MCD AAP

MCD Standing Committee Election Underway In Delhi, AAP Stays Absent

Despite strong objections from the Aam Admi Party the election for the lone vacancy in the Standing Committee of the MCD is underway at the MCD House in Delhi.

The polling is being held in the presence of Additional Commissioner Jitendra Yadav, he has been made the Presiding Officer in the absence of Mayor and Deputy Mayor. AAP is not taking part in the elections. Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi had directed the MCD Commissioner to proceed with the election for the sixth member of the Standing Committee on 5th October

Earlier the Mayor also expressed concern about the recent order issued by the MCD Commissioner, stating that the scheduled election of the Standing Committee member at 1 pm is considered illegal and unconstitutional. She emphasized that LG should not have the power to interfere in the functioning of the House.

“Following this, I was forced to adjourn the House till 5th October. Legally the election can be held only on October 5. A letter has been sent to the MCD Commissioner and it has been told to him that the notice issued yesterday is illegal. What are the BJP’s intentions that it wants to conduct the election this way?” she added.

Manish Sisodia, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, addressed a press briefing on Friday and crticised the LG VK Saxena’s directive to hold election for the lone vacancy in the standing committee of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. “Yesterday, the Mayor (Shelly Oberoi) kept trying to conduct an election for the seat of standing committee of Nagar Nigam but it could not be done. Then, using her power, she set another date for elections and assembly of the House. Later in the day, LG passed an order to the MCD Commissioner to hold elections by 10 pm last night. The whole night the BJP councillors were present there, while AAP and Congress councillors were absent,” Manish Sisodia said.

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also raised strong objections to Delhi’s LG V.K Saxena’s order. Kejriwal argued that the MCD laws clearly state that the authority to convene a session lies solely with the Mayor, and neither the Lieutenant Governor (LG) nor the Commissioner can do so.

“I am surprised that the MCD has clearly stated in the law that only the Mayor has the right to call the corporation’s sitting. No one else has the right. LG Sir cannot call it. The Commissioner cannot call it. Only the Mayor can call it.” he said.

On Thursday, MCD Commissioner Ashwani Kumar had issued the order for conducting election on September 27 at 1 pm. The order of the MCD said that the election for the lone vacancy in the Standing Committee by the Corporation was scheduled for September 26 at 2:00 pm; whereas, the said election was not conducted and the meeting was adjourned to October 5 by Mayor Shelly Oberoi on the specious ground that the councillors be allowed to carry mobile phones inside the voting hall/polling booth. (ANI)

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Samagara Siksha Scheme Stalin

Stalin Seeks Release Of Funds Under Samagara Siksha Scheme

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and handed over a memorandum requesting release of central funds under the Samagara Siksha Scheme and approval of Chennai Metro Rail Project Phase-II under 50:50 equity sharing basis.

The Chief Minister also sought permanent solution to secure the traditional fishing rights of Indian fishermen and to expedite release of apprehended fishermen and their crafts.

Stalin termed the around 40 minute meeting as a good one and said that a detailed memorandum containing three requests has been given to the Prime Minister.

“It was a pleasure to meet with PM Modi. PM Modi also expressed happiness to us. All in PM Modi’s hands only to make this happy meet as useful meet also,” Stalin told reporters.

“I have given 3 important requests to PM Modi. I have given a detailed memorandum to PM Modi listing out our requests,” the Chief Minister said.

Explaining the memorandum to PM Modi, CM Stalin said, “Like how the Union and State governments together implemented the first phase of the Chennai Metro Rail Project, similarly, the second phase of the Chennai Metro also should be implemented. That is the Tamil Nadu stance. During the 2021-22 budget, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharam said funds would be allocated for the Chennai Metro Rail phase two project. The Union Government also gave approval on 2022. So far, 18,564 crore have been spent for the works but due to pending approval from Union Minister Tamil Nadu, we haven’t received funds from the Union Government. This has slowed down the Metro Rail Project. So I requested PM Modi to release funds for this without delaying.”.

The Chief Minister also requested PM Modi to release funds under the Samagara Siksha Scheme.

Stalin said, “The Tamil Nadu government has already implemented some good suggestions from the NEP. The Tamil Nadu government is also implementing schemes like free breakfast, which are not implemented in other states. But Tamil Nadu is not accepting to follow the three-language policy, which is on national education policy. Even though NEP assured there wouldn’t be language imposition on any states, it was not clear on the MoU. So we have been saying to make changes in MoU. We also listed out the issues faced by Tamil fishermen.” (ANI)

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Singer Arijit Singh

Arijit Apologizes To Female Fan During UK Concert

Singer Arijit Singh is currently in the UK for his shows and one of the viral videos from his shows is getting attention as he came forward in support of one of his female fans who was stopped by the security personnel.

