DailyWorld News - The First International Newspaper From India https://dailyworld.in/ Thu, 25 Sep 2025 12:59:56 +0530 en https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/kolkata-waterlogged-after-cloudburst-residents-hitch-rides-in-pickup-trucks-to-reach-destinations-640110.html Kolkata Sep 23 A cloudburst at midnight has thrown life out of gear in Kolkata West Bengal leading to severe waterlogging across the city Even the usually dependable Metro Railway hasnt been spared and services between Mahanayak Uttam Kumar and Rabindra Sarobar Metro Stations were suspended early Tuesday due to flooding on the tracks Metro officials are working roundtheclock to drain water and restore services but commuters were left stranded during the busy morning rushAn IANS team visiting Masterda Surya Sen Metro Station found anxious commuters grappling with the disruption Many were unaware of the suspension of services and found themselves stuck with no buses cabs or even bike taxis in sight With limited transport options some officegoers resorted to unconventional means including pickup trucks to reach their workplacesDeepak another commuter shared his frustration Im on my way to the office but its extremely difficult Even bike taxis arent running We have no choiceLocal resident Lalit Parida voiced his concern bluntly We are facing a lot of problems No buses no cabs Its chaosMeanwhile Vicky chose to see the brighter side I didnt know about the waterlogging as I was sleeping But suddenly when I woke up then I saw news of waterlogging It reminds me of childhood Theres inconvenience but thats part of lifeFollowing overnight heavy rain which crippled the city resulting in seven deaths due to electrocution Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim on Tuesday appealed to people not to venture out of their homes for the dayThe city Mayor said that it will take at least another 12 to 14 hours for the situation to become normal subject to no rain occurring during that period However scattered light rain has been continuing across the city since morning after a massive downpour since 1 AM due to a cloudburst Over 300 mm of rain was reported till 5 AM across the city and suburbsI have never seen this type of rain in my life before Over 300 mm of rain in 5 hours due to a cloudburst is unprecedented in Kolkata It is a horrific situation which was never been seen before in the city This has resulted in overflowing of rivers such as the Hooghly We opened the lock gates to drain out the water into the river But the water has backflowed into the city as the rivers are overflowing This made the situation worse said HakimHe went to KMC headquarters to monitor the situation and give instructions to officials to work on a war footing to bring the situation under control in view of Durga Puja which officially begins on September 27 while Puja mandaps are scheduled to be opened on Wednesday eveningAmid record overnight rainfall Kolkata and its surrounding areas were submerged under kneedeep water on Tuesday disrupting daily life Officials reported that at least seven people were electrocuted in the cityI would appeal to the people of the city not to go out of their homes today There are reports of deaths due to electrocution in several places This is due to a short circuit or electric poles going underwater We will advise people to stay safe and wait for the situation to improve said the Kolkata MayorAt the same time he could not give assurance about when the situation would become normalThe situation is such that even if there is not much rain for the next few hours it will take at least 12 to 14 hours for the waterlogging situation in Kolkata to become normal The lock gate was closed from 1230 AM to 400 AM today Unfortunately during that period there was 250 mm of average rain This worsened the situation said Hakim IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/kolkata-waterlogged-after-cloudburst-residents-hitch-rides-in-pickup-trucks-to-reach-destinations-640110.html Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/japanese-city-passes-ordinance-capping-daily-screen-time-to-two-hours-640139.html Tokyo Sep 23 Toyoake in Aichi Prefecture has become the first municipality in Japan to introduce an ordinance asking all residents to limit their use of smartphones Toyoakes municipal assembly passed an ordinance limiting daily leisurerelated screen time for all residents to two hours the local media reported on TuesdayThe ordinance reports cited aims at preventing an excessive use of smartphones personal computers and tablet devices It was approved via a majority vote at a plenary session of the assemblyTaking effect October 1 the local law serves as guidance and does not apply to the use of such devices for study work or household chores and there are no penalties for the violatorsToyoake Mayor Masafumi Kouki was quoted by Japan Times as saying that the ordinance is only part of the citys measures on resident health and the aim was for residents to see whether they are losing sleep by using smartphones too muchWere not rejecting smartphones he told reporters the daily reported highlighting that the ordinance is also designed to increase conversations within families and calls for refraining from using smartphones and other gadgets after 9 pm for elementary school students and younger children and after 10 pm for junior high school students and others under18 yearsSome residents have argued that the municipality should not meddle in family matters while others have taken the move by the assembly as an opportunity for discussions with family members The municipal assembly also adopted a supplementary resolution calling on the city to review the ordinance when necessary after examining its effects and residents opinions on a regular basis the Japanese media reportedAccording to the Nippon Television Network NTV during previous deliberations even council members who supported the ordinance repeatedly pointed out that the explanation to residents was insufficientThe city council also passed a supplementary resolution that includes measures to respect the diversity of residents lifestyles and home environments and to provide clear and concise information to avoid misunderstandings NTV reported IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/japanese-city-passes-ordinance-capping-daily-screen-time-to-two-hours-640139.html Tue, 23 Sep 2025 16:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/sc-upholds-service-tax-on-cargo-handling-by-airports-authority-of-india-640205.html New Delhi Sep 23 The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed an appeal filed by the Airports Authority of India AAI challenging the levy of service tax on handling export cargo at airports The appeal filed under Section 35L of the Central Excise Act 1944 challenged the Customs Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal CESTAT ruling that confirmed AAIs service tax liability under the category airport services with effect from September 10 2004AAI had argued that services related to handling of export cargo are excluded under the Finance Act 1994 placing reliance on Section 6523 which defines cargo handling serviceIn its judgment a Bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and Prasanna B Varale noted The definition of taxable service read with subclause zzm means any service provided or to be provided to any person by Airports Authority or by any other person in any airport or a civil enclave All kinds of services rendered by the Airports Authority in any airport are taxable services and are chargeable to service tax under Section 66 of the Act it saidAddressing AAIs claim regarding export cargo the Justice Mithalled Bench observed The definition of cargo handling service includes various kinds of services rendered at the airport but it specifically excludes handling of export cargo Thus handling of export cargo stands excluded from the cargo handling service but that by itself would not be sufficient to exclude it from the definition of taxable service under Subsection 105 of Section 65 of the ActThe apex court also dismissed reliance placed by AAI on various circulars observing that they are merely circulars and cannot override the express statutory provisionsConcluding the judgment the Justice Mithalled Bench observed Accordingly we are of the opinion that the CESTAT or the Authorities below have not erred in taxing the services rendered by the appellant in relation to export cargo as 8 taxable service under subclause zzm of Subsection 105 of Section 65 of the Act with effect from 10092004 The appeal as such lacks merit and is accordingly dismissed IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/sc-upholds-service-tax-on-cargo-handling-by-airports-authority-of-india-640205.html Tue, 23 Sep 2025 20:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/golden-yellow-season-arrives-in-kashmir-as-countryside-turns-magical-with-colours-cicadas-whine-639853.html Srinagar Sep 22 An autumnal sun shines over the golden yellow countryside beset with the grainladen Paddy fields as Kashmir farmers hasten to gather the crop Nomadic goatherds called the Bakarwals move down from highland meadows with their families and livestock to spend the next seven months in the warmer climate of the plainsIn rainfed areas people are harvesting the maize crop using hoots to ward off bears that descend into the maize fields to feed on the succulent crop As humankind invades the natural habitats of the wild animals incidents of mananimal conflict have increased alarmingly in the ValleyThe wild animals are now paying back the lefthanded compliment by destroying maize fields injuring human beings lifting poultry and devouring livestock to warn humankind to respect the borders defined by natureThe Cicada bug on the willow trees with its rhythmic highpitched whine reminds locals to make hay while the sun shinesApple growers are picking the fruit and packing it into cardboard boxes for transport to markets outside Jammu and Kashmir The offandon closure of the SrinagarJammu highway has resulted in huge losses to the growers this yearBut life must go on and so are the apple growers trying to reconcile to their losses by accepting them as a consequence of destinyGrapes are hanging from vines in places like the famous Rapore village in Ganderbal district as the area is known for its best quality grapesFlocks of domestic ducks and swans in villages close to lakes and other water bodies start returning to their coops earlier as fear of jackals has taught them not to risk their lives by feeding in darknessLeaves on the majestic Chinar tree have started turning into shades of crimson before they finally turn amber yellow and fall on the ground Folklore says a Persian visitor saw the Chinar trees in their autumnal crimson and amber colour in Kashmir and shouted Chi Naar What FireThe luxury of walking over the ground covered with a thick carpet of fallen Chinar leaves puts to the test some of the best cushioned surfaces in palaces and Manor houses The dry leaves provide the muchneeded charcoal to the poor people who light their earthen firepot woven in a basket of willow wicker called the KangriA Kangri carrying live charcoal kept under the tweed overgarment called the Pheran is still the common Kashmiris best bet against modern central heating and other heating appliances used in the WestAs electricity starts playing hide and seek during the winter months locals have learnt to keep stocks of charcoal stored for the winter monthsIn addition to the changing colours of the Chinar leaves the Cicadas whine the hastening of the farmers to harvest the Paddy and maize crop the cackle of the migratory birds arriving in protected bird sanctuaries and other water bodies are sure signs of autumn having set in KashmirThe cloudless sky with the soothing autumn sunshine the morning and evening nibble in the air the gradual change of dress from summer wear to light woollens a blanket over the quilt during the night and other such small comforts would not be bartered by locals even with the best comforts available to those living in the hot climateThe Shabdeg a dish of rooster cooked with turnips over a simmering fire on an earthen hearth will not be bartered by the Kashmiri families with the best dishes available in 7star hotelsStocks of tomatoes brinjal and pumpkins are painstakingly cut and dried in the autumn sun to be used during the snowbound days of harsh winter when even the waters of the Dal Lake start freezing at minus 8 to 10 degrees CelsiusIt is rightly said that if a tourist has not seen Kashmir in the autumn months heshe has for sure not seen enough of Kashmir IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/golden-yellow-season-arrives-in-kashmir-as-countryside-turns-magical-with-colours-cicadas-whine-639853.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 10:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/gujarat-navratri-pandals-echo-with-operation-sindoor-theme-in-surat-639993.html Ahmedabad Sep 22 As the nation celebrates the auspicious festival of Navratri beginning on Monday the people in Gujarat are gearing up for the garba celebrations Preparations are underway at various places in Surat and other districts of the state One of the major attractions this year is the erection of Garba pandals with major thrust on Operation Sindoor seeking to emphasise and celebrate our forces bravery in punishing the perpetrators of terrorMany puja committees in Surat have prepared attractive pandals with most of them centered around Indias decisive military operation against Pakistan Operation SindoorThe pandals depict figures like Rafale fighter jets and rocket launchers in the background and this has rightfully caught the attention of visitors as well as on onlookers These pandals are also gearing up to celebrate the garba festival with devotees already performing to the tunesA couple of doctors participating in the garba event spoke to IANS and shared their experience of how they were raring to celebrate the moment in a special way this yearA large number of doctors from different areas of the city participated in Garba dance organized by the Doctors and Medical Association in SuratDr Deepak Patel said that the Operation Sindoor enhanced the countrys honor and that is why they chose to celebrate it in the name of brave soldiersDr Deepti Patel said that the pooja and Garba are being performed in honor of the soldiers on Operation Sindoor themeWhat the Indian Army achieved during daring operation has never been done before which is why we are praying to Goddess Durga to protect the brave soldiers she saidDr Nikunj Vithalani the organiser of Garba and head of Doctors Association said that this time three associations have jointly organized the GarbaA special puja is being performed for the brave soldiers who not only took revenge but also brought Pakistan to its knees for cowardly terror act against our people he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/gujarat-navratri-pandals-echo-with-operation-sindoor-theme-in-surat-639993.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 20:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/a-look-at-indias-7-natural-heritage-locations-picked-up-as-unescos-world-heritage-sites-639758.html New Delhi Sep 21 In a remarkable development Indias presence in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites has seen a spike with seven natural and picturesque locations making it to the tentative list thus paving the way for their formal inclusion in the final list With these additions the countrys count in the tentative list has risen from 62 to 69 properties The Ministry of Culture informed that after this inclusion India now has 49 cultural 17 natural and three mixed heritage properties listed on the UNESCO listThe newly listed sites include the Deccan Traps at Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra the geological heritage of St Marys Island in Karnataka Meghalayan Age caves Naga Hill Ophiolite in Nagaland Erra Matti Dibbalu in Andhra Pradesh the natural heritage of Tirumala Hills in Andhra Pradesh and the Varkala Cliffs in KeralaNotably the inclusion in the tentative list is a precursor to its nomination in the prestigious World Heritage ListThe addition of the new sites to the UNESCO list reaffirms Indias unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting its extraordinary natural and cultural legacy said a government statementNotably India recently hosted the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi in July 2024 which saw the participation of more than 2000 delegates from over 140 countriesBrief details of Indias seven picturesque locationsDeccan Traps at Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar MaharashtraThey are home to some of the bestpreserved and among the worlds most studied lava flows These volcanic formations lie within the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary already a UNESCO World Heritage site thereby showcasing Indias geological marvelsSt Marys Island Cluster KarnatakaThese island clusters are famous for striking columnar basalt formations and date back to 85 million years to the Late Cretaceous period making them a rare geological treasureMeghalayan Age Caves MeghalayaThe spectacular cave systems named Mawmluh Cave serve as the global reference point for the Meghalayan Age reflecting key climate and geological shiftsNaga Hill Ophiolite NagalandThese unique hills offer clear and detailed insight into plate tectonics ocean ridge dynamics and Earths deep geological pastTirumala hills Andhra PradeshThe famed Tirumala hills are home to Silathoranam natural arch and the Eparchaean Unconformity They represent rare geological formations depicting 15 billion years of Earths history IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/a-look-at-indias-7-natural-heritage-locations-picked-up-as-unescos-world-heritage-sites-639758.html Sun, 21 Sep 2025 14:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/delhi-5-000-join-namo-youth-marathon-for-fight-against-drugs-639763.html New Delhi Sep 21 Nearly 5000 youths took part in a Namo Youth Run on Sunday at the Delhi University Sports complex as part of the DrugFree India Campaign for spreading awareness against drug abuse Sharing details about the event organised by the Delhi BJP Yuva Morcha BJP MP Manoj Tiwari said On the occasion all youths were administered the pledge for a drugfree IndiaHe also posted a message on X and said Participated in the NamoYuvaRun marathon organized at the Delhi University rugby ground on the occasion of Prime Minister Shri narendramodi jis birthday under the Seva PakhwadaThrough this run all youth were administered the pledge for a drugfree India On this occasion State Organization General Secretary Shri PavanRanaRSSji State Coincharge Smt alkagurjarji Water Resources State Minister Shri drrajbhushanji State General Secretary visshnumittal ji Youth Front State President SagarTyagiBJP ji Incharge abhishektandonD ji Coincharge Sumit Seth ji were specially present he wroteBrand ambassador Padma Shri Sudha Singh led the marathon held at the Rugby Stadium Sports Complex Delhi University said a BJP leaderOn the Namo Yuva Run Union Minister Raj Bhushan Choudhary said Through this marathon our objective is to make India free from obesity and addiction so that the younger generation can contribute to building a Viksit Bharat in the futureA BJP leader said the run was being organised under the Seva Pakhwara being celebrated by the party from the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17 to the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on October 2The Namo Yuva Run was being organised to educate the youth against drug addiction in the whole country she saidEarlier while announcing the run New Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj said PM Modi is the source of inspiration for 140 crore Indians and he knows that the youth is the future of the countryShe said that the PM is laying a strong foundation to achieve a developed India and today we do not just talk about youth empowerment but we talk about strengthening the country under the leadership of the youthPadma Shri Gold Medallist athlete Sudha Singh earlier said that the Marathon is a special campaign to make the youth free from drug addictionWe would request everyone that if you have any child or youth in your home who is addicted to drugs then explain to him because if a young person in a family is an addict then his whole family becomes weak said Singh IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/delhi-5-000-join-namo-youth-marathon-for-fight-against-drugs-639763.html Sun, 21 Sep 2025 15:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/sujalam-sufalam-scheme-gujarat-farmers-no-longer-dependent-on-rain-for-farming-639802.html Ahmedabad Sep 21 Gujarat has taken the lead in expanding the agricultural and irrigation landscape for farmers and also setting new benchmarks for other states Its success could be attributed to the Gujarat governments flagship Sujalam Sufalam scheme which played a crucial role in strengthening the irrigation network to large tracts of agricultural lands The Sujalam Sufalam Scheme was launched in 2003 by the then Chief Minister Narendra Modi and is said to be the backbone of the famed Gujarat model of improved irrigation and modern agricultural techniquesThe main objective of this scheme was to provide irrigation water to several districts of the state by diverting a canal from the Kadana Dam on the Mahi River in Mahisagar districtA water management expert Abhay Rawal praising the scheme said that it was a big success for 10 districtsThe Sujalam Sufalam spreading canal has also proven to be a lifesaver for areas with water scarcity While continuous water supply has increased farmers yields it has also improved their economic conditionThis scheme has transformed the fortunes of Gujarats farmers Previously farmers relied on rain for agriculture but now the yearround availability of water has enabled them to grow crops in every seasonKutch farmer Rajesh Bhai sharing his experience said Thanks to SujalamSufalam Yojana our fields have turned green and our incomes have increased Under this scheme we no longer have to depend on rain for water for our cropsUnder the leadership of current Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel Sujalam Sufalam 20 is being further expandedThis scheme is proving to be revolutionary in addressing water scarcity across the state through water management raising groundwater levels and building check dams and canals This initiative has not only turned into a boon for the farmers but also an inspiration for other states in the countryIt has not only made Gujarat selfreliant in agriculture but has also set a new benchmark in water management IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/sujalam-sufalam-scheme-gujarat-farmers-no-longer-dependent-on-rain-for-farming-639802.html Sun, 21 Sep 2025 19:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/chennai-to-unveil-one-city-one-ticket-transport-app-on-monday-639725.html Chennai Sep 21 Chennai is set to make history by becoming the first city in the country to integrate all modes of public transport under a single digital platform On Monday Chief Minister MK Stalin will launch the muchawaited Chennai One app developed by the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority CUMTA at the authoritys second governing board meetingThe launch marks a major step in the state governments efforts to create an inclusive and sustainable transport ecosystem for the fastgrowing metropolis Alongside the app the Chief Minister will also approve the Comprehensive Mobility Plan CMP a longterm roadmap that will guide the citys transport strategies over the next 25 yearsThe CMP has been designed to ensure seamless connectivity improve commuter convenience and reduce carbon emissions by strengthening the share of public and nonmotorised transportAt the heart of this initiative is the One City One Ticket feature which will allow passengers to use a single QRenabled ticket across buses metro trains suburban rail cabs and autorickshaws This means commuters can switch between modes of transport without having to stand in multiple queues or buy separate tickets saving both time and effort In addition to ticketing integration the app offers realtime updates on the arrival and departure of buses and trains enabling passengers to better plan their journeysTickets can be purchased directly through UPI and other digital payment modes further encouraging cashless transactions and reducing congestion at ticket countersThe government has also placed emphasis on inclusivity by ensuring the app supports multiple languages including Tamil English Telugu Kannada and others making it accessible to a wide section of commutersOfficials believe the app will not only improve the commuter experience but also encourage a shift from private vehicles to public transport thereby easing road congestion and cutting emissionsFor a city that handles millions of daily trips this integration is expected to be a gamechanger in urban mobility With the dual launch of the Chennai One app and the CMP the state is signalling its commitment to modernising transport infrastructure while prioritising sustainability efficiency and commuter convenience IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/chennai-to-unveil-one-city-one-ticket-transport-app-on-monday-639725.html Sun, 21 Sep 2025 09:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/india-moving-ahead-with-courage-and-confidence-in-amrit-kaal-pms-principal-secretary-pk-mishra-639638.html New Delhi Sep 20 Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister PK Mishra on Saturday said that India is advancing with courage and confidence during the Amrit Kaal and stressed that institutions like the Indian Institute of Management IIMs will play a vital role in building capacity for the nations growth commerce and governance Addressing the second annual convocation of IIM Mumbai Mishra said In the midst of complexities and challenges India is moving ahead with courage and confidence We are in Amrit Kaal Our Prime Minister envisioned a grand vision for India in 2047 Farreaching changes will be taking place in India and the world in the coming decades PM Modi wants all of us to take the country to the next level through the process of reform perform and transformHe emphasised that the graduating students have a critical role in ensuring India becomes a developed country by 2047Mishra highlighted the rapid pace of technological transformation saying smartphones big data analytics augmented reality robotics blockchain and artificial intelligence are fundamentally transforming our world and the way we engage in it from how we interact to the way we move from one place to anotherReflecting on the changes of the past decades he said Nowadays one cannot imagine life without a mobile phone But for many years we lived without it and without realtime connectivity He underlined that capacity building remains central to Indias progressCapacity building is the process that brings lifelong change IIMs stand with the youth and we must combine ethics and technology to transform everything he later told reportersMishra lauded the contribution of IIM alumni in industry commerce and governance calling their role hugely relevant in Amrit KaalHe said resilience in times of global uncertainty requires not only professional competence but also adherence to moral and ethical principles urging graduates to adopt the spirit of a Karma YogiPointing to Indias efforts to attract talent back from abroad Mishra cited examples of academics like Dr Balasubramanian who returned from the US to contribute to capacitybuilding initiatives We have used the best possible talent from government and the private sector he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/india-moving-ahead-with-courage-and-confidence-in-amrit-kaal-pms-principal-secretary-pk-mishra-639638.html Sat, 20 Sep 2025 17:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/ujjwala-yojana-brings-relief-empowerment-to-women-in-chhattisgarhs-kondagaon-639670.html New Delhi Sep 20 The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana PMUY launched in 2016 to provide free LPG connections to women from poor households continues to transform lives in rural India bringing both relief and empowerment In the Kondagaon district of Chhattisgarh women beneficiaries say the scheme has freed them from the drudgery of cooking on traditional mud stoves and spared them the health hazards caused by smokeThe central government scheme aimed at promoting LPG use in place of firewood and other fossil fuels has also reduced the time spent on daily chores giving women greater opportunity to focus on other activitiesSharing her experience Roshni Sori a resident of Bade Rajpur village said that Ujjwala Yojana has been a turning point in her lifeDue to Prime Minister Modis initiatives such as Jan Dhan Yojana Ayushman Bharat Yojana and Ujjwala Yojana I have received huge benefits If Ujjwala Yojana had not been there I would still be cooking on a traditional chulha spending so much time and suffering from the smoke Now cooking has become much easier she told IANSSori pointed out that access to LPG cylinders at subsidised rates has helped save both money and timeEarlier we had breathing problems due to the smoke from chulhas Now with LPG those health issues are gone This scheme has brought real relief she addedShe also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for driving womens empowerment through such welfare programmesBecause of PM Modi women like us have become selfreliant He has thought so much about the poor and we hope he will continue to work for everyones welfare she saidThe Ujjwala scheme besides addressing health concerns is widely seen as a tool for social change in rural India giving women dignity and independence in their everyday livesWith millions of connections distributed across the country the initiative remains one of the key flagship programmes of the central government in its effort to empower women and improve rural living conditions IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/ujjwala-yojana-brings-relief-empowerment-to-women-in-chhattisgarhs-kondagaon-639670.html Sat, 20 Sep 2025 18:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/chhattisgarh-skill-india-empowers-kondagaon-youth-through-pm-kaushal-vikas-yojana-639685.html New Delhi Sep 20 The Prime Minister Kaushal Vikas Yojana PMKVY popularly known as the Prime Minister Youth Training Programme is transforming the lives of young people in Kondagaon Chhattisgarh by equipping them with marketrelevant skills and boosting their employment prospects Launched in July 2015 PMKVY was envisioned as a flagship scheme of the Central Government to provide training to 1 crore youth by 2020Its objective is to offer job opportunities to those with limited formal education or who dropped out of schoolUnder the programme candidates can register for training courses of three months six months or one year On successful completion trainees receive certificates that are valid across the countryThe scheme has since grown into one of the largest skill development initiatives in India According to government data PMKVY has trained nearly 137 crore people preparing them for employment in a rapidly changing job marketTo support this effort over 720 Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras PMKKs have been set up nationwide These centres serve as stateoftheart hubs of vocational education using modern pedagogy and technology to polish skills across diverse sectorsHighlighting the impact of the scheme Vidya Thakur a student in Kondagaon told IANS Because of PM Modis Kaushal Vikas Yojana I am able to undergo computer training free of cost Along with this I have benefited from schemes like Jan Dhan Yojana and Ayushman Bharat Without these initiatives I would not have been able to polish my skills This training will help me get a job in the futureShe added that such schemes are not only creating employment opportunities but are also empowering people from economically weaker sections especially womenBecause of these programmes poverty has reduced and women are becoming socially and financially independent she saidWith its growing reach the Skill India mission under PMKVY continues to play a critical role in shaping a workforce ready for the vision of a New India IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/chhattisgarh-skill-india-empowers-kondagaon-youth-through-pm-kaushal-vikas-yojana-639685.html Sat, 20 Sep 2025 20:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/jampk-nh-disruption-special-train-service-for-15-days-between-katra-banihal-639351.html Jammu Sep 19 To mitigate the hardships faced by people due to the disruption of the JammuSrinagar highway the Northern Railways is starting a special train service on Friday for 15 days between Katra and Banihal Officials said the train will operate between Katra and Banihal stations for 15 days starting from September 19 as an alternative to ensure safe and efficient travel for the public following the disruption of traffic due to the closure of the JammuSrinagar highwayEarlier on September 8 a special local train service was started between Katra and Sangaldan to facilitate stranded passengers in the wake of the closure of the JammuSrinagar national highway in Udhampur districtThis train will run from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Banihal for 15 days from September 19 to September 30The train will depart from Banihal at 11 am and arrive at Katra at 130 pm It will stop at Reasi Bakkal Dugga Sawalkot Sangaldan Sumber and Khari stations along the routeSimilarly the train will run between Katra and Banihal departing from Katra at 145 pm and arriving at Banihal at 410 pm Both trains will have stoppages at the same stationsThe safety and convenience of passengers is our top priority in the division With road services suspended in the Banihal and Katra areas this special train will provide an important alternative to ensure safe and efficient travel for the public railway officials saidNear the Tharad bridge in Udhampur district of the JammuSrinagar highway 5060 metres of the highway had sunk and men and machinery of the BRO have laid an alternative stretch at Tharad During the last two days over 4800 fruitladen trucks used this alternative stretch to carry apples to outside markets from the ValleyApple growers and traders in the Valley have suffered huge losses due to the continued disruption of the highway Fruit laden in stranded trucks at different points of the highway had rotted forcing growers to dispose of the rotten fruitThe Railways also ran parcel trains to carry fruit from Kashmir to Adarsh Nagar in Delhi to support the fruit growersChief Minister Omar Abdullah has requested that more parcel trains be operated to ensure that the horticulture industry of Kashmir is saved from suffering further losses IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/jampk-nh-disruption-special-train-service-for-15-days-between-katra-banihal-639351.html Fri, 19 Sep 2025 08:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/udta-punjab-no-more-youth-high-on-spirit-of-sewa-chardi-kala-helping-in-survival-revival-of-flood-ravaged-state-639376.html Chandigarh Sep 19 As Punjab is grappling with unprecedented riverine flooding leading to the loss of 56 precious lives inundation of 2300 plus villages loss of property livelihoods and infrastructure worth a whopping Rs 13800 crore its the indomitable attitude of the young people that keeps alive the spirit of sewa and Chardi Kala resilience to fight it out despite the most challenging times in four decades and to rebuild the state together A notable trend has come to the fore that the youth of Punjab who has been branded as idle and druggy in the past is now turning out to be the saviour of the peopleYoung men and women are fulfilling their humanitarian duties by reaching out to marooned villagers with daily utilities and strengthening river embankments to prevent further flooding of fields and human habitationsAs water levels are finally starting to recede after weeks displaced families have begun returning home to find their houses crops and livelihoods almost wiped out even as the Punjab government promised to compensate all victimsNow rural communities led by celebrities influencers and community and faith leaders are seen in transformative roles with focus on reconstruction of homes schools and health facilities besides strengthening embankments and drainage to prevent a delugeFlooding triggered by heavy monsoon rains and water from swollen rivers since August has inundated large parts of Punjab the countrys food basket where over 2 million people have been impacted and five lakh acres of crops destroyed after the release of water from upstream dams leading to rivers bursting their banksOctogenarian Vijay Khanna a doctor based in Zira a rural town in Ferozepur one of the worst ravaged districts told IANS over phone that youngsters in almost every village have been assigned duties to carry out rehabilitation work in floodprone areasThe work ranges from strengthening the river embankments to setting up floodpreparedness committees to mobilise resources and to clearing silt and muck left behind by the floodwater from houses streets and fieldsEvery youngster who has been assigned a duty has been using his or her tractortrailer through community networks to do community work he saidKhanna said its wrong to project the youth of Punjab as drug addicts In fact they are the ones who first braved the floods then helped in saving others and now they are helping in the revival of rural livelihoodsSet against the backdrop of rampant drug abuse among the youth in Punjab the crime drama Udta Punjab highlighted the states drug crisis and its dark realitiesIn a role reversal from Udta Punjab these floods the worst in living memory showcased the survivaltorevival spirit of the youth that is based on the Sikh belief of Sarbat da Bhala meaning welfare of allA volunteer with an international charity told IANS It is wrong to project the youth of Punjab as drug addicts They are addicted to sewa Wherever you see building of embankments it is the local youth that is workingCan a drug addict do labourintensive jobs only a Punjabi can do that with the strength of the youth who is strong adamant and always in Chardi KalaChardi Kala means the concept of high spirits in all conditions including adversitiesInterestingly the youth are doing more mitti di seva for flood relief Mitti di seva means a community effort to contribute earth to rebuild embankmentsBJP leader Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal wrote on X on Friday This sacred land Punjab of Gurus carries the true voice of every Punjabi Punjab must rise togetherHe demanded a white paper on floods to fix accountability as he believed its a manmade disaster and alleged that it was government failureIn Gurdaspur Amritsar Fazilka and Tarn Taran districts global charities along with local youth are taking volunteerism into their own hands and providing relief to villagers for longterm economic stability beyond twothree monthsChief Minister Bhagwant Mann this week launched Mission Chardi Kala a global fundraising campaign to raise funds for the rehabilitation efforts for flood victimsChief Minister Mann said now is the time to move beyond relief and begin rehabilitation as the farmers need to sow their fields again children need to return to school and families need to rebuild their homesVishal Gulati can be contacted at vishalgiansin IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/udta-punjab-no-more-youth-high-on-spirit-of-sewa-chardi-kala-helping-in-survival-revival-of-flood-ravaged-state-639376.html Fri, 19 Sep 2025 11:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/kerala-governor-to-inaugurate-special-event-for-persons-with-disabilities-639236.html Thiruvananthapuram Sep 18 When the Different Art Centre DAC opens its doors on September 27 the stage will belong to artists who have long defied odds to express themselves through music dance and theatre Nearly 200 performers from across the country will converge for the event which will be inaugurated by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath ArlekarThe second edition of Sammohan a national festival dedicated to celebrating the talents of persons with disabilities promises two days of inspiration and artistic brilliance in Keralas capitalFor many it is not just a festival but a rare national platform where ability takes precedence over disabilityThis year Sammohan brings together diverse institutions and groups the National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities Divyangjan Kolkata the Composite Regional Centre for Skill Development Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities CRCNagpur SATYA Art amp Culture Dance Studio from Odisha and Chayanit The Chosen Ones a neurodivergent music collective from Delhi The fivemember band Chayanit is set to be a highlightCofounded by 22yearold drummer Chayan Taneja of Delhi and 29yearold pianist Devanga Bidrum Kalita of Assam the group has been breaking barriers with its performances showing how music can transcend labels and limitationsSammohan is not just a cultural event it is a national platform said Alendra Tripathi of NILD Kolkata It inspires confidence builds skills and gives individuals with disabilities the chance to present their talents before the countryFor DAC the festival reflects a larger mission Its upcoming International Institute for People with Disability IIPD in Kasaragod aims to weave healthcare education therapies arts sports and livelihood into one holistic ecosystemAt DAC we believe in dignified artistic platforms that empower said Gopinath Muthukad Founder and Executive Director Sammohan is our call to society to celebrate diversity and recognise every individuals potentialMuthukad is the first Keralite to be honoured as a celebrity supporter by UNICEF for promoting child rights activities in the state IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/kerala-governor-to-inaugurate-special-event-for-persons-with-disabilities-639236.html Thu, 18 Sep 2025 16:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/pm-shri-scheme-transforms-government-school-in-chhindwara-639313.html Chhindwara Madhya Pradesh Sep 18 The launch of the PM SHRI Schools Scheme has sparked a wave of positive change in the infrastructure and quality of education in schools across the country One such example is the Bhaisadand Government School in Chhindwara district now recognised under the PM SHRI PM Schools for Rising India initiative The school is affiliated with the Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education It has undergone a transformation leading to empowerment of students and teachers alikeThe PM SHRI Scheme a centrally sponsored initiative of the Government of India aims to develop over 14500 schools across the nation into model institutions aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy NEP 2020 The scheme focuses on providing holistic education improved infrastructure and skill development that equips students to meet future challenges with confidenceTaruna Kayande Principal of Bhaisadand Government School soke about importance of the school under PM SHRI scheme She told IANS The school has undergone significant improvements in both educational standards and facilities We are now better equipped to shape responsible and skilled citizensEchoing her thoughts Manisha Rajput a teacher at the school said With updated resources and new teaching methodologies we can now offer a more engaging and modern learning environment Another teacher Vinay Kumar Mandloi added We are seeing real growth in students participation confidence and performance thanks to the PM SHRI upgradesStudents too are feeling the impact Sonali Chandrawanshi a student said Earlier we didnt have access to proper career guidance But now subject experts and guest faculty are helping us explore career paths with clarity Monika Vanshkar another student highlighted the increased access to resources We now have the support we need to dream bigThe PM SHRI Scheme has also introduced advanced sports equipment and infrastructure encouraging participation in extracurricular activities A male student summed it up best Now learning isnt just confined to bookswere growing in every directionThrough such initiatives the PM SHRI Scheme is not just enhancing education but building a foundation for innovation leadership and holistic development in government schools like Bhaisadand IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/pm-shri-scheme-transforms-government-school-in-chhindwara-639313.html Thu, 18 Sep 2025 23:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/sulabh-toilets-transform-sanitation-landscape-in-ayodhya-with-over-100-high-tech-facilities-639315.html Ayodhya Sep 18 In a remarkable push towards modern and hygienic public sanitation Sulabh International has established stateoftheart toilet facilities at more than 100 locations in Uttar Pradeshs Ayodhya From the Dharampath to Rampath these modern restrooms are setting a new benchmark in cleanliness and convenience Equipped with air conditioners CCTV surveillance hand dryers and sanitary pad dispensers these public toilets are making a significant impact on the experience of both tourists and locals visiting the holy city The initiative is being praised for its innovation maintenance and alignment with national cleanliness goalsParveen Kumar Singh a local user said These Sulabh International toilets are really good The cleanliness is commendable There are two cleaners stationed here and all necessary facilities are availableCaretakers like Mukesh Kumar Singh are on the ground every day to ensure smooth functioningWe manage 90 toilets in Ayodhya Each one is equipped with ACs CCTV cameras and hand dryers Cleanliness is our top priority he saidAnother caretaker Sunil Kumar Jha said These toilets are wellmaintained If anyone faces any issues assistance is readily available Hygiene and service are both excellentThis initiative is part of the broader Swachh Bharat Abhiyan the countrys largest cleanliness drive led by the Narendra Modiled Union government Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 the campaign gained momentum when he led a historic cleanliness pledge at the India Gate in Delhi joined by nearly 30 lakh government employees nationwideAs part of the ongoing Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 a nationwide voluntary campaign titled Ek Din Ek Ghanta Ek Saath will be held on September 25 encouraging citizens across the country to contribute an hour of shramdaan towards cleanlinessThe Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen launched on October 2 2014 aimed to eliminate open defecation in rural India By October 2 2019 sanitation coverage increased from 39 per cent to 100 per cent with more than 10 crore individual household toilets built All villages had declared themselves Open Defecation FreeWith the success of Phase I Phase II of SBMG began in April 2020 This phase focuses on sustainability and solid and liquid waste management to transition from ODF to ODF Plus villages As of March 17 2025 out of 586788 villages nationwide 564096 have declared themselves ODF Plus with more than five lakh villages now equipped with proper solid and liquid waste management systems IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/sulabh-toilets-transform-sanitation-landscape-in-ayodhya-with-over-100-high-tech-facilities-639315.html Thu, 18 Sep 2025 23:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/telangana-mla-cancels-sons-wedding-reception-to-donate-rs-2-crore-for-farmers-639191.html Hyderabad Sep 18 A Congress MLA in Telangana cancelled the wedding reception of his son to donate Rs 2 crore to the government for distributing urea to farmers Bathula Laxma Reddy the MLA from Miryalaguda met Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy for giving him the cheque on ThursdayThe MLA requested that the money be spent to give a bag of urea to one lakh farmers in his constituencyThe MLA was accompanied by his son Sai Prasanna and other family members Prasannas wedding took place recently and the family had planned a grand receptionHowever considering the problems faced by farmers due to urea shortage the MLA decided to cancel the lavish reception and instead use the same money to help farmersAccording to the Chief Ministers Office CM Revanth Reddy lauded this selfless act appreciating the MLA and his family for turning a personal celebration into a collective blessing for the farming communityThe MLAs gesture came days after his gunman allegedly diverted a full lorryload of urea allocated for farmers in Miryalaguda Assembly constituency There were allegations that the urea was being blackmarketedThe gunman allegedly impersonated MLAs personal assistant and pressured officials He claimed the shipment was needed for official use and redirected the lorry bound for the Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society concernedThis came to light when officials crosschecked records after the MLA enquired about supplies for his constituency The officials complained to the MLA about their gunmans unauthorised calls and bullying tacticsSuperintendent of Police Sharatchandra Pawar took serious note of the issue and ordered an immediate probeFollowing the incident Bharat Rashtra Samithi BRS working president K T Rama Rao had accused Congress leaders of involvement in black marketing of urea He remarked that when an MLAs gunman takes away a lorry of urea the MLA may be diverting the entire warehouse of urea IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/telangana-mla-cancels-sons-wedding-reception-to-donate-rs-2-crore-for-farmers-639191.html Thu, 18 Sep 2025 13:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/pm-svanidhi-scheme-brought-my-family-back-on-track-mp-beneficiary-expresses-gratitude-on-pms-birthday-639011.html New Delhi Sep 17 On the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modis 75th birthday beneficiaries of various central welfare schemes across India are expressing their gratitude Among them is Mohammad Wasim Khan an electrical technician and motor rewinding expert from Khandwa who credits the PM SVANidhi Yojana for transforming his life and reviving his familys legacy business I inherited my fathers workshop but we lacked the necessary tools to work efficiently I had to borrow equipment from others which delayed my projects and affected my income said Khan who now operates a fully equipped shop in Khandwa cityWhen I learnt about the PM SVANidhi scheme through the Khandwa Municipal Corporation I applied and received a loan of Rs 10000 With that I bought essential tools and restarted my business Now Im handling more clients and earning well My family is secure again I truly thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this opportunity he addedLaunched in June 2020 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs the Pradhan Mantri Street Vendors AtmaNirbhar Nidhi PM SVANidhi scheme aims to provide collateralfree working capital loans to street vendors and small traders affected by the COVID19 pandemicThe scheme enables vendors to avail a loan of 10000 in the first year followed by 20000 in the second year and 50000 in the third based on timely repayments Recently additional benefits of 5000 have been included increasing the initial disbursement to 15000Speaking about the schemes local impact Mohammad Saeed Shah City Mission Manager of Khandwa Municipal Corporation said This scheme is nothing short of a blessing for street vendors In Khandwa many beneficiaries like Wasim Khan have successfully restarted and expanded their businesses We are now offering 15000 in the first year and 25000 in the second and I urge more vendors to come forward and avail these benefitsOn PM Modis birthday beneficiaries like Wasim Khan say they are not just celebrating a leader but also the lifechanging opportunities that his governments schemes have brought into their lives For many small traders across India PM SVANidhi is not just financial support it is dignity restored IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/pm-svanidhi-scheme-brought-my-family-back-on-track-mp-beneficiary-expresses-gratitude-on-pms-birthday-639011.html Wed, 17 Sep 2025 16:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/pm-svanidhi-scheme-brought-my-business-back-on-track-mp-beneficiary-expresses-gratitude-on-pms-birthday-639013.html New Delhi Sep 17 On the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modis 75th birthday beneficiaries of various central welfare schemes across India are expressing their gratitude Among them is Mohammad Wasim Khan an electrical technician and motor rewinding expert from Khandwa who credits the PM SVANidhi Yojana for transforming his life and reviving his familys legacy business I inherited my fathers workshop but we lacked the necessary tools to work efficiently I had to borrow equipment from others which delayed my projects and affected my income said Khan who now operates a fully equipped shop in Khandwa cityWhen I learnt about the PM SVANidhi scheme through the Khandwa Municipal Corporation I applied and received a loan of Rs 10000 With that I bought essential tools and restarted my business Now Im handling more clients and earning well My family is secure again I truly thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this opportunity he addedLaunched in June 2020 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs the Pradhan Mantri Street Vendors AtmaNirbhar Nidhi PM SVANidhi scheme aims to provide collateralfree working capital loans to street vendors and small traders affected by the COVID19 pandemicThe scheme enables vendors to avail a loan of 10000 in the first year followed by 20000 in the second year and 50000 in the third based on timely repayments Recently additional benefits of 5000 have been included increasing the initial disbursement to 15000Speaking about the schemes local impact Mohammad Saeed Shah City Mission Manager of Khandwa Municipal Corporation said This scheme is nothing short of a blessing for street vendors In Khandwa many beneficiaries like Wasim Khan have successfully restarted and expanded their businesses We are now offering 15000 in the first year and 25000 in the second and I urge more vendors to come forward and avail these benefitsOn PM Modis birthday beneficiaries like Wasim Khan say they are not just celebrating a leader but also the lifechanging opportunities that his governments schemes have brought into their lives For many small traders across India PM SVANidhi is not just financial support it is dignity restored IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/pm-svanidhi-scheme-brought-my-business-back-on-track-mp-beneficiary-expresses-gratitude-on-pms-birthday-639013.html Wed, 17 Sep 2025 16:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/rajasthan-artist-mahesh-vaishnavs-cow-dung-painting-honours-pm-modi-on-his-75th-birthday-638914.html New Delhi Sep 17 As India celebrates Prime Minister Narendra Modis 75th birthday tributes are pouring in from across the nation One unique tribute is a painting by Rajasthanbased artist Mahesh Kumar Vaishnav crafted entirely from cow dung which depicts the Prime Minister feeding milk to a lion cub Sharing his inspiration the artist said This painting is made from cow dung It took about one and a half months to complete In the artwork PM Modi is depicted feeding a lion cub with milk The message is that even fierce animals such as lions can be nurtured with love and care Without fear the Prime Minister feeds it milk symbolising courage and compassionThe artwork has quickly gone viral on social media and is being widely praised for its symbolism and ecofriendly materialVaishnav said he chose cow dung to reflect traditional Indian values sustainability and humility qualities he associates with the Prime Ministers life journeyMeanwhile PM Modi is spending his 75th birthday in Madhya Pradesh where he visited Bhainsola village in Dhar district to lay the foundation stone of Indias first PM MITRA Park a mega textile hub under the Centres flagship initiative to strengthen the garment and apparel sectorIn addition PM Modi launched two major health and nutrition campaigns Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Healthy Women Empowered Families and the eighth Rashtriya Poshan Maah National Nutrition Month aimed at improving health services for women and children nationwideMore than one lakh health camps will be held across India from September 17 to October 2 as part of the governments largestever public health outreach initiative under the ongoing Seva Pakhwada Fortnight of ServiceThese camps will provide womencentric preventive promotive and curative health services including screenings for noncommunicable diseases anaemia tuberculosis and sickle cell disease as well as maternal and adolescent health checkups immunisations and nutrition counsellingSpecialised services in gynaecology paediatrics dermatology psychiatry and more will be mobilised through public and private medical institutions Blood donation drives will also be organised nationwide with donors registered via the eRaktkosh portal and engagement through the MyGov platform IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/rajasthan-artist-mahesh-vaishnavs-cow-dung-painting-honours-pm-modi-on-his-75th-birthday-638914.html Wed, 17 Sep 2025 10:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/tribal-man-battling-fever-carried-on-shoulders-for-6-km-through-forest-to-reach-hospital-in-kerala-638939.html Munnar Kerala Sep 17 An elderly tribal man suffering from high fever was carried by community members on their shoulders for over six km taking six hours through dense forest in Keralas Idukki district to the nearest medical facility which highlights the acute shortage of healthcare in remote tribal areas The 64yearold patient identified as Malayappan from the Kuddikaar settlement in Idamalakkudi tribal belt about 45 km from here is now recovering at Mankulam Government Hospital according to a reportMalayappan had been battling a severe fever for two days when his condition deteriorated on Tuesday morning leaving him too weak to walkIn a desperate effort to save him his fellow community members carried him on their shoulders through difficult forest terrain to Anakkulam where an ambulance was arranged to transport him to the nearest hospitalThe incident underscores the inadequate medical infrastructure in the Idamalakkudi region which is governed by a tribal local bodyWhile a Primary Health Centre operates in Societykudi residents in more remote areas like Koodalar and Meenkuthi are forced to undertake arduous journeys through the tough forest paths to reach thereConsequently many prefer the closer albeit still distant option of traveling to Anakkulam This is not an isolated incidentLast month a fiveyearold child from the Koodalar settlement died from a fever after a similar effort to shift him to a hospital The child was carried on foot to Anakkulam and from there he was shifted to the Taluk Hospital in Adimali but could not be savedThe lack of proper road connectivity poses a major challenge in the tribal belt Vehicle access is limited to the route from Munnar to SocietykudiBeyond this point the roads are in such poor condition that only fourwheeldrive vehicles mainly jeeps can navigate them making it nearly impossible for ambulances to reach the most isolated hamlets IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/tribal-man-battling-fever-carried-on-shoulders-for-6-km-through-forest-to-reach-hospital-in-kerala-638939.html Wed, 17 Sep 2025 12:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/chennai-unveils-rs-14-000-crore-water-storage-expansion-plan-638727.html Chennai Sep 16 With projections indicating that Chennais drinking water storage demand will more than triple by 2050 the Water Resources Department WRD has rolled out a Rs14000crore plan to restore lakes and tanks build new reservoirs and expand recharge structures A feasibility report of the Chennai Corporation estimates that the citys requirement will rise to 3873 tmc from the current 11 tmc Out of 1165 suggested projects the WRD has approved 704 essential works to be executed within the next decadeThe projects span 12 basins including Chennai and Palar with a major focus on reviving around 1150 tanks in suburban areas These include a chain of 350 tanks such as Thenneri Sriperumbudur Thirunindravur Manimangalam and Pillaipakkam which act as catchments for Chembarambakkam and another 64 tanks along the OMR stretch such as Narayanapuram Thalambur Semmenchery and NanmangalamRestoring them as mini catchments is expected to boost storage capacity and make surrounding neighbourhoods less dependent on the citys reservoirsThe plan also involves constructing 12 new reservoirs along the upstream stretches of the Cooum Adyar and Palar riversSites have been identified at Thiruverkadu and Poonamallee in the Cooum basin and four villages along the Palar Each of these reservoirs is expected to add between 05 tmc and 1 tmc of storageIn addition three major new reservoirs are planned including one on Salt Lake along the East Coast Road and another on 300 acres of government land near PerumbakkamThe Perumbakkam reservoir is designed to store up to 225 tmc while the ECR site will add another 2 tmcTogether these reservoirs will help retain water for the OMR belt and reduce flooding into Pallikaranai marshTo strengthen groundwater reserves 402 recharge structures will be built along river bunds while around 200 tanks within industrial hubs such as Irungattukottai Oragadam and Pillaipakkam will be revived reducing dependence on Metrowater by easing 115 MLD of supplyInterbasin linking measures are also proposed including diverting water from Adyar to Palar and channelising flow from Kosasthalaiyar to CooumExperts note that Chennai receives adequate rainfall annually and that restoring tanks lakes and aquifers while enforcing rainwater harvesting will be crucial to the plans success IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/chennai-unveils-rs-14-000-crore-water-storage-expansion-plan-638727.html Tue, 16 Sep 2025 09:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/chennais-single-ticketing-app-ready-but-no-autorickshaw-fare-revision-stalls-roll-out-638737.html Chennai Sep 16 Chennais longawaited integrated transport mobile application designed to provide seamless singleticketing across public transport modes is ready for launch However the absence of a revised autorickshaw fare structure has delayed the rollout of its dedicated ridehailing feature leaving drivers disgruntled The application developed by Namma Yatri for the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority CUMTA began trial runs in June under the name Anna Ride and has since been rebranded as Chennai One It is designed to allow commuters to book tickets for MTC buses Chennai Metro Rail and suburban EMU trains while also offering lastmile connectivity through taxi servicesCUMTA officials confirmed that the Chief Ministers approval is awaited for both the apps formal launch and clearance of the citys comprehensive mobility planWhile the singleticketing feature is fully ready officials clarified that the exclusive autorickshawhailing service cannot be launched until the government revises and institutes a mechanism for periodic updates of faresWe cannot operate like private aggregators that fix their own tariffs A government order on revised fares is necessary before we can integrate autos a senior official saidAutorickshaw unions have criticised the delay pointing out that the last fare revision was carried out in 2013 Under the existing structure commuters pay Rs 25 for the first 18 km and Rs 12 for every subsequent kilometreRising fuel prices insurance premiums RTO charges and maintenance costs have made these rates unsustainable union leaders argueTamil Nadu Auto Thozhilalar Sammelanam working president S Balasubramanian accused the government of dragging its feet despite private operators charging far higher ratesThe government is worried that revising fares upward will spark public backlash though other tariffs like property tax and electricity have been raised Our demand is only for a fair and overdue revision he saidIn February 2022 the Madras High Court directed the state to revise autorickshaw fares Following consultations with stakeholders the Transport Commissioner had proposed a minimum fare of Rs 40 for the first 18 km and Rs 18 per additional kilometreUnions have since demanded Rs 50 for the first 15 km and Rs 25 thereafter Despite recommendations being submitted to the government earlier this year no decision has been made It has been three years since the court order and costs have only increased We urge the government to act immediately so that commuters and drivers alike can benefit from a transparent regulated system Balasubramanian added IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/chennais-single-ticketing-app-ready-but-no-autorickshaw-fare-revision-stalls-roll-out-638737.html Tue, 16 Sep 2025 10:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/working-women-in-rural-bengal-earn-better-than-urban-counterparts-report-638771.html Kolkata Sep 16 The average daily income of working women in rural areas of West Bengal is higher than that of their counterparts in urban and metro areas according to the latest statistics released by the Centre According to the said report christened Women and Men in India 2024 Selected Indicators and Data used by the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation as on June 2024 the latest period statistics available on this count the average daily income per woman in rural West Bengal stands at Rs 320 which is marginally higher than Rs 272 as on September 2023According to the report prepared with inputs from the state finance department as of June 2024 the average daily income per woman in the metro and urban areas of West Bengal is Rs 316 And the average daily income per woman in the metro and urban pockets of the state was comparatively higher at Rs 324 as of September 2023In both rural and urban pockets the Left Frontruled state of Kerala is at the top of the list in terms of the average daily income of the working womenIn the case of Kerala the amount earned by rural working women is Rs 454 and in urban and metro areas it is Rs 505Economic observers feel that this phenomenon of rural working women enjoying marginally higher average daily income than their counterparts in urban and metro pockets is an indication of how lower rates of wages even in organised sectors in urban and metro West Bengal are encouraging workers migration from the state including women to other states for much higher daily wagesThe economists feel that the phenomenon of the rural working women in West Bengal enjoying an average daily income higher than their counterparts in urban and metro pockets in the state is a strange phenomenon considering that the picture is generally opposite since the avenues of employment generation in urban and metro pockets are much higher than in rural pocketsIn rural pockets the scope of employment for women is generally limited to specific areas like farming animal husbandry and to an extent rural handicrafts among others But in urban and more specially metro pockets the avenues of employment generation are far too many namely security personnel in business establishments like hotels shopping malls multiplexes big hospitals and other merchant establishments health workers in big hospitals selective factories where skills specialised by women are necessary and most importantly the traditional employment of working as domestic helpers among others acclaimed economist P MukhopadhyayHe added These days several women are even engaged in unconventional employment like appcab drivers and product delivery among others But still with so many avenues of employment generation when the average daily income for women in urban and metro pockets is so low it does not cut a rosy picture of the economic health of the state and more especially on daily wage rates in urban and metro pocketsTeacher of economics Diganta Basu feels that precisely because of this low daily wage structure the rate of workers including women workers migrating from West Bengal to other states for better livelihood is so highImagine the average daily wage earned by a woman worker in urban and metro areas in West Bengal is just Rs 316 as against the figure of Rs 505 enjoyed by their counterparts in Kerala So it is quite natural that any worker in West Bengal men or women and skilled or unskilled will opt for other states like Kerala than their own native state he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/working-women-in-rural-bengal-earn-better-than-urban-counterparts-report-638771.html Tue, 16 Sep 2025 13:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/student-suicides-in-kerala-surge-by-50-pc-in-a-decade-638819.html Thiruvananthapuram Sep 16 Student suicides in Kerala have increased by nearly 50 per cent over the past decade raising fresh alarm over the mental health of schoolchildren Data presented in the State Assembly show that Kerala reported 39962 suicides between January 2021 and March 2025 The toll climbed steadily from 6227 in 2021 to 10994 in 2023Though not all of these deaths involved students the trend reflects a nationwide crisis NCRB figures reveal that 13044 students died by suicide across India in 2022 almost unchanged from the previous yearIn Kerala certain districts are particularly affected Kozhikode alone recorded 53 student suicides in the 202223 academic year Psychologists stress that many of these tragedies could have been averted with timely counseling and effective schoolbased supportThe case of 14yearold Ashirnanda a Class IX student from Sreekrishnapuram in Palakkad highlights the human toll behind the statistics Reportedly ridiculed repeatedly by teachers she took her life at home leaving behind unfinished drawings and a fresh school record book Her parents Prashanth and Sajitha continue to seek justiceShe was a bright child with dreams But the humiliation she suffered broke her spirit her father saidIn response to the crisis the Kerala government has announced a programme to train 3000 teachers as mental health counselors enabling schools to provide frontline support Education Minister V Sivankutty said the initiative aims to help teachers identify early signs of distress offer basic counseling and connect students to professional services when necessaryExperts link the rise to mounting academic and social pressures fragile family environments and the inability to address the evolving psychological needs of young peopleHowever experts caution that most schools still lack professional counselors and existing programmes are hampered by weak coordination and poor referral systemsChild rights activists also stress the need for accountability in cases of harassment Justice for victims like Ashirnanda is essential but equally important is building safeguards so no child feels abandoned or humiliated said one activist IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/student-suicides-in-kerala-surge-by-50-pc-in-a-decade-638819.html Tue, 16 Sep 2025 16:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/telangana-student-who-lost-both-legs-after-being-pushed-off-train-get-prosthetic-limbs-638833.html Hyderabad Sep 16 A student who lost both his legs after being pushed off a running train by miscreants in Rajasthan last year on Tuesday met Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and thanked him for providing artificial limbs Gundeti Rahul along with his family met the Chief Minister and expressed heartfelt gratitudeRahul a native of Pulakurthi village of Warangal District was travelling by train to Kota Rajasthan to prepare for the IIT entrance examination on November 2 2024 when he was pushed off the train by a group of miscreants resulting in the amputation of both legsThrough the Chief Ministers Relief Fund the government extended support for his treatment and assisted in providing artificial limbs to help him walk again Rahul deeply moved by the assistance conveyed his thanks to the Chief MinisterThe government had sanctioned Rs 10 lakh for his treatment Rahul has been fitted with stateoftheart artificial limbs at Nizams Institute of Medical Sciences NIMS Hyderabad enabling him to walk againMeanwhile at another programme the Chief Minister along with State ministers Ponnam Prabhakar and Adluri Laxman distributed musical instruments to visually impaired studentsUnder the supervision of the Karimnagar District Welfare Department special training in music has been provided to visually impaired students by the district administration On this occasion the students sang songs in the presence of the Chief MinisterA CD containing the songs sung by the students was formally released by CM Revanth Reddy and ministers The Chief Minister also appreciated the efforts of Karimnagar District Collector Pamela Satpathy for initiating and implementing this unique program for the empowerment of visually impaired studentsMP Anil Kumar Yadav and Greater Hyderabad Mayor Gadwal Vijayalaxmi were also presentMeanwhile delegates from Telangana who participated in the 7th All India Prison Duty Meet2025 paid a courtesy call on the Chief MinisterThe Chief Minister congratulated the medal winners of the 7th All India Prison Duty Meet2025 In the competitions held with teams from various states across the country Telangana secured 28 medals 21 Gold 4 Silver and 3 Bronze out of a total of 133 medals IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/telangana-student-who-lost-both-legs-after-being-pushed-off-train-get-prosthetic-limbs-638833.html Tue, 16 Sep 2025 17:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/dengue-cases-rise-in-tns-krishnagiri-govt-steps-up-preventive-measures-638565.html Chennai Sep 15 An increase in dengue cases across Krishnagiri district in Tamil Nadu has prompted intensified antidengue operations with health officials deploying largescale preventive measures to curb the spread District Health Officer Dr G Ramesh Kumar said that 48 cases were reported in August while 27 fresh cases were confirmed in the first two weeks of September Last month we recorded only one or two cases a week Now more than five cases are emerging weekly Eight cases have been reported from Shoolagiri five from Hosur City Municipal Corporation and four from Hosur town he noted To check mosquito breeding 30 Domestic Breeding Checking DBC workers have been appointed in each of the districts ten blocks They are conducting daily fogging operations and overseeing water tank chlorination Fever camps are also being held across hotspot areas while companies and educational institutions are being cleared of abandoned materials that serve as breeding grounds Dr Ramesh Kumar said 16 hotspot zones have been identified based on test results and targeted measures such as fogging medical screening and awareness campaigns are being carried out for three consecutive days in affected localities Daily mobile medical units are active at 40 places and 4050 fever camps are conducted every day based on reported cases People are advised to drink boiled water avoid selfmedication and consult government health centres immediately if they develop fever he added Blood samples are being collected to test for dengue leptospirosis scrub typhus hepatitis A and typhoid The official pointed out that last year 173 dengue cases were reported in August and 133 in September with the annual total touching 707 This year 330 cases have been recorded so far including 48 in August and 27 in September until the second week he said Explaining local trends Dr Ramesh Kumar said that Hosur Shoolagiri and Rayakottai usually report higher numbers since many residents commute regularly to Bengaluru for work and trade However because dengue incidence has declined in Bengaluru this year cases in these blocks are also comparatively fewer he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/dengue-cases-rise-in-tns-krishnagiri-govt-steps-up-preventive-measures-638565.html Mon, 15 Sep 2025 09:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/teenager-injured-in-landmine-blast-in-jampks-anantnag-succumbs-to-injuries-in-srinagar-hospital-638566.html Srinagar Sep 15 A teenager injured in a landmine explosion in Jammu and Kashmirs Anantnag district succumbed to critical injuries on Monday at the Army hospital in Srinagar Officials said that a teenager was injured on Sunday in a landmine explosion near the fencing of the Armys Khundroo camp in Anantnag districtHe was immediately shifted to the Government Medical College GMC hospital in Anantnag town from where he was shifted to the Armys 92 base hospital in Srinagar The teenager succumbed to injuries in the base hospital today He had crossed into the fenced area of the Armys Khundroo camp when he stepped on a landmine that exploded officials saidThe boy has been identified as Shahid Ahmad son of Mohammad Yusuf of Larnoo village in Anantnag districtThe Armys 21 field ammunition depot FAD is located in the Khundroo area of Anantnag district This is one of the biggest ammunition depots in the ValleyAccidents have occurred in this depot in the past as well On August 11 2007 more than 20 labourers were killed and several were injured in a fire which broke out after an accidental blast inside the depotOn October 19 2011 a labourer was critically injured when he stepped over a landmine near the fence of the depot while cleaning the lawnA labourer was killed on March 14 2015 and two others were injured when a shell went off accidentally inside the depotThere have been several other instances of live shells exploding around the villages surrounding the depot resulting in fatalitiesOn March 1 2018 two minors were injured when a live shell they were fiddling with exploded in RakhiBrah Ranipora in the Shangus areaOn June 7 2015 a live shell inside the dead stock went off during transshipping in a load carrier in Roonipora village of Shangus killing a labourer and injuring three others including two womenThe Army has been regularly carrying out the exercise of defusing the leftover ammunition in the Rakhi Brah area in a field surrounded by mountains and later the scrap collectors collect the remains IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/teenager-injured-in-landmine-blast-in-jampks-anantnag-succumbs-to-injuries-in-srinagar-hospital-638566.html Mon, 15 Sep 2025 09:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/stricter-helmet-checks-save-hundreds-on-tamil-nadu-roads-638589.html Chennai Sep 15 A tough police enforcement of helmet rules backed by statewide awareness drives has paid off in Tamil Nadu bringing a sharp drop in road deaths during the first half of 2025 Data shows helmetless riding fatalities have fallen by almost 40 per cent even as overall accidents inched up slightlyAccording to figures from the State Crime Records Bureau SCRB overall road accidents in the state rose marginally by 187 per cent from 33974 cases up to June 2024 to 34611 cases in the corresponding period this yearHowever fatalities fell by 1164 per cent with 8652 deaths reported in the first six months of 2025 compared to 9792 last yearThe improvement is most visible among twowheeler users Till June Tamil Nadu recorded 15552 twowheeler accidents up from 15093 in the same period of 2024Despite this increase fatalities dropped sharply to 3725 from 4310 underscoring the impact of helmet complianceData from the Health Systems Project and SCRB shows that deaths caused by nonwearing of helmets fell to 803 in the first half of 2025 down from 1297 during the same period last year a decline of nearly 38 per centIn early 2024 one in three twowheeler deaths was linked to riders without helmets By June 2025 the share had dropped to one in five 2156 per cent The monthly trend indicates significant gains helmetless fatalities reduced from 211 in January and 224 in February to 96 in March 77 in April 94 in May and 101 in JuneA districtwise breakdown shows Coimbatore leading with 50 helmetless deaths followed by Chengalpattu 42 Salem 36 Tiruvannamalai 34 and Krishnagiri 33 Chennai reported 21 such deaths in the same periodOfficials credit the fall to strict helmet enforcement regular awareness campaigns and police vigilance across the stateTwowheelers made up 4493 per cent of all road accidents this year but their share in fatalities was slightly lower at 4305 per centSafety experts emphasise that the progress must be sustained through consistent checks and public cooperation The numbers prove that enforcement works one official noted adding that longterm behavioural change will be the key to making Tamil Nadus roads significantly safer IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/stricter-helmet-checks-save-hundreds-on-tamil-nadu-roads-638589.html Mon, 15 Sep 2025 11:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/over-two-crore-enrol-in-gujarat-under-pradhan-mantri-suraksha-bima-yojana-638652.html Gandhinagar Sep 15 Gujarat has recorded a milestone under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana PMSBY with more than 201 crore beneficiaries enrolled as of August 27 The achievement comes under the state governments ongoing Jan Suraksha Santrupti Abhiyan led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel as shared by officials on Monday The scheme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers accident insurance coverage of up to Rs 2 lakh at a nominal premium of just Rs 20 per yearIt covers accidental death and disability for individuals aged between 18 and 70 years with the aim of providing financial security to lowincome families and workers in the unorganised sector In Gujarat the campaign has been rolled out across 14610 village panchayats and urban local bodies ensuring that even citizens in remote areas can access the schemeVillage Computer Entrepreneurs VCEs have been tasked with assisting households in opening bank accounts completing KYC registering nominees and spreading awareness on digital fraud prevention and unclaimed depositsThe PMSBY is part of a wider basket of social security measures which also include the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana PMJDY Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana PMJJBY and the Atal Pension Yojana APY Together these schemes aim to strengthen financial inclusion and provide a safety net to workers and citizens at the marginsThe Jan Suraksha Santrupti Abhiyan a nationwide campaign running from July 1 to September 30 was launched in Gujarat from Pundhra village in Gandhinagar districtThe statelevel inauguration was done virtually by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in the presence of Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai Beneficiaries need to hold a savings bank account and fall within the eligible age bracket Under PMSBY accidental death or total permanent disability is insured for Rs two lakh while partial permanent disability is covered up to Rs one lakhFor further details citizens can visit jansurakshagovinPMJJBY contact the helpline 1800110001 or approach their nearest bank branch banking correspondent or use mobile banking platformsState officials have urged all eligible citizens to take advantage of the scheme noting that it plays a crucial role in advancing Prime Minister Modis vision of a Viksit Bharat by extending financial and social security to every household IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/over-two-crore-enrol-in-gujarat-under-pradhan-mantri-suraksha-bima-yojana-638652.html Mon, 15 Sep 2025 15:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/bsf-organises-medical-camps-in-flood-affected-areas-of-jammu-638483.html New Delhi Sep 14 After floods in several districts of Jammu led to widespread havoc the Border Security Force BSF undertook an initiative to provide medical care to the affected people The BSF on Sunday organised a mobile medical relief camp at village Kasblari Mankot District Poonch to provide medical aid to rainaffected residents of Kasblari and adjoining areasAccording to the officials BSF doctors and paramedics carried out health checkups of 130 villagers and distributed essential medicines during the campAs part of the ongoing efforts another medical camp will be organised on September 16 in the border area of Samba district in collaboration with about 15 leading specialist doctors from JammuThis initiative aims to provide advanced healthcare support to the border populationNotably on September 13 BSF organised a medical camp in the floodaffected village of Hamirpur Kona Pragwal Jammu to provide relief to the affected citizensBSF doctors and paramedical staff examined the health of 117 patients and provided them with necessary medicinesOn the same day it also organised a veterinary medical camp in the floodaffected village Basaubarwan Tehsil and District Pathankot BSF Veterinary Doctors and Nursing Assistants examined 117 domesticated animals from Basaubarwan and nearby villages and provided essential medicinesOn Sept 2025 11 BSF organised a Veterinary Camp at Village Maharajpur Tehsil Marheen Distt Kathua as part of relief measures for floodaffected peopleBSF veterinary doctors and veterinary nursing assistants along with doctors from Vet Hospital Block Marheen and Vet Dispensary Korrepunu examined 132 domesticated animals from nearby villages and provided medicines to their ownersEarlier in the week BSF in collaboration with AIIMS Bathinda conducted a medical camp for 14 floodaffected villages of PunjabThese initiatives reflect BSFs commitment to stand by the people in times of need extending care not only to communities but also to their livestock which are their livelihood said the force in a communique IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/bsf-organises-medical-camps-in-flood-affected-areas-of-jammu-638483.html Sun, 14 Sep 2025 16:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/chandrababu-naidu-congratulates-grandson-on-receiving-chess-award-638539.html Amaravati Sep 14 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and his wife Nara Bhuvaneswari on Sunday congratulated their grandson Nara Devaansh on receiving the World Book of Records Award 2025 for the Fastest Checkmate Solver 175 Puzzles Tenyearold Devaansh on Saturday received the award at the World Book of Records Awards 2025 ceremony held at Westminster Hall LondonDevaansh last year had solved 175 progressively challenging checkmate puzzles taken from the renowned compilation 5334 problems combinations and games by Laszlo Polgar at the Checkmate MarathonCongratulations to our Devaansh on receiving the World Book of Records Award 2025 at Westminster Hall London We are proud of his recordsetting achievement as the Fastest Checkmate Solver at 175 puzzles after months of perseverance and the guidance of his mentors Good going champ Naidu posted on XMy blessings and love to my dear grandson Devaansh on receiving the World Book of Records honour