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CSI Karimnagar diocese Bishop Reuben Mark elected moderator
CSI Karimnagar diocese Bishop Reuben Mark elected moderator

The Hindu

time14 hours ago

  • Politics
  • The Hindu

CSI Karimnagar diocese Bishop Reuben Mark elected moderator

Rev. K. Reuben Mark, Bishop of Church of South India (CSI) Karimnagar diocese and in-charge Bishop of CSI Medak diocese, has been elected as the moderator of CSI Synod on Monday (July 21, 2025). A special session of the CSI Synod held in Chennai saw his election, being regarded as a milestone in the CSI Church's history. The special session of the Synod, convened on Monday (July 21, 2025), was dedicated to the theme 'Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation and Unity'. Justice V. Bharathidasan, the election officer, announced the results. It may be mentioned here that the Madras High Court had in April 2024 appointed two of its retired judges as the Committee of Administrators to administer the CSI as well as the CSI Trust Association until the conduct of fresh elections for the Diocesan Councils and the Synod. A Division Bench of Justices R. Subramanian and R. Sakthivel had appointed former judges R. Balasubramanian and V. Bharathidasan as administrators and directed them to take charge of the administration of CSI and CSI Trust Association with immediate effect. The CSI Synod is the highest administrative body of the CSI, overseeing and coordinating the activities of the entire denomination. It is the governing body of the CSI, that comprises clergy and lay representatives from all dioceses. The CSI Synod consists of bishops of 24 dioceses, presbyters and layman (both men and women) who are elected from the respective diocesan councils to the synod. The election of Rev. Reuben Mark as moderator is expected to usher in a new era for the CSI, aligning with the synod's focus on these core principles. B. Vimal Sukumar will be the honorary treasurer of the Synod making him the key financial officer of the CSI that includes managing the Synod's finances, budgeting, reporting and ensuring financial compliance and stability. C. Fernandas Rathina Raja has been elected general secretary of the CSI Synod.

Joy, hope and life lessons at Mandela Day camp at The Mercury Children's Holiday Home
Joy, hope and life lessons at Mandela Day camp at The Mercury Children's Holiday Home

IOL News

timea day ago

  • Entertainment
  • IOL News

Joy, hope and life lessons at Mandela Day camp at The Mercury Children's Holiday Home

Independent Newspapers CSI manager Sameera Kareem, centre, Nishi Naidoo, manager of The Mercury Hibberdene Children's Holiday Home celebrate Mandela Day with some of the children who attended a two-day camp. Picture: Doctor Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers Image: Doctor Ngcobo Independent Newspapers CHILDREN from a church group were given a life-changing experience when they spent two nights at The Mercury Hibberdene Children's Holiday Home as part of this year's Mandela Day celebrations. Sherlock Sithole, who facilitates life skills at the home, said the initiative was more than just a holiday camp. 'I plan programmes for visiting children's schools, churches or orphanages. We provide activities and recreational programmes that will help them deal with challenges, but also to be entertained and sensitised, given the fact that all children have different challenges, but each one of them is able in a different way,' he said. Sithole said the holiday home hosts three free camps a year during the Easter, winter and December holidays. 'Today we were hosting a group from Mthwalume and Pietermaritzburg. It was a wonderful experience just to give these children a pleasant holiday experience and also to speak to them about the significance of Mandela Day,' he said. Sameera Kareem, Independent Media's CSI manager, said: 'What an unforgettable time we had at The Mercury Hibberdene Children's Holiday Home! We were thrilled to sponsor and host the incredible youth group from I Am Church for a two-night stay packed with fun, laughter and heartfelt moments. As part of our Mandela Day celebrations, we rolled out a jam-packed day of activities. 'We also took time to reflect on the true spirit of Mandela Day, engaging in meaningful conversations with the kids about kindness, giving back and the legacy of Madiba himself. 'A huge shoutout goes to our fantastic donors and sponsors; your generosity made this all possible. Special thanks to Polar Ice Cream for the cool treats that lit up everyone's faces and to Baking Pan for the scrumptious cake that was the cherry on top of an amazing day.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Children from a church group were given a life-changing experience when they spent two nights at The Mercury Hibberdene Children's Holiday Home as part of this year's Mandela Day celebrations. Image: Doctor Ngcobo Independent Newspapers Kevin Chetty, a pastor from the International Association of Missions, which brought the group of children from Pietermaritzburg, said working with young people had always been at the centre of their ministry. Chetty said the opportunity to partner with the holiday home was 'about changing destinies'. 'A young boy told me yesterday, I was talking to him while he was in the pool and he said it was the first time he had jumped into a swimming pool. He's six years old. That just blessed my heart,' he said. 'We're changing destinies, adding atmosphere, experiences and dreams. Later on, they must not look at someone else and think, 'I don't deserve that.' They must feel they do.' Chetty said initiatives like these must continue beyond Mandela Day. 'We have too many people complaining. It doesn't take anything to take one step forward. A house is built one brick at a time. If we can change one child's destiny at a time, we don't know... that one child could be the next rocket scientist.' Pastor Judith Chetty said she was moved to see children being treated with such care and dignity by The Mercury Hibberdene Children's Holiday Home staff. 'It is everything they could ever dream of and we're not doing it, we're watching it get done,' she said. 'I lift my hat for the love and dedication they have. Every activity had a life skill, how to believe in themselves (and) how to stand up for themselves. Everything here has been like that.' THE MERCURY

