The Indian Army has launched a motorcycle expedition from Mipi in Dibang Valley district, Arunachal Pradesh, to commemorate the Battle of Walong and honor the soldiers who fought in the 1962 India-China war. The expedition, which includes 10 Army personnel and 10 civilians, will traverse the scenic Mishmi ranges and Dibang and Lohit Valleys, culminating at the historic Walong War Memorial on November 11th. The journey aims to connect with local communities, highlighting the region’s strength and resilience, and promoting national integration. The expedition also symbolizes the Army’s commitment to fostering unity and promoting adventure tourism in border areas.
11.11.2024
Guwahati: Recognizing Gorkha Leader and Riverfront Development
The Assam government will install a statue of Babu Chabilal Upadhyaya, a prominent Gorkha leader and freedom fighter, in Guwahati. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has instructed the GMDA to choose a suitable location for the statue and consult with Upadhyaya’s family. Meanwhile, Guwahati’s riverfront development project is on track to open in 2025, offering stunning views of the Brahmaputra River. The Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf Bill is holding discussions in Guwahati today to gather input on the bill’s proposed reforms. However, the INDIA bloc has accused Sarma of inciting communal tension with his recent speeches targeting Muslims, demanding action against him for his inflammatory rhetoric.
BJP’s Maharashtra Manifesto: Promises of Jobs, Welfare, and Anti-Conversion Law
The BJP’s manifesto for the Maharashtra assembly elections promises a wide range of initiatives, including the creation of 25 lakh jobs, a skill census to align training with industry needs, and free ration for low-income families. The manifesto also includes a pledge to enact a stringent anti-conversion law, aimed at combating forced and deceitful conversions. The BJP further promises to develop Maharashtra into a hub for robotics and AI training, create 10 lakh new business leaders, and empower women by establishing industrial clusters and providing financial assistance. The manifesto also includes plans to develop key cities into aeronautical and space manufacturing centers, return SGST on fertilizers to farmers, and stabilize the prices of essential commodities.
Ajay Kumar Wins Srinivas Rayaprol Poetry Prize 2024
Ajay Kumar, a 23-year-old English Literature student from Chennai, has been awarded the prestigious Srinivas Rayaprol Poetry Prize 2024. Selected from a pool of 66 entrants by a jury comprising renowned poet Menka Shivdasani and two faculty members from the University of Hyderabad, Kumar’s work impressed with its depth and originality. The prize, instituted by the Srinivas Rayaprol Literary Trust to recognize emerging talent in English poetry, carries a cash award of â¹15,000 and a citation. Kumar, author of the e-chapbook “Balancing Acts” and a contributor to publications like the Yearbook of Indian Poetry in English and The Bombay Literary Magazine, will be formally presented with the award at the Hyderabad Literary Festival in January 2025.
From Caste Issues to Startup Hub: Tirunelveli’s Emerging Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Tirunelveli, a region known for its caste issues, is now gaining recognition for its burgeoning start-up ecosystem. Driven by factors like the influence of Zoho Corporation, the inherent entrepreneurial spirit of the local population, the presence of large companies like Tata Power and Bosch, and support from StartupTN, Tirunelveli has witnessed a significant rise in start-ups, particularly those founded by women. While the region boasts a thriving start-up scene, entrepreneurs face challenges in securing investments, particularly micro-investments from venture capitalists. To address this, entrepreneurs suggest government investment in research and development in local colleges.
Pammal Sambandha Mudaliar: A Pioneer of Modern Tamil Theatre
The 150th birth anniversary of Pammal Sambandha Mudaliar was commemorated with a seminar at SASTRA University in Thanjavur. The event highlighted his multifaceted contributions to Tamil theatre, including his pioneering work as a playwright, actor, director, and researcher. Experts discussed his dramatic techniques, characterization, and innovation, emphasizing his role in transforming the Tamil theatre landscape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His prolific writing, encompassing 97 dramas and over a hundred short stories, explored diverse themes ranging from mythology and history to social commentary and comedy. His translations and adaptations of English and French dramas into Tamil further enriched the Tamil theatre repertoire.
Oisca Vidhyavikas Principal Honored for Educational Contributions in Rural Areas
V. Gopinathan, principal of Oisca Vidhyavikas International School, has been awarded the National Education Brilliance Award by Hypedge Network India for his outstanding contributions to education, particularly in rural areas. The award, presented by former Delhi Minister Raaj Kumar Anand, recognizes Mr. Gopinathan’s dedication to providing quality education to minority and marginalized communities in rural regions. Hypedge Network India CEO Gaurav Gautam commended Mr. Gopinathan’s efforts in promoting educational opportunities for underprivileged students, highlighting his significant impact on rural communities.
Seaplane Service in Kerala: A Balancing Act Between Tourism and Wildlife Conservation
Kerala is set to launch a trial run of a seaplane service, with the aircraft operating between Kochi backwaters and Mattupetty reservoir in Idukki district. While the service promises to boost tourism, concerns have been raised about its potential impact on wildlife, particularly elephants, tigers, and Nilgiri tahr. Experts fear the aircraft’s flight path, which may pass over national parks and eco-sensitive zones, could disturb wildlife and escalate human-wildlife conflicts. Former forest officials emphasize the need for an Environment Impact Assessment and clearance from the State and Central governments before the project commences. However, State Forest Department officials maintain that the seaplane’s operation is unlikely to significantly affect wildlife populations, citing the aircraft’s lower noise levels compared to helicopters and the lack of legal requirements for forest department clearance. This debate highlights the delicate balance between economic development and environmental conservation, particularly in a region known for its rich biodiversity and human-wildlife interactions.
3F Oil Palm Partners with Karnataka Horticulture Department to Boost Sustainable Agriculture
The Department of Horticulture in Karnataka has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with 3F Oil Palm to promote sustainable agriculture practices in the districts of Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Kalaburagi. This partnership aims to empower rural communities by providing access to cutting-edge agricultural technologies, comprehensive training programs, and vital resources. The initiative will enhance productivity and contribute to the growth of Karnataka’s horticultural sector. 3F Oil Palm plans to introduce advanced cultivation techniques, including area expansion, nursery development, sprout procurement, and seedling cultivation within the designated zones. The company emphasizes its commitment to collaborating closely with the farming community to ensure the success of this initiative.
Mysuru Sangeetha Sugandha: A New Platform for Carnatic Music and Cultural Tourism
The three-day Mysuru Sangeetha Sugandha festival, organized by the Ministry of Tourism, concluded on Sunday with a promise of greater publicity and expansion. Inspired by the Thiruvaiyaru music festival in Tamil Nadu, the event aims to celebrate Karnataka’s rich Carnatic and Indian classical music heritage, positioning Mysuru as a cultural tourism hub. The festival, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will become an annual event, with similar events planned for Kerala starting next year. The festival not only showcased Carnatic music but also highlighted Karnataka’s diverse handicrafts, handloom, and culinary traditions, offering an immersive experience for visitors. The Ministry of Tourism plans to advertise the festival internationally to attract a wider audience and further promote the cultural legacy of Karnataka.