Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Kicks Off 'Football For Schools' Programme In Odisha's Cuttack

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Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Kicks Off 'Football For Schools' Programme ...

by Manisha Das

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Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan kicked off the 'Football for Schools' programme and launched the distribution of FIFA footballs, Mundali in Odisha's Cuttack district to contribute to the education, development, and empowerment of children.

Cuttack, Dec 3: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan kicked off the 'Football for Schools' programme and launched the distribution of FIFA footballs, Mundali in Odisha's Cuttack district to contribute to the education, development, and empowerment of children.

Minister Pradhan distributed footballs to 329 schools during the launching ceremony on Saturday.
The Ministry of Education is planning to distribute 11 lakh footballs to 1.55 lakh schools in 742 districts across the country.

The programme was launched in the presence of All India Football Federation President Kalyan Chaubey from PM Shri Jawaharlal Navodaya Vidyalaya.

Speaking at the event, Dharmendra Pradhan said, "I am happy to launch the 'Football for Schools' programme to install passion and sportsmanship towards the game of football among school students under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

"FIFA will distribute more than 11 lakh footballs to 1.53 lakh schools in a total of 742 districts in India in collaboration with AIFF. About 30,000 footballs will be distributed to about 5,000 schools in Odisha. I thank FIFA for planning to train sports teachers with modern techniques," Pradhan added.

Also Read: Odisha News

He said that sports "bring" competitive spirit to children.

"For students, sports are very beneficial for a healthy body. Sports bring a competitive spirit and a playful mentality to children. Children who play football in the field will surely succeed in life," he added.

(ANI)

Foreign Portfolio Investments Drop To Rs 2,916 Cr On Back Of High Valuations, Capital Gain Tax Hike

by Shambhu Datta Mishra

New Delhi, July 27: Net investments by Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) in the Indian equity market declined to Rs 2,916 crore for the week ending July 26, due to investor selling amid budget uncertainty.

As per data from the National Securities Depository Limited, last week foreign investors injected Rs 15,420 crore into Indian markets, but their buying declined significantly for the week July 22-26.

So far in July, the net investment by FPIs in the equity market stands at Rs 33,688 crore. This year's total investment by foreign investors has now surged to Rs 1,39,010 crore.

"The Budget 2024-25 has not sparked any significant excitement in the market, while it was both populist and prudent. The increase in short- and long-term capital gains taxes added to the volatility on budget day. Although the government's emphasis on fiscal discipline and growth is appealing, FIIs are cautious due to current high valuations and muted expectations for Q1FY25 results" said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services.

He further added, "Meanwhile, DIIs continue to employ a 'buy on dips' strategy, which contributed to market gains on the week's last trading day, particularly in the pharma, auto, metal, IT, and FMCG sectors."

The volatility of FPI flows extends beyond India, affecting other markets as well. Countries like Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and South Korea have witnessed FPI inflows this week while the markets in Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam have experienced outflows.

"Market focus has swiftly moved on from the Union Budget, unveiled in the week, to the ongoing Q1FY25 earnings season. The FY2025 Union Budget delivered a judicious balance between capital expenditure, fiscal prudence, and welfarism. FPI flows are expected to remain volatile" said Shrikant Chouhan, Head of Equity Research, Kotak Securities.

This year's trend in foreign investment has been erratic. Foreign investors were net sellers in January, April, and May, cumulatively selling equities worth around Rs 60,000 crore. However, they turned into net buyers in February, March, and June, with cumulative purchases amounting to Rs 63,200 crore.

(ANI)

Read More: Sports News

Raj & DK To Bring Action Fantasy Drama 'Rakt Bramhand'; Call It 'Uncharted Territory'

by Shambhu Datta Mishra

Mumbai, July 27: Filmmaker duo Raj & DK are gearing up to bring their first action-fantasy series, 'Rakt Bramhand - The Bloody Kingdom', which they describe as 'uncharted territory', making it all the more thrilling for them.

The makers took to social media and shared the announcement, dropping an intriguing poster featuring a massive bejeweled throne with blood spots.

The post was captioned: "We've got BIGGGGG news that'll stir your blood! We're pumped to announce our first ever action-fantasy series... now filming."

The series promises a gripping, edgy narrative set against the backdrop of a fantastical kingdom, complete with bloody action and spectacular visuals.

For this project, Raj & DK have partnered with director Rahi Anil Barve and long-time collaborator Sita R. Menon, under their production company, D2R Films.

In a statement, Raj & DK said: "This is uncharted territory, which makes it all the more thrilling for us. Our goal is to develop a fictional world that is both original and reminiscent of the fantastical tales we have heard in our childhood."

"We are having an amazing time working with the very talented Rahi and our uber versatile partner Sita to bring this unique vision to life. Working with Netflix has been excellent, and we have their enthusiastic support to back the unconventional vision for Rakt Bramhand," they added.

Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content at Netflix India, added: "After the outstanding success of the genre-bending 'Guns & Gulaabs', we're thrilled to team up with the masterful duo of Raj & DK for another defining series. 'Rakt Bramhand - The Bloody Kingdom' will be Netflix India’s first-ever mega action-fantasy series and is set to redefine the genre by combining grand-scale action with a thrilling storyline."