National Farmers Day, also known as Kisan Diwas, is celebrated every year on December 23 in India to honour the contributions of farmers to the nation's growth and development. This day serves as a reminder of the crucial role that farmers play in ensuring food security, sustaining rural economies and preserving the agricultural heritage of the country. The significance of National Farmers Day Kisan Diwas was instituted in 2001 by the Government of India, but its roots trace back to the birthday of Chaudhary Charan Singh, a prominent Indian political leader and farmer’s advocate. Charan Singh served as the 5th Prime Minister of India from 1979 to 1980. His leadership focused on agricultural reforms, rural development, and the welfare of farmers, and his policies are still remembered as a foundation for agricultural progress in India. The government decided to celebrate this day in his honour, recognizing his lifelong work in addressing the issues faced by Indian farmers. Why is National Farmers Day celebrated? To Acknowledge Farmers’ Contribution: Farmers are the backbone of India’s economy, contributing to the majority of the country’s agricultural production and ensuring a steady supply of food and raw materials. On Kisan Diwas, the government, organizations, and communities come together to celebrate their hard work, resilience, and indispensable role in society. To Raise Awareness about Agricultural Challenges: Kisan Diwas brings attention to the various challenges that farmers face, such as unpredictable weather conditions, fluctuating market prices, and inadequate access to modern technology. It is a day for policymakers to discuss reforms that can better support the farming community. To Promote Agricultural Innovation: On this day, government bodies, agricultural institutions, and experts often conduct programs and workshops focused on enhancing agricultural techniques and introducing sustainable farming practices. Farmers are encouraged to adopt new methods to increase crop yields and ensure environmental sustainability. To Honor Farmers' Welfare: National Farmers Day emphasizes the importance of ensuring that farmers' welfare is prioritized in public policies. It is a reminder to policymakers to work towards schemes and programs that provide financial support, insurance, and better living conditions for farmers. A Day of Unity and Support: Kisan Diwas also serves as a reminder of the collective efforts needed to ensure the well-being of farmers. Communities and organizations across India come together to show solidarity and support for the farming community. The Legacy of Chaudhary Charan Singh Chaudhary Charan Singh’s legacy continues to resonate in the policies and reforms related to the agricultural sector in India. He is remembered for his significant work in promoting the rights of farmers, advocating for a fair and just price for their produce, and fighting for the betterment of rural communities. One of his most significant contributions was the enactment of the Farmers’ Debt Relief Bill, which aimed to relieve farmers burdened by debts. His emphasis on a rural-centric economy and sustainable farming continues to influence modern agricultural policies. Celebrations Across India On National Farmers Day, various events and activities take place to honor the farmers. These include: Award Ceremonies: Recognising exceptional farmers for their contributions to agriculture, innovation, and community development. Conferences and Seminars: Discussions on the challenges faced by farmers and the solutions that can be implemented to improve the agricultural sector. Rural Development Programs: Introducing new initiatives and schemes that aim to improve the standard of living for farmers and rural communities. Cultural Programs: In some parts of India, local festivals and fairs are organized to celebrate the agricultural heritage and the hard work of farmers. National Farmers Day or Kisan Diwas is not just a day to celebrate the farmers but also an opportunity to address the pressing issues they face and explore ways to uplift the agricultural sector. As India’s population continues to grow, the importance of supporting and empowering farmers becomes ever more critical. This day serves as both a celebration of their vital role in society and a call to action for a sustainable future for agriculture in India. Let us use this day to reflect on the sacrifices made by farmers and to ensure that the government, institutions, and society continue to work towards their well-being and prosperity.
