News Analysis India

Tag: War

  • Russians perform nine-day yajna in Haridwar to end war with Ukraine

    Express News Service

    DEHRADUN: A team of 24 Russians, who came to India from Russia, reached Haridwar and prayedfor a ceasefire by performing Ganga Pujan at Rajghat in Kankhal. These Russian citizens worshipped Ganga according to Hindu customs and appealed for peace in the country and the world. They have been living in Haridwar and Rishikesh for the last several days. Havan and Ganga Pujan are being done here for 11 consecutive days.

    It has been a year since the war between Russia and Ukraine, but the war still does not seem to end, so the citizens of both countries are also trying at their level towards ending the war and establishing peace.

    Speaking to The New Indian Express, Dr Pratik Mishrapuri, president of the Bharatiya Prachya Vidya Society, said, “24 people following Sanatan Dharma have reached Haridwar from Russia. They have unwavering faith in the holy Ganga and these people have come to Haridwar in the past”, Dr Mishrapuri, under whose presence the nine-day yajna was concluded, said, “How can the war between Ukraine and Russia be ended with true will power and with this thinking, these people have reached Haridwar to worship holy Ganga.” Everyone performed yajna with a prayer to end the war.

    Society president Dr Mishra Puri also said, “The group of foreign devotees from Russia includes professors, engineers and people associated with other fields. Along with Hindustan, everyone has special faith in Sanatan Dharma. As a symbol of faith, these people have come to Haridwar to worship Ganga”.

    While the efforts of major countries have not proved effective in the war started by Russia’s attack on Ukraine, the Ukrainians suffering from war have taken spiritual recourse to get out of this situation.

    DEHRADUN: A team of 24 Russians, who came to India from Russia, reached Haridwar and prayed
    for a ceasefire by performing Ganga Pujan at Rajghat in Kankhal. These Russian citizens worshipped Ganga according to Hindu customs and appealed for peace in the country and the world. They have been living in Haridwar and Rishikesh for the last several days. Havan and Ganga Pujan are being done here for 11 consecutive days.

    It has been a year since the war between Russia and Ukraine, but the war still does not seem to end, so the citizens of both countries are also trying at their level towards ending the war and establishing peace.

    Speaking to The New Indian Express, Dr Pratik Mishrapuri, president of the Bharatiya Prachya Vidya Society, said, “24 people following Sanatan Dharma have reached Haridwar from Russia. They have unwavering faith in the holy Ganga and these people have come to Haridwar in the past”, Dr Mishrapuri, under whose presence the nine-day yajna was concluded, said, “How can the war between Ukraine and Russia be ended with true will power and with this thinking, these people have reached Haridwar to worship holy Ganga.” Everyone performed yajna with a prayer to end the war.

    Society president Dr Mishra Puri also said, “The group of foreign devotees from Russia includes professors, engineers and people associated with other fields. Along with Hindustan, everyone has special faith in Sanatan Dharma. As a symbol of faith, these people have come to Haridwar to worship Ganga”.

    While the efforts of major countries have not proved effective in the war started by Russia’s attack on Ukraine, the Ukrainians suffering from war have taken spiritual recourse to get out of this situation.

  • India amidst the Russia-Ukraine conflict, a year later 

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: It has been a year since the conflict broke out in Ukraine which triggered not just a humanitarian crisis but also led to a shortage of food and fuel and divided the world between Ukraine and Russia.

    India has been in the news since the outbreak of the conflict – not just for maintaining its own stand on the conflict, but for balancing its position by sending humanitarian aid to Ukraine and increasing oil imports from Russia. India also outlined its take on the conflict and didn’t speak against Russia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s phrase ‘this is no era for war’ became a part of the joint statement of the G20 Summit held in Bali in 2022.

    Let’s look back at the year it has been since February 24th, 2022. When the conflict broke out, India had the humungous task of evacuating 22,000 Indian students who were studying across Universities in Ukraine. Ministers and diplomats were aligned and sent for the evacuation process from bordering states of Ukraine – Poland, Hungary.

    All but one student – who got hit by shrapnel and died – returned to India.

    As Russia began to get isolated by the world, India began to increase its oil imports from Russia as crude was available at a discount. From a mere 2 per of its total imports, India today imports close to 30 per cent of its crude requirement from them. Despite the sanctions imposed on Russia and the cap on the price of crude that was imposed by G7.

    India also extended humanitarian aid to Ukraine thereby maintaining a balance.India also managed to strike a deal with many nations including Russia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, UAE and a few nations in Africa to trade in local currencies.

    Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, made repeated calls to Russian President, Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Vlodomyr Zelensky to resolve the conflict through dialogue and discussion.In the UN too India abstained from all votes against Russia. This move didn’t go down well with the US and Europe.

    Reacting to the posturing the West had against Ukraine and India’s stand, External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar, during the Globesec conference in Bratislava (5th June, 2022)  said, “somewhere Europe has to grow out of the mindset that Europe’s problems are the world’s problems but the world’s problems are not Europe’s problems.’’

    Dr Jaishankar said that the world was oblivious to the challenges India faced in the neighbourhood and expected India to challenge its long-term ally Russia in the wake of the conflict.

    Meanwhile, the US began to reaffirm that India was a strategic partner and they were partners in the Indo-Pacific. The posturing was also to strengthen their position against China – with who the US has been at loggerheads over Taiwan.

    The leaders of the West, despite vehemently opposing Russia, came to terms with India’s stand on Russia.

    Prime Minister Modi’s comment ‘that this is no era for war’ was included in the joint statement of the Bali Summit in 2022.

    India is hosting the G20 Presidency this year and within a week’s time will host the Foreign Ministers meet. Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken are both expected to attend the meeting. 

    With the way India has handled things in the past year, it is almost certain that they will continue to do the balancing act even on home turf.

    NEW DELHI: It has been a year since the conflict broke out in Ukraine which triggered not just a humanitarian crisis but also led to a shortage of food and fuel and divided the world between Ukraine and Russia.

    India has been in the news since the outbreak of the conflict – not just for maintaining its own stand on the conflict, but for balancing its position by sending humanitarian aid to Ukraine and increasing oil imports from Russia. India also outlined its take on the conflict and didn’t speak against Russia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s phrase ‘this is no era for war’ became a part of the joint statement of the G20 Summit held in Bali in 2022.

    Let’s look back at the year it has been since February 24th, 2022. When the conflict broke out, India had the humungous task of evacuating 22,000 Indian students who were studying across Universities in Ukraine. Ministers and diplomats were aligned and sent for the evacuation process from bordering states of Ukraine – Poland, Hungary.

    All but one student – who got hit by shrapnel and died – returned to India.

    As Russia began to get isolated by the world, India began to increase its oil imports from Russia as crude was available at a discount. From a mere 2 per of its total imports, India today imports close to 30 per cent of its crude requirement from them. Despite the sanctions imposed on Russia and the cap on the price of crude that was imposed by G7.

    India also extended humanitarian aid to Ukraine thereby maintaining a balance.
    India also managed to strike a deal with many nations including Russia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, UAE and a few nations in Africa to trade in local currencies.

    Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, made repeated calls to Russian President, Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Vlodomyr Zelensky to resolve the conflict through dialogue and discussion.
    In the UN too India abstained from all votes against Russia. This move didn’t go down well with the US and Europe.

    Reacting to the posturing the West had against Ukraine and India’s stand, External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar, during the Globesec conference in Bratislava (5th June, 2022)  said, “somewhere Europe has to grow out of the mindset that Europe’s problems are the world’s problems but the world’s problems are not Europe’s problems.’’

    Dr Jaishankar said that the world was oblivious to the challenges India faced in the neighbourhood and expected India to challenge its long-term ally Russia in the wake of the conflict.

    Meanwhile, the US began to reaffirm that India was a strategic partner and they were partners in the Indo-Pacific. The posturing was also to strengthen their position against China – with who the US has been at loggerheads over Taiwan.

    The leaders of the West, despite vehemently opposing Russia, came to terms with India’s stand on Russia.

    Prime Minister Modi’s comment ‘that this is no era for war’ was included in the joint statement of the Bali Summit in 2022.

    India is hosting the G20 Presidency this year and within a week’s time will host the Foreign Ministers meet. Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken are both expected to attend the meeting. 

    With the way India has handled things in the past year, it is almost certain that they will continue to do the balancing act even on home turf.

  • PM Modi, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hold talks over phone 

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday said he held a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that he counted on India’s participation for the implementation of his peace formula.

    Zelenskyy said he also wished Modi for a successful G20 presidency of India.

    “I had a phone call with @PMOIndia Narendra Modi and wished a successful #G20 presidency. It was on this platform that I announced the peace formula and now I count on India’s participation in its implementation. I also thanked for humanitarian aid and support in the UN,” the Ukrainian president said in a tweet.

    I had a phone call with @PMOIndia Narendra Modi and wished a successful #G20 presidency. It was on this platform that I announced the peace formula and now I count on India’s participation in its implementation. I also thanked for humanitarian aid and support in the UN.
    — Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 26, 2022
    There were no immediate details from the Indian side.

