Sangh supports caste census, not divisive use: RSS publicity chief Ambekar india news
Ambekar framed the RSS’s approach to caste through social harmony rather than structural confrontation (file photo)
New Delhi: Drawing a line between politics over welfare and caste data, RSS national publicity chief Sunil Ambekar said the Sangh supports the caste census but opposes its use to “divide the society”, even as he outlined the organisation’s position on key debates ranging from caste reforms and women’s participation to equation with the BJP.In a conversation with TOI, Ambekar framed the RSS’s approach towards caste as one through social harmony rather than structural confrontation. He said, “If mutual affection increases and discrimination ends, even big issues can be resolved. Without harmony, even small issues become big fights.”He said access to temples, cremation grounds, water sources and public places should be open to all, adding that RSS volunteers are engaged at the local level to address such concerns. Pointing to institutions such as Vidya Bharati, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, Ekal Vidyalaya and Seva Bharati as part of a broader outreach network, he said leadership is increasingly emerging from marginalized communities, including women.On women’s participation, Ambekar defended the parallel structure of the Rashtriya Sevika Samiti, saying that it reflected the RSS shakha model. At the same time, they acknowledged the need to expand the role of women, noting that participation in decision-making and outreach is increasing through a coordination mechanism called “women’s relations.” He also flagged off the centenary theme of “Kutumba Prabodhan”, which aims to encourage families to support women’s participation in public life.On caste census, he reiterated that RSS supports it for welfare, but opposes political misuse. “Democracy requires representation, but politics should not pit one community against another,” he said, arguing that social unity could counter divisive mobilization. Despite perceptions of polarization, he said, “on the ground we see unity”, citing gatherings such as the Kumbh and Ram Mandir Abhishek.Addressing the RSS-BJP equation, Ambekar said the Sangh remains a social organization focused on “man-building”, with volunteers working in all fields, including politics. He stressed that the organizations work independently, while describing India’s structure as “society-centric” in contrast to the Western state-centric model. He said that while political parties work within electoral cycles, the RSS works on a long civilizational horizon through “Lokmat Jagran”.On criticism linking Hindu nationalism to democratic backsliding, Ambekar rejected this premise, describing Hindu culture as “united” and rooted in ideas such as “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”. He argued that India’s civilizational ethos enables co-existence and strengthens democracy in a diverse society.On concerns over discrimination against people from the North-East, he said the term “racial discrimination” is incorrect, blaming historical distortions and limited dialogue for past tensions. He said the exchange programs have reduced misunderstandings and called for handling such issues sensitively.On global conflicts, Ambekar said India should be guided by peace and principles, with the government taking decisions based on strategic assessment.
Odisha Chief Minister stressed on forest conservation, expansion of green cover. bhubaneswar news
Bhubaneswar: CM Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday said forests are the foundation of life and livelihood, stressing the need to protect and expand green cover while maintaining a balance between environment and industrialization.Addressing the state-level International Forest Day-2026 function here, Majhi said the aim was to increase public awareness about the importance of forests, conservation and climate change.He said Odisha has emerged as a leading state in forest conservation and green belt creation through effective forest management, large-scale plantation drives and public participation. The Chief Minister said that an increase of 558 sq km has been recorded in the forest and tree area in the state in the last two years.According to him, forests and trees are now spread over 58,597 square kilometres, which is 37.63 per cent of the total geographical area of Odisha. He said that under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, more than 1.49 crore saplings were planted in a single day, while more than 8 crore saplings were planted in a year.Majhi said advances in science and technology have made it possible to pursue industrialization in less space and without harming the environment. He said that environment and industrial development can complement each other if managed with the right balance.Referring to this year’s theme, “Forests and Economy”, the CM said that forests are important not only for ecological security but also for the development of the state and the country. He said Odisha has launched extensive programs to transform forests into a major source of livelihood and called for collective support to strengthen these efforts.Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia said the Center has consistently emphasized on the development of rural and forest-dwelling communities. He said that the department is working to improve the lives and livelihood of people living near forests and creating alternative livelihood opportunities in tribal dominated districts.Chief Secretary Anu Garg said Odisha has set major targets for 2036 and 2047 and aims at economic growth as well as large-scale employment generation. He said the state planned to generate 25 lakh jobs in the tourism sector, in which the forest department was expected to play an important role. He said that forests should be developed not only as an ecological asset but also as an economic asset, with greater focus on green economy.
