Month: January 2025

American counterpart Jake Sullivan at the White House

US NSA Jake Sullivan To Visit India On Jan 5-6, Meet Doval, Jaishankar

By LokMarg

United States National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will be on visiting India on January 5 and 6, during which he will hold meetings with several key Indian dignitaries including NSA Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, the White House confirmed on Saturday.

During his meeting with Ajit Doval, Sullivan will discuss issues ranging from space, defence, strategic technology cooperation as well as shared security priorities in the Indo-Pacific region, US National Security Council Spokesperson Sean Savett said in a statement.

“National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will travel to New Delhi, India on January 5-6 for a capstone meeting with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval that will span a range of issues across the breadth of the US-India partnership – from space, defense, and strategic technology cooperation to shared security priorities in the Indo-Pacific and beyond”, the statement from White House noted.

Sullivan will meet with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and other Indian leaders during his visit to India.

The US NSA will also make a visit to IIT Delhi, where he will meet Indian entreprenurs and discuss the India-US alliance on innovation and iCET initiative.

“He will also visit the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, where he will meet with young Indian entrepreneurs and give a speech outlining the significant steps the United States and India have taken together to strengthen our innovation alliance under the U.S.-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET),” the statement added.

Earlier on Friday, White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby had also shared the details of Sullivan’s visit to India, which will be his final trip to the Indo-Pacific region as NSA.

“He’s very excited and looking forward to these conversations at this critical time”, Kirby added.

The announcement of Sullivan’s visit was also confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs during the weekly press briefing on Friday where it was observed that the discussions between Doval and Sullivan will cover topics to strengthen the bilateral relationship.

During his recent visit to the US, EAM Jaishankar also met US NSA Jake Sullivan and the two leaders held wide-ranging discussions on the progress of the India-US strategic partnership and exchanged views on current regional and global developments.

In October last year, US NSA Jake Sullivan held a phone conversation with NSA Ajit Doval, discussing critical regional security developments and emphasising the necessity for ongoing efforts to bolster stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. (ANI)

Bumrah KL Rahul

Gavaskar Underlines Bumrah’s Importance In Sydney Test Amid Injury Scare

By LokMarg

Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar underscored the pivotal role of Jasprit Bumrah in India’s bowling attack, particularly amidst concerns about his fitness. Gavaskar emphasized that Bumrah’s availability could make or break India’s chances in the fifth Border-Gavaskar Test in Sydney.

“Look, if India scores more than 40 runs or they put 185 on the board, then they have a great chance. But it all depends on Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness,” Gavaskar remarked on Star Sports.

“If Jasprit Bumrah is fit, then 145-150 might be enough. But if Jasprit Bumrah is not fit, then a score of around 200 also might not be enough,” he added.

Gavaskar’s statement highlights the unique value Bumrah brings to India’s bowling lineup, with his ability to contain runs and take crucial wickets in high-pressure situations.

Indian seamer Prasidh Krishna has confirmed that Jaspreet Bumrah experienced a back spasm and underwent scans on the second day of the fifth Test against Australia.

“Yes, he had a back spasm, he had gone for scans. The medical team is monitoring him, so we will know whenever the medical team gets back to us,” he stated during the press conference.

Bumrah, who has been in scintillating form throughout the Border-Gavaskar series, has taken 32 wickets so far, making him India’s highest wicket-taker in a Test series against Australia on Australian soil. His tally, at an exceptional average of 12.64, includes three five-wicket hauls, with a best of 6/76. In doing so, he surpassed Bishan Singh Bedi’s record of 31 wickets from the 1977-78 tour of Australia.

Bumrah’s contribution on Day 2 was impactful as well, as he picked up figures of 2/33 in 10 overs before coming out due to his back issue. During his absence, former captain Virat Kohli stepped in to lead the side, a move that showcased the team’s flexibility in a critical match.

While Bumrah’s return to the field offered some relief to the team, uncertainty looms over his ability to bowl in the second innings. The Indian physios are closely monitoring his condition and will make a decision that prioritizes both the pacer’s health and the team’s requirements.

As India trails 2-1 in the series, the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground is pivotal for their chances of levelling the series and improving their position in the World Test Championship standings. Bumrah’s fitness could play a decisive role in India’s push for a strong finish in the series. (ANI)

Stampede Case: Allu Arjun Visits Hyderabad Court For Bail Formalities

By LokMarg

Actor Allu Arjun visited Metropolitan Criminal Court at Nampally in Hyderabad to submit sureties after being granted regular bail by the Court on Friday in connection to the ongoing investigation into the Sandhya Theatre incident, which resulted in the death of a woman during the premiere of ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ on December 4, 2024.

