Equality for Women in cricket

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Equality for women in cricket 

In a major step towards ensuring equality in pay between men and women cricketers, the BCCO Secretary Jay Shah confirmed few days back that India’s women cricketers would earn the same match fees as their male counterparts in international matches going forward in a significant move towards equal pay.

The decision was taken in the 15th BCCI Apex Council meeting at which the members unanimously agreed to the resolution.

Legendary Indian cricketer Mithali Raj chose to describe the latest update from BCCI as a “historic decision for women’s cricket in India”. With this policy, India’s women cricketers will earn INR 15 lakh for a Test, 6 lakh for an ODI and 3 lakh for a T20I, the same as the men’s cricketers. 

This is a historic decision for women’s cricket in India! The pay equity policy along with the WIPL next year, we are ushering into a new era for women’s cricket in India. Thank you @JayShah Sir & the @BCCI for making this happen. Really happy today.

As a matter of fact, Those in the highest bracket, Grade A, have an annual contract of INR 50 lakh, while Grade B and Grade C earn INR 30 lakh and INR 10 lakh respectively. 

“In our Apex Council meeting today, we have made a marquee decision on pay equity for our women cricketers,” newly anointed BCCI President Roger Binny said.

“Our women players will be paid the same match fees as men in international cricket. This decision sets the platform to grow and develop cricket. I believe this is a significant step forward for women’s cricket and the game overall.”

Union Home Amit Shah historic JK Visit

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 Union Home Minister Amit Shah historic JK  visit 

Recently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah undertook a marathon visit of Jammu and Kashmir on 4, 5 October 2022. 

The Union Home Minister asked security forces and the police to pro-actively conduct coordinated counter-terrorism operations, to fulfill the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a prosperous and peaceful Jammu & Kashmir.

Shri Amit Shah appreciated the efforts of the security agencies and administration of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir for keeping the streets free from violence and significantly restoring Rule of Law

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also addressed on 5 October, 2022 mega public rally at Baramulla District in North Kashmir and ruled out any dialogue with Pakistan and asserted that the Narendra Modi government will wipe out terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir and make it the most peaceful place in the country.

Addressing the rally , Mr Shah asked whether terrorism has ever benefited anyone as it has claimed 42,000 lives in Jammu and Kashmir since the 1990s.

He also blamed the families of the Abdullahs (National Conference), Muftis (PDP) and Nehru-Gandhi (Congress) for the alleged underdevelopment of Jammu and Kashmir as they ruled the erstwhile state most of the time since independence.

He also paused his speech when Azaan was recited from mosque.

Earlier on 4 October addressing rally in Rajouri Pir Panjal ,Union Home Minister Amit Shah today declared at Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir that the Pahari community will soon get reservation in education and jobs as Scheduled Tribe (ST) — a pre-election promise aimed at widening the BJP’s support base. If implemented, this quota will be the first instance of a linguistic group earning reservation in India. 

Overall the visit of Union Home Minister saw many developments in Jammu and Kashmir.

Home Minister Amit Shah also visited historic Chhati Padshahi Gurudwara in Rainawari, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. Amit Shah along with LG Manoj Sinha attended the prayer there.

Global Day of Non violence, editorial 3 October 2022 issue.

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Global Day of Non violence 

The International Day of Non-Violence is observed on 2 October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence.

According to General Assembly resolution A/RES/61/271 of 15 June 2007, which established the commemoration, the International Day is an occasion to “disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness”. The resolution reaffirms “the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence” and the desire “to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence”.

Few years back the wide and diverse sponsorship of the resolution was a reflection of the universal respect for Mahatma Gandhi and of the enduring relevance of his philosophy. Words of Gandhi ji Stand tall.

 “Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man”.

This year’s theme is “End racism. Build peace.” Racism robs people of their rights and dignity. It inflames inequalities and mistrust. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s message of this year includes, “Racism continues to poison institutions, social structures, and everyday life in every society. It continues to be a driver of persistent inequality. And it continues to deny people their fundamental human rights. It destabilizes societies, undermines democracies, erodes the legitimacy of governments, and… the linkages between racism and gender inequality are unmistakable.”

