Archive For The “General” Category
Lucknow, Sep 24 : The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh now plans to develop a new tourism circuit in the state - the 'Chandrakanta Santati" which is an epic fantasy adventure novel in Hindi by Devaki Nandan Khatri.
'Chandrakanta Santati' will be brought to life by developing and promoting the Chandrakanta eco-tourism circuit in the state's Vindhya region .
'Chandrakanta Santati', written by Babu Devki Nandan Khatri in 1880s, weaves a tale of fantasy, magic and mesmerising 'aiyaars' (imposters), besides the captivating love story of Vijaygarh princess Chandrakanta and Naugarh prince Virendra Singh.
Many of its imprints are traced to the Chandauli and Sonbhadra districts though a few of them are in shambles and need restoration like the Vijaygarh fort.
The Chandrakanta tourism circuit is expected to draw a good number of tourists.
Sanjay Singh, MD, Uttar Pradesh Forest Corporation (UPFC), said: "We are getting brochures printed that will tell in detail what all sites the circuit has.
There would be other efforts as well that will be taken up to promote and develop the circuit."
UPFC is the nodal agency for promotion of ecotourism in the state.
The Chandrakanta eco-tourism circuit will include Chandauli, Sonbhadra and Robertsganj districts which bear a historical connection.
The Rajdari-Devdari waterfall on the Chandraprabha dam on the river with the same name.
The waterfall is about 65 km from Varanasi and perennial. The site has quite a few facilities existing for tourists besides a forest rest house.
There is also a Chandrakanta Van Vishram Grih (forest rest house) which finds mention in the 'Chandrakanta Santati'.
It was also the summer home of 'Kashi Naresh'.
The rest house is a fort in the Naugarh region along the Karmanasa river.
Another eco-tourism site is the Aurwatand waterfall on Karmanasa river in Chandauli with rock paintings that date back to prehistoric era.
One of the biggest attractions of the circuit, however, would be 400-feet high Vijaygarh fort, built in the fifth century by a Kol King in the Maukalan village of Sonbhadra.
The Salkhan fossil park in Robertsganj which is about 1,400 million years old and about 25 kms from the Vijaygarh fort is another attraction that will be developed.
The most developed circuit out of the nine that the government has identified is the Lakhimpur-Pilibhit Katarniaghat circuit.
The other one where the effort to boost ecotourism has already started is the Agra Etawah circuit.
The Chandrakanta ecotourism circuit in the Vindhya region is the third.
--IANS
amita/ksk/.
Source: IANS
'Chandrakanta Santati' will be brought to life by developing and promoting the Chandrakanta eco-tourism circuit in the state's Vindhya region .
'Chandrakanta Santati', written by Babu Devki Nandan Khatri in 1880s, weaves a tale of fantasy, magic and mesmerising 'aiyaars' (imposters), besides the captivating love story of Vijaygarh princess Chandrakanta and Naugarh prince Virendra Singh.
Many of its imprints are traced to the Chandauli and Sonbhadra districts though a few of them are in shambles and need restoration like the Vijaygarh fort.
The Chandrakanta tourism circuit is expected to draw a good number of tourists.
Sanjay Singh, MD, Uttar Pradesh Forest Corporation (UPFC), said: "We are getting brochures printed that will tell in detail what all sites the circuit has.
There would be other efforts as well that will be taken up to promote and develop the circuit."
UPFC is the nodal agency for promotion of ecotourism in the state.
The Chandrakanta eco-tourism circuit will include Chandauli, Sonbhadra and Robertsganj districts which bear a historical connection.
The Rajdari-Devdari waterfall on the Chandraprabha dam on the river with the same name.
The waterfall is about 65 km from Varanasi and perennial. The site has quite a few facilities existing for tourists besides a forest rest house.
There is also a Chandrakanta Van Vishram Grih (forest rest house) which finds mention in the 'Chandrakanta Santati'.
It was also the summer home of 'Kashi Naresh'.
The rest house is a fort in the Naugarh region along the Karmanasa river.
Another eco-tourism site is the Aurwatand waterfall on Karmanasa river in Chandauli with rock paintings that date back to prehistoric era.
One of the biggest attractions of the circuit, however, would be 400-feet high Vijaygarh fort, built in the fifth century by a Kol King in the Maukalan village of Sonbhadra.
The Salkhan fossil park in Robertsganj which is about 1,400 million years old and about 25 kms from the Vijaygarh fort is another attraction that will be developed.
The most developed circuit out of the nine that the government has identified is the Lakhimpur-Pilibhit Katarniaghat circuit.
The other one where the effort to boost ecotourism has already started is the Agra Etawah circuit.
