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Suicide bombings in Pakistan: Video shows chaos after deadly blast in Islamabad’s Iman Bargha

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Suicide bombings in Pakistan: Video shows chaos after deadly blast in Islamabad's Iman Bargha

A video has surfaced showing the aftermath of a suicide bombing at a Shiite place of worship in Pakistan’s capital, documenting the scenes of chaos and panic after the deadly attack that killed at least 31 people and injured more than 160 others.The explosion took place at Tel Aman Bagha in Islamabad’s Shehzad Town area during Friday prayers. According to Geo TV, citing sources, the suicide bomber attacked the Shiite conference hall as a large number of believers gathered.Video footage shared by news agency PTI showed chaotic scenes outside Imambaga, with panic spreading in the area and people running in panic after the explosion. Personal belongings and shoes were scattered on the ground near the mosque. Visuals also show several bodies lying at the scene.In the video, police, rescue workers and local residents can be seen rushing to rescue the injured and transport them to nearby hospitals. According to the Press Trust of Pakistan, after the explosion, the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences declared a state of emergency, making it difficult for hospitals to treat a large number of injured people.

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Security agencies cordoned off the area and bomb disposal and investigation teams arrived at the scene. Islamabad police said the blast was a targeted attack and confirmed a full investigation was underway. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the bombing.The attack drew strong condemnation from political leaders across Pakistan. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry called the blast a “cowardly act” and expressed deep condolences over the loss of innocent lives. Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas called the incident a serious lapse in security and said “attacks on places of worship cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.”President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack in separate statements and directed authorities to ensure the best medical care for the injured.“Targeting innocent civilians is a crime against humanity. The country stands with the affected families during this difficult time,” Zardari said.Sharif said he had ordered a thorough investigation, stressing that those responsible must be identified and punished.Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi responded to the condemnation and directed officials to provide immediate and comprehensive medical assistance to the injured.The blast comes amid a surge in armed violence across Pakistan in recent months. Authorities blame the growth mainly on Baloch separatist groups and the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). A regional affiliate of the Islamic State group is also active and has previously targeted Shiite adherents of the country’s minority community.The attack came days after deadly clashes between Pakistani troops and the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides. In November last year, another major suicide attack occurred in Islamabad. An explosion occurred outside the court building, killing 12 people.Friday’s blast occurred as Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was on an official visit to Pakistan to attend an event in Islamabad, a few kilometers from the blast site.Security in the capital has since been tightened as authorities continue to investigate and assess possible links to recent militant activity.

AAP slams BJP over biker death, says Delhi govt has not learned any lessons from Noida incident India News

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AAP slams BJP over biker death, says Delhi government has not learned any lessons from Noida incident

National Convener of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Arvind Kejriwal Slamming the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Delhi government, it blamed a motorcyclist who died after falling into a hole dug by the government. Delhi JAL A man in Janakpuri district claimed it was not an accident but a “murder”.In a post on X, the former chief minister of Delhi claimed bjp We learned nothing from last month’s incident in Noida, where a young software engineer drowned in a flooded place.

‘More than 100 people watched’: Eyewitness, father recall failed rescue as Noida technicians called for help

“BJP has not even learned a single lesson from the Noida incident. Extreme negligence and complete irresponsibility have now become the hallmark of the BJP government and it is the common people who are paying the price,” Kejriwal charged.He expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and said the disappearance of their children was due to the “negligence” of the Delhi government.Delhi AAP president Saurabh Bharadwaj also slammed the BJP, accusing it of spreading “routine lies”.A 25-year-old motorcyclist Kamal died after falling into a pit dug by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) for construction work in Janakpuri area on Friday morning, police said.Kamal, a resident of Kailashpuri, works in the call center of a private bank, they said, adding that initial investigation revealed that the hole was dug at the DJB construction site and barricaded.The victim’s family claimed DJB was negligent and suspected his death was foul play.

