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Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Pink City goes green on Hariyali Teej
1 2 Jaipur: On the occasion of Hariyali Teej, Pink City witnessed a green revolution as both Jaipur Municipal Corporations—Greater and Heritage—jointly planted over 3.5 lakh saplings in a single day under the 'Hariyalo Rajasthan' campaign. The massive tree plantation drive aimed to promote greenery and environmental awareness, turning the celebration into a people's movement. JMC-G undertook the plantation of 1.5 lakh saplings. A central control room was set up to monitor the drive, where geo-tagging of every planted sapling was tracked in real time. Meanwhile, JMC-H surpassed expectations by planting over 2 lakh saplings, well above its initial target of 1.5 lakh. The primary event was held at Khadda Park in Civil Lines Zone, where acting mayor Kusum Yadav, commissioner Nidhi Patel, and MLA Gopal Sharma planted Ashoka trees. tnn
Time of India
7 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Serbia's student protest movement maintains fragile unity
AI- Representative Image "Only truth and justice" — these were the demands the student protesters presented to the Serbian authorities eight months ago in the wake of the collapse of the canopy at the entrance to Novi Sad railway station on November 1 that killed 16 people. United under the slogan "You've got blood on your hands," they rejected leaders, ideologies and parties alike, demanding only accountability for the deaths of those killed in the tragedy. "We had a minimal ideological consensus around which we united," said Tatjana Rasic, a student from Novi Sad who joined the protests at a very early stage. "We were not asked to express views on other issues, and we followed general democratic principles — unity, tolerance, justice," she told DW. Change within the movement Right from the word go, the flags of Serbia and the universities were the only ones welcome at the students' protests. It was an attempt to return state symbols to the citizens rather than let them become tools of politics. But as the protest movement grew, so, too did the ideological diversity within it. Flags bearing slogans like "We won't give up Kosovo," traditional Serbian caps and nationalist symbols began popping up at protests with increasing frequency. At the same time, veterans of the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s often came to demonstrations and acted as "security guards" for the students. A platform for Serbian nationalism? There was growing criticism that the protests had turned into a platform for Greater Serbian nationalism. This criticism peaked on June 28 — Vidovdan, a national and religious holiday that is deeply rooted in Serbian national mythology. The major anti-government protest on that day was dominated by nationalist and conservative speeches, including one by Milo Lompar, a university professor known for glorifying war criminal Radovan Karadzic. Cultural analyst Aleksandra Djuric Bosnic told DW that such criticism comes not only from resistance to the destructive legacy of the 1990s, which were marked by the bloody Yugoslav wars and the misuse of pseudo-patriotic narratives in Serbia, but also from a fear that Serbia might slide back into ideological patterns of the past. "For those of us who belong to the generations that were traumatized by the 1990s, the memory of Slobodan Milosevic's Vidovdan speech at Gazimestan [in 1989] is itself traumatic," said Djuric Bosnic. "When added to that, on June 28, part of the speech contained formulations reminiscent of the manipulation of national sentiment in the 1990s, as well as the narratives of a unified Serbia and the Serbian world — a construct of the current regime — the culmination of these criticisms is understandable," she said. Student movement plenaries expose ideological rifts Responding to accusations that the student movement had veered to the right, the students pointed out that before every protest, they urged participants to come without party or ideological symbols, but stressed it was often impossible to control the crowd. "Moreover, people started seeing us literally as a political movement and expected us to take a stance on the ideological spectrum. But within our organization, that is very difficult — because we have to discuss it at the plenary assembly, listen to every individual, and in the end, we were not even sure why that was demanded of us," said Tatjana Rasic. That is why plenary assemblies often lasted for hours, exposing deep ideological rifts among students — especially on questions of "national significance" such as the independence of Kosovo or the 1995 Srebrenica massacre. "No matter how difficult it is for me personally to believe that someone can have a different view to me but still be part of the same struggle, we had to accept it. It became clear that there are indeed many people with different opinions," said Rasic. Protests changing youth attitudes But despite all this, the student movement has apparently had a significant impact on young people's attitudes. The National youth council of Serbia (KOMS) conducts research into young people's attitudes. For years, it noted high levels of political apathy among young people, their inclination toward tradition and their preference for a "strong hand" in governance. However, preliminary 2025 data from KOMS has shown changes in young people's views on the EU and important national questions such as Kosovo. "The biggest changes brought by the student movement relate to the way democracy is valued and understood. Today, 60 per cent of young people believe democracy is the best form of governance, compared to 40 per cent last year," Milica Borjanic of KOMS told DW. "Previously, around 60 per cent of young people said Serbia needs a strong leader, but now, for the first