Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu

Maldives Prez Planning To Visit India Very Soon

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has said that he is planning to visit India as soon as possible.

He also praised the “very strong” bilateral relationship between the two countries.

“I am planning to visit (India) as soon as possible…We have a very strong bilateral relationship,” Muizzu told ANI on sidelines of 79th United Nations General Assembly.

Notably, if happens, it will be Muizzu’s second visit to India, after first making the visit in June during the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It is pertinent to note that earlier almost every Maldivian President used to make his first foreign visit to India, but Muizzu changed the trend by first visiting Turkiye and then China, after coming to office earlier this year.

The Mohamed Muizzu government in the Maldives took a reconciliatory tone after ties between the two nations soured, leading to a diplomatic row.

Since coming to power, Muizzu has taken several steps that have been unconventional from the point of view of India-Maldives ties. He ran his whole presidential campaign on the lines of ‘India Out’. The removal of Indian troops from the country was the main election campaign of Muizzu’s party.

Last December, the Maldives said it would not renew the Hydrographic Survey agreement made with India.

After Muizzu government officially requested India to withdraw troops, the Indian government set up a High-Level Core Group to discuss the matter. The withdrawal of Indian troops was completed in May this year.

But the row between New Delhi and Male erupted after three Maldivian deputy ministers made derogatory comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, over his pictures from the visit to Lakshadweep.

The matter snowballed into a major diplomatic row, with New Delhi summoning the Maldivian envoy and registering a strong protest against the viral posts. The three deputy ministers were suspended and they remain under suspension with pay.

Maldives Tourism Ministry data showed, earlier this year, that the number of Indian tourists visiting the Maldives dropped by 33 per cent as compared to last year.

In August, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar visited Maldives. He, along with his Maldivian counterpart, Moosa Zameer inaugurated High Impact Community Development Projects and exchanged MoUs in Male.

Earlier this year, President Muizzu thanked India for its support of the island nation in easing its debt repayment and affirmed hope that New Delhi and Male would forge stronger ties and sign a free trade agreement. (ANI)

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

Arvind Kejriwal RSS

“RSS’ Limited To Laying Carpets: Kejriwal

The Aam Aadmi Party National Convener, Arvind Kejriwal, launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party, accusing them of inducting ‘corrupt’ leaders in the party.

During his address in the Delhi assembly on Friday, the former Delhi Chief Minister questioned RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat over the induction of leaders with corruption allegations into the BJP.

Citing a purported letter Kejriwal had written to Bhagwat, he asked, “Is Mohan Bhagwat satisfied with Modi ji’s decision to induct the most corrupt leaders in the BJP by scaring them through ED and CBI?”

“Recently, I wrote a letter to Mohan Bhagwat. I asked questions on 4-5 things. One of the questions was, is Mohan Bhagwat satisfied with Modi ji’s decision to induct the most corrupt leaders to join BJP by scaring them through ED and CBI? On 27 June 2023, the Prime Minister said that Ajit Pawar had done a Rs 70,000 crore scam and five days later, he made Pawar join the BJP and made him deputy CM. I wanna ask, do you have any shame?” Kejriwal said during his address.

“On 22 July 2015, in Assam, the BJP said Himanata Biswa Sarma is corrupt and one month later he joined BJP. Like these, there are 25 members. They are very close to Modi ji. This is their honesty. These are 25 jewels,” he added.

Kejriwal further questioned RSS about opposition leaders joining BJP and took a jibe, saying that the duty of RSS workers is now limited to “laying carpets.”

“How can RSS members accept that? And the RSS workers still can’t get tickets. Their work is now reduced to laying out the carpet. They lay out the carpet for the NCP leader, Congress leader who joined BJP.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Arvind Kejriwal put up five questions to the RSS chief and urged him to take responsibility in matters of the BJP.

He asked, “BJP was born from the womb of RSS, it is the responsibility of RSS to ensure that BJP does not go astray, Did you ever stop Modi ji from doing wrong things?”

The former CM alleged that the BJP is using ED, CBI for threatening opposition parties and emphasised the need for ethical governance and political stability.

