Archive For The “General” Category
New Delhi, Sep 27 : Jai Kisan Andolan founder Yogendra Yadav on Monday said that today's Bharat Bandh evoked unprecedented response across the nation.
Speaking to IANS, Yadav said that the day will prove a milestone in the history of the farmers movement.
"Those demeaning the farmers agitation by calling it a movement of a few farmers have got a befitting reply today", added Yadav.
The day long Bharat Bandh was called by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and other farmers unions to mark one year of the passing of the new farm laws.
The bandh ended at 4 p.m. and traffic movement has resumed on all routes to the national capital which were blocked by the agitating farmers since morning.
The bandh was called from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Talking to IANS, Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav said we have earned the support of farmers throughout the country.
He added that our agitation is now reaching the far flung areas of India and all are supporting are protest against the new farm laws.
Crossing regional barriers this movement has reached every corner of India and farmers have participated in the Bharat Bandh from all states and made it a success, Yadav said.
On being asked about a dialogue with the Centre, Yadav categorically said that a democracy is run by the people and this movement has turned into a peoples movement where all sections have active participation, we are hopeful that the government will listen to us.
Emphasising the Centre's lacklustre attitude, he said that before every such large scale action the agriculture minister said that the government is open to dialogue with the farmers unions but they never call us for talks.
The minister should tell us the date and time when they want us to meet, said Yadav, adding that we don't have any invitation for talks from the government.
On the question of political parties' involvement in the protest, he said that we are thankful to those who supported us during the Bharat Bandh.
But this protest doesn't belong to any political party and hence no political leader can use the Samyukta Kisan Morcha stage as the representative of the party.
However, despite the farmers' bandh, public transport remained operational in the national capital.
DTC buses, Delhi Metro, auto-rickshaws and other modes of public and private transport ran smoothly in the capital city.
Barring the four entry points to the city that were blocked by the farmers, all communications remained normal.
The call for the bandh was supported by over 100 farmer unions, 15 trade unions, political parties and several state governments.
The farmers exempted emergency services, all essential services, medical emergency and rescue and relief work including personal emergency.
The SKM had assured that the bandh will be enforced in a voluntary and peaceful manner. It ended peacefully without much visible impact.
--IANS
avr/bg.
Source: IANS
Speaking to IANS, Yadav said that the day will prove a milestone in the history of the farmers movement.
"Those demeaning the farmers agitation by calling it a movement of a few farmers have got a befitting reply today", added Yadav.
The day long Bharat Bandh was called by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and other farmers unions to mark one year of the passing of the new farm laws.
The bandh ended at 4 p.m. and traffic movement has resumed on all routes to the national capital which were blocked by the agitating farmers since morning.
The bandh was called from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Talking to IANS, Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav said we have earned the support of farmers throughout the country.
He added that our agitation is now reaching the far flung areas of India and all are supporting are protest against the new farm laws.
Crossing regional barriers this movement has reached every corner of India and farmers have participated in the Bharat Bandh from all states and made it a success, Yadav said.
On being asked about a dialogue with the Centre, Yadav categorically said that a democracy is run by the people and this movement has turned into a peoples movement where all sections have active participation, we are hopeful that the government will listen to us.
Emphasising the Centre's lacklustre attitude, he said that before every such large scale action the agriculture minister said that the government is open to dialogue with the farmers unions but they never call us for talks.
The minister should tell us the date and time when they want us to meet, said Yadav, adding that we don't have any invitation for talks from the government.
On the question of political parties' involvement in the protest, he said that we are thankful to those who supported us during the Bharat Bandh.
But this protest doesn't belong to any political party and hence no political leader can use the Samyukta Kisan Morcha stage as the representative of the party.
However, despite the farmers' bandh, public transport remained operational in the national capital.
DTC buses, Delhi Metro, auto-rickshaws and other modes of public and private transport ran smoothly in the capital city.
Barring the four entry points to the city that were blocked by the farmers, all communications remained normal.
The call for the bandh was supported by over 100 farmer unions, 15 trade unions, political parties and several state governments.
The farmers exempted emergency services, all essential services, medical emergency and rescue and relief work including personal emergency.
The SKM had assured that the bandh will be enforced in a voluntary and peaceful manner. It ended peacefully without much visible impact.
--IANS
avr/bg.
Source: IANS
New Delhi, Sep 27 : The farmers' protest, where women had taken the lead a few months ago, witnessed no active female participation at Ghazipur border on Monday.
"Most of the women are looking after their home and farm lands while we (men) are here at Delhi," Dalbir Singh said.The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) had called a Bharat Bandh (nationwide shutdown) on Monday to mark a year since the three contentious farm laws were passed by the Centre in the parliament.
"It was on September 27 that President Ram Nath Kovind gave his nod to and brought into force the three anti-farmer black laws last year.
Tomorrow, there will be a total Bharat Bandh observed around the country from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.," it said in a statement on Sunday.
A handful of women who were present at the demonstration site had come from the nearby areas of Trilokpuri and Kondli in east Delhi.
"We come here at 10-11 in the morning to help prepare food and leave in the evening," Gurbachan, a woman in her 50s said, adding, "During our time here we help with the lunch and make arrangements for dinner."