The Chandrakanta ecotourism circuit in the Vindhya region is the third.
--IANS
amita/ksk/.
Source: IANS
New Delhi, Sep 24 : The Indian Embassy in Rome said on Friday that the country has recognised the Covishield vaccine and people who have received the jab are now eligible for a Green Pass.
With Italy's recognition, a total 19 European Union (EU) nations have given their go-ahead to Covishield.
This is the outcome of a G20 Health Ministers meeting between Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and his Italian counterpart Roberto Speranza, the Embassy said in a tweet.
"Indian vaccine CardHolders are now eligible for the Green Pass," it added
Prior to this, Italy had recognised Comirnaty ? Pfizer, Moderna, Vaxzervria ? AstraZeneca, and Johnson (and) Johnson vaccines as valid.
The other 18 EU nations that have recognised the Covishield vaccine are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Meanwhile, the vaccine row with the UK continues as it has recognised the jab but a 10-day quarantine has been made mandatory which will come into the effect from October 4.
Terming the present UK travel restrictions as discrimatory, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said that "we have the right to reciprocate in the same manner".
However, the British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis said that Covishield vaccine is not a problem and the UK is open to travel.
"We're clear Covishield is not a problem. The UK is open to travel and we're already seeing a lot of people going from India to the UK, be it tourists, business people or students".
--IANS
avr/ksk/.
Source: IANS
With Italy's recognition, a total 19 European Union (EU) nations have given their go-ahead to Covishield.
This is the outcome of a G20 Health Ministers meeting between Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and his Italian counterpart Roberto Speranza, the Embassy said in a tweet.
"Indian vaccine CardHolders are now eligible for the Green Pass," it added
Prior to this, Italy had recognised Comirnaty ? Pfizer, Moderna, Vaxzervria ? AstraZeneca, and Johnson (and) Johnson vaccines as valid.
The other 18 EU nations that have recognised the Covishield vaccine are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Meanwhile, the vaccine row with the UK continues as it has recognised the jab but a 10-day quarantine has been made mandatory which will come into the effect from October 4.
Terming the present UK travel restrictions as discrimatory, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said that "we have the right to reciprocate in the same manner".
However, the British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis said that Covishield vaccine is not a problem and the UK is open to travel.
"We're clear Covishield is not a problem. The UK is open to travel and we're already seeing a lot of people going from India to the UK, be it tourists, business people or students".
--IANS
avr/ksk/.
Source: IANS
Prayagraj, Sep 24 : The Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Prayagraj, has directed the superintendent of the Naini central jail to provide security as per the jail manual and other laws to Anand Giri, an accused in the death of Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP) president Mahant Narendra Giri.
Anand Giri had moved an application before the court on Thursday, claiming a threat to his security inside the jail.
The CJM Harendra Nath further directed that Anand Giri will henceforth be produced before the court through video-conferencing.
According to district government counsel (criminal), Gulab Chandra Agrahri, who represented the state during the court proceedings, the CJM examined the application of Anand Giri and while taking into consideration the sensitivity of the issue and passed the order to provide security in accordance with the jail manual.
Anand Giri is accused of abetting the suicide of Narendra Giri, whose body was found hanging from the ceiling of a room in Baghambari Math under the limits of Georgetown police circle in Prayagraj on September 20.
In his suicide note, the Mahant had accused Anand Giri, besides two others, of mental harassment.
Later, an FIR was lodged against Anand Giri and two others under section 306 (abetment of suicide) of Indian Penal Code (IPC) at the Georgetown police station here.
Subsequently, Anand Giri was arrested by the police, and after interrogation, was produced before the court of CJM on September 22.
He was remanded to judicial custody and sent to Naini central jail.
The case has now been taken over by the CBI for investigation.
--IANS
amita/shs.
Source: IANS
Anand Giri had moved an application before the court on Thursday, claiming a threat to his security inside the jail.
The CJM Harendra Nath further directed that Anand Giri will henceforth be produced before the court through video-conferencing.
According to district government counsel (criminal), Gulab Chandra Agrahri, who represented the state during the court proceedings, the CJM examined the application of Anand Giri and while taking into consideration the sensitivity of the issue and passed the order to provide security in accordance with the jail manual.
Anand Giri is accused of abetting the suicide of Narendra Giri, whose body was found hanging from the ceiling of a room in Baghambari Math under the limits of Georgetown police circle in Prayagraj on September 20.
In his suicide note, the Mahant had accused Anand Giri, besides two others, of mental harassment.
Later, an FIR was lodged against Anand Giri and two others under section 306 (abetment of suicide) of Indian Penal Code (IPC) at the Georgetown police station here.
