Centre raps Karnataka, says notification on wildlife articles are 'bad in law'

Centre criticizes Karnataka govt for a notification under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, demanding return of wildlife articles, termed 'bad in law.' Rollback ordered. Karnataka issued the notification after amending the Act, following a participant's arrest for possessing tiger claws in 2023 from a Kannada TV reality show. Illegal wildlife artifacts must be surrendered within 30 days.

PDP will support migrant Kashmiri Pandits in their return, rehabilitation: Mehbooba Mufti

PDP will support migrant Kashmiri Pandits in their return, rehabilitation: Mehbooba Mufti Reaching out to displaced Kashmiri Pandits, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday assured them of her partys support in their return and rehabilitation in the valley, provided they ''demonstrate boldness and come back to their homes''. Mehbooba, a former chief minister who is fighting Lok Sabha elections from the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat, said no government at the Centre can rehabilitate the community on its own and if the elderly Kashmiri Pandits ''take risk'' and return, their children will follow. Today it is the BJP, maybe tomorrow Congress will come to power in Delhi but any party that is in power can never pick you up and take you to Kashmir. That is not going to happen and you have to show boldness on your part for your return to your homes in the valley and we will also support you, she said, addressing a gathering of Kashmiri Pandits here. The former J-K chief minister said she had suggested to Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, who had announced five marlas of land to the homeless, to give priority to the migrant Kashmiri Pandits. When our government was in power, we initiated the process of land demarcation for your return and rehabilitation but the process could not be completed. I would like to continue my work in this direction, she said. Mehbooba Mufti said she is aware of the problems being faced by employees who are serving in the valley and would try to address all their problems. some of the employees are either sick or are having peculiar situations in their homes demanding their transfer from the valley. ''Such cases need to be viewed on humanitarian grounds instead of being rejected on the pretext that there is no transfer policy for them, she said, adding the employees recruited under the PM package should be treated on a par with other government employees and given full benefits. Mehbooba Mufti said she supports the construction of residential quarters inside temple complexes across the valley so that the Kashmrii Pandits come to visit the places and spend some time there which will boost their confidence. I am of the view that the elderly population among the Pandits should take some risk and return to their homes in the valley. When you settle there, your children will come to see you and this will be the beginning of your return and rehabilitation, she said and added tat people of both communities have lived together and shared their sorrow and happiness in the past. She claimed the Centres decision to reserve two seats in the Assembly for Kashmiri migrants was meant to benefit the people who are close to the BJP. It would have been better had the government reserved two seats for the community in the valley, she said. She said a regional party ''rigged'' elections in 1987 with the help of the Centre and the same mistake is being repeated by the BJP-led government. The situation deteriorated in Kashmir after 1987 rigged electionsJamaat-e-Islami (JeI) was fighting those elections and today the same party is being roped in to fight the assembly elections. People are being threatened to vote in favour of proxy candidates. It was former Prime Minister A B Vajpayee who restored the trust of people by conducting free and fair elections but this government does not want to see Mehbooba in parliament. They should not hurt national interest just to keep me away, she said. The PDP leader claimed people have come out to vote in large numbers in the valley to ''express their anger against the government, growing unemployment and inflation but if you interfere, you are only repeating 1987 which is not good.

