I-Day: CM Bommai announces new schemes on sanitation, nutrition, farm labour and soldiers' welfare
Bengaluru(PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Monday said his government has decided to launch new schemes on sanitation, nutrition, and for the well-being of farmers, labourers and the brave soldiers of the state on the 75th anniversary of India's independence.
He also said that the state government wants to empower Karnataka to make a contribution of at least USD 1 trillion to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dream of transforming India into a USD 5 trillion economy.
"In order to create a clean and hygienic environment in government schools and colleges, 100 per cent toilet coverage will be achieved in the state at a cost of Rs 250 crore," Bommai said.
In his address at the 76th Independence Day event at the Manekshaw Parade Ground here, he said a loan-cum-subsidy scheme up to Rs 50,000 will be launched to support potters, blacksmiths, carpenters, sculptors, Bhajantri, basket weavers, Vishwakarmas, Madars and other artisans.
The "Raitha Vidya Nidhi" for farmers' children will be extended to landless agriculture labourers too, he announced.
Aimed at promoting education for farmers' children, the Chief Minister's Raita Vidya Nidhi scheme was launched by the government for the first time in the country, under which, scholarship of Rs 439.95 crore to 10.03 lakh children has been distributed. The scheme was subsequently extended to weavers, fishermen and yellow board taxi drivers' children too.
Noting that 4,050 new anganwadis will be opened based on requirement, with special focus on dwellings of landless labourers, the Chief Minister said, "With this initiative, children of 16 lakh families would be benefitted with nutrition and early education. This will also create job opportunity for 8,100 women."
Further stating that soldiers dedicate and sacrifice their life to protect the country, he said, if a soldier from the state dies on duty, government job will be provided to one member of his family on compassionate grounds to provide security to his family. "Also, Rs 25 lakh will be given to the kin, without any delay."
Pointing out that many new schemes were announced from the same platform last year to mark the 75th year of the country's independence and to celebrate the 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' meaningfully, Bommai said he is happy that the schemes were being completed as per the deadline and they will herald a new dawn in the life of all Kannadigas.
Highlighting that his government's moto is to build 'New Karnataka for New India', he said, "We have to become number one in the country in development, in enhancing skilled human resources, in new industries. This is our dream and let's all strive together to achieve it."
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Deepika Kumari leads Indian recurve archery team to dramatic World Cup gold
Shanghai (PTI): The Indian trio of Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat and teenager Kumkum Mohod held their nerve in a tense shoot-off to beat home favourites China and clinch the women's recurve team gold medal at the Archery World Cup Stage 2 here on Sunday.
In a final marked by fluctuating fortunes, India edged past the home side 5-4 (28-26) in the shoot-off after the four-set regulation ended 4-4.
The victory was especially sweeter as India had earlier stunned record 10-time Olympic champions South Korea in the semifinals en route to their first World Cup women's team gold since 2021.
Deepika, who was also part of India's World Cup-winning teams in Guatemala City and Paris in 2021, now has seven World Cup team gold medals to her name since 2010.
It was also the Indian women recurve team's first World Cup medal in three years, its previous podium finish coming in Stage 4 in Paris in 2023 where Ankita was a member of the winning team.
India's campaign in Shanghai has thus already yielded two medals after compound archer Sahil Jadhav opened the country's account, securing a bronze on Saturday.
India also remained in contention for another podium finish later in the day with recurve archer Simranjeet Kaur set to compete in the semifinals. She is a win away from her maiden individual World Cup medal.
Travelling without a full-time national coach amid the continuing impasse over appointments, it was the vastly experienced Deepika who led from the front, constantly motivating her teammates during breaks and changeovers.
Prafull Dange, who was the designated women's recurve coach after his ward Kumkum topped the national trials, largely remained in the background as Deepika guided the side through the pressure moments against a hostile home crowd and vocal Chinese support staff.
Against a young Chinese side comprising Zhu Jingyi, Huang Yuwei and teenage archer Yu Qi, who all made their World Cup debuts only last year, India looked in control initially but nearly let the match slip after taking the opening set (54-53).
Shooting last in the Indian order, Deepika set the tone with successive 10s as India edged the first set despite Ankita (8-8) and 17-year-old Kumkum (10-8) putting up an inconsistent show.
Deepika continued her fine rhythm in the second set with another perfect 10 as India briefly held a one-point advantage (28-27) midway through the end. But China responded strongly with two 9s and a 10 in their final three arrows of the second set to post 55.
Ankita replied with a 9, but Kumkum managed only an 8, leaving Deepika needing a 10 to level the set.
The four-time Olympian, however, slipped to a 7 as India lost the set 52-55 and China drew level at 2-2.
The hosts then moved ahead in the third set. The teams were initially tied at 56, but a review upgraded China's final arrow from 8 to 9, handing them the set 57-56 and a 4-2 lead.
India appeared on the verge of defeat in the fourth set despite Deepika rediscovering her touch with two 10s. Kumkum's final arrow landed in the 7-ring as India posted a modest 54.
China required two 10s and a 9 from their last three arrows to seal the match.
Zhu and Huang delivered perfect 10s, leaving 18-year-old Yu Qi needing a 9 for victory in front of the home crowd.
But the youngster shot an 8, allowing India a dramatic escape and forcing a shoot-off.
The Indians peaked at the right moment in the decider. Ankita opened with a 9, Kumkum followed with a superb 10, and Deepika calmly delivered a 9 when only an 8 was needed to seal the title.
