PM Modi appreciates efforts of CSIR and urged to develop a vision for 2042

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October 16, 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday appreciated the efforts of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in the country’s development and urged it to develop a vision for 2042 when CSIR turns 100 years old. PM Modi chaired the meeting of the CSIR Society at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Saturday.

The Prime Minister, who is also the president of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, highlighted the significance of documenting the journey of the CSIR in the past 80 years. Union Minister of Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, who is the Vice President of CSIR, and Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal were present at the meeting along with other CSIR Society members including eminent scientists, industrialists and secretaries of scientific and other ministries in the government. During the meeting, the Prime Minister emphasised that for technology to reach the common man, an integrated approach of scientific, commercial and social components must be pursued. He asked the leaders of the scientific community to adopt a one-person one-lab approach to help boost scientific research and development through such a focused approach.

He also suggested that a virtual summit of all labs can be held regularly in which they can learn new things from each other’s experience, a Ministry of Science and Technology release said.

The Prime Minister called upon the scientific community to come up with technological solutions to increase protein content in cereals and new varieties of millets to improve the yield and also nutritional content. He asked scientists to develop a catalogue of high nutritional value of indigenous food products, which will help enhance their global acceptability. PM Modi called upon the industry and academic and research organizations to work seamlessly with greater integration and focus on addressing India’s energy needs and also foster circular economy and develop economically viable solutions towards sustainable development. The Prime Minister called for India to develop technologies not only for India but for the world and pursue novel approaches for addressing energy needs focusing on Green energy.

He highlighted the need to use scientific approach and technology such as AI in various fields ranging from traditional knowledge to mapping students to their interests, skill sets and competencies which will make them better suited to meet the demands of future India and the world as the country moves towards Vision 2047 with the aim of India becoming a global leader.

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari said “People are being fooled of renamed schemes already launched by the Central Government”

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ANI

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October 16, 2022

Suvendu Adhikari, leader of Opposition,West Bengal — Suvendu Adhikari | Image : ANI

Bhartiya Janta Party MLA from Nandigram, West Bengal Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday wrote a letter to the Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Piyush Goyal, indicting Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamta Banerjee of “befooling people by renaming the schemes ‘already’ launched by Central Government”.

While taking a dig out at Mamta Banerjee’s Festive Schemes, Suvendu wrote, “I would like to draw your kind attention towards a specific publicity material published and displayed by the Department of Food & Supplies: West Bengal Government”. This poster, a copy of which has duly been annexed herewith. provides information about a ‘Festive Scheme’ made available to the AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana) & SPHH (State Priority Ration Card) Ration Card holders for a limited time period starting from 23rd September 2022 till 30th October 2022.”

“The message which is being circulated by the Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee, the Department of Food & Supplies; West Bengal Government on the occasion of Sharod-Utsav (Durga Pooja), Kaali Puja, Deepawali, and Chhath Puja is being promoted as a part of the now defunct ‘Duare Ration’ scheme & so-called (non-existent) ‘Khadya Sethi’ scheme”, the letter stated.

“The Duare Ration (doorstep delivery of ration) scheme has always been in trouble since a was launched A vast majority of the Ration Dealers (distributors) objected to it and labeled it as impractical”, Suvendu added. “On the other hand, the Khadya Sathi scheme is lust another infamous ‘Sticker Scheme’ of the Mamta Banerjee Government. You (Piyush Goyal) must be aware that the West Bengal Government has been engaging in renaming the Central Government schemes to befool the general public into believing that the schemes are being provided by the State Government in order to claim credit of the benefits which are being provided by the Central Government. So. Khadya Sathi, is nothing but a label placed on the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana”, the letter concludes.

So this poster is another attempt to claim credit unethically. The food items that are being offered are actually being provided by the Central Government. But the State Government has made it look like their own in order to deceive people. I also urged you to take note of this ‘unscrupulous’ act and seek answers from the West Bengal Government for this act”, Suvendu Adhikari in his letter.

