January 2023 - Page 8 of 60 - Lokmarg

Amid Pathaan's Success, Modi Hails Theatres Running Houseful In Srinagar

Modi Urges Citizens To Read About Padma Awardees

By LokMarg 29th January 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged the citizens of the country to read about the lives and stories of people who have been conferred with the prestigious ‘Padma’ Awards.

PM Modi was addressing the 97th Edition and the first ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio program of 2023.
Modi underlined that a sizeable number of Padma awardees came from tribal communities and people associated with tribal society.

“Various people from tribal areas – painters, musicians, farmers, artisans – have been conferred the Padma awards. I urge all countrymen to read their inspiring stories. Many dignitaries who have worked on tribal languages like Toto, Ho, Kui, Kuvi, and Manda have received these awards,” PM Modi said during the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio program.

“Tribal life is different from city life, it has challenges of its own. Despite all this, tribal societies are always eager to preserve their traditions,” he said.

Modi further added that many great personalities who have worked on tribal languages like Toto, Ho, Kui, Kuvi, and Manda have received Padma Awards.

“It is a matter of pride for all of us and the fact that now the world would know them. People working with Siddi, Jarwa, and Onge tribes have also been awarded this time,” PM Modi pointed out.

“This time among Padma awardees are those people who have expertise in spreading the melody of our traditional musical instruments like Santoor, Bamhum, and Dwitara. Ghulam Mohd Zaz, Moa Su-Pong, Ri-Singhbor Kurka-Long, Muni-Venkatappa, and Mangal Kanti Rai are being discussed all around,” he said.

He also underlined the efforts of the Northeast people who are continuously thriving to preserve their culture and have been awarded the Padma awards.

Padma Awards – the highest civilian Awards of the country, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.

The Awards are given, every year on Republic Day, in various disciplines and fields of activities such as art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service.

‘Padma Vibhushan’ is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; ‘Padma Bhushan’ for distinguished service of high order and ‘Padma Shri’ for distinguished service in any field.

Earlier, on December 25, 2022, PM Modi addressed the 96th episode of Mann Ki Baat. In his last Mann Ki Baat of 2022, PM Modi said the country had become the world’s fifth-largest economy in 2022.

“The year 2022 was wonderful, India completed 75 years of Independence while ‘Amrit Kaal’ began. India progressed rapidly and became the world’s fifth-largest economy, and achieved the unbelievable record of 220 crore vaccines and crossed the USD 400 billion mark in exports,” he said. (ANI)

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No PM Would Have Made Me Minister: Jaishankar

By LokMarg 29th January 2023

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said that he is not sure if any Prime Minister other than PM Narendra Modi would have appointed him as a minister.

Speaking at an event in Pune for the release of his English book “The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World,” which has been translated into Marathi as ‘Bharat Marg’, Jaishankar said that becoming foreign secretary was the limit of his ambition. Prior to being appointed as a minister, Jaishankar served as Foreign Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs.
“For me to become foreign secretary, was frankly the limit of my ambition, I had never even dreamt of becoming a minister,” Jaishankar said.

“I am not sure any Prime Minister, other than Narendra Modi would have made me minister,” he added.

In his remarks, Jaishankar further said, “I really also sometimes ask myself that if he was not the Prime Minister, would I have had the courage to enter politics, I don’t know.” He also shared his experience of working as a foreign secretary with former Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj.

“We had a very-very good minister Sushma ji and we got along personally very well. I would say our combination was very good, a minister-secretary combination. But, I did learn one thing, there is a difference in responsibilities, there is a difference in the overall sense of being a secretary and a minister.

Jaishankar stated, “Secretary still has a minister above them who is answerable to parliament, answerable in public, who still gives protection and comfort, you know there is that umbrella.” The External Affairs Minister said that this has shaped his behaviour as a minister that he needs to infuse confidence in the system.

In his remarks, Jaishankar called China an “unusual neighbour” as he discussed ways to tackle the country, which according to him if it becomes a superpower, may have its own challenges.

“China is an unusual neighbour. We have many neighbours but China may become global power or superpower. Living next to global power has own challenges,” Jaishankar said.

EAM S Jaishankar stated that there are political, economic and technological ways to manage China in the book. He also spoke about national security, Jaishankar underlined how India has suffered due to terrorism as compared to other countries.