Subsequently, Anand Giri was arrested by the police, and after interrogation, was produced before the court of CJM on September 22.
He was remanded to judicial custody and sent to Naini central jail.
The case has now been taken over by the CBI for investigation.
--IANS
amita/shs.
Source: IANS
Gurugram, Sep 24 : Gurugram-based fitness trainer and Martial Arts expert M.A. Murtoza registered his name in the Limca Book of Records (LBR) by performing 101 consecutive full-contact knee strikes using only one leg in 1 minute.
Murtoza, after several attempts in past, has now finally been successful and the 42-year-old has entered the LBR's 2020-2022 edition.
"This was not an easy task to grab the achievement.
It requires a lot of patience and hard work to complete your aim. This record is dedicated to my father who has left to us suddenly," he told IANS.
However, Murtoza had participated in the event in May 2019 but due to the Covid pandemic, a cut-off of the LBR was released in May 2021.
Meanwhile, this was LBR's 30th edition, which was launched on September 20.
"My aim behind attempting the record was to make the society and youth aware about the importance of health and fitness in today's hectic life.
Every citizen need to adopt the concept of Fit India, which is the key to hale and healthy society," he added.
This year's LBR is a joint edition of the years 2020-2022 that celebrates stellar victories and accomplishments in human endeavour, structures, education, defence, government, science and technology, adventure, business, cinema, the natural world, literature, and the arts.
The edition also honours and celebrates the undefeated spirit of Covid-19 frontline warriors who have 'courageously' led the battle against the pandemic, with a spotlight on their 'selfless acts of kindness' along with showcasing the 'extraordinary' talent and achievers across the country.
--IANS
str/shs.
Source: IANS
Murtoza, after several attempts in past, has now finally been successful and the 42-year-old has entered the LBR's 2020-2022 edition.
"This was not an easy task to grab the achievement.
It requires a lot of patience and hard work to complete your aim. This record is dedicated to my father who has left to us suddenly," he told IANS.
However, Murtoza had participated in the event in May 2019 but due to the Covid pandemic, a cut-off of the LBR was released in May 2021.
Meanwhile, this was LBR's 30th edition, which was launched on September 20.
"My aim behind attempting the record was to make the society and youth aware about the importance of health and fitness in today's hectic life.
Every citizen need to adopt the concept of Fit India, which is the key to hale and healthy society," he added.
This year's LBR is a joint edition of the years 2020-2022 that celebrates stellar victories and accomplishments in human endeavour, structures, education, defence, government, science and technology, adventure, business, cinema, the natural world, literature, and the arts.
The edition also honours and celebrates the undefeated spirit of Covid-19 frontline warriors who have 'courageously' led the battle against the pandemic, with a spotlight on their 'selfless acts of kindness' along with showcasing the 'extraordinary' talent and achievers across the country.
--IANS
str/shs.
Source: IANS
New Delhi, Sep 24 : Total area under organic farming and agro-forestry increased from 23,840 hectare (ha) to 1,03,780 ha along the river Ganga, a meeting of the Empowered Task Force was informed here on Wednesday.
"Land for organic farming in Uttarakhand is 50,840 ha, Uttar Pradesh is 42,180 ha, Bihar is 16,060 ha and in Jharkhand is 4,540 ha along the Ganga," the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare informed the Taskforce.
The Ministry of Agriculture said that it is also working to ensure that shifting to organic farming also boosts farmer's income, improves water use and crop diversification.
"States are also using 'Namami Gange' brand for organic farm produce along the Ganga," it said during the meeting.
Minister of State for Jal Shakti Bishweswar Tudu chaired a meeting of the Empowered Task Force that included several central ministries, departments and the state governments for ensuring better coordination and convergence among agencies and programs for holistic rejuvenation of Ganga River and its basin.
The Ministries and states provided an update on the recent developments that have taken place and also mapped out their future plans.
The Ministry of Tourism noted that the 'Ganga Museum' at Haridwar is now operational while the one at Rishikesh is ready for inauguration and another Museum in Patna has been sanctioned.
The Ministry said, it is also working on developing tourists circuits along the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Bihar.
A report on architectural, cultural and natural mapping for 38 districts has also been submitted, it added.
Among the states, Bihar has committed to promote production and marketing of organic products under their 'State Organic Mission'.
Uttar Pradesh is working on promoting organic plantation in urban areas (and) developing Mandis (outlets) in urban residential colonies to encourage people to buy organic products.
