The epicentre of the earthquake was located 7 km east southeast of Rohtak (Representational)
New Delhi:
A mild tremor shook parts of Haryana on Sunday night.
According to the National Centre for Seismology the earthquake of magnitude 2.6, occurred at 11.26 pm on Sunday.
The epicentre of the earthquake was located 7 km east southeast of Rohtak in Haryana.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Notably, Gadkari is on an official tour to the Czech Republic on October 2, where he will participate in the Ministerial session on Road Safety at the 27th World Road Congress in Prague.
Updated On – 09:38 PM, Sun – 1 October 23
Prague: Union Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari was received in a traditional ‘Maharashtrian way’ at Prague airport on Sunday.
He was received at the airport by India’s Ambassador to Czech Republic Hemant Kotalwar.
“Union Minister Shri @nitin_gadkari Ji received a warm welcome at Prague airport by Indian Ambassador Shri @HemantKotalwar ji and the Maharashtra Mandal – Czech Republic (MMCZ) in a traditional Maharashtrian way. @IndiainCzechia,” the office of Nitin Gadkari posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Notably, Gadkari is on an official tour to the Czech Republic on October 2, where he will participate in the Ministerial session on Road Safety at the 27th World Road Congress in Prague.
He will also interact with international organizations, academia, industry, and all experts and stakeholders in road transport, and related issues there.
“I will be on an official tour to the Czech Republic on October 2, 2023,” Gadkari posted on X.
Will participate in the Ministerial session on Road Safety at the 27th World Road Congress in Prague and interact with international organizations, academia, industry, and all experts and stakeholders in road transport, road infrastructure, road safety, and related issues,” he added.
Ajay Maken served as a minister in Sheila Dikshit’s government in Delhi (File)
Raipur:
Congress leader Ajay Maken on Sunday thanked the party’s top leadership for appointing him a new Treasurer of the party.
Talking to news agency ANI, the Congress leader said that he wants to express his gratitude to the high command of the party for ‘showing trust’ in him.
“I got to know about this after the screening committee meeting was over. I want to thank the party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi giving me this opportunity and for showing trust in me,” he said.
Notably, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday appointed party leader Ajay Maken as the new Treasurer of the party with immediate effect.
“Congress President has appointed Maken as the Treasurer of the All India Congress Committee, with immediate effect,” party General Secretary, Organisation, KC Venugopal said in an official communication.
Mr Maken, considered a close confidant of Rahul Gandhi will be replacing Pawan Kumar Bansal.
“The party appreciates the contribution of the outgoing Treasurer Pawan Kumar Bansal.”
Mr Maken, a former Union Minister, had earlier served as Delhi unit chief and was also a minister in Sheila Dikshit’s government in Delhi.
Ajay Maken formerly served as the General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) and is a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC).
He has also served as a minister in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s Cabinet.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
The people in Ukraine can count on US support, Joe Biden said (File)
Washington:
President Joe Biden on Sunday vowed the United States would not abandon Ukraine despite aid being dropped from a deal to avoid a government shutdown, urging Republicans to “stop the games” on funding.
“I want to assure our American allies, the American people, and the people in Ukraine that you can count on our support. We will not walk away,” Biden said in an address from the White House.
Biden said there was an “overwhelming sense of urgency” to get Congress to pass a new package of assistance to Ukraine in the days and weeks to come as it battles the Russian invasion.
An 11th-hour deal by Congress late Saturday to avoid a US government shutdown contained no new war-time aid for Ukraine as part of a compromise between Republicans and Democrats.
Democrat Biden lashed out at Republicans and called on House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to avoid another shutdown drama when the 45-day stopgap deal agreed on Saturday runs out.
“I’m sick and tired of the brinksmanship,” Biden said, speaking from the Roosevelt Room at the White House.
“The brinksmanship has to end. There shouldn’t be another crisis.”
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
We must raise our voices so that basic needs like healthcare and housing for the armed forces and efficient irrigation systems for agriculture do not get overlooked amid other priorities
Updated On – 01:33 AM, Mon – 2 October 23
By Sushiila Ttiwari
‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ is a slogan given by Lal Bahadur Shastri which holds the key to India’s immense potential. India, once known as the golden bird, still carries that promise, as encapsulated in this slogan. This article delves into the significance of both these sectors in our nation and their profound influence on its heartbeat.
