not joining Iran war; calls allies 'cowards'

US President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric against Nato allies on Friday, labeling them as “cowards” for their refusal to join the US-led military campaign against Iran. In a scathing Truth Social post, Trump dismissed the alliance as a “PAPER TIGER” without American support, criticising members for complaining about high oil prices while refusing to help secure the Strait of Hormuz.“Without the U.S.A., NATO IS A PAPER TIGER! They didn’t want to join the fight to stop a Nuclear Powered Iran. Now that fight is Militarily WON, with very little danger for them, they complain about the high oil prices they are forced to pay, but don’t want to help open the Strait of Hormuz, a simple military maneuver that is the single reason for the high oil prices. So easy for them to do, with so little risk. COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER!” said Trump.

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Trump’s remarks came as several countries responded cautiously or declined his call to deploy warships to escort merchant vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway that carries roughly a fifth of global crude oil supply.The standoff has unfolded as global oil prices have surged between 40% and 50% following Iranian attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and waves of missile and drone strikes across the Gulf, in retaliation for the war launched by the United States and Israel on February 28.Earlier, Trump had said the US did not need support from its allies as it continued military operations against Iran, while also revealing that several Nato members had refused to take part in the campaign.In another post on Truth Social on Tuesday, Trump wrote, “The United States has been informed by most of our Nato ‘allies’ that they don’t want to get involved with our Military Operation against the Terrorist Regime of Iran, in the Middle East, this, despite the fact that almost every Country strongly agreed with what we are doing, and that Iran cannot, in any way, shape, or form, be allowed to have a Nuclear Weapon,”Trump also warned that the lack of support would be “very bad for the future of Nato”, telling the Financial Times that allied reluctance to join the effort could damage the bloc’s future.



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Rain in parts of Punjab, Haryana; temperatures hover below normal | India News


Rain in parts of Punjab, Haryana; temperatures hover below normal

Rain lashed parts of Punjab and Haryana on Friday, with temperatures hovering below normal limits.For the second consecutive day, rain lashed Chandigarh throughout the day, and the showers led to a sharp drop in mercury here. The maximum here dropped to 18.8 degrees Celsius, ten notches below normal, according to the MeT.Ambala, Panchkula, Narnaul, Rohtak, Mohali, Patiala, and Rupnagar were among the other places which received rain in the two states.On Thursday too, rain lashed many places in Punjab and Haryana, leading to a sharp drop in temperatures. The maximum temperatures on Friday again registered a sharp drop.In Punjab, Amritsar recorded a maximum of 23.7 degrees Celsius, four notches below normal. Ludhiana recorded a high of 21.6 degrees, seven degrees below normal.Patiala recorded a maximum of 20.3 degrees Celsius, nine notches below normal.In Haryana, Ambala recorded a high of 18.5 degrees Celsius, ten degrees below normal limits.Hisar registered a high of 22.2 degrees Celsius, seven degrees below normal.Karnal’s maximum settled at 22.2 degrees, over six notches below normal.



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