Month: August 2023

Rich McCormick

Excited To Be In India, Will Meet Modi Today: US Congressman McCormick

By LokMarg

US Representative Congressman Rich McCormick, who is part of the American Congressional delegation visiting India, on Wednesday said that he is looking forward to his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi today.

“I’m really excited about today, we’re going to meet Prime Minister Modi and several other dignitaries and once again continue to advance the relationship between our two great countries”, McCormick said in an exclusive interview with ANI.

McCormick who represents Georgia’s 6th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives also hailed the recent visit of PM Modi to America stating “there’s never been a better time for developing these relationships.”

“I think there’s never been a better time for developing these relationships. His (PM Modi) visit to America was special, it’s the second time he’s been over there. That’s unique. The largest democracy in the world coming to visit America. And now we’re here in force to have a bipartisan group of congressmen to continue to develop this relationship that I think it’s going to be essential in the future”, said McCormick.

Speaking about the India-US relationship and threats from China, the Congressman said that it is important to develop a strong relationship.

“We continue to develop trust given the fact that we’ve had a long history of coordinated efforts, but this is going to be something unique as we go into this next generation of threats, especially with the proximity to China and other countries. Developing a strong relationship strategically, economically and militarily so that we can trust each other into the future”, McCormick said.

Hailing India’s economic growth, the congressman said that it will be interesting to see India become a more powerful ally.

“Last night we met with a bunch of businesses. There’s a huge military industry here in India that I think is going to be partnering with this in the future which is going to help not only the economy but also the strength of India. We spend roughly over 800 billion on our military, and India’s closer to 60 billion. But as India grows its economy which is gonna grow in tremendous ways in the next decade. It’s gonna be interesting to see India become a more powerful ally. It’s able to defend itself against anybody which is going to be great for both countries”, said McCormick.

Highlighting the role of Indian-Americans, Rich said that they continue to benefit both countries.

“When you talk about the diaspora in the United States. You’re talking about the most successful demographic in the wealthiest country in the world. That only speaks well to India’s perseverance and productivity, creativity, hard work, intelligence, all the great things. It’s a testimony to the Indian people, which I think is great for reputation, great for relationships. Look forward to developing that as we continue because it benefits both countries”, he said.

“You have 200,000 students right now in America, from India, learning incredible skills and technologies that they can bring back here to this country to continue to build their industry which is needed in both countries when it comes to developing economies”, he said. (ANI)

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Chandrayaan-3

Chandrayaan-3 Completes Last Moon-Bound Manoeuvre

By LokMarg

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Wednesday successfully carried out the final orbit reduction manoeuvre of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft, a week ahead of its scheduled landing on the moon.

“Today’s successful firing, needed for a short duration, has put Chandrayaan-3 into an orbit of 153 km x 163 km, as intended. With this, the lunar bound manoeuvres are completed,” ISRO said today.

The spacecraft that was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota on July 14 this year is expected to touchdown on the South Polar region of the Moon on August 23.

A GSLV Mark 3 (LVM 3) heavy-lift launch vehicle was used for the launch of the spacecraft that was placed in the lunar orbit on August 5 and since then it has been through a series of orbital manoeuvres been lowered closer to the moon’s surface.

Today’s fifth and final orbit-reduction manoeuvre was performed from ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru.

With the lunar-bound manoeuvres now concluded, ISRO said that the focus of the Chandrayaan-3 mission shifts towards the next stages of preparations as the Propulsion Module and the Lander Module gear up “for their separate journeys.”

Separation of the Lander Module from the Propulsion Module is planned for August 17.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh posted on X, “A step closer towards the MOON! Today’s successful firing, needed for a short duration, has put Chandrayaan3 into an orbit of 153 km x 163 km, as intended. With this, the lunar bound maneuvres have been completed.”

ISRO is attempting to make a successful soft landing on the Moon, which will make India the fourth country in the world to achieve the feat, joining the ranks of the United States, Russia and China.

India’s third lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3, marks the country’s second attempt at a gentle lunar landing. It is a follow-up to Chandrayaan-2, the moon mission that failed in 2019. It will show off India’s complete capability for a secure lunar landing and roaming.