at Westminster Hall London At just 10 your talent discipline amp dedication to chess have brought immense pride to our family May you continue to shine brightly and achieve many more milestones wrote BhuvaneswariDevaanshs father and Andhra Pradesh HRD Minister Nara Lokesh and mother Nara Brahmani also took to X to congratulate himMy little champion youve made us proud yet again Im truly impressed by your dedication and commitment in setting the world record for fastest checkmate solver This recognition is a reward for your hard work and Im happy to be here with you on your special occasion posted LokeshSo proud of you Devaansh At just 10 your dedication focus amp love for chess have earned you the World Book of Records honour at Westminster Hall London Your hard work shines through every move you make This is just the beginning keep dreaming big my champ wrote BrahmaniThe World Book of Records rewarded the child prodigy on Saturday for this feat placing him among the finest young talents on the global stage in the chess world His achievement is the result of months of focused preparation supported by his parents and guided by his coach K Rajashekar ReddyAccording to a statement these puzzles get more and more difficult as they go on testing speed accuracy and thinking skills and he was able to solve all of them within a tight timeframeIts truly a special occasion to see Devaansh receive this honour at Westminster Hall today His ability to think ahead stay calm under pressure and devote himself so wholeheartedly to the game at just ten years old makes this achievement even more special As his father I have witnessed the countless hours he has spent practising with dedication This recognition is a true reward for his hard work We are very proud of him said LokeshDevaansh had also set two additional world records earlier in the chess domain completing the 7disc Tower of Hanoi in just 1 minute 43 seconds and arranging 9 chess boards with all 32 pieces correctly in 5 minutes IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/chandrababu-naidu-congratulates-grandson-on-receiving-chess-award-638539.html Sun, 14 Sep 2025 21:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/bihar-vaishalis-ashok-paswan-and-nirshi-devi-thank-govt-for-pucca-houses-under-pmay--638543.html Patna Sep 14 The Central government is running many public welfare schemes to bring economically backward people into the mainstream One of these is the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana PMAY This scheme is proving to be a boon for those who dont have a house of their own and are longing for a pucca house PMAY has brought a drastic change in the lives of lakhs of people across the country In Bihars Vaishali district two people Ashok Paswan and Nirshi Devi shared with IANS their experience of difficult times when staying in kuccha house and the ease of living after shifting to pucca houseAshok Paswan a PMAY beneficiary of Dilawarpur Govardhan Panchayat of Bidupur Vaishali said that earlier the house was a hut due to which there were more problems and children suffered difficult times in studyingNow we have got the benefits of PMAY There is no problem Earlier water used to drip from the hut during the rainy season Getting a house under the Awas Yojana helped us get rid of this problem he saidNirshi Devi another PMAY beneficiary said that earlier there were many problems due to having a kutcha houseWe had to face difficulties in every season Due to the hut water used to drip during the rainy season and there was always a fear of the hut collapsing during a storm After getting the benefits of PMAY my house was made permanent Now our problems are over I am very grateful to PM Modi for this she saidNotably the story is not just of Ashok Paswan and Nirshi DeviHundreds and thousands of poor families are getting their own pucca houses built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana These houses are given to those people who dont have a house of their own IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/bihar-vaishalis-ashok-paswan-and-nirshi-devi-thank-govt-for-pucca-houses-under-pmay--638543.html Sun, 14 Sep 2025 21:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/gst-reforms-have-reduced-tax-burden-on-people-nirmala-sitharaman-638449.html Chennai Sep 14 Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said that the Goods and Services Tax GST reforms have reduced the tax burden on people Addressing the Joint Conclave of Trade and Industries Association Tax Reforms for Rising Bharat in Chennai she explained that the fourtier GST structure has now been simplified to just two slabsEarlier GST had four categories Now we have simplified it into two slabs 5 per cent and 18 per cent Items that were taxed at 12 per cent and 18 per cent have largely been moved to the lower 5 per cent bracket For certain essentials tax has been reduced to zero This reform will significantly benefit all 14 billion Indians FM Sitharaman saidThe changes the biggest overhaul since GST was introduced in 2017 will see the current 5 per cent 12 per cent 18 per cent and 28 per cent structure replaced with just two rates 5 per cent and 18 per centAdditionally a special 40 per cent tax bracket has been introduced for goods considered harmful or excessively luxurious including cigarettes tobacco pan masala soft drinks and highend luxury carsPrime Minister Narendra Modi had hinted at the shift during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort underlining the governments intent to ease the common mans burden before the festive seasonThe revised rates will come into effect on September 22 just ahead of DiwaliGovernment officials pointed out that the timing of the announcement was deliberate keeping in mind the major festivals across regionsWhile Diwali drives consumer demand for clothing and household goods in the south Navratri and Durga Puja boost purchases in the north The GST Council with representatives from all states and Union Territories unanimously approved the reformThe Centre expects the simplified structure to immediately bring down prices of essential goods spur consumption and boost economic activityCalling it a collective achievement she said This is not just a tax cut it is a victory for every citizen IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/gst-reforms-have-reduced-tax-burden-on-people-nirmala-sitharaman-638449.html Sun, 14 Sep 2025 13:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/hyderabad-man-kills-ailing-son-throws-body-in-musi-river-638453.html Hyderabad Sep 14 In a shocking incident a man killed his threeyearold son and dumped his body in the Musi River here The incident took place in the Bandlaguda area of Chandrayangutta on Friday night but came to light late Saturday after the father confessed to the crime when grilled by policePolice with the help of HYDRAA and Disaster Response Force DRF were searching for the body in the Musi River on SundayAccording to police Mohammed Akbar 35 a vegetable seller confessed to killing his younger son Mohammed Anas and throwing the body into the river from Nayapul bridgeThe child was reportedly ill and there used to be frequent fights over this between Akbar and his wife Sana BegumOn Friday night when Sana Begum who works as a caretaker at a hospital left for her duty Akbar strangled Anas to death by using a pillow He then wrapped the body in a bag carried it on the bike and dumped it into the river from NayapulAkbar later lodged a complaint with the police that his son had gone missing He told police that his relatives who had taken Anas to their home called him saying they dropped him near the house but he was not seenPolice grew suspicious after they checked Akbars mobile phone as he had not received any calls They also scanned the footage from the CCTV cameras near his house and saw him leaving the house early in the morning with a bag When grilled by the police Akbar confessed to the crimePolice registered a case and arrested Akbar Though police started searching the childs body in the Musi River on Saturday evening it was not found The search resumed on Sunday morningThe HYDRAA and DRF personnel were continuing their efforts Officials believe that the body might have washed away as there is a good flow of water following the release of flood water from the twin reservoirs IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/hyderabad-man-kills-ailing-son-throws-body-in-musi-river-638453.html Sun, 14 Sep 2025 14:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/bro-restores-critical-connectivity-axis-in-jampks-kathua-638458.html Jammu Sep 14 The Project Sampark of the Border Roads Organisation BRO has restored the critical MahanpurTheyn axis connectivity which was recently washed away by a cloudburstlandslide in Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua district A defence ministry statement said on Sunday Following the devastating cloudburst on August 17 2025 in the Kathua district a major disruption occurred on the Pedu Nala along the MahanpurTheyn axis resulting in the washing away of an existing bridge and an underconstruction bridge This unprecedented event was caused by heavy landslides and landslips triggered by incessant rainfall completely blocking the vital route between Ranjit Sagar Dam and Mahanpur for all types of trafficIt said the aftermath presented formidable challenges including massive debris accumulation damaged bridge components strewn across the site ongoing inclement weather and the isolation of the location due to simultaneous blockages on alternate access roadsDespite these severe conditions 69 Road Construction Company RCC of Project Sampark BRO under the command of SK Singh Commander of the 35 Border Roads Task Force BRTF based in Udhampur launched a deliberate methodical and highintensity restoration operation The Project Sampark team led onsite by Assistant Engineer Surendran worked roundtheclock to clear access to the site by mobilising excavators and heavy machinery remove landslide debris channelise the diverted water flow construct box culverts install humepipes and build gabion walls to stabilise the area and restore the roadway the defence ministry saidTheir tireless efforts culminated in the restoration of the breached road section for heavy vehicular traffic by the evening of September 13 successfully reestablishing connectivity between Bilawar Kathua and Dhar a vital route for local civilians and administration alikeChief Engineer Project Sampark expressed his heartfelt appreciation and commendation for the professionalism dedication and resilience demonstrated by Team 69 RCC especially under such adverse weather and geographical conditions The rapid response not only underscores BROs operational excellence but also its unwavering commitment to nationbuilding and infrastructure resilience in border and remote areas the statement mentioned IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/bro-restores-critical-connectivity-axis-in-jampks-kathua-638458.html Sun, 14 Sep 2025 14:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/scholars-students-hail-gyan-bharatam-portal-as-historic-step-in-preserving-ancient-knowledge-638155.html New Delhi Sep 12 The launch of the Gyan Bharatam Portal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been hailed as a landmark achievement in preserving and promoting Indias vast manuscript heritage The portal aims to digitally catalogue preserve and share Indias priceless ancient knowledge contained in millions of manuscripts many of which have been scattered across the world Experts students and scholars from across India and neighbouring countries have expressed their excitement and appreciation for this historic initiative which they believe will elevate Indias intellectual heritage to a global platformDr Puneet Gupta a renowned manuscript expert described the portal as a huge internationallevel boost for Indias manuscript heritage He emphasised that India holds over a crore manuscripts whose knowledge streams have influenced civilisations worldwide over thousands of yearsDr Gupta said This digital link and the eight expert committees formed by the Prime Minister will ensure these manuscripts are not only preserved but interpreted and presented as global heritageStudent Akshat Bundela called the portal a very big global achievementHe highlighted the use of AI in digitising manuscripts and said the initiative is a strong foundation towards building a developed India by 2047This portal also empowers youth leadership and the governments effort to bring back manuscripts sent abroad is commendable he addedDivya from Indian Institute of Heritage pointed out the importance of digitization for researchersShe said Many manuscripts have remained in private hands inaccessible to the public This portal will provide us access to invaluable knowledge She also admired the Prime Ministers deep understanding of manuscripts and his charismatic presence at the launch eventDr Surendra Kumar Sharma coordinator from Rajasthan lauded the Prime Minister for revitalising Indias global traditions through this portalFor centuries this knowledge was confined to museums and collections Now through this portal it will reach every household he said Dr Sharma stressed the urgent need for thorough data collection and urged community institutions to collaborate with the government for publishing and disseminating this knowledgeNeeraj Dahal Assistant Professor at Nepal Sanskrit University appreciated Indias responsibility towards preserving Sanskrit knowledgeThis initiative integrates various ongoing efforts across states making it easier for researchers to access manuscripts he said He viewed the portal as a vital step toward unified preservation and study of manuscriptsHimachal Pradesh student Kunal Bhardwaj found inspiration in the Prime Ministers addressWe learned a lot and felt motivated Bringing manuscripts back to India and conserving them is crucial for future generations This mission will help discover new knowledge and benefit the world he sharedRajasthans Jitendra Meghwal remarked on the portals work regarding manuscript museums their digitization and study methods He appreciated the Prime Ministers passion for manuscripts and his efforts to repatriate Indian manuscripts from abroad This was the first time I saw the Prime Minister up close His interest in manuscripts is truly impressive he addedMarkandeya Tiwari from Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University Delhi called the governments plan extensive and promising He believes the portal will restore Indias status as the worlds guru by conserving and promoting ancient manuscriptsThe exhibition showcased many previously unknown manuscripts highlighting the importance of their preservation he saidPhD scholar Prachi reflected on the cultural depth revealed by the Prime Ministers speech He reminded us that to understand India one must understand its culture and manuscripts which are the source of our ancient knowledge We are on the path to reclaiming our position as a global knowledge leader she said expressing gratitude to the Prime MinisterPankaj Kumar Sharma of Koba Gyan Mandir explained the importance of consolidating manuscripts onto a single platform Each manuscript contains hundreds of texts Currently there is no complete cataloguing system Once this is done it will be much easier for Indians and the world to access this knowledge he noted He also praised the Prime Ministers visit to Mongolia to study their manuscript preservation effortsDr Uttam Singh from Agartala described the Gyan Bharatam portal as a great opportunity for scholars and youth to access and research ancient scriptures that remained unpublished for centuries This will immensely benefit researchers and bring forgotten knowledge to light he saidResearch scholar Shivani shared her experience of seeing Prime Minister Modi for the first time in person She recalled how the Prime Minister mentioned the Mongolian manuscripts and their connection to Indian epics like the Ramayana His knowledge of manuscript technology especially at centres like Nalanda and Mysore is impressive she remarkedOther voices like Ganesh Ashish Kankariya from Pune and Hemant a PhD student from Rajasthan University echoed similar sentiments appreciating the portals potential to unlock Indias ancient knowledge treasure IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/scholars-students-hail-gyan-bharatam-portal-as-historic-step-in-preserving-ancient-knowledge-638155.html Sat, 13 Sep 2025 00:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/tn-govts-vetri-nichayam-scheme-to-equip-youth-with-industry-focused-skills-jobs-637802.html Chennai Sep 11 The Tamil Nadu governments newly rolled out Vetri Nichayam Scheme through the TN Skill Development Corporation TNSDC is aimed at equipping unemployed youth with industryoriented skills and facilitating direct employment opportunities The programme is aimed at building a futureready workforce that can meet the demands of rapidly expanding sectorsOpen to individuals between 18 and 35 years of age the initiative covers a wide base of candidates including graduates diploma holders ITIcertified individuals and school dropoutsOfficials said the scheme is designed as part of the states broader mission to bridge the gap between education and industry while ensuring sustainable livelihoodsFor implementation TNSDC has partnered with a diverse set of professional training providers These include foreign language trainers technology experts overseas placement agencies sector skill councils factories and organisations working with persons with disabilitiesTraining partners will be assigned districts where they are expected to set up infrastructure mobilise candidates and deliver programmesPerformance will be measured mainly by placement success ensuring accountability in executionAs part of the Naan Mudhalvan Finishing School framework Vetri Nichayam offers more than 25 industryfocused courses These include 5G Communication Technology Internet of Things IoT Assistant Artificial Intelligence Assistant Junior Data Analyst Cloud Computing Web and Mobile App Development and Python DevelopmentCourses also extend to Cyber Security Digital Marketing Computer Hardware and Networking Customer Relationship Management and Data Science basicsOfficials noted that the curriculum will be standardised with certified trainers and employerdriven pedagogy Industry linkages form a crucial component of the programme with training partners expected to collaborate with placement agencies and sectoral employers This ensures participants receive opportunities for meaningful and longterm employmentTo provide visibility the state has planned extensive branding and outreach Publicity materials will be displayed at collectorates employment exchanges corporation commissioner offices central bus stands district libraries and industry centresIn Chennai the Island Grounds have been chosen for promotions while the Thamukkam Grounds will serve the purpose in MaduraiOfficials said the scheme underscores the governments commitment to empowering young people enhancing their employability and aligning skill development with the requirements of a modern economy IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/tn-govts-vetri-nichayam-scheme-to-equip-youth-with-industry-focused-skills-jobs-637802.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/as-flood-waters-start-receding-in-punjab-charities-focus-more-on-long-term-rehabilitation-637831.html Chandigarh Sep 11 As water from most of the marooned villages in Punjab has started receding and the communities impacted by catastrophic floods are provided with relief material to support daily living what they need now is longterm rehabilitation besides medical care to prevent health issues Field reports indicate a notable spike in the transmission of water and vectorborne diseases such as typhoid cholera and malaria among othersAlso there is a rise in snakebite cases Carcasses of hundreds of animals including buffalo and hens are now piled up in the villages farms posing outbreaks of disease and economic damageNumerous nonprofit organisations have been advocating good hygienic practices and safe food preparation techniques by educating communities largely rural not to use flood water to wash dishes brush teeth or wash and prepare foodThe sudden water releases from major dams Bhakra Pong and Ranjit Sagar after days of heavy rain in hilly areas resulted in flooding in the Sutlej Beas and Ravi rivers downstream breaching canals embankments and ruining matured paddy saplingsIt is the worst flood in four decades which claimed 53 lives and destroyed crops sown over 191 lakh hectares with 2185 affected villages in 22 districts and displaced 388466 peopleAccording to the government bulletin on Wednesday 91 more people were rescued taking the total number of evacuees to 23297At present 115 relief camps are operational across the state accommodating 4533 people Still farmers are unable to reach their houses as the connecting roads have been destroyed leaving them in suspense about the fate of their animalsBritainbased charity organisation is on the ground It has joined hands with doctors of the Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences of Jalandhar to reach out to floodaffected areas with timely medical aidI had more than 20 buffalo and many hens in my farmhouse When I visited the shed days after the floods many of them died due to flood water or starvation said Nachattar Singh a distressed farmer in a village in FerozepurHe said most of the villages fled from their homes and have not come back as the mud is dangerousThe carcasses have begun to decompose he addedEnvironmentalist Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal who hogged the limelight after reviving the almost dead 160kmlong Kali Bein a rivulet sacred to the Sikhs has been on the ground in Sultanpur Lodhis Mand for nearly a monthWith water starting to recede he asked the sangat to voluntarily offer soil diesel tractortrailers sacks etc for the village rehabilitation projectsIn a video posted on his Facebook page on Thursday he was riding on a motorboat just above the submerged paddy fieldsWith the decline in waterlogging even the plying of boats is becoming difficult Punjab has 900 km of earthen embankments along the Sutlej Beas Ravi and Ghaggar rivers These include 226 km along the Sutlej 164 km along the Ravi 104 km along the Beas and nearly 100 km along the Ghaggar In addition there are about 300 km of temporary embankments around smaller rivers and streams These embankments were built in the 1950s and 60s but this years floods have broken all previous water recordsRajya Sabha member Sant Seechewal suggested that to strengthen these embankments permanent roads should be built on them and trees planted along the wayAccording to him the simplest way to prevent floods is to plant at least five trees in every field or at each tubewellPunjab has about 14 million tubewells and if five trees are planted at each it would increase to 7 million trees These trees would help reduce floods and also ensure timely rainfallWith the receding of floodwater Sakshi Sawhney Amritsars first woman Deputy Commissioner told IANS that now medical teams and ASHA workers are visiting doortodoor to deliver medicines to families and raise awareness about health measures like drinking clean water protecting against mosquitoes and maintaining personal hygieneTeams of global disaster relief charities have been working for those displaced by providing temporary shelters until their homes can be repairedThey have procured boats from Dubai to reach out to victims and are providing basic household amenities like bedding furniture sanitation facilities and cooking equipmentFinancial assistance and support programmes are also provided to help floodaffected people rebuild their livesObservers say the disaster has not changed Punjab in fact Punjab has changed the disasterPunjab has changed the way of dealing with the floods the observers saidVishal Gulati can be contacted at vishalgiansin IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/as-flood-waters-start-receding-in-punjab-charities-focus-more-on-long-term-rehabilitation-637831.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/prepare-plan-for-gurugram-faridabad-for-solid-waste-disposal-haryana-cm-tells-officials-637922.html Chandigarh Sep 11 IANS Directing to prepare action plan for Gurugram and Faridabad for solid waste disposal Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday chaired a highlevel meeting to review the progress of the cleanliness campaign programmenbspThe meeting discussed in detail strengthening sanitation arrangements in urban and rural areas modernising the solid waste management system and making the campaign a mass movement through public participationnbspUrban Local Bodies Minister Vipul Goel was also present at the meetingThe Chief Minister directed officials to prepare a comprehensive and detailed action plan especially for Gurugram and Faridabad so that a permanent solution to the problem of solid waste disposal in these districts can be ensurednbspHe said modern technology and scientific methods should be used to implement cleanliness efforts on the ground It was decided that wastetoenergy plants would be established in Faridabad Manesar and Gurugram through which the solid waste generated daily would be converted into energy for electricity productionThe work of establishing these plants will begin in the coming months and within the next 24 months these plants will become fully operationalnbspThese wastetoenergy plants will have many benefits Electricity will be produced directly from waste through these plants which will reduce dependence on traditional energy sources such as coal and petroleumnbspThe electricity generated will be added to the grid to meet the energy needs of cities This will increase Haryanas clean energy production capacity and the state will move forward in the direction of sustainable development The operation and maintenance of the plants will also create largescale employment and selfemployment opportunities at the local levelnbspThis initiative will make the state a leader in reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment In the future these plants will not only help Haryana achieve the goals of the cleanliness mission but also prove to be an inspiring model for other states https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/prepare-plan-for-gurugram-faridabad-for-solid-waste-disposal-haryana-cm-tells-officials-637922.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 19:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/drug-abuse-poses-huge-challenges-in-mizo-society-cm-lalduhoma-637719.html Aizawl Sep 10 Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma said on Wednesday that drug abuse has created immense challenges in society which necessitated the establishment of the shortstay drug deaddiction centre in the state During the visit to Hulhhliap Short Stay Centre the Chief Minister said that since the government alone could not set up such a drug deaddiction centre the Young Mizo Association YMA Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl MHIP and the Synod were entrusted to manage such centres under PublicPrivate Partnership PPP modeThe YMA and the MHIP are the two influential NGOs in Mizoram and doing all sorts of social activities and are active in youth and women empowermentLalduhoma a former IPS officer stressed that those struggling with drug addiction are in urgent need of support and those who can recover must be provided with proper guidance counselling and skill training opportunities to rebuild their lives In this regard the Hulhhliap Short Stay Centre has been carefully designed to address these needs in a holistic manner he saidAddressing the inmates the Chief Minister urged them to remain determined in their recovery journey assuring them that they can overcome their struggles and become important citizens for their community and state He added that the hardships they have faced are not unique and should not be taken as excuses for wrongdoing but as challenges to overcome with courage and resilienceLalduhoma was accompanied by Lalrinpuii Minister for the Social Welfare Department An official said that the Hulhhliap Short Stay Centre provides a structured 20day programme combining medical detoxification psychological counselling and spiritual renewal through camping organised by the Synod Revival Department This is followed by three months of close monitoring under the Referral Task Group to ensure continued progressFor those who are able to remain free from addiction the centre further equips them with skill training in trades such as food processing electrical works and aluminium fabrication enabling them to reintegrate into society with dignity and livelihood opportunities the official saidThe Hulhhliap Short Stay Centre was originally designed to accommodate 150 persons at a timeAccording to the official due to high demand the first batch admitted 256 persons the second batch 544 and the ongoing third batch 208 persons Each batch runs for 20 days 10 days of detoxification 5 days of psychological counselling and 5 days of camping organised by the Synod Revival Department So far 11 persons have completed training in Food Processing with practical sessions 28 are currently training as Electrical Technicians and 18 are in Aluminium FabricationA study of the first two batches revealed that 74 per cent of participants are now free from addiction The fourth batch is scheduled to begin this monthMeanwhile the Mizoram government on September 1 launched a fourmonthlong special campaign and antidrug operation to curb the illegal trade of drugs and their menaceMizorams Inspector General of Police IGP H Ramthlengliana said that the special campaign as well as intensive operation would continue till December 31The police various other lawenforcing agencies in collaboration with the YMA and village chiefs would undertake the campaign in all drugaffected localities villages and bordering areas of all 11 districts of Mizoram the IGP told IANS The IPS officer said that Mizoram is the first state among the eight Northeastern states to launch such a huge antidrug campaigncumoperation to eradicate the drugrelated menace in the stateA variety of drugs especially highly addictive methamphetamine tablets and heroin and different types of contraband including exotic animals are often illegally traded through six districts in Mizoram Champhai Siaha Lawngtlai Hnahthial Saitual and Serchhip which share unfenced borders of 510 km with Myanmar From Mizoram these drugs are ferried to other parts of the country and abroad including Bangladesh through Assam and TripuraMizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma earlier said that drug abuse remains the biggest threat to the state The Chief Minister had said that the state lies within close proximity to the Golden Triangle a region notorious for drug traffickingCalling for collective efforts to fight the menaces of both drug abuse smuggling of narcotics and spread of HIVAIDS Lalduhoma said that it is a struggle for both physical and spiritual wellbeing of all people The Mizoram government has started the recruitment process to form a Mizo Territorial Army battalion to deal with drug trafficking and other law and orderrelated issues IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/drug-abuse-poses-huge-challenges-in-mizo-society-cm-lalduhoma-637719.html Wed, 10 Sep 2025 20:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/5-years-of-pmmsy-bhudev-singhs-earnings-doubled-after-he-switched-to-fish-farming--637733.html New Delhi Sep 10 The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana PMMSY completed five years of operation on Wednesday It was on this day in 2020 that the ambitious scheme was launched to bring a turnaround in the lives of farmers and the rural population by equipping them with alternative and modern methods of farming PMMSY one of the flagship schemes of the Modi government has achieved considerable success in five years of operation and generated lakhs of employment opportunities in the fisheries sectorModi Story a popular social media handle on X shared the success story of Bhudev Singh a farmer from Uttarakhands Haridwar and how his life has seen a seachange after he made a switch from traditional farming to fish farming under the schemeBhudev Singh started fish farming after the Covid era by building a pond in his village He started the business with a subsidised loan of Rs 176 lakh and within a year he saw his income registering a steep rise a major shift as compared to traditional farmingToday he has doubled his earnings through modern farming and fish farming and his standard of living has also improved the X handle claimsIn the video shared by Modi Story Bhudev Singh also remembers the moment when he had a direct conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and how his encouragement proved to be a source of confidence and inspiration for himNotably the PMMSY was launched for focused and sustainable development of the fisheries sector in the country with an estimated investment of Rs 20050 crore for its implementation over a period of five years Out of the Rs 20050 crore investment under PMMSY an investment of about Rs 12340 crore was proposed for beneficiaryoriented activities in Marine Inland fisheries and Aquaculture while Rs 7710 crore investment was earmarked for Fisheries InfrastructureThe PMMSY sought to enhance fish production by an additional 70 lakh tonne increasing fisheries export earnings to Rs 100000 crore doubling of incomes of fishers and fish farmers reducing postharvest losses from 2025 per cent to about 10 per cent and generating an additional 55 lakh direct and indirect gainful employment opportunities in the fisheries sector and allied activities IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/5-years-of-pmmsy-bhudev-singhs-earnings-doubled-after-he-switched-to-fish-farming--637733.html Wed, 10 Sep 2025 21:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/army-flags-off-national-tour-for-tribal-students-of-assams-tinsukia-dist-637752.html Guwahati Sep 10 The Indian Army on Wednesday flagged off a National Integration Tour for tribal students from Assams Tinsukia district under its civic outreach programme Operation Sadbhavana officials said The initiative organised by the Red Shield Division under Spear Corps aims to expose students from remote areas of Upper Assam to the nations rich cultural heritage and modern institutions while fostering a spirit of unity and confidence According to officials the tour commenced on September 10 and will cover three major destinations The students will first travel to New Delhi where they are scheduled to meet the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan and visit several prominent heritage landmarks in the national capital The second leg of the tour will take them to Mumbai where they will board Indian Navy warships and explore cultural sites that showcase the citys diversity and vibrancy In the final leg the group will proceed to Ahilya Nagar to visit the Armoured Corps Centre and School ACCampS Here the students will witness the training of Agniveers learn about the functioning of battle tanks participate in interactive activities and even experience exhilarating tank rides At the flagoff ceremony Army officials interacted with both students and their parents The parents expressed happiness and gratitude calling it a onceinalifetime opportunity for their children The students brimming with enthusiasm shared their excitement about meeting the President and experiencing military life up close The National Integration Tour will not only broaden the horizons of these young minds but also instill pride in the countrys heritage and inspire them to grow into responsible citizens an Army official saidThe initiative under Operation Sadbhavana is part of the Armys sustained outreach to bridge distances between remote communities and mainstream India Officials said such exposure trips have consistently helped strengthen bonds between the armed forces and people in farflung regions of the Northeast IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/army-flags-off-national-tour-for-tribal-students-of-assams-tinsukia-dist-637752.html Wed, 10 Sep 2025 23:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/gujarat-assembly-passes-factories-amendment-bill-paves-way-for-women-to-work-night-shifts-637656.html Gandhinagar Sep 10 The Gujarat Assembly has passed the Factories Gujarat Amendment Bill 2025 allowing women workers to take up night shifts with their consent subject to safety and health safeguards Labour and Employment Minister Balvantsinh Rajput while presenting the Bill on Wednesday said the move ensures equality freedom of profession and economic rights for women workers while also giving them flexibility to manage work and family responsibilities With consentbased night duty women will be able to contribute to their household income and also have more time for family during the day he saidThe Bill introduces several key provisions aimed at balancing workplace flexibility with employee welfareWomen workers will now be allowed to work night shifts provided they give their consent and adequate safety measures are in place Daily work hours can be extended to 12 hours but the weekly limit will remain capped at 48 hoursTo safeguard worker health a mandatory halfhour break must be provided after six hours of continuous work Employees working four consecutive 12hour shifts will be entitled to two paid days off The Bill also permits overtime of up to 125 hours within a threemonth period subject to prior approval Importantly the state government retains the authority to determine the duration and applicability of these provisions and may revoke permissions if circumstances demandThe minister stressed that the reforms strike a balance between protecting workers welfare and facilitating industrial growth Gujarat he said continues to attract new industries and investments and flexible labour provisions will support roundtheclock production in sectors where continuous processes are criticalRajput also highlighted that the changes were made in line with constitutional principles of equality and in response to directions from the Gujarat High CourtThis Bill legally empowers women to work at night in safe conditions and on their own choice he noted adding that 16 specific safeguards for womens health and security will be mandatory for factories employing them in night shiftsHe further pointed out that industries such as semiconductors and microchip manufacturing where uninterrupted operations are crucial will particularly benefit The reforms protect labour welfare expand opportunities for women and strengthen Gujarats role in driving Indias selfreliance mission under Prime Minister Narendra Modi Rajput saidThe Bill amends six sections of the Factories Act 1948 relating to working hours overtime breaks and womens employment It was passed in the Assembly with an emphasis on boosting employment attracting new investments and creating a conducive industrial climate IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/gujarat-assembly-passes-factories-amendment-bill-paves-way-for-women-to-work-night-shifts-637656.html Wed, 10 Sep 2025 16:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/woman-from-maharashtras-beed-becomes-financially-empowered-through-pm-mudra-yojana-637250.html Beed Maharashtra Sep 9 The Central government continues to roll out several welfare schemes aimed at empowering the general public Among these is the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana which has notably benefitted the residents of Beed district in Maharashtra Bhagyashree Shailesh Munde a resident of Beed overcame financial hardship and launched her own business with support from the Pradhan Mantri Mudra YojanaFacing economic constraints and unable to pursue her entrepreneurial aspirations Bhagyashree came across advertisements for the Mudra loan and decided to applyWith the sanctioned amount she successfully established a Common Service CentreSpeaking to IANS Bhagyashree said she had long aspired to become selfreliant and start her own enterprise but lacked the financial meansThe Mudra scheme gave her the confidence to move forwardShe said that the loan not only improved her financial condition but also enabled her to support her familyShe expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for initiating the schemeA key feature of the Mudra Yojana is that it does not charge any processing feesLoans are made available through various banks and financial institutionsThe scheme primarily aims to promote small and mediumsized enterprises thereby strengthening the national economyLaunched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 8 2015 the Mudra Yojana offers loans under four categories Shishu up to Rs 50000 Kishore Rs 50001 to Rs 5 lakh Tarun Rs 500001 to Rs 10 lakh Tarun Plus up to Rs 20 lakhPradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana PMMY is a flagship scheme of the Central government The scheme facilitates micro creditloan up to Rs 20 lakh to income generating micro enterprises engaged in the nonfarm sector in manufacturing trading or service sectors including activities allied to agriculture such as poultry dairy beekeeping etcThe scheme provides financial assistance extended by Member Lending Institutions to the noncorporate nonfarm sector income generating activities of micro and small entitiesThese micro and small entities comprise of millions of proprietorshippartnership firms running as small manufacturing units service sector units shopkeepers fruitsvegetable vendors truck operators foodservice units repair shops machine operators small industries artisans food processors and others IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/woman-from-maharashtras-beed-becomes-financially-empowered-through-pm-mudra-yojana-637250.html Tue, 09 Sep 2025 00:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/maharashtra-pm-kusum-scheme-brings-prosperity-to-farmers-in-ahmednagar-637508.html Ahmednagar Maharashtra Sep 9 Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan PMKUSUM is transforming the lives of farmers in all states in India Its impact is clearly visible in Shingave village of Rahata tehsil in Maharashtras Ahmednagar district The scheme aims to provide affordable and sustainable energy for irrigation It has empowered farmers with solarpowered pumps So they are being helped to overcome longstanding challenges related to electricity supplyFor Dilip Sayaji Shejwal a farmer from Shingave village the PMKUSUM scheme has been a gamechanger He recalls the earlier struggles due to irregular power supply which made timely irrigation difficult and affected crop yieldsEarlier due to power cuts I couldnt water my crops on time But with the solar pump I received under the PMKUSUM scheme that problem is now gone I can irrigate my fields on time and this has led to better crop production said Dilip expressing gratitude for the governments initiative He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for thisAnother beneficiary Yogesh Vasantrao Wable also received a solar pump under the scheme He now irrigates his farmland without depending on grid electricity and has seen a notable reduction in input costsIrrigation through the solar pump has freed me from electricity outages and reduced my farming costs The savings have improved my income said Yogesh adding that the scheme has made farming more sustainable and less stressfulThe PMKUSUM scheme is designed to provide clean reliable and lowcost power to farmers for irrigation through solar energy reducing their dependency on diesel and erratic electricity supply As a result farmers are saving money on fuel and energy while achieving better productivityWith uninterrupted access to solarpowered irrigation farmers like Dilip and Yogesh are now able to plan their agricultural activities more efficiently ultimately leading to higher incomes and improved quality of lifeThe success of the PMKUSUM scheme in villages like Shingave reflects the broader transformation taking place in rural India where sustainable energy solutions are empowering farmers boosting agricultural output and contributing to environmental conservationAs the government continues to scale up the initiative more farmers across the country are expected to benefit marking a significant step towards energy security and economic empowerment in the agricultural sector IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/maharashtra-pm-kusum-scheme-brings-prosperity-to-farmers-in-ahmednagar-637508.html Tue, 09 Sep 2025 23:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/bro-restores-road-connectivity-in-rain-hit-mountainous-area-of-jampks-kathua-636929.html Jammu Sep 7 Project Sampark of the Border Roads Organisation BRO has restored the broken portion of the mountainous road in Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua district the defence PRO said here on Sunday Defence PRO Jammu said on X A portion of the road from Basohli to Bani had been washed out due to incessant rains leaving a yawning gap in the road at Tikri Morh 47 km from BasohliThe BRO constructed an entirely new formation that had to be cut to bypass the damaged stretch of the road This was undertaken in treacherous weather and difficult terrain with men and machines taking calculated risksThe link was restored establishing connectivity to Bhaderwah from Basohli Kudos to Mr Sankar Tayal OC 69 RCC of BRO and his team for accomplishing this difficult mission the X post addedRoads and highways in the union territory suffered massive damage due to incessant rainfall and subsequent floodingAt places the road was washed away by landslides and mudslides while at other places cloudbursts destroyed surface connectivity during the last fortnightNot only the road transport but the rail traffic was also thrown out of gear during this periodJammuSrinagar highway remained closed for many days as portions of this strategic highway were washed away The stretch of the road from Udhampur to Banihal town was damaged at many placesBRO has been deploying men and machinery to completely restore this highway that forms the supply lifeline for the landlocked ValleyAll essentials of life including food grains LPG other petroleum products vegetables poultry and mutton are brought into the Valley through this highwayShort or long closures of the JammuSrinagar highway trigger panic buying in the Valley and this is used by profiteers and black marketeers to hike the pricesIn addition to the JammuSrinagar highway the Mughal Road also remained closed for two days during the recent rainfall The Mughal Road connects the Poonch district of the Jammu division with the Shopian district of the Valley IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/bro-restores-road-connectivity-in-rain-hit-mountainous-area-of-jampks-kathua-636929.html Sun, 07 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/unlabelled-340-kg-meat-seized-in-jampks-srinagar-city-636955.html Srinagar Sep 7 The authorities on Sunday seized 340 kg of unlabelled meat being carried in an autorickshaw in Jammu and Kashmirs Srinagar city Officials said here that kilos of unlabelled meat had arrived at the Air Cargo terminal in SrinagarThe seizure of 340 kgs of unlabelled meat was made after the enforcement team of the deputy commissioner state sales tax department shared the information Acting swiftly on the information officials of the food safety department and police acting in coordination seized the consignment outside the Air Cargo terminal in Srinagar the officials said adding that the seized meat was found without any mandatory label or declaration officials saidFurther legal proceedings have been initiated and the matter is under investigation the officials addedThe authorities have reiterated that such checks will continue to ensure compliance with food safety and taxation normsIt must be recalled that a rotten meat scandal rocked Kashmir last month when hundreds of kgs of rotten meat and chicken were recovered by officials of the food safety department after raiding a number of storage facilities eateries and restaurantsThe scandal created so much anger and fear among the people that wild rumours floated about the origin of such huge consignments of rotten meat finding their way into the ValleyTwo days back officials of the food safety department raided a restaurant in Ganderbal town and recovered rotten meatReligious political and social leaders and activists have been voicing serious concern about such rotten meat especially in minced meat preparations that have been sold in large quantities before the scandal was unearthedIn their weekly sermons religious leaders including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq have expressed anger at such rotten meat having been sold in the ValleyMirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed shock at the fact that the owners of all such storage facilities eateries and restaurants where rotten meat was seized were owned by the locals IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/unlabelled-340-kg-meat-seized-in-jampks-srinagar-city-636955.html Sun, 07 Sep 2025 15:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/mob-killings-expose-pakistans-deepening-intolerance-towards-ahmadis-636959.html New Delhi Sep 7 The recent killing of a doctor in Sargodha and the lynching of a man outside an Ahmadi Mosque in Karachi have reignited concerns over Pakistans treatment of religious minorities especially the Ahmadis Several international human rights groups say these incidents are not isolated acts of violence but symptoms of an entrenched culture of intolerance enabled by state inactionSince Pakistans Constitution declared Ahmadis nonMuslim in 1974 the community has faced systematic discrimination and these discriminated and acts of violence against Ahmadis are justified on the name of religionLaws criminalising their religious practice have emboldened extremists leaving Ahmadis vulnerable to harassment prosecution and targeted attacks Analysts argue that the murders in Sargodha and Karachi are not aberrations but the logical consequence of decades of legalised exclusion and political appeasementGroups like TehreekeLabbaik Pakistan TLP have capitalised on this environment With street power and incendiary rhetoric defending blasphemy laws TLP has normalised vigilante violence said a report published by eurasiareviewIts rhetoric amplified on social media and legitimised by political concessions has normalised vigilante violence This normalisation not only corrodes domestic stability but also undermines Pakistans international standing it addedNotably the US Commission on International Religious Freedom USCIRF in its 2025 report again recommended Pakistans designation as a Country of Particular Concern Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have echoed these concerns urging Islamabad not only to condemn attacks but to prosecute both perpetrators and instigatorsAmnesty bluntly warned that failure to act perpetuates impunitySimilarly the United Nations for Human Rights has in the past expressed shock at the reports of increasing violence against vulnerable communities while referring to persistent attacks and discrimination against Ahmadis on grounds of their religion or beliefObservers note that Pakistans justice system remains compromised Police often stand aside during mob assaults while weak prosecutions ensure few convictions Survivors pursuing justice face intimidation deepening minority alienationCivil society and the press continue to document abuses but advocates say global silence risks complicityThe plight of Ahmadis is more than a domestic matter it is a test of Pakistans political maturity and international credibilityAs the recent killings underline indifference has a cost for minorities living in fear and for a state struggling to defend its reputation on the world stage while its masters in olive uniforms continue to side with these extremist groups and remain ignorant of the plight of minorities in Pakistan IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/mob-killings-expose-pakistans-deepening-intolerance-towards-ahmadis-636959.html Sun, 07 Sep 2025 16:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/rights-groups-denounce-shutdowns-in-balochistan-call-access-to-internet-basic-human-right-636966.html Quetta Sep 7 People of Balochistan for the third time within a month faced an internet blackout a trend that has sparked criticism from rights groups who say the ban is akin to denying basic human rights Rights group Amnesty International has denounced the move saying that blanket shutdowns significantly curtail the right to information freedom of expression movement and peaceful assembly An activist from Balochistan has termed access to the internet a basic human right and said that the authorities motive behind the decision was to stop information from reaching the rest of Pakistan and the worldPakistani authorities announced the suspension of 3G and 4G mobile internet services in Balochistan from 5 pm on September 5 until 9 pm on September 6 citing a law and order situation and existing threat alerts The Balochistan Post reported The order said the internet shutdown was needed due to the prevailing law and order situation and religious processionsSlamming Pakistani authorities over the internet shutdown in Balochistan on September 5 Amnesty International stated PAKISTAN Authorities have announced the shutdown of mobile internet services in Balochistan province for 6 September tomorrow again citing law and order situation and existing threat alerts after the services were shut down for most of August on similar pretexts Mobile internet is the only way to access the internet for many people in the province and blanket shutdowns significantly curtail the right to information freedom of expression movement and peaceful assembly An activist in Balochistan shares her perspective on how frequent internet shutdowns have been used as a tool to suppress protests and speech in the provinceYusra an activist and political organiser from Balochistan has shared her experience of doing her work and daily life without the internet according to the statement shared by Amnesty International The activist raised questions over authorities citing security reasons for the internet shutdown in BalochistanThe activist stated These shutdowns have become so common that we now expect them Even when my fellow organisers and I go to different towns and cities for smaller events or meetings the internet is often shut down as soon as we arrive They say the internet has been shut down for security reasons but whose security We dont feel safer knowing we cant get in touch with our families or when we cant access information like the rest of the countryThe real reason behind shutting down the internet is to stop information from reaching the rest of Pakistan and the world A few months ago we organised an online seminar to talk about the human rights situation in Balochistan but two hours before our event the internet in Quetta city the provincial capital of Balochistan was shut down We were forced to cancel the event In todays day and age our entire lives are entangled with the internet What about the homerun food business run by a woman in Quetta She can no longer take orders or coordinate deliveries What of students who have to submit assignments online They cant meet their deadlines the activist addedThe activist recalled how Pakistani authorities announced an internet shutdown in Balochistan on August 6 citing security as the reason for cutting off a population of more than 14 million from the most accessible way to connect to the internet The activist said These shutdowns impact daily life as well as protests and assemblies that are common in the provinceFifteen days after the August 6 announcement the Balochistan High Court ordered the government to restore mobile internet in the province Despite the courts order Pakistani authorities announced another mobile internet shutdown after activists had planned to hold protests to mark the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearance on August 30The activist said Moving forward I want to see an end to the wider crackdown on human rights in Balochistan Access to the internet is a basic human right especially in a place like Balochistan that has been neglected for so long If the government wants to suspend the internet for security reasons it must establish first that network shutdowns are effective and proportionate They must also ensure that our daily lives are not disrupted in doing so IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/rights-groups-denounce-shutdowns-in-balochistan-call-access-to-internet-basic-human-right-636966.html Sun, 07 Sep 2025 16:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/haryana-village-sends-daily-relief-trucks-to-punjab-amid-own-flood-crisis-637002.html Bhiwani Sep 7 Facing rain related major issues a village in Haryanas Bhiwani district has set a remarkable example of humanity and solidarity Despite facing flood situation due to incessant rains the villagers of Dhanana are sending truckloads of relief material to support floodaffected residents in Punjab Currently Bhiwanis village Dhanana is surrounded by water on all sides Local crops have been destroyed and the villagers are facing huge challenges But despite all this under the leadership of the Jatu Khap84 the community has chosen to help others before themselvesThe Khap has resolved that until the situation in Punjab returns to normal a relief truck filled with essential supplies will be dispatched daily from one village or another under its jurisdictionThe youth of Dhanana mobilised swiftly going doortodoor to collect funds and ration for Punjabs flood victims With the collected money they purchased bottled water mosquito nets flour potatoes onions salt and other essentials All items were neatly packed and loaded into a truck bound for PunjabOn Sunday Jatu Khap84 President Bheem Singh flagged off the truck stating that this was the second truck dispatched from Dhanana The first one had earlier been sent from Talu village He confirmed that more aid would follow based on the evolving needs in PunjabVillager Ajit Bodi said that the relief truck is headed to Hussainiwala a historic village located on the banks of the Sutlej River in Punjabs Ferozepur district which has been severely affected by the floodsAnother villager Ajit Ghanghas stated that young volunteers are working tirelessly under the guidance of Khap elders The goods sent include relief material worth approximately Rs 6 lakh The materials have been carefully chosen depending on the needs of floodhit peopleHe assured Whenever and whatever help the people of Punjab require we will continue to send relief material under the direction of the KhapThis effort is a shining example of true humanity When those who are themselves in distress step up to help others it sets the highest standard of compassion and solidarity Through this initiative Jatu Khap84 has proven that the spirit of brotherhood and service is alive and strong in rural India IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/haryana-village-sends-daily-relief-trucks-to-punjab-amid-own-flood-crisis-637002.html Sun, 07 Sep 2025 19:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/kaziranga-national-park-undertakes-multiple-initiatives-for-vulture-conservation-637003.html Guwahati Sep 7 Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve KNPTR Indias seventh UNESCO World Heritage Site has undertaken multiple initiatives for vulture conservation an official said on Sunday KNPTR Director Sonali Ghosh said that with technical and financial support from the Central Zoo Authority CZA and partnering agencies about 800 vultures are currently housed across eight conservation breeding centres in the country As such the Centre Assam government and the Bombay Natural History Society BNHS are considering releasing captivebred vultures into Kaziranga Tiger Reserve and currently the process and planning for the same is ongoing the KNPTR Director saidGhosh said that the CZA permissions come through it is proposed to release 30 whiterumped vultures and five slenderbilled vultures from the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre Rani in Assams Kamrup district to the Nagshankar range under the 6th addition to Kaziranga National Park The aviary at the softrelease site is under construction and awareness activities such as these are being conducted with the local communities she saidAccording to the official vulture populations in India are gradually recovering from the catastrophic population crash that has occurred since the mid1990s The population crash was driven by unintentional poisoning by the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug NSAID diclofenac she saidThe KNPTR Director however said that the veterinary use of diclofenac has been banned in India and elsewhere in South Asia other vulturetoxic NSAIDs are available such as Aceclofenac Nimesulfide and Ketoprofen Through the consolidated strategy under Action Plan for Vulture Conservation in India 20202025 and the active intervention by the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change MoEFampCC Assam Forest Department and the BNHS conservation breeding success has been achieved for three species of critically endangered vultures namely the whiterumped vulture longbilled and slenderbilled vultureGhosh said that on the occasion of International Vulture Awareness Day the KNPTR organised a Vulture Awareness Talk on Sunday at the Kaziranga office Bokakhat The programme witnessed the participation of 35 students from JDSG College and CNB College Bokakhat who engaged actively in the discussions The session was also streamed live on the official Facebook page of Kaziranga National Park enabling a wider audience to participate virtually and spread awareness about vulture conservationThe gathering was led by Gitartha Borah Biologist BNHS who delivered an interactive talk on the ecological importance of vultures their rapid population decline due to threats like diclofenac poisoning and the conservation efforts being undertaken in Assam and across India to revive these critically endangered species The event emphasised the crucial role vultures play as natures cleanup crew in maintaining ecological balance and public healthStudents also interacted with the resource person raising questions on vulture breeding habitat protection and the significance of safe zones such as the Vulture Safe Zone initiative in Assam By creating awareness among the youth this programme aimed at fostering responsibility and collective action for vulture conservationThe Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve and its adjoining landscape continue to be one of the most important strongholds for vulture populations in India and community involvement remains key to their survival Ghosh pointed out IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/kaziranga-national-park-undertakes-multiple-initiatives-for-vulture-conservation-637003.html Sun, 07 Sep 2025 19:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/work-on-hyderabad-old-city-metro-rail-corridor-gathers-pace-637022.html Hyderabad Sep 7 The preparatory work to provide Metro Rail connectivity to the Old City of Hyderabad is gathering pace Hyderabad Airport Metro Limited HAML Managing Director NVS Reddy announced on Sunday He stated that the land acquisition and demolition of affected properties in the 75 km Old City Metro Corridor have reached a crucial stage with the required Right of Way RoW being almost available nowOn the directions of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy the Metro expansion works are being carried out at a rapid pace The MD affirmed that every effort is being made to realise the longcherished dream of Metro Rail connectivity for the people of the Old CityAlthough the initial estimate of affected properties stood at 1100 innovative engineering solutions have brought the number down to 886 Over 550 demolitions have already been completed and work is underway to clear the remaining structuresHe revealed that compensation amounting to Rs 433 crore has been disbursed to property owners so farDespite challenges such as rain festivals and Muharram the works have progressed smoothly without causing inconvenience to local residents Complex electrical cable removals posed hurdles but these have been successfully overcome the MD addedReddy said that preparatory works for Metro pillars and station construction are in full swing Focus areas include differential GPS DGPS surveys for precision mapping identification and relocation of underground utilities soil testing and geotechnical analysis and protection of sensitive heritage structures along the alignmentUnlike conventional surveys DGPS offers highaccuracy digital mapping Data from DGPS has been integrated with previous drone surveys to accelerate implementation The corridor has been divided into segments with control points established for accurate positioning using highprecision GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System receivers These satellitebased signals are vital for survey and mapping operations the MD saidReddy emphasised the importance of identifying and diverting underground obstacles at pillar locations Given the age of the roads numerous water sewage stormwater electricity and telecom lines exist beneath As per the master plan the road is being widened to 100 feet necessitating demolition of impacted propertiesAgencies including Hyderabad Water Board GHMC TGSPDCL and BSNL are collaborating to relocate utilities Ground Penetrating Radar GPR surveys are being conducted to detect subsurface structures and materialsSoil strength and groundwater conditions are being assessed through geotechnical investigations to ensure the Metro foundations can bear the load These tests are mandatory before the construction beginsThe alignment passes through several sensitive structures which have been identified and the alignment has been adjusted accordingly Pillar locations are being marked based on this refined alignment with milestone markers placed every 100 meters to guide construction the MD added IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/work-on-hyderabad-old-city-metro-rail-corridor-gathers-pace-637022.html Sun, 07 Sep 2025 22:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/chennais-first-sponge-park-with-sports-courts-coming-up--636908.html Chennai Sep 7 The Greater Chennai Corporation GCC is setting up a sponge park at the football ground in Mathur MMDA Colony combining flood mitigation with recreational facilities The project involves building large underground rainwater harvesting tanks with a kabaddi court football pitch jogging track and tiered seating on top creating a multiuse public space For the first time a project of this scale is being implemented in a football ground Covering 189 acres the Mathur development will house underground ecobloc rainwater harvesting tanks and tunnels with a storage capacity of 12 lakh litres The Rs 806 crore initiative is funded under the Urban Flood Risk Mitigation Project with support from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund Construction began on July 24 and is scheduled for completion in 12 months The work is being executed in phases covering the installation of rainwater harvesting structures civil works and landscaping The completed facility will allow the football ground to function as a sponge capturing stormwater during rain while serving as a hub for sports and leisure throughout the year This initiative builds on earlier efforts by GCC to tackle waterlogging using advanced rainwater harvesting technology The Corporation has already installed underground storage tanks of five lakh litres each in eight city playgrounds including Model School Road St Marys Road Trustpuram Indira Nagar Natesan Road Balmoral Crescent Road in Shenoy Nagar East and Mayor Ramanathan Road In addition smaller 3000litre tanks have been set up in 770 parks across Chennai ensuring that no waterlogging occurred in those areas during recent rains To scale up the initiative similar structures are being established in 1000 public spaces in the Kosasthalaiyar basin for Rs 10 crore and in 2000 locations in the Kovalam basin at Rs 20 crore These projects are supported by the Asian Development Bank and Germanys KfW Bank The Mathur sponge park however is designed as a larger demonstration model that integrates both stormwater storage and community recreation With football and kabaddi facilities placed above the tanks and landscaped areas surrounding them the project aims to serve the dual purpose of flood resilience and social wellbeing Similar sponge parks are expected to be taken up in other floodprone parts of the city in the future IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/chennais-first-sponge-park-with-sports-courts-coming-up--636908.html Sun, 07 Sep 2025 08:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/teachers-day-odisha-cm-calls-on-teachers-to-help-students-realise-their-dreams-636737.html Bhubaneswar Sep 6 Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has urged teachers to become mentors to their students in addition to providing them with education to help fulfil their dreams While addressing the gathering at the statelevel celebrations of the Teachers Day on Friday CM Majhi said Nowadays there are limitless opportunities in every sector to recognise the hidden talent within each child Let them fly on their own terms allow them to dream and guide them as a mentor so that they achieve their dreamsThe Chief Minister added that the modern education system has two significant challengesHe said that the first one is to significantly reduce the dropout rate and the second is to ensure a system for providing quality education to allChief Minister Majhi noted that the midday meal programme has proven to be an effective initiative in preventing dropoutsHe said that the state government has also extended this programme up to Class 10 and are also ensuring the availability of nutritious food for childrenHe added that the tribal children are also being supported through the Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha YojanaAll these initiatives will certainly help in further reducing the dropout rate in the coming days Likewise the New Education Policy has been implemented to provide quality education to students across the state the Chief Minister saidCM Majhi also added that with the aim of ensuring quality education at the primary level the Godabarish Mishra Adarsha Prathamik Vidyalaya scheme has been launched by the state governmentUnder this scheme one model school will be established in each panchayatIn the first phase a plan has been finalised to construct 835 schools with the expenditure of Rs 5 to 7 croreAlong with this 45000 teaching positions at the primary level will also be filled within the next three yearsOur goal is to build a Sammrudha Odisha or prosperous Odisha by 2036 The foundation of this prosperous Odisha depends on the talents of todays students You all know very well how to guide children and shape them into good human beings I believe that you will sincerely take up the responsibility of nurturing and developing those talents CM addedChief Minister Majhi during the programme on Friday said that Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan is an ideal for every student as well as every teacherHe was not just a distinguished educationist philosopher or statesman but also one of the greatest teachers in India he notedOn Teachers Day CM Majhi awarded different districts teachers and other officials of the education department under the Mukhyamantri Shikhya Puraskar scheme IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/teachers-day-odisha-cm-calls-on-teachers-to-help-students-realise-their-dreams-636737.html Sat, 06 Sep 2025 00:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/chandigarh-university-launches-campus-tank-to-boost-startup-ecosystem--636867.html New Delhi Sep 6 Chandigarh University on Saturday launched its ambitious initiative Campus Tank at the Constitution Club of India aimed at strengthening Indias startup ecosystem by fostering collaboration between academia industry and investors ProChancellor of Chandigarh University Himani Sood highlighted the pivotal role of government policies and collaborative efforts in making India a global startup leaderThe government has been very instrumental in making India the leading pioneer in terms of incubation and setup of startups From third to number one till Viksit Bharat is going to be a reality Its not a dream because the government angel investors and now even academia are working towards it she saidShe noted that over 51 per cent of Indias startups now emerge from tier2 and tier3 cities a trend she described as a remarkable data pointCiting unicorns like PhonePe Byjus OYO and Ola she stressed that startups and entrepreneurs would be the biggest stars of Viksit BharatCalling for collective participation she urged government bodies investors and academia to join hands and create the miracle of making the best unicorns in this nation called BharatChancellor of Chandigarh University and Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu underlined the significance of visionary leadership in driving the countrys growthThe progress and growth of any nation depend on its vision which is shaped by its leadership We are fortunate that for the past 11 years our country has had leadership providing a clear vision an Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat he saidUnion Minister Jitender Singh lauded the launch as a firstofitskind initiative that could redefine industryacademia collaborationCampus Tank is dedicated to startups creating a structure for easy facilitation of publicprivate linkages with universities acting as catalysts I am sure this trend would pick up across the country he remarkedHe emphasised the need for strong industry linkages to consolidate Indias startup momentum adding We have already reached number three in the startup ecosystem globally This startup movement should have robust industry connectionsWith the launch of Campus Tank Chandigarh University has positioned itself as a key player in nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship aligned with Indias vision of Viksit Bharat IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/chandigarh-university-launches-campus-tank-to-boost-startup-ecosystem--636867.html Sat, 06 Sep 2025 21:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/anirban-has-delivered-a-direct-message-without-sparing-but-it-was-fun-636876.html New Delhi Sep 6 Bengali actorsinger Anirban Bhattacharyas recent satirical musical rendition in Kolkata on politics and politicians has gone viral drawing diverse opinions It is not the first time that a song laden with political message or certain allegations has been rendered but it still is different And it comes ahead of assembly elections that will take place next year And as activist Prasenjit Bose points out I dont remember any song specifically taking up specific allegations against specific leaders Though he quickly adds songs have been composed against top leaders of parties naming them But perhaps not against regional leaders who are in the second third or lower levels of leadership he clarifies I dont remember such a succinct rendition He has not spared any major party in the state says senior journalist Suvashis MaitraHe has an interesting tale to tell I was reading that Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was once a target of satirical songs by those who were opposed to his efforts at social reforms The book narrates that he had apparently invited the singer to listen to it Ishwar Chandra Bandyopadhyay was bestowed the title of Vidyasagar for his immense knowledge He was an educator and social reformer of the nineteenth century That spirit has been exhibited by at least two of the three leaders named in Anirbans song Tumi Masti Korbe Jani I know you will have fun The trend of penning singing or staging satire is not new But this somehow stands out adds Maitra Usually political messages in any art form come from a particular political party or target some particular leaning or philosophy Here Anirban is addressing diverse issues calling out leaders of various hues and colours Such songs are not only meant to entertain but instigate agitate and activate Sometimes even to draw criticism Controversy does popularise creation whether positive or not For Bose Arindams rendition was a critique of the political situation in West Bengal I liked the message and lyrics very powerful very direct It articulates the common mans sentiments Taking names ridiculing leaders is tricky but he has done it with elan without abusing states Bose When asked to find similar songs an AI assistant listed a few returning about halfadozen songs mainly from outside India Trusting AIs capabilities one of the songs that are not generalised but target specific leaders that can be named is REMs Exhuming McCarthy in 1987 It targeted former Senator Joseph McCarthy criticising neoconservatism during Reagans era drawing parallels to Cold Warera political repression A particular nasty song was sung by her detractors targeting Margaret Thatcher but posthumously to protest her legacy Interestingly Tumi Masti Korbe Jani made that AI list Except for his the songs either did not name the specific leader targeted or was not used during the persons lifetime IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/anirban-has-delivered-a-direct-message-without-sparing-but-it-was-fun-636876.html Sat, 06 Sep 2025 22:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/vanche-gujarat-cm-bhupendra-patel-stresses-on-increasing-number-of-government-libraries-636707.html Ahmedabad Sep 5 With an objective of motivating people towards regular reading the then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi launched the Vanche Gujarat Read Gujarat campaign in the year 2010 During the drive his administration also launched an extensive drive to enrich all libraries of the state with books and texts Now the Chief Minister Bhupendra Patelled state government has reinvigorated the campaign to amplify the programmes objective and reach and also to deepen reading culture in the stateIt is focusing on increasing the number of government libraries across the state Last year a historic decision was taken to start 64 governmentrun libraries in 50 tehsils of 21 districts and 14 tehsils of seven tribal districts Out of these 53 government libraries have become functionalToday there are a total of 197 government libraries functioning in the entire state This year the state government has approved the construction of 71 new libraries at the tehsil levelEvery year September 6 is celebrated as National Read a Book Day This day inspires every person to take time out from their daily routine to enjoy reading booksThe purpose of celebrating this day is to encourage every person to take an interest in reading activity so that they can adopt the reading habit and enjoy itPresently a total of 197 government libraries are functional in Gujarat which includes 33 district libraries and 150 tehsil libraries along with intermediary libraries mobile libraries State Central Reserve Book Store State Art Library and Womens LibraryGovernment libraries located across the state encourage citizens to read According to some reports more than 500 citizens are taking advantage of reading every day in the states central libraries while more than 150 readers are taking advantage of reading every day in the district librariesIn the district libraries where reading facilities are available more than 250 readers are taking advantage of reading every day and in the tehsil libraries also more than 100 readers are taking advantage of reading every dayIn order to arouse interest in reading and writing among the people of the tribal communities of the state and to motivate them towards reading and writing libraries have been started in all the tribal dominated tehsils of the stateLibraries have been started in 14 tehsils of seven tribal districts of the state through which the tribal community is also getting the benefit of readingwriting services IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/vanche-gujarat-cm-bhupendra-patel-stresses-on-increasing-number-of-government-libraries-636707.html Fri, 05 Sep 2025 21:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/garlands-cannot-replace-clarity-acharya-prashant-on-teachers-day-636567.html New Delhi Sep 5 On Teachers Day philosopher and author Acharya Prashant paid tributes to the nations teachers calling them the true custodians of societys future He urged that the day must rise above rituals and greetings and instead awaken reflection on educations real purpose nurturing clarity enquiry and inner strength Human beings are born twice he said The first is biological The second truly human is the birth of clarity Schools and teachers exist for this second birth Without it we may create skilled professionals but leave them unclear and insecure as human beingsHe noted that nations which respected teachers flourished while those that neglected them decayed regardless of wealth or sizeIndia has no shortage of talent he remarked adding but what it lacks is a system where real teachers can thrive and young minds are free to thinkPointing to current challenges he said that teaching has come to be seen as a safe career rather than a callingIn a conscious society teaching is the highest vocation not a refuge for mediocrity Yet posts lie vacant many teachers remain underprepared and classrooms are left untended as teachers are diverted to election and survey duty We have reduced teachers to clerks of the state cheap labour for errands while young minds go untended This is not negligence it is betrayal When the role of teaching is treated with such contempt how can the young feel inspiredHe warned that beyond administrative failures lies a deeper rot education reduced to rote learning exam scores and job placementsStudents are told that life has value only if they meet impossible targets while being denied the freedom to ask who they really are This suffocates the mind and in many tragic cases even leads to selfharm The fault is not in the student but in a system that withholds the education that matters most Education of the self he saidAcharya Prashant stressed the need for two streams of learningWe need knowledge of the world science language history technology to keep life functional But equally essential is knowledge of the self To know where knowledge serves and where it cannot Without this we produce cleverness without wisdom achievement without fulfillment he addedQuoting Vedanta he described these as avidya and vidya One keeps life workable the other makes life worth livingFor teachers he urged focus not only on lesson plans but on personal clarityWho you are speaks before what you teach Students first sense the teachers being only then their words The true bond is not of control but of care not of marks but of seeingHe added that genuine teachers often meet resistance because they unsettle the ego instead of consoling itThe real teacher frees the student to such an extent that she no longer depends on the teacher To reduce such a one to garlands on a single day is selfdeception The real teacher is not a person or a date on the calendar but the call of truth that refuses to let us live narrowly he saidConcluding with a message for Teachers Day he said The real tribute is courage Courage to ensure qualified and supported teachers courage to restore enquiry at the heart of classrooms and courage to give our children both aspects of education external and internal Without teachers of clarity no nation can survive its own cleverness We may produce engineers doctors and executives but without wisdom they only build higher prisons for themselves Teachers Day is not about flowers on a desk It is about freeing the next generation from ignorance and fear If that does not happen then every day becomes a funeral of education IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/garlands-cannot-replace-clarity-acharya-prashant-on-teachers-day-636567.html Fri, 05 Sep 2025 09:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/26-course-sadhya-on-plantain-leaf-is-the-star-of-thiru-onam-636573.html Thiruvananthapuram Sep 5 As Kerala celebrates the iconic festival of Onam all eyes are on the majestic Onam Sadhya a 26course vegetarian feast that arrives not on porcelain but on a glossy green plantain leaf Shimmering with tradition this is the star of the day in all homes across Kerala irrespective of caste creed or religion On Thiru Onam the heart of Kerala beats in unison through flowers rituals games and most memorably through this Onam Sadhya The Sadhya is no ordinary mealIt is poetry composed in flavours colours and textures a culinary pageant that unfolds in courses each dish claiming its place with precisionThe very act of serving is ritualistic salt at the leafs corner crisp banana chips and sweet sharkara upperi to awaken the palate followed by pickles that sting and soothe in equal measureThen come the dishes in a rhythmic procession avial with its medley of vegetables bound in coconut olan mellow with ash gourd and cowpeas thoran bursting with spice and crunch pachadi with a sweettangy swirl and erissery earthy and comfortingEach is distinct yet together they harmonise like instruments in an orchestra creating a balance that is the essence of Keralas food philosophyRice is the canvas on which this grand artwork is paintedThe first round of rice is eaten with parippu and a drizzle of ghee golden and fragrant The second unfolds with sambar robust and hearty The third is rasam fiery and light before curd brings calmness to the leafAnd then comes the climax the payasam or rather payasamsFrom the caramel depths of ada pradhaman to the delicate sweetness of palada these desserts are liquid joy often served in generous abundanceWhat elevates the Sadhya beyond its flavours is its spirit It is eaten sitting side by side with no distinctions of rank or wealth an echo of the Onam legend when King Mahabalis reign was marked by equality and prosperityPreparing it too is an act of communityFamilies bustle in kitchens for days chopping grinding and stirring their laughter and stories blending with the aromas of roasting coconut and simmering jaggeryOn Thiru Onam as families gather around the spread the plantain leaf becomes more than a plate it becomes a canvas of culture memory and togethernessIn every spoonful lies the essence of Keralas greatest festival a feast as timeless as the spirit of Onam itselfYet with changing times the tradition of families labouring together in the kitchen to prepare the grand Sadhya has become a rarityToday it is caterers and restaurants that shoulder the task offering the full spread complete with the plantain leaf delivered to ones doorstep at the tap of a mobile