July 2023 - Page 18 of 49 - Lokmarg

Karan Aur Mere Andar Dilli Ki Aunty Hai: Ranveer

By LokMarg 18th July 2023

Actors Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, on Tuesday, revealed how they used to bond with director Karan Johar on the sets of their upcoming romantic drama film ‘Rocky aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’.

During a press conference in Delhi, Alia said, “Karan and Ranveer used to discuss each other’s looks as soon as we came on the sets. Before starting the scene, Ranveer would come and observe Karan’s shoes, his clothes, which I never saw happening in any other films sets because the appreciation they both have for each other’s style is very special to just the two of them.”
Ranveer agreed to Alia and shared, “This is our morning ritual. This is how we warm up. As you must have heard in in ‘Koffee with Karan’, in our episode, Karan aur main do aise mard hai jiske andar ek Dilli ki aunty hai (Karan and I are two men with a Delhi aunty inside us).”

Ranveer also recalled how he and Karan used to indulge in “fashion-banter” on the sets of the film and revealed how they used to tease each other with different brand names.

During the interaction with the media the ‘Ram Leela’ actor also revealed that Karan Johar has intentionally used his previous directorials ‘Kabhi Kushi Kabhi Gham’ and ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ references in RRKPK.

“This (RRKPK) is the most Karan Johar-est film. It has the Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham feeling in it. It is deliberate. Karan is bringing back that type of cinema that we have grown up watching. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, K3G are timeless cult classics he created. These films form such an integral part of our growing-up years. All of those elements are in this film now including colours, family, songs, happiness and joy. I really think this is a film which will make people happy. You’ll have a smile on your face and warmth in your heart when you walk out of the theatres,” the ‘Gully Boy’ actor said.

Helmed by Karan Johar, the film stars Ranveer, Alia Bhatt, Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan and Shabana Azmi in the lead roles and is set to hit the theatres on July 28.

The trailer took us into the lives of Rocky Randhawa and Rani Chatterjee, whose lifestyles are diametrically opposed. While Rocky is a Punjabi lad from a wealthy Punjabi family, Rani comes from a Bengali household where knowledge and intelligence are valued above all else. And they fall in love but soon the couple realizes that their families don’t like each other. Then Rocky and Rani decide to ‘Switch’ and live with each other families to impress them.

‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ promises to be a wholesome, big-screen entertainer, blending Johar’s storytelling finesse with an impressive ensemble cast, grandeur and music. There were also many scenes of the two romancings and fighting, celebrating all kinds of festivals with their families, and possibly a wedding.

‘RRKPK’ marks Karan’s return to director’s chair after over six years. (ANI)

Don’t Demean Indian Culture In The Name Of Creative Freedom, Anurag Warns OTT

By LokMarg 18th July 2023

Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur on Tuesday told OTT players that the government will not tolerate any content that portrays Indian society and culture in bad light.

The minister revealed his mood during a high-level meeting held today with top executives from Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms to address concerns surrounding content regulation.
The meeting aimed to strike a balance between creative freedom and responsible content while emphasizing the need to prevent the demeaning of Indian society and culture.

As per ministry sources, the minister clearly stated that OTT platforms will not be allowed to be reckless in the name of creative freedom.

The meeting was aimed at implementing a Code of Ethics to enhance content regulation where Thakur raised concerns about the increasing vulgarity, violence, unnecessary woke content, ideological bias and the negative portrayal of Indic religions and traditions in OTT content.

He wondered why OTT platforms are being used to propagate vicious propaganda and ideological biases that demean Indian society and culture.

The minister discussed various other aspects including content regulation, user experience, accessibility for the specially-abled, and overall growth and innovation within the sector.

However, he praised the transformative impact of OTT platforms on content consumption and its ability to showcase regional content globally and nurture new talent.

During the meeting, the minister expressed his displeasure over the overt Western influence and depiction of Indic religions and traditions in bad light through the OTTs.

He sought OTT representatives to propose solutions within a fortnight to address these concerns adding OTT platform can’t act against India’s collective conscience and its diversity.

The meeting discussed the implementation of age-based classification, parental locks, and content descriptors to ensure appropriate access and viewing for different age groups.

Strengthening the Grievance Redressal Mechanism, addressing concerns related to the depiction of India’s map, combating digital piracy and establishing penal provisions for violations by OTT platforms were also key points of discussion.

For a balance between creative freedom and responsible content, Thakur encouraged OTT platforms to review scripts, identify potential violations, and promote family-oriented entertainment.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting Indian heritage, success stories and nationalistic narratives globally through collaboration between the government, industry, and content creators.

