Month: June 2021

How Change Of Guard In Iran Impacts Geopolitics

By Asad Mirza

Iranians have elected the so-called hardliner Ebrahim Raisi, 60 the county’s new President. Conservative judiciary head Raisi will take office in early August, replacing moderate President Hassan Rouhani, who was not allowed by the constitution to run for a third consecutive term. Raisi’s election marks a consolidation of power by the conservatives and hardliners which already controls the parliament

Raisi won 61.95 per cent of the vote in Friday’s (18 June) election on a voter turnout of 48.8 per cent, defeating Mohsen Rezaei, Abdolnasswer Hemmati and Amir Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi.

Who is Raisi?

Raisi a religious scholar, wears a black turban to signify he is a descendent of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and is also seen as the country’s next supreme leader.

Raisi has become the first Iranian president to be sanctioned by the United States even before assuming office as he was designated in 2019. The US blacklisted him for his role in the mass execution of political prisoners in 1988, his involvement in the crackdown on the 2009 Green Movement protests.

Raisi grew up in the north-eastern city of Mashhad. He attended the seminary in Qom and studied under some of Iran’s most prominent Muslim scholars, including Ali Hosseini Khamenei. Later he became a prosecutor for several regions before moving to the capital Tehran in 1985 after being appointed deputy prosecutor.

In March 2016 he was appointed as the custodian of the Astan-e Quds Razavi, the influential shrine of Imam Reza, where he controlled billions of dollars in assets.

Economy in Crisis

Raisi has promised to improve Iran’s economy that is ailing under US sanctions andthe coronavirus pandemic that has exacerbated decades-long inefficient administration.

The economy has always played a key role in the Iranian elections and it was high on the agenda of every candidate. Due to the precarious economic situation, Iran is now in one of its most critical phases since the 1979 revolution.

When the government arbitrarily increased the price of petrol in November 2019, thousands of people took to the streets in more than 100 cities.

According to Amnesty International, within a few days more than 300 unarmed protesters were killed by security forces. Protesters demanded the resignation of members of Iran’s ruling elite and the government.

Nuclear Agreement

European parties to the 2015 nuclear agreement, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), have been working to restore the pact after it was left in tatters by Donald Trump’s decision to unilaterally withdraw the United States from it in May 2018. France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the EU sought to mitigate the effect of punishing economic sanctions reapplied on Tehran after Washington’s exit, but had limited success. Iran meanwhile ramped up its non-compliance with the agreement.

But US President Joe Biden’s bid to resurrect the agreement and even extend its terms have buoyed hopes for a revival of the deal. Tehran wants Washington to make the first move by lifting sanctions and Iran is against expanding the initial agreement, which put curbs on Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief.

Despite previously opposing Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, Raisi said during the presidential debates earlier this month that he will uphold the landmark accord as any other state commitment. He did, however, point out that he would form a “strong” government to steer the agreement in the right direction.

Relations With The US

Joe Biden assuming the US presidency in January 2021 US raised the prospect of reviving diplomatic negotiations with Iran, after soaring tensions under his predecessor Trump. Though most hardliners within Iran’s political establishment regard talks with the US as pointless, the reformists and centrists are in its favour. Raisi has however promised that he would form a “strong” government to steer the agreement in the right direction.

Iranian reformists and centrists elements also support joining international anti-money laundering organisations such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), reconciliation with regional rival Saudi Arabia, and reducing rhetorical aggression towards Iran’s arch-foe Israel. Such measures may significantly reduce friction in the region and also create an opportunity to revive Iran’s ailing economy.

However, as the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, determines the overall policies of the Islamic Republic, including its foreign policy, normalising relations with the US or recognising Israel, as a state seems currently unthinkable.

Ties With Russia

Iran’s ties with Russia seem unlikely to be affected by the new president. However, a leap towards conservatism could see Iran further consolidate ties with Moscow.

Such a move could lead to a further chill in Tehran’s relations with key European powers such as the UK, France and Germany, given their simmering tensions with Moscow over a range of issues.

Iran and European Nations

The result of Friday’s election may influence the extent to which Iran and European powers clash or cooperate on efforts to end conflicts in which they are involved.

Raisi’s win could see Tehran mounting up the pressure on its regional rivals – Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates – and their European allies with shows of force from its proxy fighters in Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan.

In Iraq, too, a victory for Raisi could see Iran-backed militias escalate their targeting of US forces, weakening the prospects of cooperation between Tehran and Washington’s European allies.

