New Delhi (The Hawk): Union Minister for Environment and Labour &amp; Employment Shri Bhupender Yadav on Tuesday night presented the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2021 to Falguni Nayar, the founder of Nykaa, who built a Unicorn start-up by disrupting a brick-and-mortar industry by taking the digital route to sell beauty products. Ms. Nayar will now represent India at the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year Award in June 2022.Presenting the award at a ceremony in Mumbai, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav said “it is great to see that this year, EY Awards has 21 Finalists with combined revenues of Rs 1.87 lakh crores, who collectively employ more than 2.6 lakh people; this is a testimony of nation’s entrepreneurial talent”.Highlighting&nbsp;the growth of the Start-up sector in India, Shri Yadav remarked “capitalizing on demographic dividend and government’s initiatives enabling the start-up system, India’s youth has taken the nation to the Top 3 in the world.” The Minister informed that India is home to 94 Unicorns with a total valuation of approximately US $ 320 bn. Shri Yadav further said that during the times of uncertainty, Indian entrepreneurs have continued to demonstrate strong resilience and an excellent ability to adapt to changes and challenges during Covid19 pandemic.The Minister informed that the Government has announced Rs 6,000 crore RAMP (Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance) Programme to scale up the businesses of MSMEs. He added that one of the thrust areas of the programme is to increase the participation of female entrepreneurs. Shri Yadav further said ‘the digital ecosystem created by our government with a focus on digital inclusion through 5G and investment in technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and infrastructure will continue strengthening the development of entrepreneurship across the country’.Union Minister Shri Yadav and Minister of State for Finance Dr. Bhagwat Karad, also presented awards in 9 other categories. Shri A M Naik, Group Chairman of Larsen &amp; Toubro was honoured with Life Time Achievement Award. The winners were selected by a nine member Jury under the chairmanship of eminent banker Shri K V Kamath. The EY Entrepreneur Awards were launched in India in 1999 with the objective of celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit and sharing the inspiring stories of successful Indian entrepreneurs.Government of India has been proactively supporting innovation and entrepreneurship development in the country with a variety of schemes like Start-up India, Atal Innovation Mission, eBiz Portal, NewGen Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre among others. Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has recognized more than 60 thousand start-ups representing 55 industries, spread across 633 districts that have created over 6 lakh jobs since 2016.

Union Minister for Environment and Labour & Employment Shri Bhupender Yadav on Tuesday night presented the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2021 to Falguni Nayar, the founder of Nykaa, who built a Unicorn start-up by disrupting a brick-and-mortar industry by taking the digital route to sell beauty products. Ms. Nayar will now represent India at the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year Award in June 2022.

'India's Vibrant Start-Up Eco-System Is A Testimony Of Nation’s Entrepreneurial Talent': Bhupender

New Delhi (The Hawk): The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya in New Delhi today.&nbsp;Union Minister for Culture, Tourism and DoNER Shri G.K Reddy; Minister of state for Culture and External Affairs Smt. Meenakashi Lekhi , Union Minister of State for Culture and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal; Chairperson of the executive council of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML), Shri Nripendra Mishra; family members of former Prime Ministers and a large number of other dignitaries&nbsp;were also present on the occasion .Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister noted various festivals being celebrated today. He also paid tributes to Babasaheb Ambedkar and said “the Constitution of which Babasaheb was the main architect, that constitution gave us the basis of the Parliamentary system. The main responsibility of this Parliamentary system has been on the office of the Prime Minister of the country. It is my good fortune that today I have got the opportunity to dedicate the Prime Minister's Museum to the nation.” He also acknowledged and greeted the families of the past Prime Ministers present on the occasion.The Prime Minster emphasized “When the country is celebrating the Amrit Mahotsav of Independence, then this museum has come as a grand inspiration. In these 75 years, the country has seen many proud moments. The importance of these moments in the window of history is incomparable.”The Prime Minister reiterated his appreciation of the contribution of all the governments since Independence . He said “Every government formed in independent India has contributed in taking the country to the height it is at today. I have repeated this thing many times from Red Fort also.” The Prime Minister said that the museum has also become a living reflection of the shared heritage of each government” Every Prime Minister of the country has contributed immensely towards achieving of the goals of constitutional democracy, the Prime Minister continued. “To remember them is to know the journey of independent India. People coming here will be familiar with the contribution of the former Prime Ministers of the country, their background, their struggles and creations”, he added.The Prime Minister expressed pride in the fact that many of the Prime Ministers came from ordinary families. Fact of such leaders coming from extremely poor, farmer families reaching the position of the Prime Minister strengthens the faith in Indian democracy and its traditions, he said. “It also gives confidence to the youth of the country that even a person born in a ordinary family can reach the highest positions in the democratic system of India”, said shri Modi. The Prime Minister hoped that the museum will expand the experience of the young generation. The more our youth knows about key occasions of Independent India, the more relevant will be their decisions, he said.Recalling the rich history and prosperous era of India, the Prime Minister laid stress on spreading awareness about the correct picture of India’s heritage and present. He said the government’s efforts to bring back the stolen heritage from abroad, celebrating places of the glorious heritage, preserving memories of the freedom fighters in places like Jalianwala Memorial, PanchTeerth commemorating Babasaheb, Freedom Fighter Museum, tribal history museum are steps in that direction.<img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image002QOF2.jpg">&nbsp;<img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image003MD6G.jpg">&nbsp;<img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image004QT4O.jpg">&nbsp;<img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image005JYEG.jpg">On the occasion, Union Minister Shri G.K Reddy said “Today is the birth anniversary of Father of the Indian Constitution, Shri B. R Ambedkar. The Constitution, given by Babasaheb, was adopted on 26th&nbsp;January 1950, but its implementation in its true essence has taken place only after the removal of Article 370 in 2019”.He also added,&nbsp;“The inauguration of the museum today celebrates the beauty of India and its rich democratic traditions”. The Culture Minister also added&nbsp;“By virtue of India being a true and vibrant democracy, today, a man from an ordinary family is the Prime Minister of this country and has shown exemplary leadership. This is the symbol of power, importance and great strength of this country's democracy”.&nbsp;Shri&nbsp;Nripendra Misra, Chairperson of the executive council of NMML, in his welcome address said that this&nbsp;Sangrahalaya&nbsp;will be identified as the House of Democracy in days to come. Vice Chairman of execute council of NMML,Shri A. Surya Prakash delivered the vote of thanks.The Pradhan Mantri&nbsp;Sangrahalaya&nbsp;is a tribute to every Prime Minister of India since independence and a narrative record of how each has contributed to the development of the nation . The Pradhanmantri&nbsp;Sangrahalaya&nbsp;has employed technology based interfaces to encompass heterogeneity in content and frequent rotation of display.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya in New Delhi today.

