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Road accidents surged by 12 pc in 2022; 19 persons die every hour in India

IEP Chandigarh

India accounts for a mere three percent of the world’s vehicular population, but a shocking, the number of road accidents in India surged by 12 per cent to 4.6 lakh in 2022, resulting in the death of 19 persons every hour. The highest number of road accidents every year is attributed to negligent driving and speeding. This raises a big concern over road safety in India. Reports also suggest that public transport, like buses, was safer than private modes of conveyance, like motorcycles, cars etc. Experts say, taking care of yourself while driving is the most important thing to do by using safety accessories in the car. And one must know the safety functions like airbags and seat belts in the car. In India, people wearing seat belts are a rare sight. All the cars have rear seat belts (back seat belts), but very few people are using them.

Meanwhile, 16,715 people lost their lives in road accidents last year due to not wearing seat belts, while 50,029 individuals met their demise in accidents where helmets were not worn. Out of these casualties, 35,692, or 71.3 per cent, were riding two-wheelers. Among the States, Tamil Nadu registered the highest number of road accidents on National Highways in 2022.

Conversely, the highest number of fatalities in road accidents occurred in Uttar Pradesh. The report points out that from a road safety standpoint, violations like over speeding and driving on the wrong side are not solely attributable to human error, but may also be attributed to a lack of education and enforcement.

Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, running red lights, and using mobile phones collectively accounted for 7.4 per cent of total accidents and 8.3 per cent of total deaths, according to the report. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has set a target to halve the number of accidents and resulting deaths in the country by 2024.

The annual report is based on data and information received from the police departments of States and Union Territories on a yearly basis, following standardised formats provided by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) as part of the Asia Pacific Road Accident Data (APRAD) base project.

In 2022, a total of 4,61,312 road accidents occurred, resulting in 1,68,491 fatalities and 4,43,366 injuries. According to the report titled “Road accidents in India 2022”, “over speeding” accounted for 72.3 per cent of the road accidents, 71.2 per cent of the deaths, and 72.8 per cent of total injuries. Among the casualties, 8,384 were drivers, the remaining 8,331 were passengers. The report revealed that 53 road accidents took place every hour in the country. It further mentioned, “A total of 4,61,312 road accidents have been reported by States and Union Territories (UTs) during the calendar year 2022, which claimed 1,68,491 lives and caused injuries to 4,43,366 persons. This marks an increase of 11.9 per cent in accidents, 9.4 per cent in fatalities, and 15.3 per cent in injuries compared to the previous year,” as stated in the report. For the fourth consecutive year in 2022, the victims of fatal road accidents were predominantly young people in the productive age groups. The report stated, “Young adults in the age group of 18-45 years accounted for 66.5 per cent of victims during 2022,” and added that individuals in the working age group of 18 – 60 years constituted 83.4 per cent of total road accident fatalities.

According to the report, in 2022, a total of 4,61,312 accidents were recorded in the country. Out of these, 1,51,997 (32.9 per cent) took place on National Highways (NH), including expressways, 1,06,682 (23.1 per cent) on State highways, and the remaining 2,02,633 (43.9 per cent) on other roads. The report said, “Out of the total of 1, 68, 491 fatalities reported in 2022, 61,038 (36.2 per cent) were on national highways, 41,012 (24.3 per cent) were on state highways, and 66,441 (39.4 per cent) were on other roads.”

Regarding the vehicle categories involved in road accidents, two-wheelers, for the second consecutive year, accounted for the highest share in total accidents and fatalities during 2022. The report indicated that light vehicles, including cars, jeeps, and taxis, collectively came in a distant second place. In terms of road-user categories, it was reported that the share of two-wheeler riders in total fatalities was the highest (44.5 per cent) during 2022, followed by pedestrian roadusers, accounting for 19.5 per cent of individuals killed in road accidents. The report stated, “Tamil Nadu recorded the highest number of road accidents in 2022 with 64,105 cases (13.9 per cent), followed by Madhya Pradesh with 54,432 cases (11.8 per cent).    Input from agencies

Punjab CM interacts with executive coaches after bonanza of doubling their salaries

IEP Chandigarh

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday announced to give the cash benefits and other incentives to the players who have bagged medals in the recently concluded Asian games very soon after their return to the homeland from China.

