Month: September 2024

Ajmer Sharif Dargah will prepare and distribute 4000 kg of vegetarian “Langar” food to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 74th birthday on September 17.

“In celebration of the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and in conjunction with “Sewa Pakhwada,” the historic and world-famous “Big Shahi Deg” at Ajmer Dargah Sharif will once again be used to prepare and distribute 4000 kg of vegetarian “Langar” food, continuing a tradition that has been upheld for over 550 years,” an official statement from the Dargah authorities said.

Gaddi Nashin-Dargah Ajmer Sharif, Syed Afshan Chishty, speaking to ANI on Wednesday, said that the vegetarian food will be distributed to the people.

“On the occasion of his (PM Modi’s) birthday, seva programmes will be organised at religious places in the country…On the occasion of his birthday Prime Minister, we will prepare 4,000 kg of vegetarian food, which will include rice and pure ghee, dry fruits and distribute it. Along with this, the Gurus and poor people around us will also be given langar as a service,” he told ANI on Wednesday.

“We will also pray for the long life of PM Modi on his birthday. The entire langar is being organised by the Indian Minority Foundation and Chishty Foundation of Ajmer Sharif,” Syed Afshan Chishty added.

The entire process, from lighting the “deg” to food distribution, is conducted with utmost devotion and care, serving thousands of devotees and seekers who come to pay their respects. The ceremony will begin with the lighting of the “Big Shahi Deg” at 10:30 PM inside the Dargah of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty . Special prayers (Dua) will be offered for peace, unity, prosperity, and the well-being of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as per the release.

“The prayers will also invoke blessings for the success of “Sewa Pakhwada” and the well-being of all citizens. – The “deg” is one of the world’s largest cooking vessels, capable of preparing up to 4000 kg of food, and has been used for centuries to serve “Langar” to devotees. During the cooking process, continue throughout the night, devotees and volunteers will gather to offer prayers and engage in recitation of “Quranic verses,” “Naats” (devotional songs), and “Manqabat”, Qawwalis” (poems in praise of the saints),” the Dargah authorities said.

The distribution will continue throughout the morning, ensuring that all attendees and nearby communities are able to partake in the blessed food. Volunteers will help in distributing the food in an organized manner, as per the release.

“The event will conclude with prayers of gratitude and unity for the welfare of the nation and all humanity. This event not only marks the celebration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday but also reflects the spirit of “Sewa” (service) and community welfare that is central to the teachings of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty,” said the Dargah authorities. (ANI)

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The Supreme Court will deliver its verdict on Friday regarding the pleas filed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal seeking bail and challenging the Delhi High Court order upholding his arrest by the CBI in a corruption case stemming from the alleged excise policy scam.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan will deliver the judgement on September 13.

The apex court had reserved the verdict on September 5 after hearing counsels representing Kejriwal and CBI.

During the hearing of the case, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, appearing for CBI, had objected to Kejriwal for not approaching the trial court for bail.

Kejriwal had directly approached the Delhi High Court for bail and then moved to the apex court.

“He approached the High Court without going to the Sessions Court. This is my preliminary objection. On merits, trial court could have seen it first. High Court was made to see merits and it can only be in exceptional cases. In ordinary cases, sessions court has to be approached first,” ASG had told the bench.

Raju had said Kejriwal seems to be an “extraordinary person” who requires different approach. “He is an influential political personality. All other ‘aam aadmis’ have to go to session court,” ASG had added.

Raju had further said that if Kejriwal comes out on bail, witnesses will turn hostile.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Kejriwal, had told the bench that the Supreme Court had released him twice- once in May to campaign for election and second time he was granted interim bail in the case registered by the Enforcement Directorate in the excise policy case.

CBI arrested Kejriwal on June 26 even though no arrest ever happened in two years, he had said, adding that it was a case of insurance arrest.

Singhvi had further said that Kejriwal is not a threat to society; he is not a hardened criminal.

The top court was hearing plea of Kejriwal against his arrest and a separate plea seeking bail in the case.

