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Arvind Gupta Vows to Transform Government Schools into Hubs of Excellence

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Senior BJP leader and MLA Jammu West, Arvind Gupta, carried out a detailed inspection of Government Boys and Girls Primary Schools at Rajpura Mangotrian and Shiv Nagar, with a commitment to improving the quality of education and infrastructure in government schools.

Accompanying Delegation

Arvind Gupta was joined by Mandal President Atul Bakshi, JE JMC Mukesh Ji, AEE JMC Ravi Sharma, local residents, and BJP Karyakartas, including Kushant, Mohit Vaid, Karan, Om Sharma, Mulkh Raj Sharma, Hera Lal, Suresh Gupta, Pawan Sharma, and Ved Gupta.

Focus on Infrastructure and Quality Education

The inspection aimed to evaluate the existing infrastructure, classroom facilities, and overall learning environment in the schools. Arvind Gupta took a comprehensive look at the state of the buildings, sanitation facilities, and available teaching resources.

Interactive Session with Staff

During his visit, Gupta interacted with the school staff to discuss their challenges and needs. He assured the teachers and administrative staff that their concerns would be addressed on a priority basis.

Commitment to Excellence

Speaking on the occasion, Gupta reiterated his vision to transform government schools into hubs of excellence. He said, “Education is the cornerstone of a progressive society. By providing state-of-the-art facilities and creating a conducive learning environment, we can unlock the full potential of our young minds.”

Action Plan for Development

The MLA promised immediate measures to:

  • Upgrade school infrastructure.
  • Provide necessary resources for students and teachers.
  • Address sanitation and safety concerns.
  • Ensure regular monitoring and evaluation of school performance.

Community Involvement

Gupta also encouraged active participation from the local community in improving the standards of education. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government, educators, and residents to achieve long-term educational goals.

The inspection ended with a commitment to work tirelessly for the upliftment of government schools, ensuring they become centers of excellence for nurturing future generations.

Poshan Project Hiranagar Organizes Awareness Program under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao

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The Child Development Project Office (CDPO), Poshan Hiranagar, in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department Kathua, organized a comprehensive awareness program under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative to promote gender equality and empower the girl child.

The program featured a powerful and engaging Nukkad Natak performed by the renowned theatre group Rangyug, which effectively conveyed its message to the audience. The event was conducted at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Kootah, and later at GHSS Hiranagar, drawing active participation from students, teachers, and members of the local community.

Highlights of the Program

The street play served as the centerpiece of the event, delivering a thought-provoking narrative that underscored the significance of:

  • Educating the girl child
  • Eliminating gender discrimination
  • Providing equal opportunities for girls to thrive in society.

The impactful performance left a lasting impression, inspiring the audience to rethink traditional norms and take concrete steps toward gender equity.

Address by CDPO Poshan Hiranagar

Speaking on the occasion, the Child Development Project Officer, Poshan Hiranagar, emphasized the need to shift societal attitudes toward girls’ education and empowerment. “We must ensure that every girl gets the chance to achieve her dreams. Initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao aim to transform societal mindsets and create a more inclusive and equitable future,” the CDPO stated.

Community Engagement and Impact

The event successfully engaged students and community members, fostering meaningful discussions on gender equality. Teachers and local leaders appreciated the efforts of Poshan Hiranagar and the Social Welfare Department in organizing such programs, which play a crucial role in raising awareness and driving positive change.

The awareness program concluded with a commitment from the participants to uphold the values of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative and work collectively toward empowering the girl child in their communities.

Satish Sharma Attends 16th Annual Day Function at DPS UdhampurEmphasises Moral Values

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Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science & Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, and ARI & Training, Satish Sharma, presided over the 16th annual day celebration of Delhi Public School (DPS), Udhampur.

The school marked the occasion with vibrant cultural displays under the unique theme, “Manvantar Manthan: The Churning of Yugas.” The event featured a captivating dance-drama that depicted the journey through the four Yugas—Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dwapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga—showcasing the rich cultural and historical heritage of India.

Minister’s Address and Appreciation

Addressing the gathering, the Minister praised the school’s management, staff, and students for their creative efforts in merging culture and education. He commended the innovative approach of using performing arts to teach values, history, and life lessons.

Sharma emphasized the importance of inculcating moral values alongside academic learning. “Education is not just about books; it is about shaping character, instilling ethics, and preparing children to contribute meaningfully to society,” he remarked.

Recognition of Excellence

The Minister lauded the school’s consistent pursuit of excellence in education and co-curricular activities. He congratulated the students for their stunning performances and extended his best wishes to the faculty for nurturing young minds.

