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Hrithik, Saba Hold Hands, Pose At Diwali Celebration

By LokMarg 13th November 2023

Actor Hrithik Roshan celebrated Diwali with his family and girlfriend Saba Azad. On Monday, he gave a glimpse of the celebration.

Hrithik took to Instagram and shared a string of pictures from his Diwali celebration with his family.

His girlfriend Saba Azad also joined the celebration.

The images capture Hrithik holding hands with Saba as they sit on a staircase. His whole family stood behind them.

Hrithik wore an all-black outfit while Saba opted for a green and red lehenga.

Rakesh Roshan, Pinkie Roshan, Pashmina Roshan, and other family members can be seen in the family picture.

Roshan’s family also posed on the rooftop of their home.

Sharing the picture, he wrote, “Happy Diwali beautiful people [?]”

As soon as the pictures were uploaded, fans chimed in the comment section.

One of the users wrote, “Happy Diwali Sir .[?] Thank You For Ur Diwali Gift.. For Cameo.”

Another user commented, “Awaiting movie krish 4 “

Recently, Hrithik shared a string of pictures from his sister Pashmina Roshan’s birthday bash. He took to Instagram and dropped the pics which he captioned, “Of gangsters and molls and gumshoes and mafia dons last night was a vintage lark! Happy birthday Pash.”

In the pictures, Hrithik could be seen posing with his girlfriend Saba Azad and his uncle Rajesh Roshan.

He also shared a happy group picture in which Pashmina could be seen donning a peach satin dress.

Meanwhile, Hrithik recently made an appearance in Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif’s ‘Tiger 3’ as Kabir.

He will be next seen in Siddharth Anand’s ‘Fighter’ opposite Deepika Padukone. Apart from that, he also has ‘War 2’ alongside Jr NTR in his kitty. (ANI)

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Firecrackers Ban Flouted In Delhi; Air Quality Dips Post-Diwali

By LokMarg 13th November 2023

Post-Diwali, Delhi-NCR’s air quality has significantly deteriorated, falling into the ‘Poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

This comes after the city was engulfed in a thick layer of smog following the bursting of firecrackers on Diwali night.

Despite the AAP government’s complete ban on firecrackers and the ‘Diya Jalao, Patakhe nahi’ campaign, visuals from various parts of Delhi, including Lodhi Road, RK Puram, Karol Bagh, and Punjabi Bagh, showed fireworks lighting up the night sky on Sunday.

In the early morning hours (Monday), ‘poor’ air quality was observed around the Lodhi Road area at 5:54 am and the Rajghat area at 6:05 am, as per the CPCB. Additionally, firecracker waste was seen in various places post-Diwali celebrations.

According to the CPCB, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in various parts of Delhi, recorded at 8 am, is as follows: Shadipur and Anand Vihar AQI fall under the very poor category, with readings of 321 and 312, respectively. The AQI at Wazirpur, ITO, Burari crossing, and Anand Vihar all fall under the poor category, with readings of 281, 263, 279, and 296 respectively.

On November 12, according to the data from the CPCB, the AQI in Anand Vihar was at 266, while at RK Puram it was recorded at 241 on Sunday morning at 07.00 am. Similarly, in the Punjabi Bagh area it was at 233, and in the ITO area it was recorded at 227.

The national capital has been struggling with pollution for the last few weeks. The AQI at many places peaked in the ‘ severe’ category and continued to remain toxic for several days.

Recently, Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government in Delhi imposed a complete ban on firecrackers. In the wake of the pollution situation, the government even considered the idea of ‘artificial rain’ to tackle the foul air in the city, until sudden rainfall brought a major respite, lowering the pollution level.

Previous data related to pollution shows that since the last week of October, the national capital’s air quality has been at its worst. The concentration of PM 2.5 in the city has been recorded at 20 times the limit prescribed by the World Health Organisation, prompting the city government to order the closure of all primary classes and restrict the entry of trucks. (ANI)

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Masaba Celebrates Diwali With Viv Richards, Calls Is Special

By LokMarg 12th November 2023

This year Diwali has become extra special for designer Masaba as her father, the legendary cricketer Vivian Richards is in India to be with her during the festivities.

Taking to Instagram, Masaba shared a couple of pictures from her Diwali celebrations.

In one of the images, she is seen posing with her dad.

“A special Diwali. Papa [?] and lots of pyaar from people who bring light into my life everyday.Have a great year,everyone. #happydiwali,” she captioned the post.

In another image, she and her husband Satyadeep Misra can be seen doing Diwali puja at Masaba’s office.

Actor Neena Gupta and former West Indies player Vivian Alexander Richards had Masaba out of wedlock and have lived separately throughout their life. Neena welcomed her daughter Masaba on November 2, 1989. She raised her alone. In 2008, Neena got married to chartered accountant Vivek Mehra.

