punjab: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann to visit Delhi to study AAP initiatives

After studying the free electricity model in Delhi, the newly-elected Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab will now examine the national capital’s initiatives in the education and healthcare sectors to implement similar reforms in the border state.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann along with Health Minister Vijay Singla and Education Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hare will be on a two-day visit to Delhi. Punjab Chief Secretary Anirudh Tiwari and other senior officials will also accompany Mann.

The team will visit Delhi government schools, hospitals and mohalla clinics to investigate the interference of the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government.

Kejriwal will be present to guide Mann and his team of ministers and officials.

Ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections, the AAP had promised world-class education in schools modeled on Delhi government schools and free healthcare through a network of 16,000 mohalla clinics.

Originally published at Pen 18

imf: Cash-strapped Pakistan, IMF agree to extend stalled bailout package, increase loan size to $8bn

Cash-strapped Pakistan and the IMF have agreed to extend the stalled bailout package by one year and increase the loan size to $8 billion, a media report said. sunday.

The Express Tribune quoted sources as saying that the agreement was reached after important talks between Pakistan’s newly-appointed Finance Minister Miftah Ismail and IMF Deputy Managing Director Antoinette Saih in Washington.

Subject to the final modalities, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has agreed that the program will be extended by another nine months to one year against the original end of September 2022, while the size of the loan will be increased from this. Quoting sources, the newspaper reported that from the current USD 6 billion to USD 8 billion.

The IMF is expected to issue a statement on Monday on the development.

The meeting with the IMF team was also attended by Minister of State for Finance Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, outgoing State Bank Governor Dr. Reza Bakir, Finance Secretary Hamid Yakub Shaikh and Pakistan’s Executive Director at the World Bank, Naveed Kamran Baloch.

Ismail was in Washington to renegotiate the USD 6 billion bailout package stalled by the previous Imran Khan regime.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government and the IMF had signed a 39-month Extended Fund Facility (July 2019 to September 2022) with a total value of USD 6 billion. However, the previous government failed to meet its commitments and the program was stalled for most of the time as 3 billion USD was not paid.

Sources said that before Pakistan’s case is taken to the IMF board for approval, Islamabad will have to agree on a budget strategy for the next fiscal year 2022-23.

At the same time, Prime Minister Sharif’s government must demonstrate that it will undo some of the wrongdoings taken by the former regime against the commitments it made to the IMF board in January this year.

Cash-strapped Pakistan is passing through a period of political and economic uncertainty and the decision to remain in the IMF program longer than the original period will bring clarity in economic policies and calm market turmoil.

The fund release would be a welcome measure for the country’s weak economy, which is reeling from crippling foreign exchange reserves (USD 10.8 billion) and current account deficit.

To finalize the expanded programme, an IMF mission will visit Pakistan from May 10, sources said, adding that the IMF team will be headed by its new mission chief Nathan Porter.

A senior finance ministry official said that upon successful conclusion of the talks, both sides were expected to reach a staff-level agreement.

The technical staff of Pakistan and the IMF will start engagement from Monday to look at the budget situation in light of the “irresponsible” decisions taken by the previous government.

However, before formally securing IMF approval to increase the program size and cash limit, the government must demonstrate that it is sincere in making the necessary tough policy decisions.

Sources said the IMF had asked Pakistan to withdraw fuel and power subsidies, which former prime minister Khan announced on February 28 in “absolute disregard for fiscal discretion” and “lost support” due to double-digit inflation in the country. to do”.

Finance Minister Ismail said last week that the government is subsidizing Rs 21 per liter on petrol and Rs 51.54 per liter on high-speed diesel, which will cost taxpayers Rs 68 billion in April alone. To revive the programme, these subsidies have to be withdrawn.

The newly formed Shahbaz Sharif government, which came to power this month, also has to deal with rising inflation and an economy that refuses to rebound.

In its latest report on Pakistan, the IMF has predicted an annual growth of 4 per cent against the country’s central bank’s estimate of around 4.8 per cent.

On Wednesday, Ismail, in his first press conference as the country’s finance minister, said that the IMF had put forward a list of demands to re-implement the bailout package.

These include withdrawing fuel subsidies, scrapping the tax waiver scheme, raising electricity rates and implementing additional taxation measures.

A few days before he was ousted from power, subsidies on fuel and electricity were implemented by Khan.

A rollback would be a daunting task for the current government, especially at a time when Pakistan’s consumer inflation stood at 12.7 per cent for the month of March.

In Washington, Ismail also held a meeting with the Managing Director of the World Bank and the two sides discussed the possibility of unlocking the WB loan of about USD 1.8 billion, due to the lack of fulfillment of the tasks promised by the previous government. Was stuck because of or because of it. Bureaucratic snag, sources said.

After their meetings in Washington, Ismail will travel to London to meet Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif.

