India's political landscape is ablaze with activity! From the ongoing debates surrounding the new farm bills and their impact on rural India, to the upcoming state elections shaping the national narrative, the stakes couldn't be higher. Key political figures are maneuvering strategically, with alliances shifting and power dynamics constantly in flux. The opposition's challenge to the ruling party is intensifying, sparking vigorous debates on crucial policy matters including economic reforms and social justice initiatives. Parliamentary proceedings are filled with heated exchanges, reflecting the deep divisions within the nation. This evolving political climate directly impacts the lives of every Indian citizen, influencing everything from economic opportunities to social welfare programs. Stay informed about the latest developments in Indian politics, from crucial legislative decisions to grassroots movements, by exploring Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and breaking news updates. Understanding the intricacies of our political system is crucial; stay engaged, stay informed, and stay ahead.
New Delhi: Courses, modules and skill development programmes on disaster resilience need to become part of higher education, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday at a two-day conference, organized by Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure in Nice, France, laying down five key areas for disaster preparedness. "Including disaster resilience in higher education will help build a skilled workforce that can tackle future challenges. Secondly, many countries face disasters and rebuild with resilience. A global digital repository of their learnings and best practices would be beneficial," Modi said, in his video address. Thirdly, disaster resilience requires innovative financing, Modi emphasised. "We must design actionable programmes and ensure developing nations have access to finance," he said. "Fourth: We consider Small Island Developing States as Large Ocean Countries. Due to their vulnerability, they deserve special attention," Modi said adding: "Fifth: Strengthening early warning systems and coordination is crucial. This helps timely decisions and effective last-mile communication. I am sure that discussions in this conference will consider these aspects. Let us build infrastructure that stands firm against time and tide. Let us build a strong and resilient future for the world." The CDRI conference is taking place in Nice ahead of the Third UN Ocean Conference in which resilience of coastal areas will also be discussed. "The theme of this conference is 'Shaping a Resilient Future for Coastal Regions'. Coastal regions and islands are at great risk due to natural disasters and climate change. In recent times, we saw: Cyclone Remal in India and Bangladesh, Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean, Typhoon Yagi in South-east Asia, Hurricane Helene in the United States, Typhoon Usagi in Philippines and Cyclone Chido in parts of Africa. Such disasters caused damage to lives and property," Modi said. Further he recalled: "India also experienced this pain during the super-cyclone of 1999 and the tsunami of 2004. We adapted and rebuilt, factoring in resilience. Cyclone shelters were constructed across vulnerable areas. We also helped build a tsunami warning system for 29 countries." CDRI is working with 25 Small Island Developing States. Resilient homes, hospitals, schools, energy, water security and early warning systems are being built. Given the theme of this conference, I am glad to see friends from the Pacific, Indian Ocean and the Caribbean here. Further, I am happy that the African Union has also joined the CDRI, he said. With approximately 37% of the global population residing within 100 km of the coast, contributing around $1.5 trillion to the annual global GDP, and 90% of global goods transported by sea, strengthening coastal resilience is now a global priority, CDRI said. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, said, "We need a global push to unlock the resources required to bolster climate adaptation for the vulnerable regions, especially for small islands and low-lying coastal areas. For us, climate-resilient infrastructure is a question of survival." David WR Adeang, President of the Republic of Nauru said, "This conference is an opportunity to move from dialogue to delivery. Let us work together to ensure no nation and no community is left behind in building a future that is not only resilient but fair, inclusive, and sustainable." Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda said: "Resilient infrastructure is not just a policy option -- it is a necessity for survival. We believe that resilience begins not at the shoreline but in the minds and systems we build." The 54-member global coalition, CDRI, said it is committed to advancing climate and disaster resilient infrastructure across Africa. Other announcements include the awarding of research grants for 53 projects spanning 21 countries, as well as a call to action for accelerating infrastructure resilience in small island nations. In a separate event in Geneva, M Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology, India Meteorological Department (IMD), was awarded the United Nations Sasakawa Award 2025 for Disaster Risk Reduction on Friday. The award was conferred for minimising deaths due to any cyclone over the north Indian Ocean region, not only in India, but also in 13 World Meteorological Organisation member countries bordering the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
Story so far: India celebrated its 75th year of adoption of its Constitution on Tuesday (November 26, 2024) with President Droupadi Murmu addressing a joint session of parliament. While the Constitution of India hits its diamond jubilee this year, event commemorating is as 'Constitution Day' was started only in 2015. Prior to this, it was called 'National Law Day' -- first initiated by former Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Laxmi Mall Singhvi in 1979. "The Indian Constitution is a live, progressive document," said Ms. Murmu adding, "I urge all citizens to imbibe the constitutio ...Read More >
