Month: April 2023

Aryan's Directorial Debut Ad

Aryan’s Directorial Debut Ad Featuring King Khan Out Now

By LokMarg

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan decorates son Aryan Khan’s vision in his directorial debut ad.

Aryan directed his debut ad for a luxury streetwear brand D’yavol X which is being endorsed as a luxury streetwear line. On Tuesday the complete ad was released via the official handle of the brand after teasing the audience by releasing a teaser on Monday.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Crc-8v9oH_f/

The ad’s caption read, “Drop goes live on 30th April. Only at dyavolx.com Limited Release. Don’t be late.”

At the beginning of the ad Aryan can be seen cutting down a few words like timeless on a blackboard and getting irritated as he slashes the blackboard with a paintbrush dipped in red colour. As he walks out, SRK enters the room and picks up the brush after stepping on it unintentionally. After seeing the blackboard and spotting what is written on it, Shah Rukh adds up another slash to make the alphabet X on the blackboard which symbolises the brand name of D-yoval X. The video ends with Shah Rukh posing to the camera as he sits holding the paint brush in his hands.

The fans can’t keep calm about this father-son duo working together. SRK looked dapper with pumped-up muscles as he wore a t-shirt to show the ‘Pathaan’ physique.

“WOOOOWWW!! This is tremendous!! Shah Rukh Khan directed by Aryan Khan Many congratulations to the whole team” a social media user commented.

A few months ago, Aryan announced on Instagram that he has completed the writing of his first project which he will also be directing.

Previously, in 2019, Shah Rukh appeared on David Letterman’s talk show, where he talked about his son Aryan’s career ambitions. On ‘My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman’, Shah Rukh told the eponymous host that Aryan doesn’t want to be an actor.

Shah Rukh said though his son is a ‘good writer,’ he doesn’t have what it takes to be an actor.

“He (Aryan) doesn’t have what it takes to be an actor and he realises that too but he’s a good writer… I think wanting to be an actor has to come from within. Something you really need to do and find a set of skills that helps you do it and learn it. But I think I realised it from him when he said that to me,” Shah Rukh had said.

On the other hand, Suhana is following in her father’s footsteps. She is all set to make her acting debut with Zoya Akhtar’s film ‘The Archies’.

Based on the backdrop of the 1960s, the film also marks the debut of producer Boney Kapoor’s daughter Khushi Kapoor and megastar Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson Agastya Nanda.

The film will exclusively stream on Netflix. The film is the Indian adaptation of the iconic comics ‘The Archies’. Produced by Tiger Baby and Graphic India, ‘The Archies’ is a coming-of-age story that will introduce the teenagers of Riverdale to a new generation in India. The official release date of the film is still awaited. (ANI)

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Anupam on demise of Pak-Canadian Columnist Tarek Fatah

Anupam Mourns Demise Of Pak-Canadian Columnist Tarek Fatah

By LokMarg

Veteran actor Anupam Kher expressed grief over the death of Pakistani-Canadian columnist and commentator Tarek Fatah.

Taking to Instagram, Kher penned an emotional note in memory of Tarek Fatah, who died after a long battle with cancer, on Monday.
Kher wrote, “Deeply saddened to know about the demise of my friend, a true Indian at heart, most fearless and kind-hearted man @TarekFatah. His courage was infectious! His laughter was pure. We met on many occasions. But visiting his home in Toronto & spending an afternoon with him over some delicious food and amazing stories was so special. My condolences to his family & friends! #TarekFateh @natashafatah.”

Kher also shared a few pictures of himself with Tarek Fatah.

The news of Tarek Fatah’s demise was shared by his daughter Natasha, who herself is a journalist.

“Lion of Punjab. Son of Hindustan. Lover of Canada. Speaker of truth. Fighter for justice. Voice of the downtrodden, underdogs, and the oppressed. Tarek Fatah has passed the baton on… his revolution will continue with all who knew and loved him. Will you join us? 1949-2023,” Natasha tweeted.

Tarek Fatah was 73. (ANI)

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‘Opinion on Atiq’s Killing is Divided in Prayagraj; Some Hail It, Others Condemn It’

By LokMarg

Utkarsh Singh, a pharmacist in Prayagraj, says while some feel Atiq’s killing was destined others say such incidents undermine justice deliver system. His views

The recent killing of Atiq Ahmed, a former Member of Parliament, has shocked and outraged the people of Prayagraj. Atiq Ahmed has been a controversial figure in Prayagraj politics. He was known as a dreaded mafia don with a history of criminal activities but at the same time he also enjoyed popular support among a section of the Prayagraj electorate.

