February 2024 - Page 19 of 36 - Lokmarg

Culinary Legend Imtiaz Passes Away

By LokMarg 16th February 2024

Renowned chef Imtiaz Qureshi, who was credited with the culinary excellence of ITC Hotels, passed away at the age of 93.

The news of his demise was shared by chef Kunal Kapoor on Friday.

Taking to X, Kunal Kapoor posted, “With great sadness and a heavy heart, I regret to inform you of the heartbreaking news of the passing of Padma Shri Chef Mr Imtiaz Qureshi, who departed from this world earlier this morning.”

“His culinary legacy and contributions will forever be remembered and cherished. May his soul find eternal peace and may his memory continue to inspire us all,” Kapoor added.

Chef Ranveer Brar also paid his condolences.

“Lucknow has lost its biggest ambassador. As a Lucknow boy with dreams of becoming a chef, the folklore of Imtiaz Qureshi is something I grew up with. It was around 1999 when I was working as a trainee chef at the Taj in Delhi. I remember once taking the Rs. 612/- I had earned to ITC Maurya next door and trying out the Galouti Kebab . It’s an extremely sad moment for me, for everybody in Lucknow..am currently in a state of shock,” Brar wrote on Instagram.

Brar also recalled his meetings with the maestro.

“Every interaction of mine with the maestro, was about Lucknow, his growing up years in Lucknow, his time at the Raj Bhavan, his time when he opened the beautiful Clarks restaurant.. And so much more. Sometimes you just can’t accept that someone’s no more. This is one of those moments…The fact that I was eating Imtiaz Qureshi’s food in an ITC hotel was life changing for me. Not only had he pulled the dum pukht technique out of Lucknow, he had given it a personality, an unmistakable refinement.RIP chef, your legacy lives on forever,” he wrote.

Singer Adnan Sami also mourned Chef Qureshi’s death, posting from his X handle, “Sad to learn that PadmaShri Master Chef Imtiaz Qureshi has passed away. He was a culinary genius and a man full of zeal for life!! He was also the modern day father of Awadhi Cuisine & his Biryani was legendary amongst everything else he fed the world.”

Born into a family of chefs in Lucknow in 1931, Imtiaz Qureshi started his journey at a young age and went on to create world-renowned brands such as Delhi’s Bukhara and Dum Pukht.

In 2016, the Union government awarded him the fourth-highest civilian honour, the Padma Shri, for his contribution to culinary art. (ANI)

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National Commission Of Schedule Caste Submits Annual Report To Murmu

By LokMarg 16th February 2024

Vice-Chairman Arun Haldar submitted the Annual Report 2022-23 of the National Commission of Schedule Caste to President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on Friday, a press release from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment stated.

Subhash Ramnath Pardhi and Anju Bala, Members of the Schedule Caste Commission were also present on this occasion.

The reports contain various recommendations on the issues entrusted to the Commission regarding the protection of constitutional safeguards for the Scheduled Castes as enshrined in the Constitution of India, the release said.

As per the mandate given to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes under Article 338 of the Constitution of India, the Commission must present to the President annually and at other times as the Commission may deem fit, reports upon the working of the constitutional safeguards of the Scheduled Castes.

The reports may include recommendations for the measures required to be taken by the Union and the States for the effective implementation of those safeguards and other measures for the protection, welfare and socio-economic development of the Scheduled Castes, the release said.

Earlier on Thursday, after listening to the grievances of women who have been protesting against the violence and sexual assault by the supporters of Trinamool Congress strongman Shajahan Sheikh, National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) chairman Arun Haldar said that he will submit a report of the violence-hit Sandeshkhali area of West Bengal to President Droupadi Murmu on Friday.

A delegation from the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) paid a visit to the violence-hit Sandeshkhali area of West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district to assess the situation and listen to the victims as women have been protesting against the violence and sexual assault by supporters of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).

Arun Haldar said that members of the commission came here after receiving reports about Sandeshkhali and to listen to victims.