100+ days, not a single H-1B slot: Indian-American community asks USCIS to stop using Indians as political tool
There have been no regular slots open for H-1B visa stamping in India in more than the last 100 days and no slots are available in 2026 either.
With no solution to the H-1B crisis arising in India due to delays in visa stamping, the Indian-American community expressed its concern and urged USCIS to stop using Indian immigrants as a tool for political propaganda. Siddhartha, an Indian-origin investor and founder of the Indian-American Advocacy Council, said it has been more than 100 days since a single regular H-1B appointment slot has been released in India. There are five consulates in India with zero availability of regular slots for H-1B visa stamping and the opening dates have now been extended to 2027. “Thousands of people are stranded. Families are broken. Careers are destroyed,” the post reads. “They followed every rule. Filed every form. Paid every fee. And the system is punishing them for meeting their parents,” it said.
What is the current status of visa stamping delays in India?
The crisis began in mid-December 2025 when the new H-1B social media verification rule went into effect. With the time of year-end holidays in mind, many Indians traveled back to the country to get their visa stamping updated. Without this stamp, their visa is not invalidated but they cannot re-enter the US. After traveling to India, he was informed that his appointment dates which were in December 2025, have been postponed to March–April 2026. This happened because the consulate reduced the number of appointments per day as they started checking the social media history of visa holders. This led to a backlog of appointments and the entire 2026 appointments were postponed. The latest update on the situation is that there are no dates open for any regular appointments in 2026.Thousands of H-1B visa holders are stuck in India and there is no clear solution to the situation as even the legal departments of US employers are not sure about what to do with their employees stranded in India. Some companies like Amazon have allowed H-1B visa holders stranded in India due to this crisis to work from India, but this unprecedented situation is creating many complications. Many people are at risk of losing their jobs, property leases, etc. in America
डाउन सिंड्रोम: ये बच्चे पहचान और प्यार के पात्र हैं, अगर मौका मिले तो ये अपनी अलग पहचान बनाते हैं – डाउन सिंड्रोम बच्चे पहचान और प्यार के पात्र हैं ऋषिकेश उत्तराखंड समाचार
डाउन सिंड्रोम: ये बच्चे मान्यता और प्यार के पात्र हैं, यदि अवसर दिया जाए तो वे अपनी अलग पहचान बनाते हैं। डाउन सिंड्रोम कोई अभिशाप नहीं है, बल्कि ऐसे बच्चों को थोड़ी अधिक समझ, स्वीकृति, प्यार और समर्थन की जरूरत है। केवल पारिवारिक समर्थन, सामाजिक जुड़ाव और समावेशी शिक्षा ही डाउन सिंड्रोम से पीड़ित बच्चों को वह पहचान दिला सकती है जिसके वे पूरी तरह हकदार हैं।
इंडियन एकेडमी ऑफ पीडियाट्रिक्स के उत्तराखंड सचिव और बाल रोग विशेषज्ञ डॉ. राकेश कुमार का कहना है कि डाउन सिंड्रोम से प्रभावित बच्चे सामान्य बच्चों की तुलना में थोड़ा धीमी गति से सीखते हैं, लेकिन उचित मार्गदर्शन और प्रशिक्षण के साथ वे चलना, बोलना और पढ़ना-लिखना सीखते हैं। इनका स्वभाव अक्सर बहुत स्नेही और मिलनसार होता है, जिसके कारण ये परिवार और समाज में आसानी से घुल-मिल जाते हैं।
डॉ. राकेश ने कहा कि ऐसे बच्चों में हृदय रोग, थायरॉइड और सुनने संबंधी समस्याओं का खतरा अधिक होता है, इसलिए नियमित स्वास्थ्य जांच और देखभाल जरूरी है। अच्छी बात यह है कि आधुनिक चिकित्सा सुविधाओं और बेहतर देखभाल के कारण अब उनकी जीवन प्रत्याशा बढ़कर 50-60 वर्ष या उससे भी अधिक हो गई है। यद्यपि कोई स्थायी इलाज नहीं है, फिजियोथेरेपी, स्पीच थेरेपी और व्यावसायिक थेरेपी जैसे शुरुआती हस्तक्षेप, विशेष रूप से जीवन के पहले छह वर्षों में, विकास में काफी सुधार कर सकते हैं। ये बच्चे सीखने में सक्षम हैं और उचित प्रशिक्षण के बाद साधारण कार्य, सेवा क्षेत्र या यहां तक कि स्वरोजगार में भी योगदान दे सकते हैं, जिससे वे आंशिक या पूर्ण रूप से आत्मनिर्भर जीवन जी सकते हैं।
डाउन सिंड्रोम क्या है?