21 December,2024 02:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentReflecting on RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's remarks, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut remarked on Saturday that Ram Mandir was a national movement to which everyone contributed, including RSS, Shiv Sena, VHP, and even the Congress, ANI reported. Speaking to ANI, Raut attacked Bhagwat and said that he is the one who brought such people to power and now should take responsibility. "Ram mandir was a movement in the history of this nation. I believe everyone contributed to that movement. Not only BJP and PM Modi contributed to it but RSS, BJP, Shiv Sena, VHP, Bajrang Dal and Congress also contributed to the movement...It is right that no one can become a leader just by constructing a temple. This nation is a temple, you should build it...Mohan Bhagwat, you are the one who brought such people to power. So now, you take the responsibility," Raut said. On Friday, Mohan Bhagwat appealed for national unity and harmony, emphasising that controversial themes should not be raised to incite enmity, while also emphasising the significance of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya as a symbol of Hindu devotion, ANI cited. Speaking at the inauguration of the Hindu Sewa Mahotsav in Pune on Thursday, Bhagwat said, "Coming to the question of devotion. There should be a Ram temple, and it indeed happened. That is a site for the devotion of Hindus." However, he cautioned against creating divisions. "But raking up new issues every day for disdain and enmity should not be done. What is the solution here? We should show the world that we can live in harmony, so we should have a little experiment in our country," the RSS chief added. Talking about India's diverse culture, Bhagwat said, "We have ideologies of different sects and communities in our country." Bhagwat also spoke of Hinduism as an eternal dharma, claiming that the Acharyas of this eternal and Sanatan religion adhere to the "sewa dharma," or the dharma of humanity. Speaking to the crowd, he described Sewa as the core of Sanatan Dharma, transcending religious and societal borders. He encouraged individuals to volunteer not for recognition, but out of a genuine desire to give back to society, ANI cited. (With ANI inputs)
21 December,2024 01:36 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentAs he embarked on a two-day visit to Kuwait, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India and the Gulf nation have shared interest in peace, security and stability in West Asia, reported PTI. PM Modi's visit to Kuwait, the first by an Indian prime minister in 43 years, comes two weeks after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria and amid signs of a possible ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The last Indian prime minister to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi in 1981. In a departure statement, PM Modi said his talks with the top Kuwaiti leadership would be an opportunity to chalk out a roadmap for a futuristic partnership between India and Kuwait. "We deeply value the historical connection with Kuwait that has been nurtured over generations. We are not just strong trade and energy partners but also have shared interest in peace, security, stability and prosperity in the West Asia region," he said, reported PTI. The prime minister is visiting Kuwait at the invitation of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. "I am confident that this visit will further strengthen and reinforce the special ties and bonds of friendship between the people of India and Kuwait," PM Modi said, reported PTI. The prime minister said he was looking forward to his meetings with the Emir, the Crown Prince and the prime minister of Kuwait. "It would be an opportunity to chalk out a roadmap for a futuristic partnership for the benefit of our people and the region," he said. "I eagerly look forward to meeting the Indian diaspora in Kuwait who have immensely contributed to strengthening of bonds of friendship between the two nations," he added. PM Modi's engagements in Kuwait include a visit to an Indian labour camp, an interaction with the Indian community and gracing the opening ceremony of the Gulf Cup football tournament. "I express my gratitude to the leadership of Kuwait for the special gesture of inviting me to the inauguration ceremony of the Arabian Gulf Cup, a premier sporting event in the Gulf region," the prime minister said, reported PTI. "I look forward to being a part of this celebration of athletic excellence and regional unity," he said. On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India and Kuwait are expected to focus on shoring up ties in a range of key areas including defence and trade during the prime minister's visit to the Gulf nation. Discussions are underway with Kuwait on a bilateral investment treaty and a defence