Latest news with #HansIndia
Hans India
4 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
Recalling Opal: The heart of Miss World 2025
I still remember the first time I met Miss Thailand Opal Suchata Chuangsri for an exclusive interview for Hans India. She was confident, radiant, and yet so grounded. Long before she became Miss World 2025, she carried something more powerful than beauty: purpose. Her story stayed with me. At just 16, Opal underwent surgery to remove two large benign breast tumours — one 8 centimeters, the other 10. It was a defining moment. She said, 'I was waiting outside the operating room all alone. That's when I realised I had to live my life on my own — and live it well.' That pain became her power. By the time she stepped onto the Miss World stage, Opal was already a force for change. Through Opal for Her, she brought breast cancer awareness into the spotlight. Her podcast 'Braveheart' shared the voices of survivors and health leaders across Thailand. Her partnership with Prima Jewellery led to the Daobrak collection — beautiful pieces that now fund screenings and treatments for women in need. But what struck me most was her sincerity. During the pageant in India, she spoke about her stay in Telangana. 'The kindness I received in Telangana was overwhelming,' she said. 'The people, the culture, the warmth — it felt like home. It's something I'll always carry with me.' When the crown was placed on her head, it wasn't just a win for Thailand — it was a win for every woman who ever felt unseen. And in true Opal fashion, her message remains: 'You are not alone. In Thailand, we say cancer is afraid of happiness — so keep smiling, keep laughing, and keep living.' Opal didn't just wear the crown — she redefined what it means.
Hans India
24-05-2025
- General
- Hans India
Workshop to Spotlight Indian Grey Wolf Conservation Efforts in Karnataka
Bengaluru: As conservation concerns around the Indian grey wolf continue to gain attention, the Bengaluru International Centre will host a day-long workshop on June 1 (Sunday), focusing on recent developments and long-term strategies for the species' survival in southern India. The event will bring together ecologists, forest officials, researchers, and conservationists to assess ground realities and policy needs. The highlight of the workshop will be a keynote address by Indrajeet Ghorpade, convenor of the Deccan Conservation Foundation (DCF), a self-funded organisation at the forefront of wolf conservation in Karnataka's dryland ecosystems. Ghorpade, whose work has contributed significantly to the protection of these elusive predators, will present new findings from the field and outline the urgent actions needed to secure their habitat. Speaking to Hans India ahead of the event, Ghorpade revealed that at least three female wolves have recently given birth in the semi-arid landscape surrounding the Bankapura Wolf Sanctuary, with an estimated 12–13 pups born within a 50-kilometre radius. 'This suggests that wolf populations are beginning to expand beyond Bankapura, with additional litters reported in neighbouring areas,' he said. Sanctuary Status a Milestone, But More Needed The Bankapura Wolf Sanctuary, covering approximately 332 hectares under the Gangavathi Wildlife Division, was declared a sanctuary in a landmark move by the state government. While the declaration has created a legal framework for protection, conservationists like Ghorpade warn that much more remains to be done. 'Securing a sanctuary was a critical step,' he said, 'but habitat protection, prey base restoration, and a comprehensive conservation plan are equally essential—especially now, with new cubs born and dependent on a fragile ecosystem.' Ghorpade has urged the Karnataka Forest Department to prioritise the restoration of natural prey populations in the region, pointing out that the young wolves are especially vulnerable. 'If we don't act now to reduce human interference and improve food availability, these pups may not survive their first year,' he warned. Broader Biodiversity at Stake While Indian grey wolves will be the focus of the workshop, the event will also touch upon broader biodiversity concerns. The Bankapura sanctuary is home to several other species, including leopards, striped hyenas, Indian foxes, peacocks, hares, and porcupines. State Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Eshwar Khandre recently reiterated the government's commitment to strengthening anti-poaching efforts and community-based conservation initiatives in fragile dryland habitats like Bankapura. A Gathering of Experts and Stakeholders The upcoming workshop is expected to feature panel discussions, field data presentations, and stakeholder consultations. Participants will explore themes such as habitat fragmentation, coexistence with pastoral communities, challenges in prey management, and the scope for ecotourism-led awareness. Organisers hope the event will serve as a platform to build momentum for policy-level interventions and greater collaboration between the government, civil society, and scientific institutions. As Karnataka stands at a critical juncture in its approach to dryland wildlife conservation, the June 1 workshop promises to be a timely and essential gathering to ensure that Indian grey wolves—and the landscapes they inhabit—are not forgotten in the wider discourse of conservation.
Hans India
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hans India
Despite soaring temperatures, traffic cops stay cool!
