"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."

- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

#newdelhi

Good News

Delhi Prepares to Celebrate Its Foundation Day with a Cultural Spectacle

This November 1, Delhi will transform into a vibrant stage of colors, music, and flavors as the city celebrates its Foundation Day with a grand cultural event at the historic Red Fort. The celebration will not only honor the formation of the National Capital Territory of Delhi but also mark the Foundation Day of nine Indian states and four Union Territories, creating a festival that symbolizes unity in diversity. The event, organized with the support of the Delhi government, promises a spectacular experience, from traditional performances and modern projection shows to food stalls representing the flavors of India.Honoring the Spirit of the NationThe Red Fort, a monument that has witnessed centuries of India’s history, will once again become a stage for national pride. The evening will feature performances by students from the National Service Scheme (NSS), the National Cadet Corps (NCC), and the My Bharat program, showcasing the youthful energy and patriotism of India’s next generation. Adding to the grandeur, a projection mapping show dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary will illuminate the fort’s red sandstone walls. The show will depict the life and legacy of the Iron Man of India, whose vision and determination were key to uniting the country after Independence. For many attendees, this visual tribute to Patel will not just be a technological marvel; it will be an emotional reminder of India’s unity and resilience.A Feast of Flavors from Across IndiaOne of the main attractions of the celebration will be the diverse food stalls offering authentic cuisines from the participating states. From Kerala’s spicy curries and Punjab’s buttery delights to Andhra Pradesh’s tangy coastal dishes and Karnataka’s aromatic dosas, the event will be a paradise for food lovers. Visitors will get a chance to taste India’s diversity on one plate, making it a perfect blend of cultural and culinary experiences.Celebrating Foundation Day: A Shared LegacyNovember 1 is a significant date in India’s administrative history. Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Punjab, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh all celebrate their State Foundation Days on this date. Additionally, the Union Territories of Chandigarh, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands also mark this day as their formation anniversary. Delhi became a Union Territory on November 1, 1956, and later, in 1995, it was officially designated as the National Capital Territory (NCT). The formation of the NCT was a major step in establishing a governance model for the national capital, combining both state-like administration and federal oversight. To honor this historic significance, the Delhi government will unveil its first official logo on November 1, 2025.Designed to represent Delhi’s modern governance, inclusive identity, and cultural vibrancy, the logo reflects how the city stands as a bridge between India’s ancient heritage and its dynamic future.Red Fort: The Heart of Delhi’s IdentityHosting the celebration at the Red Fort carries deep symbolism. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fort is more than just an architectural marvel; it’s a symbol of India’s sovereignty and resilience. Every year, the Prime Minister hoists the national flag here on Independence Day, and now, this cultural event will add another proud chapter to its story. Standing tall along the banks of the Yamuna River, the Red Fort’s illuminated walls will serve as a reminder of Delhi’s journey from being a historical seat of empires to becoming the vibrant, inclusive capital of modern India.A Day for Every DelhiiteThe celebration is not just an official event; it’s a people’s festival. Families, students, artists, and travelers from across India will gather to celebrate the city they call home. From folk dances and patriotic songs to interactive exhibits and local crafts, the event will offer a space for people to connect with Delhi’s identity. In a world where regional and cultural differences often create divides, Delhi’s Foundation Day celebration reminds us of something deeper: India’s unity through diversity. Every performance, every food stall, and every light projection is proof of the strength of togetherness. Beyond entertainment, the event reinforces the message that Delhi is not just a capital; it’s a shared space for every Indian, no matter where they come from. This Foundation Day, Delhi invites everyone—residents and visitors alike—to celebrate not just its own story, but the story of India itself.

1 Nov 2025
Good News

Affordable, Transparent, Reliable : Bharat Taxi Set To Empower Drivers and Commuters

