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Time of India
5 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
CM launches campaign to promote locally-produced goods
Bhubaneswar: CM Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday launched a week-long "Aspirational Market Campaign" aimed at enhancing market access for locally produced goods in remote and underdeveloped areas of the state. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now During the ceremony organised by the planning and coordination department, Majhi emphasised the success of aspirational district and block programmes as models for promoting local development. The initiative focuses on inclusive development through various social and economic indicators, including health, education, agriculture, and skill development. The campaign aligns with the Prime Minister's "Vocal for Local" movement and introduces the "Aspirational Brand" launched in 2024. This initiative is expected to improve the economic status of local women's self-help groups, farmers, artisans, and weavers while ensuring fair prices for consumers. The programme will also facilitate digital marketing of local products through e-marketplaces, a govt statement reads. Currently, the aspirational district program (ADP) operates in 10 districts, while the aspirational block program (ABP) covers 29 blocks across 16 districts in . The state's performance in these programmes was noteworthy, with districts collectively securing awards worth Rs 165 crore, the statement maintains. At the ceremony, several districts and blocks were recognised for their outstanding performance. Malkangiri and Nabarangpur districts received gold medals, while Kandhamal and Koraput earned silver medals. In the block category, Khairput, Mathili, Chitrakonda and Dabugaon blocks were awarded gold medals. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Chief secretary Manoj Ahuja praised the collective effort noting that the awards reflect a strong development mindset and effective teamwork across all levels of administration. The campaign implements the "3Cs" approach - Convergence, Collaboration, and Competition - to ensure coordinated development efforts between central and state authorities while promoting healthy competition among districts based on key performance indicators.


Economic Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
This ‘90s star lived 33 years in a chawl, bitten by rat while sleeping, now stays at Rs 31 cr home
Agencies Jackie Shroff once lived in a chawl. Today, he resides in a luxurious eight-bedroom home in one of Mumbai's poshest neighbourhoods. However, life has not always been a bed of roses for Jackie Shroff. In a chat with Beer Biceps, aka Ranveer Allahabadia, the 'Hero' revealed he once lived in a chawl (slum) called Teen Batti. When pictures of a room from the chawl were displayed, the 'Parinda' actor recalled how he used to sleep on the floor. One day he discovered a snake slithering in while he was lying down. 'There used to be a mango tree; the snake probably lived there,' he the snake didn't bite him, the actor revealed he was bitten by a rat once. The rat also bit his the veteran actor is still attached to his old home, as he lived there for 33 years. In another interview with Vicky Lalwani, the 'Rangeela' star revealed he had asked his old landlord to rent the chawl to him but was denied. 'I am trying, but they are not giving it back to me. He (the landlord) thinks that if he gives it to me, then… I am like, 'Bro, I won't run away with it.' This guy is not giving it to me. I told him that whatever money you are getting as rent for my old room… four people live there now. I told him that I will pay what those four people are paying. But he doesn't want to…' Today, the actor lives in a magnificent sea-facing apartment that is estimated to be a whopping Rs 31 crore, as per an ABP report, as cited by GQ. The house has been designed by John Abraham's architectural firm, according to GQ . Citing a Celebrity Net Worth report, GQ estimated that Shroff's personal net worth is a staggering Rs 212 crore. Shroff made his acting debut as an extra in the 1982 movie 'Swami Dada.' However, he tasted overnight stardom with the 1983 blockbuster 'Hero.' Helmed by Subhash Ghai, the movie also starred Meenakshi Sheshadri. Some of his notable works include, 'Ram Lakhan,' 'Parinda,' 'Tere Mehrbaniyan,' 'Rangeela,' the work front, Jackie Shroff was last seen in two films—'Housefull 5' and 'Tanvi The Great.' He will next star in two films, the Akshay Kumar-starrer 'Welcome To The Jungle' and 'Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri.'


Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Meet the actor who lived in a chawl for 33 years, was bitten by a rat, and faced a snake, now stays in a Rs 31 crore apartment, and has a net worth of Rs 212 crore
, one of the most loved stars of the 1990s, is now living a luxurious life, but his journey to success has not been an easy one. The actor, known for hit films like 'Hero,' 'Parinda,' and 'Rangeela,' spent over three decades of his life in a small chawl in Mumbai, where life was far from comfortable. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Lived 33 years in a Mumbai chawl In a past chat with Beer Biceps, also known as Ranveer Allahabadia, Jackie Shroff spoke openly about his early life in Teen Batti, a chawl in Mumbai. Sharing details about the tough conditions, the 'Hero' actor said he used to sleep on the floor. He remembered a terrifying moment when he saw a snake come into the room. He said, 'I used to sit on the floor and eat, which is the best way to eat, I think. My mother would cook, and I would sit on the ground and eat. Those memories haven't left my mind. I used to sleep on the floor of this room. I saw a snake in the corner of that room. Once a rat bit me and my mom.' Wanted to buy back the old chawl room Even after becoming a successful film star, Jackie still feels a deep connection to his old home. In a different interview with Vicky Lalwani, the 'Rangeela' actor revealed that he had tried to get back his room in the chawl, but the landlord refused. He explained, 'I am trying, but they are not giving it back to me. He (the landlord) thinks that if he gives it to me, then… I am like, 'Bro, I won't run away with it.' This guy is not giving it to me. I told him that whatever money you are getting as rent for my old room… four people live there now. I told him that I will pay what those four people are paying. But he doesn't want to…' Now lives in a designer dream home Things are very different for Jackie Shroff today. According to an ABP report, the actor now lives in a stunning sea-facing apartment in one of Mumbai's most expensive areas. The house, which is said to be worth around Rs 31 crore, was designed by 's architectural firm. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now That's not all. As per a Celebrity Net Worth report cited by GQ, Jackie's personal net worth is estimated to be a massive Rs 212 crore. Became a star with 'Hero' in 1983 Jackie started his career in the film industry with a small role as an extra in the 1982 film 'Swami Dada.' But just a year later, his life changed forever when he starred in the blockbuster 'Hero,' directed by and also starring . The film made Jackie an overnight star and opened doors to many big projects. Over the years, he went on to deliver memorable performances in films like 'Ram Lakhan,' 'Parinda,' 'Tere Mehrbaniyan,' and 'Rangeela.' Jackie's natural charm and strong screen presence won the hearts of audiences across the country. Still active in films even today Jackie Shroff is still going strong in the world of films. He was last seen in two films, 'Housefull 5' and 'Tanvi The Great.' The actor will next be seen in the Akshay Kumar-starrer 'Welcome To The Jungle' and another film titled 'Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri.'


Qatar Tribune
6 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QF Academic Bridge Programme signs three strategic pacts at NAFSA 2025 Conference
Tribune News Network Doha The Academic Bridge Programme (ABP), part of Qatar Foundation's (QF) Pre-University Education (PUE), participated in the NAFSA 2025 Annual Conference and Expo for International Education, held in San Diego, California, USA. The Academic Bridge Programme's participation in this global event aimed to expand its network of collaboration with higher education institutions worldwide and to highlight the academic opportunities it offers to students in Qatar as they prepare to join top international universities. Through these new partnerships, students can benefit from direct admission pathways and smoother transitions to leading universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, and beyond. Commenting on the participation, Dr. Saheim Khalaf Al Tamimi, director of the Academic Bridge Programme, said: 'This step is part of a long-term strategy aimed at enabling ABP students to gain access to the world's leading higher education institutions by strengthening our partnerships with prestigious international universities and academic organisations. These efforts align with national priorities focused on developing human capital capable of contributing to the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. 'The signing of cooperation agreements with Arizona State University (USA), George Mason University (USA), and INTO University Pathways represents a key pillar in our strategy to expand university admission opportunities for our students and facilitate their transition to top-tier academic institutions in the United States and the United Kingdom.' 'These agreements also reflect the confidence that leading global institutions have in the academic calibre of our programme. Through these partnerships, we aim to develop flexible academic pathways that align with students' aspirations and meet their future needs, whether at the foundation or undergraduate level,' Dr. Al Tamimi added. 'We also seek to strengthen collaboration in areas such as scientific research and academic exchange, in support of the continuous advancement of our educational system. Embracing international collaboration is a core pillar of excellence at ABP. We believe that providing a multicultural learning environment enriched with global experiences is essential to preparing students who are capable of competing and making an impact on the international stage,' he added. The Academic Bridge Programme's participation took place under the 'Study in Qatar' pavilion – a national initiative led by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education – aimed at showcasing the scientific and academic progress of Qatar's higher education institutions and reinforcing the country's position as a distinguished academic hub on the global stage. This year, the Qatar pavilion featured broad participation from leading educational institutions in the country, including QF's Hamad Bin Khalifa University, and QF's partner universities, including Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, Georgetown University in Qatar, and Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar.


The Hindu
6 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
393 GPs in DK made service-ready under BharatNet Phase-I, says Union Minister
Of 6,084 gram panchayats in Karnataka which have been made service-ready under BharatNet Phase-I, 393 gram panchayats are in Dakshina Kannada, according to Union Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development Premmasani Chandra Sekhar. Replying to an unstarred question by Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, July 23, the Minister said that BharatNet is being implemented in a phased manner to provide broadband connectivity to all gram panchayats (GPs) across the country. The Minister said that providing connectivity to remaining GPs in the State and further strengthening of the network is under the scope of Amended BharatNet Program (ABP). The ABP also includes connectivity to all non-GP villages on demand basis. ABP is being rolled out and that work in Karnataka has started. The timeline for completion of the construction phase under the ABP is three years from date of signing of agreement, he said. Optical Fiber Cable The Minister said that as of June, 2025, a total of 14,221 km of Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) was laid under the BharatNet project in Karnataka, including 629 km in Dakshina Kannada. The total number of FTTH connections provided in the State was 55,978, of which 1,618 were in Dakshina Kannada. Total Wi-Fi hotspots installed under BharatNet in the State was 3,213 GPs, he said. In Karnataka, as on June, 2025, total amount of ₹ 1,963 crore was allocated/ utilised under BharatNet Project, the Minister said.