“I have received the report about Sandeshkhali. A lot of people wanted to say a lot of things but they were not given a chance. Members of the commission and I have come here to listen to them. I will listen to them and give the report to the government. It is a constitutional body, not a political body…Tomorrow at 11 am will send the report to the President,” Haldar said. (ANI)

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Modi Congratulates Ashwin On Extraordinary Milestone Of 500 Test Wickets

By LokMarg 16th February 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated India’s spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin for an “extraordinary milestone”– of 500 Test wickets.

Ashwin on Friday added another gem to his crown as he became only the second Indian after legendary spinner Anil Kumble to reach the landmark of 500 wickets in Tests.

The star spinner achieved the feat during the ongoing third Test against England. He was on 499 scalps at the end of the second Test in Vizag and completed his 500th with the wicket of Zak Crawley on Day 2 of the third Test.

Prime Minister said Ashwin’s journey and accomplishments are a testament to his skill and perseverance.

“Congratulations to Ravichandran Ashwin on the extraordinary milestone of taking 500 Test wickets! His journey and accomplishments are a testament to his skill and perseverance. My best wishes to him as he scales further peaks. @ashwinravi99,” PM Modi posted on X.

Ashwin became the second-fastest bowler to 500 Test wickets, achieving the feat in 98 Tests. He bettered compatriot Anil Kumble (105 Tests) and is only behind the legendary Muttiah Muralidaran (87) in the list.

The star spinner could play an important role in the remainder of the Test match even as England tries to push ahead with the momentum on the back of opener Ben Duckett’s 118-ball 133*.

Earlier, centuries from Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja’s as well as crucial lower-order runs–including 37 from Ashwin’s bat–propelled India to 445.

However, England’s fiery response with the willow put the hosts on the back foot going into Day 3.

At Stumps on Day 2, England were sitting pretty at 207/2, going at a run-a-ball rate and trailing India by just 238 runs. (ANI)

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EU Prez Expresses Grief At Navalny’s Death

By LokMarg 16th February 2024

European Union President Ursula von der Leyen condoled the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and said that Russian President Vladimir Putin fears nothing more than dissent of his people.

Expressing grief on his death, she urged people to unite in a fight to safeguard the freedom and safety of people who oppose ‘autocracy’.

“Deeply disturbed and saddened by news of the death of Alexei Navalny. Putin fears nothing more than dissent from his own people. A grim reminder of what Putin and his regime are all about. Let’s unite in our fight to safeguard the freedom and safety of those who dare to stand up against autocracy,” she posted on X.

Jailed Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny has died, the prison service of the Yamalo-Nenets Region, where he had served his sentence, reported on Friday afternoon, RT News agency reported.

The 47-year-old began to feel unwell after a walk, and lost consciousness, according to a statement. Russian media outlets have indicated that doctors pronounced Navalny dead after 2 pm local time.

“All the necessary resuscitation measures were carried out, but they failed to achieve a positive result,” the authorities outlined.

“Medical staff arrived immediately and an ambulance team was called. Resuscitation measures were carried out which did not yield positive results. Paramedics confirmed the death of the convict. The causes of death are being established,” the prison statment read.

On the occasion of New Year this January, he had sent out a message on social media stating that he does not feel lonely and is in a “great” mood, but he still misses spending time with his family and friends in person.

In a New Year’s Eve message posted on social media by his team, Navalny was quoted as saying that this will be the third time “I have taken the traditional family New Year’s Eve photo with Photoshop.”

“I am trying to keep up with the times, and this time I asked an artificial intelligence to draw me. I hope it turned out something fantastic – I will not see the picture myself until the letter with it arrives on Yamal,” Navalny had said, according to CNN.

At that time, he was serving his term at the Russian Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region’s IK-3 prison colony.

Navalny has been behind bars since January 2021, when he returned to Moscow after recuperating in Germany from nerve agent poisoning that he blamed on the Kremlin.

Prior to his arrest, he campaigned against corruption and organised major anti-Kremlin protests. He has since received three prison terms and spent months in isolation in Penal Colony Number 6 for alleged minor infractions.

A court extended Navalny’s sentence to 19 years on “extremism” charges and ruled that he be moved to a more secure, harsher prison.

Notably, Navalny had, time and again rejected all charges against him as politically motivated. (ANI)

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Govt Wants Youth To Become Contractual Labourers: Rahul

By LokMarg 16th February 2024

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday addressed the youth and hit out at the BJP-led central government saying that this government wants them to become contractual labourers.

