Latest news with #Saini
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Nayab Saini welcomes Delhi CM Rekha Gupta to village, celebrates her birthday
Julana/Jind: Nayab Singh Saini, along with programme coordinator Captain Yogesh Bairagi and other BJP functionaries, welcomed Delhi CM Rekha Gupta by offering her Kothli in accordance with Haryana's tradition. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now They also celebrated her birthday by cutting a cake at the event. On the occasion, Rekha Gupta said, "Mai aap sab ko aasvast karna chahti hu ki bhai bahan ki jodi dhumma tha degi (I want to assure everyone that this brother-sister Nayab Saini-Rekha Gupta duo will create such an impact that it will raise smoke)." "People in Delhi say that smoke causes pollution. But I want to say this smoke won't be from pollution; it will be from development," she said. Rekha Gupta, who visited her ancestral Nandgarh village for the first time after becoming the CM, praised Saini's working style, stating that Haryana is swiftly moving on the path of development under his leadership. She emphasised that the vision of a developed India will be realised through a developed Haryana and Delhi. Highlighting the improved road network, she expressed confidence that Haryana will continue achieving new heights in development under Saini's leadership. She also lauded the BJP and PM Modi for empowering ordinary citizens, saying that only a party like BJP could make a common girl from a village like Nandgarh the chief minister of Delhi and a computer operator Haryana chief minister. She shared her deep connection with Nandgarh as her birthplace and thanked the people of Haryana for their continuous support. She noted that today, CM Saini gifted development projects worth Rs 16.8 crore to the region. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Saini said under the leadership of PM Modi, the "triple-engine govt" was rapidly advancing development projects across the state. He said: "The public has shown trust in our govt for the third time, and we will leave no stone unturned to live up to that trust."
Hans India
a day ago
- Science
- Hans India
Cosmic Twist: City-based astronomers discover a new kind of stellar chemistry
Bengaluru: While India was focused on the International Space Station and a Gaganyaatri code-named Shux, researchers from Bengaluru-based Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have quietly uncovered a cosmic twist. That, in the far away Ophiuchus Constellation, a peculiar star named A980, some 25,800 light years away, is rewriting what we know about stellar chemistry. Gajendra Pandey, Senior Professor at IIA, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), said, it all began when his PhD student, Ajay Saini proposed to study 27 newly identified hydrogen-deficient carbon stars in high resolution spectrum for his thesis work. According to Pandey, a hydrogen-deficient carbon star is a peculiar breed of cool star that lacks hydrogen -- the most common element in the universe. 'Until 2022, only five stars were known to be hydrogen deficient. But in 2022, 27 stars, including A980, were identified. The problem is, it was done in a low-resolution spectrum. So, we decided to look at them in high resolution as well as study their chemical composition,' said Pandey to PTI. A closer look by Saini and Pandey, using the Hanle Echelle Spectrograph on the Himalayan Chandra Telescope in Ladakh, showed something strange. A980's spectrum -- essentially a stellar fingerprint -- did not match what they expected. Instead, this mysterious star that belongs to a rare class called Extreme Helium (EHe) stars, carries a surprisingly high amount of germanium -- a metallic element never before observed in this type of star. EHe stars, said Pandey, are almost entirely made of helium, and they are likely formed when two white dwarf stars --one carbon-oxygen rich and the other helium-rich --merged in a spectacular cosmic collision.' According to Pandey, they were surprised to see singly-ionized germanium (Ge II) lines in the A980's optical spectrum. 'These are the first-ever detections of germanium lines in an EHe's observed spectrum,' explained Pandey. More surprises awaited the duo. They found that germanium is eight times more abundant in A980 than in the Sun, which is evidence for the synthesis of germanium in EHe stars. 