July 2023 - Page 46 of 49 - Lokmarg

Mann: To Recover Rs 55L Spent On Gangster Ansari’s Stay From Captain, Randhawa

By LokMarg 2nd July 2023

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday announced that the state government would not pay Rs 55 lakh spent on the cosy stay of the dreaded gangster Mukhtar Ansari in the Jails of the state and will recover this money from former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and Former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Chief Minister said that this was a serious crime against the state and its people adding that those involved will have to pay for it.
“For reasons best known to them, both Captain and Randhawa extended largesse to the notorious gangster for his comfortable stay in the jails of Punjab,” said Mann.

Bhagwant Mann asked why the state should waste taxpayer’s money just because those in power at that time had a strong bond with Ansari.

“This is brazen loot of the public money which cannot be tolerated,” said Mann. He said that for reasons best known to the previous regimes this notorious criminal was kept in Ropar Jail with full comforts.

Bhagwant Mann said that apart from ensuring a comfortable stay, the state government also ensured that this hardcore criminal did not face any sort of difficulty within the jail and escaped legal action against him.

“Surprisingly the then government spent Rs. 55 lakhs of the taxpayers’ money to safeguard the interests of this criminal lodged in Ropar Jail,” said Punjab CM.

Bhagwant Mann said that this atrocious loot of the public money is totally unwarranted and undesirable adding, “This open plundering of the common man’s money cannot be tolerated at any cost.”

He said that Captain and Randhawa will have to pay this money from their own pocket else their pensions and other benefits will be stopped to recover this money adding that everyone involved in this heinous crime will be made accountable for their sins. (ANI)

Read more: http://13.232.95.176/

Pak-Operated ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’: NIA Raids 5 Locations In Bihar, Gujarat, UP

By LokMarg 2nd July 2023

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Sunday conducted raids at five places in Bihar, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh in connection with ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’, a radicalized module being run by Pakistan-based suspects.

The agency searched one place in Darbhanga and two in Patna in Bihar, one in Surat (Gujarat), and one in Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh). The raids were conducted at the premises of these suspects across three states.

Incriminating material, including digital devices (mobile phones, memory cards), SIM cards and documents were seized during the raids, said the NIA.

The case came to light after the arrest of Marghoob Ahmad Danish alias Tahir, of Phulwarisharif area of Patna district by the Bihar Police, which registered it on July 14, last year. The NIA took over the case and re-registered it on July 22, last year and Marghoob was chargesheeted on January 6 this year under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

“The accused was found to be a member of the Ghazwa-e-Hind module, which was operated by Pakistan-based operatives, with the objective of radicalizing impressionable youth for the establishment of Ghazwa-e-Hind over Indian territory,” said the NIA.

Investigations revealed that Marghoob was the admin of a WhatsApp Group ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’, created by a Pakistani national named Zain.

“Marghoob had added many Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis and Yemeni nationals to the Group with the aim of establishing sleeper cells in the country for carrying out terrorist activities,” said the NIA.

It further said that the accused had created various social media groups of the ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’ on WhatsApp, Telegram and BiP Messenger.

“He had also created another WhatsApp group in the name of ‘BDGhazwa E HindBD’ and had added Bangladeshi nationals to it.”

Further investigations showed that various suspects involved in the case were in contact with Pakistan-based handlers and were involved in propagating the idea of Ghazwa-e-Hind, said the NIA.

“Further NIA investigations in the case are in progress,” added the agency. (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176/

Pawar Joins NDA In M’rashtra, Takes Oath As Deputy CM

By LokMarg 2nd July 2023

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)’s senior leader Ajit Pawar on Sunday joined Eknath Shinde-led government in Maharashtra and took oath as the deputy chief minister of the state.

In a dramatic turn of events, Pawar, along with nine MLAs, reached Raj Bhawan to meet Governor Ramesh Bais.
According to sources, MLAs accompanying Ajit Pawar to Raj Bhawan were upset with NCP supremo Sharad Pawar’s ‘unilateral’ decision to share the stage and ally with Rahul Gandhi at the opposition unity meet in Bihar’s Patna last month.

Pawar was later administered oath as the second deputy chief minister of Maharashtra.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was also present on the occasion.

Earlier, a meeting of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leaders was called at the residence of NCP leader Ajit Pawar on Sunday and later Ajit Pawar along with other party leaders reached the Raj Bhavan.

