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India Calls For Zero Tolerance For Terror Actors, Sponsors At UN

By LokMarg 16th December 2023

India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ruchira Kamboj, called on the UN on Friday to exercise zero tolerance against the terror groups and their sponsors, adding that the illicit traffic of small arms and light is a key enabler for sustaining conflicts by armed and terrorist groups.

“The illicit traffic of small arms and light weapons and related ammunition is a key enabler for sustaining conflicts by armed and terrorist groups. This necessitates the need for coordinated efforts by states to limit the acquisition of small arms and light weapons by such actors. It is therefore important that this council exercise a zero tolerance for terror actors and their sponsors, their possession and misuse of small arms and light weapons,” Kamboj said.

While speaking at the UNSC Open Debate on Small Arms, she highlighted that India has suffered from cross-border terrorism and violence carried by terrorist groups using illicit weapons.

She said, “Having fought the scourge of terrorism for several decades. India is aware of the perils of the diversion and illicit transfer of small arms and ammunition to armed non state actors and terrorists. We have suffered immensely due to cross-border terrorism and violence carried out by terrorist groups using these illicit weapons smuggled across our borders, including now through the use of drones.”

Kamboj added, “The increase in volume and the quality of the arsenal acquired by these terrorist organizations reminds us time and again that they cannot exist without the sponsorship or support of states.”

Asserting the need of International cooperation to identify diversion points and trafficking routes, India supported the implementation of UN program of Action and the international tracing instrument for controlling the illicit trafficking.

Kamboj stated, “International cooperation is essential in strengthening existing mechanisms for information exchange to identify diversion points, trafficking routes, customs control, cross border cooperation, etcetera, to prevent diversion and the illicit transfers of small arms and life weapons and their ammunition.”

She said further, “India accordingly supports the redoubling of efforts at the national and global levels to strengthen the implementation of the UN program of Action and the international tracing instrument, including through national legislative measures and enforcement, exporter controls information sharing and capacity building. “

Kamboj highlighted India’s efforts for controlling export of all munitions and related items and shared India’s participation in the ” Wassenaar Arrangement”.

She said, “India maintains strict, export controls over all munitions and related items, including small arms and light weapons. Our commitment is also reflected in India’s participation in the Wassenaar Arrangement. As plenary chair for the year 20 23, India remains committed to work towards a further strengthening of the global non proliferation architecture, including in the area of small arms and light weapons. Thank you very much.” (ANI)

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Belagavi Parading Incident: Dy CM Shivakumar Says All Culprits Arrested

By LokMarg 16th December 2023

Amid the BJP planning a nationwide protest over the stripping and parading incident at Belagavi, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday said all culprits involved in the incident have been arrested and none will be spared at any cost.

In a shocking incident, a 42-year-old woman in the Belagavi district was stripped, assaulted and paraded after her son allegedly eloped with another woman.

Speaking to ANI on Friday, the deputy chief minister said, “Our government swung into action immediately after learning of the incident. We have arrested all the culprits. The law will take its course and there’s no question of shielding or protecting anyone. The Congress is committed to ensuring women’s safety across the country.”

Earlier, speaking on the incident, state Home Minister G Parameshwara said, “It is an unfortunate incident. A boy, about 24 years old, fell in love with a girl from the same village and the same community and eloped. After learning of the elopement, the girl’s parents ransacked the boy’s house and allegedly took away his mother, disrobed her before tying her to an electric pole.”

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), meanwhile, sent a notice to the state government on Friday over the Belagavi incident.

The commission sought a report from the Congress government within four weeks on the action taken in the case and also decided to send a fact-finding team to the district.

“The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report carried on December 12, 2023, that a 42-year-old woman was stripped, paraded naked, tied to an electric pole and assaulted at Hosa Vantamuri village, Belagavi district, Karnataka, after her son eloped with a girl from the same village,” the panel stated in an official release.

The panel stated that the contents of the news report, if true, do point to a serious violation of the victim’s human rights.

“The purported act, as reported, seems to have a stereotyped patriarchal approach, which is a clear demonstration of the violation of the right to life and dignity of the victim. It is the duty of the state to safeguard vulnerable sections of society, especially women, children, elderly persons and people,” the NHRC stated in the release.

The panel also issued notices to the chief secretary and the state’s director general of police, seeking a detailed report within four weeks.

“It (the report) should include the status of the registration of the FIR, progress in investigation, arrest, if any, compensation under the Victim Compensation Scheme, if paid and the steps taken or to be taken to prevent such incidents in the state,” the NHRC stated further in its release.

