India

Grand conclave of priests of 51 Shaktipeeths, 12 Jyotirlingas in Varanasi today

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The grand conclave will unite representatives of 51 Shaktipeeths and the 12 Jyotirlingas, along with saints and spiritual leaders from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and various Indian states

Published Date – 30 November 2024, 10:39 AM


Grand conclave of priests of 51 Shaktipeeths, 12 Jyotirlingas in Varanasi today

Varanasi

New Delhi: An extraordinary event is set to take place in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi on Saturday, bringing together priests of sacred shrines from across India and abroad.

The grand conclave will unite representatives of 51 Shaktipeeths and the 12 Jyotirlingas, along with saints and spiritual leaders from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and various Indian states.

Scheduled for Saturday and Sunday (December 1), the event aims to foster collaboration and address key challenges facing these revered spiritual centres.

Organised by the Centre for Sanatan Research and Trident Seva Samiti Trust, the conclave will be held at the Rudraksha Convention Centre. Raman Tripathi, President of the Center for Sanatan Research, highlighted that over 400 saints, mahants, and shrine custodians are expected to participate in the conclave.

So far, more than 700 registrations have been confirmed, with over 2,000 still pending for the participation. The event began on Friday with a ceremonial Kalash Yatra from Chittaranjan Park to Kashi Vishwanath Dham.

The formal inauguration of the conclave on Saturday will feature Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak as the chief guest.

The concluding ceremony on December 1 is expected to be graced by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The program will commence with a ‘mangalacharan’ performed by 101 Brahmins, accompanied by the sound of drums and conches symbolising the essence of Sanatan Dharma.

Raman Tripathi emphasised that the primary goal of this gathering is to promote the values, traditions, and teachings of Sanatan Dharma through collaborative and constructive efforts.

Discussions will focus on challenges such as encroachment on holy sites, threats to religious freedom, the need for better funding, corruption, safety, and the preservation of the sanctity of temples.

The conclave will also deliberate on the restoration of dilapidated temples, improving the management of offerings, and channelling resources toward education, healthcare, and community welfare.

Furthermore, efforts will be made to resolve the lack of coordination among Shaktipeeths and Jyotirlingas, strengthening their collective impact on Sanatan Dharma’s global presence.

India

Delhi-NCR continues to breathe in ‘very poor’ quality air

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This marks the sixth consecutive day that Delhi-NCR’s air quality has remained in the ‘very poor’ category, creating significant challenges for public health and daily life

Published Date – 30 November 2024, 11:16 AM


Delhi-NCR continues to breathe in ‘very poor’ quality air

Delhi

New Delhi: The air quality in Delhi-NCR continues to deteriorate, posing severe health risks for the people living in the region. On Saturday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national Capital was recorded at 318, categorising it as ‘very poor,’ according to official data, while the air quality in Noida and Gurugram also continued to fall in the ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ category.

This marks the sixth consecutive day that Delhi-NCR’s air quality has remained in the ‘very poor’ category, creating significant challenges for public health and daily life.

In Anand Vihar, one of the national Capital’s most polluted areas, the AQI reached an alarming level of 505 around 8 A.M., placing it in the hazardous category.

This is a stark indicator of the deteriorating environmental conditions. The toxic air is not confined to Delhi alone, as neighboring cities are also grappling with dangerous pollution levels.

Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday morning, Noida recorded an AQI of 267, Greater Noida 286, and Ghaziabad 250, while Haryana’s Gurugram saw an AQI of 284, with most areas falling in the ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ categories.

The widespread pollution is making life increasingly difficult for residents across the region. However, Noida’s Sector 125 recorded an AQI of 184, which falls in the ‘moderate’ to ‘poor’ range, offering a slightly better scenario compared to Delhi-NCR.

Adding to the worsening air quality, the temperature in Delhi has dropped significantly, intensifying the impact of pollution. On Friday morning, the temperature was recorded at 9.5 degrees Celsius, one degree below the season’s normal, marking it the coldest day so far this winter.

To tackle the alarming pollution levels, the Supreme Court has directed that all Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-4 measures, except those related to schools, will remain in effect until the next hearing on December 2.