City travel in India has long been a mixed experience. While app-based ride-hailing platforms brought convenience, commuters often faced unpredictable fares, surge pricing, last-minute cancellations, and inconsistent vehicle quality. Daily riders, office-goers, and students frequently found themselves paying more than anticipated, leaving them frustrated. Now, the Indian government is set to introduce Bharat Taxi, a cooperative taxi service designed to make travel predictable, affordable, and fair for everyone. The pilot phase of Bharat Taxi will launch in Delhi in November 2025, with approximately 650 driver-owners, called Saarthis, participating. If successful, the service will expand to cities across India by December, potentially revolutionizing urban commuting.What is Bharat Taxi?Bharat Taxi is India’s first government-backed cooperative ride-hailing service, developed under the Union Ministry of Cooperation and the National e-Governance Division (NeGD). Unlike traditional private taxi apps, which charge drivers hefty commissions, Bharat Taxi allows drivers to become co-owners and shareholders. This model ensures that drivers retain 100% of their earnings, making them active stakeholders rather than mere service providers. Passengers, on the other hand, benefit from transparent, predictable fares with no surge pricing, ending the uncertainty that has long plagued ride-hailing services. By integrating with digital platforms such as DigiLocker and UMANG, the service promises smooth operations and accessible technology for both drivers and commuters.A Driver-Centric ModelFor many cab drivers, the existing private taxi model is financially opaque and restrictive. Commission deductions, arbitrary policies, and limited control over earnings have been longstanding complaints. Bharat Taxi addresses these concerns directly. By allowing drivers to own a share in the service, it not only boosts income but also provides transparency, governance, and a voice in operations. The initiative also shows a human-centered approach. Saarthis are not just drivers; they are co-owners whose welfare is prioritized. Retaining full earnings and participating in decision-making allows them to plan their lives better, support their families, and take pride in a profession that often goes underappreciated.Aligning with Government VisionThe Bharat Taxi initiative is aligned with the “Sahakar se Samriddhi” mission, which promotes cooperative enterprises across India. According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), this move strengthens cooperative structures, empowering workers to be stakeholders rather than passive employees. This approach demonstrates a broader philosophy: economic empowerment and public service can coexist. While commuters get fair, predictable fares, drivers achieve financial stability and professional dignity. It’s a model that values equity over exploitation.Benefits for CommutersFor the average passenger, Bharat Taxi promises a major improvement over traditional app-based services. Commuters can enjoy affordable travel, with predictable fares and no surge pricing, allowing them to plan their daily budgets without any surprises. The service also ensures reliable rides, as drivers who are co-owners are more accountable, reducing instances of last-minute cancellations or unprofessional behavior. Additionally, digital convenience is a key feature, with integration into platforms like DigiLocker and UMANG, making booking, identification, and payments seamless. This combination of transparency, affordability, and reliability directly addresses many of the long-standing complaints that passengers have faced, offering a travel experience that is fair, convenient, and stress-free. The pilot phase in Delhi is critical. Around 650 Saarthis will participate, testing the operational model, fare structures, and commuter response. Success in Delhi could pave the way for nationwide expansion by December 2025, bringing the driver-owned model to metropolitan cities across India.Driving India Forward TogetherThe success of Bharat Taxi depends not just on technology or policy, but on people—the drivers who own it and the commuters who use it. It’s a story of shared responsibility, fairness, and innovation. By empowering drivers and ensuring affordable, transparent rides, Bharat Taxi promises to reshape urban commuting while demonstrating how cooperation can lead to prosperity. As Delhi gears up for the launch in November 2025, India watches closely. The roads of the capital could soon witness a new kind of taxi, one that drives the nation not only forward but also toward fairness, dignity, and collective progress.

