Month: June 2024

Four firefighters lost their lives and four others sustained serious injuries while battling a fierce blaze in the Binsar forest, Almora district of Uttarakhand, said forest officials.

The injured were swiftly transported to the base hospital for urgent medical attention.

Manoj Sanwal, Ranger of the Forest Department, said that due to the strong wind, the devastating incident took place.

“Today at 3 o’clock, on receiving the information about the fire in Binsar, a team of eight people went to the spot, and due to the strong wind, the fire took a terrible form due to which 4 people died on the spot and 4 people are seriously injured, who have been referred to the base hospital,” Sanwal said.

Further details are awaited. (ANI)

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Shimla recorded the highest temperature of the season, 30.6 degrees Celsius for the month of shimla weather in june on Thursday.

Surender Paul, head of IMD Himachal Pradesh, said that the heatwave condition would continue till June 17.

Surender Paul said, “This is the highest temperature recorded for this season for the month of June. An alert has been given for heat wave conditions in Mandi, Una and Sirmaur districts of the state. It is also expected that during the next 48 hours in the state, in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Sirmaur, and Solan, there will be heatwave conditions.”

He further said that the heatwave conditions would continue for three days.

“The shimla temperature in june have increased by 5 to 6 degrees Celsius and the heatwave conditions will continue for three days. After 17, there would be some changes in the weather conditions. After 18, the premonsoon showers are expected,” he further said.

He further said that pre-monsoon showers will begin on June 18.

“The monsoon has advanced in Maharashtra, Chhatisgarh and Odissa so far, the speed is normal and on the 18th, the pre-monsoon showers will begin and by the 4th week of the month, the monsoon is expected to approach the state. Today a meeting was held with the state government and we have informed about the monsoon forecast,” he added. (ANI)

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Actors Ajay Devgn and Tabu are back with a new film ‘Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha’.

On Thursday, the makers unveiled the trailer of the film and it showcases beautiful chemistry between Ajay and Tabu. The film also stars Shantanu Maheshwari and Saiee Manjrekar.

The trailer started with a voiceover by Ajay Devgn, who is convinced that no one can separate him from the love of his life (Tabu). However, destiny had different plans. The video then showed visuals of Ajay sitting in a prison. The trailer also saw Shantanu Maheshwari essaying the role of a young Ajay Devgn romancing the character of Tabu.

Jimmy Sheirgill is also a part of the film.

The film promises to be a unique musical love story with an epic romantic drama spanning across 20 years, set between 2002 and 2023.

The original soundtrack of the film has been created by the Oscar winning composer MM Kreem. Lyrics are by Manoj Muntashir.NH Studioz presents, A Friday Filmworks Production, Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha is produced by Narendra Hirawat, Kumar Mangat Pathak (Panorama Studios), Sangeeta Ahir & Shital Bhatia.

The film is set for a theatrical release on July 5, 2024. (ANI)

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National Security Advisor Ajit Doval will continue in his present role in the Narendra Modi-led NDA government which was sworn in on June 9.

The Appointment Committee of Cabinet on Wednesday approved the appointment of Ajit Doval as the National Security Advisor with effect from June 10, 2024.

Doval, who became NSA for the first time in May 2014 soon after PM Modi assumed office in his first term, continued in the role in the previous BJP-led NDA government.

A 1968 batch IPS officer, Doval is a renowned counter-terrorism expert and an expert on nuclear issues. Doval has served in Punjab as IB’s operational chief.

“The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Shri Ajit Doval, lPS (Retired) as National Security Adviser with effect from 10.06.2024. His appointment will be co-terminus with the term of the Prime Minister or until further orders, whichever is earlier. During the term of his office, he will be assigned the rank of Cabinet Minister in the Table of Precedence,” the notice stated.

Narendra Modi took oath as Prime Minister of the country for the third consecutive term.

