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Tough Crackdown on Rohingyas in Jammu: Power, Water Supplies Cut to Illegal Settlements

December 7, 2024, 12:37 pm

In a significant move against the illegal settlement of Rohingyas in Jammu, authorities have initiated strict measures, including the disconnection of power and water supplies to plots and houses occupied by these immigrants. The step aims to compel their departure from the region and deter further influx while cracking down on networks facilitating their movement.

Police investigations have revealed that some Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have deliberately assisted the movement of Rohingyas from other parts of India to Jammu, allegedly with the intention of altering the region’s demographic composition. “The migration of Rohingyas from Myanmar through states like West Bengal and Assam to Jammu appears to be a deliberate effort. These NGOs are not only aiding their settlement but seem to be motivated by a larger agenda to change the region’s demographic landscape,” sources told us .

Officials disclosed that several Kashmir-based NGOs have been identified for facilitating this migration, which serves dual purposes: providing unauthorized rehabilitation to illegal immigrants and influencing the demographic character of the area. The presence of Rohingyas has also been labeled a “potential security threat,” especially in light of recent surges in terror activities. Authorities warned that younger members of the Rohingya community could be vulnerable to recruitment by Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and other anti-national elements.

In a bid to clamp down on illegal immigrants, authorities have begun severing electricity and water connections to rented and semi-constructed properties housing Rohingyas. “This action aims to ensure they leave the region while sending a strong message to deter others from migrating here. Property owners who have rented out their spaces without proper verification are also being booked,” officials said.

Police have intensified their crackdown on such settlements, registering multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) against individuals who failed to comply with mandatory tenant verification procedures. According to official estimates, around 6,500 Rohingyas currently reside in Jammu district, with their settlements concentrated in areas like Narwal, Bhatindi, Railway Station, Qasim Nagar, and Channi Rama. Additionally, 550 are in Samba, and 200 are at the Hiranagar Holding Centre in Kathua district. Some sources suggest the combined population of Rohingyas and Bangladeshi nationals in Jammu could be as high as 13,700, with their numbers reportedly rising between 2008 and 2014.

Although most Rohingyas are concentrated in Jammu City and Samba, small groups have managed to reach districts such as Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Rajouri, and Poonch. Officials noted that many of them had previously exploited loopholes to secure bank accounts, utility connections, and identity documents like Aadhaar and ration cards. “Negligence in tenancy verification allowed them to establish makeshift shelters on rented plots. Now, anyone facilitating illegal immigrants by renting out property is being held accountable,” an official added.

The Devi Power: Evolution of Women’s Rights

August 31, 2024, 2:33 am

The journey of women’s rights has been one of perseverance and transformation, marked by both challenges and triumphs. From the earliest struggles for suffrage to today’s ongoing fight for gender equality, women have continuously pushed the boundaries of what society deems possible.

In India, the fight for women’s rights has a rich and complex history. The pre-independence era saw pioneers like Savitribai Phule, who championed education for women, and Sarojini Naidu, who was a prominent voice in the struggle for suffrage and independence. Post-independence, the Constitution laid down the foundation for gender equality, ensuring legal rights for women. However, the battle was far from over. The feminist movements of the 1970s and 1980s, which addressed issues like dowry, domestic violence, and reproductive rights, played a crucial role in reshaping societal norms and pushing for legal reforms.

Despite these advances, the fight for gender equality in India is far from over. Women continue to face significant challenges in many areas, lack of economic opportunities, gendered violence and poor access to education. The literacy rate for women in India- 65% is far below the literacy rate for men. However, in the face of these challenges, countless women have risen to the occasion, proving that when women are determined, they can achieve anything. A poignant example of this determination is seen in the story of the women of Karauni Village in Uttar Pradesh.

In Karauni, 22 women took it upon themselves to address the issue of illiteracy among the women of their village. With the support of DEVI Sansthan, they became volunteers and embarked on a mission to make every woman in Karauni literate. Their dedication and hard work paid off, as they taught all the women in their village how to read, with hundreds passing, changing their lives ahead, making them capable of accessing the basic necessities of society.

