Shubhanshu Shukla appointed brand ambassador of ‘Viksit Bharat Buildathon’

**Shubhanshu Shukla Appointed Brand Ambassador of ‘Viksit Bharat Buildathon’**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | October 5, 2025, 6:41 PM*

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), has been named the brand ambassador for the “Viksit Bharat Buildathon.” This nationwide innovation movement targets students from classes 6 to 12 and is organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Atal Innovation Mission.

### Massive Student Participation Expected

The “Viksit Bharat Buildathon” is set to become the largest school hackathon in India, with over one crore students from around 1.5 lakh schools participating across the country. The initiative inspires young minds to ideate, design, and develop prototypes based on four key themes:
– **Aatmanirbhar Bharat** (Self-reliant India)
– **Swadeshi** (Indigenous)
– **Vocal for Local** (Promoting local products)
– **Samriddhi** (Prosperity)

### A Visionary Discussion

Shubhanshu Shukla, a 39-year-old Indian Air Force officer and test pilot who recently completed his maiden space mission aboard the Axiom-4, is only the second Indian to go into space after Rakesh Sharma’s historic flight in 1984.

On Saturday, Shukla met with School Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar to discuss the vision and objectives of the Buildathon, reinforcing the event’s emphasis on innovation and national development.

### Important Dates and Participation Details

The “Viksit Bharat Buildathon” was officially launched on September 23, with registrations open until October 6. The live event is scheduled for October 13, and winners will be announced in December.

Students from classes 6 to 12 are encouraged to form teams and collaborate creatively to develop innovative ideas and prototypes addressing real-world challenges aligned with the four national themes.

For more information and to register, students and educators can visit the official Buildathon website before the registration deadline. Join this exciting movement to contribute to a developed and self-reliant India!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/space-traveler-becomes-viksit-bharat-buildathon-brand-ambassador/story

We finally know when Musk’s alternative to Wikipedia will launch

Elon Musk has confirmed the early beta launch of Grokipedia, a new platform that could become a competitor to Wikipedia.

The launch is scheduled to take place in two weeks, marking an exciting development in the world of online information and collaborative knowledge sharing.

Stay tuned for more updates as the beta version goes live and we learn more about what Grokipedia has to offer.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/grokipedia-launch-confirmed-what-we-know-about-wikipedia-s-alternative/story

India vs Pakistan: No-handshake policy continues in Women’s World Cup

In a continuation of the no-handshake policy between India and Pakistan during cricket clashes, captains Harmanpreet Kaur of India and Fatima Sana of Pakistan maintained their distance during the toss for the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup match.

The match took place in Colombo on Sunday, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic tensions reflected on the field. Both teams proceeded with professionalism, despite the absence of the customary handshake between the captains.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/india-vs-pakistan-no-handshake-policy-continues-in-women-s-wc/story

We finally know when Musk’s alternative to Wikipedia will launch

Elon Musk has confirmed the early beta launch of Grokipedia, a new platform that could emerge as a competitor to Wikipedia.

The beta version is scheduled to be released in two weeks, marking the initial step toward what many anticipate will be a significant development in the realm of online knowledge sharing.

Stay tuned for more updates as Grokipedia prepares to enter the digital encyclopedia space.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/grokipedia-launch-confirmed-what-we-know-about-wikipedia-s-alternative/story

India vs Pakistan: No-handshake policy continues in Women’s World Cup

In a continuation of the no-handshake policy during India-Pakistan cricket clashes, captains Harmanpreet Kaur of India and Fatima Sana of Pakistan maintained their distance during the toss.

The incident took place ahead of the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup match held in Colombo on Sunday.

This ongoing practice highlights the cautious approach both teams are adopting amidst the intense rivalry.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/india-vs-pakistan-no-handshake-policy-continues-in-women-s-wc/story

We finally know when Musk’s alternative to Wikipedia will launch

Elon Musk has confirmed the upcoming early beta launch of Grokipedia, a potential competitor to Wikipedia.

The new platform is expected to go live in two weeks, offering users an alternative source for online knowledge and information.

Stay tuned for more updates as the launch date approaches.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/grokipedia-launch-confirmed-what-we-know-about-wikipedia-s-alternative/story

India vs Pakistan: No-handshake policy continues in Women’s World Cup

In a continuation of the no-handshake policy in India-Pakistan cricket clashes, captains Harmanpreet Kaur (India) and Fatima Sana (Pakistan) maintained their distance during the toss for the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup match.

The game took place in Colombo on Sunday, highlighting the ongoing tension between the two teams amid diplomatic sensitivities.

This incident reflects the broader context of cautious interactions between Indian and Pakistani players in recent cricket encounters, where traditional handshakes have often been replaced with nods or other non-contact greetings.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/india-vs-pakistan-no-handshake-policy-continues-in-women-s-wc/story

US Treasury Department mulls minting USD 1 Trump coin

The Treasury Department is considering producing a one-dollar coin featuring US President Donald Trump to commemorate the 250th anniversary of US independence next year, a spokesperson said, according to Politico.

