Month: July 2024

Veteran actor and politician Jaya Bachchan’s recent appearance in parliament has drawn significant attention.

On Monday, Jaya Bachchan objected to Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh addressing her as “Shrimati Jaya Amitabh Bachchan.” A video from the Rajya Sabha has been doing the rounds on the internet in which the Samajwadi Party MP can be seen pointing out that instead of taking her actor-husband’s name, she could have been called just “Jaya Bachchan”.

“Sir, sirf Jaya Bachchan bolte toh kafi hojata (only Jaya Bachchan would have sufficed),” she responded.

Jaya Bachchan looked irked after Deputy Chairman Harivansh addressed her using Amitabh as her middle name.

She strongly reacted by saying, “Ye jo hain kuch naya tarika hain ki mahilaayin apni pati ke naam se jaani jaye. Unka koi astitva nahi. Unki koi upalabdhi nahi hain, apne mein aur astitva nahi hain. Ye jo naya shuru hua hain… (This is something new, that women will be recognised by the name of their husbands…they (women) have no identity; they have no achievements, no identity of their own. This new thing that has started…)”

Jaya and Amitabh Bachchan tied the knot on June 3, 1973. They have two children — author Shweta Bachchan Nanda and actor Abhishek Bachchan. They have acted in several films, including ‘Zanjeer’, ‘Sholay’, ‘Abhimaan’, ‘Mili’, ‘Chupke Chupke’, ‘Silsila’, and ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’.

In 2004, she entered politics, representing the Samajwadi Party as a Rajya Sabha MP. She has been a vocal advocate for various social causes, including women’s rights. (ANI)

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A total of 28 people, including civilians and security personnel, were killed in 11 terror-initiated incidents and 24 encounters or counter-terror operations up to July 21 this year, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) told the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

Responding to the query of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Pradeep Kumar Singh on behalf of the MHA, Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai submitted a written reply in the Lower House pointing that there is a “decline in the number of terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir” compared to previous years.

Rai shared data that mentions that a total of 14 security personnel and 14 civilians were killed up to July 21 this year, while the number of killings was 44 (30 security personnel and 14 civilians) in 46 terrorist-initiated incidents and 48 encounters or counter-terror operations in the Union Territory in 2023.

As per the data, 146 people (91 security personnel and 55 civilians) were killed in 228 terrorist-initiated incidents and 189 encounters or counter-terror operations in the erstwhile state in 2018. “There were 1328 organized stone pelting incidents and 52 organized Hartals in 2018,” said the Minister, citing the data received from the Jammu and Kashmir government.

The minister said the decline in terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir is the result of the “zero tolerance” policy of the central government against terrorism.

“The approach of the Government is to dismantle the terror ecosystem. Security measures are being strengthened to sustain peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir,” Rai further said.

The strategies adopted and actions taken to contain acts of terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir include effective, continuous, and sustained actions against terrorists and support structures, as well as the dismantling of the terror ecosystem using a whole-government approach, said the MoS.

Crackdown on terror finance, such as seizure and attachment of properties belonging to terrorists and their associates under relevant sections of law and banning of anti-national organisations, preventive operations involve identifying the strategic supporters of terrorism and initiating investigations to expose their mechanisms of aiding and abetting terrorism, multi-pronged strategy to prevent infiltration, enhancement of counter-insurgency grid, and special focus on modernization and strengthening of security equipment, are among key steps that have been taken by the government to vanish terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir.

Besides, round-the-clock nakas at strategic points, intensified Cordon and Search Operations (CASO) to effectively deal with the challenges posed by terrorist organisations, and sharing of intelligence inputs on a real-time basis, among all security forces, operating in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as day and night area dominance are other strategies adopted and actions taken for containing acts of terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir, said the Minister. (ANI)

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Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused BJP MP Anurag Thakur of “abusing and insulting” him in the Lok Sabha during the discussion on the Union Budget on Tuesday.

Anurag Thakur entered into a heated argument with Rahul Gandhi during his speech in the Lower House of the Parliament, saying that those whose caste is unknown are speaking on the issue of caste census.

Reacting to this, the Congress leader said that whoever raises the issues of Adivasi, Dalit, and the backward gets abused.

“Those whose caste is not known, talk about the caste census. I want to remind the Speaker that in this House itself, a former prime minister RG-1 (Rajiv Gandhi) had opposed reservation for OBCs,” the BJP MP said.

Rahul Gandhi replied, “Whoever raises the issues of Adivasi, Dalit and the backward, is abused. I will happily accept these abuses…Anurag Thakur has abused me and insulted me. But I do not want any apology from him.”

Sawamjwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav intervened in the conservation and questioned Anurag Thakur how one could ask about the caste of any person.

“How can you ask caste…?” he asked BJP leader in the Lower House.

The caste census was one of the Congress party’s promises in the 2024 general elections.

The Congress party has promised to pass a constitutional amendment to raise the Supreme Court mandated 50 per cent cap on reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC), as per its poll manifesto.

The party also promised to conduct a nation-wide Socio-Economic and Caste Census to enumerate the castes and sub-castes and their socio-economic conditions.

Meanwhile, Anurag Thakur defended the BJP’s lotus symbol and launched a scathing attack on the Congress party during the discussion on the Union Budget on Tuesday.

Thakur began by congratulating Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on presenting the seventh consecutive budget, describing it as a “budget that resonates with public sentiments.” He then replied to the criticisms from opposition leaders who had made derogatory remarks about the BJP’s election symbol, the lotus.

“The lotus is not just our election symbol but also represents Goddess Lakshmi, our national flower, and the meditative posture of Padmasana,” Thakur stated. He accused the opposition of insulting revered figures like Lord Shiva, Buddha, and Lokmanya Tilak by disparaging the lotus.

Thakur’s speech quickly pivoted to a sharp critique of Congress and its leaders. He highlighted the Congress’s historical opposition to OBC reservations and accused them of being disconnected from the realities of caste and community issues.

Referring to rghe novel written by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, “The Great Indian Novel,” which depicts historical and political figures, asserting that it aligns Congress with the negative characters of the Mahabharata.

He also lambasted the Gandhi family, accusing them of nepotism and corruption. “For them, OBC means ‘Only for Brother-in-law Commission,'” he quipped, referring to Congress’s alleged favoritism.

Concluding his speech, Thakur dismissed the Congress’s allegations of fear and instability under the current government. “Yes, there is fear–fear among criminals, corrupt people, and enemies of the nation,” he declared, reiterating the budget’s focus on public welfare and development.

Thakur’s remarks, punctuated by historical references and literary citations, underscored his defense of the BJP’s policies and symbol while attacking the Congress’s legacy and leadership.

Notably, Rahul Gandhi drew parallels from the Mahabharata, on Monday and attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party over the Union Budget saying that there’s an atmosphere of fear in the country, adding that the country is now trapped in a “Chakravyuh of lotus,” referring to the BJP’s symbol.

In the last speech, I spoke about some religious concepts. Shivji’s concept and concept of Ahinsa is that the trishool is placed behind the back and is not held in the hand. I spoke about the snake on Shivji’s neck and I also said how all religions in our country proposed the idea of non-violence, which can be capsulated in the phrase Daro mat Darao mat. I also said that there is an idea beyond the personal. The idea of the Abhay Mudra is that transmits this motion of Ahinsa and affection and fearlessness to everybody else. There is an atmosphere of fear, dar ka mahool hai Hindustan main. My friends are smiling but they are also scared. Budget par hi bol raha hu sir. Sir, you see the problem in the BJP: only one man is allowed to dream of being Prime Minister. If the Defence Minister decides he wants to be Prime Minister, there is a big problem–there is fear. So there is fear in the country. The question I was asking myself was: Why is this fear spreading so deeply? Why is it that my friends in the BJP are terrified, the ministers are terrified, the farmers of India are terrified, and workers and youngsters are terrified,” Rahul Gandhi said.(ANI)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with Olympic medalist Sarabjot Singh and congratulated him for his brillant teamwork with history maker Manu Bhaker that saw them clinch the bronze medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event in Paris on Tuesday.

India shooter Sarabjot Singh after his heroics in the mixed team event that saw him get his hands on the bronze with Manu in the ongoing Paris Olympics.

PM Modi had a conversation with Sarabjot, extended wishes to Sarabjot for his remarkable display, and asked him the reason behind his brilliant teamwork with Manu.

“Many many congratulations to you. You have made India proud. Your efforts have paid off. Extend my wishes to Manu as well. You both showed brilliant teamwork. What is the reason behind it?” PM Modi said on a phone call.

Sarabjot revealed that they have been playing together for a couple of years and said, “Since 2019, we paired in the nationals and other tournaments. The experience was really good, and I hope to perform better the next time.”

The duo of Manu and Sarabjot defeated South Korea’s Lee Wonho and Oh Ye Jin 16-10 in the bronze medal play-off match.

With this medal, India’s medal tally stands at two in the ongoing Summer Games. Both Manu and Sarabjot shot consistently with regular 10s in the series against the South Koreans to claim India’s second medal.

The success of the duo saw Manu make history for India in the Summer Games. Manu won bronze in the women’s individual 10m air pistol event, and the young shooting sensation made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win two medals at the same Olympics.

Manu became the first athlete from the Indian contingent after the nation got independence to bag two medals in a single edition of the Olympics.

Earlier in the 1900 Olympics, Norman Pritchard won two medals while representing India, both silver in the 200m and 200m hurdles.

She also joined an elite group of athletes to have multiple individual medals at the Olympics: PV Sindhu (badminton silver at Rio 2016 and bronze medal at Tokyo 2020) and Sushil Kumar (wrestling bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics). (ANI)

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A high-level meeting was held under the leadership of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday to coordinate rescue operations in the landslide hit areas of Wayanad and discuss further steps on it.

In the meeting, the Chief Minister assessed the rescue operations.

The Chief Minister also reviewed the coordination with the central government agencies, the deployment of disaster response forces, health and safety precautions and the facilities in the relief camps.

The Chief Minister attended the meeting at the office of the Disaster Management Authority, which coordinates rescue operations at the state level.

Chief Secretary Dr V Venu, Home Additional Chief Secretary Bishwanath Sinha, Health Department Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Rajan Khobragade, Revenue Principal Secretary Tinku Biswal, Finance Principal Secretary Rabindra Kumar Aggarwal, State Police Chief Sheikh Darvesh Sahib, ADGP Intelligence Manoj Abraham, Public Works Secretary K. Biju attended the meeting.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Tuesday that 93 bodies have been recovered and 128 people have been injured after massive landslides hit hilly areas near Meppadi in Kerala’s Wayanad district.

He further said that 3,069 people are in 45 relief camps in Wayanad alone, and five ministers are coordinating the efforts of the relief and rescue operations.

Addressing the press conference, Vijayan said, “The landslide in Wayanad is a heart-wrenching disaster. There was extremely heavy rainfall. An entire area has been wiped out. We have recovered 93 bodies so far, but the numbers may change. There are 128 people receiving treatment for injuries. Many who went to sleep last night have been swept away.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered assistance after 93 people died and 128 were injured following massive landslides in Wayanad.

“Upon learning of the disaster, both the Prime Minister and Rahul Gandhi, along with various party leaders, have offered their assistance. They have assured us that we will work together to address this crisis,” he said.

The chief minister said that the state government has arranged the best possible treatment for the injured, adding that several people are still trapped under the debris and rescue operations are underway.

“Many people are still trapped under the debris. We have opened 45 relief camps in Wayanad and a total of 118 camps across the state, accommodating 5,531 people. The fire force, NDRF, and police are working together. Various divisions of the Army and Navy are coordinating the rescue operations,” he added.

Elaborating about the relief operations, said, “321 members of the Fire Force have been deployed in Wayanad. The services of the Army have also been made available. An NDRF team of 60 members has reached Wayanad, and an 89-member team from Bengaluru is on the way.”

Pinarayi Vijayan expressed grief over the deaths saying that the landslide incident in Wayanad is a heart-wrenching disaster.

“Additional Kaniv 108 ambulances have been brought in. 3,069 people are in relief camps in Wayanad alone. Five ministers are coordinating the efforts. Due to adverse weather conditions, people were relocated, and an orange alert was declared. A dog squad will be arriving for the rescue operations,” he said. (ANI)

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Nita Ambani, an IOC member, Founder and chairperson of the Reliance Foundation gave a glimpse of the India House at the Paris Olympics. This is India’s first-ever country house, a home for Indian athletes at the Olympics.

India House has been set up under the ambitions of the Reliance Foundation and the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) long-term partnership, which aims to elevate the performances of Indian athletes, support the national sports federations, and build the credentials of India as a global sporting nation, with an aspiration to host the Olympic Games in the future.

In the video, Nita Ambani says, “For the first time, India has a home for our athletes taking part. This is a place where we are going to cheer for our Indian athletes and celebrate them.”

“The crafts from Banaras and Kashmir are showcased at the India House. There are also beautiful handicrafts and traditional Indian jewellery,” she added.

“It’s all about our traditions, our art and culture and celebrating and cheering for our athletes,” she further said in the video.

The video showcases song and dance, technology and tradition. And of course, no celebrations in India are complete without Indian food and Bollywood music.

The video captures singer Shaan performing on stage during the launch ceremony of India House. Nita Ambani can also be seen shaking a leg to the tunes along with other guests at the India House.

