The new Ninja 500 was unveiled at EICMA 2023 last November.

However, the Indian-spec model gets a single standard variant; the other markets get an additional SE variant as well. The Japanese middleweight inherits a larger displacement, which is already featured in the 2024 Eliminator, and is available in a single metallic spark black colour scheme.

The Ninja 500 is powered by a 451cc, parallel-twin engine. This liquid-cooled unit produces 44.38 BHP @ 9,000 rpm and 42.6 Nm @ 6,000 rpm.

The bike is based on a lightweight trellis frame suspended by a telescopic fork at the front and a monoshock at the rear. Braking is handled by discs at the front and rear supported by dual-channel ABS.

The bike weighs 171 kg and measures 1995 mm in length, 730 mm in width, and 1120 mm in height, with a fuel tank capacity of 14 litres.

In India, Kawasaki is offering the base-spec Ninja 500. It means the bike does not get keyless ignition. That being said, the Ninja 500 comes equipped with a digital instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity.

Competing against models like the Aprilia RS 457, and Yamaha YZF- R3, and also falling in the ballpark of the KTM RC390, the new Kawasaki Ninja 500 enters the competitive sub-500 cc segment.

Delhi Police has imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code at the Ghazipur border. It has also issued a traffic advisory, alerting commuters about restrictions on the movement of vehicles at three borders of the national capital. Traffic restrictions/diversions will be imposed at Singhu Border for commercial vehicles from Monday and for all types of vehicles from Tuesday, it said.

While the primary objective is to prevent any unauthorised gatherings between February 13 and February 15, there are concerns that similar attempts may occur thereafter, leading to the Lok Sabha election this year. On February 13, more than 200 farmers’ unions from across the country are expected to participate in the proposed ‘Delhi Chalo’ march to press the Centre to accept several demands, including enactment of a law to guarantee MSP for crops, according to reports.

“Information has been received that some farmer organisations have given a call to their supporters to gather/march to Delhi on 13th February for their demands of the law on MSP and others. They are likely to sit at the border of Delhi till their demands are met. In order to avoid any untoward incident and to maintain Law and Order, a precautionary Order of section 144 Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, is required to be issued to save the lives and property in the area,” read an order issued by Delhi Police.

Authorities are anticipating a gathering resembling the protests of 2021 and have instructed law enforcement to implement necessary measures to prevent the groups from entering Delhi. Haryana Police are also employing various tactics, including setting up diverse roadblocks, to deter the protesters. A traffic advisory has also been issued, urging people to avoid the main roads of the state unless necessary. Section 144 has been enforced in Panchkula. The Shambhu border (Punjab-Haryana) has been sealed, and BSF and RAF personnel have been deployed. The security has also been tightened near Tikri Border in West Delhi.

Delhi Police also conducted simulated exercises and evaluated their tear gas shells and launchers on Sunday, resulting in numerous complaints from residents of east Delhi about eye irritation. If farmers attempt to enter the Delhi border by crossing Haryana and Punjab in any way, the border will be sealed with cranes and containers.

On the other hand, Union Ministers Arjun Munda, Home Minister Nityanand Rai, and Piyush Goyal will be meeting the leaders of farmers’ organisations to discuss their demands later in the day, the reports added.

THE ALERT

One of the alerts issued by an agency concerning potential gatherings suggests that protesters could attempt to infiltrate Delhi before February 13 and gather near the residences of the Prime Minister, as well as those of the Home and Agriculture Ministers. Authorities anticipate that the protesters may try to enter Delhi under the cover of night, anticipating heavy security presence during the daytime.

“The protesters may reach New Delhi area in small groups by cars, two-wheelers, metro trains, trains, etc, and appear suddenly at any spot to hold snap demonstrations,” the alert warned.

“Some opposition political parties, trade unions and students’ unions may also support and join the protesters to gain mileage. Security may be upped in New Delhi, North and Central districts like Ramlila Ground, Rajghat, Red Fort, Kisan Ghat and Parliament, besides PM and HM residences, among other places of significance,” read the alert.

Farmers are anticipated to arrive in Delhi via the borders of Shambhu (Ambala), Khanori (Jind), and Dabwali (Sirsa), accompanied by their tractors/trailers, carrying ample provisions, rations, and logistical supplies for a duration of six months, sourced from different locations.