Addressing the gathering during interaction with the Executive coaches here today, the Chief Minister said that the earlier governments had not bothered to felicitate the medal winner players but his government will give top priority to this noble cause. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his government will ensure that the medal winners get the cash incentives and other incentives very soon after their arrival in the country. He said that the single motive is to boost the players for their superb performance in the Asian games concluded at China.

Lauding the stellar role of coaches in a player’s life, the Chief Minister said that coaches play an important role in grooming the players for the national and international events. He said that due to the hard work and confidence infused in the players by the coaches they excel in the fields. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is not a political event but it is aimed at felicitating the immense contribution of the coaches in the career of players.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab is blessed with immense talent which has been proved in recent Asian games where players from Punjab had brought various medals. He said that on one hand the credit goes to dedication of players and on other the vanguard role of coaches cannot also be denied. Bhagwant Singh Mann congratulated the players and coaches for this rare display of remarkable sportsmanship in the Asian games.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is committed to revive the sports culture in the state for which coaches can play a pivotal role. He said that the state government is making concerted efforts for wiping out the menace of drugs from the state for which sports is being encouraged. Bhagwant Singh Mann envisioned that coaches can act as a catalyst in making Punjab a drug free state by promotion of sports.

The Chief Minister also said that due to the strenuous efforts of the state government, the players of state are bringing laurels for the state in the Asian games. He said that the state government is incentivizing the players with cash awards and other facilities to encourage them to perform in national and international events. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that for the first time in the history of state players are being given financial assistance to prepare for international events.

The Chief Minister said that coaches play an important role in preparing the players for adapting the new techniques in the arena of sports. He said that this helps in ensuring that the players are able to combat the future challenges in the best manner. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is heartening that out of 48 players from state who have participated in the Asian Games, 33 players won a total of 19 medals including eight Gold, six Silver and five Bronze medals adding that this is the biggest tally of Punjab in the history of Asiad during the post independence era.

The Chief Minister said that coaches accomplish a very hard task to produce the gems in the field as this duty has been bestowed on them by God. He said that the state government is committed for the well being of the players and coaches for which stupendous efforts have been made. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction for him that his government has regularised services of more than 12000 teachers and now the salary of the Executive coaches has been almost doubled.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has so far handed over appointment letters to more than 37000 youth adding that now a competition is going on in villages for producing the maximum number of government servants. He said that this is just the beginning as now more than 2.89 lakh jobs will also be provided in the private sector. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is committed to channelizing the unbounded energy of the youth in a positive direction.

The Chief Minister bemoaned that successive state governments in Punjab have ignored the sports due to which the state has suffered a lot. However, he said that his government is working untiringly to restore the pristine glory of sports in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his government is making all out efforts to upgrade the sport infrastructure in the state so that world class facilities can be provided to the budding players.

Earlier, the Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer welcomed all the dignitaries on the occasion.

During their address two executive coaches, Nitish Thakur and Jagbir Singh profusely thanked the Chief Minister for enhancing their salaries. They said that this path breaking initiative will go a long way in reviving the sports culture in the state. They expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for acceding to their long pending adding that this will encourage all of them to render their services more diligently and passionately.

 

Life and philosophy of Shaheed Bhagat Singh will ever inspire youth to serve the country selflessly: says Punjab CM

IEP Sangrur

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday said that life and philosophy of Shaheed Bhagat Singh will ever inspire youth to serve the country selflessly. The Chief Minister, while addressing the gathering during Ek Sham Shaheedan de Naam here today, said that numerous sacrifices were made for emancipating the country from the foreign imperialism. He said that we have done nothing for the country as compared to these legends. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that  Britishers didn’t loot India as much as the Indian rulers did in post freedom period.

 The Chief Minister said that now the things are being streamlined and efforts are being made to make the state a front runner one in the country. He said that 18 months since he has assumed the charge of office his government is making strenuous efforts for putting the state back on track of growth. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that all of us should exercise our franchise wisely as the onus of building the country lies on our shoulders.

 The Chief Minister said that Shaheed Bhagat Singh sacrificed his life at the altar of motherland in a very young age. He said that supreme sacrifice made by him has inspired millions of youth to lay down their lives for the sake of freedom of the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that all the youth must take inspiration from the great martyr to do selfless service of the nation.

 The Chief Minister called upon youth to follow the footsteps of the great national heroes to serve the country. He said that such functions must be held across the nook and corner of the state to perpetuate the legacy of martyrs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his country is making every effort for realising the dream of the martyrs, who laid their life for sake of motherland.