Chennai Rain: A low-pressure area over the Southeast Bay of Bengal has developed into a deep depression, according to latest report from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This weather system is moving west-northwest and is expected to approach the Sri Lanka-Tamil Nadu coast within the next 24 hours. The IMD has indicated that the low-pressure system is currently crossing Sri Lanka, particularly near Rameswaram and Thoothukudi in the Gulf of Mannar. Consequently, Tamil Nadu experienced heavy rainfall overnight on December 11. As the system continues its journey into the Arabian Sea, i ...Read More >
Khordha (Odisha) [India], December 15 (ANI): A severe cold wave gripped northern Odisha on Sunday, with the Mayurbhanj in the northern part of the State bearing the brunt of the intense chill with Ramatirtha area in the district recording as low as -10 degrees Celsius. According to the Forest Department, temperatures while other areas such as Gurguria and Barehipani recorded 6 degrees Celsius, Chahala 4 degrees Celsius, Nawana -5 degrees Celsius, and Upper Baraha Kamuda (UBK) -3 degrees Celsius. Also Read | CAT 2024 Results: IIM Calcutta Likely To Release CAT 2024 Results Today at iimcat.ac. ...Read More >
CoinEx Charity's Starlink Program, under its "Bridge to Hope" initiative, has launched its first Starlink unit in the Philippines, aiming to bring high-speed satellite internet to remote areas. The first deployment in EB Magalona, Negros Occidental, enhances access to education, economic opportunities, and essential services. Mayor Marvin Malacon highlighted plans for educational seminars on blockchain and cryptocurrency. CoinEx Charity, established in 2022, focuses on global charitable efforts, while CoinEx, a leading crypto exchange, offers user-friendly trading services to over 10 million u ...Read More >
In this edition of Frontline Conversations, former Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare discusses how the Ladki Bahin scheme, which provided direct cash transfers to 2.35 crore women, transformed both the economic landscape and political dynamics of the State. The programme, which distributed Rs.7,500 across five instalments to women earning less than Rs. 2.5 lakh annually, not only empowered women with financial independence but also proved to be a decisive factor in Mahayuti's electoral victory, marking a shift in Maharashtra's traditionally male-dominated political ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 3 (ANI): On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the World Health Organisation (WHO) South-East Asia Region has called for amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities to foster an inclusive and sustainable future. WHO's Regional Director, Saima Wazed, stressed that empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring their active participation in all sectors is essential to addressing the barriers they face, particularly in healthcare and during humanitarian crises. Also Read | South Korea Unrest: Martial Law Troops Enter Nat ...Read More >
ess than 24 hours after he asserted in Nigeria's Abuja that stepping out of the comfort zone, innovating and creating new paths has now become the very essence of today's India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday told the gathering of world's most influential leaders converged in Rio de Janeiro for the G20 Summit that the main reason for India's success lies in his government's 'back to basics' and 'march to the future' approach. Addressing the G20 session on 'Social Inclusion and the Fight Against Hunger and Poverty' at the bayside museum of modern art during the two-day 19th G20 Summit, ...Read More >
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India] November 18 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party MP K Laxman slammed Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, accusing the Congress party of 'misleading' people. He further said that the people of Maharashtra know "how to teach a lesson" to Congress. "Revanth Reddy as a CM of Telangana and as a Congress leader is misleading the public. Maharashtra people are clever enough they know how to teach a lesson to these Congress people and Revanth Reddy you will come to know what has happened in Haryana that is going to be repeated in Maharashtra, and Jharkhand also," K Laxman ...Read More >
The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition is now gearing up for a national protest after losing Maharashtra state elections. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, which suffered a crushing defeat in last week's Maharashtra state elections, is now gearing up for a national protest against the credibility of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), which it blames for its loss. The MVA, led by the Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction), and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) (led by Sharad Pawar), is planning to challenge the use of EVMs in court and demand a return to ballot paper voting. Fo ...Read More >
The overall development of the country is not possible without the development of agriculture and farmers. The nation's economy can be strengthened by the development of agriculture, fishery production, and livestock, President Droupadi Murmu said on Thursday. Gracing the convocation ceremony of the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology at Bhubaneswar, she said agriculture is facing new challenges such as natural disasters, adverse effects of climate change, decreasing per capita farm ...Read More >
