July 2023 - Page 42 of 49 - Lokmarg

Time To Implement UCC: VP Dhankar

By LokMarg 4th July 2023

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday said that the time has come to introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and emphasized that “any further delay in implementation of UCC will be corrosive to our values.”

Addressing the 25th convocation of IIT Guwahati vice President Dhankar stressed that Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are ‘fundamental in the governance of the country’ and it’s the duty of the State to make them into rules.
Mentioning that many DPSPs example panchayats, cooperatives and the Right to Education have already been translated into law, he underlined that it was time to implement Article 44 of the Constitution.

Meanwhile, cautioning against the attempts to tarnish the image of India and “frequent orchestration of anti-national narratives, Dhankar stressed, “It is high time choreographers of anti-Bharat narrative orchestration are effectively rebuffed.”

The Vice President also pointed out that “no foreign entity can be allowed to tweak with our sovereignty and reputation.”

Describing India as the oldest, largest, most functional & vibrant democracy that is giving stability to global peace and harmony, VP stressed, “We can not suffer dent on our flourishing and blossoming democracy and constitutional institutions.”

Noting that there is zero tolerance for corruption now, he called for making a corruption-free society.

“Corruption is anti-democratic, corruption is poor governance, corruption runs down our growth… a corruption-free society is the safest guarantee to your growth trajectory,” he said.

Vice President Dhankhar also expressed his disapproval of some people ‘taking to streets rather than taking recourse to lawful process’ when they are held up for corruption.

The Vice President also asked the students to take pride in being Indians and its historical achievements.

He further praised Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and said that action, vision and execution are ingrained in Assam CM.

“Action, vision and execution are capsuled in Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma. He exemplifies commitment to duty which is worth imitating,” Vice President said while addressing the 25th convocation of the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati.

He further said that he has Assam in his heart 24X7. His discourses on national and international issues are dictated by our interest, civilisation, a deep sense of propriety and ‘Bharat Mahaan Hai’.

“I am happy that I share with him one credential, we both happened to be lawyers at one point in time,” Dhankhar said.

In his convocation address, Dhankar also invited the attention of the students towards the need of being tolerant.

“We should also consider other points of view, as more often than not, another point of view is the correct point of view,” he said.

Governor of Assam, Gulab Chand Kataria, the Chief Minister of Assam, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chairman Board of Governors, IIT Guwahati, Dr Rajeev Modi, Director IIT Guwahati, Prof Parameswar K Iyer, senior faculty members, students and other dignitaries were also present.

A total of 2011 students (1605 males and 406 females) from the Silver Jubilee batch of the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati received their degrees in various disciplines on Tuesday (4th July 2023) during the 25th Convocation Ceremony.

Significantly, the first convocation ceremony of the IIT Guwahati was held in 1999 where 63 students were handed over their degrees.

In the last 25 years, more than 20,000 students have graduated from IIT Guwahati. This year the Institute will mark its Convocation Silver Jubilee by enriching Science and Technology through the enhancement of knowledge and performing cutting-edge research where 1990 students will be graduating in the presence of their families, faculty, staff, and other dignitaries. (ANI)

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BCCI Appoints Agarkar As Chairman Of Senior Men’s Selection Committee

By LokMarg 4th July 2023

Former Indian pacer Ajit Agarkar was appointed as the Chairman of Senior Men’s Selection Committee by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday.

BCCI released an official statement to announce his appointment which read, “The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), consisting of Ms Sulakshana Naik, Mr Ashok Malhotra, and Mr Jatin Paranjape, interviewed applicants for the position of one selector in the Men’s Selection Committee. The three-member CAC has unanimously recommended Mr Ajit Agarkar for the said position.”
The committee further recommended Agarkar for the role of Chairperson of the Men’s Selection Committee based on seniority (total number of Test matches).

Men’s Selection Committee: Ajit Agarkar (Chairperson), Shiv Sundar Das, Subroto Banerjee, Salil Ankola, Sridharan Sharath.

Agarkar has been one of the most decorated players in the history of Indian ODI cricket as he has made over 191 appearances and picked up 288 wickets with a cost-efficient economy of 5.07. In Test format, Agarkar has featured 26 times and bagged 58 scalps with an economy of 3.39. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Agarkar played for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He made 42 appearances and picked up 29 wickets with an economy of 8.83.

