NewsBytes

In a significant move ahead of the iconic international Minjar fair, the honorarium for deities participating in the traditional grand procession has been increased from Rs 7,600 to Rs 11,000. Administrative approval for the revised amount has already been granted. This year, the festival will embrace the theme “Swachh Chamba”, with members of voluntary organisations and senior citizens joining the procession to spread awareness about cleanliness and hygiene. The focus, organisers said, is not only on cultural celebration but also on civic consciousness. The Minjar fair, Chamba’s most celebrated and historic cultural festival, will take place this year from July 27 to August 3. Rooted in history, the fair dates back to the 10th century, commemorating the victory of King Sahila Varman over the ruler of Kangra. Legend holds that upon the king’s triumphant return, the people greeted him with sheaves of paddy and maize — symbols of prosperity. During the fair, participants wear minjars (silk tassels) on their colourful attire, offer prayers for timely rains and good harvests, and join in a range of rituals and processions. The festivities conclude with the symbolic immersion of the holy Minjars in the Ravi river, a gesture that unites tradition, community and faith.

The Himachal Pradesh government will soon begin the recruitment process for specialist robotic surgeons as part of its plan to introduce robotic surgery services in the state, officials said. A proposal outlining the recruitment rules for these specialists will be presented to the state Cabinet for approval shortly. In addition to performing surgeries, the recruited experts will also train other doctors in robotic surgical techniques, helping to build a future-ready team of skilled professionals, a statement issued here said. During a meeting with the health department, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reaffirmed the government's commitment to providing quality healthcare services to the people. He said modern technologies and medical equipment are being installed in all government medical colleges and other health facilities.

The free trade agreement between India and the four-nation European bloc EFTA will be implemented from October 1, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said. The two sides signed the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) on March 10, 2024. Under the pact, India has received an investment commitment of USD 100 billion in 15 years from the grouping while allowing several products, such as Swiss watches, chocolates, and cut and polished diamonds, at lower or zero duties. The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) members are Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The bloc has committed an investment of $100 billion -- $50 billion within 10 years after the implementation of the agreement and another $50 billion in the next five years -- which would facilitate the creation of 1 million direct jobs in India. This is a first-of-its-kind pledge agreed upon in any of the trade deals signed by India so far.