Category: News

Two vehicles were damaged after the Choli Bridge in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh collapsed on Friday evening, officials said.

No casualty or injury to anyone has been reported so far in the incident.
District Administration and Revenue department officials have rushed to the spot immediately after receiving the information of the incident from locals of the area.

“An incident of bridge collapse occurred at Choli Bridge near Holi District Chamba at around 7.30 pm. In this incident, the bridge collapsed completely and due to this two vehicles – a car and a tipper truck fallen down,” Chamba District emergency operation centre (DEOC) officials said.

“Tehsildar and SHO have rushed to the spot,” they said.

The officials informed that no causalities have been reported yet and the search operation is underway.

Further details are awaited. (ANI)

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to give any relief to former Congress councillor Balwan Khokhar in connection with a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

A bench headed by Justice SK Kaul said that this is not the case where you can apply for bail in nine years’ time.
Delhi High Court in 2018 upheld the conviction of Balwan Khokhar and other accused persons in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. The HC has upheld the trial court order awarding a life sentence to Khokhar.

Sajjan Kumar, who is named as the main accused in a case relating to the brutal killing of five members of a family in Raj Nagar in Delhi, during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, was convicted guilty, in 2018, by the Delhi High court and was sentenced to life imprisonment.

In 2018, the Delhi High Court overturned the trial court judgement acquitting Kumar in the matter. (ANI)

Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Varun Dhawan are currently working on the Indian version of ‘Citadel’.

Days after the makers officially announced Samantha as the female lead of ‘Citadel’, the actress, on Friday’, shared a BTS picture from the show’s script reading session with Varun, writer Sita R Menon, and director Raj & DK
Samantha captioned the post and wrote, “January (sic).”

Speaking about the show, Samantha earlier said, “When Prime Video and Raj and DK approached me with this project, I decided to take it up in a heartbeat! After working with this team on The Family Man, it is homecoming for me. The Citadel universe, the interconnected storylines between the productions across the globe, and most importantly, the script of the Indian installment really excited me. I am thrilled to be a part of this brilliant universe conceptualised by the Russo Brothers’ AGBO. I am also looking forward to be working with Varun for the first time, on this project. He is someone who is full of life and cheer when you’re around him.”

Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK will also serve as executive producers, under their banner D2R Films. The series is produced by D2R Films and Amazon Studios, with AGBO’s Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Mike Larocca, Angela Russo-Otstot, Scott Nemes, and David Weil (Hunters) overseeing production on the Indian Original and all series within the global Citadel universe.

The international version of Citadel is created by the Russo Brothers and stars Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra in the lead roles. (ANI)

Amid protests by opposition in the House over their demands, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar on Friday said that Parliament is the “North Star of democracy”, a place of discussion and deliberation to realize the aspirations and dreams of the people and not a place of disturbance.

“Parliament is the essence of democracy. Parliament is the North Star of democracy. It is a place of discussion and deliberation to realize the aspirations and dreams of the people and not a place of disturbance. We are required to work in accordance with rules,” Dhankar said.
The “North Star” reference by the Vice President apparently came in the backdrop of remarks by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud who had last month compared the basic structure doctrine with North Star.

The CJI had made the remarks while delivering the Nani A Palkhivala Memorial Lecture in Mumbai on January 22.

The CJI’s remarks came days after comments by Dhankar who differed with the 1973 Kesavananda Bharati case verdict which gave the basic structure doctrine.

The CJI said in his lecture that the basic structure of Constitution, like the North Star, gives certain direction to the interpreters of the Constitution when the path ahead is convoluted.

Vice President Dhankar, who addressed the 83rd All India Presiding Officers Conference in Jaipur on January 11, said power to amend Constitution is lifeline of democracy.

“The essence of democracy lies in the prevalence of the mandate of the people and securing their welfare. The power of the Parliament to amend the Constitution and deal with legislation is not subject to any other authority. This is the lifeline of a democracy.

“In a democratic society, ‘the basic’ of any ‘basic structure’ has to be the supremacy of mandate of people. Thus, the primacy and sovereignty of Parliament and legislature is inviolable,” Dhankar had said.

He said that the judiciary cannot legislate in as much legislature cannot script a judicial verdict.

“Democracy sustains and blossoms when the Legislature, the Judiciary and the Executive act in tandem and togetherness to fructify constitutional goals and realise aspirations of the people. Judiciary cannot legislate in as much Legislature cannot script a judicial verdict,” he said.

He also said that parliamentary sovereignty cannot be permitted to be diluted or compromised by the executive or the judiciary and public posturing or “one-upmanship” that is being frequently witnessed in this matter is not “wholesome”.

