Month: July 2021

By Rajnish Singh

While in service they saved countless lives by sniffing out terror with zero error and now retired combat canines of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) are being deployed as “therapy dogs” to assist in the recuperation of those undergoing medical treatment.

Rambo, Pooja, Tom, Rani, Machali, Helen, Reena, Nisha, Tom and Gravey are among 20 retired K9 heroes who have started their “second innings” as therapy dogs for offering support to specially challenged children and patients at ITBP hospitals

Over the past five months these retired K9 commandos have been visiting ITBP hospitals and have learnt to give soothing emotional support to patients for whom the dogs offer a welcome break from the dreary hospital monotony.

These dogs interact with patients in general wards, those on terminal illnesses, psychiatric patients and also with children with special needs, to spread joy.

A retirement home has also been established for these K9s at National Training Centre for Dogs (NTCD) at Bhanu near Panchkula, Haryana.

With such a move, ITBP has now become the “first force in India” that has found a very useful role for retired K9 heroes.

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has also given its nod to provide almost more than half of ration and other necessary facilities to care for these canines, who have given the best of their years to the nation, from central government’s sanctioned fund as like other dogs employed in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). The MHA has authorised pensions (rations) to these dogs 70 per cent of their basic pay (ration).

In a letter to the MHA in June this year, the ITBP informed about the arrival of more such retired dogs.

“ITBP has unleashed the healing power of our retired K9 to provide emotional support to patients and special children,” ITBP Director General SS Deswal told ANI.

“Our retired hero dogs are housed at the ITBP K9 retirement home at NTCD at Bhanu near Panchkula.”

Expressed pride on ITBP’s retired K9 heroes ITBP DIG (Vet) Sudhakar Natarajan told ANI, “We are fully committed to looking after our veteran K9s heroes who have served the nation, and now even in their retired life they are contributing as therapy dogs to give emotional support to patients and special children.”

“Since our dogs are highly trained and socialised, they are being used as a supportive therapy manage autism and other spectral disorders in children. These children connect with our furry darlings directly at the organic emotional level , that is not the case with human to human interaction, where expectations are involved.”

It has been proved by research that the very act of petting and having nonverbal, no strings attached, interacting with a dog increases the dopamine level, reduces stress hormones; and improves muscular coordination and hyperactivity in special kids, said Natarajan.

ITBP Inspector General Ishwar Singh Duhan expressed his happiness over the contribution of BTC Bhanu in initiating the use of therapy dogs, for the first time amongst all forces, in compliance to the guidelines of MHA.

The Officer in charge is Deputy Commandant Hitesh Kumar, who is a veterinarian and AAT (Animal Assisted Therapy) professional is deeply involved in the welfare of all retired dogs and their use as therapy dogs. His contribution is wholesome. (ANI)

Punjab government allowed the reopening of schools for Classes 10, 11 & 12 from Monday after complying with the instructions of the health department and with COVID-19 protocols in place.

“We’re calling students in a staggered manner. Almost all of our staff is fully vaccinated,” said Principal, Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Amritsar.

“There are nearly 1,600 students in the school, but the school administration is allowing only 15 students per class. The school has been following Covid-19 protocols like sanitization of the school before calling the students.

“Students hands have been sanitized before allowing them in the classrooms and it has been made compulsory for teachers and students to wear masks,” said the principal of a government school.

“The teachers have been given two doses of the Covid-19 vaccines and have been advised that if a student is not feeling well, then she or he should be sent home after giving medical aid,” added the principal.

Students were quite happy after coming to school since they were stuck at home and were facing problems due to online education.

“I want that the school never get closed as our studies were disrupted. Since the school administration has made sure that all the safety arrangements are at its place for the students, so it is a good thing”, said Simranjeet Kaur, a class 12th student at the school.

“It’s been four months since we have entered the school. I hope that the school never get closed as it is 10th standard, a board class and one has to focus alot in a board class,” said Komal, another student.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on July 20 ordered the reoepning of schools for classes 10, 11, 12 from July 26, subject to conditions. (ANI)

The SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant of concern is now the dominant variant in most of Europe, the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned on Monday.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the WHO said that efforts to prevent transmission of the Delta variant must be reinforced.

The WHO Regional Office for Europe and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) shows that between June 28 and July 11 the Delta variant was dominant in the majority (19 countries) of the 28 countries that reported sufficiently complete genetic sequencing information,” says a statement from WHO and ECDC.

“In these 19 countries, the median proportion of all nationally sequenced virus isolates detected that were Delta was 68.3 per cent, overtaking that for the previously dominant Apla variant (22.3 per cent) across the region,” it said.

