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World Rapid Chess Championship

India’s remarkable chess journey added another proud chapter in Doha as Koneru Humpy and Arjun Erigaisi secured bronze medals at the 2025 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championships. Competing against the world’s elite, both players delivered performances that reflected resilience, consistency, and world-class skill, reinforcing India’s stature as a global chess powerhouse.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged their achievements, praising their dedication and determination – a gesture that further underlined the growing national recognition of chess and its champions.

Koneru Humpy’s Grit

Koneru Humpy entered the Women’s World Rapid Championship as the defending champion and once again proved why she remains one of the most formidable names in the sport. Finishing the tournament as joint leader with 8.5 points, Humpy’s podium position was ultimately decided by FIDE’s tie-break rules.

Despite missing out on gold, her bronze medal was a testament to sustained excellence across more than two decades of elite competition. A title win would have seen her create history as the first woman to claim three World Rapid crowns and join an exclusive list of back-to-back champions. Instead, she finished just behind China’s Zhu Jiner and Russia’s Aleksandra Goryachkina, the latter going on to claim her maiden world rapid title.

Even in disappointment, Humpy’s performance stood as a reminder of her enduring legacy and competitive spirit.

Arjun Erigaisi’s Breakthrough on the Global Stage

In the Open category, Arjun Erigaisi delivered one of the standout Indian performances of the tournament. Finishing behind world number one Magnus Carlsen and Russian Grandmaster Vladislav Artemiev, the 22-year-old clinched a historic bronze medal.

With this achievement, Erigaisi became only the second Indian male player, after Viswanathan Anand, to reach the podium at the World Rapid Championships. His fearless approach and calm under pressure marked him as one of the brightest stars of the new generation.

The Prime Minister praised Erigaisi’s grit, acknowledging the significance of his accomplishment on one of chess’s biggest stages.

Recognition from the Highest Office

PM Modi’s messages celebrating both players reflected his continued effort to personally acknowledge sporting excellence across disciplines. His public appreciation not only honoured the medalists but also highlighted chess as a sport where India is consistently competing at the highest level.

Such recognition carries symbolic weight, inspiring young players and reinforcing the value of long-term dedication to the game.

While the World Rapid Championship has concluded, the spotlight remains on Humpy, who will next compete in the World Blitz Championship in Doha. With her experience and form, she remains a strong contender for another podium finish.

For Erigaisi, the bronze medal represents both a milestone and a beginning a clear signal that he belongs among the world’s best and is poised for even greater achievements.

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Talks between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Florida have renewed cautious optimism around a possible end to the war in Ukraine. Meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, the two leaders discussed a revised peace framework that, while showing movement on some fronts, stopped short of delivering a decisive breakthrough.

Both leaders publicly described the discussions as constructive, suggesting that negotiations are edging closer to an agreement. However, the most contentious questions particularly territorial control and ceasefire terms remain unresolved, underscoring how fragile and complex the peace process continues to be.

Donbas Remains the Central Roadblock

At the heart of the impasse lies the future of Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region. Russia currently controls roughly three-quarters of Donetsk and nearly all of Luhansk, and has made it clear that it seeks full control over both territories. This position has been a consistent red line for Moscow throughout negotiations.

Trump acknowledged after the talks that the issue of Donbas remains unsettled, though he suggested discussions were “getting a lot closer.” Ukraine, however, has resisted any proposal that would formalise Russian control, instead floating the idea of a free economic zone overseen by Ukrainian forces in areas it still holds.

The Kremlin has reiterated its demand that Ukrainian troops withdraw from the remaining parts of Donbas under Kyiv’s control, a demand Ukraine continues to reject. As a result, the region remains the single biggest obstacle to a comprehensive settlement.

Security Guarantees Show Signs of Progress

One area where both sides hinted at progress was the question of security guarantees for Ukraine. Zelensky said the United States had proposed guarantees lasting 15 years, with the possibility of extension. Kyiv, however, is pushing for longer-term assurances, ideally stretching up to 50 years, and wants them to take effect immediately upon signing a peace deal.

Trump described negotiations on this front as nearly complete, saying an agreement was “close to 95%” done. He also indicated that European nations would shoulder a significant share of responsibility for guaranteeing Ukraine’s security, with US support backing the arrangement.

