Category: India

A group in Parliament told the government on Monday that it has not built enough storage buildings, called godowns, in the last four years. They want the main government department to create a special committee to speed things up in the northeastern and hilly areas. In a report about money needed for 2024-25, the Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution Committee said that the Food Corporation of India (FCI) set a goal to build godowns with a total capacity of 50,100 tonnes in 2023-24, but they only managed to build enough for 1,760 tonnes, using Rs 52.75 crore. For 2024-25, the goal is to construct storage facilities with a capacity of 58,540 tonnes, but as of September 30, they have not built any at all. The FCI has not met its goals for several years because of the National Food Security Act.

The committee also raised concerns about the slow building of godowns in the northeastern states, saying problems like delays in getting land, tough geographical conditions, and bad weather are not new issues. They suggested that the government should have planned better taking these factors into account. The committee advised the government to form a high-level group with state officials to solve these problems, speed up construction, and meet targets.

Regarding storage silos, the committee pointed out the need for fair distribution across the country, especially in areas that consume a lot of wheat. They stressed that the building of silos should be done on time. The government is encouraged to involve private companies in this work to boost the efficiency of silo operations. Currently, there are plans for silos with a total capacity of 24.25 lakh tonnes. Out of this, 17.75 lakh tonnes have been completed, while 6.5 lakh tonnes are still being developed.

The committee also mentioned there are many complaints about under-weighing at fair price shops. They advised the government to make sure that states connect all electronic weighing scales to Electronic Point of Sale Devices to help with this issue.

Mallikarjun Kharge, the President of Congress and the leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of lying in the Lok Sabha. He said, “The PM either thinks about the past or imagines things, but he never talks about what’s happening now.” Kharge claimed that during the NDA’s 11 years in power, the Constitution and democracy have not improved.

Kharge responded to Modi’s attacks on Jawaharlal Nehru during a debate about the Indian Constitution. He defended the Constitutional amendments made shortly after India gained independence and criticized the BJP as well as its parent organizations, the Jan Sangh and the RSS, for opposing important symbols like the Tricolor flag and the Constitution.

Speaking after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who studied at Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Kharge said, “The RSS, Jan Sangh, and BJP have wanted to create laws based on outdated texts. Those who opposed the flag and the Constitution are now pretending to teach us about them. No amount of vaccines can erase their past mistakes. Before giving us advice, they need to fix their own government.”

He urged, “Are you here to twist facts or discuss the Constitution? JNU students are progressive and contribute greatly to nation-building. But some people are making undemocratic statements. The public will push the BJP to be better after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.”

Kharge also pointed out that the RSS was against the Constitution and claimed that the BJP’s founding leaders did not fight for India’s independence. He challenged the PM and Rajnath Singh, saying, “You have never truly talked about what you did for the country or how many times you were arrested for independence. If you didn’t fight for India’s freedom, how can you appreciate it?”

In response to the PM saying the Congress’ main slogan is “garibi hatao” (remove poverty), Kharge called the PM the biggest fraud. He highlighted Modi’s unfulfilled promises of giving ₹15 lakh to poor families, creating 2 crore jobs, and doubling farmers’ income, claiming that the PM is trying to distract people from real issues.

Kharge emphasized that in the 11 years of Modi’s rule, he has not strengthened the Constitution. He praised past initiatives like food security and mandatory education, which helped during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kharge also defended some Constitutional amendments, including one that empowers marginalized people. He reminded everyone that Jan Sangh leader Shyama Prasad Mukherjee was part of the cabinet that approved these amendments.

Kharge accused the PM of disrespecting Nehru and delegitimizing Mukherjee’s contributions. He pointed out that the provisional Parliament, which made the first amendment, included Mukherjee, and that Ambedkar and Patel also supported these changes. He said, “In criticizing Nehru, you insulted everyone who stood with him. Ambedkar defended these amendments for two hours. The BJP is simply against reservation and that’s why they don’t support counting people by their caste.”

In Thane district, Maharashtra, a 42-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly hurting his six-year-old daughter. The police say the man, who lives in Dombivli, reportedly molested his daughter several times since June when she was alone at home.

The man’s wife found out about the abuse and reported it to the police. As a result, the police have registered a case against him this past Saturday. He faces serious charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The investigation is ongoing, and the authorities are taking the matter very seriously.

On Sunday, December 16, 2024, something surprising happened in Odisha! The Sundergarh and Mayurbhanj districts saw rare snowfall, turning parts of the area into a beautiful winter scene. Temperatures fell below three degrees Celsius, making it really cold. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) even warned everyone about this cold wave.

Snow and Frost Everywhere

In the Koida area of Sundergarh, snow covered fields and vehicles early in the morning. Many other places like Tensa, Kalta, Malda, and Kasira also felt the chill, with heavy frost. Mayurbhanj experienced very low temperatures for three days straight. Similipal, a famous spot for wildlife lovers and hikers, was blanketed in frost as well. This cold weather has made life difficult for many people, especially workers, students, and the elderly. Many are gathering around bonfires to keep warm.

Tourists Flock to Enjoy the Snow

Interestingly, even with all the cold, many tourists are coming to enjoy the snow. They are visiting popular sites to experience this unusual winter atmosphere. This rare snowy event offers visitors a chance to see Odisha’s beautiful landscapes in a whole new way.

As the cold wave lingers, Sundergarh and Mayurbhanj showcase both stunning beauty and challenges. Locals are adapting to the freezing temperatures while tourists enjoy unique winter views.

