NEW DELHI, Feb 25: Days ahead of International Women’s Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed ‘nari shakti’ and said it is touching new heights of progress in every field.
In the 110th episode of his monthly radio broadcast ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Modi said International Women’s Day on March 8 is an opportunity to salute the contribution of woman power to the country’s developmental journey.
“Great poet Bharatiyar ji has said that the world will prosper only when women get equal opportunities. Today the ‘nari shakti’ (women power) of India is touching new heights of progress in every field,” the prime minister said.
Who would have thought till a few years ago that in India, women living in villages too would fly drones, he said.
“But today this is becoming possible. Today there is so much discussion about Drone Didi in every village. ‘Namo Drone Didi, Namo Drone Didi’ is on everyone’s lips,” he said.
The prime minister also spoke to ‘Drone Didi’ Sunita from Uttar Pradesh’s Sitapur.
She talked about her drone training and how it helps in farming.
“Today there is no region in the country where woman power has lagged behind. Another area where women have demonstrated their leadership abilities is natural farming, water conservation and sanitation,” he said.
The ‘matrishakti’ of the country is playing a big role in saving Mother Earth who is suffering pain and hardships due to chemicals, he said.
“Women are now extending natural farming to every corner of the country. Today, if so much work is being done in the country under the Jal Jeevan Mission, water committees have had a big role to play in it. The leadership of these water committees lies only with women,” Modi pointed out.
Apart from this, sisters and daughters are making all-out efforts for water conservation, he said.
Modi also spoke with Kalyani Prafulla Patil from Maharashtra and lauded her work in moving towards natural farming.
“Whether it is Sunita ji or Kalyani ji, the success of woman power in myriad fields is very inspiring. I once again appreciate this spirit of our woman power from the core of my heart,” the prime minister said.
In his broadcast, Modi also talked about the increasing importance of technology in people’s lives.
“Mobile phones and digital gadgets have become an important part of everyone’s life… with the help of digital gadgets, we are now getting help in creating a balance with wild animals,” he said.
The prime minister noted that a few days later, on March 3, it is ‘World Wildlife Day’, and said this day is celebrated with the aim of spreading awareness on the conservation of wild animals.
“This year, digital innovation has been kept paramount in the theme of World Wildlife Day. You will be happy to know that technology is being used extensively for the conservation of wildlife in different parts of our country,” Modi said.
During the last few years, the number of tigers in the country has increased due to the government’s efforts, he noted.
“The number of tigers in the tiger reserve of Chandrapur, Maharashtra has risen to more than 250,” he said.
“The help of artificial intelligence is being taken to reduce conflict between humans and tigers in Chandrapur district. Cameras have been installed on the border of villages and the forest. Whenever a tiger comes near a village, local people get an alert on their mobile phones with the help of AI,” the prime minister said.
Today, this system has ensured convenience to the people in the 13 villages around this tiger reserve and the tigers have also got protection, he said.
Modi noted that young entrepreneurs are also working on new innovations for wildlife conservation and eco-tourism.
In Uttarakhand’s Roorkee, Rotor Precision Group in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India has developed a drone which is helping keep an eye on the crocodiles in the Ken river, he said.
Similarly, Modi said, a Bengaluru company has created two mobile apps — Bagheera and Garuda.
With the Bagheera app, the speed of a vehicle and other activities can be monitored during a jungle safari, and the Garuda app uses artificial intelligence and Internet of Things to provide real-time alerts when connected to any CCTV, Modi said.
With every such effort towards wildlife conservation, the country’s biodiversity is becoming richer, he added.
In his address, Modi also talked about the voice of the youth creating content which he said has become very effective today.
“To honour their talent, the National Creators Award has been started in the country. Under this, preparations are being made to honour those change makers in different categories who are using technology to become effective voices of social change,” Modi said.
