Author: LokMarg

Zelenkskyy To Modi

Ukraine Will Not Conduct Negotiations With Putin: Zelenkskyy To Modi

By LokMarg

Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s calls for peace, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday said that Kyiv will not conduct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

PM Modi earlier held a phone call with Zelenskyy and said that the endangerment of nuclear facilities amid the Russia-Ukraine war could lead to catastrophic consequences for the environment.
During the phone call, the Prime Minister expressed his firm conviction that there can be no military solution to the conflict and conveyed India’s readiness to contribute to any peace efforts. He again called for the cessation of hostilities and the need to pursue the path of diplomacy.

Reacting to the referendum in four Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine – Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, Zelenskyy noted that all the aggressor’s decisions aimed at attempting illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories are null and void and do not change reality.

Zelenskyy emphasized that under such conditions, Ukraine will not conduct any negotiations with the current President of the Russian Federation, and noted that our state has always been committed to a peaceful settlement through dialogue, said Zelenskyy readout.

“However, Russia did not stand for dialogue and put forward ultimate instead deliberately undermining this process. During my speech at the session of the UN General Assembly, I outlined our clear formula for peace. We are ready to work together with our partners to achieve it,” added the President of Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy thanked PM Modi for India’s support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and also emphasized the importance of the Indian leader’s recent statement that now is not the time for war.

During the conversation, the Ukrainian President emphasized the importance of strengthening the Ukrainian-Indian partnership against the backdrop of Russian aggression against Ukraine.

Zelenskyy also noted the significant humanitarian aid provided by the government and the private sector of the Republic of India to Ukraine, added the readout.

Both leaders separately discussed the issue of global food security. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is ready to continue acting as a guarantor of the world’s food security. In this regard, the support of the entire international community, in particular India, for further implementing the grain initiative is important.

The interlocutors paid due attention to the issue of nuclear safety.

“Nuclear blackmail by Russia, particularly regarding the Zaporizhzhia NPP, is a threat not only to Ukraine but also to the whole world,” Zelenskyy said.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reiterated its deep concern about landmine explosions close to Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). IAEA is also continuing its consultations and other efforts to agree on and implement a nuclear safety and security zone around the ZNPP as soon as possible.

The Prime Minister’s Office said Prime Minister Modi reiterated the importance of respecting the UN Charter, International Law, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.

“Prime Minister emphasized the importance India attaches to the safety and security of nuclear installations, including in Ukraine. He underlined that endangerment of nuclear facilities could have far-reaching and catastrophic consequences for public health and the environment,” the statement said.

Separately, Zelenskyy and Modi discussed cooperation within international organizations, primarily the UN.

During the conversation, the parties noted mutual interest in deepening regular full-scale Ukrainian-Indian contacts, as well as the implementation of tasks on the agenda of bilateral relations of comprehensive partnership.

Further, Zelenskyy invited PM Modi to visit Ukraine. (ANI)

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Pak Supplying Arms, Ammunition To Kyiv

By LokMarg

Pakistan is entangled in yet another controversy as Islamabad has been found supplying arms and ammunition to Kyiv in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

As per reports, Pakistan is not impartial in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and has been involved in supplying arms and ammunition, made in Pakistan, for the end use of Ukraine. Islamabad is apparently utilising third-country-based defence suppliers and contractors to route these defence sales to Ukraine, reported Europe-based publication Geo-Politik.
Credible inputs suggest that Islamabad-based arms supplier M/s DMI Associates has been in contact with Bulgaria-based firm M/s Defence Industry Group to facilitate the supply of manufactured defence stores to the Ukrainian government.

Separately, a Slovakia-based defence company M/s Chemica had reportedly approached M/s Kestral, a defence supplier of ammunition of Pak Ordinance Factories, on behalf of Ukraine’s Defence Ministry, reported Geo-Politik.

M/s Kestral may be using the conflict to spread its activities in countries adjacent to Ukraine, namely Poland, Romania and Slovakia, as the CEO of Kestral, Liaqat Ali Beg, visited these countries in May and June this year.

In another such development, Kyiv-based Ukrainian company M/s FORMAG was learnt to have approached Pakistan-based M/s Bluelines Cargo Pvt Ltd to ship gloves meant for use by the Ukrainian army.

A recent report published in Riafan, an online Russian web portal, states that Pakistan’s Noor Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi has become a key base for the UK for the transportation of military equipment for the Ukrainian Army.

The evidence of Ukraine using Pakistan-made ammunition comes from no other than ‘Ukraine Weapon Tracker’, a website which tracks the usage/capture of weapons and ammunitions in Ukraine. The website mentions that Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) artillery uses 122 mm high-explosive fragmentation artillery shells made in Pakistan Ordnance Factory, Punjab, reported Geo-Politik.

