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New Delhi, From appealing people not to vote for them to flaunting the unsuccessful tag, changing name in each election to losing huge sums of money in security deposits -- some tenacious <keyword id="20022603" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="independent" source="keywords">Independent</keyword> candidates have tried these all but losing elections became a habit for them. Tamil Nadu's K Padmarajan, who proudly calls himself the "Election King", might be the only candidate in the election fray who urges people not to vote for him, so he can retain his tag of being "most unsuccessful candidate", a feat also registered in the Limca Book of records. The 65-year-old tyre repair shop owner also finds pride in his entry in the <keyword id="19981515" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="guinness-book-of-world-records" source="keywords">Guinness Book of World Records</keyword> for candidate with most contested elections. He claims to have lost Rs 80 lakh so far in security deposits which gets forfeited every time he loses an election besides expenses for filing nomination amid fanfare. Gearing up for his 239th attempt, Padmarajan has filed his nomination for the 18th <keyword id="19895394" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lok-sabha" source="keywords">Lok Sabha</keyword> elections from Thrissur in Kerala and Dharmapuri in Tamil Nadu. "I began fighting elections in 1988 from my home town of Mettur, located in Tamil Nadu. I have contested 238 elections so far including against former prime ministers <keyword id="20374221" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="atal-bihar-vajpayee" source="keywords">Atal Bihar Vajpayee</keyword>, P V Narsimha Rao and Manmohan Singh. This will be my 239th attempt. I pick a unique battle every time," he told PTI. Asked about his campaign plans, Padmarajan said, "I ask people not vote for me, I don't want the votes but I want to continue to hold the tag of most unsuccessful candidate. I don't campaign but when I go for filing nomination, I do that in a grand way." From former chief ministers like Jayalalitha, M Karunanidhi, YSR Reddy and AK Antony to filmstars Hema Malini and Vijayakanth -- the list of bigwigs against whom Padmarajan has contested is long. Indore's Parmanand <keyword id="21190647" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tolani" source="keywords">Tolani</keyword> is taking forward his father's legacy who fought elections as independent candidate for three decades. "My father passed away in 1988 and I am taking forward his legacy. I have contested 18 elections so far including eight Lok Sabha and eight Vidhan Sabha. I will be contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha polls too," 65-year-old Tolani told PTI. "My father's wish was that we do not have to stop the trend till someone from the family gets elected. If I am not able to do it in my lifetime, my two daughters will carry forward the baton," said Tolani, who is a property broker. <keyword id="21190648" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vijay-prakash-kodekar" source="keywords">Vijay Prakash Kodekar</keyword> from <keyword id="19897309" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pune" source="keywords">Pune</keyword>, a retired staffer from state electricity board, has a different agenda behind contesting elections as independent candidate -- advocating zero budget poll campaigns. He can be seen pushing a steel cart on wheels in streets of Latur, where he is planning to contest the Lok Sabha polls. A flex board on the cart says "Main bhi Pradhanmantri". "The message why cannot any poor individual be the Prime Minister of the country. Why this exorbitant expenditure by parties on election campaigns? Polls can be fought on zero budget and the money can be utilised for public welfare," said 78-year-old Kodekar, who campaigns wearing a white dhoti. Having contested 24 elections so far, Kodekar uses a different name for different elections. "Some elections I have contested using the name Vijay, some with 'Rashtrapati' and some with the name 'Znyosho' -- as I am a disciple of Osho. I complete the name change formalities and then I contest the polls using the new name," he said. Hyderabad techie Ravinder Uppula, uses different campaign strategies for each Lok Sabha election he fights. In 2014 -- it was anti-corruption march and in 2019 it was a liquid only fast. "I promise during my campaign that if I get elected, I will get a lie detector test done every 100 days so public who votes for me doesn't feel cheated. That is how our politicians should do as well to weed out corruption," he said. Uppula, however, is disappointed with the poll campaign expenses. "It should not be an expensive deal to canvass in this country, an agenda and the right promise should be enough rather than the poll fray leaving the voters with no choice except voting for a smaller thief or a bigger thief," he added. The strange obsession of the independent candidates has also been featured in the book "The Power of The Ballot: Travail and Triumph in the Elections". Sharing the saga of some of the independent candidates' stint at the elections, the book decodes "why do some people contest every time knowing they will lose?" Kaka Joginder Singh, also known as "Dhartipakad", was a textile-shop owner who contested and lost over 300 elections. He died in 1998. In elections, he always contested independently, and always lost his security deposits. He earned the nickname Dhartipakad after several unsuccessful runs for the post of the President of India. The year with the greatest yield for him was during the tenth presidential elections in 1992 in which he earned fourth place in the polling with 1,135 votes, losing to Shankar Dayal Sharma; it was his best performance. He also contested elections from 14 states of India in the 1990s, mostly for state assemblies. Singh died in 1998. Long before <keyword id="19895781" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="keywords">Narendra Modi</keyword> chose Varanasi as an election destination, the city had Narendra Nath Dubey "Adig". Often referred to as Kashi's Dhartipakad, he has been fighting every election as an independent candidate since 1984, losing his security deposit each time. He passed away in 2022.