screenConvenience however comes at a price What was once a lovingly homecooked feast now ranges anywhere from Rs 250 to as high as Rs 1000 for a single serving On the flip side is a plantain leaf on Thiru Onam day costs a record Rs 100 IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/26-course-sadhya-on-plantain-leaf-is-the-star-of-thiru-onam-636573.html Fri, 05 Sep 2025 10:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/indian-army-executes-high-risk-night-rescue-of-south-korean-nationals-at-17-000-ft-in-ladakh-636618.html New Delhi Sep 5 In a daring latenight operation on September 4 the Indian Army Aviation carried out a highaltitude casualty evacuation mission to rescue two South Korean nationals stranded at Kongmaru La Pass in Ladakh At 805 PM the Army received an urgent message requesting evacuation of Hyun Woo Kim a citizen of South Korea and his wife stranded at Kongmaru La Pass in Ladakh at an altitude of over 17000 feetThe snowladen terrain and razorsharp ridgelines made the mission exceptionally challengingWith no time to lose the Army Aviation helicopter squadron was mobilised by 820 PMThe task required a precision landing using Night Vision Goggles NVG at an unprepared helipad a feat demanding extraordinary skill and composure from the aircrewBraving icy winds reduced visibility and nearzero margin for error the pilots guided their aircraft to the designated spot touching down at around 915 PMThe swift landing and extraction under such hostile conditions underscored the unmatched training and professionalism of the squadronThe South Korean couple was quickly airlifted to safety and handed over to medical authorities for immediate treatmentThis rescue mission reflects a textbook display of courage coordination and precision under extreme duress highlighting the Armys readiness to respond to emergencies even in the harshest of environmentsThe daring operation not only reaffirmed the Indian Armys operational capabilities in highaltitude regions but also carried strong humanitarian undertones showcasing Indias commitment to aiding foreign nationals in distressFor the Army Aviation wing the successful NVG rescue in Ladakh adds another feather to its illustrious record of highrisk missions in some of the worlds most unforgiving terrainsIt is worthy to note here that although the Indian Armys primary role is to safeguard the borders and to give a befitting reply to the nations enemies in any critical or warlike situation but the Indian Army is among the first to help stranded citizens in any such situation irrespective of their nationalityNotably at a time when the northern part of India including Uttarakhand Punjab Himachal Pradesh and Jammu Kashmir is witnessing floods which have created havoc the Indian Army is standing shouldertoshoulder with the other concerned agencies and is providing critical humanitarian assistance from delivering food via helicopters and drones evacuating people and giving them medical assistance IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/indian-army-executes-high-risk-night-rescue-of-south-korean-nationals-at-17-000-ft-in-ladakh-636618.html Fri, 05 Sep 2025 15:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/no-fear-just-beauty-astronomer-calls-sept-7-lunar-eclipse-a-rare-celestial-spectacle-636659.html New Delhi Sep 5 The upcoming lunar eclipse on Sunday September 7 will be a rare astronomical alignment a leading astronomer said The eclipse visible across most parts of India will be the years longest and is expected to spark wide public curiosity from villages to citiesSpeaking to IANS Nehru Centre Planetarium Mumbai Director Arvind Paranjpye noted that this will be a total lunar eclipse beginning at around 858 pmThe totality when the Moon is completely covered by Earths shadow will start close to 11 pm and reach its peak at 1142 pm The eclipse will last well into the night finally ending at 126 amThis is a longduration eclipse At its peak the Moon will appear dark and may even take on a brickred hue Paranjpye told IANS adding that such colour changes occur because Earths atmosphere scatters blue light while allowing red light to reach the lunar surfaceHe also said that while astrology often associates lunar eclipses with auspicious or inauspicious effects science views them as a purely natural eventThere is no need for fear or superstition Unlike a solar eclipse you dont need any special filters to watch a lunar eclipse It is perfectly safe to view with the naked eye he notedRecalling his own experiences Paranjpye mentioned past eclipses that appeared extraordinary including one in the 1970s when volcanic ash made the Moon seem to vanish completely for a few minutesSuch sights remind us that eclipses are among the most beautiful celestial events one can witness he saidHe encouraged people to enjoy the phenomenon click photographs and cherish the memoryIf the skies are clear it will be a wonderful opportunity for everyone in India to witness one of natures finest spectacles Paranjpye addedThe September 7 lunar eclipse is the last of the year and according to astronomers one of the most significant celestial events of 2025 IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/no-fear-just-beauty-astronomer-calls-sept-7-lunar-eclipse-a-rare-celestial-spectacle-636659.html Fri, 05 Sep 2025 17:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/kerala-leaders-unite-in-extending-onam-greetings-636485.html Thiruvananthapuram Sep 4 As Kerala marks the peak of its Onam festivities leaders across the political spectrum have extended greetings each highlighting the festivals timeless message of equality harmony and unity Friday September 5 is the most important event of Onam Thiru Onam Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in his Onam message underlined the universal nature of the celebrationHe described Onam as a festival that transcends divisions bringing Malayalis together across the world in a spirit of brotherhood and compassionOur goal must be to build a Kerala of prosperity equality and happiness where no one is left behind This Onam should give us energy and inspiration in that journey he saidAt the same time he cautioned against forces spreading sectarianism and hatred urging people to uphold Keralas image as a land of unity and peaceLeader of Opposition VD Satheesan in his greeting called Onam a celebration of pride for all Malayalis beyond caste and religionHe said the festival evokes memories of a time when families and communities came together as equals setting aside hardships and anxietiesEvery celebration gives us strength and confidence to move forward Let this Onam bring joy and resilience for the future he saidLegislative Assembly Speaker AN Shamseer reflected on the cultural depth of the festival calling it inseparable from Malayali identityHe described Onam as a diverse and vibrant celebration blending nature cuisine and traditional games across Kerala Yet he noted all Malayalis uphold one unifying ideal the egalitarian Maveli NaduQuoting EMS Namboodiripads essay One Crore Malayalis he recalled how the legend of Mahabali who treated all people equally has deeply shaped Keralas imaginationEvery Onam is a call for a society of trust love and equality he saidTogether the leaders messages place the spirit of Onam above politics reminding Malayalis that the festivals true strength lies in its vision of unity prosperity and equality IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/kerala-leaders-unite-in-extending-onam-greetings-636485.html Thu, 04 Sep 2025 19:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/new-gst-rates-what-gets-cheaper-and-costlier-from-sep-22-636324.html New Delhi Sep 4 After the GST Council approved historical changes to Indias indirect tax structure several dailyuse goods will become cheaper from September 22 The new tax structure adopted on Wednesday has two major slabs now 5 per cent and 18 per cent and a whopping 40 per cent for sin goodsFor the common man this change means more money in hand which the government hopes will be routed into the economy giving it a significant boostFrom groceries and fertilisers to footwear textiles and even renewable energy a broad basket of goods and services is set to become more affordable Items earlier taxed at 12 per cent and 28 per cent will now largely migrate to the other two slabs making a wide range of products cheaperFood and daily essentialsMilk products Ultrahigh temperature UHT milk will now be taxfree down from 5 per cent while condensed milk butter ghee paneer and cheese have moved from 12 per cent to 5 per cent or nil in some casesStaple foods Malt starches pasta cornflakes biscuits and even chocolates and cocoa products will see rates reduced from 1218 per cent to 5 per centDry fruits and nuts Almonds pistachios hazelnuts cashews and dates earlier taxed at 12 per cent will now attract just 5 per centSugar and confectionery Refined sugar sugar syrups and confectionery items like toffees and candy have shifted to the 5 per cent slabOther packaged foods Vegetable oils animal fats edible spreads sausages meat preparations fish products and malt extractbased packaged foods have been moved to the 5 per cent slabNamkeens bhujia mixture chabena and similar edible preparations ready for consumption form other than roasted gram prepackaged and labelled to go from 18 per cent to 5 per centWaters including natural or artificial mineral waters and aerated waters not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter nor flavoured to move from 18 per cent to 5 per centAgriculture and fertilisersFertilisers are down from 12 per cent18 per cent to 5 per centSelect agricultural inputs including seeds and crop nutrients have been rationalised from 12 per cent to 5 per centHealthcareLifesaving drugs healthrelated products and some medical devices have seen rate cuts from 12 per cent18 per cent to 5 per cent or nilIndividual life and health insurance policies including family floater which had a 12 per cent tax will no longer be taxedA massive chunk of medical items of regular use including thermometers and glucometers will be in the 5 per cent tax bracketConsumer goodsEntrylevel and massuse items like select electrical appliances will move from 28 per cent to 18 per centFootwear and textiles have seen GST cut from 12 per cent to 5 per cent reducing costs for massmarket productsHowever certain goods and services remain firmly under higher taxationPan masala gutkha cigarettes chewing tobacco zarda unmanufactured tobacco and bidi will continue under existing high GST rates and compensation cess until outstanding cesslinked loans are clearedAdditionally the valuation of these products will now be shifted to Retail Sale Price RSP instead of transaction value tightening complianceAll goods including aerated waters containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or flavoured to go from 28 per cent to 40 per centA new 40 per cent slab for sin and luxury goods remains ensuring that items like cigarettes premium liquor and highend cars dont see tax reliefImported armoured luxury sedans will be exempt only in special cases such as those brought in by the Presidents Secretariat IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/new-gst-rates-what-gets-cheaper-and-costlier-from-sep-22-636324.html Thu, 04 Sep 2025 09:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/bengal-govt-to-provide-rs-2-lakh-compensation-in-heatwave-death-cases-636392.html Kolkata Sep 4 The West Bengal government has listed heatwave deaths as a natural disaster and will provide financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to the affected family This decision was taken in a recent meeting of the State Executive Committee said sources in the state secretariat on ThursdayIn the last few years several deaths due to heatstroke were reported across the state The deaths were reported from districts including western districts of Purulia Bankura West Midnapore Jhargram West Burdwan and Birbhum which witness heatwave or heatwave conditions during summerThe government officials took notice of such incidents and started thinking about this said the sources In August state Chief Secretary Manoj Pant held a meeting on this It is reported that in that meeting it was decided to provide financial assistance in case of death due to heatstroke as a result of a heatwaveThe government will soon be issuing a formal notification in this regard said the sourcesIn case of a death due to the heatwave a postmortem report will be mandatory to get financial assistance Once it is established that the person died due to heatstroke then only the family will receive the compensationThe money will be released only after verifying the cause of the deathAccording to a government official declaring heatwave deaths as natural disasters will now make it possible to provide this compensation from the State Disaster Response Fund SDRF About 10 per cent of the annual allocation of the SDRF can be used to provide compensation to the families of those who died in natural disasters the official addedIt may be noted that the state government till now provides compensation of Rs 2 lakh in cases of death due to lightning strike accidental fire boat capsizing falling trees and wall collapse of a houseFrom now on the state government declared 14 incidents including heatwave river erosion heavy rain wild animal attack death due to electrocution forest fire death due to venomous animal bite or animal attack as natural disasters IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/bengal-govt-to-provide-rs-2-lakh-compensation-in-heatwave-death-cases-636392.html Thu, 04 Sep 2025 14:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/in-heartwarming-gesture-sant-seechewal-to-rescue-cattle-from-punjab-floods-in-special-boats-636415.html Sultanpur Lodhi Punjab Sep 4 IANS In a heartwarming gesture after rescuing hundreds of marooned villagers from floodwaters in Punjab environmentalist Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal who hogged the limelight after reviving the almost dead 160kmlong Kali Bein a rivulet sacred to the Sikhs on Thursday launched the next stage of the relief operation to transport mass livestock in the newlymade boat crafted by using indigenous knowledgenbspThe AAPs Rajya Sabha MP Sant Seechewal along with his volunteers has been moving in boats from house to house from dawn to dusk every day since August 11 to provide relief material to the affected people and fodder to the remaining livestock that has survived the floods even as many of them perishedThis new raft has been made in three days under the guidance of Padamshree Sant Seechewal whose work to revive the sacred rivulet with the peoples participation was lauded by former President of India late Dr Abdul KalamnbspFloods in the state have severely affected not only human life but also domesticated animals A new fleet has been launched for the rescue of animals in large numbers from the floodaffected areas Through this specially built boat livestock and farmers tractors can also be evacuated to higher locations Sant Seechewal who is known for wearing his trademark maroon robes told IANSnbspIn one sortie up to 20 cattle can be transported to a safe place depending upon the place to relocate themAlso the farming machinery including a combine harvester can be transportednbspWidely known as Baba ji Sant Seechewal and his volunteers every day cover a radius of 32 kms in 10 hours in Mand an island on the Beas River reaching every house trapped in waistdeep turbulent water to provide prasadam foodnbspCurrently 46 villages in Mand in Kapurthala district have been impacted by the flood with more than 15000 acres of crops damagednbspBraving the swirling floodwater Sant Seechewal said the swollen Beas River flowing continuously fast and above the danger mark has breached many temporary embankments and also changed its coursenbspDue to the changed course of the river the devastation is maximum this time as compared to the 2023 floods in the state he saidnbspHe said continuous efforts are being made to save the sensitive parts of the temporary embankmentsHe is also seen feeding the abandoned cattle stranded in the flooded paddy fields and dogs in houses largely abandonednbspSant Seechewal himself fills sand in bags and carries logwood at the river breach sites to prevent further damagenbspHe appealed to philanthropists to donate motorboats as roads in the area are submerged in water and they are relying on boats to ferry essentials including food drinking water and fodder for livestock He said it would take at least 20 days for the water to recede from fields and human habitationsThirty to forty per cent of the inhabitants have already moved or evacuated to safer places Our duty is to take care of elderly or male family members who preferred to stay back in their marooned houses We are reaching out to at least 350 houses every day in four boats to provide them langar community cooked food and essentials he saidnbspBesides Punjab government boats the National Disaster Response Force NDRF and the Indian Armys boats have been deployed in relief operations across the state that is witnessing the worst floods in four decadesOn social networking sites people are thanking a gentleman from Kapurthala for turning his factory premises into a place for construction of boats Ramgarhia Sikhs building boats for flood affected areas of Punjab Pura punjab ik hai Love my Sikh brothers a post on X saysnbspPunjab Revenue Minister Hardeep Mundian said the state is reeling under one of the worst floods in recent decades with widespread crop devastation reported in 175216 hectaresnbspHe said Gurdaspur Amritsar Mansa Ferozepur and Fazilka are among the worsthit districts accounting for the bulk of the agricultural losses The scale of damage to crops villages and population underlines the severity of the calamity that has gripped 23 districts of PunjabVishal Gulati can be contacted at vishalgiansin https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/in-heartwarming-gesture-sant-seechewal-to-rescue-cattle-from-punjab-floods-in-special-boats-636415.html Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/meet-assams-new-entrepreneurs-lakhpati-didis-rise-with-govt-support-636269.html Guwahati Sep 3 In a significant move towards womens empowerment Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the ambitious Lakhpati Didi initiative on Wednesday The programme part of a nationwide push by the Ministry of Rural Development aims to help women from SelfHelp Groups SHGs achieve a sustainable annual household income of Rs 100000 or more At a special event held under the Ramsarani Anchalik Panchayat the Chief Minister distributed cheques to 7474 SHG members The financial assistance paves the way for the journey towards economic independence for these women Many of these women have already begun transforming their lives through small businesses and livelihood venturesAmong the beneficiaries is Purnima Das who runs a small tailoring business Elated by the support she shared her plans to expand her operations and hire local girls to work with her This money is not just financial help its recognition I feel supported she saidAnother beneficiary who has been running a dairy business expressed gratitude for the opportunity to scale up her enterpriseI have cows and goats and sell milk in the nearby markets With this new support I will be able to buy more livestock and increase my income she saidHer story reflects the core objective of the Lakhpati Didi initiativeenabling women to build sustainable sources of income Another beneficiary expressed her happiness saying that they are receiving loans for businesses such as farming textiles and purchasing sewing machinesThe initiative goes beyond financial assistanceIt combines skill development financial literacy and entrepreneurial guidance to ensure longterm success Women are encouraged to take up diverse livelihood activities ranging from agriculture and animal husbandry to crafts and smallscale manufacturingA Lakhpati Didi is not just about earning a lakh rupees its about building confidence financial independence and respect in the community said CM Sarma while addressing the gathering He reaffirmed the governments commitment to creating an ecosystem where womenled SHGs can thrive IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/meet-assams-new-entrepreneurs-lakhpati-didis-rise-with-govt-support-636269.html Wed, 03 Sep 2025 22:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/together-we-will-move-forward-with-respect-responsibility-virat-kohli-to-families-of-bluru-stampede-victims-636128.html Bengaluru Sep 3 Cricketer Virat Kohli responding for the first time to the June 4 Bengaluru stampede tragedy which claimed 11 lives near Chinnaswamy Stadium stated on Wednesday that he has vowed to move forward with care respect and responsibility Taking to the official social media handle X of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru RCB team Virat Kohli stated Nothing in life really prepares you for a heartbreak like June 4th What shouldve been the happiest moment in our franchises history turned into something tragicHe further stated Ive been thinking of and praying for the families of those we lost and for our fans who were injured Your loss is part of our story now Together we will move forward with care respect and responsibilityThe RCB commenting on this post stated in bold letters Virat Kohli reflects on his emotions and echoes how all of us at RCB feelEarlier the RCB franchise under the RCB Cares initiative announced Rs 25 lakh each for the families of the deceased personsRCB Cares official announcement stated on August 30 that Our hearts broke on June 4 2025 We lost eleven members of the RCB family They were part of us Part of what makes our city our community amp our team unique Their absence will echo in the memories of each one of us No amount of support can ever fill the space theyve left behind But as a first step and with the deepest respect RCB has extended 25 lakh each to their families Not just as financial aid but as a promise of compassion unity and ongoing careThis is also the beginning of RCB Cares a longterm commitment for meaningful action that begins by honouring their memory Every step forward will reflect what the fans feel expect and deserve it saidFollowing RCBs maiden IPL title win thousands of jubilant fans gathered outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4 where the official celebrations were held However the event took a devastating turn as the overcrowded venue led to chaos when fans attempted to forcefully enter the stadium resulting in a deadly stampedeThe stampede tragedy was discussed in the Assembly during the recently concluded Monsoon SessionKarnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah while making a statement in the Assembly maintained that such tragedies have occurred both in India and across the worldHe further claimed that no one in the country has ever taken responsibility or tendered resignations in such casesProtesting the statement BJP and JDS MLAs led by Leader of Opposition R Ashoka had staged a walkoutOn action taken CM Siddaramaiah said We have suspended five senior police officers The police had refused permission for the celebrations but did not issue it in writing RCB and Karnataka State Cricket Association KSCA posted tweets between 701 am and 8 am The 701 am post received 16 lakh views the 8 am post 4 lakh views and the 310 pm post 710 lakh views Instead of acting the police allowed the celebrations and did not get the posts deleted They colluded with the organisersThe justice will not be served merely if I apologise Justice will prevail only when action is initiated Criminal cases have been lodged against RCB DNA Entertainment Private Ltd and KSCA The case has been handed over to the CID A charge sheet will be submitted after the courts consent We have fulfilled our responsibilities This incident should never have happened Once again I express my regrets CM Siddaramaiah had stated IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/together-we-will-move-forward-with-respect-responsibility-virat-kohli-to-families-of-bluru-stampede-victims-636128.html Wed, 03 Sep 2025 13:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/wading-through-waist-deep-waters-in-punjab-its-generosity-kindness-that-float-636147.html Chandigarh Sep 3 Wading through waistdeep flood waters of southwestern monsoon scores of humanitarian and youth organisations riding on boats and tractors are daily reaching out to communities largely rural in at least 19 affected districts of Punjab to provide food clean water medication hygiene kits and shelter items to thousands of people largely the elderly braving incessant rains As a team of global charity Khalsa Aid International reached a farm marooned in seveneight feet of water in Dera Baba Nanak village in Gurdaspur to deliver food and essential aid to a family an elderly woman was in tears saying After four days you came to us as GodShe and her husband have been spending nights on the top floor of the house without food water and medicinesHer family managed to get away from the rising flood waters in time leaving the elderly couple behind along with the livestockWhen the Khalsa Aid team told the elderly woman and her husband that they had come to rescue them she refused to go saying We are staying here to take care of livestock We have to live and die hereDespite all odds the couple is trying to stay positive that they will be able to repair their home and regrow their cropsLike the elderly couple thousands of farmer families have lost their rice paddies which were ready to harvest and washed away the rice wheat and grains that they had stored in their housesWe also lost six buffaloes remarked another farmer Avtar Singh who is devastated by losses including many personal belongings and is struggling to rebuild his lifeAs Punjab is facing its worst floods in four decades its a sea of humanity where several social organisations in coordination with the Indian Army the National Disaster Response Force NDRF and also local authorities have been at the forefront to provide Gurus langar free meal and shelterPunjab Revenue Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Mundian said the state is facing one of the most widespread floods in recent decades which impacted 23 districts claiming 30 human lives and leaving more than 354 lakh people affectedAccording to the AAP minister 1400 villages have been inundated The severely affected districts are Gurdaspur 324 villages Amritsar 135 Hoshiarpur 119 Kapurthala 115 Mansa 108 Ferozepur 93 Pathankot 82 Fazilka 72 Jalandhar 62 and Tarn Taran 66 villagesThe AAP government has declared Punjab a disasterhit state Torrential rains and subsequent release of water from three crucial dams the Bhakra Ranjit Sagar and Pong to reduce abnormal rising water levels have significantly hit the floodplains of Punjab impacting 148590 hectares of farmlandCrops like wheat and rice suffered extensive damage Eco warrior Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal who came into the global limelight after reviving the almost dead 160kmlong Kali Bein a rivulet sacred to the Sikhs has been on the ground even in the remotest village for over three weeksBefore dawn riding on selfacquired motor boats the AAPs Rajya Sabha MP Sant Seechewal and his team of volunteers donning protective gear reach villages dotted in the Mand region of Sultanpur Lodhi severely impacted by the swollen Beas river to provide food to the families trapped in waistdeep waterEvery day Sant Seechewal and his volunteers cover a radius of 32 km in 10 hours in Mand an island on the Beas river reaching every houseSant Seechewal who was accompanied by former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in relief work on Tuesday told IANS that 30 per cent of inhabitants in the Mand area have moved to safer places either in relief camps or with their relativesVillagers who stayed back now need medicines drinking water tarpaulins mosquito nets and basic supplies and we are providing them We have enough piledup relief stock to support them Padma Shri Seechewal saidIf someone genuinely wants to help the people in crisis they should wait for 1520 days for the water to recede from villages After that the people will start returning to their native places and start repairing house and desilt fields That is the time when they look forward to generous support he explainedHe said their organisation would also start repairing river embankments and desilting the riverAt that time they need earthmoving machine and other materials for the embankment reinforcement work Those who want to voluntarily help the people in distress save your energy and sympathy for the future initiatives he addedWearing his trademark maroon robes Sant Seechewal is heard asking his volunteers to give more relief material to the children and the elderly He is also seen feeding the abandoned cattle stranded in the flooded paddy fields and dogs in housesHe and his volunteers also played a key role in relocating families along with their livestock to safetySant Seechewal himself fills sand in bags carrying and dumping them at the river breach sites Volunteers of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee SGPC considered a miniParliament of Sikh religious affairs are also moving from village to village to provide temporary shelters and holding community kitchens aroundtheclock for the marooned villagersAAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Kumar Mittal has allocateed Rs 20 lakh to procure water tankers for providing safe drinking water to displaced people His office said the MP anticipated that once the flood water recedes the affected people may face shortage of clean drinking water as tubewells and other sources of water have been damagedPosting a video of the devastation ace spinnerturnedAAP Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh wrote on X on Wednesday When volunteers went to deliver relief materials the floodaffected family despite having lost almost everything prepared tea and served it to the volunteers in return Thats the spirit of Punjab Rab de bandeThe video has gone viral on social media drawing admiration and respect Yet amid this devastation the Punjabi spirit of resilience and seamless generosity shines by cooking langars in flood waters distributing essentials to every household and setting up medical camps for the sick and injuredVishal Gulati can be contacted at vishalgiansin IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/wading-through-waist-deep-waters-in-punjab-its-generosity-kindness-that-float-636147.html Wed, 03 Sep 2025 14:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/vibrant-gujarat-vadnagar-archaeological-experiential-museum-to-be-key-highlight-receives-1-lakh-visitors-636010.html Gandhinagar Sep 2 At the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conferences VGRC in Mehsana North Gujarat the countrys cultural legacy and innovative spirit will be on display grabbing the attention of visitors However Gujarat tourism is also expected to make a big splash with the Vadnagar Archaeological Experiential Museum taking centre stage during the twoday ceremony from October 910The Vadnagar Archaeological Experiential Museum will serve as a key highlight symbolising both the depth of the regions history and its forwardlooking approach to cultural developmentAccording to the Archaeological Survey of India the Vadnagar Archaeological Experiential Museum has welcomed a total of 95658 visitors till August 31 2025 from across the country Its success goes to strengthen Gujarats position as a destination for heritage tourismThe visitors include adults children senior citizens Divyangs etc thereby reinforcing the museums commitment to accessibility and its growing appeal as a centre of learning and engagementThe museum offers an indepth understanding of Vadnagars multilayered cultural legacy showcasing over 2500 years of human evolution through artefacts unearthed during extensive excavations Spanning 13525 square metres it houses more than 7000 discoveriesThe nine thematic galleries display the regions art sculptures and linguistic heritage across different historical erasThe defining feature of the museum is its direct link to a 4000squaremetre live excavation site where archaeological remains can be seen at depths of 16 to 18 metresThe museum also showcases more than 5000 artefacts including ceramics coins ornaments tools sculptures shell products and organic remains such as skeletal fragments and food grains unearthed directly from the site and presented through interactive installations and digital exhibitsThe visitors can walk across a specially designed bridge and explore an experiential walkway shed offering a rare opportunity to observe ongoing excavation activities in real time IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/vibrant-gujarat-vadnagar-archaeological-experiential-museum-to-be-key-highlight-receives-1-lakh-visitors-636010.html Tue, 02 Sep 2025 18:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/amit-shah-visits-jammus-tawi-bridge-bikram-chowk-to-assess-flood-damage-635680.html Jammu Sep 1 Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday visited the Tawi Bridge and Bikram Chowk in Jammu city to assess flood impact before taking an aerial survey of the damage at other places Amit Shah was accompanied by JampK Lt Governor Manoj Sinha Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Leader of Opposition LoP Sunil Sharma and other senior officials during his onthespot flood assessment on Tawi Bridge and Bikram ChowkThe Tawi bridge suffered severe damage during recent floods The Home Minister interacted with the concerned officials and took stock of the situationHM Shah also assessed the impact of the flood situation at Bikram Chowk and other adjoining areasHe is scheduled to make an aerial assessment of the flood damage in Kishtwar district and also at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine route where a huge loss of human lives was caused by a cloudburst and landslide on August 14 and August 26Amit Shah reached Jammu on Sunday evening He was received at Jammu Airport by LG Manoj Sinha and CM Omar Abdullah among othersUnion Home Secretary Govind Mohan Director Intelligence Bureau IB Tapan Deka DG BSF Daljit Singh Chaudhary senior officers of NHAI IMD and many other security agencies also reached Jammu on SundayThe Union Home Minister has announced the constitution of interministerial central teams IMCTs to assess the damage caused by recent floods in Jammu and Kashmir Himachal Pradesh Punjab and UttarakhandHe will also review damage caused to fencing and border posts along the International Border with PakistanThe MHA is in touch with senior officers of these StatesUT and has extended all necessary logistic assistance by deployment of the requisite number of teams of NDRF Army and Air Force helicopters who are helping them in search and rescue and restoration of essential services the MHA statement saidIt added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi the Central government stands shouldertoshoulder with the states affected by natural calamities in mitigating hardships faced by the peopleThe IMCTs would make onthespot assessment of the situation and relief works carried out by the StateUT governments it said Amit Shah is likely to meet some affected families in addition to a visit to the floodaffected localities in Jammu IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/amit-shah-visits-jammus-tawi-bridge-bikram-chowk-to-assess-flood-damage-635680.html Mon, 01 Sep 2025 15:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/floods-may-drown-land-but-never-chardi-kala-spirit-of-punjabis-say-survivors--635699.html FerozepurGurdaspur Sep 1 IANS We have seen tougher times earlier too and this will pass remarked an octogenarian villager whose field and farmhouse have been submerged in waistdeep water of the swollen Sutlej river on MondaynbspOctogenarian Gurdial Singh who braved shelling from Pakistan in IndiaPakistan wars of 1965 and 1971 told IANS that the spirit of Chardi Kala is still alive and visible in everyone from elderly to young children despite the rainfallinduced floods that forced many villagers located only a few kilometres from the International Border in Punjabs Ferozepur district to abandon their homesChardi Kala means the concept of high spirits in all conditions including adversitiesnbspWith prayers on lips his wife Nachattar Kaur remarked May waheguru God bring safety peace and Chardi Kala to every householdnbspWith Punjab grappling with the worst floods in 37 years and the situation devastating with all three major rivers have overflowed putting millions of lives at risk as families have lost homes hard earned crops and some have lost even their loved ones Sikh volunteers largely floodhit villagers are on the ground to help Central and state agencies with rescue and recoveryBraving gushing waters the villagers comprising children and women are making active participation in building and maintaining river bunds by placing soil bags distributing medical kits and fodder by riding on boats from village to village across worstaffected districtsnbspWe are known globally for reaching out to assist those affected by the devastating floods and earthquakes In this hour of crisis we will survive owing to our high spirits remarked another villager Gurdial Singh in Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur districtDera Baba Nanak is a deeply sacred Sikh pilgrimage site by the Ravi river and it is named after Guru Nanak Dev the founder of Sikhism who spent his last years in the nearby Kartarpur now in PakistannbspGurdial Singh believed when floods submerged villages their survival was the human strengthnbspInstead of collapsing in despair we cooked langar community food in waistdeep water rescued livestock carried calves on our shoulders and moved families with bare essential items to safety on tractors But in the three hours of crisis we do regular kirtan to keep Chardi Kala alive he addedAnother villager Avtar Singh added When everything seems to be falling apart it is our hope to survive that was floatingnbspShiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal on Sunday led an ardas prayer at the Kartarpur Corridor entrance for floodaffected people in both Indian and Pakistani states of PunjabnbspThe gathering urged divine intervention to stop the rain and protect lives and livestocknbspDuring his visit to floodhit areas in Gurdaspur Dera Baba Nanak and Hargobindpur Badal distributed more than 100 trolleys of relief materialHe praised the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee for running community kitchens and medical campsnbspInterestingly the youth are doing more mitti di seva for flood reliefnbspMitti di seva means a community effort to contribute earth to rebuild embankmentsnbspAmid religious chants of Bole So Nihal Sat Sri Akal the farmers are voluntarily bringing earthloaded tractortrailers from different areas to plug the breachesnbspSome farmer voluntary groups issued video appeals asking they have enough ration if someone wanted to contribute they could send earth for plugging the breachesFlood rescue operations involving the National Disaster Response Force the Indian Army and the district administration have been intensifiednbspIn a swift humanitarian response the Border Security Force has carried out an airdrop of thousands of food and ration packets in floodaffected villages of Amritsar following the request of the civil administrationnbspThe flooding has submerged nearly three lakh acres of farmland and hit around 125 lakh people in Punjab Additional Chief SecretarycumFinancial Commissioner Revenue Anurag Verma said after inspecting villages along the Sutlej in Ferozepur district on SundayTens of thousands of people in Punjab have been spending nights on rooftops after breaking of embankments of tributaries and overflowing of swollen rivers caused by incessant rains and release of dam waters that too damaging the newly planted paddy crop in huge tractsnbspThe state government has already announced a special girdawari inspection to provide compensation for the affected cropsnbspMost of the worst affected districts Gurdaspur Ferozepur Amritsar Tarn Taran and Pathankot are located along the IndiaPakistan borderThe other districts marooned by floodwater are Hoshiarpur Jalandhar Kapurthala Ropar Anandpur Sahib and Fazilka impacting families who have lost homes farmers lost crops and people largely villagers suffering greatlynbspFloods may drown the land but never the Chardi Kala spirit of Punjabis said Gurdial Kaur a woman farmer from Sultanpur Lodhi in Kapurthala that is located along the Beas river adding in the past too Punjab has survived floods but it shows the world what resilience looks likeVishal Gulati can be contacted at vishalgiansin https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/floods-may-drown-land-but-never-chardi-kala-spirit-of-punjabis-say-survivors--635699.html Mon, 01 Sep 2025 15:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/rains-lash-delhi-ncr-temperature-dips-traffic-snarls-reported-in-several-areas-635737.html New Delhi Sep 1 The weather in DelhiNCR changed dramatically on Monday as overcast skies gave way to spells of rain and gusty winds across the region bringing muchneeded respite from the heat and humidity By afternoon several parts of Noida Ghaziabad Gurugram and Delhi received heavy showers accompanied by strong winds leading to a sharp drop in temperatureAccording to the India Meteorological Department IMD the maximum temperature on Monday was recorded several degrees below normal for this time of the yearMany residents said they felt an unusual September chill as cool winds swept through the regionThe IMD had earlier issued a yellow alert for September 1 warning of rain thunderstorms lightning and gusty winds in the afternoon and evening The forecast proved accurate with heavy rainfall turning the skies dark in broad daylight and forcing commuters to switch on headlightsWhile the showers provided relief from sweltering conditions they also caused widespread disruption Waterlogging was reported in several areas of Noida Ghaziabad Gurugram and parts of Delhi leading to severe traffic congestionLong traffic snarls formed on arterial roads with the movement of vehicles slowing to a crawl in many pockets Commuters struggled with flooded streets particularly underpasses and lowlying roadsDespite these issues the rain brought smiles to many residents who enjoyed the sudden cool breeze and relief from the oppressive heatIt feels like the monsoon is back in full swing This is such a welcome change said a resident of NoidaLooking ahead the IMD has predicted that the pleasant weather will continue for the next week with light to moderate showers expected intermittentlyThe skies are likely to remain cloudy on September 2 as well though no alert has been issued for that dayHowever the Met department has forecast another spell of rain accompanied by thunder and lightning on September 3Meteorologist Naresh Kumar in an update on continued rainfall said An orange alert has been issued for Himachal Pradesh Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir Alerts are also in place for Rajasthan western Uttar Pradesh Punjab and Haryana Delhi and NCR expect heavy rain for 12 days before the weather normalises IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/rains-lash-delhi-ncr-temperature-dips-traffic-snarls-reported-in-several-areas-635737.html Mon, 01 Sep 2025 18:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/bihar-free-dialysis-service-at-sheikhpuras-sadar-hospital-benefitting-thousands-of-people-635774.html Patna Sep 1 The Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme PMNDP launched in 201617 to provide dialysis services free of cost to people below the Poverty Line BPL is proving to be boon for people in Sheikhpura and adjoining districts of Bihar The dialysis center at Sheikhpuras Sadar Hospital is providing free dialysis services to people from economically weaker sections It has made the treatment of kidneyrelated ailments accessible for the poor but also aiding them in saving money on treatment costsPatients from nearby areas like Lakhisarai Jamui Nawada and Nalanda are also benefiting from it as they visit this centre for availing free services This has reduced the need for them to travel to farther destinations for kidneyrelated treatmentThe fivebed dialysis center started in Sheikhpuras Sadar Hospital was inaugurated on 18 August 2020 and has since then been a lifesaver for many patientsPeople are expressing deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the stateofthe art dialysis center They also credited the Centre for saving many lives as they claimed that many patients failed to live longer due to the unavailability of dialysis services and also their inability to travel to bigger cities for treatmentThose kidney patients who have their names registered in the ration card can avail the free services they need to submit copies of their ration card and Aadhaar cardMany patients as well as the centre incharge also shared their experience with IANSThe dialysis center incharge Uttam Kumar said All services here are free for people with dialysis provided under the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis ProgrammeA beneficiary said The facility here is good everything is wellmaintained and clean We are extremely thankful to Prime Minister Narendra Modiled governmentAnother beneficiary said The services here are free and we are very grateful to PM Modi for providing themThe service is operated under the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme PMNDP which is part of the National Health Mission Its main objective is to eliminate the need for rural and economically weak patients to go to big cities and provide them dialysis facilities in their own villages and citiesCurrently the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Program PMNDP is in operation in all the 36 StatesUTs in 751 districts of the country There are a total of 1704 operational centres as on June 30 2025 IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/bihar-free-dialysis-service-at-sheikhpuras-sadar-hospital-benefitting-thousands-of-people-635774.html Mon, 01 Sep 2025 21:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/rajkot-entrepreneur-builds-business-with-pm-mudra-yojana-support-635783.html Rajkot Sep 1 Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana PMMY is an ambitious scheme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with an aim to empower aspiring entrepreneurs across India by providing easy access to credit for selfemployment There are ample examples of success stories of business being taken to great levels with the help of this scheme One such inspiring success story dominating the public discourse is from Rajkot in GujaratA resident Nareshbhai Mirani has transformed his small business dreams into reality with the help of this government scheme in RajkotNareshbhai runs a shop named Gopinath Emporium on Junction Plot Main Road in RajkotIn the early days of starting his business he faced financial challenges and needed capital He approached the State Bank of India and availed a loan of Rs 50000 under the PM Mudra Yojana This initial financial support allowed him to start his business and establish a stable source of incomeAfter successfully repaying the first loan Nareshbhai became eligible for a larger loan He was subsequently sanctioned a loan of over Rs 5 lakh under the same schemeHe now repays the loan through regular EMIs and continues to expand his business steadily Nareshbhai credits the schemes lowinterest rates and hasslefree process for much of his successThe Mudra Yojana made it possible for me to stand on my own feet Its a great initiative by the Prime Minister he saidMudra Yojana is doing wonders like this The scheme aims to provide microfinance to small and medium entrepreneurs helping them to become selfreliant It has significantly benefited small traders and businesses by offering collateralfree loans in three categories Shishu Kishor and TarunAs of now more than 52 crore loans have been sanctioned under the scheme disbursing over Rs 33 lakh crore to beneficiaries across the country The scheme is also playing a key role in encouraging selfreliance among youth and women fostering a strong culture of entrepreneurship in IndiaNareshbhais story stands as a testament to how government initiatives when effectively utilised can change lives IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/rajkot-entrepreneur-builds-business-with-pm-mudra-yojana-support-635783.html Mon, 01 Sep 2025 22:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/gujarat-nears-monsoon-target-with-90-pc-rainfall-48-talukas-record-over-40-inches-635599.html Ahmedabad Sep 1 Gujarat this year has received 90 per cent of its seasonal rainfall so far According to official data the state has recorded an average of 315 inches of rainfall this season Rainfall distribution shows that June saw the highest showers with 12 inches on average followed by 10 inches in July and 95 inches in AugustAt present 48 talukas have received more than 40 inches of rain while 10 districts have already crossed the 100 per cent mark of their seasonal quota South Gujarat leads the state with an impressive 55 inches of rainfall amounting to 94 per cent of the seasonal averageOther regions have also reported healthy showers EastCentral Gujarat 28 inches North Gujarat 27 inches Saurashtra 25 inches and Kutch 16 inches In most regions rainfall has reached over 85 per cent of the seasons target At the district level Valsad tops the charts with 84 inches followed by Dang 72 inches and Navsari 66 inchesPatan reported the lowest average at 16 inches Among talukas Kaprada in Valsad registered a remarkable 110 inches Umaragaon in Surat 9625 inches and Khergam in Navsari 90 inches In total 48 talukas have received more than 40 inches of rainfall 140 talukas between 2040 inches and 61 talukas between 1020 inches Two talukas are still at the lower end with just 510 inches of rainLast year by the end of August Gujarat had recorded 3865 inches of rain 111 per cent of the seasonal averageIn comparison this years rainfall has been slower particularly in August which saw 95 inches of rain against last years 174 inchesDistricts that have already crossed the 100 per cent seasonal mark include Sabarkantha and Banaskantha North Gujarat Mahisagar Kheda Anand CentralEast Gujarat Porbandar Botad Bhavnagar Saurashtra and Tapi and Surat South Gujarat IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/gujarat-nears-monsoon-target-with-90-pc-rainfall-48-talukas-record-over-40-inches-635599.html Mon, 01 Sep 2025 12:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/keralas-malappuram-panchayats-step-up-preventive-measures-against-rat-fever-635405.html Thiruvananthapuram Aug 31 The Malappuram district panchayats in Kerala have stepped up health surveillance and preventive measures following reports of rat fever and amoebic meningoencephalitis in Peruvalloor and Moonniyoor respectively In Peruvalloor the health standing committee has decided to distribute doxycycline tablets to people working in highrisk environments such as paddy fields muddy areas and waterbodies where rat urine is likely to mix with water The move comes after the death of Karuvathadam Bhaskaran from rat fever a few days ago while two others are still undergoing treatmentThe panchayat has classified MGNREGA workers farmers cattle rearers and coconut climbers as highly vulnerable Awareness campaigns will be launched through mike announcements and noticesPeople have been urged to avoid stagnant and unclean waterbodies while chlorination will be carried out in all wells Residents have been advised to keep food items covered and maintain clean surroundings to keep rats awayHealth officials cautioned that symptoms such as high fever muscle pain vomiting and headache should not be ignoredImmediate medical attention is essential Selftreatment can make the condition worse the committee notedThe meeting chaired by panchayat president K Abdul Salam was attended by medical officer Dr Anas implementation officer Dr Muhammad Rasi health inspector Laiju Ignatius and other officialsMeanwhile Moonniyoor panchayat has declared a health alert after cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis were reported The rare but deadly infection caused by an amoeba found in contaminated water has prompted the local health committee to intensify precautionsA special meeting chaired by the panchayat president NM Suharabi decided to chlorinate all wells install warning boards near ponds and public waterbodies and distribute notices with health guidelines to householdsResidents have been asked to avoid bathing or swimming in stagnant ponds and to ensure water safety in daily useVicepresident Haneef Achattil medical officer Dr Rafeeq Pullatt health inspector A Rajesh and other samiti members attended the meetingOfficials said spreading awareness among the public is key to preventing further cases Both panchayats have urged residents to remain vigilant adopt safe hygiene practices and seek immediate medical care if symptoms occur IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/keralas-malappuram-panchayats-step-up-preventive-measures-against-rat-fever-635405.html Sun, 31 Aug 2025 09:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/tn-to-launch-pilot-counselling-scheme-for-prisoners-reintegration-from-sep-1-635407.html Chennai Aug 31 In a pioneering move Tamil Nadu will roll out a pilot scheme on September 1 to provide prerelease and postrelease reintegration counselling for convicts who have spent three years or more in prison The initiative first of its kind in India aims to smoothen the transition of prisoners back into society and reduce the risk of repeat offencesThe scheme will be implemented through the Tamil Nadu Discharged Prisoners Aid Society TNDPAS with the support of qualified clinical psychologists approved by the State Mental Health Authority SMHAAccording to Dr Maheshwar Dayal Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services Tamil Nadu the programme will be monitored as a pilot to assess its impact and make necessary modifications In the first phase beginning September 1 about 350 convicts due for release over the next four months will be covered Each eligible prisoner will receive three counselling sessions one before release and two after to help them prepare for challenges outside prisonOfficials said more than 800 SMHAapproved psychologists can take part in the programmeThe state government has earmarked Rs 10 lakh for the pilot At Rs 1000 per session the cost of counselling per prisoner is estimated at Rs 3000 Prison psychologists will also identify individuals who require longerterm assistance beyond the initial sessionsOfficials noted that existing counselling services inside prisons largely address issues related to incarceration whereas discharged prisoners face a different set of difficulties including social stigma lack of family support and employment barriersThe reintegration counselling is designed to bridge this gap Experts welcomed the initiativeVijay Raghavan professor at the Centre for Criminology and Justice Tata Institute of Social Sciences Mumbai described it as a pioneering step especially beneficial for women prisoners who often encounter severe social stigma after releaseHe emphasised that counselling should be combined with broader measures such as family support and structured reintegration programmesThe government clarified that the new initiative will supplement not replace the aid already extended through TNDPAS including financial grants and seed capital for small businessesOfficials expressed confidence that the scheme beginning on September 1 will help released prisoners rebuild their lives with dignity reduce stigma and reintegrate into society with greater confidence IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/tn-to-launch-pilot-counselling-scheme-for-prisoners-reintegration-from-sep-1-635407.html Sun, 31 Aug 2025 09:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/324-corrupt-pakistan-officials-pocketed-rs-37-million-meant-for-poverty-alleviation-report-635467.html Islamabad Aug 31 Plagued by opaque biometric systems Pakistans social safety net has fallen prey to insidious decay with the Auditor General revealing that 324 government officials embezzled over Rs 37 million from the Benazir Income Support Programme BISP local media reported on Sunday According to Auditor General of Pakistan AGP officials BISP staff from Grade 1 to Grade 22 or literally every level of seniority and qualification were involved in graft leading Pakistani daily The Express Tribune reportedThe BISP was designed to provide a lifeline to millions living in poverty but has repeatedly been undermined by corruption and malfeasance at multiple levels The Rs 37 million graft is merely the tip of the iceberg In March audit reports uncovered financial irregularities worth Rs 141 billion in BISP for FY24 including payments to ineligible recipients fake biometric verifications and funds disbursed to deceased individuals said the reportIn effect those entrusted with administering aid to the poor are instead perpetuating poverty it saidThe involvement of officials across all grades illustrates the deeply ingrained culture of impunity Even more egregious are reports of bank employees and retailers illegally and fraudulently charging beneficiaries fees when they try to use their BISP cards said the The Express Tribune reportIn some of the reported cases the perpetrators curiously escaped criminal charges despite being caught redhanded and named publicly Unfortunately even if guilty officials are prosecuted and terminated recent history has shown that the fear of consequences has not particularly slowed corruption in most government departments and BISP is no different it saidControls need to be more proactive including transparent biometric systems stricter verification processes and independent monitoring mechanisms said the reportThe BISP supports around 58 million people or almost a quarter of the countrys population Allowing it to become a corrupt and untrusted institution is not just a betrayal of honest and deserving beneficiaries but of every single taxpayer and international donor supporting the programme it said IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/324-corrupt-pakistan-officials-pocketed-rs-37-million-meant-for-poverty-alleviation-report-635467.html Sun, 31 Aug 2025 16:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/from-rajasthan-to-2025-ramon-magsaysay-awardee-ngo-educate-girls-creates-history-635521.html New Delhi Aug 31 An Indian nonprofit organisation dedicated to mobilising community and government resources for girls education in rural and educationally disadvantaged areas of India has been named a 2025 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee the foundation announced on Sunday The Foundation to Educate Girls Globally widely known as Educate Girls is the first Indian organisation to receive the prestigious award which is considered Asias equivalent of the Nobel PrizeThe organisation starting out in Rajasthan was founded in 2007 by Safeena HusainStarting out in Rajasthan Educate Girls identified the neediest communities in terms of girls education brought unschooled or outofschool girls into the classroom and worked to keep them there until they were able to acquire credentials for higher education and gainful employment said the official press release of Ramon MagsaysayGirls education is the closest thing we have to a silver bullet to solve some of the worlds most difficult problems said Husain adding that It is one of the best investments a country can make impacting nine of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals including health nutrition and employmentEducate Girls remains committed to breaking the cycle of illiteracy and poverty for girls By scaling our programs deepening government partnerships and embedding communityled solutions we strive to create a brighter more equitable future one girl at a time she addedNotably Educate Girls in 2015 launched the worlds first Development Impact Bond DIB in education aimed at tying financial aid to achieved outcomesThe results were dramatic What began with fifty pilot village schools reached over 30000 villages across Indias most underserved regions involving over two million girls with a retention rate of over 90 per cent the statement saidOrganised into Team Balika Team for the Girl Child local volunteers went doortodoor to identify outofschool girls address parents concerns and help with documentation At the end of the DIB project in 2018 Educate Girls had surpassed its total learning targets by 160 per cent and its total enrollment target by 116 per cent it addedOther 2025 winners include Shaahina Ali from the Maldives for her environmental work and Flaviano Antonio L Villanueva from the PhilippinesEach recipient will receive a medallion a certificate and a cash prize The 67th Ramon Magsaysay Award presentation is scheduled for November 7 at the Metropolitan Theatre in Manila IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/from-rajasthan-to-2025-ramon-magsaysay-awardee-ngo-educate-girls-creates-history-635521.html Sun, 31 Aug 2025 20:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/ahmedabad-union-minister-cr-paatil-launches-book-jalkranti-praises-water-conservation-movement-635533.html Ahmedabad Aug 31 Ahmedabad witnessed the launch of Jalkranti a book penned by Mansukh Suvagiya regarded as the pioneer of Gujarats grassroots water revolution at the hands of Union Jal Shakti Minister and Gujarat BJP President CR Paatil The event drew the presence of senior Ministers MPs and social leaders underlining the growing relevance of water management in the states development narrativeSpeaking on the occasion Union Minister Patil lauded Suvagiyas decadeslong commitment to water conservation noting that he has led the construction of more than 3200 check dams and lakes across 300 villagesThe Union Minister described Jalkranti not merely as a book but as a Gita on water calling it a guiding force for tackling future water crisesHe also highlighted the success of Prime Minister Narendra Modis Catch the Rain campaign which has led to the creation of 32 million water structures across 611 districts in just eight months terming it a remarkable achievementState Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel recalled how Suvagiya initiated the water conservation movement during Saurashtras severe drought years awakening public consciousness about rainwater harvestingOther leaders including Rajya Sabha MP Narhari Amin praised the Jalkranti Trust for spreading awareness on water conservation while acknowledging Union governments initiatives like Nal se Jal which has ensured piped water supply to rural householdsThe launch ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries including Cabinet Ministers Mulubhai Bera and Mukesh Patel former Ministers Bhupendrasinh Chudasama and Vallabh Kakadiya Somnath Trust trustee PK Laheri and several social leadersGujarat has undertaken extensive water conservation efforts over the years focusing on check dams stepwells farm ponds and canal networks to address its arid climate and recurrent droughtsThe state pioneered the Sujalam Sufalam Yojana to recharge groundwater and desilt rivers while the Narmada canal network has been extended with drip irrigation and microirrigation systems to save waterCommunitydriven watershed projects rooftop rainwater harvesting in cities and the revival of traditional water structures have further strengthened resilienceThese initiatives combined with strict monitoring of groundwater use and emphasis on water recycling in industries have made Gujarat one of the leading states in sustainable water management in India IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/ahmedabad-union-minister-cr-paatil-launches-book-jalkranti-praises-water-conservation-movement-635533.html Sun, 31 Aug 2025 22:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/gujarat-bhadarvi-poonam-fair-in-ambaji-from-sep-1-7-grand-drone-show-planned-635540.html Ahmedabad Aug 31 The Ambaji Temple in Banaskantha district in Gujarat is set to host the annual Bhadarvi Poonam fair from September 1 to 7 with lakhs of devotees expected to throng the shrine To ensure smooth management the district administration have announced extensive preparations focusing on safety security and convenience for pilgrims To manage the massive gathering the administration has set up 29 committees responsible for arrangements including drinking water electricity parking prasad distribution and security The aim is to provide devotees with seamless facilities throughout the fair This year technology will play a key role in enhancing the experience for devoteesAn EMandir WhatsApp chatbot will provide instant information on aarti timings prasad centers parking arrangements and other templerelated updates Devotees will also be able to watch live darshan of Matajis Akhand Jyot on the trusts official YouTube channelGiven the massive turnout expected the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation ST has announced the operation of 5500 additional buses during the fair periodThese buses will ply between Ambaji and major routes including Gabbar Danta Palanpur Ahmedabad Vadodara and Surat ensuring easier access for devotees traveling from across the stateAdding a spectacular cultural attraction a grand drone light show featuring 400 drones will be organised on the night of September 34 at 830 pm subject to weather conditionsThe sky will light up with dazzling formations depicting Ambe Maa Jai Mataji inscriptions and the Trishul promising to mesmerise the audienceThe Ambaji Temple is one of the most important and revered Shakti Peethas in India dedicated to Goddess Amba a form of ShaktiIts significance lies in the belief that the heart of Goddess Sati fell at this very spot making it a powerful center of divine feminine energyThe temple is unique because the deity is worshipped in the form of a sacred yantra Shree Visa Yantra rather than an idol symbolising the eternal and formless power of the goddessBeyond its spiritual role the temple has cultural historical and economic relevance it is tied to folk traditions of the region referenced in ancient scriptures and continues to influence local livelihoods through pilgrimage tourismFor devotees Ambaji represents both a maternal figure of protection and a cosmic source of energy making it a living spiritual hub where faith tradition and cultural identity converge IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/gujarat-bhadarvi-poonam-fair-in-ambaji-from-sep-1-7-grand-drone-show-planned-635540.html Sun, 31 Aug 2025 23:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/punnamada-lake-erupts-as-71st-nehru-trophy-boat-race-unfolds-in-keralas-alapuzzha-635332.html Alappuzha Aug 30 Alappuzhas famed Punnamada Lake on Saturday turned into a vast amphitheatre of colour rhythm and excitement as the 71st edition of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race got underway From the break of dawn the backwaters echoed with the chants of oarsmen as the traditional Iruttukutti heats set the tone for the dayThis year 75 boats including 21 majestic Chundan Vallams or snake boats are in contentionThese slender marvels stretching between 120 and 140 feet carry about 120 oarsmen eachThe captain and his associates stand tall at the stern beating rhythms and barking instructions that keep the rowers in perfect unison turning the spectacle into a symphony of muscle and waterThe official inauguration was held at 2 pm on Saturday presided over by Tourism Minister PA Mohamed Riyas with Zimbabwes Deputy Minister Rajesh Kumar Indukant Modi leading a foreign delegation among the guestsThe race track itself measures 11 km but the energy of the event stretches far beyondEvery inch of the banks was filled with crowds spilling into vantage points days in advanceTourists from across the globe thronged Alappuzha their cameras capturing every paddle stroke while premium seats at the finishing pavilion were sold out well ahead of timeThough the event features several categories and even mass drills where all boats row together the climax remains the snake boat finals the ultimate test of endurance teamwork and local prideThe origins of this celebrated race date back to 1952 when the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had visited KeralaAs a fleet of boats escorted him from Kottayam to Alappuzha an impromptu race broke outMesmerised Nehru famously leapt into the Nadubhagam Chundan riding it to the jetty with abandonBack in Delhi he donated a silver trophy a replica of a snake boat mounted on a wooden abacus inscribed with his signatureThat iconic trophy continues to crown the victors of the snake boat race todaySeven decades on the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is more than a competition it is Keralas cultural heartbeat where tradition athleticism and sheer festive joy surge together in waves of glory IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/punnamada-lake-erupts-as-71st-nehru-trophy-boat-race-unfolds-in-keralas-alapuzzha-635332.html Sat, 30 Aug 2025 18:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/punnamada-lake-erupts-as-71st-nehru-trophy-boat-race-unfolds-in-keralas-alappuzha-635334.html Alappuzha Aug 30 Alappuzhas famed Punnamada Lake on Saturday turned into a vast amphitheatre of colour rhythm and excitement as the 71st edition of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race got underway From the break of dawn the backwaters echoed with the chants of oarsmen as the traditional Iruttukutti heats set the tone for the dayThis year 75 boats including 21 majestic Chundan Vallams or snake boats are in contentionThese slender marvels stretching between 120 and 140 feet carry about 120 oarsmen eachThe captain and his associates stand tall at the stern beating rhythms and barking instructions that keep the rowers in perfect unison turning the spectacle into a symphony of muscle and waterThe official inauguration was held at 2 pm on Saturday presided over by Tourism Minister PA Mohamed Riyas with Zimbabwes Deputy Minister Rajesh Kumar Indukant Modi leading a foreign delegation among the guestsThe race track itself measures 11 km but the energy of the event stretches far beyondEvery inch of the banks was filled with crowds spilling into vantage points days in advanceTourists from across the globe thronged Alappuzha their cameras capturing every paddle stroke while premium seats at the finishing pavilion were sold out well ahead of timeThough the event features several categories and even mass drills where all boats row together the climax remains the snake boat finals the ultimate test of endurance teamwork and local prideThe origins of this celebrated race date back to 1952 when the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had visited KeralaAs a fleet of boats escorted him from Kottayam to Alappuzha an impromptu race broke outMesmerised Nehru famously leapt into the Nadubhagam Chundan riding it to the jetty with abandonBack in Delhi he donated a silver trophy a replica of a snake boat mounted on a wooden abacus inscribed with his signatureThat iconic trophy continues to crown the victors of the snake boat race todaySeven decades on the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is more than a competition it is Keralas cultural heartbeat where tradition athleticism and sheer festive joy surge together in waves of glory IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/punnamada-lake-erupts-as-71st-nehru-trophy-boat-race-unfolds-in-keralas-alappuzha-635334.html Sat, 30 Aug 2025 18:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/cm-bhupendra-patel-leads-van-mahotsav-celebrations-at-galteshwar-temple-635344.html Gandhinagar Aug 30 The 76th Van Mahotsav was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Galteshwar in Kheda district in Gujarat As part of the festivities the 24th Sanskrtik Van Cultural Forest of the state was inaugurated The occasion was marked by the visit of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel He arrived at the site located near Sarnal village in Kheda district to participate in the celebrationsChief Minister Patel began the day by offering prayers at the ancient Galteshwar Mahadev temple situated at the confluence of the Mahisagar and Galti rivers near Sarnal village in Thasra taluka During his visit he sought blessings for the welfare and prosperity of the people of GujaratFollowing the prayer the Chief Minister undertook a circumambulation of the temple appreciating the unique architectural style of this ancient shrine He also learned about the glory of Sage Galav to whom the temple holds significant spiritual importanceThe inauguration of the 24th Cultural Forest which promotes the preservation of regional flora and cultural heritage was the highlight of the Van Mahotsav celebrations This initiative emphasises the importance of forests in ecological balance and celebrates the cultural significance of natural heritage sitesAlongside Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel the event was attended by prominent dignitaries including Member of Parliament Devusinh Chauhan Panchmahal MP Rajpalsinh Jadav Thasra MLA Yogendrasinh Parmar Kheda District Collector Amit Prakash Yadav District Development Officer Jayant Kishor Superintendent of Police Vijay Patel Forest Conservator Mitalben Sawant Anand Kumar and leading social worker Nayanaben PatelThe 76th Van Mahotsav at Galteshwar thus not only underscored the state governments commitment to environmental conservation but also celebrated Gujarats rich cultural and spiritual legacyThe 12th century Galteshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is considered unique in its style and has an influence of Gujarati Chaulukya architectureProtected by the Archaeological Survey of India the temple is the Monument of National Importance IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/cm-bhupendra-patel-leads-van-mahotsav-celebrations-at-galteshwar-temple-635344.html Sat, 30 Aug 2025 19:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/when-narendra-modi-brought-back-ganeshotsav-to-gujarat-634927.html New Delhi Aug 28 Ganesh Chaturthi also called Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Utsav is a tenday long Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha As the countrymen engage in tenday festivities an incident from Gujarats Sabarkantha shows how the festival saw a break in the celebrations in 1988 due to stonepelting but was revived by Narendra Modi the then Gujarat BJP General SecretaryVasant Mehta a BJP leader from Gujarat sharing an anecdote from Meghraj village in Sabarkantha recalled that the villagers faced stone attacks and also the government restrictions and this led to temporary halt in Ganpati SthapanaIt was after the insistence and intervention of Narendra Modi that the villagers started celebrating the festival again with its grandeur increasing every yearModi Story a popular social media handle shared a video of Vasant Mehta in which he recalls the cessation and then revival of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in late 1990sHe says that Ganesh Chaturthi programme was planned in Himmatnagar at Shaktinagar area near the Zila Panchayat Residents decided to install Ganesh idol for puja but the government did not give permission for Ganesh SthapanaIn Meghraj Taluka Sabarkantha Ganpati festival was celebrated every year Ganesh idol used to be brought with full fanfare but at one occasion the procession faced stone attack from some miscreants leaving the people and locality panicked he says recounting the incidentWhen Narendra Modi came to Sabarkantha the next day we apprised him about the prevailing situation and how we were forced to stop the practice of Ganesh Sthapana and festivities he addsHe further says that Narendra Modi then Gujarat BJP General Secretary personally visited Meghraj gathered karyakartas and took stock of the situation He assured protection secured government permission and ensured the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations went ahead safelySince then Ganesh Chaturthi is being celebrated in Meghraj region every year and the Ganesh Visarjan is also observed with full enthusiasm and zealSince then Ganeshotsav has continued here in in every village and every home uninterrupted with devotion enthusiasm and community spirit IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/when-narendra-modi-brought-back-ganeshotsav-to-gujarat-634927.html Thu, 28 Aug 2025 21:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/flood-situation-in-telanganas-kamareddy-medak-remains-grim-634682.html Hyderabad Aug 28 The flood situation in Kamareddy and Medak districts of Telangana remained grim on Thursday as heavy rain continued to lash the region Very heavy rain since Tuesday night wreaked havoc in the two districts as overflowing streams lakes and ponds inundated lowlying areas and submerged roads and railway tracks disrupting road and rail trafficSeveral residential areas in Kamareddy town remained submerged as fresh rains added to the woes of the residents Drone visuals show a large part of the town underwaterAuthorities have declared a holiday for all educational institutions in Kamareddy Medak Adilabad Karimnagar and Jagtial districtsHeavy to very heavy rains have been lashing Medak Kamareddy Siddipet and Nirmal districts since early Thursday The Manjira River was in spate following heavy rains and floodsAuthorities continued their efforts to rescue people trapped in floodsUnion Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar requested Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to send an IAF helicopter to rescue people trapped in floodsBandi Sanjay said he spoke to Rajnath Singh over the phone regarding the flood situation in Kamareddy and Sircilla districts where around 30 people are trappedThe Minister of State said he requested that a special Air Force helicopter be deployed for rescueBandi Sanjay said the Defence Minister responded immediately and directed Defence officials at Hakimpet Air Force Station to send the helicopterMeanwhile Manair a tributary of the Godavari River was in spate following heavy rains in Medak and Kamareddy districts The Mid Manair dam was receiving massive floodsRajampet in Kamareddy district received record rainfall of 4405 cm in less than 24 hours between 830 am on August 27 and 7 am on August 28 Nirmal Rural mandal in Nirmal district received 3253 cm of rainfallAccording to Telangana Development Planning Society Havelighanpur in Medak district recorded 316 cm of rainfall Kamareddy received 3085 cm of rain About 20 places recorded rainfall of above 20 cmMore than 50 places recorded rainfall between 1150 cm and 20 cmThe IMD has issued a red alert for Medak Kamareddy Siddipet Nizamabad and Nirmal districts on Thursday An orange alert has been issued to 15 districts while a yellow alert has been issued to the remaining districts including HyderabadChief Minister A Revanth Reddy will be making an aerial survey of floodhit areas of Kamareddy and Medak districts on ThursdayChief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao late on Wednesday held a teleconference with the Collectors of Medak Kamareddy Nizamabad Nirmal and Sircilla districts He reviewed the rescue and relief operations and the measures taken to prevent loss of lives and propertySpecial Chief Secretary Disaster Management Arvind Kumar Chief Secretary Irrigation Rahul Bojja Fire Services Director General Nagi Reddy and special officers nominated for floodhit districts participated in the teleconferenceChief Secretary directed the Collectors to remain alert as more heavy rains are likely on Thursday He said the required NDRF and SDRF teams would be sent to the affected districtsIrrigation officials informed the Chief Secretary that inflows to the Pocharam reservoir have receded The 103yearold reservoir withstood a massive flood inflow of 182000 cusecs far exceeding its Maximum Flood Discharge MFD of 70000 cusecs IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/flood-situation-in-telanganas-kamareddy-medak-remains-grim-634682.html Thu, 28 Aug 2025 09:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/a-step-towards-self-reliant-india-hm-amit-shah-on-11-years-of-pmjdy-634766.html New Delhi Aug 28 IANS Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday hailed the socioeconomic gains from the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana PMJDY crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for conceiving the worlds largest banking initiative in historynbspExactly 11 years ago today for the financial inclusion of the poor women farmers and deprived sections Modi ji launched the worlds largest banking initiative in history the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana said HM Shah on the anniversary of the schemeHe said in a post on X Through 11YearsOfJanDhan a historic effort was made to connect a large section of the country to banking facilities which had been deprived of it for decadesnbspHM Shah highlighted that today more than 56 crore Jan Dhan beneficiaries including nearly 56 per cent women are directly benefiting from various government schemes such as banking insurance and pension and are engaged in achieving the goal of a developed and selfreliant IndianbspEarlier PM Modi said that the scheme has enhanced dignity and empowered people to script their own destinyHe took to his social media platform X and said When the last mile is financially connected the entire nation moves forward together That is exactly what the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana achieved It enhanced dignity and gave people the power to script their own destiny 11YearsOfJanDhannbspAccording to a government factsheet over 67 per cent of the PMJDY accounts are located in rural or semiurban areas while 56 per cent of the accounts were opened by womennbspThe PMJDY has been one of the major channels for delivering benefits under various schemes using Direct Benefit Transfer DBT providing credit facilities social security and enhancing savings and investments Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman saidThe scheme has also issued 38 crore RuPay cards playing a major role in increasing digital transactions to 22198 crore in 202425nbspThe number of RuPay card transactions at PoS and ecommerce has increased from 67 crore in FY 201718 to 9385 crore in FY 202425 the government said in a releasenbspIn line with PM Modis vision of every household having a bank account and every adult having insurance and pension coverage saturation drives are being conducted nationwide said Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj ChaudharyThe campaigns will run till September 30 to expand the reach of PMJDYnbspAt least one camp will be held in each of the 27 lakh gram panchayats in the country where eligible persons can open PMJDY accounts enrol under Jansuraksha schemes and also do their reKYC and update nominations in their bank accounts the minister saidnbspWe have achieved near saturation in bank accounts and there has been a continuous increase in insurance and pension coverage across the country he addednbspNotably the total deposit balances under PMJDY accounts have reached Rs 267756 crore while the number of accounts has increased threefold and the total deposits have grown by approximately 12 times https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/a-step-towards-self-reliant-india-hm-amit-shah-on-11-years-of-pmjdy-634766.html Thu, 28 Aug 2025 15:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/unhcr-says-over-23-million-afghans-returned-from-iran-and-pakistan-this-year-634782.html Kabul Aug 28 Over 23 million Afghan refugees have returned to Afghanistan from Iran and Pakistan this year according to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR The UN Refugee agency warned that these Afghan refugees face severe hardship and called for support to meet their basic needs local media reported According to a UNHCR statement issued on Thursday Afghan refugees are arriving in a nation unprepared to receive them The UNHCR shared a picture with a message that reads The world cannot turn its back on Afghans nowWhile calling for international communitys help for Afghan refugees UNHCR in a post on X wrote Over 23 million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan this year many under pressure and to a country unprepared to receive them Were calling for urgent support to meet their most basic needs The world cannot look away nowHumanitarian groups have repeatedly warned that deported Afghans after returning to Afghanistan will face poverty unemployment lack of housing and severe restrictions on education and personal freedoms especially women and girls Afghanistanbased Khaama Press reportedUN experts warned that many refugees are being sent to a nation whose rulers face international accusations of systematic human rights violationsPakistan has announced September 1 as the deadline for sending back over one million Afghans whose temporary residence permits have expired further intensifying concerns regarding forced displacementThe mass deportations have further worsened economic crisis in Afghanistan and strained its limited social services with aid groups warning of worsening instability in border areas Observers stated that the forced return of millions of refugees could increase the humanitarian emergency if there is no coordinated international supportEarlier this month the UNHCR called on Pakistan to halt deportation of vulnerable Afghan refugees warning that forcible repatriation particularly of women girls and people who are ill could violate basic human rights and protections UNHCR has voiced serious concern over Pakistans decision to deport Afghan refugees who have temporary residence permits and demanded protection of vulnerable people leading Afghan news agency Khaama Press reportedIn a statement UNHCR called on Pakistani government to not deport Afghans who require international protection and highlighted the risk faced by women and girls It warned that forced repatriation could expose women and girls to severe violations of their fundamental rights under the Taliban regimeUN refugee agency urged Pakistan to not deport students and those with medical conditions from deportation considering their vulnerability and need for continued support In the statement UNHCR welcomed Pakistans decision to give one month period before implementing the deportation plan However it stressed that Pakistani authorities to use the time to assess individual cases and uphold humanitarian principles IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/unhcr-says-over-23-million-afghans-returned-from-iran-and-pakistan-this-year-634782.html Thu, 28 Aug 2025 15:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/talks-going-on-for-release-of-jailed-kerala-nurse-nimisha-in-yemen-634495.html Thiruvananthapuram Aug 27 Fresh