Lucknow: In keeping with their shrinking presence in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, the Congress and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) have been reassigned smaller offices in the Vidhan Bhavan for the upcoming winter session scheduled from Tuesday. Earlier, both parties were allotted larger offices. Currently, the Congress has only two members in the state Assembly and the BSP merely one. “The offices of the political parties have been shifted temporarily due to the ongoing renovation works in the Vidhan Bhavan,” an official said. “After the refurbishment work is over, the reallotment of offices to various political parties will be done,” an official added. Rule 157 (2) of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly clearly mentions that political parties that have a minimum of 25 members or above will be allotted offices by the secretariat. The party offices will then be provided staff and telephone connection. The speaker of the Assembly takes the decision on the allotment of the offices to various political parties, the official further said. The BJP has 254 members and Samajwadi Party has 109 in the 18th Legislative Assembly and they are being allotted larger offices in view of the tally. Both the parties (Congress and the BSP) have been shifted from the larger officers allotted earlier to the smaller ones now, he said. The Apna Dal (S) that has 13 MLAs, Rashtriya Lok Dal with 9 MLAs, Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party with six MLAs, Nirbal Indian Shoshit Hamara Aam Dal ( NISHAD) with six MLAs and Jansatta Dal Loktantrik with two MLAs, have been allotted offices in the Vidhan Bhavan. Principal secretary, Legislative Assembly, Pradeep Dubey said the offices of Congress and BSP have been shifted for renovation. Both the parties would be moved to their respective offices once the renovation is complete, he added. —IANS

In keeping with their shrinking presence in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, the Congress and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) 

With Shrinking Presence, Congress & BSP Get Smaller Offices In UP Vidhan Bhawan

Hyderabad: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) works as a 'fevicol' between Congress and the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in Telangana. On the second day of his poll campaign to garner votes for BJP candidates in Telangana, CM Yogi urged the people to vote for BJP in the November 30 polls. Taking a dig at the BRS, he appealed to people to give a 'VRS' to BRS and said, "AIMIM is working as a 'fevicol' between these two parties." CM Yogi Adityanath greeted people and sought votes for BJP candidates A.P. Mithun Kumar Reddy from the Mahbubnagar (Palamuru) region, Prashant Reddy from Devarakadra, Bantu Ramesh from Kodangal, Ande Babaiya from Shadnagar, Chittaranjan Das from Jadcherla, Ratang Padum Reddy from Narayanpet, and Jalandhar Reddy from Makthal. "Hundreds of people sacrificed themselves to build Telangana," he said. CM Yogi also accused Congress of playing with emotions and claimed that under KCR's leadership, TRS has shattered the dreams of the people here. He assured that if the BJP comes to power, Mahbubnagar will be established as Palamuru and invited people to come and visit the Ram temple in Ayodhya, adding that arrangements will be made for a special train. "Before 2017, curfews were imposed for months in Uttar Pradesh. Ordinary citizens had no say, but today, under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi, the BJP government has brought about massive change with no curfews and riots taking place," he said. Yogi further stated that terrorism thrived during the Congress era and reminded everyone that the Mumbai attack took place on November 26, 2008, during Congress rule at the centre. "It doesn't happen now because terrorists know that if they mess with India, they won't be able to leave. The Telangana government is not providing jobs to the youth, while in Uttar Pradesh, six lakh government jobs have been provided in just over six and a half years," he said. —ANI

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) works 

Telangana Assembly Polls: AIMIM Is 'Fevicol' Between Congress And BRS, Says UP CM Yogi

New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department issued an Orange alert on Monday, indicating the possibility of rain and hailstorms in Uttarakhand and Himachal for the next 24 hours. RK Jenamani, head of weather forecasting in the meteorological department, said that there is a possibility of moderate rain and hailstorms in different parts of Uttarakhand. This change in weather can be seen in the last 24 hours. It is noteworthy that, at present, the rescue operation is going on in Uttarkashi to bring out the labourers trapped in the tunnel for the last 15 days. "In such a situation, this change in weather may create troubles in the rescue operation. An orange alert has also been issued for Himachal Pradesh, predicting rain and hailstorms," Jenamani added. The Meteorological Department has also forecasted cloudy weather in the national capital, resulting in a dip in temperature. Apart from this, the weather department has forecasted light-intensity rain for the coming 2-3 days in Delhi and the temperature is expected to fall by 2 to 3 degrees at night. According to the IMD, the minimum temperature in Delhi on Monday was recorded at 13.4 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature was recorded at 23 degrees. Along with this, it has been cloudy since morning and the possibility of rain has also been predicted. According to senior meteorologist RK Jenamani, at present, a western disturbance is visible in North India, which is slowly moving towards the east. In the last 36 hours, the effect of this western disturbance was visible in Gujarat and Maharashtra. But now, with dense clouds, it is moving towards the east. Along with Gujarat and Maharashtra, people also witnessed rain in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The effect of this western disturbance will soon be seen in Uttarakhand and Himachal, due to which an orange alert has been issued in both states, the weather department added. Meanwhile, some of the areas where the IMD predicted rain in Delhi today included Dilshad Garden, Seemapuri, Kashmiri Gate, Shahadra, Vivek Vihar, Rajouri Garden, Patel Nagar, Red Fort, Preet Vihar, Budha Jayanti Park, President House, and ITO. Scientist RK Jenamani on Sunday attributed the cloud formation over the national capital to the western disturbance created due to intense circulation over Central Pakistan. He further said that the Western disturbance had more influence on the Arabian Sea. "It had rained up to 150 mm in Gujarat, northern Maharashtra and MP, and we had issued an orange alert considering the mature period of crops. Now the system is getting weak. At least 24 people have died so far in unseasonal rainfall that hit several parts of Gujarat over the weekend, which has also claimed the lives of 71 animals, an official from the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) said on Monday. —ANI

