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Are things really ‘aaall well’ in Ladakh? A closer look at ‘climate fast’ by Sonam Wangchuk and criticism of his projects by locals

OpIndia Staff
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Are things really ‘aaall well’ in Ladakh? A closer look at ‘climate fast’ by Sonam Wangchuk and criticism of his projects by locals

Ladakh’s celebrated educator and innovator, Sonam Wangchuk, who attained fame after the release of the Bollywood movie named 3 Idiots, is in news for the past few days. The engineer-turned-education reformer staged a ‘climate fast’ late in January to protest against the destruction of the ecology in the region. He is demanding constitutional protection of the fragile ecology of the region, known as the third pole of the earth.

Wangchuk staged a five-day protest at the education institute founded by him named Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL), and he also claimed that he was confined to house arrest by the Ladakh Police at the Institute. The saga began when Wangchuk on January 26 announced that he would stage a one-day protest at Khardung La, one of the highest mountain passes in Asia, to demand the inclusion of the region in the sixth schedule of the constitution.

However, the local administration asked him to conduct the protest on January 26 at his university, as it was too cold in the mountains. “I received a letter that day which said that the government was concerned about the safety of a ‘celebrated’ person like me. It added that there is severe cold at Khardung La and that there are wild animals that can cause harm to my life. The government asked me to stage a protest at HIAL, which is far away from Leh. And now I am under house arrest,” Sonam Wangchuk said in a video that he released amid a protest on January 26.

Police have denied Wangchuk’s claim that he was placed under house arrest. Police said that he was only prevented from holding the fast atop Khardung La, and there was no other restriction on him.

Denied permission to hold the protest at Khardung La, Wangchuk held the five-day protest at his institution, where he was joined by several others. However, Wangchuk and many others still remained outside, despite the harsh winter, as a part of their protest. The protest ended on January 30.

Amid the protests, Sonam Wangchuk released an 18-minute long video on his YouTube channel and claimed that he was house arrested by the local administration. He said that the Lt Governor and the BJP government were restricting his activities under the guise of protecting him and safeguarding him.

“When the protest was scheduled at Khardung La, they (govt) asked me to skip the mountain pass location for the protest and asked me to conduct the protest at HIAL, which is far away from Leh. They also have restricted my movement and I am not allowed to leave HIAL. The massive Police force has been deployed outside HIAL to control me and my movement. I am not allowed to move from here,” he could be heard saying in the video.

Wangchuk also alleged that the government had asked him to sign a bond asking him to stop saying anything against the government activities in Leh and that he was not allowed to deliver speeches or statements. “One of the deployed police officers handed me the bond and asked me to sign. On refusal, he said that I would be detained. These people have also detained three young teachers working at my school and are now blackmailing me to act according to them for the youngsters’ release,” he added in the video on January 27.

He further said that the government was arresting people and journalists who have been demanding the inclusion of Ladakh in the sixth schedule. “The government in the election manifesto had said that it would include the region in the sixth schedule. So then why are people getting arrested now when they are demanding the same,” he said.

According to Wangchuk, the people of Ladakh are facing natural threats and they hoped that the government would help them safeguard the region after the abrogation of Article 370. “Ladakh was declared a Union Territory. We were delighted but also concerned because becoming a Union Territory without safeguards would keep Ladakh open to industrial and mining exploitation, harming our ecology and glaciers. We hoped the Centre would provide us with safeguards, if not from Article 370, then from the Sixth Schedule. But nothing is happening,” he claimed.

Wangchuk also alleged that the BJP-led administration and the former Lieutenant Governor Radha Krishna Mathur ignored Ladakh after it was stripped from Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 and was made a separate Union Territory. While Sonam Wangchuk had praised the abolition of Article 370, he now says that Ladakh was in a better position when it was part of Jammu and Kashmir. He also alleged that the government was sowing the seeds of militancy in the union territory of Ladakh.

People protesting across Ladakh with Wangchuk (Image source- Sonam Wangchuk YT)

Sonam Wangchuk’s demand for the inclusion of Ladakh in sixth schedule

Several civil society leaders in Ladakh are demanding that the UT be included in the sixth schedule of the Article 244 of the Indian Constitution which ensures the overall socio-economic development of the region which houses a predominantly tribal population. Since the special status of the former State of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution was removed by Parliament in 2019, civil society organizations in Ladakh have been calling for the protection of land, resources, and jobs. 

The local leaders are also demanding that Ladakh can’t be kept under the central government’s rule forever, and it must be given the status of a state. Sonam Wangchuk has also demanded the inclusion of the region under the sixth schedule, but for one specific reason, to protect the ecology of the region.