The killing has therefore sparked to diagonally opposite set of reactions. Some see it as a welcome end to a notorious underworld figure while others believe that such extrajudicial killings are a threat to the rule of law and the democratic process in the state. It all depends on which side of political spectrum are you from.

Those who see Ahmed’s killing as a positive development argue that he deserved to be punished for his past crimes: If you live by the gun, you will die by the gun. One reason for their support is our sluggish legal system where justice is either delayed or provides many a loophole for the criminals to continue operating even from inside the jails. This group also lists out Atiq’s involvement in multiple cases of murder, extortion, and other criminal acts. They believe that the death of such a person will send a strong message to other criminals and act as a deterrent for others to take such a course.

ALSO READ: ‘There is Something Definitely Fishy About Atiq’s Killing’

The other set of group in Prayagraj believes that violence can never be the answer and the live-on-camera killing only shows UP police in poor light which will embolden other criminals. This group feels our political leaders should set an example for the community by resolving their differences peacefully and avoid rhetoric statements such as “mitti me mila denge” (will reduce them to dust)

I too feel that no matter what a person’s past is, extrajudicial killings cannot be justified. Such killings undermine the rule of law and democracy. Many have pointed out that the Indian Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to a fair trial and due process of law. Ahmed too should have been brought to judicial trial and held accountable for his crimes through legal means.

There are also concerns about the potential impact of Ahmed’s killing on the upcoming state elections. Ahmed was a leader of the Apna Dal (S), a small regional party which has been seeking to expand its presence in the region. His death could have implications for the party’s fortunes in the upcoming polls.

Overall, the killing has stirred up strong emotions and debates in Prayagraj. While some see it as a necessary step in the fight against crime, others believe that it is a dangerous precedent that could have serious implications. In any case, the incident has highlighted the need for a greater focus on addressing the issue of crime and violence in the region, as well as the need to strengthen the rule of law and ensure justice for all.

As told to Deepti Sharma

Sisodia physical hearing

Delhi Excise Policy: CBI Files Chargesheet Against Sisodia

By LokMarg

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday filed a chargesheet against former deputy chief minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia and four others in the Delhi excise policy case.

According to sources, the supplementary chargesheet has been filed under IPC sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 420 (Cheating) and other section of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
An official confirmed that the supplementary chargesheet has been filed against former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, Amandeep Singh Dhall, Arjun Pandey and Butchi Babu Gorantla in the Delhi excise policy case.

In its first chargesheet in the case, CBI alleged that around Rs 20-30 crore was arranged by suspect Abhishek Boinpally at the behest of South Group and paid to Vijay Nair via Dinesh Arora in cash between July and September 2021. Allegations have also been made that Sisodia intervened personally to get Mahendru-promoted Indo Spirit’s application processed after anomalies were initially flagged.

Former Excise Commissioner Arava Gopi Krishna’s name is also mentioned in the chargesheet in column 12 as a suspect.

Court noted that out of four accused, two accused Manish Sisodia and Amandeep Dhall are in Judicial custody presently.

Butchibabu has been granted bail in the matter on March 6, 2023.

Arjun Pandey was never arrested in the case by the prosecution agency, noted the court. (ANI)

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Sudan operation kaveri

Operation Kaveri: First Batch Of Stranded Indians Leave Sudan

By LokMarg

Indians stranded in Sudan have departed from the conflict-torn country in the first phase of ‘Operation Kaveri’, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday.

The third Saryu-class patrol vessel of the Indian Navy, INS Sumedha with 278 people onboard departed from Port Sudan for Jeddah.
Taking to Twitter, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Arindam Bagchi wrote, “First batch of stranded Indians leave Sudan under #OperationKaveri. INS Sumedha with 278 people onboard departs Port Sudan for Jeddah.”

As the fighting between the Sudanese Army and paramilitary groups intensified in the capital Khartoum, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar informed on Monday that its ‘Operation Kaveri’ to evacuate its citizens from battle-torn Sudan is underway and about 500 Indians had reached Port Sudan.

