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Hans India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
NDMC announces month-long drive from Aug 1 to boost civic pride, patriotism
Aiming to nurture the spirit of patriotism and civic pride, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) on Monday announced a month-long celebration of Independence Day 2025 with the central theme 'Swachhta se Swatantrata tak ' from August 1 to August 31. The initiative aims to foster a sense of national responsibility, environmental stewardship, and citizen engagement across all sectors of society, said an official. The campaign is designed to promote cleanliness, community participation, and national pride through a wide array of activities across departments, schools, neighbourhoods, public spaces, and digital platforms, he said. Key objectives of the NDMC's Swachhta Campaign are to commemorate India's Independence through actions that reflect civic responsibility, instil a strong sense of ownership among citizens toward a cleaner and greener New Delhi and promote behavioral change through participatory and creative initiatives. The major components of the 'Swachhta se Swatantrata tak' Campaign are cleanliness drive, awareness campaign, cultural and community events, beautification drives and recognition and felicitations of the Swachhta warriors as Heroes. The activities in all components of NDMC's Swachhta Campaign include intensive cleaning operations in schools, markets, colonies, offices, and religious places. As part of awareness campaigns – Information, Education and Communication (IEC) through rallies, posters, social media, and street plays . Cultural and community events like exhibitions, essay contests, plogging drives, 'Clean My City' marches, and community pledges will also be included in the campaign. Plantation under the theme 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam', graffiti competitions, and wall art installations are among the outreach activities of the campaign. The Swachhta Campaign will also include the recognition and felicitations of the Swachhta Heros by honouring sanitation workers, best-performing schools, green champions, and standout initiatives. To mark the month-long celebrations of Independence Day with the theme "Swachhta se Swatantrata Tak", a comprehensive calendar of events and activities has been meticulously prepared. Each department has been assigned specific responsibilities, ensuring their active participation in promoting the spirit of cleanliness and freedom, said the official. These activities will be executed under the close coordination of Heads of Departments and designated Zonal Officers, reinforcing the Swachhta Movement across the New Delhi area throughout the Independence Day Month. Health Department of NDMC will hold the cleanliness drives in high-footfall areas like religious sites and JJ clusters through engagement with RWAs along with NGOs for plogging drives in which focus on the Promotion of SUP alternatives and 'Swachhta Pledge' selfie stations will be the key points. The Health Department will organise the felicitation programmed for star sanitation workers.
News18
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
‘Where Are The Women?' Video From Afghanistan Gym Shows ‘Sad Reality'
Last Updated: Although Afghanistan has banned music in the country, the travel vlogger in his video revealed that the government only permits playing music inside the gyms. Afghanistan would be the last country that pops into our minds when we think of a vacation. And yet, a travel vlogger decided to embark on a trip to the Mazar-i-Sharif city in Afghanistan as a part of his travel series 'My Afghan journey." In one of the videos he posted on Instagram, the globetrotter shared his experience of visiting a local gym. He was surprised to find no women inside the facility, which reflected a much deeper reality. In recent years, Afghan women have faced several restrictions on their rights and public appearance. Many are denied education and barred from employment, visiting parks, or even gyms. 'Ever wondered what it would be like to visit a gym in Afghanistan? Going to a gym in Mazar-i-Sharif was actually one of the more memorable and unique experiences of my time there. I try to work out at a local gym in every country I visit, as I think it's a great window into their culture," read the vlogger's side note. He also highlighted a few takeaways from the experience, revealing that the atmosphere inside was welcoming and some of the men there were extremely 'courteous". Inside An Afghan Gym The vlogger wrote, 'The gym is one of the rare places where the government permits music, which was surprising, especially after adhering to strict music regulations throughout my journey. You'll notice there are no women. Months ago, the T banned them from all gyms (and much more, including public parks, schools, etc). It's a travesty. I'll post specifically on this topic later." 'It was the liveliest place I encountered in Afghanistan. Due to the absence of bars or alcohol and restrictions on many social activities, it seemed people utilised the gym as a hub for socialising and meeting friends. I stood out like a sore thumb, but the locals were extremely courteous. Some who spoke English approached me to chat, allowed me to join their workout sets, and one even offered to spot me during a lift," he added. The internet was quick to react to the post. 'They're just trying to get through the day like the rest of us," commented one user. 'Should hire a trainer to push through the crowd," suggested another. One person found the video 'insanely interesting." 'I am surprised at how crowded the gym is. Wow," wrote an individual. Many pointed out that there were 'no women". What are your thoughts on this? First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Chicago Tribune
5 days ago
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Powerhouse Church brings ‘a new beginning' to former St. Stanislaus in Posen
