New Delhi (The Hawk) : As a countdown to the International Yoga Day on June 21, a programme of common yoga protocol was organised today by the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas &amp; Housing and Urban Affairs. Events were held at 75 places by the two ministries, including certain locations abroad of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry. Secretaries and others officers from both the ministries and other offices associated with the ministries participated in the yoga sessions. The session was attended virtually by the Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas &amp; Housing and Urban Affairs Shri Hardeep Singh Puri from New Delhi while the Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Rameswar Teli joined from Asia's first and world's oldest refinery- Digboi Refinery.The Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Manoj Joshi led the Yoga training-cum-demonstration session at Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi.Petroleum and Natural Gas Secretary Shri Pankaj Jain and officers of the ministry and oil marketing companies participated in the main yoga session at New Delhi.In his message telecast during the event, Shri Puri appreciated the initiative of the AYUSH&nbsp;Ministry for organizing the countdown to the International Yoga Day in which the two ministries today took part whole-heartedly at places spread all over the country, including overseas locations. He said that Yoga is a form of Body-mind fitness that involves combination of muscular activity and is also internally directed towards mindful focus on the Self, the Breath and the Energy.Describing Yoga as the three thousand old tradition, the Minister said that even the western world now recognizes it as a Holistic approach. Yoga is now uniformly and universally recognized and documented as an alternative system of medicine, he added.The International Day of Yoga (IDY) is celebrated every year on June 21st. Ministry of AYUSH is the nodal Ministry of IDY celebrations. On this day, a mass Yoga demonstration program is held in the morning under the guidance of Yoga experts, followed by other Yoga related activities.This year, as the nation celebrates Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav to mark 75th year of Independence, Ministry of AYUSH has initiated a 100-day countdown program starting from 13.03.2022 with participation of 100 different organizations. In this regard, the Ministry of AYUSH has also allotted specific dates to each of the Ministry for observing the Countdown to International Day of Yoga pre-celebrations by practicing Yoga exercises based on Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) and organize other related activities.

As a countdown to the International Yoga Day on June 21, a programme of common yoga protocol was organised today by the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Housing and Urban Affairs. Events were held at 75 places by the two ministries, including certain locations abroad of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry. 

Yoga training-cum-demonstration sessions organized as a countdown to 8th Int'l Day of Yoga

Srinagar: Angry Kashmiri Pandits held noisy demonstrations in several places in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, a day after the killing of community member Rahul Bhat by Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists in his office, and were met with force by the police which used teargas and lathi-charge to disperse them.Raising slogans against Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and the administration, the demonstrators, mostly government employees posted in the troubled valley and their kin, demanded that they be provided adequate security or be transferred to Jammu. The employees also threatened en masse resignation from their jobs.A rattled administration pleaded with the demonstrators to call off their protests and announced that the Lt Governor had set up an SIT to probe the killing of Bhat in the Tehsil office at Chadoora in Budgam district.The Sheikhpora camp, located in Budgam of central Kashmir, where Bhat had been provided accommodation along with other government employees, was the epicentre of the protests with people marching towards the airport road to block it before they were intercepted by the police.A heavy posse of police personnel stopped the protesters after appeals requesting them to disperse failed to yield any result, leading to clashes during which the security forces had to resort to lathi-charge and firing teargas shells.There were no reports of any injury but some purported pictures of people allegedly wounded during the police action circulated on social media.The demonstrators then staged a sit-in and raised slogans against the Jammu and Kashmir administration and demanded that Lt Governor Manoj Sinha should come and assure them about their safety. However, the Lt Governor was in Sopore attending a function at that time.The protestors were carrying placards that read, "I need to be able to tell my children that I did not stay silent", and also displayed the wounds that they had received during the lathi charge.They also claimed that four of their men had been detained by the police. However, there was no official confirmation for this.Later in the evening, it was claimed by protesters that the gates of the Sheikhopora Migrant Colony were locked from the outside by police allegedly to prevent them from coming out.The LG's office tweeted that the Lt Governor had met the relatives of Bhat and "assured justice to the family".Bhat, 35, was shot dead by two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists at his Tehsil office in Chadoora of Budgam district on Thursday.The protests were held at Baramulla, Kupwara (North Kashmir), Vessu, Mattan, Qazigund (South Kashmir), and various parts of Jammu including the Jagti camp, where Kashmiri pandit migrants have been provided concrete accommodation since 2007.In Jammu, the funeral of Bhat witnessed unruly scenes as the BJP leaders including its J-K unit president Ravinder Raina had to face the ire of mourners. They were heckled and roughed up and police had to intervene when they visited the cremation ground in Jammu.Hundreds of protestors blocked roads and burnt tyres at Muthi, Hazuribagh and Buntalab in Jammu. They raised slogans against Sinha and the BJP and demanded that Kashmiri Pandits be relocated from the valley.Residents of Muthi camp led by its president Anil Bhan took out a rally and blocked a road for hours."The BJP is ruling this Union Territory through the LG and every failure on the part of LG is theirs. How long will we receive coffins from our homeland? Our boys and girls joined the services in Kashmir in national interest and to serve Kashmir," Bhan said."Home Minister Amit Shah claimed in parliament about the start of a rehabilitation plan. Since then, dozens of Hindus were killed and four temples suffered damage. Our boys and girls who are serving the people of Kashmir are in fear and terror. Is this the rehabilitation plan?" Jagti camp leader Sunil Kumar asked.As the protests continued during the day, it was announced in the evening that the Lt Governor had set up an SIT to probe the killing of Bhat and his wife would be given a government job."A decision has been taken to constitute special investigative team to probe all the aspects of the despicable terror attack. The SHO of the concerned police station has also been attached," Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha tweeted.He also said that the administration will bear the educational expenses of his daughter.Mainstream political parties of the union territory reacted angrily to the handling of protests with former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti appealing to the majority community to ensure that Kashmiri Pandits are safe.She even went on to say that local religious leaders should in their Friday sermons press for the need of maintaining brotherhood in the Valley.Mufti claimed that she had been placed under house arrest to stop her from visiting Budgam to express solidarity with the protesting Kashmiri Pandits."Wanted to visit Budgam to express my solidarity with Kashmiri Pandits protesting against GOIs failure to protect them. Have been put under house arrest as the fact that Kashmiri Muslims and Pandits empathise with each other's pain doesn't fit into their vicious communal narrative," the PDP chief said.Police officials, however, refused to comment on Mufti's claim.Later, in a video message, Mufti urged the majority community in the valley to stand by the minorities."We need to give a message to the whole country of J-K's brotherhood and its history that we are a secular state and a united people so that the government does not get a chance to defame Muslims," Mufti said.National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah said it was shameful that legitimate and justified protests are met with a heavy-handed response."This is not new for the people of Kashmir because when all the administration has is a hammer every problem resembles a nail. If the LG's Govt can't protect KPs they have a right to protest," he wrote on Twitter."Tourism is not normalcy; it's a barometer of economic activity. Normalcy is the absence of fear, the absence of terror, the inability of militants to strike at will, the presence of democratic rule &amp; by any yardstick you choose to use, Kashmir is far from normal today," Abdullah said.Condemning the killing of a policeman in Pulwama on Friday, the NC leader said targeted killings were continuing unabated in the valley."Rahul in his office yesterday, Riyaz Ahmad Thoker, an SPO with J&amp;K police, in his own home today. Targeted killings continue unabated. I can't condemn this killing strongly enough. May Allah grant Riyaz place in Jannat," he said.Bhat was cremated on Friday in Jammu amid protests by members of the Kashmiri Pandit community. His wife and daughter, who were staying with him at Sheikhpora migrant colony in Budgam, accompanied the body as it arrived in Jammu from Kashmir.His brother Sunny lit the pyre at the Buntalab cremation ground as chants of "long live Rahul Bhat" rent the air.The community members, including Rahul Bhat's family, accused the BJP-led government at the Centre of making young Kashmiri Hindus "cannon fodder" in the name of rehabilitation of the community.They also said the incident has shattered their dream of resettling permanently in the valley.—PTI

