Innholdsfortegnelse for February 26, 2024 i India Today

Aleafy hamlet some 75 km from Kolkata and generously speckled with fish ponds, Sandeshkhali has been on the boil since February 8. Roiled by allegations of ghastly, systematic crimes against women, it has emerged as the latest flashpoint in the state, with the opposition BJP—from its state unit to the party high-command—tearing into the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The island of Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district, one of the gateways to the Sundarbans mangrove forests, first drew national attention when officials of the Enforcement Directorate were heckled by villagers when they went to question local TMC strongman Sheikh Shahjahan about a PDS scam on January 5. The tables have now turned on Shahjahan—who has been absconding since the ED raid—as women from the neighbourhood took to the streets, demanding the…

In the heart of the capital of India, lies a magnificent structure that stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the nation, defining the essence of “Amritkaal”. Bharat Mandapam, the International Exhibition Cum Convention Centre was inaugurated and dedicated to the nation by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, in July 2023. This architectural masterpiece is more than just a physical marvel; it captures the profound vision of a “Viksit Bharat,” a nation set for comprehensive development and global eminence. Bharat Mandapam not only reflects India's cultural legacy but also positions the country on the global map as a hub for business, technology, and development. WHERE CULTURAL HERITAGE AND MODERNITY UNITE Bharat Mandapam seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technologies with a deep-rooted commitment to cultural heritage,…

It is no secret that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO, the country’s premier defence research agency, has been beset by systemic problems that have consistently resulted in inordinate delays and cost overruns. However, the effort to transform it, as recommended by the high-powered K. VijayRaghavan committee, has run into rough weather as a group of senior defence scientists are now opposing the contents of the report, which was submitted in January 2024. Though the DRDO has had several significant successes—be it the development of the Agni and Pralay missiles, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas or the Arjun tank—the list of projects delayed is equally long—LCA Mark-II and LCA Navy aircraft, the aero-engine Kaveri and the Tapas BH-201 drone prominent among them. In February 2023, the Ministry of…

In the last decade, the Government of India has undertaken a series of initiatives aimed at promoting self-reliance and driving economic growth across various sectors. Through a multifaceted approach encompassing digital transformation, infrastructure development, job creation, and social welfare schemes, India’s pursuit of self-reliance has taken center stage under the visionary leadership of Sh. Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister, wherein India achieved remarkable economic success in the past decade, with the nation’s digital and physical infrastructure reaching new heights. India’s dominance across sectors has garnered widespread recognition on the global stage, with the country being hailed as an unprecedented economic success story. The government’s policies have instilled confidence among investors, leading to a surge in positive sentiment towards India’s potential and success. Anchored on the principle of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant…

➚ Around 3,000 Khadi institutions operating across the country ➚ Employment to approximately 5 Lakh artisans. ➚ More than 80 percent of the workforce engaged in Khadi activities are women. ➚ The wages of Khadi artisans have witnessed a remarkable 233 percent increase in the last 9 years. ➚ Khadi and Village Industries products worth over Rs 12 crore have been supplied to Para Military Forces until November 2023. ➚ The Khadi store in the IIT Delhi campus has become the preferred choice among the youth. ➚ Planned expansion in Khadi production, quality, brand value and marketing. ➚ Successful construction completion of over 48,000 Khadi artisans worksheds ➚ Reconstruction works under progress of 2 sliver plants and 470 Khadi outlets ➚ There are 5 sliver plants across the country, the…

➚ UP becomes 'Expressway State' with 6 expressways in operation and 7 expressways under construction. ➚ Gautam Buddha Nagar is emerging as India's largest data center. ➚ Contribution of about 60% in the total mobile manufacturing of the country. ➚ Number one state in attracting funds for projects from banks/financial institutions. In the financial year 2013-14, the share of UP in the country was only 1.1%, which increased by 15 times to 16.2% in the financial year 2022-23. ➚ State with most airports. Operates 4 international and 16 domestic airports. ➚ Country's first inland waterway developed in UP. Operated from Varanasi to Haldia, Prayagraj will also be included. ➚ Construction of international airport in progress in Jewar, Noida. This will be the largest airport in Asia. ➚ Establishment of India's…