    Since the Ukraine conflict began in February, Modi spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin as well as Zelenskyy a number of times.

    In a phone conversation with Zelenskyy on October 4, Modi said there can be “no military solution” and that India is ready to contribute to any peace efforts.

    India is yet to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has been maintaining that the crisis must be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue.

    NEW DELHI: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday said he held a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that he counted on India’s participation for the implementation of his peace formula.

    Zelenskyy said he also wished Modi for a successful G20 presidency of India.

    “I had a phone call with @PMOIndia Narendra Modi and wished a successful #G20 presidency. It was on this platform that I announced the peace formula and now I count on India’s participation in its implementation. I also thanked for humanitarian aid and support in the UN,” the Ukrainian president said in a tweet.

    I had a phone call with @PMOIndia Narendra Modi and wished a successful #G20 presidency. It was on this platform that I announced the peace formula and now I count on India’s participation in its implementation. I also thanked for humanitarian aid and support in the UN.
    — Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 26, 2022
    There were no immediate details from the Indian side.

    Since the Ukraine conflict began in February, Modi spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin as well as Zelenskyy a number of times.

    In a phone conversation with Zelenskyy on October 4, Modi said there can be “no military solution” and that India is ready to contribute to any peace efforts.

    India is yet to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has been maintaining that the crisis must be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue.

  • ‘No one has told us not to buy oil from Russia’: Hardeep Singh Puri

    By PTI

    WASHINGTON: The Indian government has a moral duty to provide energy to its citizens and it will continue to buy oil from wherever it has to, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri said on Friday, asserting that no country has told India to stop buying oil from Russia.

    The Russia-Ukraine war has had a far-reaching impact on the global energy system, disrupting supply and demand patterns and fracturing long-standing trading relationships.

    It has pushed up energy prices for many consumers and businesses around the world, hurting households, industries and entire economies of several nations.

    India’s crude oil imports from Russia have jumped over 50 times since April and now it makes up for 10 per cent of all crude bought from overseas.

    Russian oil made up for just 0.2 per cent of all oil imported by India prior to the Ukraine war.

    The Western countries are gradually bringing down their energy purchases from Russia following its attack on Ukraine.

    ALSO READ | Spike in oil price is breaking India’s back: S Jaishankar

    “India will buy oil from wherever it has to for the simple reason that this kind of a discussion cannot be taken to the consuming population of India,” Puri told a group of Indian reporters here, adding that the government has a moral duty to provide energy to its people.

    Responding to a question, he said India has not been told by anyone to stop buying oil from Russia.

    “If you are clear about your policy, which means you believe in energy security and energy affordability, you will buy from wherever you have to purchase energy from sources,” Puri said after his bilateral meeting with US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.

    During his meeting, Puri “broached the idea” of India-US Green Corridor, which elicited a positive response from his US counterpart.

    “The turbulence in the energy markets, and I’m using the word turbulence support carefully, will not allow India’s resolve to transition to green clean and sustainable energy,” he said.

    The two countries would now look into broader contours of this ambitious Green Energy Corridor.

    India’s import from the US is shooting up and currently buying USD20 billion worth of energy from the United States.

    There are discussions on buying more from the United States, he said.

    While work on green energy would continue, traditional exploration and production of oil and gas would continue as well, he noted.

    The world is also in progress on green hydrogen. India and the US have an advantage which at present is not being realised, he added.

    WASHINGTON: The Indian government has a moral duty to provide energy to its citizens and it will continue to buy oil from wherever it has to, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri said on Friday, asserting that no country has told India to stop buying oil from Russia.

    The Russia-Ukraine war has had a far-reaching impact on the global energy system, disrupting supply and demand patterns and fracturing long-standing trading relationships.

    It has pushed up energy prices for many consumers and businesses around the world, hurting households, industries and entire economies of several nations.

    India’s crude oil imports from Russia have jumped over 50 times since April and now it makes up for 10 per cent of all crude bought from overseas.

    Russian oil made up for just 0.2 per cent of all oil imported by India prior to the Ukraine war.

    The Western countries are gradually bringing down their energy purchases from Russia following its attack on Ukraine.

    ALSO READ | Spike in oil price is breaking India’s back: S Jaishankar

    “India will buy oil from wherever it has to for the simple reason that this kind of a discussion cannot be taken to the consuming population of India,” Puri told a group of Indian reporters here, adding that the government has a moral duty to provide energy to its people.