Agarkar shared some memorable moments with the bat despite his prowess with the ball. The biggest moment of his international career with the bat came in 2002 when he scored a century against England at Lord’s. With this breathtaking knock, his name is now on the Lord’s Honor Board.

He even went on to break the record for scoring the fastest half-century in the ODI. Agarkar smacked an unbeaten 67(27)* while batting at number eight against Zimbabwe in 2000.

He also broke Australia’s pacer Dennis Lillee’s record of clinching the fastest 50 wickets in the ODI format. Lillee achieved the remarkable feat in 24 matches. But Agarkar managed to break Lille’s record in his 23rd ODI match.

The Indian pacer held the record for almost a decade but in 2009, Sri Lanka spinner Ajantha Mendis overtook him by reaching the milestone in his 19th ODI. (ANI)

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All Rafales For IAF Delivered On Time: French Envoy Lenain

By LokMarg 4th July 2023

The Ambassador of France to India, Emmanuel Lenain has confirmed that all 36 Rafales have been delivered to India on time despite Covid-19, and added that people in the industry have worked extra shifts to make it happen.

When asked about the status of delivery of Indian Rafales, the French envoy told ANI, “Of course, I mean, there are 36 Rafales for the Air Force that have been delivered on time. In spite of COVID, and anything. People in our industry have been working extra shifts, day and night and weekends to deliver to the Indian Air Force, on time.”
Describing “trust” as the core of the partnership between India and France, he said that this relationship between the two nations allows them to bet and jointly develop technologies and commit to each other.

“The core of the partnership between France and India is trust. We know that we can commit for years, for decades and we won’t change our minds, and that’s really important. So, that allows us to bet and to jointly develop technologies which need years and years, and it would be used for decades through and via into the defence sectors,” Lenain said.

“So yes, we have decided to work on the defence sector together. It’s important for strategic autonomy,” the envoy added.

Talking about the ties between India and France, Lenain said, “India’s economy is developing. We feel we need to see more of India in the international governance and for a country like mine it is very welcoming. India and France share the same values and we are both large democracies, we have the same vision of free and open Indo-Pacific so we want to see more of India at UNSC, in global efforts to tackle global issues.”

Three Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jets, as part of the military contingent, are poised to participate in the Bastille Day flypast over the Champs Elysees, Paris, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be the guest of honour, as per the release.

The Indian military contingent would also be part of the marching contingent on Bastille Day.

At the invitation of France President Emmanuel Macron, PM Modi will be the Guest of Honour on France’s National Day on July 14.

The French traditional military parade is held in Paris during the Bastille Day on July 14. PM Modi’s visit will coincide with the 25th anniversary of the “strategic partnership” between France and India.

The Rafale is a 4.5-generation aircraft and has helped India regain its supremacy over Indian sub-constituent skies with long-range air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles along with advanced radar and electronic warfare capabilities.

They are the latest fighters to have been inducted into the Indian Air Force and are considered to be the most potent in the entire Asian region. The 36 Rafales have been completely inducted and they have played a significant role in improving the country’s operational preparedness along both the borders with Pakistan and China.

The French firm Dassault Aviation is also involved in the maintenance of the aircraft whose serviceability is over 75 per cent. The IAF has also added the HAMMER missile to the Rafale’s arsenal as it was required for carrying out precision attacks at shorter distances. (ANI)

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We Can Maximise Use Of Chabahar Port After Iran’s SCO M’ship: Modi

By LokMarg 4th July 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked at the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit that SCO members can work towards maximizing the utilization of the Chabahar Port following Iran’s membership of the SCO, the official press release by Prime Minister’s Office said.

“The International North-South Transport Corridor can serve as a secure and efficient route for landlocked countries in Central Asia to access the Indian Ocean. We should strive to realize its full potential,” as per the release.
He further mentioned the importance of better connectivity. “Strong connectivity is crucial for the progress of any region. Better connectivity not only enhances mutual trade but also fosters mutual trust. However, in these efforts, it is essential to uphold the basic principles of the SCO charter, particularly respecting the sovereignty and regional integrity of the Member States,” the release said.

Chabahar Port is a seaport in the Sistan-Balochistan province of Iran, on the Gulf of Oman.It serves as Iran’s only oceanic port and consists of two separate ports named Shahid Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti.

Its geographic proximity to Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) gives it the potential to develop into one of the most important commercial hubs.

