Archives for October 2023

Two days after cellular and internet service abruptly vanished for most of Gaza amid a heavy Israeli bombardment, the crowded enclave came back online Sunday as communications systems were gradually restored.

That’s a welcome development for Gaza following a communications blackout that began late Friday as Israel expanded ground operations and launched intense airstrikes that illuminated the night sky with furious orange flashes. A rare few Palestinians with international SIM cards or satellite phones took it upon themselves to get the news out.

By Sunday morning, phone and internet communications had been restored to many people in Gaza, according to telecommunications providers in the area, Internet-access advocacy group NetBlocks.org and confirmation on the ground.

After weeks of a total Israeli siege, Palestinians in Gaza felt the vise tightening. Social media had been a lifeline for Palestinians desperate to get news and to share their terrifying plight with the world. Now even that was gone. Many were consumed with hopelessness and fear as the Israeli military announced a new stage in its war, launched in a response to a bloody cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct 7, and troops crossed into Gaza.

Exhausted and afraid her link to the world could drop at any moment, 28-year-old Palestinian journalist Hind al-Khoudary said the massive airstrikes that shook the ground exceeded anything she had experienced over the past three weeks or any of the four previous Israel-Hamas wars.

“It was crazy,” she said.

Residents on Saturday darted across dilapidated neighbourhoods under heavy bombardment to check on loved ones. Medics chased the thunder of artillery and bombs because they couldn’t receive distress calls. Survivors pulled the dead from the rubble with bare hands and loaded them into cars and donkey-drawn carts.

“It’s a catastrophe,” said Anas al-Sharif, a freelance journalist. “Entire families remain under the rubble.”

Reached by WhatsApp, freelance photojournalist Ashraf Abu Amra in northern Gaza said panic and confusion surrounded him.

“It’s barely possible to send this message,” he said. “All I want to convey is that the international community must intervene and save the people of Gaza from death immediately.”

Local journalists posting daily on social media scavenged the 360-sq-km (140-square-mile) territory to find even a spotty connection. Some moved closer to the southern border with Egypt, hoping to pick up that country’s network. Others had foreign SIM cards and special routers that connected to Israel’s network.

Mohammed Abdel Rahman, a journalist in northern Gaza, kept track of Israeli airstrikes all night, noticing the raids were concentrated along the strip’s northern border with Israel.

“A new bombing is happening right now as we speak,” he said, as the roar of explosions resounded in the background. “There is an explosion, gunfire, and clashes are heard near the border.”

“We do not know if there are (dead) or wounded because of the lack of communication,” Abdel Rahman added.

When the pace of bombardment slowed Saturday morning, residents rushed to the homes of loved ones with whom they had lost touch overnight.

“People right now are walking, using their cars because there isn’t internet,” al-Khoudary said. “Everyone is checking on us, seeing us, and now we are going to check on others.”

She went directly to Shifa Hospital, Gaza’s largest, where doctors, exhausted from operating on patient after patient with dwindling fuel and medical supplies, pressed on, despite the crowds of some 50,000 people sheltering in the compound.

The wounded poured in from Shati refugee camp in Gaza City, al-Khoudary said, where Israeli bombs wrought destruction the night before.

Health authorities in Gaza and UN agencies warned that the blackout has exacerbated Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry said the communication outages had paralyzed an overwhelmed health system. As ministry spokesperson Ashraf al-Qidra addressed reporters at a press conference livestreamed by the Al Jazeera satellite network from the hospital, an older bespectacled man positioned himself just behind the podium.

While al-Qidra spoke, the man waved into the camera and pointed his hands upward to the heavens apparently hoping to reassure someone far away that he was alive.

International aid organisations, whose limited operations inside the enclave have teetered on collapse, said they couldn’t reach their staff nearly 24 hours after the blackout.

The chief of the UN Palestinian Refugee Agency, Philippe Lazzarini, penned a public letter to his staff in Gaza expressing “immense worry” for their safety.

“I am constantly hoping that this hell on earth will soon come to an end and that you and your families are safe,” he wrote. “You are the face of humanity during one of its darkest hours.”

Doctors Without Borders said the group had not communicated with its team in Gaza since since 8 pm Friday.

“We are not able to send our team to different facilities because we have no way to coordinate with them,” Guillemette Thomas, the regional medical coordinator, said from Paris. “That’s really a critical situation.”

Visakhapatnam: The number of casualties in the train accident on the Howrah-Chennai line in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh rose to 13 while 50 people were injured, Superintendent of Police M Deepika said on Monday.