The court emphasised the need for strict enforcement and noted lapses in the implementation of GRAP-4 guidelines. It warned of action against officials responsible for such failures. While allowing physical classes to continue, the court declined to ease restrictions under GRAP-3 or GRAP-2 until there was a consistent decrease in the AQI levels.

It also instructed state governments to utilise the labour cess collected to support construction workers impacted by the ongoing construction ban.

Authorities have implemented several restrictions under GRAP-4, including a ban on the entry of non-essential trucks into Delhi, except those carrying essential goods or running on cleaner fuels such as LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electricity.

Construction activities for public infrastructure projects have also been suspended to curb dust pollution, a major contributor to the current crisis.

India

Indian Gaganyatris complete initial training for joint ISRO-NASA mission to ISS

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Training includes familiarisation sessions with the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and various onboard systems of the International Space Station

Published Date – 30 November 2024, 11:19 AM


Indian Gaganyatris complete initial training for joint ISRO-NASA mission to ISS

During this phase of training, the Gaganyatris have completed initial orientations for mission-related ground facility tours.

Bengaluru: Two Indian astronauts chosen for the upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) have completed the initial phase of training, the ISRO has said.

According to ISRO, towards the goal of accomplishing a joint ISRO-NASA effort to the International Space Station, the two Gaganyatris (Prime-Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Backup-Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair) assigned for Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) commenced their training in the USA from first week of August,2024.

The initial phase of training has been completed successfully by the Gaganyatris. During this phase of training, the Gaganyatris have completed initial orientations for mission-related ground facility tours, initial overview of mission launch phases, SpaceX suit fit checks, and selected space food options, it said.

Furthermore, the training also included familiarization sessions with the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and various onboard systems of the International Space Station, including photography from space, daily operations routine, and communication protocols.

One of the highlights of this phase was training for various types of emergencies in space, including medical emergencies, the space agency said. Upcoming training will primarily address the remaining modules of the US Orbital Segment of the space station along with training towards conducting scientific research experiments in the microgravity environment during the mission.

“In addition, the crew will train and perform different mission scenarios in the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.” Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh in August had said that an Indian astronaut is likely to fly to the International Space Station by April next year as part of the NASA-ISRO collaborative initiative.

India

Fire erupts at Varanasi Cantt station, over 150 bikes gutted

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According to police officials, the parking stand was set up for railway employees and because of the fire there has been a lot of damage

Published Date – 30 November 2024, 12:41 PM


Fire erupts at Varanasi Cantt station, over 150 bikes gutted

Smoke billows after a fire broke out at Varanasi Cantt Station, Friday night. — Photo:PTI

Varanasi: Over 150 two-wheelers were destroyed in a fire that broke out at a parking stand in Varanasi’s Cantt railway station, officials said on Saturday. There were no reports of any casualties.

The incident took place on Friday night when the fire erupted near the platform one parking stand, according to railway officials. Upon receiving information about the incident, teams from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) along with the Fire Department rushed to the spot to douse the flames, they said.

The blaze was brought under control but over 150 vehicles were reduced to ashes, they added. Additional Divisional Railway Manager Lalji Chaudhary expressed regret over the incident. He said that the parking stand was set up for railway employees and because of the fire there has been a lot of damage.

There has been no loss of life of any kind in the fire, Chaudhary said, adding that a committee has been formed to investigate the matter.

India

Cyclone Fengal: Chennai Airport temporarily halts operations

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IndiGo Airlines announced that no flights would arrive or depart during this period which will continue till 1 P.M. on Saturday

Updated On – 30 November 2024, 12:56 PM


Cyclone Fengal: Chennai Airport temporarily halts operations

Passengers stranded in Chennai airport as the airport halts services due to cyclone Fengal. Photo- X (All India Radio News)

Chennai: The Chennai International Airport has temporarily shut down operations due to heavy rains as Cyclone Fengal approaches landfall.

IndiGo Airlines announced that no flights would arrive or depart during this period which will continue till 1 P.M. on Saturday. An Indigo source told IANS that operations had been suspended due to adverse weather conditions.

An IndiGo flight from Abu Dhabi, scheduled to land at 8:10 AM, was diverted to Bengaluru, while an Air India Express flight to Singapore was canceled due to technical issues.

SriLankan Airlines also canceled its flight from Chennai to Colombo, which was set to depart at 9:40 AM. Passengers at Terminal 2 will be accommodated in hotels temporarily.

