The government on Thursday reappointed former IPS officer Ajit Doval as the National Security Advisor (NSA), as per an official order. His appointment will be co-terminus with the term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi or until further orders, it said. “The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Ajit Doval, IPS (Retired) as National Security Advisor with effect from 10.06.2024,” said the order. During the term of his office, Doval will be assigned the rank of Cabinet Minister in the Table of Precedence, it said, adding the terms and conditions of his appointment will be notified separately. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 June,2024 07:48 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesA 70-year-old man was beaten to death by his neighbours over a car parking issue here, police said on Friday. According to police, Gopal Khandelwal had a dispute with his neighbour Prabhu Thakaria over car parking in Shanti Colony on Thursday night. Seeing the dispute escalating, Thakaria's two sons also came there. All of them thrashed Khandelwal and fled, they said. Khandelwal's family took him to a hospital where he was declared dead, police said. The body was handed over to the family after a post-mortem on Friday, they said, adding that a case of murder has been registered against neighbour Thakaria and others. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
01 June,2024 05:59 AM IST | Jaipur | PTIOne of the revolutionary healthcare programmes in recent times, Ayushman Bharat Scheme, is marked on the Ayushman Bharat Diwas on April 30. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), popularly known as Ayushman Bharat, was introduced by the Indian government on September 23, 2018, with the objective of offering millions of people in the nation access to affordable healthcare. Every year, Ayushman Bharat Diwas is celebrated to mark the significant accomplishments made possible and to reaffirm the commitment to enhancing healthcare results for all societal segments. The two core components of the plan are the establishment of primary Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) and the Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), which offers health insurance coverage to households who are deemed vulnerable. The primary objective of Ayushman Bharat is to ensure that no individual or family is deprived of quality healthcare due to financial constraints. Under AB-PMJAY, eligible beneficiaries are entitled to receive cashless treatment for a wide range of medical conditions, including hospitalisation, surgeries, and follow-up care. With a coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year, the scheme has provided much-needed relief to millions of households facing the burden of high medical expenses. Under Ayushman Bharat, by strengthening the primary healthcare system, Health and Wellness Centers have made vital services more accessible to underserved and rural areas, the officials say. Numerous preventive, promotional, and curative treatments are provided by these centers, including as vaccinations, screening for non-communicable diseases, critical medications, and maternity and child healthcare, they said. Apart from augmenting healthcare accessibility, Ayushman Bharat has additionally added to the population's general health results. The program has assisted in lowering the prevalence of poverty and debt associated with medical treatment by offering financial protection against catastrophic healthcare bills, therefore fostering socioeconomic growth. Ayushman Bharat continues to be the cornerstone of the government's initiatives to create a healthier and wealthier country as India moves closer to attaining universal health care. On Ayushman Bharat Diwas, stakeholders, politicians, medical experts, and the general public unite to commemorate the achievements of this historic programme and to reaffirm their dedication to guaranteeing everyone's health and well-being.
23 April,2024 10:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRam Navami bears tremendous significance for Hindus. The festival holds immense significance for millions of devotees across the world. It marks the auspicious date of the birth of Lord Ram, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, and is celebrated with enormous passion and excitement across India and in Hindu communities worldwide. Ram Navami is not just a religious observance but also a cultural celebration. As the calendar rolls to 2024, believers eagerly anticipate the important festival, which falls on the ninth day (Navami) of the Chaitra month of the Hindu lunar calendar. On the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, here are some heartfelt greetings, wishes and messages to share with your family and friends. - May the divine blessings of Lord Rama fill your life with happiness, prosperity, and success. Wishing you and your family a blissful Ram Navami! - On the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, may Lord Rama bless you with strength, courage, and wisdom to overcome all obstacles in life! - Let's celebrate the birth of Lord Rama with devotion and gratitude. May His divine presence guide us on the path of righteousness and inspire us to lead a life of virtue. Happy Ram Navami. - May the divine light of Lord Rama illuminate your life with peace, joy, and harmony. Wishing you a blessed Ram Navami. - As we celebrate the divine incarnation of Lord Rama, let us strive to emulate His noble virtues of compassion, righteousness, and integrity in our lives. Happy Ram Navami. - May Lord Ram shower his blessings upon you and your family, filling your home with love, happiness, and prosperity. Wish you a very happy Ram Navami. - May the divine grace of Lord Rama bring peace and harmony to your heart and home. Wishing you a blessed and joyous Ram Navami. - As we celebrate the birth of Lord Ram, let us cherish His teachings of love, compassion, and righteousness. Happy Ram Navami. - Let us rejoice in the glory of Lord Rama and seek His divine blessings on this auspicious occasion. Happy Ram Navami! - May Lord Rama's divine blessings be with you always, guiding you towards righteousness and enlightenment. Wishing you a blessed and spiritually uplifting Ram Navami.