On August 5, the Delhi High Court upheld the arrest of the Chief Minister as “legal.” It had dismissed Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest, saying it was only after sufficient evidence was collected and sanction was obtained in April 2024 that the CBI proceeded with further probe against him.

The High Court had said there was no malice in the acts of the CBI, which demonstrated how Kejriwal could influence witnesses who could muster the courage to depose only after his arrest.

It had said Kejriwal is not an ordinary citizen but a distinguished recipient of the Magsaysay Award and the convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party.

“The control and the influence which he has on the witnesses is prima facie borne out from the fact that these witnesses could muster the courage to be a witness only after the arrest of the petitioner, as highlighted by the special prosecutor,” it had said in it’s order.

Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21, 2024, in connection with a money laundering probe relating to alleged irregularities in the now-cancelled Delhi excise policy 2021-22.

On June 26, 2024, AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by CBI while he was in custody of the Enforcement Directorate in the excise case. (ANI)

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Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury passed away on Thursday due to pneumonia.

Yechury was admitted to the AIIMS in Delhi on August 19, 2024. He had been first admitted to the emergency ward and then shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

“Sitaram Yechury CPI(M) General Secretary no more. He was admitted in AIIMS,” CPI(M) leader Hannan Mollah told ANI.

Sitaram Yechury was a prominent Indian politician who held a seat in the CPM politburo for 32 years and served as the party’s General Secretary from 2015. Additionally, he represented West Bengal in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian parliament, from 2005 to 2017.(ANI)

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Actor RajKummar Rao, who is basking in the success of ‘Stree 2’ and is all set to come up with new exciting projects, visited Mumbai’s Lalbaugcha Raja with his wife Patralekhaa on Wednesday.

To embrace the festive spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi, the couple paid a visit to Lalbaugcha Raja to offer their prayers.

RajKummar wore a neutral-coloured shirt and trousers, while Patralekhaa opted for a pastel green saree.

From Kartik Aaryan, Varun Dhawan, Atlee to Shilpa Shetty with family, several celebs visited Lalbaugcha Raja to seek blessings.

The iconic Ganesh idol, housed at the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, is a central attraction during this vibrant festival, drawing thousands of worshippers seeking blessings from the revered deity.

On September 5, the first look of the Lalbaugcha Raja for this year’s festival was unveiled.

The grand reveal set the stage for the festival, which is one of Mumbai’s most anticipated events. The history of the Lalbaugcha Raja has been quite famous as it is the popular Ganesh Idol of Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, located at Putlabai Chawl, a worship place founded in 1934.

The idol and its celebrations are managed by the Kambli family, who have been custodians of this revered image for over 80 years.

Ganesh Chaturthi, a 10-day festival that commenced on September 6, will continue until Anantha Chaturdashi. This festival is also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Vinayak Chavithi.

During Ganesh Chaturthi, Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the god of new beginnings and the remover of obstacles. Devotees across India and abroad celebrate Lord Ganesha’s wisdom and intelligence.

Devotees welcome Ganesh idols into their homes, offer prayers and visit the colourful pandals.

Meanwhile, on the work front, RajKummar will be seen in ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video’.

Helmed by Raaj Shaandilyaa, ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video’ promises a “perfect blend of laughter and drama, immersing viewers in the charm and energy of the swinging 90s.”

RajKummar and Triptii Dimri starrer ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video’ will hit theatres on October 11, 2024.

Recently, RajKummar announced his new project titled ‘Maalik’ on his birthday.

The film is being directed by Pulkit and the shoot has already commenced. (ANI)

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Kareena Kapoor Khan visited Malaika Arora’s father Anil’s residence after his death on Wednesday.

The actress was accompanied by her husband, actor Saif Ali Khan, to offer their heartfelt condolences.

Kareena, who has been close friends with Malaika for many years, looked emotional as she entered the Arora home.

Several celebs, including Arjun Kapoor, her ex-husband Arbaaz Khan, Chunky Panday and his daughter Ananya Panday among others were also seen arriving at their home.

Earlier in the day, Mumbai police had said that the death of Malaika’s father, “prima facie,” looks like a suicide, and all angles in the case are being investigated.