The India Meteorological Department issued an Orange alert on Monday, indicating the possibility of rain and hailstorms in Uttarakhand and Himachal

IMD Predicts Rain In Himachal, Uttarakhand; Issues Orange Alert

Dehradun: Uttarakhand Congress leader Yashpal Arya on Sunday lashed out at the Uttarakhand-led government over the ongoing Silkyara tunnel collapse rescue and said that the incident reveals the government's "indolence and negligence." Arya, the Leader of the Opposition in the Uttarakhand Assembly, accused the government of corruption in awarding contracts and highlighted the lack of an escape tunnel, which, he argued, should have been built but was neglected. "The way these forty workers have been trapped in Silkyara, is the government's indolence and negligence. The government has committed corruption to give work to their favourite...An escape tunnel should have been built but it was ignored," the Leader of the Opposition in Uttarakhand Assembly said. National Disaster Management Authority Member, Lt General (Rtd) Syed Ata Hasnain on Sunday said that 86 meters of vertical drilling is required to reach the crust of the Uttarkashi's tunnel where 41 workers remained trapped adding that 17 meters of the drilling has already taken place. Addressing a press briefing in New Delhi, NDMA Member Syed Ata Hasnain said," Our Plan 2 has been currently adopted. The drilling machine reached yesterday. Vertical drilling started at around 12 noon today and 86 meters of vertical digging is required to reach trapped workers.17 metres of drilling has already taken place. We have done geological studies and studies are suggesting that there might be no obstruction. We are checking the stability." NDMA member further informed that Plan 3 of the sideways drilling has not been started yet. "Our plan 3 (Perpendicular, covering 170 metres) has still not been adopted. The machine for sideways drilling is expected to reach the Silkayra tunnel rescue site during the night," he said. He further stated that the equipment had come from outside to remove the stuck auger machine from the tunnel. "Yesterday the auger machine was stuck, the blades broke so manual cutting had to be done and for that, the equipment had to come from outside. Through the Airforce and IndiGo's charter flight, Magna, laser and plasma cutter machines have reached the site. Earlier, we were getting a speed of 4-5 m/hr but now that might not be the case but it is a fail-safe technique," he said. The member also mentioned that the condition of the workers is stable and safe. Earlier today, a unit of Madras Sappers, an engineer group of the Corps of Engineers of the Indian Army was called in at Uttarkashi's Silkyara tunnel for manual drilling at the site where 41 workers have remained trapped for the past 15 days. After a portion of the tunnel caved in on November 12, the debris falling in the 60-metre stretch on the Silkyara side of the tunnel trapped 41 labourers inside the under-construction structure. —ANI

Uttarakhand Congress leader Yashpal Arya on Sunday lashed out at the Uttarakhand-led government over the ongoing Silkyara tunnel collapse

'This Is Uttarakhand Govt's Indolence And Negligence,' Congress Leader Yashpal Arya On Uttarkashi Tunnel Rescue Ops