This story is not just about literacy; it’s about empowerment. It demonstrates that when women come together with a common goal, they can break through barriers and create lasting change.

DEVI Sansthan, or Dignity Education Vision International has played a significant role in supporting women like those of Karauni Village. The word Devi itself, derived from the Sanskrit word for goddess, symbolizes the strength, dignity, and potential that every woman possesses. The organization is run by a team of devoted women, or “devis,” who are working tirelessly to transform the landscape of literacy and education, not just in India but around the world.

Today, the fight for gender equality has expanded well beyond the legal realm. The recent tragic incident in Kolkata, where a young female doctor was brutally raped and murdered, serves as a stark reminder of the persistent dangers women face. This heinous crime highlights the continuing struggle for safety, justice, and equality. Even after 78 years of independence, the fight against gender-based violence remains a critical issue. Justice still remains elusive for many.

The global movement for gender equality has also been bolstered by international initiatives like the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which emphasize gender equality as a key component of global development. However, the fight remains an uphill battle. Issues such as gender-based violence, reproductive rights, and the gender pay gap continue to be significant challenges. In India, movements like #MeToo have highlighted the pervasive nature of sexual harassment and assault, pushing for greater accountability and change.

We’ve come a long way in empowering women to reach for the stars, but the journey is far from over.

Amidst these challenges, the stories of warrior women remind us that the fight for gender equality is not just about policy changes or legal victories; it’s about the determination and collective action of women at the grassroots level. When women decide to take control of their lives and their communities, they have the power to bring about profound change.

Dr. Sunita Gandhi is the founder of Dignity Education Vision International (DEVI), a not-for-profit dedicated to transforming education.

Partial Power Restored in Bangladesh’s Feni City Amid Flood Crisis

August 25, 2024, 7:52 pm

Electricity has been partially restored in Feni city, Bangladesh, following a significant receding of floodwaters, according to the Dhaka Tribune. Despite the partial restoration, the area continues to face issues with mobile network and internet connectivity, which remain sporadic as of Friday.

Residents reported that floodwaters have fully drained from Mohipal Road, and power is now available in parts of Feni city, including the DC Office and its immediate surroundings. However, rural areas of the district still lack access to fresh water and dry rations.

Mohammad Riazul Hasan, a local resident, informed the Dhaka Tribune, “The water level in the municipality area has significantly decreased. But I’ve heard that other areas are still submerged.” He noted that canals were still overflowing in the downstream area of Sonagazi.

Rescue efforts have been challenging due to prolonged exposure to water, which has caused foot fungus among volunteers. Abdullah Al Mamun, a volunteer, reported difficulties in reaching Sonagazi due to the lack of speedboats and issues with communication caused by power outages and unreliable mobile networks.

Mamun indicated that while the water level in other parts of the city has decreased by 5-6 inches, these conditions have hindered the rescue and relief efforts.

Bangladesh Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus urged cooperation among all parties to address health and food risks as floodwaters recede, the Dhaka Tribune reported.

In related news, the flood situation in Chittagong worsened on August 22, with nine upazilas submerged, affecting 45,916 families, or approximately 248,050 individuals. Saifulah Majumder, the Chittagong District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer, announced that 800 tons of rice have been allocated for disaster relief, with 200 tons already distributed to affected areas.

Between August 19-21, over 350,000 people were stranded in Feni city due to flooding caused by breaches in water defenses, according to the Dhaka Tribune.

Pakistan Calls for Review of Power Output Contracts with Chinese Firms

August 25, 2024, 7:39 pm

Pakistani Minister for Power Awais Leghari has announced that existing contracts with Chinese firms involved in power production in Pakistan require reassessment. Speaking to VOA on Sunday, Leghari indicated that the terms governing these agreements, particularly with independent power producers (IPPs), need to be revisited.

Leghari highlighted that Pakistan’s financial challenges have been exacerbated by the high costs associated with power consumption and ongoing repayments for project loans. The country, struggling to boost industrial growth, faces substantial energy bills and is in the process of repaying significant debts, including over USD 15 billion owed to Chinese power plant operators, VOA reported.