More details to follow. (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176/

Cong Has Gone Berserk: Goyal On Uniform Civil Code

By LokMarg 2nd July 2023

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has hit out at Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal and the Congress for questioning the BJP-led government over the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) saying that the leaders of the grand old party have gone “berserk”.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Goyal said that it is the need of the hour that a law should be made by uniting and including all the people of the country and the Supreme Court has also endorsed many of its verdicts.
“I think the Congress and its leaders have gone berserk. It is the need of the hour that a law should be made by uniting and including all the people of the country. Supreme Court had also talked about bringing UCC five times in different judgments. Kapil Sibal has forgotten the development works PM Modi has done for the minorities. No government has done as much as done in Modi government,” Goyal said while talking to ANI.

The union minister further said that the BJP would get cross-party support for the UCC.

“We have a full majority in Rajya Sabha and I think there are many leaders from other parties who want that the country should unite. I think many parties will support BJP on Uniform Civil Code. We will get cross-party support for this,” the minister said.

Earlier on Saturday, Kapil Sibal said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should inform the country of what the proposal was for a UCC.

The former union law minister also said that Uttarakhkand’s Civil Code cannot be implemented across the country.

“Firstly Prime Minister should inform the country what is the proposal for UCC and on what issues he want uniformity. Until a proposal is put forward, there is no need for a debate (on UCC),” Sibal said.

“Uttarakhkand’s Civil Code cannot be implemented across the country. People are not completely aware of the law, but there are discussions going on,” he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong endorsement of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) brought it back to the spotlight.

PM Modi said that the country cannot run on two laws and that Uniform Civil Code was part of the Constitution.

“Today people are being instigated in the name of UCC. How can the country run on two (laws)? The Constitution also talks of equal rights…Supreme Court has also asked to implement UCC. These (Opposition) people are playing vote bank politics,” PM Modi had said.

However, going against his own party, Himachal Pradesh Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh has backed the implementation of the UCC.

“Congress party has always represented all segments of the fabric of India…As far as uniform civil code is concerned. We have said in this that we believe in the uniformity of diversity…So before bringing any law, no one should feel that this law is against them…There has to be a strong consensus building amongst all the parties concerned…But they (BJP) have to take everybody on board,” the Congress leader added. (ANI)

Read more: http://13.232.95.176/

Protesters Ram Car Into Mayor’s House In Paris Suburb, Injuring Wife, Child

By LokMarg 2nd July 2023

Amid ongoing unrest in France, the mayor of a Paris suburb said his home was attacked early Sunday morning, and termed the incident “an assassination attempt” on his family, CNN reported.

“At 1:30 a.m., while I was at the city hall like the past three nights, individuals rammed their car upon my residence before setting fire to it to burn my house, inside which my wife and my two young children slept,” said mayor Vincent Jeanbrun of L’Hay-les-Roses, a commune in the southern suburbs of Paris.
“While trying to protect the children and escape the attackers, my wife and one of my children were injured,” he said, CNN reported.

Thanking the police and rescue services for their help, the mayor said he had “no words strong enough” to express his emotion “towards the horror of this night.”

Protests have erupted in France after the death of 17-year-old Nahel Merzouk, who was shot by a police officer in Nanterre earlier this week. The funeral of Nahel Merzouk took place at a mosque in Nanterre on Saturday amid heavy security presence.

The death of Nahel Merzouk has sparked a debate on policing in France’s marginalised communities and raised questions on whether race played a role in his death, the CNN report said.

The officer who is accused of shooting him was taken to jail. Nahel Merzouk’s mother Mounia while speaking to television station France 5 on Friday blamed only the officer who shot her son for his death.

In order to control the protests, the French government has deployed security personnel and riot police across the country as the unrest continued into a sixth night of protests. French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin on Sunday said that it had been a “quieter night thanks to the resolute actions of the police,” as per the CNN report.

Darmanin further said that 427 people were detained overnight on Saturday. Over 1300 people were detained and 2560 fires were reported on public roads on Friday. Darmanin said that many of those detained since the unrest are minors with an average age of 17, according to CNN. French President Emmanuel Macron has postponed a trip to Germany due to begin on Sunday amid the unrest in the country, Al Jazeera reported.