Visakhapatnam: During hot summer days, it's a horrendous task to wait for a traffic signal to turn green even if it takes 45 seconds. Imagine the plight of traffic cops who have to spend hours under the scorching sun, streamlining the vehicular movement. Keeping their toil in view, the city police have come up with a thoughtful initiative of providing cool helmets plus cool radium jackets customised for the traffic police in Visakhapatnam. The endeavour rolled out for the first time in Andhra Pradesh garnered appreciation from not just the police personnel but also from people across various sections. Sourced from a Noida-based company, the air-cooling helmets come as a big relief for the traffic cops as they end up spending long hours under the sun as part of rendering their duty at busy junctions in the city. These helmets come with a polypropylene copolymer coating that aids in resisting heat. Once the helmet is fastened, the temperature will be reduced to eight to 10 degrees due to the technology incorporated. The hot air that is present in the atmosphere will be brought down with active cooling technology. Expressing concern over the team's health, City Commissioner of Police Shankhabrata Bagchi, said, 'At busy junctions, there is no possibility for relaxing even for a while. There is a large scope for the traffic police to get dehydrated frequently due to the excess heat they are being exposed to on a daily basis.' Elaborating further, the Commissioner of Police shared withThe Hans India that such cool helmets will not only save cops from the sultriness they endure but also increase their efficiency at work as chances of getting a sun stroke would be minimal. Weighing 740-gm, the functioning of each helmet will last for about eight hours after it gets completely charged. Another advantage of the product is that it comes with a decade-long battery warranty. In addition to the customised helmets, radium cool jackets were also given away to a section of traffic police to beat the heat. Inspired by a Gurugram-based company during a traffic exhibition hosted in New Delhi, the cool jackets with radium stickers were sourced from 98° Fahren Inc company. What turns out to be special about these jackets is that if they get immersed in tap water (normal temperature), their temperature drops by eight degrees. Despite soaring temperatures, traffic cops in Vizag work unhindered, staying cool.
Hans India
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
AP embarks on private partnerships to power sports infra
Tirupati: In a significant push towards youth empowerment and societal development, the state government is placing sports at the core of its policy vision. Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) Chairman Animini Ravi Naidu said the government is giving top priority to sports infrastructure and development to ensure the holistic growth of the youth. In an exclusive interview with Hans India, Ravi Naidu said that the government is actively encouraging private participation in sports infrastructure development through P3 (public-private partnership) and P4 (public-private-people partnership) models. These models are designed to facilitate collaborations with private entities under various frameworks, including corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding, to create state-of-the-art facilities across all districts. 'One shining example is the rifle shooting facility, first of its kind in the region established in Tirupati through CSR support,' he noted. Similarly, a basketball court has been completed under the Smart City project, while a swimming pool is in the pipeline, also supported by CSR initiatives. The state is also in the process of procuring sports equipment worth Rs 60 lakh under CSR partnerships. Discussions are currently underway with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to adopt budding athletes, offering them opportunities to grow into national-level champions. In terms of incentives, the State government has announced attractive prize money for winning medals at various major events. Additionally, the government has announced Rs 3 lakh reward for medal winners in competitions conducted by the School Games Federation of India (SGFI), aiming at motivating young athletes from the school level, he explained. According to him, a groundbreaking policy initiative includes the allocation of three per cent quota in government jobs for sportspersons, reinforcing the government's commitment to integrating sports into the fabric of youth development. The School Education department is set to distribute Rs.30,000 worth of sports equipment to every high school and tenders have already been invited for procurement worth Rs 48 crore. Furthermore, every erstwhile district will have its own unique sports uniform, promoting identity and participation. Structured sports competitions are being planned at school, mandal, district and state levels, with top performers receiving training at designated academies. 'The idea is to identify talent at a young age, nurture them in their chosen sport, and help them grow both physically and mentally. It's about building character, discipline, and a healthy lifestyle,' Ravi Naidu maintained. In Tirupati, Rayala Cheruvu is undergoing transformation into a major sports training hub. The government is implementing long-pending proposals including a walking track, beautification projects, and the introduction of water sports such as canoeing and kayaking, along with adventure games. Ravi Naidu made it clear that the SAAP is working towards promoting one major sport in each district, tailoring the development based on regional strengths and interests.
