By: Amit kumaR Agarwal
May 14, 2025.: The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, reviews status and progress of TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan at a high-level meeting, in New Delhi
Press Release - Ministry of Coal
Coal imports in the country during April 2024 to February 2025 fell by 9.2%, totalling 220.3 million tonnes (MT), compared to 242.6 MT in the same period of previous fiscal year. This reduction resulted in foreign exchange savings of approximately $6.93 billion (₹53137.82 crore). Notably, the Non-Regulated Sector, excluding the power sector, experienced a more significant decline, with imports dropping by 15.3% year-on-year. Although coal-based power generation grew by 2.87% from April 2024 to February 2025 compared to the previous year, imports for blending by thermal power plants sharply decreased by 38.8%. This highlights India’s ongoing efforts to reduce its dependence on imported coal and enhance self-sufficiency in coal production.
The Government of India has implemented several initiatives, including Commercial Coal Mining and Mission Coking Coal, to enhance domestic coal production and reduce imports. These efforts have also led to an encouraging 5.45% growth in coal output during the April 2024 to February 2025 period compared to the same period of FY 2023-24.
India's coal sector plays a pivotal role in supporting its rapidly growing economy, with coal serving as a primary energy source for critical industries like power, steel, cement etc. However, the country faces a significant challenge in meeting its domestic coal demand, especially for coking coal and high-grade thermal coal, which are in short supply within the country's reserves. As a result, coal imports have been vital to meet the needs of key sectors, including steel.
The Ministry of Coal has been implementing strategic measures to strengthen domestic production and ensure a secure coal supply, aligning with India's goals of reducing coal imports and enhancing energy security. By prioritizing domestic coal output, the government aims to march ahead towards Viksit Bharat goal by building a self-reliant, sustainable energy framework that supports long-term economic growth.
Press Release - Ministry of Ayush
In a landmark decision aimed at enhancing global visibility and consistency in observance, the Government of India has designated 23rd September as the date for celebrating Ayurveda Day each year. This change, notified through a Gazette Notification dated 23rd March 2025, marks a significant shift from the earlier practice of observing Ayurveda Day on Dhanteras, which follows a variable lunar calendar.
Ayurveda Day has been commemorated annually to promote Ayurveda as a scientific, evidence-based, and holistic system of medicine that plays a pivotal role in preventive healthcare and wellness. Until now, Ayurveda Day coincided with Dhanteras, a festival observed in the Hindu month of Kartik (usually October or November). However, as the date of Dhanteras fluctuates each year, the observance of Ayurveda Day lacked a fixed annual date.
The Ministry also noted that in the coming decade, the date of Dhanteras would continue to vary widely between 15th October and 12th November posing logistical challenges for organizing national and international observances.
To address this inconsistency and establish a stable reference point for national and global celebrations, the Ministry of Ayush constituted a committee to examine suitable alternatives. The expert panel proposed four potential dates, with 23rd September emerging as the preferred choice. This decision was guided by both practical and symbolic considerations.
The chosen date, 23rd September, coincides with the autumnal equinox, a day when day and night are nearly equal. This astronomical event symbolizes balance in nature, perfectly aligning with the Ayurvedic philosophy that emphasizes equilibrium between the mind, body, and spirit. The equinox, representing cosmic harmony, underscores the essence of Ayurveda—living in balance with nature.
The Ministry of Ayush urges individuals, health professionals, academic bodies, and international partners to embrace the newly designated date and actively participate in Ayurveda Day celebrations on 23rd September each year. The Ministry sees this shift as an opportunity to further embed Ayurveda into global health narratives and promote its timeless value as a preventive and sustainable healthcare system.
