Month: December 2024

The Congress party is going to organise nationwide protests on December 24 (Tuesday) against the remarks of Union Home Minister Amit Shah on B R Ambedkar.

All party Members of Parliament (MPs) and Central Working Committee (CWC) members are also going to hold press conferences December 22 (Sunday) and 23 (Monday) on Shah’s comments.

General Secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal has issued a circular to all party leaders. The circular, accessed by ANI, mentions that a ‘Babasaheb Ambedkar Samman March’ will be taken out in every district of the country.

The march will start with garlanding a statue of Ambedkar and will continue till a memorandum is submitted to respect District Magistrates (DM).

On the press conferences, the MPs and CWC members are set to address reporters in their respective constituencies.

During the Parliament winter session, which concluded yesterday, INDIA bloc MPs took out multiple protests since HM Amit Shah’s remarks in Parliament on December 18, criticising Congress for making it a ‘fashion’ to take Ambedkar’s name.

“If they had taken the name of God so many times instead of Ambedkar then they would have got heaven for seven lives,” Shah had said.

Congress lashed out at the BJP and Shah, demanding an apology and his resignation for his remarks, calling it an “insult” to Ambedkar.

During the protests in Parliament, BJP took out parallel protests to Congress, in turn accusing the BJP of insulting the legacy of India’s first Law Minister.

During the protests of both sides, a face-off occured at the premises of Parliament, injuring two BJP MPs, Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput. Moreover, Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that he was pushed too.

Kharge alleged that BJP MPs pushed him while trying to enter Parliament during a face-off.

Addressing a press conference with Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who is Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, alleged that Amit Shah interacted with the media without looking at facts about his remarks pertaining to Ambedkar.

“The statements that the government and especially the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are making about Dr BR Ambedkar are very sad and he (Amit Shah) addressed the press conference yesterday without looking at the facts. They should look at the facts before abusing Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr BR Ambedkar,” he said. (ANI)

In a detailed investigative report, French Magazine Le Spectacle du Monde uncovered alarming ties between Pakistan and the terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

The article titled “Jaish-e-Mohammed, Troubled Games in Pakistan”, published in the Winter 2024 edition of the French magazine is authored by Antoine Colonna – Editor in Chief- Spectacle du Monde was translated into English using AI, scrutinises Pakistan’s alleged role in harbouring and supporting extremist groups despite international commitments to combat terrorism.

The report highlights the resurgence of the Jaish e Mohammed (JeM), particularly in Bahawalpur area of Punjab province where the group reportedly operates massive complexes such as Markaz Subhan Allah. These facilities, equipped with dormitories, religious education centres, and even solar-powered self-sufficient systems, serve as hubs for terrorists’ indoctrination and training.

As per the magazine report, satellite imagery and eyewitness accounts reveal that these operations occur in plain sight, with one complex located merely eight kilometres from a Pakistani military base.

“According to satellite photos available on the Planet Labs website, Jaish-e-Mohammed has two centers in the Bahawalpur area: Markaz Subhan Allah and the Usman-o-Ali mosque,” said the report published in French, which has been translated into English using AI.

It added that the first is a 60,000-square-meter site. It includes a centre for Quranic studies, a sports hall, dormitories, and around fifty rooms.

“A nephew of Masood Azhar, Muhammad Ataullah Kashif, is the administrative head of the Markaz. The centre provides extremist religious education as well as physical training to its approximately 600 to 700 internal members. It houses 40 to 50 teachers,” said the French magazine in its report.

The report underscores JeM’s historic connections to Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI, which allegedly facilitated its activities against India.

“In the 2000s, a branch of the ISI, the JIN (Joint Intelligence North), was specifically tasked with training and manipulating radical Islamist elements against India. During the Cold War, the ISI adopted the same structure as the Savak, the internal intelligence service of the Shah of Iran. It also received assistance from the CIA and the SDECE, the predecessor of France’s DGSE,” said the report.

