modi unveils free
| |

Modi unveils free coaching and AI training plan to…

NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a major education and skills initiative aimed at addressing growing concerns among young people over employment, competitive exams and the rising cost of education.

Speaking at India’s Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort, Modi said the government would offer free online coaching for a range of competitive examinations. He said the programme would help reduce the financial pressure on families whose children spend years preparing for highly competitive entrance and recruitment tests.

The announcement follows nationwide youth protests sparked by allegations of examination paper leaks and recruitment irregularities. The demonstrations intensified pressure on the government and contributed to the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan last month.

Modi also announced an ambitious artificial intelligence skills programme, saying 10 million young Indians would receive AI-related training over the next year. The government hopes the initiative will equip young people with skills needed in a rapidly changing job market.

India’s competitive education system has created a large private coaching industry, with many families spending heavily on preparation courses. Modi said free digital coaching would allow students to remain with their families while reducing the financial burden associated with preparation.

During his speech, Modi also outlined a broader seven-point development and reform agenda covering manufacturing, agriculture, technology, defence and sectors linked to India’s cultural influence. He reiterated his goal of transforming India into a developed economy within the next two decades.

The prime minister also announced plans for additional semiconductor facilities and nuclear reactors, with the government seeking to expand domestic manufacturing and energy capacity.

Modi said India’s young population would be central to achieving the country’s development ambitions, describing youth as the biggest potential beneficiaries of a more prosperous and developed India.

Similar Posts

  • | | |

    ECC to review Rs1.34 hike in dealers’ margin

    ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) is set to consider a proposal to increase the margin of petroleum dealers. The meeting will be held on Friday evening. Federal Finance Minister will chair the session. The meeting is scheduled for 6pm. According to sources, the increase in petroleum dealers’ margins is the only item on the agenda. The committee will examine a proposal for a Rs1.34 per litre increase. Petroleum dealers currently receive a margin of Rs8.64 per litre on petroleum products. If approved, the proposed increase will raise the margin to Rs9.98 per litre. The proposal comes after discussions between the government and representatives of petroleum dealers. During those talks, the government had assured dealers that their margin would be increased. Dealers have been seeking an adjustment in their margin amid rising operational expenses. They argue that higher costs have affected the profitability of their businesses. The ECC will review the proposal and decide whether the increase should be approved. The committee’s decision will determine the next steps for implementing the proposed adjustment. Any increase in the dealers’ margin could also affect the overall pricing structure of petroleum products. The final impact will depend on how the government incorporates the additional margin into the pricing mechanism.

  • |

    Trump says US will maintain control of Strait of Hormuz 

      US President Donald Trump has said American forces are likely to remain in control of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to rise and efforts to revive a temporary peace agreement show little progress. In a post on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday, Trump claimed that the United States has “total control” over the waterway and suggested that Washington intends to maintain its presence there. He described the ongoing naval blockade as a “wall of steel” and said Iran had no effective means of challenging it. Trump also claimed that Iran’s military strength had been severely weakened, alleging that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had been “decimated.” He further described Iran’s economy as collapsing, pointing to high inflation and accusing Tehran of relying on rhetoric rather than meaningful action. However, an Iranian source said there had been no progress in efforts to restore an interim agreement reached in June. The agreement had called for an immediate halt to military operations and provided a 60-day period, which could be extended by mutual agreement, for both sides to negotiate a longer-term settlement. The arrangement quickly deteriorated. Trump later declared the agreement over, while Iran described it as suspended. Tehran has accused Washington of failing to meet its commitments, including lifting restrictions on Iranian ports and releasing frozen Iranian financial assets. The United States, meanwhile, has accused Iran of failing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian source said mediators were discussing the possibility of Washington returning to the interim agreement and establishing a timetable for fulfilling its commitments, but no progress had been made. Tensions have increased further following fresh attacks on shipping in the region. The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most important energy routes and previously carried around one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. Concerns over disruptions have contributed to a sharp rise in oil prices since the conflict began. Shipping traffic through the strait also dropped significantly. Data showed that only eight vessels were tracked passing through the waterway on Tuesday, the lowest daily figure in about a week. Ship operators have increasingly avoided the route because of security concerns. Additional attacks were reported at other major maritime chokepoints. In the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the southern end of the Red Sea, four crew members were reportedly killed when an Iran-backed Houthi attack targeted a small cargo vessel. Two Yemeni rescuers were also reported killed. The US military separately said an American Navy helicopter fired two missiles to disable the steering system of a Panama-flagged cargo ship. US Central Command said the vessel had ignored repeated warnings and violated the naval blockade of Iranian ports. Maritime sources said the ship was struck near Pakistan while travelling toward the Gulf of Oman. The latest attacks have increased concerns about global energy supplies. Brent crude prices continued to rise, while investors reacted to growing uncertainty over the possibility of a quick end to the conflict. Iran has warned that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed unless Washington accepts its conditions for ending the war. At the same time, Trump has continued to alternate between threatening further escalation and suggesting that a peace agreement could be reached soon. With military tensions, attacks on commercial shipping and diplomatic disagreements continuing, prospects for a swift resolution appear increasingly uncertain.

