Month: August 2023

Belarusian Airline Belavia India

First Direct From Belarus Arrives In India

By LokMarg

The first direct flight from Belarus, Belarusian Airline Belavia, finally arrived in India. 

On the social media account, X (formerly known as Twitter), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, on Saturday, shared a video showing a flight arriving in India and the Belarusian Ambassador to India, Andrei Rzheussky, along with the staff untie the ribbon. 

“First direct flight from #Belarus arrived in #India,” it said in a tweet. 

Earlier, on Wednesday, Rzheussky confirmed that the first-ever direct flight between Minsk, the capital of Belarus and Delhi, India would start on August 12.

While speaking to ANI, Ambassador said that a lot of efforts were made to launch a regular flight service between Belarus and India and that the service will commence on August 12.

“It was not the easy way. For the last couple of years, we did our routine job just to fulfil this project into life. And now I am proudly announcing that at the end of this week (on Saturday) the first ever scheduled flight from Minsk to India will take place,” he said.

The Belarus Ambassador also stated that only a couple of flights were operated before this regular flight service. He also highlighted the importance of this flight service in terms of business and tourism.

The flight schedule that begins on August 11 (local time) starts from a weekly flight with the departure from Minsk on Fridays. In return, the flight will depart from Delhi on Saturdays.

Earlier, Belarusian Airline Belavia released a press release where its Director General Igor Cherginets said: “We know that passengers have been looking forward to the opening of this flight. Our specialists have been working hard for a long time to fulfil the travellers’ wishes. I can firmly say that this is one of the most interesting destinations in the route network of the airline. We have solved the problem of those, who have long dreamed to dive into the Indian flavour and experience the culture of another country, but were not ready to set out on a long journey with layovers.”

“Now, to travel to India all you have to do is buy one ticket, take a good mood and get on the plane, and we will take you to new emotions. We also expect that the launch of flights between Minsk and Delhi will foster the development of cooperation between Belarus and India” Cherginets said as per a release.

Belarus citizens need to have a visa to travel to India. The visa can be obtained online: an electronic visa is issued for a period of 30 days, a year or five years. More information on how to get a visa and the required documents can be found on the website of the Embassy of India in Minsk. (ANI)

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Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai

Only Thing That Will End Is Oppn Alliance: MoS Nityanand In Bihar

By LokMarg

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on Saturday claimed that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will win the 2024 Lok Sabha elections with a huge majority adding that the only thing that will end is opposition alliance.

“…The NDA will win all 40 seats in the 2024 elections with a huge majority…NDA will win in Bihar and will make Narendra Modi PM for the third time. The only thing that will end is the Opposition alliance…,” MoS Rai said in Bihar.

He further slammed Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and said that he do not know what he is saying.

“Bihar CM Nitish Kumar doesn’t have any sense he himself doesn’t know what he is saying. He is living in his dreams. His wish is not going to be fulfilled. He only follows Bihar Deputy CM Tejaswi Yadav and RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav for his benefit but every time he becomes a fool. Bihar will support Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will get our vote and full support from Bihar”, he added.

MoS Rai further alleged that the Congress party can do anything for the Prime Minister’s position and went on to say that they were the ones who divided the country.

“We only think about the people, not about the party and we know that BJP will think for us and about us. Congress can do anything for the PM seat they were the ones who divided the country for the PM seat before. Public has decided their PM this time also they want PM Modi as their leader”, he added.

Earlier today, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav launched a scathing attack against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and asked why is the PM not going to Manipur adding that the situation is deteriorating there.

Tejashwi Yadav said that if Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and the opposition parties can go to Manipur why isn’t the Prime Minister not going.

“If Rahul Gandhi can go to Manipur, opposition parties can go there, then why is the Prime Minister not going there? The situation is deteriorating there, what actions they have taken?… When our (opposition alliance) govt will be formed at the central level, a caste-based census will be conducted in the country, it is in the interest of the country…”, Tejashwi Yadav said.

On Friday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his speech in the Lok Sabha during a no-confidence motion, saying that it does not behove the PM to laugh and crack jokes in Parliament when Manipur has been “on fire” for over three months.

Rahul Gandhi further said that PM Modi has a “complete misunderstanding about what the Prime Minister of India is”.

However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday described the violence-hit Manipur as a “piece of one’s heart”, and said that all efforts will be made to restore peace in the northeastern state which will soon walk the path of progress.

