June 2023 - Page 9 of 52 - Lokmarg

We Aren’t The Ones Who Sit In AC Rooms And Issue Fatwas: Modi

By LokMarg 27th June 2023

Ahead of the Madhya Pradesh assembly election to be held later this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) booth workers are its biggest power as they make sure to reach out to the people at the grassroots level in order to make the party the biggest in the country.

“BJP’s biggest power is its workers. They have made the party the largest in the country. I thank JP Nadda for organising this event today through which I am able to virtually address around 10 lakh booth workers of the BJP virtually. No such virtual programme has ever taken place in the history of any political party,” PM Modi said while interacting with BJP booth workers in Bhopal.
These workers have been selected from all the states through a process defined by the party president JP Nadda via the Namo App.

For 10 days, these workers will interact with boot-level BJP workers in election-bound states and share their experiences and best practices.

The exercise is being done to activate the party workers at the lower level five months before the upcoming assembly elections.

PM Modi further said that Madhya Pradesh played a significant role in making the BJP the biggest party in the world.

“We are not the workers who sit in the air-conditioned rooms and issue fatwas. We go to the people and remain determined round the clock,” Modi added.

Earlier in the day, PM flagged off five Vande Bharat Express trains from the Rani Kamalapati Railway Station in Madhya Pradesh’s capital city Bhopal.

“I congratulate the people of Jharkhand, Goa, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Karnataka for this modern connectivity. I congratulate the people of Madhya Pradesh for getting two Vande Bharat Express trains today. The journey from Bhopal to Jabalpur will be faster and more comfortable now. Vande Bharat train will boost connectivity in the state,” PM Modi said.

Ahead of the flagging-off ceremony, the Prime Minister interacted with crew members of the train and some children onboard the Vande Bharat train at Rani Kamlapati railway station.

Five Vande Bharat Express trains which were flagged off by the PM include — Rani Kamalapati-Jabalpur Vande Bharat Express; Khajuraho-Bhopal-Indore Vande Bharat Express; Madgaon (Goa)-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express; Dharwad-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express; and Hatia-Patna Vande Bharat Express.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Governor Mangubhai C Patel, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishaw and Jyotiraditya Scindia were present at the event. (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176/

Kusha Announces Separation From Husband Zorawar

By LokMarg 27th June 2023

Social media star and actor Kusha Kapila, on Monday, announced the news of her separation from her husband Zorawar Ahluwalia.

Taking to Instagram, Kusha shared a post which reads, “Zorawar and I have mutually decided to part ways. This hasn’t been an easy decision by any measure but we know it’s the right one at this point in our lives. The love and life we have shared together continues to mean everything for us but sadly, what we seek currently for ourselves doesn’t align. We gave it our all, until we couldn’t anymore.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ct9Q3HeSUCn/

“A relationship ending is heartbreaking and it’s been a tough ordeal for us and our families. Thankfully, we have had some time to process this, but what we shared and built together panned for over a decade. We still need a lot more time and healing to get to the next phase of our lives. Our current focus is to get through this period with love, respect and support towards each other,” she added.

Kusha is a popular social media influencer. She has over 3 million followers on Instagram and more than 9 lakh subscribers on YouTube.

She was also a part of Riteish Deshmukh’s film ‘Plan A Plan B’ which also starred Tamannaah Bhatia. The film premiered on the OTT platform Netflix.

Apart from that, she also appeared in web shows like ‘Masaba Masaba’, ‘Case Toh Banta Hai’ and ‘Comicstaan’.

Zorawar is also a social media influencer with 90 thousand followers on Instagram.

Reportedly, the duo tied the knot in 2017 after a few years of dating. (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176/

Rajeev Slams Trolls Targeting His Selfie With Ex-Wife Charu

By LokMarg 27th June 2023

After being trolled over his recent post with ex-wife Charu Asopa, actor Rajeev Sen broke his silence and gave a befitting response to the naysayers.

On Thursday. Rajeev posted a selfie with Charu on Instagram and wrote, “Ek Selfie to banta hai.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ctwqi_kNcDi/S

Netizens trolled him after the actor recently met his ex-wife and daughter and posted a selfie on Instagram.

