"Trade, Tourism, And Currency Are Weapons Of Globalization," says S. Jaishankar

Abuja: On Monday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar declared that currency, trade, and tourism have become "weapons" in the weaponization of globalization. Although he acknowledged the benefits of globalization, he emphasized its drawbacks as well, pointing out how much of the world depends on the concentration of economic power in a small number of areas.Speaking at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos, Mr. Jaishankar observed that the global system put in place in 1945 still exists, and those in positions of power are hesitant to give others more opportunities."When I talked about globalization and concentration, a different challenge that came up was how globalization itself has been weaponized. Today, money is a weapon, trade is a weapon, tourism is a weapon, and dominant players—whether they are producers or consumers—often use their market shares on the global system without hesitation in order to further their specific national goals. Of course, the foundation of all of this is that this is an Institute dealing with international relations." Mr. Jaishankar A world order that was established in 1945, when the number of United Nations members was approximately 25% of what it is today, presents a challenge in affairs that we are all too familiar with. This world order stubbornly persists because those in power do not want to open up more seats for others to be at the engine."He pointed out that returning the world to its natural diversity is at the center of today's global agenda in many ways. In addition to highlighting the difficulties the globe faces in the process, Mr. Jaishankar referred to the restoration of natural diversity as a "collective objective".   "Restoring the world to its natural diversity is actually a collective objective in today's post-Colonial world," Mr. Jaishankar stated in his remarks. "The world was diverse and was distorted by the period of Western domination. This is why restoring that natural diversity is a central goal of the global agenda in many ways. The first obstacle to that process is that, even though many of us gained independence, we have all established our own countries and societies."   Restoring the world to its natural diversity is at the center of the current global agenda, the minister noted, underscoring its challenges. Although he acknowledged the challenges in achieving it, he referred to this as a "collective objective". The fact remains that the old power structure has not disappeared; while it may not be the imperialism of the 19th and early 20th centuries, many of the people who have ruled the world for the past 200 to 300 years still do so in various ways today. The question is how we challenge this, how we get past it, and ensure that the world is a more equitable place."Although globalization has yielded numerous benefits. Unquestionably, it has also resulted in such extreme economic concentrations that the production of a small number of regions now drives much of the world's economy. Now, it worked when we thought that everything arrived precisely on schedule to satisfy the demands of the moment, and that the entire world could function in the same way as Japanese automobiles are manufactured in Nagoya. We were wrong but we didn't know it and then COVID came and COVID brought home to every one of us that the most basic things of our life," he added. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, he claimed, the world was dependent on producers and suppliers from far away. He emphasized the difficulties individuals faced in obtaining gloves, masks, and basic medications amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized that excessive concentration needs to be reduced in today's world. "We found that during COVID, we were hostage to them and that many of us struggled with masks, gloves, ppes, ventilators, basic medicines, and vaccines. We also struggled to get food. We were frequently dependent on suppliers and producers from far away. "Thus, if you speak about a more balanced World a more democratic, one of the major lessons from the COVID experience is that our world today needs to be de-risked from the over-concentration," Mr. Jaishankar stated. "Global democracy encompasses more than just political democracy and diverse national rights. Our second challenge is that, in order to be democratic, every region and occasionally every big nation must be able to produce the necessities for its own economic and social security." Speaking about the third challenge, Mr Jaishankar said, "The setting of narratives and I spoke about the old domination, the old domination today doesn't tell you what to do with a stick the old domination will tell you what to do through social media through regular media through devising what is politically correct to setting standards and this narrative setting is actually a very powerful force today in international relations. Amidst all of this, there are ideologies, thinking, and regimes that are elevated, deposed, rendered irrelevant, and brought to the forefront through narrative setting. Of course, there are also challenges arising from the world's polarization."  

