PM Modi has given a new dimension to the development of the North-Eastern region - Arjun Munda


Union Minister Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Arjun Munda Virtually Inaugurated Administrative-cum-academic Building, Manas Guest House, Subansiri Girls Hostel and Brahmaputra Boys Hostel at IARI, Dirpai Chapori, Gogamukh, Assam today.

Union Minister of state for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Kailash Choudhary was present on the inaugural event and visited exhibition stall at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Assam.

Union Minister Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Arjun Munda said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has special emphasis on the development of the North-Eastern region. He said that the Central Government has done the work of eliminating the gaps in the development of agriculture in the North-Eastern states and bringing them into the mainstream and the Prime Minister has given a new dimension to the development of the North-Eastern region. He said that the government is working with the resolve to make the country a developed nation by 2047, in which the role of agriculture is very important. Shri Arjun Munda said that a mission of Rs. 11 thousand crore is being run to reduce the burden of edible oil imports and become self-reliant in oilseeds. We have to work with the thought that in the coming days we will not import but export. He said that when we work with a vision, we definitely get success.

Arjun Munda also stressed upon the development of climate resilient crop varieties and said that agriculture education to be linked to livelihood and employment opportunities. Munda said that biodiversity studies also need a special attention. He hoped that in a year this institute would be the most preferred choice for research. He emphasized that technologies have to be climate neutral and gender neutral.

MoS Kailash Choudhary urged upon scientists to exploit the natural diversity that exist in North East Region. He also emphasized about the development of the technologies close to nature and while doing so let us link up with organic and natural farming. He stressed upon to focus on research related to pulses and oilseeds, so that country does not have to spend too much money on export of pulses. He said that agricultural research has to be linked with entrepreneurship; and all this is only possible when there is free exchange of ideas between different organizations.

Minister of Education, Welfare of Plain Tribes and Backward Classes, Government of Assam Dr. Ranoj Pegu appreciated the efforts of IARI, Assam. He stressed that research work to be done by IARI, Assam would be helpful in considering plant, animal and fish diversity as well as conserving environment. Member of Parliament, Lakhimpur, Pradan Baruah stated that it was our dream to see that an institute of this stature will come in Assam. We hope that this institute would rise to the expectation of young minds of entire North-East India. 

Secretary DARE and DG ICAR, New Delhi Dr. Himansu Pathak virtually addressed the gathering and elaborated the objectives and mandates of IARI, Assam. He emphasized that North-East India has huge potential that need to be explored through research and development. He assured that ICAR will leave no stone unturned to ensure that institute continues to progress leaps and bounce. Opening of this institute marks a red-letter day in the history of ICAR. He congratulated those associated with development of this institute to this status.

Director, IARI Dr. A.K.Singh appreciated all the efforts made by the workers committee of IARI, Assam. Dr. D.K.Singh, Dr. Anil Sirohi, Dr. Manoj Khanna, Dr. Anupam Mishra, Bhargav Sharma, Dr. Y.L.Singh, Dr. K.B.Pun, Shri Ankur Bharali, District commissioner Dhemaji were also present on the occasion.

Union Health Minister Launches Indian Public Health Standards for AYUSH healthcare facilities


The time has come for Integrated Medicine, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya stated during the joint mega event organized by Ministry of Ayush and Health and Family Welfare.

He added that Traditional Healthcare will be new fashion trend of coming future. Union Minister also congratulated the Ministry of Ayush for its remarkable journey in the last decade and said Ministry of Ayush and Health and Family Welfare are integrated to each other.

In today’s joint mega event, Dr. Mandaviya made announcement of setting up of Ayush - ICMR Advanced Centre for Integrative Health Research (AI-ACIHR) at select AIIMS across the nation and announcement on Multicentre clinical trial on Anaemia. The inaugural session also witnessed the launch of “Indian Public Health Standards for Ayush Healthcare Facilities” and the 27th Convocation & 29th National Seminar of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth ‘Ayurvedo Amritanam’.

During his speech, Dr Mandaviya added that Collaborative Research in Ayush is extremely important as it bridges the gap between traditional knowledge and modern scientific research, promoting a synergistic
approach to healthcare. Strategic collaboration between Ayush and ICMR aims to advance Integrative Health Research, integrate traditional Ayush practices with modern medical science and take India to the forefront of holistic healthcare innovations.

Dr Mandaviya added that, “Collaborative Research in Ayush is extremely important as it bridges the gap between traditional knowledge and modern scientific research, promoting a synergistic approach to health care”. “Ayurveda is a part of our culture, heritage and tradition. It is still being followed in our everyday practice. This strategic collaboration aims to advance Integrative Health Research, integrate traditional Ayush practices with modern medical science and take India to the forefront of holistic healthcare innovations”.