Officials of the East Coast Railway (ECR) said that at around 7 pm on Sunday, the Palasa passenger train hit the Rayagada passenger train from behind at Kantakapalli, about 40 Km from here, causing three coaches to derail.

Biswajit Sahu, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of the ECR, last night said at least nine people were killed in the incident.

However, according to the police the death toll on Monday morning rose to 13.

According to the information provided by Vizianagaram Collector S Nagalakshmi, at least 32 people were injured.

A senior railway official has said the injured were being shifted to hospitals in Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram.

Expressing shock over the incident, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy also instructed officials to pay an ex-gratia amount of Rs 10 lakh each to the kin of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh each to the injured from the state.

He also announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each for the injured from other states, according to an official release.

The ECR has set up helplines.

In an exceptional achievement, Dr. Mukta Agrawal,
Assistant Professor (Pharmaceutics) at SVKM’s NMIMS School of Pharmacy & Technology
Management, Jadcherla, Hyderabad, was honoured with the Best Oral Presentation Award for
her groundbreaking research presentation titled, “Comparative Analysis of SLN and NLC as
Novel Drug Carrier System”. Dr. Agrawal received the honor at the International Platform,
“Pharmacon 2023” on ‘New Horizons in Drug, Devices and Diagnostics’.
The international conference was organised by the one of the most prestigious institution,
National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, under
the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemical and Fertilisers, Government
of India, at the Heartful Wellness Centre, Kanha Shanti Vanam, Hyderabad.

The “Pharmacon 2023” is a congregation of prominent domestic and international leaders in
academia, industry, and policymakers, held to discuss the current challenges and
opportunities in drug discovery, drug development and medical diagnostics. Participants
present their original research work through oral and poster presentations at this event.
Dr. Agrawal presented her extensive research in Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN) and Nano
Lipid Carriers (NLC), titled, ‘Comparative Analysis of SLN and NLC as Novel Drug Carrier
System’, wherein, the professor compared the efficiency of both the nanocarriers, SLC and
NLC, for drug targeting to the brain for treating inflammatory or neurodegenerative
disorders. The findings of the comprehensive research revealed that both nanocarriers have
been proven efficient for the treatment of tumour targeting, brain targeting and other chronic
disorders. NLC nanocarriers were found comparatively better in terms of drug loading,
entrapment, stability and pharmacokinetic parameters.

Dr. Mukta Agrawal is an Assistant Professor (Pharmaceutics) at the NMIMS SPTM, Hyderabad
Campus. A PhD from CSVTU, her core subjects of interest include Nanoparticles, Stimuli
Responsive Drug Carriers, Brain Targeting, Alzheimer’s Therapy, Nose-to-Brain Drug
Delivery, and Tumour targeting. Dr. Agrawal teaches in the domains of Pharmaceutical
Technology, Controlled Drug Delivery Systems, Novel Drug Delivery Systems and
Pharmacokinetics. To her credit, she is having over 70 national and international research
papers on varied topics receiving numerous accolades. Dr. Agrawal is a regular attendee at
conferences and workshops of significant importance and was recently featured in the ‘Top
2% Scientists of the World’ list by Stanford University and Elsevier for second consecutive
year. She is also a recipient of Young Scientist 2016 and many other National Scientific
Competitions.

Sharing the joy of her achievement, Dr. Mukta Agrawal said, “The recognition is a moment of
honour for me. I express my gratitude towards the NMIMS faculty and management for their

exceptional support and encouragement. NMIMS SPTM Hyderabad has the right infrastructure
and resources to pursue path-breaking research in distinct realms of science which helped me
achieve the recognition.”

Expressing appreciation for Dr. Agrawal, Dr. Siddhartha Ghosh, Director, NMIMS
Hyderabad, said, ‘The recognition at ‘Pharmacon 2023’ is an honor for NMIMS SPTM
Hyderabad. High-quality and path-breaking research is the bedrock of any institution and we
encourage and strive hard to provide the best avenues for our learned faculties to pursue

Embarking on a mission to spread the message of the G20 Summit
and aligning with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of janbhagidari and inclusive growth,
a groundbreaking train journey led by entrepreneurs which commenced its 8000 km voyage across
India on October 28 from Mumbai , reached Bengaluru . 450 participants, including 70 from the
G20 nations will be part of the entrepreneurship train journey. The 14-day rail yatra, organized in
collaboration with Jagriti Sewa Sansthan, Startup 20, and G20, aims to foster global
entrepreneurship and inclusivity was a part of a wonderful G20 Start Up event at the Indian Institute
of Science Bengaluru.

