Category: News

Uttarakhand tunnel case

Do Not Sensationalise Uttarkashi Incident, Centre To TV Channels

By LokMarg

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Tuesday issued an advisory to television channels to refrain from sensationalising the ongoing rescue operation underway at Silkyara in Uttarakhand and from undertaking any live posts or videos from close proximity of the tunnel site.

Also, it advised the TV channels to ensure that the human life-saving activities by various agencies are in no way disrupted or disturbed by the very presence of cameramen, reporters or equipment near or around the site of the operation.

The ministry said the government is maintaining constant communication and making all efforts to keep up the morale of the workers trapped in the two-km-built tunnel portion.

“Various government agencies are working tirelessly for the safe evacuation of 41 workers. The operation underway around the tunnel is of an extremely sensitive nature involving saving so many lives. Telecast of video footage and other pictures relating to the operations by the TV channels especially by placing cameras and other equipment at close proximity to the rescue operations site has the potential to adversely affect the ongoing operations,” the ministry said.

Further, the ministry has advised all TV channels to be cautious and sensitive while reporting on the matter, especially in putting out headlines, videos and images and take due care of the sensitive nature of the operation, psychological status of the family members and as well as the viewers in general.

Earlier today, rescuers managed to insert an endoscopy camera into the tunnel and the first visuals captured showed the 41 workers had ample space inside the tunnel for them to move about.

Visuals of workers trapped inside Uttarkashi’s Silkyara tunnel for the past 10 days emerged on Tuesday morning, gave new hopes to worried relatives, some of whom are camping outside the site of the collapsed tunnel structure.

The collapse occurred on November 12 during the construction of a tunnel from Silkyara to Barkot, trapping 41 labourers due to a muck fall in a 60-metre stretch on the Silkyara side of the tunnel. The workers are believed to be trapped in a 2 km-built tunnel portion, which is complete with concrete work that provides safety to the workers. This portion of the tunnel has access to electricity and water.

Multiple agencies are working on the rescue efforts with the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) teams continuing the drilling effort from the mouth of the tunnel. The Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) is working on another vertical pipeline for the supply of essential items.

The Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) has brought a heavy drilling machine and is now at the tunnel site to undertake the vertical drilling operation. (ANI)

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Gaza Hamas

IDF Hits 250 Gaza Terror Targets

By LokMarg

As part of the IDF’s continuing activities in the Gaza Strip, its aircraft attacked about 250 targets of the terrorist organization Hamas over the past 24 hours. Among the targets hit were dozens of terrorists, missile launchers and various terrorist infrastructures.

During the night, the fire canopy of the Gaza Division directed a combat helicopter that destroyed a rocket launching station, which launched rockets into the Gush Dan (greater Tel Aviv area) on Sunday. The position was placed near a residential area of a civilian population.

In addition, combat team fighters of the Harel Brigade located a cache of weapons in the home of a Nahkaba terrorist in the Gaza Strip, and a combat team of the 14th Brigade located an anti-tank missile hidden under a baby bed.(ANI/TPS)

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Modi Consoles Team India Following Their CWC 2023 Final

By LokMarg

Following Team India’s heartbreaking loss at the ODI World Cup 2023 final against Australia on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cheered up the ‘Men in Blue’.

In a video shared by the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Modi is seen motivating Rohit Sharma’s side and said that the country is with them. He also said that they had worked hard in the tournament.

“You people have won 10 consecutive games. This one loss is normal, it keeps on happening. Please smile, the entire country is watching you. I just thought that I should go and meet you people,” PM Modi said inside India’s dressing room.

PM Modi also hailed Indian speedster Mohammed Shami and said that he had done well at the ODI World Cup 2023.

“Well done Shami. You played really well this time,” PM Modi on Shami.

Modi also asked the team to ‘stick together’ in this difficult time following their six-wicket loss against Australia in the finals.

While concluding, the Prime Minister cordially invited the squad to Delhi and asked them to meet again.

“You guys have worked really hard and played exceptionally well. Just stick together and keep on motivating each other. Also, whenever you are free and are in Delhi then let’s meet again. You all are cordially invited from my side,” he concluded.

During PM Modi’s visit to the dressing room, he interacted with every Indian player and encouraged them.