“Some farmers might start early to evade police action and arrive 2-3 days prior to February 13 and hide in prominent gurdwaras, dharamshalas, ashrams and guest houses and hold snap demonstrations. Some farmers may try to enter from remote, non-motorable borders where there is less movement to create an element of surprise. If the protesters are able to gain entry into Delhi, they may not vacate soon,” it added.

The trials were conducted with four different mission objectives in a revised robust configuration using a single booster designed by Advanced Systems Laboratory, Hyderabad to provide reduced launch acceleration, a Defence Ministry release said. The trials were conducted during January 30 and February 2.

The objectives like safe release of booster, launcher clearance and attaining the required end of launch velocity were achieved. During the flight trials, various parameters like required endurance, speed, manoeuvrability, altitude and range were successfully validated.

Designed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), ABHYAS offers a realistic threat scenario for practice of weapon systems. It is designed for autonomous flying with the help of an auto pilot indigenously made by the ADE.

It has Radar Cross Section, Visual and Infrared augmentation system required for weapon practice. It has a laptop-based Ground Control System with which the aircraft can be integrated and pre-flight checks, data recording during the flight, replay after the flight and post-flight analysis can be carried out. ABHYAS requires minimum logistics and is cost effective compared to imported equivalents.

The systems tested recently were realised through Production Agencies – Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Defence. With identified production agencies, ABHYAS is ready for production. The system has export potential and can be offered to friendly countries.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated the DRDO, the Armed Forces and the Industry for the successful flight trial of ABHYAS. The development of this system will meet the requirements of aerial targets for the Armed Forces, he said.

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat appreciated the efforts of the teams associated in the design, development and testing of the system.

The government, under its Viksit Bharat programme, wants to change this disparity by strictly implementing the Equal Remuneration Act of 1976, which envisages parity in pay. As per the Act, “no employer shall pay to any worker, employed by him in an establishment of employment, remuneration, whether payable in cash or in kind, at rates less favourable than those at which it is paid to workers of the opposite sex”.

Under the Viksit Bharat scheme, the government has laid stress on the need for better work opportunities, including facilities, infrastructure and better pay, for women. This is part of the ‘Saksham Nari, Sashakt Bharat’ scheme, which, as per Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is possible only when women are empowered and treated equally at the workplace.

As women are being encouraged to step up and out, the government wants to ensure that workplaces help women continue working even after childbirth as well as in tough conditions.

Recently, an SMS was sent on behalf of the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPFO), which asked for a survey form to be filled up. It was sent to every person with access to provident fund, and was aimed especially at women who were asked to fill up details of their work conditions. The primary focus was on the pay structure, with the form asking if women were paid the same as men for the same job, News18 reported.

The survey also asks whether workplaces have crèches, pick and drop provided in late hours, and provision of work from home. However, in the past, Irani has not been in favour of menstrual leave as she believes it would “lead to more discrimination at work and in employment”.

Notably, just a year ago, BCCI had announced pay parity for women and men cricketers. It was seen as a giant leap forward and the acknowledgement of the fact that not just in sports but in several sectors like cinema, corporate spaces and manual labour, women earn far lesser than men even if they show the same talent and capability.

Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani and Labour Minister Bhupender Yadav have stressed the fact that this disparity needs to end and the government has begun work on the mission. Advisories have been issued to workplaces and will be stepped up in the days to come with a clear message — Zero tolerance for discrimination in pay.

“INS Sumitra, on anti-piracy operations along the East Coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden, responded to a distress message regarding hijacking of an Iranian-flagged Fishing Vessel Iman. The vessel had been boarded by pirates and the crew was taken as hostages,” Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said.

INS Sumitra intercepted the vessel and acted in accordance with the established SOPs to coerce the pirates for safe release of the crew along with the boat, he said. It ensured the successful release of all 17 crew members and the boat, the spokesperson said.

The vessel was subsequently sanitised and released for onward transit.

Mission deployed Indian Naval ships on anti-piracy and maritime security ops in the Indian Ocean Region symbolise Indian Navy’s resolve towards safety of all vessels and seafarers at sea, he added.

