Month: November 2023

Guru Nanak Jayanti Deol brothers- Sunny and Bobby

Sunny, Bobby Share Special Post On Gurpurab

By LokMarg

On the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti, Deol brothers- Sunny and Bobby – shared a special post to wish fans.

Bobby took to Instagram and shared a video of him from his visit to Bangla Saheb in New Delhi.

Sharing the video, he wrote, “Saareyan nu, Guru purab di lakh lakh vadhaiyan !! It felt surreal to be at Bangla Saheb last week! Let’s keep smiling and feeling blessed Waheguru ji da Khalsa, Waheguru ji di Fateh!!”

Bobby Deol along with Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, producer Bhushan Kumar and director Sandeep Reddy Vanga launched the trailer of their action thriller film ‘Animal’ in Delhi last week.

Ranbir and Bobby visited Bangla Saheb Gurudwara in Delhi to seek blessings after the overwhelming response to their intense and gripping trailer, seeking blessings for the success of their film.

Sunny Deol also posted some posters on Instagram story, which read, “Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti! May Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s divine teachings guide you towards a path of righteousness & compassion. WISHING YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY GURPURAB.”

Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is a sacred festival that marks the birth anniversary of the first guru of Sikhism — Guru Nanak Dev.

It is a significant day in Sikhism since it commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first of the 10 Sikh gurus and the founder of Sikhism. The celebration is notable for its fervent devotion, spiritual gatherings, and the recitation of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism’s holy scripture.

This year, the important event will be commemorated with utmost love and reverence by Sikhs all across the world today (November 27).

Every year, the auspicious occasion is held on the full moon date of Kartik month, also known as Kartik Purnima. Parkash Utsav is also observed on this day.

Guru Nanak Dev, who had been devoted to the Divine since boyhood, was a man of peace who spent his entire life promoting equality and tolerance. He was born in 1469 in the village of Rai Bhoi di Talwandi, today known as Nankana Sahib, near Lahore, Pakistan.

Guru Nanak wrote many hymns, which Guru Arjan compiled in the Adi Granth. He went to pilgrimage places all around India. The primary verses of the Guru Granth Sahib dwell on the fact that the universe’s creator is one. His words also spread the message of selfless service to humanity.

Prabhat Pheris (early morning processions) with devotees singing hymns begin two days before the festival and travel to the localities. People observe the Akhand Path by reciting the Sikh holy text, Guru Granth Sahib. A day before Guru Nanak’s birth date, devotees also perform Nagar kirtan. The Panj Pyare, or five men carrying the Sikh triangle flag, Nishan Sahib, lead the parade. During the parade, the holy Guru Grant Sahib is carried in a palanquin, and people chant hymns in groups and play traditional musical instruments.

On Gurpurab, prayers are held in Gurdwaras throughout the day. The many components of the festival continue until late at night when devotees indulge in the langar. On the important day, many people participate in Sewa and offer food. (ANI)

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Ektaa Returns To India After Winning Emmy Award

By LokMarg

After making India proud at the 51st International Emmy Awards in New York, filmmaker Ektaa Kapoor returns to Mumbai with her prestigious trophy.

In the videos captured by Mumbai-based paps, Ektaa can be seen smiling and posing for shutterbugs. She also proudly flaunted her award.

The proud feeling can clearly be seen in the ‘Dream Girl 2’ producer’s big smile.

Ektaa Kapoor was conferred with the Directorate Award at the 51st International Emmy Awards.

Taking to Instagram, Ektaa shared a video of the prestigious award, which she captioned, “India I’m bringing home YOUR Emmy @iemmys.”

With this, Ektaa Kapoor became the First Indian Woman Filmmaker to receive the International Emmy Directorate Award, underlining the uniqueness and impact of her contributions to the industry. One of the most accomplished Producers, ruling the industry for decades now, Ektaa’s win is not merely a personal triumph but a recognition of her unconventional and ground-breaking work, consistently delivering content that resonates with a diverse and extensive audience.

Reflecting on this momentous achievement, the producer expressed her gratitude, and stated, “I’m delighted to receive the prestigious Emmys Directorate Award! It brings me immense joy and happiness to be honoured at a global scale, such as this. I’ve always wanted to tell stories because they give me a chance to be heard, seen and represented. I am grateful for the audience’s love that has opened doors for me, allowing me to transition from television to the world of films and OTT. Each story that I told became a bridge to connect with audiences on many levels. The unexpected turns this journey took are a testament to the power of love showered by the people of India and beyond. My heart is filled with gratitude, and a stronger resolve to make a positive impact through my work for audiences.”