“They (Centre) don’t want to use India’s Defence Budget for the training and security of jawans…You will neither be recruited in the Army nor in Railways or in any Public Sector Unit. Why? The Government wants you to become contractual labourers,” said Rahul Gandhi.

“They have given the name ‘Agniveer’ but he is a contractual labourer. That is the truth. They can sack him, throw him out anytime they want, without asking him, without pension or any help…” addedGandhi.

Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav joined Rahul Gandhi in his ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ on Friday in Bihar’s Sasaram. The Yatra reaches its final stage in Bihar and is scheduled to enter Uttar Pradesh later today.

Yadav was seen driving Rahul Gandhi and other leaders in the lead jeep as the yatra made its way through Sasaram with the RJD leader acknowledging his ally in his post on x.

This was the first time the RJD leader was seen sharing the stage with Gandhi in Bihar since state Chief Minister Nitish Kumar severed his ties with the INDIA bloc.

Meanwhile, Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav launched a fresh attack on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar while addressing the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra and said that the CM does not want to listen to anyone.

“You all very well know how our CM is, he does not want to listen to anyone. He used to say ‘I will die, but won’t join BJP’…We decided to stay with Nitish ji, no matter how much we have to sacrifice, only to defeat BJP in 2024…’ Hum logo ne ek thake hue mukhyamantri ko Niyukt kiya hai’…” said RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.

“He does not want to listen to anyone, but still, ours was a grand alliance government, and we wanted to be united with a big goal, We have to stop the powers that be, those who work to sow poison in the country, so this time at any cost, no matter how much we have to bear, no matter how much we have to sacrifice, we joined Nitish ji, so that BJP will be defeated in 2024. We will do the work of ousting BJP from power and we have appointed a tired Chief Minister, ” added Tejashwi Yadav.

Earlier on Thursday, Yatra reached Bihar’s Aurangabad, where Gandhi came out in praise of the Supreme Court over its verdict striking down electoral bonds, promising to conduct a financial survey across the country if voted to power in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

The Nyay Yatra arrived in Bihar days after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who was at the forefront of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, a coalition of opposition parties formed to take on the BJP at the Centre, dumped the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) and joined hands again with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will also join the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi as it enters Uttar Pradesh on Friday evening. She will join her brother in Chandauli in Uttar Pradesh after the yatra enters the state from Bihar.

The East-West Manipur-Mumbai Yatra traverses 6,700 km through 15 states and aims to highlight the message of “nyay” (justice) while meeting common people on the way. (ANI)

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Sunny To Lock Horns With Abhimanyu In Lahore 1947

By LokMarg 16th February 2024

Actor Abhimanyu Singh has joined the cast of Sunny Deol-starrer ‘Lahore 1947’.

As per a statement, actor Abhimanyu Singh will play the villain in the film, which is being directed by Rajkumar Santoshi.

On having Abhimanyu on board, Santoshi said, “Usually, whenever we think of a villain’s character, the first few names that come to our mind are Amrish ji and Danny ji but we have to look forward and see who’s taking the baton ahead. Interestingly, we have roped in Abhimanyu Singh who will be seen playing a strong and lead role as antagonist in Lahore 1947. His intensity, his voice, and his conviction are truly unbeatable. He is undoubtedly one of the most talented actors we have in our industry.”

‘Lahore 1947’ is produced under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions.

This project marks the teaming up of Sunny Deol, Rajkumar Santoshi along with Aamir Khan. Interestingly, this film will also mark Aamir Khan Productions’ (AKP) 17th production under their banner.

The film also stars Preity Zinta and Shabana Azmi.

Recently, Santoshi expressed his excitement about having Preity in the film.

“After a long time, Preity Zinta is again playing a very important role for the silver screen with Lahore 1947. She is indeed an extremely talented, finest, and most natural actress in our industry. Whichever character she plays she totally invests herself in it and makes the audience feel that she is made for that character. Interestingly, the audience will see her again with Sunny Deol. This on-screen pair has always been immensely loved by the audience. Above all, this film’s script demands a pair that is as accurate as Sunny and Preity,” Santoshi said.