DCP Crime Branch, Raj Tilak Roshan, informed the media that the body of the deceased has been sent for post-mortem. He added that the teams of police and forensic are carrying out the investigation.

“Body of one Anil Mehta (62) was found. He resided on the 6th floor. We are carrying out further investigation and our team is here. We are investigating all angles in detail. Our teams are here, forensic teams are here as well. Body is being taken for postmortem. We are investigating everything in detail. Prima facie it seems to be suicide, we are conducting further investigation.”

Malaika Arora was not at home when her father passed away. The actor-model was reportedly in Pune, and rushed back to Mumbai, soon after learning about the incident.

After receiving this shocking news, the actor’s ex-husband Arbaaz Khan also reached the residence of Malaika’s parents.

Several police officials are present on the spot. More details are awaited in the matter. (ANI)

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Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor and his mother, Neetu Kapoor, were spotted performing the Ganpati Visarjan for their family’s Ganpati idol on Wednesday.

The mother-son duo came together to celebrate the special occasion during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

In the video captured by paparazzi, the ‘Brahmastra’ actor was seen wearing a white floral print kurta set, while looking dashing as always.

On the other hand, his mother, Neetu looked elegant as she opted for a light pink saree.

The two participated in the Ganesha Visarjan ceremony, with Ranbir holding the Ganpati idol and sharing a conversation with his mother during the ritual.

On the work front, Ranbir was last seen in Animal alongside Triptii Dimri and Rashmika Mandanna. The actor also has the sequel of Animal, titled Animal Park. Apart from this, he has Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love And War alongside Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal.

Neetu returned to acting in 2022 with ‘Jugjugg Jeeyo’ alongside Anil Kapoor.

Meanwhile, Ganesh Chaturthi, a 10-day festival that commenced on September 6, will continue until Anantha Chaturdashi.

During Ganesh Chaturthi, Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the god of new beginnings and the remover of obstacles. Devotees across India and abroad celebrate Lord Ganesha’s wisdom and intelligence. (ANI)

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The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday announced 40-star campaigners for Haryana Assembly Elections.

The list includes the names of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Delhi Ministers Atishi, and Saurabh Bharadwaj, and AAP leaders Sanjay Singh and Manish Sisodia.

Meanwhile, AAP on Wednesday also released its fourth list of 21 candidates for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. AAP has so far declared 61 candidates for the 90-member assembly.

Among the candidates announced on Wednesday are Raj Kaur Gill from Ambala Cantonment, Lalit Tyagi from Yamunanagar, Joga Singh from Ladwa, Satbir Goyat from Kithal, Sunil Bindal from Karnal, and Sukhbir Malik from Painpat Rural.

The other names in the list include Saroj Bala Rathi from Ganaur, Devender Gautam from Sonipat, Shiv Kumar Rangeela from Gohana, Sandeep Malik from Baroda, Kavita Dalal from Julana, Nisha Deshwal from Safidon, Sukhwinder Singh Gill from Tohana, Jasdev Nikka from Kalanwali, Sham Mehta from Sirsa, Narender Uklana from Uklana, Rajiv Pali from Narnaund, Rajender Sorkhi from Hansi.

Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and AAP leader Manish Sisodia participated in the nomination rally of the party’s state vice president and candidate from Kalayat seat, Anurag Dhanda and exuded confidence in the party’s victory in the upcoming elections.

“I have come for the nomination filing of Anurag Dhanda. He has been my friend, a journalist and a senior leader of Haryana AAP. People are upset with the 10-year rule of BJP in Haryana and they want to free Haryana from the BJP. AAP will form the government here and work will be done on the guarantee of Arvind Kejriwal,” Sisodia said.

“Our main fight is with corruption, with anti-school politics, with anti-hospital politics, with politics that took away job opportunities,” he added.

There was seat-sharing talks betwen AAP and Congress but they failed. The last date for filing nominations is September 12.

Voting for the 90-member legislative assembly in Haryana will be held on October 5. Votes will be counted on October 8 along with that in Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI)

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National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval on Wednesday attended the BRICS National Security Advisers meeting in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

The meeting of BRICS and BRICS Plus High-Level Security Officials is being held in St. Petersburg from September 10-12.

