Month: July 2025

AIIMS Delhi Debunks Claims Of COVID-19 Vaccine Responsible For Cardiac Arrest Deaths

By Lokmarg

A day after the Indian Council of Medical Research debunked claims of the Corona vaccine being responsible for the rising death cases among the youth, a panel of expert doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences addressed the issue.

According to Associate Professor Dr Karan Madan, Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, AIIMS Delhi, a study was conducted on sudden cardiac arrests to review the COVID-19 vaccines used so far, following which “no clear association was found with sudden cardiac deaths.”

Dr Madan mentioned that COVID vaccines were effective and they played a crucial role in reducing the mortality of the Coronavirus. He stated that during any pandemic, vaccines are the only possible measures to save lives and the benefits provided by them are immense.

“COVID vaccines were effective vaccines and they played a crucial role in reducing the mortality. During the pandemic, vaccines are the only possible measure to save lives. Vaccines were used on a large number of people, and they provided a lot of benefits in preventing excess mortality. The benefits provided by the vaccines are immense. A study was done on sudden cardiac deaths to review the vaccines used so far, but no clear association was found with sudden cardiac deaths”, Dr Karan Madan said during the press briefing.

Meanwhile, another expert doctor from the panel, Dr Sanjay Rai, Professor at the Centre for Community Medicine, informed that the efficacy of the Covishield vaccine is 62.1. He noted that the World Health Organisation (WHO) approved 12 vaccines out of which the majority were made from different technologies.

He mentioned that Covishield uses a vector that is an “adenovirus”. Dr Rai asserted that more than 13 billion doses have already been administered worldwide. There are countries like the US, which have just completed the fourth dose.

“The Covishield vaccine efficacy was 62.1…Currently there are 37 vaccines already approved by various regulatory authorities. The WHO has approved around 12 vaccines, and the majority of these vaccines are based on different technologies. If you see Covaxin, it’s an old technology…Covishield uses a vector that is an adenovirus…The other vaccine, Sputnik, almost the same principle…More than 13 billion doses have already been administered all over the world. There are countries like, the US, they have just completed fourth dose. The WHO is also recommending that everybody six months and above must get vaccine with the newer variant”, Dr Rai said. (ANI)

SIT Findings In Disha Salian Death Case Match Earlier Probe

By Lokmarg

The Mumbai Police has informed the Bombay High Court that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) findings in the Disha Salian death case were consistent with the conclusions drawn by the original investigating officer.

In an official statement, Mumbai Police said, “So far the findings of SIT pertaining to the circumstances that caused deceased Disha Salian’s death are coherent with the finding of earlier investigation officer of the said case.”

However, officials added that the SIT is still continuing with further investigation to explore all angles.

The statement suggested that there were no major contradictions between the SIT’s findings and the previous probe, which had ruled out foul play in the 2020 death of the 28-year-old celebrity manager.

Chitra Kishor Wagh, Maharashtra BJP Mahila Morcha President, questioned the opposition’s changing stance on the probe.

While speaking to ANI, Wagh, said, “… They (Opposition) should be clear on whether they have faith in the justice system or not. When the first decision was unacceptable to them, will they accept the current decision? It is important for the opposition party to give clarity on this.”

Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat also clarified that the SIT was formed to uncover the truth, not to target anyone.

“The SIT was not formed because we wanted to put someone in jail… Our intention was not to destroy someone’s career. One should face the accusations against them, whether they are from the SIT, CBI, or ED. If you are found innocent, we will congratulate you as well,” Shirsat told ANI.

Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut demanded a public apology from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, BJP leaders, and Eknath Shinde after a Mumbai Police Special Investigation Team (SIT) ruled out foul play in the death of Disha Salian.

Speaking to mediapersions, Raut said, “Now, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis should apologise (to Aaditya Thackeray). Narayan Rane’s son Nitish Rane, Devendra Fadnavis, other BJP leaders, Eknath Shinde, all of them should apologise to Shiv Sena (UBT) and Aaditya Thackeray…”

NCP (SCP) leader Rohit Pawar also lambasted the BJP for attempting to associated Aaditya THackeray.

