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A symbol to global social development for women Photo Courtesy: The Independent
Riya Syal
Mobile phone usage among ladies is related to inflated use of family planning, lower gender difference, and lower maternal and kid mortality, per a brand-new study that coated 209 countries. The research, revealed within the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of the Sciences, pointed that giving ladies access to info they otherwise wouldn't have, mobile phones are remodelling lives. Putting digital phones in ladies' hands can be a strong tool to support societal development objectives within the developing society, in step with researchers. Access to mobile phones is related to multiple indicators joined to world social advancement, adore healthiness, gender parity, and financial condition reduction stated the
study. The outcomes showed that the connection between smartphone access andfeminine management is stronger in less- and least-developed countries. “Our results suggest that deploying mobilephone technology might serve to complement the role of other development processes such as educational expansion and economic growth rather than a replacement for it,� stated Luca Maria Pesando, Professor at McGill University in Canada. For the research, the researchers assembled a wealth of publicly offered macro- and individual-level knowledge, exploring alarge vary of demographic and social development consequences, and investing a mix of method approaches. In an endeavour to raised perceive, however mobile phones empower ladies, the authors additionally conducted a private level
analysis on 100,000 ladies from theRepublic of Angola, Burundi, Ethiopia, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, and African country between 2015 and 2017. Though these sub-Saharan lands show passive fertility decline and baby and maternal mortality rates stay high, the adoption of mobile phones is swiftly spreading. Outcomes symbolize that other things being fair, women who own mobile phone have 1-percent more formidable probability of being concerned to decision-making processes about contraception, two percent higher plausibility of using modern contraceptive methods, and a three percent higher probability of knowing where to get tested for HIV concerning women who do not own a phone. As phones act as a medium of communication and regulation of information takes place, via internet or amongst the populace.
This helps the women to be aware of the basic knowledge and make healthy decisions for themselves as well as their off springs in the near future. Comparable consequences are assessed on more eminent overall decision-making endowment within the household. Still, notwithstanding the proliferation of mobile networks, the researchers conceded that digital divides by gender and socioeconomic tiers endure in the developing atmosphere. Women are less inclined to own mobile phones on their own, use them less frequently when they have access and have imperfect information and interaction technology skills rivalled to men, creating second-level (skill-related) digital segments on top of first-level (access-related) units. Therefore, mobile phones act as a powerful tool for the women population of the nation.
Today PM will launch “Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana”
10 September, 2020 Faridabad/Delhi NCR THEASIANCHRONICLE.COM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will digitally launch the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) on 10th September. Prime Minister will also launch e-Gopala App, a comprehensive breed improvement marketplace and information portal for direct use of farmers. Several other initiatives in the fisheries and animal husbandry sectors in Bihar will also be launched by the Prime Minister on the occasion. The Governor and Chief Minister of Bihar, along with Union Minister and MoS for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, will also be present on the occasion. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is a flagship scheme for focused and sustainable development of fisheries sector in the country with an estimated investment of Rs. 20,050 crores for its implementation
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during a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25 in all States/Union Territories, as a part of AatmaNirbhar Bharat Package. The investment of Rs. 20,050 crores under PMMSY is the highest ever in the fisheries sector. Out of this, an investment of about Rs 12340 crores is proposed for beneficiary-oriented activities in Marine, Inland fisheries and Aquaculture and about Rs 7710 crores investment for Fisheries Infrastructure. PMMSY aims at enhancing fish production by an additional 70 lakh tonne by 202425, increasing fisheries export earnings to Rs.1,00,000 crore by 2024-25, doubling of incomes of fishers and fish farmers, reducing post-harvest losses from 20-25% to about 10% and generation of additional 55 lakhs direct and indirect gainful employment opportunities in fisheries sector and allied activities. PMMSY is designed to ad-
dress critical gaps in fish production and productivity, quality, technology, post-harvest infrastructure and management, modernization and strengthening of value chain, traceability, establishing a robust fisheries management framework and fishers’ welfare. While aiming to consolidate the achievements of Blue Revolution Scheme,
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PMMSY envisages many new interventions such as fishing vessel insurance, support for new/up-gradation of fishing vessels/boats, Bio-toilets, Aquaculture in saline/alkaline areas, Sagar Mitras, FFPOs/Cs, Nucleus Breeding Centres, Fisheries and Aquaculture start-ups, Incubators, Integrated Aqua parks, Integrated coastal fishing villages
development, Aquatic Laboratories Network and Extension Services, Traceability, Certification and Accreditation, RAS, Biofloc & Cage Culture, E-Trading/Marketing, Fisheries Management Plans, etc. PMMSY scheme primarily focuses on adopting ‘Cluster or Area based approaches’ and creation of Fisheries clusters through backward and forward linkages. Special focus will be given for employment generation activities such as seaweed and ornamental fish cultivation. It emphasizes on interventions for quality brood, seed and feed, special focus on species diversification, critical infrastructure, marketing networks etc. As of now, under PMMSY the Department of Fisheries has approved Rs 1723 crores worth of proposals for 21 States/UTs in phase-I. Priority has been accorded for income generating activities under PMMSY.
PMMSY in Bihar envisages an investment of Rs.1390 crore with Central Share of Rs. 535 crore and the additional fish production target pegged at 3 lakh tons. During the current financial year (2020-21), Government of India has sanctioned the proposal of Government of Bihar at a total project cost of Rs.107.00 crore for major components like establishment of Re-circulatory Aquaculture System (RAS), construction of Biofloc ponds for aquaculture, finfish hatcheries, construction of new ponds for aquaculture, Ornamental fish culture units, installation of Cages in reservoirs/wetlands, Ice plants, refrigerated vehicles, motor cycle with ice box, three wheeler with ice box, cycle with ice box, fish feed plants, extension and support services (Matsya Seva Kendra), establishment of a Brood Bank, etc.
