Author: LokMarg

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Biotech Startup Expo – 2022 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi on Thursday.

Union Ministers Jitendra Singh, Piyush Goyal and Dharmendra Pradhan were also present at the event.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the Biotech Startup Expo – 2022 is a two-day event being held on June 9 and 10.

It is being organised by the Department of Biotechnology and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).

The event is being held to mark the completion of ten years of setting up of BIRAC. The theme of the Expo is ‘Biotech Startup Innovations: Towards AatmaNirbhar Bharat’.

The Expo will act as a platform to connect entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, scientists, researchers, bio-incubators, manufacturers, regulators, government officials, etc, said the PMO.

About 300 stalls are set up at the Expo, that showcases the applications of biotechnology in various fields such as healthcare, genomics, biopharma, agriculture, industrial biotechnology, waste-to-value, and clean energy, among others. (ANI)

War in Ukraine has left an estimated 1.6 billion people in 94 countries exposed to at least one dimension of finance, food, or energy crisis, with around 1.2 billion living in “perfect-storm” countries severely vulnerable to all three areas, the policy brief by the Global Crisis Response Group (GCRG) has revealed.

The report published on June 8 calls for stabilizing record-high food and fuel prices, implementing social safety nets, and increasing financial support to developing countries.

The UN report warns that “time is short” to prevent a food crisis in 2023 in which we will have both a problem with food access and food availability.

“If the war continues and high prices of grain and fertilizers persist into the next planting season, food availability will be reduced at the worst possible time, and the present crisis in corn, wheat and vegetable oil could extend to other staples, affecting billions more people,” it added.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the ripple effects of the Ukraine war have generated a severe cost-of-living crisis which no country or community can escape.

At the launch of the latest report on the conflict’s impacts on food security, energy, and financing, the UN chief said the message is clear and insistent: countries must act now to save lives and livelihoods.

“Three months into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we face a new reality,” he told reporters.

“For those on the ground, every day brings new bloodshed and suffering. And for people around the world, the war is threatening to unleash an unprecedented wave of hunger and destitution, leaving social and economic chaos in its wake.”

The crisis is amplifying the consequences of other challenges confronting countries, such as the climate emergency, the COVID-19 pandemic, and inequalities in resources for post-pandemic recovery.

The increase in hunger since the start of the war could be higher and more widespread, according to the report.

The number of severely food insecure people doubled from 135 million prior to the pandemic, to 276 million over just two years. The ripple effects of the war could push this number to 323 million. (ANI)

China has praised India for helping Sri Lanka amid the unprecedented economic crisis in the island nation that has led to a shortage of fuel and other essential items.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said China ‘commends’ India for efforts to mitigate the crisis in Sri Lanka.

“We have taken note that the Indian government has also done a lot in this regard. We commend those efforts. China is ready to work with India and the rest of the international community to help Sri Lanka and other developing countries experiencing difficulty to pull through the hardship as early as possible,” Lijian said during a presser.

“The Chinese government will do its utmost and make full use of the channels available to deliver help to the Sri Lankan society,” he replied to a question over a remark made by Sri Lankan President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

Notably, Rajapaksa said in an interview on June 6 that Sri Lanka couldn’t tap a USD 1.5 billion credit line from China and has yet to hear back on the request to China for a USD 1 billion loan. He also said that China seems to have shifted its strategic focus to Southeast Asia and Africa, and has less interest in South Asia.

In response to these remarks, the Chinese spokesperson said Beijing pays close attention to and feels for the difficulties and challenges facing Sri Lanka.

“We have all along provided support to Sri Lanka’s socioeconomic development as long as our ability permits. China has announced that it would provide emergency humanitarian assistance worth 500 million RMB for Sri Lanka,” he added.

Sri Lanka is witnessing an unprecedented economic crisis and political crisis. Large scale protests have been taking place for months, leading to the ouster of former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. The island nation is also facing a severe foreign currency shortage which has created problems in importing essential items.

Last week, India handed a total of 3.3 tons of essential medical supplies to Sri Lanka. These humanitarian supplies are in continuation of the Indian government’s ongoing support to the people of the crisis-ridden island nation in forms such as financial assistance, forex support, material supply and many more.

In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, more than 25 tons of drugs and medical supplies which were donated by the Government and people of India during the last two months are valued at close to SLR 370 million.

This is in addition to the economic assistance of around USD 3.5 billion and supply of other humanitarian supplies such as rice, milk powder, kerosene etc, according to Indian High Commission. (ANI)

Bollywood diva Disha Patani has spoken about her “lack of sleep” through a selfie she posted on her social media.

The ‘Malang’ actor captioned her Instagram story as “When lack of sleep hits you.”

In the picture, Disha can be seen in a black tube top accessorised with a minimalistic cross pendant.

Disha kept her hair in a messy ponytail and sported a nude lipstick shade, which complimented her flawless look further.

Disha’s Instagram stories indicated that she was on a a trip somewhere. The actor seems to love taking pictures of the sky. In her recent posts, she shared some stunning images of the sky displaying changing colours from scarlet to purple and indigo.