All constitutional institutions the Judiciary, the executive and the legislature are required to confine to their respective domains and conform to the highest standard of propriety and decorum, Dhankar had added.

He had expressed concerns over the increasing instances of disruptions in Parliament and legislatures and urged the representatives to be conscious of the expectations and aspirations of the people.

With the opposition giving notices concerning Hindenburg-Adani row amid their demand for a joint parliamentary probe, Dhankar on Friday said he is “unable to accede to them as these are not fulfilling the requirement of Rule 267”.

“And these are not in conformity with the direction by the Chair on December 8, 2022. I appeal to the hon. Members to maintain order so that the listed Business of the House may be taken up,” he said.

The opposition parties have forced adjournments in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha over their demands concerning Hindenburg-Adani row. They have sought discussion over investment by LIC, Public Sector Banks, and financial institutions “in companies losing market value, endangering the savings of crores of Indians” following a report by a US-based short seller Hidenburg Research which has made allegations against some companies of Adani group. (ANI)

Union Minister for Communications, Electronics, and Information Technology on Friday informed Rajya Sabha in a written reply that 50 government websites have been hacked in the year 2022-23.

Union Minister informed the upper House on the question of the details of instances of hacking of Central Ministries/Departments and State Government websites since 2020, year-wise.
In response to a parliamentary question raised by CPI MP Binoy Viswam, Minister said that as per information reported to and tracked by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), a total of 59, 42 and 50 websites of the Central Government Ministries/Departments and State Governments were hacked during the years 2020, 2021 and 2022 respectively.

“CERT-In has further informed it has detected and prevented 2,83,581, 4,32,057, 3,24,620 malicious scams during the years 2020, 2021 and 2022 respectively,” he informed Rajya Sabha

Union Minister Vaishnaw further said that as per the information reported to and tracked by CERT-In, a total number of 6, 7 and 8 data breach incidents related to government organisations were observed during the years 2020, 2021 and 2022 respectively.

” There have been attempts from time to time to launch cyber-attacks on Indian cyberspace from both outside and within the country. It has been observed that such attacks compromised computer systems located in different parts of the world and use masquerading techniques and hidden servers to hide the identity of actual systems from which the attacks are launched” he added

Union IT Minister further informed Rajya Sabha in a written reply that CERT-In coordinates incident response measures with affected organisations, service providers, respective sector regulators as well as law enforcement agencies. CERT-In notifies the affected organizations regarding cyber incidents, along with remedial actions to be taken. It also issues alerts and advisories on an ongoing basis regarding the latest cyber threats/vulnerabilities and countermeasures to protect computers and networks. (ANI)

The Olympic flame will make its first stop on the 2024 Paris Olympic Torch Relay in Marseille, France in April 2024, organisers announced on Friday.

Following its lighting in Olympia, the ancient site of the Olympic Games, the torch will be taken to Marseille in the south of France on the Belem, a beautiful three-masted schooner that first set sail in 1896. It is the last of the big French ships of the nineteenth century still in circulation, and it will connect Athens and Marseille, two magnificent towns with a long shared history.
The Olympic torch relay will then begin its long journey to the Paris 2024 opening ceremony, which is scheduled to take place on July 26 in 2024 in France’s capital. The Torch Relay route will be revealed in May 2023.

“This important event will give people a taste of the spirit of the Games that will be seen in Marseille in the summer when 800 athletes will be welcomed, 10 sailing events and 10 football matches will take place,” said Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024 as quoted by Olympics.com.

The Olympic Torch Relay is a symbol of peace, solidarity, and camaraderie between people and is one of the major traditions of any Olympic Games. The torch carries a sacred fire that was lighted with the sun’s rays in a ceremony commemorating the Ancient Olympic Games on the site of Ancient Olympia.

Thousands of torchbearers will then take the flame to the host city, where it will be lit in the Olympic cauldron at the Opening Ceremony to officially declare the Games open.

This journey will begin next year in Marseille, a city inextricably tied with Greece that will host a number of Paris 2024 sporting events. (ANI)

Highlighting his government’s commitment to holistic development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the country is giving priority to the development of Northeast by boosting tourism, adding that the proposed Budget 2023 also lay emphasis in developing 50 tourism destinations across the country.

Prime Minister participated in the Krishnaguru Eknaam Akhanda Kirtan for World Peace held at Krishnaguru Sevashram at Barpeta, Assam via video conferencing on Friday.
Addressing the devotees of Krishnaguru Sevashram, PM Modi said, “I am glad to express that the Indian tradition of knowledge, service and humanity propagated by Krishna Guru continues to grow even stronger. Krishnaguru ji had started the ritual of month-long of Akhand Namjap (chanting) and kirtan every 12 years for world peace. In our country, there has been an ancient tradition of organizing such events over a period of 12 years.”

