Month: January 2023

Rahul Writes To Speaker, Seeking Permission To Respond To Allegations

Police Arrangement Collapsed: Rahul On Cancelling Bharat Jodo Yatra In J-K

By LokMarg

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who is on Bharat Jodo Yatra in Kashmir, had to “cancel” his yatra on Friday due to an alleged security lapse at Quazigund.

“This morning during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, unfortunately, the police arrangement completely collapsed and the police who were supposed to manage the crowd was nowhere to be seen. My security people were very uncomfortable with me walking further on the yatra so I had to cancel my walk. Other yatris did the walk,” Rahul Gandhi said addressing a press conference in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag.
Further speaking on security issues, Gandhi said, “I think it is important the police manages the crowd so that we can do the yatra. It’s very difficult for me to go against what my security people are recommending.”

“I don’t know why it happened but it should not happen tomorrow and the day after tomorrow,” he added.

When asked if Rahul Gandhi would continue his padayatra in wake of security lapses by the J-K administration as alleged by his party, the Wayanad MP said, “Yes, we will. It will continue.”

Meanwhile, the party’s national spokesperson Jairam Ramesh tweeted, “Politics has its place but by playing with the security of Rahul Gandhi in the Kashmir valley, the government has stooped to its lowest level. India has already lost Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, any government or administration should desist from doing politics on such matters.”

Congress in-charge of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Rajani Patil, had earlier reported security lapses in Congress leader Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Yatra and accused the administration of the Union Territory of failing to manage the crowd.

“J&K UT Administration failed to provide security to #BharatJodoYatra led by Shri @RahulGandhi. Security lapses indicate unfair & unprepared attitude of UT administration. @OfficeOfLGJandK,” Rajani Patil said in a tweet along with a picture from the spot.

All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary KC Venugopal also said that there was no security personnel with the Bharat Jodo Yatra for 15 minutes, and termed it a ‘serious lapse’.

“The security has been mishandled by concerned agencies here. For 15 mins, there have been no security officers with the Bharat Jodo Yatra here. This is a serious lapse. Rahul Gandhi and other yatris can not walk without security,” Venugopal said speaking to media persons.

“The sudden withdrawal of security personnel from the D-area has caused a serious security breach at the Bharat Jodo Yatra at Banihal, Kashmir. Who ordered this? The authorities responsible must answer for this lapse and take appropriate steps to prevent such incidents in future,” Venugopal tweeted.

Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Yatra, which is in its final leg in Jammu and Kashmir, resumed on Friday morning from the National Highway-44, Banihal Railway station, in the UT’s Ramban district.

Security was tightened in the area in the wake of the recent twin blasts on the outskirts of Jammu city on January 22 which rocked a busy locality in Narwal leaving at least nine people injured.

The Bharat Jodo Yatra, which started in Kanyakumari on September 7, will conclude on January 30 in Srinagar after covering 3,970 km, 12 states and two Union territories. (ANI)

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Char Dham Yatra

Gangotri, Yamunotri Dhams Open On April 22, Kedarnath On April 26

By LokMarg

The doors of Kedarnath Dham will open on April 26 and those of Gangotri and Yamunotri will open on April 22, after winter break, informed the temple committee on Friday.

Preparations for the ‘Char Dham Yatra’ also started as soon as the date of opening of the doors of Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Gangotri was fixed.
The doors of Shri Badrinath Dham will open the following day- on April 27.

The portals of Badrinath Temple, located in the landlocked snowy region, are currently closed for the winter break.

Almanac calculation was done during the religious function organised on the occasion of Basant Panchami in Rajdarbar Narendra Nagar on Thursday.

The date of opening of the temple doors was decided by religious rituals. It was decided that the temple would open at 7.10 am on April 27.