Coming to the match, India bundled out on a score of 240 in 50 overs. On a tough batting surface, skipper Rohit Sharma (47 in 31 balls, with four boundaries and three sixes), Virat Kohli (54 in 63 balls, with four boundaries) and KL Rahul (66 in 107 balls, with one four) posted important knocks.

Mitchell Starc (3/55) was the pick of the bowlers for Australia. Skipper Pat Cummins (2/34) and Josh Hazlewood (2/60) also bowled well. Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell got a wicket each.

While chasing 241, India had the Aussies down at 47/3. Knocks from Travis Head (137 in 120 balls, with 15 fours and four sixes) and Marnus Labuschagne (58 in 110 balls, with four boundaries) left the Indian team without answers and guided them to a six-wicket win.

The World Cup finalists will now compete in a five-match T20I series which will begin on Thursday in Visakhapatnam. (ANI)

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Uttarkashi tunnel collapse

Men Are Coming Home: International Tunnel Expert As Uttarkashi Rescue Ops

By LokMarg

International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association president Arnold Dix, who has been roped in as part of the ongoing rescue efforts at the Uttarkashi tunnel collapse site, on Tuesday said he was absolutely sure that the 41 trapped workers will come home soon.

Speaking to ANI, from the site of the tunnel Professor Dix said the rescuers have several options to bring home the workers.

“I think the team here have done a wonderful job. It’s just fantastic. The 900 pipeline is one of the options. The 900 pipe which is there, which I’ve seen, and I’m going to go have another look at this morning. It’s by far the best and fastest means to get the men, but it has its technical difficulties and that’s why we’re doing multiple rescue missions,” Dix told ANI.

“We’ve got mission from the top, missions from the front, mission from the side. The men are coming home. We’re just not sure which door they’re going to use…Maybe that will work. We’re knocking on the top door. We’re knocking on all these doors. Which one opens? Not sure,” he added.

He said two locations have been identified for the vertical drilling, and both are on the Silkyara side of the high-altitude under-construction tunnel.

Professor Dix who is considered a leading expert in underground tunnelling is confident that all 41 workers will be rescued.

” We’re going to rescue these men. When I arrived here, I said, there’s 41 men coming home and there’s no one else going to be hurt” Professor Dix said.

“And everyone here from the government agencies, that’s what they’re working on. And I am absolutely convinced, and all the agencies are here, they’re working closely together and the mission is clear” Dix added.

Earlier today, rescuers managed to insert an endoscopy camera into the tunnel and first visuals captured showed the 41 workers had ample space inside the tunnel for them to move about.

Visuals of workers trapped inside Uttarkashi’s Silkyara tunnel for the past 10 days emerged on Tuesday morning, has given new hope to worried relatives, some of whom are camping outside the site of the collapsed tunnel structure.

“Of course, the news we’ve had over the last few hours, it’s great to see the faces of those men that we’re going to bring home. We’ve got, of course, better food going to them now. We’ve got communications going to them now. You’ll see this morning that we’ve got multiple approaches for the rescue. It’s a good morning when you are going to start the vertical drilling from the top height of the tunnel. So that will start once the site’s prepared,” Dix noted.

The collapse occurred on November 12 during the construction of a tunnel from Silkyara to Barkot, trapping 41 labourers due to a muck fall in a 60-metre stretch on the Silkyara side of the tunnel. The workers are believed to be trapped in a 2 km-built tunnel portion, which is complete with concrete work that provides safety to the workers. This portion of the tunnel has access to electricity and water.

Multiple agencies are working on the rescue efforts with the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation limited (NHIDCL) teams continuing the drilling effort from the mouth of the tunnel. The Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) is working on another vertical pipeline for the supply of essential items.

The Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) has brought a heavy drilling machine and is now at the tunnel site to begin the vertical drilling operation. (ANI)

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Israel Bans Lashkar-e-Taiba

By LokMarg

Amid the 15th year of commemoration of the Mumbai terror attacks, Israel has announced to ban the terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba to symbolise the occasion and called it a ‘deadly’ and ‘reprehensible’ terror organisation on Tuesday.

The action has been taken without any request by the government of India. The state of Israel has formally completed all necessary procedures and satisfied all required checks and regulations as a result of introducing Lashkar-e-Taiba into the Israeli list of illegal terror organisations, the Israel Embassy in India said in an official press statement.