Czech Republic - पुनर्जीवित किया गया औद्योगिक स्थल, बनाया गया संग्रहालय
By: Aanya
चेक गणराज्य में पुनर्जीवित किया गया औद्योगिक स्थल, बनाया गया संग्रहालय
चेक गणराज्य के एक पुराने, जर्जर औद्योगिक स्थल को पुनर्जीवित किया गया है। यह वहीं जगह है, जहां जर्मन कारोबारी ओस्कर शिंडलर ने द्वितीय विश्व युद्ध के दौरान 1,200 यहूदियों की जान बचाई थी। यह जगह ब्रनेनेच कस्बे में एक पुरानी कपड़े (टेक्सटाइल) फैक्ट्री है, जो प्राग से करीब 160 किलोमीटर पूर्व में है।
1938 में नाजियों ने इसे यहूदी मालिकों से छीन लिया था और इसे एक प्रताड़ना शिविर में बदल दिया गया था। अब, इसी जगह पर 'म्यूजियम ऑफ सर्वाइवर्स' यानी बचने वालों का संग्रहालय खोला गया है, जो यहूदियों के नरसंहार (होलोकॉस्ट) और इस क्षेत्र के यहूदी इतिहास को समर्पित है।
यह संग्रहालय इस सप्ताहांत में अपने पहले दर्शकों के लिए खोला गया।
Argentina - सुप्रीम कोर्ट को नाजी शासन से जुड़े अभिलेख मिले
By: Monu Kumar
अर्जेंटीना के सुप्रीम कोर्ट को नाजी शासन से जुड़े अभिलेख मिले
अर्जेंटीना के सुप्रीम कोर्ट को अपने अभिलेखों में नाजी शासन से जुड़े दस्तावेज मिले हैं, जिसमें प्रचार सामग्री भी शामिल है जिसका इस्तेमाल दक्षिण अमेरिकी राष्ट्र में एडॉल्फ हिटलर की विचारधारा को फैलाने के लिए किया गया था, अदालत के एक न्यायिक अधिकारी ने रविवार को एसोसिएटेड प्रेस को बताया।
न्यायिक अधिकारी ने कहा कि अदालत को यह सामग्री तब मिली जब वह अपने ऐतिहासिक दस्तावेजों के साथ एक संग्रहालय बनाने की तैयारी कर रहा था। अधिकारी ने आंतरिक नीतियों के कारण नाम न बताने का अनुरोध किया।
दस्तावेजों में उन्हें जर्मन शासन से पोस्टकार्ड, तस्वीरें और प्रचार सामग्री मिली। अधिकारी ने कहा कि कुछ सामग्री का उद्देश्य द्वितीय विश्व युद्ध के दौरान अर्जेंटीना में एडोल्फ हिटलर की विचारधारा को मजबूत करना और उसका प्रचार करना था। माना जाता है कि ये बक्से 20 जून, 1941 को ब्यूनस आयर्स में 83 पैकेजों के आगमन से संबंधित हैं, जिन्हें टोक्यो में जर्मन दूतावास द्वारा जापानी स्टीमशिप "नान-ए-मारू" पर भेजा गया था।
News Shorts Meghalaya - Towards Building Viksit Bharat
By: Amit kumaR Agarwal
The Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar meets with the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma at Vice-President’s Enclave, in New Delhi on May 13, 2025.
Hospitality, Travel, Tourism Series l Encalm Lounge l Amit Parihar
By: Bhaarat Bol News Team
with inputs by Amit kumaR Agarwal
Service Industry is a mixed bag. If services are good, you create a goodwill not only for yourself but your organization as well.
One such personnel delivering not just good, but very good services and thus enhancing the reputation of his company is Amit Parihar, Duty Manager, Encalm Lounge.
Very actively seen moving around the lounge, he ensured that each guest is looked after and is comfortable.
Seeing his zest, the writer initiated a talk with him. When the writer asked - how does he manage the influx of travelers that the Indian aviation space has seen in the recent years - Amit smiled and said, "I never feel I am working; I feel I am serving the guests for an experiential hospitality."
On being queried how does he cope with guests that are not happy with him, Amit smiled and very confidently said, "I ensure, each of my guests is happy."
No wonder today employees have become the biggest asset for any company to boost their ratings and add to their business.
News Shorts: Implementation of three New Criminal Laws in Puducherry
By: Amit kumaR Agarwal
The Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation, Amit Shah reviews implementation of three New Criminal Laws in Puducherry with Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan, in New Delhi on May 13, 2025.
Hospitality, Travel, Tourism Series l Air India l Saksham
By: Bhaarat Bol News Team
with Inputs by Amit kumaR Agarwal
Today airlines are finding it increasingly difficult to cater to the very high-demanding needs of the customers.
With tourism growing manifolds, airlines are facing every day challenges not only to get new customers onboard, but also to retain their existing customer-base.
It is natural then that employees go a long way in doing this very demanding job for their respective airlines.
Saksham is one such personnel working with Air India.
On his flight to Lucknow, the writers' team met Saksham at the check-in. He welcomed the guests with a warm courteous smile, in spite of a long serpentine queue.
He made the onboarding process very simple. As the writing team walked towards the security; he helped an elderly lady standing in another queue, by prioritizing her check-in.
These are the very basics that make all the difference between flying and experiential flying.
