The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, a part of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is gearing up for an exciting event following the triumph of the 'International Purple Fest, 2024' in Goa. Scheduled for February 26, 2024, a vibrant 'Purple Fest' awaits at Amrit Udyaan within the Rashtrapati Bhawan premises.

This upcoming fest, graced by the esteemed presence of President Droupadi Murmu, will witness the participation of over 10 thousand Divyangjans alongside their companions. Spearheaded by the Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities, this event promises a day filled with inclusivity and joy.

Attendees can expect an array of interactive stalls from organisations championing accessibility, inclusion, and disability rights. From exploring the scenic beauty of Amrit Udyaan to delving into educational initiatives like 'Know Your Disabilities,' the fest offers something for everyone.

India and Japan on Sunday kicked-off a two-week military exercise in Rajasthan's Mahajan field firing range to foster deeper cooperation in confronting common security challenges.

The exercise 'Dharma Guardian' between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self Defence Force is being conducted under the broad framework of India-Japan strategic cooperation, officials said.

It is an annual exercise and conducted alternatively in India and Japan.

The contingent of both sides comprises 40 personnel each.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Friday presented the budget for financial year 2024-25 with an allocation of Rs 1.89 lakh crore, more than 11 per cent from the previous fiscal.

Khattar, who also holds the finance portfolio, said, “For 2024-25, I propose a budget of Rs 1,89,876.61 crore which is 11.37 per cent more than Rs 1,70,490.84 crore (revised estimates) of 2023-24.” It is the fifth budget of the BJP-JJP government.

While presenting the budget, Khattar said his government took many steps for the welfare of farmers, while adding that the government was giving a minimum support price on 14 crops.

Two persons from Bhopal — Bhagwan Singh and Mahesh Khurana — have entered the select group of athletes after completing the Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon 2024 organized in Leh-Ladakh.

The second edition of the Ladakh’s Pangong frozen lake marathon, known as the ‘World’s Highest Frozen Lake Marathon’, took place on Feb 20.

The run was conducted amid heavy snowfall at an altitude of 18,680 feet, with temperatures dropping to -15°C, making it one of the toughest marathons in the world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Global Textile Expo-Bharat Tex 2024 on 26th February in New Delhi. Ministry of Textiles, Secretary, Rachna Shah said that the four long day long Bharat Tex will be spread over 22 lakh square feet exhibition area across Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi. She said that participation of buyers from 100 countries and over 100 international speakers is expected during the event. Ms. Shah further added that the expo will be a unique opportunity to showcase the strength of India's textile value chain on a global stage. Being organised by a consortium of 11 Textile Export Promotion Councils and supported by the Ministry of Textiles, The Ministry said that Bharat Tex is built on the twin pillars of trade and investment and with an overarching focus on sustainability and resilient supply chains. The Ministry said that 46 Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) will be signed during the event including international partnerships.

The Expo will also witness the launch of Textiles Grand Innovation Challenge aimed to identify futuristic circular solutions

Veteran actor Ashok Saraf, who has acted in more than 250 Marathi films and is known for his impeccable comic timing, was on Thursday night presented the Maharashtra Bhushan Award for 2023, the highest civilian honour of the state.

Saraf (75), in an acting career spanning nearly five decades, has also featured in several Hindi films and popular comedy drama television series 'Hum Paanch', among others.

The prestigious award, comprising a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh, a medal and a citation, was presented to the celebrated actor at the 57th Maharashtra State Marathi Film Awards ceremony here by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis.

The Padma Shri recipient was honoured with two awards at the 57th Maharashtra State Marathi Film Awards by the Government of Maharashtra.

Singer Sonu Nigam has added another feather to his cap, as he has been honoured with the Raj Kapoor Award for Special Contribution To Cinema for 2023 at the 57th Maharashtra State Marathi Film Awards. “It feels very humbling to receive this honour, as this award comes from a state that has shaped my life. I have a lot of respect for Mumbai and Maharashtra. My mother was born in Mumbai, so this is truly my motherland. Mumbai taught me the value of labour and consistency. Whatever I am today is because of the shade and shelter provided to me by the state,” says the Padma Shri recipient. Did he expect the honour? “No, I didn’t see it coming at all,” says Sonu Nigam.

Preparation is underway for the first-ever 'Maharashtra MSME Defence Expo', which will be held at the International Exhibition and Convention Center at Moshi in Pune. The three-day Expo will be inaugurated on Friday.

The Expo will witness the participation of the Armed Forces, defence PSUs and ordnance factories. The event is set to give a boost to 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' campaign as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Indian Air Force's Made in India Samar-II and Akash surface-to-air weapon systems are being showcased at the Defence Expo being held at Pune from February 24 to 26. The Samar-II system has been developed using the R-27 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, which can now intercept targets at longer ranges than its previous version, the Samar-1 air defence missile system.

The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bengaluru-based United World Academy, offering world-class, affordable education for children of its serving and retired personnel.

The MoU was signed by Pradeep Kumar Gupta, Inspector General of the SSB and KC Vijaya Kumar, President of the United World Academy, Bangalore.

The objective of the agreement is to provide high-quality education to the wards of martyrs and serving or retired SSB personnel.

In line with India's ongoing commitment to energy security and sustainable development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to virtually inaugurate three crucial First Mile Connectivity Projects by South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a Coal India Subsidiary under the Ministry of Coal, in Chhattisgarh. These projects, valued at over Rs 600 crore, signify a substantial leap towards expedited, eco-friendly, and efficient mechanized coal evacuation.

Scheduled for tomorrow, the inauguration will mark a milestone in the implementation of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, showcasing the government's dedication to enhancing multi-modal connectivity and coal infrastructure in the region.

Among the highlighted projects is the Dipka OCP Coal Handling Plant in SECL's Dipka Area, constructed at a cost exceeding Rs. 211 Crore. With an annual coal handling capacity of 25 MT, the plant features a substantial aboveground bunker capable of storing 20,000 tons of coal and a 2.1 km long conveyor belt, streamlining the loading process to 4,500 – 8,500 tons of coal per hour. Importantly, this initiative aims at reducing road-based coal movement between the pit and rail sidings, contributing to a decrease in carbon emissions and operational efficiency.