The Indian Embassy in Russia shared some pictures of the Bricks meeting on X and stated, “NSA Shri Ajit Doval is participating in the BRICS NSAs meeting in Saint Petersburg, Russia. During the sessions in the first half of the day, he spoke on modern security challenges, including ICT ( information and communication technology) related issues and terrorism, and the need to address them through joint efforts within the BRICS framework.”

Notably, Russia is holding the BRICS chairmanship for the year 2024.

BRICS is an informal group of states comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with new members Egypt, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia joining the grouping in 2023. Ajit Doval also participated in the 13th BRICS NSA meeting in Johannesburg in July 2023.

Doval’s visit to Moscow comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia and Ukraine in the past two months. During his visit, PM Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

It was PM Modi’s first visit to Russia and Ukraine since the war started between Moscow and Kyiv in 2022. Notably, India has always advocated “peace and diplomacy” for resolving conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

During his visit to Russia in July, PM Modi held a meeting with President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin and discussed ways to diversify cooperation between the two nations in various sectors like trade, commerce, security, agriculture, technology, commerce, and innovation. (ANI)

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Agitating doctors of the RK Kar Hospital on Wednesday clarified about their refusal to accept West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s invitation for talks at the state secretariat to resolve the impasse over their refusal to return to work. The doctors said they refused to attend because it was said to be a closed-door meeting.

Speaking to ANI, Dr Aqeeb said, “The mail that we received yesterday was from the principal secretary and it was written that there is a meeting with senior government officials, stating it to be a closed-door meeting. We refused it because we were against the closed-door meeting.”

“Like WB Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya said the Chief Minister was waiting for us, nothing of this sort was mentioned in the mail. We then sent a mail to the CM office in which we mentioned our five demands,” he said.

He added further, “The demands included that those creating trouble in justice should be asked to resign. Elections should be conducted; college counsel should be given recognition and elected representatives should be part of it and not selected representatives among others.”

West Bengal Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya said that CM Mamata Banerjee waited for doctors to come and talk to her after sending the letter but no one arrived at Nabanna.

“Your small delegation (maximum 10 persons) may visit ‘Nabanna’ now to meet government representatives,” the email sent by the state’s Health Secretary N S Nigam to the protesting medics on Tuesday evening stated.

“The language of the communication is not only disrespectful to us doctors, it’s downright insensitive. We find no reason to reply to this mail,” Dr Debasish Halder, a leader of the protesting doctors who organised a sit-in before the state health department headquarters at ‘Swasthya Bhavan’ in Salt Lake, said.

The doctors conveyed that although “doors remain open” for talks with the state’s highest authorities, they would continue with their agitation till their demands are met.

The protesting doctors of state-run healthcare facilities, currently on ‘cease work’ for over a month to protest the alleged rape and murder of the RG Kar hospital medic, defied the 5 pm deadline set by the Supreme Court to return to work, and conveyed their intentions to stay put before the ‘Swasthya Bhavan’ and keep pressing for their demands.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was scheduled to hold a meeting to review the functioning of health facilities and improve safety, security and patient services in the state.

Principals, Directors and medical superintendents and vice principals (MSVPs) of all medical colleges and hospitals in the state were invited to the meeting.

All Commissioners of Police and District Magistrates and Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) of all districts were also invited to this meeting.

Earlier on September 10, the father of the deceased trainee doctor from Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College said that the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, has not done any work and his family is not satisfied with her role in the case. The victim’s father also said that they demanded a CBI investigation due to her “unsatisfied role” in the case.

Speaking to ANI, the victim’s father, said, “We are not satisfied with the role of the CM (Mamata Banerjee) in the case; that’s why we went to the CBI. She hasn’t done any work. One of the policemen came to our house, they said we have arrested Sanjay Roy and he will be produced in fast track court and will get a death sentence. But the incident that happened with my daughter was not the work of just one person. We have been saying this since starting those persons from the department are involved in this.” (ANI)

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