Andhra Pradesh Approves ₹31,387-Crore Green AI Data Centre

Andhra Pradesh State government gives its approval for establishing green artificial intelligence data centre in Visakhapatnam, where AM AI Factory Pvt Ltd will set up a 512 MW integrated AI data centre facility. The project involves an investment of ₹31,387 crore plus and is proposed at Amanam village in Bheemunipatnam mandal. According to the state government, the project will generate employment opportunities for about 1,000 people. Approval of the project also includes infrastructure and financial assistance, making this project one of the key projects in the effort of Andhra Pradesh to attract large technology investments.

What Is the Andhra Pradesh AI Data Centre Project?

State government has approved AM AI Factory (Vizag) Pvt Ltd for establishment of the 512 MW Green Integrated AI Data Centre Facility in Visakhapatnam district.

As per Government Order passed by IT Secretary Bhaskar Katamneni, the facility is expected to be established in two years and four months.

Investment and Employment Generation of ₹31,387 Crores

This project can be considered as an investment of over ₹31,387 crores which makes it one of the biggest technology infrastructure proposals of the Andhra Pradesh government.

In addition to investment, this development project is anticipated to create jobs for up to 1,000 individuals. Indirect economic activity can also be generated through the provision of support infrastructure, services and technology.

What Incentives will the State Government Extend?

Several measures have been approved by the government of Andhra Pradesh to promote the project.

The non-fiscal incentives to be provided by the state government include support in terms of power infrastructure and water supply and other facilities.

The fiscal incentives to be extended to this project include exemption from stamp duty and electricity duty as per the Government Order.

Makkah Joint Defence Agreement: How This Pact Could Reshape West Asian Security and Impact India

Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA) at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. This development is an example of how the security dynamics of West Asia are developing. The agreement revolves around the principle of collective defence, which means that if one country suffers an armed attack, it will be considered an attack on all three countries.

It can be regarded as a new “triple alliance” or “Sunni security triangle,” and its purpose is to enhance military cooperation, collective deterrence and coordination of security in the region. In particular, the agreement emerged due to the growing tension in the region after the conflict in February 2026 between the US, Israel and Iran.

What is the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement?

The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA) is a security cooperation agreement between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan. It develops from the Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) that was signed in September 2025.

Türkiye entered into the agreement in August 2026 and thereby transformed the bilateral framework into a trilateral framework. This agreement emerged during the period of increasing tension in the region because of the issues relating to Iran, regional proxy war and tension between Türkiye and Israel.

Thus, the agreement attempts to establish a collective security arrangement by merging the finances of Saudi Arabia, the defence industry of Türkiye and the military strength of Pakistan.

Key Features of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement

Collective Defence and Deterrence

The first key feature of the MJDA is the promise of collective defence. According to this feature, any armed aggression against one of the three members will be viewed as an attack against all three states.
The mechanism bears certain resemblance to the mutual defence principle embodied in NATO’s Article 5. At the same time, at the moment, this agreement cannot be deemed an analogical treaty since the specifics of its operation and military obligations remain undefined.

Joint Military Coordination

Military cooperation between the three countries will include such activities as joint military training and exercises, which will allow the armed forces of the states concerned to become more coordinated and ready for actions.

Intelligence Sharing

The framework also envisages the creation of mechanisms for exchanging strategic intelligence and security information.

Why Did Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan Form This Pact?

The treaty is a result of both regional insecurity and the new geopolitical considerations.

Strategic Independence Quest of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has increasingly been seeking diversification of security relationships and lessening its dependence on the US security guarantees. Houthi attacks and regional instabilities, as well as critical points, like the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb, have shown security weaknesses of Saudi Arabia.
The security and protection of the Red Sea, Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb is vital for Saudi Arabia since disruption of those areas will endanger energy exports, trade routes, and maritime transportation, thus affecting its oil industry, economic projects and tourism.