“This contest is running on MyGov (portal) and I would urge content creators to join it. If you also know such interesting content creators, then definitely nominate them for the National Creators Award,” he said. (Agencies)
Category: Uncategorized
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Empowered Women of India, ‘Nari Shakti,’ Scaling New Pinnacles of Achievement Across Varied Domains: Prime Minister Modi
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Former Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi Passes Away
MUMBAI, Feb 23: Former Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi passed away at a Mumbai hospital on Friday, where he was admitted after suffering a cardiac arrest.
The former Maharashtra chief minister was admitted in the ICU of P D Hinduja Hospital here on Wednesday and breathed his last at the private medical facility, family sources said.
Joshi (86), was severely ill, the hospital had said in a statement on Thursday.
The Shiv Sena stalwart was admitted to the same hospital in May last year after suffering a brain haemorrhage.
Joshi served as chief minister from 1995 to 1999 and was the first leader from the undivided Shiv Sena to occupy the top post in the state.
He was also elected as a Member of Parliament and was the Lok Sabha Speaker from 2002 to 2004 when the Vajpayee government was in power. (AGENCIES) -
Night temp rises as Kashmir braces for wet spell from tomorrow
Srinagar, Feb 16: Amid forecast for extended wet spell from February 17 evening, night temperatures recorded a rise in Kashmir Valley on Friday.
A meteorological department official here told GNS that Srinagar recorded a low of minus 1.6°C against minus 3.0°C on the previous night. It was below normal by 2.6°C for the summer capital of J&K for this time of the year, he said.
Qazigund recorded a minimum of minus 1.2°C against minus 2.0°C on the previous night and it was 1.1°C below normal for the gateway town of Kashmir, the MeT official said.
Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 4.2°C against minus 5.4°C on the previous night and it was 0.2°C above normal for the famous resort in south Kashmir.
Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a minimum of 0.4°C against minus 0.2°C on the previous night and the temperature was above normal by 1.3°C for the place, the official said.
Kupwara town in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 2.4°C against minus 3.3°C on the previous night and it was 2.2°C below normal there, the official said.
Gulmarg, the official said, recorded a low of minus 3.4°C against minus 3.2°C on the previous night and the temperature was above normal by 3.4°C for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir.
Jammu, he said, recorded a minimum of 9.2°C and it was below normal by 1.3°C for the winter capital of J&K.
Banihal recorded a low of 1.0°C, Batote 4.6°C and Bhaderwah 2.4°C, he said.
The weatherman has forecast “extended wet spell” in Jammu and Kashmir from Saturday night onwards till afternoon of February 21.
“A couple of moderate to intense Western Disturbances most likely to affect J&K and adjoining areas from February 17 afternoon onwards,” he said.
Under the influence of the weather Systems, he said, an “extended wet spell” is likely from February 17 (night) onwards till February 21 (Afternoon) most likely over J&K and adjoining areas.
In Kashmir Valley, he said, partly to generally cloudy with possibility of light snow at isolated higher reaches is expected towards late Saturday night.
On February 18, he said, generally cloudy weather with possibility of light to moderate rain and snow is expected at many places.
From February 19-20, he said, there is possibility of light to moderate rain and snow at most places (plains and lower reaches) with possibility of heavy snowfall over middle and higher reaches of Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Badgam, Shopian and Kulgam districts during late afternoon of February 19 to February 20 late night.
From February 21, he said, there is possibility of light to moderate snow at many places till afternoon and late afternoon and gradual improvement thereafter.
Regarding Jammu division, he said, there is possibility of light rain and snow at many places on Sunday.
From 19th-20th Feb, there is possibility of intermittent light to moderate rain with thunder/lightning in plains of Jammu Division with light to moderate snowfall over higher reaches and heavy snowfall over isolated higher reaches of Ramban, Poonch, Doda and Kishtwar.”
On February 21, he said, light to moderate snow/rain/thunder/lightning is expected over many places till late afternoon and evening and gradual improvement thereafter.