16 April,2024 07:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOn Sunday, April 14, the Maharashtrian Mandal (club) in Gothenburg, Sweden celebrated the Marathi new year--the festival of Gudi Padwa in a traditional way taking pride in the Marathi culture. The club organised cultural events including the Marathi folk dance, Lezim, musicals like traditional Marathi singing--Powada, praising historic personalities and many more. The Maharashtrian Mandal at Gothenburg, Sweden was formed a decade ago to preserve and propagate Marathi culture for future generations, said the statement issued by the club. "Since inception, the Mandal has been enthusiastically organising various cultural events during festivals like Makar Sankranti, Gudi Padwa, Mangala Gaur, Bhondla, Ashadi Ekadashi and Ganeshotsav, garnering immense participation and excitement," it said. "The Mandal takes pride in introducing Lezim, a traditional folk dance form to Sweden for the first time during the Gudi Padwa celebrations. The highlight of the event was rendition of the Geet Ramayana, which was on the occasion of inauguration of Ram Temple in Ayodhya," the statement added. "Additionally, a young artist showcased the vibrant culture of Maharashtra through a brilliant rendition of the traditional Powada by singing priases of the great personalities. There were other performances showcasing the rich heritage of Marathi cinema, dance, music and theater from ancient times to the present." The festival of Gudi Padwa was celebrated on April 9 this year. According to the Hindu lunar calendar, it marks the start of a new year, usually around March or April. Traditionally, the celebration of Gudi Padwa begins with the placement of a 'gudi' outside homes. A gudi is a bamboo or wooden pole covered with colourful cloth, garlands, and neem leaves, with a decorative pot or 'kalash' on top. The gudi represents prosperity, success, and the triumph of good over evil. The day is also known as Marathi New Year and is celebrated by Marathi community across the globe. One of the highlights of Gudi Padwa are the 'Shobha Yatras', where participants dress in traditional Maharashtrian attire parade through the streets, accompanied by music, dance, and performances that heighten the celebratory atmosphere. Gudi Padwa festival has immense cultural and religious significance for the people of Maharashtra, and people celebrate it with a variety of ceremonies and traditions.
15 April,2024 09:05 PM IST | Mumbai | Faisal TandelJallianwala Bagh massacre or Jallianwala Bagh 'hatyakand' that took place on April 13, 1919, in Amritsar, Punjab marking a turning point in India’s struggle for independence. Hundreds of innocent Indians died on the day and thousands injured. The British troops had fired on a large crowd of unarmed Indians in an open space known as the Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar in the Punjab region (now in Punjab state) of India. The incident was epitome of brutalities inflicted upon the Indians during British colonial rule. What exactly happened: A large, peaceful crowd had gathered at the Jallianwala Bagh during annual Baishakhi fair, to protest against the arrest of the two nationalist leaders Satya Pal and Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew on 13th April 1919. Suddenly a British military officer General Dyer entered the park with the troops. Without any warning to the people he ordered his troops to open fire on an unarmed crowd. The troops kept on firing until their ammunition was exhausted. The Jallianwala Bagh could only be exited on one side, as its other three sides were enclosed by buildings. After blocking the exit with his troops, the British General first blocked the exit with his troops and then ordered them to shoot at the crowd. It is not certain how many died in the bloodbath, but estimated death count vary from 379 to 1,500 or more, and about 1,200 more were wounded. After the British soldiers ceased firing, they immediately withdrew from the place, leaving behind the dead and wounded. Turning point in India's freedom struggle: This massacre exposed the inhuman approach of the British. The massacre aroused the fury of the Indian people and the government replied with further brutalities. However, it caused many moderate Indians to abandon their previous loyalty to the British and become nationalists distrustful of British rule. It fuelled greater nationalist zeal among the Indian populace leading to the launch of the non-cooperation movement. Many historians consider the event a decisive step towards the end of British rule in India. About 21 years later, on 13 March 1940, Udham Singh, an Indian revolutionary, shot Michael O’Dwyer dead who was the Lt. Governor of Punjab at the time of the Jalliawala Bagh massacre.