PM campaign on a cart, most unsuccessful record: Independents who never call it quits

New Delhi, In a strong rebuttal to Congress charges, Finance Minister <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nirmala-sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> on Tuesday said <keyword id="20233623" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="atal-pension-yojana" source="keywords">Atal Pension Yojana</keyword> (APY) is designed based on the best practice choice architecture and guarantees a minimum of 8 per cent return. "Atal Pension Yojana is designed based on best practice choice architecture to automatically continue the premium payment unless the subscriber opts out. This is a deliberate and beneficial feature which is in the best interest of the subscribers," <keyword id="19916494" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sitharaman" source="keywords">Sitharaman</keyword> said in post on X. Instead of requiring people to decide each year to continue, they have to take a decision to discontinue, she said, adding, this makes many of them take the right decision and save for their retirement. Earlier in the day, the Congress attacked the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government over the Atal Pension Yojana, alleging it is a "very poorly-designed scheme" and a "paper tiger" that needs officials to hoodwink and coerce people into participating in it. Congress general secretary <keyword id="20035989" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="jairam-ramesh" source="keywords">Jairam Ramesh</keyword> said the scheme is a "fitting representation of the Modi government's policy making: headline management, with few benefits actually reaching the people". His attack came after a media report claimed that at least one of three subscribers who dropped out of the central government's pension scheme for the unorganised sector, the Atal Pension Yojana (APY), did so because their accounts were opened without their "explicit" permission. The report cited a recent sample study by the <keyword id="20608253" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="indian-council-of-social-science-research" source="keywords">Indian Council of Social Science Research</keyword> (ICSSR). Attacking Ramesh, Sitharaman said he did not bothered to check facts on the guaranteed pension scheme. "The minimum return under the APY is guaranteed by the GoI to be at least 8 per cent, regardless of prevailing interest rates and returns. This is an attractive guaranteed minimum return. GoI pays a subsidy to PFRDA to make up for any shortfall in actual returns," she said. If higher investment returns are received on the contributions of subscribers of APY, higher pension would be paid to the subscribers: In fact, currently the returns are more than 8 per cent, she said. "@Jairam_Ramesh says that people are being 'hoodwinked and coerced' into participating! Hoodwinking is what @INCIndia does always - in the name of vote bank politics or minority appeasement. Coercion is what was used to make former Chairman of @TheOfficialSBI Shri RK Talwar resign because he refused to give loans to favourites of the dynasty," she said. As regards the majority of pension accounts being in the lower slabs, for a subsidised scheme intended for the poor and lower middle class, this is obvious, she said. In fact, it shows the proper targeting of the scheme, she said, adding, if the offtake was at the higher end, that would be surprising! The elitist mindset of the dynasty and its minions who are constantly thinking of people in the higher echelons of society, perhaps, blinds them to this obvious truth. The @INCIndia prefers that poor should not have pensions so that they are forced to rely on government hand-outs which keeps them dependant on dynasty politicians, the minister said.

