In Odisha, six districts comprising 24 villages, along with two previously recognized villages, making a total of 26 villages, have been recognized as "Tsunami Ready" by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO), said a press statement on Saturday. The recognition was based on 12 specific indicators, achieved through a series of well-planned activities aimed at building resilience against tsunamis. These activities included -- Training and Capacity Building, Community Awareness Programs, Distribution of Tsunami Awareness Materials, Preparation of Tsunami Management Plans, Conducting Mock Drills, Identifying Evacuation Routes, and Installation of Tsunami Hoardings and Signages. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad, played a pivotal role in this initiative. INCOIS operates a 24-hour tsunami monitoring and alert system that encompasses everything from risk assessment to the dissemination of warnings, ensuring timely and effective action. The preparedness activities in Odisha have drawn national and international attention. A live evacuation simulation was conducted at Kaitha village in Kendrapara district, in the presence of Dr T Sinanivasa Kumar from UNESCO, Dr Sunitha Jena General Manager OSDAMA, and Amlan Anupam Senapati Dist project officer involving active participation from community members. Interactions with local leaders and residents provided valuable insights into their preparedness journey, which has now become a model for coastal safety. Odisha's recognition as "Tsunami Ready" showcases a successful collaboration between India's National Tsunami Warning Centre, local authorities, and coastal communities. It serves as a shining example of how proactive measures can save lives and build disaster-resilient communities. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 December,2024 09:42 AM IST | Kendrapada | ANIThe Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital remained in the 'very poor' category on Sunday, with a thin fog blanketing parts of the city and significantly reducing visibility. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI was recorded at 388 at 7 am on Sunday, slightly lower than the previous day's figure of 398. However, the air quality continues to be alarming, with several areas witnessing hazardous levels of pollution. The AQI levels in various parts of the city remained concerning. At prominent locations such as ITO, the AQI was recorded at 384, while Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium reported 372. The Delhi Technological University (DTU) saw an AQI of 354, and IGI Airport (T3) recorded 372. Additionally, the AQI at DU North Campus stood at 381 at 7 am on Sunday. Despite some variation in readings across locations, the overall trend pointed to 'very poor' air quality in most parts of Delhi. However, certain areas of the capital were listed under the 'severe' category, including Alipur (411), Anand Vihar (427), and RK Puram (408). The 'severe' category indicates dangerous pollution levels that pose serious health risks to the population. The AQI scale categorises air quality from 0 to 500, with values between 301-400 deemed 'very poor' and those above 400 classified as 'severe.' The India Meteorological Department (IMD) also reported a drop in temperatures, with the minimum recorded at 8°C on Sunday. The cold weather, combined with the thick fog, exacerbated the air quality issue, leading many people to seek shelter in night homes across the city. Motorists and residents alike are facing increased discomfort due to the severe air pollution. One rider from Noida shared his experience of encountering severe pollution upon entering Delhi. "I ride every Sunday and felt fine in Noida, but once I entered Delhi, my eyes started burning and the fog was thick. I had to take off my helmet mirror repeatedly," he told ANI. Another rider expressed difficulty in breathing, stating, "The pollution was overwhelming, and I had to take off my helmet as I could hardly breathe." In response to the deteriorating air quality, the Delhi government has implemented Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR) since December 16. This includes stringent measures aimed at reducing air pollution and safeguarding public health. (With inputs from ANI)
22 December,2024 09:22 AM IST | New DelhiCongress leader Pawan Khera announced on Saturday that Congress Members of Parliament (MPs) from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, along with members of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), will hold press conferences in 150 cities across the country. These conferences will focus on demanding the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his controversial remarks regarding Dr. B.R. Ambedkar made in the Rajya Sabha. Khera, speaking to the press, stated that the Congress party has been consistently calling for Shah’s resignation following his remarks during an attack on the opposition party. "On December 22 and 23, in over 150 cities, our MPs from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, along with CWC members, will conduct press conferences to demand the resignation of Home Minister Amit Shah and condemn his disrespect towards Babasaheb Ambedkar," Khera said. The Congress