KCRs protest calls find no takers in BRS

Hyderabad: BRS president and former chief minister K. Chandrashekar Rao is being accused of hypocrisy for ignoring farmer issues for a decade and now using the same issues and demanding immediate resolution by the Revanth Reddy government. In many instances, the BRS hasnt stood by Raos call for agitation, and the Congress government is dealing with the aftermath of his decade of neglect of farmer issues. Between 2014 and 2023, Rao, as the Chief Minister, poorly handled the issue of cultivation and procurement of paddy, crop loan waiver, free power, distribution of subsidised seeds, addressing farmer suicides, and the welfare of tenant farmers, among others. Contrary to Rao's claims, farmers argue that the Congress government has been performing relatively well on the agricultural front, despite facing challenges caused by financial constraints, a legacy of the BRS government, and drought-like conditions over which no one has control. They pointed to initiatives undertaken by the current administration to support farmers, including efforts to mitigate the impact of water scarcity and enhance agricultural productivity. Raos belated protests on farmer issues are being seen as a political ploy to resuscitate the BRS after the drubbing it received last year and the series of setbacks that have followed since, both in terms of leaders deserting it and the Congress government bringing to the fore issues like phone tapping and damage to the Kaleshwaram scheme and the corruption involved in building it. There are eight key issues which farmers brought up. Paddy procurement KTR, Harish Rao stayed away from protests called by KCR Rao called for protests on May 16 to protest against the delay in paddy procurement for the rabi season. It did not evoke much response from farmers probably because they were busy at the procurement centres set up by the Congress government way earlier than the BRS had done. Top BRS leaders including K.T. Rama Rao and T. Harish stayed away, showing the call for protest for what it was an attempt to politicise a key issue. There have been instances when the BRS government was procuring Rabi foodgrains even at the end of June while the Congress has completed a major portion of purchases by mid-May. The BRS government opened 7,031 paddy procurement centres (PPCs) last year, the Congress government has increased it to 7,149. The BRS government opened 2,000 centres by May last, but this year the Congress government had opened 7,000. Moreover, there used to be large-scale complaints of traders fleecing farmers in the name of 'tarugu' under the BRS regime. If a farmer sold 100 quintals of paddy, traders would pay for 80 quintals and keep the rest for tarugu (wastage). Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has ordered a crackdown on this practice, and there has been no complaint of farmers being fleeced. Last season, farmers faced a shortage of labour and paddy cleaners, gunny bags, tarpaulin covers to protect the harvest from untimely rains and tents for protection from heat. Paddy in huge quantities used to get damaged due to untimely rains in April-May. That has largely not been the case now, despite the intense summer heat and sudden unseasonal rains. The tardiness in procuring paddy worked against the farmers. Millers under the BRS regime in collusion with officials used to move in early, and offer to buy paddy quickly. Farmers, afraid of the safety of their harvest, used to fall for the ploy and were forced to accept lower rates than the stipulated minimum support price. This year, quick opening of purchase centres has stymied the practice. Indeed, farmers in several districts have sold the paddy at Rs 2,350 to Rs 2,900, higher than the Rs 2,200 per quintal MSP. In Raos hands, paddy procurement became a political weapon to target the BJP after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. In April 2022, Rao staged a dharna in Delhi and gave the Narendra Modi government 24 hours to draft a new paddy procurement policy in an attempt to project the BJP as 'anti-farmer.' He also demanded that the Centre procure all the food grains grown in Telangana state. Now, Rao has asked the Revanth Reddy government to purchase the paddy, something the BRS regime did not do. Immediately after becoming the Chief Minister in 2014, Rao promised to irrigate one crore acres to make paddy cultivation easier and promised to procure every grain from the farmers. In 2021, he did a U-turn and asked farmers not to go for paddy, blaming it on the Centres policies. Vari veste ure (if you sow paddy, you are finished), he said, comparing paddy to a noose around the farmers neck. Crop loan waiver 13 lakh farmers never got loans waived under BRS regime The BRS came to power twice by promising to waive crop loans up to Rs 1 lakh but it badly failed the farmers. Its failure to implement the measure led to banks declaring lakhs of farmers as defaulters and freezing their accounts. Farmers ended up paying huge amounts as interest; the amount they received towards crop loan waiver was less than the interest they incurred due to the delayed release of funds to banks by the BRS regime. In the first term, the BRS government took five years to waive Rs 16,144 crore loans of 35 lakh farmers. It paid banks in four instalments over five years. In the second term, the farmers had it even worse. A total of 40.66 lakh farmers were supposed to get Rs 25,916 crore loans waived in total. The BRS government cut down the number of beneficiaries by restricting the waiver to one family member. With this, the bankers calculated that Rs 20,141 crore needed to be waived in respect of 36.68 lakh farmers. With a smaller target, the KCR government paid back loans of up to Rs 30,000 each of 6 lakh farmers in the first three years till 2022. On feeling the heat from farmers, Rao announced just before Assembly polls in August 2023 that Rs 7,753 crore will be released to clear loans of the remaining 17 lakh farmers. Even so, by the time it lost power, the BRS government had cleared the loans of 23 lakh farmers, leaving 13 lakh farmers left in the lurch. With this 10-year record, Rao is now accusing the five-month-old Congress government of not implementing its poll promise to waive crop loans up to Rs 2 lakh, though Revanth Reddy has made it clear that it would be completed by August 15. Farmers' suicides BRS stopped enumerating farmer deaths after bringing in Rythu Bhima Under the BRS, Telangana state stood at the fourth place in the country with 352 farmer suicides after Maharashtra (2,448), Karnataka (985) and Andhra Pradesh (309) in 2022, according to the National Crime Records Bureau. The victims included five women farmers; all these farmers cultivated their own land. The BRS regime covered up the figures after the launch of the Rythu Bhima life insurance scheme on August 15, 2018, quickly compensating the bereaved families. From 908 in 2018, the number of farmer suicides, according to government records, fell to 499 in 2019 after the launch of the scheme and further to 179 last year. However, activists of Rythu Swarajya Vedika (RSV), which has fought cases on behalf of tenant farmers who are denied compensation, pegged the number of suicides of farmers in 2023 at 420. This data include figures accessed from the District Crime Records Bureau and media reports, which specifically attributed the suicides to farm distress. The BRS government had abandoned the process of enumerating farmer deaths and verification to settle family debts mandated under GO 194, after bringing in Rythu Bhima. The GO 194 process involved a probe by a three-member committee of police, revenue and agriculture departments after which Rs 6 lakh was given to the families of the deceased. This was done to ensure that debts standing in the name of farmers are settled. This process helped families to move ahead in life without being bogged down by piled-up debt, said B. Kondal Reddy, RSV activist. But the BRS regime abandoned this procedure too, pushing families of deceased farmers into a debt trap. Scrapping of crop insurance Rao left farmers uninsured, did not pay for crop damage The Rao regime left the farmers unprotected after it opted out of the Centres Prime Minister Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) crop insurance scheme he called it useless and never brought in a replacement. With this, farmers did not get insurance coverage for crop losses due floods, heavy rains, hailstorms every year. On the other hand, Rao showed them the moon in the mirror, promising aid but never delivering. It was not that the farmers were against the scheme. When the PMFBY was in force in 2015-16, about 10 lakh farmers insured their crops and about 7.73 lakh farmers got compensation of Rs 441.79 crore for rain damage. In 2016-17, about 8.87 lakh farmers insured their crops on 7.33 lakh acres and nearly 1.34 lakh farmers claimed Rs 111.33 crore in compensation for crop loss. In 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21, the insurance companies approved claims of Rs 960 crore, but the disbursal was delayed as the state government failed to pay its share of the premium. Then the government pulled out. Desperate farmers were forced to move the High Court to get the Rao government to release compensation from 2018-2020. In July 2022, crops were damaged across 12 lakh acres, and in March 2023, on five lakh acres due to heavy rains. The government, in a first, announced compensation of Rs 10,000 per acre in March but only for 2.3 lakh acres, hardly a tenth of the area. This amount is yet to reach all the affected farmers. The Rao government was the only one that left the farmers without a cover. The government became dependent on the Centre for funds to extend input subsidies to farmers under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). The Revanth Reddy government, however, has rejoined the PMFBY to extend insurance cover to crops. Discrimination against tenant farmers Rao cut landless farmers adrift, now speaks against assistance The Rao government stoutly refused to support the 18 lakh tenant farmers, those who take agricultural fields on hire for farming. They cultivate around 20 per cent of agricultural land but the Rao regime denied tenant farmers Rythu Bandhu, Rythu Bima, crop loan waiver, insurance, compensation for crop loss and all other benefits. Rao repeatedly announced in the Assembly, at public meetings and election rallies that the government would extend benefits only to land-owning farmers never mind if they didnt till the land, had converted it to real estate ventures or if it was uncultivable land including hillocks. In contrast, tenant farmers, one out of every three agriculturalists in the state, never got any benefits though they borrow money and actually till the land and grow crops. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy promised to cover the tenant farmers under Rythu Bharosa, the new Rythu Bandhu after weeding out wasteful expenditure. The BRS responded on two fronts: One, that the Congress government would seize land and give it to tenant farmers and, two, demanding Revanth Reddys resignation for not implementing Rythu Bharosa even though the deadline is far away. Scrapping of all agri subsidy schemes Rao govt gave Rs 10,000, took away Rs 30,000 aid to farmers Before the BRS came to power, all state governments used to provide farmers with subsidised seeds, subsidies for farm mechanisation, among others. The BRS government stopped all this, and only paid Rs 10,000 per acre per year as Rythu Bandhu to landed farmers. Small farmers used to benefit up to 40,000 per year during the previous Congress government tenure between 2004 and 2014, with seed subsidy, crop loss compensation, market support price, and crop insurance. The BRS governments Rythu Bandhu actually resulted in a loss of Rs 30,000 per year for landed farmers and more for those who do agriculture on rented farms. Crop damage? Use Rythu Bandhu Rao govt stopped enumerating crop damage to avoid paying farmers The BRS government stopped enumeration of crop loss due to natural calamities on the ground that it was extending Rs 10,000 per acre as Rythu Bandhu per year. Rao ordered enumeration of the crop loss only when Assembly polls neared, and announced a compensation of Rs 10,000 per acre. Even this was not delivered completely to all farmers who suffered losses; the Rao government used the Assembly election code as a ploy to stop payments. Rao used to promise that the rest of the farmers would receive the compensation after elections. The BRS lost power. It is now up to the Revanth Reddy government to examine their claims and add to the financial burden. While the wounds of the farmers were still fresh, Rao, after losing power, went to the farmers affected by unseasonal rain and drought-like conditions, posed for pictures with the damaged crop and accused the Revanth Reddy government of not standing by the agriculturists. 24-hour free power to farmers Rao govt gave power for 13 hours, hid data from substations Rao announced in January 2018 that the BRS government was extending 24-hour free power to the agriculture sector. In reality, power was not supplied for more than 13 hours anywhere in the state, and even that was done in phases. The log books on the power actually supplied, that is available with sub-stations, clearly proved that 24-hour power supply was a bogus claim made by the Rao regime. When Congress leaders visited substations and exposed this, Rao ordered seizure of log books in July 2023 and shifted the records to the power utilities head office in Hyderabad to prevent anyone from inspecting them. Rao is now accusing the Congress government of not giving 24-hour free power to farmers and calling for protests across the country.