In a video that went viral on social media, Arijit was seen apologizing to the female fan amid performance as security grabs he by her neck during the show. The woman in the video could be heard shouting.

Later, Arijit apologised to the fan, saying, “It’s not fair to grab somebody like that (gesturing towards the neck).” He then pointed out at the security guards, “Guys, please sit down.” While turning to the lady he said, “I am really sorry, ma’am. I wish I was there to protect you, but I could not. Please sit down.”

Meanwhile, the ace singer collaborated with Ed Sheeran at a show in London on September 15. “#london , thank you for showing up in such a magnificent way last night. Love and Gratitude #arijitsinghlive Thank you @teddysphotos for the #perfect moment (red heart emoji),” he captioned the post, adding a few pictures from the show.

Arijit also bagged the Best Male Playback Singer award at the 70th National Film Awards for ‘Kesariya’ from the film Brahmastra. The romantic track, which quickly became a favourite among fans, is praised for its touching lyrics and Singh’s soulful voice.

‘Brahmastra Part One: Shiva’ is the first part of the planned trilogy in the Astraverse by Ayan Mukerji. The film also stars Amitabh Bachchan, Mouni Roy and Nagarjuna Akkineni.

The storyline of Brahmastra follows Shiva, a DJ, who learns about his strange connection with the element of fire. He also holds the power to awaken the Brahmastra, a supernatural weapon that is said to be able to destroy the universe, capable of destroying creation and vanquishing all beings.

The movie stars Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Amitabh Bachchan, Mouni Roy and Nagarjuna in crucial roles. (ANI)

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Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC)

Delhi Court Allows Bhatkal To Meet His Ailing Mom Virtually

Delhi’s Patiala House Court on Thursday allowed Yasin Bhatkal, a notorious terrorist and one of the founders of the Indian Mujahideen (IM), to have a video conference (VC) meeting with his ailing mother.

Bhatkal had originally sought permission for custody parole to meet his mother in person; however, the court granted the meeting via video conferencing instead.

While passing the order, the Additional Sessions Judge, Dr Hardeep Kaur, directed the concerned Jail Superintendent to allow Yasin Bhatkal to interact with his ailing mother through video conferencing, but only as a one-time allowance.

The court further instructed that Bhatkal must communicate with his mother in Hindi only.

Additionally, for security reasons, the court granted the Jail Superintendent the liberty to record the communication if deemed necessary, said the court.

Advocate MS Khan and other counsel advocates Qausar Khan, Prashant Prakash and Rahul Sahani appeared for Yasin Bhatkal in the matter.

Yasin Bhatkal, a convicted terrorist and one of the founding members of the Indian Mujahideen, has sought custody parole from Delhi’s Patiala House Court.

Currently incarcerated in Tihar Jail, Delhi, Bhatkal has requested parole to attend to his ailing mother, who has recently undergone cardiac surgery.

Yasin Bhatkal, who was sentenced to death by a Hyderabad court in 2016 for his involvement in multiple terror attacks, has cited his mother’s critical condition following heart surgery as the reason for his request.

In his plea, Bhatkal referenced Para 1203 of the Delhi Prison Rules, 2018, which outlines the circumstances under which custody parole can be granted.

These include, death of a family member, marriage of a family member, serious illness of a family member and any other emergency circumstance subject to the approval of the DIG (Range) of prisons.

Syed Mohammed Ahmed Zarar Siddibappa, commonly known as Yasin Bhatkal (born on 15 January 1983), is a convicted Islamist terrorist and one of the co-founders and leaders of the Indian Mujahideen (IM), a proscribed terrorist organisation.

The Indian Mujahideen was founded around 2005 by Yasin Bhatkal, along with Riyaz Bhatkal and Iqbal Bhatkal (who are brothers, though not related to Yasin), among others.

Under Yasin Bhatkal’s leadership, the group has been responsible for several deadly terrorist attacks across India.

Yasin Bhatkal’s actions led to the deaths of many civilians, and he was eventually captured in 2013.