The ‘Pushpa’ actor was surrounded by police personnel and media. The actor was escorted by the cops inside the court.

The actor’s bail petition was heard at the Metropolitan Criminal Court at Nampally in Hyderabad on Friday.

Earlier on Friday, Allu Arjun was granted conditional bail by a Hyderabad court in connection with the case.

Following the bail, Ashok Reddy, the actor’s lawyer told reporters, “The conditions have been imposed that he (Allu Arjun) has to attend the police station. Bail has been granted…The court was convinced that this was not a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Therefore, the court granted bail.”

He added that the court has directed him to execute Rs 50,000 with two sureties which is the legal procedure he (the actor) has to complete.

Reddy further said that a quash petition is still pending before the Telangana High Court, with the next hearing scheduled for January 21, 2025. “We will take steps to pursue that quash petition in the High Court,” he added.

The incident occurred when Allu Arjun attended the ‘Pushpa 2’ premiere at Sandhya Theatre and waved to the crowd from the sunroof of his car. The mass gathering quickly turned chaotic. A woman named Revathi was killed and her child Sri Tej sustained serious injuries.

Following the incident, Allu Arjun was arrested but was later granted bail.

Earlier, the child injured in the incident, identified as Sri Tej, showed signs of recovery after a long period on a ventilator. The child had reportedly responded for the first time on December 24, 2024.

Bhaskar, the father of the injured child, shared, “The child responded after 20 days. He is responding today. Allu Arjun and the Telangana government are supporting us.”

Allu Arjun’s father and renowned film producer Allu Aravind also announced a financial aid of Rs 2 crore for the family of the victim. (ANI)

Mahakumbh 2025: Akharas Take Out Shobha Yatra

By LokMarg

An atmosphere of spiritual fervour an devotion has filled the air in Prayagraj as the much-awaited Maha Kumbh Mela draws near.

In preparation for the event, various Akharas on Saturday took out a grand Shobha Yatra before entering the Maha Kumbh camp. The procession was a vibrant display of devotion, with sadhus smeared in holy ash, adorned with garlands, and riding horses.

One of the prominent Akharas in the procession was the Niranjani Akhara led by the Acharya of Niranjani Akhara who was seated atop an open-top vehicle. Several other sadhus, carrying the flags of the Akhara, walked alongside. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti was also part of the procession.

Huge crowds lined the route, eagerly seeking a glimpse of the revered sadhus, while flowers were showered in a display of reverence and celebration. Niranjani Akhara is known for its focus on yoga, meditation, and the search for spiritual wisdom.

Speaking to ANI, former Union Minister Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti urged people to visit the Mahakumbh Mela.

“Today, the Panchayati Akhara Shri Niranjani is entering this Mahakumbh area, and as you can see, there is not a single street where devotees are not gathered. This is the uniqueness of Bharat. Sanatan Dharma is that which unites everyone. This Mahakumbh will be even grander and more divine than the one in 2019. I appeal to the people of the country to come and witness this moment.”

Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti also criticized Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav, saying, “I have witnessed the Kumbh during Akhilesh’s time as well as during his father’s time. Akhilesh never attended the Kumbh, and the responsibilities of the Kumbh were given to someone who had no faith in Sanatan Dharma.”

A seer of the Niranjani Akhara told ANI, “Today, there is the Nagar Peshwai and Chawni Prawesh of the Niranjani Akhara. Today, our Akhada will tour the entire town and enter the Chawni.”

Another seer from the Niranjani Akhara said, “Today, all our Naga Sanyasis of the entire Niranjani Akhara are entering the Chawni. The meaning of Chawni entry is that the Naga are going to their cantonment.”

Another seer added, “I first pay my respects to the Naga Sanyasis who have come here from Himachal. I also extend my heartfelt blessings for the leadership of Panchayati Akhara Shri Niranjani Akhara.”

Seers from several major akhadas have already arrived at the campsite, including Atal Akhara, Mahanirvani Akhara, Niranjani Akhada, Ahwan Akhada, and Juna Akhada, the largest Akhada in the Sanyasi tradition.

The Mahakumbh, held once every 12 years, is scheduled to begin on January 13 and conclude on February 26 in Prayagraj. The main bathing rituals, known as the Shahi Snan (royal baths), will take place on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami).