Delhi govt begins drafting bill for Delhi Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority India News

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Delhi government begins drafting Delhi Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority Bill

In a major institutional overhaul aimed at transforming transportation in the national capital city, the Delhi government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has initiated the process of drafting a comprehensive bill to establish the Delhi Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (DUMTA) along with a dedicated Delhi Urban Transport Fund (DUTF).“The proposed legislation seeks to rationalize, integrate and harmonize Delhi’s currently fragmented transport ecosystem under a single, coherent planning and governance framework. The move marks an important milestone in the government’s vision to create a modern, efficient, people-centric and environmentally sustainable transport system for the national capital,” a statement said.To ensure prompt and inclusive drafting of the proposed laws, the chief minister has constituted a high-level working group chaired by the chief secretary, the statement said. “The task force’s mandate to prepare and submit draft bills at the earliest possible opportunity reflects the administration’s sense of urgency and commitment to reform. This decision responds to long-standing requests from city planners, transportation experts, and civilian stakeholders for a unified transportation authority that can synchronize planning, investment, and operations across agencies.Recognizing that Delhi’s rapid urbanization, population growth and increasing vehicular pressure require systemic solutions rather than piecemeal interventions, the Chief Minister took a proactive step by initiating the legislative process.The task force brings together senior officials from key departments including transport, urban development, finance, planning, public works and Delhi Police. It also includes representatives from major municipal and transport authorities such as Delhi Development Authority, Delhi Municipal Corporation, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, Delhi Transport Corporation, National Capital Region Transport Corporation and Indian Railways. The CM suggested that renowned experts in the field of urban mobility could also be engaged to ensure that global best practices and local realities are seamlessly integrated into the proposed framework.Explaining the rationale behind the initiative, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta noted that Delhi’s transport agencies have historically been siled with limited coordination in route planning, infrastructure development and service delivery. “DUMTA will bring cohesion to Delhi’s entire urban transport system. By bringing all transport modes such as Metro, buses, regional railways, railways and feeder services under a single planning jurisdiction, we will ensure transport solutions are integrated, efficient and citizen-centric,” the CM said.The chief minister stressed that DUMTA will play a key role in decongesting Delhi’s roads by strengthening public transport, improving last-mile connectivity and encouraging a move away from private vehicles. She said it was part of the government’s long-term strategy to tackle air pollution, one of the capital’s most pressing challenges. Vehicle emissions remain a major local source of pollution and expanding reliable, well-connected public transport networks is critical to achieving sustainable environmental outcomes.“Our government is working on short, medium and long-term solutions to address…”

Vapi gas leak: Chemical plant reactor leaks, four hospitalized; investigation ongoing | India News

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Vapi gas leak: Chemical plant reactor leaks, four hospitalized; investigation ongoing
AI images used for representation

New Delhi: At least four people were hospitalized after a gas leak occurred at a factory in Gujarat’s Valsad district on Friday morning.The incident took place in Saligam town, which is an industrial notified area. According to officials of the Gujarat Pollution Control Board, a gas leak occurred in the reactor of Cynax Metachem, causing eye irritation to those working at the plant.Four people, including company owner Vinod Patel, were admitted to hospital after being affected by the leak, the official said.Authorities quickly cordoned off the area around the factory to prevent further exposure. The gas leak was controlled using sand and sodium bicarbonate, officials added.The exact nature of the gases released during the manufacturing process remains unclear. The police have begun investigating the cause of the incident.

Bangladesh crisis: Protesters near Yunus’ residence use sonic grenades and tear gas

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Bangladesh crisis: Protesters near Yunus' residence use sonic grenades and tear gas
A protest was held near the residence of the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh against the demand for ninth grade salary standards (Photo/X@ImbusyWarrior)

Massive protests broke out outside the Jamuna residence of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Friday as government employees staged demonstrations demanding immediate implementation of the ninth national wage scale. The protests triggered massive security deployments and police operations in parts of the capital Dhaka.There was tension near Jamuna as protesters started from Shaheed Minar, broke through police barricades and tried to move towards their residences.