Chennai,Tamil Nadu - A deep depression forming over the Southeast Bay of Bengal is set to bring heavy rainfall to Tamil Nadu,with Chennai expected to see showers until Thursday night. the system,which intensified from a low-pressure area,is predicted to move west-northwest,crossing Sri Lanka near Rameswaram and Thoothukudi before entering the Gulf of Mannar. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an update stating that the depression is likely to move further into the Arabian Sea, passing thru the Delta and southern Tamil Nadu regions. This will result in continued rainfall acr ...Read More >
The escalating conflict could upset a hard-fought consensus that G20 negotiators reached around 5 a.m. on Sunday, after an overnight push to ready the joint statement for final review by leaders arriving in Rio. That preliminary consensus after six days of negotiations included streamlined language about global conflicts including the war in Ukraine, focusing on the need to negotiate peace rather than criticism of any participants. However, sources said even that "simpler" consensus may now be up for reconsideration following the Russian air strike and the prospect of further escalation. Un ...Read More >
Heavy rains across Tamil Nadu have led to school closures in several districts, including Chennai, on Thursday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert, predicting moderate rains and light thunderstorms in parts of the state. Rainfall figures show significant precipitation in multiple areas. Meanwhile, Northern India braces for a cold wave beginning December 9, with the IMD forecasting plunging temperatures in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.Schools acros ...Read More >
According to Indian Express, Bidar, Vijayapura, Bijapur, and Kalburgi are likely to experience severe cold wave conditions, with temperatures falling to 6-7°C, far below the seasonal norm of 12-13°C for December. Meanwhile, Yadgir, Raichur, and Bagalkot will see minimum temperatures around 10°C, a significant dip from their usual 14-15°C, the report added. In South Interior Karnataka, temperatures will likely fall by 2-3°C below normal for the next three days, with Bengaluru also witnessing ...Read More >
Chennai ( Tamil Nadu) [India], November 27 (ANI): As a deep depression in the southwest Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclone and move towards Tamil Nadu, the Indian Coast Guard has started coordinating with the state agencies to ensure seafarers' safety. The ICG said that its ships, aircraft and radar stations issued advisories for fishing boats to return to the harbour. "Deep Depression in the #BayofBengal likely to intensify into a cyclone and move towards #Tamilnadu, as per #IMD. @IndiaCoastGuard Region HQs (East) is coordinating with state agencies to ensure seafarers' saf ...Read More >
As the December 1 deadline nears, delegates from 175 countries gather in South Korea to draft a global treaty aimed at tackling plastic pollution. The U.N. Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee's final session focuses on creating binding regulations to manage plastic products and establish financial support for developing countries. Key issues include setting a global target to reduce plastic production and securing funds from wealthier nations. With differing views on production caps, the discussions highlight the urgent need for solutions to combat plastic pollution and transition towards ...Read More >
Mumbai, Dec 5 (PTI) BJP legislature party leader Devendra Fadnavis will be sworn-in as the new chief minister of Maharashtra on Thursday evening at a grand ceremony here to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other dignitaries. Fadnavis, who would be occupying the CM's post for the third time, along with two deputy chief ministers will take the oath of office, BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar told reporters, adding that other members of the cabinet will take oath later. Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde are expected to take oath as ...Read More >
Heavy rains lashed Thoothukudi and surrounding areas in Tamil Nadu on Sunday, causing severe waterlogging in several localities. The IMD predicts the formation of a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, which is expected to intensify and move towards the Tamil Nadu coast, bringing further rainfall across the state in the coming days.Several parts of Thoothukudi and adjoining areas witnessed severe waterlogging on Sunday as heavy rains continued to lash parts of Tamil Nadu. Visuals showed water ...Read More >
Still, the ongoing U.N. climate talks have thrown a spotlight on their efforts to tackle global warming. While the COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, is tasked with agreeing a goal to mobilize hundreds of billions of dollars for climate, leaders of the Group of 20 major economies half a world away in Rio are holding the purse strings. G20 countries account for 85% of the world's economy and are the largest contributors to multilateral development banks helping to steer climate finance. "The spotlight is naturally on the G20. They account for 80 percent of global emissions," U.N. Secretary Ge ...Read More >
PUDUCHERRY: With the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) heavy rain forecast for Puducherry, the UT government has ramped up its preparedness to mitigate the impact, including uninterrupted electricity and drinking water supplies, evacuating residents from low-lying areas, and setting up relief camps. Puducherry experienced 7.69 cm of rainfall Karaikal received 9.6 cm of rainfall in the past 24 hours. After visiting several areas in the UT to assess the situation, Chief Minister N Rangasamy convened an emergency meeting with Public Works Minister Lakshminarayanan, Collector A Kulothungan ...Read More >
Biocon Biologics, in collaboration with Diabetes Africa and St Paul’s Hospital in Ethiopia, has launched the Embedding Specialist Nurses in Diabetes Care project. The initiative focuses on training nurses to become diabetes specialists to address the country’s growing diabetes crisis. With Ethiopia ranking among the top countries in sub-Saharan Africa for diabetes prevalence, this project aims to integrate diabetes care into primary healthcare, enhancing accessibility and care quality. By upskilling nurses and establishing a structured pathway for them, the program seeks to improve diabetes ma ...Read More >