The minister emphasized the importance of upholding laws and regulations for OTT platforms during the meeting. He referred to Rule 9(2) of the IT Rules, which states that any OTT platform found in violation of existing laws may face consequential actions as provided by the respective law.

He further talked about Section 45 of the IT Act, which imposes penalties or compensation, not exceeding twenty-five thousand rupees, for contravening rules or regulations made under the Act.

Thakur proposed the establishment of a quasi-judicial body comprising industry experts, and judicial members to expedite the resolution of claims against OTT content. (ANI)

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We Have Gathered To Save Country From Hatred: Kejriwal’s Hit At Modi

By LokMarg 18th July 2023

Aam Adami Party (AAP) national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday said that the leaders of the like-minded parties came to Karnataka’s Bengaluru to save the country from “hatred”.

“In the last 9 years, PM Modi could have done a lot of things but he destroyed all the sectors. We have gathered here not for ourselves but to save the country from hatred…” Arvind Kejriwal said while addressing a press conference after the Opposition meeting held in Bengaluru.
I.N.D.I.A – the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance — is what the united opposition front will be known as 26 parties participating at the crucial meet in Bengaluru decided today.

With the Congress assuring AAP of its support for the Bharatiya Janata Party government’s ordinance nullifying the Supreme Court’s order to give the Delhi government larger control over the bureaucracy in the state, the AAP party decided to attend the meeting.

AAP had attended the Patna meet on June 23 but had skipped the press conference and later threatened to boycott the key Opposition meeting scheduled on Tuesday.

On June 23, the AAP issued a statement saying that until the Congress publicly denounces the “black ordinance” and declares that all 31 of its RS MPs will oppose the ordinance in the Rajya Sabha, it will be difficult for AAP to participate in future meetings of like-minded parties where the Congress is a participant.

“A total of 15 parties are attending the like-minded party meeting in Patna, out of which 12 have representation in the Rajya Sabha. Except for the Indian National Congress, all other 11 parties, which have representation in the Rajya Sabha, have clearly expressed their stand against the Black Ordinance and announced that they would oppose it in the Rajya Sabha,” the party said.

However, on July 16, putting an end to speculations over its stand on the Centre’s ordinance related to the control of administrative services in Delhi, the Congress, in a big boost for the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government announced its support to the AAP.

On Tuesday, while addressing the media after the meeting, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said, “The BJP wants to destroy democracy, Constitution, using autonomous bodies like CBI, ED, vigilance all such institutions against opposition party leaders and workers. This is a grave situation. We have come together to save this situation. How to save the country and the people of the country — this is the issue before us.”

Asked who will lead the alliance, Kharge said, “We are making a coordination committee of 11. At that meeting in Mumbai, we will decide on who the 11 will be, who the Convenor will be, etc. These are small things”. (ANI)

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Randeep ration distribution for flood relief

Randeep Distributes Ration To Flood-Hit Victims: Haryana

By LokMarg 18th July 2023

Actor Randeep Hooda has come forward to help the flood-hit victims in Haryana.

On Tuesday, Randeep shared a video where he is seen distributing ration to people with the team of Seva. His girlfriend Lin Laishram also joined him in the relief effort.
“Seva…Urging others to come out and join hands in helping each other,” he captioned the post.

In the picture, Randeep can be seen wearing a saffron-coloured headgear as he hands out a bottle of cooking oil to a survivor.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Randeep recently finished shooting for the film ‘Swatantra Veer Savarkar’. The film is a biopic of freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, popularly known as Veer Savarkar. Directed and co-written by Randeep Hooda with Utkarsh Naithani, Swatantrya Veer Savarkar is pro

duced by Anand Pandit Motion Pictures and Randeep Hooda Films with Legend Studios and Avak Films.’Pavitra Rishta’ fame Ankita Lokhande will be seen opposite Randeep in the film.

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was born on 28 May 1883 in Maharashtra’s Nashik. He was a freedom fighter, politician, lawyer, and writer. Savarkar is known for coining the term ‘Hindutva’.

He was recently seen in ‘Sergeant’, a suspense cop-drama. (ANI)

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Why BJP Suddenly Revived Idea Of NDA: Omar

By LokMarg 18th July 2023

As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) decided to hold a meeting of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the National Capital on Tuesday, coinciding with the Opposition party meeting which was convened in Karnataka’s Bengaluru, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah slammed the party for ‘suddenly reviving the idea of NDA’.