Atal Pension Yojana guarantees minimum 8% return: Sitharaman rebuts Cong charges

India, a land steeped in history and culture, also boasts a modern tapestry of engineering marvels that stand as testaments to human ingenuity and perseverance. Among these, the country's <keyword id="142777" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tunnels" source="Orion">tunnels</keyword> weave a story of connectivity, innovation, and the triumph of engineering over challenging terrains. From the Himalayas to the Western Ghats, these tunnels not only reduce travel time but also facilitate year-round access, providing crucial links for transportation and connectivity. Let's delve into the fascinating world of 10 famous <keyword id="19482362" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tunnels-in-India" source="Orion">tunnels in India</keyword> that encapsulate the nation's spirit of progress. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Rohtang Tunnel, Himachal Pradesh: A Gateway to the Himalayas" comment="subhead" text="Rohtang Tunnel, Himachal Pradesh: A Gateway to the Himalayas"><keyword id="166207" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rohtang-Tunnel" source="Orion">Rohtang Tunnel</keyword>, Himachal Pradesh: A Gateway to the Himalayas</cmsannotation> Nestled in the breathtaking Himalayas, the Rohtang Tunnel, also known as <keyword id="8486907" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Atal-Tunnel" source="Orion">Atal Tunnel</keyword>, is a marvel of engineering connecting Manali to Lahaul-Spiti Valley. Stretching over 9 kilometers, it traverses the Pir Panjal range, providing year-round access and significantly reducing travel time. This engineering feat has not only enhanced connectivity but has also become a symbol of perseverance in the challenging Himalayan landscape. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Jawahar Tunnel, Jammu and Kashmir: Bridging Regions with Innovation" comment="subhead" text="Jawahar Tunnel, Jammu and Kashmir: Bridging Regions with Innovation">Jawahar Tunnel, Jammu and Kashmir: Bridging Regions with Innovation</cmsannotation> Situated in the Pir Panjal Range, the Jawahar Tunnel on the Jammu-Srinagar Highway has been a vital link between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley since its construction in the 1950s. This remarkable achievement in connectivity has played a crucial role in uniting regions, showcasing the resilience of Indian engineering in the face of challenging terrains. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel, Jammu and Kashmir: A Railway Odyssey through the Himalayas" comment="subhead" text="Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel, Jammu and Kashmir: A Railway Odyssey through the Himalayas">Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel, Jammu and Kashmir: A Railway Odyssey through the Himalayas</cmsannotation> Embracing the challenges of the Himalayan terrain, the Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel is a standout feature of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project. Spanning over 11 kilometers, it stands as one of India's longest railway tunnels, providing a scenic and efficient rail route through the picturesque landscape. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel, Jammu and Kashmir: All-Weather Connectivity in the Valley" comment="subhead" text="Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel, Jammu and Kashmir: All-Weather Connectivity in the Valley">Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel, Jammu and Kashmir: All-Weather Connectivity in the Valley</cmsannotation> Connecting Banihal to Qazigund, the Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel is a vital link for transportation in the Kashmir Valley. Its construction aimed at reducing travel distances and ensuring all-weather road connectivity, thereby enhancing accessibility to the picturesque valley. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Konkan Railway Tunnel, Maharashtra: Engineering Elegance Amidst Western Ghats" comment="subhead" text="Konkan Railway Tunnel, Maharashtra: Engineering Elegance Amidst Western Ghats">Konkan Railway Tunnel, Maharashtra: Engineering Elegance Amidst Western Ghats</cmsannotation> The Konkan Railway Line, with its numerous tunnels through the Western Ghats, stands as a testament to engineering elegance. These tunnels not only facilitate smooth train travel but also offer breathtaking views along the scenic Konkan coast, turning a journey into an aesthetic experience. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, Jammu and Kashmir: Redefining Road Connectivity" comment="subhead" text="Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, Jammu and Kashmir: Redefining Road Connectivity">Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, Jammu and Kashmir: Redefining Road Connectivity</cmsannotation> Spanning over 9 kilometers, the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is a beacon of modern infrastructure and safety features. Its construction aimed at reducing travel time and enhancing connectivity between regions, making it a notable engineering achievement in India. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Karbude Tunnel, Maharashtra: Navigating the Western Ghats" comment="subhead" text="Karbude Tunnel, Maharashtra: Navigating the Western Ghats">Karbude Tunnel, Maharashtra: Navigating the Western Ghats</cmsannotation> As part of the Konkan Railway route, the Karbude Tunnel is strategically located to ensure seamless train travel through the mountainous landscape of the Western Ghats. Its presence is integral to the efficiency and success of the railway network in Maharashtra. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Khowai Tunnel, Meghalaya: Carving Through Rocky Terrain" comment="subhead" text="Khowai Tunnel, Meghalaya: Carving Through Rocky Terrain">Khowai Tunnel, Meghalaya: Carving Through Rocky Terrain</cmsannotation> Carved through the rocky terrain of Meghalaya, the Khowai Tunnel plays a vital role in connecting the northeastern state with the rest of the country through the railway line. Its construction was a significant undertaking, showcasing the commitment to connectivity in even the most challenging landscapes. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Chennai Port-Maduravoyal Elevated Expressway Tunnel, Tamil Nadu: Urban Connectivity Elevated" comment="subhead" text="Chennai Port-Maduravoyal Elevated Expressway Tunnel, Tamil Nadu: Urban Connectivity Elevated">Chennai Port-Maduravoyal Elevated Expressway Tunnel, Tamil Nadu: Urban Connectivity Elevated</cmsannotation> The Chennai Port-Maduravoyal Elevated Expressway, featuring a tunnel section, serves as a crucial link between Chennai Port and Maduravoyal. This infrastructure marvel not only facilitates efficient transportation but also eases traffic congestion in the bustling city of Chennai. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Karwar Tunnel, Karnataka: Navigating the Western Ghats in Karnataka" comment="subhead" text="Karwar Tunnel, Karnataka: Navigating the Western Ghats in Karnataka">Karwar Tunnel, Karnataka: Navigating the Western Ghats in Karnataka</cmsannotation> Serving the Konkan Railway, the Karwar Tunnel in Karnataka is a noteworthy part of the railway network. It exemplifies the engineering prowess required to navigate the challenging Western Ghats, connecting regions and contributing to the efficiency of the railway network in the state. These 10 famous tunnels in India not only showcase the nation's commitment to connectivity but also highlight the engineering excellence that has overcome geographical challenges. From the Himalayas to the Western Ghats, these tunnels stand as symbols of progress, linking regions, and providing efficient transportation routes. As India continues to forge ahead in its development journey, these tunnels remain as shining examples of human ingenuity and perseverance in the face of formidable terrains.

Unveiling the marvels: 10 engineering triumphs in India's tunnel landscape

Acclaimed actor <keyword id="475128" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="pankaj-tripathi" source="Orion">Pankaj Tripathi</keyword> will be starring in the biopic of India's former Prime Minister <keyword id="628328" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="atal-bihari" source="Orion">Atal Bihari</keyword> Vajpayee. <keyword id="6363889" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="pankaj" source="Orion">Pankaj</keyword> said in a statement: "It's my honour to portray such a humane politician on screen. He was not just a politician but so much more, he was an excellent writer and a renowned poet. Getting to be in his shoes is nothing but a privilege for an actor like me." The film will be helmed by three times National Award winner Ravi Jadhav, one of the renowned directors of the Marathi film Industry and written by Utkarsh Naithani, according to a statement issued by the makers. 'Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon Yeh Desh Rehna Chahiye- <keyword id="6378278" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="atal" source="Orion">ATAL</keyword>' revolves around the journey of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a leader of India and one of the co-founders and a senior leader of the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP). National Award Winner Director Ravi Jadhav mentioned: "For me as a director, I couldn't have asked for any better story than that of <keyword id="1269800" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="atalji" source="Orion">Atalji</keyword>. On top of this, having an exemplary actor like Pankaj Tripathi to bring to screen Atalji's story and the support of the producers. I hope that I can live up to people's expectations with ATAL." Producer <keyword id="3162130" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="vinod-bhanushali" source="Orion">Vinod Bhanushali</keyword> shared: "Unanimously, we all had imagined Pankaj Tripathi playing Atalji since we began discussing the film. We are delighted to have one of India's finest actors playing the part." Producer Sandeep Singh added: "India is soon going to celebrate the life of Atal Ji and his political ideologies. We have a powerful duo of Pankaj ji and Ravi ji to bring the story to life. We aim to release this film on Christmas 2023, which also marks the 99th birth anniversary of Bharat Rana Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji." 'Atal', presented by Bhanushali Studios Limited and Legend Studios, is produced by Vinod Bhanushali, Sandeep Singh, Sam Khan &amp; Kamlesh Bhanushali in association with 70MM Talkies and co-produced by Zeeshan Ahmad &amp; Shivv Sharma. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/personalities/news/sandhya-devanathans-journey-from-andhra-university-to-meta-india/slidelist/95583304.cms">Sandhya Devanathan’s journey from Andhra University to Meta India</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/a-suitable-boy-writer-vikram-seth-and-his-curious-case-of-missing-racks/articleshow/95593360.cms">A Suitable Boy writer Vikram Seth and his curious case of missing racks</a>

