Hoil – The Carnival of colours
Holi is one of the most colorful and vibrant festivals celebrated in India. Like many other festivals, Holi has an ancient origin, the tradition of which is being followed since time immemorial. Considering the religious importance of the festival, it is associated with a number of mythological stories. The most popular amongst them is that of Radha and Lord Krishna, wherein, he playfully applied color on Radha’s cheek, as she was fairer than him. This gave rise to the festival of Holi and the tradition of playing with colors. The significance of the festival has not diminished since then and even applies to the cultural, social and biological aspects of our lives.
Cultural Significance.
The cultural significance of Holi can be gauged from the fact that its origin derives reference from various mythological tales. This has led to a deep faith and respect towards the celebration of the festival, as Indians strongly believe in mythology. The moral behind all these stories is victory of good over evil, which is a lesson for the human race. The tales instill the faith of man into the ultimate power of God and his mercy over his devotees. Holi festival is the medium through which people are inspired to lead a virtuous life. Moreover, the festival is organized at the time when the harvest is at full bloom, giving people an opportunity to rejoice
JU VC calls on Governor
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 4: Prof. R.D. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, called on Governor N. N. Vohra, Chancellor of the University, at the Raj Bhavan here today.
The Governor discussed several important issues relating to the functioning of the University, including the off-site Campuses, with Prof. Sharma. He re-iterated his concern about the need for devoting sustained devotion to maintain high standards of academic excellence and research by the students and the Faculties through strict adherence to discipline.
Cong Prez polls process open, nothing to hide: Madhusudan Mistry
NEW DELHI, Sept 15:
The Pradesh Congress Committee delegates will pass resolutions authorising the new Congress president to appoint state chiefs and AICC delegates, senior leader Madhusudan Mistry said on Thursday, asserting that this process will have no bearing on the party chief polls.
The Congress’ central election authority chairman also said the entire process of the election of the Congress president was, is and will always be “open” with nothing to hide.
Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters here, Mistry reiterated that those seeking to file nominations for the post of AICC chief and wanting to select 10 PCC delegates from various states to sign on their form can either check if the person concerned has a QR code-bearing identification card or see the list of the over 9,000 delegates at the AICC’s central election authority office from September 20.
“I had said earlier and I repeat that those who had concerns that if they we want to file nominations and want support of 10 people from other PCCs, then they can check the delegates ID cards bearing a QR code. Or they can can come and see the voters list at AICC headquarters from September 20,” Mistry said.
The chairman of the authority conducting organisational elections said he held a meeting on Wednesday with pradesh returning officers to take stock of the preparations for the polls to elect the new president.
He said the over 9000 PCC delegates are being issued QR code-bearing identity cards.
“The pradesh returning officers will call a meeting of PCC delegates where they will pass resolutions to authorise the incoming president to appoint PCC presidents and AICC delegates,” Mistry said.
He said he wants to clarify that this process will have no bearing on the election of the new Congress president.
The election to the Congress president will be done by the over 9,000 PCC delegates. With the passing of the resolutions by the PCC delegates, the new president will then be able to appoint state chiefs and AICC delegates.
Out of the 23 Congress Working Committee members, 12 are elected while 11 are nominated, Mistry said.
If there are more than 12 contenders for the CWC elected seats then there will be elections, he said, adding that if there is a consensus on the names of 23 members then polls may not be required.
He said the CWC election process takes place after the AICC session which is held following the election of the new Congress president.
Mistry said mostly the PCC delegates have been elected by consensus, but elections and polling were conducted in the party’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands unit.
The notification for the Congress president’s election will be out on September 22 by when all the PCC delegates will be finalised and electoral roll published and the election, if required, will be held on October 17. (PTI)
The over 9,000 PCC delegates will elect the new Congress president to succeed Sonia Gandhi who is holding the top post as interim president since 2019 after Rahul Gandhi resigned as party chief, taking moral responsibility of the Congress drubbing in Lok Sabha polls.
Though efforts are on to request Rahul Gandhi to take over as party chief once again, he is reportedly not keen on the post and wants a non-Gandhi to be elected.
Sources said Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot is the frontrunner for the top post as he enjoys both proximity and confidence of the Gandhis. However, Shashi Tharoor, who is a member of the G23 which had sought organisational overhaul and reforms in the party in a letter to the Congress president two years ago, may contest in case a non-Gandhi files nomination for the top post.
Nominations for the post of Congress president can be filed from September 24 to September 30 from 11 am to 3 pm everyday.