Ekta has been a major figure in Indian television since starting Balaji in 1994, with her parents; Indian movie star and producer Jeetendra Kapoor and media executive Shobha Kapoor. She is credited with revamping India’s television landscape, pioneering an entire genre of television content and heralding India’s satellite television boom. Under the Balaji banner, she has created and produced more than 17,000 hours of television and 45 films.

Through her banner, Ekta has produced several iconic TV shows such as ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’, ‘Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii’, ‘Kasautii Zindagii Kay’ and ‘Bade Achhe Lagte Hain’ among others. (ANI)

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Kajol, Rani Set To Expose KJo On ‘KWK 8’

By LokMarg

Bollywood divas Rani Mukerji and Kajol have been captured on the famous ‘Koffee’ couch getting all candid about Karan Johar’s directorial debut ‘Kuch Kuch Hota hai’, 25 years ago. Both the actors starred in the film along with Shah Rukh Khan.

Taking to Instagram, Johar who is hosting Season 8 of ‘Koffee with Karan’ shared a promo video of the show and captioned it, “We’ve hit the [?] button hard enough to bring my first leading ladies – Kajol & Rani back on the Koffee couch & it’s nostalgia in the purest form!!!!”

As soon as the video was uploaded, fans and followers flooded the comment section.

One of the users wrote, “This looks like a riot…waiting eagerly.”

Another user commented, “Can’t waitttt ICONS FOREVER “

“I’m totally here for it! It going to be an epic episode [?],” another user commented.

In the beginning of the promo, Rani is heard telling Karan Johar, “I want to expose you.”

To which the filmmaker responded, “Don’t say such things,” while Kajol added, “I like this show already.”

Reminiscing about ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ and his father, Yash Johar, Karan Johar said, “I remember we were shooting Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, he was outside Mehboob Studios on the road talking, and Sanjay Dutt said,” Yash Ji, aap yahan kya kar rahe ho?” So, he says “Mere bete ne set lagaya hai main road par aagaya hun”

During one of the conversations, Rani also reminded Karan of how he snatched food from her and hit her during the shoot of ‘KKHH’.

Rani Mukerji says, “You snatched food from my hand, you hit me.” In his defence, Karan says, “I didn’t hit you.” Rani Mukerji says, “What lies!”

Fueling the fire, Kajol jokes, “Abuse! It was abuse”

Kajol also at one point in the show declares that she is walking out. “I can’t take it anymore” and pretending that she is angry and got up from the couch. “I am staging a walk out right now. Cut!”

‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, released on October 16, 1998 and went on to bag several awards and received an overwhelming response from the audience and critics alike.

Apart from the lead cast, the flick also starred Salman Khan, Archana Puran Singh, Anupam Kher,and Johny Lever.

The movie proved to be a trendsetter of the ’90s. From cementing the trend of gifting friendship bands on Friendship Day to SRK’s ‘cool’ pendant and Anjali’s bob-cut, the film set the pace for many new trends.

‘Koffee With Karan’ season 8 streams on Disney+ Hotstar. (ANI)

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IPL: Mumbai Indians

Thrilled To Welcome Hardik Back To Mumbai Indians: Nita

By LokMarg

Hardik Pandya, an eternal fan favourite with the MI Paltan, will be reuniting forces with the Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2024.

Speaking on Hardik’s return Nita M. Ambani said, “We are thrilled to welcome Hardik back home! It’s a heartwarming reunion with our Mumbai Indians family! From being a young scouted talent of Mumbai Indians to now being a team India star, Hardik has come a long way and we’re excited for what the future holds for him and Mumbai Indians!”

Speaking about Hardik’s return, Akash Ambani, said, “Seeing Hardik back at Mumbai Indians makes me very happy. It is a happy homecoming. He provides great balance to any team he plays. Hardik’s first stint with the MI family was hugely successful, and we hope he achieves even more success in his second stint.”

Hardik’s return marks his homecoming to the #OneFamily where he joins forces again with Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, and the team. He first came to prominence for MI and then went on to debut for India in 2016.

India’s premier all-rounder played a key role in MI’s four triumphs in the IPL between 2015 to 2021.

