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No Tobacco Day 2023: Raising Awareness for a Tobacco-Free World

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Dimple Arora reports on No Tobacco Day…

World No Tobacco Day, observed on May 31st each year, is a significant initiative organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about the risks associated with tobacco consumption and its detrimental effects on individuals, families, society, and the environment.

Tobacco use remains a leading cause of various types of cancer, including lung, larynx, mouth, esophagus, throat, bladder, kidney, liver, stomach, pancreas, colon, cervix, and acute myeloid leukemia. Shockingly, tobacco consumption is responsible for the deaths of over 10 million people annually.

Not only does tobacco profoundly impact human health, but it also exerts a devastating toll on the environment. The cultivation, production, and consumption of tobacco contribute to deforestation, soil degradation, pollution, and the release of harmful chemicals into the air, water, and soil. Additionally, tobacco farming requires substantial amounts of water, further exacerbating water scarcity issues.

The theme for World No Tobacco Day 2023 is “We need food, not tobacco.” This theme aims to encourage tobacco producers to adopt sustainable and nutritious crops by raising awareness about alternative marketing options and production alternatives. It also sheds light on the tobacco industry’s attempts to replace tobacco with sustainable crops, thereby contributing to the global food crisis. On this day, government authorities, policymakers, and environmental organizations collaborate to develop and implement policies and strategies that support tobacco farmers in transitioning to growing food crops, thereby addressing the food crisis and promoting sustainable agriculture.

The importance of World No Tobacco Day lies in its efforts to combat the adverse effects of tobacco on both public health and the environment. The annual campaigns serve as a platform to raise awareness, advocate for stricter policies and guidelines, and empower individuals to quit tobacco use. By focusing on the connection between tobacco and various diseases, highlighting the environmental impact, and exposing the tobacco industry’s deceptive practices, World No Tobacco Day plays a crucial role in reducing tobacco-related harm.

The history of World No Tobacco Day dates back to 1987 when WHO member states established this observance to draw attention to the devastating effects of tobacco on public health worldwide. In 1988, May 31st was officially designated as World No Tobacco Day. Since then, each year has seen a specific theme to address different aspects of the tobacco issue.

To combat smoking and tobacco consumption’s impact on health, it is crucial to understand the various fatal diseases associated with tobacco use. These include cancer of the digestive system, neurovascular complications, neurological disorders, heart disease, lung diseases, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), tuberculosis, and certain eye diseases. These health risks serve as strong motivations for individuals to quit tobacco use and protect their well-being.
Furthermore, the detrimental effects of tobacco extend beyond human health to the environment.

Some key ways in which tobacco affects the environment include:

  1. Land destruction: Approximately 3.5 million hectares of land are destroyed globally every year to cultivate tobacco. This extensive land use contributes to deforestation and habitat loss for numerous plant and animal species.
  2. Deforestation and soil degradation: Tobacco cultivation is responsible for the deforestation of 200,000 hectares annually. The clearing of forests disrupts ecosystems and leads to soil degradation, reducing the land’s overall productivity.
  3. Improper disposal of cigarette butts: Around 4.5 trillion cigarette butts are not properly disposed of each year globally. These discarded butts release toxic chemicals into the environment and contribute to pollution of land, water bodies, and wildlife habitats.
  4. Toxic waste generation: The tobacco industry generates approximately 8 million kilograms of toxic waste annually. This waste contains harmful substances that can contaminate the air, water, and soil, posing risks to ecosystems and human health.
  5. Water depletion: Tobacco cultivation requires substantial amounts of water, depleting water resources in many regions. This can exacerbate water scarcity issues and negatively impact communities that rely on water for agriculture, drinking, and other essential needs.

The main goal of World No Tobacco Day is to create awareness among tobacco users about the complete tobacco life cycle, including cultivation, production, distribution, usage, and waste management. By educating individuals about the environmental and health impacts of tobacco, the campaign aims to provide them with compelling reasons to quit tobacco use.

Additionally, World No Tobacco Day focuses on eradicating tobacco-related diseases and deaths by promoting smoking cessation, supporting tobacco control policies, and exposing the tobacco industry’s deceptive marketing tactics. The campaign encourages policymakers and governments to strengthen existing policies and develop stricter guidelines to hold tobacco producers accountable for the environmental damage caused by tobacco product waste.