“The north-east is our ‘jigar ka tukda’. The problems of Manipur are presented in such a manner as if they had begun in the recent past,” Modi said. (ANI)

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Neha Dhupia Angad Bedi

Always Proud Of You: Neha’s Shout Out To Angad For ‘Ghoomer’

By LokMarg

Actor Neha Dhupia is her husband Angad Bedi’s best cheerleader.

Neha took to Instagram to post the trailer of Angad’s upcoming movie ‘Ghoomer’ with a sweet message for the cast and crew.

Along with the trailer video, she wrote, “As this gem of a film premieres tonight @iffmelbourne film festival… wishing the entire cast and crew luck… been a bystander and watched everyone work too hard on this one … knock it out of the park guys . Good luck team #ghoomer @bachchan @saiyami @hopeprodn @r.balki_7 and most importantly my love @angadbedi. always in ur corner and always so proud of you … can’t wait to watch it on the big screen with you this Friday.”

To this, Angad replied, “Thank you my love.. shall watch it together. @nehadhupia.”

Earlier, actor Amitabh Bachchan shared the trailer and wrote, “YEEEAAAAHHH YEEEAAAAH YEEEEAAAH WHOOOAAAHHH !!!!! Here’s a trailer that makes the heart and head spin. #GhoomerTrailer out now! #GhoomerInCinemas on 18th August.”

Helmed by the acclaimed director R Balki, the film stars Abhishek Bachchan, Saiyami Kher, Shabana Azmi and Angad Bedi in the lead roles.

The film is all set to hit the theatres on August 18.

Abhishek portrays the character of a coach, whose life takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with a paraplegic sportsperson, played by the brilliant Saiyami Kher. Their journey together unfolds against societal challenges and personal struggles, all while guided by director R. Balki’s distinctive storytelling prowess.

The powerful performances of Abhishek and Saiyami shine through, delivering moments of heartache, determination, and hope. Director R. Balki’s signature style seamlessly weaves their narratives, inviting viewers to embark on a transformative journey that challenges preconceived notions.

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Pak: Senator Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar Becomes Caretaker PM

By LokMarg

Senator Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar has been picked as caretaker Prime Minister, Geo News reported citing opposition leader Raja Riaz and the PM’s office. 

After much deliberation, finally, Pakistan decided that Senator Kakar, a lawmaker from Balochistan, would be the caretaker PM as their final round of consultation concluded on Saturday. 

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Riaz said: “We decided that the interim prime minister would be from a smaller province”.

This decision came after President Arif Alvi approved on Wednesday night’s dissolved the National Assembly after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif forwarded a summary to him for dissolution of the lower house of the Parliament.

Before the meeting, President Alvi wrote a letter to the PM, reminding him and the opposition leader to suggest a “suitable person” for the interim premier by August 12 (Saturday), according to Geo News.

In a letter to both PM Shehbaz and Riaz, the president informed them that under Article 224A they are supposed to propose a name for interim prime minister within three days of the dissolution of the National Assembly.

As per the country’s Constitution, if the prime minister and the NA opposition leader fail to agree on the name within three days, the matter goes to the parliamentary committee for the appointment of a caretaker PM.

As per the law, the premier and the opposition leader will send their respective preferences for the coveted post to the parliamentary delegation, as per Geo News.

The parliamentary committee will then have to finalise the name of the caretaker prime minister within three days. 

However, if the committee also fails to reach a consensus on the name, then the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will pick the caretaker prime minister within two days from the names proposed by the opposition and the government, Geo News reported. (ANI)

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Mamata

Mamata Attacks Centre Over EC Appointments Bill

By LokMarg

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday slammed the central government over the introduction of the Chief Election Commissioner Bill in the Rajya Sabha. 

Banerjee said that the Bharatiya Janata Party bows down to anarchy. 

“Amidst calls to bow down to the judiciary, the @BJP4India instead bows to anarchy! The CJI’s role in the 3-member committee for selecting the CEC is crucial. We strongly oppose replacing the CJI with a cabinet minister in the EC selection. The discomfort suggests their vote manipulation could suffer”, said the Bengal CM on Twitter. 

Further, she added that India must question this blatant disregard for the judiciary. 

“Are they aiming to turn the Judiciary into a minister-run kangaroo court? We pray to the Judiciary for India. My Lord, save our country”, said Banerjee. 

Notably, a Bill to regulate the appointment, conditions of service and term of office of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners was introduced in Rajya Sabha on Thursday, with opposition parties strongly opposing its introduction.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023.