“When was the last time an NDA meeting was held? Why have they (BJP) suddenly revived the idea of NDA? For them (BJP) alliance has become a necessity…,” Omar Abdullah said while talking to the reporters here.
Omar Abdullah was among the leaders of 26 like-minded parties that were part of the second Opposition meeting held in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

A meeting of 38 parties of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was convened in the national capital on Tuesday.

On the other hand, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti who was also representing the Union Territory with Abdullah said that everything on which the country stands is at stake.

“This is not a time for us to be proud of whatever is happening in the country because people outside our country are pointing fingers at us… So I think today our country, not only internally we are going through a turmoil where the very existence on which our country stands, everything is at stake,” Mufti said.

The second and concluding day of the opposition unity meeting in Bengaluru was held, with 26 like-minded parties closing ranks with a common aim of taking on the Bharatiya Janata Party in the next year’s Lok Sabha polls.

In the meeting, it was decided that the Opposition front will be known as

I.N.D.I.A – the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance.

On Tuesday, while addressing the media after the meeting, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said, “Earlier, we were UPA and now all the 26 parties have given a name to the opposition and that is – Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). Everybody has agreed upon this, and the resolution for the name was passed unanimously.”

He further said, “The BJP wants to destroy democracy, Constitution, using autonomous bodies like CBI, ED, vigilance all such institutions against opposition party leaders and workers. This is a grave situation. We have come together to save this situation. How to save the country and the people of the country — this is the issue before us.”

Kharge further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is afraid of opposition parties coming together.

“NDA is holding a meeting with 30 parties. I have not heard about so many parties in India. Earlier they didn’t hold any meetings but now they are meeting one by one (with NDA parties) PM Modi is now afraid of opposition parties. We have gathered here to save democracy and the Constitution,” Kharge said. (ANI)

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Bajrang and Vinesh from Hangzhou Asian Games

Bajrang, Vinesh Exempted From Hangzhou Asian Games Trials

By LokMarg 18th July 2023

India’s ace wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat will go directly to participate in the upcoming Asian games, Hangzhou, without appearing in the national trials, according to sources.

The ad hoc committee which was established by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has decided to give them an exemption from the trials.
According to Sources, there is a rule in the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) that if there is any situation where Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) athletes need exemption (world champions and Olympic medalists) they can receive it.

As per the guidelines ad hoc committee can give exemptions to those athletes as the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) didn’t give an exemption to IOA.

Rio Olympics bronze medalist Sakshi Malik didn’t receive an exemption because she is not a TOPS athlete and thus she has to appear for trials.

Punia and Vinesh were among the wrestlers who protested against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh, against whom allegations of sexual harassment were made.

The two-time world championships medallist and the reigning Asian Games champion, Vinesh, was set to make her return to the mat at the Budapest Ranking Series 2023.

However, she opted to withdraw from the 55kg weight class after informing the organisers as well as the Sports Authority of India (SAI) about her inability to participate in the competition due to “fever and food poisoning” according to Olympics.com.

Last week, the National Anti-Doping Agency issued a notice to Vinesh Phogat for “apparent failure” to comply with the whereabouts requirements of the Anti-Doping Rules, and give her two weeks to respond.

“I am writing to give you formal notice to notify you of your apparent failure to comply with the whereabouts requirements of the ADR, and to invite you to make any comments before we come to a final decision on the matter. Please read this letter carefully, as it may have serious consequences for you,’ read the notice from NADA.

The notice also revealed that Vinesh had declared to be available for testing at Sonipat, Haryana in her recent Whereabouts Filing on June 27 at 10:00 PM.

Ahead of the upcoming games, both players have also headed to Kyrgystan and Hungary for international training camps. The duo sent in their proposals on June 29, to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) TOPS team and the same was cleared within 24 hours of their request, an official release said.

While Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia has headed out to Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan for 36 days of training camp, World Championships medalist Vinesh headed out to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan for first a week of training and then to Tata, Hungary for 18 days of training camp.

Vinesh has been accompanied by physiotherapist Ashwini Jeevan Patil, sparring partner Sangeeta Phogat and Coach Sudesh. Bajrang will be accompanied by Coach Sujeet Maan, Physiotherapist Anuj Gupta, sparring partner Jitender and Strength and Conditioning expert Kaazi Hasan.

The release said the government will fund Vinesh, Bajrang, their sparring partners Sangeeta Phogat and Jitender and coaches Sudesh and Sujeet Maan’s air tickets, board and lodging costs, camp expenses, airport transfer costs, OPA and other miscellaneous costs.