It added, “In the same spirit, the security of the complex has been strengthened; satellite images show the construction of new guard posts. Solar panels can also be seen, enabling the centre to be completely self-sufficient.”

Former Pakistani officials, including ex-President Pervez Musharraf, have admitted to supporting JeM during their tenures. Such revelations underscore systemic ties between Pakistan’s state apparatus and extremist networks.

Further complicating Pakistan’s international standing is its history with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). While Pakistan was removed from the FATF grey list in 2022, the report warns that renewed scrutiny could arise if reports of JeM’s unchecked growth are substantiated.

This expose sheds light on the broader geopolitical implications of Pakistan’s actions, including rising tensions with India, a fellow nuclear power.

The article concludes by emphasising the urgent need for international accountability and stronger counter-terrorism measures to ensure regional stability. (ANI)

Ahead of the upcoming 2025 Delhi Assembly Polls, Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena has granted permission to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to prosecute AAP Chief and Former Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, in the excise policy case.

On December 5, the Enforcement Directorate sought permission for sanction of prosecution against Arvind Kejriwal.

This move comes after months of investigations into the Delhi government’s excise policy, which has been at the center of controversy and allegations of corruption.

Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court on Friday granted the Enforcement Directorate (ED) additional time to file its reply to the petition filed by Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia. The petition challenges the trial court’s decision to take cognizance of the chargesheets in the Delhi Excise Liquor Policy case.

The matter has been scheduled for hearing on February 5, by the bench of Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri.

Recently Delhi High Court had issued a notice on Aam Aadmi Party’ leader Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia plea challenging the trial court’s decision to take cognizance of the Enforcement Directorate’s chargesheet against them in the alleged excise policy scam.

Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia are currently out on bail in both the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) cases related to the now-scrapped excise policy.

According to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Excise Policy was deliberately designed with loopholes to benefit AAP leaders and foster cartel formations. The ED accused AAP leaders of receiving kickbacks from liquor businesses in exchange for preferential treatment, including discounts, license fee waivers, and relief during the Covid-19 disruptions.

The ED further alleged that the “scam” involved awarding wholesale liquor distribution rights to private entities with a fixed 12% margin, in return for a 6% kickback. Additionally, AAP leaders were accused of influencing the outcome of elections in Punjab and Goa in early 2022. (ANI)

Former President of the United States, Barack Obama shares a list of his favourite movies, books and music each year as a recommendation for art lovers. Obama has revealed his favourite movies of 2024 and Payal Kapadia’s Golden Globe-nominated ‘All We Imagine as Light’ tops his annual recommendation list.

An Indian film tapped the right strings of ex-US President Obama’s heart as he called it to be one of the best films he watched this year along with Denis Villeneuve’s Dune Part 2, Sean Baker’s Anora, Edward Berger’s Conclave, Malcolm Washington’s The Piano Lesson and more.

Taking to his X handle, Barack Obama wrote, “Here are a few movies I’d recommend checking out this year.”

The full list includes films, ‘All We Imagine As Light’, ‘Conclave’, ‘The Piano Lesson’, ‘The Promised Land’, Dune Part Two, ‘Anora’, ‘Didi’, ‘Sugarcane’, ‘The Complete Unknown’ and ‘The Seed of the Sacred Fig.’

Here are a few movies I’d recommend checking out this year. pic.twitter.com/UtdKmsNUE8

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 20, 2024

Starring Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha and Chhaya Kadam, the film is an official Indo-French co-production between Petit Chaos from France and Chalk & Cheese and Another Birth from India.

The film follows Prabha, a troubled nurse who receives an unexpected gift from her estranged husband, and Anu, her young roommate seeking intimacy with her boyfriend. A trip to a beach town allows them to confront their desires. The film stars Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Hridhu Haroon, all hailing from Kerala.

Earlier this year, the film created history by winning the prestigious Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival.