PM Modi inaugurates Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya in New Delhi

New Delhi:&nbsp;Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Saturday night that he has spoken with Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal over the violence that broke out in northwest Delhi’s Jahangirpuri area. “Spoke to the LG. He assured that all steps are being taken to ensure peace and that the guilty will not be spared,” Kejriwal said. Violence broke out in Jahangirpuri on Saturday after stones were pelted at a procession taken out on the occasion Hanuman Jayanti. Several police personnel have been reportedly injured, while some vehicles have also been torched. “The incident of stone pelting on the procession is highly condemnable. Strict action should be taken against those who are guilty. I appeal to all people — keep peace by holding each other’s hand,” Kejriwal tweeted. “I appeal to everyone to maintain peace as the country can not progress without it. The Central government has the responsibility to maintain peace in the national capital; appeal to people to maintain peace,” he said. Meanwhile, Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana has said that the situation is under control and adequate forces have been deployed in the area. —IANS

 Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Saturday night that he has spoken with Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal over the violence that broke out in northwest Delhi’s Jahangirpuri area.

LG Assured All Steps Being Taken To Ensure Peace, Says Kejriwal

Mumbai: As iconic musician Ustad Amjad Ali Khan is gearing up for his new fundraiser concert in Mumbai, titled 'Morning Raga' with the intent to maintain and sustain his 'Sarod Ghar' museum - the classical instrumentalist emphasises on the importance of the museum to keep our heritage alive for future generations.Sarod Ghar is located in Gwalior, the ancestral house of Khan's family who came from Kabul and settled in Gwalior state and received patronage of the Maharaja of Gwalior back then.The idea of turning his ancestral house into a museum came from his visit to the birthplace of Beethoven in Germany.Khan told IANS: "I think in our country, the museum culture is still not happening as much as that of the western world, especially for musicians. I know Tagore's heritage has been protected and people still can go to the museum can see his handwritten notes, and used things but at the same time, we could not preserve everything of Mirza Ghalib.&nbsp;"When I visited that museum with my wife and saw how Beethoven's first piano, all his used things were preserved so nicely it left me with teary eyes. We also have greats in our country...why not preserve our music heritage?"He came back to India with the thought and with the assistance and support of the government, he turned the house into a museum.Interestingly, another veteran filmmaker-poet-lyricist Gulzar made a documentary on the house before it turned into a museum.Khan mentioned that apart from some of the special instruments like that of his first baby sarod and other musical instruments used by his father Ustad Haafiz Ali Khan, there are many musicians who also donated their instruments."There are multiple iconic musicians who have contributed to our museum. For instance, Bade Gulam Ali Khan saab's Swarmandal is given by his grandson to our museum, we kept it as his memory, on display there. We have the tabla of Ustad Kishan Maharaj, Zakir Hussain. Pandit V G Jog has given the violin of Ustad Alauddin Khan saab because saab used to play violin also. Humara Sarod Ghar yaadon ka khazaana hai," Khan shared.While one of the easiest and most common ways to sustain a huge heritage property is to turn them into a heritage hotel, Khan also expressed his emotional reason behind turning it into a museum."Well, I was born in that house, learn music from my Abbaji from there...my journey of music, my ibadaat has started from that house. Yes, I was given the suggestion of turning it into a heritage hotel because it is commercially more profitable. But our 'Sarod Ghar' is also my guru ghar, my Abba's ghar. This is my guru dakshina to my forefathers and also sharing the ocean of music heritage to the children of the next generation."As the name suggests 'Morning Raga', the artist also mentioned the thought behind arranging the concert in the early morning, where even Gulzar saab is planning to grace the occasion."We classical musicians are still maintaining the tradition of playing ragas according to its time; as in, morning raga in the morning and evening ragas like Yaman Kalyan, Darbari among others - in the evening. Since most of the concerts took place in the evening, as artists we rarely play some of our beautiful morning ragas in concerts," he said.He continued, "Of course, you can hear them on the internet, CDs, DVDs...but listening to a morning raga live, as the sun grows and mood changes along with it is a different kind of beauty altogether."The concert 'Morning Raga' will take place at the Royal Opera House in Mumbai on May 1. —IANS

As iconic musician Ustad Amjad Ali Khan is gearing up for his new fundraiser concert in Mumbai, titled 'Morning Raga' with the intent to maintain and sustain his 'Sarod Ghar' museum - the classical instrumentalist emphasises on the importance of the museum to keep our heritage alive for future generations.

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan Says His Museum Aims At Preserving India's Musical Heritage

As iconic musician Ustad Amjad Ali Khan is gearing up for his new fundraiser concert in Mumbai, titled 'Morning Raga' with the intent to maintain and sustain his 'Sarod Ghar' museum - the classical instrumentalist emphasises on the importance of the museum to keep our heritage alive for future generations.





New Delhi (The Hawk): Lieutenant General Baggavalli Somashekar Raju will take over as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff on 01 May 2022. An alumnus of Sainik School Bijapur and National Defence Academy, he was commissioned in the JAT Regiment on 15th December 1984. He commanded his Battalion during OP PARAKRAM in the Western Theatre and in Jammu &amp; Kashmir. He also holds the distinction of commanding the Uri brigade along the Line of Control, a Counter Insurgency Force and the Chinar Corps in the Kashmir Valley. The General Officer also served as the Commandant, Indian Military Training Team in Bhutan. During his illustrious career spanning 38 years, he has tenanted many important regimental, staff and instructional appointments in the Army Head Quarters and in field formations to include, Colonel Military Secretary Legal in Military Secretary branch, Brigadier General Staff of the operationally active White Knight Corps, Deputy Director General Military Operations &amp; Director General Staff Duties.Prior to taking over as&nbsp;the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, the General Officer was tenanting the appointment of Director General Military Operations during the standoff on the LAC.&nbsp;The General officer is a qualified helicopter pilot having carried out operational flying in Somalia, as part of UNOSOM II. He is is also the Colonel of the JAT Regiment.Lt Gen Raju has attended all important career courses in India and has had the privilege of doing his NDC at Royal College of Defence Studies, United Kingdom. He also holds a distinguished Master's programme degree in Counter Terrorism at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, United States. For his illustrious contribution to the service, he has been awarded Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Yudh Seva Medal.