    Responding to a question, he said India has not been told by anyone to stop buying oil from Russia.

    “If you are clear about your policy, which means you believe in energy security and energy affordability, you will buy from wherever you have to purchase energy from sources,” Puri said after his bilateral meeting with US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.

    During his meeting, Puri “broached the idea” of India-US Green Corridor, which elicited a positive response from his US counterpart.

    “The turbulence in the energy markets, and I’m using the word turbulence support carefully, will not allow India’s resolve to transition to green clean and sustainable energy,” he said.

    The two countries would now look into broader contours of this ambitious Green Energy Corridor.

    India’s import from the US is shooting up and currently buying USD20 billion worth of energy from the United States.

    There are discussions on buying more from the United States, he said.

    While work on green energy would continue, traditional exploration and production of oil and gas would continue as well, he noted.

    The world is also in progress on green hydrogen. India and the US have an advantage which at present is not being realised, he added.

  • Decision on PoK should have been taken during 1971 Indo-Pak war: Rajnath Singh 

    By PTI

    SHIMLA: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that decision on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) should have been taken during 1971 war between India and the neighbouring country.

    The defence minister said this while addressing a function to honour martyrs’ families at Badoli in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.

    “We have recently marked the Golden Jubilee of victory of 1971 war. The 1971 war will be remembered in history as the war fought for humanity instead of property, possession or power,” Singh said.

    “There is only one regret. The decision on PoK should have been taken at that time itself,” he said.

    Singh also attended a similar function at Nadaun in Hamirpur district.

    In Kangra, Singh also shed light on the Centre’s unwavering resolve to make the country ‘Aatmanirbhar’ and the progress achieved due to the measures taken to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.

    “Earlier, India was known as a defence importer. Today, it is among one of the top 25 defence exporters in the world. From about Rs 900 crore eight years ago, defence exports have crossed Rs 13,000 crore. We are hopeful that the defence exports will touch Rs 35,000 crore by 2025 and the target of Rs 2.7 lakh crore set for 2047 will be met,” he said.

    While maintaining that India has never attacked any country, nor has it captured an inch of a foreign land, he assured the nation that if any attempt is ever made to disturb the harmony in India, a befitting reply will be given.

    “India is a peace-loving country, but it should not be mistaken for being a coward or afraid of war. At a time when we were dealing with COVID-19, we had to face the tension on the northern border with China. The courage of our soldiers during the Galwan incident proved that no matter how big the power is, India will never bow down,” he said.

    Singh said that the formation of the post of ‘chief of defence staff and the setting up of the department of military affairs are some of the major reforms taken to bolster national security.

    “Doors of National Defence Academy (NDA) have been opened for girls, while women in the Armed Forces are being given a permanent commission. We have also allowed the deployment of women on warships,” he said.

    Singh stressed that the government is building a ‘New India’, which will give a sense of security and trust to all our peace-loving friendly countries and those with evil intentions will get nothing but dust.

    During the 2016 surgical strikes and 2019 Balakot air strikes, the defence minister stated that India’s new strategy against terrorism has broken the backs of those who try to hurt the unity and integrity of the nation.

    “Terror activities were carried out from Pakistan under a well-thought-out policy. After the Uri and Pulwama attacks, our government and the Armed Forces, through the 2016 surgical strikes and 2019 Balakot air strikes, displayed to the world India’s unwavering commitment to root out terrorism. We showed that our forces have the capability to act on this side and, if needed, on the other side of the border. India’s image has been transformed. It is now seriously listened to on international platforms,” he said.

    The defence minister was of the view that the inspiration taken from the heroes of the Armed Forces is the reason behind India moving swiftly forward on the path of development.

    “When the dark clouds of war appear and national interests are attacked, it is the soldiers who bear that attack and protect the country. It is the supreme sacrifice of the fallen heroes which keeps the people alive,” he stated.

    “The names of General Sam Manekshaw, General Jagjit Singh Arora, General Jacob, General Sujan Singh Uban and General Officer in Command Air Marshal Latif, who led India to a resounding victory, will never be forgotten. Indian soldiers in the war included Hindus, Muslims, Parsis, Sikhs and one Jew. It is proof of India’s belief toward Sarvadharma Sambhav (respect for all religions). All these brave soldiers belonged to different states with different mother tongues. They were bound by a strong and common thread of Indianness,” he said.

    Singh termed Himachal Pradesh as a border state strategically important for India and the people residing in the border areas as strategic assets.

