Thursday, 9 January 2025

खामोश रहता हूँ, मगर गूँगा नही हूँ

 

खामोश रहता हूँ, मगर गूँगा नही हूँ

                          कवि: अ. कीर्तिवर्धन
भरा है खार जीवन का, खारा नही हूँ।।

हूँ दरख्त बूढा, अब फल दे नही सकता,
मगर छाया- ईंधन देता, ठूँठ नही हूँ।।

माना कि बच्चे व्यस्त हैं, निज जीवन में,
सीखता हूँ आज भी, खाली नही हूँ।।
हो गया हूँ बूढा उम्र से, यह तो सच है,
ढल रहा शरीर, पर मन से थका नही हूँ।।

(स्रोत: दिव्य रश्मि समाचार)

Maha Kumbh projected to earn up to Rs 2 lakh crore: CM Adityanath

Maha Kumbh projected to earn up to Rs 2 lakh crore: CM Adityanath

 | PTI


UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said with an expected turnout of 40 crore devotees this year, the Maha Kumbh is projected to generate up to Rs 2 lakh crore in economic growth.

Speaking at the 'Divine Uttar Pradesh: The Must Visit Sacred Journey' conclave organised by a prominent media group, Adityanath acknowledged the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for "inspiring the nation to embrace its heritage with pride", according to an official statement.

Sharing the economic impact of the Maha Kumbh, the chief minister said the 2019 event contributed Rs 1.2 lakh crore to the state's economy. With an expected turnout of 40 crore devotees this year, the Maha Kumbh is projected to generate up to Rs 2 lakh crore in economic growth, he said.

In addition, Adityanath revealed that the year 2024 has already seen over 16 crore devotees visiting Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi and more than 13.55 crore devotees in Ayodhya from January to September.

The chief minister said Maha Kumbh Mela, set to take place from January 13 to February 26, will elevate India's ancient cultural and religious traditions to global prominence, a press statement said.

Noting the spiritual and societal importance of the Maha Kumbh, he stated that the event is not just a religious gathering but a symbol of social and spiritual unity. He described the Maha Kumbh as the "World's Largest Temporary City" , expected to accommodate between 50 lakh to one crore devotees at any given time.

He criticised those who take pride in the legacy of foreign invaders rather than embracing India's glorious heritage.

"These individuals thrive on division -- whether by caste, region, language or other factors -- and use such divides for political gain and expecting any constructive approach from them would be futile," he said.

(Source : PTI & The Pioneer)


'Sheesh Mahal' row: AAP leaders to accompany media on visit to Delhi CM residence

'Sheesh Mahal' row: AAP leaders to accompany media on visit to Delhi CM residence

 | PTI


AAP on Wednesday said Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh and Delhi minister Saurabh Bhardwaj would accompany the media on a tour of the chief minister's residence, which the BJP claims was turned into a "Sheesh Mahal" during Arvind Kejriwal's tenure.

Singh and Bharadwaj told reporters at a press conference that they would also take reporters to the prime minister's residence, which AAP has dubbed "Raj Mahal" and claimed was built at a cost of 2,700 crore.

The "Raj Mahal" jibe is part of AAP's counter allegation that the prime minister leads a luxurious lifestyle.

"As promised, we will visit the chief minister's official residence at 6, Flagstaff Road, at 11 am and try to find the golden commode, swimming pool, and mini bar that the BJP claims are present there," Bharadwaj said.

"It should be noted that both these properties are government residences. They were built with taxpayers' money and came up during the Covid pandemic. If there are allegations of misappropriation of funds, both should be investigated," he added.

The 6, Flagstaff Road, bungalow has sparked controversy over alleged irregularities in its renovation and costly fittings and household goods present in it.

The BJP has focussed a big part of its assembly election campaign around these allegations, dubbing the bungalow "Sheesh Mahal".

The saffron party's Delhi chief Virendra Sachdeva has claimed that valuable items, including a "golden commode", were missing after the bungalow was vacated by Kejriwal.

On Tuesday, AAP challenged the BJP to open the prime minister's residence for a media visit to reveal the reality while also offering to take reporters on a tour of the chief minister's residence.

(Source: PTI & The Pioneer)


Wednesday, 1 January 2025

Happy New Year

HAPPY NEW YEAR

We wish

  "A Very Happy And Prosperous New Year" 

to All Our Readers and Their Families.

