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My India Times 2024-12-14 66

Pune Book Festival 2024: A Grand Celebration of Literature, Culture, and Creativity

Get ready to dive into a world of words, stories, and inspiration! The Pune Book Festival 2024 has officially commenced, offering an extraordinary experience for bibliophiles, families, and cultural aficionados. Spanning from December 14 to 22, this year’s event, held at the iconic Ferguson College Grounds, is a grand showcase of literature with over 600 stalls, vibrant cultural events, exclusive workshops, and even record-breaking feats.

A Spectacular Start with a Guinness World Record

Setting the stage for a memorable festival, Pune kicked off with a Guinness World Record—an awe-inspiring Saraswati Yantra artwork crafted entirely out of books.Spanning over 1,000 square meters, this remarkable installation embodies wisdom and knowledge. It has been carefully crafted using literature from Neelkanth Publications and the National Book Trust, highlighting Pune's extraordinary enthusiasm for literature.

“This record-setting achievement showcases Pune’s deep appreciation for books and the arts,” stated Rajesh Pande, trustee of the National Book Trust. Neelam Gorhe also praised this initiative, stressing the urgent need for educational reforms and the significance of diminishing children's reliance on mobile devices.

A Feast for Book Lovers

The Pune Book Festival is nothing short of a paradise for readers and literature enthusiasts. Here’s what’s in store:

600+ Stalls: Offering books in regional Indian languages, English, and beyond, there’s something for every reader.
80+ Book Launches: Meet your favorite authors and discover exciting new works.
Cultural Programs: Immerse yourself in the vibrant evening performances of music, dance, and drama.
Lit Festival (December 20-22): An unmissable event featuring 25+ sessions with 60+ celebrated authors, poets, journalists, and thinkers sharing their insights on topics ranging from creativity to modern challenges.

Free Workshops for Young Minds

Children have a lot to look forward to at this year’s festival! From December 14 to 22, free workshops on storytelling, painting, dance, music, and Vedic mathematics will spark creativity and curiosity. These sessions, scheduled during morning and afternoon slots, are designed to engage and educate young learners through enjoyable and innovative methods.

Enhancing the excitement is the Pune Children’s Film Festival, taking place from December 14 to 18.

Kids can enjoy free screenings of inspiring films daily between 12 PM and 4 PM.

A Cultural Celebration with Something for Everyone

The festival brings the city together with an array of activities for all age groups. With its engaging programs, including workshops, film screenings, and cultural events, the Pune Book Festival goes beyond books to offer a complete cultural experience.

Timings: The festival is open from 10 AM to 10 PM daily.
Venue: Ferguson College Grounds, Pune.

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My India Times 2024-12-13 54

Tragedy Strikes Uttar Pradesh Highways: SI Loses Life, Sleeper Bus Catches Fire

Late Wednesday night, two catastrophic incidents on Uttar Pradesh’s highways shook commuters and highlighted safety concerns on high-speed roads. A tragic car accident on the Yamuna Expressway led to the death of a young Sub-Inspector, while a sleeper bus burst into flames on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway, creating panic among passengers.

Sub-Inspector Neha Shukla Loses Life in Yamuna Expressway Accident

On the Yamuna Expressway near Mant, Mathura, a double-decker bus rammed into a car, resulting in the untimely death of Sub-Inspector Neha Shukla, a 2022 batch officer posted at Naini Police Station in Prayagraj. Neha, a resident of Banda district, was traveling with her husband, Robin, toward Agra when the accident occurred.

Key Details

Victim: Neha Shukla (deceased), her husband Robin critically injured
Location: Mant, Mathura, on Yamuna Expressway
Time: Late Wednesday night

The collision was so severe that Neha died on the spot while her husband was rushed to the hospital with critical injuries. The passengers on the double-decker bus also sustained minor injuries and are currently receiving treatment.

The news of Neha’s passing has deeply saddened her colleagues and family members. An investigation is underway to determine if negligence on the part of the bus driver caused the tragedy.

