April 2023 - Page 5 of 51 - Lokmarg

We Should Unitedly Fight Terrorism: Rajnath At SCO Def Ministers’ Meet

By LokMarg 28th April 2023

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday highlighted the need to fight terrorism unitedly in the light of terrorists using new methods like “social media and crowdfunding” at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers meeting that began in New Delhi.

“We should unitedly fight terrorism. If SCO has to emerge stronger, we have to fight together. Terror groups are using new methods like social media and crowdfunding,” said Singh.
The Defence Minister further stated that India is fully committed to making SCO stronger, contributing to the implementation of SCO’s mandate.

“India is fully committed to making SCO stronger, contributing to the implementation of SCO’s mandate and facing our common challenges,” added Singh.

Notably, United Nations proscribed Pakistani terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has been seen openly collecting funds in Peshawar, according to several accounts.

“The open fundraising by the banned terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Peshawar, Pakistan, has raised concerns about the resurgence of extremist groups in the country. The group, responsible for several terrorist attacks,” tweeted Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, exiled leader & founder of the United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP).

JeM remerged after Financial Action Task Force (FATF) relaxation last year. They are openly backed by Pakistan security personnel. Global terror-financing watchdog FATF in October 2022 announced Pakistan’s removal from its grey list, stating that the country has largely completed its action plans on anti-money laundering and financing of terrorism. Pakistan has been on the FATF grey list since June 2018.

Jaish Fund collection isn’t limited to Peshawar but is also visible in Pakistan’s Punjab, Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and other areas.

The ease with which these groups can openly collect funds raises concerns about the government’s ability to crack down on terrorist activities.

“To ensure a secure, stable and prosperous region, we need to focus on our agenda. This will help in improving the quality of life of the people of each member country,” said Singh at SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting.

It has been 14 years since Pakistan-sponsored terrorists struck Mumbai. The evidence of Pakistan’s links behind the bloodbath that went on for three days in Mumbai was there for all to see. However, Pakistan chose to ignore India’s requests to bring the perpetrators of the act to justice over the past 14 years.

Meanwhile, Pakistan attended the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting in virtual mode.

Malik Ahmad Khan, special assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Defence affairs addressed the SCO meeting virtually.

India as the Chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in 2023 will host the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting on 28 April 2023 in New Delhi.

SCO is an intergovernmental organization established in 2001. The SCO membership includes Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan besides India.

Apart from the member states, two observer countries Belarus and Iran will also be participating in the SCO Defence Ministers Meeting.

India and Pakistan became permanent members in 2017. (ANI)

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A Spiritual Journey: The Amarnath Yatra 2023

By LokMarg 27th April 2023

As the summer season approaches, devotees across the world gear up for the annual Amarnath Yatra in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The 62-day yatra, which commences on July 1 and culminates on August 31, is an important pilgrimage for Hindus who visit the Amarnath Cave, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva.
The administration has assured a smooth and hassle-free yatra for all devotees, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stating that the government’s top priority is to provide the best healthcare and essential facilities to visitors and service providers.

The government is also working closely with various departments to ensure proper arrangements for lodging, power, water, security, and waste management.

The yatra would commence simultaneously from both the Pahalgam track in the Anantnag district and Baltal in the Ganderbal district, giving devotees the option to choose the route that suits them best.

The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has also enabled live telecasts of morning and evening prayers for devotees across the world.

To make the registration process easier, the SASB has made available an app on the Google Play store, allowing devotees to get real-time information about the yatra, and weather conditions, and avail several services online.

During the 44th meeting of SASB, chaired by the Lieutenant Governor, members and officials reviewed various aspects of Amarnath Yatra-2023, including registration, provision of helicopter services, service providers, camps, langars, and insurance cover for yatris.

The annual Amarnath Yatra is a significant event in the Hindu calendar and attracts thousands of devotees every year.

With the government’s assurance of a hassle-free yatra, devotees can look forward to a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey to the Amarnath Cave. (ANI)

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This Is How Soha Is Welcomed By Her Inaaya

By LokMarg 27th April 2023

Precious moments spent with a daughter can’t be described in words but some days beautiful pictures are enough to describe the bond of love. Owing to this fact, actor Soha Ali Khan on Thursday dropped an adorable picture with her daughter Inaaya.