'Germanium has never been detected in these stars before, and here it was -- eight times more abundant than in the Sun,' said Saini. The discovery is important, as every new clue helps astronomers' piece together the cosmic story of how matter came to be, added the researcher duo. The detection of germanium, for instance, means that there are other plausible scenarios than the long-held theory that EHe stars originated from the merger of a carbon-oxygen white dwarf with a less massive helium white dwarf, said Pandey. Pandey and Saini suspect that A980's unusual chemistry could trace back to a phase in stellar evolution called the Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) -- a stage when stars puff up and start producing heavy elements like barium, strontium, and germanium. These stars eventually shed their outer layers, and their cores become white dwarfs. And then there are Thorne-Zytkow Objects (TZO) -- theoretical hybrid stars that have a neutron star at their core. 'They are also known to produce lots of germanium, using a different method called the rp-process (rapid proton capture). While A980 does not fully match the expected properties of a TZO, the similarities are intriguing,' added Pandey. The discovery, said Pandey, pushes the boundaries of what we thought we knew about stellar chemistry. 'It also shows how powerful high-resolution spectroscopy can be used in uncovering the hidden stories written in starlight,' he added.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Jyotisar set to become a world-class historic tourism destination: Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini
Haryana chief minister (CM) Nayab Singh Saini announced that Jyotisar, the revered site where Lord Krishna delivered the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, is being developed into a grand and globally renowned historic tourism destination. The state government is investing approximately Rs 250 crore to transform Jyotisar into a world-class spiritual and experiential centre that will showcase the rich cultural heritage of Kurukshetra. The CM made this announcement while inspecting the Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra(Experiential Centre). He was accompanied by RSS ideologue and Gita scholar Swami Gyananand, senior government officials, and local BJP leaders. During the visit, CM Saini closely examined various thematic galleries, including the Mahabharata chamber, Kuru dynasty timeline, Gita shlokas, Krishna's role, and the Dashavatar gallery. Officials from the Haryana Tourism Department, including Principal Secretary Kalachandran and Director Shaleen, briefed the CM on the project's current status and future plans through a detailed presentation. CM Saini directed the authorities to expedite all remaining construction work and ensure that the center is opened to tourists at the earliest. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like High Blood Sugar? Do This Immediately! Live Happier Click Here Undo He emphasized that visitors from India and abroad will experience the living history of Mahabharata at Jyotisar. The CM offered prayers for the prosperity of the people of Haryana at the Shri Shri Kripa Bihari Mandir located in the Gita Gyan Sansthanam, and held a discussion with Swami Gyananand Maharaj, who runs this private Gita institute. Speaking to the media, CM Saini stated, 'Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India's cultural heritage has been significantly strengthened. The development of Jyotisar on a Mahabharata-themed project is a testimony to our commitment to preserving our spiritual legacy.' He added that the PM has been invited to visit Kurukshetra, and if he accepts, it will be a historic moment for the region. He also announced that the Kalpana Chawla Planetarium will soon be reopened for tourists and reiterated that Jyotisar will emerge as one of the most iconic heritage sites in the world. 9200 buses arranged for CET examinees On youth welfare, CM Saini highlighted that the state government has made extensive arrangements for the upcoming CET Group-C exam, to be held on July 26 and 27. Over 13.87 lakh candidates have applied, and 9,200 buses, including those from Haryana Roadways and private schools, will transport candidates to and from their exam centers. A family member accompanying a female candidate will also be allowed to travel free of cost. On Robert Vadra and Punjab politics Responding to a media query on Robert Vadra, CM Saini stated that the ongoing investigations are part of long-standing corruption cases dating back to the Congress regime, where 'rules were flouted to benefit a few elites, including Vadra, at the cost of the poor.' When asked about Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, Saini alleged that 'other forces seem to be controlling the government, and often the CM himself appears unaware of what's happening under his leadership.' Several prominent personalities and officials were present during the inspection, including former minister Subhash Sudha, senior BJP leader Jai Bhagwan Sharma, OSD Bharat Bhushan Bharti, DC Neha Singh, SP Nitish Aggarwal, and members of the Haryana Sarasvati Heritage Development Board, among others.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