Vigilance Bureau arrested former minister in Punjab for offering bribe

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ANI

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October 16, 2022

Arrested,Punjab,Corruption,Minister |Image: Representative

The Vigilance Bureau (VB), Punjab arrested former minister Sundar Sham Arora for offering a bribe of Rs 50 lakh to an Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of the Bureau. According to a press note from Vigilance Bureau Punjab, an FIR has been registered against the former minister under section 8 of Prevention of Corruption Act on the statement of AIG, Vigilance Bureau, Flying Squad, Punjab Manmohan Kumar.

Chief Director, Vigilance Bureau, Punjab Varinder Kumar said that AIG Manmohan Kumar complained that Arora met him on October 14 and offered him Rs 1 crore for getting favour in a vigilance enquiry registered against him.

The Vigilance Bureau chief further added that the former minister has offered to pay Rs 50 lakh on the next day i.e. October 15 and the balance amount at a later date. He informed that the AIG has apprised the chief director who has ordered to register a bribery case against Arora. In this case, Arora has been arrested and Rs 50 lakh has been recovered from him. Further investigation is under progress

law in itself can’t solve myriad human problems but it’s facilitative tool to render justice: Justice DY Chandrachud

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ANI

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October 15, 2022

Supreme Court Dy Chandrachud Law — Image: ANI

Supreme Court Judge Justice DY Chandrachud on Saturday said that law in itself cannot solve the myriad human problems but it is just a facilitative tool to render justice.

Supreme Court Judge Justice DY Chandrachud’s remark came while addressing students at National Law University at the convocation ceremony in the national capital.

Justice Chandrachud said that laws breathe life into our minds and expect us to behave in a civilised manner with respect to everyone, be it humans, animals or the environment and remarked that law in that sense is a communal enterprise.

“A law is not an antidote to prevailing social values. Rather, it is a means to forge a new future based on the ideals enshrined in our constitution,” Justice Chandrachud said, adding that law in itself cannot solve the myriad human problems but is just a facilitative tool to render justice.

Justice Chandrachud pointed out that delivering justice is not just reserved for judges in our country and said that law students are capable of rendering justice in their own small, but significant way.

Justice Chandrachud said that rule of law if understood and implemented properly, is a defense against oppressive structures such as patriarchy, casteism and ableism and all have parts to play.

Justice Chandrachud said that one must understand that rule of law does not depend merely on the Constitution or legislation, but it largely depends on the political culture and the habits of citizens, especially, young legal professionals like you.

Justice Chandrachud also pointed out changes of time and said that during the pandemic when the court conducted virtual hearings, the number of women appearing in court proceedings dramatically increased and opined that technology has been a great enabler in liberating young women today in their access to the legal profession, which seems daunting and challenging.

Mother Dairy hikes prices of milk by Rs 2; Earlier Amul too rises milk prices

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ANI

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October 15, 2022

Mother Dairy Milk Price rise — Representative Image

Mother Dairy hiked prices of full cream milk and cow milk by Rs 2 per litre across the Delhi-NCR citing rising input prices, officials informed on Saturday.

A Mother Dairy spokesperson said that the decision was taken because of the constant surge in the price of raw materials over the past two months.

“The dairy industry has been experiencing a consistent surge in raw milk prices, which has increased by about Rs. 3/kg in the last two months alone, owing to multifold increase in varied input costs. Increased fodder prices and low rainfall in some northern states have aggravated the situation,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson also informed that the price hike will be effective from October 16. We are therefore compelled to revise prices to support farmers and ensure the availability of quality milk for consumers.

In our endeavour to limit this impact on consumers, we are only revising the prices of Full Cream and Cow Milk variants by Rs. 2/litre. The revision in these two variants is effective from October 16, 2022

Earlier today, Amul cooperative also announced a hike of Rs 2 per litre in the prices of full cream milk and buffalo milk across all the states except Gujarat.

The officials of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) informed about the hike. RS Sodhi, the Managing Director of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which sells milk and milk products under the brand name ‘Amul’ informed about the new rate card.

With the hike, the price of full cream milk has increased from Rs 61 per litre to Rs 63 per litre. Earlier in August, the renowned milk brand cited a rise in input costs and increased the prices of milk by Rs 2 per litre.

