STATE NEWS

Tamil Nadu Introduces Community Service as Alternative Punishment

• Tamil Nadu has introduced a new reform-based system where minor offences are penalized through community service instead of traditional punishments.

• Approved by the Governor and developed with judicial support, the policy includes 16 types of community tasks.

• Offenders may be assigned to clean hospital wards, assist with outpatient care, or support traffic regulation.

• Duties also involve cleaning classrooms, organizing library books, and maintaining public areas like parks and beaches.

• Additional services include tree planting, helping in museums, and assisting in government offices or hostels.

• Support for elderly residents in old age homes is also part of the offender-assigned responsibilities.

• Courts will determine both the nature and duration of service based on the offence.

• Appointed police and probation officers will oversee the assigned duties and submit progress reports to the respective courts.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE

All India Speakers’ Conference Begins in Delhi with Historic Tribute

• Home Minister Amit Shah officially launched the All India Speakers’ Conference at the Delhi Assembly, marking 100 years of its legacy.

• The event honoured Vithalbhai Patel, the inaugural Indian Speaker of the Central Legislative Assembly, for his foundational role in Indian democracy.

• Shah highlighted Patel’s contributions and emphasized the need to uphold the respect and authority of legislative institutions.

• Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju noted that the summit provides an essential forum for exchanging effective legislative practices.

• The event saw participation from Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and presiding officers from various states.

• Key sessions focused on integrating AI and digital innovations to boost transparency and improve legislative processes.

• A curated exhibition displayed rare documents and photographs chronicling Vithalbhai Patel’s legacy and India’s legislative evolution.

• A special postage stamp dedicated to Vithalbhai Patel was also unveiled as part of the commemorative celebrations.

National Summit on Technical Textiles and Viksit Bharat Held in Patna

• The Ministry of Textiles hosted the two-day “Viksit Bharat—Global Summit on Technical Textiles” on 22–23 August at Gyan Bhawan, Patna.

• Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh inaugurated the event, highlighting the sector's role in India's development.

• The summit focused on the contribution of technical textiles to infrastructure, economic growth, and sustainability.

• Key discussions covered applications in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental protection.

• Industry leaders, startups, researchers, and government officials actively participated in the sessions.

• The event also addressed the importance of synthetic fibers across multiple industries.

• Organized with MATEXIL, the summit aimed to boost exports of man-made and technical textile products.

NATIONAL NEWS

India’s First Removable Solar Panel Project Launched in Varanasi

• Indian Railways has launched a pilot project with removable solar panels at Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) in Varanasi.

• A 70-meter stretch featuring 28 panels has been installed, generating up to 15 kW of electricity.

• These panels are designed for easy removal, ensuring flexibility for maintenance and seasonal adjustments.

• The installation makes use of space between railway tracks, eliminating the need for land acquisition.

• BLW currently meets around 20% of its energy needs through solar power, according to GM Naresh Pal Singh.

• The panels are built for durability and have an expected lifespan of nearly 25 years.

• This initiative supports Indian Railways’ broader push towards sustainable and green energy solutions.

SPORTS

India Dominates Mixed Air Rifle Events at 16th Asian Shooting Championship

• India swept gold across all 10m Air Rifle mixed team categories – Senior, Junior, and Youth – at the championship held in Shymkent, Kazakhstan.

• In the Senior final, Elavenil Valarivan and Arjun Babuta triumphed over China’s Peng Xinlu and Lu Dingke with a 17-11 win, after topping qualifiers with 634.0 points.

• This victory marked Elavenil’s second gold, adding to her individual title in the women’s 10m air rifle event.

• The Junior team of Shambhavi Kshirsagar and Naraen Pranav defeated China’s Tang Huiqi and Han Yinan to clinch gold.

• In the Youth final, India’s Ameerah Arshad and Ansh Dabas secured first place by beating Korea’s Kim Minseo and Shin Sungwoo.

• With 41 total medals — 23 gold, 8 silver, and 10 bronze — India leads the medal tally at the championship.