On Saturday, French Interior Ministry said that 1,311 people had been detained following the fourth night of violence, an update on its previous figure. It said 2,560 fires had been reported on public roads, with 1,350 cars burned, and that there had been 234 incidents of damage or fire in buildings, CNN reported. 79 police and gendarmes were injured over the course of Friday night and there were 58 attacks on police and gendarme stations, the Ministry added. Two police officers suffered gunshot wounds in Vaulx-en-Velin. (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176/

‘Modi’s Foreign Visits Always Raise Stature & Goodwill Of India’

By LokMarg 2nd July 2023

Piyush Mishra, a research scholar in DDU University Gorakhpur, says Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visits to USA and Egypt have done Indian and the diaspora proud. His views

Each time Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits a foreign nations on official tour, you can see India’s stature moving up a few notches. He acts like a true ambassador of our country and its rich culture. His interactions with Indian diaspora, diplomats and dignitaries are command respect and Indian identity is duly represented.

The recent official visit to the US and Egypt was also a matter of pride for the Indians as it presented India on the world forum. Such trips are minutely observed in geopolitics by both our friends and rivals. The US visit thus sent a strong message to countries like China and Pakistan, as well domestic forces that always indulge in creating social unrest in the name of guarding the interests of minorities, human rights, freedom of expression, etc. When Modi was accorded with Egypt’s highest civilian honor ‘Order of The Nile’, it showed the mirror to the likes of all those concerned about baseless ‘assumptions and assertions’.

Thanks to the frequent trips of Modi, our foreign policies have not only strengthened manifold, but India has been making its presence felt on global platforms like Quad and G20 with enhanced authority. On the contrary, India’s stand on the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war is also been taken notice of by all the so-called bosses of the world and it was also noticeable during the visit when none of the countries questioning it.

With India’s achievements showcasing in a range of areas from technology, manufacturing, and start-ups to exports in the defence sector, it is also not a surprise that the foreign investment in the country has increased by 25 percent in nine years due to the collective efforts of Team Modi. Adding to this, the credentials of being the world’s fifth (largest) economy, we are a powerhouse of talents and technology which the world is taking due note and our capabilities and strengths have found new takers after the visit.

It is unfortunate that certain Indian opposition leaders and the so-called `guardians of the Constitution have found an ‘opportunity’. One example of such target attack was by former US President Barak Hussain Obama, and a Wall Street Journal reporter. Such leaders (Indian or foreigners) resort to inane and unsavory comments to cater to their die-hard supporters and promoters. But their actions only serve to expose their true intentions.

Though such buffoonery is a part and parcel of every foreign visit of PM Modi, constructive discussions and differing perspectives are handled very tactfully by him and this tendency only reflects a myopic and petty approach.

Irrespective of all the fruitless efforts to pull down India and Modi, the Indian Prime Minister stands in the front ranks of the world’s most popular statesmen and he humbly admits that he has acquired this status because of the solid backing and trust of 140 crore Indians in his homeland.

As told to Rajat Rai

Anushka Poses With Virat As They ‘Enjway’ Vacay In London

By LokMarg 2nd July 2023

Celebrity couple Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma, popularly known as “Virushka” are currently enjoying their vacation in London.

On Saturday night, Anushka took to her social media handle and shared a selfie with her cricketer husband which she captioned, “Full enjway.”

In the selfie, Virat was seen flaunting his new salt n pepper look. He looked handsome in a grey shirt, which he paired with a white t-shirt, and a pair of statement glasses. Anushka, on the other hand, looked beautiful in a white shirt. She completed her look with minimal make-up and accessories, and a free hairdo.

The duo was recently spotted at a Kirtan by Krishna Das, a renowned American vocalist who is known for his popular Hindu devotional songs.

Several images and videos from the devotional event went viral in which Virushka is seen heading towards their seats.

Virat and Anushka tied the knot on December 11 in Italy and are one of the most loved celebrity couples. The duo was blessed with Vamika on January 11, 2021.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Virat was a part of the Indian squad that played the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval, London. In the final, he scored 14 and 49. India registered a loss of 209 runs, their second successive loss in the final of the tournament.

India will next play West Indies in an all-format series from July 12 onwards. The series consists of two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is. Virat could be seen in action during this series in Tests and ODIs.