    While emphasising that it is the responsibility of every government to make their lives better, he stated strengthening the border infrastructure as well as the intelligence and communication capability of the country has been accorded top priority by the government, led by Prime Minister Modi.

    He pointed out that hundreds of kms of roads, bridges and tunnels have been constructed in the border areas, with Atal tunnel in Himachal Pradesh being one of the mega projects.

    Singh paid respects to the families of the war heroes, stating that the country will forever be indebted to the sacrifices made by the valiant soldiers.

    He said the Armed Forces will always be a source of inspiration to the people, especially the youth, as they possess the traits of discipline, devotion to duty, patriotism and sacrifice, and are a symbol of national pride and trust.

    “Background, religion and creed don’t matter, what matters is that our beloved tri-colour continues to fly high,” he said.

    The defence minister paid glowing tributes to the war heroes, including first recipient of Param Vir Chakra Major Somnath Sharma (1947); Brigadier Sher Jung Thapa, Maha Vir Chakra (1948); Lt Col Dhan Singh Thapa, PVC (1962); Captain Vikram Batra, PVC (1999) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, PVC (1999).

    On this occasion, Singh felicitated the families of the brave soldiers of the Armed Forces hailing from Himachal Pradesh, who laid down their lives in the service of the nation.

    SHIMLA: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that decision on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) should have been taken during 1971 war between India and the neighbouring country.

    The defence minister said this while addressing a function to honour martyrs’ families at Badoli in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.

    “We have recently marked the Golden Jubilee of victory of 1971 war. The 1971 war will be remembered in history as the war fought for humanity instead of property, possession or power,” Singh said.

    “There is only one regret. The decision on PoK should have been taken at that time itself,” he said.

    Singh also attended a similar function at Nadaun in Hamirpur district.

    In Kangra, Singh also shed light on the Centre’s unwavering resolve to make the country ‘Aatmanirbhar’ and the progress achieved due to the measures taken to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.

    “Earlier, India was known as a defence importer. Today, it is among one of the top 25 defence exporters in the world. From about Rs 900 crore eight years ago, defence exports have crossed Rs 13,000 crore. We are hopeful that the defence exports will touch Rs 35,000 crore by 2025 and the target of Rs 2.7 lakh crore set for 2047 will be met,” he said.

    While maintaining that India has never attacked any country, nor has it captured an inch of a foreign land, he assured the nation that if any attempt is ever made to disturb the harmony in India, a befitting reply will be given.

    “India is a peace-loving country, but it should not be mistaken for being a coward or afraid of war. At a time when we were dealing with COVID-19, we had to face the tension on the northern border with China. The courage of our soldiers during the Galwan incident proved that no matter how big the power is, India will never bow down,” he said.

    Singh said that the formation of the post of ‘chief of defence staff and the setting up of the department of military affairs are some of the major reforms taken to bolster national security.

    “Doors of National Defence Academy (NDA) have been opened for girls, while women in the Armed Forces are being given a permanent commission. We have also allowed the deployment of women on warships,” he said.

    Singh stressed that the government is building a ‘New India’, which will give a sense of security and trust to all our peace-loving friendly countries and those with evil intentions will get nothing but dust.

    During the 2016 surgical strikes and 2019 Balakot air strikes, the defence minister stated that India’s new strategy against terrorism has broken the backs of those who try to hurt the unity and integrity of the nation.

    “Terror activities were carried out from Pakistan under a well-thought-out policy. After the Uri and Pulwama attacks, our government and the Armed Forces, through the 2016 surgical strikes and 2019 Balakot air strikes, displayed to the world India’s unwavering commitment to root out terrorism. We showed that our forces have the capability to act on this side and, if needed, on the other side of the border. India’s image has been transformed. It is now seriously listened to on international platforms,” he said.

    The defence minister was of the view that the inspiration taken from the heroes of the Armed Forces is the reason behind India moving swiftly forward on the path of development.

    “When the dark clouds of war appear and national interests are attacked, it is the soldiers who bear that attack and protect the country. It is the supreme sacrifice of the fallen heroes which keeps the people alive,” he stated.

    “The names of General Sam Manekshaw, General Jagjit Singh Arora, General Jacob, General Sujan Singh Uban and General Officer in Command Air Marshal Latif, who led India to a resounding victory, will never be forgotten. Indian soldiers in the war included Hindus, Muslims, Parsis, Sikhs and one Jew. It is proof of India’s belief toward Sarvadharma Sambhav (respect for all religions). All these brave soldiers belonged to different states with different mother tongues. They were bound by a strong and common thread of Indianness,” he said.

    Singh termed Himachal Pradesh as a border state strategically important for India and the people residing in the border areas as strategic assets.

