Month: June 2024

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were “attacking” the Constitution and said that such attacks are not acceptable by the Opposition INDIA bloc.

Opposition leaders, including Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, staged a protest in Parliament premises holding copies of the Constitution in their hands.

“The attack that the PM and Amit Shah are launching on the Constitution is not acceptable to us, we will not let this happen. So, we held the Constitution while taking the oath…Our message is going across, no power can touch the Constitution of India,” the Raebareli MP told reporters ahead of the beginning of the 18th Lok Sabha session today.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing mediapersons ahead of the commencement of the Parliament Session took an indirect jab at the Congress over the Emergency imposed in 1975, calling it a “blot” on democracy “when the Constitution was discarded”.

“Tomorrow is 25th June. 25th June marks 50 years of the blot that was put on the democracy of India. The new generation of India will never forget that the Constitution of India was completely rejected, every part of the Constitution was torn to pieces, the country was turned into a prison, and democracy was completely suppressed,” he said.

“While protecting our Constitution, while protecting the democracy of India and the democratic traditions, the countrymen will take a resolution that no one will dare to do such a thing in India again, which was done 50 years ago. We will take a resolution of a vibrant democracy. We will take a resolution to fulfil the dreams of the common people as per the directions of the Constitution of India,” PM Modi said

Amid the row over the appointment of Bhartruhari Mahtab as pro-tem speaker, INDIA bloc leaders on Monday carried out a protest holding copies of the Constitution inside the Parliament premises in the national capital.

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said, ” The ruling party hasn’t forgotten their haughtiness…we can see that they are ignoring the key subjects of the country…the whole Dalit community in India could witness a historic seen if K Suresh were appointed as Pro-tem Speaker…today, BJP has not just neglected Congress, INDIA alliance and K Suresh but the whole Dalit community…”

Akhilesh Yadav, Dimple Yadav, and all other MPs of Samajwadi Party arrived at the Parliament this morning, carrying a copy of the Constitution of India.

Trinamool Congress leaders Sudip Bandhopadhyay, Kalyan Banerjee, and Sougata Roy stated that the Modi government has violated the Constitution.

“We demand to protect the constitution of the country…Agreements happen between India and Bangladesh but they do not call the West Bengal government, and do everything one-sidedly…We have to protect it from the first day of this 18th Lok Sabha…” said TMC MP Sudip Bandhopadhyay.

“We are protesting because the provisions of the Constitution have been violated. The Constitution has been violated by the Narendra Modi government. The way the pro-tem speaker has been appointed is a clear violation of the Constitutional provision and clear violation of the earlier precedences…” said TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee. (ANI)

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As the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha commenced on Monday, various prominent leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, took oaths as Members of Parliament.

Union Ministers G. Kishan Reddy, Chirag Paswan, Kiren Rijiju, Nitin Gadkari, and Mansukh Mandaviya took oaths as members of the 18th Lok Sabha, amongst others.

Union Ministers Bhupender Yadav, Giriraj Singh, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, JD(U) MP Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh, BJP MP Piyush Goyal, and Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also took oaths as members of the 18th Lok Sabha.

Earlier, while addressing mediapersons outside the new Parliament building, PM Modi congratulated all the newly elected members and said that the new government will always strive to take everyone along and build consensus to serve the country.

“Today is a proud day in parliamentary democracy; it is a day of glory. For the first time since independence, this oath ceremony is taking place in our new Parliament. Till now, this process used to take place in the old house. On this important day, I heartily welcome all the newly elected MPs, congratulate them all, and wish them all the best,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister thanked the people of the country for their support and for giving him a mandate to lead the country for a third consecutive time.

“This formation of Parliament is to fulfil the resolutions of the common man of India. This is an opportunity to achieve new speed and new heights with new zeal and enthusiasm. The 18th Lok Sabha is starting today with the goal of building a developed India by 2047,” he said.

“It is a matter of pride for every Indian that the world’s biggest election was conducted in such a grand and glorious manner. More than 65 crore voters took part in the voting. If the citizens of our country have trusted a government for the third consecutive time, it means they have given their stamp of approval to the policies and intent of the government. I am grateful to each of you for your support and trust,” PM Modi said.

He further said that as the new session of the Lok Sabha begins today, they want to speed up decisions by taking everyone together and maintaining the sanctity of the Constitution.

“In the last 10 years, we have always tried to implement a tradition because we believe that a majority is required to run the government, but to run the country, a consensus is of utmost importance. So, it will be our constant efforts to serve Maa Bharti and fulfil the aspirations and ambitions of the 140 crore people, with everyone’s consent and by taking everyone together. We want to go ahead and speed up decisions by taking everyone together and by maintaining the sanctity of the Constitution,” the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister concluded his address by stating that the country hopes and expects the opposition to maintain the dignity of democracy, adding that the people want substance, not slogans.

