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Union Minister <keyword id="351960" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Arjun-Ram-Meghwal">Arjun Ram Meghwal</keyword> is contesting from Bikaner, where he will face off 8 candidates. His cousin Madan Gopal Meghwal, who belongs to Indian National Congress, is also in the fray. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;"> Name Of Candidate </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;"> Party Affiliation </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #282828 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;">Symbol Allotted </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;"> ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;"> Bharatiya Janata Party </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #282828 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;"> Lotus </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;"> BHAIRA RAM </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;"> Bahujan Samaj Party </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #282828 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;"> Elephant </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;">MADAN GOPAL MEGHWAL </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;">Indian National Congress </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #282828 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;"> Hand </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;"> SHYOPAT RAM </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;">Communist Party of India (Marxist) </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #282828 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;">Hammer, Sickle and Star </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;"> GHANSHYAM MEGHWAL </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;"> Ambedkarite Party of India </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #282828 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;"> Coat </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;"> TRILOKI NARAYAN HATILA </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;"> Jan Sangharsh Virat Party </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #282828 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;"> Auto- Rickshaw </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;"> PUNAM CHAND ALIAS PUNEET DHAL </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;"> Hindusthan Nirman Dal </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #282828 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;"> Water Tank </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;"> ARJUN RAM </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;"> Independent </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #282828 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;"> Air Conditioner </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #282828 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;"> BABULAL </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #282828 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;"> Independent </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #282828 1pt;border-bottom:solid #282828 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;"> Camera </td></tr></tbody></table>

In Bikaner, Arjun Ram Meghwal will face off 8 candidates

The <keyword id="14666" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="BJP">BJP</keyword>’s candidate for this <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/lok-sabha-election-2019-second-phase-political-strategy-for-reserved-seats/articleshow/68925204.cms">reserved constituency</a> was Arjun Ram <keyword id="264181" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Meghwal">Meghwal</keyword>, the current Minister of State (MoS) for water resources and the former MoS for Finance. Arjun Meghwal has secured nearly 60% of the votes, handily beating his <keyword id="1575" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Congress">Congress</keyword> rival Madan Gopal Meghwal, his cousin, who got 36% of the votes. Meghwal <a href="https://www.financialexpress.com/elections/bikaner-election-result-live-updates-arjun-ram-meghwal-bjp-rajasthan-lok-sabha-2019-news-updates/1573159/">won </a>the constituency in the 2014 and 2009 <keyword id="6355187" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="lok-sabha">Lok Sabha</keyword> elections and was hoping that anti-incumbency didn’t come in the way of a similar victory this time around. Prior to that, Bollywood actor Dharmendra had won the seat in 2004. In his role as MoS of Finance, Meghwal was tasked with <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/government-keeping-an-eye-on-gst-implementation-regularly-arjun-ram-meghwal/articleshow/60337154.cms">spearheading the rollout</a> of the Modi administration’s Goods and Services Tax in mid-2017 and helping resolve its various implementation problems. Meghwal is remembered for making a number of quotable comments about the new tax regime, the most famous of which is likening it to a <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/gst-like-new-daughter-in-law-needs-time-to-adjust-arjun-ram-meghwal/articleshow/60265348.cms">“daughter-in-law”</a>, meaning that it would require an adjustment period. More than his comments however, there were three things complicating Meghwal’s re-election bid. Firstly, a number of local issues, such as <a href="https://www.firstpost.com/india/drought-in-rajasthan-over-rs-7000-crore-spent-on-projects-but-not-much-water-has-flown-through-western-region-6331911.html">a shortage of water for agriculture</a> would have contributed to anti-incumbency sentiments. Secondly, t<a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/rebel-thickens-the-plot-in-bikaner/article27016159.ece">he departure of veteran Rajput leader Devi Singh Bhati</a> from the BJP would have no doubt hurt Meghwal’s prospects, not only because Bhati enjoys support in the region but because the latter refused to endorse Meghwal, pinning BJP’s loss in Assembly elections on him. Thirdly, the former IAS officer from <keyword id="6355588" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="rajasthan">Rajasthan</keyword> is engaged in a face off with his cousin, Madan Meghwal, the Congress candidate in the constituency who was also competing for the Dalit vote. With no community card to play, he used the popular support for the BJP and Narendra Modi that helped drive Arjun Ram Meghwal to victory. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/lok-sabha-election-2019-second-phase-political-strategy-for-reserved-seats/articleshow/68925204.cms">Nearly a quarter of the seats in the Lok Sabha are “reserved” and they matter a lot in this election</a>

