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India signs two loan agreements, worth $231m and $10m, with Asian Development Bank

By
The Commune
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On December 30 2020, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India (GoI) signed a $231 million loan to augment electricity generation capacity in Assam through the construction of a 120 megawatts (MW) hydroelectric power plant. This is the third tranche loan for the ongoing Assam Power Sector Investment Programme that was approved by the ADB Board in July 2014. The programme, including its two previous tranches, focuses on enhancing capacity and efficiency of energy generation and distribution systems in Assam to improve electricity service to end-users.

The project is expected to add to Assam’s power generation capacity from clean hydroelectric source and improve electricity availability. Subsequently, this would lead to improved living conditions, promote business expansion, and increase employment opportunities in the state, besides reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed hydroelectric project over the Kopili river is expected to increase electricity supplied from clean energy by 469 gigawatthour (GWh) by 2025 and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 360,000 tons annually.

Part of the loan will be used for project capacity building of Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited (APGCL) on construction, operations and maintenance and safeguards. The project will finance APGCL’s enterprise resource planning system. It will also contribute to improving gender equity by enhancing the gender capacity of APGCL and improve women’s participation and contribution in training and community-led interventions.

A $2 million grant from the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (JFPR) is also associated with the project to finance equipment and consulting services to improve capacity for resource management and community resilience.

GoI and ADB also signed a $10 million Project Readiness Financing (PRF) to help finance piloting activities, and design and build capacity for an ensuing project that aims to expand horticulture production and farm household income in the hill state of Himachal Pradesh. This loan agreement comes under the ambit of the Himachal Subtropical Horticulture, Irrigation, and Value Addition Readiness Project.

By creating an enabling environment for subtropical horticulture development, i.e., cultivation of fruits and vegetables, in the state, the PRF project aims to ensure implementation-readiness with prior testing of new production technologies and marketing systems in a cost-effective and timely manner to enhance farm profitability.

The pilot activities supported by the PRF include establishment or rehabilitation of 16 irrigation schemes for water extraction, distribution and storage, developing 17 subtropical horticulture plots for ultra-high density production of selected fruits, fencing horticulture plots to protect crops from animal predation, and forming community horticulture production and marketing associations. These pilot activities will then be scaled up to be implemented in seven districts of Himachal Pradesh. The PRF also supports establishment of water user association (WUAs) on completed irrigation schemes and enhancing women’s participation.

The signatories to the agreements were Dr. C. S. Mohapatra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance and Mr. Hoe Yun Jeong, Officer-in-Charge of ADB’s India Resident Mission.

‘Either make money carrying ads or be loyal to the party’: DMK MP lashes out at Sun TV for carrying EPS’ ad

By
The Commune
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DMK MP from Dharmapuri Dr. Senthilkumar on December 30, lashed out at Sun TV for carrying an advertisement video that highlighted the AIADMK  government’s achievements.

The video released as part of AIADMK’s poll campaign listed out the significant achievements like acres of land irrigated through Kudimaramathu scheme, declaration of the delta districts as protected zone, being the number one state in roping in investments despite the pandemic, declaring that Tamil Nadu is on the march to success under Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami.

This ad which was released in social media as well as by several other TV channels was aired by Sun TV too, owned by Kalanithi Maran, elder brother of Dayanidhi Maran who is also the DMK MP from Chennai Central.

Following this, Sun TV became the punching bag for both DMK cadres as well as for the party’s critics.

DMK MP Senthilkumar too jumped the bandwagon and came down heavy on Sun Network for airing the ad of Edappadi K. Palaniswami. In a tweet he said “Either make money carrying Ads or Be loyal to DMK cadres”.

“Sun TV can be a big business empire but Kalaignar’s [Karunanidhi’s] siblings and our Thalapathy’s [Stalin’s] millions of grassroots volunteers will not take this lightly.”, he added in another tweet.

Responding to tweet of another twitter user, the DMK MP also said “Let Sun TV will declare that it has nothing to do with the DMK or have no expectations from the party. Then they can broadcast ads like this”.