"It is not that we work alone.
We get plenty of help from men here," another woman -- a homemaker named Simrat -- said, adding, "Earlier more women used to come but now more restrictions have been imposed at the entrance so only a few are able to make it till here."
Ghazipur border has been closed from the side where farmers have set up their camps.
People have to use a path in an abandoned field near the NH24 highway to reach the site.
Atul Tripathi, coordinator at the farmers' protest, cited safety and lack of facilities for women as the top reasons behind their absence.
"Harsh weather condition is another factor," he added.
Mala Devi, member of All India Progressive Women's Association said, "Women come here when they are invited.
On special occasions women are called from nearby regions and they stay throughout the programme. Like tomorrow is Bhagat Singh Jayanti so there is a possibility of more women being here."
She too, comes to the Ghazipur protest site in the morning and leaves by evening.
"We may see over 100-150 women here after the paddy is cultivated," a senior coordinator from Rampur added.
According to a 2018 Oxfam report, the agriculture sector employs 80 per cent of all economically active women in India, comprising 33 per cent of the agriculture labour force and 48 pc of the self-employed farmers.
--IANS
rdk/bg.
Source: IANS
"Most of the women are looking after their home and farm lands while we (men) are here at Delhi," Dalbir Singh said.The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) had called a Bharat Bandh (nationwide shutdown) on Monday to mark a year since the three contentious farm laws were passed by the Centre in the parliament.
"It was on September 27 that President Ram Nath Kovind gave his nod to and brought into force the three anti-farmer black laws last year.
Tomorrow, there will be a total Bharat Bandh observed around the country from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.," it said in a statement on Sunday.
A handful of women who were present at the demonstration site had come from the nearby areas of Trilokpuri and Kondli in east Delhi.
"We come here at 10-11 in the morning to help prepare food and leave in the evening," Gurbachan, a woman in her 50s said, adding, "During our time here we help with the lunch and make arrangements for dinner."
"It is not that we work alone.
We get plenty of help from men here," another woman -- a homemaker named Simrat -- said, adding, "Earlier more women used to come but now more restrictions have been imposed at the entrance so only a few are able to make it till here."
Ghazipur border has been closed from the side where farmers have set up their camps.
People have to use a path in an abandoned field near the NH24 highway to reach the site.
Atul Tripathi, coordinator at the farmers' protest, cited safety and lack of facilities for women as the top reasons behind their absence.
"Harsh weather condition is another factor," he added.
Mala Devi, member of All India Progressive Women's Association said, "Women come here when they are invited.
On special occasions women are called from nearby regions and they stay throughout the programme. Like tomorrow is Bhagat Singh Jayanti so there is a possibility of more women being here."
She too, comes to the Ghazipur protest site in the morning and leaves by evening.
"We may see over 100-150 women here after the paddy is cultivated," a senior coordinator from Rampur added.
According to a 2018 Oxfam report, the agriculture sector employs 80 per cent of all economically active women in India, comprising 33 per cent of the agriculture labour force and 48 pc of the self-employed farmers.
--IANS
rdk/bg.
Source: IANS
Bettiah (Bihar), Sep 27 (IANS/ 101 Reporters) Parwati's house in West Champaran's Katraw village, Bihar, was not locked for four days when she was at the hospital to treat her fever and chills.
When she returned home, everything was intact - no one had broken in.
"The villagers here do not prefer to lock the doors when they move out of for a few days," said Sunil Garhwal, the chief of Jamuniya panchayat that governs the village.
"Locking of the door is construed a great disservice and disregard for co-villagers. However, one is at the liberty to lock their house if they are away for weeks," he added.
Katraw is located 285 km from Patna.
It has about 1,500 people from various communities, like Tharu, Muslim, Mushar and Dhangar. Its jurisdiction is patrolled by the Sahodara police station. The officers here have not registered more than a single case since India became independent in 1947.
"Nahi chhuwe la samantha koi kekaro (touching others' belongings is a profane crime here)," said Hansa Devi, adding: "It is not as if altercations or disputes do not take place in Katraw.
But, we resolve it amongst ourselves at the village level if the issue arises among ourselves."
A single case in 70 years
"To the best of our knowledge, except for one road accident case, no other complaint has been registered from Katraw," Superintendent of Police, Bettiah, Upendra Nath Verma, said.
Such has been the allure of Katraw that even former Director General of Police of Bihar, Gupteshwar Pandey, could not stop himself from visiting the village when he was surveying West Champaran in July last year.
"Everyone should draw inspiration from Katraw where no cases or FIRs have been registered so far. This (model of the village) deserves to be emulated [by other villages] so that India can shine," Pandey said.
The peace perhaps dawns upon the hamlet due to its ingrained judicial setup. Called the Gomastha Bayawastha, it was born in the early 1950s. The system was the brainchild of Bihar's first chief minister Shri Krishna Sinha.
A Gomastha is essentially a patriarchal judicial authority - passed down from father to son - who delivers amicable solutions to the minor disputes that may arise in Katraw.
A Gomastha may even penalise a person guilty of initiating a clash. Katraw, which has elected representatives in the panchayat system, seems to have unflinching faith in its Gomasthas.