Pankaj Tripathi to star in Vajpayee's biopic

Filmmakers <keyword id="3162130" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vinod-bhanushali" source="Orion">Vinod Bhanushali</keyword> and <keyword id="6354782" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sandeep-singh" source="Orion">Sandeep Singh</keyword> have come together to bring on-screen the life of late Prime Minister <keyword id="47100" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="atal-bihari-vajpayee" source="Orion">Atal Bihari Vajpayee</keyword>. The biopic is titled 'Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon, Yeh Desh Rehna Chahiye - ATAL'. The film is an adaptation of the book 'The Untold Vajpayee: Politician and Paradox' by renowned author Ullekh N.P. Talking about the film, Vinod said, "I have been a great fan of Atalji all my life. A born leader, a statesman par excellence, a visionary. Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji was all the above. His contribution to our nation-building is unparalleled, and it is our great honour that Bhanushali Studios Ltd is bringing his legacy to the silver screen." Adding to that Sandeep Singh shared, "Being a filmmaker, I feel that cinema is the best medium to communicate such untold stories, that will unveil not only his political ideologies, but his humane and poetic aspects, that made him the most loved leader of the opposition as well as India's most progressive Prime Minister." The makers, who are scouting for the actor to portray the role of Atalji, will soon announce the actor and director of the film. Scheduled to go on floors in early 2023, the film will be released on Christmas 2023, which marks the 99th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee. 'Atal' is presented by Bhanushali Studios Limited and Legend Studios, and is produced by Vinod Bhanushali, Sandeep Singh, Sam Khan, Kamlesh Bhanushali and Vishal Gurnani, and co-produced by Juhi Parekh Mehta, Zeeshan Ahmad and Shivv Sharma. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/education/news/coaching-classes-and-edtechs-make-the-most-false-claims/articleshow/92518895.cms">Parents beware: Coaching classes and edtechs make the most false claims</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/gadgets/news/realme-techlife-watch-r100-review/articleshow/92515922.cms">Realme TechLife Watch R100 review – decent performance with some room for improvement</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/paytm-is-on-the-cusp-of-a-cup-and-holder-breakout-explaining-the-rally/articleshow/92517971.cms">Paytm is on the cusp of a ‘cup and holder breakout’ — explaining the rally</a>

Atal Bihari Vajpayee's biopic is on the works based on the book, The Untold Vajpayee