Inspection of Childcare Facilities

During his visit to Udhampur, Sharma also inspected the facilities at Palash and Parisha childcare homes. He interacted with the children and staff, ensuring that the institutions meet the standards of care, comfort, and safety. The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare and development of children in such institutions.

A Memorable Celebration

The annual day event concluded with a vote of thanks by the school principal, followed by the national anthem. The program left the audience inspired, blending entertainment with meaningful takeaways, and reaffirming the school’s dedication to holistic education.

The Minister’s presence and words of encouragement resonated deeply, marking the event as a significant milestone in DPS Udhampur’s journey of educational and cultural excellence.

Lieutenant Governor Addresses Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta Khel Ratna Award Ceremony, Felicitates Award Recipients

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Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha presided over the Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta Khel Ratna Award 2024 ceremony today, where he felicitated the recipients of the prestigious sports honor. The event also included a tribute to Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta for his contributions to the nation.

Sports as a Catalyst for Change

Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the transformative power of sports. “Sports is a powerful tool for positive change and has always served as a bridge to connect people of different cultures,” said LG Sinha. He emphasized that the vibrant sports ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir is fulfilling the aspirations of its youth and creating opportunities for them to shine on national and international stages.

Living Embodiments of Positive Change

Congratulating the award recipients, the LG remarked, “All the sports personalities awarded today are living embodiments of the positive change taking place in Jammu and Kashmir.” He expressed pride in the achievements of local athletes and their role in showcasing the talent and determination of the Union Territory.

A Vision for a Sporting Future

The Lieutenant Governor reiterated the administration’s commitment to making Jammu and Kashmir the “sportiest Union Territory” and a leading power in various sports disciplines. “It is our dream to see J&K as a hub for sports excellence, and I am confident our athletes will continue the tradition of success and valour in national and international games to make this dream a reality,” he said.

Recognition and Inspiration

The Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta Khel Ratna Award is one of the highest honors in Jammu and Kashmir’s sports sector, recognizing exceptional contributions and achievements in athletics. The award ceremony served as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, with the recipients symbolizing the limitless potential of sports in fostering unity and resilience.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment to nurturing talent and strengthening the sports infrastructure in the Union Territory, ensuring that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir continue to make their mark on the global stage.

CM Omar Abdullah inaugurates MRI, CT Scan Center at SVMM Charitable Hospital Ambphalla, Jammu

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Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated the state-of-the-art MRI and CT Scan Center at the Swami Vivekananda Medical Mission (SVMM) Charitable Hospital in Ambphalla, Jammu.

The event witnessed the presence of prominent dignitaries, including Member of Legislative Assembly (Udhampur East) Pawan Gupta, President of SVMM Charitable Hospital Anil Gupta, Patron Dr. Subash Gupta, and President of Jammu Chamber of Commerce & Industry Arun Gupta, along with members of the hospital’s managing committee, faculty, staff, and other notable guests.

Chief Minister Praises the Hospital’s Efforts

Speaking at the inauguration, the Chief Minister lauded the hospital for its outstanding commitment to serving the community. He emphasized the importance of institutions like SVMM Charitable Hospital in delivering accessible and quality healthcare.

“In terms of its services, the hospital functions at par with private institutions, yet its charges are significantly lower than those of government hospitals,” Omar Abdullah noted, highlighting the hospital’s dedication to making healthcare affordable for all.

Milestone in Healthcare

The newly launched MRI and CT Scan Center is expected to enhance the diagnostic capabilities of the hospital, benefiting patients from Jammu and surrounding areas. The advanced facilities will enable the hospital to provide timely and accurate diagnoses, further solidifying its reputation as a premier charitable healthcare institution.

Commitment to Quality Healthcare

The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that bridge the gap in healthcare access. He also praised the hospital’s managing committee and staff for their relentless efforts in ensuring affordable healthcare services.

The event concluded with a tour of the new diagnostic facilities, where the Chief Minister interacted with the staff and expressed his appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

Rana asks for streamlining water supply in Jammu city Exhorts officers for upgradation of filtration plants JAMMU

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Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana, has urged officials to streamline the water supply system in Jammu city while ensuring prompt responses to issues raised by local legislators.

Rana chaired a high-level meeting at the Civil Secretariat to address water quality concerns in various parts of Jammu city. Attendees included MLAs Ch. Vikram Randhawa and Arvind Gupta, along with the Chief Engineer of PHE Jammu, Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers from all divisions of Jammu, and other concerned officers.

Key Directives for Improving Water Supply

The Minister emphasized the importance of expediting the execution and completion of pending water supply projects. He stressed the need for enhanced coordination among stakeholders to deliver quality services to the public.

