Guwahati, Assam: On Tuesday, Assam’s Governor, Lakshman Prasad Acharya, talked about how the Right to Information (RTI) Act helps connect everyday people with the government, making big changes in society. At a special event, he opened the 32nd meeting of the National Federation of Information Commissions in India and shared his thoughts on the importance of transparency in democracy.
He explained how the RTI Act, introduced in 2005, has changed the way democracy works in India. “The RTI Act is like a bridge that connects people to the government. It lets everyone ask questions and get answers, showing that the people are in charge,” Acharya said.
The Governor emphasized how the RTI Act helps make things clearer, fights corruption, improves services, and holds the government accountable. He also noted that rural and less fortunate communities have gained a stronger voice because of this law.
Acharya stressed that as information spreads quickly today, it’s vital to make the RTI Act easier to use online. He wants to ensure that asking for information is simple and a part of daily life. “We need to raise awareness about the RTI Act and use technologies like AI and data analytics to keep it effective,” he added.
He highlighted the need for more community events like workshops to educate and empower people, especially those in villages. Chief Information Commissioner Heeralal Samariya and delegates from different states were also at the meeting.
Category: News
-
Governor Acharya Explains the Power of the RTI Act in Assam
-
Explore the Touching Comedy of ‘The Ballad of Wallis Island’!
Tom Basden is a talented producer, actor, writer, and composer. His new British comedy film, “The Ballad of Wallis Island,” focuses on the ups and downs of relationships instead of big action scenes or dangerous events. “We didn’t want any wild car chases or murders,” Basden explained. “We believe people will really connect with this story.”
The movie, which came out in theaters on March 28 and is distributed by Focus Features, has roots going back to 2007. This was when Tim Key and Tom Basden created a short film called “The One and Only Herb McGwyer Plays Wallis Island.” This short film was popular, getting nominated for a BAFTA and winning the best British short film at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
Both the short film and the new feature tell the story of an aging folk singer named Herb McGwyer, played by Tom Basden. He is hired to perform a special show on a quiet Welsh island. When Herb arrives, he finds out that he is only playing for one person, a lottery winner named Charles, played by Tim Key.
The new film includes Carey Mulligan as McGwyer’s ex-girlfriend and musical partner, Nell Mortimer. This adds more depth to the story about relationships. “In other movies, it’s obvious what happens to the main characters. In ours, it’s different. I just want him to like me,” Key shared.
Music plays a big role in the film. Charles listens to popular songs from Herb and Nell’s band. Basden wrote all the music for the fictional folk band. “It’s important to show that he is a real musician,” Key said. -
Shahi Jama Masjid Renamed: The Controversy Sparks Debate
The Shahi Jama Masjid, a famous mosque, is making news again. This time, it’s because of a new sign from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The new sign calls the mosque “Juma Masjid,” which is different from the name people usually use, “Shahi Jama Masjid.”
Right now, the blue ASI sign is being kept at the Satyavrat police outpost. It will replace an older sign that said “Shahi Jama Masjid.” According to the ASI’s lawyer, Vishnu Sharma, a sign was put up before, but some people took it down and replaced it with the name “Shahi Jama Masjid.” The new sign follows the name found in ASI records, which is “Juma Masjid.”
A similar blue ASI sign is already inside the mosque. However, the ASI has not said when the new sign will be put up. The mosque, which was built during the Mughal era, has been in the news because some people claimed it was built on the site of an old Hindu temple.
Violence broke out last November during a survey related to the mosque in a nearby area called Kot Garvi, leading to tragic results with four people losing their lives and many others getting hurt.
-
Assembly Chaos: Sajad Lone Questions NC’s Handling of Waqf Act Discussion
Sajad Lone, the leader of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference, criticized the National Conference (NC) government for not allowing a discussion on the Waqf Act in the assembly. He suggested that if the NC thinks their own speaker, Abdul Rahim Rather, is blocking discussions, they should replace him with a new speaker. Lone said, “If the NC believes we should talk about it, then just change the speaker. Otherwise, it feels like a show.”
