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The Rise of Chess as a Competitive Sport

Chess has long been considered a game of strategy, requiring sharp intellect, patience, and an ability to think several steps ahead. It is often viewed as a mental sport, one that challenges the mind in ways few other activities can. While chess may not require physical endurance like traditional sports, it demands an intense focus, a strategic approach, and the ability to outthink an opponent, making it a sport in its own right. The History of Chess The origins of chess can be traced back to the 6th century in India, where it was known as chaturanga . It spread across Persia, where it became shatranj , before making its way to the Western world in the Middle Ages. Over the centuries, the game evolved into the form we know today. Its rich history is filled with influential players and notable moments, making it one of the most prestigious and respected games in the world. Books like The Immortal Game by David Shenk have captured the allure and history of chess, focusing on a particula...

CA Abhay Bhutada and Other Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year 2026 Award Winners

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The Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year 2026 Awards have recognised four outstanding individuals whose contributions have had a lasting and transformative impact on Maharashtra. These distinguished personalities have excelled in their respective fields, from acting and philanthropy to public healthcare and cinema, each making invaluable contributions to their communities and society at large. The recognition they’ve received is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and commitment to creating positive change. 1. Vicky Kaushal: The Actor Who Captivated Audiences TL;DR: Vicky Kaushal has been honoured in the Actor category for his exceptional performance in the film Chhaava. Vicky is one of the most promising and versatile actors in the Indian film industry today. His rise to fame has been marked by his ability to portray a wide range of characters, each with depth and nuance. In Chhaava, Kaushal played the role of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, a legendary figure in Marathi history, kn...

Rewriting History in Sports Through Courage and Persistence

Sports history often changes in a single moment. A goal, a sprint, or a comeback can redefine what people believe is possible. These moments are remembered for decades because they challenge expectations. Fans love such stories because they feel human. An underdog victory or a record-breaking performance reminds us that effort can shift history. The film Moneyball captures this idea well. It shows how new thinking and determination can rewrite the rules of the game. Sports has many such moments where individuals or teams changed the narrative. When Athletes Break Barriers Some athletes do more than win medals. They break barriers that once seemed permanent. Jesse Owens is one of the most powerful examples. During the 1936 Berlin Olympics, he won four gold medals while competing in front of Adolf Hitler’s regime. His victories challenged racist propaganda and became part of Olympic history. Decades later, athletes like Serena Williams reshaped tennis with power, resilience, and consist...

CA Abhay Bhutada and Financial Leaders Share Insights on Union Budget 2026

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The Union Budget 2026 has drawn significant attention from economists, financial professionals, and business leaders who closely follow policy developments and economic planning in India. Each year, the Union Budget offers insight into the government’s priorities and the areas it aims to strengthen for future growth. Among the leaders who shared their perspectives on the budget were CA Abhay Bhutada, Mahesh Makhija, Yezdi Nagporewalla, and Dhanpat Nahata. Their observations reflect how different sections of the financial community interpret the government’s approach to economic development and long term policy direction. 1. CA Abhay Bhutada on Supporting MSME Expansion TL;DR: CA Abhay Bhutada noted that Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises remain a fundamental part of India’s economic structure. MSMEs contribute significantly to employment generation, business creation, and economic activity across urban as well as smaller regional markets. The Union Budget 2026 placed clear emphasis ...

Echoes of Traditional Indian Sports

Traditional Indian sports carry stories from another time. They were played in open fields, dusty courtyards, and village squares. These games did not need expensive gear. They needed space, energy, and community. Many of them grew from everyday life. Farmers, soldiers, and students played them after long days of work or study. Over centuries, the games shaped discipline, agility, and teamwork. They became part of local culture. Reading about these sports often feels like opening pages from Ruskin Bond’s nostalgic essays about small town India. The tone is simple yet full of memory. Kabaddi and the Power of Breath Kabaddi stands among the most recognised traditional sports from India. The game looks simple at first. A raider crosses into the opponent’s half while chanting “kabaddi” without taking a breath. The goal is to tag defenders and return safely. Yet the sport demands immense strength and strategy. Players must calculate timing, balance, and escape routes in seconds. A single mi...

CA Abhay Bhutada on Budget 2026 and the Road Ahead for India’s Economy

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The Union Budget 2026-27 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlines the government’s approach toward strengthening economic progress while expanding opportunities across sectors. Prepared at Kartavya Bhawan, the budget is guided by three key responsibilities which include accelerating economic growth, strengthening the aspirations and capabilities of citizens, and ensuring wider access to opportunities under the vision of Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas. Chartered Accountant and entrepreneur CA Abhay Bhutada, Chairman of TAB Global Ventures and the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, shared his perspective on the budget and discussed how several of its announcements may influence financial systems, entrepreneurship, and technology development in the coming years. Banking Reforms and Financial Stability TL;DR: One of the important proposals announced in the budget is the formation of a High-Level Committee on Banking for Viksit Bharat. The objective of this committee is to assess how prepa...