Rana instructed officials to prioritize:

  • Upgrading and maintaining filtration plants to ensure the supply of clean and safe drinking water.
  • Responding promptly to grievances raised by local legislators and residents regarding water supply issues.
  • Strengthening efforts to meet the growing water demand in Jammu city efficiently.

Commitment to Quality Services

“Providing quality water supply services to the people is a fundamental responsibility,” Rana said, urging the officers to work earnestly towards achieving this goal.

He assured the public that the government is committed to addressing their concerns and improving infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted water supply in Jammu city.

The meeting concluded with a resolution to strengthen cooperation among various departments and accelerate project timelines to meet public expectations.

Press Club of Jammu Backs DAVP Rate Demand for J&K Newspapers

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The Press Club of Jammu (PCJ) has voiced its full support for the demands raised by editors of leading newspapers in Jammu and Kashmir, calling for the implementation of Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP) rates for government advertisements across all categories of newspapers.

In a statement, PCJ president Sanjeev Pargal highlighted that newspapers in Jammu and Kashmir have consistently raised this issue through various platforms. Recently, editors appealed directly to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to ensure the implementation of DAVP rates.

Demand for Uniformity in Advertisement Rates

“The DAVP rates are already applicable to regional newspapers in other Union Territories, but the media in Jammu and Kashmir has been denied this benefit,” Pargal said. He expressed hope that the Lieutenant Governor would address this disparity and meet the demand promptly.

Challenges Faced by J&K Media

The PCJ president pointed out the tough working conditions faced by newspapers in Jammu and Kashmir, adding that the time has come for the government to support the struggling media sector. “It is imperative that the UT administration treats J&K newspapers on par with those in other Union Territories that benefit from DAVP rates,” Pargal emphasized.

He also noted that implementing DAVP rates would help foster growth in the local media industry, providing much-needed relief and ensuring its sustainability.

Media Bodies Stand United

The demand for DAVP rates has received backing from several media organizations, including the JK Press Corps. Pargal expressed confidence that the government would soon announce the implementation of the revised rates for advertisements issued to newspapers, ensuring fair treatment for the media in Jammu and Kashmir.

The PCJ reiterated its commitment to advocating for the welfare of the local press and ensuring a level playing field for newspapers in the region.

Smriti Mandhana Rises to Second in ICC Women’s ODI Rankings

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DUBAI, Dec 17: India’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has climbed three spots to secure the second position in the latest ICC Women’s ODI rankings, while also advancing to third among T20I batters. Mandhana’s remarkable performances against Australia and the West Indies have driven her surge in the rankings, as per the ICC update released on Tuesday.

The left-handed opener smashed 105 runs in the final ODI against Australia in Perth and followed it up with a stellar 54 in the first T20I against the West Indies in Mumbai.

Indian Players in ICC Rankings

Mandhana remains the sole Indian batter in the ODI top 10, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur dropped two spots to 13th. Jemimah Rodrigues moved up six places to 15th, and Harleen Deol climbed nine spots to 64th.

Among bowlers, Deepti Sharma slipped two spots to fifth in the ODI rankings. Arundhati Reddy made a significant leap, advancing 48 places to 51st after a four-wicket haul against the West Indies, while Renuka Thakur rose to a joint 26th position.

In T20I rankings, Kaur returned to the top 10 with Rodrigues climbing six slots to secure 15th place. Deepti Sharma has moved to the second position among T20I bowlers, with young pacer Titas Sadhu rising to 52nd.

Notable International Performances

England’s Tammy Beaumont moved up to 11th in the ODI rankings, thanks to an unbeaten 65 in the series-deciding match against South Africa.

Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner advanced to 16th among batters and climbed to a career-best third in the bowling rankings after claiming five wickets for 30 runs. She also rose to second in the all-rounders’ list. Teammates Tahlia McGrath and Annabel Sutherland made significant gains, with McGrath advancing to 24th and Sutherland moving 15 places to 29th after scoring a match-winning century in Perth.

South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp moved up two slots to reach the fourth position among bowlers, while England’s Charlie Dean, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Lauren Bell also saw upward movement in their rankings.

West Indies Players Shine

For the West Indies, veteran all-rounder Deandra Dottin rose 21 places to 59th after a half-century. Qiana Joseph climbed 22 spots to 65th among batters, while Karishma Ramharack entered the top 20 bowlers, gaining six places.

Summary of Key Gains

  • Smriti Mandhana: Second in ODI rankings, third in T20I rankings.
  • Deepti Sharma: Fifth in ODI bowling, second in T20I bowling.
  • Harmanpreet Kaur: Back in T20I top 10.
  • Ashleigh Gardner: Third among ODI bowlers, second among all-rounders.
  • Marizanne Kapp: Fourth among ODI bowlers.
  • Tahlia McGrath & Annabel Sutherland: Significant batting gains for Australia.