“Aaditya Thackeray had no relation to this incident. The BJP and its allies attempted to take political advantage by associating Disha Salian’s name with Aaditya Thackeray… For political gain, these leaders tried to use the name of a person who is no more,” NCP-SCP leader Rohit Pawar told ANI.

Disha Salian was found dead on June 8, 2020, after she allegedly jumped off the 14th floor of a building in Jankalyan area of Mumbai’s Malad area. (ANI)

Russia Claims Luhansk As US Halts Ukraine Arms Aid

By Lokmarg

The Russian occupation governor of Ukraine’s eastern Luhansk region claimed it had been entirely conquered making it the first of the four eastern Ukrainian regions Russia has annexed that it fully controls, Al Jazeera reported on Thursday.

“Just a couple of days ago, I received a report that the territory of the Luhansk People’s Republic has been 100 percent liberated,” Leonid Pasechnik said, although not everyone agreed.

Russian military reporters said two villages remained free, and pointed out that Luhansk had been declared conquered once before, in 2022, before being partially reclaimed in a Ukrainian counteroffensive in September of that year.

Russian forces have inched towards reconquering the entire territory in the intervening 33 months, and that constitutes a second milestone within the past month on Ukraine’s eastern front.

Russia’s advance dealt another blow to Ukraine, more than three years after the full-scale invasion began. On the same day as Pasechnik’s announcement, the United States said it would not be sending Kyiv some weapons that had been promised by the administration of Joe Biden, the former US president, as per Al Jazeera.

“This decision was made to put America’s interests first following a review of our nation’s military support and assistance to other countries across the globe,” said the White House.

Meanwhile, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday thanked the frontline defenders for their work.

In a post on X, he said, “Thousands of warriors defend our skies, including anti-aircraft missile troops. Day and night, they shield us from everything launched to destroy life in Ukraine — from Russian missiles, drones, and aircraft. On Ukraine’s Anti-Aircraft Missile Troops Day, we thank each and every one of you — those on the frontlines protecting our defenders and those who enable a return to normalcy in the rear cities. You save countless lives no matter where you are. Thank you for your precision and dedication.” (ANI)

Minister Kiren Rijiju

Nobody Except Dalai Lama Can Decide His Successor: Rijiju

By Lokmarg

Union Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday said that nobody except the Dalai Lama himself can decide his successor.

He indicated that the next Dalai Lama will be as per the established convention and wishes of the Dalai Lama.

Notably, Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan will be visiting Dharamshala as representatives of the Government of India to attend the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday on July 6.

The Dalai Lama is the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism. The current Dalai Lama is the 14th in the lineage.

Meanwhile, Hollywood actor Richard Gere has also joined in celebrations in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh ahead of the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama.

Speaking to reporters, he said, “…Once I went to the Dalai Lama when I was feeling very tired. I asked His Holiness, Can I stop now? He said yes, you can stop when I stop, which is never. This is not a commitment for one lifetime. This is many lifetimes of commitment, not just for Tibet but for the people of Tibet who have been highly abused for many decades by the Chinese Congress party…”

Earlier on July 2, Tibetan Spiritual Leader, the Dalai Lama, stated that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, a foundation established by him, can only recognise future reincarnations, and no one else has the authority to decide on the matter. This statement rules out any say for China in the process of naming the next Dalai Lama.

In a statement on Wednesday, Dalai Lama stated, ” The process by which a future Dalai Lama is to be recognized has been clearly established in the 24 September 2011 statement which states that responsibility for doing so will rest exclusively with members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. They should consult the various heads of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the reliable oath-bound Dharma Protectors who are linked inseparably to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas. They should accordingly carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition.”

“I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter, he added.

However, China’s Foreign Ministry emphasised that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must be approved by the central government in Beijing. (ANI)

‘Mahua Moitra Need Not Conform To Trolls Liking; We Need To Introspect’

By Lokmarg

Chetna Sharma, a journalist and academician, says had a male politician remarried, danced at his sangeet, we would have cheered him on. Her views:

I have spent years reporting from newsrooms, sitting under studio lights, and now teaching young minds about media and society. But no textbook, no panel discussion ever quite prepares you for the raw, bitter truth that some stories reveal about who we are as a people. The trolling of Mahua Moitra after her recent marriage was one such moment — uncomfortable, ugly, and deeply telling.