The components of Chandrayaan-3 include several electronic and mechanical subsystems designed to ensure a gentle and safe landing, including guidance and control systems, propulsion systems, and navigation sensors. There are also systems for releasing the rover, antennas for two-way communication, and other onboard electronics.

Chandrayaan-3’s declared goals include a secure and soft landing, lunar rover wandering, and in-situ scientific research. (ANI)

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The Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library (PMML)

Centre Renames Nehru Memorial As Prime Ministers’ Museum And Library

By LokMarg

The Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) has officially been renamed as the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library (PMML) Society with effect from Monday by the Centre.

PMML vice-chairman A Surya Prakash while taking to X, earlier known as Twitter confirmed the same.

“Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) is now Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML) Society w.e.f August 14, 2023 – in tune with the democratisation and diversification of the remit of the society. Happy Independence Day! @narendramodi, @rajnathsingh @MinOfCultureGoI,” Prakash said.

In mid-June, during a special meeting of the NMML Society, it was resolved to change its name to PMML Society.

The Culture Ministry had then said that it had decided to change the name of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library Society to Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library Society.

The decision was taken at a special meeting of the Memorial Museum and Library Society which was presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who is the Vice-President of the Society.

This project was approved by Executive Council, NMML in its 162nd meeting held in November 2016. The Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya was opened to the public on April 21 last year.

During the inauguration, despite having received an invitation from the government, no member of the Nehru-Gandhi family was present for the function.

Three members of the Nehru-Gandhi family including Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi have served as Prime Ministers of the country.

The Culture Ministry release said that the Museum is a seamless blend that begins at the renovated and refurbished Nehru Museum building, “now completely updated with technologically advanced displays on the life and contribution of Jawaharlal Nehru”.

“Housed in a new building the museum then goes on to tell the story of how our Prime Ministers navigated the nation through various challenges and ensured the all-round progress of the country. It recognizes all the Prime Ministers, thereby democratizing the institutional memory,” the release had said. (ANI)

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India-China Corps Commander level meeting was held at the Chushul-Moldo border

India-China Corps Commander Meet Held To Discuss Resolution Of Remaining Issues Along LAC

By LokMarg

The 19th round of India-China Corps Commander level meeting was held at the Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Indian side on 13-14 August 2023, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press statement. 

The two sides had a positive, constructive and in-depth discussion on the resolution of the remaining issues along the LAC (Line of Actual Control) in the Western Sector. In line with the guidance provided by the leadership, they exchanged views in an open and forward-looking manner, the press statement said further. 

They agreed to resolve the remaining issues in an expeditious manner and maintain the momentum of dialogue and negotiations through military and diplomatic channels.

In the interim, the two sides agreed to maintain peace and tranquillity on the ground in the border areas.

The 18th round of the India-China Corps Commander Level Meeting was also held at the Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Chinese side on 23rd April 2023.

The two sides had a frank and in-depth discussion on the resolution of the relevant issues along the LAC in the Western Sector so as to restore peace and tranquillity in the border areas, which will enable progress in bilateral relations.

In line with the guidance provided by the State Leaders and further to the meeting between the two Foreign Ministers in March 2023, they had an exchange of views in an open and candid manner.

In the interim, the two sides agreed to maintain security and stability on the ground in the Western Sector. The two sides agreed to stay in close contact and maintain dialogue through military and diplomatic channels and work out a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest.

The two countries started holding military talks on disengagement and de-escalation of the situation along the LAC in eastern Ladakh soon after the confrontation started between the two militaries.

The two sides have since then disengaged from multiple confrontation points and moved to new positions to avoid clashes and resolve the issues peacefully.

Sources said the Indian side is keen to resolve the dispute amicably securing all Indian interests in the region and has deployed over 50,000 troops to match the Chinese deployments in the areas opposite eastern Ladakh.

The two sides have been heavily deployed but have resisted direct conflicts even though the Indian side does not rule out the possibility of any misadventure by the adversary along the LAC.

India thwarted one such misadventure by the Chinese Army in December 2022 in Yang Tse near Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. (ANI)

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Himachal Pradesh Shimla

Himachal Rain: Several Houses Collapse In Shimla

By LokMarg

Amid incessant rainfall in Himachal Pradesh, several houses collapsed in Shimla, officials said on Tuesday. 