The Bill also deals with the procedure for the transaction of business by the Election Commission.

The Bill proposes that the Election Commissioners will be appointed by the President on the recommendation of a panel comprising the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister will chair the panel.

The Bill, if it comes into effect, will negate the Supreme Court’s March 2023 judgment that held that the appointment of Election Commissioners will be done by the President on the advice of a panel comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition and the Chief Justice of India.

However, in its judgement, the apex court had held that the procedure underlined by it would hold till a law is enacted by Parliament.

The proposed bill has evoked a sharp reaction from opposition parties.

Congress leader KC Venugopal said the bill aims to make Election Commission a “puppet in the hands of the Prime Minister”.

“A blatant attempt to make the Election Commission a total puppet in the hands of the Prime Minister,” he said in a tweet.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said in a tweet that the bill shows that “the Prime Minister will change any decision of the Supreme Court that he does not like by introducing a bill in the Parliament”.

In response to Arvind Kejriwal, BJP leader Amit Malviya said that the government is within its rights to bring the bill.

“The SC judgement had suggested a transient method for appointment of the CEC, in the absence of a statutory mechanism. The govt is well within its right to bring in a bill for the same,” he said in a tweet. (ANI)

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Uttarakhand Red alert IMD

IMD Red Alert For U’khand For August 13-14

By LokMarg

The Indian Meteorological Department on Saturday issued a red alert for Uttarakhand for August 13 and August 14.

As per IMD, heavy rainfall is also likely over Uttarakhand on August 13 and 14. 

“Urgent red alert issued for Uttarakhand as heavy to very heavy rainfall, reaching extremely heavy levels (more than 204.4 mm), is forecasted for August 13th and 14th. Stay safe,” India Meteorological Department tweeted. 

There has been heavy rain in many districts of the state for the last couple of days, causing waterlogging and flooding and disrupting the normal lives of the people.

Earlier, five pilgrims were killed after a car they were travelling in was buried under the debris of a landslide at Tarsali under Chowki Phata in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district, police said on Saturday.

According to officials, the victims, including one from Gujarat, were on their way to Kedarnath when the incident took place on Thursday evening.

The incident also led to the blocking of the Guptkashi-Gaurikund highway leading to Kedarnath Dham for traffic on Friday, said officials, while adding that about 60 metres of the road had been badly damaged and washed away.

Many districts of the state, including Rudraprayag, have been witnessing incessant rain for the last couple of days. (ANI)

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Modi Bhoomi Poojan at Sant Shiromani Gurudev Shri Ravidas Memorial Sthal in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district.

MP: Modi Performs Bhoomi Poojan For Sant Ravidas Temple

By LokMarg

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday performed Bhoomi Poojan at Sant Shiromani Gurudev Shri Ravidas Memorial Sthal in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district. 

The Prime Minister also paid floral tribute to the bust of the social reformer Sant Ravidas. 

Sant Shiromani Gurudev Shri Ravidas ji Memorial will be constructed in an area of more than 11.25 acres and at a cost of over Rs 100 crores here.

The magnificent memorial will have an impressive art museum and gallery to showcase the life, philosophy and teachings of Sant Shiromani Gurudev Shri Ravidas ji. It will also have facilities for devotees visiting the memorial like Bhakt Niwas, Bhojanalay. 

State Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had in February this year announced plans to build Sant Ravidas Temple and his memorial in Badtuma in Sagar district. The temple will be built in Nagar style.

Moreover, an interpretation museum will also be constructed to showcase work and personality of Sant Ravidas. Four galleries will be made in the museum, in which Bhakti Marg, contribution to the Nirgun Panth, philosophy of the saint Ravidas and his literature, details of harmony will also be there. 

Prime Minister, who is on a day-long visit to the poll-bound state, will also dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stone of rail and road sector projects worth more than Rs 4,000 crores. 

He will also dedicate the doubling of the Kota-Bina rail route which has been developed at a cost of more than Rs 2,475 crores. 

The project, which has been built at an estimated cost of more than Rs 2,475 crores, passes through Kota and Baran districts in Rajasthan, and Guna, Ashok Nagar and Sagar districts in Madhya Pradesh. 

The additional rail line will increase capacity for better mobility and will help improve train speed along the route. 

PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone of two road projects to be developed at a cost of more than Rs 1,580 crores. These include a four-laning road project connecting Morikori – Vidisha – Hinotiya and a road project that will connect Hinotiya to Mehluwa. (ANI)

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Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma

Airport Diaries: Virat, Anushka Ooze Uber-Cool Vibes In Casuals

By LokMarg

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma were clicked at the Mumbai airport rocking a cool look on Saturday morning.