Apart from her acting skills, Disha is also known for her intense workout regimes which she often uploads on her social media account. Disha has inspired fans to stay fit and healthy as well.

Meanwhile, Disha is the latest addition to Nag Ashwin’s upcoming film ‘Project K’, which also features Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and Prabhas. ‘Project K’ is touted as a mega-budget sci-fi thriller. (ANI)

The size of the Indian economy is projected to cross $5 trillion in 2026-27 and likely to become $20 trillion by 2040, Chief Economic Advisor Anantha V Nageswaran said on Wednesday.

Addressing an event organised by the Department of Economic Affairs, Nageswaran said that the structural reforms of Prime Minister Narendra Modi government, such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code (IBC) will manifest their advantages and potential in the coming decade, once the current clouds of global political developments and macro monetary policy challenges dissipate.

He underlined that for these reasons India is forecasted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to cross $5 trillion by 2026-27. “If GDP of the country doubles every 7 years, we will be $20 trillion GDP by 2040 with the per capita income close to $15,000,” he said.

Nageswaran stated that India is better positioned than many other countries in facing the current challenges.

“We face challenges of managing a sustainably high growth rate, moderate inflation, keeping the fiscal under balance and also ensuring that the external value of the rupee remains stable,” he said.

Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) stated that the Government is prepared to meet the challenges of balancing these core important considerations. (ANI)

Indian humanitarian aid en route to Afghanistan was reportedly being smuggled and hoarded by Pakistan, as the wheat consignments take a “return journey” after reaching Afghanistan, as per media reports.

According to the Khaama Press report on May 31, the Taliban security officials in Helmand province prevented 50 wheat-laden trucks from unlawfully crossing the border to Pakistan.

On May 30, more wheat-laden trucks were captured on the Herat-Kandahar highway, according to Hafiz Rashid Helmandi, the Taliban’s Director of Information and Culture for Helmand province. The vehicles were loaded in the company area of Helmand province’s Washir district to be taken to Pakistan.

Last week, India has sent a team to Kabul to oversee the delivery operations of India’s humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and hold discussions with the Taliban over the aid provided by New Delhi.

This is the first such visit by the Indian government to Kabul since the Taliban’s takeover. India’s development and humanitarian assistance have received widespread appreciation across the entire spectrum of Afghan society. In this connection, the Indian team will meet the senior members of the Taliban, and hold discussions on humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan.

India reportedly sought Afghan consent to send more aid but this time via the Iranian Chabahar port after Afghan media reported that wheat en route to Afghanistan was diverted and hoarded in Pakistan.

India reportedly suggested sending more consignments via Mumbai, Kandla, or Mundra ports on the west coast to Chabahar and taking the Iranian land route, reaching Herat. This would avoid the delays on the Punjab border, with trucks lining up and waiting to be off-loaded, to be transported further through Pakistan.

As per reports, the Taliban also agreed that the change of the route for the consignment was needed.

Earlier, India had announced that it will send 50,000 metric tonnes (MT) of wheat to Afghanistan overland through Pakistan.

The first consignment of humanitarian aid of 2,500 tonnes of wheat from India reached Afghanistan’s Jalalabad through Pakistan on February 26.

The second convoy of India’s humanitarian assistance carrying 2,000 MTs of wheat left Attari, Amritsar on March 3 for Jalalabad, Afghanistan, the MEA had said.

Moreover, India sent the third consignment of 2,000 metric tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan in 40 trucks via the Attari-Wagah border on March 8.

The fourth consignment of 2,000 metric tonnes of wheat was dispatched for Afghanistan via the Attari-Wagah border on March 15.

The Government of Pakistan in November 2021 had approved, as a special gesture to the Afghan people, the transportation of 50,000 MTs of wheat and life-saving medicines as humanitarian assistance from India to Afghanistan via the Wagah border on an exceptional basis for humanitarian purposes, as per a press release by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The time period granted for transportation of the humanitarian assistance expired on 21 March 2022.

The Government of India requested for extension in the time period to complete the transportation process after which India was granted two months extension for the transportation of 50,000 Metric Tonnes (MTs) of wheat and life-saving medicines as humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. (ANI)

By Siddharth Sharma

The Congress is preparing to put up a show of its strength on June 13 when the party leader Rahul Gandhi will appear before the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering case.

Congress is planning a big event to show its strength and convey its political message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government.

According to sources, a meeting of All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretaries, State Incharges, and Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) Chiefs has been called on Thursday to decide the strategy for the day.

In addition, Congress MPs, and Congress Working Committee (CWC) members have also been asked to be present in Delhi on the day.

A senior party leader told ANI, “All the Members of Parliament have been asked to be present in the national capital on June 13, and they will also be marching towards the ED Office along with Rahul Gandhi. The meeting has been called to discuss and take a view of the leaders across the country to take a final call on this as there is another view that along with Delhi, simultaneously, protests should be held in every state capital by the Pradesh Congress Committees.”

Rahul Gandhi has been summoned to join the investigation on June 13.

He was earlier summoned to Join the investigation but he was out of the country and later he was given a fresh date of June 13 to join the probe.

Meanwhile, the Congress party has alleged that it is a “political vendetta” and the case has no grounds for investigation.

