The final results for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025 have been declared, with a total of 958 candidates clearing the prestigious exam this year. Nabiya Parvez from Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, has achieved a remarkable feat by securing All India Rank (AIR) 29.
Her outstanding achievement has brought an atmosphere of celebration not only to her family but to the entire district. Hailing from an ordinary family in Dariyapur Jaka village of Bulandshahr, Nabiya’s success proves that with clear goals and consistent hard work, no dream is out of reach.
Nabiya pursued her Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) at Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi. She had set her sights on the civil services during her college years. She was a student at Jamia Millia Islamia’s Residential Coaching Academy (RCA), which played a crucial role in her preparation. Her continuous effort and proper guidance helped her secure a spot in the top 30 in the highly competitive examination.
Meanwhile, Anuj Agnihotri secured the first position with AIR 1 in the UPSC CSE 2025 results. The other candidates making it to the top 10 list include Rajeshwari Suve M, Aakansh Dhul, Raghav Jhunjhunwala, Ishan Bhatnagar, Jinnia Arora, A R Raja Mohideen, Pakshal Secretary, Aastha Jain, and Ujjwal Priyank.
The Indian Patent Office has granted a patent to Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) faculty members and research scholars for an innovation titled “A Novel Bioformulation and a Process for the Preparation Thereof” (Patent No. 605826).
The invention was developed by a team led by Dr. Ziaul Haque, along with Prof. Mujeebur Rahman Khan, Sarwar Nawaz, Lavi Haider and Mohd Shahid Anwar Ansari. Filed through AMU’s IP Cell, the patent marks a significant contribution to sustainable plant protection and bioformulation technology.
The achievement highlights AMU’s continuing research efforts in biocontrol and innovation.
source:http://www.indiaeducationdiary.in / India Education Diary / Home> Educational News> University News / by iednewsdesk / October 16th, 2026
Rich tributes paid to the legacy of renowned Unani medicine at a seminar in New Delhi; speakers recall his multifaceted contributions to Ghalib Academy.
New Delhi :
Rich tributes were paid to Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the visionary institution-builder, educationist, Unani physician and champion of humanity, at a seminar organised at the Ghalib Academy here recently to mark his 118th birth anniversary.
Eminent Unani medicine experts, writers, academics and scholars recalled his multifaceted contributions to medicine, education, Urdu language and literature, public welfare and humanitarian service. Several speakers also presented papers highlighting different aspects of his life and enduring legacy.
Welcoming the participants, Dr Aqeel Ahmad, secretary of the academy, said Hakeem Abdul Hameed laid the foundation of the Ghalib Academy in 1935 after acquiring land near the tomb of Mirza Ghalib. The academy, he said, was among the earliest institutions established by Hakeem Abdul Hameed and has continued the tradition of commemorating its founder’s birth anniversary every year.
Delivering the presidential address, eminent litterateur Dr G R Kanwal said Hakeem Abdul Hameed had rendered an “unforgettable service” to Urdu through the establishment of the Ghalib Academy.
“He spoke little, slept little and ate little,” Dr Kanwal said, describing him as a simple and unassuming person. The Ghalib Academy was inaugurated by Dr Zakir Husain, then President of India and a noted admirer of Mirza Ghalib, he added.
Dr Kanwal said Hakeem Abdul Hameed remained detached from honours and recognition. “Honours and awards were contrary to his nature. In the real sense, he was a Bharat Ratna. He was a leader of humanity. Sufism was reflected in his actions. He was a man of action—Abu-ul-Amal,” he said.
Dr Amanullah of the Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) said Hakeem Abdul Hameed, guided by patience, gratitude and contentment, transformed Hamdard, founded by his father, into a major institution.
Prof. Akhtar-ul Wasey, former president of Maulana Azad University, Jodhpur, said Hakeem Abdul Hameed’s mother had raised him “like a living saint”. Recalling his contribution to education, he said Hakeem Abdul Hameed established the Rabia Girls Public School in Old Delhi and later set up an English-medium school in Sangam Vihar. The latter, he said, has attracted families living abroad seeking quality education for their children.