Before it officially opened, leaders and members of The Powerhouse ministry weren't sure what the reception for its new church in Posen might be. But they needn't have worried — people turned out in droves. The ribbon-cutting ceremony drew elected officials, including Cook County commissioners and a state representative and senator, as well as hundreds of people from the church and community near the church at 14410 S. McKinley Ave. Posen Mayor Frank Podbielniak was among the many people who helped cut the ribbon for the new church. 'It was very overwhelming,' he said. 'I've never been around a crowd of such magnitude like that for a special event. I was happy for them.' Archbishop William Hudson III, who will lead the church with his wife, Pastor Andria Hudson, called the ribbon cutting ceremony 'amazing' but said one aspect was a little different. 'We had 10 scissors, and normally you just have one pair. The holy spirit led me to get 10 scissors, and we had pillars in the community, the mayor, my wife and I,' he said. 'I wanted to show it wasn't just me going in – it was a new beginning for the community, for youth, for the south suburbs.' The first service the next day also drew a large crowd at the 1,000 seat church. 'I was truly amazed at how the people came out,' said Calumet City resident Felicia Hampton, a Powerhouse member for about 18 years who is assistant to Pastor Andria Hudson. 'We had our congregation there, but there were also other congregations that came out, even people from the neighborhood. I guess they were waiting for us to open. 'God made it work,' she said. 'I went outdoors, I stepped out for a moment, and people were sitting out in lawn chairs. That was something that was really special in my heart. That let us know we're really working for Christ and working for the people, which is what we're doing,' Hampton added. 'It's a really quiet community. I don't think that people were expecting anything like this, but I think it touched them. It moved them.' The church is in the former St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr Parish, a fixture in Posen for more than 100 years before it merged with St. Christopher Parish in Midlothian in 2022 to become St. Augustine Parish in Midlothian, part of the Archdiocese of Chicago's Renew My Church process. The community's interest in what's happened at the site has been keen. 'The most wonderful thing is a group of (elementary age) children came by the day after the ribbon-cutting and said that used to be their church. They were so excited and wanted to see everything,' said Hudson, who then gave the kids a tour. 'I think the community is excited. People have come by asking for prayer, wondering when we were going to open,' he shared. 'We had a guy who said he was baptized at the church. He was so excited.' Mayor Podbielniak is pleased the ministry bought the building and will join the other three churches in the village. 'It's nice to have a building that's no longer vacant,' he said. The building's former owners also appreciated that the church building was back in use. 'The former St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr Parish building is now under new ownership, and we hope the space will continue to serve the community in a new way,' the archdiocese shared in a written statement. New owner The Powerhouse Chicago already has a campus on 103rd Street in the Morgan Park neighborhood, but leaders wanted to expand. Although they initially were looking for a temporary site, they couldn't resist the Posen church. 'The property was such a great investment and so beautiful, so we just purchased it,' Hudson said. 'I never imagined pastoring a church in the south suburbs. I always thought I was an urban, inner city pastor, but God had other plans for me,' said Hudson, who began preaching at age 3 in his parents' basement and was ordained at 12. Husdon also is presiding bishop for Pilgrim Assemblies International, which has 200-plus churches in the United States. 'This is a great opportunity for our church and ministry to be multicultural to minister to different groups of people,' he shared. The Powerhouse spent $1.5 million in 2023 to buy the Posen property, which has three other buildings in addition to the sanctuary, and has spent nearly $500,000 on renovations thus far, with more to go. Among the alterations so far, the confessional booths and the baptistry were eliminated. 'We changed everything in the sanctuary from top to bottom,' Hudson said. 'That was a Catholic church and we are nondenominational. 'We made it modern, so we have LED walls, painting the ceiling black. It's basically a recording studio, with top of the line sound and recording equipment.' One must was expanding the restrooms, which were very limited. 'I asked the priest, why no restrooms? And he said the services were 45 minutes,' Hudson said with a laugh. He explained that Powerhouse services are much longer. The former rectory will be an administrative building and the school will be used for gatherings such as youth classes. The former convent is rented by Pro Labro, which runs a food pantry. 'Every Saturday cars are lined up and they're giving out food. We want to partner with them and do more and start serving. It's a staple in the Posen community,' Hudson said. 'We need that. We need outreach.' Hampton hopes the church can 'reach the souls who haven't been reached so far,' she said, and she would like to continue her work with young people. Her husband, Michael, is a basketball coach, and they'd like to use the gym and school for programs to mentor young men and women in sports and other activities. 'That is something I'm looking forward to for real, for real. I love children.' In addition to physical changes, services at The Powerhouse bring a new vibe to the space. 'It's electrifying, energetic, healing,' Hudson said of his style of worship. 'It's very engaging. It's great music. We have an awesome six-piece band — trumpet, guitars, keyboard. It's a concert basically. We have a praise team, a choir. It's very inspiring. People are clapping. When the mayor visited, he said he never clapped so much in his life – his arms were hurting!' He said the new band and singers 'are so excited. They are on fire! It's a chance for them to exercise their gifts and learn character and community.' Hudson is just as excited to share his church's message, 'Empowering you to become 10 times better. That's right out of the Bible: Daniel 1:20,' he said. 'We do a lot of panel discussions, which are very empowering, where I let the people discuss and talk about issues in service. During those moments I get to see what is at the hearts of people – what they are dealing with – and we bring in therapists and other pastors and voices and minister to the people,' he explained. 'We also empower people for entrepreneurship. We have a lot of people in our church who started on welfare but now they have a job. … So we're not just spiritual.' It boils down to encouraging people to find their purpose in life. 'I think that is one of the most important things,' he said, 'and commit to it. Being in this church is a dream come true for me.'