India and Iran

For India, the success of Chabahar port—its biggest project in Iran—is important and for that the revival of the economy is vital.

For the port to become successful operationally trade is essential. For that to happen easing of sanctions against Iran is necessary. This year too India has budgeted Rs 100 crores for the development of Chabahar to demonstrate its commitment to the project. For India Chabahar is also important to improve connectivity with Afghanistan. Easing of US sanctions may revive the hopes for the project.

A government under Raisi will certainly be more conservative and may have greater curbs on the society. His hardline stance will also have an impact on situation in West Asia, and he may play a role in forming an anti-Western alliance with China and Russia.

(Asad Mirza is a political commentator based in New Delhi. He writes on issues related to Muslims, education, geopolitics and interfaith)

India Scripts World Record, Vaccinates 80 Lakh In A Day

By LokMarg

India on Monday administered more than 80 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses. This is the highest single-day number of jabs in the world. Thus India has vaccinated roughly the population of Israel or twice the population of New Zealand in a single day.

“Today’s record-breaking vaccination numbers are gladdening. The vaccine remains our strongest weapon to fight COVID-19. Congratulations to those who got vaccinated and kudos to all the front-line warriors working hard to ensure so many citizens got the vaccine. Well done India!” tweeted Prime Minister on the occasion.

This has been driven by the efficient model of centralised model of vaccination along with ground-level efforts by state governments.

NDA ruled states performed outstandingly in ramping up vaccination numbers, accounting for around 70 per cent of all vaccinations done on Monday.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan had strived to achieve a big target today, which the state did by vaccinating around 15 lakh people.

Similarly, Karnataka vaccinated more than 10 lakh people. UP, Gujarat, Haryana were other leaders who vaccinated around 5 lakh people each.

A stark contrast was visible with the lacklustre performance of opposition-ruled states.

Punjab, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Delhi on the other hand were not able to cross even 1 lakh vaccinations.

Punjab, Chhattisgarh and Delhi each have been given indicated availability of around 8 lakh vaccines till the end of this month.

Anti-CAA Women Activists of Lucknow

‘Courage Of Narwal-Kalita Gives Anti-CAA Activists Hope’

By LokMarg

Salman Ahmad, 30, an advocate at Lucknow Civil Court, says he was amazed at the spirit of Pinjra Tod activists on their release from jail. Khan sees similar resolve in anti-CAA women activists of Lucknow

I am so happy that finally Natasha Narwal, Devangana Kalita and Asif Iqbal Tanha have been released on bail. It was an uphill fight, but I am glad they have come out of jail for now. I am just mesmerised at the courage these people have shown, especially the women.

The moment I saw the news clip of Natasha Narwal laughing after just coming out of jail and not deterred one bit, I was like: Inki himmat me koi kami nahi aayi; chehre pe ab bhi hansi barkarar hai. Aisa lag raha hai ye to Sarkar ko chidha rahi hain (She looks spirited; her smile/laughter is intact and it seems as if she is cocking a snook at the government that they couldn’t break her spirit even in jail.

I have seen similar steely resolve in the women of Lucknow; the women who spearheaded the anti-CAA and anti-NRC movement at Ghantaghar. I had been following the news about CAA-NRC right from the beginning and have been involved with its Lucknow chapter, so to speak, right since its inception.

Lawyer community holds protests against Citizenship Act in Lucknow

I myself was a part of the CAA- NRC protests and have helped a lot of people in getting timely bail when they faced similar police harassment. In fact, the police filed two-three FIRs against me as well but I was undeterred. Even my whole family and the families of friends and colleagues registered their protest. We know these are momentous times and anything can be used against anyone who shows the courage to question the government.

Women don’t speak up in the beginning or fight unnecessarily, so if the women are out in the streets and unafraid to go to jail for what they consider right, just and truthful, the government should sit up and take notice. When women put things at stake, it means they are ready to give it their all.

ALSO READ: ‘FIRs, Arrests Can’t Break the Spirit of Dissent’

We can see through the divide and rule policy of the government, but I believe it’s not going to work. Because this time the people also know that they have to take a stand. During January-February last year, many of us took an accommodation near the protest site and did all that was possible in aiding other supporters and we wouldn’t even go home for many days at a stretch. Even at the cost of our own personal safety we have visited police stations after police stations to show our support in the release of common people. As an advocate it is my duty to see that the law is not misused.