In response to people, Rajeev stated in his recent vlog, “Charu and I are very bindaas when it comes to uploading pictures. If we like a picture or reel, we post it. We do not calculate what people will say, what they will think. What they want to think, they will.”

He added, “We will do what we want to. People have individual lives. In that if people judge that, ‘Yaar abhi toh divorce hua hai, abhi se photo dal di lovey-dovey. Who are you to judge us and tell us what to do and what not to do.”

Rajeev and Charu divorced this month after numerous failed reconciliation attempts.

They tied the knot in 2019 but soon after their marriage, reports of their divorce started circulating. The two became parents to daughter Ziana in November last year. Charu’s divorce rumours with Rajeev surfaced online when she deleted all her couple pics with him from social media.

In September 2022, Charu dropped a family picture featuring Rajeev and their daughter Ziana from Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations along with an announcement they are keeping their Marriage for good.

“Marriages are made in heaven but it is left to us to make it work. Yes, we announced that we are ending our marriage and realised that we had reached a dead end and nothing beyond. Divorce was an option we were considering and we won’t deny that. Happy to announce that we have decided to keep our Marriage for good, We both are blessed with a beautiful daughter Ziana & we wish to give her the very best as parents. Her upbringing & happiness is our number one priority. We want to thank all our fans for always supporting us as a couple & never giving up on us. Thank you everyone for blessing Ziana with so much love. Charu & Rajeev,” she wrote.

Meanwhile, Rajeev Sen was recently seen in his own production, the short film ‘Hasrat’. (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176/

Wagner Rebellion: It’s A New Thing To See Putin’s Leadership Directly Challenged, Says US

By LokMarg 27th June 2023

Following the Wagner rebellion, the US said that it’s a new thing to see Russian President Vladimir Putin’s leadership getting directly challenged.

Responding to a media query on the US’ standing on Ukraine, and Wagner, the US State Department official spokesperson Matthew Miller said, “It is certainly a new thing to see President Putin’s leadership being directly challenged. It is a new thing to see Yevgeny Prigozhin… calling out that the war has been conducted essentially based on lies, which we have said previously but certainly not seen coming from Russian officials previously.”
He said that everyone saw what happened over the weekend and it still remains a dynamic situation.

“I’ll say in our assessment it remains a dynamic situation, it’s unclear what the ultimate implications of what happened will be,” Miller said on Monday.

The State Department spokesperson further underlined that Blinken had a call with the leaders of the G7, as well as those of Turkey and Poland to discuss the issue.

“Blinken had a call with the leaders of the G7 and he had a call with Foreign Minister Kuleba of Ukraine, the Foreign Ministers of Turkey and Poland,” the US State Department spokesperson said.

“We continued to have discussions with our allies and partners today. we also made clear to Ukraine as we made clear in conv with our allies and partner that our steadfast support for Ukraine will remain so, no matter what happens in Russia,” he said during the State Department briefing on Monday.

On Saturday, Prigozhin had agreed to depart for Belarus after a deal apparently mediated by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko which ended the armed rebellion, the report said. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Lukashenko had suggested the deal to Russian President Vladimir Putin to help resolve the brief mutiny during a phone call on Saturday.

Earlier, the Wagner group left the Lipetsk region after its chief Yevgeny Prigozhin decided to halt his forces’ march to Moscow, according to CNN citing the regional government.

“Units of PMC Wagner, which stopped the day before in the Lipetsk region, left the territory of the region,” it said on Telegram.

It comes after the governor of the southern Russian region of Voronezh said Wagner units are continuing their withdrawal and forces are departing “steadily and without incident.”

Earlier, on Saturday, Prigozhin said his forces have taken control of military facilities, including the airfield in Rostov-on-Don, according to CNN. Prigozhin’s actions come after he accused Russian forces of striking a Wagner military camp and killing “a huge amount” of his fighters. (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176/

Vaani Excited To Share Stage With Hrithik At UK Tour

By LokMarg 27th June 2023

‘War’ co-stars Vaani Kapoor and Hrithik Roshan are all set to reunite for the UK Tour ‘Stars on Fire’.