Highlighting that Israel only lists terror organisations that are actively operating against it form within or around its borders, or in a similar manner to India – those globally recognised by UNSC or the US state department, said, “Israel ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs have jointly worked in last few months towards an expedited and extraordinary listing of the Lashkar -e- Taiba organization on this date, to highlight the importance of a Unified Global Front in combating terrorism.”

The release affirmed that the terror organisation is responsible for murder of hundreds of indian civilians as well as others.

It noted, “Lashkar -e- Taiba is a deadly and reprehensible terror organization, responsible for the murder of hundreds of Indian civilians as well as others. Its heinous actions on November 26, 2008 still reverberate in force, through all peace seeking nations and societies.”

“The state of Israel offers its sincere condolences to all victims of terrorism and to the survivors and bereaved families of the Mumbai attacks, including those in Israel. We stand with you united in the hope for a better peaceful future,” It added.

Earlier in 2008, multiple terror attacks occurred in Mumbai.

The attacks were carried out by 10 gunmen who were connected to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based terrorist organization. Armed with automatic weapons and hand grenades, the terrorists targeted civilians at numerous sites in the southern part of Mumbai, including the Chhatrapati Shivaji railway station, the popular Leopold Cafe, two hospitals, and a theatre.

While most of the attacks ended within a few hours after they began at around 9:30 pm on November 26, the terror continued to unfold at three locations where hostages were taken–the Nariman House, and the luxury hotels Oberoi Trident and Taj Mahal Palace & Tower. (ANI)

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Shraddha Kapoor

Shraddha’s Latest Picture Will Make You Go Aww

By LokMarg

Actor Shraddha Kapoor surely knows how to spread cuteness and her latest post is proof.

Taking to Instagram, Shraddha treated fans with a new adorable picture of her.

Sharing the picture, she wrote, “One pic is all it takes “

Posing in a white shirt with a big smile on her face.

As soon as the picture was uploaded, fans and industry friends flooded the comment section.

One of the users wrote, “So beautiful, so elegant, just looking like a wow “

Another user wrote, “Happy Shraddha day “

Recently, Shraddha attended a star-studded launch of the Jio World Plaza in Mumbai.

She wore a traditional orange-red toned saree and added a fusion twist by donning a blazer to complete the look.

For glam, the actor opted for minimal makeup with red lipstick. Her wavy hair definitely accentuated her ethnic look.

Sharing the pictures, she wrote, “Kuch nahi vro… pant aur blouse laundry ke paas gaye the, coat aur saree ka fusion look bana diya “

Meanwhile, on the work front, Shraddha will be seen reuniting with Rajkumar Rao in ‘Stree 2’. The film recently went on floors in Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh.Makers of the upcoming horror comedy film officially announced their film at a grand event in Mumbai in April where the team enacted a skit to announce the release date of the horror comedy sequel.

The sequel will be out in theatres in August 2024. Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee and Aparshakti Khurana will also feature in the horror-comedy drama.

Shraddha was last seen opposite Ranbir Kapoor in the rom-com ‘Tu Jhooti Main Makakar’. (ANI)

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International Film Festival of India (IFFI) Karan Johar

Glad There Has Been An Evolution In Cinema: KJo

By LokMarg

Filmmaker Karan Johar, who arrived at the opening ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, shared how the cinema, storyline, characters and politics have evolved with time.

He said that from ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ to ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’, it’s been like a journey, “I have been here for the past 25 years and I am glad there is an evolution. I think from ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ to ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’, it has been like a journey. From one love story in 1998 to another in 2023. The characters have evolved, the journey has evolved, politics have evolved, the communication about family, love and gender equality has evolved I hope so and I am glad that the film received so much love.”

‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ was released on July 28, 2023. The film emerged as a hit at the box office. It crossed Rs 150 crore mark in India.

The film revolves around Rocky Randhawa (Ranveer), a Punjabi businessman, and Rani Chatterjee (Alia Bhatt), a Bengali journalist, who fall in love despite their differences and family objections. They decide to live with each other’s families for three months before getting married.

Veteran stars Dharmendra, Shabana Azmi and Jaya Bachchan also starred in Karan Johar’s directorial.

On the film’s success, Karan penned an emotional note on Instagram. He wrote, “Prior to the release of this film, I felt that at any point of time I would need an IV drip and was near collapse!! The question I asked myself was – is it the long 7 year gap? Or the anxiety built over the last 3 years. Or the fact that we live in an ambiguous box office time. Whatever the real reason is – I was a bonafide mess! But the Friday, 28th of July, I felt nothing but gratitude, validation and sheer joy. This film is truly a product of team energy & love.”