The Delta variant will be the globally dominant strain over the coming months and has already been identified in almost all European countries. It will continue to spread, displacing circulation of other variants unless a new more competitive virus emerges.

According to the latest statement by ECDC: “The emergence of significantly more transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants such as the B.1.617.2 (Delta) is causing an upsurge of COVID-19 cases in several EU/EEA countries. This is likely to continue until a larger proportion of the general population is fully vaccinated unless more stringent non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) are implemented. (ANI)

The release date of Bollywood actor Kriti Sanon’s comedy-drama ‘Mimi’ was preponed, and on Monday evening the film was released on OTT platforms, amid reports of its online leak.

Minutes after the unexpected release, Kriti, who will be celebrating her birthday on Tuesday, took to her Instagram handle and shared the news with her fans.

In the caption of the announcement video, she wrote, “Mimi STREAMING NOW!!!Mimi went into labour early! Our baby couldn’t wait to see you all!!! Mimi streaming now on @netflix_in and @officialjiocinema. Woooohhhhooooo!!!”

‘Mimi’, which was slated to release on July 30 on Jio Cinema and Netflix, had reportedly been leaked online four days before its official release date.

This Hindi remake of Samroudhhi Porey’s National award-winning, Marathi film, ‘Mala Aai Vhhaychy!’ (2011), has been directed by Laxman Utekar and also features Pankaj Tripathi, Manoj Pahwa, Sai Tamhankar and Supriya Pathak.

The film narrates a quirky tale of a feisty and carefree girl (Kriti) who becomes a surrogate mom to make money. Laxman Utekar has also written the movie’s story and screenplay along with Rohan Shankar, who has penned the dialogues as well.

Apart from ‘Mimi’, Kriti has an impressive lineup of films including ‘Adipurush’, ‘Bachchan Pandey’, ‘Bhediya’, ‘Ganapath’, ‘Hum Do Hamaare Do’ along with another unannounced project. (ANI)

Ending months of speculation, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Monday announced his decision of stepping down from the position.

His announcement came at a special event organised to present the government’s report card on the occasion of the completion of two years of the BJP-led state government in the current term, at Vidhana Soudha.
“I have decided to resign. I will meet the Governor after lunch,” said Yediyurappa today.
Meanwhile, the names of several leaders have been doing the rounds for the key post.

The Panchamasali Lingayat community has been demanding the chief ministerial post for several months. BJP leaders from the community including Basangouda Ramangouda Patil Yatnal, Arvind Bellad and Murugesh Nirani are believed to be the front runners in the race. Karnataka Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai’s name is also being mentioned.

Former union minister DV Sadananda Gowda and BJP general secretary CT Ravi could also be the next chief minister if the party high command gives priority to the Gowda community. Also, R Ashok and CN Ashwathnarayan are the other popular figures from the community.

Several conventions and meetings are being held in Bengaluru and other places of Karnataka in different mutts to ensure Yediyurappa stays as the chief minister.

On Sunday, seers of different Lingayat mutts held a convention in Bengaluru’s Palace Grounds and extended their support to Yediyurappa.

Earlier, on Thursday, speaking to media persons, Chief Minister Yediyurappa made it clear that the final decision will be taken by the BJP high command. “I will obey the suggestions given by them and I am no way concerned about the next chief minister, whether he comes from the Dalit community or any other community. I will accept the decision.”

Last month, some BJP MLAs had demanded that Yediyurappa must step down as chief minister. State Tourism Minister CP Yogeeshwara in a statement had said that instead of the Chief Minister, his son has been ruling and controlling the Ministries of Karnataka. (ANI)

Paying homage to Kargil heroes on the occasion of 22nd Vijay Diwas, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat installed the Victory Flame here at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras.
The Victory Flame Swarnim Vijay Mashaal marks India’s victory in the 1971 war.

As part of the year-long Swarnim Vijay Varsh Celebrations, four Victory Flames were lit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at National War Memorial on December 16, 2020, which were sent to four cardinal directions.

Besides CDS General Rawat, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor RK Mathur and Ladakh MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal also paid floral tributes at the memorial.

CDS General Rawat on Sunday visited the Dras sector in Kargil district to review the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness of forces in the Union Territory.

“General Bipin Rawat, #CDS visited #Dras Sector along #LineofControl & reviewed the prevailing security situation & operational preparedness. #CDS also interacted with troops and complimented them for their high morale & exhorted them to remain resolute and steadfast. #IndianArmy”, tweeted Additional Directorate General of Public Information of Indian Army.

Meanwhile, remembering the sacrifices and valour of heroes of the Kargil war, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said their bravery motivates the country every day.