Located in the Garhwal Hill tracks in Chamoli district along the banks of the Alaknanda River, Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

The shrine is one of the four ancient pilgrimage sites referred to as ‘Char Dham’, which also includes Yamunotri, Gangotri and Kedarnath. (ANI)

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Kerala HC Suspends Faizal’s Sentence, No Bye-Election In Lakshadweep

By LokMarg

The Election Commission of India on Friday apprised the Supreme Court that the poll panel would take cognisance of the Kerala High Court order suspending the sentence of the Mohammed Faizal and said that there would be no bye-election in Lakshadweep.

After hearing the submission made by EC, a bench of justices KM Joseph and BV Nagarathna disposed of the petition filed by Mohammed Faizal challenging the ECI’s press release announcing bye-elections for the Lakshadweep constituency.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission apprised the court that it will abide by the order passed by the court. But the EC raised an objection to the petition and allegations levelled by Mohammed Faizal.

The Supreme Court was hearing a plea filed by Mohammed Faizal, challenging the ECI’s press release announcing bye-elections for the constituency, after he was disqualified as a Member of Parliament from Lakshadweep, following conviction in an attempt to murder case.

Recently Kerala High Court suspended the conviction and sentence of former Lakshadweep MP and Nationalist Congress leader (NCP) leader PP Mohammed Faizal and three others in a case of attempt to murder. Kerala HC passed the order on a plea of Faizal and others challenging the trial court’s order at Lakshadweep in an attempt to murder case.

Faizal filed the application seeking to suspend the 10-year imprisonment.

Earlier, the Kavaratti Sessions Court had convicted four persons, including Faizal for committing offences punishable under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 143, 147, 148, 307, 324, 342, 448, 427, 506 read with 149 relating to offences relating to rioting, attempt to murder, violence, kidnapping.

They were all sentenced to undergo 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and were also directed to pay a fine of Rs 1 lakh each for attempting to murder Padanath Salih, the son-in-law of former Union Minister PM Sayeed in relation to a political controversy during the 2009 Lok Sabha elections. (ANI)

Kejriwal, Mann Inaugurate 400 Mohalla Clinic In Amritsar | Lokmarg

Kejriwal, Mann Inaugurate 400 Mohalla Clinic In Amritsar

By LokMarg

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann along with Aam Aadmi Party Chief and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal inaugurated 400 Mohalla Clinics in Amritsar’s Putlighar on Friday.

The newly inaugurated 400 mohalla clinics across Amritsar take the number to 500 in the state.
Delhi CM Kejriwal, who was present as a chief guest at the inauguration, expressed his joy at the event and said that the clinics which took five years to build in Delhi are built in ten months in Punjab. More clinics will be built in many districts and villages, he added.

“I am very happy and thankful for the citizens for believing in us. My little brother, Mann, has fulfilled another guarantee,” he said.

Taking a dig at the central government, Kejriwal said, “Being a full state, Punjab suffers no interference from the central government unlike Delhi. In the coming few years, more such clinics will be made in every village.”

Calling the year 2022 the turning point of the state, Kejriwal noted that the foundation of the state has been built due to the AAP government and guaranteed to fulfil every promise in the next five years.

He also attacked the earlier Congress government and said that the state was dominated by some families. “Bhagwant Mann knows the problems of common man and common farmers. Earlier, the politics of Punjab was dominated by some families and the public had no option.”

Earlier, Mann inaugurated 100 Aam Aadmi Clinics on August 15, 2022 on the occasion of Independence Day.

More than 10 lakh people have received free treatment in these 100 Aam Aadmi Clinics till now. Whereas more than three lakh people benefited from free tests, the government said in an official statement.

Punjab CM Mann, while speaking at the event, said that his party talks about education and employment by rising above the politics game.

He said, “We were not looted by the British as much as our own people looted us. Our party is taking into account the people who looted even a single penny. They (the previous government) did not build schools, universities or hospitals but are still in debt. We aim to take back money from the same robbers.”

“So far, 1.25 lakh people have been treated in the 100 clinics so far. All the clinics will be digitalised,” said the Punjab chief minister.