Vaani will be seen performing with Hrithik for her first-ever UK tour ‘Stars On Fire’ in London & Leeds. It will take place on September 1 at OVO Arena, Wembley, London, and September 2 at First Direct Arena, Leeds.
Excited about the show, Vaani said, “It’s a special moment and feeling to share the stage with Hrithik Roshan. He is immensely talented and I am elated at this opportunity to set the stage on fire alongside him. Hrithik is not only an exceptional performer but also an inspiration. I can’t wait to create unforgettable moments and give our fans an electrifying experience they will cherish forever.”

She added, “I’ve been blessed to have super-hit songs as part of my filmography be it Gulabi, Nashe Si Chad Gayi, or Ghungroo. Indian song and dance is celebrated worldwide and has a massive fandom.”

Meanwhile, on the acting front, Vaani will be seen headlining YRF Entertainment’s streaming series, ‘Mandala Murders’, a gritty crime thriller created and directed by the acclaimed Gopi Puthran, known for his work on ‘Mardaani 2’.

This multi-season show is a part of YRF’s ambitious OTT slate that already comprises the much-awaited The Railway Men based on the deadly 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy. This series features R Madhavan, Kay Kay Menon, Divyendu and Babil Khan in the lead roles and is a tribute to the brave railway workers who saved scores of lives on this ill-fated night of devastation and horror.

Vaani also has ‘Sarvagunn Sampanna’ in her kitty. ‘Sarvagunn Sampanna’ will supposedly be set in the 90s with Vaani essaying the role of a porn star lookalike.The film promises to be a laughter-filled ride with a unique storyline set in the 90s. The film blends comedy and social commentary, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary issues with a touch of nostalgia.

On the other hand, Hrithik will be seen in action-packed ‘Fighter’. Helmed by Siddharth Anand ‘Fighter’ stars Hrithik alongside Deepika Padukone, and Anil Kapoor in the lead roles and is all set to hit the theatres on January 25, 2024. (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176/

ICC World Cup 2023: India, Pak To Face-Off This October

By LokMarg 27th June 2023

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan will square off at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 this October at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The opening game of the World Cup is scheduled to place at the same venue on October 5 with a match between defending champions England and New Zealand in Ahmedabad, the ICC announced on Tuesday.
The final will also be held at the same venue on November 19,

The first semi-final of the World Cup will be held on November 15 in Mumbai while the second semi-final will be played on November 16 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

India will open their campaign on October 8 against Australia at Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. They will be playing a total of eight matches in the league stage.

The much-awaited encounter between India and Pakistan will be the eighth meeting between the two sides at a men’s World Cup.

With their jinx broken in the T20 World Cup, Pakistan will be looking to emulate the same in the 50-over format on October 15.

India and Pakistan have faced each other seven times previously – in 1992, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2011, 2015 and 2019.

The only time the two sides did not meet since that first match in 1992 was in 2007, which was a disastrous campaign for both teams as they crashed out of the tournament in the opening round

India have won all of the previous seven encounters, a record they extended to the T20 World Cups as well until recently.

That streak was broken in 2021, only for India to reclaim bragging rights with a memorable victory in the 2022 edition with a dramatic chase at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on the back of an unforgettable knock from former India captain Virat Kohli.

The last time these teams met in the 50-over World Cup was in 2019 at Old Trafford with India posting a massive 336/5 on the back of a fantastic 113-ball 140 by India captain Rohit Sharma.

A smart bowling performance then helped restrict Pakistan to just 212/6 in a rain-marred match that India won by 89 runs (DLS method).

Even more memorable is perhaps the game in 2011, another India home World Cup, which resulted in a thrilling semi-final clash in Mohali. Sachin Tendulkar starred for the hosts with 85 and their bowlers put up a united front to bowl out Pakistan and gain a 29-run victory. (ANI)

Women Activists In Manipur Are Deliberately Interfering In Ops Of Security Forces: Army

By LokMarg 27th June 2023

Noting several incidents in past of women-led mob interfering in operations of security forces in Manipur, the Indian Army has said that “blocking” movement of security personnel is not only unlawful but also detrimental to their efforts towards restoring law and order.