The panel also asked its DIG, Investigation, to constitute a team to conduct an on-the-spot fact-finding inquiry at the earliest and submit a report within two weeks.

BJP national president JP Nadda also condemned the incident and announced the setting up of a five-member committee to gather facts on the incident.

“BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda has strongly condemned the heinous incident of parading a tribal woman naked in Belgavi, Karnataka. Such heinous crimes, especially against women, have been happening at regular intervals ever since the Congress government came to power in Karnataka. This also exposes the irresponsible behaviour of Congress governments everywhere in the country in tackling such crimes,” the party stated in a media release.

Stepping up heat on the Congress government in the state in light of the incident, BJP MPs staged a protest near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the new Parliament complex.

Earlier, on Friday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday accused Nadda of resorting to politics over the Belagavi incident.

“BJP’s rule in Karnataka witnessed multiple instances of violence against women, but BJP National President JP Nadda has forgotten this to politically target us. Unfortunately, he is using a recent incident of violence against a woman in Belagavi for politics,” Siddaramaiah posted on X.

“The violence inflicted on a woman and her family members in Belagavi is highly condemnable. It is shameful that BJP President Nadda is exploiting such an incident for political gain,” the CM added. (ANI)

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Delhi Grapples With Cold: IMD Reports Dip In Temp

By LokMarg 16th December 2023

Delhi recorded a temperature of 7.4 degrees Celsius at 5:30 am on Saturday.

As the chill intensifies, residents are resorting to various measures to keep warm. While some are looking at night shelters, others are gathering around bonfires to beat the cold.

Adding to the wintry conditions, a layer of fog has enveloped the national capital, further adding to the problems of the people.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that the minimum temperatures have dipped to between 5-10 degrees Celsius in most parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, North Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

In Delhi’s Nizamuddin area, a group of people, including two security guards, Rakesh Kumar and Mohammad Nausad, were seen huddled around a bonfire. Both guards noted a significant increase in the cold compared to previous days.

“The cold has increased significantly compared to before,” Rakesh Kumar told ANI.

“The cold has been intensifying for the past two days. The cold is severe, hence the need for the fire. The cold has indeed increased a lot compared to before,” Mohammad Nausad told ANI.

Meanwhile, in Kanpur, the weather has been fluctuating, leading to the onset of cold weather and a significant drop in temperature. This cold weather has also resulted in decreased visibility due to fog. Underprivileged individuals and early morning commuters were seen huddled around a bonfire to ward off the cold.

Md Chand Hussain, the caretaker of a night shelter home in Delhi’s Sarai Kale Khan area, mentioned that all 20 beds in his shelter are full and that there is another shelter set up nearby. He added that a medical team visits the shelter and that they provide beds, blankets, and food for the homeless.

“We have 20 beds here and all our beds are full. We have another shelter set up ahead. There is no shortage. A medical team also comes. In the tent, we have beds, blankets, and food for the homeless, all of these are available here,” Md Chand Hussain said.

Rakhi, who took shelter in a night shelter in Delhi’s Sarai Kale Khan area, praised the facility, noting that they receive food three times a day and timely medicine. Another person, Akshaya, commended the government for providing the night shelter, mentioning that they receive all necessary facilities, including medicine, from nearby Mohalla Clinics.

“It’s good, we get food three times a day. We get medicine on time,” Rakhi said.

“The government has done a good job by providing this night shelter. We get all the facilities here. We also get medicine from the nearby Mohalla Clinics,” Akshaya, said. (ANI)

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Modi Pays Tribute To Soldiers On Vijay Diwas

By LokMarg 16th December 2023

In a stirring tribute on Vijay Diwas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi saluted the brave heroes of the 1971 war, whose sacrifices led to a decisive victory for India. Their unwavering spirit and dedication, he said, are etched in the nation’s history and the hearts of its people.

“Today, on Vijay Diwas, we pay heartfelt tributes to all the brave heroes who dutifully served India in 1971, ensuring a decisive victory. Their valour and dedication remain a source of immense pride for the nation. Their sacrifices and unwavering spirit will forever be etched in the people’s hearts and our nation’s history. India salutes their courage and remembers their indomitable spirit,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on ‘X’.

Meanwhile in a post on ‘X’ the Indian Army said, “December 16 marks the Historic Victory of Indian Armed Forces over Pakistan in the India Pakistan War of 1971. On this day, let us salute the courage & fortitude displayed by the Indian Armed Forces.”