Highlighting that the government is following an integrative approach so as to take the best practices from both the disciplines, Ayurveda and Allopathy, the Union Health Minister said that “the Union Government is working towards providing quality-oriented healthcare in response to increasing needs of the people of the country. In this direction, Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) for Ayush Healthcare facilities were published by the Union Health Ministry as a set of uniform standards to improve the quality of health care delivery. By adopting these reforms, it is expected that the States/UTs will be able to develop Ayush healthcare services with set standards and quality infrastructure, thereby enabling the public to avail the benefits of Ayush medical services for all healthcare.

Secretary, Minister of Ayush, Vd. Rajesh Kotecha, said in his speech that since its inception in 2014, Ministry of Ayush has embarked on a journey of resilience, innovation, and holistic healthcare, revolutionizing the Ayush sector. Under the visionary leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, significant strides have been made in integrating evidence-based Ayush systems into public healthcare, driving research, and fostering innovation. Today, we are proud to launch a comprehensive booklet showcasing these decadal achievements, which serves as a testament to the Ministry's commitment to holistic healthcare and its vision for a healthier, more vibrant India.

Booklets on Indian Public Health Standards for Ayush Hospitals and Ayushman Arogya Mandir was launched by Dr Mansukh Mandaviya in the dignified presence of dignitaries like Secretary Ministry of Ayush Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Vaidya Devendra Triguna President Governing Body, Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, New Delhi, Vaidya Jayant Deopujari Chairman, NCISM, Dr. Atul Goel, Director General, DGHS Ms. Anu Nagar, Joint Secretary, Dept. of Health Research, MoHFW Dr M Shrinivasan Director Delhi AIIMS.

During the event Vaidya Gurdip Singh, Jamnagar (Gujarat), Dr. P. Madhavankutty Varrier, Kottakkal (Kerala), and Vaidya Vishnu Dutt Srikishan Sharma, Ajmer (Rajasthan) were honored with prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award during the mega event for their outstanding contributions in their respective fields.

13 Ayurveda scholars were honoured as ‘Fellow’ of Rashtreey Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (FRAV) during the event.

Press Release l Promoting Voluntary Compliance through e-Verification Scheme-2021

The Income Tax Department receives information of specified financial transactions of taxpayers from various sources. To increase transparency and to promote voluntary tax compliance, this information is reflected in the Annual Information Statement (AIS) module and is available to the taxpayer for viewing. 

In some cases of Income Tax Returns (ITRs) filed for A.Y. 2021-22 (F.Y. 2020-21), a ‘mismatch’ has been identified, between the information filed in the ITR vis-à-vis information of specified financial transactions, as available with the Department. In cases where ITRs for A.Y. 2021-22 have not been filed and, the Department is in possession of information of specified high value financial transactions, the same also needs to be examined.  

Accordingly, as part of the e-Verification Scheme-2021, the Department is in the process of sending communication(s) to the taxpayers for the mismatch in information pertaining to A.Y. 2021-22 (F.Y. 2020-21). This information is being communicated to the taxpayers through their e-mail accounts as registered with the Income Tax Department. Vide the said communication, the Department is urging taxpayers, to view their AIS through the e-filing portal and file updated ITRs (ITR-U), wherever found necessary by the taxpayer. Eligible non-filers can also submit updated returns (ITR-U) u/s 139(8A) of the Income-tax Act, 1961.

Last date for filing of updated returns (ITR-U) for A.Y. 2021-22 (i.e. for F.Y. 2020-21) is 31.03.2024. 

#BNHAF Global Icon l Annie Minogue Interview Part 1


New York based singer, songwriter and founder of Annie Minogue Band, Annie Minogue won the coveted #BNHAF Global Icon Award at the 16th #BNHAF Awards and Festival, for her single, Sandbox.

Amit R Agarwal, Founder and Head of Jury of #BNHAF Awards and Festival said that he was amazed by the connect the single had with the audiences worldwide.

Talent Ka Maha Utsav presents Part 1 of the interview
 
 
ANNIE MINOGUE Write-up
Over a call, Annie told Agarwal about the Annie Minogue band (AMB), “The band’s driving and energizing sound, combines a gutsy rock attitude, great pop sensibility with a hint of the blues, reminiscent of some of rock’s greatest female icons”.

AMB lineup consists of Nick Saya (Drums), Nunzio Signore (Guitar & Vocals), Brian Karp (Bass), Kendall Scott (Keyboards) and Annie Minogue (Vocals). AMB has toured both nationally and regionally, and shared the stage with iconic artists like: Blues Traveler, The Smithereens, David Lee Roth, Chris Whitley, Dave Navarro, Black Eyed Peas, Soul Asylum, Los Lobos, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Eric Gales and numerous others.

AMB’s craft for songwriting, along with Annie’s powerfully expressive voice and the band’s dynamic rock sensibilities, have given the group firm roots within the music world, with the band’s music featured on film, TV, and radio such as: Lifetime Television, Sony Television, MSNBC, MTV, CBS, CW, WB, “Dawson’s Creek”, “Strong Medicine”, regional radio stations and the independent feature film “Out of the Black.”