 Lieutenant General Baggavalli Somashekar Raju will take over as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff on 01 May 2022. An alumnus of Sainik School Bijapur and National Defence Academy, he was commissioned in the JAT Regiment on 15th December 1984. He commanded his Battalion during OP PARAKRAM in the Western Theatre and in Jammu & Kashmir. 

Lt Gen Raju To Take Over As Vice Chief Of The Army Staff  May 1	

 Lieutenant General Baggavalli Somashekar Raju will take over as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff on 01 May 2022. An alumnus of Sainik School Bijapur and National Defence Academy, he was commissioned in the JAT Regiment on 15th December 1984. He commanded his Battalion during OP PARAKRAM in the Western Theatre and in Jammu & Kashmir. 



 

New Delhi: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a tour of three European nations, India on Sunday once again called for the cessation of hostilities in Ukraine and resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, noting that was an appreciation of its position on the crisis by its partner countries.At a media briefing, newly appointed Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra underlined the 'context, clarity, importance and positive dimension' of India's position on Ukraine and asserted that there should not be any doubt about it. On his first trip abroad this year, Modi will embark on a three-day visit to Germany, Denmark and France beginning Monday amid the ongoing crisis in Ukraine."Our position on Ukraine has been clear. First, there should be a cessation of hostilities; second, a solution must be found out through dialogue and diplomacy," he said, adding this view has been conveyed very clearly to various countries. The foreign secretary said the visit is focused on expanding India's bilateral ties with the three European nations in a range of areas including trade and investment, clean energy, digital technology and defence, and added that the Ukraine issue will figure in the talks as part of discussions on regional and global developments.He said India's international partners have an understanding of its standpoint on Ukraine and they even have a deep appreciation for it.Kwatra said discussions on energy security will be one of the key areas of discussion during Modi's visit as it has assumed greater significance in the current circumstances.There has been a wider debate and discussion in Europe over ending dependence on its reliance on Russian energy in view of its attack on Ukraine.The foreign secretary talked about the 'changing elements' of energy security, its impact on developing countries like India, the challenges in the sector and the mitigation of the challenges."I am sure this would constitute one of the elements in the overall discussions. But naturally one single item would not define what the structure of the discussions would be," he said.Kwatra said Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will co-chair the 6th India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) on Monday.It will be followed by a high-level roundtable where Modi and Scholz will interact with the top CEOs of both countries.Modi is also scheduled to interact with the Indian diaspora in Germany."The meeting between the two leaders would provide an excellent platform not only to strengthen the existing multi-faceted bilateral partnership but to also shape and develop an ambitious agenda of cooperation for months and years ahead including in the field of the development partnership, green agenda, trade and investment linkages," Kwatra said.German Chancellor Scholz is scheduled to host Modi at a private dinner.From Germany, Modi will travel to Copenhagen at the invitation of the Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.He will also participate in the second India-Nordic summit being hosted by Denmark.Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and a number of other senior Union ministers are expected to accompany Modi to Germany as the format of the IGC mandates direct talks between senior ministers from the two sides on cooperation in specific areas.In Denmark, Modi is scheduled to hold separate bilateral talks with leaders of Norway, Sweeden, Iceland and Finland."The prime minister's first visit in 2022 factors an ambitious and substantial agenda packed into an intense schedule...The principal purpose of the visit is for India to continue to strengthen its multi-dimensional multi-faceted partnerships with key countries of Europe," the foreign secretary said.On May 4, Modi will have a brief stopover in Paris on his return journey where he will hold extensive talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, who was re-elected to the top post last week."Modi's visit to France will provide an opportunity to carry forward high-level engagement between the two countries following the French presidential election," Kwatra said."Both countries have continuously nurtured and delivered on the ambition of their strategic partnership," he said.Asked whether the Ukraine crisis will figure in his talks with the European leaders, Kwatra said: "When the prime minister interfaces with the leaders, naturally issues of regional and global importance would also figure in the discussions.""But the principal focus of the visit is to structure and strengthen bilateral partnership across a range of areas.. and exchange perspectives on Ukraine issues."The foreign secretary also said that it would not be correct for him to comment on the position of each of these countries on the Ukraine issue.Reflecting the EU's tough approach in dealing with the Russian aggression, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said at the Raisina Dialogue on Monday that Europe will make sure that Moscow's 'unprovoked and unjustified' aggression against Ukraine will be a 'strategic failure'.India has not yet publicly condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine and has been calling for the resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.—PTI

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a tour of three European nations, India on Sunday once again called for the cessation of hostilities in Ukraine and resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, noting that was an appreciation of its position on the crisis by its partner countries.  At a media briefing, newly appointed Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra underlined the 'context, clarity, importance and positive dimension' of India's position on Ukraine and asserted that there should not be any doubt about it. 

PM Modi To Discuss Stand On Ukraine During Europe Visit

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a tour of three European nations, India on Sunday once again called for the cessation of hostilities in Ukraine and resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, noting that was an appreciation of its position on the crisis by its partner countries.
At a media briefing, newly appointed Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra underlined the 'context, clarity, importance and positive dimension' of India's position on Ukraine and asserted that there should not be any doubt about it. 