Due to rising global demand, India commences export of Moringa powder

By
The Commune
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In a bid to promote Moringa (botanical name Moringa oleifera) products exports from India, APEDA has been supporting private entities in creating necessary infrastructure.Two tonne of organic certified Moringa powder were sent to the United States through air consignment on 29th December, 2020. The event was flagged off by Dr. M. Angamuthu Chairman, APEDA, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India.

One of the APEDA registered exporter from Telangana, M/s Medikonda Nutrients has been supported to start the export activities in a planned manner. The company has 240 hectare of Moringa plantation which includes land owned by the company and contract farming entered under the certified organic status of the produce. The company plans to export around 40 metric tonne of Moringa leaves powder to USA.The company has set up Moringa products processing unit in Gongloor Village, Pulkal Mondal Sangareddy district of Telangana. APEDA has been constantly facilitating the budding exporter for enhancing the Moringa exports from India.

With more Moringa processing units being created through support of APEDA, the exports would be increasing in the next few years which would bring benefits to the farmers.Moringa has been used for centuries due to its medicinal properties and health benefits in various forms.Globally, the demand for Moringa products, such as Moringa Leaf Powder and Moringa Oil, has been witnessing healthy growth. Moreover, international organizations and institutions are exploring the best ways on how to use Moringa as a nutritional supplement and in food fortification. There are several species of Moringa across the world. Its usage has been well received among the global consumers for its nutritional, medicinal, culinary uses.

(Published from PIB)

Under ‘Mera Gaon, Mera Gaurav’ Programme ICAR helping villages for disposing garbage

By
The Commune
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ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute observed Swachhta Pakhwada from 16th to 31st December. As part of this program, tree planting, removal of old files, removal of obsolete furniture and junk material, cleanliness and sanitation drive within campuses, residential colonies, and common market places were done. Dr. E. B. Chakurkar, Director  ICAR-CCARI briefed the media today on various activities carried out during the Swachhta Pakhwada.

Under the ICAR’s initiative ‘Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav’, Cleanliness drive was carried out in Ibrampur, Veling and Parra villages. On this occasion, guidance to Village Panchayats were given on biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste disposal. They are also being assisted in producing compost from waste. Vermi-compost bags to 25 farmers from these villages were handed over on Kisan Diwas.  Decomposition of waste is not only environment-friendly but also can be a wealth generator, said Dr. Chakurkar.

Due to COVID-19, now everyone understands the importance of cleanliness and hygiene, said Dr. Chakurkar. Administrative Officer Shri Somnath informed that ICAR-CCARI is now 90% paperless office and looking for complete digitalization records. Shri Vinod Ubarhande, Senior Technical Officer demonstrated the segregation of waste and preparation of vermi- compost. Senior Technical Officer Shri Rahul Kulkarni moderated the press conference and proposed vote of thanks.

(Published from PIB)

Nine foreign nations from Southeast Asia and Africa interested in buying Akash missile systems

By
The Commune
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The Akash air missile defence system platform developed by the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) has now been saught by nine foreign nations from Southeast Asia and Africa, ANI reports.

Akash is a surface-to-air missile and has a range of 25 kilometres and was inducted in the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2014 and was inducted by the Indian Army in 2015.

“Besides Akash, there is interest coming in other major platforms like Coastal Surveillance System, Radars and Air platforms. To provide faster approvals for export of such platforms, a Committee comprising of Raksha Mantri, External Affairs Minister and National Security Advisor has been created,” the Ministry of Defence revealed through an official statement.

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there has been a concerted effort to sell weapons to foreign nations and be part of this lucrative industry and to meet the target of $5 billion worth of defence export.

At the same time such sales also improve bilatral relations with other nations and there is also more security cooporation. 

To ensure more orders are placed in the future, a high powered committee comprising of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has been formed to authorise the sale of major indigenous platforms to multiple countries.

Stalin’s top gems in 2020

By
The Commune
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MK Stalin DMK land scam

There was a time when crowds thronged DMK’s public rallies just to hear the late leader Kalaignar Karunanidhi’s speech. Such was his eloquence and command over the language with the words just flowing from his mouth like a stream.