After making a self-goal in February 2022, when then Pakistan’s PM Imran Khan visited Russia during the onset of the Ukrainian war, this is another incident which puts the country’s image at stake.

Islamabad is now out to make money off the Russia-Ukraine war by supplying much-needed ammunition to Ukraine. The Ukrainian military is reportedly using Pakistan-made artillery against Russian troops.

As per reports, 122 mm HR artillery is being used against Russian troops in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. These ties run deep, reported Geo-Politik.

Pakistan has awarded a contract worth USD 85.6 million for modernizing T-80UD battle tanks to Ukrainian state arms conglomerate UkrOboronProm.

Earlier this year Ukraine also discussed with Pakistan new orders for the supply of 6TD1 and 6TD2 engines. In 2021 alone, Pakistan signed a USD 85.6 million contract to repair its T-80UD fleet in Ukraine, reported Geo-Politik.

Ukraine’s relations with Pakistan are largely about weapons. Over the past few decades, Islamabad has been among the most loyal clients of Ukraine’s arms industry. Last year, Pakistan Army Chief visited Ukraine eyeing to shop “sophisticated” arms.

Pakistan has been keen to enhance defence cooperation with Ukraine on the basis of the transfer of technology and joint ventures in the future, as both sides can benefit from each other’s experience. Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa stated this during his visit to a military test site in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine last year.

He had also witnessed field tests of various weapons and equipment and took a keen interest in the tests and appreciated the performance of all ranks associated with the projects, reported Geo-Politik.

The Pakistan Army Chief said that defence cooperation between both countries has traditionally been an important component of Pak-Ukraine bilateral relations. (ANI)

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BJP's Pankaja Munde On Dussehra Rallies

Our Rally Is Not Political: BJP’s Pankaja Munde On Dussehra Rallies

By LokMarg

Maharashtra BJP leader and former minister Pankaja Munde on Wednesday said that she would like to hear both Shiv Sena factions in their respective Dussehra rallies and extend good wishes to them.

Talking to the media, Pankaja Munde said that her party’s rally is not political but for the common people of society.
Notably, the Dussehra rallies of Eknath Shinde-led Sena and Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena are to be held today at different venues in Maharashtra after a months-long tug of war over the rally. The Bombay High Court ruled in favor of the Thackeray-led Sena faction and allowed them to hold the Dussehra rally at the Shivaji Park on September 23.

The tussle between the Shinde-led faction and former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray-led faction was on for weeks and the decision came only after multiple brawls came to the fore.

“We talk about the subjects on which our supporters and unprivileged people expect from us. Our rally is not a political rally, but I would like to hear both factions. Let’s see on which issues they are going to talk,” Pankaja Munde said.

Pankaja Munde said that our rally is to be held in the crowded district, our rally is not for the political but for the common society.

Pankaja, talking about the real ‘Sena’ said that she would not speak anything about it. “I will not say anything about this as I consider myself too small to comment on it.”

There are three Dussehra rallies to be held in Maharashtra today, one in the Beed district and two in Mumbai.

Earlier on Monday, both the Shiv Sena factions released video trailers of the rally that would be conducted at two different venues in accordance with the court decision. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s led-faction was seen drawing parallels between both groups.

Releasing a video on a social media platform, the group called for people’s presence in numbers at Bombay Kurla Complex. It also mentioned that national issues would be discussed during the gathering and inspirational speeches would be given that would last as an oxygen supply for one whole year. The teaser also stressed party workers and appreciation of their efforts.

Comparing the other side, the video made a veiled attack and showed words that the other section will focus on including betrayal, manhood, etc.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led faction will also hold a Dussehra rally at Shivaji park, Dadar. Their teaser starts with the voice of Uddhav Thackeray quoting Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj stating that one should never backstab but if one does then one should not be left alive.

Calling the event historic, the Shiv Sena leader stressed that he has nothing left for himself but only the power that people have given him. He further goes on to call the gathering a full-packed event of his “Thackeray family”, and says that every attendee has Bala Saheb Thackeray in their heart and the bond is unbreakable.

The video ends with excerpts of former CM Thackeray’s interview instructing the attendees on responsible and disciplined behavior during the celebrations at the rally. NCP leaders, on the other hand, aligned with the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction.

“There’ll be 2 Dussehra rallies in Maharashtra. One that will be as per the ideals of Bala Saheb Thackeray is a rally by Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena. Though matter related to real Shiv Sena is pending with ECI, as per NCP, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena is real Shiv Sena,” said NCP leader M Tapse.

Earlier Shinde on Sunday said that they will not challenge the Bombay High Court’s decision in the Supreme Court for allowing the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction to hold the Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai.

