Month: August 2020

Twenty-year-old Neelakanta Bhanu Prakash of Hyderabad has emerged as the fastest human calculator in the world after winning first-ever gold for India in Mental Calculation World Championship at Mind Sports Olympiad (MSO) held in London recently.

A student of Mathematics (Hons.) at Delhi University’s St Stephen College holds world records and 50 Limca records for being the fastest human calculator in the world.

“I hold 4 world records and 50 Limca records for being the fastest human calculator in the world. My brain calculates quicker than the speed of a calculator. Breaking these records, once held by Math maestros like Scott Flansburg and Shakuntala Devi, is a matter of national pride. I have done my bit to place India on the global level of mathematics,” Bhanu Prakash told ANI.

“I won a gold medal for India at the MSO, London 2020 held on August 15. This is the first time that India has won a gold medal. The MSO is the most prestigious international competition for games of mental skill and mind sports which is held in London every year. This is equivalent to any other Olympic event in the realm of physical sports,” he added.

MSO was held virtually with 30 participants up to 57 years of age from 13 countries including UK, Germany, UAE, France Greece and Lebanon. The MSO was first held in 1998.

Bhanu Prakash was 65 points ahead of a Lebanese contender and one from the UAE, who bagged the third position.

“Beating 29 competitors, up to 57 years of age, from 13 countries, I won the gold medal with a clear margin of 65 points. The judges were so spellbound by my speed, that they required me to perform more calculations to confirm my accuracy,” he said.

Bhanu Prakash said his vision is to create “VISION Math” labs and reach out to millions of children to make them start loving maths.

“My vision is to create math labs, reach out to millions of children, under what I call in order to make them start loving math and arithmetic calculations. Three out of every four students who study in the government schools of India have trouble in understanding basic Mathematics. The phobia caused by math and the demotivation is the number two cause for kids opting out of the rural schools in India.” he said.

“For any country to develop and thrive globally, numeracy is as important a skill as literacy is. Under the government’s listed goals, there are a lot of programs which emphasize on increasing the literacy, but as of now, there is no significant program or vision in increasing the mathematical abilities and numeracy which can put us ahead in the global race. Our visionary Prime Minister Narendra Modi should take the lead as I want to initiate and take ‘VISION MATH’ of India ahead. A robust plan like this will put India on the global map of excellence and bring back the old Indian Math Glory,” he added.

Srinivas Jonnalgadda, father of Bhanu Prakash said that his son has become proud for India and has the vision to eradicate math phobia.

“Bhanu proved to be the pride of India as he is the first Indian to win a gold medal at the Mind Sports Olympics. He holds four world records for being the fastest human calculator in the world, breaking records which were once held by the highly acclaimed mathematicians. At the age of 20, he not only stands with an array of awards but also with the vision and mission of eradicating math phobia which is a prevalent issue across the country,” he said.

“The Olympic Gold Medal win in Mental Math and Mind Sports should be recognized by the Central Government, as it has brought laurel to the country as big as the Gold Medals in physical sports like boxing or badminton. We believe that it is time to take math education forward with a robust collaboration with the Adani Foundation to provide underprivileged children with the best math education that is sure to put India on the global map of excellence and bring math the Old Indian Math Glory,” he added.

Srinivas Jonnalgadda further said that Bhanu Prakash wishes to popularize brain training and arithmetic workouts among children to inspire them to learn math, and pursue it as a mental sport and bring back more Gold Medals in the days to come.

“Bhanu Prakash wishes to instil a sense of enjoyment when children learn mathematically and all of his work is towards making this a reality,” he said. (ANI)

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi may have a small committee to assist party her and also appoint vice-presidents, party sources said.

Sonia Gandhi was on Monday requested by the Congress Working Committee (CWC) to continue to lead the party till a session of AICC is held.

The sources said some leaders may be attached to her to decrease her workload.

With the CWC meeting held in the backdrop of the letter of 20 party leaders to Sonia Gandhi which raised some heckles, several leaders expressed their views in the meeting lasted for over seven hours.

The letter spoke about the need of sweeping reforms including “full time” active leadership, referred to need of institutional collective leadership to guide the party’s revival and sought elections to CWC.

Party leader Ahmed Patel is learnt to have asked Anand Sharma, who is a signatory to the letter, about the mention of collective leadership in the letter and its implications. He is also learnt to have said that Sharma was an expert in drafting and asked if he had read the letter before signing it.

Sources said party leader Rahul Gandhi said that the letter was leaked to media, which he alleged was “in the grip of BJP”.

Mukul Wasnik is learnt to have said that he owes his position to Sonia Gandhi and he signed the letter keeping in mind the best interests of the party and raised issues with a clean heart.

Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda is learnt to have told the committee that everyone should be heard in the party.