On the other hand, his political heir M.K. Stalin who refers to chits while speaking is known for committing faux pas that has become a fodder for netizens to unleash their creativity.

Here are the some of the faux pas uttered by the DMK chief in 2020:

1) Stalin while addressing a pressmeet urged the Tamil Nadu Governor to release Perarivalan and 6 other convicts of the Rajiv Gandhi assassination in an ‘inhumane’ (manidhaabimaanam atra) manner.

2) Attempting to comment on the relocation of the Salem Sevvaipettai Lorry Market, the DMK chief struggled hard to even complete the sentence.

3) While trying to criticize the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister when lorries were arranged to deliver water for people living in Chennai, the DMK leader said “Why bring lorry in a water?” instead of “Why bring water in a lorry?”.

4) Addressing the DMK cadres of Tenkasi and Tirunelveli as part of the “Tamizhagam Meetpom” virtual campaign, the DMK chief said “When India was enslaved… the warrior who stood against the British forces – Kaathappa Puli Thevan was born in this land. Not 1 or 2 years, for 17 years the warrior palayakaarar (poligar) who fought the British… was Puli Thevan. Historians say that the first phase of Indian Freedom Struggle was started in 1975 by Puli Thevan”.

5)  Recently, while talking about the central government’s allocation of funds for disaster relief, he said, “When the Tamil Nadu government asked for 5249 crores for the damages caused by Thane cyclone, the BJP government gave only ₹500” However, during this period it was the UPA coalition that was in power with DMK being one of the alliance partner.

6) When the COVID period was at its peak, the DMK chief said that the virus originated in Tamil Nadu.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1281650160343191552

7) In another of his virtual campaign, Stalin struggled to say ‘flood affected areas’ in Tamil.

https://twitter.com/cozhanli/status/1339870654498131968

8) DMK leader Stalin, who spoke at a meeting held another ‘Tamizhagam Meetpom’ campaign was speaking about his times as Chennai Mayor. Instead of saying “Singara Chennai” he said “Chennai Chinnaiya …. Singi … Singara Chinnai … Chiru …. ..Singara should be made Chennai “.

9) While speaking at a meeting against the farmer empowerment acts, the DMK chief struggled to say paddy procurement in Tamil.

https://twitter.com/natrajbai/status/1312255652316811266

With the election season approaching and the party’s campaigns picking up, good times are ahead for meme creators!

Kerala: Syro Malabar Church declares marriage between Catholic woman and Muslim man invalid

By
The Commune
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A three-member church inquiry committee in Kerala has declared an interfaith marriage solemnised by the Syro Malabar Church between a Catholic woman and a Muslim man, invalid, Times of India has reported.

According to the committee ruling, there were serious lapses by two senior priests when they conducted the marriage and now both the priests stand censured. 

The committee concluded that the marriage which took place on November 9 did not follow canon law.

“The commission collected details from the priests and bishops of Irinjalakkuda and Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese and submitted a report to the major archbishop. It stated that the marriage did not follow Canon law and was hence invalid”, a senior Syro Malabar Church priest was quoted saying in a report.

The Syro Malabar Church is a very powerful and influential organisation in Kerala and now a probe in this matter has been ordered after objections were raised over the clergy encouraging interfaith marriages.

It must also be noted that the cases of love Jihad were first raised by Christian clergy in Kerala due to number of Christain girls marrying Muslim men. 

Having a Biblical name, going to Church, attending Christian Gospel conventions does not make one Christian: Andhra HC

By
The Commune
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A petition that was filed against Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy in the Andhra Pradesh High Court was dismissed where the petitioner had claimed the CM who is a practicing Christian had visited the visit to Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanams without sufficient declaration.

While dismissing the petition the High Court observed that “Merely attending the Christian Gospel conventions and attending the prayers in Churches, one cannot be considered as a Christian”.

The High Court also made it very clear that a person cannot be called Christian if they read the Bible or have a crucifix in the house and one also does not become a Christian by having a Biblical name or by attending a church sermon.

