Month: September 2024

As many as 15 deaths, including seven men, four women, and four children, have been confirmed in the Hathras accident, police said on Friday.

Speaking to reporters, Aligarh Commissioner Chaitra V said, “So far the confirmed deaths are 15, including 7 men, 4 women, and 4 children. The accident occurred due to the collision of a roadway bus and another vehicle… 11 injured are undergoing treatment here, while 8 have been referred to Aligarh for treatment.”

Expressing grief over the Hathras road accident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the kin of victims and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

“The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased in the mishap in Hathras, UP. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000,” the Prime Minister’s Office announced in a post on X.

Expressing sorrow over the incident, PM Modi stated that both the local administration and state government are providing all possible assistance to the victims.

“The road accident in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh is extremely painful. My deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this. May God give them strength in this difficult time. Along with this, I wish for the speedy recovery of the people injured in the accident. Under the supervision of the state government, the local administration is engaged in helping the victims in every possible way,” added the PMO post.

Offering condolences to the families affected by the Hathras accident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his wishes for a swift recovery of the injured and assured that the administration has been instructed to ensure the proper treatment of those affected.

“The loss of life in a road accident in Hathras district is extremely sad. My condolences are with the grieving families of the deceased. Instructions have been given to the district administration officials to provide proper treatment to the injured. I pray to Lord Shri Ram to give a place to the departed souls in his feet and provide speedy recovery to the injured,” CM Yogi wrote in a post on X. (ANI)

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People flocked to markets across Tamil Nadu to purchase Ganesh idols and puja materials on Ganesh Chaturthi on Saturday.

The demand for Lord Ganesha idols surged, creating a vibrant market scene in Kanchipuram.

Artisans and sellers are experiencing a high demand for these idols, which are being sourced from various regions across the state.

The market is filled with idols of various sizes, colours, and designs, showcasing the artisans’ creativity. Some idols are painted green or blue, while others depict Lord Ganesha sitting on a cow or lion, highlighting the intricate craftsmanship.

Visuals show people purchasing Lord Ganesh idols and other items for pooja as part of the festive celebrations in Kanchipuram.

Meanwhile, the prices of banana leaves have gone up in the local market because of heavy demand on account of Ganesh Chaturthi and Subha Muhurtham, the auspicious day when weddings and ceremonies are held with pomp and gaiety.

With the Ganesha Chaturthi and Subha Muhurtham celebrations on Saturday, banana leaves have been auctioned in large quantities.

Banana farmers from various areas, including Kurumpur, Eral, Sairapuram, Korampallam, and Vazhavallan in the Tuticorin district, harvested banana leaves and brought them to the vegetable market for sale.

Last week, a bundle of banana leaf, which was sold for around Rs 1,000, is now being sold for 3,500 rupees to 6,300 rupees.

The prices of banana leaves have shot up, and traders are happy. They said that the price will remain the same until September 15.

Ganesh Chaturthi, a ten-day festival that starts on the fourth day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar month ‘Bhadrapada’, will start on September 7 this year. This auspicious ten-day festival starts with ‘Chaturthi’ and ends on ‘Anantha Chaturdashi’.

The festive period is also known as ‘Vinayak Chaturthi’ or ‘Vinayak Chavithi’. It celebrates Ganesha as the ‘God of New Beginnings’ and the ‘Remover of Obstacles’ as well as the god of wisdom and intelligence.

The first look of Mumbai’s famous Lalbaugcha Raja was unveiled on Thursday.

It is celebrated with much fervour across the country, with lakhs of devotees converging into mandals to seek blessing from Lord Ganesh.For the festivities, people bring Lord Ganesh idols to their homes, observe fasts, prepare mouth-watering delicacies, and visit pandals during the festival. (ANI)

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A 32-year-old female Naxal carrying a reward of Rs 14 Lakh on her head was arrested in Madhya Pradesh’s Balaghat district, a police officer said on Friday.

A team of Hawk force nabbed her in the forest of Parsatola under the jurisdiction of Baihar police station in the district on Thursday night (September 5). The Naxal has been identified as Sajanti (32), a resident of Gadchiroli in Maharashtra. A pistol with a bullet magazine, an axe and other stuff were recovered from her, he added.