Notably, Arvind Kejriwal is currently out of jail after he secured bail in connection to the Excise Policy case. The case alleges multiple irregularities in the formation and implementation of the Delhi excise policy (2021-22) by the Central Bureau of Investigation. The policy was withdrawn after allegations of corruption.

After coming out, Kejriwal announced his resignation from the CM post, following which Atishi, who held maximum portfolios in the government, took over as the chief minister. (ANI)

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

Shehbaz Sharif Kashmir

Pak PM Again Raises Kashmir Bogey At UNGA

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday once again raked up the Kashmir bogey in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly. He called on New Delhi to enter a dialogue with Islamabad for a peaceful resolution of the dispute.

“Let me state in no uncertain terms, Pakistan will respond most decisively to any Indian aggression, therefore, to secure durable peace, India must reverse the unilateral and illegal measures it has taken since 5th of August 2019 and enter into a dialogue for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people,” he claimed.

Shehbaz Sharif claimed that India was “engaged in massive expansion of its military capabilities,” which are essentially deployed against Pakistan.

“It (India) has engaged in massive expansion of its military capabilities, which are essentially deployed against Pakistan. Its war doctrines envisage a surprise attack and a limited war under the nuclear overhang. Thoughtlessly, India spurned Pakistan’s proposals for a mutual strategic restraint to regime. Its leadership has often threatened to cross the line of control and take over Azad Kashmir,” Shehbaz Sharif said.

Making a reference to the abrogation of Article 370, Shehbaz Sharif alleged that India has initiated unilateral illegal steps since August 5, 2019.

“Instead of moving towards peace, India has resiled from its commitments to implement the Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir. These resolutions mandate the people of Jammu and Kashmir to exercise their fundamental right to self-determination. Since 5th August 2019, India has initiated unilateral illegal steps to impose what its leaders honestly call a final solution for Jammu and Kashmir,” Shehbaz Sharif claimed.

India has already made it clear after the Pulwama attack in 2019 that it wants normal bilateral ties with Pakistan, adding that it is incumbent upon them to create a conducive environment free from terrorism and hostilities.

Moreover, India has repeatedly raised its concern over Pakistan’s support of cross-border terrorism and has asserted that terror and talks cannot go together. India has also provided evidence at various international forums of Pakistan’s support for Terrorist groups.

India will now have the right to reply to Pakistan’s address at the UNGA. (ANI)

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

Vande Bharat Trains

Vande Bharat On Shopping List Of Several Foreign Buyers

Countries like Chile, Canada, Malaysia have shown keen interest for importing the Vande Bharat Trains from India. It is learnt from informed sources that for several reasons external buyers are attracted towards Vande Bharat.

Sources said cost effectiveness is the key factor, trains with similar features manufactured in other countries cost in the range of Rs 160-180 crores, whereas India manufactures the Vande Bharat at much less, at a cost ranging from Rs 120 to 130 crores.

Vande Bharat also beats competitors when it comes to pick up speed. Sources say, Vande Bharat takes just 52 seconds to reach from 0 to 100 kmph; this exceeds Japan’s bullet train, that takes 54 second to get from 0-100 Kmph.

Informed sources also say that Vande Bharat is better designed than foreign competition. It has one hundred times less noise experience than an aircraft and its energy consumption is very less.

Indian railways are also looking to rapidly expand its track network and increase substantial number of trains.

Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that in the last ten years more than 31000 kilometres of tracks have been added, and the aim is to add 40000 kilometres of additional tracks.

Vaishnaw also emphasized that work on the bullet train is on track and progressing at a super-fast speed.

Amid safety concerns, Railways is putting special focus on installing its indigenous automatic train protection system, Kavach, across the country. This will cover around 40000 kilometres of network and will be installed in 10000 locomotives. Kavach is effective and low cost protection systems and is Safety Integrity Level 4 (SIL-4) certified.

The rail minister told reporters once installed Kavach can bring down accidents by 80 percent and completely takes care of human errors.