Chennai and its surrounding areas are experiencing heavy to very heavy rainfall caused by the effects of Cyclone Fengal. Cyclone Fengal is expected to make landfall on Saturday evening between Karaikal and Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram).

As of now, the cyclone is 150 km east of Puducherry, 140 km southeast of Chennai, 210 km northeast of Nagapattinam and 400 km north of Trincomalee.

The cyclone is likely to move westward and cross the northern Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast near Puducherry as a cyclonic storm, with wind speeds of 70-80 kmph, gusting up to 90 kmph, according to the weather department.

Meanwhile, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has reported water stagnation in 12 subways across the city. The Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority (TNSDMA) has urged residents to avoid visiting beaches, amusement parks, and recreational events.

Parks and beaches in Chennai and adjoining districts will remain closed today. GCC Mayor R. Priya has assured the public that the civic body is fully prepared to handle the cyclone and the heavy rains associated with it.

Specific warnings have been issued against standing or parking vehicles under trees during heavy rains. The GCC has deployed 28,000 workers for rain relief operations.

Additionally, 10 extra workers have been assigned to each of the 200 wards to address rain-related complaints, assist in food distribution, and carry out rescue operations.

Volunteers have been mobilised to maintain communication with the civic body, and 36 boats are on standby for emergencies. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Chennai and neighbouring districts for November 30, warning of extremely heavy rainfall.

Heavy rains continue to batter Tamil Nadu’s Delta districts, including Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, and Nagapattinam. District Collectors have urged the public to avoid entering water bodies for bathing, washing clothes, or swimming.

Parents are advised to keep children away from waterlogged areas and ensure they do not stand under trees or in open spaces during thunderstorms. Several low-lying areas, including Sebastian Nagar and Sivasakthi Nagar in Velankanni, as well as Valliammai Nagar and Gomathi Nagar in Nagore, have reported flooding after significant amounts of rainfall.

A 24-hour control room with a toll-free helpline (04365-1077) has been set up to address rain-related emergencies.

Coastal and Marine Precautions: Coastal areas are witnessing rough seas. In Nagapattinam’s Vedaranyam, waves are receding, while in Cuddalore, sea waves are rising over 10 feet, compared to the usual two feet.

Coastal areas such as Thazhanguda, Devanampattinam, Singarathoppu, and Sothikuppam have been affected. Fishermen have been advised to stay ashore, and all mechanised and motorised boats remain docked.

The Cuddalore Port has raised Cyclone Warning Signal Number 3 due to strong winds and heavy rains. Emergency Preparedness: In Cuddalore district, 270 personnel, including swimmers, have been deployed across 16 fire stations.

Rescue teams are equipped with boats, safety gear, ropes, wood-cutting machines, and generator-powered lights for emergencies. The district administration has established 28 cyclone shelters, 14 multi-purpose safety centers, 191 temporary relief camps and teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Tamil Nadu Disaster Response Force (TNDRF), consisting of 30 and 25 personnel respectively, are on standby.

All departments, including revenue, rural development, highways, electricity, public works, fire services, and police, have been instructed to implement precautionary measures.

India

CBFC urged to stop release of Kangana Ranaut-starrer ‘Emergency’

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Shiromani Akali Dal’s Delhi unit says the movie has the potential to incite communal tension and spread misinformation

Published Date – 29 August 2024, 12:54 PM


CBFC urged to stop release of Kangana Ranaut-starrer ‘Emergency’

Kangana Ranaut in ‘Emergency’

New Delhi: The Shiromani Akali Dal‘s Delhi unit has urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to stop the release of Kangana Ranaut-starrer ‘Emergency’, saying the film has the potential to incite communal tension and spread misinformation.

Ranaut, a BJP MP, stars in the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the film that will hit the screens September 6. In his letter to the board on Wednesday, the party’s Delhi president Paramjit Singh Sarna said the trailer of the film, which was released recently, “depicts erroneous historical facts that not only misrepresent the Sikh community but also promotes hatred and social discord”.

Such depictions are not only misleading but also deeply offensive and damaging to the social fabric of Punjab and the entire nation, he said.