 The Chief Minister said that the great Sikh Gurus have taught us to fight against tyranny, injustice and oppression. He said that this needs to be perpetuated amongst our coming generations so as to restore the pristine glory of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab inherits a glorious legacy adding that our youth must be keep abreast of it.

 The Chief Minister also said that the state government is opening eight hi-tech centres for imparting training to the students for competitive exams. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these centres will provide quality training to youth for clearing the UPSC exams and sit on coveted positions in state and country. He said that the target of the state government is to ensure that youth sit in high offices and serve the country.

 Making a scathing attack on the opposition parties, the Chief Minister said that those who were living in palatial houses during their heydays of power have been ousted from the political scene of the state. He said that the state has witnessed the dawn of a new era as these people who were considered invincible have been shown the door by the people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to this a change has been witnessed in Punjab and for the first time people centric decisions have acquired centre-stage in the process of governance.

Punjab Govt to resolve all issues of farmers linked with phagwara sugar mill soon, says Minister

IEP Chandigarh

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government would resolve all the issues of farmers related with Golden Sandhar Mill Ltd, Phagwara at the earliest, assured Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Punjab.

Gurmeet Singh Khudian along with Punjab Sugarfed Chairman Mr. Navdeep Singh Jeeda, Director Agriculture Jaswant Singh and Kapurthala district authorities held a meeting with cane farmers from Doaba region led by Bhartiya Kisan Union (Doaba) President Manjit Singh Rai here at Kheti Bhawan.

Responding to the concerns raised by the cane farmers, the Agriculture Minister directed the Deputy Commissioner Kapurthala Captain Karnail Singh to expedite the process of attaching the properties of defaulter owners of the sugar mill, besides, taking all possible steps to ensure that farmers interests won’t get hampered as welfare of the state farmers is the top priority for Chief Minister S Bhagwant Singh Mann led Government.

He also asked the Kapurthala district authorities to make it sure that all the pending dues of the cane farmers should also be cleared in a time bound manner. 

Reiterating that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government would not allow the farmers to suffer at the hands of defaulter mill owners, the Agriculture Minister said the the state government stood firmly with its farmers and strict action will be initiated against the defaulter mill owners, who are trying to escape from their responsibility of paying dues to the tune of Rs 40.72 crore to cane farmers.

Transport Minister flags off crop residue management awareness van

IEP Chandigarh

Haryana Transport Minister, Sh. Mool Chand Sharma said that two mobile vans are being run by the Department of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare to raise awareness among farmers about crop residue management. The primary goal is to discourage farmers from burning crop residues and encourage them to utilise agricultural machinery to process the residue into the soil.

Minister, Sh .Mool Chand Sharma while flagging off a Crop Residue Management Awareness Van in Sonipat and extended his best wishes for achieving the goal, today.

        The Transport Minister said  that the mobile vans would traverse villages, reaching out to farmers to educate them about effective crop residue management. The aim is to reduce instances of crop burning and promote the use of agricultural machinery to incorporate residue into the soil, rather than disposing of it through burning.

Sh. Sharma also highlighted that it is prohibited, as per directives from the Supreme Court and both the central and state governments, for any farmer to burn crop residues. Such practices contribute to increased pollution, adversely affecting people’s health, especially those suffering from respiratory ailments.

He informed that the Haryana government is providing an incentive of Rs.1,000 per acre for crop residue management. He urged all farmers to pledge that they would not burn crop residues and would instead benefit from the government’s scheme by managing residue appropriately. He also mentioned that the government is subsidising agricultural machinery for residue management, making the process more accessible.

        Additionally, industrial units that require crop residue as a raw material have been encouraged to procure it directly from farmers, promoting sustainable practices and reducing pollution. Both these mobile vans will visit each village in three different phases, disseminating information through leaflets and announcements, effectively raising awareness about crop residue management among farmers.

Empowering Women: Haryana’s remarkable journey under the Manohar Lal led Government

Women’s safety 32 dedicated women’s police stations are now operational, providing a secure environment for women and a platform for women police officers to voice their concerns openly. Women’s help desks have been established in all police stations. Durga Shakti App, Durga Shakti Vahani Seva, and Durga Rapid Action, have instilled a sense of security among women. The government is actively increasing the representation of women in the Haryana Police Force, with a target to elevate it from six percent to an ambitious 15 percent.

