Wednesday, November 19, 2025
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Kandivali’s New Skill Centre Aims to Empower Mumbai’s Youth with Job-Ready Skills

Mumbai: Mumbai’s Kandivali is set to host a cutting-edge skill development centre aimed at providing young people with industry-specific training to bridge the gap between education and employment. This initiative is a collaboration between the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), with the signing of an MoU on Thursday. The project aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming India into a global skills hub.

Located in Akurli Village, Kandivali East, the state-of-the-art centre will initially offer five short-term courses ranging from three to six months. These courses are designed to meet industry demands in areas like fashion technology, air-conditioning and refrigeration, gaming and animation, quick-service restaurant management, and data and cybersecurity. The courses will be updated based on real-time feedback and emerging market needs.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that the centre aims to provide job placements for 1 lakh candidates over the next year. “This partnership between NSDC and BMC will create a seamless path from education to employment, equipping Mumbai’s youth with the skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market,” Goyal said.

NSDC’s executive vice-president, Ajay Kumar Raina, highlighted the initiative’s focus on marginalised communities, ensuring that youth from all backgrounds benefit from the skill development programs. In collaboration with industry partners such as the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and NASSCOM, the centre guarantees that at least 75% of the trainees will be employed upon completion of the programs. During the launch event, 20 candidates received job offer letters, marking the first milestone for the 500 beneficiaries enrolled in the initiative’s first phase.

The centre will be regularly monitored, with NSDC providing bi-annual reports to the BMC to track training outcomes and employment rates. This partnership aims to set a new benchmark in workforce development, ensuring Mumbai’s youth are job-ready for both domestic and global markets.

This skill centre is poised to play a pivotal role in empowering Mumbai’s future workforce while fostering meaningful connections between education and employment opportunities.

1,500 Scooters for Underprivileged Girls Rust Away in Rajasthan Amid Distribution Delays

In a troubling instance of bureaucratic delay, over 1,500 scooters, meant to be distributed to meritorious underprivileged girls in Rajasthan under the Kali Bai Bheel Scooty Scheme, have been left unused and are reportedly rusting away. The scooters, which were purchased at a cost of ₹80,000 each, amounting to a total expenditure of ₹12 crore from taxpayers, were aimed at enabling girls from low-income families to pursue higher education.

Launched in 2020, the Kali Bai Bheel Scooty Scheme was designed to provide scooters to deserving female students, particularly those whose family income is less than ₹2.5 lakh per year and who scored at least 65% in state board exams or 75% in CBSE exams in Class 10 or 12. However, despite meeting the eligibility criteria, students have not received the scooters, which are parked at Vidyamandir College and Hardev Joshi Government Girls College in Banswara since 2023, collecting dust and rust.

The distribution of these scooters was halted following a change in government after the BJP’s victory in last year’s Rajasthan assembly elections, replacing the Congress-led Ashok Gehlot administration. The new government has yet to complete the necessary processes, including generating QR codes for beneficiaries through the finance department, to release the scooters to the eligible students.

Dr. Sarla Pandya, principal of Hardev Joshi Government Girls College, explained, “We are the nodal college for distributing scooties under the welfare scheme. They were not distributed because of the model code of conduct, and we are now awaiting a go-ahead from the finance department.”

The delay has drawn criticism from the Opposition. Raj Kumar Roat, MP from the Bharat Adivasi Party, condemned the situation, stating, “This is criminal neglect by this government. The scooters are rusting and turning to scrap instead of reaching the beneficiaries. It is very sad that the government is not monitoring this situation.”

Meanwhile, Rajasthan’s minister for tribal welfare, Babu Lal Kharadi, assured the public that the scooters would be distributed within a week but did not provide a specific reason for the prolonged delay. He also promised that action would be taken against any officials found responsible for negligence regarding government property.

Sharad Pawar: A Defining Factor in Maharashtra’s Election Battle

Mumbai: As Maharashtra heads towards a high-stakes assembly election, veteran politician Sharad Pawar is once again emerging as a central figure. The octogenarian leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SP) is known for his strategic acumen and ability to adapt to the rapidly shifting political landscape. This time, his role is particularly pivotal as the state witnesses a clash between the Mahayuti alliance led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, comprising the NCP, Congress, and Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT).

The Mahayuti coalition, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena (led by CM Eknath Shinde), and smaller regional players, is focusing on a development-first narrative. With its power grip at the state level, the alliance’s strength lies in its widespread organizational machinery, financial resources, and governance continuity. However, internal rifts, especially between the Shinde-led faction and Ajit Pawar, could be a weakness as the election approaches. The alliance’s support from rural voters may also waver amid growing agrarian concerns.

