Articles by Post News Network

Business

Indian envoy meets Canadian leader, discusses bilateral ties

Ottawa: In a significant step towards enhancing India-Canada bilateral ties, Indian High Commissioner to the North American country, Dinesh K Patnaik, met the Premier of the Canadian province of Alberta, Danielle Smith. Both sides discussed important areas of bilateral partnership, including energy, trade, agriculture, technology collaboration, research, and people-to-people connections. “Honoured to meet Premier Danielle Smith. We had an excellent discussion on key aspects of our bilateral partnership — energy, trade, agriculture, technology collaboration, research, and people-to-people ties. Great potential ahead to elevate our relationship through fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial cooperation,” the Indian High Commission in Ottawa quoted Patnaik as saying. Following the meeting, Danielle Smith took to X and posted: “Alberta has deep and growing ties with India, and today I had the pleasure of meeting Dinesh K Patnaik, India’s High Commissioner to Canada, to talk about how we can take that partnership to the next level. We discussed Alberta’s role in helping meet India’s growing needs for safe, reliable energy, high-quality agricultural products, as well as new opportunities in technology. “ “With a strong Indo-Canadian community here at home and Indian companies already investing in Alberta, there is huge potential ahead. Our message is simple: Alberta is open for business and ready to be a long-term partner in India’s growth,” she added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday held a bilateral meeting with his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, in which he noted that India has set a target of $50 billion by 2030 for bilateral trade between the two countries. “Had a very productive meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada. We appreciated the significant momentum in our bilateral ties since our earlier meeting held during the G7 Summit hosted by Canada. We agreed to further advance our relations in the coming months,” PM Modi wrote on X. The Prime Minister added that India and Canada have great potential in strengthening trade and investment linkages. “We have set a target of 50 billion USD by 2030 for our bilateral trade. Canadian Pension Funds are also showing keen interest in Indian companies,” PM Modi informed on X. In a statement shared on X, PM Carney said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I met at the G20 Summit today, and launched negotiations for a trade deal that could more than double our trade to $70 billion. India is the world’s fifth-largest economy, and that means big new opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses.”

1 hours ago

Technology

Security tightened in Ayodhya as Modi to hoist Ram Mandir flag

Ayodhya: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to hoist the sacred flag at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, extensive security arrangements have been put in place at all entry gates of the Ram Mandir. Special ‘prasad’ has also been delivered to the temple for the devotees expected to attend the flag-hoisting ceremony inside the premises. Apart from this, Ram Path in Ayodhya has also been beautifully decorated with flowers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Ayodhya for the ceremony. He is expected to arrive around 9:30 a.m., and locals say the moment symbolises the fulfilment of a centuries-old dream. The specially-designed flag for the temple, measuring 22 feet by 11 feet, marks the completion of the temple’s construction. Crafted by a parachute specialist from Ahmedabad, it weighs between two and three kilograms and is engineered to suit the 161-foot-high summit and the 42-foot flagpole. The flag will feature the Sun symbol, representing Lord Rama’s Suryavanshi lineage and divine energy. However, guests attending the ceremony will not be permitted to carry mobile phones inside the temple premises for security reasons. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Tuesday said that India is witnessing a “golden chapter” in its civilizational journey as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to hoist the grand saffron flag atop the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. The flag hoisting marks the formal completion of the temple’s construction and is being observed as a moment of deep cultural and spiritual significance across the country. Posting on X, the Chief Minister wrote, “Today, a golden chapter is about to be added to the history of faith, civilisation, and humanity. “In the sacred hands of the Honorable Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji and in the dignified presence of the esteemed Sarsanghchalak of @RSSorg, the revered Dr. Mohan Bhagwat ji, the grand saffron flag, symbolising our religious and cultural restoration, will be hoisted atop the pinnacle of the ‘Rashtra Mandir’ Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, located at Shri Ayodhya Dham, the centre of faith and belief for India and countless followers of Sanatan Dharma.” Prime Minister Modi had laid the foundation stone for the Ram Mandir in August 2020, nearly a year after the Supreme Court handed over the 2.77-acre disputed land for the temple’s construction. He also presided over the consecration ceremony of the idol of Ram Lalla January 22, 2024. For the upcoming rituals, 108 Acharyas from Ayodhya, Kashi, and South India will perform the ceremonies under the guidance of noted Kashi scholar Ganeshwar Shastri. The day following the flag-hoisting event will offer an extended ‘darshan’ window of nearly 15–16 hours without any VIP movement, ensuring better access for pilgrims arriving later. ‘Darshan’ and ‘aarti’ passes can be booked through the Trust’s official portal, subject to availability. Visitors must submit ID details and download a QR-based digital pass. Booking may be temporarily paused around the event due to security protocols. Authorities have advised travellers to arrive in Ayodhya a day in advance to avoid congestion. Public transport and shuttle services are encouraged, and visitors are urged to carry minimal luggage. Continuous updates regarding crowd management and route advisories will be issued through official channels.

