Month: August 2024

The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia are a matter of deep concern and India firmly believes that no problem can be solved on the battlefield, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday while noting that the loss of innocent lives in any crisis has become the biggest challenge for the entire humanity.

Addressing a press meet with Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk, PM Modi said India supports dialogue and diplomacy for the early restoration of peace and stability and is ready to provide all possible cooperation along with its friendly countries.

“The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia are a matter of deep concern for all of us. India firmly believes that no problem can be solved on the battlefield. The loss of innocent lives in any crisis has become the biggest challenge for the entire humanity. We support dialogue and diplomacy for the early restoration of peace and stability. For this, India is ready to provide all possible cooperation along with its friendly countries,” the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister reached Poland on Wednesday in the first leg of his two-nation visit. He will go to Ukraine from Poland. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has lasted for almost two-and-a-half years.

The Prime Minister said that Poland will assume presidency of the European Union in January 2025. “I am confident that your support will strengthen the relations between India and the EU,” he said.

He said Poland has a very old and rich tradition of Indology and Sanskrit and a strong foundation of strong bilateral relations has been laid by the deep interest in Indian civilization and languages.

The Prime Minister said that close cooperation in the field of defence is a symbol of deep mutual trust between the two countries.

“Mutual cooperation in this area will be made a priority. Innovation and talent are the identity of the youth power of both our countries.”

He said a Social Security Agreement has been agreed upon between the two sides for the welfare of the skilled workforce and to promote mobility.

“India and Poland are also moving forward in close coordination on the international platform. We both agree that reforms in the United Nations and international institutions are the need of the hour to face global challenges.”

He also spoke of the challenge of terrorism and said climate change is a matter of common priority for the two countries.

“We will work for a green future by combining our capabilities,” he said.

PM Modi said India and Poland are celebrating the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations and have decided to convert the relationship into a strategic partnership.

“Relations between India and Poland are based on shared values like democracy and rule of law. Today, we have identified several initiatives to give a new direction to the relations. As two democratic countries, the exchange of views between our parliaments should be encouraged. Work will be done to connect the private sector to broaden economic cooperation. Poland has world leaders in the field of food processing. We want Polish companies to be associated with the mega food park being built in India,” he said.

PM Modi said that rapid urbanization in India is opening up new opportunities for cooperation in areas such as water treatment, solid waste management and urban infrastructure.

“Clean coal technology, green, hydrogen, renewable energy and Artificial Intelligence are also our common priorities. We invite Polish companies to join Make in India and Make for the World. India has achieved many milestones in areas such as Fintech, Pharma and Space. We will be happy to share our experience with Poland in these areas,” he said.

PM Modi also thanked PM Tusk for giving him “a warm welcome” in Warsaw.

“You have been a friend of India for a long time and you have a huge contribution to enhancing the relationship between India and Poland. Today after 45 years, an Indian Prime Minister has visited Poland. I got this opportunity at the beginning of my third term. I want to thank the government and the people of Poland for this. People of India can never forget the help you have extended in rescuing Indian students during the Ukraine conflict in 2022,” PM Modi said. (ANI)

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As many as seven people were killed and 20 were injured after a school bus carrying 27 passengers lost control and fell in a 200-metre deep gorge near Durbuk, Ladakh on Thursday, officials said.

According to the Indian Army officials, “Today at around 1105 hr, a school bus carrying 27 passengers lost control and fell in a gorge approx 5 Km near Durbuk, Ladakh. The accident was noticed by troops deployed in the area who immediately rushed to the accident site and evacuated the victims.”

The army stated that all 27 people (including 06 fatal) were initially evacuated to a nearby Military Hospital and Primary Health Centre at Tangste.

“They were subsequently evacuated by air (14 Sorties by military ALH and Cheetal Helicopters) to the Military Hospital at Leh. Post initial exam and treatment 20 cases were sent to SNM Hospital, Leh and one casualty with spine injury was retained in Military Hospital, Leh for MRI and further treatment. Fatal – 07 ( 06 initial and 1 post evacuation in SNM Hospital) Injured – 20 (3 x Children and 17 Females),” it added.

Further details are awaited. (ANI)

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Victoria Beckham, the renowned popstar turned fashion designer, is set to take centre stage in a new Netflix docuseries.

The streaming giant announced the production of the series today, promising an intimate look at Beckham’s multifaceted life, from her fashion ventures to her family life.

The upcoming docuseries will delve deeply into Beckham’s journey as a prominent fashion designer and businesswoman.

It will offer “an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Victoria’s business, access to Victoria, her family, those closest to her, and her fashion journey, including never-before-seen archive footage,” according to the post’s caption.