Bikaner Lok Sabha Election Result 2019: BJP wins the battle of Meghwals

<ul><li>Over 125 dead and 160 injured.</li><li><keyword id="50681" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="dust-storm">Dust storm</keyword> engulfs the northern states of UP, <keyword id="6354953" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="punjab">Punjab</keyword> Rajasthan, Haryana and <keyword id="66" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Delhi">Delhi</keyword>. </li><li>Most deaths due to lightning strikes and collapsing houses.</li></ul>Severe dust storm wreaked havoc in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent on Wednesday (2 May), causing massive destruction. <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-43999497">According to reports</a>, the current death toll stands at 125, while more than 160 have been injured. Most of the deaths were due to lightning strikes and houses collapsing in the states of Rajasthan, <keyword id="6357713" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Uttar-Pradesh">Uttar Pradesh</keyword> (UP), Punjab, Haryana and Delhi. Officials said that they had been taken aback by the ferocity of the storms and the Indian Meteorological department expects more storms to hit before the weekend. The latest reports can be viewed <a href="http://www.imd.gov.in/pages/allindiawxwarningbulletin.php">here</a>. Impact on Humans <ul><li>High speed winds and lightning wreaked havoc in many villages. The destruction brought down walls, claimed many lives and left numerous injured.</li><li>A <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-43999497">spokesperson</a> for the Uttar Pradesh relief commissioner's office told AFP that the death toll was the highest from such storms in the last twenty years.</li><li>The storm hit at night in many areas where houses built with mud collapsed and residents who were asleep at the time were trapped and killed.</li></ul>
 
 
 
 
 
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<ul><li>Damage was caused in some areas by flying debris as speeds in some areas reached 100 miles per hour.</li></ul>
 
 
 
 
 
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 <ul><li>According to <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-43987209">a report</a>, 200 to 300 electric poles fell due to the raging winds of the storm.</li><li>Agra was the worst hit place in <keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword>’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh. 43 died and 51 were injured.</li><li>Alwar, Rajasthan city reported 36 deaths whereas 19 were killed in <a href="http://indianexpress.com/article/india/live-updates-at-least-people-killed-in-deadly-dust-storm-up-rajasthan-badly-affected-5161649/?#liveblogstart">Bharatpur district of Rajasthan</a>.</li></ul>Impact on environment and animals <ul><li>The dust storm enveloped Delhi on Wednesday evening. This further degraded the air quality of the India’s capital city with PM2.5 measured at 152 and PM10 at 106, which is four times the safe limit. This is the <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/dust-storm-envelops-new-delhi-after-a-scorching-hot-day-1840623">second dust storm</a> to hit Delhi in just a few weeks, <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/dust-storm-envelops-new-delhi-in-a-sudden-change-of-weather-1846186">a report said</a>.</li><li>A huge number of birds were found dead in Fatehabad after dust storms hit the area, ANI UP tweeted.</li></ul>
 
 
 
 
 
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Sudden dust storms in northern India have killed over 120 people

