Baliyatra starts, 7L visitors throng fair

Cuttack: The eight-day-long maritime trade fair Baliyatra was inaugurated in a colourful ceremony on Karitk Purnima at Gadagadia Ghat on the banks of Mahanadi here on Monday.More than seven lakh people visited the fair on day one, said the district administration, adding that it is expecting a crowd of more than 75 lakh this year.Finance minister Bikram Keshari Arukha inaugurated the fair in the presence of state ministers and MLAs.“This year, Baliyatra is bigger and better with 1,800 stalls displaying various handicrafts and household goods. The Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society has opened 420 stalls,” said Narahari Sethy, collector, Cuttack. “The district administration and CMC will hold a street festival till December 4 near the ground,” he said.Hundreds of food stalls, merry-go-rounds and roller-coasters have been set up to attract the crowd.Artist Sudam Pradhan has installed a sand art commemorating the maritime history of Odisha. Pradhan and his 10-member team took three days to make a traditional boat that is 30-foot high. “The rich culture of Kalinga is depicted here with various activities of the ancient mariners and how they set sail for Bali and Sumatra from this very bank. The sand art is illuminated with LEDs at night,” said Pradhan.Locals TOI spoke to said they were looking forward to the fair. “We were eagerly waiting for Baliyatra as its the only fair where we can literally get everything from pin to luxury cars, and even book an apartment and plots,” said Srimad Rout, a visitor.“This is not only a fair, it’s a festival of joy. People from all walks of life come to enjoy here,” said Sarmistha Mohanty, a resident of Tulsipur.

Poll-related cash seizures hit cattle trade at Pushkar fair

Poll-related cash seizures have hit cattle trade at Rajasthans Pushkar animal fair. The cap on carrying cash has kept many buyers away, impacting deals for expensive horses and camels. Reports of cash seizures have caused panic among buyers. Owner of Tandon Stud Farm, Anupam Tandon, could only sell three horses so far due to pre-deal agreements. In Pushkar, he has to deliver the horses.

Haryana pavilion at India International Trade Fair showcases cultural heritage to industrial triumphs

The Haryana Pavilion at the India International Trade Fair showcases the rich cultural heritage, industrial growth, and achievements in sports of the state. It features artifacts from the Indus Valley Civilization, traditional crafts, and pottery. The pavilion highlights Haryana's industrial leap, particularly in the automobile sector, and its embrace of information technology, making Gurgaon a hub for startups and technology companies. The state government's focus on e-governance has resulted in the development of the Parivar Pehchan Patra, a unique model in the country. The pavilion represents Haryana's journey of combining tradition and modernity, showcasing achievements in various fields.

Delhi court grants bail to doctor accused of rape, slams IO for not conducting 'fair investigation'

A Delhi court granted bail to a doctor accused of rape, highlighting the lack of medico-legal evidence and the complainant's refusal for an internal examination. The court criticized the unfair investigation conducted by the Investigating Officer and ordered a higher officer to inquire into the process. The court also mentioned previous FIRs with similar allegations against the complainant and her friend, raising doubts about her credibility. It was revealed that the complainant had previously filed a complaint with the Delhi Government Mediation and Conciliation Centre, but the matter was dismissed. The court granted bail, considering the evidence of a consensual relationship based on chat history and directed an inquiry by the Deputy Commissioner of Police.