Taking to Instagram, Soha dropped a blurry yet precious picture of herself with her daughter.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CriSTsJM6q6/

In the picture, Soha can be seen getting a warm hug from Inaaya.

Actor can be seen in a checked shirt and distressed jeans while her little angel in a pink top with black jeans.

Sharing the picture, she wrote, “Some things cannot be defined.”

As soon as the picture was uploaded, the actor’s fans and industry friends chimed in the comment section.

Saba Pataudi dropped heart emojis.

One of the users wrote, “Precious.”

“So cute,” another commented.

Earlier, Soha shared pictures from her spring vacation with her husband Kunal Kemmu and daughter Inaaya in Dubai on Instagram.

She also gave a special mention to her daughter Inaaya for clicking the images of the duo.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Soha recently wrapped her upcoming movie ‘Chhorii 2’. Helmed by Vishal Furia ‘Chhorii’ streamed exclusively on the OTT platform Amazon Prime Video and received positive responses from the audience. Soha will star opposite Nushrratt Bharuccha in ‘Chhorii 2’.

The official release date of the film is still awaited. (ANI)

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Filmfare: Salman Suber-Cool Pic

By LokMarg 27th April 2023

Salman Khan who is all set to entertain the live audience tonight shared an uber-cool picture of himself ahead of the award function. Fans can’t wait to see his red carpet look.

The ‘Dabangg’ actor is going to take anchoring command at Filmfare Awards 2023, which will happen today at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.
Ahead of the prestigious award ceremony, Salman took to Instagram and dropped a picture from a vanity van.

He was dressed in a bright yellow t-shirt that he teamed up with a faded blue jacket and a pair of trousers. And a blue cap enhanced his uber-cool look.

Sharing the picture, he wrote, “#FilmfareAwards.”

Earlier, Salman also shared his excitement about the event, he wrote, “Nobody knows what tomorrow holds…. Not true in this case as it’s Filmfare Awards tomorrow.. bas ache se ho jaaye, duo karo kyunki duaaon me hai bada dam. Vande Mataram. (Hope all goes well. Please pray as there is a lot of power in prayers.)”

Salman will host the latest edition of the Filmfare Awards with actor Maniesh Paul.

Actor Vicky Kaushal will perform at the event. Recently, he shared a few pictures of himself in which he can be seen busy preparing for his dance performance.

Sharing the post, Vicky Kaushal captioned the images as “Final checks. See you tomorrow” and tagged Filmfare’s official Instagram profile.

Tiger Shroff, Janhvi Kapoor, and Jacqueline Fernandez are also expected to showcase their dancing skills at the award show. (ANI)

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Badminton Asia C’ships: Sindhu, Prannoy Advance To QFs

By LokMarg 27th April 2023

Ace Indian shuttlers PV Sindhu and Prannoy HS reached the quarterfinal stage of the ongoing Badminton Asia Championships after winning their respective round of 16 matches on Thursday.

Sindhu defeated China’s Han Yue by 21-12, 21-15 in just two games. She beat Hsu Wen-chi of Taiwan by 21-15, 22-20 to advance to the round of 16.
“Superb win for Sindhu and she moves into the quarterfinals at #BAC2023: @badmintonphoto #IndiaontheRise #Badminton,” said a tweet from the Badminton Association of India (BAI).

Prannoy also defeated Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo of Indonesia by 21-16, 5-21, 21-18.

“Quarterfinals spot Well played @PRANNOYHSPRI: @badmintonphoto #BAC2023 #IndiaontheRise #Badminton,” tweeted BAI Media.

Prannoy HS also downed Myanmar’s Phone Pyae Naing by 21-14, 21-9 in the round of 32.

Satwiksairaj-Chirag, also known as ‘Sat-Chi’ stormed into the quarterfinal by defeating Jin Yong and Na Sung Seung of Korea in their men’s doubles match.

“Dominating display of by Sat-Chi as they enter last-8: @badmintonphoto #BAC2023 #IndiaontheRise #Badminton,” tweeted BAI Media.