Germany: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here on Monday on the first leg of his three-nation Europe trip during which he will hold detailed bilateral discussions with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and co-chair the India-Germany inter-governmental consultations. Landed in Berlin. Today, I will be holding talks with Chancellor @OlafScholz, interacting with business leaders and addressing a community programme. I am confident this visit will boost the friendship between India and Germany, Modi tweeted soon after his arrival. Modi and Olaf will co-chair the 6th India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC). In his departure statement, Modi had said that his visit to Berlin will be an opportunity to hold detailed bilateral discussions with Chancellor Scholz, whom he met at G20 last year in his previous capacity as Vice-Chancellor and Finance Minister. "We will co-chair the 6th India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC), a unique biennial format which India conducts only with Germany,” he said. "I see this IGC as an early engagement with the new government in Germany, within six months of its formation, which will be helpful to identify our priorities for the medium and long term,” he added. In 2021, India and Germany commemorated 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations and have been strategic partners since 2000, Modi said. "I look forward to exchanging views with Chancellor Scholz on strategic, regional and global developments that concern us both,” the Prime Minister said. The two leaders will also address a high-level roundtable where they will interact with top CEOs of both countries. "The long-standing commercial ties between India and Germany form one of the pillars of our Strategic Partnership, and Chancellor Scholz and I will also jointly address a Business Roundtable with the goal of energising our industry to industry cooperation, which will help strengthen the post-Covid economic recovery in both countries,” Modi said. Modi is also scheduled to interact with the Indian diaspora in Germany. "Continental Europe is home to over one million persons of Indian origin, and Germany has a significant proportion of this Diaspora. The Indian Diaspora is an important anchor in our relations with Europe and therefore I will take the opportunity of my visit to the continent to meet our brothers and sisters there,” the Prime Minister had said. From Berlin, Modi will travel to Copenhagen on May 3 where he will have a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Frederiksen during which the two leaders would review the progress in India’s unique Green Strategic Partnership’ with Denmark, as well as other aspects of bilateral relations. He will also participate in the India-Denmark Business Roundtable as well as interact with the Indian community in Denmark. Apart from the bilateral engagements with Denmark, Modi will also take part in the 2nd India-Nordic Summit along with Prime Ministers of Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Norway where they will take stock of cooperation since the First India-Nordic Summit in 2018. On May 4, Modi during a brief stopover in Paris will hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, who was re-elected as French president. Government sources have said that in his first visit abroad this year, Prime Minister Modi will have 25 hectic engagements in his three-day trip to as many countries where he will be spending around 65 hours.—PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here on Monday on the first leg of his three-nation Europe trip during which he will hold detailed bilateral discussions with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and co-chair the India-Germany inter-governmental consultations.

PM Modi arrives in Germany on first leg of three-nation Europe trip

Jammu: To make the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) more efficient, effective and focused in its operations, the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Council (AC), which met under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, approved the proposal of Housing and Urban Development Department to reorganise the corporation, officials said on Thursday. The decision has been taken in consideration of the fact that JMC has grown from an initial number of 23 wards covering an area of 32 sq km to 71 wards spread over 112 sq km, without any corresponding increase in its manpower or infrastructure. Currently, against the total sanctioned strength of 2,623 posts, 1,540 regular employees are in position, whereas 1,741 workers have been outsourced with additional 724 on casual/contractual arrangement. The annual expenditure incurred by JMC on this account is Rs 106.81 crore. Post reorganisation, the JMC will have dedicated wings for administration, revenue, health and sanitation, solid waste management, building, accounts and planning, legal, veterinary, transport, informatics, engineering, floriculture and miscellaneous activities. Accordingly, some positions will be outsourced with the twin objective of hiring the staff as per requirement without much stress on the resources and ensuring association of technical experts with the corporation. Further, to provide fillip to the agency's revenue generation towards establishing a self-sustainable model of local governance, JMC will also be able to levy property tax; revise building permission fee; revise rent in respect of shops, open spaces and buildings; rationalise existing fleet/vehicles; auction materials; levy charges in respect of water filling; collect tower fee; enhance compounding fee in respect of impounded items and goods, among others. The Administrative Council also approved an additional financial grant of Rs 3.26 crore per annum for optimal functioning of the Jammu Municipal Corporation.—IANS

To make the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) more efficient, effective and focused in its operations, the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Council (AC), which met under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, approved the proposal of Housing and Urban Development Department to reorganise the corporation, officials said on Thursday.

J&K Administrative Council Overhauls JMC

To make the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) more efficient, effective and focused in its operations, the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Council (AC), which met under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, approved the proposal of Housing and Urban Development Department to reorganise the corporation, officials said on Thursday.






New Delhi : Sarees and fabrics are generally passed on as heirlooms in our culture. Heavy, pure fabrics, heavy suits, sarees, and wedding lehengas -- mostly women tend to preserve these and pass them on to the next generation. These are special and hold a lot of memories which are often difficult to part with.But, how often are we able to use those old clothes due to changing fashion? With new styles and trends coming in almost every season, it gets very difficult to wear the same outfit again and again.How about we find a way to preserve them and also reuse them in a way that they don't get wasted and are also used efficiently? Interesting, right? Recycling old clothes into table runners, new clothes, cushion covers -- is not a new phenomenon. People have been doing it for ages. It is sustainable, economical and extremely cool to reuse, re-purpose and recycle. Change the utility of the garment as per your need and make the most out of it. Keep reading to know some innovative ideas for re-purposing salwar suits instead of discarding them.The scope of recycling expands significantly when it comes to something as encompassing as a salwar suit. Re-purposing vintage salwar suits can become a very fascinating and versatile DIY project.Namrata Agarwal, Founder and CEO of Chinaya Banaras, shares some cool tips to reuse old outfits.Mix and match and reuse the entire outfit: While salwar suits are mostly sold as a set -- shirt, dupatta, and a bottom; the current trend of wearing mismatched or contrasting outfits gives a scope of using each element of a salwar suit in a different outfit and create three more outfits!Match your kurta with a different bottom and change the whole look. Add a different coloured dupatta to your existing suit and you have a new outfit. These small steps can give you a new look without burning a hole in your pocket and also reusing an existing garment. Did someone say sustainable fashion?Reuse old salwar or kurti to make a dress: Here's another good one. Use your kurti or salwar to stitch in a different pattern. You can get a blouse made from your kurti or even a gown by putting together two elements. You can even make children's clothes from old salwar suits. It's a lot of fun to make new outfits out of old ones.Repurpose to make furnishing items: Apart from using old clothes for making new outfits, you can even use them to make keepsake accessories for your home. Many times clothes cannot be fashioned into another dress. But instead of throwing it away, you can make different furnishing out of it. Kurtis with embroidered patterns makes for lovely wall hangings or photo borders. You can turn your old dupattas into curtains or beautiful backdrops. Tie-up techniques can also be used to turn your dupattas or kurti patches into super-cool pillowcases or cushion covers.Throwing a garment is the easy option but think of where it's going to end up? Most likely in a pile of a dump. We need to be smart and use our old clothes in a fun way and that will also be our bit for our planet. Do not pass up the opportunity to have a little fun while reusing, restyling, and repurposing old salwar suits into new garments or artistic items—IANS

Sarees and fabrics are generally passed on as heirlooms in our culture. Heavy, pure fabrics, heavy suits, sarees, and wedding lehengas -- mostly women tend to preserve these and pass them on to the next generation.