PM holds 'Svanidhi Samvaad' with street vendors from MP
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi held 'Svanidhi Samvaad' with street vendors from Madhya Pradesh. The Government of India had launched PM Svanidhi scheme on 1st June, 2020 to help poor street vendors, impacted by COVID-19, resume livelihood activities. 4.5 lakh street vendors were registered in Madhya Pradesh, out of which acceptance has been granted to around 1.4 lakh street vendors of amount worth Rs 140 crore. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister praised the efforts of the Street Vendors to bounce back and appreciated their self - confidence, perseverance and hard work. He appreciated the efforts of the Government of Madhya Pradesh, for identifying more than 4.5 Lakh Street Vendors and completing the process to give loans to over a 1 Lakh vendors within 2 months, notwithstanding the effect of the pandemic. The Prime Minister said any calamity first affects the poor impacting their jobs, food and savings. He referred to the tough times when most of the poor migrants had to return to the villages. Modi said the Government's right from the first day tried to obliterate the difficulties that the poor and the lower middle class have to face owing to the lockdown and the impact of the pandemic. He said the Govt made all efforts to provide
food, ration, free gas cylinders apart from employment through the Prime Minister Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan. Prime Minister said the Govt also focussed on another vulnerable section that is the Street Vendors and announced the PM Svanidhi Yojana in order to provide cheap Capital to those vendors so that they can restart their livelihood businesses. Modi said that this is for the first time that lakhs of Street Vendors are directly connected to the system so that they can start getting the benefit. The Prime Minister said the aim of the Svanidhi yojana is to provide Swarozgar, Svavlamban and
Swabhimaan (Self Employment, Self-Sustenance and Self-Confidence) to the Street Vendors. PM stressed the importance of making every street-vendor know everything about this scheme. This scheme has been made so simple that even ordinary people can connect with it. He said that one can get registered with the scheme through the common service center or in the municipality office by uploading the application and no need to stand in queue. Not only this Business Correspondent from the bank and municipal staff can also come and take the application from the street vendors. He said this scheme gives upto 7
percent rebate on the interest and if one repays the money taken from the bank within 1 year, then one will get an interest rebate. He added that in digital transactions there is a cash back also. In this way, total savings will be more than the total interest. He said that the trend of digital transactions in the country has been increasing rapidly during the last 3-4 years. "This scheme helps people to start afresh & get easy capital. For the first time, a network of millions of street vendors has been truly connected to the system, they have got an identity." "The scheme helps one get rid of interest completely. Under this scheme, interest rebate of up to 7% is being given anyway. A new beginning has been made in collaboration with banks and digital payment facilitators to ensure that our street vendors do not lag behind in digital shop-keeping," he added. PM said in the times of Corona, customers are resorting to more digital transactions rather than cash. He urged the Street Vendors to also adapt to transacting digitally. Modi said the Government is now going to bring about a Online platform so that all the Street Vendors can conduct their business transactions digitally. Prime Minister said the beneficiaries of the PM Svanidhi Scheme would get access to the Ujjwala
gas scheme, Ayushman Bharat scheme, etc on priority basis. He said that through the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Bank accounts of more than 40 crore poor, lower middle class people have been opened and now they directly receive all the benefits to their accounts and that it is easier for them to get loans. He listed similar achievements in other schemes like Digital Health Mission, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Prime Minister Jeevan Jyoti Yojana and Ayushman Bharat The Prime Minister said that in the last six years several measures have been implemented to make the lives of the poor easier in the country. He said the government launched a major scheme to provide accommodation in cities and major towns at an affordable rent. He referred to the One Nation One Ration Card which would enable any body to get affordable rations any where in the country. The Prime Minister also referred to the ongoing programme of laying Optical Fibre to 6 Lakh Villages in the next 1000 days. This, he said, will join the entire rural India to the domestic and international markets and would further boost the rural livelihood. The Prime Minister asked the Street Vendors to maintain cleanliness and follow all the measures to prevent the spread of COVID19. This he said would help them increase their business.
Technology holds the key to scale up the use of solar energy- PM
10 September, 2020 Faridabad/Delhi NCR THEASIANCHRONICLE.COM
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a message at the inaugural session of First World Solar Technology Summit read out by R.K. Singh, the President, International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly and Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, said, today, that technology holds the key to scale up the use of solar energy. Technological achievements have already brought about a significant reduction in the price of solar power. A further reduction in the cost will provide a major boost to the use and expansion of renewable energy. He expressed confidence that the summit will help in help in developing new technologies and ensure that they become available to all. World Solar Technology Summit (WSTS) organised by ISA and FICCI today aims to bring together key stakeholders - leading academic scientists, technology developers, researchers and innovators to present and discuss the recent highlights of solar technologies, cost-wise; technology-wise, technology transfers, challenges and concerns in the field. The main objective of WSTS is to showcase to member countries the state of the art and next-generation solar technologies worldwide and to give an opportunity to decision-makers and stakeholders to meet, and discuss their own priorities and strategic agenda towards a larger integration. Prime Minister re-iterated that Five years ago, world leaders had taken a pledge to restrict the rise in global temperature through a gradual reduction in the dependence on fossil fuels. Underlining India's commitment lowering carbon footprints, he stressed that India has lowest per-capita carbon emissions in the world but we have still pressed ahead with deployment of