‘Equip them with future-ready skills': Haryana creates Department of Future for new opportunities for youth, scientific policy making
The Haryana Government Friday issued a notification for setting up the new Department of Future that will help look for new opportunities for the state's youth, and 'deliver effective solutions through rigorous research, forecasting and collaborative policy development'. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who also holds the Finance portfolio, gave the final nod for establishing the department, fulfilling his commitment made in the 2025-26 Haryana Budget. Following the Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh's assent, the government issued the notification. 'Governments of the 21st century must focus not only on present needs but also on future challenges. Haryana's administration will now base its policy-making on vision, data analysis, and technical expertise. The 'Department of Future' will lay a stronger foundation for the state's progress in the years ahead. Haryana's policies will henceforth address not only current requirements but also anticipate future challenges,' Saini said. The Haryana CM said the establishment of the Department of Future 'comes at a critical juncture', with climate change, technological revolutions, population growth, and global uncertainties presenting 'unprecedented challenges'. Detailing the objectives of this department, Saini said it will 'identify Haryana's social, economic and technological needs for the years ahead'. 'The department will focus on integrating cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Quantum Computing, and Robotics into the policy-making process. It will also develop plans to equip the youth with future-ready skills. Its scope includes forecasting challenges in critical sectors like human resources, education, health, energy, agriculture, water, environment, and infrastructure, and preparing timely solutions accordingly,' he added. 'Additionally, the department aims to formulate long-term strategies by coordinating initiatives across all government departments. By analysing the social impact, opportunities, and risks associated with emerging technologies, it will provide evidence-based recommendations. This approach will not only strengthen Haryana's position in the global arena but also promote sustainable development and innovation-driven governance through the adoption of data intelligence and forecast modelling in planning'. Saini said the Department of Future will provide 'fresh direction and opportunities, particularly for the youth of Haryana'. 'In a rapidly changing world where traditional jobs and businesses are evolving, timely preparation of the youth will be the cornerstone of future policy. The 'Department of Future' will not only serve as a guiding force for the youth but will also play a decisive role in shaping policy decisions'.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Hindustan Times
On the kanwar route, devotion and some concerns
Dressed in saffron or yellow and a gamchha (towel) slung over their shoulders, millions of men (and some women) pour out of towns and villages across the northern heartland every monsoon, making their way on foot, on buses, motorcycles or cars to the Ganga ghats in Haridwar. Last year, roughly 40 million people undertook this holy journey that has unfortunately also come to be associated with incidents of vandalism and crime. As the Kanwar Yatra opens, HT travels the 210km (Delhi to Haridwar) route to take stock of public perception – devotion mixed with some anxiety and concern. STOP 1: Partapur Village, Uttar Pradesh, 60km from Delhi Fifteen kilometres from Meerut is Partapur village, the first stop of kanwariyas. The streets are lined with around five police tents, 15-20 camps for devotees, two-three medical camps and a fire tender on standby. Vedpal Saini, who runs a roadside eatery, said the pilgrimage is getting bigger every year. It's good for business, he added, even if there is a caveat. 'If there are 100 good devotees, there are also 10-15 notorious ones who harass people,' said the 44-year-old, and added that while traffic woes trouble the local residents, 'business picks up.' 