To support individuals in their journey to abstain from smoking, there are several helpful tips and strategies, including:

  1. Utilizing nicotine replacement therapy: Nicotine patches, gums, or medications can aid in managing nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms during the quitting process.
  2. Avoiding triggering areas: Identifying and avoiding places or situations that tempt individuals to smoke, such as bars or smoking areas, can help reduce the urge to smoke.
  3. Chewing sugarless gum or hard candy: Having something to chew or suck on, like sugarless gum or hard candy, can provide an alternative to smoking and help resist tobacco cravings.
  4. Distracting oneself and moving to a smoke-free zone: Engaging in activities that distract from the urge to smoke and moving to smoke-free environments can help overcome tobacco cravings.
  5. Engaging in daily exercise: Regular physical exercise not only promotes overall well-being but can also reduce stress and alleviate tobacco cravings.
  6. Trying relaxation techniques: Exploring relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, muscle relaxation, yoga, or listening to music can assist in managing stress and reducing the desire to smoke.

World No Tobacco Day serves as a global platform to raise awareness, drive positive change, and protect public health and the environment. By fostering a collective effort to combat tobacco use, this observance strives to create a healthier, tobacco-free world for future generations.

Jyeshtha Gayatri Jayanti: Celebrating the Birth Anniversary of Goddess Gayatri

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Dimple Arora reports on the Jyeshtha Gayatri Jayanti

Jyeshtha Gayatri Jayanti is a highly auspicious Hindu festival that will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. This day holds immense significance as it marks the birth anniversary of Goddess Gayatri, who is revered as the Goddess of Veda and is also known as Veda Mata.

Goddess Gayatri is believed to encompass all the divine qualities of Brahman, the ultimate reality in Hindu philosophy. She is revered as the mother of all Gods and is considered to be an embodiment of Goddess Saraswati, Goddess Parvati, and Goddess Lakshmi. Devotees worship her as the divine force behind the Hindu Trimurti.

Gayatri Jayanti is observed on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi, the 11th day of the waxing phase of the moon, during the lunar month of Jyeshtha. It usually falls on the day following the festival of Ganga Dussehra. However, there are different opinions regarding the observance of Gayatri Jayanti, and in some traditions, it is also observed during the auspicious day of Shravana Purnima, which coincides with the sacred day of Upakarma.

On this special day, devotees engage in various devotional practices to honor and seek the blessings of Goddess Gayatri. They offer special prayers, perform rituals, and recite the Gayatri Mantra with utmost reverence. The Gayatri Mantra considered one of the most powerful Vedic hymns, is chanted repeatedly as a means to invoke the divine energy and attain spiritual enlightenment.

Devotees believe that the chanting of the Gayatri Mantra on this sacred day holds immense transformative power. It is believed to awaken the inner consciousness, bestow wisdom, and help individuals attain spiritual growth. By dedicating themselves to the practice of chanting and understanding the significance of the mantra, devotees strive to eliminate ignorance and connect with the divine cosmic energy.

Throughout the day, devotees engage in prayers, meditation, and self-reflection, seeking spiritual rejuvenation and enlightenment. The Gayatri Mantra is recited with deep devotion, and its vibrations are believed to purify the mind, body, and soul. The day serves as a reminder for individuals to embrace the divine knowledge represented by Goddess Gayatri and incorporate its teachings into their daily lives.

During Jyeshtha Gayatri Jayanti, devotees also gather at temples and participate in community gatherings where intellectual and spiritual discourses take place. Scholars and spiritual leaders share insights into the significance of the Gayatri Mantra and its profound impact on one’s spiritual journey. These discourses provide devotees with guidance and inspiration to deepen their understanding of the mantra’s essence.

In addition to the spiritual observances, Jyeshtha Gayatri Jayanti also fosters a sense of unity and compassion. Devotees engage in acts of charity, such as distributing food, clothing, and other essential items to the less fortunate. These acts of kindness symbolize gratitude towards the divine and a commitment to serve humanity.

Jyeshtha Gayatri Jayanti is a highly revered Hindu festival commemorating the birth anniversary of Goddess Gayatri, the Goddess of Veda. Devotees celebrate this auspicious day with prayers, rituals, and the recitation of the Gayatri Mantra to seek the blessings of the divine. It is a time for spiritual introspection, enlightenment, and acts of compassion, as devotees strive to embrace the teachings of Goddess Gayatri and connect with the divine cosmic energy.

