Latest news with #Jaspal
Time of India
6 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Bihar Regiment marks 44th foundation day of its 21st battalion
1 2 3 Patna: Bihar Regiment Centre (BRC) marked the 44th foundation day of its 21st battalion at a function held on its ground in Danapur cantonment near Patna on Sunday. The 21st battalion of the Bihar Regiment was raised on July 20, 1981, under Lt Col. Mohd Mansoor Mallick. From its inception, the battalion bore the motto 'karam hi dharma hai' (duty is our religion), a creed it upheld across decades of challenging service, said BRC commandant Brig Kamal Deep Jaspal. The foundation day event began with the traditional wreath-laying ceremony at the BRC war memorial by Brigadier Jaspal. Several retired officers and serving soldiers of the battalion had gathered to pay rich tributes to the martyrs. Brig Jaspal, while addressing the gathering, recalling the battalion's distinguished service record. "From the cold heights of Himachal to the hostile terrains of Uri, the 21st battalion has carried the flag of the Bihar Regiment high. Their resilience, valour and loyalty to the nation are an inspiration to every soldier," he said. The journey of the 21st battalion has been storied since its early years — from 1982 to 1985, it was in the mountainous terrains of Himachal Pradesh, honing skills and building camaraderie that would become the bedrock of its operational success. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo In 1990 during the height of insurgency in the northern theatre, the battalion was deployed for Operation Bajrang, a mission that required not just firepower but strategic restraint and deep engagement with local population. Their success earned widespread acclaim, the BRC commandant said. In addition the battalion's most intense years came during Operation Rakshak in Uri from 1999 to 2003, a volatile period marked by frequent encounters, infiltration attempts and extreme weather conditions. Yet the bravehearts of the 21st battalion never faltered, and neutralised numerous threats working closely with intelligence units to dismantle insurgent networks, the BRC officer said, adding in Sept 2014 they were once again called during Operation Alert, a high-stakes mission involving counter-insurgency and civil assistance during flood and internal disturbances.
India.com
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
This actor was once stabbed by his friend, bled excessively, was rushed to hospital, was saved by..., his name is...
This actor was once stabbed by his friend, bled excessively, was rushed to hospital, Om Puri saved him by..., his name is... Naseeruddin Shah is considered one of the most versatile and talented actors that Indian cinema has ever produced. In 2024, the actor introduced his autobiography titled 'And Then One Day' and revealed several interesting anecdotes from his personal and professional life. He also opened up about an incident where he was stabbed by an actor friend Jaspal and Om Puri then interfered to rescue him. During the shooting of his 1977 film Bhoomika, Naseeruddin and Om had gone to have a dinner at a restaurant. Just then, his friend Jaspal, with whom the actor shared a strained relationship arrived at the place. Naseeruddin Shah shared, 'We ignored each other but, eyes fixed on me, he passed to sit on another table behind me, so I thought. After a while, I was reminded of his presence by what felt like a short sharp punch in the middle of my back. I started to rise, wearily preparing myself for another free-for-all. Before I could move, Om with a strangled cry lunged at something behind me. I turned to see Jaspal holding a small knife, its point dripping blood, his hand raised to strike again, and Om and two others grappling to subdue him.' The senior actor than narrated further, 'Om returned to inform me that Jaspal had been taken to the kitchen and was being given the treatment. He wanted to take me to a doctor but was thwarted by the restaurant staff refusing to let us move till the police arrived. When the ambulance came, Om made the cardinal error of climbing in as well without permission and managed to rile the boss-man, thereby asking the cops to be gentle with me. He was ordered to get off and after considerable pleading with the goon in charge was allowed to stay. Neither of us had an idea where we were headed but I prayed it was not the police station.' Naseeruddin Shah was then rushed to the Cooper hospital and later to Jaslok hospital as he was bleeding excessively from his injury. 'The bleeding had not seized, the pain was getting intense and these cops obviously had not quite understood the situation. After a few cursory questions to us, and some garbled transmissions over the radio in Marathi, we arrived at Cooper Hospital in Juhu,' he wrote. The actor also mentioned in his autobiography that Jaspal, after the incident, had arrived to meet him at his home. Rather than apologising, he said that whatever happened wasn't 'personal.'