European leaders have echoed this emphasis. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed what she called “good progress” while stressing the need for robust guarantees from day one. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that Ukraine’s allies would meet in Paris early next year to finalise their commitments.

Ceasefire and Referendum Complications

Another unresolved issue is the proposal for a temporary ceasefire. Zelensky has suggested a 60-day ceasefire would be necessary to hold a referendum in Ukraine on any peace agreement, arguing that public approval is essential for legitimacy.

Russia, however, has firmly opposed any temporary truce. Ahead of the Florida talks, Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who reportedly argued that a short-term ceasefire would only prolong the conflict. Trump later acknowledged Moscow’s reluctance, saying he understood Russia’s position on the issue.

This disagreement further complicates efforts to sequence peace steps in a way acceptable to all parties.

The Prospect of Broader Talks

Trump raised the possibility of trilateral talks involving the US, Russia, and Ukraine, though he suggested such a meeting would take place only “at the right time.” Zelensky, meanwhile, indicated that Ukrainian officials could travel to Washington in January, potentially alongside European leaders, as negotiations move into a more detailed phase.

While Trump has expressed a desire to add the Ukraine war to the list of conflicts he claims to have resolved, he also warned that talks could still collapse if discussions deteriorate sharply.

War Continues Despite Diplomacy

Even as diplomacy unfolds, fighting on the ground has not paused. Ukrainian authorities reported multiple Russian airstrikes overnight, with most intercepted. Russia, for its part, claimed to have shot down dozens of Ukrainian drones, particularly over its Bryansk region.

These continued exchanges serve as a stark reminder that negotiations are happening against the backdrop of an active and ongoing conflict.

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Silver prices surged sharply on Friday, climbing 9% to touch a fresh all-time high of $78.53 per ounce. The rally reflects growing pressure in global metals markets, where tightening supply and rising demand are reshaping price expectations across precious and industrial commodities.

Often seen as both a safe-haven asset and an industrial metal, silver has benefited from a rare alignment of factors that have pushed prices beyond previous records.

Supply Constraints Meet Rising Demand

One of the key drivers behind silver’s rally is an ongoing market deficit. Supply has struggled to keep pace with demand, particularly from industries that rely heavily on silver for manufacturing and technology-related applications.

The metal plays a critical role in sectors such as electronics, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing. As investment in clean energy and high-tech infrastructure accelerates globally, demand for silver has intensified, amplifying price pressure in an already constrained market.

A Broad Rally Across Precious Metals

Silver’s surge was part of a wider upswing across the precious metals complex. Gold reached a new all-time high at $4,549.71 per ounce, underlining strong investor interest in hard assets amid economic uncertainty and inflation concerns.

Platinum also recorded a fresh peak, rising 10% to $2,454.12 per ounce, while palladium posted one of the strongest moves of the session. Prices for palladium jumped more than 14%, last trading around $1,924.03 per ounce, reflecting renewed interest and tight market conditions.

Why Metals Are Back in Focus

The renewed momentum in precious metals highlights a shift in market sentiment. Investors are increasingly drawn to tangible assets that offer both intrinsic value and protection against volatility. At the same time, industrial demand is no longer limited to cyclical growth but is being reinforced by long-term structural trends such as electrification and decarbonisation.

Silver, in particular, sits at the intersection of these forces, making it uniquely positioned to benefit from both investment flows and industrial consumption.

What This Means for Investors

The sharp rise in silver and other precious metals suggests that markets are reassessing the balance between supply, demand, and future growth. While price volatility is likely to remain, the current rally underscores the growing strategic importance of metals that serve both financial and industrial purposes.

As global demand continues to evolve, silver’s dual role may keep it firmly in focus for traders, investors, and industry players alike.

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At an age when most teenagers are still discovering their strengths, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has already etched his name into India’s sporting narrative. The 14-year-old cricketing sensation from Bihar was honoured with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP), the country’s highest civilian award for children, at a ceremony held in New Delhi.

Vaibhav travelled to the capital earlier this week to receive the award from President Droupadi Murmu, marking a proud moment not only for his family and state but also for Indian sport. The recognition places him among a select group of young achievers whose work and talent have earned national admiration.