The series will be executive produced by Nicola Howson, known for her Emmy-nominated work on ‘Beckham’, and Julia Nottingham, a BAFTA-nominated producer with credits including ‘Pamela: A Love Story’.

The project will be backed by Studio 99 and Dorothy St Pictures, according to People magazine.

This new docuseries follows the success of ‘Beckham’, a four-part series that focused on Victoria’s husband, the acclaimed soccer star David Beckham.

The previous series, which chronicled David Beckham’s rise to fame, garnered significant attention and praise.

The new series aims to offer a similarly detailed look at Victoria Beckham’s life, blending her professional achievements with personal insights, as per People magazine.

Victoria Beckham, now 50, first gained fame in the 1990s as a member of the iconic Spice Girls.

Following the group’s breakup in the early 2000s, Beckham transitioned into the fashion industry, launching her eponymous fashion line in 2008 and Victoria Beckham Beauty in 2019.

She married David Beckham in 1999, and together they have four children.

In an interview, Victoria Beckham reflected on her experience filming the previous docuseries about her husband, according to People magazine.

She described the process as “quite liberating,” noting her usual role as a controlling figure during filming was relaxed as she supported David’s story.

“I was very mindful that usually when I did my filming, I would be controlling,” she said, adding, “But this was very much about David, and so I took the approach of, ‘I’m just going to be very easy going here.'”

The impact of the series was notable, with Beckham emerging as a fan favourite and sparking widespread social media engagement.

One particularly memorable moment featured Victoria discussing her family’s background, humorously revealing that her father drove a Rolls-Royce during the 1980s–a detail that became a popular meme and even inspired themed merchandise. (ANI)

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The Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi on Thursday asserted that it was his and his party’s duty to ensure that the people of Jammu and Kashmir get their democratic rights back and that statehood is restored.

Addressing a press conference here today, Rahul Gandhi said that it is the priority of both the Congress Party and the INDIA alliance to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir as soon as possible.

“We had expected that this would be done before the elections but elections have been declared. It is a step forward and we are hoping that statehood will be restored as soon as possible and the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, democratic rights will be restored to them. This is the first time since independence that a state has become a union territory. This has never happened before. Union territories have become states but it is the first time that a State has become Union Territory. So, we are very clear in our national manifesto as well that it is a priority for us that the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh get their democratic rights back,” he said.

“My message to the people of Jammu and Kashmir is, however, we can help you, the Congress Party is always there. We understand that you’re going through a very difficult period, a tough period, and we want to remove violence,” he added.

Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge slammed the Central government and said that the promises made to Jammu and Kashmir were not fulfilled.

“Our party has decided that under the leadership of Rahul Ji, we will restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, and we make this promise. So far, all the Union Territories (UTs) mentioned in the Constitution have been made into states, but Jammu and Kashmir, which was a state, was made into a UT, and today, there is no council, assembly, panchayat, or municipality here. Instead of protecting democracy, it has been dismantled,” he said.

“No matter how much BJP and PM Modi try; they cannot suppress the voice of the people. We will stand with the people and strive to fulfil their aspirations,” Kharge added.

Rahul Gandhi also visited the residence of National Conference President Farooq Abdullah in Srinagar today. The Congress is expected to ally with the National Conference for the state polls although a formal announcement is yet to be made. The two parties which are part of the INDIA bloc and contested the Lok Sabha elections in alliance.

Polling in Jammu and Kashmir will occur in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with vote counting scheduled for October 4. These will be the first elections held in the region since the abrogation of Article 370.

Jammu and Kashmir will witness elections after a gap of ten years, as the last assembly election was held in 2014.

The PDP-BJP coalition government fell in June 2018 when the latter withdrew support to the then-Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti. In December of last year, the Supreme Court directed the Centre to conclude the election process by September 30, 2024. (ANI)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Poland Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Thursday held a delegation-level meeting in Warsaw, Poland.

Earlier, following a ceremonial welcome, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a bilateral meeting with his Polish counterpart, Donald Tusk in Warsaw.

Before the meeting between the leaders, PM Modi received a grand ceremonial welcome at the Chancellery in Warsaw in the presence of Polish PM Donald Tusk.

“A new landmark in the India-Poland partnership. PM Narendra Modi was warmly received by PM Donald Tusk of Poland at the Federal Chancellery in Warsaw and accorded a ceremonial welcome. This visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Poland after 45 years will impart fresh momentum to the India-Poland partnership,” said the MEA in a post on X.