Indian Agriculture
Agriculture forms the bedrock of the Indian economy, with the majority of the population depending on it for their livelihood. It contributes a substantial 40% to the country’s GDP.
Agriculture serves as a major source of employment, particularly in rural areas, offering livelihoods to millions, thus curbing unemployment and underemployment. About 55% of the total population of India is engaged in the agricultural sector. In November 2022, India’s agricultural exports soared to a historic high of $50 billion in FY 2021-22, with staples like rice, wheat, sugar, cereals and meat leading the way. This remarkable feat owes much to the central government’s initiatives to boost foodgrain production.
In 1950-51, India grappled with food shortages, occasionally resorting to importing grains. Agriculture then accounted for a substantial 50% of the GDP, highlighting its pivotal role in the economy. The Green Revolution of the 1960s ushered in significant advancements, transforming India from a food-deficient to a food-surplus nation. It focused on farm mechanisation, hybrid seed varieties and improved irrigation, resulting in a self-reliant foodgrain production that continues to thrive.
Today, India stands as the world’s largest sugar producer and ranks second in rice production after China. It also holds the second spot in wheat production, contributing 14.14% to the global total in 2020. Progress is being made towards self-reliance in pulse production, with 315.72 million tonnes of foodgrains estimated for the current year, up by 4.98 million tonnes compared with 2020-21.
Backbone of Industries
In India, around half of the income generated in the industrial sector comes from agriculture-based industries. Agriculture supplies raw materials to various agro-based industries like jute, cotton textile, sugar and vanaspati industries. Food processing industries are similarly dependent on agriculture. Indian agriculture has a cost advantage in several agricultural commodities in the export sector because of low labour costs and self-sufficiency in input supply. Agriproducts such as tea, coffee, sugar, cashew nuts and spices, which are edible, and textile products such as jute and cotton contribute 50% and 20% respectively to the total exports of the country. These add up to around 70% of the country’s total exports and help the country earn foreign exchange.
Economic Planning
A flourishing agricultural sector catalyses rural development by providing income opportunities, boosting infrastructure like roads and irrigation, and attracting investments to rural areas. It also serves as a valuable source of raw materials for various industries, fostering growth and stability.
The health of the Indian economy closely hinges on agriculture. A good harvest contributes significantly to government revenue, while a poor one can lead to economic downturns. The governments earn huge revenue from agriculture and its allied activities like animal husbandry, cattle rearing, poultry farming and fishing. Indian Railways and the state transport systems earn a sizable revenue as freight charges for agricultural products, both semi-finished and finished ones. Thus, the agricultural sector plays a pivotal role in India’s economic prosperity.
However, agriculture faces its share of challenges, including low productivity due to traditional farming methods. Modernisation and improved techniques are needed, alongside investments in irrigation systems and water management to address water scarcity concerns. Strengthening supply chains and marketing infrastructure is essential to combat market access and price fluctuations. Income disparities among farmers persist, warranting equitable solutions. There hasn’t been any significant development in this sector other than talk of drone technology and other methods which currently do not serve the purpose of supporting the agriculture sector effectively.
Indian Armed Forces
Switching gears to the armed forces, their impact on a nation’s development and economy varies depending on factors like military size, budget and societal role. The Indian Armed Forces have time and again proved their worth whether it is internal conflicts or protecting our borders. It is this secure environment provided by the armed forces that ensures the path to prosperity and development for our country.
Another area where the army contributes significantly is in providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The Navy provides critical help on foreign shores and also in the evacuation of Indian citizens in distant lands during times of natural as well as man-made crises. The Air Force plays a vital role during disasters given its speed and reach. Last but not least, it is the Army with its pan-India presence that proves indispensable during any disaster relief efforts, even in far-flung areas of the country.
Military research and development spur technological advancements with civilian applications, benefiting aerospace, telecommunications, and healthcare sectors. Armed forces provide jobs to a significant portion of the population, spanning soldiers, engineers, logistics specialists and support staff, alleviating unemployment and stimulating economic activity. Military installations also contribute to infrastructure development in remote areas. The armed forces offer training and education to personnel, enhancing human capital and skill development. Veterans often bring valuable skills to the civilian job market.