Will ensure full statehood for Delhi when INDIA bloc forms govt: Kejriwal

Will ensure full statehood for Delhi when INDIA bloc forms govt: Kejriwal Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday claimed the BJP is rattled by the fact that the INDIA bloc would form government at the Centre after the Lok Sabha polls and the AAP, a constituent of the alliance, would ensure full statehood for the national capital. Addressing poll meetings in South Delhi parliamentary constituency, Kejriwal alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is sending opposition leaders to jail and asked the crowd, ''Have we chosen a PM or thanedaar?'' Seeking support for AAP candidate Sahi Ram Pahalwan, the AAP chief addressed six poll meetings in Badarpur Sabzi Mandi, Tughlakabad, Kalkaji, Sangam Vihar, Ambedkar Nagar, and Chhatarpur. Addressing the crowd from atop a car, he pointed towards the prime minister's alleged opposition to free bus travel for women in Delhi in a TV interview, stating that amidst rising inflation, the PM should extend this benefit nationwide. Addressing a 'nukkad sabha' (public meeting) in Badarpur days after coming out of jail, Kejriwal told the gathering that he missed them a lot. ''I came to know that crores of women of Delhi and the country prayed for my release. It is the miracle of your worship that I am here to campaign, he added. Kejriwal said he saw on TV while sitting in his jail cell hat the Supreme Court had granted him bail. ''At first, I could not believe this. This is a big miracle. I am a Lord Bajrang Bali bhakt (devotee). With his blessings, I am among you people today,'' he said. Attacking the BJP, he said they think day and night about whom to put in jail. I have been visiting different parts of the country for the last seven to eight days. People are angry over inflation and unemployment...the BJP is not going to form the government on June 4. Write this down. They also know that they are getting less than 220 seats. That is why these people are frustrated. These days Prime Minister Modi is employing strange abuses in his interactions, he added. Kejriwal shared that when he went to Mumbai, he came to know that the prime minister called Sharad Pawar a ''bhatakti aatma'' (restless soul). ''This is not a good thing. He (Pawar) is an 84-year-old person, Modi ji is 74 years old. One should respect elders. He (Modi) said Uddhav Thackeray is not the real son of his father. Does it behove the prime minister to say this? ''Sometimes he says the INDIA bloc will snatch your 'mangalsutra'. Despite running the country for 10 years, you do not have a single work to count. So, it is a matter of great sadness that in 10 years you have ruined the lives of people by bringing inflation and unemployment, the Delhi CM added. The AAP supremo affirmed that on June 4, the INDIA bloc government will be formed, and the AAP will also be a part of the government. ''On behalf of the people of Delhi, I will make only one demand that Delhi should get the status of a full state. We have improved education and hospitals in Delhi. The police do not listen to you. We will also improve security,'' he said. He also said when the INDIA bloc government is formed, people of Delhi will have a lieutenant governor who will not stop the Delhi government's work. Praising the crowd for coming out on the ''hottest'' day of this season, Kejriwal said, ''The temperature is around 50 degrees (Celsius). Despite this, you people came out of your homes. You people love me so much. I also love you a lot.''