A Prestigious Honour at a Young Age

The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is reserved for children who demonstrate extraordinary ability and commitment in their chosen fields. For Vaibhav, the award acknowledges his exceptional achievements in cricket, where his performances have stood out even among seasoned domestic players.

Following the award ceremony, Vaibhav and the other recipients are set to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The interaction is designed to encourage young achievers and reinforce the idea that excellence, discipline, and dedication are valued at the highest levels of leadership.

Balancing Recognition and Responsibility

Receiving the PMRBP came with a professional compromise. Vaibhav had to miss Bihar’s Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Manipur and will be unavailable for the remainder of the tournament due to his presence at the national ceremony.

For any competitive athlete, time away from the game is never easy. However, being recognised on a national platform for sporting excellence is a rare honour, one that acknowledges not just recent performances but the promise of a long and impactful career ahead.

Performances That Turned Heads

Vaibhav’s rise has been driven by performances that defy expectations for his age. His most talked-about innings came in Bihar’s opening Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Arunachal Pradesh, where he produced a breathtaking knock of 190 runs off just 84 balls.

That innings did more than win a match. It announced Vaibhav as a fearless batter with the ability to dominate attacks, earning attention far beyond domestic cricket circles. The knock has since been widely regarded as one of the most explosive performances by a young Indian batter in recent times.

From Bihar’s Grounds to Rashtrapati Bhavan

Vaibhav’s journey reflects the changing face of Indian sport, where talent from every corner of the country is finding recognition. Rising from Bihar’s cricketing circuits to receiving an award at Rashtrapati Bhavan, his story resonates with young athletes who dream of making it big despite limited resources.

The honour he has received serves as validation of years of practice, discipline, and belief — both his own and that of those who supported him along the way.

What the Award Represents

The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar celebrates children between the ages of 5 and 18 who demonstrate outstanding achievement in diverse fields. These include bravery, art and culture, environment, innovation, science and technology, social service, and sports.

In Vaibhav’s case, the award recognises sporting excellence and the inspiration his achievements provide to other young Indians. It is not just a reward for past success, but an encouragement to continue striving for greater heights.

Looking Ahead

As Vaibhav Suryavanshi returns to the field after this moment of recognition, expectations will naturally grow. Yet, the PMRBP serves as a reminder that his journey is still at an early stage. With talent already evident and experience steadily building, his path forward holds immense promise.

For now, the award stands as a milestone — a moment where potential met recognition, and a young cricketer from Bihar found himself celebrated on the nation’s highest stage.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi Receives PMRBP at 14 for Cricketing Excellence

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Indian Railways

Train journeys across India have become slightly more expensive starting today, following a revision in passenger fares announced by the Ministry of Railways. This marks the second fare hike in the past six months, signalling a calibrated move by the government to address rising operational costs while attempting to keep rail travel accessible for the majority of passengers.

According to the Railways Ministry, the decision has been taken to strike a balance between passenger affordability and the long-term sustainability of railway operations. The revised fares apply only to tickets booked on or after December 26. Passengers who booked their tickets earlier will not face any additional charges, even if their journey takes place after the new fares come into force.

Who Is Not Affected by the Hike

One of the key takeaways from the announcement is that not all travellers will feel the impact. Suburban train services and all season tickets, whether suburban or non-suburban, remain completely untouched by the revision. This ensures that daily commuters and regular passengers are shielded from higher costs.

Additionally, reservation fees, superfast surcharges, and other ancillary charges remain unchanged. The Railways has also clarified that GST rules will continue as before, with fares rounded off according to existing norms.

Revised Fares for Second Class Ordinary Travel

For passengers travelling in Second Class Ordinary coaches, the fare increase depends on the distance covered. Short-distance journeys of up to 215 kilometres will see no change at all. However, longer routes will now cost slightly more.

Journeys between 216 and 750 kilometres will attract an additional ₹5, while trips ranging from 751 to 1,250 kilometres will cost ₹10 extra. For distances between 1,251 and 1,750 kilometres, passengers will pay ₹15 more, and those travelling between 1,751 and 2,250 kilometres will see an increase of ₹20.

