Month: January 2024

Vijay Chowk Reverberates To Indian Tunes During Beating Retreat 2024

Vijay Chowk Reverberates To Indian Tunes During Beating Retreat 2024

By LokMarg

The historic Vijay Chowk in the national capital came live to foot-tapping tunes and synchronised steps by members of armed forces during the ‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony on Monday to mark the end of Republic Day celebrations.

The setting sun setting down provided a majestic background as soldiers marched to Indian tunes.

The music bands of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) played captivating tunes before a distinguished audience including President Droupadi Murmu, who is Supreme Commander of defence forces, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and union ministers.

The ceremony began with the massed band’s ‘Shankhnaad’ tune which was followed by enthralling tunes such as ‘Veer Bharat’, ‘Sangam Dur’, ‘Deshon ka Sartaj Bharat’, ‘Bhagirathi’, and ‘Arjuna’ by Pipes and Drums band.

Lt Col Vimal Joshi is the principal conductor of the ceremony.

‘Beating Retreat’ traces its origins to the early 1950s when Major Roberts of the Indian Army indigenously developed the unique ceremony of display by the massed bands. It marks a centuries-old military tradition, when the troops ceased fighting, sheathed their arms, withdrew from the battlefield and returned to the camps at sunset at the sounding of the Retreat. Colours and Standards are cased and flags lowered. The ceremony creates nostalgia for the times gone by. (ANI)

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Nitish Has Developed Amnesia: Sanjay After Split From INDIA Bloc

Nitish Has Developed Amnesia: Sanjay After Split From INDIA Bloc

By LokMarg

Targeting Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for shifting his alliance from the INDIA bloc to join back with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said on Monday that Nitish Kumar seems to have “developed amnesia” and doesn’t realise which party he has sided with.

Speaking to ANI on Monday, Raut said, “He seems to have developed amnesia. Once he takes the medicine, he will realise that he has joined the BJP and will return to the INDIA (alliance). This disease is very dangerous for the country, politics, and democracy.

Raut also took a shot at the Bharatiya Janata Party leaders and said, “Not only Nitish Kumar, but Minister Amit Shah and PM Modi also seemed to have developed this disease. They were the same leaders who used to say that they would not take Nitish back into their party.”

After a dramatic volte-face, Kumar on Sunday dumped his 18-month-long association with the RJD in the ‘mahagathbandhan’ government in Bihar and joined hands with the BJP.

Kumar was sworn in by Bihar Governor Rajendra Arlekar at Raj Bhavan in the presence of senior leaders, including BJP national president JP Nadda, hours after he resigned from the post.

Nitish Kumar, along with eight ministers, took the oath on Sunday.

Of the eight ministers who were sworn in along with Kumar, three were each from the BJP and the JD-U, one from the HAM and one was independent.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece Saamana, in its editorial, criticised Bihar CM Nitish Kumar for returning to the NDA fold.

Saamana, in its latest editorial on Monday, said that Nitish Kumar, who took the oath as the Chief Minister of Bihar with the support of the BJP, was the one who took initiative in uniting all anti-Bharatiya Janata Party forces together and called the first meeting of the opposition’s alliance in Patna.

INDIA or ‘Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance’ is a group of opposition parties, including the Congress. The parties have come together to take on the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which is led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and prevent it from winning a third straight term at the Centre in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The first meeting of the alliance was convened in Patna in June last year and the second two-day meeting was held a month later in Bengaluru, where the acronym INDIA was christened.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece said that while there is ‘Ram’ in Ayodhya, there is a ‘Palturam’ in Bihar, referring to Kumar’s switching sides in less than 18 months again. (ANI)

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde Rahul Gandhi

Shinde Assures Maratha Quota Won’t Affect Other Communities

By LokMarg

Amid the row over the Maratha quota that it will result in encroachment of other communities reservation, Maharashtra Cheif Minister Eknath Shinde claimed that his government will give the reservation to the Maratha community without making any kind of change in other communities reservation.

“While giving Maratha reservation, we will keep in mind that whether it is OBC community or any other community, without making any kind of change in their reservation, we will give the reservation to Maratha community. Our view from the beginning has been to provide such reservation which meets the criteria. I have said this openly as Chief Minister and both our Deputy Chief Ministers have also said the same,” Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde said.

Meanwhile, Maharastra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday clarified that there will be no injustice done to any community.