Originally published at Pen 18

gadkari: Education in institutes should not be based on political ideology followed by their founders: Nitin Gadkari

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Sunday said that the education imparted in institutions should be free from politics and it should not be based on the political ideology followed by the founders of such institutions, irrespective of the party they belong to.

Stating that great literature can do nation building work, he said that writers, historians and journalists play an important role in bringing about a positive change in the mindset of the people.

The Road Transport and Highways Minister was speaking at the closing ceremony of the three-day 95th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan (All India Marathi Sahitya Sammelan) at Udgir in Latur district of Maharashtra.

“Literature is of great importance in politics, but there should not be politics on the platform of literature. Great literature can do the work of nation building and nation development. But nowadays the problem is that there are good and bad things in every field. Many educational institutions politicians, but the education imparted through such centers should not be based on the ideology of their founders.”

Gadkari said, “No matter which political party the founder of an educational institution belongs to, the education imparted in its institutions should be free from politics.”

Citing the example of “Taare Zameen Par”, a Hindi film starring Aamir Khan, saying that the film teaches us how to be an ideal teacher.

He said that if we want to eliminate the evils prevalent in the society, then we need to change the mindset of the people and writers, historians and journalists have an important role in this.

“If we want to become the number one country in the world, we have to study literature, poetry, music and history. The dream will come true only after that. There is a need for socio-economic reforms in the country. A man Gadkari said,” superior by his quality and not by his caste.”

To make the society prosperous, we have to walk on the path of development. There should be upliftment of the poor and development of villages. There is a need to increase agricultural growth rate and per capita income. The Minister said that farmers in the country should not only be provided with food, but should also become a provider of energy.

Speaking on the occasion, Amit Deshmukh, Guardian Minister of Latur said, “The border issues between India and China are also being resolved in Assam and other regions, so the Maharashtra-Karnataka border issue can also be resolved through dialogue.” The Center as well as the governments of Karnataka and Maharashtra should work together to find a way out.”

Shiv Sena leader Neelam Gorhe said that the border issue of Belgaum and Karwar is pending for many years.

Originally published at Pen 18

Trolled on social media, Army deletes tweet on ‘iftaar’ party in J-K’s Doda

Jammu: The Army’s tweet about organizing an ‘Iftar’ party for the civilian population in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district was deleted after it was allegedly trolled by extremist elements, highlighting the secular character of the armed forces. Feeling hurt by the pictures taken. “Keeping alive the traditions of secularism, an Iftar was organized by the Indian Army at Arnora in Doda district”, reads the now deleted tweet on the Twitter handle of PRO Defense Jammu. It was accompanied by several photographs showing the military and civilians breaking the Ramadan fast together, a senior officer interacting with locals and a man in uniform attending prayers.

However, the tweet, which was uploaded on April 21, was deleted within hours of trolls’ handles apparently going against the secular character of the army, a practice which is followed by the force. Maintains ‘Sarva Dharma Sthal’ – – Place of worship for all religions in all its formations across the country.

Though an army spokesman declined to comment on the issue, an army official said on condition of anonymity that the force had not only tweeted about the ceremony, but also issued an official release. Because iftar parties are a regular feature during the fasting month of Ramadan. A strong bond with the public.

Surprised and saddened to see the reaction of some people to the tweet, which sparked unnecessary debate and was killing the core message of maintaining communal harmony, the official said.

“Now the disease has spread to the Indian Army as well? Sadly,” a tweet in Hindi by a social media user referring to the Army hosting an Iftar party sparked a debate in support and opposition of the Army.

However, the removal of the tweet from the handle of the army did not go down well with the veteran soldiers.

Major General (Retd) Yash Mor tweeted, “Indian Army has been at the forefront of inter-religious harmony. We as officers take pride in the fact that we have no religion, we only follow the religion of our soldiers ”

Originally published at Pen 18

icici bank: ICICI Bank’s Mulye to join Aditya Birla Capital as CEO

ICICI Bank executive director Visakha Mulay will be the new chief executive of Aditya Birla Capital, the holding company of the financial services business of the Aditya Birla Group.

Mull, a career banker with over three decades of experience behind him, will join his new role as CEO on June 1,

The group made the announcement late Saturday. A month after she joins, she will take over as CEO when current incumbent Ajay Srivinasan exits and takes on another role within the financial services group.

The one-month overlap is planned to ensure a smooth change of leadership, the group said.

The board of the company has approved the appointment on Saturday.

Mulayay, a Chartered Accountant by virtue of qualification, is in charge of Domestic and International Wholesale Banking at ICICI Bank. His other responsibilities in his current position include proprietary trading, markets and transaction banking.

Originally published at Pen 18

Govt trying to revive valour of forgotten heroes, says Amit Shah in Bihar

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Saturday that the Modi government is making constant efforts to revive the valor of forgotten heroes.

Shah was speaking at the ‘Vijay Utsav’ program organized in honor of freedom fighter Veer Kunwar Singh.

Shah said, on the occasion of ‘Babu Veer Kunwar Singh Vijayotsav’, Brahmanand ji, a member of the fourth generation of his family, was honored.