Bageshwar Dham Sarkar’ Dhirendra Shastri gets Y-category security from the government of Madhya Pradesh 

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On Wednesday, Bageshwar Dham Sarkar chief Dhirendra Shastri gets Y-category cover security from the government of Madhya Pradesh. Dhirendra Shastri is a renowned preacher. 

Recently, Bageshwar Dham Sarkar organized a program where huge footfall was witnessed. Thus, the Madhya Pradesh government urged the other states to deliver the same covered security for Dhirendra Shastri’s shows, so there will be no other inconvenience. 

During the recent Bihar visit of Dhirendra Shastri, the state home department announced an alert, stating that there might be terrorizing element looking for the opportunity to create collateral damage, damage to property, or even damage to life by improvised explosion devices (IED).

In his recent ‘Divya Darbar’ he has to cancel the Aarti, concerning the crowd that was increasing more than the venue. Therefore, to reduce the damage and maintain security, the government of Madhya Pradesh has provided Y-category-covered security. 

Indian students ban: Australian Universities issues ban for Indian students from 6 states

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Indian students are recently facing problems as some of the universities in Australia have banned Indian students from 6 states. Federation University in Victoria and Western Sydney University in New South Wales have separately announced that they will not intake Indian students in their universities.
The official ban is due to the increase in visa fraud.

The Department of Home Affairs, Australia has advised the education agents to not consider students from specific states including Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, and the union territory Jammu & Kashmir. As students belonging to these states have shown “fraudulent” and “non-genuine” signs in their visa applications.

The Prime Minister is said to visit Australia on Monday. During the visit of the Prime Minister, a large-scale community event was organized for Indian Diaspora in Sydney. Thus, the ban was announced three days before the visit of the Prime Minister.

In a letter announced on May 19th, the Federation University said, “We hoped this would prove to be a short-term issue [but] it is now clear there is a trend emerging” concerning the increase in fraud in the visa application by the students. As the Department of Home Affairs has significantly declined the visa of some students from some Indian regions.

In a letter issued by Western Sydney University, the university stated, “The regions within India that have been identified as presenting the highest attrition risk are Punjab, Haryana and Gujarat,” as they observed a large number of dropouts.

Symbolizing the Transfer of Power to India

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Dimple Arora reports on the installment of “Sengol” in the New Parliament

In a momentous gesture, the historic ‘Sengol,’ a symbolic sceptre from Tamil Nadu, will find its place in India’s new Parliament building. The sceptre, received by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru from Lord Mountbatten, represents the transfer of power from the British. Kept in a museum in Allahabad, the ‘Sengol’ will now be installed, signifying a proud moment in Indian history. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will personally inaugurate the new Parliament building on May 28, 2023, and oversee the installation of the ‘Sengol,’ as announced by Home Minister Amit Shah.

Rajaji’s Influence and the Chola-Era Ceremony:
When India gained independence, Lord Mountbatten posed a significant question to Jawaharlal Nehru: “How should we symbolize the transfer of power from the British to Indian hands?” Nehru sought the counsel of C. Rajagopalachari, also known as Rajaji, who later served as the last Viceroy of India. Rajaji drew inspiration from the Chola dynasty, where the transfer of power was sanctified and blessed by a higher ruler through the handover of a ‘sengol’ or sceptre. This ancient tradition resonated with the spirit of the momentous occasion.

The Craftsmanship of the Golden Sceptre:

To embody the significance of the occasion, a golden sceptre was meticulously crafted by Vummidi Bangaru Chetty, a renowned jeweler in the Madras Presidency. The gifted artisans responsible for creating the ‘sengol’ were Vummidi Ethirajulu (96) and Vummidi Sudhakar (88), who currently reside in Chennai. Their exceptional craftsmanship has ensured the preservation of this historical artifact.

The Ceremonial Handover on Independence Day Eve:

On the eve of Independence Day in 1947, a traditional ceremony was conducted in accordance with Tamil customs. The deputy high priest of Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam, accompanied by nagaswaram player Rajarathinam Pillai and an Odhuvar, was flown from the Madras Presidency to the capital. In Nehru’s residence, the ‘sengol’ was solemnly handed over, signifying the transfer of power from the British to the Indian people.