Vivian visited India in January 2023 to attend Masaba’s wedding with Satyadeep Misra.

Masaba was extremely happy to tie the knot in the presence of her two fathers.

Masaba even shared a cute family picture along with a caption, “For the first time ever – My whole life came together. This is us. My beautiful blended family. Everything from here on is just bonus.”

The fam-jam snap featured her beau Satyadeep, Satyadeep’s mother Nalinimisra Tyabji, his sister Chinmaya Misra, Neena Gupta, her husband Vivek Mehra and Masaba’s father Viv Richards. (ANI)

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Kartik Effortlessly Slays Desi Look At Sara’s Diwali Bash

By LokMarg 10th November 2023

The festival of lights, Diwali is just two days away and Sara Ali Khan is in all festivity mode. She hosted a Diwali bash at her residence in Mumbai on Thursday night.

Sara’s many close friends attended her party.

In the videos captured by Mumbai-based paps, Kartik Aaryan arrived in style.

After the ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’ actor was seen entering Sara’s house, the pictures and videos went viral on social media.

He wore a bright yellow kurta that he paired with a white pyjama and kolhapuris.

He sported a clean-shaved look for the bash.

The ‘Satyaprem Ki Katha’ actor greeted paps with folded hands.

Back when Sara and Kartik were working together on Imtiyaz Ali’s ‘Love Aaj Kal’, they both were rumoured to be dating. The two, however, reportedly parted ways after a while.

In the latest episode of ‘Koffee with Karan’ season 8 which saw Sara and Ananya Panday gracing the famous talk show couch.

In a candid conversation with host Karan Johar, the two opened up about their personal and professional lives.

Surprisingly, Karan also claimed that at one point, Sara and Anaya dated the same actor, Kartik Aaryan.

Karan initiated the topic of Kartik by asking whether it’s easier for them to be cordial with each other considering they once dated the same guy.

Instead of mentioning names, Sara talked about dating and breakups in general.

“I don’t want to say that ya, it’s all easy because then it comes across as a little more frivolous than it is. It isn’t always easy. When you are involved with anybody, whether it’s friends, professionally, romantically, espically if I am, I get involved and invested. It is not like, ‘Oh yeah, it doesn’t really matter, whatever its today, whatever its tomorrow’. It’s not like that. It does affect you. But ultimately you have to rise beyond that,” Sara said.

She added, “I have realised, without sounding semi negative, there are actually no predicaments in this business. In my limited experience, there is no point making permanent best friendships, pinky promises saying I’ll never talk to you again. All these nevers and always nahi hota (doesn’t happen).”

Meanwhile, on the work front, Kartik will be seen in Kabir Khan’s directorial ‘Chandu Champion’.

The film is all set to hit the theatres on June 14, 2024.

‘Chandu Champion’ marks Kartik’s first collaboration with director Kabir Khan. He will also be seen in director Hansal Mehta’s upcoming film ‘Captain India’ and in director Anurag Basu’s next ‘Aashiqui 3’.

Sara will be seen in Anurag Basu’s ‘Metro…In Dino’. Billed as an anthology, the film also features Aditya Roy Kapur, Konkona Sen Sharma, Pankaj Tripathi, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Anupam Kher, Ali Fazal, and Neena Gupta in lead roles.

‘Metro…In Dino’, a film that apparently draws its title from the famous song ‘In Dino’ from ‘Life in a… Metro’, will showcase bittersweet tales of human relationships based on contemporary times. (ANI)

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Israel Envoy To India Calls For Lighting Diya Of Hope For Israeli Hostages Held By Hamas

By LokMarg 8th November 2023

As the festival of lights — Diwali approaches in India, Israel’s Ambassador Naor Gilon has urged to light a ‘Diya of Hope’ for the hostages held by Hamas since the October 7 assault on the country.

Drawing a comparison, Gilon, in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter) said that as Lord Ram’s return is celebrated on Diwali by lighting Diyas, a Diya (lamp) must be lit in the hope of having our loved ones return.

“240 of our loved ones have been held hostage by #HamasTerrorists for a month. Every #Diwali, we celebrate Lord Ram’s return by lighting Diyas,” Gilon said.

“THIS #Diwali2023 we invite you to light a Diya in the hope of having our loved ones return Tag us and share your photos using the #DiyaOfHope,” he further added.

Meanwhile the Israeli Defence Forces today released pictures of various weapons recovered from Hamas terrorists during their operations. According to the IDF some of the weapons found on Hamas’ terrorists on October 7th include; 1,493 hand grenades and explosives, 760 RPGs, 427 explosive belts, 375 firearms, 106 rockets and missiles.

“These are just a few of the weapons used to massacre over 1,400 Israeli civilians. Weapons used for the killing of innocents” the IDF said.

Earlier, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel will have “security responsibility” over the Gaza Strip for an indefinite period following its war against Hamas.

