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US: Maine’s Top Election Official Disqualifies Trump From 2024 Ballot

By LokMarg 29th December 2023

Maine’s top election official has removed former President Donald Trump from the state’s 2024 ballot, citing the 14th Amendment’s “insurrectionist ban,” CNN reported.

This decision follows a similar move by the Colorado Supreme Court earlier this month, making Maine the second state to disqualify Trump from running for office.

A bipartisan group of former state lawmakers initiated the challenge against Trump, leading to an administrative hearing earlier this month on his eligibility for office.

Maine Secretary of State, Shenna Bellows, a Democrat, issued the decision on Thursday, acknowledging the unprecedented nature of such an action against a presidential candidate.

“I do not reach this conclusion lightly,” Bellows wrote. “Democracy is sacred … I am mindful that no Secretary of State has ever deprived a presidential candidate of ballot access based on Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment. I am also mindful, however, that no presidential candidate has ever before engaged in insurrection.”

The decision by Bellows can be appealed in state court, and it is anticipated that Trump’s legal team will contest this outcome. The issue is expected to escalate to the US Supreme Court, where many legal experts believe it will ultimately be settled for the entire country, according to CNN.

Trump, who denies any wrongdoing in connection with the events of January 6, 2021, and dismisses the legal challenges as meritless, faces a growing wave of opposition from critics seeking to enforce the constitutional provision designed to protect against anti-democratic insurrectionists.

The Maine decision follows the momentum gained by Trump’s opponents after the Colorado ruling. While other states, such as Michigan and Minnesota, rejected similar efforts before Colorado, the consecutive decisions in Colorado and Maine mark a significant victory for those pushing for accountability, as reported by CNN.

Ratified after the Civil War, the 14th Amendment stipulates that American officials who “engage in” insurrection cannot hold future office. However, the provision lacks clarity on how the ban should be enforced, leaving room for legal interpretation and debate, CNN reported. (ANI)

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Ayodhya: Voting On Lord Ram Lalla’s Idol Today

By LokMarg 29th December 2023

Voting to decide the idol of Lord Ram Lalla, which will be installed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the grand temple next month, is to be held on Friday, sources said.

As per sources, the voting will take place at the meeting of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, the trust entrusted with the construction and management of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

“All three designs, made by separate sculptors, would be put on the table. The one idol that will get the most votes will be installed at the consecration of the shrine on January 22,” sources said.

Earlier on Wednesday, trust secretary Champat Rai said that a 51-inch-tall idol of Lord Ram reflecting a five-year-old–Ram Lalla–would be selected among three designs.

“The one that has the best divineness and has a childlike look about it will be selected,” he said.

Meanwhile, Shri Ram Mandir Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Misra on Thursday took stock of the ongoing construction work on the Ram Janmabhoomi Path and the complex along with the top official of the district.

The inspection came ahead of the consecration ceremony, scheduled next month, and just two days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the temple city.

“The work is not being done hastily, rather it is being done qualitatively by investing enough time into it,” Misra said while speaking to ANI.

“The construction work has been categorised into three phases. The first phase will be completed by December 2023, the second phase, when the construction of the temple will be completed, will be carried out in January and the third phase includes the construction work in the complex,” he added.

Misra also instructed the officials to complete the work of security equipment being installed along with the ‘welcome gate’ and canopy on Janmabhoomi Path under any circumstances by December.

As per temple officials, the consecration ceremony will be held over a span of seven days starting on January 16.

On January 16, the host appointed by the temple trust, Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, will conduct the atonement ceremony. The ‘Dashvidh’ bath, Vishnu worship, and offering to cows will be held on the banks of the Saryu River.

Following that, on January 17, a procession carrying the idol of Lord Ram in his child-like form (Ram Lalla) will reach Ayodhya. Devotees carrying Saryu water in Mangal Kalash will be reaching the Ram Janmabhoomi temple.

On January 18, formal rituals will kick off with the Ganesh Ambika puja, Varun puja, Matrika puja, Brahmin Varan, and Vastu Puja.

On January 19, the holy fire will be lit, followed by the establishment of ‘Navagraha’ and a ‘havan’ (holy ritual surrounding the fire).

The sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple will be washed with Saryu water on January 20, after which the Vaastu Shanti and ‘Annadhivas’ rituals will take place.

On January 21, the Ram Lalla idol will be bathed in 125 urns and will finally be laid to rest. On the final day, January 22, after the morning puja, the deity of Ram Lala will be consecrated in ‘Mrigashira Nakshatra’ in the afternoon. (ANI)

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Kareena Shares New Pics From Her Swiss Vacay

By LokMarg 28th December 2023

Actor Kareena Kapoor Khan on Thursday shared new pictures from her Swiss vacation.

