INDIA

Aizawl, Aug 21 (IANS) Assam Rifles personnel have recovered huge arms and ammunition from eastern Mizoram’s Champhai district, which shares an unfenced border with Myanmar, officials said on Thursday.

Defence spokesman Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said that based on specific intelligence, Assam Rifles troops launched multiple Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) at Saikhumpai areas in Champhai District on Wednesday.

He said that the operation was initiated in the early hours, with columns tactically moving from Vaphai to Saikhumpai at first light.

Maintaining stealth and surprise, the teams established domination along the Tiau River and commenced deliberate search operations.

The Tiau River flows between Mizoram state in India and the Chin State in Myanmar, forming part of the international boundary between the two countries.

After conducting a thorough and systematic search of the area, the teams successfully recovered weapons and war like stores from Saikhumpai areas.

During the conduct of operation, the team recovered one Heckler and Koch G3 Assault Rifle, one Magazine, nine 40mm grenades, one Thermobaric Rocket-Propelled grenade, one hand grenade, one under barrel grenade launcher and 36 rounds of .22 ammunition.

The recovered arm, ammunition and war-like stores have been handed over to the Mizoram Police at Dungtlang. Myanmar’s Chin State has emerged as a major hub for smuggling of drugs, arms and ammunition, wildlife, and other illicit activities.

The contraband is often routed through six districts in Mizoram — Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip — which share unfenced borders of 510 km with Myanmar.

Meanwhile, Assam Rifles have been conducting awareness campaigns like seminars and group discussions highlighting the bad effects of the drugs and drugs trafficking are a punishable offence under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

The Defence spokesman said that the aim of these awareness campaigns is to educate the local population, especially the youth, about the harmful effects of drug abuse and the serious legal consequences associated with drug trafficking and peddling.

–IANS

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Bhopal, Aug 21 (IANS) In a move aimed at strengthening law and order and refreshing leadership across key districts, the Madhya Pradesh Home Department has issued transfer orders for nine IPS officers.

The reshuffle, announced on Thursday, affects postings in Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Narsinghpur, Mandsaur, and Singrauli.

According to the official notification issued by Additional Secretary Ashish Bhargava, the changes are effective immediately.

Among the changes, 2016 batch officer Jitendra Singh Panwar, who was serving in Police Zone-4 of Bhopal, has been appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police in the Traffic Branch of the same city.

Meanwhile, 2018 batch officer Mrigakhi Deka has been relieved from her duties as Superintendent of Police in Narsinghpur and posted as Assistant Inspector General of Police at Police Headquarters, Bhopal.

Abhishek Anand, also from the 2018 batch, has been transferred from Mandsaur and will now serve as Commander of the First Battalion of special armed forces in Indore.

In a parallel shift, 2019 batch officer Rishikesh Meena moves from Zone-4, Indore to take charge as Superintendent of Police in Narsinghpur, while Vinod Kumar Meena, also of the 2019 batch, has been reassigned from Zone-1, Indore to lead the police force in Mandsaur.

Three officers from the 2020 batch have also been given new responsibilities.

Mayur Khandelwal has been posted as Deputy Commissioner of Police in Zone-4, Bhopal, moving from Ujjain. Anand Kaladgi takes over as Deputy Commissioner of Police in Zone-4, Indore, after serving in Jabalpur.

Krishna Lalchandani has been appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police in Zone-1, Indore, following his tenure in Gwalior.

Additionally, 2021 batch officer Abhishek Ranjan has been transferred from Singrauli and will now serve as Additional Superintendent of Police in Ujjain.

This reshuffle reflects the government’s intent to enhance operational efficiency and ensure dynamic leadership across the state’s police administration.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 21 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed petitions for a review of its November 2024 judgment, which quashed allotment of lands to housing societies of MPs, MLAs, IAS officers, journalists and others in Hyderabad.

A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and AG Masih dismissed the review petitions, saying no case for review was made out.

The court passed the order after hearing arguments from senior advocates, including CS Vaidyanathan, Anitha Shenoy, Mukul Rohatgi, Siddharth Luthra, Atmaram Nadkarni and others.

The court maintained its stand that there should be no preferential treatment to housing societies of MPs, MLAs, civil servants and journalists for allotment of land within the limits of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation.

The counsels for the petitioners submitted to the court that the land allotments were made in 2008, and today they have nowhere else to go.

It was also argued that journalists do not constitute a privileged class but have been treated as such at par with MPs, MLAs and IAS officers.

The review petitioners also expressed willingness to pay market rates, as deemed fit by the Court. They also requested that the Court look into each case of a journalist independently to decide if they are privileged.

