Assam CM meets Governor, tenders resignation; new govt likely on May 12

Srinagar, Nov 1 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Manoj Sinha, on Saturday, advised youth that their journey of knowledge and peace must never stop despite hurdles and hardships.

Addressing a seminar in Kashmir University on the centenary celebrations to remember writer, thinker, Bollywood script writer and poet, Rahi Masoom Raza, the L-G said it is the youth who will shape the unity, progress and the vision of the country in the future.

The International Seminar titled, “Rahi ki Virasat” is dedicated to the vision of Rahi Masoom Raza.

Addressing the seminar, L-G sinha said that he is pleased that this seminar has been organised to bring the thoughts and legacy of Rahi Masoom Raza to life, much like the sacred flow from Gangotri to the earth.

“Rahi’s centenary year will begin on August 1, 2026. His legacy is not confined to literature or films but represents a deep connection between the Ganga, Indian civilisation and humanity.”

“If we remove Rahi from the essence of Ganga and Sanskrit, distortion will enter his legacy. Rahi never compromised with his principles, even during the Emergency. When many in Bollywood remained silent, Rahi Sahab raised his voice,” L-G Sinha added.

“His writings inspired the youth to introspect and act with sincerity. He wrote, ‘Nayi nasal humari nasal se peeche hai; hamare paas khwab nahi the, inke paas jhoothe khwab hain’ and through that he challenged the youth to find purpose beyond illusion.”

“Whatever happens, the journey must not stop. The youth have wings, but they must also have strength and discipline to continue the journey of peace and resolve. No one should be allowed to break that spirit,” the L-G said.

He noted that in recent years, a new consciousness has awakened across the country and every citizen wants to stand and contribute to ‘Viksit Bharat’.

“I appeal to writers, scholars and thinkers to take forward Rahi’s legacy, to project the moral and cultural vision of India before the world,” L-G Sinha said.

He added that India is now the world’s fourth-largest economy and will soon become the third-largest.

“Our traditions have always valued unity and brotherhood, even as some people try to divide us on caste or religion. Such forces must be defeated by the collective will of our youth. And in that context, Rahi Masoom Raza’s contribution to Indian culture is timeless.”

“Rahi brought the Mahabharata closer to millions, even to those who never read it. His journey is one of truth, compassion and continuity and that journey must never stop,” the L-G said.

Although Rahi Masoom Raza was born in 1927 in Ghazipur area of Uttar Pradesh, his reach and popularity among Urdu and Hindi audiences was beyond borders.

He passed away in 1992.

–IANS

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Kochi, Jan 24 (IANS) Highlighting major challenges to human health amid a series of issues, including climate change and anti-microbial resistance, Soumya Swaminathan, former Chief Scientist of the World Health Organisation (WHO), on Friday said that most of the emerging viral threats are zoonotic infections transmitted from animals to humans.

She was speaking after the launch of various initiatives undertaken as part of a major research project on water quality assessment of Vembanad Lake and waterborne infectious diseases at ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).

Swaminathan, who is also the former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), emphasised the critical role of integrated research, including data from weather, climate, health, and environmental sources, to predict and prevent future outbreaks.

Most of the health threats today originate from environmental factors, she said and hence suggested establishing an Environmental Health Regulatory Agency in India. Swaminathan further pointed to dietary risks as the number one health threat in the country.

“Half of Indians cannot afford a nutritionally sufficient healthy diet,” she added.

Kerala and Tamil Nadu are experiencing a concerning rise in obesity and non-communicable diseases, alongside persistent issues like malnutrition, anaemia, and micronutrient deficiencies, all stemming from unhealthy dietary habits, added the top scientist.

Emphasising the potential of marine resources as a healthy diet component to improve nutrition, she said: “We are yet to fully utilise these resources to address critical dietary issues.

She underscored the devastating impact of climate change, saying that India is one of the most vulnerable countries to this challenge.

“Almost the entire population of the country is being exposed to at least one of the climate hazards such as floods, droughts, cyclones, and extreme heat. Heat is most dangerous to both physical and mental health. The weakest section of the society bears the brunt of these hazards,” she said.

“During COVID-19, I believe nobody anticipated the development of vaccines within a year. It was a remarkable achievement facilitated by unprecedented collaboration and data sharing among research institutions and scientists. During my time at the WHO, I witnessed first-hand this extraordinary level of networking and data sharing. Scientists prioritised the rapid dissemination of findings over individual publication which paid off ultimately,” said Swaminathan.

Referring to the challenge of information flooding, she said that in the digital age, misinformation is fast spreading across social media platforms which can hinder scientific progress and public health efforts.

“This was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when everybody disguised as ‘experts’ and offered advice to the people,” she said.

–IANS

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Bengaluru, March 24 (IANS) The Congress-led Karnataka government’s decision to allocate an additional Rs 10 crore to victims of Kerala’s Wayanad landslide tragedy has sparked political controversy, with the BJP and JD(S) launching sharp attacks on the move on Tuesday.​

Bengaluru South MP and BJP Yuva Morcha National President Tejasvi Surya criticised the state government, questioning its “sense of dignity and accountability.”​

On X, Surya said, “Is there any sense of dignity or accountability left in a Congress government that is accused of draining the lifeblood of Kannadigas to fund political interests in another state? This is the question being raised by people across Karnataka.”​

He pointed to issues within the state, stating that Karnataka is facing a drinking water crisis, poor road conditions, and farmer distress due to mounting debt. ​

“Despite this, what moral right does the government have to spend crores of rupees of Kannadigas’ money for what is being termed as an election gimmick in Kerala?” he asked.​

“If this is not a betrayal of Kannadigas, then what is? Answer this,” he said, addressing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.​

The BJP Karnataka unit also accused the Congress government of financial mismanagement and misplaced priorities. ​

In a strongly worded statement, the party alleged that the government has failed to pay salaries to guest teachers, Anganwadi workers and Neeragantis, while sanctioning Rs 10 crore for landslide victims in Wayanad.​

The party further alleged that the funds were being diverted to the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, represented by Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, to appease the Congress high command. ​

It urged the state government to instead clear contractors’ pending dues and provide compensation to farmers affected by unseasonal rains.​

Echoing similar concerns, the Janata Dal (Secular) said that while lakhs of people in Karnataka are struggling for basic shelter, the government appears more focused on rehabilitation efforts in Wayanad.​

The opposition parties questioned the rationale behind allocating public funds outside the state, alleging that the move was politically motivated. They accused the Congress leadership of prioritising electoral considerations over the welfare of Karnataka’s citizens.​

The BJP further criticised what it described as “high command-driven” governance and termed the decision a betrayal of Kannadigas. ​

It also pointed out that the state government had allocated Rs 10 crore to Wayanad last year as well, alleging that the move was repeated to please the party leadership.​

In 2024, the Karnataka government had earlier granted Rs 10 crore for the construction of houses for 100 families affected by the landslide in Wayanad. ​

The Congress government has yet to respond in detail to the allegations.​

–IANS

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