“The government has taken a decision that is benefiting the Maratha community, but there will be no injustice to any community. There is nothing for anyone to worry about in this. Our government will not allow any injustice to the OBC community. Recently, the reservation given to the Maratha community was upheld in the High Court. However, due to some reasons, the Supreme Court rejected that reservation. We have also launched a survey to determine these reasons,” Devendra Fadnavis said.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Minister and OBC leader Chhagan Bhujbal struck a dissenting note when he appealed to OBC community to speak up against the ordinance.

“My request to all OBC brothers and sisters is that the time has come for all of us to come together on the streets. On February 1, go to the MLAs, MPs or Tehsildars of your respective areas and hand over the demands regarding OBC reservation protection. Everyone should come out in lakhs and raise this demand. All the MLAs and MPs should be made aware that OBCs, Bhatke Vimukts are also citizens and voters of this state and those who want to contest elections need them too ” Bhujbal said in a post on X.

“Also regarding this draft. Lakhs of objections will be filed till February 16. A huge Elgar Mela of OBCs has been organized at Ahmednagar on February 3, which should be attended by all the OBC brothers in large numbers. There are many intellectuals, writers, speakers, lawyers in the OBC, nomadic community. All of them should help us in this work in their own way. Lawyer brothers should convince the court of injustice against OBCs. Soon OBCs will be taking out a protest march across Maharashtra” Bhujbal added.

Earlier the Maharashtra government had accepted all demands of Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil and had issued an ordinance guranteeing reservations by issuing Kunbi certificated to the Marathas.

Maharashtra CM Shinde emphasised that Jarange Patil’s demand was not to take away the reservation for the OBC. “OBC and Marathas live together in villages. Manoj Jarange Patil is of the view that reservations for any community must not be taken,” he said.

Patil in his address to the gathering said, “This struggle was for reservation for Marathas. We came here to give 54 lakh Kunbi certificates. We have been struggling for the past four months. My generation struggled to get this reservation. More than 300 people killed themselves during the struggle.”

On May 5, 2021, the Supreme Court struck down reservations for the Maratha community in colleges, higher educational institutions, and jobs, after noting that there was no valid ground to breach 50 per cent reservation while granting Maratha reservation. (ANI)

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Parents Should Avoid Running Commentary, It Creates Pressure On Students: Modi

Parents Should Avoid Running Commentary, It Creates Pressure On Students: Modi

By LokMarg

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged parents to avoid comparing the performance of their wards with that of the latter’s friends or siblings as such a practice of “running commentary” will prove detrimental to a child’s future.

The Prime Minister made these remarks during an interaction with students at the seventh edition of ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’, a programme where he attempts to create a stress-free atmosphere for youngsters who are preparing to give their exams.

“There is a pressure that we have set for ourselves like we have to get up at 4 am in the morning. We have to study till 11 pm at night, solve this many answers, I think we should not stretch ourselves so much that our ability gets broken. We should do it in increments, slowly,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister observed that parents step up the pressure by asking children to wake up early during exams and by comparing students with their friends.

“This running commentary by parents, elder brothers and teachers drawing negative comparisons every now and then is detrimental to a student’s future. It does more harm than good. So, we must ensure that issues are addressed through a proper and heartfelt conversation with students rather than reducing their morale and confidence through unfriendly comparisons and talks,” PM Modi said, adding that the parents should avoid such a practice.

“This programme is like an exam for me too”: PM Modi said during the interaction where he sought to answer questions from students and their teachers from across the coutnry.

He also said that one must become capable of bearing all kinds of pressures. “One must become capable of bearing any kind of pressure. They should believe that pressure keeps on building and one has to prepare oneself (to tackle it),” the PM said.

Addressing a range of questions, from peer pressure to competition among classmates, the PM said that if there is no competition in life, then life will become unmotivated. “There must be competition, but only healthy competition,” he said.

The Prime Minister pointed out that teachers play an important role in reducing the stress of students. “Therefore, there should always be a positive relationship between teachers and students. The job of a teacher is not just to do a job, but to enhance life, and to give strength to live, this is what brings change,” he said.

This year, the Pariksha Pe Charcha programme was held in a town hall format at Bharat Mandapam here in the national capital.

Two students and a teacher from each of the States and Union Territories and winners of the Kala Utsav were invited as special guests for the main event. A total of 100 students from the Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), from different parts of the country attended the event for the first time since inception.

Referring to the successful G20 event, held at the venue in September last year, the Prime Minister said, “You have come to the venue where all the great leaders of the world discussed the future of the world for two days. And today (at the same place) you are going to discuss about the future of India.”