The Emergency, imposed on June 25, 1975, by the then Gandhi-led Congress government, saw a suspension of civil rights for nearly two years. Sarna said, “Given the potential of this film to incite communal tensions and spread misinformation, I strongly urge the CBFC to exercise its authority to prevent its release.”

He said that a “thick line must be drawn between the right to freedom of speech and the propagation of hateful content that threatens the harmony of our society”.

‘Emergency’ marks Ranaut’s first release after being elected an MP on a BJP ticket from Mandi, in her native Himachal Pradesh. The BJP-led Central government on July 12 had announced that June 25, the day the Emergency was declared in 1975, would be observed as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ to commemorate the “massive contributions” of those who endured inhuman pains of the period.

India

Doctor’s rape-murder: Kolkata braces for more rallies, demonstrations

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Despite attempts by police to “stop BJP’s movements”, the party says it will go ahead with its protest in Esplanade area in central Kolkata

Published Date – 29 August 2024, 01:39 PM


Doctor’s rape-murder: Kolkata braces for more rallies, demonstrations

Junior doctors take part in a protest rally against the alleged sexual assault and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, in Kolkata. — Photo:PTI

Kolkata: Kolkata is set to witness a series of rallies and demonstrations on Thursday to protest against the alleged rape and murder of a doctor with political parties and several civil society organisations planning to hit the streets during the day.

Despite attempts by police to “stop BJP’s movements”, the party would go ahead with its protest programme in Esplanade area in central Kolkata on Thursday, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar said.

The BJP demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for “sustained efforts to divert the probe and shield the main perpetrators” in the alleged rape and murder of the postgraduate trainee doctor, Majumdar, the party’s state unit president, said.

Senior BJP leader and party’s West Bengal co-incharge Amit Malviya on Wednesday said, “Despite Calcutta High Court’s explicit order, Kolkata Police is not allowing @BJP4Bengal to erect stage for tomorrow’s dharna at Dorina Crossing, Dharmatala. The protest will happen at the designated place as per schedule, but Mamata Banerjee and Kolkata CP will have much to answer.”

Pradesh Congress Committee president and former MP Adhir Choudhury will be at the forefront of a rally by the party from College Square to Shyambazar in the northern part of the city to press the demand for justice for the deceased woman doctor.

An organisation ‘Pather Davi’ will take out a rally of rights activists, students and professionals from different fields to protest against atrocities on women. “From Manipur to Hathras, from Unnao to Kamduni and R G Kar, we will demand for justice for all the rape victims in one voice,” Aditi Roy, one of the organisers, said.

The rally will begin at College Square in the northern part of the city and culminate in Esplanade area. These rallies were planned in the wake of the ‘Nabanna Abhijan‘ on August 27 to protest against the alleged murder of the doctor and a 12-hour bandh called by the BJP the next day.

Meanwhile, the ceasework by junior doctors at state-run hospitals in West Bengal entered its 21st day on Thursday as they rejected Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s appeal to join duty. “We will carry on our protest until the main perpetrators of the heinous crime are arrested,” an agitating doctor said.

The agitating medics also demanded elections in colleges, participation of junior doctors and students in all decision-making committees of the medical facilities and security measures at workplaces.

Addressing a rally organised by Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad on Wednesday, Banerjee said, “I have remained sympathetic towards the cause of the doctors from the very beginning since they were seeking justice for their colleague. We did not take any action against them although so many days have passed since the incident. We understand your pain. But please come back to work now since patients are suffering.”

On August 9, the police recovered the body of the woman’s postgraduate trainee doctor from the seminar hall of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

India

Let the new generation take over at AMMA, says Jagdeesh

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Jagdeesh opened up after a section of the media began reporting that he is all set to be the new General Secretary of the AMMA when fresh elections are held two months later to elect a new committee.

Updated On – 29 August 2024, 03:48 PM


Let the new generation take over at AMMA, says Jagdeesh

Veteran Malayalam film character actor Jagdeesh

Thiruvananthapuram: Veteran Malayalam film character actor Jagdeesh, who quit as Vice President of the Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) along with President Mohanlal and other office bearers following criticism following the sordid revelations made in the Justice Hema Committee report on sexual exploitation of women in the industry and allegations against some of its members, on Thursday announced he will no longer seek any post in the top film body, which should now be for the “new generation”.

Speaking to IANS, the comedian-turned-character actor said it is time for him to stay away from any posts.