Taking to Instagram, Kareena shared a picture in which she could be seen with her back to the camera and clicking a picture of a scenic location with the phone.

She captioned the pic, “Chasing the lights…4 days to 2024.”

In the pic, Bebo is seen donning her night suit.

In another story, she dropped a picture posing with Businesswoman and socialite Natasha Poonawalla amid snowcapped mountains.

She captioned the pic, “This is how we keep warm in the snow.”

Kareena Kapoor has been visiting Gstaad in the Swiss Alps with Saif Ali Khan almost every year since they married in 2012.

Recently Kareena along with her husband Saif Ali Khan and kids jetted off to London to celebrate Christmas.

Kareena shared stunning images of her hubby Saif and son Taimur from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The images show Taimur and Saif enjoying a football match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Kareena and Saif have been married for 11 years. The two have worked together in LOC Kargil (2003) and Omkara (2006), but it was on the sets of the 2008 film Tashan that they fell in love with each other. And on October 16, 2012, the two tied the knot.

In 2016, the two became parents to son Taimur and in February 2021, they welcomed Jeh. Saif was married to Amrita Singh before Kareena and they have two children together, Sara Ali Khan and Ibrahim Ali Khan.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Kareena will be next seen in ‘The Crew’ alongside Kriti Sanon, Tabu and Diljit Dosanjh.

Apart from that, she also has Rohit Shetty’s ‘Singham Again’ which also stars Ajay Devgn, Deepika Padukone, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh and Tiger Shroff in pivotal roles. (ANI)

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TN Floods: CISF Conduct Rescue, Relief Ops In Tuticorin

By LokMarg 28th December 2023

CISF personnel of NFC Pazahayakayal in Tuticorin conducted rescue and relief operations during the Tamil Nadu floods, facilitating the safe passage of people and delivery of ration in challenging conditions.

Heavy rains pounded the state over the last few days, wreaking havoc in Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, and Kanyakumari. Many deaths have been reported, so far, in the ongoing flooding.

The state government and the Centre have jointly mobilised a massive rescue and relief operation to help the affected people.

PM Modi assured support to Tamil Nadu and deputed Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to assess the flood situation.

In a post on X, Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister’s prompt attention to the dire situation.

“Prime Minister @narendramodi called me to inquire about the unprecedented floods in Southern Tamil Nadu, immediately after #CycloneMichaung,” CM Stalin said in the post.

The Chief Minister apprised the Prime Minister of the urgent need for financial support from the Union government to address the mounting challenges faced by the state.”I have explained to him the massive rescue and relief efforts undertaken by the state government, despite resource constraints, and sought immediate financial support from the Union government,” he added.

In response to the Chief Minister’s plea, PM Modi assured full support from the Union government to help Tamil Nadu overcome these twin calamities.

Earlier, an MI-17 V5 chopper and ALH-Dhruv copter of the Indian Air Force air-dropped over 11 tons of relief materials in 12 different places in the rain-ravaged Thoothkudi district.

On Saturday, Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena said the rescue operation in the flood-affected southern districts of the state has been completed and the focus now is on the restoration of basic services there. However, communication lines in some districts are still in disarray in the aftermath of the flood.

Roads and railway tracks have been left inundated due to the incessant rainfall across the state. (ANI)

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Modi Accepts Invitation To Inaugurate BAPS Hindu Mandir In Abu Dhabi

By LokMarg 28th December 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accepted the invitation extended by Swami Ishwarcharandas and Swami Brahmaviharidas, along with the board of directors for the inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi on February 14 next year, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha said in a press statement.

PM Modi and the BAPS Swami Ishwarcharandas met on Wednesday at the Prime Minister’s residential office and PM Modi graciously accepted the invitation, expressing his enthusiastic support for the historic and iconic temple.

Swami Ishwarcharandas honoured the Prime Minister by adorning him with a garland and draping a saffron shawl over his shoulders, acknowledging his significant contributions to our nation and the world. The Prime Minister was specially commended for the remarkable renovation and development of pilgrimage sites across India, a feat unparalleled in recent centuries, said the press statement.

During the meeting, the discussions revolved around Abu Dhabi temple’s significance for global harmony and Modi’s vision for India’s spiritual leadership on the global stage.

The release read, “The BAPS delegation prayed for the Prime Minister’s health and acknowledged his exceptional global achievements, notably strengthening relationships with the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries. They also discussed the pride and inspiration Modi’s leadership has instilled in Indians worldwide.”

Recalling his personal and immortal memories of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and his glorious centenary celebrations, the Prime Minister expressed prayers for Mahant Swami Maharaj’s health.

