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Shaheed Diwas: PM Modi pays tributes to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev on Martyr’s Day

On Wednesday Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev on Shaheed Diwas.

The PM took to Twitter and wrote in Hindi which roughly translates into, “Tributes to the immortal sons of Mother India, Veer Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru on Martyrs’ Day. His passion to die for the motherland will always inspire the countrymen. Long live India!”

Home Minister Amit Shah said the patriotism and devotion of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru instilled the spirit of independence in the people.

“Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru are such strong pillars of the Indian independence movement, whose patriotism and devotion to the motherland not only instilled the spirit of independence in the people against the atrocities of foreign rule, but their sacrifices still serve the nation to every Indian,” Amit Shah tweeted in Hindi.

AAP president and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also paid tributes to the trio and said that every countryman will always be indebted to the sacrifice of these heroes.

“On the martyrdom day of martyr Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru, the immortal icons of the country’s freedom movement, I bow to them. Every countryman will always be indebted to the immortal sacrifice of these heroes of the country,” Arvind Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi.

All toll booths located within 60 km of each other on NH to be closed in the next 3 months: Nitin Gadkari

On March 22 addressing the Lok Sabha Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari said that all toll collecting points that are located within 60 km of one another will be closed in the next 3 months.

“All toll collecting points which are within 60 km of each other on the National Highways will be closed in the next three months,” said Nitin Gadkari.

He also that people residing near the toll plazas will be able to get passes with the use of Aadhar cards.

Talking about the Zojila Tunnel Nitin Gadkari said that 1000 people are working at present inside the tunnel at -8°C. With the completion of the tunnel, people will be able to reach Mumbai from Srinagar in under 20 hours.

“At present, 1000 people are working inside the Zojila Tunnel, that too in -8°C. One will be able to reach Mumbai within 20 hours from Srinagar before the end of this year,” Gadkari said.

West Bengal BJP MPs seek Amit Shah’s intervention in Birbhum violence

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs from West Bengal on Tuesday wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s for his intervention over the violence in Bhirbhum.

“As you are aware, over 50-BJP supporters have been murdered by TMC goons in the state following the 2021 Assembly Elections. On the 19 of March, there was an attempt to assassinate Sh. Jagannath Sarkar, Hon’ble Member of Parliament from Ranaghar. Political terrorists backed by the ruling party hurled bombs at him, thankfully he escaped the attack unharmed. On March 15, intraparty rivalry saw the killing of newly elected TMC councillor Anupam Dutta in North 24 Parganas, and Congress councillor TapanKundu in Purullia,” read the letter written to Shah.

In the early hours of Tuesday eight persons, including two children, died after their houses were gutted in a fire at Rampurhat in West Bengal’s Birbhum district. The incident took place hours after the murder of a Trinamool Congress panchayat leader on Monday.

West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar’s called the incident a “horrifying violence and arson orgy” and said that he has sought an urgent update on the incident from the state’s Chief Secretary.

West Bengal: 8 charred bodies recovered from burnt houses, Governor Says “Arson Orgy”

In the early hours of Tuesday eight persons, including two children, died after their houses were gutted in a fire at Rampurhat in West Bengal’s Birbhum district. The incident took place hours after the murder of a Trinamool Congress panchayat leader on Monday.

On Monday around 8.30 pm, TMC panchayat deputy chief of Barshal village, Bhadu Sheikh, was murdered and shortly after the murder, at least eight houses were allegedly set on fire in Bogtui village situated on the outskirts of Rampurhat town.

On Tuesday BJP leaders walked out of the West Bengal Assembly demanding a statement from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the incident.

In a video message posted on West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar’s official Twitter account, he called the incident a “horrifying violence and arson orgy” and said that he has sought an urgent update on the incident from the state’s Chief Secretary.

He strongly condemned the violence in the video and said that he is “considerably pained” and “disturbed”. He further said the incident is indicating “of the nose-diving of law and order in the state.”

Union Cabinet approves MSP of Raw Jute for 2022-23 season; Rs 250 higher over previous year

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday approved the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for raw jute for 2022-23 season. The approval is based on recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices.