Uttarkashi: The GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) survey team was sent back to Delhi as manual drilling began on the 16th day of the rescue operations in Uttarkashi. The Ground Penetrating survey will not be conducted inside the rescue tunnel again, said officials. The Ground Penetrating team who came to conduct a survey at the rescue site of the Silkyara tunnel, informed that there were no heavy objects up to 5 metres in the rescue tunnel on Friday. The rescue work was halted as the Auger machine broke as soon as it got struck with a heavy object. The team, which came from Parsan Overseas Pvt Ltd Delhi, used the ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technique to examine the rescue tunnel. Ground Penetrating Radar, also known as GPR, Georadar, Subsurface Interface Radar, or Geo-Probing Radar, is a totally non-destructive technique to produce a cross-section profile of the subsurface without any drilling, trenching or ground disturbances. GPR profiles are used for evaluating the location and depth of buried objects and to investigate the presence and continuity of natural subsurface conditions and features. Meanwhile, in the latest update, Micro tunnelling expert Chris Cooper informed that all the Debris of the auger machine has been removed and manual drilling to reach the trapped labourers will start in a few hours. "All the debris (of the Auger machine) removed. (Manual drilling) will probably start after 3 hours," Chris Cooper told ANI today. A rat hole mining technique will be employed to remove the debris inside the pipe. As per the official sources, a team of 6 specialists have reached the site to undertake the manual drilling work. They will go inside the 800-mm pipe of the tunnel to remove the debris manually. Detailing the process, a specialist about to carry out the rat mining process said that "A Shovel and other specialist tools will be used in the process. For oxygen, we will take along a blower with us". Even as the manual drilling process begins a simultaneous vertical drilling process from the top of the mountain also continues. As per officials, over 35 metres of vertical drilling work have been completed so far out of the 86 metres needed to reach the trapped workers. —ANI

The GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) survey team was sent back to Delhi as manual drilling began on the 16th day of the rescue operations in Uttarkashi

No More GPR Survey At Uttarakhand Rescue Site, Team Sent Back To Delhi

Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to the people of the state on the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, on Monday. The Chief Minister said in his message that Guru Nanak Dev Ji has given us the message of walking on the path of social harmony and peace. Chief Minister Dhami also said that Guru Nanak ji made tireless efforts to remove discrimination, animosity and social evils from society. He said that the message of social harmony, unity and amity given by Guru Nanak Ji is more relevant today than ever before.The Chief Minister has also wished for happiness and prosperity in the lives of the people of the state on this auspicious occasion. Guru Nanak Dev was the first of ten Gurus of Sikhs and is also known for having founded Sikhism. It is one of the most significant days for the Sikhs, celebrated with utmost devotion and spiritual gatherings, along with the recitation of hymns from the 'Guru Granth Sahib', the holy scripture of the Sikhs. The day honours the wisdom imparted by Guru Nanak Dev and promotes unity and selfless service. —ANI

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to the people of the state on the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev

Uttarakhand CM Extends Greetings On Birth Anniversary Of Guru Nanak Dev

Uttarkashi: Sixteen days have passed since the Silkyara tunnel accident took place in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi, but no visible success has been achieved as several agencies with 200 employees continue rescue operations to bring out 41 workers trapped in the tunnel. After repeated interruptions in the auger machine, vertical drilling work has been started from the top of the hill from Sunday. And till now drilling up to 30 meters has been completed. Meanwhile, in a positive development, broken parts of the auger machine have been taken out. Now manual drilling work will be started here, which will proceed under the supervision of the engineering group of the Indian Army, Madras Sappers. The rat hole mining technique will be adopted for manual drilling, in which small tunnels are dug. Such tunnels are made in coal mines. Former PMO advisor Bhaskar Khulbe and PMO Deputy Secretary Mangesh Ghildiyal have reached the Silkyara tunnel site to take stock of the situation. General VK Singh (retired) also reached the site where he offered prayers in the temple of Baba Bokh Naag Devta built outside the tunnel. Two days ago, the Meteorological Department had issued a yellow alert for three days. Light snowfall has also started in Uttarkashi, which may hamper the rescue operation. Recently, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met the family of Pushkar Singh Airi, a worker from Tanakpur, who is one of the 41 workers trapped in the tunnel. During the meeting, Dhami consoled the family members. He also said that the rescue work will be completed soon and all the workers will come out soon. —IANS

Sixteen days have passed since the Silkyara tunnel accident took place in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi, but no visible success has been achieved

Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse: Up To 30 Metres Vertical Drilling Completed, Broken Parts Of Auger Machine Removed