He expressed gratitude to the writers, dress designers and musicians of the film and wrote, “I want to first express my deepest gratitude to the writing forces of this film – Shashank Khaitan & Sumit Roy, who guided me through the narrative journey of our film. Special mention to Ishita Moitra, who brought so much humour, introspection and cinema drama to the screenplay and crackling dialogues. This entire writing process would not have been possible without the creative governance & brilliance of Somen Mishra.”

“To my best friend and the couture maverick, Manish Malhotra and to the supremely talented Eka Lakhani for matching the sari to Gucci with equal elan! Manush Nandan – for painting every frame so so beautifully. The maestro editor, Nitin Baid for keeping me in check! The aesthetic force and the best hug in town – Amrita. To Sohel & Debu Da, for taking us to the finish line with sheer expertise. To my absolute favourite Pritam da and his entire team – for creating and weaving musical magic that enhanced every scene of the film. To Amitabh Bhattacharya for his genius mind!!” he added.

Coming back to IFFI, the guest list for the event also includes Vijay Sethupathi, Sara Ali Khan, Pankaj Tripathi, Sunny Deol, Karan Johar, Shantanu Moitra, Shreya Ghoshal and Sukhwinder Singh, among others. (ANI)

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Muslim community Telangana

Will Do Away With 4% Reservation For Muslims : Shah In Telangana

By LokMarg

Ahead of the Telangana polls that are scheduled to take place on November 30, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will be doing away with the four per cent reservation of the Muslim community and will distribute it among the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and the Other Backward Classes.

“We will do away with the four per cent reservation for Muslims and we will give those to SCs. OBCs, and STs,” Amit Shah said while campaigning at Telangana’s Jagtial on Monday.

Shah also announced reservations for the Madiga community in Telangana under the SC category.

“We have decided that the Madiga community will get vertical quota in reservation under the SC category,” he said.

Shah charged that Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, popularly known as KCR, does not celebrate Hyderabad Liberation Day fearing All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi.

“Should we not celebrate Hyderabad Liberation Day to remember our liberation from the Razakars? Fearing Owaisi, KCR does not celebrate Hyderabad Liberation Day. But we do not fear Owaisi. We will celebrate Hyderabad Liberation Day as a State day in Telangana once we form the government here,” the Union Minister said.

Continuing his attack on both KCR and Owaisi, Shah said, “Their election symbol is a car. But its steering is neither with KCR nor KTR nor Kavitha, it is with Owaisi. Can Telangana’s car run properly in his hands?”

Attacking the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), the AIMIM and the Congress over ‘dynastic politics’, the Union Minister said that all these parties are “2G, 3G and 4G” parties.

“BRS, Majlis and Congress are 2G, 3G and 4G parties. 2G means KCR and KTR. 3G means Owaisi’ grandfather, his father and Owaisi. 4G means Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Rahul. Where is your place in it?” Amit Shah said.

Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s achievement in the central government, Shah said, “PM Modi has taken India’s tiranga aboard the Chandrayaan and taken it to the moon. Modi has built the new Parliament. Modi has organised the G20 summit and raised India’s stature throughout the world. Modi has taken India’s economic size from 11th rank to fifth.”

Attacking the BRS over alleged scams in Telangana, Shah said, “They did Mission Bhagirath scam, Miyapur land scam, Outer Ring Raod scam, Kaleswaram scam, liquor scam, granite mining scam and Mission Kakatiya scam.”

Amit Shah also promised free trips to Ayodhya once the BJP comes to power in the state.

“You are all invited to have a darshan on Ram Lalla at Ayodhya. We will pay for your trip in turns if you vote the BJP to power,” he said adding that both the Congress and the BRS have opposed the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Speaking about the newly constituted Turmeric Board, the Union Minister said, “The Prime Minister has announced the Turmeric Board from here. Now turmeric farmers will get the right price for their produce but we will also form the Rs 200 crore centre for reseach on its medical value.”

“KCR did not form the Turmeric Board despite staying in power for years. The state could have formed this as well,” he added.

Shah also announced the revival of three sugar factories, process maize and form ethanol blending factories in the state, a 500-bed hospital for beedi workers in Nizamabad and an NRI Ministry for NRIs in Telangana.