Similarly, Uttarakhand has started 20 big and 410 small outlets to promote organic products along Char Dham Yatra route while Jharkhand government said it has started 'Organic Farming Authority of Jharkhand' to promote organic farming in the state especially along the Ganga.
Meanwhle West Bengal told the task force that the state has started a massive plantation drive in the Sunderban area.
About 15 crore trees will be planted in three districts covering 10,000 acres of land.
Tudu said, "Namami Gange is not only a programme for cleaning Ganga but to bring collective consciousness among masses.
Hence, all the Central and the state ministries will have to come together under one umbrella to make Ganga 'aviral' and 'nirmal'."
--IANS
niv/shs.
Source: IANS
"Land for organic farming in Uttarakhand is 50,840 ha, Uttar Pradesh is 42,180 ha, Bihar is 16,060 ha and in Jharkhand is 4,540 ha along the Ganga," the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare informed the Taskforce.
The Ministry of Agriculture said that it is also working to ensure that shifting to organic farming also boosts farmer's income, improves water use and crop diversification.
"States are also using 'Namami Gange' brand for organic farm produce along the Ganga," it said during the meeting.
Minister of State for Jal Shakti Bishweswar Tudu chaired a meeting of the Empowered Task Force that included several central ministries, departments and the state governments for ensuring better coordination and convergence among agencies and programs for holistic rejuvenation of Ganga River and its basin.
The Ministries and states provided an update on the recent developments that have taken place and also mapped out their future plans.
The Ministry of Tourism noted that the 'Ganga Museum' at Haridwar is now operational while the one at Rishikesh is ready for inauguration and another Museum in Patna has been sanctioned.
The Ministry said, it is also working on developing tourists circuits along the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Bihar.
A report on architectural, cultural and natural mapping for 38 districts has also been submitted, it added.
Among the states, Bihar has committed to promote production and marketing of organic products under their 'State Organic Mission'.
Uttar Pradesh is working on promoting organic plantation in urban areas (and) developing Mandis (outlets) in urban residential colonies to encourage people to buy organic products.
Similarly, Uttarakhand has started 20 big and 410 small outlets to promote organic products along Char Dham Yatra route while Jharkhand government said it has started 'Organic Farming Authority of Jharkhand' to promote organic farming in the state especially along the Ganga.
Meanwhle West Bengal told the task force that the state has started a massive plantation drive in the Sunderban area.
About 15 crore trees will be planted in three districts covering 10,000 acres of land.
Tudu said, "Namami Gange is not only a programme for cleaning Ganga but to bring collective consciousness among masses.
Hence, all the Central and the state ministries will have to come together under one umbrella to make Ganga 'aviral' and 'nirmal'."
--IANS
niv/shs.
Source: IANS
New Delhi, Sep 23 : She says Baul songs underline a certain truth -- are translucent and ever flowing.
That their essence, a fruit of consciousness, emerges after finding the clarity and the source of our being.
"And they deal with the tatva of creation and destruction; something so eternal. They surpass all divides -- of class, culture or creed. After all, we all carry the same consciousness, and know pain and pleasure. The truth therefore is unchanging. And Baul songs are part of this consciousness -- of the divine. Precisely why they are timeless," Parvathy Baul, Indias best known Baul folk singer and storyteller, tells IANS.
Though this Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee has been immersed in Baul for decades now, performing across the world and teaching students, her fascination for it remains intact.
She feels that with tradition one discovers himself everyday.
Stressing that the self is ever new and inner truth has no 'presence' while being in eternal attendance, she adds: "The shape of that presence is in the nature of how we contemplate it.
Precisely why Baul stays ever-new. There is no feeling that the same thing is being repeated. In a forest, the same mango tree gives the same fruit every year. But is it not new every time?"
Talking about the similarity of essence between Baul and Sufi, the practitioner who will be part of 'An Evening With Parvathy Baul' organised by the Kolkata Centre for Creativity (KCC) feels that both seek an inner truth and boast of total commitment towards the divine.
She says that both look at the world with compassionate eyes.
"Precisely why even the music and poetry are very similar sometimes. Be it the poems of Hafez and Bulleh Shah, and a Baul song from Lalon Fakir. Don't both the traditions talk about complete surrender? In fact, humility is the strength shared by both."
Parvathi feels that much more needs to be done by all quarters for the preservation and growth of Baul.
She feels that steps need to be taken even on the level of awareness considering many people feel that Baul is only a music tradition.
"The music is a part of the tradition. Baul is a parampara in itself, which has so many other disciplines. And every discipline that is practised through the days, through the months and years by the Baul practitioners -- every element is supportive of what we see as the manifestation of Baul songs.