The Minister said that the tender of 10,000 Locos and 9,600 km track is out. Kavach has been commissioned in 632 km in Mathura – Palwal and Mathura – Nagda. Kavach has also been installed in 108 km on Kota – Sawai Madhopur. Courses are being conducted at IRISET for training of 426 Chief Loco Inspectors on Kavach.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently reviewed a trial of an upgraded ‘Kavach’ between Sawai Madhopur and Indargarh Railway stations in Rajasthan.

Minister Vaishnaw underlined the measures taken to improve safety standards. He told reporters 97,602 inspections done by officials, 90,000 signal plans verified, 2,500 km Track renewal done. Ultrasound tests being done for the entire network: In this financial year so far: 1.86 lakh Track km rail + 11.66 lakh no. of welds are also concluded.

Vaishnaw further said, “For testing welds: 20 new Phased Array Ultrasound machines introduced 990 railway bridges rehabilitated, 304 flyovers and underpasses constructed, 5,300 Fog safety devices installed Quality checks on Track fittings carried out. Hardship and risk allowance of trackman increased by 25% (2,700 to 3,375 Rs per month) done. (ANI)

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

Netanyahu UN Hamas

Netanyahu Calls Hamas To Surrender

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the war with Hamas can end if the latter lays arms and releases the hostages, while asserting that Israel will continue its fight until it achieves “total victory.”

Issuing a stern warning to Iran, Netanyahu said there is “no place” in Iran, where the “long arms” of Israel cannot reach, while adding that it is true for the “entire Middle East.”

In his address at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Netanyahu accused Hamas of stealing humanitarian aid and selling it to people at higher rates. He said, “This too has to end, and we are working to bring it to an end.”

The Israeli PM said that if Hamas stays in power, it will regroup, rearm and “attack Israel again and again and again”. “Hamas has got to go.”

Stressing that the war will end if Hamas lays down its arms, he said, “As far as hostages, I have a message for Hamas captors. Let them go, all of them. Those alive today, must be returned alive and the remains of those whom you brutally killed must be returned to their families. Those families here today and those in Israel.”

He also asserted the need to defeat Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon.

“This war can come to an end now, all that has to happen is for Hamas to surrender, lay down its arms and release all the hostages. But if they don’t, we will fight until we achieve total victory. There is no substitute for it. Israel must also defeat Hezbollah in Lebanon,” he added.

Netanyahu said Israel has brought home 154 of these hostages, including 117 alive, and pledged to not rest until all the hostages are brought home. He pointed out the hostage families in attendance and asked them to stand up. He narrated the stories of each of the hostages represented by their families, including those whose bodies were taken to Gaza.

“I can promise you, we will return your loved ones home. We will not spare that effort until that holy mission is accomplished,” he said.

At the start of his address, Netanyahu said that he did not intend to participate in the UNGA. However, he decided to come here as he heard the “lies and slanders levelled by many speakers at this podium.”

He said, “I didn’t intend to come here this year. My country is in war fighting for its life. But, after I heard the lies and slanders levelled at my country by many of the speakers at this podium. I decided to come here and set the record straight. I decided to come here to speak for my people, for my country, to speak for truth and here is the truth – Israel seeks peace, Israel yearns for peace, Israel has made peace and will make peace again.”

“Yet, we face savage enemies who seek our annihilation and we must defend ourselves against these savage murderers. Our enemies seek not only to destroy us. They seek to destroy our common civilisation and return all of us to a dark age of tyranny and terror,” he added.

As the Israeli PM came to the podium to deliver remarks at the UNGA, a large number of delegates could be seen leaving the hall.

Recalling his previous address at the UNGA, Netanyahu said the Saudi Arabia-Israel deal was close when he was at the United Nations last year. However, he added that Hamas burst into Israel and committed “unimaginable atrocities,” including murdering people and raping women.

Speaking about the ongoing war which began on October 7 last year, he said, “The curse of October 7th began with when Hamas invaded Israel from Gaza. But, it didn’t end there. Israel was soon forced to defend itself and…more war fronts organised by Israel. On October 8, Hezbollah attacked us from Lebanon. Since then, they fired over 8000 rockets at our towns and cities, at our civilians, at our children.”