'For at least 10 days, one side of the road is blocked and we can't even ride a bike. The pilgrims lie down on the road, making it inaccessible,' said Saini. But he is not complaining; his customers swell fourfold during the kanwariya season. A UP police constable who asked not to be named said the problem is only with a few of the 'daak kanwars' – who do not stop and walk or run continuously – that are impossible to control, with some who are 'drunk, creating a ruckus if stopped.' Otherwise, he adds, it's just more work 'We have 12 hour long shifts, and no leaves for a month. Our hands are also tied, we can't do much… I just hope each year that no major incident takes place involving the pilgrims.' STOP 2: Modipuram, Uttar Pradesh, 90km from Delhi The next stop is Modipuram, around 30km away, where over a dozen camps are set up and over 500 police personnel deployed. 'When I was a child, only small groups of men would undertake this journey. It was a festive time, peaceful too. Now, I see thousands of men on the yatra,' said Mohan Lal, a septuagenarian resident. With increasing numbers, there is bound to be some trouble. 'Some drink, drive rashly and abuse on the way,' he adds. But most people factor the yatra into their calculations – making changes in how they work. For instance, Mohan Kumar, who runs Vasudeva Hospital, a 12-bed unit gets his employees to stay at the hospital itself. 'For a week, traffic becomes a huge problem. I make my doctors and nursing staff, only men, stay at the hospital for three to four days, so that they don't have to face any problem,' said Kumar. For the Muslim traders of Modinagar , it is a fraught time. Mohammad Umar, a biryani seller, said he shut his shop. 'My parents are dependent on me, and even though I know the local politicians, I think it would be risky to open the shop this time of the year. I don't want to get into any trouble. This will affect finances but we don't have an option.' STOP 3: Khatauli, Uttar Pradesh, 115km from Delhi The small town is packed with shops, sugar mills and businesses, all in the same market. Shopkeepers and local leaders have put up welcome boards for the kanwariyas. 'Even though the GT Road gets blocked, it's still such a festive mood in the city. We face huge traffic snarls… But that's fine,' said Hem Singh, a sweet shop owner. But for women, it's also a time when they have to be careful. Suneeta Kumar, a 28-year-old who works at an electrical appliances shop with her husband Arup Kumar, also finds her movements restricted for two weeks. 'Why risk one's safety and step out? Most of the people are nice but there will be a few bad elements. We prefer staying indoors. Some people get drunk and misbehave. I wish the government could do something,' she said. Next to Khatauli, in Daurala village, shopkeepers and villagers were also preparing for the yatra. Mohd Naushad, a car and bike repair shop owner, finds himself busy at all hours of the day and night when the yatra begins. 'I have never had to shut my shop during Kanwar Yatra because of my religion or anything. It's such a busy time. In fact, I even get calls at midnight from devotees who need help fixing their cars or bikes. They call me and have never misbehaved. There's garbage but municipality staff cleans it over the night.' A senior police officer (DSP level), told HT 'It's more like a festival for locals. Obviously, there are good and bad elements. Our job is to take care. The local police is vigilant and no incidents have been observed inside the city. More than 800 staff guided by inspectors are deployed round the clock.' HT Graphics(HT) STOP 4: Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, 140km from Delhi Before reaching Haridwar, a Shiva temple in Muzaffarnagar is an important pitstop for devotees. Located in the middle of Shiv Chowk road junction, the temple receives more than a million kanwariyas every year, said police. 'The pilgrimage is incomplete without a parikrama at the Shiv temple. There's some traffic issues but the police are always here,' said head priest Harish Bhardwaj. There are more than 50 camps set up in the city and 2,000 police personnel deployed. A separate control room is set up at Shiva Chowk for senior officers to monitor situation. Bhardwaj explained how devotees come from different parts of the country and join the yatra. 'I always have help. Some even volunteer to clean the temple...' he added. 'There's no end to our duty at that time. I have worked for over 20 hours every day. If millions of men are on the streets, there will be some issues. But we cannot do much and have to maintain law and order,' said a police officer, requesting anonymity. Director general of police (DGP) Rajiv Krishna told media that across UP over 587 gazetted officers, 2040 inspectors, 13,520 sub-inspectors, 39,965 head constables and constables, 1,486 women sub-inspectors, 8,541 women head constables and constables, 50 companies of Central Police Force and Pradeshik Armed Constabulary (PAC) and 1,424 Home Guards have been deployed. STOP 5: Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 190km from Delhi Roorkee comes to a standstill for two weeks during Kanwar season. More than 2,000 police personnel are deployed and over 100 camps are set up. As men and women dance to loud music blaring out of trucks, schools, colleges, offices and even a few markets remain shut. 