Month: September 2022

Kashmir

A New Era of Accountability Emerges For Kashmir’s People

By LokMarg

The people of Jammu and Kashmir living near the Line of Control have recently appeared to be quite happy with the order of the Lieutenant Governor’s administration, according to which the officials of all departments have been directed to inform the General Administration Department as soon as possible and submit a report regarding the placement of the employees who are recruited under the backward category and current line of control category.

It is worth noting that the government has declared the areas of Jammu and Kashmir as backward areas and the residents of these areas are given concessions in employment. Employing residents of the current line of control in this manner is intended to provide convenience to local people, however, people in these areas believe that people take advantage of concessions to gain employment and influence and then move to cities or towns which defeats the very purpose of the concession. Employees recruited in this manner are legally required to be posted in service for seven years in these areas.

Idris Bakhtiar, a resident of Surhi Tehsil, Uri, says that most of the employees who get jobs under this program in these backward areas use their influence to hold their desired positions, as a result of which the local population is suffering from unresolved problems. He said that due to the lack of staff in most of the offices, the people of these areas have to travel long distances even for minor work. Idris further said that with this new order of the authorities, he is fully convinced that now there will be reforms on the ground level and the treatment of the tribals living in these backward areas will be improved.

The government has sought a list and details of whether these employees have completed the prescribed seven years of service in backward areas or areas under the current Line of Control. According to the administration, the employees who have not completed seven years of service in these areas have to be posted there and complete the period after which they will be transferred from there.

LG Manoj Sinha’s decision has been appreciated by the kashmir people of the backward areas and the actual Line of Control. This decision has raised the hopes of all affected people that their problems will now be solved. (ANI)

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Chandni Chowk Redevelopment

Phase II of Chandni Chowk Redevelopment To Start Soon

By LokMarg

The Delhi government is all set to start its second phase of the Chandni Chowk redevelopment project.

The first phase of the Chandni Chowk redevelopment project was completed in 2021. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia held a meeting regarding the same with the officials of the departments on Monday and discussed the plan for the second phase.

Under the second phase of the redevelopment project, the government aims to revive and beautify the historical architectural character of the buildings in the Chandni Chowk area. This will be done by maintaining the balance between historic and modern architectural designs.

The project includes conservation of heritage structures as per original material and construction techniques, structural retrofitting, restoration and unification of facade of heritage structures, colour, and signage scheme for shops, lighting and facade illumination of shops and buildings, and interpretation of storyline of heritage structures on various spots by using plaques and QR codes to enhance the visitor experience.

While speaking about the project, Manish Sisodia said, ”The Delhi Government completed the first phase of the redevelopment of Chandni Chowk in 2021 and the response of the public to it was overwhelming”.

The first phase focused on decongesting the area and landscaping to improve the shopping experience for the visitors.

“In the first phase, we focused on decongesting the area and landscaping to improve the shopping experience for the visitors. To further add to it, now the government will focus on reviving the architecture of historical buildings and shops in the area. This will enhance the look of Chandni Chowk and will provide a unique experience to the visitors”, Sisodia added.

The Deputy Chief Minister added that in the present situation, Chandni Chowk has a blend of historic and modern architectural buildings which have emerged over the years, as per the requirements of the locals in the area. But to provide a unified look to the market, these buildings require a facelift.

Talking about the implementation of the redevelopment plan Sisodia said, “Officials will ensure that no inconvenience is caused to the owners of local shops and historical buildings”.

”Along with this, the government is also planning to revamp the roads of the Shahjahanabad area to provide a better shopping experience for visitors and a better opportunity to explore the cultural heritage of Delhi,” he said.

In the first phase of redevelopment, the Delhi government revamped the 1.3 km stretch with red sandstone and granite pavement between the Red Fort and Fatehpuri Masjid.

The landscaping of the 17th-century market was done and CCTVs were installed to ensure the safety of the visitors. In an attempt to make the market pedestrian-friendly, the stretch was declared a ”no-traffic zone” for motorized vehicles between 9:00 am and 9:00 pm. (ANI)

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Jacqueline

Jacqueline Submits List of Gifts From Conman Sukesh

By LokMarg

Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez on Monday revealed that she received expensive bags, jewellery and other gift items that she jotted down on a list which she submitted to the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police.

According to the information, actor Jacqueline Fernandez was questioned by the EOW of the Delhi Police for several hours in connection with Rs 200 crore money laundering case involving conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar.

Interrogation with Fernandez majorly involved questions related to gifts accepted by Jacqueline. Police also questioned the actor regarding the chartered flight ride booked by conman Sukesh for her.

As per the sources, Jacqueline accepted that she has earlier counted on him for chartered flight rides not once but multiple times.

Further, Jacqueline has been asked to be present whenever the investigation teams need her for questioning, however, there is no immediate summon for her.