Sleeper Bus Turns into Fireball on Agra-Lucknow Expressway

On the same night, chaos unfolded near Fatehabad on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway when a sleeper bus caught fire while moving. The flames spread rapidly, turning the bus into a massive fireball. Fortunately, all passengers were evacuated in time, avoiding any casualties.

Incident Overview

Location: Near Fatehabad, Agra-Lucknow Expressway
Cause: Likely electrical or mechanical malfunction (under investigation)
Casualties: None reported

The driver’s presence of mind in stopping the vehicle immediately saved lives as passengers scrambled to escape the flames.Witnesses reported hearing cries for help as the fire consumed the bus, leaving it entirely charred.

Emergency responders arrived promptly and managed to bring the fire under control; however, the bus was ultimately reduced to cinders. Investigative authorities are currently examining the precise cause of the blaze, with preliminary findings suggesting that an electrical short circuit may be responsible.

Rising Concerns Over Highway Safety

The back-to-back incidents have once again raised alarms over safety on Uttar Pradesh’s highways. High-speed roads like the Yamuna Expressway and Agra-Lucknow Expressway often witness accidents and vehicle malfunctions, raising questions about:

The quality of vehicle maintenance
Driver awareness and training
Rapid emergency response mechanisms

Government’s Reaction

The Uttar Pradesh government has extended its condolences to the family of Sub-Inspector Neha Shukla and assured a thorough investigation into both incidents. Steps are being taken to enforce stricter vehicle checks and improve safety measures on highways.

Highways are meant to connect cities and facilitate travel, but tragedies like these serve as grim reminders of the vulnerabilities passengers face every day. Authorities and commuters alike must work together to ensure safer journeys for everyone.

This tragedy calls for immediate action to address safety gaps and prevent further loss of life on India’s roads.

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My India Times 2024-12-13 50

Aligarh’s Homeless Struggle to Survive the Bitter Cold as Authorities Remain Silent: A City’s Neglect of Its Most Vulnerable

Aligarh: Winter has tightened its icy grip on the city, and while most people retreat to warm homes, the streets of Aligarh paint a heartbreaking picture. Scores of homeless individuals, including women, children, and the elderly, are enduring the bitter cold under the open sky. With temperatures dropping and no proper shelter in sight, these people are left to fend for themselves, exposing a glaring failure of the Aligarh administration and Municipal Corporation.

Fighting the Cold with Fire and Desperation

At night, the city’s streets become a harsh reality for the homeless. From Kathpula to Shamshad Market, nearly 100 people are forced to sleep on pavements with no blankets or warm clothing. To survive, they gather scraps and burn garbage for warmth, inhaling toxic fumes that further endanger their health. Just a few meters away from the District Magistrate’s residence, families huddle together, shivering in the darkness, as if invisible to those in power.

Night Shelters: Promises Left Unfulfilled

The absence of night shelters in Aligarh is shocking. Despite multiple promises by the Municipal Corporation, no arrangements have been made to safeguard the homeless during this harsh season. Not a single bonfire has been set up in key areas, leaving the vulnerable population exposed to life-threatening conditions.

This failure isn’t just administrative negligence; it’s a direct violation of basic human rights. The homeless are being left to battle not just the cold but the crushing indifference of the system.

Voices of the Forgotten

Razia, a mother of three, who has been living on the streets for years, narrates her ordeal: "We have no roof over our heads. The nights are unbearable, and my children cry from the cold. We’ve pleaded for help, but no one listens. All we ask for is a shelter or some warmth, but we are ignored."

Amna, another street dweller who has spent over two decades surviving on pavements, shares her sorrow: "Every winter, the cold feels harsher. We’ve learned to survive without expectations because no one ever comes to help. My grandchildren sleep with torn blankets, and their tiny bodies tremble in the freezing air. It’s heartbreaking."

These voices reflect the plight of hundreds of others, left to suffer in silence while those in power turn their backs on their struggles.