In a tweet on Monday, the Spear Corps of the Indian Army posted a video, showing several incidents of women activists “deliberately” interfering in the operations of the security forces, ranging from “blocking” their route to “accompanying armed rioters”.
“Women activists in #Manipur are deliberately blocking routes and interfering in Operations of Security Forces. Such unwarranted interference is detrimental to the timely response by Security Forces during critical situations to save lives and property. Indian Army appeals to all sections of the population to support our endeavours in restoring peace,” Spear Corps of the Indian Army said in a tweet.

A recent such instance happened last week when security forces had to “release” 12 cadres of the proscribed extremist outfit, including self-styled Lt Col Moirangthem Tamba, who is the mastermind of the 6 Dogra ambush case of 2015, which had killed 18 army personnel.

On June 24 operation, 12 cadres of the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) were apprehended along with arms, ammunition and War like stores.

The army said that the officer on the ground made a considerate decision to hand over all 12 cadres to the local leader, after a mob of approximately 1200-1500, led by women and the local leader immediately surrounded the target area and prevented Security Forces from continuing with the operation, which was launched in Village Itham (06 km East of Andro) in Imphal East district. (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176/

MP: Modi Flags Off 5 Vande Bharat Express Trains

By LokMarg 27th June 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday flagged off five Vande Bharat Express trains from the Rani Kamalapati Railway Station in Madhya Pradesh capital city Bhopal.

Ahead of the flagging-off ceremony, the Prime Minister interacted with crew members of the train and some children onboard the Vande Bharat train at Rani Kamlapati railway station.
Five Vande Bharat Express trains which were flagged off by the PM include — Rani Kamalapati-Jabalpur Vande Bharat Express; Khajuraho-Bhopal-Indore Vande Bharat Express; Madgaon (Goa)-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express; Dharwad-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express; and Hatia-Patna Vande Bharat Express.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Governor Mangubhai C Patel, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishaw and Jyotiraditya Scindia were present at the event.

The routes on which the semi-high speed trains would operate are- Rani Kamalapati (Bhopal)-Jabalpur Vande Bharat Express; Khajuraho-Bhopal-Indore Vande Bharat Express; Madgaon (Goa)-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express; Dharwad-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express; and Hatia-Patna Vande Bharat Express.

The Rani Kamalapati (Bhopal)-Jabalpur Vande Bharat Express will connect Madhya Pradesh Mahakaushal region (Jabalpur) to the Central region (Bhopal). Madhya Pradesh’s second semi-high speed will operate between the two cities at the speed of 130 kmph. The train is expected to be faster by about thirty minutes as compared to the existing fastest train on the route.

Madhya Pradesh’s third semi-high speed train will operate between the state’s Malwa region (Indore), Bundelkhand region (Khajuraho) and Central Region (Bhopal). The train is expected to benefit the tourist sites like Mahakaleshwar, Mandu, Maheshwar, Khajuraho, Panna. The train is expected be about two hours and thirty minutes faster than the fastest existing train on the route.

The Mumbai- Madgaon (Goa) Vande Bharat Express- which is Goa’s first semi-high speed train, will operate between Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Goa’s Madgaon station. The train will operate six days a week except on Friday. The train is expected to save the journey time by about an hour as compared to the existing trains on the route. The railway ministry had cancelled the launch of the Mumbai-Goa Vande Bharat train after the Odisha tragedy.

The Dharwad-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express in Karnataka will connect key cities like Dharwad, Hubballi and Davangere – with state capital Bengaluru. The train is expected to be faster by about thirty minutes as compared to the existing fastest train in the route. This will be second Vande Bharat train for Karnataka as the first one runs between Chennai, Bengaluru and Mysuru.

Hatia-Patna Vande Bharat Express would be the first Vande Bharat for Jharkhand and Bihar.

“Enhancing connectivity between Patna and Ranchi, the train will be a boon for tourists, students and businessmen. It will help save about one hour and twenty five minutes journey time, when compared with the current fastest train connecting the two places,” a statement said.