The MSP of Raw Jute (TDN3 equivalent to TD5 grade) has been fixed at Rs.4750 per quintal for 2022-23 season with an increase of Rs.250 over the previous year.

This would ensure a return of 60.53 percent over all India weighted average cost of production.

The announced MSP of raw jute for 2022-23 season is in line with the principle of fixing the MSP at a level of at least 1.5 times all India weighted average cost of production as announced by the Government in the Budget 2018-19.

The government said that it assures a minimum of 50 percent as margin of profit. It is one of the important and progressive steps towards ensuring better remunerative returns to the jute growers and to incentivize quality jute fibre.

The Jute Corporation of India (JCI) will continue as Central Government Nodal Agency to undertake Price Support Operations and the losses incurred, if any, in such operations, will be fully reimbursed by the Central Government.

World Water Day: Let’s reaffirm our pledge to save every drop of water, says PM Modi

On World Water Day, Prime Minister Modi said that the nation has taken several measures including Jal Jeevan Mission to ensure conservation of water and to give everyone access to clean drinking water.

“On World Water Day, let’s reaffirm our pledge to save every drop of water. Our nation is undertaking numerous measures like Jal Jeevan Mission to ensure water conservation and access to clean drinking water for our citizens,” tweeted PM Modi.

In another tweet PM Modi emphasized on how the Jal Jeevan Mission has proved to be extremely effective in making the lives of mothers and sisters easy.

“Jal Jeevan Mission is proving to be extremely effective in making the lives of mothers and sisters easier. With the participation of the people, the resolve to supply water from house to house will be fulfilled,” said Modi.

“Together, let’s further water conservation and contribute to a sustainable planet. Every drop saved helps our people and enhances our progress,” he tweeted.

World Water Day is observed on 22 March every year. It is an annual United Nations Observance, started in 1993, that celebrates water and raises awareness of the 2 billion people currently living without access to safe water. In 2022, the theme is spreading awareness about groundwater.

World Air Quality report 2021: Delhi most polluted capital city in the world

New Delhi has emerged as the most polluted capital city in the world, according to the latest World Air Quality Report for 2021. New Delhi is followed by Dhaka (Bangladesh), N’Djamena (Chad), Dushanbe (Tajikistan), and Muscat (Oman). The report found that no country met the World Health Organization’s (WHO) PM2.5.

India’s average pollution levels reached 58.1 µg/m3 in 2021, which ended a three-year trend of improving air quality.

“India’s annual average PM2.5 levels reached 58.1 µg/m3 in 2021, ending a three-year trend of improving air quality. India’s annual PM2.5 averages have now returned to pre-quarantine concentrations measured in 2019,” read the report.

According to the report, India was home to 11 of the 15 most polluted cities in Central and South Asia in 2021 and 48% of India’s cities exceeded 50 µg/m3 which is more than 10 times the WHO guideline.

“India was home to 11 of the 15 most polluted cities in Central and South Asia in 2021. Delhi saw a 14.6% increase in PM2.5 concentrations in 2021 with levels rising to 96.4 µg/m3 from 84 µg/m3 in 2020. No cities in India met the WHO air quality guideline of 5 µg/m3. In 2021, 48% of India’s cities exceeded 50 µg/m3, or more than 10 times the WHO guideline,” the report said.

Air pollution has a massive impact on human health in India. It is the second biggest risk factor for disease, and the economic cost of air pollution is estimated to exceed $150 billion dollars annually.

Major sources of air pollution in India include vehicular emissions, power generation, industrial waste, biomass combustion for cooking, the construction sector, and episodic events like crop burning.

It is estimated that 20% to 35% of total urban PM2.5 concentrations are directly or indirectly due to internal combustion engines in motor vehicles.

PM Modi, President Kovind, CM Nitish Kumar extend greetings to people on Bihar Diwas

On Tuesday Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee greeted people of Bihar on their state’s formation day, also known as Bihar Diwas.

In a tweet PM Modi greeted people of Bihar and wished that the state continues to set new records of development.

