Category: National

December 30: Dr. Rudresh Vyas, Head, Department of Psychology, MTB Arts College, Surat, has been included as a member in the National Focus Group on New Education Policy by NCERT Delhi. He will be working in National guidance and counseling for schools group.

The National Focus Group on New Education Policy has been formulated by the National Council of Educational Research and Training New Delhi (NCERT) by notification dated 5th December 2021. These include curricula and methods, cross-cutting groups and other important areas of the new Education Policy 2020. Through which discussions, studies and draft papers will be prepared on how to make school education more effective in all these areas.

The group will study and make recommendations for the area and planning of counseling and mentoring activities for students in schools across the country through the national focus group on guidance and counseling, which will be implemented in the New Education Policy.

December 30: Well-known author Tuhin A. Sinha has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting for the Bharat Ratna to be conferred upon tribal revolutionary icon Birsa Munda, besides the creation of India’s biggest war memorial at Dombari Hills in Jharkhand, where Birsa’s resolute warriors had put up an incredible fight against the British soldiers in January 1900. The war eventually led to mass casualties but also acquainted the British with the sheer might and conviction of Birsa Munda.

Tuhin, who is all set to release his book The Legend of Birsa Munda, co-authored with Ankita Verma, has researched extensively on Birsa Munda’s life. In his letter to the PM, Tuhin roots for the need to weave in a strong cultural narrative around Birsa Munda in Jharkhand’s development plans, “As we get ready to commemorate the 150^th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda in 2024, there is a growing sentiment among the people of Jharkhand that a lot more needs to be done to ensure justice to the magnificent yet largely unexplored legacy of Birsa Munda. The state of Jharkhand, which came into existence on 15 November 2000, is yet to realize its true potential. The state with its rich reservoir of mineral resources, vast forest cover and concentrated industrialist belts deserves more. Weaving a strong cultural narrative into the state’s developments plans could help in ushering this transformation.”

In the letter, Tuhin has also appealed for the creation of a Birsa tourism corridor that would generate immense local employment opportunities, besides an extension of the term ‘Scheduled Tribes’ to mean Vanvasi, instead of Adivasi in Hindi.

“The thing about subaltern historical heroes is that during their lifetime, there was hardly any documentation of their life or their movements. We took cognizance of their greatness only in hindsight, long after they were gone. But when I look at the extraordinary life of Birsa Munda and his efforts in raising a private army to take on the Britishers, it is quite likely that Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose too may have drawn inspiration from him. Netaji raised a private army on a much grander, international scale in the early 1940s… something that Birsa too did, but on a much smaller scale four decades before Netaji,” says the author.

But what drew Tuhin to Birsa Munda’s character in particular when there are multiple other subaltern icons in India’s freedom struggle? In his letter, Tuhin writes, “Like Kashi is the confluence of Hindu culture, let Birsa Munda form the confluence of all tribal cultures and tribal freedom movements across the country. Our subaltern freedom movements date back to the 1770s—Tilka Majhi, a Santhal from the Bhagalpur region being one of the oldest and well-known names. From the nineteenth century, these subaltern movements were active right from the North East of India to the South and formed important precursors to the 1857 war for Independence. While it may not be possible to give each of these subaltern tribal warriors their due, honouring Birsa Munda with the nation’s highest civilian award will be an honour to the entire community.”

Tuhin’s book The Legend of Birsa Munda has been published by Amaryllis: An Imprint of Manjul Publishing House and will soon be available in multiple Indian languages. Among other initiatives, the author, in collaboration will Indic Academy, plans to travel to Birsa Munda’s village Ulihatu, near Ranchi, and distribute 50 free copies to the descendants of Birsa Munda and the clan.

“It is tragic that the descendants of Birsa Munda are living a life of abject penury and have very little idea of the greatness of their ancestry. I want the demand for the Bharat Ratna for Birsa Munda to emanate from his village and ricochet across the country,” says the author.

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], December 30: Global Visa Center World (GVCW) has announced that Indian citizens and residents of India can now enter Greece following the Covid-19 testing protocol as a precautionary measure against the pandemic.