Mumbai Indians: Retained Players: Akash Madhwal, Arjun Tendulkar, Dewald Brevis, Ishan Kishan, Jason Behrendorff, Jasprit Bumrah, Kumar Kartikeya Singh, N. Tilak Varma, Nehal Wadhera, Piyush Chawla, Rohit Sharma, Romario Shepherd (T), Shams Mulani, Surya Kumar Yadav, Tim David, Vishnu Vinod, Hardik Pandya (T).

Since its inception in 2008, the Mumbai Indians franchise has been one of the most successful teams in the Indian Premier League. It is owned by Indiawin Sports Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries, one of India’s largest conglomerates.

According to a press release by the Mumbai Indians, since its inception in 2008, the Mumbai Indians franchise has been one of the most

successful teams in the Indian Premier League. It is owned by Indiawin Sports Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries, one of India’s largest conglomerates.

Today MI is a global cricketing force, with five T20 teams spanning three continents, and four countries including both men and women. The year 2023 marked a pivotal moment for the franchise as it established Mumbai Indians in the women’s Premier League, along with MI Cape Town in SA20, MI Emirates in ILT20, and MI New York in MLC.

Committed to the ethos of #One Family, MI also serves as a nursery for emerging talents, fostering growth from the grassroots. (ANI)

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Cong, KCR Are Equal Sinners In Destroying Telangana: Modi

By LokMarg

In a run-up to the assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the Congress party and the ruling Bharatiya Rashtra Samithi while addressing a public rally at Mahabubabad in Telangana on Monday.

“Both Congress and KCR are equal sinners in destroying Telangana. So, the people of Telangana can’t let in another disease after ousting one – I have seen this everywhere in the state. The trust of Telangana is in the BJP,” PM Modi said.

He further asserted confidence in the BJP winning the mandate in Telangana and said that the party’s Chief Minister in the state will be from the BC (Backward Class) community.

The Prime Minister alleged that the Congress and Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao let down the state and only BJP can help and fix Telangana.

“The four wheels and the steering of BRS’ ‘car’ are no different from the ‘hand’ of Congress. Both these parties indulge in appeasement on the basis of religion. Both of them boosted corruption. Both of them promoted dynasty politics. Both of them took appeasement to new heights,” he said.

“Wherever both these parties remained (in power), law and order got destroyed. Both parties betrayed the Dalits and the BC community. It is only BJP that is truly empowering the tribal community and SC community,” he added.

PM Modi said that Telangana is going to create new history by overthrowing the KCR government. He also vowed to initiate an investigation into the scams under the BRS government once the BJP comes to power in the state.

“The people of Telangana are gearing up to overthrow the KCR government. Telangana is going to create a New History! BJP considers this its responsibility to free Telangana from the clutches of BRS. All scams of KCR that he did here will be probed by the BJP Government. Those who betrayed the poor and youth of Telangana will not be spared,” the PM said.

PM Modi also accused CM KCR of ‘branding’ the state as ‘superstitious’ while it identifies with tradition and technology.

He added that since BJP refused to be ‘friends’ with BRS, CM KCR has been abusing him.

“KCR realised the increasing power of BJP much earlier. For a long time, he was making an effort to strike a friendship with the BJP. Once, when he came to Delhi, KCR met me and made the same request,” he said.

“BJP can never work against the wishes of the people of Telangana. Ever since BJP turned down KCR, BRS has been baffled. The party doesn’t lose any opportunity to abuse me. BRS knows that Modi will never let it anywhere near BJP. This is Modi’s guarantee,” PM Modi added.

The Prime Minister is in the state promoting BJP’s candidates as the state is slated to be held on November 30. Apart from PM Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president JP Nadda are also holding public rallies and roadshows in the state in an attempt to woo the voters.

All major political parties in the state, including Congress, BJP and BRS, have stepped up their campaigning processes with the last date of campaigning on Tuesday before the state goes to polls on November 30.

In the last Assembly elections in 2018, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), previously known as Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), won 88 of the 119 seats, hogging 47.4 per cent of the total vote share.

The Congress came in a distant second with just 19 seats, while the BJP drew a blank. (ANI)

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Palestinian US

Three Palestinian College Students Shot In US

By LokMarg

Three Palestinian college students were shot in Burlington City, Vermont, US on Saturday evening, as reported by CNN.

