Month: July 2021

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday requested noted lyricist-poet Javed Akhtar to write a song on “Khela Hobe,” her poll slogan.

Akhtar and actor Shabana Azmi today met Banerjee who is on a four-day visit to Delhi.
After meeting Banerjee, the poet said there should be a parivartan (change) in the country and it is the history of Bengal that the state had led the revolutionary movements.

Briefing mediapersons after his meeting Akhtar said, “It was a courteous meeting. This is the history of Bengal that it had led the revolutionary movements. Artists and intellectuals of Bengal support Mamata ji. We congratulated her on her victory. We are grateful to Mamata ji for her support in the amendment in the Royalty Bill so that music composers, songwriters, lyricists can be benefitted from the royalty.”

“I believe there should be a change. There are so many tensions in the country right now…There is the issue of polarisation. Many give aggressive statements… There are incidents of violence. It is a matter of shame that Delhi witnessed communal riots,” added the lyricist.

Asked whether Mamata Banerjee should lead from the front, Akhtar said, “In our little conversation, she never said that leadership is her priority. She believes that she wants a parivartan. Earlier she fought for Bengal and now she wants to fight for a change in India. Who will lead the country is not important but how the Hindustan will be that is most important. Democrarcy is dynamic and constant in process.”

Regarding the ‘Khela Hobe’ slogan and whether it will reverberate in India, Akhtar said, “It does not need proof. It is beyond discussion now.”

Immediately, Banerjee who was standing behind Akhtar requested Akhtar to compose a song on “Khela Hobe”.

“You have to make a song on Khela Hobe,” Banerjee told the lyricist in front of mediapersons.

Notably, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) poll slogan for the 2011 West Bengal elections “Khela

Hobe” became immensely popular and unofficially became the theme of the poll battle between TMC and BJP.

Aiming for 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Banerjee had on Wednesday said, “Poore desh me khela hoga (Now, the game is on across the country). It is a continuous process…When general elections come (2024), it will be Modi vs country.”

The West Bengal chief minister who has been in the national capital since Monday has been holding deliberations with opposition parties for forming a united front for the 2024 general elections. Banerjee also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday.

Other leaders who met Banerjee include Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

With an eye on the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Banerjee on Wednesday in separate meetings discussed “the unity of Opposition” with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi and said it was essential for everyone to come together in order to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The Chief Minister told the media that she had also spoken with RJD leader Lalu Prasad on Tuesday. (ANI)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday met Union Minister of Transport Nitin Gadkari and discussed infrastructure, road projects in the state.

After meeting Gadkari, the Chief Minister said, “I requested that it will be good if we have a manufacturing industry in our state that will manufacture electric buses, electric autos, electric scooters.”
“Our state shares borders with Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and northeastern states. So, we need proper roads,” she said.

“Chief Minister of West Bengal @MamataOfficial called on Union Minister @nitin_gadkari Ji today. In the presence of officials they reviewed various road projects being undertaken in the state,” Gadkari’s office tweeted.
Banerjee also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday.

The chief minister, on a visit to the national capital since Monday, has been holding deliberations with opposition parties for forming a united front for the 2024 general elections.

On Wednesday, the West Bengal CM met Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

With an eye on the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Banerjee on Wednesday in separate meetings discussed “the unity of Opposition” with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi and said it is essential for everyone to come together in order to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The Chief Minister told the media that she also spoke with RJD leader Lalu Prasad on Tuesday. (ANI)

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reopen the Kartarpur Corridor in view of the improvement in the COVID-19 situation, to facilitate people to visit the historic shrine in Pakistan.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Singh said his government would be happy to work in conjunction with the Centre to ensure adherence to proper COVID-19 protocols, including testing and vaccination of pilgrims using the Corridor.
The Chief Minister pointed out that the movement of devotees to Kartarpur through the Corridor was suspended in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

“The COVID-19 situation in Punjab has shown signs of significant improvement in the past one month and I am happy to share that yesterday, no COVID-19 related death was reported, after almost a period of one year,” he wrote.

He mentioned that in the changed scenario, the people have obviously again evinced their desire to have darshan at Gurudwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur.

Stating that everyone was fortunate that the Kartarpur Corridor was opened on the auspicious occasion of the 550th Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji in November 2019, he said: It helped fulfil the long-standing demand of “khulle darshan deedar” of the historic Gurudwara Darbar Sahib at Kartarpur, located just across the international border in Pakistan.”

The Kartarpur Corridor was shut down by the Indian government in March 202, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. (ANI)

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Thursday informed the Rajya Sabha that he had a very detailed discussion with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken regarding the ongoing situation in Afghanistan and they both agreed that there cannot be a takeover of the war-torn country by use of force.

Addressing the upper house, the minister said, “We (Indian leadership) highlighted that in our approach to global issues we’re guided by quest for perfect union but we seek to right historical wrongs. When it comes to freedom, we shouldn’t treat it as non-governance or abdication of responsibilities. Our conversation on this should be balanced.”
Regarding the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, EAM Jaishankar said, “That there can’t be a military solution, there can’t be a takeover by use of force in Afghanistan. We’ll work with international community to ensure that political negotiations for a settlement are pursued seriously and we would never accept an outcome which is decided by force.”

Blinken, during his two-day India visit, discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues including Afghanistan, Indo-Pacific and COVID-19 cooperation.

During Blinken’s visit, Jaishankar said he articulated India’s position at a presser that was jointly held with the US Secretary of State. “We were very clear that there must be a negotiated, political settlement in Afghanistan.”

“We (EAM & US Secy of State) had a very detailed discussion on Afghanistan. I articulated our position at a press conference that was jointly held with the visiting US Secy of State. We were very clear that there must be a negotiated political settlement in Afghanistan.”