They had defeated Malaysia’s Tan Kian Meng and Tan Wee Kiong 21-14, 21-17 in their round of 32 match.

The Indian mixed doubles duo of Rohan Kapoor and N Sikki Reddy moved to the quarterfinals of the Badminton Asia Championships 2023 after they got a walk-over in their round of 16 match on Thursday.

The women’s doubles duo of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand pulled out of the tournament due to injury.

Rohan Kapoor and N Sikki Reddy entered the pre-quarters of the ongoing Badminton Asia Championships on Wednesday by recording a 21-12, 21-16 win over the Malaysian duo of Chan Peng Soon and Cheah Yee See in the round of 32 stages. Treesa and Gayatri on the other hand, defeated the Indonesian duo of Lanny Tria Mayasari and Ribika Sugiarto 17-21, 21-17, 21-18 in their round of 32 match.

In the men’s singles competition, Kidambi Srikanth bowed out of the competition in the round of 16 stage. He lost to Japan’s Kodai Naraoka 14-21, 22-20, 9-21.

Kidambi advanced to the round of 16 by defeating Bahrain’s Adnan Ebrahum by 21-13, 21-8.

The mixed doubles duo of Sumeeth Reddy and Ashwini Ponappa also lost their round of 16 match to Chinese Taipei’s Chang Ko-chi and Lee Chih Chen in straight two games by 15-21, 17-21.

Badminton Asia Championships 2023 started on April 25 in Dubai and will go on till April 30. (ANI)

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J-K: Tulip Garden Witnesses Huge Footfall

By LokMarg 27th April 2023

The Tulip Garden at Sanasar – Jammu and Kashmir’s second biggest and Jammu division’s biggest Tulip garden, witnessed a huge footfall of tourists from different places of the country.

The Garden is spread over 40 kanals (5 acres) of land adjacent to the Lake surrounded by picturesque Sanasar meadows. Around 2.75 lakh tulip bulbs of 25 varieties and different hues have been planted in the garden.
The Tulip Garden was inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha on April 8 during a grand function held amid much fanfare.

Tourists from all over the country and even outside the country are visiting Tulip Garden in Sanasar in hordes thereby boosting the socio-economic status of the area.

To date, 43964 tourists including 18026 from J&K and 25936 local tourists besides a few foreigners have visited Sanasar this year.

At present 40 per cent of Tulip flowers are in bloom and will remain bloomed for 10 more days.

Jammu Kashmir Department of Floriculture works hard to decorate the garden with lakhs of flowers with dozens of varieties so that more and more tourists from across the world may visit it.

It is said that the Kashmir tulip garden has no competition with any other tulip garden in the world. Besides the beauty of the garden in the ‘world’s paradise’ what attracts the tourists is the warm hospitality of the locals. (ANI)

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Cong Should Apologise To Nation: Anurag On Kharge’s Poisonous Snake Remarks

By LokMarg 27th April 2023

Slamming Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for his controversial remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Thursday said Kharge made the statement because no one accepted him as the chief of his party.

He demanded Congress’ apology over Kharge’s remarks.
“Congress made Mallikarjun Kharge the party president but nobody considers him that, so he thought of giving a statement which is worse than that given by Sonia Gandhi. Congress should apologise to the nation,” Thakur said.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje demanded Kharge’s apology.

“Mallikarjun Kharge is a senior leader and president of Congress. What does he want to tell the world? Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of our country and the whole world respects him and using such language for PM shows the level to which Congress has stooped. We want him (Kharge) to apologize to the country,” Karandlaje said.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge while addressing a public meeting in Kalaburagi on Thursday said, “PM Modi is like a ‘poisonous snake’, you might think it is poison or not. If you lick it, you are dead.

However as controversy sparked, Kharge clarified his earlier remark on PM Modi. He said his remarks were meant for the BJP and not for the Prime Minister.

“It was not meant for PM Modi, what I meant was BJP’s ideology is ‘like a snake’. I never said this personally for PM Modi, what I said was their ideology is like a snake and if you try to touch it, your death is certain,” said Kharge.