The finance ministry has asked four large <keyword id="44530" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="PSU">PSU</keyword> lenders to explore opportunities for acquisition of small and mid-sized banks with a goal to create global sized lenders, sources told PTI. One of the possibilities is that large public sector banks (PSBs) like Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank and Bank of India could try looking for potential candidates for acquisition, they said. So, informally, the finance ministry has sounded them that they should study the possibility for mergers and acquisitions so as to acquire scale and size of <keyword id="6354731" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="State-Bank-Of-India">State Bank of India</keyword> (<keyword id="13222" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="SBI">SBI</keyword>), the sources added. There are factors like regional balance, geographical reach, financial burden and smooth human resource transition that have to be looked into while taking a merger decision, they said, adding there should not be merger of a very weak bank with a strong one "as it could pull the latter down". However, the clear picture would emerge only after the Niti Aayog report sets the tone and tenure of the roadmap for the second round of consolidation in the banking sector. In the last consolidation drive, five associates and Bharatiya Mahila Bank (BMB) became part of SBI on April 1, 2017, catapulting the country's largest lender to among the top 50 banks in the world. <keyword id="229649" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="State-Bank-of-Bikaner">State Bank of Bikaner</keyword> and Jaipur (SBBJ), State Bank of Hyderabad (SBH), State Bank of Mysore (SBM), <keyword id="4376212" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="State-Bank-of-Patiala">State Bank of Patiala</keyword> (SBP) and <keyword id="6560713" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="State-Bank-of-Travancore">State Bank of Travancore</keyword> (SBT), besides BMB, were merged with SBI. With the merger, the total customer base of the SBI reached around 37 crore with a branch network of around 24,000 and nearly 59,000 ATMs across the country. The merged entity began operation with deposit base of more than Rs 26 lakh crore and advances level of Rs 18.50 lakh crore. The government in February had approved the merger of these five associate banks with SBI. Later in March, the cabinapproved merger of BMB as well. SBI first merged State Bank of Saurashtra with itself in 2008. Two years later, State <keyword id="269823" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bank-of-Indore">Bank of Indore</keyword> was merged with it. Enthused by the success of SBI merger, the finance ministry is considering clearing another such proposal in the public sector banking space by this fiscal-end. Another round of merger should kick off once the non- performing assets (NPAs) situation improves. Toxic loans of public sector banks rose by over Rs 1 lakh crore to Rs 6.06 lakh crore during April-December of 2016-17, the bulk of which came from power, steel, road infrastructure and textile sectors.

This is why the Finance Minister wants to acquire more small and mid-sized banks

Government is considering giving a one-year extension to <keyword id="13222" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="SBI">SBI</keyword> chief <keyword id="6379603" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Arundhati-Bhattacharya">Arundhati Bhattacharya</keyword> amid the lender's consolidation with its associate banks. 
 
"There is a need for continuity at a time when the process of consolidation is going on," sources told an agency. 
 
In this regard, the government is looking at the proposal of granting extension to the current chairperson whose three-year term comes to an end this month, sources added. 
 The government has also received views of the <keyword id="2748088" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bank-Board-Bureau">Bank Board Bureau</keyword> (BBB) on the extension issue and an order in this regard is expected in the next few days, according to the news agency. 
 Earlier this year, the <keyword id="6355513" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="cabinet">Cabinet</keyword> gave its nod for the merger of <keyword id="6354731" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="State-Bank-Of-India">State Bank of India</keyword> (SBI) and its associate lenders and <keyword id="6560712" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bharatiya-Mahila-Bank">Bharatiya Mahila Bank</keyword> (<keyword id="423104" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="BMB">BMB</keyword>) that would make the state-owned lender a global-sized bank. 
 SBI has five associate lenders -- <keyword id="229649" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="State-Bank-of-Bikaner">State Bank of Bikaner</keyword> and Jaipur, <keyword id="6560713" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="State-Bank-of-Travancore">State Bank of Travancore</keyword>, State Bank of Patiala, State Bank of Mysore and <keyword id="143585" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="State-Bank-of-Hyderabad">State Bank of Hyderabad</keyword>. 
 
Among the associate banks, State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, State Bank of Mysore and State Bank of Travancore are listed. 
 
The merged entity will become a banking behemoth, which could compete with the largest in the world, with an asset base of Rs 37 trillion (Rs 37 lakh crore) or over USD 555 billion, 22,500 branches and 58,000 ATMs. It will have over 50 crore customers. 
 
SBI had said that all its associate banks and BMB will be merged into it that will add an additional Rs 8 lakh crore to its assets. 
Presently, SBI has close to 16,500 branches, including 191 foreign offices across 36 countries. 
 SBI first merged <keyword id="82725" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="State-Bank-of-Saurashtra">State Bank of Saurashtra</keyword> with itself in 2008. Two years later, State <keyword id="269823" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bank-of-Indore">Bank of Indore</keyword> was merged with it.