The MeT office also issued an advisory, saying that the system may lead to temporary closure of roads of higher reaches and important passes like Sinthan pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna, Razdan pass, Zojila etc.
“Travellers are advised to plan accordingly,” the MeT official said, adding, “farmers are advised to withhold irrigation and fertilizer application and drain out excess water from Orchards and fields during the above period.”
He said a significant drop in day temperature is expected during the period.
As ‘Chillai-Kalan’, the 40-day harsh period of winter ended on January 29, Kashmir is presently in the middle of 20-day-long winter period called ‘Chillai-Khurd’ that ends on February 19 and is followed by a 10-day-long period ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold) which starts from February 20 to March 1.
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Rahul Gandhi’s Nyay Yatra Set to Arrive in Odisha on Tuesday
ROURKELA, Feb 6: The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, led by Rahul Gandhi, is scheduled to make its entry into Odisha, with Biramitrapur in Sundergarh district as the gateway from Jharkhand. The town has been adorned with banners, cut-outs, and hoardings featuring Gandhi, creating an air of anticipation among the locals.
Senior state Congress leaders have congregated in Rourkela steel city, situated approximately 35 km from Biramitrapur, expressing eagerness to catch a glimpse of Rahul Gandhi, commonly referred to as ‘former PM Indira Gandhi’s grandson’ by the locals, as stated by Rashmi Padhee, the party’s Sundergarh district president.
Despite the Biramitrapur assembly seat now being held by the BJP, it has previously elected Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha candidates. Gandhi is expected to arrive in Biramitrapur in the afternoon, where he will be warmly welcomed by the state Congress, who will then take charge of the yatra.
The yatra is slated to cover approximately 10 km before a night halt in the Bija Bahal area. The following day, Gandhi will resume his journey with a 3.4-km-long padayatra from Uditnagar to Panposh Chhak in Rourkela city, where he is scheduled to address the public before a lunch break at Bisra Munda Ground in Ranibandh.
Continuing his itinerary, Gandhi will address a rally at Rajgangpur and undertake another padayatra in Sundergarh town, culminating in yet another public meeting before retiring for the night at Amlipali Ground in Jharsuguda.
On February 8th, the yatra will resume from the Old Bus Stand in Jharsuguda, followed by a rally address. After lunch, Gandhi will recommence his journey from Kanaktora in Jharsuguda, heading towards Chhattisgarh.
In Odisha, the yatra will traverse approximately 200 km across the two western districts of Sundergarh and Jharsuguda. This leg of the yatra, which commenced in Manipur on January 14th, is part of a larger journey covering about 15 states and concluding in Mumbai on March 20th.
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“Motor Vehicle Department Doda, SDRF and NHIDCL Join Forces to Promote Road Safety Awareness”
Doda January 31 : In an effort to bolster road safety awareness in the Doda region, the Motor Vehicle Department Doda has partnered with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and NHIDCL under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Doda Sh Harvinder Singh, organized a comprehensive road safety awareness program and mock drill at Police Line Doda. The entire event was organised under the supervision of ARTO Doda Rajesh Gupta The event, which is part of the ongoing Road Safety Month initiative, aims to educate the community about the importance of safe driving practices and emergency preparedness.
The team of SDRF Doda gave a detailed awareness of helping the victims during . They instruct the methods of to how could avoid any accident victims from big injuries and take them to hospitals without any harm. Additionally, experts from the SDRF will provide valuable insights into emergency response procedures and demonstrate vital rescue operations during the mock drill. The collaborative program will feature interactive sessions on road safety regulations, defensive driving techniques, and the significance of adhering to traffic laws. The chief guest of program, SE PWD Doda Sh. R. P Gupta, appeals the drivers to avoid drugs and alcohol, contribute to fight against this menace. He also directed them to slow drive the vehicle according to speed limits milestones of roads.