Celebrating Mandela Day at Ingane Yami Children's Village
Celebrating Mandela Day at Ingane Yami Children's Village

IOL News

time2 days ago

  • General
  • IOL News

Celebrating Mandela Day at Ingane Yami Children's Village

DOING IT FOR MADIBA: Sameera Kareem (CSI Manager & Project Coordinator) Sushie Munsamy (CSI Assistant) Tracy Meeske (Village Manager) with children from the Ingane Yami Children's Village in Shongweni, a recipient of the Daily News Milk Fund's ongoing milk and porridge distribution initiative Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Media In the spirit of Nelson Mandela's enduring legacy, The Daily News Milk Fund spent Mandela Day at a place that reflected the very heart of his vision, Ingane Yami Children's Village. Nestled in the lush Shongweni Valley, Ingane Yami – meaning 'My Child' in isiZulu, is not just a children's home, but a permanent, loving village for orphaned and vulnerable children. The village consists of individual homes, each led by a dedicated foster mother who cares for six children, creating a nurturing family environment where dignity, healing, and hope are restored. This Mandela Day, The Daily News Milk Fund chose to spend our 67 minutes by visiting this inspiring village, which is also proudly one of the beneficiaries on our ongoing milk and porridge distribution list. As part of the day's visit, we were honoured to donate essential food items such as rice and sugar, small tokens that we hope will go a long way in their daily lives. We were also thrilled to treat the children to ice cream, kindly sponsored by *Polar Ice Cream*, whose generosity brought wide smiles to little faces. To make the day even more memorable, each child received a goodie bag filled with treats and love; a small gesture to remind them just how cherished they are. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Ingane Yami is more than just a shelter – it is a thriving, growing village built on a dream that took shape in 2009. It began as a vision in the hearts of Yvonne and Roger Greig, former senior pastors of Open Skies Church, who felt called to respond to the devastating effects of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and poverty within KwaZulu-Natal. That dream is now a reality, with seven operational homes, an on-site school, social workers, a community hall, sports fields, and a resource centre in development. During our visit, we could feel the buzz of excitement as the children prepared for an upcoming corporate soccer tournament. Here, children were not merely cared for, they are empowered, educated, and uplifted. As we continue our work at The Daily News Milk Fund, it is organisations like Ingane Yami that remind us why we do what we do. Their vision to eventually grow to 25 homes and care for 150 children is a bold and beautiful goal, one that deserves community support and celebration. Mandela once said, 'There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children.' On this past Mandela Day, we were privileged to witness a village that treats its children with the utmost care, compassion, and love – every single day. To support The Daily News Milk Fund or contribute to future visits like this, please get in touch with our team on 031 3082437 DAILY NEWS

Heart diseases claim 1.5L lives in AP: Minister
Heart diseases claim 1.5L lives in AP: Minister

Hans India

time2 days ago

  • Health
  • Hans India

Heart diseases claim 1.5L lives in AP: Minister

Vijayawada: Ministerfor medical, health, and family welfare, Y Satya Kumar Yadav, revealed that 32 per cent of deaths in Andhra Pradesh are due to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which also account for 33 per cent of global deaths. Speaking at a conference organised by the Cardiological Society of India (CSI) – Andhra Pradesh Chapter at NRI Medical College, Mangalagiri, on Saturday, he emphasised the state government's efforts to enhance cardiology services in government hospitals. Prominent doctors and CSI members participated in the conference which discussed the growing burden of heart diseases and potential solutions. The minister praised the CSI Andhra Pradesh Chapter and NRI Medical College for their contributions to heart health and patient care. Referring to the government initiatives, Yadav noted that under the STEMI programme, the life-saving Tenecteplase injection, worth Rs 45,000, is provided free during the critical 'golden hour' to cardiac patients. This initiative has saved over 3,000 lives in the state. Plans are underway to establish similar facilities for treating brain stroke cases, aligning with the STEMI programme's success. The minister attributed the rise in heart ailments to lifestyle changes, unhealthy diets, stress, tobacco, and alcohol consumption. He stressed, 'Our health is in our hands,' advocating for a healthy lifestyle, nutritious diet, and positive thinking as foundations for good health. He also pointed out that Guntur Government General Hospital has successfully performed 110 open-heart surgeries and three heart transplants, calling it a commendable achievement. The minister urged private hospital doctors to volunteer for free surgeries in government hospitals at least once every 15 days, assuring that the NDA coalition government values and honours such services. The government remains committed to strengthening healthcare infrastructure, he added. The event was attended by Dr P Chandrasekhar, vice-chancellor of NTR University of Health Sciences, Dr P John Satish, president of CSI Andhra Pradesh, Dr P S Srinivas Chowdary, organising secretary, and approximately 400 cardiologists, who discussed advancements in cardiac treatment and technology.