Muslims in Ayodhya say mandir-masjid a non-issue, want development

Ayodhya, May 19: As Ayodhya gears up to vote for the first time after the Ram temple consecration, Muslim voters in the pilgrim town say mandir-masjid (temple-mosque) is not an issue for them and employment and development are their primary concerns. Some, including Iqbal Ansari, who was a litigant in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case, [] The post Muslims in Ayodhya say mandir-masjid a non-issue, want development appeared first on Northlines .

Will Be Very Happy To Win MP Of The Year Award: Kangana Ranaut

Bharatiya Janata Party candidate from Mandi, Kangana Ranaut, expressed her excitement about securing victory in the Lok Sabha elections.

Manipur: Women protest demanding justice in college student molestation case

Guwahati:Hundreds of people, primarily tribal women, took to the streets of Senapati, Manipur demanding swift action in the molestation case of a female student at a college. The protest, organized by the Joint Action Committee Against Molestation (JACAM), erupted on National Highway 102 connecting Imphal to Dimapur. Also Read: Assam: Heroin worth Rs 105 crore [] The post Manipur: Women protest demanding justice in college student molestation case appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .

Tadej Pogacar climbs effortlessly to win brutal 15th stage of Giro dItalia

Slovenian extends race lead to six minutes and 41 seconds It was a strong breakaway but I gave it my all for the last 10k Tadej Pogacar secured his fourth victory of this years race as he breezed to a commanding win on stage 15 of the Giro dItalia. The queen stage of the Giro posed 222km of tarmac alongside more than 5,000 metres of climb but that did not seem the faze the Slovenian, who blew the field away in convincing fashion from Manerba del Garda to Livigno. Continue reading...

People have chosen my family with their precious votes: Vikramaditya Singh tells Kangana

People have chosen my family with their precious votes: Vikramaditya Singh tells Kangana People have chosen my family by giving their precious votes, Congress' Mandi candidate Vikramaditya Singh said on Sunday as he came down heavily on his BJP rival Kangana Ranaut for accusing his family of ''sticking'' to the chair for a long time. Addressing a rally in Kullu, Vikramaditya Singh, son of six-time chief minister Virbhadra Singh said, ''The chair of the chief minister was given to his family by 70 lakh people of Himachal Pradesh who expressed their faith in his father.'' ''By making such remarks, she (Ranaut) is insulting the people of Himachal,'' Singh said, adding that only ten days are left for the Bollywood actor to pack up and return to Mumbai. Taking a dig at her Congress rival, Ranaut had on Friday said his family has been sticking to power for long. ''Tikkaji (Singh) is the face of the dynastic politics of the Congress, whereas the BJP is a party of commoners where a tea seller (Modi) becomes the prime minister and the son of a mason (Thakur) becomes a chief minister, she had said. During Sunday's rally, Singh also said that Ranaut tried to belittle the contribution of the country's former prime ministers including Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the state's former chief ministers with her remark about India getting Independence in 2014 only after Narendra Modi was voted to power. Singh added that Ranaut had no political vision apart from praising the current prime minister. Earlier, speaking to reporters after a public meeting in Manali, Singh said a drop has been noticed in the inflow of tourists to Kullu district after the summers and if elected as an MP, he will focus on promoting eco-tourism in the area. Therefore, a plan has been developed to promote eco-tourism in the area in order to maintain tourist footfall throughout the year, the state minister added. Hitting out at Ranaut, Singh said, ''I request former chief minister Jai Ram Thakur to and teach her so that she can know what work has been done in Mandi by the Congress-led government at the Centre.'' In one of her election rallies, Ranaut had asked what Singh's family did for Mandi despite representing the constituency several times in the Parliament. The Congress leader said the scheme of 24-hour drinking water supply in Kullu and Manali, establishment of IIT Mandi and construction of Medical College in Ner Chowk were done during the Congress regime. ''Apart from this, there are many such schemes about which Kangana Ranaut knows nothing. She just keeps making baseless statements and has no idea about the developmental works undertaken at the grassroots level,'' the Himachal Pradesh PWD minister added. Vikramaditya Singh, the two-time MLA from the Shimla (rural) Assembly segment, is the titular king of the erstwhile princely state of Bushahr. He is the son of Mandi sitting MP Pratibha Singh, who is representing the constituency for the third time in the parliament. His father Virbhadra Singh was also a three-time MP form the same seat. The Mandi parliamentary seat, which goes to polls on June 1 in the last phase of the Lok Sabha elections, is spread over six districts comprises 17 assembly segments, eight of which are reserved for Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled castes.

Akola inspector booked for stalking, demanding sexual favours

Senior inspector Dhananjay Sayre of Khadan police station in Akola was booked by Nandanvan police of Nagpur for allegedly molesting and assaulting a 23-year-old woman preparing for competitive exams, as her father had requested Sayre to guide her.

Himachal BJP chief holds meeting with officials to prepare for PM Modis rallies in Nahan, Mandi

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Heeramandi: Jason Shah BREAKS Silence On Rape Scene With Manisha Koirala, 'Didn't Find It Too Emotional'

Jason Shah opened up about the rape scene with Manisha Koirala from Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Heeramandi.