It is important to note that PM Modi, whose key visit to Poland will further bolster ties between New Delhi and Warsaw, announced on Wednesday that India and Poland have agreed on a social security agreement. He stated that the partnership between the two nations has been strengthening in areas like new technology and clean energy.

He also pointed out that Kabbadi emerged as a source of connection between the two nations as Poland is going to host the Kabaddi championship for the first time this year.

While addressing the Indian community in Poland’s Warsaw, PM Modi stated, “Innovation and youth are going to give energy to the development of both nations. Today I have come to you with some big good news. Both India and Poland have agreed on a social security agreement which is going to benefit all the friends like you.”

Notably, PM Modi’s visit to Warsaw comes as India and Poland are celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

PM Modi, after wrapping up his engagements in Poland, will travel to Ukraine at the invitation of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. It will be the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine. (ANI)

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The National Conference and the Congress will contest the forthcoming assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir together and have formed an alliance.

The formal announcement of the tie-up was made by NC patron Farooq Abdullah in Srinagar on Thursday.

The announcement was made after Farooq Abdullah and his son Omar met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.

“The alliance has been finalised and by this evening the details of seat-sharing will be announced. The Alliance is for 90 seats,” Farooq Abdullah said.

“People have suffered much in the last 10 years. Statehood is the prime concern for us. And we want all the powers of the state. Our common program is to fight divisive forces. Our doors are open for all, let’s first win the election. My heart is happy today,” the NC patron added.

Earlier, Rahul Gandhi asserted that it was his and his party’s duty to ensure that the people of Jammu and Kashmir get their democratic rights back and that statehood is restored.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Rahul Gandhi said that it is the priority of both the Congress Party and the INDIA alliance to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir as soon as possible.

“We had expected that this would be done before the elections but elections have been declared. It is a step forward and we are hoping that statehood will be restored as soon as possible and the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, democratic rights will be restored to them. This is the first time since independence that a state has become a union territory. This has never happened before. Union territories have become states but it is the first time that a State has become Union Territory. So, we are very clear in our national manifesto as well that it is a priority for us that the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh get their democratic rights back,” he said.

“My message to the people of Jammu and Kashmir is…we can help you, the Congress Party is always there. We understand that you’re going through a very difficult period, a tough period, and we want to remove violence,” he added.

Kharge slammed the BJP-led central government and said that the promises made to Jammu and Kashmir were not fulfilled.

“Our party has decided that under the leadership of Rahulji, we will restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, and we make this promise. So far, Union Territories (UTs) mentioned in the Constitution have been made into states, but Jammu and Kashmir, which was a state, was made into a UT, and today, there is no council, assembly, panchayat, or municipality here. Instead of protecting democracy, it has been dismantled,” he said.

“No matter how much BJP and PM Modi try, they cannot suppress the voice of the people. We will stand with the people and strive to fulfil their aspirations,” Kharge added.

The Congress and the NC had fought the Lok Sabha elections in an alliance with each other. The National Conference won two seats – Anantnag and Srinagar. The Congress could not win any seat.

Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in three phases on September 18, 25 and October 1.

The Election Commission has issued notification for the first phase of assembly seats for 24 seats.

This is the first assembly poll in Jammu and Kashmir since abrogation of Article 370 (ANI)

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The Supreme Court, while commencing its hearing on the Kolkata doctor rape-murder case on Thursday, said that health professionals must return to work and that once they resume their duties, the court will prevail upon authorities to not take adverse action against them.

“Let the health professionals return to work and once they return to duties the court will prevail upon authorities to not take adverse action. How would the public health infrastructure function if doctors did not return to work,” the court said.

The SC resumed its hearing into the alleged rape and murder of a woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in West Bengal’s Kolkata on Thursday.

Chief Justice of India (CJ) DY Chandrachud also shared a personal story and said that he had once slept on the floor of a public hospital while one of his relatives was admitted and unwell.

Earlier, the apex court constituted a 10-member National Task Force to make recommendations on the prevention of violence and safe working conditions for medical professionals. The task force includes Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, among others.

The development comes days after the rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata sparked nationwide protests, the apex court suo motu took up the case and directed the task force to submit an interim report within three weeks and a final report within two months.

The top court also asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file a status report on the status of the investigation in the rape case. Also, the court asked the West Bengal government to file a status report on the mob attack incident that took place at the RG Kar hospital on August 15.

Meanwhile, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi on Wednesday requested resident doctors of the institute to resume their duties immediately so that patient care services are normalized.