Jacqueline

Meanwhile, fashion designer, Lepakshi has been summoned on September 21, 2022.

Earlier on September 14, Jacqueline Fernandez appeared before the EOW of Delhi Police in connection with the Rs 200 crore money laundering case involving conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar.

On September 15, Nora Fatehi and Pinky Irani were questioned by the EOW for more than four hours in connection with the Rs 200 crore money laundering case involving jailed conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar.

Apparently, Pinky Irani introduced Jacqueline Fernandez and Nora Fatehi to conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar. (ANI)

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Tharoor Congress Prez

Tharoor Gets Sonia’s Nod To Contest Cong President Election

By LokMarg

Congress leader and Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor on Monday received the nod from Sonia Gandhi to contest in the upcoming poll for the party president’s post, sources said.

Tharoor received interim-party president Sonia Gandhi’s go ahead after he met her here.
According to sources, Tharoor, during the meeting, expressed his wish to contest the elections scheduled to be held on October 17 to “make internal democracy” in the party stronger. Gandhi, in response, giving her nod to the Thiruvananthapuram MP and said that anybody can contest elections.

“Senior Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor gets a nod from Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi to contest for the post of the party president, after he reached out to her in a meeting today, citing he can make internal democracy stronger. Sonia Gandhi, Congress interim president, replied that he (Shashi Tharoor) can contest (for the post of the party president) if he wants, anybody can contest elections,” said the sources.

Notably, Tharoor is one of the signatories of a letter written to Sonia Gandhi by the G-23 group (seeking reforms in the party). The meeting has brought clarity to his contesting the party president polls, which earlier was a matter of much speculation.

Congress General Secretary Incharge of Communication Jairam Ramesh while speaking to ANI about Tharoor’s candidature said that anybody who wants to contest is free and welcome to do so. “This has been the consistent position of CP (Congress President) and RG (Rahul Gandhi). This is an open, democratic and transparent process. Nobody needs anybody’s nod to contest,” said Ramesh.

The meeting with Sonia Gandhi took place after Tharoor welcomed a petition seeking party reforms. “I welcome this petition that is being circulated by a group of young @INCIndia members, seeking constructive reforms in the Party. It has gathered over 650 signatures so far. I am happy to endorse it & go beyond it. https://memo.withinc.in”, Tharoor had tweeted.

Earlier, in his article in a Malayalam daily on presidential elections, he said that people are free to speculate whether he would contest for the top post in the party.

Tharoor said, “The point I put forward in the article is that elections are a good thing for the party. A democratic country like ours needs a democratic party. I welcome Congress’s decision to conduct polls. People are free to speculate as they like.”

The Thiruvananthapuram MP also welcomed elections in the party and said that Rahul Gandhi’s refusal to be appointed as the Congress president was disappointing. According to him, however, the party should not be limited by the belief that only one family can lead it.

Tharoor further said, “The process is a few weeks away. Let us wait for the time the procedures begin. In my article, I said multiple candidates will be a good idea. At the end of the day, only one person emerges but the process attracts a lot of attention.”

Tharoor had penned an article in Malayalam daily Mathrubhumi saying that the party polls were the first step towards rejuvenation of the organisation. What transpired in the meeting today is yet to be known.

However, several leaders have expressed their demand that Rahul Gandhi accept the position.

Congress Rajya Sabha MP Mallikarjun Kharge is of the opinion that Rahul Gandhi should take the lead of the Congress party since he has the ability to lift the party from the crisis.

The election of the Congress president post will be held on October 17 as per the decision of the Congress Working Committee (CWC). The counting of votes will be done on October 19. (ANI)

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Kedarnath Security

Entry Of Pilgrims Into Sanctum Sanctorum Of Kedarnath Temple Banned

By LokMarg

In view of the huge crowd of pilgrims in Kedarnath Dham, the temple committee has banned the entry of pilgrims into the sanctum sanctorum of Kedarnath temple.

Pilgrims will now be able to have darshan from the Sabha Mandap only.
Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee President Ajendra Ajay told ANI that due to the huge crowd, entry into the sanctum has been banned. He said, “The crowd is expected to remain till October 15, after which it will be reconsidered”.

According to the data released by officials earlier, eleven lakh pilgrims reached Kedarnath Dham.

“A record number of passengers have arrived on this visit. The Yatra was affected due to the corona epidemic for two years, but this time the yatra is being conducted duly,” District Magistrate (DM) Mayur Dixit said.

Dixit further said, “In the initial phase, there were problems due to excessive crowd. There was some shortage in the cleanliness system too, but all the arrangements have been rectified. Therefore, more than five hundred, sanitation workers are providing their services from Rudraprayag to Kedarnath. Also, the departments related to travel are constantly paying attention to their work.”

“The instructions have been given to all the departments that there should not be any problem in the journey. Efforts are being made to provide better facilities to the pilgrims in the Dham including the walking route,” he added.