2 hours ago

Entertainment

Rahgir’s folk act electrifies

Bhubaneswar: Viral folk singer Rahgir set the stage ablaze at the Dharitri Youth Conclave 2025 Monday, becoming the highlight of the two-day event held at a city hotel to mark the 52nd anniversary of Dharitri daily. Rahgir, whose real name is Sunil Kumar Gurjar, captivated the audience with his signature blend of satire, emotion, and social commentary. His popular tracks, including “Admi Chutiya Hai,” “Bhai Rahagir Yeh Ham Kaun Si Gaadi Pe Chadh Gaye,” “O Meri Premika,” “Kya Jaipur Kya Dilli,” and “Rahagira Yahi Janjaal”, and other songs drew loud cheers, with the crowd singing along and engaging throughout his performance. Known for weaving everyday struggles and socio-political realities into relatable lyrics, Rahgir’s music resonated strongly with the youth present, turning the musical segment into one of the most memorable moments of the conclave. “I really didn’t expect much when I came here, but I’m truly mesmerised to see how warmly people received my work. This is my third visit to Bhubaneswar, and each time I’m inspired by how passionately people contribute in their own ways. I write and sing about issues that concern us all, and it’s heartening to see so many taking initiatives for the environment. Being made a part of this movement is an honour for me. Through my songs, I’m sharing my perspective with those who have been working tirelessly for years. When people join hands for nature, more will be inspired to protect it,” he said. Alongside the energetic cultural segment, the conclave also featured discussions on environmental conservation. Padma Shri awardee and Editor of Down To Earth, Sunita Narain, biologist and conservationist, Purnima Devi Barman, Padma Shri recipient Chami Murmu and other distinguished guests addressed climate challenges and highlighted community-led efforts.

2 hours ago

World

Panel unites for strong climate pitch

Bhubaneswar: Arun Krishnamurthy, environmentalist and founder of the Environmental Foundation of India (EFI), moderated a panel discussion on “Climate Change: Finding Solutions.” The panel featured Kartik Shanker, ecologist and founder-trustee of the Dakshin Foundation; Meet Sijariya, VC–Partnerships & Stakeholders at the Youth Climate Change Network (CYCN); Debabrata Swain, former PCCF and Lokayukta member of Odisha; and Adyasha Satpathy, Chief Executive of Dharitri and Orissa Post. Krishnamurthy praised the conclave for providing a unique platform that fosters collaboration between young changemakers and environmental experts. He emphasised that such initiatives are vital for driving collective action on climate solutions. Kartik Shanker underscored Odisha’s ecological importance, especially its role as a key nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles. He shared encouraging news that over 10 lakh turtles have nested in the state this year, crediting sustained conservation efforts for the positive outcome. Debabrata Swain expressed concern over the state’s forest resources, stressing the need for stronger protection amid growing pressures from mining activities. He cautioned that Odisha risks the extinction of its elephant population if urgent conservation measures are not undertaken. Meet Sijariya highlighted the awareness gap between urban youth and those at the grassroots, underscoring the importance of platforms like the Youth Conclave in fostering deeper understanding and engagement on climate issues. On the occasion, nine young voices from educational institutions across Odisha took the stage, sharing their innovative climate strategies and underscoring the importance of youth-led environmental action. Their presentations highlighted the potential for change when young people are empowered to act. Adyasha Satpathy spoke about the annual Youth Conclave, mentioning that Dharitri has been covering positive climate stories and the work of climate activists for many years. Through this coverage, they connected with grassroots activists, which led to the idea of creating a platform for environmentalists and youth to come together, share experiences, and connect with each other in the fight against climate change. Satpathy emphasised that finding a solution to the climate crisis can’t be done by a single community alone; rather, it requires collective action from all. Chami Murmu, after receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award, expressed her gratitude to Dharitri for recognising her work. She shared that she has been working on afforestation for over 30 years. Starting at a young age, she was alone in her efforts, but she gradually gathered people to plant trees and raise awareness despite opposition and threats. Today, her initiative, “Sahayogi Mahila Bagraisai”, has thousands of people involved. In addition to tree plantation, they have empowered women to become independent.

2 hours ago

Health

Parking banned on key City stretches to ease congestion

Bhubaneswar: The Twin City Commissionerate Police Monday issued a sweeping order prohibiting parking on several major roads across the Capital City, aiming to ease growing traffic congestion and enhance commuter safety. The official order was signed by Commissioner of Police S Dev Datta Singh. According to the official notification, indiscriminate roadside parking has emerged as a major cause of obstructed traffic flow on several arterial roads, resulting in frequent bottlenecks, delays and potential safety hazards for the public. The notification also mentioned that regulating roadside parking has become essential for ensuring smooth vehicular movement, especially in view of rapidly growing commercial zones, educational hubs and healthcare institutions in the City. As per the order, parking will be strictly prohibited on key stretches including Raj Bhavan Square to Kalarahanga Chhak via Jayadev Vihar, Airport to NALCO Chhak via Acharya Vihar, Sishu Bhawan Chhak to Vani Vihar via Rajmahal Square and Master Canteen, Rasulgarh Chhak to Jayadev Vihar, Sriya Square to PHD Offi ce, Bapuji Nagar, IDBI Bank Square to Veterinary College on NH-16 via Empire Hotel, Alok Bharati Building to Saheed Nagar Durga Puja Mandap along Janpath, Janpath stretch from Kalyan Jewellers to Charak Medical Store via Sparsh Hospital, and Trupti Service Station on Janpath to Saheed Nagar entry point Additionally, the Commissionerate Police has declared 11 more busy stretches as strict “No Parking Zones,” citing their high traffic density and the need for uninterrupted flow of vehicles. These include Gopabandhu Square to Kalpana Square (both sides), Kalarahanga Square to Nandankanan Square (both sides), Service Road from Jayadev Vihar to Tamando Square (both sides), KIIT Square to Infocity Square via Silicon Engineering College (both sides), Nayapalli U/P towards Jayadev Vihar via ID Market (both sides) and other key stretches. The order warns that any violation will be treated as an offence under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, and Section 223(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Vehicles found parked illegally on these stretches may also be towed away, and owners will be required to bear all towing charges and penalties applicable. The order comes into effect immediately from the date of its issuance.