SBI chief Arundhati Bhattacharya may serve for another year

India’s largest lender <keyword id="6354731" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="State-Bank-Of-India">State Bank of India</keyword> (<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/SBI-aims-for-unbanked-rural-India-for-business-correspondent-model/articleshow/53315581.cms">SBI</a>) has approved the merger of its operations with six associate banks, viz. <keyword id="6560713" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="State-Bank-of-Travancore">State Bank of Travancore</keyword>, <keyword id="4376211" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="State-Bank-of-Mysore">State Bank of Mysore</keyword>, <keyword id="4376209" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="State-Bank-Of-Bikaner-and-Jaipur">State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur</keyword>, <keyword id="143585" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="State-Bank-of-Hyderabad">State Bank of Hyderabad</keyword>, <keyword id="4376212" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="State-Bank-of-Patiala">State Bank of Patiala</keyword>, and Mahila Bank. 
 It was in June that the centre had given the go-ahead to merge <keyword id="13222" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="SBI">SBI</keyword> with five of its associate lenders and <keyword id="6560712" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bharatiya-Mahila-Bank">Bharatiya Mahila Bank</keyword>, thus increasing the chances of it breaking into the top 50 list of Bloomberg's largest bank by asset ranking. 
 
Marking the first ever large-scale consolidation in the Indian banking industry, the merger will result in SBI becoming a huge banking entity with an asset book of Rs 37 lakh crore. 
 
Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/SBI-directs-associate-banks-to-clean-up-books-before-merger/articleshow/53611963.cms">Clean up books before merger, SBI directs associate banks</a> 
 
As per the terms of the merger, SBI will give 28 of its shares for every 10 shares held of State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, while for every 10 shares held of State Bank of Mysore as well as State Bank of Travancore, it will give 22 of its shares. 
 
For for every 100 crore equity shares of Bhartiya Mahila Bank, SBI will be giving 4,42,31,510 shares with face value of Re. 1. 
 
Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/SBI-Chairman-blames-stalled-projects-for-Indian-banking-sector-stress/articleshow/53080413.cms">Stalled projects from 2011 to 13 have put Indian banking sector into stress, says SBI Chairman</a> 
 
Comparing post-merger SBI with India’s second largest bank <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/At-745-million-this-ICICI-Pru-Life-IPO-is-Indias-biggest-in-six-years/articleshow/53265064.cms">ICICI</a>, its asset base will become five times as big as ICICI’s. 
 
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NfBLGD5BAo8/TVOzs86G8WI/AAAAAAAAASE/H6PHjHGPWcY/s1600/IMG_1930.JPG">Image source</a>

Six banks are going to merge into SBI

Everyday, the dimly lit and shabby <keyword id="30587" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="bhatinda">Bhatinda</keyword> railway station in the Indian state of <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=punjab&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Punjab</a> comes to life sharp at 9 pm. The reason? The arrival of a passenger train that’s been long christened as the <keyword id="739669" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Cancer-Train">Cancer train</keyword> on platform no 2. 
 
The train leaves Bhatinda around 9.25 pm and covers a distance of about 325 km with 26 halts to reach <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=bikaner&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Bikaner</a> in the Indian state of Rajasthan at 6 am. Sometimes, it’s an hour or two late. 
 
The most remarkable feature of this train is that 60% of its population are <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=cancer&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">cancer</a> patients of all ages who come from all across <keyword id="6354953" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Punjab">Punjab</keyword>. This 12-coach train has gained its name from a sudden increase in cancer cases in Punjab that many blame on pesticide use, growing pollution and hardly any response by authorities. 
 
On an average, this train is the lifeline of 100 cancer patients daily, along with 200 other co-travellers and is almost always packed to near capacity. 
 The ticket is priced at Rs 210, but for cancer patients the eight hour journey to <keyword id="1380" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="bikaner">Bikaner</keyword> is free, while one accompanying attendant gets a concession of 75 percent. 
 
 
(Passemgers aboard the Cancer train. Image credit: Washington Post) 
 
 
All the patients aboard the train undertake this journey to visit Acharya Tulsi Regional Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Prince Bijay Singh Memorial Hospital, in Bikaner, which like many hospitals in Punjab is also covered for benefits under the Mukh Mantri Punjab Cancer Raahat Kosh Scheme (MMPCRKS). 
 