momentum has gathered in the efforts to secure the release of Nimisha Priya the Kerala nurse facing the death penalty in Yemen According to MLA Chandy Oommen discussions are actively progressing in the Gulf particularly in the UAE and Qatar through expatriate businessmen with links in YemenThere is reason to hope for positive news in the coming days said Oommen while clarifying that there has been no attempt to sideline the ongoing mediation efforts led by the Kanthapuram groupOommen is the son of the late twotime former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy who till his death in 2023 was actively involved in this caseOommen has thrice called upon Kerala Governor Rajendra V Arlekar to take up the case with the CentrePriya a native of Palakkad was convicted in 2020 for the 2017 murder of her Yemeni business partner Talal Abdo MahdiReports suggest that she acted under duress after suffering months of physical and psychological abuse by him culminating in the administration of a lethal drug overdoseThe case drew widespread attention after Yemeni authorities scheduled her execution for July 16 this yearHowever sustained interventions including those led by Keralas Muslim scholar and Grand Mufti of India Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar succeeded in securing a lastminute stayMuftis network particularly his engagement with prominent Yemeni cleric Shaikh Habeeb Ummer has been credited with paving the way for dialogueJawad Mustafawy a close aide of the Mufti who studied Islamic philosophy in Yemen emphasised that the sole focus of their mission is her releaseDiplomatic and humanitarian efforts are now converging on persuading the victims family the ultimate decisionmakers under Yemens legal frameworkReports indicated that a Yemeni delegation including women had approached the bereaved family to explore possibilities of reconciliation and compensationWith the Gulf discussions gaining traction alongside religious and humanitarian interventions hopes remain alive that Nimisha may not only be spared from the death row but perhaps a return to Kerala might also happen IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/talks-going-on-for-release-of-jailed-kerala-nurse-nimisha-in-yemen-634495.html Wed, 27 Aug 2025 10:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/bjp-legislator-in-haryana-seeks-law-mandating-parents-permission-for-marriage-634521.html Chandigarh Aug 27 A Bharatiya Janata Party legislator in Haryana has triggered a row by demanding a law that mandates parents permission before marriage Ram Kumar Gautam known for his candid and often controversial statements said such a decision is necessary keeping in view the present situationBoys and girls run away There have been cases where parents are forced to commit suicide later the Safidon Assembly constituency legislator said during the Zero Hour in the Assembly on TuesdayMy request to the government is to make such a law where permission of parents is mandatory for boys and girls before marriage he saidResponding to the demand Speaker Harvinder Kalyan asked him to take his seatHowever Gautam insisted on carrying on the discussionIf you want to say anything beyond this then you give a notice and whatever needs to be done I will act accordingly the Speaker advised himGautam popularly known as Dada Gautam a former member of the Jannayak Janta Party JJP switched loyalties and joined the BJP ahead of the October 5 Assembly bypollEarlier soon after the BJP and JJP stitched alliance in 2019 and formed the government in the state Gautam who was upset with the functioning of the government had said the alliance was sealed in a mall secretly indirectly hinting that except Dushyant Chautala no legislator was aware of the developmentIn the Assembly elections Gautam then 73 had defeated the BJPs Minister Abhimanyu from the Narnaud constituency in Hisar district with a margin of 12029 votesAt that time Gautams sudden outburst against JJP leader Chautala was due to deliberate sidelining of the partys legislators and having all the plum postsSlamming Dushyant for keeping 11 portfolios with him Gautam had said He Dushyant should realise there are nine other MLAs in the party These MLAs too were chosen by the people Most party MLAs are disappointed over the issue IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/bjp-legislator-in-haryana-seeks-law-mandating-parents-permission-for-marriage-634521.html Wed, 27 Aug 2025 13:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/10th-century-headless-buddha-idol-unearthed-in-tamil-nadus-pudukkottai-634550.html Chennai Aug 27 A headless Buddha idol dating back to the 10th century has been discovered on the banks of an irrigation tank at Avudaiyarkovil in Tamil Nadus Pudukkottai district The rare find was made on Tuesday by members of the Pudukkottai Archaeological Research Forum during a field surveyAccording to A Manikandan Founder of the Forum and researcher at the Department of Ancient Science Tamil University Thanjavur the discovery was part of a longrunning project to document historical monuments in Pudukkottai under the guidance of Forum President Karu RajendranThe idol was located at the Periya Kanmai irrigation tank on the mound of the Perumadai canal in AvudaiyarkovilCarved from black stone the sculpture was referred to by residents as Thalai Illa Saami headless deityVillagers believe that the idol has powers to bring rain when a clay head is placed on it during times of droughtManikandan explained that based on stylistic features the idol can be traced to the 10th centuryThe sculpture measures 48 centimetres in height and 38 centimetres in width It depicts the Buddha with a robe draped over the right shoulder and a cloth around the waistDistinct features include a broad chest wide shoulders three folds on the neck trivali and the right hand raised above the left palm in a traditional gestureResidents informed the researchers that the missing head was once seen in a nearby canal but it has not been recovered The team plans to continue explorations in the area to trace itHistorical references link Avudaiyarkovil and its surroundings to a flourishing Buddhist presence during the Chola periodAncient literature records that Buddhist scholar Buddhamitra who composed the grammar text Vīra Chozhiyam during the reign of Chola king Vira Rajendra hailed from Ponpathi ancient Ponpatri near AvudaiyarkovilRemains of a moat and fortlike structure associated with him can still be seen todayManikandan said the discovery adds to the growing evidence of Pudukkottais Buddhist heritage and underlines the need for further archaeological exploration in the region IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/10th-century-headless-buddha-idol-unearthed-in-tamil-nadus-pudukkottai-634550.html Wed, 27 Aug 2025 14:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/all-set-for-launch-of-longest-tunnel-road-project-in-kerala-on-aug-31-official-634594.html Thiruvananthapuram Aug 27 Kerala is set to mark a major milestone in its infrastructure development with the launch of the AnakkampoyilKalladiMeppadi tunnel road project on August 31 Once completed the tunnel will reduce the distance between Anakkampoyil Kozhikode distirct and Meppadi Wayanad distirct from around 50 km to just 22 km ending the longstanding hardships of commuters traveling through the ghat roadMore importantly the tunnel will provide a seamless route linking Kerala with Karnataka and Tamil Nadu significantly easing interstate travelIt is expected to emerge as a historic achievement paving the way for the comprehensive development of the highrange regionsAnnouncing this Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday said the muchawaited project cleared after securing mandatory environmental approvals promises to transform connectivity in the Malabar region north Kerala including WayanadThe tunnel road implemented under the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board KIIFB initiative will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 21345 crore Spanning 873 km the project includes a twin tunnel of 81 km the longest of its kind in the state said VijayanThe Konkan Railway Corporation Limited has been entrusted with executing the projectFor the construction about 33 hectares of land across Kozhikode and Wayanad districts have been earmarkedForest land has already been handed over and nearly 90 per cent of the private land required has been acquiredWork on the approach roads leading to the tunnel has already begunThe project will be executed in two packages bridges and approach roads in the first and tunnel construction in the secondThe design includes a fourlane roadway equipped with stateoftheart facilities such as tunnel ventilation fire safety systems tunnel radio and telephone connectivity sound systems escape route lighting traffic signals CCTV surveillance and emergency call systemsOriginally announced as part of the first Vijayan governments 100day action plan the project faced several hurdles before receiving clearanceWith work formally commencing this month the AnakkampoyilMeppadi tunnel road is being hailed as a landmark project that will redefine Keralas connectivity and regional growth IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/all-set-for-launch-of-longest-tunnel-road-project-in-kerala-on-aug-31-official-634594.html Wed, 27 Aug 2025 18:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/magician-samraj-to-honour-operation-sindoor-with-the-great-missile-blast-escape-634606.html Alappuzha Aug 27 In a stirring tribute to the valor of the Indian Army during Operation Sindhoor celebrated magician Samraj is set to mesmerize audiences with a daring act titled The Great Missile Blast Escape The performance to be staged in Alappuzha on August 28 is designed as both a spectacle of illusion and a salute to the spirit of Indias soldiersSamraj told IANS that the act symbolically portrays the ordeal of a soldier captured by enemy forces and trapped inside a powerful missileIn the dramatic sequence terrorists attempt to annihilate both the missile and the captive with a massive explosion said SamrajIn a breathtaking escape the soldier embodied by Samraj breaks free defeating the enemys plotThe theme was inspired by the resilience and heroism of Indian soldiers during Operation Sindhoor which continues to serve as a powerful reminder of national courage and sacrifice added SamrajThe grand show will be staged at 7 pm at Johns Ground Mullakkal near here coinciding with the festivities surrounding the iconic Nehru Trophy Boat RaceOrganised jointly by the Kerala government the Nehru Trophy Boat Race Society the Tourism Department and the Alappuzha district administration the event is expected to draw thousands of spectatorsHe further said after its national premiere in Alappuzha the act will also be performed at select Indian Army camps across the country further strengthening its connection to the militaryThe centerpiece of the performance is a colossal missile prop 18 feet tall and 6 feet wide crafted from metal and foam sheets under the supervision of technical experts from ChennaiThis is not the first time Samraj has stunned Alappuzha audiences ahead of the Nehru TrophyIn 1997 his famous Fire Escape act captured national attentionWith The Great Missile Blast Escape he aims once again to hold audiences spellbound blending suspense patriotism and magic while paying homage to the indomitable spirit of Indian soldiers through the legacy of Operation Sindoor IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/magician-samraj-to-honour-operation-sindoor-with-the-great-missile-blast-escape-634606.html Wed, 27 Aug 2025 18:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/animal-welfare-groups-oppose-baby-elephants-transfer-from-uttarkhand-to-tirunelveli-temple-634611.html Chennai Aug 27 More than 50 animal protection groups across India have urged the governments of Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand to immediately halt the proposed transfer of a baby elephant from Uttarakhand to the Arulmigu Nellaiyappar Arultharum Kanthimathiamman Temple in Tirunelveli The appeal addressed to Tamil Nadus Ministers for Forests and Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments and to Uttarakhands Forest Minister warns that moving a wild calf of less than two years into temple captivity would cause lifelong suffering and violate multiple laws including the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 the Captive Elephant Transfer or Transport Rules 2024 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960According to enquiries the Uttarakhand Forest Department verbally confirmed that the elephant is a wild male calf The temples earlier elephant Gandhimati died in January 2025 after years of illness including diabetes and severe arthritis from confinement Chennaibased People for Cattle India PFCI one of the signatories has offered to donate a mechanical elephant to the temple as a compassionate alternativeThey noted that elephants in captivity are often broken through violent training chained for life and suffer isolation and abuse Male elephants in particular face cruelty during musth sometimes leading to fatal attacks on handlers or devoteesIn November 2024 elephant Deivanai killed her mahout and his relative in Tiruchendur while past years have seen similar incidents in Trichy and other parts of India The groups also cited a 2021 Madras High Court order that barred temples and private entities from acquiring new elephants except for medical treatmentThey urged that the calf instead of being forced into captivity should be rewilded with expert help or relocated to a sanctuary where it can live unchained among its species Advocating modern practices the coalition highlighted that at least 20 temples in South India already use mechanical elephants 11 of which were donated by PETA IndiaIn June this year actor Trisha Krishnan and PFCI gifted one such elephant Gaja to temples in Aruppukottai The joint appeal signed by animal welfare organisations from across Tamil Nadu Kerala Karnataka Uttarakhand Delhi and other regions called on authorities to prioritise compassion and conservation over outdated practices of elephant captivity IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/animal-welfare-groups-oppose-baby-elephants-transfer-from-uttarkhand-to-tirunelveli-temple-634611.html Wed, 27 Aug 2025 18:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/solar-energy-set-to-light-up-varanasi-cantt-railway-station-634441.html Varanasi Aug 26 Varanasi Cantt railway station is all set to go green and the whole complex will be seen lighting up with solar energy as early as by the yearend The railway authorities have taken up the task to install 2800 solar panels of 700kilowatt capacity at the Cantt railway station The facility when operational will not only save electricity but will also set a new precedent in generating clean and green energy thereby protecting the environmentThe Banaras Locomotive Works BLW recently started installing detachable solar panels between the railway tracks apparently the countrys first such exerciseSince Varanasi is the Lok Sabha constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi the novel experiment has caught the imagination of people as well as railway officialsMany railway officials welcomed the move stating that this would cut electricity costs and also significantly aid in environmental conservationVaranasi Cantt railway station director Arpit Gupta told IANS that the project was first initiated in 2016 but then was abruptly halted due to remodelling work at the station Fresh preparations have begun to equip the railway station with solar energyIn 201617 around 1 MW of solar panels were installed at Varanasi station but during remodelling in 2023 they were removed as new platforms were being built he saidHe further stated By September 2025 the installation will be completed ensuring both environmental protection and a stable power supply With this there will be a saving of around 700 kW per day entirely from solar energyNotably solar energy generation comprises one of the major energy policy decisions of the Modi government under which not just households but commercial installations and office complexes are being encouraged to reduce dependence on conventional forms of energy and adopt solar power as a viable alternativeAccording to official estimates the Indian Railways has installed 209 MW solar plants at 2249 stations and service buildings till February 2025Currently Rajasthan is leading in solar power expansion with the highest 275 installation units among all States and UTs IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/solar-energy-set-to-light-up-varanasi-cantt-railway-station-634441.html Tue, 26 Aug 2025 22:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/tn-delta-farmers-pin-hopes-on-samba-paddy-cultivation-after-kuruvai-paddy-season-success-634203.html Chennai Aug 26 Encouraged by the success of kuruvai cultivation farmers in the Cauvery Delta have now started preparations for samba crop hoping to replicate the bumper yield as steady inflows into reservoirs and widespread rainfall create favourable conditions The annual release from Mettur Dam on June 12 enabled farmers to take up kuruvai cultivation without delay According to the agriculture department figures kuruvai was raised on 566 lakh acres surpassing the target of 532 lakh acres Adequate storage in the Mettur dam coupled with a brisk southwest monsoon has boosted farmers confidence and the kuruvai crop is already set for a prosperous yield Traditionally many farmers concentrate on samba alone while others alternate between kuruvai and thalady depending on water availability and financial conditions Officials noted that while increased acreage for kuruvai this year has slightly reduced the area available for samba thalady cultivation is expected to gain more coverage after the current season For samba the target acreage has been fixed at 307 lakh in Thanjavur 346 lakh in Tiruvarur 167 lakh in Mayiladuthurai 156 lakh in Nagapattinam and 135 lakh in Tiruchy Farmers have begun ploughing preparing nurseries and transplanting seedlings in several parts of the region Senior agricultural technocrat P Kalaivanan expressed confidence that water availability would not be an issue this year stating that the 120 TMC required for the season could be met through current Mettur storage and continued rainfall He added that completing sowing by September would help farmers avoid losses from the northeast monsoon which in turn would further supplement the water needed for the crop The Mettur reservoir has been full for the past five days and officials pointed out that in its 91 years of existence it has reached full capacity in 51 years underlining the favourable situation this season Farmers however stressed that government support was crucial to ensure they could maximise the yield AKR Ravichandar president of the Cauvery Delta Farmers Association said farmers dependent on river irrigation focus entirely on samba but often receive only modest returns despite months of work He appealed to the state government to announce a special samba package on par with the kuruvai scheme demanding a full subsidy for paddy seeds and a 50 per cent subsidy for fertilisers Farmers also urged authorities to monitor private fertiliser firms alleging that they are forced to buy nano fertilisers along with DAP With reservoirs brimming rains arriving on time and cultivators pushing for timely support measures hopes are high across the Delta that samba will deliver another season of prosperity IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/tn-delta-farmers-pin-hopes-on-samba-paddy-cultivation-after-kuruvai-paddy-season-success-634203.html Tue, 26 Aug 2025 10:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/traffic-suspended-on-jammu-srinagar-national-highway-634239.html Jammu Aug 26 Traffic was suspended on the JammuSrinagar national highway on Tuesday due to adverse weather triggering shooting stones in JampKs Ramban district Traffic department officials said that due to incessant rain shooting stones are hitting the JammuSrinagar highway at a number of places in Ramban districtKeeping the safety of the travellers in mind traffic on the highway has been suspended Intending travellers must find out the latest condition of the highway from Jammu or Srinagar traffic control rooms before undertaking the journey officials saidMeanwhile Incessant rain has swollen most rivers streams and seasonal waterways in JampKs Jammu division and major rivers like Tawi and Ravi are flowing above the danger mark on TuesdayOfficials said that at 915 am the Tawi River was flowing at 2497 ft while the flood level in the river is 20 ft and the evacuation level is fixed at 234 ft In Jammu city the Tawi is fast approaching the danger markIn the Kathua district the Ravi River has overflown its banks at many places resulting in inundation of lowlying areas including Bagthali Massos Pur Keerian Gandial Barni Dhanna Dhanore Karyali villages and adjoining areas Residents of these areas have been advised to remain alert and take necessary precautionsThe water Level of the Ujh River in Kathua district is also approaching the danger mark while the Basantar River in Samba district has crossed the danger markThe Ujh river was flowing close to the danger mark at Panjtirthi in the morning Officials said that water levels in the Taranah River Maggar Khad Sahar Khad Ravi River and their tributaries in Kathua district are simultaneously rising and nearing the danger mark posing a serious risk Part of the Paddar road in the Kishtwar district has been washed away near the Traith NallahThe Sinthan Top pass connecting the Valley with the Kishtwar district has been closed for trafficA flash flood has also occurred in Neeru Nallah in the Bhaderwah area of Doda district In all these affected districts various departments have been on high alert and evacuation exercises for affected people to safer locations have been startedHelplines have been set up in all these districts and local police flood and irrigation department health and emergency services are on high alertNo official connected directly or indirectly with flood protection duties can avail any leave at present in these districts unless on the basis of medical emergenciesThe Meteorological MeT Department has forecast intenseheavy to very heavy rain in the Jammu division and heavy rain in some parts of the Kashmir divisionAn advisory issued by the MeT department has forecast intenseheavy to very heavy rainthunder in the Jammu division and heavy rain in the Kashmir division on TuesdayPeople have been advised not to go close to embankments of rivers streams nallahs and stay away from landslideprone areas The District Magistrate Jammu has urged people to stay away from the Tawi River banksIn a post on X the DM wrote Citizens of Jammu are requested to stay away from Tawi River banks The water levels may reach danger mark within short period of time In case of emergency call these numbers 01912520542 01912571616 IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/traffic-suspended-on-jammu-srinagar-national-highway-634239.html Tue, 26 Aug 2025 12:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/mp-to-push-self-reliance-india-on-10-day-ganesh-chaturthi-festivity-declares-holiday-tomorrow-634290.html Bhopal Aug 26 After a long hiatus the Madhya Pradesh government has not only reinstated Ganesh Chaturthi as a public holiday but also aligned it with its ongoing SelfReliance campaign and Swadeshi Push In a move blending cultural reverence with nationalist sentiment the Madhya Pradesh cabinet has declared Ganesh Chaturthi a holiday of national importanceStates Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya announced the decision citing the festivals historical relevance to Indias freedom movement and its role in fostering social awarenessThe announcement marks a shift in how the festival is officially recognised no longer just a religious occasion but a civic symbol of cultural resilienceChief Minister Mohan Yadavs administration emphasised that the 10day Ganesh festival will be used to promote selfreliance and the Swadeshi ethosGanesh Chaturthi is not merely a celebration of devotion it is a symbol of Indias cultural resilience and its fight for independence said Vijayvargiya referencing the festivals roots are not known but its in anticolonial mobilisation during the late 19th century was initiated prominent antiColonial freedom fighter Lokamanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak in Maharashtra in the year 1893The government plans to encourage the use of Indianmade products throughout the festivities with a special focus on cottage industries Artisans and smallscale producers will be spotlighted and citizens will be urged to choose locally crafted environmentally friendly idols decorations and offeringsWe want every home celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi to reflect the spirit of Swadeshi India the minister addedSources in the state government revealed that artificial intelligence will also play a role in amplifying the campaign From digital outreach to identifying clusters of cottage industry producers AI tools will be deployed to map promote and connect local artisans with consumers across the stateThe initiative aims to blend tradition with technology ensuring that the economic benefits of the festival reach grassroots creatorsLooking ahead the government has announced plans to launch a broader Swadeshi movement during the upcoming Navratri festivities another major cultural event in the stateThe minister also said the campaign will extend beyond symbolic gestures with policy support for indigenous production and targeted incentives for local businessesThe holiday declaration and accompanying initiatives signal a culturalpolitical strategy that seeks to root governance in heritage while using festivals as platforms for economic and ideological messaging IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/mp-to-push-self-reliance-india-on-10-day-ganesh-chaturthi-festivity-declares-holiday-tomorrow-634290.html Tue, 26 Aug 2025 14:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/rajasthan-201-million-year-old-fossils-found-in-jaisalmer-634148.html Jaipur Aug 25 A fossil of a phytosaur species from the Jurassic period has been discovered in Megha village of Jaisalmer Scientists estimate its age at around 201 million years making it one of the oldest fossils ever found in the country and the first phytosaur fossil from Jurassic rocks in India The skeleton was found near a pond in Megha village of Fatehgarh subdivision after which villagers informed the administration on August 21Senior groundwater scientist Dr Narayan Das Inkhaiya inspected the site and confirmed it as a Jurassicperiod fossil Later Dr VS Parihar Dean of the Institute of Earth Sciences JNVU Jodhpur verified the find and is currently leading a detailed study with his team Dr Parihar said This fossil belongs to the phytosaur species of crocodileshaped reptiles that lived during the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic period older than dinosaurs Its length is about 15 to 2 meters Phytosaurs often called tree lizards were ancient reptiles that lived in dense forests near rivers By examining the spine researchers observed strong similarities to modern crocodiles The excavation site has been protected with fencing The Geological Survey of India will now carry out a full excavation and study of the fossil According to Dr InkhaiyaThis is a major discovery where a nearly complete skeleton has been found Further excavation may also reveal fossils of other creatures Jaisalmer has long been known for traces of prehistoric life Dinosaur footprints have been discovered near Thaiyat while 180millionyearold fossilised trees were found in Akal village now preserved in the Wood Fossil Park Three locations Jethwai hill Thaiyat and Lathi are even called the villages of dinosaurs because of the abundance of remains discovered there Mining in these areas once destroyed several fossils but the government has since stopped quarrying and secured the sites for protection IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/rajasthan-201-million-year-old-fossils-found-in-jaisalmer-634148.html Mon, 25 Aug 2025 21:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/no-shortage-of-urea-telangana-minister-assures-farmers-633867.html Hyderabad Aug 24 Telangana Minister for Industries D Sridhar Babu has assured farmers that there will be no shortage of urea in the state He alleged that the opposition parties were trying to mislead farmers with baseless claimsThe Telangana Government stands firmly with our farmers and we assure them that there will be no shortage of urea in the State Opposition parties are trying to mislead farmers with baseless claims but the truth is simple that every step is being taken to ensure uninterrupted supply and protect their interests Sridhar Babu said in a post on X on SundayThe minister stated that during the review meeting held with senior officials the functioning of Ramagundam Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited RFCL was examined and concern that the plant had operated only 40 out of 145 days this season has been raised The RFCL and its parent company NFL have been directed to take immediate corrective measures and in the meantime ensure that at least one rake of urea is supplied daily to Telangana from other plants he saidFor us RFCL is not just an industry but a development partner in Telanganas growth Until production stabilizes the State Government will continue to closely monitor the situation and if necessary escalate the matter with the Centre Farmers can be confident that their needs will always remain our top priority said Sridhar BabuMeanwhile the state government has stepped up efforts to overcome the urea shortage It is arranging the procurement of nearly 40000 tonnes within a weekAgriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao on Saturday reviewed the situation with RFCL CEO Alok Singhal and NFCL Telangana sales manager K Rajesh The minister noted that Telangana was yet to receive 62473 tonnes of urea from RFCL as part of its allocation He warned that delays in supply were causing serious difficulties for farmers and could harm standing kharif cropsThe agriculture minister urged RFCL to take immediate steps to deliver the pending quota without further delay He wanted officials to ensure that at least half of the required urea is dispatched to Telangana this week either from RFCL or NFCL so that farmers cultivation activities are not disrupted IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/no-shortage-of-urea-telangana-minister-assures-farmers-633867.html Sun, 24 Aug 2025 12:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/10-year-old-student-charred-to-death-in-arunachal-residential-school-fire-633884.html Itanagar Aug 24 A 10yearold student was charred to death while three others were injured in a fire at a government residential school in Arunachal Pradeshs ShiYomi district on Sunday officials said A police official in Itanagar said the incident occurred at the boys hostel of Papikrong Government Residential School between 1 am and 2 am in northern Arunachal Pradeshs ShiYomi districtThe injured students were identified as Lukhi Pujen 8 Tanu Pujen 9 and Tayi Pujen 11They are now undergoing medical treatment at Zonal General Hospital at Aalo in West Siang districtThe charred student is yet to be identified the official said adding that the hostel was completely burnt downHe said that a police and a rescue team have rushed to the remote village located 17 km from Monigong town to deal with the situation and look into the related aspects of the incidentAn investigation is underway to ascertain the cause of the fire incident in the school at Papikrong village which is located just before the last Indian Army post at Tadadege village in ShiYomi district which shares borders with ChinaArunachal Pradesh Education Minister and local MLA Pasang Dorjee Sona expressed deep shock attributing the fire to a short circuitHe assured a thorough probe immediate relief and government support while offering condolences to the bereaved family and prayers for the injuredTaking to his X account the Minister said Deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic fire accident at the boys hostel of Papikrong School in Shi Yomi District which occurred between 100 and 200 am due to a short circuit The incident has resulted in the untimely loss of one young student while three others have sustained injuries The hostel has been completely damaged in the fireDorjee Sona said I have instructed the District Administration and the School Administration to carry out a thorough investigation and to provide immediate support to the affected students and their families The state government will extend all necessary relief and assistance to ensure that the victims and their families receive the care they need during this difficult timeMy heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved family and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured students We stand united in grief and will do everything possible to help those affected to recover the Minister said IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/10-year-old-student-charred-to-death-in-arunachal-residential-school-fire-633884.html Sun, 24 Aug 2025 15:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/ujjain-to-host-global-spiritual-tourism-conclave-on-aug-27-633921.html Bhopal Aug 24 The temple town of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh steeped in myth and devotion is preparing to host a gathering the second Global Spiritual Conclave on August 27 The conclave will welcome spiritual thinkers tourism leaders and policymakers from across the country and beyond for the Second Global Spiritual Tourism Conclave a day devoted to exploring how faith heritage and modern innovation can shape the future of travelIt will be the 2nd Global Spiritual Conclave RoohMantic organised by the PHDCCI in collaboration with the Department of Tourism Industry leaders from hospitality aviation and technology will join discussionsMadhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Spiritual Leader Gauranga Das Prabhu will participate in the conclave said a senior government officialThe event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Mohan YadavUnion Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will attend as chief guest while spiritual leader Gauranga Das Prabhu is set to deliver the keynote address offering a contemplative lens through which the days discussions will unfoldAmong the highlights is the unveiling of a new report titled Faith amp Flow Navigating Crowds in Indias Sacred Spaces a collaborative effort between PHDCCI and KPMGThe report promises to shed light on the challenges and opportunities of managing spiritual tourism in Indias most revered destinationsThe conclave will feature a governmentindustry roundtable chaired by the Chief Minister where infrastructure hospitality and cultural preservation will take centrestageThematic sessions will range from the economic lifeblood of temple towns to the digital transformation of spiritual experiencesTopics include the role of wellness in spiritual journeys the cultural gravity of the Jyotirlinga circuit and the evolving intersection of faith and technologyDelegates will also embark on guided visits to Shri Mahakaleshwar and Kal Bhairav temples immersing themselves in the spiritual pulse of UjjainWith support from partners like IRCTC Sri Mandir App EFactor Experiences and leading hospitality and tourism associations the conclave is more than a conference it is a reflection of Indias growing commitment to honouring its spiritual legacy while embracing the future IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/ujjain-to-host-global-spiritual-tourism-conclave-on-aug-27-633921.html Sun, 24 Aug 2025 19:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/beneficiaries-laud-pm-modi-as-pmegp-empowers-rural-entrepreneurs-in-neemuch-633947.html New Delhi Aug 24 Beneficiaries of the Prime Ministers Employment Generation Programme PMEGP in Madhya Pradeshs Neemuch have lauded PM Narendra Modi for empowering rural entrepreneurs and reviving traditional crafts that were once on the verge of extinction The scheme has not only enabled villagers to become selfreliant but has also opened doors to global markets One such inspiring example is Kiran Jariya a resident of Tarapur Umeedpura village in Neemuch district who received a loan of Rs 14 lakh under PMEGP to expand her venture Geeta HandprintsShe has successfully taken her familys 400yearold heritage of Nandna prints Dabu and Indigo hand block prints to both domestic and international markets Today her handcrafted fabrics are being sold online across India and abroadSpeaking to IANS Kiran expressed gratitude towards the Prime Minister Our hand block print work including Nandna Dabu and Indigo is now getting recognition abroadThis is our centuriesold heritage that had almost vanished but thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modis scheme it is flourishing again PMEGP has given us financial support and the confidence to expand Our business has grown our family is secure and our products are now sold worldwide For this I thank PM Modi from the bottom of my heart she saidAnother beneficiary Vanbari Jariya also credited PMEGP for transforming their livelihoodWe availed a loan in 201920 under this scheme along with a subsidy Since then our work has grown remarkably This scheme is a blessing for small entrepreneurs like us Our handprinted fabrics made with 100 per cent natural dyes are receiving many foreign orders Because of this work more people in the village are also getting employment We are grateful to PM Modi for such a visionary programme he notedThe success story of the Jariya family underscores how PMEGP is creating sustainable selfemployment opportunities in rural India while preserving traditional craftsIt reflects the larger vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat where entrepreneurship heritage and modern markets come together IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/beneficiaries-laud-pm-modi-as-pmegp-empowers-rural-entrepreneurs-in-neemuch-633947.html Sun, 24 Aug 2025 23:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/banaras-locomotive-works-installs-solar-panels-on-tracks-focuses-on-green-energy-633830.html New Delhi Aug 23 In a significant step towards sustainable rail operations Banaras Locomotive Works BLW has become the first unit in Indian Railways to install solar panels between operational railway tracks The innovation described as a milestone in the national transporters renewable energy mission highlights BLWs growing focus on green energy and environmental conservationBLW General Manager Naresh Pal Singh said the project is part of the units broader plan to reduce dependence on conventional energyWe generate 45 megawatt of solar energy which meets nearly 20 percent of our power requirement Solar panels have been installed not only on rooftops but also innovatively on tracks he saidThe Varanasibased production unit which manufactures both diesel and electric locomotives has steadily shifted focus since the governments policy decision on 100 per cent electrificationToday most of the diesel locomotives we build are meant for exports or nonrailway customers So far BLW has exported 174 locomotives and supplied 641 units to nonrailway clients Singh saidIn total the unit has produced over 10800 locomotives including 8300 diesel modelsJust last month BLW flagged off its 2500th electric locomotive Looking ahead the unit is preparing to manufacture the new generation of Amrit Bharat locomotives24 units this year and 48 next year Singh added that BLW is expanding into allied services such as diesel loco servicing and wheel servicing to strengthen its profitabilityOn the environmental front BLW is already a zerodischarge unit Water is treated and reused while rainwater harvesting systems ensure longterm conservation Nearly 40 percent of the premises is forested area with 15 lakh trees planted This year we will add 5000 more trees Singh saidThe combination of solar expansion water conservation and afforestation makes BLW a leading example of how Indian Railways is aligning industrial growth with sustainability goals IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/banaras-locomotive-works-installs-solar-panels-on-tracks-focuses-on-green-energy-633830.html Sun, 24 Aug 2025 00:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/heavy-rainfall-in-jampk-jammu-records-1904-mm-in-24-hours-flood-alert-in-samba-633852.html Jammu Aug 24 Jammu city recorded 1904 mm rainfall during the last 24 hours as authorities declared a flood alert on Sunday in Samba district after the Basantar Nallah crossed the danger level Heavy downpour continued in Jammu city during the last 24 hours recording 1904 mm of rainfall during this periodAuthorities have declared a flood alert in different parts of the Samba district after heavy rainfall led to a sharp rise in the water level of the Basantar Nallah this morningOfficials said that at 8 am the water level in the allah touched six feet breaching the evacuation markThe prescribed alert level for the stream is four feet while the danger level is set at 45 feet and the evacuation level at six feetPeople living in lowlying areas and near river banks have been cautioned against venturing close to the water The administration has advised residents to remain alert and follow safety advisories in order to avoid any untoward incidentsContinuous rainfall in the region has added to the concern and the district authorities are monitoring the situation closelyRelief and rescue teams have been kept on standby in case the water level rises furtherJammu city recorded 1904 mm of rainfall in 24 hours till 830 am SundayMeanwhile the JampK disaster management authority has said that heavy rain is most likely to occur at many places over Anantnag Kulgam Doda Jammu Kathua Samba Kishtwar Reasi Ramban Rajouri Poonch and Udhampur districts of the union territory in the next 48 hoursThere is a possibility of cloudburstsflashfloodslandslides in Jammu Division Stay Alert Dial 112 for emergency the statement saidThe Meteorological MeT Department has said the forecast is generally light to moderate rainfall in most places and heavy rainfall in a few places in Jammu Reasi Samba Kathua Udhampur and Rajouri districts till August 26The MeT has advised people to stay away from river banks and Kaccha structures IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/heavy-rainfall-in-jampk-jammu-records-1904-mm-in-24-hours-flood-alert-in-samba-633852.html Sun, 24 Aug 2025 10:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/complaint-filed-against-social-media-influencer-for-protocol-breach-during-reel-shoot-in-kerala-temple-633717.html Thrissur Kerala Aug 23 The temple authorities in Kerala on Saturday filed a formal police complaint against former Bigg Boss Malayalam contestant and social media influencer Jasmin Jaffar for allegedly violating temple protocol by filming a reel at the sacred temple pond The authorities of the famous Guruvayoor temple in north Kerala have lodged a complaint with the police against Jasmin Jaffar accusing her of filming and posting on Instagram a video of herself washing her feet at the temple pond an act forbidden within the sanctified grounds according to a local media reportThe temple authorities clarified that filming videos or reels at the temple pond is strictly forbidden without prior permissionThe area known as Rudratheertham holds immense religious significance as the location for the ritual bathing of the deity of Lord Krishna during the temple festivalsThe sanctity of this space must be maintained at all times the report said quoting a senior Devaswom official adding that photography and videography are banned to ensure decorumOfficials noted the complaint was formally submitted by the Devaswom administrator citing a growing trend of social media influencers using religious sites for content creation without respecting established protocolsThis incident follows previous controversies where individuals were reprimanded for filming inside the temple including a case where the Kerala High Court explicitly banned videography by vloggers in the temples forecourtIn April this year a case was registered against a singer Aloshi Adams and members of a temple advisory committee for singing revolutionary songs glorifying the ruling Communist Party of IndiaMarxist during a temple festival in KollamThe controversy arose during the Kadakkal Temple festival in Kollam on March 10 when the singer performed revolutionary songs including one about the late CPIM worker Puthukudi Pushpan a victim of the 1994 Koothuparamba police firing in Kannur district of the state IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/complaint-filed-against-social-media-influencer-for-protocol-breach-during-reel-shoot-in-kerala-temple-633717.html Sat, 23 Aug 2025 13:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/mp-world-famous-gotmar-mela-opens-with-devotion-25-injured-in-stone-battle-633726.html Pandhurna Aug 23 As many as 25 people are reported to have been injured so far in the worldfamous stonebattle fair or Gotmar Mela in Pandhurna district of Madhya Pradesh The centuriesold spectacle began around 6 am on Saturday at the confluence of Pandhurna and Sawargaon on the banks of the Jam RiverAs tradition dictates thousands gathered to witness and partake in the ritualistic stonepelting battle known as Gotmar a practice that defies modern sensibilities yet continues to thrive with fervent devotionSpeaking to IANS Superintendent of Police SS Kanesh said So far 2225 people have been injured since morning when it started It will continue till late eveningHeld annually on the second day of the Pola festival new Moon day the Gotmar Mela is not merely a fair but a visceral reenactment of a legend soaked in blood and memoryAccording to local lore the tradition began after a tragic love story between a Pandhurna youth and a Sawargaon girl ended in fatal violence Their attempt to elope was thwarted midriver by villagers hurling stones a moment that birthed a ritual now woven into the cultural fabric of the regionThis year the fair saw heightened security and medical preparedness A force of 600 police personnel from Chhindwara Betul Seoni Narsinghpur and Pandhurna was deployed operating across 47 designated points using GPSbased coordination Drone surveillance and CCTV cameras monitored the crowd while 11 blockades and continuous patrolling aimed to contain the chaos Even the Bhopal and Jabalpur zones have provided additional force As many as 10 medical camps are operational with 16 ambulances and a medical team of 300 personnel including 45 doctors the senior police officer saidEach year medical teams remain on high alert and ready for emergency evacuations Ointments and first aid are distributed as injuries mount throughout the day All day Pandhurna and Sawargaon players clash with chants and drumbeats hurling stones to push each other back Between 3 and 4 pm excitement peaks as players charge toward the flag with axes Sawargaon retaliates fiercely forcing Pandhurna to retreatBy evening Pandhurna regains ground breaks the flag shouting Chandi Mata ki Jai and both sides cease hostilities If the flag remains intact the administration halts Gotmar Mela by mutual agreement at 630 pmThe mela often comes to a culmination at around 89 pm these days said a police officerDespite the inherent violence the event remains deeply spiritual Devotees first offer prayers at the temple of Goddess Chandika the fairs presiding deity before engaging in GotmarThe ritual begins with the planting of a Palash tree adorned with red cloth garlands and offerings in the middle of the Jam River symbolising the battlegroundAttempts to reform the tradition have met resistance In 2001 authorities tried replacing stones with plastic balls but locals rejected it resuming stonepelting with renewed intensityThe ritual though controversial continues to draw crowds from across the region and beyond a testament to the enduring grip of tradition over timeAs the sun sets over Pandhurna the river runs red once more not just with blood but with the unyielding pulse of a community bound by myth memory and devotion IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/mp-world-famous-gotmar-mela-opens-with-devotion-25-injured-in-stone-battle-633726.html Sat, 23 Aug 2025 14:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/ahead-of-onam-mona-lisa-gets-malayali-makeover-on-kerala-tourism-depts-social-media-accounts-633798.html Thiruvananthapuram Aug 23 As Kerala prepares for the Onam festivities Leonardo da Vincis celebrated Mona Lisa has appeared in an allnew avatar on Kerala Tourisms social media accounts dressed in a traditional Malayali outfit The new image shows the woman of the Renaissance masterpiece draped in Keralas iconic offwhite kasavu saree her hair adorned with jasmine flowersApart from the cultural makeover the figure retains the familiar features of the original most notably the mysterious smile that has captivated the world for centuriesThe campaign captioned Kerala Tourism Timeless Graceful Iconic is part of the departments Onam promotions inviting visitors to experience the states grandest festivalThis year the celebrations begin on August 26 and will conclude on September 5 with Thiruvonam the most significant day of the harvest festivalThe artificial intelligencegenerated artwork has already become a social media sensation attracting thousands of reactions shares and comments across microblogging platformsMany praised the innovative idea applauding the way it blends Keralas cultural heritage with a globally recognised symbol of artThe timing of the campaign also recalls a historical episode as on August 21 1911 the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris sparking worldwide shock until it was recovered two years laterTourism officials hinted that the campaigns timing was deliberate drawing attention both to art history and Keralas festive charmKerala has witnessed a steady surge in domestic and international tourist arrivals in recent years aided by imaginative marketing and strong digital outreachBy presenting Kerala through global cultural references officials aim to enhance the states position as one of the worlds premier allseason experiential tourism destinationsAs Onam ushers in a season of joy and hospitality the Malayali Mona Lisa has become a graceful symbol of welcome an invitation to discover Kerala at its festive best IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/ahead-of-onam-mona-lisa-gets-malayali-makeover-on-kerala-tourism-depts-social-media-accounts-633798.html Sat, 23 Aug 2025 20:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/no-more-leaky-roof-latur-family-finds-hope-under-pm-awas-yojana-633430.html Latur Maharashtra Aug 21 For Gayatri Ghodke a resident of Ausa town in Maharashtras Latur district having a permanent roof over her head once seemed like a distant dream Struggling with a dilapidated house that leaked during monsoons and offered little comfort or safety her family lived each day in uncertainty But that changed when she became a beneficiary of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana PMAY the governments flagship affordable housing scheme aimed at providing housing for allSpeaking to IANS Gayatri shared how the scheme transformed their lives Earlier our house was in a very bad condition During rains we used to face water leakage and damp walls We couldnt sleep peacefully But now thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and this scheme we have a good house Theres no leakage no fear Life has truly changed for the betterShe added that the new house not only improved their physical living conditions but also brought mental peace and a renewed sense of pride and dignity Now when guests visit we dont feel ashamed We are proud to say this is our own house Gayatri said with a smile with other family members standing near her with the smiles on their facesHer story mirrors the experience of thousands of families across India who have found hope and stability through PMAY In Latur district alone several lowincome households have received assistance under the scheme allowing them to move from temporary or unsafe shelters to solid wellbuilt homesAs Gayatris family settles into their new home she says their focus is now on giving family a better future one that begins with a secure and dignified place to live A house is not just four walls she says Its a foundation for dreams IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/no-more-leaky-roof-latur-family-finds-hope-under-pm-awas-yojana-633430.html Fri, 22 Aug 2025 00:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/heavy-rainfall-alert-in-several-mp-districts-633492.html Bhopal Aug 22 A widespread monsoon surge has gripped Madhya Pradesh bringing intense rainfall thunderstorms and lightning across nearly every corner of the state The Bhopal Centre of the India Meteorological Department has flagged several districts for very heavy rainfall with Dhar Ujjain and Sheopur expected to bear the brunt These regions are likely to see torrential downpours accompanied by frequent lightning strikes and gusty winds posing risks of waterlogging and localised floodingHeavy rainfall is also forecast for Rajgarh Alirajpur Jhabua Indore Ratlam Dewas Shajapur Agar Mandsaur Neemuch Guna Ashoknagar Shivpuri Gwalior Datia Bhind Morena Singrauli Anuppur Dindori Mandla and Balaghat These districts may experience intense spells of rain interspersed with thunder and lightning especially during the afternoon and evening hoursMadhya Pradesh remains under the grip of relentless monsoon activity as three major rain systems continue to dominate the regions weather patternOn Friday an orange alert has been issued for Sheopur Neemuch and Mandsaur where very heavy rainfall is expected to reach up to 85 inches within 24 hoursA yellow alert has also been sounded for several other districts including Gwalior Morena Bhind Datia Niwari Shivpuri Guna Ashoknagar Rajgarh Ratlam AgarMalwa Anuppur Dindori Mandla and Balaghat all of which are likely to receive substantial showersLight rain is forecast to persist across the remaining parts of the stateOn Thursday rainfall was recorded in 26 districts including Bhopal and similar conditions are expected to prevail over the next four days keeping much of the state soaked and on alertMeanwhile a broader swath of the state including Bhopal Vidisha Raisen Sehore Narmadapuram Betul Harda Burhanpur Khandwa Khargone Barwani Sidhi Rewa Mauganj Satna Shahdol Umaria Katni Jabalpur Narsinghpur Chhindwara Seoni Panna Damoh Sagar Chhatarpur Tikamgarh Niwari Maihar and Pandhurna is expected to see scattered thunderstorms and lightning activityRainfall in these areas may range from light drizzles to moderate showers with occasional bursts of thunderThe meteorological dynamics behind this surge are complex and active The monsoon trough currently stretches from Jaisalmer through Kota Datia Sidhi Ranchi and Bankura extending southeastward into the Bay of BengalThis trough is situated about 15 kilometres above mean sea level and is fuelling widespread instability An offshore trough along the GujaratMaharashtra coast continues to feed moisture into the system while upper air cyclonic circulations over northwest Madhya Pradesh north Odisha Gangetic West Bengal and the Kutch region are intensifying the rainfall patternA persistent shear zone along latitude 24 degrees N is further enhancing vertical wind shear contributing to thunderstorm developmentWith most districts under active weather alerts residents are advised to remain indoors during lightning activity avoid travel through flooded roads and stay tuned to official updates The current conditions are expected to persist for the next few days with rainfall intensity varying across regions but remaining widespread IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/heavy-rainfall-alert-in-several-mp-districts-633492.html Fri, 22 Aug 2025 12:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/booker-awardee-banu-mushtaq-to-inaugurate-dussehra-celebrations-at-mysuru-633584.html Bengaluru Aug 22 The Karnataka government on Friday announced that Booker Prize winner writer and activist Banu Mushtaq will inaugurate the worldfamous Dussehra festivities in Mysuru this year Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made the announcement at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on FridayCM Siddaramaiah said Banu Musthaq a writer from Hassan in Karnataka will inaugurate the worldfamous Dasara Mahotsav this year The festivities will begin on September 22 and Vijaya Dashami will be observed on the 11th day on October 2He further added Banu Mushtaqs literary work Hrudaya Deepa won the Booker Prize It is a matter of pride and joy for us that a woman writer from Karnataka has received this honour Banu Mushtaq was associated with farmers organisations Kannada agitations and progressive movements It is significant that a woman has been invited to inaugurate DasaraI have personally spoken to her The Dasara festivities will commence on September 22 and continue for 11 days in accordance with tradition Our district administration will extend a formal invitation to Banu Mushtaq with full honours the Chief Minister saidHe also stated An air show has been permitted by the Defence Minister I had written to Rajnath Singh and invited him as wellWhen asked whether he would be going to Bihar for campaigning CM Siddaramaiah replied Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has launched a 16day Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar against voter fraud covering 1300 kilometres I will also join the padyatra on the 29th of this month for one day to extend my best wishes to Rahul GandhiNotably Banu Mushtaq won the prestigious International Booker prize for the short story anthology Heart LampHeart Lamp consisting of 12 short stories written over three decades from 1990 to 2023 captures the daily lives of Muslim women in southern India IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/booker-awardee-banu-mushtaq-to-inaugurate-dussehra-celebrations-at-mysuru-633584.html Fri, 22 Aug 2025 17:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/powered-by-pm-scheme-saharsa-women-lead-a-homegrown-food-enterprise-633218.html Saharsa Bihar Aug 20 They say when positive thinking meets hard work success becomes inevitable In a heartening tale of innovation rooted in tradition Basanti Kumari and her motherinlaw Lalita Devi residents of Ward 24 Patuaha under Saharsa Municipal Corporation have transformed a humble household skill into a thriving small businessmaking traditional bari What began as a family tradition has now become a fullfledged enterprise generating a monthly turnover of approximately Rs 15 lakh The duos success has been significantly boosted under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises PMFME scheme through which they received Rs 10 lakh financial support to expand their operationsBasanti told IANS that her husband Ratnesh Jaiswal a food technologist working with an NGO in Hyderabad has also played a crucial advisory role in shaping their business His technical insights combined with Lalita Devis decadesold experience in making traditional bari helped lay a solid foundation for the ventureLalita Devi had been making and selling homemade bariprepared from urad dal peas and moong dalbetween 1980 and 2023 But it was in October 2024 with Basanti joining in that the business was formalised and diversifiedToday they manufacture 12 different varieties of bari including Masoor Bari Urad Bari Matar Bari Chana Bari Moong Bari Mixed Dal Bari Chana Garam Masala Mix Bari Masoor Garam Masala Mix Bari Urad Garam Masala Mix Bari Beetroot Mix Bari Ginger Mix Bari and Carrot Mix BariTheir products now reach markets not just in Bihar but as far as South India making the duo proud symbols of rural entrepreneurshipMore than just a family business their enterprise is creating opportunities for others too Basanti and Lalita have employed six local women who earn daily wages by assisting in the production process On average the unit processes about 50 kilograms of raw materials daily resulting in a daily turnover of around Rs 5000A key innovation in their production process has been the construction of a sundrying facility Suryakund in their backyard built at a cost of Rs 5 lakh The structure ensures hygienic drying conditions free from dust flies and interference from animals or birdssomething that adds a layer of quality assurance to their productsBasanti Kumari and Lalita Devis journey is more than just a business success storyits a model of womens empowerment intergenerational collaboration and selfrelianceFrom a kitchen corner to building a brand this motherinlaw and daughterinlaw team is proving that traditional knowledge when blended with modern thinking and government support can lead to sustainable livelihoods Their initiative is now seen as an inspiring example for rural women aiming to become financially independent and selfemployed IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/powered-by-pm-scheme-saharsa-women-lead-a-homegrown-food-enterprise-633218.html Thu, 21 Aug 2025 00:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/tn-govt-releases-over-4300-acres-in-landmark-land-acquisition-resolution-633237.html Chennai Aug 21 In a major breakthrough to end a fourdecadelong land acquisition deadlock the Tamil Nadu government has released 439644 acres of land offering relief to thousands of homeowners Another 743 acres are in the process of being freed Housing and Urban Development Minister S Muthuswamy said in a statement released by his office on ThursdayThe dispute dates back to the 1980s when the Tamil Nadu Housing Board TNHB initiated steps to acquire nearly 10075 acres for housing projects However the process was left incomplete leaving vast tracts of land in legal limbo This prevented both the Housing Board and the original landowners from exercising their rights Over time portions of the land were sold to third parties adding layers of legal and administrative complicationsMuthusamy in the statement said that repeated petitions and reviews had failed to resolve the stalemate It was only after Chief Minister MK Stalin directed officials to adopt a uniform and transparent approach that progress was madeActing on his instructions TNHB and other departments classified the disputed lands into five categories along with a separate segment for plots already recorded in government registersAccording to the minister lands falling under the first two categories where only preliminary notices had been issued but no further steps were taken have now been releasedThis move protects thousands of innocent homeowners from legal battles and possible demolition of houses built over the yearsThe third and fourth categories which involve more complex cases remain under scrutiny by a committee of two retired officials The committee is tasked with reviewing court orders government notifications and TNHB records and is expected to submit its recommendations by NovemberThe fifth category includes lands fully acquired and partially developed by the TNHB which remain under the Boards controlThe Chief Minister has also emphasised that while providing relief to residents the government must safeguard financial interests This means ensuring that acquisition costs and accrued interest are recovered though obligations will be structured in a way that remains affordable for current ownersTo enhance transparency and ensure fairness complaint boxes have been placed in 16 locations across the state enabling affected individuals to submit applications and grievances directlyMinister Muthuswamy said the governments intervention marks a decisive step in settling an issue that has caused hardship for thousands of families for more than 40 years IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/tn-govt-releases-over-4300-acres-in-landmark-land-acquisition-resolution-633237.html Thu, 21 Aug 2025 09:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/tn-to-conduct-statewide-survey-to-build-database-on-migrant-labourers-633253.html Chennai Aug 21 The Tamil Nadu government has floated a tender to carry out a comprehensive statewide survey of interstate migrant ISM workers in a bid to build a reliable and updated database of this workforce The initiative will supplement the ongoing enrolment drive undertaken by the state labour department through its online registration portal So far officials have managed to compile a sectorwise database of 1251 lakh workers a process that took nearly five years due to difficulties in reaching ISMs across all 38 districtsTo accelerate the process the department has decided to engage private agencies and institutions to complete the exercise within a shorter timeframeA senior bureaucrat said the absence of accurate and complete data had hampered the governments ability to effectively deliver welfare measures to ISMsMigrant workers themselves were also unaware of several social security schemes available to them The survey will bridge the gap between the existing portal enrolments and the actual numbers which will help us design better policies and monitor the mobility of this workforce the official explainedAccording to data available with the labour department 1217229 workers have been registered so farMigrants from Odisha form the largest group at 289 lakh followed by Bihar with 251 lakh Workers from Uttar Pradesh Jharkhand and West Bengal also make up significant portions of the workforceSectors such as manufacturing construction and textiles account for the highest employment of ISMs In Tiruppur district alone more than 122 lakh migrant workers are engaged in garment and textile manufacturing In Kancheepuram Coimbatore and Chennai districts together officials have recorded over 222 lakh workers across industrial units and construction sitesWhile the existing data provides insights into migration patterns and labourintensive sectors officials stressed the need to cover at least 80 per cent of the ISM population to make the database truly representativeThe upcoming survey is expected to be a key step in ensuring welfare delivery and creating a sustainable framework for integrating ISMs into Tamil Nadus growth story IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/tn-to-conduct-statewide-survey-to-build-database-on-migrant-labourers-633253.html Thu, 21 Aug 2025 10:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/pakistan-in-deep-economic-crisis-with-447-pc-population-below-poverty-line-633314.html New Delhi Aug 21 Pakistan stands at a critical juncture The convergence of poverty unemployment demographic pressure and inequality reflects a deeply rooted crisis with farreaching consequences for a country in which 447 per cent of the population lives below the poverty line according to an article in the Pakistan Observer newspaper Pakistans per capita income has stagnated and even declined in recent years reflecting deepening economic challengesAccording to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics during the fiscal year 20222023 the country recorded an 1138 per cent drop in per capita income falling from 1766 in 2022 to 1568 in 2023 This decline coincided with a sharp contraction in the overall economy which shrank by 334 billion from 375 billion to 3416 billionThe stagnation is largely attributed to persistent structural issues including political instability inflation currency depreciation and weak industrial output the article in the widely read English daily further statesCompared to regional peers Pakistans GDP per capita remains significantly lower estimated at 6950 in 2025 The economic disparity between urban and rural regions further entrenches inequality the article points outAccording to the World Banks 2025 findings nearly 447 per cent of the population lives below the poverty line based on the revised threshold of 420 per person per day for lowermiddleincome countries a staggering figure that underscores the scale of deprivationEven more alarming is that 165 per cent of the population around 398 million people live in extreme poverty earning less than 3 per day a sharp rise from previous estimates of 49 per centThe article written by Assadullah Channa points out that urban centres like Karachi Lahore and Islamabad benefit from better infrastructure diversified economies and greater access to services In contrast rural areas remain underdeveloped with limited access to clean water electricity healthcare and education Agriculture the primary livelihood in these regions suffers from low productivity and outdated practicesProvincial disparities also persist Punjab and Sindh attract more investment and development while Balochistan and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa lag behind due to historical neglect weak governance This uneven distribution of resources fuels social discontent and marginalisationInflation particularly in essential commodities has become a chronic challenge in Pakistan driven by currency depreciation global market volatility and domestic inefficiencies In July 2025 annual inflation rose to 41 per cent up from 32 per cent in June marking the highest level since December 2024 The impact is most severe on food and energy pricesThe erosion of purchasing power among lowerincome groups has led to widespread hardship with many households forced to cut back on meals education and healthcare Public investment in education and health is critically low with education spending reduced by 44 per cent in the latest budget and health expenditure hovering around 1 per cent of GDP IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/pakistan-in-deep-economic-crisis-with-447-pc-population-below-poverty-line-633314.html Thu, 21 Aug 2025 14:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/his-inspiring-journey-will-motivate-young-minds-rajnath-singh-after-meeting-group-capt-shubhanshu-shukla--633337.html New Delhi Aug 21 IANS Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday met Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla the first Indian astronaut onboard the International Space Station ISS in New DelhinbspnbspCongratulating Group Capt Shukla on his achievement the defence minister termed it as a major milestone in Indias journey towards human spaceflightnbspHe acknowledged the astronauts contribution through the vital scientific experiment conducted in orbit and appreciated his role in advancing Indias space research and exploration capabilities and expressed confidence that his inspiring journey will motivate young minds to pursue careers in science technology and space explorationIn a post on X after the interaction the Defence Minister stated that he discussed with Gp Capt Shukla the inspiring space journey the vital experiments he undertook in orbit advances in science and technology and the road ahead with Indias pioneering Gaganyaan missionnbspDelighted to meet Group Capt Shubanshu Shukla the first Indian Astronaut on board the International Space Station We discussed his inspiring space journey the vital experiments he undertook in orbit advances in science and technology and the road ahead with Indias pioneering Gaganyaan mission His journey will inspire the young minds of India The nation is proud of its achievements he tweeted on XUnderlining the pivotal role of the Indian Air Force IAF in Indias space programme including astronaut selection training and mission support in collaboration with ISRO the minister emphasised that the professionalism and expertise of IAF personnel are vital enablers of the countrys progress towards manned space missionsnbspWith globally recognised achievements in lunar and Mars exploration India is now moving towards manned space missions and furthering it into the establishment of its own space stationnbspThe successful journey of Group Capt Shukla aboard the ISS is a significant step in that direction demonstrating the synergy between ISRO IAF and other national stakeholders in advancing the nations stature as a spacefaring nation https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/his-inspiring-journey-will-motivate-young-minds-rajnath-singh-after-meeting-group-capt-shubhanshu-shukla--633337.html Thu, 21 Aug 2025 16:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/two-orphaned-asiatic-black-bears-released-in-assam-national-park-after-6-months-of-care-in-kaziranga-633137.html Guwahati Aug 20 Two orphaned Asiatic black bear cubs rescued from the Dissoi Reserved Forest in Jorhat were released in Dehing Patkai National Park after spending six months in care at the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation CWRC in Kaziranga officials said on Wednesday The Dehing Patkai National Park spreads across Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts of eastern AssamKaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve KNPTR Director Sonali Ghosh said that the two orphaned Asiatic black bear Ursus thibetanus cubs rescued from Dissoi Reserved Forest in Jorhat on February 26 2025 have successfully begun their new life with their translocation to Dehing Patkai National Park for eventual release in the wild This also marks an important milestone in Assams wildlife conservation journey she saidAccording to the KNPTR Director the cubs estimated to be between four and six weeks old at the time were spotted alone by a local youth and handed over to the NaKachari Beat Office under Jorhat Forest Division As subsequent surveys found no trace of their mother they were transferred to CWRC in Kaziranga for specialised careGhosh said that established in 2002 the CWRC in Kaziranga is a joint initiative by the Assam Forest Department the International Fund for Animal Welfare IFAW and the Wildlife Trust of India WTIThe official said that at CWRC the cubs were treated for mild dehydration and nurtured in the small mammal nursery under the close supervision of Dr Bhaskar Choudhury and his team They were reared on a canine milk replacer and gradually introduced to conditions that would prepare them for survival in the wildThe rehabilitation of orphaned Asiatic black bear cubs in CWRC followed the Asiatic black bear rehabilitation protocols of the Centre for Bear Rehabilitation and Conservation CBRC Pakke Tiger Reserve Arunachal PradeshThe KNPTR Director stated that the rehabilitation process focused on ensuring proper nutrition maintaining natural behaviours and minimising human imprinting to enhance their chances of successful reintegration In line with best practices a scientific survey was undertaken to determine a suitable release site While the Dissoi Reserved Forest was considered its proximity to human settlements and high disturbance made it unsuitable for bear rehabilitationA systematic evaluation based on natural cover distance from habitation prey availability and local community awareness identified Dehing Patkai National Park as the most suitable release site Offering rich vegetation abundant natural resources minimal human interference and committed support from forest staff and local communities the park emerged as the ideal new home for the cubs Ghosh pointed outAfter getting approval from Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Wildlife and Chief Wildlife Warden Assam the CWRC team successfully translocated the cubs to Dehing Patkai National Park on Sunday August 17 giving them a genuine chance to thrive in the wildGhosh said that the journey of these Asiatic black bear cubs from their rescue in Jorhat to their care at CWRC and finally to their release in Dehing Patkai National Park stands as a powerful example of what sciencedriven rehabilitation ethical wildlife management and community involvement can achieve It reflects Assams growing commitment to protecting its wildlife heritage and ensuring that even orphaned animals are given a second chance at freedom the senior Indian Forest Service IFS officer said IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/two-orphaned-asiatic-black-bears-released-in-assam-national-park-after-6-months-of-care-in-kaziranga-633137.html Wed, 20 Aug 2025 18:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/cable-car-service-at-palani-lord-murugan-temple-to-resume-tomorrow-632839.html Chennai Aug 19 The muchawaited cable car service at the renowned Arulmigu Dhandayuthapaniswamy temple in Palani will resume operations from Wednesday after being closed for its annual maintenance According to temple authorities a trial run of the service was successfully conducted on August 18To ensure safety weights of over 250 kilograms in the form of stones were placed inside the coaches to test the mechanical and operational efficiency of the rope car systemOfficials confirmed that all systems functioned without any glitches clearing the way for the resumption of serviceThis year the cable car service was suspended from July 15 for scheduled maintenance work during which devotees were advised to use alternative options such as the traditional 693 steps leading up to the hilltop shrine or the electrically operated winch trainDespite these alternatives the absence of the cable car was particularly felt by elderly devotees and families with young children for whom the rope car offers a safe and convenient mode of reaching the templeThe Palani Murugan temple is among the most significant pilgrimage centres in Tamil Nadu attracting thousands of devotees every dayWhile many continue to prefer climbing the steps as an act of devotion the rope car service operating daily from 7 am to 8 pm has become an essential facility especially for those unable to undertake the strenuous climbTemple officials noted that the annual maintenance is a crucial safety measure ensuring the rope car system remains reliable for the heavy pilgrim traffic it handles yearroundThe periodical inspection involves not only mechanical checks but also safety enhancements which are mandatory for the continued smooth functioning of the serviceWith the resumption of the cable car on Wednesday devotees will once again be able to avail themselves of the easier and quicker passage to the hilltop shrineAuthorities expect a sharp increase in usage in the coming days particularly as festival season approaches bringing a surge of pilgrims to the templeThe rope car facility has become a symbol of convenience blending with faith ensuring that devotees of all ages and physical conditions can experience the spiritual significance of visiting the sanctum of Lord Murugan without hindrance IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/cable-car-service-at-palani-lord-murugan-temple-to-resume-tomorrow-632839.html Tue, 19 Aug 2025 15:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/missing-mp-lawyer-archana-tiwari-traced-her-brother-said-she-is-safe-and-sound-632866.html Bhopal Aug 19 The 12daylong mystery over the disappearance of 28yearold Archana Tiwari who went missing on August 7 while travelling from Indore to Katni by train is finally over Sources confirmed on Tuesday that she has been traced Officials said Archana had been in contact with a constable posted in Gwalior who is now being questioned Sources added that she has also spoken to her mother and shared her location and a GRP team has been dispatched to bring her backArchanas brother Divyanshu Mishra also confirmed that she is alive and safe and she has spoken to her family over the phoneGRP Superintendent Rahul Kumar Lodha had told reporters earlier that investigators had received concrete information likely to crack the caseArchana a young lawyer practicing at the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court and preparing for Civil Judge examinations had left her hostel on August 7 carrying Rakshabandhan gifts for her family in Katni She boarded the IndoreBilaspur Narmada Express B3 coach that eveningHer last known call was to her aunt at 1016 pm saying the train was near Bhopal When the train reached Katni the next morning her family was waiting at the platform but Archana did not arriveHer bag was later recovered at Umaria station while her phone was last active near Rani Kamlapati station in Bhopal before briefly connecting at Itarsi The final signal was traced near the Narmada Railway Bridge in Narmadapuram which became the focal point of search operationsWitnesses had last seen her on board at Itarsi station What transpired afterwards remained unclear until Tuesdays developmentsAccording to sources a GRP team is on its way to receive Archana marking what officials called a major breakthrough in the case IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/missing-mp-lawyer-archana-tiwari-traced-her-brother-said-she-is-safe-and-sound-632866.html Tue, 19 Aug 2025 17:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/jharkhand-villagers-cut-cake-to-mark-two-months-of-bridge-collapse-slam-govt-apathy-632900.html Khunti Jharkhand Aug 19 In a very unusual protest villagers in Jharkhands Khunti district cut a cake on Tuesday to mark the completion of two months since a bridge over the Banai river collapsed This unique protest was held to highlight what they called the governments indifferenceThe bridge located in Palol village on the KhuntiTorpaKolebira road caved in on June 19 after heavy rains Two months later neither has reconstruction begun nor has a diversion been made This is causing serious problems for thousands of residents of the areaWe know that if we block roads or stage dharnas the government will slap cases against us So we chose this way to register our anger said a villager as locals gathered at the bridge site with a cake to celebrate what they called two months of neglectThe absence of the bridge has disrupted schoolchildrens commute delayed emergency patients from reaching hospitals cut off farmers from seeds and fertilisers and crippled local tradeFor weeks children were even forced to clamber across a makeshift ladder to reach school images of which had gone viral on social mediaPoliticians had rushed to the spot after the bridge collapse assuring a quick fix Local MLA Ram Surya Munda had even laid the foundation stone for a diversion road promising completion by July But villagers say not a shovel of earth has been moved since thenWhat has happened is only politics not a solution a villager remarkedFrustrated residents warned that if the administration does not act immediately they will themselves create a temporary pathway by filling cement bags in the riverbed so that vehicles can passFor the people of Palol the bridge collapse is no longer just an infrastructure failure it has become a symbol of promises broken and patience tested IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/jharkhand-villagers-cut-cake-to-mark-two-months-of-bridge-collapse-slam-govt-apathy-632900.html Tue, 19 Aug 2025 19:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/heavy-rain-forecast-in-tn-western-ghats-chennai-to-see-isolated-showers-632744.html Chennai Aug 19 The Regional Meteorological Centre RMC in Chennai in a statement said that the southwest monsoon has become active over Tamil Nadu bringing the possibility of heavy rain in the Western Ghats region over the coming days According to the forecast the Nilgiris and Coimbatore districts are expected to receive heavy rainfall while Chennai and its neighbouring areas will experience light to moderate showers in isolated places The RMC also warned of thunderstorm activity in the city during the next few days Officials noted that a lowpressure area has formed over the westcentral and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal near the north Andhra Pradesh coast This system meteorologists said is likely to intensify into a depression in the coming days further strengthening rainfall activity across parts of Tamil Nadu The RMC has predicted that light to moderate rain will occur at isolated locations across Tamil Nadu Puducherry and Karaikal until August 24 The Western Ghats particularly the Nilgiris and Coimbatore are expected to see heavy downpours while interior districts may receive moderate rainfall an official said In Chennai the sky condition is expected to remain partly cloudy with intermittent spells of rain accompanied by thunderstorms Residents have been advised to take precautions particularly in lowlying areas prone to waterlogging during intense spells The rainfall is likely to bring muchneeded relief to farmers in the delta and interior districts who have been awaiting consistent showers to support crop cultivation However officials also cautioned that heavy rain in hilly regions could trigger landslides urging local administrations to remain on alertFishermen along the coastal districts have been advised to exercise caution as weather conditions may deteriorate due to the developing depression in the Bay of Bengal The Meteorological Department said it is closely monitoring the systems progress and will issue updates as the situation evolves With the southwest monsoon gaining momentum Tamil Nadu is expected to see widespread rainfall activity in the coming days bringing both relief and challenges across different regions IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/heavy-rain-forecast-in-tn-western-ghats-chennai-to-see-isolated-showers-632744.html Tue, 19 Aug 2025 08:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/8-die-as-rain-batters-maharashtra-heavy-forecast-in-mumbai-thane-palghar-632754.html Mumbai Aug 19 At least eight people have died so far amid heavy rain and floods in various parts of Maharashtra even as the Weather Department has forecast heavy downpours on Tuesday and until August 21 Rain lashed all parts of the state on Sunday and Monday and the rain will continue with the same intensity in Mumbai for the next two days After that it will decrease on Friday The weather bureau has issued a warning of extremely heavy rain for Mumbai Thane and Palghar districts on Tuesday and has appealed to people to venture out of their homes only if necessaryIn the Nanded district at least five people have died and six are missing in the floods There is preliminary information that about 150 animals have been killed in the district Rescue teams have succeeded in saving 293 people trapped in the floods Midnight on Sunday a team of the State Disaster Response Force SDRF was deployed in the Mukhed area for rescue operations and the Army has also been called from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar One person died in Beed and three people trapped in the flood were rescued One person died after a wall collapsed in AkolaIn South Mumbai one person died after a retaining wall collapsed on him at Shimla House in the Nepean Sea Road area of Malabar Hill The accident occurred around 1130 am on Monday The deceased was identified as Satish Tirke A youth who fell into the Mithi River from the BKC bridge near the Kanakia Palace building in Bandra continues to be missing His name is Vardan Janjotar 24 The fire brigade was searching for him till late Monday