renewable energy at a frenetic pace.” Speaking on fast growth of Renewables in India, he further informed that India has enhanced its installed renewable capacity by 2.5 times and increased our solar installed capacity by more than 13 times. "Globally India now ranks 4th in terms of Renewable power,” Modi said. Prime Minister also informed that we have scaled our non-fossil fuelbased power generations to 134GW, which is about 35 % of our total power generation. We are confident of increasing it to 220 GW by 2022. "We want to take renewable energy to every village of our country. Our government has implemented a scheme named KUSUM that aims to replace the use of diesel in our farm sector with solar energy. Under this scheme, we have targeted the solarisation of 2.8 million irrigation pumps. Such schemes will not only benefit the environment, but also increase the income of our farmers.” he said. Referring to India's support to ISA member countries the Prime Minister said ”India is providing capacity building support to ISA member countries through its ITEC training
New Delhi. Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Narendra Singh Tomar today inaugurated by virtual mode 22 bamboo clusters in 9 States (Gujarat, MP, Maharashtra, Odisha, Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, Uttarakhand and Karnataka). A logo for the National Bamboo Mission was also released. Lauding the success of the National Bamboo Mission, Tomar said that the country is now gearing up to increase the export of bamboo products. Addressing the video conference, the Union Agriculture Minister said
that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always strived that local industries should be protected and make progress so that local artisans get a source of livelihood. The Government’s goal in the bamboo sector is being achieved with the concerted efforts of all stakeholders of the Bamboo Mission. Keeping in consideration the importance of bamboo, the Indian Forest Act 1927 was amended in the year 2017 to remove bamboo for the category of trees, as a result now anyone can undertake cultivation and business in bamboo and its products. Import policy has also been modified to ensure progress of the bamboo in-
programme. We have also set up a Project Preparation Facility to develop bankable Solar Energy projects in ISA member countries with the help of EXIM Bank of India.” He said that in 2018, our Government had announced about US $1.4 Billion worth of lines of credit (LOCs) for covering 27 solar projects across 15 countries. These projects are in various stages of implementation. The Prime Minister also said, “The ISA is a part of “One Word One Sun One Grid” project, I firmly believe that this project can bring transformational benefits for the entire humanity. Ministers from several of ISA’s member countries will be joined by high-Level dignitaries, National Focal Points and senior government functionaries; Representatives of diplomatic missions, ISA Partners, business and industry leaders, solar project developers, solar manufacturers, R&D institutions, academia and think tanks, civil society, international organizations and donors, representatives of non-governmental and community-based organizations, academics, research and training institutes, international media, multilateral and bilateral
agencies. Nobel Laureate, Dr M Stanley Whittingham, winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (jointly with John B Goodenough & Akira Yoshino) in 2019 for the revolutionizing discovery of the lithium ion batteries and Mr Bernard Piccard, Founder and Chairman of Solar Impulse Foundation, Switzerland also joined the summit virtually. India’s Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Mr Dharmendra Pradhan also addressed the inaugural.Pradhan announced that five Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) under Petroleum & Natural Gas Ministry will be joining International Solar Alliance (ISA)’s Coalition for Sustainable Climate Action (ISA-CSCA) as Corporate Partners. He said that Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and GAIL (India) Limited will be contributing to ISA’s Corpus Fund. Lauding the role of the ISA for making rapid strides since its launch at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris on 30 November 2015
by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the then French President, Pradhan said that as the latest inter-governmental international organization with its headquarters in India, ISA is not only a testament to India's unwavering faith in multilateralism but also a commitment to a better, sustainable and greener future. He said that the Alliance reflects the vision and the firm belief that the beneficence of the Sun could be used to bring together the peoples of this planet for a shared solution to our energy needs. The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a treaty-based international intergovernmental organization. ISA was jointly launched by India and France in the presence of Secretary General of the UN during CoP21. The Paris Declaration establishes ISA as an alliance dedicated to the promotion of solar energy among its Member Countries. The major objectives of the organization include deployment of 1000 GW of solar capacity and mobilization of US$ 1000 billion of investment in solar energy sector by 2030. As an action-oriented organization, ISA intends to bring together member countries to aggregate demand and realise economies of scale, resulting in reduction of costs of solar applications, facilitating deployment of existing solar technologies at scale, and promoting collaborative solar R&D and capacity. As on June 26 2020, the ISA Framework Agreement has been signed by 86 countries, with 68 having also deposited instruments of ratification. The ISA is headquartered at Gurugram in Haryana, India. Mr. UpendraTripathy is the Director General.
dustry in the country. Tomar said that the use of bamboo has been an ancient tradition in India and it is now being supported with modern technology. Youth are also being
given training for bamboo industry. These will be engaged in raising nurseries and plantations and/or product development like furniture, agarbatti, venetian blinds, chopsticks, toothbrush, lifestyle products, jewellery, bottles, yoga mat, charcoal, etc. Together with industrial products, the National Bamboo Mission also endeavors to upgrade skills of traditional bamboo craftsmen as per requirement of contemporary markets with tie up with enterprises and premier institutes so that our cultural heritage is continued. The Sector Skill Councils established under National Skill Development Agency
will also impart skills and Recognition of Prior Learning to traditional artisans. This will also encourage the youth to carry forward their family traditions. The winner of the logo contest, Sai Ram Goudi Edigi of Telengana was selected from 2033 entries received on MyGov platform from across the country. The logo portrays a bamboo culm in the center of a circle composed of half an industrial wheel and half farmers, depicting the objectives of NBM appropriately. The green and yellow colour of the logo symbolise bamboo often termed as green gold.
