Month: September 2024

Two of the key accused involved in the high-profile Bengaluru Rameshwaram Cafe blast case were ISIS radicals, and they had earlier conspired to do ‘Hijrah’ to ISIS territories in Syria, National Investigation Agency (NIA) mentions in a chargesheet.

These radicals, the NIA mentions, were Mussavir Hussain Shazib and Abdul Matheen Ahmed Taaha. Both the accused were absconding since 2020, after the Al-Hind module was busted. They were arrested from their hideout in West Bengal 42 days after the Rameshwaram cafe explosion.

The NIA investigations revealed that Shazib was the man who had planted the bomb.

“Both Shazib and Taaha, hailing from Shivamogga district of Karnataka, were ISIS radicals and had earlier conspired to do Hijrah to ISIS territories in Syria. They were actively involved in radicalising other gullible Muslim youth to the ISIS ideology, and Maaz Muneer Ahmed and Muzammil Shareef were among such youth,” said the NIA in a statement after filing a chargesheet against four accused on Monday.

Besides Shazib and Taaha, the other two accused are named as Maaz Muneer Ahmed and Muzammil Shareef. They have been charged under relevant sections of Indian Penal Code (IPC), Unlawful Actiities (Prevention) Act, Explosive Substances Act and Prevention of Destruction and Loss of Property (PDLP) Act. All four were earlier arrested and are currently in judicial custody in the case.

The IED explosion, which took place on March 1 this year at the Rameshwaram Cafe, Brookfield, ITPL Bengaluru, had left nine persons injured and extensively damaged the hotel property.

The NIA, which started investigation in the case on March 3, further said that Taaha and Shazib had fraudulently obtained Indian SIM cards and Indian bank accounts and also used various Indian and Bangladeshi Identity documents downloaded from the dark web.

Investigations further revealed that Taaha had been introduced by an ex-convict, Shoaib Ahmed Mirza, to Mohammed Shaheed Faisal, an absconder in the Lashkar-e-Taiba Bengaluru conspiracy case. “Taaha then introduced Faisal, his handler, to Mehaboob Pasha, an accused in the Al-Hind ISIS module case, and to Khaja Mohideen, Amir of ISIS South India, and later also to Maaz Muneer Ahmed,” said the NIA.

NIA said that Taaha and Shazib were funded by their handler through crypto currencies, which Taaha converted to Fiat with the help of various Telegram-based P2P platforms.

“The funds were used by the accused to perpetrate various acts of violence in Bengaluru,

These included a failed IED attack at the state BJP Office, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru, on the day of Pran Pratishtha ceremony at Ayodhya on January 22, 2024, after which the two key accused had planned the Rameshwaram cafe blast,” added the agency. (ANI)

For more details visit us: https://lokmarg.com/

A Group of Ministers has been tasked to look into GST rates related to medical insurance and come up with a report by October so that the GST Council can take up the matter in the November meeting.

“There were a lot of discussions about whether we should reduce the rate or exempt it, whom should we exempt and whom should not, what happens to group insurance; are we going to carve out only for senior citizens, will this not complicate the implementation?” Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told reporters after hours-long GST Council meeting held on Monday.

A lot of issues were brought up for further discussion today in the GST Council, Sitharaman said, adding that which is why they felt it should go through a rigorous looking into by the GoM.

It will be the rate rationalisation GoM headed by the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar but with newer members added for this limited purpose.

“We have told them that they will look into this matter and come up with a report by the end of October 2024. The #GST Council which will meet in November, will finalise based on this report which will come from the GoM,” she added.

Both life insurance and medical insurance premiums attract a GST rate of 18 per cent.

Recently, many leaders from opposition-ruled states have requested Finance Minister Sitharaman to reduce GST on medical insurance and premiums. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has requested the central government to withdraw the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on life insurance and health insurance premiums, terming the taxation on such items as “anti-people.”

During the recently concluded Parliament session, the INDIA alliance leaders held a protest against the Central government outside the Parliament, demanding to roll back GST on health and life insurance products. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also joined the protest.

Against that context, Sitharaman had asked the members to write to their respective state’s finance minister so that they could take it up in the GST Council meeting.

Speaking on the suggestions by many Opposition members to reduce GST on health insurance premiums, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that taxes were imposed on such items even before the GST regime came into effect in 2017.

The GST Council, consisting of the Union Finance Minister and representatives from all States and Union Territories, was established to make decisions on various aspects of GST, including tax rates, exemptions, and administrative procedures.

The GST regime was brought in to remove the inefficiencies and complexities of the previous archaic taxation system. Over the years, GST has, among others, simplified compliance and reduced the cascading impact of tax. Before July 1, 2017, the indirect tax regime was highly fragmented. The Centre and States were separately taxing goods and services.