ARTO Doda Sh. Rajesh Gupta, expressed his enthusiasm for the joint initiative, stating, “Promoting road safety is a collective responsibility, and we are committed to equipping citizens with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent accidents and respond effectively in emergency situations. By partnering with the SDRF, we aim to foster a culture of safety and preparedness within our community.” NHIDCL also took part in this campaign cum awareness program and distributes the medical kit to drivers for emergency purposes.
The program was attended by SE PWD Doda R.P Gupta, ARTO Doda Rajesh Gupta, Members of Transport Association Doda and officials of Motor Vehicle Department Doda.
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Delhi’s Minimum Temperature Slightly Above Normal, Settles at 8.3 Degrees Celsius
New Delhi, Jan 2 : The minimum temperature settled a notch above normal at 8.3 degrees Celsius on a windy morning in Delhi, the Met office said on Tuesday.
The India Meteorological Department said there was dense to moderate fog in isolated pockets of Delhi.
According to the Indian Railways, 26 Delhi-bound trains were delayed by one to six hours due to fog.
At 8.30 am, the humidity level in the national capital was recorded at 84 per cent.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) was in the ‘very poor’ category with a reading of 346 at 6.30 am, according to Central Pollution Control Board data.
An AQI between zero and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 and 200 ‘moderate’, 201 and 300 ‘poor’, 301 and 400 ‘very poor’, and 401 and 500 ‘severe’.
December 2023 was the national capital’s warmest in six years, with the city not recording a single ‘coldwave day’ during the month. -
Tragic Incident: Pilatus Trainer Aircraft Crash in Hyderabad Claims Lives of Two IAF Pilots
Hyderabad, Dec 04 : The Indian Air Force confirmed on Monday that two pilots lost their lives in a plane crash involving a Pilatus trainer aircraft in Hyderabad. The incident involved a Pilatus PC 7 Mk II aircraft, and the cause of the crash is currently under investigation. The victims were identified as one instructor and one cadet from the Indian Air Force.
While expressing his condolences, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh shared his anguish over the accident, stating, “Anguished by this accident near Hyderabad. It is deeply saddening that two pilots have lost their lives. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families.” The crash did not result in any damage to civilian life or property. The Indian Air Force has initiated a probe to ascertain the cause of the aircraft crash.
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Supreme Court Asserts Governors Cannot Prolong the Pendency of Bills Indefinitely Without Taking Action
NEW DELHI, Nov 24: The Supreme Court declared that Governors cannot keep bills pending indefinitely without any action, asserting that the unelected Head of the State is bestowed with constitutional powers but must not use them to impede the legislative process. The bench, comprising Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, Justice J B Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra, highlighted that unchecked discretion given to the Governor could obstruct the functioning of a duly elected legislature, contradicting fundamental principles of a constitutional democracy based on a Parliamentary pattern of governance.
The court, in its November 10 judgment, emphasized that if the Governor decides to withhold assent under Article 200, the logical course is to remit the bill to the state legislature for reconsideration, as indicated in the first proviso. It underscored the inseparable nature of federalism and democracy, vital components of the basic structure, and emphasized that any harm to one feature endangers the other.
In response to a plea by the Punjab Government, the Supreme Court directed Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit to decide on the bills passed during the “constitutionally valid” session held on June 19 and 20. The judgment, delivered on November 10 and uploaded on Thursday night, addressed the AAP government’s allegation that the governor was not granting assent to four bills. The court affirmed the validity of the assembly sessions, stating that any attempt to cast doubt on them poses grave perils to democracy. The court clarified that it has not expressed any opinion on how the governor will exercise his jurisdiction on the bills in question.
The ongoing feud between Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit and the AAP government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann revolves around the approval of bills passed during the June 19-20 session. Purohit approved two bills but has yet to grant assent to four others, labeling the extended session as “patently illegal.”