Angry Kashmiri Pandits held noisy demonstrations in several places in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, a day after the killing of community member Rahul Bhat by Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists in his office, and were met with force by the police which used teargas and lathi-charge to disperse them.

SIT to probe Kashmiri Pandit's killing after outrage in JK

Srinagar: A group of Kashmiri Pandits staged a demonstration in Jammu on Wednesday in support of the demand for the relocation of the community members employed in Kashmir under the prime minister's package, who are on protest following the killing of their colleague, Rahul Bhat, by terrorists earlier this month. The protesters assembled under the banner of the newly-formed Kashmiri Pandits United Front in front of the statue of Maharaja Hari Singh, near the Tawi bridge in the heart of Jammu, raising slogans against the Jammu and Kashmir administration and demanding security to the community members serving in the valley under the prime minister's package. "We have come here (Jammu) to support the protesting prime minister's package employees who are demanding their relocation till the situation improves in the valley," KPUF convenor Satish Kissu, a retired government officer, said.He said the demand of the Pandit employees is genuine, keeping in mind the killing of Bhat, who was shot dead inside his office in broad daylight in the Chadoora area of central Kashmir's Budgam district on May 12.Condemning targeted killings by terrorists, Kissu said the security situation in the valley is not conducive, as is evident from the latest killing of a policeman and injuries to his minor daughter outside their house in Srinagar on Tuesday.Amid anti-Pakistan and pro-India sloganeering, the protesters accused the government of holding the prime minister's package employees hostage in the valley."Bhat's killing was the result of the administration's failure. He was killed because of a security lapse as his killers walked into his office and fled the scene without facing any resistance after killing him. The incident has sparked panic among the community," KPUF spokesperson Kuldeep Pandita said.He alleged that successive governments used the Kashmiri Pandits as "scapegoats" and said, "We are not ready to tolerate atrocities against our community anymore and will continue our protest to ensure the relocation of the prime minister's package employees."—PTI

A group of Kashmiri Pandits staged a demonstration in Jammu on Wednesday in support of the demand for the relocation of the community members employed in Kashmir under the prime minister's package, who are on protest following the killing of their colleague, Rahul Bhat, by terrorists earlier this month.