12 April,2024 10:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentEid ul-Fitr is an Islamic festival that marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk each day. It is the first time Muslims can eat during daylight hours after fasting during Ramadan. The translation of “Eid ul-Fitr” from Arabic sums up the holiday as it means “festival of breaking the fast.” Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, which is the tenth month in the Muslim (lunar) calendar. This means that the timing of Eid ul-Fitr (and Ramadan) is different every year as it is based on the lunar cycle. It does not begin until the new moon is seen, which means it starts at different times for different Muslims around the world. However, some Muslims choose to celebrate Eid ul-Fitr when the new moon first appears over Mecca instead of their own locations. For 2024, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar have declared that Eid will be celebrated on April 10. The crescent moon was not spotted in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Lucknow. Hence, Eid celebrations will be held on April 11. Several cities in India confirmed the moonsighting on April 9, which means that Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated in those areas on April 10. Muslims around the world perform communal prayer at daybreak on the first day of Eid ul-Fitr, after cleansing themselves and donning new clothes. They then continue to celebrate for three days. A common greeting during Eid ul-Fitr is “Eid Mubarak,” which means “Blessed Eid.” This greeting is used to wish other Muslims well during Eid. These celebrations during Eid ul-Fitr vary from country to country but include visiting family and friends, giving presents, enjoying feasts, wearing new clothes, and visiting the graves of relatives. Through these celebrations, Muslims show their gratitude to Allah after reflecting and fasting during Ramadan. This holiday is also a reminder for Muslims to be grateful for what they have as well as to help the less fortunate.
09 April,2024 11:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter a month long fasting during Ramadan, the Muslim community around the world prepares to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, one of Muslim's most important festivals. Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated upon the completion of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, prayer, and contemplation observed by Muslims around the world. The Eid holiday is deeply religious and culturally significant, representing spiritual renewal, gratitude, and community harmony. The Muslims begin the day of Eid with morning prayers. Muslims congregate for special prayers known as Salat al-Eid or Eid prayers, which are held in mosques or open fields to praise Allah for His blessings and request forgiveness for any shortcomings throughout Ramadan. The festival begins with the sighting of the new moon, which marks the end of Ramadan and the start of Shawwal, the tenth month on the Islamic lunar calendar. One of the most treasured parts of Eid-ul-Fitr is the attitude of kindness and compassion that pervades the festivities. Muslims are encouraged to do Zakat al-Fitr, a type of almsgiving, so that the less fortunate members of the community might join in the festivities. The act of giving promotes solidarity and compassion exemplifying Islam's teachings on social justice and caring for others. Eid-ul-Fitr reflects Islam's essential principles of faith, compassion, generosity, and community. It highlights the value of spiritual commitment, social duty and unity in the pursuit of morality and justice. Another important aspect of Eid-ul-Fitr is the festive feasting and gift exchanging amongst family and friends. After a month of fasting from dawn to sunset, Muslims gather to enjoy wonderful meals and sweet desserts as a symbol of Allah's wealth of blessings. Traditional foods vary by culture and area, but the attitude of hospitality and charity is universal. Eid-ul-Fitr is said to be a time for Muslims to reconcile and forgive as they strive to repair relationships and establish friendships with loved ones. It is an opportunity to let go of grudges, heal conflicts and spread love and goodwill. Beyond its religious significance, Eid-ul-Fitr is also culturally significant, representing a vibrant manifestation of Muslim identity and tradition. From bright dress and festive decorations to gatherings. Eid celebrations foster a sense of connection among Muslims around the world.
09 April,2024 08:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs the solar eclipse approaches, sky gazers prepare to view the celestial marvel. The solar eclipse, also known as Surya Grahan, is scheduled to occur on April 8, providing a unique opportunity to view the alignment of the sun, moon, and the earth. While watching solar eclipse can be an incredible experience, it is also important to take the proper precautions to protect your safety during the phenomenon. Experts suggest the necessity of protecting one's eyes and taking adequate precautions to minimize potential damage during solar eclipse. Here are some essential precautions to keep in mind while witnessing the solar eclipse: Wearing solar eclipse proof viewing glasses is vital for protecting your eyes from the harmful effects of direct sunlight. Regular sunglasses or handmade filters could be insufficient to protect one's eyes during a solar eclipse. To safely observe the sun, one must wear only glasses that fulfill the required safety standards. A viewer must avoid direct view of the sun with naked eye, even during a partial eclipse. Doing so could result in eye injury or in some cases irreversible vision loss. Instead, one must use solar viewing glasses or other safe viewing devices to see the eclipse. Another safe option to watch the solar eclipse is with a pinhole projector. This simple contraption lets you project an image of the sun onto a surface, such as paper or cardboard. Instructions for creating pinhole projectors are widely available online and can be built even at home. If seeing the eclipse in person is not possible, one must consider watching live streams or broadcasts of the event. Many astronomy groups and media sites broadcast live coverage of solar eclipses, allowing you to observe the spectacle from the comfort and safety of your own home. If one intends to shoot or record the solar eclipse, employ suitable solar filters or lenses to safeguard your camera equipment. Directly pointing cameras or telescopes at the sun without sufficient filtration can damage the equipment and potentially harm the photographer's eyes. During the solar eclipse, one must keep pets and animals indoors to avoid mistakenly staring at the sun and hurting their eyes. It is suggested to provide them with a safe and comfortable inside environment until the eclipse is over.