Türkiye’s Regional Aspirations

For the Turks, the evolving situation in Gaza and Syria, especially the increasing militarization of Israel, is an issue of security. Meanwhile, it wants to bolster its own strategic importance in West Asia as a major defence power in the region.
This could also provide an opportunity for Türkiye’s burgeoning defence industry, specifically in sectors like drones, aerospace and defence exports.

Pakistan’s Strategic Interests

With regard to Pakistan, the deal could enhance its strategic significance in West Asia, while consolidating its established relationship in terms of defence with the Saudis.
Besides, Pakistan would gain from closer economic and energy relations with Saudi Arabia.

Background History: Past Efforts at Pan-Arab and Pan-Islamic Collective Security Arrangements

The MJDA is one among the attempts for establishing collective security arrangements including the Muslim-majority states.

In 1950, the Treaty of Joint Defense and Economic Cooperation among the States of the Arab League was established with a collective security mechanism based on Pan-Arabism and including a mutual-defence clause.

Political disputes and military uncooperation hampered the effective operation of this collective security treaty.

The 1955 Baghdad Pact, which was known as the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) and included such states as Iraq, Türkiye, Pakistan, Iran and the United Kingdom, aimed at preventing Soviet influence in the Middle East.

As Iraq left the arrangement following a military coup of 1958, this arrangement came to be named as CENTO and was ultimately disbanded in 1979 with the Islamic Revolution in Iran.

Another example of the past efforts is the Peninsula Shield Force, which was founded by the Gulf Cooperation Council in 1984 during the Iran-Iraq War with the purpose of defending the Arabian Peninsula. Peninsula Shield Force was used in Bahrain in 2011.

Furthermore, the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) was founded in 2015 under Saudi leadership and united more than 40 countries in cooperation against terrorism through military, financial, ideological and media aspects.

Implications for the India

This newly formed partnership may have significant strategic ramifications for India in light of its strong connection to the Gulf, Pakistan worries and broader Indian Ocean interests.

A Potentially Strengthened Pakistan-Türkiye-China Bloc?

The enhanced security collaboration between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye may enhance the security network in proximity to India’s western strategic periphery considering the connections maintained by both Pakistan and Türkiye with China.
The growing presence of Türkiye in the Gulf defense market could potentially increase competition for India’s developing defense sales, which include systems such as BrahMos and Akash.

Indian-Saudi Arabia Relations Could Be Tested Again

Pakistan and Türkiye have traditionally been vocal in expressing anti-India stances on the Kashmir problem at international platforms like the UN and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Any potential increase in Saudi-Pakistan’s security cooperation could potentially increase the diplomatic clout available to Pakistan. However, this doesn’t mean automatically that India-Saudi Arabia relations are going to suffer.
India continues to be strategically valuable to Saudi Arabia as its significant consumer of energy, trading and investment partner and market. The relations are bolstered by India-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council and cooperation in energy, trade, investment, defense and technology.

Greater Activity in Western Indian Ocean

It might be possible in the future for all three countries to increase their defense cooperation beyond West Asia into Western Indian Ocean, which could have strategic importance for India, considering its role in the region as a significant security provider.

Increased Uncertainty During India-Pakistan Conflict

Does the collective-defence provision mean that in case of India-Pakistan conflict, Saudi Arabia and/or Türkiye would offer political and military assistance to Pakistan?
There is uncertainty in answering the above question since there are no details about the operational responsibilities under the pact that have been made public yet.

Modernisation of Pakistan’s Military Forces

Financing by Saudi Arabia, defensive technology provided by Turkey and expertise of Pakistan’s military forces might lead to faster modernisation of Pakistan’s military forces. Possible advancements in drone aircrafts, aircrafts and anti-aircraft defenses may have an effect on conventional military balance with India.
Presence of nuclear capabilities in Pakistan is yet another element that might contribute to the strategic ambiguity. There is no publically acknowledged nuclear protection offered by Pakistan to Saudi Arabia.

