Country Wants Change: Kharge As CWC Deliberates Manifesto

The Congress working committee, met on Tuesday and ‘deliberated’ thoroughly on the party’s manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, dates for which were announced on Saturday.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chiefs Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and other congress leaders were present at the meeting.

The meeting was held at AICC headquarters in Delhi.

Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram, who headed the manifesto committee, said earlier the draft report will be presented to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and will be discussed by the Congress Working Committee.

Welcoming the members, Kharge said a committee had been set up under the chairmanship of Chidambaram Ji to prepare the draft Manifesto.

The Committee successfully ensured public participation in this exercise, rather than merely confining it to an academic one. It held extensive consultations in different parts of the country and submitted a draft to me on March 6th, 2024, Kharge said.

He said that suggestions and comments were also solicited through an online website which was rightly called “Awaaz Bharat Ki”.

“Whatever has been promised in Manifesto, will be strictly implemented. Before making promises in the Manifesto, in-depth deliberation has been made to ensure that these promises are implementable,” he said.

He said it is because of this very fact that right from 1926, the Congress Party’s Manifesto has been regarded as a “document of trust and commitment”.

Kharge recalled after independence, the Congress party’s first manifesto was released under the leadership of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru which was famously called “What Congress stands for”.

Speaking on the recently concluded Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, he said, “Mumbai is an important place for us because our party was formed here. The freedom movement got its final fillip with the Quit India movement in 1942”.

“These were not just political Yatras but will be noted as the largest mass contact movement in our political history. One can’t undermine the fact that nobody in our times has undertaken such a massive exercise. Both these Yatras managed to take the issue of the people to the national centre stage,” Kharge said.

“During the Yatra, both me and Rahul Ji addressed several public rallies in which we spoke of our guarantees and commitments under the Five pillars of the Yatra – Kisan Nyay, Yuva Nyay, Naari Nyay, Shramik Nyay and Hissedari nyay,” he said.

The Congress leader said that over the last two months, a total of 25 Guarantees – 5 guarantees each for the 5 Nyays were announced.

Hailing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi he said, “Rahul Ji has done his maximum through the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra as far as these guarantees are concerned. But in the coming days, we must spell out what our priorities, policies and programmes are going to be for the next 5 years”

“I am sure by now you would have all been made aware of these promises. Most of them are derived from the draft Manifesto itself,” he said while addressing the CWC members.

I will request Chidambaram Ji to give us a detailed overview of the draft Manifesto, he said.

“After his presentation, we would have a brief discussion amongst ourselves. We will finalise the Manifesto based on your comments and thereafter, have it released. I would also request Rahul Ji to make his intervention during the discussion,” the Congress chief said.

” The country is fervently demanding a change. The guarantees currently being touted by the present government would have the same fate as that of the “India Shining” slogan of 2004,” he said.

“All of us have a responsibility to ensure that our Manifesto gets the widest publicity in different states and that our commitment is taken to every household across the country and people at large,” the Congress chief said.

In a post on X, Kharge said, ” The Congress Working Committee (CWC) deliberated thoroughly on the Congress Manifesto, today.”

His post added, “The country is fervently demanding a change”. Lok sabha Elections 2024 would be held in seven phases starting on April 19 and ending on June 1. The results will be declared on June 4. (ANI)

Holy Buddha Relics

Holy Relics Of Lord Buddha To Return To India Today

The most sacred Holy Buddha Relics and those of his two main disciples, Arahant Sariputta and Maha Moggallana, that travelled for a month from India to Thailand, will return to India today amidst full State honours. The exposition of the Holy relics drew over four million devotees to Thailand informed the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).

The relics will arrive at Air Force Station Palam, Technical Area (at Palam) on March 19. Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi will receive the relics in a humble ceremony marking their return home, the IBC release said.

On the return journey of the relics, a delegation led by Tashi Gyalson, Chairman LAHDC and a number of monks from the Theravada and Mahayana traditions are accompanying the relics.

The exposition in Thailand drew a phenomenal response. Scenes of winding queues of devotees waiting with offerings since the early hours of the day became a familiar sight as the Holy Relics procession arrived in one city after another, in Thailand, the release also said.

The revered relics’ exposition, organised by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), travelled to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani and Krabi provinces, starting from New Delhi on February 22 and culminating on March 19.

The inauguration of the prayers took place at the central exhibition park of the city and was performed with full grandeur by Vajiralongkorn, the King of Thailand and his Queen, a release said.

The exposition, titled ‘Shared Heritage, Shared Values’, was also marking the commemoration with respect and honour of the 72nd birthday of the King that falls on July 28.