Rajiv Satav is learnt to have taken potshots at some leaders who had taken written the letter.

Sonia Gandhi said at the meeting that she did not have ill-will against anyone.

The CWC on Monday again unanimously requested Sonia Gandhi “to continue to lead the Indian National Congress” until such time as circumstances will permit an AICC session to be convened.The crucial meeting of CWC, the party’s highest decision-making body, adopted a resolution which authorised Sonia Gandhi to affect necessary organisational changes that she may deem appropriate to take on the challenges faced by the party.

Apart from hailing the leadership of Sonia Gandhi, the CWC also lauded the role of party leader Rahul Gandhi, saying he has resolutely led the fight against the BJP-led government from the front.

The resolution said CWC makes it clear that no one will be or can be permitted to undermine or weaken the party and its leadership at this juncture.

It said the responsibility of every Congress worker and leader today is to fight the pernicious assault on India’s democracy, pluralism and diversity by the Modi Government.The resolution said inner-party issues cannot be deliberated through the media or in public for and urged and advises all concerned to raise such issues only in party fora in the interest of propriety and discipline.

Sonia Gandhi was appointed as an interim president on August 10, 2019, by the CWC after Rahul Gandhi stepped down as party chief taking the responsibility for the party’s dismal performance in 2019 Lok Sabha elections. (ANI)

Sonia Gandhi will continue as interim president of Congress and the election of new party chief will take place as soon as possible, party leader KH Muniyappa said after a crucial meeting of Congress Working Committee (CWC) on Monday.

“Madam (Sonia Gandhi) has to continue and the election will take place as soon as possible which is the unanimous decision of the working committee,” Muniyappa, who is a special invitee to CWC, told ANI

He said there was no difference of opinion on the leadership.

“There is no different opinion on leadership and even Ghulam Nabi Azadji, Mukul Wasnikji and Anand Sharmaji have given in writing that there is no dispute on leadership,” Muniyappa said.

Sources said while CWC members talked of election of new president in one year, party leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said that the process should start in six months.

They said a session of AICC session is likely to be convened in six months and a new president will be elected.

Many leaders demanded Rahul Gandhi should again take the post of party chief.

The key CWC meeting, which went on for seven hours, was held after a controversy erupted over a letter by more than 20 senior leaders to Sonia Gandhi in which they called for “full time” active leadership, sweeping reforms and raised questions about the party’s present condition and direction. They also demanded elections to CWC.

Apart from Sonia Gandhi, the virtual meeting was also attended by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, party general secretary KC Venugopal, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and former union ministers Mallikarjun Kharge and AK Antony.

Sonia Gandhi was appointed as an interim President on August 10, 2019 by the CWC after Rahul Gandhi stepped down as party chief, taking the responsibility for the party’s disastrous defeat in 2019 Lok Sabha elections. (ANI)

By Nishant Ketu

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday took a dig at senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad amid the ongoing ruckus over the post of president in the Congress party saying that his own party leader Rahul Gandhi has accused him of supporting Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Speaking to ANI, Owaisi said, “Ghulam Nabi Azad has been accusing me of working for BJP. However, today the former president of his party is himself questioning him. Ghulam Nabi Azad Saheb, who has belonged to the Congress party for the last 45 years, when he comes to Hyderabad, accuses me and my party that we are supporting the BJP.”

“Today, Rahul Gandhi has said he has supported the BJP by signing the letter and writing the letter. Now Azad has to think about it as his own party leader has stated that he is the one who is supporting BJP,” he added.

Owaisi said that anybody opposing the Congress party or its leadership is labelled the “B-team” of BJP and Ghulam Nabi Azad has been doing the same.

“Azad came in front of the media and stated that he will tender his resignation if that if he is supporting BJP. It has been proved that if you oppose the Congress party, as I am doing, I am also opposing the BJP, then the Congress party labels me as B-team member. If someone opposes the leadership in his party, then he is merged with the BJP,” said Owaisi.

Owaisi said that all Muslim leaders of the Congress Party would have to think about this issue and find an alternative.

“Those Muslim leaders who are wasting their time being in Congress party will have to think about it. Today, you are accused that you are supporting the BJP, then, how long you will continue to be Congress’ slave? The alternative will be seen when you will break the chains of slavery, and make your own decisions,” said Owaisi.

“He (Azad) has to think about it that he is being accused even after being in the party for so many years. Azad or Congress party should not raise fingers on me later. Congress should keep a check on its own party and see who is supporting BJP,” said Owaisi.

Owaisi accused the Congress party and said that Congress leaders are becoming the strength of the BJP.

“Modi has become Prime Minister twice because of Congress. If those people did the right thing then why would Modi win in 2014? Had they played the right role of the opposition then why would they win only 50 seats in 2019? And why are so many of their MLAs running in BJP? So, it’s their mistake and weakness and BJP is taking benefit of it,” said Owaisi.