Mitchell Starc Becomes Leading Wicket-Taker in WTC History

Mitchell Starc Leading Wicket-Taker in WTC History

Mitchell Starc, left arm fast bowler of Australia, has managed to enter the record books of ICC World Test Championship and become the biggest wicket taker in the tournament history. Left arm fast bowler surpassed his teammates – Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon after he took a great 10-wicket match haul in the second test match against Bangladesh at Mackay. Starc’s feat also helped him to make his way into the list of top 10 wicket takers in Test Cricket history.

Mitchell Starc Wicket Taking Record in WTC Matches

Currently, the bowler has 234 wickets in WTC matches, surpassing both Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon, who have 228 wickets each.

Australian three bowlers still have the exclusive right to be the only bowlers with more than 200 wickets in WTC matches. Starc took his 234 wickets with an average of 24.25.

The bowler has eleven four-wicket hauls and eight five-wicket hauls. The best WTC match figures of the player are 7/58.

Match Winning 10-Wicket Haul by Mitchell Starc

Starc’s world beating record came along with excellent bowling display in the match against Bangladesh.

After Australia decided to field first, the bowler dismissed five wickets in the first seven overs. Bangladesh were down to 12/5 and finally bowled out for a mere 64. Starc finished with the figures of 6/12 in ten overs.

Starc Joins Test Cricket’s Wickets Club Top 10

Moreover, the Starc’s six-wicket haul brought up his total number of wickets in Tests to 445 wickets and made him surpass legendary South African cricketer Dale Steyn to enter the ranks of top 10 wicket-takers in Tests.

Starc has been the standout performer for Australia in the ongoing World Test Championship period from 2025-27 as well, having claimed 58 wickets from 10 matches at an average of 16.98 and 4 five-wicket hauls.

India Produces First 100% Indigenous AK-203 ‘Sher’ Rifle

India has reached a landmark in indigenous production of defence equipment with the successful manufacture and testing of the first fully indigenously developed AK-203 assault rifle christened ‘Sher’. This rifle was manufactured by Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) at their Korwa factory in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. According to CEO and MD of IRRPL Maj Gen S K Sharma, every single component and raw material that has been used in making the prototype is made in India, thus marking a big leap towards complete indigenisation under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat programs.

Major Leap Towards Full Indigenisation

The Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) was set up as a joint venture between India and Russia in 2019 for manufacturing AK-203 assault rifles in India.

In addition to the localisation of some select components, the latest feat is about the manufacture of the very first ‘Sher’ using 100% Indian components and inputs which have been referred to by Maj Gen Sharma as “genuine indigenisation” of the platform.

The prototype has also undergone successful tests in firing including burst fire, according to reports.

Indian Army Trials to Be Held in September 2026

IRRPL is busy in the development of the required number of fully indigenous prototypes for Indian Army trials in September 2026.

These trials would be another crucial step in the validation of the indigenous version of the rifle in accordance with military requirements.

Maj Gen Sharma further stated that with an enhancement in production capability, indigenisation, and optimisation in manufacturing, IRRPL may accelerate the delivery schedule of around six lakh rifles ordered for the Indian Army by almost one year.

Production Capacity of AK-203 Sher Rifle Expected to Rise

IRRPL also plans a significant rise in its manufacturing capacity. The company plans to ultimately reach at a production capacity of manufacturing one AK-203 Sher rifle in just 100 seconds.

An increased production capacity might be used for facilitating the programme of the Indian Army of replacing ageing INSAS rifles with newly-manufactured assault rifles.

What Are the Features of AK-203 Rifle?

AK-203 is a modern, gas-operated, 7.62×39 mm assault rifle on the basis of Kalashnikov. The rifle has combined the reliability of the Kalashnikov platform with modern ergonomics and modular accessories.

