Month: January 2024

Ustad Rashid Khan

Music Maestro Ustad Rashid Khan Passes Away

By LokMarg

Music maestro Ustad Rashid Khan has died. He was 55.

The musician had been battling cancer, and on Tuesday, he breathed his last at a hospital based in Kolkata.

Ustad Rashid Khan is the great-grandson of the legendary Ustad Inayat Hussain Khan Sahab, the founder of the Rampur Sahaswan Gharana. He’s also the nephew of Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan.

He not only immensely contributed to Indian classical music but also weaved the magic in Bollywood with his soulful songs such as ‘Aaoge Jab Tum O Saajana’ from the Kareena-Shahid starrer ‘Jab We Met’ and ‘Allah Hi Reham’ in the Shah Rukh Khan starrer ‘My Name is Khan’.

Offering condolences, leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari in a post on X said, “I am deeply saddened to learn that Padma Bhushan Ustad Rashid Khan has left for his heavenly abode. The sad and untimely demise of the Music Maestro would create a huge void in the sphere of Music especially Hindustani Classical Music. I offer my sincere condolences to his family members, colleagues & peers and innumerous fans & admirers. May his soul rest in peace.” (ANI)

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Sharad pawar Modi

Won’t Accept Such Comments On Our PM: Pawar On Maldives Row

By LokMarg

In a reaction to the row over Maldives MP’s post on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar said that it is not acceptable if anyone from any other country holding any position makes derogatory comments on the Prime Minister.

“He (Narendra Modi) is the Prime Minister of our country and if anyone from any other country holding any position makes such comments on our PM, we won’t accept it,” Pawar said speaking at a press conference in Mumbai on Tuesday.

The veteran politician said that we need to respect the Prime Minister’s post and object to any derogatory comments from outside.

“We must respect the PM’s post. We won’t accept anything against the Prime Minister from outside the country,” Pawar said.

A massive row was triggered after the Maldives deputy minister, along with other cabinet members and government officials, made disparaging and unsavoury references to PM Modi’s Lakshadweep visit.

On January 2, PM Modi visited the Union Territory of Lakshadweep and shared several pictures, including an ‘exhilarating experience’ of him trying his hand at snorkelling.

In a series of posts on X, PM Modi shared pictures of the white beaches, the pristine blue skies and the ocean and tagged them with a message that read, “For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list.”

In a post that has now been deleted, the Maldivian Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Mariyam Shiuna, made a mocking and disrespectful reference to PM Modi.

Indians, including cricketers and film celebrities, have since come out in open support in promoting local beach destinations and other tourist spots. They also voiced support for PM Modi’s call for promoting beach tourism in Lakshadweep.

The Maldives government has, however, distanced itself from the remarks made by its ministers. Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer said that these remarks against foreign leaders are “unacceptable” and do not reflect the official position of the Maldives government.

On Monday, the Indian High Commissioner to Maldives, Munu Mahawar on Monday held a “pre-arranged meeting” with Ali Naseer Mohamed, Ambassador at Large, at the Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Male.

The Indian High Commission in Maldives posted on X, “High Commissioner Munu Mahawar had a pre-arranged meeting with H.E. Dr Ali Naseer Mohamed, Ambassador at Large, at MoFA, Maldives, today to discuss bilateral issues.”

Earlier on Sunday, former Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih stated that New Delhi has always been a good friend to the island nation.

Taking to his official handle on X, Solih posted, “I condemn the use of hateful language against #India by Maldivian government officials on social media. India has always been a good friend to Maldives and we must not allow such callous remarks to negatively impact the age old friendship between our two countries.” (ANI)

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Modi Wishes Indian Diaspora On Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas

By LokMarg

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his wishes to the Indian diaspora on the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas and said their dedication towards preserving our rich heritage and strengthening global ties is commendable.

He also appreciated them for embodying the spirit of India across the globe, fostering a sense of unity and diversity.

Taking to X, PM Modi wrote: “Greetings on Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas. This is a day to celebrate the contributions and achievements of the Indian diaspora worldwide. Their dedication towards preserving our rich heritage and strengthening global ties is commendable. They embody the spirit of India across the globe, fostering a sense of unity and diversity.”