Himanta Sarma Has A Requirement For Rahul Gandhi's Yatra To Return To Assam

Guwahati: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Yatra is reentering Assam today following its Meghalaya leg, but the Himanta Biswa Sarma government in Assam has refused to allow it to pass through major roads in Guwahati. The action is the result of a contentious discussion between Congress leaders and the Chief Minister of Assam, who they claim is erecting obstacles for the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.The state administration has requested that the rally follow the national highway route as it travels towards lower Assam, citing that it is a working day in Guwahati and permitting the yatra to pass through important city roads could cause traffic jams. The National Highway 27, which circles the city like a ring road, has been requested to be used by the yatra.  This occurs one day after dramatic events occurred close to the shrine of an Assamese social reformer from the fifteenth century. Mr Gandhi had intended to travel to Srimanta Sankardeva's birthplace, which is close to Guwahati, yesterday. Chief Minister Sarma advised Mr. Gandhi not to visit the shrine prior to the Ram Mandir 'pran pratistha' ceremony in Ayodhya shortly after the plan was revealed. Rahul Gandhi should not give the impression that Ram Temple and Batadrava Satra are in competition with one another, as the TV channels will show him visiting Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva's birthplace on one side and the Ram Temple Pran Pratishtha ceremony on the other. Assam won't benefit from this. stated Mr. Sarma. The managing committee of the shrine also declared that Mr. Gandhi would not be permitted entry prior to 3 pm. While en route to the shrine, the Congress leader and his associates were halted. They then took a seat at the location of the roadblock on a dharna. Following their visit to the shrine, Batadrava MLA Sibamoni Bora and Party MP Gaurav Gogoi said prayers. Later, during an interview with the media, Mr. Gandhi expressed his belief in Sankardeva's philosophy. Like him, we think that fostering unity among people is preferable to fomenting hatred. He provides us with guidance and is similar to a guru. "I therefore believed that I should pay my respects to him when I arrived in Assam," he remarked.   'Gaurav Gogoi and all can go, but only Rahul Gandhi cannot go. I don't know, there may be some reason, but I will go to Batadrava when I get an opportunity," he said.   Now, the Congress yatra has been denied permission to enter Guwahati roads. Instead, it must travel via the National Highway 27, bypassing Guwahati.The Himanta Biswa Sarma government is accused by the Congress of putting obstacles in the way of the yatra. They have also brought up the episode when some laborers began yelling "Jai Shri Ram" and "Modi, Modi" as Mr. Gandhi's yatra was passing. "Since our entry in Assam, the most corrupt CM in India has been carrying out relentless attacks on our convoys, properties and leaders using his goons," according to the Congress.  

Odisha Government Transfers 41 Senior Bureaucrats in a Major Reshuffle

Bhubaneswar: According to a notification, the Odisha government reorganized its bureaucracy by moving 41 IAS officers. According to a notification released on Monday by the General Administration & Pension and Grievances Department, 17 district collectors were among those who were transferred.   According to officials, the reorganization was done with consideration for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and assembly elections, which typically take place concurrently in the state.Revenue Divisional Commissioner (Central Division) Ranjan Kumar Das, the chief administrator of SJTA, was appointed to the position. In addition, he will serve as the Southern Division Revenue Divisional Commissioner. Temjenwapang Ao, the Revenue Divisional Commissioner for the Southern Division, was named the Public Enterprises Department's Commissioner-cum-Secretary.   ADMs and sub-collectors were appointed to the ten IAS officers from the 2020 and 2021 batches, while the officers from the 2018 and 2019 batches were appointed as district collectors for the first time.Samarth Verma, the collector from Puri, was appointed as the SJTA's additional chief administrator. Verma will be replaced as Puri's Collector by Bijay Kumar Das, Secretary of the State Election Commission. K Sudarshan Chakravarthy, the Collector of Khurda, was named the Director of Minor Minerals. Chanchal Rana, the district collector of Bolangir, was appointed as the new Khurda collector. Nikhil Pavan Kalyan, a commissioner of the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC), was named director of rural development. Siddharth Shankar Swain, Collector of Angul, will take his place as CMC Commissioner.According to the notification, Abadaal Akthar, the Koraput Collector, was relocated to Angul, and Keerthi Vasan, the CDO-cum-EO of Ganjam Zilla Parishad, was appointed as the new Koraput Collector.   