“At times there are challenges to national security requiring decisive steps. An obvious example of it is terrorism, we all know how much India has suffered due to terrorism as compared to other countries because other countries don’t have a neighbour like the one we have,” Jaishankar said during the event, as he took a sharp dig at Pakistan. (ANI)

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Gujarat Paper Leak: 15 Arrested With Question Papers

By LokMarg 29th January 2023

The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) on Sunday arrested 15 accused from Vadodara with question papers after the Panchayat Junior Clerk recruitment exam which was scheduled for 11 am today was postponed due to a paper leak in Jamnagar, police said.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Gujarat ATS Sunil Joshi said, “Gujarat ATS was continuously keeping a watch on people who were related to previous paper leak incidents. 15 accused have been arrested from Vadodara with question papers. It is a very organised inter-state gang. The government decided to cancel the exam. Further investigation is underway.”
“We had to ensure that the future of the students is not compromised. The exam should be conducted in a fair and transparent manner. The Gujarat Police and Gujarat ATS worked with a proactive approach after being instructed by the state government,” the SP added.

Earlier, the Gujarat Panchayat Service Selection Board, Gandhinagar, has said that the exam will be held afresh at the earliest, the date of which will be announced shortly.

“In the larger interest of the candidates, it has been decided by the board to ‘postpone’ the competitive examination to be held on 29-01-2023 at 11-00 am, which all the candidates are requested to take note of. Every candidate is advised not to go to the examination centre for the above reasons. The sadar exam will be held afresh at the earliest, the date of which will be announced by the board shortly,” the board has said.

“On the basis of the information received by the police, a suspect Isam was arrested and a copy of the question paper of the above examination was found from him. Criminal police action and further investigation is being done,” it added.

Students and their parents who had reached the Jamnagar centre for the exam expressed disappointment and anger while demanding strict action by the government against the culprits.

Notably, a total of 26,882 students were registered for the exam in Jamnagar, while more than 7,00,000 people were expected to sit in the examination across the state. (ANI)

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Taliban Orders Ban On Female Students In Univ Entrance Exams

By LokMarg 29th January 2023

In the latest decree, the Taliban has banned female students from sitting in university entrance exams which are slated to take place next month, the Afghan news agency TOLOnews reported.

The Taliban Ministry of Higher Education has sent a notice to the universities which states that the girls cannot apply for the exams until further notice. Apparently, they have banned girls from registering for the 1402 (solar year) university entrance exam.
The decision was followed by another decree from the caretaker government prohibiting women from working in non-governmental organizations, which sparked outrage on both the national and international levels, TOLOnews reported.

After the Taliban ordered an indefinite ban on university education for Afghan girls, several humanitarian organizations, including Education Cannot Wait (ECW), a United Nations global, billion-dollar fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises called on the Taliban authorities in Kabul to revoke their decision to suspend the university education of Afghan women.

Earlier, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation met earlier this month to discuss the Afghan caretaker government’s decision to restrict females’ access to education and work at non-governmental organizations.

Many Islamic countries and organizations, including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), have condemned the ban on women’s and girls’ access to work and education as a violation of Islamic law.

Since August 15, 2021, the de facto authorities have barred girls from attending secondary school, restricted women and girls’ freedom of movement, excluded women from most areas of the workforce, and banned women from using parks, gyms, and public bath houses. These restrictions culminate with the confinement of Afghan women and girls to the four walls of their homes. (ANI)

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‘Technical Matter’: Jaishankar On Indus Waters Treaty

By LokMarg 28th January 2023

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said that the Indus Waters Treaty is a technical matter and future course of action will depend on talks between Indus Commissioners of India and Pakistan.

” It will not be right for me to speak publically about what is happening in Pakistan. This is a technical matter, Indus Commissioners of both countries will talk about the Indus Water Treaty. We can only discuss our future steps after that,” he said.
India issued notice to Pakistan for modification of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of September 1960 after Islamabad’s actions adversely impinged the provisions of the treaty.

The notice was conveyed on January 25 through respective Commissioners for Indus Waters as per Article XII (3) of the IWT.

The objective of the notice for modification is to provide Pakistan with an opportunity to enter into intergovernmental negotiations within 90 days to rectify the material breach of the IWT. This process would also update IWT to incorporate the lessons learned over the last 62 years.

India has always been a responsible partner in implementing the IWT. Pakistan’s actions, however, have encroached on the provisions of IWT and their implementation and forced India to issue an appropriate notice for modification of IWT.

Highlighting sea-change in India’s foreign policy, Jaishankar said that the country’s influence has reached beyond the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.

Speaking at the publication ceremony of the book “Bharat Marg” written by Jaishankar, he said, “Nowadays India’s influence has reached beyond the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, this is why I speak on history, big countries always think only about themselves, this is a deficiency in their DNA.”

Jaishankar was in Pune for the release of his English book “The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World,” which has been translated into Marathi as ‘Bharat Marg’.

The Marathi version of Jaishankar’s book was released by Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis.

Asserting that foreign policy has huge significance in country’s growth in the world, he said, “that in every country, foreign policy is made by the central government….but in big countries, this policy is not made only by the centre, many different states also participate in it.”