Awami League ‘No Boat No Vote’ boycott of Yunus polls, exacerbating Bangladesh crisis

Police used water cannons, tear gas shells and sonic grenades to disperse the crowd, while six platoons of Bangladesh Border Guards (BGB) were deployed to secure areas around the Kakral Mosque and the Intercontinental Hotel, Dhaka Tribune reported. According to Md Moniruzzaman, in-charge of Shahbagh police station, government employees started gathering in Shahbagh around 10:30 am and blocked the intersection, paralyzing traffic on surrounding roads. Despite repeated demands to clear the road, protesters refused to disperse.“When the procession advanced towards Jamuna and reached the Intercontinental Hotel intersection, the police tried to stop them. When the protesters crossed the barricades and gathered near Jamuna, the police used tear gas and water cannon to control the situation around 12 noon,” Moniruzzaman said.Demonstrating under the banner of Sarkari Karmachari Dabi Adai Oikya Parishad (Solidarity Committee for Demand Realization of Government Employees), the protesters chanted slogans such as “No compromise, only struggle”, “Not offices but streets” and “Implement wage scales immediately”. Some protesters were injured and removed from the InterContinental Hotel intersection by police.Ignoring the roadblocks at Shahbagh, the protesters marched towards Jamuna around 11.30 am and staged a brief sit-in near their residence. Police later used water cannon, tear gas and sonic grenades to disperse them.Around 12:30 p.m., most demonstrators regrouped at the InterContinental Hotel intersection, where police took further action. Traffic on the Banglamotor-Shahbagh road was disrupted for several hours and was not resumed until 1:15 pm, United News Bangladesh reported. Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) chief SM Sajjat ​​Ali went to the area to monitor the situation, while deputy commissioner of police (Ramna district) Masood Alam said the police were working to prevent deterioration of law and order.“We remain vigilant to avoid deterioration of law and order. We are talking to the protesters so that they can move to other places,” Masoud Alam said.Several protesters said they had gathered only to press for changes in pay standards and had no other intention. One detained protester said he was the only earning member of his family and could no longer support them on his current salary.Another protester, Borhan Uddin, an office assistant in the youth development ministry, said the delay was unjustified.“The government has completed all procedures for the ninth pay scale but is yet to issue a gazette notification. This has been our long-standing demand. We were informed that the gazette was delayed due to opposition from political parties. We will not accept this.”The protesting employees warned that they would continue their march and refuse to go home if the gazette for the ninth-grade pay scale was not issued that day.Meanwhile, another sit-in has taken place near Jamuna, where protests have been ongoing since Thursday afternoon on the Inqilab Moncho platform demanding a UN-led impartial investigation into the killing of Shahid Sharif Osman bin Hadi.Government employees said the pay commission has submitted its report and the new pay scale can be implemented immediately through a gazette notification. They also expressed concern that implementation could be further delayed once an elected government takes office.Security remained tight around the chief adviser’s official residence, with police setting up roadblocks near the InterContinental Hotel and on adjoining roads until late afternoon.

Sabarimala gold theft case: ED summons Unnikrishnan Potti for detailed interrogation | India News

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Sabarimala gold theft case: ED summons Unnikrishnan Potti for detailed interrogation
Unnikrishnan Botti, the prime accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case, was brought to the Thiruvananthapuram crime branch office on Friday. (Arnie)

New Delhi: law enforcement bureau Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime accused in the Sabrimala gold theft case, was summoned on Friday, a day after he and three other accused were granted statutory bail by the Special Investigation Team.Poti was accused of misappropriating gold from the Devarapalakha idol, sanctum sanctorum, pillars and door frames of the Sabarimala temple. He was arrested in November last year and remained in judicial custody for more than three months.

