July 2023 - Page 3 of 49 - Lokmarg

Only Demand Is Peace With Justice: Manoj Jha After Returning From Manipur

By LokMarg 30th July 2023

After returning from violence-hit Manipur on Sunday, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha urged the Kuki and Meitei communities to cooperate in restoring peace and harmony in the state saying that there is “no alternative to peace anywhere”.

“We want peace to be restored in Manipur. Peace with justice. Our only demand is that both communities should live in harmony. The situation in Manipur is dangerous. Be it Madhya Pradesh or Manipur, there is no alternative to peace anywhere,” Jha said while talking to the media.
The 21-member delegation of the grand Opposition alliance, on Saturday, arrived on a two-day visit to the state, which has seen ethnic strife and violence since May 3.

The leaders returned to Delhi on Sunday afternoon.

The 21-member Opposition delegation from both Houses includes Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Gaurav Gogoi, K Suresh and Phulo Devi Netam of the Congress; Rajiv Ranjan Lalan Singh of the JDU; Sushmita Dev from Trinamool Congress; Kanimozhi from DMK; Sandosh Kumar of the CPI; AA Rahim from CPI(M), Manoj Kumar Jha of RJD; Javed Ali Khan of SP; Mahua Maji of JMM; PP Mohammed Faizal of NCP; Aneel Prasad Hegde of JDU, ET Mohammed Basheer of IUML; NK Premachandran of RSP; Sushil Gupta of AAP; Arvind Sawant of Shiv Sena (UBT); D Ravikumar of VCK; Thiru Thol Thirumavalavan also of VCK; and Jayant Singh of the RLD.

However, on being asked whether an all-party delegation should visit the state or not, Jha said, “There have already been discussions in Parliament that an all-party delegation should visit Manipur as well.”

The visiting delegation of Opposition leaders from the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A) on Sunday met Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey at Raj Bhawan and handed over a memorandum to her.

The Governor and the visiting delegation, during their interaction, suggested that a multi-party delegation be sent to violence-hit Manipur.

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, who was also the part of visiting delegation, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should also visit the northeastern state.

“People welcomed us there (Manipur). NDA alliance and Prime Minister Modi should also visit Manipur,” Gogoi said while speaking to ANI.

Notably, Opposition leaders have been continuously cornering the Central government over the issue of Manipur in the Parliament since the first day of the monsoon session. The Opposition MPs are also demanding a statement from PM Modi inside the Parliament on Manipur. (ANI)

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Ishaan Says, The Pressure Of Airport Looks Is Real

By LokMarg 30th July 2023

With the rise of paparazzi culture, travel style among celebrities has become as important as any red carpet event. Many stars are now under pressure to always look stylish especially at airports as shutterbugs are stationed 24*7 there to click them.

Actor Ishaan Khatter, who channelled his fashionable avatar as showstopper at Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna’s show at India Couture Week in Delhi on Saturday night, briefly spoke to ANI.
Asked if he underwent the pressure to always be well-dressed at airport, Ishaan quipped, “No… I only only take pressure when there is turbulence on flight.”

He further said,”I always try to wear comfortable clothes irrespective of anything. I will be frowning and become moody if I wear uncomfortable clothes…so just be comfortable.”

Ishaan was in a fun candid mood during the conversation. He also talked about his “off-duty” style.

“Kachcha baniyan (undergarments),” he laughed out loud while mentioning his “off-duty” comfortable outfit. Isn’t he funny?

Ishaan looked suave in a shiny suit from Rohit and Rahul’s Equinox collection. He went shirtless on the runway, only wearing a tailored black blazer and matching black satin pants.

Meanwhile, on the acting front, Ishaan will be seen in ‘Pippa’ and ‘The Perfect Couple’. (ANI)

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Modi Thanks US Govt For Returning Over 100 Rare, Ancient Indian Artefacts

By LokMarg 30th July 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed his gratitude to the US government for returning over 100 rare and ancient artefacts to India.

“A few days ago, social media was abuzz with the news that America had returned over 100 rare and ancient artefacts to India. These artefacts are anywhere between 250 and 2500 years old. These rare and precious items belong to different regions of the country,” PM Modi said during the 103rd episode of his monthly radio broadcast — ‘Mann Ki Baat’ — on Sunday.
“I would like to thank the US Government for returning these items, which testify to our proud heritage. Even during my visit to the US in 2016 and 2021, many similar artefacts were returned to India,” PM Modi added.

Earlier, in a tweet, PM Modi had said the return of 105 trafficked antiquities to India will make “every Indian happy”.

