Himalayan Express

Category: INDIA

  • India Condemns Pakistan’s Predictable Kashmir Rhetoric at UN

    India Condemns Pakistan’s Predictable Kashmir Rhetoric at UN

    New York [US], Oct 26 : India sharply criticized Pakistan for raising the Kashmir issue during a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) debate, calling it a “mischievous provocation” and accusing Islamabad of relying on its “tested tactic of spreading misinformation.” India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, dismissed Pakistan’s remarks as “political propaganda” during the UNSC debate focused on “Women Building Peace in a Changing Environment.”

    “It is despicable, yet entirely predictable, that one delegation has indulged in this provocation based on their pride and strategy of disinformation,” Harish stated, emphasizing the plight of minority women in Pakistan. He referenced data indicating that nearly 1,000 women from minority communities face abduction, forced conversion, and marriages each year.

    India’s envoy expressed gratitude to Switzerland for hosting the debate and reiterated India’s commitment to the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. He also highlighted India’s role in peacekeeping, noting the deployment of the first all-female police unit in Liberia in 2007, and acknowledged Indian women peacekeepers’ recognition in the UN, including Major Radhika Sen and Major Suman Gawani.

    Highlighting domestic strides, Harish spoke on the Women’s Reservation Bill passed in 2023, reserving one-third of seats in national and state legislatures for women. He cited the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) in Gujarat as an example of empowering women in the informal sector.

    Looking forward, Harish stressed the need for new technologies to enhance women’s participation while tackling online threats. He reaffirmed India’s dedication to increasing female representation in peacekeeping and fostering inclusive, gender-equal initiatives globally.

  • ‘One nation, one election’ not possible under present Constitution: Chidambaramx

    ‘One nation, one election’ not possible under present Constitution: Chidambaramx

    Chandigarh, Sep 16: Congress leader P Chidambaram on Monday lashed out at the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre over the ‘one nation, one election’ issue, saying it is not possible under the present Constitution and requires at least five constitutional amendments.
    Replying to a question on reports that the BJP-led NDA government would implement ‘one nation, one election’ within its current tenure, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not have the numbers to place those constitutional amendments either in the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha.
    In his Independence Day address last month, the prime minister made a strong pitch for ‘one nation, one election’, contending that frequent polls were creating hurdles in the country’s progress.
    Addressing reporters here, Chidambaram said, “‘One nation, one election’ is not possible under the present Constitution. It requires at least five constitutional amendments.”
    “Mr Modi does not have the majority to put those constitutional amendments in either in the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha,” the former Union minister said.
    He asserted that there were greater constitutional obstacles to ‘one nation, one election’. “It is not possible. The INDIA bloc is totally opposed to ‘One Nation, One Election.”
    To a question on PM Modi recently alleging that the Congress wanted to end reservation, Chidambaram rejected the charge. “Why should we abolish reservation?” he asked rhetorically.
    “We are the ones who are saying that the reservation ceiling of 50 per cent must be removed. We are the ones who are asking for a caste census. We are saying reservation must be according to the population. Do not believe everything the prime minister says,” he told the reporters.
    At a rally in Kurukshetra on September 15, Prime Minister Modi had lashed out at the Congress, alleging its “royal family” intended to end reservation for Dalits and asserted that as long as he was there, he would not let even a fraction of reservation given by B R Ambedkar be looted or removed.
    At the media interaction here on Monday Chidambaram was asked if the Congress would announce its chief ministerial face for the October 5 Haryana assembly polls. He said that normally, the Congress does not announce a CM candidate before the polls.
    “The practice is that elections take place, MLAs gather and their preferences are asked. Then the high command announces who will be the chief minister. I think the same practice will be followed in Haryana,” he said.
    The senior Congress leader hit out at the BJP government in the state over several issues, including unemployment, agriculture and state debt.
    He appealed to the people to vote for the Congress in the Assembly elections and promised that his party would bring back Haryana’s growth rate, give a fillip to development, agriculture, and industry, and tackle issues of unemployment and inflation.
    “The BJP boasts of a double-engine government. One engine is without fuel and the other is completely broken down. What is the use of such a double-engine government? The time has come to junk the two engines,” Chidambaram said. (PTI)

  • India’s first reusable hybrid rocket ‘RHUMI-1’

    India’s first reusable hybrid rocket ‘RHUMI-1’

    In a groundbreaking achievement for Indian space technology, the country has successfully launched its first reusable hybrid rocket, named ‘RHUMI-1’. This milestone marks a significant advancement in India’s space exploration capabilities and underscores its growing prowess in aerospace technology.