CAA-NRC provisions have touched a raw nerve and people have realised that their very existence is at stake. It is the people of India who are holding it together with love, otherwise look at what hatred between communities and a breakdown in communication did to Myanmar. I wouldn’t say that there was no mistrust between communities before this government came in; it was there, but it was a side thing. But with this government it is the main agenda. Many people holding top position in important institutions have been known to have biased views regarding things.

Anti-CAA protest in Lucknow

I hope things get better soon and the government understands the concerns of the people and not just try to put those asking questions in jail. We need to talk to each other. The powers that are need to take people into consideration.

Sonia Calls Meet Of AICC, State In-Charges On June 24

By LokMarg

Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi has called a meeting of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) on June 24.

AICC general secretaries and state in-charges have been invited for the meeting scheduled to be held via video-conferencing. According to sources, the Congress President wants to discuss the current politicial situation.

Meanwhile, Congress leader and Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh is likely to meet members of an AICC panel on June 22 in a fresh attempt by the party leadership to find an acceptable formula to end factionalism in the state unit, ahead of assembly polls next year.

The Punjab chief minister had in early June met the three-member panel, constituted in the wake of a rift between factions loyal to Amarinder Singh and Navjot Singh Siddhu.

The committee had met party MLAs, MPs and other leaders after which the panel members had submitted a report to party chief Sonia Gandhi.

The three-member panel chaired by Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and comprising AICC general secretary in-charge of Punjab affairs Harish Rawat and former MP JP Aggarwal, has met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi twice after submitting their report.

A senior leader told ANI on condition of anonymity that Rahul Gandhi has not disclosed anything about the decision which leadership wants to take.

Sources close to the Chief Minister said the upcoming meeting is aimed at finding a solution acceptable to him concerning various issues.

An important sticking point apparently is the suitable accommodation of Navjot Singh Sidhu, with whom Captain Amarinder Singh has had differences. The Punjab Chief Minister may also meet Sonia Gandhi.

Sources said that Rahul Gandhi is monitoring the developments but the party high command has not yet opened its cards.

They said Sonia Gandhi wants the committee to come up with a formula that is acceptable to all leaders.

The most important decision pertains to that of the state Congress chief. There is also a possibility of the appointment of Deputy Chief Minister and finalising various election-related committees. (ANI)

Maharashtra Reports 7,998 Black Fungus Cases So Far

By LokMarg

As many as 7,998 cases of black fungus have been reported so far and 729 people have succumbed to the disease in Maharashtra, according to the State Health Department’s data on Monday.

Of these, 4,398 patients are currently under treatment for the disease.
The maximum number of black fungus cases were reported in Nagpur (1,296), Pune (1,187) and Aurangabad (940).

Recently, the state government has put a cap on the rates for treatment of mucormycosis or black fungus, at private hospitals.

Mucormycosis or black fungus is a complication caused by a fungal infection. People catch mucormycosis by coming in contact with the fungal spores in the environment. It can also develop on the skin after the fungus enters the skin through a cut, scrape, burn, or other types of skin trauma, as per the Union Health Ministry.

The disease is being detected among patients who are recovering or have recovered from COVID-19. Moreover, anyone who is diabetic and whose immune system is not functioning well needs to be on the guard against this.

Looking at the rising cases of Mucormycosis or ‘black fungus’, the Union Health Ministry had last month said the availability of Amphotericin-B, the key drug to treat the deadly disease, is now being increased and the ministry is in touch with five additional manufacturers.

Several states including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana and Tamil Nadu have declared it a ‘notifiable’ disease under the Epidemic Diseases Act, thereby making it mandatory to report every Mucormycosis case to the state government. (ANI)

Pakistan Prime Minister

If Women Wear Less Clothes, It’ll Have Consequences: Imran

By LokMarg

Barely two months after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s comments on sexual violence drew severe backlash, he again invited trouble by suggesting that avoiding “temptation in society” is the way to prevent sexual violence against women.

In April, during a question and answer session with the public, Khan had said that the rise in sexual violence in Pakistan, particularly against children, was caused due to “fahashi” (vulgarity).

Defending his earlier remarks, Khan in an interview with Axios’ on HBO said, “…I said the concept of ‘purdah’. Avoid temptation in society. We don’t have discos here, we don’t have nightclubs. It is a completely different society way of life here. So if you raise temptation in society to a point — all these young guys have nowhere to go — it has a consequence in the society.”