Roorkee (The Hawk): Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) recognized outstanding Alumni through the presentation of Distinguished Alumnus Awards of 2022 on the occasion of the Institute’s Foundation Day. This recognition took place against the backdrop of the tranquil surroundings in front of the iconic Main building, creating a serene ambience for the occasion. The contributions should be self-evident to the peers in the category, namely Academic or Research Excellence, Excellence in Engineering or Technology Innovation, Excellence in Leadership in the Government or Public Sector, Excellence in Leadership in the Private Sector, Entrepreneurial Excellence, Excellence in Service to the Society. The Distinguished Young Alumnus Award (DYAA) is conferred to IIT Roorkee Alumni below 40. The Outstanding Service Awards (OSA) recognizes Excellence in Academics and Research by strengthening the IIT Roorkee community’s academic, research and development efforts. By enabling faculty and students to showcase and promote their work nationally and internationally. And by promoting Sponsored Research and Industrial Consultancy from State or Central Government or private industry. The Distinguished Alumnus Awards are given to alumni of the University of Roorkee (UOR) or IIT Roorkee (IITR) to recognize their exceptional contributions in six categories. Nominations for DAA are invited from all over the world, and anyone can submit nominations online. The Distinguished Alumnus Awards are given on Foundation Day and 25th November every year. Distinguished Alumnus Awardees: Ms. Rashmi Verma (1977 - B.E. - Chemical Engineering): Ms. Rashmi Verma is Co-Founder and currently CTO of the company, MapmyIndia. She is one of India’s first woman tech entrepreneurs. Prof. Ambrish Chandra (1977 - B.E. - Electrical Engineering): Prof. Ambrish Chandra is Full Professor of Electrical Engineering with the École de Technologie Supérieure (ÉTS), Montréal, QC, Canada, since 1999. Prof. Bharat Bhasker (1980 - B.E. – Electronics &amp; Communication Engineering): Prof. Bharat Bhasker is presently Director at IIM Ahmedabad. He obtained his Ph.D. and master’s degree in Computer Science at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, USA. Shri Kamal Bali (1981 - B.E. – Electrical Engineering): Shri Kamal Bali has been spearheading reputed Indian and multi-national organizations as CEO for twenty years, in an illustrious career spanning over four decades. Shri Vinay Kumar Tripathi (1982 - B.E. – Electrical Engineering): Shri Vinay Kumar Tripathi (1982 - B.E. – Electrical Engineering) Former Chairman, Railway Board, Ministry of Railways (from 01-01-2022 to 31-12-2022). Shri Tripathi joined Railways through Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers (IRSEE) in 1983 Batch. Shri. Harish Kumar (1993 - MSc. - Physics): Shri. Harish Kumar (1993 MSc Physics), Founder- Ability on Wheels, is a differently abled person with a passion for driving. Dr. Amit K. Gupta (2000- B.E. - Electrical Engineering): Dr. Amit K. Gupta is Head of Rolls-Royce Electrical at Rolls-Royce Singapore Pte Ltd. He is Director of the Electrical Programme at Rolls-Royce at NTU Corporate lab and Rolls-Royce Director for the Electrical Power System Integration Lab at NTU. Mr. Rajat Shikhar (2001-B.Tech.-CivilEngineering): Mr. Rajat Shikhar Co-Founder &amp; CPTO at Dealshare, has been part of the Indian e-commerce ecosystem for more than 15 years and contributed to building products and technology from e-com 1.0 to social commerce. Distinguished Young Alumnus Awardees: Mr. Saurabh Sancheti (2007 - B.Tech. - Electronics and Communication Engineering): Mr. Saurabh Sancheti Group CFO - Jio Platforms, is an accomplished business leader with a successful track record of scaling multiple businesses across media, internet, and digital platforms. Mr. Nishant Chandra (2014 - B.Tech. - Production and Industrial Engineering): Mr. Nishant Chandra, Co-Founder of Newton School, has always been driven by the idea of creating democratic educational models. Mr. Siddharth Maheshwari (2014 - B.Tech. - Computer Science Engineering): Mr. Siddharth Maheshwari is the Co-founder of Newton School. Through its unique programs, Newton School is democratizing access to tech education, breaking down financial and geographic barriers, and enabling individuals to achieve their dreams of becoming future tech leaders. Outstanding Service Awardees: Shri. Mohinder L. Nayyar (1966 - B.E. - Mechanical Engineering): Mr. Mohinder L. Nayyar (1966 BE Mechanical Engineering), is ASME Life Fellow and recipient of 2016 Distinguished Alumnus Award of IIT Roorkee, ASME Melvin J. Green Medal, the highest award in Codes and Standards, and numerous other national and international awards. Shri Pradeep Kumar Kapse (1972 - B.E. - Mechanical Engineering): Shri Pradeep Kumar Kapse (1972 BE Mechanical Engineering), Technical Advisor Eicher Motors Ltd. Started his career from Tata Motors Ltd as Graduate Apprentice Trainee in 1972 and impressed the organization to select him as executive assistant to the Director and GM. While working there, he was introduced to the chairman of Tata Motors as a young engineer. Shri B. V. R. Mohan Reddy, BoG Chairman, IIT Roorkee, expressed his deepest gratitude. He said, "Our talented alumni' choice to pursue excellence in their chosen paths through their dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to their craft is a beacon of inspiration to current students and future generations. Their accomplishments remind us why our academic institution continues to be a cradle of brilliance and a hub for fostering talent. We celebrate their extraordinary accomplishments, symbolizing the transformative power of education, resilience, and unwavering determination." Speaking on the occasion, Prof K.K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, said, "My heartfelt congratulations go out to all the awardees. Many outstanding researchers and institutions have been recognized with these awards for their Research, Engineering and Leadership excellence. Awards like these are a great way to recognize research excellence in India. By advancing the frontiers of knowledge, impactful research benefits the country and the world at large. We hope their accomplishments further inspire young researchers to pursue excellence in their respective fields." Prof. R.D. Garg, Dean of Resources &amp; Alumni Affairs, IIT Roorkee, avers, "The Distinguished Alumnus Awards ceremony organized by the institute motivates the present students vicariously to live the life they aspire to achieve in the future."

Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) recognized outstanding Alumni through the presentation of Distinguished Alumnus Awards 

IIT Roorkee Announces The Distinguished Alumnus Awards Ceremony-2022 On The Institute's 176th Foundation Day

Rudrapur (The Hawk): Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra program was organized in Gram Panchayat Malsi of Rudrapur development block for saturation of beneficiary schemes to reach the targeted beneficiaries in a timely manner. The program was welcomed by the welcome committee members Mrs. Nisha, Mrs. Sindhu, Mrs. Afroz Jahan, Mrs. Roshan Jahan and Mrs. Veer Kaur and the celebration committee member Mr. K.K. Melkani, Gram Panchayat Superintendent, Mr. Pankaj Tiwari, Rojgar Sevak, Mrs. Nisha, CRP NRLM, Mrs. Amarjeet Kaur and Dimple, ASHA worker were present in the program. Our resolve to develop India was administered to 235 beneficiaries by the village head. In the above organized program, stalls were set up by departments like Fisheries Department, Handloom Department, Sugarcane Development Department, Tube Well Department, Food Department, Ayushman Bharat, Horticulture Department, Child Development Department etc. 98 men and 127 women participated in the program organized as per Gram Panchayat Malsi. The departmental officers present during the program distributed public welfare schemes of all the departments like Atma Yojana, PMK to the beneficiaries. S.Y. Yojana, PM.Information related to schemes like Housing Scheme, etc. was provided and the schemes were widely publicized and inputs/materials were distributed on subsidy by the concerned departments to the beneficiaries on the spot. During the program, my story and experience in my words was shared by 05 farmers in Gram Panchayat Malsi. Ujjwala Yojana cards of interested beneficiaries were also made in the programme. District level nodal officer Mrs. Bhavna Joshi, Chief Horticulture Officer, Udham Singh Nagar and Mr. Manoj Yadav Village Head, Mrs. Kavita Bhatia, Horticulture Inspector, other public representatives and departmental officers etc. were present in the program

 Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra program was organized in Gram Panchayat Malsi of Rudrapur development block for saturation

Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra Programme Organized At Malsi, Rudrapur

Dehradun: The Indian Air Force on Sunday flew in 'critical DRDO equipment' in an effort to accelerate the rescue of 41 workers, who are trapped inside the collapsed portion of the under-construction Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi for over two weeks now, the IAF informed through an official release. "Responding with alacrity to the requirements of the ongoing rescue operation, late last evening the IAF flew in critical DRDO equipment to Dehradun. #HADROps," the IAF stated in its official release. Earlier, on Sunday, a plasma-cutting machine was flown to the tunnel site from Hyderabad to cut through the Auger drilling machine and its stuck blades from inside the tunnel. The process of removing the auger blades from the rubble was underway even before the new machine arrived at the tunnel site in the early hours of Sunday. Meanwhile, a safety umbrella was thrown around the Silkyara tunnel where 41 workers have been trapped for two weeks now, official sources said, adding that the umbrella ensure the protection of the rescuers. Also, as part of efforts to relieve the stress and anxiety of the workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has stepped in to provide them with a landline through which they can talk to their families. Kundan, a BSNL official, said they are in the process of sending a small landline phone to the stranded workers through the pipeline inserted to bring them out. "Through this, they will be able to talk directly to their families," he said. After a portion of the tunnel caved in on November 12, the debris falling in the 60-metre stretch on the Silkyara side of the tunnel trapped 41 labourers inside the under-construction structure. —ANI

The Indian Air Force on Sunday flew in 'critical DRDO equipment' in an effort to accelerate the rescue of 41 workers, who are trapped inside