"Amit Shah Lights Diyas After Ram Temple Consecration, Per PM Modi's Request

New Delhi: Following the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of the idol of Ram Lalla in the recently constructed Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Union Home Minister Amit Shah lit "Ram Jyoti" (earthern lamps) on Monday evening. The whole country is jubilant today over Shri Ram Lalla's arrival at his opulent temple. On the request of Prime Minister @narendramodi ji, the entire country is celebrating Diwali by lighting the Ram Jyoti. I also lit lamps with my family on the arrival of Lord Shri Ram," Amit Shah posted on X.Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the 'Pran Pratishtha' of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya earlier today by lighting 'Ram Jyoti' at his New Delhi residence. The prime minister posted the images to X with the comment, "Ram Jyoti."To commemorate the auspicious occasion and welcome Ram Lalla, the prime minister has urged the public to light the "Ram Jyoti." In the meantime, BJP National President JP Nadda and his family also lit oil lamps at his residence in Delhi to celebrate 'Pran Pratishtha' of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya. Meanwhile, RSS workers and their families celebrated 'Deepotsav' at RSS headquarters in Maharashtra's Nagpur.Additionally, 'Deepotsav' was celebrated at the homes of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Haryana Chief Minister ML Khattar.   Pushkar Singh Dhami, the chief minister of Uttarakhand, participated in the 'Pran Pratishtha' of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya by lighting lamps with his family in Dehradun.   Suvendu Adhikari, a BJP leader and member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly LoP, announced that the "Pran Pratishtha" of the Ram Temple had finally occurred after nearly 500 years.

Ram Temple Raised Exactly Where It Was Resolved To Be Built: Adityanath Yogi

Ayodhya: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that the shrine has emerged precisely where it was decided to be built following the grand opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, which was met with unending celebrations and joyful chants and drumrolls. "The temple has come up exactly where it was resolved to be built several years ago," Chief Minister Adityanath said, addressing dignitaries in attendance at the grand 'Pran Pratishtha' event on Monday. After 500 years, the moment had finally arrived that had been eagerly awaited by generations. At times like these, a wide range of emotions arise, making it difficult to express one's feelings. I am also experiencing a whirlwind of emotions in my mind. As I stand here, I am incredibly moved and overwhelmed."Every city and village in the nation has become Ayodhya Dham on this historic and extremely sacred occasion. Today, all paths lead to the location where Shri Ram was born," the Chief Minister continued.As many people cheered "Jai Shri Ram" and "Ram, Ram," Chief Minister Adityanath observed that many of them were crying with happiness. "The entire country is 'Rammay' (obsessed with Lord Ram)," he said. We might feel as though we have entered the "Treta Yug" based on the sights and sounds around us. Today, when Prabhu Shri Ram ascends to the throne, a resolve is fulfilled. We're all flooded with feelings. Every Ram Bhakt has immense contentment, pride, and joy in their hearts on this auspicious day. The day that each of us has been"Everyone rose above their caste, creed, thoughts, philosophies, and ways of worship and dedicated themselves to the cause of Prabhu Ram, including ascetics, seers, priests, Nagas, and Nihangs as well as intellectuals, politicians, and tribal people. The happy and significant conclusion of their labors, which resulted in this magnificent temple rising from the ruins once more, is today. Millions of Sanatanis, or followers of Sanatan dharma, reaped the rewards of their penance and sacrifices today. Mr. Adityanath expressed his profound satisfaction that the temple is currently located precisely where it was decided to be built many years ago.   Also expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under whose leadership the centuries-old temple dispute saw closure after the landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2019, the Chief Minister said, "I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for helping us realise this long-held 'sankalp' (resolve) and 'sadhana' (devotion) and bringing an end to our prolonged wait. It is with great privilege that we have all been present for the 'Pran Pratishtha' of the 'Bal Vigraha' of Ram Lalla, which took place inside the sanctum sanctorum as per Vedic customs. Blessed be the maker who gave a concrete shape to our sacred impression of Shri Ram Lalla." "The virtues of our beloved saints are brought to mind even as I am overcome with a wide range of thoughts and emotions. After all these years of suffering, our souls are at last at peace. I offer my deepest respect to the sacred memory of our forbears who sacrificed their lives for the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mukti Yagya. It was a test of our national awakening as well as our Santani heritage and beliefs. It was the thread of unity that ties us all together," the Chief Minister added.  