Answering a question if the woman’s clothes can provoke sexual violence, Khan said, “If a woman is wearing very few clothes it will have an impact on the men unless they are robots. It’s common sense.”

When further prodded, he added, “It depends which society you live in. If in a society people have not seen that sort of thing, it will have an impact on them.”

Calling Imran Khan a “sick, misogynistic, degenerate”, Pakistan Muslim League (PML) spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb came down heavily on the Pakistan Prime Minister.

“The world got an insight into a mindset of a sick, misogynistic, degenerate & derelict IK. It is not women’s choices that lead to sexual assault rather the choices of men who choose to engage in this dispicable and vile crime,” Aurangzeb tweeted.

“Maybe the misogynist, degenerate can defend Paedophiles and murderers, as he advocates for rapist, after all, men cannot be expected to control temptation. Just FYI Mr degenerate, self-control is a little thing upon which Allah places a great premium,” she added.

Official statistics in Pakistan have revealed that at least 11 rape incidents are reported in the country every day, with over 22,000 cases reported to the police in the last six years.

However, only 77 of the accused have been convicted which comprises 0.3 per cent of the total figure, reported Geo News. (ANI)

Milkha Singh: As We Knew Him

By Lt Gen Ike Singha

Milkha Singh, the Flying Sikh, passed away at the age of 91 on night 18/19 July in City Beautiful due to the deadly pandemic COVID-19 whom he had been bravely fighting for the last few weeks. His wife Nirmal Milkha Singh, another accomplished sports person of India, who had led the Indian volleyball team in her younger days was also the victim of the same pandemic a week back. The legendary couple was the epitome of the spirit of Chandigarh which is a unique, young, vibrant and happening city. For the Tricity, passing away of a highly motivating couple almost simultaneously, marks an end of an era.

Milkha Singh rose to become an international sportsman and a legendary figure after overcoming lots of obstacles. He was a survivor of the violence that erupted after the partition in 1947 which engulfed his entire family. Determined to make it on his own, he joined the Indian Army as a soldier and his talent and potential was spotted by some vigilant eyes of the senior instructors who watched his stride when he ran in the platoon group as a recruit during morning and evening physical exercises. Rest was history. He was named as the Flying Sikh during the Common Wealth Games by the chief host of the games, General Ayub Khan, the President of Pakistan. He was the first Indian Athlete to have secured fourth position in an individual position in Olympics and the first four athletes broke the world record!

My tryst with Milkha Singh started as late as 2016 when I retired from the Indian Army and settled in the Tricity. I would meet him on the Chandigarh Golf Club at least once a week and greet him as was customary amongst the club members. Sometimes after playing the front nine holes, we would come across him in the restaurant before playing the return nine. I always found him to be warm, alert and inspiring. At so many occasions, I found him practising alone after or before a round. He walked fast and had an erect body, deceiving his 90 years of age.

Wall of Fame at Milkha Singh’s residence in Tri-City

On enumerable occasions, he would tell me, “General Sahib, I have great regards for the Indian Army who has given me everything from name to fame. I shall always remain indebted to the Indian Army.” This showed the depth of the character and humility that this great soul had. He has been a motivating factor for the youth of the country for decades till his very last moment.

When I told my wife Baljeet, for the first time, that I met Milkha Singh in the golf course, she was blown away and immediately dug out her old black and white sports album. She had played basketball for Punjab and represented the state at the nationals for seven times. There were pictures of her getting a prize from Milkha Singh. In another picture, she as the captain of the university team was introducing her team to the chief guest, Director of Sports, Milkha Singh. She recalled that Milkha Singh would always show up at their sports camps and was a favourite of all athletes. He would always be surrounded by the youngsters wanting to hear his anecdotes.

ALSO READ: Biopics — Real Life Stories Retold

A few months back we were sitting in the gazebo in the golf club when I greeted him. He asked me, “General Sahib, how do you spend your time after retirement besides playing golf?” I told him that I was working as a director with a cyber security company by the name of TAC Security which was founded by Trishneet Arora, a school dropout at the age of 19. He was quite intrigued and asked me how exactly we operated. I told him that we penetrate and test applications, with the prior permission of the owner or the company, for any vulnerabilities; and once we find them, we plug them. He was so inquisitive and interested at the age of 90 because he always wanted to remain relevant and upgraded his knowledge to be able to communicate with the younger generation.

