Monthly Archives: January 2023
PRESIDENT’S GREETINGS ON THE EVE OF LOHRI, MAKAR SANKRANTI, MAGH BIHU AND PONGAL
By — Shyamal Sinha
The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu has greeted her fellow citizens on the eve of Lohri (which falls on 13th January, 2023) Makar Sankranti, Magh Bihu and Pongal (which fall on 14th January, 2023).
In a message, the President has said, “On the auspicious occasion of the festivals of Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Magh Bihu and Pongal, I convey my greetings and best wishes to all the countrymen living in India and abroad.
These festivals are symbols of India’s unity in diversity and are the carriers of our culture. They are celebrated in various forms in different regions but their aim is to strengthen the spirit of social harmony and brotherhood. We also express our gratitude to nature by celebrating these festivals.
I wish all these festivals bind different communities of India in the bonds of love, harmony and affection and bring happiness and prosperity to all”.
‘Jai Hind’ – The New Light & Sound Show at Red Fort to be inaugurated by Home Minister Shri Amit Shah tomorrow
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By — Shyamal Sinha
Key Highlights:
- The new Light and Sound Show at Red Fort by ASI is titled as ‘Jai Hind’.
- The Light and Sound Show ‘Jai Hind’ at Red Fort will be showcased in Hindi and English Languages.
- A total of 700 people can watch the show in a one time watch
The much awaited Light and Sound Show at Red Fort will be inaugurated by the Home Minister Shri Amit Shah tomorrow evening.
The new avatar of Light andvSound Show at Red Fort titled ‘Jai Hind’ will be a dramatic presentation of the bravery and the history of India from the 17th century to the present day. The one-hour long Light and Sound Show ‘Jai Hind’ divided into three parts will bring to life key episodes from India’s history including the rise of the Marathas, the 1857 War of Independence, the rise of the Indian National Army and the INA trials, the fight for Independence and India’s continuing progress over the past 75 years by using all forms of performance art – projection mapping, live action films, light and immersive sound, actors, dancers and puppets. The 3-part show will be showcased at different monuments inside Red Fort starting with Naubatkhana to Deewan–e- Aam to Deewan-e-Khas.
The show will be showcased to general public in English and Hindi Languages with a seating arrangement of 700 people for a one time watch.
Beautifully conceptualized, scripted and executed, this approximately 1 hour-long show is a one-of-its-kind visual and cultural treat highlighting the India’s rich history and heritage to newer generations through interactive techniques.
The Light and Sound Show in Red Fort is commencing afresh after a gap of almost 5 years.
As a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Archaeological Survey of India has already opened 4 Museums namely the Yaad-e-Jallian museum, the Museum on 1857- India’s first war of Independence, Azaadi ke Diwane and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum in Red Fort. Now the addition of new Light and Sound show will further strengthen a patriotic pride among the visitors.
In recent years, Archaeological Survey of India is continuously working by glorifying the monuments and sites across the country thereby enhancing the visitor experience, be it the illumination during the achievement of 100 crore vaccination or celebration of 75 years of independence and hoisting G20 delegates.
source — PIB
Cognitive fitness equally crucial as Physical fitness says health experts in ASSOCHAM Webinar
By — Shyamal Sinha
To raise awareness about enhancing brain health for better functioning, the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), an apex body, under its Illness to Wellness campaign conducted a webinar on “Brain Health Across the Life Span.”
Everyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or ethnicity, needs to maintain good brain health and resilience. Our general health depends heavily on the condition of our brains. It is what enables us to communicate, make choices, solve problems, and lead fulfilling lives. Therefore, it is crucial to figure out how to maintain brain health throughout the lifespan.
Use it or lose it—your brain, according to Dr. Sumit Singh Chief of Neurology and Co-Chief Stroke Artemis Hospitals Gurugram. He further said Our brain changes with age, and mental function changes along with it. Mental decline is typical, and it’s one of the most feared consequences of aging. But cognitive impairment is not inevitable.
He shed light on why sleep is crucial for maintaining memory and activeness of the brain. Keeping your brain healthy is essential for living a long and full life. There is no limit to knowledge and improving brain function, he added.