“Grateful to the US for this. These precious artefacts hold immense cultural and religious significance. Their homecoming is a testament to our commitment to preserving our heritage and rich history,” he had posted.

Earlier, the Indian consulate in New York held a repatriation ceremony for 105 trafficked antiquities handed over by the US.

The ceremony followed PM Modi’s maiden State visit to the US in June.

Speaking at the event, Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, thanked the US, and, in particular, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and his Anti-Trafficking Unit and the Homeland Security Investigation team for their stellar cooperation and support.

The envoy noted that for the people of India, these were not just pieces of art but a part of their heritage and culture.

Sandhu tweeted, “105 Indian antiquities to return home! Delighted to attend a ceremony in #NewYork this morning, marking the restitution of artefacts following PM @narendramodi’s State Visit. Appreciate the cooperation extended in the protection & exchange of cultural property.”

The repatriation ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and the Homeland Security Investigation team, as per an official release. (ANI)

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Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan NEP

NEP Focuses On Providing Education In Mother Tongue: Pradhan

By LokMarg 30th July 2023

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday said that the New Education policy has focused on providing education to students in their mother tongue.

Speaking to ANI on the completion of three years of the NEP, the Union Minister said, “A huge number of students from different parts of the country are participating in this exhibition ‘Gyan Kumbh’. NEP has focussed on providing education in mother tongue”.
He mentioned that an ‘Akhil Bhartiya Siksha Samagam’ was inaugurated in the presence of PM Modi on Saturday to mark three years of the new education policy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated an educational convention titled the Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam at the Bharat Mandapam in Delhi on Saturday, which coincided with the third anniversary of National Education Policy 2020.

The Prime Minister also interacted with children and adults and also looked at the projects the children had displayed.

While addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that National Education Policy was going to give a new direction to 21st Century India and we are becoming part of a moment that is laying the foundation for building the future of our country.

On Saturday, PM Modi said, “It is education that has the power to change the destiny of the country. Education has an important role in achieving the target with which the country is moving forward. You are the representative of this. It is an important opportunity for me as well to be a part of Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam.”

The PM said it was the greatest injustice to young people to judge them based on their language rather than their talent.

Guided by the vision of the Prime Minister, NEP 2020 was launched with a view to groom the youth and prepare them for leading the country in Amrit Kaal.

The two-day programme, being held on July 29-30, will provide a platform for academics, sector experts, policymakers, industry representatives, teachers and students from schools, higher education and skilling institutions, among others, to share their insights, success stories and best practices in implementing the NEP 2020 and work out strategies for taking it further ahead.

The Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam includes 16 sessions, in which discussions are being held on themes including Access to Quality Education and Governance, Equitable and Inclusive Education, Issues of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups, National Institute Ranking Framework, Indian Knowledge System, Internationalisation of Education, among others. (ANI)

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Deepika Wears Jacket With Ranveer’s Pic

By LokMarg 30th July 2023

Celebrity couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh on Saturday night went on a movie date to watch his latest, Karan Johar directorial ‘Rocky aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’, in Mumbai.

Several pictures and videos of the couple surfaced on social media, but the thing that caught everyone’s attention was the ‘Piku’ actor’s denim jacket.

Deepika wore a blue denim jacket with her husband Ranveer Singh’s name initials ‘RS’ written on the front and the ‘Befike’ actor’s colourful image imprinted at the back.

She completed her look with a white top, high-waist blue denim trousers, and oversized sunglasses. Ranveer, on the hand, opted for an all-black hooded sweatshirt, matching trousers, face mask, beanie cap, and sunglasses.

Deepika was seen missing from the film’s premiere earlier this week in Mumbai.

Helmed by Karan Johar, the film stars Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Jaya Bachchan, Dharmendra and Shabana Azmi in the lead roles.

‘Rocky aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ is currently getting positive reviews from the audience and the ‘83’ actor received a lot of praises for his performance in the film.

The Alia-Ranveer starrer minted Rs 11.10 crore at the box office on its opening day in India.

Karan Johar directed the movie after seven years of his last film ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.’

Meanwhile, talking about Deepika’s work front, she will be next seen in the sci-fi action film ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ opposite Prabhas. Helmed by Nag Ashwin the film is set to hit the theatres on January 12, 2024.

Apart from that, she also has an upcoming aerial action thriller film ‘Fighter’ opposite Hrithik Roshan. (ANI)

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Colombia: President’s Son Arrested For Money Laundering

By LokMarg 30th July 2023

The son of Colombian President Gustavo Petro was arrested on the charges of money laundering and illicit enrichment, Al Jazeera reported.

