New Delhi, Mar 21: On the occasion of World Water Day, the Hinduja Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Hinduja Group, announced that its flagship Jal Jeevan water stewardship initiative has enabled the recharge of over 5 trillion litres of groundwater and strengthened irrigation systems across 117,620 hectares of farmland in India. The initiative has improved water security, agricultural productivity, and rural livelihoods across 16 states, benefiting millions of people in water-stressed regions.

 Implemented in partnership with local communities, technical organisations, and Hinduja Group companies, the Jal Jeevan initiative adopts an integrated approach to water management – spanning watershed and springshed management, improved domestic water access through rainwater harvesting, water ATMs and restoration of water sources, revival of traditional water bodies, and promotion of climate-resilient agriculture. These interventions collectively enhance groundwater recharge and strengthen community resilience to climate variability.

Mr. Raman Kalyanakrishnan, CEO, Hinduja Foundation, said: “Water security is closely linked to livelihood security in rural India. Through the Hinduja Group’s Jal Jeevan initiative, we are working with communities to build sustainable water infrastructure that improves domestic water access, supports agriculture, and strengthens resilience against climate uncertainty. Our focus is on community-driven solutions that ensure long-term, responsible, and efficient use of water resources.”

The Foundation’s work has reduced the burden of water scarcity, improved crop yields, enhanced livestock management, and significantly lowered the time women and families spend fetching water. It has also encouraged community-led maintenance of water assets ensuring sustainability long after implementation.

Jal Jeevan initiative – Impact at a glance

• 6 million lives impacted
• 4,000 villages covered across 16 states
• 20,000 open wells revived or recharged
• 4,000 rooftop rainwater harvesting systems installed
• 125 lakes restored
• 450 springs restored

A notable intervention under the initiative is at the 40-acre Holy Jhulelal Tirthdham campus in Kutch, Gujarat, where a network of freshwater reservoirs developed around the Shri Jhulelal Temple has helped restore ecosystems, strengthen resilience to rising sea levels, and support local biodiversity.

Key impact areas:

The Jal Jeevan programme has been implemented across some of India’s most water-stressed geographies. Key interventions include:

·Creation of ponds, check dams, recharge pits, and rainwater harvesting structures, replenishing over 5 trillion litres of groundwater

·Rejuvenation of 267 springs in rural Uttarakhand, enhancing long-term water security for Himalayan communities

·Improved agricultural and livestock water access, leading to higher productivity and increased household incomes

·Sanitation and hygiene initiatives, contributing to healthier communities

As climate-related water challenges intensify across India, the Hinduja Foundation is committed to expanding the Jal Jeevan initiative through partnerships with government agencies, civil society organisations, and local institutions to develop scalable and sustainable water solutions.

Water has always been more than a natural resource. It is life, movement, and meaning. On World Water Day, observed every year on 22 March, the world reflects on the importance of water—not only for survival, but for balance, dignity, and harmony in human life.

Water is often symbolically linked with the feminine. It is nurturing, sustaining, and deeply life-giving. Like the feminine principle, water carries quiet strength. It flows gently, yet it shapes entire landscapes over time. It sustains life in silence, yet holds immense power within it.

This dual nature—calm and powerful, soft and unstoppable—makes water a powerful reflection of feminine energy. Rivers that nourish fields, rain that renews life, and oceans that connect continents all represent both care and strength in motion.

The connection becomes even more meaningful in the context of the theme “Water and Gender.” Across the world, women are often the primary managers of household water. They walk long distances, collect water, and ensure its use for families and communities. This daily responsibility reflects resilience, patience, and care—qualities often associated with both water and femininity.

Yet this also highlights an important truth: water inequality affects women and girls the most. When access is limited, it is they who carry the burden. When access improves, entire communities move toward dignity, education, and opportunity.

Water can also be forceful and unpredictable. Floods and storms remind us of its strength and ability to transform landscapes. In the same way, feminine strength is not limited to gentleness—it also carries the power to change, rebuild, and endure.

On World Water Day, this symbolism becomes a reminder of responsibility. Water must be protected, shared fairly, and valued not just as a resource, but as the foundation of life. Recognizing its connection to gender equality helps us understand a deeper truth: sustainability and justice go hand in hand.