Some of the major features of the rifle include,

Calibre: 7.62×39 mm
Rate of fire: 700 rounds per minute
Range: 800 meters
Gas operated mechanism
Modern ergonomics
Modular accessories
Increased lethality and combat effectiveness

Asian Games 2026: India Names 12-Member Kabaddi Squad

India has announced its 12-member men’s kabaddi team for Asian Games 2026 as the young Pro Kabaddi League players like Ayan Lohchab and Devank Dalal get selected along with seasoned player Pawan Sehrawat. Asian Games 2026 will take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, with kabaddi tournaments planned from September 21 to 26. The team has a blend of aggressive attackers, defenders, and two Asian Games gold medal winners, making India well prepared with both youth and experience for the upcoming continental event.

India’s Men’s Kabaddi Team for Asian Games 2026

The selected 12-member squad comprises the names like,

Ashu Malik
Ayan Lohchab
Devank Dalal
Arjun Deshwal
Sunil Kumar
Jaideep Dahiya
Rahul Sethpal
Gaurav Khatri
Sumit Sangwan
Ankit Jaglan
Pawan Sehrawat
Aslam Inamdar

Young raiders Ayan Lohchab and Devank Dalal who performed well during the last Pro Kabaddi League will form the front-end attackers of India. Apart from that, Arjun Deshwal and Ashu Malik will also contribute to the raids.

Sunil Kumar, an experienced defender, will lead the defense department of India along with other players including Sumit Sangwan.

Four Players Selected For Hangzhou Gold Medalists

India’s four players who have won the gold medal in men’s kabaddi event of Hangzhou Asian Games 2023 are Arjun Deshwal, Sunil Kumar, Pawan Sehrawat and Aslam Inamdar.

Both Pawan Sehrawat and Aslam Inamdar also have Asian Games experience in addition to having many new faces in the team.

Women’s Kabaddi Team of India

Twelve-member women’s team of India comprises of,

Ritu Negi, Pushpa Rana, Sonali Shingate, Sanju Devi, Pooja Kajla, Ritu Sheoran, Jyoti Thakur, Pinki Roy, Manisha Kumari, Bhavna Thakur, Rajrani and Nikita Kumari.
The upcoming 20th Asian Games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya and the kabaddi events are scheduled from September 21-26 at Nagoya City Trade & Industry Centre.

Asian Games 2026: Dates, Venues, Sports, Schedule and Everything You Need to Know

The 2026 Asian Games are going to see thousands of participants from all across Asia compete in various disciplines over more than two weeks. Taking place from September 19 to October 4, 2026, this 20th edition of a continental multi-sport tournament will be held in Aichi-Nagoya.

Famous for being Asia’s equivalent of the Olympics, the tournament includes international Olympic sports as well as those popular on the continent. Whether you like track & field, swimming, gymnastics, kabaddi, wushu, or sepak takraw – there is something to your liking at Asian Games.

The Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 are estimated to attract over 10,000 competitors making this tournament one of the largest of its kind in Japan in 2026.

When Are the 2026 Asian Games?

The 20th Asian Games will take place in Aichi-Nagoya from September 19 to October 4, 2026.

The Opening Ceremony of the 20th Asian Games is scheduled to start the tournament on September 19. All sporting competitions will last two weeks until October 4 when the Closing Ceremony takes place.

Besides enjoying world-class sports competitions, this schedule will give you an opportunity to enjoy sightseeing around Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture. You can visit other nearby regions such as Gifu and Mie starting from Nagoya city.

Important Dates Related to Asian Games 2026

Some of the important dates related to the event are as follows,

19 September 2026: Opening Ceremony
23 to 29 September 2026: Athletics event held in Paloma Mizuho Stadium
4 October 2026: Closing Ceremony

Major sporting events will be held during the course of the games, and preliminary rounds will typically be scheduled to occur in the early stages of the tournament with many finals and medals being awarded during the latter part of the games.

Whose Mascot Is That for Asian Games 2026?

Honohon is the mascot for the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games.