Local independent power plants in Pakistan operate under similar contract conditions as their Chinese counterparts. In response, Leghari noted that the government is negotiating with Chinese officials to adjust the terms of these agreements, including efforts to shift from coal-fired power plants to those using domestically produced fuel. He emphasized that these changes aim to reduce electricity tariffs for consumers.

The Pakistani government is also seeking to reschedule payments to Chinese power plant owners as part of its broader economic reform strategy to secure an IMF bailout. Pakistan recently reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF for a three-year USD 7 billion loan program, and both China and the IMF are advocating for comprehensive reforms in Pakistan’s power sector.

According to VOA, as part of the new approach, Chinese power plant owners have agreed to use local coal in three of their facilities instead of importing it. This move is expected to help Pakistan save millions of dollars. However, some experts have expressed concerns that this shift could lead to increased profit margins and higher insurance premiums for Chinese investors, potentially diminishing the anticipated savings.

Leghari dismissed these concerns, asserting that the changes will create a “win-win situation” for all parties involved. He stressed that Pakistan’s approach to revising contracts is intended to foster mutual consent and confidence among investors.

Despite challenges such as inadequate infrastructure for transporting coal and the lower quality of local coal compared to imported alternatives, Leghari remains optimistic. He assured that technical and financial feasibility studies will address these issues and that Pakistan values its investors, promising that all decisions will be made with their interests in mind.

Leghari emphasized that the review of contracts is part of a broader effort to ensure fair and beneficial agreements, reflecting Pakistan’s commitment to economic reform and sustainable development.

The Healing Power of Herbal Teas: A Natural Path to Wellness

August 14, 2024, 2:11 am

In the realm of beverages, herbal tea stands out as a timeless and cherished choice for those seeking a natural way to enhance their well-being. Unlike traditional teas derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, herbal teas, are crafted from a variety of dried leaves, seeds, grasses, nuts, barks, fruits, flowers, and other botanical elements. This diversity offers a rich tapestry of flavors and health benefits, making herbal teas a beloved part of many cultures and daily routines.

Herbal teas are not true teas; they are infusions made from various plants, excluding the tea plant itself. This distinction is crucial, as it underscores the unique properties and benefits of herbal teas. Here are some notable examples:

1. Chamomile Tea: Known for its calming properties, chamomile tea is often used to alleviate stress and aid sleep. It also possesses anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, making it beneficial for digestive issues.
2. Peppermint Tea: Peppermint tea is excellent for relieving digestive problems, including bloating and indigestion. It also has a refreshing taste and can help reduce stress.
3. Ginger Tea: This spicy tea is well-regarded for its ability to improve circulation and digestion. It is also effective in relieving nausea and is often recommended for pregnant women experiencing morning sickness.
4. Cinnamon Tea: Cinnamon tea is not only delicious but also beneficial for supporting healthy circulation and digestion. It has a warming effect and is often used to combat colds and flu.
5. Rose Hip Tea: A natural source of vitamin C, rose hip tea is excellent for boosting the immune system. It also acts as a tonic for the liver and kidneys and helps combat fatigue and colds.

Herbal teas have been used for centuries to treat various ailments and promote overall health. Here are some therapeutic uses:

• Relaxation and Stress Relief: Herbal teas like chamomile and lavender are renowned for their calming effects, helping to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
• Digestive Health: Teas containing peppermint, ginger, and fennel are excellent for soothing the digestive tract and alleviating symptoms like bloating, gas, and indigestion.
• Detoxification: Dandelion and nettle teas are known for their detoxifying properties, helping to cleanse the liver and kidneys.
Herbal teas offer a natural, flavorful, and health-promoting alternative to traditional teas and caffeinated beverages. With their wide range of flavors and therapeutic benefits, they are a wonderful addition to any wellness routine. Whether you are looking to relax, support your digestive health, or boost your immune system, there is an herbal tea to suit your needs.

The Power of Enthusiasm – Making it Happen!

