India’s first deluxe train, Deccan Queen completes 93 years of service

03 June 2023
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India’s first deluxe train, Deccan Queen completes 93 years of service

India’s first deluxe train, Deccan Queen completes 93 years of service

India's first deluxe train, the iconic Deccan Queen, recently celebrated its 93rd anniversary of operations between Pune and Mumbai. Its inaugural journey on June 1, 1930 marked a significant moment in the history of the Great Indian Peninsula (GIP) Railway, the predecessor of Central Railways. Deccan Queen was introduced to serve the two important cities of Mumbai and Pune, taking its name from the latter, which was also known as the Queen of Deccan.

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Deccan Queen completes 93 years of service: Key Points

• Over the years, the train has undergone numerous transformations, but it continues to be cherished by rail enthusiasts.
• The occasion was marked with festivities at the Pune railway station, where garlands adorned the train and a rangoli displayed at the entrance of the platform.
• The train has been fitted with a new Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) rake since last year, which is believed to be more secure, comfortable, and have a higher carrying capacity, speed potential and better safety features.
• Deccan Queen is the only train in the country with a dining car, which caters to 32 passengers and offers table service. It also boasts modern pantry facilities such as a microwave, deep freezer, and toaster, along with cushioned chairs and a furnished dining car.
• Chandrakant Patil, Maharashtra's minister, praised Deccan Queen, which started as a medium of transportation and over time, an institution that has bound a generation of loyal passengers.

About Deccan Queen:

• The train initially had two rakes of seven coaches each, with one painted in silver with scarlet mouldings and the other in royal blue with golden lines.
• The original rakes were built in England for their under frames while the GIP railway's Matunga workshop built the coach bodies.
• When it first started, Deccan Queen had only a first and second class.
• However, the former was eventually discontinued on January 1, 1949, and the latter rebranded as the first class.
• The second class remained for several years until a third class was introduced, marking a change to the original rakes in 1966 with the replacement of steel coaches from the Perambur coach factory.
• The new coaches had better riding comfort and further improvements in interior furnishings and features.

Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF): Empowering India in Times of Crisis

03 June 2023
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Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF): Empowering India in Times of Crisis

Why the Scheme is in News?

The victims of a train accident in Odisha will receive financial assistance from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF), as stated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

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Introduction:

The Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) stands as a beacon of hope and assistance for the people of India in times of national emergencies and calamities. Established in 1948, the PMNRF serves as a robust platform to mobilize resources and provide immediate relief to those affected by natural disasters, accidents, and other unforeseen tragedies. This article delves into the significance, structure, and impact of the PMNRF, shedding light on its noble mission of aiding and uplifting the nation.

About Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF):

The Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) is a crucial initiative undertaken by the government of India to provide financial assistance and relief to individuals and families facing distressful situations. Established in 1948, the PMNRF has played a pivotal role in extending support during natural disasters, medical emergencies, and other calamities. This article aims to shed light on the benefits and beneficiaries of the PMNRF, highlighting its significance in assisting those in need.

PMNRF: A Historical Overview

Following the partition of India in 1947, the country was grappling with an influx of refugees, widespread displacement, and the urgent need for rehabilitation. It was during this period that the then Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, recognized the necessity of establishing a fund to address the immediate and long-term needs of those affected. Consequently, the PMNRF was instituted to provide assistance during times of distress and play a pivotal role in the nation's recovery.

PMNRF: The Objectives and Structure

The primary objective of the PMNRF is to extend immediate financial aid to individuals and families affected by natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, cyclones, and droughts. Additionally, it extends support to victims of major accidents, including industrial mishaps and terrorist attacks. The fund operates under the guidance and supervision of the Prime Minister and a select group of eminent citizens as trustees.

Benefits of PMNRF

The PMNRF offers several benefits to individuals and communities in distress, ensuring that they receive timely assistance and relief. Some of the key benefits of PMNRF include:

1. Financial Aid during Natural Disasters: One of the primary purposes of the PMNRF is to provide immediate financial aid to the victims of natural disasters. Be it floods, earthquakes, cyclones, or any other calamity, the fund is readily available to support rescue and relief operations. The financial assistance is directed towards meeting immediate needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, and medical aid for the affected individuals and families.
2. Medical Assistance: The PMNRF extends support to individuals requiring medical treatment but lacking the necessary financial resources. It covers expenses related to surgeries, specialized treatments, organ transplants, and other critical healthcare needs. This provision ensures that individuals can access proper medical care and treatment, alleviating their suffering and improving their chances of recovery.
3. Educational Support: The fund also aids students from economically weaker sections of society by providing scholarships and financial assistance. This support enables deserving students to pursue their education without financial constraints, empowering them to fulfill their academic aspirations and contribute to the nation's progress.
4. Rehabilitation and Reconstruction: In the aftermath of major disasters, the PMNRF focuses on the rehabilitation and reconstruction of affected areas. It aims to restore normalcy by supporting the rebuilding of infrastructure, providing essential amenities, and assisting in the resettlement of displaced individuals and families. This approach helps affected communities recover and rebuild their lives in a sustainable manner.