India Energy Week 2024, held in Goa from February 6th to 9th, concluded with a resounding affirmation of India's burgeoning role in the global energy landscape. Under the theme "Viksit Bharat@ 2047," the event showcased India's strengths and resolve towards achieving a sustainable and equitable energy transition by 2047, coinciding with the nation's centenary of independence. In his inaugural address, Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India's commitment to substantial investments in the energy sector, citing an allocation of Rs 11 trillion for infrastructure development, a significant portion of which is earmarked for energy projects. PM Modi highlighted India's increasing energy capacity and emphasized the government's role in creating conducive conditions for domestic and international investment. A key highlight of the event was Prime Minister's announcement of reforms in the…

As India takes strides towards creation of 500 GW of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2070, the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) emerges as a key protagonist in the unfolding narrative. Established in 2011 under the National Solar Mission (NSM), the organisation is dedicated to pioneering new models and solutions that meet India's evolving energy needs while driving economic growth and employment generation. SECI serves as implementing agency of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), tasked with the development of renewable energy (RE) projects on a pan-India scale. Backed by standard guidelines issued by the Union government, the establishment facilitates the procurement of power from developers, forging 25-year Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) that ensure an assured off-take of…

Karan Johar’s production banner Dharma is known for its love stories. So, it seems natural that they’d make a documentary series around love. Only Somen Mishra, who heads creative development at both Dharma and Dharmatic, its digital arm, had little idea that it would take as long, if not longer, than a feature to make. Based on the stories featured in India Love Project (ILP), a social media initiative run by journalists Priya Ramani, Samar Halarnkar and Niloufer Venkatraman, and three and a half years in the making, Love Storiyaan sees six half-hour episodes, each devoted to a couple who overcame odds to be happy together. “In the past few years, love stories have vanished in the popular mainstream, and action or big event films have taken centrestage,” says Mishra,…

Windows have evolved beyond mere openings in walls; they now stand as powerful elements capable of transforming the very essence of our living spaces. No longer confined to mere functionality, windows have become the focal points of modern homes, blending seamlessly into architectural designs while enhancing aesthetics and functionality. The array of window options available today allows you to tailor your home to your tastes and requirements. Whether embarking on a renovation journey or constructing a new abode, delving into the diverse world of windows unveils a realm of possibilities, empowering you to make informed decisions that elevate your space and align with your individual needs and financial considerations. Double Hung Windows Double-hung windows are a common feature in homes with classic traditional styling, farmhouses, and bungalows. They feature two…

The openings in a building’s facade or fenestrations hold profound significance as the initial interface between a structure and its surroundings. In the context of India, where diverse climates and cultures converge, vernacular fenestration systems have long epitomised functionality beyond mere aesthetics. The Evolution Fenestration design traces back to its sensory essence, evident in the etymology of window itself. Across cultures, windows serve as conduits for natural elements—from the sweet scents of flowers in the balconies of Swiss chalets to the cool breezes of Rajasthani havelis. Moreover, vernacular fenestrations ingeniously respond to climatic conditions, such as Kerala’s timber-slatted windows countering harsh sunlight and facilitating cross ventilation. Cultural nuances further influence fenestration design, as seen in Rajasthani jharokhas and Islamic mashrabiyas maintaining privacy while modulating visual access. However, the process of…

The heavy-duty tractors at Shambhu in Patiala near the Punjab-Haryana border had turned up the volume. The songs blaring out predicted dire consequences for Delhi (the Centre) and eulogised the bravado of the Jat Sikh community, as the cavalcade rumbled on to lay siege to the national capital on February 13. The protesting farmers claimed they were carrying rations and diesel to last for months. Right about then, the skies started raining teargas shells, fired from drones by the security personnel manning the barricades. All this was reminiscent of the 13-month siege the national capital had witnessed (Sept. 2020-Nov. 2021), just that the farmers hadn’t reached the gates of Delhi yet. The siege had forced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to back down then and withdraw the big-ticket farm sector…