August 10, 2024, 3:56 am

For those who possess the attribute of enthusiasm, anything is possible. The power of being open, willing, eager and available, with cheerful commitment, simply makes things happen. However, there is a difference between the enthusiasm of being and doing on a superficial level, busy with what we really enjoy – and the enthusiasm of a deeper level. Superficial enthusiasm can make us feel OK, but not fully contented, not deeply satisfied. Deep enthusiasm is connected to what I need to be doing to fulfil subtle needs. Growing fulfilling relationships, having real, meaningful conversations, living focused on our highest aims of living in peace, with love and happiness.

Deep enthusiasm comes from the core of our being. It is the expression of the divinity that lies within each one of us, to offer that which makes us special and unique. When we are not working at a deeper level, there are signs. The signs that show that despite enthusiasm and getting things done, there is an element of comparison or competition. The critical judgement of others, or of feeling inferior or superior. When we have a strength like enthusiasm, we can overuse it. In the same way that if I have a full box of tools available, but am very skilled with a hammer, then the temptation is to only, and always, use the hammer and see everything in front of me as a nail. Then that skill becomes a problem.

With enthusiasm, many things do get done and this in itself can become a problem. Others who do not possess that skill may become jealous of all the achievements, and withdraw support or create obstacles. If others become jealous, then it is a sure sign that I am holding on to some kind of ego about my abilities.

So, enthusiasm is a wonderful attribute but it has to be balanced by some other virtue. It will be different for each one, but for example, it could be balanced beautifully with patience. Patience will give time for others to think about ideas that are offered, it will enable me to give respect and hear the views of others. Patience will also give me the ability to let go of an idea, knowing that if the idea is good then at some time in the future it will be the right time for it to blossom. Sometimes, enthusiasm simply plants a seed, which will be watered through time and will come to fruition at its own right moment.

Having faith in powerful thoughts and trust in the pure feelings with good wishes for the best to happen, will nourish the idea, so it can happen some other time.
The real secret in the power of enthusiasm lies in the origin of the word. It is from the Greek word ‘entheos’, meaning ‘inspired by God’, or ‘full of God’s power’. The special ingredient of the success of enthusiasm is to be totally selfless in the intention when offering, whatever it may be, with enthusiasm. It may be my time, my presence, my expertise, my ideas, my way of organising – it is selflessness that makes it happen in the right way. There is a big distinction between achieving and attaining. Achieving means getting things done with success. Attaining comes from our inner growth, connected to our highest aims. If we do everything for the good of others, for the bigger picture, with selfless motives – then we attain multimillion-fold. We may be very willing to make something happen, and if we do it with only our own energy, it may have a good outcome, even a great outcome, but it will not have an unlimited reach.

If we take blessings from the Divine, if we combine our energy with God’s energy, and lose the word ‘my’, then anything is possible. That kind of enthusiasm evokes the best in everyone, and with that kind of power of goodness, a wave of enthusiasm can be launched. Selfless enthusiasm means no desire for anything for the self, and is generated by the love of humanity and each and every individual.

Moira Lowe is Director of Brahma Kumaris Argentina.

UP’s ‘Bijli Mitra’ link records over 3,000 power theft cases in 2 weeks

May 16, 2023, 3:35 pm

In what comes as an achievement, the Yogi government’s campaign against power theft has received significant public support in Uttar Pradesh, as over 3,000 power theft cases have been reported on the ‘Bijli Mitra’ link within two weeks of its launch, an official release said on Tuesday.

In an attempt to tackle this issue, the UP Power Corporation introduced the ‘Bijli Mitra’ platform, receiving an average of 200 notifications daily.

The statement further emphasizes that departmental and vigilance teams are diligently conducting inspections based on these notifications and taking appropriate actions to prevent theft.

As per the instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state Power Corporation is actively engaged in combatting power theft by gathering comprehensive information to effectively curb this unlawful practice.