He also announced “Sarkar Aapke Dwar” (Government at your doorsteps) initiative wherein government officials will visit door-to-door to listen to the problems of the people. (ANI)

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Susssanne Khan

Masaba Ties Knot With Beau Satyadeep Misra

By LokMarg

Actor Neena Gupta’s daughter Masaba Gupta, tied the knot with her beau Satyadeep Misra on Friday.

Taking to Instagram, Masaba shared a couple of pictures which she captioned, “Married my ocean of calm, this morning. Here’s to many many lifetimes of love, peace, stability & most importantly laughter. And thanks for letting me pick the caption – this is gonna be great!”

Masaba opted for a barfi pink raw silk lehenga with gold embroidery and a lime green dupatta with a wallflower print on it.

Misra on the other hand donned a traditional light pink kurta pyjama with a matching Nehru jacket.

Soon after she shared the adorable wedding pictures, fans and friends flooded the comment section with red hearts, fire emoticons and congratulatory messages for the couple.

Actor Vicky Kaushal wrote, “Congratulations Masaba and Sattu!”

Shibani Dandekar wrote, “oh my god! Congratulations so much love to you both.”

Ayushmann Khurrana commented, “Congratulations.”

Susssanne Khan wrote, “Congratulations wish u so much love and happiness always.”

Actor Ananya Panday wrote, “Stunning, only love xx.”

Alia Bhatt’s mother Soni Razdan wrote, “And we couldn’t be happier for you both. Love and best wishes.”

Masaba and Satyadeep worked together in the web series ‘Masaba Masaba’ which premiered on the OTT platform Netflix.

Masaba was previously married to producer Madhu Mantena and Satyadeep to actress Aditi Rao Hydari.

Masaba Gupta, daughter of actress Neena Gupta and cricketer Vivian Richards, is a celebrated designer and made her acting debut in ‘Masaba Masaba’.

Satyadeep Misra is an actor known for his work in films like ‘Bombay Velvet’, ‘No One Killed Jessica’ and the Hindi version of ‘Vikram Vedha’. (ANI)

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A general view of a residential area is seen during a power breakdown in Karachi, Pakistan, January 10, 2021. REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro - RC2K4L9PI1C2

Pakistan’s Recent Power Blackout Linked To Forex Woes

By LokMarg

Pakistan’s recent countrywide electricity blackout is a symptom of its enduring economic crisis as its forex reserves are dwindling and are not in a position to buy oil for the energy sector, writes Adnan Aamir in Nikkei Asia.

A prolonged shortage of dollars is wreaking havoc throughout the economy and a nationwide power outage this week underscored the razor-thin margins for error in Pakistan’s energy sector, he writes.
The government said the blackout, which lasted around 16 hours, was caused by a technical glitch in the transmission system, however, a federal official who spoke on condition of anonymity drew an indirect connection to dwindling fuel supplies, reported Nikkei Asia.

“The government turns off the power plants at night to save fuel,” said the official, who was not authorized to speak to the media, adding, “When they tried to resume them on Monday morning, the system tripped, and it created a crisis-like situation.”

As per distributors and some officials, a shortage of dollars will lead Pakistan toward an oil crisis, writes Aamir.

The Oil Companies Advisory Council — a body representing refineries, marketing, and pipeline companies — on January 13 sent a letter to the Ministry of Finance, a copy of which was seen by Nikkei Asia.

The group highlighted the problems industry players are having opening letters of credit to import petroleum products.

A letter of credit, or LC, is a document issued by the importer’s bank, guaranteeing payment to the exporter once the terms of the contract have been met.

“If LCs are not established on a timely basis, critical imports of petroleum products would be impacted, which may lead to a fuel shortage in the country,” the letter read. It further stated that once the supply chain is compromised, it could take six to eight weeks to normalize it.

The letter revealed further that Pakistan needs to import around 430,000 metric tonnes of gasoline, 200,000 tonnes of high-speed diesel, and 650,000 tonnes of crude oil every month. The total bill comes to about USD 1.3 billion, writes Aamir.

Echoing the council’s warning, the Power Division of Pakistan on Saturday wrote to the governor of the State Bank, saying stocks of petroleum products may dry up as banks refuse to open and confirm LCs for imports.