POK Will Reunite with India Automatically, says Rajnath Singh

SAMBALPUR : The Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) belongs to India and it will soon reunite with our country. India will not use any force, but it will automatically return to us as the people in that region have started strongly pleading for returning to Indias mainstream life, said defence minister Rajnath Singh. Mr Singh, while campaigning for partys Sambalpur Lok Sabha candidate Dharmendra Pradhan and nominees of the seven assembly constituencies, said the shattered economy of Pakistan and poor governance system in Pakistan had made the life of POK residents miserable and they were looking for salvation from Pakistans regime. After the abrogation of Article 370, massive development work has been going on in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). There has been significant development in the life of residents of J&K. People in POK are keenly observing and comparing their conditions with their counterparts in J&K. They have started demanding to get reunified with India, said Singh. He added that India does not need to use force or any sort of that as the process of POK reunification with this country will happen automatically. Stating that BJP believed in honouring its promises and it had delivered on whatever commitments it had made to the people of the country, Singh said people's trust on the party has increased manifold because of its accomplishments. We believe in honouring our promises. Be it the abrogation of Article 370 or the construction of the grand Ram Temple at Ayodhya, whatever promises were made by the BJP, have been fulfilled, said Rajnath Singh. Singh took potshots at Odishas ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) dubbing it as a non-performer. The Congress ruled Odisha for 50 years and the BJD has been in power here in the state for 25 years. But Odisha has not developed much in the last 75 years as poverty is yet to be eradicated. All the important documents, manuscripts, art, and culture have been lost. I have been told that even the keys of Puri Jagannath temple's Ratna Bhandar are also missing, he said. Observing that the Modi government had been working for the poor and other backward classes, Singh said, be it pucca houses, cooking gas, toilets, and other facilities, the Centre had done a lot of work to bring a massive transformation in the lives of people. It was the BJD government that tried to stop the benefits of Central schemes from reaching the beneficiaries in Odisha. The work for providing pucca houses, toilets, and cooking gas has not progressed much under the BJD rule. Several poor are deprived of availing the benefits of Ayushman Bharat here as the Naveen Patnaik government thinks implementations of such schemes will enhance the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said Singh. He added that nobody can stop BJP from coming to power in Odisha and getting 400 Lok Sabha seats as targeted by Modi.

Bhansali praises Sonakshi, says she stands tall in stature of stardom

Bollywood filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali discusses the casting process of 'Heeramandi,' highlighting the pivotal role of casting director Shruti and praising Sonakshi Sinha's star power. He mentions bringing in talents like Sanjeeda Sheikh, Farida Jalal, and Sharmin, and expresses confidence in the cast's ability to bring depth to the project.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali addresses Heeramandis Historical Inaccuracies

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Sanjay Leela Bhansali addresses Heeramandis Historical Inaccuracies Sanjay Leela Bhansali has spoken about the historical inaccuracies in 'Heeramandi', something viewers criticised. The post Sanjay Leela Bhansali addresses Heeramandis Historical Inaccuracies appeared first on DESIblitz .

Eco-tourism promotion my top priority for Mandi: Congress nominee Vikramaditya Singh

Eco-tourism promotion my top priority for Mandi: Congress nominee Vikramaditya Singh Congress' Mandi candidate Vikramaditya Singh on Sunday said if elected as an MP, he will focus on promoting eco-tourism in the area. Speaking to reporters after a public meeting in Manali, Singh said a drop has been noticed in the inflow of tourists to Kullu district after the summers. Therefore, a plan has been developed to promote eco-tourism in the area in order to maintain tourist footfall throughout the year, the state minister added. The Congress has pitted Singh against BJP candidate and actor Kangana Ranaut. Hitting out at Ranaut, Singh said, ''I request former chief minister Jai Ram Thakur to and teach her so that she can know what work has been done in Mandi by the Congress-led government at the Centre.'' In one of her election rallies, Ranaut had asked what Singh's family did for Mandi despite representing the constituency several times in the Parliament. The Congress leader said the scheme of 24-hour drinking water supply in Kullu and Manali, establishment of IIT Mandi and construction of Medical College in Ner Chowk were done during the Congress regime. ''Apart from this, there are many such schemes about which Kangana Ranaut knows nothing. She just keeps making baseless statements and has no idea about the developmental works undertaken at the grassroots level,'' the Himachal Pradesh PWD minister added. Vikramaditya Singh, the two-time MLA from the Shimla (rural) Assembly segment, is the titular king of the erstwhile princely state of Bushahr. He is the son of Mandi sitting MP Pratibha Singh, who is representing the constituency for the third time in the parliament. His father Virbhadra Singh was also a three-time MP form the same seat. The Mandi parliamentary seat, which goes to polls on June 1 in the last phase of the Lok Sabha elections, is spread over six districts comprises 17 assembly segments, eight of which are reserved for Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled castes.

PM Modi only talks about dividing issues, not real ones: Jairam Ramesh

PM Modi only talks about dividing issues, not real ones: Jairam Ramesh Amid the ongoing elections in the country, Congress General Secretary in-charge Communications Jairam Ramesh launched a scathing attack against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that, sidelining real issues, he only talks about Mandir-Masjid and Hindu-Muslim. PM Modi only talks about dividing issues, not the real ones. He only talks about Hindu-Muslim, Masjid-Mandir. We raise real issues like farmers, women empowerment, caste census, etc., but they do not speak on all of these things. He talks about defaming the Congress party, he said. He further stated that after the four phases of elections, the BJP had no scope in South India and was reduced to half in North, West, and East India. Hailing INDIA alliance, he said that now it is clear that the INDIA alliance will emerge victorious and a government will be formed with a clear majority. Stating the misuse of central agencies, he said, We believe that the way ED and the CBI have been misused has never been done before. Soren and Kejriwal got arrested. PM Modi said that Adani and Ambani went to the Congress office with black money. Why is there no ED action against such people then? Lashing out at the centre over Jammu and Kashmir, he demanded that J-K be given the status of statehood. There should be elections, adding to that, he said, It has never happened in history that a state has been reduced to union territory. So many people have been killed in J-K. He further slammed the BJP, saying that they want to get away with the reservation, which is why they are seeking over 400 seats in the general elections. UP CM Yogi before 9 years wrote an article stating the need to end the reservation. Also, the kind of language that has been used during the elections shows that they want to end reservations, said the Congress leader. (ANI)