“Does one become a “Christian” just by having a biblical name or just by attending a Church sermon? Can one be called as a ‘Christian’ just because they read the Bible or have the Crucifix in their house? Admittedly, the answer will be negative”, the High Court said.

The High Court also held that it is part of the State tradition where a serving Chief Minister presents the ‘Pattu Vastralu’ to the deity. 

“In the opinion of this Court, he entered into the Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam’s temples, in the capacity of the Chief Minister of the State, as a representative of the people of the state, and as such, he need not submit a declaration as provided under Rule 136 of the Rules.”, the Court held. 

There are extensive reports in the past that Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) centred around CM Jagan Mohan Reddy and his late father former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy is devout Christian family. Jagan’s brother-in-law Anil Kumar is a powerful televangelist with his own ministries.

Allegations have been made that ever since this devout Christian family-centred YSRCP came to power, the evangelical organisations are using the power of the state in carrying out mass conversions and are subsidised by the state with Hindu taxpayers’ money for it.

Also, ever since Jagan Mohan Reddy became CM, the number of attacks on Hindu temples have increased at an alarming rate and so far no one has been caught. 

BBMP ditches move to name roads after Muslim personalities after BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, others object

By
The Commune
-

The Bengaluru Brihat Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has ditched its controversial proposal to name eleven crossroads in ward no. 135 Padarayanapura, Bengaluru after Muslim leaders. This scrapping of the proposal comes after objections from Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya, Uttara Kannada MP Anantkumar Hegde and Bengaluru Central MP PC Mohan.

On September 8, BJP councilors under then Mayor M Gautham Kumar had unanimously passed a resolution to name crossroads in the minority-dominated locality after Muslim leaders. Objecting against this move, Uttara Kannada MP Anantkumar Hegde wrote to the BBMP, stating that recommending only the names of Muslim leaders was “not appropriate” and that this was “nothing but promotion of one particular community”.

“Such a decision taken by BBMP would also promote one particular community, which will create different scenes in other corporations and town panchayats where Hindus are in a majority, and the outcome of similar decisions cannot be imagined. Hence, it will be appropriate for BBMP to name such streets after freedom-fighters and national leaders who have fought for the country, which will also bring pride to Padarayanapura”, the letter went on to state.

Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya too sent a letter to the BBMP, demanding that the proposal be dropped. Expressing concern that any such move would lead to communal tensions, he stated in his letter that the measure “reeks of the same communal mentality of the two-nation theory and the Muslim League’s demand of separate electorates.”

Within hours the BBMP withdrew the proposal, citing the objections by the three MPs and one private citizen.

Respond, Not React: Sadhguru’s New Year message for COVID-hit world

By
The Commune
-
isha sadhguru

As we turn the page on 2020, the year of the COVID-19 pandemic, and many lessons learned, Sadhguru’s message for the New Year is not to let despair and hardship come in the way of our efforts to preserve the ecosystem for the future. The Indian yogi, mystic and founder of the Isha Foundation also said that with conscious and responsible action we can move forward from the pandemic.

“The year 2020 will inevitably leave an indelible mark upon this generation for its ability to turn life upside down for all. Looking back at what the last century has been in terms of wars, pandemics and natural calamities, the first twenty years of the 21st century have been a blessing. In the midst of disastrous ecological signs unfolding, when all our efforts should be focused upon preserving the ecosystem for future generations, the viral pandemic is throwing all out of gear,” said Sadhguru in a statement to the media.

“But this pandemic, as disruptive as it is, is still a softball. With conscious and responsible action from the citizens, it can be put to rest. Human ability to respond rather than react is the solution, not only to duck the pandemic but to create new possibilities of a more civilized and sustainable world. Of course, there is a distance between possibilities and reality. In the coming year, may all of us have the Courage, Commitment and the Consciousness to make better Humans of ourselves and, in turn, a better world. Despair is not the way forward but Dedication to create what matters to all life is. Much love & Blessings,” Sadhguru added.

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The Commune is a news and views portal focusing on social and political issues of the southern part of India with a focus on Tamil Nadu.
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