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Imran Addresses Supporters Using AI From Prison

By LokMarg 19th December 2023

Using artificial intelligence (AI) to construct a voice clone, the former Pakistan prime minister, Imran Khan, addressed his supporters as part of his campaign months ahead of the much-anticipated general elections in the country, CNN reported.

Khan was convicted of corruption in August and has been imprisoned ever since.

In addition, he is charged with disclosing classified material, a charge that the former politician and cricket player has refuted time and again and claims are meant to prevent him from running in the February general elections.

The government shut down the internet for three days after Khan’s brief incarceration in May provoked fatal rioting, causing the country’s media regulator to forbid television stations from airing Khan’s talks, according to CNN.

Khan has been the subject of private legal proceedings. Since his arrest in August, no public image of Khan in custody or in court has been released.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party held an online rally on Sunday that lasted about seven hours, during which it released a roughly four-minute clip that used AI technology to mimic Khan’s voice. The audio was overlayed with old footage and photographs of the country’s former leader.

According to CNN, the caption on the video read, “AI voice of Imran Khan based on his notes for Jalsa (a rally) from jail.”

“My fellow Pakistanis, first, I would like to praise my social media team for this historic attempt,” the AI voice said, adding, “Perhaps you are wondering what my condition is in jail … My determination for real freedom is strong.”

“Our party is not allowed to hold public rallies … Our people are being kidnapped and families are being harassed,” the AI voice said, according to CNN.

In 2018, Imran Khan swept to power. However, opposition leaders accused him of driving the nation to the verge of economic catastrophe four years into his term.

In April 2022, a legislative no-confidence vote resulted in his removal from office.

Tens of thousands of people attended nationwide demonstrations against Khan’s removal for months afterward.

In an attempt to overcome an ‘unspoken ban’ on public gatherings and rallies, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) organised a “virtual power show” on Sunday through social media to energise its supporters ahead of the upcoming polls, Dawn reported.

However, the online event encountered disruptions, with users reporting difficulties accessing social media platforms in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad after 8 p.m. Internet services were also reported to be slow, the report added.

NetBlocks, an internet tracking agency, observed a “nation-scale disruption to social media platforms across Pakistan, including X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.”

The online gathering, primarily broadcast on YouTube, garnered viewership of 72,487 within minutes of commencement, reaching 89,190 half an hour later. The viewership fluctuated between 70,000 to 80,000 for an hour before dropping to 53,000 after two hours, Dawn reported. (ANI)

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Heavy Rainfall In South TN Disrupts Lives

By LokMarg 19th December 2023

Heavy rainfall in th southern districts of Tamil Nadu disrupted life while throwing train services in the state haywire.

Southern Railways in a press release stated that it was taking concerted efforts towards the restoration of traffic and evacuation of stranded passengers at the Srivakuntam Railway Station.

“Unprecedented rainfall had occurred in the districts of Tirunelveli and Tuticorin during the 24 hours from 8:30 hours of December 17, 2023 to 8:30 hours of December 18, 2023 measuring in the range of 670 mm to 932 mm. This has impacted the train operation as track parameters have been breached on certain sections falling in these two districts and as result traffic has to be suspended,” Southern Railways said in a press release on Monday, December 18.

It further stated that in the section between Talalyuthu and Gangaikondan (7.71 kms), an earth slip had occurred on the approach bank of a bridge in that section and ballast had also got washed away.

“Tirunelveli Station yard has got flooded due to the overflowing of Nainarkulam tank. In Tuticorin station yard the water has risen one meter above the rail level due to abnormal rainfall. In the section between Tattapparai and Milavittan (7.47 kms) the water has gone above danger level across nine bridges. In the section between Srivaikuntam and Seydunganallur (12.16 kms) the ballast has got washed away,” it said.

Southern Railways further said steps were being taken for speedy restoration of services.

“The Engineering wing of the Railway in co-ordination with other departments is moving all the materials required for restoration and will keep them in readiness as soon as the rainfall reduces and water level recedes. Restoration of traffic in the affected sections between Talaiyuthu and Gangaikondan of Tirunelveli-Madurai main line is expected to be restored by tomorrow evening. The restoration work in the branch lines of Tiruchendur and Tirunelveli, Maniyachchi and Tuticorin would resume after receding of water and complete assessment,” Southern Railways added in the release.