The village, to date, has followed the verdicts delivered by the Gomasthas.
Its testimony lies in the fact that the law and order has prevailed here for 75 years since India became independent.
"In Kathraw, a Gomastha is virtually regarded as a demi-god, whose order is invariably acceptable to all," said Shailendra Garhwal, the president of Bettiah Zilla Parishad.
The position of Gomastha is not recognised by the government, although the local administration is aware of its prevalence in the Tharu tribe.
"The system is followed in the Tharu community for long. It underscores the people's firm belief in the democratic system, said Garwal, who belongs to the Tharu community.
"Ours is the third generation of Gomasthas," said Vijay Kumar Gaurao who is at present the Katraw Gomastha.
"I can say with a reasonable degree of confidence that no cases - either civil or criminal in nature - have been registered in the court or in the police station since India gained independence."
Local, community-conscious justice
The court of a Gomastha bears an anachronistic, antiquated look - the villagers sit under a tree or a community hall and dispense the justice after hearing the warring sides.
For instance, in July 2020 Mukesh Kumar was asked to pay a penalty of Rs 5,000 for slapping his sister-in-law.
The Gomastha also demanded a written apology saying that Kumar's actions had brought "disgrace to the women in a civilised society".
Such a punishment was meted out to Chandrika Mahato and Visheshwar Mahato after they got into an altercation in broad daylight.
Chandrika was angered after Visheshwar's goats had grazed on his land.
The dispute culminated in an invitation into the Gomastha's court, which charged each of them a fine of Rs 500 for "debilitating the social order".
The Gomastha also directed Visheshwar to pay Rs 300 to Chandrika as compensation.
An individual, who does not follow the Gomastha's verdict, is excommunicated by others.
The fine collected from the directives is spent on marriages in the village or other social obligations.
The marriages are a community affair here.
Invitations are sent out to every single villager, who are then bound to make arrangements for raw rice, pulses and vegetables among other eatables as a contribution.
Such social harmony is a matter of pride for villagers like Rohit Kumar and Shekhauddin.
"We fix our own problems and we want to pass this legacy to the next generation," Kumar said.
(The author is a Bettiah-based freelance journalist and a member of 101Reporters.com, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters.)
--IANS/101 Reporters
vd.
Source: IANS
When she returned home, everything was intact - no one had broken in.
"The villagers here do not prefer to lock the doors when they move out of for a few days," said Sunil Garhwal, the chief of Jamuniya panchayat that governs the village.
"Locking of the door is construed a great disservice and disregard for co-villagers. However, one is at the liberty to lock their house if they are away for weeks," he added.
Katraw is located 285 km from Patna.
It has about 1,500 people from various communities, like Tharu, Muslim, Mushar and Dhangar. Its jurisdiction is patrolled by the Sahodara police station. The officers here have not registered more than a single case since India became independent in 1947.
"Nahi chhuwe la samantha koi kekaro (touching others' belongings is a profane crime here)," said Hansa Devi, adding: "It is not as if altercations or disputes do not take place in Katraw.
But, we resolve it amongst ourselves at the village level if the issue arises among ourselves."
A single case in 70 years
"To the best of our knowledge, except for one road accident case, no other complaint has been registered from Katraw," Superintendent of Police, Bettiah, Upendra Nath Verma, said.
Such has been the allure of Katraw that even former Director General of Police of Bihar, Gupteshwar Pandey, could not stop himself from visiting the village when he was surveying West Champaran in July last year.
"Everyone should draw inspiration from Katraw where no cases or FIRs have been registered so far. This (model of the village) deserves to be emulated [by other villages] so that India can shine," Pandey said.
The peace perhaps dawns upon the hamlet due to its ingrained judicial setup. Called the Gomastha Bayawastha, it was born in the early 1950s. The system was the brainchild of Bihar's first chief minister Shri Krishna Sinha.
A Gomastha is essentially a patriarchal judicial authority - passed down from father to son - who delivers amicable solutions to the minor disputes that may arise in Katraw.
A Gomastha may even penalise a person guilty of initiating a clash. Katraw, which has elected representatives in the panchayat system, seems to have unflinching faith in its Gomasthas.
The village, to date, has followed the verdicts delivered by the Gomasthas.
Its testimony lies in the fact that the law and order has prevailed here for 75 years since India became independent.
"In Kathraw, a Gomastha is virtually regarded as a demi-god, whose order is invariably acceptable to all," said Shailendra Garhwal, the president of Bettiah Zilla Parishad.
The position of Gomastha is not recognised by the government, although the local administration is aware of its prevalence in the Tharu tribe.
"The system is followed in the Tharu community for long. It underscores the people's firm belief in the democratic system, said Garwal, who belongs to the Tharu community.
"Ours is the third generation of Gomasthas," said Vijay Kumar Gaurao who is at present the Katraw Gomastha.
"I can say with a reasonable degree of confidence that no cases - either civil or criminal in nature - have been registered in the court or in the police station since India gained independence."
Local, community-conscious justice
The court of a Gomastha bears an anachronistic, antiquated look - the villagers sit under a tree or a community hall and dispense the justice after hearing the warring sides.