‘All We Imagine As Light’ premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival in its much-feted ‘competition section’ on May 23. It was the first Indian film to feature in the festival’s main segment in 30 years. The last Indian movie to make it to the competition section was Shaji N Karun’s Swaham in 1994.

Earlier, Payal Kapadia’s ‘All We Imagine as Light’ also won Best International at the New York Film Critics Circle and the Best International Feature trophy at the reputed Gotham Awards 2024.

The film has received a total of two nominations at the 82nd annual Golden Globe Awards. (ANI)

The death toll in the tanker truck collision on Bhankrota Ajmer Road in Jaipur on Saturday rose to 14, as confirmed by DCP West Jaipur, Amit Kumar.

The Friday accident, which resulted in a massive fire, involved a truck loaded with chemicals colliding with a tanker carrying LPG and other vehicles.

Prior to DCP Kumar’s confirmation, Dr Deepak Maheshwari, the Principal of SMS Medical College, told ANI in the early hours that 13 people had lost their lives in the accident so far.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his condolences to the families of the victims. In a post on X, the Prime Minister’s Office expressed grief, stating, “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the accident on Jaipur-Ajmer highway in Rajasthan. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected.” The PM also announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured.

Meanwhile, on Friday, Dr Sushil Kumar Bhati, Superintendent of SMS Hospital, provided further details, confirming that seven people had died and 10 to 12 others had been injured. He noted that over 60 percent of the victims sustained burns, with around 28 patients admitted to the hospital, six of whom are on ventilators.

Earlier, Kumar described the incident as “horrific,” explaining, “The accident and subsequent fire occurred in the Bhankrota area of Jaipur early today on the main Ajmer Road. Nearly two dozen vehicles caught fire, and many trucks and trolleys were reduced to ashes. The accident took place near a petrol pump.”

He added, “The fire started due to a collision involving several vehicles one after the other. Efforts are being made to extinguish the fire.” (ANI)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has increased the compensation to farmers for land acquisition to build the Jewar Airport from Rs 3,100 per square meter to Rs 4,300 per square meter, an official statement from the state government said.

In a post on X, CM Yogi said, “Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Asia’s largest airport is being built in Jewar, the credit for this development goes to the farmers. The compensation payable for land acquisition for the third phase for Noida International Airport, Jewar has been increased from Rs 3,100 per square meter to Rs 4,300 per square meter. Hearty congratulations and salutations to all the farmer brothers!”

“Farmers will also be paid interest as per rules, and complete arrangements will be made for the resettlement of affected farmers, and their employment,” CM Yogi said.

Farmers, delighted by the announcement, expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister.

CM Yogi said, “Jewar remained immersed in darkness for decades, and now it is ready to shine on the world stage. In the next 10 years, Jewar is going to become the most developed area of the country, and the whole world will see the prosperity. Noida International Airport will start in April 2025, Hon’ble Prime Minister will inaugurate it.”

He said that earlier bullets used to be fired for land in this place and now farmers are happily donating land.

Farmers said that they had full faith in CM Yogi Adityanath.

CM Yogi further said, “MRO will also be developed near Jewar Airport, Jewar will become a global destination for Maintenance, Repair and Overhauling (MRO) of aircraft.”

Chief Minister interacted with the farmers who are providing their land for the last phase of Noida International Airport, Jewar, and said that the interests of the farmers will be safe.

CM further said, “Jewar Airport will be a huge airport with an annual capacity of 70 million passengers by the year 2040. Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) will be connected to Jewar Airport, the proposal has been sent to the Government of India. Jewar Airport would have connectivity with Eastern Peripheral Road, Yamuna Expressway, Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and Delhi-Varanasi High Speed Rail.”

The Jewar Airport project, a key infrastructure initiative aimed at bolstering connectivity in the National Capital Region (NCR) and western Uttar Pradesh, is on the cusp of completion and is expected to commence the operations in April 2025 said Union Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu earlier. (ANI)

Actors Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai were spotted on Friday as the couple attended the second day of the annual function at Dhirubhai Ambani International School in Mumbai.