“Two weeks later, Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen launched drones and missiles at Israel. The first of 250 such attacks, including one yesterday, aimed at Tel Aviv. Iran Shiites militias….Fuelled by Iran, Palestinian terrorists in Judea and Samaria perpetrated scores of attacks there and throughout Israel and last April, for the first time ever, Iran directly attacked Israel from its own territory, firing 300 drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles at us,” he added.

He showed two maps and asked the world to choose between a “blessing” and a “curse.” Explaining the “map of blessing”, he said, “It shows Israel and its Arab partners forming a land bridge connecting Asia and Europe between the Indian Ocean and the Medditerean Sea.”

Speaking about the “map of curse”, he said, “Now look at this second map. It’s a map of a curse. It’s a map of an arc of terror that Iran has created and imposed from the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean.”

Netanyahu warned that Iran will endanger every country in the Middle East and many countries in the rest of the world if it is not checked.

Calling on the world to stop appeasing Iran, Netanyahu said, “For too long the world has appeased Iran, it turns a blind eye to its internal repression, it turns a blind eye to external aggression. That appeasement must end and that appeasement must end now.”

He called on the world to support to “join Israel” in stopping Iran’s nuclear weapons program. He urged the UN Security Council to impose “snapback” sanctions on Iran for its nuclear program.

Netanyahu said, “I have a message for the tyrants of Tehran. If you strike us, we will strike you. There is no place in Iran where the long arm of Israel cannot reach. And that is true for the entire Middle East.”

In his message to the world, Netanyahu exclaimed, “We are winning.”

Hundreds of Hamas terrorists burst into Israeli borders, killing over 1200 people and taking over 250 hostages, out of which 100 continue to be in captivity.

Israel launched a massive counteroffensive in Gaza targeting Hamas units. However, the mounting civlian death toll, especially women and children has raised humanitarian concerns regarding the escalating conflict. According to Gaza health ministry, more than 35,000 Palestinians have been killed in this war.

The war has spiralled into the region lately, with Houthi rebels in Yemen also targeting Israel and other countries in the Red Sea.

Israel has also continued striking Hezbollah in Lebanon to counter the ‘threats’, the Iran-backed group poses to Israel with repeated strikes in northern Israel.

As the conflict heads towards escalation, all major countries have called for ceasefire and hostage deal, while also stressing for a two-state solution as a means to achieve durable and sustainable peace in the region. (ANI)

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

Isreal The Bomber And The Blind World

The Bomber And The Blind

So what is it that compels the entire world to surrender before the bullish and brutal might of a tiny country like Israel?

Why is it that global powers and the United Nations are simply unable to stop the mass murders and targeted assassinations unleashed by Israel, relentlessly, without a pause, year after year?

Even as the bloodbath continues, how does the American establishment at the White House, now controlled by the Democrats, allow the deadly bombs, arms and ammunition worth billions to be supplied to Israel, year after year, knowing fully well that hospitals, refugee camps and schools would be bombed, and that scores of women and children will once again have their dead bodies displayed on another blood-soaked island of rubble?

How can a so-called ‘free world democracy’ support this infinite injustice bordering on barbarism?

Surrounded by Islamic nations, how does Israel get away so easily, with the blood of innocents splattered here, there, everywhere?

In Gaza. West Bank. And, now, Beirut and Lebanon!

Why are the oil-rich Islamic countries, many of them filthy rich, totalitarian regimes backed by the US, so damn scared of Tel Aviv? Regimes which oppress and brutalize their own citizens with as much impunity as Israel does beyond its occupied borders!

And now, after the mass murder of 40,000 plus innocent people in Gaza, including over 17,000 children, it is the turn of Lebanon. Once again.

Remember the terrible two days of 18th and 19th September, 1982, when Christian militias, backed by the Israeli Defense Force (IDF), unleashed a massacre at the Sabra and Shatila camps in Lebanon, killing hundreds of Lebanese and Palestinian people. So much so, the IDF blocked the exits so that the refugees just could not escape the killers.

Thereby, in a new twist, it is the pager. And the walkie-talkie.

After the Hamas attack on Israeli-occupied territory on October 7 last year, the Iran-backed Hezbollah had asked its fighters to stop using smart phones. Instead, they were asked to use pagers.