Mamata Banerjee: "Congress Can Contest 300 Lok Sabha Seats, But..."

Kolkata: Amid an internal discord over seat-sharing within the INDIA bloc, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee on Monday batted for the idea of regional leaders spearheading the fight against the BJP in specific regions, suggesting that Congress independently contest 300 Lok Sabha seats. Ms Banerjee, the chief minister, also accused the CPI(M) of striving to control the opposition grouping's agenda, underscoring that no one confronts the BJP as directly as she does."I insist that particular regions should be left to regional parties. They (Congress) can fight on 300 (Lok Sabha) seats alone, and I will help them. I will not contest those seats. But, they are adamant about doing what they want," she said at an 'all-faith harmony rally' in Kolkata, which coincided with the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya.Ms Banerjee's comments followed her assertion during a recent internal party meeting that the TMC is prepared to independently contest all 42 Lok Sabha seats in Bengal if not given "due importance". "I have the power to take on the BJP and fight against it. But, some people don't want to listen to us about seat-sharing. If you don't want to fight the BJP,Ms. Banerjee chastised the Congress for postponing talks on seat-sharing in the state, but she did not specifically mention the party. The leader of the TMC stated that she could not accept the CPI(M)-led Left Front dictating the agenda for the INDIA bloc meetings. "I proposed the name INDIA at an opposition bloc meeting. But whenever I attend the coalition's meetings, I find the Left trying to gain control. This is not acceptable. I cannot agree with those with whom I had fought for 34 years," she said.Ms. Banerjee chastised the Congress for postponing talks on seat-sharing in the state, but she did not specifically mention the party.I've adjusted and gone to the INDIA bloc meetings in spite of these insults," Ms. Banerjee said. "Just going to the temple isn't enough," she remarked, seemingly in reference to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi being prevented in Assam from seeing the birthplace of Vaishnav saint Srimant Sankardeva.  She emphasized her proactive approach towards the saffron camp by asking, "What percentage of politicians today confronted the BJP head-on? Someone visited one temple and believed it to be adequate, but it wasn't. I am the only one who visited the temple, gurudwara, church, and mosque. When the Babri Masjid issue (demolition) happened, and violence was taking place, I wasMs. Banerjee's remarks provoked strong responses from the CPI(M) and the Congress.   "We are unable to comment on the caprices and whims of the TMC hierarchy. Let them do whatever they feel like," Bengal Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said.

George Soros’s Texas cash infusion shows Democrats are afraid of losing: Mayra Flores

The move by left-wing billionaire George Soros to pour major cash into turning Texas blue in 2024 shows Democrats are afraid of the GOP’s momentum in the state, Republican candidate and ex-Rep. Mayra Flores told the Washington Examiner in an interview.Soros personally has transferred at least $100,000 since August 2023 to the Democratic Party Executive Committee in Cameron County, which is part of the Lone Star State’s 34th Congressional District, where Flores is seeking to unseat Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX). The Democratic megadonor also made donations to Hidalgo and Dallas counties and has wired hundreds of thousands of dollars to the liberal Texas Majority PAC, according to financial disclosures.Soros personally has transferred at least $100,000 since August 2023 to the Democratic Party Executive Committee in Cameron County, which is part of the Lone Star State’s 34th Congressional District, where Flores is seeking to unseat Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX). The Democratic megadonor also made donations to Hidalgo and Dallas counties and has wired hundreds of thousands of dollars to the liberal Texas Majority PAC, according to financial disclosures.Meanwhile, the GOP-led House Judiciary Committee released a report Thursday putting forth that the Biden administration’s “actions in dismantling interior immigration enforcement, which enables illegal aliens to stay in the United States indefinitely.”“Over the past six months, we’ve been traveling and sharing our message of faith and the American dream with voters, who are seeing the disaster that Joe Biden created in South Texas,” Flores said. “I was in Brownsville, and we brought in over 100 women who are Spanish-speaking who voted for Biden in 2020. And I went to speak with them about my campaign. ”Toward the end of that meeting, Flores said the women all told her they would not be voting for Biden in 2024. She underscored how the attendees are living paycheck-to-paycheck and upset, searching for better economic opportunities and safer communities.In Texas, the immigrant crisis hits home for voters, who view border security as a top concern heading into 2024, according to recent polls. Soros’s helping hand in 2024 to Democrats in the Lone Star State comes after nonprofit groups affiliated with the billionaire have dished out millions of dollars in recent years to entities pushing for open borders and, in some cases, have been accused of violating federal law while doing so. In the 2022 election, Flores was trounced by more than 11,400 votes. It was a major disappointment to the Republican Party, whose consultants in Washington and across the country communicated that there would be a “red wave,” but it never materialized. That year, Gonzalez highlighted how the Flores campaign spent more than $7 million against him and still could not capture the South Texas district.    