I will be very happy to win MP of the Year Award: BJP candidate from Mandi Kangana Ranaut

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Muslims in Ayodhya say 'mandir-masjid' a non-issue, want development and jobs

AYODHYA: As Ayodhya gears up to vote for the first time after the Ram temple consecration, Muslim voters in the pilgrim town say mandir-masjid (temple-mosque) is not an issue for them and employment and development are their primary concerns. Some, including Iqbal Ansari, who was a litigant in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case, give the BJP due credit for the development of Ayodhya while others feel much needs to be done to ensure that the gains percolate to all parts of the temple town. When elections come, political leaders start remembering God, irrespective of their party. But people want health and education facilities and security, Ansari told PTI. The BJP has done good work in Ayodhya and hence it should get the due credit. The BJP has an edge here. Though I do not have much interest in elections, I will definitely cast my vote on polling day, he said. Ansari said workers of political parties have been coming to his house to seek his vote and the BJP was the first to approach him. Ansari had earlier said that the BJP brought an end to the Ram temple issue. The 55-year-old found a mention in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech at a poll rally in Haryana's Gohana on Saturday. Hitting out at the Congress for giving the January 22 Ram temple consecration ceremony a miss, Modi had said, They have so much hatred towards Lord Ram that they rejected the invitation (for consecration ceremony). Whereas Ansari, who fought against the Ram Mandir in court, attended the ceremony, the prime minister had said. Ashfaq Hussain, a builder and government contractor associated with the BJP, asserted that Muslim women are with the party. The (Muslim) women have given a thumbs up (to the BJP) on the issue of triple talaq. Their response towards the BJP has been positive vis-a-vis triple talaq and the law and order situation in the state. A significant number of Muslims have got houses under the PM Awas Yojana in the Rudauli assembly segment of the Faizabad Lok Sabha seat. Bablu Khan, a local resident, feels that the stream of development is flowing in Ayodhya. The people of Ayodhya are satisfied and sitting Faizabad BJP MP Lallu Singh will return for a third term. Not everyone agrees. Mohammad Aamir, 25, said people are not interested in mandir-masjid and want jobs. We want jobs. The issue of 'mandir-masjid' will not run households. I am not saying this because I am a Muslim, I am saying this as a jobless person. 'Mandir-masjid' should not be an (election) issue, he said. He added that he will vote for a party that gives priority to public interest. Fareed Salmani, the lone Muslim candidate in the poll fray in Ayodhya, said the lives of people living in areas on the outskirts of the constituency remain untouched by development. Things in the outer areas of the constituency, especially villages, have remained more or less unchanged since my childhood. MPs and MLAs from almost every caste were elected but development is yet to reach many areas, the Independent candidate told PTI. The Faizabad Lok Sabha constituency comprises five assembly seats -- Dariyabad, Rudauli, Milkipur (SC), Bikapur and Ayodhya. Of these, Dariyabad is located in neighbouring Barabanki district and the remaining four assembly segments are in Ayodhya district. There are 19,27,459 eligible voters in the Faizabad constituency. Thirteen candidates are in the fray, including BJP's Singh and Samajwadi Party's sitting Milkipur MLA Awadhesh Prasad. Polling for the Faizabad Lok Sabha seat will be held in the fifth round of the seven-phase elections on May 20.

Heeramandi's 'Sakal Ban' inspires classical dance fusion in viral video

Heeramandis Sakal Ban inspires classical dance fusion in viral video

THIS 'Heeramandi' plot was inspired by SLB's life

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's debut web series, 'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,' has taken the global streaming platform by storm.

Shekhar Suman RAPID Fire Round: From His First Love To His First Paycheck, The Actor Reveals All

Trust Shekhar Suman to never mince his words. Riding high on the success of 'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar' the actor sat down for an exclusive rapid fire round with with CNN-News18's Titas Chowdhury. Watch the video for more.

BJP uses tribals as vote bank, never thinks about their development: Abhishek

BJP uses tribals as vote bank, never thinks about their development: Abhishek TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Sunday accused the BJP of using tribal communities as a vote bank while neglecting their interests. Addressing a meeting in support of TMC candidate in West Bengal's Jhargram Lok Sabha constituency, Banerjee claimed that in the past five years, the BJP government in Delhi had prevented their own party MP from working towards the economic development of various tribal communities. ''Jhargram MP Kunar Hembram, who joined the TMC from BJP at this meeting, recounted how every attempt he made to secure funds from Delhi for regional development was obstructed and ignored by the party's top leadership. He felt suffocated in the BJP and realised he was in the wrong party,'' Banerjee said. Hembram joined the TMC in Banerjee's presence at the rally. Accusing the BJP of inciting unrest in Junglemahal region, Banerjee, the MP for Diamond Harbour, said, ''A year ago, our convoy was stopped in Jhargram by a mob that pelted stones at the car of my accompanying leader, Minister Birbaha Hansda.'' ''Though they were demanding rights for the Kurmi community in Junglemahal region, it was clear from their slogans, attire, and appearance that they were BJP activists masquerading as local Kurmi community members,'' he added. Banerjee emphasised the state government's support for SC, ST, and OBC communities, citing the increased monthly allowance for women from backward communities under the Lakshmir Bhandar empowerment project for poor women. ''What is Modi's 10-year report card apart from dividing people and spreading falsehoods?'' he questioned.

