May 2023 - Page 8 of 51 - Lokmarg

Modi To Address 101st Edition Of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ Today

By LokMarg 28th May 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the 101st edition of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’ today.

This year’s fifth edition of the monthly radio programme of the Prime Minister will be aired at 11 am today.
Meanwhile, PM Modi’s monthly radio programme recently completed its 100th episode which was aired on April 26 live across the country.

The 100th edition of the ‘Mann ki Baat’ programme made its global broadcast on April 30. The programme was also broadcasted live at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

The programme, which started on October 3, 2014, has become a key pillar of the government’s citizen-outreach programme addressing multiple social groups such as women, youth, and farmers and has spurred community action.

The Prime Minister found such personalities of the world through the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program, who made special contributions in their field, but their contributions were not known. Today people know such people in society and only know them. Not only this, but people are also moving forward with their inspiration.

Apart from this, PM Modi included all the topics of climate change, agriculture, art, culture, and health in Mann Ki Baat and presented something new to society every time in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program so that society could get information about that subject. The aim is to unite the country in one thread and develop by taking everyone along.

Apart from 22 Indian languages and 29 dialects, ‘Mann Ki Baat’ is broadcast in 11 foreign languages including French, Chinese, Indonesian, Tibetan, Burmese, Baluchi, Arabic, Pashtu, Persian, Dari and Swahili. Mann Ki Baat was broadcast by more than 500 broadcast centres of All India Radio.

A study was conducted regarding the impact of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on the lives of the people.

The study showed that over 100 crore people have connected to ‘Mann Ki Baat’ at least once, it speaks directly to people, celebrates grassroots-level changemakers and achievements of people and has influenced people towards positive actions.

The programme was telecast live by Doordarshan in Raj Bhavans across the country.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister dedicated the new Parliament building to the nation on Sunday morning. Ahead of the inauguration, the PM also felicitated the construction workers with traditional shawls and handed over mementoes. ‘Sarv-dharma’ prayers were held at the new Parliament building, with priests from different religions reciting the traditional verses.

PM Modi installed the sacred ‘Sengol’ in the new Lok Sabha chamber, right next to the Speaker’s chair, after performing puja. (ANI)

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Tripura’s Bamboo Flooring, Mirzapur Carpets Embellish New Parliament Building

By LokMarg 28th May 2023

Reflecting the cultural diversity of India, Tripura’s epitome bamboo wood flooring embellished the new Parliament building inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday.

In line with the ‘Made in India’ initiative, different kinds of materials like teak wood from Nagpur and red and white sandstone from Rajasthan’s Sarmathura have been used in the construction of the Parliament floor. Apart from that, carpets from Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh and stone carvings from Rajasthan have also been used.
Further, red granite from Lakha near Ajmer and white marble from Ambaji of Rajasthan have also been used in the flooring.

Epitome bamboo wood flooring was supplied by Mutha Industries of Bodhjungnagar, Tripura.

Mutha Industries vice president Rabin Bose said it is a matter of great joy for the people of Tripura.

“On behalf of the bamboo growers of Tripura and the entire team of Mutha Industry, I would like to thank, the Government of Tripura and PM Narendra Modi for giving us an opportunity to install epitome bamboo wood flooring in the New Parliament building. This has given us the confidence to make the best with the green gold of the region.”

In a statement, Mutha Industries said, “It is a matter of great joy and pride for the state of Tripura that Bamboo made wood tiles have been used for flooring in the construction of the sacred house of democracy on the complete floor which has drawn the attention of the state and nation as well. Needful to mention that, the carpet from Mirzapur of Uttar Pradesh and stone carvings from the state of Rajasthan have also been used in the same.”

The new Parliament building is three times bigger than the old Parliament building covering a 64,500 sq km area and accommodating 888 people.

The old parliament building was circular in shape while the new building is triangular. There were 543 seats in the Lok Sabha in the old building. 888 people can sit together in Lok Sabha in the new building, reports said.

Rajya Sabha had 250 seats in the old parliament building. And the number of Rajya Sabha seats in the new building is increasing to 384. The new Lok Sabha hall has been designed on the theme of the national bird peacock. And the design of the Rajya Sabha chamber has been prepared on the theme of the national flower lotus. (ANI)

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Modi Unveils Plaque; Dedicates New Parliament Building To Nation

By LokMarg 28th May 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday dedicated the new Parliament building to the nation by unveiling the plaque marking the inauguration.

Ahead of the inauguration, the PM also felicitated the construction workers with traditional shawls and handed over mementoes.
Meanwhile, ‘Sarv-dharma’ prayers are underway at the new Parliament building, with priests from different religions reciting the traditional verses.