Ultimately, water teaches balance. It shows that strength does not always mean force, and care does not mean weakness. In its flow, stillness, and power, water reflects life itself—and invites us to protect it with respect and awareness.

Patna, March 21, 2026 (BNP) — The Forum for Awareness of National Security (FANS), Patna Chapter, on Friday organized a seminar on “National Security: Policy, Strategy and Contemporary Challenges” at the CIMP Auditorium in Patna, bringing together academicians, security experts and public figures to deliberate on evolving threats and policy responses.

The programme commenced at 4:00 PM with a welcome address by Shri Kumod Kumar, CAO, CIMP and General Secretary of the FANS Patna Chapter, who greeted the dignitaries and participants and outlined the objectives of the seminar.

Delivering the presidential address, Prof. (Dr.) Rana Singh, Director of CIMP, elaborated on the concept of strategy in national security and highlighted emerging threats, including nuclear, chemical, biological and radiological risks. He underscored the importance of indigenous research and digital preparedness, noting the role of DRDO in strengthening secure networks and advancing technological sovereignty to reduce dependence on external systems.

Lt. Gen. Ashok Kumar Choudhary, President of the FANS Patna Chapter, described national security as a multi-dimensional concept encompassing economic stability, social harmony and technological strength. He called for an integrated approach, emphasizing that citizens also play a crucial role in building national resilience.

Chief Guest Dr. Dinesh Chandra Rai, Vice Chancellor of B.R. Ambedkar Bihar University, spoke on the need to preserve cultural values alongside promoting self-reliance. He highlighted the role of technology in agriculture, integrated farming practices and training, while stressing rural development as a cornerstone of national progress. He also raised concerns over the influence of western culture on Indian heritage.

Distinguished Guest Shri Vikramaditya Singh, National Organization General Secretary of FANS, addressed issues related to interstate coordination, international dimensions of national security and the need to create protective environments for sustainable development.

Keynote Speaker Shri Golok Bihari Rai, member of the National Steering Committee of FANS, emphasized citizen security, peace and societal well-being. He spoke on challenges such as population pressure, the alcohol-crime nexus and policy transparency, linking economic growth with national sovereignty.

Guest of Honour Shri Alok Raj, retired IPS officer and former Director General of Police, Bihar, discussed both traditional and emerging security challenges. He referred to threats from neighbouring regions, cyber and digital attacks, and the misuse of social media for propaganda. He lauded the role of security forces and stressed the importance of public awareness, preparedness and coordinated action.

The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Kumod Kumar. The event facilitated meaningful discussions on strengthening India’s national security framework in the face of contemporary challenges.

The Government of India’s PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme has completed one year since its launch, emerging as a significant platform for students seeking financial support for higher education. The scheme has witnessed strong demand, with a large number of applications received from across the country and an approval rate of around 50 percent, indicating steady implementation.

Designed as a single-window digital portal, PM-Vidyalaxmi has simplified the education loan process by allowing students to apply to multiple banks through one platform. This has reduced delays, improved transparency, and made it easier for applicants to track their loan status without navigating complex procedures.

A key feature of the scheme is its focus on accessibility. By offering collateral-free loan options and reducing traditional barriers, it has opened up opportunities for students from middle-class and economically weaker backgrounds. The scheme supports those admitted to recognized institutions, ensuring that financial assistance is directed toward quality higher education.

In its first year, PM-Vidyalaxmi has contributed to strengthening a more inclusive and structured education financing system in India. With growing awareness and participation, it is expected to play an important role in helping students pursue their academic goals without being constrained by financial limitations.

Dubai, UAE, 21st March, 2026: The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has announced the winners of the first UN Tourism Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Sports Tourism, powered by the FIA. 

Announced at a ceremony in Madrid, ahead of this weekend’s ABB FIA Formula ECUPRA Raval Madrid E-Prix, the winners demonstrated leadership and innovation across key areas insustainable tourism, showcasing environmental, social and economic impact, governance, scalability, and long-term legacy. 

FIA President and UN Ambassador for Sustainable Tourism in Sport, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, commented: “The diversity and quality of our inaugural winners highlights the growing global momentum behind sustainable sports tourism. 

“These awards celebrate sport’s positive impact as a driving force of innovation, sustainable development, and economic growth, and together with UN Tourism, we are setting new benchmarks for sustainability while building a future where sport continues to unite people across borders.”