The bench also told that journalists have salaries ranging between Rs. 8000-30000 and do not have pensionary benefits, the review-petitioners claimed, while MPs, MLAs and IAS officers get pension, gratuity, HRA, and salaries of about Rs. 2.5 lakhs and other benefits.

Highlighting journalists’ role as the fourth pillar of democracy, the councils contended that they should be protected so they can safely perform their work.

In November, 2024, a bench of then Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Dipankar Datta had quashed the Andhra Pradesh Government Memoranda (GoM) of 2005 classifying MPs, MLAs, officers of the AIl India Service/State Government, Judges of the Constitutional Courts, and journalists as a separate class for allotment of land at the basic rate.

The Court also quashed the subsequent GoMs issued in 2008 allotting the lands within the limits of the GHMC to these categories as bad in law, being violative of Article 14 of the Constitution of India.

–IANS

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Patna, Aug 21 (IANS) The ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’, led by opposition leaders reached Munger on Thursday, where RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi launched attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing them of “vote theft” through the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, alleged that the BJP and Nitish Kumar manipulate elections whenever they sense defeat.

“PM Modi is coming to Bihar, but he should first give a report card of his 11 years at the Centre. In every election, when the BJP starts losing, they apply tricks to win. He thinks he can fool the people of Bihar,” Tejashwi Yadav quipped.

Tejashwi Yadav also accused Nitish Kumar’s government of lacking vision and merely copying the RJD’s promises.

“I announced social security pension, free electricity, domicile policy, free exam forms — and they copied everything. The people of Bihar must decide whether they want an original Chief Minister or a duplicate one,” he said.

He further claimed Nitish Kumar is “in slumber”. Due to this, the law and order situation is worsening, murders, rape, loot, and robbery are regular affairs in Bihar. This government has completely failed to address issues such as unemployment, poor education, and migration.

“This double-engine government has failed on every front. Stay united and uproot this vision-less government,” he urged.

Tejashwi Yadav also accused the Prime Minister and Home Minister of conspiring to disenfranchise the poor.

“Two persons from Gujarat cannot decide who should vote and who should not. Their motive is not to remove poverty but to erase the poor people. We have not seen such a Prime Minister who speaks so many lies,” he said.

Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi echoed Tejashwi’s charge, saying the BJP’s electoral victories were rooted in vote manipulation.

“Every time the country’s mood was for change… the BJP still won — in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and elsewhere — only because they were stealing votes. Now they want to repeat the same in Bihar,” Rahul Gandhi alleged.

He said the Voter Adhikar Yatra was meant to expose both the BJP and the Election Commission.

“Now the entire nation knows the BJP is stealing votes to win elections. But this time in Bihar, their tricks will not work,” Rahul Gandhi declared, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.

The INDIA bloc leaders have repeatedly accused the Election Commission of deleting the names of lakhs of poor and migrant voters in Bihar during the SIR process, a charge the ruling BJP–JD(U) alliance denies.

The Munger rally is seen as one of the most charged stages of the ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’, with both Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav sharpening their attacks as Bihar heads toward a high-stakes election.

–IANS

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Patna, Aug 21 (IANS) Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor, on Thursday, addressed a large public gathering in Sujapur Vidyalaya Maidan in Bihar’s Katihar district as part of his ongoing Bihar Badlaav Yatra.

Calling the overwhelming support for his movement a result of the 30 years of struggle of the people of Bihar, Kishor said that people are now ready to vote for education and employment instead of fear and caste equations.

“For three decades, people of Bihar have been voting for Lalu Prasad out of fear of Nitish Kumar-BJP, and for BJP out of fear of Lalu. This time, people want to vote for the future of their children,” he added.

Making a string of big announcements, Kishor declared that after the upcoming festival of Chhath this year, migration from Bihar will end.

“Around 50 lakh youths working outside Bihar for Rs 10,000 to 12,000 wages will be brought back and provided jobs of a similar scale within the state. From December 2025, every man and woman aged above 60 years will receive a monthly pension of Rs 2,000,” the Jan Suraaj Chief said.

He also added that until government schools improve, children below 15 years will be able to study in private schools at government expense, ensuring even the poorest child can study in English-medium institutions.

“Vote by looking at the face of your children, not the leaders,” Kishor appealed, adding that this year’s Diwali and Chhath would be the last festivals of Bihar’s misery.

When asked about reports of a rift between Rashtriya Janata Dal Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav’s sons, Tejashwi and Tej Pratap, Kishor dismissed it as irrelevant.