2 hours ago

Sports

Missing for months, lawyer’s body found in pond; kin cry foul

Baripada: The decomposed body of a lawyer, who had been missing for more than two months, was recovered Monday from a pond in Silphodi Upparbeda village under Jharpokharia police limits in Mayurbhanj district. The body was found inside his car, which had sunk in the pond. Police identified the deceased as Gulesh Chandra Gochhayat, 42, a resident of Turuk Chutani village under Bisoi police limits in the district. Family members have alleged that he was murdered and the crime was later made to look like an accident. Gochhayat had been missing since September 11, when he left home in his car, telling his family he was going to Bahadagoda in neighbouring Jharkhand. When he failed to return, his relatives searched extensively and later filed a missing person report at the Bisoi police station. Despite the investigation, police found no trace of him. Around 6 am Monday, locals spotted a car submerged in a pond in Upparbeda village and informed the police and fire personnel. Jharpokharia police and firefighters reached the scene and pulled the vehicle out. The car was found belly-up in the water body with both front windows partially open. The decomposed body was discovered on the rear seat along with identification documents belonging to Gochhayat. Family members confirmed the identity based on his clothing, while a scientific team collected samples for DNA testing. Acting on the family’s allegation of foul play, Jharpokharia police registered a case and launched an investigation.

2 hours ago

World

78th NCC Day celebrated with pride at Cuttack HQ

Cuttack: The 78th National Cadet Corps (NCC) Day was celebrated with enthusiasm and patriotic fervour at the NCC Group Headquarters, Cuttack, under the leadership of Group Commander Colonel Satyabrata Swain. The event saw cadets, instructors, officials, and guests come together in a vibrant display of unity, discipline, and patriotism. The occasion highlighted the NCC’s steadfast contribution to nation-building, youth empowerment, leadership and character development. The event was graced by Chowdwar Cuttack MLA Souvic Biswal, Cuttack Sadar MLA PC Sethi, as well as Cuttack Mayor Subhash Singh and senior military veterans. The celebrations began with the arrival of distinguished guests and an inaugural address, followed by a vibrant cultural programme.

3 hours ago

Business

Scaling the ocean economy

Two major events this summer – the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) in Monaco, and the third UN Ocean Conference in Nice – reflected the growing recognition that protecting the ocean is not only an environmental issue, but also a political, economic, financial, and social imperative. The challenge now is to translate this rapidly emerging consensus into concrete, sustained action. Covering over two-thirds of our planet and accounting for 97% of its biosphere, the ocean is a critical ally in our efforts to tackle climate change, ensure food security, and support livelihoods. Without a healthy ocean, sustainable development will remain a distant dream. But protecting and restoring marine ecosystems costs money, and financial flows are falling far short of need. To close this gap, ocean protection must be regarded not as charity, but as an opportunity – a high-value investment in our collective future. The vision of a thriving ocean economy that offers both short-term profit and long-term value in terms of food security, employment, and resilience galvanised political leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, philanthropists, and representatives of multilateral organisations and civil society at the BEFF. The event delivered on its goal of unlocking funding for ocean-positive projects, including through innovative instruments like blue bonds and blended-finance vehicles, which combine public, private, and philanthropic resources. But the new “blue” investment announced by public, private, and philanthropic actors at the BEFF – amounting to some $10.1 billion – represents only a fraction of what is needed to meet global targets. Three imperatives stand out. The first is to create a robust pipeline of investable projects. As it stands, many promising initiatives remain stuck at the pilot stage. A lack of early-stage financing, technical assistance, or enabling policies means that they never get to a point where they are appealing to private investors. The second imperative is to create enabling conditions for investment. If ocean-relevant sectors – such as shipping, fisheries, coastal infrastructure, and tourism – are to align their activities with the blue my vision, they must be guided (and constrained) by net-zero and nature-positive targets that are ambitious and credible. Governments must not only develop and enforce the right rules of the game, including regional marine spatial plans, but also lead by example. That means eliminating poorly designed and harmful government subsidies, such as those driving exploitation of overfished stocks, and using those public resources to finance ocean-positive projects and cover transition costs for ocean-dependent sectors. Public development banks must also do their part to strengthen investor confidence and catalyse market-wide change. At the BEFF, more than 20 public development banks endorsed the Finance in Common Ocean Coalition joint statement, which articulated a collective ambition to scale up ocean finance, align portfolios with a regenerative and sustainable blue economy, and support pipeline development by sharing tools and methodologies. These institutions must follow through on these commitments, and their peers must join them. Finally, financial flows throughout the economy must be aligned with climate, biodiversity, and equity goals. For governments, this means integrating environmental and social externalities into public budgets, with national accounting systems factoring in both the value of ecosystem services and the financial risks arising from environmental degradation. Financial actors – including institutional investors, corporations, asset managers, and insurers – also have a critical role to play, not only as funders, but also by stepping up as core architects of a regenerative and sus tainable blue economy. To this end, they must create clear taxonomies and metrics, which support consistent decision-making and prevent greenwashing. The ocean economy is beginning to take shape. The BEFF laid important foundations, and promising instruments – such as venture capital funds targeting ocean innovation, guarantee facilities supporting small and medium-sized enterprises dedicated to delivering ocean-positive outcomes, and sovereign blue bonds – are gaining traction. But the momentum from the summer must not be squandered. It must be translated into a clear and coordinated strategy for the decade. The writer has been the Sovereign Prince of the Principality of Monaco since 2005. ©PROJECT SYNDICATE

