Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the Indian Paris Olympics contingent and encouraged them to join the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, which promotes the importance of planting trees to save the environment. He also urged the sportspersons to inspire the youth to focus on fitness and to promote natural farming in their villages. PM Modi expressed confidence that the contingent members will serve as role models for conservation of the environment and nature.
Ek Ped Ek Zindagi: A Mission to Revive India's Green Cover
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent meeting with the Indian contingent for the Paris Olympics sparked a renewed focus on the government's "Ek Ped Ek Zindagi" campaign. This initiative, launched in 2021, aims to promote tree planting and environmental conservation.
Background
India faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation, pollution, and climate change. To address these issues, the government has implemented a comprehensive afforestation strategy, of which "Ek Ped Ek Zindagi" is a key component.
Objectives of the Campaign
Prime Minister's Appeal
During his meeting with the Olympic contingent, PM Modi urged the athletes to become ambassadors for environmental conservation. He encouraged them to participate in the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign and inspire the youth to adopt sustainable practices. He also called for the promotion of natural farming in their villages, emphasizing the importance of preserving biodiversity and reducing chemical fertilizers.
FAQs
1. What is the goal of the "Ek Ped Ek Zindagi" campaign?
To plant 10 million trees annually and increase India's tree cover.
2. How can I participate in the campaign?
Individuals and organizations can register on the "Ek Ped Ek Zindagi" website or through the mobile app. They can choose to plant trees in their communities, schools, or other public spaces.
3. What types of trees are suitable for planting?
Native tree species that are adapted to the local climate are recommended. These include species such as neem, mango, banyan, and peepal.
4. How can I ensure the survival of the trees I plant?
After planting, it is essential to water, mulch, and protect the trees from pests and diseases. Regular monitoring and maintenance are also crucial for their long-term success.
5. What are the environmental benefits of planting trees?
Trees provide multiple environmental benefits, including reducing air pollution, sequestering carbon dioxide, providing habitat for wildlife, and improving water quality. They also contribute to mitigating climate change and supporting biodiversity.
Amidst the ongoing controversy over the assault of a shopkeeper by MNS workers, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde caused a stir with his concluding speech at an event in Pune, where he raised the slogans "Jai Gujarat" and "Jai Maharashtra". While the opposition accused Shinde of being "greedy for power", CM Devendra Fadnavis defended him, stating that it was a customary practice to hail the state where an event is being held. The incident adds fuel to the ongoing debate on Marathi language and pride, ahead of the civic elections in Maharashtra.
At a recent political event, Indian Union minister Amit Shah addressed the crowd in Gujarati language, highlighting the importance of connecting with regional languages in India. Maharashtra politician Eknath Shinde also addressed the gathering, exclaiming "Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra, Jai Gujarat." The event served as a platform for politicians to express their opinions and connect with their audiences in regional languages, showcasing the diverse cultural and linguistic landscape of the country.
In an effort to prevent the division of secular votes and counter communal forces, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has expressed its willingness to join the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar ahead of the 2025 assembly elections. The party's letter to RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav highlights their intention and also mentions previous failed attempts. The party has also conveyed this to other senior leaders of RJD, including Tejashwi Yadav, with the hope to “contest the Bihar assembly elections together."
On the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of revered Jain spiritual leader Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the inaugural ceremony of the year-long centenary celebrations. In his speech, PM Modi highlighted the eternal nature of Indian civilization and praised Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj as a symbol of this timeless philosophy. The event served as a reminder of the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of India.
The Indian Prime Minister, currently on a five-nation tour, took to social media to pay homage to Swami Vivekananda on the revered monk's death anniversary. PM Modi highlighted Swami Vivekananda's enduring influence on Indian society and his emphasis on serving others and embracing India's rich heritage. Even after a century since his passing, Swami Vivekananda's teachings continue to inspire generations, promoting unity and compassion in a divided world.
In the midst of a controversial video surfacing showing a shopkeeper being assaulted for not speaking Marathi, Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Kadam spoke out in defense of the state's official language and condemned acts of vigilantism. The incident has sparked a larger debate over linguistic identity and regional pride in Maharashtra. While emphasizing the importance of cultural and linguistic respect, Kadam also denounced the manner in which the situation escalated and called for individuals to not take the law into their own hands. A police investigation is currently ongoing.
Karnataka, known for its thriving tech industry, is proposing a bill that aims to address the spread of fake news and misinformation online. However, free speech activists are raising concerns about potential censorship and selective enforcement. The bill has not yet defined what constitutes as "fake news" or "anti-feminist" content, raising fears of potential misuse. The state government has stated that the bill will be open for public opinion before implementation.
Pope Leo XIV took time out of his busy schedule to visit children at the Vatican's summer camp and share some inspirational words. He emphasized themes of diversity, acceptance, and building bridges of friendship. The pontiff also encouraged the children to be advocates for peace and to see everyone as equals.
At the Saryu Jayanti Mahotsav in Ayodhya, CM Yogi Adityanath announced a plan to revive rivers by preventing sewage, drain discharge, and animal waste. He stressed the importance of rivers for the environment and agriculture and highlighted the economic benefits of clean rivers for tourism and local economies. The CM urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure the success of this initiative, emphasizing the link between river health and the well-being of communities.
The cyber crime division of Bengaluru South has registered a case against Ateeq Shariff and the administrator of 'Mangalore Muslims' for posting derogatory content against one of the judges of the Karnataka High Court hearing the hijab case. The judge in question is part of a three-judge bench formed after Muslim girls were denied entry to college for wearing hijab. This comes amidst tension and communal strife over the government order banning certain clothing on educational campuses.