Hans India
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
From mustard fields to Miss World dreams
Hyderabad: Standing on the global stage with poise and purpose, Miss India World Nandini Gupta is a symbol of resilience, transformation, and the power of belief. Her journey from the mustard fields of Rajasthan to the spotlight of international pageantry is not just inspiring—it's revolutionary. 'At ten years old, I stood in front of the television and saw Aishwarya Rai. I asked my mother, 'Who is she?' and she said, 'She is Miss World.' That moment defined my dream,' Nandini told Hans India in an exclusive interview. 'It sounded magical—representing India, wearing beautiful dresses, having a crown placed on your head. But I didn't know then how deeply empowering the journey would be.' Hailing from the small village of Kaithoon, just outside Kota in Rajasthan, Nandini was raised in a culture where girls were often restricted by tradition. 'Where I come from, girls are married off early, kept under a ghoonghat, and denied education,' she shares. 'Even now, in some villages, that mindset still exists. 'I come from a very small town. My father is a farmer, and my mother is a homemaker,' she says. 'Growing up, I saw my father never driving the tractor himself. But he made sure his daughters did. He always said, 'You must be equal to ten sons.' People would tell my parents to try again for a boy. But my mother would say, 'My daughters are not tension, but daughters are equal to ten sons.' That belief made me who I am.' In a society where tradition often limits a woman's choices, Nandini's parents chose a path less travelled—one that encouraged their daughters to dream freely and boldly. When Nandini shared her dream of participating in beauty pageants, her father gave her a challenge: 'Get 95% in your 12th-grade exams, and I'll support you.' She gave it her all—and scored 92%. Nandini's transformation from a shy girl who could barely speak in front of five people to a confident public figure began the moment she stepped into pageantry. 'I used to be afraid of stage,' she laughs. 'Now, I hold it with the same confidence I do my makeup. Pageantry taught me that beauty isn't about appearance—it's about voice, courage, and presence.' Representing India on home soil for Miss World is an emotional milestone for Nandini. 'It's a moment of pride. When I held the Indian flag high during the opening ceremony in Telangana, the cheers of 'India, India' brought tears to my eyes,' she says. 'Here, I am not just Nandini—I am India.' Nandini credits the state of Telangana, where she was crowned Miss India at 19, for being the land where her dream took flight. 'At 21, I return as someone who carries the hopes of 1.4 billion people. Telangana gave me a crown, but more than that, it gave me a purpose.' Purpose, indeed, defines Nandini's path. With a degree in Business Management and Honors in Finance from Mumbai University, she juggled academics with her responsibilities as Miss India. 'I didn't get the typical college experience,' she admits. 'But I gained more. Through Miss India, I've done TEDx talks, travelled across the country, and learned lessons no classroom could offer.' Outside the pageant circuit, Nandini dreams of entering the film industry and launching her own sustainable business. 'If stars align, I'd love to act in Bollywood or Telugu cinema—especially with Mahesh Babu. I love his song 'Kurchi Madathapetti',' she says enthusiastically. 'And eventually, I want to start a lab-grown diamond business. Diamonds are forever, and I want to create something just as lasting, something sustainable and meaningful.' But perhaps her most heartfelt endeavour is 'Project EKTA', a national initiative aimed at empowering differently-abled individuals. 'It started with my paternal uncle, who has developmental delays and speech challenges due to polio,' she explains. 'We never treated him differently at home—he cooks for us, makes tea, participates in everything. But society sees him as 'abnormal.' That hurt me.' Through 'Project EKTA', Nandini has partnered with eight NGOs, interacted with over 3,000 individuals across Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, and Jaipur, and championed inclusion. 'I've danced with blind children, played cricket with deaf kids, and spent time with those who have Down syndrome,' she says. 'Disability is not a limitation—society's perception is. I want to change that.' Her vision is clear: 'I'm not here to just help—I'm here to empower. If I fall, they'll catch me. If they fall, I'll lift them. This is our shared dream, and together, we'll make it a movement.' As a changemaker, Nandini is already seeing the ripple effect of her influence. 'Girls from rural areas now come to me and say, 'We want to be like you.' That's when I know what I'm doing matters. If no one looked up to me, I'd question the impact. But they do. And they want to dream beyond boundaries—to win Miss India, to study, to live in Paris. This platform is still where dreams are crowned.' When asked about women empowerment, Nandini responds with firm conviction: 'Women are already empowered. We just need to believe it. The problem isn't ability—it's perception. Let's move from a man's world to a human's world.' Her advice to today's youth is a reflection of her own grounded spirit: 'Have a purpose. Be kind. Be generous. Be responsible and accountable. Don't just live the art of living—practice the art of giving.' For Nandini Gupta, the crown is not the end—it's the beginning of something far greater. With clarity, compassion, and courage, she's not just representing India—she's redefining it.