time, over 50 per cent say it does not," said Borjanic. Inclusiveness is the movement's strength Political scientist Boban Stojanovic, who has been involved in KOMS research for years, believes those people who want the students to make ideological declarations are actually acting in bad faith. "The only real social divide at the moment is between the government — characterized by a lack of freedom, corruption, national betrayal and absolute inequality — and a new student or political movement whose values are freedom, justice, tolerance, the fight against corruption and the protection of national interests," said Stojanovic. He believes the movement's greatest strength lies precisely in its inclusiveness. However, he also believes that without unity, the current regime cannot be defeated. "The government knows this and is trying to sow division in the student movement over issues like their stance on the EU, Kosovo and, of course, they tried to exploit [the 30th anniversary of] Srebrenica to the fullest," Stojanovic added. Redefining values Aleksandra Djuric Bosnic said it's impossible to fundamentally change value orientations while populist autocracies hold power. "The right time for redefining the value system will come only when Serbia becomes a democratic and lawful state again," she said. "Some red lines — if we truly want Serbia to become a country of free and dignified citizens — must never be crossed in that new and liberated state," she said. "There must be no revision of history, no minimization of the crimes committed by Milosevic's regime during the 1990s wars in the name of Serbian citizens, no absolution of war criminals, nor interference in neighboring countries' political processes. These are fundamental ethical principles. " What do students want? The students themselves would be happiest if the focus returned to the issue that initially brought them together: justice for those who died at Novi Sad railway station last November. Tatjana Rasic is clear about what the students want to achieve: "We want a state that functions properly, with laws and the separation of powers principle," she said. Rasic is also convinced that despite differences of opinion, the students are united. "I think even if I were to imagine an ideal parliament, it wouldn't be a problem at all for it to have different viewpoints and I think our protest has been going on for that long because, despite our differences, we always return to the fundamentals from which we started," she said.
Time of India
22-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Prosthesis helps flamingo stand, may help it fly again
Navi Mumbai: This is no flight of fancy. A Greater flamingo found injured in Nerul's NRI wetland and whose left leg had to be amputated could soon take to the skies again. Makarand Saraf, a lecturer from Mumbai's All India Institute of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and his team have successfully fitted a prosthesis on the adolescent bird. However, since the artificial leg only enables it to walk, not fly, next on the team's agenda is an improvised prosthesis that will help it take wing, reports Umesh K Parida. The bird, which is suspected to have got its leg entangled in a fishing net or nylon fishing line, was first spotted by wildlife photographer Abhijit Chattopadhyay, who alerted forest officials led by Vikas Bairagi. After initial treatment, it was released back in the wetland on May 15. But with it hovering around the same spot, the team decided to give it a prosthetic leg that would help it move around. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai An adolescent Greater flamingo, whose left leg had to be amputated due to an injury, has been given a prosthetic leg. With the director of All India Institute of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Dr Anil Kumar Gaur green-signalling the project after the bird was found hovering around the same place it was released after initial treatment, AIIPMR lecturer Makarand Saraf, along with photographer Abhijit Chattopadhyay and Vikas Bairagi, took measurements for the fabrication of the bird's prosthesis on May 17 in the form of a plaster of Paris cast, but abandoned the idea of taking a foam impression after finding the bird distressed due to the human contact. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like People Aged 50-85 With No Life Insurance Could Get This Reassured Get Quote Undo Then stepped in two companies, including a German firm's Indian arm. Amit Mukerji, director-special projects, at Otto Bock Healthcare India Pvt Ltd, provided prosthesis fabrication support, while the inner lining material for the prosthesis was provided by Rushabh Shah of Podiapro India Pvt Ltd, with technical support from Bhoomiksha Rathore. With the team facing challenges with the prosthetic leg's buoyancy due to its closed foot design, it was redesigned to a single toe open foot with side support, and fitted on the bird on July 6. The artificial leg has improved the bird's balance, mobility and chances of its survival in the wild. No fitment or skin problems were observed when the Greater flamingo underwent a check on July 19. The bird's progress has come as a huge boost to the team which has now decided to work on a new prosthesis that will help it fly. Saraf said, "The carbon fibre impregnated with a matrix of acrylic resin (carbon fibre used in manufacture of aeroplane parts and Formula 1 racing cars) helped keep the prosthesis light, strong, waterproof, and durable — suitable for a wading bird's lifestyle. " The other members of the team that has helped the bird stand on its two legs were Urmila Naukudkar, and prosthetics-orthotics students Sachin Kawankar, Kashish Malhotra, Chailsi Pareek, Mohit Mujumdar and Amruta Dhakate. The Otto Bock team of Santosh Rout, Jemin Chauhan and Katyayan Sharma had made the prosthesis.
