Vinod Bhat

New Delhi: The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) aims to bring a transformational change in the income levels of rural women by promoting diversified and sustainable livelihoods. Promotion of non-farm rural enterprises is a critical pathway to achieve this goal. Over the years, several non-farm livelihood schemes including Star-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme have demonstrated successful enterprise models supported by trained community cadres. These cadres act as grassroots-level catalysts by providing enterprise identification, start-up support, mentoring, and handholding.

The Ministry has committed to enabling at least 3 crore Lakhpati Didis, i.e., SHG women members earning ₹1 lakh or more per annum. The scale required to meet the Lakhpati Didi goals necessitates a massive upscaling of this cadre.

Keeping these priorities in focus a “National Campaign on Entrepreneurship” was launched by the Additional Secretary (RD) on 12th January 2026. Advisor NITI Aayog (RD&PR), Chairman NABARD and representatives of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, IFMR LEAD (KREA University), EDII and IIM Calcutta innovation park and SMDs/CEOs of SRLMs along with their teams participated in the event.

The key objective of this “National Campaign on Entrepreneurship” is to train and build capacity of 50,000 community resource persons (CRPs) on enterprise promotion and impart EDP training to 50 lakh SHG members of DAY-NRLM.

The National Campaign on Entrepreneurship presents a strategic opportunity to deepen enterprise development across India’s rural landscape, foster local economic growth and unlock the entrepreneurial potential of SHG women. This focused campaign will not only create thousands of community resource persons but also catalyse millions of rural entrepreneurs, paving the way for a resilient, inclusive, and self-reliant non-farm rural economy and opening up opportunity for linkages with formal financial institutions for grassroots enterprises and enterprise loans.

High-tech surveillance, intensified patrols activated across north Kashmir

TAUSEEF AHMAD
SRINAGAR, Jan 14: With Republic Day celebrations approaching on January 26, security forces have gone into heightened alert mode across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in north Kashmir, following fresh intelligence inputs warning of possible infiltration attempts and militant activity from across the border.
The Border Security Force (BSF) has significantly intensified surveillance, ground deployment, and foot patrolling along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) to pre-empt any attempt to disturb peace and security during the national event. The enhanced security grid comes amid credible intelligence indicating that terrorist groups may try to exploit weather conditions and gaps along both traditional and non-traditional infiltration routes.
Official sources said that heightened monitoring has been put in place in sensitive border districts, including Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, and the Gurez sector. Surveillance has been strengthened not only along known infiltration corridors but also across lesser-used and difficult terrain routes that could be exploited for cross-border movement.
“We have received credible inputs suggesting possible infiltration bids. Accordingly, surveillance and troop deployment have been intensified across north Kashmir to effectively counter any such attempts,” a senior BSF officer said.
As part of the intensified security measures, security forces have increased vehicle checking, frisking, and random inspections along key routes near the LoC and in the adjoining hinterland. Officials said additional checkpoints have been established, and movement along border roads is being closely monitored to prevent any suspicious activity in the run-up to Republic Day.
In Bandipora district, the BSF has deployed additional manpower and activated advanced surveillance systems to strengthen border domination. DIG BSF Bandipora, N.R. Babu, told Kashmir Despatch that high-tech equipment, including drones, night-vision devices, and pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras, has been pressed into service to keep a close watch on vulnerable stretches along the LoC.
He said that multiple layers of security have been reinforced through enhanced foot patrols and mobile patrol units, particularly in challenging terrains connecting Bandipora to Razdan Pass and further towards the Gurez sector. “Foot patrolling has been increased along the LoC, including intensified night surveillance operations, to effectively thwart any infiltration attempt,” the DIG said.
Highlighting the challenges posed by winter conditions, the officer noted that militant groups often attempt to exploit snowfall and harsh weather in high-altitude areas to push infiltrators across the border. “Adverse weather does not lower our guard. All necessary precautionary measures related to camp security, convoy movement, and border domination are firmly in place,” he added.
Meanwhile, security forces are maintaining close coordination with local police and intelligence agencies to ensure seamless information sharing and effective ground response. Officials said the objective is to maintain peace and stability across the Valley while ensuring that Republic Day celebrations pass without any untoward incident.
Authorities have reiterated that the security grid will remain on high alert in the coming days, with continuous reviews of the situation to respond swiftly to any emerging threat.