This arrest came as a part of the high-profile probe into the funds that Nicolas Petro allegedly collected during last year’s election campaign
In a statement, the chief prosecutor’s office said Petro and his ex-wife Daysuris Vazquez were taken into custody on orders of a court in Bogota at about 6 am (local time) on Saturday.

The office said once produced before a judge, prosecutors would seek their provisional detention as it investigates the two over allegations of money laundering, reported Al Jazeera.

Talking about the case, President Petro said he would not interfere with the probe.

“As an individual and father, it pains me to see so much self-destruction and one of my sons going to jail,” Petro wrote on social media.

“As president of the republic, I’ve assured the chief prosecutor’s office that it will have all of the guarantees so it can proceed according to the law,” he added.

He tweeted further that as a person and as a father, so much self-destruction hurts him a lot and the fact that one of his sons goes to jail. He also ensured that as a President, the prosecution has all the guarantees on my part to proceed in accordance with the law.

“I wish my son luck and strength. May these events forge your character and may you reflect on your own mistakes,” the Colombian President said in a tweet.

The arrest of Nicolas Petro is a major blow to the government, which has been buffeted by conservative attacks and struggled to maintain bipartisan support for Colombia in the United States, a key ally, reported Al Jazeera.

Earlier, last month, Gustavo Petro won the election, according to preliminary results, setting the third-largest nation in Latin America on a radically new path, New York Times reported.

“Colombians, today the majority of citizens have chosen the other candidate,” he told his supporters in Bucaramanga, adding, “As I said during the campaign, I accept the results of this election.” (ANI)

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7 ISRO Satellites Marks Milestone In Space Partnership: High Commission

By LokMarg 30th July 2023

The Indian High Commission in Singapore on Sunday said the launch of 7 satellites by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) marks another milestone in the Space partnership between the two countries.

“India-Singapore space partnership marks another milestone with the launch of 7 Singaporean satellites by Indian space agency ISRO today,” the Indian High Commission in Singapore tweeted on Sunday.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday launched PSLV-C56 carrying seven satellites, including the primary satellite DS-SAR and six co-passenger satellites, from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota.

The launch vehicle lifted off from Sriharikota at 6.30 am on Sunday.

“PSLV-C56/ DS-SAR Mission: The mission is successfully accomplished. PSLV-C56 vehicle launched all seven satellites precisely into their intended orbits. Thanks to @NSIL_India and Singapore, for the contract,” tweeted ISRO.

This PSLV flight marks the 58th overall and the 17th using the Core Alone configuration. The upper stage of the rocket was placed in lower orbit after injecting all the satellites to assure its shorter orbital life.

The PSLV-C56, according to ISRO was launched from the First Launch Pad (FLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota.

PSLV-C56 / DS-SAR is the Dedicated Commercial Mission of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) for ST Engineering, Singapore. DS-SAR, a Radar Imaging Earth Observation satellite is the primary satellite for the mission. In addition to this, there were 6 co-passenger customer satellites also belonging to Singapore.

All satellites would be injected into a 535 km circular with 5 orbital inclination, the ISRO stated in a release earlier.

DS-SAR satellite has been developed under a partnership between DSTA (representing the Government of Singapore) and ST Engineering. Once deployed and operational. It will be used to support the satellite imagery requirements of various agencies within the Government of Singapore.

ST Engineering will use it for multi-modal and higher responsiveness imagery and geospatial services for their commercial customers. DS-SAR carries a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

This allows the DS-SAR to provide for all-weather day and night coverage, and is capable of imaging at 1m resolution at full polarimetry, the ISRO said. (ANI)

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Antarctica’s Sea Ice Falls To Unprecedented Lows For This Time Of Year

By LokMarg 30th July 2023

Antarctica’s sea ice has fallen to unprecedented lows for this time of year, according to CNN.

Every year, Antarctic sea ice shrinks to its lowest levels towards the end of February, during the continent’s summer. The sea ice then builds back up over the winter. But, scientists have observed something different this year.
The sea ice has not returned to anywhere near expected levels and is at its lowest levels for this time of year since records began 45 years ago. The ice is around 1.6 million square kilometres (0.6 million square miles) below the previous winter record low set in 2022, according to data from the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC).0

In mid-July, Antarctica’s sea ice was 2.6 million square kilometres (1 million square miles) below the 1981 to 2010 average. That is an area nearly as large as Argentina or the combined areas of Texas, California, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado

The phenomenon has been described by some scientists as off-the-charts exceptional – something that is so rare, the odds are that it only happens once in millions of years, as per CNN.

A glaciologist at the University of Colorado Boulder, Ted Scambos, said that speaking in these terms may not be that helpful.