    While emphasising that it is the responsibility of every government to make their lives better, he stated strengthening the border infrastructure as well as the intelligence and communication capability of the country has been accorded top priority by the government, led by Prime Minister Modi.

    He pointed out that hundreds of kms of roads, bridges and tunnels have been constructed in the border areas, with Atal tunnel in Himachal Pradesh being one of the mega projects.

    Singh paid respects to the families of the war heroes, stating that the country will forever be indebted to the sacrifices made by the valiant soldiers.

    He said the Armed Forces will always be a source of inspiration to the people, especially the youth, as they possess the traits of discipline, devotion to duty, patriotism and sacrifice, and are a symbol of national pride and trust.

    “Background, religion and creed don’t matter, what matters is that our beloved tri-colour continues to fly high,” he said.

    The defence minister paid glowing tributes to the war heroes, including first recipient of Param Vir Chakra Major Somnath Sharma (1947); Brigadier Sher Jung Thapa, Maha Vir Chakra (1948); Lt Col Dhan Singh Thapa, PVC (1962); Captain Vikram Batra, PVC (1999) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, PVC (1999).

    On this occasion, Singh felicitated the families of the brave soldiers of the Armed Forces hailing from Himachal Pradesh, who laid down their lives in the service of the nation.

  • Wheat procurement & lifting impacted in Punjab, 18 farmers have committed suicide so far

    Express News Service

    CHANDIGARH: The procurement operation of wheat this season in Punjab has been impacted as till yesterday different central and state government agencies, including the Food Corporation of India have purchased only 85.98 Metric Tonnes (MT) going by the trend it does not seem the state will archive it’s target, as the wheat arrivals have gone down in grain markets across the state this is due to shrivelled grain problem as no decision has been taken by the Union Government till now on giving relaxation, also farmers are holding back the crop expecting surge in prices later on as global wheat is increasing due to Russia-Ukraine war and private player purchasing the crop above Minimum Support Price (MSP). 

    Also this season till yesterday only 62.81 per cent of wheat has been lifted. Thus approximately eighteen farmers have committed suicide to date across the state this month alone due to low yield on wheat.

    As per the data with the state food and supplies department as of April 25 the total wheat procurement was 90.61 MT of this government agency purchased 85.98 MT and private traders 4.62 MT. From 2009-10 till last year, the highest private purchase was in 2014-15 which was 2.9 LMT which was 2.4 per cent. While last year also the picture as almost similar as on April 25 it was 84.17 LMT of that84.15LMT was purchased by government agencies and only 2,376 KG by private players.

     The target fixed by the Food Corporation of India for 2022-23 for Punjab is 132 lakh MT as 132.22 LMT wheat was procured in 2021-22. Going by the trend it does not seem the state will archive it’s target as it seems it will remain around 100 LMT.

    A senior official of the department said that this time the farmers are holding back wheat as they are expecting high prices after few day or months as the prices of the grain are increasing in the global markets. So they are not bringing their crop to the grain market. Also the private players this time arepurchasing more wheat from the farmers and paying them more than the Minimum Reserveprice (MSP) as they are giving them Rs 2,025 per tonne against the MSP of Rs 2,015 per quintal. The main factor is the wheat grain is shrivelled by 10 to 20 per cent thus yield of wheat is also low.

    While this time the lifting is also slow as 62.81 per cent as  51.16 lakh MT of wheat has been lifted and 30.30 MT is yet to be lifted as of yesterday by different central and state government agencies from the 2,321-grain markets and procurements centres across Punjab.

    The main reason for slow lifting is that the contracts for transportation and labour were allotted during the term of the previous government and it is alleged that the contractors who did not have the requisite number of trucks and labour for the job were given these contracts.

    ALSO READ: Wheat procurement from Punjab expected to remain below 100 lakh MT

    “If we compare with last year, the pace of lifting this year is almost similar. Every year for a few days when there is a glut in mandis within few days, the entire stock will be lifted and shifted to godowns,” said an official.

    A senior officer of FCI said that they are waiting for the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution to take a decision on relaxing specifications, following which they will lift the grain. Even the direct delivery of wheat to the FCI is stalled till this issue is resolved.

    This month eighteen suicides have been reported to date across Punjab due to the low yield of wheat of these 11 in malwa region. As per the data gathered by BKU (Ugrahan) the largest farmer union of Punjab, fourteen farmers have committed suicide in different parts of Punjab till date this month.