He stated that he was concerned about Ladakh’s climate, environment, and overall ecology there. “I have been concerned about Ladakh’s ecology, mountains, and glaciers for 30 years. People here are facing the heat of the lifestyle that is being lived by people in huge cities like London, New York, Paris, Beijing, and New Delhi. We have become climate victims by having to cope with emissions emanating from all these places,” said Wangchuk in an exclusive interview with News Click.

Sonam Wangchuk is opposing the migration of people from other states to Ladakh, setting up of industries, and private sector enterprises purchasing land, saying that it will destroy the ecology of Ladakh. Our landscape cannot handle more people and increasing industrial activity. Already, we face a huge water shortage. What will happen if industries move here in large numbers? Very soon, not only Ladakhis, people in the rest of the subcontinent will face climate-related problems,” he added.

Wangchuk claimed that he conducted the protest to grab the attention of the Central Government to the local Ladakhi problems. He claimed that Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Miniter Narendra Modi were unaware of the local problems on the ground and that he was attempting to showcase the same to the authorities. However, the he further said that he would protest for a longer time in February if his demands are not met or considered.

What the law says about the sixth schedule

The creation of independent administrative divisions, known as Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), with some degree of judicial, legislative, and administrative autonomy inside a state is permitted by the Sixth Schedule of Article 244. At present, the four northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram have specific provisions in the Sixth Schedule for the management of tribal territories.

The local Ladakhi civilians are pressing that the population of Ladakh contains 97 percent of the tribals and that the imposition of a sixth schedule in the UT is necessary. Also the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, in September 2019 had recommended the inclusion of Ladakh under the sixth schedule, noting that the new UT was predominantly tribal, people from other parts of the country had been barred from dealing in land there, and its distinct cultural heritage needed preservation.

However, the Ministry of Home Affairs has stated that Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule would be difficult. “The Constitution is very clear, Sixth Schedule is for the Northeast. For tribal areas in the rest of the country, there is the Fifth Schedule,” the MHA had said.

Notably, the regions included in the sixth schedule are Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram which are in the Northeastern part of the country. The other northeastern states like Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland are also not included in the sixth schedule though they house a maximum of tribal sects.

The title of the schedule is Provisions as to the Administration of Tribal Areas in the States of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram, making it clear that it is specific to only four states. Inclusion of any other state will require amendment of the constitution.

Sonam Wangchuk had hailed the formation of UT in 2019

Earlier in the year 2019, Wangchuk had hailed the BJP-led government for removing the special status from the former state of Jammu and Kashmir and dividing it into two Union Territories including Ladakh. He later had thanked Tribal Minister Arjun Munda and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for considering to declare the Union Territory of Ladakh as a protected area under Schedule VI of the constitution. “It seems Indian Democracy works,” he had tweeted back then lauding the BJP-ruled centre.

Also, the local Ladakhis had organized ‘thanksgiving’ to celebrate Ladakh becoming a Union Territory after the central government obtained a presidential decree to abrogate Article 370 and bifurcate the state into two Union Territories- Jammu and Kashmir with legislature and Ladakh without legislature.

As reported earlier, people in Ladakh had been demanding the union territory status for several decades. Therefore they were elated with the prospect of development of the region as a union territory. Even the Muslim residents in Ladakh then expressed their elation at the government’s decision by hoisting the Indian flag at the top of the centuries-old mosque in the main market region of Leh.

However, the locals after three years seem to have changed their opinion about the government probably after Wangchuk instigated them to join in the protests and demand the inclusion of the UT in the sixth schedule. Wangchuk also stated that the people were unhappy with the government and reiterated that the latter was sowing the seeds of militancy in the region.

Criticism of Sonam Wangchuk and his projects

While the innovator claims that he is highly concerned about the climate in Ladakh, and demands protection of the ecology by including the region in the 6th schedule, some people have been opposing his activities alleging the threat to environmental change in the region. According to the reports, villagers in Leh have alleged that the mountains are being littered with plastic waste due to Wangchuk’s project. In fact, people from several villages have written to the administration against his projects, especially the Ice Stupa artificial glacier project. They say that instead of being beneficial for the environment, it is harming it due to the excessive use of plastic. They also allege that the project is a failure.

Sonam Wangchuk came up with a method to produce tiny artificial glaciers, or ice stupas, by freezing stream water throughout the winter into 50-meter-tall ice towers. However, not everyone is adoring these man-made glaciers. Images from Phyang village reveal that a significant quantity of plastic pipes, tents, and bottles are used to construct these ice stupas, which has caused environmental worries among the locals.