  • | |

    50,000 cusecs surge through Ravi River

    A low-level flood has been recorded in the Ravi River near Kamalia after water levels increased at the Mil Fatyana point. Authorities have stepped up monitoring and emergency preparations as floodwater continues to move downstream. According to the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Irrigation, around 50,000 cusecs of water is flowing through the Mil Fatyana section of the Ravi River. Officials are closely monitoring the river to assess any further rise in water levels and to ensure timely action if conditions worsen. The district administration has established flood relief camps in several vulnerable areas. The camps have been set up in Mil Fatyana, Kot Pathana, Adda Kalaira, Mauza Tara, Haveli Mai Safuran, Kot Karam Shah and Dedi. These facilities are intended to provide temporary shelter, food and emergency assistance to residents if evacuations become necessary. As part of efforts to improve disaster preparedness, Punjab has launched drone-based flood monitoring for the first time. The technology is being used to monitor river conditions, identify vulnerable locations and issue early warnings before floodwaters reach populated areas. Officials believe the system will help improve response times and reduce the impact of flooding. The rising water has already affected nearby agricultural land. Standing crops in Mil Fatyana, Khan Da Chak, Jhalar Sigla, Shahabal Shah, Basti Peepal Wala and Mauza Darsana have been submerged, raising concerns about crop losses and the financial impact on local farmers. The Irrigation Department has urged people living along the river belt to remain alert and cooperate with local authorities. Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to move to safer locations as a precaution against any further increase in water levels. Officials said surveillance of the Ravi River will continue around the clock. Rescue teams and local administration remain on standby to respond quickly if the flood situation intensifies. Authorities have also appealed to the public to follow official advisories and avoid unnecessary movement near the river until conditions become safe.

  • |

    Prime Video renews ‘Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya’ for two more seasons

    Prime Video is bringing back “Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya” for two more seasons, confirming both Season 2 and Season 3 following the show’s successful debut run. The renewal marks a strong vote of confidence in the series. The streamer also confirmed that development on the upcoming seasons has already begun. Work is reportedly underway even before the current buzz around the first season has fully settled. The comedy drama premiered worldwide on July 24 and quickly became a global favourite. It trended at No. 1 among non-English titles on Prime Video’s worldwide Top 10 list. The show also achieved impressive domestic reach, connecting with audiences across 94% of India’s PIN codes. That level of penetration highlights just how widely the series resonated with viewers nationwide. At the centre of the story is Gyaneshwar Tripathi, a laid-back headmaster trying to bring order to one of Tinki Toli’s most chaotic schools. His attempts to manage the dysfunction form the emotional and comedic core of the series. The show is directed by Himank Gaur, with Biswapati Sarkar and Sameer Saxena serving as creators and executive producers under their Posham Pa Pictures banner. Their creative partnership has previously delivered several well-received comedy projects. Leading the cast is veteran actor Kay Kay Menon, joined by Archana Puran Singh and Abhimanyu Singh. The ensemble also includes Naveen Kasturia, Prasanna Bisht, Deven Bhojani, Ajitesh Gupta, Annapurna Soni and Prachee Shah. News of the renewal spread quickly across social media, with fans expressing genuine excitement over the announcement. One user said they were thrilled about the upcoming second season, while another simply called it an amazing series. A third fan described the renewal as some of the best news they had heard recently. The overwhelmingly positive reaction reflects just how strongly the show connected with its audience during its debut run. With development already underway on both new seasons, fans can expect the comedic chaos of Tinki Toli’s dysfunctional school to continue well into the future. For now, no release date has been announced for either upcoming season.