'The roads have been blocked since July 5. This will go on till July 23, till everyone comes back from Haridwar. Cleanliness is a major issue for us. The street outside my store is lined with garbage,' said Abhishek Grover, a grocery store owner. Devotees also take big chariots for the Kawar Yatra. Some even carry their parents. He said while he respected a large majority of devotees, some were hooligans. 'I see them and I know they are intoxicated. I have three female staffers and I just tell them to take leave or not leave the store,' he added. Retired IIT Roorkee professor, R Shankar, recalled a more peaceful time. 'Devotees would walk in small groups and mind their own business. It all changed after 1990-92. There was this big spike in numbers. I am a religious man myself but I can't support this,' he said. A traffic police head constable said they lose count of their work hours. 'Everyone I know is on the ground. The traffic is a huge issue. While local police focus on law and order, we have to see traffic as well. We have to ensure essential services don't get affected. I usually don't take leave during Kawar Yatra time,' he said. STOP 6: Haridwar, Uttarakhand, 225 km from Delhi It's here that kanwariyas fill their pots with water from the Ganga and walk back to villages and towns across Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi. Hotels, holy ghats, temples, lodges and eateries teem with people. The streets, the ghats, temples and monuments are lit with decorations, lights, flowers and colourful banners. From July 11 to 28, all schools will remain shut, offices will be closed and buses and rickshaws will stop plying on the roads. Diyas, flowers, puja items, religious pieces such as rudrakash, stones and other pieces will be sold at twice the price, said yadav. 'My wife and I come to Har Ki Paudi every day but we don't come during the Kanwar Yatra. There's no space to stand and there's garbage everywhere. Police are called to remove people because there's fear of stampede,' said retired teacher Rajan Yadav, 65. The district magistrate's office said over 45 million people arrived in Haridwar during the Kawar Yatra last year. 'We keep our shops open for 12-16 hours. People keep coming in and there's no space to sit. I can't stand all day and sell cans and puja items. I have a young daughter who also tries to help but I can't allow her to stay here at night,' said Mohini Singh, a shopkeeper. Many residents welcome the pilgrimage. Srishti Kulshrestha, 24, whose parents run a shop near the ghat, is one of them. 'I see my family working for over 12 hours without any police help, handling crowds but they never complain. My mother says it's like sewa (service).' In all, 8,000 police personnel are deployed and hundreds camps set up. A police constable near Har Ki Paudi showed three CCTV rooms and announcement stations which are set up to help devotees, missing children and check for thefts or any nuisance STOP 7: Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 250km from Delhi Most kanwariyas return from Haridwar with water cans, but some walk on towards Rishikesh to visit the Neelkanth temple. 'Last year, more than six lakh people were there on a single day. . For two days, the entire stretch was blocked from Rishikesh main town to Neelkanth temple. Two or three years back, I remember there were heavy rains and people were stuck. The authorities closed roads and people were stuck near the temple, some were stuck on roads,' said Sumit Kanwal, a priest. Kanwal added that young men and women often do the trek to complete the pilgrimage. 'Some do it for their elderly parents, others do it in groups. It's truly surprising to see so many people turning up here. They visit our temple as well.' Colourful chariots, idols, posters and models line the streets. Some Kawar Yatris fix their own chariots and pots as they trek towards Rishikesh Only 50-60 camps are set up at Rishikesh as most devotees have to trek during rains. Police officials told HT that police are deployed at every post or road junction since the devotees walk around the entire city to get to the temple. 'For 15-18 days, it's complete madness. I have seen men who remove silencers from their bikes. Their speakers cause headaches and my parents do not move out,' said Kuldeep Singh, a local guide. 'Nobody can confront them as they are always angry.'