CSMT cleaning workers fired from work as CRCLS will protest against contractor

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Vivek Gaikwad

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October 15, 2022

CSMT Station Cleaning Workers — Representative Image

Central Railway Contract Labour Sangh (CRCLS) held a Press Conference on Thursday in Mumbai because more than 200 workers who were working at CSMT for 5 to 10 years were abruptly removed from their jobs.

Railway has given the contract of Housekeeping of CSMT stations to new contractors. Central railway has removed more than 200 workers. The contractor has appointed 100 new workers by paying them less wages and increasing their duty time more than 8 hours.

Amit Bhatnagar, General Secretary of CRCLS told us, “New contractor removed the old workers without giving them any prior notice. Contractor hired new workers by paying them less wages. This is clearly exploitation of workers. How can big stations like CSMT be cleaned with just 100 workers?”

“Railway Administration has to Pressurize the contractor instead of being pressurized by the contractor. Those workers did work in a pandemic to clean the station but instead of giving them reward, workers were dismissed from work,” he further said.

It is also reported that the contractor is threatening old workers. These workers were getting a monthly salary for 5 to 10 years, therefore, contractors can’t be throwing workers without following proper procedure. Workers have not received any notice.

Railway is the largest organisation and can’t leave everything to the contractor. A contractor can’t work as a dictator in railways. He must listen to Railway authorities to ensure the safety and progress of railways keeping interest of labor in mind, according to Press Note.

Shantaram Gangurde, President of CRCLS told us, “70% of workers in railways are contract-based workers. Railway will collapse if these workers stop their work for just one hour. We believed in Gandhi’s ideology but don’t force us to get on road.”

The workers requested the Divisional Railway Manager and General Manager to intervene in this matter and give justice to them.

“what is the meaning of Bharat Jodo Yatra when country is already united” says Karnataka CM Bommai

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ANI

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October 15, 2022

Bharat Jodo Yatra Basavraj Bommai Congress — Image: PTI

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday asked what is the meaning of the Bharat Jodo Yatra when the country is already marching ahead as a united India.

“When India is growing as a strong nation, the Bharat Jodo by the Congress Party has no meaning. What is the meaning of Bharath Jodo yatra? Already, the country has been marching ahead as a united India,” said Bommai while inaugurating the 61st National Athletic Championship-2022.

Speaking to reporters after inaugurating the 61st National Athletic Championship-2022 on Saturday, he sought to know the meaning of Bharath Jodo yatra.

“The question of re-fixing does not arise. India is united, and it is making rapid progress on the international level,” Bommai added.

“While the whole world is facing economic recession including G-7 nations in general and the United States of America, India has maintained a minimum GDP of 7 per cent. Since the first missile of former AICC President Rahul Gandhi has failed now he is trying for its relaunch. Apart from this, the Jodo yatra has absolutely no meaning,” he further added.

On being asked what he will like to ask Congress leaders about the Bharath Jodo convention in Ballari, he said, “AICC President Sonia Gandhi had contested from Ballari along with Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh in Lok Sabha polls, and after she won the seats, Sonia quit the Ballari seat and retained Rae Bareli seat. She did not acknowledge the people of Ballari for voting for her.”

“The special package of Rs 3,000 crore announced by her before quitting the Ballari seat, never became a reality. With what face the Congress leaders doing Pada yatra in Ballari and is it not cheating the people of Ballari?” he stated.

Bommai said the three-day Jan Sankalp yatra evoked a good response in four districts and has boosted the morale of workers. This has increased the confidence of people in the BJP.

There is no doubt of the Jan Sankalp Yatra becoming the Vijay Sankalp yatra by reaching 150 seats in 2023. Reacting to the Leader of Opposition in the State Legislative Assembly Siddaramaiah’s challenge for him to walk four km without falling down, the CM said he has made personal comments on him for which there will be no comments from his side.

Let god give Siddaramaiah good health and long life, he added. On the growing demand to appoint a new seer for the Murugha Mutt, he said, “a delegation of devotees led by former minister Ekantaiah met and explained everything including problems faced by the mutt administration. Since the mutt is governed by trust, suitable action will be taken within the legal framework.”