A consumption-driven economy can't do without rapid income growth
A consumption-driven economy can't do without rapid income growth

Mint

time2 days ago

  • Business
  • Mint

A consumption-driven economy can't do without rapid income growth

India's economy is consumption-driven, with private final consumption expenditure contributing nearly 60% to India's gross domestic product (GDP). The consumption trend also has a strong bearing on private investment and hence is critical for the overall growth of the economy. After the pandemic, we saw a sharp bounce-back in consumption, supported by pent-up demand. While that demand has fizzled out in recent years, worries have arisen that our consumption recovery is not broad-based. In the last year, robust agricultural activity has supported rural demand, but there are concerns of weak urban demand. An important factor for a sustainable pick-up in consumption is optimism among consumers about their present situation and future. According to the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) routine survey of households, the Current Situation Index (CSI) of urban consumer confidence—which reflects perceptions of current economic conditions, employment, price levels and income—has recovered from its pandemic lows but remains in pessimistic territory. Rural consumer confidence, the index reading of which was in the pessimistic zone, has turned neutral. The central bank's survey also shows that income perceptions of rural and urban households are weak, although there has been an improvement lately. Also Read: Indian consumer habits: Second guess them at your own risk The household sector's economic health should not be viewed in isolation. It must be seen in the context of India's broad macroeconomic balance sheet, particularly of the government and corporate sectors. Since the pandemic, both the general government and non-financial corporate sector have entered a phase of deleveraging. Government debt, which peaked at around 88% of GDP during the covid pandemic, had moderated to 82% by December 2024, aided by fiscal consolidation and robust growth in nominal GDP. Similarly, corporate debt has declined significantly from 66% of GDP in 2017 to just over 50% after the pandemic, thanks in part to the corporate tax rate cut in 2019. It is important to recognize that the two sectors undergoing deleveraging—the general government and corporations—are key sources of employment and household income through wages, transfers and subsidies. A simultaneous deleveraging cycle in both these sectors may have adverse implications for household income, particularly at a time when household balance sheets increasingly have loans to be paid back. Muted household income growth is also reflected somewhat in corporate payrolls. Our analysis of a large sample of around 670 listed non-financial companies reveals that employee cost growth slowed to 7.2% in 2024-25, the weakest since 2018-19 (excluding the covid-impacted year of 2020-21). Average annual employee cost growth was 10.7% over the period from 2018-19 to 2023-24. The recent moderation is largely driven by the infotech sector, which constitutes 44% of total employee costs in our sample. The sector is an employment powerhouse in urban India, but has shown signs of recruitment stagnation in recent years. Our study shows that aggregate headcount at the top five domestic infotech firms plateaued in 2024-25 after a 4% contraction in 2023-24. The growth in employee costs for these firms in our sample slumped to just 5% in 2024-25 from an average of 14% between 2018-19 and 2023-24. While sectors such as infrastructure, pharmaceuticals and capital goods continue to report double-digit growth in staff expenses, they do not fully compensate, given the significance of the infotech sector in formal urban employment. Also Read: Consumer dissonance: Focus policy on market rivalry instead of pricing strategy India's deceleration in corporate expenditure on remuneration directly hits household income, worsening the economy's consumption weakness. Periodic Labour Force Survey data also shows that real wage growth for salaried as well as casual workers has been muted in the past few years. Meanwhile, geopolitical risks and global trade uncertainties have heightened the risk of a moderation in export growth, with implications for household income and consumption. Some near-term factors do support consumption demand. The monsoon's progress has been good so far, resulting in better kharif sowing and reservoir levels. This should help strengthen rural demand. Benign retail inflation, specifically in food items, should also support consumption growth. Policymakers have taken cognisance of headwinds to consumption. Recent RBI rate cuts and the government's income tax relief are steps in the right direction. However, for sustainably stronger consumption, we must ensure ample job creation and household income growth. Government initiatives like its employment- and production-linked incentive schemes should help in job generation. However, given the large number of people entering the job market every year, we may need to take a sector-focused approach. Also Read: Dani Rodrik: Abundance for consumers could still mean misery for workers We also need greater emphasis on the formalization of jobs as a way to ensure social security, higher wages and better work conditions. Only when households are confident of their earning prospects over the foreseeable future will we see a pick-up in consumption spending that is both robust and durable. The authors are, respectively, chief economist and senior economist at CareEdge Ratings.

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