For instance, in July 2020 Mukesh Kumar was asked to pay a penalty of Rs 5,000 for slapping his sister-in-law.
The Gomastha also demanded a written apology saying that Kumar's actions had brought "disgrace to the women in a civilised society".
Such a punishment was meted out to Chandrika Mahato and Visheshwar Mahato after they got into an altercation in broad daylight.
Chandrika was angered after Visheshwar's goats had grazed on his land.
The dispute culminated in an invitation into the Gomastha's court, which charged each of them a fine of Rs 500 for "debilitating the social order".
The Gomastha also directed Visheshwar to pay Rs 300 to Chandrika as compensation.
An individual, who does not follow the Gomastha's verdict, is excommunicated by others.
The fine collected from the directives is spent on marriages in the village or other social obligations.
The marriages are a community affair here.
Invitations are sent out to every single villager, who are then bound to make arrangements for raw rice, pulses and vegetables among other eatables as a contribution.
Such social harmony is a matter of pride for villagers like Rohit Kumar and Shekhauddin.
"We fix our own problems and we want to pass this legacy to the next generation," Kumar said.
(The author is a Bettiah-based freelance journalist and a member of 101Reporters.com, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters.)
--IANS/101 Reporters
vd.
Source: IANS
Chandigarh, Sep 27 : Hundreds of people across Punjab and Haryana on Monday faced a harrowing time as buses, taxis and rails did not ply due to the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM)-called Bharat Bandh.
Commuters were left stranded at railway stations and bus stands in various towns and cities of both the states as public transport was stranded.
People were forced to trudge with heavy luggage and office-goers too were hit hard.
State roadways, private buses and taxis did not ply, causing misery to thousands of passengers.
Buses remained parked at bus stands or bus depots, and passengers were left stranded.
Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws made a fast buck from people wanting to reach their destination on time.
Most of the roads across the states, including in joint capital Chandigarh, wore a near-deserted look.
While most of the private schools were shut, the attendance at government offices was negligible.
"We have decided not to attend the office owing to the closure of all major road links that started early in the morning," said Nisha Singh, a government employee, who daily commutes from her hometown Kharar to Chandigarh.
The worst affected places were Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, Amritsar, Bathinda, Ferozepur and Moga.
In neighbouring Haryana, there were reports of protesters blocking highways in Ambala, Karnal, Panipat, Sirsa, Fatehabad and Kurukshetra districts.
"Today I had to reach Delhi for some urgent work.
The strike affects the common man," said Parkash Singh, a commuter from Karnal in Haryana.
Over 13 lakh people travel daily in nearly 4,200 Haryana Roadways buses, including luxury Volvo buses, on intra- and inter-state routes.
Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Monday appealed to the Central government to repeal the three farm legislations, but he asked farmers to raise their voice in a peaceful manner.
"#IStandWithFarmers (and) appeal the Union Govt.
to repeal the three anti-farmer laws," the Chief Minister tweeted.
"Our farmers have been struggling for their rights since more than a year (and) it is high time that their voice is heard.
I request the farmers to raise their voice in a peaceful manner."
Punjab Congress President Navjot Sidhu said: "The Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee firmly stands by farmer unionsIn the war of right and wrong you cannot afford to be neutral.
We urge every Congress worker to fight with all their might against the three unconstitutional black laws."
--IANS
vg/ksk/.
Source: IANS
Commuters were left stranded at railway stations and bus stands in various towns and cities of both the states as public transport was stranded.
People were forced to trudge with heavy luggage and office-goers too were hit hard.
State roadways, private buses and taxis did not ply, causing misery to thousands of passengers.
Buses remained parked at bus stands or bus depots, and passengers were left stranded.
Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws made a fast buck from people wanting to reach their destination on time.
Most of the roads across the states, including in joint capital Chandigarh, wore a near-deserted look.
While most of the private schools were shut, the attendance at government offices was negligible.
"We have decided not to attend the office owing to the closure of all major road links that started early in the morning," said Nisha Singh, a government employee, who daily commutes from her hometown Kharar to Chandigarh.
The worst affected places were Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, Amritsar, Bathinda, Ferozepur and Moga.
In neighbouring Haryana, there were reports of protesters blocking highways in Ambala, Karnal, Panipat, Sirsa, Fatehabad and Kurukshetra districts.
"Today I had to reach Delhi for some urgent work.
The strike affects the common man," said Parkash Singh, a commuter from Karnal in Haryana.
Over 13 lakh people travel daily in nearly 4,200 Haryana Roadways buses, including luxury Volvo buses, on intra- and inter-state routes.
Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Monday appealed to the Central government to repeal the three farm legislations, but he asked farmers to raise their voice in a peaceful manner.
"#IStandWithFarmers (and) appeal the Union Govt.
to repeal the three anti-farmer laws," the Chief Minister tweeted.
"Our farmers have been struggling for their rights since more than a year (and) it is high time that their voice is heard.
I request the farmers to raise their voice in a peaceful manner."
Punjab Congress President Navjot Sidhu said: "The Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee firmly stands by farmer unionsIn the war of right and wrong you cannot afford to be neutral.
We urge every Congress worker to fight with all their might against the three unconstitutional black laws."
