August 2023 - Page 40 of 44 - Lokmarg

Indian Air Force (IAF) has received the Israeli Spike Non Line of Sight (NLOS) anti-tank guided missiles

India Receives Spike NLOS Missiles From Israel, Firing Trials Shortly

By LokMarg 3rd August 2023

In a boost to its capabilities to destroy enemy targets hidden behind mountains, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has received the Israeli Spike Non Line of Sight (NLOS) anti-tank guided missiles which can hit targets from distances up to 30 km.

The Israeli Spike NLOS anti-tank guided missiles have been delivered and its trials are going to be held soon, defence sources told ANI.

The NLOS missiles are now going to be integrated with the Russian-origin fleet of Mi-17V5 helicopters which would be able take out targets from long ranges and can prove to be very effective against enemy targets and assets hidden behind mountains or hills, the sources added.

During the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the reports suggest that the Ukrainian forces have used the anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles supplied by the Western European nations and America effectively.

The IAF had started showing interest in these missiles almost two years ago when the Chinese Army deployed a large number of tanks and infantry combat vehicles close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) opposite the Eastern Ladakh sector.

The sources also said that at the moment the Spike NLOS ATGMs have been ordered in limited numbers and the force would look for getting the missiles in larger numbers through “Make-in-India” initiatives.

The air-launched NLOS ATGMs can carry out strikes at its ground targets from standoff distances and can cause considerable damage to the enemy tank regiments and prevent their advances, the sources said.

Both the Indian Army and the Air Force have strengthened their arsenal significantly through both Indian and foreign weapons in view of the threat faced by the country due to aggression shown by the Chinese two years ago.

Indian Air Force top brass has been laying a lot of stress on indigenisation and supporting multiple programmes to produce such high tech equipment and weaponry through Indian sources and industry. (ANI)

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Even After Oppo Alliance, Modi Will Come To Power Again: Shah

By LokMarg 3rd August 2023

Union Minister Amit Shah while discussing the Delhi services Bill in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, took a swipe at the Opposition coalition–I.N.D.I.A saying that there is ‘no use’ of it as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will come to power again with the full majority.

Amit Shah was speaking in the Lok Sabha as the House took up the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 for consideration and passage.

Shah also hit out at the Opposition for supporting the Delhi government led by Aam Aadami Party (AAP) and appealed to the Opposition MPs to “think about Delhi, not the alliance”.

“I request to all the parties not to support or oppose any Bill or Act just for getting the support of any party. This type of politics should not be done. There are various ways to form an alliance. Acts and Bills are tabled in the country’s interest. You only think about your alliance. For you (The opposition), it does not matter if anything happens in Delhi, or if a minister does anything. You do not think about corruption. You have to support because you have to form an alliance. I request the members of the Opposition to think about Delhi, don’t think about the alliance. Even after they (the opposition) formed an alliance, Narendra Modi will become PM again with a full majority. So, don’t sacrifice the people’s welfare for your alliance, because there is no use of it. People are watching everything,” Shah said in the Lower House.

The union minister further took a jibe at the Congress ‘suggesting’ the party to ‘do the right thing’ and said that the AAP will not enter into the alliance once the Bill on Delhi services is passed.

“I have tabled the Bill before the House and want that a discussion should take place with neutrality. I want to say to Congress, that they (AAP) will not be part of your alliance once the Bill will be passed. So, please do whatever is right,” he said.

Further, coming down heavily on the Opposition alliance, he said that it will not get people’s support merely by forming a bloc.

“If you think that to form the alliance, you will get the support and faith of the people, so there is nothing like that. You got their faith, but the way the UPA government worked in the last 10 years of its tenure and committed the corruption of 12 lakh cr, that is why they (UPA) are sitting there (in Opposition) and I am saying it again that you are supporting the Delhi government over the ordinance just for your alliance, then people are watching this and you have to pay for this in the next elections,” Amit Shah said.

Speaking about the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, Shah said that the Delhi Government is opposing the Bill to hide its ‘corruption’.