3 hours ago

Business

Reforms done, jobs awaited

India’s major economic reforms were spurred by a foreign exchange crisis. It was the summer of 1991 when foreign exchange reserves went to nearly zero. An emergency loan from the IMF was taken, and a slew of reforms were initiated. Exchange rates, import duties and banking were deregulated, and foreign direct investment was permitted. The biggest bang reform was the end of the license raj in manufacturing and industrial production. Economic growth picked up, and foreign investment poured in. The IMF loan was repaid in less than two years. The stock market and capital markets took off. Ten years later, a second generation of reforms was unleashed in the telecom and power sectors. This, too, led to remarkable growth and dynamism. To this day, we are reaping the harvest of the telecom revolution, which is still unfolding. The economy is now more than ten times bigger than in 1991. India is a software powerhouse in the world. But one big promise of the 1991 reforms remains unfulfilled. If the biggest bang was industrial delicensing, then we should have seen the manufacturing sector grow exponentially. It did grow, but only at the same pace as the GDP. The share of manufacturing in India’s GDP is roughly the same in 2025 as in 1991, around 16 or 17%. The aspiration is to reach at least 25% of the GDP as per the National Manufacturing Policy, the Competitiveness Project, and even Make in India. But manufacturing is stubbornly stuck, and as a result, industrial employment also has not taken off. The share of formal employment, i.e. those who are covered by a contract and get pension and health benefits ts is a stagnant share of the total workforce. For India to achieve higher levels of aggregate growth and jobs with higher productivity and wages, it is essential that industrial jobs grow in a big way. We cannot achieve 8 or 9% growth without vigorous industrial growth. The popular view is that archaic labour laws have held back massive industrial employment creation. Especially in labour-intensive sectors like textiles, footwear, toy-making, and electronics assembly, we have not been able to build scale in manufacturing, as businesses hesitate to hire workers on a large scale. The labour reforms we needed relate not only to ease of recruitment at scale and retrenchment, but also to the formalisation of labour markets. Since labour is in the concurrent list of the Constitution, respective state governments too have to be on board with the reform agenda. The unions, too, have to be part of the consensus. The Union government embarked on this ambitious journey five years ago. That journey reached a historic milestone. On 21 November, India formally brought into effect its four Labour Codes—the Code on Wages (2019), Industrial Relations Code (2020), Code on Social Security (2020), and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (2020)—replacing 29 central labour laws that had accumulated piecemeal over the past seven decades. The notification marks the culmination of a reform process initiated in 2015, with years of tripartite consultation and delay due to states’ rule-making responsibilities under the Constitution. This landmark reform will reduce compliance burdens, widen social protection, and make the labour market more responsive to a changing economy. The respective states of India must now pass their own rules and regulations to ensure the four labour codes are fully implemented within their jurisdictions. These four codes are meant to protect labour, to provide flexibility to employers, to formalise the workforce, and also to spur job creation. For employers, the new regime promises ease of compliance: a single registration, licence, and return instead of dozens; higher thresholds for layoffs and closures; and fixed term employment enabling time-bound hiring. For workers, it offers wider protection: a national floor wage, written appointment letters, health and safety coverage, maternity and provident-fund benefits for gig, platform, and contract labour. In short, the Codes try to replace the rigid dualism of India’s labour market—where a small formal segment enjoys heavy protection and elite status, while the vast informal majority has none—with a continuum of graded protections linked to digital identity and compliance. This continuing and entrenched dual structure, called “casualisation of labour” has sometimes had an ugly and violent manifestation, endangering social stability and harmony too. There is a great step to enable better participation of women in the formal workforce. Some of the features of the reforms are that all workers must now receive appointment letters, ending in formal oral contracts. There is universal social security extended to gig and platform workers, with aggregators contributing 1–2% of turnover to welfare funds. Women may work night shifts in all sectors, including mining and IT, provided safety measures are assured. We must remember, however, that these labour reforms do not automatically imply a dynamic and growing labour market. Employment generation depends on far more than labour laws. The unemployment challenge arises from skills mismatch, inadequate infrastructure, rigid land markets, and policy uncertainty as much as from labour regulation. The new Codes can reduce transaction costs, but cannot ,by themselves, create demand for labour. This is because large-scale job creation also requires (a) Human-capital development: expansion of apprenticeship programmes, and skill-certification; (b) improvement in infrastructure, logistics, efficient transport, reliable power and digital networks; (c) predictable taxation, faster dispute resolution, and simplified compliance across all regulatory fronts—not just labour. Without these enablers, easier hiring and firing may only formalise precarious jobs rather than expand stable employment. Yet laws alone do not create jobs. A dynamic labour market does. And so does a workforce equipped with human capital for 21st century. India’s employment renaissance will depend on skills, investment, and productivity growth as much as on codified rights. If this reform is accompanied by parallel investments in education, skilling, infrastructure, and enterprise support, it could indeed become the cornerstone of inclusive growth. The writer is a noted economist. ©THE BILLION PRESS

3 hours ago

Business

Horoscope November 25: Taurus may see expenses outweigh income; a peaceful day in store for Sagittarius