BJP and Congress are at loggerheads at poll-bound Karnataka. The polls for the 224-seat assembly are slated to take place on May 10 and the counting will take place on May 13. (ANI)

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SC Seeks Centre’s Response On Grant Of Social Benefits To Same-Sex Couples

By LokMarg 27th April 2023

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the government to give a response on social benefits that can be given to same-sex couples even without legal recognition of their marital status.

The five-judge Constitution Bench comprising of the Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Justice S Ravindra Bhat, Justice Hima Kohli and Justice PS Narasimha is dealing with a batch of petitions pertaining to ‘marriage equality rights for LGBTQIA+ community.
CJI DY Chandrachud suggested that there are ministries dedicated to this purpose like social justice and empowerment such as Ministry for Women and Child Development.

The court asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to see if there can be separate legislation taken which would protect the rights of same-sex couples.

Solicitor General expressed his acknowledgement that concerns such as having a joint bank account, nomination in insurance, etc are all human concerns and there can be deliberation to find a solution thereto. Solicitor General indicated that he can attempt to undertake this exercise since the suggestion has come from the Bench.

During the hearing, CJI Chandrachud remarked that the government must recognise and secure cohabitor relationships.

During the hearing, Justice Narasimha said, “When the bench says recognition, it may not always be recognition of marriage.”

Justice Bhat remarked, “Recognition must be something which gives them benefits.”

Justice Kaul opined that social ministries would have possibly studied how to tackle problems that would arise after giving social recognition to the LGBTQIA+ community.

The court also remarked that once it is recognised that there is a right to cohabit, then it is the obligation of the state that all social impact of cohabitation has legal recognition.

The court also noted that there will be social requirements such as banking, insurance, admissions etc where the Centre will have to do something.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the court that he will assist the court on these issues raised by the court.

These issues were raised by the court when Solicitor General Tushar, appearing for Centre, argued and said, “The right to love, the right to cohabit, the right to project sexual orientation and the right to choose a partner are fundamental rights.”

“But there is no fundamental right to seek recognition of that relationship as a marriage,” he argued.

Chief Justice of India Chandrachud remarked, “Such issues on the administrative side can be handled by the ministries to find real solutions to these problems and the court can act as facilitators.”

The court remarked that the relationship between the court and the government is not really an adversarial relationship.

CJI Chandrachud also said, “The law in the country has gone a long way observing that the country has the Transgender Act with a grand vision.”

Justice Bhat mentioned about Vishakha and Domestic Violence Act were also enacted because of some movement.

The hearing remained inconclusive today and will be continued on May 3.

Various petitions are being dealt with by Supreme Court seeking legal recognition of same-sex marriage. One of the petitions earlier raised the absence of a legal framework which allowed members of the LGBTQIA+ community to marry any person of their choice.

According to one of the petitions, the couple sought to enforce the fundamental rights of LGBTQ+ individuals to marry any person of their choice and said, “The exercise of which ought to be insulated from the disdain of legislative and popular majorities.”

The petitioners, further, asserted their fundamental right to marry each other and prayed for appropriate directions from this Court allowing and enabling them to do so.

One of the petitions was represented by Senior Advocates Mukul Rohatgi and Saurabh Kirpal briefed by a team of advocates from Karanjawala & Co. (ANI)

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Wrestlers Should Have Come To Us Instead Of Going On Streets: PT Usha

By LokMarg 27th April 2023

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha said on Thursday that the wrestlers should have approached the IOA earlier instead of going out in the streets against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its president Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, who the wrestlers accused of sexual harassment and mismanagement of athletes.

“Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is having a committee for sexual harassment, instead of going to the streets they (protesting wrestlers) could have come to us earlier but they did not come to IOA. It is not good for sports not only for wrestlers, they should also have some discipline,” said Usha to the media.
Ace Indian grapplers such as Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and many other wrestlers are involved in the protest against the WFI chief.

Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra supported the wrestlers in their protest with a poignant tweet on Wednesday.

“As athletes, we train hard every day to represent our country on the international stage. It is deeply concerning to see our athletes finding it necessary to protest on the streets regarding the allegations of harassment in the Indian wrestling administration,” Bindra tweeted.

“My heart goes out to all those who have been affected. We must ensure that this issue is handled properly, with the athletes’ concerns heard and addressed fairly and independently. This incident highlights the crucial need for a proper safeguarding mechanism that can prevent harassment and ensure justice for those affected. We must work towards creating a safe and secure environment for all athletes to thrive in,” he added.

