National

Sharpen Your Mind to Embrace Challenges: PM’s Message to Students at ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’

Published

2 years ago

February 10, 2025

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged students to focus on the challenges they face and urged them to openly communicate their issues and concerns. During an interaction at Sunder Nursery in Delhi as part of the ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ program, he emphasized the importance of self-challenge and authentic leadership. He stated, “… A leader becomes a leader when he practices what he preaches and understands the issues of the people… Respect must be earned through our actions rather than demanded. By changing ourselves and improving our behavior, we can earn the respect of others. People respond to behavior, not just words…”

‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ is an initiative under the larger ‘Exam Warriors’ movement led by PM Modi, aimed at fostering a stress-free environment for young people. Understanding that examinations can often be a source of anxiety for students and their families, this initiative seeks to change that narrative.

The Prime Minister encouraged students to engage in mindfulness by observing their environment—be it the birds, fountains, or other elements around them. He also stressed the importance of practicing pranayam (breath control) as a means to manage one’s well-being. PM Modi spoke about the prevalence of anxiety and depression among students, highlighting the value of sharing their experiences and struggles as a way to find relief.

He described students as fortunate to have access to technology, urging them to discern whether they are merely consuming digital content or truly engaging with it. “We should strive for optimal utilization of technology,” he remarked.

PM Modi also called on parents to understand their children’s strengths, whether in sports or the arts, and advised teachers against comparing students. He reflected on the societal pressure related to academic performance, urging students to prepare without succumbing to stress. “You must keep challenging yourself,” he advised.

He reminded the students that they are not mere machines, saying, “… Students are not robots. We study for holistic development… It is essential for students to partake in their favorite activities, which ultimately enhances their exam performance. It’s crucial to avoid the mindset that exams define everything. While acquiring knowledge is vital, exams should not be the sole focus; developing a habit of writing is equally important.”

The upcoming ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025’ will consist of seven episodes featuring prominent figures from various fields, including spiritual leader Sadhguru, Olympian Mary Kom, Paralympic gold medallist Avani Lekhara, and Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone and Vikrant Massey, offering guidance on critical life and learning aspects. As noted on the MyGov official website, this year has seen more than 3.30 crore students, 20.71 lakh teachers, and 5.51 lakh parents register for the event.

National

Marriage Turns into Alleged Fraud as Woman Flees with Jewellery

Published

2 days ago

October 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

Chandigarh: A woman who allegedly posed as a PCS officer and married an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader in Punjab reportedly fled with gold and silver jewellery and other valuables just a few months after the wedding.

AAP Joint Secretary Amarinder Singh Mandofal has alleged that he was cheated by the woman, identified as Manwinder Kaur. The two got married in February 2026 after Kaur’s family introduced her to Amarinder as a PCS officer.

According to Amarinder’s complaint, the woman was also presented as unmarried. However, he later allegedly discovered that she had been married earlier and had a son aged around 18. He also claimed that she had provided false information about her age.

The woman allegedly left the house with gold and silver jewellery and other valuable items a few months after the marriage. Amarinder said he became suspicious and later gathered information about her past.

Based on his complaint, police have registered a case against six people, including Kaur, on charges of cheating and forgery.

The FIR names her brother Tarlochan Singh, mother Varinderjit Kaur, cousin Narinder Singh Goldy, sister-in-law Rupinder Kaur, and former village sarpanch Surinder Singh Rana as co-accused.

Police said all the accused are residents of Sur Singh village under the Bhikhiwind police station limits in Tarn Taran district.

The wedding had been attended by several prominent AAP leaders and public representatives, including Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh.

Videos and pictures from the wedding celebrations have also gone viral on social media.

Police have begun an investigation into the allegations and the background of the accused.

National

Man Dies by Suicide after Jumping from 43rd Floor

Published

5 days ago

October 4, 2026

Namma Kudla

Noida: A man died by suicide after jumping from the 43rd floor of the Supernova Tower in Noida on Saturday.

The incident took place at the Supernova complex in Sector 94. A video shows the man standing near the railing before jumping. Another person tried to stop him but could not prevent the incident.

Police identified the deceased as Sambhav Jain, a resident of Manesar, Haryana. He had reportedly checked into an Airbnb in the building on Friday and was scheduled to leave on Saturday.

Police said Jain had called his father several times before the incident. His family has been informed.

The police and forensic teams inspected the spot and collected evidence. CCTV footage is also being checked as part of the investigation.

Police said Jain was reportedly under severe financial stress. His body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.

The investigation is underway.

National

Captain Smit Machchhar Shares Ordeal with PM Modi

Published

6 days ago

October 3, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call and praised his courage after he helped prevent a major air disaster.

Captain Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot allegedly stabbed him during a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The Boeing 737 MAX reportedly lost nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.

Passengers and crew members entered the cockpit and overpowered the co-pilot. A second pair of pilots then took control and safely landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. More than 170 passengers and crew were on board.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Captain Machchhar told PM Modi that he was badly injured and had collapsed in the cockpit. He realised that the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude and that he had to act.

“I could not let all those people die,” he told the Prime Minister.

Captain Machchhar said his 17 years of flying experience helped him understand what was happening to the aircraft. He managed to open the cockpit door, after which passengers and crew came to his help.

He also said he was chanting the Hanuman Chalisa while fighting the pain and fear.

PM Modi praised the captain’s courage, patience and presence of mind. He said Captain Machchhar’s actions helped save many lives and called his effort a “monumental task.”

Captain Machchhar, who is from Gujarat, has more than 9,750 flying hours and has served as a captain for 11 years.