“Problem is not with the rights of transfer postings, but they (AAP) want to hide their corruption after taking the control of vigilance,” he added.

The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, empowers the Central Government to make rules in connection with the affairs of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi including the functions, terms and other conditions of service of officers and employees.

Asserting that this legislation is good for the country, the Union Minister said that it should be opposed or supported for the good of the country or Delhi instead of for the sake of the alliance.

“There are many ways to form new alliances. Bills and Acts are for the good of the country. It should be opposed or supported for the good of the country or Delhi…One should not think in a way that we have to support while being in opposition because we have to form an alliance,” he said.(ANI)

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Want Normal Relations With Pakistan But: MEA

By LokMarg 3rd August 2023

Days after Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif showed his willingness to talk to India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Thursday said that India wanted neighbourly ties with Pakistan but there should be an atmosphere free from terror and violence for such a relationship.

During a weekly briefing of MEA, Bagchi said, “We have seen reports regarding the comments by the Pakistan PM on this issue. India’s clear and consistent position is well known that we desire normal relations with all our neighbouring countries including Pakistan. For this environment free of terror and hostility is imperative.”

Earlier, on Tuesday, the Pakistan PM showed his willingness to talk with India and stressed that there is “nothing against anyone”.

While addressing the opening ceremony of the Mineral Summit in Islamabad, Shehbaz Sharif said that to use build the nation they are ready to talk with the neighbours.

Despite a history of strained ties between the two nations, since their independence in 1947, the Pakistan PM seeks to promote valuable engagement as the country is going through some economic issues.

“With our neighbours, we are prepared to talk to them, provided that the neighbour is serious to talk about serious matters on the table because war is no more an option. Pakistan is a nuclear power, not as an aggressor but for our defence purposes. We had three wars fought in the last 75 years. And what happened is it generates more poverty, unemployment and lack of resources to finance, education, health and well-being of the people,” PM Sharif said.

He stressed that this is not the way to adopt, but to fight through economic competition in the region.”Because if there is any nuclear flashpoint, who will live to tell what happened? So (war) is not an option,” PM Sharif said and added that he knows that both countries cannot become normal neighbours unless “abnormalities are removed” and unless the serious issues are understood and addressed through peaceful and meaningful discussions.

India and Pakistan’s relations were never normal since the formation of the latter country. India has repeatedly raised its concern over Pakistan’s support of cross-border terrorism and has asserted that terror and talks cannot go together.

Following the Indian government’s decision in August 2019 to abolish Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and bifurcate it into two Union territories [J&K and Ladakh], the Pakistan government, then led by Imran Khan, expelled India’s ambassador to Islamabad and halted bilateral trade. (ANI)

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My Work Will Immortalize Me: Bhumi

By LokMarg 3rd August 2023

Actor Bhumi Pednekar has made a mark for herself in Bollywood through her determination and commitment that set her apart.

Bhumi’s passion for acting undoubtedly runs deep and she wants her work to make her immortal in the annals of acting.

Talking about her love for her work and acting, Bhumi said, “I’m a workaholic and I’m in love with the fact that I’m an actor spending every second of my life trying to create something that will stay on forever. Acting is a special profession and one that cannot be taken lightly. Whenever I set foot on a film’s set, I’m filled with gratitude that my work will immortalize me in some way. So, I give my 200 per cent in any project that I do.”

Time and again, Bhumi has proven her mettle with awe-inspiring performances that have left both critics and audiences spellbound. With every role, she delves deep into the essence of her characters, bringing authenticity and sincerity to her portrayals.”

Bhumi added, “I feel I’m responsible to leave a mark through my movies because films are a part of our cultural legacy. What we create now, will be remembered and be dissected in the years to come just as films from before stand the test of time or are questioned now for what they tried to say. Art is almost immortal.”