Chabahar Port Project is one of the focussed projects of India. India, in May 2016, signed an USD 85 million Chabahar Agreement to establish the International Transport and Transit Corridor. The construction of the Chabahar Port and the construction of a rail line from Chabahar port to Zahedan are the major highlights of the project.

Through the Chabahar Port Project, the cargo would be brought to the Bandar Abbas port and Chabahar port and free Kabul from its dependence on Pakistan. The Chabahar Port will give India access to Afghanistan and beyond to Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Europe via the 7,200-km-long multi-modal North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

One of the key projects of keen interest to India and Iran was linking Chabahar Port to the Zaranj-Delaram Highway in Afghanistan. The Zaranj-Delaram Highway in Afghanistan is a 215 km long highway that was already built through assistance provided by India.

Moreover, the Chabahar Port Project provides an option for an alternate supply route of goods, thus reducing the weightage of Pakistan, which was the only option available till some time back. (ANI)

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Delhi LG, NGT Chairperson Inspect Navigable Stretch Of Yamuna

By LokMarg 4th July 2023

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena along with National Green Tribunal (NGT) Chairperson, Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel on Tuesday inspected the navigable stretch of Yamuna between ISBT and ITO Barrage, on an Indian Navy Boat brought in recently. The navigability of the stretch was ascertained last month by the boat provided by the Indian Navy at the LG’s behest.

The LG and the NGT Chairperson, accompanied by senior officials of the stakeholder departments, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Irrigation and Flood Control Department (I&FC), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Delhi Jal Board (DJB), also took stock of the cleaning works undertaken on the floodplains of the river under directions of the High-Level Committee (HLC), constituted by the NGT January 9, 2023. Priests from different faiths also accompanied the visiting team.

It may be noted that the HLC has been monitoring the rejuvenation of river Yamuna vide eight different implementation parameters that also include, cleaning and restoration of the floodplains, apart from the desiltation of the sewerage accumulated in the river and on its banks.

Works on the restoration of the floodplains from Wazirabad Barrage to ITO Barrage, in its first phase started in February this year and have since been completed. Cleaning operations on the stretch between ITO Barrage and Okhla are underway.

Speaking on the occasion, the LG said that the cleaning works on the 11 Km stretch till the ITO Barrage had been successfully completed and it was there for anyone to see. He reiterated that any long-term solution to the rejuvenation of the Yamuna would have to involve the common residents of Delhi and once the waterway becomes fully navigable citizens could start involving themselves at the physical level with the river.

This, LG added, will help develop a sense of belongingness in the people towards the Yamuna.

The LG stressed that the efforts at rejuvenating the river had slowly but surely started showing encouraging results and it was evident in the physical appearance of the ghats as indeed the quality of the water if one were to compare on a year-to-year basis.

LG Saxena specifically pointed out the massive efforts being undertaken to clean the Najafgarh Drain through the desiltation and trapping of drains for diversion to STPs and said that cleaning of the drain, which accounts for about 68 per cent of pollution into the river, will make a remarkable difference.

Saxena however, emphasized that the task of cleaning the river, hitherto neglected for over three decades, despite consistent monitoring by the Supreme Court and the NGT, will take time to complete and there is a long road ahead.

It had been an endeavour on the part of the Lt. Governor to involve the people of the city in the efforts to rejuvenate the Yamuna by bringing them closer to the river and instilling a sense of ownership towards the river in them.

In this respect, apart from other initiatives, making the river navigable for use as a recreational as well as public transport means was also envisaged. (ANI)

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David, Victoria Celebrated 24th Wedding Anniv

By LokMarg 4th July 2023

Star couple David Beckham and Victoria Beckham have completed 24 years of their marriage.

On Tuesday, the duo took to their respective social media handles and wished each other in special ways.
David shared a heartwarming throwback photo portraying their younger selves, accompanied by a heartfelt tribute to his “best wife, mummy, and drinking partner.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CuQ-pKtoGMC/embed

“On this day 4.7.99.. 24 years and counting..To the best wife , mummy & drinking partner ( most of the time ) Happy Anniversary love u so much,” David captioned the post.

On the other hand, Victoria dropped a string of love-filled images with David and wrote, “Still holding hands and still laughing (with you not just at you) I love you so much @davidbeckham” https://www.instagram.com/p/CuRXSiKo5q1/embed

The pair married in 1999 and now share four children: sons Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz, as well as daughter Harper.