nightAccording to the state governments disaster management control room and emergency operation centre rescue teams have evacuated more than 300 people to safer places According to preliminary estimates 45 lakh hectares of farmland have been damaged across the state Six to seven villages in Mukhed taluka of Nanded district are reeling under floodlike conditions due to a cloudburst A team of the Central Disaster Response Force NDRF was dispatched to Kaudgaon in Parli taluka of Beed district on MondayIn Konkan the Jagbudi Shastri and Kodavali Rivers in Ratnagiri district and the Kundalika River in Raigad district have crossed the danger levels It is estimated that two lakh hectares of crops have been damaged due to rain in Vidarbha and about 259 lakh hectares in Nanded and Beed districts of Marathwada Turmeric cotton and soybean crops have been the most affectedAs the heavy rain lashed Mumbai Thane Raigad Konkan Western Maharashtra Vidarbha and Marathwada since Sunday night Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday took stock of the situation and ordered the revenue emergency and police agencies to be on alert mode and participate in relief work Traffic jams in various parts of Mumbai were witnessed throughout Monday due to waterlogging on roads in many lowlying areas The speed of suburban trains also slowed down due to waterlogging on the tracks Students suffered a lot as school buses got stuck in the flooded streetsAccording to the state emergency operation centre Mumbai city suburbs and Thane district have been receiving heavy rainfall for the last three days The rain intensified on Monday with heavy rain starting in Mulund Bhandup Ghatkopar Kurla Sion Jogeshwari Borivali Malad Andheri Santa Cruz and Colaba areas The Colaba centre of the Meteorological Department recorded 452 mm of rainfall from 830 am to 530 pm on Monday while the Santa Cruz centre recorded 1239 mm 1014 mm of rainfall was also recorded in ThaneThe BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation declared a holiday for schools for their second session beginning after noon on Monday In the wake of the weather bureaus prediction for heavy rain the schools and colleges in Mumbai Thane and Navi Mumbai remained closed on Tuesday The government has delegated the necessary orders to the District Collectors to take a call on declaring a holiday for schools and colleges in such a situation IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/8-die-as-rain-batters-maharashtra-heavy-forecast-in-mumbai-thane-palghar-632754.html Tue, 19 Aug 2025 10:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/mumbais-mithi-river-crosses-danger-mark-beaches-closed-amid-heavy-rain-high-tide-632811.html Mumbai Aug 19 Mithi River one of the most important rivers flowing through Mumbai has crossed the danger level following incessant rain lashing the city on Tuesday The river which has been hogging the headlines for alleged corruption in its cleaning reached 407 metres danger mark 4 metres Due to this the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC and police have issued an alert to the citizens in the surrounding settlements to remain vigilant while residents of Bhandup and Vikhroli have been moved to safer locations in light of the potential for landslidesConsidering the increasing intensity of rain the beaches in Mumbai have been closed to the general public and tourists as they have been prohibited from visiting those beaches All places in Mumbai like Juhu Beach Versova Beach Aksa Beach and Gorai Beach have been evacuated People have been advised to be alert on beaches like Marine Drive Worli Sea Face Bandra Carter Road and Madh Island BMC and police have taken due precautionary measures due to the high tides and heavy rainThe suburban services on Central Railway have been running behind schedule by 15 to 20 minutes due to waterlogging on the railway tracks between Ghatkopar Vidyavihar Kurla Sion and Matunga stations of Central Railway Local trains are running 20 to 25 minutes late due to waterlogging between Kurla Tilak Nagar and Govandi stations on the Harbour Line Local trains on the Western Railway line are running at a snails pace due to waterlogging at Mahim and Matunga RoadThe Central Railway chief public relations officer Dr Swapnil Dhanraj Nila said that as per the information available till now only around 34 stations on harbour line Kurla Chembur Tilaknagar are having some issues of waterlogging and the points on these stations have been clamped and the movement of trains is delayed on harbour line by approximately 1015 minutesOn the main line the delay is around 810 minutes but it is primarily because of reduced speed on account of reduced visibility due to the heavy rains which are reported at various locations from Karjat to Kalyan Kasara to Kalyan as well as Kalyan to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus he addedHe further stated During evening peak time when the high tide time also coincides around 630 pm additional manpower specifically engineering have been deployed at various locations previously prone to waterlogging and they have been equipped with an adequate amount of water removing materials and the motors of high capacity pumps have been provided at multiple locations The CR administration has clarified that the rail traffic will be normal after the water level recedesThe Western Railway in its post on X said We wont stop we wont pauseThe speed of local trains continuesIn recent days Mumbai has been affected by continuous rain However WRs trains as always are taking people to their destinations Even in every situation our controllers are making the right decisions to ensure that Mumbai locals dont stop always keep running in every situationLong queues of vehicles have formed on Eastern Express Highway Eastern Freeway and Western Express HighwayMeanwhile Mumbai suburban district coguardian Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti and BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani jointly visited the BMCs Disaster Management Control Room and monitored the situation arising due to heavy rain and waterlogging IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/mumbais-mithi-river-crosses-danger-mark-beaches-closed-amid-heavy-rain-high-tide-632811.html Tue, 19 Aug 2025 14:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/heavy-rain-in-7-karnataka-districts-holiday-declared-for-schools-632576.html Bengaluru Aug 18 The administrations of seven districts in Karnataka declared a holiday on Monday for schools and colleges in various taluks following heavy and incessant rain The precautionary measures were taken in Mangaluru Udupi Karwar Chikkamagaluru Hassan Madikeri and Davanagere districtsThe rain has been lashing coastal Karnataka and the hilly regions of the state disrupting normal life The parched lands of north Karnataka are also receiving heavy rainfall Meanwhile the weather in Bengaluru resembled that of a hill station as the week began with drizzle and cold conditionsIn Mangaluru Deputy Commissioner HV Darshan declared a holiday for primary and higher primary schools across the district following predictions of heavy rain In Karwar district schools and preuniversity colleges Classes 11 and 12 have been ordered to remain shut across Karwar Ankola Kumta Sirsi Honnavar Bhatkal Siddapura Yellapur Dandeli Joida and Haliyala taluks Similar measures have been taken in the Udupi districtThe Shivamogga district administration has also announced holidays for schools and colleges In Hassan district holidays have been declared for Anganwadi preschools primary and high schools in Sakaleshapura Beluru and parts of Alur taluk A landslide has been reported on Kadagaravalli Road and vehicle movement on the stretch has been stopped as a precautionIn Madikeri Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja declared holidays for schools and colleges in the district due to predictions of heavy rain and rough weather An orange alert has been issued to initiate precautionary measures The inflow into the Harangi reservoir has increased and 8000 cusecs of water have been released from the damAuthorities in Chikkamagaluru district have also declared holidays for schools and colleges in Chikkamagaluru Mudigere Kalasa Sringeri Koppa and NR Pura taluks The Tunga Bhadra River is overflowing and in Sringeri taluk it has crossed the danger markHeavy rain is also lashing Davanagere district where the authorities have declared holidays for schools in many taluks North Karnataka districts too are witnessing heavy rainfall with reports of crop loss emerging IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/heavy-rain-in-7-karnataka-districts-holiday-declared-for-schools-632576.html Mon, 18 Aug 2025 14:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/once-waste-now-gold-demand-drives-coconut-shell-prices-to-record-high-in-kerala-632585.html Kottayam Aug 18 Once discarded as waste coconut shells in Kerala have turned into a lucrative commodity with prices hitting record highs on the back of rising industrial demand from other states and even overseas The price of coconut shells has seen a significant jump rising to a record high of up to Rs 35 per kg in some parts of Kerala in the past few monthsInterestingly a year ago coconuts in the state were sold for Rs 3040 a kg now Rs 8090 while today their shells are fetching up to Rs 35 a kg in many parts of KeralaThe price escalated from Rs 5 per kg at the beginning of this year creating a lucrative market for coconut traders and farmersTraders involved in the trade have confirmed that the price surge is a result of high demand from both domestic and foreign marketsSubair a trader in southern Keralas Kollam city said that he is selling the coconut shells to traders from Tamil Nadu who in turn export to China and Taiwan adding that its prices touched Rs 33 in KollamAccording to him the shells are used to produce activated carbon for water purification cosmetics and various industrial applicationsMurugan a trader in Erattupetta of Kottayam district said that the jump in the price of coconut shells up to Rs 35 a kg made it a highvalue productMurugan says he collects the shells locally and has been selling them to the traders in Tamil Nadu and KarnatakaHouseholds in Kerala have also begun storing coconut shells to sell them to local traders at higher rates after the recent surge in their pricesThe sudden rise in value has made the coconut shell a gold price commodity with the smallscale entrepreneurs now engaging in onlinebased collection businessesThe sudden rise in the prices of coconuts and coconut oil both essential in the daily life of Keralites has upset the household budget across the stateIn the state a kg of coconut costs around Rs 8090 while coconut oil is priced at Rs 400500 per kgWith the Onam festival approaching the price surge has turned into a major political issue prompting the government to announce subsidised sales of coconut oil to provide some relief to consumers IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/once-waste-now-gold-demand-drives-coconut-shell-prices-to-record-high-in-kerala-632585.html Mon, 18 Aug 2025 15:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/haryana-rights-panel-takes-cognizance-of-employee-declared-dead-in-aadhaar-records-632599.html Chandigarh Aug 18 The Haryana Human Rights Commission has taken suomotu cognizance of a media report highlighting an incident where a serving employee of the Public Health Department a resident of Rohtak was allegedly denied his salary in the postCOVID period because his Aadhaar record shows him as deceased This is despite the fact that he is alive and continues to discharge his duties regularlyAs a result of this administrative lapse the employee has reportedly been deprived of his lawful remuneration for an extended periodUpon review the Commission observed that the Public Health Department failed to update the employees record on the HKRN portal despite being aware that the deceased status in Aadhaar was erroneousThis inaction has caused the complainant prolonged financial hardship and mental agony undermining his right to work with dignity and creating unnecessary uncertaintyThe Commission expressed concern that such errors can severely affect an individuals livelihood confidence and peace of mindThe full bench of the Commission comprising Chairperson Justice Lalit Batra and members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia noted that such treatment appears contrary to Article 7 of the United Nations International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights ICESCR which recognises the right to just and favourable conditions of work including remuneration ensuring a decent living for workers and their familiesThe nonpayment of wages for work performed constitutes a violation of the employees human rights particularly the right to livelihood and dignity as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution and reaffirmed in international human rights instrumentsThe departments inaction amounts to an arbitrary deprivation of earnings impairing the complainants ability to support himself and his familyReflecting on the situation the Commission recalled a sentiment from Shakespeares famous play Julius Caesar that sometimes the dead may exert greater influence than the livingHowever the Commission observed that the present case revealed a stark inversion of that idea a man undeniably alive diligently performing his duties is being officially treated as deceased This erroneous classification not only deprived him of his rightful wages but also subjected him to indignity and unnecessary hardshipIgnoring the service of a living employee in such a manner is an administrative failure that the Commission cannot overlookFinding prima facie evidence of administrative negligence and violation of the complainants rights the Commission directed immediate action to restore the employees salary correct all records and ensure that no employee faces such an anomalous and unjust situation in the futureThe Commission has called for a report on the necessary corrections to the Aadhaar record of the complainant from the Additional Deputy Commissioner Rohtak and the Commissioner and Secretary Citizen Resources Information Department CRID before the next hearing on September 23 IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/haryana-rights-panel-takes-cognizance-of-employee-declared-dead-in-aadhaar-records-632599.html Mon, 18 Aug 2025 15:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/from-panchgavya-to-biogas-ups-new-drive-for-sustainable-rural-development--632407.html Lucknow Aug 17 In a major initiative to boost Uttar Pradeshs rural economy the state Gau Seva Commission has joined hands with Patanjali Yogpeeth to promote cow protection Panchgavya products natural farming and biogas expansion across the state The Gau Seva Commission has inked a partnership with Patanjali Yogpeeth following discussions between Commission Chairman Shyam Bihari Gupta and Patanjali CoFounder Acharya BalkrishnaThe unique move is in line with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths vision and seeks to take forward his belief that the cow will form a key component of any villages progressTo advance this vision Patanjali Yogpeeth has pledged full technical support to the states initiativesUnder this partnership cow shelters will no longer remain just centres of conservation but will be transformed into hubs of rural industry driving the production of Panchgavya products and biogas Baba Ramdev is also expected to visit Uttar Pradesh soon to meet CM Yogi Adityanath and finalise the roadmapAccording to Dr Anurag Srivastava OSD of the Gau Seva Commission two to 10 cow shelters in each of the 75 districts will be developed as large model centres Open sheds fencing and security arrangements will be created in cow sanctuaries to ensure the free movement of cowsThis initiative will also unlock largescale rural employment with villagers actively participating in cow urine collection and product sales under a 50 per cent commission model Patanjali Yogpeeth will further support the programme through training quality control formulation certification and licensingIn addition advanced technologies such as geofencing cow tagging photo mapping and fodder inventory tracking will be introduced in cow shelters Natural inputs like neem cow urine and vermicompost will also be supplied to every village helping farmers reduce costs improve soil fertility and strengthen environmental sustainability IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/from-panchgavya-to-biogas-ups-new-drive-for-sustainable-rural-development--632407.html Mon, 18 Aug 2025 00:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/five-electrocuted-to-death-during-rath-yatra-in-hyderabad-632496.html Hyderabad Aug 18 At least five people were electrocuted to death and four others were injured when a Rath taken out as part of Sri Krishnashtami celebrations came in contact with an electric wire in Hyderabad The incident occurred late Sunday night at Gokulnagar in Ramanthapur when people were participating in the processionThe Rath was being carried in the hands by a group of nine persons after the vehicle on which it was being carried broke down during the procession They were thrown away due to the impact of the shockThe incident sent panic among participants in the procession The participants ran helterskelterPolice rushed to the spot and launched the rescue effortsThe victims were given first aid on the spot and subsequently shifted to a private hospital where five people were declared brought dead by doctorsThe deceased have been identified as Krishna 21 Rudra Vikas 39 Rajendra Reddy 45 Srikant Reddy 35 and Suresh Yadav 34Four others including Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddys gunman Srinivas were injured They were admitted to a hospitalAccording to police the incident occurred near Yadav Function Hall in Gokulnagar when the Rath came into contact with a hightension wire overheadThe bodies of the victims were shifted to the mortuary of the governmentrun Gandhi Hospital SecunderabadA pall of gloom descended on the area after the incident Police registered a case and took up an investigationLeaders cutting across political parties expressed grief over the tragedy They demanded that the government provide financial assistance to the families of the deceased and provide the best medical treatment to those injuredMeanwhile two groups of youth clashed during Krishnashtami celebrations in the Kukatpally area in Hyderabad on Sunday nightA person suffered bleeding injuries in the clash Police suspect that old enmity between the two groups led to the clashPolice registered a case and took up further investigation IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/five-electrocuted-to-death-during-rath-yatra-in-hyderabad-632496.html Mon, 18 Aug 2025 08:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/strike-by-fishermen-in-tns-rameswaram-against-frequent-arrests-by-sri-lankan-navy-enters-8th-day-632499.html Chennai Aug 18 The strike by fishermen in Tamil Nadus Rameswaram against the frequent arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy entered its eighth day on Monday The strike has caused a loss of over Rs 7 crore so far The continuing arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy on charges of crossing the maritime boundary have triggered an indefinite strike by the fishing community in RameswaramThe Sri Lankan Navy has been detaining fishermen from Tamil Nadu who according to Colombo intrude into its territorial watersThe latest incidents have intensified anger among the fishing community of Rameswaram who argue that they have traditionally depended on these waters for generations and are being unfairly targetedIn protest fishermen in Rameswaram launched a strike on August 11 suspending all fishing operations For over a week hundreds of mechanised boats have remained anchored at the shores with owners and crews determined not to resume work until their safety is assuredFishermens representatives have reiterated that unless the Centre intervenes diplomatically with Sri Lanka and secures a permanent solution they will continue their agitationThe strike has caused a severe financial setback with the local economy already reporting losses exceeding Rs 7 crore The usually busy fishing harbour known for its trade in prawns crabs and other seafood has fallen silentAuction houses ice factories and seafood exporters have all been paralysed leaving thousands of workers who depend on the fishing sector without incomeLocal leaders of fishermens unions said their demand is straightforward an end to recurring arrestsWe cannot risk our lives every time we go to sea The government must act swiftly and bring back our brothers languishing in Sri Lankan prisons a union leader saidThe crisis has also impacted dailywage workers and ancillary industries such as boat repair workshops net suppliers and transportersWith no fresh catch available local shops and seafood markets are reporting shortages hitting consumers as wellThe fishermen have warned that if the Centre and state do not take immediate steps they will be forced to intensify their agitation They are pressing for compensation from the Tamil Nadu government and a permanent diplomatic mechanism with Sri Lanka to prevent such arrests in the future IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/strike-by-fishermen-in-tns-rameswaram-against-frequent-arrests-by-sri-lankan-navy-enters-8th-day-632499.html Mon, 18 Aug 2025 08:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/a-quiet-initiative-by-pune-zilla-parishad-brings-smiles-to-single-women-632504.html Pune Aug 18 The Pune Zilla Parishad on the occasion of Independence Day launched an initiative to ensure empowerment financial independence and a rightful place in society for single women including widowed divorced separated or unmarried The initiative was kicked off when Pune Zilla Parishad CEO Gajanan Patil hoisted the national flag with four single women from rural areas Many Gram Panchayats in Pune district also gave the honour of hosting the Tricolour to women who are widowed divorced separated or unmarriedThis act was not just symbolic it was a powerful statement of dignity equality and resilience What made this Independence Day truly historic was the unanimous resolution passed at the Gram Panchayat level The oath affirms that single women will always be treated with dignity and equality and that no discrimination injustice or neglect will be tolerated It further calls for their empowerment financial independence and rightful place in society said PatilHe told IANS that the initiative was rolled out as single women form one of the most underrepresented and underserved segments in our society From economic hardships to legal vulnerabilities and social isolation the challenges they face are complex and often overlookedFor too long widowed women in our communities have been subjected to regressive practices stripped of their symbols of identity and excluded from social and religious life By resolving to end these customs Pune Zilla Parishad has taken a landmark step toward restoring dignity and ensuring equal rights he explainedAccording to Patil the initiative ensures that women who were once marginalised will now be treated with equality and respect they will retain the right to wear kumkum mangalsutra or jodvi if they choose they will be included in social and religious events and they will be connected to opportunities for empowerment and selfrelianceStanding beside these women was a profound reminder that true freedom goes beyond political sovereignty It is about creating a society where every individual especially the most vulnerable lives with honour safety and equal opportunity he saidFurther the Pune Zilla Parishad proposes to conduct an intensive sixmonth administrative drive to ensure quick and easy access to essential documents making it possible for every single woman to benefit from government schemesIt will also carry out an awareness campaign that will help bring into focus the social issues of single women and address their challenges It will provide legal and economic support through dedicated legal experts for legal guidance as well as providing lowinterest credit facilities and employment avenues that will enable women to reclaim agency over their lives and futuresIn order to strengthen the livelihoods of single women the Pune Zilla Parishad will facilitate market linkages for products crafted by single women supporting economic independence and nurturing entrepreneurship from the grassrootsSanjay Jog can be contacted at sanjayjiansin IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/a-quiet-initiative-by-pune-zilla-parishad-brings-smiles-to-single-women-632504.html Mon, 18 Aug 2025 09:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/mumbai-set-to-honour-today-the-homecoming-of-raghuji-bhonsales-legendary-sword-632517.html Mumbai Aug 18 The historic sword of Shrimant Raje Raghuji Bhonsle arrived in Mumbai on Monday where it was given a grand welcome by the Government of Maharashtra at the Mumbai International Airport Later in the evening it will be ceremoniously unveiled in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra FadnavisThe sword is remarkable for several reasons Most medieval Maratha weapons lacked decorative embellishment or inscriptions of their makers or owners This sword is a rare exception bearing both intricate ornamentation and the owners name The presence of its Europeanmade blade further points to the flourishing international arms trade in 18thcentury IndiaThe legendary sword of Shrimant Raje Raghuji Bhonsle was recently secured by the Government of Maharashtra through an auctionCultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar who took possession of the sword in London formally received the historic sword at the international airportThe Departments of Cultural Affairs Archaeology and Museums and the Directorate of Cultural Affairs along with PL Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy at 6 pm have organised the Sena Saheb Subha Parakram Darshan ceremony said the release issued by Minister Shelars officeDuring the programme the exhibition and inauguration of the historic sword of Shrimant Raje Raghuji Bhonsle will be done by Chief Minister Devendra FadnavisDeputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar Minister for Cultural Affairs and IT and Guardian Minister of Suburban District Ashish Shelar will be presentShrimant Mudhoji Raje Bhonsle descendant of Shrimant Raje Raghuji Bhonsle will also grace the occasion with his special presence The event will also be attended by Dr Kiran Kulkarni Secretary Department of Cultural Affairs local MP Anil Desai and MLA Mahesh Sawant among othersAn exhibition showcasing the legendary sword of Shrimant Sena Saheb Subha Raghuji Raje Bhonsle brought from England along with insights into 12 heritage forts will be held from August 19 to August 25 2025 between 11 am and 7 pm at the Art Gallery of PL Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy Prabhadevi Mumbai The exhibition will be open to all free of costRaghuji Bhosale I 1695 14 February 1755 was the founder of the Nagpur Bhosale dynasty and a prominent commander in the Maratha Army during Chhatrapati Shahu Maharajs reignRecognised as one of the most daring Maratha commanders of the 18th century Raghuji Bhosales Nagpur kingdom was rich in iron and copper deposits used not only for manufacturing goods but also for crafting weapons The royal weaponry of the Nagpur Bhosales represented a perfect blend of craftsmanship and elegance IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/mumbai-set-to-honour-today-the-homecoming-of-raghuji-bhonsales-legendary-sword-632517.html Mon, 18 Aug 2025 10:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/ilo-ranks-pakistan-among-worst-countries-in-gender-pay-gap-632550.html New Delhi Aug 18 The International Labour Organisation ILO has ranked Pakistan among the worst in South Asia for wage disparities between men and women confirming longstanding concerns about structural discrimination in the countrys labour market The ILOs latest Global Wage Report states that women in Pakistan earn an average of 34 per cent less than their male counterparts a pay gap significantly wider than the global average and worse than in other countries in the region including India Bangladesh Sri Lanka and NepalWhile some countries have shown gradual improvement in narrowing the divide Pakistan has made no progress with its deeply embedded socioeconomic cultural and institutional factors continuing to drive the disparityA significant portion of female employment in Pakistan is concentrated in the lowwage informal economy that includes agricultural labour domestic work and homebased manufacturing with limited protections and virtually no access to formal contracts or benefitsThe ILO report highlights that even within the formal sector women with comparable educational qualifications and job experience earn less than men across most industries including healthcare education finance and manufacturingThe gap widens further at higher professional levels suggesting a pervasive glass ceiling that limits womens upward mobility This dual economy not only skews income distribution but also distorts broader economic development as half the population is systematically undervalued and underutilised the report statesThe roots of Pakistans gender pay gap are not merely economic they are deeply cultural and institutional Traditional gender norms continue to dictate the division of labour both within households and in the workplace limiting womens participation in fulltime remunerative employment Social expectations around marriage childcare and domestic responsibilities often push women into parttime or lowflexibility jobsIn many rural and conservative areas mobility restrictions and security concerns further constrain womens access to employment opportunities These cultural limitations are reinforced by an education system that often fails to equip women with the skills required for higherpaying techdriven jobs in urban centres Moreover institutional biases in recruitment promotion and performance evaluation continue to disadvantage women in both the public and private sectorsThe ILO report notes that Pakistan has introduced some gendersensitive policies over the years including maternity leave provisions antiharassment laws and quotas for women in public sector employment However the lack of robust enforcement mechanisms coupled with the informal nature of most female employment has rendered these protections largely symbolic for a majority of working womenAccording to the ILO while South Asia as a whole struggles with gender inequality Pakistans standing is particularly dismal with the country consistently ranked near the bottom of global gender parity indexes The World Economic Forums 2025 Global Gender Gap Report has also placed Pakistan at 151st out of 156 countries ahead of only a handful of nations in terms of economic participation and opportunity for women IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/ilo-ranks-pakistan-among-worst-countries-in-gender-pay-gap-632550.html Mon, 18 Aug 2025 13:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/pm-vishwakarma-yojana-bringing-meaningful-change-to-peoples-lives-in-mps-damoh-632372.html Damoh Madhya Pradesh Aug 17 The Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana is equipping and enhancing the skills of crores of people across the country and also making them financially selfreliant In Madhya Pradeshs Damoh district a large number of beneficiaries trained under the PM Vishwakarma Yojana spoke to IANS explaining about its impact on their livesSunil Vishwakarma who received a weeklong training in bicycle repairing at Tendukheda Center said that the scheme helped him hone his skillsSunil a resident of Tendukheda Nagar Parishad in Damoh first joined this scheme and took training for 6 days Today he is planning to take a loan from the bank to expand his own shopDuring the sixday training I was told that the bank can provide collateral free loan of upto Rs 3 lakhs The first installment could be of Rs 1 lakh and the second installment would be received after 18 months I got Rs 3 lakh along with Rs 1000 rent from the sixday training he saidSundar Lal a resident of Bandipura Gram Panchayat of Tendukheda block was another person to get skills training under the schemeBased on the information received from the villagers I filled in the form of PM Vishwakarma Yojana online After a few days I came to know that my name had come in the list after which the employees working at the centre contacted me and during this sixday training I learnt welding work Earlier also I had done welding and craftsmanship work at other peoples shops he saidHe further said I want to thank PM Modi who made such a good scheme for small people Even today I work at a welding shop where I get a wage of 250 to 300 rupees but in the coming days I will have my own shopNotably the PM Vishwakarma Yojana is one of the flagship schemes under which beneficiaries are given a toolkit worth Rs 15000 and a loan without collateral of up to Rs 3 lakh to start their own businessThis Central government scheme is economically empowering people associated with different categories including blacksmith potter tailor mason and cobbler but is also motivating them for selfemployment IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/pm-vishwakarma-yojana-bringing-meaningful-change-to-peoples-lives-in-mps-damoh-632372.html Sun, 17 Aug 2025 19:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/prevention-not-just-medication-key-to-tackling-obesity-and-diabetes-jitendra-singh-632380.html New Delhi Aug 17 Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday stressed that prevention should be the main focus in tackling obesity and diabetes rather than depending only on medication He said that lifestyle changes awareness and scientifically backed information are crucial to address the growing health challenge of metabolic disorders in IndiaDr Singh who is also a renowned diabetologist and professor of medicine was speaking at the launch of the book The Weight Loss Revolution Weight Loss Drugs and How to Use Them authored by endocrinologist Dr Ambrish Mithal along with journalist Shivam VijThe Minister noted that India once known as the diabetes capital of the world is now also emerging as the obesity capital ranking third globally in childhood obesityHe warned against the unchecked spread of disinformation through unscientific diet charts and fad regimens saying diet plans must always be based on scientifically validated principlesDr Singh emphasised the importance of Indian solutions for Indian patients and pointed out that central obesity fat around the abdomen poses a more serious risk for Indians compared to Western populationsSometimes he said a simple inch tape around the waist may be more meaningful than a BMI chartHighlighting the role of lifestyle interventions Dr Singh said studies in India show that regular yoga practice can reduce the risk of type2 diabetes by up to 40 per centHe called for a holistic approach that combines lifestyle modification modern medicine and traditional practicesOn the use of new weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro Dr Singh advised caution saying clinical outcomes take years to establishHe compared it with the refined oil episode in India where hasty conclusions later proved misleadingDr Singh also reminded that with over 70 per cent of Indias population below 40 years of age the country cannot afford to let lifestyle diseases affect its youthPreventiondriven strategies he said are vital to protect the potential of the younger generationQuoting Mark Twain he remarked Economics is too serious a subject to be left to an economist and added that obesity and diabetes are too serious to be left only to doctorsUnless there is mass awareness he said optimum results in tackling these diseases will not be possibleThe Minister praised Dr Mithals book as timely and authoritative saying it will help both medical professionals and the public separate facts from misinformation in an era dominated by social media and quick fixes IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/prevention-not-just-medication-key-to-tackling-obesity-and-diabetes-jitendra-singh-632380.html Sun, 17 Aug 2025 20:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/rainfall-boosts-kuruvai-paddy-cultivation-in-tn-delta-districts-farmers-eye-samba-crop-632306.html Chennai Aug 17 Barring a few areas where early kuruvai paddy is ready for harvest the widespread rainfall over the past two weeks has provided a significant boost to kuruvai cultivation across the Cauvery delta districts Farmers say the showers have also created favourable conditions for the upcoming samba seasonAccording to the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department shortterm kuruvai paddy has been cultivated on 233 lakh hectares this year in Thanjavur Tiruvarur Nagapattinam Mayiladuthurai and Tiruchy This marks a 56 per cent increase compared to last yearComfortable storage levels in the Mettur dam combined with the recent rainfall have given a strong lifeline to standing kuruvai cropsFarmers note that the rainfall during the traditional Tamil month of Aadi has been timely This will help ensure a bumper harvest during the current kuruvai season said Kumaran Balaji a farmer from ThanjavoreAnother farmer R Sukumaran of Kakkarai termed the rains necessary for sustaining the crop However for those harvesting early varieties the excess moisture has created challengesDue to the wet fields machines had to be operated for three extra hours to complete the harvest which increased expenses said P Vadivelu of AmmayagaramMeanwhile several farmers who opted out of kuruvai cultivation in favour of samba are making use of both rainwater and canal water for transplantationOfficial estimates project that samba paddy will cover 123 lakh hectares in Thanjavur 138 lakh hectares in Tiruvarur and 70000 hectares in MayiladuthuraiExperts have advised farmers to adopt careful sowing practices to protect the samba crop from damage during the northeast monsoonLongterm varieties should be sown between August 15 and September 7 while mediumterm varieties can be sown throughout September This timing will help safeguard crops from heavy rainfall later in the year said P Kalaivanan of the Senior Agro Technologists ForumWith steady rainfall ample dam storage and timely guidance farmers in the delta are optimistic about both kuruvai and samba yields this year though rising operational costs remain a concern IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/rainfall-boosts-kuruvai-paddy-cultivation-in-tn-delta-districts-farmers-eye-samba-crop-632306.html Sun, 17 Aug 2025 13:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/coimbatore-corporations-motion-sensor-streetlight-pilot-project-to-save-energy-631922.html Chennai Aug 14 To reduce electricity consumption and promote ecofriendly urban lighting the Coimbatore City Corporation has begun installing motion sensor streetlights powered entirely by solar energy These lights equipped with solar panels aim to cut dependence on the electricity board while lowering carbon emissions and eliminating greenhouse gas outputUnder a pilot project 122 motion sensor streetlights have been set up at five locations with plans underway to identify sites for an additional 100 unitsOfficials believe that scaling up this initiative could significantly reduce the need for new electricity connections which involve costly deposits line charges and monthly billsA senior corporation official explained that installing regular streetlights is often a cumbersome and expensive process while solarpowered motion sensor models require only a onetime investmentThe corporation has chosen autodimming technology where lights operate at 50 per cent brightness and switch to full brightness when motion is detected within four metres of the pole Other models available in the market include total blackout variants or those activated solely by movementThe system features an automatic onoff function using either motion or dusktodawn sensors The dimming capability not only conserves energy but also extends battery life Each unit comes with a twoyear warranty and is designed for durability though officials note that the solar panels require cleaning every two months and batteries must be replaced every three to five years depending on usageCorporation Commissioner M Sivaguru Prabakaran acknowledged that dust accumulation on the panels remains a challenge but stressed that daily cleaning is not necessaryCurrently there is no centralised monitoring system for these lights Future plans include installing motion sensor streetlights at 42 overhead water tank locations across newly added municipal areas where obtaining new power connections would otherwise be requiredAn executive from a Keralabased manufacturer said their models can detect motion up to 10 metres away even from animals making them suitable for a range of environments He noted that commercial establishments apartment complexes and educational institutions are increasingly adopting sensorbased street lighting for cost and energy efficiencyIf the pilot proves successful the corporation expects the technology to become a key part of the citys public lighting strategy contributing to both environmental sustainability and operational savings IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/coimbatore-corporations-motion-sensor-streetlight-pilot-project-to-save-energy-631922.html Thu, 14 Aug 2025 17:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/sc-adjourns-hearing-on-plea-to-save-kerala-nurse-amid-ongoing-negotiations-631961.html New Delhi Aug 14 The Supreme Court on Thursday adjourned for eight weeks the hearing on a plea seeking the Union governments intervention to rescue Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya from execution in Yemen A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta deferred the hearing on a writ petition filed by Save Nimisha Priya Action Council after being informed that negotiations with the victims family were currently underway and granted liberty to mention the matter in case of any urgencyIt may be recalled that the execution of Indian national Nimisha Priya initially scheduled for July 16 has been temporarily halted She was sentenced to death in Yemen for murdering Yemeni national Talal Abdo Mehdi and remains behind bars thereIn the previous hearing the Justice Vikram Nathled Bench had asked the Centre to decide on a representation seeking permission to travel to Yemen to negotiate a pardon for the Indian citizen from the family of the victimThe Union Ministry of External Affairs MEA had earlier rejected the petitioners request to grant travel clearance to the wartorn country citing severe security risks in YemenUnder Yemens Islamic legal framework a death sentence can be negotiated with the payment of diya blood money to the victims familyNimisha Priya a nurse from Kollengode in Keralas Palakkad district had moved to Yemen in 2008 to support her dailywage labourer parentsShe worked in several hospitals and eventually decided to open her own clinic In 2017 a dispute arose between her and her Yemeni business partner Talal Abdo Mahdi after she reportedly opposed his alleged attempts to misappropriate fundsAccording to her family Nimisha allegedly injected Mahdi with sedatives to retrieve her confiscated passport Tragically an overdose led to his death She was arrested while attempting to flee the country and was convicted of murder in 2018In 2020 a trial court in Sanaa sentenced her to death and Yemens Supreme Judicial Council upheld the verdict in November 2023 though it left open the option of blood moneyThe mother of Nimishra Priya Prema Kumari 57 has been tirelessly campaigning to secure a waiver of the death penalty She has also travelled to Sanaa to negotiate the payment of blood money to the victims family Her efforts have been supported by the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council a group of NRI social workers based in Yemen IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/sc-adjourns-hearing-on-plea-to-save-kerala-nurse-amid-ongoing-negotiations-631961.html Thu, 14 Aug 2025 18:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/an-era-of-seva-ascends-to-heavens-pm-modi-with-kalaben-patel-in-frame-captures-nations-sentiment-631589.html New Delhi Aug 11 Born in Bardoli Gujarat a town etched in Indias freedom struggle through the Bardoli Satyagraha Dr Kalaben Dayaram Bhai Patel embodied the spirit of resistance compassion and quiet leadership Over the course of a hundred years she emerged not only as a healer and guide but as a formidable force in the social and spiritual landscape of Gujarat A trained physician and community organiser Dr Patel was best known for her role as the Protector of Gujarats Womens Wing where she championed the rights dignity and empowerment of women across rural and urban constituenciesModi Archive on Monday paid rich tribute to her sharing a photograph of the legendary figure with Prime Minister Narendra ModiWe remember Dr Kalaben Dayaram Bhai Patel 19252025 Hailing from Bardoli she devoted her life to healing guiding and serving othersleading as Protector of Gujarats Womens Wing and representing the Ram Mandir Trust with grace and dedication She passed away today leaving behind a remarkable legacy of service and spirituality Prime Minister Narendra Modi met her on many occasionshere is one such picture read a message from Modi ArchivesHer leadership was marked by a blend of Gandhian ethics and pragmatic activismmobilising women for education health awareness and civic participation often in the face of entrenched social barriersOver the years Dr Patel was personally acknowledged by Prime Minister Modi who met her on several occasions and praised her centurylong journey of service and spiritual stewardshipHer spiritual devotion found expression through her longstanding association with the Ram Mandir Trust where she served as a representative with grace and unwavering dedicationIn this role she bridged faith and service advocating for inclusive spiritual spaces and community welfare initiatives rooted in religious valuesHer presence at key religious and cultural forums lent credibility and warmth to the Trusts outreach Dr Patels legacy was recognised at the highest levels of governmentShe passed away on Monday at the age of 100 leaving behind a legacy that transcends titles To those who knew her she was a mentor a mother figure and a moral compassTo history she remains a quiet architect of changewhose life stitched together the threads of freedom healing and spiritual stewardship As Gujarat mourns her passing it also celebrates a life lived in full measurea life that healed uplifted and inspired IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/an-era-of-seva-ascends-to-heavens-pm-modi-with-kalaben-patel-in-frame-captures-nations-sentiment-631589.html Tue, 12 Aug 2025 00:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/haryana-rights-panel-takes-cognizance-of-dilapidated-govt-schools-631640.html Chandigarh Aug 12 The Haryana Human Rights Commission HHRC has taken suo motu cognisance of the alarming condition of government schools in Hisar district As per a media report of August 7 though buildings or major portions of 27 government schools have been declared unsafe by the Public Works Department PWD classes continue in them Students are reportedly being taught in open verandahs sealed rooms laboratories and staff halls often sitting on the floorThe ongoing monsoon season has increased risks including the danger of snake bites and other hazards said the reportAccording to the full Bench comprising Chairperson Justice Lalit Batra and members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia this is not a matter of mere inconvenience but a direct endangerment to the lives and safety of school childrenAt Government Senior Secondary School in Mangali for instance 480 students are studying in an open verandah after 22 classrooms were sealed due to collapse risk In Dobhi village all 24 classrooms are in a bad state forcing students into cramped libraries laboratories and staff roomsLikewise in Dhansu Siswala Arya Nagar Rajli and other schools children are being taught in unsafe sections of buildings where the risk of falling walls or ceilings is constantThe Commission noted that such conditions violate Article 21 Right to Life and Personal Liberty and Article 21A Right to Education of the Constitution as well as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which guarantee children the right to safe and quality educationThe Bench referred to recent incidents in Rajasthan including the death of a sevenyearold boy in Jaisalmer when a school gate collapsed and the deaths of seven students in Jhalawar due to a school building collapseThe Commission warned that immediate action is needed to prevent such tragedies in HaryanaProtocol Information and Public Relations Officer Puneet Arora on Tuesday said the Commission has directed the Principal Secretary School Education Department the Director General Secondary Education the Deputy Commissioner of Hisar the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Hisar and the District Education Officer of Hisar to submit a comprehensive report within eight weeks covering among other issues the status of each condemned building the safety measures in place and alternative arrangementsThe Commission listed the matter for the next hearing on October 30 IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/haryana-rights-panel-takes-cognizance-of-dilapidated-govt-schools-631640.html Tue, 12 Aug 2025 13:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/india-clocks-fastest-rate-of-poverty-reduction-631652.html New Delhi Aug 12 India has recorded the fastest largecountry poverty reductions in modern history enabling more than 269 million people to escape extreme deprivation between 201112 and 202223 on the back of sustained economic growth robust welfare systems and the strategic use of technology according to an India Narrative article Indias extreme poverty rate fell from 271 per cent to just 53 per cent during this period and projections indicate that by 2025 the national extreme poverty rate could drop to 445 per cent nearing complete eradicationThe rural transformation has been especially striking poverty fell from 184 per cent to 28 per cent reflecting both agricultural reforms and rural welfare schemes Urban poverty declined from 107 per cent to 11 per cent showcasing urban employment growth and bettertargeted social protectionFour states Uttar Pradesh Bihar Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan accounted for nearly twothirds of the national poverty decline Uttar Pradesh alone lifted close to 60 million people out of poverty underscoring the significance of targeted interventions in historically poorer regionsWhile monetary poverty is a key measure deprivation often extends to health education and living standards Indias Multidimensional Poverty Index MPI captures this broader realityIndias sustained GDP growth averaging over 7 per cent annually for the past 15 years has been a foundational driver of poverty reduction This growth has created jobs raised wages and expanded the tax base to fund welfare schemes The combination of marketled opportunity and stateled safety nets has created a unique dual engine for poverty alleviationUrbanisation has also played a role with expanding cities offering employment infrastructure and access to services Remittances from migrant workers have boosted rural incomes while agricultural productivity improvements have increased rural resilienceIndia is on track to meet the Sustainable Development Goal SDG of halving multidimensional poverty well before the 2030 target The UNDP and World Bank have recognised Indias model for its scalability and costeffectiveness In global terms Indias poverty reduction over the past decade represents one of the largest absolute declines in poverty ever recorded the article added IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/india-clocks-fastest-rate-of-poverty-reduction-631652.html Tue, 12 Aug 2025 14:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/117-endangered-languages-being-preserved-documented-kiren-rijiju-631693.html New Delhi Aug 12 As many as 117 endangered languagesmother tongues spoken by less than 10000 people have been chosen from all over India for study and documentation under a Central government scheme the Rajya Sabha was informed Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju in a written reply said that Bharatavani a digital knowledge platform dedicated to Indian languages has represented 77 tribal languages offering resources across language learning encyclopaedias dictionaries and glossariesRijiju said that the Central government is promoting Sanskrit through three Central Universities which are provided funds as per the requirement and utilisationThe Central government has initiated a scheme known as Scheme for Protection andPreservation of Endangered Languages of India SPPEL for the preservation of languages he saidUnder this Scheme the Central Institute of Indian Languages CIIL Mysuru works on protection preservation and documentation of all the mother tongueslanguages of India spoken by less than 10000 people which are called endangered languagesThe minister said that the policy of the Government is to promote all Indian languages including classical languagesHe said the Central Institute of Indian Languages CIIL works for the promotion of all Indian languages including four classical languages like Kannada Telugu Malayalam and OdiaDevelopment and promotion of Classical Tamil is done by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil CICT Chennai said the MinisterIn 202425 Rs 8350 lakh each were spent on Kannada Telugu Odia and Malayalam During this period Rs 1430 lakh were spent on Tamil he saidElaborating on steps to promote mother tongues the minister said The Department of School Education and Literacy has implemented several key initiatives to advance early literacy and multilingual education across India such as the development of 117 primers in 22 Scheduled and 99 NonScheduled languages along with 52 additional primers in local and mother tongues by NCERT and CIILThe government has taken several initiatives to promote Indian languages in higher education and technical fields the Minister saidThe AICTE has provided engineering textbooks in 12 Indian languages The firstMarathimedium engineering batch from Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering Pune graduated successfully he saidMajor exams like NET CTET NEET JEE CUET and SSC are now conducted in 12 Indian languages Additionally the UGC allows students to write exams in local languages irrespective of the medium of instruction he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/117-endangered-languages-being-preserved-documented-kiren-rijiju-631693.html Tue, 12 Aug 2025 17:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/kerala-woman-police-officer-aparna-wins-applause-again-for-act-of-kindness-631559.html Thrissur Aug 11 SubInspector of Police SI Aparna Lavakumar has won applause yet again Her quick thinking and an act of kindness and compassion on one of Thrissur citys busiest roads has been widely praised after a video of the incident went viral She cleared the way for an ambulance carrying a critically ill patient The video shows a long traffic jam with vehicles at a standstill when an ambulance with its siren blaring approached from behindUnderstanding the urgency of the situation SI Aparna stepped out ran ahead through the congested road and cleared the vehicles to create a path for the ambulanceRisking her own safety she ensured the patient reached medical help without delayAparnas compassion and timely interventions in testing circumstances have been evident in the past as wellShe once cut her hair to donate to cancer patients after seeking permission from then DIG VijayakumarIn another instance when the relatives of a woman who died from assault by her family members were unable to afford the release of her body Aparna removed her own gold bangle and gave it to themThey pledged the bangle to raise the necessary funds She recalls wanting to give them cash but not having any money at the timeSpeaking about her actions Aparna insists these are small acts of kindness anyone would doAt the time of giving her gold bangle she was serving as a constable at Ollur Police StationHer latest act at Ashwini Junction once again highlights the vital role police officers can play in lifeanddeath situations not only in enforcing the law but also in safeguarding humanityObservers believe that this kind act of Aparna is helping to bring back the sagging image of the Kerala Police as not long ago as the Kerala High Court came to the succor of an 8yearold girl who along with her father were accused of theft by a lady police officerThe incident occurred a few years ago when Attingal resident Jayachandran reached Moonumukku with his eightyearold daughter who wanted to watch the movement of a massive cargo to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in ThumbaA lady police officer who was deployed to assist in traffic regulation accused the duo of stealing her mobile phone that was kept in the police vehicleIn a video which went viral the officer and her colleague were seen harassing the father and the daughter and even frisking himThe child broke down amid their harassmentWhen an onlooker dialed the cops number the phone was found in the police vehicle following which the police team left the scene without even tendering an apology to the father and the daughterLater the High Court intervened and gave justice to the young girl IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/kerala-woman-police-officer-aparna-wins-applause-again-for-act-of-kindness-631559.html Mon, 11 Aug 2025 21:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/rsetis-free-vocational-training-brings-new-hope-to-rural-women-631299.html Burhanpur Madhya Pradesh Aug 10 Under Prime Minister Narendra Modis ongoing women empowerment initiative rural women in Burhanpur district are scripting a new chapter of selfreliance With the assistance from Ministry of Rural Development a specialised beauty parlour training programme is being conducted for hundreds of housewives and young girls across the district at the RSETI Rural Self Employment Training Institutes The threemonth training course has been designed specifically for women who aspire to learn new skills and start their own small businesses Women from multiple villages are participating enthusiastically learning technical aspects of beauty services including hair styling makeup facials and skin careThe core objective of this initiative is to enable economic independence among rural women helping them become contributors to their household income and take control of their livelihoods The programme not only boosts their technical skills but also instils selfconfidence and inspires them to dream biggerRoshni Dayaram Pawar a trainee said Im excited to be learning something so useful This training is helping me build a future where I can support myself and my family We are being given free accommodation and foodKirti Sanju Kushwaha another young participant added I always wanted to open my own parlour Thanks to this opportunity I now have the skills and the confidence to do thatJai Shri Mahendra Kushwaha one of the trainees shared This training is giving me respect in my family and society I am grateful to the government for this supportRoshni Kushwaha also echoed similar sentiments saying This programme has transformed my thinking I now believe I can be financially independentThe initiative is part of a broader government vision to build a Sashakt Bharat Empowered India by providing rural women with tangible skills and livelihood opportunitiesGopal Krishna Director of RSETI shared that the institute has been operational since 2011 and functioning from its current building since 2016 RSETI is dedicated to providing residential freeofcost vocational training to women especially those from rural backgroundsCurrently a Junior Beautician Training Course is underway with 31 women enrolled from various villages across the district Earlier on August 3rd a previous batch successfully completed a stitching course showcasing the diversity of skills being imparted The institute caters to women aged 18 to 45 years offering shortterm courses aimed at equipping them with practical employmentoriented skills Krishna saidOne of the key features of RSETI is that following training women are supported in accessing bank loans to help them establish their own enterprises This financial linkage plays a crucial role in turning training into tangible economic empowerment he addedKshama Das an official from RSETI emphasised that all training provided at the institute is completely free of cost She added that this initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of a Sashakt Bharat Empowered Indiaa vision in which women play a central role She highlighted that lots of women from different parts of the district are currently enrolled in the beauty parlour course and many of them are preparing to launch their own centresBy becoming financially selfreliant these women are not just transforming their own livesthey are also contributing to the broader national goal of womenled developmentAll the participants expressed deep gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Ministry of Rural Development for making such transformative initiatives accessible in rural India IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/rsetis-free-vocational-training-brings-new-hope-to-rural-women-631299.html Sun, 10 Aug 2025 19:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/new-route-new-hope-vande-bharat-links-punjab-to-katra-in-record-time-631308.html Jalandhar Aug 10 A new Vande Bharat Express train connecting Amritsar to the holy shrine of Maa Vaishno Devi at Katra will start operating from August 11 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the train virtually on Sunday from Bengaluru by waving the green flag online The train numbered 2640526406 will depart from Amritsar daily except Tuesdays at 425 pm under the Northern Railway zone It will reach Jalandhar at 531 pm with a 2minute halt before arriving at Katra by 10 pm completing the journey in just 5 hours and 35 minutes This fast and comfortable service will provide pilgrims a timesaving and convenient travel optionThe route of the train will cover Amritsar Beas Jalandhar City Pathankot Cantt Jammu Tawi and then Katra This will be the first Vande Bharat service connecting Amritsar to Katra adding to the existing popular Vande Bharat trains running on the DelhiKatra and KatraSrinagar routesAshwani Sharma the newly appointed working president of BJP in Punjab who travelled on the train during its trial run expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for launching this service He said the train will generate great enthusiasm among devotees traveling to Maa Vaishno Devis shrineA local woman welcomed the launch saying this is a great start for the elderly in Punjab who travel to religious places mostly for darshan She noted that the long travel duration and overcrowding in other trains often cause difficulties for senior citizens With this luxury Vande Bharat train covering the distance in 55 hours pilgrims will save significant travel time and enjoy a comfortable journeyCurrently 144 Vande Bharat trains are operational across India The project was first launched in 2019 between New Delhi and Varanasi and has since expanded to various parts of the countryTalking to media persons Ashwani Sharma said The Vande Bharat train from Amritsar to Maa Vaishno Devis shrine will boost devotion and enthusiasm among pilgrims We thank PM Modi and Railway Minister Vaishnaw for this facility This train is a boon for Punjabs elderly pilgrims who struggle with long and crowded journeys on other trains The new service will save their time and ensure a comfortable ride said a passenger IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/new-route-new-hope-vande-bharat-links-punjab-to-katra-in-record-time-631308.html Sun, 10 Aug 2025 21:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/women-in-jaunpur-lead-the-way-in-har-ghar-tiranga-flag-production-631281.html Jaunpur Uttar Pradesh Aug 10 With Independence Day approaching women from rural selfhelp groups SHGs in Jaunpur are making a significant contribution to the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign Under the centrally sponsored National Rural Livelihoods Mission NRLM 68 SHGs have taken up the task of making national flags ahead of the governments massive nationwide flaghoisting initiative scheduled for August 13 14 and 15 A target of preparing seven lakh 700000 flags has been set for the district and these flags are being stitched by approximately 350 women from SHGs across all blocksEach woman is being paid Rs 20 per flag by the government The flags are being made in three sizes using cotton or polyester fabric which is being provided directly by NRLMSpeaking about the campaign Jitendra Pratap Singh Deputy Commissioner for SelfEmployment said The administration has given SHGs the target of preparing seven lakh flags So far we have completed around 80 per cent of the work and the remaining 20 per cent will be finished in the next two days The work is happening around the clock to meet the deadlineTo ensure the production is completed on time Block Mission Managers BMMs have been assigned to supervise and report progress daily The campaign has gained momentum following a directive from the Chief Secretary prompting the entire administrative machinery to work towards its successSangeeta Kala a member of one of the SHGs expressed her enthusiasmThis campaign is not just about making flags Its a matter of pride and empowerment for us We are contributing to the nation and earning at the same timeThe Har Ghar Tiranga initiative aims to encourage citizens to hoist the national flag at their homes creating a sense of patriotic unity ahead of Indias 78th Independence Day With the dedication of SHG women Jaunpur is on track to meet its ambitious target before the flag campaign begins IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/women-in-jaunpur-lead-the-way-in-har-ghar-tiranga-flag-production-631281.html Sun, 10 Aug 2025 17:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/bsf-personnel-at-india-pak-border-along-rajasthan-celebrate-raksha-bandhan-631086.html Jaisalmer Aug 9 Border Security Force BSF personnel manning the IndiaPakistan border along Rajasthan in Jaisalmer celebrated Rakha Bandhan a festival that symbolises the deep bond between brothers and sisters The women personnel tied rakhis applied tilak and offered sweets to their colleagues and celebrated the festival with enthusiasmStaying far away from our families we celebrate the festival among ourselves and take pledges for the safety of our country and fellow colleagues one of the BSF personnel told IANSTalking to IANS BSFs Komal Sharma said that sweetmeats rasgullah jalebi besan ke laddu rakhis flowers and sandal powder for tilak were received by the headquartersAn elated Sharma said that it is her first Raksha Bandhan in the BSF and she is so happy that she is not missing her homeSharma went on to say that she has a brother at home but here she has so many brothers who will protect them as they protect the bordersAnother BSF personnel Sunali Gupta shared that she has not tied rakhi on her brothers hand for the past two years but is celebrating it here and guarding the border so that countrymen can celebrate the occasion at their homes peacefullyBSFs Neeraj Sharma extended heartiest greetings to the countrymen on the occasion of Raksha BandhanWe all have pledged here to safeguard the borders and for each others safety As it is impossible to celebrate festivals with our families we celebrate the occasion here so that nobody over here misses home Neeraj Sharma saidAnother BSF personnel Rahul Chauhan said We pledge for the safety of all our sisters as we safeguard our bordersRaksha Bandhan being celebrated across the country on the full moon day Purnima of the Hindu month of Sawan holds deep cultural and religious significanceThe festival is especially revered in Hindu tradition as a symbol of love trust and protection IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/bsf-personnel-at-india-pak-border-along-rajasthan-celebrate-raksha-bandhan-631086.html Sat, 09 Aug 2025 12:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/historical-milestone-in-kashmirs-goods-transport-as-first-freight-train-reaches-anantnag-631151.html Srinagar Aug 9 As a historical milestone in goods transportation of Kashmir the first freight train reached Jammu and Kashmirs Anantnag town on Saturday This also marks the operational debut of the BanihalSangaldanReasiKatra section of the UdhampurSrinagarBaramulla Rail Link USBRL project The development on Saturday integrates Kashmir Valley with the Indian Railways freight corridor enabling the direct movement of goods from across the country into the Valley and vice versaPrime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually flag off Vande Bharat Express train between Amritsar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra on August 10Local economy is definite to receive a great boost as the cost of transport of goods will come down appreciably in addition to completely addressing the uncertainty of goods movement through the SrinagarJammu highway which is prone to closures due to shooting stones mudslides and earth cavingin accidentsThe arrival of the goods train will ensure round the year movement of merchandise from outside the Kashmir Valley and the transport of Valleys huge horticultural produce including apples etcUdhampurSrinagarBaramulla Rail Link USBRL project covers the districts of Udhampur Reasi Ramban Srinagar Anantnag Pulwama Budgam and Baramulla of Jammu and KashmirThe laying of the USBRL has been an engineering marvel as well as an enduring test of human endurance Amid one of the most rugged and difficult mountain terrains in the worldThe USRBL is a jewel in the crown of the Indian railways and also one of the most prestigious national project in the countrys historyThe completion of the railway link presented geological challenges in the geologically young Himalayas and there were no quick fix solutions for such problemsSome of the geological challenges needed using technology that was upgraded to handle such problems for the first time in railway link laying history of the countryThe project includes the worlds tallest railway bridge over the Chenab River in Reasi district and the countrys first cablestayed railway bridge called the Anji Khud railway bridgeThe project has created new avenues of employment and ancillary road connectivity due to laying to link roads in various areas along the track to make easy access available to the people residents in areas through which the track passesNot only the Chenab Railway Bridge and the Anji Khud cable stayed Bridge the track from Udhampur to Srinagar includes 38 tunnelsThe arrival of the train to Kashmir has benefitted students businessmen horticulturists tour and travel people and above all the common man to whom cheaper safer and more comfortable access is now available to other parts of the country from the landlocked ValleyThe train these days operates between Katra and Baramulla It will start operation from Jammu railway station to Baramulla before the year end IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/historical-milestone-in-kashmirs-goods-transport-as-first-freight-train-reaches-anantnag-631151.html Sat, 09 Aug 2025 18:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/nominations-for-e-governance-national-awards-to-open-on-sep-1-631152.html New Delhi Aug 9 The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances DARPG said on Saturday that nominations for the National Awards for eGovernance can be submitted from September 1 to October 25 Issuing the scheme guidelines for the 23rd National Awards for eGovernance NAeG 2026 DARPG said the nominations can be submitted on the web portal httpwwwnceggovin said an official statementThe National Awards for eGovernance are presented annually to honour and encourage excellence in implementing eGovernance initiatives The awards seek to recognise significant achievements foster the sharing of effective practices and promote innovations in digital governanceNominations for National Awards for eGovernance 2026 can be submitted under 7 Categories Government Process Reengineering by use of technology for Digital Transformation Innovation by Use of AI and other new age technologies for providing CitizenCentric Services Best eGov PracticesInnovation in Cyber Security District Level Initiatives in eGovernance Grassroots Level Initiatives by Gram Panchayats or equivalent Traditional Local Bodies for Deepening Widening of Service Delivery Replication and Scaling of Nationally Awarded and Missionmode eGovernance Projects by StateUTsDistricts and Digital transformation by use of data analytics in digital platforms by Central MinistriesStates UTsThe period of consideration requires that the projects launch date should fall between July 1 2023 and June 30 2025 said the statementAdditionally the project must be fully commissioned and operational as of August 1 2025 for all seven categories listed under NAeG 2026The NAeG Awards 2026 will comprise a trophy a certificate and an incentive of Rs 10 lakh for each Gold Awardee and Rs 5 lakh for each Silver AwardeeThe incentive will be awarded to the respective districtorganisation for use in project or programme implementation or to bridge resource gaps in any area of public welfareA total of 16 awards will be conferred under NAeG 2026 including 10 Gold Awards and 6 Silver Awards IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/nominations-for-e-governance-national-awards-to-open-on-sep-1-631152.html Sat, 09 Aug 2025 18:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/heritage-at-risk-salems-silver-anklets-struggle-for-recognition-without-gi-tag--631169.html Chennai Aug 9 Nearly three years after an application was filed Salems celebrated silver anklets are still waiting for the Geographical Indication GI tag The delay according to industry representatives stems from the lack of documentary proof required to establish the crafts antiquity and distinctiveness even though Salem is one of the countrys largest hubs for silver anklet production The trade has been part of the citys cultural fabric for generations but most units are smallscale familyrun operations led by artisans without formal education or recordkeeping practicesOur business has never been formally documented said C Sri Anandarajan president of the Salem District Kolusu Manufacturers Kaivinai SangamThe GI registry needs evidence that the craft has existed in the same geography for at least 25 years and producing that proof has been our biggest obstacleUnlike gold jewellery which carries the BIS 916 hallmark silver jewellery in India lacks a uniform quality standardA GI tag manufacturers believe would not only enforce such standardisation but also enhance the reputation of Salems silver anklets globally Markets in Sri Lanka Singapore Malaysia and Vietnam are seen as having strong potential for direct exportsAt present our anklets are sent to other states before being exported and in the process they lose their identity Anandarajan explainedWith a GI tag Salem anklets could carry their name abroad and meet consistent quality benchmarksThe absence of formal recognition has also affected the industrys future workforce Many senior craftsmen fear they may be the last generation in this profession as younger artisans opt for daily wage jobs in painting construction or petrol stations seeking more stable incomesThe industry remains a vital source of employment in Salem with nearly 10000 units supporting about 115 lakh people 78 per cent men and 22 per cent womenProduction is decentralised with specific stages handled by specialised groups across different neighbourhoodsOver 15 types of silver anklets are made in Salem including the distinctive Thalakkolusu crafted for infantsThis design expands as the child grows allowing it to be worn for up to four years Until the GI tag is granted however this centuriesold craft continues to fight for its rightful place on both the national and international stage IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/heritage-at-risk-salems-silver-anklets-struggle-for-recognition-without-gi-tag--631169.html Sat, 09 Aug 2025 21:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/himachal-minister-opens-buddhist-community-hall-in-kinnaur-631172.html Rekong Peo Himachal Pradesh Aug 9 Himachal Pradesh Revenue and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh on Saturday inaugurated a Buddhist community hall constructed at a cost of Rs 116 crore in Sumra the last village of Kinnaur district On this occasion Lahaul and Spiti legislator Anuradha Rana were also present The minister said the state government is opening boarding schools in the district which has been started from Kanam where currently 30 students are studying A provision of Rs 6 crore has been made in the budget for opening boarding schools in Pooh Rarang and Nichar villages He announced to give Rs 6 lakh for the construction of a welcome gate in Sumra Rs 2 lakh for utensils of a Buddhist temple Rs 1 lakh each to Mahila Mandals of Shalkhar and Khotang for furniture and Rs 15 lakh to Mahila Mandal in lower Chango for a generator After this the minister visited Shalkhar and Chango villages and participated in public meetings and directed the departments concerned to resolve the problems related to water road health and gardening of the villagers immediately The minister said the government is committed to the allround development of tribal areas and preservation of cultural heritage He also gave information related to Forest Rights Act and MNREGA Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act Meanwhile to mark the World Tribal Day an awareness programme was organised at Gram Panchayat of Punang in Tapri subdivision Fortyfive participants attended the awareness programme at Gram Panchayat in Punang Panchayat Secretary ward members Mahila Mandal Yuvak Mandal and locals participated in the awareness programme They were informed about NALSA Protection and Enforcement of Tribal Rights Scheme 2015 Scheduled Castes Scheduled Tribes Prevention of Atrocities Act 1989 and Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers Recognition of Forest Rights Act 2006 IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/himachal-minister-opens-buddhist-community-hall-in-kinnaur-631172.html Sat, 09 Aug 2025 21:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/delhi-metro-records-highest-ever-daily-ridership-on-aug-8-631180.html New Delhi Aug 9 The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation DMRC on Saturday announced that it had achieved its highestever singleday ridership on August 8 2025 with 8187674 passenger journeys recorded across all operational corridors The milestone came just a day before the Rakshabandhan festival when travel demand typically surges across the National Capital RegionIn a statement posted on X formerly Twitter DMRC said it had operated 92 additional train trips on August 8 to cater to the increased passenger flow For August 9 the day of Rakshabandhan the corporation scheduled 455 extra trips to provide convenience to commutersDMRC achieves highestever passenger journeys on August 8 2025 with 8187674 journeys across all lines To meet Rakshabandhan travel demand DMRC ran 92 additional trips on 8th Aug and operating 455 extra trips on 9th Aug for passenger convenience DMRC posted on XHowever while the DMRC celebrated its achievement many Delhiites on Saturday shared mixed experiences of their metro rides Social media was flooded with images and videos of crowded platforms and jampacked coaches particularly on busy corridors like the Yellow Blue and Violet linesSeveral passengers described the experience as extremely packed and uncomfortable with some reporting delays in boarding due to heavy footfall Others noted that while additional trains helped the sheer volume of travellers ahead of the festival made commuting difficultTransport experts say such recordbreaking ridership days are a reminder of both the Metros popularity and the need for continued expansion and crowdmanagement measures during peak festival seasons The DMRC currently operates nearly 400 km of network across more than a dozen lines serving Delhi and neighbouring cities including Noida Ghaziabad Gurugram Faridabad and Bahadurgarh IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/delhi-metro-records-highest-ever-daily-ridership-on-aug-8-631180.html Sat, 09 Aug 2025 22:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/over-14-000-women-handloom-weavers-skilled-under-samarth-scheme-in-last-three-years-630953.html New Delhi Aug 8 As part of the ongoing celebrations of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav the Ministry of Textiles has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women handloom weavers through various central sector schemes In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Friday Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita shared that over 14000 women weavers have been trained under the SAMARTH scheme across the country in the past three financial years 202223 to 202425The Ministry is implementing schemes such as the National Handloom Development Programme NHDP and the Raw Material Supply Scheme RMSS to enhance the capabilities and livelihoods of handloom weavers including women While these schemes are genderneutral a 100 per cent subsidy is provided exclusively to women weavers for the construction of worksheds under NHDPThe schemes provide financial assistance for raw material procurement upgraded looms solar lighting units skill development marketing support technical infrastructure and access to MUDRA loans Scholarships for children of handloom workers and social security coverage are also includedAccording to the data Assam topped the list with 1327 women weavers skilled under SAMARTH followed by Kerala 1056 Tamil Nadu 1027 and Maharashtra 1027 Other states like Odisha 727 Uttar Pradesh 727 Telangana 697 Manipur 579 Mizoram 498 Tripura 475 Karnataka 474 amongst others also reported significant participationThe SAMARTH scheme Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector is a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening the skill base of the Indian textile workforce It plays a crucial role in ensuring that traditional weavers especially women adapt to modern demands through technical training and capacity buildingThe Ministrys efforts are part of a broader push to revive Indias rich handloom heritage while ensuring sustainable livelihoods for women artisans IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/over-14-000-women-handloom-weavers-skilled-under-samarth-scheme-in-last-three-years-630953.html Fri, 08 Aug 2025 17:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/iit-delhis-new-method-to-cut-textile-waste-recycle-discarded-denims-to-good-quality-garments-630989.html New Delhi Aug 8 A team of researchers from IIT Delhi has developed a new method to recycle denim waste to knitted garments without compromising quality The findings will also help reduce textile waste the discarded textiles and clothing after their use which end up in landfillsIndia accumulates around 39 million tonnes of domestic postconsumer textile waste annually of which only 4 per cent is recycledThose recycled lose fibre strength and face variability in colour and qualityHowever with the novel method the IIT researchers found that up to 50 per cent of recycled yarns can be used in knitted clothing without deteriorating the feel of the productTo reduce the roughness of recycled yarns a softening treatment was applied to the fabric which ensured that the tactile feel of the final product is the same as that of virgin products said Prof Abhijit Majumdar Dept of Textiles and Fibre Engineering IIT DelhiWe have demonstrated our work with denim waste and it can be extended with any other textile waste he addedIn the study detailed in the Journal of Cleaner Production the team recycled waste denim into yarns ensuring minimum damage to the fibre properties by optimising the process conditionsRecycled yarns were then blended into knitted fabric using the seamless whole garment technology Knitted garments were produced varying the recycled yarn content from 25 per cent to 75 per centAnother key aspect of this research was to quantify the environmental benefits through life cycle assessment LCA in the Indian contextAnalysis by the IIT Delhi team showed that around 3040 per cent of environmental impacts can be mitigated in terms of greenhouse gas emission acid rain and fossil fuel depletion whereas for ozone layer depletion it is around 60 per centAs the use of recycled fibres could reduce the use of virgin cotton the pesticides fertilisers and water used for cultivation can also be savedAmong the processes involved the cotton cultivation stage itself contributes 24 per cent to global warming making the virgin yarns less environmentfriendlyThe research team is now exploring the possibility of recycling textile waste materials multiple times added Prof BS Butola Dept of Textile and Fibre Engineering IIT Delhi IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/iit-delhis-new-method-to-cut-textile-waste-recycle-discarded-denims-to-good-quality-garments-630989.html Fri, 08 Aug 2025 20:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/atmanirbhar-bharat-woman-from-gujarats-banaskantha-transforms-life-of-farmers-with-namo-drone-didi-scheme-631008.html Banaskantha Aug 8 Once confined to the kitchen Ashaben Chaudhary from Talepura village in Gujarats Banaskantha district now commands the skies and the fields as the region celebrated the Namo Drone Didi initiative Armed with cuttingedge drone technology and a determined spirit she is revolutionising farming practices and transforming the lives of thousands of farmers across the state Ashabens journey began when she enrolled in the Namo Drone Didi Yojana a welfare scheme launched by the Central government aimed at empowering rural women through drone technologyA mechanical engineering graduate she took a leap of faith in 2023 travelling to Pune for a 15day intensive drone operation training programmeThe training included lessons on DGCA rules safety protocols and handson practical sessionsOn completing the programme she began pesticide spraying operations with drones in several districts including Vav Tharad Deesa Vadgam and MehsanaThe Union government equipped her with a mediumsized drone an evehicle and a generator set tools that became the backbone of her new