party’s protests against Amit Shah have intensified following his statement in the Rajya Sabha, which the party claims was an insult to Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution and a symbol of the struggle for equality and justice for the marginalised. The Congress has been vocal in demanding that Shah be held accountable for his words. In addition to the press conferences, Khera also outlined plans for further demonstrations. On December 24, Congress will organise the Babasaheb Ambedkar Samman Marches across various districts in India. These marches will culminate in the submission of memorandums to President Droupadi Murmu through district collectors, reiterating the demand for Amit Shah’s resignation. "On December 24, we will hold marches at our district headquarters and submit memorandums to the district collectors, which will be addressed to the President. In these memorandums, we will again demand the resignation of Amit Shah," Khera added. The Congress party’s mobilisation is seen as part of its ongoing campaign against the BJP government, with the party seeking to highlight issues of respect for the Dalit community and the importance of upholding Ambedkar’s legacy. The demand for Amit Shah’s resignation continues to be a central point of contention between the two major political parties. (With inputs from ANI)
22 December,2024 09:12 AM IST | New DelhiUnion Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said the time has come for a change in approach of the police force with the end of insurgency in the northeast, in order to ensure that people get speedy justice. Shah, addressing the 72nd plenary of the North Eastern Council, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought peace in the region by inking 20 peace accords in 10 years, leading to the surrender of 9,000 armed militants. “The police fought insurgency in the northeast for the past four decades. As insurgency has now ended, we need to change the approach of the force to ensure people get justice within three years of lodging FIRs,” he said. The home minister also said connectivity is no longer a problem in the region, as the Centre has spent R81,000 crore for rail connectivity and R41,000 crore for road network in the northeastern states. Asserting that PM expedited development activities in the northeast, Shah said Union ministers “spent 700 nights” in states of the region since the BJP-led NDA assumed power at the Centre. “After the exchange of enclaves (land boundary agreements) with Bangladesh, the whole world will open for the northeast. This will change the investment ecosystem in the region,” he said. The senior BJP leader also laid emphasis on the upliftment of people in rural areas by promoting vegetable cultivation, production of milk, eggs and meat. Meanwhile, on the political turf in Delhi, the home minister’s recent remarks on Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar during the Winter Session of the Parliament continued to draw flak. BSP chief Mayawati on Saturday hit out at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, saying that he should apologise for his statement on B R Ambedkar. If this does not happen, the BSP will protest across the country on December 24, she said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 December,2024 07:57 AM IST | Agartala | AgenciesAn Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) team inspected an old well on the “Kalki Vishnu” temple premises here on Saturday, a day after the agency conducted a survey of a recently discovered temple in the district. The priest of the Kalki Vishnu temple, Mahendra Prasad Sharma said it is good that the survey team came for a visit. “There is a ‘krish koop’ (well) here. It is not closed but there is no water in it. This well is mentioned in the ‘Skanda Purana’ along with all pilgrimage sites of Sambhal... This well is on the temple premises, inside the old boundary,” he said. Speaking to PTI about the visit by the ASI, Sambhal Sub-Divisional Magistrate Vandana Mishra said, “…There is a ‘krish koop’ here which is said to be an ancient well. Its age is yet to be determined. The team stayed for about 15 minutes and also visited the temple.” On Friday, a four-member team of the ASI surveyed the recently-discovered Shri Kartik Mahadev temple, five pilgrimage sites and 19 ‘koops’ (wells). The Kartik Mahadev temple (Bhasma Shankar temple) was reopened on December 13 after the authorities said they stumbled upon the covered structure during an anti-encroachment drive. The temple housed an idol of Lord Hanuman and a shivling. It had remained locked since 1978. The temple also has a well nearby which the authorities had planned to reopen. Sambhal District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya had earlier told reporters that the ancient temple and the well were being excavated. The temple is situated in the Khaggu Sarai area, just over a kilometre from the Shahi Jama Masjid of Sambhal. Violence broke out on November 24 during a protest over a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era mosque. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 December,2024 07:57 AM IST | Sambhal | AgenciesThe Indian Army has increased its operational footprint in the Jammu region, including the strategic occupation of the upper reaches of the Pir Panjal range, a senior officer said on Saturday. The Army is playing a pivotal role in military-civilian coordination in creating a stable environment in the region, the officer said. “In recent times, the Indian Army has significantly enhanced its operational capabilities. We have strengthened our patrols and posts, even in the highest mountains and ridges. This progress has been made possible thanks to your unwavering support,” said General Officer Commanding, White Knight Corps, Lt Gen Navin Sachdeva. The officer visited Rajouri to strengthen civilian-military ties by taking parting part in a “Kaumi Ekta meet” which aims to recognise the role of local communities and veterans in maintaining peace and stability in the region. He said that new posts have been set up in upper reaches and movement of security forces at night have been increased in the region. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 December,2024 07:57 AM IST | Jammu | AgenciesUttar Pradesh Police have enlisted social media influencers and college students as “digital warriors” to strengthen its fight against cybercrime and combat fake news, an officer said on Saturday. “The digital warriors (a network of social media influencers and college students) will raise awareness about cybercrime, counter misleading news, train ordinary citizens as cyber trainers, and publicise the commendable work and campaigns of the police,” said Uttar Pradesh’s Director General of Police, Prashant Kumar. Kumar cited a pilot project run by the UP Police ahead of the Maha Kumbh Mela to combat fake news. This month-long project, which involved influencers and college students, was successful and has now been expanded statewide, he said. “UP Police launched the ‘Digital Warriors’ initiative in 2018, which became active on WhatsApp. People from different sections of society were added as digital volunteers,” Kumar explained. “In 2023, ‘WhatsApp Community Groups’ were created, adding all UP Police personnel, enabling them to refute fake news and publicise the commendable work of the police.” He added that currently, about 10 lakh people are connected as digital volunteers, and around two lakh policemen are linked through community groups. “Owing to the limited access of these digital volunteers to WhatsApp and their limited activity on other social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter (now X), Facebook, YouTube, etc., there was a need to engage the younger generation of social media influencers and college/university students with the UP Police by making them ‘digital warriors,’” Kumar said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 December,2024 07:57 AM IST | Lucknow | AgenciesMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said portfolio allocation of his ministry would take place either later in the day, or on Sunday, reported the PTI. He was speaking at a press conference here at the end of the one-week-long winter session of the Maharashtra legislature. "Portfolio distribution can take place by tonight or tomorrow morning," CM Devendra Fadnavis said. Earlier, minister Bharat Gogawale had said the allocation of portfolios of the Mahayuti government was expected during the day. CM Fadnavis and his deputies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar were sworn in on December 5, and 39 ministers were inducted ahead of the Winter Session on December 15. However, portfolio allocation in the Mahayuti government is yet to take place. The Mahayuti, comprising the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), secured a landslide victory in the November 20 assembly polls by winning 230 out of 288 seats. The BJP led with 132 seats, followed by Shinde's Shiv Sena with 57 and Pawar's NCP getting 41. Results of the elections were declared on November 23. Leaders of the Mahayuti alliance were sworn in as cabinet ministers in the Maharashtra government during a ceremony at Raj Bhavan in Nagpur on last Sunday. BJP-led alliance ministry in Maharashtra was expanded with 39 ministers being sworn in, taking its strength to 42. In the expansion, BJP got 19 ministerial berths, followed by 11 to Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and nine for Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party. While 33 legislators were sworn in as cabinet ministers, six took oath as ministers of state. Governor P C Radhakrishnan administered the oath to the new ministers at the ceremony held on the eve of the state legislature's winter session that began in Nagpur on December 16. Earlier, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar had taken oath in Mumbai on December 5. BJP’s state unit chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule, along with Ashish Shelar, Ganesh Naik, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Pankaja Munde, Girish Mahajan, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Chandrakant Patil and Nitesh Rane were among those who took the oath. (with PTI inputs)