Kashmiri Pandits protest in Jammu, step up 'shift out of Kashmir' demand

Agartala (The Hawk): Following the political violence on Wednesday that resulted in the death of a member of the Left party, the opposition CPI-M, Trinamool Congress, Congress, and other parties individually organised a series of protests across Tripura on Thursday. They demanded the restoration of law and order.
The body of Sahid Mia was "kidnapped" from the Govind Ballabh Pant Medical College and Hospital, according to CPI-M state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury, on Thursday night after some police officers and a sizable security team forcibly scattered the family of the killed Left party cadre.
Mia, 65, was slain and at least 30 members of the Left party and leaders of the governing BJP were hurt in a violent conflict between the workers of the two organisations on Wednesday in Charilam, Tripura's Sepahijala district.
In a statement, the CPI-M asserted that when party members attempted to reopen one of its offices at Charilam, BJP supporters attacked them.
In a meeting with DGP Amitabh Ranjan on Thursday, Chaudhury, a member of the CPI-M central committee, was in charge of a delegation of party officials and demanded the quick arrest of all of the criminals guilty for the deaths of numerous opposition members and workers.
"Total anarchy and "jungle raj" have been formed in Tripura since the BJP has been in power there since 2018. When an incident occurs in Tripura, the cops stay mute bystanders "told the media, the Left's leader.
The CPI-M started statewide protest marches on Wednesday when Mia passed away, and they continued on Thursday.
In the meantime, the police stopped the Trinamool Congress on Thursday from gheraoing the home of Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha.
Later, Trinamool's representative for Tripura, Rajib Banerjee, said that despite several incidents of political violence, rape, and murder, no one has been apprehended by the police since those responsible are BJP members who control the state.
Additionally, the Congress organised protest gatherings in Agartala and other regions of Tripura.
The violence in Charilam, according to the CPI-M politburo, is representative of the way things have been going in Tripura since since the BJP took office there in February 2018.
The Left party claimed that the BJP, working in collusion with the government and police, continues to terrorise political opponents with just over two months till the Assembly elections.
(Inputs from Agencies)

Following the political violence on Wednesday that resulted in the death of a member of the Left party, the opposition CPI-M, Trinamool Congress, Congress, and other parties individually organised a series of protests across Tripura on Thursday. They demanded the restoration of law and order.

Opposition parties demonstrate in Tripura calling for the return of law and order

Dehradun (The Hawk): SPIC MACAY organized a Santoor Workshop Demonstration by Partho Roy Choudhary at Govt Upper Primary School, Majri Grant, today. He was accompanied by Pandit Ajay Mishra on the tabla. The program was organized with the support of the SRF Foundation.
Workshop-Demo is a special module of SPICMACAY, where the artists demonstrate their art form to the students and teach them a little.
Partho Choudhury played different ragas, and a few songs and bhajans, including 'Jaago Mohan Pyare', and 'Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram', among others.
During his week-long circuit, he also performed at other Government Upper Primary Schools in Keshavpuri, Doiwala, Miyawala, Banjarawala, Laltappad, Rajeev Nagar, and Mehuwala.
Partho Roy Choudhury is one of India’s upcoming Santoor players. Born on June 2 1983 in Varanasi, Partho was initiated to the Santoor at the age of five and thereafter underwent intensive training in the tradition of Guru-Shishya parampara under the tutelage of his father Sri Kumar Shankar Roy Choudhury (Sarod Player) and Pandit Mahadev Mishra (Vocalist) from Banaras Gharana.
Partho is a Ph.D. from Kumaon University, Nainital, India, M.A. in Vocal and Sangeet Praveen from Prayag Sangit Samiti in Santoor, and a B high-grade artiste from AIR. He is presently the Head of the Department of Music in The Doon School, Dehradun.

SPIC MACAY organized a Santoor Workshop Demonstration by Partho Roy Choudhary at Govt Upper Primary School, Majri Grant, today. He was accompanied by Pandit Ajay Mishra on the tabla. The program was organized with the support of the SRF Foundation.

SPIC MACAY Holds Santoor Workshop Demonstration

Kolkata: The Trinamool Congress has submitted a fresh application to the Delhi Police seeking permission to hold protests in the national capital on October 2-3 against the Centre for holding back funds for West Bengal government.  In its application, the Trinamool Congress mentioned that they want to organise theprotest demonstrations at the Jantar Mantar, Krishi Bhawan and the official residence of Union Minister Giriraj Singh.  Last month, the Delhi Police denied permission to the West Bengal ruling partyto conduct marathon protest demonstrations at the Ramlila Maidan from September 30 to October 4.
The main rally was supposed to be on October 2 on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.  West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee were supposed to be present at the main rally on October 2.  The Trinamool Congress had accused the Delhi Police of denying the permission under political pressure from BJP.
—IANS

The Trinamool Congress has submitted a fresh application to the Delhi Police seeking permission to hold protests in the national capital

Trinamool Congress seeks fresh permission from Delhi Police for protests

New Delhi: Several Tibetan nationals on Friday gathered at Majnu Ka Tila in north Delhi to protest against the Chinese delegation attending the G20 Summit in the national Capital, a police official said.
“The protest was peaceful. We have now dispersed the crowd,” the police official said, adding that no protest is allowed.
Police on Friday had barricaded and deployed a large number of personnel, including paramilitary forces at Majnu Ka Tilla area ahead of the two-day G20 Summit scheduled to take place this weekend.
On Thursday, President of the Tibetan Youth Congress Gonpo Dhundup had announced plans for the protest on Friday against China’s unlawful occupation of Tibet. He expressed deep concern about the critical situation in Tibet and explained that protests occur whenever a Chinese delegation visits a free nation.&nbsp;
—IANS

Several Tibetan nationals on Friday gathered at Majnu Ka Tila in north Delhi to protest against the Chinese delegation attending the G20 Summit