National Bamboo Mission logo released
Five Petroleum and Gas sector PSUs will join International Solar Alliance
10 September, 2020 Faridabad/Delhi NCR THEASIANCHRONICLE.COM
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TAC Delhi: Five Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) under Petroleum & Natural Gas Ministry will be joining International Solar Alliance (ISA)’s Coalition for Sustainable Climate Action (ISA-CSCA) as Corporate Partners. In his inaugural Speech at the First World Solar Technology Summit organized by ISA, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan said that Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and GAIL (India) Limited will be contributing to ISA’s Corpus Fund. Pradhan said that increasingly and rightly so, Indian Oil & Gas companies are actively taking part in this clean energy transition. “In order to reduce carbon footprint, these companies will be focusing more on green energy investments such as renewables, biofuels and hydrogen going forward. We are also actively encouraging industry in general, and Oil & Gas companies in particular, become participants to this solar
transition.”, he added. On the achievements made in the sector so far, Pradhan said that our oil & gas companies are also making efforts to deploy solar panels across the value chain of their operations, and current installed solar power capacity is 270 MW. “Additional 60 MW solar capacity will be added in the coming year. We have taken up the mission of solarizing about 50% of fuel stations owned by Public Sector oil companies in the next five years. More than 5000 fuel stations of Indian Oil, the largest Public Sector Oil Marketing company, were solarized last year. A substantial amount of solar PV capacity was also added by Oil & Gas companies during the last few years.” The Minister said that Oil & Gas PSUs are increasingly evaluating new opportunities in the solar and RE space for diversification. Recently, French major Total has also announced investments for buying about 2 GW operating PV plants in India. “Despite the Covid-19 pandemic presented challenges, we are in the process of overhauling India's
supply chains and reduce overdependence on imports for solar modules. Under the ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan’ or Self-Reliant India reforms announced by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our country has received proposals from various players for over 10 GW of fresh solar equipment manufacturing. In line with Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to action for developing lowcost indoor solar cooking solutions, our company IOCL has tied up with M/s Sun Bucket System, a USbased start-up working in the niche area of solar energy-based products. We are encouraging Indian oil &
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gas companies to develop such innovative and scalable tie-ups in solar sector, which have the potential to make nationwide impact”, he added. Lauding the role of the ISA for making rapid strides since its launch at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris on 30 November 2015 by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the then French President, Pradhan said that as the latest inter-governmental international organization with its headquarters in India, ISA is not only a testament to India's unwavering faith in multilateralism but also a commitment to a better, sustainable and greener future. He said that the Alliance reflects the vision and the firm belief that the beneficence of the Sun could be used to bring together the peoples of this planet for a shared solution to our energy needs. Pradhan said that there has always been a vision to make solar energy accessible and affordable for the poor by addressing the various financial and technological factors that currently impede such access. “The platform provided by ISA per-
States complain of people becoming lax in taking covid 19 precautions
Sajeeda Feroz
The Centre on Tuesday, advised that public health measures like social distancing and wearing masks remain key to slackening the pandemic. Especially now that the cases are rising, the Centre has warned people for not taking necessary precautions which would result in a hike of the number of cases leading to the situation worsening as the days go by. V.K.Paul, Head of the Covid 19 task force and member of National Strategy for Artificial intelligence (NITI) Aayog, in a press meeting stressed the importance of getting tested in containing the pandemic. “People should not be afraid of getting tested. They should come forward to get themselves tested for COVID-19 if they have symptoms,” he said. “We are getting repeated complaints from states that people have become lax (in taking precautions),” he added. He stated that wear-
ing masks, following social distancing, maintaining hand hygiene, avoiding big gatherings and taking good care of oneself shall remain crucial in preventing the further spread of the virus. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said, “The COVID-19 deaths per million population in India is 53 as compared to the world average of 115 deaths per million. This is also among the lowest in the world”. He as-
certained that India’s COVID-19 cases per million population is 3,102, which is among the lowest in the world. Giving a break-up of the cases, Mr. Bhushan also added thatthe five states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh account for approximately 70% of total COVID-19 deaths in the country whereasthe rest 31.37% deaths are from other states and Union Territories.
“A total of 28 states and UTs have COVID-19 case fatality rate lower than the national average of 1.70%,” he mentioned. He claimed that Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu account for 62% of total active COVID-19 cases in the country. “While 14 states and UTs have less than 5,000 active COVID-19 cases, Lakshadweep has no active cases,”
fectly fits and matches growing energy needs of countries across the globe. The Oil & Gas companies in India will work closely with ISA to explore opportunities for implementation of solar-based projects within India as well as in other countries particularly other developing countries where ISA is focusing for faster development of solar energy infrastructure”, Pradhan emphasized. Expressing the confidence that larger energy partnership of Indian oil & gas industry will pave the way for a new era of solar development not only within India but also outside, Pradhan said that the key to this transformation and transition is advances in solar technologies and their deployment at affordable prices globally. He said that with a clear vision and augmentation of sufficient resources, there is a need for collective efforts at all levels Governments, industry leaders, innovators and academia and technology developers, to ensure that benefits of solar revolution become accessible to all countries across the globe.
FM unveils Doorstep Banking Services and declares EASE 2.0 Index Results
Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated Doorstep Banking Services by PSBs and participated in the awards ceremony to felicitate best performing banks on EASE Banking Reforms Index. Secretary, Department of Financial Services Debasish Panda and Chairman IBA, Shri Rajnish Kumar,were also present at the virtual event.
Doorstep Banking Services by PSBs As part of the EASE Reforms, Doorstep Banking Services is envisaged to provide convenience of banking services to the customers at their door step through the universal touch points of Call Centre, Web Portal or Mobile App. Customers canalso track their service request through these channels. The services shall be rendered by the Doorstep Banking Agents deployed by the selected Service Providers at 100 centres across the country. At present only non-financial services viz. Pick up of negotiable instruments (cheque / demand draft / pay order, etc.), Pick up new cheque book requisition slip, Pick up of 15G / 15H forms, Pick up of IT / GST challan, Issue request for standing instructions, Request for account statement, Delivery of non-personalised cheque book, demand draft, pay order, Delivery of term deposit receipt, acknowledgement, etc., Delivery of TDS / Form 16 certificate issuance, Delivery of pre-paid instrument / gift card are available to customers. Financial services shall be made available from October 2020. The services can be availed by customers of Public Sector Banks at nominal charges. The services shall benefit all customers, particularly Senior Citizens and Divyangs who would find it at ease to avail these services.
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Fitness Challenge
Pumping up the motivation through online
Akshinta Das The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown in most countries around the world has significantly altered lifestyles. As people became home-bound, what was once considered normal took a back seat, which transformed the way we live, work, shop, study and interact for now. We gradually slipped into a ‘new normal’ and realized how things like going for a walk in the neighborhood or enjoying a meal with friends was once taken for granted.