Vinod Bhat

New Delhi: IndiaAI, an Independent Business Division (IBD) under the Digital India Corporation (DIC) of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA), launched the IndiaAI Financial Reporting Compliance Challenge.

This initiative, part of the IndiaAI Application Development Initiative (IADI), aims to democratize the benefits of AI by inviting Indian startups and companies to develop a robust, scalable AI engine that automates the verification of financial documents against regulatory frameworks.

The challenge seeks to address compliance gaps by developing an AI-powered engine capable of extracting text, tables, hyperlinks, embedded data and financial data from multi-format document sources in scanned and digital versions, segmenting them into logical, header-based sections, and validating each section’s completeness, integrity, and compliance against a pre-defined framework.

Exciting Prizes for Challenge Participants:

Up to top 10 shortlisted teams may be shortlisted for the Virtual Challenge Round, wherein they will receive INR 5 Lakhs each, and will be required to refine their solution on a sample dataset, provided via AIKosh.
Up to 3 Shortlisted teams may be invited to a 5-day on-premises development round in New Delhi to refine their solution.
1 winning team may secure a work contract worth up to INR 1 Crore to deploy their solution for NFRA for a period of two years.
This challenge represents a strategic effort to build a scalable regulatory technology infrastructure for India, ensuring public trust and investor protection through transparent financial reporting.

Interested participants can find the submission guidelines and apply via the AIKosh portal: https://aikosh.indiaai.gov.in/home/competitions/details/b5ebae1e-73d1-4ba8-baa1-21beaabd1f6d. The last date for application submission is 22nd February, 2026.

IndiaAI is the implementation agency of the IndiaAI Mission, which aims to democratize AI’s benefits across all strata of society, bolster India’s global leadership in AI, foster technological self-reliance, and ensure ethical and responsible use of AI.

Vinod Bhat

New Delhi: Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi concluded his official visit to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, which included participation in the 16th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and other high-level engagements to strengthen international cooperation and investment in India’s rapidly expanding renewable energy sector.

Union Minister Joshi chaired a Renewable Energy Investment Roundtable in Abu Dhabi with UAE-based and global financial institutions, investors and renewable energy developers. The discussions covered a wide spectrum of clean energy segments, including distributed solar, EPC, clean energy manufacturing, energy storage, green hydrogen, waste-to-energy and sustainable finance. Shri Joshi shared India’s renewable energy growth story and highlighted the significant opportunities available across project development, financing and manufacturing under the Make in India initiative, positioning India as one of the world’s most attractive destinations for long-term clean energy investment.

Shri Joshi also participated in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the UAE’s global platform that brings together leaders from government, business, finance and civil society to advance sustainable development and promote future-ready solutions across interconnected sectors. On the sidelines, he engaged with stakeholders from across the global clean energy ecosystem, reaffirming India’s commitment to a just, inclusive and scalable energy transition.

As part of his engagements in the UAE, the Union Minister interacted with members of the Indian diaspora, including the vibrant Kannada community, and acknowledged their efforts to preserve language and culture through initiatives such as Kannada Paathashale, which has also been highlighted in Mann Ki Baat by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During the visit, Shri Joshi also visited key cultural and spiritual landmarks, including the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, the Hindu Temple at Jebel Ali Village, Dubai, and the Gurunanak Darbar Gurdwara in Dubai, and offered prayers. The visits reflected the strong people-to-people ties between India and the UAE and the shared values of harmony, inclusivity and mutual respect.

Earlier, addressing the Plenary Session of the 16th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi, Union Minister Joshi had reaffirmed that India’s energy transition is guided by the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One Earth, One Family, One Future, anchored in equity, inclusivity and long-term policy stability. At the Inter-Ministerial Dialogue on Scaling Renewable Energy in Agrifood Systems, jointly convened by International Renewable Energy Agency and the Food and Agriculture Organization, Shri Joshi underscored the role of decentralised renewable energy in strengthening climate-resilient agriculture and rural livelihoods.