cooperation pact, according to officials. At a media briefing, Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (Overseas Indian Affairs) in the MEA, said a few bilateral documents are expected to be firmed up during the prime minister's visit. "The historic visit by the prime minister is expected to open a new chapter in India-Kuwait bilateral relations," he said. "It will not only consolidate the partnership in existing spheres but also unveil new avenues for future cooperation, reinforce our shared values and build a stronger and more dynamic partnership for the future," he added. India is among the top trading partners of Kuwait. The Indian community is the largest expatriate community in Kuwait. The Gulf nation is among India's top trading partners, with bilateral trade valued at USD 10.47 billion in 2023-24. Kuwait is India's sixth largest crude supplier, meeting 3 per cent of the country's energy needs. Indian exports to Kuwait reached USD 2 billion for the first time in 2023-24 while investments by the Kuwait Investment Authority in India exceeded USD 10 billion. (With inputs from PTI)
21 December,2024 01:33 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Minister Bharat Gogawale on Saturday said that the allocation of portfolios in the Mahayuti government is expected during the day, reported news agency PTI. The Winter Session of the state assembly, which began on December 16, will conclude on Saturday. Talking to reporters in Nagpur, Gogawale said, "The allocation of portfolios is expected today. Leaders of all three alliance partners met on Friday, and we had a breakfast meeting with the chief minister this morning," reported PTI. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his deputies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar were sworn in on December 5, and 39 ministers were inducted ahead of the Winter Session on December 15 at Raj Bhavan in Nagpur. However, portfolio allocation in the Mahayuti government is yet to take place. The Mahayuti, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party, secured a landslide victory in the November 20 assembly polls by winning 230 out of 288 seats. The Shiv Sena leader asserted that there was no difference of opinion among Mahayuti leaders over portfolios and that whatever decision they make will be acceptable to all. Gogawale said he expected to become the guardian minister of his home district, Raigad. "I am confident I will get the guardian minister post for Raigad," he said. Despite having majority why so much delay: Sanjay Raut Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday expressed concern over the delay in the allocation of portfolios in the Maharashtra Cabinet and questioned the Mahayuti government regarding the reason for the delay despite having an adequate majority. Speaking to the media, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Raut said, "What is happening in government, it's is difficult to understand. The government (Mahayuti government) has been formed but no portfolio has been allocated till now. There are a lot of law and order issues..who is accountable... despite having so much majority why is so much delay." (With inputs from PTI)
21 December,2024 12:37 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentBahujan Samaj Party Chief Mayawati on Saturday called for a nationwide demonstration on December 24 against Union Minister Amit Shah's remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar, ANI reported. Mayawati in a series of posts on X, said that Shah's remarks have hurt the sentiments of the people. "Baba Saheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, the author of the original book in the form of the super-humanistic and welfare constitution for the self-respect and human rights of the Dalits, deprived and other neglected people of the country, is as revered as God. His disrespect by Amit Shah hurts the hearts of the people," she said. 1. देश के दलित, वंचित व अन्य उपेक्षितों के आत्म-सम्मान व मानवीय हकूक के लिए अति-मानवतावादी व कल्याणकारी संविधान के रूप में असली ग्रंथ के रचयिता बाबा साहेब डा. भीमराव अम्बेडकर भगवान की तरह परमपूजनीय हैं। उनका श्री अमित शाह द्वारा किया गया अनादर लोगों के दिलों को आहत पहुँचाता है। — Mayawati (@Mayawati) December 21, 2024 She further demanded that the Home Minister take back his statement. "People from all sections of society in the country are quite agitated, angry by the words spoken by him in the Parliament regarding such a great man. Ambedkarite BSP has demanded him to take back his statement and repent, which has not been implemented till now," Mayawati said. "In such a situation, if the demand is not met, then BSP has talked about raising voice across the country. That is why now the party has decided to hold a nationwide movement on December 24 in support of this demand. On that day, a completely peaceful dharna demonstration will be held at all the district headquarters of the