Home workouts are the new normal
Gym and fitness centers were one of the first public spaces to shut down. Other alternatives such as parks, playgrounds and stadiums were also shut and people lost out on the op-
portunity to go out for a walk or cycle. With treadmills and barbells gathering dust, India was quick to find substitutes to hit the gym for daily workouts. This new habit is, in fact, a pleasant surprise considering a huge number of people who are now religiously following a home workout routine were not exercising regularly before the COVID-19 induced lockdown. Being at home or not having the ability to play any sport or hit the gym, does not mean that one cannot stay active. Since the beginning of the lockdown, many members of the Decathlon community, including teammates and volunteer sports ambassadors, came together online through its #playitsafe campaign, offering virtual workouts ranging from indoor running, strength and conditioning to targeted workouts and yoga sessions. All together, #playitsafe fitness activities and challenges have seen a reach of 2.5 million - clearly indicating how fitness attitudes are changing. This is why a lot of people are focussing on buying indoor sports equipment to bolster their home gyms and become their healthiest versions. Virtual workouts are gaining popularity as well. For example, during the last two months, registrations for digital training sessions for zumba, yoga, pilates, aerobics, and various strength and fitness training programmes peaked like never before. Decathlon’s fitness blog saw a near double spike in users and virtual workout sessions provided by its community were attended by a huge number of people.
Investing in fitness
In terms of the sale of fitness-related products, sales for yoga mats and dumbbells surged and the sales of bikes doubled since the relaxation of the lockdown when compared
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to the pre-COVID months at sporting goods retailer, Decathlon. Decathlon also saw an increase in the online sales of bikes doubling, specifically for the sports segment of road bikes after lockdown restrictions were lifted. Fitness equipment such as cross trainers and
ellipticals(selfpowered) saw 200% with fitness accessories such as resistance
bands, growing over 2000% in May alone. There was also a significant increase in people buying Yoga mats than before with volumes increasing by 35%. With the reopening of select Decathlon stores, products for cycling, fitness car-
10 September, 2020 Faridabad/Delhi NCR THEASIANCHRONICLE.COM
dio, yoga and running were among the top-ten purchased categories for customers looking to bolster home equipment for fitness. This included Decathlon products for cross-training, body-building and shoes for jogging and fitness.
Increasing sales of these products indicate how fitness has seen the reset button after the coronavirus crisis and how family members are motivating each other by attempting to stay fit. Even parents have shown considerable effort in ensuring that children are active during this period, with a lot of them investing in home exercise and play equipment for their children. With this, the ‘work and play’ balance that saw a critical imbalance before the pandemic is finally being restored.
Health, fitness, and play equipment: Essentials during a pandemic
The World Health Organisation underscores the importance of physical activity and relaxation techniques as valuable tools to remain calm and healthy during the coronavirus pandemic o r
otherwise. During a stressful period like this, when people are staying at home to limit the transmission of the virus, a sedentary lifestyle can have negative effects on the physical health, mental well-being and quality of life of individuals. Daily headlines on the severity of the coronavirus crisis is further exacerbating stress and anxiety in many people. This is why it is important to invest one’s time in sports and fitness and stay active. Regular moderate-intensity workouts are also considered to be an important factor in building immunity, with several reports suggesting that people who are physically active are more immune to upper respiratory tract infections than those who are not. Focused physical exercise also increases the production and release of Serotonin, a mood-regulating hormone, that can make us mindful and keep depression at bay. This highlights the importance of having access to fitness products and equipment during a pandemic. Even as India enters Unlock 1.0, where economic activities are slowly resuming and people are getting back to work in the relatively safer zones, it is unlikely that gyms and other fitness centres will open anytime soon. This means that home workouts will continue to be the best way to stay healthy and active. Playing a sport or sticking to a fitness routine is not just something we need to do in our free time but more than ever, it needs to be ingrained in our daily lives. It is encouraging to see scores of eager sports and fitness enthusiasts returning to Decathlon stores guided by this belief. This is a tell-tale sign that sporting and fitness products are the new essentials that everyone needs continuous and easy access to at a time like this.
COVID-19 - a Kick-start to the Second Homes Market?
10 September, 2020 Faridabad/Delhi NCR THEASIANCHRONICLE.COM
Santhosh Kumar
Vice Chairman | ANAROCK Property Consultants
mWFH option, 'cabin fever' and in-
creasing safety concerns re-igniting urban India's interest for homes away from home mRental income no longer the middle-class' prime motivator for second homes, CXOs and businesspeople scanning the market for condos and farmhouses mAlibaug & Karjat near Mumbai, Lonavala & Lavasa near Pune, Nandi Hills near Bengaluru among the prominent second home destinations with multiple options across budgets The COVID-19 pandemic may be giving a new lease of life to the previously lacklustre second homes market. Urgent travel to motorable holiday destinations brought on by prolonged travel abstinence and outright claustrophobia is only one aspect. 'Revenge tourism' has helped the hospitality sector in motorable holiday destinations around the large cities. However, the pandemic has also left a deeper impression on urban homeowners who are reconsidering their housing options. The hope of owning a second home within salubrious, green surroundings is very much part of the overall Indian ethos. However, while short breaks from city life, rental income and/or eventual retirement there were the previous aspirations, the COVID-19 outbreak has given rise to a more urgent motivation - the relative safety from infection of homes away from the
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urban hot zones. For those with the financial means, it is certainly an optimal time for such an acquisition. The work-from-home option, now extensively available across many industries Rock-bottom and often further negotiable property prices The lowest home loan interest rates in two decades In states like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh (and possibly also Karnataka) significantly reduced stamp duty and registration rates These pandemic-motivated fiscal benefits come with built-in expiry dates, and this lends a level of immediacy For families who previously budgeted for and splurged on annual holidays, the options for such travel have narrowed down considerably. The future is uncertain, and the paranoia is real. As a result, second home aspirations are now being dusted off and considered seriously.