Shortly before his address, the Prime Minister inspected an exhibition, where the future of the country showcased him their tech innovations.

“I got an opportunity today to understand what our youths think about various sectors such as land, water, space and AI, and what solutions they have about the issues in these sectors. It felt that even if I had four to five hours, it would have been less,” PM Modi said.

PM Modi holds the interaction with students every year before the Board exams. In addition to discussing exam stress relief, he also offered insights and useful advice from past programmes.

Earlier on Sunday, Minister of State for Education, Subhas Sarkar, held a press conference regarding PM Modi’s unique interactive programme, Pariksha Pe Charcha, wherein students, parents, and teachers across the nation and also from overseas interact with him to discuss and overcome the stress emerging out of examinations to celebrate life as an Utsav.

Sarkar said this event has been organised successfully for the last six years by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education. The first three editions of PPC were held in New Delhi in a town-hall interactive format. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the fourth edition was held online in the form of a programme telecast on Doordarshan and all major TV channels.

The fifth and sixth editions of PPC were again held in town-hall format at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi. Almost 31.24 lakh students, 5.60 lakh teachers, and 1.95 lakh parents participated enthusiastically in the contests last year (2023), the union minister said.

He also said that the 7th edition of ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ recorded a massive 2.26 crore registration on the MyGov portal. He added that this shows the extensive enthusiasm among students nationwide, eager to participate in this distinctive event and interact with the Prime Minister. (ANI)

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Security Beefed Up As Maldivian Oppo Readies Impeachment Motion Against Muizzu

Maldivian Oppn Readies Impeachment Motion Against Muizzu

By LokMarg

The main opposition party of the Maldives, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which holds a majority in Parliament, has gathered enough signatures to submit a motion to impeach Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, Maldivian local media, The Sun reported on Monday.

It reported quoting a lawmaker from the MDP, that the MDP in partnership with the Democrats have gathered signatures for an impeachment motion.

A total of 34 members, including representatives from both the MDP and Democrats, have given their support to the motion for the impeachment of the president that was disrupted yesterday over chaos in the Maldivian parliament, according to Adhahdhu.

Adhadhu is an online news portal in the Maldives.

The Sun further reported that the MDP had decided it will deny approval to Ali Ihusan, the home minister, and Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, the defense minister, if government lawmakers continue to disrupt the Parliament.

Meanwhile, after a skirmish between political leaders inside the Maldivian Parliament, heavy police arrangements have been made to tighten the security in the parliament ahead of today’s session, according to Adhahdhu.

In a video shared by the media outlet, police personnel were seen assembling outside the Parliament complex carrying protective shields.

Earlier on Sunday, the Maldives Parliament witnessed violence when government MPs (PPM/PNC party) disturbed the proceedings of Parliament and the Speakers.

A key vote on parliamentary approval for the Muizzu government was scheduled on Sunday.

As dramatic visuals surfaced on social media from Male, a fight between MDP MP Isa and PNC MP Abdullah Shaheem Abdul Hakeem was seen.

According to Adhadhu, one video showcased Shaheem gripping Isa’s leg and the two falling together, whereas another visual that went viral on social media showed Isa kicking Shaheem’s neck and pulling his hair.

The footage also shows other members pushing Shaheem out of the area. A member of parliament was brought to an ambulance after suffering injuries, the local media reported.

Notably, the ministers’ approval was slated for 1:30 p.m. However, several PNC members barricaded the House and disrupted the session.

The demonstrators said that accepting the ministers would stymie progress, as they demanded the Speaker of Parliament to quit.

The ruling coalition parties, the PNC and the PPP, released a statement portraying the ministers’ refusal as an impediment to the delivery of public services, according to Adhadhu.

However, Chief Advisor to Muizzu and PNC Chairman Abdul Raheem Abdullah stated that the ministers have the right to be reappointed even if they are not authorised.

He criticised the refusal to approve the ministers as irresponsible.

Quite recently, two opposition parties in the Maldives came out against the current regime over its ‘stark’ anti-India pivot.

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Democrats jointly issued a joint press statement, labelling the shift in foreign policy as ‘extremely detrimental’ to the country’s long-term development.

The statement served to reassert and affirm the Opposition’s belief that “alienating any development partner, and especially the country’s most long-standing ally will be extremely detrimental to the long-term development of the country”.

The Opposition further underscored that “stability and security in the Indian Ocean is vital to the stability and security of the Maldives.