He pointed out that there have been other important resolutions that were ignored and questioned why they are ignoring discussions now. Sajad Lone even argued with some NC members in the assembly.
Chaos erupted in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly when members demanded to discuss reforms related to the Waqf Board. PDP MLA Waheed Para was removed from the assembly after he and other members tried to bring attention to the issue during the session. An NC MLA, Altaf Kaloo, wanted to speak but was ignored, which led to more arguing.
Afterward, Waheed Para shared his disappointment with reporters, saying it was sad that issues affecting the Muslim majority in Jammu and Kashmir are being overlooked. He urged all MLAs to back the resolution put forth by his party, the PDP, saying, “If the 60 MLAs here don’t support our resolution on the Waqf Act, future generations will remember this.” -
8 Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency You Shouldn’t Ignore
Vitamin D is really important for our health, and many people around the world don’t get enough of it. Did you know that about 1 billion people are vitamin D deficient? This deficiency can lead to various health problems. While you can take vitamin D supplements, get some sunlight, or eat foods rich in vitamin D, it’s also essential to recognize the signs that your body might be lacking this important vitamin.
In a recent video, nutritionist Deepsikha Jain shared eight signs that show you may not have enough vitamin D. Here they are:
1. Trouble Sleeping: If you’re tossing and turning at night and can’t get restful sleep, it might be a sign of vitamin D deficiency.
2. Feeling Tired: Do you always feel tired and low on energy during the day? This could also mean you’re lacking vitamin D.
3. Low Mood: If you often feel sad or anxious, low vitamin D might be a factor. It can affect your mental health too.
4. Loss of Appetite: Not feeling hungry often? This could be a symptom of vitamin D deficiency.
5. Hair Issues: If your hair is thinning or you’re losing hair, vitamin D could be the reason. It’s good to see a doctor about this.
6. Joint and Back Pain: If you have aches in your joints, knees, or back, it may be linked to a lack of vitamin D.
7. Muscle Fatigue: Feeling weak or experiencing muscle fatigue can be another sign of low vitamin D.
8. Pale or Dry Skin: If your skin looks pale or feels dry, low vitamin D levels might be the cause.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a smart idea to talk to your doctor and consider getting a blood test. They can help guide you on the best way to increase your vitamin D levels.
Remember: This article is meant to help you learn more and is not a substitute for real medical advice. Always ask your doctor if you have health concerns!
-
US Marine’s Inspiring Near-Death Experiences That Changed Everything
Dannion Brinkley, a 74-year-old former US Marine and businessman, has had several incredible near-death experiences. The first happened in 1975 when he was struck by lightning. Dannion described, “The lightning hit me on the side of my head, traveled down my back, and threw me into the air. I saw the ceiling above me, then I fell back down. I felt like I was on fire and couldn’t move.”
He was taken to the hospital but was declared dead by doctors. Miraculously, 30 minutes later, he woke up in the hospital morgue! During this time, he said he saw a bright light and had a flashback of his whole life.
For two years after the lightning strike, Dannion learned to walk again. But his journey didn’t stop there.
His Second Near-Death Experience
Ten years later, Dannion faced death again during open-heart surgery. He wrote in a book called Saved by the Light that during this time, he met his “angelic guides.” They helped him discover new abilities to help those who are dying and suffering.Some people doubt his stories, but expert Dr. Sam Parnia, a medicine professor at NYU Langone Health, shared that brain activity can continue for up to an hour after someone is revived. He found signs of consciousness that are real and different from dreams.
Now Dannion uses his experiences to inspire others. He believes that when you realize you’re a spiritual being and that you won’t go to hell, it can change your life for the better. He helps terminally ill patients and fellow veterans find hope by encouraging them not to fear death. He says, “Nobody truly dies; that’s not how reality works.”