07 April,2024 08:19 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs Easter approaches in 2024, it’s a time for Christians worldwide to celebrate one of the most significant events in their faith – the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But beyond its religious significance, Easter has become a culturally rich holiday celebrated by people of various beliefs. Here’s a comprehensive guide to all you need to know about Easter 2024: Easter 2024: Easter’s Origins and Significance Easter, also known as Resurrection Sunday, commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as described in the New Testament of the Bible. It is Christianity’s oldest and most important festival, symbolising new life, hope, and redemption. Easter 2024: Dates and Observances This year, Easter is going to be celebrated on March 31, 2024. The date varies each year because it is based on the lunar calendar, specifically the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. The week leading up to Easter Sunday is known as Holy Week, which includes Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. Easter 2024: Religious Traditions For Christians, Easter Sunday begins with sunrise services and church gatherings to celebrate the resurrection. Many churches hold special services, including the lighting of the Paschal candle and the recitation of the Exsultet. Easter eggs, symbolizing new life, are often decorated and exchanged, while Easter lilies adorn churches as a symbol of purity and hope. Easter 2024: Secular Celebrations Beyond its religious roots, Easter has evolved into a secular holiday celebrated with various customs and traditions. One of the most popular activities is the Easter egg hunt, where children search for hidden eggs filled with candy or small toys. Decorating Easter eggs, baking festive treats like hot cross buns and Easter cakes, and hosting family gatherings are common secular traditions. Easter 2024: Global Customs and Festivities Easter is celebrated around the world, each culture adding its unique customs and festivities. In Greece, the tradition of “tsougrisma” involves cracking red-dyed eggs to symbolize the cracking open of Christ’s tomb. In Spain and Mexico, elaborate processions and reenactments of the Passion of Christ take place. In the United States, the White House hosts its annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn. Easter 2024: Symbols and Iconography Several symbols are associated with Easter, each carrying its own meaning. The Easter bunny, a symbol of fertility and new life, is a prominent figure in secular Easter celebrations. Easter baskets filled with goodies represent abundance and blessings. The lamb symbolizes Jesus as the “Lamb of God,” while the cross represents his crucifixion and resurrection. Easter 2024: Reflection and Renewal Easter is not only a time for celebration but also for reflection and renewal. It’s an opportunity for individuals to contemplate the themes of resurrection, forgiveness, and redemption, regardless of their religious beliefs. Many people use this time to engage in acts of charity and kindness, spreading love and goodwill within their communities. In conclusion, Easter 2024 is a time for both religious observance and cultural celebration, marked by traditions that span centuries and continents. Whether participating in religious ceremonies, engaging in secular festivities, or simply taking time for personal reflection, Easter offers an opportunity for individuals and communities to come together in hope, joy, and renewal.
28 March,2024 02:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRangpanchami is celebrated with intensity and excitement, occurs five days after Holi. Rangpanchami, derived from the Sanskrit words "rang" (color) and "panchami" (fifth), is celebrated on the fifth day following Holi and marks the end of the Holi celebrations. This auspicious day is deeply culturally significant, representing the onset of spring and the triumph of virtue over evil. As communities around India prepare to celebrate this colorful extravaganza, here is all you may need to know about the festival and its rich traditions. One of the most significant differences between Holi and Rangapanchami is the time of the events. While Holi is often celebrated across two days, Rangapanchami falls exactly on the fifth day after the full moon, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. This usually occurs in March or April, depending on the lunar cycle. Another significant difference is the way colors are used during Rangapanchami. Rangapanchami adopts a more restrained approach to color play than Holi, which involves exciting color wars with dry or wet powder. People frequently smear one other with dry or wet colors, though the intensity of the color play is usually lower than it is during Holi. Rangpanchami is known for its fun splashing of brilliant colors, with people of all ages taking to the streets to douse each other with colored powders and water. The air is filled with laughing, music, and the festive energy of the occasion. Communities come together to celebrate Rangpanchami with gusto, arranging cultural events, processions, and street plays to highlight India's rich cultural past. These events build a sense of community and friendship among the attendees. On Rangpanchami, some regions conduct traditional customs, such as worshiping Lord Krishna and Radha, who are honored as symbols of love and devotion. Devotees offer prayers, chant hymns, and decorate idols with colorful garlands. Rangpanchami is also a time for eating and celebration, with relatives and friends gathering to share traditional delicacies, sweets, and savory snacks. The celebrations continue late into the night, with revelers exchanging pleasantries and sharing laughing. Rangpanchami crosses religious and societal boundaries, bringing people from many backgrounds together in a celebration of joy and harmony. It represents India's rich cultural legacy and the sense of oneness that unites its people. While Rangpanchami is a time for joyous celebrations, it is critical to commemorate the holiday properly, taking into mind environmental sustainability and safety.
25 March,2024 07:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
