Category: India

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended Christmas celebrations organized by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India. He shared how the teachings of Jesus Christ promote love, peace, and togetherness. Modi expressed sadness over violence and divisions in society, emphasizing that India’s people-centered approach can help the world reach new heights in the 21st century.

He referred to tragic events like the Christmas market attack in Germany and the 2019 Easter bombings in Sri Lanka, highlighting the need for unity to face challenges. This was a special moment since it was the first time a Prime Minister attended a Christmas event at the Catholic Church in India.

Modi recalled a memorable mission from ten years ago when India worked to safely bring back Father Alexis Prem Kumar from war-torn Afghanistan, where he was held hostage for eight months. For Modi, these efforts go beyond politics; they show India’s commitment to protect its citizens no matter the danger.

He also reminded everyone how India helped other countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing medicines and vaccines even when many nations failed to help. Modi believes India’s youth are key to achieving a better future—a “Viksit Bharat,” or Developed India. He said he felt proud that Pope Francis made George Koovakad a Cardinal of the Catholic Church. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India has been working with Catholics across the country since 1944

Assam’s Chief Secretary, Ravi Kota, shared exciting news about how Assam is becoming an important part of India’s industry. At the 10th edition of the Sapient Finserv Conversations event in Guwahati, which had over 1,000 people attending, he talked about big projects like the Tata Semiconductor unit worth ₹27,000 crore and a program called UNNATI that are helping Assam grow in a big way.

Kota said that since Assam is like a doorway to Northeast India and Southeast Asia, it is turning into a hub for many industries, such as oil and gas, tea, tourism, and technology. The state has seen impressive growth with its economy growing by double digits for ten years.

He mentioned tourism as a key area for improving Assam’s economy. Winning tourists can create jobs, help local businesses, and show off Assam’s beautiful nature and culture. To achieve this, Assam needs to have sustainable tourism that protects its rich heritage while encouraging growth.

Kota also emphasized the importance of the youth in Assam. By investing in education and skills, like the ₹1,080 crore Assam Skill University supported by the Asian Development Bank, young people are getting the tools they need to lead the state in the future. There are also many infrastructure projects worth over ₹1 lakh crore happening, ensuring better roads, railways, airports, and waterways — making Assam more inviting for investments.

He said, “When you invest in Assam, you are not just helping its economy grow, but also opening doors to a brighter future for everyone.”

The Sapient Finserv Conversations event theme was “Dastak: Unlocking Doors to Happiness.” Ramesh Mantri, the CIO of WhiteOak AMC, spoke about how India has many opportunities, especially in the IT and pharmaceutical fields. He reminded everyone that India’s growth now is due to smart investments made in education years ago, showing how important it is to think long-term for our economy.

Shimla is getting ready for a cold day today! The weather might bring rain or snow, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The temperature will reach a maximum of 13.0°C and drop to about 4.0°C at night. Everyone is advised to wear warm clothes and keep an umbrella handy.

Today’s Highlights:
– Sunrise: 07:16 AM
– Sunset: 05:24 PM
– Moonrise: 12:13 AM
– Moonset: 12:26 PM

It’s also important to note that the air quality in Shimla is worrying today, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 122. This level is considered “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups,” which means kids, elderly people, and those with breathing or heart problems should be careful. The main problem in the air is PM2.5, tiny particles that can cause health problems.

Air Quality Advice:
Experts suggest the following:
– Stay indoors as much as you can.
– Use air purifiers at home.
– If you have to go outside, wear N95 masks.

PM2.5 can get deep into the lungs and even into the blood, causing serious health issues like asthma and heart problems. For healthy individuals, short outdoor activities are okay, but be careful—the air pollution can still affect you.

Weather and Air Quality for the Week:
Shimla is expected to stay chilly with some rain or snow coming later this week. Temperatures will range from 14.0°C to 3.0°C, and the air quality will stay in the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” range. Here’s the forecast for the coming days:

| Date | Max Temp (°C) | Min Temp (°C) | Weather | AQI (PM2.5) | AQI Category |
|————|—————-|—————-|—————-|————-|———————————-|
| 2024-12-23 | 13.0 | 4.0 | Rain or Snow | 122 | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups |
| 2024-12-24 | 14.0 | 4.0 | Partly Cloudy | 142 | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups |
| 2024-12-25 | 15.0 | 3.0 | Mainly Clear | 129 | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups |
| 2024-12-26 | 15.0 | 3.0 | Mainly Clear | 129 | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups |
| 2024-12-27 | 14.0 | 3.0 | Partly Cloudy | 118 | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups |
| 2024-12-28 | 14.0 | 3.0 | Rain | 118 | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups |

Shimla’s weather has been changing a lot lately. Just yesterday, it was warmer at 17.4°C, with a low of 4.0°C, and humidity went from 42% in the morning to 53% in the evening. No rain was seen in the last 24 hours.