Vijay Diwas is celebrated on December 16 to commemorate India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war. December 16, 1971, was the day when Pakistan signed the instrument of surrender in Dhaka, following a 13-day India-Pakistan War. With the surrender of over 93,000 soldiers, the Pakistan Army’s capitulation against Indian forces was complete. Following this decisive victory, India announced itself as a major regional force.

Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh was a devastating event for West Pakistan, the aftershocks of which continue to this day. Along with the physical fall of Dacca, Pakistan was also defeated psychologically. The two-nation theory, that Muslims of the subcontinent formed a nation, was demolished. Pakistan is still searching for a rationale for the dismemberment. For India, this battle is considered a historical occurrence. Because of this, December 16 is commemorated nationwide as “Vijay Diwas” to honour India’s triumph over Pakistan. According to reports, 3,900 Indian soldiers are believed to have died and 9,851 have been injured during the Battle of 1971. (ANI)

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He Is Fine: Shreyas’s Wife After He Suffered Heart Attack

By LokMarg 15th December 2023

A day after Shreyas Talpade suffered a heart attack, his wife Deepti issued a statement sharing the actor’s health update.

Deepti informed that Shreyas is “in stable condition” and will be discharged soon.

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming concern and well-wishes following the recent health scare my husband experienced. I’m relieved to update everyone that he is now in stable condition and will be discharged in a few days. The medical team’s exceptional care and timely response have been instrumental during this time, and we are grateful for their expertise,” she said.

Deepti also requested everyone to respect the family’s privacy.

“We kindly request respect for our privacy as he continues his recovery. Your unwavering support has been a tremendous source of strength for both of us,” the statement read.

Shreyas, 47, suffered a heart attack on Thursday. He was reportedly shooting for his upcoming film ‘Welcome 3’ in Mumbai during the day. However, after completing the shoot, he complained of uneasiness in the evening and collapsed. He was immediately taken to a hospital, where he underwent angioplasty. (ANI)

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Deepfakes A Serious Societal Risk: Justice Surya Kant

By LokMarg 15th December 2023

Supreme Court Judge Justice Surya Kant placed significant emphasis on social media, delving into the prevailing issue dominating the Indian news landscape—the ‘Issue of Deepfakes.’

But a major focus of his speech was social media, where he addressed the crucial issue dominating the Indian news space, ‘Issue of Deepfakes’.

“Deepfake is manipulating perceptions, and it compromises the foundation of truth and trust, which is a matter of great concern. Deepfakes have led to tarnishing individual’s reputations”, said the Supreme Court Judge, calling it a serious societal risk that needs action.

Supreme Court Judge Justice Surya Kant began his keynote address by speaking about the relationship between law and social media, in continuation of the speech he made at the 1st Dialogue hosted in November 2022 on the issue of the responsibility of media in legal reportage.

Supreme Court Judge Justice Surya Kant said the media serves as a crucial link between the legal system and the public, possessing the ability to both fortify and undermine the authority of justice.

‘The media is a bridge between the legal realm and the public. It can bolster and also undermine the power of justice’, Justice Surya Kant said as he reminded the media of its responsibility during his address at the Second Law and Constitution Dialogue at the NDMC Convention Centre in Delhi.

He was the chief guest at the event.

Cautioning journalists against disseminating fake news and the haste to break stories that could distort public comprehension, he urged the media to prioritize commitment to truth, objectivity, and accuracy.

He warned journalists against fake news and the rush to break stories that can distort public understanding, urging the media to commit to truth, objectivity, and accuracy.

Justice Surya Kant also recalled the viral Hillary Clinton video, which was a deepfake, to address the extent of this problem.

“Hillary Clinton video showed her torturing a young girl”, he remarked, making a point of the impact it would have on average citizens who might not have the ability to fight these manipulations.

Calling for serious deliberations and actions, Justice Surya Kant said, “We must ensure that AI humanity progresses towards truth”.

Besides deepfakes, Justice Surya Kant also addressed the issue of fake news on social media and social media cyberbullying.

“Introduction of paid verification added fuel to the fire”, warned Justice Surya Kant.

The Supreme Court Judge also suggested solutions like making a comprehensive law to target fake news and also establishing governance boards via social media platforms, which could be key steps in addressing the problem.