Discover your horoscope today and astrology predictions for zodiac sign. Get daily horoscope updates and accurate astrology readings for your star sign, daily updates on love, career, and life. Find out what the stars have in store for you. Aries: Of late you have been very preoccupied with work and social life. It is about time you gave yourself a break to indulge in something for your own benefit. Your health could be a cause of concern. Ganesha advises you to put everything else on the back burner if you are feeling stressed out. Taurus: This day you are likely to make wasteful expenditure. You will be more reckless, extravagant than you can afford to be. Your expenses are sure to outweigh your income. Be as tightfisted as you can. Not buying anything unnecessary or too costly can help control losses, points out Ganesha. Think twice before you decide before purchasing anything. It would be a great idea if you avoided going to the malls or the markets today. Gemini: You will meet all kinds of people in matters related to work. You will need to understand their demands and needs, and will have to strive to fulfill them. Your courteous nature will endear you to people. You will receive praise for your intelligence as well, says Ganesha. Cancer: You may have a way with words, but women somehow always have their way with you. Your problem is that while you may use your words to pull some strings, the master puppeteer, in most cases, will be a woman. So, to keep yourself happy, you may have to make the concerned woman happy. Leo: You will accomplish all your tasks with courage today. As a result of this, the efforts you have made in the last few months will now bear fruit. You need to make a schedule of the tasks you need to tackle today. You need to guard against over-stressing yourself; otherwise, your health could suffer, says Ganesha. Virgo: Today, you will be aspire to be a master of your own destiny. You have the ability to see through the façade that people put up to shield their true self. You will choose your company wisely and plan for success. Polish your presentation skills, and you may need to work a bit extra to get your ideas approved, says Ganesha. Libra: Love is in the air, and passion lurks right around the corner. So keep your eyes and ears open, because you may soon find yourself entrapped in a passionate love episode. But the price of new love is always steep, and your beloved may burn a hole in your pocket. Still, with someone like that, you are always assured of getting good value for your money! So bring on the champagne and the caviar! Ganesha wishes you a splendid time ahead. Scorpio: It’s business time and shock your competitors with the launch of the new product. However, stars are not aligned in a favourable way, which indicates that you may come across some hurdles. Take your time, sort out the troubles and go ahead with your launch with much fanfare and celebrations Sagittarius: The sage within you will take the lead today. You are likely to prescribe yourself to your own medication for peace of mind. Wise and content that you are today, you will spread the message of love around you. All in all, a peaceful day is in store for you today. Capricorn: For you everything is fair in love and war, and you utilise every possible means to achieve your targets. You have a strong sixth sense, and it will direct you while making the right decisions, feels Ganesha. You are a soft-hearted person, and it makes you sad to see others in sadness and trouble. Instinctively, you will help those in need. Aquarius: Expect the unexpected today! Success, money, love, whatever it is that you’d lost hope of will suddenly come your way! In the evening, you may catch up with reading, research, discussion or other such activity, says Ganesha. Pisces: You will delay taking important decisions in the office or regarding business. You will take you time to come to a conclusion and put in all the required thought, and this will grant you clarity on all the issues at hand. While this will be great for you, Ganesha advises you not to make hasty decisions regarding your personal life.

3 hours ago

World

Might Is Right

US President Donald Trump’s peace initiatives appear to be turning into a one-sided affair in which the aggressor is being allowed to dictate terms and the victims virtually coerced to accept them, swallowing their self-respect and pride without asking questions of justice or fairness. As a plan negotiated 19 November between emissaries of the American President and those of the Russian President, Vladimir Putin heavily favours Russia, it is tantamount to capitulation by Ukraine. For it includes territorial concessions to Moscow, reductions in the Ukrainian army and its armaments, a pledge not to join NATO and a ban on deploying NATO troops in Ukraine. Russia has failed to achieve its end even after nearly four years of fighting, and when Europe, with continual flip-flops by Trump, is firming its resolve to arm Ukraine in its fight against Russia, the US President seems to be pulling the rug from under the feet of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This is the fourth time since his first call with Putin shortly after returning to the White House that Trump has pushed for dialogue with the Kremlin leader behind the backs of Kyiv and its European allies. This is nothing short of betrayal that is reminiscent of the UK’s appeasement policy that whetted the appetite for land and market of Adolf Hitler, eventually leading to World War II. Each time, as the fiasco of the Anchorage summit on 15 August attended by Trump and Putin, the attempt collapsed due to the Russian President’s intransigence. This is because, unlike Zelenskyy, Putin has no intention to announce a ceasefire. Russian forces continue to advance on the frontlines, relentlessly bombing Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure, causing heavy civilian casualties. In this saga, Zelenskyy and European leaders were presented with a fait accompli, then mobilised to try to reverse the course of events. Now both find themselves caught off guard by yet another U-turn by Trump, whose administration had just sanctioned two major Russian oil companies. Ukraine and the European Union members were once again excluded from the drafting of the plan, which was led by Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and the Kremlin’s emissary, Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian sovereign wealth fund. One reason for this development could be the weakened position of the Ukrainian President, who is facing a corruption scandal in the energy sector that has already brought down two of his ministers and is going against his administration like never before. Zelenskyy seems to be so helpless that he said he was ready to discuss the project with Trump. The White House stated that it was “a good plan for both Russia and Ukraine.” Its implementation would be overseen by a “Board of Peace” chaired by the American President, following the Gaza model. The Ukrainian President has been on the defensive since his tense meeting with Trump in the Oval Office in February. However, he showed courage to rush to European capitals and rally them behind his country. This time, he would need his continental partners more than ever to counter the new diplomatic offensive. Europeans need to continue to reject the prospect of a plan imposed on Ukraine. The French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has warned that such a capitulation would affect Europe no less, given how its security interests are now closely tied to those of Ukraine in the face of Putin’s Russia. Trump seems to be aware of the backlash his plan would trigger in Europe, which is why he said 22 November that his “peace plan” was “not my final offer.” Ukrainian and American officials are meeting in Switzerland for talks to discuss the plan. Security officials from France, Britain and Germany are expected to join them in Geneva. Trump has given Zelenskyy a deadline to sign the 28-point document. The question is whether Ukraine and its European allies will accede to Trump’s peace plan the way Palestinians had to do in Gaza. If that happens, establishing peace will acquire a new connotation in present day geopolitics in which the mighty will have the last laugh after wreaking havoc on the weak.