Mumbai, Dec 3 (PTI) Maharashtra's caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday visited a private hospital in Thane for a "check-up," two days before a new CM is sworn in at an open ground ceremony in south Mumbai. Even as it is not known yet who would take oath as chief minister at Azad Maidan on the evening of December 5, preparations are in full swing for the ceremony, to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, about 2,000 VVIPs and some 40,000 supporters. Shinde, who had been staying at his private residence in Thane for the last few days, visited the hospital in the morning. "I ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 15 (ANI): A friendly cricket match between Parliamentarians under Rajya Sabha Chairman XI and Lok Sabha Speaker XI is being played at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on Sunday. BJP MP Anurag Thakur captained Lok Sabha Speaker XI while Union Minister Kiren Rijiju led Rajya Sabha Chairman XI. The friendly affair has been named 'TB Mukt Bharat awareness cricket match'. Speaking to ANI, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju says, "Several of our MP colleagues have come here. With the mantra of fitness...this event has been scheduled to fill people with vigour through sports. ...Read More >
ABUJA, Nov 17: Nigeria on Sunday conferred its second-highest national award - the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger - on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, making him the second foreign dignitary to receive the distinction. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp "Honoured to be conferred with the 'Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger' Award by Nigeria. I accept it with great humility and dedicate it to the 140 crore people of India and the friendship of India and Nigeria," Modi said after receiving the award from Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Click here to watch vid ...Read More >
Chennai (Tamil Nadu): In the latest update relating to cyclone Fengal, colleges and schools in Tamil Nadu shall remain closed, said reports on Wednesday. The education institutions shall be closed in as many as six districts, said reports. According to further reports, nine districts of the state have been put on high alert as the IMD (India Meteorological Department) has predicted heavy rainfall due to possible cyclonic storm in the Bay Of Bengal due to cyclone Fengal. Reports said that schools in Tamil Nadu are closed in the following districts namely: Chennai, Kanchipuram, Chengalpet, Ari ...Read More >
Bengaluru Weather Update: A week after the rains from Cyclone Fengal subsided, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow advisory for Bengaluru and the nearby areas on Wednesday. Another four days of rain is predicted to begin on Wednesday in Bengaluru and the surrounding districts of southern Karnataka. IMD forecasted that a low-pressure system would form over the Bay of Bengal, resulting in widespread moderate rainfall over Karnataka. A yellow alert has been issued for several districts until December 13, including Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Chitradurga, Kolar, and Ra ...Read More >
New Delhi, November 27, 2024: The Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development (CESD), SIST, Jamia Hamdard, organized a thought-provoking lecture on "Climate Change and Green Transition: Global Impact on Natural Disasters and their Management" on 25 November 2024. The event was part of CESD's ongoing initiatives to promote awareness and action on critical environmental issues. Professor (Dr.) M. Z. Abdin, Director of CESD, delivered the welcome address and introductory remarks, setting the stage for the session. He emphasized the urgency of transitioning to green energy and sustainable ...Read More >
Odisha experienced light showers on Friday as a deep depression formed over the southwest Bay of Bengal. Bhubaneswar, preparing for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, saw drizzles and extensive cloud cover due to the developing weather system. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted light rain in districts like Balasore, Bhadrak, and Cuttack until Saturday morning. While the depression is moving north-northwest and is expected to cross the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts with winds of 55-65 kmph, the IMD confirmed it poses no direct threat to Odisha, though rain could occur due to ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 3 (ANI): Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday expressed her sorrow over the havoc wreaked by Cyclone Fengal in south India including Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Offering her condolences to those who lost their loved ones, Vadra appealed to the Congress workers to work with the administration in relief work amid the crisis. "Deeply saddened by the devastation caused by Cyclone Fengal in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. My prayers are with those who have lost loved ones and those facing immense loss and hardship. I appeal to all Congress workers to join hands with ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 3 (ANI): The Delhi High Court has issued a notice in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the alleged unlawful construction of Urban Extension Road II through the village pond land in Goyla Khurd, located in the Southwest District of Delhi. The construction, which took place between 2018 and 2024, is visible in Google satellite images and raises concerns about the loss of natural resources crucial for environmental sustainability, especially as the city grapples with pollution, heatwaves, groundwater depletion, and climate change, plea stated ...Read More >