Here's how you can reuse your old traditional wear

Chandan Sharma*New Delhi (The Hawk) : The recent hectic Europe visit of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi was just an extempore visit to the EU nations as the continent is facing a kind of transition after outbreak of pandemic and conflict between Russia and Ukraine! Diplomacy is actually a multilayered and multi-staged tool that works in several directions in the given time. Critics of Modi say that the Prime Minister is actually actively looking for “The pursuit of happinesss” in the fast changing global arena amid post pandemic developments and Eurasian conflict, that posed several new and bigger challenges for many nations including India.The critics may not be true in their assessments but it is a fact that these European countries are known as the happiest nations in Happiness index as well as the Human Development Index (HDI) and always positioned themselves among top 10-15 nations. It is notable that Finland, Iceland, Greenland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden are known as Nordic nations and all these nations have been among 1 to 10 in HDI due to their prosperity, lesser population, systematic, corruption free and pragmatic approach. India although, achieved a lot but as far as HDI is concerned, its rank always comes after 130 in the 149 nations’ Happiness index as well as even larger Human Development Index. Detailed brainstorming sessions are needed to divulge the reasons for it but this fact is important here as Afghanistan is the 149 th nation in the Happiness index and India is 136 th nation. Why all the efforts could not put the nation in under 50 or even under 100 in the index, needs an answer from the policymakers. Even several smaller Asian nations are performing better in the index! Here it must be noted that these Nordic nations have almost enjoyed a kind of immunity during the pandemic.Moreover, these nations have also not much affected by the recent outbreak of Eurasian conflict between Russia and Ukraine. However, the region of conflict is not far away from these nations.Here, it is an interesting fact that some of the Nordic nations are still not joined EU but all the Nordic nations extended their support to Ukraine and asked PM Modi to use his influence to stop the war. These nations may be tiny in their population but known as champions of climate change and climate action as these nations have been among those, who have been affected the most from the temperature rise and impact of climate changes. Greenland and Iceland are among those nations, facing rapid ice melting and frequent rains, despite being in Arctic region. Agriculture is a difficult option here, so the food production. However, sea food and fishing are better livelihood option in these nations. But despite all these difficulties these nations are champions of Happiness index, posing a big challenge for other nations, trying to grab better position in the index.*The author has been associated with DU as visiting faculty.

The recent hectic Europe visit of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi was just an extempore visit to theEU nations as the continent is facing a kind of transition after outbreak of pandemic and conflictbetween Russia and Ukraine! Diplomacy is actually a multilayered and multi-staged tool that works in several directions in the given time. 

Nordic nations’ role ‘in pursuit of happiness’

London: Britain and the European Union were once again at loggerheads over Brexit on Wednesday, after the U.K. government ramped up threats to scrap parts of its trade treaty with the bloc, saying the rules are blocking the formation of a new government in Northern Ireland.Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the government would "not shy away from taking action" if it can't reach agreement with the bloc. The EU warned that renegotiating the legally binding agreement "is not an option." Any move by Britain to unilaterally rewrite the rules would bring legal action from the bloc that could escalate into a trade war.Arrangements for Northern Ireland — the only part of the U.K. that shares a border with an EU nation — have been the thorniest subject of contention in the U.K.'s divorce from the 27-nation bloc, which became final at the end of 2020.A deal was agreed to keep the Irish border free of customs posts and other checks, because an open border is a key pillar of the peace process that ended decades of violence in Northern Ireland. Instead, there are checks on some goods entering Northern Ireland from the rest of the U.K.The arrangement is opposed by many of Northern Ireland's British unionists, who say the new checks have created a barrier with the rest of the U.K. that undermines their British identity. The Democratic Unionist Party, which came second in last week's Northern Ireland Assembly election, is refusing to help form a government until the arrangements, known as the Northern Ireland Protocol, are substantially changed or scrapped.Under Northern Ireland's power-sharing rules, a government can't be formed without the support of both the main unionist and nationalist parties. Sinn Fein won the most seats last week, the first time a party that seeks to unite Northern Ireland with the republic has topped the voting.U.K.-EU talks on resolving differences over trade rules have reached an impasse. Britain's Conservative government has accused the bloc of being needlessly "purist" in its approach to the rules, while the EU says Britain is failing to honor a legally binding deal that Prime Minister Boris Johnson agreed to.EU chief Brexit official Maros Sefcovic said Tuesday that the bloc had "worked tirelessly to propose creative and durable solutions, showing flexibility on how the Protocol should be implemented." He warned that "the Protocol, as a cornerstone of the Withdrawal Agreement, is an international agreement. Its renegotiation is not an option. The European Union is united in this position." Truss, who is in charge of negotiations with the bloc, said in a statement that EU proposals "fail to properly address the real issues affecting Northern Ireland and in some cases would take us backward." "Our preference has always been for a negotiated solution but we will not shy away from taking action to stabilize the situation in Northern Ireland if solutions cannot be found," she said—PTI

Britain and the European Union were once again at loggerheads over Brexit on Wednesday, after the U.K. government ramped up threats to scrap parts of its trade treaty with the bloc, saying the rules are blocking the formation of a new government in Northern Ireland.

