The Rajasthan government, in line with its commitment to women’s empowerment through sports, has signed a collaboration with Borussia Dortmund, a leading German football club. This partnership, born from the Chief Minister’s recent visit to Germany, aims to train young female footballers in Rajasthan, building upon the state’s junior girls’ team’s recent victory in the National Football Championship. Borussia Dortmund will conduct training programs, select a talented player for a week-long training stint in Germany, and provide specialized workshops for aspiring female athletes. The collaboration also includes support from the DFB-Pokal, Germany’s national football association, and Dwarka Gems Ltd., which has launched a football-inspired jewelry line with a portion of proceeds dedicated to supporting women’s football in Rajasthan. This initiative signifies a significant step towards promoting women’s empowerment and rural development in the state through the power of sports.
11.11.2024
Punjab Villagers Protest Treated Wastewater Irrigation Plan, Citing Health Risks and Broken Promises
Residents of 32 villages bordering the polluted Buddha Dariya in Ludhiana, Punjab, are protesting a government plan to use treated wastewater from the dyeing industry for agricultural irrigation. The villagers, who suffer from chronic health issues and shortened lifespans attributed to industrial pollution, fear that the “treated” water will further endanger their health and livelihoods. The protest, organized by the Kale Pani Da Morcha activist group, highlights a long-standing environmental crisis in the region, marked by bureaucratic delays, inadequate enforcement, and a lack of trust in government promises. Villagers point to the 2013 regulations prohibiting even treated wastewater discharge into the Buddha Dariya, yet local dyeing plants are seeking permission to use this water for irrigation. Activists accuse the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) of misleading the public and concealing information, demanding the resignation of senior officials and swift disciplinary action. The situation in Ludhiana underscores the broader environmental challenges facing Punjab, where industrial expansion comes at the cost of the health and livelihoods of local communities.
Elephant Falls: A Cascading Beauty in Meghalaya
Elephant Falls, located near Shillong in Meghalaya, is a captivating three-tiered waterfall known for its unique beauty and historical significance. The name originates from a large elephant-shaped rock that once stood near the falls, which was unfortunately destroyed in an earthquake. Despite this, the name persists, capturing the essence of the site. Each tier of the falls offers a distinct experience, from the broad, tranquil cascade of the first tier to the dramatic, sudden drop of the third. Visitors can enjoy well-maintained paths leading to each tier, and can also explore nearby attractions like Shillong Peak. The monsoon season, from June to September, offers the most impressive water flow, but also presents slippery trails requiring caution.
Indore: CM Yadav Empowers Women, Supports Differently-abled, and Sparks Controversy
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visited Indore on Saturday, where he distributed financial aid to over 1.29 crore beneficiaries of the Ladli Behna scheme, providing Rs 1574 crore. He also transferred Rs 333 crore to 55 lakh beneficiaries of the social security pension scheme and Rs 55 crore to 26 lakh Ladli Behna beneficiaries for gas cylinder refills. The event featured a unique display of women empowerment with a mass sword-fighting demonstration by over 5,000 women, though one participant sustained injuries. The CM also launched a portal to connect differently-abled individuals with employment opportunities and distributed motorised tricycles, laptops, and other assistive devices to over 450 individuals. However, the event was marred by controversy over the placement of posters featuring Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar below larger posters of Prime Minister Modi and CM Yadav, leading to criticism from the Congress. The CM later felicitated winners of the MT700 Tennis Tournament.
Onion Prices Soar in Jamshedpur, Leaving Consumers Feeling the Pinch
Onion prices in Jamshedpur have skyrocketed in recent days, causing distress for consumers, particularly those with limited incomes. The price increase, attributed to disrupted harvests due to heavy rainfall, has seen onions jump from Rs 60-65 per kg to Rs 80 per kg within three days. While retailers anticipate prices to stabilize in the next five to seven weeks with the arrival of new stock, consumers are forced to adjust their consumption or face financial strain. The price hike has also sparked criticism of political parties for failing to address the issue despite their campaigns focusing on essential commodity prices.