She was simply celebrating her happiness — dancing, smiling, being herself. That’s all. But that image of joy triggered a wave of harsh comments, age-shaming, and misogynistic jabs online. Why? Because she got married in her 40s? Because she looked too happy for a woman who didn’t “follow the script”?

I watched those clips like many others, and my first reaction wasn’t outrage — it was sadness. Not for Mahua — she’s strong and seasoned — but for us, the society that still sees a happy, independent woman as something threatening.

Let’s be honest: if a male politician had remarried, danced at his sangeet, we would have cheered him on. “What a sport!” we’d say. “Good for him!” But a woman? Oh no, she must be “attention-seeking”, “too old”, “trying too hard.” The double standards are exhausting — and very, very real.

As someone who teaches media, I often speak about representation, about how public narratives shape our understanding of gender and power. But when social media reacts like this, it reminds me that all our talk of progress still hasn’t reached the hearts of many. Because when a woman steps out of the narrow lane society draws for her, she isn’t just questioned — she’s punished.

ALSO READ: ‘If Trolls Can Harass An MP, What To Talk Of Ordinary Women!’

It’s not about whether you agree with Mahua Moitra’s politics. This is about how we still treat women who don’t apologise for living life on their own terms. The trolling wasn’t about her role as a leader — it was about her role as a woman who dared to look happy, and at peace, in her own skin.

And that’s what’s most painful. A woman in public life is expected to be tough but not too loud, smart but not threatening, present but not personal. If she celebrates — she’s mocked. If she’s emotional — she’s weak. If she marries “too late” — she’s desperate. What is ever enough?

As a journalist, I’ve interviewed countless women — in power, in pain, in transition. The one thing they all shared was a constant pressure to explain themselves. Mahua’s only “mistake” was refusing to explain her joy.

It’s high time we asked ourselves: what kind of society are we becoming, where a woman’s laughter invites insults? Where celebrating life becomes a political act?

Mahua Moitra doesn’t need defending — she’s already owning her story. But we need reflection. And change. Because until we stop punishing women for their joy, we can’t truly call ourselves progressive.

Let her dance. Let her smile. Let her live. Isn’t that what all of us want?

(The narrator has worked as TV News Anchor with reputed news channels like Gulistan News and JK24*7 News. She is also engaged in teaching and research, contributing to academic publications in the field of media studies)

As told to Deepti Sharma

Vaibhav Suryavanshi Cracks 31-Ball 86 Against England U19, Narrowly Misses Pant’s Record

By Lokmarg

The 14-year-old Indian batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi fell just short of Rishabh Pant’s record as he cracked a 20-ball half-century in the third ODI between India U19 side and England U19 at Northampton on Wednesday.

During the match, Suryavanshi scored 86 in just 31 balls, with six fours and nine sixes. His runs came at a strike rate of over 277. He also broke the record for most sixes by an Indian U19 batter in an innings.

The fastest half-century for India in U19 ODI cricket belongs to Pant, who smashed it in just 18 balls against Nepal back in 2016. Suryavanshi has the second-fastest U19 ODI fifty for India.

South African Steve Stolk owns the record for fastest U19 fifty, scoring it in 13 balls against Scotland last January.

Coming to the match, India U19 opted to field first. England U19 posted 268/6 in 40 overs, powered by fifties from Thomas Rew (76* in 44 balls, with nine fours and three sixes) and BJ Dawkins (62 in 61 balls, with eight fours and a six). Kanishk Chouhan (3/30) was the top bowler for India.

During the chase, Suryavanshi and Vihaan Malhotra (46 in 34 balls, with seven fours and a six) put on 73 runs for the second wicket and a lower-order cameo from Kanishk (43* in 42 balls, with six fours and a six) took India to win with four wickets and 33 balls left.

India leads the five-match series 2-1. Suryavanshi is India’s top run-getter and overall second with 179 runs in three matches at an average of 59.66, with a strike rate of over 213.

Suryavanshi, who turned out for the RR in the 2025 season, was one of the breakthrough stars of the tournament. In just seven matches, the teenager accumulated 252 runs in seven matches with a century and fifty, but it was his explosive century against the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Jaipur that truly sent shockwaves through the cricketing world.