The two first met at a soccer match, as per People.

David recounted the meeting on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. “She came to a football match — soccer match — and I said hi from across the room and that was it,” he recalled. “I thought I’d missed my chance, and then a week later she turned up at another football match.”

Their second meeting was more involved, as David shared with Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show. “We talked for about an hour in the players’ lounge and then she actually got the train up that day, so she wrote her number down on her train ticket, which I still have,” he revealed.

Victoria said she was taken by David’s family-oriented nature. “While the other football players stand at the bar drinking with their mates, you will see David standing aside with his family. (He’s not even in the first team at this stage — you are the famous one.),” she wrote to her younger self in Vogue. “And he has such a cute smile. You, too, are close to your family, and you will think how similar he feels to you.” (ANI)

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Gadkari Iays Foundation Worth Rs 5,600 Cr Highways In Rajasthan

By LokMarg 4th July 2023

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 11 national highway projects totalling Rs 5600 crore in Rajasthan’s Pratapgarh.

Four national highway projects with a total length of 219 km and costing Rs 3,775 crore were inaugurated.
This six-laning project from Kishangarh to the Gulbapura section on National Highway 48 will accelerate Ajmer and Bhilwara districts’ economic and social development.

The six-laning of the Gulabpura to Chittorgarh section will strengthen the mutual connectivity of the Udaipur, Jaipur and Kota regions of Bhilwara and Chittorgarh districts.

“The construction of a four-lane railway overbridge on National Highway 162A at Fatehnagar will solve the problem of traffic jam at a railway crossing,” a release by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said.

“Construction of high-level bridge on Chambal river in Mandrayal under CRIF was inaugurated today. With the construction of this bridge, connectivity will be maintained between Mandrayal, Karauli in Rajasthan and Sabalgarh in Madhya Pradesh.”

Further, founthe foundation stone of seven projects costing Rs 1,850 crore and total length km was also laid today.

These projects will provide direct connectivity from the famous religious place Nathdwara to Udaipur airport.

“The construction of Pratapgarh bypass will reduce the traffic pressure inside the city. With the construction of the road from Raas to Biaora, the vehicles going towards Bhilwara will be facilitated. Tribal areas of Dungarpur, Udaipur and Banswara region will get better connectivity. With the construction of bypass in Sangwara and Garhi, the distance of Dungarpur-Banswara will be reduced by 10 km.”

Thirteen animal underpasses will be constructed in Todgarh Wildlife Sanctuary on the Beawar-Gomti road for protection of wildlife, the release added.

In Rajasthan, an approval of 74 projects under Central Roads Fund at a cost of Rs 2250 crore was also announced during this program. “The work on these projects will start soon.” (ANI)

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‘A Pet Owner Must Know the Needs & Nature of Adopted Breed’

By LokMarg 4th July 2023

Sanjay Mohapatra, an animal rights activist in Noida who runs a free dispensary for strays, says most owners buy pure breeds without knowing the responsibilities it carries. His views:

In recent years, there has been a raging trend of people buying and adopting pure breed dogs without being fully aware of their needs. This careless approach to pet ownership has resulted in a disturbing trend of dogs being abandoned, neglected, and unfairly labeled as aggressive.

The desire for certain breeds of dogs has skyrocketed due to various factors, such as celebrity endorsements, social media trends, status symbol, and a misguided belief that pure breed dogs are superior. However, many people fail to realize that each breed has its unique set of requirements and characteristics. Ignorance regarding a breed’s needs can lead to serious consequences for both the dog and the owner.

One of the most disheartening outcomes of this trend is the abandonment of these dogs. When people purchase or adopt pure breed dogs without fully understanding their needs, they often find themselves overwhelmed by the responsibility. These individuals may not have the time, resource, or knowledge required to properly care for a specific breed. As a result, they make the heartbreaking decision to abandon the dog, leaving it to fend for itself or ending up in overcrowded animal shelters.

Abandonment is not the only issue these dogs face. Many are left malnourished and neglected due to the lack of proper care and attention from their owners. Dogs require a balanced diet, regular exercise/walks, grooming, and vet visits to ensure their well-being.

***Mohapatra runs House of Stray Animals, a free vet dispensary, in Noida***

Without these essential components, their physical health deteriorates, leading to malnourishment, weight loss, and a weakened immune system. Neglected dogs may also suffer from untreated injuries or diseases, further jeopardizing their overall health.