Union Minister Joshi also held interactions with senior leaders and key dignitaries from the global renewable energy sector to advance investment and collaboration in India’s renewable energy sector. The visit further reinforced India–UAE cooperation in renewable energy, sustainable development and clean infrastructure, and underlined India’s readiness to work with global partners to accelerate the global energy transition through innovation, investment and long-term collaboration.

Vinod Bhat

New Delhi: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Pongal celebrations at New Delhi today. Extending greetings in Tamil, Shri Modi highlighted, “today, Pongal has become a global festival”, celebrated with enthusiasm by Tamil communities and those who cherish Tamil culture across the world, and added that he too is one among them. He stated that it is a matter of fortune for him to celebrate this special festival together with all. The Prime Minister observed that in Tamil life, Pongal is like a pleasant experience, embodying gratitude towards the toil of the farmers, the earth, and the Sun, while also guiding us towards balance in nature, family, and society. Shri Modi noted that at this time, different parts of the country are also immersed in the celebrations of Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Magh Bihu, and other festivals. He extended his heartfelt greetings to all Tamil brothers and sisters in India and across the world on Pongal and conveyed best wishes for all the festivals.

Shri Modi remarked that it was a matter of great joy for him that in the past year he had the opportunity to participate in several programmes connected with Tamil culture. He stated that he offered prayers at the thousand-year-old Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple in Tamil Nadu. The Prime Minister highlighted that during the Kashi Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi, he constantly felt and remained connected with the energy of cultural unity. He recalled that when he visited Rameswaram for the inauguration of the Pamban Bridge, he once again witnessed the greatness of Tamil history. Underlining that Tamil culture is a shared heritage of the entire nation, and indeed, of all humanity, Shri Modi emphasized that the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat which he often speaks of is further strengthened by festivals like Pongal.

The Prime Minister remarked that almost all civilizations in the world celebrate some festival connected with crops. He highlighted that in Tamil culture, the farmer is regarded as the foundation of life. Shri Modi noted that Thirukkural contains extensive writings on agriculture and farmers. He emphasized that farmers are strong partners in nation-building and that their efforts are giving great strength to the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. The Prime Minister underlined that the Union Government is also committed to continuously working towards empowering farmers.

Prime Minister Modi remarked that the festival of Pongal inspires us to ensure that gratitude towards nature is not limited to words but becomes a part of our lifestyle. He emphasized that when the earth gives us so much, it is our responsibility to preserve it. Shri Modi underlined that keeping the soil healthy, conserving water, and using resources in a balanced manner for the next generation is most essential. He highlighted that campaigns such as Mission LiFE, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, and Amrit Sarovar advance this very spirit. The Prime Minister stated that the government is continuously working to make agriculture more sustainable and environmentally friendly. He observed that in the coming times, sustainable farming practices, water management—reiterating his call of ‘Per Drop, More Crop’—natural farming, agritech, and value addition will play a crucial role. Shri Modi noted that in all these areas, the youth are moving forward with new ideas. He recalled that only a few months ago he attended a conference in Tamil Nadu related to natural farming, where he witnessed the excellent work of Tamil youth, who had left behind major aspects of professional life to work in the fields. The Prime Minister urged his young Tamil friends engaged in agriculture to further expand this campaign of bringing a revolution in sustainable farming. He stressed that our goal should be that our plate remains full, our pocket remains full, and our earth remains safe.

“Tamil culture is one of the most ancient living civilizations in the world”, emphasised Shri Modi. He highlighted that Tamil culture connects centuries together, learning from history and guiding the present towards the future. The Prime Minister stated that inspired by this, today’s India is drawing strength from its roots and moving forward towards new possibilities. He observed that on the sacred occasion of Pongal, we are experiencing the very faith that is propelling India ahead—a nation that is connected to its culture, respects its land, and is filled with confidence about its future. The Prime Minister concluded by extending greetings in Tamil and once again conveyed his best wishes to all on Pongal, expressing his gratitude.