Steps were also being taken for the evacuation of the stranded passengers.

“On account of suspension of traffic between Srivaikuntam and Seydunganallur, in the Tiruchendur – Tirunelveli Section, the Train no: 20606 Tiruchendur – Chennai Egmore Chendur Express, which had departed from Tiruchendur at 20:25 hours of December 17, 2023, was terminated at Srivaikuntam station, 33 kms from the Tiruchendur Station, at 21.19 hours,” it stated.

There were about 800 passengers on Tiruchendur-Chennai Egmore Chendur Express, which departed from Tiruchendur.

“At 01.30 hrs on December 18, 23, with the assistance of District administration around 300 stranded passengers from the station were shifted to nearby Govt. School using 4 state transport buses and 2 mini vans for transport. Further transportation of 500 stranded passengers was not possible due to over flowing of bridge en-route,” the Southern Railways added.

Meanwhile, an NDRF team from Tuticorin was moved by road to Srivaikutam station, but were held up en route due to heavy flooding and breaching of roads, it added.

Rescue operation was carried out in Tirunelveli after heavy rain wreaks havoc on Monday.

Some districts in Tamil Nadu, including Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Kanyakumari and Tenkasi, have been experiencing heavy rainfall since Sunday morning, triggering floods and disrupting normal life.

Several areas of Kanyakumari city also faced severe waterlogging and flood-like situations as the region continued to receive heavy rainfall over the past few days. (ANI)

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Sam Bahadur Crosses 100 Cr Worldwide

By LokMarg 18th December 2023

Actor Vicky Kaushal-starrer biopic drama film ‘Sam Bahadur’ has entered the Rs 100 crore club worldwide.

Taking to Instagram, Vicky shared this exciting news with fans.

Sharing the poster, Vicky wrote, “Sam Bahadur marches on with pride & victory at the box office, and we are grateful! “

The film has now crossed the Rs 100 crore mark worldwide since its release.

Sharing the news also on his Instagram stories, Vicky overwhelmed with the response wrote, “I’M Ok.”

As soon as this news was shared, fans and followers chimed in the comment section.

Sunny Kaushal dropped fire emojis.

Anurag Kashyap wrote, “Consistency [?]”

One of the users wrote, “Totally Deserving!! “

The film got a decent start at the box office on Day 1.

The film minted Rs 6.25 crores on its opening day in India.

Taking to Instagram, trade analyst Taran Adarsh had shared a post which he captioned, “#SamBahadur gathered momentum towards evening shows on Day 1… Biz needs to multiply on Sat-Sun for a respectable weekend total… Fri Rs 6.25 cr. #India biz.”

Helmed by Meghna Gulzar, the film also starred Sanya Malhotra and Fatima Sana Shaikh in the lead roles.

‘Sam Bahadur’ is based on the life of India’s first Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. His career in the army spanned over four decades and five wars. He was the first Indian Army officer to be promoted to the rank of Field Marshal. Manekshaw, fondly called ‘Sam Bahadur,’ led the Indian Army to victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh.

In his military career, Manekshaw also played a crucial role in the Indo-Pak War of 1947 and the liberation of Hyderabad in 1948.

‘Sam Bahadur’ marks Vicky’s second collaboration with Meghna Gulazar after ‘Raazi’.

Meanwhile, Vicky is gearing up for much-awaited film ‘Dunki’. (ANI)

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Ajay Says KJo Was His Sworn Enemy Once Upon A Time

By LokMarg 18th December 2023

Actor Ajay Devgn and filmmaker Rohit Shetty will be seen marking their presence in an upcoming episode of the famous talk show ‘Koffee with Karan’.

On Monday, host Karan Johar took to social media and shared the episode’s promo in which Ajay and Rohit are seen in a fun mood.

Ajay’s answers during the rapid fire game left Karan amazed.

Karan asked Ajay, “Do you have a sworn enemy in the industry and if it is, who?”

In no time, Ajay took Karan’s name.

“Once upon a time, you,” he said.

Karan held his throat in response and said, “I got such a shock”.