2024’ll be my last election, if not elected, says Chandrababu Naidu

November 17, 2022, 5:00 pm

N Chandrababu Naidu, the president of the Telugu Desam Party and a former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, has declared that if his party is not elected to power in the 2024 elections, he will step down. At a roadshow in this district late on Wednesday night, Naidu recalled his promise to hold off on entering the Assembly until the TDP regained power. He spoke in an emotional tone.

“If I have to go (back) to the Assembly, if I have to stay in politics and if justice is to be done to Andhra Pradesh…unless you ensure our victory in the next election…that could well be my last election,” Naidu said. “Will you bless me? Do you trust me,” he asked the people, who responded rapturously.

The 175-member AP Assembly is made up of 23 MLAs for the TDP.

The Leader of Opposition had pledged on November 19, 2021 to enter the Andhra Pradesh Assembly once more only after regaining power. He did this after alleging that the ruling YSR Congress had insulted his wife on the floor of the House. At the roadshow, Naidu reminded attendees of his vow, saying that if he were not re-elected, the following elections would be his last.

“I will only set things right and put the state back on the track of progress and hand over the future to others,” he added. This should become a point of debate in each household. “My fight is for the future of children, future of the state. It’s not a tall talk. I had done it before and there is a model (to prove it),” the TDP chief noted. “Think about it. Weigh the pros and cons. If what I am saying is right, cooperate with me,” he urged the people. Naidu observed that he was “physically very fit.”

“Some people are mocking at my age. I and (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi are of the same age. (Biden) became American President at the age of 79,” the 72-year old TDP leader said.

“I will develop (the state) and create wealth. That will increase the revenue and with that we will implement the welfare schemes. In fact, we will do better but, unlike (Chief Minister) Jagan Mohan Reddy, we will not borrow heavily for that,” the former Chief Minister said.

He emphasised how the governing system had forced the nation into a debt trap by making arbitrary borrowing decisions. Naidu continued, “They even mortgaged the state’s assets to raise loans significantly.”

Liz Truss wishes Sunak ‘every success’ as she exits power

October 25, 2022, 5:24 pm

Liz Truss, former UK prime minister, wished new Conservative Party leader Rishi Sunak ‘every success’ as she exits power on Tuesday.

In a statement outside 10 Downing Street, outgoing Prime Minister Liz Truss wished Rishi Sunak “every success” and said she looked forward to spending more time in her district and serving the nation from the opposition benches. She also reaffirmed the UK’s support for Ukraine and emphasised that we must do so.

She also reiterated UK’s support for Ukraine and said, “We must support Ukraine in its brave fight against Putin’s aggression. Ukraine must prevail and we must continue to strengthen our nation’s defences. That’s what I have been striving to achieve and I wish Rishi Sunak every success for good of our country.”
She also called for lowering taxes and delivering growth, Truss said, “We need to take advantage of our Brexit freedoms to do things differently. This means delivering more freedom for our own citizens and restoring power for our democratic institutions.”
“It means lower taxes so people can keep more of the money they earn. And it means delivering growth that will lead to more job security, higher wages and more opportunities for our children and grandchildren,” she added.

She claimed to have restored energy independence so that we are “no longer dependent on harmful foreign powers” and to have assisted thousands of enterprises in avoiding bankruptcy.
It has been “a enormous honour” to be prime minister and to have led the country in both mourning the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and celebrating the accession of King Charles, Truss said in the opening of her farewell speech.

Truss also quoted Roman philosopher Seneca, “It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that things are difficult,” while reiterating that UK is “more convinced than ever that we need to be bold and confront the challenges we face”.
Ending her speech, Truss said “We continue to battle through a storm but I believe in Britain, I believe in the British people and I know that brighter days lie ahead.”

Less than two months after losing the fight for the Conservative Party leadership to Liz Truss, former UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak assumed the position on Monday. Sunak’s shift in fortune was brought about by Truss’ resignation after her high-profile dismissal and resignation in her cabinet, as a result of a harshly criticized mini-budget that sent the value of the British pound plummeting.
Truss held the record for the shortest tenure as British prime minister after being forced to resign after only 45 days in office. Truss declared while in front of 10 Downing Street that she understands she “cannot deliver the mandate” on which she was elected.