डॉ. राकेश बताते हैं कि डाउन सिंड्रोम एक आनुवंशिक स्थिति है जो सामान्य 46 के बजाय क्रोमोसोम 21 की एक अतिरिक्त प्रतिलिपि के कारण होती है। यह बच्चे के शारीरिक और मानसिक विकास को प्रभावित करता है, जिससे सीखने में देरी, बौद्धिक विकलांगता और विशिष्ट शारीरिक विशेषताएं (जैसे सपाट चेहरा, झुकी हुई आंखें) होती हैं।
गर्भावस्था के दौरान जांच जरूरी
डॉ. राकेश का कहना है कि पहली तिमाही स्क्रीनिंग, क्वाड्रपल मार्कर टेस्ट और नॉन-इनवेसिव प्रीनेटल स्क्रीनिंग जैसे आधुनिक परीक्षणों के माध्यम से गर्भावस्था के दौरान ही समय रहते इसका आकलन किया जा सकता है। जरूरत पड़ने पर एमनियोसेंटेसिस जैसे टेस्ट के जरिए भी इसकी पुष्टि की जा सकती है।
Controversy over Jinnah, Jammu University constitutes inquiry committee. india news
Jammu: The Vice Chancellor of Jammu University has constituted a high-level committee to examine the syllabus of the Political Science postgraduate course after it was involved in a major controversy over the inclusion of a chapter on the political thought of Pakistan founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah.According to an order issued by the office of the Dean of Academic Affairs, the committee has been tasked to “thoroughly review the issue and submit its report at the earliest”. The panel will be led by Professor Naresh Padha, Department of Physics, and will include heads of the departments of Philosophy, History and Sociology, and directors of the Department of Strategic and Area Studies. Assistant Registrar (Academic Affairs) will function as Member Secretary.ABVP workers had protested in the university on Friday demanding withdrawal of the chapter on Jinnah. The protesters, led by ABVP Jammu and Kashmir secretary Sannak Shrivatsa, raised slogans against the administration and warned that if the material was not taken back they would be “forced to launch a strong democratic movement throughout Jammu and Kashmir”.“Our government should take note that the Department of Political Science at Jammu University has released its syllabus for 2026-2028… and some individuals are being presented as representatives of minorities, including Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Mohammad Ali Jinnah,” Srivatsa said. These are the same individuals who propounded the two-nation theory and played a role in Partition and “teaching about them raises serious concerns”, he said.Srivatsa further said, “We will wait and see what the committee suggests. The university authorities should understand that academic freedom does not mean neglect of national sentiments.”Professor Baljit Singh Mann, head of the department of political science, had on Friday defended the curriculum, saying the inclusion of Jinnah and others is “purely academic” and in line with the curriculum followed by universities across the country as well as UGC norms. He said, “Our aim is to present different viewpoints so that students can assess the merits and demerits and distinguish between right and wrong. This is an academic exercise, not advocacy.”When asked by media persons on Saturday, he said that he had already made his stand clear and stood by what he had said a day earlier.