Karan also asked Ajay, “In the Devgan household, what would be the most common reason if Kajol is not talking to you?” The actor replied, “Waiting for that day.”

If reports are to be believed, Karan and Kajol’s friendship hit a rough patch in 2016 when there was a box office clash between Karan’s film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Ajay’s Shivaay.

Karan talked about it in his biography, An Unsuitable Boy, and wrote, “I wouldn’t like to give a piece of myself to her at all because she’s killed every bit of emotion I had for her for twenty-five years. I don’t think she deserves me. I feel nothing for her anymore.”

However, a few years later, the two rekindled their relationship.

Earlier, in one of the episodes of the ongoing season, Karan talked about his rift with Kajol. He said, “It happened years later, with Kajol, which was also like such an emotional bond. We felt we would never be together, both landed up. I remember messaging Kajol when my babies were born and we haven’t spoken in two years. I just sent her images of Yash and Roohi. I said you don’t need to reply but these are what my children look like – Yash and Roohi. She messaged back and she said, I am just full of love right now. Month later, she said it’s my birthday, you don’t have to come but i went. We hugged, we cried and it was done.”

The episode featuring Ajay and Rohit will be out on December 21 on Disney+ Hotstar. (ANI)

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Ranveer’s Wax Figures Unveiled At Madame Tussauds London

By LokMarg 18th December 2023

It’s a special moment for actor Ranveer Singh as he got his wax figures displayed at the iconic Madame Tussauds museum in London.

Taking to Instagram, Ranveer shared a few pictures from the museum as he posed alongside his wax statues.

“Growing up, I was fascinated by old photos of my parents alongside some of the world’s most famous & prominent personalities, only to realize that they were wax figures at London’s famed Madame Tussauds. The allure of that mythical museum stayed with me, making it surreal to now have my very own wax figure there. Gratitude fills me as my figure stands amongst the most accomplished personalities in the world. An unforgettable moment, compelling me to reflect on the magical cinematic journey that has led me to this moment,” Ranveer captioned the post.

Ranveer also shared a photo of his mother posing with his wax statue and wrote, “My whole universe #Maa. See how proud she is. God is kind. I am truly blessed.”

Ranveer’s wax figure is seen in a colourful sherwani. Another wax figure shows the actor in a black suit with a white pattern and a bow.

The actor’s post is filled with congratulatory wishes.

“Apna time aa gaya ,” Ranveer’s sister-in-law Anisha Padukone commented.

“[?][?],” Actor Anil Kapoor commented.

In 2019, Ranveer’s wife, actor Deepika Padukone got a wax statue at Madame Tussauds London.

Meanwhile, on the film front, Ranveer is all set to surprise audience with his exciting line-up of is films next year.

He will be seen reprising his role of Simmba in Rohit Shetty’s cop drama ‘Singham Again’, which also stars his wife Deepika Padukone, actors Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff and Kareena Kapoor Khan.

Ranveer will also headline Farhan Akhtar’s ‘Don 3’.While announcing the film, Farhan requested the audience to give the same love to Ranveer as they showered on previous Don installments.

“In 1978, a character created by Salim-Javed and portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan with effortless elan, captured the imagination of theatregoers across the country. That enigmatic character was Don. In 2006, Don was reimagined and brought to life by Shah Rukh Khan in his own irresistibly charming way,” he wrote.

“The time has now come to take the legacy of Don forward and joining us in this new interpretation will be an actor whose talent and versatility I have long admired. We hope that you will show him the love you have so graciously and generously shown to Mr Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan,” the post further read.

‘Don 3’ will arrive in 2025. (ANI)

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Kareena, Saif Relish Sarson Da Saag At Pataudi Palace

By LokMarg 18th December 2023

Celebrity couple Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan are among the most loved B-town celebs.

On Monday, Bebo took to social media and shared her ‘drool-worthy’ moments which she spent with her husband Saif at their residence Pataudi Palace.

Taking to Instagram, the ‘3 Idiots’ actor shared a string of pictures which she captioned, “Makki ki roti, sarson da saag from our very own ghar ka bagh. P.S. these are a few of my favourite things.”