Uttarakhand Tunnel Rescue: IAF Flies In 'Critical DRDO Equipment' To Uttarkashi

Uttarkashi: A day after the ongoing efforts to rescue 41 trapped workers from the collapsed portion of the under-construction Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi hit fresh hurdles, micro-tunnelling expert Chris Cooper on Sunday said the rescuers were removing smaller as well as bigger pieces of debris from the auger machine stuck inside the tunnel. Speaking to ANI on Sunday, Cooper also shed light on the efficiency of the plasma-cutting machine flown in from Hyderabad in the early hours of Sunday to put some speed into the ongoing process of removing the debris that separates the rescuers from the trapped workers. "We are still in the process of removing the Auger (driller) from inside the tunnel. The plasma machine will help us in this task as it will cut through the steel (blades stuck in the rubble) faster. The plasma machine cuts the steel much faster," Cooper told ANI. On how much time it will take to remove the auger blades and the machine from the rubble, the micro-tunneling expert said, "We do not know. It depends. Sometimes we get smaller pieces out. Sometimes we get bigger pieces out." The plasma cutter, specially requisitioned and flown in from Hyderabad to aid the process of removing the heavy-duty drilling machine and the stuck auger blades from inside the tunnel, was put to work on Sunday morning. The process of removing the Auger from the debris was underway even before the plasma cutter arrived on Sunday. Earlier, on Saturday, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) member, Lt General (retd) Syed Ata Hasnain, said there has been no progress in the last 24 hours in the drilling work to rescue the 41 trapped workers inside the Uttarkashi tunnel. The NDMA member said a portion of the US-made Auger machine was broken, blocking the potential escape route for the workers. "The current update is that (in) the last 24 hours, there hasn't been any movement within this bore tunnel that was being made for the rescue. This is because the Auger machine itself has had a bit of an accident. A portion of it (has actually) broken, and that broken portion has to be pulled out (of the escape pipe)," Hasnain told ANI. Meanwhile, a protection umbrella was laid inside the Silkyara tunnel to ensure the safety of the rescuers, who have stuck to the task of extracting the trapped workers for over two weeks now, official sources said. After a portion of the tunnel caved in on November 12, the debris falling in the 60-metre stretch on the Silkyara side of the tunnel trapped 41 labourers inside the under-construction structure. —ANI

A day after the ongoing efforts to rescue 41 trapped workers from the collapsed portion of the under-construction Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi

'Plasma Cutter To Aid Removal Of Auger Machine, Blades From Debris': Micro-Tunneling Expert Amid Uttarkashi Rescue Ops

Uttarkashi: "I don't want my son to work further in the tunnel", says a grieving Chaudhary, father of Manjeet, one of the 41 workers trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi. A resident of Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh, the 50-year-old Chaudhary is suffering from vision loss in one of his eyes. Manjeet, 22 years old, has been trapped in the Silkyara Tunnel since November 12. During the day, a Magna Rod cutter machine has been deployed to speed up the rescue the drilling operation, an ONGC official said. The development comes after a plasma cutter machine flown from Hyderabad to cut the auger machine got stuck in the debris of the Silkyara tunnel, officials said. Chaudhary said that he does not want his son Manjeet to take up this work again after he is rescued anytime soon. Chaudhary said, "Manjeet's mother, sister and locals are praying to see Manjeet come out safely and return to his village. We will do farming, animal husbandry or start a small business at home." Chaudhary has already lost his elder son Deepu (22) in a bridge construction accident in Mumbai. The family is finding it hard to keep both ends meet as Manjeet is the sole breadwinner for the family. Choudhary added that he will do something else even at the age of 50, "but he wants his son to live with him in the house now." After a portion of the tunnel caved in on November 12, the debris falling in the 60-metre stretch on the Silkyara side of the tunnel trapped 41 labourers inside the under-construction structure. —ANI

"I don't want my son to work further in the tunnel", says a grieving Chaudhary, father of Manjeet, one of the 41 workers

'I Do Not Want My Son To Work In Tunnel,' Says Father Of Uttar Pradesh Worker Trapped In Uttarakhand Tunnel

Champawat (U'khand): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has said that the Tanakpur bus stand in Champawat will be built according to international standards. "The Tanakpur bus stand will be constructed according to international standards. The first phase involves an investment of Rs 56 crore. Tanakpur attracts visitors from across the country. After Haridwar, Tanakpur is the second-highest place that attracts tourists in Uttarakhand. In the second phase, we will build a shopping complex, parking, and entertainment facilities. This bus stand should serve as a role model for our state," said Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami at Tanakpur. Earlier in the day, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met with the family of Pushkar Singh Airi, a worker from Tanakpur who has been trapped in the Silkyara tunnel for the last 15 days. The efforts to rescue the 41 workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel on the Uttarkashi-Yamnotri road are still underway. He said that manual drilling would begin after the auger machine was cut and brought out. "The plasma machine that has been brought from Hyderabad has started working since this morning. The cutting is going on rapidly. 14 metres more remain (to be cut)," he said. "The auger machine has to be cut and brought out. It seems that it will be completed soon, within a few more hours. After that, manual drilling will begin," CM Dhami added. A plasma cutter machine was flown from Hyderabad to cut the auger machine early this morning. Also, the Indian Air Force earlier today said that it flew in 'critical DRDO equipment' to Dehradun to accelerate the ongoing rescue operation. A protection umbrella is being laid inside the Silkyara tunnel to put up protection for the rescue team, official sources said. Apart from that, as part of efforts to provide assurance to 41 workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel and relieve their stress, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) stepped in to provide them with a landline through which they can talk to their families.—ANI