Changes in Sleeper and First Class Ordinary Fares

Passengers travelling in Sleeper Class Ordinary and First Class Ordinary coaches will face a marginal increase calculated on a per-kilometre basis. The fare has been raised by 1 paisa per kilometre, keeping the hike relatively modest even for longer journeys.

Mail and Express Trains See a Uniform Increase

For Mail and Express trains, the fare revision is more uniform. Across both non-AC and AC classes, fares have been increased by 2 paise per kilometre. This applies to Sleeper Class, First Class, AC Chair Car, AC 3-Tier, AC 2-Tier, and AC First Class.

In practical terms, this means that for a 500-kilometre journey in a non-AC Mail or Express coach, passengers will pay roughly ₹10 more than before. The revised fares will also apply to premium and semi-premium services such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Vande Bharat, Tejas, Humsafar, Amrit Bharat, Garib Rath, Jan Shatabdi, Gatimaan, Antyodaya, Mahamana, Yuva Express, and Namo Bharat Rapid Rail.

What the Railways Is Saying

The Ministry of Railways has maintained that the revision follows a balanced approach. While acknowledging the importance of affordable travel, it has stressed the need to support infrastructure upgrades, service quality, and operational efficiency.

By limiting the hike to ticket fares and keeping other charges unchanged, the ministry appears to be aiming for a gradual adjustment rather than a sharp increase.

What Passengers Should Keep in Mind

For most travellers, the hike translates into a small addition to the ticket price rather than a significant burden. However, frequent long-distance travellers and those using premium services are more likely to notice the difference.

As with previous revisions, passengers are advised to check the updated fare while booking tickets to avoid surprises and plan their travel budgets accordingly.

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Google

The Gmail address which you created years ago, still follows you everywhere on resumes, subscriptions, work logins, and personal communication. What once felt clever or casual can later feel outdated or unprofessional. Until now, that early choice was permanent. If you wanted a new Gmail name, the only real option was starting over with a new account.

That rigidity is finally easing. Google is preparing to introduce and allow a feature that would allow users to change their Gmail usernames, which is indeed a good shift.

The update first surfaced on a Google support page published in Hindi, where the company outlines a new option that lets users modify an email address ending in “@gmail.com”. This is notable cuz, Before, Google only allowed email changes for accounts that used third-party addresses. Gmail-native addresses were locked in from day one.

If this gets rolled out broadly as expected, this shift/change would mark as the first time where users can update their Gmail identity without abandoning their account, data, or history.

How the New Gmail Address Option Works

Under the proposed system, users would be able to choose a new Gmail address linked to their existing account. Rather than replacing the old address entirely, Google may convert it into an alias.

In practical terms, this means users could sign in using either the old or new address. Emails sent to both addresses would continue to arrive in the same inbox, and existing data such as photos, documents, messages, and past emails would remain untouched. From the user’s perspective, the transition would be seamless, without the disruption that comes with account migration.

The Reason it matters

Email addresses are no longer just digital communication tools. They act as digital IDs, tied to financial services, professional profiles, cloud storage, and personal memories. Making changes in them has always been risky and inconvenient for many.

By allowing this feature, Google shows its acknowledgement that identities evolve. What suited a teenager or student may not fit a working professional or business owner years later. This move offers people a way to align their online presence with who they are now, without losing access to years of digital history.

What We Know and What’s Still Unclear

While the support page confirms that the feature is being rolled out, Google has not yet shared full details on availability, eligibility, or timelines. Reports suggest the option could become more widely accessible in 2026, but the company has not formally announced a global launch schedule.

It also remains to be seen whether there will be limits on how often a Gmail address can be changed, or whether certain usernames will remain restricted due to security or availability concerns.

A Shift in Google’s View of Digital Identity

This update reflects a broader change in how tech companies think about user flexibility. For years, permanence was seen as a feature — a way to ensure security and consistency. Now, adaptability is becoming just as important.

By treating old Gmail addresses as aliases instead of liabilities, Google is offering a rare combination: continuity without rigidity. It is a small change on the surface, but one that could significantly improve how people manage their digital lives.

Looking Ahead

If implemented smoothly, this feature could reshape long-standing assumptions about email permanence. It offers users control without complexity, and identity updates without loss.