Even when it comes to Bengal, people can benefit a lot by knowing the depth and the teachings of Baul songs.
Deep understanding our own culture and literature enriches the thought process."
While the ground-breaking ceremony of her gurukul Sanatan Siddhashram, a vision of Parvathy's guru Sanatan Das Baul, was done in 2018 and they have been building, musicians have already started doing their practice.
It is a place for practitioners, and a centre for bringing all the schools in Baul together. She adds that the aim is to archive the tradition not just in the library, but also inside human bodies.
"We have already had three international festivals. It's a self-sustained aashram and we do organic farming. The focus is on a holistic way of approaching life and the environment."
Looking forward to more live performances after Covid so as to remain pure with the tradition, she is not really interested in "fusion or mixing things".
"I would like to retain the solo performances steeped in tradition. My performances are not meant for entertainment, but are a transformational tool -- bringing an awareness towards the self in a very meditative way," she concludes.
--IANS
sukant/ksk/.
Source: IANS
That their essence, a fruit of consciousness, emerges after finding the clarity and the source of our being.
"And they deal with the tatva of creation and destruction; something so eternal. They surpass all divides -- of class, culture or creed. After all, we all carry the same consciousness, and know pain and pleasure. The truth therefore is unchanging. And Baul songs are part of this consciousness -- of the divine. Precisely why they are timeless," Parvathy Baul, Indias best known Baul folk singer and storyteller, tells IANS.
Though this Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee has been immersed in Baul for decades now, performing across the world and teaching students, her fascination for it remains intact.
She feels that with tradition one discovers himself everyday.
Stressing that the self is ever new and inner truth has no 'presence' while being in eternal attendance, she adds: "The shape of that presence is in the nature of how we contemplate it.
Precisely why Baul stays ever-new. There is no feeling that the same thing is being repeated. In a forest, the same mango tree gives the same fruit every year. But is it not new every time?"
Talking about the similarity of essence between Baul and Sufi, the practitioner who will be part of 'An Evening With Parvathy Baul' organised by the Kolkata Centre for Creativity (KCC) feels that both seek an inner truth and boast of total commitment towards the divine.
She says that both look at the world with compassionate eyes.
"Precisely why even the music and poetry are very similar sometimes. Be it the poems of Hafez and Bulleh Shah, and a Baul song from Lalon Fakir. Don't both the traditions talk about complete surrender? In fact, humility is the strength shared by both."
Parvathi feels that much more needs to be done by all quarters for the preservation and growth of Baul.
She feels that steps need to be taken even on the level of awareness considering many people feel that Baul is only a music tradition.
"The music is a part of the tradition. Baul is a parampara in itself, which has so many other disciplines. And every discipline that is practised through the days, through the months and years by the Baul practitioners -- every element is supportive of what we see as the manifestation of Baul songs.
Even when it comes to Bengal, people can benefit a lot by knowing the depth and the teachings of Baul songs.
Deep understanding our own culture and literature enriches the thought process."
While the ground-breaking ceremony of her gurukul Sanatan Siddhashram, a vision of Parvathy's guru Sanatan Das Baul, was done in 2018 and they have been building, musicians have already started doing their practice.
It is a place for practitioners, and a centre for bringing all the schools in Baul together. She adds that the aim is to archive the tradition not just in the library, but also inside human bodies.
"We have already had three international festivals. It's a self-sustained aashram and we do organic farming. The focus is on a holistic way of approaching life and the environment."
Looking forward to more live performances after Covid so as to remain pure with the tradition, she is not really interested in "fusion or mixing things".
"I would like to retain the solo performances steeped in tradition. My performances are not meant for entertainment, but are a transformational tool -- bringing an awareness towards the self in a very meditative way," she concludes.
--IANS
sukant/ksk/.
Source: IANS
Agra, Sep 23 : Around five thousand trained shoe workers of Agra are now without work as over 35 leather shoe units have downed shutters following changes in the purchase policy by several government departments few years ago.
Agra is the biggest hub of leather shoe industries in India and exports a major chunk of its production.
The industry employs over 2.5 lakh trained hands.
More than 80 per cent of all shoes for the Armed Forces and paramilitary agencies are manufactured in Agra.
"Since Mughal times, Agra has been a major supplier of footwear all over India," says an industrial consultant.
Members of the Boot Manufacturing Association said, "The recent changes in the purchase policies by the Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (DGS (and) D) and other government bodies have hit hard the Agra industries.
The parameters have changed.
"Preference is now being given to units with higher annual turnover, above Rs 20 crore. This excludes the smaller, tiny, and cottage units that till now were able to participate in the tender process."