Uttar Pradesh Police has deployed underwater drones and installed 2,700 AI-enabled cameras in and around the Mahakumbh campsite area to enhance security.

Uttar Pradesh Minister JPS Rathore said that Prayagraj is fully prepared for the Mahakumbh and expects over 45 crore devotees to attend the event.

“Prayagraj has been completely prepared to welcome people to the Mahakumbh. This time, the Kumbh has been arranged and equipped with technology. We expect more than 45 crore devotees to come to witness the Maha Kumbh. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has spoken to the saints and sages and has given the name ‘Amrit Snan’ to the ‘Shahi Snan.’ Many saints and sages will attend, and we will all be blessed by seeing them,” Rathore told ANI.

The Uttar Pradesh Culture Department will set up 20 small stages at key locations across Prayagraj, allowing tourists, devotees, and locals to experience the country’s diverse cultural heritage over 45 days. Folk dance forms from various states across India will be performed on these stages. (ANI)

Delhi Elections: BJP Fields Parvesh Verma Against Kejriwal

By LokMarg

Parvesh Verma, expressed gratitude to the top leadership of the party following the announcement of his candidature from the New Delhi assembly seat for the assembly polls expected to be held in February 2025.

Verma, a former MP and son of former Delhi CM Sahib Singh Verma, will be facing former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Congress leader and former Delhi CM Shiela Dikshit’s son Sandeep Dikshit in a three-cornered contest.

The Election Commission has yet to announce the dates for the polls.

“I thank my party’s top leadership… I hope that the trust that the party has shown in me, I’ll live up to it… When Delhi was facing Covid, when they needed Oxygen, Arvind Kejriwal Ji was distributing a ‘free bottle on every bottle’… There are many works in Delhi – like cleaning Yamuna, curbing pollution… when the BJP will form the govt, we will do all these works…”,” he told ANI.

BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri who will face Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and Congress firebrand Alka Lamba from the Kalkaji assembly constituency, told ANI, “I thank the BJP leadership for showing trust in me to reclaim the Kalkaji assembly seat. Delhi is suffering because of Arvind Kejriwal. The people of Kalkaji have also faced ‘aapda’ under CM Atishi…”

BJP released its first list of 29 candidates for Delhi assembly elections expected to be held in February 2025. The BJP has fielded National General Secretary Dushyant Gautam from Karol Bagh, Manjinder Singh Sirsa from Rajouri Garden, Kailash Gehlot from Bijwasan and former Congress leader Arvinder Singh Lovely from Gandhi Nagar among others.

The assembly elections in Delhi are likely to be held in February 2025.

Congress, which was in power in Delhi for 15 successive years, has performed poorly in the past two assembly polls, failing to win any seat.

AAP won 62 out of the 70 seats in the 2020 assembly elections and BJP secured eighth seats. (ANI)

‘Sun, Sand, You, Me…’: Preity Zinta In Vacation Bliss

By LokMarg

Bollywood actor Preity Zinta is on vacation mode with her husband Gene Goodenough and close friends as they travel to beaches and exotic locations.

Taking to her Instagram handle, the ‘Veer Zaara’ actor shared a beautiful video collage that featured her adorable moments with her husband and friends.

In the video collage, Preity is seen taking selfies with her husband Gene, walking into a restaurant, roaming on a beach, and clicking group photos with her friends.

While sharing the post, the actress wrote, “Sun, sand, you, me, our friends and the sea. What more can I ask for?”

The fans flooded the comment section of the post with red hearts and fire emojis.

Preity is quite active on social media. She recently shared pictures from her New Year bash which she celebrated with her friends and family.

In one of the images, she could be seen flashing her dimpled smile as she posed with her husband Gene. Both husband-wife looked super happy wearing funky New Year glasses.

Taking to her Instagram handle, she wrote, “Hanging with old friends & making new ones as 2025 sets in! Happy new year everyone #ting,” she captioned the post.

As soon as Preity shared the pictures, fans chimed in the comment section and wished the ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’ star

“Wish you loads of happiness. Happy New Year,” a social media user wrote.

“Happy New Year to you Preity and your family,” another one commented.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Preity is all set to make her comeback in Bollywood with Rajkumar Santoshi’s directorial ‘Lahore 1947’. This project marks an important milestone for Preity as she returns to the silver screen after a hiatus.

‘Lahore 1947’, produced under Aamir Khan’s banner, marks a significant collaboration between Sunny Deol and Aamir Khan’s Productions. The film was officially announced in October 2023, garnering attention for its star-studded cast and promising storyline.