G20 Summit: Tibetan nationals protest in Delhi against Chinese delegation

Kolkata: A Kolkata-based school has lost the affiliation of the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE), posing uncertainty for 237 students in the secondary and higher secondary sections from appearing from the 2024 board examination.
A group of parents of these 237 students staged a massive protest demonstrations on Thursday surrounding Richard Gasper, the principal of St Augustine's Day School located the city's Ripon Street.
Although the news had spread the principal was thrashed by a couple of guardians, the police officials who reached the spot to mediate denied the event of physical manhandling of the principal.
The principal while admitting the loss of affiliation has assured the guardians that dialogues are on with the CISCE authorities so that the students are able to appear for the board examination in 2024 and they do not lose a year.
The protesting guardians alleged although the school authorities were cautioned by the CISCE authorities of the probable loss of affiliation because of the dilapidated condition of the school building premises at Ripon Street, the school authorities kept the matter a secret.
However, the principal claimed that all arrangements have been made to shift to the new school premises at AJC Bose Road also in central Kolkata and have also intimated the CISCE authorities about the change of address.
He also claimed that the affiliation has been temporarily deactivated and will be renewed soon.&nbsp;
—IANS

A Kolkata-based school has lost the affiliation of the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE)

Kolkata-based school loses CISCE affiliation, parents agitate

Bengaluru: Karnataka BJP unit on Friday staged a state-wide protest against “failure” of the Congress government to prevent farmers’ suicides, alleged corruption and various other issues.
Former chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa was leading the protests inside the premises of the Freedom Park in Bengaluru. Former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, D.V. Sadananda Gowda, former deputy chief minister M.R Ashoka and other prominent leaders participated in the protest making a show of strength. The party cadres were seen in high spirits following the show of unity by the leadership.&nbsp;
Many party leaders have openly expressed their opinion that if BJP wants to revive its chances, Yediyurappa should be brought to the forefront.
Yediyurappa addressing the protestors said that the government which came to power by promising guarantees has cheated the people and has failed in every sector.
He said that BJP will launch protests in future as well.
He said that the farmers are not given three phase electricity for seven hours. In rural areas only three hours of electricity is given. The farmers are distraught following the failure of rains.
He said that the people are cursing for bringing the Congress government to power and want it to go. The government is not bothered about suicides of farmers.
“There are more suicides for compensation. This is irresponsibility,” he said.
Bommai said that Yediyurappa is unquestionable leader and under his leadership the bugle of protest has been sounded against the government. “We will reach out to all houses in the state and we have taken a pledge to bring back the government at the Centre,” he said.
He said that the production of electricity has been reduced and from November the state will plunge into the darkness. “The guarantee schemes are mired in corruption. Congress leaders themselves are claiming that the government is indulged in corruption. People are being arrested for petty matters. The police officers should act according to laws and rules,” Bommai said.
He said that the state government has failed completely in managing the Cauvery dispute and betrayed people. “172 farmers have committed suicides in the last three months. Does any farmer commit suicide for compensation?” Bommai said.
The protest was staged in all district and taluk headquarters of the state.&nbsp;
—IANS

Karnataka BJP unit on Friday staged a state-wide protest against “failure” of the Congress government to prevent farmers’ suicides

K'taka BJP protests against government's "failure" to prevent farmers' suicides

Jammu: To commemorate 76 years of accession of J&amp;K into Indian Union and the diamond jubilee of Air Force Station Jammu, the Indian Air Force in collaboration with government of Jammu and Kashmir an air show and ground display at Air Force Station Jammu has been organised from September 21 to September 23.
"IAF Air Warrior Drill Team (AWDT), Aakashganga Daredevil Skydiving Team, Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), Mi-17 1V Helicopters and the Air Force Band participated in the two day marquee event," a defence statement said.
"The display was witnessed by the residents, students from various schools of Jammu, veterans, civil dignitaries and personnel of Defence Forces &amp; CAPFs."
The event began with mesmerising Free Fall display by Akashganga Daredevil Skydiving Team, who dived with the Indian Flag and the IAF flag, enthralling the huge audience.
"The touch down of the 14 member Akash Ganga sky diving team of the Indian Air Force was cheered by huge gathering who were enjoying the event in full swing," The statement said.
"The event was followed by display of slithering and Small Team Insertion and Extraction techniques by IAF Garuda Commando team through Mi-17 1V Medium Lift Helicopters. Simultaneously Suryakiran Aerobatic team took off for aerial display which was greatly applauded by the audience."
The event culminated with showcasing of precision drill movements by the Air Warrior Drill Team "Subroto" (AWDT). The leader marching through spinning rifles was especially enthralling for the spectators.
"The display showcased the operational capability of the Indian Air Force with an aim to motivate youth to join the elite service," the statement added.
—IANS

To commemorate 76 years of accession of J&K into Indian Union and the diamond jubilee of Air Force Station Jammu, the Indian Air Force