    The ‘RHUMI-1’ rocket represents a major leap forward in India’s quest to develop more cost-effective and sustainable space launch systems. As India’s first reusable hybrid rocket, RHUMI-1 integrates innovative hybrid propulsion technology that combines the benefits of both liquid and solid fuels. This hybrid approach not only enhances the rocket’s performance but also reduces overall launch costs, paving the way for more frequent and affordable space missions.

    The successful launch of RHUMI-1 was achieved after extensive testing and development by Indian aerospace engineers and scientists. The reusable nature of RHUMI-1 signifies a pivotal shift in the country’s space program, aiming to optimize resource utilization and minimize waste. By reusing key components of the rocket, India can significantly cut down on expenses associated with space launches, making future missions more economically viable.

    The development and launch of RHUMI-1 underscore India’s commitment to advancing its space technology and fostering innovation in aerospace engineering. This achievement is expected to enhance the country’s capability to undertake more ambitious space missions and contribute to global space exploration efforts.

    RHUMI-1’s successful deployment marks the beginning of a new era for Indian space exploration. The reusable hybrid rocket stands as a testament to the nation’s growing expertise in aerospace technology and its readiness to tackle the challenges of future space missions.

    The launch of RHUMI-1 not only highlights India’s technical advancements but also positions the country as a key player in the global space industry. As India continues to push the boundaries of space technology, RHUMI-1 serves as a foundational step toward achieving more complex and high-profile space objectives.

    For the latest updates on RHUMI-1 and other developments in India’s space program, stay tuned to official announcements and news sources.

    ALSO READ: Mayawati Criticizes BJP and INDIA Bloc Over Reservation Issue

  • Leh Bus Accident: Security and Locals Rescue Victims from Gorge

    Leh Bus Accident: Security and Locals Rescue Victims from Gorge

    Durbuk, Leh, August 22, 2024 — In a dramatic rescue operation on Thursday, security personnel and local residents worked together to shift victims from a gorge following a severe bus accident in Durbuk, Leh. The tragic incident occurred when a bus veered off a narrow mountain road and plunged into a deep gorge, resulting in multiple injuries and fatalities.

    The bus, which was traveling from Leh to Durbuk, lost control on the treacherous terrain, leading to the accident. Upon receiving distress calls, emergency services, including police and army personnel, swiftly mobilized to the scene. Local villagers also played a crucial role in the rescue efforts, displaying remarkable bravery and solidarity in the face of the crisis.

    Security personnel and locals faced numerous challenges as they navigated the rugged terrain to reach the accident site. The gorge’s steep and uneven slopes made the rescue operation particularly hazardous. Despite these difficulties, the combined efforts of the security forces and local community ensured that all victims were carefully evacuated and transported to nearby medical facilities.

    According to officials, the rescue operation was complicated by the remote location of the accident and the severe injuries sustained by some of the passengers. Medical teams were deployed to provide immediate care and transportation to hospitals where the injured received urgent treatment.

    The Durbuk bus accident highlights the critical role of coordination between security personnel and local residents during emergencies. Their collective response not only saved lives but also demonstrated the importance of community support in crisis situations.

    Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident and to assess potential safety improvements for the region’s hazardous roadways. The incident has prompted renewed calls for enhanced road safety measures in mountainous areas to prevent future tragedies.

    As the rescue operation concludes, the focus remains on providing support to the victims and their families, ensuring that they receive the necessary medical care and assistance. The collaboration between security personnel and locals in the aftermath of the Durbuk bus accident stands as a testament to their commitment and resilience.

    ALSO READ: Supreme Court Criticizes Kolkata Police Over Delay in Doctor’s Ra*e-Mu*der Case, Urges Doctors to Resume Work

  • Govind Mohan Appointed as New Union Home Secretary

    Govind Mohan Appointed as New Union Home Secretary

    New Delhi, August 23, 2024 — In a noteworthy development for Indian governance, Govind Mohan has officially assumed the role of Union Home Secretary. This significant appointment, effective today, positions. Govind Mohan Union Secretary, as the leading figure in the Ministry of Home Affairs, where he will be responsible for overseeing national security, law and order, and disaster management.

    Govind Mohan, an accomplished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1987 batch, has a distinguished career marked by his previous role as Secretary of the Department of Rural Development. During his tenure, Mohan was instrumental in advancing numerous rural development projects, which contributed significantly to infrastructure improvement and enhanced livelihoods in rural areas. His extensive experience in managing large-scale public administration initiatives positions him well for the challenges he will face as Union Home Secretary.