Second Homes - The Middle-class Viewpoint
For the second homes market, which had been in the doldrums for years on the back of a slowing economy, this may turn out to be a windfall. Second-home buyers are no longer considering rental income and future appreciation, for which the outlook continues to be dim over the next few years. Their focus is on leveraging the lower property prices in such locations to get bigger homes in greener, safer surroundings. The option of moving to such a property permanently is not being ruled out. In previous times, renting the property out would have been a second home owner's primary plan. However, technology-driven trends have now given rise to another option - that of converting the property into a homestay while not in use by the owner. Even before COVID-19, a huge number of travellers preferred homestays over formal hotels. The new compulsions of the coronavirus pandemic have added a new level. Online homestay aggregators make
the process simple, pain-free and - depending on the second home location - potentially lucrative.
Second Homes - The HNI Perspective
For all the COVID-19-induced reasons above, HNIs like the corporate C suite and start-up entrepreneurs are also back on the second homes market. However, unlike the middle-class, their sights are trained on sprawling luxury properties and farmhouses near cities as alternate living destinations. Real estate has always been an important diversifier in HNI investment portfolios now, amid a pandemic that has shaken up the financial and stock markets, it remains a reliably stable asset. In terms of their preference, luxury second homes at a commutable distance from their primary residences top the wish list. Most HNIs have inescapable business obligations in the main city. While motorable distances would be important for many, the ultra-rich can also settle for a convenient helipad or private landing strip. Needless to say, this opens up their options considerably. However, the spread of desirable second homes options is obviously smaller for such buyers as many of them focus on rare beachside or mountain-top trophy assets. Preferences and Price Points Several locations outside top cities have been viable second-home destinations, with their audience niches. The outright luxury havens serve the affluent, while the middleclass mostly sought properties close to or even within urban areas which can potentially earn a steady rental income. While HNIs' outlook has not changed much, the latest trends for the middle-class are markedly different. The coronavirus pandemic has thrown up the WFH angle, wherein separate home offices play an integral part even as all other second home requisites of greener, cleaner surroundings, less cluttered remain the same. Average prices in major middle-classfavoured second home destinations around the top cities range anywhere between INR
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3,000 - 12,000 per sq. ft. Depending on the buyers’ ability, the average area of these homes usually begins at 2,500 sq. ft. and can extend to INR 10,000 sq. ft.
In Bengaluru, emerging hotspots for second homes include Nandi Hills and Jigani area near Bannerghatta National Park. in projects offering expansive green spaces, the average property value in Nandi Hills ranges from INR 6,000 - 11,000 per sq. ft. while in Jigani area it is between INR 4,000 - 8,000 per sq. ft. gNear Chennai, major second home hotspots include Mahabalipuram and Kovalam Main Road on ECR with beach-front properties. Avg. prices in the former location are INR 4,000 - 7,000 per sq. ft. while in the latter they range between INR 5,000 - 7,500 per sq. ft. gIn Hyderabad, Srisailam Highway and Kadthal are favourite second home destinations. Avg. property prices here range between INR 4,000 -6,500 per sq. ft. and INR 3,000 - 5,000 per sq. ft. respectively. g In Mumbai, Alibaug and Karjat draw a major chunk of second homes demand. Avg. prices in Alibaug range between INR 6,000 - 12,000 per sq. ft. In Karjat, they are fairly lower at INR 4,000 - 7,000 per sq. ft. g Pune shares with Mumbai some of the demand for second homes in Lonavala, where prices range between INR 6,000 - 11,000 per sq. ft. In the man-made hill station of Lavasa, the avg. prices range between INR 5,000 - 9,000 per sq. ft. For the ultra-rich eyeing opulence in prime holiday locations, the sky is obviously the limit. Deals have been closed over INR 200 Cr in some locations, most notably on Goa's fabled beachfront and in the elite second home reserve of Amby Valley. For both the affluent and middle-class denizens whose jobs have not been affected beyond a pay cut, second homes are now a tantalizing vision of shelter in the time of storm – and a rebooted lifestyle which would have been considered neither feasible not possible in pre-COVID-19 times. g
Urban local bodies in Haryana certified open defecation free news
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Durga Shanker Mishra, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has stated that all the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Haryana have been certified Open Defecation Free (ODF), 21 ULBs ODF+ and 13 ODF++. All cities in Punjab have been certified ODF, 33 are ODF+ and 17 are ODF++. Chandigarh is certified ODF++ and 3 Star (GFC). During an online review meeting with the senior officials of the states of Punjab, Haryana and UT of Chandigarh, Secretary MoHUA requested the States/UT to see that all their ULBs improve their status to ODF+, ODF++ and also strive to achieve garbage free city status. Ms. Keshni Anand Arora, Chief Secretary, Government of Haryana, Smt. Vini Mahajan, Chief Secretary, Government of Punjab & Manoj Kumar Parida, Advisor to Administrator, UT of Chandigarh attended the meeting besides the Mission Directors of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The state of Haryana has constructed 65,829(93%) IHHLs against a target of 71,000 units and constructed 11,374 CT/PT seats against a target of 10,394 seats. Chandigarh has achieved the target of 6,117 IHHLs and constructed 2,423 CT/PT seats against a target of 976 while Punjab has so far constructed 1,00,157 (99%) IHHLs and 6,435 CT/PT seats. The States were requested to achieve the IHHL targets expeditiously. Chandigarh is currently processing 91 % of the 482 TPD waste generated
while Haryana is processing 50% of the 4,895 TPD. Punjab is currently processing 71 % of the 4,108 TPD of waste generated. Secretary, MoHUA requested the States/UTs to increase the processing capacity. Punjab and Haryana have achieved 97% and 94% door-to-door collection of solid waste respectively. Chandigarh has achieved 100% door-to-door waste collection. In Punjab source segregation of waste is being practiced in 77% of the wards while in Haryana it is in 65% of the wards. In Chandigarh, source segregation is being practiced in 92% of the wards. Secretary MoHUA requested the State/UT to ensure that 100% source segregation be achieved expeditiously. Explaining the contours of the changes in the Swachh Survekshan 2021, Secretary, MoHUA stated that the new prize will be called 'Prerak Dauur Samman'. Qualifying criteria for this award will be based on segregation of waste, processing capacity for wet waste, recycling of
waste, recycling of Construction & Demolition waste, percentage of waste going into landfills and sanitation status of cities and the ranking will be 'Divya', 'Anupam', 'Ujjwal', 'Udit' and 'Arohi'. He said that cleanliness besides changing the perception of the city as to how it manages waste also makes it beautiful and asked the States to make vigorous efforts in this direction. Secretary (MoHUA) suggested that the two states/UT should at least aim for Ujjwal (Silver). The Chief Secretaries of both the States and Advisor of Chandigarh gave an account of the efforts being made by them under the Swachh Bharat Mission including scientific waste processing. They assured that all efforts would be made to improve the performance of the States/UT and they will do well. Secretary, MoHUA appreciated the efforts of the States in improving the performance under the Mission thereby improving their rank under Swachh Survekshan, 2020. This will change the perception of the people towards cities which in turn will bring the economic opportunities to the cities. He mentioned that segregation of waste by the public is the key to cleanliness and prosperity and cited the example of Indore city where a Bio-Methanation plant is being set up which would pay the municipality for the wet waste procured from it. Secretary, MoHUA requested the States/UT to fix targets and work with the cities for achieving them.