Balaghat Superintendent of Police (SP) Nagendra Singh said, “We received information that there was some movement of Naxals in search of rations in the forest of Parsatola under Baihar police station limits. Following the information, we immediately mobilised the team of Hawk force in the area. Around 10 pm on September 5, we saw two Naxals moving towards the forest from Parsatola village, when the team asked them to stop, then they started running.”

Though the team of Hawk force managed to nab one female Naxal while one escaped from the spot. Meanwhile, when the team was returning with the arrested Naxal, the other Naxal members in the area opened fire at the team with the aim of freeing their fellow member. The hawk force also retaliated, following which Naxals took advantage of the darkness and fled towards the dense forest, he added.

“The arrested Naxal has identified herself as Sajanti, a resident of Gadchiroli in Maharashtra. Her husband Ganesh was gunned down during an encounter in November, 2022. Sajanti was carrying a bounty of Rs 14 Lakh on her head,” he added.

“We will continue the ongoing anti-naxal campaign in the district further. In the preliminary interrogation, we came to know that there were several Naxals who were brought here against their will and wanted to go back to their houses. Therefore, I appeal to those Naxals who want to go back to their home or want to surrender, should come forward as Madhya Pradesh surrender policy is quite beneficial for them and they can take its benefit. MP police extend its help to them fully,” he concluded. (ANI)

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Congress has fielded former wrestler Vinesh Phogat from Julana assembly seat in Haryana.

The party released its first list of 31 candidates for Haryana polls which also contained Vinesh Phogat’s name.

AICC incharge of Haryana Deepak Babaria earlier gave indications that Phogat will be fielded from Julana.

“I think it has been decided that she will contest from Julana,” he said.

Answering queries, he said no MP has been permitted to contest the assembly elections.

Asked about alliance talks with AAP for Hayana polls, Babaria said that there is no development as of now.

“I got calls from them but I was not able to attend those calls because of our own meetings. I will speak to them now. Every political party express their opinion, tries to create pressure. I can’t say anything about the alliance right now. It is still under consideration,” he said.

In a big boost to Congress, Olympian wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat joined the Congress earlier in the day.

Punia and Phogat joined the party in the presence of Congress general secretary KC Venugopal, party leader Pawan Khera, Haryana Congress chief Udai Bhan, and Babaria.

Vinesh Phogat recalled women wrestlers’ fight over sexual harassment allegations against former BJP MP and former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. “The fight is continuing, it hasn’t ended yet. It’s in Court. We will win that fight as well… With the new platform that we are getting today, we will work for the service of the nation,” she said.

“When we were being dragged on the road, all parties except the BJP were with us. I feel proud that I have joined a party which stands with women and is ready to fight from ‘sadak to sansad’…,” she added.

The two well-known wrestlers joined the Congress almost a month before the Haryana assembly polls.

Polling for the 90-member Haryana assembly will be held on October 5 and votes will be counted on October 8.

The wrestlers resigned from their respective positions in Northern Railways earlier in the day.

Punia won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, while Vinesh Phogat became the first woman wrestler to reach the Olympics final.

Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling a short while after she was disqualified from the Paris Olympic Games after being found overweight by about 100 gm in her 50-kg category weigh-in ahead of the gold medal match.

Bajrang Punia has been appointed working president of Kisan Congress. (ANI)

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Union Minister Amit Shah on Friday released the Bhartiya Janata Party’s manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. He stated that Article 370 is a thing of past and will never return again.

“Now Article 370 has become a thing of past, it is not a part of the constitution. I have read the agenda of NC and seen the silent support of NC, but I want to make it clear, that article 370 is a thing of past and it’ll never return again, we will not let that happen. Article 370 was the thing that gave weapons and stones in the hands of the youth It’s the spirit of separatism that used to force youth towards terrorism,” Amit Shah added.

The Bharatiya Janata Party, in its manifesto, mentioned the abrogation of Article 370 as one of the major achievements of the Narendra Modi government.

