SPECIAL

Srinagar, Sept 21 (IANS) More than one-third of the famous Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar city has been rejuvenated, and the area of the Lake has grown to 20.3 sq km during the last five years, L-G Manoj Sinha said on Sunday.The L-G on Sunday joined the cleanliness campaign in the Dal Lake during which weeds and unwanted aquatic grasses were removed.The L-G posted on X, "As part of Sewa Parv, joined Dal Lake Cleanliness Drive. During the last five years, work for the preservation of Dal-Nigeen Lake and in the catchment area has been undertaken in a mission mode. Dal Lake is cleaner and attracting large numbers of domestic and international visitors."More than one-third of Lake has been rejuvenated, and vast areas were cleared of Lilies, and an open expanse of Dal Lake has been in...

New Delhi, Sep 21 (IANS) Can there be a meaningful discussion on happiness per se, and can a recipe of sorts be framed for anybody who was seeking it? Poverty is the biggest curse, and body illness another killer of joy, but beyond these debilitating factors, it can be seen that sources of unhappiness lie in the 'past', the 'present' and even in the perceived 'future'.One cannot erase memories of one's past, particularly if they recall what appeared to be "sinful acts" on one's part. Generally, one tries to sublimate them by adopting "cause and effect" logic for diverting the blame, but the overhang of the past is a reality that impacted one's happiness in the long term.Now, no two human beings are totally identical because their past, present, and future are full of inevitable variables.A...

Mumbai, Sep 21 (IANS) As the 'Namo Yuva Run' witnessed enthusiastic participation from thousands of young people on Sunday, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) chief and BJP MP Tejasvi Surya called it a "powerful step" toward fitness and a 'Nasha Mukt Bharat' (drug-free India).Organised nationwide by the BJYM, the marathon is part of the BJP's Seva Pakhwada celebrations to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 75th birthday on September 17.The initiative focuses on youth fitness and raising awareness against drug abuse, and large-scale runs are being held at 75 locations across the country.In Mumbai, the event was flagged off by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, and several senior leaders.Actor and fitness icon Milind Soman, who has been named the brand amba...

New Delhi, Aug 22 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of projects worth Rs 12,992 crore in Bodh Gaya on Friday. In total, he dedicated 14 projects to the state, which are set to build connectivity and benefit multiple regions, including Buxar, Munger, Muzaffarpur, Patna, Begusarai, Gaya, Aurangabad, Jehanabad, Lakhisarai, and Jamui.Addressing the huge gathering of people at Gaya ji, PM Modi spoke about the double-engine government’s relentless efforts in shaping the growth trajectory of Bihar and also shared how the public service gives him the greatest joy in life.“Removing difficulties from the lives of the poor, making the lives of women easier -- I find the greatest joy in serving the people as their servant,” PM Modi said at the public rally....

Srinagar, Aug 22 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday dismissed two government employees from service for their alleged involvement in militancy-related activities.The terminated employees have been identified as Khurshid Ahmed Rather, a teacher posted in Karnah of Kupwara district and Siyad Ahmad Khan, a stock assistant in the Sheep Husbandry Department posted in Keran area of the same district.Officials said that both these government employees were found to be working for the proscribed outfit, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).“Law enforcement and intelligence agencies had reportedly gathered incriminating evidence establishing their links with the outfit before action was taken under the provisions of law,” officials said.The terminations were carried out under Article 311(2...

New Delhi, Aug 22 (IANS) The National Consumer Helpline (NCH) successfully facilitated refunds amounting to Rs 2.72 crore in July, addressing 7,256 consumer grievances across 27 sectors, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs said on Friday. The e-commerce sector recorded the highest volume of refund-related grievances with 3,594 cases, resulting in refunds worth Rs 1.34 crore, followed by the travel and tourism sector, which accounted for refunds of Rs 31 lakh.The helpline’s technological transformation has significantly enhanced its reach and efficiency.Call volumes have increased more than tenfold, from 12,553 in December 2015 to 1,55,138 in December 2024, the Ministry stated.Similarly, average monthly complaint registrations have grown from 37,062 in 2017 to 1,11,951 in 2024.According to the...