Addressing the issue of cyberbullying, Justice Surya Kant said that 80 per cent of Indian children reported cyberbullying, acknowledging that the number could be higher since a lot of cyberbullying incidents go unreported. (ANI)

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Prince Harry’s Phone Was Extensively Hacked By Tabloid, UK High Court Rules

By LokMarg 15th December 2023

The UK High Court has ruled that the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, was subjected to ‘extensive’ phone hacking by Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) between 2006 and 2011, CNN reported.

Justice Fancourt awarded Prince Harry Pound 140,600 (USD 179,000) after ruling that 15 stories published by MGN about him utilised unlawful information gathering methods, including voicemail hacking and the use of private investigators.

While 33 articles were initially considered, the judge concluded that phone hacking was not the sole journalistic tool used during that period, and Prince Harry’s claims related to the other 18 articles did not withstand careful analysis, CNN reported.

Prince Harry, suing MGN alongside three other claimants, called the ruling “a great day for truth, as well as accountability.”

His statement, read by his lawyer David Sherborne outside the London court, emphasized that the court found “unlawful and criminal activities” occurred across all three MGN newspaper titles–The Mirror, The Sunday Mirror, and The People–for over a decade.

“The court has ruled that unlawful and criminal activities were carried out at all three of Mirror Group’s newspaper titles (The Mirror, The Sunday Mirror and The People) on a habitual and widespread basis for more than a decade,” the 39-year-old royal said.

The Duke urged regulatory bodies, including the Metropolitan Police, to investigate and bring charges against MGN and those involved in breaking the law. He emphasised the need for a free and honest press, stating that anything to the contrary poisons the profession.

Prince Harry also appealed to the financial regulator, the Metropolitan Police and prosecuting authorities to “do their duty for the British public and investigate bringing charges against the company and those who have broken the law.”

He also called for a “free and honest press,” in the UK and globally, asserting that “anything else is poisoning the well of a profession we all depend on.”

He added, “Today’s ruling is vindicating and affirming. I’ve been told that slaying dragons will get you burned. But in light of today’s victory and the importance of doing what is needed for a free and honest press – it’s a worthwhile price to pay. The mission continues.”

The prince’s legal team said that he was unable to present his statement in person due to the “short notice” given by the court.

The judgement also revealed that MGN began using phone hacking in 1996, and the practice remained extensive from 2006 to 2011. However, the prince’s phone “was only hacked to a modest extent” during that period, according to the judge’s summary.

MGN welcomed the judgement, said an MGN spokesperson, acknowledging historical wrongdoing, offering unreserved apologies, taking full responsibility, and paying appropriate compensation.

“Where historical wrongdoing took place, we apologise unreservedly, have taken full responsibility and paid appropriate compensation,” the spokesperson added.

Prince Harry’s legal team noted that he was unable to present his statement in person due to short notice.

This case marks Prince Harry as the first senior member of the British royal family to give evidence on a witness stand in over 130 years. In June, he detailed the distress caused by press coverage during his youth, emphasizing the destructive role played by MGN articles in his adolescence.

The legal battle is one of several initiated by Prince Harry against major UK newspaper publishers, including Rupert Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers and Daily Mail publisher Associated Newspapers Limited, highlighting his commitment to addressing media practices that he views as intrusive and harmful. (ANI)

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BJP Shares Video Of UBT Sena’s Sudhakar Partying With Dawood’s Aide Salim

By LokMarg 15th December 2023

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Nitesh Rane during the legislative session on Friday made serious allegations against Uddhav Thackeray group office-bearer Sudhakar Badgujar in Nashik by showing some photos with Salim Kutta, the close aide of the 1993 bomb blast accused Dawood Ibrahim.

“Salim Kutta the close aide of the 1993 bomb blast accused Dawood Ibrahim during his parole organised a party and leaders of Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena were reportedly present. I have the videos of the party…It all should be investigated,” Rane said.

Rane showed the photos of Badgujar with Salim Kutta and demanded action against the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader.

“If political leaders associate themselves with terrorists, our state and country will not be safe.”

Salim was found guilty of taking part in the plot that resulted in the 1993 serial blasts and of distributing explosives and ammunition.

On March 12, 1993, Mumbai (then Bombay) was rocked by a series of bomb blasts which killed 257 persons, injured more than 700 persons and destroyed property worth approximately Rs 27 crore. The case was handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on the request of the state government.