Prof Wasey said the establishment of the Ghalib Academy marked an exceptional contribution to Urdu language and literature. Hakeem Abdul Hameed also launched Hamdard Sehat, helping to pioneer medical journalism, he added.
Dr Syed Farooq, CEO of Himalaya Drugs, described Hakeem Abdul Hameed as a remarkable personality with a deep interest in education. He established a hospital in Burhanpur and extended assistance to people in need, Dr Farooq said.
Presenting a paper titled “Hakeem Abdul Hameed: Hikmat, Services and a Beacon of Humanity,” Hakim Nazish Ihtisham Azmi said Hakeem Abdul Hameed occupied a prominent place in India’s modern intellectual, medical and social history.
His contributions, he said, illuminated and strengthened several fields, including Unani medicine, higher education, public welfare and humanitarian service. He described Hakeem Abdul Hameed’s life as a rare combination of knowledge and action, moral excellence, institution-building, personal discipline and sincerity of purpose.
Dr Rakhshanda Roohi from Jamia Millia Islamia, presenting a paper titled “Champion of Linguistic Harmony: Hakeem Abdul Hameed,” said his contributions went far beyond medicine and education. He played an important role in promoting national integration, India’s composite Ganga-Jamuni culture, and cultural and linguistic harmony between Hindi and Urdu, she said.
Dr Roohi said Hakeem Abdul Hameed had established the Indian Project at the Ghalib Academy under the leadership of Prof Mohammad Hasan, reflecting his commitment to India’s composite cultural heritage.
Dr Samar Jahan, a teacher in a govt school, also presented a paper highlighting the life and multifaceted services of Hakeem Abdul Hameed.
Prof. Shareef Husain Qasmi, formerly associated with the Persian Department in Delhi University, recalled several scholarly and research-related episodes from Hakeem Abdul Hameed’s life. He said many important medical works were written in Persian until the time of Aurangzeb. Hakeem Abdul Hameed arranged for such works to be translated and also established an institution called Islamic Studies, where Arabic works were translated.
Syed Ausaf Ali headed the institution and played an important role in advancing its work, Prof Qasmi said.
The seminar was attended by a large number of scholars, writers, academics and other prominent personalities, including Dr Nigar Azim, Shama Afroz Zaidi, Zaheer Ahmad Barni, Prof Moazzamuddin, Mazhar Mahmood, Dr Tabassum Shadab, Prof Salim Qidwai, Advocate Sharfuddin Ahmad, Sarfaraz Ahmad Faraz, Ehteram Siddiqui, Kamaluddin, Arif Husain, Shamim, Abu Noman, Ravi Patwardhan, Khizr-ul-Islam, Khursheed Bano, A Bari Masoud, Saud Akhtar, Menak Aston Sufi, Sadiq Shirwani, Shri Kant Kohli, Parveen Vyas, Pawan Kumar Tomar, Nitin Chadha and Sabiha, among others.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> India / by Abdul Bari Masoud / September 20th, 2026
Many individuals dedicate their lives to serving humanity but remain away from the limelight. Through their compassion and commitment, they make a lasting difference in the lives of others. Shakil Ahmed of Jalgaon, Maharashtra, is one such individual who has devoted nearly two decades to helping critically ill patients access affordable treatment.
A few years ago, I met Shakil in Mumbai and wanted to write about his inspiring work, but could not do so at the time. Recently, when he visited Delhi, I invited him to the Muslim Mirror office to learn more about his journey and the humanitarian initiative he has built through the First Aid Foundation (FAF).
Shakil’s mission began in 2008 when he visited a critically ill patient at Mumbai’s JJ Hospital. The suffering of the patient and the distress of the family deeply moved him. He realised that for families confronting life-threatening diseases such as cancer, the challenge was not just the illness itself but also the enormous cost of treatment and the difficulty of navigating an unfamiliar healthcare system.
That experience changed his life. He decided to help patients who struggled to obtain treatment because of financial constraints or a lack of information about affordable medical facilities.
Over the past 18 years, Shakil, through the First Aid Foundation, has helped more than 2,100 patients who travelled to Mumbai for treatment. By guiding them towards government and charitable hospitals, he has helped families avoid the high costs of private healthcare, saving them crores of rupees.