“Both the MDP and The Democrats emphasised the critical need for consecutive governments to maintain the ability “to work with all development partners for the benefit of the people of the Maldives, as the Maldives has traditionally done”. (ANI)

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INDIA bloc

BJP Again Crying CAA For Votes: Mamata

By LokMarg

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday saying that the party has again started crying “CAA CAA” for the sake of votes as Lok Sabha elections are approaching.

“We have fought against the NRC. Rajbanshis are citizens of India. They have again started shouting CAA, CAA for the sake of votes,” Mamata Banerjee said at a public distribution program in West Bengal’s Cooch Behar on Monday.

Banerjee’s remarks came after Union Minister Shantanu Thakur said on Sunday that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will be implemented across the country in a week.

The West Bengal Chief Minister said that her government has acknowledged all colonies as “permanent addresses,” and all residents who get the benefit of various state government benefits are citizens of the country.

“All of you are citizens. We have given permanent addresses to all colonies. They get ration, go to school, get scholarships, get Kisan Bandhu, Shikhashree, Oikoshree, Laxmir Bhandar. How could they get these benefits if they had not been citizens? Had they been able to cast votes if they were not citizens?” Banerjee questioned.

Hitting out at the central government for misusing central agencies, Banerjee said, “Do you remember the Sitalkuchi case? The CISF has earlier shot four people to death. They shoot people as if they are zamindars. If anyone oppresses you in your village, fire an FIR first. They instil fear and conduct elections through agencies.”

Various reports have claimed that four people were killed in West Bengal’s Sitalkuchi after being fired by CISF during the assembly elections in 2021.

Accusing the BJP of misusing the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation, to harass political opponents, Banerjee said, “They call leaders and say that if you do not come with us, we will send ED to your houses. What will the ED do? What will the CBI do? They are here today by they may not be there tomorrow.”

The CAA, introduced by the Narendra Modi government, aims to confer Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants – including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians – who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014. Following the passage of the CAA by Parliament in December 2019 and its subsequent Presidential assent, significant protests erupted in various parts of the country. (ANI)

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Gaza

CIA, Mossad, Qatar PM Join Talks In Paris Over Gaza Hostages

By LokMarg

A crucial meeting is currently underway to explore a potential second deal between Israel and Hamas, focusing on the release of 136 hostages in Gaza and a temporary cessation of hostilities, The Jerusalem Post reported.

The closed-door talks involve key figures such as CIA Chief William Burns, Mossad Chief David Barnea, Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Thani, and the head of Egyptian Intelligence Services Abbas Kamel.

The participation of Maj.-Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon, responsible for intelligence issues related to the Gaza hostages, remains uncertain. Teams from Qatar and Egypt arrived on Saturday, with Israeli and American representatives joining on Sunday.

As of Sunday noon, no unusual activity has been reported near the American embassy or ambassador’s residence in Paris, according to The Jerusalem Post.

Reports suggest Mossad Chief David Barnea’s multiple visits to Qatar since October 7, with a meeting reported in Oslo on December 16 but later clarified to have taken place in Paris. The duration of the stay for the talks in the French capital is yet to be determined.

The Israeli team’s objective is to emphasise the need for additional pressure on Hamas to accept what Israel considers a reasonable deal. The meeting aims to initiate a move, bring forth ideas, and propose solutions to break the current deadlock, The Jerusalem Post, cited KAN NEWS.

Recent reports indicate a potential deal is closer, envisioning a two-month suspension of fighting in Gaza. The release of hostages would occur in two or three phases. In the initial 30-day stage, fighting would cease, and women, elderly men, and sick or injured hostages would be released. Simultaneously, details for the second phase would be finalised during another 30-day suspension of hostilities.

The release of female soldiers remains unclear, and the final phase would involve the release of male soldiers and the bodies of deceased hostages. However, a major obstacle lies in Hamas’s demand for a complete end to fighting in Gaza, a condition Israel categorically rejects. The proposal for Hamas leaders to leave the Strip is reportedly no longer part of the ongoing discussions, The Jerusalem Post reported. (ANI)

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Munawar Faruqui Wins Bigg Boss Season 17

Munawar Faruqui Wins Bigg Boss Season 17

By LokMarg

After months of intense competition, stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui has been declared the winner of the 17th season of Bigg Boss. He defeated co-contestant Abhishek Kumar to win the finale.

He took home a coveted trophy and cash prize of Rs 50 lakh.

Munawar was one of the most popular contestants of the 17th season of the Colors show. He hogged the limelight ever since he entered the Bigg Boss house, courtesy of his shayaris.