According to Aditya Negi, Deputy Commissioner, Shimla, a hill collapsed in the Krishna Nagar area in Shimla, following which, around five to seven houses collapsed.

However, he said that no details of people being stranded have been received so far. 

At least 55 people have lost their lives in Himachal Pradesh after heavy rainfall wreaked havoc in the State triggering landslides, cloudbursts and blocked roads.

Earlier in the day, Sukhu said the toll is likely to go up and said that Solan, Shimla, Mandi, and Hamirpur are among the worst-affected districts in the state.

“Around 55 people have lost their lives in the state till now. The death toll might go up. Restoration work is being done on a war footing. Chandigarh-Shimla 4-lane highway along with other arterial roads has been opened,” CM Sukhu said.

He further stated that Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured him of all the help and said that one army helicopter has been deployed in Shimla.

“I spoke to Amit Shah ji yesterday who has assured all help. I also spoke to JP Nadda ji, Kharge ji, Rahul Gandhi ji and Priyanka ji. The reopening of schools will be decided based on weather conditions. One Army helicopter is deployed in Shimla for any emergency,” he said.

CM Sukhu further informed that ongoing search and rescue efforts are in progress within the region. In light of the unfortunate situation, the state decided not to hold any cultural festivities for Independence Day.

The chief minister also visited the disaster-hit village Jadon in Solan district which suffered heavy loss of life and property due to a cloudburst. According to officials, seven people of a family had lost their lives in the disaster.

The Chief Minister expressed condolences to the bereaved family and said that it was a heart-wrenching incident. He said that the government stood firmly with the affected people in their distress and assured them that all possible help will be provided to the affected.

On Monday the chief minister said that at least nine people were killed and over 20-25 others are feared buried under debris after a temple in Shimla’s Summer Hill area collapsed following a cloudburst. He said local administration is working to clear the debris and rescue those who were trapped.

He also visited the Phagli area of Shimla City to personally oversee and extend a helping hand to those affected by a landslide in which several houses were reportedly buried.

Meanwhile India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours in several parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

The Met department has raised “red alert” for both the hilly states which will gradually reduce to “orange alert”. (ANI)

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Shimla

Shimla: Massive Landslide Damages 120-Yr-Old Railway Track

By LokMarg

A massive landslide struck Shimla, causing severe damage to a railway track that has stood for over 120 years. The incident occurred on August 15, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

Vishal Singh, Section Engineer of Communication at the Kalka Shimla Railways from Solan, provided insights into the scope of the catastrophe.

“We will initiate the process of re-establishing communication within the next 4-5 hours. The connectivity in the Shimla district relies heavily on this track, and the disruption has brought everything to a standstill,” Singh explained.

Local resident Neeraj Raj Sharma expressed shock at the unprecedented level of destruction caused by the flash flood resulting from the landslide.

“I have never seen this kind of destruction since my childhood. Trees and water from the upper slopes have obliterated the historic railway track and even the revered Shiv Mandir. There are concerns that 12 to 15 people might still be trapped in the debris, prompting a frantic rescue effort,” he lamented.

The magnitude of the damage indicates that the restoration process for the railway track will be an extensive undertaking, requiring significant time and resources, Singh said.

As a short-term measure, authorities plan to temporarily restore connectivity while preparing for the arduous task of rebuilding or renovating the decimated railway track. (ANI)

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77th Independence Day Celebs

Jackie To Suniel, Celebs Wish Fans On I-Day

By LokMarg

On the occasion of the 77th Independence Day, several celebrities wished their fans with special posts on their respective social media handles.

Jackie Shroff celebrated Independence Day with school children.

He took to Instagram and shared the video and pictures from the celebration and captioned it, “Happy 77th Independence Day. Jai Hind.” https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv8-m1pIBiB/embed

Karan Johar dropped a picture of a man holding a national flag in hand and wrote, “Happy Independence day.”

To mark this occasion, Suniel Shetty penned a lengthy message.