The foundation’s assistance goes beyond identifying suitable hospitals. It guides patients towards medical institutions equipped to treat their specific illnesses and connects them with wholesale dealers of medicines and surgical supplies, helping them obtain essential items at lower prices. Since specialised medicines can be prohibitively expensive, these connections can significantly reduce treatment costs.
The foundation also directs patients to diagnostic centres offering CT scans and MRI scans at affordable rates. For families already struggling to arrange money for treatment, reducing the cost of medical investigations can provide substantial relief.
Accommodation is another major concern. Patients often arrive in Mumbai with family members and must remain there for weeks or months. The cost of staying near a hospital can add considerably to their financial burden. FAF helps families find inexpensive accommodation so they can remain close to their loved ones without exhausting their limited resources.
Explaining the urgency of his mission, Shakil points out that people often plan major expenses, such as marriages or purchasing a house, years in advance. But life-threatening illnesses, including cancer and brain haemorrhage, can strike without warning.
“For a middle-class family, arranging Rs 5–10 lakh for the treatment of a critical illness can be almost unbearable. In cases of bone marrow failure, treatment may require Rs 25–30 lakh,” he says.
Families frequently sell jewellery or property, or borrow money at high interest rates, to meet these expenses. Even when the patient survives, the family may be left financially devastated, having lost its savings and accumulated substantial debt.
“Helping such families obtain treatment at the minimum possible cost is our mission,” Shakil says.
When treatment at a government or charitable hospital is not feasible, the foundation connects patients with non-governmental organisations that provide financial assistance. These networks can be a lifeline for families who have exhausted their savings and cannot afford further treatment.
Shakil believes patients need more than medical care during such a crisis. They also require encouragement and emotional support.
“Such patients need two things at the critical moment: encouragement and financial support,” he says. “We try to motivate them to face their situation boldly, provide them with pamphlets containing supplications, and guide them towards government or charitable hospitals in Mumbai.”
His approach recognises the emotional toll of serious illness. Patients and their families often experience fear, uncertainty and helplessness. Reliable guidance and reassurance can help them navigate a difficult period with greater confidence.
Shakil is now working to secure a dedicated accommodation facility on rent in Mumbai for patients and their families. It would provide temporary shelter to those arriving from different parts of the country who cannot afford hotels or other costly arrangements. Such a facility would also help families stay near hospitals during prolonged treatment.
Realising this plan will require financial assistance and the cooperation of individuals and organisations committed to humanitarian service.
Shakil Ahmed’s work demonstrates how sustained individual effort can make a tangible difference in people’s lives. By helping patients find appropriate hospitals, access affordable medicines and diagnostic services, and secure low-cost accommodation, the First Aid Foundation addresses several practical challenges that accompany serious illness.
For vulnerable families, a lack of reliable information can make a medical emergency even more difficult. Without guidance, they may struggle to identify suitable treatment options or face expenses they cannot afford. FAF seeks to bridge this gap through practical assistance, guidance and emotional support.
While private hospitals provide important specialised services, the high cost of treatment can place healthcare beyond the reach of ordinary families. Patients need reliable information to understand their options and make informed decisions. The foundation’s work helps them explore more affordable alternatives wherever appropriate.
Shakil may not receive widespread media attention, but his contribution is measured in the lives he has helped and the financial hardship he has eased. His journey is a reminder that meaningful humanitarian work does not always require a large organisation or public recognition; it requires compassion, commitment and a willingness to stand beside people in their most difficult moments.
Those who consider service to humanity a form of worship should come forward to support the First Aid Foundation. Financial contributions, institutional partnerships and voluntary assistance could help it reach more patients and establish the proposed accommodation facility in Mumbai.
Saving a life does not always mean performing a medical procedure. It can also mean helping a patient reach the right hospital, obtain affordable medicines, find a place to stay or giving a distressed family the courage to carry on.
For nearly two decades, Shakil Ahmed has made this his mission. Supporting the First Aid Foundation would help extend that mission to more critically ill patients who need affordable treatment, practical guidance and a helping hand when they need it most.