“Whether there is a fight or friendship between Lalu Yadav’s children, people of Bihar have nothing to do with it. They want schools, factories, industries, and flood relief — not family feuds,” he remarked sarcastically.

Kishor urged people to reject traditional leaders.

“Do not vote for those who loot you and your children — be it Lalu, Nitish, or PM Modi. This time, vote for your children’s education and employment. Establish the rule of the people in Bihar, not the rule of families,” he said.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 21 (IANS) The Online Gaming Bill highlights our commitment towards making India a hub for gaming, innovation and creativity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday.

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, passed by the Parliament, takes a balanced approach — promoting what’s good, prohibiting what’s harmful for the middle-class and youth.

“It will encourage e-sports and online social games. At the same time, it will save our society from the harmful effects of online money games,” said PM Modi in a post on X social media platform.

There are three segments of online games — e-Sports (training-based, often played between teams); Online Social Games (fun, educational, community-based), and Online Money Games (involve financial stakes, addictive, and harmful.

Just like cricket or football, e-Sports require strategy, reflexes, and teamwork.

“The Bill gives legal recognition to e-Sports. The government will launch schemes and programmes to promote them,” according to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Online social games like Angry Birds, card games and casual brain games are recognised as a safe way to interact and learn.

The government will support game makers and creators – part of India’s creator economy and software growth, said Vaishnaw.

“Online Money Games are prohibited. Youth and children addicted, families ruined. Massive fraud, credit card debt, even suicides. Money laundering and terror financing concerns. Misleading celeb ads giving false legitimacy,” the minister highlighted.

He further stated that crores of families have been destroyed by online money games, and middle-class savings have been wiped out.

“There are thousands of complaints and grievances from across the country. The government chooses the safety of families over any other interests. When it comes to choosing between society’s welfare and government revenue, PM Narendra Modi has always chosen middle-class families,” Vaishnaw said.

–IANS

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Jaipur, Aug 21 (IANS) A significant step forward was taken in the progress of the Kota Greenfield Airport Project during a high-level meeting held at the office of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at Parliament House, New Delhi, where it was decided that the airport will feature traditional Rajasthani Architecture with modern aviation infrastructure.

In the meeting, the Civil Aviation Minister informed that the construction of Kota’s Greenfield Airport will begin in September 2025, with a target completion date of September 2027. The airport is expected to commence commercial flight operations in the same year. ‘

Speaking on the occasion, Om Birla said that this airport is not just an infrastructure project but a historic leap for the socio-economic development of the Hadoti region, enhancing employment and providing direct air connectivity for Kota — the education city — with national and international destinations.

A key highlight of the project is its architectural design, which will incorporate elements of traditional Rajasthani architecture, showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage.

The airport complex will blend modern technology with heritage aesthetics, giving travellers a unique visual and cultural experience alongside world-class aviation facilities.

It was also decided that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) will establish a special aviation training institute at the existing Kota Airport premises.

This institute will cater to pilot and aviation sector professional training, giving Kota a new identity in the aviation ecosystem.

As part of the holistic development, it was agreed to construct the long-discussed Rao Surajmal Hada’s chhatri in Kota.

Birla stated that the development will move forward while preserving Kota’s historical and cultural legacy.

The meeting was attended by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, Special Officer (OSD) to the Speaker Rajiv Dutta, Joint Secretary Gaurav Goyal, and other senior officials.

–IANS

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Amaravati, Aug 21 (IANS) The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet on Thursday approved circular economy and waste recycling policy, billed as India’s first such comprehensive policy.

The Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu cleared the proposal for the Andhra Pradesh Circular Economy and Waste Recycling Policy (4.0) 2025-30.

As part of Swarna Andhra 2047 vision, this policy stands as India’s first comprehensive circular economy and waste recycling policy (waste to wealth creation), featuring dual-tier infrastructure models, industrial symbiosis requirements, special task forces and circular economy interactive economic dashboards.

This policy will also create large-scale opportunities for establishing MSMEs focused on waste-to-wealth generation.

State Minister for Information and Public Relations and Housing Kolasu Parthasarathi told media persons that the Cabinet comprehensively reviewed the growing challenges of industrial waste, evolving sustainability needs, and economic opportunities emerging from circular economy models.

The State Cabinet approved the proposal to make addendum additions to the A.P. Tourism Land Allotment Policy 2024-29. This addendum includes key aspects such as eligibility for land allotment, land bank notifications, procedures for allocating declared lands for tourism projects, evaluation of proposals/DPRs based on declared limits, and project implementation timelines.