Consequently, a consignment of pagers were commissioned. Israeli intelligence, which is perhaps the best in the world, reportedly penetrated this consignment and inserted small quantities of explosives inside the pagers. In some mysterious, and sinister manner, these ‘subverted pagers’ found their way across the lanes and by-lanes of Beirut and elsewhere, among ordinary folks.

If anything, it reinforces the theory that since it is not always easy to hit the underground Hamas or Hezbollah guerillas, Tel Aviv compulsively chooses to target ordinary folks. This seems to be its time-tested strategy.

So, what happened? Yes, another bloodbath! 

This time, scattered, all across Beirut and the towns and suburbs of Lebanon.

Perhaps, a child buying a lolly-pop found herself blown up, because the shopkeeper switched on the pager. Perhaps, a fruit-seller’s limbs were scattered all over, because the housewife buying his fruits used a pager. Perhaps, a grocery shop exploded because a customer got a message on his pager.

Several people died. Thousands were injured. Most had their limbs, torso, groin, face and eyes destroyed. In all practical terms, they have been rendered permanently disabled for all their lives — kids, mothers, fathers, daughters, granddaughters. 

Hospitals were swarming with the injured. Ambulances rushed all over Beirut. People ran in to donate blood. The entire country went into a state of shock, immersed in helpless sorrow.

ALSO READ: Gaza – Where Tears Have Run Dry

The Hezbollah blamed Israel. The international media knows it is Israel. America and the West knows it is Israel. And, yet, the bloodbath will continue!

And now, when, Hezbollah has fired rockets in retaliation, Israel has declared an all-out war on Lebanon, its bloodlust in Gaza still not satiated.

An Israeli minister spoke to the troops: “We are preparing the process of a manoeuvre, which means your military boots, your manoeuvring boots, will enter enemy territory, enter villages that Hezbollah has prepared as large military outposts, with underground infrastructure, staging points and launchpads into our territory to carry out attacks on Israeli civilians.”

This basically means, that they would do, perhaps, exactly what most marauding armies do;  indeed, like the Nazis did when they invaded the countries of  Europe during the Holocaust. Destroy villages and towns, one after another, loot and plunder, burn the houses down, slaughter men and children, and rape the women on the streets.

The bombings in Lebanon has arrived after the invasion of Lebanon by Israel in 2006. Till date, according to reports, around 500 people have been killed, including 90 children and women. Tens of thousands have been turned into internally displaced refugees. People are rushing to the Syrian border, which too has been destroyed by the ravages of war since almost two decades.

Clearly, Benjamin Netanyahu, isolated and hated in his own country, and across the world, wants an all-out war. Basically, now, his target is Iran.

It is also transparent that Iran does not want a war. With a new reformist president in power, its economy in the dumps, and a huge section of women and men still seething with anger after the brutality unleashed on them during the revolutionary uprising against the murder of Mahsa Amin by the notorious ‘moral police’, all it wants is that the sanctions imposed on it by the US should be removed. With a totally weakened Joe Biden hands-in-glove with Netanyahu, it seems a well-nigh impossible proposition as of now.

Netanyahu does not want a ceasefire in Gaza. He will never allow a solution to the Palestine crisis till the time he is in power with his extreme Right-wing, fanatic cabinet ministers. He will also not work for the release of the 100 plus Israeli hostages who are rotting under Hamas imprisonment, perhaps, somewhere, in the dark and dingy tunnels of Gaza, much to the endless suffering of their loved ones. He will stick on, from one blood-lust to another, because that is the only way he can survive in the final days of his power.

As for Hamas, after Gaza has been razed into the ground, its maze of tunnels destroyed, have they been totally destroyed? Not at all.

All ground reports suggest that they are still out there inside the same maze of tunnels. Not only that, scores of new fighters have reportedly joined them, which is predictable, since both angst and anger make a heady conconction of eternal revenge after the genocide in Gaza.

As for Hezbollah, it is perhaps the most deadly, trained and organized guerilla army in the world, with thousands of armed men, rockets and missiles, fully loaded with weapons from Iran and other sources, cash-rich and networked across the Middle-East and elsewhere, and cushioned by a labyrinth of underground networks and tunnels much more inaccessible than that of the Hamas, perhaps. Let us not forget that after the 2006 invasion, Israel almost faced a defeat at the hands of the Hezbollah!

