Latest news with #Kurukshetra
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Guv Kataria reviews development projects
1 2 3 Chandigarh: A review meeting of various departments was held under the chairmanship of the governor Gulab Chand Kataria, to assess the progress of ongoing development projects, revenue generation, and expenditure management in the UT. The meeting also included a detailed discussion on infrastructure initiatives aimed at addressing the housing needs of govt employees. During the meeting, the finance secretary apprised that the ministry of finance (MoF) set specific targets for monthly revenue receipts and expenditure. Consequently, all departments were instructed to achieve these targets. Directions were issued to the administrative secretaries concerned to ensure strict adherence to these goals. The administrator also reviewed the present govt housing available for the employees of the Chandigarh administration. He directed the engineering department to ensure the timely and quality completion of the upgradation and renovation work of old govt housing units so that they can be allotted to employees without delay. The governor also reviewed various projects in the education and healthcare sectors. He was informed that the government school in Kajheri was complete, while the school in Karsan was at an advanced stage of completion. Sarangpur project is expected to be ready in the current year itself. The governor instructed that work on schools in Dhanas and Maloya should be started within this year. These institutions, located in the peripheral areas of Chandigarh, must be made functional at the earliest to ensure access to quality education for all. In the healthcare sector, the Mother and Child Care Centre at GMCH-32 and the MBBS hostel block in Sector 48, which are in progress, should also be completed within the timeline fixed. Additionally, the IT block is ready for use, and the girls' hostel in govt college, Sector 46, should also be completed within this year. The governor also emphasised the need to expedite the construction of the hostel block for Kurukshetra students at Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh, and directed departments to speed up pending works to enable its use by the students. Recognising the growing demand for housing among UT employees, the administrator reiterated the need for swift construction of new housing units to meet accommodation requirements. In terms of police housing, it was noted that 240 houses for Chandigarh Police personnel were completed and will be handed over within the next three months. Kataria urged all departments to maintain momentum and adhere to project timelines so that essential infrastructure is delivered promptly and benefits reach the people without delay.
Indian Express
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Karna's dilemma, Parshuram's rage & Urvashi's love: 5 Ramdhari Singh ‘Dinkar' poems every Indian should read
(Written by Anushka Rajvedi) When passion, motivation and nationalism merged, it gave rise to the 'RashtraKavi' (National Poet) of India, Ramdhari Singh 'Dinkar'. A revolutionary poet, Dinkar's poems resonated the powerful inner voice of the voiceless. Although he wrote during the British colonial era, his works are as relevant today as they were years ago. To read Dinkar is to delve through the rugged terrains of identity, ethics, morality, duty, desire, justice and freedom. By reimagining mythological heroes such as Karna, Yudhistra and Parshuram in the modern day, Dinkar took his readers on a journey of revolution that is rooted in tradition, which is not just an instance of literally brilliance but of themes that are relevant through all ages, rooted in emotions. For a reader who indulges in revolutionary nationalism, with philosophical perceptions that set a courageous tone, here are the 5 most celebrated and honoured mythological poems by Dinkar, that would stir up the soul of readers from every generation. 