Latest news with #Aakanksha
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
NITI Aayog includes Koraput Coffee under ‘vocal for local' campaign
Koraput: Recognising indigenous enterprise and sustainable farming, Koraput Coffee has been featured by under its 'Aakanksha' initiative, which aims to promote rural livelihoods, ecological harmony and the 'Vocal for Local' campaign. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Lauding Koraput Coffee, NITI Aayog wrote on its X handle, "From the mist elevations of Koraput, Odisha, nestled at 3,000 feet in the Eastern Ghats, emerges a brew that is rich in flavour as it is in heritage — Koraput Coffee." "Koraput Coffee — A flavour born of the highlands, rooted in tradition and grown with pride," it added. The post praised Koraput Coffee for its premium Arabica beans, directly procured from tribal farmers by the Tribal Development Co-operative Corporation of Odisha Ltd (TDCCOL), ensuring fair prices and dignity for the growers. Tracing its origins, NITI Aayog highlighted that coffee cultivation in Koraput dates back to the 1930s during the reign of the Jeypore king. The practice was further institutionalised through govt support in 1958 and large-scale land allotments to tribal families between 1989 and 2016. By 2015-16, the coffee-growing area had expanded to over 1,400 hectares. The Coffee Development Trust, set up in 2017 along with the Coffee Board, has been instrumental in promoting ecological sustainability and tribal empowerment through training programs, land access and market linkages. Women self-help groups (SHGs) play a critical role in nurturing coffee seedlings and contributing to both economic and social development in the region. Reacting to the recognition, Koraput collector Keerthi Vasan V said, "It's a proud moment for the district and everyone associated with Koraput Coffee. Under the Aakanksha programme of NITI Aayog, we had submitted the proposal, and we are happy that Koraput Coffee now finds a place in their list." Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The administration has ambitious plans to scale up cultivation. For 2025-26, the district aims to undertake shade plantation on 4,000 hectares and coffee cultivation on 800 hectares. There is also a proposal to involve more local womens SHGs in coffee processing to boost production and make the product more widely available in retail outlets. At present, Koraput boasts 3,500 hectares under coffee cultivation, including 778 hectares of private plantations managed by nearly 4,300 tribal farmers. A govt study has identified 1.46 lakh hectares of land in the district as suitable for coffee farming, underscoring the massive untapped potential for Koraput Coffee in the domestic and global markets.
New Indian Express
03-06-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
13 students from government-run free coaching centre clear IIT-JEE Advance in Jharkhand
RANCHI: As many as thirteen students from government schools getting free coaching at 'State Level Akansha Programme' in Ranchi, have cleared IIT-JEE Advance this year. After clearing JEE Advanced Examination, these students are now eligible for admission in prestigious IITs located across the country. Despite the challenging level of the question paper this year, the success of the students of the Aakanksha program is being seen as a landmark. 'It all became possible due to the regular classes being conducted at Akansha by the best faculty available here. Students here, are made to remain in full discipline as there is no scope for diverting from their goals or bunking their classes, as a close eye is kept on them by Administrator VK Singh,' said the District Education Officer Vinay Kumar. Only the students passing out their class 10 Board exam with Jharkhand Autonomous Council (JAC) are eligible to appear for its entrance test, he added. 'Since students are admitted here after going through a two-stage filter, firstly by the JAC and then during the entrance test conducted by Akansha, only serious students get this facility,' said the DEO. He, however, said that he was expecting better results this time, looking at the hard work these students had been doing during the last two years, he added. Notably, a selection test is organised by the department for the children studying in government schools in class XI across Jharkhand. Based on the selection test, 40 students are selected for both the Engineering and Medical streams.
NDTV
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
"A Luxury Hotel On Wheels": Indian Vlogger Captures South Korea's Futuristic Smart Bus
There is no denying that countries like South Korea and Japan are already living in the future, if you look at the incredible technological developments in their daily life. From ultra-fast internet and advanced robotics to cutting-edge transportation and smart cities, they consistently set global benchmarks in technology. Their seamless integration of innovation into everyday life makes the rest of the world feel like it's still catching up. A perfect example of this was shared by travel and food vlogger Aakanksha Monga on Instagram. In the clip, she talked about booking a bus from a small town to Seoul, with the ticket costing around Rs 2,000. Initially, she felt the price was a bit steep – but that quickly changed once she stepped inside. 'As you enter, you have to first scan your QR,' she said while showing the stunning interiors. Describing the ride as 'a luxury hotel on wheels,' Aakanksha added, 'We have all heard of business class flights, but this is like a business class bus.' The travel vlogger was especially impressed by the amenities: a wireless phone charger, a personal TV screen that connects to your phone, reclining seats that let you lie down comfortably, soft lighting on the sides and even a curtain for added privacy. 'South Korea didn't just make a bus,' she concluded. 'They made a moving luxury pod.' The side note read, 'Manifesting buses like these. South Korea is really living in 2050 and this bus ride proved it. I recently took one of their express buses and I'm still not over how fancy it was! You can take one from Busan to Seoul!' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aakanksha Monga (@ Here is how the internet reacted to this clip: A traveller wrote, 'I just spend 18 days in South Korea and 22 days in Japan, and I must say people are unaware of how practical and innovative South Korea is.' An Instagrammer commented, 'Thanks for sharing. I would definitely be happy to get on this bus.' 'I had been to South Korea last year and it was amazing!!!' read a comment. A person said, 'I think South Korea is value of money and privacy on high.' 'I feel like I am in a dream,' commented a viewer.