He wrote, “On our 77th Independence Day –I wish for an India where every young mind is excited about the endless possibilities. I wish for India to stand tall on the global stage as a shining example of progress. I wish for India to genuinely love every bit of our culture, language and traditions. But above all, I wish for every Indian heart to swell with pride, realizing how lucky we are to be born here. Happy Independence Day, my fellow Indians! Let’s keep dreaming, aiming high, and creating a future that makes generations proud. Jai Hind!” https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv9BlR6hwUI/embed

Farah Khan Kunder uploaded a picture of her kids dressed in tricolour outfits and captioned it, “50% Hindu.. 25%Muslim.. 25% Parsi.. 100% INDIAN 🇮🇳 #happyindependenceday ..” https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv9Cao1oHUy/embed

Ajay Devgn also wished and posted a glimpse of a calendar with a video “Azadi ka rasta azad khyalo se banta hai.

He wrote, “Celebrating our azaadi with these powerful words. Happy Independence Day to all!”

Nimrat Kaur posted a series of photos waving the national flag and posing with it.

She wrote, “From childhood till date, three closest and favorite colors to my heart…  Nothing like the feeling of holding and standing beneath our beloved tricolour…Happy Independence Day from me to all my fellow Indians all over the world. Jai Hind!! P.S. I’m joined by an unlikely fellow Indian in my last picture.” https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv812QCNTeT/embed

Kajal Aggarwal shared a picture with her husband Gautam Kitchlu to wish her fans on Independence Day along with a message, “Ae mere watan ke logo wishing a very Happy Independence day.” https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv9A9X2MLTQ/embed

Bhumi Pednekar wished her fans on Insta story and wrote, “Best feeling in the whole world. Happy Independence Day.”

Further extending the wishes, Kangana Ranaut uploaded a  Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s photo with people around him to wish happy Independence Day to fans and followers.

Kunal Kemmu treated fans with an image of his daughter Inaaya with her drawing of the national flag.

Other celebs shared pictures and videos of the national flag to mark this occasion. 

India is celebrating the completion of 76 years of independence.

This year’s Independence Day will culminate the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations, which were launched by PM Modi from Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on March 12, 2021, and will, once again, usher the country into ‘Amrit Kaal’ with renewed vigour to realise PM Modi’s dream of making India a developed country by 2047. (ANI)

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LOC Army

J&K: Army Dedicates 115-Feet Long Bridge To Locals Of Last village On LoC

By LokMarg

On the 77th Independence Day, the Indian Army on Tuesday dedicated a bridge to locals of Danna, the last village on the Line of Control in Machhal Sector across Machhal Nala in Jammu and Kashmir, informed the Public Relations Officer, Defence, Srinagar.

The 115feet long bridge has been named Bhagat Bridge in memory of the Late Major Bhagat Singh, Veer Chakra, who laid down his life defending this sector in the 1965 war.

Danna Village is also known as Bhagat Village in memory of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. The event was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony signifying the bridge’s official opening for use by the villagers. The ribbon was cut by Sep Mian Gul Khan, a ninety-year-old 1971 war veteran and a proud resident of the area, in the presence of Indian Army persons and other local dignitaries.

The bridge was raised through the painstaking efforts of Indian Army engineers, who toiled for two months in spite of incessant rains and adverse conditions to provide a measure of respite for locals long plagued by issues arising out of a lack of motorable roads and a bridge across Machhal Nala.

The bridge is a testament to the Army’s commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, be it defending the borders or supporting them towards building a prosperous and peaceful Kashmir, the statement by the PRO added.

The dedication event was attended by children, women, and elders of seven villages who got benefitted from the construction of the bridge. The locals thanked the Army for providing them with a piece of infrastructure that would enable them to send their children to school and facilitate the movements with the sick and the elderly. They also hoped that this will bring tourists to their area, the statement added.

“As the nation is celebrating its 77th Independence Day, the inauguration of the bridge serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the Indian Army to safeguard the sovereignty and integrity of the nation. It also reaffirms the Army’s dedication to fostering strong bonds with local communities and dedicatedly contributing towards their welfare,” the statement added. (ANI)

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Akshay Kumar

Dil Aur Citizenship, Dono Hindustani!: Akshay Now Officially Indian Citizen

By LokMarg

Actor Akshay Kumar, who has often faced criticism over his Canadian citizenship, surprised everyone on Independence Day by announcing that he is now officially an Indian citizen.