'जो ना झुका अब तक कभी, जो ना कभी डरा है; रण में, वह क्या झुकेगा, जो झुक गया क़लम से।' (He who never bowed, never feared in war—will he bow to the pen?) Honoured with the Jnanpith Award in 1972, Dinkar, through the lens of the 'tragic hero' Karna, recites the epic of the Mahabharata in a powerfully crafted conflict between the inner voice and society. While most view Karna in a negative light for supporting Duryodhana and the Kauravas, Dinkar portrays him as not just a character, but a symbol of dignity. Conflicted between the ideals of his life and his loyalty to Duryodhana, Dinkar depicts how individuals are often torn between being idealistic and practical. Rashmirathi is wrapped in themes such as caste, identity, morality, justice, loyalty and meritocracy. Known as his 'crowning literary achievement', Dinkar's Rashmirathi is filled with intensity and is rich in imagery. Through the internal conflict of Karna, Dinkar urges his readers to become that power that resonates with the voice of an underdog. 'शांति नहीं तब तक जब तक, सुख-भाग न नर का सम हो।' (There can be no peace until all humans share joy equally.) Churned between the choices of right and wrong, Dinkar reflects on the moral dilemma through a philosophical dialogue between Yudhistra and Krishna after the Mahabharata war. Looking at the bloodshed after the war, Yudhistira was disenchanted. Dinkar, through the dialogues of Krishna, explores the need and the outcome of a war. Kurukshetra highlights the ethical dilemma and the moral conflict that an individual gets stuck in as they live in a world torn apart by war and shrouded in injustice. Dinkar highlights the complexity of morality and values, prompting his readers to consider whether peace and justice can ever prevail in this world without violence. Parshuram ki Pratiksha 'नया दौर है, नया दौर है, नहीं माफ़ अब अपराध पुराना।' (It is a new age—old sins shall no longer be forgiven.) Set in a fierce revolutionary tone, Parshuram ki Pratiksha is a perfect example of mythology blended with morality. Mythological character Parshuram is said to be an avatar of the Hindu God Vishnu, who is a warrior-sage who is known for his courage and morality. A metaphor to motivate change in the modern world, Dinkar imagines the warrior-sage Parshuram awaiting the arrival of revolution. In a world where morality decomposes as time passes by, Dinkar ignites a revolutionary fire and urges the new generation to integrate and fight against injustice and corruption. Urvashi 'प्रेम केवल भाव नहीं, है शक्ति, जो नर को बनाती देव।' (Love is not just emotion—it is the power that makes man divine.) Honoured with the highest literary honour, the Jnanpith Award in 1972, Dinkar's Urvashi is a romantic eternal conflict between spiritual and physical love. When the elegance of myth delves into the depths of human emotions, it explores the true beauty of love that goes beyond the boundaries of physical and material love. The love story of a celestial nymph, Urvashi and the king Pururava is elegantly muffled in a lyrical and aesthetic mastery by Dinkar that reverberates the true essence of love in modern times. Renuka 'बेटे के हाथों मारी गयी माँ, फिर भी उठी दिव्य बना।' (The mother slain by her son rose again, more divine than ever.) 'Sacrifice', 'emotions' and 'duty' are terms that even today are often used to refer to one emotion- 'the love of a mother'. Dinkar, through this poem, talks about the maternal love of Renuka, who was killed by her son. Dinkar addresses the conflicts of obligations of duty and emotions, morality and authority and discipline and sacrifice, through the mythological story of Renuka and Parshuram. The warrior-sage Parshuram beheaded his mother Renuka on the command of his father. Dinkar binds his readers in the emotional journey that evokes the sacrifice of a mother who is often entangled in the predicament of 'Dharma', 'Discipline' and 'sacrifice.' (The writer is an intern with The Indian Express.)