--IANS
vg/ksk/.
Source: IANS
Ayodhya, Sep 27 : 'Deepotsav', in Ayodhya this year will witness a scintillating air show with hundreds of drones creating a glowing zig-zag formation in the skies.
According to official sources, 800-1,000 drones will simultaneously take off to create a magical aura of the 'Treta Yug', signifying Lord Ram's homecoming with Sita after his 14-year exile.
Vishal Singh, vice chairman of Ayodhya Development Authority and nodal officer for Deepotsav preparations, said: "The proposal for the project has been submitted to the government for approval and a final decision will be taken soon.
The logistics have already been worked out."
The state government plans to light up the Ghats of Saryu River with 7.5 lakh 'diyas' and break it own earlier record of 5.5 lakh diyas.
This 'Deepotsav' which will be held on Diwali eve on November 3, will be the last mega event of the Yogi Adityanath government's current tenure.
Adityanath had started the 'Deepotsav' programme in 2017 when he became Chief Minister and the event has grown bigger in scale over the years.
Meanwhile, the district administration has started repairing some of the dilapidated temples on Saryu banks, using the Vedic technique of creating a paste by mixing jaggery with stone dust and lime.
The Yogi Adityanath government wants the celebrations in Ayodhya to touch a crescendo this year with 'Deepotsav' since construction of the Ram temple has already begun.
--IANS
amita/ksk/.
Source: IANS
According to official sources, 800-1,000 drones will simultaneously take off to create a magical aura of the 'Treta Yug', signifying Lord Ram's homecoming with Sita after his 14-year exile.
Vishal Singh, vice chairman of Ayodhya Development Authority and nodal officer for Deepotsav preparations, said: "The proposal for the project has been submitted to the government for approval and a final decision will be taken soon.
The logistics have already been worked out."
The state government plans to light up the Ghats of Saryu River with 7.5 lakh 'diyas' and break it own earlier record of 5.5 lakh diyas.
This 'Deepotsav' which will be held on Diwali eve on November 3, will be the last mega event of the Yogi Adityanath government's current tenure.
Adityanath had started the 'Deepotsav' programme in 2017 when he became Chief Minister and the event has grown bigger in scale over the years.
Meanwhile, the district administration has started repairing some of the dilapidated temples on Saryu banks, using the Vedic technique of creating a paste by mixing jaggery with stone dust and lime.
The Yogi Adityanath government wants the celebrations in Ayodhya to touch a crescendo this year with 'Deepotsav' since construction of the Ram temple has already begun.
--IANS
amita/ksk/.
Source: IANS
Lucknow, Sep 27 : The CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute will expand its serological testing for antibodies against the novel coronavirus to the state level in Uttar Pradesh.
The institute will request the government to provide more Covid samples so that the study can be conducted at the state level.
The institute had conducted a sero survey of its employees last year in which it was found that around 6 per cent had contracted the infection at some point in time but recovered without even knowing that they were carrying the virus.
CDRI Director Prof Tapas Kundu, said: "We have got full government support in conducting Covid-19 research and now we want to do the sero survey at the state level.
The diagnostic laboratory of the institute has contributed immensely by screening over 3 lakh patient samples."
He said the institute has also developed an indigenous RT-PCR kit where the fluorophores have been developed at the institute.
The institute is also carrying out whole-genome analysis of virus strains from several hundred patients as requested by the state government.
These studies are helping analyse the spread of various SARS-Cov2 strains in the state, he added.
"Keeping in mind the emerging viral infections, the CDRI has established a 'Unit of Excellence in Virus Research and Therapeutics' under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath who encouraged the Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) and King George's Medical University (KGMU) to collaborate with CDRI on this initiative," he added.
--IANS
amita/ksk/.
Source: IANS
The institute will request the government to provide more Covid samples so that the study can be conducted at the state level.
The institute had conducted a sero survey of its employees last year in which it was found that around 6 per cent had contracted the infection at some point in time but recovered without even knowing that they were carrying the virus.
CDRI Director Prof Tapas Kundu, said: "We have got full government support in conducting Covid-19 research and now we want to do the sero survey at the state level.
The diagnostic laboratory of the institute has contributed immensely by screening over 3 lakh patient samples."
He said the institute has also developed an indigenous RT-PCR kit where the fluorophores have been developed at the institute.
The institute is also carrying out whole-genome analysis of virus strains from several hundred patients as requested by the state government.
These studies are helping analyse the spread of various SARS-Cov2 strains in the state, he added.
"Keeping in mind the emerging viral infections, the CDRI has established a 'Unit of Excellence in Virus Research and Therapeutics' under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath who encouraged the Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) and King George's Medical University (KGMU) to collaborate with CDRI on this initiative," he added.
--IANS
amita/ksk/.
Source: IANS
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 26 : Following a green light by the state government, bars in Kerala opened on Sunday, while restaurants were also allowed to begin dine-in services which were suspended since the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, restaurants and bars will be allowed to admit only 50 per cent of their capacity and without air conditioners.
Entry will only be allowed for fully vaccinated persons, while staff at the establishments will be permitted to work only if they have taken two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine.