Honohon has been inspired by Shachihoko which is a mythical beast with the body of a carp and the head of a tiger. Shachihoko statues are closely associated with the Nagoya Castle which makes it very relevant to the host city of the game.

The mascot portrays the overall message of the games of bringing sportsmen from all over Asia under one roof.

The official motto of the games is “Imagine One Asia”.

In Which Cities Will Asian Games 2026 Be Organized?

Even though the event is known by the name of Nagoya Asian Games, the events will not be held only in Nagoya. Several cities will organize some of the competitions of the Games in Aichi Prefecture and some selected areas nearby.

Nagoya will play host city role for major competitions during the games, and spectators can enjoy watching the games from different parts of Aichi.

IG Arena

IG Arena, which is situated near Nagoya Castle, is one of the newly developed major sporting arenas in the area, and it will be one of the important venues during the Games.
Modern IG Arena will be hosting some basketball and judo events. This modern arena can hold 17,000 spectators and provides good public transport connections, and it will attract many spectators during the Games.

Paloma Mizuho Sports Park

Reconstructed Paloma Mizuho Stadium will be one of the key venues of the Games. The venue will be hosting Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and some of the athletics competitions.
Athletics competitions will be held from 23 September to 29 September. This makes the stadium an important venue for all those fans who eagerly await watching athletics competitions. Other events like football and rugby sevens will also be played in the Mizuho Sports Park.

Nagoya City General Gymnasium

Famously known as Rainbow Hall, the Nagoya City General Gymnasium will accommodate several forms of gymnastics at the Asian Games.
Artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics and trampoline gymnastics are some of the sporting events that will be hosted here.
The location of the venue near popular places like Atsuta Shrine and Nagoya Congress Center is an added advantage as it is ideal for tourists intending to do sightseeing after or before attending sporting events.

Nippon Gaishi Sports Plaza

The Nippon Gaishi Sports Plaza is yet another popular sports venue in Nagoya. Here the games of water polo will take place.
The venue is located near JR Kasadera Station, making it convenient to access from other places in the city.

Port of Nagoya

The Port of Nagoya area will hold several sporting events taking place outdoors and within the urban areas. In addition, its seaside location makes it ideal for tourism activities.
Some of the attractions in the area which tourists may visit during events include the Nagoya Port Aquarium, the Antarctic research vessel Fuji and the harbours in the vicinity.

Other Aichi Venues

Several other cities in Aichi Prefecture are also expected to play host to sporting events at the Asian Games. Some of these cities include Toyota, Okazaki, Ichinomiya, Toyohashi, Komaki, Anjo, Tahara, Gamagori and Tokoname.

What Sports Would Be at Asian Games 2026?

There are several sports available during Asian Games is one of its key characteristics.

Traditional Olympic sports like athletics, swimming, diving, gymnastics, basketball, football, volleyball, tennis, badminton, cycling, archery, shooting, weightlifting, wrestling, boxing, judo, karate, taekwondo and fencing are going to play an important role there.

Sports like canoeing, rowing and sailing, which require endurance and water skills, are also going to be included in the sports programme.

However, there are many other sports in Asian Games that are not present in the Olympics.

Asian Sports That Are Not in the Olympic

This event offers people an opportunity to watch many unique Asian sports.

Wushu is a martial art which combines elements of Chinese martial arts with some choreography and fighting.

Sepak takraw is a ball sport played all over Southeast Asia where players try to control a ball with feet, knees, chest and head, passing the ball over the net. Because of its acrobatics nature it is fascinating for first-time watchers.

Kabaddi is an Indian game where players try to tag their opponents from the rival side and come back to their half without being caught.

Dragon boat racing is Chinese race boat sport where players race in a long narrow boat trying to beat the opponent in speed.

Sports like baseball, softball, cricket and eSports are also available there.