In the first picture, Saif is seen enjoying the bright sunny day at his lawn and sitting on a dining table. A plate of Makki di roti with some butter and a small bowl of sarson ka saagh is seen on the table.

She also shared pictures of a bowl full of white butter, white radish and a plate of sweets.

The ‘Heroine’ actor also shared a sunkissed selfie. In the pics, she is seen donning a white checked shirt.

Lastly, he shared a picture of Saif walking in the garden facing the Pataudi Palace.

On Sunday, Kareena and Saif along with the kids Taimu and Jeh were papped at the Mumbai airport jetting off for a family vacation.

Kareena and Saif tied the knot on October 16, 2012. 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.

Kareena often posts pictures from her vacation diary, which garner likes and shares in large numbers from netizens.

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.

Saif, on the other hand, will be next seen in the Pan-India film ‘Devara’ alongside Jr NTR and Janhvi Kapoor. (ANI)

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ED Issues Fresh Summons To Kejriwal For Questioning On Dec 21

By LokMarg 18th December 2023

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday issued fresh summons to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for questioning on December 21 in a money laundering case linked to the alleged excise policy scam.

Delhi CM was first called by the federal agency to appear on November 2, but he did not depose alleging that the notice was “vague, motivated and unsustainable in law”.

“The said summons is not clear as to the capacity in which I am being summoned i.e. as a witness or a suspect in the above-mentioned case. Please recall the said summons, which is to say the least is vague and motivated and I am advised, unsustainable in law,” Kejriwal stated in his letter to Jogendar, Assistant Director, ED.

He further alleged that the said summons appears to be politically motivated and issued for extraneous considerations.

Arvind Kejriwal was earlier summoned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in April this year, in connection with the case.

However, Kejriwal was not named as an accused in the first information report (FIR) filed by the CBI on August 17, last year.

In February 2023, Arvind Kejriwal’s Deputy Manish Sisodia was arrested by the CBI for alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of the now-scrapped Delhi’s new excise policy. the policy was withdrawn amid allegations of foul play by the opposition. (ANI)

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INDIA Bloc PM Will Be Decided After 2024 Polls: Mamata

By LokMarg 18th December 2023

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said that the Prime Minister candidate of the opposition alliance – INDIA bloc will be decided after 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

“After elections, everybody will decide,” the Trinamool Congress leader told reporters here in the national capital, a day ahead of the bloc’s scheduled meeting.

Queried by reporters on what should be the role of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the general elections, Mamata Banerjee said she cannot speak about alliance partners.

“I cannot say anything about another political party,” she noted.

However, she said she was ready for joint campaigning and she was willing to rally for any India bloc parties.

In her press conference, she also delved into the recent Parliament security breach incident and attacked the central government on the overall security of the country.

“If they cannot protect the new Parliament, how will they protect the country? It’s a deep question,” Mamata Banerjee said.

She demanded an “impartial investigation” into the unfortunate incident.

The next meeting of the leaders of the INDIA bloc will be held on December 19 in the national capital.

Taking to ‘X’, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, “The 4th meeting of the leaders of INDIA parties will be held on Tuesday, December 19th, 2023, in New Delhi at 3 p.m.”

Seat sharing for the Lok Sabha polls, which are just four months away, is likely to be at the top of the agenda for the next INDIA bloc meeting and will be crucial for Congress, particularly as the party lost Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls, the Hindi heartland states.

The first meeting of the joint opposition convened in Patna on June 23 and the second meeting was held in Bengaluru on July 17-18. The third meeting happened in Mumbai on August 31-September 1.

INDIA or ‘Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance’ is a group of opposition parties, including the Congress. The parties have come together to take on the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which is led by PM Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and prevent it from winning a third straight term at the Centre in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

In the Mumbai meeting, the opposition parties adopted resolutions to collectively contest the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections while announcing that seat-sharing arrangements would be finalized as soon as possible through a spirit of give-and-take.

The theme chosen by the INDIA bloc for the elections is “Judega Bharat, Jeetega India” (India will unite, India will win) to take on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government. (ANI)

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Modi Flags Off Second Vande Bharat Train Between Varanasi And Delhi

By LokMarg 18th December 2023

In a historic moment for India’s rail infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off a second Vande Bharat Express between Varanasi and New Delhi on Monday.

The Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express, Dohrighat-Mau MEMU train and a pair of Long Haul goods trains were flagged off by the Prime Minister at the newly inaugurated Dedicated Freight Corridor.

The highlight of the event was the 10,000th locomotive made by Banaras Locomotive Works.

The Vande Bharat Express, a symbol of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, promises to revolutionize travel between Uttar Pradesh and the national capital.

Scheduled to commence regular operations on December 20, the train will connect Varanasi, Prayagraj, Kanpur, and New Delhi, offering a swift and modern travel option for pilgrims and professionals alike.

The Vande Bharat Express, a self-propelled semi-high-speed train, boasts superior design, interiors, and speed, promising passengers a pleasant and efficient travel experience.

Departing from Varanasi at 6:00 AM, the Vande Bharat Express is set to reach Prayagraj, Kanpur Central and finally New Delhi, enhancing connectivity and fostering cultural, industrial, and economic development in the region.

The return journey will commence from New Delhi at 3:00 PM, concluding its route in Varanasi at 11:05 PM.

In parallel, the dedication of the 402 km-long stretch of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor from New Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction to New Bhaupur Junction underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening the logistics sector.

Built at Rs 10,903 crore, this corridor connects coal fields in Jharkhand and West Bengal to power plants in Northern India.

Operating at speeds of up to 100 km/h, freight trains on this corridor have significantly reduced logistic costs and time, benefitting industries such as coal, iron, and steel.

The completion of this segment not only eases the pressure on the Delhi-Howrah main line but also paves the way for additional passenger train services and the development of a multimodal logistics park near New Kanpur Junction.

The Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor stands as a testament to the government’s vision for modernizing infrastructure and fostering economic growth.

Indian Railways, often considered the engine of India’s progress, continues to play a pivotal role in the nation’s economic development under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. (ANI)

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Cong Won't Be Able To Win Even 40 Seats In LS Elections: Mamata

Party Is Fully Giving Support To Mahua: Mamata

By LokMarg 18th December 2023

Standing firm behind expelled Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra and calling her expulsion “unfortunate,” West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that expelling TMC MP without giving her chance to defend herself was “wrong”.

Moitra, facing cash for query allegations, was expelled from the Lok Sabha after the Parliament adopted the report of its Ethics Committee, which was probing the matter. The motion moved by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi was passed by a voice vote after a heated debate between the opposition and Treasury benches.

“Party is fully giving support to her…When they expelled her without taking her opinion, then I stood strongly,” the West Bengal CM said.

She further alleged that the case that have been made against Mahua Moitra was because of personal interest.

“This is a very bad case. It is because of personal interest. She was not allowed to defend herself. That is also very unfortunate. When the opposition raises their views, they are expelled; they did nothing,” she said.

She further labelled the BJP as a “washing machine” and alleged that corrupt leaders are exonerated and spared when they join the BJP, while opposition leaders are arrested and jailed.

“If you are in the BJP, you are very good; if you are not, then you have to go to the washing machine,” he added.

Notably, the expelled MP was not allowed to speak in the Lok Sabha during the debate as Speaker Om Birla cited past rulings –of his predecessor Somnath Chatterjee’s– in the 2005 cash-for-query matter when the House expelled 11 MPs for accepting bribes to as questions.

Soon after her expulsion, Moitra read her statement on Parliament premises and said, “This Lok Sabha has also seen the weaponisation of the Parliamentary committee. Ironically the Ethics Committee which was set up to serve as a moral compass for members, instead it has been abused egregiously today to do exactly what it was never meant to do, which is to bulldoze the opposition and become another weapon to ‘thok do’ (crush) us into submission.”

“This committee and this report have broken every rule in the book. In essence, you are finding me guilty of breaching a code of ethics that does not exist,” Moitra said, adding that the committee is punishing her for engaging in a practise that is routine, accepted and encouraged in the House,” she said.

Moitra further alleged that the findings are solely based on the written testimonies of two private citizens whose versions contradict each other in material terms and her right to cross-examine them was snatched.

Moitra said that the Ethics Committee, without getting to the root of the investigation, decided to hang her. (ANI)

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