300 साल पुरानी हवेली बनी गौरैया के लिए सुरक्षित ठिकाना, ‘गौरैया वाली हवेली’ के नाम से मशहूर
उत्तर प्रदेश के बिजनौर जिले के सियोहारा इलाके में स्थित शेखों की 300 साल पुरानी हवेली आज एक खास पहचान बना चुकी है। यह हवेली अब इंसानों से ज्यादा पक्षियों के लिए जानी जाती है और ‘गौरैया वाली हवेली’ के नाम से मशहूर हो गई है। यहां करीब ढाई हजार गौरैया ने अपना बसेरा बना लिया है। ऐसे समय में जब गौरैया विलुप्त होने की कगार पर है, यह हवेली उनके लिए सुरक्षित आश्रय बनकर उभरी है।
पक्षियों के प्रति जिम्मेदारी विरासत में मिली
इस हवेली के मालिक स्वर्गीय अकबर शेख ने इस हवेली को अपने बेटे जमाल शेख को सौंप दिया था। साथ ही हजारों गौरैया की देखभाल की जिम्मेदारी भी दी गई। परिवार में पीढ़ियों से पशु-पक्षियों के प्रति विशेष प्रेम रहा है, जिसका पालन आज भी पूरी ईमानदारी से किया जा रहा है।
परिवार मिलकर देखभाल करता है
आज इस हवेली में फ़राज़ शेख, नौमान शेख और अफसर चौधरी मिलकर गौरैया की देखभाल करते हैं। परिवार ने अपनी दिनचर्या इस तरह तय की है कि कम से कम एक सदस्य हमेशा घर में मौजूद रहे, ताकि पक्षियों को समय पर भोजन और पानी मिल सके।
मौसम के अनुसार सुविधाएं उपलब्ध हैं
परिवार गौरैया के खाने-पीने का खास ख्याल रखता है। उन्हें मौसम के अनुसार उपयुक्त भोजन और पानी दिया जाता है। यही कारण है कि हजारों गौरैया यहां सुरक्षित वातावरण में रह रही हैं और उनकी संख्या भी स्थिर बनी हुई है।
हवेली की बनावट भी अनुकूल है
हवेली के पुराने ढांचे में कोई बदलाव नहीं किया गया है. आंगन में कोई तेज़ रोशनी नहीं है और शोर से बचा जाता है। छत पर लोगों की आवाजाही सीमित है। साथ ही झाड़ियों, घास और तिनके को इस तरह से व्यवस्थित किया गया है कि गौरैया आसानी से अपना घोंसला बना सकें।
गौरैया दिवस पर विशेष आयोजन
हर साल गौरैया दिवस के मौके पर यहां विशेष कार्यक्रम का आयोजन किया जाता है। शाम के समय स्थानीय लोग पक्षियों की चहचहाहट सुनने के लिए एकत्रित होते हैं। इस दिन केक काटकर गौरैया का ‘जन्मदिन’ मनाया जाता है और केक का एक हिस्सा गौरैया के लिए भी रखा जाता है।
हवेली नहीं बेचेंगे, संरक्षण जारी रहेगा
परिवार का कहना है कि यह हवेली उनके बुजुर्गों की अमानत है। वे इसे कभी नहीं बेचेंगे और न ही गौरैया के इस आशियाने को उजड़ने देंगे। उन्होंने सरकार से भी सहयोग की अपील की है, ताकि इस संरक्षण कार्य को और आगे बढ़ाया जा सके.
Pierre Poilievre shuts down Trump’s Canada 51st state joke on Joe Rogan show; Say Alberta will never secede
Pierre Poilievre appeared on the Joe Rogan show and refused to criticize Mark Carney on foreign soil.
Canadian Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre appeared on the latest episode of the Joe Rogan Podcast and talked about tariffs, Prime Minister Mark Carney and the former prime minister’s conspiracy theories. justin trudeau He was the son of Fidel Castro. He also rejected President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Canada should become the 51st US state. Poilievre said he agreed to speak on the podcast about U.S. tariffs on Canada. “We are very proud that we are Canadians so we will never become the 51st state,” Poilievre said. “I just want him (Trump) to end that nonsense so we can talk about things we can do as two different countries that are actually friends.” Rogan also agreed with Poilievre and said that the Canada joke was “a crazy thing to say”. Poilievre said U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods are making life more expensive for Americans. “We should remove the tariffs because if we get rid of those tariffs, we can do a lot more together as neighbors and partners,” Poilievre said.The Canadian opposition leader indicated cordial relations with Carney and said he has been in touch with Carney as he visits the US this week. “Even during my visit, I’m texting him to let him know what’s going on, trying to support his work because we both want what’s best for Canada,” Poilievre said.He also refused to criticize Carney and said he would not criticize him on foreign soil. As Rogan, during their conversation, called Fidel Castro “Justin’s father”, Poilievre rejected this and said that Justin Trudeau’s father was another Pierre – Pierre Trudeau. On the thorny issue of Alberta’s possible referendum and Alberta’s desire to secede from Canada, Poilievre said that would never happen.