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi installed the sacred ‘Sengol’ in the new Lok Sabha chamber, right next to the Speaker’s chair, after performing puja.

PM Modi also bowed down as a mark of respect before the ‘Sengol’ during the ceremony to mark the beginning of the inauguration ceremony.

He was handed over the historic ‘Sengol’ by Adheenams before its installation in the new Parliament building. The ‘Sengol’ was installed as a national symbol of the Amrit Kaal.

After the installation of ‘Sengol’, the Prime Minister also received the blessings of seers of different Adheenams from Tamil Nadu.

This is the same Sengol that was accepted by the first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru at his residence on the night of August 14, in the presence of several leaders.

The inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building began with a traditional ‘pooja’ with Vedic rituals. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was also present along with PM Modi during the pooja.

It is learnt that after the pujas, the dignitaries will examine the premises of the Lok Sabha’s chamber and the Rajya Sabha chamber in the new building.

The morning phase will end at close to 9:30 am after which the second leg of the ceremony is expected to begin at noon with the singing of the national anthem in the Lok Sabha chamber in the presence of all the dignitaries including PM Modi.

At 11:30 am, all the invitees including members of Parliament, Lok Sabha Speaker and Rajya Sabha, chairman and other distinguished guests are expected to be seated in the Lok Sabha chamber in the new building.

During this phase, a speech will be delivered by the Deputy Rajya Sabha Chairman, Hariwansh, who will further read a written congratulatory message on behalf of Rajya Sabha, Chairman, Jagdeep Dhankar. A written message by President Droupadi Murmu will also be read out on the occasion.

The present building of the Parliament was completed in 1927 and is now going to be almost 100 years old. The lack of space was being experienced in this building as per the present requirements. In both Houses, there was also a lack of convenient arrangements for the sitting of the MPs which was affecting the efficiency of the work of the Members.

Considering the above, both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha passed resolutions urging the government to construct a new building for the Parliament. Consequently, on December 10, 2020, the foundation stone of the new building of Parliament was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The newly constructed Parliament building has been built in record time with quality construction.

Now the newly constructed building of Parliament, which will work to further enrich India’s glorious democratic traditions and constitutional values, is also equipped with state-of-the-art facilities which will help the Members to perform their functions in a better way.

The new Parliament building will enable 888 members to sit in the Lok Sabha.

In the present building of the Parliament, there is a provision for the sitting of 543 Members in the Lok Sabha and 250 in the Rajya Sabha.

Keeping in view the future requirements, arrangements have been made for a meeting of 888 members in the Lok Sabha and 384 members in the Rajya Sabha in the newly constructed building of the Parliament. The joint session of both Houses will be held in the Lok Sabha Chamber. (ANI)

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Adheenams Give ‘Sengol’ To Modi Ahead of New Parliament House Inauguration

By LokMarg 27th May 2023

The Adheenams (priests) handed over the sacred sceptre, ‘Sengol’, to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, on the eve of the inauguration of the new Parliament building.

The Adheenams also presented a special gift to PM Modi. PM Modi met the Adheenams, who flew down to the national capital today, at his residence. The Prime Minister also sought their blessings.

Earlier in the day, the Adheenams of Dharmapuram and Thiruvavaduthurai arrived in the national capital.

At the inauguration of the new Parliament building on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will establish the historical and sacred “Sengol” in the Parliament House.

As many as 21 Adheenams had earlier left for Delhi from Chennai to participate in the inauguration ceremony.

Dharmapuram Adheenam, Palani Adheenam, Virudhachalam Adheenam, and Thirukoyilur Adheenam were among the Adheenams who left for Delhi from Chennai to attend the ceremony.

Home Minister Amit Shah said on Wednesday that the sacred sceptre ‘Sengol’ is the symbol of the transfer of power from the British to India.

He said that the Parliament House is the most appropriate and sacred place to install the historic ‘Sengol’.

PM Modi took a decision to adopt Sengol as a national symbol of the Amrit Kaal.

Talking about the installation of ‘Sengol’, a symbol of justice, Ambalavana Desiga Paramachariya Swamigal of Thiruvavaduthurai Aadheenam said on Friday that it is a matter of pride for Tamil Nadu that Sengol is being given its significance.

“Lord Mountbatten got the Sengol and it was given to former PM Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947. It’s good that PM Modi will place Sengol in the new Parliament. We are going to Delhi and we’ll be giving it to the PM,” he said.

The Thiruvavaduthurai Aadheenam said that it is a “matter of pride” for Tamil Nadu that Sengol, a symbol of justice, will be installed in the new Parliament building adding that “some people are spreading lies”.

