"கடலில் நீந்துவது ஒரு தனி கலை": அலைகளின் சவாலை முறியடித்து தங்கம் வென்ற அஷ்மிதா சந்திரா விளக்கம்.

சென்னை : ஓபன் வாட்டர் அல்லது கடல் நீச்சல் என குறிப்பிடப்படுவது பொதுவாக சகிப்புத்தன்மையுடன் கூடிய ஆற்றல் மிக்க நீச்சலில் கவனம் செலுத்துகிறது, இது பல தசாப்தங்களுக்கு முன்பு ஆங்கிலக் கால்வாயைக் கைப்பற்றிய மிஹிர் சென் மற்றும் புலா சவுத்ரி போன்றவர்களால் பிரபலப்படுத்தப்பட்டது. அப்போதிருந்து, நீச்சல் ஆர்வலர்கள் அலைகளைத் துணிந்து கடந்து தரம்தரில் இருந்து இந்தியாவின் கேட்வே வரை நீந்தி கடந்து வருகின்றனர், கடலை வென்று, அந்த தூரத்தை நீந்திக் கடந்து சென்ற வயதில் இளையவர் என்ற சாதனையை முறியடித்து தங்களுக்கு என ஒரு பெயரைப் பெற வேண்டும் என்ற நம்பிக்கையில் முயற்சிக்கின்றனர்.

2026 ஆம் ஆண்டு கேலோ இந்தியா கடற்கரை விளையாட்டுப் போட்டியில், உத்தரப் பிரதேசத்தைச் சேர்ந்த அனுராக் சிங் மற்றும் கர்நாடகாவைச் சேர்ந்த அஷ்மிதா சந்திரா ஆகியோர் ஆண்கள் மற்றும் பெண்கள் 10 கி.மீ. ஓட்டப்பந்தயங்களில் தங்கப் பதக்கங்களை வென்றனர். இவர்கள் கடந்த காலங்களில் கேலோ இந்தியா இளைஞர் விளையாட்டுப் போட்டிகள் மற்றும் கேலோ இந்தியா பல்கலைக்கழக விளையாட்டுப் போட்டிகளில் பதக்கங்களை வென்றவர்கள்.  அனுராக் மற்றும் அஷ்மிதா இருவரும் நீச்சல் குளத்தில் இந்தப் போட்டிக்காகப் பயிற்சி செய்தனர், ஒரு நாளைக்கு இரண்டு அல்லது மூன்று முறை தண்ணீரில் கிட்டத்தட்ட ஆறு முதல் ஏழு மணி நேரம் வரை செலவிடும் ஆற்றல்மிக்க பயிற்சியில் கவனம் செலுத்தினர். தங்கத்தை வெல்ல அனுராக் 2:22:02 வினாடிகளை நிர்ணயித்தாலும், அஷ்மிதா 2:46:34 வினாடிகளில் இறுதிக் கோட்டைத் தொட்டார்.

ஏற்கனவே நான்கு ஓபன் நீச்சல் உலக சாம்பியன்ஷிப் போட்டிகளில் பங்கேற்றுள்ள அஷ்மிதா, குளத்திலும் கடலிலும் நீந்துவதற்கு இடையிலான தொழில்நுட்ப வேறுபாடுகள் குறித்து விளக்கினார்.  "கடலில் தூரத்தை விட அலைகளும், ஓட்டப் பாதையும் தான் மிகவும் சவாலானது. பந்தயத்திற்கு ஒரு நாள் முன்பு, மோசமான நிலைக்குத் தயாராக இருக்குமாறு நானே எனக்குள் சொல்லிக் கொள்கிறேன். பொதுவாக அலையைப் புரிந்துகொள்ள எனக்கு ஒரு சுற்று ஆகும், அதன் பிறகு நான் என் வேகத்தில் கவனம் மீது செலுத்துகிறேன்."