Batting with a maturity well beyond his years, Suryavanshi hammered 101 off just 38 deliveries, becoming the youngest ever centurion in men’s T20 cricket. His hundred, which came off just 35 balls, now stands as the second-fastest century in IPL history, a staggering feat for a player just 14 years old. (ANI)

Uttarakhand: Kedarnath Dham Yatra Halted Amid Falling Stones

By Lokmarg

The Kedarnath Dham Yatra has been temporarily halted for now due to falling debris and stones at the Munkatia Sliding Zone under the Sonprayag area in Uttarakhand, police said on Thursday, adding that it will resume once the administration clears the road.

“The road is blocked due to debris and stones falling in the Munkatia Sliding Zone under the Sonprayag area. The Kedarnath Dham Yatra has been temporarily halted for now. The Yatra will resume once the road is cleared”, Rudraprayag police said in their ‘X’ post.

The annual Char Dham Yatra, which includes pilgrimages to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, is one of the most significant religious journeys in Hinduism.

The state government has undertaken a series of infrastructure upgrades in recent years–including improved roads, helicopter services, and better accommodation–to ensure a safer and smoother pilgrimage experience for devotees.

This year, the Kedarnath Dham has seen an unprecedented inflow of pilgrims, which officials attribute to both improved facilities and increasing spiritual interest.

Authorities have also deployed enhanced security and medical response teams to manage the high-altitude yatra effectively.

The Kedarnath temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located at an altitude of over 11,000 feet in the Himalayas and holds immense religious significance. The Kedarnath Yatra doors for the year 2025 were opened for devotees on May 2. (ANI)

Jaishankar Meets FBI Director Kash Patel; Discuss India-US Counterterrorism Cooperation

By Lokmarg

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with FBI Director Kash Patel in Washington DC on Wednesday (local time). Jaishankar expressed appreciation for cooperation between India and the US in countering organised crime, drug trafficking and terrorism.

In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, “Great to meet @FBIDirectorKash today. Appreciate our strong cooperation in countering organised crime, drug trafficking and terrorism.”

Earlier, Jaishankar in a meeting with US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said that they discussed the global situation and bilateral cooperation.

“Delighted to meet US DNI @TulsiGabbard in Washington, DC this afternoon. A good exchange on the global situation and our bilateral cooperation,” Jaishankar posted on X.

On Tuesday (local time), Jaishankar held a meeting with US Energy Secretary Chris Wright in Washington, DC and spoke about the energy transformation underway in India. The two leaders discussed opportunities for a deeper energy partnership between the two nations.

In a post shared on X, Jaishankar stated, “A useful conversation with US @ENERGY @SecretaryWright in Washington DC this evening. Spoke about the energy transformation underway in India. And opportunities for a deeper India-US energy partnership.”

The External Affairs Minister US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth and held discussion on advancing defence partnership between two nations, building on growing convergences of interests, capabilities and responsibilities.

“Great to meet @SecDef Pete Hegseth in Washington DC today. Had a productive conversation on advancing the India-US defence partnership, building on growing convergences of interests, capabilities and responsibilities,” Jaishankar posted on X.

Jaishankar is on an official visit to the US at the invitation of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. During the visit, he participated in the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting (QFMM).

In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, “Just finished a very productive meeting of Quad Foreign Ministers in Washington DC. Discussed how to make Quad more focused and impactful on contemporary opportunities and challenges. Today’s gathering will strengthen strategic stability in the Indo – Pacific and keep it free and open.”

Jaishankar met US State Secretary Marco Rubio on the sidelines of Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (QFFM) in Washington and discussed bilateral partnership between both countries in the field of security, critical technologies, connectivity, energy and mobility.

Sharing a post on X, Jaishankar stated, “A pleasure meeting US @SecRubio this afternoon, on the sidelines of Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting. Discussed our bilateral partnership, including trade, security, critical technologies, connectivity, energy and mobility. Shared perspectives on regional and global developments.” (ANI)

India Urges Mali to Ensure Safe Release of 3 Indians Abducted Amid Terrorist Attack

By Lokmarg

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed deep concern over the abduction of three Indian workers from a factory in Mali’s Kayes region and urged authorities in the West African country to ensure their “safe and expeditious” rescue.