The relics arrived in Bangkok on February 22, accompanied by an official delegation led by Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar.

Monks from India attended the relics at each of the four locations, along with academicians from different Indian universities who spoke on the relevance of the relics and issues connected with Buddhism, the IBC said in its release. (ANI)

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US State Department Special Representative

US Special Representative For Afghanistan To Travel To India This Week

US State Department Special Representative for Afghanistan, Thomas West, will travel to India and the UAE this week.

His visit aims to meet US partner countries’ officials on collaboration in support of the Afghan people.

“I will travel to India and UAE this week to meet with partners on our collaboration in support of the Afghan people,” said West in a post on X.

Notably, the announcement of his visit comes a day after Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Khost and Paktia provinces of Afghanistan, which claimed the lives of eight people, including children and women.

According to local sources, the clashes began at 7 am (local time) on Monday. Residents of Dand Patan had evacuated their homes after the rocket fire from Pakistan. The clashes erupted between the armed forces of the Taliban and Pakistan after Pakistani air forces conducted airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Khost and Paktika provinces.

Taliban asserted that such airstrikes are a clear violation of Afghanistan’s territory, Afghanistan-based TOLO News reported.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office said that Islamabad carried out “intelligence-based anti-terrorist operations” inside the border regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan-based Dawn reported. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office press release, the prime targets of the operation carried out on Monday were terrorists belonging to the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group.

It said that Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group along with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), was responsible for multiple terrorist attacks inside Pakistan, resulting in “deaths of hundreds of civilians and law enforcement officials”, according to Dawn report.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office said that the latest attack of such an instance took place at a security post in North Waziristan’s Mir Ali on Saturday, which claimed the lives of seven Pakistani soldiers.

In response to Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan, the Taliban’s forces have targeted Pakistan’s military posts along the Durand Line with heavy weapons, the Afghanistan-based Khaama Press reported, citing the Taliban-led Ministry of Defence.

In a press release, the Taliban-led Ministry of Defence stated, “In response to this aggression, the border forces of Taliban targeted Pakistani military centres along the fabricated border line with heavy weapons.”

It further said that Afghanistan’s “defence and security forces are ready to respond to any aggressive actions and will defend their territorial integrity under all circumstances.”Armed clashes had erupted between Taliban forces and Pakistani border guards along the Durand Line, Khaama Press reported citing sources.

According to the Taliban-led Ministry of Defence, Pakistani fighter jets “once again entered Afghan territory in a provocative action… and bombed civilian homes in Bermel district of Paktika province and Sepera district of Khost province,” Khaama Press reported.

Earlier today, during a White House briefing, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre urged the Taliban to ensure that terror attacks are not launched from Afghan soil.

While addressing a press briefing on Monday (local time), Karine Jean-Pierre said that the US remains committed to ensuring that Afghanistan never again becomes a safe haven for terrorists who wish to harm the United States and its partners and allies. (ANI)

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counter-terror operations Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)

MHA Bans On Both Factions Of Muslim Conference J&K

Central Government on Monday issued a Gazette notification regarding formation of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal to adjudicate whether or not there is sufficient cause for declaring the Muslim Conference Jammu and Kashmir (Bhat faction) (MCJK-B) and Muslim Conference Jammu and Kashmir (Sumji faction) (MCJK-S) has as an unlawful association.

The notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs reads that Central Government constitutes the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal consisting of Justice Neena Bansal Krishna, Judge, High Court of Delhi, to adjudicate whether or not there is sufficient cause for declaring the Muslim Conference Jammu and Kashmir (Bhat faction) (MCJK-B) and Muslim Conference Jammu and Kashmir (Sumji faction) (MCJK-S) has as an unlawful association.

On February 28, MHA declared the Muslim Conference Jammu and Kashmir (Sumji faction) and Muslim Conference Jammu & Kashmir (Bhat faction) as unlawful associations for five years.

The move came after the MHA found that these outfits have been engaging in activities against the sovereignty and integrity of the nation.

As per the notification, the Muslim Conference Jammu and Kashmir (Sumji faction), chaired by Ghulam Nabi Sumji, is known for its anti-India and pro-Pakistan propaganda.

It also mentioned that the Muslim Conference Jammu and Kashmir (Bhat faction), or MCJK-S, chaired by Abdul Ghani Bhat, has been indulging in unlawful activities that are prejudicial to the integrity, sovereignty, and security of the country. (ANI)

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National Democractic Alliance Bihar

NDA Decides Seat-Sharing For 40 LS Seats In Bihar

The ruling National Democractic Alliance has reached 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.

“The NDA alliance will fight the polls collectively. We will put our full force on all 40 seats in the state. We will win on all the 40 seats. It is my belief,” he said.