To stay safe, experts recommend:
– Keep windows closed.
– Use air purifiers if you have them.
– Avoid outdoor exercises and smoking.
– Briefly open windows when the air quality gets better, like after it rains.
– Wear an N95 mask if going out is necessary.

Get ready for a cold day in Shimla and remember to take care of your health!

Three people, believed to support the Khalistan movement, were shot dead by police in a joint operation between Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. This incident happened on Monday in Pilibhit district.

During this operation, police found two powerful AK assault rifles and two Glock handguns. Authorities suspect these individuals were involved in a grenade attack on a police post in Gurdaspur, Punjab, back on December 19.

In that December attack, someone threw grenades at the abandoned Wadala Bangar police post in Kalanaur, Gurdaspur. An unconfirmed post on social media claimed the Khalistan Zindabad Force was behind this attack. Fortunately, no one was hurt, and there was no damage to property.

This attack was the second explosion in Gurdaspur in just 48 hours, and it was the eighth similar incident in Punjab since November 24.

In a recent speech in Bengaluru, Justice P. S. Narasimha from the Supreme Court of India emphasized the need to protect the country’s constitutional institutions from outside influences, particularly those driven by political motives.

Justice Narasimha was speaking at a special event honoring Justice E. S. Venkataramiah, the 19th Chief Justice of India. Justice Venkataramiah played a significant role in shaping India’s legal system and authored many important judgments during his time.

During his talk, Justice Narasimha stressed that the integrity of our institutions can only be upheld if we have strong safeguards in how we appoint, make decisions, and remove those who lead these institutions. He highlighted the importance of the topic titled “Reimagining Constitutional Institutions: Integrity, Efficiency, and Accountability.”

He explained the role of “Fourth Branch Institutions,” which include the Election Commission and other vital bodies that help maintain accountability in governance. He reflected on how our Constitution-makers wisely established an independent body, the Election Commission, to manage elections instead of leaving it to the executive branch.

Justice Narasimha admired the foresight of those who created the Constitution, noting that it is not just a legal document but a tool for social change. He pointed out that our government has three main branches: the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary, yet more institutions are needed to ensure accountability amongst them.

He stressed that citizens should feel empowered to ask questions about their government. He praised the Information Commissions established under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which help make the government accountable and transparent by allowing citizens access to information.

Justice Narasimha concluded by saying that we often overlook the importance of integrity institutions. He called for a serious conversation about how these institutions work and how we can improve them in today’s digital world, ensuring they are effective in our evolving society.

The India Conference at Harvard (ICH) announced on Sunday that Nita Ambani, a leader in charity, education, and culture, will headline its event on February 15-16, 2025, in Boston. As one of the most important figures in India, Ambani has changed the lives of over 80 million people through her social programs. She is also working hard to show the world India’s potential. A highlight of her recent work includes hosting the International Olympic Committee (IOC) meeting in India after 40 years and supporting India’s bid for the 2036 Olympics.

The India Conference at Harvard is one of the largest student-led gatherings focusing on India in the US. This annual event, held at Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School, encourages discussions about India’s growing role in the world. The 2025 conference will feature over 80 expert speakers from various fields, who will discuss how Indian ideas and innovations are changing global conversations.

One special event includes a fireside chat with Ambani, who chairs the Reliance Foundation, where she will share her vision of India’s place in the world. The conference will also include a policy Hackathon tackling climate challenges and improving financial support for rural areas, as well as a startup competition. Ambani’s speech fits perfectly with this year’s theme, “From India to the World,” which celebrates India as a new global leader in peace, prosperity, and innovation.

Ayush Shukla, one of the conference co-chairs, said, “The India Conference aims to expand discussions around India’s growth story. This year’s theme shows how India is changing from local ideas to global influence, celebrating our technology successes and lessons in community spirit, culture, resilience, and entrepreneurship.”

A fire started in a basement of an electronics company in Noida’s Sector 65 on Sunday morning. According to the police, about 15 fire trucks and 75 brave firefighters are working hard to put out the flames. Noida’s Deputy Commissioner of Police, Shakti Mohan Avasthy, reported the incident and said that emergency teams are doing everything they can to control the fire. More details will be shared as they come in.