 Awards winners

Most Sustainable Sport Event – Winner: Secto Rally Finland – Pioneering ISO 20121 & Spark the Future Sustainability Forum (AKK Sports Ltd., Finland). 

Community Impact in Sports Tourism – Winner: Salomon Cappadocia Ultra Trail (Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency & Argeus Travel & Events, Türkiye). 

Innovation in Sports Tourism Development – Winner: Saalfelden Leogang – Nature-Driven Performance in Eco-Friendly Mountain Bike Tourism (Saalfelden Leogang Touristik GmbH, Austria).  

Outstanding Public-Private Parntership in Sports Tourism – Winner: MadCup Universe (MadCup S.L., Spain).  

FIA President’s Exceptional Award – Winner: Tirana – European City of Sports 2023 (Municipality of Tirana, Albania).  

UN Tourism Secretary-General Exceptional Award – Winner: WRC UENO Rally of Paraguay 2025 (SENATUR, Paraguay).

UN Tourism Secretary-General, H.E. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais said: “When UN Tourism and the FIA signed the Memorandum of Understanding in 2024, we committed to advancing together a more sustainable sports tourism industry.

“Last night, that commitment became a reality with the inaugural ceremony for the Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Sports Tourism. This milestone proves that our collaboration is now a global platform recognizing sustainability, innovation, and community impact, turning our shared vision into a powerful legacy for the sector.”

A total of 70 applications were submitted by organisations worldwide, including federations, tourism boards, governments, NGOs, companies and universities, with 28 shortlisted for the final, where the winners were selected by a seven-member jury of experts. 

A joint initiative between UN Tourism and the FIA, the awards recognise the projects and events that are successfully integrating sport and tourism with sustainable development.

Bareilly, Mar 21: Marking a historic moment for India’s dairy industry, Leads Genetics, a subsidiary of BL Agro, announced that it has become the first private company to carry out the country’s first large-scale indigenous Cow Embryo Transfer programme here at the newly established Centre of Excellence of Cattle breeding and Dairying Technology, which is equipped with state of the Art IVF, Pathology and Genomics Lab.

 The first phase of the programme held in December 2025 saw Leads Genetics successfully conduct in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) in 116 cows, achieving an impressive 70% success rate. The scale of this success represents a significant advancement in India’s livestock sector that has never been attempted and achieved before.

Building on the success of its first programme, Leads Genetics also conducted the second round of embryo transfer through IVF in 160 Gir, Sahiwal and HF cross cows. Renowned for its superior milk yield, adaptability, and disease resistance, the Gir breed is central to the genetic improvement of India’s indigenous cattle population.

Commenting on the success, Ashish Khandelwal, Managing Director, BL Agro 

“The scale of this success is a defining moment for Indian dairy. Never before in India has this been achieved in this scale. These advancements in reproductive technologies like IVF and embryo transfer can accelerate India’s journey toward becoming a global leader in per cow dairy productivity and livestock genetics. Leads Genetics and BL Agro are committed to bringing world-class science to the service of our farmers and rural communities.”

The embryo transfer programme will accelerate rapid multiplication of high-genetic-merit cattle at scale. The technology has the potential to increase milk production capacity by up to three times, delivering transformative benefits for dairy farmers, the rural economy, and India’s broader livestock ecosystem.

This initiative underlines the sustainable growth of India’s dairy industry and the long-term enhancement of indigenous cattle genetics. The laboratory and the program is guided by an unique tripartite agreement between Brazil’s Embrapa (state-owned agricultural research Institution under MAPA), Fazenda Floresta and Leads Genetics. This is also Embrapa’s first ever MOU with a private entity in India, highlighting strategic convergence in livestock innovation, food security, and cattle genetics leadership.

The success of the first large-scale Cow Embryo Transfer programme highlights the success of Indo-Brazil co-operation in to revolutionise Indian cattle genetics. At an event held here, Leads Genetics brought together leading experts and scientists from Brazil and India in a collaborative effort for the second phase of the programme.

Partisanship, whether you support a particular person, group, or cause, has long been known as a key factor in misinformed beliefs—from COVID-19 to Brexit. But how does partisanship drive bias and misinformation? Is it because people of different parties consume different media? Or are we motivated to be biased?