Over the previous four days, the wrestlers have slept and trained at the protest location.

On Wednesday, grapplers held a candle march at Jantar Mantar in the national capital as they continue their protest against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its president Brijbhushan Sharan Singh. Vinesh Phoghat, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik were present in the candle march.

While talking to the media, Sakshi Malik said, “We urge PM Modi to listen to our Mann Ki Baat. Even Smriti Irani ji is not listening to us. We are trying to show them the light through this candle march,” said Sakshee to the media.

The wrestler said that no FIR had been filed after the wrestlers registered a complaint against the WFI and its chief on Friday.

“We trust Supreme Court that it will give us justice,” said Sakshi Malik.

Delhi Police on Wednesday submitted before the Supreme Court that a preliminary inquiry would be needed before lodging an FIR against WFI president Brij Bhushan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment. Delhi Police apprised the court that the police felt that there were some issues that needed preliminary inquiry. However, Delhi Police clarified that it has no hesitation to lodge FIR immediately if the court orders.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said that the matter is scheduled to be heard on Friday and the bench will look at the entire material. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued notice to Delhi Police on the wrestler’s plea seeking an urgent hearing on a petition seeking registration of FIR against WFI president Brij Bhushan.

The court noted that there are serious allegations in the petition by wrestlers who have represented India.

It was announced on Monday by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced on Monday that the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) will be forming an ad-hoc committee to conduct the elections for the Executive Committee of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) within 45 days of its formation, to manage day-to-day affairs of the body, including the selection of athletes and making entries for the participation of players in international events.

This committee will be functioning for an interim period till a new Executive Committee takes charge.

After a protest led by some prominent wrestlers of the country started this January, the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced the formation of an ‘oversight committee’ to probe allegations leveled against the WFI and its chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and other coaches.

The committee was tasked with submitting a report on the issue to the ministry. (ANI)

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Tripartite Pact Signed Between Centre, Assam Govt, Dimasa National Liberation Army

By LokMarg 27th April 2023

In a significant milestone towards making North-East insurgency-free by 2024, a tripartite Memorandum of Settlement was signed between the government of India, the government of Assam and representatives of Dimasa National Liberation Army/Dimasa Peoples’ Supreme Council (DNLA/DPSC) in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday.

As a result of this agreement, over 168 cadres of DNLA are joining the mainstream by laying down their arms. The pact will bring a complete end to the insurgency in the Dima Hasao district of Assam.
Under the agreement, Dimasa Welfare Council will be set up by the Government of Assam to protect, preserve and promote a social, cultural, and linguistic identity to meet political, economic and educational aspirations and will ensure speedy and focused development of the Dimasa people residing outside the jurisdiction of the Autonomous Council.

Along with this, the agreement also provides for the appointment of a Commission under Paragraph 14 of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India to examine the demand for the inclusion of additional villages contiguous to the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) with the Council.

The agreement also provides for necessary measures to be taken by the Government of India and the Government of Assam to rehabilitate the surrendered armed cadres of DNLA. To this effect, a Special Development package of Rs 500 crore each, will also be provided by the Government of India and Government of Assam over a period of five years, for the all-round development of NCHAC as well as Dimasa people residing in other parts of the State.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and senior officers from Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the Government of Assam were present on the occasion.

Soon after the pact was signed, Amit Shah said, “This agreement is another significant milestone towards making North-East insurgency-free by 2024 and fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a peaceful and prosperous North East”.

He said that this agreement will put a complete end to the insurgency and with this, there are no more armed groups in Assam today.

Shah added, “PM Modi has put forward the vision of a terror-free, violence-free and developed Northeast before the country and the Ministry of Home Affairs is moving forward in this direction”.

“Under the agreement, the representatives of DNLA have agreed to abjure violence, surrender all arms and ammunition, disband their armed organization, vacate all camps occupied by DNLA cadres and join the peaceful democratic process as established by the law,” he said.

The Home Minister said that today’s agreement will bring a complete end to the insurgency in the Dima Hasao district of Assam. (ANI)

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