3 hours ago

Technology

Army considers induction of women cadres in Territorial Army battalions, say sources

New Delhi: The Army has considered inducting women cadres into the Territorial Army battalions as a pilot project, with their recruitment to be initially limited to a few battalions, sources said Sunday. The move is aimed at gradually opening up more opportunities for women in the force. The Territorial Army, in its current form, came into being with the enactment of the Territorial Army Act August 18, 1948. It was formally inaugurated by the first Indian Governor General, C Rajagopalachari, October 9, 1949. According to sources, the Army has considered the induction of women cadres into Territorial Army battalions as a pilot project. Their recruitment, initially, will be limited to a few battalions, and may increase subsequently in other battalions based on initial feedback, they added. The government has been emphasising the essence of ‘Nari Shakti’ in the armed forces. In a written response to a query in Rajya Sabha in March 2022, then Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt had said the combat employment philosophy of women in the armed forces is a continuously evolving process and regularly reviewed by them. “At present, women are being commissioned in the Indian Army into 10 arms and services, viz., Corps of Engineers, Corps of Signals, Army Air Defence, Army Service Corps, Army Ordnance Corps, Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers, Army Aviation Corps, Intelligence Corps, Judge Advocate General Branch and Army Education Corps in addition to the Armed Forces Medical Services,” he had said. The Territorial Army was raised on the concept of being a ‘citizen soldier’s army’. Besides augmenting the organisational requirements, the Territorial Army also provides an opportunity to able-bodied volunteer citizens of India, especially those who are overage for enrollment in the regular army, to serve the nation in uniform. Presently, the Territorial Army has a strength of approximately 50,000 personnel comprising 65 Departmental TA units such as Railway, IOC, ONGC, and Non-Departmental TA units of Infantry Battalion (TA) including Home and Hearth Battalions, Ecological Battalion (TA) affiliated to various Infantry Regiments and Engineer Regiment (TA) for maintenance of Line of Control fencing, according to its website. The Territorial Army units were actively involved in 1962, 1965 and 1971 operations. The “Terriers” had also taken part in Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka, Operation Rakshak in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, Operation Rhino and Operation Bajrang in the northeast in the most active manner.

Nov 16, 2025

Politics

Maoist couple surrenders in Odisha

Phulbani: A Maoist couple surrendered before the police in Odisha’s Kandhamal district Sunday, officials said. Unga Kalmu alias Kishore (25) and Mase Madvi (22) carried a bounty of Rs 1 lakh each on their heads, they said. The couple surrendered before Inspector-General of Southern Range Niti Shekhar at the Kandhamal district police headquarters, they added. The couple, originally from Chhattisgarh, has been active in CPI(Maoist) since 2018, and belonged to the Bansadhara-Ghumsar-Nagabali division. They were assigned to reactivate the North-South corridor from Jharkhand to Chhattisgarh through south-centre Odisha. They said they gave up violence in the wake of the massive anti-Naxal operation in the interior areas of Kandhamal. They said they also left the proscribed organisation in protest against unethical activities, false promises to new entrants, extortion and intimidation of people. The IG said the couple would be suitably rehabilitated under the surrender and rehabilitation scheme of the government.

Nov 16, 2025

Technology

Tourist safety at stake due to insufficient lifeguards

Gopalpur: The scenic beauty of Gopalpur beach attracts tourists from across the state and even abroad who love to take a dip in the sea, but a moment’s carelessness while bathing can prove fatal, with several such incidents reported in the past. According to reports, lifeguards have saved several tourists from drowning here while bathing. Over the past 17 years, lifeguards have rescued 254 tourists from drowning, although 27 people have lost their lives during the period. Despite the high footfall, the number of lifeguards deployed along the beach remains inadequate. As a result, tourists unfamiliar with the sea’s nature often find themselves in danger. From Panthanivas point to Haripur estuary — a stretch of nearly 2km — the beach witnesses heavy tourist footfall every day, especially Sundays and holidays. Locals and visitors have alleged that the administration is not taking adequate measures to ensure tourists’ safety, as a sufficient number of lifeguards have not been deployed on the beach. Experts say that because the seabed near Gopalpur is uneven and steep, the risk of drowning remains particularly high in this area. Only five homeguards trained in Goa in 2009 as lifeguards and attached to Gopalpur police station are currently deployed on Gopalpur beach. According to sources, two lifeguards are on duty from 6am to 2pm, another two from 2pm to 10pm, and one from 10pm to 6am. Locals said ensuring tourist safety with just one or two lifeguards at a time is extremely difficult. Whenever any untoward incident occurs in the sea, local fishermen often assist the lifeguards in rescue operations. Though the beach team has basic rescue equipment such as life jackets and life buoys— mainly meant for use in rivers or ponds—it lacks specialised sea rescue gear. There are no rescue tubes or professional-grade swim jackets available, making rescue operations risky. Lifeguards have often faced life-threatening challenges while trying to save drowning tourists. Locals have urged the administration to deploy more trained lifeguards and provide adequate sea-specific rescue equipment to ensure visitor safety. Meanwhile, after the gangrape incident involving a college student on the beach June 15, police have deployed a patrolling vehicle to strengthen beach surveillance.

Nov 7, 2025

Technology

Vigilance nabs Keonjhar DSSO over bribery through payment app

Keonjhar: The anti-graft Vigilance wing of Odisha Police Thursday arrested a District Social Security Officer (DSSO) on the charge of receiving monetary gratification from a non-government organisation (NGO) functionary through a digital payment app. Biplab Keshari Samantray, DSSO, Keonjhar has been arrested by Odisha Vigilance for demanding and taking bribe Rs 20,000 from an NGO through digital mode. Allegations against Samantaray were earlier pouring in from different quarters regarding the collection of bribe from NGOs and individuals in connection with the execution of the agreement, release of grant-in-aid payments/bills to NGOs under government social security schemes, the Vigilance said in a statement. The accused is also suspected of taking bribes from different NGOs and individuals through his digital payment app account and that of his family members, relatives and office staffers. During preliminary scrutiny, a large number of digital transactions of receipt of money from different NGOs and individuals have been found, which are under verification. During disproportionate asset searches, details of 10 plots in and around Bhubaneswar in the name of Samantaray and family members were ascertained and are being verified. Besides, a 3-storey building with approximately 3,000 sq feet area in Bhubaneswar, a simplex house in Madanpur, Bhubaneswar and a farmhouse spread across 3 acres in Madanpur, Bhubaneswar have also been unearthed, Vigilance sources said, adding that further details of investigation are awaited.