***
Email: firstaid2015@yahoo.com /
Contact: 9970809946/8668333602
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Positive Story / by Syed Zubair Ahmad / October 12th, 2026
Hidhaaya Islamic College for Girls organised a grand Felicitation Ceremony to honour outstanding achievers in the Class X and Class XII State Board and CBSE examinations while celebrating three significant milestones in the institution’s journey.
The programme brought together students, parents, educators, community leaders, and distinguished guests in a memorable celebration of academic excellence and educational achievement.
A distinctive feature of the event was Hidhaaya’s commitment to recognising academic merit beyond its own campus.
Unlike conventional felicitation programmes that honour only their own students, Hidhaaya Islamic College for Girls has, for the past four years, recognised Chennai-based students from different schools who secured 90% and above in the State Board and CBSE examinations. This unique initiative reflects the institution’s vision of encouraging excellence, inspiring young achievers, and fostering a culture of academic aspiration within the community.
The response to this year’s programme was overwhelming, with more than 180 meritorious students from over 40 schools registering for the felicitation ceremony. The event witnessed the participation of more than 500 students, parents, teachers, and well-wishers, demonstrating the growing importance of recognising academic excellence and motivating young achievers.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Rabia Basri, Principal and Correspondent of Hidhaaya Islamic College for Girls, congratulated the award recipients and emphasised that talented, disciplined, and hardworking students form the foundation of a progressive nation. She encouraged the students to continue striving for excellence with sincerity and integrity and prayed that Allah bless them with beneficial knowledge, continued success, and opportunities to contribute positively to society.
She also highlighted the institution’s educational philosophy of providing holistic education by integrating Islamic Studies, the Arabic language, and contemporary education. Hidhaaya aims to nurture young women who are intellectually capable, spiritually enriched, morally upright, and socially responsible, preparing them to become confident leaders and valuable contributors to society.
The programme also marked two important milestones in the college’s development. The first was the warm welcome extended to the new batch of students, who officially joined the Hidhaaya family and commenced their educational journey.
The second was the celebration of a historic achievement – the successful graduation of Hidhaaya’s first batch of Alimah students. These students completed the 3-year Alimah programme while simultaneously pursuing their Class XII education through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). Having successfully completed both streams of education, they have secured admission to various colleges in different academic disciplines, exemplifying Hidhaaya’s vision of integrating Islamic education with mainstream higher education.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Nazeer Ataullah, Chairman of Hidhaaya Islamic College for Girls, described this achievement as a proud milestone in the institution’s journey. He reaffirmed the college’s commitment to empowering young Muslim women through quality education rooted in Islamic values while preparing them for higher education, professional excellence, and meaningful contributions to society. He reminded the students to always remember the two people behind their success – their parents and their teachers – whose sacrifices, guidance, and encouragement made their achievements possible. He also advised the students to continuously develop their skills, emphasising that in today’s competitive world, skills are essential for becoming unique, capable, and successful.
The felicitation ceremony was graced by several distinguished personalities from the fields of education, business, law, and community service, including:
Anis Khan, Chairman, Zara Global School, Salem; Managing Director, JMS Group of Companies, Tokyo, Japan.
S. M. Poongodi, Administrative Director, Good Word Public School.
M. Gulzar Begum, Assistant Professor, Department of Arabic, B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology.
Ajmal Dastagir, Managing Director, Silk Trail Global Exports Pvt. Ltd.; Advisor to the Ministry of MSME, Government of India; Chairman (India), Sustainable Development Council under consultative status with UN-ECOSOC.
S.M. Azizunnisaa Begum, Assistant Professor and Research Supervisor, Department of Legal Studies, School of Law, VISTAS.
H. Sameen Fathima, Principal, Fathima Basheer Matriculation Higher Secondary School for Girls.
In addition to honouring meritorious students from across Chennai, the college recognised its own students for their outstanding achievements in academics, literary activities, cultural events, and co-curricular activities throughout the academic year. Members of the teaching faculty were also felicitated for receiving awards and recognition from prestigious organisations in appreciation of their outstanding contributions to education and society.