Cold Chain growth in India

Posted on by Javid Amin

The cold chain is must for the economy growth of every nation in present day world. It’s role is paramount in the agriculture and Horticulture sector as it ensures that perishable products are safe and of high quality at the point of consumption. Failing to keep product at the correct temperatures can result in textural degradation, discoloring, bruising, and microbial growth.
India has come a long way in ensuring that cold chain grows at rampant pace and make it world class.
As per a study on “All India Cold Chain Infrastructure Capacity (Assessment of Status & Gap)” conducted by NABARD Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd. (NABCONS) that was commissioned by the National Centre for Cold Chain Development (NCCD) under Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare in the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, the requirement of cold storage in the country is 35 million MT, while capacity of such storage is around 32 million MT.
Though the Government is not establishing such facilities on its own, it is implementing various demand driven schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojna (PMKSY) and Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) for extending financial support for setting up of such facilities by individuals/ entities who come forward with eligible proposals as per respective scheme guidelines.
This information was given by Minister of State for M/o Food Processing Industries, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel in a written reply in Lok Sabha few time back.
The hope on ground zero is that the cold chain would continue to grow throughout the country so that our agricultural and Horticulture produce always gets optimum value . In Jammu and Kashmir the role of cold chain becomes all the more important when it comes to all important apple sector .

Modernizing Food Grain Infrastructure

Posted on by Javid Amin

Food is the basic necessity of all human beings. Food Security is key to nation progress and for it we need to modernize the Food Grain Infrastructure.
The Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) has received overwhelming response towards the technical bids of Design, Build, Fund, Own & Operate (DBFOT) tender under Hub and Spoke Model. Taking into consideration modernization of foodgrain storage infrastructure in the country, a new model for development of grain Silos across the country i.e. Hub & Spoke Model in Public Private Partnership (PPP) Mode has been proposed.
Total of 38 bids have been received against 4 bundles comprising of 14 locations in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Punjab, Maharashtra & Madhya Pradesh. Total 15 prospective parties have shown their interest and submitted their bids. Technical Evaluation is expected to be completed in 3-4 weeks.
Hub and Spoke Model is a transportation system which consolidates the transportation assets from standalone locations referred to as “Spoke” to a central location named as “Hub” for long distance transportation. Hubs have a dedicated railway siding and container depot facility while the transportation from Spoke to Hub is undertaken through road and from Hub to Hub vai rail. This model by harnessing the efficiency of railway siding, promotes cost efficiency through bulk storage & movement, reduces cost and time of handling and transportation and simplifies operational complexities in addition to economic development, infrastructure development & employment generation in the country. Besides, Silo are declared as sub Mandi yard which brings ease of procurement for farmers and leads to reduction in logistics cost.
The need of the hour is that we maintain the tempo in ensuring Food Grain modernisation of the country.

Digital inclusion vision of Government

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Today is the age of digital governance throughout the world including in our country .

Digital inclusion and connectivity for all is an integral part of ‘antyodaya’ vision of the Government.  Last year Government approved a project for providing 4G mobile services in 7,287 uncovered villages in 44 aspirational districts across 5 states.

In his Independence Day address in 2021, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi gave a call for saturation of government schemes. The Union Cabinet few days back  approved a project for saturation of 4G mobile services in uncovered villages across the country at a total cost of Rs. 26,316 Cr.

The project will provide 4G mobile services in 24,680 uncovered villages in remote and difficult areas. The project has a provision to include 20% additional villages on account of rehabilitation, new-settlements, withdrawal of services by existing operators etc.  In addition, 6,279 villages having only 2G/3G connectivity shall be upgraded to 4G.

The project will be executed by BSNL using Atmanirbhar Bharat’s 4G technology stack and will be funded through Universal Service Obligation Fund. The project cost of Rs. 26,316 Cr includes capex and 5 year opex.

BSNL is already in process of deployment of Atmanirbhar 4G technology stack, which will be deployed in this project as well.

One hopes we as a country make tremendous progress in Digital governance .

It also needs to be kept in mind that The project is a significant step towards the vision of the Government to provide mobile connectivity in rural areas. This project will promote delivery of various e-governance services, banking services, tele-medicine, tele-education etc. through mobile broadband and generate employment in rural areas.

Banning Single Use Plastic

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Banning Single Use Plastic 

We all known that plastic is a hydra headed monster damaging our environment and agriculture,  it’s damaging impacts on our soil are well established.  Overall the plastic is an hazardous item for our planet.  

Now in a welcome development and in 

line with the clarion call given by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, to phase out single use plastic items by 2022, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India notified the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021, on 12 August 2021. Carrying forward the spirit of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsava’, a defining step to curb pollution caused by littered and unmanaged plastic waste is being taken by the country. India will ban manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of identified single use plastic items, which have low utility and high littering potential, all across the country from July 1, 2022.

The adverse impacts of littered single use plastic items plastic on both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, including in marine environment are globally recognized. Addressing pollution due to single use plastic items has become an important environmental challenge confronting all countries.

In the 4th United Nations Environment Assembly held in 2019, India had piloted a resolution on addressing single-use plastic products pollution, recognizing the urgent need for the global community to focus on this very important issue. The adoption of this resolution at UNEA 4 was a significant step. In the recently concluded 5th session of United Nations Environment Assembly in March 2022, India engaged constructively with all member states to develop consensus on the resolution for driving global action on plastic pollution.