Association secretary Anil Mahajan said the government policies are now promoting only big business houses and units at the cost of smaller units that employ thousands of workers.
Machines are taking over. This has proved detrimental to the interests of smaller units in Agra, Kanpur, and Kolkata, Mahajan added.
Sunil Gupta, the president of the Association said, "Shoes costing only around Rs 200 were being purchased for over Rs 600 by the government agencies."
Mechanised units were being importance, whereas in terms of quality it does not make any difference.
Shoes manufactured by hands are as good as those produced by machines, Gupta claimed.
The middlemen or big retailing giants were taking advantage of the changed policies and supplying shoes manufactured by smaller units, to the government bodies.
"On the one hand the Union government wants to increase employment potential, on the other hand, faulty policies were compelling smaller labour intensive units to shut down," local shoe manufacturers said.
Association members said the government agencies were buying shoes from big firms that purchased the same shoes from smaller units.
"All because of the wrong purchase policies. Actually, nobody has been able to explain the crying need for this abrupt change in purchase policy by the DGS (and) D and various other government departments, including the NCC," Mahajan told IANS.
However, shoe industry consultant, Dr Abhinay Prasad told IANS "The real problem is keeping pace with the latest technology and upgradation.
At the national level, there cannot be a separate stand-alone MSME policy for Agra. I am surprised at the logic that national policy favours Delhi and other cities, but not Agra.
"If a policy is unsuitable for Agra, then the real problem is with the manufacturers, their failure to adapt and change in response to new challenges and demands.
They are playing the emotional card of raising fears about unemployment and flaunting the caste fears.
The affected Agra units should immediately upgrade technology and change their mindsets. Generally, these small units are steeped in century-old practices and resisting change."
--IANS
bk/dpb.
Source: IANS
Agra is the biggest hub of leather shoe industries in India and exports a major chunk of its production.
The industry employs over 2.5 lakh trained hands.
More than 80 per cent of all shoes for the Armed Forces and paramilitary agencies are manufactured in Agra.
"Since Mughal times, Agra has been a major supplier of footwear all over India," says an industrial consultant.
Members of the Boot Manufacturing Association said, "The recent changes in the purchase policies by the Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (DGS (and) D) and other government bodies have hit hard the Agra industries.
The parameters have changed.
"Preference is now being given to units with higher annual turnover, above Rs 20 crore. This excludes the smaller, tiny, and cottage units that till now were able to participate in the tender process."
Association secretary Anil Mahajan said the government policies are now promoting only big business houses and units at the cost of smaller units that employ thousands of workers.
Machines are taking over. This has proved detrimental to the interests of smaller units in Agra, Kanpur, and Kolkata, Mahajan added.
Sunil Gupta, the president of the Association said, "Shoes costing only around Rs 200 were being purchased for over Rs 600 by the government agencies."
Mechanised units were being importance, whereas in terms of quality it does not make any difference.
Shoes manufactured by hands are as good as those produced by machines, Gupta claimed.
The middlemen or big retailing giants were taking advantage of the changed policies and supplying shoes manufactured by smaller units, to the government bodies.
"On the one hand the Union government wants to increase employment potential, on the other hand, faulty policies were compelling smaller labour intensive units to shut down," local shoe manufacturers said.
Association members said the government agencies were buying shoes from big firms that purchased the same shoes from smaller units.
"All because of the wrong purchase policies. Actually, nobody has been able to explain the crying need for this abrupt change in purchase policy by the DGS (and) D and various other government departments, including the NCC," Mahajan told IANS.
However, shoe industry consultant, Dr Abhinay Prasad told IANS "The real problem is keeping pace with the latest technology and upgradation.
At the national level, there cannot be a separate stand-alone MSME policy for Agra. I am surprised at the logic that national policy favours Delhi and other cities, but not Agra.
"If a policy is unsuitable for Agra, then the real problem is with the manufacturers, their failure to adapt and change in response to new challenges and demands.
They are playing the emotional card of raising fears about unemployment and flaunting the caste fears.
The affected Agra units should immediately upgrade technology and change their mindsets. Generally, these small units are steeped in century-old practices and resisting change."
--IANS
bk/dpb.
Source: IANS
New Delhi, Sep 23 : Indias outperformance of other emerging markets is at previous peaks and such periods are usually followed by the country's underperformance, Jefferies has said in a report.
While India is viewed to be a beneficiary of the China turmoil, India's Nifty has already outperformed emerging markets benchmarks by 19-33ppts on 3/6/12m basis.
From such levels, Nifty performance has been weak historically. Also, over the last 6 months, India has received only (Dollar) 1.5 billion of net inflow from foreigners despite the China problems.