“The country hopes and expects the opposition to maintain the dignity of our democracy. In a parliamentary session, people expect their representatives to debate and discuss issues that are important to the country. They don’t expect disturbances or hindrances in the parliamentary proceedings. People want substance, not slogans. The country needs a strong and responsible opposition. I am certain that in the 18th Lok Sabha, we will together rise to the expectations of our country, he said. (ANI)

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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on the occasion of the 12th Passport Seva Divas emphasised that the ministry has rendered 1.65 crore passport-related services to Indian citizens in 2023 and over 14 lakh visa applications were submitted monthly.

Extending his greetings to all passport authorities in India and abroad, Jaishankar said that the Ministry of External Affairs, along with the Central Passport Organisation, has been marking this occasion and renewing our commitment to provide passport and related services to citizens of India in a timely, reliable, accessible, transparent and efficient manner.

“It gives me great pleasure to join all our passport-issuing authorities in India and abroad on the occasion of the 12th Passport Seva Divas,” he said in a post on X.

EAM further noted that the year 2023 witnessed a commendable annual growth of nearly 15 per cent in passports and other related services.

“I am happy to note that in 2023, the Ministry rendered 1.65 Crore passport-related services to our citizens. The year 2023 noticed a commendable annual growth of nearly 15 per cent in passport and other related services. The monthly submission of applications crossed 14 Lakh mark in 2023,” he said.

He also committed to delivering the next level of citizen experience by leveraging the power of the latest technologies.

“As we commemorate the Passport Seva Divas today, we continue our commitment to deliver the next level of citizen experience by leveraging the power of the latest technologies combined with a dynamic and motivated workforce,” he said in his post.

Jaishankar added that the ministry has so far operationalized 440 Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSKs) to reach out to our citizens at their doorsteps.

Together with the existing 93 Passport Seva Kendras, there are now a total of 533 Passport Processing Kendras and 37 Regional Passport Offices (RPOs) in India, Jaishankar mentioned.

“For providing a similar service delivery experience to our citizens abroad, the Ministry has successfully integrated the passport issuance systems in 187 of our Missions/Posts abroad,” he added.

Moreover, the ministry is continuously working with States/UTS police to reduce the time taken for police verification to further improve the passport delivery ecosystem.

The mPassport Police App has been initiated at 25 states and UTs, covering 9000 Police Stations. The Paspsort Seva System has also been successfully integrated with the DigiLocker system to facilitate paperless documentation process.

“Our Government is committed in ensuring that Passports serve as crucial travel documents that significantly impact a country’s development by way of facilitating international trade and investment, boosting tourism, enhancing global mobility, education and skills development, diplomatic relations, security and regulation, legal identity and for crisis management such as evacuation and assistance,” Jaishankar stated.

Emphasising that toda, there is widespread recognition in the country and abroad that the passport delivery program is one of the services of the government, he said that it has improved significantly, and is very much appreciated by the average citizen as a model of efficient service delivery.

“I congratulate today both Team MEA and Team CPO in this regard. I am sure they will continue to meet the expectations of the citizens. I wish success to all stakeholders in this Project. Happy Passport Seva Divas!,” Jaishankar stated. (ANI)

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As Delhi Water Minister Atishi’s indefinite hunger strike entered its fourth day, she said it would continue until 28 lakh Delhiites got water.

Delhi Water Minister Atishi said, “The Haryana government has been giving 100 MGD less water to Delhi for the last 3 weeks. And until 28 lakh Delhiites get water, my indefinite fast will continue.”

She stated that for the last three weeks, Haryana has reduced the supply of water to Delhi.

She said, “Today is the fourth day of my indefinite fast. I am on a fast because there is a huge shortage of water in Delhi. Delhi does not have its own water. All the water comes from neighbouring states. For the last 3 weeks, Haryana has reduced the supply of water to Delhiites.”

She said that 100 MGD water means 46 crore litres of water and these 46 crore litres of water are used by 28 lakh Delhiites every day.

She added that she would continue with her fast no matter how bad her health was till the time the Haryana government provided water for 28 lakh Delhiites.

“Yesterday, the doctor came and examined me. He said that my BP is getting low, my sugar is getting low, I am losing weight. He also said that the ketone level has increased a lot. The doctor advised that it is not good for the ketone level to increase so much. It can damage the body, it can harm health. But no matter how bad my health is, no matter how much pain my body is in, my resolve to do this fast is strong,” she added. (ANI)

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Seven-time MP Bhartruhari Mahtab was on Monday sworn in as the pro-tem Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha.