30 Oct 2025
Good News

India on the Global Plate: World Food India 2025 Launches in New Delhi

World Food India (WFI) 2025 officially began on September 25 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurating the event. The ceremony brought together global dignitaries, along with key Indian ministers like Shri Nitin Gadkari, Shri Chirag Paswan, and Shri Ravneet Singh Bittu. As the curtain lifted on this four-day mega event, it became immediately clear that WFI 2025 was not just a trade exhibition, but a celebration of India’s culinary richness, agricultural strength, and technological innovation.The Vision Behind World Food IndiaLaunched in 2017 by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), WFI has become India’s flagship international platform for showcasing its food sector and attracting global investment. The idea is simple yet ambitious to position India as a global food hub, highlight its diverse food culture, and connect domestic and international stakeholders from farmers to multinational investors. Building on successful editions in 2023 and 2024, the fourth edition in 2025 is the largest yet, with participation from over 90 countries, 2,000+ exhibitors, and tens of thousands of stakeholders spanning the entire food value chain. Partner countries include New Zealand and Saudi Arabia, while Japan, UAE, Vietnam, and Russia are focus countries, emphasizing India’s growing international collaboration in the food sector.India’s Remarkable Food TransformationIndia’s rise as a global food powerhouse is the result of decades of strategic policy support and investment in infrastructure. In 2014–15, processed food accounted for only 13.7% of agricultural exports; by 2024–25, this figure had risen to 20.4%, with overall agricultural and processed food exports reaching USD 49.4 billion. Foreign investment has played a key role, with USD 7.33 billion in FDI equity inflows in the last decade. Infrastructure developments have strengthened the sector,  24 mega food parks, 22 agro-processing clusters, 289 cold chain projects, and 305 processing and preservation units have been completed, reducing post-harvest losses and enabling value addition. Schemes like Operation Greens, PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises, and the Pradhan  Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana ensure that small and micro units are empowered, while initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI) and millet-based product incentives boost global competitiveness. Today, India is the largest producer of milk, onions, and pulses; the second-largest producer of rice, wheat, sugarcane, tea, fruits, vegetables, and eggs; and is rapidly emerging as a global processed food hub. The number of registered food business operators has grown from 25 lakh to 64 lakh, reflecting the sector’s formalisation and professionalism.WFI 2025: More Than an ExhibitionWhile the numbers are impressive, the human stories behind WFI 2025 give it real meaning. For farmers, the event promises better markets, higher incomes, and reduced wastage as modern food processing units expand across the country. For entrepreneurs and start-ups, it opens doors to mentorship, funding, and global collaboration. For consumers, it translates into safe, nutritious, and innovative food products. The event features high-level knowledge sessions, panel discussions, B2B and B2G meetings, and sectoral exhibitions on food processing, packaging, machinery, and cold chain technology. Aligning with Vision 2047World Food India 2025 is closely linked with India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, which aims for a developed, inclusive, and globally competitive nation. By focusing on sustainability, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, global leadership, and innovation, WFI 2025 seeks to boost rural prosperity, improve farmer incomes, reduce post-harvest losses, and create jobs in smaller towns and cities. Discussions on climate-smart technologies, nutrition-focused products, and advanced food-tech underline India’s commitment to a sustainable and future-ready food ecosystem.A Global Stage for India’s Food SectorFrom showcasing traditional grains like millets to exploring emerging sectors like plant-based proteins, WFI 2025 highlights India’s unmatched diversity across ingredients, consumer segments, and supply chains. With its growing infrastructure, pro-business policies, and global partnerships, India is positioned as a reliable partner in addressing global food security challenges. The event underlines the message that India is not only feeding its billion-plus population but is contributing to sustainable and inclusive growth worldwide. 

27 Sep 2025
Good News

Sports Spirit

India’s First Mondo Track Marks a New Era for Sports

Every year, August 29 is celebrated as National Sports Day in memory of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. This year, however, the day carried a deeper meaning. Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that India had laid its first Mondo athletic track at Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (JLN). With this, India became the 25th nation in the world to own such a facility, joining an elite list that includes countries known for their track and field dominance. The nine-lane track, with striking blue stripes and surrounded by a lush green football field, has already been called a “milestone moment” by Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra. Beyond symbolism, it represents a practical leap forward—giving Indian athletes a surface that meets the highest global standards.Why the Mondo Track MattersA Mondo track is not just about looks. It is a scientifically designed surface that helps athletes run faster, reduces injuries, and provides consistent performance. These tracks have been the stage for multiple world records, including at Olympic Games and World Championships. For years, Indian athletes trained on older synthetic tracks that often lacked international approval. The red-brick-colored surface laid during the 2010 Commonwealth Games had been upgraded but never hosted major world-class events due to technical shortcomings. This gap is now bridged. The timing is also significant; the track will face its first big test during the World Para Athletics Championships, scheduled at JLN Stadium from September 26 to October 5, 2025. For Indian para athletes like Sumit Antil and Simran Sharma, who made the nation proud in Paris 2024, the home advantage of competing on a global-standard track is both symbolic and inspiring.Reform Beyond InfrastructureThe Mondo track is part of a larger transformation, as India sets its sights on becoming a true sporting nation rather than one that only celebrates sporadic victories. To realize this vision, the Union Cabinet has approved several ambitious measures, including bids for the Commonwealth Games 2030 and the Olympics 2036, the launch of the Khelo Bharat Niti (National Sports Policy), the introduction of the National Sports Governance Act 2025, and an amended Anti-Doping Law. Together, these reforms aim to improve governance, ensure transparency, and nurture athletes from the grassroots level, reflecting the understanding that sporting excellence is achieved not overnight, but through consistent, structured investment.A Vision for Global LeadershipBy hosting the World Para Athletics Championships next month, India will showcase its readiness for larger events. Success here could strengthen its bids for the Commonwealth Games and eventually the Olympics. Sports tourism, sports goods manufacturing, and movements like Fit India are also being integrated into this larger vision. The three-day Khel Mahotsav, launched alongside the Mondo track, is designed to engage citizens in indigenous sports, debates, and fitness drives. It reflects how the government aims to take sports beyond stadiums and into the everyday lives of people. The Mondo track at JLN Stadium is not the end, but the beginning of India’s sporting journey into the global elite. As athletes step onto this surface, they are not just running races; they are carrying the hopes of a nation. The bid for Olympics 2036 may seem ambitious, but history shows that such dreams are achieved step by step.