IAF conducts air show at Air Force Station in Jammu

New Delhi [India]: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the Bharat Drone Shakti-2023 exhibition at the Hindan Air Base in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad today. The Defence Minister will also formally induct the C-295 transport aircraft into the Indian Air Force in the presence of top military officials, including IAF chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari.
"Today, 25th September, I shall be in Ghaziabad to attend the Bharat Drone Shakti 2023, a drone exhibition cum display event. Shall also attend the unveiling ceremony of the IAF’s first C- 295 MW transport aircraft at Hindon Airbase. Looking forward to it," posted the Defence Minister on X. Notably, the IAF, recognizing the potential of indigenous drone design and development, is collaborating with the Drone Federation of India to jointly host Bharat Drone Shakti 2023. This event, scheduled for September 25 and 26, will take place at the IAF's Hindan airbase in Ghaziabad and will feature live aerial demonstrations. In India, the utilization of drones is on the rise, spanning across military and civilian applications. Drone technology has rapidly transformed both civil and defence sectors, enhancing efficiency, reducing risk exposure, and elevating capabilities, said a press release. The IAF has extensive experience in deploying Remotely Piloted Aircraft for Intelligence Surveillance and reconnaissance operations. To harness the burgeoning drone technology sector in India, the IAF initiated the Meher Baba Swarm Drone competition, showcasing its faith in the nation's drone capabilities, according to the release. Now, with Bharat Drone Shakti 2023, the IAF is poised to further leverage this expertise. Bharat Drone Shakti 2023 promises to spotlight the full potential of the Indian drone industry, with an impressive lineup of over 50 live aerial demonstrations. These demonstrations will encompass a diverse range of drone applications, including survey drones, agriculture drones, fire suppression drones, tactical surveillance drones, heavy-lift logistics drones, loitering munition systems, drone swarms, and counter-drone solutions, said the release. The event will also witness the active participation of more than 75 drone start-ups and corporate entities. Anticipated to draw approximately 5,000 attendees, Bharat Drone Shakti 2023 will serve as a convergence point for a wide spectrum of stakeholders. Representatives from central government agencies, state departments, public and private industries, armed forces, paramilitary forces, friendly foreign countries, academic institutions, students, and drone enthusiasts are expected to grace the event, said the release. This collaboration between the Indian Air Force and the Drone Federation of India underscores the commitment to advancing drone technology and its applications in India. The event promises to showcase the capabilities of Indian drones and provide a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts. Bharat Drone Shakti 2023 marks a step towards harnessing the full potential of this transformative technology for the nation's benefit.&nbsp;
—ANI

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the Bharat Drone Shakti-2023 exhibition at the Hindan Air Base in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to inaugurate Bharat Drone Shakti exhibition today, induct C-295 Aircraft into IAF

Trichy (Tamil Nadu): The National South Indian River Interlinking Farmers Association under the leadership of Ayyakannu held a protest on Monday in Tamil Nadu's Trichy by holding parts of the skeleton"&gt;human skeleton and demanded the sharing of Cauvery water. The protestors demanded the sharing of Cauvery water to save the standing ‘kuruvai’ crop cultivation in TN.
The visuals from Trichy showed the protestors raising slogans demanding the release of water from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu and saving farmers. Earlier, on Sunday, a group of farmers in Trichy staged a protest by standing in the Cauvery River water over the ongoing dispute with Karnataka. Both states have been witness to protests after Karnataka hardened its stance on sharing Cauvery water citing sever drought in parts of the state.  The Cauvery water management authority then ordered the Karnataka government to release 5,000 cusecs of Cauvery river water to neighboring Tamil Nadu. The court however, declined to entertain an application filed by the Tamil Nadu government to increase its current share of Cauvery water from 5,000 to 7,200 cusecs per day. In Bengaluru pro-Kannada organizations have given a call for a ‘Bengaluru Bandh’ on 26 September. The call comes after Mandya city observed a total bandh on Saturday, protesting against a Supreme Court order. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said the farmers have the right to protest but political parties were fanning the people's anger. " In a democracy there is an opportunity to protest. We are not going to disrupt the protest. But the BJP-JDS party is playing politics in this. There is a hearing before the Supreme Court tomorrow regarding the Cauvery issue. Our lawyers will present a competent argument" said Siddaramaiah.  The opposition BJP and JDS have alleged that CM Siddaramaiah has failed in Cauvery river water protection. In his response the Karnataka CM said he was bound by the order of the Apex Court. "There is a Supreme Court order. Our petition was dismissed in the Supreme Court, we argued that we cannot release water. We had filed an application in the court questioning the Cauvery authority's order. The court rejected both our application and Tamil Nadu's application" he said.  Tamil Nadu has sought fresh directions for the release of Cauvery River water from Karnataka, claiming that the neighbouring State had changed its stand, and had released a reduced quantum of water as against what was agreed upon earlier. " Though Karnataka's argument is that there is a lack of water in Cauvery at the same time Tamil Nadu is suffering, the delta farmers are totally dependent on agriculture. Tamil Nadu govt is trying through the legal process and in all the possible manner, seeking the support of the Union Govt and Jal Shakti Minister as well as coordinating through all the possible sources to settle this issue amicably" said DMK MP Tiruchi Siva "Our CM is very diplomatically handling this issue and we are hopeful that Tamil Nadu will get its due" he added.&nbsp;
—ANI

The National South Indian River Interlinking Farmers Association under the leadership of Ayyakannu held a protest on Monday in Tamil Nadu's Trichy

