Where is Baku Located?

Baku is a bustling city known for its unique blend of modern architecture and rich cultural heritage. It is a major hub for commerce, tourism and history, offering visitors a fascinating mix of old and new. The city’s charm attracts people from all over the world. In this article, we will know about the location and some interesting facts about Baku.

Location of Baku

Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan, a country located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. It is situated on the western shore of the Caspian Sea, along the southern side of the Absheron Peninsula. Baku is the largest city on the Caspian Sea and and also the biggest city in the Caucasus region. It is located 28 meters (92 feet) below sea level, making it the lowest national capital in the world.

Geography and Culture of Baku

Baku is in a unique geographical position, with the Caspian Sea to the east and the vast plains surrounding it. The city experiences a dry climate with hot summers and mild winters, making it an interesting place for both visitors and residents.

Importance of Baku

Baku is a major cultural, historical and economic center in Azerbaijan. Its economy is heavily based on oil and gas production, with the Baku International Sea Trade Port being the largest on the Caspian Sea. The city’s rich cultural heritage, beautiful architecture and historical sites makes it a vibrant and important destinations.

Baku’s Historic Center

Baku is home to many landmarks and historical buildings. Its historic center was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000. Visitors can explore ancient structures, museums and enjoy the city’s modern skyscrapers, which show the city’s blend of old and new.

Who is Known as the Flying Sikh of India?

In India, the title “Flying Sikh” is famously associated with a legendary athlete, Milkha Singh. He earned this nickname due to his incredible speed and achievements in the world of athletics. Milkha Singh is considered one of the greatest sprinters India has ever produced.

Flying Sikh of India

Milkha Singh, often called “The Flying Sikh,” is one of India’s greatest athletes. He was a sprinter who became famous for his exceptional performances in track and field events. His speed and achievements earned him this iconic nickname, which was given to him by Pakistan’s General Ayub Khan after Milkha Singh defeated Pakistani runners in a race.

Early Life of Milkha Singh

Milkha Singh was born on 20th November 1929 in Govindpura, Punjab (now in Pakistan). He came from a large Sikh family. During the Partition of India in 1947, Milkha lost his parents and siblings in the violence. This tragedy left him orphaned and he fled to India. He joined the Indian Army in 1951, where he first discovered his love for running and athletics.

Rise to Fame in Sports

Milkha Singh’s athletic career took off when he started running professionally while serving in the Indian Army. He won his first big international race at the 1958 Asian Games, where he won gold medals in both the 200m and 400m events. Later, in 1960, Milkha completed in the Rome Olympics, where he finished fourth in the 400m race. Although he did not win a medal, his performance was remembered for being one of the best by an Indian athlete at the Olympics.

Achievements and Olympic Career of Milkha Singh

Milkha Singh’s most famous race was during the 1960 Rome Olympics. He led the 400m race but lost his chance at a medal after slowing down near the finish line. Even though he finished fourth, his time of 45.73 seconds was an Indian national record that stood for many years.

He also won several gold medals at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, including victories in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. He was India’s first individual gold medalist at the Commonwealth Games in 1958.

Awards and Honors Received By Milkha Singh

Below is the list which showcases the remarkable achievements and honors of an athlete, including multiple gold and prestigious awards:

1958 Asian Games – Gold
1958 Commonwealth Games – Gold
1962 Asian Games – Gold
1962 Asian Games – Gold
1958 Cuttack National Games (200m) – Gold
1958 Cuttack National Games (400m) – Gold
1964 Calcutta National Games – Silver
Padma Shri – 1959
Helms World Trophy for Asia – 1959
Bharat Gaurav Award – 2016

Personal Life and Later Years of Milkha Singh

Milkha Singh married Nirmal Saini, a former volleyball player, in 1962. They had four children, including the famous golfer Jeev Milkha Singh. Milkha Singh continued to inspire generation of athletes and was involved in sports administration after his retirement. He lived in Chandigarh until his death in 2021 due to complications from COVID-19, just days after the passing of his wife.