For anyone who has ever cringed at an old Gmail username, 2026 might finally bring the chance for a fresh start — without starting over.

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Christmas has always carried layers of meaning, shaped by faith, culture, memory, and community. In 2025, the festival arrives at a time when the world feels both closely connected and deeply complex. Against this backdrop, Christmas continues to hold its place as a moment of pause not loud or hurried, but reflective and grounding.

Across countries and cultures, the season still carries familiar sights and sounds, yet the way people engage with it is subtly shifting. More than spectacle, Christmas this year feels centred on intention: why we gather, how we give, and what we choose to value.

Traditions remain at the heart of Christmas, but many are being revisited rather than replicated. Families are holding on to rituals that matter most, shared meals, conversations, storytelling, prayer, music while letting go of those that feel performative or excessive.

In 2025, there is a noticeable preference for smaller, more personal celebrations. Homes become spaces for warmth rather than display. Gifts are chosen with thought rather than pressure, often reflecting usefulness, sentiment, or shared experience. This renewed focus does not diminish the joy of Christmas; instead, it deepens it by bringing attention back to the people involved rather than the scale of the celebration.

Beyond homes and families, Christmas 2025 is marked by a strong sense of collective responsibility. Communities are placing renewed emphasis on outreach, inclusion, and care for those who may feel isolated or overlooked during the season.

Volunteering, local giving drives, and community meals continue to define how many people mark the holidays. The idea of generosity has expanded beyond financial giving to include time, skills, and presence. In a world shaped by rapid change, these acts of connection feel especially meaningful, reinforcing the idea that Christmas is as much about shared humanity as it is about tradition.

Christmas 2025 also carries significance beyond personal spaces. For workplaces, institutions, and organizations, the season has become a time to slow down and reflect rather than simply conclude the calendar year.

Many organizations are using the holiday period to acknowledge contributions, express gratitude, and reaffirm values. End-of-year messages are less about targets and more about people recognizing resilience, collaboration, and learning. There is also a growing focus on responsible celebrations. Companies are aligning holiday activities with social impact initiatives. They are also forming charitable partnerships.

This approach reflects a broader understanding that culture is shaped not only by policies, but by how moments like Christmas are observed.

As the year closes, Christmas offers a natural moment of reflection. For individuals and institutions alike, it is a chance to look back with honesty — acknowledging both achievements and challenges — without judgement or urgency.

In 2025, this reflective aspect feels particularly strong. Many people are consciously using the season to disconnect from constant demands and reconnect with purpose. Whether through faith, quiet routines, or simple conversations, Christmas becomes a space to reset emotionally and mentally before stepping into the new year.

At its core, Christmas has always been about hope — not abstract optimism, but a grounded belief in renewal, kindness, and continuity. That essence remains unchanged in 2025, even as the world around it evolves.

The season reminds people that progress does not always come from speed or scale, but from care, patience, and shared intention. As one year ends and another begins, Christmas continues to offer something steady: a reminder that connection still matters, reflection still has value, and hope is something we choose, together.

Here are some professional and warm Christmas wishes you can use:

  • Wishing you a joyful Christmas filled with peace, good health, and meaningful moments with loved ones.
  • May this Christmas season bring renewed hope, lasting happiness, and success in the year ahead.
  • Warmest Christmas wishes for a season of reflection, gratitude, and well-deserved rest.
  • May the spirit of Christmas inspire kindness, unity, and positivity in all that you do.
  • Wishing you a festive season filled with comfort, joy, and memorable moments.
  • May Christmas bring you renewed energy and optimism as you look forward to the New Year.
  • Season’s greetings, and best wishes for a prosperous and fulfilling year ahead.
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ISRO

India’s heavy-lift launch vehicle, LVM3, delivered another defining moment for the country’s space programme with the successful launch of the BlueBird Block-2 mission. On the morning of December 24, 2025, the LVM3-M6 rocket lifted off from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, carrying one of the most ambitious commercial communication satellites ever built.

Within just 15 minutes of liftoff, the mission achieved its objective, placing the satellite precisely into its designated low Earth orbit. The success added yet another chapter to ISRO’s growing reputation as a reliable partner in the global space market.