ventureToday Ashaben offers drone spraying services for crops such as groundnut castor millet papaya and fennel charging Rs 500 per acreThe efficiency is remarkable One acre of land is sprayed in just seven minutes she told IANSFarmers who once spent hours carrying heavy pesticide pumps now save time effort and exposure to harmful chemicalsHer growing enterprise has turned into a lucrative source of income earning her lakhs annuallyMore than just a businesswoman Ashaben is also the head of Ashapuri Sakhi Mandal and a mother of two daughters receiving unwavering support from her familyShe now inspires other women to break barriers and explore modern agricultural solutionsThe Namo Drone Didi Yojana is part of the Union governments larger mission to make rural women selfreliant while boosting agricultural efficiencyThe initiative aims to provide drones to 15000 womenled SelfHelp Groups SHGs between 202425 and 202526 These SHGs in turn rent out drone services to farmers primarily for spraying liquid fertilisers and pesticidesThis initiative is expected to generate an additional income of at least Rs 1 lakh per year for each SHG contributing to economic empowerment and sustainable livelihood generationTo make the technology accessible the scheme covers 80 per cent of the drone and accessory costs up to Rs 8 lakh with the remaining 20 per cent funded through loans under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund at a concessional three per cent interest rateTo ensure smooth operations an Empowered Committee of Secretaries from departments such as Agriculture Rural Development Fertilisers Civil Aviation and Women and Child Development oversees the schemeAn Implementation and Monitoring Committee chaired by the Additional Secretary of the Department of Rural Development supervises its rollout and technical guidanceEach SHG receives a complete drone package spray assembly carrying box batteries fast charger pH meter anemometre and other accessories all under a oneyear warranty two years of annual maintenance and comprehensive insuranceTraining is another crucial pillarA 15day programme trains two SHG members one as a drone pilot and the other in maintenance and repairs ensuring the sustainability of operations The state departments select SHGs strategically based on local agricultural needs with each expected to service 20002500 acres annuallyThe schemes techdriven approach is supported by the Drone Portal an ITbased MIS platform for realtime monitoringIt manages service delivery fund disbursement and tracks drone operations ensuring transparency and accountability IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/atmanirbhar-bharat-woman-from-gujarats-banaskantha-transforms-life-of-farmers-with-namo-drone-didi-scheme-631008.html Fri, 08 Aug 2025 21:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/ktaka-defends-jan-aushadhi-centre-shut-down-at-govt-hospitals-630552.html Bengaluru Aug 6 Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has written to Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Wednesday defending the move of the state government to shut down the Jan Aushadhi Centres from the premises of government hospitals and urged the Centre to supply medicines to the state health department at the same rates at which these are supplied to Janushadhi Kendras In his letter Minister Rao said As per the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pari Yojana PMBJP scheme prices of the Jan Aushadhi medicines are 50 per cent80 per cent less than that of branded medicines prices available in the open market and Scheme is implemented by a society registered under the Societies Registration Act Pharma and Medical Bureau of India PMBIIt is requested that they may be directed to supply to the state health department at the same rates at which these are supplied to Janushadhi Kendras That will help a long way in the envisaged free drug supply in government hospitals of Health and Family Welfare department of Karnataka State Minister Rao demandedHe further said I acknowledge the receipt of your letter written to Chief Minister concerning the closure of Jan Aushadhi Kendras JAKs within government hospital premises in Karnataka I appreciate your concern regarding access to affordable and quality medicines for the publicI would like to respectfully clarify that the Government of Karnataka has ensured the free supply of all essential medicines as per the Essential Medicines List EML in all government healthcare institutions However we would like to clarify that this decision does not restrict the operation of Janaushadhi Kendras outside government premises and citizens are free to access them in the private domain as per their choice he statedKarnataka ranks among the top ones in the country with more than 1417 Jan Aushadhi Kendras functioning in the StateOf these only 184 Jan Aushadhi Kendras are located within the premises of government hospitals under the Department of Health and Family Welfare and rest are functioning outside the government hospital premises he statedThis decision of the government is to reduce the outof pocket expenditure incurred by patients towards purchasing of medicines from pharmacy stores This will benefit the poor and marginalised patients who are the ones primarily accessing healthcare services at the Government Hospitals Minister Rao claimedWe remain committed to ensuring the best possible access to affordable and quality healthcare for all citizens of Karnataka and are continuously strengthening our supply chain availability and rational usage of medicines within the public system he statedWe deeply value your concern for public health and reiterate our shared commitment to the welfare of the people he addedThe government hospitals are regularly supplied all the required medicines through the Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation LimitedIn addition the hospitals have been provided sufficient funds and they have been given standing instructions that in case of shortage of any drugs they should utilise these funds to buy medicines locally This effort aims to ensure universal access to essential medicines for patients visiting government facilities completely free of cost he statedIn this context the decision to discontinue Jan Aushadhi Kendras within government hospital premises has been taken with the intent to prevent any chances of referring the patients to the commercial shops for purchase of medicines and consequent denial to them from the assured free supply of drugs Minister Rao stated IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/ktaka-defends-jan-aushadhi-centre-shut-down-at-govt-hospitals-630552.html Thu, 07 Aug 2025 00:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/andhra-pradesh-cabinet-approves-free-bus-travel-scheme-for-women-630555.html Amaravati Aug 6 The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet on Wednesday approved the scheme for free travel for women in APSRTC buses from August 15 The Cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu put its stamp of approval on the scheme to fulfill another promise made in the elections last yearAs part of the coalition governments Super Six promises the Stri Shakti free bus travel will be launched on Independence Day The implementation of this scheme will cost Rs 162 crore per month approximately Rs 1942 crore per year benefiting about 2695 lakh people daily in the state In the states population of 525 crore there are 262 crore women Under this scheme women girls and transgenders belonging to the state will be eligible to travel free of charge from anywhere to anywhere They can travel on PalleVelugu Ultra Pallevelugu City Ordinary Express Metro Express services To avail this facility they need to show Aadhaar Voter or Ration cards as ID proofsThis scheme does not apply to nonstop interstate bus services or any other categories Similarly it does not apply to contract carriage services chartered services and package toursThe beneficiaries can travel in 6700 buses or 74 per cent of all APSRTC busesThis year measures have been taken to purchase an additional 3000 electric buses and in the next two years another 1400 electric buses will be purchased The government said it while implementing this scheme it would place great emphasis on the safety of women and girls by providing body cameras to female conductors and installing CC cameras in buses Through the implementation of this scheme in addition to the 1611 lakh people already using transport services an estimated 1084 lakh more people will have the opportunity to use them About 142 crore women are likely to will utilize free bus facility annuallyThe Cabinet approved the proposal to extend the ban on Communist Party of India Maoist its front organisations Revolutionary Democratic Front RDF as unlawful associations under AP Public Security Act 1992 Act No 21 of 1992 Section 3 and its subclauses for another yearThe government stated that despite the ban being in effect the Communist Party of India Maoist is making intense efforts to use every opportunity available to them in Andhra Pradesh The CPI Maoist continues destructive activities by targeting citizens as police informers damaging government property especially in Alluri Sitarama Raju ASR district along with their cadres from neighboring states Telangana Odisha and Chhattisgarh The Cabinet approved the proposal for AP Land Incentive for Tech Hub LIFT Policy 40 20242029Under the policy ITITeS companies Global Capability Centers GCCs and IT park developers fulfilling the criteria will be allotted land for 99 paise per acreThe Cabinet also approved the 202528 Bar Policy based on Cabinet SubCommittee recommendations The Cabinet SubCommittee recommend a comprehensive excise policy draft after studying the current bar policy regarding practices followed in other states and stakeholder representationsUnder the new policy bars will be allocated through lottery This method will be followed only when at least four applications are received Business hours have also been permitted from 10 am to 11 pm Out of total 840 bars 10 percent bars have been reserved for welfare of toddy workers at 50 per cent fees IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/andhra-pradesh-cabinet-approves-free-bus-travel-scheme-for-women-630555.html Thu, 07 Aug 2025 00:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/cm-stalin-urges-centre-to-secure-release-of-14-fishermen-arrested-by-sri-lankan-navy-630634.html Chennai Aug 7 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar urging immediate diplomatic intervention to secure the release of 14 fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy In his letter CM Stalin said that the Sri Lankan Navy had apprehended 14 Indian fishermen and seized their mechanised fishing boat along with an unregistered country boat during the early hours of TuesdayHe brought this development to the special attention of the External Affairs Minister expressing deep concern over the recurring arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermenFollowing detention the 14 fishermen hailing from Tamil Nadus Ramanathapuram district were taken to the Sri Lankan Navy camp in Puttalam for interrogationThis is the 17th such incident in 2025 alone the Chief Minister noted adding that the repeated apprehension of Indian fishermen despite several diplomatic appeals by the Union Government to the Sri Lankan authorities is a matter of grave concernHe said such actions by the Sri Lankan Navy are not only unjust but also jeopardise the livelihoods of Tamil Nadus coastal communitiesHighlighting the current status CM Stalin pointed out that a total of 237 fishing boats and 80 fishermen from Tamil Nadu remain in Sri Lankan custodyHe condemned the denial of Tamil Nadu fishermens traditional rights to fish in their customary waters and emphasised that fishing is their sole source of livelihoodI wish to express my regret that the fundamental rights of these fishermen to continue their traditional occupation in historic fishing waters are being continuously violated CM Stalin stated in the letterThe Chief Minister urged the Centre to take swift and decisive diplomatic steps to ensure the immediate release of all Tamil Nadu fishermen currently detained in Sri LankaApart from arrests the Sri Lankan authorities have been seizing highpowered fishing boats and in some cases undertaking procedures to nationalise them a move that has severely impacted the livelihoods of the coastal fishing communities in Tamil Nadu IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/cm-stalin-urges-centre-to-secure-release-of-14-fishermen-arrested-by-sri-lankan-navy-630634.html Thu, 07 Aug 2025 13:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/over-35-lakh-rakhis-made-by-gujarats-anganwadi-sisters-sent-to-soldiers-630748.html Gandhinagar Aug 7 Over 53000 Anganwadi sisters in Gujarat have handcrafted and sent more than 35 lakh Rakhis to soldiers guarding the countrys borders These Rakhis woven with devotion and patriotism were sent as symbolic shields of protection for the brave men who stand watch far from their families In a ceremonial event held in Gandhinagar Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel handed over the Rakshasutra Kalash a symbolic urn carrying the sacred threads to the representatives of Indias armed and paramilitary forces Women and Child Welfare Minister Bhanu Babaria also graced the occasion underscoring the collective spirit behind the initiativeThe campaign led by the Department of Women and Child Development has now entered the India Book of Records for the highest number of rakhis sent by Anganwadi workers to the Armed forces The certificate and medal of this recognition were presented to CM Patel during the event These Rakhis are not just threads They are the emotional ties that connect the hearts of Gujarats women to our soldiers said Minister Bhanu Babaria Under the Prime Ministers leadership the armed forces have safeguarded our honour through missions like Operation Sindoor Today our sisters have sent their gratitude wrapped in these threads The rakhis will reach personnel from the Indian Army BSF CRPF and NDRF especially those stationed at Gandhinagar The symbolic handover was met with emotional acceptance by the jawans presentAlso attending the event were Chief Ministers Secretary Dr Vikrant Pandey Women and Child Development Secretary Rakesh Shankar Commissioner Dr Ranjit Kumar Singh senior officials BSF and CRPF personnel NDRF representatives programme officers and Anganwadi workers of Gandhinagar Municipal CorporationAs of 2025 Gujarat is home to approximately 53000 Anganwadi centres playing a vital role in delivering early childhood care nutrition and preschool education across the state These centres operate under the Integrated Child Development Services ICDS scheme a flagship initiative of the government of India aimed at improving the health and development of children under six years of age as well as pregnant and lactating womenThe Anganwadis in Gujarat are managed by anganwadi workers and helpers most of whom are women from local communities They serve as the first point of contact for families in rural and urban slum areas when it comes to maternal and child healthcare immunisation support and nutritional guidance In addition to regular health and nutrition services many Anganwadis have now been integrated with Poshan Abhiyaan National Nutrition Mission which focuses on tackling malnutrition through technology and community involvement IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/over-35-lakh-rakhis-made-by-gujarats-anganwadi-sisters-sent-to-soldiers-630748.html Thu, 07 Aug 2025 21:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/delhi-l-g-inaugurates-mini-sports-complex-in-sukhdev-vihar-630772.html New Delhi Aug 7 Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena on Thursday highlighted the importance of sports in mental and physical wellbeing urging citizens to join efforts to maintain public facilities created by government agencies Inaugurating DDAs Mini Sports Complex in Sukhdev Vihar Saxena said the new facility is in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide ease of living and to promote healthy lifestyleThe complex is spread across the area of 7552636 sqm and is equipped with outdoor games like badminton lawn tennis cricket practice pitch pickleball children park and jogging track The sporting facilities are available on pay and play basisThe Lt Governor said Since taking charge in May 2022 as Lt Governor I ensured that people of Delhi should get adequate sports facilities as it is very important for our mental and physical wellbeingI am happy to dedicate this facility to the residents of Delhi particularly people living around this area said adding that the youth should use the facilities provided by DDA and keep it well maintainedWithout the support of the people no initiative can be successful he said stressing on public participation in upkeep of governmentmaintained facilitiesRamvir Singh Bidhuri Member of Parliament South Delhi N Saravana Kumar Vice Chairman DDA other dignitaries and senior officials of DDA were also present on the occasionRecently the Lt Governor inaugurated First Centre of Excellence in sports at Dwarka Sector8 The complex is the Centre of Excellence for boxing wrestling weightlifting and taekwondo and offers an extensive range of indoor and outdoor gamesThe longest 18hole golf course in Dwarka Sector24 was also added to the citys sports facilities to provide much needed boost to the professional golf training to budding golfers said an official statementLast year a sports complex at Qutubgarh was inaugurated for providing facilities like multipurpose playfield jogging track two badminton courts volleyball court akhara for male and female kabaddi ground open gym equipment with rubberised floor among othersControlled and funded by the Central government the DDA has 18 sports complexes four mini sports complexes and three golf courses IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/delhi-l-g-inaugurates-mini-sports-complex-in-sukhdev-vihar-630772.html Thu, 07 Aug 2025 22:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/jampk-l-g-sinha-inaugurates-national-tribal-festival-in-gurez-630545.html Srinagar Aug 6 Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor LG Manoj Sinha said on Wednesday that the young generation must be inspired to preserve and cherish the values knowledge and traditions of the tribal communities Taking to social media platform X after inaugurating the national tribal festival in Gurez border town of Bandipora district the LG said Inaugurated National Tribal Festival at Gurez It is celebration of culture amp tradition of DardShina tribal communityA community radio station was also launched today to inspire young generation to preserve amp cherish the values knowledge and traditions of the communityThe twoday tribal festival celebrates the culture and tradition of DardShina tribal communityAddressing the gathering through virtual mode LG Sinha lauded the immense contribution of the tribal community to cultural diversity of the countryHe also paid tributes to tribal freedom fighter Birsa MundaI consider the DardShina tribal community to be the most precious treasure of India which is inspiring the people to preserve their traditions and ritualsIts rich traditions are a guiding light for us The DardShina communitys deep connection to nature has shaped a unique culture and set of values They impart a powerful lesson to humanity to lead a sustainable lifestyle in harmony with natureUnder the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi the priceless tribal culture is being preserved and their ancient glory and dignity is restored the LG saidHe added that the Central government has always focused on empowering the tribal community and transforming their livesDecades of injustice against tribals ended in August 2019 Various transformative initiatives have enhanced the socioeconomic conditions of tribal brothers and sisters Gurez was connected to grid power in 2023 for the first time since 1947This reflects our commitment to Gurez and DardShina community LG Sinha saidOn the occasion the LG dedicated the Shina Gilgit 888 FM Radio Station to the DardShina tribal communityHe said that the community radio station will inspire the young generation to preserve and cherish the values knowledge and traditions of the communityHe suggested that the new radio station should broadcast the rich history of the tribal community through a dedicated weekly programmeGurez was developed and established as the most favourite offbeat tourist destination of the country Today Gurez is ranked as a top travel destination of the country and it is considered as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with its serene landscapes and picturesque villagesThe community radio programmes must reflect its natural artistic and cultural heritage he addedHe also appreciated the Indian Army Tribal Affairs Department district administration and various voluntary organisations for their dedication to promote the priceless cultural heritage of the DardShina communityCaptivating performances by the artists from Jammu and Kashmir and other states celebrating Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat received special appreciation from LG SinhaMembers of the tribal community were also honoured for their service to the society and the Indian ArmyJaved Ahmed Rana Minister for Tribal Affairs Jal Shakti Forest Ecology and Environment Nazir Ahmad Khan Member of Legislative Assembly from Gurez Vijay Kumar Bidhuri Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Prasanna Ramaswamy G Tribal Affairs Department Secretary Manzoor Ahmad Qadri Bandipora Deputy Commissioner senior officials of security forces civil and police administration and people from all walks of life in large number attended the inaugural ceremony IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/jampk-l-g-sinha-inaugurates-national-tribal-festival-in-gurez-630545.html Wed, 06 Aug 2025 22:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/14-tn-fishermen-arrested-by-sri-lankan-navy-630291.html Chennai Aug 6 At least 14 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy in the early morning hours of Wednesday The fishermen were in two boats with 10 in one and four in the other They were apprehended for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line IMBL and engaging in fishing activities in Sri Lankan watersReports indicate that the arrests took place in the Kalpitiya lagoon area where the fishermen were accused of violating maritime bordersFollowing their detention the fishermen were taken to the Sri Lankan Navy camp in Puttalam for interrogationThis is the latest in a series of incidents where Tamil Nadu and Puducherry fishermen have been arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly crossing into their watersApart from arrests the Sri Lankan authorities have been seizing highpowered fishing boats and in some cases undertaking procedures to nationalise them a move that has severely impacted the livelihoods of the coastal fishing communities in Tamil NaduTamil Nadu fishermen have also repeatedly reported instances of harassment by Sri Lankan naval personnel and even attacks by Sri Lankan sea pirates These developments have intensified fears among fishing communities and triggered repeated diplomatic interventions by the Tamil Nadu governmentChief Minister MK Stalin has consistently taken up the matter with the Union government writing multiple letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar urging them to secure the release of arrested fishermen and their impounded fishing vesselsMeanwhile concerns have also been raised about fines being imposed on the arrested fishermen and reports of gunfire and violent confrontations during their captureThe Tamil Nadu government continues to press for a lasting diplomatic resolution to protect the rights and livelihood of Indian fishermen operating near the maritime boundary IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/14-tn-fishermen-arrested-by-sri-lankan-navy-630291.html Wed, 06 Aug 2025 08:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/rbi-to-make-process-easy-for-legal-heirs-claiming-money-from-bank-accounts-of-deceased-customers-630348.html Mumbai Aug 6 The Reserve Bank of India RBI announced on Wednesday that it has decided to standardise and simplify the procedure for settlement of claims in respect of deposit accounts of deceased customers of banks so that bereaved families do not face any hardship in getting the money or valuables due to them Currently the procedure for settling claims in respect of deceased customers varies across banks The RBI has decided to streamline and standardise these across all banks to facilitate the settlement of these claimsRBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said We will be standardising the procedure for settlement of claims in respect of bank accounts and articles kept in safe custody or safe deposit lockers of deceased bank customers This is expected to make the settlement more convenient and simplerA draft circular in this regard shall be issued shortly for public consultation the RBI saidUnder the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act 1949 a nomination facility is available in respect of deposit accounts articles kept in safe custody or safe deposit lockers This is intended to facilitate expeditious settlement of claims or return of articles or release of contents of safe deposit locker upon death of a customer and to minimise hardship caused to family membersThe extant instructions require banks to adopt a simplified procedure to facilitate expeditious and hasslefree settlement of claims made by survivors nominees or legal heirs but the procedures vary across banksWith a view to enhancing customer service standards it has been decided to streamline the procedures and standardise the documentation to be submitted to the banks A draft circular in this regard shall be issued shortly for public consultation the RBI statement saidThe RBI has also decided to introduce autobidding facilities in Retail Direct for Investment and Reinvestment in TbillsTo enable investors to systematically plan their investments an autobidding facility for Treasury bills Tbills covering both investment and reinvestment options has been enabled in Retail Direct The new functionality helps investors to mandate automatic placement of bids in primary auctions of Tbills according to an RBI statementThe Retail Direct portal was launched in November 2021 to facilitate retail investors to open their Gilt accounts with the Reserve Bank under the Retail Direct Scheme The scheme allows retail investors to buy Government Securities GSecs in primary auctions as well as buy and sell GSecs in the secondary market Since the launch of the Scheme various new features in terms of product as well as payment options have been introduced including the launch of a mobile app in May 2024 IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/rbi-to-make-process-easy-for-legal-heirs-claiming-money-from-bank-accounts-of-deceased-customers-630348.html Wed, 06 Aug 2025 12:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/chennai-corporation-to-introduce-135-more-electric-buses-630354.html Chennai Aug 6 Chennai is set to expand its electric bus fleet with the launch of 135 new electric buses from the Perumbakkam depot on August 11 nearly a month after rolling out 120 ebuses from the Vyasarpadi depot The new fleet includes 55 airconditioned buses and will operate across 13 routes significantly improving connectivity along the IT corridor including the Old Mahabalipuram Road OMRKey routes include Siruseri to Chennai Airport MAA 2 CMBT to Kilambakkam 570 Broadway to Kelambakkam 102 T Nagar to Thiruporur 19 Thiruvanmiyur to Kilambakkam 95X and Kilambakkam to Sholinganallur 555SA senior official with the Metropolitan Transport Corporation MTC of Chennai said The fleet addresses the specific needs of IT corridor commuters which the Vyasarpadi fleet could not coverThis rollout marks Chennais first deployment of airconditioned electric busesAccording to MTC Managing Director T Prabhushankar AC buses will follow the regular fare while nonAC buses will adopt the deluxe fare structureMTC also plans to introduce 170 more AC electric buses in the near future The 12metre buses are part of a Rs 23375 crore initiative Each bus features 39 seats four CCTV cameras wheelchair ramps reserved seating for senior citizens and people with disabilities stoprequest buttons and a kneeling function that lowers the floor to 250mm for easier boardingBuses are GPSenabled and equipped with LEDbased stop alertsThe newly upgraded Perumbakkam depot developed for Rs 4956 crore can charge up to 32 buses simultaneouslyEach bus has a range of 200 km after two hours of charging matching the infrastructure of the Vyasarpadi depotUnder the operational model OHM will handle bus operation and driver appointments while MTC pays per kilometre of service This arrangement allows us to better manage technological and environmental risks and helps address driver shortages said Nedunchezhiyan General Manager Operations of MTCWhile the Vyasarpadi fleet currently includes three women drivers and 17 women conductors the Perumbakkam depot is expected to induct more women after training an OHM spokesperson saidBoth depots are part of MTCs first phase of electrification which includes 625 electric buses for Rs 697 crore Additional buses will be introduced at Central 145 Tondiarpet 1 100 and Poonamallee 125 by February 2026 Phase 2 will bring in 800 more electric buses across the city IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/chennai-corporation-to-introduce-135-more-electric-buses-630354.html Wed, 06 Aug 2025 12:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/uttarakhand-cloudburst-51-tourists-from-maharashtra-safe-govt-plans-evacuation-630474.html Mumbai Aug 6 As many as 51 tourists from Maharashtra stranded in Uttarkashi Uttarakhand after heavy rainfall and cloudburst are safe said officials here on Wednesday According to the State Emergency Operations Center of the 51 tourists 11 are from Nanded district and 40 from other districtsThe Maharashtra government is ready to provide necessary assistance to the tourists stranded in Uttarakhand and is contacting the tourists For this the state government is in communication with the Uttarakhand Disaster Management Centre and Uttarkashi District Disaster Center and efforts are being made through Maharashtra Sadan Delhi to shift the stranded tourists to a safe place Instructions have also been given to the district administrations of the state The situation is continuously monitored said the State Emergency Operations Centre in a releaseThe citizens and their relatives have been requested to contact on phone numbers State Emergency Operations Center Maharashtra 9321587143 02222027990 02222794229 State Emergency Operations Center Uttarakhand 01352710334 821Meanwhile NCPSP working president and MP Supriya Sule has requested Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and his office to provide necessary help to 24 citizens from Manchar Pune district stranded thereIn her post on X Sule said Around 24 citizens from Manchar Pune Maharashtra are stranded in Uttarakhand due to the recent cloudburst Their families are extremely distressed as there has been no contact with them for the past 24 hours Requesting Hon pushkardhami ji and ukcmo to kindly intervene and help rescue them at the earliest She has also given the names and phone numbers of 17 of the 24 people stranded thereAccording to the Uttarakhand government teams of the Army ITBP and NDRF are involved in relief and rescue operations in Uttarkashis Dharali The Army is closely observing the devastation with the help of drones so that the people trapped there can be rescued in any wayUttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday reached the cloudbursthit Uttarkashi region and met the families of those affected by the devastating mudslide triggered by flash floodsHe reached Dharali village where he took stock of the situation and later said Due to bad weather road connectivity to several areas has been cut and bridges have suffered damage It is becoming difficult to reach affected people very quickly and help rescue and relief efforts are underwayTen Deputy Superintendents of Police three Superintendents of Police and 160 other police officials are involved in the rescue operations said Chief Minister DhamiThe Disaster Operations Station in Dehradun is working 24 hours to provide all possible assistance he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/uttarakhand-cloudburst-51-tourists-from-maharashtra-safe-govt-plans-evacuation-630474.html Wed, 06 Aug 2025 20:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/gujarat-state-level-sanskrit-week-celebration-begins-with-gaurav-yatra-in-gandhinagar-630483.html Gandhinagar Aug 6 The statelevel celebrations of Sanskrit Week in Gujarat began on Wednesday in Gandhinagar with a vibrant and spiritually charged Sanskrit Gaurav Yatra Education Minister Kuber Dindor flagged off the procession at Pethapur accompanied by Gandhinagar Mayor Meena Patel marking the official start of a weeklong statewide celebration of Indias ancient language and cultural heritage Organised jointly by the Gujarat State Sanskrit Board the District Education Office and Samarpan Arts and Commerce College the procession witnessed participation from over 650 Sanskrit enthusiasts including students from schools colleges and Sanskrit Vidyapeeths The rally commenced from Ramdevpir Mandir and concluded at Pethapur Chokdi where participants carried placards promoting Sanskrit and chanted verses creating an atmosphere steeped in devotion and prideSpeaking at the event Minister Dindor emphasised the importance of Sanskrit in preserving Indias spiritual and cultural roots Sanskrit is the mother of all Indian languages and the soul of our ancient scriptures Through Sanskrit Week we aim to inspire the youth to learn understand and embrace this timeless language he said He noted that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel the Gujarat Sanskrit Board is observing Sanskrit Week across all districts from August 6 to 12Aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020 the celebration aims to promote awareness of Indias cultural values and knowledge systems A series of thematic days will be observed throughout the week including Sambhashan Divas Conversational Sanskrit Day Sanskrit Sahitya Divas Literature Day and days dedicated to the four Vedas Rigveda Samaveda Yajurveda and Atharvaveda through rituals and chantingThe week will culminate on August 12 with a grand valedictory event chaired by Governor Acharya Devvrat Also present at the inauguration were MLA Rita Patel Gandhinagar District Collector Mehul Dave District Development Officer BJ Patel and DEO Bhagwanbhai Prajapati College and board officials including Dr Mahendrasinh Vaghela and Dr Ashish Dave extended their support and participated enthusiastically IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/gujarat-state-level-sanskrit-week-celebration-begins-with-gaurav-yatra-in-gandhinagar-630483.html Wed, 06 Aug 2025 20:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/cm-vijayan-comes-out-with-2nd-phase-of-insurance-scheme-for-state-govt-employees-pensioners-630513.html Thiruvananthapuram Aug 6 Ahead of the forthcoming crucial elections local body December and Assembly AprilMay 2026 the Pinarayi Vijayanled Kerala government on Wednesday approved the second phase of the Medisep medical insurance scheme for state government employees and pensioners There are about one million families which will now avail this new facilityThe scheme will see significant enhancements in insurance coverage and treatment optionsUnder the new phase basic insurance coverage will be raised from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakhOver 2100 treatment procedures across 41 specialty categories will now be included under the base treatment packageTwo highcost procedures Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy CRT with Defibrillator Rs 6 lakh and ICD Dual Chamber Implantation Rs 5 lakh previously excluded in Phase 1 will now be included in the additional packageSurgeries such as knee and hip replacements will also become part of the base benefit packageThe scheme will now include 10 critical illness and organ transplant packages for which the insurance company must earmark a corpus fund of Rs 40 crore for two yearsRoom rent will be covered up to Rs 5000 per day which is 1 per cent of the base insurance coverage and up to Rs 2000 per day in government hospitalsAdditionally employees and pensioners from public sector undertakings boards corporations selfgoverning institutions and the cooperative sector who are not covered under ESI will now be included in Medisep Phase 2 inprincipleThe policy term will now be two years down from threePremium and package rates will be revised in the second yearOnly public sector insurance companies with technical qualifications from Phase 1 will be allowed to participate in the tendering process for Phase 2The number of emergency treatments eligible for reimbursement from nonempanelled hospitals will be increased from 3 to 13 adding 10 new procedures beyond heart attack stroke and road accidentsDaycare procedures requiring continuous treatment such as dialysis and chemotherapy will be allowed onetime registration on the insurance portalCombined approval for both surgical and medical packages will also be introducedPre and posthospitalisation expenses will now be covered for 3 and 5 days respectivelyA threetier grievance redressal mechanism will be established at district state and appellate levelsTo ensure faster access to beneficiary data QR codes will be added to Medisep cardsStrict action will be taken against hospitals that deviate from the contractThe insurance company will frame an SOP Standard Operating Procedure for this purposeTo curb overbilling and exploitation in private hospitals the Clinical Establishment Authoritys services will also be leveragedIncidentally as of July 1st 2025 over 105 lakhs claims was processed totaling Rs 1911 crore IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/cm-vijayan-comes-out-with-2nd-phase-of-insurance-scheme-for-state-govt-employees-pensioners-630513.html Wed, 06 Aug 2025 20:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/tns-madurai-corporation-steps-up-target-for-daily-processing-of-wet-waste-630094.html Chennai Aug 5 In a renewed push to improve its waste management system the Madurai Corporation has stepped up efforts to enhance the functioning of its 30 operational microcomposting centres MCCs aiming to significantly increase daily wet waste processing capacity from the current 4050 tonnes to nearly 90 tonnes Madurai generates an estimated 850 to 900 tonnes of waste daily over 60 per cent of which is wet wasteWhile a portion of this organic waste is treated at MCCs the rest is transported to the Vellakkal dumping yard Of the 38 MCCs established in the city only 30 are currently operational with the remaining eight lying dormant due to issues like power supply disruptions and technical faultsEach MCC has the capacity to process up to five tonnes of wet waste per day offering a combined potential of 150 tonnes across the 30 functioning units However until recently most of the centres were underperforming handling less than a tonne of waste dailyCorporation officials said that steps have now been taken to improve output including deploying additional workers at the MCCsAt present all functional centres are processing more than one tonne of wet waste per day Centres located near highwaste generating areas such as busy markets are handling between three to five tonnes daily a senior official saidHe noted that the civic body is committed to scaling up operations further to utilise the existing infrastructure more effectively Despite the recent improvements several highwaste zones remain a concern particularly the Mattuthavani Central Market one of the citys largest wholesale markets for fruits and vegetablesN Chinnamayan president of the Mattuthavani Central Market All Traders Association expressed dissatisfaction with the Corporations handling of waste at the market There is a composting unit inside the market but it is not being used properly Waste is left unattended for days which attracts stray animals and poses serious sanitation risks he said urging prompt intervention from the authoritiesThe Corporation has assured that steps are being taken to address such issues and ensure all MCCs operate at full potential reinforcing Madurais move toward sustainable and decentralised waste management IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/tns-madurai-corporation-steps-up-target-for-daily-processing-of-wet-waste-630094.html Tue, 05 Aug 2025 09:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/chennai-to-roll-out-ai-powered-adaptive-traffic-signals-at-165-junctions-630111.html Chennai Aug 5 In a major initiative to streamline urban mobility Chennai is set to overhaul its traffic management system by installing AIpowered adaptive signals at 165 junctions across key arterial roads The new system will dynamically adjust greenlight durations based on realtime traffic congestion aiming to reduce wait times and improve traffic flowUnlike the current fixed timing of 6090 seconds per signal the adaptive system will allocate green time based on vehicle volume at each approach Heavily congested stretches may get green signals extended up to 120 seconds while quieter lanes could see cycles reduced to as little as 30 seconds to avoid unnecessary haltsThe first phase of the implementation will cover major corridors including Anna Salai Jawaharlal Nehru Salai Sardar Patel Road Kamarajar Salai Rajaji Salai and Taylors RoadSix pilot junctions on EVR Salai such as the Vepery and Ega Theatre intersections are already testing the new system Early feedback from these pilot junctions has been encouragingWere already seeing noticeable reductions in queue lengths during peak hours and improved clearance times said Bandi Gangadhar Joint Commissioner of Police Traffic EastEach adaptive junction will integrate three core components which are sensors at road approaches will measure vehicle speed and travel time through the junction AIenabled cameras will count vehicles determine their direction and distinguish between cars buses twowheelers and even pedestrians and a control unit will process this data to instantly recalibrate the signal timings in response to realtime conditionsThis locallevel decisionmaking will be augmented by a centralised system Live data from each junction will be transmitted to the Greater Chennai TrafficThe police headquarters in Vepery will coordinate signal timings across the entire corridors This enables the creation of green corridors a sequence of green lights along major stretches like EVR Salai allowing continuous traffic flow and minimising stoppagesThe system uses a combination of realtime video feeds and historical traffic data to anticipate congestion and proactively adjust signal phases It is fully automated but includes manual override capabilities allowing traffic police to make remote interventions during emergencies such as the passage of ambulances or VIP convoysInstallation of sensors and AI cameras is currently underway and will be completed in the coming months Gangadhar confirmedHowever experts warn that the systems efficiency hinges on accurate and reliable data Weve seen international examples where sensor or camera failures disrupted traffic said R Rajmurugan a transportation engineer who pointed out failures in cities like Melbourne Pittsburgh and LondonChennais move to embrace smart mobility is part of a larger urban modernisation strategy and if successful could set a benchmark for other Indian cities battling chronic traffic woes IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/chennai-to-roll-out-ai-powered-adaptive-traffic-signals-at-165-junctions-630111.html Tue, 05 Aug 2025 11:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/jampk-l-g-distributes-250-appointment-letters-to-kin-of-terror-victims-630160.html Srinagar Aug 5 Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday handed over 250 appointment letters to families of terror victims at a function in Srinagar city As part of the ongoing initiative to help and support those who lost their dear ones to terrorism LG Manoj Sinha gave the appointment letters to the kin of terror victims at a function in ShereKashmir International Convention Centre SKICC in SrinagarOf these 250 beneficiaries 158 received appointment letters in person while the remaining will receive these letters at the district level in the coming daysThe 250 beneficiaries belong to various districts of the Valley including Srinagar Ganderbal Bandipora Budgam Baramulla Kupwara Shopian Anantnag and PulwamaThe function is part of a continuing outreach by the LG to support those who suffered without any justice for decades after terrorists killed their breadwinners and loved onesFor fear of reprisal from the terrorists these families remained unheard of and in many cases even the basic FIRs were not registered in the heinous civilian murders committed by Pakistanbacked terrorists of various outfitsLG Manoj Sinha not only spearheads the campaign to wipe out tears from the eyes of these victims but has been personally reaching out to such families with redressal and moral supportManoj Sinha has spoken to scores of such families and encouraged them to come forward and narrate their unheard tales of tragedy as such incidents went unheard in the rattle of the terrorists guns and the propaganda by those who made supporting terrorism a lucrative business during the last 35 years in KashmirThe LG has been advocating the complete dismantling of the terror ecosystem that includes the gunwielding terrorists their overground workers OGWs and those who glorify terrorism by creating a false antinational narrativeHe gave appointment letters to 40 victim families personally on July 13 in Baramulla townThis was followed by another function in Jammu on July 28 where the LG distributed appointment letters to 80 families of terror victims IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/jampk-l-g-distributes-250-appointment-letters-to-kin-of-terror-victims-630160.html Tue, 05 Aug 2025 14:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/uttarakhand-chamolis-self-help-group-women-craft-eco-friendly-rakhis-boost-family-incomes-630266.html Chamoli Aug 5 Women of SelfHelp Group are not only running their livelihood by taking advantage of the public welfare schemes run by the government but they have also improved their economic condition by earning good profits by making ecofriendly rakhis in Uttarakhands Chamoli The initiative is part of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Rural Livelihoods Mission DAYNRLM the Ministry of Rural Developments flagship programme aimed at reducing poverty by building strong institutions for the poor especially women These institutions are empowered to access financial services market linkages and diverse livelihood opportunitiesIn Chamoli this mission has taken a colourful turn As Raksha Bandhan approaches SHG members are crafting rakhis from pirul bhojpatra and vaijayanti seeds materials rooted in the regions ecology and traditions Alongside they are preparing local delicacies like arasa and roti attracting buyers keen on authentic handmade productsThe response has been overwhelmingly positive Local residents and visitors are readily purchasing these unique items praising both the craftsmanship and the initiatives ecofriendly ethos For the women involved the sales have meant more than just extra income they have brought recognition confidence and a stronger voice in household and community decisionsWe are making rakhis from waste material giving new life to things often discarded said Pratibha Tiwari a beneficiaryWeve already sold over 500 rakhis and today alone around 200 have been purchasedAnother SHG member Sangeeta Bisht added Theres a high demand for our rakhis We are selling a lot and people are appreciating our workFor Suman Devi the projects biggest success is collective empowermentSeven or eight women are working together on this Its not just about rakhis its about improving our economic condition and supporting each other she saidChamolis Chief Development Officer Abhishek Tripathi highlighted how the Chief Ministers Empowered Behna Yojana has amplified the impact of SHGsWe have set up 18 stalls for SHG women across the district to sell rakhis made from pirul bhojpatra and vaijayanti as well as traditional sweets like arasa and roti The festive season has boosted sales and these women are earning substantial profits Tripathi told IANSDAYNRLM adopts a demanddriven approach allowing states to create poverty reduction plans tailored to local needs Intensive blocks and districts implement all programme components through State Rural Livelihood Missions SRLMs or partner institutions while others are classified as nonintensiveThe mission a restructured version of the Swarnajayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana SGSY was renamed as DAYNRLM on March 29 2016 Its ambitious target is to reach 7 crore rural poor households across 600 districts 6000 blocks 25 lakh Gram Panchayats and 6 lakh villages within 810 years This is achieved through selfmanaged SHGs and federated institutions enabling members to form livelihood collectives and access rights entitlements and public services IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/uttarakhand-chamolis-self-help-group-women-craft-eco-friendly-rakhis-boost-family-incomes-630266.html Tue, 05 Aug 2025 23:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/over-194-crore-jan-dhan-accounts-opened-in-gujarat-as-financial-inclusion-drive-gains-momentum-629933.html Ahmedabad Aug 4 Gujarat has crossed the milestone of opening more than 194 crore bank accounts under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana PMJDY enabling access to essential banking services for millions of citizens in both rural and urban areas Gujarat has made headway in bringing citizens into the banking fold through zerobalance accounts as per official data shared on MondayThese accounts not only enable basic savings and financial transactions but also connect account holders to key social security benefits such as the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana life insurance Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana accident insurance and the Atal Pension YojanaTo further bolster this outreach the Central government has launched a special threemonth campaign Jan Suraksha Santushti Abhiyan from July 1 to September 30 focusing on financial inclusion and social protectionThis initiative is being rolled out across all 14610 gram panchayats and urban local bodies of Gujarat with Village Computer Entrepreneurs VCEs deployed to assist citizens with opening accounts completing KYC formalities registering nominees and gaining awareness about digital fraud prevention and dormant deposit claimsThe campaign also aims to ensure doorstep delivery of key banking and pension services at minimal or no cost especially in farflung and underserved areasCitizens without existing bank accounts are being encouraged to open basic savings deposits or small accounts with zero balance for which no minimum balance is requiredAccount holders receive RuPay debit cards and if the card is used at least once every 90 days they are entitled to accident insurance coverage of up to Rs 2 lakh Furthermore after six months of satisfactory account operation beneficiaries are eligible for an overdraft facility of up to Rs 10000The campaign was formally launched at the state level from Pundhara village in Gandhinagar district on July 1 with the virtual inauguration conducted by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in the presence of Finance Minister Kanu DesaiThe scheme also facilitates seamless delivery of subsidies and benefits under schemes such as LPG DBT MNREGA wages pensions and various scholarships directly into beneficiaries bank accounts Additional digital services like mobile banking and UPI support are also being extended making financial transactions more accessible to the last mile IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/over-194-crore-jan-dhan-accounts-opened-in-gujarat-as-financial-inclusion-drive-gains-momentum-629933.html Mon, 04 Aug 2025 14:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/tn-seeks-gi-tag-for-madurai-appalam-kilakarai-thothal-halwa-to-preserve-culinary-legacy-629956.html Chennai Aug 4 In a move to protect the states traditional delicacies and enhance market reach for local producers the Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology TNSCST has filed applications for Geographical Indication GI tags for two iconic products the Madurai appalam and the Kilakarai Thothal halwa The applications were filed last week with the Geographical Indications RegistryThe GI tag for Madurai appalam has been jointly sought by the TNSCST and the Appalam Vadagam Morvathal Manufacturers and Sellers AssociationThe application for Kilakarai Thothal halwa was filed in collaboration with the Kilakarai Chellakani Thothal Association Madurai appalam is prized for its crisp texture distinctive flavour and traditional preparation techniques that rely on urad dal rice flour and select spicesThe unique taste is enhanced by Madurais climatic conditions and the use of highquality urad dal from Virudhunagar the GI application notedThe papadlike snack is sundried using ageold techniques passed down through generations and made without artificial colours or additives The appalam industry in Madurai supports over 50000 people across 500 manufacturing units generating nearly Rs 8 crore in revenue every weekThe GI tag will help safeguard the identity of the product and provide economic benefits to thousands of families said S Vincent Member Secretary TNSCSTApart from its popularity in India Madurai appalam is exported to countries like Singapore Malaysia Mauritius Thailand Sri Lanka Maldives and several Gulf nationsThe Kilakarai Thothal halwa is a dark moist sweet made with coconut milk rice flour palm jaggery and cashew nutsAccording to the GI application the recipe originated in Indonesia travelled to Sri Lanka and was introduced to Kilakarai in Tamil Nadu through maritime trade routes centuries agoLocals in Kilakarai adapted the recipe using regionally sourced ingredients particularly coconuts and palm jaggeryTamil folklore traces the halwas roots back to the 17thcentury Vallal Seethakathi eraKnown for its long shelf life of over a month the halwa is now poised for international recognitionThe GI tag will help position this heritage sweet in global markets a TNSCST official saidWith these two applications Tamil Nadu aims to add to its growing list of GItagged items So far 58 unique products from the state have received GI tags the highest for any state in India including the Kancheepuram silk saree Thanjavur doll Salem mango and Chettinad kandangi saree IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/tn-seeks-gi-tag-for-madurai-appalam-kilakarai-thothal-halwa-to-preserve-culinary-legacy-629956.html Mon, 04 Aug 2025 15:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/pak-forces-behind-121-killings-785-forcible-disappearances-in-balochistan-this-year-report-629974.html Quetta Aug 4 A human rights organisation on Monday revealed that 785 individuals were forcibly disappeared and 121 were extrajudicially killed in Balochistan at the hands of Pakistani forces and statebacked death squads since the start of 2025 Paank the Baloch National Movements Human Rights Department mentioned that the daily toll of disappearances and killings was at an average of four enforced disappearances and one killing per dayThe victims include students journalists and peaceful protesters many of whom were abducted from cities such as Karachi and IslamabadThese actions were carried out by security forces and statebacked death squads operating with complete impunity said the rights bodyThis comes just after Dil Jan Baloch was extrajudicially killed by the statebacked death squad on August 2 after he was forcibly disappeared on July 22 from the Kech district in Balochistan according to the human rights organisation Baloch Yakjehti Committee BYCAnother incident happened on Sunday when Inayat Khair Mohammad who was forcibly disappeared last December was killed by the Pakistanbacked death squad the Human Rights Council of Balochistan HRCB saidThe rights body stated that these groups locally referred to as death squads are known to operate with impunity and are widely believed to act as proxies for state interests in BalochistanThis pattern is consistent with previously documented tactics aimed at silencing voices critical of state policy in Balochistan while avoiding formal channels of justice and oversight the HRCB statedThe rights body emphasised that these practices constitute ongoing violations of Pakistans binding international human rights obligations including those under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights ICCPR particularly the right to life protection from arbitrary detention and the prohibition of enforced disappearance and extrajudicial killingThe human rights organisations have repeatedly called for international scrutiny and credible accountability mechanisms to ensure justice for victims and to deter further violations in Balochistan IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/pak-forces-behind-121-killings-785-forcible-disappearances-in-balochistan-this-year-report-629974.html Mon, 04 Aug 2025 16:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/two-found-dead-in-parked-car-in-noida-suffocation-suspected-629989.html Noida Aug 4 Panic gripped the Sector58 area of Noida on Monday afternoon after the bodies of two men were found inside a parked car officials said The car was parked near a private biology institute close to Khoda The car bearing registration number UP 14 MT 8207 had reportedly been parked by the roadside for several hoursAccording to officials passersby grew suspicious when they noticed that the car had not moved for an unusually long timeOn looking closely through the windows they saw two men lying motionless inside The matter was immediately reported to the policeA police team led by officers from the Sector58 police station rushed to the spot The car was found locked from the inside and upon gaining entry both occupants were discovered unresponsiveThey were declared dead and their bodies were sent for postmortem examinationAdditional Deputy Commissioner of Police ADCP Sumit Shukla said the police received information about the stationary car around 130 pmThere were no visible injury marks on either body Prima facie it appears to be a case of suffocation However the exact cause of death will be known only after the autopsy report is received he saidThe deceased have been identified as Sachin 27 son of Ramgopal Sharma and Lakshmi Shankar 50 son of Tuki Ram both residents of Khoda Colony in GhaziabadPreliminary information suggests the two were neighboursA team from the Forensic Science Laboratory FSL also reached the scene to conduct a detailed examination of the vehicle and surrounding areaAs of now no signs of foul play struggle or external injuries have been detectedThe area is currently peaceful We are investigating the matter from all possible angles Appropriate legal steps will be taken based on the findings of the postmortem and forensic reports the police saidFamily members of both deceased individuals have been informed and have arrived at the location IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/two-found-dead-in-parked-car-in-noida-suffocation-suspected-629989.html Mon, 04 Aug 2025 17:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/kashis-name-echoing-across-world-gi-expert-padma-shri-rajni-kant-629767.html New Delhi Aug 3 In the heart of Indias cultural capital Kashi Varanasi a silent revolution is unfolding powered by the vision of Local to Vocal championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi Under this initiative Kashi has transformed into a Geographical Indication GI hub creating not just economic opportunities but global recognition for traditional and indigenous craftsRenowned GI expert and Padma Shri awardee Dr Rajni Kant praised the transformation saying the world is once again looking towards Kashi not just for spiritual inspiration but for its artisanal excellenceKashis name is now reaching across the world promoting local goods on global platforms The ancient glory and traditions of Kashi and the essence of Sanatan Dharma are returning Rajni Kant saidEmphasising the social harmony and inclusive participation in this revival he said The best part is that people from all religions communities castes and backgrounds are involved There are no language or social barriers In many cases the artisans may be from the Muslim community while the traders selling the goods are Hindu This beautiful fabric of cooperation reflects the soul of Kashis tradition and unityHe further noted that Varanasi is increasingly being recognised not just as Indias cultural centre but as a growing global hub for sustainable heritagedriven developmentWhat we are seeing is not just the revival of lost traditions but their reestablishment on the world stage Kashi is now being seen as a centre not just for India but for global growth he addedTwentyfour new GI tags have been granted to products from the Kashi region raising the total to 32 GIcertified itemsThese include globally acclaimed crafts like Banarasi brocade and sarees pink meenakari metal repousse work and Banarasi shehnai along with iconic local delicacies such as lal peda thandai tricolour barfi and the famed Banarasi paanKashis GI ecosystem is powering an annual business of Rs 25500 crore employing nearly 20 lakh peopleThese figures underscore how heritage industries when properly supported can drive economic selfreliance and community livelihood while preserving cultural identity IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/kashis-name-echoing-across-world-gi-expert-padma-shri-rajni-kant-629767.html Sun, 03 Aug 2025 14:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/cm-vijayan-leads-tributes-as-literary-critic-mk-sanoo-laid-to-rest-with-full-state-honours-629819.html Kochi Aug 3 Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan led the tributes as veteran Malayalam literary critic writer orator academic and former MLA MK Sanoo 97 was laid to rest with full state honours at the Ravipuram crematorium here on Sunday evening The funeral procession began at around 4 pm from the Ernakulam Town Hall where thousands gathered to pay their final respects Sanoo passed away on Saturday while undergoing treatment at Amrita Hospital Kochi He had been in the intensive care unit following complications from a hip fracture sustained in a recent fall His death marked the end of an era in Keralas literary and cultural landscape On Sunday morning his mortal remains were brought to his residence Sandhya from the hospital mortuary The body was kept there for two hours from 8 am allowing close relatives and neighbours to offer their final respects Minister for Irrigation Roshy Augustine paid homage at the residence From 10 am the body of Sanoo Mashas he was fondly knownwas laid at the Ernakulam Town Hall People from all walks of life including students writers political leaders and admirers came in large numbers to pay tribute to the revered scholar who was known for his humility and brilliance as a teacher writer and public intellectual Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan paid last respects at the Town Hall to Sanoo who was elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly in 1987 as a Leftbacked independent candidate from the Ernakulam constituency Ministers P Rajeeve MB Rajesh VN Vasavan and R Bindu also paid floral tributes along with Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan Senior CPIM leaders including party general secretary MA Baby MV Govindan Vaikom Viswan Gopi Kottamurickal Suresh Kurup and CN Mohanan were present AICC general secretary KC Venugopal former KPCC president VM Sudheeran and former Goa Governor PS Sreedharan Pillai also paid their respects MLAs TJ Vinod Roji M John Uma Thomas and KJ Maxy were among the mourners Archbishop Joseph Kalathiparambil and other religious leaders from various faiths paid homageFrom the film industry actors Devan Siddique and Renji Panicker were present to honour the literary icon MK Sanoo leaves behind a towering legacy of literature scholarship and public engagement His passing is mourned deeply across Kerala and beyond IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/cm-vijayan-leads-tributes-as-literary-critic-mk-sanoo-laid-to-rest-with-full-state-honours-629819.html Sun, 03 Aug 2025 18:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/uttarakhand-haldwani-based-shgs-send-silk-rakhi-to-pm-modi--629836.html Dehradun Aug 3 The womenled SelfHelp Group SHGs in Haldwani district of Uttarakhand are churning out silk rakhis ahead of the pious Raksha Bandhan festival They have gained prominence not just in the state but also across the country because of the silkmade rakhis In a special gesture the women members of SHGs have sent a rakhi made of silk to Prime Minister Narendra ModiThe silkmade rakhis are getting recognition and acceptance across a broad spectrum and are also witnessing huge demand from across the country The SHGs are also dispatching silk rakhis to Delhi Jammu and Kashmir Hyderabad Bangalore Rajasthan Lucknow Gujarat and ChandigarhThe women functionaries of SHGs said that they have made special silk rakhis for PM Modi Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami as well as Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi and want to see them tie these rakhis on the occasion of Raksha BandhanThe SHGs have also done a good business by making rakhis this yearWe have done business of around Rs 15000 in the past few days People are liking these rakhis due to which the group is getting orders said a SHG memberKiran Joshi president of Mahila Sahayata Samuh says that the women of the group have been engaged in making rakhis for the last several months through which their economic condition is getting strongerThere is a demand for this rakhi from other states of the country These rakhis are ecofriendly she saidMeanwhile Hemchandra Deputy Director of the Silk Department said that the women of the SHG group are becoming selfreliant with this initiativeHe further informed that such products were being made for the first time in the countryWomen of Mahila Swayam Sahayata Samuh have succeeded in doing a business of more than Rs 9 lakh in just nine months he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/uttarakhand-haldwani-based-shgs-send-silk-rakhi-to-pm-modi--629836.html Sun, 03 Aug 2025 21:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/punjab-20th-instalment-of-pm-kisan-brings-joy-on-faces-of-pathankot-farmers-629837.html Pathankot Aug 3 Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 20th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi PMKISAN on Saturday transferring about Rs 20500 crore directly into bank accounts of 97 crore eligible farmers The financial assistance under the scheme has helped crores of farmers not just in meeting their agricultural needs but also in sailing through any crisisIn Punjabs Pathankot many farmers were elated on receiving the 20th instalment of PMKISAN and their faces were lit with happiness as they shared the joy of receiving money directly into their accountsMany PMKISAN beneficiaries said that the money received under the scheme was making them financially stronger and helping take their farming forwardMany farmers from Kot Uparla village of Pathankot said that they got Rs 2000 into their bank accounts and thanked the Modi government for the Samman NidhiBeneficiary Preeto Singh Battu said that the assistance given by the government is very beneficial for small farmers like himWith this money the work of fertiliser and irrigation in the field will be completed on time he saidAnother beneficiary said I have received Rs 2000 in my account under the PM Kisan Yojana This money helps in farming Fertilisers and medicines can be given to the crops on time We are thankful to the government for thisAnother beneficiary Premchand said that the PM KISAN provides financial strength to farmersWe are able to provide fertilisers and water on time Rs 2000 has come to my account he saidNotably the PMKISAN is a central sector scheme launched in February 2019 by the Prime Minister to supplement the financial needs of landholding farmers Under the scheme a financial benefit of Rs 6000 per year is transferred in three equal instalments into the Aadhaarseeded bank accounts of farmers through the Direct Benefit Transfer DBT mode IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/punjab-20th-instalment-of-pm-kisan-brings-joy-on-faces-of-pathankot-farmers-629837.html Sun, 03 Aug 2025 21:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/human-rights-body-slams-pak-judiciary-for-extending-remand-of-baloch-leaders-by-20-days-629739.html Quetta Aug 3 Pakistans AntiTerrorism Court ATC has extended the police remand of Baloch Yakjehti Committee BYC leaders by an additional 20 days drawing sharp criticism from the human rights body which said the judiciary has become indirectly complicit in the ongoing human rights crisis in Balochistan In a statement posted on X on Sunday the BYC condemned the courts decision calling it a joint conspiracy by the judiciary and state institutions to suppress the voice of BalochistanThis action not only violates the fundamental principles of law and justice but also raises serious questions about the independence of the judiciary in Pakistan It has become clear that the courts are bowing to state and military pressure and instead of delivering justice to human rights defenders are strengthening the hands of oppressive forces This decision has once again proven that the judiciary is indirectly complicit in the ongoing human rights crisis in Balochistan the statement readDescribing the judiciarys conduct in Balochistan as extremely disappointing the BYC said that from the very beginning of the arrests under the 3 MPO Maintenance of Public Order they had approached the Balochistan High CourtHowever instead of providing legal relief the court repeatedly succumbing to state pressure transferred the case to the Home Department rejected it at times and now continues to extend the remand without legal justification prioritising the states stance over civil libertiesThe BYCs legal team pointed out that under Pakistans AntiTerrorism Act ATA physical remand beyond 14 days can only be extended with solid evidenceDespite this the court has successively granted a 10day a 15day and now an additional 20day remand without any substantial police progress being shownIn Balochistan the courts instead of delivering justice are implementing military desires and conspiracies The judiciarys role is to protect the constitution and the law and to provide justice to citizens but in Balochistan the judiciary itself is shredding constitutional principles in a colonialera manner and has become complicit in this game of oppression the BYC saidThe only crime of Dr Mahrang Baloch and the leadership of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee is that they are demanding basic human rights and justice through peaceful and democratic means However the state has falsely accused them of terrorism and imprisoned them like criminals This conduct is a clear violation of all international human rights and justice standards it saidThe BYC also urged the United Nations global human rights organisations and the international community to take immediate notice of what it termed state oppression and judicial injustice unfolding in Balochistan IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/human-rights-body-slams-pak-judiciary-for-extending-remand-of-baloch-leaders-by-20-days-629739.html Sun, 03 Aug 2025 10:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/two-rupee-doctor-of-keralas-kannur-passes-away-629755.html Thiruvananthapuram Aug 3 Dr AK Ryru Gopal affectionately known as the Two Rupee Doctor for his decadeslong service to the poor and underprivileged passed away on Sunday leaving behind a legacy of compassion and selfless medical care that touched thousands of lives in Kannur northern Kerala He was 80 For over 50 years Dr Ryru Gopal served patients by charging only a nominal fee It was for years he charged Rs 2 which earned him the enduring nickname Later he charged between Rs 40 to Rs 50 whereas for a single consultation other doctors would charge several hundred rupeesAt a time when healthcare has largely become commercialised he remained a symbol of generosity and ethics in medicine His journey into voluntary service began after he witnessed the dire condition of a patient during a house visitFrom then on he committed himself to offering medical care that was both accessible and affordable especially for daily wage earners students and the poorUnderstanding the time constraints of workers he began seeing patients as early as 3 am and at times attended to over 300 people a dayDr Gopals daily routine was marked by simplicity and discipline He woke up at 215 am first attending to his cows cleaning the shed and collecting milk After prayer and milk distribution he would begin consultations from his home near the Thaan Manikkakavu temple by 630 amThe patient queue would often stretch into the hundredsHis wife Dr Shakuntala and an assistant supported him in managing the crowd and dispensing medicinesAs his health began to decline the number of patients reduced but his commitment never wavered He remained guided by the principle his father Dr A Gopalan Nambiar also a respected doctor in Kannur instilled in him If its about making money do some other job That belief defined his careerRejecting all corporate incentives and refusing to entertain pharmaceutical representatives Dr Gopal only prescribed lowcost effective medicinesAlong with his brothers Dr Venugopal and Dr Rajagopal he continued the familys tradition of medical service without profitKannur bids farewell to not just a doctor but a legend who proved that healing is a service not a business IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/two-rupee-doctor-of-keralas-kannur-passes-away-629755.html Sun, 03 Aug 2025 12:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/kerala-man-fights-off-leopard-to-save-4-year-old-son-629587.html Thrissur Aug 2 A fouryearold boy was rescued after a leopard attacked him in the Veerankudy tribal settlement of Malakkappara in Keralas Trissur district in the wee hours on Saturday The childs father Baby bravely intervened confronting the leopard to save his son Rahul who suffered serious injuries to his headThe attack occurred around 215 am on Saturday while they were sleeping in their temporary hutThe leopard entered the shelter and dragged the child away according to local reports The fathers quick thinking and courage in pursuing the animal with a stone forced it to retreat into the forestRahul was initially rushed to a hospital in Malakkappara and after first aid was taken to Chalakkudy Taluk Hospital Since the injury was serious he was taken to the Government Medical College Hospital Thrissur for surgeryInterestingly the couples twoyearold daughter was also sleeping by them when the leopard entered the hut and dragged away RahulForest officials claimed that the leopard reached near the hut again after the attack on the boyTrissur Collector Arjun Pandian visited the family to assure them of the governments supportThis is the latest in a series of similar attacks in the state particularly in areas bordering dense forests and plantationsIn October 2024 a sixyearold girl was killed by a leopard in the Valparai tea estate near the KeralaTamil Nadu border That same year a male leopard was trapped by forest officials after terrorising villages in Kasaragods Kolathur in northern Kerala where it had been preying on pets and livestockEarlier in April 2023 a fiveyearold boy was injured in a leopard attack at Malakkappara itselfThe rising number of incidents including fatal attacks has created a sense of fear among residents who are demanding concrete action from authoritiesIn response to the crisis the Kerala Forest Department has initiated a 10point action plan including the formation of Rapid Response Teams and the implementation of a realtime monitoring system to track animal movementsThe government has also declared humanwildlife conflict a State Specific Disaster a move that is expected to facilitate faster administrative responses and compensation for victimsThe ongoing resettlement of 47 tribal families in Malakkappara an area prone to such attacks is another step towards mitigating the longstanding safety concerns of these vulnerable communities IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/kerala-man-fights-off-leopard-to-save-4-year-old-son-629587.html Sat, 02 Aug 2025 12:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/diabetic-patient-can-return-to-normal-blood-sugar-levels-without-medication-pgi-chandigarh-629678.html Chandigarh Aug 2 A study by the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research PGIMER in Chandigarh says that a diabetic patient can return to normal blood sugar levels without medication for at least three months For decades type 2 diabetes has been viewed as a lifelong irreversible condition requiring daily medication strict dietary control and constant lifestyle management But new hope is emerging with this clinical study that has shown that remission may be possible through a carefully designed and practical strategyRemission is the term scientists use meaning a return to normal blood sugar levels with HbA1c at 65 per cent without any diabetes medication for at least three months Type 2 diabetes which affects millions globally and has become a growing health concern in India has long been seen as a chronic disease without a cure Patients are often told they must manage it for life with pills and blood sugar logs becoming permanent companions But what if there was a chance to hit resetA madeinIndia approach led by Dr Rama Walia a team of researchers at PGIMER launched the DiaRem1 study aiming to explore whether tight blood sugar control using modern medicines combined with lifestyle changes could push the disease into remission What makes their work stand out is that it does not rely on extreme weight loss diets or costly surgeries which are often impractical for many patientsThey selected adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the past five years whose blood sugar was still reasonably controlled For three months these participants were placed on a combination of proven diabetes medications and guided through diet and physical activity After that all medications were stopped and for the following three months researchers monitored whether their blood sugar levels could remain in the normal range drugfree What happened The results were eyeopeningAbout one in three participants 31 per cent achieved diabetes remission meeting the internationally defined benchmark of maintaining HbA1c below 65 per cent without medication for at least three months Surprisingly both treatment groups one using newer medications like liraglutide and dapagliflozin and the other using more commonly available medicines like glimepiride and vildagliptin saw similar remission rates The average weight loss was modest 47 kg in the intervention group and three kg in controlsMRI scans in select participants showed dramatic declines in internal fat stores a 51 per cent drop in liver fat and 48 per cent in pancreatic fat which are crucial contributors to insulin resistance and worsening diabetes Doctors now understand that two major culprits drive diabetes progression glucotoxicity too much sugar damaging beta cells and lipotoxicity fat accumulation impairing insulin action By reversing these with medication and lifestyle therapy the pancreas gets a muchneeded break and in some cases begins to function more normally againThose who achieved remission also had better betacell function as measured by a disposition index and lower levels of insulin resistance HOMAIR compared to those who didnt Importantly no single patient characteristic age weight or duration of diabetes could predict who would succeed making this approach potentially applicable to a wide range of patients in the early stages of diabetes What about the side effects and safetyThe study says minor side effects like nausea were seen especially in those taking liraglutide but there were no serious health risks noted Notably no patients in the intervention group experienced low blood sugar a common concern with diabetes medications IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/diabetic-patient-can-return-to-normal-blood-sugar-levels-without-medication-pgi-chandigarh-629678.html Sat, 02 Aug 2025 19:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/mp-ujjain-gears-up-for-lord-mahakals-shahi-savari-on-last-shravan-somvar--629679.html Bhopal Aug 2 The religious city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh is gearing up for the 4th Shahi Savari of Lord Mahakal which will be observed on the last Shravan Somvar on August 4 The city administration is also providing tight security and other facilities have also been put in place as scores of pilgrims are expected to visit Ujjain to offer prayers to Lord Mahakal the 12th Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva On the auspicious occasion the fourth traditional Savari procession of Lord Mahakal will be carried out in a spiritual atmosphere vibrant devotion and the city will be filled with saffron colour amid chants of Har Har MahadevA total of six Shahi Savaris will be carried out three processions have already been carried out on the previous three Mondays of Shravan monthThe August 4th Shahi Savaris would last in the month of Shravan and more processions will be carried out in the month of Bhadrapada sixth month of the Hindu religious calendar on August 11 and 18 During the Shahi Savaris Mahakaleshwar is carried through the city in a royal procession The practice is a centuriesold tradition The procession begins after the ritual worship of Lord Chandramouleshwar inside the temples Sabha Mandap These processions showcase different divine forms of Lord Shiva riding various vahanas celestial vehicles representing different powers and blessings Participating in or even witnessing this sacred event is believed to bring spiritual merit inner strength and divine protection The last procession was carried out on the 3rd Shrvan Somvar on July 28 Lord Mahakal ventured out among his devotees in a divine trio of forms as Chandramouleshwar in a palki palanquin as Manmahesh seated on an elephant and as ShivTandav on the Garuda Rath blessing the city and symbolically learning about the wellbeing of his people During the second Somvar the performance of eight cultural groups of Tribals from Maharashtra Gujarat Haryana Chhattisgarh Odisha and Madhya Pradesh was presentedTo ensure the safety of people and better preparation during the procession Ujjain collector Roshan Kumar Singh had already declared a holiday on every Monday between July 14 to August 18 IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/mp-ujjain-gears-up-for-lord-mahakals-shahi-savari-on-last-shravan-somvar--629679.html Sat, 02 Aug 2025 19:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/pm-kisan-scheme-74-963-manipur-farmers-receive-rs-1809-crore-in-20th-instalment-629689.html Imphal Aug 2 As part of the 20th instalment under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi PMKISAN scheme a total of over Rs 1809 crore was disbursed to 74963 beneficiaries in Manipur further strengthening support to the states farming community officials said on Saturday A Raj Bhavan official said that Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Saturday virtually participated in the national event marking the release of the 20th instalment of the PMKISAN scheme The instalment was formally launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi Uttar PradeshA statement from the Raj Bhavan said that the Agriculture Department of the Manipur government in collaboration with the Krishi Vigyan Kendras KVKs of each district organised PMKISAN Diwas across the state The ICARKVK Imphal West and the ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region Manipur centre also celebrated PMKISAN Diwas with special events commemorating this milestoneHighlights of the programme included farmerscientist interaction to share knowledge and build skills and the distribution of agricultural inputs to beneficiaries reflecting continued efforts to support farming communities at the grassroots levelAccording to the statement a record disbursement of Rs 20500 crore is being transferred directly to the bank accounts of more than 970 crore farmers under the Direct Benefit Transfer DBT system ensuring transparency and eliminating any role of middlemenLaunched in February 2019 the PMKISAN scheme is a centrally sponsored initiative aimed at supporting the financial needs of landholding farmers Under this scheme farmers receive Rs 6000 annually disbursed in three equal instalments directly into their Aadhaarlinked bank accounts via the Direct Benefit Transfer DBT systemSince its inception in 2019 the scheme has disbursed Rs 369 lakh crore to farmers through 19 instalments The 20th instalment has provided an additional boost to the income of millions of small and marginal farmers reinforcing the governments unwavering dedication to farmer welfare rural upliftment and the growth of the agricultural sectorManipurs Principal Secretary Agriculture Arun Kumar Sinha Secretary to the Governor Sumant Singh along with other officials attended the event in Imphal IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/pm-kisan-scheme-74-963-manipur-farmers-receive-rs-1809-crore-in-20th-instalment-629689.html Sat, 02 Aug 2025 21:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/more-than-76-lakh-farmers-received-rs-1-600-crore-via-dbt-rajasthan-cm-629691.html Jaipur Aug 2 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday released the 20th installment of the PMKisan Samman Nidhi during a programme held in Varanasi Through Direct Benefit Transfer DBT he transferred over Rs 20500 crore to the bank accounts of more than 97 crore farmers across the country Addressing a statelevel felicitation programme in Banswara Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi a new era of farmer welfare and rural development is unfolding As part of this initiative the 20th installment of the PMKisan Samman Nidhi has been directly transferred to the bank accounts of over 76 lakh farmers in Rajasthan amounting to Rs 1600 crore CM Sharma highlighted the transformation brought by the