-
Six-Year-Old Girl Tragically Murdered by Uncle in Durg
In Durg, Chhattisgarh, a six-year-old girl was sadly found dead after being hurt and attacked by her uncle. This terrible event happened on the ninth day of the ‘Navratri’ festival. The girl had gone to her grandma’s house nearby to join a celebration while her grandmother and another family member went to a temple.
While they were away, her uncle, who is 24 years old, was alone at the house. He allegedly did something very wrong to her and then took her life. To hide what he did, he put her body inside a neighbor’s car, which was often parked there, with one of its doors unlocked.
When the girl didn’t come back home later in the evening, her family started looking for her and reported her missing to the police. That night, the police found her body in the car. There were signs of injuries on her body, and a medical check confirmed that she had been hurt and attacked.
Initially, the police talked to three people, including the girl’s uncle and the car owner. They later let the other two people go but arrested the uncle when they found out he was involved. He now faces serious charges, including rape, murder, and kidnapping.
After hearing about this terrible event, people in the community got very upset. Some even damaged and set fire to the car on Sunday night. The police quickly controlled the situation and put out the fire. On Monday, the girl’s family protested outside the police station holding her body. They stopped the police from taking the suspects for a medical check-up. -
Easter 2025: Bank, Post Office, and Delivery Hours Explained!
Easter is almost here! This year, it falls on Sunday, April 20. Most supermarkets and fast food places will be open, but some post offices and banks might be closed. Easter is an important holiday for many Christians around the world because it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ after 40 days of Lent.
If you need to mail something or handle banking matters, it’s best to do so before Easter Sunday since some services won’t be available. Here’s what you should know:
Are Post Offices Open on Good Friday and Easter?
Yes! The United States Postal Service will be open on Good Friday, April 18. However, there won’t be any mail delivery on Easter Sunday, April 20, as post offices will be closed.
Are Banks Open on Easter?
No. Most banks, like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and JPMorgan Chase, will be closed on Easter Sunday. They usually close on Sundays, so make sure to do your banking before the weekend.
Is UPS Open on Easter?
No. UPS will not pick up or deliver packages on Easter. Some UPS branches may even be closed, but their Express Critical service is available 24/7.
Is FedEx Open on Easter?
Most FedEx delivery and pickup services will not be operating on Easter. However, their Custom Critical service will remain open all day. If you’re planning to visit a FedEx Office, you should check their hours, as they might be different. -
Kunal Kamra Appeals to BookMyShow: A Fight for Artists’ Rights
Online ticketing platform BookMyShow has stopped selling tickets for comedian Kunal Kamra’s shows and removed him from their site. This happened after Kamra made a joke about Eknath Shinde, a politician, which upset some people. Kamra responded with an open letter to BookMyShow, asking them to either keep him listed as an artist or give him the contact info of the people who bought tickets to his shows.
Kamra understands that BookMyShow needs to work well with the government because Mumbai is a big city for entertainment. He noted that big music events would not happen without government support. However, he believes stopping him from selling tickets hurts artists like him, limiting their access to their audience.
Kamra mentioned that BookMyShow takes a 10% cut of ticket sales as part of their business model. He pointed out that all comedians have to spend money on advertising, which adds extra costs to their work. He said that it’s important for artists to have access to their audience’s information so they can keep performing and earn a living.
In his letter, Kamra also highlighted that if he is not listed, he still deserves to have access to the audience he built from his solo shows. He asked BookMyShow to either stop delisting him or share the audience information collected from his performances.
Kamra does not support boycotting private businesses and understands that BookMyShow is making decisions based on its own interests. Recently, he faced trouble after making jokes about Eknath Shinde and is currently under legal issues with the police because of his comments. -
Nifty Recovers After a Rough Start: What’s Happening Today?
The Indian stock market opened lower today because of weak global trade. Even though it started on a down note, the Indian markets showed strong resilience and did better than other countries. The Nifty index opened significantly lower at first but quickly reached its lowest point in the early minutes of trading. After that, the Nifty climbed back up and followed a steady path for most of the day. In the final hour of trading, the markets made a nice recovery, which gave hope to investors.