Legacy and Popular Culture

Milkha Singh’s life story was made into a popular movie, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013), starring actor Farhan Akhtar. The film brought his inspiring journey to a wider audience. His autobiography, The Race of My Life, co-written with his daughter, also shares his remarkable story of overcoming struggles and achieving greatness in the world of athletics.

Milkha Singh will always be remembered as a sporting icon who inspired millions with his hard work, dedication and achievements on the track. His nickname, “The Flying Sikh,” symbolizes his speed, endurance and his role in elevating Indian athletics to the world stage.

Google Appoints Preeti Lobana as India Head

Tech giant Google has announced the appointment of Preeti Lobana as its new Country Manager and Vice President for India. This strategic move comes as Google aims to bolster its presence and commitment to India’s rapidly evolving digital economy. Lobana, a seasoned professional with over three decades of experience, takes over the reins from Sanjay Gupta, who has transitioned to a larger role as the President of the Asia Pacific region.

A Seasoned Leadership Profile

Preeti Lobana brings with her an illustrious career spanning 30 years, during which she has held senior leadership roles in both the technology and financial industries. Her most recent role at Google was as the Vice President for gTech (Process, Partner, Publisher Operations, Ads Content & Quality Operations). In this capacity, she led a global team and delivered innovative ad solutions, ensuring robust support for Google’s customers and partners.

Before joining Google, Lobana served in prominent leadership roles at renowned organizations, including:

NatWest Group
American Express
Standard Chartered Bank
ANZ Grindlays Bank

Her academic credentials include being an alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) – Ahmedabad, where she honed her expertise in strategy, change management, and leadership.

Key Responsibilities in Her New Role

As the new Country Manager and Vice President for India, Preeti Lobana is set to oversee Google’s sales and operations in one of its most critical markets. Her responsibilities include:

Driving Innovation: Shaping Google’s strategy to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) for customer empowerment and fostering nationwide innovation.
Strengthening Google’s Commitment: Spearheading efforts to support India’s burgeoning digital economy.
Fostering High-Performing Teams: Building and nurturing diverse talent within the organization.
Driving Transformation: Ensuring seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies and solutions for customers and partners.

India: A Strategic Market for Google

Google views India as a key market for its global operations. The country’s rapidly growing digital economy presents numerous opportunities for innovation and expansion. Lobana’s appointment aligns with Google’s long-term vision of enhancing its role as a transformative force in India’s tech landscape.

Transition from Sanjay Gupta

Preeti Lobana succeeds Sanjay Gupta, who has been elevated to the position of President of the Asia Pacific region. During his tenure, Gupta played a pivotal role in strengthening Google’s footprint in India. His transition to a larger role underscores India’s importance in Google’s global strategy.

A Proven Leader in Innovation and Transformation

Throughout her career, Lobana has demonstrated a remarkable ability to drive change and transformation within large, complex organizations. At Google, she has successfully built and led high-performing teams, fostering collaboration across diverse talent pools. Her ability to navigate the intersection of technology and business positions her as the ideal leader to helm Google India during a transformative era.

Google’s Vision for AI and Digital Growth

Google’s commitment to advancing AI-driven solutions remains at the forefront of its strategy. Under Lobana’s leadership, the company aims to:

Expand the reach of AI-powered tools and services to empower customers.
Foster innovation by collaborating with Indian businesses and government initiatives.
Bridge the digital divide by making technology accessible to diverse populations across the country.

Here is a summary of the news

Why in News	Preeti Lobana appointed as Google’s Country Manager and Vice President for India
Summary/Static	Details
Key Details	Preeti Lobana takes over from Sanjay Gupta, who becomes President of the Asia Pacific region.
Experience	Over 30 years of experience in technology and financial industries. Previously VP at Google for gTech.
Previous Roles	– NatWest Group- American Express- Standard Chartered Bank- ANZ Grindlays Bank
Education	Alumni of Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad.
New Responsibilities	– Drive innovation and leverage AI for customer empowerment.- Strengthen Google’s commitment to India’s digital economy.- Build high-performing, diverse teams.- Integrate cutting-edge technologies for customers and partners.
India’s Strategic Importance	India’s rapidly growing digital economy is critical for Google’s expansion and innovation.
Sanjay Gupta’s Transition	Gupta moves to the role of President, Asia Pacific, after strengthening Google’s presence in India.
Google’s Vision for AI & Digital Growth	– Expand AI-driven solutions for customers.- Foster innovation and collaborate with Indian businesses.- Bridge the digital divide in India.