    As he steps into this pivotal role, Mohan will be tasked with crucial responsibilities, including enhancing coordination between central and state agencies, strengthening border security, and improving disaster response mechanisms. His appointment comes at a time when India is grappling with complex internal security issues and regional tensions. Mohan’s proven track record in administrative excellence and strategic planning is expected to provide the leadership necessary to navigate these challenges effectively.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have both expressed their strong confidence in Mohan’s capabilities. In his initial address, Mohan reaffirmed his commitment to reinforcing internal security measures and ensuring the safety and well-being of all Indian citizens. His approach will likely focus on improving operational efficiency within the Ministry of Home Affairs and fostering greater collaboration among various security agencies.

    Govind Mohan’s appointment underscores the government’s dedication to addressing emerging security and administrative challenges with experienced leadership. As Mohan begins his tenure, the nation will be closely observing his strategies and initiatives aimed at enhancing India’s internal security framework and overall governance.

    ALSO READ:AIIMS Doctors Call Off Strike Following Supreme Court Intervention

  • Lok Sabha Achieves 103% Productivity in Recent Session: Om Birla

    Lok Sabha Achieves 103% Productivity in Recent Session: Om Birla

    New Delhi, July 3: The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha, which adjourned sine die on Tuesday, recorded an impressive productivity of 103 per cent, according to Speaker Om Birla.

    Speaker Birla noted that a total of seven sittings were conducted during the session, lasting approximately 34 hours. During this period, 539 newly elected members took their oaths.

    This session also marked the re-election of Om Birla as Speaker and featured the President’s address to the joint session of Parliament. Birla highlighted that 68 members participated in the discussion on the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address.

    Expressing gratitude for his re-election as Speaker on June 26, Birla thanked the members for electing him through a voice vote. Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the Council of Ministers to the House on the same day.

    The discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address, which began on June 27, lasted more than 18 hours and saw participation from 68 members, with an additional 50 members submitting their speeches. The debate concluded with Prime Minister Modi’s reply on July 2. Rahul Gandhi’s appointment as Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha was announced on June 27.

    During the session, 41 matters were addressed under Rule 377, and three statements were made under Direction 73A. Additionally, 338 papers were laid before the House.

    Birla expressed his appreciation for Bhartruhari Mahtab, the Pro-tem Speaker, for ensuring the smooth conduct of proceedings during the oath-taking and the election of the Speaker. He also thanked the Prime Minister, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, leaders of parties, and members of the House for their cooperation in the smooth running of the session.

    This was the inaugural session of the 18th Lok Sabha following the recent elections. The session commenced on June 24 with the swearing-in of the new members. The BJP-led NDA secured its third consecutive term in the Lok Sabha elections, winning 293 seats, while the opposition INDIA bloc won 243 seats.

  • India and Bangladesh Sign Agreement to Enhance Cooperation in Maritime Affairs and Blue Economy

    India and Bangladesh Sign Agreement to Enhance Cooperation in Maritime Affairs and Blue Economy

    NEW DELHI, June 22: India and Bangladesh have outlined a forward-looking vision to enhance cooperation in various new sectors and signed several agreements, including those aimed at strengthening ties in the maritime sphere and blue economy. These agreements were finalized during comprehensive talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart, Sheikh Hasina, who is on a two-day state visit to India.

    Among the key pacts signed were agreements to foster strong ties in the digital domain and establish a “green partnership.” Additionally, the two nations agreed to enhance railway connectivity, which is expected to bolster trade and mobility between the countries.

    Prime Minister Modi, in his statement to the media, highlighted the innovative nature of the new agreements. “Today we have prepared a futuristic vision for cooperation in new areas. The youth of both countries will benefit from the consensus reached on cooperation in areas such as green partnership, digital partnership, blue economy, and space,” he said.

    Sheikh Hasina emphasized the importance of the relationship between the two countries, referring to India as Bangladesh’s major neighbor and trusted friend. “India is our major neighbor, trusted friend, and regional partner. Bangladesh greatly values our relations with India, which were born out of the War of Liberation in 1971,” Hasina stated.

    She expressed her gratitude towards India for its support during Bangladesh’s independence and paid homage to the “brave fallen heroes of India” who sacrificed their lives in the 1971 war.

    The discussions between the leaders were described as very productive, covering a range of topics including security, trade, connectivity, water sharing from common rivers, power and energy, and regional and multilateral cooperation. “We agreed to collaborate with each other for the betterment of our people and countries,” Hasina added.

    This visit marks the first incoming bilateral state visit by a foreign leader since the formation of the new government in India following the Lok Sabha elections. Hasina’s visit began with a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan and a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

    Officials indicated that the Modi-Hasina talks were aimed at imparting new momentum to bilateral ties, especially in the areas of trade, connectivity, and energy. Hasina’s participation in the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi and the Union council of ministers on June 9 was noted as a testament to the strong and enduring relationship between the two nations.