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has downplayed the concerns over fuel, saying in a news release that Pakistan has enough stocks to meet gasoline demand for 18 days and diesel needs for 37 days.

But the federal official who spoke with Nikkei Asia said oil stocks are at dangerously low levels.

“Oil stocks are replenished on a regular basis through imports, which is not taking place as frequently as required due to the shortage of forex reserves,” he said.

Pakistan’s forex stockpile stood at USD 4.6 billion as of January 13, according to data released by the State Bank. The International Monetary Fund has estimated that Pakistan’s total external debt will be around USD 138 billion by the end of the current fiscal year in June, with about USD 21 billion worth of repayments due this year.

The situation has raised fears that Pakistan could join smaller South Asian neighbor Sri Lanka in default.

Islamabad is scrambling to revive a stalled IMF bailout program originally worth USD 6 billion and expanded with another USD 1 billion last year. (ANI)

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My Beautiful Blended family: Masaba Poses With Dad Viv Richards | Lokmarg

My Beautiful Blended family: Masaba Poses With Dad Viv Richards

By LokMarg

Fashion designer Masaba Gupta tied the knot with her beau Satyadeep Misra on Friday. Her special day was marked by the presence of her ‘blended family’ — including mother Neena Gupta and father West Indies cricketing legend Vivian Richards.

Taking to Instagram, the new bride in town Masaba dropped a cute family picture along with a caption, “For the first time ever – My whole life came together. This is us. My beautiful blended family. Everything from here on is just bonus.”
She shared the family picture featuring his beau Satyadeep, Satyadeep’s mother Nalinimisra Tyabji, his sister Chinmaya Misra, Neena Gupta, her husband Vivek Mehra and Masaba’s father Viv Richards.

In the second, Masaba was seen posing with Viv Richards.

All smiles as the mother and daughter duo posed for the camera.

Neena Gupta and former West Indies player Vivian Alexander Richards had Masaba out of wedlock and have lived separately throughout their life.

Neena welcomed her daughter Masaba in November 2, 1989. She raised her alone. In 2008, Neena got married to chartered accountant Vivek Mehra.

Meanwhile, Masaba and Satyadeep worked together on the web series ‘Masaba Masaba’ which premiered on the OTT platform Netflix.

Masaba was previously married to producer Madhu Mantena and Satyadeep to actress Aditi Rao Hydari.

Masaba Gupta, daughter of actress Neena Gupta and cricketer Vivian Richards, is a celebrated designer and made her acting debut in ‘Masaba Masaba’.

Satyadeep Misra is an actor known for his work in films like ‘Bombay Velvet’, ‘No One Killed Jessica’ and the Hindi version of ‘Vikram Vedha’. (ANI)

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Rs 10 L Fine On Go First For Leaving Behind Passengers | Lokmarg

Rs 10 L Fine On Go First For Leaving Behind Passengers

By LokMarg

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh on Go First airlines in connection to January 9 incident where its flight departed from Bangalore for Delhi, leaving behind 55 passengers at the airport.

Following the incident, the civil aviation watchdog issued a show cause notice to the Accountable Manager of M/s Go First, asking the carrier to explain why enforcement action should not be taken against them for dereliction of their regulatory obligations.
Go First submitted a reply to the show cause notice on Wednesday and the same was examined by the DGCA.

“Perusal of reply of M/s Go First reveals that there was improper communication, coordination between terminal coordinator (TC), commercial staff and crew regarding the boarding of passengers in the aircraft,” DGCA said on Friday, in a statement after examining the reply to the show cause notice.

The civil aviation regulator ruled that the airline failed to ensure adequate arrangement for “ground handling, preparation of load and trim sheet, flight dispatch and passenger/cargo handling” and, therefore, the enforcement action in the form of financial penalty was imposed. (ANI)

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National Students Union of India (NSUI)

BBC Docu Row: Students Detained At DU’s Arts Faculty

By LokMarg

Delhi Police on Friday detained students and members of the National Students Union of India (NSUI) from outside the Faculty of Arts at the University of Delhi in the wake of a call by NSUI-KSU for the screening the BBC documentary series on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Provisions under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) are imposed outside the Faculty of Arts at Delhi University in the wake of a call by NSUI-KSU for the screening of a BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A large number of security personnel have also been deployed outside the Faculty of Arts.