PM had written on Twitter wrote, “I will be in Bhopal tomorrow, 27th June to take part in two programmes. First, 5 Vande Bharat trains would be flagged off at a programme in Rani Kamalapati Railway Station. These trains will improve connectivity in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Bihar and Jharkhand.”

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday said that the first Vande Bharat Express launched in Goa today will improve faster connectivity of the State with Mumbai will boost tourism and trade.

“I am very grateful to PM Modi and Ashwini Vaishnaw for running the Vande Bharat train in the state. The PM will flag this virtually. This (Vande Bharat train) will definitely help in the faster connectivity of Goa with Mumbai which will boost tourism and trade,” Pramod Sawant said. (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176/

G7 To Work Closely Following Russia Uprising: Kishida

By LokMarg 27th June 2023

Following a short-lived uprising by the Wagner mercenary group in Russia, the Japanese government on Monday said that it will coordinate with the other Group of Seven (G7) countries in addressing the situation, adding the development warrants “serious attention,” Kyodo News reported.

Japanese PM Fumio Kishida told reporters, “We would like to respond to the situation by closely working with the G7.” He made these remarks in reference to the rebellion that seemed to have dealt a blow to the authority of Russian President Vladimir Putin, in the midst of a Ukrainian counteroffensive in the war launched by Moscow in February last year.
Addressing a press conference, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said that he has not heard of any major clashes in Russia following the rebellion, but the government will make efforts to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens residing in the country, as per Kyodo News.

Kyodo News is a news agency based in Minato, Tokyo.

Mastsuno refrained from commenting on the possible impact of the uprising on Putin’s rule and the war in Ukraine. He added, “We will continue to closely watch the Wagner Group’s moves and Russia’s domestic situation with serious attention.”

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner Group, which had been fighting with the Russian military in Ukraine, announced on Saturday that his forces would halt their assault on Moscow to save “shedding Russian blood.”

Amid a flurry of diplomatic action as tensions rose, the G7 foreign ministers agreed on Saturday during phone calls to closely coordinate their response as they discussed “urgent challenges the international community is facing,” according to the Japanese government, according to Kyodo News.

The G-7 includes the European Union in addition to the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom. At the moment, Japan is the group’s rotating chair.

In a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday, US President Joe Biden reaffirmed the United States “unwavering US support, including through continued security, economic, and humanitarian aid,” according to the White House.

In a television interview on Sunday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the movement revealed “real cracks” in Putin’s control.

He said, “We can’t speculate or know exactly where that’s going to go. We do know that Putin has a lot more to answer for in the weeks and months ahead,” Kyodo News reported. (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176/

Diwali To Become School Holiday In NYC

By LokMarg 27th June 2023

Diwali, the festival of lights, is set to become a school holiday in New York City, Mayor Eric Adams announced on Monday.

Thousands of New Yorkers celebrate Diwali each year to commemorate the victory of light over darkness, and the announcement came after state lawmakers recently enacted legislation designating it as a holiday in the biggest school system in the US.
Mayor Eric Adams called the moment a significant win for the local families.

“I’m so proud to have stood with Assemblymember @JeniferRajkumar and community leaders in the fight to make Diwali a school holiday. I know it’s a little early in the year, but: Shubh Diwali!.” the Mayor wrote on Twitter.

The mayor said he was “confident” that Governor Kathy Hochul would sign the bill.

The measure still has to be inked into law by Governor Kathy Hochul. The new holiday will replace “Brooklyn-Queens Day” on the school holiday calendar.

Following the declaration, New York State Assembly member, Jenifer Rajkumar tweeted, “My press conference with @NYCMayor today at City Hall. I was proud to lead and win the fight to make Diwali a School Holiday, alongside Mayor Eric Adams.”

Adams said that the moment represented a symbolic declaration to those who feel unwelcome “that you are part of this city and not considered an outsider,” the New York Times reported.

“We’re now saying New York is made for everyone,” Adams said. “No matter where you came from.”

Diwali will be observed this year on Sunday, November 12, therefore it will be a day off from school for the first time in 2024.

According to the New York Times, in 2015, the city announced it would close schools in honour of two major Muslim holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176/