“This is an age-old debate in social psychology … whether something is due to basic cognitive processes or motivational processes,” said Tyler Hubeny, a social psychologist at the University of Texas at Austin. In a new study published in Psychological Science, Hubeny and his colleagues put these two competing theories to the test.

The new study sought to test a common argument that partisan bias arises from differential knowledge. In this theory, researchers frame partisan bias as a byproduct of the information ecosystem, where people of different party allegiances are exposed to different news sources, leading to differing knowledge bases and conclusions. But the flip side—and a more daunting cause of misinformation—is that partisan bias exists because people’s desires influence how they determine whether information is true or false.

“The aim was to try and test that and rule it out and say, well, if we completely take away the differences in prior beliefs, do we still see evidence of partisan bias? And if we do, then it probably is due to that motivational explanation,” Hubeny said.

The new study focused on the United States, where Hubeny and his colleagues recruited over 600 American citizens through an online portal. Instead of using a person’s existing political partisanship, such as Democrat or Republican, the researchers randomly split the participants into Team Spain, Team Greece, or No Team.

“We basically gave them this phony personality test, kind of like the ones you would see on Buzzfeed,” Hubeny explained. The test asked a series of personality questions, which determined the group the participant belonged in. By randomly assigning participants to teams, the researchers were able to eliminate any differences in knowledge that might have existed.

After a participant was given their assigned group, researchers then asked them to judge whether a series of statements were true or false. Some of the statements were favorable to Spain (e.g., “Spain has produced more Nobel Prize winners than Greece”), while others were favorable to Greece. The researchers then analyzed the responses using a method called signal detection theory, which allowed them to measure the participants’ truth sensitivity (how well a participant can distinguish true and false information) and acceptance thresholds (how often they would reject information in general).

The researchers found that even with the random teams, there was a partisan effect in how people determined the truthfulness of the information. This effect was present not because of any differences in knowledge, but because their arbitrary party identity shifted their acceptance thresholds.

“People were more accepting of the information that was congenial toward their randomly assigned team, and less accepting when that information was uncongenial toward their randomly assigned team,” Hubeny said. Therefore, the study supports the theory that partisan bias can exist because of motivational processes, outside of differential knowledge.

These findings have implications for misinformation interventions. “Oftentimes, when we’re talking about misinformation and partisan bias or polarization, we think we all just need to get on the same page information-wise,” Hubeny said. However, the findings from this study show that the penchant to believe false information, or reject the truth, has more complex cognitive origins. It’s not just about “having the facts,” they wrote.

Hubeny noted there aren’t many effective interventions that target the motivated-reasoning side of partisan bias. To seek new approaches, future research should look at why people are motivated to seek out false information related to their partisanship and dig into the specific cognitive mechanisms behind these biases.

“If we can try and pin down exactly what’s going on in motivated reasoning, then hopefully we can develop tools that will be better able to address this source of partisan bias,” Hubeny said.

New Delhi, Mar 21: India Studio9, the premium content production arm of TV9 Network, has made its entry into India’s mainstream OTT landscape with Jazz City, a ten-episode historical espionage series now streaming on Sony LIV. Set in 1971 Calcutta against the backdrop of the Bangladesh Liberation War, the series marks a significant milestone for Bengali-language storytelling — and for Studio9 as a producer of prestige content.

Jazz City centres on Jimmy Roy (played by Bangladeshi star Arifin Shuvoo), the owner of a Park Street jazz club who is drawn from studied apathy into the dangerous currents of underground resistance. As Indian intelligence officer Sinha (Shantanu Ghatak) conscripts Jimmy into the world of espionage, what was once Calcutta’s most sophisticated nightspot becomes a covert nerve centre for spies, revolutionaries, war journalists, and refugees.

Created, written and directed by Soumik Sen — whose credits include the acclaimed OTT series Jubilee and the feature film Gulaab Gang — Jazz City is produced by Studio9 in partnership with StudioNext. The series features a diverse ensemble including Sauraseni Maitra, Sayandeep Sengupta, Shreya Bhattacharya, Shataf Figar, Tanika Basu, Aniruddha Gupta, Amit Saha and Alexandra Taylor.