Inclusive Development
The Indian Army is a leading force for inclusive development. It has ensured outreach and connectivity with citizens inhabiting inaccessible far-flung parts of the country by building the road and track infrastructure in the remotest areas over inhospitable terrain. Also, it has always taken the lead in building and running schools, medical facilities and habitat-enhancing infrastructure in distant border areas.
In conclusion, the soldier and the farmer are pivotal to India’s progress and prosperity. Recognising their significance and addressing their challenges is essential for the nation’s holistic development. While we applaud our advancements and achievements in other sectors like technology, healthcare and other industries, it is equally important that we acknowledge the contributions of farmers and armed forces to our country. We must raise our voices so that basic needs like healthcare and housing for the armed forces and efficient irrigation systems for agriculture do not get overlooked amid other priorities.
File photo of Nandini Agasara.© Twitter
Indian athlete Nandini Agasara won a bronze medal in the women’s Heptathlon 800m in the ongoing Asian Games on Sunday. The 20-year-old finished third in her first Asian Games with a points tally of 5712. She finished above her national compatriot Swapna Barman by a four-point margin. Swapna finished 4th with 5708 points. Earlier in the day, the flurry of medals continued for India as Tajinderpal Singh Toor won the country’s second gold in athletics. With a throw of 20.36m, Tajinderpal topped the chart, surpassing Saudi Arabia’s Mohamed Daouda, who, till then, was leading the race for the gold medal with a throw of 20.18m in his fourth attempt.
(Asian Games 2023 Medals Tally | Asian Games 2023 Full Schedule)
Sahib Singh was also in contention for the medal but failed to clinch a podium finish alongside his fellow national teammate. He finished in the 8th position with a throw of 18.62m.
Tajinderpal’s gold was an affirmation of the dominance he has had in the event over the past couple of years. With a throw of 20.75m to his credit in the 2018 Asiad, he is already the holder of the record for the best throw in the history of the Asian Games.
With his exploits in Hangzhou on a blockbuster Sunday for Indian track and field, he now has the Asian record with a throw of 21.77m.
Track and field athlete Avinash Sable rewrote history by clinching a gold medal in the men’s steeplechase 3000m, with record-breaking timing in the history of the Asian Games.
Sable who was India’s first medallist in the 3000m steeplechase at the Common Wealth Games became India’s first medallist in the 3000m steeplechase at the Asian Games.
He also bested the previous record of 8:22.79 which was held by Iran’s Keyhani Hossein for the past five years by clocking 8.19.50s. Sable’s efforts also brought India’s first gold in athletics in the 19th Asian Games.
Sable took the lead quite early in the race and extended his race with each passing lap.
He completed the race ahead of the Japanese duo of Aoki Ryoma and Sanada Seiya who secured silver and bronze medal finishes respectively.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Topics mentioned in this article
Antony Blinken said US stands firmly by their NATO Ally Turkey and the Turkish people (File)
Washington:
The United States condemned the suicide blast near the Turkish Interior Ministry and expressed solidarity with their NATO ally and the Turkish people.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Washington “rejects terrorism in all its forms”.
“The United States condemns today’s attack at the Turkish Interior Ministry in Ankara. We wish those injured a speedy recovery. We reject terrorism in all its forms and stand firmly by our NATO Ally Turkey and the Turkish people,” Blinken stated on X (formerly Twitter).
This comes after a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device in front of the Interior Ministry building in Ankara, leaving two police officers injured and sending a wave of fear among the people.
Earlier, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) chief Jens Stoltenberg also expressed solidarity with the country in the wake of the incident and denounced the attack.
“I strongly condemn today’s terrorist attack on the Ministry of Interior in Ankara, and wish a fast and full recovery for the police officers injured in the line of duty,” Stoltenberg posted on X, wishing the injured police officers a “quick and complete” recovery.
“NATO stands in solidarity with Turkey in the fight against terrorism,” he added.
The US Embassy in Turkey also condemned the deadly blast and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
“We strongly condemn the terrorist attack this morning against Turkey, our NATO Ally. We offer our condolences to those injured and wish them a speedy recovery. We stand in solidarity with Turkey against terrorism,” the US Embassy said in a post on X.
The responsibility of the bombing was claimed by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which is banned by Turkey and its Western allies.
Later in the day, the Turkish Parliament reconvened for a new term hours after the suicide blast after a nearly three-month term break.