Jayaram records statement on Sabarimala gold plate; authorities’ clear devotional role

Former TDB administrator S Sreekumar and former TDB administrator Murari Babu were also questioned by the education ministry earlier.From 2004 to 2008, Potti served as the “parikarmi” (assistant) to the keezsanthi (chief priestly assistant) of Sabarimala.In 2014, he came under devil’s worm surveillance as some transactions without coupons at Sannidhanam came under suspicion. Although he was asked to leave Sunnydanan, he returned a few years later.He was granted bail on Thursday after the crime branch failed to submit a final report within the stipulated time. In its order, the court noted that the right to default on bail under Section 167(2) is absolute and cannot be denied on the basis of the seriousness of the offence.

U19 World Cup final: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi hits 55-ball century against England as India take lead | Cricket News

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U19 World Cup final: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scores 55-ball century against England, India leads
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. (File photo)

Teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continued to raise his profile by scoring a 55-ball hundred in the Under-19 World Cup final at Harare Sports Club on Friday.Sooryavanshi reached his hundred in the 20th hole through Ralphie Albert’s single. He hit eight fours and as many sixes to reach this milestone.In the process, he became the highest-scoring batsman at the Men’s Under-19 World Cup, breaking Dewald Brevis’ record of 18 set in 2022. Sooryavanshi also became the first batsman to hit 100 sixes in junior ODIs.He also forged a crucial 142-run partnership with skipper Ayush Mhatre before the India skipper was caught off Alex Green’s delivery in the 19th over.Earlier, India captain Ayush Mhatt won the coin toss and was selected to play England in the ICC U-19 World Cup final on Friday.India’s squad remains unchanged while England replaces Alex French with Alex Green.Both India and England are unbeaten in the tournament so far. India beat Asian rivals Afghanistan by seven runs in the semi-finals, while England beat arch-rivals and the tournament’s second most successful team, Australia, by 27 runs in the semi-finals.World Cup 2026 India U-19 vs England U-19 Final 11-a-side match:India U19 No. 11: Aaron George, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre (centre), Vihaan Malhotra, Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (women), RS Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan Patel, Henil Patel, Deepesh Devendran.England U19 played 11 players: Ben Dawkins, Joseph Moores, Ben Mays, Thomas Rue (w/c), Caleb Falconer, Ralphie Albert, Farhan Ahmed, Sebastian Morgan, James Minto, Manny Ramsden, Alex Green.

Apple may launch iPhone 17e this month; report reveals key changes | Tech News

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Apple may launch its next affordable iPhone later this month, according to a new report that reveals an update on the expected launch timeline and plans. The device is called the iPhone 17e and is expected to be launched as the successor to the iPhone 16e. While Apple has yet to reveal any official details, sources suggest that the company is preparing to release the device in February 2026.

Apple is expected to launch a new affordable iPhone this month with changes to charging, connectivity and design. (HT)
Apple is expected to launch a new affordable iPhone this month with changes to charging, connectivity and design. (HT)

iPhone 17e: Release schedule (expected)

German publication Macwelt reports that Apple plans to release the iPhone 17e on February 19, citing unnamed sources. The date coincides with the launch anniversary of Apple’s iPhone 16e, which was launched on February 19, 2025. The timing is also consistent with previous reports that the new “e” model will debut in the first quarter of 2026. As with previous releases in this category, Apple may choose to reveal the phone through a press release rather than an event. event.

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iPhone 17e: Design and camera updates

According to reports, Apple will not make major changes to the external design. The iPhone 17e is expected to adopt the same design layout as the iPhone 16e. The device may still have a notch on the front to house the selfie camera and Face ID system. Previous speculation about the introduction of dynamic islands in the ‘e’ range seems unlikely, as the feature may still be limited to pricier models.

Also read: Samsung teases Galaxy S26 Ultra camera upgrades in latest video: Here’s what’s coming

The camera settings are also expected to remain unchanged. The iPhone 17e may feature a single rear camera, similar to the current model. Apple has focused on maintaining a familiar hardware layout for its affordable lineup rather than introducing multiple camera sensors.

One of the key changes may come from the charging system. Reports suggest that Apple may add MagSafe support to the iPhone 17e. This will mark a shift from the Qi-based wireless charging used by the iPhone 16e. The current model supports wireless charging up to 7.5W. With MagSafe, the new phone can support wireless charging speeds of up to 25W, providing users with faster wireless charging speeds.