“Congress party continues to remain the biggest strength of Narendra Modi, his leadership remains intact,” he added.

Several senior leaders wrote a letter about the full-time presidentship of the Congress party, including the name of Ghulam Nabi Azad. However, Azad has denied writing any such letter. (ANI)

Actor Sonu Sood who had earlier launched a job portal ‘Pravasi Rojgar’ to help migrant labourers, on Monday said he will also be offering accommodation to the 20,000 workers who have been employed in a garment unit in Noida through the application.

‘Dabangg’ actor who is being hailed as the ‘messiah’ for his philanthropy work, took to Twitter to share about his new initiative aimed at providing accommodation to the migrant workers.

“I am delighted to now offer accommodation for 20,000 migrated workers who have also been provided jobs in garment units in #Noida through @PravasiRojgar. With the support of #NAEC President Shri Lalit Thukral, we will work round the clock for this noble cause @lalit_thukral,” he tweeted.

Sood who is currently helping scores of countrymen coming from the underprivileged section, began his journey in philanthropy by arranging safe road travel for migrant travels stuck in various parts of the country to reach their native places.

He later launched a job portal for migrant labourers by collaborating with several employment providers.

The 47-year-old actor has since then been helping different people reaching out to him through social media. (ANI)

Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala on Sunday said that reports of Sonia Gandhi resigning from the post of Congress interim president are false.

“Reports of Sonia Gandhi resigning from the post of Congress interim president are false,” Surjewala told ANI.

Earlier in the day, Assam Congress president Ripun Bora said he reiterates his demand to Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi to give the leadership of the party to Rahul Gandhi as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scared only of him.

“In an earlier video conference with Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Rajya Sabha MPs, I categorically appealed to Sonia Gandhi at this moment to give the leadership of Congress party to Rahul Gandhi as Narendra Modi is scared only of Rahul Gandhi,” Assam Congress president Ripun Bora told ANI.

Just before the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting is scheduled to be held on Monday, an internal dispute had emerged regarding “leadership” issues in the party.

Reportedly several senior Congress leaders have written to party interim president Sonia Gandhi raising a 5-Point Agenda to revive the party, emphasising the need for active leadership in the party and raising questions about the party’s condition and direction, as well as demanding the election of the Congress Working Committee. (ANI)

Praising Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi and MP Rahul Gandhi for their sacrifice for people and the party, Sachin Pilot on Sunday said that most Congress workers would like to see the latter take over and lead the party.

“Mrs Gandhi and Rahul ji have shown what it means to sacrifice for the greater good of the people and the party. It’s now time to build consensus and consolidate. Our future is stronger when we’re united. Most Congress workers would like to see Rahul ji take over and lead the party,” Congress MLA Pilot said in a tweet.

Earlier in the day, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala has said that reports of Sonia Gandhi resigning from the post of Congress interim president are false.

“Reports of Sonia Gandhi resigning from the post of Congress interim president are false,” Surjewala told ANI.

Earlier, Assam Congress president Ripun Bora said he reiterates his demand to Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi to give the leadership of the party to Rahul Gandhi as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scared only of him.

“In an earlier video conference with Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Rajya Sabha MPs, I categorically appealed to Sonia Gandhi at this moment to give the leadership of Congress party to Rahul Gandhi as Narendra Modi is scared only of Rahul Gandhi,” Assam Congress president Ripun Bora told ANI.

Just before the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting scheduled to be held on Monday, an internal dispute had emerged regarding “leadership” issues in the party.

Reportedly several senior Congress leaders have written to party interim president Sonia Gandhi raising a 5-Point Agenda to revive the party, emphasising the need for active leadership in the party and raising questions about the party’s condition and direction, as well as demanding the election of the Congress Working Committee. (ANI)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday urged the government to take into account concerns of Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) students who have been demanding postponement of the entrance examinations.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) (Main) will be held from September 1 to 6 and National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) (UG) on September 13.

“Today lakhs of students are saying something. The GOI must listen to the Students Ke Mann Ki Baat about NEET, JEE exams and arrive at an acceptable solution,” the Congress leader said in a tweet.

His response comes amid the demands from students and parents to postpone the entrance exams in view of the surge in COVID-19 cases.

On Saturday, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi’s Education Minister Manish Sisodia had also requested the Central government to cancel the JEE and NEET.

“The Central government is playing with the lives of millions of students in the name of JEE-NEET. My request to the Centre is to cancel both these exams immediately and make an alternative arrangement for admission this year. In this time of unprecedented crisis, an unprecedented step will lead to a solution,” Sisodia tweeted.

On August 17, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking the postponement of the NEET and JEE scheduled to be held in September 2020. (ANI)