Pilot urges working together to keep Congress in Power in Rajasthan

October 11, 2022, 1:35 pm

Sachin Pilot, the former deputy chief minister, said the Congress won the state of Rajasthan in 2018 under his leadership. He thanked the hard work of the party’s workers while stressing the importance of working together to retain power when the state is set for the polls next year.

“Our goal is to retain power in the 2023 assembly polls, and we are all collectively working in this direction,” he told journalists in Kota on Monday.

Pilot, who later arrived in former chief minister Vasundhara Raje’s constituency of Jhalawar, said they won the last election because of the farmers, youths, and poor. “It is our collective responsibility to fulfil the expectations of workers and the public.”

The remarks highlighting the necessity of teamwork came days after the Congress was rocked by members loyal to Ashok Gehlot’s threat to topple the government unless he gets to choose his successor.

Numerous Congress members who were thought to be close to Gehlot gathered at minister Shanti Dhariwal’s house in a show of strength and threatened to resign. They claimed that the 102 legislators who backed Gehlot when his former deputy Pilot rebelled against him in 2020 should produce the new chief minister. It is generally accepted that Pilot had a guarantee from the Congress’s high leadership that he would be the successor of Gehlot.

The Congress Legislative Party gathering was likely to accept a one-line resolution that would have given the party president the power to choose the new chief minister, but the legislators were against it.

Gehlot decided not to participate in the election for the presidency of the Congress on October 17 due to the uproar. According to the one-man, one-post norm of the Congress, he was expected to step down from his position as chief minister and run in the election.

Congress leaders familiar with the matter said Pilot has begun touring the state as part of the poll preparations. They added that his visits to Kota, Jhalawar, and Jhalrapatan were seen as an attempt to boost the morale of his supporters.

Raje separately hit out at the state government and said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will return to power by winning over 163 of the 200 assembly seats. She added that the state was lagging behind in development and that Congress leaders were preoccupied with becoming chief minister.

The BJP got 120 seats in 2003 and 163 seats in 2013. If we unitedly work, then we will cross 163 seats,” she told a gathering at Bikaner. She said there is a lot of resentment against the government. “Do not get divided into castes. A historical win is certain if we fight unitedly.” She said the Gehlot government has failed on all fronts. “Under his leadership, the state is number one in atrocities against women, corruption, inflation, diesel, petrol prices, expensive electricity, and paper leaks.”

China holds the balance of power in its ties with ‘desperate’ Russia

September 21, 2022, 12:44 am

As Russia becomes more desperate thanks to military shortcomings in its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, China is increasingly taking on the mantle of senior partner.
At the same time, Beijing remains concerned about the signals it is getting from the USA, the latest of which was President Joe Biden’s promise to defend Taiwan against a Chinese invasion. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Samarkand brought together Chairman Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin for a sideline meeting on September 15. It was Xi’s first overseas trip since January 2020, and the first face-to-face meeting between the two authoritarians since Russia invaded Ukraine in February.
The two last met in person on February 4 during the Beijing Winter Olympics. Then, they affectionately boasted of a “friendship between the two states [that] has no limits.” Three weeks later, Putin invaded Ukraine. China has been far from impressed by Russia’s military performance as the war drags on.
Nonetheless, China is a steadfast defender of Russia, avoiding any criticism of Putin, and even refusing to call it a “war” or “invasion.” Because of this, Beijing’s image has been rightly tarnished by its association with a warmonger.
After the Putin-Xi meeting, careful scrutiny of a readout from the Chinese Foreign Ministry indicates Chinese disquiet. On the surface, things look rosy, with comments such as this: “In the face of changes in the world, of our times, and of history, China will work with Russia to fulfil their responsibilities as major countries and play a leading role in injecting stability into a world of change and disorder.” Yet, significantly, gone were the partners’ earlier mentions of cooperation on “the development of the international order and global governance towards a more just and reasonable direction.”
China has certainly not let up on efforts to rewrite the current international system, but it is now reticent to explicitly state that it is doing so hand in hand0
with Russia.