On the other hand, Anushka will be next seen in the upcoming sports biopic film ‘Chakda Xpress’ which is based on the life of former Indian cricketer Jhulan Goswami and will stream exclusively on Netflix. The final release date of the film is still awaited. (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176/

Badrinath Highway Remains Blocked Due To Heavy Rainfall

By LokMarg 2nd July 2023

Following incessant rainfall in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, the Badrinath National Highway (NH-7) has been shut for the last 13 hours at Lambagad and Khachada drains, officials said on Sunday.

Amid the closure of the national highway, commuters are stuck.

According to the officials, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is working to open the highway. They said that due to the blockage of the highway, many passengers are stranded.

The work of opening the highway is going on continuously by the NHAI.

Earlier on Friday morning, Badrinath national highway was shut due to a landslide after it reopened for traffic.

Later on Saturday, vehicle movement on the highway had to be restricted again due to a rise in the water level in the Khachdu drain near Uttarakhand’s Lambagad.

Authorities closed the Badrinath National Highway 7 (NH 7) at Chhinka in the State’s Chamoli district leaving many commuters, including pilgrims and tourists travelling to and returning from the famed Badrinath shrine.

Earlier on Thursday, heavy rains triggered landslides and flash floods in Uttarakhand causing a landslide in the same place and blocking of Badrinath National Highway. A stretch of 100 meters of the highway was blocked due to a heavy landslide from a hill near Chhinka on Thursday morning due to rain. (ANI)

Read more: http://13.232.95.176/

RS Session From July 20 To August 11

By LokMarg 2nd July 2023

The Rajya Sabha will meet from July 20 to August 11 for the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament, the Upper House secretariat said.

“The President has summoned the Rajya Sabha to meet on Thursday, 20th July 2023 and to conclude on Friday, 11th August 2023,” it said.
Earlier on Saturday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi announced that the monsoon session of Parliament will begin on July 20.

The session is slated to continue till August 11, he said.

“Monsoon Session, 2023 of Parliament will commence from 20th July and continue till 11th August. Urge all parties to contribute towards productive discussions on Legislative Business and other items during the Monsoon Session,” Joshi tweeted yesterday.

He said that there will be a total of 17 sittings in this session lasting 23 days.

“I appeal to all parties to contribute constructively to the legislative and other business of Parliament during the session,” the union minister said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Parliament building on May 28.

The government is expected to have significant legislative agenda for the session.

Opposition parties are also gearing up to take on the government on a host of issues. (ANI)

Read more: http://13.232.95.176/

France: Hundreds More Arrested Amid Unrest Over Teen Killing

By LokMarg 2nd July 2023

Protests that erupted in France in response to the killing of a 17-year-old by a police officer continued for a fifth night, The New York Times reported. Authorities arrested hundreds of people nationwide overnight Saturday and protesters clashed with police officers in riot gear.

Taking to his Twitter handle, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said that 427 people had been arrested overnight on Saturday. On Friday, more than 1300 people had been detained in France. He further said that 45,000 police officers were deployed nationwide on Saturday evening, a number similar to the night before, according to The New York Times report.
A government minister said that the evening was calmer than the recent ones. However, local media reported rioting, looting, and clashes in Marseille, the report said. Gerald Darmanin noted that the number of officers deployed across the nation was not increased and added that more officers were sent to control protesters in Lyon, Grenoble, and Marseille, The New York Times reported. Tensions remained high in France after the funeral of the 17-year-old by a police officer on Tuesday in Nanterre.

The funeral of a French teen, whose shooting by police provoked violent protests across the nation, was held after more than 1300 people were detained overnight on Saturday, CNN reported. The service was held at a mosque in Nanterre, a suburb of Paris, on Saturday afternoon local time.

Mounia, the mother of the teenager who was shot dead, told France 5 on Friday that she alone held the cop who shot her son, Nahel Merzouk, accountable for his demise. However, the murder has led to widespread damaging unrest and inquiries into whether race played a role in his passing. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron decided to postpone his state visit to Germany due to intense protests in France.

On Saturday, France’s Interior Ministry said that 1,311 people had been detained following the fourth night of violence, an update on its previous figure. It said 2,560 fires had been reported on public roads, with 1,350 cars burned, and that there had been 234 incidents of damage or fire in buildings, CNN reported. 79 police and gendarmes were injured over the course of Friday night and there were 58 attacks on police and gendarme stations, the Ministry added. (ANI)

Read More: http://13.232.95.176/