Golden glimpse into the past: 2,300-year-old ring found in Jerusalem

by Utkalika Mohanty

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Archaeologists discovered a remarkably well-preserved 2,300-year-old ring of a child from the Hellenistic period at an excavation in Jerusalem's City of David archaeological park, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced on Monday.

Tel Aviv, May 27: Archaeologists discovered a remarkably well-preserved 2,300-year-old ring of a child from the Hellenistic period at an excavation in Jerusalem's City of David archaeological park, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced on Monday.

The gold ring, adorned with a red precious stone -- believed to be garnet -- has a small diameter, leading experts to believe it was likely worn by a boy or girl.

"I was sifting earth through the screen and suddenly saw something glitter. I immediately yelled, 'I found a ring, I found a ring!'" said Tehiya Gangate, a member of the excavation team. "Within seconds, everyone gathered around me, and there was great excitement. This is an emotionally moving find, not the kind you find every day. In truth, I always wanted to find gold jewelry, and I am very happy this dream came true -- literally a week before I went on maternity leave."

The discovery "paints a new picture of the nature and stature of Jerusalem's inhabitants in the Early Hellenistic Period," said Tel Aviv University Professor Yuval Gadot.

"Whereas in the past we found only a few structures and finds from this era, and thus most scholars assumed Jerusalem was then a small town, limited to the top of the southeastern slope ("City of David") and with relatively very few resources, these new finds tell a different story," Gadot explained.

"It certainly seems that the city's residents were open to the widespread Hellenistic style and influences prevalent also in the eastern Mediterranean Basin," he added.

The City of David is the original core of the ancient biblical city. Located just outside the southern walls of Jerusalem's Old City, it is considered one of Israel's most important archaeological sites.

It is where King David established his capital and the site of many pivotal biblical events. The park is best known for Hezekiah's Tunnel, which was constructed by King Hezekiah to provide water to the city ahead of an Assyrian siege led by Sennacherib.

Visitors can see the excavated remains of houses, cisterns, and fortifications, getting a glimpse into Jerusalem's ancient history.
The ring will be displayed to the public at an Antiquities Authority conference on Jerusalem Day on June 4.

(ANI)

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‘Kalki 2898 AD’ All Set To Breach Rs 500 Crore Mark With Overseas Collections

by Shambhu Datta Mishra

Mumbai, July 1: The recently released sci-fi epic film ‘Kalki 2898 AD’, is on its way to become a box-office juggernaut. The film so far has collected Rs 486 cr worldwide in the first four days of its release.

While it breached the Rs 150 crore mark for its India net collections in the first three days of its release, it has posted an impressive figure at the box office in its opening weekend. The film has minted Rs 346 crore in terms of gross collections across India.

‘Kalki 2898 AD’, directed by Nag Ashwin, features a host of superstars from across the film industries of India. It stars Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone and Disha Patani.

The film’s overseas gross collection stands at Rs 142 crore, taking the total worldwide gross collections to Rs 488 crore as per Track Tollywood.

In Telugu-speaking states, the film has collected Rs 167.5 crore, followed by its 2nd biggest market in Hindi with collections standing at Rs 111.5 crore.

Barring the southern states, the film’s net India collection is at Rs 134.09 crore. ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ is expected to cross the Rs 500 crore milestone figure with the evening shows on Monday.

The film needs to collect another Rs 500 crore gross to achieve hit status. ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ has set the box office on fire once again after the ticket windows experienced a euphoria last year with films like ‘Pathaan’, ‘Jawan’, ‘Gadar 2’ and ‘Animal’.

(IANS)

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PM Modi Lauds 9 Years Of The Digital India Initiative

by Shambhu Datta Mishra

New Delhi, June 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday highlighted the transformative impact of Digital India and lauded the successful completion of nine years of the initiative and said that Digital India symbolizes an empowered India which boosts Ease of Living and transparency. He also shared a glimpse of the strides made in the last decade.

In a repost from MyGovIndia on the social media platform X, PM Modi underscored the role of technology in shaping a more empowered and transparent India, enhancing the ease of living for millions of its citizens.

He posted, "A Digital India is an empowered India, boosting 'Ease of Living' and transparency. This thread gives a glimpse of the strides made in a decade thanks to effective usage of technology."

MyGovIndia's original post celebrated the significant achievements of the Digital India campaign, launched by the Modi Government on 1 July 2015.

The post emphasized the profound impact of the initiative, stating, "Today, India celebrates 9 years of the Digital India initiative by the Modi Government, transforming lives across the nation. The impact of #DigitalIndia is staggering--check out these numbers that will blow your mind. #NewIndia #9YearsOfDigitalIndia"

The Digital India initiative was conceived to make government services accessible to all citizens electronically, thereby fostering a more inclusive and efficient society.

Launched by Prime Minister Modi, the campaign seeks to bridge the digital divide by improving online infrastructure and expanding internet connectivity, especially in rural areas.

The program encompasses three core components: the development of secure and stable digital infrastructure, delivering government services digitally, and promoting universal digital literacy.

Since its inception, Digital India has significantly bolstered the country's digital infrastructure. The initiative has facilitated the creation of BharatNet, a project aimed at connecting rural India with high-speed internet.

This project alone has laid the groundwork for millions of Indians to access online services and information, contributing to a more connected and informed population.

One of the standout achievements of Digital India is the widespread adoption of the Aadhaar system, which has provided 130 crore Indians with a digital biometric identity.

This system has streamlined numerous government services and welfare programs, ensuring that benefits reach the intended recipients without the bureaucratic red tape that often plagued traditional systems.

The Digital India initiative has also driven a massive surge in internet and mobile phone usage. As of 31 December 2018, India boasted 150 crore mobile phones, including 100.6 crore smartphones, and 130 crore internet users.

This growth has not only connected millions of Indians but has also fueled the expansion of e-commerce and digital payments, transforming the way businesses operate and consumers shop.

Digital India has played a pivotal role in transitioning government services to digital platforms.

This shift has made services more accessible and efficient, from applying for licenses and certificates to accessing healthcare and educational resources.

The initiative has also enhanced transparency and accountability in governance, reducing opportunities for corruption and improving the delivery of public services.

The Digital India campaign has synergized with other key government schemes such as Make in India, Startup India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

These initiatives have collectively worked to create a more self-reliant and innovative India, fostering economic growth and generating employment opportunities.

By promoting local manufacturing and investment in the technology sector, Digital India has supported the Make in India initiative.

This has not only boosted the economy but also positioned India as a global hub for tech innovation and manufacturing.

Digital India has provided a fertile ground for startups, with improved digital infrastructure and connectivity paving the way for new ventures.

The ease of doing business has improved significantly, making it easier for entrepreneurs to launch and grow their startups.

The push for digital literacy and self-reliance under Digital India aligns with the broader goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).

By empowering citizens with the skills and tools needed to succeed in a digital economy, the initiative is helping to build a more resilient and self-sufficient nation.

(ANI)

Golden glimpse into the past: 2,300-year-old ring found in Jerusalem

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