Haryana Battles Air Pollution Despite Reduced Stubble Burning
Despite a decrease in reported stubble burning cases to 24 on Saturday, Haryana continues to grapple with poor air quality. While the number of farm fires has reduced, the air quality in Gurgaon, Bahadurgarh, and other areas remains “very poor” and “poor,” primarily due to fuel emissions, road dust, and construction activities. The AQI in Gurgaon reached 310, while Bahadurgarh recorded 290, Charkhi Dadri 284, and Manesar 281. The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has initiated water sprinkling in affected areas and civic bodies are cleaning roads. Meanwhile, the agriculture department continues to penalize farmers engaging in stubble burning. While the number of farm fires has decreased, the overall air quality remains concerning, with several districts experiencing “poor” air quality due to a combination of factors including stubble burning, Diwali fireworks, and dust.
Chemists Association Raises Alarm Over Online Pharmacy Expansion in Gujarat
The Federation of Gujarat State Chemists and Druggists Association (FGSCDA), representing 35,000 chemists in Gujarat, has expressed serious concerns about the rapid expansion of quick commerce platforms and online pharmacies into pharmaceutical distribution. Supported by the All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), the FGSCDA has written to India’s Drug Controller General (DCGI) highlighting potential health risks and regulatory violations associated with this trend. The association argues that fast-paced online drug deliveries could compromise quality and safety standards due to improper storage and handling, potentially leading to increased anti-microbial resistance (AMR). They also point to legal uncertainties surrounding online pharmacy operations as a significant risk factor. The FGSCDA has called for a government investigation, emphasizing that traditional pharmacies adhere to strict compliance measures to safeguard public health.
Goans Demand New Regional Plan to Protect Environment and Heritage
A group of activists and citizens staged a peaceful protest in Old Goa, demanding the Goa government formulate a new Regional Plan. They expressed deep concern over the rampant destruction of Goa’s natural environment, including forests, fields, and hills, due to unchecked development. They argue that the current lack of a comprehensive plan allows for unauthorized land conversions and facilitates the exploitation of Goa’s natural resources by “outsiders.” The protesters emphasized the need for a new Regional Plan to regulate development, prevent environmental degradation, and ensure local communities are involved in decision-making. They also called for a master plan for the Old Goa heritage site to prevent unauthorized construction and preserve its historical significance. The protest highlights the growing concern among Goans about the impact of unchecked development on their environment and heritage.
Preserving Indigenous Knowledge: Raipur University Hosts Seminar on Tribal Medicinal Plants
The Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University (PRSU) in Raipur, in collaboration with the IIT Bhilai Innovation Foundation, organized a national seminar focused on the “Protection of Indigenous Knowledge of Medicinal Plants Used by Tribal Healers.” The seminar aimed to preserve traditional knowledge, raise awareness among young people about its importance, and promote sustainable farming practices. The event featured presentations from experts, including traditional healers, and a tour of the university’s science laboratories. The seminar highlighted the need for conservation of medicinal plants, documentation of traditional knowledge, and the creation of employment opportunities in this field. The event drew over 150 participants, including professors, researchers, and students from various departments, demonstrating a strong interest in preserving and utilizing this valuable knowledge.
Bihar Sports University Gets Its First Vice-Chancellor
The Bihar Sports University in Rajgir has appointed Shishir Sinha, a retired IAS officer and former chairman of the Bihar Public Service Commission, as its first vice-chancellor. This appointment, made by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, marks a significant step towards establishing Bihar as a sporting powerhouse. The university, inaugurated on Sports Day, is housed in a sprawling campus with state-of-the-art facilities and aims to provide a conducive environment for training and development of athletes. The university will be the sixth in India and will affiliate all sports-related institutes and colleges in Bihar, ensuring better infrastructure and training for aspiring athletes. With a 33% reservation for women, the university aims to encourage greater female participation in sports.