Extending his greetings on the occasion, Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar posted on his official social media account, “On Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, greetings to the Indian Diaspora across the world. We take immense pride in your achievements. Your outstanding contributions play a crucial role in enhancing India’s global standing.”

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also greeted the diaspora on the occasion ” Greetings to the vibrant Indian diaspora across the globe on #PravasiBharatiyaDivas. As ambassadors of our rich culture and values, they have made a lasting impact worldwide. Their talent and hard work have not only enriched the countries they reside in but have also been a driving force behind India’s global prominence.”

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also gave his wishes on the occasion “Happy Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas to the expatriate brothers and sisters who are strengthening the Indian culture of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” all over the world. Despite living away from the country, India resides in his heart. It is our wish that they continue to play an important role in the all-round development of India.”

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated on 9th January every year to mark the contribution of the Overseas Indian community to the development of India.

January 9 was chosen as the day to celebrate this occasion since it was on this day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi, returned to India from South Africa.

The event is sponsored by the Ministry of External Affairs. (ANI)

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MLA Ravindra Waikar

ED Raids 7 Locations Linked To Uddhav Faction MLA

By LokMarg

The Enforcement Directorate has conducted raids at seven locations related to Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) leader and MLA Ravindra Waikar and his partners in the money laundering case related to the construction of a luxury hotel on Jogeshwari, the agency said on Tuesday.

The case pertains to the construction of a star hotel at Jogeshwari by allegedly manipulating the land use conditions.

The ED earlier in November registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against Waikar in ‘Rs 500 crore 5-Star Hotel Scam’.

Waikar is accused of defrauding the BMC of Rs 500 crore by obtaining permission to build a five-star hotel on a plot reserved for a BMC playground.

Waikar is a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, representing the Jogeshwari East Assembly Constituency. Waikar is a close aide of Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray. (ANI)

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Sourabh Chandrakar

UP ATS Busts ISIS Module In Aligarh Muslim University

By LokMarg

In a significant development, the Uttar Pradesh (ATS) has apprehended two individuals–Amas alias Faraz Ahmed and Abdul Samad Malik–allegedly involved in setting up an ISIS module at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).

The action comes under an ongoing investigation launched in November 2023 following intelligence inputs about illegal activities and anti-national plans linked to ISIS.

According to the official press release issued by the UP ATS, Amas was arrested on January 8th, 2024, from Aligarh after evading capture since the arrest of his associates in November 3.

Prior to his apprehension, a reward of Rs 25,000 was declared for information leading to his arrest. Abdul Samad Malik, carrying a similar reward, had already surrendered before the court.

ATS had received information that some people are working for ISIS and are involved in anti-national activities. After confirming this information, ATS registered a case on November 3, 2023 and arrested seven people, including Abdullah Arsalan, Maaz Bin Tariq and Wajihuddin.

After confirming the information and collecting solid evidence, on November 3, 2023, police registered a case under IPC 13/23, Section 121A/122 IPC, 13/18/18V/38 Unlawful Activities Prevenation Act, at Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

An investigation has revealed that both Amas Ahmed and Abdul Samad Malik are students of AMU. They were supporters of ISIS and were planning to carry out a major terrorist attack. Amas Ahmed graduated in psychology from AMU in 2022 and appeared for the entrance exam for the MBA in 2023. Abdul Samad Malik was pursuing an MSW (Master of Social Work) in AMU.

Both the arrested suspects will be presented in court as per the rules and further legal action will be taken.

Further investigation is underway. More information is awaited. (ANI)

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Sanjay Mehrotra and modi

Modi, Micron CEO Discuss India’s Semiconductor Manufacturing Ecosystem

By LokMarg

Sanjay Mehrotra, the President and CEO of Micron Technology, held a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gandhinagar, where they discussed Micron’s efforts to enhance the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem in India.

“They discussed Micron’s efforts to enhance the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem in India,” PMO said in an X post.

Speaking after his meeting with PM Modi, CEO of Micron Sanjay Mehrotra said that he had discussed the progress of Micron’s project in Sanand with the Prime Minister.

“We were pleased to have the opportunity to update Prime Minister Modi on the progress that we are making with our Sanand and project so our meeting was dedicated to that as well as Microns focus on continuing to increase the workforce for semiconductor manufacturing here in India and we also talked about my Micron’s engagement with a social with community here (the Atal Tinkering Lab)” Mehrotra said.