21 December,2024 08:02 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday asserted that the state's Gadchiroli district will be Naxal-free in the next three years and Gadchiroli town will be the 'steel city' of India, reported the PTI. Replying to the debate on the opposition-sponsored last week motion in the legislative assembly in Nagpur, Devendra Fadnavis listed several infrastructure projects across the state and farmer-centric initiatives. He said the northern part of the Gadchiroli district, bordering Telangana and Chhattisgarh, has been rid of Naxals and is on the path of development. Naxals have either been killed or surrendered, he said. About 1,500 youth from the district, which is in the state's Vidarbha region, have joined the police force of which 150 are from families of Naxals, the CM said, according to the PTI. "There has been no recruitment by Naxals from Maharashtra. In the next three years, Naxalism will be completely eradicated from Gadchiroli," he said. Devendra Fadnavis said capacity building for Gadchiroli, about 900 km from Mumbai, to make it the "steel city" of India is in full swing. He said Gondia and Gadchiroli are being linked through the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway. Since 2022, when the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government collapsed and BJP-led Mahayuti took charge of the state, 47 projects and investments worth Rs 1.23 lakh crore have come to the Vidarbha region, he said. The CM called the new regime a continuation of the government of 2022 when his present deputy Eknath Shinde was the CM. "Only responsibilities have changed. The development works (in the state) are a continuation of the efforts in the last two and a half years. Collectively, we have taken all decisions," said Fadnavi, whose party BJP has Shiv Sena and NCP as partners in the government, according to the PTI. The government is focused on the river-linking and irrigation projects and industrial development of Vidarbha and Marathwada regions, he said. "After Pune, the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar-Jalna belt is the next industrial magnate. It has already been announced that the Vande Bharat coaches will be manufactured at the Latur coach factory," he said, as per the PTI. In Marathwada, 34 projects, including a Toyota-Kirloskar venture, with an investment potential of Rs 72,839 crore and capable of generating 40,000 direct and 1 lakh indirect jobs, have come since 2022, said the CM. Fadnavis told the House that his government would continue to take Maharashtra on the path of development and ensure justice for the state's 14 crore population. "All our election promises will be fulfilled," he assured. The CM said a bonus of Rs 20,000 per hectare for paddy growers and Rs 5,000 per hectare for soybean and cotton farmers have been provided. Soybean procurement, which will continue till January 12, has started at 557 centres and 23.68 lakh tonnes of the grain legume crop have been procured so far, he said. At present, the rate of soybean is Rs 4,892 per quintal, he said. In 2024-25, cotton has been grown on 40 lakh hectares and a production of 427 lakh quintals is expected, the CM said. "CCI (Cotton Corporation of India) has opened procurement centres but the market rate is attractive at Rs 7,200-7,500. Hence, farmers are selling directly to traders," he said. The Mumbai-Goa highway work has been taken up on a war footing, he said. "The permission to raise the height of Almatti dam from 519.60 metres to 524 metres was given to Karnataka in 2013. We are keeping a watch and will ensure that people and farmers in the Sangli and Kolhapur districts do not suffer due to flooding," he said, the news agency reported on Saturday. (with PTI inputs)
21 December,2024 07:51 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentThe Opposition parties in Maharashtra has alleged that the winter session of the Maharashtra legislature was held only for formality as ministers couldn't resolve issues of farmers and others in the absence of portfolios, according to the PTI. Addressing a press conference on the sixth and concluding day of the session in Nagpur on Saturday, the leader of the opposition in the legislative council, Ambadas Danve, said that the state government only highlighted old schemes and promises in the legislature. "Though the Mahayuti government was formed 15 days back and the cabinet was also expanded, portfolios are yet to be allocated. This session saw ministers sitting in the legislature without ministries. This session was just a formality," Ambadas Danve added, as per the PTI. He said the government failed to reassure farmers, workers, and industries. Referring to violence in Parbhani city over the desecration of a replica of the Constitution, the suspicious death of an accused in judicial custody, the murder of a sarpanch in Beed, and the attack on a Marathi family in Kalyan, Ambadas Danve said the Maharashtra government has failed to maintain law and order. "The main accused in the Beed incident is absconding even as people of Maharashtra know who is shielding him," Danve said in an apparent reference to a minister from Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). He alleged the government didn't announce measures to alleviate the plight of cotton, soybean and paddy growers. "The supplementary demands tabled in the session were meant for regular expenditure. No money was allocated for carrying out development works. The government announced irrigation projects for Vidarbha region but didn't release any funds," Danve alleged, the news agency reported. He said the opposition parties raised issues like corruption in state-run MSRTC and the bogus medicines scam. Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole said the opposition raised issues concerning farmers, inflation, and deteriorating law and order during the session.He claimed that 65 per cent of newly-annointed ministers are tainted. He wondered whether the Parbhani incident was state "sponsored"? "The chief minister's reply in the legislatures gave the impression that he was shielding the accused in the Beed and Parbhani incidents. He sounded like their counsel," the Congress leader alleged, the PTI reported. The government had said it would announce a loan waiver for farmers but didn't keep its word, Nana Patole said. "This government doesn't work for farmers, youths, and poor but it works for selected businessmen," he alleged. Earlier in the day, opposition parties protested on the premises of Vidhan Bhavan over the alleged fake medicines supply scam. Opposition members held placards and raised slogans against the Mahayuti government on the steps of the state legislature on the last day of the winter session. The six-day session witnessed uproar over Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks on B R Ambedkar, and Parbhani and Beed incidents. (with PTI inputs)
21 December,2024 07:41 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra legislative assembly was prorogued on Saturday after the end of the winter session and the budget session of the Maharashtra legislature will commence in Mumbai on March 3, reported the PTI. The prorogation order issued by Maharashtra governor C P Radhakrishnan was read out by Speaker Rahul Narwekar. The six-day winter session witnessed uproar over Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks on B R Ambedkar, violence in Parbhani city in central Maharashtra over the desecration of a replica of the Constitution, and the murder of a sarpanch in Beed. The first session of the 15th assembly, held after elections, saw six sittings at an average attendance of 72.90 per cent, said Narwekar. The total duration of the assembly proceedings was 46.26 hours with a daily sitting average of 7.44 hours. Proceedings of only 10 minutes were wasted, he said. The speaker said 13 out of 15 reintroduced bills were passed in the assembly, a bill was sent to the joint committee and another is pending.The legislative council passed four bills, as per the PTI. The speaker said five out of 78 newly elected MLAs were members of the legislative council. Maharashtra legislature session wasted as ministers sans portfolios kept mum: Opposition Meanwhile, the Opposition parties alleged on Saturday that the winter session of the Maharashtra legislature was held only for formality as ministers couldn't resolve issues of farmers and others in the absence of portfolios, according to the PTI. Addressing a press conference on the sixth and concluding day of the session in Nagpur, the leader of the opposition in the legislative council, Ambadas Danve, said the government only highlighted old schemes and promises in the legislature. "Though the Mahayuti government was formed 15 days back and the cabinet was also expanded, portfolios are yet to be allocated. This session saw ministers sitting in the legislature without ministries. This session was just a formality," Danve added, as per the PTI. He said the government failed to reassure farmers, workers, and industries. Referring to violence in Parbhani city over the desecration of a replica of the Constitution, the suspicious death of an accused in judicial custody, the murder of a sarpanch in Beed, and the attack on a Marathi family in Kalyan, Danve said the government has failed to maintain law and order. "The main accused in the Beed incident is absconding even as people of Maharashtra know who is shielding him," Danve said in an apparent reference to a minister from NCP. He alleged the government didn't announce measures to alleviate the plight of cotton, soybean and paddy growers. "The supplementary demands tabled in the session were meant for regular expenditure. No money was allocated for carrying out development works. The government announced irrigation projects for Vidarbha region but didn't release any funds," Danve alleged, the news agency reported. He said the opposition parties raised issues like corruption in state-run MSRTC and the bogus medicines scam. Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole said the opposition raised issues concerning farmers, inflation, and deteriorating law and order during the session.He claimed that 65 per cent of newly-annointed ministers are tainted. He wondered whether the Parbhani incident was state "sponsored"? "The chief minister's reply in the legislatures gave the impression that he was shielding the accused in the Beed and Parbhani incidents. He sounded like their counsel," the Congress leader alleged, the PTI reported. The government had said it would announce a loan waiver for farmers but didn't keep its word, Patole said. (with PTI inputs)
21 December,2024 07:32 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