According to information, the students were walking on Prospect Street after visiting a relative in Burlington for the Thanksgiving holiday when “they were confronted by a white man with a handgun.”

The victims, two of whom are US citizens and one a legal resident, were taken to the University of Vermont Medical Center for medical care, according to a statement issued by the police on Sunday, as reported by CNN.

“Two are stable, while one has sustained much more serious injuries,” the police said in its release.

“Without speaking, he discharged at least four rounds from the pistol and is believed to have fled on foot,” police said.

Notably, two of the students were wearing keffiyehs, traditional Palestinian scarves, they added.

According to CNN, two students sustained injuries to the torso, while the third suffered injuries to the “lower extremities.”

Authorities said that “there is no additional information to suggest the suspect’s motive.”

Moreover, detectives recovered ballistic evidence from the shooting, which will be submitted to a federal database, according to Burlington police.

Reportedly, the FBI on Sunday said that it was “prepared to investigate” the incident.

According to CNN, the shooter or shooters have not been identified or apprehended yet and the police department is “at the earliest stages of investigating this crime.”

In a joint statement, the victims’ families urged law enforcement to investigate the attack as a hate crime.

“We will not be comfortable until the shooter is brought to justice,” they said.

“No family should ever have to endure this pain and agony. Our children are dedicated students who deserve to be able to focus on their studies and building their futures,” they added.

Meanwhile, the Institute for Middle East Understanding issued a statement and identified the victims as Hisham Awartani, a student at Brown University in Rhode Island; Kinnan Abdalhamid, a student at Haverford College in Pennsylvania; and Tahseen Ahmad, a student at Trinity College in Connecticut, CNN reported.

The incident comes amid the increased tensions and hate crimes in the US in the past few weeks since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, to which Israel retaliated with airstrikes across the Gaza Strip.

Earlier in October, a 6-year-old Palestinian-American boy was stabbed to death by his family’s landlord in a case, however, the authorities called it a hate crime, according to CNN. (ANI)

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Uttarkashi Tunnel

U’khand: Rat Hole Mining To Remove Debris Through Manual Drilling

By LokMarg

In an effort to step up the rescue operations in Uttarkashi, a rat hole mining technique will be used for manual drilling to remove the debris inside the pipe on the 16th day of continued rescue efforts in Silkyara tunnel, according to officials.

As per the official sources, a team of 6 specialists have reached the site to undertake the manual drilling work. They will go inside the 800 mm pipe of the tunnel to remove the debris manually. The team includes engineers from the Indian Army’s Madras Engineering Group as well as civlians.

Apart from the drilling machine, a hammer, a shovel, a trowel, and a life support device for oxygen will be carried by these specialised teams while going inside the tunnel.

The auger machine being used for horizontal drilling of the tunnel that got stuck inside the pipe was cut and removed earlier today using a plasma cutter. The auger machine stuck inside the pipe, produced 48 m of debris on the mouth of the tunnel, which will also be removed by the rat miners.

Rat miners are specialists in digging and drilling manually in narrow passages including tube mines who mostly work in mines and have the experience of drilling for hours.

The rat hole mining technique is generally used in coal mining, especially in regions that have difficult terrain.

“It is a challenging operation. We were called in from Delhi. We reached here yesterday. We are basically from Madhya Pradesh. We will try our best to complete the drilling process as soon as possible,” one of the civilian specialists who reached the site to carry out manual drilling told ANI.

The Army’s engineering unit has made steel frames of 1.2×1.5 m whose thickness is 1 m. The Madras Sappers along with the help of other agencies will take the frames one by one from the mouth of the tunnel to the inside which will also take at least 10 days.

Thirty personnel of the engineer regiment are at the spot to expedite the rescue operations.

Over 35 metres of vertical drilling work have been completed so far out of the 86 metres needed to reach the trapped workers.

SJVN, a public sector undertaking company involved in hydroelectric power generation and transmission, started the vertical drilling work on the top of the tunnel atop the hill on Sunday, November 26.

This machine has the capacity to go only to a depth of 45 meters, after which the machine and its parts will be replaced and then the manual drilling work will start.

Today is the second day of vertical drilling and as per National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), the drilling work is expected to be completed by November 30, as the agencies have set a time frame of 100 hours i.e. four days for it.

Addressing a press conference in Uttarkashi on Sunday, NHIDCL Managing Director Mahmood Ahmad said, “We have to drill around 86 meters to be done within four days that is by November 30. Hopefully, there will be no further hurdles and the work will be completed on time.”

