UNICEF’s representative in Pakistan, Abdullah Fadil, has issued a dire warning about the severe health risks facing over 11 million children in Punjab due to hazardous air pollution. He emphasizes the urgent need for government intervention to curb the worsening smog and protect vulnerable populations, particularly children under five who are disproportionately affected. Fadil highlights the alarming increase in child mortality linked to air pollution and the additional risks posed to expectant mothers, including premature births, respiratory complications, and low birth weight. He calls for clean air as a fundamental right for every child and urges immediate action to safeguard the health and well-being of Pakistan’s youngest citizens. The situation is so severe that schools in Punjab have been temporarily closed and public spaces restricted to limit exposure to the dangerous smog levels.
13.11.2024
Fostering Scientific Minds and Sustainable Growth in Meghalaya
The Meghalaya State Council of Science, Technology and Environment (SCSTE) recently concluded a state-level eco club competition in Nongkrem, Meghalaya, showcasing the commitment to nurturing scientific temper and sustainable practices in rural communities. Over 180 students from 31 schools participated in the three-day event, engaging in written exams, science project presentations, and a scavenger hunt. The top-performing eco clubs will receive valuable educational resources, including school libraries, tinkering labs, hydroponic units, rainwater harvesting systems, and clean drinking water facilities. This initiative highlights SCSTE’s dedication to empowering rural communities with scientific knowledge and promoting sustainable development practices.
JMM Releases Manifesto with Focus on Social Welfare and Employment
JMM patriarch Shibu Soren, making his first appearance in the electoral campaign, released the party’s manifesto “Adhikar Patra” with the slogan “Ek Hi Naara, Hemant Dobara”. The manifesto, separate from the one released jointly with Congress and RJD, outlines JMM’s stance on key issues like employment, social security, and women’s rights. It promises to increase reservation for OBCs in government jobs to 27%, while maintaining 28% for STs and 12% for SCs, and also proposes 33% reservation for women in government positions. The manifesto includes plans to reduce LPG cylinder prices to Rs 450, increase the Maiya Samman Yojna payout to Rs 2,500 per month, and raise pensions for widows, elderly, and disabled individuals to the same amount. JMM also emphasizes employment, outlining a plan to appoint two lakh youths across various departments, and promises to cancel the previous government’s land bank scheme, issue land titles to the landless, and provide caste and residential certificates within six months of taking office.
Hemant Soren Emphasizes Women’s Empowerment and Support Ahead of Jharkhand Elections
Hemant Soren, the outgoing Chief Minister of Jharkhand, announced the disbursement of the fourth installment of the Maiyaan Samman Yojana, a monthly financial assistance program for women aged 18 to 50. He highlighted the scheme’s impact on women’s lives, particularly their ability to avoid high-interest loans from moneylenders. Soren expressed disapproval of the Election Commission’s directive restricting self-help groups from participating in poll awareness activities, emphasizing the women’s desire to actively engage in the electoral process. He concluded by expressing confidence in the women’s support for his party, the JMM, and their determination to ensure his victory in the upcoming elections.
Guwahati’s Satpukhuri Water Supply Plant to Halt Operations for Two Days
The Guwahati Municipal Corporation’s (GMC) Satpukhuri water supply plant will be shut down for two days starting Tuesday, impacting 16 localities and approximately 15,000 households. This disruption is due to essential restoration work at the plant’s intake point, which processes 22.5 million litres of water daily. The affected areas include Uzanbazar, Silpukhuri, Chandmari, and several others. The Satpukhuri facility, established in 1930 and upgraded in 1984, operates alongside the Panbazar and Kamakhya plants to provide water to the city. This temporary suspension highlights the importance of maintaining critical infrastructure and the potential impact on residents when such facilities require repairs.
Christian Community in Maharashtra Faces Difficult Choices in Upcoming Elections
The Christian community in Maharashtra faces a challenging situation in the upcoming elections, with the BJP’s promise to implement an anti-conversion law and deny minority quotas creating a sense of unease. Despite the lack of Christian candidates fielded by major parties, community leaders are urging members to vote in large numbers. Concerns about the anti-conversion law, economic inequality, lack of jobs, and the deterioration of democratic institutions are driving the community’s voting decisions. While expressing disappointment with the exclusion of Christian candidates by major parties, the community is seeking to vote for parties that uphold the Constitution and address their concerns.
Senior Journalist Ahmed Ali Khan Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
On the occasion of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s 133rd birth anniversary, celebrated as Minorities Welfare Day, the Telangana Urdu Academy bestowed the prestigious Mahboob Hussain Jigar Lifetime Achievement Award upon senior journalist Ahmed Ali Khan from Nizamabad. The award was presented by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy in the presence of Government Advisor Mohd. Ali Shabbir, Transport Minister Poonam Prabhakar, and other dignitaries. This recognition highlights the significant contributions of Ahmed Ali Khan to journalism and his dedication to promoting Urdu language and culture.
EnvisionIS Group Expands into Creative Industries with New Multimedia Studio
EnvisionIS Group, a diversified company known for its work in industrial automation and other sectors, has launched Maamaas Studio, a cutting-edge multimedia and production facility in Kukatpally. This new venture marks a significant step in the group’s strategic expansion into the creative industries. Founded in 2012 as the International Institute of Automate (IIA), EnvisionIS Group has steadily diversified its operations, establishing Envision Integrated Services for industrial solutions, the Envision Business Centre as a coworking hub, and Maamaas House and Kitchen as a culinary destination. The launch of Maamaas Studio further demonstrates the group’s commitment to innovation and growth across various sectors.
Chennai Braces for Heavy Rainfall as Northeast Monsoon Intensifies
Chennai and its surrounding areas are expected to experience heavy rainfall until Friday, November 15, 2024, due to the active northeast monsoon and a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has issued an orange alert for Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpattu districts, predicting very heavy rainfall (up to 20.4 cm) until Wednesday morning. Ten other districts in north Tamil Nadu and the delta region are also expected to receive heavy rainfall. The wet spell, punctuated by heavy showers, is likely to continue until November 16, with scattered rainfall expected on Wednesday. The RMC forecasts heavy rainfall in 12 districts, including Chennai and surrounding areas, as well as districts like Madurai and Tirunelveli. While the rainfall may cover more places on November 14 and 15, isolated areas in 27 districts could experience intense rainfall. The city is expected to experience a maximum temperature of 30 degrees Celsius for the next two days.
Ashtanga Yoga Guru Sharath Jois Passes Away at 53
R. Sharath Jois, a renowned Ashtanga Yoga teacher and grandson of the legendary K. Pattabhi Jois, passed away in Virginia, USA, on Monday. Sharath Jois, who inherited the Ashtanga Yoga tradition from his grandfather, was known for his dedication to teaching and spreading the practice globally. He established the Sharath Yoga Centre in Mysuru and travelled extensively, conducting workshops and classes. His sudden death, reportedly due to complications during a hike, has shocked the yoga community. Tributes have poured in from fellow yogis and prominent figures, acknowledging his significant contribution to the world of yoga. Sharath Jois is survived by his wife, two children, and his mother, Saraswathi Jois.