Annie is also the co-creator and executive producer of two popular concert series. “Fair Play”, a concert series sponsored by City Winery that benefits the Bronx Immigration Partnership. Over the course of two shows, AMB has performed alongside artists like: Chris Difford from Squeeze, Robben Ford, David Poe, Tracy Bonham, Richard Barone, and Trixie Whitley.

On being asked, if AMB would like to perform in India? Annie gushed, “I would love to do that. Indians have a very deep-rooted connect with music and so do I, so my instinct says, it will be an immediate connect with Indians”. Annie thanked #BNHAF Awards and Festival for the coveted #BNHAF Global Icon Award and said she would definitely love to attend one of the gala editions of #BNHAF Awards and Festival.

Fighter l Not Just A Review

By: Amit KumaR Agarwal
 
 
Fighter is a film based on Indian armed forces, Indian Air Force to be precise inspired by surgical strikes and Balakot air-strikes.
 
Shamsher Pathania alias Patty (Hrithik Roshan) is a Squadron Leader in the Indian Air Force and is the best fighter-pilot as the film tells us. Rakesh Jaisingh alias Rocky (Anil Kapoor) is his senior and he dislikes Pathania’s ways of working. Minal Rathore alias Minni (Deepika Padukone) is chopper-pilot in the force, eager to prove that women are no less than uniformed-men. Azhar Akhtar (Rishabh Ravinder Sawhney) is a terrorist, working hand-in-glove with Pakistan out to destroy India.
 
The narrative then weaves in the story, real-life incidents of Pulwama terrorist attack and Balakot air strikes; as Patty and his team go on to annihilate terrorists.
 
While the film is good, it lacks the mass-pleasing elements that make a film, blockbuster. The biggest elemnet of such a film are it's dialogues, here dialogues by Hussain Dalal and Abbas Dalal’s and additional dialogues by Biswapati Sarkar are plain ordinary. Of course one or two dialogues are punchy like the IOP - India Occupied Pakistan, but they are far away and too few.
 
Patriotic films that are blockbusters conventionally appeal to the masses. Fighter, because of the title and the treatment is more on the classy side. As such the sensibilities of the film are also metro or big-centers appealing. The business will not be like Pathaan, Gadar 2 or Animal as it won't do 500cr; but it is a hit film nevertheless.
 
Screenplay, many times seem disjointed. For example, when Pakistan PM says that free the Indian pilots, why is one pilot killed is not answered? Or the flight landing scene of NJ, though well-executed doesn't fit well in the narrative. In fact, the entire Training Academy, Hyderabad sequence seems force fit. Moreover, screenplay needed bit of rework.

The biggest flaw of the film is hero is shown subdued in the entire film, he only rises in the climax and he gets thunderous applause when he does. There should've been atleast two sequences in pre-interval as well. Or the hit song, Ishq Jaisa Kuch. What is the point of putting the song in the end, when half of the audiences have left. Instead, the scene where Deepika invites Hrithik over for coffee, could have followed by a kiss, lead in to song. Shot of sun rising, wailing of the air-siren and the film could-have continued. Simple script-doctoring.
 
Siddharth Anand's direction is good but not outstanding, reason is a weak script. Hrithik Roshan looks amazing, more so in the song Ishq Jaisa Kuch. Deepika Padukone after Pathaan, again performs her role very convincingly. Anil Kapoor, Karan Singh Grover, Akshay Oberoi lend good support. Rishabh Ravinder Sawhney as Azhar Akhtar is fair, though a film of this canvas needed a bigger villain; Pathaan wouldn;t have been Pathaan without John Abraham, right?
 
In spite of its positives and negatives, the film is a sure-shot watch on big-screen because
  • It is for the entire family
  • In spite of patriotism it steers clear of jingoism
and most importantly
  • For the never-before seen aerial-action scenes on the Indian screens, which all said and done, can never be enjoyed on any OTT screening. Book your tickets now for this Fighter

Talent Ka Maha Utsav powered by #BNHAF Awards and Festival l One-on-One Awardee Editions l Alicia Chiesa

 
 
Talent Ka Maha Utsav is elated to host #BNHAF One-on-One Awardee Editions with Alicia Chiesa, actress and model based in Italy. She was interested in making a career in entertainment industry since childhood. She readily took the offer to be a model in her teens. From modeling, very soon Alicia started her acting career.
 
One of Alicia's most notable work is in the top-rated Netflix series Yara in 2021. She won rave reviews for her role. She is currently riding high on the wave of the success of her latest show  ll Paradiso delle Signore in which she portrays one of the lead roles, Lucia Giorgi.
 
Watch her interview only on www.bol-news.com