Meanwhile, many travellers have arrived and there are still one and a half months left for the journey and all the hotel lodges are booked in advance only. All efforts are being made to provide better facilities to the people, the DM said. (ANI)

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Kohli

Kohli Can Surpass Tendulkar In Hundreds Scored: Ponting

By LokMarg

Australia legend Ricky Ponting shared his reaction to Virat Kohli equalling his tally of 71 international hundreds before looking at if India’s star batter can now surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 100 centuries.

The wait for Kohli’s 71st century finally came to an end during the Asia Cup after 1,020 days. He smashed a stunning 122* off 61 balls against Afghanistan, and in doing so equalled Ponting’s record of 71 international tons.
Having equalled Ponting, there is only one name on the list of most tons above Kohli now – Sachin Tendulkar with 100 centuries.

“If you would have asked me three years ago, I’d have said yes,” said Ponting in ICC Review when asked if he could reach Tendulkar’s tally.

“But the fact that it has slowed down as much as it did… yeah, I still think that it is possible for him, there’s no doubt. I still think he has got a number of years ahead of him, but I guess to still be 30 international hundreds behind, that’s a lot. That’s five or six Test hundreds a year maybe for the next three or four years. If you throw a couple of one-day ones, maybe the odd T20 ones on top of it. Look, I’ll never say never with Virat because you know once he gets on a bit of a roll, you know how hungry he is and how keen for the success he is. I’ll never say never that’s for sure,” he added.

The T20 World Cup starts in less than a month, but India still have plenty of cricket to play before the tournament.

India have two white-ball assignments – they will take on South Africa in three ODIs and T20Is and Australia in a three-match T20I series at home – before flying to Australia for the World Cup.

Even though Kohli has been selected for both T20I series, Ponting thinks he still needs to decide whether he needs another break before the World Cup.

“Yes, that’s a really good question and that’s probably a question only he could answer. It’s just going to depend on how he is feeling mentally again,” Ponting said.

“When you’re playing, you don’t even realise how tired you are till you do take a step back because you’re always bluffing yourself and convincing yourself that you are 100 per cent right physically and mentally,” he added.

“Sometimes you’re nowhere near that. And I think Virat has actually come out and said that as well that, he just didn’t realise sort of how bad a space he was in until he got that extended break. If he keeps scoring runs now, I’m sure he’ll play the next series. If he plays that and plays well and starts getting on a bit of a role, I think he’ll want to keep playing. He’d want to keep that momentum going,” the Australia legend said.

“But if he does have a bit of a lean patch again, it’ll probably be in his interest and India’s interest to try and freshen him up mentally as much as they can going into the World Cup,” said Ponting. (ANI)

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Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah mosquito dengu

Telangana Sees Spike In Dengue Cases, Government On Toes

By LokMarg

The state of Telangana has witnessed a spike in dengue cases today.

According to the Superintendent of Government Fever Hospital, Dr K Shankar, there has been an increase in outpatients (OP). “There are around 1,000 plus OP on examination and symptoms like cold cough, body pains and some rashes in the body were found”, he added.
He further said that most of the cases are those of dengue. Last month, the state had around 80 cases but in September, around 100 confirmed cases were reported at the Fever Hospital. Besides, there have been cases of chicken pox and diphtheria.

According to the superintendent, the patients have been given symptomatic support treatment and the recovery rate has been good so far.

He further said, “We have seen that the number of cases is more in the GHMC area but the severity of cases is less. Other than dengue, we have typhoid, jaundice and Gastroenteritis cases. Seasonal flu is more”.

“The Telangana government is taking all the precautionary measures and all the staff have been alerted. The number of cases is increasing but not alarming”, he added.

He further said that nearly 200 dengue cases were treated in the last two months but nobody required platelet transmission. 99 per cent of patients do not require transmission. They are recovering spontaneously and are given symptomatic treatment support only. (ANI)

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CEC

CEC Proposes Capping Cash Donations To Govt. Parties

By LokMarg

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar wrote a letter to the law ministry proposing to cap cash donations to political parties on Monday.

In his letter written to Union law Minister Kiren Rijiju, CEC has proposed to cap cash donation at 20 percent or at Rs 20 crore whichever is lower, sources told ANI.
The sources on Monday said that the Election Commission has proposed bringing down anonymous political donations from Rs 20,000 to Rs 2,000 to cleanse election funding of black money.

In the letter, CEC has recommended a slew of amendments to the Representation of the People (RP) Act.

According to the proposal, political parties are not required to report the cash received below Rs 2,000.

As per rules in force currently, political parties have to disclose all donations above Rs 20,000 through their contribution report that is submitted to the EC

The move comes in the backdrop of the poll panel recently delisting 284 defaulting and non-compliant registered unrecognised political parties (RUPPs), declaring more than 253 of them inactive.