The last day of filing nomination is Friday, September 30, 2022 and after scrutiny of nomination papers on October 1, the last date of withdrawal of nominations is October 8.
The election campaign can be done between October 8 to 16, and in case there are more than one candidate, polling will be held at all Pradesh Congress Committee headquarters and at AICC on October 17 between 10 am and 4 pm. The counting shall take place on October 19 and the results will be declared the same day. (PTI)
Car plunges off cliff in China: 5 policemen killed
BEIJING, July 19: Five Chinese police officers were killed in the country’s southwest Guizhou Province when their car plunged off a 100-meter-deep cliff, local officials said.
The accident occurred yesterday when the five from a township police station in Zunyi county was driving on a local mountainous road, the county publicity department said in a statement.
Four police officers were killed on the spot and the other died from severe injuries while en route to hospital, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. (PTI)
FRAs hold meet, discuss issues
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 25: In order to discuss their issues, a meeting of working committee of Federation of Retailers Associations (FRAs) was held here today.
The meeting was held under the supervision of Vijay Gupta, president, FRAs.
During the meeting the members of association, expresses serious concern over the present scenario prevailing in the market.
They also discussed the problem created by the unauthorized hawkers, who were selling unhygienic food items in the market, without obtaining any license from the FSSAI and putting the lives of people in danger.
‘Kitchen Mogul’ TT Jagannathan of TTK Prestige Group awarded Padma Shri posthumously
NEW DELHI, Jan 25 : Late TT Jagannathan, popularly known as ‘Kitchen Mogul’, of TTK Prestige Group, has been awarded Padma Shri posthumously.
Jagannathan, who died in October last year, has been awarded the civilian honour in trade and industry category in recognition for his contribution in the sector.
He invented the GRS safety mechanism for pressure cookers, exported Indian cookware globally and headed the renowned TTK Prestige Group for decades.
Besides, he made significant contributions to healthcare, sanitation and education, a government statement said on Sunday.
He was the chairman emeritus of TTK Prestige when he died at the age of 77.
A man who was on the board of TTK Prestige for 50 years, Jagannathan made the Prestige pressure cooker brand a household name in India. He had played a key role in turning around the TTK Group and making it debt-free.
Later on, he led expansion of Prestige from being just a pressure cooker maker to become a full-service kitchen solutions brand ranging from spanning cookware and electrical appliances, among others.
Jagannathan also authored the popular book ‘Disrupt And Conquer – How TTK Prestige Became A Billion Dollar Company’.
Not just in the domestic market, Prestige expanded in global markets such as the US and the UK under his watch.
A gold medallist from IIT Madras and a PhD in operations from Cornell University, USA, Jagannathan was a man who loved to cook and had remarked that his need to innovate always began in the kitchen. (PTI)
horoscope
Aries : You are enthusiastic about mixing with people today, and you will feel like combining business and leisure. You will be encouraged to take part in group activities as you have the ability to work and have fun at the same time. Ganesha says that as a matter of fact you may emerge wiser from others’ ideas.
Taurus : Ganesha finds this an excellent day for managers and administrators. If you are one, the results you will achieve by the end of the day will far exceed the efforts you put in. This is mainly because your subordinates will be enthusiastic, compliant and cooperative. You will be focusing on the elements of leadership and team work and will use them resourcefully. It is a great day for showcasing your managerial qualities.
Gemini : Routine work bores you, and today you will go all out to break free from the shackles of boredom. The results, however, may not be as dramatic. You will have to depend on your children, if any, to rescue you from the tyranny of routine. Monetary gains can be expected either in the form of inheritance of ancestral property or as increment in your basic salary.
Cancer : You wish to display your social prestige and monetary clout in front of your relatives. But you have to pay a heavy price for that. Your past experience will teach you something, which will stand in good stead for future dealings.
Leo : Your natural self-confidence and capability will help you attain a position of strength today. As a result, all your tasks will be completed easily and you will reap rewards greater than your expectations, says Ganesha.
Virgo : Ganesha says you realise the importance of family matters today. You have great skills when it comes to negotiations, and you will use them in settling disputes amicably. Ganesha says you have learned the lessons of life on staying level-headed, and that you keenly believe that opposition eventually leads to progress.
Libra : It’s a full platter today, and you have to manage it all somehow. The day promises to be full of activities, especially those that involve writing letters and reviving old contacts. Expect a call to appear for an interview for a better job. Also, look forward to being put in charge of organising events at work, says Ganesha.