PM also appreciated the efforts of key individuals, volunteers and supporters, involved in the BAPS Hindu Mandir project in Abu Dhabi, including those present before him such as Chairman Ashok Kotecha, Vice Chairman Yogesh Mehta and Director Chirag Patel, recognizing their contributions as significant sources of pride for India.

In a light-hearted exchange, the Prime Minister asked Chirag Patel about his love for tennis and his father Rohitbhai Patel and grandfather P D Patel; and also encouraged his children to continue working hard and achieve success in the sport.

As per the press statement, Swami Brahmaviharidas showcased the latest update of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing its intricate carvings and all-inclusive grandeur, saying that “the inauguration ceremony will be a great event, a millennial moment of celebration for time to come.”

To which PM Modi added, “It will reflect the ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – an ideal spiritual space, not merely rooted in beliefs and traditions, but a confluence of diverse cultures and civilizations. The essence of spiritual harmony, symbolizing the path forward.” (ANI)

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Ayodhya’s New Airport To Be Named After Maharishi Valmiki

By LokMarg 28th December 2023

The new airport in Ayodhya will be named after sage poet Maharishi Valmiki, sources said on Thursday.

According to the sources, the name of the new airport will be ‘Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya Dham’.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the newly built Ayodhya Airport on December 30.

“Phase 1 of the state-of-the-art airport is developed at a cost of more than Rs 1,450 crore. The airport’s terminal building will have an area of 6500 sqm, equipped to serve about 10 lakh passengers annually. The facade of the Terminal Building depicts the temple architecture of the upcoming Shri Ram Mandir of Ayodhya. The interiors of the terminal Building are decorated with local art, paintings and murals depicting the life of Bhagwan Shri Ram,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

The terminal building of Ayodhya airport is also equipped with various sustainability features like an insulated roofing system, LED lighting, rainwater harvesting, landscaping with fountains, a water treatment plant, sewage treatment plant, solar power plant and many other such features have been provided to meet GRIHA – 5-star ratings.

The airport will improve connectivity in the region, leading to a boost in tourism, business activities and employment opportunities, PMO said.

PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone of a greenfield township in Ayodhya being developed at a cost of more than Rs 2180 crore. PM Modi will also flag off two new Amrit Bharat trains and six new Vande Bharat trains.

Maharishi Valmiki is credited for writing the epic Ramayana. (ANI)

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Qatar Court Commutes Death Sentence Of Indian Navy Veterans

By LokMarg 28th December 2023

The Qatari Court on Thursday commuted the death penalty sentence of eight ex-Indian naval officers it had arrested last year in the Dahra Global case, Ministry of External Affairs said in a press statement. The sentence has now been reduced to jail terms.

Describing the judgement, Ministry of External Affairs said, “We have noted the verdict today of the Court of Appeal of Qatar in the Dahra Global case, in which the sentences have been reduced.”

The MEA also said that the detailed judgement in the case is awaited and are in close touch with the legal team in Qatar.

MEA added, “The detailed judgement is awaited. We are in close touch with the legal team as well as the family members to decide on the next steps. Our Ambassador to Qatar and other officials were present in the Court of Appeal today, along with the family members. We have stood by them since the beginning of the matter and we will continue to extend all consular and legal assistance. We will also continue to take up the matter with the Qatari authorities.”

The eight Indian nationals have been imprisoned in Qatar since October 2022 and were accused of allegedly spying on a submarine programme. The retired naval personnel were sentenced to death by a Qatar court on charges that have not yet been made public officially.

Earlier this month, MEA informed that two hearings have taken place in the case.

“There have been two hearings. We filed an appeal, with the families, and the detainees had a final appeal. Two hearings have since been held. One was on November 30th and the other was on November 23rd. I think the next hearing is coming up soon,” Bagchi said.

Moreover, the Court of First Instance of Qatar passed the judgement against them, according to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs.

The MEA spokesperson also highlighted the recent meeting that took place between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad and said that they have had a good conversation on the overall bilateral relationship.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on the sidelines of the COP28 summit in Dubai and discussed bilateral partnership and the “well-being of the Indian community” living in Qatar. (ANI)

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SA Legend Mbongeni Ngema Dies In Car Accident

By LokMarg 28th December 2023

Mbongeni Ngema, writer of the acclaimed musical Sarafina about student riots in apartheid Soweto, is no more.

As per Deadline, Mbongeni Ngema died in a car accident. The news of his demise was announced by his family in a statement.

The family shared that he was killed in a head-on collision while returning from a funeral he had attended in Lusikisiki, South Africa. He was a passenger in the vehicle.

Ngema is best known for creating the musical Sarafina!, which premiered on Broadway in 1988 and was later adapted into a vehicle for Goldberg in 1992.