One of them is a frail 68-year-old Madan Lal who along with his sister boards the sleeper coach, the only compartment with reserved seats, which allows him to lie down on the seat. 
 
All the remaining coaches are of the general category, where passengers jostle to find space. 
 
Lal, who hails from Mallan village in Faridkot district of Punjab has been undergoing treatment for cancer in his food pipe since the last year and has made over 30 visits to the Bikaner hospital. 
 
The first question that comes to mind is invariably this, ‘Why are scores of cancer patients from Punjab travelling to a far-off place in Rajasthan for treatment when Punjab itself boasts of state of the art facilities for cancer treatment?’ 
 
No matter how many people you ask, the answer for that is the same, and equally alarming. As Lal reveals, he did go to Faridkot Government Hospital more than four times last year when his condition deteriorated, however he never got a chance to see any doctor despite waiting for long hours. 
 
 
(Patients line up in Bikaner. Image credit: The Tribune) 
 
 
Additionally, the fact that it is incredibly hard to avail the cash incentives under MMPCRKS in Punjab without any political connection and that the poor are almost always neglected in the government hospital in the state has also attributed to patients taking to the hospital in Bikaner, which is one of the country’s 19 regional cancer research centres and for the cancer-striken in Punjab, the nearest place where treatment is free, and medicines cheap. 
 
Take for instance, Surjeet Kaur, who spent Rs 30,000 in Bhatinda hospitals for chemotherapy for breast cancer or Satya Devi who spent close to Rs 1 lakh for therapy on a cancerous growth on her lip. In the end, both fo them had to go to Bikaner anyway. 
 
Lodging and food in Bikaner come cheap too, making it a lucrative option for patients. A room at a dharamshala in Bikaner costs Rs 50, while a thali in the hospital canteen is only Rs 5. 
 The patients on this train are mostly small farmers from the southern districts of Punjab- Mansa, Sangrur, Bhatinda, Faridkot, Moga, Muktsar, Ferozepur and Sangrur, which together make up the <keyword id="602657" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Malwa-region">Malwa region</keyword>. 
 
It is in this Malwa region that scores of farmers and their families are coming to grips with cancer and numerous health problems due to the lush fields hiding a scary tale. 
 Malwa, which is also Punjab’s cotton belt, requires the use of a startling amount of <keyword id="6444775" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="pesticides">pesticides</keyword>. Reportedly, farmers in this region use 15 different pesticide sprays and the unregulated and excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides have resulted in farmers and their families living in a cesspool of toxicity. 
 
 
(A farmer sprays pesticides in his field. Image credit: Al Jazeera) 
 
 
In 2011, it was also found that Punjab’s farmers use of pesticides is 923 grams per hectare was way above the national average of 570g/ha. Even worse is the fact that farmers also end up using the empty pesticide cans to store not only water but also food, which get contaminated with high heavy-metal toxicity. 
 
The residents have little choice than to drink highly polluted water or bathe in tap water that are sourced from canals where industrial effluents are discharged with impunity. 
 Many of the farmers blame the success of the 1970’s <keyword id="50335" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Green-Revolution">Green Revolution</keyword> for their sorry state right now. It was during then that the farmers had switched to a combo formula of high yield seeds-fertilizers-pesticide-water from traditional farming methods. 
 
Though, a few years ago, the Punjab government set up water purifiers in villages prone to cancer cases, but it was of little help as those were not cleaned properly. 
 
Meanwhile, hundreds of patients crowd the platform to get on the train hoping against hope while there continues to be atleast 18 deaths due to cancer in the state everyday. 
 
 
(Cancer patients get down from the train in Bikaner. Image credit: The Tribune)

The shocking tale of India's 'Cancer Train'

When the winter is right upon us and holidays are back with a bang, can festivals be far behind? It is <keyword id="24087" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="carnival">carnival</keyword> time across India – a time to celebrate and share all things good in true Yuletide spirit. So we bring you seven offbeat <keyword id="6385705" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="events">events</keyword> – a mix of modern concepts and traditional happenings that celebrate the varied and vibrant art and culture of the country. And then there will be Christmas <keyword id="192" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Celebrations">celebrations</keyword> all over India. Let go of your toil &amp; care, and connect to retune your life. Happy holidays! 
 