Demanding a haircut without talking is just rude how important do you think you are? | Barbara Ellen

The chat-free salon session is now a thing, but is it really that hard to feign a bit of interest in your stylists love life and holiday plans? How important are you? So important that only other important people are permitted to speak to you? So eminent your hair must be snipped in monastic silence? I ask because hair stylist Kati Hakomeri has introduced a silent service at her salon , Parturi Kati, in Helsinki. Clients can book the online option: A haircut without talking. After the consultation you can be on your own, recharge your batteries and relax. Hakomeri says shes an introvert herself, and her clients could be busy professionals or exhausted mothers. Continue reading...

Aditi Rao Hydari's Look Tests For Heeramandi's Bibbojaan. Pics Inside

A few weeks back, the actress reflected upon her viral walk in the Heeramandi song Saiyaan Hatto Jaao

Tripura: Husband kills wife over monetary dispute

Tripura: Husband kills wife over monetary dispute In a tragic and shocking incident, Taur Ali, a resident of Prakash Latiapura Village Panchayat in the Unakoti district of Tripura, brutally murdered his wife, Nichhafa Begam, on Saturday. According to the reports, on the night of May 18, around 1 am, a violent altercation erupted between the couple when Nichhafa refused to comply with Taur Ali's monetary demands. In a fit of rage, Taur Ali attacked her with a sharp blade, delivering five vicious blows to her head and neck. Nichhafa Begam succumbed to her injuries on the spot. Reportedly, the accused, Taur Ali, immediately fled from the spot after committing the crime. The police officials from the Irani Police Station arrived at the spot on Sunday morning and transported Nichhafa Begam's body to the Unakoti District Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination. Also, the police have launched an intensive manhunt to apprehend Taur Ali, who has fled from the spot and has detained a suspect for questioning. While speaking to ANI, an OC (officer in charge) of the Irani Police Station, Jatindra Das, said, We received reports of Nichhafa Begam's murder. The preliminary investigation indicates she was killed by her husband, Taur Ali, over a monetary dispute. We are actively searching for the accused and are committed to bringing him to justice. As per police officials, Nichhafa Begam had been subjected to continuous abuse by her husband, Taur Ali, who had been demanding money from her father's house for a long time. Despite being severely ill and having recently undergone an operation outside the state, Nichhafa was forced to return home by her husband after she sought refuge at her father's house to escape the abuse. According to Nichhafa's younger brother, Taur Ali had been pressuring Nichhafa to fetch money to cover her medical expenses, despite his gambling addiction, which her family vehemently opposed. After being forcibly brought back home by Taur Ali, Nichhafa endured relentless torture. The tragic incident has left their three sons devastated, especially the two younger children at home, while the eldest is away in Bengaluru seeking employment. The local community is demanding swift and severe punishment for Taur Ali, condemning his actions as inhumane and cruel. The demand for Taur Ali's arrest and exemplary punishment grows louder, reflecting the collective grief and anger of the local residents. (ANI)

Puri Srimandir to remain out of bounds for devotees tomorrow for PM Modis visit

Puri: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive on a two-day visit to the state for his third leg of campaign for BJP. The prime minister will arrive here on Sunday evening and make a night halt at Raj Bhawan. The next morning he will leave for Puri at 7 am and have darshan of [] The post Puri Srimandir to remain out of bounds for devotees tomorrow for PM Modis visit appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Heeramandi lyricist AM Turaz on Azadi: 'Women's contribution in Indian freedom movement has never been...' | Exclusive

Lyricist AM Turaz opens up on his relationship with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and working on the Netflix series Heeramandi.

Emergency To Be Kangana Ranaut's Last Film? Actor Will Quit Bollywood If She Wins Lok Sabha Elections 2024

''The film world is a lie, everything there is fake''- Kangana Ranaut Actress-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut admitted that she will quit Bollywood if she wins the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024 from Mandi.

Kangana Ranaut vows to 'quit' Bollywood upon winning LS seat

Kangana Ranaut, currently a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for the Mandi seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, has pledged to leave Bollywood if she wins.

SLB gives a major UPDATE about 'Love & War'

Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali's debut web series, 'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,' has received countless love from everyone. The audiences highly praised the larger-than-life sets, execution, characters, and timeless music.

Kangana to QUIT Bollywood if she elections?

Come June 4th, fans of Kangana Ranaut may be in for a mean surprise if she wins a seat in Mandi in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections 2024. The actress revealed that she may just be gearing up to quit the industry if she can secure a seat and commence her political career.

SLB: Salman stood by me even when I messed up

The ace filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who is currently enjoying the success of his recently released series 'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar', recently opened up on his friendship with Salman Khan after the fallout of their film 'Inshallah'.

Interference in Indias internal affairs, lies about CAA, fearmongering about Ram Mandir: Meet Asif Mahmood, Pakistani-origin activist appointed as USCIRF Commissioner

The appointment of Asif Mahmood to the USCIRF is not without reason. He has been at the forefront of peddling anti-India propaganda under the guise of 'human rights' activism.

Bhansali Asked Aditi Rao Hydari NOT To Lose Weight For Heeramandi's Gajagamini Walk: 'You Look Beautiful'

Aditi Rao Hydari's performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Heeramandi is getting a lot of praise, along with her trending Gajagamini walk.