The BJP has got one seat more than the JD-U, according to the seat arrangement.

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.

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.

The Election Commission on Saturday announced the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The polling will be conducted in seven phases across the nation from April 19 to June 1. Votes will be counted on June 4. (ANI)

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Sara Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor

BFFs Sara, Janhvi Sweat It Out In Gym

Workout buddies Sara Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor have posted a cool video of them burning calories in the gym.

Taking to her Instagram stories, Sara, on Monday, shared the video featuring her intense workout session with close friend Janhvi. Both were seen radiating a cool vibe in their athletic attire as they were guided by instructor Namrata Purohit.

A fan later reposted the ‘Murder Mubarak’ star’s workout video expressing admiration for the duo’s dedication to fitness.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Sara’s latest movie, ‘Murder Mubarak,’ directed by Homi Adajania, hit Netflix on March 15. Pankaj Tripathi, Karisma Kapoor, Sanjay Kapoor and Tisca Chopra are also a part of the film.

Sara will be next seen in the patriotic film ‘Ae Watan Mere Watan,’ set in pre-independence India. Essaying the role of freedom fighter Usha Mehta, her character plays a crucial role in India’s fight for independence from the British. Directed by Kannan Iyer, the movie also features Emraan Hashmi, Anand Tiwari, and others, premiering on Prime Video on March 21.

On the other hand, Janhvi Kapoor was last seen in the 2023 romantic drama ‘Bawaal,’ directed by Nitesh Tiwari and co-starring Varun Dhawan. Her upcoming projects include pairing with Rajkummar Rao in ‘Mr. and Mrs. Mahi.’ She will also be seen in the Pan-India film ‘Devara’ which also stars Saif Ali Khan and NTR Jr in the lead roles. (ANI)

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WB DGP

EC Orders Removal Of WB DGP

Ahead of the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday issued orders for the removal of West Bengal’s Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Iqbal Chahal along with some other senior officials from various states.

The ECI has also ordered the removal of certain key officials of six states in what it termed a decisive move towards upholding the principles of free, fair and transparent elections.

Home Secretaries in six states-namely Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have been asked to step down. Additionally, the secretaries of the General Administrative Department in Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh have been removed.

The DGP had been in the spotlight after the BJP and other opposition parties criticised the Bengal police for alleged inaction in giving justice to the victims of Sandeshkhali.

The Sandeshkhali area had been witnessing unrest after women protestors sought justice against alleged atrocities committed by Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his aides.

Meanwhile, the Election commission also directed all the State governments to transfer officers connected with election-related work, who have completed three years or are in their home districts.

Maharashtra had not complied with the directions in respect of few Municipal Commissioners and some Additional / Deputy Municipal Commissioners.

While conveying displeasure to the Chief Secretary, the Commission directed the transfer of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner and the additional / Deputy commissioners with the direction to report by 6pm today.

The Chief Secretary was further directed to transfer all the similarly placed Municipal commissioners and Additional / Deputy Municipal Commissioners of other Corporations in Maharashtra.

This step comes as part of the Commission’s resolve and commitment to maintaining a level playing field and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process, which has been emphasised by CEC Rajiv Kumar time and again and recently during the press conference for the announcement of Schedule for General Elections 2024.

The Commission meeting, chaired by Rajiv Kumar, comprising of Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu was held today at noon.

The officials who have been removed in these seven states were found to be holding dual charges in the office of Chief Minister in respective states which may potentially compromise or be seen to be compromising the impartiality and neutrality required during the electoral process, especially in matters relating to law and order, deployment of forces, etc.

Through these measures, the Commission says it has ensured that all stakeholders uphold the highest standards of integrity and impartiality, thereby safeguarding the level playing field in the entire electoral process. (ANI)

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INDIA 'Shakti' remark Rahul

Shakti Worshippers Will Give Befitting Reply To Cong, INDI Alliance: Modi

Criticising Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his ‘Shakti’ remark, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the Congress and INDIA bloc has challenged the concept of ‘Shakti’ adding that every woman and Shakti worshippers in the country, will teach the opposition alliance a lesson on June 4 (counting day of Lok Sabha polls).

Rahul Gandhi earlier had said that “there is a word ‘Shakti’ in Hinduism. We are fighting against a Shakti”.

Addressing a public meeting in Shivamogga, Prime Minister Modi said, “Yesterday an announcement to destroy Shakti was made from Shivaji Park (in Mumbai). How much it must have hurt the soul of Balasaheb Thackeray. Nari Shakti ka yahi aashirvad mera sabse bada kawach hai (Blessings of Nari Shaki is my biggest security shield). No other government has given so much focus to Nari Shakti since Independence.”