Image shows plastic underneath the snow (Image- India Today)

While the Ice Stupas have been touted as a ‘green’ solution to the water crisis in the arid desert region situated deep in the Himalayas, many environmentalists and local activists have been objecting to the project. In these ‘artificial glaciers’, a plastic pipe collects water from the source at the higher ground and brings it directly to the lower ground. There, the water enters a dome-shaped network of netting fixed to pipes with holes which sprinkle water in the air. As the water is sprayed in the sub-zero temperatures air, it collects on the dome in the shape of a large cone of ice.

When summer comes, the Ice Stupa starts to melt, providing a supply of water. Therefore, basically, the system stores water in the form of ice during winter, which provides water for irrigation during summer. Local Ladkhis already use this method, but they make ice sheets, and therefore it melts quickly in summer. The Ice Stupa melts gradually due to its cone structure.

However, the use of excessing nets, sheets and pipes made of plastic is causing a different environmental problem in the region. With the excessive use of plastic, its ‘green’ tag comes into question. Social media is filled with photos and videos which show the plastic garbage left in the sites where Ice Stupas were built. The photos and videos show damaged pipes, sheets and nets lying on the snow-covered grounds.

It is claimed that a large number of domes were abandoned after they didn’t work as expected, and it has caused massive plastic pollution. Locals have alleged that many ice stupas have been abandoned by the organisation run by Wangchuk, and they leave plastic waste behind. A resident told India Today, “There is a lot of plastic in areas where he worked. Now, no one is cleaning the mess.” Villagers say that while Wangchuk claims to fight to save the environment, his projects harm it.

Another criticism of the Ice Stupa project is that it is altering the water flow. As the Ice Stupas collect and store water, villages located downstream are alleging that due to the diversion of water to make Ice Stupas, they are not getting enough water from the water streams. In fact, after the locals protested, the administration had to stop the construction of more stupas in the upper regions. Environmentalists also say that by directly collecting water at the source, the Ice Stupas are adversely affecting the recharge system of the groundwater table.

Sonam Wangchuk is also facing criticism over the delay in the construction of an alternative university, for which the administration had granted land to his institute. Now, villagers of Phyang have requested in a letter to the Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh, that Wangchuk’s HIAL’s land allocation should be revoked. The villagers of Phyang demanded that the 1200 kanals of land that HIAL had been given permission to use for the construction of an alternative university should be revoked, as the university has not been constructed.

According to the villagers, the villagers gave the NOC for handing over the land on the condition that HIAL would complete university construction within two years of land allotment. But there is not any sign of construction work, and HIAL has not conducted any meeting or consultation with the Board of Members after getting the NOC from the villagers, and therefore the allotment of the land should be withdrawn.

“HIAL has played negatively with the sentiments of innocent villagers in Phyang village by making false promises and enticing (them) just for the sake of getting a NOC for allotment of land”, the villagers stated.

Moreover, the office of Nambardar of Phyang also wrote a letter recommending the cancellation of 1200 kanals of land allocated to Wangchuk. According to the letter, while the given land is sufficient for the project, HIAL is trying to get more land, delaying the project. The villagers have objected to the demand for more land, as they have little land left after granting the 1200 kanals land. Wangchuk was also sent a notice by the administration in 2020 for failure to deposit the amount agreed for 1076 kanals and 1 marla of land allotted to him for the construction of HIAL.

As stated above, Wangchuk conducted the recent protest just to grab the attention of the Central Government to the local Ladakhi problems. He stated that MHA Amit Shah and Prime Miniter Narendra Modi were unaware of the local problems on the ground and that he was attempting to showcase the same to the authorities. However, the engineer said that he would protest for a longer time in February if his demands are not met or considered.

‘India was, is, and will always be a Hindu Rashtra, every Indian is a Hindu’: Yogi Adityanath

OpIndia Staff
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‘India was, is, and will always be a Hindu Rashtra, every Indian is a Hindu’: Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh’s chief minister Yogi Adityanath has given a statement saying that India is, and has always been a Hindu Rashtra. In the summit organized by ABP News, Yogi Adityanath said that India was, is, and will always be a Hindu Rashtra. CM Yogi Adityanath said that every citizen living in India is a Hindu irrespective of their religion, caste, and region.

When CM Yogi Adityanath was asked about Hindu Rashtra, he said, “We must first understand what we mean by Hindu Rashtra. Hindus are not a religion, no religion, no sect. It is a cultural vocabulary that fits every citizen of India in every sense, the culture here in terms of citizenship.”