He said that the then Governor General Lord Mountbatten had given the Sengol to former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947, which will now be presented to PM Modi on Sunday.

The Home Minister had launched a special website (sengol1947.ignca.gov.in), with details and downloadable videos about Sengol on Wednesday.

“We want the people of India to see this and learn about this historic event. It is a matter of pride for all,” he had said. (ANI)

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NIA Busts ISIS-linked Terror Module in Madhya Pradesh

By LokMarg 27th May 2023

National Investigation Agency (NIA) has busted an ISIS-linked terror module in an intelligence-led joint operation with the Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) of Madhya Pradesh Police and arrested three persons in this regard.

The three persons identified as Syed Mamoor Ali, Mohammad Adil Khan and Mohammad Shahid have been arrested from Jabalpur and will be produced in the NIA Special Court in Bhopal today, said an official release.

According to the release, the arrests took place after overnight raids were conducted at 13 locations in Jabalpur on May 26-27.

A host of sharp-edged weapons, ammunition (including prohibited bore), incriminating documents and digital devices were also seized during the searches, the statement said.

“The NIA had, on May 24, registered a case (RC-14/2023/NIA/DLI), during its investigations into the pro-ISIS activities of Mohammad Adil Khan, who came to the agency’s notice in August 2022. The NIA learnt that he and his associates were involved in disseminating ISIS propaganda through social media platforms, as well as through on-ground ‘Dawah’ programmes, in order to unleash violent terror attacks in India at the instance of ISIS. The module had been conducting meetings/Dars in local Masjids and houses and hatching plans and conspiracies to spread terror in the country”, the statement read.

The release further stated, “Investigations revealed that the three accused were highly radicalised and were determined to carry out violent jihad. They were engaged in collecting funds, disseminating ISIS propaganda material, motivating and recruiting youth, and trying to procure arms and ammunition with the objective of carrying out terrorist acts.”

As per the statement, Syed Mamoor Ali had created a local group/Tanzeem by the name of ‘Fisabilillah’ and was also operating a WhatsApp group by the same name. “Along with his associates, he was trying to procure Pistols and was in contact with a Jabalpur-based illegal arms supplier for this purpose”, the statement added.

The statement further said, “A staunch ISIS follower and supporter, Adil had managed to assemble an active group of Jabalpur-based like-minded radicalised individuals. Some of the module members were already contemplating Hijrat (flight) to conflict theatres, while others had plans to form a local outfit for carrying out violent jihad in India, according to the NIA investigations.”

“Adil was also running multiple YouTube, Instagram and WhatsApp channels for motivating and recruiting youth into the ISIS fold”, the release added.

Investigations further showed that Shahid had also planned to procure weapons including Pistols, IEDs and even grenades for violent attacks in India, as mentioned in the statement. (ANI)

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I Am Against Propaganda Films: Kamal Haasan On ‘Kerala Story’

By LokMarg 27th May 2023

Veteran actor Kamal Haasan who is in Abu Dhabi for receiving the Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema award at IIFA 2023 on Saturday reacted to the ongoing controversy of ‘The Kerala Story’.

During a media interaction, Kamal shared his thoughts on the film ‘The Kerala Story’, he said, “I told you, it’s propaganda film that I am against. It’s not enough if you write true story just at the bottom as a logo. It has to really be true and that is not true.”

He added, “It’s not enough that you say based on a true story because that what everyone does. I think, you have to hit the true cord in audience that kind of cinema is not one kind of cinema. There is mono culture, is not the great thing specially in art. So all kind of cinema should come over. And I am a great fan of smaller movies. Like babies that grow up to be something really big. I also became a star by these kind of smaller films which made it big with audience. Awards are different thing. I am talking about audience accepting it much before the award jury grand them the honour.”

‘The Kerala Story’ has been facing criticism by political parties due to its storyline.

‘The Kerala Story’ stars Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Siddhi Idnani and Sonia Balani in the lead roles. The controversy surrounding the film started when its trailer claimed that 32,000 women from Kerala had gone missing and joined the terrorist group ISIS. This statement triggered a heated political debate and many leaders questioned the veracity of the claim.

Earlier, the Supreme Court stayed the ban imposed by the West Bengal government on the film ‘The Kerala Story’ on May 18.

“Prohibition by West Bengal is not tenable. The order of the additional secretary of West Bengal shall remain stayed,” Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said.

The apex court also directed the makers of The Kerala Story to give a proper disclaimer regarding the unsubstantiated figure ‘32,000’ mentioned in the film.