He was sentenced to death by a Hyderabad court in 2016 for his role in orchestrating several terrorist attacks. His involvement with the Indian Mujahideen made him one of India’s most wanted criminals before his arrest. (ANI)

Pakistan-led espionage case

NIA Court Sentences Key Accused To Rigorous Imprisonment In Pakistan Espionage

A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Uttar Pradesh’s capital Lucknow has sentenced a key accused to rigorous imprisonment in a Pakistan-led espionage case involving an Indian Army signalman, the agency said on Thursday.

Anas Yakub Giteli, a resident of Godhra town in Panchmahal district of Gujarat, has been sentenced to multiple sentences ranging from three to five years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Official Secrets Act.

“All sentences will run concurrently,” said the NIA in a statement.

Giteli was arrested with Indian Army signalman Saurabh Sharma in January 2021 in the case originally registered by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad. NIA took over and re-registered the case as in February 2021.

The duo were chargesheeted by the NIA in July 2021. Saurabh was sentenced by the NIA court last month.

As per investigations, the NIA said, Saurabh was lured by a pseudonymous entity operated by defence or Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agents and had shared secret information about the Indian Army with the entity called ‘Neha Sharma’.

“The said entity had hatched a criminal conspiracy to obtain restricted and confidential information from Indian Army officials,” said the anti-terror agency.

“Saurabh had received funds from multiple sources, including Pakistani sources and also from Anas Yakub Giteli, in lieu of sensitive and confidential information passed to Pakistani ISI operatives.”

As per the Central agency, the restricted information included the order of battle, troop deployments, locations, strength and composition of ambush parties, and other sensitive information.

“Giteli, at the behest of Pakistan-based ISI handlers, had deposited funds in the account of Pooja Singh, wife of Saurabh Sharma, and had sent the photo of the deposit slip to his handlers as a confirmation of the funds transfer,” said the NIA.

“The two accused used to frequently delete the incriminating logs/digital footprints, viz WhatsApp communication, including the incriminating WhatsApp chats and images, to hide their wrongdoings, NIA investigations had revealed,” added the agency. (ANI)

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Omar Abdullah resigned from the Budgam assembly

Was Hoping For A Higher Turnout: Omar Abdullah

National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah said on Thursday that he expected higher turnout in the assembly election.

“I was hoping for a little more turnout. Because there was no call from the boycott. There were no attacks. There was no attempt to suppress and threaten the voters,” Omar Abdullah said.

“But I think the central government is also partially responsible for this situation. They have tried to present high turnout as a sign of normalcy at different places,” he said.

On the diplomats visits to Jammu and Kashmir and Srinagar, Omar Abdullah said, “They brought the team of diplomats. They wanted to show that there was a big change in Srinagar. The people of Srinagar did not want to be used like this.”

On the voting turnout, he said, “I am thankful to all those who voted for me. Whether they have voted for the National Conference, NOTA or any other parties, I am thankful to them for voting.”

He further added that “The third phase of voting has the seats of Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipur districts in the Kashmir valley, the have traditionally participated in the voting process and we expect high turnout.”

He expressed gratitude to the people of Jammu and Kashmir for participating in the election.

“The most difficult time of the year is when the votes have come from these areas. This time too, we hope that the voters will use their votes. Along with that, there is a little bit of selfishness, but I hope that the votes will be given in support the National Conference. And where there is no hope of the National Conference, the people will then definitely vote for Congress”.

The final phase of elections in Jammu and Kashmir is scheduled for October 1. The counting of votes for JK and Haryana assemblies will take place on October 8. (ANI)

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Reliance Foundation Isha Ambani UN General Assembly week

India is Shaping New Global Order: Isha Ambani

Director of Reliance Foundation Isha Ambani stressed India’s role in shaping a new global order while addressing ‘India Day’ at UN General Assembly week in New York.

High-level discussions focused on India’s emerging leadership in the Global South were held as a key feature of ‘India Day at UNGA week’ in New York.

Delivering the opening address at the high-level event, Isha Ambani focused on what she coined as the ‘Pancha Tantra’ or five key pathways for sustainable development. These included unleashing the power of women, unlocking the power of youth, partnerships as multipliers of innovation, the transformational power of technology, and crafting a bold vision for the future.

“This week, as leaders from around the world gather in New York to discuss equitable development, it is clear that our world is changing rapidly. India, in particular, is stepping into its rightful place, shaping the new global order. But this moment is more than just about change–it’s about creating a better future together, especially for our youth. The challenges we face are many, but by working together, we can make real progress,” said Isha Ambani.

