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The inauguration of RJ Sankara Eye Hospital, run by Kanchi mutt marked PM Modi’s first event in Varanasi. He told the gathering of people that the hospital would cater to the needs of the elderly and children.

PM Modi emphasised that development projects pertaining to Education, Skill Development, Sports, Healthcare and Tourism would not only boost services but also create employment opportunities for the youth.

He highlighted the association of Sarnath and Varanasi with Pali and Prakrit languages and mentioned granting them the status of classical language recently. He said that it is a matter of great pride that languages used in the scriptures have been granted classical language status.

Recalling his promise to work three times more than earlier, he remarked that in less than 125 days of government formation, work on various schemes and projects worth more than Rs 15 lakh crore have already begun.

The Prime Minister underlined that the government initiated a mega-campaign for infrastructural development in the country in the last 10 years.

Giving examples of modern highways, the laying of railway tracks on new routes and establishment of new airports, he emphasised that it is enhancing convenience for people and creating employment at the same time.

"In 2014, there were only 70 airports, today there are more than 150 airports along with the renovation work of the old airports," he said, while highlighting that the grand international airport in Ayodhya was welcoming Ram devotees every day.

He said that today, Uttar Pradesh was being known as a 'state of expressways', as against the past when it was taunted for its dilapidated roads.

"Today, Uttar Pradesh is also known as a state with the most number of international airports with a grand international airport going to be built soon in Jewar, Noida," he said, lauding Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the Deputy CMs for putting the state on a strong growth trajectory.

PM Modi said that it is the government's constant endeavor to make Kashi and Purvanchal a huge centre of trade and business and talked about construction of a new rail-road bridge over the Ganga river.

He also mentioned schemes like Mudra Yojna, under which crores of women are getting loans to start their own businesses.

"Today, efforts are being made to create Lakhpati Didis in villages and women are even becoming drone pilots," PM Modi said.

Speaking about Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, he said that the government has set a target to construct another three crore houses and also informed about benefits of piped water and Ujjwala schemes. He said that the new PM Suryaghar Free Electricity Scheme will further ease the lives of women, allowing them to benefit from free power and even earn from it.

PM Modi further laid the foundation for the expansion of the airport runway and construction of a new terminal building and allied works of Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi, worth around Rs 2,870 crore.

He also laid the foundation of the New Civil Enclave at Agra Airport, worth more than Rs 570 crore, Darbhanga Airport, worth around Rs 910 crore and Bagdogra Airport, worth around Rs 1550 crore.

The Prime Minister inaugurated the new terminal buildings of Rewa Airport, Maa Mahamaya Airport, Ambikapur, and Sarsawa Airport, worth over Rs 220 crore. The combined passenger handling capacity of these airports increases to more than 2.3 crore passengers annually.

The designs of these airports are influenced and derived from the common elements of heritage structures of the region.

He also inaugurated Phases 2 and 3 of the redevelopment of Varanasi Sports Complex, worth over Rs 210 crore under the Khelo India scheme, and the Smart City Mission.

The project aims to create a state-of-the-art sports complex featuring a National Centre of Excellence, players' hostels, sports science center, practice fields for various sports, indoor shooting ranges and combat sports arenas, among others. He also inaugurated 100-bed girls' and boys' hostels and a public pavilion at Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Sports Stadium, Lalpur.

To cater to those in the tourism sector, PM Modi inaugurated tourism development works in Buddhism-related areas in Sarnath.

These enhancements include the construction of pedestrian-friendly streets, new sewer lines and upgraded drainage systems and organised vending zones with modern designer vending carts.

He also inaugurated multiple other initiatives, like tourism development works at Banasur Temple and Gurudham Temple, along with beautification and redevelopment of parks, etc.

--IANS

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The cyclonic circulation over  North Andaman Sea now lies over North Andaman Sea and adjoining areas of east-central & southeast Bay of Bengal at 1730 hrs IST  of today, the 20th of October 2024. Under its influence, a Low Pressure Area is very likely to form over the East-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining the north Andaman Sea during next 12 hours. 

Then it is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a depression by October 22 morning and into a cyclonic storm by October 23, 2024 over Eastcentral Bay of Bengal. Thereafter, it is very likely to move northwestwards and reach northwest Bay of Bengal off Odisha-West Bengal coasts by October 24 morning.

By its impart wind blow upto 120 km per hour may occur and heavy rains will occur in the coastal and interior Odisha. 

The State government has put districts of Puri, Khordha, Ganjam and Jagatsinghpur on red alert. 

Two days- October 24 and 25- are very important for Odisha. Twenty to 30 cm rainfall may occur and there may be flood-like situation in the low-lying areas. Fishermen have been instructed not to venture into the sea and those fisherment who have gone into the sea have been advised to return home by October 21.

The state government has started preparations to combat the possible cyclone. The Chief Secretary reviewed the preparations. He directed district administrations to remain alert and keep cyclone shelters ready.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said NDRF and ODRAF teams have been alerted. He said that the government is fully prepared. Citizens don't need to panic. 

Meanwhile, the Consumer Affairs Minister appealed to the people not to indulge in black marketing of essential commodities. Everyone should be careful. The government will not tolerate blackmarketing of essential commodities. 

"It has worked pretty well for us," said the South Africa captain on her decision to bowl first.

New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine said she wanted to have a bat anyway. "We just want to put runs on the board for the final. It's a bit more important. Such an awesome opportunity to be able to play today."

New Zealand have fought tooth and nail in the ongoing edition, having come into the tournament having lost 10 matches on the trot, and booked their spot in the knockouts in their last game with a 54-run victory against Pakistan-W.

The semifinal matchup against West Indies saw New Zealand dominating performance with the ball and winning by eight runs despite having set a low target of 129.

Amelia Kerr (2-14), Suzie Bates (1-6) and Player of the Match Eden Carson (3-29) were the star bowlers on the night.

South Africa on the other hand overcame their biggest hurdle by beating defending and record champions Australia, in their first-ever victory over the nation in ICC Women’s tournaments, the side who defeated the Proteas in the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup final to secure their spot in the final for the second consecutive year.

Anneke Bosch and skipper Laura Wolvaardt’s valiant innings of 74 not out and 42 respectively helped South Africa register their highest-ever run chase of 135 in the history of the tournament. Wolvaardt has overtaken Dane van Niekerk to become South Africa's highest run-scorer at a T20 World Cup.

Playing XIs:

South Africa Women (Playing XI): Laura Wolvaardt(c), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Chloe Tryon, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta(w), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka

New Zealand Women (Playing XI): Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine(c), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze(w), Rosemary Mair, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas

--IANS