- "Development Watch" Editorial Team-

Wednesday, 18 December 2024

US imposes over 300 per cent penalty on companies who bribed HAL, Railways, IOC

US imposes over 300 per cent penalty on companies who bribed HAL, Railways, IOC

 | | New Delhi



With controversies raging on the United States Department of Justice indicting Adani Group for bribing 265 Million Dollars to multiple solar energy companies in India, recent orders from the American authorities, shows that many US firms which gave the bribes in India and other countries, have settled the case by paying more than 300 per cent penalty to avoid prosecution. The US-based research and design firm Moog Inc was caught for bribery of more than half-a-Million Dollars to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Indian Railways settled their case with US Securities and Exchange Commission by paying more than 1.68 Million Dollars.

The IT giant Oracle Corporation, caught for charges of corrupt practices and bribery of more than 6.8 Million Dollars in Indian Railways, and organisations in United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Turkey, settled the case by paying a fine of 23 Million Dollars to the US Treasury as per the orders of US Securities and Exchange Commission. US-based chemical manufacturing company Albemarle Corporation was caught by the US Department of Justice for bribing Indian Oil Corporation and companies in Indonesia and Vietnam for more than 63.5 Million Dollars settled the case by paying a hefty fine of more than 198 million dollars to avoid prosecution.

As per the orders on October 11, 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Moog Inc through its Indian subsidiary Moog Motion Controls Private Limited (MMCPL) bribed officials in Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), South Central Railway and Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) under the Ministry of Railways to bag contracts. “In August 2020, shortly after engaging Agent A, Moog brand was added to the supplier list for an upcoming South Central Railway (SCR) tender notice… then tender notice listed Moog, along with one additional supplier for potential supplier for a specific part in the SCR tender…

“In September 2020, Moog Inc’s India subsidiary MMCPL won the SCR contract for $34,323. In April 2022, Agent A invoiced MMCP for “commission charges,” which several MMCPL employees knew included the improper payments to Government officials to eliminate competition and win contract awards. The payments were falsely recorded as legitimate contractor services,” says the SEC Order, adding that 10% was the bribe commission in the Railways contract.

The SEC order detailing bribery in HAL says in November 2021, Moog bagged $ 1,399,328 valued contract for parts and services related to the April 2021 contract tender. Investigation found that 2.5% commission was received as a bribe by “a HAL official.” As per the eight page order, Moog Inc paid more than 5,00,000 Dollars as bribe for getting contracts in HAL and Railways.

The US Department of Justice’s order dated September 28, 2023 says Albemarle Corporation bagged big contracts in Indian Oil Corporation and companies in Indonesia and Vietnam by corrupt practices and bribing of more than 63.5 million dollars. Albemarle is supplying refining solutions to more than 700 refineries across the world and dealing with Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) from 2009 to 2017. The 46 page order says Albermale started paying bribes to IOC officials to get it removed from the “Holiday List” in 2009.

“Albemarle paid approximately $1.14 Million in commission to India intermediary company relating to Indian Oil Corporation business and obtained approximately $11.14 million in profits on that business between approximately 2009 and 2011,” said the Order. Albemarle was caught for bribery by US authorities in 2017 for 63.5 Million Dollars and then settled the case in September 2023 by paying a hefty fine of more than 198 Million Dollars to avoid prosecution. The 46-page Order imposing fine on Albemarle says the US company also engaged in corrupt practices with an Indian private refinery. However the name of the private refinery is not mentioned in the Order.

The September 27, 2022 dated Order of Securities and Exchange Commission says that the IT giant Oracle Corporation was engaged in corrupt practices and bribery in India, UAE and Turkey. “In 2019, Oracle India sales employees also used an excessive discount scheme in connection with a transportation company, a majority of which was owned by the Indian Ministry of Railways… One of the sales employees involved in the transaction maintained a spreadsheet that indicated $67,000 was the “buffer” available to potentially make payments to a specific Indian SOE (State Owned Entity) official.

“A total of approximately $330,000 was funneled to an entity with a reputation for paying SOE officials and another $62,000 was paid to an entity controlled by the sales employees,” states the 10-page order of Securities and Exchange Commission imposing hefty fine of Rs.23 Million Dollars on Oracle, caught for bribery amount of 6.8 Million Dollars.