Additionally, the cost for the other support staff accompanying the wrestlers will be borne by Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ). (ANI)

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NDA Stands For New India, Development, Aspiration: Modi

By LokMarg 18th July 2023

Countering the Opposition parties, which at their seond joint meeting in Bengaluru on Tuesday named their fledgeling alliance as I.N.D.I.A (India National Developmental Inclusive Alliance), Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the NDA stands for “New India, Development, Aspiration”.

Addressing a meeting of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the national capital on Tuesday evening, PM Modi said,” NDA means N=New India, D=Development, A=Aspiration.”
In a veiled at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remark at an event in London earlier this year, questioning why the “defenders to democracies” were unmoved over the prevailing state of affairs in India, PM Modi said even when the NDA was in the Opposition, it never insulted the people’s mandate or never took help of foreign powers to destablize the ruling governments.

“Even when we were in the Opposition, we always preached and practised positive politics. We unearthed scams of previous governments but never questioned or insulted the mandate of the people. We never took the help of foreign powers against the ruling governments. We never created hurdles to development schemes meant for the welfare of the country and its people,” PM Modi said.

He stated further that nation, national security and progress were the priorities for the NDA.

“For the NDA, it is nation first, security of the nation first, progress first and the empowerment of the people first,” PM Modi said.

The representatives from a total of 38 political parties were in attendance as the meeting the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the BJP got underway in the national capital on Tuesday evening.

The NDA leaders, who arrived for the meeting, also posed for a group photograph before going into a huddle.

Ahead of the meeting of the NDA, Prime Minister Modi shared a tweet, expressing his delight at the NDA partners from across the country arriving in the national capital for the hudde.

PM Modi took to Twitter to post,” It is a matter of immense joy that our valued NDA partners from across India will be attending the meeting in Delhi today. Ours is a time-tested alliance which seeks to further national progress and fulfil regional aspirations.”

The NDA leaders, who arrived for the meeting, also posed for a group photograph before going into a huddle.

The meeting is part of the BJP’s ongoing efforts to shore up the NDA and devise a joint strategy against the fledgeling grand Opposition alliance, ‘INDIA’, with an eye on next year’s Lok Sabha elections. (ANI)

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People Have Already Decided To Bring Us Back In 2024: Modi

By LokMarg 18th July 2023

Taking a jibe at Opposition leaders, who have gathered in Karnataka’s Bengaluru for a joint meeting to take on BJP in the next year’s Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that at a time when people have already decided to bring the ruling government back in 2024, “those” responsible for the plight of India have opened their shops.

The Prime Minister was addressing a gathering after inaugurating the new Integrated Terminal Building at Veer Savarkar International Airport at Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
“Today, the people of the country have already decided to bring us back in 2024. So, people who are responsible for the plight of India have opened their shops,” PM Modi said.

He took a swipe at the Opposition parties, using words like “jamat” and ‘kunba’ and urged people to stay alert.

“People of the country say that this is a ‘kattar bhrashtachar sammelan’…Another speciality of this meeting is that if someone is out on bail for a corruption of crores of Rupees, they are seen with great respect. If the entire family is out on bail, they are more honoured…If someone insults a community and is punished by the court, he is honoured,” he said.

PM Modi referred to a Bollywood song and said people put up many faces.

“You see how many faces these people have put up. When these people come together in a frame the thought that comes to the mind of people is of corruption of thousands of crores. The people are saying that ‘kattar bharashtachari sammelan’ is taking place,” he said.

He accused the opposition parties of pursuing dynastic politics.

“In a democracy, it is of the people, by the people and for the people. But for the dynastic political parties, it is of the family, by the family and for the family. Family first, nation nothing. This is their motto… There is hatred, corruption and appeasement politics. The country is a victim of the fire of dynastic politics. For them, only their family’s growth matters not that of the poor in the country,” he said.

Opposition parties are holding their second meeting in Bengaluru to forge a common front to take on the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls next year. The two-day meeting in Bengaluru is being attended by 26 parties and will conclude on Tuesday.

PM Modi alleged that the gathering in Bengaluru has leaders involved in scams and said that if wrongdoing is exposed, they get together to provide a cover.

PM Modi referred to violence in the Panchayat polls in West Bengal and said Congress and Left had in their selfish interest “left their people to die” in the face of violence.

“Somewhere there is corruption related to floods, somewhere there is kidnapping but the people of ‘kunba’ remain silent. Some days back there was violence in panchayat polls in Bengal, there were killings but they are silent on this too,” he said.