At the Start Up Mela at J N Tata Auditorium in Bengaluru Yatris interacted with over 150
entrepreneurs in the startup arena.
Shashank Mani, Founder Jqgriti Yatra said, “ The Yatra and Yatris are a reflection of the
Modern India as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and are the New India which is
waiting to show its true potential . These Yatris from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities will will get a
first hand experience of opportunities that India provides to its Youth”
Through the Yatra, participants will gain exposure to the international start up ecosystem, acquiring
insights into inclusive practices and global networking. The focus will be on inclusive enterprise
and women led development with other themes from the Delhi declaration. The journey will also
focus on India’s capabilities in space, digital and sustainable growth through LIFE.

Shashank Mani Founder Jagriti Yatra and Jagriti Enterprise Center – Purvanchal

Founder Jagriti Yatra and Jagriti Enterprise Center – Purvanchal

The Yatra is supported by State Bank of India, the leading financial institution of the Country, that
believes in transforming the country through entrepreneurship promotion.
Mr. Dinesh Khara, Chairman, SBI said, “We are happy to collaborate with the Jagriti G20 Startup20
Yatra, as it resonates deeply with SBI’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship in the country and
participating in Women-led developmental initiatives. This initiative mirrors our focus on creating a
diverse and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem, driving economic growth and social progress.”
“It gives me immense pleasure to announce the commencement of the Jagriti G20 Startup 20 Yatra
from the vibrant city of Mumbai. This 14-day journey will be a testament to the spirit of inclusive
enterprise as we showcase the best of India’s entrepreneurial landscape in the 16th edition of the
Jagriti Yatra.

As we embark on this unique and transformative odyssey, we are proud to carry the key messages of
the G20 Delhi Declaration.”- said Shashank Mani, Founder Jagriti Yatra and Jagriti Enterprise
Center – Purvanchal,”
The mission of the Jagriti G20 Startup 20 Yatra is to take the Delhi Declaration across the nation
before passing on the baton to Brazil, which will be assuming the G20 Presidency at the end of
November. The Yatra will promote the 5 pillars of the Delhi Declaration which include Inclusive
Growth, Green Development, Technological Transformation and Digital Public Infrastructure,
Women Empowerment and Culture as a transformative driver.

These key tenets of the Delhi Declaration will be amplified through 7 mega events as part of
the Jagriti G20 Startup G20 Yatra. Next events are are planned in Mumbai, Varanasi,
Deoria, Delhi (two events) and Gandhinagar with senior leaders gracing these events.
Shri Sivasubramanian Ramann, CMD, SIDBI said “This Yatra is being supported by SIDBI as a
‘Green Partner’, being the Development Financial Institution (DFI) of the country serving the MSME
Sector, which believes in transforming the Nation through entrepreneurship and amplifying
sustainability. SIDBI has prioritized digitization and greening the enterprise ecosystem. By supporting
this train journey, SIDBI intends to promote “Green Culture” and “Sustainability” among Youths and
Startups including G20 participants”. In order to seed green innovation ideas among Green Yatra
participants, we have instituted a Green competition. We look forward to scalable, and sustainable
green ideas / solutions which would be supported with seed money”
At the conclusion of the Yatra, the baton will be passed on to Brazil by taking water from the rivers of
India, and the Ganga to Brazil. Brazil is planning an Amazon Yatra as part of the Startup 20 efforts in
the country, along the lines of the Jagriti Yatra

About Jagriti Yatra
A 15-year-old initiative, Jagriti Yatra is leading a unique movement of Building India Through
Enterprise focused on Middle India (Tier 2/3 India). A non-profit initiative, Jagriti Yatra is a 14-day,
8000-km entrepreneurship train journey to inspire youth to become entrepreneurs. It has been
running since 2008, impacting 7500+ youth from India and 23 countries globally. It focuses on Tier 2
and Tier 3 districts of India, (what is termed Middle India), and it is also creating an enterprise
ecosystem in Eastern UP.
Refined over years, Jagriti Yatra is an innovation that been running for 15 years and has been
replicated successfully in four other countries. These include Ticket for Change in France, Millennials
Train Project in the United States and Driver for Changes in the United Kingdom.
Designed in an experiential format, Jagriti Yatra will give you unique insights into understanding
Inclusive Entrepreneurship by immersing yourself in India of small towns and villages in company of 450

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday condoled the loss of lives in the train accident in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh and spoke to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to take stock of the situation.

At least eight persons have died and 32 were injured in the according to officials.

“PM Narendra Modi spoke to Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw and took stock of the situation in the wake of the unfortunate train derailment between Alamanda and Kantakapalle section,” the Prime Minister’s Office tweeted.

Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected, it said.

“The Prime Minister extends condolences to the bereaved families and prays that the injured recover soon,” the PMO tweeted.

BENGALURU:  A 37-year-old IT professor lost Rs 5.22 lakh while trying to make extra income through a work-from-home scheme involving liking and subscribing to YouTube channels. The professor, Amit (name changed), received a message via WhatsApp and was enticed into the fraudulent scheme after he was offered a task-based role, promising daily earnings of Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000 by promoting YouTube channels.

Amit was told that the scheme involves a prepayment method and he initially invested Rs 1,000 and earned a return of Rs 1,500. After a month, he invested Rs 5.22 lakh with expectations of returns exceeding Rs 10 lakh but was immediately denied access to the Telegram group. 

The investigating officer from Bengaluru Rural CEN police station said, “Amit, associated with an private engineering college located on Sarjapur Road, was lured into the scheme.”  

Victim blocked from accessing Telegram group 

On September 13, Amit received a message saying, “We offer a part-time work-from-home job opportunity that pays Rs 5,000-7,000 each day upon completion of tasks including liking, sharing, and subscribing to YouTube videos to promote the channel.” 

Amit was told that the scheme was ‘prepaid’ only after he joined the Telegram group. He was removed from the WhatsApp group where the Telegram link was initially shared. He first invested Rs 1,000 and earned a return of Rs 1,500. With higher investment, tasks, and targets escalated. Once the targets were met, participants received returns that doubled their investments, the officer explained.  

Having earned the money, Amit took the risk and invested Rs 5.22 lakh, transferring money to 10 different bank accounts. But soon after, he was blocked from accessing the Telegram group.

KARAGANDA: Kazakhstan held nationwide mourning on Sunday after 42 people died in a blaze at an ArcelorMittal mine, the worst accident in the Central Asian country’s post-Soviet history.

The tragedy, which struck at the Kostenko coal mine in the Karaganda region Saturday, came after a series of deadly incidents at ArcelorMittal mines and has prompted the nationalisation of the company’s local affiliate.

“The search for four miners continues.”

Rescuers earlier warned that finding the remaining miners alive were “very low”, due to the lack of ventilation and the force of Saturday’s explosion, which spread over two kilometres (1.2 miles).

The death toll overtook a 2006 accident that killed 41 miners at another ArcelorMittal site. It also came just two months after another incident killed five miners.

Anger and disbelief reigned after the disaster in Karaganda, central Kazakhstan.

“Every miner is a hero, because when he goes down, he does not know if he will come back or not,” said former miner Sergei Glazkov.

Many welcomed the government’s move towards nationalisation, angered by the company’s safety record.

Daniar Mustafin, a 42-year-old salesman, said he favoured “full nationalisation without material compensation for the current owners”.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has ordered cooperation with the Luxembourg-based company to be “brought to an end.”

Speaking to victims’ relatives at the mine, Tokayev called ArcelorMittal “the worst enterprise in Kazakhstan’s history in terms of cooperation with the government”.

The Kazakh government and the steel giant announced a preliminary agreement to “transfer ownership of the (local) firm in favour of the Republic of Kazakhstan”, Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov stated.

“ArcelorMittal can confirm that the two parties have… signed a preliminary agreement for a transaction that will transfer ownership to the Republic of Kazakhstan,” the global steel giant stated, adding it was committed to “finalising this transaction as soon as possible”.

On Sunday, flags were at half-mast to mark the day of national mourning declared by Tokayev, an AFP correspondent saw.

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, about 200 miners have died in Kazakhstan, the vast majority at ArcelorMittal sites.

There were 252 people inside the mine when the fire started, ArcelorMittal said.

Outside a hospital in Karaganda, relatives of those who had survived the blast were thanking the heavens.

“His guardian angel saved him. He is alive,” said Nikolai Bralin, the brother of an injured miner.

“Two of his ribs were slightly torn apart from the blow and he had surgery to put them back in place,” he added.

Local politicians also called for the immediate nationalisation of the company.

“They must answer before the court because they did not ensure people’s safety,” said local MP Kudaibergen Beksultanov.

“The state needs to take it upon itself now.”

The group’s arrival in Kazakhstan in 1995 was initially seen as a beacon of hope during the economic slump that followed the fall of communism.

However, a lack of investment and inadequate safety standards were repeatedly criticised by the authorities, while trade unions called for tighter government control.

ArcelorMittal, led by Indian businessman Lakshmi Mittal, operates some 15 factories and mines in the centre of the former Soviet republic.