Beneficiaries of PMNRF

The PMNRF reaches out to a diverse range of beneficiaries, ensuring that assistance is provided to those most in need. The beneficiaries include:

1. Disaster Victims: The PMNRF extends support to individuals and families affected by natural disasters. This includes victims of floods, earthquakes, cyclones, droughts, and other calamities. By providing immediate financial aid, the fund helps them meet their basic needs and start the process of rebuilding their lives.
2. Patients in Need: Individuals facing severe medical conditions, requiring expensive treatments or surgeries, are among the beneficiaries of the PMNRF. The fund covers medical expenses, ensuring that they receive timely and appropriate healthcare, irrespective of their financial situation.
3. Students from Economically Weaker Sections: The PMNRF supports students from economically weaker sections of society by offering scholarships and financial assistance. This support enables them to pursue their education and realize their potential, breaking the cycle of poverty and creating a more inclusive society.
4. Individuals in Distress: Apart from disaster victims and medical patients, the PMNRF also extends assistance to individuals facing various forms of distress. This may include individuals affected by accidents, communal violence, and other unfortunate circumstances. The fund helps alleviate their suffering by providing financial aid and necessary support.

PMNRF: Funding and Contributions

The PMNRF is primarily funded through voluntary contributions from individuals, organizations, and corporates who wish to contribute towards the welfare of the nation. Donations can be made in the form of cash, cheques, or demand drafts. The fund is exempted from income tax and enjoys a tax deduction status, encouraging a spirit of philanthropy and collective responsibility towards society.

PMNRF: Transparent and Accountable

The PMNRF adheres to a stringent framework of transparency and accountability to ensure that funds are utilized efficiently and effectively. The accounts are audited regularly by reputed chartered accountants and published for public scrutiny. This practice instills trust and confidence among donors, assuring them that their contributions are being put to good use.

Impact and Success Stories

Over the years, the PMNRF has played a pivotal role in providing timely assistance and relief to countless individuals and communities across the nation. From providing medical treatment to those afflicted by severe illnesses to extending support to families of martyrs and victims of natural disasters, the fund has stood as a pillar of support during the most challenging times. The PMNRF has also been instrumental in rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts, helping affected communities rebuild their lives and regain their dignity.

PMNRF: Vision

The Prime Minister's National Relief Fund is a testament to the resilience, compassion, and solidarity of the Indian people. It exemplifies the spirit of coming together during times of crisis and showcases the power of collective action. The PMNRF, with its unwavering commitment to providing immediate relief and support, serves as a shining example of effective governance and social responsibility. As India continues to face various challenges, the PMNRF will undoubtedly remain an invaluable instrument of assistance, embodying the core values of humanity, empathy, and nation-building.

Ghanaian writer and feminist Ama Ata Aidoo passes away at 81

03 June 2023
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Ghanaian writer and feminist Ama Ata Aidoo passes away at 81

Ama Ata Aidoo, the iconic Ghanaian writer whose classics The Dilemma of a Ghost and Changes were taught to children in West African schools for decades, has died aged 81. The death of the playwright and poet who was famous for her feminist ideals was announced on Wednesday in a short statement by her family.

Life of Ama Ata Aidoo

Born in a rural village in central Ghana in 1942, Aidoo's passion for writing emerged at the young age of 15. She pursued her literary interests at the University of Ghana, where she also taught for several years. In 1965, Aidoo achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first African woman to publish a play with her debut work, The Dilemma of a Ghost. This accomplishment marked the beginning of her remarkable journey as one of the most renowned writers on the continent, serving as an inspiration to subsequent generations of authors, artists, and feminists.

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Aidoo's influence extended beyond her literary achievements. From 1982 to 1983, she took on the role of Ghana's education minister, contributing to the development of the country's educational system. Her novel Changes, which explores the challenges faced by an educated woman in a polygamous marriage, earned her the prestigious Commonwealth Writers Prize for Best Book. Through her thought-provoking storytelling, Aidoo addressed complex themes and shed light on the experiences of women in African society.