The oath was administered by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The swearing-in ceremony marked the commencement of the 18th Lok Sabha’s first session, which will begin with the oath-taking of the new MPs. (ANI)

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In a show of strength and unity, all MPs from the Opposition INDIA bloc are expected to enter the Lok Sabha together on the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha, which will begin on Monday, sources said.

According to sources, the opposition leaders will assemble where the statue of Mahatma Gandhi was placed earlier. They are also likely to carry a copy of the Constitution with them.

The Congress MPs will also gather at the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) office in Parliament House this morning.

The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha, which will begin today, will witness the oath-taking ceremony of newly-elected Members of Parliament, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A “Swagatam” cutout has also been placed at the Parliament Makar Dwar to welcome the newly elected MPs.

The first session is expected to be stormy with the opposition likely to corner the BJP-led NDA government on the election of the Speaker, discussions regarding allegations of paper leaks in NEET-UG and UGC-NET, and row over the appointment of the pro-tem Speaker.

President Droupadi Murmu will administer the oath to Bharatiya Janata Party lawmaker Bhartruhari Mahtab as the pro-tem Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Mahtab will then call upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Leader of the Lok Sabha, to take oath as member of the House.

On June 26, the Lok Sabha Speaker will be elected. On June 27, President Murmu is scheduled to address the joint sitting of both houses of Parliament.

This is the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha post the general elections, which saw the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) securing 293 seats and the INDIA bloc wining 234 with the Congress holding 99 of them.

BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, who has been appointed as the pro-tem Speaker, will administer the oath to newly elected members and oversee the proceedings of the House.

The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha will be held from June 24 and conclude on July 3 for oath/affirmation of newly elected Members. The 264th Session of Rajya Sabha will also commence on June 27 and conclude on July 3.

Meanwhile, the newly elected Congress MPs meeting is called at 10 am at the CPP office in Parliament today.

Moreover, the Samajwadi Party Parliamentary meeting chaired by party ‘s national president Akhilesh Yadav will also be held today in the national capital.

The last session of the 17th Lok Sabha (Budget session) was held between January 31 and February 10, this year. (ANI)

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Star couple Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal are tying the knot today. Sonakshi’s father and veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha was snapped at Bandra in Mumbai.

In the video, he can be seen responding to the paparazzi with a smile as they congratulated him and his wife Poonam Sinha on their daughter’s marriage.

As the media surrounded his car and congratulated him, Shatrughan Sinha replied with a smile, “Thank you”. He looked graceful in a black kurta and a blue embroidered stole.

Poonam Sinha also thanked the media people after receiving congratulatory wishes from them.

A few days ago, Shatrughan Sinha was seen posing with Zaheer. Both, Zaheer and Shatrughan Sinha were seen smiling as they posed for the camera. Sonakshi was also seen in a white coloured outfit.

Just a couple of days ago, the actors enjoyed bachelor and bachelorette parties with their close friends. Sonakshi had shared glimpses from a party hosted by her friends. One of the images shows Sonakshi posing with her close friend and actor Huma Qureshi.

On Thursday night, groom-to-be Zaheer was photographed with Sonakshi’s father and film veteran Shatrughan Sinha in Bandra, Mumbai. The veteran actor and Zaheer happily posed together for the paparazzi stationed at the venue.

Earlier, an audio invite of Sonakshi and Zaheer went viral. In the leaked invite, the duo reportedly confirmed the news of their marriage by saying that they are ready to arrive at ‘the moment’ which would turn them into each other’s ‘definite and official husband and wife.

‘The digital invitation is styled like a magazine cover with a headline.

The invitation featured a photo of Zaheer and Sonakshi in a snow-covered setting, with Zaheer planting a kiss on Sonakshi’s cheek.

However, Sonakshi and Zaheer have been tight-lipped about their relationship since their dating rumours surfaced.

Sonakshi and Zaheer starred in the 2022 film Double XL. While they have not publicly opened up about their love story, they have been seen sharing adorable photos with each other on social media. (ANI)

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Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal has moved the Supreme Court against the Delhi High Court’s stay on his bail in connection with the case on the alleged excise policy scam.

A statement by AAP said that the Delhi CM filed a petition in the apex court regarding the stay on its chief’s bail.

It further said that CM Kejriwal’s lawyers have appealed for a hearing of the petition tomorrow morning.

On June 20, Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court granted regular bail to the AAP chief despite the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) opposing the bail plea.