Bhumi has been gathering appreciation ever since her debut in ‘Dum Laga Ke Haisha’ and has emerged as an artist who has carved a niche for herself. “I have always wanted to be a female actor who had a cultural impact through my films and the kind of roles that I played. So, I have and I will always pick projects that inspire me to deliver my best. I’m very well aware that I’m creating a legacy for myself through my work and I want to be proud of the work that I do on screen.”

Bhumi was recently seen in Sudhir Mishra’s film ‘Afwaah’, which also starred Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Sharib Hashmi and Sumeet Vyas. She will now be seen in ‘The Lady Killer’. (ANI)

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France Evacuates Indian Nationals From Niger

By LokMarg 3rd August 2023

Following the military coup in Niger, the French Government evacuated over 990 of its citizens including Indian nationals over the past two days.

Taking to Twitter, the French ambassador to India, Emmanuel Lenain said that the French government had around 992 people, out of which 560 are its citizens while the rest of them includes nationals from many other countries, including Indian citizens.

“Following the military coup in #Niger, France has evacuated 992 people from the country through several rotation flights over the past two days. In addition to 560 French citizens, the flights evacuated nationals from many other countries, including Indian citizens,” Lenain said in a tweet.

Till now 4 flights carrying French and other national citizens have departed from Niger.

“4 flights have departed, 992 people wishing to leave the country have been transported. A 5th and final flight is scheduled for the end of the day,” French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said in a tweet.

Earlier, in a statement released on its website, French Foreign Ministry said, “Given the situation in Niamey, the violence that took place against our embassy the day before yesterday and the closure of airspace which leaves our compatriots without the possibility of leaving the country by their own means, France is preparing the evacuation of its nationals and of European nationals wishing to leave the country.”

It further said, “This evacuation will begin today.”French Foreign Ministry’s statement comes after the supporters of the coup in Niger on Sunday burned French flags and attacked the French embassy in Niger’s capital, Niamey, Al Jazeera reported.

At least four European countries announced that plans to evacuate their citizens are underway in Niger.

Following the incident, French President Emmanuel Macron said any attacks on French interests in Niger will be met with a “swift and uncompromising response,” according to Al Jazeera report.

The pro-coup protesters were seen chanting the names of Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite requests from the Kremlin to release the nation’s democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, CNN reported.

A plaque designating the Embassy was destroyed by some protesters, who later replaced it with Russian and Nigerian flags. In the masses, there were slogans of “down with France,” “long live Putin,” and “long live Russia,” according to CNN.

Nigerien security forces were seen using tear gas to disperse the protesters. One photograph from the spot showed people attempting to start a fire outside the compound, CNN reported.

Last Thursday, the Nigerien army command said it was supporting the seizure in a bid to thwart bloodshed. The military’s statement also warned against foreign military intervention, which it said “risks having disastrous and uncontrolled consequences”. (ANI)

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Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023 Introduced In LS

By LokMarg 3rd August 2023

Union Communications, Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw introduced Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023, in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

Opposition members strongly opposed the introduction of the bill and said that the bill violates the fundamental right to privacy. They demanded that the bill should be sent to the standing committee for scrutiny. They said the government had withdrawn a bill on data protection last year and the new bill needs more scrutiny.

Vaishnaw said that it is not a money bill and all issues raised by the opposition will be answered during the debate.

The bill provides for the processing of digital personal data in a manner “that recognises both the right of individuals to protect their personal data and the need to process such personal data for lawful purposes”. (ANI)

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Trailer of Rajinikanth-Starrer ‘Jailor’ Released

By LokMarg 3rd August 2023

Makers of the upcoming action film ‘Jailer’ starring legendary actor Rajinikanth on Wednesday unveiled the trailer.

Taking to Instagram, production house Sun Pictures treated fans with Jailer showcase. Sharing the video, they wrote, “Meet Tiger Muthuvel PandianThe much awaited #JailerShowcase is out now.”

The showcase video introduced Rajinikanth’s character ‘Tiger’ Muthuvel Pandian, with two different avatars. Superstar play a father of a police officer in the movie. The video also showed how a simple man fights bad guys with swords, guns.