He further stated that an attack on ‘Shakti’ means an attack on daughters and women in the country.

“The people of the INDI alliance want to destroy this Shakti. They hate the increasing shakti of Maa Bharti. An attack on Shakti means an attack on women, daughters, Maa Bharti. INDI alliance and Congress has challenged this Shakti, our daughters, and women of this country will give them a befitting reply on June 4,” he said.

Rahul Gandhi, in his comments made on Sunday in Maharashtra, raised concerns about the operation of EVMs to emphasize the opposition’s struggle against the might of the state.

“There is a word ‘Shakti’ (might) in Hinduism. We are fighting against a Shakti (might of the state). The question is, what is that, Shakti and what does it entail for us? The soul and integrity of EVMs have been traded to the King (Modi). This is a fact. Not just EVMs but every autonomous institution of the country, be it the ED, CBI or Income Tax Department, have traded their spines to the Centre,” Rahul said in an address in Mumbai.

After Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Shakti’ remark sparked outrage, with BJP leaders criticising him for his statement, the Congress has come in support of Rahul Gandhi.

On Monday, Congress leader Pawan Khera launched an indirect attack on the ruling BJP, saying that now this country will not be run by “demonic power” but by “divine power”.

In a post on X, Khera, lashing out at the BJP, said “women were being made to run naked in Manipur, which power was keeping you silent?”

“Ten years ago, when your party was organizing morchas in favour of rapists in Kathua, Unnao, and Hathras, did you not remember the worship of Shakti? When the female wrestler was on the road and Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was inside your house, which power were they worshipping? This election will be between divine power and demonic power and the victory will be of divine power,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi also appealed to the voters to wipe out Congress from Karnataka.

“In these Lok Sabha elections, wipe out Congress completely. You have to come out with this resolution on April 26 and May 7,” he said.

Taking a further dig at the Congress, PM Modi said that “the Congress is a party that will go to any extent to gain power”.

“The British have left, but the Congress has not left the British mentality of divide and rule. Congress first divided the country, divided based on caste, based on community, and divided people on the basis of religion, region and language. To gain power, Congress also divided the country, but still, Congress, with its divisive mentality, is not satisfied with this. Congress has again started playing the dangerous game of dividing the country,” he said.

Referring to Congress leader DK Suresh’s remarks on “separate country for South India”, Prime Minister Modi said, “Now they have also started speaking openly about their intention. Congress MP from Karnataka has given a statement about dividing the country once again. Instead of throwing such an MP out of the party, the Congress party is protecting him. Karnataka will never allow such politics and such conspiracies to succeed.”

However, DK Suresh later issued a clarification, stating that his remarks were just to “bring attention to the discrimination being done in the southern states by the BJP-led Centre”. (ANI)

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Nick Jonas Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka, Malti Marie Receive Grand Welcome From Desi Fans

Singer Nick Jonas was spotted at the Mumbai airport in the early hours of Monday.

He made a stylish entry in an all-white look at the airport. He sported 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.

Nick arrived in India a few days after his wife and actress Priyanka Chopra and their daughter Malti Marie touched down in the country.

Priyanka has been in India for her work commitments.

She recently 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.

She also made heads turn with her presence at Bvlgari 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 really 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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Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma

Virat Dons A Cool Dad T-Shirt

Star batter Virat Kohli is back in India after welcoming his son Akaay in London.

On Sunday night, he was spotted at the Mumbai airport as he had to catch a flight to Bangalore to join his team for the upcoming match of IPL 2024.

Mumbai-based paps who were stationed outside the airport captured Kohli and in no time, his images went viral. What caught everyone’s attention was Kohli’s cool outfit.

He was seen donning his cool white T-shirt, which featured a huge illustration of a cute cartoon character and had the word ‘Dad’ written on it.

After missing out on India’s 4-1 series win against England, Kohli will return to the field of cricket in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League featuring the Royal Challengers Bangalore. RCB will play their first game against defending champions Chennai Super Kings in the season opener at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

On the personal front, Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma became parents to their second child on February 15, 2024.

Announcing the arrival of the little one, Anushka and Kohli in a social media post wrote, “With abundant happiness and our hearts full of love, we are pleased to inform everyone that on 15th February, we welcomed our baby boy Akaay/akaay & Vamika’s little brother into this world. We seek your blessings and good wishes in this beautiful time in our lives. We request you to kindly respect our privacy at this time. Love & Gratitude. Virat & Anushka.”

Kohli and Anushka tied the knot on December 11, 2017 in Italy. The duo was blessed with their first child Vamika on January 11, 2021. (ANI)

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