While speaking to IANS, Kerala Bar Owners Association President, Sunil Kumar said: "The government's decision to allow bars to function is good as we have been suffering from the closure of the bars.
While the government had allowed sale of liquor as parcel from the bar counters, allowing to sit and drink will help the sale of food and other items.
After the long closure, the maintenance works have to be conducted in all these bars and hence we have incurred huge initial expenditure to make the bars functional."
The restaurant owners are also happy at the decision of the government to allow dine-in services.
Sulaiman Haji, owner of the Paris restaurant in Thalassery, Kannur district, told IANS: "From morning onwards, people have come in large numbers to our hotel to savior our delicacies which are primarily non-vegetarian.
The decision of the government has been accepted by the people and this is been seen in the crowd at my hotel."
The tipplers are also happy in opening the bars and Sam Varghese, who is the owner of a building company in Thiruvananthapuram, told IANS: "I can now have some good meetings with some of my suppliers who come from other places and bars being closed down was a difficult proposition to me.
"
The state has also allowed opening of swimming pools and clubs, but movie theatres were still closed.
Liberty Basheer, owner of Liberty theater group and President, Kerala movie exhibitors association, while speaking to IANS said: "If bars can reopen, schools are allowed to reopen, then why not movie halls? We are almost done with the huge expenses we have to shell out for maintenance of these theatres, including screen.
We have also been paying our employees and we expect the government to take a decision to open theatres in a few days time."
--IANS
aal/ksk/.
Source: IANS
However, restaurants and bars will be allowed to admit only 50 per cent of their capacity and without air conditioners.
Entry will only be allowed for fully vaccinated persons, while staff at the establishments will be permitted to work only if they have taken two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine.
While speaking to IANS, Kerala Bar Owners Association President, Sunil Kumar said: "The government's decision to allow bars to function is good as we have been suffering from the closure of the bars.
While the government had allowed sale of liquor as parcel from the bar counters, allowing to sit and drink will help the sale of food and other items.
After the long closure, the maintenance works have to be conducted in all these bars and hence we have incurred huge initial expenditure to make the bars functional."
The restaurant owners are also happy at the decision of the government to allow dine-in services.
Sulaiman Haji, owner of the Paris restaurant in Thalassery, Kannur district, told IANS: "From morning onwards, people have come in large numbers to our hotel to savior our delicacies which are primarily non-vegetarian.
The decision of the government has been accepted by the people and this is been seen in the crowd at my hotel."
The tipplers are also happy in opening the bars and Sam Varghese, who is the owner of a building company in Thiruvananthapuram, told IANS: "I can now have some good meetings with some of my suppliers who come from other places and bars being closed down was a difficult proposition to me.
"
The state has also allowed opening of swimming pools and clubs, but movie theatres were still closed.
Liberty Basheer, owner of Liberty theater group and President, Kerala movie exhibitors association, while speaking to IANS said: "If bars can reopen, schools are allowed to reopen, then why not movie halls? We are almost done with the huge expenses we have to shell out for maintenance of these theatres, including screen.
We have also been paying our employees and we expect the government to take a decision to open theatres in a few days time."
--IANS
aal/ksk/.
Source: IANS
Thiruvananthapuam, Sep 26 : General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), Tariq Anwar has arrived in Thiruvananthapuram to meet former Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee President (KPCC), V.M.
Sudheeran, who resigned from the powerful Political Affairs Committee(PAC).
Anwar will Sudheeran at the latter's residence along with the state Opposition leader V.D.
Satheeshan.
Sudheeran, according to senior party leaders, was unhappy after the new Congress chief did not consult the powerful PAC before bringing in new reforms, including semi-cadre culture.
Sudheeran was also not happy over the selection of District Congress Committee (DCC) Presidents without consulting the PAC.
The party in Kerala is in flux following the Assembly elections earlier this year and with a change of leadership with both the state Congress Chief Mullappally Ramachandran and then opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala quitting their posts or rather being removed by the AICC.
The duo was replaced by K. Sudhakaran, the Kannur strongman and a sitting MP, as the new KPCC President and Satheeshan as the state opposition leader.
Both Sudhakaran and Satheeshan, who were part and parcel of the powerful "I" group in the state Congress led by Chennithala, suddenly took a volte-face and openly declared that they don't have groups.
The District Congress Committee chiefs of all the 14 districts of the state were removed.
Party state organizing secretary, K.P. Anil Kumar, and KPCC General Secretary G. Rathikumar and KPCC Secretary P.S. Prasanth left Congress and joined the rival CPM.
The public resignation of Sudheeran, considered as the clean and honest face of the state Congress, has given a bolt in the blue for the arrogant style of functioning of the new Congress state leadership.
State Congress Chief K.
Sudhakaran however told media persons at Thiruvananthapuram that the party would try and settle the issues raised by Sudheeran if any and will speak to him in detail.
He said that both Anwar and Satheeshan would pacify Sudheeran and try and make him withdraw the resignation.
--IANS
aal/ksk/.
Source: IANS
Sudheeran, who resigned from the powerful Political Affairs Committee(PAC).
Anwar will Sudheeran at the latter's residence along with the state Opposition leader V.D.