We see rising equity supply (and) peak valuations as risks, Jefferies said.
Nifty has outperformed the EM benchmarks by 19ppt/22ppt/33ppt on a 90 day/180 day/365 day basis.
Our long term daily rolling analysis suggests that such periods of outperformance are unlikely to significantly extend beyond the current levels, Jefferies said.
Also, such periods of outperformance, are usually followed by India underperforming by 11ppt, 6ppt and 7ppt on average in the following 90, 180 and 365 days respectively.
"While we stay positive on India's economic activity going ahead, we believe that valuations do not leave much room for upside.
Firstly, Our favoured (Bond yld - Erngs yield) indicator highlights that the risk reward is unfavourable Secondly, we believe (link) equity supply could be 1.5x the 1HFY22 level in the 2H, which could cap the near-term upside, particularly if FPI flows were not to substantially pick-up.
Thirdly, brisk economic recovery in India might prompt the RBI to slow down the liquidity support impacting equity market sentiments," Jefferies said.
Nifty's valuation on PE/PB basis are near/above pre-global financial crisis (GFC) peaks. Moreover, its outperformance has brought its PE/PB premium to EM benchmarks much above the historic averages.
We note that while the problems in China have been going on for several months, India hasn't seen much foreign inflows since March, Jefferies said.
(Sanjeev Sharma can be reached at Sanjeev.s@ians.in)
--IANS
san/ksk/.
Source: IANS
While India is viewed to be a beneficiary of the China turmoil, India's Nifty has already outperformed emerging markets benchmarks by 19-33ppts on 3/6/12m basis.
From such levels, Nifty performance has been weak historically. Also, over the last 6 months, India has received only (Dollar) 1.5 billion of net inflow from foreigners despite the China problems.
We see rising equity supply (and) peak valuations as risks, Jefferies said.
Nifty has outperformed the EM benchmarks by 19ppt/22ppt/33ppt on a 90 day/180 day/365 day basis.
Our long term daily rolling analysis suggests that such periods of outperformance are unlikely to significantly extend beyond the current levels, Jefferies said.
Also, such periods of outperformance, are usually followed by India underperforming by 11ppt, 6ppt and 7ppt on average in the following 90, 180 and 365 days respectively.
"While we stay positive on India's economic activity going ahead, we believe that valuations do not leave much room for upside.
Firstly, Our favoured (Bond yld - Erngs yield) indicator highlights that the risk reward is unfavourable Secondly, we believe (link) equity supply could be 1.5x the 1HFY22 level in the 2H, which could cap the near-term upside, particularly if FPI flows were not to substantially pick-up.
Thirdly, brisk economic recovery in India might prompt the RBI to slow down the liquidity support impacting equity market sentiments," Jefferies said.
Nifty's valuation on PE/PB basis are near/above pre-global financial crisis (GFC) peaks. Moreover, its outperformance has brought its PE/PB premium to EM benchmarks much above the historic averages.
We note that while the problems in China have been going on for several months, India hasn't seen much foreign inflows since March, Jefferies said.
(Sanjeev Sharma can be reached at Sanjeev.s@ians.in)
--IANS
san/ksk/.
Source: IANS
Lucknow, Sep 23 : The Uttar Pradesh government has recommended a CBI probe into the mysterious death of Akhara Parishad head Mahant Narendra Giri.
The inquiry was recommended by the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath around midnight on Wedensday.
"On the instructions of UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath, a probe by the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) has been recommended in the incident pertaining to the sad death of chairman of Akhara Parishad Mahant Narendra Giri," the state Home department said in a tweet in Hindi.
The development comes after the state police arrested Anand Giri, Narendra Giri's estranged protege and two others.
Anand Giri, it is alleged, had been harassing the religious leader who allegedly died by suicide.
Police said a suicide note found near his body mentioned Anand Giri.
The state police had also formed an 18-member Special Investigation Team to probe the incident.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had earlier said that 'several pieces of evidence' had been collected and that the 'culprits will not be spared'.
--IANS
amita/shs.
Source: IANS
The inquiry was recommended by the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath around midnight on Wedensday.
"On the instructions of UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath, a probe by the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) has been recommended in the incident pertaining to the sad death of chairman of Akhara Parishad Mahant Narendra Giri," the state Home department said in a tweet in Hindi.
The development comes after the state police arrested Anand Giri, Narendra Giri's estranged protege and two others.
Anand Giri, it is alleged, had been harassing the religious leader who allegedly died by suicide.
Police said a suicide note found near his body mentioned Anand Giri.