Meanwhile, security has been increased around key government buildings, including the parliament and the Interior Ministry, following the attack, as parliamentarians were returning after a summer break.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered an opening speech at the parliament hours after the blast and said that the “terrorists” will never achieve their aims in Turkey in his address at the Turkish parliament.
“Today’s terrorist act in Ankara, in which two criminals were neutralised thanks to timely intervention of police, is last flutters of terrorism,” Erdogan said, adding, “Terrorists trying to destroy peace and citizens’ security will never succeed,” Al Jazeera quoted him as saying.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
“We implemented OPS in Congress-ruled states because it is their right. This crowd of 20 lakh people tells a story – the BJP’s days are numbered,” Venugopal said on X.
Published Date – 09:28 PM, Sun – 1 October 23
New Delhi: The Congress on Sunday extended support to the central and state government employees demanding the restoration of the old pension scheme and claimed the large crowds gathered at the maha rally in the national capital show that the BJP government’s days are numbered.
“These OPS protests show the anger of our steel frame, the government officers, against the ruling regime,” AICC general secretary, organisation, K C Venugopal said.
The rally at Ramlila Maidan was held under the banner of the Joint Forum for Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (JFROPS) and the National Joint Council of Action (NJCA). Organisers claimed that government employees from 20 states were participating in it.
“We implemented OPS in Congress-ruled states because it is their right. This crowd of 20 lakh people tells a story – the BJP’s days are numbered,” Venugopal said on X.
Congress leader and former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda visited Ramlila Maidan and lent his support to the agitating employees, promising that if voted to power in Haryana the Congress will restore the old pension scheme in the state.
“Today, by going to Ramlila Maidan in Delhi, we fully supported the legitimate demand of the employee organisations associated with the National Movement for Old Pension Scheme (NMOPS) to restore the Old Pension Scheme. The government should immediately accept the demands of the employees and implement OPS,” he said on X.
“As soon as the Congress government is formed in Haryana, we will fulfil this demand of the employees for Old Pension Scheme as the first decision,” Hooda also said.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also supported the demand. He said his government has implemented the old pension scheme in Punjab and has written to the central government in this regard.
“We strongly support the demand of govt employees to bring back OPS. NPS is an injustice against employees. We have implemented OPS in Punjab and have written to the Centre for implementing it for Del govt employees. Some other non-BJP govts have also implemented OPS,” Kejriwal said on X.
Protesters at the Pension Shankhnaad Maharally voiced their opposition to the New Pension Scheme, saying they are worried about their post-retirement future.
“The employees who joined government service after January 1, 2004 are strongly opposing the New Pension Scheme.
“The employees are worried about their future after retirement because they have been deprived of the Old Pension Scheme and forced into the New Pension Scheme,” said Shiv Gopal Mishra, National Convener and General Secretary of All India Railway Men’s Federation.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel also supported the protesting employees and said, “Historic! Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan echoed with slogans against Privatization, NPS, ‘jumla government will not work this time’.” “The Congress extends full support for the OPS demand of the employees. Congress has implemented it in Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Himachal. As soon as the government is formed at the Centre, we will implement it in the entire country,” he said in Hindi in a post on X.
Akasa Air said its team was on the ground to help passengers and serve refreshments (Representational)
Mumbai:
A Mumbai-bound Akasa Air flight was delayed by over five hours on Sunday after the airline received a security alert during the boarding process in Varanasi, the airline said.
Following the alert, the passengers were deplaned and local authorities carried out the required security checks, Akasa Air said in a tweet on Sunday night.
“Akasa Air Varanasi flight QP 1497, scheduled to fly from Varanasi to Mumbai at 14:50 pm on October 1, received a security alert during the boarding process,” it said.
Hi there, Akasa Air flight QP 1497, scheduled to fly from Varanasi to Mumbai at 14:50 hrs. on October 01, 2023, received a security alert during the boarding process. As per safety and security procedures, all passengers were deplaned and the local authorities followed required…
— Akasa Air (@AkasaAir) October 1, 2023
As per safety and security procedures, all passengers were deplaned and the local authorities followed the necessary procedures, it added.
Later, the aircraft was released for operations, Akasa Air said, adding that its team was on the ground to assist passengers and serve refreshments.
The flight departed at 8:06 pm, it said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