In the current war, while Israel celebrates their killings, no one knows the damage inflicted by the Hezbollah. Indeed, like Lebanon, Israel too is under siege. Almost 60,000 plus Israelis have been compelled to move out of the border areas. A barrage or rockets and missiles have hit Israel all over the place. One of the biggest hospitals in Israel has been re-located in the underground. If it is death and dying in Lebanon, life is not easy at all in Israel.

On top of it, for the first time in this history of war, a missile almost hit a strategic target right inside Tel Aviv. Knowing that the Hezbollah is strategically smart, this is bad news for IDF.

Hezbollah has said that they will not compromise till there is a ceasefire in Gaza. Netanyahu will not allow a ceasefire. Biden has been rendered meaningless.  No one knows if Kamala Harris will match her rhetoric with actual action on the ground. That is, if she wins the presidential polls.

Hence, as of now, the war will continue. As in the past, no one will win this war. All that will happen, has happened in the past. It will happen yet again. As it has happened in the history of all wars.

Innocent people will be butchered. Especially women. Old people. And children.

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

Donald Trump Zelenskyy

Trump To Meet Zelenskyy At Trump Tower On Friday

Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said on Thursday (local time) that he would be meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday at Trump Tower in New York around 9:45 am (local time), The Hill reported.

This meeting comes on the heels of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s meetings with US President Joe Biden and US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris in Washington at the White House, where they discussed strengthening Ukraine’s position in the ongoing war with Russia.

“As you know, President Zelenskyy has asked to meet with me, and I will be meeting with him tomorrow morning at around 9:45 in Trump Tower,” Trump said during a press conference in New York.

“And it’s a shame what’s happening in Ukraine–so many deaths, so much destruction. It’s a horrible thing.”

NBC News reported Wednesday that Trump had decided not to meet with Zelensky. The former president criticised the Ukrainian president, saying while in North Carolina on Wednesday, “He’s making little nasty aspersions towards your favourite president, me,” The Hill reported, according to the news outlet.

Trump’s announcement was made the same day that Zelensky visited the White House.

Notably, Trump’s stance on Ukraine has been somewhat controversial, having previously criticised US assistance to Ukraine and praised Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In contrast, Biden has reaffirmed US support for Ukraine, pledging to provide the necessary assistance to help Ukraine win the war. Recently, the US announced a new package of weapons and nearly USD 8 billion in aid for Ukraine.

During the meeting, Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for the support of the United States, highlighting that the two nations have stood together since the beginning of the Russian invasion.

Sharing a post on X, Zelenskyy wrote, “During the meeting with President Joe Biden, I presented the Victory Plan to him. We discussed details to strengthen the plan, coordinated our positions, views, and approaches, and tasked our teams with holding consultations on the next steps.”

Meanwhile, President Biden took to his X handle to express solidarity with Ukraine. He also stated that Ukraine will emerge victorious in the war against Russia.

Sharing a post on X, he wrote, “Today, President Zelenskyy and I sat down again to discuss strengthening Ukraine’s position on the battlefield and helping Ukraine rebuild stronger than before. Two things are clear: Ukraine will win this war. And the US will continue to stand by them every step of the way.”

Zelenskyy also shared a post about sharing the details of the victory plan with Harris and said, “I shared the details of the victory plan with Vice President Kamala Harris. It is very important for us to be fully understandable and work in full coordination with the United States.”

“We must end this war and achieve just peace. We must protect our people – Ukrainian families, Ukrainian children–and everyone from Putin’s evil. We are grateful to America for supporting Ukraine throughout this time,” the post added.

The Department of Defence (DoD) announced a significant new security assistance package to ensure Ukraine has the tools it needs to prevail in its fight against Russian aggression, the Pentagon said in a press release.

This security assistance package commits an additional USD 2.4 billion in support through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) that will provide Ukraine with additional air defence, Unmanned Aerial systems (UAS), and air-to-ground munitions, as well as strengthen Ukraine’s defence industrial base and support its maintenance and sustainment requirements. (ANI)

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

China's newest nuclear-powered submarine

China’s Newest Nuclear-Powered Submarine Sank: US

China’s newest nuclear-powered submarine sank pierside in the spring, and the Chinese navy tried to conceal details regarding the loss, CNN reported, citing two US defence officials.