country," she added. The BSP chief claimed that her party is devoted to Babasaheb Ambedkar, who dedicated his life to securing the rights of the Dalits and Bahujans, including reservation, and enabling them to live independently and with dignity, ANI cited. "Therefore, if Congress, BJP etc., cannot respect Baba Saheb from their heart, then they should not disrespect him either. The day SC, ST and OBC classes got legal rights in the Constitution due to Baba Saheb, they also got heaven for seven lives," she added. Amit Shah on Wednesday reportedly said in Rajya Sabha, "If they (opposition) had taken the name of God so many times instead of Ambedkar, they would have got heaven for seven lives." On Thursday, Rahul Gandhi and other MPs from the INDIA alliance led demonstrations in the Parliament complex, demanding an apology and resignation of the Union Home Minister for his remarks on former law minister BR Ambedkar, ANI reported. When a fight broke out between the two groups, injuring two BJP MPs, INDIA bloc MPs protested on the grounds of Parliament. INDIA bloc MPs protested on the grounds of Parliament when a fight broke out between the two groups, injuring two BJP MPs Two BJP MPs, Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput, suffered head injuries during the altercation on the Parliament grounds. Both parties have claimed that their party members had been pushed around. In addition, Delhi police have filed a formal complaint (FIR) against Rahul Gandhi for the event. (With ANI inputs)
21 December,2024 12:15 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentDelhiites woke up to a foggy morning on Saturday with the minimum temperature in the national capital settling at 7.6 degrees Celsius, a notch below the season's average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Delhi's air quality improved significantly. The Air Quality Index (AQI) came down to 392 in the 'very poor' category from 429 on Friday, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed. The Air Quality Index in Delhi's Anand Vihar was recorded at 414 while the number reached 413 in Dwarka Sector 8. The north campus of Delhi University recorded AQI at 376 while the number at Lodhi Road was 362. The AQI at Delhi's Rohini was recorded at 425 while the number decreased to 398 in Najafgarh, but remains close to the 'severe' category. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. Humidity levels were recorded at 100 per cent at 8.30 am, the IMD said. The weather officer has forecast mainly clear skies during the day and the maximum temperature is expected to settle at 23 degrees Celsius. Moreover, the Republic Day parade rehearsals were underway at Kartavya Path as cold waves and dense fog engulfed the national capital. Visuals from Akshardhan in Delhi as thick layer of fog engulfes the area. Meanwhile, IMD predicts severe cold wave conditions for Himachal Pradesh and remote areas in Jammu and Kashmir. It also predicted cold wave conditions in isolated Punjab and Rajasthan. Dense fog at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh and east Rajasthan. Earlier on Friday, a layer of dense fog engulfed Delhi as a cold wave gripped the city. The minimum temperature in the national capital had dropped to seven degrees Celsius. As per the IMD, cold wave to severe cold wave conditions are to prevail in most of North India.
21 December,2024 11:40 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentTwo Naxalites carrying a combined bounty of Rs 8 lakh surrendered before the security forces in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district, police said on Saturday, PTI reported. As per PTI, Ramasu Poyam also known as Narsingh (55), a native of Gadchiroli, and Ramesh Kunjam known as Govind (25), a native of Narayanpur in neighbouring Chhattisgarh, surrendered before the Gadchiroli police and the Central Reserve Police Force on Friday, police stated in a release. According to the statement, Poyam, who had a Rs 6 lakh bounty, was recruited as a member of the Tipagadh LOS in 1992 and has been the area committee member (ACM) for Kutul and Nelnar LOS since 2010. Poyam has 12 cases to his name, including six encounters, five murders and an offence of dacoity, police said, PTI reported. In 2019, Kunjam joined the militia with a bounty of Rs 2 lakh. He joined the Kutul LOS in 2021 after being recruited as a member of the Chetna Natya Manch (CNM) in 2020, they said. The duo surrendered due to the Gadchiroli police's aggressive crackdown on Maoist activities in the area. Their family members also persuaded them to lay down arms following the arrest of their colleagues, PTI reported. The men will receive Rs 4.5 lakh each for rehabilitation as announced by the Centre and Maharashtra government. Gadchiroli police claimed that a huge number of members of the banned CPI (Maoist) were being lured by the state government's surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy, and to date, 680 active Maoists have surrendered. As many as 20 Maoist loyalists surrendered this year itself. Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police, Neelotpal, has assured that necessary assistance would be provided to those willing to surrender and join the mainstream society, PTI reported. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis introduces bill to prevent ‘urban naxal’ The Maharashtra government has tabled a bill on December 18, to legislate a law to prevent the unlawful activities of the ‘Urban Naxals’ more effectively. The bill, the Maharashtra Special Public Security Act, 2024, was put up for the state legislature’s perusal. It was also sent to a joint select committee for scrutiny and feedback was sought from members of civil society who want to discuss the matter. Some Opposition members wanted to know why a new Act was needed when existing laws had sufficient powers to tackle extremism. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said states where the new Act was in force had seen good results. According to the CM, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha had enacted the Public Security Acts to more effectively prevent the unlawful activities of Maoist bodies and 48 banned frontal organisations. In the absence of a similar law in Maharashtra, such organisations are active in the state, Fadnavis stated. (With PTI inputs)
21 December,2024 11:23 AM IST | Gadchiroli | mid-day online correspondentThe death toll in the tanker truck collision on Bhankrota Ajmer Road in Jaipur on Saturday rose to 14, as confirmed by DCP West Jaipur, Amit Kumar, reported news agency ANI. The Friday accident, which resulted in a massive fire, involved a truck loaded with chemicals colliding with a tanker carrying LPG and other vehicles. Prior to DCP Kumar's confirmation, Dr Deepak Maheshwari, the Principal of SMS Medical College, told ANI in the early hours that 13 people had lost their lives in the accident so far. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his condolences to the families of the victims. In a post on X, the Prime Minister's Office expressed grief, stating, "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the accident on Jaipur-Ajmer highway in Rajasthan. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected." The PM also announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured. Meanwhile, on Friday, Dr Sushil Kumar Bhati, Superintendent of SMS Hospital, provided further details, confirming that seven people had died and 10 to 12 others had been injured. He noted that over 60 per cent of the victims sustained burns, with around 28 patients admitted to the hospital, six of whom are on ventilators, reported ANI. Earlier, Kumar described the incident as "horrific," explaining, "The accident and subsequent fire occurred in the Bhankrota area of Jaipur early today on the main Ajmer Road. Nearly two dozen vehicles caught fire, and many trucks and trolleys were reduced to ashes. The accident took place near a petrol pump," reported ANI. He added, "The fire started due to a collision involving several vehicles one after the other. Efforts are being made to extinguish the fire." (With inputs from ANI)
21 December,2024 11:20 AM IST | Jaipur | mid-day online correspondentA couple and their two children were killed in a fire that broke out at a milk parlour-cum-house in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district in the early hours of Saturday, police said, reported news agency PTI. The blaze erupted on the premises in the Nayapura area around 4.45 am, an official said. "We received information about a fire in a milk parlour in Nayapura, and a family was living in the same premises," Nahar Darwaja police station in-charge Manju Yadav told PTI. She said the victims, a couple and their two children, died of suffocation and burn injuries. A team from the fire brigade has brought the blaze under control, the official said. According to police, Dinesh Karpentar (35), his wife Gayatri (30), 10-year-old daughter Ishika (10) and seven-year-old son Chirag died in the fire, reported PTI. Superintendent of Police (SP) Puneet Gehlot said Dinesh owned a dairy on the ground floor of the building and lived with his family on the second floor. "We are probing into the cause of the fire. The dairy was on the ground floor, and the family was on the second floor while the first floor was vacant," the official told reporters. He said the fire started on the ground floor, and it is suspected that it intensified as some inflammable material was stored there. The SP said the family could not be rescued despite being on the second floor and could not escape, reported PTI. The exact cause for the fire will be known after the forensics team conducts a probe, he said, adding that the fire has been controlled. Gehlot said the incident was serious, and the police are coordinating with the administration and local civic body to prevent such accidents. (With inputs from PTI)