CM Yogi Adityanath added, “If a person from India goes to Haj, he is known there as a Hindu. If a person from India is going to Haj, no one considers him as Haji, or Islam, there he is addressed by the name of Hindu, then he has no problem there. From this perspective, India is a Hindu nation, because every citizen here is a Hindu. Hindu is not a caste, creed, or religious word. It is our cultural unity that people born in this widespread land from the Himalayas to the ocean are automatically called Hindus. In this way, no one should have any problem with Hindu Rashtra.”

Yogi Adityanath added, “If you are trying to link the word Hindu with a religion or sect, it means that you are making the mistake of understanding the meaning of the word Hindu. As far as the constitution is concerned, every Indian should have the highest respect for the Constitution, because it is our guiding document.”

when asked about the current situation in Pakistan and its future, Yogi Adityanath said, “Shri Aurobindo had very clearly declared about Pakistan that Pakistan is no reality in the spiritual and ascetic world. It is Pakistan’s good fortune that it survived so far despite having no reality of its own. It will be a burden on the earth until it survives. It will work in their best interests if they merge themselves with India. Akhand Bharat is bound to happen and this is the only reality. However, many things are better kept for the future.”

Tamil Nadu: DMK councillor beats army soldier to death in Krishnagiri

OpIndia Staff
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Tamil Nadu: DMK councillor beats army soldier to death in Krishnagiri

On 8th February 2023, a Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) municipal councilor named Chinnaswamy and his accomplices beat Prabhakaran, an Indian Army soldier from Krishnagiri. On 15th February 2023, Prabhakaran succumbed to the injuries.

The scuffle resulted due to a minor argument that broke out on 8th February between Prabhakaran and Chinnaswamy who objected to the soldier and his brother Prabhu washing clothes at a water tank near their house. Later on that day, they were ambushed by Chinnaswamy and others, who brutally beat Prabhakaran.

BJP state president K Annamalai tweeted, “I was shocked and angry when I heard the news that a 29-year-old soldier was beaten to death by a DMK municipal councilor near Bochampalli in Krishnagiri district. Soldiers are not safe in their hometown due to DMK anarchy. The DMK and its allied parties have turned to the extent of threatening their families, attacking and even killing soldiers who are protecting the country at the border, risking their lives.”

K Annamalai added, “Tamilnadu’s chief minister is keeping the police in hands. the public is watching to see how is the law and order situation in the state. I request on behalf of BJP Tamilnadu that strict action should be taken against the killers immediately and that such anti-social acts should be prevented from happening.”

After receiving a report from Prabhu, the police detained six of the attackers. Rajapandi, one of the detained suspects, is Chinnaswamy’s son.

Jharkhand: Stone pelting and arson at the mosque square in Palamu ahead of Mahashivratri, internet shutdown and section 144 imposed

OpIndia Staff
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Jharkhand: Stone pelting and arson at the mosque square in Palamu ahead of Mahashivratri, internet shutdown and section 144 imposed

Violence erupted in Palamu of Jharkhand ahead of Mahashivratri celebrations. Stones were pelted at devotees preparing to worship at the mosque square. Some vehicles were also set on fire. A heavy police force has been deployed to take care of the situation and Section 144 has been imposed in the area. About 1 dozen people are reported injured by then. The incident took place on Wednesday, February 15, 2023.

According to reports, the incident took place in the Panki block of Palamu. Local Hindus were building welcome gates at Bhagat Singh Chowk for Mahashivratri to be celebrated on February 18. During this time, the people of the Muslim community there opposed the construction of this gate. At first, there was an argument between the two sides, which later turned into a clash and stone-pelting. On seeing this, people from both sides came to fight. An additional police force has also been deployed to control the situation.

The video of the incident has also gone viral on social media. In the viral video, people are seen gathering on both sides of an intersection. Some people were also seen holding sticks and other weapons in their hands. In the video, a person present at the spot can be heard saying, “The administration is not able to do anything.” The sound of sirens can also be heard somewhere far away in the video. Some damaged vehicles can also be seen along with a lot of stone at the spot.

Petrol bombs were also used in the attack. So far, about a dozen people are said to be injured, including 6 policemen.

According to Palamu IG, an attempt was made to install a welcome gate in front of the mosque around 9 am.

He said that all senior officers of the district are camping on the spot and the situation is completely under control. IG said that the petrol bombing can be confirmed only after investigation but he confirmed that stone-pelting took place. At present, Section 144 has been imposed in the area and the internet has been closed as a precautionary measure.