“Everyone’s participation in the foreign policy of our country is its foundation,” he said.

The EAM said that everyone in the country is connected with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during India’s G20 Presidency.

“It should not be limited to Delhi only. It has been my endeavour since the beginning to take the foreign policy out of the Ministry of External Affairs to the common people, similarly, the language in this book is in the language of very common people and not in technical language.”

“This time there will be 200 meetings in G20. Through these meetings, we want to show the world that whoever comes to India and sees the change, see India’s enthusiasm and positivity for the world,” he added.

Talking about his book, he said that by taking lessons from history, we always have to be aware of the world.

“Through my article, I have warned that there are many shortcomings of globalization, which is evident from results coming out from other countries.”

Jaishankar also advised against leaving foreign policy only to Babus or foreign service workers, and said that sometimes it should include common people also.

“Foreign policy of 1980 and 1990 was going one way and the country on one side. This should not happen, common people should also be taken along. I have written about this in my book,” said Jaishankar.

Talking about India-China relations he said, “If we talk about any land, then this land was occupied by China in 1962, they (opposition) don’t tell you, they will show that it happened the day before yesterday… If I am lacking in thought then I can use my army or intelligence. I will talk to them. I don’t call the Chinese ambassador to ask for my news,” he said.

Jaishankar said that today the world is standing at our doors and said that if we have to take self-reliance forward, then we have to strengthen the domestic supply chain, we cannot depend on others, so we have to support SMEs.

“This time on January 26 Republic-Day parade, most of the weapons were Made in India and some were made in Pune as well,” he said.

Regarding the pressure on India due to the Ukraine conflict, he said, “PM Modi was very clear, he said that it should happen, it should be in the interest of India, so my work was easy with the clarity of the Prime Minister.” (ANI)

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Sky Dazzles With Light Ahead Of Beating Retreat Ceremony

By LokMarg 28th January 2023

Ahead of the ‘Beating the Retreat’ ceremony, a light and drone show was organised at Vijay Chowk in the national capital on Saturday.

Earlier on Saturday, a full dress rehearsal for the ceremony was held at Vijay Chowk.
Indian tunes based on Indian Classical Ragas will be the flavour of the ‘Beating the Retreat’ ceremony this year which will be graced by President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Droupadi Murmu at Vijay Chowk in the national capital on January 29.

According to the Ministry of Defence, 29 captivating and foot-tapping Indian tunes will be played by the music bands of the Army, the Navy, the Air Force and the State Police and the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will also be present in the ceremony.

The event will witness the country’s biggest Drone Show, comprising of 3,500 indigenous drones. The drone show will light up the evening sky over the Raisina hills, weaving myriad forms of national figures/events through smooth synchronisation. It will depict the success of the startup ecosystem, technological prowess of the country’s youth and pave the way for future path-breaking trends. The drone show will be organised by Botlabs Dynamics.

For the first time, a 3D anamorphic projection will be organised during Beating Retreat Ceremony on the facade of the North and South Block.

The ceremony will begin with the massed band’s ‘Agniveer’ tune which will be followed by enthralling tunes like ‘Almora’, ‘Kedar Nath, ‘Sangam Dur’, ‘Queen of Satpura’, ‘Bhagirathi’, ‘Konkan Sundari’ by Pipes and Drums band, said the Defence Ministry statement.

Indian Air Force’s band will play ‘Aprajey Arjun’, ‘Charkha’, ‘Vayu Shakti’, ‘Swadeshi’, while ‘Ekla Cholo Re’, ‘Hum Taiyyar Hai’, and ‘Jai Bharati’ will be played by the band of Indian Navy.

The Indian Army’s band will play ‘Shankhnaad’, ‘Sher-e-Jawan’, ‘Bhupal’, ‘Agranee Bharat’, ‘Young India’, ‘Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja’, ‘Drummers Call’, and ‘Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon’.

The event will come to a close with the ever-popular tune of ‘Sare Jahan se Acha’.

The principal conductor of the ceremony will be Flight Lieutenant Leimapokpam Rupachandra Singh. While Sub Maj Diggar Singh will lead the Army Band, the Naval and Air Force band commanders will be M Anthoni Raj and Warrant Officer Ashok Kumar. The conductor of the State Police and CAPF bands will be Asstt Sub Inspector Prem Singh, said the official statement.

The Buglers will perform under the leadership of Naib Subedar Santosh Kumar Pandey, and the pipes and drums band will play under the instructions of Subedar Major Baswaraj Vagge.

The ‘Beating the Retreat’ ceremony at the Vijay Chowk on January 29 every year marks the culmination of the four-day-long Republic Day celebrations. It has emerged as an event of national pride when the Colours and Standards are paraded.