“So these were various topics, very engaging discussion and we really appreciate Prime Minister Modi’s support as well as the Chief Minister support the government support at the state level as well as the central level toward advanced of semiconductor manufacturing” he added.

“I think it’s a great opportunity and India’s time has come in this regard and Micron has taken the pioneering step of starting manufacturing plant here and we hope the ecosystem can follow successfully in this regard” the Micron CEO further said.

During PM Modi’s US State visit last year, the semiconductor manufacturer announced its India investment plans. Micron Technology committed that it will invest up to USD 825 million to build a new semiconductor assembly and test facility in India with support from the Indian government.

Micron had selected Gujarat’s SANAND Industrial Park (Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation – GIDC) due to its manufacturing infrastructure, conducive business environment and firm talent pipeline.

India hopes to become a major global hub in semiconductor manufacturing over the next 10 years.

The semiconductor industry in India is still in a nascent stage, and the central government has been aggressively looking at collaboration with global and domestic players to make further inroads in this crucial sector.

In July last year, Sanjay Mehrotra met PM Modi in Gujarat’s Gandhinagar and they discussed the US-based company’s plans to bolster the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem within India.

The meeting last year was held during the second edition of Semicon, organized by India Semiconductor Mission in partnership with industry and industry associations, aimed at making India a global hub for semiconductor design, manufacturing and technology development. The first edition of Semicon India was held in Bengaluru the preceding year.

The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit was initiated by Narendra Modi in 2003, then chief minister, to put Gujarat on the world map of trade and industry. The tenth edition of the Summit will be held from January 10 to 12, 2024. For the smooth conduct of the event, several committees have been formed to look after various aspects of the summit. (ANI)

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Randeep Hooda Lin Laishram

Randeep, Lin Receive Invitation For Ram Mandir Pran Pratistha Ceremony

By LokMarg

Newlyweds Randeep Hooda and Lin Laishram feel honoured as they received an official invitation for Ram Mandir Pran Pratistha ceremony.

CA Ajit Pendse, Mumbai Mahanagar Sampark Pramukh of RSS personally visited Randeep and invited him to attend the ceremony.

Randeep also took to Instagram and shared pictures in which he can be seen receiving an invitation. The actor also took to Instagram and shared pictures in which he and his wife Lin can be seen holding the card.

The ceremony is scheduled to take place on January 22, 2024.

On Sunday, Ranbir Kapoor and his wife Alia met Sunil Ambekar, Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh of RSS, Ajay Mudpe, Prant Prachar Pramukh, RSS Konkan, and producer Mahaveer Jain. They were presented with bouquets and invitations to the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony.

As per sources, BJP workers have been instructed to set up large screens for the live telecast of the Shri Ram Pran Pratistha at the booth level. This initiative aims to provide a means for the common people to witness the consecration of Shri Ram Lala.”This way, the general public can have darshan of Shri Ram Lala and witness the consecration ceremony,” the source mentioned.

Additionally, BJP workers are encouraged to engage in social work on a personal level.”Workers may choose to distribute blankets, organize community feasts ‘bhandara’, or contribute through donations in terms of food or fruits to help those in need,” the sources added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the consecration ceremony at the Ram Temple on January 22. The event has garnered significant attention, with several VVIP guests from India and abroad receiving invitations to participate in the auspicious occasion in Ayodhya.

Vedic rituals for the Pran-Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony of Ram Lalla (infant Lord Ram) in Ayodhya will begin on January 16, a week before the main ceremony. A priest from Varanasi, Lakshmi Kant Dixit, will perform the main rituals of the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla on January 22. From January 14 to January 22, Ayodhya will mark the Amrit Mahotsav.

A 1008 Hundi Mahayagya will also be organised, in which thousands of devotees will be fed. Several tent cities are being erected in Ayodhya to accommodate thousands of devotees, who are expected to arrive in the temple town of Uttar Pradesh for the grand consecration.