Pune: IT Dept raids 6 locations of businessman Aniruddha Deshpande, a close aide of Sharad Pawar, probes tax evasion

OpIndia Staff
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Pune: IT Dept raids 6 locations of businessman Aniruddha Deshpande, a close aide of Sharad Pawar, probes tax evasion

On Wednesday, the Income Tax department conducted raids at the official and residential premises of Aniruddha Deshpande, Managing Director of City Corporations and promoter of Amanora Township in Pune, Maharashtra. Raids at the premises of Deshpande, who is a close aide of NCP supremo Sharad Pawar started early morning.

According to the local reports, around eight Income tax official teams have been deployed to conduct raids at the six locations linked to Deshpande in Pune. The IT officials are investigating financial transactions and tax evasion of these companies.

The team broke into the construction company of Deshpande named City Corporations. Along with this, a few teams from the Income Tax Department have been working inside Hadapsar’s renowned Amanora Tower since early in the day.

The Income Tax department’s raid on famous businessman Deshpande has caused a commotion in Pune’s business and political communities as Deshpande is a prominent businessman having close ties with NCP supremo Sharad Pawar. Reports mention that Pawar and Deshpande have known each other for more than 20 years now.

Deshpande, a part-time developer in the early 1990s, met Pawar during a Pune automobile rally. Deshpande had a significant role in the formulation of Pune’s plan of development when Pawar acted as Maharashtra’s chief minister. Deshpande rose to fame as a real estate developer during that time.

Pawar and his family became owners of City Corporation with 16% stock when Deshpande founded it in 2004. Through two businesses, Namrata Films Enterprises and Lap Finance and Consultancy, Pawar is the shareholder of 33.6 lakhs of the 2.07 crore shares in City Corporation, as per reports.

Deshpande was also involved in the promotion of Lavasa City. The city was first visualized by Sharad Pawar. Supriya Sule, Pawar’s daughter, and her spouse Sadanand had stock in Lavasa, as per reports. Deshpande pulled out of the project in 2005, while Supriya and Sadanand left in 2004.

Nepal’s former King Gyanendra Shah joins campaign to reinstate the country as Hindu Kingdom

OpIndia Staff
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Nepal’s former King Gyanendra Shah joins campaign to reinstate the country as Hindu Kingdom

On February 13, the former King of Nepal, Gyanendra Shah, joined a public campaign aimed at restoring Nepal’s earlier status as a Hindu Kingdom. Shah launched the ‘Let’s save dharma, nation, nationalism, culture and citizens mega campaign’ from Kakarbhitta in eastern Nepal’s Jhapa district. A large number of people attended the event, cheering and applauding the move. The campaign is being coordinated by Durga Prasai, a central committee member of the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist Party led by former prime minister KP Oli.

Notably, the event took place on the day Prime Minister Pushpakamal Dahal-led Nepal Government declared a holiday on the occasion of the 23rd anniversary of the Maoist war. Reports suggest that several ruling party members were against the decision to declare Monday as a public holiday for the first time. They refused to recognize the insurgency as a “people’s war”.

At the event, the former King did not give any speech. However, his presence at the campaign is seen as significant as the country’s political situation appears to be drifting towards instability and uncertainty. Prasai has termed the current situation in Nepal as “suffocating”. He said, “We never wanted and will never be a republic that sends more than 10 million Nepali youth to the Gulf countries.” He did not make a direct call for the monarch’s return. Prasai also demanded that the farmer loans taken from cooperative banks and microfinance companies be waived off because their plight is forcing them to end their lives.

Shah and the members of different Hindu sects lit lamps to mark the proposed nationwide campaign. For the last six weeks, Shah, his son Paras, daughter Prerana and niece Sitashma have been camping at Damak, which is 40 KM away from the campaign site. Shah has been camping in Damak, about 40 km from the venue, for the last six weeks with his son Paras, daughter Prerana, and niece Sitashma.

Nepal was a Hindu nation before it was declared a ‘secular state’ in 2008 after the success of people’s movement of 2006 which led to abolishing of monarchy. Hinduism is the largest religion in Nepal.

Rajasthan: Congress minister’s nephew, who is in jail for one murder, paid a bounty for another murder, killers of BJP leader’s son arrested

OpIndia Staff
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Rajasthan: Congress minister’s nephew, who is in jail for one murder, paid a bounty for another murder, killers of BJP leader’s son arrested

On February 14, Rajasthan Police arrested two accused, identified as Ajay Pal and Krishna Pal alias Kanha of Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, from Hanuman Mandir located at village Arnod, Pratapgarh in the Vikas Anjana murder case.

Minister of Co-operation Udaylal Anjana’s nephew Arvind Anjana reportedly paid a bounty for the murder. 28-year-old Vikas Anjana alias Bunty was the son of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Bapulal Anjana. Vikas was shot to death on February 2.