Also read: ASUS starts pre-orders for Zenbook S16 and Zenbook 14 in India; new Vivobook Ryzen AI laptop unveiled

Another reported upgrade involves connectivity. Apple may equip iPhone 17e with C1X modem. The company first launched this modem in iPhone Air in September 2025. Apple says the C1X modem offers higher data speeds and better power consumption than the C1 modem in the iPhone 16e.

If Apple sticks to its reported February 19 launch date, more information about the iPhone 17e may surface soon. As always, these details remain unofficial until confirmed by the company.

BJP MP Nishkant Dubey proposes building library of Nehru-Gandhi family ‘misconduct’ India News

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BJP MP Nishkant Dubey proposes setting up library of Nehru-Gandhi family 'misconduct'

New Delhi: Member of the Bharatiya Janata Party Nisikant Dubey said on Friday he has decided to set up a library to document what he called the “misconduct, corruption and policy failures” of the Nehru-Gandhi family and called on supporters to contribute books, documents and research material to the initiative.Dubey said in a post on X that the proposed library will serve as a comprehensive resource for students, researchers and future generations seeking information about the field. Congress Partyof the first family.

Rahul Gandhi defends Naravane’s memoir quotes, Priyanka questions Nisikant Dubey’s quotes about Nehru

“I decided to create a library that would document the crimes of the Nehru-Gandhi family, the corruption they committed, the damage done to the country by their policies and the damage done to the country by their personal activities,” Dube wrote. “I need everyone’s cooperation and advice. This library will be an ideal resource for future generations and students engaged in research.”Dube, in a video message accompanying the post, said his decision came after what he said was a backlash from the public to remarks he made a day earlier in parliament, where he displayed and mentioned several books.“Yesterday, I spoke in Parliament about the crimes, corruption, etc. of the Gandhi family. There was a strong response to this across the country,” he said. Dubey said people associated with the BJP, the Sangh Parivar and others he described as “nationalists” had provided him with historical material. He said the proposed library would compile information related to what he called the failure of economic and social policies, the Partition of India, and links to figures such as Warren Anderson and Ottavio Quattrocchi.He also referred to documents and reports that he said were not entirely in the public domain, including material related to Henderson Brooks’ report on the 1962 China War and the Shah Commission report. “Bringing all this together, I will create a library…a point center where if you need any information about them for research or to inform the next generation, you can find it in the library,” he said, calling for collaboration and input. Dubey’s remarks came as political bickering intensified in Parliament, with a quarrel between Congress member and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi disrupting the proceedings. The controversy arose after Gandhi attempted to quote excerpts from former Army Chief Naravane’s unpublished memoirs during a debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President for Addressing Parliament, a move that drew objections from finance ministers, including Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah, for using material that was not yet in the public domain.The issue has since escalated into a wider exchange between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress party, with each side accusing the other of politicizing sensitive historical and institutional issues. After Rahul was unable to speak in the Lok Sabha, the opposition continued protests inside and outside the House, leading to the suspension of the 8th Congress MP.The motion passed late on Thursday without the Prime Minister’s customary reply. Prime Minister Modi was scheduled to address the Lok Sabha at 5 pm on Wednesday, but could not do so amid the ongoing chaos in the House as Speaker Om Birla insisted that PM Modi not to come to the Assembly fearing some untoward incident.

Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026: PM Modi urges students to focus on skills, stress-free learning – Top Quotes | India News

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Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026: PM Modi urges students to focus on skills, stress-free learning - Top Quotes

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday interacted with students across the country during the 9th Pariksha Pe Charcha Examination 2026, providing guidance on exams, personal growth, skills, use of technology and nation-building ahead of the exam season.During the interactive session, Prime Minister Modi had a wide-ranging dialogue with students and discussed issues such as exam pressure, time management, leadership, health and pursuing dreams. Later, the students sang their own composition in front of him. As the CBSE, ISCE and other state board exams approach, Prime Minister Modi interacted with selected “Exam Warriors” as part of the annual programme. This year, interactive sessions were held with students from Devmogra in Gujarat, Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, Raipur in Chhattisgarh and Guwahati in Assam, apart from the Prime Minister’s residence in New Delhi.The focus of the 2026 edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha is to help students remain stress-free during exams and encourage greater emphasis on learning in line with the National Education Policy 2020.Prime Minister Modi told the students: “Not dreaming is a crime. One should definitely have dreams, but mere thoughts will not work. Therefore, one should consider action as the most important thing in life.”Stressing the need for balance, he said students must manage studies, breaks, skills and hobbies together. “Everything in life should be balanced. If you lean too far to one side, you’re bound to fall,” he said.The Prime Minister emphasized that life skills and professional skills are equally important. “There are two types of skills: life skills and professional skills. If someone asked me which one should I focus on, I would say focus on both. They complement each other.” He added that skills start with knowledge and cannot be acquired without learning and observation. “The beginning of skill is knowledge; its importance cannot be underestimated,” he said.Prime Minister Modi advised students not to view education as a burden and warned against half-hearted study. “Education should not be a burden. It requires our full commitment. Piecemeal education does not guarantee success,” he said, adding that examinations should never be the end goal.“Life is not just about exams, education is just a medium for our development. Everyone should focus on the improvement of life, not just classes and exams, instead of just focusing on scores. ” he added.When talking about teachers, the Prime Minister said that good educators focus on all-round development and not just test-oriented teaching. “Sometimes teachers only teach what’s important for the test, but good teachers teach everything and focus on overall growth,” he said.Regarding digital habits, PM Modi warned students not to waste time online. “Don’t waste your time just because internet is cheap in India. I have brought a law against gambling. We will not let this happen,” he said. He points out that gaming can be a skill if used correctly, “Gaming is a skill. It involves speed and helps with personality development, but try to find your expertise by choosing higher quality games.”

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Prime Minister Modi advised students to trust their own way of learning while remaining open to guidance, saying: “Listen to everyone’s advice, but change your pattern only if you feel like it. I have become Prime Minister. Still, people told me to work differently. But everyone has their own pattern. ““Some people study better in the morning, some people study better in the evening. Whatever works for you, trust that. But also take advice and if it’s good for you, add it to the fabric of your life.”Sharing a personal reflection, the Prime Minister said growth does not mean abandoning core principles. “Even though I changed some things, I didn’t leave my main pattern behind,” he said.Prime Minister Modi reiterated the wider purpose of education, saying, “The ultimate goal is not exam results but all-round development in life.” Regarding mental health, he added, “Education should not become a burden and everyone should participate fully as half-hearted education will not lead to a successful life.”The Prime Minister also urged students to focus on inner growth and self-awareness. “Tune the mind, then connect the mind, and then retain the subjects you need to learn. And then you always find students succeed,” he said, advising them not to dwell on the past. “Don’t dwell on the past. Try to live in front of you,” he added.Looking at India’s future, Prime Minister Modi reminded students of their role in building a developed nation. “By 2047, you will all be between 35-40 years old. For whom am I working to build Viksit Bharat? Should you work for it too?” He appealed to India’s youth to support domestic manufacturing. “We need to emphasize and ensure the purchase and use of Indian products,” he added.The Prime Minister called on students to become responsible citizens, emphasizing on cleanliness, awareness and judicious use of technology. “Technology is a boon and we need to embrace it…use AI wisely to enhance your intelligence and personality,” he said.During the interaction, Prime Minister Modi welcomed the students in the traditional Assamese language ‘Gamosa’ and described it as a symbol of women empowerment in the Northeast. “This is the epitome of women’s empowerment in the Northeast, especially Assam, and women weave it at home with love and devotion,” he said.Launched in 2018, Pariksha Pe Charcha has grown to become one of the largest educational engagement programs in the country, with registrations exceeding Rs 45 crore this year.