Scoop
25-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
Celebrating Wellington's Volunteers At The Mahi Aroha Awards 2025
Volunteer Wellington | Te Puna Tautoko was proud to host the Mahi Aroha Awards 2025, a special event dedicated to celebrating the incredible contributions of volunteers across the Wellington region. The Mahi Aroha Awards shine a light on the people who generously give their time, skills, and passion to strengthen our communities. These awards provide an opportunity to recognise and honour the outstanding efforts of volunteers who make a real difference in the lives of others. This year, nominations were received from over 60 individuals and volunteer teams, representing a wide range of community organisations. The stories of these volunteers reflect the dedication, care, and aroha that are woven into the fabric of our community. The 2025 Award Categories: Greater Wellington Te Ao Māori Award Youth Volunteer Award Volunteer Team Award Mitre 10 MEGA Volunteer of the Year Award Congratulations to all our finalists and award recipients for 2025: Greater Wellington Te Ao Māori Award Winner: Dallas Vincent – Petone Rugby League Club Runner-up: Rikihana (Wiki) Samuel – Whānau Family Services Aspiring Walls Youth Volunteer Award Winner: Maverick Armanini – EveryBody is a Treasure Runner-up: Hamish Jamieson – YMCA Central Inc. Volunteer Team Award Mitre 10 MEGA Volunteer of the Year Award Winner: Murray Gillon – Mary Potter Hospice Joint Runners-up: Manjit Grewal – Strathmore Park Community Centre Trust & Patrick Harlow – Youth Inspire These awards are held during National Volunteer Week, an annual celebration of volunteering across Aotearoa. The Mahi Aroha Awards highlight the deep spirit of generosity that drives positive change in our region. Guests were entertained by our Matariki storyteller, Moria Wairama with music by Morehu Wairama. The guest speaker Dr Katie Bruce delivered a thoughtful and moving poem to volunteers Whiria te Tangata – Weaving the People Together. Volunteer Wellington | Te Puna Tautoko extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who took the time to nominate a volunteer and to all those who continue to make Wellington a better place through their mahi aroha.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
All-female crew of veterans celebrated on Greater STL honor flight
ST. LOUIS – For the first time, the Greater St. Louis Honor Flight took off with an all-female crew of veterans, coinciding with Women's Veterans Recognition Day. 'Getting recognition. That's what I'm most proud of,' said 91-year-old Helen Kevrick, who showed up with excitement for the honor flight. Although she's been on an Honor Flight before, today's event meant a lot for Kevrick. 'I'm so glad to be able to be here at my age and to be with all these other wonderful women. It's outstanding,' Kevrick said. This Honor Flight included 28 Vietnam-era women veterans who served during a time when their contributions were often overlooked. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 'I served in the Army right out of high school—1971 to 1991,' said Diann Turner. 'I wanted to go to Vietnam, but at the time, women could not go to Vietnam. Only if you were a nurse.' Many of these veterans were visiting the memorial for the first time, reflecting on their past and reclaiming their place in history. 'As a matter of fact, I haven't been to a walk for around for too long. I was only ever in D.C. to take training courses or something. I never had extra time to go do this,' said Susan Reyes Sauter, an Air Force Veteran. The Vietnam Memorial, with names etched into its black granite wall, served as a poignant reminder of the lives lost, including eight American women. This day was not only a tribute to the individual sacrifices of these women but also a celebration of their collective strength and sisterhood. 'I'm proud of my service, proud of being here with all these other women who gave their service too,' Kevrick said. All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KTVI. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by KTVI staff before being published. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