Scorpio : Try to take a chill pill as you may be worried about petty issues today. Do not let them hinder your happiness and take a toll on your health. However, the day looks promising towards the end. Friends are just a phone call away, call them and set out for a destination unknown to destress and rejuvenate.
Sagittarius : Ganesha foresees a day full of promises. People in the creative field, especially artists are going to benefit more. Radio jockey and television anchors can make a note of this day in their diary, as it may serve as a memorable day, says Ganesha.
Capricorn : You have projected yourself as a confused individual. You may have a tendency to remain in a double mind. But, today you’ll come up with a very specific plan that will surprise many of the people around you. Be clear about what you want to do in life, how you want your life to be and make sincere efforts to achieve it, guides Ganesha. Rest assured, success shall be with you!
Aquarius : Today, you’re up against those who want to get back at you. But not for nothing are you the king! Ganesha says you needn’t worry, as few can match your prowess. Amid all the hullabaloo, your spouse will be a supportive presence.
Pisces : Within adversity, lie the lessons of success; avoid having to resort to that philosophy by implementing your plans, if they are well thought out, in a phased manner. This will help you achieve your targets, says Ganesha.
SC agrees to hear Sahara’s plea to allow Roy to go abroad
NEW DELHI, Oct 31: The Supreme Court today agreed to hear Sahara Group’s plea seeking modification in its order restraining Subrata Roy from going abroad till the Group hands over title deeds of its properties worth Rs 20,000 crore to SEBI.
A bench headed by Justice K S Radhakrishnan, before whom the matter was mentioned by Sahara’s counsel, said that it will consider the Group’s plea tomorrow in-chamber.
Sahara had moved the apex court on October 29 claiming that there was a mistake in its October 28 order restraining Roy from leaving the country till it hands over title deeds of its properties to SEBI.
The bench had yesterday refused to pass any interim order for allowing Roy to go abroad before his Group files a review petition seeking to modify the earlier order.
Senior advocate C A Sundaram, appearing for the Group, had submitted that he is not seeking review of the order but only pointing out the difference in the decision which was uploaded on the Supreme Court website and the order passed in the open court.
The counsel had submitted that while passing the order, the apex court had said if documents are not handed over to the market regulator within three weeks only then Roy would be restrained from going abroad.
Holding that it was playing “hide and seek” and cannot be trusted any more, the court had directed Sahara Group to hand over title deeds of its properties to SEBI.
Making it clear that there is no “escape” from depositing the investors’ money with the market regulator, the apex court had asked Sahara to also give valuation reports of properties to SEBI which will verify worth of assets.
The court was hearing three contempt petitions filed by SEBI against Roy, the two firms–Sahara India Real Estate Corp Ltd (SIREC) and Sahara India Housing Investment Corp Ltd (SHIC)–and their directors.
It had on August 31 last year directed the Sahara Group to refund Rs 24,000 crore by November end. The deadline was further extended and the companies were directed to deposit Rs 5,120 crore immediately and Rs 10,000 crore in first week of January and the remaining amount in first week of February.
The group, which had handed over draft of Rs 5,120 crore on December 5, 2012 has failed to pay the rest of the amount.
It had directed the two companies to refund the money to their investors within three months with 15 per cent interest per annum. It had also said SEBI can attach the properties and freeze the bank accounts of the companies if they fail to refund the amount.
The two companies, their promoter Roy and directors Vandana Bhargava, Ravi Shankar Dubey and Ashok Roy Choudhary were told to refund the collected money to the regulator. (PTI)
Poppyseed declines on a subdued demand
NEW DELHI, Sept 21: In limited deals, the prices of poppyseed fell by Rs 5 per kg here today owing to a subdued demand from retailers and stockists amid adequate stocks.
Poppyseed (Turkey, MP-RAJ and Kashmiri) fell by Rs 5 each to ended at Rs 335-345, Rs 345-395 and Rs 345 per kg, respectively.
Marketmen said subdued demand from retailers and stockists against adequate stocks mainly pulled down poppyseed prices on the wholesale kirana market here.
The following are today’s quotations per quintal:
Ajwain 11,000-17,500, black pepper (per kg) 460-580, betel-nut (kg) 180-200, cardamom brown-Jhundiwali (kg) 950-980 and cardamom brown-Kanchicut (kg) 950-1100.
Cardamom small (kg): Chitridar 660-760, cardamom (colour robin) 610-710, cardamom bold 660-710, cardamom extra (bold) 810-910 and cloves (kg) 800-880. (PTI)