The dialogue, Tiger’s Tale: Crafting a New Development Paradigm, was a high-level dialogue exploring India’s growing role as a leader in the Global South and its potential to set new benchmarks in global development, according to a Reliance Foundation release.

Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar spoke of how leadership from the Global South is now a reality. He added that at the UN, there is an acknowledgement of India’s role as a nation with a heart and a country that has brought the Global South back into the conversation.

He also added that it was crucial to look at how we democratise technologies, democratise the global workplace, and do it in an orderly, acceptable way.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, of DP World, stressed the resilience inherent in international trade, though the current linkages are weak, and “we need to build connectivity that benefits all.”

Hugh Hilton Todd, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Guyana, said the Summit of the Future reflects on the SDGs–we only achieved 17 per cent success.

“Something is wrong. While problems have been identified, we need to have the political will to leave no one behind and depend on the leadership of countries like India,” he said.

Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, P Harish, spoke of how India, with the largest cohort of youth, has a huge role to play.

“Those who turn 18 are an important part of the political process, and youth will emerge as a key issue. When the tale of the tiger is told, it will be told by the cubs and the young tigers,” he added.

The events, organised by Reliance Foundation in partnership with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the United Nations in India office, provided insights and learnings along with pathways for sustainable development beyond 2030.

Earlier in the day, the India Day @ UNGA panel discussions explored Pathways to the Rising South, Technology as an Enabler, the Power of Women-Led Development, and the LiFE Economy.

These sessions featured experts on the themes of discussion, proposed solutions, and opportunities for the world ahead. The audience included key sector stakeholders, including government, multilaterals, philanthropic foundations, academia, think tanks, the private sector, and other organisations.

A special publication, jointly developed by Reliance Foundation, Observer Research Foundation, and the United Nations in India office, “The Next Frontier: Charting the Contours of the Post-2030 Development Agenda,” was released during the events.

A curation of 27 essays from global experts, the publication explores the strategies, innovations, and leadership required for a new global development agenda beyond 2030. The essays are by a range of authors from development, philanthropy, and think tanks, as well as policy and thought leaders with voices from both the Global North and Global South. (ANI)

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Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3

Kartik Teases Fans With New Spooky Poster Of ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’

Get ready to witness the thrilling faceoff between Rooh Baba and Manjulika. Makers dropped a new intriguing new poster from the upcoming ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’.

Taking to Instagram, Kartik Aaryan treated fans with a new poster along with a caption confirming the exciting faceoff.

“Rooh Baba Vs Manjulika…Iss Diwali#BhoolBhulaiyaa3. #YeDiwaliBhoolBhulaiyaaVaali.”

The poster shows the haunted palace and silhouettes of ghosts taking over the dark sky along with Kartik’s character standing with a fire-lit torch in his hand and ready for battle.

On Wednesday, Kartik shared first poster of the film.

Taking to Instagram, Kartik dropped a poster with a caption that read, “Darwaza Khulega Iss Diwali,”

The poster shows a door with blood stains and a lock, creating excitement to be ready for a thrilling and spooky cinematic experience this Diwali.

“Roohbaba x monjulikha,” another comment read.

Recently, Kartik took to Instagram to announce the film’s wrap. He shared a video from the sets in which he along with the ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ team can be seen celebrating the completion of the film shooting by cutting a chocolate cake.

“Arey pagalo…Its a Wrap for #BhoolBhulaiyaa3 Haveli ka darwaza ek baar phir khulne ke liye

taiyaar ho chuka hai…See you This Diwali,” he wrote.

‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’, helmed by Anees Bazmee, promises to be a thrilling addition to the franchise, starring Triptii Dimri alongside Kartik.

Scheduled for a Diwali 2024 release, the film also marks Vidya Balan’s return to the franchise. She essayed the iconic role of Manjulika in the 2007 blockbuster.

Welcoming Vidya Balan on board, Kartik expressed his excitement on Instagram, stating, “And it’s happening. OG Manjulika is coming back to the world of BhoolBhulaiyaa. Super thrilled to welcome @balanvidya. This Diwali is going to be crackling! #BhoolBhulaiyaa3.”

Directed by Priyadarshan in its first iteration and later by Anees Bazmee for the sequels, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ has been a favourite among audiences for its blend of psychological horror and comedy.

Aside from ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’, Kartik Aaryan’s upcoming projects include ‘Captain India’. (ANI)

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Is Your Office Giving You Mental Stress?