“The situation in Gaza post-war remains uncertain, with concerns about how Israel plans to manage it. I think Israel will for an indefinite period have security responsibility,” Netanyahu told ABC News.

“We’ve seen what happens when we don’t have that… security responsibility, what we have is the eruption of Hamas terror on a scale that we couldn’t imagine” he added.

The war with Hamas began after approximately 3,000 terrorists breached the Gaza border on October 7, resulting in the deaths of around 1,400 people, mainly civilians, and the abduction of over 240 individuals, including at least 30 children.(ANI)

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SC Refuses To Interfere With Delhi Govt’s Decision To Ban Firecrackers

By LokMarg 13th September 2023

The Supreme Court on Wednesday questioned Delhi Police to apprise it how the crackers will be burst despite the ban imposed by the authorities concerned.

The apex court also remarked that people who want to burst firecrackers during Diwali festivals can find different ways to celebrate as it refused to interfere with the Delhi Government’s decision banning crackers in the state at this stage imposed by the Delhi Government.

A bench of Justice AS Bopanna and Justice MM Sundresh’s remark came while dealing with the issue relating to firecrackers.

One of the pleas was filed by BJP leader Manoj Tiwari in 2022, challenging the blanket ban on firecrackers during Diwali celebrations in Delhi.

In today’s hearing, his counsel apprised the court about various states imposing a complete ban on crackers.

At this stage, the court said that it would not interfere and remarked that they could find different ways to celebrate.

The court asked Delhi Police how the banned crackers burst despite the ban.

Tiwari’s lawyer said that firecrackers are being allowed during election results. The court remarked that they celebrate victory in other ways and can do something to help the people..

The court said that If they feel like bursting crackers go to a state that has not banned it.

The court adjourned the matter for tomorrow asking Delhi Police to apprise it on the issues of bursting banned material despite the ban imposed by the government.

Meanwhile, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for Centre, apprised the court about the affidavit filed by the Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organization (PESO).

She also apprised the court that various aspects are being considered including tests of chemicals, emissions released and sound testing facilities. She also apprised the court about the training and skills development programmes being carried out and thousands of manufacturers have been trained so far.

PESO, in the affidavit, apprised the court about the Green Cracker approval process and said the Fireworks may be broadly classified as Sound Emitting; Light emitting and Combination fireworks.

However, with respect to light-emitting fireworks, the variation may be four to five varieties with slight differences. The combination of fireworks uses both light and sound-emitting fireworks composition, PESO said.

“Accordingly, manufacturers licensed by PESO or District Magistrate with CSIR-NEERI and obtain improved formulation or New Formulation Fireworks Composition. After obtaining the same from CSIR-NEERI the manufacturers licensed by PESO make an application with PESO for approval of the said composition along with a certificate issued by NEERI. Accordingly, (approved composition) applications received from the manufacturers along with a certificate from NEERI for maintaining emission standards are processed and accorded in-principle approval by the respective offices of PESO strictly adhering to the timeline stipulated by the top court,” the affidavit read.

“For expediting usage of green crackers PESO has already instructed all the Fireworks manufacturers licensed by PESO to comply with the directives passed by this Court vide its order dated 23/10/2018. Accordingly, all fireworks manufacturers are advised to obtain an emission test report for improved formulation or new formulation (Green Cracker) Composition from CSIR-NEERI,” the affidavit said.

In the last hearing, The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) on Thursday apprised the Supreme Court that about the measures being taken by the concerned agencies and the Fireworks Manufacturers to address the concerns raised by the top court earlier.

The Ministry of Environment also urged the Supreme Court to permit it to take steps for the smooth implementation and quality control of Green Crackers.

The Ministry meanwhile apprised the court about the measures being taken by the concerned agencies and the Fireworks Manufacturers to accept and address the concerns raised by the Supreme Court earlier.

The top court was hearing a plea relating to the use of firecrackers during Diwali festivals.

In 2021, the Supreme Court clarified there is no blanket ban on the use of firecrackers and only those fireworks which contain barium salts are prohibited. (ANI)

Diwali To Become School Holiday In NYC

By LokMarg 27th June 2023

Diwali, the festival of lights, is set to become a school holiday in New York City, Mayor Eric Adams announced on Monday.

Thousands of New Yorkers celebrate Diwali each year to commemorate the victory of light over darkness, and the announcement came after state lawmakers recently enacted legislation designating it as a holiday in the biggest school system in the US.
Mayor Eric Adams called the moment a significant win for the local families.

“I’m so proud to have stood with Assemblymember @JeniferRajkumar and community leaders in the fight to make Diwali a school holiday. I know it’s a little early in the year, but: Shubh Diwali!.” the Mayor wrote on Twitter.

The mayor said he was “confident” that Governor Kathy Hochul would sign the bill.