What is the Old Name of Thailand?

Thailand is a beautiful country in Southeast Asia, known for its vibrant culture, stunning temples, and rich history. Before it got its current name, the country was called something else, reflecting its unique heritage and identity. Let’s explore the story behind the old name of Thailand.

Old Name of Thailand

Thailand, known as Siam in the past, has a rich history that dates back more than a thousand years. Over the centuries, the country underwent several changes, both in its name and its political system.

When and Why Name Changed to Thailand?

The country was officially renamed Thailand in 1939 by Field Marshal Phibun Songkram, the leader at that time. The change was part of his effort to modernize the country and promote a stronger sense of national identity. He wanted to emphasis the country was for the Thai people, as opposed to the diverse mix of ethnic groups, including the large Chinese population.

Phibun’s slogan “Thailand for the Thai” reflected his nationalist policies, which included limiting Chinese influence and promoting the culture, language and identity of the Thai people. The name change also aimed to break away from colonial influences and make Thailand stand out as a unique nation in Southeast Asia.

Location of Thailand

Thailand is in Southeast Asia, on the Indochinese Peninsula. It is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, including mountains, rivers and tropical beaches.

Mumbai Clinches Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024

Mumbai showcased a stellar performance to defeat Madhya Pradesh by five wickets and claim the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024. The final, highlighted Mumbai’s depth in batting and resilience under pressure. Despite a valiant effort by MP skipper Rajat Patidar, whose unbeaten 81 anchored his team’s innings, Mumbai successfully chased a challenging target of 175 in just 17.5 overs, showcasing their dominance in the T20 format. This win marks Mumbai’s second SMAT title, their first being in 2022.

Match Summary

Madhya Pradesh scored 174/8 in 20 overs, with Rajat Patidar remaining unbeaten at 81.
Mumbai chased the target with ease, scoring 180/5 in 17.5 overs.

Mumbai’s Batting Performance

Suryakumar Yadav: Played a crucial knock of 48 runs off 35 balls (4 fours, 3 sixes).
Ajinkya Rahane: Scored 37 off 30 balls, adding stability to the chase.
Suryansh Shedge: Delivered a match-winning 36 not out off 15 balls, including three fours and three sixes.
Atharva Ankolekar: Contributed 16 not out off six balls to finish the chase in style.

Key Bowling Contributions

Shardul Thakur: Took 2 wickets for 41 runs, including a stunning dismissal of Rajat Patidar.
Royston Dias: Economical with figures of 2/32 in his four overs.

Rajat Patidar’s Brilliance

Scored an unbeaten 81 off 54 balls (5 fours, 3 sixes).
Carried MP’s innings single-handedly as other batters failed to provide significant contributions.

Turning Point

Suryakumar Yadav and Ajinkya Rahane’s partnership of 52 runs for the third wicket laid the foundation for Mumbai’s chase.
The late fireworks by Suryansh Shedge and Atharva Ankolekar ensured a comfortable victory.

Historical Context

This is Mumbai’s second SMAT title.
They previously won the trophy in 2022 under Ajinkya Rahane’s captaincy.
Madhya Pradesh is still awaiting their maiden SMAT victory despite several strong performances in recent seasons.

SMAT 2024: Key Statistics

Winning Captain: Shreyas Iyer (Mumbai).
Losing Captain: Rajat Patidar (Madhya Pradesh).
Venue: Final played in front of over 15,000 enthusiastic fans.