“Happy Bihar Diwas to all the brothers and sisters of Bihar. I wish that this state, rich in historical and cultural heritage, continues to set new records of development,” tweeted Modi in Hindi.

President Ram Nath Kovind also greeted people of Bihar and said that Bihar has a glorious past and a rich culture. He also said that the state had contributed significantly in the development of the country.

President Kovind tweeted, “Greetings to the people of the state on Bihar Diwas! Bihar has a glorious past and rich cultural heritage. The hardworking and talented people here have contributed significantly in the development of the country. As the Governor of Bihar, I have received immense affection from the people here. My best wishes on this special occasion.”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also took to twitter to everyone in Bihar on the occasion of Bihar Dibas.

“Greetings on the Bihar Diwas to all the people of Bihar, and to my sisters and brothers in Bengal from Bihar! Let our unity and fraternity further flourish,” tweeted Banerjee.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar congratulated people of Bihar and said that the state has continued to stay on the path of progress.

“Hearty congratulations and best wishes on Bihar Diwas. Bihar continues to stay on the path of progress. With unity, brotherhood, social harmony and harmony, let us all take a pledge to take Bihar to the heights of progress and increase the pride of Bihar,” tweeted Nitish Kumar in Hindi.

Australia to invest over $280 to boost cooperation with India

The Scott Morrison government has decided to invest over $280 million to boost cooperation with India, to further grow our economic relationship and support jobs and businesses in both countries, the Australian government said in a press statement on Tuesday.

In 2020, India was Australia’s seventh largest trading partner, with two-way trade valued at $24.3 billion, and sixth largest goods and services export market, valued at $16.9 billion. In 2020, India was Australia’s third largest market for services exports.

According to the press statement the Australia will provide additional investment in the relationship including $16.6 million to strengthen linkages with India’s key policy and finance institutions and $8.9 million to support enhanced business engagement and an increased Australian trade presence in India.

After the virtual meeting between Prime Ministers Morrison and Modi, Australia committed $17.2 million to extend the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund to continue supporting a world-class relationship and establish an Australia-India Innovation and Technology Challenge.

According to the Australian government statement, $35.7 million will be invested in a Green Steel Partnership, a Critical Minerals Research Partnership, and a contribution to the International Energy Agency to support cooperation on research, production and commercialisation of clean technologies, critical minerals and energy.

$25.2 million to expand the Australian Space Agency’s International Space Investment initiative to deepen space cooperation with India. Australia also allocated $28.1 million to launch a Centre for Australia-India Relations to deepen community ties, promote public discussions and policy dialogue, and engage the Indian diaspora.

Australia’s Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said the Morrison Government was investing to grow the Australia-India economic, trade and investment relationship.

“India and Australia share common values, complementary economies and strong people-to-people links that make us ideal partners,” Mr Tehan said.

“The Government remains committed to the India Economic Strategy and its ambitious goals: to lift India into our top three export markets by 2035, and to make India the third largest destination in Asia for outward Australian investment,” he said.

“Australia’s Indian community is young and highly educated and well represented across services and STEM sectors with strong export potential,” Mr Tehan said.

He further said, “Indian diaspora networks can make important contributions to our trade and investment relationship with India, and also to Australia’s international competitiveness generally.”

Common entrance test must for all central universities, says UGC

On Monday the University Grants Commission (UGC) said that it will have to use the new Common University Entrance Test (CUET) from this academic year to decide the admission to undergraduate courses in all 45 central universities in the country.

Application for CUET UG will be available in the 1st week of April 2022.

The test will be held in 13 languages – English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odisha, Assamese, and Urdu.

“The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for admission in Undergraduate programs from the academic session 2022-2023 in all UGC funded Central Universities will be conducted in 13 languages namely Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Urdu, Assamese, Bengali, Punjabi, Odia and English by the National Testing Agency (NTA),” the University Grants Commission said in a notice on Monday.

The notice also said that other private or state universities may also adopt the Common University Entrance Test

“The CUET may also be adopted by the State/ Private / Deemed to be Universities,” read the statement.