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Music all the way
The historic Daryaganj market does not shy away from chaos. Amid the uproar of traffic, hawkers, and everything characteristically Old Delhi, a store in Daryaganj hums the soothing sound of musical Music House (LMH) carries a legacy of 115 years of dealing in musical instruments, from a folk dilruba to a rock guitar. Randheer and Jaspal Singh are the fourth generation owners of the store, which was originally established in 1910 in Anarkali Bazaar of Lahore, present-day Pakistan. After the Partition, the store moved to its current location beside the iconic Moti Mahal restaurant in 1948. A 'Daryaganj Music Street' was established soon, flanked with music shops dime a dozen. 'Daryaganj was half of what it is now when we started. It became a trend to start a music dealership here, and even for those with no knowledge of music set up shops ,' says Jaspal Singh. The storeis modest in appearance and the only one without any other branch. Qawwals and classical musicians from all over the world source from us. We don't get much footfall in the store, but our dealers and exports keep us busy,' says Jaspal. Exports are sustained by countries with strong Indian communities abroad including Mauritius, Suriname, Fiji, and Trinidad. Jaspal says a culture of Indian traditional music runs in these countries. Recalling the fad for Indian music during the 1970s to 1990s hippie culture, he says, 'Foreigners visiting Delhi during those years would stop by Moti Mahal for a meal, and take home a tabla from Lahore Music House on their way back!' Though over the years guitars and synthesisers flooded the market, LMH did not bury its specialisation in traditional instruments. 'Earlier schools used to teach students to play the sitar. Not many bother to explore other traditional instruments such as the santoor, sarod, sarangi or esraj. A guitar to showcase is all they seek now,' bemoans Jaspal. The legacy of LMH did not go unnoticed by legends of music from the subcontinent. Ghulam Ali, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and Mehdi Hassan were regulars. 'Begum Akhtar used to treat us like a service station. She would come to drop a baja off, and take another one with her,' says Jaspal, who would return from school to find musical legends at his father's desk. Once in the 1960s, English rock band The Beatles visited LMH. 'Neither me nor my father knew who they were. A huge crowd had gathered outside the store. The members requested for a sitar at their hotel and later even offered my father to move to London to teach them the sitar,' reminisces Jaspal. LMH stands out not just for quality but also for the city it represents. 'We get asked by people why we retain the name. Following the Partition, the production of instruments split to Amritsar, Patiala and Delhi but his family did not forget their birthplace. 'Even today in our labels, we write with pride, Lahore Flutes, Made in India.'
Indian Express
12-06-2025
- Climate
- Indian Express
Paddy transplanted in 1.75 lakh hectares so far — a 4-fold jump from last year
Paddy transplantation in Punjab has gained momentum, with official data showing nearly 1.75 lakh hectares covered by June 10 — more than fourfold of 40,000 hectares recorded in the consecutive period last year, indicating a substantial shift in the sowing patterns driven largely by a change in the state government's policy. On the contrary, agricultural experts and officials of the Punjab Agriculture Department have raised serious concerns over the implications of this policy, particularly due to the predominance of long-duration paddy varieties like Pusa-44 and Peeli Pusa in the early sowing phase, as these varieties typically require nearly 160 days from nursery to harvest and are known to be highly water-intensive. Also, these varieties are not recommended for sowing in Punjab. The early surge is attributed to the Punjab government's decision to advance official paddy transplantation date — from earlier June 10 or around mid-June to June 1 this year — aimed at reducing the moisture level in the crop at the time of harvesting in October. Groundwater concerns amid heatwave 'The early sowing of long-duration varieties under heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 44°C in several parts of the state, is problematic,' a senior officer of the Punjab Agriculture Department told The Indian Express. 'High temperatures evaporate water fast. As these varieties require frequent irrigation, especially in the initial 4-5 weeks, maintaining 2-3 inches of standing water is essential for the growth of paddy under the puddled transplanting system.' The ban on cultivating Pusa-44, previously imposed due to its high-water consumption and contribution to stubble burning, appears to have been ignored by a considerable number of farmers, facilitated by the earlier transplanting window. This has further aggravated groundwater depletion concerns, particularly in central and southern Punjab, already categorised as 'over-exploited zones' by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). Sharing his experience, Jaspal Singh, a farmer from Patiala, said, 'Out of 10 acres, I've transplanted Pusa-44 on five acres. I began in the first week of June, and the crop would be ready by around October 15. It's a long-duration crop, but I prefer it because it gives a good yield and I can manage it better when sown earlier.' 'On the remaining five acres, I am planning to sow short and mid-duration varieties, which take around 120 to 140 days, including nursery time. These varieties are generally less water-intensive and align better with environmental recommendations, but give less yield than Pusa-44,' Jaspal added. Electricity demands spiked The early and widespread transplantation, on the other hand, has spiked electricity demand, as irrigation requirements soar, across the state. The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has recently recorded a record-breaking power consumption triggered by agricultural load in some parts. Officials anticipate continued pressure on the grid amid mercury rising and intensified paddy transplantation. The Punjab Agriculture Department, which is closely monitoring the situation, has reiterated its advisory for staggered sowing to help balance water and electricity usage. Experts also encourage the use of short-duration and water-efficient paddy varieties, which reduce the crop cycle to around 120-130 days and are less taxing on groundwater. In light of the ongoing climate crisis, growing energy demand and critical groundwater depletion, environmentalists and agronomists emphasise the need for urgent crop diversification and adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. 'We are trying our best to convince farmers to do away with long-duration paddy varieties because the consequence they face in terms of boring their tubewells deeper into the ground every few years,' Punjab Agricultural Department Director Jaswant Singh said. 'As the paddy season progresses, the state finds itself standing at a crucial juncture, balancing the economic imperatives of farmers with the environmental sustainability of its agricultural heartland,' another official said.