The appointments committee of the cabinet also re-appointed PK Mishra as the Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Dr PK Mishra, IAS (Retired) as Principal Secretary to Prime Minister with effect from 10.06.2024. His appointment will be co-terminus with the term of the Prime Minister or until further orders whichever is earlier,” the Government of India stated in a letter.

The Cabinet has also approved the appointment of Amit Khare, lAS (Retired) (JH:1985), and Tarun Kapoor, lAS (Retired) (HP:1987) as the following officers as Advisors to Prime Minister Modi.

“The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of the following officers as Advisors to the PM, in the Prime Minister’s Office, in the rank and scale of Secretary to Government of India, for a period of two years with effect from 10.06.2024 or until further orders whichever is earlier, on a contract basis as per usual terms and conditions as are applicable: Amit Khare, lAS (Retired) (JH:1985) and Tarun Kapoor, lAS (Retired) (HP:1987),” it stated.

(ANI)

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In response to the recent joint statement between China and Pakistan, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a firm rejection of unwarranted references to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The statement, made by the Official Spokesperson of MEA, Randhir Jaiswal, emphasises India’s steadfast position on the issue, asserting that Jammu and Kashmir, along with Ladakh, are integral and inalienable parts of India.

The MEA’s statement firmly states that no other country possesses the authority to comment on the status of Jammu and Kashmir.

“We have noted unwarranted references to the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir in the joint statement between China and Pakistan of 07 June 2024. We categorically reject such references. Our position on the issue is consistent and well-known to the concerned parties. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh have been, are and will always remain integral and inalienable parts of India. No other country has the locus standi to comment on the same,” said MEA Official Spokesperson in response to media queries on references to Jammu and Kashmir in the China-Pakistan Joint Statement.

Furthermore, India has strongly opposed references to the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), particularly concerning projects located in territories under Pakistan’s illegal occupation. The MEA reaffirms India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, denouncing any attempts to legitimise Pakistan’s unlawful occupation.

“The same joint statement also mentions activities and projects under the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), some of which are in India’s sovereign territory under forcible and illegal occupation by Pakistan. We resolutely oppose and reject any moves by other countries to reinforce or legitimise Pakistan’s illegal occupation of these territories, impinging on India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” his statement adds.

The joint statement was issued at the conclusion of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s four-day trip to China. Pakistan briefed the Chinese side on developments in Jammu and Kashmir, advocating for its resolution in accordance with international frameworks.

“Both sides underscore the importance of maintaining peace and stability in South Asia, the need for resolution of all outstanding disputes, and their opposition to any unilateral action,” the joint statement read.

“The Pakistani side briefed the Chinese side on the latest developments of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The Chinese side reiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is left over from history, and should be properly and peacefully resolved in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements,” it said.

This latest development underscores the ongoing tensions between India, China, and Pakistan, particularly regarding territorial disputes and bilateral relations. India’s rejection of the joint statement reaffirms its commitment to defending its territorial integrity and sovereignty.

India has consistently rejected similar joint statements issued by China and Pakistan in the past.

Pakistan downgraded its diplomatic relations with India in response to India’s revocation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, on August 5, 2019.

Despite this, India has reiterated its desire for normal and peaceful relations with Pakistan, insisting that it is Islamabad’s responsibility to create an atmosphere devoid of terrorism and hostility for such engagement.

Even S Jaishankar, in his statement after assuming charge of External Affairs Minister, outlined distinct approaches to handling relations with China and Pakistan, asserting that India’s foreign policy under the third term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will focus on finding solutions to “border issues” with Beijing and the “years-old cross-border terrorism” with Islamabad.

The career diplomat-politician also noted that both the neighbouring countries present unique challenges and India’s relations with them are different.

Addressing the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan, the 69-year-old minister emphasised India’s determination to seek a resolution. “With Pakistan, we would want to find a solution to the issue of years-old cross-border terrorism,” Jaishankar said.