UK ramps up threat to rewrite Brexit deal with the EU

Lucknow: Boosting the tourism potential of the state, Uttar Pradesh is all set to get its first tribal museum - the 'Tharu Janjati Museum' - at Imilia Koder village, a Tharu-populated area in the Balrampur district soon.The museum is centred around the vibrant and varied culture and lifestyle of the Tharu tribe. Spread over an expanse of 5.5 acres, the museum has almost neared completion.On the lines of the tribal museum in Balrampur, the state government has also chalked out an action plan to establish similar tribal museums in Lucknow, Sonbhadra and Lakhimpur Kheri.In addition, a museum for children will also come up in the district of Kannauj.According to the government spokesman, the culture department has also proposed to construct a gallery - 'Azaadi ki Gauravgaatha' - based on the saga of independence at the Government Archives, Lucknow.Along with this, a Natural Science Museum will also come up in Meerut and Gorakhpur, while a Sant Ravidas Museum will be established in Varanasi.To preserve, promote and popularise the cultural identity of Uttar Pradesh, the state government will also start a community radio - 'Jai Ghosh' at Sangeet Natak Akademi.The Culture department will publish 75 books depicting the rich history of as many districts of the state on the occasion of Amrit Mahotsav. Moreover, the department will also produce and screen 75 short films based on patriotism.In its six-month action plan, the government will also organise 'One District-One Special Cultural Event' in every district. To eulogise the efforts of martyrs and freedom fighters, the department will establish their statues and pride plaques in selected government boys/girls schools in every district. —IANS

Boosting the tourism potential of the state, Uttar Pradesh is all set to get its first tribal museum - the 'Tharu Janjati Museum' - at Imilia Koder village, a Tharu-populated area in the Balrampur district soon.

UP To Get Its First Tribal Museum Soon

Delhi (The Hawk): Union Minister of State for Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Shri Bhagwant Khuba reached Munich, Germany today to attend Intersolar Europe 2022. The Minister would deliver key note address at the investment promotion event “India’s Solar Energy Market” today.Mr. Tobias Winter, Director, Indo German Energy Forum(IGEF)&nbsp;and Mr. Subrahmanyam Pulipaka, CEO National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI) welcomed the minister. The MoS met&nbsp;the&nbsp;Indian diaspora at Munich. MoS took a ride in an Electric Vehicle. He expressed that India offers a great opportunity to EV manufacturers to invest in India.One to one discussion with a group head of one of the world’s leading RE industry company was held. Discussion about investment in India and opportunity that India offers for RE manufacturers was discussed.<img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/IMG-20220512-WA0007DJLU.jpg"><img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/IMG-20220512-WA00041BFR.jpg"><img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/IMG-20220512-WA0005PHHK.jpg">

Union Minister of State for Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Shri Bhagwant Khuba reached Munich, Germany today to attend Intersolar Europe 2022. 

Bhagwant Khuba reaches Munich to attend Intersolar Europe 2022

Delhi (The Hawk): Union Minister of State for Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Bhagwant Khuba visited multiple solar PV sites on last day of Munich, Germany tour for Intersolar Europe 2022. Shri Bhagwant Khuba, earlier today, visited interspace farming Agri-PV site in Althegenber near Munich, Germany. Agri-PV concept promotes dual use of land for Agriculture as well for solar power generation. Elevated solar panel structures provide required shade to crops in hot tropical Indian climate. Further bifacial vertical panels can also be used in agro PV.<img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/WhatsAppImage2022-05-14at12.51.04PMNV2V.jpeg">The Minister observed that this concept addresses both the food security and energy security needs of India in coming years and hence many such projects shall be installed in India. Secretary, MNRE Shri Indu Shekhar Chaturvedi was also present. Shri Khuba visited different Solar PV sites with innovative technologies/methods. One of the site is using&nbsp;soil screw method where no cement is used for mounting the PV structure, instead a large screw is drilled into ground to provide strong base for the PV. This method reduces usage of cement and avoids any type of soil degradation. He desired that Indian RE sector too looks forward for such innovative methods.Shri Bhagwant Khuba received a hearty welcome and felicitation by Indian diaspora in Munich. He expressed that it was a pleasure and privilege to interact with Indians on a foreign soil. The Minister interacted with NRIs about how India is prospering under Hon’ble PM's leadership. Further he discussed how non residents can contribute towards development of nation. Many bilateral and round table meetings were held during last 3 days.

Union Minister of State for Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Bhagwant Khuba visited multiple solar PV sites on last day of Munich, Germany tour for Intersolar Europe 2022.

Bhagwant Khuba visits multiple solar PV sites on 3rd day of German tour

New Delhi (The Hawk): On the occasion of the International Museum Day&nbsp;2022,&nbsp;the&nbsp;National&nbsp;Museum&nbsp;is&nbsp;offering&nbsp;a&nbsp;mixed&nbsp;bag&nbsp;of&nbsp;online&nbsp;and offline activities&nbsp;and&nbsp;events,&nbsp;designed for&nbsp;both&nbsp;young&nbsp;and&nbsp;adults,&nbsp;during&nbsp;the&nbsp;five&nbsp;days.The exciting line-up&nbsp;of&nbsp;activities include Teachers’ Training Workshop&nbsp;in&nbsp;collaboration&nbsp;with&nbsp;CCRT,&nbsp;Dwarka;&nbsp;Mata&nbsp;Sundari&nbsp;College, Delhi&nbsp;and Indian Culture&nbsp;portal. This would be followed by a one-day Museum Educators’ meet which would see the participation of various&nbsp;central and state government museums across Delhi. The Museum is collaborating with the Heritage Lab, Flow&nbsp;India, Access for All and ‘Heritage for the Educators’ meet. The Educators’ Meet is NM’s pilot initiative, which&nbsp;has been conceptualized with an attempt at bringing government museum educators together on one platform to&nbsp;share&nbsp;and&nbsp;discuss&nbsp;about opportunities,&nbsp;challenges&nbsp;and&nbsp;their&nbsp;achievable solutions.The National Museum will be open for extended opening hours on May 18, 19 and 20th&nbsp;i.e. from 10: am to 9:00&nbsp;pm. And keeping this in consideration, the museum has designed gallery walks lead by curators, consultants and&nbsp;senior NM walk leaders, hands-on activities for children and activity counters for walk-in&nbsp;visitors, a special&nbsp;session with NM conservators etc.&nbsp;The museum is also organizing dedicated walks and activities for children&nbsp;representing&nbsp;different&nbsp;NGOs.Every evening there will be special live performances in the National Museum Auditorium. All performances will&nbsp;start&nbsp;at&nbsp;7:00&nbsp;pm&nbsp;each&nbsp;day.&nbsp;The&nbsp;SADHO&nbsp;Band&nbsp;will&nbsp;be&nbsp;performing&nbsp;Sufi&nbsp;Music&nbsp;on&nbsp;May&nbsp;18th,&nbsp;Sudha&nbsp;Jagannath&nbsp;and&nbsp;her&nbsp;ofBrihanayika&nbsp;Natryasurabhe&nbsp;will&nbsp;be&nbsp;performing&nbsp;Bharatnatyam&nbsp;on&nbsp;May&nbsp;19th,&nbsp;while&nbsp;Shagun&nbsp;Butani&nbsp;and her group&nbsp;from&nbsp;Sudhayaa&nbsp;Dance&nbsp;Foundation&nbsp;would&nbsp;present&nbsp;ABHISAAR,&nbsp;an&nbsp;Odissi&nbsp;performance&nbsp;compositions from the traditional repertoire of Odissi that find an echo in some of the artefacts at display in the&nbsp;National&nbsp;Museum.The National Museum offers a unique rendezvous with ideas and experiences for visitors of all age groups,&nbsp;backgrounds and interests, and NM has been working towards creating interest and awareness towards history, and&nbsp;arts&nbsp;among&nbsp;different&nbsp;audiences. International Museum Day is celebrated by museums across the globe on May 18th,&nbsp;with the aim to generate&nbsp;awareness about the significant role of museums in community building, national and international cooperation as&nbsp;well&nbsp;as&nbsp;cultural&nbsp;exchange.