The ceremony concluded with prayers for the continued success of all students and reaffirmed Hidhaaya Islamic College for Girls’ unwavering commitment to promoting academic excellence, character development, leadership, and holistic education. The event served as an inspiring reminder that educational institutions play a vital role in nurturing not only academic excellence but also values, confidence, and a lifelong commitment to serving society.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / July 13th, 2026
The historical accounts of Malappuram were written by outside people
Release of the book on Malappuram Photo / Express
Kozhikode :
Why does Malappuram continue to appear as a trouble spot and the hub of religious fundamentalism in popular imagination and in some political utterances? A book on the history of the geographical area, which is part of the multi-volume project on different aspects of the district, asserts that the notion that Malappuram is a ‘fanatic zone’ was the creation of colonialists, which continues to linger in popular discourses even after the country became independent.
“People of this area fought against the British invasion and boycotted their language as a token of protest. Naturally, the colonialists had an antagonism towards the people.
But the tragedy is that there are people who still nurture the colonial mindset,” said Minister for Industries and IUML national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty, while launching the 10-volume book ‘Malappuram: Geography, People, Culture’ in Malappuram on October 4.
“The areas under the present Malappuram came under British rule in 1792. Since then, there were resistances against the British and the colonialists brought a number of black laws like the Mappila Outrages Act to contain the agitations.
There were a number of British reports like that of T L Strange, which depicted Malappuram as an unmanageable spot,” said Moyin Hudavi Malayamma, one of the general editors of the volume.
“The historical accounts of Malappuram were written by outside people. The people of Malappuram seldom got a chance to express what they actually are. Our project, in a way, is people writing their own history,” he added.
“Colonial records were the only available materials for those who studied the history of Malappuram. Naturally, those who wrote about Malappuram later were heavily influenced by these records.
The Hindutva narrative on Malappuram was built on this notion. Curiously, the Left is also parroting the narrative,” said Ashraf Valoor, one of the editors of the volume.
“Ours is an academic response to stereotyping. This is an alternative to the colonial and Hindutva narratives on Malappuram,” Valoor said. “It is true that early writers like EMS Namboodirippad viewed the 1921 agitation from the correct perspective. But later we see that the Left also internalised the colonial notion and that is why anti-Malappuram remarks are coming from some CPM leaders at regular intervals,” he added.
Valoor believes that the fact that the IUML is on the other side of the political spectrum also compelled the CPM to take an antagonistic stand towards the people of Malappuram. “Political enmity of some CPM leaders sometimes crosses the border and descends to communal level,” he said.
The volume contains academic articles on the process of ‘otherisation’ of Malappuram, the hate campaign during the formation of the district, the stories on the ‘aggression’ by Tipu Sultan and the communal amity in Malappuram. The project was envisaged by the Malappuram district committee of the Muslim Youth League and financially supported by the Saudi unit of Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC), a feeder organisation of the IUML.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Kerala / by MP Prashanth / October 17th, 2026
Prof. Orus Ilyas of the Department of Wildlife Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), and research scholar Umrah Viqar presented their research at the 36th European Mustelid Colloquium, held alongside the Białowieża Ecology Conference in Białowieża, Poland.
Prof. Ilyas presented a paper titled “The Underappreciated Apex: Reviewing the Ecological Role and Conservation Status of the Yellow-throated Marten (Martes flavigula) Across the Himalayan and East Asian Bioregions”, examining the species’ ecological significance and conservation status across the Himalayan and East Asian regions.
Umrah Viqar presented her research on “Ecological Insight into the Yellow-throated Martens, Martes flavigula: Habitat Use and Dietary Pattern in the Reserved Forest of Ranikhet Kumaon, Himalayas”, focusing on the species’ habitat use and dietary patterns in the Himalayan region.
The presentations highlighted the ecological importance of the yellow-throated marten and the need for a better understanding of its ecology, distribution and conservation challenges.
Prof. Ilyas received financial assistance from the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Government of India, and the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) to participate in the conference, while Umrah Viqar received support from the organisers.
source: http://www.indiaeducationdiary.in / India Education Diary / Home> Educational News> University News / by iednewsdesk /October 16th, 2026
Atif Syed tells Booked how his new book recovers Aligarh’s overlooked past. The account places AMU within a longer history of battles, migration and heritage.