India has repeatedly emphasised that it will not tolerate cross-border terrorism and it cannot keep aside terrorism to improve ties with Pakistan. New Delhi has also said the onus is on Islamabad to create a conducive atmosphere in which there is no terror, hostility or violence. (ANI)

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After the National Testing Agency (NTA) told the Supreme Court that score-cards of 1563 candidates who got “grace marks” in the 2024 National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate) exam will be cancelled, the NTA said that a retest of all the 1563 candidates will be held on June 23.

“Subsequent to the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s Observations on the Report of NTA’s High Powered Committee, the grace / compensatory marks awarded to all 1563 students stand withdrawn. A re-test of all the 1563 candidates will be held on 23rd June 2024,” the NTA said.

The Testing Agency said that they will be contacting all the 1563 candidates through email to notify them about the reexamination.

Earlier in the day, NTA told a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta that a committee has been constituted to review the results of over 1,563 candidates who were awarded “grace marks” to compensate for the loss of time suffered while appearing for NEET-UG.

The Apex Court reiterated that it will not stay the counselling of NEET-UG, 2024.

“Counselling will go on and we will not stop it. If the exam goes then everything goes in totality so nothing to fear,” said the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court will hear the petitions on July 8.

The Court took into record the statement of NTA that a re-test of 1563 students will be notified today itself and it would likely be held on June 23 and results would be declared before June 30 so that counselling which is set to begin in July is not affected.

Aspirants have raised the issue of leakage of question paper, awarding compensatory marks and anomalies in question of NEET 2024.

Several petitions were filed in the apex court seeking direction to recall NEET-UG 2024 results and to conduct the examination afresh, alleging paper leakage and malpractices in the test held on May 5.

NEET-UG examination, conducted by NTA, is the pathway for admissions into MBBS, BDS and AYUSH and other related courses in government and private institutions across the country. (ANI)

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Bharatiya Janata Party leader Pema Khandu assumed charge as Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister on Thursday.

Earlier today, Khandu took oath as the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh for the third term consecutive term.

The Chief Secretary, DGP, other senior officials of the state government and staff of the Chief Minister Office welcomed Pema Khandu after his arrival at the Chief Minister Office.

Before taking charge as the Chief Minister, rituals were also performed.

The swearing-in ceremony held at DK State Convention Centre in Itanagar was attended by Union Ministers Amit Shah, JP Nadda, Kiren Rijiju, and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Khandu, 44, became Chief Minister for the first time in 2016.

He was re-elected as leader of the BJP Legislature Party in Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday, paving the way for him to be sworn in as the Chief Minister for the third straight term.

Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lieutenant General KT Parnaik (retd.) invited Khandu to form the government.

The BJP won 46 seats in the 60-member Arunachal Pradesh assembly in the elections held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha election. BJP won ten seats unopposed in the state before the elections were held. (ANI)

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In the upcoming rom-com drama film ‘Kudi Haryane Val Di’, the audience is set to embark on a heartwarming journey of love, culture, and culinary bonding.

Starring Sonam Bajwa, Ammy Virk, and Ajay Hooda, the movie tells the story of a Punjabi man, portrayed by Ammy Virk, who finds himself smitten by a Haryanvi woman, played by Sonam Bajwa, deeply passionate about wrestling. As he endeavours to win her heart, he immerses himself in her world of wrestling, transcending cultural boundaries for love.

While Ammy and Sonam are Punjabi actors, Ajay Hooda brings an authentic Haryanvi touch to the film.

The movie’s narrative, centred around the fusion of Punjab and Haryana, mirrors the cultural amalgamation reflected in the cast itself.

In a recent interview with ANI, Sonam Bajwa fondly reminisced about the delightful moments shared by the cast on the film’s set, particularly revolving around the rich and diverse culinary heritage of Haryana.

She revealed, “Food bonding was a significant part of our experience. We used to have traditional Haryanvi meals every day – Bajre ki roti, kadi, chutney, makhan – it was all part of our daily routine. Food is a beautiful way to connect with the local people and understand their culture. We definitely bonded over that.”