The GST Council, a federal body, comprises the Union Finance Minister as its Chairman and Finance Ministers from states and Union territories. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged more people to nominate inspiring personalities for the Padma Awards.

PM Modi’s call comes as the deadline for nominations approaches on September 15.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “Over the last decade, we have honoured countless grassroots level heroes with the #PeoplesPadma. The life journeys of the awardees have motivated countless people. Their grit and tenacity are clearly visible in their rich work.”

PM Modi said that the central government has brought in the initiative of public nomination in a bid to make the system more transparent and participative.

“In the spirit of making the system more transparent and participative, our Government has been inviting the people to nominate others for various Padma awards. I am happy that several nominations have come,” he said.

“The last day to nominate is the 15th of this month. I urge more people to nominate inspiring personalities for the Padma Awards,” PM Modi mentioned in the post.

As per an MHA release, The online nominations for the Padma Awards 2025 to be announced on the occasion of Republic Day, 2025 began on May 1, 2024. The nominations for Padma Awards will be received online on the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal.

The Padma Awards, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, are amongst the highest civilian awards of the country. Instituted in 1954, these Awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year. The award seeks to recognise ‘work of distinction’ and is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements/service in all fields/disciplines, such as, art, literature and education, sports, medicine, social work, science and engineering, public affairs, civil service, trade industry, etc.

All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these Awards. Government servants, including those working with PSUs, except doctors and scientists, are not eligible for Padma Awards.

The release mentioned that the Government is committed to transforming Padma Awards into “People’s Padma,” and so all citizens are, therefore, requested to make nominations, including self-nomination. (ANI)

For more details visit us: https://lokmarg.com/

New Delhi [India], September 9 (ANI): During the official visit of Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, India and the UAE on Monday signed several significant Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs), paving the way for cooperation between the two nations in sectors like nuclear energy and petroleum.

An MoU was signed between Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and Nuclear Power Cooperation of India Limited (NPCIL) for the operation and maintenance of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the UAE.

Also, an agreement for long-term LNG supply between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited was signed, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release.

MoU between ADNOC and India Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited (ISPRL); Production Concession Agreement for Abu Dhabi Onshore Block 1 between Urja Bharat and ADNOC; and MoU between the Government of Gujarat and Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company PJSC (ADQ) on food parks development in India were signed.

Notably, Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in New Delhi on September 8 on his first official visit to India, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, received the Crown Prince upon his arrival. He was also accorded a ceremonial welcome after he landed here in the national capital.

“A new milestone in a historic relationship. His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Delhi on his first official visit to India. Warmly received by @CimGOI @piyushgoyal and accorded a ceremonial welcome,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.

“India and UAE share historically close and friendly ties. In recent years, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and UAE has deepened in a wide range of areas, including political, trade, investment, connectivity, energy, technology, education, and culture,” the Ministry of External Affairs stated in a press release.

“The Crown Prince’s visit will further reinforce strong India-UAE bilateral relations and open avenues for partnership in new and emerging areas,” it added.

In February this year, PM Modi visited UAE. He held discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the India-UAE bilateral relationship and witnessed the exchange of eight agreements. (ANI)

For more details visit us: https://lokmarg.com/

On Sunday, Bollywood couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh welcomed a baby girl. As soon as they made the official announcement on social media, several celebrities shared their best wishes for the new parents.

Deepika and Ranveer took to Instagram to confirm that they became parents on September 8. After their post, many of their fans and B-Town celebs congratulated them.

Actor Priyanka Chopra wrote in the comment section, “congratulations,” along with heart emojis

Actor Ananya Panday commented, “Baby girl! Congratulations”

Sara Ali Khan also congratulated the couple and she mentioned, “Ranveer and DeePee..congratulations on your baby girl!!! Only joy and bliss to both of you”

Bipasha Basu wrote in her congratulatory message, “Durga Durga..Blessings to the little bundle of love and many many congratulations to you , ranveer and family”

Music maestro Shankar Mahadevan said, “Heartiest congratulations to both of you !! Love and blessings to the little Angel !”

Singer Shreya Ghoshal wrote, “Heartiest congratulations to both of you !! Love and blessings to the little Angel”

‘Stree 2’ actor Rajkummar Rao also congratulated the couple for this big news and shared, “Heartiest congratulations. So happy for both of you”

Actor Shraddha Kapoor messaged, “Congratulations!!! , and Parineeti Chopra exclaimed, “Congratssssssss”.