If the 1.2-metre diameter pipe is successfully removed, then the NDRF team will pull up all 41 labourers from the top of the mountain using a harness machine.

Boring is also being done through a 200 mm diameter pipe at a distance of 14 meters from another part which will give a better clarity of the shape and structure of the ground from the surface of the mountain to the surface of the tunnel.

Multiple agencies are working on the rescue efforts. In collaboration with the Border Road Organisation and other agencies, efforts are underway to enter from the other mouth of the tunnel that is the Barkot side. Four blasts were undertaken under the supervision of BRO and so far only 10 metres out of 500 meters have been covered.

Also, the rescuers are planning to build a mini tunnel along the left side of the tunnel, horizontal but perpendicular to the Silkyara tunnel, the work of which will be undertaken by SJVN.

As per the official sources, the length of this perpendicular mini tunnel will be 180 m but it will take another 10 to 15 days. The agency has planned to start the work for this on November 28.

After a portion of the tunnel caved in on November 12, the debris falling in the 60-metre stretch on the Silkyara side of the tunnel trapped 41 labourers inside the under-construction structure. (ANI)

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'Dev Deepawali' Varanasi

Varanasi Shimmers For ‘Dev Deepawali’

By LokMarg

Varanasi is gearing up for the grand celebration of ‘Dev Deepawali’ on Monday, with the city adorned in brilliant lights and decorations.

Dev Deepavali, known as “the Diwali of the Gods,” falls on the full moon of the Hindu month of Kartika, occurring fifteen days after Diwali.

The riverfront ghats of the Ganges River, from Ravidas Ghat to Rajghat, will be illuminated with over a million earthen lamps (diyas) to honour the river Ganga and its presiding goddess.

Visuals from the city showed roads, intersections and prominent spots, dazzling the light.

The festival includes a show featuring firecrackers, lasers, and music under the moonlit sky, accompanied by a green aerial firecracker display.

According to an official release from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), a garland of lamps will be decorated on the crescent-shaped Ganga Ghats of Kashi.

“Tourists will be able to enjoy a show of firecrackers, lasers and music under the moonlit sky. A show of green fireworks will also cover the sky while tunes and hymns of Shiva play in the background,” said the release.

A green aerial firecracker show will be organised on the sand in front of the Ganga gate of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham. To make Dev Diwali divine and grand, the Yogi government is also organising a laser and crackers show, along with the illumination of the ghats with 12 lakh lamps, the release said.

The festivities will also feature a green aerial firecracker show lasting approximately 13 minutes, enhancing the divine and grandeur of Dev Diwali in Varanasi. Over 7 to 8 lakh devotees are expected to attend this year, and strict security arrangements are in place.

The Deputy Director of the Tourism Department, Rajendra Kumar Rawat, said that preparations are going on for the Green Aerial Fire Crackers Show, which will last approximately 13 minutes.

Dome Entertainment’s India Head, Sanjay Pratap Singh, said that there will be a green aerial firecracker show on a stretch of about 1 kilometre on the sand. The fireworks show will be organised on tracks 9 to 10 of hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva, like “Har-Har Shambhu”, “Shiv Tandav Stotra,” etc.

During the fireworks, an assortment of colours will dominate the sky. Prime Minister Modi, along with the Yogi Adityanth government, has made Dev Diwali from local to global. This year, 7 to 8 lakh devotees are expected to reach Kashi on Dev Diwali. In view of this, the administration is making strict security arrangements, he said. (ANI)

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pro-Khalistani US India

Indian Envoy Heckled By Pro-Khalistani Elements In NY Gurdwara

By LokMarg

Indian Ambassador to the United States, Taranjit Singh Sandhu was mobbed and heckled by a group of pro-Khalistani elements while on a visit to the Hicksville Gurdwara in Long Island, New York. The Ambassador had gone to the Gurdwara to offer prayers on the occasion of Gurpurab.

According to a purported video shared on various social media accounts, Sandhu can be seen being confronted by extremist elements who were making statements about India designated terrorists Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

The Indian envoy could be seen leaving the premises in his vehicle, while a lone protestor raised the Khalistani flag outside the Gurdwara.

Indian envoy to the US Taranjit Sandhu had visited the Guru Nanak Darbar in Long Island, New York and joined the local Sangat to celebrate Gurpurab.