“I have had a long innings, starting as Treasurer in the first AMMA executive when it was formed in 1994. It was just two months back I was elected as the Vice President. In these years, I have been the Treasurer for over two decades.”

“With the turn of events now, I have decided that since I have had a very long innings in the executive of AMMA, I will now bow out and make way for the new generation to take over,” said Jagdeesh, a bank officer-turned-college professor-turned-actor.

In a career spanning four decades, Jagdeesh has donned the grease paint in over 300 films. Of late, he is a sought-after actor for character and serious roles, unlike the comedian roles which shot him into stardom, even when that segment was ruled by his illustrious seniors in the 1980s and 1990s.

“Look, when the AMMA started in 1994, I was the Treasurer and now 30 years later, it’s only natural that I should pave the way for youngsters. Though I have decided I will no longer be an office bearer, I will be at the forefront of the AMMA as an ordinary member, as a lot of efforts have been put in by numerous seniors and contemporaries of mine to get our AMMA to the organisation we are now,” he said.

Jagdeesh, who has been witness to the growth of AMMA, instantly recalled that it was late actor Murali who coined the name of the organisation and in the first show of the AMMA way back in 1995 at Kochi, it was megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who was the chief guest.

Jagdeesh opened up after a section of the media began reporting that he is all set to be the new General Secretary of the AMMA when fresh elections are held two months later to elect a new committee.

 

India

Bengaluru doctors remove cricket ball-sized hairball from 8-year-old’s stomach

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The girl Aditi (name changed) had a rare case of trichophagia — the compulsive habit of eating hair, also known as the Rapunzel syndrome.

Published Date – 29 August 2024, 04:36 PM


Bengaluru doctors remove cricket ball-sized hairball from 8-year-old’s stomach

Picture of the hair removed from the girl’s stomach

New Delhi: In a rare case, doctors in Bengaluru removed a massive hairball — as large as a cricket ball — from the stomach of an 8-year-old girl, the hospital said on Thursday.

The girl Aditi (name changed) had a rare case of trichophagia — the compulsive habit of eating hair, also known as the Rapunzel syndrome.

Her parents were baffled by her repeated bouts of poor appetite and frequent vomiting over the last two years. They took her to many doctors including paediatricians, general physicians, and ENT specialists hoping to identify the problem and a cure for her condition.

They diagnosed Aditi’s condition to be gastritis and prescribed pills accordingly.

However, doctors at Aster’s Children and Women Hospital, Bengaluru, found that she had a trichobezoar — a term that describes all the hair mass that had accumulated in her gastrointestinal tract.

“Trichobezoar is an extremely rare condition and especially very rare in a child as young as Aditi. It is often associated with trichophagia, a psychological disorder where individuals eat hair. While commonly seen in adolescent girls, finding this in a much younger child highlights the uniqueness of this case,” Dr. Manjiri Somashekhar, Lead and Senior Consultant – Paediatric Surgery told IANS

An open stomach surgery, also known as laparotomy, had to be performed on Aditi because the hairball was very large and sticky and the situation was too complicated for an endoscopy to be performed.

This method, which was done in a total of two and a half hours, proved fruitful because it prevented any leakage into the peritoneal cavity, the doctor said.

If left undiagnosed, her condition could have led to severe malnutrition, anaemia, and significant bleeding from the stomach.

Following the surgery, she was placed on a special diet and continues to receive counselling and regular monitoring, the doctor said.

 

India

Kerala Court grants Malayalam actor Mukesh interim protection from arrest

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The court has granted a five-day reprieve and will consider his anticipatory bail plea on September 3.

Published Date – 29 August 2024, 05:14 PM


Kerala Court grants Malayalam actor Mukesh interim protection from arrest

Malayalam Actor M Mukesh

Hyderabad: The Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court has interim stayed the arrest of Malayalam actor and Kollam MLA Mukesh in a sexual assault case.

The court has granted a five-day reprieve and will consider his anticipatory bail plea on September 3. Mukesh faces serious non-bailable charges, including rape, filed by a female Malayalam actor.

He has been booked under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code: Section 376 (rape), Section 354 (assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), Section 509 (word, gesture, or act intended to insult a woman’s modesty), and Section 454 (trespassing).