Veteran actor Shabana Azmi and Ali Fazal have also joined the cast of ‘Lahore 1947’ in a pivotal role. The movie will also feature Sunny Deol sharing screen space with his elder son Karan Deol.

Preity was last seen in Bhaiaji Superhit, which was released in 2018. In, Bhaiaji Superhit, she shared screen space with Sunny Deol. She also featured in a small role in ABC series Fresh Off The Boat in one episode. (ANI)

Anti-Incumbency Against Both AAP & BJP: Cong Candidate Alka Lamba

By LokMarg

Launching a scathing attack on both Aam Aadmi Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the Delhi Assembly Elections, Congress candidate Alka Lamba asserted that her party is the only ‘alternative’ to tackle issues like pollution, crime, and governance in the national capital.

Speaking to ANI, Lamba, who has been fielded against CM Atishi from Kalkaji, claimed that her party has the roadmap to fight pollution in Delhi.

“In Karnataka, Telangana and Himachal Pradesh, we are giving benefits to the people of the state. We are giving free bus rides to women, giving Rs 2000-2500 to women. It is going into their bank accounts. Those women will come with their bank account passbooks and show that the Telangana and Karnataka governments are providing them benefits,” she said.

“Congress is a 140-year-old party, we have been in power and also been in the opposition. If flyovers were not made by Sheila Dikshit, there would have been jams everywhere in Delhi. The elderly and children are breathing poisonous air. An epidemic is going to happen…We have the roadmap to fight pollution in Delhi,” Alka Lamba added.

The Congress candidate further said that the elections in 2015 and 2020 were like a ‘wave’ and the number of seats AAP got in Delhi, no one could ever get.

“But the result is that today, the air in Delhi is poisonous and we need a permanent solution, not a temporary solution. Delhi has become the capital of crime and we need a permanent solution, not a temporary solution. They just have a temporary solution because their CM is temporary. There is anti-incumbency against BJP and AAP. The only option was Congress party, and will be the Congress party,” she said.

She also took a sharp swipe at AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of disrespecting women in constitutional positions by calling the Delhi Chief Minister a ‘temporary CM’.

“This is my fifth election. In the 30 years of my political life, I never thought that someone would call a person sitting on a constitutional post as ‘temporary’…Not a common man but the former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal called her ‘temporary CM’…This is an insult to a woman sitting on a constitutional post and Atishi should respond to this. Arvind Kejriwal decided on his own that he would be the next Chief Minister,” Lamba told ANI.

Congress’ Alka Lamba is in the electoral fray against incumbent MLA Atishi from the Kalkaji seat. BJP has fielded Ramesh Bidhuri from the seat.

Ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections 2025, the battle between the AAP, BJP and Congress has become intense, with all three parties levelling allegations on each other.

The assembly elections in Delhi are due in February and the dates for the same are expected to be announced in a few days. (ANI)

Janhvi Tirupati balaji visit

Janhvi Kapoor Visits Tirumala With Shikhar Pahariya

By LokMarg

Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor visited Tirumala to seek the blessings of Lord Venkateswara on Saturday. She was accompanied by her rumoured boyfriend Shikhar Pahariya.

She was surrounded by her security personnel and fans.

She acknowledged the presence of her fans as she greeted them with a smile while exiting the Tirupati temple.

On the work front, Janhvi will be next seen in the film ‘Param Sundari’ opposite actor Sidharth Malhotra. The duo will be teaming up for the first time in Dinesh Vijan’s upcoming directorial.

The film will be a cross-cultural love story set in the scenic backwaters of Kerala. Directed by Tushar Jalota, Param Sundari is set to release in theatres on July 25, 2025.

The makers surprised fans as they shared the first-look posters of Sidharth and Janhvi on Instagram.

In the motion poster, Sidharth is seen looking suave in casual attire, while Janhvi stuns in a colourful ethnic outfit. The duo later appears twinning in South Indian attire, with Sidharth carrying Janhvi in his arms.

Along with the posters, Maddock Films added a caption that read, “North ka swag, South ki grace – two worlds collide and spark fly. Dinesh Vijan presents #ParamSundari, a love story directed by Tushar Jalota, coming to cinemas on 25th July 2025. Meet the suave Sidharth Malhotra as Param and the vivacious Janhvi Kapoor as Sundari.”

The story of Param Sundari revolves around a love story where two very different worlds collide–“North ka munda” meets “South ki Sundari”.