Satheeshan.
Sudheeran, according to senior party leaders, was unhappy after the new Congress chief did not consult the powerful PAC before bringing in new reforms, including semi-cadre culture.
Sudheeran was also not happy over the selection of District Congress Committee (DCC) Presidents without consulting the PAC.
The party in Kerala is in flux following the Assembly elections earlier this year and with a change of leadership with both the state Congress Chief Mullappally Ramachandran and then opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala quitting their posts or rather being removed by the AICC.
The duo was replaced by K. Sudhakaran, the Kannur strongman and a sitting MP, as the new KPCC President and Satheeshan as the state opposition leader.
Both Sudhakaran and Satheeshan, who were part and parcel of the powerful "I" group in the state Congress led by Chennithala, suddenly took a volte-face and openly declared that they don't have groups.
The District Congress Committee chiefs of all the 14 districts of the state were removed.
Party state organizing secretary, K.P. Anil Kumar, and KPCC General Secretary G. Rathikumar and KPCC Secretary P.S. Prasanth left Congress and joined the rival CPM.
The public resignation of Sudheeran, considered as the clean and honest face of the state Congress, has given a bolt in the blue for the arrogant style of functioning of the new Congress state leadership.
State Congress Chief K.
Sudhakaran however told media persons at Thiruvananthapuram that the party would try and settle the issues raised by Sudheeran if any and will speak to him in detail.
He said that both Anwar and Satheeshan would pacify Sudheeran and try and make him withdraw the resignation.
--IANS
aal/ksk/.
Source: IANS
Srinagar, Sep 26 : After 14 years, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will hold an air show on Sunday over the Dal Lake in Srinagar city.
'Give wings to your dreams', the theme of Sunday's air show is to motivate youth to join the Air Force and to promote tourism in the region.
Lt.
Governor Manoj Sinha will flag off the show while IAF skydiving team Akash Ganga, Suryakiran Aerobatic and Display Teams will be performing.
"We want to give a feel to the youth about the working of the Air Force.
"The youth who will witness the show will be familiarised with the new technological advancements achieved and incorporated by the IAF in the past few years.
"Stalls will be established at Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) where youth will be informed about the achievements of the Air Force, employment opportunities in the IAF, recruitment rules and eligibility criteria.
"The event would also consist of a photo exhibition depicting the history of the IAF," said an official of the IAF.
The air show is being held to commemorate 75 years of Independence.
"The event will have an aerial display by @Suryakiran_IAF amongst other IAF ac and performances by #AkashGanga Skydiving team (and) the #AFBanda, IAF said in a tweet.
The rehearsal exercise was carried out around Dal Lake by fighter aircrafts in intervals on Saturday.
Extensive preparations were underway at SKICC where scores of people were expected to witness the show.
--IANS
sq/dpb.
Source: IANS
'Give wings to your dreams', the theme of Sunday's air show is to motivate youth to join the Air Force and to promote tourism in the region.
Lt.
Governor Manoj Sinha will flag off the show while IAF skydiving team Akash Ganga, Suryakiran Aerobatic and Display Teams will be performing.
"We want to give a feel to the youth about the working of the Air Force.
"The youth who will witness the show will be familiarised with the new technological advancements achieved and incorporated by the IAF in the past few years.
"Stalls will be established at Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) where youth will be informed about the achievements of the Air Force, employment opportunities in the IAF, recruitment rules and eligibility criteria.
"The event would also consist of a photo exhibition depicting the history of the IAF," said an official of the IAF.
The air show is being held to commemorate 75 years of Independence.
"The event will have an aerial display by @Suryakiran_IAF amongst other IAF ac and performances by #AkashGanga Skydiving team (and) the #AFBanda, IAF said in a tweet.
The rehearsal exercise was carried out around Dal Lake by fighter aircrafts in intervals on Saturday.
Extensive preparations were underway at SKICC where scores of people were expected to witness the show.
--IANS
sq/dpb.
Source: IANS
Jaipur, Sep 26 : Is the Rajasthan government unable to give women security and jobs?
Yes, confirms the official statistics released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and CMIE (Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy).
Rajasthan, for the second year running, has registered the highest number of rape and attempt to rape cases, as per data released by the NCRB for 2020.
Also, the data released by CMIE says that the state's urban women unemployment rate has touched 92.1 per cent.
The NCRB confirmed that Jaipur is next to New Delhi which registered 967 cases, by registering 409 rape cases in 2020.
However, its crime rate for rape is 28.1 which is more than double of Delhi city, (12.8) rape cases per lakh population.
Rajasthan has a crime rate of 90.5 per lakh population for crime against women which is calculated by adding crimes registered under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Special and Local Laws (SLL).
The desert state is in the top list when it comes to absolute numbers for crimes against women, registering 34,535 cases.
This is next to Uttar Pradesh at 49,385 and West Bengal at 36,439.
Rajasthan yet again tops the list when it comes to IPC section 376 (rape), with an incidence (FIRs registered) counting to 5,310 victims.
Rajasthan further remains on top for attempt to commit rape (Sec 376/511 IPC) too with an incidence of 965.
Besides increasing crime against women, Rajasthan has the lowest female literacy rate which is 57.6 per cent according to the National Statistical Report of 2017-18.