How the Asian Games Differ from the Olympics

Despite having several similarities with the Olympic Games in terms of participating disciplines, the Asian Games carry distinctively Asian character. The tournament unites sportspeople from nations that have very different sporting culture, thus allowing sportsmen representing both popular disciplines internationally and regionally to participate in the same tournament.

From the audience’s perspective, a single trip gives the opportunity to watch not only such disciplines as running or gymnastics but also a thrilling game of kabaddi or sepak takraw.

Support of fans, of course, adds to the atmosphere, especially when it comes to popular sports in certain Asian countries.

U20 World Championships: Mansi Lather Wins Silver; Tanvi and Komal Claim Bronze

The Indian women wrestlers added three more medals to the total number of medals already achieved in the U20 World Championships in Slovakia. Mansi Lather bagged a silver medal in the 68kg category with her performance in the finals of the event. On the other hand, Tanvi Gundesh Magdum and Komal won bronze medals in the U20 World Championships. The recent achievements were made on top of the gold medal won by Kajal Dhochak, and two silver medals bagged by Tanu Sharma and Savita, respectively.

Mansi Lather Claimed Silver After 68kg Closely Contested Final

The closely contested match between Mansi Lather and Chenling Song of China concluded with a 1-2 score in favor of the latter and Mansi Lather had to settle for the second place and a silver medal at the U20 World Championships.

Tanvi and Komal Win Bronze Medals for India

India got two more medals after winning the bronze medal playoffs.

Tanvi Gundesh Magdum won bronze medal with a 10-4 victory against Agnia Krakovska of Canada in the women’s 57kg category. Komal won bronze medal by defeating Eda Balazs of Hungary with a 5-2 score in 59kg category.

India’s New Medalists

Mansi Lather (68kg) – Silver
Tanvi Gundesh Magdum (57kg) – Bronze
Komal (59kg) – Bronze

Kajal Dhochak Wins Gold in India’s Early Wins

In an earlier stage in the tournament, 18-year-old Kajal Dhochak secured gold in the women’s 76kg weight category after she defeated China’s Jingru Sun in the finals 7-0.
This came after a series of great successes for her. Kajal previously won the title for U17 World Championship in 2024 and U20 World Championship in 2025. She also won gold medals in U23 Asian Championships and Budapest Ranking Series in earlier parts of this year.
On the other hand, Tanu Sharma won silver medal after she was defeated 3-5 against Japan’s Chisato Yoshida in the finals in the 72kg weight category. Savita also earned silver medal in 62kg category after being defeated 2-12 against technical superiority of Japan’s Sakura Onishi.

Vande Bharat Routes With the Best Views: 9 Scenic Train Journeys in India

Vande Bharat Express is rapidly gaining popularity in India as one of the country’s fastest and most luxurious trains that provide comfort and reduce travel time. However, for tourists, some routes of Vande Bharat make their trip not only fast but also special.

Several Vande Bharat trains have to traverse some of the most picturesque terrains in India including the snow-clad mountains and valleys of Kashmir, foggy Western Ghats, greenery of Kerala and even the foothills of the Himalayas.

For all the nature lovers who like enjoying the landscape from train windows, these 9 scenic routes of Vande Bharat are perfect for travelling.

Top-9 Scenic Routes of Vande Bharat

1. Katra-Srinagar: Breathtaking Kashmir Views

Among the most stunning routes offered by the Vande Bharat service there is Katra-Srinagar route through the picturesque Kashmir valley. There will be many impressive sights to admire during the ride including snow-capped mountains, green valleys, rivers and slopes of mountains.

Moreover, the scenery of the journey will differ depending on the time of the year when passengers take the train since in winter there are snow covered landscapes and in summer green surroundings.

2. Mumbai-Madgaon: Through the Western Ghats and Konkan Region

Among the routes which are suitable for lovers of greenery there is the Mumbai-Madgaon Vande Bharat service. The passengers will travel through Konkan region and Western Ghats which will allow them to appreciate forests, hills, rivers and villages around the train route.