Some weeks later, I again bumped into him and we got into a conversation which I always cherished. I told him that we had started a new subsidiary company to cover sports events which was called “Liberal Sports.” I quickly added that we had done features on Yuvraj and Rannvijay and he will be the next sportsman to be interviewed by the company. He immediately told me, “Anything for the Indian Army”.

Shortly thereafter, we got in touch with his manager and were invited to his house at 2 PM. I made it a point to emphasise to the media team that they couldn’t be late. Therefore, we collected them at 1 PM at the golf course and we reached his home and rang the bell exactly at 2 PM. Milkha Singha was immaculately dressed and sitting at the dining table with his wife. He was impressed that we were dot on time and took me to the two walls where I saw some rare pictures of his with very prominent national and international persons.

Milkha Singh flanked by hockey legend Dhyanchand (left) and Dara Singh

The photograph that appealed to me most was that of the trio, Dhyan Chand, Milkha Singh and Dara Singh. We were offered steaming hot coffee on a cold day and the interview would, probably, be the last one of the legendary athlete.

India has contemporary athletes who have achieved much greater heights but Milkha Singh would always remain a ray of hope and a beacon for all budding sportsmen of the country for decades to come. I am reminded of the quote used by Mac Arthur the junior, “old soldiers never die, they just fade away”. Milkha Singh may fade away as an old soldier, but his achievements in sports field will forever continue to motivate young India.

Centre To SC: Covid Death Toll 3,85,000; May Rise

By LokMarg

The Central government, in an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, said that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused more than 3,85,000 deaths, a number which is likely to increase further.

The Centre filed the affidavit before the Supreme Court while responding to the notice issued by the Apex Court on petitions filed by lawyers, Reepak Kansal and Gaurav Bansal, seeking immediate, necessary, effective and appropriate directions and orders to the concerned authorities, including the Central Government, to pay financial help or ex gratia amount of Rs 4 lakh, as laid down by the Central government in its statut to the family members of the deceased, who succumbed to Covid-19 pandemic.

“COVID-19 pandemic has caused more than 3,85,000 deaths, a number which is likely to increase further,” the Centre in its affidavit said.

The Centre said that it exceeded the number of deaths in any other natural disaster in the past, in the country.

“These deaths have affected families from all classes – the rich and poor, professionals and informal workers, and trader and farmers. The Government is fully conscious of the need to provide them the necessary help and support. However, it is not correct to state that such support could be provided only through ex-gratia assistance for those who have died,” the Centre said, in its affidavit filed before the Supreme Court.

“In the current context of the pandemic, it would be a rather pedantic and narrow approach. A broader approach, which involves health interventions, social protection, and economic recovery for the affected communities, would be a more prudent, responsible, and sustainable approach,” read the affidavit.

It further said that globally, the Governments in other countries too have followed this approach, and have announced interventions that provide fiscal stimulus. The Government of India has followed a similar approach, the affidavit said.

“In the case of various disasters, for which such ex gratia is provided under SDRF norms, the disaster is of a short and finite duration, occurring and ending quickly. Covid-19, on the other hand, is a global pandemic, which has affected all the countries in the world. Within our country, it has affected all the States / Union Territories, which have experienced several waves of Covid-19 cases,” the Central government said.

“There is no precedent of giving ex-gratia for an ongoing disease or for any disaster event of long duration, extending for several months or years. In fact, granting ex-gratia for one disease, while denying the same for those accounting for larger share of mortality, would not be fair or proper,” it said.

“It would create unfairness and invidious discrimination between persons suffering from one disease and those suffering from another. Further, unlike floods, earthquake, cyclone, etc., during the present COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of crores of rupees have been spent by Central Government and State Governments on prevention, testing, treatment, quarantine, hospitalization, medicines and vaccination etc and it is still continuing,” read the affidavit.

The Centre said that it is not known that how much more is required.

“Thus, Central and State Governments are taking all possible measures to prevent and prepare for future waves of COVID-19. Thereby the prayer of the petitioner for payment of ex-gratia to all deceased persons due to COVID-19, is beyond the fiscal affordability of the State Governments,” the government said, adding that already the finances of the Central and state Governments are under severe strain, due to the reduction in tax revenues and increase in health expenses on account of the pandemic.