Two Records in a Single Mission

The BlueBird Block-2 launch was not routine by any measure. It marked two significant firsts for India. The satellite became the largest commercial communications spacecraft ever deployed in low Earth orbit, and at 6,100 kilograms, it also emerged as the heaviest payload launched by LVM3 from Indian soil.

ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan described the mission as a moment of pride, highlighting the exceptional orbital accuracy achieved. The deviation from the intended orbit was under two kilometres, a performance that stands among the best globally for heavy-lift launch vehicles.

India’s First Dedicated US Commercial Launch

This mission also carried strategic importance. It was the first time ISRO undertook a fully dedicated commercial launch for a customer from the United States. Developed by AST SpaceMobile, the BlueBird Block-2 satellite represents a new generation of space-based communication platforms.

With this launch, India’s cumulative tally rose to 434 satellites launched for 34 different countries, reinforcing ISRO’s role as a trusted launch service provider.

What Makes BlueBird Block-2 Special

BlueBird Block-2 is part of a broader low Earth orbit constellation aimed at redefining mobile connectivity. Unlike traditional satellites that rely on ground terminals, this system is designed to connect directly with standard smartphones.

Equipped with a massive 223 square metre phased array, the satellite is built to enable 4G and 5G services from space. Voice calls, video calls, messaging, streaming and data access are all intended to work seamlessly, even in remote and underserved regions. The scale and ambition of this satellite underline why it has drawn global attention.

Reliability of LVM3 Comes to the Fore

The LVM3-M6 mission was the ninth successful flight of India’s heavy-lift launch vehicle and its third dedicated commercial mission. With every success, LVM3 continues to demonstrate consistent performance and reliability, qualities essential for both human spaceflight and international commercial launches.

Dr. Narayanan also noted that this was the 104th launch from Sriharikota and a rare operational achievement: two LVM3 missions completed within a span of just 52 days. Coordinating such back-to-back launches required intense planning and close collaboration across multiple ISRO centres.

A Boost for Future Missions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the achievement, noting that the success reflects the growing strength of India’s space ecosystem, driven largely by young scientists and engineers. He highlighted that the dependable heavy-lift capability of LVM3 lays a strong foundation for upcoming missions such as Gaganyaan, expanded commercial services and deeper international partnerships.

The mission also aligns with India’s broader push toward technological self-reliance while remaining globally connected.

Expanding India’s Space Horizon

Beyond the technical milestones, the BlueBird Block-2 launch sends a clear message. India is no longer just a cost-effective launch option; it is a precision-driven, high-capacity spacefaring nation capable of handling some of the world’s most complex commercial payloads.

As demand for low Earth orbit constellations continues to grow, ISRO’s demonstrated ability to deliver heavy satellites with accuracy and speed positions it strongly for the next phase of global space activity.

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Mumbai / Pune, 24, December 2025: The World Environment Council (WEC) and the Surakshit Movement have entered into a strategic collaboration to strengthen the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles within India’s safety, security, and resilience ecosystem. The partnership formalises WEC as the Sustainability Partner for the Surakshit Movement, including the Surakshit Awards platform.

This collaboration brings together WEC’s global expertise in sustainability governance, climate education, and ESG capacity-building with the Surakshit Movement’s industry-led focus on safety, security, governance, and community resilience. The objective is to ensure that ESG considerations are embedded meaningfully into safety leadership frameworks rather than being treated as standalone or compliance-driven initiatives.

Under the partnership, WEC will play a key role in shaping and governing the ESG Award Category within the Surakshit Awards, including contribution to evaluation frameworks, jury expertise, and knowledge inputs. Beyond the awards, the collaboration will extend to ESG-focused workshops, dialogues, whitepapers, training programmes, and community initiatives conducted under the Surakshit Movement umbrella.

The partnership is deliberately structured to remain restricted to ESG-related domains, preserving the independence and integrity of the core Surakshit Awards and non-ESG categories. Both organisations have agreed on clear governance mechanisms, including the formation of a dedicated ESG Working Group, to jointly oversee frameworks, content, and ESG initiatives.

Speaking on the collaboration, Prof. Ganesh Prakash Channa, Founder and President of the World Environment Council, said that the partnership represents an important step toward aligning sustainability thinking with real-world safety and governance challenges. He noted that ESG outcomes are strongest when environmental responsibility, social impact, and governance discipline are integrated into operational decision-making and leadership behaviour.