If there will be a monsoon, waterfalls will appear in the landscape and misty hills covered with dense greenery will complete the scenery of the journey.

3. Mangaluru-Madgaon: Coastal Karnataka and Western Ghats at Their Greenest

The Mangaluru-Madgaon Vande Bharat service allows combining the view of the beautiful coastal Karnataka and greenery of the Western Ghats in one journey.

Passengers will have an opportunity to observe green hills, dense vegetation, waterways, some villages and countryside landscapes during the train ride. The greenery will be especially dense during and after the monsoon season.

4. Thiruvananthapuram-Kasargod: A Scenic Ride across Kerala State

The Thiruvananthapuram-Kasargod Vande Bharat route covers the largest part of Kerala state and allows observing its unique landscape.

Passengers will see coconut grooves, paddy fields, waterways, villages and green countryside. In contrast with the other routes there is no impressive landmark to see but there is always something new to discover.

5. Ahmedabad-Mumbai: From Gujarat to Maharashtra

The Ahmedabad-Mumbai Vande Bharat is an example of a completely different type of scenic train travel experience. It takes passengers from the lands of Gujarat to greener landscapes closer to Mumbai in Maharashtra.

It is a good option if you want to experience the fast train journey and at the same time admire the change in the landscapes of western India.

6. Chennai-Mysuru: Changing Landscapes of South India

The Chennai-Mysuru Vande Bharat is a train journey with changing landscapes instead of a specific scenic spot.

Passengers will find themselves surrounded by plains in Tamil Nadu near Chennai before traveling through greenery of Karnataka. The variety of cities, countryside and vegetation makes the journey attractive for people who like seeing changing landscapes of Indian states during the rail journey.

7. New Delhi-Varanasi: Fields and Ganga Plains

A mountain range, forest and coastal areas are not the only types of landscapes that can provide a scenic experience in the train journey.

The New Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat travels across the vast plains of northern India and thus gives passengers an opportunity to see agricultural lands, villages and other small settlements.

8. Patna-Howrah: Fields, Rivers and Rural Eastern India

The Patna-Howrah Vande Bharat travels through the agricultural land of Bihar and West Bengal. This journey includes the fields, villages, waterways and rural settlements.

If you like taking a look on rural India during the train ride, then the Patna-Howrah Vande Bharat is your train of choice.

9. Guwahati-New Jalpaiguri: Towards the Himalayan Foothills

The Guwahati-New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat gives passengers another scenic experience in northeastern part of India. The changing landscapes appear as the train approaches the Himalayan foothills.

The train ride is surrounded by the green countryside, but the visibility and weather can bring passengers views of the Himalayan Foothills as well. Travellers who are planning to go to North Bengal and Northeastern part of India get an added advantage of scenic landscapes during the journey.

Which Vande Bharat Route is the Best to See the Scenery?

There isn’t an only option as each route provides something different from a landscape point of view. In this regard, Katra-Srinagar is famous for its scenic beauty of the mountains whereas Mumbai-Madgaon and Mangaluru-Madgaon routes offer picturesque views especially during the monsoon season due to the Western Ghats landscape.

Thiruvananthapuram-Kasargod route is perfect for people who wish to see the green landscape of Kerala. On the other hand, Guwahati-New Jalpaiguri route offers scenic views of the Northeast landscapes and the foothills of the Himalayas.

If a person doesn’t like to see mountains but prefers rural landscape, then he should choose New Delhi-Varanasi and Patna-Howrah routes.

UP Approves 180-Day Maternity Leave Twice for Women

UP Cabinet clears 180 days maternity leave twice in career rule for female state government employees. The decision of Uttar Pradesh Cabinet allows female state government employees to enjoy 180 days of maternity leave twice in their service period without the earlier requirement of keeping two years’ gap between two maternity leaves. The decision is meant to help working mothers and give them adequate time for pregnancy, childbirth, recovery and childcare. The decision was taken by the Cabinet on August 22, 2026, according to news of the amended provisions.