The two, along with Aishwarya’s mother, Brindya Rai, came to cheer for their daughter Aaradhya, who is a student at the school.

In videos shared by paps, Abhishek was seen stepping out of a sprinter van, followed by Brindya and Aishwarya. The actress was seen holding her mother’s arm as they made their way into the school.

Abhishek sported a green co-ord set, while Aishwarya looked elegant in a black outfit.

The event was star-studded, with celebs like Vidya Balan, Ishaan Khattar, cricketer Harbhajan Singh, and Radhika Merchant also attending.

The couple had also attended the school event on Thursday, accompanied by Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, as they supported Aaradhya during the celebrations.

In videos taken by paparazzi, the ‘Guru’ actor was seen being protective of his wife Aish as he held her hand while entering inside. The videos also captured Aishwarya beside Amitabh, while Abhishek taking care of her dupatta so that she doesn’t step on it.

Their joint appearance comes amidst months of rumours about trouble in their marriage, putting such speculations to rest.

Earlier this month, Aishwarya and Abhishek made another public appearance together, putting an end to whispers of a rift in the family.

Rumours about tension between the two reportedly began in July this year, when Aishwarya and her daughter attended Anant Ambani’s wedding without the Bachchan family. The rest of the family, including Amitabh, Jaya, Abhishek, Shweta, Agastya Nanda, and Navya Naveli, attended the event together leading to speculation about their separation.

On the work front, Abhishek was recently seen in ‘I Want to Talk’, directed by Shoojit Sircar. The film was released on November 22.

Aishwarya, on the other hand, was last seen in Mani Ratnam’s ‘Ponniyin Selvan: Part 2’, for which she won the Best Actress in a Leading Role (Critics) award at the South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) in Dubai earlier this year. (ANI)

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco announced their engagement a week ago, and currently both are enjoying this phase. Gomez is so excited that she couldn’t stop herself from sharing new pictures of her engagement ring.

Taking to her Instagram stories, she posted several pictures posing with the ring. In the first picture, the focus was on the ring.

In the pictures, she was seen wearing a black top underneath a maroon trench coat. Her hair is styled in a side part. She is seen wearing large, dangly earrings, lavender-coloured eyeshadow, and soft pink lip shade, reported People.

“Sorry last post… I’ve just dreamed of this moment my whole life,” Gomez wrote, according to People.

Earlier, Benny shared his fiancee Selena Gomez’s announcement of their engagement on his Instagram Stories.

Blanco wrote, “still can’t believe it.” The photo featured him kissing Gomez on her head as they sat by a closet, while she held up her diamond ring, reported People.

The couple, who first sparked the dating speculations in 2023, shared the news on social media.

Gomez announced her engagement to Benny Blanco on Wednesday, December 11. Gomez, 32, shared a post on Instagram revealing her engagement ring, captioning the post, “Forever begins now.” Blanco, also expressed his excitement in the comments section, humorously writing, “Hey wait… that’s my wife,” reported People.

The pair, who have long been close collaborators in the music industry, first worked together on several hit songs, including Gomez’s 2015 chart-topping track ‘Same Old Love’.

It wasn’t until 2023, however, that they confirmed their romantic involvement. In December of that year, Gomez opened up about their relationship, revealing they had been dating for six months, as per People.

In a heartfelt Instagram post at the time, Gomez referred to Blanco as “my absolute everything” and declared that he had been “the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Their relationship quickly became a topic of admiration among their friends and family, with insiders revealing that Gomez had never been so happy.

“She loves how Benny treats her: he’s so kind and thoughtful,” a source told Us Weekly in January, adding, “It’s been a very long time since friends saw Selena this happy. She’s positively glowing.”

Before her engagement to Blanco, Selena Gomez had high-profile relationships with pop star Justin Bieber and singer The Weeknd.

Her relationship with Bieber, which began in 2010, was often in the public eye and ended in 2018. She also dated The Weeknd for part of 2017. (ANI)