Reacting to problems faced by sports persons following renting out Kanteerava Stadium for Football, the CM said, “it is being done by Karnataka Athletics Association and falls within its powers. The government has absolutely no role in it. The responsibility of the association was to protect the newly-laid track without causing any damage. However, the persons responsible will be summoned and warned.”

Ex Pak PM Nawaz Sharif came to country’s defense after US Prez Biden remark on nuclear program

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ANI

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October 15, 2022

Pakistan Nawaz Sharif USA Joe Biden — Image: PTI

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif came to his country’s defence after US President Joe Biden questioned the precarious state of its nuclear program.

“Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state that is perfectly capable of safeguarding its national interest whilst respecting international law and practices. Our nuclear program is in no way a threat to any country. Like all independent states,” Nawaz Sharif tweeted.

“…Pakistan reserves the right to protect its autonomy, sovereign statehood and territorial integrity,” he added.

Earlier, Biden described Pakistan as “one of the most dangerous nations” in the world which holds “nuclear weapons without any cohesion.”

The US President made these remarks at a Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Reception in Los Angeles (California).

The remarks on Pakistan were made while Biden was talking about US foreign policy with regard to China and Vladimir Putin’s Russia. Biden concluded by saying he considered Pakistan to be the most dangerous country in the world.

“This is a guy (Xi Jinping) who understands what he wants but has an enormous, enormous array of problems. How do we handle that? How do we handle that relative to what’s going on in Russia? And what I think is maybe one of the most dangerous nations in the world: Pakistan. Nuclear weapons without any cohesion,” said Biden, as quoted in a White House press release of his remarks at the Democratic party event.

Biden’s remarks could be seen as a setback to the Shehbaz Sharif government’s bid to improve ties with the US. These comments come two days after the release of the US National Security Strategy. The 48-page document makes no reference to Pakistan.

On Wednesday, the Biden administration released the Congress-mandated key policy document, underlining the threat posed to the US by both China and Russia.

The National Security Strategy said both countries are increasingly aligned with each other but the challenges they pose are distinct.

Women’s Asia Cup 2022 Final: Heroic performance by Renuka helps India to beat Sri Lanka by 8 wickets

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ANI

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October 15, 2022

Women's Asia Cup Final India Sri Lanka — Image: Twitter/ @BCCIWomen

An all-round India crushed Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the final match of the Women’s Asia Cup 2022, clinching their seventh title.

The day was extremely memorable for India as tight bowling from bowlers, Renuka Singh (3/5) in particular, restricted Sri Lanka to 65/9 in 20 overs.

The target of 66 was chased down with very little inconvenience and it was Smriti Mandhana who top-scored with an unbeaten 51* off 25 balls.

Chasing 66, India was off to a solid start as they managed to score nearly half of their target before spinner Inoka Ranaweera dismissed Shafali Verma (5 off 7 balls) after the batter was stumped by wicketkeeper Anushka Sanjeewani.

India was at 32/1, with Mandhana having scored unbeaten 26 runs in just 14 balls with two elegant fours and two sixes. Jemimah Rodrigues was the next batter on the crease. She was bowled by Kavisha Dilhari for just two after her off stump was dislodged while she attempted to come forward to slog the ball.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur was next up on the crease. At the end of the power-play in six overs, India was at 42/2, with Mandhana (28*) and Kaur (6*).

Mandhana hit two fours on the offside, taking India to the 50-run mark. The duo took India to a comprehensive eight-wicket win, finishing at 71/2 in 8.3 overs.

Mandhana, unbeaten at 51 off 31 balls, finished the match with a huge six. Kaur was unbeaten at 11 on the other end.

Earlier, fiery power-play spell from pacer Renuka Singh and top-notch performance by spinners Sneh Rana and Rajeshwari Gayakwad helped India restrict Sri Lanka to 65/9 in their 20 overs in the final of the Women’s Asia Cup final at Sylhet on Saturday.