One hopes that this ban on  single use plastic will prove as an important milestone in protecting the environment.

Draupadi Murmu- Strong Presidential Aspirant

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Draupadi Murmu – Strong  Presidential Aspirant 

Draupadi Murmu (born June 20, 1958) is an experienced politician of India, having an bright career. 

She is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party. She is the official nominee of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance for the 2022 presidential election.She previously served as the ninth Governor of Jharkhand from 2015 to 2021. She is from the state of Odisha. She is the first governor of Jharkhand to complete the five year term, and the first person, belonging to a scheduled tribe, to be nominated to the post of President of India.

The expert pulse is The nomination of Droupadi Murmu, an Adivasi leader from Odisha and the former Governor of Jharkhand, as NDA’s candidate for the forthcoming presidential election is seen as a calculated move by BJP to expand its social base, especially among the ST (Scheduled Tribe) communities. It has been argued that BJP is keen to project Murmu as a symbol of party’s

Sab ka Saath Sab ka Vikaas

slogan simply to attract Adivasi votes. This line of reasoning is not entirely inappropriate. Senior BJP leaders, including JP Nadda, have recognised the fact that Murmu’s tribal identity and her humble economic background were taken seriously by the party .

She has risen despite her personal  tragedies Draupadi Murmu was born in a Santali tribal family on June 20, 1958, in Baidaposi village of Mayurbhanj district in Odisha, to Biranchi Narayan Tudu.Both her father and grandfather were village heads under the Panchayati Raj system.

Draupadi Murmu married Shyam Charan Murmu. The couple two sons, both of whom died, and a daughter.

Murmu is a devotee of Shiva .

In all possibilities it looks that she would have comfortable win over the opposition  Presidential nominee Yashwant Sinha .

In her personality,  India would get first tribal President and second women president after Pratibha Patil .

Agnipath Scheme

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Agnipath Scheme

An pathbreaking scheme for army recruitment has been launched in India . The Ministry of Defence, GoI has unveiled the “Agnipath” scheme which is a pan India merit-based recruitment scheme for enrolling soldiers, airmen and sailors. It is a transformative initiative that will provide a youthful profile to the armed forces. Under this scheme, young persons will be provided an opportunity to serve in the armed forces as “Agniveer”. It provides an opportunity for youth to serve in the regular cadre of the armed forces for a period of 4 years including training period. Agniveers shall be recruited between the ages of 17.5 to 21 years. Candidates who are 10th /12th pass can apply for the recruitment process.

The Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education welcomes this initiative of the Government of India to induct young men and women into the armed forces to develop a vibrant defence force and disciplined skilled youth with military ethos in civil society.

To support this initiative, the Department of School Education & Literacy through its autonomous institution, the National Institute of Open Schooling, is instituting a special programme in consultation with the Defence Authorities to enable those Agniveers who are 10th class pass to further their education and obtain a 12th class pass Certificate by developing customized courses that are not only current but very relevant to their area of service. This certificate is recognised for both employment and higher education purposes in the whole country. 

On the other side of the spectrum , amid violent protests over the Agnipath recruitment scheme, the government has addressed the concerns of the youth and reassured them that the future of Agniveers is stable.

Telemedicine Growth in India

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Telemedicine Growth in India 

Telemedicine is a general term that covers all of the ways you and your doctor can use technology to communicate without being in the same room. It includes phone calls, video chats, emails, and text messages. People also call it telehealth, digital medicine, e-health, or m-health (for “mobile”).

India as a country in recent times has seen important developments in the field of Telemedicine. 

It is worth mentioning here that 

National Health Authority (NHA) announced recently  the successful integration of eSanjeevani with its flagship scheme – Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). This integration allows the existing users of eSanjeevani, the telemedicine service of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) to easily create their Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) and use it to link and manage their existing health records like prescriptions, lab reports, etc. The users would also be able to share their health records with doctors on eSanjeevani which will help in better clinical decision making and ensuring the continuum of care.

Speaking about the significance of this integration, Dr. R. S. Sharma, CEO, NHA said – “ABDM aims to build digital highways to bridge the gaps in existing digital health solutions and stakeholders in India. The integration of eSanjeevani with ABDM is one such example where the 22 crore ABHA holders can link and store their health records created via eSanjeevani directly in the health lockers of their choice. The users can also share their previously linked health records with the doctors on eSanjeevani making the entire consultation process paper-less.”

eSanjeevani service is available in two variants. The first one is eSanjeevani Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness Centre (AB-HWC) – the Doctor-to-Doctor telemedicine service through which the beneficiaries visiting a HWC can virtually connect to doctors/ specialists in the Hub that could be at tertiary healthcare facility/hospital/medical college. 

One hopes Telemedicine field in the country continues to grow.