USA - लिस्टेरिया प्रकोप में 10 लोग बीमार
By: Rani S
- अमेरिका में लिस्टेरिया प्रकोप में 10 लोग बीमार
अमेरिकी संघीय अधिकारियों ने कहा कि अमेरिका में कम से कम 10 लोग तैयार खाद्य उत्पादों से जुड़े लिस्टेरिया प्रकोप में बीमार हुए हैं और एक निर्माता स्वेच्छा से कई उत्पादों को वापस बुला रहा है।
यू.एस. खाद्य एवं औषधि प्रशासन ने शनिवार को कहा कि संघीय, राज्य और स्थानीय अधिकारी सैन फर्नांडो, कैलिफोर्निया के फ्रेश रेडी फूड्स एलएलसी द्वारा उत्पादित खाद्य पदार्थों से जुड़े प्रकोप की जांच कर रहे हैं।
एफडीए का कहना है कि बीमार पड़ने वाले 10 लोग कैलिफोर्निया और नेवादा में थे, और उन्हें अस्पताल में भर्ती होने की आवश्यकता थी।
National Museum Hosts Solemn Veneration of Sacred Relics on Buddha Purnima
By: Amit kumaR Agarwal
On the sacred occasion of Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak or Buddha Jayanti, the National Museum in New Delhi commemorated the day with the veneration of the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha, an event steeped in devotion, culture, and artistic expression.
The ceremonial floral offerings were led by Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs & Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju.
Rijiju, on behalf of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, conveyed greetings to the global Buddhist community and emphasized the relevance of Buddha’s teachings of compassion and harmony in today’s world. He expressed deep satisfaction at witnessing such wide participation and reverence for the Sacred Relics.
Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, focused on one of the steles depicting the Buddha's life events, particularly the eight great miracles (ashtamahapratiharya). The guests were also intrigued by the iconography of the various Buddhist deities in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, including the Bodhisattvas, the Crowned Buddha, the Transcendental Buddhas (Panchatathagata), goddesses, and Tributary deities (Ishtadevatas).
Distinguished dignitaries including Gurmeet Singh Chawla, Director General, National Museum; Abhijit Halder, Director General, International Buddhist Confederation; and Samar Nanda, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, joined venerable monks, scholars, and visitors for the auspicious event.
The Ministers embarked on a guided tour of the Buddha Gallery, exploring the life, teachings, and enduring philosophy of Lord Buddha through a breathtaking collection of art and antiquities. Of special reverence were the Kapilavastu Relics, excavated from Piprahwa, Uttar Pradesh, enshrined in the gallery and central to the day’s celebration.
The exhibition chronicled Buddhism’s evolution from aniconic representations to the early iconic imagery in Mathura and Gandhara, and its stylistic development through Sarnath, Pala, Chola, and Bhaumakara periods. Iconography of Bodhisattvas, Panchatathagatas, and Ishtadevatas in Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions enriched the spiritual and artistic experience.
Adding vibrancy to the solemn occasion was the Thangka Gallery, where exquisite scroll paintings including the Bhavachakra (Wheel of Life) captivated the audience. The Ministers expressed admiration for the depth of symbolism and meditative value reflected in these devotional artworks.
Concluding the celebration, visitors—young and old—engaged in a series of interactive workshops and DIY counters, featuring activities like Prayer Flag Making, Buddhist Iconography Learning, Thangka Colouring Sheets, Selfie Booths, Miniature Buddha Crafting, and Buddhist Film Screenings.
The Buddha Gallery remained open for public viewing throughout the day, reflecting the enduring legacy and spiritual guidance of Lord Buddha on this most sacred day.
Iran - चौथे दौर की परमाणु वार्ता से अमेरिका व ईरान उत्साहित
By: Monu Kumar
ईरान के परमाणु कार्यक्रम को लेकर अमेरिकी व ईरानी प्रतिनिधियों के बीच रविवार को चौथे दौर की बैठक हुई।
एक अमेरिकी अधिकारी ने बताया कि वार्ता के दौरान विभिन्न मुद्दों को लेकर अमेरिकी व ईरानी वार्ताकार उत्साहित हैं। यह वार्ता ऐसे समय में हुई है, जब अमेरिकी राष्ट्रपति डोनाल्ड ट्रंप इसी हफ्ते पश्चिम एशिया का दौरा करने वाले हैं। ओमान की राजधानी मस्कट में यह वार्ता ओमानी अधिकारियों की मध्यस्थता में करीब तीन घंटे चली।
ईरानी विदेश मंत्रालय के प्रवक्ता इस्माइल बघाई के हवाले से सरकारी टेलीविजन ने बताया कि वार्ता लंबी चली और अगले दौर की वार्ता के लिए चर्चा जारी है। हालांकि, बघाई ने ब्योरा नहीं दिया। बंद कमरे में हुई बातचीत के बारे में एक अमेरिकी अधिकारी ने कहा, वार्ता को जारी रखने पर सहमति बनी है। इसमें तकनीकी पहलुओं पर काम किया जाएगा। हम आज के परिणाम से उत्साहित हैं और अगली बैठक की प्रतीक्षा कर रहे हैं, जो निकट भविष्य में होगी।
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