  • |

    American Horror Story Season 13 brings back iconic characters

    American Horror Story is preparing to return with a new season filled with familiar faces, terrifying personalities and plenty of nostalgia for longtime fans. FX has unveiled the first teaser for the highly anticipated 13th season, offering viewers an exciting glimpse at the characters and performers set to return to the popular horror anthology. Season 13 will bring together several fan-favorite characters from different chapters of the franchise. Jessica Lange is returning as Constance Langdon, while Sarah Paulson will reprise her role as Cordelia Goode. Emma Roberts is back as Madison Montgomery, and Angela Bassett will once again appear as Marie Laveau. Evan Peters is also returning as Kai Anderson, adding another memorable character to the star-studded lineup. Fans can also expect the return of some of the franchise’s most frightening figures. John Carroll Lynch will appear as Twisty the Clown, one of the series’ most recognizable villains. The mysterious Rubber Man is also set to make an appearance, promising more unsettling moments for viewers. The upcoming installment is expected to be particularly exciting because of the way the returning characters will interact. Series creator Ryan Murphy has revealed that some actors will take on two different roles from separate seasons, with certain characters even appearing together in the same scene. Murphy explained that the new season was inspired by the chapters that audiences have loved the most. Among the fan-favorite seasons he highlighted are Murder House, Asylum, Coven, Freak Show and Cult. The decision to bring characters from these stories together is expected to create a unique connection between different eras of the anthology. One of the most unusual elements involved Evan Peters, who reportedly had a scene in which he portrayed two different characters while interacting with himself. Murphy described the process as challenging but enjoyable, suggesting that viewers can expect some creative surprises when the new episodes arrive. The ensemble cast also includes Avantika, Jamie Brewer, Elle Chapman, Berto Colon, Alex Consani, Frances Conroy, Mat Fraser, Seth Gabel, Orlando Jones, Paul Anthony Kelly, Tig Notaro, Madelaine Petsch, Fedor Steer, Mena Suvari, Zach Villa and John Waters. American Horror Story first premiered in 2011 and has become one of television’s most recognizable horror anthology series. Each season traditionally introduces new characters, settings and stories while occasionally connecting to previous installments. Season 13 will consist of 13 episodes and is scheduled to premiere on September 24, 2026. The first episode will air at 9 p.m. ET and 6 p.m. PT on FX and Hulu. The premiere night will feature three episodes, while the second week will also bring three episodes. After that, two episodes will be released each Thursday until the series reaches its 13th and final episode on October 29. With beloved characters returning and multiple stories being brought together, the new season is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious installments in the American Horror Story franchise.

  • |

    Weekly inflation rises 0.15% in second week of August

    ISLAMABAD: Weekly inflation increased by 0.15% during the second week of August 2026, pushing the year-on-year inflation rate to 9.11%, according to the latest data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The weekly Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI), which tracks changes in the prices of essential consumer goods, showed a mixed trend during the week. Prices of several food and household items increased, while consumers received some relief from lower prices of petroleum products and selected food commodities. According to the PBS report, prices of 20 out of 51 essential commodities increased during the week under review, while prices of nine items declined. The prices of the remaining 22 commodities remained unchanged. Onion prices surge sharply Among the major price increases, onions recorded the most significant weekly jump, becoming 24.68% more expensive compared with the previous week. The increase is likely to add further pressure on household food budgets, particularly for low-income consumers who are more exposed to fluctuations in basic food prices. The price of gram pulse increased by 3.35%, while chicken became 2.45% more expensive during the week. LPG prices also edged up by 0.67%. Other commodities that recorded weekly price increases included tea, mustard oil, yoghurt and masoor pulse, adding to the overall upward movement in the weekly inflation indicator. Petroleum prices provide some relief The weekly inflation reading was partly offset by declines in the prices of petroleum and several food items. Petrol prices decreased by 2.35% during the week, providing some relief to consumers and transport users. Tomato prices fell by 1.26%, while potatoes became 0.73% cheaper. Diesel prices also declined, though marginally, by 0.29%. Prices of bananas, moong pulse, eggs and sugar also recorded weekly decreases. Despite these reductions, the increase in the prices of several essential food items, particularly onions, pulses and chicken, kept overall weekly inflation in positive territory. Food prices remain major source of annual pressure The year-on-year comparison presents a more pronounced picture of price pressures in several essential commodities. Tomatoes recorded the largest annual increase, with prices rising by 143.77% compared with the same period last year. Onion prices were 125.75% higher, while wheat flour became 77.41% more expensive. LPG prices increased by 55.41% on an annual basis, while diesel recorded a 34.05% increase. Petrol prices were also 23.02% higher than a year earlier. The sharp annual increases in basic food items indicate that consumers continue to face significant pressure in meeting everyday household expenses, even though some commodities have become cheaper compared with last year. Several commodities become cheaper annually The annual data also showed declines in the prices of a number of commodities. Potato prices dropped by 30% compared with a year earlier, marking the largest annual decline among the commodities listed in the report. Sugar prices fell by 17.93%, while chicken became 17.45% cheaper on an annual basis. Gram pulse, eggs and moong pulse also recorded year-on-year declines. The contrasting movements highlight the uneven nature of inflation, with some essential commodities witnessing substantial annual increases while others have recorded notable reductions. The latest PBS figures suggest that although overall inflation remains elevated, price movements continue to vary considerably across different categories. Food, energy and other essential commodities remain key factors influencing household expenditure and the broader cost-of-living situation.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *