Month: March 2024

Jitan Ram Manjhi

Jitan Ram Manjhi To Contest From Gaya Seat

By LokMarg

Former Bihar Chief Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi will contest the Lok Sabha elections from the Gaya seat.

The announcement came from HAM national president Santosh Kumar Suman on Friday.

Notably, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has fielded Kumar Sarvjeet from the Gaya Lok Sabha seat.

The ruling National Democratic Alliance has reached a seat-sharing agreement in Bihar for the Lok Sabha polls with the BJP set to contest 17 seats and JD-U 16.

The seat-sharing agreement was announced by BJP general secretary Vinod Tawde on Monday. He said LJP (Ram Vilas) will contest five seats and Hindustani Awam Morcha and Rashtriya Lok Morcha will fight one seat each.

He said the BJP will field candidates in Pashchim Champaran, Purvi Champaran, Aurangabad, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Maharajganj, Saran, Begusarai, Nawada, Patna Sahib, Patliputra, Aara, Buxar, and Sasaram.

Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) will contest Vaishali, Hajipur, Samastipur, Khagaria and Jamui. Hindustani Awam Morcha and Rashtriya Lok Morcha on Gaya and Karakat seats respectively.

Jan Adhikar Party chief Pappu Yadav on Wednesday merged his party into Congress at Congress headquarters in Delhi ahead of Lok Sabha elections 2024.

During this, he was accompanied by his son, Sarthak Ranjan and other party leaders as he announced his decision at the AICC headquarters. Mohan Prakash, in charge of Congress affairs in Bihar, was also present.

Notably, Yadav is a former five-time MP from Bihar and the husband of Congress Rajya Sabha MP Ranjeet Ranjan. He is known for influencing the Seemanchal area of Bihar in terms of politics.

Bihar will see polling in seven phases. The first phase of polling will be held on April 19, the second phase on April 26, the third phase on May 7, the fourth phase on May 13, the fifth phase on May 20, the sixth phase on May 25, and the seventh phase on June 1.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the NDA, consisting of BJP, JDU ( (Janata Dal-United), and LJP (Lok Janshakti Party), secured victory by taking the lead on 39 out of 40 seats. Meanwhile, the Mahagathbandhan, led by RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal), INC (Indian National Congress), and RLSP (Rashtriya Lok Samta Party), only managed to secure one seat. (ANI)

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Rahul Gandhi BJP

We Are Fighting Against Hatred-Filled Asura-Shakti: Rahul

By LokMarg

After Congress leaders’ press conference on freezing party accounts ahead of Lok Sabha elections, party leader Rahul Gandhi reiterated his ‘Shakti’ remark and said that they are fighting against hatred-filled “Asura-shakti.”

“We are fighting against hatred-filled ‘Asura-shakti’,” the Congress leader told reporters after holding a press conference in the national capital.

After Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Shakti’ remark stirred controversy, the BJP leaders criticised him for his statement, whereas the Congress rallied behind the Wayanad MP and came in support of him.

In Mumbai, where the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra recently concluded, Rahul Gandhi said at a rally, “There is a word ‘Shakti’ in Hinduism. We are fighting against Shakti. The question is, what is Shakti? The soul of the king is in the EVM. This is true. The soul of the king is in the EVM and every institution of the country, in the ED, CBI and Income Tax Department.”

Meanwhile, party’s general secretary KC Venugopal said that they are appealing to the people to save democracy.

“That is why we are going to the people directly. We are appealing to the people. We are appealing to the people to save democracy. Come what may, we will fight it out,” he added.

Rahul Gandhi on Thursday lashed out at the Centre and asserted that there is “no democracy” in India today, alleging that the idea that India is a democracy is a lie.

Rahul Gandhi asserted that by blocking the accounts of the largest opposition party the BJP had caused great damage to Indian democracy.

“This is a criminal action on the Congress party, a criminal action done by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister. So, the idea that India is a democracy is a lie. There is no democracy in India today. The idea that India is the world’s largest democracy is a lie. A complete lie,” he said.

“20 per cent of India votes for us and we are not able to pay Rs 2 for anything. It has been orchestrated to cripple us in the elections. Even if our bank accounts are unfrozen today, huge amount of debt damage has been done to Indian democracy,” he added.

Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Rahul Gandhi claimed that all Congress’ bank accounts have been frozen, the party can do no campaign work, cannot support party workers, and cannot support party candidates.

“All our bank accounts have been frozen. We can do no campaign work, we cannot support our workers, we cannot support our candidates. This has been done two months before the election campaign. One notice comes from the 90s, another from 6-7 years back. Quantum amount is Rs 14 lakhs and punishment – our entire financial identity. All the institutions are quiet and the Election Commission has not even said anything,” he added.

He further said that the party has already lost a month fighting the IT case and its ability to fight elections has been damaged.

“This is not the freezing of Congress party’s bank accounts; this is the freezing of Indian democracy. As the biggest opposition party, we are unable to take any action – we can’t book advertisements or send our leaders anywhere. This is an assault on democracy,” he added.

Rahul Gandhi said that there is an Election Commission in the country but it has not even said anything.

“What’s interesting to me is that there are institutions in this country that are supposed to protect the democratic framework. There is an Election Commission in the country but it has not even said anything; that you have frozen the bank accounts of one of the biggest political parties and largest opposition in the country,” he added.

Earlier on March 8, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) dismissed the plea moved by the Congress Party which sought a stay against Income Tax Department proceedings of recovery and freezing of their Bank accounts and said the Stay Application is without merit. (ANI)

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Delhi L-G VK Saxena

World Air Quality Report 2023 Raises Red Flag Over Delhi’s Air Quality: L-G Saxena

By LokMarg

After the release of the World Air Quality Report 2023, Delhi L-G VK Saxena on Wednesday wrote to Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal drawing his attention to the report “painting a grim picture” of the air quality in the national capital.

“It raises a red flag over the abnormally high PM 2.5 levels, two-fifths of which is attributable to vehicular emission. I am sure that you are aware that prolonged exposure to particulate matter of this dimension leads to premature deaths in people, triggers lung disease, leads to a host of respiratory diseases,” the Delhi L-G pointed out.

L-G Saxena further highlighted in his letter that there are regular reports of increased admissions in the city hospitals with children and the elderly suffering the most from respiratory ailments.

Calling it a “public health emergency”, the L-G emphasised that this contravenes the very basic natural and fundamental right of the people of Delhi.

The L-G further said that Chief Minister Kejriwal must take responsibility and take definitive steps and bold measures.

“Your ministers obfuscate the issue by engaging in a farcical exercise of emergency measures, lip service and media byte,” he lashed out.

Citing global examples the L-G said, “The Great Smog of London and the grey skies of Beijing got cleaned up with the determined leadership.”

Addressing the same issue, Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai said, “The pollution levels in the national capital have been decreasing consistently. From 2015 till 2023, there has been a decrease in levels of PM 10 and PM 2.5. After 2015, last year we had 206 days of better air quality.”

Meanwhile, the initiative of sprinkling water was taken in the national capital as a measure to curb air pollution. (ANI)

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Haryana's Rewari

Boiler Blast At Haryana Factory, 5 Dead

By LokMarg

Five workers injured in a boiler blast at an auto parts manufacturing facility in Haryana’s Rewari have succumbed to burn injuries, police said on Wednesday.

The deceased have been identified as Ajay, Vijay, Pankaj, Ramu, and Rajesh – all from Uttar Pradesh, they said.

Following the deaths, a case under IPC section 304 (for culpable homicide not amounting to murder) has been registered against the owner, management, and contractors of the manufacturing unit.

Nearly 40 workers suffered burn injuries in the explosion incident that took place at the factory located in Dharuhera area of Rewari on March 16. Upon receiving the information about the incident, a team of police reached the spot and the injured were shifted to the trauma centre in Rewari.

“Five of the workers injured in the boiler blast incident have died. All five of them are from Uttar Pradesh,” DSP Narendra Sangwan told ANI.