India’s First Fixed-Wing Air Ambulance launched
Evlyn Ann
“The need of the hour is to save lives,” said the Chief Minister of Karnataka, BS Yediyurappa while launching the country’s first integrated air ambulance service in Jakkur aerodrome, Bengaluru. The service will be run jointly by the International Critical Air Transfer Team (ICATT), an air ambulance firm, and Kyathi, an aviation technology firm from HAL Airport, Bengaluru, which makes it the first air ambulance based out of South India. ICATT-Kyathi’s fixed-wing aircraft, combined with helicopter and land ambulance services, is capable of longdistance medical emergency transportation and provides last-mile connectivity. The state-of-the-art German isolation pad enables the meticulous transportation of Covid-19 patients. It also helps in overcoming the delays due to heavy road traffic
thus ensuring speedier assistance. Speaking at the inaugural event, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa revealed that the introduction of the integrated air ambulance service will ensure not only quick medical assistance but also high-quality care delivered by senior doctors and paramedics trained in critical care, while in flight. He also appreciated the felicitous decision of the firms regarding the location and time chosen. Dr. Shalini Nalwad CoFounder and Director of ICATT, commented on the importance of improved emergency medical services
throughout the country to meet the needs of the hour and future. “Being the only air ambulance service providers with medical know-how and expertise, there could be no none better than us to understand the relevance and need for integrated services and we are happy that we have finally launched this, more so at a time when the need for emergency medical care has been at an all-time high,” she said. Further, Dr. Rahul Singh Sardar, Co-Founder, and Director of ICATT. added, “Our team of doctors and paramedics are certified in Fel-
lowship in Aeromedicine and have undergone the world’s best training in critical care, pre-hospital emergency, ECMO, and Helicopter Emergency Medical Services(HEMS), enabling us to offer top-of-the-line medical care and assistance in times of emergency” Dr. Ashwath Narayan C.N, Deputy CM of Karnataka and Sri. B. Sriramulu, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, also stated that the service will further strengthen the state’s health care infrastructure and that it is a remarkable addition to Bengaluru’s world-class set of healthcare providers. ICATT’s successful transportations; 63 domestic transfers, 10 international transfers, and 7 organ transfers and the significant role played during the Kerala floods, combined with the recent advancements in the air ambulance, guarantees an efficient and volant emergency medical assistance to the country.
10 September, 2020 Faridabad/Delhi NCR THEASIANCHRONICLE.COM
Govt. will soon be coming out with
the Guidelines for Online Skill Training under DDUGKY
Govt. will soon be coming out with the Guidelines for Online Skill Training under DDUGKY There is tremendous demand of skill development in the country as the youth of India has aspirations to grow themselves towards a bright future, mentioned Mr. Charanjit Singh, Joint Secretary (Skills), Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India in the webinar organized by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry on 'Challenges, Opportunities, and Way Forward in Online Skill Training'. We need to have out of the Box Thinking for Imparting Online Skill Training in the Youth of India, he told the Panellists and the delegates. He also said that more than 2 lakh students have already registered with DDUGKY since April this year, which we can target for reskilling and upskilling as per the industry need. Talking briefly about Deen Dayal Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), he discussed the developments and facilities provided in the Yojana that will help to impart skill training to the rural population. Mr. Charanjit Singh discussed that the most important aspect of skill training is its job training or working on the actual machines. In online skill training, this will become a challenge in which we have to find a solution to give practical online skill training. Mr. Singh mentioned that with the help of self-help groups, we are creating mobility for our candidates and, we are going to increase the remuneration of community resource persons substantially. We need to have out of the Box Thinking for Imparting Online Skill Training in
the Youth of India. Mr. Virendra Sharma, Director (Rural Skills), Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India discussed the projects of the ministry of rural development and how our programs are placed for rural development. He discussed Deen Dayal Grameen Kaushalya Yojana and Rural Self Employment Training Institute that is helping in imparting skills training to the rural population of India that will help them to elevate their livelihood and help in eradicating poverty from the country. Talking about online training, he mentioned that the ministry has recognized its needs from the beginning. There are certain provisions we talk about in our guidelines like distance training, adopting innovative training methods, and others. We have the provision of mandatory tablets for training and giving IT training to learners as well. Our challenge in spreading online training in the rural youth is the unavailability of electronic devices, internet connectivity, more training of teachers and we are working diligently towards it. Ms. Indrani Choudhury, Chief Learning Officer, Microsoft India discussed the need to public-private partnerships to make Indian youth skilled. Today's skill developments are the skill towards the future development of the country. The focus has to be on increasing Individual skilling, providing connectivity and increase public-private partnerships. We need to use Artificial Intelligence, have innovative learning methods, and combine all the learning platforms into one so that there is a streamline flow of skill development in the youth.