Arvind is in jail for his involvement in the Vikas Prajapat murder case. Ajay Pal reportedly met him inside the jail between August 30, 2022, and September 6, 2022.

Reports suggest that Arvind had promised to pay Rs 15 lakh for the murder of Vikas Anjana(Bunty). The accused started doing a recce of Bunty Anjana as soon as they came out of jail.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Rajan Dushyant told Dainik Bhaskar that Ajay Pal developed a friendship with Arvind while he was in jail. Arvind told him about the enmity he had with Bunty. Arvind offered a bounty of Rs 15 lakh to kill Bunty once he was out of jail.

After getting released from jail, Ajay formed a team with three of his friends, Krishan Pal, Suresh Jaat and Ramesh, alias Kanha Bheel. During the investigation, Police found that they had tried to kill Bunty Anjana twice before but failed. During the first attempt, Bunty was with his family, during the second attempt, he was with 5-7 people.

Notably, the enmity between Arvind and Bunty started after Bunty slapped him. A video of the incident was uploaded by Bunty’s friend Vikas Prajapat on social media that got viral. Irked by the humiliation, Arvind murdered Prajapat.

Bunty was Bapulal’s only son. On February 2, at around 5 PM, three miscreants circled him and started firing in the village Nimbaheda, district Chittorgarh. He sustained eight bullet injuries. Bunty died on the spot. The incident was captured on CCTV installed nearby. Bunty was in Nimbaheda to attend the funeral of the 6-month-daughter of his friend Lalit Prajapati. His friends Vikas and Devendra were with him when the attack happened.

As per reports, at around 5 PM, a miscreant came in front of the bike. When they stopped the bike, he pulled out a gun. Vikas and Devendra rushed to save themselves, leaving Bunty behind. Within seconds two more miscreants came from behind on a bike, and they threw Bunty in front of a car. Then they shot him 10-12 times, out of which eight found the target. He was rushed to the hospital but was declared brought dead. Bunty is survived by his parents, wife and infant daughter.

Defence procurement from domestic vendors to be at 75%, says Union Minister Rajnath Singh

OpIndia Staff
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Defence procurement from domestic vendors to be at 75%, says Union Minister Rajnath Singh

On Wednesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that there is now significantly more trust between the government and the Indian defence sector. As a consequence, he added, domestic vendors will now account for 75 percent of all purchases of weaponry, up from the current 68 percent. This 75 percent defence capital procurement budget will result in transactions worth around Rs 1 lakh crore.

“I believe the Indian defence industry is firmly on its path of strengthening. This is a new beginning with greater focus and emphasis on ‘Atmanirbhar’ or self-reliance and that has given India’s defence industry new energy and new commitment,” Singh said while addressing the Bandhan ceremony of Aero India 2023 in Banglore on February 15.

According to the reports, at least 250 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), including agreements for the transfer of technology to the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) were inked at the event. “The trust of the government on our defence industry has increased so much in recent years that the share of procurement from Indian vendors will be increased to 75 per cent in the coming year from 68 per cent last year,” he added.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has been given a budget of Rs 5.94 lakh crore for FY 2023–24, which is 13.18 percent of the overall budget (Rs 45.03 lakh crore). Also, the capital investment for infrastructure improvement and modernization has been raised to Rs 1.63 lakh crore.

The minister added that the Narendra Modi administration has gradually increased the proportion of armaments and ammunition purchased from local suppliers. It was raised from 64 percent in 2021–2022 to 65 percent, then to 68 percent in 2022–2023 and finally it has been raised to 75 percent in 2023–2024. “We have understood that if the Indian defence industry has to move forward, it has to be given encouragement. So it is imperative for us to assure the industry of a steady demand for the products they produce,” he said.

In the light of the fact that local defence industries were explicitly targeted, Singh said, the government had set aside 58 percent of the defence budget for capital purchases in the fiscal year 2020–2021. “It was a giant leap in favour of the Indian defence industry,” he said, adding that such a trend would continue.

The Minister stated optimism that with this move, the Indian industry would advance with greater zeal and help create a more robust and successful defense sector. He believed that a robust and self-sufficient defence sector not only improves the nation’s security system but also stimulates the economy. In accordance with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of “Make in India, Make for the World,” he emphasized that in recent years, a domestic industry-friendly environment has been established in the nation, providing a runway for local businesses to grow and ensure holistic national development while meeting the security needs of friendly nations.