SMAT Winners Summary (2006-07 to 2024-25)

2006/07: Tamil Nadu defeated Punjab (Captain: Dinesh Karthik).
2009/10: Maharashtra overcame Hyderabad (Captain: Rohit Motwani).
2010/11: Bengal triumphed over Madhya Pradesh (Captain: Manoj Tiwary).
2011/12: Baroda bested Punjab (Captain: Pinal Shah).
2012/13 & 2014/15: Gujarat emerged victorious twice, defeating Punjab both times.
2015/16: Uttar Pradesh secured the title under Suresh Raina.
2018/19 & 2019/20: Karnataka dominated under Manish Pandey’s captaincy.
2020/21 to 2021/22: Tamil Nadu secured back-to-back titles under Dinesh Karthik and Vijay Shankar.
2022/23 & 2024/25: Mumbai claimed their first and second titles under Ajinkya Rahane and Shreyas Iyer.

Notable Records

Most Titles: Tamil Nadu (3 titles).
Back-to-Back Winners: Tamil Nadu (2020-21 and 2021-22).

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Mumbai won the title of Syed Mushtaq Ali 2024
2024 Final Outcome	Mumbai defeated Madhya Pradesh by 5 wickets to win their second SMAT title.
Winning Team	Mumbai (180/5 in 17.5 overs).
Losing Team	Madhya Pradesh (174/8 in 20 overs).
Winning Captain	Shreyas Iyer (Mumbai).
Losing Captain	Rajat Patidar (Madhya Pradesh).
Previous Winners Year	Team (Captain)
2006/07	Tamil Nadu (Dinesh Karthik)
2009/10	Maharashtra (Rohit Motwani)
2010/11	Bengal (Manoj Tiwary)
2011/12	Baroda (Pinal Shah)
2012/13	Gujarat
2014/15	Gujarat
2015/16	Uttar Pradesh (Suresh Raina)
2018/19	Karnataka (Manish Pandey)
2019/20	Karnataka (Manish Pandey)
2020/21	Tamil Nadu (Dinesh Karthik)
2021/22	Tamil Nadu (Vijay Shankar)
2022/23	Mumbai (Ajinkya Rahane)
2024/25	Mumbai (Shreyas Iyer)
Notable Records
Most Titles	Tamil Nadu (3 titles)

Cyclone Chido Hits Mozambique, Wrecks Havoc in Mayotte

Cyclone Chido, a Category 4 storm, caused widespread destruction in Mayotte before making landfall in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province on December 15, 2024. This powerful storm wreaked havoc on Mayotte, leaving entire neighborhoods flattened and causing severe damage. After crossing the Mozambique Channel, Cyclone Chido intensified and impacted northern Mozambique, with strong winds exceeding 200 km/h and heavy rainfall, threatening lives and properties.

Cyclone Chido Overview

Category 4 storm that made landfall in Pemba, Mozambique, on December 15.
Prior devastation in the French overseas department of Mayotte, with winds exceeding 220 km/h.

Impact on Mayotte

Devastated neighborhoods with extreme winds (220 km/h).
Hundreds, possibly thousands, feared dead, though accurate death toll difficult due to local burial practices.
This is the strongest cyclone to hit Mayotte in over 90 years.

Impact on Mozambique

Landfall in northern Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province.
Winds exceeding 200 km/h and heavy rains caused damage to Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa.
Estimated 1.7 million people were affected in Mozambique.
Risks of flash floods, heavy rains, and destructive winds continue.

Emergency Response

Malawi Red Cross: On the ground in southern Malawi, responding to the storm’s impact.
International Organization for Migration (IOM): Assisting with assessment and coordination of early response in Mozambique.
UNICEF: Concerned about the long-term impacts on vulnerable populations in Mozambique, coordinating with local partners for aid distribution.