The film not only promises a heartwarming love story but also seeks to celebrate the cultural richness and diversity of Punjab and Haryana through its narrative.

‘Kudi Haryane Val Di’ which showcases the power of love to bridge cultural gaps is set to release in the cinemas on June 14. (ANI)

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On Disha Patani’s 31st birthday, the makers of her upcoming film ”Kalki 2898 AD’ unveiled on Thursday the first look poster of her character Roxie.

She looked ethereal in a saree as she stood gracefully beside a tree. She can be seen elevating her ethnic look with a red bindi and stunning jewellery.

Disha looked bold and powerful as she stood leaning on a door. She can be seen all-black leather outfit.

Taking to Instagram, the film’s production handle Vyjayanthi Movies wished the actor on her birthday.

They captioned the post, which read, “Wishing our Roxie, @dishapatani a very Happy Birthday.

#Kalki2898AD.”

Makers on Monday evening released the intriguing trailer.

Directed by Nag Ashwin, this post-apocalyptic film is inspired by Hindu scriptures and set in the year 2898 AD.

The trailer showed that director Ashwin loosely reimagined Mahabharat from a futuristic lens and added a dystopian touch to it.

Kamal Haasan also a part of the film.

‘Kalki 2898 AD’ has become the most talked about production of 2024.

Last month, makers shared the teaser of Amitabh Bachchan’s look from the sci-fi dystopian film during the thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

The 21-second teaser started with Big B marking presence in warm earthy tones. He was seated in a cave, engaged in prayer to a Shiva linga. He was covered with bandages.

In the brief clip, one can also see a young kid asking Big B, ‘Kya tum bhagwan ho, kya tum marr nahi sakte? Tum Bhagwan ho? Kaun ho Tum?To which his character replied, “Dwapar yug se Dash avatar ki pratiksha kar raha hoon main, Dronacharya ka putra Ashwatthama.” (Since the Dwapar Yug, I have waited for the Dasavatar.)

The film is slated to release in cinemas on June 27. (ANI)

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A large number of pilgrims, mostly Kashmiri Pandits, embarked on the Kheer Bhawani Yatra Annual Yatra, amid tight security arrangements, police said on Wednesday.

The four-day pilgrimage was flagged off today from the Nagrota areaby Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, Relief Commissioner Dr Arvind Karwani and other officers of the divisional administration.

A large number of Kashmiri Pandit pilgrims have registered for this year’s Kheer Bhawani mela. The administration has arranged nearly 200 buses for the pilgrims, with destinations including Ganderbal (135 buses), Tikar Kupwara, Manzgam, Devsar, and Lagipura in Anantnag.

Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner Arvind Kirwani while speaking to ANI said, “This yatra is flagging off from here, today… The arrangement of transportation has been made by us… The pilgrims will take a halt for some time. We have arranged a ‘langar’ for them… We arranged 200 vehicles for the pilgrims.”

“I am going for the Darshan of Mata Kheer Bhawani. We are very much excited this time. We used to go early as well in our private vehicles but this time we are going in the bus with pilgrims and the journey has become much more exciting,” said a Aarushi Tikoo.

Regarding the security arrangements, Tikoo expressed her satisfaction and thanked the authorities for their efforts.

Kashmiri Pandits are excited to return to their religious places since their exodus in 1990 due to terrorism. They have been visiting Kheer Bhawani every year on Zyesht Ashtami, when a big mela is held.

The administration has made adequate security arrangements and is providing Langar (community meal) services. Given the three recent terror attacks in the Jammu region, security for the yatra is very high.

Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner Arvind Kirwani stated, “The yatra is flagging off today. We have arranged transportation and a ‘langar’ for the pilgrims, with 200 vehicles ready for their journey.”

The pilgrims will take a brief halt before continuing to their destinations, where they will participate in the annual mela and religious activities. (ANI)

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