PSP core team, the driving force behind Surakshit, said the collaboration with WEC adds depth and credibility to the ESG dimension of the platform. They emphasised that the Surakshit Movement aims to recognise organisations and leaders who demonstrate intent, execution, and measurable impact, and that ESG must be evaluated with the same rigour as safety and security outcomes.

The collaboration was formally acknowledged during Surakshit Pune Awards 2025, where sustainability and ESG leadership featured as an integral part of the recognition framework. The tie-up reinforces the shared belief that safety, security, sustainability, and governance are interconnected responsibilities, and that future-ready organisations must address them together.

Through this partnership, WEC and the Surakshit Movement aim to create a credible, practitioner-driven ESG platform that supports responsible governance, strengthens community resilience, and contributes to safer and more sustainable institutions across India.

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Android Emergency Location Services

Google has made a change to help people in India during emergencies. It has added a feature to Android phones that can share a user’s exact location with emergency responders. This feature is called Emergency Location Service (ELS), and it is especially useful when someone calls for help during a crisis.

People in Uttar Pradesh are the first in India to have this service fully operational. The feature has been connected to the emergency number 112, which means Emergency Location Service now works directly with the emergency response system in Uttar Pradesh.

This move is significant because it helps people receive emergency assistance faster and more accurately. It is particularly helpful in situations where callers are unable to clearly explain where they are. With precise location sharing, emergency teams can reach people more quickly and easily, improving response times and outcomes.

What Emergency Location Service Does

Emergency Location Service plays an important role in emergency situations. It acts as a helper that finds a user’s location when they urgently need help.

The service uses technology to determine where a phone is located when someone contacts emergency services. It is useful even when the caller does not know their exact location.

  1. Emergency Location Service works with emergency services such as the police and ambulances.
  2. It shares the caller’s location with them so they can respond quickly.

Emergency Location Service is built into Android devices and is always ready to help when needed.

When a user calls or sends a message to an emergency number from an Android phone, the system automatically determines their location and shares it with emergency responders. This process happens without any action from the user. This is important because it allows help to reach someone even if they are scared, injured, or if the call gets disconnected.

The service runs quietly in the background and becomes active only during an emergency interaction.

How the Technology Pinpoints Location

Google’s Emergency Location Service collects information from several sources on the phone. These include GPS signals, nearby Wi-Fi networks, and mobile cell towers. By combining these signals, ELS can determine a user’s location, often within about 50 metres.

The feature works using Android’s Fused Location Provider, which uses machine learning to calculate the most accurate location in real time. Even if a call is disconnected shortly after being made, emergency responders can still receive the location data from the device.

Uttar Pradesh Leads the Rollout

Uttar Pradesh has taken the lead in implementing Emergency Location Service in India. While ELS has been available globally on Android devices running version 6.0 and above, it only functions when local authorities integrate it with their emergency systems.

In India, Uttar Pradesh is the first state to complete this integration.

The Uttar Pradesh Police, working with technology partner Pert Telecom Solutions, have connected ELS to the 112 emergency response system. As a result, Android users in the state can automatically share their location when contacting emergency services, helping authorities reach them faster.

Privacy and Data Protection

Google has stated that strong privacy safeguards are built into Emergency Location Service. The location data generated by ELS is shared only with emergency service providers. Google does not store or access this data.

The service activates only during emergency calls or messages, and users are not tracked outside these situations.

ELS is completely free to use. Users do not need to install additional apps or change any phone settings.

A Growing Emergency Toolkit on Android

The launch of ELS in India follows other safety-related features introduced by Google. One such feature allows users to share live video from their phone’s camera with emergency responders, if requested. This can help responders better understand a situation before arriving at the scene.

These features are designed to reduce response times and improve coordination during critical moments.

What This Means Going Forward

Uttar Pradesh’s implementation of Emergency Location Service may encourage other states to adopt the feature as well. If rolled out more widely, ELS could significantly improve responses to medical emergencies, accidents, and law enforcement situations across the country.

For millions of Android users, this update quietly turns their phone into a more reliable lifeline when it matters most.

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