    “On April 18, 38-year-old Ramandeep Singh of Bajak village in Bathinda died as he consumedpesticide on April 14 due to the low yield of the grain. While Gurdeep Singh (28) of Mansa Khurd village in Bathinda hanged himself and Jaspal Singh of Maiserkhana village also in Bathinda jumped before the train on April 20 and Randhir Singh of Bhagivander villagen also Bathinda district was found dead in a pound. Manjit Singh of Paddi Sura Singh village in Hoshiarpur district consumed position on April 23. All these farmers committed suicide due to the low yield of wheat and the government should give Rs 10 lakh per family as compensation,’’ claimed Sukhdev Singh General Secretary of BKU (Ugrahan).

    Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has appealed to the Union Government to relax the specifications for shriveled grains in the purchase of wheat in the state without the imposition of any value cut, thereby protecting the incomes of the farmers who are already impacted by low yield and severe farm debt.

    He said that despite the passage of one week since the central teams, deputed by the Ministry of Food and  Public Distribution, completed their task and submitted their report to the ministry highlighting the extent of shriveling of the grain, no decision has been taken by the Union Government. He emphasized that farming issues are required to be resolved on high priority and the delay isimpacting the procurement operations.

    BOX: Input Costs High The input costs have gone up as fertiliser,  pesticides, seeds, and diesel needed to operate tubewells and tractors have shot up substantially this year. The prices of diammonium phosphate (DAP) have increased from Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,350 per 50 kg.

  • Oscars 2022: Oscars hold moment of silence for Ukraine

    By Associated Press

    LOS ANGELES: At the Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday night, attendees expressed support for Ukraine by going silent for 30 seconds.

    A tribute that started with words from the Ukrainian-born Mila Kunis ended with the Academy Awards fading to black about midway through the show, with a plea for anyone watching to do whatever possible to send help to those in the war-torn nation.

    “We’d like to have a moment of silence to show our support for the people of Ukraine currently facing invasion, conflict and prejudice within their own borders,” read the screen. “While film is an important avenue for us to express our humanity in times of conflict, the reality is millions of families in Ukraine need food, medical care, clean water and emergency services. Resources are scarce and we — collectively as a global community — can do more.”

    The tribute ended with a display of the following: “We ask you to support Ukraine in any way you are able. #StandWithUkraine.”

    Some arrived to the event wearing blue-and-gold ribbons, the colors of the Ukrainian flag. Sean Penn had also campaigned for Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — a former actor — to speak at the ceremony.

  • Learning loss a tragedy, but no mention in Union Budget: Raghuram Rajan

    Express News Service

    Former Governor of Reserve Bank of India, Raghuram Rajan has expressed concern over lack of focus on the learning loss caused due to Covid-19 among school children in the Union Budget, while a significant amount of money was allocated for production linked incentive (PLI) schemes meant for industries.

    Delivering a lecture on ‘Democracy and Indian Economic Development’ at an event organised by the Madras Institute of Development Studies on Thursday, Rajan said, “The Budget barely mentions the tragedy that is overtaking our school children, especially the poor ones. That very few extra resources are being devoted to rescue a potentially lost generation of children is a serious omission. Devoting money to physical infrastructure while neglecting human infrastructure is absolutely a serious problem.”

    He added that it revealed a serious failure to realise that human capital is as important as industrial capital. Lashing out at the Centre for neglecting the education sector in the Budget, Rajan said the government is not short of money as the Budget further increased production subsidies to industries under various PLI schemes. Rajan is of the view that India has a fixation with building physical infrastructure and becoming a manufacturing hub when its strength is human capital.

    He said that instead of spending on the PLI schemes, the Centre should invest in filling the gaps in our education system, strengthening higher education, skilling and research and development.

    “If we focus on the development of human capital, it will automatically lead to our growth,” said Rajan. He also urged that the PLI schemes be studied in a detailed manner to understand if these subsidies are actually helping industries.

    He noted that India is rebounding today with strong growth numbers despite the impact of war in Ukraine. However, he said, even with strong growth in the fiscal year 2022-23, India’s growth will still be significantly below the pre-pandemic trend line.

    “Our slow growth is not all the fault of the pandemic. Our underperformance predates the pandemic. In fact, we have been underperforming for over a decade, probably since the onset of the global financial crisis,” said Rajan, adding the under-performance is mainly due to the government’s inability to create jobs.

    Taking a dig at the Atma Nirbhar programme, Rajan said that instead of focusing on becoming a manufacturing superpower and trying to manufacture everything here, India needs to work on the service sector, which is its biggest strength.