India has launched “Operation Kaveri” to bring back stranded Indians from the war-torn Sudan.

Taking to Twitter, Jaishankar said, “Operation Kaveri gets underway to bring back our citizens stranded in Sudan. About 500 Indians have reached Port Sudan. More on their way. Our ships and aircraft are set to bring them back home. Committed to assisting all our brethren in Sudan.”

Previously, France Embassy in India informed that their country has evacuated some Indians along with citizens of 27 other countries as part of its evacuation mission from violence-hit Sudan.

Earlier, on Saturday, Saudi Arabia said it has evacuated 66 citizens of “brotherly and friendly” foreign countries that included a few Indian nationals from the conflict-hit nation.

The evacuation came days after Jaishankar spoke to his Saudi Arabia counterpart. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday chaired a high-level meeting to review the security situation in Sudan.

“In the implementation of the directives of the Kingdom’s Leadership, we are pleased to announce the safe arrival of the evacuated citizens of the Kingdom from Sudan and several nationals of brotherly & friendly countries, including diplomats & international officials,” Saudi Arabia Foreign Ministry statement said.

Sudan is facing violence due to fighting between the army and the paramilitary forces. There are reports of violence even amid a 72-hour ceasefire.

Earlier, Jaishankar had on April 20 met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York and discussed the developments in Sudan.

“We had a very good meeting. Most of our meeting was on the Sudan situation. We also discussed the G20, and Ukraine conflict, but essentially it was about Sudan,” Jaishankar told ANI.

Jaishankar said that the Indian government is in continuous touch with its citizens stuck in Sudan.

Fighting has been raging between forces loyal to Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who commands the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The conflict began since a coup in 2021 between Sudan’s military leader and his deputy on the ruling council erupted derailing a plan for a transition to a civilian democracy after the fall of longtime dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019. (ANI)

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Biden Biden Military Package for taiwan

Biden Announces He’ll Run For Re-Election

By LokMarg

US President Joe Biden will be running for re-election as the President of the United States.

Biden on Tuesday formally announced that he seeks a second term as the US President. This sets up the possibility of a rematch with Donald Trump, The New York Times reported.
“Every generation has a moment where they have had to stand up for democracy. To stand up for their fundamental freedoms. I believe this is ours,” Biden tweeted on Tuesday.

“That’s why I’m running for re-election as President of the United States. Join us. Let’s finish the job,” the president further tweeted.

The US President on Tuesday launched his campaign for President: Let’s Finish the Job.

Biden is the oldest US president in history.

Meanwhile, as the 2024 US Presidential elections are inching closer, Conservative talk radio host Larry Elder has declared his candidature for the Republican presidential ticket, The Washington Post reported.

“America is in decline, but this decline is not inevitable,” Larry Elder tweeted on Thursday.

“We can enter a new American Golden Age, but we must choose a leader who can bring us there. That’s why I’m running for President,” the tweet read further, as Elder announced his candidacy.

Elder joins a burgeoning Republican field headed by former president Donald Trump, which also includes software entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson, and former UN ambassador Nikki Haley, reported The Washington Post.

Last week, Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) announced the formation of an exploratory committee; other potential candidates include Governor Ron DeSantis (R) of Florida and ex-Vice President Mike Pence.

According to Washington Post, on the website for his nascent presidential campaign, Elder highlighted, among other priorities, the need to combat crime, promote racial peace, address inflation, enhance the economy, and secure the border. (ANI)

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Wrestlers Justice

Forced To Run From Pillar To Post To Get Justice: Wrestlers

By LokMarg

In a petition filed by wrestlers in the Supreme Court seeking registration of FIR against the Wrestlers Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan, said that they are being forced to run from pillar to post to get justice.

“The attitude of the police was shockingly rude towards the complainants and this is a grave injustice and a clear violation of their basic human rights”, stated the wrestlers in the petition.
The petition further stated that the police has taken the complaints and did not even issue a formal receipt of the complaint.

“As per print media, it is in circulation that the accused in fact has been given clean-chit in the matter and the committee report is lying at the Ministry of Sports and despite requests the report is not being made public”, the wrestlers further stated in the petition.

The wrestlers also added that even after being sexually, emotionally, mentally, and physically exploited by the accused and his close aids on numerous occasions, the Petitioners along with other wrestlers mustered up the courage to raise their voices before the appropriate authority against such acts and sat on protest (dharna) at Jantar Mantar seeking appropriate action against the perpetrators.