On the other hand, the Maha Vikas Aghadi is attempting to present itself as a strong opposition. Sharad Pawar’s leadership is expected to galvanize the party’s base, especially in rural areas and among the Maratha, Dalits & OBC community. The MVA’s diversity of ideologies could be both a strength and a weakness—while offering a broad appeal to various voter bases, it might also create challenges in presenting a united front. Pawar’s political experience and ability to attract smaller parties will be key opportunities for the coalition. The challenge, however, remains in overcoming the public perception of instability, especially after the previous government’s collapse.

As the election approaches, Sharad Pawar’s moves—whether aligning with new forces, brokering strategic deals, or capitalizing on emerging issues—could redefine Maharashtra’s political future.

Derailment of Darbhanga-Bound Express Near Chennai…

A serious railway accident occurred on Friday night when the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express collided with a stationary goods train at Kavaraipettai railway station, near Chennai, injuring 19 passengers. The collision, which led to the derailment of 12 coaches, is under investigation to determine the exact cause.

According to Southern Railway officials, the express train was correctly signaled to pass through the station without stopping. However, instead of remaining on the main line, it veered onto a loop line, resulting in a rear-end collision with the parked goods train. This deviation from the main track has raised questions about potential signaling or technical issues, and a high-level investigation has been launched.

At the time of the accident, the express was traveling at 75 km/h, and the collision caused a fire in one coach, though fortunately, no fatalities were reported. Railway authorities quickly responded, arranging a special train to transport stranded passengers from Chennai Central early the next morning, and offering food and water during the delay.

The derailment led to significant disruptions on the Chennai-Gudur route, resulting in the cancellation of two Jan Shatabdi trains and the diversion of several others. Restoration efforts are underway, though heavy rains in the region have slowed progress.

The Railways have assured that they are conducting a thorough probe, with officials emphasizing that the safety of passengers remains their top priority.

Over 300 Maharashtra Housing Projects Face Insolvency, Buyers on High Alert

Mumbai: In a concerning development, 314 housing projects in Maharashtra, registered under MahaRERA, are currently undergoing insolvency and bankruptcy proceedings, largely due to the ongoing economic slowdown and rising inflation. This crisis has primarily impacted projects in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), which includes Mumbai and Thane.

According to the latest data from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), of the 314 projects affected, 56 are ongoing, with an average registration rate of over 34%. Another 194 projects have lapsed, with over 61% of apartments registered. Meanwhile, 64 completed projects boast an 84% registration rate. However, it remains unclear if these financially troubled projects are still accepting new buyers.

The housing sector has been hit hard by stagnant sales, rising construction costs, and financial difficulties among developers, with many projects now in various stages of insolvency. High-profile developments like Godrej Alive in Mulund, Lokhandwala-Kataria’s Minerva, and multiple ventures from HDIL are part of this list. MahaRERA has urged potential buyers to verify the insolvency status of these projects through the updated list on its website to avoid being misled.

MahaRERA Chairman Manoj Saunik reiterated the regulator’s commitment to protecting homebuyers and ensuring transparency in the sector. The updated list, first published in April 2023, serves as a critical tool for prospective buyers to make informed decisions and safeguard their investments.

With the growing number of distressed projects, homebuyers in Maharashtra remain vigilant, relying on MahaRERA’s continued efforts to bring accountability to the real estate market.

News Bulletin

Bollywood Daughters Stepping into the Spotlight

Mumbai: As the entertainment industry evolves, the focus is slowly shifting to the next generation of stars. The daughters of some of Bollywood’s most renowned actresses are making their presence felt, each carving out their own path while drawing guidance from their celebrated mothers. Here’s a look at a few of these emerging talents:

Raveena Tandon and Rasha Thadani
Raveena Tandon, known for her powerful performances and lasting impact on Indian cinema, is now nurturing her daughter, Rasha Thadani, who is poised to enter the industry. Rasha has already garnered attention with her striking looks and budding talent. While the industry is eager to see what she brings to the table, it’s clear that Raveena’s influence and mentorship will play a significant role in shaping her daughter’s career. The mother-daughter duo frequently shares their special bond on social media, giving fans a glimpse into their close relationship.

Deepshikha Nagpal and Vidhika Nagpal
Deepshikha Nagpal, a versatile actress and producer, is guiding her daughter, Vidhika Nagpal, as she explores the world of entertainment. Vidhika has shown a passion for modeling and may soon step into Bollywood. With her mother’s experience and deep industry insights, Vidhika is expected to make a strong impact in the future. The duo’s frequent collaborations highlight their familial connection and creative chemistry.