“We respect the Bombay High Court’s decision and will not challenge it in the Supreme Court,” said Shinde. (ANI)

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Delhi Effigy Makers

Delhi Effigy Makers Back In Business After Two Bad Fiscal Years

By LokMarg

Today is Vijayadashami, and the excitement of the festive spirit is at its peak!

Every year, Dussehra is celebrated to commemorate the triumph of good over evil as Lord Rama killed Ravana on this day. The festival is celebrated in full swing across the country, by burning the effigies of Ravan, Kumbhkaran, and Meghnath.
After a hiatus of a few years, the effigy business is getting back on track.

Earlier, we spoke to a local artisan from Titarpur in New Delhi – Naveen, and he revealed, “People are coming back in huge numbers to book Ravan effigies. Due to Covid, during the past few years, the business was not so good, but things are getting better now and customers are back. But now, the rates of effigies are a bit high as compared to previous times, now it costs Rs 500 per foot. We began the preparation 2 months ahead of the festival and we start the deliveries 2 days before Dussehra.”

“During Covid, Ravan idols were made in fewer numbers, we used to create only small mannequins of 5 feet and 10 feet, for the common people who can burn those effigies on the streets. But this year, the situation is quite different, we are celebrating every festival and the effigy business is also going really well, and the craze among the people for Dussehra is very high and we are flooded with bookings this year. This year we will see a good hike in sales, we have been working day and night for the past two months to create these effigies. We create effigies from 5 feet to 50 feet and the pricing begins from Rs 500 per foot, “Sonu, a local artist said.

On being asked whether the firecracker ban has affected the sales in Delhi or not, Naveen said, “No, it doesn’t matter, we only construct the effigies, it’s the customer’s choice to put firecrackers in it or not, they do it by themselves.” People opt for eco-friendly firecrackers to create less pollution during Dussehra. “

In a conversation with ANI, effigy maker Poonam said, “Yes, we are facing a big loss due to the firecracker ban by the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi.” Every year, CM Kejriwal puts a ban on firecrackers, during Diwali everyone bursts crackers, but only during Dussehra, he put a ban on them. We don’t put crackers in the effigies, people bring them and put them on their own. But because of the ban, there has been a huge downfall in the number of clients. Mostly, the customers cancel their already booked orders due to the ban. If the government doesn’t want us to do our business, then simply tell us. We don’t want to face loss at the last moment. “

“The number of firecrackers has now been reduced from 500 to 300 by CM Kejriwal. We don’t put crackers in the mannequins, that’s the customer’s call whether to put crackers or not,” Mahendra Karari, Ravan effigy creator told ANI.

Apart from making effigy during the festive season, local vendors indulge in their different businesses for the rest of the year for their source of income.

“Dussehra festival comes once a year, and we have our other source of income as well. I am a driver for the whole year. But during Dussehra, I make Ravan since my childhood in Titarpur, said Naveen.

Karari said, “We work in the hotel line during the whole year, and some of our work in brass bands during the marriage season, and some people work at local sweet shops.”

In some regions, the celebration—also known as Vijayadashami—celebrates Goddess Durga’s triumph over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. (ANI)

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Islamabad-Lahore Highway Pakistan

25 Dead In Pauri Garhwal Bus Accident

By LokMarg

Twenty Five people were killed in the Pauri Garhwal bus accident that took place on Tuesday night in the Birokhal area of Dhumakot in Uttarakhand, informed Deputy General of Police Ashok Kumar.

Police and SDRF rescued 21 people overnight and the injured have been admitted to nearby hospitals, he added.
“Twenty Five people were found dead in the Pauri Garwhal bus accident that took place last night in the Birokhal area of Dhumakot. Police and SDRF rescued 21 people overnight; the injured have been admitted to nearby hospitals,” DGP Ashok Kumar told ANI.

Earlier on Tuesday, a bus carrying a wedding procession of 45 to 50 people fell into a gorge near Simdi village in Uttarakhand’s Pauri Garhwal district.

“A wedding procession had left in a bus from here, Laldhang; an accident occurred. Information is being taken from the family members. A rescue operation is still underway by Pauri Police and SDRF at the spot,” said Haridwar SP City Swatantra Kumar Singh.

“Around 40-42 people were on the bus, including women and children. We are in continuous touch with the Pauri police and villagers. So far, 15-16 people have been rescued and sent to the nearest hospital. No information on any deaths received yet, “he had added. (ANI)

Moosewala Murder Accused

Punjab Police SIT To Probe Escape of Moosewala Murder Accused

By LokMarg

Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Tuesday constituted a four-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the escape of gangster Deepak Tinu from police custody in Mansa and to ensure an effective and speedy investigation.

The SIT comprises Inspector General of Police (IGP) Patiala range MS Chhina as Chairperson, while, three members include AIG Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Opinderjit Singh, SSP Mansa Gaurav Toora and DSP AGTF Bikramjeet Singh Brar. Station House Officer (SHO) Police Station City-1 Mansa shall offer complete assistance to the SIT, while, the SIT can also co-opt any other officer from Bathinda and Patiala Ranges for assistance.