Aligarh Beyond AMU: Atif Syed on the Forgotten History of a City That Outlasted Empires
For many people, Aligarh is inseparable from Aligarh Muslim University and the Aligarh movement led by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. But the city’s history stretches across centuries, encompassing successive rulers, military campaigns, French families, forgotten neighbourhoods and monuments that remain largely outside the public imagination.
In a conversation with Marya on Booked, Atif Syed, author of Aligarh: The City That Outlasted Empires, discusses his attempt to recover these overlooked narratives and place them within a larger account of the city.
The project began as a personal curiosity. Born in Aligarh but having left relatively early, Syed wanted to understand more about the city beyond its familiar identity. As he researched, he found that much of the existing narrative concentrated on the more recent past, leaving earlier chapters comparatively unexplored.
Among the discoveries that surprised him were the French families who lived in Aligarh for generations. One of them, George Peche, learnt Persian and Urdu and became an Urdu poet. Syed also describes the historical accounts of visitors, residences, gardens and neighbourhoods that reveal a more cosmopolitan and layered past than is commonly associated with the city.
The story reaches back much further. Syed discusses the settlement’s earlier identity as Koil or Kol, the conquest associated with Qutb al-Din Aibak, and the detailed accounts preserved by Persian historians. He also examines the 1857 uprising in Aligarh and the Battle of 1803, when British forces fought the Marathas and their French allies.
For Syed, the city’s geography is central to understanding its history. Located along routes connecting larger centres such as Agra and Delhi, Aligarh repeatedly became entangled in wider struggles for power. Its older town played a significant role long before the development of the Civil Lines area and the expansion of the institution that would become Aligarh Muslim University.
This does not mean diminishing the university’s importance. Syed describes the Aligarh movement as transformative, but argues that focusing exclusively on it risks losing the centuries of people, personalities and events that came before. He compares the movement to the finale of a story: the ending makes more sense when the audience knows the entire plot.
The author also explains his approach to historical research. He says he relied on primary accounts, academic sources, historical journals and documentation, distinguishing traditional accounts from claims grounded in historical evidence. His aim was to make the book readable as a narrative while remaining careful about the sources behind it.
Preserving the city’s physical heritage is another part of the project. Syed says that some historical sites, including tombs and monuments hidden in narrow lanes, are difficult to locate. His book therefore includes a map linked to QR codes that direct readers to the sites. He hopes greater awareness will encourage efforts to conserve monuments that are in poor condition.
Aligarh: The City That Outlasted Empires is thus both a historical exploration and a tribute to the author’s birthplace. Its central proposition is that a city cannot be understood through a single institution, period or identity. To see Aligarh more fully, its lesser-known stories must be brought back into view.
source: http://www.indiatoday.in / India Today / Home> Books / by India Today Web Desk / October 16th, 2026
Saba recalled her father’s lessons in composure, fairness and thoughtful speech.
Saif Ali Khan and Saba share a bond rooted in family and memories. IANS
Dubai:
Saba Pataudi, sister of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, has opened up about her responsibility for managing the Pataudi family’s legacy, revealing that her late father, former Indian cricket captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, entrusted her with the role.
Saba, the daughter of actor Sharmila Tagore and the late Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, oversees responsibilities connected to the family’s Bhopal estate and the Auqaf-e-Shahi trust. The family’s legacy has been estimated at more than Rs 10 billion.
In an interview, Saba explained that her father played a defining role in preparing her for the responsibility.
“Abba left that to me,” she said, reflecting on the trust her father placed in her and the lessons she continues to draw from him.
Lessons from her father
Saba recalled how her father taught her to remain composed, treat people fairly and choose her words carefully. She said those principles continue to guide her approach to managing the family’s affairs.
She also described her father as someone she continues to turn to spiritually, even after his death. His guidance, she said, helped her understand the responsibilities associated with the family’s heritage.
Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, popularly known as Tiger Pataudi, was one of India’s prominent cricketers and captained the national team. His marriage to Sharmila Tagore brought together two well-known families from Indian sport and cinema.
What does the family legacy involve?