“Privileged to join the local Sangat, including from Afghanistan, at Guru Nanak Darbar of Long Island in celebrating Gurpurab- listened to Kirtan, spoke about Guru Nanak’s everlasting message of togetherness, unity, and equality, partook langar, and sought blessings for all,” Sandhu posted on X (formerly Twitter).

There has been a rise in pro-Khalistani incidents by extremist elements in countries like Canada, the UK, Australia and even the US.

In a shocking incident in July, a group of Khalistan extremists had indulged in an arson attack on the Indian consulate in San Francisco.

After a probe was launched into the incident, India requested evidence from the US authorities regarding suspects of the attack under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) in connection with the case.

In a separate incident in March, the Indian Consulate in San Francisco came under attack from suspected Khalistani elements. After the incident India had registered its “strong protest” with the United States calling for “appropriate measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents”

Notably, this is the second such incident involving the heckling of an Indian envoy by Pro Khalistan elements in a span of around two months.

Earlier in September, Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Vikram Doraiswami was stopped from entering a Gurdwara in Glasgow, Scotland.

According to a purported video posted on the Instagram channel of ‘Sikh Youth UK,’ a pro-Khalistani activist was seen blocking Doraiswami from entering the Glasgow Gurdwara on Albert Drive.

Following this, India taken up its concerns regarding the security of diplomats and premises with the UK authorities.

Last week, the US had also shared some inputs pertaining to the nexus between organized criminals, gun runners, terrorists and others during the course of recent discussions on India-US security cooperation, the Ministry of External Affairs had said in a statement.

The MEA said India takes such inputs seriously since it impinges on its own security interests as well. The MEA said the the inputs were a cause of concern for both countries and necessary follow-up action is being taken. (ANI)

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Biden Approves 4 BN$ Arms Package Sale To India

Will Not Stop Until Every Hostage Returns: Biden

By LokMarg

After the release of 13 hostages in Israel, US President Joe Biden has vowed unwavering commitment to ensuring the return of every hostage to their loved ones.

While speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, President Biden said that he would not stop until every hostage is returned to their loved ones.

He also underscored the 13 hostages, including an American, who were released yesterday under a deal brokered and sustained through intensive US diplomacy.

“We will not stop working until every hostage is returned to their loved ones. This has been the product of a lot of hard work and weeks of personal engagement for me and my team,” he said.

The US President further highlighted that he has been in close contact with other West Asia countries.

“We have been in close contact with the leaders of Qatar, Egypt, and Israel, speaking with each one of them repeatedly over the past few weeks,” he added.

He further said that he, his wife, and so “many Americans are praying” that 4-year-old Israeli-American Avigail Idan will be all right after she was released from Hamas captivity earlier on Sunday.

Idan saw her mother killed in front of her in Kibbutz Be’eri during Hamas’s October 7 terror attack and then ran to her father, who shielded her with his body, as terrorists then shot him dead, said Biden.

She then ran to her neighbour’s home, where she, along with those inside, was taken hostage in Gaza.

“What she endured is unthinkable,” Biden emphasised, noting that she celebrated her 4th birthday on Friday in captivity and that he had personally pressed for her release in a recent call with the emir of Qatar.

Biden then expressed hope that the truce will be extended so that more hostages can be released.

“Israel has agreed to extend the four-day truce by an additional day for every extra 10 Israeli hostages released,” he added.

Moreover, US President Biden stated that he has pushed for a pause for weeks in order to get hostages out of Gaza and more humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

Roughly 200 trucks of aid have entered Gaza during the past three days of the truce, he said.

“Innocent children in Gaza are suffering greatly as well because of this war that Hamas has unleashed,” leading to the deaths of thousands of civilians, Biden noted.

He again stressed his plan to advance a two-state solution after the war.

“I get a sense that all the players in the region… are looking for a way to end this so the hostages are all released and (that) Hamas is…no longer in control any portion of Gaza,” Biden said.

After the release of the hostages, hundreds of Israelis were seen cheering in Ofakim as the convoy made its way to Hatzerim Airbase near Beersheba, according to The Times of Israel.

The Israel Defence Forces said that the Red Cross handed them 13 hostages near the border fence in northern Gaza.

One was taken by helicopter to a hospital, and the other 12 were taken in a convoy to the Hatzerim airbase. (ANI)

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