Amit Shah further emphasised that the Jammu and Kashmir has always beeen part of India and that the government is foucsed on fighting terrorism and seperatism.

“Our party believes that J&K has always been part of India and it will remain so. Till 2014, J&K always remain in the shadow of separatism and terrorism. Different state and non-state actors kept the state unstable. All the govt dealt with the state with a policy of appeasement. Whenever the history of J&K will be written, these ten years after 2014 will be marked as a golden period for the state.” Amit Shah said

BJP made 25 promises in its manifesto for the UT, primarily focusing on wiping out terrorism and separatism from Jammu and Kashmir.

BJP focused on women-led development in Jammu and Kashmir. It promised to Implement ‘Maa Samman Yojana’ to provide Rs 18,000 per year to the senior most woman in every household in Jammu & Kashmir. It also promised to provide assistance through the state government for Women SHGs on the issue of interest on bank loans.

“We have decided that we will bring ‘Ma Samman Yojana’ to give Rs 18,000 to the eldest lady of every family, each year… We will give two free cylinders under the Ujjwala scheme, per year,” Amit Shah said.

Catering to the youth, the manifesto mentioned that the government will create 5 lakh employment opportunities in Jammu & Kashmir through Pandit Prem Nath Dogra Rozgar Yojana (PPNDRY).

BJP also said that it will provide Rs 3,000 yearly through DBT as travel allowance to college students under the ‘Pragati Shiksha Yojana’.

“Under Pragati Shiksha Yojana, we will provide Rs 3,000 to college students per year, as a travelling allowance, ” Amit Shah said.

BJP promised to distribute laptops and reimbursement of coaching fees to the tune of Rs 10,000 for 2 years and travel costs to examination centres for students preparing for competitive exams like JKPSC and UPSC.

BJP’s manifesto also mentioned a rehabilitation scheme for Kashmiri Pandits,

“The scheme will be very detailed. We will look for complete rehabilitation. Many Kashmiri Pandits and people from the Sikh community who left when the terrorism was at its peak were forced to sell their properties. We have already started working in this regard – either returning their properties or providing the amount for their properties. We are towards the completion of rehabilitation of 6,000 people,” Amit Shah said about the scheme

Amit Shah further mentioned that BJP will provide Rs10,000 under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, comprising the existing Rs6,000 along with an additional Rs4,000.

The manifesto also mentioned reduced electricity tariffs, lowered by up to 50%, for agricultural activities, making it more affordable for farmers to operate irrigation pumps and other machinery

Amit Shah further informed that they will give a 20% quota to Agniveers in J&K government jobs and police recruitment, and will follow the Jammu-Kashmir reservation policy without affecting the general quota.

Amit Shah also assured that they are determined to build 10,000 km of new rural roads. He also mentioned to expedite the metro services in Jammu and Srinagar.

Amit Shah also said that BJP will undertake the reconstruction of Hindu temples and shrines under Rishi Kashyapa Pilgrimage Rejuvenation Drive. “We will restore 100 ruined temples.” Amit Shah said. (ANI)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched the ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Initiative’, speaking at the inauguration the PM said that the country with an always visionary and comprehensive approach, needs to stand ahead to find solutions to battle with the water crisis for the whole world.

Stating a Sanskrit quote, PM Modi said, “It is said that all the living beings have originated from water and their lives depends on it. That’s why water donation and saving water for other is the biggest form of donation and the same thing was told by Rahim Das also. The country whose thinking and approach was visionary and comprehensive since past times; it needs to stand ahead in the world to find solutions for water crisis.”

Highlighting the Gujarat floods and several other natural calamities that most part of the countries faced during this monsoon season, PM Modi said that almost all parts of the nation faced havoc of the rains.

PM Modi said, “Today, from the land of Gujarat, an important initiative is being launched by the Ministry of Jalshakti. Before that, from the past several days, around all parts of the nation faced severe rains, hardly there will be any region which didn’t see the destruction from water. I was Gujarat’s CM for long time, but I haven’t seen such heavy downpours in most districts. But this time, Gujarat faced huge problem, all the departments were engaged to bear these consequences of nature. But its Gujarat’s and the public’s demeanour that they move forward with unity in such situations. There are still parts of the nation which are bearing the havoc of heavy rains.”