Senior Adv Harish Salve, appearing for film producers, says that disclaimer -“There is no authentic data to back up the suggestion that the figure of conversions is 32,000 or any other established figure” and “the film represents the fictionalised version” of the issue- shall be added.

Coming back to IIFA, this year veteran actor Kamal Haasan will be felicitated with the Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema award at the gala.

Apart from him, actors and couple Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza will be awarded for ‘Outstanding Achievement in Regional Cinema’ and Designer Manish Malhotra will also be honoured for ‘Outstanding Achievement in Fashion in Cinema’.

The mega celebrations started on Friday, with Sobha IIFA Rocks hosted by Farah Khan Kunder and Rajkummar Rao.

Last night, Singers like Amit Trivedi, along with several popular singers, Badshah, Sunidhi Chauhan, Nucleya and Sukhbir Singh rocked the IIFA stage with their performances.

The most highly awaited special addition this year to the Sobha IIFA Rocks is the premiere of an exclusive showcase by leading celebrity designer, Manish Malhotra, who is celebrating 25 years in the fashion industry.

The grand finale – Nexa IIFA Awards will take place today and will be hosted by Abhishek Bachchan and Vicky Kaushal. (ANI)

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Allama Iqbal Dropped From DU Graduation Syllabus

By LokMarg 27th May 2023

The national poet of Pakistan Allama Iqbal was dropped from the syllabus of Political Science during the discussion on the undergraduate course in the 1014th Academic Council meeting of the University of Delhi.

DU Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh, who presided over the meeting on Friday, said that those who laid the foundation to break India should not be in the syllabus.

“Iqbal wrote songs supporting the ‘Muslim League’ and the “Pakistan Movement”. Iqbal was the first to raise the idea of the partition of India and the establishment of Pakistan and said that instead of teaching about such people, we should study our national heroes,” the VC said.

According to an official statement, the Vice-Chancellor’s proposal was unanimously passed by the House. In the meeting, the syllabus for the fourth, fifth and sixth semesters of various courses under the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF) 2022 was passed. On this occasion, the Vice-Chancellor also emphasized the teachings of Bhimrao Ambedkar and more.

The meeting also considered the recommendations of the Standing Committee regarding the course of BA proposed by the Department of Philosophy and approved them unanimously along with the Head of the Department of Philosophy also being in agreement.

The BA courses offered by the Department of Philosophy included the “Philosophy of Dr Ambedkar”, “Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi” and “Philosophy of Swami Vivekananda”. In addition, the Vice-Chancellor requested the Head of the Department of Philosophy to explore the possibility of including Savitribai Phule in the curriculum.

The statement said that the Vice-Chancellor also advised the Head of the Department of Economics, Delhi School of Economics, to prepare a paper on the economic thoughts of BR Ambedkar. He also advised teaching on the Indian Economic Model, US Model and European Model in Economics.

In the meeting of the Academic Council of the University of Delhi, the establishment of the Tribal Studies Center was also approved, stating that it would be a multi-disciplinary centre with studies on various tribes of India.

“The main objectives of the centre were to understand the term “tribe” from an Indo-centric perspective, to study their social, cultural, linguistic, religious, economic, and environmental aspects and to study the role and contribution of tribal leaders in different eras of India,” the statement said. (ANI)

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Cinema Instrument of Change: Dia Mirza At IIFA

By LokMarg 27th May 2023

Bollywood actor Dia Mirza who is in Abu Dhabi for IIFA 2023 on Saturday discussed the role of cinema and IIFA as a platform in raising awareness and driving action for sustainable development.

Dia who is also a UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador and United Nations Secretary-General Advocate for Sustainable Development has often been vocal for change and has contributed her efforts in the field of social change, conservation and the environment.

Speaking to ANI, Dia said, “I am very proud of IIFA, that they use this platform to make a difference. And I truly believe in the power of communication and the fact that it can lead to behavioural change, awareness building. And I think cinema is one of the most powerful tribunes and instruments of social change, positive social change. Very proud of what I stand for as an artist.”

On a partnership of IIFA and the United Nations, Dia said, “I am very grateful for this partnership. One of the goals, the 17th goals of the sustainable development goals and to use the medium of communication, the creative art, the vacuum of the culture. And the fact that I engage with so many people, so many diverse people across the globe of course primarily trans of Indian cinema and also just lovers of the art. And to be able to convey the sustainable development goals, and the urgency of every individual to adopt the goals and understand what really these goals are. There are many people out there that don’t know what are sustainable development goals. I really believe that this is going to be a powerful partnership to help spread that awareness and will moments on the goals.”

Coming back to IIFA, the mega celebrations started on Friday, with Sobha IIFA Rocks hosted by Farah Khan Kunder and Rajkummar Rao.