  • Nirmala Sitharaman Assumes Office as Union Finance Minister for Second Term

    Nirmala Sitharaman Assumes Office as Union Finance Minister for Second Term

    New Delhi, June 12: Nirmala Sitharaman took charge as the Union Finance Minister in the Modi 3.0 government for the second consecutive term on Wednesday.

    Having previously served as Minister of State during the first term of the Modi Government (2014-2019), Sitharaman expressed her sincere gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for entrusting her with the responsibility of serving as the Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister again.

    During her assumption of charge, Sitharaman was briefed on ongoing policy issues by the Secretaries of various departments of the Ministry of Finance & Corporate Affairs. She reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring ‘Ease of Living’ for its citizens and pledged to continue taking steps in this direction.

    Highlighting the importance of reforms initiated since 2014, Sitharaman emphasized their continuity to provide macroeconomic stability and foster growth for India. Despite global challenges, she commended India’s growth story in recent years and expressed optimism about the economic outlook for the future.

    Sitharaman urged departments to advance the NDA government’s development agenda with renewed vigour, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’. She emphasized the government’s belief in ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’ and called for continued support and cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure a robust and vibrant economy.

    Born on August 18, 1959, in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, Nirmala Sitharaman pursued her education in economics at Seethalakshmi Ramaswami College in Tiruchirapalli before obtaining Master’s and Master of Philosophy degrees in Economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi.

    Prior to her entry into Indian politics, Sitharaman had a successful career in the corporate sector in the United Kingdom

  • Chhattisgarh Government Removes District Collector and SP Amid Unrest

    Chhattisgarh Government Removes District Collector and SP Amid Unrest

    Raipur, June 12: In response to recent violent unrest, the Chhattisgarh government has removed the District Collector and Superintendent of Police (SP) of Baloda Bazar district. The transfer orders were issued late Tuesday night. IAS officer Deepak Soni has been appointed as the new District Collector of Baloda Bazar, while Vijay Agarwal will assume the role of SP.

    The outgoing Collector, KL Chauhan, has been reassigned as Special Secretary in the Ministry, whereas SP Sadanand Kumar has been transferred to the Raipur Police Headquarters. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has ordered the immediate arrest of those responsible for the violence.

    The unrest, which erupted during a protest by the Satnami community, resulted in property damage estimated in crores. The BJP government in Chhattisgarh has attributed the unrest to a political conspiracy allegedly incited by the grand old party, claiming that Congress legislators, former ministers, and leaders provoked the people. The government has also stated that it will seek compensation from those responsible for the damages.

    In response, Congress has labeled the incident a failure of the state government and demanded the resignation of the Chief Minister. Congress leaders are scheduled to visit the incident site on June 14, while the Chamber of Commerce has called for a bandh in Baloda Bazar on June 13 in protest.

    Seven FIRs have been registered in connection with the violence. So far, 73 individuals have been arrested, and 200 others are in custody. To apprehend the remaining perpetrators, the police have formed 12 teams, and 22 police officers have been assigned to the investigation.

    The unrest traces back to an incident on the night of May 15 when a religious symbol, Jaitkham, located near the Baghin Cave in Manakoni, approximately 5 km from Giroudpuri Dham, was vandalised. Thousands of Satnami community members had been protesting at Dussehra Maidan near the Collectorate for several days. Although the police had arrested three individuals in connection with the vandalism, the community accused the authorities of protecting the real culprits, leading to heightened tensions.

    The protests escalated on Monday, resulting in the destruction of 75 motorcycles, 20 cars, and two fire trucks. Rioters vandalised vehicles parked at the Collectorate and set several of them on fire, destroying important documents. A white flag was hoisted on the flagpole in front of the Collector’s office. The ensuing clash between protesters and police left several people, including police officers, injured. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma visited the site late Monday night to assess the situation.

    One of the major losses from the unrest is the destruction of historical revenue records dating back 100 to 120 years, which were stored at the Baloda Bazar Collectorate. These records, crucial for resolving land disputes and issuing caste certificates, were irreplaceable, with no copies available elsewhere. This loss will complicate the resolution of revenue-related cases, affecting landowners and residents of the district.

    Baloda Bazar became a separate district in 2011-12, and extensive records were transferred from Raipur to the new district offices. The destruction of these records means that authorities will face significant challenges in handling land ownership issues, registry documentation, and other revenue-related matters.

    The state government’s swift administrative changes and the ongoing investigation aim to restore order and address the grievances of the affected community. However, the impact of the violence on administrative functions and the loss of historical records will be felt for a long time.