According to the Sri Ram Janambhoomi Trust, arrangements will be made for 10,000-15,000 people. Local authorities are gearing up for the anticipated surge in visitors around the grand ceremony and are in the process of implementing enhanced security measures and making logistical arrangements to ensure a smooth and spiritually enriching experience for all attendees. (ANI)

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Adani Group Net Profit Rises To Rs 2,738 Cr In October-December Quarter

Adani Group To Invest Rs 42,700 Cr In TN

By LokMarg

Ports-to-power conglomerate Adani Group on Monday signed memorandums of understanding (MoU) for investment of over Rs 42,700 crore at the Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2024.

According to an official press release, “The biggest investment of Rs 24,500 crore will be made by Adani Green Energy Ltd in three pump storage projects (PSP) in the next 5-7 years.”

“Adani Connex will invest Rs 13,200 crore in a hyperscale data centre over the coming seven years, while Ambuja Cements will invest Rs 3,500 crore in three cement grinding units in the next five years. Adani Total Gas Ltd will invest Rs 1,568 crore in eight years,” it said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, State Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa and the Managing Director of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Karan Adani were present at the signing of the MoUs, along with Cabinet Ministers and Secretaries of various government departments.

On the signing of the MoUs, Karan Adani said, “Today’s Tamil Nadu is a standout example of stability, a well-established industrial ecosystem, advanced infrastructure, total connectivity, safe and secure neighbourhoods, and business-friendly policies with an able and efficient team of officers, and a diverse and highly skilled workforce with more women in the ranks than anywhere else in the country!”

Referring to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, Karan Adani said, “His drive to make Tamil Nadu a socio-economic powerhouse has pulled a growing number of business houses to invest in this state – and the Adani Group is privileged to be one of them.”

The Adani Group’s presence in Tamil Nadu spans a number of rapidly accelerating sectors, including ports and logistics, edible oil, power transmission, city gas distribution, data centres, green energy, and cement manufacturing.

As per the release, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, its integrated ports and logistics company, is currently operating the Kattupalli and Ennore Ports – and, so far, have invested a total of Rs 3,733 crore in Tiruvallur district.

The two ports collectively cater to the hinterland in the Chennai and Sri City regions and are well-positioned to meet the existing requirements of the region.

Adani Green Energy Ltd will diversify its presence in Tamil Nadu by investing in PSP plants, and hydroelectric energy storage systems that use the force of gravity to generate electricity.

It is targeting a total capacity of 4,900 MW through facilities in Thenmalai, Alleri and Aliyar.

For this clean energy project that will create over 4,400 job opportunities, the Adani group will invest around Rs 25,000 crore.

The Group operates Chennai’s most advanced data centre, located near the SIPCOT IT park, to meet the data requirements of the state’s well-established IT industry.

With 33 MW capacity, the Adani-EdgeConnex data centre is a network-neutral facility, powered by renewable energy.

It will now be raised to a 200 MW data centre with an investment of Rs 13,200 crore, which will be one of India’s largest single-location investments in digital infrastructure.

Ambuja Cements and ACC had invested Rs 550 crore to build an annual capacity of 1 million tonnes in the state. This is going to be ramped up to a phenomenal 14 million metric tonnes with an investment of Rs 3,500 crore to set up three plants – one in Madukkarai with a capacity of 2 million tonnes, and two each with a capacity of 6 million tonnes in Kattupalli and Tuticorin.

The plants will create over 5,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities in their neighbourhoods. The Group also meets the city gas distribution requirements of Cuddalore and Tiruppur districts through Adani Total Gas.

It currently serves over 5,000 homes with piped gas, having laid over 100 km of pipelines with an investment of Rs 180 crore. Adani Total Gas will scale up its investment in Tamil Nadu more than nine-fold to expand its offerings in city gas distribution, liquefied natural gas for mining and trucks, and electric vehicles.

About the Adani Portfolio of Companies Headquartered in Ahmedabad, the Adani Portfolio is the largest and fastest-growing portfolio of diversified businesses in India with interests in Logistics (seaports, airports, logistics, shipping and rail), Resources, Power Generation and Distribution, Renewable Energy, Gas and Infrastructure, Agro (commodities, edible oil, food products, cold storage and grain silos), Real Estate, Public Transport Infrastructure, Consumer Finance and Defence, and other sectors. Adani owes its success and leadership position to its core philosophy of ‘Nation Building’ and ‘Growth with Goodness’ – a guiding principle for sustainable growth.