7 Sep 2025
Sports Spirit

Positive Reads

Where City Noise Meets Childhood Dreams: A Classroom Under the Flyover

Beneath the Mayapuri flyover in Kirti Nagar, west Delhi, where city sounds never cease, an extraordinary scene unfolds every morning. Around 100 young children aged 8 to 14 gather beside a metro pillar, sitting on patched grass mats amid swirling dust under the relentless sounds of trucks and the honking of impatient drivers; a small chorus of hope rises. With microphones and loudspeakers, volunteers do battle with noise to teach lessons in math, reading, and self-belief. As reported by the Times of India, thirteen-year-old Sakshi quietly expresses her father’s dream: “Papa ka sapna hai, ki main CA banu.” Nearby, 14-year-old Pinki gazes at a pole beside the flyover. “Main ise bina dare chadh sakti hoon,” she says confidently, aspiring to become a malkhamb champion. Their voices, soft yet with confidence, rise above, proving that fate does not decide their dreams. From Factory Floors to Aspirational FuturesNine-year-old Choti plays with the buckle on her worn blue bag. Her father manufactures these buckles, and her mother labors in a nearby factory. Yet Choti dreams of a different future. “Mujhe doctor banna hai,” she reflects. Eleven-year-old Radhika, her voice filled with determination, tells the volunteers she wants to be a police officer. “This class has taught me to be brave and never back down.” In this concrete shelter, ambition blossoms, children dreaming of becoming CAs, doctors, athletes, and police officers, all against a backdrop that might have otherwise crushed their hopes.Volunteers with Shared HistoriesThe teachers leading these sessions are volunteers who once walked the same path. Two are pursuing degrees in BEd, another is studying for a master’s in computer science, all returning to uplift the very community that shaped them. Twenty-one-year-old Murari Chaudhary, a BEd student, shares, “I grew up right here in this very camp… There was chaos, noise, and not much to look up to, except maybe the wrong kind of role models.” He once dreamed of joining the military. Today, he uses that same drive to teach children who, like him, once struggled to believe in themselves.Twenty-year-old Moni teaches the youngest kids. She says she had to stop studying after Class 12 because of financial problems.Bridging the Learning GapIndia’s overburdened government schools often assign one teacher to more than 60 students. Here, the flyover classroom maintains a comfortable ratio of 20–25 students per instructor, allowing for much-needed personalization and care. Many students who couldn't write their name just a year ago today shine brightly as they solve math problems with ease. Volunteers celebrate each milestone, recognizing that in environments like these, believing in oneself is half the battle won.A Bridge of Dreams, Not Just TrafficEvery day, in this humble classroom, a new hope grows. Where others see dust and noise, these educators and students see opportunity. Chalkboards appear on metro pillars, lessons echo in loudspeakers, and young faces light up with pride at each letter recognized and every problem solved. Here, community-driven education is transforming public space into a shared arena for learning and aspiration. Children learn to read and write, but more importantly, they learn that their dreams of becoming CAs, doctors, athletes, or police are not beyond reach. This initiative addresses two urgent issues: the sheer lack of personalized attention in overcrowded state schools and the emotional toll of living in underprivileged conditions. By stepping in, these young volunteers do more than teach; they give students a voice, a space, and the emotional safety to dream big.

2 Jul 2025
Positive Reads

Nursing Champions Take Center Stage: 50 Remarkable Nurses Invited as Distinguished Guests to Red Fort Independence Day Celebrations

In a gesture of recognition and gratitude, 50 nurses from across the country have been invited to participate as special guests in the Independence Day celebrations at the iconic Red Fort in New Delhi. The nurses, along with their family members, will have the honor of listening to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address from the historic ramparts on August 15, 2023. The invitation is part of the government's initiative to include individuals from various walks of life in the celebrations, showcasing the spirit of "Jan Bhagidari" or people's participation. The 50 nurses, who have been at the frontline of the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, will join a distinguished gathering of 1800 special guests, including village sarpanches, teachers, farmers, and fishermen. The nursing community has expressed their appreciation for the recognition given to their tireless efforts during the pandemic. Anita Tomar, a Nursing Officer from the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, conveyed her gratitude towards PM Modi and the Indian government for acknowledging their contributions. Vandana Kaushik, a Nursing Officer from Safdarjung Hospital, also expressed her appreciation for the government's pro-nurses attitude and the various development schemes implemented in support of the nursing profession. The inclusion of these nurses as special guests at the Red Fort is not only a testament to their dedication and service but also a symbol of the nation's gratitude towards healthcare professionals who have been at the forefront of the battle against COVID-19. Their presence at such a historic event further highlights the vital role they play in society's well-being and the nation's progress.

14 Aug 2023
Positive Reads

Archives