India will look to capitalize on these strong performances in their upcoming matches as they continue their campaign against the West Indies.

India Avoids Follow-On as Jadeja and Rahul Lead Fightback

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BRISBANE: India managed to avoid the follow-on, reaching 252 for nine at stumps on day four of the third Test against Australia, with bad light forcing an early close of play on Tuesday.

Resilient knocks from Ravindra Jadeja (77) and KL Rahul (84) kept India’s hopes alive as they trailed the hosts by 193 runs. The lower-order duo of Jasprit Bumrah (10) and Akash Deep (27) added crucial runs with a spirited last-wicket stand of 39 off 54 balls, ensuring India stayed in contention.

Australian Bowlers Dominate

Australia’s captain Pat Cummins led the bowling attack, finishing with impressive figures of 4 for 80. Mitchell Starc supported him well with 3 for 83, while Nathan Lyon claimed one wicket for 54 runs. The Australian bowlers were relentless, despite Josh Hazlewood being ruled out of the match due to injury.

Key Partnerships Revive India

KL Rahul was instrumental in India’s recovery after resuming the day at 51 for 4. Despite the early dismissal of captain Rohit Sharma (10), Rahul displayed patience and class, scoring a solid 84 off 133 balls, including 12 boundaries. He shared a crucial 67-run partnership with Jadeja to stabilize the innings.

Jadeja continued the fightback after Rahul’s dismissal, forging a 53-run stand with Nitish Kumar Reddy (16) before Reddy fell to Cummins. Jadeja’s gritty 77 off 110 deliveries, featuring 11 fours, was the highlight of India’s innings until his dismissal left the lower order exposed.

Rain and Bad Light Interrupt Play

The post-lunch session saw a rain interruption of over an hour, further slowing down India’s progress. Towards the end of the day, bad light brought an early halt to proceedings with Bumrah and Akash Deep frustrating the Australian bowlers.

Series Update

With the five-match series tied at 1-1, the final day of the Test promises an exciting finish as India aims to narrow the deficit and push for a draw.

Brief Scores:
Australia 1st Innings: 445
India 1st Innings: 252 for 9 in 74.5 overs (KL Rahul 84, Ravindra Jadeja 77; Pat Cummins 4/80, Mitchell Starc 3/83).

Union Government Pushes Organic Farming with Key MoUs Signed in Raipur

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Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting organic farming as a sustainable solution for health and environmental challenges. Speaking at a landmark event in Raipur, Shah highlighted the growing global recognition of the dangers posed by chemical fertilizers and the need for an organic revolution in agriculture.

The occasion marked the signing of two significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between the National Cooperative Organic Ltd. (NCOL), the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), and the Chhattisgarh government. These agreements aim to advance the dairy sector and bolster the marketing and pricing of minor forest produce.

Concrete Steps for Organic Agriculture

“The Union government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken concrete steps towards promoting organic farming,” Shah said. He noted that organic farming benefits not only individual health but also the environment and soil fertility.

Shah pointed out two key challenges that hindered organic farming:

  1. Trust Deficit in Organic Products: With many uncertified products claiming to be organic, consumers doubted their authenticity.
  2. Low Farmer Returns: Farmers struggled to receive fair prices for their organic produce due to the lack of trust and certification.

To address these issues, the government established the National Cooperative Organic Limited (NCOL). Shah announced that certified organic products under two leading cooperative brands—‘Bharat’ and ‘Amul’—are now available. These products undergo rigorous soil and food testing, ensuring their quality and authenticity.

“In the next four years, certified organic grains will be available in Indian markets after comprehensive testing in every district,” Shah assured. He further added that 16 organic products are already available online, backed by the credibility of the Bharat and Amul brands.

Empowering Tribal Farmers

Shah stressed that the MoU related to minor forest produce will significantly benefit tribal farmers. “Forest produce, which was earlier sold at very low prices, will now fetch reasonable prices through certification and better marketing. This will empower tribal communities and increase their income,” he said.

Chhattisgarh’s Role in Development

Highlighting the natural resources of Chhattisgarh, Shah remarked that the state has abundant water, land, and hardworking people. “What was needed was a good start, and today’s programme marks two new and positive initiatives in the dairy and forest produce sectors through cooperatives,” he said.

The Chhattisgarh government also signed an MoU with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to develop the dairy sector. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, who was present at the event, lauded the agreements as a step towards economic empowerment and sustainable development in the state.

Conclusion

With these initiatives, the Union government aims to not only popularize organic farming but also provide tribal and rural communities with tools for economic upliftment. By leveraging the cooperative model, the agreements signed in Raipur signal a transformative phase for agriculture and allied sectors in India.