    He said it would require huge subsidies for India to build an ecosystem from scratch for the manufacturing sector. Instead, this money could have been better invested in education and producing quality engineers and doctors who can provide services globally, thereby creating more jobs and tapping the global demand, he said. 

  • Cher offers home to Ukrainian refugees

    By IANS

    LOS ANGELES: Singer Cher has called on people in her “position” to “step up to the plate” and give those fleeing their homes in Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion a safe place to stay.She tweeted: “I Would Like to Sponsor Ukrainian Families in My Home. They Would Be Safe Cared For. Many people in my position need to step up to the plate. If I was alone or with my children, we were traumatized, I would hope someone like me to take care of us.” The 75-year-old music legend has been left overwhelmed by the conflict, reports femalefirst.co.uk.Seemingly referring to the war in Ukraine, the ‘Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again’ star wrote recently: “I’ve been alive since the year dot, and these years are the worst I’ve ever seen a add family to that and it’s a recipe for disaster cake.” She has been using her platform to rally support for the people of Ukraine.Cher urged: “We must find more tangible ways to help Ukrainian people! What does the word ‘support’ actually mean to the world?”

    I Would Like to SponsorUkrainian Families in My Home.They Would Be Safe & Cared For.MANY PEOPLE IN MY POSITION NEED TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE.IF I WAS ALONE OR WITH MY CHILDREN,& WE WERE TRAUMATIZED,I WOULDHOPE SOMEONE LIKE METO TAKE CARE OF US.
    — Cher (@cher) March 18, 2022
    The singer left fans concerned last week when she revealed the reason she had been quiet on social media for almost a week was that she’d been having “personal problems”. She tweeted: “Sorry I’ve Been MIA. Been having personal problems.”Responding to a follower who asked if she is OK, Cher replied: “We all (cry emoji), but sometimes, we (cry emoji) a different kind of tears. Tears that hurt. We become overwhelmed, reach a limit.Then are forced to push that limit.” A little later, the ‘If I Could Turn Back Time’ hitmaker reassured fans that she was feeling “better” and that she needed to “regroup and reboot”.She added: “I’m better today. Sometimes I reach what I think is my limit, then realise, I’ve got ‘miles’ more limit in me. Sometimes I get on what I ‘think’ is my last nerve, then find lots more ‘last nerves’ to get on. Sometimes I need to regroup, reboot, give ‘me’ a time out, then say f*** this. I won’t stop.” 

  • Singer Cher offers home to Ukrainian refugees

    By IANS

    LOS ANGELES: Singer Cher has called on people in her “position” to “step up to the plate” and give those fleeing their homes in Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion a safe place to stay.She tweeted: “I Would Like to Sponsor Ukrainian Families in My Home. They Would Be Safe Cared For. Many people in my position need to step up to the plate. If I was alone or with my children, we were traumatized, I would hope someone like me to take care of us.” The 75-year-old music legend has been left overwhelmed by the conflict, reports femalefirst.co.uk.Seemingly referring to the war in Ukraine, the ‘Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again’ star wrote recently: “I’ve been alive since the year dot, and these years are the worst I’ve ever seen a add family to that and it’s a recipe for disaster cake.” She has been using her platform to rally support for the people of Ukraine.Cher urged: “We must find more tangible ways to help Ukrainian people! What does the word ‘support’ actually mean to the world?”

    I Would Like to SponsorUkrainian Families in My Home.They Would Be Safe & Cared For.MANY PEOPLE IN MY POSITION NEED TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE.IF I WAS ALONE OR WITH MY CHILDREN,& WE WERE TRAUMATIZED,I WOULDHOPE SOMEONE LIKE METO TAKE CARE OF US.
    — Cher (@cher) March 18, 2022
    The singer left fans concerned last week when she revealed the reason she had been quiet on social media for almost a week was that she’d been having “personal problems”. She tweeted: “Sorry I’ve Been MIA. Been having personal problems.”Responding to a follower who asked if she is OK, Cher replied: “We all (cry emoji), but sometimes, we (cry emoji) a different kind of tears. Tears that hurt. We become overwhelmed, reach a limit.Then are forced to push that limit.” A little later, the ‘If I Could Turn Back Time’ hitmaker reassured fans that she was feeling “better” and that she needed to “regroup and reboot”.She added: “I’m better today. Sometimes I reach what I think is my limit, then realise, I’ve got ‘miles’ more limit in me. Sometimes I get on what I ‘think’ is my last nerve, then find lots more ‘last nerves’ to get on. Sometimes I need to regroup, reboot, give ‘me’ a time out, then say f*** this. I won’t stop.”