“Thus, utilisation of scarce resources for giving ex-gratia, may have unfortunate consequences of affecting the pandemic response and health expenditure in other aspects and hence cause more damage than good,” the Central government said, in its affidavit, a copy accessed by ANI, filed before the Supreme Court, revealed.

It is an unfortunate but important fact that the resources of the Govts have limits and any additional burden through ex-gratia will reduce the funds available for other health and welfare schemes, the UOI said.

The Centre further said that under the Disaster Management (DM) Act, 2005, Section 12, it is the “National Authority” which is empowered to recommend guidelines for the minimum standards of relief, including ex-gratia assistance.

“This is the function entrusted to the Authority by the law passed by the Parliament. It is well settled through numerous judgements of the Supreme Court that this is a matter which should be performed by the authority, to whom it has been entrusted and not one where the Court will substitute its own judgement for the decision to be taken by the Executive,” the Central government said.

“Any attempt to second guess may create unintended and unfortunate Constitutional and administrative ramifications. It may also be noted that the term ‘Ex-Gratia’ itself connotes that the amount is not based on legal entitlement,” it said. (ANI)

‘Islamic System’ Can Bring Peace In Afghanistan: Taliban

By LokMarg

Amid the unrelenting violence in Afghanistan, the Taliban has said it remains committed to peace talks and wants a “genuine Islamic system” that would make provisions for women’s rights in line with cultural traditions and religious rules, in the war-torn country.

The statement amid a dramatic surge in violence around the country ahead of the withdrawal of US troops by the September 11 deadline, Turkish public broadcaster (TRT) reported. Taliban has increased its spring offensive and attempted to siege more areas.
“We understand that the world and Afghans have queries and questions about the form of the system to be established following the withdrawal of foreign troops,” said Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the head of the Taliban’s political office, in the statement.

“A genuine Islamic system is the best means for solution of all issues of the Afghans,” he said. “Our very participation in the negotiations and its support on our part indicates openly that we believe in resolving issues through (mutual) understanding.”

Ghani added that women and minorities would be protected under the religion of Islam and traditions of the Afghan society.

“We take it on ourselves as a commitment to accommodate all rights of citizens of our country, whether they are male or female, in the light of the rules of the glorious religion of Islam and the noble traditions of the Afghan society,” he said.

On Saturday, Abdul Ghani and his delegation met with Tomas Niklasson, EU Special Envoy and his delegation in Doha. They discussed the ongoing situation of Afghanistan and the peace process.

Meanwhile, the Afghan government has appointed two new key security ministers amid growing insurgency and conflicts in the war-torn country.

“In accordance with separate decrees from the Presidential Office, General Bismillah Khan Mohammadi has been appointed as acting Minister of Defense and General Abdul Satar Mirzakwal as acting Interior Minister,” the Administrative Office of the Presidential Palace said in a statement on Saturday.

The changes in security positions came after increasing violence in Afghanistan since the start of the US-led forces pull out from Afghanistan on May 1.

Taliban has claimed to capture more than 40 districts over the past month. According to Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, five districts have been overrun by the militant group just over the past week.

Afghan Security officials, without confirming the fall of districts, said: “the government forces have made tactical retreat” and would soon launch counter-attacks to regain the districts. (ANI)

Katrina Kaif Shares ‘Sunday Selfie’

By LokMarg

Bollywood star Katrina Kaif, who is an avid social media user and often treats her fans by sharing stunning pictures of her, on Sunday posted a selfie of her chilling at home.

The ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’ actor took to her Instagram handle and shared a beautiful self-portrait of her along with the caption, “chill from home.”
In the photo, Katrina could be seen sporting a blue outfit while looking flawlessly gorgeous in her no-makeup look.

The post from the 37-year-old actor garnered more than four lakh likes within an hour of being shared on social media.

Meanwhile, on the film front, reportedly, Katrina is all set to shoot for the highly anticipated third installment of the blockbuster ‘Tiger’ franchise alongside superstar Salman Khan.

With the orders of the unlock issued by the Maharashtra government, the Film and TV industry has been allowed to commence shooting with the time limit of 5 pm in a bio bubble. Certain restricted areas are expected to slowly open up and that is when the actor will be joining the team of ‘Tiger 3’.

She will also be seen sharing screen space with actor Akshay Kumar in Rohit Shetty’s cop drama ‘Sooryavanshi’, which was supposed to release last year. It got delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The actor also has ‘Phone Bhoot’ co-starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Ishaan Khattar in the pipeline. (ANI)