The state police had also formed an 18-member Special Investigation Team to probe the incident.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had earlier said that 'several pieces of evidence' had been collected and that the 'culprits will not be spared'.
--IANS
amita/shs.
Source: IANS
Prayagraj, Sep 22 : Investigations into the 'mysterious' death of Akhara Parishad chief Mahant Narendra Giri are slowly opening up a can of worms that also reveal the ugly underbelly of the religious destinations.
In a 'suicide' note, parts of which are almost illegible, the Mahant had stated that he was being blackmailed by Anand Giri who had morphed his photograph with a girl.
The seer said that he had received information that Anand Giri had morphed the photograph on his computer and preparing to release it in the public domain soon.
"Anand even asked me that once these allegations spread, how many people will you prove your innocence to? I have lived a life of dignity and I cannot live with the humiliation that I will be subjected to" Narendra Giri had said in the suicide note, which was found in Bhagambari Mutt.
Top police officials, however, are denying this angle that could have led to the mysterious death of the seer.
Anand Giri has now been arrested for abetment of suicide and is being interrogated.
Two others named in the suicide note- Adya Tiwari and his son Sandeep Tiwari- are also in police custody.
Additional DG (Prayagraj zone) Prem Prakash has formed an 18-member SIT to conduct investigations into Giri's death.
However, seers in Prayagraj and Haridwar now alleged that his death was the result of a "conspiracy" by those who were angry with him over a series of controversial decisions he had made as Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP) chief.
"It is unlikely that there are just one or two people behind his death.
There are many who were upset by decisions he made since he took over as Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad head in 2016," said a seer.
In 2017, Narendra Giri had come out with a list of fake ascetics, angering many.
"Such hypocrite babas should be put in prison.
Their assets must be investigated," he had said.
The development had sent ripples within the sadhu community across the country.
He had announced another list with the names of more fake sadhus two months later, in December.
In 2019, Narendra Giri was accused in connection with the murder of Ashish Giri, secretary of Panchayati Akhara at Daryaganj (Allahabad), over a property dispute.
Ashish was found dead in mysterious circumstances and later, police investigations gave a clean chit to Narendra Giri.
Narendra Giri had also angered a section of seers during Kumbh 2021 when he refused to give ABAP recognition to the transgender Akhara, introduced for the first time in the festival.
"Giri had many differences with many people.
The blackmail theory cannot be disregarded. Apart from Anand Giri, there are many influential people behind this which needs to be investigated," said a disciple at the Baghambari Mutt.
--IANS
amita/shs.
Source: IANS
In a 'suicide' note, parts of which are almost illegible, the Mahant had stated that he was being blackmailed by Anand Giri who had morphed his photograph with a girl.
The seer said that he had received information that Anand Giri had morphed the photograph on his computer and preparing to release it in the public domain soon.
"Anand even asked me that once these allegations spread, how many people will you prove your innocence to? I have lived a life of dignity and I cannot live with the humiliation that I will be subjected to" Narendra Giri had said in the suicide note, which was found in Bhagambari Mutt.
Top police officials, however, are denying this angle that could have led to the mysterious death of the seer.
Anand Giri has now been arrested for abetment of suicide and is being interrogated.
Two others named in the suicide note- Adya Tiwari and his son Sandeep Tiwari- are also in police custody.
Additional DG (Prayagraj zone) Prem Prakash has formed an 18-member SIT to conduct investigations into Giri's death.
However, seers in Prayagraj and Haridwar now alleged that his death was the result of a "conspiracy" by those who were angry with him over a series of controversial decisions he had made as Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP) chief.
"It is unlikely that there are just one or two people behind his death.
There are many who were upset by decisions he made since he took over as Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad head in 2016," said a seer.
In 2017, Narendra Giri had come out with a list of fake ascetics, angering many.
"Such hypocrite babas should be put in prison.
Their assets must be investigated," he had said.
The development had sent ripples within the sadhu community across the country.
He had announced another list with the names of more fake sadhus two months later, in December.
In 2019, Narendra Giri was accused in connection with the murder of Ashish Giri, secretary of Panchayati Akhara at Daryaganj (Allahabad), over a property dispute.
Ashish was found dead in mysterious circumstances and later, police investigations gave a clean chit to Narendra Giri.
Narendra Giri had also angered a section of seers during Kumbh 2021 when he refused to give ABAP recognition to the transgender Akhara, introduced for the first time in the festival.
"Giri had many differences with many people.
The blackmail theory cannot be disregarded. Apart from Anand Giri, there are many influential people behind this which needs to be investigated," said a disciple at the Baghambari Mutt.
--IANS
amita/shs.
Source: IANS