PM said the occasion signifies responsibility and people from all parts of India used to assemble here. The organizing of this event after every 12 years also reiterates the tradition of Kumbh, he said.

The Prime Minister said, in 2019, the people of Assam organized the ‘Pushkaram Festival’, which will be repeated on the banks of the Brahmaputra river only after 12 years. In Kumbhakonam Tamil Nadu, the Mahamaham festival is celebrated after every 12 years.

“Today, whoever is lagging behind in the race of development, will be given the first priority in the country. The country is prioritising those who are deprived,” PM Modi said.

Referring to Union Budget 2023-24, PM said, “Today, we are giving priority to the development of Northeast and Assam. Tourism plays a major role in the economy of this region. As proposed in Budget 2023, 50 tourism destinations across the country will be developed as wholesome tourism destinations.”

He said this year’s budget has made provisions for setting up Unity malls in each state where products made by agriculturists and artisans will be displayed and sold from there. Moreover, the products will be sent to other state unity malls too.

Highlighting the culture of Assam, PM Modi said, “When it comes to the crafts of Assam, ‘Gomosha’ gets it mention naturally. I myself love wearing ‘gomosha’. We have made Bamboo in the category of grass to promote skill development as well as the increased presence of these items in the market.”

Prime Minister said the country has witnessed how Swachha Bharat Abhiyan was launched and with people’s support, it was a big success. The reason behind the success of Digital India too is people’s contribution.

Paramguru Krishnaguru Ishwar established the Krishnaguru Sevashram in 1974, at village Nasatra, Barpeta Assam.

He is the ninth descendant of Mahavaishnab Manohardeva, who was a follower of the great Vaishnavite saint Shri Shankardeva.

Krishnaguru Eknaam Akhanda Kirtan for World Peace is a month-long kirtan being held from January 6 at Krishnaguru Sevashram. (ANI)

Key energy initiatives will be unveiled during India Energy Week which will be held in Bengaluru from February 6 to 8.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the mega G20 event, which will witness the record participation of more than 600 exhibitors from across the globe, more than 34 ministers and a number of CEOs from top energy companies.
China, US, Russia, Brazil and various other countries are scheduled to take part in the key event. As part of his engagements, PM Modi will hold a round table discussion with top CEOs besides attending the plenary sessions.

The event is taking place as part of India’s G20 presidency. It is the first time India is organising such a grand event with a record number of chief executive officers from the top energy companies.

India’s energy consumption is growing and the country is diversifying its energy mix, accelerating the transition to green energy. According to International Energy Agency, India will make up 25 per cent of the global demand for energy by 2040.

PM Modi, according to sources, will launch big initiatives in the energy sector while inaugurating the event next week.

This includes solar power initiative of double top burner for the consumption by domestic households, which will encourage them to move towards solar energy from traditional LPG and piped gas.

Use of solar energy for household consumption is expected to gain ground and will be a new addition in India’s household energy consumption mix.

The country has also given thrust to LPG connections, specially in rural areas, to provide clean energy options and reduce pollution.

In 2014, India had 14 crore LPG connections and over the last eight years, the country has moved at a rapid speed on domestic energy with the number of these connections more than doubling to 32 crore. Under the PM Ujjwala Yojana, over nine crore LPG connections have been provided.

Another big initiative expected to be launched during India Energy Week will be the increased blending of ethanol in fuel. It is learnt from reliable sources that PM Modi will launch E20 initiative in the upcoming event.

Under the E20 programme, India aims to raise the percentage of blending ethanol in fuel to 20 per cent by 2025 even as the earlier target year was 2030, a source familiar with the development told ANI.

In the initial stage, the initiative will cover 13 states and 100 petrol pumps.

India has saved Rs 40 lakh crore on fuel by blending 10 per cent of ethanol and money went to farmers for the production of ethanol. The initiative has environmental as well as economic benefits.

India’s current fuel consumption is almost 5 lakh million barrels a day which will increase to 6.5 to 7 lakh million barrels a day in a decade or so, sources said.

Ethanol blending will play a big role in reducing fuel imports and help the country move towards clean energy which is an area of focus for the government.

Last year, India banned the use of single-use plastic and more such measures are expected to be announced.

It is learnt that at India Energy Week, PM Modi will also launch a PET recycling initiative in which around a million polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles will be recycled and clothes will be produced from it.

Production of clothes under the process requires 59 per cent less energy and it has 79 per cent lower carbon footprint, a source told ANI.

It is also learnt that clothes produced by this initiative will be provided to the Indian Army and Indian Oil petrol pump staff across the country.

PM Modi will also lead a green mobility rally which will have hydrogen buses and electric vehicles. (ANI)