During the 2022 Uttar Pradesh assembly poll campaign, a statement of Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Jayant Chaudhary had gone viral. “Chavanni nahin hoon jo palat jaoonga (I am not a 25 paise coin to flip sides)”, he had said, scotching speculation that he was joining the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Two years on, with the Centre announcing a Bharat Ratna for ex-prime minister and Jayant’s grandfather, the late Charan Singh, and his response on X (formerly Twitter), “Dil jeet liya (You’ve won our hearts)”, it was clear how that script was panning out. Days later, on February 12, the RLD chief confirmed that his party was indeed joining the NDA. “I took this decision after speaking to all my partymen. There was no advance planning, we had to…

In October last year, the National Conference (NC) and Cong ress alliance had swept the elections to the Lad akh Autonomous Hill Development Council in Kargil, indicating a significant shift in local sentiment. Though the council’s purview is restricted to tax collection and some local governance, the victory in the ‘hyperlocal election’ was seen as an expression of the anger against the ruling BJP at the Centre, particularly after the abrogation of Article 370. The defeat came amid the saffron party’s attempt to expand its base in the region and when it had many developments to its credit, including fulfilling a longstanding demand of Union territory (UT) status for Ladakh. Some six months on, the region is again facing unrest ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha election. On February 3,…

With Congress leaders everywhere making a beeline for the exit, the few that are left with the party are blaming who else but Rahul Gandhi for the exodus. The former party president, they say, has no time to even listen to their grievances, forget finding solutions to them. One such incident took place during the Assam leg of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. Amid the factional war within the Haryana Congress between the Kumari Selja-Randeep Singh Surjewala-Kiran Chaudhary (a.k.a. the SRK) faction and ex-CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the Gandhi scion summoned the former to Assam on January 23. But when the trio arrived in Hajo, 30 km from Guwahati, he could barely spare five minutes for them. This, despite the fact that both Selja and Surjewala are known to be…

"Smooth sailing to Mandwa! Exceptional assistance for seniors and top-notch wheelchair accessibility."NISHA KHOT "Unbelievable experience! Affordable luxury with cleanliness and hygiene as top priorities. Pet-friendly too!"KANAK KANGAVKAR "Efficient service for transporting vehicles between Mumbai and Alibaug. Safe, prompt, and courteous staff."ARUNAVA PRAMANICK "A fantastic addition to Mumbai's attractions. Speedy travel, well-designed ferries, and delicious food make for a memorable journey."K. V RAJESH These testimonials highlight the success of the innovative and eco-friendly Urban Water Transportation system implemented through RoRo/Ro-Pax Ferries. In the bustling urban centers of India, where traffic jams and congestion have become synonymous with daily life, a silent revolution has been taking place on the country's waterways. The Sagarmala Programme, initiated by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), has been quietly transforming urban transportation through funding…

In the expansive realm of visionaries, Shri. Vikramjit Singh Sahney stands tall as a symbol of self-reliance and community welfare. Padma Shri awardee, Chairman of Sun Foundation and International President of World Punjabi Organisation - his journey from humble beginnings to a Member of Parliament for Rajya Sabha mirrors the transformative power of vision and dedication to society. Shri. Sahney's commitment to socioeconomic uplift is evident through initiatives like 'Angels of Sun.' to support young learners. Recognized as the 'Employment man of India,' Shri. Sahney has empowered over 20,000 rural women through his 'Surya Kiran' initiative, fostering financial independence and gender equality. Understanding the pivotal role of skill development, Vikram Sahney, a former board member of NSDC, has been tirelessly working towards skilling and job opportunities for youth. He has…