Time of India
05-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
547Agniveers inducted into Army after passing out parade at BRC
1 2 Patna: Bihar Regimental Centre (BRC) at Danapur Cantonment witnessed a proud moment on Thursday as 547 young recruits were inducted into the Indian Army during the passing out parade (POP) of its 5th Agniveer batch. The newly inducted soldiers participated in a grand passing out parade held at the BRC ground after completing 31 weeks of rigorous military training. During the POP, these Agniveers took an oath to protect the sovereignty and integrity of the nation, placing their hands on holy scriptures. Commandant of the BRC, Brigadier Kamaldeep Jaspal, reviewed the parade and took the salute. Addressing the parade, Jaspal congratulated the Agniveers and urged them to serve the nation with unwavering sincerity, discipline and devotion. He reminded them of the sacred pledge they had taken under the national flag and encouraged them to uphold the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Among the newly inducted Agniveers, several were feted for their outstanding performances during the military training period. Dhurva Rajehwar Dilip was adjudged the best Agniveer in the firing segment, while Ramchandra Jojo received the best physical training (PT) award. Similarly, Premkant Vishwakarma was honoured for excellence in drill category and Shubham Tiwari was declared the best overall Agniveer of the batch, BRC official said. In addition, the passing out parade was witnessed by proud families of the Agniveers, senior army officers, and local dignitaries, marking a proud moment in the lives of the Agniveers as they embark on their journey in service to the nation, a BRC official said. It may be recalled that the Agneepath scheme was launched by the Indian govt on June 14, 2022. The scheme basically aims to recruit individuals between the ages 17 to 21 years into the armed forces for a period of four years, sources said. Patna: Bihar Regimental Centre (BRC) at Danapur Cantonment witnessed a proud moment on Thursday as 547 young recruits were inducted into the Indian Army during the passing out parade (POP) of its 5th Agniveer batch. The newly inducted soldiers participated in a grand passing out parade held at the BRC ground after completing 31 weeks of rigorous military training. During the POP, these Agniveers took an oath to protect the sovereignty and integrity of the nation, placing their hands on holy scriptures. Commandant of the BRC, Brigadier Kamaldeep Jaspal, reviewed the parade and took the salute. Addressing the parade, Jaspal congratulated the Agniveers and urged them to serve the nation with unwavering sincerity, discipline and devotion. He reminded them of the sacred pledge they had taken under the national flag and encouraged them to uphold the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Among the newly inducted Agniveers, several were feted for their outstanding performances during the military training period. Dhurva Rajehwar Dilip was adjudged the best Agniveer in the firing segment, while Ramchandra Jojo received the best physical training (PT) award. Similarly, Premkant Vishwakarma was honoured for excellence in drill category and Shubham Tiwari was declared the best overall Agniveer of the batch, BRC official said. In addition, the passing out parade was witnessed by proud families of the Agniveers, senior army officers, and local dignitaries, marking a proud moment in the lives of the Agniveers as they embark on their journey in service to the nation, a BRC official said. It may be recalled that the Agneepath scheme was launched by the Indian govt on June 14, 2022. The scheme basically aims to recruit individuals between the ages 17 to 21 years into the armed forces for a period of four years, sources said.