However, on June 21, the ED challenged the trial court order at the Delhi High Court, citing that the regular bail was passed without granting adequate “opportunity” of a hearing to the probe agency.

Following ED’s petition, the Delhi HC stayed the trial court order granting bail to CM Kejriwal.

“Till pronouncement, the operation of the impugned order shall remain stayed,” the Delhi HC as it put an interim stay on the trial court order.

Earlier on May 10, the Supreme Court granted interim bail to the Delhi CM for him to participate in electioneering during the Lok Sabha polls and asked him to surrender on June 2. He was asked not to visit the Office of the Chief Minister or the Delhi Secretariat.

Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 in connection with a money laundering case relating to alleged irregularities in the now-cancelled Delhi excise policy 2021-22. (ANI)

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Excitement and anticipation are reaching a fever pitch in Mumbai’s Bandra as Bollywood actors Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal are all set to exchange marital vows today.

The duo were seen arriving at a mosque in Bandra.

Earlier in the day, Sonakshi’s mother Poonam Sinha was also spotted leaving her residence seemingly heading for the festivities in a white embellished traditional attire.

Recently, the ‘Heeramandi’ actor was spotted attending a puja ceremony with her mother, Poonam Sinha, dressed in a stunning blue co-ord set that accentuated her pre-bridal glow.

The Sinha residence, fondly known as ‘Ramayana,’ has been adorned with twinkling lights, setting a magical atmosphere fitting for the celebrations.

Close friends and family have been partaking in the festivities, adding to the joyous atmosphere.

Actress Huma Qureshi and her brother, Saqib Saleem, joined the pre-wedding functions at Sonakshi’s home.

A photo believed to be from the couple’s mehendi ceremony has taken social media by storm. The picture shows Sonakshi and Zaheer, dressed in traditional red attire, sharing smiles with loved ones.

Just days before the wedding, Sonakshi and Zaheer celebrated with their closest friends. Sonakshi shared glimpses of her party on social media, featuring a picture with her dear friend Huma Qureshi.

Zaheer was also seen enjoying quality time with Sonakshi’s father, veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha.

Adding fuel to the wedding fire, an audio invitation featuring Sonakshi and Zaheer has gone viral.

The couple reportedly confirms their impending nuptials, expressing their excitement for the moment that will make them “each other’s definite and official husband and wife.”

Despite the swirling rumours and leaked invites, Sonakshi and Zaheer have remained tight-lipped about their relationship.

Though they co-starred in the 2022 film ‘Double XL’ and share friendly social media posts, they haven’t publicly acknowledged their love story.

With the wedding just around the corner, all eyes are on Sonakshi and Zaheer as they embark on their happily-ever-after! (ANI)

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Veteran actor Asha Parekh shared a photo with her friends forever Waheeda Rehman and Helen from their vacation diaries in Srinagar.

On Saturday, Asha Parekh took to her Instagram handle and treated fans with a new glimpse of her Srinagar vacation.

The image captures Bollywood divas Asha Parekh, Waheeda Rehman, and Helen posing together in a houseboat at Srinagar.

“Enjoying the houseboat in Srinagar. #FriendsForEver #FriendsLikeFamily #Holiday #FunTime #BeautifulKashmir #Nostalgia #MakingMemories,” she captioned the post.

As soon as the picture was shared, fans chimed in the comment section.

One of the users wrote, “Wow 3 Amazing Super Queens Legends never Dies..They Shine Forever.”

Another user commented, “Vintage queens.”

Few days ago, ‘Kati Patang’ dropped a picture from her lunch date with Waheeda Rehman, and Helen.

Sharing the photo, she wrote, “With my dear friends #Helenji & #Waheedaji in Srinagar.”

Asha Parekh is a renowned film actress, director, producer, and accomplished Indian classical dancer. Starting her career as a child actor she made her debut as a lead heroine in Dil Deke Dekho and has gone on to act in over 95 movies. She has acted in celebrated films like Kati Patang, Teesri Manzil, Love in Tokyo, Aya Saawan Jhoom Ke, Aan Milo Sajna, and Mera Gaon Mera Desh.

Waheeda Rehman made her acting debut with the Telugu film ‘Rojulu Marayi’ in 1955′.However, she gained popularity with Guru Dutt’s films including ‘Pyaasa’, ‘Kaagaz Ke Phool’, ‘Chaudhvin Ka Chand’, and ‘Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam’.

She is also known for her outstanding performances in cult hits such as ‘Guide’, ‘Neel Kamal’, ‘Ram Aur Shyam’, ‘Reshma Aur Shera’, among others.

In 2023, she was conferred with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award for her stellar contribution to Indian cinema. (ANI)

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