“As many as 39 workers had suffered burn injuries in the explosion incident and were shifted to nearby hospitals. Some of them had to be shifted to PGI Rohtak and were later referred to Safdarjung Hospital and are undergoing treatment. Most of the victims are from UP and Bihar,” the senior officer said.

“Based on a complaint lodged by a worker, a case under Section 304 of IPC (for culpable homicide not amounting to murder) has been registered against the factory owner, management, and contractors,” the DSP said.

Meanwhile, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also been formed for further investigation into the incident. (ANI)

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Zojila Pass

Zojila Pass Reopens On Trial Basis

By LokMarg

After a month’s closure, the Zojila Pass, which connects Jammu and Kashmir to Ladakh, was reopened for vehicular movement on a trial basis on Wednesday.

One of the highest and most dangerous motorable passes in the world, the Zojila opened on a trial basis after a snow clearance operation was conducted on the stretch, enabling the movement of traffic.

However, 4×4 vehicles were permitted while 37 light motor vehicles were allowed to ply through the stretch, the Border Road Organisation (BRO) stated in an official release.

On Tuesday, SDM Drass, Vishal Atri, along with SHO Drass, SW Namgyal, under the directive of higher authorities, conducted a ground survey of the Zojila axis to assess the road conditions.

It is anticipated that the reopening of the Zojila Pass will facilitate the arrival of essential commodities in the region.

The move is seen as one facilitating locals in the ongoing holy month of Ramazan.

Notably, the Zojila Pass had been closed since February 18, due to heavy snowfall.

Further details are awaited. (ANI)

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Jitendra, Neena Starrer Panchayat 3 Announced

By LokMarg

It’s official! The much-awaited ‘Panchayat Season 3’ starring Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta and Raghubir Yadav is happening.

The announcement was made on Tuesday at Prime Video’s event in Mumbai.

Taking to Instagram, Prime Video shared the news with fans and captioned the post, “Navigating the murky waters of Phulera politics, Abhishek does his best to maintain his objectivity. #Panchayat3OnPrime #AreYouReady #PrimeVideoPresents.”

The first look poster was also shared featuring the star cast.

‘Panchayat Season 3’ stars Jitendra Kumar in the lead role with Raghubir Yadav, Neena Gupta, Sanvikaa, Chandan Roy, Durgesh Kumar, Ashok Pathak, Faisal Malik and Sunita Rajwar seen in pivotal roles.

The series is helmed by Deepak Kumar Mishra.

It chronicles the life of Abhishek, an urban engineering graduate who joins as a Panchayat secretary in a remote village Phulera of Uttar Pradesh due to a lack of better job options.

The release date of ‘Panchayat Season 3’ is not yet disclosed. (ANI)

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Parineeti Chopra

Parineeti Pens Adorable Birthday Note For Brother Sahaj

By LokMarg

Actor Parineeti Chopra, on Tuesday penned an adorable birthday note for brother Sahaj Chopra.

The ‘Ishaqzaade’ actor dropped unseen pictures on Instagram and wrote, ” My first love, my child, my soulmate. I must have done everything right, in every lifetime, to be blessed with a brother like you. Happy bdayyy stoooopid boiiiii! You are my life. Now get ready and come fast na? Late ho rahe hain. @thisissahajchopra.”

Soon after the actor shared the pictures, fans flooded the comment section with red hearts and fire emoticons.

Meanwhile, on the acting front, Parineeti will be seen sharing screen space with Diljit Dosanjh in ‘Chamkila’. Helmed by Imtiaz Ali, the film revolves around two popular Punjabi singers Amarjot Kaur and Amar Singh Chamkila. While Parineeti will be essaying the role of Amarjot, Diljit will be seen as Chamkila.

Amar Singh Chamkila, his wife Amarjot Kaur along with the members of their musical band were assassinated on March 8, 1988. (ANI)

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Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka, Nick Offer Prayer At Ram Mandir

By LokMarg

Actor Priyanka Chopra, who is currently on a visit to her homeland, offered prayers at Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh with her husband, singer Nick Jonas and daughter Malti Marie.

In the videos captured by the paparazzi, Priyanka was seen inside the temple premises with her family.

The ace actor can be seen wearing a yellow sari while Nick, too, opted for the ethnic outfit.

Take a look at the pictures:

A few days ago, Priyanka arrived in India with her daughter Malti for some work-related commitments. She launched a grand store of Bulgari in Mumbai’s Jio World Plaza.

For the launch, she teamed a luxury reptile-inspired piece with an embroidered bralette and floor-sweeping pants by Anamika Khanna, as well as gold stiletto sandals. She is one of the global brand ambassadors for the brand.

Nick also reached Mumbai on Monday (March 18). He made a stylish entry in an all-white look at the airport, sporting a white shirt that he paired with matching pants and sneakers. This is Nick’s second visit to India this year. He and his brothers Kevin and Joe Jonas performed at the Lollapalooza India music event in January.

Priyanka also made heads turn with her presence at Bulgari and Isha Ambani’s Roman Holi celebration in Mumbai. Priyanka opted for a pastel pink stylish slit skirt-styled sheer pre-draped saree that she paired with a bustier blouse. She wore matching hued heels to complement her look.

Meanwhile, on the work front, in the coming months, Priyanka will be seen in ‘Heads of State’, alongside John Cena and Idris Elba. She is also set to lend her voice to Disneynature’s upcoming film Tiger. The movie will be released on Disney+ Hotstar and it revolves around understanding the intricacies of the intriguing world of one of our planet’s most loved creatures.

Speaking about the project, Priyanka shared, “It’s just wonderful to be able to be a part of something so special and to tell the story of this magnificent animal that comes from my country–I was very honoured.”

Speaking about the relatability of the narrative, she added, “I have always loved tigers, and I feel a kinship with the female tiger–I feel very protective of my family. Ambar’s journey is something I think every mom would relate to.”

On the Bollywood front, she will be seen in Farhan Akhtar’s next directorial ‘Jee Le Zaraa’ alongside Katrina Kaif and Alia Bhatt. (ANI)

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Assam Ratan Tata

Semiconductor Manufacturing In Assam Will Put State On Global Map: Tata

By LokMarg

Manufacturing of semiconductors in Assam will put the state on the global map, said industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Tata, whose conglomerate has put in Rs 27,000 crore in investments for a semiconductor plant in Jagiroad.

“The investments being made in Assam transform the state in complex treatment for cancer care. Today, the state government of Assam in partnership with the Tata group will make Assam a major player in sophisticated semiconductors,” Ratan Tata posted on his X timeline, attaching pictures of him, Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran.

Tatas, in collaboration with the Assam government, has already set up several cancer care hospitals across the state.

“This new development will put Assam on the global map. We wish to thank the Chief Minister of Assam Mr. Himanta Biswa Sarma for his support and vision that has made all this possible,” Ratan Tata’s X post added.

Earlier on Tuesday, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw assured that the first semi-conductor chip would be rolled out

“We will have the first made in India chip by December 2024. We the first attempt at this was made as far back as 1962 but unless you have the correct policy and right conviction it can’t happen. PM Modi has the conviction that for Viksit Bharat we need electronics manufacturing. From TVs to power electronics, in everything we need semiconductors” the Minister had said.

On March 13, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stones for the three semiconductor facilities with financial implications of about Rs 1.25 lakh crore – 2 in Gujarat and 1 in Assam. Tata Group is setting up two of these three plants – one in each of the states.

The semiconductor industry in India is still in a nascent stage, with various local and multinational companies intending to tap its vast potential.

Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt Ltd (“TSAT”) will set up a semiconductor unit in Morigaon, Assam. With a capacity of producing 48 million chips per day, this facility is being built for Rs 27,000 crore. Segments that will be covered are automotive, electric vehicles, consumer electronics, telecom, and mobile phones.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who was present during the foundation stone ceremony, said that industries in India had never considered the northeast region for businesses during previous industrial revolutions.

The region which was neglected in the past was included in the technological revolution by Prime Minister Modi, Sarma had asserted.

Tata Group hopes that the commercial production of semiconductors chips at the two plants – in Gujarat and Assam – whose foundation stones were laid on Wednesday, would start in 2026. Chip shortages during Covid realised the importance of indigenous manufacturing to fill deficiency, for national security and galvanise indigenous innovation.

Meanwhile, American chip maker Micron’s high-end semiconductor fabrication plant at Gujarat’s Sanand, which is India’s first, is coming into reality at a rapid pace. It is expected to be operational in late 2024. (ANI)

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Russian President Vladimir Putin Ukraine

Modi Stresses Dialogue, Diplomacy For Ukraine Crisis Resolution With Putin

By LokMarg

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday and reiterated India’s stand on dialogue and diplomacy as a way for the resolution of the ongoing war against Ukraine, said an official release.

“The two leaders agreed to make concerted efforts towards further strengthening the Special & Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries in the years to come. They also reviewed progress in various issues of bilateral cooperation, and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest,” an official release said.

“While discussing the Russia-Ukraine conflict, PM reiterated India’s consistent position in favour of dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward. The two leaders agreed to remain in touch,” it added.

Meanwhile, Kremlin also shared details of President Putin’s conversation with PM Modi and said that the former informed the latter about the ongoing situation in the war-torn region of Ukraine.

President Putin also emphasised Ukraine’s refusal to take political and diplomatic steps to settle the conflict.

“The President of Russia gave his assessment of the current state of affairs in the zone of the special military operation. He emphasised Kiev’s categorical refusal to take political and diplomatic steps to settle the conflict,” the President of Russia said in a statement.

“In connection with the events of June 24, Narendra Modi expressed understanding and support of the resolute actions by the Russian leadership to protect law and order and ensure stability in the country and security of its people,” it added.

On June 24, 2023, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of the Wagner Group, led an armed rebellion against the Russian defense minister. The rebellion started in Rostov-on-Don, in southern Russia, and forces loyal to Prigozhin marched toward Moscow.

The rebellion was called off after Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko intervened. In a televised address on June 24, President of Russia Vladimir Putin denounced Wagner’s actions as treason and pledged to quell the rebellion.

Further in the conversation, both leaders discussed the bilateral cooperation between the two countries and expressed their satisfaction over the increase in trade.

“During the discussion of topical issues of bilateral cooperation, the leaders noted the importance of further consistent implementation of large-scale joint projects in different areas and voiced their satisfaction over a tangible increase in trade in 2022 and the first quarter of the current year,” Kremlin said.

“Special attention was paid to interaction in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the G20, in which India is holding the rotating presidency this year, and in the BRICS format. In addition, Narendra Modi told Vladimir Putin about his international contacts, including his recent visit to Washington,” it added.

The statement said further, “The conversation was substantive and constructive. The leaders confirmed their mutual desire to strengthen the Russia-India specially privileged strategic partnership and planned future contacts.”

Earlier in 2022, PM Modi’s advice to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the Ukraine war during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s summit in Uzbekistan’s Samarkand has grabbed the attention of leading international media organisations.

“Today’s era is not of war and I have spoken to you about it on the call. Today we will get the opportunity to talk about how we can progress on the path of peace. India and Russia have stayed together with each other for several decades,” PM Modi told Putin expressing his concerns about the impact of the war on food and energy security.

“We spoke several times on the phone about India-Russia bilateral relations and various issues. We should find ways to address the problems of food, fuel security and fertilizers. I want to thank Russia and Ukraine for helping us to evacuate our students from Ukraine,” he added.

International media praised PM Modi’s diplomatic acumen, who in a friendly tone pushed the concerns of the global community to its long-standing friend Russia.

American publication -CNN praised PM Modi’s hold on world politics and reported ” Indian leader Narendra Modi tells Putin: Now is not the time for war.” (ANI)

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