Jackie Shroff can be seen in a never seen before avatar. He also describes Rajinikanth’s character with an impact full dialogue. He said, “You have only seen him as a father of a Policeman but I’m familiar with his other face that you are not aware of.”

As soon as the trailer was posted, the fans flooded the comment section with heart and fire emojis.

One of the users wrote, “Nelson cooking something very bigg.”

Another commented, “goosebumps.”

After the Tamil version of ‘Kaavaalaa’ track, recently makers launched the Hindi version titled ‘Tu Aa Dilbara’.

Sharing the poster featuring Rajinikanth and Tamannaah, they wrote, “It’s time to get into the #TuAaDilbara fever! Hindi version of #Kaavaalaa is out now!”

Sung by Shilpa Rao and Anirudh Ravichander, the lyrics penned by Arunraja Kamaraj. The dance moves of Tamannaah and Rajinikanth and beats of the first song from ‘Jailer’ made it viral and trending.

The film is touted to be an action-packed entertainer and has a stellar star cast that include Priyanka Mohan, Shiva Rajkumar, Tamannaah Bhatia, Ramya Krishnan, Yogi Babu, Vasanth Ravi, Vinayakan in prominent roles.

Not only that, the makers have roped in Malayalam actor Mohanlal for an extended cameo in the film. (ANI)

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BJP Takes Swipe At Gehlot Govt In Rajasthan Amid ‘Red Diary’ Row

By LokMarg 3rd August 2023

A day after sacked Rajasthan Minister, Ram Chandra Gudha, made public three pages of ‘red diary’ and alleged corruption in the Rajasthan Cricket Association election, Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday termed it as a “Bofors moment” for the state government.

Former Rajasthan minister Rajendra Gudha, who was sacked from the Cabinet after hitting out at his own government over rising incidents of crime against women, on Wednesday released three pages of a ‘red diary’, through which he alleged corruption in the elections of Rajasthan Cricket Association, which is being headed by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s son Vaibhav Gehlot.
“The ‘red diary’ is revealing the doings of not just Rajasthan CM but also his son…This is Bofors moment for the Rajasthan government because the allegations are by the government itself…” BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi said while addressing a press conference.

He said that a black chapter has been added to the misdeeds of the Rajasthan government and that chapter is associated with the red diary.

Asserting that whenever BJP raises allegations against Congress and other Oppositions are not “baseless”, Trivedi said, “In 2G (scam), there was a report of Comptroller Auditor General (CAG) and an observation of court. During Bofors, (former Prime Minister) Rajiv Gandhi’s minister Vishwanath Pratap Singh levelled the same allegations. Today Rajendra Gudha levelled allegations against its own government led by Ashok Gehlot. So I can say that this is going to be a Bofors moment for the Rajasthan government.”

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Gudha held up the ‘Red Diary’ and also read a couple of pages from it saying he will continue revealing more secrets in the coming days.

Invoking a purported conversation between Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, his Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Saubhag Singh and Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Dharmendra Rathore, Gudha said the diary mentions talks on settling accounts of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA).

On whether he feared being arrested, the former minister said, “Even if I go to jail, there will be new revelations from the diary as it will remain with my close aides. This diary has details of corrupt deals (under CM Gehlot). It holds all the evidence of corruption done by the Ashok Gehlot government. They are planning to file false cases and blackmail me. They are asking me to apologise.”

BJP leader Gyan Dev Ahuja came out in support of Gudha, saying, “Rajendra Gudha today disclosed the transaction of Rs 5,000 cr in the red diary. I thank him for this and if he needs my support, I will be there.”

Earlier, speaking to ANI, Gudha said CM Gehlot was very tensed about the contents of the ‘Red Diary’.

“The way they (the Congress members) treated me in the Assembly betrays their nervousness. I have never seen anyone so tensed in my whole life. Whatever is written in the book will be out in the public domain,” he said.