Pregnancy is crucial for a child’s brain development, according to Dr. Navdeep Kumar, Senior Consultant, Neurology Indogulf Hospital, Noida. The first trimester is crucial, and the newborn should be well cared for.
He discussed the physical activities (yoga, dance, the gym, walks, exercise), social wellbeing, a nutritious diet, mental health, and enough sleep as the foundations of brain health. Blood pressure and blood sugar levels are risk factors that affect brain health; controlling these variables is equally crucial for maintaining good brain function.
Prof. (Dr.) Rajinder K. Dhamija Director Institute of Human Behaviour & Allied Sciences (IHBAS), New Delhi focused on cognitive fitness which is equally important as physical fitness. Maintaining social connections while learning new behaviours or languages is absolutely vital.
He went on to explain the significance of retaining cognitive reserve. Play games like Sudoku and crossword puzzles to increase your cognitive interest. Yoga is very important to maintain brain health. During Covid-19 ,30 minutes pranayama helped people helped people to calm their nerves down who were exposed to covid 19, he said.
To achieve brain health- Sleeping routine, learning, connections (social isolation is very harmful) , dietary changes and lifestyle habits are a few of the major factors that can transform your brain activities.
Dr. Rajesh Kesari, the founder and director of Total Care Control in Delhi-NCR and a member of the RSSDI EC, moderated the discussion on brain health and brain disorders. He advised participants to cut back on unhealthy food and eat a balanced diet, consume colourful fruits in addition to green leafy vegetables and salad, and get regular exercise. He also stated that in this day and age, walking is the new medicine.
Text of the Vice President’s Address at the Inauguration Ceremony of NCC Republic Day Camp 2023
By — Shyamal Sinha
MY DEAR NCC CADETS,
- Delighted to be with you all boys and girls – NCC cadets from all over the Country at this Republic Day NCC Camp.
- Grateful for this opportunity to be amongst you on this occasion. My compliments on your high standard of drill, morale & motivation amongst the NCC cadets.
- Congratulations to all cadets & staff who have meticulously planned & executed today’s event.
- I wish you all a very rewarding and bright future.
- For the NCC the world’s largest youth organisation and particularly for you all performing in Amritkal at Kartavya Path will be a moment to ever cherish.
- Greatly appreciate laudable contribution of the NCC to nation building by inculcating character, comradeship and the spirit of selfless service among our young students.
- Seeing your beaming confidence and smart turn out, I am reminded of my days as NCC Cadet at Sainik School Chittorgarh. I have very fond memories of those days. It was a learning that shaped me.
- Boys and Girls, as NCC Cadets you represent India’s unity in diversity. The NCC, over the years, has created a truly vibrant and diverse cadre of motivated & disciplined youth who are doing excellent work in all walks of life.
- NCC creates awareness amongst youth about the diverse heritage of our country and fosters national integration despite linguistic, cultural, religious and geographical barriers.
- NCC develops in you a spirit of working in tandem and togetherness, experience to live together. co-operate and work in harmony with cadets of other states.
- In the NCC there is organic development of Ethics and social values, the spirit of unity and value of personal sacrifice.
- In our diverse country NCC camps and group activities generate a feeling of appreciation of each other’s uniqueness and cultivate friendship.
- NCC is trained human reservoir to give selfless service to society and be available anytime for any national cause.
- NCC can be described as the nation’s disciplined, trained and motivated young force available for national service to provide assistance everywhere and anywhere.
- I am particularly pleased to see Girls enthusiastically participating in this prestigious RD camp.
- This NCC Republic Day Camp exemplifies NCC’s Motto “Unity and Discipline”.
- My young friends- we are in Amritkal of our independence. Our Bharat is on the rise as never before. Our Nation is now global destination of opportunity and investment.
- I urge all to take pride in being Indians and be proud of our achievements.
- I am happy to share with you that our Country is on the rise as never before. It is now fifth largest global economy. Only a few months we overtook the UK. By turn of the decade we’ll be the third largest global economy.
- India has overtaken Japan to become the third largest automotive market in the world,
- We turned the challenge of Covid pandemic into opportunity to become “Atma Nirbhar” in production and development of medicines, vaccines and equipments.