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GDC Bhaderwah celebrates Ekta Diwas
By King RJ
Bhaderwah, Oct 31: Govt. Degree (PG) college Bhaderwah celebrated Rashtriya Ekta Diwas/National Unity Day on Tuesday under the able guidance of Principal, Dr. Kuldeep Kumar sharma.
This National Unity Day, we call on all citizens to come together and celebrate our collective strength as a nation. Established by the government to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, National Unity Day urges us to unite under the banner of peace, harmony, and prosperity, said Dr Kuldeep Kumar Sharma, Principal GDC Bhaderwah.
These events were organised by NSS, NCC and Debate/seminar committee of the college.
During celebration, they carried out series of events that will bring together everyone to celebrate diversity and foster harmony.
In first event, a Unity Pledge was carried out in which Principal, staff and more than 150 students participated. This pledge-taking ceremony mark the spirit of unity. The pledge aims to uphold the values of unity, integrity, and harmony. This event was convened by Prof. Prithvi Raj(ANO).
In the second, event a Unity Run was carried out in which Principal, staff and more than 150 students participated. A marathon was organized that unite people from different communities. This event seeks to promote togetherness and sportsmanship.This event was convened by Dr Mushtaq Ahmed (PO NSS).
In the third event, Poster Making Competition was organized for children to showcase their artistic skills and reflect on the theme of National unity Day. The competition was organised with aim to encourage creative thinking and promote the importance of unity.More than 10 students showed their participation.
Lastly Speech Competition was carried out in which more than 10 students participated and expressed their ideas on unity and its significance for the country. This event aims to promote public speaking skills and encourage young leaders to articulate their ideas. This competition was adjudged by Prof. Sanjay Kumar Katal, Dr Aijaz Ahmed Wani and Prof Sheikh Shahbaz. Among all the participants Mr Jaseeb Ahmed & Azim Manzoor bagged first and second position respectively.
Poster making competition and speech competition was organised by Prof. Mohd Yaseen Sirwal, convener Debate/seminar committee. The celebration was attended by staff of college and more than 100 students. Finally these events were culminated by proposing vote of thanks by Prof. Mohd Yaseen Sirwal.
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Congress Urges SEBI to Maintain Resolute Stance and Conclude Timely Investigation into Adani Issue
NEW DELHI, October 19: The Congress party, on Thursday, reiterated its call for the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to remain resolute and expedite its investigation into the Adani matter. The party also emphasized the need for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe to comprehensively investigate the issue.
In a post on social media, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh referenced a media report indicating that SEBI had approached the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) to obtain crucial documents related to allegations of stock manipulation and accounting fraud concerning the Adani Group.
Ramesh stated, “Recently, the Organized Crime & Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) uncovered compelling evidence that Adani associates were overseeing opaque shell companies in offshore tax havens, which had accumulated substantial stakes in Adani Group companies, all in clear violation of SEBI regulations.”
He pointed out that major international publications such as the Financial Times and the Guardian had extensively covered this story.
Ramesh also highlighted the attempts by the Adani Group and its supporters in the BJP to discredit OCCRP by labeling it as “Soros-funded interests.” However, it has now come to light that SEBI itself sought access to the documents that substantiate Adani’s alleged involvement in round-tripping and money laundering of benami funds.
Ramesh questioned whether Adani’s defenders would now accuse SEBI of conspiring with George Soros. He stated, “Does this not prove that SEBI is finally taking these disclosures seriously and endeavoring to fulfill its duty to the nation?”
The Congress party urged SEBI to stand firm and expedite its investigation. Nevertheless, they reiterated the necessity for a JPC to investigate the entire scope of the Adani MegaScam, including any financial or other connections between the Prime Minister and Gautam Adani, his close friend.
The opposition party has been raising concerns about the financial dealings of billionaire Gautam Adani’s Group following allegations of “irregularities” and stock price manipulation made by the US research firm Hindenburg. The Adani Group has consistently denied all the allegations and maintained that there has been no wrongdoing on their part.