Biden’s slow trickle approach to student debt pleases no one except small slice of borrowers

President Joe Biden continued his slow rollout of student debt transfers Friday morning with the announcement that his administration will write off $5 billion worth of loans for 74,000 borrowers.The White House touted the move as the president using “every tool at our disposal” to cancel student debt, yet the trickle approach has outraged conservatives who say the actions are illegal, while “forgiveness” advocates are urging the administration to go bigger.“President Biden continues to defy the Supreme Court and Congress by forgiving yet another round of student debt,” Job Creators Network Foundation President Elaine Parker said. “His lawless actions make a mockery of the separation of powers and set a dangerous precedent that consolidates more power in the executive branch.”Parker said college students are the “biggest losers of the move,” as colleges have been given a “blank check” to continue overcharging with the push. Conservatives also like to point out that any unpaid loans fall on the backs of taxpayers.But the other side isn’t satisfied, either. Biden initially tried to cancel up to $20,000 in loans for anyone making less than $125,000 a year or up to $40,000 for married couples earning up to $250,000. The total price tag exceeded $400 billion but never went through, as the Supreme Court ruled it illegal.Instead, the relatively smaller amounts canceled affect 3.7 million borrowers, or less than 10% of the 40 million-plus people who hold student loans. “The student loan issue was not something addressed by the White House in the end in a comprehensive way, according to many young voters,” CNN’s Audie Cornish told press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre earlier this month. “Are you going to try to finish those jobs in particular?”Jean-Pierre, who had not mentioned student loans when asked about the White House’s 2024 priorities, responded by saying Biden “took steps” despite the obstacles. “The president put forth a plan,” she said. “He wanted to keep his promise on dealing with the student loan debt that is really crushing families across the country, and he took steps even though the plan that he put forth was stopped, certainly, by folks in Congress.”The latest round, like every round since the Supreme Court loss, was described as a fix to existing loan programs, often crediting late, partial, or deferred payments toward completion of them. “From day one of my administration, I vowed to improve the student loan system so that a higher education provides Americans with opportunity and prosperity — not unmanageable burdens of student loan debt,” Biden said on Friday. “I won’t back down from using every tool at our disposal to get student loan borrowers the relief they need to reach their dreams. ”Some borrowers may be waiting for more tools to emerge.Loan payments did not have to be made during a pandemic-related pause that stretched well over three years before ending last fall.A recent survey found that 60% of borrowers have missed payments since the pause ended, 25% still haven’t made any payments, and 9% are intentionally “boycotting” in hopes of pressuring the government to cancel more debt. “Biden’s latest student loan debt vote-buying scheme comes just days after his Education Department failed its independent financial audit for the second year running,” said Bob Eitel, who helped craft regulations under the Betsy DeVos-led Department of Education. “These bailouts will only encourage more borrowers to renege on their loans, add fuel to the fire of tuition inflation, and punish hardworking Americans who either never went to college or repaid their loans.”    