Creative Producer Arpita Chatterjee helmed the production alongside Sen, delivering the complex multi-location shoot — spanning West Pakistan, East Pakistan, and Calcutta — to schedule and to a high technical standard, besides putting together a compelling star cast. Cinematographer Pratik Parmar’s recreation of 1970s Park Street is complemented by an original soundtrack composed by Arka Mukherjee, Diptarka Bose, and Soumik Sen, blending jazz with Rabindra Sangeet to reflect the cultural tensions of the era.

“Jazz City is my love letter to Bengal’s untold post-Independence saga,” said writer-director, Soumik Sen. “Delivering this under tight timelines without a single compromise on creative excellence has been thrilling. It’s proof that bold Bengali storytelling can command global stages. Studio9’s backing has unleashed our most ambitious work yet.”

Arpita Chatterjee, Jazz City’s creative producer, added:

“Jazz City on Sony LIV marks Studio9’s entry into prestige OTT content. It is our statement of intent: world-class narratives rooted in cultural truth, executed with precision. Our recent Asian Television Award for Fan and Fanatics showed what we are capable of. Jazz City is another testament to our growing capabilities.”

Jazz City is already receiving critical acclaim across media since its launch on March 18, 2026. IWMBuzz.com writes that “the show deftly conjures an atmospheric tapestry, weaving noir sensibilities that render the club an ambiguous sanctuary—simultaneously a refuge and a crucible of danger. Shuvoo combines charisma with world-weariness to create a believable transition from sceptical observer to unexpected hero.”

NewsBytesApp notes that Jazz City is “moody, politically charged, and artistic…Shuvoo’s sensational performance makes it an engaging watch. Sen constructs the era gone by with intricate details, and Kolkata’s iconic Park Street gradually turns into a crucial character.”

Studio9’s entry into the OTT space with Jazz City follows the company’s recent recognition at the 30th Asian Television Awards in Singapore, where its docu-series Fan and Fanatics won the Best Documentary Programme (OTT) award. The production house is also in post-production on Duologue with Barun Das Season 4, featuring Sourav Ganguly, Vijay Amritraj, Lothar Matthäus, Bianca Balti, and Aamir Khan, which is set to premiere on Jio Hotstar.

 

Mar 21 : Kärcher India, a global leader in cleaning technology, participated in the Surat International Auto Expo 2026, held from 13–16 March 2026 at the Surat International Exhibition and Convention Centre (SIECC). The expo brought together key stakeholders from the automotive industry, including manufacturers, dealers, service professionals, and automotive enthusiasts, providing a platform to explore the latest technologies and solutions in the automotive sector.

At its stall, Kärcher India demonstrated a range of professional automotive and workshop cleaning solutions designed to support efficient cleaning, maintenance, and detailing operations across service centres and automotive workshops. The company highlighted the performance and versatility of its professional cleaning equipment through product displays and live demonstrations.

The showcase featured high-pressure cleaners such as HD 6/15-4 M Classic, HD 7/16-4 Cage, HD 9/20-4 Classic, and HD 5/13 Classic, along with wet and dry vacuum cleaners including NT 30/1 Me Classic, NT 65/2 Ap, and NT 70/2 Me Classic. Kärcher also presented specialised solutions such as the Puzzi 10/1 with a hand tool for upholstery and interior cleaning, the SG 4/4 steam cleaner for hygienic deep cleaning, the BD 43/40 C Ep scrubber dryer for floor care, and the IVR 100/22 SC industrial vacuum for heavy-duty industrial cleaning applications.

Along with its professional range, Kärcher India also showcased its consumer cleaning solutions, including vacuum cleaners such as WD 1s Classic, WD 3 V-17/4/20, WD 5 S V-25/5/22, and WD 6 P S V-30/6/22; pressure washers such as K 1 Upright, K 2 Premium, K 3 Plus HR, K 4 WCM Premium, and K 7 WCM; the SC 2 EasyFix steam cleaner; the WV 1 Plus window vacuum; and the RCV 5 robotic cleaner, highlighting its end-to-end offerings for both professional and home users.

Mr Malay Joshi, Regional Head, said “The automotive service industry today requires reliable and efficient cleaning solutions that support faster turnaround times and high standards of maintenance. At the Surat International Auto Expo 2026, we showcased Kärcher’s professional cleaning technologies designed specifically for automotive workshops and detailing facilities, demonstrating how our solutions help businesses improve productivity while ensuring superior cleaning performance.”