<ul><li>Situated in a valley flanked by majestic pine-covered <keyword id="28910" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="mountains">mountains</keyword> with the Beas River meandering through, Manali offers truly idyllic views and a chill atmosphere to boot.</li><li>The thrill-seekers out there also have a plethora of adventure sports activities to choose from, including paragliding, trekking and rafting.</li><li>An excellent option for those seeking out seclusion is a day trip to Sissu village and Keylong.</li></ul>The scorching plains, inevitably, have people craving for an easy trip to a mountainous destination. But if you wish to be nestled amidst snow-clad peaks with a gushing river piercing through the terrain, you will need to travel farther, navigate not-so-great roads and will definitely need more time and patience. No, we are not talking about a trip as arduous as a road trip to Leh; we are talking about a much more manageable road trip to Manali and nearby places. <div type="image" title="Manali mountainscapes" msid="82002884" hostid="261"></div>Situated in a valley flanked by majestic pine-covered mountains with the Beas River meandering through, Manali offers truly idyllic views and a chill atmosphere to boot. With superb panoramas of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges from all directions, it is hard not to fall for Manali's evergreen charm. However, with a massive influx of tourists, most of whom have little regard for the environment, the city and most places around have garbage blemishing both the riverside and the mountainside. But the true magic of the place powers through and despite these eyesores, a quick pan up to see the mountains in their majestic glory compensates for the heartache the litter causes. That said, there are plenty of brilliant treks that take you to tiny brooks amidst conifer-clad valleys in and around Manali should you wish some time away from the manic crowds. The thrill-seekers out there also have a plethora of adventure sports activities to choose from, including paragliding, trekking and rafting. But do note that these activities are weather dependent, so it's best to check in advance. In general, rafting takes place all year round excluding the monsoon periods. The months of May, June and September are supposed to be the best time for paragliding. Skiing opens in Solang Valley soon after the first snowfall in January and continues till March. Other popular tourist spots in Manali include the Hadimba Temple dedicated to Bhima's demon wife. Sporting a multi-tiered pagoda, the temple is set amidst towering deodars, and the complex also has a shrine dedicated to their son Ghatotkacha. <div type="image" title="Old Manali" msid="82002929" hostid="261"></div>Apart from a very chill atmosphere, Old Manali also hosts the age-old Manu Temple dedicated to the sage Manu who penned the Manusmriti. Oozing with character and old-world charm, Old Manali is truly a must-visit. Please note, there is nothing much to see here, but the place gives you a laid-back feeling. Walk uphill through the narrow lanes, watch the stray dogs just lay there in absolute bliss, witness the locals tending to their cows, indulge in a bit of shopping at some very kitschy shops lining both sides of the lane and then head straight to the pub to rest those tired feet. <div type="image" title="Jogini Falls" msid="82002970" hostid="261"></div>Those with a religious inclination should also visit the Vashisht Temple and so should those who don't, mainly because this is the starting point of the hike to the spectacular Jogini Falls. The walk to the falls takes around an hour and makes for a great place to picnic while soaking in the views. (Please note: Do take all essentials like water and food with you but more importantly, take an extra bag to dump your garbage in and bring it back with you for proper disposal.) Beyond city limits The 3977-metre high snow-cloaked <keyword id="391219" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rohtang-Pass">Rohtang Pass</keyword> is an obvious choice for those scoping out breathtaking views. However, as is the case with most popular places, the <keyword id="43735" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="pass">Pass</keyword> has been defiled by an endless barrage of tourists, trash and traffic. Thankfully, now, only a small number of vehicles are allowed to visit, and a permit must be obtained to do so. Also, note that the Pass is only open from June to October. <div type="image" title="Manali Leh Road" msid="82002997" hostid="261"></div>An excellent option for those seeking out seclusion is a day trip to Sissu village and Keylong. This epic drive involves crossing the newly-constructed <keyword id="8486907" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="atal-tunnel">Atal Tunnel</keyword> and gasping with disbelief when you see what's in store at the end of the tunnel. The terrain is nothing short of magic. The snowy mountain peaks, the river accompanying it on one side, countered by barren -- but just as majestic -- mountainscapes, on the other. The drive to Keylong should take around 2 hours, from Manali. You can also venture further to Udaipur (3 hours from Manali), a town on Chandrabhaga River bank in Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. But remember that since this is a day trip, you should account for the time it will take to get back. Also, there are not many places to stop for grub or the toilet apart from a few loosely-termed 'hotels' splattered along the way. <div type="image" title="Welcomheritage Urvashi Retreat" msid="82003009" hostid="261"></div>Places to stay From budget no-frills hotels to spectacular heritage properties, the town has a place for everyone. The <a href="https://www.urvashisretreat.com/">Welcomheritage Urvashi Retreat</a> is a fabulous option for those who want gorgeous views along with all the creature comforts. The property is secluded from the hustle and bustle and the staff is delightful and eagerly tell you about the best places to visit nearby. Should you be looking for something more affordable, you can opt to stay at <a href="https://www.sterlingholidays.com/resorts-hotels/manali">Sterling Manali</a>. The rooms have beautiful views, but the upkeep is a little lacking. <div type="image" title="Il Ferno" msid="82003033" hostid="261"></div>Places to eat and drink Manali has a bunch of brilliant places to eat and drink. Serving up various cuisines, Manali also has quite a few resto-pubs with a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Travel and food writer, Pallavi Pasricha, tells us, "I always make it a point to visit Johnson's Cafe to have their legendary trout. On my last trip, I discovered two new places – Il Forno which has excellent pizzas and Rocky's Café, a 10-minute walk from the Old Manali market – both have stunning views of the mountains. Sipping a beer from there will now always be on my agenda whenever I visit Manali next." Old Manali also has the Dylan's Toasted &amp; Roasted Coffee House, where you can soak in the laid-back atmosphere while sipping on excellent coffee accompanied by hot-out-of-the-oven cookies. Another well-known pub in Old Manali is The Lazy Dog. The riverside outdoor seating area here is the perfect place to wind down with a glass of hot toddy and snacks. Another place to check out if you wish to chill by the river is Cafe 1947, which is a slightly pricier option, but the ambience and the food are certainly worth experiencing. <div type="image" title="Jibhi" msid="82003043" hostid="261"></div>Veer off the highway Should you wish for an even more secluded location, Shweta Andrews, who runs a Delhi-based bakery called Bakes Ahoy, recommends a tiny village called Jibhi in Himachal Pradesh. It is just a 3-hour drive from Manali. Andrews says, "This is an off-beat travel destination in its true sense. It's a place for people who are looking to detox -- digitally, physically and mentally." Andrews and friends opted for an Airbnb called <a href="https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/45643018?check_out=2021-05-05&amp;adults=2&amp;check_in=2021-04-30&amp;s=13&amp;unique_share_id=D25340A4-9FFD-44D0-9E7F-2E8486D2DF7D&amp;_branch_match_id=908942267948210284&amp;source_impression_id=p3_1617946965_i%2BsKhQcTG4duws7Y">Sunny Cottage Near The River</a>, situated on a farm right by the river. "The hosts truly went out of their way to make our stay most enjoyable. Bonfires by night and picnics on the banks by day are things that one cannot enjoy in crowded or commercial holiday destinations. Plus the food was genuinely a farm-to-plate experience as well," Andrews adds. A must-visit from here is the Jalori Pass, where one can experience incredible views of the <keyword id="52569" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="himalayas">Himalayas</keyword>. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/nokia-x20-specifications-nokia-new-phones-price-in-india/articleshow/81981039.cms">SIx new Nokia smartphones announced – price, specifications and availability details you should know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/founders-take-note-heres-why-most-startups-fail/articleshow/81981138.cms">Founders, take note: here’s why most startups fail</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/google-phone-app-now-lets-you-record-calls-automatically-from-unknown-numbers/articleshow/81982791.cms">Google Phone app now lets you record calls automatically from unknown numbers</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/adar-poonawalla-serum-institute-of-india-has-bought-stake-policybazaar/articleshow/81985425.cms">Serum Institute of India buys into IPO-bound insurance unicorn PolicyBazaar, as True North sells part stake in secondary sale</a>