Tamil Nadu: Farmers protest with human skeletons over Cauvery water dispute

Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh formally inducted the C-295 transport aircraft into the Indian Air Force in the presence of Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and other top military officials in Ghaziabad today.
The Defence Minister also entered the coveted aircraft during its formal induction at the Hindon Airbase in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad. 
The new generation C295 from Airbus, is a highly versatile tactical transport that is tailored for missions that range from carrying troops and cargo, maritime patrol to signals intelligence and medical evacuation. It is capable of carrying up to nine tonnes of payload or as many as 71 troops at a maximum cruise speed of 260 knots. Rajnath Singh also inaugurated the Bharat Drone Shakti-2023 exhibition at the Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad here. The mega drone show is being hosted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Drone Federation of India (DFI). After inaugurating the Bharat Drone Shakti-2023 exhibition, Defence Minister and Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari witnessed the prowess of the Indian drone industry. Bharat Drone Shakti 2023 hosted live aerial demonstrations of a variety of drone operations and applications by various drone companies. Notably, the IAF, recognizing the potential of indigenous drone design and development, is collaborating with the Drone Federation of India (DFI) to jointly host Bharat Drone Shakti 2023. This event, scheduled for September 25 and 26, will take place at the IAF's Hindan airbase in Ghaziabad and will feature live aerial demonstrations. In India, the utilization of drones is on the rise, spanning across military and civilian applications.
Drone technology has rapidly transformed both civil and defence sectors, enhancing efficiency, reducing risk exposure, and elevating capabilities, said a press release. The IAF has extensive experience in deploying Remotely Piloted Aircraft for Intelligence Surveillance and reconnaissance operations. To harness the burgeoning drone technology sector in India, the IAF initiated the Meher Baba Swarm Drone competition, showcasing its faith in the nation's drone capabilities, according to the release. Now, with Bharat Drone Shakti 2023, the IAF is poised to further leverage this expertise. Bharat Drone Shakti 2023 promises to spotlight the full potential of the Indian drone industry, with an impressive lineup of over 50 live aerial demonstrations. These demonstrations will encompass a diverse range of drone applications, including survey drones, agriculture drones, fire suppression drones, tactical surveillance drones, heavy-lift logistics drones, loitering munition systems, drone swarms, and counter-drone solutions, said the release. The event will also witness the active participation of more than 75 drone start-ups and corporate entities. Anticipated to draw approximately 5,000 attendees, Bharat Drone Shakti 2023 will serve as a convergence point for a wide spectrum of stakeholders. Representatives from central government agencies, state departments, public and private industries, armed forces, paramilitary forces, friendly foreign countries, academic institutions, students, and drone enthusiasts are expected to grace the event, said the release. This collaboration between the Indian Air Force and the Drone Federation of India underscores the commitment to advancing drone technology and its applications in India. The event promises to showcase the capabilities of Indian drones and provide a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts. Bharat Drone Shakti 2023 marks a step towards harnessing the full potential of this transformative technology for the nation's benefit.&nbsp;
—ANI

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh formally inducted the C-295 transport aircraft into the Indian Air Force in the presence of Air Chief Marshal

India's first C-295 aircraft formally inducted into IAF by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

New Delhi: Elon Musk, on Monday, provided a glimpse of Tesla’s humanoid robot named ‘Optimus,’ which welcomed viewers with a ‘Namaste’ and effortlessly performed a series of Yoga poses.  As per IANS, initially unveiled during ‘Tesla AI Day’ in October 2022, Optimus was showcased in a new video posted by the X owner, demonstrating its improved capabilities.
Optimus can now self-calibrate its arms and legs, utilizing vision and joint position encoders to precisely determine the position of its limbs in space. The robot smoothly learns tasks, including sorting and unsorting colored blocks, with its neural network operating entirely on-board and relying solely on vision.
After a day of work, the humanoid robot takes time to stretch, concluding with a Namaste, as shown in the video.  Equipped with the same artificial intelligence (AI) software and sensors found in Tesla’s advanced driver assistance system ‘Autopilot,’ Optimus is estimated to cost around $20,000.
Tesla intends to mass-produce the humanoid robot in the millions of units. It features a 2.3-kilowatt-hour battery pack, suitable for a full day’s work, runs on a Tesla chip, and offers Wi-Fi and LTE connectivity, as reported by The Verge.  Optimus boasts human-like hands with a “Biologically Inspired Design,” making it capable of picking up objects of various shapes and sizes in factory and facility settings.
Elon Musk had previously stated that the robot could be priced “probably less than $20,000.” He emphasized its ability to carry a 20-pound bag, use tools, and possess a precision grip suitable for small robots.  Additionally, the robot comes with wireless connectivity, audio support, and hardware-level security features. Musk had described its potential impact as a “fundamental transformation for civilization as we know it” during the AI Day event.
—IANS

Elon Musk, on Monday, provided a glimpse of Tesla’s humanoid robot named ‘Optimus,’ which welcomed viewers with a ‘Namaste’ and effortlessly performed