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
UPSC Prelims 2025: 10 key preparation strategies to maximise your scores
With the clock ticking down to the , aspirants have just a few weeks left to fine-tune their preparation before the exam on May 25, 2025. The pressure is mounting, and the path to success in one of India's most competitive exams requires more than just hard work — it demands a smart, strategic approach. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now As thousands of hopefuls gear up for this pivotal test, it's crucial to have a well-rounded preparation plan that covers all the essentials, from mastering the syllabus to managing time effectively during the exam. In this article, we'll delve into 10 key strategies that will help maximise your scores and ensure that you're fully prepared to face the challenges of the 2025. Whether you're revisiting concepts or tackling current affairs, these strategies will guide you towards success in the upcoming exam. Understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly Before diving into preparation, it's crucial to have an in-depth understanding of the and syllabus. The Prelims consists of two papers – General Studies (GS) and the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). Both papers are of objective nature, but the GS paper is the deciding factor for qualifying, while the CSAT is qualifying in nature but requires at least 33% marks. GS Paper I: Focuses on current affairs, general knowledge, Indian polity, economy, environment, science, and technology. CSAT Paper II: Tests your analytical abilities, logical reasoning, and comprehension. Review the syllabus regularly to identify the key topics and areas that need focused preparation. Develop a robust study plan Time management is the cornerstone of . Craft a well-structured study plan that spans across the months leading up to the exam. Allocate time to each subject while maintaining a balance between core subjects (such as polity, history, geography) and current affairs. A realistic study plan ensures consistency and helps avoid last-minute stress. Daily routine: A fixed schedule is essential. Dedicate at least 6-8 hours of focused study daily. Prioritise subjects based on the weightage in the exam. Weekly goals: Set weekly milestones for each topic to track your progress and stay on course. Focus on Current Affairs The importance of current affairs cannot be overstated, as it comprises a substantial portion of the General Studies paper. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It is essential to stay updated with the latest news, government policies, and international relations. Read Newspapers: Follow reputed newspapers for in-depth analysis of the current events. Magazines and Journals: Use monthly magazines like Yojana and Kurukshetra for relevant content. Notes: Maintain separate notes for daily news and periodically revise them. A focus on government schemes, social issues, and international affairs is key. Strengthen the basics with NCERTs While preparing for the Prelims, the importance of building a strong foundation through NCERT books cannot be underestimated. NCERT textbooks (from class 6 to 12) offer clear and concise explanations of core subjects like History, Geography, Science, and Polity. Master fundamental concepts: These books lay the groundwork for all the subjects and simplify complex topics. Regular revision: Revisit NCERTs after covering advanced materials to reinforce your understanding. For aspirants new to the UPSC exam, NCERTs serve as the best starting point for building clarity. Use a smart strategy for revision Revising regularly is essential, as the UPSC Prelims requires retaining large volumes of information. Create a revision timetable that allows you to revisit topics every two weeks and later, every month. Use mind maps: Create mind maps or flashcards for key concepts, historical events, and important policies to make revision easy. Solve mock tests and previous papers: Solve previous years' papers to understand the exam's pattern and gain confidence in answering questions. Attempt mock tests to simulate the exam environment and assess your time management. Revise: Make sure to revise at least 60% of your syllabus multiple times, focusing on weak areas during the final phase of preparation. Practice Answer Writing While the Prelims exam is multiple-choice, answer writing for the Mains is equally important. Practising answer writing for the Mains while preparing for Prelims helps in organising thoughts and writing succinct answers. Enhance writing speed: Regular practice will help you formulate answers quickly, improving your time management for the Mains. Current Affairs integration: Link current affairs with the static syllabus in your answers to demonstrate depth and analytical skills. Write answers effectively: Developing an ability to structure answers effectively will set you apart in the Mains stage, and by practising early, you'll have an edge when the time comes. Time Management during the exam In the exam hall, time management is crucial. Candidates often struggle to complete all questions due to poor time allocation. Here's how you can handle it: Avoid overthinking: Don't spend too much time on a single question. If you're unsure, mark it and move on. You can come back to it later if time permits. Use the process of elimination: Eliminate obviously incorrect options first to narrow down your choices. Prioritise questions : Attempt easier questions first to secure marks quickly, then go for more challenging ones. : Attempt easier questions first to secure marks quickly, then go for more challenging ones. Take mock tests: Practice timed mock exams regularly to enhance your speed and accuracy. Develop a healthy routine Long hours of preparation can lead to burnout. A healthy body and mind are essential to keep up your energy and focus during the rigorous study process. Physical exercise: Include some form of exercise in your daily routine, whether it's yoga, walking, or any sport you enjoy. Sleep well: Ensure you get enough rest. Lack of sleep will impair your cognitive abilities, affecting your performance in both study and the exam. Mental health: Take short breaks and indulge in activities that refresh you, such as listening to music, meditation, or spending time with family and friends. Remember, consistency and balance are key to staying focused and performing well in the exam. Seek guidance when necessary While self-study is vital, seeking guidance from mentors or joining a reliable coaching institute can make a significant difference in your preparation. A mentor can help you navigate difficult topics, share strategies for clearing the exam, and keep you motivated. Discussion forums: Join online forums and communities where you can discuss doubts, share insights, and learn from others. Regular feedback: Mentors can offer valuable feedback on your progress and suggest areas for improvement. Having the right support system can provide much-needed direction during this intense preparation period. Stay positive and resilient The UPSC journey is long, and the path to success requires perseverance. Throughout your preparation, it's crucial to maintain a positive mindset. There will be challenges, but resilience is key.