The ceremony traces its origins to the early 1950s when Major Roberts of the Indian Army indigenously developed the unique ceremony of display by the massed bands. It marks a centuries-old military tradition when the troops ceased fighting, sheathed their arms and withdrew from the battlefield and returned to the camps at sunset at the sound of the Retreat. Colours and Standards are cased and flags are lowered. The ceremony creates nostalgia for the times gone by. (ANI)

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Mughal Gardens, Other Rashtrapati Bhavan Parks Renamed ‘Amrit Udyan’

By LokMarg 28th January 2023

Rashtrapati Bhavan is home to a rich variety of gardens and President Droupadi Murmu has given a common name to the gardens as ‘Amrit Udyan’ to mark celebrations of 75 years of Independence as ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

“On the occasion of the celebrations of 75 years of Independence as ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, the President of India has given a common name to the Rashtrapati Bhavan gardens as ‘Amrit Udyan’,” said Navika Gupta, Deputy Press Secretary to President.

The gardens at Rashtrapati Bhavan also included Mughal Garden. Amrit Udyan will open for public on January 31.

Ajay Singh, Press Secretary to President, said the collective identity of all the gardens at Rashtrapati Bhavan will be ‘Amrit Udyan’.

“Earlier there were descriptive identities, now a new identity has been given to the gardens,” he said.

The gardens at Rashtrapati Bhavan include East Lawn, Central Lawn, Long Garden and Circular Garden. During the terms of former Presidents Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Ram Nath Kovind, more gardens were developed – Herbal-I, Herbal-II, Tactile Garden, Bonsai Garden, and Arogya Vanam. (ANI)

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Rakhi Sawant’s Mother Jaya Bheda Passes Away

By LokMarg 28th January 2023

Actor Rakhi Sawant’s mother Jaya Bheda who was ill for quite some time has passed away on Saturday.

Reportedly, Rakhi’s mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor and cancer. And she was hospitalized in a Criticare Multispeciality Hospital, Juhu.
Rakhi is quite active on social media and used to share her mother’s health updates.

In one of the emotional videos, she asked her fans to pray for her mother.

She also showed her mother who was sitting in the hospital bed.

Reportedly, her mother was suffering from cancer for nearly three years, she fought a valiant battle. (ANI)

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Boman’s Anniv Post Carries His Signature Humour

By LokMarg 28th January 2023

Love defies age and commitment endures the test of time. Championing both causes, senior actor Boman Irani wished his wife Zenobia on the occasion of their 38th marriage anniversary with an adorable post.

Boman took to Instagram to post a string of pictures on Saturday and his caption read, “Living under the same roof for 38 years. Living with the same heartbeat for 41. You taught me that winning an argument is actually a loss. Because it’s a stupid, pointless victory. So don’t waste time. But you always said this only when you lost an argument. Happy anniversary Zeenu.”

Soon after Boman posted the pictures, his friends from the industry blessed the couple with lovely wishes. Anupam Kher, Neena Gupta, Farha Khan Kundar and Riteish Deshmukh posted sweet messages on Boman’s post.

Boman and Zenobia are blessed with two sons, Danesh and Kayoze. Boman has featured in films like ‘ Munna bhai MBBS’, ‘Main Hoon Na, ‘3 Idiots’, ‘Jolly LLB’ to name a few.

The actor was last seen in Sooraj Barjatay’s ‘Unnchai’ in which he shared screen space with Amitabh Bachchan, Neena Gupta, Anupam Kher among others. (ANI)

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Shruti Shares Adorable Pic With Beau Santanu From B’day Bash

By LokMarg 28th January 2023

Actor Shruti Haasan shared an adorable picture with her beau Santanu Hazarika from her birthday bash on Friday night.

In the picture posted by Shruti on her Instagram story, both Santanu and her could be seen hugging each other. The ‘Gabbar’ actor donned a beautiful all-black dress.

A bunch of yellow and black balloons can be seen in the background of the photo with a foil cut-out of ‘Happy BDay’.

She also shared a selfie on her story which she captioned, “Best Birthday ever. I’m so thankful for the beautiful souls around me.”

Shruti frequently treats her fans with her cute couple pictures on her social media.

On the work front, Shruti was recently seen in the Telugu action comedy film ‘Waltair Veerayya’ alongside actors Chiranjeevi, Ravi Teja and Prakash Raj.

Helmed by Bobby Kolli, the film received a decent response from the fans.

She will be next seen in director Prashant Neel’s upcoming action thriller Pan India film ‘Salaar’ opposite actor Prabhas.

The official release date of the film is still awaited.

On her Bollywood front, Shruti was seen in films like ‘Luck’, ‘Gabbar is Back’, ‘Behen Hogi Teri’, ‘Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji’, ‘D-DAY’, ‘Welcome Back’ and many more. (ANI)

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