The Group is committed to protecting the environment and improving communities through its CSR programmes based on the principles of sustainability, diversity and shared values. (ANI)

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new crude discovery India

First Oil Extracted: Puri On New Crude Discovery In India

By LokMarg

State-owned oil company ONGC has commenced “first oil” production from Krishna Godavari Deep-Water Block 98/2 in the Bay of Bengal, marking new crude discovery in the country.

The place where the oil is extracted is 30 kilometres off the coast of Kakinada in the Krishna Godavari basin.

“I am delighted to inform all my fellow countrymen that the first oil was extracted yesterday (by ONGC). Work has started on this in 2016-2017, and there were some delays on account of Covid,” Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri told reporters on Monday.

He said four of 26 wells are already operational and the production is expected to touch 45,000 barrels per day by May or June, which will be 7 per cent of our total crude oil production

“I am sure that out of the 26 wells there, four wells are already operational. We will not only have gas also in a short period of time, but by May or June we will hope to able to produce 45,000 barrels per day, which will be 7 per cent of our total crude oil production and 7 per cent of our gas production,” he added.

Phase 3, leading to peak oil and gas production from the basin, is already underway and likely to be over in June 2024. The 98/2 project is likely to increase ONGC’s total Oil and Gas production by 11 per cent and 15 per cent respectively.

India, the world’s third-biggest oil importer and consumer, is dependent on crude oil from various sources in the global market to meet its domestic demand.

“ONGC commenced its ‘First Oil flow to FPSO’, from Krishna Godavari Deep-Water Block 98/2 (in Bay of Bengal) on 7 January 2024, nearing completion of Phase-2 of the project. Phase-3, leading to peak Oil and Gas production, is already underway and likely to be over in June 2024. The 98/2 project is likely to increase ONGC’s total Oil and Gas production by 11 percent and 15 percent respectively,” ONGC said in a post on X.(ANI)

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Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

Hasina Vows To Work With India For Economic Progress Of Her Country

By LokMarg

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who secured her fifth term in the recent general elections, outlined her plans for the country’s international relations and highlighted the strong bond between Bangladesh and India.

She expressed gratitude towards India, emphasising its pivotal role in supporting Bangladesh during critical moments in history.

In a press conference at her residence, Ganabhaban, in Dhaka, she responded to a question from ANI about her plans for Bangladesh’s international engagement over the next five years and the ties with India, saying, “India is a great friend of Bangladesh. They supported us in 1971 and 1975. We consider India our next-door neighbour. I really appreciate that we have a wonderful relationship with India.”

The Prime Minister stressed the historical significance of India’s support during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971 and the subsequent challenges faced by the nation in 1975. She hailed the enduring friendship between the two countries and reiterated the importance of India as a key ally.

“In the next 5 years, our main focus will be on economic progress and fulfilling all the work that we have started. We have already declared our manifesto, and we follow our election manifesto whenever we prepare our budget and try to fulfil our promises. The development of the people and our country is our main aim,” Sheikh Hasina added.

She further expressed her commitment to serving the people of Bangladesh, emphasising the responsibility she feels towards the citizens who have repeatedly voted for her.

“I try to work for my people. With motherly affection, I look after my people. Our people gave me this opportunity. Time and again, people have voted for me, and that is why I am here…I am just a common person but I always feel responsible for my people. I feel this is the opportunity to serve my people and ensure them a better life,” she also said.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s aspirations for the future, Sheikh Hasina outlined the country’s goal to develop a smart population, smart government, smart economy, and smart society by 2041. She emphasised the importance of training the younger generation for the challenges of the future.

“By nature, our people are very smart, and as I mentioned, we want to train our younger generation for the future. It is our target to develop the country by 2041. Smart population, smart government, smart economy, and smart society are our main aims,” the Prime Minister affirmed.

Hasina also addressed concerns about individuals with ties to terrorist organisations or engaged in illegal activities refraining from contesting elections. She asserted that the victory in elections is a result of the people’s choices and is not influenced by those avoiding participation due to such affiliations.

Hasina was re-elected for a fifth term in the national election that was conducted on Sunday amidst the boycott by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by former PM Khaleda Zia, who is currently in jail. (ANI)

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