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has said that the Tanakpur bus stand in Champawat 

Tanakpur Bus Stand To Serve As Role Model For Uttarakhand, Says CM Dhami

Dehradun: Dr Nitin Upadhyay, the nodal officer of Uttarakhand Film Development Council, has given a presentation on a knowledge series on the topic of film shooting and investment in the film industry in Uttarakhand. Dr Upadhyay said, "The film industry is being promoted in the state under the direction of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Work is being done to create a 360-degree ecosystem for the film industry in the state, in which the three T's of talent, training and technology are being encouraged." He added, "For this purpose, a new film policy of the state has been proposed. In the new proposed film policy, opportunities are being opened for investment in the film industry sector. In this, special grants and facilities will be given for the establishment of a film city, the establishment of film institutes, the establishment of new shooting studios and the establishment of new production houses." Dr Upadhyay presented the direction of CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, he said that Global Investors Summit 2023 is being organized in the coming month of December, in which investors are being invited to invest in various sectors. There is immense potential for film production and film industry in the state of Uttarakhand for film producers and directors. On developing film industries in Uttarakhand, Dr Upadhyay said that the subsidy that has been given to Hindi films is being increased by a large amount. OTT/Web Series and TV series are also being brought under the ambit of subsidy. He said that Uttarakhand is connected to all the major cities of the country by road, rail and air. Single window clearance has been arranged for shooting permission. Single window clearance has been arranged for shooting permission. Dr Upadhyay invited all the film producers, directors, film writers and various people associated with the film industry to invest in the film industry sector in the state. Information about film shooting and film investment was taken by more than 100 film producers, directors, film writers and various people associated with the film genre at the Uttarakhand Pavilion of the 54th International Indian Film Festival 2023, which included Russia, Bangladesh, Apart from England and South Africa, information was obtained from film producers, directors, film writers and various people associated with the film genre from states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Gujarat, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Jharkhand etc. —ANI

Dr Nitin Upadhyay, the nodal officer of Uttarakhand Film Development Council, has given a presentation on a knowledge series