The official said that the attack submarine was the first of its new Zhou-class line of vessels, under construction at a shipyard near Wuhan. The Zhou-class submarines have a distinctive X-shaped stern, made to improve manoeuvrability underwater.

A satellite image from March 10, captured by Maxar Technologies, shows the Zhou-class sub, with its signature x-shape tail, docked at the port. Furthermore, Maxar imagery reviewed in June shows that the sub did not return to the pier, according to CNN.

The senior US defence official said, “It’s not surprising that the PLA Navy would try to conceal the fact that their new first-in-class nuclear-powered attack submarine sank pierside.”

Tom Shugart, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security who routinely studies satellite imagery of Chinese shipyards, was the first one who observed the unusual activity at the shipyard.

“I’ve never seen a bunch of cranes clustered around (one spot),” Shugart said. “If you go back and look at historical imagery, you can see one crane, but not a bunch clustered there.”

Looking at older satellite images of the same shipyard, Shugart noticed the submarine’s larger size and its distinctive tail, reflecting a new class of submarine.

“Usually, those submarines, after they get launched, they’re there at the shipyard for several months in outfitting. And it wasn’t there anymore,” he stated

Notably, China has made modernisation of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy and its submarine force one of its top priorities as it tries to build a world-class military on par with the US. The PLA Navy operates six nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, six nuclear-powered attack submarines, and 48 diesel-powered attack submarines, as per the China military report from 2023.

The US Navy has 14 ballistic missile submarines, four guided-missile submarines, 53 fast attack submarines, and the entire US submarine fleet is nuclear-powered.

The Wall Street Journal first reported about the Chinese submarine’s sinking. The senior defence official said it is not clear whether nuclear fuel had already been loaded onto the submarine or if the vessel was unfueled when it sank.

A spokesperson from the Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC, said: “We are not familiar with the situation you mentioned and currently have no information to provide,” according to CNN report.

China is working on bolstering its ability to make new submarines. Even after the older submarines retire from the PLA Navy, China is expected to have 65 submarines in 2025 and 80 in 2035 due to the growth in its submarine construction capacity, CNN reported, citing the Congressional Research Service (CRS).

In terms of the number of ships, China has the world’s largest navy. The PLA Navy has 370 platforms, which comprise 234 warships, according to CRS. Meanwhile, the US has 219 warships.

Speaking about the Chinese industrial base, the defence official stressed that the incident raises “deeper questions about PLA’s internal accountability and oversight of China’s defence industry–which has long been plagued by corruption.” (ANI)

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

Lalu And Family Obtained Illegal Gratification

Lalu And Family Obtained Illegal Gratification In Form Of Land Parcels In Exchange Jobs In Railway

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), in its Supplimentary Prosecution complaint (chargesheet) filed in the Land for Jobs scam case, has accused Lalu Prasad Yadav, the former Railway Minister, and his family members of obtaining illegal gratification in the form of land parcels in exchange for appointments in the Indian Railways.

These land parcels, which were acquired in a way to consolidate holdings already in the Yadav family’s possession, have been classified as “proceeds of crime” (PoC) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

According to the ED, Lalu Prasad Yadav, through his family and associates, orchestrated a criminal conspiracy to conceal the acquisition of the PoC. He ensured that the land parcels were transferred in a manner that obscured his direct involvement while allowing his family to benefit.

ED stated that the investigation revealed that landowners, primarily in Mahua Bagh, Patna, were persuaded to sell their land at undervalued prices with the promise of jobs in the Railways. Several of these parcels were located adjacent to lands already held by the Yadav family. Six of the seven land parcels involved were linked to Rabri Devi, Lalu Prasad Yadav’s wife, and were obtained either directly or indirectly.

It is stated that during investigation ED found that M/s A K Infosystems Private Limited and other entities were used to further layer and obscure the connection between the land acquisitions and the job-for-land scheme. In a continuation of the conspiracy, Amit Katyal, a close associate, transferred the ownership of A K Infosystems, which held valuable land parcels, to Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, Lalu’s son, at a nominal price.