“The game has changed,” he told CNN. “There’s no sense talking about the odds of it happening the way the system used to be, it’s clearly telling us that the system has changed.”

Scientists are now scrambling to figure out why.

As per CNN, the Antarctic is a remote, complex continent. Unlike the Arctic, where sea ice has been on a consistently downward trajectory as the climate crisis accelerates, sea ice in the Antarctic has swung from record highs to record lows in the last few decades, making it harder for scientists to understand how it is responding to global heating.

Scientists have since 2016 begun to observe a steep downward trend. While natural climate variability affects the sea ice, many scientists say climate change may be a major driver for the disappearing ice.

“The Antarctic system has always been highly variable,” Scambos said. “This [current] level of variation, though, is so extreme that something radical has changed in the past two years, but especially this year, relative to all previous years going back at least 45 years.”

Several factors feed into sea ice loss, Scambos said, including the strength of the westerly winds around Antarctica, which have been linked to the increase of planet-heating pollution. (ANI)

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IAF Moves Tejas To Kashmir For Flying Experience

By LokMarg 30th July 2023

IAF Moves Tejas To Kashmir: The Indian Air Force has moved its indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas to Jammu and Kashmir for the fleet to gain experience in flying in the valleys of the union territory situated along the border with Pakistan.

“The LCA fleet has been moved to forward bases for gaining experience in flying in the valleys and other operations. The pilots of the fleet are carrying out extensive flying there,” defence officials said.
The Indian Air Force has multiple bases in the Union Territory which are critical for operations on both fronts including China and Pakistan.

The Indian Air Force keeps moving its aircraft in both the union territories in the Northern sector including Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to give them the experience of flying there in their unique terrain.

The IAF is strongly supporting the indigenous LCA Tejas fighter aircraft programme by adding more and more capabilities to the aircraft.

The IAF has already operationalised two of its squadrons in the initial operational clearance and final operational clearance versions while a contract has been signed for the 83 Mark1As set to be delivered a couple of years from now.

The Force has also its eyes set on the LCA Mark 2 and the AMCA being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation.

The Indian plane is already considered to be far more capable than the Pakistani and Chinese joint venture JF-17 fighter jet and with additions like the HAMMER, the Indian plane would be in a much higher category than them. (ANI)

Hajj Pilgrimage Very Special For Muslim Women From India This Year: Modi

By LokMarg 30th July 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the Hajj pilgrimage was especially special for Muslim women from India this year, as more than 4,000 such women went on the annual pilgrimage without a Mehram (male guardian).

Addressing the nation during the 103rd episode of his monthly radio broadcast. ‘Mann Ki Baat’, PM Modi termed the Hajj pilgrimage by Muslim women from India, without their male parents or custodians, as a ‘huge transformation’.
He said he received numerous letters from Muslim women, sharing their experiences from the Hajj this year.

“I received a lot of letters (ahead of his latest ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address), which brought me great joy. These letters have been written by Muslim women, who recently returned from the Hajj pilgrimage. Their journey this year was very special in many ways,” PM Modi said.

“These are the women, who performed their Hajj rituals with any male companion or Mehram. And, such pilgrims numbered not 50 or 100, but more than 4,000. This marks a huge transformation,” he added.

PM Modi also thanked the Government of Saudi Arabia for the unique Hajj experience for Muslim women this year.

“Earlier, Muslim women were not allowed to perform Hajj rituals without Mehram. Through ‘Mann Ki Baat’, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Saudi Arabia for making this possible. Women coordinators were specially appointed for women pilgrims, who went on Hajj without male companions,” he said.

According to an official statement, 4,314 Muslim women from India performed the Hajj rituals at Mecca in Saudi Arabia, this year.

The annual pilgrimage was held between June 26 and July 1.

In October 2022, the Saudi Arabian government announced that (Mehram), a male blood relative with whom marriage is not permissible, will no longer be required to accompany a woman pilgrim from any part of the world.

Saudi Removes Restrictions On Hajj Pilgrim Numbers, Age Limit

Every year, millions of Muslims around the world embark on the sacred pilgrimage to Mecca. This spiritual journey holds immense significance in the lives of believers, offering an opportunity to connect with Allah, seek forgiveness, and strengthen their faith. The heartfelt desire to be among those walking to Mina, echoing the Labaik with the crowd, and performing the rituals of Hajj is a sentiment shared by countless Muslims across the globe.

Hajj is a unique manifestation of unity, as Muslims from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and nations gather in the sacred land of Makkah to perform the rituals together.

It draws people from different walks of life towards a common purpose — setting aside their differences, and embracing one another as equals before Allah. (ANI)