Uttarakhand Official Presents A Knowledge Series On Film Shooting

Roorkee (The Hawk): In a spectacular display of academic prowess and innovation, we gather not just to mark the 176th anniversary of Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee), but to embrace a holistic approach to education and innovation. Our journey begins with the recognition that knowledge-sharing is not confined within the walls of our classrooms. It extends beyond as IIT Roorkee recently concludes its transformative event, "Empowering India: Nurturing Education, Innovation, and Cultural Legacy," at the Chemical Auditorium on the November 24, 2023. Far more than a conventional gathering, the event at IIT Roorkee unfolded as a celebration of knowledge, innovation, and the vibrant cultural tapestry of India. It is not merely an institution; it is a conduit, a bridge that connects the earliest learners to the seasoned professionals, all working together towards a brighter, more innovative tomorrow. IIT Roorkee is a pioneering institution dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, and contributing to the socio-economic development of the nation. The institute's events and initiatives reflect its commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a culture of learning and collaboration. At IIT Roorkee, our holistic approach is visible not only in higher education but also at the foundational levels of our society - our schools. In the junior, secondary, and senior secondary classes, seeds of curiosity are planted, and sparks of innovation are ignited. On the day of the event, we witnessed the participation of students from various schools, such as ABN and Army Public School, in events like the Poster Making Competition/Hackathon unveiled the transformative power of their creativity. Recognizing the importance of a continuous learning curve, IIT Roorkee acknowledges the knowledge gained at school level forms the bedrock for the educational journey ahead. The carefully selected themes of our competitions, spanning India's culture, climate change, agriculture, and heritage, aim to instill a sense of responsibility, citizenship, and environmental guardianship which aligns itself effortlessly with the National Education Policy and the Prime Minister's vision of Atmananirbhar Bharat. Exploring the National Education Policy and addressing themes like "Bridging the skills gap," we affirmed that the transformation of education and innovation is a collective responsibility. This educational journey does not stop within our hallowed halls; it extends into the wider landscape of higher education institutions. Our commitment to knowledge-sharing and responsibility becomes the thread that weaves through the fabric of academia-industry collaboration. A key moment of significance during the event on academia-industry collaboration was the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involving CRISP, NIT UK, Damodar Valley Corporation, and Lumax. This collaborative effort signifies a substantial leap towards fostering educational and innovative initiatives and improving the sustainability of industrial operations, marking a crucial stride in the growth trajectory of Uttarakhand. Renowned figures from both academia and the corporate sector, including Prof. K K Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, Prof. U. P. Singh, Deputy Director, IIT Roorkee, Prof. Lalit Kumar Awasthi, Director, NIT Uttarakhand, Director, CRISP, Mr. Dinesh Kalra, Executive Vice President, Lumax, Ms. Sonia Garg, CEO, Forace, Prof. Apurbba Kumar Sharma, DAA, IIT Roorkee, Prof. AkshayDvivedi, Dean SRIC, IIT Roorkee, Prof. Harsh Chauhan, Associate Professor, BSBE, IITR, Sidharth Arora, Founder, Fermentech Labs Pvt. Ltd. ,Prof Roop Bhushan Kalia, Founder, Virbhadra Implants, Mr. Azam Ali Khan, CEO, TIDES, faculty members of the respective institutions, industry partners and students from the schools/colleges in Uttarakhand graced the event. Prof. Vivek Kumar Malik, Associate Dean Innovation and Incubation, Prof. Sai Ram Mekadu, Associate Dean Corporate Interactions, Prof. Rajat Agrawal, Prof. Dheeraj K Kathod, Prof. Kritika Kothari and other distinguished faculty members and students of IIT Roorkee were also present. Furthermore, the team of Sponsored Research and Industrial Consultancy (SRIC) also played a strong and potent role in organising the event. Mr. Vishal Tiwari, Dr. Mini Namdeo, Ms. Shinjinee Mishra, Ms. Pooja Thakur, Dr. Sushma Sanasam, Miss Chava Jahnavi, Mr. Piyush Pandey, Mr. Vikrant and Mr. Zaib were among them. Prof. K. K. Pant, Director IIT Roorkee emphasized the commendable creativity and enthusiasm exhibited by young minds in preserving Uttarakhand's rich cultural heritage. He stated, "Seeing young minds with a lot of creativity and enthusiasm to preserve the culture and heritage of Uttarakhand is commendable. The future is in their hands, and this event has already generated the spirit among the youth. Thank you, and let the spirit of knowledge and responsibility illuminate our path forward. Together, let us empower the present and shape a future we can all be proud of." He further added, “It is the momentous occasion that brought together various stakeholders in education, innovation, and industry collaboration. The event showcased the institute's commitment to a holistic approach to education and its role in fostering academic excellence, a sense of responsibility, citizenship, and environmental guardianship among students." Ms. Sonia Garg, CEO, Forace, highlighted,"Forace is delighted to participate in this dynamic event at IIT Roorkee, where academia and industry converge to shape the educational landscape. Our commitment to education and innovation aligns seamlessly with the vision of creating an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Together with IIT Roorkee, we look forward to nurturing talent, driving positive change, and empowering the youth to become the leaders of tomorrow." Mr. Dinesh Kalra, Executive Vice President, Lumax also shared insights, stating,"At Lumax, we are honored to be part of this transformative event at IIT Roorkee. Collaborating with esteemed institutions underlines our commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability. This partnership reflects Lumax's dedication to advancing education and contributing to the growth of Uttarakhand, ultimately paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future." The Technology &amp;Startups Exhibition served as a dynamic platform, showcasing students' work, technological advancements, and startup initiatives. The event's atmosphere was further enriched by the inclusion of the Army's weapons display and Khadi stalls by Anushruti and Asmita, among others, symbolizing the diversity and richness of Uttarakhand's cultural legacy. Asmita represents the radiant essence of IIT Roorkee's women, illuminating the paths of women in our community and Anushruti is an Academy for the Deaf where differently able students are shaped and nurtured here through a dedicated team of teachers’ special educators, staff members, student volunteers, faculty, IIT Roorkee Alumni, our well-wishers and the Management Committee. Poster making and presentation competitions for students from Class 6th to 12th from ABN School and Army Public School, Roorkee, provided a canvas for young minds to express their creativity and innovative ideas. Esteemed judges added credibility and encouragement, allowing students to artistically convey their impressions of Uttarakhand's heritage and culture. A notable session delving into the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on memory management, led by industry experts from Micron, emphasized the crucial role of cutting-edge technologies in shaping the future of education and innovation. Simultaneously, the results of the Hackathon 1st Round and Video Competition, both submitted online, were officially released, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. The event's success speaks volumes about IIT Roorkee's unwavering commitment to academic excellence. Beyond being a testament to this commitment, the success marks a significant stride towards empowering Uttarakhand and nurturing the boundless potential of young minds. The collaborative efforts and discussions held during the event are anticipated to leave a lasting impact on the educational and innovative landscape in the region. This continuum exemplifies the holistic approach we embrace, acknowledging that the synergy between academia and industry that propels our nation's economy forward.

In a spectacular display of academic prowess and innovation, we gather not just to mark the 176th anniversary of Indian Institute of Technology

Inam Ansari

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