Pursuant to the same, the Ministry of Sports in the wake of such allegations against the accused person, vide Public Notice dated January 23, 2023, decided to constitute a 5 – member oversight committee to investigate the allegations on the receipt of the complaints received on the behest of the Petitioners.

The oversight committee took note of the allegations, and the statements of the victims were recorded. However, it is distressing to know that despite the committee being formed, no concrete steps have been taken to address this critical issue, the petition said.

“Petitioners are the Women wrestlers of this country who have dedicated their lives to bringing great pride to this nation through their constant hard work and dedication. But unfortunately, these female Olympians are being subjected to sexual harassment by individuals who are taking advantage of their vulnerable positions”, the petitioners said.

The petition said, “The accused person, in this case, is an influential person and is misusing the process of law to evade justice and further manipulating the legal system and obstructing justice.”

Despite filing complaints which ex-facie disclose the commission of a cognizable offence, the Delhi Police in complete disregard of the law laid down by the Constitutional Bench of the top Court has failed to register FIRS against the persons accused, the petition said.

“In spite of the lapse of 3 days i.e., from 21.04.2023 to 24.04.2023, no conclusive action has been taken by the Delhi Police. This clearly depicts a sad state of affairs and a clear violation of human rights. It is the responsibility of the police to ensure the safety of all citizens,” The plea said.

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear the wrestler’s plea and issued notice to Delhi Police, asking the police to file a reply to the petition. The Supreme Court will hear the matter on Friday. (ANI)

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LGBTQIA

Hope To See Legal Stamp On Rainbow Marriages Of Our Children: Parents Of LGBTQIA+ Children

By LokMarg

In a letter to the Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, the parents of Indian LGBTQIA+ children appealed to consider the plea for Marriage Equality and added that “we hope to see the legal stamp on rainbow marriages of our children in our lifetime.”

The letter written by the parents of Indian LGBTQIA+ children from a group named Sweekar – The Rainbow Parents, stated, “We desire to see our children and our children-in-law find legal acceptance for their relationship under the Special Marriages Act in our country. We are certain that a nation as big as ours, which respects its diversity and stands for the value of inclusion, will open its legal gates of Marriage Equality to our children too. We are growing old. Some of us will touch 80 soon. We hope that we get to see the legal stamp on the rainbow marriages of our children in our lifetime.”
Sweekar – The Rainbow Parents is a support group for parents of LGBTQIA+ by parents of LGBTQIA+ to help navigate their journey towards acceptance. There are more than 400+ parents from the length and breadth of the nation.

The letter further stated, “We are appealing to you to consider the plea for Marriage Equality.”

“From knowing about gender and sexuality to understanding the lives of our children, to finally accepting their sexuality and their loved one – we have gone through the whole gamut of emotions. We empathise with those who are opposing Marriage Equality because some of us were there too. It took us education, debate, and patience with our LGBTQIA+ children to realize that their lives, feelings, and desires are valid,” the parents said.

“Similarly, we hope that those who oppose Marriage Equality will come around too. We have faith in the people of India, the constitution and the democracy of our nation,” said the parents of Indian LGBTQIA+ children.

On September 6, 2018, the Supreme Court of India read down section 377 to decriminalize consensual sexual relationships. In doing so, with its statements, it ascertained that their children should be treated with dignity and acceptance, The Rainbow Parents said.

The letter further said that Gender and Sexuality made to election manifestos and corporate India has also begun opening up gradually to the idea of queer lives.

“Society is a changing and evolving phenomenon. Just as a rising tide lifts all boats, the judgment by the honourable Supreme Court created a ripple effect on society and has helped move the needle from hate to tolerance to acceptance,” the rainbow parents said. (ANI)

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Jaishankar

EAM Pays Homage To Gandhi In Panama City

By LokMarg

Before beginning his visit to Panamas, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at the Cinco de Mayo square in Panama City.

“Began my visit by paying homage to Gandhi ji at the Cinco de Mayo square in Panama City. Pleased to meet those working for the National Civil Protection System @Sinaproc_Panama and Indian community members. They are the living bridge between our nations,” Jaishankar tweeted.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday arrived in Panama City for a two-day visit. Jaishankar was received by Panama’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Vladimir Francos.