The Punished

  • Moog Inc caught for bribery of over a half a Million Dollars in HAL, Railways settled the case with United States Securities and Exchange Commission by paying a penalty of more than 1.68 Million Dollars.
  • Oracle Corporation, caught for bribery of more than 6.8 Million Dollars in Indian Railways, UAE and Turkey, settled the case by paying a penalty of 23 Million Dollars.
  • Albemarle Corporation caught for bribery in Indian Oil Corporation & companies in Indonesia & Vietnam for more than 63.5 Million Dollars settled the case by paying a penalty of more than 198 Million Dollars to avoid prosecution.
(Source : The Pioneer)

Wednesday, 4 December 2024

डीएमआरसी ने तुगलकाबाद-एयरोसिटी कॉरिडोर पर सबसे लंबी भूमिगत सुरंग का निर्माण पूरा किया

डीएमआरसी ने तुगलकाबाद-एयरोसिटी कॉरिडोर पर सबसे लंबी भूमिगत सुरंग का निर्माण पूरा किया

आन्ध्रा प्रदेश व तेलंगाना में 5•7 डीग्री की तीव्रता के भुकंप के झटके महसुस किए गए

आन्ध्रा प्रदेश व तेलंगाना में 5•7 डीग्री की तीव्रता के भुकंप के झटके महसुस किए गए



राष्ट्रीय भूकंप विज्ञान केंद्र ने बताया कि बुधवार सुबह तेलंगाना के मुलुगु में 5.3 तीव्रता का भूकंप आया।

भूकंप से किसी के हताहत होने या संपत्तियों को कोई बड़ा नुकसान होने की तत्काल कोई खबर नहीं है। भूकंप सुबह 7.27 बजे आया। भूकंप के झटके तेलंगाना और आंध्र प्रदेश में कई जगहों पर महसूस किए गए।

मुलुगु के निकट वारंगल के कई निवासियों ने बताया कि सुबह करीब 7.30 बजे उन्हें कुछ सेकंड के लिए असामान्य झटका महसूस हुआ।

छत के पंखे हिलने लगे और अलमारियों से सामान गिरने लगा। राष्ट्रीय भूभौतिकीय अनुसंधान संस्थान (एनजीआरआई) के सेवानिवृत्त वैज्ञानिक पूर्णचंद्र राव ने पीटीआई को बताया कि तेलंगाना और आंध्र प्रदेश में पांच से अधिक तीव्रता के भूकंप बहुत कम देखे जाते हैं। उन्होंने याद किया कि 1969 में मंदिर शहर भद्राचलम में 5.7 तीव्रता का भूकंप दर्ज किया गया था, हालांकि छोटे भूकंप भी दर्ज किए गए हैं।

उन्होंने कहा कि बुधवार को आए 5.3 तीव्रता के भूकंप के बाद अगले कुछ दिनों तक झटके आ सकते हैं, लेकिन घबराने की कोई जरूरत नहीं है।

(स्रोत : पी०टी०आई० & द पायनियर)


Navy's commitment ensures nation's safety, prosperity: PM Modi

Navy's commitment ensures nation's Safety, Prosperity :

 PM Modi

 |  | New Delhi



Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday lauded the Indian Navy on Navy Day, saying its commitment ensures the safety, security and prosperity of the nation.

Navy Day is observed as an acknowledgement of the Navy's seminal role in the country's defence, and December 4 was chosen to commemorate its valour against Pakistan during the 1971 war when it inflicted heavy losses on the enemy.

"On Navy Day, we salute the valiant personnel of the Indian Navy who protect our seas with unmatched courage and dedication. Their commitment ensures the safety, security and prosperity of our nation. We also take great pride in India's rich maritime history," the prime minister said in a post on X.

(Source : PTI & The Pioneer)


Sunday, 1 December 2024

Kolkata hospital says it won't treat Bangladeshi patients

Kolkata hospital says it won't treat Bangladeshi patients

 |  | Kolkata



A hospital in north Kolkata's Manicktala area said it would not treat patients from Bangladesh amid protests over the alleged atrocities on minority Hindus in the neighbouring country.

An official of the JN Ray Hospital on Friday said the decision was forced by insults meted out to the Indian flag by Bangladeshi nationals.

"We have issued a notification that from today till an indefinite time we will not admit any Bangladeshi patient for treatment. This is primarily because of the insults they have shown towards India," said hospital official Subhranshu Bhakt.

He urged other hospitals in the city to do the same as a mark of protest against the alleged atrocities on minorities in Bangladesh.