Expressing their joy on the re-opening of Greece to tourists from India after approximately 21 months, Du Digital Global and GVCW, which jointly operate the Visa Application Centres in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka state, “You can now apply for a short stay visa (C- Visa category) at GVCW application centres in Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata along with the two which were already open in New Delhi and Mumbai on Mondays and Wednesdays.” The addresses for these are as following:

• Bengaluru Visa Application Centre: Manipal centre south block S 207 and 2nd floor, 47 Dickenson Road, Bengaluru 560042
• Kolkata Visa Application Centre: Acropolis, Unit 6/1, 6th Floor, 1858 Rajdanga Main Road, Kolkata 700107
• Chennai Visa Application Centre: Fagun Towers, Third Floor, No 74, EthirajSalai, Egmore, Chennai 600008
• New Delhi Visa Application Centre: Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Concourse Level, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001
• Mumbai Visa Application Centre: 4th Floor, Urmi Axis Building, Behind Famous Studio, Opp. E. Moses Road, Mahalaxmi (West), Mumbai

Additionally, Indian citizens and residents can also submit their visa applications as per the standard procedures outlined on the website: https://in-gr.gvcworld.eu/en

Please visit the following link for the complete protocol of arrivals to & departure from Greece: https://travel.gov.gr/#/

December 29: M/s Lallooji & Sons and Prayagraj mela authority have decided to settle their financial disputes through an out of court settlement in respect of their disputes relating to works for kumbh mela. M/s Lallooji & Sons have taken back their Arbitration claims, and the Prayagraj authority has decided to drop all charges against the firm. The authority has consequently made the firm eligible for all works of the authority. Both parties have decided to drop all grievances and legal proceedings against each other as a result of this settlement.

Prayagraj: Event management company Lallooji & Sons and the Kumbh Mela Authority have reached an out of court settlement to the financial dispute with regards to some bills raised by the former for services provided during the 2019 Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj.

The Kumbh Mela Authority allegedly made substantial deductions in the bills and arrived at a figure which was much lower than claimed by Lallooji & Sons, which in turn initiated arbitration proceedings against the Authority seeking the payment along with annual interest.

However, during the pendency of the disputes, both sides decided to amicably settle the dispute out of court.

As per the settlement, Lallooji & Sons agreed to withdraw its bills to the extent of the disputed amount and to withdraw the consequential arbitration proceedings, while the Authority agreed to withdraw the office order against the firm.

In view of the amicable settlement, the Arbitration Tribunal passed an award recording the settlement between the two parties on December 21.

December 29: Being from barren grounds and becoming a successful force in multiple industries is not something that everyone could achieve. However, Adell Kimbrough thrashed all the hurdles that blocked his path to success. Due to his hard work today, he is a highly respected motivational speaker, author, and entrepreneur who is making a difference in people’s life.

Adell Kimbrough came from a middle-class family with limited sources, but his intention to rule the world has no limit. He believed in his ability and in the instinct that drives him to become a successful entrepreneur.

Adell Kimbrough says, “no success is without thorns” thus, he understands the fact that everyone goes through getting hurt from the struggle stones that he carved and engrossed his success story on it. Hence, he is now fortunate to be in a position to help people who are struggling for their needs. He feels blessed to devote his time to help in improving people’s lives.

He is the president of Prophetic World Group, which is meant to help through scholarships, livelihood opportunities, and supporting poorer cities and communities in every way they could. It is an organization and a church that has members worldwide; however, the motive of the organization is to provide a glorious future for kids and engaging talks.

Through the Prophetic World Group, Adell influences the younger generation through advocating about non-violence, sex abstinence, leadership, anti-bullying, and many other various topics.

Adell Kimbrough during his trip to Guatemala in 2016 influenced his decision to become a private pilot. Determined to help promote the change of places visited by the pastor, he hopes to go one step further to expand and launch a private jet charter for the pastor in the future.

Adell Kimbrough is also an author of “From Passengers to Pilots”, with the message of becoming the pilot of their own life rather than merely being passive passengers. It is only your self-belief that motivates you to work for your dreams.