- We have been able to provide 220 crore doses of vaccine and continue form April 01, 2020 to provide quality food for over 800 million people.
- Happy to note that NCC cadets are being introduced to modern technologies through simulation.
- New Education Policy 2020, thoughtfully evolved after three decades is a game changer. Gratified to note that about 90 Universities offer NCC as an elective subject.
- I have no doubt that you all will vindicate your pledge to conduct yourself at the highest levels of Dignity and Discipline.
- I congratulate you for being part of this momentous occasion. Undoubtedly you as NCC Cadets will by conduct exemplify and help evolution an echosystem that we always keep our Nation First.
- May the NCC continue to grow from Strength to Strength & produce outstanding leaders for our country.
- source — PIB
More than 2,150 cadets including over 700 girls to take part in this year’s Republic Day NCC camp
By — Shyamal Sinha
The 74th National Cadet Corps (NCC) Republic Day Camp (RDC) 2023, which commenced at Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi Cantt on January 02, 2023 will see participation of cadets and officers from 19 friendly countries as part of the youth exchange programme. A total of 2,155 cadets including 710 girls from all 28 States and 8 Union Territories are participating in the one month long Camp. This was stated by Director General NCC, Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh, at a press conference in New Delhi on January 06, 2023.
Speaking to the media persons, the DG NCC highlighted that Cadets and Officers participating in the RDC 2023 are from the 19 friendly countries includingUSA, UK, Argentina, Brazil, Mongolia, Russia, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Nepal, Vietnam, Maldives, Mozambique, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sudan, New Zealand and Fiji. This is the highest participation of foreign cadets ever in any Republic Day camp.
Out of 2155 cadets, 114 cadets are from J&K and Ladakh and 120 cadets hail come from North East Region (NER). With cadets drawn from all over the country, the camp portrays a reflection of ‘Mini India’.
Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh said that Cadets attending the camp would participate in a number of activities like Cultural Competitions, National Integration Awareness Programmes and various Institutional Training Competitions. Two NCC marching contingents will participate in the Republic Day Parade on 26 Jan 2023. This myriad and demanding set of activities would culminate with the PM’s Rally on the evening of 28 Jan 2023, he added.
(Pic- Director General NCC Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh addressing media at a press conference in New Delhi on January 06, 2023)
DG NCC said the aim of the Republic Day Camp is to provide an exposure to the rich culture and traditions of our nation through the important events that take place in the National Capital during the run up for the Republic Day and Beating the Retreat as well as to hone the personal traits of cadets and strengthen their core value system.
The RDC cadets have been selected after several rounds of rigorous screening at Groups and Directorates level in the last one year. Each cadet had undergone four to five screenings before reaching to the RDC-23.
Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh also highlighted major achievements of the NCC in the year 2022. He appreciated the contribution by cadets in various initiatives such as Puneet Sagar Abhiyan, Saheedon Ko Shat Shat Naman, International Yoga Day, Har Ghar Tiranga, Unity Flame Run etc.
DG NCC applauded the efforts of young Cadets for making the Puneet Sagar Abhiyaan popular across India by mobilising participation of local people in this noble event of cleansing the water bodies off the plastic wastage. Approximately 13.5 lakh NCC cadets have participated in the abhiyaan till date and almost 208 tons of plastic wastage was collected out of which 167 tons was recycled, he added.
Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh also mentioned about the special Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat – Independence Day Camp (EBSB-IDC) that was organized by NCC from 31 Jul – 16 Aug 2022 as part of Independence Day Celebrations at the Red Fort to commemorate 75th Independence Day, that aimed to enable cadets hailing from each district of the country to witness the 75th Independence Day event at Red Fort and also to showcase cultural diversity of India thereby promoting National Integration & Strengthening ‘Unity in Diversity’ through Cultural Exchange Programmes.
The exceptional performance displayed by NCC cadets in various sports was also applauded by the DG NCC. He further mentioned that NCC Junior Girls Hockey team won Jawaharlal Nehru Hockey Tournament for the second year in a row.
source — PIB
Chyawanprash Special will be available at all Jan Aushadhi Kendras
By — Shyamal Sinha
A new product Jan Aushadhi Special Chyawanprash under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) launched in New Delhi today. Chief Executive Officer of Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) Shri Ravi Dadhich launched this new product. This Chwanprash Special will now be available at all Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country at reasonable price. Chyawanprash Special is a potent antioxidant paste, prepared through the synergistic blending of around 50 herbs and spices.