The Pongal Celebrations were held at the residence of Union Minister Dr. L. Murugan in New Delhi. Union Ministers Shri G Kishan Reddy, Shri K Rammohan Naidu, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Shri V Somanna were present among other dignitaries at the event.

Srinagar, Jan 14: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education Wednesday announced results of annual regular exams of 10th standard with an overall pass percentage of 84 percent.

JKBOSE officials informed the news agency— that 84.04 percent qualify the exams.

Over 94,000 students had appeared in the annual regular exams of 10th standard that commenced on November-03 in the Kashmir division.

Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (BOSE) had set-up 994 examination centres across the Kashmir region.

BOSE had said that 68,804 students enrolled for the annual regular exams of 10th are from ten districts of Kashmir division and 25,224 students are from eight districts of winter zone areas of Jammu division.

Besides, the board had also informed that at least 660 from Kargil and 95 from Leh district were also enrolled for the examinations.

Earlier, BOSE Secretary had said that nearly 95,000 students were enrolled to appear for 10th class exams and the board has made 994 exam centres for them.

Pertinently, BOSE had announced syllabus relaxation of 15 percent for 10th, 11th and 12th standard examination.

Director Academics of BOSE in a notification said that the decision was taken upon the recommendations received from the DSEK and DSEJ and pleas received from other stakeholders regarding reduction in syllabus due to delayed commencement of academic session this year coupled with disruptions in academic calendar due to heat wave, torrential rains, cloudbursts and floods.

“As approved by the competent authority, it is notified that the prospective eligible students appearing in class 10th, 11th and 12th in the ensuing annual regular, 2025 examination in Kashmir Division and winter zone areas of Jammu Division including UT of Ladakh, shall attempt 85 percent marks which will correspond to 100 percent marks, availing thus 15 percent relaxation in syllabus,” reads the notification.—(KNO)

Dubai, Jan 13: Saudi Arabia’s oldest known man, Nasser bin Radan Al Rashid Al Wadaei, has died at the age of 142, according to local reports.

Funeral prayers were held in Dhahran Al Janoub, in the southern region of the Kingdom, before he was buried in his home village of Al Rashid.

More than 7,000 people attended the funeral. Al Wadaei was born before the unification of Saudi Arabia and lived through the reigns of the Kingdom’s leaders from King Abdulaziz, the founder of the modern Saudi state, to King Salman.

His life spanned more than a century of major political, social and economic change in the country.

According to family accounts, he performed the Hajj pilgrimage more than 40 times and was known for his strong religious devotion.

He is survived by 134 children and grandchildren. He reportedly married for the last time at the age of 110 and later had a daughter.

News of his death attracted widespread attention across Saudi social media, with many describing him as a symbol of faith and resilience.–(Gulf News)

Srinagar, Jan 13: There is no forecast of any major snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir at present, Meteorologist Sonam Lotus said on Tuesday, adding that the chances of snowfall remain low over the next few days, particularly in the plains.

Speaking about the upcoming weather pattern, Sonam Lotus said that, as per the latest forecast, a western disturbance is expected to affect the region on January 16 and 17, though its impact is likely to be limited.

“On January 16, the weather will mostly remain cloudy. In Kashmir, there are chances of light or moderate snowfall over the higher reaches, while the plains are unlikely to witness any rain or snowfall during this period,” Sonam, told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service.

He further clarified that the system is weak and will not bring widespread precipitation. “As of now, there is no possibility of major snowfall either in Kashmir or in the higher reaches of Jammu. The chances of snowfall in the plains on January 16 and 17 are negligible,” the meteorologist said.

Providing a weather outlook for the later part of the month, Sonam Lotus said that another system is likely to affect the region between January 19 and 21.

“During this period, snowfall is expected over the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir. In the plains, there may be very light snowfall at a few places, but nothing significant is anticipated at this stage,” he said.

He emphasised that even during this phase, no major snowfall event is indicated in the forecast.

“In the coming days, we will be able to provide further updates, but as of now, there is no major snowfall predicted. Any snowfall in the plains, if it occurs, will be light and limited in nature,” Sonam Lotus added.–(KINS)