10 September, 2020 Faridabad/Delhi NCR THEASIANCHRONICLE.COM
Bollywood Questions Media’s Moral Compass for Hounding Rhea At NCB Office nation
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of the issue and asked the media not to ‘vigorously report crime on a day to day basis and comment on evidence without ascertaining the factual matrix’. The council also said that some newspapers have flouted the journalistic norms which advice the media not to excessively report such stories and abstain from using a language that sensationalises or normalises suicides. Identification of witnesses by media has endangered their privacy rights and made them vulnerable to investigating agencies.
Shubh Mathur
On Sunday, Rhea Chakraborty appeared before NCB in the alleged drugs case linked to the death of Sushant Singh Rajput. Visuals appeared of her being mobbed by the media as she made her way through the office. Bollywood actors like Taapsee Pannu, Huma Qureshi, Dia Mirza and Anubhav Sinha were quick to disparage the media’s behaviour, calling it a “shameful witch hunt”. Huma wrote on Twitter, “What is wrong with us?? We cannot behave like this. Sure the truth must come out but this girl deserves her space as a woman, basic respect and her right to social distancing norms.” Anubhav Sinha said that it represents media overtaking law and order in Mumbai and added, “This is much worse than being called names. Any names.” Rohini Singh, an acclaimed journalist, also expressed her discontent over media overstepping their limits and disrespecting basic women rights. She tweeted, “Looking at the visuals of the way TV reporters hounded Rhea, it wasn’t just harassment. It was molestation. Touching a woman, jabbing her with mikes knowing that you are touching her without her permission, no respect for personal space is molestation. Ashamed as a journalist!” The business of rumours, lies and false news The way the SSR suicide case has been re-
Producer’s Guild of India penned a note expressing that media trials have tarnished the image of Bollywood film industry by implanting baseless presumptions in the minds of the people that it “specifically inhibits and prohibits new talent from the outside from thriving”.
ported over the past few weeks, the media’s conscience seems to have been lost. Barring print media, the electronic media has, by and large, reported made-up stories keeping truths, facts and reality at arm’s length. While
institutions like Narcotics Bureau, Enforcement Directorate and CBI are investigating the case, media has begun their “parallel trials”. Press Council of India also took cognizance
A Circular Economy Is A Profit Economy: Goyal
Speaking at a special session on Circular Economy for Self-Reliant India at the 15th CII Sustainability Summit 2020, Piyush Goyal, Minister of Railways, Commerce and Industry stressed on the importance of incorporating sustainable practices to create a Circular Economy, which he defined as a “profit economy”. Spotlighting the 3Rs of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle and the Zero Effect and Zero Defect idea enunciated by the Prime Minister of India, Goyal talked about the importance of adopting sustainability as a way of life and focussing on sustainability for all endeavours. These, he emphasised, will not only help the environment but make India more globally competitive as well. He cited many examples where efficient waste management and the 3Rs have led to significant savings of resources such as water, while also curbing pollution and other deleterious effects of economic activ-
ity. There is a strong need to educate the common man to get the best benefits out of a Circular Economy, he said, and urged the Confederation of Indian Industry to prepare a Compendium of 101 ideas to spread the message of sustainability and Circular Economy since “small changes can lead to spectacular transformation”. A holistic approach and incentivising people, the Minister said, can play a significant role in creating a Circular Economy. As we
look at reviving economic growth against the backdrop of the pandemic, a circular model of growth is best suited to revive sustainable growth and could also create 1.4 crore jobs in the next 5-7 years as estimated by NITI Aayog, he elaborated. Appreciating the Minister’s emphasis on sustainability and Circular Economy, Sanjiv Puri, Chairman, Advisory Council of CII-ITC Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development Chairman and Managing Director,
ITC Limited said that a Circular Economy is good for business and society and is critical for India’s competitiveness. R Mukundan, Managing Director and CEO, TATA Chemicals spoke about the need for everyone to promote sustainability and implement the 3Rs to create inclusive, sustainable growth. Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry, said that a Circular Economy calls for deep and widespread collaboration among all stakeholders such as industry, government and consumers. Today the global economy is only 8.6% circular. A transition towards Circular Economy is a prerequisite for fulfilling India’s economic growth ambitions and competitiveness of Indian businesses, he said, adding that adopting the principles of Circular Economy can cushion enterprises from shocks like the present one due to the pandemic.
Criticising the media the document said, “There are some things more important than advertising revenues and ratings - things like common human decency. Let's show we still have some.” The guild, headed by Siddharth Roy Kapoor lashed out at media for selling “clickbait journalism” and trying to paint Industry as “murky den of substance abuse and criminality”. The statement was widely supported by the renowned members of Bollywood fraternity. Expressing their solidarity, filmmakers such as Farhan Akhtar, Reema Kagti, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, et al. retweeted the statement.
Governor of HP Addresses Teachers and Students in an e-Colloquium on “Fundamental Duties”
Colloquium on “Fundamental Duties” The Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla organized an e-Colloquium titled “Freedom Struggle and Indian Political Thought” on Wednesday, 9th of September. The event was a part of the larger series run by the University to commemorate 70 years of the adoption of the Constitution of India. The Chief Guest in the event was MrBandaruDattatreya, Honorable Governor of Himachal Pradesh. He spoke about the fundamental duty to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom as provided under Article 51 A (b) of the Constitution of India. Emphasizing on the urgent
need to undertake extensive programmes to spread awareness among citizens about their duties, the Governor said that good ideas must come to us from all sides and India is today the centre of world’s attention because of its openness to ideas. The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Nishtha Jaswal delivered the welcome address in which she highlighted the necessity of fundamental duties and the reasons why they were included in the Constitution. Replete with references to slogans and patriotic statements of heroes of freedom struggle and her own verses, the welcome address set the tone for the event. Professor Jaswal also offered her heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Guest and the special speakers for their benign presence. Professors Ashutosh Kumar and Devi Sirohi from Panjab University too delivered special lectures dealing with the political and historical aspects of our freedom struggle.
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