Mountains, rivers, trout and toddy — Manali offers you all these and more

The <keyword id="2746514" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Atal-Pension-Yojana">Atal Pension Yojana</keyword> is a pension plan launched by the central government with an aim to provide pension benefits to the citizens of the unorganized sector that makes up the majority of the whole labor force in the country. The scheme came into existence by replacing Swavalamban Yojana which could not get the popular appeal due to not guaranteeing the pension benefits at the age of 60. Hence the primary goal behind the Atal Pension Yojana is to offer social security to the people of old age, especially the economically backward and underprivileged. Differing from the Swavalamban Yojana, this scheme assures returns during the retirement phase or once the policy term ends. Benefits of Atal Pension Yojana The Atal Pension Yojana makes it possible even for the employees working for the private sector to subscribe for this pension scheme. The subscribers can choose the amount of contribution as the amount chosen will decide the amount of returns. The individuals covered by the scheme are guaranteed to get a pension amount of Rs 1,000 or Rs 2,000 or Rs 3,000 or Rs 4,000 or Rs 5,000 when they attain the age of 60 years. If the subscriber happens to die, the pension amount will be given to the spouse or nominee. In addition, the scheme also makes the subscribers eligible for a tax benefit under Section 80CCD of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The amount collected from the subscribers to Atal pension Yojana is managed and distributed by the Pension Funds Regulatory Authority of India (PFRDA). As an additional incentive for the subscribers, the government has also declared a co-contribution of 50% or Rs 1000 per annum to the subscribers who joined the scheme between 1st June 2015 and 31st December 2015 for a period of 5 years. To be eligible for the co-contribution by the government, the subscriber must not be an income tax payer. He must also be not covered by any other Statutory Social Security Schemes. Eligibility conditions for Atal Pension Yojana The following are the eligibility criteria for subscribing for the Atal Pension Yojana. The savings bank account used for the purpose of this scheme must be linked with a registered mobile number and Aadhaar card number. The age of the person subscribing to the program must be between 18 and 40. The minimum contribution by the subscriber must be at least for a period of 20 years. Most importantly, all the individuals who had registered under the Swavalamban Yojana have been migrated to Atal Pension Yojana by default. Exiting the scheme before attaining the age of 60 As per the rules governing the Atal Pension Yojana, it is not possible for an individual to exit the scheme before attaining 60 years. However in case of exceptional reasons like the terminal illness or the death of the subscriber, the subscriber can exit the program and start receiving the pension. In the event of the death of the subscriber, his spouse can choose to continue the contributions towards this scheme and receive a monthly pension after the term is over.

What is Atal Pension Yojana, Benefits and Eligibility for Atal Pension Yojana

<ul><li>IIT Madras is the top centrally-funded institutions in India, according to Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovations Achievements (ARIIA). </li><li>Institute of Chemical Technology, Maharashtra, has been ranked at the top among state-funded universities. </li><li>Whereas, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women bagged the top prize in the category of women only higher educational institutions.</li></ul>IIT Madras, IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi are the top three centrally-funded institutions of national importance, according to the latest Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovations Achievements (ARIIA). ARIIA is an initiative of the Ministry of Education to systematically rank higher education institutions and universities on indicators related to innovation. The ranking is done in six categories -- centrally-funded institutes of national importance, state-funded universities, state-funded autonomous institutions, deemed universities, private institutions, and women only higher educational institutions. ARIIA 2020: Top 10 centrally funded institutions <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; width: 468pt; table-layout: fixed;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Institute </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Rank </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">State </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Indian Institute of Technology Madras </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">1 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Tamil Nadu </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Indian Institute of Technology Bombay </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">2 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Maharashtra </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Indian Institute of Technology Delhi </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">3 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Delhi </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Indian Institute of Science </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">4 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Karnataka </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">5 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">West Bengal </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">6 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Uttar Pradesh </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Indian Institute of Technology Mandi </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">7 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Himachal Pradesh </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">National Institute of Technology Calicut </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">8 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Kerala </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">9 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Uttarakhand </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">University of Hyderabad </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">10 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Telangana </td></tr></tbody></table> Best state-funded and private universities Institute of Chemical Technology, Maharashtra, has been ranked at the top among state-funded universities, followed by Panjab University and Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University. Among state-funded autonomous institutes, College of Engineering, Pune, has bagged first rank followed by PES College of Engineering, Karnataka and Coimbatore Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu. Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women bagged the top prize in the category of women only higher educational institutions. Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Odisha has been ranked at the top among private universities, followed by SRM Institute of Science and Technology and Vellore Institute of Technology, both in Tamil Nadu. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/economy/news/these-are-the-20-countries-with-the-highest-gold-reserves/articleshow/77605753.cms">These are the 20 countries with the highest gold reserves</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/these-are-the-top-20-cleanest-cities-in-india-in-2020/articleshow/77650052.cms">These are the top 20 cleanest cities in India— Indore tops the list for fourth year in a row</a>