ICWO Distributes Sports Apparel to 150 Marginalized Children with Support from CAUSE India

The Indian Community Welfare Organisation (ICWO) distributed sports shoes, hoodies, track suit and T-shirts on 3 January 2026 to 150 children from marginalized communities 90% of them are girls at its office in Anna Nagar, Chennai, with the support of CAUSE India (Changing Attitudes Using Social Energy) under its flagship campaign “Right to Play.”

The sports apparel, through CAUSE India’s initiative, was provided to children who have limited or no access to sports wears due to socio-economic challenges. The initiative aims to promote physical fitness, nurture sporting skills, and create opportunities for holistic development through sports.

Mr. Sathish Nagappan, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), CAUSE India, highlighted the vision behind the initiative, stating that “Right to Play focuses on creating a sports platform for underprivileged children where their sports skills can be identified, developed, and supported. Through this initiative, CAUSE India strives to ensure that children from disadvantaged backgrounds receive the right sportswear support to grow and excel in sports.”

Ms. V. Neeta Maria, Director – Operations, CAUSE India, emphasized the organization’s commitment to inclusion, stating that “Our focus is on children who are vulnerable and have limited or no opportunities. By empowering them with access, support, and encouragement, we aim to help them discover their potential and excel beyond their circumstances.”

The initiative is further strengthened by the support of SG Sports (Sanspareils Greenlands), a globally recognized sports brand and one of the major international sports equipment suppliers. Through its social initiatives, SG Sports actively supports grass root sports development and has extended significant support by sponsoring sports apparel for CAUSE India’s ‘Right to Play’ campaign, ensuring quality equipment reaches children at the community level.

Mr. A. J. Hariharan, Secretary, Indian Community Welfare Organisation (ICWO), said, “Building strong, physically fit, and healthy young people is essential, as they are the future of our nation. This support will go a long way in nurturing their confidence and competitive spirit, helping them prepare, face challenges, and succeed in life. ICWO is proud to be part of this initiative, and I sincerely thank CAUSE India and SG Sports (Sanspareils Greenlands) for their invaluable support in empowering children through sports.”

Children’s Voices from the “Right to Play” Initiative;

One of the beneficiaries shared, “I always wanted to play sports like other children, but I did not have proper shoes. Today, I feel very happy and confident.”, said Miss.Nandhini

Another child expressed, “This is my first sports shoe. I never thought I would get one like this. Now I can play without fear and participate in competitions.” Said Miss.Jeevitha 

A young recipient said with excitement, “I am very happy. I have been asking my mother for sports shoes for a long time, and today I finally received them.” Said Miss.Karthika

The program directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), by promoting physical activity, life skills, and social inclusion among children from under served communities.

Both ICWO, CAUSE India & SG Sports reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaborations that empower children, promote healthy lifestyles, and build inclusive communities through sustainable, sports-based interventions.

Bharti Airtel Announces Leadership Changes

Gopal Vittal has led Bharti Airtel as Managing Director CCEO for the last thirteen years. As part of a structured succession process, Gopal, in addition to being the Managing Director, was appointed Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel Ltd in October 2024. Shashwat Sharma was appointed CEO designate of the Company.

In line with the planned succession, Gopal Vittal will move into the role of Executive Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel on the 1st of January2026 overseeing Bharti Airtel and all its subsidiaries.

Following a well-structured and successful transition process, Gopal will be succeeded by Shashwat Sharmaas MD and CEO of Bharti Airtel India on the1st of January2026.

Additionally, Soumen Ray, currently the Chief Financial Officer for Bharti Airtel India, will be appointed as Group Chief Financial Officer reporting to Gopal.

AkhilGarg, currently Financial Controller, Bharti Airtel will be appointed as Chief Financial Officer for Bharti Airtel India.

RohitPuri, currently Joint Company Secretary CCompliance Officer, will be appointed as Company Secretary CCompliance Officer for Bharti Airtel. Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman, Bharti Airtel said:‘I am extremely pleased with the succession and transition of leadership at Airtel and there could not have been a better time, where change and continuity will go hand in hand. I have no doubt both Gopal and Shashwat will continue to build on the momentum and I wish them much success in their roles."