Electing to bat first, Sri Lanka was off to a horrendous start. Pacer Renuka Singh was absolutely terrorising on the field, running out skipper Chamari Athapaththu (6) and dismissing Harshitha Madavi (1) and Hasini Perera (0). Another run out cut short the four-ball stay of Anushka Sanjeewani (2) on the crease.

Sri Lanka was reduced to 9/4 in 3.5 overs, with Renuka involved in three of these dismissals. Kavisha Dilhari’s bat was beaten and her stumps were dislodged by Renuka, who got her third wicket of the match. Dilhari was back in the hut after scoring just one run.

SL could not catch a breather in the entire power-play and were left at a shambolic 16/5 with Nilakshi de Silva (5) and Oshadi Ranasinghe (0) at the crease. The miseries of Sri Lanka did not end even after the power play as Nilakshi de Silva (6) was deceived by spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad while attempting to cut.

Sri Lanka was 18/6 at this point and someone had to intervene to stop this downward spiral. Team India continued to dominate their opponents, this time with spin. Sneh Rana caught and bowled Malsha Shehani for a five-ball duck.

At the end of 10 overs, Sri Lanka was at 26/7 with Sugandika Kumari (0*) and Oshadi Ranasinghe (8*). Oshadi Ranasinghe had kept one end steady all this while, being the only second player yet to have played 10 balls or more.

Ranasinghe’s resistance against India’s world-class bowling ended after a delivery from Gaekwad landed full outside off stump and while the batter tried to swipe it over long-off, she missed it and it landed on the stumps. The batter was out for 13 off 20 balls and was the sole batter to reach double figures.

Sri Lanka was at 32/8. At the end of 15 overs, Sri Lanka was at 40/8, with Kumari (5*) and Inoka Ranaweera (3*). Sugandika Kumari and Inoka Ranaweera stitched the first double-digit partnership for their side however it was cut short at 10 runs only after a Rana delivery rattled Kumari’s stumps, sending her back for 6 off 24 balls.

SL was at 43/9 at this point. Sri Lanka managed to scratch their way towards the 50-run mark at 17.5 overs. Ranaweera also touched a double-digit score. The batter hit two boundaries in the final over to finish Sri Lanka’s innings at 65/9, with Ranaweera top-scoring with 18* off 22 balls and her partner Achini Kulasuriya unbeaten at 6.

Renuka’s three-over spell of 3/5 was the best part of India’s bowling in the match. Spinners Gaekwad, and Rana also took two wickets.

Brief Scores: Sri Lanka: 65/9 (Inoka Ranaweera 18*, Oshadi Ranasinghe 13, Renuka Singh 3/5) lost to India: 71/2 (Smriti Mandhana 51*, Harmanpreet Kaur 11*, Inoka Ranaweera 1/17).

Amul rises milk prizes by 2 rs in all states expect Gujrat

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ANI

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October 15, 2022

The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which sells milk and milk products under the brand name ‘Amul’ increased the prices of full cream milk and buffalo milk by Rs 2 per litre across all the states except Gujarat, said officials on Saturday.

The Managing Director of GCMMF RS Sodhi informed about the new rate card. With the hike, the price of full cream milk has increased from Rs 61 per litre to Rs 63 per litre.

Earlier in August, the renowned milk brand cited a rise in input costs and increased the prices of milk by Rs 2 per litre on August 16.

The increase of Rs 2 per litre, Amul had said in the statement, translates into a 4 per cent increase in maximum retail price (MRP) which was lower than average food inflation.

“This price hike is being done due to an increase in the overall cost of operation and production of milk. The cattle feeding cost alone has increased to approximately 20 per cent compared to last year. Considering the rise in input costs, our member unions have also increased farmers’ prices in the range of 8-9 per cent over the previous year,” the statement had added.

However, high inflation had been a challenge for India. For the record, India’s retail inflation remained above the Reserve Bank of India’s mandated range of 2-6 per cent for the third straight quarter. Data released on Wednesday showed retail inflation rose to 7.41 per cent in September from 7 per cent in the previous month.

Popular milk brands Amul and Mother Dairy had both last hiked milk prices by Rs 2 per litre in August to compensate for the increase in procurement costs. Before this, prices were increased in March.