The Olympics began on July 26 and will conclude on August 11.

A day after the Paris Olympics kickstarted with a glimmering opening ceremony that had the attention of the world, the India House had a star-studded opening ceremony that saw some of India’s most famous names in attendance alongside IOC officials and administrators.

According to a Reliance Foundation media release, the opening event of the India House was a memorable affair that started with Nita Ambani lighting a lamp in a traditional Indian ceremony that brings auspiciousness and goodwill.

Among the dignitaries present at the opening ceremony were Ser Miang NG, an IOC Committee member; PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association, Jawed Ashraf, Ambassador of India to France; Jay Shah, BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket India) Secretary; and Abhinav Bindra, Olympic Gold Medalist.

Speaking on the occasion, Nita Ambani said, “Welcome to the first ever India House in the history of the Olympics. Today we gather here at the Paris Olympic Games 2024 to open the doors to a dream–a dream that belongs to 1.4 million Indians. A dream to bring India to the Olympics and our shared dream to bring the Olympics to India.” calling the inaugural India House, a potential tipping point for India, she said, “It is time that the flame, which was first lit in Athens, lights up in our ancient land, India. The day is not far when India will host the Olympic Games. May this be our collective resolve at the opening of the India House.”

Touching upon the importance of the India House, the IOC Member said, “India House is envisioned as a symbol of India’s Olympic aspirations. We hope it becomes a home away from home for our athletes, a place where we honour them, salute their spirit and celebrate their achievements. India House is not a destination, it’s a new beginning for India.”

The India House will have various exclusive events, including daily programming, that has been curated by the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, as well as panel discussions, celebrations of medal wins, exclusive watch parties and meet and greets with legendary Indian athletes.

India House is situated at the Parc de la Villette in the Park of Nations and will be open to visitors from 11 am to 11 pm local time during the Olympic Games from July 27 to August 11. (ANI)

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Ace Indian shooter Manu Bhaker’s father, Ramkrishna Bhaker expressed his feelings as her daughter made history on Tuesday when she became the first Indian to win two medals at the same Olympics.

Bhaker and her partner Sarabjot Singh secured bronze in the 10 M Air Pistol Mixed team event. Earlier, Bhaker had won bronze in the women’s individual 10M Air pistol event.

“I am very happy. This is big news for the whole country. I thank the countrymen for giving their love and blessings to Manu and also helping her in tough times,” Ramkrishna Bhaker said while speaking to ANI.

Sarabjot’s father, Jitender Singh, also expressed his feelings after his son bagged a bronze medal along with Bhaker.

“…Manu Bhaker and my son have won Bronze. Heartiest congratulations to Manu Bhaker and her family. We are delighted…First, I will visit the Gurudwara and pay obeisance…There will be celebrations in our village…,” Jitender Singh said.

Sarabjot Singh’s Assistant Coach, Gaurav Saini said, “It feels great. The entire nation is proud of them. They have reached this stage and won Bronze, with great hard work…Sarabjot has worked hard to win all the medals that he has bagged so far…He is very disciplined…”

Manu-Sarabjot beat South Korea’s Lee Wonho and Oh Ye Jin 16-10 in the Bronze Medal play-off match. With this medal, India’s medal tally increases to two in the Paris Olympics. Both Bhaker and Sarabjot shot consistently with regular 10s in the series against the Koreans.

The NRAI celebrated the success saying “India wins bronze in the mixed team 10m air pistol as @realmanubhaker and @Sarabjotsingh30 beat Korea’s Oh Ye Jin & Lee Won Ho 16-10 in the bronze match. Second medal for Manu at the Games. History!”

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya congratulated the winning pair saying “Huge congratulations to @realmanubhaker and Sarabjot Singh for winning the historic BRONZE medal in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event for Bharat! Your incredible teamwork has made the nation proud.”

Earlier Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated India’s shooters for their historic victory and the second medal at the Olympics.

“Our shooters continue to make us proud! Congratulations to @realmanubhaker and Sarabjot Singh for winning the Bronze medal in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event at the Olympics. Both of them have shown great skills and teamwork. India is incredibly delighted. For Manu, this is her second consecutive Olympic medal, showcasing her consistent excellence and dedication,” the Prime Minister posted on X.

Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini said the entire nation was proud of the players of Haryana, “Players from Haryana have scripted history once again. Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh won Bronze at the 10m Air Pistol Mixed team event and both of them are from Haryana. I am delighted that Haryana has contributed to the medals that players have won so far. The entire nation is proud of the players of Haryana.” (ANI)

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Indian Air Force deployed two choppers- a Mi-17 and one ALH Dhruv- for rescue and relief operations in Wayanad in coordination with the state government and National Disaster Relief Force, IAF officials said on Tuesday.

The choppers have been sent from the Sulur air base in Coimbatore from the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu.

The army deployed 200 soldiers from the Defence Security Corps while a team of Navy personnel from the Ezhimala Naval Base in Kannur are also assisting in rescue operations in the landslide-hit areas of Wayanad.

Two teams from the Kannur Army Cantonment comprising around 200 Indian Army personnel were dispatched to the disaster-hit district. 122 TA Battalion reached Wayanad post noon and joined the rescue and relief operation.

A team of 30 specialist swimmers from the Indian Navy have also been deployed, the Defence PRO said. Earlier in the day Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to the Army chief and asked him to mobilise forces for assistance and rescue in landslide-hit areas in Kerala.

Kerala government had requested the Indian Army to deploy its Dog Squad for rescue operations in Wayanad. In response, the Dog Squad from Meerut Remount Veterinary Corps Centre (RVC) will be arriving to assist in search efforts. Additionally, a Forest Department drone is assisting in the search efforts, the Kerala Chief Minister’s office said in a statement.

In response to a requisition from the Kerala Government, the Indian Army launched two relief columns from the Defence Security Corps (DSC) Centre in Kannur, to rescue approximately 250 individuals likely stranded in a major landslide in Vyithiri Taluk, Wayanad, a statement from the Southern Command of the Indian Army said.

“The columns also include medical detachments from Military Hospital Kannur and infantry troops from the Territorial Army. Equipped with advanced rescue gear, the teams are prepared to provide all necessary assistance to ensure the safe evacuation of the stranded personnel,” the Army said in a statement. Teams from NDRF are also engaged in the rescue operations.

According to the office of the State Revenue Minister K Rajan, at least 63 people were dead and a total of 116 people are reported to be injured in the landslides that hit the district in the early hours today.

The Meppadi, Mundakkai Town and Chooralmala areas have suffered destruction in the landslides triggered by torrential rain. Buildings, including shops and houses, have been buried and vehicles swept away by the massive landslides.

The State Health Minister Veena George’s office said that temporary hospital facilities will be established at a mosque and madrasa in Chooralmala, Wayanad, to aid in the ongoing relief efforts. (ANI)

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The Kerala government has declared official mourning in the state on Tuesday and Wednesday after 84 people lost their lives in a landslide incident in Wayanad.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced a statewide mourning for two days- today and tomorrow after at least 70 people lost their lives in a landslide incident in Wayanad.

The Kerala Revenue Minister’s office informed that the death toll has increased to 84 in the Wayanad landslide incident and a total of 116 injuries have been reported so far.

Meanwhile, the Indian Army column reached the landslide site at Chooralmala by noon. Using ropes, soldiers are being ferried across the river, which is in spate, to assist and carry out rescue efforts in Ward No. 10 of Chooralmala.

Union Minister of State George Kurian is heading to Wayanad to lead relief and rescue operations. On the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the minister will coordinate with National Disaster Relief Force personnel, paramilitary forces, Kerala Government officials and other agencies in the operation.

Kerala Forest Minister Saseendran reached the affected area to assess the damage and coordinate immediate response measures. State Minister Ramachandran Kadannappalli is expected to join the efforts on the ground.

In addition, a delegation of state ministers of Revenue, Public Works, and Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Departments are travelling by air from Thiruvananthapuram and are expected to reach the site soon, as per the Kerala chief minister’s office.

Around 200 Indian Army personnel from DSC Centre Kannur and 122 TA Battalion from Kozhikode were dispatched to the site. 122 TA battalion has now arrived at the incident site and is assisting in relief operations. A team of 30 specialist swimmers from the Indian Navy has been deployed. Two helicopters from Air Force station Sulur have also been despatched, as per the Defence officials.

NDRF teams are also part of the relief operations, S Shankar Pandian, Deputy Commandant, NDRF said, “Our teams are located at various locations in Wayanad. Even in Kozhikode, a landslide was suspected, NDRF team is deployed there. Already 3 teams of NDRF are in Wayanad. We are doing our best to carry out rescue efforts. We are facing difficulty in reaching interior parts in the landslide-affected area.”

The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for eight districts in the state for heavy rainfall. A red alert has been issued for the Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasargod districts. An orange alert has been issued for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts for today. (ANI)