Shweta Tiwari and Palak Tiwari
Shweta Tiwari, a prominent name in Indian television, has passed the torch to her daughter, Palak Tiwari, who is steadily building a career in the industry. Palak has already made a mark with her performances and growing social media presence. Shweta’s unwavering support has been a driving force behind Palak’s confidence as she pursues her dreams, and their bond is often seen as a testament to their shared love for the craft.

While these daughters carry the legacies of their famous mothers, they are also bringing their own personalities and unique perspectives to the entertainment world. With immense potential and support, these young talents are set to leave their own mark on the industry in the years to come. Fans are eagerly watching their journeys, excited to see how these budding stars will shape the future of Bollywood.

Strengthening Indo-Pacific Stability and ASEAN Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Vientiane, Laos, to attend the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit. The visit reflects India’s ongoing commitment to fostering peace, stability, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, with a focus on strengthening its partnership with ASEAN nations. Laos, serving as the ASEAN chair for 2024, hosted the high-level meetings, offering an opportunity for India to engage directly with regional leaders.

The summits came at a significant time, marking a decade of India’s “Act East” policy, aimed at enhancing economic, political, and cultural ties with Southeast Asia. During the ASEAN-India Summit, Modi emphasized the need to further the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and ASEAN, addressing key challenges such as regional stability, trade, and connectivity. The prime minister also underscored the shared cultural and historical heritage between India and Southeast Asia, with particular emphasis on Buddhism and the Ramayana.

At the East Asia Summit, which includes ASEAN nations and key partners such as the U.S., China, and Japan, leaders discussed pressing issues related to regional security and economic cooperation. Modi’s bilateral talks with Laos focused on improving connectivity and exploring opportunities for future collaboration, reinforcing India’s strategic role in the broader Indo-Pacific framework. His visit highlighted India’s proactive approach to strengthening ties with ASEAN while ensuring peace and prosperity in the region.

Samsung Invests $29 Million in AI Startup Liner

Liner, an AI-powered search engine tailored for students and academics, has secured $29 million in a Series B funding round, led by Samsung Venture alongside Intervest and Atinum Investment. This latest investment brings the Seoul-based startup’s total funding to $33 million, positioning it as a growing player in the academic tech space.

Co-founded by Luke Jinu Kim and Chanmin Woo, Liner specializes in offering credible, high-quality information retrieval from databases such as government records and scientific journals. With a user base of 10 million, including students from prestigious U.S. universities like UC Berkeley and Texas A&M, the platform focuses on academic disciplines rather than general AI tools. Two-thirds of its paying users are based in higher education institutions in the United States.

Liner’s generative AI capabilities enable users to ask complex questions related to academic research, such as analyzing literary works or conducting scientific calculations. The company is committed to reducing misinformation by strictly using verified sources, setting it apart from broader AI services like ChatGPT.

With plans to expand its workforce, particularly in San Francisco, Liner aims to strengthen its presence in the U.S. market. Samsung’s investment underscores the tech giant’s growing interest in AI-driven solutions, supporting Liner’s mission to revolutionize academic research and learning. (with inputs from agencies)

Delhi to Ignite India’s Tallest 211-Foot Ravan Effigy for Dussehra

New Delhi: Delhi is set to witness a spectacular Dussehra celebration this year, as the Sri Ram Lila Society unveils what is believed to be India’s tallest Ravan effigy, standing 211 feet tall in Dwarka’s Sector 10. The towering structure took over four months to construct and will be burned on October 12, 2024, as part of the traditional Dussehra festivities, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

According to Rajesh Gehlot, head of the organizing committee, the height of the effigy represents the growing societal challenges and vices like pride, greed, and anger. The effigy burning, which also includes structures representing Ravan’s brothers Kumbhkaran and Meghnath, is a key feature of the festival, symbolizing the destruction of these negative forces.

The event has garnered significant attention, with invitations extended to prominent political figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The venue has been designed with artistic entry gates inspired by South Indian temple architecture, adding a unique cultural element to the celebration.

Given the anticipated large crowd, security has been bolstered with over 50 Delhi Police personnel, 200 volunteers, and 100 civil officers ensuring safety measures are in place. Dussehra, also known as Vijaya Dashami, is celebrated nationwide to mark Lord Ram’s victory over Ravana.

With the countdown to the event underway, Delhi’s Dussehra festivities promise to be a grand affair, with the 211-foot effigy taking centre stage as a symbol of victory over evil.