The measure still has to be inked into law by Governor Kathy Hochul. The new holiday will replace “Brooklyn-Queens Day” on the school holiday calendar.

Following the declaration, New York State Assembly member, Jenifer Rajkumar tweeted, “My press conference with @NYCMayor today at City Hall. I was proud to lead and win the fight to make Diwali a School Holiday, alongside Mayor Eric Adams.”

Adams said that the moment represented a symbolic declaration to those who feel unwelcome “that you are part of this city and not considered an outsider,” the New York Times reported.

“We’re now saying New York is made for everyone,” Adams said. “No matter where you came from.”

Diwali will be observed this year on Sunday, November 12, therefore it will be a day off from school for the first time in 2024.

According to the New York Times, in 2015, the city announced it would close schools in honour of two major Muslim holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. (ANI)

Shivraj’s Diwali With Covid Orphans

By LokMarg 22nd October 2022

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday said that he would celebrate Diwali at his house with children who lost their parents during the Covid-19 pandemic on October 23.

“Today is Dhanteras and from today onwards the Diwali festival begins. Tomorrow, on the occasion of Chaturdashi, October 23, I will celebrate the festival of Deepawali with my sons, daughters, nephew, and niece who have lost their parents due to COVID,” CM Chouhan told ANI.
“I feel happy to celebrate the festival with them and to share happiness with them. Those children who are from Bhopal and nearby areas will celebrate Diwali here in Bhopal. For children who are from far-flung, we are instructing the collector to organize a program, present their gifts and share happiness with them. Happy Diwali to all my sons and daughters. Don’t worry, Mama is with them,” Chouhan added.

He also said, “Today is a very big day for all of us as on the day of Dhanteras, Madhya Pradesh is getting the blessings of the Prime Minister. Today 4.5 Lakh people will enter the houses built under the Prime Minister’s Housing Scheme. Rangoli is being made, lamps will be lit and the ‘Grih Parvesh’ will be done with the breaking of coconut.”

“I am moving to Satna to join the program and the Prime Minister will virtually join the program. Wherever the houses are built, the program of ‘Grih Pravesh’ will be done in every village with joy, all the public representatives, and ministers are participating at different places. The Diwali festival begins today and on this auspicious day, people will enter their homes. Best wishes to all the people,” CM Chouhan added. (ANI)

Ban On Crackers With Jail Provision: Delhi Govt

By LokMarg 19th October 2022

Delhi Environment Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Gopal Rai on Wednesday said that the Delhi government has banned the production, storage, sale, and bursting of crackers this year as well with fines and jail terms in case of violation.

While addressing a press conference, Rai said “This year as well, there is a ban on production, sale, storage, and bursting of crackers.”
“Sale or storage of firecrackers in Delhi can be punished with a fine of Rs 5,000 and/or imprisonment for three years,” he said.

The minister further said that strict action will be taken against those bursting crackers before Diwali.

“Strict action will be taken against those who burst crackers till Diwali. Under section 268 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), there is a provision of a fine of Rs 200 and/or jail for 6 months against those who burst crackers,” he further said. (ANI)

Gold Prices Seen Strengthening Ahead Of Diwali

By LokMarg 9th October 2022

Commodity experts say the sharp rise in crude prices, which rose about 12 percent in the past week, is mainly responsible for the rally in gold rates. But there are other factors at play as well. Rising global inflation and the volatile stock market have made the yellow metal a “safe” investment bet among investors.

The spot prices of gold are headed upwards of $1,780 (approx. Rs 1.47 lakh) per ounce whereas MCX gold rate per 10gm could reach Rs 53,000 by Diwali, the experts say, adding that some profit-booking could also take place. The depreciation of the rupee against the US dollar to a record low of 82.40 is, however, a critical variable that underpins domestic gold prices.
After missing action for some years, gold prices in Delhi witnessed some movement at the beginning of 2022 as the volatile equity markets forced investors to seek safe-haven assets like gold.

On Sunday morning, however, gold rates remained flat in Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai. Delhi’s rate for 10 gm of 22-carat gold was Rs 48,010, and it was trading at Rs52,370/10 gm for 24-carat gold.

The rate in Chennai for 10 gm of 22-carat gold was Rs 48,400 and the gold rate of 24-carat gold was Rs 52,800. The rate of the precious metal in Kolkata per 10 gm of 22 carat stands at Rs47,850 and the rate of 10 gm of 24-carat gold is at Rs 52,200. The gold rate in Mumbai per 10 gm of 22-carat has been at Rs 47,850 and Rs 52,200 per 10 gm of 24-carat gold.

The yellow metal faced resistance around the key $1,740 (Rs 1,44,128) per ounce mark in global markets last week, while at the domestic market Rs 52,100 per 10 gm mark acted as a stiff hurdle for prices. (ANI)