Ngema was a writer, lyricist, composer, director, choreographer, and theatre producer. His other major credits include vocal arranging for The Lion King.

Sarafina! producer Anant Singh reacted to the unfortunate news.

“”We have lost a trailblazing creative talent who fearlessly brought awareness of South Africa under apartheid to a global audience using the theatre as a platform.He has left an indelible mark on South African theatre and the creative industries as a whole. This is clearly demonstrated by the timelessness of Sarafina! the film. Mbongeni was an inspiration and mentored many young artists who are now household names. His passing leaves a deep void but he leaves a rich legacy that will endure for posterity,” Anant Singh said.

Ngema was 68. (ANI)

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Youth Arrested In Saharanpur Over Post Threatening ‘Pulwama-Like’ Attack

By LokMarg 28th December 2023

The Uttar Pradesh Police arrested a youth over a social media post threatening a repeat of the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, police informed on Thursday.

The accused was identified as Mohammed Talha, a resident of Jamshedpur in Jharkhand’s Seraikela. He was arrested by Deoband Police over his post on X.

A case was also registered against the accused under stringent sections, the police said.

Senior Superintendent of Police of Saharanpur, Vipin Tada told ANI, “Police received information at Deoband police station that a youth posted some objectionable comments on Twitter (now X), in which he threatened a repeat of the Pulwama terror attack.”

“Taking note of the post, the local police have registered a case and the young man has been questioned. He confessed to putting out the post out of anger,” Tada added.

He said that the intelligence department and police have initiated a thorough probe to understand the motive behind the post.

“The police informed other agencies and a forensic investigation has been initiated on his seized mobile phone,” the SSP informed further.

Further investigation into the matter is underway, the SSP added.

The incident comes nearly a week after a terror attack on army vehicles at Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch in which four Jawans were killed.

According to official sources, the Army is planning to increase the number of troops in the Poonch-Rajouri sector to curb the activities of the Pakistan-based terrorists there.

Earlier, on Wednesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a high-level meeting to take stock of the situation in the wake of the terror attack.

“I want to assure you that, as far as the government is concerned, the government stands by you and we give equal priority to your welfare and your convenience. We try to take steps based on whatever information is given to us,” the Raksha Mantri said.

Singh said the army is more well-equipped than before to deal with such threats.

On February 14, 2019, forty personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were killed when their convoy was attacked by a vehicle-borne suicide bomber at Lethapora in the Pulwama district on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

The attack is believed to have been carried out by Pakistani terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed. (ANI)

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Kamal Haasan Condoles Death Of DMDK Chief Vijayakanth

By LokMarg 28th December 2023

Actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam President Kamal Haasan extended condolences over the demise of DMDK chief and actor Vijayakanth on Thursday.

Vijayakanth passed away in Chennai aged 71 after testing positive for Covid-19 earlier in the day.

“The news of the death of my beloved brother Vijayakanth, the founder of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazgam, a unique actor and captain of Tamil cinema, who was loved by all, is deeply saddening. He was the creator of innovative ideas in Tamilnadu politics,” Kamal Haasan said in a post on X.

“Fearless courage was his hallmark. Vijayakanth, a revolutionary artist who made his mark in both the fields of cinema and politics, will remain forever in our memories. I offer my heartfelt condolences to all his family, volunteers and fans who are grieving his loss,” he added in his post.

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami also conveyed condolences to Vijayakanth’s bereaved kin.

“I am deeply saddened to learn that Vijayakanth, President of Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazgam, former Leader of Opposition and dear brother passed away due to ill health. I convey my deepest condolences to the bereaved Premalatha Vijayakanth, Annarath’s wife and DMDK General Secretary, her family and her volunteers,” EPS posted from his official handle on X.

“I pray that the soul of Vijayakanth, who has done many active works in public life and the field of art and is affectionately known as Captain by the people, rests in the shade of Lord Thiruvadi,” he added.

The mortal remains of Vijayakanth were taken to the DMDK office in Koyambedu from his Virugambakkam house in Chennai.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister MK Stalin paid floral tributes to Vijaykanth at his Chennai residence.

Calling the latter’s demise a tragedy for Tamil Nadu and the film industry, CM Stalin said that the news of the DMDK chief’s death brought “shock and pain”.

The Chief Minister’s Office in a statement said the DMDK chief will be laid to rest with full state honours.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, and BJP state chief K Annamalai, too, condoled the demise of Vijayakanth.

Widely known as ‘Captain’, Vijayakanth’s life is marked by a successful career in the Tamil film industry.

He founded Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazgam in 2005.

Vijayakanth served as the leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly from 2011-2016.

He served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly twice, representing the Virudhachalam and Rishivandiyam constituencies. (ANI)

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