Government and Global Efforts

Mozambique’s government, alongside humanitarian organizations, is actively assessing the situation and providing immediate assistance.
Partners continue to reinforce emergency response efforts, including measures for protecting children and ensuring safe distribution of aid.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Cyclone Chido Hits Mozambique
Cyclone Name	Cyclone Chido (Category 4)
Location of Landfall	Pemba, Cabo Delgado province, Mozambique
Previous Impact	Wreaked havoc in Mayotte (French overseas department) with extreme winds (220 km/h) and widespread damage.
Mayotte Impact	– Over 220 km/h winds, neighborhoods flattened – Hundreds, possibly thousands, feared dead – Strongest cyclone in Mayotte in over 90 years
Mozambique Impact	– Affected Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces – Estimated 1.7 million people impacted – Winds over 200 km/h, heavy rains, flash floods expected
Emergency Response	– Malawi Red Cross: On the ground in Malawi responding to impact. – IOM: Assessing needs and coordinating response in Mozambique. – UNICEF: Working with local partners to mitigate long-term impacts.

Remembering Sardar Patel on His Death Anniversary

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, known as the “Iron Man of India,” played an instrumental role in India’s freedom struggle and the integration of the country after independence. As the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India, his efforts in uniting the princely states and his contributions to the freedom movement were crucial for India’s sovereignty and unity.

Early Life and Education:

Born: October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat.
Family: Father – Zaverbhai Patel (served in the Army of Queen of Jhansi), Mother – Ladbai (spiritual).
Education: Studied law and became a barrister in England.
Returned to India and practiced law in Ahmedabad.

Role in India’s Freedom Struggle

Kheda Satyagraha (1918)

Led by Gandhi, Patel played a pivotal role in mobilizing farmers to protest against high taxes imposed by the British amidst crop failures.

Bardoli Satyagraha (1928)

Protest against tax hikes during famine and floods; awarded the title “Sardar” for his leadership.

Quit India Movement (1942)

Despite health issues, Patel encouraged mass protests against British rule, and was arrested in August 1942.

Key Political Contributions

Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister

Served as India’s first Home Minister and Deputy PM post-independence.
Played a key role in the political integration of India after independence.

Integration of Princely States

Managed the integration of over 500 princely states into the Union of India, including states like Jammu & Kashmir and Hyderabad, which initially resisted joining.
Formed a new department to manage the integration process, led by Patel with V.P. Menon as secretary.

Death and Legacy

Date of Death: December 15, 1950, due to a heart attack.
National Unity Day: His birthday, October 31st, was declared Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) in 2014.

Posthumous Recognition

Awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously in 1991 for his unparalleled contribution to the country.

Tribute by PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his death anniversary.
Modi described Patel as an inspiration for the country, emphasizing his contributions to national unity and integrity.
Lauded Patel as the “Iron Man” for his strong leadership in uniting India.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Remembering Sardar Patel on His Death Anniversary
Death	December 15, 1950, due to a heart attack
Legacy	National Unity Day (October 31st) – Declared in 2014 to honor his birthday
Role in Freedom Struggle	Kheda Satyagraha (1918) – Mobilized farmers against high taxes during crop failures Bardoli Satyagraha (1928) – Protest against tax hikes during famine and floods, awarded “Sardar” Quit India Movement (1942) – Led protests despite health issues, arrested in August 1942
Key Political Positions	First Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister post-independence
Contribution to India’s Unity	Managed the integration of over 500 princely states into India, including Jammu & Kashmir and Hyderabad
Posthumous Recognition	Bharat Ratna awarded in 1991 for his contributions to India
PM Modi’s Tribute	Described Patel as an inspiration for national unity and integrity Lauded Patel’s leadership and referred to him as the “Iron Man” of India

Zakir Hussain Biography, Know About His Life, Career, Family, Awards and Legacy

Zakir Hussain was a world-famous table player and music composer from India. Known for his extraordinary talent, he blended Indian classical music with global styles. Born on March 9, 1951, he earned international flame, collaborated with many artists, and won prestigious awards like the Grammy. His music continues to inspire people worldwide.