The draft design of the coin, overseen by the Office of the US Treasurer Brandon Beach, features Trump’s profile on one side. The opposite side depicts Trump with a clenched fist in front of an American flag alongside the words “FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT,” as reported by Politico.

“Despite the radical left’s forced shutdown of our government, the facts are clear: Under the historic leadership of President Donald J. Trump, our nation is entering its 250th anniversary stronger, more prosperous, and better than ever before,” a Treasury Department spokesperson said in a statement.

“While a final USD 1 coin design has not yet been selected to commemorate the United States’ semiquincentennial, this first draft reflects well the enduring spirit of our country and democracy, even in the face of immense obstacles,” the spokesperson added.

Congress passed bipartisan legislation in 2020, signed by Trump during his first term, authorizing the Treasury Secretary to issue one-dollar coins during the 2026 calendar year. The design of these coins must be “emblematic of the United States semiquincentennial,” according to Politico.

It is notable that living people are rarely featured on US currency. Congress has imposed various restrictions on the Treasury’s ability to feature living individuals, including living presidents, on money. It remains unclear whether the latest Trump coin envisioned by the Treasury Department would comply with these laws.

When asked about the coin on Friday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters she was unsure whether Trump was aware of the effort to put his likeness on a coin. “I’m not sure if he’s seen it but I’m sure he’ll love it,” she said, according to Politico.

*This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for the dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or accuracy of the content. Mid-day management and mid-day.com reserve the sole right to alter, delete, or remove (without notice) content at their absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/us-treasury-department-mulls-minting-usd-1-trump-coin-23597277

‘Maharashtra Needs Freedom Of Religion Act To Curb Forced Conversions’: All India Saints Committee

**Thane: All India Saints Committee Calls for Freedom of Religion Act in Maharashtra**

The All India Saints Committee, an organisation representing Hindu religious leaders, has called for the enactment of a Freedom of Religion Act in Maharashtra. This legislation would be similar to laws passed by other states, aimed at stopping religious conversions carried out through force, temptation, or deceit.

Addressing the media at the Government Rest House in Thane on Saturday, Swami Jitendranandaji Maharaj, General Secretary of the All India Saints Committee, Varanasi, emphasized India’s greatness lies in its religious diversity and traditions.

### Freedom Facing Crisis Due to Conversions

“The foundation of this diversity is freedom of religion, which grants every individual the right to live according to their faith and adopt their own way of worship. However, this freedom is facing a serious crisis in the form of religious conversion,” Maharaj said.

He added, “Conversions done through deceit, force, or temptation are not only a violation of an individual’s personal freedom but also an attack on the cultural identity of society.”

### Constitutional Rights with Reasonable Limits

Citing the Indian Constitution, Maharaj explained, “Religious freedom is guaranteed under Article 25, but it is subject to public order, morality, and health. This means that every individual can hold their own faith and propagate it, but not by infringing on others’ rights.”

He stressed that converting communities rooted in Indian culture through allurements is not religious freedom but “a modern form of religious servitude.”

### Forced Conversions Are a Crime, Not Freedom

“Forced conversions are not freedom, but a crime,” Maharaj asserted. “History bears witness that conversions done through deceit, force, or lure have led to division and conflict in society. In medieval times, conversions forced by the sword destroyed countless Indian traditions. Today, foreign funding and missionary activity target villages, forests, and impoverished areas,” he said.

He further added that the aim of the proposed Freedom of Religion Act is not to restrict genuine faith but to prevent conversions through coercion, deceit, or allurements.

### Law Should Ensure Transparency in Conversions

“According to these laws, if someone genuinely wishes to change their religion of their own free will, they should inform the administration to ensure that no pressure or inducement is involved,” he explained.

Swami Jitendranandaji Maharaj concluded by urging the Maharashtra government to consider similar legislation to protect social harmony and uphold the spirit of constitutional freedom.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-needs-freedom-of-religion-act-to-curb-forced-conversions-all-india-saints-committee

Kyle Busch points to one factor that his RCR team needs after losing crew chief Randall Burnett

Kyle Busch recently addressed the media regarding the future of the #8 Richard Childress Racing team following the release of crew chief Randall Burnett.

In his response, Busch shared insights on what the team needs moving forward to regain momentum and achieve success. He emphasized the importance of strong leadership, clear communication, and a cohesive strategy as key factors for the team’s progress.

Busch’s comments highlight the challenges ahead but also reflect his confidence in the team’s potential to bounce back and compete at a high level. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the #8 team in upcoming races.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nascar/news-kyle-busch-points-one-factor-rcr-team-needs-losing-crew-chief-randall-burnett

Exit mobile version