‘Lahore 1947’ marks the reunion of Preity and Sunny after a long time. The duo has earlier featured together in a couple of films such as ‘The Hero: Love Story of a Spy’, ‘Farz’, and ‘Bhaiaji Superhit’. (ANI)

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Kejriwal Moves Motion Of Confidence In Delhi Assembly

By LokMarg 16th February 2024

After alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is trying to poach AAP MLAs and topple his government, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal moved a Motion of Confidence in the assembly on Friday.

The proceedings of the House will take place on Saturday and the motion will be taken up for discussion.

The House has been adjourned till tomorrow.

This is the fifth Budget session of the seventh Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

The Budget session that convened on Thursday is expected to continue till February 21.

Earlier, CM Kejriwal alleged that the BJP was conspiring to topple the Aam Aadmi Party government and that some of his party MLAs had been offered bribes to leave the party and break his government.

“Recently, they (BJP) have contacted our 7 MLAs from Delhi and said-We will arrest Kejriwal after a few days. After that, we will break the MLAs. Talks have been held with 21 MLAs. Talking to others as well. After that, we will topple the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi. You also come, we will give you Rs 25 crore and get you to contest the elections on BJP ticket,” Kejriwal posted on X.

“Although they claim that they have contacted 21 MLAs, but as per our information, they have contacted only 7 MLAs so far and all of them have refused,” Kejriwal said.

The Delhi CM said that this means that “I am not being arrested to investigate any liquor scam, but they are conspiring to topple the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi.”

“In the last nine years, they have hatched many conspiracies to topple our government. But they did not have any success. God and the people always supported us. All our MLAs are also strongly united. This time also, these people will fail in their nefarious intentions,” Kejriwal said.’

The Delhi CM further claimed in his post that the BJP knows how much work the AAP government has done for the people of Delhi, and despite all the obstacles created by the BJP, the AAP government in Delhi has accomplished so much.

“The people of Delhi love ‘AAP’ immensely. Therefore, it is not in their power to defeat AAP in the elections. So they want to topple the government by making arrests on the pretext of a fake liquor scam,” said the post by Kejriwal.

Senior AAP leader Atishi also claimed that the BJP has approached several AAP MLAs with bribes and threats in a bid to induce defection.

The AAP leader said, “BJP has started ‘Operation Lotus 2.0’, and is trying to topple the democratically elected AAP government in Delhi. 7 MLAs of the AAP have been contacted by the BJP, and have been told, that Arvind Kejriwal will be arrested soon, after which there will be a rift among AAP MLAs. They are in touch with 21 of our MLAs, using whom they aim to topple the Delhi government.”

“Those 7 MLAs have been offered Rs 25 crores each… Operation Lotus is the tactic used by the BJP to come into power in states, where they are not democratically elected… Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Arunachal Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh are examples,” she added. (ANI)

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John Unveils Trailer Of Harshvardhan, Nikita’s ‘Dange’

By LokMarg 16th February 2024

Makers of the upcoming feature film ‘Dange’ have unveiled its trailer at a college festival in Mumbai on Friday.

The event was attended by a star-studded cast, which included Harshvardhan Rane, Nikita Dutta, Ehan Bhatt, Sanchana Natarajan, Kalidas Jayram, and the acclaimed filmmaker Bejoy Nambiar.

Actor John Abraham took to his Instagram to give a shout-out to the team. He shared the trailer video and wrote, “This is special…#DangeTheFilm Trailer out now.”

The trailer for ‘Dange’ delves into the complexities of human nature, emphasizing the conflict and toughness of the characters.

During the event, director Nambiar said, “Creating ‘Dange’ has been a labour of love. I’m thrilled to share this unique narrative with the audience, and the trailer is just a glimpse into the world we’ve crafted.”

The film’s half-and-half poster entices spectators to ‘Pick A Side,’ as a rivalry between two friends takes centre stage at a cultural college festival.

In the Hindi version, Harshvardhan Rane and Ehan Bhatt play the key parts, with Nikita Dutta and TJ Bhanu portraying supporting characters.

Meanwhile, Arjun Das, Kalidas Jayram, Tj Bhanu, and Sanchana Natarajan star in the Tamil adaptation, dubbed ‘Por’.