With an objective of making quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) was launched in 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India. Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), the implementing agency of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has successfully implemented the scheme across India. Currently, there are more than 9000 Janaushadhi Kendras have been opened in the country. The successful implementation of the scheme has already achieved 869.12 Crore sales in the current financial year, and it is aiming to reach the target of 1200 Crore in this financial year. At present, these 9000 Kendras ensures availability of more than 1759 medicines and 280 surgical devices including Suvidha Sanitary pads which are sold at Rs. 1/- per pad. Prices of the Jan Aushadhi medicines are generally 50%-90% less than that of branded medicines prices which are available in the open market. In all, during the past 8 years, total savings of approximately Rs. 18000 crores for the citizens have been possible due to this noble scheme.
source — PIB
Haryana will inform the Supreme Court about Punjab’s reluctant attitude over this issue : CM Manohar Lal
By — Shyamal Sinha
In order to amicably resolve the issue of Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, a meeting of both Haryana and Punjab Chief Ministers was held under the chairmanship of Union Water Resources Minister, Sh. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat today at Shram Shakti Bhawan in Delhi.
After the meeting, while answering the queries of media persons, Haryana CM Sh. Manohar Lal said that no consensus could be reached in today’s meeting as well like before. He said that the Supreme Court in its decision had announced that SYL canal should be constructed but the Punjab Chief Minister, Sh. Bhagwant Maan and his team of officers are not interested in solving this issue amicably. Punjab CM and his team is not even ready to bring the issue of construction of SYL on the agenda of discussion.
The Haryana Chief Minister said that the Punjab government is not abiding by the Supreme Court’s order wherein the Act brought by the Punjab government in the year 2004 has been declared null & wide and unconstitutional. “Punjab Chief Minister says that the 2004 Act still stands which is null & wide in the eyes of law and completely unconstitutional,” added Sh. Manohar Lal.
“Instead of discussing the issue of construction of SYL canal, the Punjab Chief Minister repeatedly kept on saying that there is no water in the state to share. Rather they are asking to discuss sharing of water whereas a separate tribunal has been set up for discussing issues related to water sharing. Distribution of water will be done according to the recommendation of the tribunal,” said Sh. Manohar Lal.
The Chief Minister said that the SYL Canal should be built and the Haryana Government would apprise the Supreme Court about Punjab’s reluctant attitude over this issue. “We will obey the orders of the Supreme Court in this regard”, added Sh. Manohar Lal.
The Chief Minister clarified that SYL is the right of Haryana residents and he is hopeful that the state will get this right. He said that SYL water is very important for Haryana. Now it is necessary to fix a timeline in this matter so that the availability of water to the farmers of the state can be ensured, added Sh. Manohar Lal.
The Chief Minister said that it is a well-known fact that despite two judgments of the Supreme Court, Punjab has not completed the construction of SYL. Instead of implementing the orders of the Supreme Court, Punjab tried to obstruct it’s implementation by enacting the Cancellation of Agreements Act in 2004. It is worth mentioning that under the provision of Punjab Reorganization Act, 1966, according to the order of the Government of India dated March 24, 1976, as much as 3.5 MAF of water was allocated to Haryana out of the surplus water of Ravi-Beas. Due to non-completion of SYL canal, Haryana is getting only 1.62 MAF of water. Punjab is illegally using about 1.9 MAF of water from Haryana’s share by not completing the SYL canal in its region, he added.
“Due to this attitude of Punjab, Haryana is not able to take its 1.88 MAF share of water. Punjab and Rajasthan are getting about 2600 cusecs of water from Haryana every year. If this water had reached Haryana, it would have been irrigated 10.08 lakh acres of land, quenching the state’s thirst, and would have helped thousands of farmers”, added Sh. Manohar Lal. He said that due to non-availability of this water, the groundwater level in South-Haryana is also going down considerably. Due to non-construction of SYL, farmers of Haryana irrigate by using expensive diesel and running tubewells with electricity, which incurs an additional burden of Rs. 100 crore to Rs. 150 crore every year. Due to non-formation of SYL in Punjab region, the irrigation potential created to irrigate 10 lakh acres in Haryana is lying idle, he added.