Bhola Yadav, a close associate of Lalu Prasad Yadav, was identified as the key facilitator in these transactions. He admitted to persuading landowners near the Yadav family’s holdings to sell their properties in exchange for jobs in the Railways. These deals were structured to benefit Lalu Prasad Yadav’s family, with properties transferred through intermediaries like the personal staff of Rabri Devi, namely Hridyanand Chaudhary and Lallan Chaudhary, stated the ED.

The properties in question were often portrayed as gifts from distant relatives, but Misa Bharti, Lalu Prasad’s daughter, denied knowing these individuals. The ED highlighted the use of gift deeds and shell companies to obscure the illegal nature of these land acquisitions, ED mentioned in its chargesheet.

According to the Enforcement Directorate, Tejashwi Yadav, during his statement under PMLA, admitted that while he was a shareholder in A K Infosystems, the company had not engaged in any business activity, and he was unaware of many details concerning its operations. He also acknowledged investments made by him in the property at New Friends Colony, New Delhi, which was linked to the scam.

It is also stated that, Lalu Prasad Yadav consistently denied any involvement in the acquisition of land through illegal means and claimed ignorance of the companies and individuals involved in the transactions. However, the investigation contradicted these claims, showing his direct role in appointments and the land deals.

The ED has concluded that Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family used their influence and official positions to derive personal benefits, masking the illicit transactions through a series of complex financial maneuvers and entities. The scam, involving the illegal transfer of land in exchange for government jobs, is a significant breach of public trust and abuse of power.

The Rouse Avenue court recently issued Summons to Lalu Prasad Yadav, his sons Tejaswi Yadav and other charge sheeted accused in Land for Job Money Laundering case. The court additionally issued summons to Tej Pratap Yadav also. The Court has summons Akhileshwar Singh as well his wife Kiran Devi.

Special CBI judge Vishal Gogne issued summons to Lalu Prasad Yadav and his two sons and other six accused. They have been directed to appear on October 7.

The court said that there is sufficient material to proceed further against the accused persons. The Court said that involvement of Tej Pratap Yadav cannot be ruled out. He was also a director of AK Infosys Ltd. He is also has been summoned.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had filed a supplementary charge sheet against 11 accused on August 6. Four of them died.

Tej Pratap Yadav was not charge sheeted by the ED but the court found sufficient material against him to issue summons.

Tej Pratap Yadav has been summoned for the first time in land for job case. (ANI)

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

Ashwini Vaishnaw

Vaishnaw Announces 12,500 Coaches For Festive Season

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday announced an addition of coaches and special trains on the occasion of Chaath puja and Diwali across the country to ensure ease of travel for passengers.

Vaishnaw said, “This festive season, General Coach increased in 108 trains. 12,500 coaches sanctioned for Chhath puja and Diwali special trains. In 2024-25, a total of 5,975 trains have been notified till today. This will facilitate more than 1 crore passengers to go home during the Puja rush. In 2023-24 a total of 4,429 special trains ran during the festive season.”

Earlier on September 24, Aswhini Vaishnaw had inspected the Kavach 4.0 in Rajasthan and said that Kavach 4.0 has started for the first time in India from Sawai Madhopur, adding that in the coming years, 10 thousand locomotives will be covered by Kavach.

“Kavach 4.0 has started for the first time in India from Sawai Madhopur… The work of installing armour in this area has been completed, this is just the beginning, in the coming years, 10 thousand locomotives will be covered with armour and 9 thousand kilometres of additional armour work will be done,” Vaishnaw told reporters.

Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system. It is a highly technology-intensive system, which requires safety certification of the highest order.

Kavach aids the loco pilot in trains running within specified speed limits by automatic application of brakes in case the loco pilot fails to do so and it also helps the train safely run during inclement weather.

On September 20, Vaishnaw had inaugurated the Bharat Gaurav Train for Bharat-Nepal Yatra at the Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi on Friday and said that tourists will be able to experience the rich cultural heritage shared by India and Nepal. (ANI)

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