Nov 7, 2025

Technology

Gunupur admin cracks down on illegal clinics

Gunupur: Gunupur Sub-Collector Dudhal Abhishek Dilip Thursday conducted raids on several clinics and pathology labs operating illegally in Gunupur town of Rayagada district. During the inspection, the sub-collector ordered sealing of several unlicensed clinics and directed Gunupur Model PS officials to initiate legal action against their owners. He also wrote to the Chief District Medical and Public Health Officer (CDM & PHO) of Rayagada to send an expert team to verify the documents of all such unregistered clinics and laboratories in the area. According to reports, several unauthorised practitioners or quacks had been running clinics across Gunupur and exploiting patients financially under the garb of treatment. Complaints of malpractice and life-threatening negligence had reached the administration, prompting Thursday’s crackdown. The sub-collector, accompanied by police, raided multiple clinics and laboratories, including MM Medics Clinic, Amulya Bharat, Joseph Sabar, Ananta Das, Amma Clinic, and Radhika Doctors’ Chamber at Old Gunupur, Bypass Road, Old Bus Stand, and near Girl’s High School Square. He found patients lying on cots and undergoing treatment at these facilities and directed the SDMO to immediately shift them to Gunupur Government Hospital. All identified illegal clinics were sealed and similar raids would continue across the subdivision, he said. The administrative action has sent shockwaves among the unlicensed medical operators. Meanwhile, locals have questioned why the health department failed to act for years despite numerous illegal clinics operating openly. Local intelligentsia demanded a high-level inquiry to identify and regulate all clinics in the town. The sub-collector’s initiative has been widely appreciated by citizens and social groups.

Nov 7, 2025

Technology

CM Majhi claims Naveen ‘betrayed’ Nuapada voters’ trust

Nuapada: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Chhattisgarh counterpart Vishnu Deo Sai accused BJD president Naveen Patnaik of “betraying” Nuapada’s trust and neglecting his party MLA Rajendra Dholakia during illness during a joint address Thursday. Both the CMs campaigned for Jay Dholakia, the BJP candidate for the Nuapada bypoll. Patnaik, November 3, while addressing an election rally in Nuapada, had alleged that he, along with the people of Nuapada, was betrayed as Jay, who was tipped to become a BJD candidate, joined the BJP and became the saffron party nominee “The word ‘Beiman’ (betrayer) does not suit the stature of a five-time chief minister, Naveen Patnaik. Merely joining a party, one becomes ‘Beiman’? asked Majhi. He said the BJD president had welcomed leaders from rival parties into the BJD in the past, also. Referring to Patnaik’s “candidate chori” allegation against the BJP, Majhi said, “The BJD had done it earlier. The then ruling party (BJD) made Tusharkanti Behera its candidate at the Kakatpur assembly segment even as he was declared as a BJP candidate. Behera was made a candidate by luring him with a ministerial berth.” The Odisha CM referred to BJD candidate Snehangini Chhuria as an “outsider” in Nuapada and appealed to the people to vote for BJP candidate Jay Dholakia, whose father has worked for them for several decades. Majhi alleged that the BJD did not show any sympathy towards its Nuapada MLA, Rajendra Dholakia, when he was admitted to the hospital. None of the party leaders visited him in the hospital. Majhi also joined a road show from Udyanbandh to Komna. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai addressed a public meeting at Panchampur village in support of the BJP candidate. “Though Naveen Patnaik remained chief minister of Odisha for 24 years, he could not learn the Odia language. Our Kalahandi MP, Malvika Singh, hails from Himachal Pradesh and got married in Odisha. She learnt Odia to manage her family, but Patnaik could not learn Odia to manage the state,” Sai said. Sai alleged Patnaik not only failed to develop Nuapada, but also ignored his party MLA, Rajendra Dholakia, when he was admitted to a hospital in Chennai. “The man (Naveen Patnaik) who is not bothered about his own MLA (Rajendra Dholakia), cannot think of the welfare of the people in his constituency,” Sai told the gathering in the presence of Rajendra Dholakia’s wife, Kalpana, on the dais. The Nuapada bypoll was necessitated following the demise of sitting BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia.

Nov 6, 2025

Technology

India, Finland agree to deepen cooperation in trade, AI

Helsinki: India and Finland agreed to strengthen bilateral ties across multiple sectors, including trade, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and clean technologies, during their 13th Foreign Office Consultations in Helsinki Thursday. Sharing details regarding the meeting, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a post on X wrote: “13th India-Finland Foreign Office Consultations were held in Helsinki today. Co-chaired by Secretary (West) Sibi George & Permanent State Secretary Jukka Salovaara. They reviewed the entire gamut of India-Finland bilateral cooperation and agreed to strengthen it further in the areas of trade & investment, digitalization, quantum computing, 5G/6G, AI, sustainability, clean technologies, circular economy, education, research and development, people-to-people ties and mobility.” “India considers Finland a valued partner in the EU and in the Nordic region. Finnish side reiterated its support for early conclusion of India-EU-FTA. The sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest,” he added. August 30, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with his Finnish counterpart Elina Valtonen, with discussions focused on the Ukraine conflict and its ramifications “Had a telecon today with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen. Our discussions centered around the Ukraine conflict and its ramifications. India should not be unfairly targeted in that context. We have always advocated dialogue and diplomacy,” EAM Jaishankar posted on X. Earlier August 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a productive telephonic conversation with Finnish President Alexander Stubb and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation across various sectors, including trade, technology and sustainability. “President Stubb shared his assessment on the recent meetings held between the leaders of Europe, the United States and Ukraine in Washington on resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s consistent support for peaceful resolution of the conflict and early restoration of peace and stability,” a statement released by MEA said, PM Modi called Finland a “valued partner” of India in the European Union. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “Had a good conversation with President Alexander Stubb. Finland is a valued partner in the EU. Discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in key sectors such as trade, technology and sustainability. Exchanged perspectives on the ongoing efforts for peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine.” President Stubb reiterated Finland’s support for an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He affirmed support for the success of the AI Impact Summit scheduled to be hosted by India in 2026.