The Hindu
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Aakanksha Singh returns to Telugu cinema with ‘Shashtipoorthi'
The Hindi film Runway 34 and the web series Khakee: The Bengal Chapter have made Aakanksha Singh more recognisable across the country. But those familiar with Telugu cinema will remember her quiet charm in the coming-of-age romance Malli Raava, the comedy Devadas, and the anthology Meet Cute. In Hyderabad to promote her new film Shashtipoorthi, set to release on May 30, Aakanksha smiles at the mention of these roles: 'I have been lucky to get these projects. People still talk about Malli Raava — it has become a bit of a cult romance over time.' Why have we not seen more of her in Telugu films? 'That is something I keep asking too,' she laughs. 'I have had some good offers, thankfully. Maybe it's all just timing. But yes, I would love to do more work here.' Directed by Pavan Prabha, Shashtipoorthi stars Aakanksha alongside Rupeysh, with veteran actors Rajendra Prasad and Archana. She says, 'We shot for 40 days in Rajahmundry, and I got to play a proper 'Telugammayi'. It's not just a token heroine part. I have always looked for roles that matter and give me the scope to perform.' The film is a family drama that explores close-knit relationships. 'We have seen a lot of action and romance lately. This one is more for the families.' Theatre to cinema Jaipur-born Aakanksha began her acting journey in theatre before moving to television with Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha. 'The show ran for two seasons, and we filmed for eight months for each season. It was a slice-of-life drama where I played a mother of two,' she recalls of her 2012 debut. But the dream had always been cinema. A cameo in Badrinath ki Dulhania, starring Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan, gave her a first taste of the big screen. 'Television demands playing one character over a long stretch, and after a point, I felt creatively unfulfilled. Coming from a theatre background, I missed the challenge of exploring different characters. Being on a film set again with Badrinath rekindled that spark.' An unexpected call from writer-director Gowtam Tinnanuri changed things. 'He had seen my photos and thought I would suit the role of Anjali in Malli Raava. We had a 45-minute chat, he narrated the story and followed it up with a short pitch video. I was drawn in, and got over my hesitation about working in an unfamiliar language.' Malli Raava was followed by a role in Devadas, alongside Nagarjuna Akkineni, Nani, and Rashmika Mandanna. 'There was a great creative buzz on set,' she says. She also appeared in the Kannada film Pailwaan, among other Telugu-Tamil bilingual films. 'Just when I thought things were moving in the right direction, the pandemic brought it all to a halt,' she adds. Riding the digital wave There was, however, a silver lining. Hindi and Telugu web series started coming her way in quick succession. 'I followed all safety precautions and travelled between Mumbai and Hyderabad for work. I am grateful that work kept coming — it meant I was not out of sight,' says Aakanksha. Telugu series such as Parampara, Meet Cute, and Bench Life, along with Hindi titles Rangbaaz, Ranneeti, and Khakee kept her schedule full. 'It was a tough time for everyone, and I am glad I was not sitting idle.' Reflecting on her 13-year journey as an actor, Aakanksha says it is self-belief and focus that have kept her going. 'I have learnt a lot from those I have worked with, but also from my own experiences. That is what has helped me grow as a performer.' She believes it is time to put to rest the idea that female actors have limited longevity. 'It is a myth that we have short shelf lives,' she says firmly, citing Shefali Shah and Neena Gupta as examples. 'If we nurture our talent and stay open to evolving, we will stay relevant.'
Hans India
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Aakanksha Singh sizzles in traditional glam
Actress Aakanksha Singh, who made a memorable debut in the 2017 romantic drama Malli Raava, followed by a notable role opposite Nagarjuna in Devadas, continues to hold her ground in Telugu cinema. While a breakout role still eludes her, Aakanksha's screen presence remains captivating. Her latest appearance has caught the attention of fans and fashion watchers alike. Donning a sultry pink bralette blouse paired with a matching traditional skirt and classic jumkas, Aakanksha makes a powerful style statement. Her poised expressions, especially her intense eyes, add an extra spark to the frame, elevating her glam quotient. The actress is now back on sets for her next Telugu film Shashtipoorthi, which stars Rupeysh, Rajendra Prasad, and Archana. While details of her role remain under wraps, it's clear that Aakanksha is determined to make every appearance count. Whether or not this project marks her much-awaited breakthrough, Aakanksha Singh is steadily building a portfolio that combines beauty with expressive acting. Her fans remain hopeful that the best is yet to come.