Producer Dinesh Vijan has already had a successful year with his blockbuster ‘Stree 2’, starring Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, and Pankaj Tripathi. (ANI)

Over Half the Seats ‘Sold’: Prashant Kishor’s Fast Enters Day 3 Amid Cold Wave

By LokMarg

Jan Suraaj Party chief Prashant Kishor fast unto death marked the third day amid the cold wave in Patna on Saturday.

The chief has been protesting to express his support towards the protesting BPSC students who have been demanding the cancellation of the Bihar Civil Services (BPSC) examination.

The chief alleged that more than half of the BPSC seats were ‘sold’.

“The issue is of bigger corruption charges .. it is that more than half of the seats are sold. The re-examination being held today is for 15,000 students. The protesting 3.50,000 students did not get the opportunity to sit in the exam. It does not matter when you appear in the examination, it does not guarantee you a seat if you studied well… the seat is only given to those who gave the money to the corrupt people,” Kishor said speaking to ANI.

Further, the Jan Suraaj chief said that the post of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) was being sold at Rs 1.5 crore and people were openly doing it.

“The post of DSP is being sold out at Rs 1.5 crore, people are openly doing that – the government is not commenting on it… the public’s action on this will definitely be seen after 5 years, like it was seen when Nitish Kumar got a low number of seats during the elections..” Kishor further added.

On January 3, Kishor jad vowed to continue his indefinite fast until the Bihar government met the demands of the protesting BPSC students.

“There is no question of withdrawing my fast, not until the demands of the students are met. We suggested from our end that the CM should meet the students and together they should bring out a solution. If that happens then I have no problem stopping the fast,” he told ANI.

The students are calling for the cancellation of the Integrated Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Examination (CCE) 2024, conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) on December 13, due to alleged question paper leaks. (ANI)

‘I have stood down, not going anywhere’: Rohit Sharma on missing out Sydney Test

By LokMarg

At lunch on Day 2 of the fifth and final Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy between Australia and India on Saturday, opener and right-hand batter Rohit Sharma revealed the reason behind missing out on the last Test of the series in a conversation with host broadcaster Star Sports.

The world of cricket was left in a state of shock when Jasprit Bumrah came out at the time of the toss, confirming Rohit’s absence from the playing XI. At the time of the toss, the stand-in skipper confirmed that Rohit opted out.

“I have stood down from this Test but I am not going anywhere. This is not a retirement or moving away from the format. A guy with a mic, pen or laptop, what they write or say, it doesn’t matter. They cannot decide for us. I took the call to stand down after coming to Sydney. Yes, runs are not coming but there is no guarantee that you won’t be able to score two months down the line or six months down the line. I am mature enough to know what I am doing,” Rohit Sharma told Star Sports as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

“The chat that I had with the coach and the selector was simple: my bat is not scoring runs, I am not in form, this is an important match, and we need players who are in form. As it is, the boys are not in great form. So I had this simple thought in my mind: we can’t carry out-of-form players. That’s why I thought I should tell the coach and the selector what’s going on in my mind. They backed my decision. They said you have been playing for so many years, you are the best judge of what you are doing,” he added.

During India’s historic 3-0 home series whitewash against New Zealand, the fiery opener, who has lost his flamboyance, contributed just 91 runs across three Test matches, averaging 15.17.

Even before the series loss against the Kiwis, when India faced Bangladesh, the dynamic opener amassed a mere 42 runs in two Test matches while averaging just 10.50.

In the ongoing BGT series, Rohti has just 31 runs to his name in three matches and five innings in this series at an average of 6.20 and best score of 10.

Rohit’s gesture to step down was appreciated by former players with Suresh Raina saying it exemplified his selflessness.

“Rohit Sharma exemplifies leadership through honesty and selflessness. Despite personal challenges, he prioritizes team success, stepping aside when necessary. His leadership in the current Test series reflects his unwavering dedication to India’s success. A true legend of the game,” Raina posted on X.

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar said in a post on X, “Hats off to Rohit! What a candid chat on Star Sports India. Honesty to the core. “We could not carry too many out of form batters into Sydney, that’s why I opted out.”

Earlier, wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant gave his take on Rohit’s absence at the post-day press cnference. For him, it was an emotional decision but didn’t provide much clarity as he wasn’t a part of those conversations.

“I think, definitely, it was an emotional decision. Because he has been captain for a long time, we see him as a leader of the team, but I think there are some decisions which you are not involved with, and it is a very management call, so I was not part of that conversation so cannot explain anything other than that,” Pant said. (ANI)