Katrina Kaif also wrote, “Congratulations”

Kareena Kapoor Khan shared her best wishes, saying, “Congratulations mommy and daddy.. from saifu and Beboo…God bless the little angel”

Neil Nitin Mukesh wrote, “God bless the family and blessings to the little princess”

Actors Suniel Shetty, Vaani Kapoor, Sharvari Wagh, Kriti Sanon, Ibrahim Ali Khan, Parineeti Chopra, Athiya Shetty, Malaika Arora, Jackky Bhagnani, Sonakshi Sinha, Bhumi Pednekar, Rhea Kapoor, and others also congratulated the couple.

Kriti Sanon commented, “Congratulationssss”. Actor Athiya Shetty shared, “Congratulations”.

Arjun Kapoor mentioned, “Laxmi aayi hai !!! The queen is here”.

Dia Mirza wrote, “All our love and blessings to the little one and her Mamma and Papa”

Mira Kapoor welcomed the couple to the “best club” saying, “Congratulations..welcome to the best club!”

Neha Dhupia wrote, “Congratulations u guys. welcome to the best hood!”

Alia Bhatt’s sister Shaheen Bhatt wrote, “CONGRATULATIONS! BEST NEWS!”

Angad Bedi shared, “Waheguru bless the baby angel.. and both the wonderful parents @deepikapadukone @ranveersingh welcome to the best phase of your lives”.

Bollywood power couple, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have become parents to a baby girl. ‘DeepVeer’ officially confirmed the news with their fans with a post on Instagram on Sunday.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C_ptijpMWfl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

“Welcome baby girl! 8.09.2024,” the picture read. After this good news, ‘DeepVeer’ fans couldn’t keep calm and flooded the comment section.

On Saturday, several photos and videos of Deepika went viral on social media as she made her way to the hospital.

Before welcoming their first child, Deepika and Ranveer visited Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi on Friday evening.

The couple was clicked by the shutterbugs as they entered the temple premises. They were all smiles as they arrived at the temple to see Lord Ganesha’s blessings.

Recently, the couple treated fans with their stunning maternity shoot. In the joint post shared on Deepika and Ranveer’s Instagram handles, the couple captioned it with ward off evil eye, heart and infinity emojis. In the pictures, the couple can be seen embracing baby bump.

Deepika and Ranveer announced their pregnancy in February this year.

Ranveer-Deepika tied the knot on November 14, 2018, at Italy’s Lake Como after dating for six long years and the duo never fail to shower love on each other on social media.

They first met on the sets of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s romantic drama film ‘Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela’ and later also starred in ‘Bajirao Mastani’ and ‘Padmaavat’.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Deepika will be next seen in ‘Singham Again,’ set to hit the big screens on the festive occasion of Diwali 2024.

Helmed by Rohit Shetty, ‘Singham Again’ also stars her husband Ranveer Singh, actors Ajay Devgn Kareena Kapoor Khan, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, and Ranveer Singh in the lead roles.

‘Singham Again’ is the third installment of the super-hit franchise.

‘Singham’ was released in 2011, starring Kajal Aggarwal and Prakash Raj in lead roles, followed by ‘Singham Returns’ in 2014. Both projects were box office hits.

Ranveer, on the other hand, recently announced his new project, featuring a stellar cast that includes Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna and Arjun Rampal.

Ranveer Singh will also star in Farhan Akhtar’s upcoming ‘Don 3’. (ANI)

For more details visit us: https://lokmarg.com/

On his 57th birthday on Monday, Bollywood star Akshay Kumar announced his new project ‘Bhooth Bangla’, a horror-comedy directed by Priyadarshan.

Sharing details about the film, Akshay took to Instagram and wrote, “Thank you for your love on my birthday, year after year! Celebrating this year with the first look of ‘Bhooth Bangla’! I’m beyond excited to join forces with Priyadarshan again after 14 years. This dream collaboration has been a long time coming… can’t wait to share this incredible journey with you all. Stay tuned for the magic!”

The film marks the on-screen union of Akshay and Priyadarshan after 14 years. The two have earlier worked on projects such as ‘Hera Pheri’, ‘Garam Masala’, ‘Bhagam Bhag’ and ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’.

Akshay also unveiled the film’s motion poster in which he is seen drinking milk while a black cat sits on his shoulder.

This particular announcement left cinephiles excited.

Reacting to the update, a fan in the comment section, wrote, “The magical duo is back

collaborating after 14 years for the 7th time Ak X Priyadarshan.”

“Legendary Reunion,” another Instagram user wrote.

The film is expected to be released in 2025, with shooting set to begin soon. Ektaa R Kapoor is producing ‘Bhooth Bangla’ under the banner of Balaji Telefilms Ltd.

Meanwhile, Akshay is being lauded for his special cameo in ‘Stree 2’, which hit the theatres on August 15.He was also recently seen in ‘Khel Khel Mein’.