Top things to do in the UAE this weekend

Embark on a weekend adventure in the UAE with our curated list of top things to do. Get ready to explore, indulge, and create unforgettable moments across the Emirates. Every Saturday, from 1 pm to 4 pm, the acclaimed B.I.G Brunch at Garage, W Abu Dhabi, sets the stage for a lively weekend kick-off. With 5 Culinary Hubs, 11 Beverage Taps, and an upbeat party vibe, January's edition boasts an enticing selection, featuring treats like oysters, edamame, cumin beef bao buns, and more. With prices starting at Dh320 for the Soft Package, Dh420 for the House Package, and Dh589 for the Sparkling Package, guests can relish a delightful mix of tasty food, energetic tunes, and live entertainment, making B.I.G Brunch the perfect Saturday spot. For reservations and additional details, reach out at 02 656 0000. Experience serenity and rejuvenation with a complimentary yoga session hosted by wagamama at its Motor City Dubai branch on January 20, from 10 am to 11 am. Guided by the renowned instructor Chandnee Kaurani, participants can embark on a journey of mindfulness while enjoying revitalizing beverages. As a bonus, attendees will receive a discount voucher for the crystal shop 'Heal Quartz.' This session is designed to seamlessly blend tranquility with vitality, providing a holistic wagamama experience that transcends the culinary realm. To secure a spot, participants are encouraged to fill out the form at least one day before their chosen session date. Costa Coffee proudly presents its new flagship store in Al Seef, Dubai, seamlessly blending modernity with the city's historical allure. The sandstone structure, adorned with vintage wooden accents, serves as a tribute to the UAE's rich history, creating a space that embraces the tradition of sharing coffee. Within the Al Seef store, an AI art installation unfolds the area's captivating history. Introducing exclusive limited-edition drinks like the Iced Spanish Flat White and Hazelnut Vanilla Latte, Costa Coffee invites both residents and tourists to savor a premium coffee experience in a venue that pays homage to the city's cultural heritage. Operating daily from 8 am to 12 am, the store provides seating for up to 41 guests. This weekend, treat yourself to a rejuvenating winter getaway at The SPA, Abu Dhabi, featuring the enticing 'Treat Yourself' offer. Pamper yourself with a 60-minute personalized massage, tailored to your preferences, and receive a complimentary 30-minute full-body scrub for an added touch of opulence. Alternatively, indulge in facial treatments, meticulously designed to address your unique skincare needs. As a special perk, guests enjoy an exclusive 40% discount on any Skin Regimen Facial Products to maintain their radiant glow. Available daily from 11 am to 10.30 pm, The SPA's offer assures a revitalizing experience, leaving you refreshed and renewed with a radiant winter glow. To secure your reservation, dial 02 656 0000.  

India for finding solution to food stockholding issue first at WTO; then talk on other agri matters

India would not negotiate any other issue in the agriculture sector till a permanent solution on public stockholding for food grains is found by the WTO members, an official said on Thursday. The issue would prominently figure in the 13th ministerial conference (MC) of the WTO (World Trade Organisation), scheduled from February 26-29 in Abu Dhabi.MC is the highest decision-making body of the 164-member global trade watchdog WTO."The public stockpiling of food grain is the longest pending issue. The promise was made by the members in Bali MC, and then later endorsed by subsequent conferences. "Without that, we will not take part in any discussion on any other issue on agriculture, unless the mandated issue is settled. This is our first ask," the official said.Developed countries have raised flags over India's food security programmes, such as buying rice and wheat from farmers at a government-administered price for distribution through public ration shops. They allege that this public procurement at subsidised rates and storage distorts global agri trade.However, India has maintained they have to protect the interest of poor and vulnerable farmers, besides taking care of the food security needs of a large section of the population.The government provide 5 kilogrammes of free foodgrains per month to around 80 crore poor people, free ration to about 80 crore people under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY). The Covid-19 pandemic has proved the importance of such initiatives. The Geneva-based 164-member multi-lateral body deals with global exports and import-related norms. Besides, it adjudicates trade disputes between the member countries.The official said that taking the ERP at 1986-88 basis will give a distorted picture of the support measures. "In a session on agriculture, we gave a presentation about how the India programme is beneficial and also on the ERP, many delegates were surprised to see the kind of stark comparison in the ERP...what caught their attention was that one burger price is equivalent to 1,000 kg of wheat or rice prices...because ERP is 1986-88 price," the official added.  