‘Cyprus security fundamental to Britain’: Keir Starmer says Cyprus bases will not be used for Iran attacks
File photo: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (Picture courtesy: AP)
Britain has assured Cyprus that its military bases on the island will not be used for aggressive action in the Iran conflict, even as London strengthened protective measures around the Republic of Cyprus amid regional tensions.The assurance was given during a phone call between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Cypriot President Nicos Christodoulides, according to news agency Reuters, and was revealed by the Cyprus government later on Saturday.
Starmer reassures Cyprus on base use
In a written statement, a Cypriot government spokesman said Starmer underlined Britain’s commitment to the security of Cyprus, while making clear that Britain’s sovereign bases would not be used for offensive military action.According to Reuters, the spokesperson said, “The British Prime Minister reiterated… that the security of the Republic of Cyprus is fundamental to the United Kingdom and to this end, it has been decided to enhance the means that contribute to the deterrent measures already in place.”“Finally, the Prime Minister reiterated that British bases in Cyprus will not be used for any offensive military operations,” the statement said.Britain retained sovereignty over two military bases in Cyprus when the island gained independence in 1960.
Security focus after drone incident in Akrotiri
The assurance comes after the recent security crisis involving one of Britain’s key facilities in Cyprus.An Iranian-type Shaheed drone attacked the UK’s Akrotiri airbase in southern Cyprus on March 2, causing minor damage.Two more drones were later intercepted, and there have been no further known safety incidents since then.The drone incident had raised concerns about whether British assets based in Cyprus could become more deeply entangled in the wider regional conflict, particularly given the island’s strategic location in the eastern Mediterranean.
Britain still allowing limited ‘defensive’ use of other bases
While London has ruled out offensive use of its Cyprus bases, Britain has separately allowed the United States limited access to other UK-controlled facilities for what it describes as defensive operations.A UK official source confirmed on Saturday that Iran “failed” to target the joint UK-US military base in Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, after the Wall Street Journal reported that Tehran fired two ballistic missiles at the base, according to news agency AFP.Britain announced on Friday it would allow Washington to use Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford in south-west England to attack Iranian “missile sites and capabilities being used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz”.“This government has given the US permission to use British bases for specific and limited defensive operations,” AFP quoted a UK Defense Ministry spokesman as saying.This gap appears to be at the heart of London’s current situation. The Cyprus bases will not be used for offensive action, while some other UK facilities may be used in narrowly defined operations aimed at maritime security and protecting allied assets.
Iran warns Britain over base access
The issue of British bases has become increasingly sensitive as Tehran has stepped up its warnings to countries that assist the US.Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told his British counterpart Yvette Cooper in a phone call on Thursday that any US use of British bases would be considered “participation in aggression”, according to Iran’s Foreign Ministry.In response, Cooper warned Araghchi “against directly targeting UK bases, territory or interests”, AFP said, citing a statement from the UK Foreign Office.The effort to target Diego Garcia came before the UK announced base access on Friday, suggesting Iran is already signaling that British-linked military infrastructure may be considered fair game if it feels London is supporting Washington.
उत्तराखंड: धामी मंत्रिमंडल में हरिद्वार जिले से दो कैबिनेट मंत्रियों को 2022 में कम सीटें मिलीं उत्तराखंड समाचार
2022 के चुनाव में जिले की आठ विधानसभा सीटों पर मिली हार को भाजपा ने गंभीरता से लिया है। इसका संकेत पहले गृह मंत्री अमित शाह की रैली और फिर धामी कैबिनेट विस्तार में दो विधायकों को मंत्री बनाना है. इसके अलावा जिले के सात दर्जाधारियों को जिम्मेवारी सौंप कर हारी हुई सीटों को जीतने की तैयारी शुरू कर दी गयी है.