DGP Gaurav Yadav apprised that investigations into this case are going on at full pace and several Police teams are on a manhunt to nab the escapee.

Adopting a proactive approach, Punjab Police immediately suspended and apprehended the errant Mansa CIA Incharge Pritpal Singh, and First Information Report (FIR) was registered against him for dereliction of duty. The accused cop was also dismissed from the service under article 311.

The DGP said, “The SIT will conduct a day-to-day investigation into this case and all persons against whom evidence comes on record will be arrested and a police report against them will be submitted in the concerned court of trial.”

Meanwhile, the SIT has been directed to conclude the investigation in an expeditious manner. (ANI)

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IAF Seeks More Fighter Jets

IAF Seeks More Fighter Jets In View Of Threat From China, Pak

By LokMarg

Citing the increasing number of fighter aircraft in the Chinese and Pakistan air forces, the Indian Air Force on Tuesday said it would need more combat aircraft to meet security challenges.

“The environment around us remains hostile and there would be a requirement for 42 squadrons of fighter aircraft by the Indian Air Force.” We have to see the case of China and Pakistan also, “Indian Air Force Vice Chief Air Marshal Sandeep Singh said.

He was speaking at a press conference where he was asked whether the IAF could lower its authorized squadron strength number from 42.

The IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, said the aircraft numbers authorized to the force were as per the requirements in view of the security challenges.

IAF is authorized to have 42 squadrons, which would mean around 800 fighter aircraft, but at present, it is stuck at 30 squadrons only due to delays in the development of the LCA Tejas as well as in the procurement of high-ability multirole fighters.

The situation is going to worsen further with the planned decommissioning of the MiG-21s in near future and all squadrons of Jaguar, Mirage-2000, and MiG-29 fighters by the middle of the next decade.

The IAF has plans of inducting around 200 LCAs and 114 multirole fighters in the next 15 years along with six squadrons of Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft.

Pakistan, which has to defend borders mainly with India, only has around 25 squadrons of combat aircraft, while the Chinese Air Force has a large number of aircraft, including fifth-generation fighters like the J-20. (ANI)

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Modi Replaced Stones With Computers, Jobs: Shah In J-K

By LokMarg

Highlighting the Modi government’s development push in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday that the Centre had given computers and employment to youth who earlier held stones in their hands.

The Union home minister, who launched development projects of around Rs 1,960 crore in Jammu, was referring to past incidents of stone-pelting which would be frequently reported from the valley.
“After the abrogation of Article 370, people in J-K got benefits from various government schemes. Democracy is strengthened when people welcome the change. It is important to identify the three families of J-K which nurtured separatism instead of development,” Shah said.

He said the central government gave computers and employment to the youth who earlier held stones in their hands.

“Earlier there were stone-pelting incidents. But, no such incidents are there now. We have to understand the change that has come now. We identified those in the administration who were supporting terrorism and rooted them out. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken out ‘Jamhooriyat’ (democracy) from three families in Jammu and Kashmir and has taken it to the people through 30,000 Panchayati raj members,” said Shah.

In the 70 years since independence, the Home Minister said only Rs 15,000 crore were invested in Jammu and Kashmir, but since 2019, an investment of about Rs 56,000 crore has been brought in the erstwhile state.

Shah further said that the youth of J-K will benefit greatly from tourism. He said 50 lakh tourists have visited Jammu and 22 lakh tourists have visited Kashmir in recent months.

“Earlier the delimitation was done only for the benefit of three families. For the first time post Independence, there has been a real delimitation in Jammu and Kashmir now, due to which the people of the hilly region have got their rights,” Shah added.

Shah, who is on a 3-day visit to J-K, reached Jammu Monday evening after which he met people from various communities including Gujjar-Bakarwal, Rajput, Pahari, and Sikhs.

He began his day on Tuesday with a visit to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra where he offered prayers. Notably, this was Shah’s first visit to the holy shrine after being appointed the Home Minister of the Modi government 2.0.

His visit, during which he was accompanied by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Union Minister Jitendra Singh, coincided with the ninth day of the ongoing Navratri festival.

Shah is slated to hold a number of crucial meetings including the ones regarding the security situation in the region on Wednesday. He will review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir at a meeting that is slated to be held at Raj Bhavan in Srinagar.

LG Manoj Sinha, top officials of the Army, paramilitary forces, state police, and civil administration will take part in this high-level meeting expected to begin at 10 am tomorrow.

Before concluding his visit to the Union Territory, Shah will also launch and lay foundation stones for various development projects in Srinagar tomorrow afternoon. (ANI)

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