Musk showcases Tesla humanoid robot performing Yoga, Namaste

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Police on Tuesday morning took more than 20 people into custody in Bengaluru for violating Section 144 orders and attempting to take a protest march against the release of Cauvery River water to Tamil Nadu.  Kuruburu Shantakumar, the President of the Sugarcane Growers’ Association and one of the prominent leaders of Jala Samrakshana Samithi was leading the protest. The police also took more than 50 people into custody as a preventive measure in the night, according to sources.  The agitators gathered at the Mysuru Bank Circle Junction in the central business district as announced early in the morning. When they were planning to take part in a protest march, the police took them into custody.  Kuruburu Shantakumar expressed his outrage against the police action. “In Tamil Nadu when it comes to matters of the interest of the state, they will stand with protesters. In the issue of Jallikattu, Tamil Nadu Police supported the agitation. But, in Karnataka the police are resorting to repressive measures,” he stated.  The police are troubling protesters, said Kuruburu Shantakumar and asked the police, “what will they do, if they don’t have water to drink when they go to their homes?”  “The bandh is successful and all have extended their support. Our agitation will continue. The farmers of the state are observing what is happening. The message will go to the whole state on what is happening here. The police must be careful,” Kuruburu Shantakumar warned.  The police dispersed the group of agitators who gathered near the Mysuru Bank Circle. The agitators raised slogans against the police and took slogans against them. They argued with the police and asked them to take leave from duty and participate in the protest. The police were repeatedly asked, “don’t they want water?”  The buses attached to Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) were operating in the morning. Most arterial roads and major junctions did not see the traffic rush of morning hours. On Monday, Bengaluru Urban District Collector K.A. Dayanand gave orders declaring holiday for private, aided, unaided and private schools and colleges in the city. He alsosaid that Section 144 will be imposed in the city under which gatherings of more than five people will not be permitted.  The bandh will be observed till 6 p.m. A total of 37 organisations of private transport and 95 other organisations comprising civic agencies, government corporations and commercial establishments have extended their support to the bandh.
—IANS

The Karnataka Police on Tuesday morning took more than 20 people into custody in Bengaluru for violating Section 144 orders and attempting

B’luru bandh: 20 protesters detained, police high-handedness alleged

New Delhi [India]: Trinamool Congress party workers have gathered at the Rajghat in Delhi on Gandhi Jayanti and held a protest against the central government alleging a lack of fund allocation for MGNREGA and other social security schemes for West Bengal. On Tuesday, the TMC workers are likely to hold a protest against the central government for what it claimed was the the centre's failure in disbursement of funds to the state for MGNREGA, AWAS Yojana and other central government schemes.
The TMC had alleged that there were several attempts to block the protest by declining permissions, and cancelling trains and flights who were trying to converge in the national capital. Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee shared that the permission for the protest at Jantar Mantar was given verbally and written permission was still pending.
"Section 144 has been imposed in that area (Jantar Mantar)," he had asserted earlier. Banerjee was summoned by the ED on Oober 3, the day it had planned for the demonstration of protest in Delhi, in connection with the ongoing investigation into the cash-for-school job scam. Earlier, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Susmita Dev hit out at the central government over the refusal to provide special trains to MGNREGA job cardholders from West Bengal to reach Delhi and said that they were ready for the fight. Ahead of the TMC worker's protest in Delhi, Party leader Susmita Dev said, "BJP has practically declared war on the people of Bengal who want to come to Delhi to protest for their rightful dues from the Union government on October 2 and 3. First, they summoned National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee through the ED. Now, since he is determined to come to Delhi, they have refused to give special trains for the people of Bengal to reach Delhi...The people of Bengal have met this challenge by getting into buses and coming by road which is going to take them very long but they are ready for the fight." Susmita Dev further said that many of the public representatives from Bengal had booked a flight to reach Delhi. She said, "A well-known airline like Vistara where 120 people were due to travel to Delhi to join the protest but now without any explanation Vistara airlines has cancelled that entire flight in which TMC leaders were coming. It is clear that the BJP realises it is unprecedented for the people of Bengal to come to Delhi to protest against the Union government. They will not let it succeed but you can see on social media that thousands of people are coming on buses. People will reach Delhi anyhow under the leadership of CM Mamata Banerjee and General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee." Thousands of MGNREGA job cardholders from West Bengal had left for the national capital, in several buses arranged by Trinamool Congress (TMC), for the protest. The protesters, under the banner of 'Dilli Cholo: A fight for our rights!', intended to raise their voices for the payment of arrears for 100 days of work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme.
—ANI

Trinamool Congress party workers have gathered at the Rajghat in Delhi on Gandhi Jayanti and held a protest against the central government

TMC workers hold protest at Rajghat seeking scheme-related funds from Centre

Kochi (Kerala) (India): It was gobsmacking moment for people and guests gathered on the premises of the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Kochi on Friday morning, as they saw a man defying gravity and taking to the skies. The Jet Suit demonstration as part of the cyber conference surprised the audience as well as Kerala Governor Arif Muhammad Khan, who was the guest of honour at the event.
The governor was seen breaking into an applause after experiencing something that is seldom seen in real life.
<div style="text-align:left;"><img src="https://thehawk.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/a1.webp" alt="seldom seen" style="height: auto;width: auto"/></div>
Paul Robert Jones, a gravity jet suit pilot, did the demonstration flight as part of the 16th edition of COCON-16, an international cyber conference organised by the Kerala Police in association with Information Security Research Association and Society for Policing of Cyberspace. Paul took flight, the first of its kind in Kerala, on the helipad of the Grand Hyatt. Paul, who arrived at the ground wearing a gravity suit, greeted the spectators before taking to the skies. As he flew back and landed on the embankment on the ground, he was greeted with a standing ovation.
<div style="text-align:left;"><img src="https://thehawk.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/a2.webp" alt="standing ovation" style="height: auto;width: auto"/></div>
The Gravity Industrial Jet Suit was launched in 2017 to help rescue and assist people during natural disasters, floods, and war zones. It could enable a person to fly at a speed of up to 80 miles per hour. One can make a 4.30-minute flight at a stretch. The Jet Suit team was sponsored by c0c0n as part of an initiative by Synthetic Group, a leader in the global spice processing export sector, for the development of technological innovation. Inaugurating the c0c0n 2023, the governor also flagged concerns over rising cybercrime incidents. The event, hosted in Kochi, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, cybersecurity enthusiasts and prominent speakers.
—ANI