According to a release from the Office of the Director, AIIMS, “The undersigned along with the entire AIIMS family stands behind the cause of the safety of all healthcare professionals at AIIMS New Delhi & across the Country. However, as doctors, our supreme duty is also to ensure that the patients visiting our portals do not go unattended.” (ANI)

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Dabur a consumer goods company is set to make a Rs 400 cr investment in Tamil Nadu, marking its first manufacturing venture in South India.

The company on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Tamil Nadu to establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in the SIPCOT Food Park, located in Tindivanam, Villupuram district.

The announcement was made by Tamil Nadu’s Industry Minister, TRB Rajaa, via a post on the social media platform ‘X’ on Thursday.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new partnership, the minister said, “Welcome to Tamil Nadu, @DaburIndia! In fact, welcome to South India! In the presence of Honourable @CMOTamilNadu Thiru. @MKStalin avargal, @Guidance_TN today signed an MoU with Dabur for the establishment of a world-class manufacturing plant, their FIRST EVER in South India, at the SIPCOT Food Park in #Tindivanam, Villupuram district.”

The planned investment by Dabur is valued at Rs 400 crore, with an initial phase investment of Rs 135 crore. The company in an official statement stated that this capital will be gradually scaled up to Rs 400 crore over the next five years. The project is expected to generate direct employment for approximately 250 individuals, while also creating thousands of indirect job opportunities in the region.

The minister stated that the establishment of this facility is anticipated to have a positive impact on the local economy, particularly for farmers in the nearby Delta region.

Minister TRB Rajaa highlighted that this development will open up new avenues for farmers to sell their agro-produce, which will be processed at the new plant. He stated, “Dabur will invest Rs 400 crore in this facility which will create 250 plus jobs. More importantly, it will open up new opportunities for farmers in the nearby Delta region to sell agro-produce to be processed in this facility.”

“Our Chief Minister, a Deltakaran himself and myself being an MLA from the Delta, it gives me immense pleasure to bring the right kind of Food Processing industrial linkages to the Delta region. Dabur is renowned for its home care, personal care and juice products, and its decision to choose Tamil Nadu is a testament to our state’s thriving industrial ecosystem & availability of a work-ready labour force,” the Minister added in his post on X.

“We are grateful to the Government of Tamil Nadu, particularly the Department of Industries led by Hon’ble Minister Dr TRB Rajaa for his personal and proactive support and guidance, teams in Guidance Tamil Nadu, and SIPCOT, for their wholehearted support in facilitating this project. This investment will allow us to better serve the growing demand for our products in South India and strengthen our market presence in the region” said Mohit Malhotra, Chief Executive Officer, Dabur India.

The company also added that this new facility, which will be one of Dabur’s most modern and environmentally friendly plants, will have the capacity to manufacture a wide range of the company’s products, catering specifically to the growing demand in the southern market. (ANI)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Poland on Monday on a two-day visit and received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the members of the Indian community who also raised “Modi, Modi” slogans.

This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Poland in the past 45 years.

Members of the Indian diaspora greeted PM Modi and he reciprocated their affections. The Prime Minister waved to the gathering and also shook hands with some of those present. The members of Indian community raised slogans lauding PM Modi as also “Bharat mata ki jai” slogans.

He watched a performance by the artists who were dressed in colourful Indian attires. Prime Minister lauded the performance and had a photo with the artists.

The Prime Minister also interacted with children as he arrived at a hotel in Warsaw.

After meeting PM Modi, Priyanka Patel, a member of the Indian diaspora in Warsaw, who had brought a photo of PM Modi and his mother, said he signed the photo.

“I am very happy. He signed the photo. He also accepted my Rakhi,” she said.

Earlier, PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Warsaw airport. PM Modi said he looked forward to the various programmes in Poland and that his visit will add momentum to bilateral friendship and benefit people of two countries.

“Landed in Poland. Looking forward to the various programmes here. This visit will add momentum to the India-Poland friendship and benefit the people of our nations,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the visit holds special significance as India and Poland are commemorating 70 years of diplomatic relations.

“PM @narendramodi sets foot in the historic city of Warsaw. Accorded a ceremonial welcome at the airport. This visit holds special significance as India and Poland are commemorating 70 years of diplomatic relations this year,” Jaiswal said in a post on X.

During his visit, PM Modi will hold meetings with his Polish counterpart and the President, and will also engage with the Indian community. Later today the Prime Minister will lay a wreath at the memorial of the Jam Saheb of Nawanagar.

He will also visit the monument to the Battle of Monte Cassino. The monument commemorates the victory of the soldiers of the Second Polish Corps at the Battle of Monte Cassino during the Second World War in 1944. The Second Polish Corps conquered the hill and the monastery on it. (ANI)

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