Earlier this month the income tax department conducted raids in multiple states as part of a pan-India tax evasion probe against certain registered unrecognised political parties (RUPP) and their alleged dubious financial transactions.

The activities have been taken by the department on a recent recommendation of the Election Commission which recently struck off at least 198 entities from its list of RUPP after they were found non-existent during physical verification.

The poll panel had announced that it was taking action against more than 2,100 entities, categorised as RUPP by it, for flouting rules and election laws, including those related to the filing of monetary contributions, failing to update their address and names of office bearers. (ANI)

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Akalis Cong in Punjab

Amarinder: No Modern Defence Equipment During Antony’s Tenure As Def Min

By LokMarg

Former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday accused the Congress of not taking steps for supplying defence forces with modern equipment despite India being surrounded by two hostile neighbours and said during the tenure of AK Antony as defence minister in UPA governments “not even one type of weapon was purchased for Army, Navy or Airforce”.

Amarinder Singh, who formally joined the BJP at the party headquarters on Monday, said necessary weapons are being procured by the BJP-led government.
Punjab Lok Congress, headed by Amarinder Singh, also merged with the BJP.

Amarinder Singh said it is time to join a party that is looking after the interests of the country.

He said China had gone ahead of India in terms of modern defence equipment and “it is fault of Congress”.

“We are hemmed in by two hostile nations China and Pakistan and we (Punjab) are the ones suffering. It is our duty to protect our state and country. Unfortunately, China is way ahead of us in weaponry and it is the fault of Congress. I am not saying this because I am no longer part of Congress but I don’t think that in the four terms that AK Anthony was there, not even a one type of weapon was ever purchased for Army, Navy or Airforce. Now weaponry is coming which is necessary for us if we are to secure our nation”.

Antony was Union Defence Minister for the most part of the two Congress-led UPA governments from 2004 to 2014.

Amarinder Singh BJP was looking after the interests of the country.

“Now is the time that we should think that what we should do for our country and for ourselves… we have seen with Congress for so many years and now is the time that we should go to a party that looks after the interest of the country and that is BJP,” he said.

Amarinder Singh also referred to efforts by Pakistan to create trouble in Punjab.

“Punjab is a border state, and I have seen our relations with Pakistan deteriorating…Drones are coming into our territory now to create complete chaos in Punjab. China is also not far from us. It’s our duty to protect our state and the country,” he said.

Further, Amarinder thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Party President JP Nadda for welcoming him.

“I am today grateful to the PM, Home Minister and President Nadda Ji for welcoming… We are a local party but we have grown with time and we have made our reach and support in Himachal Pradesh too…”

Amarinder Singh formally joined the BJP on Monday at the party headquarters here in presence of union ministers Narendra Singh Tomar and Kiren Rijiju.

Earlier in the day, Amarinder Singh met BJP chief JP Nadda in Delhi.

Law Minister Kiren Rijiju hailed Amarinder Singh for joining the party and said the right-thinking people of the country should be united.

“A sensitive state like Punjab should be handled carefully. During his tenure as CM, he never kept politics before national security,” Rijiju said.

Amarinder made the announcement of joining the BJP after he met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on September 12 in Delhi.

Amarinder Singh served Congress for long years and resigned as Chief Minister in September last year ahead of assembly polls.

He later also resigned from the Congress and formed Punjab Lok Congress which tied up with BJP and SAD (Sanyukt) for the assembly polls held early this year.

Amarinder Singh’s joining the BJP is a big shot in the arm for the party in the border state. The BJP now has a credible Sikh face in Punjab who has been active in state politics for several decades. (ANI)

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Monkeypox

14th Monkeypox Case Reported In India, 9th In Delhi

By LokMarg

India on Monday reported the 14th monkeypox case after a Nigerian national tested positive in Delhi, taking the figure to nine cases in Delhi, said official sources.

The ninth case that tested positive for Monkeypox in Delhi is a case of 30-year-old Nigerian female.
Recently in an interview with ANI, Dr Suresh Kumar, Medical Director, LNJP confirmed eight cases of Nigerian females and the maximum number of cases are of African origin with no travel history and the government is doing contact tracing.

He also said that maximum cases have no significant complications. ” No patient had major complications and most of them had a low-grade fever.”

The study is also underway in Delhi as the maximum cases are of Nigerian or African origin.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR ) has also analysed the complete genome sequences of Monkeypox cases from Kerala and Delhi from July to August 2022. In genome sequences from India covering 90-99 per cent genome was found to belong to A.2 Lineage of clade IIb.

“Further A.2 lineage is mutating and sequences from affected countries are holding the key for the evolution of Monkeypox. It’s a slow and sharp alert for virologists and epidemiologists,” said Dr Pragya Yadav, Senior Scientist, ICMR-NIV, Pune. (ANI)

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