‘If Your Job Is Causing You Mental Stress, Dump It’

Gauri Joshi, a media educator and a former business reporter, changed six jobs in three years due to workplace toxicity. Her two cents for professionals struggling at work:

My first job was as a consultant for a leading PR agency, where we had four clients in the technology space. The first eight to nine months leading up to the completion of my probation were a dream: I could avail training, team culture and had supporting mentors as seniors. And then the reality knocked at my door.

As work load increased, I faced my first burnout. I wanted to request my seniors not to burden me with another client or more work but I was scared that as a rookie, this would hurt my growth. The load kept mounting. It was so overwhelming that I was clocking 15 hours a day. One evening, I suffered a panic attack. Thankfully, my mother was by my side.

I realised I needed help. During my therapy sessions, I found out what had gone wrong. I was honest and surcharged at work. I used to think my team would collapse if I didn’t turn up at office. My therapist helped me realise that my job was not my identity; I needed to be detached. Detachment from the role is tough in journalism and PR, but phone detox really helped, so did taking trips to other places.

I moved on to be a journalist. But that turned an out-of-the-firepan-into-the-fire kind of move. Although my start as a journalist was a breeze but what came as a cost to ambition was one of the most toxic newsrooms in the media world. In less than four months into the job, I was suicidal. My face had bloated; I suffered anxiety attacks; my eyes looked drugged and I didn’t feel like waking up. My partner had to step in and coerce me into resigning.

ALSO READ: Making Light of Moonlighting At Work

I took two weeks off after a severe burnout incident, and relished slow eating, talking to people not related to my work and also joined Zumba. Dance helped me cope with stress. I also joined a swimming class, and started meeting friends more often. I learnt that colleagues were not always your friends; HR department is not paid for your wellbeing; its loyalty lies towards the boss.

Currently, I am recovering from cortisol spikes. And I am happy being a school teacher now. Teaching is my ikigai – a reason for living. I also took up consultancy and started working on my start-up and a book so that I don’t confine myself to one role. My constant has been my family and my partner.

Hustle culture is lauded in India. Everyone thinks the employee hopping jobs is a problem, they don’t understand toxic clients or bosses as the reason for attrition. I had six jobs in three years, and this earned me a reputation. But I have learnt that that if your workplace is causing you stress, you have only one option: Leave it.

That’s my only advice. Your life is more precious than any job. I once turned down a handsome offer only because I had double-checked on Glassdoor and with my friends about its toxic work culture. In toxic environments, you will meet predators, sexual offenders, narcissists and gas-lighters who will make you feel like a cretin. Run away quick and fast. There is nothing more important in life than your physical and mental wellbeing.

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As told to Mamta Sharma

Dev Anand's 101st birth anniversary Hema Malini

Hema Remembers Dev Anand On His Birth Anniv

On legendary actor and filmmaker Dev Anand’s 101st birth anniversary, actor Hema Malini shared cherished memories of Dev Saab and how she misses his warm presence still.

On Thursday, Hema Malini took to Instagram to share several pictures with Dev Anand from the films they worked on together, along with a note.

“I have such lovely memories of Dev Saab who was in fact the hero of my 2nd big release with a top actor. I was raw, and in awe but he quickly put me at ease and behaved as if he was a good friend. This attitude continued till the end always exuding energy that would stimulate everyone. I would never feel low or sad when he was around,” she said.

“His calling me “Hema!” still reverberates in my ears. I truly loved him for the extraordinary person that he was and miss his warm presence even today. Happy birthday Dev Saab!,” she added.

As soon as the post was shared, fans and industry members chimed in the comment section.

Jackie Shroff wrote, “Respects.”

Another user commented, “Golden Era.”

“Ma’am, you are so beautiful… No one can match your aura to this day. Stay blessed always,” another comment read.

Dev Anand was born on September 26, 1923, and is considered one of the most successful actors in Bollywood.

In a career spanning almost six decades, the actor left a mark with his roles in films like ‘Guide,’ ‘Taxi Driver,’ ‘Jewel Thief’ and ‘CID’.

He broke new grounds, playing a smuggler in ‘Jaal,’ absconding gang member in ‘Dushman,’ black marketeer in ‘Kalabazaar’ and a murderer in ‘Bombay Ka Babu.

Besides being an actor, he was also a writer, director, and producer.

The late actor, who received India’s third-highest civilian award, Padma Bhushan took his last breath in his room at The Washington Mayfair Hotel in London, at the age of 88 on December 3, 2011 (December 4, 2011 IST). (ANI)

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