He said, “Modi’s government is working relentlessly to revive the valor of the forgotten brave heroes of the freedom movement in the memory of the people and to give them due respect in history.”

He further said, injustice was done to Babu Kunwar Singh in history and according to his valor and ability, historians did not give him a place in history.

In an attempt to break the previous world record of people hoisting the national flag in Pakistan 18 years ago, around 78,000 people raised the national flag together at a ceremony hosted by Shah here on Sunday.

Shah was joined by top BJP leaders from Bihar, including Union ministers RK Singh and Nityanand Rai, deputy chief ministers Tarkishore Prasad and Renu Devi.

Originally published at Pen 18

‘Golden Girls’ Shows Little Age at Inaugural Fan Convention – Pen 18

Chicago: TV shows about science-fiction or comic book fare usually inspire fan conventions—not a sitcom about four women of a certain age living together in Florida.Also Read – Viral Video: A man hugging and dancing with a crocodile leaves the internet stunned. watch

But sisters Hilary Wasicek, 37, and Melissa Gluck, 43, took this weekend’s inaugural “The Golden Girls” convention to heart at Chicago’s Navy Pier. The two women, who flew in from California, spent Friday in elaborate cosplay as the characters of Dorothy and Blanche. The series has always held a special place for him as it has themes of being friends, family and being inclusive. Dressing in wigs and all, which she did on the first “Golden Girls” cruise, just elevates the feel of the convention. Also read- Video: Helicopter collides in Atlantic Ocean off crowded Miami Beach. watch

“It’s a fun expression of showing respect and appreciation for something you admire. It makes you feel more a part of it,” said Wasik, who plans to wear a different outfit every day “We just met so many people and heard so many stories. It’s like ‘These are my people.'” Read also – It’s raining lizards: It’s so cold in Florida that iguanas are falling through the snow and falling from the trees. watch

For Gluck, meeting other “Golden Girls” buffs makes her “appreciate the show more. Now, I’ve added my son and husband.”

Golden-Con: Thank You for Being a Fan, which runs until Sunday, is giving fans of the NBC sitcom a chance to come together. More than 2,000 attendees are expected to gather. The show, which ran from 1985–1992, starred Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, Estelle Getty and Betty White—the last remaining “Golden Girl”—who died in December at the age of 99. It was honored to feature his characters, who shared a home in Miami, who later dealt with issues such as ageism, gender, and LGBTQ rights.

Like any “con,” panels and Q&As are people who guest-star or work behind the scenes. There is a vendor market with booths carrying “Golden Girls” themed candles, masks, T-shirts and other merchants. Fans can snap photos in the kitchen entertainment where the “girls” always eat cheesecake as well as a giant replica of Sofia’s trademark purse. There are also two separate drag queen groups set to pay tribute.

Among the guests is actress Bonnie Bartlett, best known for roles on “St. Somewhere” and “Boy Meets World” (both with her husband, actor William Daniels). She is notable for playing a stuck-up new friend of Dorothy in the third season episode. Two-time Emmy winner, 92, However, a fan didn’t turn up his nose at the idea of ​​a convention.

“I was running chasing Betty Grable and people like that,” Bartlett said. “I was a big fan when I was a kid. So I get it. My husband doesn’t understand it, but I do.”

Stan Zimmerman, a TV producer whose second writing assignment was on the first season, never imagined mingling with fans nearly 40 years later. Being in an industry where popularity is fickle, he is not taking it lightly.

“So I’ve seen the trajectory of popularity, but nothing like what is happening now,” Zimmerman said. “It’s so nice to see young people who apparently weren’t even born when we wrote this, know every line.”

This “Golden Girls” extravaganza was originally supposed to be just one-time trivia night. Jack Hudson, who works in social services for senior citizens and is a “hard-core fan,” approached his friend and fellow fan Brad Balof about organizing an event in November. He planned to book a community center, but then interest grew out of state and even in the US.

“We only made an announcement on social media,” Hudson said. “It just escalated from there. So we pivoted a little bit to welcome as many people as possible. And here we are now.”

Hudson, Baloff, a nightclub manager, and Baloff’s brother Brendan, who lives in Phoenix and has experience planning events, organized a small army of volunteers and staff. The whole group has been planning for their regular job and conference for the past several months. Hudson tracked down all the talent for the panel. While they did receive some sponsorships, the majority of Golden-Con’s funding comes from ticket sales.

She believes that interest was also heightened because “devotees of the Golden Girls were looking for an outlet to grieve White. So it was time for fans to write about their favorite memories associated with the show or it.” There’s a booth with hundreds of notecards to write about what they did.

Brad Baloff said, “This is an opportunity to give so much (respect) to a show they loved and the actresses who made it shine.” “One thing that helps the show remain timeless is that there’s enough humor that doesn’t depend on any specific situation, political or geographic… it’s just funny.”

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Originally published at Pen 18