The Prime Minister alleged that there had been atrocities against women in Congress-ruled Rajasthan and cases of paper leaks.

He also referred to the ‘liquor scam’ in Delhi under the Aam Aadmi Party government.

PM Modi said when probe agencies bring out corruption and wrongdoing, the opposition parties start a clamour that “nothing has been found” and “kunbe ke log” give a clean chit.

PM Modi called upon people to identify such people and remain alert.

“In these conspiracies, we have to keep our dedication,” PM Modi said.

He said that the new facility at Port Blair airport will be immensely beneficial to people. (ANI)

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Star Pacer Bumrah Posts Video Of His Bowling In Nets

By LokMarg 18th July 2023

Amid speculation over his fitness, India’s star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has apparently increased the frequency of his bowling in the nets.

The ace pacer posted a video on social media where he is seen bowling in the nets.
The pacer’s recovery indicates that he may be fit before the next Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup.

Bumrah has been out of action since September 2022 owing to his injury and missed the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. He also missed the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, a tournament in which he represents Mumbai Indians.

In April, Bumrah underwent surgery on his lower back in New Zealand. While fans wait to see Bumrah back on the field with his unique bowling action, he has been unable to join the team due to a recurring injury. He has attempted to make a comeback more than once since suffering a back injury in August last year.

Initially, the injury did not seem serious as he was named in India’s T20 World Cup squad in September and even played the last two T20Is against Australia on September 23 and September 25 last year.

Three days later, Bumrah did not play the first T20I against South Africa and it was learnt that he was taken for scans, which revealed a stress-related injury in his back. He was rushed to NCA and the scans confirmed that the injury was serious. It ruled him out of the T20 World Cup, in which India achieved a semi-final finish.

Bumrah resumed his rehab in November and started to bowl in mid-December. His progress seemed to be positive as he was added to the white-ball series played in January against Sri Lanka more than a week after the original squad was picked up.

Bumrah performed the match simulation exercises in the NCA, but discomfort resurfaced while taking up higher workloads during fitness drills in January. Scans revealed the development of a fresh niggle, which ruled him out of the Sri Lanka series and Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.

India’s star batter KL Rahul, who is recuperating from a thigh injury that he sustained while playing for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL 2023), hinted his return as he posted a picture where he can be seen resting after a training session.

After a successful surgery on May 9 in England, Rahul reported to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru to begin his recovery. He has hinted that he is getting close to being fully healthy, much to the pleasure of his supporters.

World Cup will be held in India from October 5. (ANI)

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Interim Bail To Brij Bhushan In Sexual Harassment Case

By LokMarg 18th July 2023

Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Tuesday granted interim bail to outgoing Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in the case of alleged sexual harassment of women wrestlers.

The court also granted interim bail to Vinod Tomar, another accused in the case.
The hearing on regular bail of Brij Bhushan and Vinod Tomar will be held on July 20.

Interim bail has been granted to them till the next date of hearing. The court granted the two accused interim bail on a bail bond of Rs 25,000 each.

Delhi police had filed a charge sheet against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar on June 15. This case was registered on a complaint lodged by women wrestlers.

The chargesheet was been filed under sections 354, 354D, 345A & 506 (1) of IPC according to Special Public Prosecutor Atul Srivastava.

Two FIRs were registered against Brij Bhushan Singh on the basis of the wrestlers’ complaints.

One was registered under the Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and a cancellation report has been filed in the case of a minor wrestler. The second FIR was filed on the complaint of several wrestlers.

In Patiala House Court, Delhi Police filed a cancellation report, citing a lack of evidence, on the POCSO matter.

Delhi Police on June 15 filed a report recommending the cancellation of the POCSO case against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Chief Brij Bhushan Sharana Singh. This comes after the minor, who had accused the WFI chief of sexual harassment changed her statement. There was no collaborative evidence in the case, Delhi Police said.

In both matters, Delhi Police officials had said that in the FIR registered by the wrestlers, after completion of investigation, we are filing a chargesheet for the offences under sections 354, 354A, 354D IPC against accused Brijbhushan Sharan Singh and for offences under sections109/ 354/354A/506 IPC against accused Vinod Tomar before the Rouse Avenue Court, said Suman Nalwa, PRO, Delhi Police.

In the POCSO matter, after completion of the investigation, we have submitted a police report under section 173 Cr PC requesting for a cancellation of the case based upon statements of the complainant i.e., the father of the victim and the victim herself, added Delhi police. (ANI)

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