Last night, Singers like Amit Trivedi, along with several popular singers, Badshah, Sunidhi Chauhan, Nucleya and Sukhbir Singh rocked the IIFA stage with their performances.

The grand finale – Nexa IIFA Awards will take place today and will be hosted by Abhishek Bachchan and Vicky Kaushal. (ANI)

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PM Chairs Niti Aayog Meeting, Eight CMs Give It A Skip

By LokMarg 27th May 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday chaired the eighth governing council meeting of the Niti Aayog.

Themed on ‘Viksit Bharat @2047: Role of Team India’, the meeting was held at the new Convention Centre in the national capital’s Pragati Maidan.

As the chairman of NITI Aayog, PM Modi presided over the meeting, which deliberated on issues related to health, skill development, women empowerment and infrastructure development, with an aim to make India a developed nation by 2047.

Chief Ministers of several States participated in the council meeting that was attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, Andhra Pradesh chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren, Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu, Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde were seen at the meeting.

“Eight prominent themes will be discussed during the day-long Meeting including (i) Viksit Bharat@2047, (ii) Thrust on MSMEs, (iii) Infrastructure and Investments, (iv) Minimising Compliances, (v) Women Empowerment, (vi) Health and Nutrition, (vii) Skill Development, and (viii) Gati Shakti for area development and social infrastructure,” the NITI Aayog stated ahead of the meeting.

“The Meeting will see the participation of Chief Ministers/Lt Governors of all States and Union Territories, Union Ministers as ex-officio Members, and the Vice Chairman and Members of NITI Aayog”, it stated.

As a preparatory prelude to the 8th Governing Council Meeting, the second Chief Secretaries Conference was held in January 2023, where these themes were extensively discussed.

“Wide-ranging stakeholder consultations and brainstorming sessions with subject experts, academia and practitioners were held prior to the Conference in order to gain well-rounded grassroots-level perspectives,” it further said.

The NITI Aayog further said, “This 8th Governing Council Meeting is also being held in the backdrop of India’s G20 Presidency. India’s G20 motto ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ conveys its civilisational values and its vision of the role of each country in creating the future of our planet.”

This will be the guiding spirit of India’s inclusive and sustainable vision for the next quarter century.

In order to achieve this vision, the 8th Governing Council Meeting would provide a platform for strengthening Centre-State cooperation and forging partnerships for achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat @2047.

Seven Chief ministers- Arvind Kejriwal of Delhi, Bhagwant Mann of Punjab, Mamata Banerjee of West Bengal, K Chandrashekar Rao of Telangana, Ashok Gehlot of Rajasthan, Nitish Kumar of Bihar and Pinarayi Vijayan of Kerala did not attend the meeting of the Niti Aayog. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, who is on a visit to Japan and Singapore, was also not present at today’s meeting. (ANI)

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Troops Launch Combing Operation In Manipur To Nab Miscreants

By LokMarg 27th May 2023

Indian Army and Assam Rifles have launched large-scale combing operations in the aftermath of the fresh violence in the Imphal Valley to restore peace and normalcy in the strife-torn Manipur.

The operations have also been launched in the vulnerable flash points and in the higher reaches surrounding Imphal Valley.

Continuing with operations, Army and Assam Rifles have launched multiple search operations in areas of Kangchuk, Motbung, Saikul, Pukhao and Sagolmang in the early hours of May 27 in Manipur to track down any armed insurgents operating in these areas.

These operations are part of the overall ongoing efforts of the Army and Assam Rifles to restore peace and normalcy in the State of Manipur.

Army Columns are using the latest technology weapons, equipment and other force multipliers while operating in forested mountainous areas.

Relentless actions by the Army and Assam Rifles on Friday night also resulted in the successful prevention of loss of life each in Churachandpur and Imphal East District.

Army Chief General Manoj Pande will also be visiting Manipur today to review the security situation in view of the recent violence there, said Indian Army officials.

They said the Army Chief would be briefed by the Eastern Command officials on the measures taken to bring the situation under control.

Both the security teams in Imphal East and Churchandpur prevented the firing incidents between the two communities, where some armed miscreants opened fire and ran towards higher reaches, the Army said. However, there were no reports of casualties and further operations were underway.

There have been violent communal clashes in Manipur due to the Manipur High Court (HC) directing the State to pursue a 10-year-old recommendation to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the non-tribal Meitei community.

Manipur has seen ethnic violence with Chief Minister N Biren Singh stating earlier this month that around 60 people have lost their lives. Houses have also been burnt during the violence with new incidents also reported from some parts of the State. (ANI)

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