Extending his wishes to all those who were participating in the initiative, PM Modi emphasised that water conservation is not just a policy; rather, it’s a practices which exhibits our generosity and responsibility.

“Water conservation is not just a policy, it’s a practice, and there is generosity and responsibility in this practice. When future generations will examine us, our steps and behaviour towards water will be the first parameter. Because this is not just a question of resources; rather, it’s a question of life and future, That’s why, for the sustainable future, of the 9 resolutions we have put forward, water conservation is the first one. I am happy to share that through public participation; one more meaningful step is being taken. On this occasion, I extend my wishes to the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Gujarat Government and people from all over the nation participating in this initiative,” said PM Modi.

Citing the example of Gujarat and his effort when he was the Chief Minister of the state, PM Modi assured that we can overcome the crisis of the water despite numerous obstacles.

He further took a jibe at the then-opposition in Gujarat and said they used to laugh at us for our SAUNI scheme, claiming that the pipes we were laying would end up supplying air instead of water but the success of our labour is now evident for the whole world.

Highlighting his efforts in Gujarat as CM, PM Modi said, “This programme has been launched from the lands of Gujarat, where several steps were taken to reach and save water to every person. Around 2-2.5 decades ago, we all knew what the situation was in Saurashtra and North Gujarat. Governments were lacking in visions for water conservation. At that time, it was my resolution to tell the world that there are solutions for the water crisis. I completed the held-up project of Sardar Sarovar Dam and despite numerous challenges, the Sauni Scheme was launched to bring water to areas facing water scarcity. Back then, our opponents would ridicule us, claiming that the pipes we were laying would end up supplying air instead of water. However, the success of our labour is now evident for the whole world to see. Gujarat’s success and my experience in the state give assurance that we can overcome the problem of water scarcity in our country.”

The ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Initiative’ is launched by the collaboration of Government of Gujarat and the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

Under this programme, around 24,800 rainwater harvesting structures are made that will enrich rainwater harvesting and ensure long-term water sustainability across the state.

According to an official statement, “In furtherance to the PM’s vision of water security, the initiative seeks to conserve water with strong emphasis on community partnership and ownership and is driven by a whole of society and whole of government approach. Building on the success of the Jal Sanchay initiative led by the Government of Gujarat, the Ministry of Jal Shakti, in collaboration with the State Government, is launching the “Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari” initiative in Gujarat. The Government of Gujarat has endeavoured to mobilise citizens, local bodies, industries and other stakeholders to ensure a water secure future.

The statement further added, “Under this programme approximately 24,800 rainwater harvesting structures across the State are being constructed with community partnership. These recharge structures will be instrumental in enhancing rainwater harvesting and ensuring long-term water sustainability.” (ANI)

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Indian-American singer and songwriter Lisa Mishra has made a place for herself in the music industry. She is known for her songs such as ‘The Wakhra Song’ from ‘Judgementall Hai Kya’, ‘Nadaaniyaan’ from ‘The Sky Is Pink’, among others. Now, the ace singer has made her acting debut with Ananya Panday starrer ‘Call Me Bae’.

In a conversation with ANI, she spoke about her acting debut and experience with Ananya.

She said, “I still don’t feel it’s real, so everyday I wake up thinking if it’s a dream or not.”

Lisa added on how the casting happened and she got the project, “I’ve been working with the casting director Panchami Ghavri for a long time. She told me a series is coming up and there is a role for me. I was very excited about it. But, here you are not given the role, just the brief has been provided and you have to do your audition and do the scene and hope for the best. It was just a process of waiting and auditioning as it is for anybody who isn’t naturally in this space already, I am not a trained actor, so obviously there’s lots and lots of failed attempts until the right one clicks.”

With Ananya Panday leading the cast as Bella Bae Chowdhary, the series also features actors Vir Das, Gurfateh Pirzada, Varun Sood, Vihaan Samat, Muskkaan Jaferi, Niharika Lyra Dutt, Lisa Mishra, and Mini Mathur.