It was gobsmacking moment for people and guests gathered on the premises of the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Kochi on Friday morning

Man in jet suit takes to skies at Kochi event, leaves spectators spellbound

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Maratha activist Manoj Jarange announced on Monday his intent to initiate an indefinite fast for quota rights in Mumbai, commencing on January 26. The venue for the protest is yet to be finalized, with options including Azad Maidan or Shivaji Park ground.  Speaking from the epicenter of the Maratha quota agitation in Antarwali Sarati village, Jarange disclosed the detailed plan for the upcoming demonstration. The Maratha community members are scheduled to embark on their journey to Mumbai from Antarwali Sarati village on January 20, with a portion of the travel on foot and the remainder by vehicles. The goal is to reach Mumbai by January 26.  "I will commence the walk from Antarwali Sarati village on January 20," Jarange stated during a press conference, unveiling the itinerary for the agitation. "Agitators will start their journey at 9 am on January 20, walking until noon each day. Subsequently, they will board vehicles to proceed to the next destination for an overnight stay," he added.  The Maratha community has persistently protested, demanding reservations in government jobs and educational institutions under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.
—Input from Agencies

Manoj Jarange initiates Mumbai protest on Jan 26, demanding Maratha quota rights. Join the movement for OBC reservations in jobs and education.

Manoj Jarange Set to Commence Indefinite Fast for Maratha Quota in Mumbai on January 26

Bhubaneswar: In an unique political demonstration the Congress party in Odisha arranged a symbolic "marriage" ceremony between the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The event took place at the Master Canteen Square in Bhubaneswar and aimed to draw attention to what the Congress claims is a long standing collaboration between these two parties.  Wearing masks depicting leaders from both the BJD and BJP Congress workers carefully organized the ceremony with rituals accompanied by drum beats and chanting of mantras. The invitation cards for "BJP weds BJD" event mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the grooms father and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik as the brides father.  Congress leader Ajoy Kumar provided justification for this event by alleging a 23 year "live in relationship" between BJD and BJP. He stated, "To prevent any perceptions about them in society we have arranged this wedding." Kumar accused both parties of engaging in theatrics at a national level while pretending to be opponents in Odisha.  Kumar, who oversees Congress affairs in Odisha highlighted several instances where BJD has supported BJP on various matters such, as land acquisition bill, farm laws, demonetization, GST implementation, presidential polls and Citizenship Amendment Bill. He said that the investigative agencies like CBI or ED never investigated matters in Odisha involving the BJP in exchange for something. Pointing out their alleged silence on issues Kumar accused the BJP of neglecting important matters such as the mining scam, chit fund scam and high profile murder cases in our state. Sarat Pattanayak, the State Congress president claims that due to the collaboration between BJD and BJP Odisha has suffered and people are turning to Congress as their alternative.  In response to this event Biranchi Tripathy, a spokesperson for the state BJP dismissed it as an attempt by Congress to prove its existence. He asserted that Congress is in condition nationwide and will soon fade away in Odisha. Bhupindar Singh, a BJD leader also dismissed the demonstration by Congress and stated that people will not accept such antics ahead of elections. He emphasized that BJD has consistently supported the Centre on issues indicating that both his party and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik are gaining strength despite allegations, from both Congress and BJP.
—Input from Agencies

Congress exposes alleged 23-year collaboration between BJD and BJP in Odisha with a symbolic 'wedding.' Ajoy Kumar claims political theatrics while BJP and BJD respond.

'BJP-BJD Alliance': Congress Stages Symbolic 'Wedding' Ceremony in Odisha

Bengaluru: In the controversy surrounding the removal of a Hanuman flag in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated on Tuesday that there are individuals in the state who have connections to Nathuram Godse, Mahatma Gandhis assassin and they are causing unrest.  Amid a protest by the BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) in Mandya against the removal of the saffron flag from a 108 feet flagstaff in Keragodu village Siddaramaiah dismissed their agitation as a political maneuver. After paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary he spoke to reporters. Said, "There are people among us who worship Godse while also speaking about Mahatma Gandhi."  Addressing the tensions in Mandya, Siddaramaiah highlighted efforts to disrupt peace and attributed this disturbance to descendants of Godse. He emphasized the importance of fostering love and trust for harmony and urged against fueling communal passions by saying, "No one should attempt to incite communal passions."  Reiterating that Keragodu Panchayat had only granted permission for hoisting either the national tricolor or Karnataka flag—not any religious or political flags—Siddaramaiah questioned the organizers of the event. He alleged that they deviated from their submitted request for permission by hoisting the saffron flag with motives such as gaining political advantage and creating unrest, within society. The authorities later replaced the "Hanuman Dhwaja" with the flag.

Karnataka's Hanuman flag controversy: Siddaramaiah accuses Godse's descendants, alleging political motives; Mandya witnesses protests and heightened tensions.

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Tag : demonstration

Yoga training-cum-demonstration sessions organized as a countdown to 8th Int'l Day of Yoga

Pushkar Raj Kapoor

Tag : demonstration

Yoga training-cum-demonstration sessions organized as a countdown to 8th Int'l Day of Yoga

Pushkar Raj Kapoor

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