Reviving Historical Significance:

Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that the transfer of power should not be reduced to a mere formality but should retain its connection to local traditions, while also acknowledging contemporary needs. The installation of the ‘Sengol’ in the new Parliament building symbolizes the same sentiments felt by Jawaharlal Nehru on August 14, 1947, representing a crucial moment when the British relinquished power to the Indian people. Mr. Shah expressed his concern that even after 75 years of independence, many Indians remain unaware of this pivotal event, and the installation aims to raise awareness and pride among the populace.

The installation of the historic ‘Sengol’ in India’s new Parliament building signifies a significant milestone in Indian history—the transfer of power from the British to the Indian people. Inspired by the Chola dynasty, the ‘Sengol’ embodies the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu and represents the sanctification of authority passed down through generations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal involvement in the inauguration and installation underscores the importance of preserving and honoring India’s historical legacy within the modern context.

Aadipurush Advance Booking in America

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Dimple Arora

The highly anticipated Indian epic film, Aadipurush, has created a buzz among cinema enthusiasts worldwide. With its grand scale, captivating storyline, and the stellar cast, the movie has garnered significant attention, even beyond the borders of India. As the film prepares for its release, fans in America are eagerly securing their seats through bookings.

The movie happens to be the most prestigious project as it is based on the Hindu epic Ramayan and National award-winning director Om Raut directed the project. The film happens to be Prabhas’s first straight Bollywood project and first mythological entertainer. Aadipurush features Prabhas as Lord Ram, Kriti Sanon as Goddess Sita, and Saif Ali Khan as Ravan.

The film is made with a whopping budget of Rs 500 Crores and uses Graphics and VFX extensively ten times more than that of Bahubali, therefore the movie promises a visually stunning experience coupled with a gripping narrative that resonates with audiences worldwide.

The bookings have been started in the USA and the tickets cost $23 for the 3D version and $20 for the regular version at Cinemark. The film will be released on 16th June 2023. Sunny Singh, Devadatta Nage, Vatsal Seth, Sonal Chauhan, and Tripti Toradmal are playing important roles. Cinematography is handled by Karthik Palani and the background score is taken care of by Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara. The music of the film is given by Ajay-Atul.

Over the past decade, Indian cinema has witnessed a surge in popularity beyond its traditional audience base. Films like “Baahubali” and “Dangal” have not only achieved immense success domestically but have also made a significant impact on the international market. “Aadipurush” aims to continue this trend by captivating a global audience with its rich storytelling and technical prowess.

The American market has become increasingly receptive to Indian cinema in recent years. The success of films such as “Gully Boy,” “Super 30,” and “Dil Bechara” has paved the way for more diverse Indian content in American theaters. With a strong diaspora presence and a growing interest among non-Indian audiences, Aadipurush holds immense potential to make an impact on the American film market.

As the release date of “Aadipurush” approaches, anticipation among fans in America is reaching new heights. The film’s production value, which includes extravagant sets and VFX, has generated immense curiosity among moviegoers. The booking system, commonly used for blockbuster releases, has become a popular option for securing tickets in advance and ensuring a seat for highly anticipated screenings.

To create awareness and generate interest, the production team behind Aadipurush has embarked on a series of promotional activities in America. Collaborations with local distributors, strategic marketing campaigns, and celebrity appearances have helped generate significant buzz for the film. Special screenings and preview events have also been organized to engage with audiences and build excitement.

The success of Aadipurush in America holds the potential to further elevate Indian cinema’s global recognition. Not only does it provide an opportunity for filmmakers to showcase the diversity and richness of Indian storytelling, but it also paves the way for future collaborations and co-productions between Indian and American film industries.

The booking frenzy for Aadipurush in America showcases the growing popularity of Indian cinema among diverse audiences. As the film prepares to hit the screens, fans are eagerly securing their seats, ready to experience the grandeur and spectacle that the movie promises to deliver. With its captivating storyline, stellar cast, and international appeal, the film has the potential to make a significant impact in America, further solidifying Indian cinema’s global presence.

Delhi Dehradun Vande Bharat Express connects people in short timing

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Vande Bharat Express has been one of the revolutions in this country. Uttrakhand to have the very first Vande Bharat Express that will leave for service on 29th May.

PM Narendra Modi virtually inaugurates the very first Vande Bharat express that will commence from Delhi (Anand Vihar) to Dehradun.