“It has come to the knowledge of the Government of India that many military and government installations at multiple locations of western and central Mali were attacked by terrorists on July 1,” the MEA said in a statement on Wedneday.

The armed attack took place at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes.

Condemning the incident, the MEA said the Indian embassy in Bamako is in constant contact with local authorities, security agencies, and the families of the abducted workers.

In its statement, the MEA described the act as “deplorable” and reaffirmed India’s strong stand against violence targeting its citizens abroad.

The Embassy of India in Bamako is in close and constant communication with the relevant authorities of the Government of Mali, local law enforcement agencies, as well as the management of Diamond Cement Factory,” the MEA statement read.

“The Government of India unequivocally condemns this deplorable act of violence and calls upon the Government of the Republic of Mali to take all necessary measures to secure the safe and expeditious release of the abducted Indian nationals. Senior officials of the Ministry are closely monitoring the evolving situation and remain engaged at various levels to facilitate safe and early release of Indian Nationals,” it added.

The attack on the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes was allegedly carried out by an Al Qaeda linked group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), according to several media reports.

The attack was part of a series of assaults on Tuesday targeting Diboli near Mali’s border with Senegal, as well as the nearby towns of Kayes and Sandere. Other attacks were reported in Nioro du Sahel and Gogoui, northwest of Bamako near Mauritania’s border, and in Molodo and Niono in central Mali, according to Mali’s armed forces as cited by Reuters. (ANI)

US Student Visa Applications Have Opened, Says State Department Official

By Lokmarg

US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Mignon Houston on Wednesday (local time) stated that student visa applications for the United States are now open and encouraged students to apply, while underlining that all visa decisions are taken keeping US national security in mind.

Speaking to ANI, Houston said, “Our student visa applications have opened, students can apply and submit their application but what we want students to understand when they’re applying for that visa, we want them to understand that we want to see a use of that visa that is in line with their application and the students come to the United States and study and not obstruct students from studying in class, not to vandalize campuses.”

She added, “Every decision we make is a US national security decision. We have these policies with the US immigration law to ensure that we are holding the highest standard for US immigration… not only to protect US citizens but also the other students studying here…”

US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Mignon Houston also told ANI that India is an “essential partner” for Washington in the Indo-Pacific region, as talks continue for a bilateral trade agreement between the two nations.

Speaking to ANI, Houston underlined the United States’ aim of establishing a “fair and reciprocal” trade relationship with its partners, in line with the Trump administration’s “America First” agenda.

“We want trade that is fair and reciprocal. Working closely, India is an essential partner in the Indo-Pacific and the Quad. We expect that all our partners understand why this is so important to the ‘America First’ agenda, that we look for trade policies that have a fairness, reciprocal, balanced way to ensure that all parties benefit,” Houston told ANI.

She defended the Trump administration’s decision to impose tariffs, saying unfair trade practices had harmed American farmers and industries.

“I can say writ large as it relates to the United States’ position that these tariffs are a way for countries to meet us at a place of fairness. The United States has an open economy, but there are unfair trade policies that have impacted US farmers and industries,” she said.

Talks between India and the US on a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) are underway, with a July 9 deadline fast approaching. The deadline marks the end of a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariff hikes.

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump said that a trade deal between India and the United States was likely soon and promised reduced tariffs.

“I think we are going to have a deal with India. And that is going to be a different kind of a deal. It is going to be a deal where we are able to go in and compete. Right now, India does not accept anybody in. I think India is going to do that, and if they do that, we are going to have a deal for much less tariffs,” Trump said.

Meanwhile, India has taken a firmer stand on agricultural issues as the negotiations continue. According to government sources, India’s negotiating team, led by Chief Negotiator Rajesh Agrawal, has extended its stay in Washington.

The trade talks were initially scheduled for Thursday and Friday but were extended as both sides work to finalise an interim agreement before the July 9 deadline.

A senior official warned that failure to reach an agreement would result in the return of a 26 per cent tariff structure that had been temporarily suspended for 90 days. These tariffs were first imposed during the Trump administration on April 2.

“The failure of these trade discussions would trigger the immediate reimplementation of the 26 per cent tariff structure,” the official said. (ANI)