Saba’s responsibilities extend beyond the management of a family estate. As the mutawalli of the Auqaf-e-Shahi trust, she oversees the trust’s properties and charitable responsibilities.
These include mosques and other properties linked to the family’s historical ties to Bhopal, as well as facilities for pilgrims visiting Makkah and Medina.
The reported valuation of more than Rs 10 billion relates to the wider family legacy and should not be interpreted as Saba’s personal wealth. Her role involves stewardship and management of the trust’s assets and responsibilities.
Saba has also discussed plans for initiatives benefiting women and girls, including a girls’ school and a hospital for women, subject to the resolution of pending legal matters involving family property.
A responsibility entrusted by her father
Saba’s reflections offer a glimpse into a side of the Pataudi family that extends beyond celebrity and cricket. While Saif Ali Khan and Soha Ali Khan are widely recognised for their careers in the entertainment industry, Saba has taken on responsibilities associated with preserving the family’s historical and charitable legacy.
For her, the role is closely tied to her father’s confidence in her abilities and the values he instilled in her. She continues to regard those lessons as central to carrying forward the responsibilities he entrusted to her.
source: http://www.gulfnews.com / Gulf News / Home> Entertainment> Bollywood / by Devadasan K P, Chief Visual Editor / October 14th, 2026
During extensive field surveys across the Jammu and Kashmir region, researchers identified three previously unknown species of the genus Conocephalus, more commonly known as meadow katydids or long-ho…
During extensive field surveys across the Jammu and Kashmir region, researchers identified three previously unknown species of the genus Conocephalus, more commonly known as meadow katydids or long-horned grasshoppers. The discovery was led by Muzamil Syed Shah and a team of entomologists from Aligarh Muslim University. The new species have been named Conocephalus usmanii, Conocephalus nagariensis, and Conocephalus ganderbali.
Prior to this study, the mountainous region of Kashmir was thought to host only a single species of this genus. The team’s findings suggest that the area’s complex topography, which includes the Western Himalayas and the Pir Panjal Range, has fostered a much richer variety of insect life than previously recorded. To find these elusive insects, the researchers trekked through various habitats, including tall meadow grasses, bushes, and deciduous forests, collecting adult specimens during the day.
The researchers used Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to distinguish the new species from their known relatives. This allowed them to capture high-resolution images of the stridulatory files, a microscopic row of teeth on the male insect’s wings that acts like a musical comb to produce their characteristic chirping sound. By counting these teeth and measuring the shape of the insects’ body parts, the team was able to prove they had found entirely new branches of the tree of life.
Each of the three new species possesses unique physical blueprints that set them apart. Conocephalus nagariensis, found in the Budgam district, is distinguished by its spindle-shaped appendages (cerci) and a stridulatory file containing exactly 34 teeth. It is dedicated to Dr. Rajendra Nagar, a researcher credited with discovering several other species of katydids across the country, and bears his name.
In contrast, Conocephalus ganderbali, discovered in the Ganderbal region, is notably small and slender, with a musical file of only 28 teeth and a unique V-shaped incision on its underbelly. Its name is derived from the Ganderbal district in Kashmir, the specific locality where the researchers first collected the specimens.
The third species, Conocephalus usmanii, features a flat, elongated plate on its abdomen and a musical file with 36 teeth. It was named in honour of Professor Mohd Kamil Usmani, a scholar who has made significant contributions to the study of Orthoptera (the group of insects including grasshoppers and katydids) in India.
Beyond the three new species, the study also provided new records for other katydids in the region, such as Conocephalus longipennis and C. kwasiphaiensis, which were previously known only in other parts of India. This suggests that Kashmir serves as a vital corridor for insect migration and evolution.
The discovery highlights how much of the natural world remains unexplored, even in well-known geographical areas. The researchers noted that because Kashmir is so biologically diverse yet understudied, many more species likely remain hidden in plain sight within its mountain valleys. The physical type specimens used to describe these new insects have been deposited in the Museum of Zoology at Aligarh Muslim University, where they will serve as a permanent reference for future generations of scientists.
This article was written with the help of generative AI and edited by an editor at Research Matters.