On the occasion of the International Museum Day 2022, the National Museum is offering a mixed bag of online and offline activities and events, designed for both young and adults, during the five days.

National Museum to celebrate International Museum Day 2022

Lucknow: A natural history museum is coming up in Uttar Pradesh on the Lucknow Zoo campus and is expected to be ready by March 2023. The museum will offer information on birds and animals that existed millions of years ago and species that are extinct or endangered.The museum will be the first-of-its-kind in Uttar Pradesh and will have nearly 6,000 specimens of animals and birds collected by experts over the past 200 years from different places across the world. This collection has been lying in state museum for a long time due to lack of space in the Natural History Gallery of the museum.It is only now that work to construct a separate museum for natural history has begun and will be completed in 10 months.Though, Rs 22 lakh was approved for the three-storeyed museum building and sanctioned in the 2019-20 state budget, the project got delayed owing to Covid-19.According to the official spokesman, the museum will have five galleries showcasing specimens of mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds and aquatic animals in the form of dummies. Besides, skins, eggs, fossils and skeletons will be on display.Visitors will be able to learn about animals that are now extinct, near extinction, rare, critically endangered or endangered as well as those commonly found.The gallery will be digitised in a way that buttons attached to a screen in each section will help visitors hear the sounds made by the animal and more about them in an audio-visual format. The highlight will be a life-size working model of a dinosaur made on the principle of robotics.Alshaz Fatmi, Assistant Director of State museum and In-charge of the Natural History Gallery, said, "Our motive is to provide a chance to everybody to feel connected to the environment. The infusion of modern technology and audio-visual medium will not just make the museum interactive, but also help visitors learn about exhibits."State Museum Director, Anand Kumar Singh, said, "There are several natural history museums in the country. The one in Lucknow&nbsp;will be the first in Uttar Pradesh. Overall, there are four museums in the state: Personalia museum, archaeology museum, folk art museum and state museum. A tribal museum is also under construction."—IANS

A natural history museum is coming up in Uttar Pradesh on the Lucknow Zoo campus and is expected to be ready by March 2023.

 Lucknow to get UP's 1st natural history museum by March 2023

Chandan Sharma*New Delhi (The Hawk): The issue of the food security has finally become a major global concern as it was apprehended by the experts after the outbreak of the conflict in the Eurasian region. High rate of inflation has started pinching even the rich nations and food crisis is now giving headache to several nations. The G-7 nations’s criticism of India’s banning of export of wheat can be seen in this perspective as the policymakers has now started signaling that the era of the economical and subsidized food has now gone away. If go by the reports, several nations, belongs to G-7 group, are now facing difficulties to fullfil demands of subsidized food for their population at the pre-covid prices. The outbreak of the conflict has aggravated situation as the food supply chains of the global food trade has been badly affected for many countries, dependent upon the ‘breadbasket of Europe’ i.e. Russia and Ukraine. A large number of shipments of foodgrains have either stuck at the ports or facing the heat of sanctions. India, however, self-reliant to a great extent, as far as its own food requirements are concerned, but it still heavily dependent upon the nations like Ukraine for its vegetable oil needs, especially sunflower oil. So, India too has affected in the renewed food crisis, created due to multiple reasons including post pandemic scenario as well as outbreak of conflict and disturbances in food supply chains. Situation is more severe in the countries like Yaman, Egypt, Afghanistan and several other West African nations and Middle East nations, who directly dependent on the supplies of foodgrains from Eurasian regions. High inflation and food crisis have become more rampant in these nations. Sri Lanka, which is facing unprecedented food crisis and violence due to it, cannot be judged separately in this concern.However, there are several other reasons for it but food crisis and surging energy prices are paramount in this concern. Rising energy prices is certainly giving sleepless nights to both policymakers or lawmakers as well as consumers throughout the globe. According to recent analysis, three nations have been hugelybenefitted due to ongoing energy crisis. These include Saudi Arabia, US and Russia as these are main producers of oil and gas. But this benefit has affected common man’s day-to-day life badly as soaring energy prices has ultimately made the ongoing global food crisis worse as a large number of population ( a rough estimate saysabout 20% people) are now unable to feed themselves on daily basis. The report of foodgrain production this year does not provide a rosy picture. In such a situation, keep finger crossed and rely on your food administration system as they hold the key during this tough time of crisis.*The author has been associated with Delhi University as visiting faculty and writes on various topics.

The issue of the food security has finally become a major global concern as it was apprehended by the experts after the outbreak of the conflict in the Eurasian region. High rate of inflation has started pinching even the rich nations and food crisis is now giving headache to several nations

Food crisis pinches rich nations too

The issue of the food security has finally become a major global concern as it was apprehended by the experts after the outbreak of the conflict in the Eurasian region. High rate of inflation has started pinching even the rich nations and food crisis is now giving headache to several nations.