Dubai (UAE), December 28: “Bharat Gaurav Award” was held in Dubai. In which eminent & iconic personalities of the country and abroad were honored with Bharat Gaurav Award. This award ceremony by “Sanskriti Yuva Sanstha” is continuing since the year 2012. Representatives from many countries, including India, the UK, USA, New Zealand, Paris, Malaysia, Dubai, are going to participate in this year’s award ceremony. Addressing the function on occasion, His Excellency Awad Mohammad Sheikh Mogrin – Chief Guest {Director General of Emirates, Administrative Officers of Department of Foreign Trade at Economic Development in Dubai} said that Indians had spread laurels in the whole world. When India got independence, no one even thought that one day Indians would make their mark on the world stage in this way. Today, Indians are playing a leading role in all fields, and the popularity of Indians is increasing in the world. This idea was expressed on behalf of Sanskriti Yuva Santha at the grand ceremony at Hotel Atlantis in Dubai.

On the auspicious occasion, the dignitaries present on the dais were Mr Mohamed Al Banna-Special Guest {CEOand Senior Advisor to HH Sheikh Juma Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum}, Countess Elena Felice DeBacci-Guest of Honor {she is a royal Family member of Italy & fashion Icon to the world}, Mr Mohamed Al Ali-Special Guest {Managing Director & Head ofCash First Abu Dhabi Bank}, Mrs Meera Teresa Gandhi-Special Guest {CEO &Founder of Giving Back Foundation} who also addressed the awardees. Sanskriti Yuva Sanstha’s President of the function Suresh Mishra has said that we must take a pledge to Stay Connected to the soil of our country in such a way that our belongingness and Indianness continue to grow. On this occasion, the Principal Patron of Sanskriti Yuva Sanstha, Lokendra Singh Kalvi, mentioned that this is the 8th event, and the sanstha has done a tremendous job with the events like Jaipur Marathon and social mass movement and has spread social consciousness that NGO has taken to spread the word of culture and will continue to move forward in the same way. Mishra said that it is a matter of pride for all of us to come to Dubai and to organize this felicitation ceremony. I request and expect from all the personalities who have received the Bharat Gaurav Award today to bring the youth forward for the development of the country.On this occasion, Mishra also told that in the past years, Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Movie star Manoj Kumar, Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi, world’s most influential woman Indira Nooyi, Jain saint Pulak Sagar, Lokesh Muni, Prassana Sagar, Major Dhyan Chand, and about 200 NRIs including G-mail’s inventor Shiva Ayyadurai, Neerja Bhanot have been honored in the last 8 years. The main speaker of the function Lokendra Singh Kalvi said that now Indians are making their mark in the whole world. Now when we are honored while standing under our tricolor in Dubai, we definitely feel proud. While conducting the program on occasion, Assistant Director, DPR Rajasthan, Govind Pareek, addressed and said that through this Bharat Gaurav Award ceremony, such hidden talents have been brought to the fore, and praised those one who have made remark by the name of the country by making a different identity in the whole world. He also appreciated the activities of Sanskriti Yuva Sanstha and also congratulated the Bharat Gaurav Awardees.

Prominent Jain Saint Param Pujya 108 Shri Virag Sagar Ji Maharaj (India), Famous Musician Padma Bhushan Pt. Vishwamohan Bhatt, Padma Shri Ram kishor Chhipa, Chairman of Akshaya Patra Foundation Padma Shri Madhu Pandit Das (India), Businessman Mr Rizwan Sajan, Mr Naveen Sharma, Mr Vijay Samyani, Mr Rajesh Bhimsariya (Dubai), Director of Swaminarayan Sansthan in Dubai His Holiness Brahmavihari Swami, Jain Sadhvi Ganni Aryika 105 Swasti Bhushan Mataji, CEO of Dutch Bank Mr Saket Mishra, renowned businessman Subatro Shah, Green Man of India Mr Viral Desai doing tremendous work in the field of environment, Chairman of World Trade Park Mr Anoop Bartaria, Director of Raj Yoga Center Dubai, Oman and Qatar Sister Jyoti, Nirbhaya’s mother Mrs. Asha Devi, Dr Ameya Ashok Hasmanis (Malaysia), Indo New Zealand Society Chairman Mr Sunil Kaushal (New Zealand), Sarangi player Ustad Ikram Khan Kalawant, Women Entrepreneur and Global Icon Masoom Minawala (Paris), Founder of the only Gurudwara in UAE, Dr. Surendra Singh Kandhari, Shri Jitendra Matlani (Dubai) and social worker who played an important role in getting back 168 Indians stranded in Sharjah. International Renowned Match Maker Sima Taparia. The renowned motivational speaker Padma Shri Gaur Gopal Das and International Polo Player Ashwini Kumar Sharma. On this occasion, Mr. Abdul Muqeet, popularly known as the Paper Bag Boy, winner of the Highest Citizen Award in the UAE, was honored with the Yuva Ratna Award. Also, International badminton player Mr. Shubham Taylor was honored with Sports Award. On this occasion, the talents were honored with the decoration of “Bharat Gaurav” by giving an award letter, memento, gold medal and shawl in the award ceremony. On this occasion, the guests were welcomed by the Secretary of Sanskriti Yuva Sanstha Sunil Kumar Jain, Shri B.K. Pareek, Anil Jain, Bansal, Surendra Kumar Verma, Namrata Jain and Rakesh Jain.