These are the 10 best centrally-funded institutes and universities in India, according to Atal Innovation

<ul><li><keyword id="6358887" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="amitabh-kant">Amitabh Kant</keyword>, CEO of <keyword id="2665691" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Niti-Aayog">NITI Aayog</keyword> said that India can add 1.3% to its GDP on an annual basis through the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence. </li><li>NITI Aayog and <keyword id="6372077" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="nasscom">NASSCOM</keyword> jointly launched Let’s learn AI module to help create an AI Curriculum for students. </li><li>It will be implemented across 5,000 <keyword id="3502375" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="atal-tinkering-labs">Atal Tinkering Labs</keyword> (ATL) — catering to over 2.5 million students </li><li>The global AI market is anticipated to touch $15 trillion over the next decade.</li></ul>As India moves to adopt digitization, artificial intelligence can be a ‘valuable contributor’ to the country’s <keyword id="6354971" type="DEFINITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="gross-domestic-product">gross domestic product</keyword> (GDP). On the sidelines of the launch of Let’s learn AI module, Amitabh Kant, CEO of NITI Aayog said, “India can add 1.3% to its GDP on an annual basis through the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence.” <div type="twitter" handle="NITIAayog" handlename="NITI Aayog" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/865131194773495809/KMjhveHQ_normal.jpg" favoritecount="131" retweetcount="35" status="India can add 1.3% to its GDP on an annual basis through the use of machine learning and #ArtificialIntelligence:… https://t.co/VUo3wBFSMz" createdat="1582801014000" id="1232982936904798208"></div>

 As per the global estimates, the AI market is anticipated to touch $15 trillion over the next decade — with India contributing nearly a trillion dollars to it. Kant added that the government schemes like <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AyushmanBharat?src=hashtag_click">Ayushman Bharat</a> and GST can facilitate ethical use of these emerging technologies. In a bid to boost AI participation at the school level, the initiative, rolled out by the government think tank NITI Aayog, <keyword id="8841946" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="atal-innovation">Atal Innovation</keyword> Mission (AIM) in collaboration with IT industry body NASSCOM, will create an AI Curriculum. <div type="twitter" handle="NITIAayog" handlename="NITI Aayog" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/865131194773495809/KMjhveHQ_normal.jpg" favoritecount="66" retweetcount="17" status="The #AIForAll vision of @NITIAayog will further strengthen through the Let's learn Artificial Intelligence module &amp;… https://t.co/Wae6LRZpPP" createdat="1582796061000" id="1232962164337496065"></div>

 “This is the first ever industry government academia initiative on such a scale to keep the school students abreast of latest technologies," said R Ramanan, mission director at Atal <keyword id="8841948" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="innovation-mission">Innovation Mission</keyword>. <div type="twitter" handle="AIMtoInnovate" handlename="AIM" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/860441615772549122/ciiDXlAZ_normal.jpg" favoritecount="32" retweetcount="15" status="Understanding Technology 💻 = Understanding Possibilities💪 #AIM MD @rramanan expresses his delight over the launch… https://t.co/2utOUMsu5P" createdat="1582817842000" id="1233053519835361280"></div>

 The module — enabled with videos, experiments and concepts of AI — will be implemented across 5,000 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) — catering to over 2.5 million students. The curriculum will include the latest technologies from top notch companies like Microsoft, Adobe, SAP Labs, Wipro and Nasscom among others. This will help the country find alternatives to overcome the challenges of a shared connected zero-emission world, improving learning outcomes, diseases like tuberculosis, cancer and more. “This module is path breaking. It combines playing and academics, and our job is to make things very interesting. We want to make artificial intelligence great fun, so that children can enjoy, evolve and learn from it,” NITI Aayog said. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/ai-and-machine-learning-jobs-are-in-demand-but-hiring-is-difficult/articleshow/72879872.cms">Indian CEOs are having a tough time retaining AI, ML, and data science experts</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/article/heres-how-artificial-intelligence-changed-the-way-we-eat-write-drive-and-talk/articleshow/71846412.cms">Here's how artificial intelligence changed the way we eat, write, drive and talk</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/checkout-top-10-most-popular-online-courses-in-india-in-2019-according-to-coursera/articleshow/72506599.cms">Two million took online AI courses in 2019 — and that includes CEOs as well</a>

India’s think tank NITI Aayog is making AI simple and fun for 2.5 million students