Lumbini: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart Sher Bahadur Deuba are holding bilateral talks at Lumbini on Monday, with the two leaders set to discuss expanded cooperation in multiple areas, including hydropower, development and connectivity. PM Modi arrived in Lumbini this morning on an official visit.On arrival at Lumbini, Prime Minister was warmly received by the Nepal PM, his spouse Arzu Deuba, and several Ministers from the Government of Nepal.Both the leaders participated in the foundation stone laying ceremony for the construction of a Centre of Buddhist Culture and Heritage in Lumbini, on the auspicious occasion of Buddha Jayanti. Prior to this, PM Modi visited the Maya Devi Temple. He was accompanied by PM Deuba and his spouse Arzu Rana Deuba.The PMs paid their respects at the Marker Stone inside the temple premises, which pinpoints the exact birth spot of Lord Buddha. They attended the pooja conducted as per Buddhist rituals. The two Prime Ministers also lit lamps near the Ashoka Pillar located adjacent to the temple.Thereafter, the two Prime Ministers watered the Bodhi tree sapling from Bodh Gaya which was gifted by PM Modi to Lumbini in 2014 and also signed the temple’s visitor’s book. As Prime Minister, this is his fifth visit to Nepal and first to Lumbini.—ANI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart Sher Bahadur Deuba are holding bilateral talks at Lumbini on Monday, with the two leaders set to discuss expanded cooperation in multiple areas, including hydropower, development and connectivity.

Modi, Deuba hold bilateral talks at Lumbini

Brussels: Germany will oppose European Union plans to include nuclear energy as a sustainable investment in its "taxonomy" policy for labelling green investments, the government said on Monday.Brussels is seeking approval from EU countries and European Parliament for its plan to label gas and nuclear as climate-friendly investments, which has split opinion among states who disagree on the fuels' green credentials. Germany, the EU's biggest economy, is among those planning to reject it when countries come to vote on the plan in the coming weeks. "The Federal Government has expressed its opposition to the taxonomy rules on nuclear power. This 'no' is an important political signal that makes clear: Nuclear energy is not sustainable and should therefore not be part of the taxonomy," Germany's environment ministry and its economy and climate ministry said in a statement. "Accordingly, the Federal Government would vote for the Council to object to the EU Commission's delegated legal act," the ministries said.To reject the rules, 20 of the EU's 27 countries must oppose it - a high threshold seen as unlikely to be reached. Germany's stance could also steer opinion in the European Parliament, however, where a majority of the assembly's 705 lawmakers could block the gas and nuclear rules in a July vote. The EU's sustainable finance taxonomy was designed to provide a "gold standard" for green investing, by limiting which investments can be labelled climate-friendly to only those that truly protect the planet. Nuclear energy generation is CO2-free, but produces radioactive waste. Separately, Austria and Luxembourg have threatened legal action over the plan to label nuclear investments as green. The plan to label gas as climate-friendly has faced criticism from countries including Spain, although some countries had lobbied hard for the taxonomy to incentivise gas investments to help them phase out coal. Gas emits less CO2 than coal when burned, but is also associated with leaks of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.—REUTERS

Germany will oppose European Union plans to include nuclear energy as a sustainable investment in its "taxonomy" policy for labelling green investments, the government said on Monday.

Germany to reject EU green investment label for nuclear power

New York: The quick acceptance of Ukrainians fleeing Russia's aggression puts a spotlight on Europe's “double standard” for migrants, standing against its nonwelcome for people fleeing violence in Africa, the Mideast and elsewhere, the head of the world's largest humanitarian network said Monday.Francesco Rocca, president of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said he doesn't think “there is any difference'' between someone fleeing eastern Ukraine's Donbas region and someone escaping the Boko Haram extremist group in Nigeria. “Those who are fleeing violence, those who are seeking protection, should be treated equally,” said Rocca, whose organisation operates in more than 192 countries with almost 15 million volunteers.Speaking at a news conference, he said there is “a moral imperative” to help people escaping violence and upheavals, and “the political, public and humanitarian response to the Ukraine crisis has shown what is possible when humanity and dignity comes first, when there is global solidarity.” “We hoped that the Ukrainian crisis would have been a turning point in the European migration policies,” Rocca said. “But unfortunately, this was not the case.” He said the 27-member European Union still has different approaches to migration at its eastern border from Ukraine and its southern border on the Mediterranean. The war, which Russia insists on calling a “special military operation,” has prompted one of the worst humanitarian crises in Europe since World War II.Since Russia invaded on February 24, more than 6 million people have fled Ukraine, with Poland absorbing more than 3.3 million and over 900,000 going to Romania, 605,000 to Hungary, 463,000 to Moldova and, 421,000 to Slovakia, according to the UN refugee agency. By contrast, Rocca said, migrants, refugees and asylum seekers trying to get to Europe are still dying, facing abuse and struggling to access essential services. Over 48,000 migrants have died or disappeared since 2014 while travelling at sea, and the deadliest route is that taken by migrants across the central Mediterranean to Europe, with at least 19,000 such deaths, he said. Those who arrive, mainly in Italy, Greece and Spain, are often put in camps and face long waits for their asylum claims to be heard.“In Europe there is a big heart and soul, because the community in Europe were able to open their arms, receiving millions in a few days of Ukrainians,” Rocca said. “So, they lie about the threat that is coming from the Mediterranean Sea, when it comes about a few thousands of people.” He said that “ethnicity and nationality should not be a deciding factor to saving life.” “There is a double standard,” Rocca said. “This is evident. It is in our eyes, and we cannot deny it when it comes about seeking protection.” Rocca was at UN headquarters for the first review of the July 2018 global compact to promote safe and orderly migration and reduce human smuggling and trafficking. It was the first global document to tackle the migration issue and was signed by more than 190 nations. US President Donald Trump's administration boycotted the negotiations. While progress has been made on the compact, mainly when it comes to Ukrainians, Rocca said there is still “a long road” to realise the compact's vision and commitments. He said many migrants' lives have been lost due to the failure of governments to change their policies to ensure safe and dignified migration. “Governments have the right to set migration policies and to manage their borders,” he said. “They are obliged to do so in a way that prevents suffering and death.”—PTI

The quick acceptance of Ukrainians fleeing Russia's aggression puts a spotlight on Europe's “double standard” for migrants, standing against its nonwelcome for people fleeing violence in Africa, the Mideast and elsewhere, the head of the world's largest humanitarian network said Monday.

The Hawk

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'India's Vibrant Start-Up Eco-System Is A Testimony Of Nation’s Entrepreneurial Talent': Bhupender

Sunil Aswal

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'India's Vibrant Start-Up Eco-System Is A Testimony Of Nation’s Entrepreneurial Talent': Bhupender

Sunil Aswal

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