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], December 28: Prestigious Atal Gaurav Ratna Award event was successfully concluded on 27^th of December 2021 at the Ravindra Bhavan, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh in remembrance & respect to Bharat Ratna & Ex. Prime Minister of India Shri. Atal Bihari Vajpayjee. This award ceremony was conducted by the Atal Bharat Sports & Cultural Association in collaboration with Vishwa Brahman Samaj Sangh and was endorsed by various esteemed International and National organisations such as Central Christian University- Malawi, International Society of Diplomats-Canada, Special Olympic Bharat, UP Olympic Association, Maharishi Vagbhata Ayurveda Yoga Shaikshik Sansthan, International Council of Pre-School Education, Cultural Council-Govt. Of Madhya Pradesh & Disabilities Department- Govt. of Madhya Pradesh.

This event was attended by Honarable Speaker Vidhan Sabha of Madhya Pradesh Shri. Girish Gautam, Cabinet Minister (M.P.) Shri Akhilesh waranandgiri Maharaj, Cabinet Minister (M.P.) Shri. Raghuraj Kansana, State Minister Shri. Jaswant Jadhav, Commissioner of Disabilities (Govt. of M.P) Shri. Sandeep Rajak, Director of Minister of Culture (Govt. of M.P.) Shri. Vikas Dave, AISP-SPIA Indian Delegation President Shri. Pradeep Kumar Sharma & AISP-SPIA Indian Delegation Vice-President Ram Narayan Saini, Former State Minister Shri. Yogendra Mahant and various top dignitaries from Govt. of Madhya Pradesh& various esteemed organisations.

In this event special convocation was conducted wherein Honorary PhD was granted to Shri.Prakash Parmar in the subject of Business Management by Central Christian University-Malawi. On behalf of CCU, convocation was conducted by Prof. Dr. Dinesh Sabnis, who is appointed Goodwill Ambassador & International Academic Officer of Central Christian University-Malawi.

Atal GuaravRatna Awards were conducted for 3 categories:

Life Time Achievement Award,

Atal Senior Award,

Atal Youth Award

Awardees List of Atal Gaurav Ratna Award 2021:

Atal Gaurav Lifetime Acheivement Award:

Atal Gaurav Senior Category:

Atal Gaurav Youth Category:

Special thanks to the committee members of Atal Bharat Sports & Cultural Association Founder CEO Mr. Dileep Chand Yadav, Chairman Mr. Dipankar Banerjee, Executive Chairman Prof. Dr. Dinesh Sabnis (also holding Honorary positions of Chief and Ambassador of CSLI India & CEO Secretary-General AISP SPIA Indian Delegation), Sr. VP Atal National Committee Mr. Rakesh Poduval, VP Mr. Jamal Ashraf, General Secretary Ms. Kavita Yadav, Chief Secretary Mr. Navneet Tiwari, Secretary Mr. Nitin Pandit and Executive Member Ms. Madhu Singh & Ms. Sangeeta Koli for their contribution in the success of this event and our Media Partners Primex Media Service Pvt. Ltd. and Vidhya Post.

“Health 4 All”, – a popular digital Hin-glish health show aired every Sunday, led by India’s Top Medical, Public Health & Wellness Experts, proves to be one of the most trusted resources where a million health-conscious consumers have already logged in!

New Delhi (India), December 27: The year 2021 has all set to bid us good-bye leaving behind some bitter memories, but the pandemic has increased the primacy of healthcare significantly. In line with digital transformation in the wake of Covid, healthcare awareness, counselling and consultation have also gone digital. But unfortunately, the unfolding of the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated how the spread of misinformation, amplified on social media and other digital platforms, is proving to be as much a threat to global public health as the virus itself. However, technology advancements and social media create opportunities to keep people safe, informed and connected. But at the same time, these tools also enable and amplify the current INFODEMIC that continues to undermine the global response and jeopardizes measures to control the pandemic.