Responding to the clarion call of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make Atmanirbhar bharat and aligning with his visionary roadmap for a developed India by 2047, lndraprastha Gas Ltd. (IGL) emerges as a frontrunner in the nation's ambitious quest for Atmanirbharta and net zero emissions. IGL is known for its transformative role in elevating NCR from the grips of ever worsening air pollution and established the CNG revolution in the country. Natural Gas has been universally accepted as the transition fuel and NG is the way forward for the country like ours, serving its many stated goals like energy self-sufficiency, subsidy elimination, SDG, pollution reduction and import substitution thus powering India's journey to be "Viksit Bharat" by 2047. Now with a strategic focus on indigenisation, environmental stewardship and sustainability,…

India, with a population of 1.4 billion and a GDP of USO 4.1 trillion, faces resource constraints and needs to adopt a sustainable model of development. The circular economy can help address this issue by integrating processes and products, reducing dependency on resources, and promoting sustainable practices. This approach can also reduce congestion and pollution, improve resource efficiency, and encourage self-reliance, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and inclusive economy. A circular economy is a strategy for economic growth that benefits industry, society, and the environment by promoting reuse, reduction, recycling, refurbishment, and remanufacturing. It encourages responsible use of natural resources and extends the service life of hazardous products. Regulations like the EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) authorization in India require companies to develop waste management plans to reduce environmental damage.…

▸ Sprung from a Vaishnavite sect set up in the early 1800s, BAPS now has a presence in 50+ countries, over a million members, 80,000 volunteers, a global network of over 1,550 mandirs and 5,025 centres ▸ Typically headed by gunatit gurus (spiritual leaders) of the sect, Mahant Swami Maharaj (Vinu Patel), the sixth spiritual successor of Lord Swaminarayan, has been heading it since 2016. His predecessor, Pramukh Swami Maharaj (Shantilal Patel), is particularly revered. He headed BAPS for 45 years as its spiritual leader, established 1,125 temples and also laid out the vision for the Abu Dhabi temple back in 1997 ▸ The sect’s revenues come from donations from members and volunteers among local communities wherever they’re present. They encourage members to pay ‘tithe’—5-10% of their income—as donation to…

Multi/new media artist Afrah Shafiq’s first solo show takes as its starting point the beautifully illustrated children’s books distributed by the Soviet Union across India from the 1950s to the 1980s, and branches out in different directions. There is an old-fashioned video game that takes you down rabbit holes of narrative and facts around the writers and stories; there is an even more basic Pac-Man-level game where a young girl contemplates her coming marriage with sadness, the graphics taken from Russian folk vernacular; there is an exploration of the work of Daniil Kharms (from whom the show’s title is borrowed), a dissident poet who wrote nonsense verse as well as children’s books, but whose books, tellingly, never made it to India in translation. In a marketplace where artists constantly bend…

H-POP: The Secretive World of Hindutva Pop Stars by Kunal Purohit HARPERCOLLINS ₹499; 306 pages PUROHIT’S NARROW FOCUS ON THREE INDIVIDUALS OFFERS ONLY GLIMPSES OF THE SCALE OF THE HINDUTVA PROJECT In 2019, journalist Kunal Purohit found himself in Gumla, a sleepy town in southern Jharkhand where, as he puts it, “nothing noteworthy happens.” But, in 2017, something did happen. That year, a Ramnavami procession—traditionally “a demonstration of peaceful coexistence” between the town’s Hindu and Muslim residents—sparked off communal tensions. Later that night, some Hindu men returning from the procession lynched and killed a local Muslim man they saw with a Hindu woman. Two years later, as Purohit talked to locals to understand what triggered the confrontation and violence, he came across an unlikely potential answer: the incendiary music blaring…

THE ETERNAL RELIGION Glimpses of Hinduism by Karan Singh SPEAKING TIGER ₹599; 266 pages The book under review shows seven decades of spiritual curiosity and the answers it has revealed. Anyone who wants to compact their journey and not be lost in the deep sea of Hinduism can greatly benefit from this book where both the physical symbols and the abstract concepts are lucidly explained. The long opening essay, an overview of Hinduism, is outstanding in its depth and range, asserting the superiority of a generous and accommodative way of thinking beyond the myopias, which the world has long called religions. It explains how Hinduism isn’t the vision of one individual. Nor was it written as a single book gospel, but is the collective wisdom of seers and sages, transmitted…