The Cabinet also approved the proposal to rename the Official Language Commission as “Mandali Venkata Krishna Rao Official Language Commission.” The Commission was established under the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Official Language Act of 1966 to promote Telugu in government administration. Mandali Venkata Krishna Rao played a key role in the establishment of this commission, in formulating its objectives and providing policy direction during its initial years.

Recognizing his role in establishing the Official Language Commission and his distinguished services to the Telugu language, Chief Minister Naidu had announced during the Mandali Venkata Krishna Rao’s centenary celebrations on August 4, 2025, that the Official Language Commission would be renamed after him.

The Cabinet approved the proposal to lease 2,954 square yards of municipal land in Guntur to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) office for 33 years from July 30, 2017, at Rs. 1,000 per acre rent collection as per Government Order of 2016, with the facility to extend up to 99 years.

It approved the proposal to give administrative approval for Rs. 904 crores for “Development Infrastructure Facilities Program” to invite zone-wise tenders under EPC mode with seven years of operation and maintenance for infrastructure development in Land Pooling System (LPS) zones in village panchayats under Critical Infrastructure and Investment Plan (CIIP) in Amaravati Capital City.

The Cabinet approved the proposal to approve recommendations made in the 19th meeting of the Group of Ministers regarding land allocation review for various institutions in CRDA region, and to allow APCRDA Commissioner to take necessary action according to Group of Ministers recommendations in accordance with Amaravati Land Allotment Rules, 2017 and Amaravati Land Allotment Regulations 2017 provisions.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 21(IANS) As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to visit Tianjin for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit later this month, a high-level conference held in New Delhi on Thursday called for a strategic reset in India-China relations.

Eminent diplomats, military leaders, and policy experts gathered at the India International Centre for the event titled SCO Summit & Resetting India-China Relations, jointly organised by the Chintan Research Foundation and the Centre for Global India Insights.

The conference featured a keynote address by Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong, who struck an optimistic tone about the future of bilateral ties.

“The development of China and India has not been completely smooth, but friendship and cooperation have always been the main theme. There might be challenges, but unity and cooperation are our only options,” he said, underscoring the new momentum in diplomatic engagement. Shishir Priyadarshi, President of Chintan Research Foundation and former WTO director, highlighted the significance of PM Modi’s upcoming visit, calling it “a pivotal moment in one of the most consequential bilateral relationships in the region.”

He proposed the “ABCD” framework for future engagement: Acceptability, Building blocks, Confidence Building Measures, and Dialogue. Manish Chand, CEO of the Centre for Global India Insights, emphasised the urgency of fostering positive ties in a fragmented global order.

“India and China must widen the arc of convergence through Culture, Creativity, and Commerce,” he said, advocating for stronger people-to-people connections.

Ambassador (Retd.) Venkatesh Varma, Member of the National Security Advisory Board, stressed that multi-polarity must be achieved through negotiation, not antagonism.

Former Army Chief Gen MM Naravane noted that India has consistently sought peaceful relations with China and welcomed recent initiatives aimed at improving ties. Veteran China expert Ambassador (Retd.)

Neelam Sabharwal reminded the audience of the historical strategic partnership between the two nations, urging both sides to manage differences and build on shared global positions, such as climate action.

A concept note circulated at the event called for mutual respect and sensitivity to each other’s core concerns, stating that the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025 presents an opportunity to forge a new model of peaceful coexistence and mutual empowerment.

With PM Modi’s visit to China for the SCO Summit scheduled for August 31 – September 1, the conference served as a timely platform to recalibrate the narrative from rivalry to partnership – one that could shape the trajectory of Asia’s future.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 21 (IANS) Looking to promote maritime diplomacy and strengthen people-to-people connections, the 12th edition of the India-Sri Lanka bilateral naval exercise SLINEX-25 concluded in Colombo, an official said on Thursday.

Reaffirming shared commitment and maritime security, the current edition, which concluded on August 18, saw the participation of Indian Naval ships — INS Jyoti and INS Rana — from the Eastern Fleet and Sri Lankan Naval Ships, SLNS Gajabahu and SLNS Vijayabahu (both Advance Offshore Patrol Vessels).

Upon arrival at the Port of Colombo, the Commanding Officers of INS Jyoti and INS Rana called on Commander of the Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Chandima Silva Rana, who has been awarded Rana Sura Padakkama and Uttama Seva Padakkama, also discussed enhancing bilateral naval cooperation, and sharing best practices.

The Commanding Officers of INS Jyoti and INS Rana also paid tribute at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial, honouring the brave Indian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during peacekeeping operations in Sri Lanka between 1987 and 1990.

The ships were opened to visitors, including personnel from the Sri Lankan Navy, government officials, students, and members of the Indian diaspora.