New Indian Express
07-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
The Great Indian Apartment Elections
Dear reader, as someone reading a humour column in a newspaper on a Wednesday – I assume you are a well-read and curious individual. You might have followed many elections, a veritable psephologist who predicts vote shares like IPL scores. But there's one kind of election that could baffle Prashant Bhushan and bamboozle Prashant Kishor. An intricate web of promises, accusations, benefits and campaigns that are spicier than the general elections. Where neighbourhood uncles transform into Chanakyas, and the parking lot becomes the Kurukshetra: The Annual Apartment Elections! Every noticeboard becomes a battleground, every flat a constituency. It's the only election where the real winner is the guy who quietly deletes the WhatsApp group the moment the results are announced. Just like democracy is needed in a modern country, apartment elections are needed to stop people from wielding absolute power. Like that uncle whose children in the US bought him three flats in the same building. There's an Arvind Kejriwal in every apartment who might be a tenant but is fighting against corruption in Deepavali funds. Some pet owners believe their pets should be treated like human children. Those without pets want those pets far away from their human children. And finally, there are people like me who feed the stray dogs and earn the hatred of all the above candidates. While national politicians promise flyovers, SEZs, and freebies, apartment netas promise to lift repairs, 24*7 water, and a complete ban on children playing cricket within the apartment premises. Just as young voters in India avoid voting, the apartment's younger crowd are too cool (or too temporary) to vote. National campaigns feature rallies and online propaganda; in the apartment, we have secret lobby meets, whisper networks in the parking lot, and passive-aggressive pamphlets. When the uncle who's ignored you all year suddenly offers you a laddoo 'just like that', you know the polls are near. If national elections are fought over inflation, unemployment, and border security, apartment elections are fought over water timings, cleaning up dog poop, and whether the terrace can be used for yoga and badminton. Older people complain that youngsters drink too much on Fridays, dance too much on Saturdays, and breathe too much on Sundays. Young folks complain about restrictions – they can't bring over friends, partners, and friendly partners. If the National elections are overseen by the Election Commission, apartment elections are overseen by watchman Ramesh – who is doubling tripling quadrupling up as returning officer, moral police, and exit poll expert, whispering results to the milkman. And then there's the holy battlefield – the apartment WhatsApp group. Politicians become active once every five years. But apartment politicians have to maintain their image throughout the year. The apartment WhatsApp group (mostly archived and muted through the year) is a smorgasbord of complaints, cultural debates, and good morning pictures with roses in every colour imaginable to Leonardo da Vinci. This is where names are called out, accusations are hurled, and true personalities are revealed. I wonder if apartments in China have elections! But in every apartment in India, a shaky, beta version of Indian democracy thrives. And just like the national elections, nobody really cares about the results. Because no matter who wins – the lift still won't work, the water will stop right when you're in the second charnanam of an Ilaiyaraaja song in the shower. And the dogs will poop on the uncles who were complaining about the bachelor tenant's girlfriend staying over for too long. For, as the popular phrase goes: apartment democracy is a system of 'stop the people, mock the people, buy the people'. (The writer's views are personal)