Mudassar Aziz directed it.Produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Vipul D Shah, Ashwin Varde, Rajesh Bahl, Shashikant Sinha and Ajay Rai, Khel Khel Mein redefines the comedy-drama genre, offers a rollercoaster ride of emotions that transcends the ordinary.

The film also stars Ammy Virk, Vaani Kapoor, Aditya Seal, Pragya Jaiswal, and Fardeen Khan.

In the coming months, Akshay will also be seen in Rohit Shetty’s cop drama ‘Singham Again’, which also features Deepika Padukone, Ajay Devgn, Ranveer Singh, Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor and Tiger Shroff. The film will hit the theatres this Diwali. (ANI)

For more details visit us: https://lokmarg.com/

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan is celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi with gusto.

He recently visited his sister Nikhat’s residence in Mumbai where he performed Lord Ganesha’s arti.

In the visuals obtained by Aamir’s team, the actor is seen dressed in traditional attire, ringing in the festivities with the family. He was joined by his son Azad.

Meanwhile, on the professional front, Aamir Khan is currently gearing up for his upcoming film ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’. In this film, Aamir Khan stars alongside Genelia Deshmukh and also takes on the role of producer under his banner, Aamir Khan Productions.

The film is expected to be released in the coming months.

As a producer, he is coming up with ‘Lahore 1947’, which stars Sunny Deol in the lead role. It is directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. Preity Zinta, Shabana Azmi, Karan Deol and Ali Fazal are also part of the film.

Sunny and Aamir have never worked together before. But the duo have had very iconic box-office clashes as competitors in the past, where both have eventually emerged victorious.

The first iconic clash at the ticket window was witnessed in 1990 when Aamir Khan’s Dil and Sunny Deol’s Ghayal were released on the same day.

Then, in 1996, it was ‘Raja Hindustani’ vs ‘Ghatak’ followed by the most epic Box Office clash of Indian cinema in 2001 when ‘Lagaan’ was released on the same day as ‘Gadar’.

Now, for the very first time, the duo has come together and joined hands on a project.’Lahore, 1947′ also marks the reunion of Aamir and Santoshi after their iconic cult classic, ‘Andaz Apna Apna’. (ANI)

For more details visit us: https://lokmarg.com/

As the deadline for filing of nominations for the Haryana Assembly polls nears the prospective alliance between the Congress and the AAP is yet to reach a conclusion. On Monday AAP Haryana President Sushil Gupta said that the party would release the list of 90 candidates if no deal is struck by the end of the day. The statement was reiterated by Party RS MP Sanjay Singh who further said that the party has completed all the processes of selecting candidates for all legislative assembly seats in Haryana.

On the speculations of the AAP-Congress alliance, Sanjay Singh said, “Sandeep Pathak has already given a statement on this issue and Sushil Gupta has also clarified the stand that we are fully prepared and we have completed the process of selecting candidates for all seats. As soon as they receive permission from the party or national president Arvind Kejriwal, they will announce the list and move forward with the elections. AAP is a national party and we have a strong organisation in Haryana. Our leaders Sandeep Pathak and Sushil Gupta have already given statements, as soon as they will receive directions from the party and Kejriwal Ji, we will move forward with whatever they have said (Sandeep Pathak and Sushil Gupta).

Speaking to reporters, Singh said, “If you are talking about Sushil Gupta’s statements, then his statement is valid as well as right as the last date for nominations is September 12. The people who are working on the ground for the party will discuss it with the party’s president Arvind Kejriwal and take decisions to move forward unitedly, as we have less time.”

Haryana’s AAP Chief Sushil Gupta had sounded the alarm bells for the prospective electoral alliance with the Congress for the assembly election. Gupta said on Monday that if they don’t receive any news from the high command about the alliance formation during the day, then the party will release the list of candidates for all 90 seats in the Haryana Assembly.

“As AAP Haryana chief, I’m preparing for the 90 assembly seats. We haven’t received news about the alliance from the high command. If we don’t receive news today, we’ll release our list for all 90 seats by evening,” he said.

Gupta further emphasised the fact that the AAP is fully prepared to contest in all 90 seats in the polls and it is just a matter of time before they will announce the names of candidates who will contest in the election.

With just three days left for the deadline date for filing for nomination ahead of the assembly polls in Haryana, the Aam Aadmi Party, which earlier stated that they would contest in all 90 seats for this election, has been in frequent talks with the Congress party to form an alliance to contest in the assembly polls.

The voting for the 90-member legislative assembly in Haryana will be held on October 5 and the last date for filing nominations is September 12. The counting of votes will be held on October 8. (ANI)

For more details visit us: https://lokmarg.com/