हरिद्वार नगर से पांच बार विधायक रहे मदन कौशिक को चुनावी बिसात बिछाने में महारत हासिल है। तीन बार के विधायक प्रदीप बत्रा भी पैठ बनाने में माहिर हैं। मदन कौशिक के जरिए मैदानी इलाकों और ब्राह्मण वोटरों को साधा जाएगा और प्रदीप बत्रा के जरिए रूड़की से सटे इलाकों और व्यापारी वर्ग को साधा जाएगा.
भाजपा ने सात दर्जाधारियों को जगह देकर यह साफ कर दिया है कि 2027 के चुनाव में जिले का राजनीतिक समीकरण बदलना है. इन दर्जाधारियों में ओमप्रकाश जमदग्नि, डॉ. जयपाल सिंह, सुनील सैनी, शोभाराम प्रजापति, श्यामवीर सैनी, देशराज कर्णवाल और अजीत कुमार पहले से ही अपने क्षेत्र में सक्रिय हैं। अब दो मंत्री हरिद्वार और रूड़की के आठ विधानसभा क्षेत्रों में पार्टी को पुनर्जीवित करने का काम करेंगे।
वर्ष 2017 में आठ सीटें थीं, 22 में से तीन बची हैं।
वर्ष 2012 में भाजपा को जिले में पांच सीटें मिली थीं। इसके बाद साल 2017 में ये बढ़कर आठ सीटें हो गईं लेकिन साल 2022 में इसे बड़ा झटका लगा और सिर्फ तीन सीटें रह गईं. कांग्रेस ने छह सीटें जीतीं, बसपा ने दो सीटें जीतीं और खानपुर से निर्दलीय उमेश कुमार जीते। इसके बाद मैंगलोर सीट पर हुए उपचुनाव में बीएसपी हार गई और सीट कांग्रेस के खाते में चली गई. सत्ता में रहते हुए उपचुनाव हारना भी बीजेपी के लिए बड़ा झटका था. यहीं से संगठन और सरकार ने हरिद्वार में खोई जमीन वापस पाने का निर्णय लिया।
Power distribution companies in Delhi, Noida emerge among top performing companies in government survey. india news
New Delhi: Power distribution companies in Mumbai, Delhi and Noida emerged as the top performing companies in 2024-25 among all power utilities surveyed by the power ministry.Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd (AEML) in the capital, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd (TPDDL) and Noida Power Company Ltd (NPCL) in Uttar Pradesh topped the distribution utility rankings. South Gujarat Vij Company Limited and Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport stood fourth and fifth respectively.Delhi’s three power utilities – BSES Rajdhani, BSES Yamuna and TPDDL – topped the discoms’ consumer service ratings, followed by Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd and Tata Power Company Ltd (Maharashtra).Both the reports were released at the India Electricity Summit 2026 on Friday.Although there are 76 government and private power discoms in the country, 66 were evaluated for the two surveys as the remaining 10 failed to submit the required documents. For the CSRD report, discoms were classified into six different categories based on customer feedback. Discoms were evaluated on four parameters: operational reliability; Metering, Billing and Collections; fault rectification and grievance redressal; and connections and other services.The performance of six discoms was classified as A+, 21 as A category and 27 as B+. While 10 were placed in B category, one each was placed in C+ and C categories. No discom was classified as D in the rating.“The objective of this tiered grading is to encourage healthy competition and continuous improvement in service quality,” the government said in a statement.Officials said the CSRD report aims to formulate a comprehensive strategy to enhance consumer satisfaction and promote inter-disciplinary learning. “It examines a range of consumer-centric services, uses the service standards of the electricity rules to assess discoms in key sectors, and monitors and evaluates compliance and implementation of these rules,” an official said.For the Distribution Utilities Ranking Report, a comprehensive and objective assessment of the performance of power distribution utilities was conducted using a multi-dimensional assessment framework including institutional capacity, financial stability, operational efficiency and service delivery outcomes.Officials said the survey is conducted every year and the past performance of discoms is also taken into account while preparing the final rankings. The report shows where the discoms stood in the last assessment, whether their performance had improved, and by how many places these utilities jumped or slipped compared to the previous survey.