AM/NS India wins top innovation award at NECA 2025

ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) has been awarded the prestigious Best Innovator Award at the National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA) 2025, organised by the Ministry of Power and implemented by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).

The award was jointly presented by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, and the Hon’ble Minister of Power, Shri Manohar Lal Khattarat Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Sunday. On behalf of AM/NS India, the award was received by Mr. Baiju Masrani, Chief of Hot Metal Delivery at Hazira plant in Gujarat. The event also marked National Energy Conservation Day 2025 celebrations.

The NECA is among India’s highest recognitions for energy efficiency; it recognises achievements across seven categories, including innovation. AM/NS India was selected in the Energy Efficiency Innovation – Industry category for its Steel Making Plant-2 project (SMP-2) at the Hazira plant.

The award is a tribute to AM/NS India’s leadership in decarbonising steel making and setting benchmarks through operational innovation. It demonstrates the company’s commitment to its promise: ‘Smarter Steels, Brighter Futures’, and delivering sustainable solutions.

Cognizant Unveils Next-Gen Cyber Defense Center in Bengaluru

Cognizant  announced the launch of its Next-Gen Cyber Defense Center (CDC) in Bengaluru. This center is key to the company’s worldwide CDC network and isCognizant’slargest facilitydesigned to deliveradvanced AI powered platform centric cybersecurity managed services, engineering and transformation services to clients globally.

Cognizant has a strong cybersecurity practice with longstanding experience, driven by seasoned professionals with deep expertise. At the Bengaluru CDC, these specialists aim to provide round-the-clock monitoring and rapid response to security incidents, supporting clients across diverse industries and geographies.The center features an integrated threat research lab, supported by strategic alliances with leading technology companies.

“Cybersecurity is entering a new era where hyper-connected enterprises and AI-driven threats outpace traditional defenses,”said Ravi Kumar S, CEO, Cognizant. “Our new Cyber Defense Center in Bengaluru reflects our commitment to delivering intelligence-led cybersecurity engineering and operation services that help enable clients to predict, prevent and mitigate advanced cybersecurity threats.”

The Bengaluru CDC is built on a multi-layered technology architecture that combines Cognizant’s proprietary innovations, such as Cognizant Neuro® Cybersecurity, with industry-leading platforms from technology partners to deliver advanced cybersecurity capabilities. To support a steady pipeline of skilled talent, the center has partnered with leading academic institutions to train next-generation cybersecurity professionals.

Through its global network of Cyber Defense Centers, Cognizant is expanding its capabilities aimingto deliver comprehensive enterprise cybersecurity services, assisting clients build risk resilience while advancing innovation in cyber defense strategies.

Galaxy Health Insurance introduces ‘Galaxy Twin360’ – India’s first IPD + OPD plan to improve long-term health insurance adoption and retention

Galaxy Health Insurance, India’s youngest standalone health insurer promoted by TVS Family Mr Venu Srinivasan and the family of industry veteran Mr V. Jagannathan, today announced the launch of Galaxy Twin 360, a first-of-its-kind engaging health insurance programme for young adults aged 18–45 years. The product comes with three plans: Core, Max & Ultra, which integrates comprehensive inpatient (IPD) protection, high-value outpatient (OPD) benefits and wellness services, addressing a key challenge in long-term health insurance adoption and retention.

Urban Indians spend an average of ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 annually on OPD services such as doctor consultations, pharmacy, and diagnostics. At the same time, a significant number of young adults lapse their policies after the first year, largely because hospitalisation events are rare and premiums are perceived as money spent without tangible return.

Galaxy Twin 360 addresses this behavioural gap by allowing policyholders to use OPD benefits equal to the premium paid, ensuring real value every year, regardless of hospitalisation. This approach is designed to boost policy renewal, long-term adoption, and overall healthcare engagement.

