Vijayawada Railway Station has been given Platinum Certification- The Highest Standard IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) Rating yesterday at Green Building Congress held at Chennai Trade Centre. Senior officers of the Railways received the certification for Vijayawada Railway Station.

Speaking on the occasion, Divisional Railway Manager, Vijayawada Division, Narendra A. Patil termed it as “Historic & Prestigious Moment” for Vijayawada Division.

In Shooting, Indian shooter Anish Bhanwala won the bronze medal in the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol event at the ISSF World Cup Final 2023 in Doha, Qatar yesterday. Competing at the Lusail Shooting Range, Anish Bhanwala scored 27 out of 35 for third place in the final.

It was also the first medal for India in the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol event in the ISSF World Cup Final history. The ISSF World Cup Final 2023 is being held for rifle, pistol, and shotgun shooters. It will conclude with team events today.

A 13-year-old Indian-origin Yoga prodigy Ishwar Sharma won Gold Medal at the European Yoga Sports Championship in Sweden. The Yoga prodigy from from Sevenoaks in Kent, south-east England started taking up Yoga when he was three years old after seeing his father practise daily.

Sharma has bagged the Europe Cup 2023 in the Boys 12-14 category last week after he participated in the European competition organised by the International Yoga Sports Federation in collaboration with Swedish Yoga Sports Federation in Malmo.

“Ishwar is passionate about spreading the message of Yoga especially for special needs children,” his family said in a statement, with reference to his autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

In Goa, the refreshing and thought-provoking short film on receding beach lines of Goa, ‘Odh’ has won the best film award at the ‘75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow’ film challenge held at the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur launched the ‘75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow’ film challenge at IFFI in Goa on Tuesday.
 
AIR correspondent reports that as part of the Film Challenge, 75 participants were divided into five teams who made short films in 48 hours on the topic ‘Mission Life’. Mr Thakur said that the initiative aims to encourage and nurture young creative talents from various trades of filmmaking. The initiative is in its third year, having been launched in 2021 to mark the 75th year of India’s Independence as part of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations.

National Milk Day 2023: Milk is extremely nutritious. Loaded with essential nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins, milk contributes to nutrition of the body. Consuming milk and milk products on a daily basis come with multiple benefits. It helps in keeping the bones strong and decreases the risk of cognitive decline. It also helps in boosting the immunity of the body and strengthening cardiovascular health. Every year, National Milk Day is celebrated to create awareness of the importance of consumption of milk and how it can benefit us.

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, observed annually on November 25th, serves as a poignant reminder of the widespread issue of gender-based violence that continues to plague societies worldwide. This day carries profound importance in promoting awareness, championing women’s rights, and fostering a collective commitment to eradicate violence against women.

Beyond being a commemoration of past sacrifices, it serves as a catalyst for envisioning a future where the elimination of violence against women is not just an aspiration but a reality. While we strive to make it true, it is crucial to reflect on the progress we have made so far and how the idea originated in the first place.

In a major move towards sustainable development, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned a senior secured loan of $6.5 million to Greenway Grameen Infra Private Limited for the production and dissemination of 1 million improved cookstoves across the rural expanses of Madhya Pradesh and Odisha.

This initiative is further strengthened by a $3.25 million first-loss liquidity reserve provided by the Climate Innovation and Development Fund (CIDF), which is managed by ADB.

The drive to replace conventional mud chulhas will see a significant drop in fuel needs and smoke emissions by 65% and 70% respectively, thereby reducing the environmental burden of black carbon and carbon monoxide.

Afghanistan’s Embassy in India on Friday announced its permanent closure, citing persistent challenges from the Indian government.

This comes after the Afghanistan Embassy had announced on September 30 that it is ceasing its operations from October 1. The mission had back then cited a lack of support from the host government, failure to meet expectations in serving Afghanistan’s interests and reduction in personnel and resources.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Embassy said it regrets announcing the permanent closure of its diplomatic mission in New Delhi, effective from November 23, owing to persistent challenges from the Indian government.

The National Legal Services Authority of India (NALSA) with support from the Central government and in collaboration with the International Legal Foundation (ILF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) will host the First Regional Conference on Access to Legal Aid here in the national capital on November 27 and 28.

The conference will bring together Chief Justices, Ministers of Justice, legal aid officers, policymakers, and civil society experts from 70 Africa-Asia-Pacific countries of the Global South to discuss the challenges and opportunities in ensuring access to quality legal aid services for the poor and vulnerable.

The Inter Command Ocean Sailing Race’s second edition is underway and it aims to showcase the seamanship and navigational prowess of seasoned sailors, according to a statement.

The race, which was flagged off from Kochi on Wednesday, will end at Goa.

Boats are expected to leverage winds and proceed to Goa without the use of engines, covering a distance of 360 nm. Prior to the race, an Ocean Sailing Clinic was organised for the participating teams at Kochi, the statement issued by the Indian Navy said.