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Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
PMC bans paper cups and plastic items in offices
Notably, the use of paper cups for tea has also been prohibited due to their inner plastic lining, which makes them non-biodegradable. (HT) The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has banned the use of plastic and paper cups, as well as other single-use plastic items, across all its offices. The move aligns with the Maharashtra Plastic and Thermocol Products (Manufacture, Usage, Sale, Transport, Handling and Storage) Notification, 2018, issued by the state's Environment Department. In a circular dated July 10, additional municipal commissioner Prithviraj BP directed all PMC departments to immediately stop using plastic files, bottles, cups, and even plastic-coated bouquets. Notably, the use of paper cups for tea has also been prohibited due to their inner plastic lining, which makes them non-biodegradable. The circular emphasises that such non-degradable waste poses a serious risk to public health and the environment, and mandates strict adherence to the 2018 rules and their subsequent amendments. Citing research by IIT Kharagpur, the circular notes that drinking just three cups of tea or coffee a day from paper cups can lead to the ingestion of around 75,000 microplastic particles. These, along with harmful elements such as palladium, chromium, and cadmium, have been linked to health issues including hormonal imbalance, reproductive disorders, cancer, and neurological complications. 'All heads of departments must ensure that officers and staff in their sections stop using these banned items with immediate effect. Even paper cups with plastic lining must be avoided when serving tea,' said Prithviraj BP According to officials, the initiative is part of PMC's broader campaign to reduce plastic waste and encourage sustainable practices throughout the city. The Solid Waste Management Department and zonal offices have also been instructed to ensure strict compliance. Environmental activists have welcomed the decision and called on other government and private offices to adopt similar measures. 'This is a much-needed step. Paper cups are often seen as eco-friendly, but their plastic lining makes them hard to recycle and hazardous to health. This ban will encourage people to explore truly sustainable alternatives,' one activist said.
Hindustan Times
12-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Operation Sindoor a testament to India's growing strength: Rajnath
letters@ Defence minister Rajnath Singh (PTI) : Commending the Indian Armed Forces' recent successful operation against Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, defence minister and Lucknow MP Rajnath Singh called it a testament to India's growing strength. He praised 'Operation Sindoor,' describing it as a precise and fitting attack on Pakistan, comparable to the 1971 war. This operation demonstrated India's military capabilities and strategic clarity, showcasing the bravery of the armed forces, he said. Singh, who reached Lucknow on Saturday on a two-day visit, was addressing BJP workers at the Aishbagh Ramleela ground. Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for changing the world's perception of India, he highlighted India's rapid economic growth, stating that the country has jumped from 11th to 4th place in terms of the size of its economy since Modi took office in 2014. Singh predicted that India would become the third-largest economy within the next two to three years. The defence minister stressed on giving due importance to party workers as they are the ones who make corporators, MLAs and MPs.
Hindustan Times
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
I dedicate rest of my time to service of others: Dalai Lama
The 14th Dalai Lama, who has been living in exile for over 66 years now, turned 90 on July 6. (Office of Kiren Rijiju - X) Days after turning 90 years old, exiled Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama said he will dedicate the rest of his time to the service of others. The Tibetan spiritual leader, who thanked for the greetings on his 90th birthday, said, 'I feel my life has been of some benefit to people across the world and I dedicate the rest of my time to the service of others.' 'The 90th birthday is conventionally considered an important milestone in one's life. I have dedicated myself to spreading the message of compassion and kindness, which I believe is the basis for peace and happiness in this world, and will continue doing so,' the Dalai Lama said. The 14th Dalai Lama, who has been living in exile for over 66 years now, turned 90 on July 6. He attended his 90th birthday celebrations at the Tsuglhakhang Temple in McLeodganj. Hundreds of Tibetans, including monks, nuns, school students and foreign followers, had gathered at the event. The spiritual leader also said, 'As I often tell my friends and well-wishers, I would request you to join me in this effort, to be warm-hearted and to lead a meaningful life in the service of others; that will be the best birthday gift to me.' Notably, the exiled spiritual leader announced on July 2 that the 600-year-old institution of the Dalai Lama will continue and that Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation. Dalai Lama to depart for Ladakh The spiritual leader is scheduled to depart from his exile home in Dharamshala to Ladakh on Saturday. He visited Ladakh last time in July 2023 and the upcoming visit follows the cancellation of a planned July 2024 trip due to his knee surgery in the United States. After his arrival in Ladakh, he will be resting for a few days before beginning his engagements. The Dalai Lama is also expected to visit Zanskar later in July during his stay in Ladakh. He is expected to spend around one and half months in Ladakh, officials said.