PMKisan Yojana in the lives of small and marginal farmers Fertilizer subsidies worth lakhs of crores have provided significant reliefOver 10000 new Farmer Producer Organizations FPOs have been formed Initiatives like eNAM for online agritrade minimum support price MSP with a 50 per cent profit margin over cost and expansion of the PM Crop Insurance Scheme have empowered farmers he said The Chief Minister said that he has announced an increase in the states Kisan Samman Nidhi to Rs 9000 recently which will soon be taken to Rs 12000 So far Rs 6800 crore has been disbursed to over 76 lakh farmersFor 202526 Rs 25000 crore in interestfree shortterm crop loans will benefit 35 lakh farmers while Rs 400 crore in longterm loans is being provided with a 5 per cent interest subsidy Around 32 lakh metric tonnes of wheat have been procured at MSP and wheat bonuses worth Rs 450 crore have been distributed CM Sharma said that under PM Kusum Yojana farmers have benefited from the generation of 1500 MW of solar power Efforts to provide daytime electricity have reached 22 districts Additionally Rs 12000 crore worth of work orders have been issued under the Ram Jal Setu Link ProjectA longstanding water issue has been resolved through the Yamuna Water Agreement with Haryana The Chief Minister emphasised PM Modis commitment to tribal welfare through initiatives like Dharti Aaba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan and the PM Janman Abhiyan launched on Tribal Pride Day These programmes aim to ensure basic amenities in tribaldominated villages CM Sharma announced a hike in the Tribal SubPlan TSP fund from Rs 1000 crore to Rs 1500 croreSeven new ashram hostels three residential schools and 250 MaaBadi centers have been approved Honorariums for teachers and cooks at MaaBadi centers have been raised by 10 per cent Forest produce from tribal communities is now being marketed through 530 Van Dhan centers Sites like Mangarh Dham Dungar Baranda Dungarpur Bansia Charpota Banswara and the Veer Balika Kalibai Museum Udaipur are being developed to honor tribal history The Chief Minister shared that 1737 lakh pucca houses have been built under PM Awas YojanaGramin in Rajasthan with an additional Rs 8544 crore approved for 712 lakh new homes He stressed that tribal and farming communities are vital to the vision of a prosperous Rajasthan by 2047Tribal Area Development and District InCharge Minister Babu Lal Kharari noted the role of Jan Dhan accounts in delivering benefits efficiently He announced a maize processing unit for tribal regions and highlighted the Kalibai Museum as a cultural milestone Animal Husbandry Minister Joraram Kumawat emphasized livestock welfare through schemes like the Gopal Credit Card and the Mukhyamantri Mangala Pashu scheme under the guidance of PM Modi and CM Sharma IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/more-than-76-lakh-farmers-received-rs-1-600-crore-via-dbt-rajasthan-cm-629691.html Sat, 02 Aug 2025 21:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/bihar-pmay-brings-drastic-change-in-peoples-lives-dreams-of-owning-own-home-fulfilled--629537.html Patna Aug 1 The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana PMAY has brought a drastic change in the lives of thousands of families across the country including the residents of Bihars Vaishali district Thousands of poor and downtrodden families have realised their dreams of owning a pucca house Under the scheme they have moved from kuccha makeshift houses to concrete housesSeveral beneficiaries of the PMAY scheme in Jandaha block of Jalalpur village have expressed their gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the scheme crediting him for turning their longheld dream into realityMany villagers recalling harsh times of the past said that earlier they and their families had to face many problems During the rainy season water used to drip into their hut house creating much inconvenience and trouble for the familyWe have got a concrete house under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana PMAY Now we are living a respectful life and children also get to study in a good environment Our dream has been fulfilled because of PM ModiIndu Devi of the same village sharing her happiness said Earlier we used to live in a hut we faced problems in every season Now we have a concrete house We are very happy and deeply grateful to the Prime MinisterShe further said that the scheme not only changed their lives but also brought social respect to the familyMany families have benefited from PMAY in the Vaishali districtAccording to the local administration hundreds of families in the Jandaha block have benefited from the scheme improving their standard of living in rural areasThe beneficiaries of Jalalpur village said that this scheme has proved to be a boon for them and also expressed hope that such schemes will be implemented in the future for the welfare of the poor IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/bihar-pmay-brings-drastic-change-in-peoples-lives-dreams-of-owning-own-home-fulfilled--629537.html Fri, 01 Aug 2025 23:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/weaving-change-mudra-yojana-empowers-women-artisans-in-bihars-bagaha-629321.html Bagaha Bihar July 31 In the heart of Bagaha government schemes like the Mudra Yojana are not only revitalising traditional crafts but also empowering women with sustainable livelihoods Two local cooperatives the Gramin Mahila Vikas Bunkar Swavlambi Sahkari Samiti and the Dhirauli Prathmik Oon Wool Bunkar Sahayog Samiti stand as testaments to the transformative impact of financial inclusion and grassroots entrepreneurship Gramin Mahila Vikas Bunkar Swavlambi Sahkari Samiti A loom of empowermentThis cooperative run entirely by women operates a handloom centre where a variety of woolen and cotton products such as shawls sweaters stoles saris towels gamchas and mufflers are produced Currently 25 women are directly employed through this initiative gaining both financial independence and social confidenceRukmani Devi one of the beneficiaries shared her experience I received Rs 5 lakh under the Mudra Yojana from the government This financial support helped me expand our operations and provide more employment opportunities to local women We are not just earning we are contributing to womens empowerment in our villageShe further expressed her aspirations stating We now need more funding so we can purchase modern machines that are essential for scaling up our production and improving efficiencyDhirauli Prathmik Oon Wool Bunkar Sahayog Samiti A legacy since 1969Established in 1969 the Dhirouli Cooperative has been a cornerstone of the weaving tradition in the region Here 40 artisans including many women are engaged in producing shawls bedsheets gamchas and traditional woolen wrapsHarindra Kaji a senior member of the cooperative noted Weve been supported by the government with a new building and advanced weaving machines These resources have significantly boosted our productivity and working conditionsDevanti Devi who has worked here for years said About 40 to 50 women work together to produce highquality handmade items This has become our main source of livelihoodAs Narmada Devi carefully crafted a shawl she added We make shawls and sweaters This work supports our families and keeps our traditional skills aliveTransformation of Harna Tanr From insurgency to developmentOnce considered a hub of Maoist activities Harna Tanr the anchor region of Tirhut has undergone a remarkable transformation Today it is seen as a rising centre of education health and employment Government initiatives like the Mudra Yojana have played a critical role in this turnaround offering financial support and infrastructure to uplift local communities What was once a conflictaffected zone is now a model of development where policies meet potential and weaving looms power dreams IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/weaving-change-mudra-yojana-empowers-women-artisans-in-bihars-bagaha-629321.html Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/operation-milap-142-missing-children-adults-reunited-by-south-west-delhi-police-in-july-629384.html New Delhi Aug 1 In a remarkable display of dedication and compassion the SouthWest District Police successfully traced and reunited 142 missing individuals including 61 children and 81 adults with their families during the month of July under Operation Milap Between July 1 and July 31 the police launched intensive search operations immediately upon receiving reports of missing or kidnapped individualsTheir efforts included local enquiries CCTV surveillance and outreach at bus stands railway stations and public transport hubsInformation was also gathered from drivers conductors vendors and local informersRecords of nearby police stations and hospitals were thoroughly examined to aid the searchAccording to Delhi Police from January 1 to July 31 2025 the district police have reunited a total of 801 missing people comprising 258 children and 543 adultsKey police stations played a pivotal role during July as Police Station PS Kapashera traced 8 children and 15 adults AntiHuman Trafficking Unit AHTU teams recovered 22 children and 1 adult PS Sagarpur reunited 9 children and 9 adults and PS Palam Village traced 3 children and 15 adults PS Vasant Kunj South and PS Delhi Cantt each reunited 10 and 9 missing people respectively alongside missing childrenOther stations including Kishangarh Vasant Kunj North RK Puram SJ Enclave Vasant Vihar Sarojini Nagar and South Campus contributed significantly collectively reuniting dozens more individuals with their familiesUnder Operation Milap SouthWest District Police reaffirmed their commitment to public service by ensuring the safe return of 142 missing individuals to their homes Their compassionate approach coupled with methodical investigations and swift action brought hope and relief to many grieving families said DCP Amit Goel SouthWest DistrictUnder Operation Milap the police combined compassion with methodical investigation bringing comfort and closure to many families Their swift coordination and relentless pursuit of leads continue to inspire trust in the forces public service mission IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/operation-milap-142-missing-children-adults-reunited-by-south-west-delhi-police-in-july-629384.html Fri, 01 Aug 2025 13:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/woman-passenger-saves-elderly-man-from-falling-off-moving-train-in-kerala-629428.html Kochi Aug 1 A 59yearold womans swift response helped save the life of a copassenger who nearly fell from a moving train at Thrippunithura railway station near Kochi on Friday morning Usha Suresh Babu a nutritionist based near Kochi had just boarded the Vanchinad Express when she noticed a man losing his grip while attempting to enter the adjacent coach according to a local media reportThe train which is scheduled to halt for only a minute at the station had already begun moving when the passenger identified as 71yearold Muhammed Abdul tried to board and slippedHearing a cry for help Usha turned and saw a hand sliding away from the doorActing without hesitation she rushed to grab Abduls arm and held on while calling out to fellow passengersHer cries quickly drew the attention of two teachers from Maharajas College Sumi Joy Oliapuram and Santhosh T Varghese who were also on boardThey pulled the emergency chain bringing the train to a halt With the help of a young man nearby Abdul was pulled back into the train compartmentHe suffered minor injuries in the incident and was first rushed to Thrippunithura Taluk Hospital before being shifted to Kalamassery Medical College in Kochi for further treatmentSpeaking later Usha said that she did not consider her action a heroic one I didnt think twice I just reacted she saidIm glad that I was able to help him and that nothing untoward happened Usha addedHer presence of mind and quick action drew praise from railway officials and copassengers alike Her husband T Suresh Babu also congratulated her for the lifesaving act The couple has a son Vishnu who is currently based in Hyderabad IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/woman-passenger-saves-elderly-man-from-falling-off-moving-train-in-kerala-629428.html Fri, 01 Aug 2025 15:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/kanchipuram-silk-weavers-see-india-uk-fta-as-ray-of-hope-for-their-sagging-businesses-629103.html Chennai July 30 Kanchipuram a renowned pilgrimage centre in Tamil Nadu and widely known for its array of handloom products is anticipating good outcomes from the Free Trade Agreement FTA signed between India and the United Kingdom The town home to about a thousand temples boasts more than 6000 handloom weavers who are mostly centred in areas like Pillayar Palayam and AyyampettaiThese weavers sell their sarees to private companies and cooperative institutions However the rise of powerloom sarees being sold as Kanchi silk sarees has negatively impacted the livelihood of genuine Kanchi silk saree weaversThe recent surge in gold and silver prices further heightened their woes and resulted in decreased sales affecting the weavers income The weavers are now demanding that the government control the prices of gold and silver to alleviate their strugglesAmid the challenges the IndiaUK agreement has come as respite for them as they expect it to boost silk production and provide more opportunities to weavers The agreement could help increase production and exports benefiting the local weaversAccording to Mohan a local silk saree producer this agreement is a welcome development and this could help the industry growOverall the Kanchipuram silk industry requires support to overcome these challenges and capitalise on opportunities like the IndiaUK FTA agreementThe FTA also known as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement CETA is expected to significantly enhance jewellery exports from India said reports citing expertsNotably the FTA was signed to give impetus to economic ties between the two nations The agreement aims to boost trade by reducing tariffs streamlining customs processes and enhancing collaboration across various sectors IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/kanchipuram-silk-weavers-see-india-uk-fta-as-ray-of-hope-for-their-sagging-businesses-629103.html Thu, 31 Jul 2025 00:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/no-helmet-no-petrol-in-indore-from-august-1-629092.html Bhopal July 30 In a double whammy bikers without helmets in Madhya Pradeshs Indore will have to pay a hefty fine without any leniency nor will they get petrol at any petrol pump in the city from August 1 onwards A directive in this regard has been issued by the Indore district administration complying with the Supreme Courts direction regarding the safety of people and to curb traffic violationsWearing helmets significantly reduces the risk of serious injuries or fatalities in road accidents An extensive campaign No Helmet No Petrol has begun on Wednesday and the execution of the order will come into effect from August 1 Indore district collector Ashish Singh said adding that all petrol pump operators have been instructed to follow the instructionNot wearing helmet overspeeding and drinkanddrive are the major concerns for road safety Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of fatality This rule will be strictly followed for the safety of drivers in Indore Singh said in a video message released on WednesdayHe also added that wearing a seat belt has been made mandatory for car drivers The administration will also spread awareness about wearing helmets in the city Indore District Administration aims to reduce death rates in road accidents he saidThe police will also assist in the implementation of the new rule and may impose penalties on violators People have also been advised to follow traffic rules at major intersections in the cityThe directive came a day after Chairman of Supreme Courts Road Safety Committee and former judge Abhay Manohar Sapre held a meeting with district officials in Indore suggesting that the city has the potential to become a national model for road safety much like it has for cleanlinessDuring the meeting of the District Road Safety Committee Justice Sapre had called on officials to prepare a timebound strategy and show measurable progress within the next six months Justice Sapre reviewed accident data from the past five years progress on black spot improvements enforcement of traffic rules and public awareness efforts He emphasised that reducing road accidents should be treated as a top priority Justice Sapre stressed the need to build awareness among citizensMost road fatalities involve those not wearing helmets or seat belts or driving under the influence We must change this through strong enforcement and public education he had said He had also suggested strict action against drunk driving and habitual traffic offenders He said consistent penalties are crucial for changing public behaviour Wearing helmets and fastening seat belts should be made compulsory Sapre said firmly IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/no-helmet-no-petrol-in-indore-from-august-1-629092.html Wed, 30 Jul 2025 22:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/tn-set-to-break-record-in-paddy-procurement-may-touch-47-lakh-tonnes-628891.html Chennai July 30 Tamil Nadu is poised to create a new record in paddy procurement as it is likely to surpass the previous high of 4495 lakh tonnes achieved in 202021 According to official data the state government has already procured 4449 lakh tonnes of paddy as of now and with an average daily procurement of around 15000 tonnes the record would be breached in the coming daysWith a month remaining before the current procurement year ends officials project the total procurement could touch 47 lakh tonnesThe ruling DMK government had earlier set an ambitious target of 50 lakh tonnes for the 202122 season but this was not achieved As in previous years the 10 Cauvery delta districts have been the major contributors accounting for nearly twothirds of the overall procurement with approximately 30 lakh tonnesThe state government has so far disbursed around Rs 10734 crore to farmers as minimum support price MSP Data from the Centre shows that 336 lakh farmers received Rs 6899 crore during the first round of procurement September 2024March 2025 while another 195 lakh farmers were paid Rs 3835 crore subsequentlyIn addition to the MSP the state government provides an incentive of Rs 130 per quintal for Grade A paddy and Rs 105 per quintal for common varietiesA closer analysis of procurement data reveals that a significant number of farmers continued paddy cultivation even beyond the irrigation season including during the summer months By the end of March 2025 only 283 lakh tonnes had been procured The remaining 16 lakh tonnes were acquired in the last threeandahalf monthsThe Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation TNCSC handles the majority of the procurement while cooperatives and the National Cooperative Consumers Federation NCCF account for the restAgricultural experts have suggested that the government involve Farmer Producer Organisations FPOs in the procurement process to improve efficiency and ensure better outreachWith procurement figures continuing to rise steadily Tamil Nadu looks set to achieve a new milestone in its paddy procurement drive this year IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/tn-set-to-break-record-in-paddy-procurement-may-touch-47-lakh-tonnes-628891.html Wed, 30 Jul 2025 11:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/national-human-rights-commission-begins-open-hearing-in-hyderabad-628548.html Hyderabad July 28 The National Human Rights Commission NHRC on Monday commenced a twoday open hearing and camp sitting here to consider complaints and cases pertaining to the State of Telangana The proceedings are aimed at ensuring speedy redressal of grievances and accountability of public authoritiesThe hearings were conducted by two division benches at Dr MCR Human Resource Development InstituteAccording to an official release the first division bench was chaired by Justice V Ramasubramanian Chairperson NHRC The second bench was headed by Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi with Member Vijaya Bharathi SayaniA full bench was also constituted to hear selected cases of significant public importance mostly comprising suo motu cases cognisance taken by the commission These included a range of matters concerning castebased discrimination social boycott custodial and police excesses and violations of the right to life dignity liberty and livelihoodThe NHRC members will hold a meeting with senior officers of the state government on Tuesday Later they will interact with NGOs and members of civil societiesChief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao welcomed the Chairperson and other membersSenior officials from the government of Telangana were in attendance to assist the Commission including Ravi Gupta Special Chief Secretary Home Mahesh Bhagwat Additional Director General of Police Vikram Singh Mann Additional Commissioner of Police Special Commissioner I and PR Ch Priyanka District Collectors Superintendents of Police and officers from other concerned departments Their participation was aimed at ensuring prompt responses and coordinated action on the matters raisedThe Commission adjudicated the hearings in a timebound transparent and empathetic manner issuing specific directions to concerned authorities for expeditious redressal In cases where violations were established the Commission also recommended and awarded monetary compensation to victims as deemed appropriateThe National Human Rights Commission constituted under the Protection of Human Rights Act 1993 is vested with the powers of a civil court including summoning records examining witnesses recommending departmental action and awarding monetary relief to victimsThrough such open hearings and camp sittings the Commission reinforces its commitment to upholding constitutional rights and human dignity by bridging the gap between citizens and the justice system the release added IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/national-human-rights-commission-begins-open-hearing-in-hyderabad-628548.html Tue, 29 Jul 2025 00:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/safe-delivery-inside-a-bus-amid-torrential-rain-a-night-of-courage-and-compassion-in-jharkhand-628481.html Koderma Jharkhand July 28 Sometimes saving a life doesnt require an operation theatre just courage compassion and a little teamwork Thats exactly what happened in the dead of night on a rainlashed highway in Jharkhands Koderma when a passenger bus turned into an emergency maternity ward It was around midnight when panic struck aboard the Shri Sai passenger bus Radha Devi 20 a resident of Vaishali in Bihar suddenly went into labour She was en route to Ranchi with her husband Suraj Ram her mother Meena Devi and her sister well ahead of her due date of August 2As the bus rolled through Koderma the skies opened up in a relentless downpour Hospitals were nowhere in sight and the rainsoaked roads made it impossible to move the expectant mother to safetyInside the sleeper coach Radhas condition was worsening sending waves of anxiety through her familyIn that tense moment humanity took the wheel The driver swung the bus towards a PCR van stationed near a railway overbridgePoliceman Om Prakash and his team immediately sprang into action racing through the night to find a doctor He went from hospital to hospital Two to three hospitals later hope finally came in the form of Dr Praveen Kumar of Aryan Hospital Without a second thought Kumar rushed to the bus with his team braving the stormAfter reaching Dr Kumar made the decision Radha will not be shifted the delivery will happen right there inside the busPassengers voluntarily stepped out into the rain forming a protective circle as the vehicle transformed into an impromptu delivery roomAt 240 am the cries of a newborn pierced through the night a healthy baby girl born to the joy of passengers amid chaos and compassionAs applause and cheers broke out the pouring rain seemed almost celebratory Mother and child were later taken to Aryan Hospital for observation and discharged the next day on Monday both safe and healthyWhat could have been a tragedy became a tale of courage unity and the triumph of life proving that sometimes the greatest acts of kindness happen in the most unlikely of places IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/safe-delivery-inside-a-bus-amid-torrential-rain-a-night-of-courage-and-compassion-in-jharkhand-628481.html Mon, 28 Jul 2025 17:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/leopard-sighted-in-hyderabads-ibrahim-bagh-military-area-628537.html Hyderabad July 28 A leopard was spotted in Ibrahim Bagh military area in Hyderabad on Monday police said The big cat was seen crossing the road in the military area under the Golconda Police Station limitsThe movement was recorded on a CCTV camera around 330 am and the police alerted forest officialsThe leopard is believed to have gone towards the Musi River behind Taramati Baradari a historic monument in the Ibrahim Bagh areaAuthorities have advised people in surrounding areas to be on alert There are several residential localities and gated communities in the areaOfficials believe that it was the same leopard sighted in Manchirevula village inside the sprawling campus of Greyhounds on July 21 Police personnel who spotted the big cat alerted the Forest DepartmentThe same leopard was also believed to have been sighted in Narsingi sending panic among residentsThe Forest officials have installed trap cameras and cages at different locations in Greyhounds campus but the leopard apparently left the area without getting trapped and was now moving in the adjoining areaAt least four incidents of leopard sightings have been reported in the city fringes during JulyEarly this month two leopard sightings were reported inside the Research Centre Imarat facility of the Defence Research amp Development Organisation in Raviryal Though the Forest officials initiated immediate steps to confirm the presence of leopards they did not find any trace The camera traps have also not captured any imagesLater another leopard sighting was reported in Chilukur near Himayatsagar reservoir Forest officials had confirmed the presence of a big cat and the same leopard is believed to have crossed over to the Greyhounds campus and later ventured into the Ibrahim Bagh areaIn May last year the Forest Department had captured a leopard which had appeared in the premises of the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad on the city outskirts IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/leopard-sighted-in-hyderabads-ibrahim-bagh-military-area-628537.html Mon, 28 Jul 2025 22:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/andhra-governor-felicitates-major-kavitha-vasupalli-for-her-historic-feat-628317.html Amaravati July 28 Andhra Pradesh Governor S Abdul Nazeer has felicitated Major Kavitha Vasupalli a medical officer in the Army who made history as the sole woman participant in a worldrecordsetting Brahmaputra river rafting expedition The team navigated a staggering 1040 km in just 28 days travelling from Gelling village near the IndoTibetan border to Hatsingimari close to the IndiaBangladesh borderShe met the Governor after achieving an extraordinary feat in the field of adventure sports and serviceHailing from Metturu village in the remote Srikakulam district Major Kavitha is a shining example of how courage discipline and dreams can take root even in the quiet corners of rural IndiaThe expedition was led by Col Ranveer Singh Jamwal Director of NIMAS He is himself a Tenzing Norgay Awardee first Indian to climb all the highest peaks of India along with three time summiting of Mount EverestThe Brahmaputra was magnificent but it was also merciless One day a giant wave hit us with such force that our raft flipped In those few seconds we were completely underwater unsure if wed come out alive But we didnt panic We trusted our training We held on to each other And we survived That moment showed me how thin the line is between life and death and how powerful courage and calmness can be Major Kavitha saidWe often hear spiritual or geographical tales of the Brahmaputra but this is the first time Ive heard an adventurist story of battle and bravery on its waters Major Kavithas account is one of sheer determination and grit She has brought pride to Andhra Pradesh and to every Indian who takes prides in its Armed Forces the Governor saidThe Governor extended his best wishes and urged her to continue inspiring othersBorn into a modest family her father a Railway clerk and her mother a homemaker Kavitha studied in government schools and completed her MBBS from Srikakulam Medical College She joined the Indian Army as a doctor in 2021 determined to support her family and serve the nationIn just four years she has emerged not just as a dedicated medical officer but as a bold face of adventure and leadership She has also shown unparalleled bravery at high altitudes During a mountaineering expedition to Mount Gorichen she saved the life of a fellow climber who lost consciousness at 5900 metersKavitha who has loved swimming since childhood said with a smile Im just a girl from a small village in Srikakulam If I could make it here so can anyone IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/andhra-governor-felicitates-major-kavitha-vasupalli-for-her-historic-feat-628317.html Mon, 28 Jul 2025 00:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/kerala-cpi-mla-struggles-with-debt-lives-in-leaking-house-628095.html Thrissur Kerala July 26 A legislator of the ruling government in Kerala is battling a severe financial crisis and is forced to live in a leaking house at Anthicadu in Thrissur during the season of torrential rains in the state He is also finding it difficult to make ends meet CC Mukundan firsttime legislator of the CPI represents the Natika assembly constituency in Thrissur On Saturday morning his party colleagues including State Revenue Minister K Rajan also from the same district and the party visited him after his leaking house was highlighted by TV channelsBelonging to the scheduled caste community Mukundan is reeling under a severe financial crisis is now bedridden after slipping on rainwater that seeped into his houseWhen Rajan and his party colleagues called on him Mukundan was lying on his bed with his right leg in a temporary cast due to the injury he had sufferedRajan said Mukundan never speaks of his hardships Our party will definitely do the needful to see that Mukundans woes are minimised and his concerns are addressed We are more worried about his injured leg as we want him to get the best treatment The other issues that he is facing will be addressed too said RajanMukundan after retiring from a Cooperative Society as an attender joined fulltime politics His biggest burden is a bank loan of Rs 6 lakh which he took for his daughters wedding a decade ago which has now ballooned to over Rs 18 lakhAfter becoming a lawmaker in 2021 he purchased a car which he says was a big mistake as most of his honorarium he receives goes into repayment of this loanWith his plight was highlighted by media channels billionaire businessman MAYusuf Ali who also hails from the same town got in touch with him and promised help to address his woesI got a call from the office of Ali but I said its my party that will decide said Mukundan after declining the offerMukundans wife is a former twotime local body representative of the CPI and is presently a homemaker With more party workers rallying behind Mukundan relief for him seems imminent IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/kerala-cpi-mla-struggles-with-debt-lives-in-leaking-house-628095.html Sat, 26 Jul 2025 13:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/self-help-group-in-prayagraj-sets-example-of-womens-empowerment-628148.html Prayagraj July 26 A womens selfhelp group in Uttar Pradeshs Prayagraj has set an extraordinary example of womens empowerment turning around their lives and serving as a source of inspiration for others Aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of women empowerment and supported by National Rural Livelihood Mission NRLM the women here make ecofriendly idols of Lord Shiva and his family diya earthen lamps and other decorative items as per demandThe women of the SHG told IANS that they are making the idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with cow dung cakes and soil as the Teej Mahotsav and the holy month of Sawan or Shravan is underwayThey further shared that they are making Ganesh idols for the upcoming Ganpati festivalA SHG member Vartika Trivedi said the products made at their centre are ecofriendly Even if after worship the idols are not immersed in the Ganges one can use them as compost in their garden she saidTrivedi shared that she got inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modis Aatmanirbhar push and thought of doing something on her ownTalking about her fouryear journey she said We started with a humble fiveperson team and it soon grew rapidly The demand for our products is surging Our products drew a good response in the Maha Kumbh tooShe pointed out that the scheme has empowered them by making them selfreliant The women can now earn money from the comfort of their homes Trivedi saidAnother member Kajol Kesarvani said PM Modi wants to give employment to every woman and empower them She said that besides empowerment it has brought to the fore our creative sideNotably NRLM is a poverty alleviation project implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development It is aimed at organising the poor into SHGs and making them capable of selfemployment For these women in Prayagraj it has opened doors to financial independence and dignity IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/self-help-group-in-prayagraj-sets-example-of-womens-empowerment-628148.html Sat, 26 Jul 2025 21:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/its-more-than-just-puppy-love-for-british-envoy-caroline-rowett-627781.html Chandigarh July 24 It was more than just puppy love for Chandigarhs British Deputy High Commissioner Caroline Rowett When she landed here for her posting in February 2021 little did she know that two street dogs of Chandigarh would soon become her faithful lifelong companions As her term draws to a close and she heads back to her hometown of London after a fourandahalfyear stint shes making sure her fourlegged friends are not left barking up the wrong tree They are flying home with her to join her husband and daughterEmotional in her farewell speech she said it was tough to bid adieu to India but she was happy to be reunited with her family now with two dogs in towThe street dogs are named Shimla and Sula a female and a male respectively The formers name is inspired by the tourist resort Shimla which is fondly called by the British colonial rulers as the Queen of Hills and the latter is named after her love for the popular Indian wineIn her speech Caroline highlighted the UKs investments in the region mentioning an agroindustry investment in Kullu and the establishment of an Indian operation by a Scottish distillery underscoring the strengthening economic relationship between the UK and Himachal PradeshRegarding her adopted dogs Caroline said she came across one in the parking area of the Hyatt Regency in 2021 while the other one was in Sector 10s Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association CLTA complex Now both are aged between four and five yearsBefore their travel to offshore Caroline got both pets microchipped and rabies vaccinated Both implanting the microchip and being vaccinated against rabies took nearly eight months Also special cages were procured for their safe journey Rajinder Nagarkoti Political Press and Projects Adviser for the UK government told IANSVipan Rana the UK governments Protocol Officer told IANS that he encountered Sula on the street crying with a critical skin disease He narrated the pups condition to his boss and she immediately decided to adopt itCaroline has represented Britain in Punjab Haryana Himachal Pradesh Uttarakhand and ChandigarhAs part of her KulluManali visit in June Caroline engaged with stakeholders from the tourism and hospitality sectors including hoteliers tour operators and skiers to explore collaboration opportunitiesDuring that visit the UK delegation interacted with artisans engaged in the creation of traditional Himachali handloom productsOn signing the UKIndia Free Trade Agreement FTA a significant step in strengthening bilateral economic ties an optimist the Deputy High Commissioner told IANS The deal is expected to increase bilateral trade worth 43 billion pound in year 2024 by 255 billion pound UK GDP by 48 billion pound and wages by 22 billion pound each year in the long runThe UKIndia investment relationship currently supports over 600000 jobs across both countries As of 2024 there are over 950 Indianowned companies in the UK and over 650 UK companies in IndiaFor Caroline who believes her present hometown Chandigarh means City Beautiful starting direct flights from here to London is on her wish listIn Haryana she said they now have a centre of excellence on postharvest cold chain management This will be the UKs first centre of excellence in India and its primary focus is to curb food losses and promote sustainable agriculture practices This will come up in Panchkula she saidIve been to Mussoorie Dehradun Dharamsala Shimla Kasauli Ambala and Ferozepur exploring British links an elated first British woman envoy saidIn her next assignment she will work in the London office with an Indian assignmentOne of her successful projects in the region is the pilot initiative of Visa Fraud Ton Bacho Beware of Visa Fraud that was launched in Jalandhar in Punjab in February to help protect Indians from the physical financial and emotional risks of visa fraud and irregular migrationThe project increased our public contact as we have interacted directly with community leaders and helped the dreams of many young people of being exploited as too many fall victim to visa fraud she saidShe believes her bond with North India will always remain memorable as she attended even private weddings interacted with scores of people even at grassroots and relished traditional street foods like the famous Amritsari Kulcha and Chhole all the ingredients nicely and properly blended to offer a recipe for a perfect memorable trip back homeAlso she experienced the Punjabi culture heritage colours and flavours by exploring Amritsars old winding lanes housing grand heritageThe envoy is impressed with the worlds largest kitchen in the Golden Temple where on average free fresh vegetarian meals are being served to 50000 to 75000 people all day and nightOne of Carolines admirers remarked jokingly People may be lining up to pay hefty sums to travel agents and even risk the perilous donkey route in their desperation to migrate abroad but the two have found themselves with air tickets and a British escort all thanks to a bond that needed no visaVishal Gulati can be contacted at vishalgiansin IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/its-more-than-just-puppy-love-for-british-envoy-caroline-rowett-627781.html Thu, 24 Jul 2025 16:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/swachh-bharat-mission-indias-sanitation-drive-shows-strong-gains-627828.html New Delhi July 24 Indias sanitation landscape continues to evolve under the Swachh Bharat Mission SBM with significant infrastructure gains across both rural and urban areas According to a written reply in the Lok Sabha given by Minister of State for Jal Shakti V Somanna the country has constructed over 119 crore individual household latrines IHHLs and 26 lakh community sanitary complexes CSCs under SBMGrameen since 2014Uttar Pradesh leads with more than 25 crore IHHLs followed by Bihar and Madhya PradeshIn urban areas SBMUrban and its second phase have added 6378 lakh household toilets and 636 lakh public and community toilet seats with Maharashtra Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh among the top contributorsHowever the report highlights persistent challenges in maintaining community facilities Many CSCs suffer from poor upkeep due to unclear ownership lack of dedicated funds and limited awarenessDespite this Gram Panchayats in several states are innovatinglinking toilets to local businesses and conducting awareness campaigns to improve sustainabilityThe government has released substantial Central funds to support sanitation efforts Rs 28849 crore in 201415 under SBMG peaking at Rs 21629 crore in 201819 and Rs 3622 crore in 202425SBMU has seen Rs 1892 crore released in 202425 with additional allocations under the revised SNASparsh modelThe Swachh Survekshan Grameen 202324 survey covering over 17000 villages and 26 lakh households found that 951 per cent of rural households have access to toilets while 787 per cent have arrangements for greywater disposalYet only 399 per cent segregate waste and 294 per cent of villages have proper waste storage shedsIn terms of infrastructure 614 per cent of Plastic Waste Management Units PWMUs and 585 per cent of GOBARdhan biogas plants were found functionalUrban sanitation surveys show that 4692 Urban Local Bodies ULBs are certified ODF with 1973 achieving ODF status and 214 certified WaterThe government aims to sustain ODF status and promote solid and liquid waste management under SBMG Phase IIFinancial assistance of up to Rs 60 per capita is available for villages under 5000 population and Rs 45 for larger ones Each block is expected to have at least one PWMU with Rs 16 lakh allocated per unitThe missions next phase will focus on behaviour change technological innovation and inclusive sanitation planning to ensure longterm impact IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/swachh-bharat-mission-indias-sanitation-drive-shows-strong-gains-627828.html Thu, 24 Jul 2025 22:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/life-saving-surgeries-zero-cost-ayushman-bharat-rescues-poor-in-mps-neemuch-627833.html Neemuch July 24 A massive transformation is underway in the villages of Neemuch district Madhya Pradesh as the Ayushman Bharat Yojana launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to provide lifesaving healthcare to the most economically vulnerable Known as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana PMJAY this flagship initiative of the Central government has become a beacon of hope for families who once struggled with the burden of high medical expensesIntroduced in September 2018 the Ayushman Bharat scheme is the worlds largest governmentfunded health insurance programme It offers each eligible family an annual cashless healthcare cover of up to Rs 5 lakh covering a wide range of treatments including diagnostics secondary and tertiary care surgeries and even ICU stays at empanelled hospitals across IndiaIts goal to bring quality healthcare within reach of nearly 50 crore IndiansIn Neemuchs villages especially Ummedpura and Medhki the scheme has changed lives People who once had no means to afford expensive operations have now received advanced treatments completely free of cost The stories of transformation are many and each one speaks of survival dignity and renewed hopeRajaram Bairagi a small grocery shop owner from Medhki village recalls the frightening days of 2020 when he suffered a heart attack during the COVID pandemicWith no financial resources to afford a costly surgery his family was in despair However through the Ayushman Bharat card he received treatment at a hospital in Ahmedabad where his surgeryinitially estimated to cost around Rs 15 lakhwas performed entirely free This card gave me a new life I will always be thankful to Modi ji for starting this scheme he told IANSDilip Kumar Piriya a furniture shop owner from Ummedpura shared a similar experienceHe suffered from intense arm pain in 2019 and medical tests revealed four critical blockages in his heart Doctors recommended an urgent bypass surgery that would cost upwards of Rs 45 lakhWith no means to bear the cost Dilip turned to the Ayushman Bharat Yojana Within a month his surgery was conducted without any financial burden It saved my life he said There was no way I could have arranged such a huge amount This scheme brought hope to my entire family he addedFarmers Labhachand Dhakad and Raghunath Singh Panwar also benefitted Labhachand underwent a free angioplasty while Raghunath received treatment for kidney stones that had caused him extreme pain In both cases families were spared from crippling medical debtIn Ummedpura nearly 1943 residents out of a total population of 2508 now hold Ayushman cardsAccording to local officials dozens of villagers have received free treatment for heart diseases and other serious conditions through this schemeArtisans like Ashok Kumar Chhipa who specialises in traditional Bandhej work have also availed free angioplasty under the programmeFor families who once faced the grim choice between incurring debt or forgoing treatment Ayushman Bharat has become more than just a health insurance scheme it is a lifeline In village after village the stories echo a single truth access to healthcare is no longer a privilege reserved for the few Thanks to Ayushman Bharat it is becoming a right for allAs India moves forward with digital health missions and universal care ambitions the success stories from Neemuch stand as powerful proof that wellimplemented policy can bring real change to even the remotest corners of the country IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/life-saving-surgeries-zero-cost-ayushman-bharat-rescues-poor-in-mps-neemuch-627833.html Thu, 24 Jul 2025 22:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/india-boosts-buddhist-ties-with-asean-through-tourism-sacred-relics-exhibitions-627840.html New Delhi July 24 India has significantly deepened its cultural and spiritual ties with Southeast Asia through a series of highprofile initiatives centred around Buddhist heritage and tourism Over the past two years the government has facilitated two major expositions of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha The first held in Thailand from February 22 to March 19 2024 showcased relics of Buddha and his disciples across four venues drawing over 4 million devotees Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply The second the minister said hosted in Vietnam from May 2 to June 2 2025 featured relics from Nagarjunakonda Andhra Pradesh displayed at nine locations during Vesak celebrations attracting an estimated 18 million visitorsThese efforts have not only reinforced Indias civilisational bonds with Buddhistmajority nations but also advanced cultural diplomacy under the ASEANIndia cooperation framework said the minister in the reply India is currently supporting a feasibility study for the development of an ASEAN Cultural Heritage List and has committed 5 million US dollars from the ASEANIndia fund to support the ASEANIndia Year of Tourism in 2025 The annual ASEANIndia Tourism Ministers Meeting continues to serve as a platform for dialogue and collaboration he said In a further gesture of spiritual outreach a highlevel Thai delegation visited Gujarat in June 2025 accompanied by Indian representatives Under the MekongGanga Cooperation Plan of Action the Ministry of External Affairs organised a nineday familiarisation trip to Buddhist sites for 50 participants from Cambodia Lao PDR Thailand Myanmar and Vietnam The tour conducted in coordination with the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar aimed to promote Indias Buddhist circuit and foster peopletopeople connections The upcoming International Tourism Mart in Sikkim will include business networking between Northeast Indian stakeholders and global buyers including ASEAN nations While tourism development is primarily the responsibility of state governments and UT union territories administrations the Ministry of Tourism complements these efforts through central schemes such as Swadesh Darshan Swadesh Darshan 20 ChallengeBased Destination Development CBDD and PRASHAD These schemes provide financial assistance for infrastructure development subject to project proposals and fund availability Additionally under the Special Assistance to states for Capital Investment SASCI the central government has extended support for tourism projects including those focused on Buddhist heritage informed the minister IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/india-boosts-buddhist-ties-with-asean-through-tourism-sacred-relics-exhibitions-627840.html Thu, 24 Jul 2025 23:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/tomato-prices-double-across-tn-as-rain-hits-supply-627679.html Chennai July 24 Tomato prices in Tamil Nadu have surged sharply over the past few weeks more than doubling from Rs 1020 per kg in June to Rs 4045 in several wholesale markets including Koyambedu in Chennai and Palacode in Dharmapuri Traders attribute the spike to reduced production caused by recent rainfall in tomatogrowing regions of Tamil Nadu Karnataka and Andhra PradeshAccording to traders in Chennai the arrival of tomatoes has dropped by nearly 30 per cent creating a supplydemand imbalanceWe typically receive around 700 tonnes of tomatoes daily mostly from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka This has now declined to around 500 tonnes said M Thiagarajan president of the Koyambedu Vegetable Fruit and Flower Sellers Welfare Association Rain has damaged the standing crop and the rising cost of cultivation is further pushing up pricesIn Dharmapuri district where tomatoes are cultivated throughout the year on approximately 12000 hectares production has been significantly hitFarmers drastically reduce cultivation during the monsoon season often scaling down to just 1500 hectares due to fear of crop damage from rains The recent spell of summer showers in the region has further impacted yieldsTomato plants are vulnerable to fungal infections and rot when exposed to heavy rain This is why many farmers avoid planting during the monsoon As production falls prices naturally rise explained a senior agriculture official from DharmapuriTraders at Palacode wholesale market confirmed the trend and said the current price hike is likely to continue for the next two weeksThis is a routine seasonal fluctuation Prices generally shoot up when supplies dip due to monsoon damage said Sanjay Ram a local tomato traderRetail prices have also followed the upward trend with tomatoes now selling at Rs 5060 per kg in many markets across the stateOfficials expect prices to stabilise once the supply chain from other southern states recovers and fresh produce reaches wholesale markets Until then both traders and consumers are bracing for continued high prices for the staple vegetable IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/tomato-prices-double-across-tn-as-rain-hits-supply-627679.html Thu, 24 Jul 2025 09:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/sea-of-mourners-slows-down-vss-final-journey-to-alappuzha-627496.html Thiruvananthapuram July 23 Thousands gathered along the roads in Kerala to catch a glimpse of the final journey of the late Communist veteran VS Achuthanandan which began from the state capital over 21 hours ago and was en route to his home district Alappuzha The last journey started on Tuesday after 2 pm and it has been almost like a snails crawl for the flowerdecorated stateowned passenger bus carrying the leaders coffinA normal drive on this route takes around four hours to reachAt 11 am on Wednesday and after 21 hours the hearse has travelled 145 km and the next stop is his home at Alappuzha which is still around 7 km awayA tiredlooking CPIM state secretary MV Govindan who is travelling alongside the hearse on Wednesday morning told the media that the turnout has been unprecedented and all plans have gone haywireLakhs of people by now have bid goodbye to VS and its become increasingly difficult to control the people Since the schedule has gone haywire we are hoping to reduce the timing of public viewing as by late evening the cremation has to take place said GovindanMeanwhile at his home in Alappuzha which he purchased 58 years ago the locals are in line which has now become two km longEver since the hearse started its journey from here thousands waited for long hours braving heavy rains and the darkness and when it came in front of them many were seen in tears and shouting slogans praising VS as he is popularly called and known among allThe state capital city has been his second home since 1967 when he won as a legislator for the first timeVS passed away at a private hospital here on Monday at 320 pm He was 101Now once it reaches Alappuzha three places have been earmarked where it will be placed and they include his home the district committee office of the CPIM where he became the secretary at the age of 31 Then the body will be placed at a specially erected pandal on the seashore where 3000 people can sit and the public viewing will be held for allFrom there it will be taken to the final resting place at Veliyachudukadu where the pyre will be lit and its slated to take place after 5 pmIncidentally even though VS quit public life in January 2020 the massive turnout shows how dear people in Kerala hold him While Tuesday was a statewide holiday as a mark of respect to the departed Alappuzha district is having a public holiday on Wednesday alsoAll the top national leaders of the CPIM including General Secretary MA Baby who was the Education Minister in VSs cabinet former General Secretary Prakash Karat Brinda Karat and a host of leaders also paid their last respects IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/sea-of-mourners-slows-down-vss-final-journey-to-alappuzha-627496.html Wed, 23 Jul 2025 11:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/98-stations-8-vande-bharat-trains-railways-transforming-bihar-under-pm-modis-leadership-627570.html New Delhi July 23 IANS In a major development highlighting Bihars growing importance in Indias infrastructure landscape Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday informed Parliament that the Indian Railway is driving several transformative projects across the statenbspAccording to the minister work is underway to redevelop 98 railway stations in Bihar giving them a modern look and enhanced passenger amenitiesIn addition the launch of eight new Vande Bharat trains including five Amrit Bharat Express and one Namo Bharat is currently operational offering affordable yet modern rail travel experiences for the people of Bihar Vaishnaw addedAddressing Parliament Vaishnaw said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi projects that had been stalled for years are now being completed with speed and efficiencyHe cited the construction of new bridges in Munger and Patna as examples of how longpending demands are being fulfilledThe railway minister also revealed that 218 flyovers and underpasses have been constructed across the state improving connectivity and easing traffic bottlenecksThe introduction of new Amrit Bharat Express trains from Patna to Delhi Darbhanga to Delhi and Bengaluru is further testimony to the Centres focus on BiharThese trains have been designed to provide quality facilities even to the economically weaker sections of society the Union Minister mentionedSpeaking in Parliament Vaishnaw credited the Prime Ministers vision for the railway sectors fastpaced development in BiharHe said these changes reflect not just infrastructural upgrades but a larger effort to meet the aspirations of the people of BiharMeanwhile in a written reply to the Lok Sabha the Union Minister said that over the past three years 202223 202324 202425 and in the current financial year FY26 a total of 892 surveys have been sanctioned across Indian RailwaysThese include 267 for new lines 11 for gauge conversion and 614 for doubling covering a combined length of 61462 kilometres he mentionedIANSpkuk https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/98-stations-8-vande-bharat-trains-railways-transforming-bihar-under-pm-modis-leadership-627570.html Wed, 23 Jul 2025 17:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/new-creche-opens-at-haryana-civil-secretariat-boosting-support-for-working-parents-627573.html New Delhi July 23 In a major step towards employee welfare a stateoftheart creche was inaugurated on Wednesday at the New Haryana Civil Secretariat Sector 17 Chandigarh by Financial Commissioner Revenue Sumita Misra The facility is aimed at supporting working parents by providing a safe nurturing and developmentfocused environment for their young childrenThe creche a brainchild of Misra is fully equipped with trained caregivers play facilities medical support and modern infrastructure It is designed to accommodate the children of Secretariat staff enabling employees to focus on work without compromising childcare responsibilitiesSpeaking at the inauguration Misra emphasised the importance of familyfriendly policies in government workplacesThis is not just a facility it is an investment in our people and the future of Haryana Our workforce deserves professional growth without sacrificing their family duties she saidCurrently Haryana has 486 functional crèches across 22 districts catering to nearly 10000 childrenThe new Secretariat creche is an addition to this expanding network under the Haryana State Creche Policy 2022 notified in July 2023Savita Nehra District Programme Officer Women amp Child Development highlighted that this milestone was achieved within a month thanks to Misras leadershipThe creche policy conceptualised under Misras tenure as Additional Chief Secretary of the Women amp Child Development department is a firstofitskind initiative in IndiaIt offers a robust framework ensuring quality childcare through trained staff regular health checkups immunisations and ageappropriate learning materialsKey features of the policy include a childworker ratio of 125 separate sleeping and dining rooms safe play areas and stringent safety protocols like entry cards for staff and parentsWith this development Haryana continues to set national benchmarks in creating inclusive and supportive workspaces IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/new-creche-opens-at-haryana-civil-secretariat-boosting-support-for-working-parents-627573.html Wed, 23 Jul 2025 17:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/big-steal-thief-drives-off-with-rtc-bus-in-andhra-pradesh-627584.html Amaravati July 23 In a bizarre incident a bus belonging to stateowned Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation APSRTC was stolen in Andhra Pradeshs Nellore district on Wednesday Alerted by the APSRTC officials the police intercepted the stolen vehicle and arrested the thief a few hours laterThe Palle Velugu bus of APSRTC belonging to Atmakur depot had reached Nellore town from Atmakur on Tuesday night After parking the vehicle at the bus stand driver Jeelani went to the restroomOn Wednesday morning when the driver went to the bus stand to resume his duty he was shocked to find the bus missing He immediately informed the APSRTC officials who in turn lodged a complaint with the policeThe police scanned the CCTV footage from different locations around the town The stolen bus was captured on CCTV at the Bucchireddypalem toll gate The police swung into action and intercepted the bus near Nellorepalem Circle about 50 km from Nellore town and arrested the thiefThe thief was identified as B Krishna of Kancherla village of Vidavalur mandal in the same district The police were questioning him about the motive behind his actionThis is not the first such incident in Andhra PradeshIn 2002 a man in Vizianagaram district stole a bus of the APSRTC to reach homeThe stolen bus belonging to the Palakonda depot of APSRTC was found in Kandisa village after several hours of search by the police along with Corporation officialsThe students special bus was stolen from Vangara mandal headquarters after the driver had parked the vehicle for the nightAfter a frantic search for several hours the stolen bus was found in Meesala Dolapeta in Regidi Amadalavalasa mandalA few suspects were rounded up by the police During questioning Chowdary Suresh confessed that he had stolen the busHe told the police that he did not find any transport to reach his village and after seeing the parked bus he took it away to reach home He committed the theft in an inebriated condition IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/big-steal-thief-drives-off-with-rtc-bus-in-andhra-pradesh-627584.html Wed, 23 Jul 2025 18:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/gujarat-under-spree-scheme-employers-getting-registered-themselves-with-esic-627609.html Ahmedabad July 23 The Employees State Insurance Corporation ESIC has rolled out the Scheme for Promotion of Registration of Employers and Employees SPREE Under this scheme unregistered employers are getting themselves registered with the ESIC The registration window for the scheme will remain in force till 31st December It is mandatory for all industries employing more than 10 workers to register with ESICMany industries in the city were not registered for whatever reason till last year but this year the picture is set to changeAll private companies and factories have been given time till December 31 by which they will have to get themselves registered with ESICESIC Regional Director of Ahmedabad Hemant Kumar Pandey said that the SPREE scheme was launched on behalf of the Ministry of Labour and EmploymentEmployers and employees who have not been covered under ESIC can get covered under this scheme No contribution or record will be sought for the period before the date of registrationHe said that ESIC has started medical colleges This year it was announced that 10 medical colleges will be opened One of these medical colleges has been opened in Ahmedabad In this the children of beneficiary employees are admitted to the medical college and are also being provided education by paying up to Rs 2000 per monthApart from this if an employee suffers from a serious illness ESIC will bear the cost of his medicine and treatment Now all employees will also get the benefits of cashless health services under ESICThere are 11 hospitals and 103 dispensaries running in Gujarat We have tied up with private hospitals for the facilities which are not available in our hospital or dispensary he saidHe further informed that apart from medical benefits a cash benefit will also be givenIf an employee is unable to go to work during a long illness and his employer does not pay salary then ESIC will pay the salary for that many days Along with this it will also make arrangements for free treatment he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/gujarat-under-spree-scheme-employers-getting-registered-themselves-with-esic-627609.html Wed, 23 Jul 2025 21:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/ayushman-bharat-scheme-offers-life-saving-relief-to-kidney-patient-in-mp-627384.html New Delhi July 22 For Ritesh Soni a kidney patient from Manpur village in Umaria district the Ayushman Bharat Yojana has become a lifeline After struggling for years to afford dialysis sessions he is now receiving free treatment at Shahdol District Hospital and is preparing to undergo a kidney transplant all covered under the government schemeSpeaking to IANS Ritesh said I have been suffering from a kidney ailment for almost four years and Ive been undergoing dialysis for the past two years Earlier I had to pay Rs 510 per session Later I came to know about the Ayushman Yojana through some fellow patients I applied for it and got my card made Now I am able to save moneyBefore enrolling under the Ayushman Bharat scheme Ritesh had to travel over 60 kilometres to access private healthcare facilities where dialysis sessions could cost up to Rs 25000 per month This burden was unsustainable he said But thanks to Ayushman Bharat I am now receiving regular dialysis completely free of costDoctors at Shahdol District Hospital have also recommended Ritesh for a kidney transplant He shared that under the scheme he would be eligible for up to Rs 5 lakh in assistance toward the procedureThis is a big relief for my family I thank the government for running such a scheme and request that it be continued for the benefit of poor patients like meThe Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana ABPMJAY also known in Madhya Pradesh as the Niramayam scheme provides health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation The scheme is proving to be a boon for kidney patients in Shahdol and neighbouring districtsSeveral other patients undergoing dialysis at Shahdol District Hospital have also benefited from the Ayushman Bharat scheme Many have expressed gratitude for the financial support and the accessibility it has brought to lifesaving treatmentThe success story of Ritesh Soni highlights the realworld impact of government welfare schemes in rural India offering not just financial relief but a renewed hope for a healthier futureAyushman Bharat a flagship scheme of the Government of India was launched as recommended by the National Health Policy 2017 to achieve the vision of Universal Health Coverage UHC This initiative has been designed to meet Sustainable Development Goals SDGs and its underlying commitment which is to leave no one behind IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/ayushman-bharat-scheme-offers-life-saving-relief-to-kidney-patient-in-mp-627384.html Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/over-37-lakh-dog-bite-cases-in-2024-centre-steps-up-stray-dog-control-measures-627412.html New Delhi July 22 The Central government has intensified its efforts to manage the stray dog population and reduce dog bite incidents across the country According to data presented in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister of State for Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying SP Singh Baghel India reported 3717336 dog bite cases and 54 suspected human rabies deaths in 2024Municipalities under Article 243W are mandated to implement the Animal Birth Control ABC Programme focusing on neutering and antirabies vaccination of stray dogs To streamline this the government notified the Animal Birth Control Rules 2023 superseding the earlier 2001 rulesThese new rules incorporate Supreme Court and Delhi High Court directives including guidelines for feeding and care of community animals The Animal Welfare Board of India AWBI has issued multiple advisories to ensure effective street dog population control and promote mandog conflict resolutionBetween 2024 and June 2025 166 letters were sent to RWAs and local bodies to ensure complianceOn the health front the Ministry of Health is implementing the National Rabies Control Programme NRCP which includes setting up Model AntiRabies Clinics ensuring vaccine availability and launching the RabiesFree City initiativeAdditionally the Centre has allocated Rs 353586 lakh over the past five years for antirabies vaccine procurement under the ASCAD scheme including Rs 142341 lakh in 202425 for over 80 lakh doses The government has also urged StatesUTs to adopt the ABC Programme through local bodies to enhance public safety particularly for childrenThe Department of Animal Husbandry conducts a fiveyear livestock census which includes stray dogs while municipalities have been advised to conduct annual local censuses under the ABC RulesThe Centres comprehensive approach aims to address both public health and animal welfare in tackling the growing stray dog issue IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/over-37-lakh-dog-bite-cases-in-2024-centre-steps-up-stray-dog-control-measures-627412.html Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/delhi-govt-to-organise-3-day-teej-mahotsav-from-july-25-627432.html New Delhi July 22 Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday approved the Tourism Departments proposal to organise a threeday Teej Mahotsav from July 25 to July 27 at Dilli Haat Pitampura The event aims to promote women empowerment cultural enrichment and community harmony said Minister for Tourism and Art Kapil MishraHe said CM Gupta will inaugurate the festival on July 25He said she has extended a heartfelt invitation to all women in Delhi to participate in this vibrant celebrationMishra said a key meeting was held on Tuesday at the Delhi Secretariat with the Chamber of Trade and Industry CTI regarding the preparations for Teej Mahotsav 2025Several women entrepreneurs and social media influencers participated in the meeting and shared their creative suggestions to make the event more inclusive engaging and culturally richOn the occasion Mishra said that the government is committed to transforming Teej Mahotsav into a grand celebration of tradition creativity and womanhoodHe said this festival is a tribute to the spirit culture and strength of Delhis womenIn keeping with the aim to make the event accessible and inclusive for all entry to the festival will be completely free on all three daysThis initiative reflects the Delhi governments broader vision of empowering women through cultural participation and community engagement he saidThe event will feature over 100 stalls including 80 dedicated to traditional handicrafts and handlooms and 25 showcasing a diverse range of traditional cuisines from across the country said a government statementTraditional competitions such as Mehndi designing bindi decoration and rangoli making will provide women and young girls with a platform to display their creativity it saidA dedicated kids zone will also be set up featuring storytelling sessions magic shows and educational and recreational activities ensuring that every member of the family can enjoy the festivitiesMishra said Delhi is no longer just an administrative capital it is also emerging as a cultural and family tourism destination We are proud to present traditional festivals like Teej in a new format that blends modern technology with public participationHe also announced that a Teej quiz and slogan writing competition will be organised to further energise the celebration Participants will have a chance to win cash prizes Rs 3000 for first place Rs 2000 for second and Rs 1500 for third IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/delhi-govt-to-organise-3-day-teej-mahotsav-from-july-25-627432.html Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/yudh-nashian-virudh-punjab-police-officer-hoists-campaign-banner-at-himalayan-summit-627345.html Manali July 22 In a rare and inspiring feat Punjab Polices Senior Superintendent of Police Gurjot Singh Kaler has conquered the majestic Shinkun East Peak 6080 metres in Himachal Pradeshs Lahaul region and unfurled the Tricolour besides a drug abuse campaign banner to inspire the youth to overcome addiction and promote sports culture Braving extreme highaltitude conditions crevassed glaciers and steep snowfields the summit involved a gruelling 1500metre vertical elevation gain in a single day a challenge that tested physical endurance technical precision and mental resilienceAt the summit Kaler told IANS over phone on Tuesday that he unfurled the Indian national flag along with a banner symbolising a vital social message the joint initiative of Punjab Police and Punjabs Department of Health and Family Welfare in their collaborative fight against drug abuseThe campaign Yudh Nashian Virudh is aimed at raising mass awareness and empowering communities to build a drugfree PunjabThis summit was more than just a personal milestone It was a symbolic message that we will continue to take the fight against drugs to every height be it in society or in spirit said Kaler The Tricolour and the campaign banner at 6000 metres reflect our commitment to a drugfree PunjabThe climb was carried out with technical and safety support from the expert instructors of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports ABVIMAS in Manali under the overall supervision of Director Avinash NegiHe said the team of instructors comprising Ludar Singh Desh Raj Bhag Singh Dina Nath Bhuvi and Frady played a pivotal role in route planning rope fixing safety briefings and highaltitude navigation that ensured a successful and safe ascentWhile a larger team of climbers was part of the expedition group the summit photograph captured a core team of six mountaineers standing atop Shinkun East proudly holding the tricolour and the campaign banner sending a message of resolve unity and hope from one of the highest summits in IndiaAccording to Kaler this achievement reflects the spirit of Punjab Police officers who go beyond the call of duty not only safeguarding society on the ground but also raising their voice from the highest altitudes for a cause that affects every home and every heartIn 2023 Kaler scaled and unfurled the Tricolour on the top of Mount Elbrus the highest and most prominent peak in Russia and EuropeKaler a professionallytrained mountaineer was adjudged the best mountaineer during his Basic Mountaineering Course BMC at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering NIM at Uttarkashi in UttarakhandHis feat is noteworthy considering that the Caucasus tallest mountain Mount Elbrus is 5642 metres 18510 feet above sea levelWith the war against drugs Yudh Nashian Virudh waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to eradicate the drug menace from the state completed 142 days on Monday Punjab Police during the campaign arrested 22854 drug smugglers IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/yudh-nashian-virudh-punjab-police-officer-hoists-campaign-banner-at-himalayan-summit-627345.html Tue, 22 Jul 2025 23:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/severe-water-crisis-grips-kabul-residents-urge-interim-govt-to-expand-supply-627108.html Kabul July 19 Afghanistans capital Kabul is facing one of the worst water crises in its history affecting the lives of millions of residents in the city local media reported on Saturday The recent data revealed that the water levels have declined sharply in central and western parts of the city according to a report by Afghan media outlet TOLO NewsEverything depends on water Without it life becomes extremely difficult If these petrol stations stop giving water people will die of hunger and thirst said Mohammad Agha a Kabul residentChildren and women wander day and night with buckets but theres no water said another residentResidents of the city have appealed to the Talibanled interim government in Afghanistan to address their concerns by expanding water supply infrastructure and digging deeper wellsEarlier on Thursday the United Nations Human Settlement Programme UNHabitat in Afghanistan described the water crisis as unprecedentedThe UN agency mentioned that the dramatic drop in water levels in Kabul has impacted nearly six million people putting them at risk of water scarcityTackling this crisis needs largescale investment strong collaboration amp increased public awareness on water use amp management Water is life Lets act now the UN agency posted on XRecently a report by NGO Mercy Corps found that some households in Kabul spend up to 30 per cent of their income on water with over twothirds of them incurring waterrelated debtGroundwater extraction dramatically exceeds natural recharge and nearly half of the citys boreholes are already dry Without urgent coordinated investment Kabul risks becoming the first modern capital to run dry the report saidUp to 80 per cent of groundwater is reported as unsafe containing high levels of sewage arsenic and salinity which pose urgent public health risksEarlier in March the UNHabitat had warned that 21 million people in the country require water sanitation and health supportMajor cities like Kandahar Kabul and Herat are facing water scarcity because their groundwater is being depleted The UN on several occasions have flagged this and its very clear that hugescale investments need to be taken said Stephanie Loose the head of UNHabitat in Afghanistan stressing that the South Asian nation needs largescale investments in water infrastructure IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/severe-water-crisis-grips-kabul-residents-urge-interim-govt-to-expand-supply-627108.html Sat, 19 Jul 2025 12:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/hyderabad-jodhpur-daily-express-train-from-july-20-627019.html Hyderabad July 18 A new daily express train between Hyderabad and Jodhpur is being introduced from July 20 Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Minister of Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy will flag off inaugural oneway Kacheguda Bhagat Ki Kothi Kacheguda Express from Kacheguda Railway station on July 19 According to South Central Railway SCR the introduction of new daily train service will immensely benefit the large group of Rajasthani people residing in Telangana especially in the city of Hyderabad as there has been a long pending demand of a daily train serviceThe train provides fast secure comfortable train journey between the important stations of Telangana Maharashtra Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan The train also provides convenient travel option to other major cities in Maharashtra Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan like Nanded Washim Ujjain Ratlam Nimach Chittaurgarh Bhilwara Ajmer Pali Marwar etcby offering scope for rail users to plan their itinerary SCR saidThe new daily train caters to the needs of both reserved and unreserved segments of the people and will largely benefit the people of central and western states residing in Hyderabad and surrounding areas to travel to their home towns It will also be beneficial for businessmen students employees proceeding on regular travel and special tours in vacation and will further promote tourism and pilgrimage apart from increasing the avenues of trade and commerceTrain No 07615 Kacheguda Bhagat Ki Kothi Inaugural Oneway Special Service will depart from Kacheguda 530 pm on July 19 It will arrive at Bhagat Ki Kothi at 1130 am on July 21The regular daily train from Kacheguda will commence from July 20 It will depart Kacheguda at 1150 pm and reach Bhagat Ki Kothi at 8 pm on July 22Train No 17606 Bhagat Ki Kothi Kacheguda will commence service with effect from July 22 It will depart from Bhagat Ki Kothi at 1030 pm and arrive at Kacheguda at 340 pm on July 24 IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/hyderabad-jodhpur-daily-express-train-from-july-20-627019.html Fri, 18 Jul 2025 18:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/mega-anti-drug-abuse-summit-involving-youth-to-begin-in-varanasi-tomorrow-627026.html New Delhi July 18 A Youth Spiritual Summit aiming to foster a collective national resolve against drug abuse will begin on the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi on Saturday an official said Hosted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports the twoday summit themed Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat will bring together over 500 youth delegates representing 100 spiritual and sociocultural organisations from across the country said the officialConvened on the sacred banks of the Ganga the Summit aims to foster a collective national resolve against drug abuse rooted in Indias spiritual heritage and youth powerUnion Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya said that the summit will mark the beginning of special and intensive drive to free the youngsters of drug addiction and prepare them to become torchbearers of Amrit Kaal while shaping their role in the nationbuildingThe Youth Spiritual Summit is a part of the Ministrys broader mission to initiate a valuedriven youthled Jan Andolan against drug abuse Designed as an immersive experience the Summit will combine introspective dialogue with cultural and spiritual engagement said a statementFour plenary sessions will explore critical themes understanding the psychological and social impact of addiction dismantling networks of drug supply and peddling effective grassroots campaigning and communication strategies and formulating a roadmap for achieving a Nasha Mukt Bharat it saidThese discussions will be complemented by whiteboard forums expert keynote addresses and action workshops that will provide space for youthled ideas and innovation it saidAs these deliberations progress over the two days they will collectively build towards a singular powerful outcome The Summit will conclude with the release of the Kashi Declaration on July 20 it saidThis document will reflect the collective vision and commitment of youth and spiritual leaders laying down a comprehensive action plan for building a drugfree India It will serve as a guiding charter for policymakers civil society organisations and youth networks working on drug deaddiction and rehabilitation it saidAligned with the MY Bharat platform the Summit will also kick start a national Jan Andolan against drugs with MY Bharat volunteers and affiliated youth clubs spearheading awareness drives pledge campaigns and grassroots outreach activities in villages towns and cities across the countryThese efforts aim to build a sustained national movement driven by moral conviction and participatory leadership it saidAll updates and further details related to the Youth Spiritual Summit and Live Screening of the event will be available on the MY Bharat platform httpsmybharatgovinEarlier briefing about the event Mandaviya said The summit will pave the way for a massive grassroots movement JanAndolan to identify the drug sources eradicate them at the root and build a drugfree IndiaHe cautioned that substance abuse remains one of the gravest threats confronting the youth today and said that if they get trapped in drug abuse at a young age this only ruins their future but also impacts national progress IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/mega-anti-drug-abuse-summit-involving-youth-to-begin-in-varanasi-tomorrow-627026.html Fri, 18 Jul 2025 19:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/jharkhand-bengal-elephant-corridor-turns-into-jumbo-death-trap-7-die-in-45-days-627028.html Jamshedpur July 18 The oncevital Elephant Corridor connecting Jharkhands Kolhan division to neighbouring West Bengal has turned into a deadly passage for the very creatures it was meant to protect In just the past 45 days seven elephants have died within a 100 km stretch These pachyderms are the victims of train accidents electrocution and even landmines The most recent tragedy occurred on the intervening night of July 1718 when three elephants including two calves and an adult were mowed down by the speeding Jan Shatabdi Express near Banstola railway station in West Bengals Jhargram district adjacent to Jharkhands Ghatsila subdivisionThe elephants were crossing the tracks when the train hit them around 1 am All three died on the spot Their mangled bodies lay on the railway tracks for hours causing a major disruption on the busy HowrahMumbai rail routeThe bodies were removed only later on Friday morning using JCB machines after which train traffic resumedThe herd had been seen in the Banstola forest for several days According to the forest department railway authorities were warned about the herds presence but no precaution was taken to reduce the speed of the trains On the night of the incident villagers and forest officials were trying to guide the elephants away from human habitation using torches when the tragedy struckJhargram Divisional Forest Officer DFO Umar Imam said the accident could have been avoided with timely intervention and better coordination If the train had slowed down as alerted the collision might have been averted he saidThis is just one in a series of fatal incidents in the JharkhandBengal Elephant Corridor On July 10 a wild elephant was found dead in the Serengasia valley of West Singhbhum district suspected to have died from electrocution by live wires laid in a farm fieldOn July 5 a sixyearold elephant named Gadru died in Saranda Forest days after being injured in an IED explosion planted by Maoists Despite efforts by the Forest Department and wildlife NGO Vantara from Gujarat to save him he succumbed to his injuriesOn June 24 a female elephant died of electrocution in Heaven village under the Chandil Forest range of SeraikelaKharsawan district She came into contact with an illegally electrified fence installed by a farmer Authorities have launched an investigationOn June 5 another elephant was found dead in a field near Ambeda in the same forest area reportedly also due to electrocutionThe death toll highlights a growing crisis in Kolhans forest landscape In the past three years over 20 elephants have died in various parts of the Kolhan division aloneEarlier five elephants died due to electrocution in Musabani East Singhbhum in November 2023 In July 2024 a female elephant was found dead in Bhadua village of BaharagoraAccording to data presented in Parliament 528 elephants have died from unnatural causes in India over the last five years Jharkhand alone accounts for 30 of those deaths due to electrocution IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/jharkhand-bengal-elephant-corridor-turns-into-jumbo-death-trap-7-die-in-45-days-627028.html Fri, 18 Jul 2025 19:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/gujarat-leads-in-optimising-technology-for-faster-and-efficient-judicial-process-627037.html Gandhinagar July 18 Gujarat has taken the lead in optimising technology usage for faster and efficient judicial procedures said a report With close coordination between police jails and the judiciary the state government has facilitated the production of prisoners before the court through video conferencing making the process easy and less cumbersomeThis approach has led to significant progress in presenting a large number of prisoners from state jails before the courts through the video conferencing VC system thereby saving manpower time and resources of the police departmentThe process of producing prisoners before the courts through video conferencing got firmed up after a decision was taken in 2022 to install about 1100 video conferencing VC units across the courtsOf these 23 softwarebased VC systems were allocated specifically to jails At present 83 video conferencing systems are operational in jails across GujaratAccording to data from the Gujarat Prisons Department adopting this system has shown positive results Between January and June 2024 40633 prisoners 29 per cent were produced before the courts through video conferencing by all jails under the departments jurisdictionThis number increased to 53672 prisoners 41 per cent during the same period in 2025 reflecting growing usage and subsequent success of the system The effective implementation of this system has saved manpower time and resources for the police departmentIt has also allowed the redeployment of personnel earlier assigned to custody duties thus improving overall departmental efficiency This system