        As Haryana continues its journey towards gender equality and women’s empowerment, the Manohar Lal-led government’s dedication to this cause remains unwavering. The state serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, showcasing what can be achieved when leadership, community, and determination come together to create positive change.

PGIMER successfully conducts Living donor liver transplant on a 46-year-old male patient

administered to a patient diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia on March 14th, 2023, followed by additional cases involving lymphoma and another leukemia patient. Encouragingly, all three patients have shown positive progress following the treatment. PGI Chandigarh is the first public hospital in India to successfully implement this groundbreaking therapy”

Endorsing the need to create independent departments to further the impetus on patient care, the Director said, “To provide a robust ecosystem for patient care, we need to create independent departments as has been seen from the prior experience that an independent department makes a colossal difference as far as the patient care is concerned and we are seriously considering to create independent departments in the near future.”

Another major step forward by PGIMER is the expansion of Paediatric Cardiology under Dr. Rohit Manoj and we plan to have 10 dedicated beds and 2 dedicated OTs for the same. The basic intent is to reduce the waiting list and assuage the pain of the patients, especially children.”

The Director was accompanied by Kumar Gaurav Dhawan, Deputy Director (Administration)Official Spokesperson, Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent, PGIMER, Kumar Abhay Financial Advisor, Heads of the Departments, and Senior faculty members during the press conference were also present on the occasion.

4th Sherpa meeting of G-20 nations ended after finalising the Leaders’ Declaration for the forthcoming G20 Summit in New Delhi.

IEP Chandigarh, September 7

The 4th Sherpa meeting of G-20 countries, which began in ITC Grand Bharat resort of district Nuh on 3rd September, ended with showcasing some of the most vibrant Indian classical and light music, instrumental orchestra celebrating its music diversity composed by Shri Madho Prasad followed by gala dinner.

On the last night of September 6, the universal thread of music kept the spectators spellbound through a symphony of diverse Indian classical and light music. The presentation began with Chaturanga; an amalgamation of various styles and forms of music that is presented by teenagers, adolescents and the disabled. It was followed by Raga Yaman, which expresses the optimism of a lover and his beloved. This musical combination is an artful blend of pitch around the tones of the raga. The cultural night ended with Raga Kalavati, a simple but modern pentatonic classical Hindustani raga. It is a midnight raga rendition and is generally associated with the pangs of separation and nostalgia.

Since the 4th and final Sherpa meeting was held in district Nuh of Haryana, it provided opportunity to showcase Haryana, especially, it’s rich cultural heritage and traditions before the foreign delegates through variety of cultural programs based on Haryana’s folk. The Haryanavi ‘Pagri’ (head gear ) was tied on the heads of delegates as a mark of respect. Pagri is like crown ; a symbol of ‘shan’ ( pride) of Haryana, which is tied on the head of a person whom utmost honour is to be given. The delegates were also apprised by the strengths and achievements of Haryana through a short audio visual documentary prepared by Information, Public Relations, Languages & Culture Department of the state. This documentary was kept running continuously throughout the day at the exhibition stall strategically placed at the entrance of Prithvi Ballroom of the resort, a place fixed for meals and cafeteria of the delegates. Folders highlighting strengths of Haryana state were also distributed among the delegates. The model of ‘Virat Swaroop’ of Lord Krishna, who have a believed to have shown his viraat Swaroop ( huge form ) to Arjuna while giving celestial message of holy Gita in Kurukshetra of Haryana, was also placed adjoining to the exhibition stall.

The police of both the districts, Nuh and Gurugram was seen vigilant and law and order was strictly maintained. Police presence was seen on entire stretch from Delhi- Haryana border to the venue. The traffic was also well regulated, no traffic jam occurred on this stretch during the days of the meeting.

During their stay here, the Sherpas of G-20 member countries and representatives from other invitee countries had deliberations in 12 sessions, spread over three days to finalise the Leaders’ Declaration for the forthcoming G20 Summit in New Delhi. Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa, led these intense deliberations. The text of the Leaders’ Declaration will advocate for a fairer and more sustainable world for all. In addition to the formal meetings, the Sherpas had a chance to foster deeper relationships in the informal setting of a ‘Sofa Talk.’ These candid conversations are a vital aspect of diplomacy, building trust and collaboration. They allow representatives to connect on a personal level, strengthening the bonds of understanding and cooperation among nations. The delegates began their day with yoga session to rejuvenate their minds and bodies.