According to the official press release, the Bandhan event also saw the signing of 266 agreements, including 201 Memorandums of Understanding, 53 significant announcements, nine product launches, and three Technology Transfers, totaling almost Rs 80,000 crore. The nine product launched during the event include Jishnu- a Drone Delivered Missile, software defined GPS receiver, indigenously-built ‘Counter Drone Radar’ based on technology from DRDO, goniometer and more.

According to Singh, the MoUs signed at Bandhan would open the door for increased FDI in the defense industry and boost the sector’s production to new heights. He described Bandhan as a fresh resolve to support the country in the area of defense, rather than merely an agreement between two sides with an eye towards economic gain. He also emphasized that the alliances formed with friendly nations will advance their bilateral cooperation with India.

The Minister further claimed that Aero India showed the world the ‘New Defence Sector’ of the ‘New India,’ which has not only developed over the last several years but is now fully prepared to stand alongside the defense sectors of major nations. He declared himself happy that the occasion had cleared the way for the development of the Indian defense sector and referred to it as the start of a new age of ‘Aatmanirbharta.’ He exuded confidence that the industry will advance decisively down the road of growth with fresh vigor and resolve.

Meghalaya: BJP releases election manifesto, 7th Pay Commission, women empowerment, senior citizen pensions on focus

ANI
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Meghalaya: BJP releases election manifesto, 7th Pay Commission, women empowerment, senior citizen pensions on focus

 BJP national president JP Nadda on Wednesday released the manifesto for the upcoming Meghalaya Assembly polls in the state capital Shillong.

Elaborating on the manifesto titled ‘eMpowered Meghalaya’, Nadda said the ‘M’ in its name signifies “Modi for Meghalaya”. Speaking at the unveiling of the party’s poll pledges, the BJP national president said the potential of the Northeast state, which is rich in culture and tradition, hasn’t been suitably harnessed and utilised to date.

He said there is a lot to be done in the state as there is plenty of scope for development. “Corruption is also a major issue, which has posed a hindrance to the development of Meghalaya,” Nadda said. He added that the BJP wants to work towards a corruption-free Meghalaya by delivering strong governance.

He added that a strong Meghalaya could only be created by a strong BJP government.

“We need to raise visions of Mega Meghalaya, we have to think big. Speed, scale and skill, all have to come together if we are to take Meghalaya to its promised state,” the BJP national president said.

While stressing the importance of the state machinery in bringing these changes, he said it is also important for the people to be content with the administration.

“To ensure that this happens, we have promised in our manifesto to implement the 7th Pay Commission in Meghalaya and disburse salaries on time,” Nadda added.

The BJP will enhance the benefit under the Centre’s flagship ‘Kisan Samman Nidhi’ scheme by adding Rs 2,000 to the already allocated amount of Rs 6,000 annually.

“For women empowerment, we have promised to introduce the ‘Ka Phan Nonglait’ scheme for our mothers, sisters and daughters. It is named after the first freedom fighter in the Khasi Hills.

At the birth of a girl child, a bond of Rs 50,000 will be provided to the family and the child will be provided with free education from KG to PG, he said, adding that 2 free LPG cylinders would also be provided annually for the beneficiaries of the ‘Ujjawala’ scheme.

Special Economic Zones will be established for the empowerment of youth and many industrial units will be set up in the state to generate employment opportunities, he added.

A scheme to provide annual financial assistance of Rs 3,000 to landless farmers and an annual grant of Rs 6,000 for fishermen will also be implemented, if the BJP comes to power, Nadda said.

“In order to empower widows and single mothers, we will also launch a support scheme under which financial assistance of Rs 24,000 will be provided annually,” he added.

Pension for senior citizens will also be doubled, Nadda said, adding that income support would also be provided to women.

A Special Task Force, under the supervision of a retired Supreme Court judge, will also be formed to investigate all corruption cases in the state, Nadda said.

He added that the BJP will make Meghalaya a ‘peaceful, developed, and prosperous’ state.

Earlier, on Tuesday, Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien released their party’s manifesto for the Meghalaya polls, assuring implementation of all its poll promises within 100 days if it comes to power. Meghalaya will go to polls on February 27 along with Nagaland. The counting of votes, along with those of Tripura, will be done on March 2.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Fit for 55: EU approves proposal to ban petrol and diesel cars from 2035 onwards to ensure zero CO2 emissions in mobility

OpIndia Staff
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Fit for 55: EU approves proposal to ban petrol and diesel cars from 2035 onwards to ensure zero CO2 emissions in mobility

On Tuesday, February 14, the European Parliament approved a ban on new sales of carbon-emitting petrol and diesel cars by 2035 through a vote. The ban comes in an effort to accelerate the shift to electric vehicles and fight climate change. 

