One in five girls and about one in six boys in India are married, with the progress made towards eliminating the practice of child marriage entirely stagnating in recent years, according to a study published in 'The Lancet Global Health' journal. Between 2016 and 2021, the practice of child marriage also became more common in some states and Union territories, researchers said in their study.

Girl child marriages increased in six states, including Manipur, Punjab, Tripura, and West Bengal, while eight states, including Chhattisgarh, Goa, Manipur, and Punjab, witnessed a rise in boy child marriages, the researchers found after analysing data from all five waves of India's National Family Health Survey from 1993 to 2021.

Rajya Sabha passed the Post Office Bill on Monday, which repeals and replaces the Post Office Act of 1898. The Bill, according to the government, will ensure the effective functioning of the Postal Department as a messenger service and as a provider of banking facilities.

The Opposition, citing the provisions empowering any officer to intercept, open or detain any item in the interest of the security of the State, expressed concern that such free-hand to officers will harm the right to privacy.

Piloting the Bill, Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said postal services had become irrelevant during the UPA regime and it came to a point where they were almost phased out. “This new legislation is a reflection of the way post offices and postmen have been transformed into a service-delivery institution from being merely a mail-delivery mechanism, and the post offices have been practically converted into banks,” Mr. Vaishnaw said. While 660 post offices were closed earlier, around 5,000 offices were opened between 2014 and 2023, and about 5,746 new ones are in the process of being opened, he added.

Kellton, a global Digital Transformation services leader, proudly announces securing a groundbreaking multi-year project from India's largest insurance provider, the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) recently. Kellton takes the helm in LIC's digital revolution by spearheading the implementation of state-of-the-art HR tech across an extensive network of more than 4,000 locations.

Entrusted with this pivotal role, Kellton is set to transform the HRMS landscape, leveraging the cutting-edge capabilities of PeopleStrong's product. The engagement encompasses seamless data integration, ensuring smooth transition and optimization alongside legacy applications. The engagement will impact over 1,50,000 LIC employees, empowering them with advanced HR solutions that promise heightened efficiency and performance.

Reliance General Insurance Company introduced “Reliance Health Global", a healthcare policy aimed at providing Indians with access to global healthcare. This policy offers comprehensive coverage not only within India but extends its protective reach worldwide. It ensures a seamless experience for individuals accustomed to a global lifestyle, catering to those who seek access to top-notch healthcare services and infrastructure across the globe.

The health insurance scheme boasts a range of unmatched features, reshaping the health insurance landscape. In addition to its extensive coverage for international treatments, encompassing critical conditions such as cancer and bypass surgery, this policy distinguishes itself through outstanding coverage within the country. With an unlimited sum insured domestically, it revolutionizes the concept of health insurance, providing unparalleled security and peace of mind for policyholders.

The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government of Saudi Arabia to protect the rights of skilled labourers from India.

"Skilled labourers in India can register themselves at NSDC... after which we will come to know where they are going, for which work and with whom they will be working," NSDC CEO Ved Mani Tiwari said. The registration process will be free of cost, he said, adding that skilled labourers from all categories, including AC mechanics, and car painters, can register themselves on NSDC.

Skill India Mission was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Abhijeet Tomar superb century went in vain as Harshal Patel produced a game-changing spell with the old ball, guiding Hardyan to Vijay Hazare Trophy title in Rajkot on Saturday.

Chasing 288, Rajasthan were cruising at 201 for 4 with opener Abhijeet (106 off 129 balls) and Kunal Singh Rathore (79 off 65 balls) taking their side closer to the target.

But Harshal (3/47 in 9 overs) came up with a brilliant second spell and removed both the set batters along with Kukna Ajay Singh (8) to hand Haryana a 30-run win.

Rajasthan were eventually bowled out for 257 in 48 overs.

India demonstrated the capability of the Akash missile system to engage four aerial targets simultaneously at a range of 25 kilometres, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) said on Sunday.

It said India became the first country to have such a capability using a single firing unit.

"India became first country to demonstrate the capability of engagement of 04 aerial targets simultaneously at 25Km ranges by command guidance using single firing unit. The test was conducted by @IAF_MCC using Akash Weapon System," the DRDO said in a post on 'X'.

The Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT-K) and the Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited today announced the launch of Kotak School of Sustainability – India’s first fully integrated school of sustainability at IIT Kanpur.

This initiative has been taken with the thought that global warming poses a serious threat to our existence, manifesting in untimely natural calamities, pollution, and biodiversity loss. “Research indicates irreversible ‘Tipping Points’ with rapid, harmful climatic changes. Realising this is an imminent existential crisis and that anthropogenic activities need to be environmentally sustainable; world leaders have been discussing in COP (Conference of Parties) meetings to come up with policies and actions that can lead to a sustainable future. The United Nations (UN’s) seventeen sustainable development goals address this challenge, crucial in densely populated countries like India. Urgent climate actions are needed to mitigate, adapt, and build resilience,” the official notice stated.

IndusInd Bank on Friday introduced its 'Indus Solitaire Program,' a community banking initiative meticulously crafted for the diamond industry. This curated banking program will be offered through the bank's flagship branches in prime locations across various cities with a concentration in Mumbai and Surat and will provide a range of exclusive benefits along with distinct features and enriched offerings to customers in the diamond industry.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out successful firing trials of its in-house designed and developed SAMAR air defence missile system during Astrashakti 2023 exercise at Suryalanka Air Force Station in Andhra Pradesh.

The air defence system SAMAR (Surface to Air Missile for Assured Retaliation), has been developed by a unit under IAF’s Maintenance Command.

The SAMAR system was part of the exercise for the first time, and it successfully achieved firing trial objectives in different engagement scenarios.