A Wake-Up Call for Authorities

The inaction by Aligarh’s administration has sparked outrage among residents and activists. How long will the cries of the poor go unheard? The situation calls for immediate measures:

Emergency Night Shelters: Setting up well-equipped, heated shelters across key locations.
Bonfire Stations: Arranging regular bonfires in areas with a high concentration of homeless individuals.
Essential Supplies: Distributing blankets, warm clothing, and hot meals to those in need.

A Reflection on Humanity

While the administration shoulders much of the blame, this crisis also forces us to look inward as a society. Have we become so consumed by our own lives that we no longer see the suffering around us? The sight of children, women, and elderly individuals battling the cold on our streets should be a collective shame.

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My India Times 2024-12-13 53

Air Force Hero Gaurishankar Passes Away from Brain Hemorrhage, Nation Mourns with Full Military Honors

A cloud of sorrow has descended on Nokha town in Rajasthan's Bikaner district as the community mourns the tragic demise of Air Force personnel Gaurishankar Khati. Hailing from Zoravarpura in Nokha, the 22-year-old soldier lost his life to a brain hemorrhage while serving the nation in Delhi. His untimely passing has left his hometown in shock, with thousands gathering to bid him a tearful farewell on Thursday.

Gaurishankar’s mortal remains were brought back to his hometown, where he was given an emotional farewell with full military honors. His grieving brothers, Sanjay and Rahul, performed the last rites as the entire town paid their respects to a local hero who gave his life in service to the nation.

A Soldier’s Dedication Cut Tragically Short

Known for his unwavering commitment and discipline, Gaurishankar joined the Indian Air Force at the tender age of 18.His journey has been a source of pride and inspiration for both his family and the community. Over the past four years, he has diligently served in Delhi, where his unwavering commitment and hard work have garnered him widespread admiration from his colleagues.

However, fate had other plans. Earlier this month, Gaurishankar suffered a brain hemorrhage during duty and was rushed to a military hospital. Despite undergoing surgery on December 2 and receiving intensive care, he succumbed to his condition on December 6. His passing leaves behind a legacy of courage and sacrifice that will not be forgotten.

Heartfelt Farewell: A Town in Mourning

On Thursday, as Gaurishankar’s mortal remains arrived in Nokha, the town came together to pay their respects. A massive crowd gathered in Zoravarpura to catch a final glimpse of their beloved son. His funeral procession, draped in the tricolor, moved through the streets as people showered flowers and chanted patriotic slogans.

The Indian Air Force ensured Gaurishankar received full military honors, with fellow soldiers saluting their fallen comrade. The emotional atmosphere deepened as his brothers, Sanjay and Rahul, lit the funeral pyre, marking a heart-wrenching goodbye to their elder sibling.

A Family’s Pride Amidst Sorrow

Gaurishankar came from a humble family. His father, Jeeturam Khati, a skilled carpenter, and his mother raised him to value hard work and dedication. He became a beacon of pride for his family when he was selected for the Indian Air Force at just 18 years old.

His younger brothers, Sanjay, a college student, and Rahul, still in school, looked up to him as both a guide and a role model. His sudden passing has left an irreplaceable void in their lives, but his family remains proud of his service and sacrifice for the nation.

The Community Remembers Its Hero

The entire Nokha region is united in grief. Local leaders, including farmer activists Bajranglal Godara and Subhash Bhambu, joined the funeral and expressed deep sorrow over Gaurishankar’s untimely demise. They hailed his dedication to the country and offered support to his grieving family.

“This loss is not just for the Khati family but for the entire community,” said a local leader. “Gaurishankar was a shining example of what a young man can achieve through hard work and patriotism.”

An Inspiration for Future Generations

Gaurishankar’s story serves as an inspiration for the youth of Nokha. Many young people from the town have vowed to follow in his footsteps, seeing his life as a testament to the power of determination and service to the nation.

His sacrifice has also sparked conversations about the immense pressure and challenges faced by soldiers, even during peacetime. Community leaders are urging greater support and recognition for the brave men and women who serve in the armed forces.