India’s Sherpa Amitabh Kant said that India’s G20 Presidency has been truly significant, not only for showcasing our rich cultural heritage, but also for its unwavering commitment to representing the interests of the Global South and advocating for a fairer and more sustainable world. This presidency has seen India’s advocacy for the permanent membership of the African Union, a dedicated Women’s Working Group backed by all G-20 nations and considerable citizen’s engagement, truly making it a people’s presidency. Through 150 captivating cultural programs and the involvement of over 7,000 artists, it revitalised tourism, promoted cross-cultural understanding and extended beyond traditional G20 boundaries. By fostering participation at all levels – federal, social, diplomatic, global, economic to name a few as well as putting forth priorities that reflect a better world for all, it has embodied its guiding theme of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or One Earth, One Family, One Future, he added.

Ambala will get flight soon, Rs 133 crore transferred to Defense Estate Officer’s account for Civil Enclave land: Home Minister Anil Vij

IEP Chandigarh

Haryana Home and Health Minister Anil Vij today said that Ambala will soon get a flight and in this direction, an amount of Rs 133 crores has been transferred to the account of Ambala Defense Estate Officer by the Haryana government for 20 acres of land to establish a Civil Enclave along with Ambala Air Force Station today.  Vij said that he is determined to start the flight service from Ambala soon and the transfer of Rs 133 crore to the Defense Estate Officer will now speed up the upcoming process for this project. He said that soon a terminal will be constructed for the Civil Enclave adjacent to Ambala Air Force Station at a cost of Rs 16 crore. He said that a Civil Enclave is to be established in Ambala under the RCS UDAN program and now the formalities for acquiring land for the airport have been completed.

It is noteworthy that due to the efforts of Home Minister Anil Vij, Civil Enclave is being established along with the Air Force Station in Ambala. It was a challenging task to get availability of 20 acres of land along with the Air Force Station for the Civil Enclave in Ambala. The vacant land of Military Dairy Farm was declared technically suitable by the Airport Authority of India and other departments. This land was under the Defense Ministry and the Civil Enclave could be built only when the land was handed over to the state government. This was a challenging task and Home Minister Anil Vij completed this challenging task to transfering an amount of Rs 133 crore to the Defense Ministry for 20 acres of land by the Haryana Government.

The terminal of Civil Enclave in Ambala will be constructed on the land of Military Dairy Farm, right next to the Air Force Station. After checking-in at the terminal, passengers will be taken by bus to the aircraft inside the Air Force station. Only the runway of the Air Force station will be used for take-off and landing of planes.

It is noteworthy that it is proposed to name the airport to be built in Ambala Cantonment as “Amba Airport Ambala Cantonment”. In this regard, Home Minister Anil Vij has recently sent a proposal to Chief Minister Manohar Lal in which it has been suggested to name Ambala Airport as Amba Airport Ambala Cantonment. Ambala district was named after Amba Devi and there is also a temple of Amba Devi in Ambala. This ancient temple has special significance.

Jatinder Singh of NSUI is new president of Panjab University Students’ Council

IEP Chandigarh

National Students’ Union of India’s (NSUI) Jatinder Singh on Wednesday was elected as the president of Panjab University Campus Students’ Council. He bagged 3,002 votes as against 2,399by his nearest rival Divyansh Thakur of CYSS. Ranmeekjot Kaur of SATH was elected vice-president, while Deepak Goyat of Indian National Students Organisation’s (INSO) bagged the post of secretary. Gourav Chahal of PUHH was elected joint secretary of the council. Nine candidates were competing for the post of PUCSU president while four were in fray for the post of vice president, secretary, and joint secretary of PUCSC. Only four of the 21 were women.  The voting for the Panjab University Student Council, Chandigarh started at 9:30 am and ended at 12 noon.  A total of 179 polling booths were set up in 69 departments for voting. UT administration had made elaborate security arrangements with the deployment of around 1,200 police personnel on the PU campus and at local colleges.  The election witnessed 66% polling. Out of 15,693, 10,323 polled in. Vice president Ranmeekjot garnered 3644 votes, surpassing the runner-up Anurag Vardhan, who received 2962 votes. In the previous year, ‘Sath’ made its debut in PU council elections, earning 386 votes for their presidential candidate and 982 votes for the joint secretary candidate.