On January 5, Indian Navy had swiftly responded to the hijacking of a merchant vessel, Malta-flagged vessel MV Ruen, about 460 nautical miles off Somalia, and evacuated all 21 crew on board, including 15 Indians, in the daring mission. About five to six armed people had boarded the vessel. A warship, maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, P-8I, and long-range aircraft, along with Predator MQ9B drones, were deployed in the operation.

On January 18, Indian Navy deployed the warship INS Visakhapatnam after receiving a distress call from a cargo vessel, which was under attack by drones in the Gulf Aden, and provided assistance.

For the short ceremonial trip, the two presidents rode on a colonial-era open-air buggy and waved to crowds as they arrived at the destination ahead of the parade. After a gap of 40 years, the presidential carriage returned to the Republic Day celebrations, replacing the usual armoured limousine.

The presidential buggy was in use for Republic Day functions till 1984 but was discontinued after the assassination of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

The six-horse drawn, black-coloured carriage with gold-plated rims, red velvet interiors and an embossed Ashoka chakra originally belonged to the Viceroy of India during British rule. The buggy was used for ceremonial purposes and to travel around the presidential (then Viceroy) estate.

However, when the colonial rule ended, both India and newly-formed Pakistan vied for the luxurious buggy. To decide which country would keep the buggy, the two nations came up with a unique solution – toss a coin. India’s Colonel Thakur Govind Singh and Pakistan’s Sahabzada Yaqub Khan flipped the coin. Colonel Singh won the buggy for India.

Later, the buggy was used by the President to ride from Rashtrapati Bhavan to Parliament for the oath-taking ceremony. The carriage was also used to ferry the head of state to the Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk on Kartavya Path to mark the end of Republic Day celebrations on January 29.

Several years after Independence, the use of the open-carriage, which was a common transport vehicle for the President, was discontinued owing to security threats. The traditional buggy was soon replaced with bullet-proof cars.

The historic buggy made a comeback in 2014 with President Pranab Mukherjee arriving in it to attend the Beating Retreat ceremony.

“Due to the overwhelming sentiment of the employees and requests from them, the central government announces half day closing till 2,30 pm on January 22, 2024, at all central government offices, central institutions and central industrial establishments throughout India on the occasion of Ram Temple ‘Pran Pratishtha, ceremony,” said the official notification.

The state governments in Uttar Pradesh, Goa, and Madhya Pradesh have also announced January 22 as a public holiday to celebrate the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. School will remain closed in Haryana, which has also prohibited the consumption of liquor on the day of the consecration ceremony.

In Odisha, Leader of Opposition (LoP) and Sambalpur MLA of BJP Jaynarayan Mishra has requested Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to declare a public holiday in the state on the occasion. The state had announced a public holiday on January 17 to mark the inauguration of Srimandir Parikrama Prakalpa, the Rs 800 crore heritage corridor around Puri’s renowned Jagannath Temple.

On the other hand, dry day has been declared in Kendrapada district on January 22 for the Ayodhya event. There was also a ban on sale of liquor in the district on January 17.

The gold standard, widely adopted in the late 1800s and a substantial part of the 1900s, involved countries pegging the value of their paper currency to gold by setting a fixed exchange rate between their currency and a specific quantity of gold, according to Forbes. Essentially, each unit of currency issued had an equivalent value in gold, allowing individuals to exchange their paper money for real gold at this established rate.

Forbes recently released a list of the top 10 countries with the largest gold reserves:

The USA has the world’s highest gold reserves of 8,1336.46 tonnes.
Germany has the second-highest gold reserve of 3,352.65 tonnes.
Italy has the third-highest gold reserve of 2,451.84 tonnes
France has gold reserves of 2,436.88 tonnes
With gold reserves of 2,332.74 tonnes, Russia is ranked in fifth place
China, an upper middle-income nation, has the highest gold reserves of 2,191.53 tonnes
Switzerland has gold reserves of 1,040.00 tonnes
Japan has gold reserves of 845.97 tonnes
India is ranked 9th on the list with 800.78 tonnes of reserved gold, according to Forbes
The Netherlands has gold reserves of 612.45 tonnes

Why countries have a gold reserve, Forbes explains

Gold is recognised as a stable and dependable store of value. By holding gold, countries can instill confidence in their economic stability, particularly in times of financial uncertainty.
Gold has historically contributed to supporting the value of a country’s currency. While the gold standard is no longer widely practised, some countries still perceive gold reserves as a method to maintain currency stability.