21 December,2024 11:10 AM IST | Dewas | mid-day online correspondentRashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat has said the education system should act as a facilitator and not a barrier to learning and asserted it was essential to remain rooted in "our basic foundational values" while adapting to changing times, reported news agency PTI. The RSS chief, who was speaking after inaugurating LokSeva E School in Baner on Friday, emphasised that education is not a business but a "vrat" (pledge) to create fine human beings. "The education system should act as a facilitator, not a barrier, to learning. It must serve as a tool to empower students rather than functioning solely as a regulator. The role of regulation in education should focus on streamlining processes and ensuring smooth functioning, rather than enforcing rigid 'dos and don'ts' that can stifle the experimental spirit among students," he said, reported PTI. Hailing the National Education Policy (NEP), the RSS chief said it may have been introduced recently, but discussions to have such a kind of system have been underway for many years, adding that several schools have been imparting "value-based" education for long. The new education system will be implemented completely, and it will lead the country to the desired dream, he said. "We need to change ourselves according to the times, but while doing so, we must ensure that we are rooted in our basic foundational values. While sticking to those eternal foundational values, we need to lead ahead and face the future. We need to juxtapose the modern and ancient, for which all must contribute," he opined, reported PTI. Education should not remain restricted to a framework but must be holistic that the entire society must preserve, Bhagwat added. There is no doubt that by preserving foundational values, India will emerge as an excellent leader in the ultra-modern world since the nation has that kind of capability, the RSS chief said. (With inputs from PTI)
21 December,2024 10:58 AM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentWelcome to Mid-Day's Top News at this hour! We bring you a curated selection of the most significant and compelling news from around the globe. Stay informed with the latest developments in the nation, Mumbai, entertainment, sports, and more. Let's dive into the headlines shaping our world today. Borivli hawker menace: Illegal vendors hide inside magistrate’s court after it shuts for the day to evade BMC action An investigation conducted by mid-day on Tuesday has uncovered a runaway tactic employed by hawkers operating in Court Lane, also famously known as Borivli Bhaji Market Gully, to evade action by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and local police authorities. Read more. Kurla BEST bus crash: Driver claims he saw spark before he lost control of bus Sanjay More, the accused in the Kurla bus tragedy, has claimed that he saw a spark before losing control of the electric vehicle that mowed down pedestrians on SG Barve Marg on the night of December 9. However, Ganesh Gawade, DCP, Zone V, told mid-day that reports from both the BEST and RTO found no fault with the automatic vehicle. Read more. Worli Sea Link disappears in haze as AQI in Mumbai worsens The city’s air quality index (AQI) started dipping again on Friday, causing several areas in the city and eastern and western suburbs to experience ‘poor’ air quality. Mumbai’s overall average AQI, however, stood at 179 (moderate). Read more. Gill under siege overseas! On various counts, Shubman Gill appears the perfect batter, with a game that he can tailor to meet the demands of any format. His basics are strong enough for him to knuckle down and bat time in Test cricket. Having added six-hitting skills to his repertoire in the last couple of years, he has emerged as the consummate performer in the two limited-overs versions. The vice-captaincy of the ODI and T20I squads, conferred during India’s tour of Sri Lanka in July-August, confirm that he is rated highly by the powers that be and that at some stage, he will lead the country in potentially all three formats. Read more. Sharmila Tagore: Bigger movies like Kalki 2898 AD is attracting audience, but I like smaller movies like Laapataa Ladies Gulmohar (2023) reminded us how much we had missed seeing Sharmila Tagore on screen. Over a year later, the veteran actor has faced the camera again for Outhouse, teaming up with her Mississippi Masala (1991) co-star Dr Mohan Agashe. In Sunil Sukthankar’s directorial venture, Tagore plays a successful illustrator, who develops an unlikely friendship with an elderly neighbour while babysitting her grandson over a weekend. It was the director’s sensitive gaze towards the plight of senior citizens that drew her to Outhouse. Read more.
21 December,2024 10:39 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