The ED also questioned senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress Treasurer Pawan Bansal in April this year in New Delhi in connection with its money laundering probe into the National Herald case.

The agency then recorded the statements of both the Congress leaders under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The National Herald is published by Associated Journals Limited (AJL) and owned by Young Indian Private Limited (YIL). While Kharge is the CEO of YIL, Bansal is the Managing Director of AJL.

The ED is currently investigating the shareholding pattern and financial transactions as well as the role of party functionaries in the functioning of the AJL and YIL.

The YIL promoters include Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

BJP MP Subramanian Swamy had alleged that the Gandhis cheated and misappropriated funds, with YIL paying only Rs 50 lakh to obtain the right to recover Rs 90.25 crore that AJL owed to the Congress.

He had filed a complaint with a Delhi court earlier. Following the court taking cognizance of an Income Tax Department probe against YIL on Swamy’s petition, the ED also registered a fresh case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). (ANI)

Delhi Police on Wednesday said that the mastermind behind the killing of popular Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala is gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.

Addressing a press conference here, today evening, the chief of Delhi’s anti-terror unit, Special Cell, Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal said, “On May 29, in Punjab’s Mansa, Sidhu Moose Wala was killed by assailants. Delhi Police Special Cell traced down the organised gang and criminals who carried out the murder. In this incident as well, we have received information that this attack was planned. It is our duty to nab the culprits as soon as possible.”

“A first, we carried out some groundwork in the case. We know that the case was registered in Punjab by the Punjab Police. With the joint cooperation of the Delhi Police and Punjab Police, we began the task of identifying the killers at first. With the efforts of the Delhi Police, we established that about five persons were mainly involved in the incident. Later, the Punjab Police identified a few more criminals,” he said.

The senior Delhi Police official said that gangster Lawrence Bishnoi is the mastermind behind the killing of popular Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala.

The Police said that Siddhesh Hiraman Kamle, a close associate of the main shooter in the killing of singer Sidhu Moosewala in Punjab has been arrested.

“Maharashtra Police has been given Mahakaal alias Siddhesh Hiraman Kamble’s 14-day police custody remand. He is a close associate of one of the shooters, but he’s not involved in the killing,” he said.

“At least five people are involved in the killing. One Mahakaal has been arrested. He is a close associate of one of the shooters involved in Punjabi singer Siddu Moose Wala’s murder, though he was not involved in the shooting. Actual shooters will be arrested soon,” the Police said.

Earlier, Gangster Goldy Brar had claimed the responsibility for Moose Wala’s murder. This murder was in retaliation for youth Akali leader Vicky Middukhera’s killing that took place last year.

The Punjab Police on Tuesday had said it had arrested eight persons so far in connection with the brutal murder of Moosewala. The police spokesperson said they also sought a red corner notice against gangster-turned-terrorist Harwinder Singh Sandhu, alias Rinda, of Rattoke village, Tarn Taran. (ANI)

Hyderabad Police registered a case against Telangana BJP MLA Raja Singh for allegedly hurting the religious beliefs of a particular community through his defamatory remarks.

Raja Singh is the MLA from Goshamahal in Telangana.

The case has been registered at Kanchanbagh police station under section 295 A of IPC. The case was registered based on the complaint filed by Hyderabad resident Mohammed Ali. The complainant is a businessman by profession.

P Uma Maheshwar Rao, inspector at Kanchanbagh police station said, “We have registered a case against BJP MLA Raja Singh. A person name Mohammed Ali resident of Kanchanbagh gave a complaint against Raja Singh for hurting religious sentiments.”

“In his complaint, Ali said a video was getting viral of BJP MLA Raja Singh. He said in the video, MLA Raja Singh is giving a statement that hurt the religious beliefs of a particular community. We are investigating the matter. The authenticity of the video is yet to be confirmed. The date and time of the video is also not confirmed,” the official said.

The investigation is underway. (ANI)

Pakistani star Mahira Khan, who made her Bollywood debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in ‘Raees’, is once again set to connect with the Indian audience through her show ‘Sadqay Tumhare’.

The 1980’s-set drama series, which originally premiered in 2014, will air in India on Zindagi on Thursday.

Excited to return to TV screen, Mahira said, “Sadqay Tumhare is a heartfelt, simple love story. Shano, is one of my favourite characters. She was other worldly, romantic and just pure love. It is a nostalgic moment to see the show, which is so close to my heart, return to television where it all started. I am excited to have this opportunity to connect with the Indian audience once again through Zindagi.”

‘Sadqay Tumhare’ is written by Khalil-Ur-Rehman Qamar and directed by Mohammed Ehteshamuddin. It is a love story set in the 1980s.

The project based on experiences from the writer’s life, narrating the story of Khalil (Adnan Malik) and Shano (Mahira) who are engaged very early in their life but lose contact for 10 years. A village girl, Shano yearns to meet her fiance Khalil who is settled in the big city. Initially, Khalil is hesitant about his feelings for Shano considering now that he has better prospects in the city but he eventually falls in love with her.

Mahira is also known for her TV show ‘Humsafar’, which also stars Fawad Khan. (ANI)