Gudha was sacked as minister by CM Gehlot after he flagged the incident of four women being found dead in Jodhpur, saying that the Congress government should look within before criticising the Centre over the Manipur situation.

Later, he was marshalled out of the Rajasthan Assembly after he demonstrated against the Gehlot government, holding up the ‘Red Diary’. (ANI)

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ASI To Conduct Survey Of Gyanvapi Mosque Complex In Varanasi

By LokMarg 3rd August 2023

Allahabad High Court on Thursday allowed the Archaeological Survey of India to conduct a survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi.

“Allahabad High Court has said that ASI survey of Gyanvapi mosque complex will start. Sessions court order is upheld by the High Court,” Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side in Gyanvapi survey case told reporters.
The Allahabad High Court dismissed Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee’s plea, challenging the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey of the mosque complex, adjacent to Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi.

The Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee had challenged the Varanasi District Judge’s July 21 order.

On July 21, Varanasi district judge AK Vishvesha ordered the ASI survey of the Gyanvapi complex on an application moved by four Hindu women on May 16, 2023.

The order of the district judge, however, excluded the Wuzu Khana (ablution pond area) of the complex, which has been sealed on the order of the top court.

Earlier the Allahabad High Court asked the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to not start the survey of Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi as the hearing on the matter is underway after Supreme Court put on hold till 5 pm July 26 a detailed scientific survey by the ASI to determine if the mosque located next to the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi was built upon a temple.

The court was hearing a plea against a district court order directing the ASI to conduct the controversial survey.

Supreme Court earlier corrected its order in relation to the Gyanvapi mosque case whereby on July 24 it inadvertently disposed of an appeal of the committee questioning the maintainability of a suit by Hindus in the trial court seeking worship rights inside the mosque.

While granting the relief on the interim plea by staying ASI survey, the top court disposed of the main case on July 24.

The mosque committee had moved the top court with its interim plea in the pending petition seeking a stay of ASI work. (ANI)

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Haryana: Paramilitary Forces Conduct Flag March In Nuh Amid Curfew

By LokMarg 3rd August 2023

Paramilitary forces on Thursday conducted a flag march in Nuh after a curfew was imposed in the district following the clashes between the group in the state.

Streets were deserted in the district amid the curfew imposed in the area.
A local said that the public is facing issues in procuring ration items from the shop.

“We are facing trouble when it comes to procuring ration items. There is an atmosphere of fear around. We are not sending the children outside. We are very scared at night as well, don’t know what will happen,” a local told ANI.

Another local who deals in the sale of vegetables said that their income has been affected since customers are not coming for the purchases.

“I deal in selling vegetables but for the past 2-3 days the sales have been affected…If customers don’t come, how will we earn a living? Since nobody is coming, the vegetables are getting spoiled. We are very troubled,” he said.

Meanwhile, six deaths have been confirmed in the violence in the Nuh district of Haryana.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said that a total of 116 people have been arrested in connection with the violence on Monday in Nuh that claimed the lives of six people including two Home Guards.

As the conditions in Haryana’s Nuh, Faridabad and Palwal districts and in three sub-divisions of Gurugram remain critical and tense, the state government on Wednesday announced that mobile internet services will remain suspended in these districts till August 5.

Clashes between two groups broke out in Nuh on Monday afternoon after a religious procession passing through the district came under attack, leaving two home guards dead and dozens of people — including around 20 policemen — injured in the frenzy of violence that followed.

Meanwhile, the state government has decided to immediately shift the battalion headquarters of the 2nd IRB from Bhondsi to Nuh.

“The state government has decided to immediately shift the battalion headquarters of 2nd IRB from Police Complex, Bhondsi to district Nuh to meet imminent operational exigencies of maintaining law and order, peace and security,” an official notification said.

Following the incidents of violence in Nuh Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Wednesday said that no accused will be spared and strict and justice for the victims and their families will be ensured.

Meanwhile, state home minister Anil Vij said that social media played a significant role in fuelling the violence in Nuh. (ANI)

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