Life at its exotic best – <keyword id="78069" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rann-Utsav">Rann Utsav</keyword> (<keyword id="6354766" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gujarat">Gujarat</keyword>) It’s a desert <keyword id="58" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Festival">festival</keyword> with a difference. The white salt marsh, spread across some 7,000 sq km in Gujarat, attracts thousands to the Great Rann every year, revealing the many-hued life and culture of <keyword id="6361801" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kutch">Kutch</keyword>. The journey from Bhuj will take you to the colourful Tent City at <keyword id="1967990" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Dhordo-village">Dhordo village</keyword> and other exotic locations such as <keyword id="1967991" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Hodko">Hodko</keyword>, <keyword id="1967994" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bhirandiyara">Bhirandiyara</keyword>, <keyword id="144766" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Khavda">Khavda</keyword>, <keyword id="476012" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kalo-Dungar">Kalo Dungar</keyword> (<keyword id="226408" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Black-Hills">Black Hills</keyword>) and the <keyword id="656787" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mandvi-beach">Mandvi beach</keyword>. The great white saltpan in the distance looks mesmeric and nearby, you can catch the haunting tunes played by the locals on their jodia pava (twin-flutes). While you are here, <keyword id="76631" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Folk-music">folk music</keyword>, dances, camel safaris and wildlife viewing will fill your days. A stay at the bhunga (egg-shaped mud huts), a taste of the Kutchi cuisine and the exquisite local art will enthral you further. In mid-January, Kutch celebrates the traditional <keyword id="4062388" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kite-festival">kite festival</keyword> <keyword id="90750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Uttarayan">Uttarayan</keyword> and you can watch the spectacular view as thousands of flying beauties dot the sky. 
When: Dec 15-March 18 
What it costs: Rs 7,900-22,500 plus taxes per person on twin sharing basis. 
Image: Rann-utsav.com 
 
 
 
Shake a leg at <keyword id="91958" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sunburn-festival">Sunburn Festival</keyword> (<keyword id="826" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Goa">Goa</keyword>) If the <keyword id="24879" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sun">sun</keyword>, seas and <keyword id="6354530" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="music">music</keyword> allure you to distraction, it’s time to head for the coastal capital for a rocking experience. Sunburn is the coolest <keyword id="881528" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="electronic-dance-music-festival">electronic dance music festival</keyword> to invade the <keyword id="1834821" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="indian-beaches">Indian beaches</keyword>, now entering Season 7 with pomp and style. With custom stages in the making, numerous genres of music on offer and some world famous DJs &amp; <keyword id="49237" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Artistes">artistes</keyword> debuting, it is surely going to be an electrifying extravaganza that could be the party of parties in Goa. Get ready for some fun, frolic and froth even as the music captures your soul and you can’t stop dancing. 
When: Dec 27-29 
What it costs: Rs 9,250-15,500 per person. 
Image: Wikimedia Commons 
 
 
 
Super fun at <keyword id="1968003" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Vh1-Supersonic">Vh1 Supersonic</keyword> (Goa) Another electrifying <keyword id="6356630" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="EDM">EDM</keyword> (<keyword id="42249" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="electronic-dance-music">electronic dance music</keyword>) event that will be held in Goa this year. A super line-up of artistes and DJs from all over the globe will keep you spellbound with some rocking music while dancing gets even better when you are grooving on the <keyword id="8688" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="SEA">sea</keyword> shore. And guess who is leading the super fest? None other than the electronic music promoter <keyword id="135873" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nikhil-Chinapa">Nikhil Chinapa</keyword> who has left Sunburn and is now starting his own show. The <keyword id="1968004" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Debut-edition">debut edition</keyword> this year is purely for <keyword id="6355317" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Dance">dance</keyword> music fans, but it could be a <keyword id="1968005" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Multi-genre-festival">multi-genre festival</keyword> within the next year or two. So let’s wait and watch the magic happen. 
When: Dec 26-30 
What it costs: Keep a tab, the organisers will soon come up with the ticket pricing. 
Image: Gosupersonic.in 
 