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Science
- The Hindu
As nutritional gap widens, CFTRI event in Mysuru focuses on plant proteins to address deficiency
A national symposium on 'Plant Proteins: Structure-function, Human Nutrition, and Technological Advances' was held at the CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) here on Friday. The symposium was organised to mark the 75th anniversary of CFTRI. As the country's premier food technology institute enters its 75th year of remarkable contribution in the area of food science and technology, it is commemorating the occasion with a series of scientific events and academic activities throughout the year. As a part of the celebrations, the CFTRI is hosting a platinum jubilee lecture series, serving as a platform for bringing together eminent personalities from the realms of science, academia, industry and innovation to share their knowledge. Through the lecture series, the CFTRI aims to foster knowledge-sharing, spark meaningful dialogue and inspire the next generation of scientists and technologists. The national symposium held on Friday is one such effort. Eminent scientists and delegates from various places took part in the event. Former CFTRI Director V. Prakash inaugurated the symposium in the presence of CFTRI Director Sridevi Annapurna Singh, H.S. Savitri, former professor in Biochemistry, IISc, Bengaluru; G. Narahari Sastry, professor, IIT, Hyderabad; Rekha S. Singhal, professor, ICT, Mumbai; and Viswajanani J. Sattigeri, head, CSIR-TKDL, New Delhi. Ms. Savitri delivered the platinum jubilee lecture on the topic 'Decoding the Structure and Function of Plant Viral Proteins: Relevance to Plant Protein Research and Biotechnology'. Mr. Prakash gave a talk on 'The Continuing Unique Global Saga of Plant Proteins @Cheluvamba Campus... Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow'. Mr. Sastry gave a talk on 'Machine Learning and AI applications in Protein Structure-function, Drug Discovery and Healthcare'; Ms. Singhal spoke on 'Plant Proteins: So Near and Yet So Far!'; and Ms. Sattigeri delivered a talk on 'Traditional Foods and Modern Concepts on Nutrition: Unity in Diversity'. The concluding lecture at the symposium was given by Ms. Sridevi Annapurna Singh, who spoke on 'My Odyssey with Proteins for Nutrition, Functionality and Health.' Dietary protein intake According to CFTRI, India's current dietary protein intake is dependent mainly on cereals such as wheat and rice, which contribute to nearly 60% of the total crop production, and yield approximately 22.6 million metric tons of protein. However, the protein quality of cereals, especially in terms of essential amino acids, is relatively poor compared to animal-based sources. 'This heavy reliance has led to widespread protein deficiency affecting an estimated 13 to 37.3% of the population across various age groups,' it stated. Nutritional gap To bridge the nutritional gap, there is a growing interest in alternative protein sources such as legume, mushrooms, and single cell proteins derived from microalgae, yeast, and bacteria. To discuss alternative protein sources, the Symposium was organised bringing together scientists, technologists, industry professionals, and young researchers to share knowledge and explore the current landscape, challenges and future directions in plant protein research. The symposium focused on structure-function relationships of plant proteins; alternate and smart proteins; therapeutic proteins and human nutrition and advanced technological solutions for large scale protein production, a note said.
The Citizen
6 days ago
- The Citizen
Three bogus police officers arrested in Pretoria for blue light robberies
Three bogus police officers arrested in Pretoria for blue light robberies Police said three bogus police officers were arrested on Thursday morning for blue light robberies in Pretoria. Spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said the arrests were made at about 07:30 on Thursday morning. 'Members of Boschkop SAPS, in collaboration with Echo 1 Security and the Boschkop Community Policing Forum (CPF), intercepted a white Toyota Hilux GD6 double-cab bakkie on the R104. Three male suspects were arrested on the scene following intensive intelligence-driven and surveillance operations.' Van Dyk said the arrests follow a series of armed robberies in which criminals posed as police officers, using blue lights to pull over unsuspecting motorists before robbing them at gunpoint. 'The identified vehicle had been linked through surveillance footage and community intelligence to multiple incidents of this nature in the Boschkop policing area.' He furhtermore said during the arrest, the suspects were found in possession of an unlicensed firearm, unlicensed ammunition, a blue light and Police uniform. 'All three suspects have been charged with armed robbery, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The vehicle has also been positively linked to similar cases in the Cullinan and Bronkhorstspruit policing areas.' Major-General Samuel Thine commended all role players involved for their dedication, swift action, and teamwork in ensuring the safety of the community. 'These arrests are a result of committed partnerships between SAPS, private security, and community structures. We remain steadfast in our mission to restore safety and trust in our communities,' he said. The public is urged to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via the My SAPS App. Also read: Snow in parts of SA this week — what Pretoria residents can expect Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