The minister further added that there was a “very strong convergence in our (India and US) positions on this matter.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Jaishankar had underlined the importance of peace negotiations in Afghanistan and spoke against the unilateral “imposition of will” in the war-torn country while calling for preserving the gains made over the past two decades.

During a joint presser with Blinken, Jaishankar had said, “The gains to Afghan civil society, especially rights of women, minorities and social freedom — over the last two decades are self-evident. Afghanistan must never be home to terrorism, nor become a source of refugees.” (ANI)

Former Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday applauded ace boxer Mary Kom for achieving what “no other female boxer in the world” has ever attained.

Mary Kom, the face of India’s boxing contingent, faced a shocking defeat — split decision — at the hands of Colombia’s Ingrit Valencia to bow out from the ongoing Tokyo Olympics on Thursday.
Rijiju, the Union Minister of Law and Justice, also said the Mary Kom was a clear winner but judges had their “own calculations”.

“Dear Mary Kom, you lost in Tokyo Olympics by just one point but for me you are always a champion! You have achieved what no other female boxer in the world has ever achieved. You are a legend. India is proud of you BOXING & OLYMPICS will miss you @MangteC,” Rijiju tweeted.

“For all of us @MangteC was the clear winner but Judges have their own calculations,” he added.

Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings thanked Mary Kom after the boxer’s exit from the Tokyo Olympics.

“You floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee. Thank you Mary, you are legendary,” SAIMedia tweeted.

“@MangteCwill continue to win every time someone picks up,” CSK tweeted.

Mumbai Indians termed Mary Kom “the greatest ever”.

“At 38 she punched for India’s pride in Tokyo! MARY KOM. SIMPLY THE GREATEST,” Mumbai Indians tweeted.

Valencia advanced to the quarter-finals of the showpiece event after defeating Mary Kom in the women’s flyweight (48-51kg) category event.

Valencia got off to a flyer as she won the first round. Four out of the five judges gave her a 10 while one had a 9 for her showing.

Mary Kom came back with a flurry of punches on Valencia to win the second round but the Rio Olympics bronze medallist maintained the lead. In the third round also, Mary Kom gave her best, but in the end, it was just not enough on the day. (ANI)

After holding ‘Extra Class’ with Sourav Ganguly and Chetan Bhagat, Classplus is back with Extra Class 3.0 with former Miss Universe Lara Dutta!

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Actor Kareena Kapoor Khan has broken several stereotypes during her first and second pregnancies.

From working throughout pregnancy or to resuming work post one-month delivery, Bebo didn’t leave any chance to change the stereotypical notions of people regarding pregnant women.
On Thursday, Kareena took a stroll down memory lane and shared a throwback picture from her pregnancy days dressed in a high-slit dress.

Through her post, Kareena emphasised on the concept of maternity fashion.

“Whoever said that maternity fashion isn’t a thing… was kinda wrong. And in case you couldn’t tell… ‘olive-d’ this dress a lil’ too much while expecting. I’ve captured this and more of my pregnancy journey in my book. #ThrowbackThursday,” Kareena, the mother of two sons Taimur and Jeh, wrote on Instagram.

Social media users are all praises for Kareena.

“Trend setter for a reason,” a fan commented.

“You are an inspiration. Thanks for teaching us such important lessons during your pregnancies,” another one wrote.

Meanwhile, Kareena is all set to debut as an author with her book, titled ‘Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Pregnancy Bible’. (ANI)

On the occasion of International Tiger Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India has achieved the target of doubling of tiger population four years ahead of schedule of the Saint Petersburg Declaration on Tiger Conservation.

In a series of tweets, PM Modi extended his greeting to the wildlife lovers, especially those who are passionate about tiger conservation on the occasion of International Tiger Day.
“On #InternationalTigerDay, greetings to wildlife lovers, especially those who are passionate about tiger conservation. Home to over 70 per cent of the tiger population globally, we reiterate our commitment to ensuring safe habitats for our tigers and nurturing tiger-friendly eco-systems,” said PM Modi.

The Prime Minister said that the last tiger census of 2018 showed a rise in the tiger population.

“India is home to 51 tiger reserves spread across 18 states. The last tiger census of 2018 showed a rise in the tiger population. India achieved the target of doubling of tiger population 4 years ahead of schedule of the St. Petersburg Declaration on Tiger Conservation,” he tweeted.

He further said that India’s strategy of tiger conservation attaches topmost importance to involving local communities.

“We are also inspired by our centuries-old ethos of living in harmony with all flora and fauna with whom we share our great planet,” PM Modi added.

The Saint Petersburg declaration on tiger conservation was signed in 2010. In the meeting, it was decided to celebrate July 29 as Global Tiger Day across the world to create awareness on tiger conservation. (ANI)

The Tokyo Olympic organising committee on Thursday reported 24 more COVID-19 cases associated with the games, the highest daily count since the committee began compiling infections data from the start of this month.

The 24 cases, bringing the cumulative total to 193, included three athletes from overseas in Tokyo for the Olympics, which opened on Friday following an unprecedented one-year postponement due to the pandemic.
The committee said the three were all staying in the athletes’ village. The daily figures were announced by the committee a day after COVID-19 infection numbers for both Japan and Tokyo hit all-time highs of 9,583 and 3,177, respectively.

The numbers issued by the Olympic organising body do not include those announced by central and local governments. The rest of the 24 cases are 15 contractors and six games-linked officials. Of the 24, 17 were residents of Japan, it said, adding 39,209 people from overseas had entered Japan for the games as of Tuesday. (ANI)