"Seeing the tricolour being insulted, we have decided to stop treating Bangladeshis. India has played an important role in their independence but despite that, we are witnessing anti-India sentiments. We hope other hospitals will support us and take similar steps," he added.

(Source ; PTI  & The Pioneer)


Saturday, 30 November 2024

Over 150 two-wheelers gutted in fire at Varanasi's Cantt railway station

Over 150 two-wheelers gutted in fire at Varanasi's Cantt railway station

 |  | Varanasi (UP)



Over 150 two-wheelers were destroyed in a fire that broke out at a parking stand in Varanasi's Cantt railway station, officials said on Saturday.

There were no reports of any casualties.

The incident took place on Friday night when the fire erupted near the platform one parking stand, according to railway officials.

Upon receiving information about the incident, teams from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) along with the fire department rushed to the spot to douse the flames, they said.

The blaze was brought under control but over 150 vehicles were reduced to ashes, they added.

Additional Divisional Railway Manager Lalji Chaudhary expressed regret over the incident.

He said that the parking stand was set up for railway employees and because of the fire there has been a lot of damage.

There has been no loss of life of any kind in the fire, Chaudhary said, adding that a committee has been formed to investigate the matter.

(Source : PTI & The Pioneer)


Friday, 1 November 2024

Hindu American groups praised Trump for promising to protect rights of Hindus globally

Hindu American groups praised Trump for promising to protect rights of Hindus globally

 |  | Washington



Hindu American groups have applauded Republican presidential candidate and former president Donald Trump for promising to protect the human rights of Hindus across the world, including the US and Bangladesh and protect them from the "anti-religion agenda of the radical left."

In his Diwali greetings on Thursday, Trump strongly "condemned the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities in Bangladesh", which he said remains in a “total state of chaos.”

“It would have never happened on my watch. Kamala and Joe have ignored Hindus across the world and in America. They have been a disaster from Israel to Ukraine to our own Southern Border, but we will Make America Strong Again and bring back Peace through Strength,” he said.

“We will also protect Hindu Americans against the anti-religion agenda of the radical left. We will fight for your freedom. Under my administration, we will also strengthen our great partnership with India and my good friend, Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi,” Trump had said.

Utsav Sanduja, founder and chairman of Hindus for America First told PTI in an interview that they are very grateful to President Trump.

"I'm very grateful to President Trump, eternally grateful and eternally appreciative. It sucks that Kamala Harris hasn't said anything about this issue. I think that there's going to be a big change in this election coming from this,” Sanduja said.

HinduAction also thanked Trump for his statement.

“As you rightly pointed out, the situation of the Hindus in Bangladesh is precarious. Below is a summary head with regularly updated data on the atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh,” it said.

“Thank you President Trump for showing moral clarity and unequivocally condemning anti-Hindu pogroms in Bangladesh,” said Indian-American Nathan Punwani.

“Trump is a great man and, a great leader, full credit goes to him for wishing all the Hindus, Buddhists, and Jain Sikhs a very blessed Diwali. I think Trump really, really cares about these communities. He really understands what's going on in Bangladesh. He sees the ongoing persecution of Hindus. He is concerned about religious minorities that are suffering right now in that country,” Sanduja said.

“He has done such a great favour to millions of Americans who are concerned about human rights issues. To deliver on Diwali, such an auspicious day, such a magnificent thing. I'd like to say that many of us in the Hindu community played a small part in persuading President Trump's team, talking about this, giving briefings, and putting papers together,” he said.

“We are seeing that 60 per cent of Indian Americans are supporting Kamala Harris. In the last election, I think 68 per cent supported Biden. There's a dip in support for the Democratic presidential candidate. Trump, last time around, had 22 per cent of the Indian American community. Now he's at 32 per cent. This is according to Carnegie Endowment's latest survey on Indian American attitudes,” he said.

“With this statement, it's going to open up the eyes of more Indian Americans, Hindu Americans, and so on. They're going to give President Trump the vote,” Sanduja said.

(Source: PTI & The Pioneer)


Ravindra Jadeja's three-wicket burst piles pressure on New Zealand at tea on Day One

Ravindra Jadeja's three-wicket burst piles pressure on New Zealand at tea on Day One of the Third Test match

 |  | Mumbai


Ravindra Jadeja spearheaded India's charge back into the contest with three wickets as New Zealand stumbled to 192 for six at tea on the opening day of the third and final Test here on Friday.