Zakir Hussain, a famous tabla player and an important figure in Indian classical music, sadly passed away on Monday in San Francisco at the age of 73. His family shared that he died from a disease called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which affects the lungs. His loss is felt deeply in the music world, and many people, including politicians and fans, have expressed their sadness and paid tribute to his incredible contributions to music.

Just last year, Zakir Hussain stood as a pallbearer at the funeral of his dear friend and fellow musician, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, who died from a heart attack at age 84. Their friendship was strong, and Hussain’s heartfelt actions at the funeral showed how much he respected Sharma. Photos of him by the funeral pyre touched many hearts, reminding everyone of their beautiful collaboration in music over many years.

Zakir Hussain and Shivkumar Sharma shared many memorable concerts. One highlights was in 1979, when they performed together in Mumbai, celebrating 25 years of the santoor, another traditional Indian instrument. Their friendship was also grounded in their backgrounds as Dogra musicians from Jammu, a bond they cherished.

Zakir’s journey to success began in humble surroundings, where he carried his tabla on crowded trains in Mumbai, often sleeping with it to keep it safe. He learned under the guidance of his father, Ustad Alla Rakha, who also supported Sharma’s early career.

Hussain was not just a master of tablas; he was a pioneer of fusion music. He co-founded a groundbreaking group called Shakti, blending Indian classical music with jazz. His collaborations crossed cultural boundaries and inspired both classical and modern musicians around the world.

Throughout his life, Zakir Hussain received numerous awards for his contributions to music, including India’s highest honors. He worked hard to bring Indian rhythms into the global music scene, leaving a lasting impact.

Zakir Hussain’s passing was confirmed after he spent two weeks in the hospital. His family reassured everyone that his music and the inspiration he gave will live on. Political figures and industry leaders from all over shared their condolences, reinforcing the depth of his influence.

Hussain’s story encourages young musicians everywhere, proving that with dedication and passion, anyone can turn musical dreams into a lasting legacy.

Delhi is currently facing a severe cold wave, and the air quality has worsened significantly. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has reported that the air quality is now categorized as ‘very poor.’

On Monday morning at 5:30 AM, the temperature dropped to 5°C, which is a slight decrease from 6°C the day before. The Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a concerning 345 by 7 AM, much worse than the 246 AQI recorded the day before. Areas such as Alipur, Anand Vihar, Bawana, and Burari Crossing have AQI levels between 350 and 397, indicating that the air is unhealthy. Other regions, like Dwarka Sec 8, Nehru Nagar, and Rohini, also reported AQI readings above 370.

To help people cope with the harsh cold, many have sought shelter in night homes across Delhi. In places like Sarai Kale Khan, people are seen huddled in thick blankets, trying to stay warm. Vicky Kanojia, who manages one of these shelters, shared that they give refuge to those who are homeless or recovering from illness. He mentioned they provide essential services, including meals and medical help.

One individual, Shyam, recovering from a foot injury, expressed gratitude for the support, sharing that he has received meals and medicine.

Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh, residents of Moradabad are keeping warm by sitting around bonfires as temperatures continue to drop. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has declared that Moradabad is under a ‘Cold Wave,’ with temperatures recorded at 8°C today.

Renowned tabla player Zakir Hussain passed away in a San Francisco hospital, according to his family. He was 73 years old and struggled with a condition called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He had been in the hospital for two weeks and was moved to intensive care when he got worse. His sister, Khurshid Aulia, shared that he died peacefully.

Zakir, born on March 9, 1951, to famous tabla master Ustad Alla Rakha, is remembered as one of the best tabla players ever. He is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, and their two daughters, Anisa and Isabella Qureshi.

When the news of his passing spread, many people shared their condolences online. Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej spoke about Zakir’s kindness and how he helped many musicians succeed. He described Hussain as a treasure of skill and knowledge who will always be remembered.

Drummer Nate Smith also expressed thanks for the music Hussain gave to the world. Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi called him an irreplaceable legend, stating that the world of music is less bright without him.

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta highlighted Hussain’s role in making the tabla a popular instrument and expressed deep sorrow over his loss. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called Hussain a true guardian of India’s rich music tradition, saying that his contributions to art were unmatched.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge honored Hussain as a cultural ambassador who connected people through his beautiful rhythms. He said Zakir carried on his father’s legacy through amazing performances and collaborations.

Pune had its coldest day this season on Sunday, with temperatures dropping to a chilly 9 degrees Celsius! It’s been 15 days since the temperature dipped into single digits. Just two weeks ago, the city recorded a temperature of 9.3 degrees Celsius, but then it warmed up as moist, warm air moved in.

However, as a low-pressure system formed over the Arabian Sea, the warm air didn’t come as much, and temperatures started to drop again. Also, active western disturbances – these are weather patterns that bring moisture and can cause snow or rain in North India – contributed to making things colder.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), people in Pune can expect a partly cloudy sky with some haze on Monday. The temperatures will be between 9 degrees Celsius (the low) and 28 degrees Celsius (the high), creating a cool and hazy atmosphere throughout the day.

Weekly Weather Forecast:

– Tuesday: Partly cloudy with haze, 10 to 29 degrees Celsius.
– Wednesday: Partly cloudy with haze, 12 to 29 degrees Celsius.
– Thursday: Temperatures will rise a bit, ranging from 13 to 30 degrees Celsius.
– Friday: Similar weather to Thursday, with mild temperatures.
– Saturday: Partly cloudy and hazy, temperatures between 14 and 30 degrees Celsius.

It looks like a cool week ahead for Pune, so grab your sweaters!