Mr. G. Srinivasan, MD & CEO, Galaxy Health Insurance, said, “Galaxy Twin 360 is built on a simple idea – health insurance should be useful every day, not only during hospitalisation. Young adults often discontinue health insurance because they do not see value when they do not make a claim. Galaxy Twin 360 changes that narrative. By combining IPD protection, OPD benefits, preventive wellness services and digital health tools, the plan ensures insurance is useful every day, making coverage relevant, practical, and financially efficient.”

Key features of Galaxy Twin 360

Eligibility & Coverage Structure

·         Designed for adults aged 18–45years and children 91 days–25 years.

·         Available as Individual or Floater (up to 2 adults + 3 children)

·         Guaranteed renewal beyond 45 years

OPD Benefits Equal to Premium Paid

·         A first-of-its-kind structure where OPD entitlement matches the premium amount

Coverage includes:

·         Unlimited teleconsultations

·         In-clinic Doctor consultations and Prescribed diagnostics

·         Prescribed pharmacy, dental, vision and vaccinations

·         Physiotherapy, mental wellbeing, diet and nutrition

·         Annual health check-ups

Wellness & Value-Added Services

·         Free physical gym access via partner networks

·         Online fitness and health sessions

·         Vitals monitoring via facial scan

·         Condition management programmes for declared PEDs

Comprehensive IPD Protection

·         Fixed sum insured options ranging from Rs 7.5 Lakh to Rs 35 Lakh

·         No pre-acceptance medical screening

·         Any room

·         71 Consumables, including Admission charges, Record charges and Insurance Processing charges

·         Cumulative bonus maximum up to 200%

·         No co-payment

·         AYUSH coverage, bariatric surgery, organ transplantation and modern treatments

·         Delivery benefit

·         Automatic restoration

·         New-born cover

·         Gala Fit-Pro Active Care (Engaging Wellness Program): Discount allowed up to 20%

Premium Flexibility & Discounts

·         Instalment options: Monthly, Quarterly, Half-yearly or Annual

·         Long-term discounts up to 15%

·         5% online discount

·         Up to 20% renewal discount through the Gala Fit-Pro Active Care wellness programme

Waiting Periods

·         Initial: 30 days

·         PED and Specified Diseases: 24 months. 

Within its first year of operations, Galaxy Health Insurance has built a network of more than 15,000+ agents and insured over 3.47Lakh lives across India. Product portfolio includes Galaxy Promise, a comprehensive family health plan, and Galaxy Marvel, a customisable plan.

The company aims to deliver accessible, technology-driven and affordable healthcare solutions while contributing to the national vision of ‘Health Insurance for All by 2047’.

Mafatlal Industries strengthens its sustainability commitment, commissions a 4 MW solar power project at its Nadiad plant

Mafatlal Industries Limited (MIL), the flagship of the Arvind Mafatlal Groupan done of India’s oldest and most respected textile institutions, has partnered with Kosol Energie to commission a state-of-the-art 4 MW solar power project at its Nadiad manufacturing facility. This initiative marks a significant step in the company’s long-term transition to clean energy, reinforcing its commitment to future-ready, responsible, and energy-efficient manufacturing.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Priyavrata Mafatlal, Managing Director of Mafatlal Industries Limited, said, “At Mafatlal Industries, sustainability has never been a new direction; it has always been part of our DNA. Clean energy, efficient manufacturing, and long-term value creation are not goals we pursue occasionally; they are principles we live by every day. This project reflects our commitment to building a more resilient future for our industry and for India.”

Mr. Kalpesh Kalthia, Chairman & Managing Director, Kosol Energie Private Limited, commented, “We are honoured to partner with Mafatlal Industries—an institution that represents over a century of Indian industrial excellence. This 4 MW solar project is more than an energy installation; it reflects a shared vision for a cleaner and more responsible manufacturing future.