“We remember their sacrifices. We remember their valour. Today, on Kargil Vijay Diwas we pay homage to all those who lost their lives in Kargil protecting our nation. Their bravery motivates us every single day,” tweeted Prime Minister Modi.

The Indian armed forces had defeated Pakistan on July 26, 1999. Since then, the day is celebrated as ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’ to rekindle the pride and valour of the soldiers who took part in Operation Vijay. (ANI)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday drove a tractor to reach Parliament in protest against the three farm laws.

Extending support to farmers who have been agitating against the new agricultural laws, the Wayanad MP told media persons, “I have brought farmers’ message to Parliament. They (The government) are suppressing the voices of farmers and not letting a discussion take place in Parliament. They will have to repeal these black laws. The entire country knows these laws favour 2-3 big businessmen.”
“As per the government, farmers are very happy and those (protesting farmers) sitting outside are terrorists. But in reality, farmers’ rights are being snatched away,” he added.

Gandhi was accompanied by Congress MPs, who raised slogans against the farm laws and the Centre.

Farmers have been protesting on the different borders of the national capital since November 26 last year against the three newly enacted farm laws: Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; the Farmers Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and farm Services Act 2020 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.

Farmer leaders and the Centre have held several rounds of talks but the impasse remains.

On Sunday, while calling the farmers of Jind (Haryana) revolutionaries, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait had hailed the decision of carrying out a tractor parade in protest against the Centre’s farm laws on Independence Day.

Addressing media near a protest site in Delhi, Tikait had said carrying out a tractor rally is not a ‘bad thing’, and driving tractors with a national flag increases the spirit of nationalism in people.

On Thursday, several Congress leaders, including former party president Rahul Gandhi, staged a protest against the Centre’s farm laws in front of the Gandhi statue in the Parliament premises.

Congress also held protest marches in different states seeking a Supreme Court-monitored probe into allegations of surveillance using Pegasus spyware.

The Opposition has alleged that names of several Indian politicians, journalists, lawyers, and activists have appeared on the leaked list of potential targets for surveillance by an unidentified agency using Pegasus spyware. This comes following reports published in The Wire. (ANI)

As India celebrates Kargil Vijay Diwas on Monday, Gopichand Pandey, father of late Captain Manoj Pandey said that the Kargil War was one of the toughest wars in the world where the enemy has an advantage of the altitude, but Indian Army fought hard and reclaimed our peaks.

Speaking to ANI, Pandey said he is proud of his son, and as he lived up to his responsibilities as an Army man. I’m proud that my son gave his life for his motherland, and became an inspiration for many.”
“He made the entire nation proud. He lived up to his responsibilities as an Army man. Happy to share that UP Sainik School has been renamed after him,” he added.
Recalling the 1999 Kargil war, Pandey said the situation was very bad, as the terrorists have made bunkers at the peaks of our mountains.

“They were attacking our Army from the top. But our soldiers had put in all their efforts and reclaimed our mountains and land. As many as 527 army men died in the quest,” he said.

The martyr’s father added that the Indian Army is capable of dealing with all the threats to the country and all Indians are proud of it. “It is because of our army that we sleep peacefully at night,” he added.

Expressing pride and happiness, Pandey also informed that a Sainik School in Uttar Pradesh has been named after Captain Manoj Pandey.

The Indian armed forces had defeated Pakistan on July 26, 1999. Since then, the day is celebrated as ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’ to rekindle the pride and valour of the soldiers who took part in Operation Vijay.

Captain Pandey was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his audacious courage and leadership during the Kargil War in 1999. An officer of the 1st battalion, 11 Gorkha Rifles (1/11 GR), he sacrificed his life during the attack on Jubar Top of the Khalubar Hills in Batalik Sector of Kargil. (ANI).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of the people who lost their lives in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur after a bridge collapsed.

“An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in an accident in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh. Rs. 50,000 would be given to the injured: PM,” the Prime Minister’s Office tweeted.
Earlier today, at least nine people died and three were injured in Kinnaur district after a bridge collapsed as a result of boulders rolling down a hill due to a landslide.
President Ram Nath Kovind, meanwhile, expressed condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured speedy recoveries.

“Deeply saddened by the news of the death of many people in the landslide accident in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wish the injured a speedy recovery,” the President’s official handle tweeted.

According to Saju Ram Rana, Superintendent of Police, Kinnaur district, the nine persons who died were tourists traveling in a vehicle. A rescue team is present on the spot.

Rocks fell from a hill near Batseri to Sangla Chitkul road. 11 people, including the driver, were in the tempo traveler. The rest suffered injuries, along with another passerby who was walking on the road. (ANI)