Telangana will go for Assembly elections on November 30 and counting of votes, along with those of four other poll-bound states, has been scheduled for December 3.

In the previous Assembly election in 2018, the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), previously known as Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), won 88 of the 119 seats, grabbing 47.4 per cent of the total vote share. The Congress came a distant second with just 19 seats. (ANI)

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Mohammed Siraj WC Nirmala

Sitharaman Congratulates Siraj For Good Performances In WC 2023

By LokMarg

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj and congratulated him for his fine performance in the recently concluded ICC Cricket World Cup at home.

The official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the minister’s office shared pictures of the minister meeting the pacer at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad.

“Smt @nsitharamanmet Indian cricketer Shri Mohammed Siraj (@mdsirajofficial) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad and congratulated him for the team’s stellar performance at the just concluded #CWC23. The Hon’ble Finance Minister noted that the entire team played with great determination and grit throughout the tournament and brought immense joy and pride to the entire nation. She also boosted the morale of the Indian fast bowler and extended best wishes for the upcoming tournaments. @BCCI,” tweeted Nirmala’s office handle.

Siraj took 14 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 33.50, with the best bowling figures of 3/16. Siraj complemented the pace duo of seniors Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in his first World Cup really well.

Coming to the match, Australia opted to bowl first and bundled out India for 240 in 50 overs. On a tough batting surface, skipper Rohit Sharma (47 in 31 balls, with four boundaries and three sixes), Virat Kohli (54 in 63 balls, with four boundaries) and KL Rahul (66 in 107 balls, with one four) posted important knocks.

Mitchell Starc (3/55) was the pick of the bowlers for Australia. Skipper Pat Cummins (2/34) and Josh Hazlewood (2/60) also bowled well. Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell got a wicket each.

In the chase of 241, India started off really well and had the Aussies down at 47/3. Knocks from Travis Head (137 in 120 balls, with 15 fours and four sixes) and Marnus Labuschagne (58 in 110 balls, with four boundaries) left the Indian team without answers and guided them to a six-wicket win.

Mohammed Shami took one wicket while Jasprit Bumrah took two wickets as well.

Travis was given the ‘Player of the Match’ for his century. (ANI)

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Labourers Uttarkhand

Hot Khichdi Being Filled In Cylindrical Bottles For Labourers Trapped In Silkyara Tunnel

By LokMarg

Hours after an alternative six-inch lifeline pipe reached the Silkyara tunnel, where 41 labourers have been trapped for over a week, rescuers are filling Khichdi in cylindrical bottles to be sent to the stranded workers.

Hemant, the cook who prepared the Khichdi for the trapped labourers, said that this is the first time a hot meal is being sent to the workers.

“This food will be sent inside the tunnel. This is the first time a hot meal is being sent. We are sending Khichdi. We are only preparing the food which we have been recommended,” he said.

On November 12, it was reported that a collapse occurred in an under-construction tunnel from Silkyara to Barkot due to a muck falling in the 60-meter stretch on the Silkyara side of the tunnel, trapping 41 labourers.

Earlier in the day, in a major breakthrough, a six-inch pipe reached the 2 km-built tunnel portion of the collapsed structure where labourers are trapped.

Rescue operation in-charge Colonel Deepak Patil said that through this alternative lifeline we can send food, mobiles, and chargers inside the tunnel.

On what food items will be sent to trapped labourers, he said that, keeping in mind the condition of the labourers, a list has been prepared with the help of doctors on available food options.

“We are bringing plastic cylindrical bottles with wide mouths so that we can send bananas, apples, Khichdi, and Daliya,” he added.

Earlier in the day, the Director of National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL), Anshu Manish Khulko, said there was an atmosphere of joy among the trapped labourers after they came to know about the breakthrough.

The NHIDCL Director said the rescuers will now go with full force to evacuate the labourers.

“Earlier there was doubt what would happen if the first lifeline was closed. But now that we have established an alternative lifeline, now we will go with full force,” Khulko said.

Meanwhile, two robotics machines of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) – weighing 20 kg and 50 kg- have arrived at the site.

On the use of the robotics machine from DRDO, the NHIDCL Director said, “An attempt was made to use that machine inside, but as I told you, the strata and rubble inside (the tunnel) are very loose, so it was not successful there.” (ANI)

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