Lisa has all the praises for Ananya and sharing her working experience with the ‘Student of the Year 2’ actor,, she said, “Ananya is so hard working. She is someone who not only is prepared for herself, she memorizes everybody’s lines and if there’s a moment that I’m forgetting something and I’m supposed to deliver it a certain way, she reminds me constantly. She reminds everybody, ‘oh, this was your line’. It shows how prepared she is.”

The ace singer added that “People don’t realize how prepared and seasoned she is. I’m just lucky to be opposite her.”

Coming back to her role in the series, she shared that it was challenging and she attended workshops and learned the right accent to make the character look realistic on screen.

“I did workshops for this privately. We did workshops again with my director, quite a few times, because for Collin, it was important that I sound like I live in Mumbai and I don’t sound so American all the time.”

She continued saying that the more challenging part was to get into the skin of this character.

“It was more challenging to be this character than it was to do the accent switch. I think that was easier. The character is very multi dimensional. She’s empowered, but she’s also very broken inside. And I think what attracted me to this role was that I get to play a woman who has lots and lots of different parts to her. The biggest challenge was actually living the character and becoming this character”

The actor shared that it is a best period for her did her acting debut with the series and recently released her debut full length album ‘Sorry, I’m Late’.

Talking about the same, she said, “It took me six years to come with a project of my own. This album is a complete set of all stories from my life. Every song is about a experience I had.”

Talking about ‘Call Me Bae’, it is produced by Dharmatic Entertainment and Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra are Executive Producers,.The series stars Ananya Panday in her OTT debut.Written by Ishita Moitra, Samina Motlekar, and Rohit Nair and directed by Collin D’Cunha.

‘Call Me Bae’ released on Prime Video. (ANI)

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Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar has accepted the resignation of Rajya Sabha member from Odisha, Sujit Kumar following his expulsion from the Biju Janta Dal.

Sujit Kumar, a former member of Biju Janta Dal has been expelled from the party with immediate effect for ‘anti-party activities’, according to a letter signed by BJD President Naveen Patnaik.

“He has let down the party which sent him to Rajya Sabha and hopes and aspirations of people of Kalahandi district”, the letter read. (ANI)

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday responded to his earlier statement that “Armed Forces need to be prepared for war”. The Defence Minister said that he gave that statement so that India’s peace cannot be disturbed under any circumstances.

Highlighting India’s message of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, Singh said that India has always advocated for peace but keeping in mind the today’s geopolitical situation, India always needs to prepare for war to establish peace in India and world.

Speaking to media persons, Rajnath Singh said, “India is the only country in the world that has given the message of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. India has always advocated for peace and it will always. But today given the geopolitical situation, I told the army that to maintain peace in India and the world, we should always be ready for war. I said so that India’s peace is not disturbed under any circumstances.”

During his Lucknow visit, Union Minister Rajnath Singh also offered prayers at Khatu Shyam Mandir in the city.

On September 5, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired the inaugural Joint Commanders’ Conference (JCC) in Lucknow, emphasising the need for jointness and integration among the three services for future challenges.

He commended the Armed Forces for their invaluable contribution in safeguarding national interests and advancing the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, and appreciated the efforts being undertaken for furthering jointness and integration among the three Services.

In line with the theme of the conference, ‘Sashakt aur Surakshit Bharat : Transforming the Armed Forces’, Singh stated that India is a peaceloving nation and the Armed Forces need to be prepared for war in order to preserve peace.

He stressed upon the significance of evolving joint military vision and preparing for the type of challenges the country may face in future wars, while emphasising on synergised, swift and proportionate response to provocations.

Referring to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts and the current situation in Bangladesh, the Defence Minister exhorted the Commanders to analyse these episodes, predict the problems that the country may face in the future, and stay prepared to deal with the “unexpected”.

He emphasised on the need of a broader & deeper analysis by the top military leadership in view of the situation along the Northern border and the happenings in neighbouring countries, which are posing a challenge to peace & stability in the region. (ANI)

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