A study published in the reputed journal MDPI by Researchers from Dhaka University on ‘Fake News’, came up with very interesting facts like:

• The seven themes of fake news are health, religiopolitical, political, crime,
  Entertainment, religious, and miscellaneous. Health-related fake news (67.2%) is on the top of the list that includes medicine, medical and healthcare facilities, viral infection, and doctor-patient issues.
• Second, the seven types of fake news contents are text, photo, audio, video, text and photo, text and video, and text and photo and video. More fake news takes the form of text and video(47.2%).
• Third, online media produces more fake news (94.4%) than mainstream media (5.6%). More interestingly, four social media platforms: Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube, produce most of fake news.
• Fourth, relatively more fake news has international connections (54.4%) as
  the COVID-19 pandemic is a global phenomenon.
• Fifth, most of the COVID-19-related fake news is negative (63.2%), which could be a real threat to public health.

To provide a 100% credible platform for better health consciousness and awareness about health and wellness to the people digitally, and to address the pandemic associated health challenges by including India’s topmost Medical, Public Health & Wellness Experts, HEAL Foundation’s ‘Health4All Online’ weekly health show sponsored by Mylan Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. – A Viatris Company has gained audiences’ traction with half a million video views in just 10 weekly episodes since its launch in November 2021.

It is a one-of-its-kind weekly health show held every Sunday that has completed its informative, insightful and educative 10 episodes. And the awareness drive will be furthered in 2022 as well. During 10 episodes of the show, experts from across various spectra such as public health experts, specialists, experts and officials from government bodies have participated and educated the masses.

Dr Prof Joe Thomas, Professor of Public Health, and the National Course Convenor at the Institute of Health & Management in Rosanna, Victoria, Australia, said, “Omicron has the propensity to infect children. Indian government should increase the healthcare budget initially by 5 per cent and gradually increase it up to 15 per cent. Lockdown is not wise as it incurs an economic burden. It is prudent to follow vaccinations and other preventive measures strictly. As the schools in India have started opening, Indian children may not be infected but could be the carrier of the virus.”

“We work for healthcare improvements through various programmes to bring health impacts in society. Last year, we started COVID Fighters Public Health Safety Movement since the outbreak of COVID in India to bring education and awareness to the masses, which has completed its 500 days and ceaselessly going on. Over 200 healthcare experts have participated who are credible sources for health information,” said Dr Swadeep Srivastava, Founder HEAL Foundation & HEAL Health.

Dr Srivastava informed, “The show is also live on our following social media channels. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rSspzkrWBA8

https://www.facebook.com/healfoundationindia/videos/4599687863386437.”

Dr Nimesh Gupta, Chief, Vaccine Immunology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Dept. of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of India, said, “Booster vaccines enhance the quality of immunity. Persons invulnerable might fight Omicron with the current vaccines, but the elderly with compromised immunity won’t be able to combat the infection. Intranasal vaccines will be helpful to protect people from infection.”

Dr Anil Goyal, Honorary Finance Secretary, Indian Medical Association (Hqrs.), said, “Booster dose must be given to the frontline healthcare workforce. A booster dose is important for the susceptible population and healthcare workers. The frontline healthcare responders are exposed to various types of infection; hence booster dose is essential for them. The IMA has concluded a booster dose for the healthcare workers after consultation with several epidemiologists and virologists. In the new year, don’t forget to wear a mask and maintain social distancing to keep yourself protected from the infection.”

Dr Sanjai Kumar Rai, Professor, Dept. of Community Medicine, AIIMS, New Delhi, President, IPHA said, “Vaccines bypass natural immunity. However, there might not be any severity if Omicron infection happens. The efficacy of existing vaccines is not as effective as it was against the virus that originated from Wuhan. Moreover, natural infection provides long-term protection against the virus. It is better to move towards normalcy with due precaution and care in the new year 2022, but no need to fear.”

Ref.:- https://www.mdpi.com/2673-5172/2/1/7/htm

https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/social-media-covid-19-a-global-study-of-digital-crisis-interaction-among-gen-z-and-millennials