By 2035, the historic regulations will mandate automakers to achieve a 100% reduction in CO2 emissions from new sold vehicles, making it impossible to sell new fossil fuel-powered cars in the 27-nation bloc.

In addition, the law will set a far higher goal of a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions than the current aim of 37.5% for new automobiles sold from in 2030 compared to 2021 levels.

MEPs approved the agreement negotiated with the Council on revised CO2 emission performance standards for new vehicles and vans in line with the EU’s climate ambition with 340 votes in favor, 279 against, and 21 abstentions.

By 2030, CO2 emissions from automobiles are to be cut by 55% compared to levels in 2021, and those from vans are to be cut by 50%.

Up to the end of 2035, low-volume producers—those who produce between 1000 and 10,000 new cars or between 1000 and 22,000 new vans annually—may be excused from the regulations. After that, those who register less than 1000 brand-new automobiles each year will still be exempt.

The European Commission will introduce a technique by the year 2025 for calculating and reporting the lifetime CO2 emissions of new cars and vans. It will then provide a report every two years to assess the EU’s advancements toward zero-emissions road mobility.

Then, by December 2026, it will monitor the discrepancy between actual fuel and energy consumption data and the legally mandated emissions limitations; and develop a methodology for adjusting manufacturers’ specific CO2 emissions.

According to a statement from the EU Parliament, current incentives for automakers to sell more ZLEV or zero- and low-emission vehicles (0-50g/km of CO2) will be modified in accordance with sales trends. As the usage of battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles rises, these are expected to drop.

It is notable that in October last year, the European Union’s proposal to reach zero-emission road mobility by 2035 was approved by the member states. Now, after the final voting, the legislation will be sent to the Council of the European Union for approval which is likely to happen in March. 

Jan Huitema, the chief negotiator for the law in the EU Parliament stated that this legislation promotes the development of low- and zero-emission automobiles. To achieve climate neutrality by 2050, it comprises a zero-emission objective for 2035 as well as an ambitious modification of the 2030 targets. These goals bring clarity to the automotive sector and encourage investment and innovation among automakers.

“Purchasing and driving zero-emission cars will become cheaper for consumers and a second-hand market will emerge more quickly. It opens up sustainable driving to everyone,” Huitema said.

Fit for 55

As part of the “Fit for 55” initiative, the Commission presented a legislative proposal on July 14, 2021, to update the CO2 emission performance standards for new cars and light trucks. The proposal intends to benefit citizens, advance zero-emission technology innovation, and support the EU’s 2030 and 2050 climate goals.

With regard to a variety of policy areas and economic sectors, including climate, energy and fuels, transportation, buildings, land use, and forestry, “Fit for 55” aims to reinforce eight current pieces of law and introduces five new initiatives. The reason for the moniker is that the package is meant to put the Union on track to achieve its 2030 emission reduction target of a 55% decrease from 1990 levels.

According to Fit for 55, a separate Emissions Trading System (ETS) from the EU’s current ETS must be formed for buildings and road transportation, and it should start operating from 2026 onwards. ETS are market-based tools that incentivize the reduction of emissions in areas where these are quite cost-effective.

The EU proposes the establishment of a Social Climate Fund, which will take several forms, ranging from money for building renovations and access to low-carbon transportation to direct income support, to assist low-income residents and small companies in adapting to the new ETS. 

EU aims to utilize 25% of the revenue generated from the new ETS to finance the formation of this fund. Between 2023 and 2025, it is suggested that the current ETS be extended to the maritime sector.

Carbon border adjustment mechanism: The EU has proposed a carbon-border adjustment mechanism, which will charge imports from regions with carbon-intensive production processes in addition to other market-based mechanisms.

The phase-out of the free allowance distribution under the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) to encourage the decarbonization of the EU industry is coordinated with the progressive implementation of the CBAM.

With a three-year transition period, it will go into effect in October 2023 and, in its initial phase, will be applied to five important industries: iron and steel, aluminium, cement, fertilizers, and power.

The proposal from the Commission aims to enhance the sector’s contribution to the EU’s higher overall climate ambition. This sector includes land use, land-use change, and forestry (LULUCF).

EU aims to set an EU-level target for net removals of greenhouse gases of 310 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2030. Additionally, the ReFuelEU Aviation initiative seeks to lessen the environmental impact of the aviation industry.

Recently, Volkswagen announced it to manufacture electric vehicles only from 2033 onwards in Europe. Volkswagen chief executive Thomas Schaefer made this announcement in October last year. Volkswagen, however, does not aim to totally transition to electric drives in other sales regions, such as China or North America anytime soon.

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