A Legacy That Lives On

While the streets of Zoravarpura are heavy with grief, they are also filled with pride. Gaurishankar’s name will forever be remembered as a hero who gave his all for his country. His sacrifice serves as a reminder of the countless silent battles fought by soldiers every day, away from the limelight but no less significant.

As the town prays for his soul to rest in peace, they also vow to keep his legacy alive. Gaurishankar Khati’s life may have been cut short, but his spirit will continue to inspire his family, community, and the nation he served with unwavering dedication.

May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his family find solace in the love and respect pouring in from across the country.

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My India Times 2024-12-12 19

Tamil Nadu Gears Up for Heavy Rain: Poondi Reservoir Water Release Scheduled at 1.30 p.m.

Weather Forecast Predicts Continuous Rainfall Across Multiple Districts

The regional meteorological office in Chennai has issued warnings for continuous rainfall across several districts in Tamil Nadu. The affected regions include Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Tiruvarur, and Thanjavur. Additionally, the neighboring Union Territory of Puducherry is also expected to experience significant rainfall. As the unrelenting rain affects daily life and increases concerns about possible flooding, authorities are on high alert.

School Closures Announced to Ensure Student Safety

In response to the heavy rains, district administrations have declared a holiday for schools on Thursday, December 12, 2024. The purpose of this step is to protect workers and students from potential dangers and wet roads.The districts where schools are closed include:

Chennai
Chengalpattu
Tiruvallur
Kancheepuram
Mayiladuthurai
Tiruvarur
Thanjavur
Pudukottai
Ariyalur
Ramanathapuram
Vellore
Ranipet
Tirupatur
Karur
Thoothukudi

In Tiruvannamalai, the holiday extends to all educational institutions, including both schools and colleges. Meanwhile, in Tirunelveli, the holiday applies only to students in classes 1 to 5. These closures are intended to reduce travel-related risks during the downpour.

Significant Rainfall Recorded Across Key Locations

The rainfall has been substantial, with data collected as of 5:30 a.m. showing high precipitation levels in several locations:

Karaikal recorded 8 cm of rainfall.
Adiramapattinam and Vriddhachalam each received 7 cm.
Areas such as Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Cuddalore, Poonamallee, and Red Hills saw 6 cm each.
Nungambakkam in Chennai recorded 5 cm of rain.

Authorities are acting quickly to avert flooding as a result of the high rainfall that has caused rivers and reservoirs' water levels to rise.

Poondi Reservoir to Release Water as a Precautionary Measure

Due to the continuous rain, the Poondi reservoir, a major drinking water source for Chennai, has nearly reached its capacity. With the water level rising to 34.05 feet—just one foot below its full capacity—the Water Resources Department has decided to release water at 1.30 p.m. today.

Approximately 1,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of water will be released into the Kosasthalaiyar river. This controlled release is intended to prevent the reservoir from overflowing and to mitigate flood risks in downstream areas. Residents living along the banks of the Kosasthalaiyar river have been urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.

Authorities Implement Safety Measures to Prevent Flooding

State officials have advised people in flood-prone areas, particularly those near rivers, reservoirs, and low-lying regions, to stay alert. Precautionary measures such as evacuation plans, flood monitoring, and emergency response services are in place to handle any potential crises. Disaster response teams are on standby to assist residents, ensuring quick action if water levels continue to rise.

Tamil Nadu Remains on High Alert as Rainfall Continues

With forecasts indicating more rainfall in the coming days, Tamil Nadu remains on high alert. The combined efforts of weather agencies, district authorities, and the Water Resources Department are crucial in managing this weather situation. The proactive decision to release water from the Poondi reservoir underscores the importance of preventing overflow and protecting public safety.

Residents are encouraged to follow official updates closely, remain cautious, and avoid unnecessary travel during this period of intense rainfall. The state’s preparedness and quick response will be key in minimizing disruptions and ensuring the safety of its citizens.

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