 
 
Wellness fest at Zambhala (Goa) If you are seeking wellness and harmony this <keyword id="6389817" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="new-year">New Year</keyword>, the <keyword id="1968009" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Zambhala-Yoga">Zambhala Yoga</keyword>, <keyword id="1968008" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Music-and-Life-Spirit-Festival">Music and Life Spirit Festival</keyword> could be the <keyword id="1968010" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lifestyle-event">lifestyle event</keyword> for you. Debuting this December, it is going to be an annual festival that brings together <keyword id="1968011" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Yoga-experts">yoga experts</keyword>, <keyword id="551676" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="spiritual-teachers">spiritual teachers</keyword>, <keyword id="25205" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="doctors">doctors</keyword>, <keyword id="21324" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Therapists">therapists</keyword>, <keyword id="145052" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="healers">healers</keyword>, <keyword id="6367711" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Musicians">musicians</keyword> and <keyword id="1792" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="artists">artists</keyword> from all over the globe. So that one may nurture the power of self and live with positive energy. The yoga part of the festival is especially interesting as it will focus on various methods of yoga and <keyword id="6388212" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="meditation">meditation</keyword> – all curated to ensure a better and <keyword id="1968013" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Healthier-living">healthier living</keyword>. Then there will be talks and workshops on <keyword id="639756" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="life-skills">life skills</keyword> and <keyword id="1968014" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Alternative-healing">alternative healing</keyword>. Overall, quite a new concept and could be worth joining. 
When: Dec 21-22 
What it costs: Rs 2,800 per person for participation; day passes available at venue for Rs 1,600 while kids under the age of 12 can attend for free. Event to be held at Bardo, Morjim, in North Goa. 
Image: Zambhala.in 
 
 
 
Melody, masti at <keyword id="1968016" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mt-Abu-Winter-Festival">Mt Abu Winter Festival</keyword> (<keyword id="6355588" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rajasthan">Rajasthan</keyword>) Come December and this hill resort in the heart of Rajasthan pulsates with festive notes. A grand procession marks the beginning, diyas are set floating on the <keyword id="455501" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nakki-Lake">Nakki Lake</keyword> in the evenings and spectacular <keyword id="54214" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Fireworks">fireworks</keyword> light up the night sky. <keyword id="29645" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Performers">Performers</keyword> and <keyword id="6360759" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="artisans">artisans</keyword> from all over the state assemble here, bringing to life the rich culture and traditions of this princely state. Give in to the serene magic of music – the folk, the shehnai and the <keyword id="6401082" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sufi">Sufi</keyword> strains. Or join the Rajasthani dancers with full zest. The thrilling <keyword id="1968020" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Fire-dance">fire dance</keyword> of Bikaner, the graceful <keyword id="1968022" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ghoomer">Ghoomer</keyword> and <keyword id="1968023" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Terahtali">Terahtali</keyword>, the lively <keyword id="1288524" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kalbelia">Kalbelia</keyword> and the fascinating <keyword id="1622221" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gair">Gair</keyword> of Mewar are sure to take your breath away. For the adventurous, there’s a long list of contests – rowing, horse races, tug-of-war, gilli danda, <keyword id="6799761" type="SPORT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kite-flying">kite flying</keyword> and even 20-20 cricket. Shop for exquisite <keyword id="6502685" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Handicraft">handicraft</keyword> and taste the delectable local food to make the most of this colourful carnival. 
When: Dec 29-31 
What it costs: A trip to <keyword id="434732" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mt-Abu">Mt Abu</keyword> suits every budget and starts from Rs 7,000-8,000 per person on twin sharing basis. 
Image: Wikimedia Commons 
 
 
 