Hindustan Times
16-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
MCG to hire 144 asst. sanitary inspectors to boost Gurugram's cleaniness
The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) will soon hire 144 assistant sanitary inspectors (ASIs) on a contractual basis through the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam Limited (HKRNL) in a bid to strengthen urban sanitation and address longstanding workforce gaps, officials said, adding that recruitments will start from this month and the new ASIs will be deployed within two months. The move follows an internal review revealing a critical shortfall in supervisory staff for sanitation operations. Currently, just five sanctioned ASIs oversee 5,824 Safai Karamcharis and Sewermen, a ratio MCG officials describe as untenable. 'The current structure falls far short of operational requirements,' said MCG commissioner Pradeep Dahiya, adding that based on the civic body's 36 wards, at least four ASIs per ward are needed to ensure effective supervision. This translates to 144 ASIs — the number now being recruited, he said. The hiring is expected to boost frontline oversight, optimise use of sanitation machinery, and expedite grievance redressal, according to Dahiya. 'Deploying 144 ASIs across 36 wards, each covering designated zones, will improve manpower and machinery monitoring, ensuring cost-effective use of resources,' he added. Over the years, MCG has incurred high costs on sanitation without effective execution. The new supervisory layer is aimed at plugging this gap and ensuring end use of allocated funds, commissioner Dahiya said. The financial outlay for the ASIs is estimated at ₹4.04 crore annually, with each ASI to be paid ₹23,400 per month. This cost will be borne entirely by the MCG, with no dependency on external loans or grants, officials said. The 2025–26 budget already accounts for this expenditure, signalling the civic body's forward planning. The issue was raised by Dahiya himself at a May 28 review meeting of the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) Department, where he flagged inefficient spending and under-utilisation of machinery as key concerns. In response to the recruitment order, the Gururgam sanitation worker's union welcomed the step. 'This recruitment will lead to better organisation and support for our sanitation workers. It shows a commitment to improving the conditions on the ground, which will ultimately lead to a cleaner Gurugram for everyone,' said a member, requesting anonymity.
Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Pak's days numbered, terrorism will be reason for its demise: Yogi
letters@ : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday asserted that that Pakistan's days are numbered and terrorism will be the reason for its demise. He also said Sanatan Dharma is the foundation of India's identity. Adityanath was in Ayodhya to inaugurate the newly constructed Hanuman Katha Mandapam at Hanuman Garhi temple. Addressing the gathering, he issued a stern warning against terrorism, particularly Pakistan-sponsored extremism. Citing the valour of Lord Hanuman, he said, 'India never provokes, but if provoked, it does not spare.' 'Pakistan is destroying itself by harbouring terrorism. Our armed forces have neutralised more than 124 terrorists. This is Pakistan's doing. It shelters those who threaten peace. Terrorism will be its downfall, and its days are numbered,' Yogi asserted. 'Pakistan holds no place in the spiritual realm. A nation without spiritual identity has a limited existence, its end is inevitable, ' the chief minister said. He added Sanatan Dharma forms the core of India's identity and must be protected at all costs. Striking a note of caution, he said, 'The country must recognize its true allies and adversaries.' Commenting on the ongoing development work in Ayodhya and its transformation post -2017 after BJP came to power in the state, CM said: 'Before 2014 and 2017, Ayodhya had broken roads, power shortages, and neglected ghats.' He criticised previous governments for neglecting the temple town. In contrast, he said, the 'double engine' government post-2017 has ushered in rapid development—Ayodhya is now connected by four-lane highways, an extensive railway network, and the newly built Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, putting the city on the global map. He described the construction of Ram Mandir as a landmark achievement in the history of Sanatan Dharma. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the 500-year-long darkness surrounding the Ram Janmabhoomi issue was finally dispelled, he said. The double-engine government accomplished what was once impossible under previous regimes, he added. Recalling historical milestones, the chief minister cited the Supreme Court's verdict in favour of Ram Janmabhoomi in November 2019, the Bhoomi Pujan by Prime Minister Modi on August 5, 2020, and the grand consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla on January 22, 2024. 'Modi ji is the first Prime Minister to visit Ayodhya and pay obeisance to Ram Lalla. His unwavering resolve—'Saugandh Ram ki khate hain, mandir wahin banayenge'—has been fulfilled with honour,' Adityanath said. Emphasising that Sanatan Dharma is the foundation of India's identity and existence, the chief minister declared that any affront to its dignity would never be tolerated. He urged the sadhus and Naga sadhus of Hanuman Garhi to preserve their warrior spirit and remain vigilant in defending Sanatan Dharma. The chief minister also highlighted the successful Deepotsav celebrations as a global symbol of Ayodhya's resurgence, stating, 'Ayodhya gave the world Diwali, and today, Deepotsav is its global identity.' Positioning Ayodhya as the global epicenter of Sanatan Dharma, he said mentioning Ayodhya inspires reverence among devotees worldwide. 'There isn't a follower of Sanatan Dharma—be it in America, Canada, Europe, Australia, or New Zealand—who doesn't feel drawn to Ayodhya when they visit India,' he said. He underlined the sacred tradition of visiting Hanuman Garhi before proceeding to Shri Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya. 'Just as in Kashi, devotees first visit Kaal Bhairav before having darshan of Baba Vishwanath, in Ayodhya, one first pays respect at Hanuman Garhi before seeking blessings from Shri Ram. This is the enduring expression of Sanatan Dharma's faith and tradition,' he said. He described the Sri Hanuman Katha Mandapam as a vibrant centre for Satsang, storytelling, and spiritual gatherings. He emphasized that the Mandapam will elevate the grandeur of Hanuman Garhi by providing accommodations for special guests and dignitaries. Assuring full support of the double-engine government, he committed to the continued development of Hanuman Garhi as a prominent spiritual landmark. Calling upon the sadhus and Naga sadhus to enhance the scale and impact of Sanatan Dharma's programmes, Yogi stressed the importance of discerning true friends from adversaries. He urged that those obstructing Sanatan Dharma's path be identified and reported to the government and administration. Referring to the Mahakumbh of 2025, the chief minister noted that over 66 crore devotees participated peacefully, without any disruptions—a testament to the strength and harmony of Sanatan Dharma, which stands ready to guide the world. He highlighted the historical connection between Gorakshapeeth and Ayodhya. CM recalled the roles played by his guru Mahant Avaidyanath, VHP leader Ashok Singhal, and Digambar Akhara's Mahant Ramchandra Maharaj in strengthening the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. Their relentless efforts culminated in the magnificent Ram Mandir temple we see today, he added. He described Hanuman Garhi as a confluence of devotion, power, intelligence, and strategy, and referred to it as an unwavering stronghold of Sanatan Dharma. He paid tribute to Baba Abhayram Das Maharaj, crediting his vision and the dedication of Hanuman Garhi's saints and Nagas for bringing the grand Mandapam to life. 'Hanuman Garhi is not just a temple; it is a symbol of warrior spirit dedicated to protecting Sanatan Dharma,' he said. Adityanath hailed the Mandapam as a future spiritual hub that will propagate Sanatan values through discourses and storytelling. He lauded the Nagas of Hanuman Garhi as warriors of a time when the Akharas stood strong against foreign invasions and religious persecution. He felicitated those who made significant contributions to the construction of the Hanuman Katha Mandapam by presenting them with certificates of appreciation. The awardees included Ankit Jaiswal, Jai Prakash Srivastava, Ranjit Jaiswal, Vipul Agarwal, Sanjay Singh, and Vinay Singh. CM pays tribute to braveheart from Ayodhya Chief minister paid tributes to Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari of Ayodhya, who laid down his life while saving a soldier in Sikkim. The state government honours its brave hearts by providing ₹50 lakhs in compensation, giving one family member a government job, and constructing a memorial in the martyr's name, the chief minister said.