“Additionally, the state also bears the loss of 42 lakh tonnes of food grains every year. Haryana would have generated an additional 130 lakh tonnes of food grains and other crops had SYL been established in 1983 in accordance with the 1981 agreement. The total value of this agricultural produce at the rate of 15,000 per tonne is Rs. 19,500 crore”, asserted the Chief Minister.
Indian economy to hold firm ground in 2023, says ASSOCHAM
By — Shyamal Simha
The Indian economy is expected to navigate a rough global weather with a resilient consumer demand in 2023 with a clearer glide path of private investment and abating of inflation, ASSOCHAM has said. It said 2023 is going to be full of challenges and opportunities, testing the resolve of the people and nations.
“While the global outlook seems rather tough, the Indian economy is set to stay on a steady ground, helped by a strong domestic demand, healthy financial sector and improved corporate balance sheets. Early signs of brighter prospects of Rabi crops point towards a robust performance of agriculture, leaving an improved second round effect for several connected industries like FMCG, tractors, two-wheelers, speciality chemicals and fertilisers,” ASSOCHAM Secretary General Mr Deepak Sood said in his new year’s message of expectations and challenges.
He said while there is an overwhelming consumer response in contact services like travel, hotels and transport, a positive domino effect is visible in transport, housing, power, electronics, discretionary consumer goods and automobiles.
”Our domestic demand is bound to offset the risk of global demand slowdown,” Mr Sood, adding, however, ”we need to be watchful about international currency fluctuations, particularly in the Emerging Economies”. He said as per the recent assessment shared by the Reserve Bank of India, the global economy is projected to grow by mere 2.7 per cent even as some of the key developed economies face recession, being exasperated by their central banks’ policies of monetary tightening. To an extent, the impact of higher interest would be reflected in the balance sheets of Indian corporates as well. However, the corporate sector is expected to continue with the policy of deleveraging, taking advantage of a resilient stock market and reversal in commodity prices.
”Despite global head winds including recession looming large in several economies, unabated geo-political situation, inflation, India is set to register an economic expansion between 6.8-7 per cent in the financial year 2022-23. Going forward, FY ‘2024 should hold steady,” the ASSOCHAM Secretary General said.
He said, being the last regular Budget (2023-24), it is going to drive investment in several infrastructure projects like roads and rails, rural infrastructure like housing, drinking water and welfare schemes. ”All this would provide an impetus to the growth momentum”. As far as the fiscal situation is concerned, robust tax revenue to be further enabled by improved compliance and economic growth should provide a cushion. For the ninth consecutive month the GST collection has crossed Rs 1.40 lakh crore per month.
”The positive message is: the year 2023 is going to be full of challenges and opportunities,” Mr Sood said.
President of India to Visit Rajasthan from January 3 to 4
By — Shyamal Sinha
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu will visit Rajasthan from January 3 to 4, 2023.
On January 3, 2023, the President will inaugurate Samvidhan Udyan at Raj Bhavan, Jaipur. On the occasion, she will also virtually inaugurate the Transmission System for Solar Energy Zones in Rajasthan and lay the foundation stone for 1000 MW Bikaner Solar Power Project. Subsequently, at Raj Bhavan, Jaipur, she will meet the members of ‘Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups’ Communities of Rajasthan. On the same evening, at Mount Abu, the President will grace the launch of a National Campaign on ‘RISE-Rising India through Spiritual Empowerment’, organized by Brahma Kumaris. She will also virtually inaugurate the Brahma Kumaris Silence Retreat Centre, Secunderabad, Telangana and lay the foundation stone for Brahmma Kumaris’ Auditorium and Spiritual Art Gallery at Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
On January 4, 2023, the President will grace the inauguration of 18th National Jamboree of the Bharat Scouts and Guides at Pali, Rajasthan.
Source — PIB
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