The beat of sun, surf &amp; ruins – <keyword id="1968024" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mamallapuram-Dance-Festival">Mamallapuram Dance Festival</keyword> (<keyword id="12864" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Chennai">Chennai</keyword>) If you missed the Konark dance festival in Odisha earlier this month, travel south to the beach town of <keyword id="385028" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mamallapuram">Mamallapuram</keyword> (also known as <keyword id="73041" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mahabalipuram">Mahabalipuram</keyword>), around 60 km south of Chennai, and soak in the <keyword id="1968025" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Open-air-dance-festival">open air dance festival</keyword>. One can never find a more majestic backdrop with the <keyword id="1968028" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Monolithic-rock-sculptures">monolithic rock sculptures</keyword> and temples rising above the golden shore and the endless waves breaking nearby. This ancient port town of the Pallava dynasty hosts a month-long festival that brings to life classical and <keyword id="522230" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="folk-dances">folk dances</keyword> from all over India – <keyword id="14944" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bharatanatyam">Bharatanatyam</keyword>, <keyword id="6386949" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kuchipudi">Kuchipudi</keyword>, <keyword id="255053" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kathakali">Kathakali</keyword>, <keyword id="1300412" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="mohini-attam">Mohini Attam</keyword>, <keyword id="6354459" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Odissi">Odissi</keyword>, <keyword id="210" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kathak">Kathak</keyword> and more. The exact venue is close to <keyword id="1968030" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Arjunas-Penance">Arjuna’s Penance</keyword>, a bass relief sculpted on the face of two gigantic adjacent rocks. While in Mamallapuram, you must visit Cholamadal artists’ village and shop for some exquisite handcrafted items. 
When: Dec 27-Jan 26 
What it costs: Most tour operators offer customised pricing, depending on itinerary and package; may cost around Rs 7,000 per person on twin sharing basis. 
Image: Tamilnadutourism.org 
 
 
 
A symphony of Indian traits – <keyword id="1968032" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Cochin-Carnival">Cochin Carnival</keyword> (Kerala) This is one colourful carnival that calls for fun, feasting and revelry. It’s an age-old event and dates back to the colonial days when the Portuguese held <keyword id="9735" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="new-year-celebrations">New Year celebrations</keyword>. Now it offers loads of <keyword id="1783440" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="carnival-games">carnival games</keyword>, <keyword id="1968033" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Beach-games">beach games</keyword>, races (how about some dirt biking), dancing and fireworks. Locals dress up in <keyword id="1968034" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Fancy-costumes">fancy costumes</keyword> and the grand finale includes a huge procession on New Year’s Day – complete with drum beats, music and embellished elephants. But just like a full-blooded carnival, it has more to offer that attracts thousands of visitors from all over the globe. While the North and <keyword id="1968035" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="South-Indian-folk-dances">South Indian folk dances</keyword> set the stages on fire, a three-month-long <keyword id="1968037" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="International-exhibition-of-contemporary-art">international exhibition of contemporary art</keyword> (they call it <keyword id="1055137" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kochi-Muziris-Biennale">Kochi-Muziris Biennale</keyword>) was also held across the state in 2012-13. So it should be back next December to delight <keyword id="1643" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Art-lovers">art lovers</keyword> and Aspinwall in <keyword id="6361494" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Fort-Kochi">Fort Kochi</keyword> is expected to be the main venue for the second edition. 
When: Dec 25-Jan 1 at Fort Kochi. 
What it costs: A week’s vacation in Kerala may cost around Rs 16,000 per person on twin sharing basis (excluding airfare). 
Image: Keralatourism.org

Seven
Indian Festivals You Must Not Miss This December

The Festival of Light had come and gone, and we certainly hope you enjoyed your Diwali with lights and bangs. But now that it’s over, many of us are already busy on the Web, trying to chalk out some never-before holiday plans. Before you finalise destinations and dates, here’s a look at the most mesmerising train journeys across an incredible India that will keep you spellbound even before you reach the vacation spot. 
 Last month, we brought our readers a list of most <keyword id="1943444" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Scenic-train-rides">scenic train rides</keyword> through the mountains. And this time around, we take you on a <keyword id="6374782" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="journey">journey</keyword> through India’s heartland as the sweeping plains, emerald forests, golden deserts and hilly terrains chug past you at a relaxed pace. Whether you are travelling in 5-star cabins or a rickety carriage, nothing can beat the unique experience these rail rides offer to soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the views and be a part of the untravelled India you have never seen before. 
 
Image: Wikipedia

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