The effect of the poor literacy rate is reflected in the unemployment data where there is a difference of more than 40 per cent in the male and female unemployment rate in Rajasthan.
While the male unemployment rate in the state is just 21.20 per cent, the female rate is 65.31 per cent.
What is an interesting aspect is that the urban women who are considered to be more educated are more unemployed than the rural women.
The urban women unemployment rate is 92.1 per cent while the unemployment rate of rural women in the state is 54.8 per cent.
Women and child minister Mamta Bhupesh did not take the call when IANS tried to contact her in this regard.
Also, the women commission chairperson's post has been lying vacant ever since the formation of the Congress government, so half of the population of Rajasthan has been reeling under the reign of terror with nowhere to go and speak about, said Nimisha Gaur, BJP spokesperson.
Even though the Congress itself is being led by a woman, Sonia Gandhi, never ever has any statement been issued even after watching the horrific crime incidents being reported against women, she added.
Surprisingly, Mamta Bhupesh has also been silent all these years even after reading about the terrible stories of crime reported against women.
This is more like bringing back the Mughal era where women were forced to confine themselves within their houses by terrorising them and giving them least opportunities to show their talent, she added.
Officials from the Congress camp also expressed their unhappiness with the working of women and child minister Bhupesh.
"We have raised the issue of her incompetent behaviour with Ajay Maken and there are chances that she will be replaced by a dynamic person who raises the issues of women," they said.
Meanwhile Nimisha added, "Rajasthan women have scripted histories and are known for their sacrifice, intelligence and entrepreneur nature.
However, the present plight of women is pitiable. Recently, the Rajasthan High Court issued a notice to the state government and called for a reply after the posts of chairperson and members remained vacant for the last two years in the Rajasthan Women's Commission.
The National Human Rights Commission has also given instructions to the state government to fill the vacant posts of the Women's Commission, but the government is constantly neglecting the Women's Commission," she said.
--IANS
arc/bg.
Source: IANS
Yes, confirms the official statistics released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and CMIE (Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy).
Rajasthan, for the second year running, has registered the highest number of rape and attempt to rape cases, as per data released by the NCRB for 2020.
Also, the data released by CMIE says that the state's urban women unemployment rate has touched 92.1 per cent.
The NCRB confirmed that Jaipur is next to New Delhi which registered 967 cases, by registering 409 rape cases in 2020.
However, its crime rate for rape is 28.1 which is more than double of Delhi city, (12.8) rape cases per lakh population.
Rajasthan has a crime rate of 90.5 per lakh population for crime against women which is calculated by adding crimes registered under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Special and Local Laws (SLL).
The desert state is in the top list when it comes to absolute numbers for crimes against women, registering 34,535 cases.
This is next to Uttar Pradesh at 49,385 and West Bengal at 36,439.
Rajasthan yet again tops the list when it comes to IPC section 376 (rape), with an incidence (FIRs registered) counting to 5,310 victims.
Rajasthan further remains on top for attempt to commit rape (Sec 376/511 IPC) too with an incidence of 965.
Besides increasing crime against women, Rajasthan has the lowest female literacy rate which is 57.6 per cent according to the National Statistical Report of 2017-18.
The effect of the poor literacy rate is reflected in the unemployment data where there is a difference of more than 40 per cent in the male and female unemployment rate in Rajasthan.
While the male unemployment rate in the state is just 21.20 per cent, the female rate is 65.31 per cent.
What is an interesting aspect is that the urban women who are considered to be more educated are more unemployed than the rural women.
The urban women unemployment rate is 92.1 per cent while the unemployment rate of rural women in the state is 54.8 per cent.
Women and child minister Mamta Bhupesh did not take the call when IANS tried to contact her in this regard.
Also, the women commission chairperson's post has been lying vacant ever since the formation of the Congress government, so half of the population of Rajasthan has been reeling under the reign of terror with nowhere to go and speak about, said Nimisha Gaur, BJP spokesperson.
Even though the Congress itself is being led by a woman, Sonia Gandhi, never ever has any statement been issued even after watching the horrific crime incidents being reported against women, she added.
Surprisingly, Mamta Bhupesh has also been silent all these years even after reading about the terrible stories of crime reported against women.
This is more like bringing back the Mughal era where women were forced to confine themselves within their houses by terrorising them and giving them least opportunities to show their talent, she added.
Officials from the Congress camp also expressed their unhappiness with the working of women and child minister Bhupesh.
"We have raised the issue of her incompetent behaviour with Ajay Maken and there are chances that she will be replaced by a dynamic person who raises the issues of women," they said.
Meanwhile Nimisha added, "Rajasthan women have scripted histories and are known for their sacrifice, intelligence and entrepreneur nature.
However, the present plight of women is pitiable. Recently, the Rajasthan High Court issued a notice to the state government and called for a reply after the posts of chairperson and members remained vacant for the last two years in the Rajasthan Women's Commission.
The National Human Rights Commission has also given instructions to the state government to fill the vacant posts of the Women's Commission, but the government is constantly neglecting the Women's Commission," she said.
--IANS
arc/bg.
Source: IANS