T-Series and Roox Media present ‘Dange’, a T-Series Films and Getaway Pictures production directed by Bejoy Nambiar. T-Series produced with Bejoy Nambiar, Prabhu Antony, and Madhu Alexander. The film is set to release on March 1, 2024. (ANI)

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Cong Brings Resolution In Telangana To Conduct Caste Census In State

By LokMarg 16th February 2024

The Congress government in Telangana has brought a resolution in assembly on Friday to conduct a Caste census in the state.

The caste census was among the guarantees promised by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to the people of Telangana.

An official statement issued by the State Government said,” This House resolves to take up a comprehensive door-to-door household survey (Socio, Economic, Educational, Employment, Political and Caste Survey (KULA GANANA) of entire Telangana State as per the decision of the Council of Ministers of 4″ February 2024 so as to plan and implement various Socio, Economic, Educational, Employment and Political opportunities for the amelioration of Backward Classes, SC and ST citizens of the State and other weaker sections of the State.”

Backward Class Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar initiated the resolution in the State Legislative Assembly on Friday to conduct a caste census in Telangana. This census will gather caste data for targeted welfare & equitable resource distribution.

“According to the decision taken by the Telangana Cabinet on February 4, to formulate and implement various social, economic, educational, employment and political opportunities plans for the advancement of backward classes, schedule castes, schedule tribes and other weaker sections, the Government has decided to conduct a comprehensive household caste enumeration family survey for political employment” Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said in a post on X.

“This is an unprecedented moment. Today is unforgettable in my life He came into politics from the weaker sections who came into politics from the student stage. Many times our party leader Rahul Gandhi has mentioned caste enumeration. Accordingly, we will move ahead with useful information regarding the welfare of all. This caste census is under the purview of the central government but we are conducting the caste enumeration in view of the conditions in the states. Through this survey it is expected that justice will be done to SC, ST, BC and other weaker sections in the state Thank you to our CM Revanth Reddy and Deputy CM Bhatti for giving me the opportunity” Ponnam Prabhakar added.

While campaigning for the Telangana Assembly Polls which took place last year, Rahul Gandhi had said that the most pressing issue in India right now is the caste census.

Congress Working Committee (CWC) had also adopted a resolution on October 9 promising a nationwide caste census as part of the decadal census, if it comes to power in the Centre. It said that the 50 per cent cap on reservations will also be removed through legislation.

Congress had won an absolute majority in Telangana for the first time since the state was founded, winning 64 of 119 seats. (ANI)

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We Appointed A Tired CM: Tejashwi Attacks Nitish

By LokMarg 16th February 2024

Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav launched a fresh attack on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar while addressing the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra and said that the CM does not want to listen to anyone.

“He does not want to listen to anyone, but still, ours was a grand alliance government, and we wanted to be united with a big goal, We have to stop the powers that be, those who work to sow poison in the country, so this time at any cost, no matter how much we have to bear, no matter how much we have to sacrifice, we joined Nitish ji, so that BJP will be defeated in 2024. We will do the work of ousting BJP from power and we had appointed a tired Chief Minister, ” added Tejashwi Yadav.

Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav joined Rahul Gandhi in his ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ on Friday in Bihar’s Sasaram. The Yatra reaches it’s final stage in Bihar and is scheduled to enter Uttar Pradesh later today.

Yadav was seen driving Rahul Gandhi and other leaders in the lead jeep as the yatra made its way through Sasaram with the RJD leader acknowledging his ally in his post on x.

This was the first time the RJD leader was seen sharing the stage with Gandhi in Bihar since state Chief Minister Nitish Kumar severed his ties with the INDIA bloc.

“Today is the 34th day of Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra and Rahul Gandhi will have conversations with farmer leaders in Rohtas today…Today around 2:30 pm, Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi will address a gathering in Kaimur and at around 5 pm, the yatra will enter Uttar Pradesh…” Senior Party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh said.

Later in the day, at 4 pm, the Yatra will move into UP’s Chandauli. It will be in UP till the evening of February 25 with a two-day break on February 22 and 23.

The East-West Manipur-Mumbai Yatra traverses 6,700 km through 15 states and aims to highlight the message of “nyay” (justice) while meeting common people on the way. (ANI)

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