However, his game backfired soon and he faced several hurdles mainly when Ayesha Khan entered the show making some serious allegations against him.

Ayesha blamed him for cheating on her, making false promises, and proposing to another girl for marriage. His game hit rock bottom but he managed to stand tall.

Before ‘Bigg Boss 17’, Munawar gained popularity with his winning stint in the ‘Lock Upp’ reality show. (ANI)

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Alia Bhatt

Ranbir-Alia Perform Jamal Kudo Steps at Filmfare Awards

By LokMarg

Actor Ranbir Kapoor is a true entertainer. He added ‘chaar chaand’ to the Filmfare Awards 2024 with his energetic performance.

He made his entry in ‘Animal’ avatar and drove a replica of Animal’s machine gun and entered the venue.

Ranbir also performed on Bobby Deol’s popular song ‘Jamal Kudu’ from ‘Animal’. The highlight of his performance was him performing a ‘Jamal Kudu’ hook step with his wife Alia Bhatt, who was seated in the audience. The hook steps involve shaking a leg while balancing a glass on the head. Don’t forget to check the kiss Ranbir planted on Alia’s cheek. Isn’t it adorable?

Ranbir attended the award ceremony in a black suit. While making his presence on the red carpet, he briefly spoke to the media.

Asked about his chances of winning the award, Ranbir quipped, “I know my lady (Alia Bhatt) is coming, I’ll take her home today, but I don’t know about the black lady (award trophy).”

He also said, “I would like to thank the Government of Gujarat, they made such great preparations. Filmfare is a legacy award, it is always great to be here. It’s when the entire fraternity come together and celebrate each other’s work, so really glad to be here. It’s been a great year for movies, so I am really happy. May the best man win.”

Ranbir also shook a leg with his ‘Animal’ co-star Triptii Dimri on their song ‘Pehle Bhi Main’. (ANI)

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Nitish Takes Oath of Bihar CM For Record 9th Time

Nitish Takes Oath of Bihar CM For Record 9th Time

By LokMarg

Janata Dal-United chief Nitish Kumar took oath as Bihar Chief Minister for the ninth time at Raj Bhavan on Sunday after snapping ties with “Mahagathbandhan”.

Alongside Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha took the oath as Deputy Chief Ministers

Upon arrival of BJP chief JP Nadda, the people were heard chanting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s name and slogans.

After days of speculation, JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar resigned as the Chief Minister of Bihar on Sunday, his second volte face in less than 18 months. Snapping ties with the RJD and Congress, Nitish will now be forming a government with BJP’s support, the oath-taking of which is going to take place shortly.

Nitish Kumar cited the state of affairs being “not right” under the Mahagathbandhan alliance as his reason for quitting. He said that he has been receiving suggestions from everywhere, including his party workers, and he listened to all of them to come to this decision.

“I have resigned as the CM today and have asked the Governor to put an end to this government. Party leaders were giving me advice. I heard what they said and have resigned. The situation was not good. So, we have broken ties,” Nitish Kumar told reporters outside the Raj Bhavan.

Despite turbulence in state politics, Nitish, whether with the Mahagathbandhan or the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), has managed to retain the CM’s chair and ensured that his party has not split over his repeated flip-flops.

In the Bihar Assembly of 243, the RJD has 79 MLAs; followed by the BJP’s 78; the JD(U)’s 45′ the Congress’s 19, the CPI (M-L)’s 12, two each of the CPI(M) and CPI, the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular)’s four seats, and the AIMIM’s one, plus one Independent legislator.

Nitish Kumar, after parting ways with the BJP in 2022, took on the initiative of uniting all opposition forces to jointly take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling party in the national election.

In 2000, Nitish became CM for the first time after campaigning against RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav’s ‘Jungle Raaj’. Till now, he has been Bihar’s CM on eight occasions.

In 2013, Nitish broke ranks with the NDA after a 17-year alliance following the announcement of Narendra Modi as the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate.

He expressed his displeasure to the BJP over Modi’s selection as the PM face, and after the BJP decided to not change its decision, Kumar left the alliance.

In 2017, Nitish forged a grand alliance with the RJD and Congress and returned as chief minister in 2015.

He walked out of the grand alliance in 2017, accusing the RJD of corruption and choking governance in the state.

In 2022, Nitish Kumar snapped ties with the BJP once again, alleging the BJP was conspiring against him and trying to influence JD-U MLAs to rebel against him. (ANI)

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