Jadeja (3/53) broke a stubborn 87-run fourth wicket stand between Will Young (71) and Daryl Mitchell (53 not out), while also accounting for Tom Blundell (0) and Glenn Phillips (17) to help India keep the visitors in check.

Jadeja's effort was a reward for toil that the home team bowlers put in for a large part of the second session, with Young and Mitchell forging a sturdy stand.

At tea, the burly Mitchell was batting on 53 off 96 balls with three fours having thoroughly struggled in the heat and humidity to score his first fifty of the tour. He was accompanied by Ish Sodhi (1 not out).

If India had the momentum swinging their way with spinners Washington Sundar (2/50) and Jadeja coming to the fore towards the end of the morning session, it appeared lost due to the break as New Zealand resumed formidably.

Both Young and Mitchell blunted out the Indian spin threat with consummate ease, the sweep and reverse sweep being their go-to weapons as the two right-handers put the home team bowlers to a stern test once again.

Young continued his flourish as he brought up his fifty with a six off Washington to make steady progress, until Jadeja ended his steady march towards a possible triple figure score.

As both the teams reeled under the baking sun with humidity perhaps draining more out of the players than the heat, it was only a matter of time to see how long the visitors could maintain their resistance in such testing conditions.

Young, who hadn't kept a foot wrong since his arrival in the middle showing attractive range of strokes combined with resolute defence, saw his innings end when Jadeja got one to spin away from his forward defence with the ball settling into Rohit Sharma's hands at first slip.

With his tails up, Jadeja showed glimpses of finding his best as he cleaned up Blundell for a three-ball duck, hitting the timber by getting one to turn away from his defensive bat.

Phillips, who played for the turn with Jadeja's delivery angling in, was cleaned up too.

With his three-wicket burst, Jadeja moved up to the fifth spot in the list of highest wicket-takers for India in Tests, leapfrogging former pace bowling teammates Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma, with 312 wickets.

Mitchell battled hard against both Indian bowlers and the weather since he appeared to be struggling the most with the conditions. In a session infused with frequent drink breaks for all players, Mitchell rarely missed an opportunity to consume fluids and even laid flat on his back.

(Source: PTI & The Pioneer)

Saturday, 26 October 2024

न्यूजीलैंड ने पहली बार भारत में टेस्ट क्रिकेट सीरीज में विजय प्राप्त की, दूसरा मैच 113 रनों से जीता

 

न्यूजीलैंड ने पहली बार भारत में  टेस्ट क्रिकेट सीरीज में विजय प्राप्त की, दूसरा मैच 113 रनों से जीता




न्यूजीलैंड ने भारत को तीन मैचों की टेस्ट सीरीज के दूसरे मैच में 113 रनों से करारी शिकस्त दी है। न्यूजीलैंड ने लगातार दूसरा मैच जीतकर सीरीज पर कब्जा कर लिया है। पुणे के महाराष्ट्र क्रिकेट एसोसिएशन स्टेडियम में न्यूजीलैंड ने दूसरी पारी में 255 रन बना कर भारत को जीत के लिए 359 रनों का लक्ष्य दिया।

जवाब में भारतीय टीम के बल्लेबाजों ने एक बार फिर निराश किया। यशस्वी जायसवाल को छोड़कर अन्य बल्लेबाज रन बनाने के लिए संघर्ष करते हुए नजर आए। 359 रनों के जवाब में भारतीय टीम दूसरी पारी में सभी विकेट खोकर 245 रन ही बना सकी। यशस्वी जायसवाल (77) और रविंद्र जडेजा ने सबसे ज्यादा 42 रन बनाए।

न्यूजीलैंड ने पहली पारी में 259 रन बनाए थे, इसके जवाब में पहली पारी में भारतीय टीम सिर्फ 156 रन ही बना सकी। न्यूजीलैंड को पहली पारी के आधार पर 103 रनों की बढ़त मिली थी। पहली पारी में 103 रनों की बढ़त के साथ न्यूजीलैंड ने दूसरी इनिंग में 255 रन बनाए और भारत के सामने 359 रन का लक्ष्य रखा। दूसरी पारी में भारतीय टीम 245 रन ही बना सकी और 113 रनों से मैच गंवाया।

NZ 259 & 255 (न्यूजीलैंड के प्रथम एवं द्वितीय पाली के स्कोर)

IND 156 & 245 (भारत के प्रथम एवं द्वितीय पाली के स्कोर)

(स्रोत : दैनिक हिंदुस्तान)