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This year's event marks a milestone, as it will be the first time that Ganga Utsav takes place on the riverbank itself, commemorating the anniversary of the Ganga River's designation as India's 'National River'.

The primary focus of Ganga Utsav 2024 is to foster a connection with the Ganga, promote conservation, and emphasize the river's cultural and spiritual significance, said a press statement by NMCG.

In an effort to boost public awareness on cleanliness, the event is also expected to deepen the appreciation of the river's heritage and role in Indian civilization.

The celebration will span across 139 districts within the Ganga basin, coordinated by District Ganga Committees, with each state hosting a primary event.

Union Minister for Jal Shakti, C.R. Patil, will inaugurate the central event in Haridwar, joined by prominent guests including Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Chaudhary, and Secretary of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Debashree Mukherjee.

A major highlight of the event will be the flag-off ceremony for the Ganga Women Rafting Expedition, organized in collaboration with the Border Security Force (BSF).

This 50-day journey will traverse nine major cities and towns along the Ganga, concluding at Ganga Sagar. Activities will also be held across districts in five Ganga basin states to mark this expedition.

The festival will showcase a model event to inspire the celebration of rivers nationwide, bringing together 145 river cities under the River City Alliance. Formed with the aim of promoting healthy urban rivers, the alliance envisions water-secure cities through pollution-free, continuously flowing rivers celebrated across India.

Key sessions at the Ganga Utsav will include "Ganga Samvad," featuring discussions with spiritual and cultural leaders to inspire youth in river conservation, and a technical session focusing on critical issues in river rejuvenation.

The event will also feature cultural activities such as "Ghat Par Haat," a marketplace highlighting aspects of the Namami Gange initiative, and children's activities, including quizzes, puppet shows, and competitions.

Performances such as Nukkad Nataks (street plays) will raise awareness among the youth about river conservation, while an exhibition on Namami Gange will showcase the progress of the initiative. A small food festival will round out the celebrations, offering traditional flavors.

Ganga Utsav 2024 stands as a unifying platform for public engagement with the river, urging collective action to protect and rejuvenate the Ganga.

By bringing attention to the river's role in Indian history and heritage, the festival encourages efforts to restore the Ganga to its pristine state and preserve its cultural significance for future generations. (ANI)

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According to an official statement, the factory specialises in manufacturing Barrel and Breach assemblies of various artillery guns and tanks including Tank T-90 and Dhanush Gun.

During the visit, the Union Minister inspected key facilities, including the Heat Treatment and the New Assembly Shop of the factory, to take stock of critical indigenous defence capabilities.

He was accompanied by Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar and Secretary, the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat.

Following the visit to the shop floor, Rajnath Singh was briefed by the CMDs of three Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) based in Kanpur - AWEIL, Troop Comforts India Limited, Gliders India Limited - and Director of Defence Materials and Stores Research & Development Establishment, a DRDO laboratory located in Kanpur.

During the presentations, the CMDs of the new DPSUs apprised Defence Minister about the product profile, major ongoing projects, R&D efforts and modernisation activities being undertaken in their pursuit to meet the requirement of the Services.

AWEIL specialises in manufacturing Small, Medium and large caliber Gun systems. The main products of TCL are Combat Uniforms, Ballistic Protective Gears, Extreme Cold Clothing and Tentages for high altitude. Whereas, GIL has the largest and oldest production unit of parachutes in India.

Earlier, terming the recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir as "unfortunate", Defence Minister Rajnath Singh earlier on Saturday said that there is no security lapse, adding that security forces are giving befitting replies to the terrorists. Singh said that the number of attacks taking place in the valley has been reduced compared to the earlier times.

Speaking to reporters, Singh said, "This is not an issue of security lapses. Compared to earlier times, attacks have been reduced. Our security forces are on alert, such a situation will come that from there (J-K) terror activities will be fully wiped out and J-K will develop fast."

"The attacks that happened were unfortunate, our security forces are giving befitting reply also, so many terrorists have been killed," he said. (ANI)

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Delhi has seen worsening air quality over recent weeks, largely attributed to stubble burning, low wind circulation, and also due to burning crackers, even after a ban.

On Saturday morning, a layer of smog covered Delhi-NCR with the Air Quality Index (AQI) registering a 'poor' rating.

Delhi's average AQI stood at 294 at 7:30 A.M, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). About 18 areas reported AQI levels above 300, indicating a 'very poor' category.

The most affected areas included Anand Vihar (380), IGI Airport (341), RK Puram (340), and Punjabi Bagh (335). Additionally, AQI levels between 200 and 300, indicating 'poor' air quality, were recorded in 19 other areas, including Alipur (295), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (284), and Mundka (288).

“Clean air is our right. We need air for life that should have oxygen and not pollutants. Only then can we be healthy, else no organ in the body can remain unaffected by air pollution,” Dr. Anil Goyal, MBBS, MS - General Surgery, MCh - Urology and former IMA President, told IANS.

He noted that air pollution can lead to infections in the windpipe and lungs.

“The presence of particulate matter in the body can cause pneumonia and bronchitis. It can also worsen conditions for people already suffering from asthma and lead to hospitalisation and ICU admissions.” Goyal said, noting that children and patients with hypertension, cardiac diseases, and kidney dialysis are the most vulnerable.

The health expert stated that air pollution is also causing allergies, leading to irritation and watering of the eyes; and throat infections.

“PM2.5 microns can pass through the bloodstream and cause damage to lungs, liver, and kidneys,” Goyal said.

Increasing levels of air pollution can also have a profound impact on mental health.

Dr Jyoti Kapoor, Founder & Director, Manasthali Wellness told IANS that exposure to PM2.5 and toxic gases can impact mental health.

“This can cause many psychological and emotional problems. Prolonged exposure to air pollution increases stress, anxiety, and depression,” Kapoor said.

To prevent the range of conditions, Goyal suggested the residents to keep sprinkling water in localities to curb the dust; use air purifiers at home; do not burn garbage; use less of own vehicles, but use state-sponsored buses, and metros to travel.

He also recommended the vulnerable population use masks, and go for morning walks only after sunrise; not indulge in heavy exercise

Avoiding non-vegetarian diets, and spicy and fatty foods can also aid in digestion and keep people healthy during high pollution levels. Goyal said while advising people to take more water, fresh fruits, green vegetables, and millet.

--IANS

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