The BBC documentary has created a fresh row in the country after the government, earlier this month, denounced it and described it as a “propaganda piece” that is designed to push a discredited narrative. The government also pulled down the BBC documentary ‘India: The Modi Question’ from various social media platforms including Twitter and Youtube.

The row further deepened after JNUSU members allegedly faced a “deliberate” power outage, while they were screening the impugned BBC documentary at the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus in the national capital.

The documentary leads to opposition attacking the government on freedom of speech despite the government terming it as a ‘propaganda piece’.

Earlier on Wednesday, 13 students were detained after some students tried to create a ruckus outside the Jamia Millia Islamia University over the screening of a BBC documentary.

The Delhi Police said the university administration did not allow the screening of the BBC documentary in the campus.

On Monday the administration of the Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi also warned against screening the BBC documentary on the campus after a group of students released a pamphlet inviting students to a screening of the film at the students union’s office at 9 pm on Tuesday (January 24).

The JNU Students Union wrote to the university administration over its firm advisory against the screening of the BBC documentary stating that they “do not seek to create any form of disharmony” and their purpose is to only watch it on the campus. It also mentioned in the letter that the students with “voluntary interest” would take part in the screening.

Later in the night, the JNU students marched toward Vasant Kunj police station claiming stone pelting by members of ABVP while the said documentary was being screened.

The protest was later called off after the police assured students of taking up the matter and looking into it immediately. (ANI)

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South Delhi locality

‘I Know Little About Economy, But I Am Managing Fine’

By LokMarg

Naveen, 39, who sells mobile accessories in a South Delhi locality, says there are hardships in life but he is happy and has no worries

Is the Indian economy in a crisis? Are thousands of people jobless? Is there hunger and poverty in large areas of the country? I don’t know. It could be true. As for me, I have no complaints and I am happy with the economy and my life, and I have no great expectations or deep regrets. I live a humble life and I am able to manage.

I live in a simple DDA flat with my mother and relatives. Life has not been easy. However, I am able to cope with it all.

Standing here on the stairs, for long hours, shouting out to customers, selling my stuff, this is my comfort zone. Some ignore me, some buy my stuff. No one bothers me, and no one tells me to go away. I feel comfortable here, and many regular customers know me. I have no desire for a shop or a permanent job – as of now this work is fine for me.

I come here at 12 noon and stay back till late evening, even after dark. Most days I am able to make enough money, though it’s almost 2 am today and I have not had a single customer. Sometimes, in fact, many times, people buy my mobile accessories. Some buy many plastic glasses in one go. I sell one glass for ₹5. If they buy 50 glasses, it comes to ₹250. In that case, I earn around ₹30 or more. I make enough to survive with my mother.

ALSO READ: ‘Govt Claims On Economy Do Not Reflect In My Kitchen’

During the lockdown, thousands of people suffered. There were no jobs. Shops were shut. There was a universal crisis. However, I suffered no such crisis. I set up my make-shift shop outside my humble house and business was not so bad even during the pandemic and the lockdown. The cops were kind to me, and the area officers know me since I have been a child. So no one created any trouble for me. I was able to make some earnings even during that period of crisis. So, let other people say whatever – I really did not suffer so badly during and after the lockdown. I am happy with my little earnings.

I don’t have big dreams. Of course, I too have aspirations like everyone else, but I am not really chasing the money to become a crorepati. I would be happy to continue standing here and selling my stuff in the days to come. Little is enough for me.

Do you want to take my picture? Let me tell you, I don’t want any publicity (he wears his mask to block the picture). However, if taking my picture benefits you in some way, and helps you in your job, you are welcome to click my picture. (Takes his mask off). Thank you.

As told to Amit Sengupta

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