Nov 6, 2025

Technology

Supreme Court makes written communication of arrest reasons compulsory

New Delhi: The Supreme Court delivered a landmark verdict Thursday mandating that all arrested individuals must receive written grounds of their arrest in an understandable language, regardless of the offence or statute involved. In the verdict that strengthens constitutional protection for personal liberty, the top court held that non supply of grounds of arrest in writing to the arrestee prior to or immediately after arrest would not vitiate such arrest if the same is “supplied in writing within a reasonable time and in any case two hours prior to the production of the arrestee before the magistrate for remand proceedings”. A bench comprising Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih delivered the judgment in the Mihir Rajesh Shah vs State of Maharashtra case that arose from the high-profile Mumbai BMW hit-and-run incident of July 2024. Justice Masih, writing a 52-page judgment for the bench, ruled that the constitutional mandate under Article 22(1) of the Constitution, which guarantees that an arrested person must be informed “as soon as may be” of the grounds of arrest, is not a procedural formality but a fundamental safeguard of personal liberty. “This court is of the opinion that to achieve the intended objective of the constitutional mandate of Article 22(1) of the Constitution of India, the grounds of arrest must be informed to the arrested person in each and every case without exception and the mode of the communication of such grounds must be in writing in the language he understands,” the verdict said. “The constitutional mandate of informing the arrestee the grounds of arrest is mandatory in all offences under all statutes including offences under IPC 1860 (now BNS 2023),” it held. “The grounds of arrest must be communicated in writing to the arrestee in the language he/she understands and in case(s) where, the arresting officer/person is unable to communicate the grounds of arrest in writing on or soon after arrest, it be so done orally. The said grounds be communicated in writing within a reasonable time and in any case at least two hours prior to production of the arrestee for remand proceedings before the magistrate,” it directed. In case of non-compliance, the arrest and subsequent remand would be rendered illegal and the person will be at liberty to be set free, it said. The top court directed its registry to send a copy of the judgment to all the registrars general of the high courts and the chief secretaries of all the states and Union territories. The verdict dealt with two issues and the first one was “whether in each and every case, even arising out of an offence under IPC now Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 would it be necessary to furnish grounds of arrest to an accused either before arrest or forthwith after arrest”. The second issue was whether, even in exceptional cases, where on account of certain exigencies it will not be possible to furnish the grounds of arrest either before arrest or immediately after, the arrest would be vitiated. Referring to earlier verdicts, it said, “Mere communication of the grounds in a language not understood by the person arrested does not fulfil the constitutional mandate under Article 22 of the Constitution of India. The failure to supply such grounds in a language understood by the arrestee renders the constitutional safeguards illusory and infringes the personal liberty of the person as guaranteed under Article 21 and 22 of the Constitution.” The objective of the constitutional mandate is to place the person in a position to comprehend the basis of the allegations levelled against him and it can only be realised when the grounds are furnished in a language understood by the person, it added. The ruling stems from appeals filed by Mihir Rajesh Shah, the accused in the 2024 Mumbai BMW hit-and-run case, who challenged the legality of his arrest on the ground that he was not furnished written reasons for arrest as required by law. Although the Bombay High Court had acknowledged a procedural lapse, it upheld the arrest citing the gravity of the offence.

Nov 6, 2025

Technology

Bihar sets historic turnout record in phase 1 of Assembly polls

New Delhi: Bihar recorded its highest-ever voter turnout during Thursday’s first phase of Assembly elections, with 64.66 per cent of the 3.75 crore electorate casting their ballots at polling stations across the state. In a statement issued here, the Election Commission (EC) said the first phase of the Bihar polls concluded peacefully, with the “highest-ever voter turnout of 64.66 per cent” recorded in the history of the state. A total of 121 constituencies in 18 districts went to polls in the first phase, with an electorate of more than 3.75 crore. During the first Bihar Assembly polls in 1951-52, the recorded turnout was lowest in the state’s history at 42.6 per cent. The previous highest voter turnout in Bihar was recorded in 2000 at 62.57 per cent. In the 2020 Assembly polls held under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, the polling percentage was 57.29. In the first Lok Sabha polls in 1951-52, Bihar recorded a voter turnout of 40.35 per cent — the lowest. In the 1998 parliamentary polls, the state recorded its highest ever turnout of 64.6 per cent. Officials said Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar has congratulated the voters of Bihar for the historic voter turnout in the first phase of Assembly polls since 1951. The CEC has also thanked the voters for expressing their complete faith in the EC and turning out to vote in such large numbers with fervour and enthusiasm. Kumar has also thanked the entire election machinery for working with full transparency and dedication. More than four lakh polling-related staff had reached their respective polling stations by Wednesday night. Mock polls were completed by 7 am on Thursday in the presence of more than 67,902 polling agents appointed by 1,314 contesting candidates and polling began peacefully at all 45,341 polling stations simultaneously. More than 90,000 “Jeevika Didis” (women volunteers), along with one central police personnel for each polling station, were deployed for the identification of “purdahnasheen” (burqa or ghunghat-clad) women.

Nov 6, 2025