What Are the New UP Maternity Leave Rules?

Under the new provision, eligible women state government employees will be able to take 180 days or six months of maternity leave twice in their service period.

The most important change made to the provisions is that of removing the requirement of the two years gap between two maternity leaves.

It means that eligible female state government employees can now take maternity leave twice without waiting for the two years gap after one maternity leave.

The amendment concerns Rule 153(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Financial Handbook.

Which Employees Will Be Eligible For This Benefit?

This revised rule is applicable to female workers of the state government of Uttar Pradesh. Under the new scheme, women workers can take maternity leave twice in their service period.

It has also been reported that this rule revision includes an extension of this 180 day benefit for adoptive mothers, thereby extending the benefit of maternity leave for female workers.

There were some limitations placed on the previous regulations on the waiting period for taking two consecutive maternity leaves.

Now this condition of a two-year waiting period has been removed.

Which Are the Important Benefits?

Some important benefits of this scheme include,

Six months of leave: Employees can now enjoy around six months of leave for maternity under this plan.
Two times in service life: They can avail themselves of the leave twice in their service life.
No mandatory two-year waiting period: This was a previous condition for taking two maternity leaves which has been now removed.
Childcare facility: Mothers will have more time after leaving their jobs for early recovery and childcare.
Leave in case of adoption: This rule applies to the case of adoptive mothers also.

Why Is There No Two-Years Gaps Left Now?

This is because of some new developments in law about maternity benefits.

Some cases have been going on in the Allahabad High Court about the case of women in government service taking another maternity leave of 180 days within two years.

The Cabinet has amended this state law so that it is now in accordance with the latest development in Uttar Pradesh.

Lando Norris Wins Dramatic Dutch Grand Prix 2026

Lando Norris won his second successive win in the 2026 Formula 1 season after holding on to victory in a thrilling and exciting Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. The McLaren driver beat Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes by 11.536 seconds, with George Russell finishing third. Max Verstappen went off the road early in the race, crashing out after completing only one lap. Strategical games, Virtual Safety Cars, and Ferrari pressure made the final Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort a thrilling race.

Norris Wins Race In Late Battle With Antonelli

The race commenced with Lando Norris on pole position and maintaining the lead position at the start. However, the race was interrupted due to Verstappen crashing off the road in his Red Bull car.

The Mercedes driver made a good start from fifth position to take the lead after the red-flag restart. However, the Mercedes driver kept building up his lead.

Antonelli held on to the lead until the end game when Norris decided to make his move. In the late phase of the race, Norris passed Antonelli before moving ahead of Lewis Hamilton for the lead.

Lando Norris managed to hold on to his lead to win by 11.536 seconds.

Verstappen Retires in Own Backyard

The early shock moment was when Verstappen spun into the rear end of his car on the main straight following the rear wheels crossing the white line. The car smashed into the barrier sending wreckage all over the track, requiring race stewards to call out the red flag.

While Verstappen later said that he was fine, the race was over for him. This was especially disappointing for the local fans, as it was supposed to be the last F1 weekend at Zandvoort.

Antonelli and Russell on Mercedes Podium

Kimi Antonelli secured second place after a fine drive for Mercedes, with George Russell coming third in the other Mercedes.

A late Virtual Safety Car, due to Esteban Ocon’s Haas halting in the middle of the track, added a strategic element towards the latter stages. Antonelli pit for new tyres, while Norris and Russell stayed out on old tyres.

However, Mercedes told Russell to let Antonelli past to enable the Italian to finish in second. Russell had to fight Hamilton and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari in the battle for third place.

Top 5 Finishers

Lando Norris – McLaren
Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes
George Russell – Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari
Charles Leclerc – Ferrari

Oscar Piastri finished in the sixth position, whereas Liam Lawson placed seventh and was the sole Red Bull team member to finish the race after being penalized for 10 seconds.