The initiative offered a unique opportunity to showcase the operational capabilities, technological advancements, and rich naval traditions of the Indian Navy.

The initiative also served to deepen mutual understanding, promote maritime diplomacy, and strengthen people-to-people connections between India and Sri Lanka.

The exercise was conducted in two phases, the harbour phase at Colombo from August 14 to 16 and the sea phase from August 17 to 18.

The activities conducted during the harbour phase included professional interactions, exchange of best practices, reciprocal training on firefighting, damage control, aviation operations and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, friendly sports competitions and a pre-sail conference.

The sea phase saw the successful execution of a wide range of advanced naval drills that included joint exercises, gunnery firing serials, communication protocols, navigation, as well as seamanship evolutions, Visit Board Search and Seizure, and fuelling.

These meticulously planned operations significantly enhance interoperability, bolsters tactical capabilities and reaffirms the shared commitment to ensuring maritime security and stability, an official statement said.

The deployment of Indian Naval ships to Sri Lanka served as another chapter in the growing India-Sri Lanka maritime partnership, contributing to stability and security in line with the vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).

–IANS

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Kolkata, Aug 21 (IANS) The Kolkata zonal office of Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached movable and immovable assets valued at around Rs 262.90 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in the Rose Valley chit fund scam case.

A statement issued by the ED mentioned that the action has been taken as part of its ongoing investigations involving Rose Valley Real Estate and Constructions Pvt Ltd and associated entities wherein Proceeds of Crime (POC), having book value of Rs 1172 Crore have already been attached/seized by the ED, Kolkata.

The attachment, ordered on August 13, covers a bungalow in the Charulata Project at Kolkata West International City, along with shares of 32 front companies linked to the Rose Valley group. These assets have been identified as proceeds of crime (POC) generated through fraudulent investment schemes floated by the group.

According to ED, the Rose Valley group, led by its chairman Gautam Kundu, illegally mobilised funds worth Rs 17,520 crore from unsuspecting depositors. Investors were lured with promises of land parcels, hotel time-shares, or, in cases of non-delivery, assured refunds at interest rates as high as 18 per cent – 24 per cent per annum. Despite such promises, an estimated Rs 6,666 crore remained unpaid to investors, constituting proceeds of crime.

The statement further said ED’s investigation revealed that the Rose Valley group layered and diverted public investments across multiple associated firms, acquiring assets and issuing shares under the guise of equity infusion to mask its illicit activities. Two prosecution complaints have already been filed against Gautam Kundu and others, which are pending before the Special Court under PMLA in Calcutta.

ED said that the latest attachment aims to secure assets that could ultimately be liquidated and resituated for the benefit of lakhs of investors across West Bengal and neighbouring states. The investigation into the chit fund scam is continuing.

ED initiated investigation on the basis of various FIRs registered by West Bengal Police against the Rose Valley group and its entities under various sections of IPC, 1860. From the FIRs and charge sheets filed in respect of the said cases, it is revealed that Rose Valley Group of Companies were illegally and fraudulently collecting deposits from public with the intention to cheat them by falsely promising high returns on their investment.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 21 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said it was a truly enriching meeting with Kyndryl CEO and Chairman Martin Schroeter, saying that the country welcomes global partners to collaborate with our talented youth to innovate and excel.

In a post on X social media platform, PM Modi said that “India warmly welcomes global partners to explore the vast opportunities in our nation and collaborate with our talented youth to innovate and excel”.

“Together, we all can build solutions that not only benefit India but also contribute to global progress,” the Prime Minister added.

Schroeter said it was a pleasure to meet with the Prime Minister to share Kyndryl’s long-term commitment to the country.

“Kyndryl is a proud, trusted partner to our customers and an employer of choice to tens of thousands of Kyndryls across India. We’re committed to further developing our people, expanding our technical capabilities and strengthening community partnerships to support growth, innovation and opportunity,” he mentioned in a post on X.

Kyndryl is a multinational IT infrastructure services provider. It was formed in 2021 from the spin-off of IBM’s infrastructure services business.

The company designs, builds, manages and modernises complex IT systems that businesses rely on.

The Data Security Council of India (DSCI), with support from the Kyndryl Foundation, recently launched the Advanced Cyber Skill Centre in Mumbai.

Inaugurated by Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal, the centre aims to train youth and women from tier-II and tier-III cities using cyber ranges and simulators — tools that replicate real-world cyber threats to build practical skills — preparing them for local and global employment.

While 63 per cent of India’s population lives in rural areas, many face cyber threats they barely understand.

–IANS

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