Key Details About Zakir Hussin

Date of birth: 09th March 1951
Place of birth: Bombay, India
Occupation: Musician
Instruments: Table
Awards: Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan
Death: 15th December 2024
Place of death: San Francisco, California, USA

Early Life and Education of Zakir Hussain

Zakir Hussain was born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He was the son of the famous table player Alla Rakha. From a young age, Zakir showed great interest and talent in playing the tabla. He studied at St. Michael’s High School, Mahim, and later graduated from St. Xavier’s College,Mumbai.

Career of Zakir Hussain in Music

Zakir Hussain began his music journey by performing with his father and other renowned musicians. He became a global icon in classical Indian music and collaborated with famous artists like George Harrison, John Handy and Van Morrison. He was also part of bands like Shakti and Tabla Beat Science, bringing Indian music to the world stage.

One of his major achievements was the album Planet Drum, created with Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead. This album won a Grammy Award in 1992, the first-ever Grammy for World Music. Zakir continued to amaze the world with his talent, winning four Grammy Awards during this time.

Film and Soundtrack Contributions

Zakir Hussain composed and performed music for many movies, including Vanaprastham, In Custody and The Mystic Masseur. He also played the tabla for soundtracks of Hollywood films like Apocalypse Now and Little Buddha.

He appeared in movies such as Heart and Dust (1983) and documentaries like Zakir and His Friends (1998), showcasing his art and talent.

Awards and Honors Received by Zakir Hussain

Zakir Hussain, a legendary Indian tabla maestro, has received numerous prestigious awards globally for his exceptional contribution to music.

Here is the list of awards and honors received by Zakir Hussain:

Year	Awards
1988	Padma Shri
1990	Indo-American Award
1990	Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
1992	Grammy Award
1999	National Heritage Fellowship
2002	Padma Bhushan
2005	Old Dominion Fellow
2006	Kalidas Samman
2006	Grammy Nomination
2007	Modern Drummer and Drum! Magazine Award
2009	Grammy Award
2012	Guru Gangadhar Pradhan Lifetime Achievement Award
2017	SFJazz Lifetime Achievement Award
2018	Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellow (Academy Ratna)
2022	Honorary Doctor of Law
2022	Kyoto Prize
2023	Padma Vibhushan
2024	66th Annual Grammy Awards

Personal Life of Zakir Hussain

Zakir Hussain married Antonia Minnecola, a Kathar dancer and his manager. They had two daughters, Anisa and Isabella, both talented in their fields. He had two brothers, Taufiq Qureshi and Fazal Qureshi, who were also musicians.

Later Years and Death

In his later years, Zakir Hussain continued to perform and inspire music lovers worldwide. Sadly, he passed away on December 15, 2024, in San Francisco, California, due to a lung condition called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Legacy of Zakir Hussain

Zakir Hussain’s music touched millions of heart across the globe. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest tabla players of all time, a true legend of Indian music who took his art to international heights.

Nupi Lal Numit 2024: Honoring the Legacy of Manipuri Women

Manipur recently commemorated Nupi Lal Numit 2024, a significant event honoring the courage and resilience of the women who fought for justice and freedom in the Nupi Lal uprisings of 1904 and 1939. The commemoration was led by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh at the Nupi Lal Memorial Complex. This day not only highlights the pivotal role of Manipuri women in history but also celebrates their continued progress in various sectors. The Chief Minister’s speech emphasized the importance of empowering women through various initiatives, while calls for peace and unity across the state resonated strongly.

Historical Significance of Nupi Lal Uprisings

The Nupi Lal uprisings in 1904 and 1939 were critical moments in Manipuri history.
Women led protests against British colonial injustices, showcasing tremendous courage.
These uprisings contributed to important political and social changes in the state.

Empowerment of Women

Ima Nongthangleima Yaipha Tengbang Scheme: Provides financial support to unemployed women above 40.
Ima Markets: Establishment of markets in every district to promote economic participation by women.
Support for Women Athletes: Financial assistance and creation of training centers to nurture talent in sports.
Educational Initiatives: Scholarships for civil service coaching, and schemes for NEET and JEE preparations, promoting academic excellence among women.