BUREAU REPORT While a majority of art is visually captivating, pieces that bring the beauty and joy of art to people who are not able to experience it visually, are rare. This concept of tangible art gave rise to Project Sparsh, an initiative launched by Asian Paints and St+art. Sparsh aims to bring the magic of art to visually impaired children, letting them experience it from an entirely new perspective. Rajasthan Netraheen Kalyan Sangh, a school in Jaipur, has been transforming the lives of visually impaired students for over five decades. Project Sparsh has created tactile murals for them. Tactility was achieved through the Royale Play range of textured paints from Asian Paints, which turns simple surfaces into tactile language they can touch and feel. Outdoor Art The outdoor mural…

In an election season marked by the dissolution of alliances and politicians crossing party lines, former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan is the latest to depart from the Congress ranks. He joins several other former CMs who have deserted the Grand Old Party in the past decade, with many of them switching to the saffron side. On February 12, Chavan resigned from all Congress posts and as the MLA from Bhokar constituency. A day later, the 65-year-old Maratha leader joined the BJP—the new affair was consummated on Valentine’s Day, when he was seamlessly nominated to the Rajya Sabha. Chavan fell from grace with the Adarsh Housing Scam, once a pet theme for the BJP, but never quite lost his sway over Nanded, his stronghold in Marathwada. The exit of the…

PAKISTAN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: A PRIMER ★ The National Assembly of Pakistan, its lower house of Parliament, has 336 seats in all, with 266 general/electable seats that go to the polls. A party needs to win 134 general seats to form government. The general seats are divided amongst the four provinces: Punjab (141 seats), Sindh (61), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (45) and Balochistan (16). Islamabad has three seats ★ In addition to these, there are 60 nominated seats for women and 10 nominated seats for minorities ★ Nominated seats are allocated to parties based on their proportional strength within the 266 general seats ★ A party gets one seat for women for every 3.5 general seats won ★ Minority seats are allocated to different provinces based on their respective minority proportions NATIONAL ASSEMBLY…

➘ There are four types of influenza viruses: A, B, C and D ➘ Influenza A is the most common in India. It has two sub-types: H1N1 and H3N2 ➘ H1N1 caused the swine flu pandemic in 2009 ➘ H3N2 symptoms last longer, recur quicker. India has seen more H3N2 cases than during the pre-pandemic period. This is due to reduced immunity to the virus, climate change, pollution ➘ In the 2023 winter flu season, 50% of those hospitalised with severe respiratory syndrome had H3N2. There was a countrywide spurt in H1N1 cases too ➘ New flu vaccines protect against two strains each of Type A and B and are highly recommended prior to flu season (June-September, November-March)…

“Everyone, Everywhere, Equally”, unleashing a new concept in healthcare, unheard, unseen. ClearMedi Healthcare, is emerging as the fastest growing multispeciality chain of hospitals with focus on Oncology Care in India especially tier 2 and tier 3 cities. The dream of Hon’ble PM for ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047, is being realised one step every day by this Made in India healthcare brand. The brand founded in 2010, by Dr Shashi Kant Baliyan, MD and Founder, now being led by healthcare management leader, Commander Navneet Bali, who is strategizing into building this Indian brand to reach the untouched of the society. It dates to 2010, when Dr Baliyan on his regular visit to his hometown in Sonipat, Haryana came across the fact the entire state did not have a single LINAC. Patients…

Geographical Indications (Gls) are symbols used on products from a specific geographical location that have unique qualities or a reputation linked to that location. They certify that the product has specific attributes, is made using traditional methods, or enjoys a certain reputation due to its origin. Gls protect the reputation and legacy of regional products while promoting economic growth in specific areas. They provide a distinct identity to products, and prevent unauthorized use of their geographical name, while maintaining the cultural and historical identity of products associated with specific regions. India's rich tapestry of farmer producing traditions is evident in its diverse array of Geographical Indications (Gls) within the agricultural sector. India is making concerted efforts to protect its organically grown distinctive agricultural products across different geographies to generate higher…