A number of accused persons were convicted in the case including Mustafa Dossa and Abu Salem on June 16, 2017. Wanted terrorist Dawood Ibrahim allegedly planned the attacks. (ANI)

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Money Has Nothing To Do With Cong: Dhiraj Sahu On IT Raids

By LokMarg 15th December 2023

Commenting on the recent Income Tax raids on his premises, in which crores of rupees were unearthed, Congress MP Dhiraj Prasad Sahu for the first time responded, saying that the money has nothing to do with the grand old party or any political party.

“In the last 30-35 years of my political career, this is the first time that this kind of incident has taken place, due to which I am hurt. What is happening today makes me sad. I can admit that the money that has been recovered belongs to my firm. The cash that has been recovered is related to my liquor firms; it is the proceeds from the sale of liquor,” Sahu told ANI on Friday.

“My elder brother has been in politics and we have done a lot of development work. My father used to help the poor and we have opened many colleges and schools. I have a liquor business, which is run by my family and relatives,” he said.

He further said that his firm has been in business for over 100 years.

“You may also know that transactions in liquor business are done in cash only. My firm has been in business for over 100 years. The money that has been seized belongs to him,” he added.

Sahu further asserted that the money that had been recovered from his premises had nothing to do with Congress or any other political party.

“This money has nothing to do with Congress or any other political party as is being said…The money is not all mine, it belongs to my family and other related firms…I-T has raided now, I will give account for everything,” he added.

When asked about the BJP’s allegation of the cash being black money, Sahu said that let the Income Tax Department decide whether it is ‘Kaala Dhan’ or ‘Safed Dhan’.

“I have already said that the money is from the business firms of my family…Let the side of the Income Tax Department come whether it is ‘Kaala Dhan’ or ‘Safed Dhan’. I am not in the business line. The members of my family will answer this,” he said.

“I don’t know how people are viewing this but I can confidently say that this money has nothing to do with Congress or any other political party,” he added.

Income tax officials last week concluded an IT raid at Congress MP Dheeraj Sahu’s premises in Odisha’s Balangir. The Income Tax Department has, so far, netted Rs 351 crore in cash during its searches at Boudh Distillery Private Limited, a company based in Odisha. The company is allegedly linked to Dhiraj Sahu.

The Congress, meanwhile, has distanced itself from the mega cash haul from the MP’s home claiming that only Sahu can explain money recovered from the premises linked to him. (ANI)

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Hindu Aikya Vedi Protest Against Lack of Facilities At Sabarimala Temple

By LokMarg 15th December 2023

Alleging a lack of basic facilities in Sabarimala temple, Hindu Aikya Vedi held a protest march against the Kerala government on Friday in front of the Travancore Devaswom Board head office here.

The protests came days after a surge in pilgrims strained the crowd management system in the hill temple, causing long queues and several hours of waiting for the pilgrims to get the Darshan.

However, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Wednesday that the situation at the Lord Ayyappa temple was under control and asserted that the government machinery was intervening diligently in temple matters.

The Hindu Aikya Vedi General Secretary Sudhakaran said that the state government was not providing proper facilities for pilgrims visiting the Sabarimala temple.

“The government has failed even to provide enough drinking water for the pilgrims in the Sabarimala temple. Many pilgrims have been able to get the Dharshan after many hours of waiting. Some of them had to return without having a darshan. KSRTC buses are charging 35 percent more than the normal price,” Sudhakaran said.

Meanwhile, on Friday, the division bench of the Kerala High Court, hearing a suo moto case related to the rush and crowd in Sabarimala, issued a slew of directions for crowd control at the hill shrine during the Mandalam-Makaravilakku season.

The court has directed the Executive Magistrate to ensure that the price list and cleanliness of the hotels in Erumeli are correct.

It has also directed the Panchayat Secretary to ensure that no additional fees are charged to parking grounds and notice should be given to grounds operating without a license under the Erumeli Gram Panchayat.

The division bench stated that the High Court Registrar had received 300 complaints regarding the inconveniences at Sabarimala. The Devaswom bench also directed that the pilgrims should be given facilities as per the court order.

However, the government has replied that the pilgrims are trying to portray that there are problems with crowd management in Sabarimala.

A mismanagement-related situation erupted at Sabarimala following the sudden surge of pilgrims a few days ago. The hill shrine generally witnesses a heavy rush during the Mandalam-Makaravilakku season, which began on November 17 this year.

After the incident, the Kerala government has come under attack by opposition parties, including the BJP and Congress.

Meanwhile, the Southern Railway will operate a Vande Bharat Sabari special train between Chennai Central and Kottayam to cater to the extra rush of passengers during the ongoing Sabarimala season. (ANI)

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