In the papped images, Anushka is seen wearing a white crop top paired with comfy loose denim trousers, a blue jacket and funky shades.  Virat opted for an all-white look. He donned a white t-shirt that he teamed up with matching trousers. He elevated his casual look with a stylish yellow cap.

The couple happily posed for the shutterbugs before leaving the airport premises.

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 will be seen in action during high-profile tournaments like Asia Cup and the ICC Cricket World Cup later this year. Asia Cup will start on August 30 and will be hosted jointly by Pakistan and Sri Lanka, with the majority of matches in the island nation. ICC Cricket World Cup will be hosted by India from October 5.

On the other hand, Anushka 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)

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Trinamool Bengal Poll

Khooni Khel Khela Hai, Modi Attacks Trinamool Over Bengal Poll Violence

By LokMarg

Referring to the violence during Panchayat polls in West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday alleged that the ruling Mamata-Banerjee Trinamool Congress had “played with blood.”

“TMC ne khooni khel khela hai…,” PM Modi said in Hindi while addressing the Kshetriya Panchayati Raj Parishad in West Bengal via videoconferencing. 

Further, the prime minister accused the party of threatening voters and “making their life hell.”

“They do anything required to ensure that no BJP candidate can file nomination…they not only threaten BJP workers but also the voters. Contracts are given out to capture booths…This is their way of doing politics in the state,” the prime minister said. 

He further alleged that TMC gave contracts to goons and asked them to capture the booth on the vote-counting day.

“The party had given a contract to goons and asked them to capture booths on the vote counting day. During the counting of the votes, the TMC forced BJP members out of office and did not let them even watch. When BJP won despite all this, they took out rallies against our members,” the prime minister said.

Panchayat elections in West Bengal took place on July 8 and counting of the votes for 63,229 -Gram Panchayat seats took place on July 11.

TMC has won in 28,985 and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) 7,764 seats while Congress has secured 2,022 seats so far. TMC was leading on 1,540 panchayat seats while BJP was leading on 417, according to the State Election Commission (SEC).

Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) has won 2,409 seats and is leading in 260 seats. Other parties won 725 seats and leading on 23 seats, while independents which included TMC rebels won 1,656 seats and are maintaining a led in 104 seats.

However, voting day was marred with widespread violence, looting of ballots papers and rigging. There were reports of booth capturing, damaging of ballot boxes and assault of presiding officers from several districts such as Murshidabad, Cooch Behar, Malda, South 24 Parganas, North Dinajpur and Nadia.

Reports also emerged of ballot boxes being set on fire and clashes between political parties in different locations. (ANI)

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Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg

Elon, Mark’s War Of Words Over Cage Fight Escalates

By LokMarg

Seems like tech billionaires Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg are not on the same page regarding their cage fight.

A day after Tesla CEO Musk claimed that his and Zuckerberg’s fight will be live-streamed on X as well as Meta’s platforms and will likely take place in Italy, the Meta owner dropped a statement on Threads.

He requested netizens not to buy into whatever the Tesla CEO says.

“I love this sport and I’ve been ready to fight since the day Elon challenged me. If he ever agrees on an actual date, you’ll hear it from me. Until then, please assume anything he says has not been agreed on,” Zuckerberg wrote.

Zuckerberg further said that was not holding his breath for Musk and will share the details of the fight when he is ready.

He added, “Not holding my breath for Elon, but I’ll share details on my next fight when I’m ready. When I compete, I want to do it in a way that puts a spotlight on the elite athletes at the top of the game. You do that by working with professional orgs like the UFC or ONE to pull this off well and create a great card.”

Musk took notice of Zuckerberg’s post and reacted to it with a series of tweets.

“If Zuck my really wants a lesson in why there are weight categories in fighting so badly, I could just head over to his house next week and teach him a lesson he won’t soon forget…Otherwise, we will do it as soon as the arena in Italy is ready,” Musk wrote.

“Or we could do both and consider next week just a practice session,” he added.

It is to be noted that the tech billionaires agreed to a “cage match” face-off in late June. It all began when Musk tweeted that he would be “up for a cage match” with Zuckerberg, who has trained in jiujitsu.

The exchanges have gone viral with social media users debating who would win the bout, while others have posted memes including mocked-up posters advertising the fight. (ANI)

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