AAI to spend ₹5,000 crore on capex annually 

Airport Authority of India (AAI) plans to spend ₹5,000 crore annually on capital expenditure in the coming years with a strong pipeline of projects, AAI chairman Sanjeev Kumar told businessline. While new terminals are being built and airside capacity is being expanded at various airports to handle extra flights, AAI is also working on a roadmap for expansion of Agatti airport in Lakshadweep.   “As against the capex target of ₹ 4,000 Crores in FY 2023-24, AAI till December, 2023 has achieved Capex of ₹ 3,416 crores. We will be surpassing the target of ₹ 4,000 Crores and touching capex of ₹ 5,000 Crores or more,” he said. The authority is building new terminals at airports in Patna, Leh, Vijayawada, Tuticorin and has started construction of new terminal buildings in Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jammu and Rajahmundry.   “We are also adding new terminal building in Hubli, Belagavi and Kadapa Airport. Investment proposals for expanding the capacity of terminals and airside is also in pipeline for Keshod in Gujarat, Agra, Ayodhya Phase-II & Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Bagdogra in West Bengal and Darbhanga in Bihar,” he said.  Expansion of Agatti Airport is under discussion with union territory administration of Lakshadweep, ministry of home affairs and other stakeholders.  “We soon expect a roadmap for expansion of Agatti airport,” he added. AAI is also working with partners and stakeholders to finalize research areas at its R&D centre in Begumpet airport in Hyderabad.  Developed at a cost of ₹350 crore, the Civil Aviation Research Organisation (CARO) will serve as a collaborative research platform in air navigation services.    “We have also engaged with our employees and encouraging them to write “problem statements” for the situations faced by them with suggestions for improvement and increasing efficiency. These problem statements would become core of the development of solution by our stakeholders including start-ups either in their own premises or in CARO. We have almost finalized our architecture of processes to populate CARO with an objective to make it vibrant research & Development facility,” Kumar said.  

Introducing the New England DEI Patriots

If racism is America’s original sin, then Democrats and others on the Left are the biblical Babylonians of the 21st century. For a group of people who claim to want racism gone, they wickedly do everything possible to make sure it remains alive — or at least the insinuation of it. Incidentally, this phenomenon is a core tenet of the much-maligned diversity, equity, and inclusion movement often referred to as DEI. At his introductory news conference after being named the new New England Patriots head coach, former NFL player Jerod Mayo garnered significant attention after answering a question from the media about race and being the first black head coach in the team’s history. It was a question asked to Mayo and Patriots owner Robert Kraft. “Let me say this to you: I’m really colorblind in terms of I know what I feel like on Sunday when we lose, and I can just tell you that after my family, my passion is with the New England Patriots, and there’s something else very close second, but winning at the Patriots is my passion,” Kraft said. “I want to get the best people I can get. I chose the best head coach for this organization. He happens to be a man of color. But I chose him because I believe he’s best to do the job.”“Yeah, and Mike T, he reached out. He’s actually from our hometown back in Virginia as well. We haven’t really talked about the challenges. I appreciate Thunder and the organization selecting me to be a black head coach,” Mayo said. “I would say what Thunder just talked about, that was in the locker room. You want your locker room to be pretty diverse, and you want the world to look like that.”  This is a typical answer in the DEI-obsessed society we live in. It’s somewhat silly because diversity really has no impact on whether the Patriots win or lose games. The only thing that matters is the level of play by the players on the team’s roster. However, if diversity is as important as Mayo claims (and I seriously doubt it is), he might want to add significantly more Asian, Latino, white, and Native American players to the roster.And then Mayo said the kind of comment we have become all too familiar with in the race-crazed DEI era. “What I will say, though, is I do see color because I believe if you don’t see color, you can’t see racism. Whatever happens, black, white, disabled person, even someone with disabilities, for the most part, people are like — when they’re young, they kind of make the spot hot. Younger people know what that means,” Mayo said. “But what I would say is, no, I want you to be able to go up to those people and really understand those people. It goes back to whatever it is, black, white, yellow, it really doesn’t matter, but it does matter, so we can try to fix the problem that we all know we have.”