On Tuesday, Akshay took to social media to share a picture of his official government documents, proving that he has finally got his Indian citizenship.

“Dil aur citizenship, dono Hindustani. Happy Independence Day! Jai Hind,” Akshay captioned the post.

The update has left fans elated. Many congratulated him on social media. 

“Finally. Mubarka sir,” a social media user commented.

“Best Independence Day gift,” another one wrote.

Akshay has faced a lot of trolling on the internet for holding Canadian citizenship in the past. A section of social media users even mocked him by calling him Canadian Kumar.

During the initial phase of his career, Akshay moved to Canada as his films were not working in India. In one of the press events, he revealed that a friend of his lived in Canada and suggested that the actor too should move there if he is not finding success in India.

Akshay went there and applied for Canadian citizenship. However, he began experiencing professional success again, and he decided that he should stay back in India.

Back in 2019, after receiving backlash for holding Canadian citizenship, Akshay issued a statement via his official Twitter account, stating that he does not understand the negativity around the subject. 

“I really don’t understand the unwarranted interest and negativity about my citizenship. I have never hidden or denied that I hold a Canadian passport. It is also equally true that I have not visited Canada in the last seven years. I work in India, and pay all my taxes in India. While all these years, I have never needed to prove my love for India to anyone, I find it disappointing that my citizenship issue is constantly dragged into needless controversy, a matter that is personal, legal, non-political, and of no consequence to others. Lastly, I would like to continue contributing in my small way to the causes that I believe in and make India stronger and stronger,” he tweeted. 

Meanwhile, on the film front, Akshay recently came up with ‘OMG 2’, which also stars Pankaj Tripathi and Yami Gautam. (ANI)

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77th Independence Day Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh

I Appeal To All To End Violence: Manipur CM

By LokMarg

On the occasion of the 77th Independence Day, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday appealed to people of the state “to end violence and live together peacefully as before.”

He also called on the people of the strife-torn state to restore peace and normalcy.

“I wish you a very happy 77th Independence Day. I convey my message to the people of the state to restore peace and normalcy. I appeal to all to end violence and live together peacefully as before,” Singh said after hoisting the National Flag at the First Manipur Parade Ground here.

Wishing a happy Independence Day, the CM said, “Let the National Flag be a symbol of unity, diversity and our unwavering commitment to a better future for every citizen”.

Manipur is in the throes of ethnic clashes between Kuki and Metei communities since May 3.

Earlier in his Independence Day message on X, formerly Twitter, CM Biren wrote: “With utmost pride and dignity, I unfurled the tri-colour on the auspicious occasion of the 77th Independence Day, at my Secretariat. Today, as we unfurl our Nation’s flag with pride, we honour the spirit of freedom that courses through our veins. Let this flag be a symbol of unity, diversity, and our unwavering commitment to a better future for every citizen. Happy Independence Day!”

“Happy 77th Independence Day to all my fellow countrymen. Amidst this vibrant mosaic, let’s remember that our collective spirit transcends boundaries. It’s the unity that binds us in times of triumph and trial alike. On this momentous occasion, let’s salute the tricolour that unfurls a tapestry of dreams, resilience, and progress,” he said in another tweet.

In the national capital, addressing countrymen from the ramparts of the Red Fort on 77th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday appealed for peace in strife-torn Manipur saying that people across the country stand with the people of the Northeast state.

“The whole country stands with the people of Manipur. Peace is the only way to resolve all disputes. The Centre and the Manipur government are making every effort to ensure that peace returns to the state at the earliest,” PM Modi said.

He also took to his official handle on ‘X’ to greet countrymen on Independence Day.

“Best wishes on Independence Day. We pay homage to our great freedom fighters and reaffirm our commitment to fulfilling their vision. Jai Hind!,” the Prime Minister wrote.

On his arrival at the Red Fort, PM Modi was received by Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh and others.

This year’s Independence Day will culminate the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations, which were launched by Prime Minister Modi from Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on March 12, 2021, and will usher the country into ‘Amrit Kaal’. (ANI)

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