PM Modi tweeted, “Uttarakhand’s connectivity is all set to get a big boost. At 11 AM today, I will be flagging off the Vande Bharat Express between Delhi and Dehradun. Making the occasion even more special is the feat of 100% electrification of Uttarakhand’s rail tracks. Do join the program.”

The IRCTC department noted that the Vande Bharat express will regularly operate from 29th May from Delhi to Dehradun. It is said that the express will cover 302 km in 4 hours 45 minutes.
The train will serve every day of the week excluding Wednesday.

The AC ticket fate of the train will be Rs 1,065. Additionally, the executive car fare will be Rs 1.890. Thus, the train will depart at 5:50 PM from Delhi and will reach Dehradun at 10:35 PM.

The New parliament Inaugural ceremony will be held on 28th may

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One of the most anticipated inaugural events of the new parliament will take place on 28th May 2023. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the building. The central Vista project has included the new parliament as a part of the redevelopment.

On December 20th, Prime Minister Narender Modi laid the foundation stone before the infrastructure of the building. The building was set to be built by October 2022. However, due to various reasons, the project was not finished on time.

The composition of the new parliament includes Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Central Hall Joint Session, Central Lounge, Constitutional Hall, and the offices. The triangular shape of the building gives more space to utilize. Thus, the building is built at a cost of approximately Rs 1000 crore.

Therefore, after 2026, the number of seats in both houses is anticipated to increase to ensure new arrangements for the new members.

Drawing and Painting Workshop organised in summer camp

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A summer camp was organized from Monday at Suruchi Kendra located in Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan campus. In which drawing and painting workshop was organized. The organizer of the summer camp, Mrs. Priyadarshini Kachwaha told that this workshop is being conducted under the guidance of painter Ankesh Sharma. In this workshop, Ankesh Sharma has kept 5-5 days sessions of Geometrical Shapes, Drawing, Shading, Composition and Water Color! In this workshop of 25 days, different tasks will be done to the children.On the first day a beautiful painting of colorful flowers was made by the children.This workshop will run till June 12

G20 Summit Concludes with Vibrancy and Cultural Exchange in Kashmir

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Dimple Arora reports on G20 Summit in Kashmir…

On the third and final day of the G20 Tourism Working Group (TWG) meeting in Srinagar, the delegates began their day with invigorating yoga and sports activities. Following this, they had the privilege of visiting Nishant Bagh, where they embraced the rich Kashmiri culture by donning traditional attire for a memorable group photo session.

During the third TWG session on Tuesday, the delegates explored the local craft market, indulging in a delightful shopping experience. It was on the second day of the meeting that LG Manoj Sinha expressed his optimism, stating that Jammu and Kashmir would soon secure its place among the top 50 tourist destinations in the world.

While five countries, namely China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Indonesia, and Egypt, were unable to participate in this summit, the youth of Kashmir remain confident that this gathering will pave the way for an increased influx of foreign tourists. The summit witnessed the participation of 61 delegates from 29 countries.

Furthermore, on May 22nd, the delegates were warmly welcomed by Kashmiri women upon their arrival at the airport. After the first day’s meeting, they had the pleasure of visiting Dal Lake, where they relished the serene beauty while seated in the iconic shikara boats. Notably, apart from the foreign delegates, renowned South Indian actor Ramcharan Teja also graced the event with his presence.

Ramcharan referred to Kashmir as a magical place, recalling his numerous visits since 1986. His early trips, accompanied by his father, allowed him to explore enchanting destinations like Gulmarg and Sonamarg. In 2016, he returned to Kashmir for a film shoot, further strengthening his bond with the region. As a special treat, he enthralled the delegates by dancing with them to the tune of his popular movie RRR’s song, “Natu-Natu.”

The G20 Summit serves as a platform for global leaders to engage in discussions, negotiate agreements, and issue joint statements that shape global economic policies and strategies. As the host country of the summit rotates among member nations, various meetings and side events are held alongside the main summit. This international gathering provides a valuable opportunity for world leaders to address key challenges, foster cooperation, and promote sustainable and inclusive growth on a global scale.

The G20 Summit’s conclusion in Kashmir was not only marked by productive discussions but also by the vibrant cultural exchange and immersive experiences that allowed delegates to appreciate the region’s beauty and heritage. It is hoped that the summit’s positive impact will contribute to the growth and development of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, attracting a greater number of visitors from around the world.