has played a key role in accelerating the judicial process ensuring timely justice for victims and fair punishment for criminalsWith Gujarat leading others in using video conferencing for court hearings this reflects the state governments commitment to strengthening the judiciary system through the use of technology IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/gujarat-leads-in-optimising-technology-for-faster-and-efficient-judicial-process-627037.html Fri, 18 Jul 2025 21:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/chennai-corporation-plans-more-lounges-for-gig-workers-activists-urge-disability-friendly-designs-626694.html Chennai July 17 As part of efforts to support Gig economy workers the Greater Chennai Corporation GCC has launched dedicated lounges in Anna Nagar and T Nagar equipped with air conditioning power outlets and toilets for food delivery partners and other Gig workers to rest between shifts With more such lounges planned in areas including Thiruvanmiyur Villivakkam Royapettah Mylapore and Nungambakkam disability rights activists are calling on the civic body to ensure these facilities are inclusive and accessible to People with Disabilities PwDsWhile the initiative has been widely appreciated concerns have emerged over the inaccessibility of the existing loungesA food delivery partner who uses a batterypowered wheelchair said that despite the physical strain of long hours on the road he was unable to access the Anna Nagar loungeThe lounge is on a pavement without a ramp and the extended door frame makes it impossible for my wheelchair to get in he saidIts a great initiative but they must consider the needs of disabled Gig workers who rely on such spaces he addedS Namburajan vicepresident of the Tamil Nadu Association for the Rights of All Types of Differently Abled and Caregivers TARATDAC pointed out that under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities RPwD Act 2016 the government is mandated to ensure accessibility in public infrastructureDespite the law policymakers continue to create spaces that exclude persons with disabilities Accessibility needs to be enforced right from the planning stage he saidActivists argue that minor modifications can make a significant impactGanga Devi a disability rights campaigner suggested a few immediate changes A ramp connecting the road to the lounge entrance is essential Wheelchair charging stations should be provided and the toilet door must be at least three feet wide Toilets should be spacious and accessible according to the available areaResponding to the concerns GCC Commissioner J Kumaragurubaran said the civic body has taken note of the issueWe are planning to install a temporary ramp as we work on constructing a permanent one he saidAs Chennai expands its infrastructure for Gig workers activists emphasise that inclusion must be a priority from the outset IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/chennai-corporation-plans-more-lounges-for-gig-workers-activists-urge-disability-friendly-designs-626694.html Thu, 17 Jul 2025 09:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/jaipur-among-indias-top-20-cleanest-cities-626823.html Jaipur July 17 Jaipur has achieved a significant milestone by entering the list of the top20 cleanest cities in the country for the first time under the Swachh Survekshan 202425 Jaipur Municipal Corporation Greater secured the 16th rank while Jaipur Municipal Corporation Heritage stood at 20th among cities with a population of more than 10 lakhMeanwhile Dungarpur has made Rajasthan proud by being included in the prestigious Swachh Super League of cities with a population between 20000 to 50000 across IndiaAs per the statewise rankings Dungarpur has been declared the cleanest city in Rajasthan followed by Jaipur Greater at second place and Jaipur Heritage at third Udaipur ranked fourth Sikar fifth Jaisalmer sixth Bharatpur seventh Churu eighth Nathdwara ninth and Pushkar tenth Jaipur Municipal Corporation Greater was honoured with the title of Promising Clean City in Rajasthan Both Greater and Heritage were awarded a 3star rating in the national surveyJaipur Greater earned 91 per cent in doortodoor garbage collection 89 per cent in waste segregation 75 per cent in waste generation and processing and 100 per cent in cleanliness of residential and commercial areas Jaipur Heritage scored 91 per cent in garbage collection 50 per cent in segregation 86 per cent in waste generation and processing and 100 per cent in residential and commercial area cleanliness Special recognition was given for installing separate dustbins for wet and dry waste and for ensuring the safety of sanitation workers involved in sewer and drain cleaningKey projects like the wastetoenergy plant and construction waste processing facilities helped both municipal bodies improve their scores significantlyEfforts were led by former Greater Commissioner Rukmani Riyad and Heritage Commissioner Arun Kumar Hasija focusing on removing open garbage dumps and implementing efficient waste collection systems including night sweeping The Swachh Survey assessed cleanliness levels based on waste management public toilet facilities urban beautification and public awarenessBoth corporations emphasised citizen participation and awareness drives contributing to the improved rankings The award ceremony was held at Vigyan Bhawan New Delhi where President Droupadi Murmu presented the honours to the winning cities Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar was also present Notably in the 2023 rankings Jaipur Greater and Heritage had ranked 173rd and 171st respectively Their leap into the top 20 this year marks a remarkable turnaround in the citys cleanliness standards IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/jaipur-among-indias-top-20-cleanest-cities-626823.html Thu, 17 Jul 2025 19:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/oil-and-sugar-boards-key-initiative-to-build-awareness-on-healthy-eating-expert-626659.html New Delhi July 16 The recent move by the Ministry of Health to install sugar and oil boards in workplaces as well as schools is a key initiative to build awareness on healthy eating in the country an expert said on Wednesday Speaking to IANS Dr Rima Dada Professor at AIIMS Delhi said that the initiative comes at a time when NonCommunicable Diseases like obesity and diabetes are on the rise especially among the youngThis is a very good initiative by the Ministry because over the past few decades obesity has been increasing not just among adults but also among children Dada saidDiseases that used to appear in the third or fourth decade of life like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure are now showing up in children This early onset of lifestyle diseases is directly related to unhealthy lifestyles and poor eating habits the expert addedTaking to social media platform X ICMR National Institute of Nutrition last week informed that the Ministry of Health has urged all govt offices to prominently display Sugar Boards in the push for building healthier workplacesThe boards consist of informative posters and digital boards highlighting the harmful impacts of the amount of sugar and oil present in popular food items including samosas kachori pizza pakoras banana chips burgers soft drinks and chocolate pastriesIt also displays the effects of these foods on the human body as well as shares the recommended amounts of fat and sugar for individual intakeDada noted that in line with the directive AIIMS will also install such boards to help the healthcare workers boost their healthOur Director Dr M Srinivas had earlier taken the initiative to provide healthy food options in hostel canteens and café areas We will also display Oil and Sugar Boards showing calorie and fat content of available items Dada saidEarlier the FSSAI noted that the move is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision for a healthier IndiaIt added that the innovative behavioural change strategy will help tackle the widespread promotion of sugar and oil boardsThese boards are vital in helping everyone make informed choices and stop obesity said FSSAI on X adding that it will also help boost its Eat Right India ERI movementIn May the Central Board of Secondary Education CBSE issued a directive to schools to install sugar boards in schools Health experts noted that the public health measure also aligns with global nutrition goals and will help India fight the menace of noncommunicable diseases NCDs such as diabetes hypertension heart disease stroke and certain cancers IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/oil-and-sugar-boards-key-initiative-to-build-awareness-on-healthy-eating-expert-626659.html Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/raghav-chadha-seeks-public-input-ahead-of-parliaments-monsoon-session-626614.html New Delhi July 16 Aam Aadmi Party AAP MP Raghav Chadha often seen as the partys articulate and youthful voice in Parliament has once again turned to the public ahead of the Monsoon Session beginning July 21 In a tweet on Wednesday Chadha invited citizens to suggest issues that deserve urgent national attention I have always tried to raise those issues in Parliament that matter to you Chadha wrote urging people to use the comments section to highlight their concernsYour suggestion could be the next big debate in the upcoming Monsoon Session he added using hashtags like Parliament and MonsoonSessionChadhas tweet sparked a flurry of responses with many users raising issues such as highincome tax GST burden poor road infrastructure and lack of employment opportunities reflecting widespread public frustration over economic stagnation and rising cost of livingThis will be the first session of Parliament after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam and Indias retaliatory Operation Sindoor which could dominate national security discussions Chadha however appears focused on amplifying civic and economic issues that directly affect the common manNotably in the previous Winter Session Chadha raised the issue of overpriced food at Indian airports a move that earned him significant public praise His intervention led to the launch of the Udaan Yatri cafean affordable food outlet at Chennai airportfollowed by a similar cafe at Kolkata airport making him a relatable figure for regular flyersWith Parliament set to witness heated debates in the coming days Chadhas crowdsourced approach may once again shape the discourse bridging the gap between citizen grievances and legislative actionHis tweet is not just a call for suggestions but also a political attempt to position himself as the peoples representative in the truest sense IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/raghav-chadha-seeks-public-input-ahead-of-parliaments-monsoon-session-626614.html Wed, 16 Jul 2025 20:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/maharashtra-nearly-70-000-houses-built-in-sangli-under-pm-awas-yojana-626191.html Sangli Maharashtra July 14 The central government has launched many public welfare schemes keeping in mind the large population of the country Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana one of the key schemes to provide affordable housing for the low and moderateincome residents of the country has been effectively implemented in the Sangli district of Maharashtra Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana is one of the ambitious schemes launched by PM Modi Under this financial assistance is given to needy people to build permanent houses Nearly 70000 houses have been built in the Sangli district through this schemeThe Gram Panchayat officer of the area told IANS There are more people in the area who earn their living by doing labour and belong to the poor class These people needed permanent houses We conducted a survey on behalf of the Gram Panchayat The list of those who were found suitable for the scheme in the survey was forwarded Many poor people got permanent housesNandini Ghanekar Sangli District Coordinator for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana said Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana has been started here since 2016 From that time till today about 70000 houses have been built through the scheme out of which more than 50000 were built in 202122 Many houses are on the verge of completion for which work is going on at a fast pace We have implemented the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana very successfully in the district People are very happy with the houses built in the district through the schemeA beneficiary of the scheme said Earlier I was forced to live in a mud house in which I had to face a lot of difficulties But thanks to the scheme of the Central Government I now have my own pucca houseIt is noteworthy that since 2014 efforts have been made to search for more and more beneficiaries through the Central Government and give them houses So far 698000 houses have been distributed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in Sangli district Due to this scheme the dream of the beneficiaries to get their own house has been fulfilled IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/maharashtra-nearly-70-000-houses-built-in-sangli-under-pm-awas-yojana-626191.html Tue, 15 Jul 2025 01:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/scindia-unveils-vision-for-grassroots-led-growth-at-india-post-business-meet-202526-626396.html New Delhi July 15 Union Minister for Communications and Ministry of Development of NorthEastern Region DoNER Jyotiraditya M Scindia on Tuesday led the Annual Business Meet 202526 of India Post in New Delhi charting an ambitious roadmap to transform the Department into a modern citizencentric service and logistics powerhouse The meeting witnessed participation from Heads of Circles across India who shared performance reports regional achievements and future strategiesInaugurating the event Secretary Posts Vandita Kaul highlighted India Posts key achievements in 202425 and laid out priorities for innovation inclusivity and digital transformation A key highlight of the day was the launch of Dak Samvaad a new monthly enewsletter by the MinisterThe platform is aimed at strengthening internal communication and sharing fieldlevel innovations and success stories from across the vast India Post network In his address Scindia praised India Post for its growing agility and vision noting that the department plays a crucial role in bridging Indias ruralurban divideIndia Post isnt just a service but a lifeline connecting the remotest corners of our nation he saidHe lauded the adoption of a corporatestyle structure emphasising performance innovation and accountabilityScindia also announced a 2030 growth target for all Circles in FY 202526 customised to each regions business potentialHe stressed transforming India Post into a sustainable profit centre without diluting its public service ethosThe discussions during the meeting revolved around strengthening lastmile delivery digital enablement capacitybuilding and infrastructure developmentScindia interacted closely with Circle Heads appreciating grassrootsdriven innovations and ensuring alignment with national priorities like financial inclusion digital connectivity and ecommerce expansionThe event concluded with a collective pledge to push for growth modernise systems and uphold the legacy of trust and service that defines India Post IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/scindia-unveils-vision-for-grassroots-led-growth-at-india-post-business-meet-202526-626396.html Tue, 15 Jul 2025 22:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/sculptors-of-tns-tiruppur-seek-dedicated-industrial-cluster-to-preserve-heritage-craft-626096.html Chennai July 14 Sculptors from Thirumuruganpoondi a town renowned for its traditional stone sculpture industry in Tiruppur district have urged the Tamil Nadu government to establish a dedicated industrial cluster to safeguard and revive their ageold craft K Radhakrishnan a temple architect and president of the Thirumuruganpoondi Sculptors Association emphasised the towns historical significanceAfter Mahabalipuram Thirumuruganpoondi is the most important hub for stone sculptures in Tamil Nadu For six generations our town has been home to skilled artisans who produce highquality stone sculptures which are shipped across states and cities he saidAccording to Radhakrishnan raw materials are primarily sourced from Uthukuli in Tiruppur and Rasipuram in Namakkal However restrictions on quarry operations in Uthukuli have led to a severe shortage of quality stone escalating prices from Rs 600 to Rs 900 per square foot in just a yearAt the same time the cost of machinery has increased compelling sculptors to raise their prices and thereby reducing their order volumesHe warned that the industry is on a decline due to government apathy There were more than 150 sculpture workshops in Thirumuruganpoondi five years ago Now only 112 remain Skilled artisans are paid up to Rs 1500 per day and we offer Rs 500 to new trainees but even so young people are reluctant to enter the field Families involved in this profession for generations are discouraging their children from continuing due to a lack of supportHe appealed to the government to either fully fund a separate cluster or provide land at a 50 per cent subsidyWithout such assistance he said the industry could gradually vanish S Yuvraj secretary of the association pointed out that access to credit remains a major hurdleLast year we trained 21 young people to become entrepreneurs They applied for loans but have yet to receive them This has led to disappointment and distrust The government should step in to facilitate easier access to loans machinery subsidies and introduce a dedicated board to support workers in this sectorResponding to the demands a senior official from the District Industries Centre DIC said that the governments Micro Cluster Development Programme already offers up to 90 per cent subsidy covering project costs up to Rs 75 crore However land acquisition remains the responsibility of the artisansIf the sculptors want governmentprovided land they can approach us directly We are ready to guide them and help with the loan process the official said The sculptors hope that timely intervention from the government will help preserve this traditional art form and rejuvenate the oncethriving industry IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/sculptors-of-tns-tiruppur-seek-dedicated-industrial-cluster-to-preserve-heritage-craft-626096.html Mon, 14 Jul 2025 16:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/dgca-directs-airlines-to-check-fuel-switches-of-boeing-planes-after-air-india-crash-report-626147.html New Delhi July 14 The Directorate General of Civil Aviation DGCA has instructed airlines to carry out checks on the locking mechanism of fuel control switches of Boeing aircraft in their fleets The move comes in the wake of the preliminary investigation report into last months tragic Air India Boeing Dreamliner crash at Ahmedabad in which 260 people were killedOne of the key findings of the Air Accidents Investigation Bureaus preliminary report on the crash was that the twin engines of the illfated Boeing plane shut down seconds after takeoff as the fuel supply was cut offThe report raised fresh concerns over the aircrafts engine fuel cutoff switches as they transitioned from Run to Cutoff just 3 seconds after takeoffThe cockpit voice recording of the crashed plane revealed one pilot asking the other Why did you cut off to which his colleague replied I didntThe AAIB report also mentions FAAs 2018 bulletin that had warned of a potential malfunction of the fuel control switches manufactured by USbased Honeywell in a few Boeing models such as the 737s which also use the same switchesThe bulletin recommended that carriers operating Boeing models including the Dreamliner inspect the locking mechanism of the fuel cutoff switches a step not taken by Air India according to the AAIB reportAir India informed investigators that it did not carry out suggested inspections as they were advisory in nature and not mandatoryHowever after the Air India crash some airlines such as Emirates that have Boeing planes in their fleets are reported to be carrying out checks on the fuel switch locking mechanism on their own after the crash as part of enhanced safety measuresMeanwhile the USAs Federal Aviation Administration has informed civil aviation authorities of other countries that fuel control switch designs including the locking feature installed in Boeing planes including the Dreamliner involved in the Air India crash at Ahmedabad are safeThe US aviation safety regulator has stated that no airworthiness directive is deemed necessary for Boeing operators at this time IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/dgca-directs-airlines-to-check-fuel-switches-of-boeing-planes-after-air-india-crash-report-626147.html Mon, 14 Jul 2025 19:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/north-koreas-mount-kumgang-listed-as-unesco-world-heritage-site-625923.html Paris July 13 North Koreas Mount Kumgang a scenic mountain known for its beauty that changes with the seasons has been named a United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation UNESCO World Heritage site UNESCO added Mount Kumgang to its World Heritage list following the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Paris on Sunday The official name of the place entering the list is Mt Kumgang Diamond Mountain from the SeaIn May this year the International Council on Monuments and Sites and the International Union for Conservation of Nature which serve as advisory bodies to the World Heritage Committee had recommended the inclusion of Mount Kumgang on the UNESCO World Heritage list reported Yonhap news agencyUNESCOs website describes Mount Kumgang as a strikingly beautiful mountain with numerous peaks and curious rocks amounting to some 12000 waterfalls and pools formed by crystallike clear waters flowing from hundreds of gorges as well as with the seascape stretched along the coastlineMt Kumgang is permeated with numerous legends and cultural relics handed down through generations the website saysNorth Korea submitted its application for World Heritage inscription in 2021 but the sites review was delayed due to the COVID19 pandemic The evaluation resumed this yearMount Kumgang is North Koreas third World Cultural Heritage site joining the Complex of Koguryo Tombs inscribed in 2004 and the Historic Monuments and Sites in Kaesong in 2013In 2014 North Korea also had Arirang a lyrical folk song in the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea inscribed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of HumanityOn July 12 a set of prehistoric rock carvings in southeastern South Korea was added to UNESCOs World Heritage list the countrys cultural agency announcedThe decision was made during the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Paris where the Petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream were formally recognised for their outstanding cultural value IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/north-koreas-mount-kumgang-listed-as-unesco-world-heritage-site-625923.html Sun, 13 Jul 2025 17:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/uttarakhand-pm-kisan-scheme-brings-impactful-change-in-lives-of-people-in-ramnagar-625951.html Dehradun July 13 Prime Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana PMKISAN is providing great relief and support to the farmers in the Ramnagar region of Nainital district Taking advantage of the public welfare scheme farmers are becoming financially strong and also selfreliant Many farmers spoke to IANS shedding light on the impactful change that the scheme has brought into their lives Many of them shared that they use this monetary assistance to buy fertilisers and seeds and also fulfil their other needs related to their livelihoodThey expressed their gratitude to the Modi government for launching a farmerfriendly schemeNaresh Chandra Dholakhandi the Block incharge of Ramnagar told IANS that currently 6500 farmers are taking advantage of the PMKISAN scheme in the districtHe further informed about the likely addition of another 500 farmers to the PMKISAN beneficiary list He said that their Aadhaar and other KYC documents are incomplete due to which they are not receiving their instalment As soon as the farmers complete the documentation they will also start getting the benefitsThe block administration is continuously making farmers aware to update the documents so that no eligible farmer is deprived of this benefit he saidBeneficiary Ashok Kumar said that money is directly sent to their bank accounts under the scheme This money helps them in sowing the crops on timeTwo other beneficiaries named Sunil Kumar and Surendra Kumar said that they received Rs 2000 into their accounts every three months This provides financial help in farmingNotably the PMKISAN scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2019 to supplement the financial needs of landholding farmers Under the scheme a financial benefit of Rs 6000 per year is transferred in three equal instalments into the Aadhaarseeded bank accounts of farmers through the Direct Benefit Transfer DBT mode IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/uttarakhand-pm-kisan-scheme-brings-impactful-change-in-lives-of-people-in-ramnagar-625951.html Sun, 13 Jul 2025 21:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/cm-stalin-expresses-delight-at-gingee-fort-getting-unesco-world-heritage-tag-625876.html Chennai July 13 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed joy over the inclusion of Gingee Fort in the prestigious list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites Taking to social media CM Stalin wrote Delighted that GingeeFort famously known as the Troy of the East has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Maratha Military Landscapes of India This majestic hill fortress now joins Tamil Nadus proud list of UNESCO sites including the Great Living Chola Temples the monuments at Mmallapuram the Nilgiri Mountain Railway and the Western Ghats A proud moment for Tamil Nadu and its enduring cultural heritageGingee Fort located in Tamil Nadus Villupuram district was among the 12 historic forts that make up the Maratha Military Landscapes of India It was officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee WHC being held in ParisThe recognition brings global acclaim to the site and is expected to boost international tourism to the region The Maratha Military Landscapes include a total of 12 fort sites 11 of which are located in Maharashtra with Gingee Fort being the sole representative from Tamil NaduThe nomination for the UNESCO tag was submitted for the 202425 cycle by the Government of India and the process involved over 18 months of evaluation technical reviews and onsite assessmentsAccording to a press release the proposal was submitted to the WHC in January 2024 followed by several rounds of technical meetings and a site visit by experts from the International Council on Monuments and Sites ICOMOS in September last yearThe WHC took the final decision on Friday after a thorough review The Nomination Dossier and Management Plan for Gingee Fort were prepared by the Development and Research Organisation for Nature Arts and Heritage DRONAH an interdisciplinary organisationThe documentation followed UNESCOs Operational Guidelines for the World Heritage Convention and included details such as the historical significance conservation status protection mechanisms and longterm management plans for the siteGingee Fort built in 1200 CE by Ananta Kon of the Konar Dynasty stands majestically across three rocky hillocks Rajagiri Krishnagiri and ChandragiriKnown for its formidable defences and strategic design the fort was considered nearly impregnable Over the centuries it passed through the hands of several dynasties and colonial powers including the Vijayanagar Nayaks Marathas Mughals Nawabs French and BritishThe forts inscription marks a significant milestone in Tamil Nadus cultural heritage preservation and adds to the states growing list of globally recognised historical landmarks IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/cm-stalin-expresses-delight-at-gingee-fort-getting-unesco-world-heritage-tag-625876.html Sun, 13 Jul 2025 09:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/rozgar-melas-more-than-10-lakh-recruitment-letters-issued-so-far-625878.html New Delhi July 13 More than 10 lakh recruitment letters have been issued so far through Rozgar Melas across the country according to the government The highest singleday distribution of over one lakh appointment letters was in February 2024 So far 16 editions of Rozgar Mela have been organised across the countryThe first edition of Rozgar Mela was held on October 22 2022 During this inaugural event appointment letters were handed over to more than 75000 recruitsIn the second edition on November 22 2022 Prime Minister Narendra Modi released approximately 71000 appointment letters to newly inducted recruits in over 45 cities through video conferencingOn Saturday PM Modi distributed over 51000 appointment letters to newly appointed youths in government departments and organisations during the 16th Rozgar MelaThe Rozgar Mela took place at 47 locations across the country helping young people join various Central Government Ministries and DepartmentsThe new recruits have joined the Ministry of Railways the Ministry of Home Affairs the Department of Posts the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare the Department of Financial Services the Ministry of Labour and Employment and many other departmentsThis initiative is part of the governments ongoing efforts to create more job opportunities and strengthen the workforce across the nationThe Rozgar Melas primarily target youth aged 18 to 35 accommodating a range of academic qualifications including those who have completed 8th 10th and 12th grades as well as ITI Diploma and Graduate degrees This also includes trained and certified candidates who meet the National Skills Qualifications Framework standards said the governmentJob seekers are mobilised and informed about the Rozgar Mela through various channels such as print advertisements bulk SMS social media and workshops at colleges and universities in and around the events districtIn addition to job placements Rozgar Melas feature several complementary activities including counselling sessions for job seekers and their parents Kaushal Melas for youth registration in new skill development training PMKKPMKVY Mudra Loan Facilitation Counters and skill exhibitions where SSCs showcase their training models equipment and job rolesThe Rozgar Mela is a key government initiative to boost employment for youth across India It connects job seekers directly with employers helping address unemployment IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/rozgar-melas-more-than-10-lakh-recruitment-letters-issued-so-far-625878.html Sun, 13 Jul 2025 10:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/jamnagars-itra-emerges-as-global-hub-for-ayurvedic-education-and-research-625707.html Jamnagar Gujarat July 11 Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda ITRA located in Jamnagar Gujarat is making India proud by promoting Ayurveda and Unani systems of medicine at the global level The institute is not only renowned in India but also internationally recognised for its education and research in Ayurveda attracting students from around the world So far students from 65 countries have pursued Ayurvedic education at this instituteProfessor Arpan Bhatt associated with the institute for the past 45 years spoke to IANS on Friday He said that the institute offers training in various sciences related to Ayurveda Along with research clinical treatment is also provided Several Yogarelated courses are also conducted here The institute also houses a 300bed hospital where hundreds of patients visit daily to receive Ayurvedic treatmentPraising Prime Minister Narendra Modi Professor Bhatt said that due to the Prime Ministers initiative and the support of the Government of India the institute has been declared an Institution of National Importance Every year around 15 to 20 international students enrol in various courses The Indian government continues to promote and support the institute Students from over 65 countries have studied here and currently students from 12 to 15 countriesincluding Sri Lanka Nepal Brazil Romania France and Spainare receiving education at ITRABodhini a student from Sri Lanka currently pursuing a postMD clinical training course at ITRA said the course has provided her with significant insights that will benefit both herself and her countryBuddhika a postgraduate from the University of Colombo mentioned that during the course she participated in various training sessions and gained extensive knowledge She expressed her gratitude to the institutes staff and thanked India for giving her the opportunity to study here as a Sri Lankan citizenITRA Director Dr Tanuja Nesari shared that a Global Centre for Traditional Medicine is being built on the campus She said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone for the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine GCTM more than 70 per cent of which is now complete The centre is expected to be fully ready by December The inauguration will be attended by Prime Minister Modi senior WHO officials and dignitaries from various countries This centre will be a prestigious contribution from India to the world and a significant gift to JamnagarDr Geetha Krishnan Gopalakrishna Pillai Head of the Traditional Medicine Research and Evidence Unit at ITRA shared a major development the WHO building on campus will soon house the worlds largest Ayurveda research and information centre This research centre will benefit not only the state of Gujarat but entire India in a significant way IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/jamnagars-itra-emerges-as-global-hub-for-ayurvedic-education-and-research-625707.html Sat, 12 Jul 2025 00:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/restoration-work-on-angkor-wats-bakan-tower-in-cambodia-makes-significant-progress-625673.html Phnom Penh July 11 The restoration work on the northeast corner of Angkor Wats Bakan Tower in Cambodias Angkor Archaeological Park is making remarkable progress said an APSARA National Authority ANAs news release on Friday Carried out by the ANA in collaboration with the Korean Heritage Agency the project began in February 2025 and is expected to be completed at the end of 2026Khem Mony an ANA technical officer for the project said the platform and stairs of the northeast corner of the Bakan Tower were cracked and at high risk prior to the restoration workOur restoration team is carefully moving stones and reinforcing them layer by layer adhering to recommendations from the experts of the International Coordinating Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of the Historic Site of Angkor and the Sambor Prei Kuk Archaeological Site ICCAngkorSambor Prei Kuk he saidDuring the restoration process certain areas of the Bakan Tower were closed to visitors for safety reasons but access to the entire site remained open albeit with some restrictions in place reported Xinhua news agencyTo ensure visitor safety during the restoration process barriers have been erected around the work areas and signage has been provided to inform tourists about ongoing repairs and any changes to access routes the ANA saidBuilt in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II Angkor Wat is a major temple in the UNESCOlisted Angkor Archaeological Park in northwest Siem Reap provinceThe 401squarekm Angkor Archaeological Park is home to 91 ancient temples which were built from the ninth to the 13th centuriesThe ancient park which is the kingdoms most popular tourist destination attracted a total of 527577 international tourists during the JanuaryMay period of 2025 generating a gross revenue of 245 million US dollars from ticket sales according to the stateowned Angkor EnterpriseThe top five source markets for the ancient site were the United States Britain France China and South Korea IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/restoration-work-on-angkor-wats-bakan-tower-in-cambodia-makes-significant-progress-625673.html Fri, 11 Jul 2025 18:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/cambodia-restoration-work-on-angkor-wats-bakan-tower-makes-significant-progress-625674.html Phnom Penh July 11 The restoration work on the northeast corner of Angkor Wats Bakan Tower in Cambodias Angkor Archaeological Park is making remarkable progress said an APSARA National Authority ANAs news release on Friday Carried out by the ANA in collaboration with the Korean Heritage Agency the project began in February 2025 and is expected to be completed at the end of 2026Khem Mony an ANA technical officer for the project said the platform and stairs of the northeast corner of the Bakan Tower were cracked and at high risk prior to the restoration workOur restoration team is carefully moving stones and reinforcing them layer by layer adhering to recommendations from the experts of the International Coordinating Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of the Historic Site of Angkor and the Sambor Prei Kuk Archaeological Site ICCAngkorSambor Prei Kuk he saidDuring the restoration process certain areas of the Bakan Tower were closed to visitors for safety reasons but access to the entire site remained open albeit with some restrictions in place reported Xinhua news agencyTo ensure visitor safety during the restoration process barriers have been erected around the work areas and signage has been provided to inform tourists about ongoing repairs and any changes to access routes the ANA saidBuilt in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II Angkor Wat is a major temple in the UNESCOlisted Angkor Archaeological Park in northwest Siem Reap provinceThe 401squarekm Angkor Archaeological Park is home to 91 ancient temples which were built from the ninth to the 13th centuriesThe ancient park which is the kingdoms most popular tourist destination attracted a total of 527577 international tourists during the JanuaryMay period of 2025 generating a gross revenue of 245 million US dollars from ticket sales according to the stateowned Angkor EnterpriseThe top five source markets for the ancient site were the United States Britain France China and South Korea IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/cambodia-restoration-work-on-angkor-wats-bakan-tower-makes-significant-progress-625674.html Fri, 11 Jul 2025 18:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/train-services-partially-restored-in-parts-of-ne-after-5-day-disruption-625689.html Guwahati July 11 After five days of disruption due to landslides the train services between south Assam Tripura Manipur and Mizoram and the rest of the country via Guwahati partially resumed on Friday officials said The Northeast Frontier Railway NFR Chief Public Relations Officer CPRO Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said that the AgartalaSMVT Bengaluru Humsafar Express and SilcharGuwahati special train are being run for the benefit of stranded passengers He said that trains running in the LumdingBadarpur Hill section have been disrupted due to the falling of huge earth muck boulders etc in huge quantities from the adjoining hills over the railway track between MupaDihakho stations of Lumding DivisionDue to ongoing restoration work in Assams mountainous Dima Hasao district train movements are being regulated on this section Though the clearance of landslides and restoration of railway tracks was underway on a war footing manner the Railway officials have not yet confirmed when normal train services would be restored in the regionAccording to NFR CPRO train operations on the single line railway track have been suspended until full clearance of debris to ensure safety Northeast Frontier Railway officials and senior engineers are continuously supervising the restoration work at the site and machines and adequate manpower were mobilised for the early restoration of train services he saidHelp desks have been opened to facilitate passengers at Guwahati Lumding Silchar Badarpur and Agartala stations Since June 23 the railway network of southern Assam comprising Cachar Karimganj Hailakandi districts along with Dima Hasao district Tripura Manipur and Mizoram has been cut off from the rest of the country for the third time due to landslidesAfter a week of disruption due to landslides in the same LumdingBadarpur hill section regular train services between Assam Tripura Manipur Mizoram and the rest of the country via Guwahati fully resumed on June 30 Vital train services in the LumdingBadarpur hill section of the Lumding division have been disrupted since June 23 after landslides hit the railway track in the same mountainous areasAgain after a days disruption due to landslides normal train services in the region resumed on July 4 During the monsoon period from June to September every year several northeastern states especially Tripura Mizoram Manipur and southern Assam remain cut off from the rest of the country for weeks because of landslides waterlogging and damage to railway tracks leading to severe hardship for the people of the region IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/train-services-partially-restored-in-parts-of-ne-after-5-day-disruption-625689.html Fri, 11 Jul 2025 21:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/indore-set-to-start-ek-ped-maa-ke-naam-2o-initiative-tomorrow-says-minister-kailash-vijayvargiya-625562.html Indore July 11 Indore announced as the cleanest city in India which had made a new Guinness World Record for planting 11 lakh saplings within 24 hours in July 2024 is all set to start Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 20 campaign from Friday Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will start the mega plantation drive with planting a sapling at a park near cloth market in Keshar Bagh road in the city Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said on ThursdayThe Minister told that Indore Municipal Corporation has alloted five acres land for this purpose and a total 51 lakh saplings will be planted with participation of people from all walks of lifeOn the first day July 11 a total of 1100 samplings will be plantedVeteran BJP leader Vijayvargiya also told that Union Minister for Environment Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav who is scheduled to visit Indore on July 12 will also participate in the plantation driveLike last year together we had made a world record of planting the most number of saplings in 24 hours the mega plantation drive is all set to begin from July 11 Citizen of Indore are welcome to contribute in making the city green Vijayvargiya who is a BJP MLA from Indore Assembly constituency saidNotably last year more than 30000 people including 40plus nonresident Indians NRIs hailing from Indore had participated in the world record creating tree plantation drive on the Revati Range hillock located on IndoreUjjain RoadLater several BJP leadersincluding Union Home Minister Amit Shah had also planted a sapling in the drive at the Rewati firing range ground of the Border Security Force BSFSeveral Bollywood actors and sportpersons from Indore and other parts of Madhya Pradesh had also participated in the campaignFew months ago Minister Vijayvargiya had shared a video from Rewati Range claiming that all 1240 lakh saplings planted under the campaign Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam at Revati Range in Indore were alive and growingHe had told that further steps to ensure the safety of these plants such as water facility regular gardening and fencing are being done by the Indore Municipal CorporationHe had said that with the inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi the saplings planted in the city under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign are now becoming treesThe city dwellers had created a world record by planting 124 lakh saplings in the Revati RangeNotably the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign was launched by PM Modi on June 5 2024Under this drive nearly 140 crore trees were planted across the country including 55 million in Madhya Pradesh IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/indore-set-to-start-ek-ped-maa-ke-naam-2o-initiative-tomorrow-says-minister-kailash-vijayvargiya-625562.html Fri, 11 Jul 2025 16:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/indore-to-start-ek-ped-maa-ke-naam-20-initiative-tomorrow-says-mp-minister-vijayvargiya-625565.html Indore July 11 Indore announced as the cleanest city in India which had made a new Guinness World Record for planting 11 lakh saplings within 24 hours in July 2024 is all set to start Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 20 campaign from Friday Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will start the mega plantation drive with planting a sapling at a park near cloth market in Keshar Bagh road in the city Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said on ThursdayThe Minister told that Indore Municipal Corporation has alloted five acres land for this purpose and a total 51 lakh saplings will be planted with participation of people from all walks of lifeOn the first day July 11 a total of 1100 samplings will be plantedVeteran BJP leader Vijayvargiya also told that Union Minister for Environment Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav who is scheduled to visit Indore on July 12 will also participate in the plantation driveLike last year together we had made a world record of planting the most number of saplings in 24 hours the mega plantation drive is all set to begin from July 11 Citizen of Indore are welcome to contribute in making the city green Vijayvargiya who is a BJP MLA from Indore Assembly constituency saidNotably last year more than 30000 people including 40plus nonresident Indians NRIs hailing from Indore had participated in the world record creating tree plantation drive on the Revati Range hillock located on IndoreUjjain RoadLater several BJP leadersincluding Union Home Minister Amit Shah had also planted a sapling in the drive at the Rewati firing range ground of the Border Security Force BSFSeveral Bollywood actors and sportpersons from Indore and other parts of Madhya Pradesh had also participated in the campaignFew months ago Minister Vijayvargiya had shared a video from Rewati Range claiming that all 1240 lakh saplings planted under the campaign Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam at Revati Range in Indore were alive and growingHe had told that further steps to ensure the safety of these plants such as water facility regular gardening and fencing are being done by the Indore Municipal CorporationHe had said that with the inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi the saplings planted in the city under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign are now becoming treesThe city dwellers had created a world record by planting 124 lakh saplings in the Revati RangeNotably the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign was launched by PM Modi on June 5 2024Under this drive nearly 140 crore trees were planted across the country including 55 million in Madhya Pradesh IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/indore-to-start-ek-ped-maa-ke-naam-20-initiative-tomorrow-says-mp-minister-vijayvargiya-625565.html Fri, 11 Jul 2025 16:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/shravan-2025-festive-spirit-grips-varanasi-markets-mahakal-t-shirts-in-high-demand-625507.html Varanasi July 10 With Shravan one of the holiest and most revered months in Hinduism beginning Friday the festive spirit has gripped the city as well as the markets which are buzzing with activity and witnessing high footfalls for purchasing clothes and merchandise seeped in spirituality There is heightened activity in the markets with devotees making a beeline to buy customized saffron clothes with Lord Shiva images and prints inscribed on themDalmandi considered as one of the biggest textile markets for Purvanchal is witnessing high demand for Tshirts and Kurtas with Mahadev and Mahakal designs Devotees are flocking to these outlets in large numbers to buy the customized and fashionable clothesSaffron Tshirts with Mahadev and Mahakal written on them and images of Lord Shiva stamped are luring lots of Kanwariyas at these outletsMahakal Tshirts in particular have emerged as the hot seller this season Also the Tshirts tailored for children with pictures of childish form of Lord Shiva are drawing the attention of many devotees Many youths as well as adults are buying these Tshirts in large numbersAccording to shopkeepers the Kanwariyas faith in Lord Shiva and the desire for fashionable clothes have given impetus to the Shravan festival this season They claim that there has been a consistent rise in scale of Kanwar yatra over the yearsAccording to wholesale trader Sandeep Kesari the sales have gone up by almost five times as compared to last yearNot only people from Purvanchal region but a large number of orders are also being received from Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh Bihar and neighboring country Nepal he told IANSWe have been in the business for the past 2530 years In the past few years the number of Kanwariyas have increased due to enhancement in amenities and facilities along the Kanwar route he saidHe added that the Mahakal Tshirts and Kurta are in high demand Not just the devotees but also the traders from other states and even Nepal are buying these clothing from us and taking back to their citiesOther traders said that the demand is so high that they are struggling to deliver it on timeThe confluence of fashion with devotion to Lord Shiva in the month of Sawan has given a different shade to the markets they saidShravan dedicated to Lord Shiva is considered as the most holy and pious month of the year During the entire month devotees across the country observe rituals prayers and fast with devotion IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/shravan-2025-festive-spirit-grips-varanasi-markets-mahakal-t-shirts-in-high-demand-625507.html Thu, 10 Jul 2025 21:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/mp-under-sashakt-vahini-yojana-girl-students-get-training-for-appointment-in-police-force-625519.html Neemuch Madhya Pradesh July 10 Sashakt Vahini Yojana is a programme under the Ministry of Women and Child Development focused on providing coaching to girls and young women by preparing them for entrylevel exams in the police department In Madhya Pradeshs Neemuch district the programme is giving a boost to the young women by fuelling their dreams and also preparing them for handling challenging assignments and tasksThe girl students are being given free training who have the desire and passion to bring glory to their country by joining the police and paramilitary forcesThe free training programme started on July 10 will help in promoting gender equality and also in empowering the girl child under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiativeStudent Divyani Sharma speaking to IANS said that she felt very happy to be part of this programmeAnother student Vanshika Sharma said that under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme the Women and Child Development Department in Neemuch is providing free training to girl students for the recruitment exams in police army and paramilitary forcesThis training programme was inaugurated in the Police Control Room located at the District Police LineWomen and Child Development Officer Ankita said that 160 girls have been registered under this programmeOut of these we have identified those girls who aspire to achieve something in life and move forward but they do not have access to coaching facilities she saidFrom today we have started training the girls Here the students will be given physical training This free programme will run for six months During the training all things related to the examinations will be explained in detail she saidShe said that the police and sports department are supporting this programmeNeemuch District Collector Himanshu Chandra and other senior officials were present at the inauguration of the training programme Encouraging the students he said that this training is an important step towards making the girls selfreliant and empowered IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/mp-under-sashakt-vahini-yojana-girl-students-get-training-for-appointment-in-police-force-625519.html Thu, 10 Jul 2025 22:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/gender-auditing-gathers-steam-in-kerala-625387.html Thiruvananthapuram July 10 Kerala known for its progressive initiatives across sectors is now emerging as a frontrunner in gender auditing a crucial step toward institutional accountability and inclusion The process has gained traction through its early implementation in Kudumbashree the states flagship womens empowerment programme that is being emulated globally as well as within local selfgovernment bodies and the tourism sectorGender audits should be conducted in any system that impacts peoples lives and choices These audits help assess whether institutions are serving all genders equitably says Dr Reshma Elizabeth Thomas an ILOcertified Gender Audit Facilitator who has led several such exercises in KeralaShe explains that gender auditing is not about ticking boxes or merely reviewing policy documents Its a process of deep participatory reflection she told IANSThe methodology includes desk reviews staff surveys interviews participatory workshops debriefing sessions and culminates in a Gender Action Plan with measurable outcomes and mechanisms for ongoing monitoringAccording to Dr Thomas gender audits help institutions identify systemic inequalities in their structures policies and workplace culturesThey foster organizational learning enhance communication across hierarchies improve psychological safety and support genderresponsive planning and budgeting Most importantly they cultivate a shared sense of ownership and commitment to gender equality she saidKudumbashree for instance has pioneered a Gender Crime Mapping Survey a participatory auditing tool that systematically records incidents of genderbased violence at the panchayat levelData is collected directly from womens neighbourhood groups across wards helping to identify local hotspots and guide communityled interventionsBuilding on these efforts Dr Thomas emphasized the need for a comprehensive participatory gender audit manual which would institutionalize audits across departments and sectorsThe next step is integrating prevention redressal and systemic reform she notedWhile gender audits directly contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal SDG 5 Gender Equality their impact goes beyondThey promote inclusion institutional responsiveness and accountability which ripple across SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities and SDG 16 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions she said adding When conducted rigorously and linked to concrete actions gender audits can catalyze institutional transformation bridging the gap between policy and lived realitiesDr Thomas also underscored the importance of genderresponsive budgeting Without financial commitment gender equality remains a rhetorical goal Gender budgeting is the bridge between intent and impact she saidGlobally the ILOs Participatory Gender Audit model is considered the gold standard and Keralas strides in this area signal its growing commitment to building more inclusive and equitable institutions IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/gender-auditing-gathers-steam-in-kerala-625387.html Thu, 10 Jul 2025 13:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/how-army-became-lifeline-for-flood-hit-villages-in-himachal-pradesh-625403.html New Delhi July 10 In the mistcovered hills of Himachal Pradesh where natures beauty can turn treacherous in a heartbeat uniformed men of the Indian Army are writing a quiet story of hope resilience and selfless service As floodwaters wreaked havoc across the Mandi district especially in remote villages like Thunag Degi Rushad and Chapad the Indian Army is standing shoulder to shoulder with the people of floodaffected districts and is providing key help ensuring that life continues to function thereAt a time when natures beauty has turned into a devastating situation including in remote villages of Mandi and other areas in Himachal Pradesh it was not just heavy machinery but human courage that cleared paths delivered rations and provided the healing touch where it was needed mostSince July 6 Indian Army relief columns have been operating tirelessly in these affected regions Despite limited mobile coverage the soldiers have maintained constant updates with the civil administration working shouldertoshoulder with the SDRF NDRF and local officialsNotably it isnt just supplies that arrived but also doctors In makeshift tents set up next to collapsed homes army medics are treating everything including the provision of first aid and distribution of ration kits to affected familiesIn partnership with civil administration the Army has ensured the delivery of relief material to remote villages cut off by the flood Aid has already reached Degi July 7 Rushad July 8 and Chapad July 9All columns are in communication via mobile networks with limited coverage at some locations like ThunagSatellite communications including ISAT phone RS STARSV and HX systems have been provided to ensure uninterrupted operational connectivityThe Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is scheduled to visit Thunag to assess the ongoing relief operationsSimilarly the Brigade Commander is also visiting Mandi for an operational update and interaction with the relief columnsA meeting with the Chief Minister and Deputy Commissioner Mandi is also planned to enhance coordination and responseThe Indian Army said it remains committed to supporting the citizens of Himachal Pradesh during this crisis and continues to stand by the civil administration in its time of need IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/how-army-became-lifeline-for-flood-hit-villages-in-himachal-pradesh-625403.html Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/mp-asias-oldest-elephant-dies-at-panna-tiger-reserve-625090.html Panna July 9 Vatsala the Asias oldest female elephant who earned names Dadi Maa Nani Maa in her life journey of more than 100 years from Kerala to Madhya Pradesh died at the Panna Tiger Reserve PTR on Tuesday The oldest and most beloved elephant of Panna who suffered multiple organ failure and was under observation of the veterinarians took her last breath a senior forest official told IANSWith her death a chapter of love legacy and wildlife dedication came to an endKnown affectionately as Dadi and Dai Maa among forest staff and wildlife lovers Vatsala was more than 100yearsold and had been battling illness for a long timeVatsala was more than just an elephantShe was an institution within the Panna Tiger Reserve PTRFamous for her maternal instincts she became a lifelong caregiver to elephant calves and even served as a midwife assisting in the birth of new members of the elephant herdShe spent her final days at Hinauta camp where she was lovingly cared for by forest staffUpon her death PTR Field Director Anjana Suchita Tirkey Deputy Director Mohit Sood and wildlife veterinarian Sanjeev Gupta rushed to the siteHer last rites were conducted with solemn respect at the campBorn in the Nilambur forests of Kerala Vatsala began her journey as a working elephant in the timber tradeIn 1971 she was brought to Hoshangabad in Madhya Pradesh and later transferred to the Panna Tiger Reserve in 1993For a decade she played a critical role in tracking tigers in PTR contributing significantly towards conservation effortsShe retired in 2003 but her work never truly stoppedShe dedicated her remaining years to nurturing younger elephants offering warmth and companionship rarely seen in the animal kingdomVatsala was tourist favourite and undoubtedly she was acknowledged the pride of PannaShe was a key attraction for domestic and international tourists alikeHer gentle nature iconic presence and emotional bond with caretakers made her a symbol of PTRs commitment to ethical wildlife careSeveral tourists who had fond memories during their visit to PTR and especially with Vatsala shared those moments on social media along with video and photographs with herVatsalas passing away marks a profound lossnot just to Panna Tiger Reserve but to Indias conservation community at largeBJP MP from Panna Assembly constituency in Chhatarpur district Brijendra Patap Singh expressed his condolences on Vatsalas demise saying that her dignity and affection were embedded in Panna Tiger ReserveThe demise of the worlds oldest elephant Vatsala who had travelled a glorious journey of wildlife nearly for more than 100 years is an emotional moment for the people of Panna Singh wrote on X IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/mp-asias-oldest-elephant-dies-at-panna-tiger-reserve-625090.html Wed, 09 Jul 2025 00:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/bihar-women-in-sheikhpura-become-aatmanirbhar-through-pradhan-mantri-matsya-sampada-yojana-625092.html Sheikhpura July 9 The women in Bihars Sheikhpura are becoming selfreliant with the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana PMMSY launched by the Narendra Modiled Union government The Union governments effort is to make women selfreliant by strengthening them economicallyA beneficiary of PMMSY scheme from Kamani village Rajmani Devi said She had applied for this scheme after getting information about Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana PMMSY This scheme is very good I have become selfreliant by taking advantage of this schemeShe earns her livelihood by farming fish in a pond spread over one bighaShe told that she sends fishes to other states outside Bihar as wellShe has also got exemption under this scheme from the Union governmentBeneficiary Rajmani Devi said that her husband had died in 1988 after which she somehow raised her children and had to face many problems during this periodAfter getting information about this scheme I applied for this scheme and am getting benefits now I also appeal to people to take advantage of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada YojanaAnother beneficiary said that Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana PMMSY is a great welfare scheme for unemployed peopleIf the beneficiaries of this scheme work hard they can earn good profits and live a better lifeEarlier the yield on the vacant land was not goodIn such a situation by growing ponds in that land and engaging in fish farming employment is being generated as women have become selfreliantFor this he has expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra ModiDistrict Fisheries Officer Ashish Kumar said that more than 100 farmers are getting employment by joining the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana PMMSY in the district This scheme has increased fish farmingPeople are getting employment directly and indirectly through this schemeThe scheme Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana PMMSY was launched by the Department of Fisheries Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying to bring about ecologically healthy economically viable and socially inclusive development of the fisheries sector of IndiaPMMSY shall bring about Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector in India at a total investment of 20050 crore for holistic development of the fisheries sector including the welfare of fishers PMMSY is implemented in all the States and Union Territories for a period of five years from FY 202021 to FY 202425 In the Union Budget 202324 a new subscheme under the PMMSY has been announced with an investment of Rs6000 crore to enable activities of fish vendors fishermen and micro and small enterprises for improving value chain efficiencies and expanding the market IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/bihar-women-in-sheikhpura-become-aatmanirbhar-through-pradhan-mantri-matsya-sampada-yojana-625092.html Wed, 09 Jul 2025 00:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/hum-karke-dikhate-hain-adani-groups-advertisement-on-lighting-up-lives-strikes-a-chord--624952.html New Delhi July 8 Gautam Adani Chairman of the Adani Group shared a riveting video on Tuesday showcasing the resurgence of green energy driven by its extensive network of solar plants across India including the one in Gujarats Khavda and reaffirmed the conglomerates commitments to fulfilling its promises Gautam Adani took to his social media handle and shared an engrossing video of how the sooraj bhaiya sun is enlightening and enriching the lives of people by harnessing solar power at the worlds largest renewable energy plant in Khavda of Gujarats Kutch regionIn our actions sit the promises we make Promises to light up lives to power dreams where darkness once lived and to bring the sun home to every village The rays of change are here Hum Karke Dikhate Hain wrote the Adani Group chairman on XThe advertisement of Adani Groups green energy push in the country has taken social media by storm much like its previous outofthebox campaignsNotably Adani Group is developing the worlds largest renewable energy plant of 30000 MW on the barren wasteland at Khavda in Kutch Gujarat Built across 538 sq km it is five times the size of Paris and will be even visible from space Once complete it will be the planets largest power plant across all energy sourcesAdani Green Energy Limited AGEL the countrys largest renewable energy company has already achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 15000 megawatts MW of operational capacity specifically reaching 155399 MWThe operational portfolio of 155399 MWs can power approximately 79 million households and light up thirteen states AGELs operational portfolio can power the entire northeast region with renewable energy The milestone coincides with AGEL completing 10 years of powering India with clean and affordable energy at unmatched speed and scaleInspired by Gautam Adanis ambition to position Adani Group as the global leader in renewable energy AGEL is committed to setting new benchmarks in innovation and operational excellence proving that clean energy can be delivered at unprecedented scale and speed Ashish Khanna CEO AGEL had said on companys feat of surpassing the operational capacity of 15000 MWs IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/hum-karke-dikhate-hain-adani-groups-advertisement-on-lighting-up-lives-strikes-a-chord--624952.html Tue, 08 Jul 2025 12:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/nearly-70-000-perform-amarnath-yatra-in-4-days-624747.html Srinagar July 7 Nearly 70000 devotees performed the Amarnath Yatra in the last four days as another batch of 8605 pilgrims left for the Kashmir Valley on Monday an official said According to officials nearly 70000 people have performed the ongoing Shri Amarnath ji Yata so far since it started on July 3 Of these 21512 Yatris had Darshan inside the holy cave shrine on SundayOfficials said that another batch of 8605 Yatris left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu for the Kashmir Valley in two escorted convoys on MondayThe first escorted convoy is carrying 3486 pilgrims to north Kashmir Baltal base camp while the second escorted convoy is carrying 5119 Yatris to south Kashmir Nunwan Pahalgam base camp officials saidOfficials of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board SASB that manages the affairs of the annual pilgrimage said that in addition to the number of Yatris coming to the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu many Yatris are reporting directly at Baltal and Nunwan Pahalgam for on spot registration to join the YatraTwo pilgrims have died of natural causes since the Yatra started this yearAuthorities have left no stone unturned in providing a multitier cover to this years Amarnath Yatra as this takes place after the cowardly attack of April 22 in which Pakistanbacked terrorists killed 26 civilians after segregating them on the basis of faith in Baisaran meadow of PahalgamAn additional 180 companies of CAPFs have been brought in to augment the existing strength of the army BSF CRPF SSB and the local policeAll the transit camps en route to the two base camps and the entire route from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu to the cave shrine are secured by the security forcesLocals have extended complete cooperation to this years Amarnath Yatra as they have always done in the past To send out a powerful signal that Kashmiris were deeply shocked by the Pahalgam terror attack locals were the first to welcome the first batch of Yatris with garlands and placards as the pilgrims crossed the Navyug Tunnel to enter the Kashmir Valley at QazigundOn Sunday locals served cold drinks and pure drinking water to Yatris returning from Baltal base camp in north Kashmir Ganderbal district To reciprocate the noble gesture Yatris without hesitation accepted the hospitality of the locals and expressed gratitude for the love shown by Kashmiris for the YatrisThis year the Yatra started on July 3 and will end after 38 days on August 9 coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivalsYatris approach the holy cave shrine situated 3888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas either from the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal routeThose using the Pahalgam route have to pass through Chandanwari Sheshnag and Panchtarni to reach the cave shrine covering a distance of 46 km on footThis trek takes a pilgrim four days to reach the cave shrineThose using the shorter Baltal route have to trek 14 km to reach the cave shrine and return to the base camp the same day after performing the YatraFor security reasons no helicopter services are available to Yatris this yearThe cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moonDevotees believe that the ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord ShivaShri Amarnath ji Yatra is one of the holiest religious pilgrimages for the devotees as legend says Lord Shiva narrated the secrets of eternal life and immortality to Mata Parvati inside this caveTwo pigeons accidentally happened to be inside the cave when the eternal secrets were being narrated by Lord ShivaTraditionally even to this day a pair of mountain pigeons flies out of the cave shrine when the annual Yatra begins IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/nearly-70-000-perform-amarnath-yatra-in-4-days-624747.html Mon, 07 Jul 2025 08:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/tn-farmers-activists-to-launch-hunger-strike-from-july-13-demanding-revival-of-noyyal-river-624748.html Chennai July 7 Farmers and social activists of Tiruppur and Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu are gearing up for an indefinite protest demanding the revival of the Noyyal River which they said has been reduced to a drain due to unchecked pollution The protest scheduled to begin on July 13 in Mangalam calls on the Stalin government to take immediate steps to prevent the inflow of untreated sewage industrial waste and plastic into the river KN Mohammed Ali a social activist said the Noyyal which originates in the Western Ghats and flows through Coimbatore Tiruppur and Erode before joining the Cauvery at Karur has seen a steep decline in water quality over the past three decadesOnce a clean and vibrant river the Noyyal is now choked with sewage and garbage The governments apathy has led to this situation Today local bodies dump everything from meat and medical waste to household garbage directly into the river especially at places like Mangalam he saidHe added that pollution begins in Coimbatore and intensifies further downstream in Tiruppur making the river water unfit for any use The water smells terrible Farmers who depend on the Noyyal for irrigation are suffering We will go on a hunger strike in Mangalam on July 13 as a mark of protest If no action is taken it will become an indefinite agitation he warnedKS Thirugnanasampandan Chief Coordinator of the Noyyal Farmers Protection Association echoed these concerns For many pollution in the Noyyal may seem normal but for us it is a matter of survival Untreated sewage from factories hospitals and residential areas is dumped directly into the river Plastic waste chemical sludge and water hyacinths have taken over large portions of the river affecting both the surface and groundwater he saidHe further added that despite repeatedly petitioning the government for the past five years no concrete steps have been taken We are forced to take this path of protest The Chief Minister should visit Tiruppur and witness the state of the river firsthand Immediate orders must be issued to stop untreated waste from being released into the Noyyal he saidMeanwhile a senior official from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board TNPCB in Tiruppur said steps are underway to address the issue Sewage treatment plants STPs are being constructed at four different locations in Tiruppur Three of these STPs will have a treatment capacity of 2 million litres per day MLD each while the fourth will have a capacity of 3 MLD Additionally a 26 MLD STP is being built in Andipalayam the official saidThese projects will be implemented soon Once operational they are expected to partially reduce the influx of untreated sewage into the river he added However activists and farmers remain unconvinced and insist that only immediate sustained and monitored action by the state government can restore the Noyyal to its former glory IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/tn-farmers-activists-to-launch-hunger-strike-from-july-13-demanding-revival-of-noyyal-river-624748.html Mon, 07 Jul 2025 08:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/ev-charging-operators-in-tn-face-higher-power-bills-after-tariff-hike-624772.html Chennai July 7 Electric vehicle EV charging operators across Tamil Nadu are bracing for a steep rise in operational costs following a significant revision in power tariffs by the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission TNERC effective July 1 The revised tariff structure has increased both energy charges and fixed monthly charges for EV charging stations raising concerns among operators about the economic viability of public charging infrastructure in the stateWhile TNERC has retained its timeofday ToD tariff model first introduced in 2023 to incentivise offpeak charging it has hiked electricity rates across all time slotsUnder the new structure charging during solar hours 9 am to 4 pm will cost Rs 650 per kWh during peak hours 6 am 9 am and 6 pm 10 pm the rate rises to Rs 975 per kWh up from Rs 945Night charging 10 pm 6 am will cost Rs 810 per kWh compared to Rs 785 earlierThe more significant burden however comes from the sharp increase in fixed charges for hightension HT connections the type typically used by fastcharging stations These monthly fixed charges have more than doubled rising from Rs 145 to Rs 304 per kVAThese are levied based on sanctioned load and apply regardless of actual usage For example a 50 kW fastcharging station which previously paid around Rs 1300 in fixed charges will now pay Rs 2750 per month excluding electricity taxesThis is expected to strain the finances of operators already struggling with low utilisation levels KP Karthikeyan Director of the Indian Charge Point Operators Association described the hike as a major setback Our average cost of electricity used to be around Rs 9 to Rs 950 per unit With the new tariffs it has increased by approximately Rs 250 per unit thats a 20 per cent jump in power cost he saidAccording to him while higher utilisation might offset some of the impact over time most public charging stations currently operate at just 5 6 per cent capacity and even wellperforming sites rarely exceed 15 16 per cent utilisationThis is a fixed cost he emphasised So unless utilisation sees a major jump this tariff hike effectively translates into a 20 per cent escalation in operational costs for usThe tariff revision comes at a time when the state is pushing for greater EV adoption and expanding the charging network Operators are now urging the state government to review the policy framework and consider incentives or subsidies to keep the EV charging ecosystem viableWithout such support many fear that the increased costs could slow down Tamil Nadus momentum in building a robust affordable public charging infrastructure IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/ev-charging-operators-in-tn-face-higher-power-bills-after-tariff-hike-624772.html Mon, 07 Jul 2025 11:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/baloch-human-rights-activist-becomes-victim-of-forcible-detention-by-pakistani-forces-624829.html Quetta July 7 Several human rights organisations on Monday condemned the detention of Baloch activist Gulzar Dost by Pakistans Counter Terrorism Department CTD amid an ongoing wave of atrocities against people in Balochistan Activist of the human rights organisation Baloch Yakjehti Committee BYC Sammi Deen Baloch raised alarm over the forced detention of Gulzar Dost who was taken from his home in Turbat Kech district of Balochistan in the early hours of Monday by the notorious CTDShe asserted that this brazen act is part of a deliberate campaign to suppress Baloch voices and intimidate those who dare to dissent peacefullyCracking down on nonviolent activists like Gulzar Dost sends a clear message to Baloch youth peaceful resistance will be met with the same violence as militancy This erases any incentive for dialogue and pushes more young people toward despair or radicalisation Gulzar Dost is known for his commitment to justice through nonviolence His immediate release and safety must be guaranteed the BYC leader posted on XIf the state truly wants peace in Balochistan it must stop punishing those who seek change without violence When every form of resistance is punished equally democratic avenues are closed The state cannot claim to fight militancy while creating the very conditions that sustain it the post addedSammi Baloch called on the Pakistani authorities to immediately produce Gulzar Dost and guarantee his safetyThe political aspirations of the Baloch people cannot be silenced through force If Pakistan is serious about peace in Balochistan it must protect not persecute those who believe in change through nonviolence she statedMary Lawlor UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders called on the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations to ensure the speedy release of the detained human rights activistIve received disturbing news about the detention of Baloch human rights defender Gulzar Dost by the CTD in the early hours of this morning I met Gulzar online in 2024 and call on the authorities called Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations to ensure his immediate access to his lawyer family and speedy release Lawlor posted on XFurthermore the Human Rights Council of Balochistan HRCB demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Gulzar Dost and an end to enforced disappearances in BalochistanGulzar Dost has been a tireless advocate for human rights particularly known for supporting the families of victims of enforced disappearances Despite his peaceful activism he was unjustly placed on the Fourth Schedule last year and repeatedly targeted with baseless FIRs for participating in peaceful protests organised by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee He has also faced multiple arrests solely for his commitment to nonviolent resistance read a statement issued by the HRCBAnother human rights organisation Baloch Voice For Justice BVJ severely condemned the enforced disappearance of the human rights activistWe strongly condemn the enforced disappearance of Gulzar Dost reportedly abducted by secretive state agencies His whereabouts remain unknown Enforced disappearances are a grave violation of human rights and must end the BVJ stated IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/baloch-human-rights-activist-becomes-victim-of-forcible-detention-by-pakistani-forces-624829.html Mon, 07 Jul 2025 16:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/marathi-medium-helped-my-conceptual-understanding-in-school-cji-gavai-624665.html Mumbai July 6 Chief Justice of India BR Gavai turned emotional on recalling the moment he fulfilled his fathers dream by becoming a judge and also highlighted on Sunday the benefits of studying in his Marathi mother tongue claiming that it helped him in better conceptual understanding The CJI virtually held back his tears as he opened his heart at a lawyers event in Maharashtra saying I am happy my fathers dream to see me become a judge has come trueThe CJI the first Buddhist to occupy the top post fondly remembered his father and his early days in the legal profession at the 161stanniversary celebrations of the Advocates Association of Western India AAWI an organisation he joined in 1983On Sunday the CJI visited Chikitsak Samuh Shirodkar School in Girgaon reminiscing about his childhood memories Having studied from primary to secondary levels at this very institution he expressed deep gratitude to the teachers who shaped his early lifeSpeaking at the school Chief Justice Gavai said Whatever height I have reached today my teachers and this school have played a significant role in it The education and values I received here gave direction to my lifeMy journey in public speaking began on this very stage Through speech competitions and cultural programmes I gained confidence It is because of those opportunities that I am what I am today he recalledThe CJI added I studied in a Marathimedium school Studying in ones mother tongue helps in better conceptual understanding and also instils strong values that stay with you for lifeJustice Gavai toured the classrooms library and art section of the school interacting warmly with his old classmates and reliving fond memories The heartfelt tribute given by the students was a deeply emotional and proud moment for him His visit was a matter of great honour and inspiration for the schoolPresent on the occasion were Maharashtras Skill Development Minister and Mumbai City Guardian Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha Bombay High Court Justice Madhav Jamadar Chikitsak Samuh President Kishore Rangnekar Secretary Dr Gurunath Pandit Principal Sanchita Gawde and other dignitariesJustice Gavai comes from a distinguished background His father Ramakrishna Suryabhan Gavai was a prominent Ambedkarite leader and founder of the Republican Party of India RPIFondly known as Dadasaheb the senior Gavai was also a member of the Lok Sabha from Amravati and served as the Governor of Bihar Sikkim and Kerala between 2006 and 2011 during the tenure of the Congressled UPA government He passed away in 2015 four years before his sons elevation to the Supreme CourtJustice Gavai was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court on May 24 2019In the six years before his elevation he was a part of around 700 Benches dealing with matters pertaining to a variety of subjects including constitutional and administrative law civil law criminal law commercial disputes arbitration law electricity law education matters and environmental lawHe has authored around 300 judgments including that of the Constitution Bench on various issues upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the fundamental rights human rights and legal rights of citizensAppointed as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in November 2003 Justice Gavai became a permanent Judge in November 2005 IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/marathi-medium-helped-my-conceptual-understanding-in-school-cji-gavai-624665.html Sun, 06 Jul 2025 20:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/armys-caravan-talkies-outreach-campaign-in-ne-showcases-career-prospects-in-armed-forces-624691.html GuwahatiItanagar July 6 In a focused effort to strengthen connections with rural communities and inspire local youth about the Armed Forces the Indian Army has launched a special outreach initiative in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in collaboration with Caravan Talkies officials said on Sunday Defence spokesman Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said that the innovative campaign was started on Sunday in Eastern Assams Jorhat district and it would continue up to July 12 covering six more places in the district A similar Caravan Talkies outreach campaign would start from Papum Pare district in Arunachal Pradesh on July 8 Covering many places of Yachuli Lower Subansiri Upper Subansiri Siang Lower Siang Pasighat and Shi Yomi districts besides the capital city Itanagar the outreach campaign would end on August 2 at Geching in West Siang districtThe spokesman said that this innovative campaign utilises mobile digital cinema vans to screen motivational films Army documentaries and recruitment information across villages in the region A registration assistance counter for joining the Indian Army as an Agniveer would also be established during the eventAccording to Lt Col Rawat the campaign aims to inform young citizens about career opportunities in the Army highlight the role of the Armed Forces in nationbuilding and instil a sense of pride and patriotism among the people The mobile unit would reach remote villages offering an engaging platform that combines entertainment with awarenessbuilding Representative of the Army Recruiting Office Jorhat Assam would also be present during screenings to interact with viewers answer queries and provide guidance on joining the Army the spokesman saidMeanwhile in Manipur Assam Rifles once again demonstrated its commitment to saving the lives of the population by extending urgent medical assistance to a snake bite victim from Thingkangphai village in Churachandpur districtAn official of Assam Rifles said that a 30yearold woman was rushed to the Assam Rifles medical establishment by her relatives after being bitten by a venomous snake on Saturday On arrival the woman was displaying symptoms of pain and swelling at the bite site Medical personnel from Assam Rifles responded swiftly administering lifesaving treatment and stabilising her condition Following initial care the patient was referred to the district hospital for further treatment and recuperationAssam Rifles remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the local populace providing timely medical assistance and supporting healthcare needs across Manipur the official said IANS https://dailyworld.in/human-interest/armys-caravan-talkies-outreach-campaign-in-ne-showcases-career-prospects-in-armed-forces-624691.html Sun, 06 Jul 2025 22:11:00 +0530