Diversification is another reason. Gold, being a tangible asset, enables countries to diversify their overall portfolio by incorporating it into their reserves. This diversification helps mitigate risks associated with fluctuations in the value of other assets.

The attractiveness of gold is heightened by its inverse correlation with the US dollar. When the value of the dollar decreases, gold tends to appreciate, allowing central banks to protect their reserves during periods of market volatility.

Gold reserves also play a role in international trade and finance. Some countries employ gold to settle trade imbalances or as collateral for loans. The existence of gold reserves can enhance a country’s creditworthiness and influence its standing in the global economic system.

Gold functions as a hedge during crises. Its value often rises amid economic downturns or geopolitical uncertainties, protecting against inflation and currency devaluation.

The Gorakhpur-based publisher is famous for printing Hindu religious books and texts in myriad languages. According to manager Lalmani Tripathi, ever since the date of the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya was announced, the demand for Ramcharitmanas has increased exponentially.

“We do not have the preparedness to suddenly print and provide 2 lakh (200,000) to 4 lakh (400,000) copies of the Ramcharitmanas. Since last month, we have managed to make available 1 lakh (100,000) copies of the book,” Tripathi told PTI.

“In many places, we have to humbly say that we do not have stock available. Recently, we received a demand for 50,000 Ramcharitmanas from Jaipur and a demand for 10,000 copies came from Bhagalpur, which we had to regretfully decline. This is the scenario across the entire country,” he added.

Anyone wanting to read Ramcharitmanas can visit the Gita Press website where the book is freely available in 10 languages. It will be made downloadable by Tuesday (Jan 16) and initially, 50,000 readers would be able to keep the e-copy of the book.

Tripathi said if the demand increases, “we will scale up the traffic capacity, enabling up to 1 lakh (100,000) people to download the Ramcharitmanas simultaneously”.

Established in 1923, Gita Press is one of the world’s largest publishers and has published 95 crore books in 15 languages so far, according to Tripathi. Its objective is to “promote and spread the principles of Sanatana Dharma, the Hindu religion among the general public by publishing Gita, Ramayana, Upanishads, Puranas, Discourses of eminent Saints and other character-building books”.

Indians living in Paris have organised two events to celebrate the “glory of Lord Ram” on January 21 under ‘Ayodhya Mandir Mahotsav’.

First, there will be a ‘Ram Rath Yatra’ in which Lord Ram will be taken across the main points of the French capital. There will also be elaborate Puja and Aarti, distribution of Prasad followed by a brief cultural performance. The ‘Ram Rath Yatra’ will start at 12 pm from Place De La Chapelle and finish at Place De Trocadero — where the iconic Eiffel Tower is— at 3 pm. The yatra will start by offering prayers and ‘Vishwa Kalyan Yagna’ at a Ganesha temple at 10.30 am at La Chapelle, organisers told News18. After that, the yatra will pass by Place De La Republique, Musée de Louver (Louver Museum), the iconic Arc De Triomphe and finally reach Place De Trocadero.

Avinash Mishra, the main organiser and also president of Overseas Friends of BJP in France, told News18, “We are expecting 150 to 200 people to join the yatra. But we are expecting more than a thousand people to assemble near the Eiffel Tower for the Puja and cultural programme. Already more than 400 have registered with us. That number will swell.” He further said one of the concerns of the organisers is the harsh cold conditions in Paris. “We want to wrap up everything by 4 in the evening,” he was quoted as saying.

The chariot on which Lord Ram will travel across the main points of Paris will be a reminder of the ‘Rath Yatra’ of the 90s when BJP patriarch Lal Krishna Advani began his journey from Somnath on September 25, 1990 — Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s birth anniversary — to culminate at Ayodhya on October 30, after traversing 10,000 km.

After the completion of the ‘Ram Rath Yatra’ at Place De Trocadero, the action will shift to Eiffel Tower. “There will be Puja as well as the Aarti. Huge cutouts of Lord Ram have been ordered, which will adorn areas around the Eiffel Tower. We will also have a cultural event where songs of Lord Ram will be performed. We have invited saints as well who will deliver speeches there. We will also distribute Prasad,” Mishra told News18.