<ul><li>The government has announced a new program for <keyword id="3588883" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="space-startups">space startups</keyword> and MSMEs called Space Enterprise Encouragement and Development (SEED). </li><li>India’s Department of Space will also be releasing a list of space technology products and services for the private sector to develop. </li><li>The announcement comes after ISRO announced three challenges under the <keyword id="2746648" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Atal-Innovation-Mission">Atal Innovation Mission</keyword>’s ARISE program yesterday, for which a team of experts is already reviewing more than 200 ‘good proposals’. </li></ul>The government recently opened up India’s space sector to private players and despite the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) reluctance in the past, the space agency is now doubling down on startups and MSMEs to create space technology for the future. After announcing three new challenges — propulsion, geospatial information, and robotics/AR/VR — under the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/india-launches-15-challenges-for-indian-startups-and-msmes-to-solve-for-a-grant-of-50-lakh-each/articleshow/78011599.cms">Atal Innovation Mission ARISE program yesterday</a>, <keyword id="6448588" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="isro-chairman">ISRO chairman</keyword> and Department of Space (DoS) secretary claimed that over 200 proposals are already under review with experts. “Similar announcements of opportunities will be made for our future programs, including planetary missions,” said Sivan calling the private sector a ‘co-traveller’ in space endeavours, indicating that more challenges are on the horizon during an ISRO <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMmegTVE05M">workshop</a> today. One of these programs is SEED — Space Enterprise Encouragement and Development. “SEED is envisaged as a competitive early-stage encouragement program for innovative small business concerns or startups interested in products or services in focus areas of space technology, “ described Sivan. The Department of Space (DoS) also has plans of compiling a list of potential products and services in space technology and application that can be developed by the industry, in addition to expanding their existing network of incubation programs. “The mechanism for technical mentorship from DoS has also been initiated,” said Sivan.

ISRO doubles down on startups and MSME for space technology — launches SEED program and reviews over 200 applications under ARISE mission

New Delhi, Feb 27 () NITI Aayog supported Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and Nasscom have joined hands to impart Artificial Intelligence-based learning at Atal Tinkering Labs aimed at empowering students to innovate and create valuable solutions to problems. With an imperative to empower the youngest minds of the country with the latest technologies, NITI Aayog, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) in collaboration with the National Association of Software and Services Companies (Nasscom) on Thursday launched an AI-based Module rolled out for students in Indian schools, an official release said. The objective of the AI-based module is to leverage the full potential of AIM's ATL and empower students to innovate and create valuable solutions benefiting society at large.The module contains activities, videos and experiments for students to work through and learn various concepts of AI.India can add 1.3 per cent to its GDP on an annual basis through the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence, Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog said at the module launch."Indians can find solutions to the challenges of a shared connected zero emission world, improving learning outcomes, disease like tuberculosis, cancer among others. "If we are able to find solutions to these challenges for the 1.3 billion people of India, we can find solutions for the 7.5 billion people of the world too," Kant said.The module will start teaching young children from a very young age, he said, adding "This is path breaking, it combines playing and academics and our job is to make things very interesting. We want to make artificial intelligence a great fun, so that children can enjoy it, they can evolve and learn and take India forward."It has been estimated that by 2030, the global market in AI is likely to be in the range of USD 15 to 15.5 trillion of which India's share will be close to a trillion dollars.Mission Director Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog R Ramanan said AI is going to be an integral part of the new 21st century innovations."We are proud to introduce the Learn-It-Yourself module in all our 5000 Atal Tinkering Labs with over 2.5 million students having access to it. This is the first ever industry government academia initiative on such a scale to keep the school students abreast of latest technologies," Ramanan said.Debjani Ghosh, President, Nasscom, said AI has become a strategic lever for economic growth across nations and will continue to be one of the most crucial technologies of the future. Atal Innovation Mission under NITI Aayog is government's flagship initiative to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship at the school level.AIM is establishing ATLs in all districts across India. As of today, AIM has selected a total of 14,916 schools across the country spread across 33 different states and union territories, for the establishment of ATLs.The AI module introduced to ATL students from February 27. KPM KPM MRMR

Atal Innovation Mission, Nasscom launch AI based learning courses for students

New Delhi, Apr 13 () In a major relief to Atal Pension Yojana (APY) subscribers in the wake of coronavirus pandemic, PFRDA has allowed deferment of their contribution until June 2020.The majority of APY subscribers belong to the lower strata of the society, and are expected to suffer the most during and after the lockdown.In such scenario, it may be difficult for them to keep contributing to the scheme regularly during such period, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority of India (PFRDA) said in a circular.The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has impacted adversely to all the sections of the society. However, it is known fact that the disadvantaged and poor are most vulnerable to the economic effects of the said disease, it added."Therefore, it has been decided by the competent authority to stop auto-debiting savings account of the subscribers for APY contribution till 30th June 2020. "Also no penal interest will be charged to the APY subscribers if they regularize their APY accounts by depositing such non-deducted APY contributions along with regular APY contributions between 1st July, 20th and 30th Sept, 2020," PFRDA said.The regulator said that the modalities of payment of the allowed non-deducted APY contributions along with regular contributions will be out in due course."Keeping in view the above, all APY-SPs (service providers) are advised to stop auto-debiting the savings account of the subscribers for APY contribution amount with immediate effect till 30th June 20," it added.APY is a self contributory government guaranteed pension product which mainly caters to the people employed in the unorganised sector in India.Apart from APY, PFRDA runs the National Pension System (NPS) scheme which is for those employed in the organised sector and caters to people in the central and state government, autonomous bodies, corporate offices as well as salaried or self employed/business individuals.Last week, for the NPS subscribers, the pension fund agency has allowed for withdrawal to a certain limit from their accruals for Covid-19 related emergencies.As on March 31, 2020, the total number of subscribers under NPS and APY stood at 3.46 crore. Of this, the number of APY subscribers were 2.11 crore, as per PFRDA data.The total asset under management under these schemes stood at over Rs 4.17 lakh crore at the end of March 2020. Of this, the APY corpus was of Rs 10,526 crore. KPM KPM BALBAL

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