May be, even five years back, the task of cleaning River Ganga looked a mission impossible, given its complexity, spread and diversity and its history and geography. It definitely was, when Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi embarked on the cleansing of the River Ganga and its tributaries, launching Namami Gange as one of the flagship programs of his Government in 2014-15, with a committed budget of Rs 20,000 Crores. His determination and commitment to the project was beyond doubt, with him famously saying, "Ma Ganga ne mujhe bu/aya hai". Historically, many attempts, starting with Ganga Action Plan in 1985 were done to clean river Ganga, but failed to achieve the results contemplated, mainly due to their piecemeal approaches and lack of long term financial support. Identifying and correcting the reasons…

In the dynamic landscape of India's progress, the coal sector emerges as a stand out pillar, fueling the engine of "Vikshit Bharat", the developed India we aspire to build. With a rich historical background intricately woven into the fabric of the nation's industrial evolution, the coal industry has played a pivotal role in steering economic growth and advancing infrastructural development. As we navigate the intricate balance between sustainability and energy demands, it becomes imperative to appreciate the nuanced contributions of the coal industry in shaping a prosperous and developed India. This delves into the intricate tapestry of the coal sector, exploring its multifaceted impact on "Vikshit Bharat" and the path forward in harnessing its potential responsibly. As India strides towards self-reliance, the coal sector emerges as a pivotal contributor, not…

There was no room for mansplaining at the INDIA TODAY Woman Summit–Gender Equity held in Chennai on February 9. Instead, it was all about leading women across fields sharing their experiences of overcoming odds and lessons learnt along the way. The audience—young and predominantly female—bore witness to the testimonies of sheroes in the arts (Carnatic vocalist Aruna Sairam, Bharatanatyam dancer Narthaki Nataraj and actress Pooja Hedge); in science and medicine (Suchitra Ella of Bharat Biotech, Nigar Shaji from the Indian Space Research Organisation, Prof. Annapurni Subramaniam, director, Indian Institute of Astrophysics and Dr Pratima Murthy, director, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences); and in business (Saundarya Rajesh, founder-president of the Avtar Group; Lavanya Nalli, vice chairperson of the Nalli Group of Companies; Dr Urjitha Rajagopalan, director, MGM Healthcare;…

“If we want someone to gulp down something bitter—by bitter, I mean classical [music]—the platter should be presented well. Then they will eat it, bitter or sweet,” says Varanasibased thumri singer Sucharita Gupta about her song with Hindi pop-rock band The Yellow Diary, in the opening episode of Equals, a new seven-part music documentary series on JioCinema. Conceptualised by New Delhi-based non-profit Anahad Foundation, which works to catalogue and release the work of folk musicians and enhance their revenue-generating opportunities, Equals spotlights seven of the country’s most prominent folk artists by tracing their stories and getting them to create a song with their more mainstream counterparts. In other words, as Gupta says, it offers their music in a more appealing package. The combinations include Punjabi vocalist Des Raj Lachkani from Patiala…

In the dynamic realm of architectural design, several brands have emerged as frontrunners, revolutionising our approach to windows with their cutting-edge aluminium and uPVC offerings. Beyond mere functional apertures, these windows redefine our design ethos, seamlessly amalgamating style and functionality to elevate the aesthetic and performance standards in architectural projects. Modern Marvels Aluminium windows, showcased in our projects Casa K (in Delhi) and Terra (in Gwalior), embody modern sophistication. Their versatility enables them to adapt effortlessly to diverse architectural styles, be it the sleek lines of a contemporary structure or the timeless charm of a more traditional design. The aesthetic appeal of these windows goes hand in hand with their robust nature, offering not just visual delight but also structural integrity. Functionality is Important On the flip side, uPVC windows,…