Ongoing Challenges and Government Efforts

The Chief Minister acknowledged ongoing crises and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the State and Central governments.
Efforts to address the crisis, including locating missing persons, were highlighted.

Call for Unity and Peace

Minister Th. Biswajit Singh stressed the significance of gender equality and the involvement of women in decision-making.
Citizens were encouraged to work together toward peace and development.

Cultural Celebrations

The event featured a Nupi Lal drama and performances by local artists, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Manipur.
The commemoration brought together government officials, MLAs, students, and women from across the state, making it a culturally vibrant and unifying occasion.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Nupi Lal Numit 2024: Honoring the Legacy of Manipuri Women
Event Commemoration	Nupi Lal Numit 2024, commemorating the women who fought for justice and freedom in the Nupi Lal uprisings of 1904 and 1939.
Location	Nupi Lal Memorial Complex, Manipur
Historical Significance	– Women led uprisings in 1904 and 1939 against British colonial rule. – Major political and social changes followed.
Government Initiatives	– Ima Nongthangleima Yaipha Tengbang Scheme: Financial aid for unemployed women over 40. – Ima Markets: Promoting women’s economic participation. – Support for Athletes: Financial assistance and sports training centers. – Educational Initiatives: Scholarships for civil service coaching and NEET/JEE preparation for women.
Cultural Celebrations	– Nupi Lal drama and performances by local artists. – Celebration of Manipuri culture with the participation of local people and officials.
Challenges & Efforts	– Addressing ongoing crises in Manipur with collaboration between State and Central governments. – Efforts to locate missing individuals.

NCL Launches ‘CHARAK’ for Free Health Treatment in Singrauli

Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), under the Ministry of Coal’s guidance, has launched the ‘CHARAK’ project – Community Health: A Responsive Action for Koylanchal, aimed at providing free treatment for economically weaker sections suffering from life-threatening diseases. The initiative will benefit residents of Singrauli and Sonbhadra districts with annual family incomes below Rs. 8 lakh, covering diseases like malignancy, TB, HIV, cardiovascular diseases, and others. This project aligns with NCL’s long-standing commitment to improving the socio-economic condition of the region.

Key Features of CHARAK

Targeted Beneficiaries: Residents of Singrauli and Sonbhadra with family incomes below Rs. 8 lakh.

Covered Diseases: Malignancy, TB, cardiovascular issues, HIV, organ transplant, burns, neurological disorders, and more.

Free Treatment: Provided at NCL’s dedicated hospital or specialized empanelled hospitals nationwide.

NCL’s Commitment to CSR

Past Investments: Over Rs 1,000 crore spent on CSR projects in the last 10 years, impacting nearly 10 lakh people.

Ongoing Efforts: The CSR expenditure target for this financial year is Rs. 172.97 crore, with previous fiscal year spending at Rs. 157 crore.

Focus on Healthcare: CHARAK is a continuation of NCL’s broader social responsibility initiatives, prioritizing healthcare for vulnerable communities in the region.

Summary of the news

Why in News	Key Points
Launch of CHARAK by NCL	Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) launched ‘CHARAK’ (Community Health: A Responsive Action for Koylanchal) under the Ministry of Coal.
Objective of CHARAK	Free treatment for life-threatening diseases to economically weaker sections of Singrauli and Sonbhadra districts.
Eligibility Criteria	Annual family income below ₹8 lakh from all sources.
Diseases Covered	Malignancy, TB, HIV, cardiovascular diseases, organ transplant, burns, neurological disorders, etc.
Treatment Facility	Free treatment at NCL’s hospital (NSC) or empanelled specialized hospitals across India.
CSR Investments by NCL	NCL has spent over ₹1,000 crore on CSR initiatives over the last 10 years.
Previous CSR Expenditure	₹157 crore spent in the previous fiscal year on CSR activities.
CSR Target for Current Year	₹172.97 crore for the ongoing financial year.
Impact of CSR	Nearly 10 lakh people benefited from NCL’s CSR initiatives over the last decade.