ALSO READ: ‘Don’t Judge A Pit Bull By One Stray Incident’

Perhaps one of the most unfair consequences of this epidemic is the labeling of these dogs as aggressive. When a dog is not properly socialized or trained, undesirable behavior issues can occur. It is essential to remember that aggression is not an inherent trait of any specific breed. Dogs labeled as aggressive are often victims of neglect, fear, or mistreatment. By abandoning these dogs and failing to educate themselves on proper training techniques, owners perpetuate the stereotype that certain breeds are inherently dangerous.

Prospective dog owners must take the time to research and learn about the breed they are interested in before bringing a dog into their home. Understanding a breed’s exercise requirements, grooming needs, and personality traits is essential in ensuring a successful and fulfilling relationship with a dog.

Enforcing stricter regulations on breeders can help ensure that they prioritize the ethical treatment and well-being of the animals. Mandatory information on breed traits, health issues, and specific needs should be provided to potential buyers. This approach can deter impulse purchases and encourage individuals to make informed decisions when choosing a dog.

By increasing awareness through education, promoting responsible pet ownership, and implementing legislation, we can address this issue and ensure a better future for both dogs and their owners. It is imperative that we prioritize the well-being of the dogs we bring into our lives and provide them with the love, care, and support they need and deserve.

As told to Deepti Sharma

Mann Flags Off 16 SUVs, 56 Motorcycles To Strengthen Anti-Human Trafficking Unit

By LokMarg 4th July 2023

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday flagged off 16 sports utility vehicles and 56 motorcycles to strengthen the Anti-human Trafficking unit.

Taking it to Twitter, CM Mann said, “Today, 16 new hi-tech vehicles and 56 motorcycles were flagged off in the convoy of the ‘Anti-Human Trafficking Unit’…Also asked the officials to launch a campaign against human trafficking in Punjab…We are ready to provide all support from the government”.
“The safety of the people of Punjab is the responsibility of the Punjab Government and the Punjab Police… we are fully committed to fulfil this responsibility through joint efforts…”, added the Punjab Chief Minister.

The Anti-human trafficking unit investigates matters pertaining to human trafficking. (ANI)

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Classes 1 To 8 In Schools To Reopen From Tomorrow Amid Tight Security: Biren

By LokMarg 4th July 2023

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced that Classes 1 to 8 in schools will be reopened from July 5.

“We have decided to deploy state security forces and paramilitary forces in vulnerable areas. Deploy more security personnel in five particular districts. We have decided to reopen the schools for standards 1 to 8 from 5th July,” Biren Singh told the reporters.
The Chief Minister was briefing the media persons at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Monday evening.

Owing to the extremely turbulent situation in the state, the schools have remained shut since the first week of May.

The ethnic violence erupted on May 3 in Churachandpur after tribal Kuki groups called for protests against a proposal for granting scheduled tribe status to the majority Meitei community. It has left at least 118 people dead and nearly 40,000 displaced so far.

Thousands of people are in relief camps.

Internet services continue to be suspended in the state and a curfew is in force in some areas. Home Minister Amit Shah visited the state and announced several measures for the restoration of peace.

The Manipur CM further said that all bunkers illegally established up at both hill and valley areas would be pulled down thereby creating posts for security forces at hilltops for better control of the situation in the state.

Regarding the arrival of monsoon, Manipur CM said, “The need to take up agricultural activities on time, around 2000 security personnel including Manipur Rifles and IRB had been mobilised for additional deployment at places adjoining the hill areas, where agricultural works are being taken up. The security personnel deployed would guard and prevent disturbances caused to farmers of both communities by armed miscreants.”

He reiterated that central forces had also been deployed at the places earlier.

He continued and said that all bunkers illegally set up at both hill and valley areas would be pulled down and Army along with paramilitary forces would be set up at hilltops for better control of the prevailing situation and added that drone surveys would also be conducted around the clock, with a central monitoring headquarters to monitor the situation and for reinforcement if necessary.

Asserting that there is information on people with possession of illegal arms roaming around in both hill and valley areas, he informed that a mass frisking would be started.

As the law-and-order situation is improving, he further appealed to the public to return the snatched arms and ammunition, before legal actions are taken up. (ANI)

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