Taking to his official Twitter handle, Jaishankar stated, “Arrived in Panama City. Thank Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs @VladimirFrancoS for the warm reception. Look forward to a packed bilateral and multilateral agenda.”

During his visit, Jaishankar will be calling on the top leadership. He will be hosted by Panama’s Foreign Minister Janaina Tewaney Mencomo. During this visit, the India-SICA Foreign Ministerial Meeting will also be convened wherein Jaishankar will meet representatives of the eight-country Central American Integration System (SICA).

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar, while speaking at the inauguration of the Ocean-going Passenger-cum-Cargo Ferry, MV Ma Lisha, in Guyana said the ferry is a testimony of the close friendship between the two nations. He was on a visit to Guyana from April 21-24.

After his visit to Panama, the EAM on April 25 will embark on a Colombia visit where he would be meeting several top representatives of the Government, business and civil society. His Colombia visit would be the first Foreign Ministerial level visit to the country, the Ministry of External Affairs said in its release.

Jaishankar and Colombia’s counterpart Alvaro Leyva Duran will review the bilateral ties. Following his visit to Colombia, Jaishankar will head to the Dominican Republic, according to an MEA release.

The visit to the Dominican Republic is the highest-level visit from India since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1999. Jaishankar’s visit takes place after the establishment of India’s resident Embassy in Santo Domingo in 2022.

Apart from calling on the country’s political leadership, EAM will be holding discussions with Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez. The two leaders will formally inaugurate the Indian resident mission. EAM is also expected to deliver a talk at the Dominican Republic Foreign Ministry. (ANI)

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cheetahs at Kuno National Park

Death Of Cheetahs A Failure Of MP Forest

By LokMarg

Noted wildlife activist Ajay Dubey has claimed that the death of two cheetahs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh’s Sheopur district was a failure of the state Forest Department’s wildlife management team.

Speaking to ANI, Dubey on Monday said, “The death of the cheetahs is sad. There was hope and anticipation that the cheetahs, brought from Namibia and South Africa, would flourish here and their count would increase. It was hoped that the arrival of the cheetahs would also deal a huge boost to the local economy while also furthering tourism. However, because of the failure of the Forest Department’s wildlife management team, the cheetahs are dying.”
While the first cheetah was said to have died due to a kidney problem, no report ascertaining the cause of death has yet been made public. The second cheetah had no apparent health issues, he claimed.

“A fitness report of cheetahs is submitted daily and CCTV footage is monitored 24 hours. Wildlife experts from Namibia and South Africa are here and our wildlife expert also received training from South Africa. However, we are still not managing to rein in cheetah deaths at Kuno. It is very unfortunate. The state government should institute a probe and identify lapses, if any,” the activist added.

He said, “I believe the cheetah is a very sensitive animal and somewhere, they are feeling stressed. Perhaps, it’s got to do with human interference. I got to know that the officials in Kuno National Park are constantly visiting the Kuno National Park with their families and were sighting the cheetahs. The minimum distance between a cheetah and a visitor is not being followed.”

The officer in charge of Cheetah, Uttam Sharma, has the charge of Gwalior CCF, lives in Gwalior and also holds charge as the field director of Madhav National Park, Dubey said, adding that he lives in Shivpuri and wasn’t able to keep himself abreast of the day-to-day affairs, being so far away from Kuno.

“Cheetahs are very sensitive and they don’t even hunt at night. They crave a healthy environment. The unnatural death of the cheetah represents the failure of the wildlife officers who received training in Africa. It seems there was too much stress and the cheetahs couldn’t take it,” he added.

On the state government requesting the central government to shift the cheetahs to another suitable habitat, he added, “Kuno National Park is spread over 720 square kilometers and 40 cheetahs can live in it. The area is not small. Most of the cheetahs are kept locked in big enclosures, they are not free yet. The state government has said it would request the Centre to shift the cheetahs to another state. It was decided at the technical meeting of the Nodal Committee of NTCA in 2021 that the cheetahs would be kept at Darrah enclosure of Mukundara Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan.”

Three cheetahs, one male, and three female, were to be shifted and all the arrangements were made, Dubey claimed.

Cheetah ‘Uday’, brought from South Africa died on Sunday (April 23) evening while Namibian cheetah ‘Sasha’ died on March 27. (ANI)

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