WSL 2023-24 season review: our writers best and worst

The best players, most thrilling games and finest signings plus the biggest flops and greatest gripes of the eventful season It has to be Khadija Shaw . Bunnys output speaks for itself with 21 goals in 18 games, including a run of three hat-tricks in four games at the turn of the year. For a moment it seemed as though Lauren James would match Shaws goal tally but the Manchester City strikers commanding presence has set her apart from anyone else in the WSL this season. Xaymaca Awoyungbo Continue reading...

Goa police arrest man from Bengaluru for cyber bullying woman and extortion

Goa police arrest man from Bengaluru for cyber bullying woman and extortion The Goa cyber crime police have arrested a man from Bengaluru on charges of cyber bullying a woman and extortion after posting a fake job advertisement online, an official said on Sunday. Following a complaint by the Goa-based woman, the cyber crime team arrested the accused, Mohan Raj V (29), on Saturday after laying a trap, a police spokesperson said. The victim in her complaint claimed the accused published a fake job advertisement for a vacancy at a foreign bank and contacted her through a chatting app, he said. ''The accused lured her into attending an online interview via video call, during which some persons, posing as representatives of the company, coerced her to undress, recorded the video and took screenshots,'' the spokesman said. The accused then began to blackmail the woman, demanding sexual favours to delete the compromising material, he said. The woman alleged that the accused harassed her for the past two months and demanded she meet him in Bengaluru or else he would make her videos and pictures public. A team led by Superintendent of Police Rahul Gupta travelled to Bengaluru with the victim and laid a trap. ''After extensive efforts and a long chase, the accused was apprehended when he arrived to meet the victim,'' the spokesperson said. Police said the accused has confessed to his crime. ''The chats and videos of the victim recorded on the phone of the accused were recovered. The phone will be sent for a cyber forensic examination,'' he said. The investigation suggested the accused created fake accounts using VPN phone numbers and posted fraudulent job offers targeting female victims. ''They (the arrested person and others) randomly contacted women, induced them to participate in online interviews with promises of high salary packages, and then recorded their objectionable images and videos. These recordings were subsequently used to blackmail the victims for sexual gratification,'' he said. After the woman's complaint, the police on April 30 registered a case against unidentified persons. Following the arrest, the accused was booked under Indian Penal Code sections 354 A (sexual harassment), 384 (extortion) and provisions of the Information Technology Act, the police said.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali on criticism over historical inaccuracies in `Heeramandi`

Heeramandi creator has finally broken silence over the criticism of the historical inaccuracies revolving around the show set in the 1920s

Sanjay Leela Bhansali Calls Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan 'Witty And Sharp': 'They Can Make You Laugh'

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is currently basking in the success of his recently released web series Heeramandi.

'Queen' vs 'Raja': Whom will Mandi elect

Clash of the two richest titans, a celebrity and a 'royal', is on the cards in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi Lok Sabha constituency, known for electing erstwhile 'royals' maximum number of times.

Heeramandi Actress Abha Rantas Shocking Casting Couch Revelation!

In the ever-evolving landscape of the entertainment industry, the issue of the casting couch has long been a topic of intense scrutiny and debate. As the veil of secrecy continues to lift, more and more actors are finding the courage to speak out about their personal experiences, shining a light on the pervasive problem that [...] The post Heeramandi Actress Abha Rantas Shocking Casting Couch Revelation! appeared first on PagalParrot .

Balochistan Assembly demands medical college in Kharan district

Balochistan Assembly demands medical college in Kharan district The Balochistan Assembly adopted a resolution demanding the provincial government to establish a medical college in Kharan district of Balochistan, reported Dawn. Kharan is the divisional headquarters of Balochistan's biggest Rakhshan division. Meanwhile, four other resolutions on the assembly's agenda for Friday could not be presented due to a lack of quorum, Dawn reported. The resolution was jointly moved by Minister for Finance, Mines, and Minerals Mir Shoaib Nosherwani, Sadiq Sanjrani, Zabit Reki, and Ghulam Distagir Badani during the assembly session, which was then presided over by Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai. The resolution highlighted that the Rakhshan division, comprising four districts including Kharan, Washuk, Chagai, and Noshki, does not have a medical college. Eventually, the students have to go to Quetta or other regions of the country to obtain medical education, while they do not have enough financial resources to cover expenses due to poverty, reported Dawn. Finance Minister Nosherwani highlighted the challenges faced by the Rakhshan division, which has a population of over one million. Additionally, female students lack opportunities to pursue further education due to poor educational facilities. Opposition leader Mir Younis Aziz Zehri supported the resolution and expressed hope that the medical college would be established during the government's term. Moreover, Provincial Minister for Revenue Mir Asim Kurd, Minister for Agriculture Noor Muhammad Dummor, Deputy Speaker Ghazala Gola, and Engineer Zamrak Khan Piralizai endorsed the resolution and suggested that a medical college should be established in Dera Murad Jamali. He demanded that a cadet college be established in the Kachhi district, as reported by Dawn. Piralizai, a member of the Awami National Party (ANP), emphasised that new educational institutions should be established in the province, but there is a need to give proper attention to the educational institutions that already exist in the province. Pakistan Minister for Planning Mir Zahoor Buledi stressed that establishing new educational institutions would not reduce the country's resources, as resource generation was the responsibility of the government. (ANI)

Moisturising lip balms: 10 of the best

Sometimes you just want a good, basic, old-school product Basic is a word we are used to hearing in derogatory terms: anything referred to as basic is mediocrity at its worst. But basic has its place. For instance, when it comes to lip products. The industry has really pushed the needle on lip-care, so that our lips are being treated to as much attention as our face. You can now get lip oils, serums, masks, treatments And I applaud that. Its important for the industry to be forward thinking, to push boundaries and go the extra mile with what they can offer us, the consumer. Lets face it, we are a demanding lot. But you know something? For all the innovation, sometimes I just want a basic balm. (OK, an elevated basic.) Nothing with a newfangled name or iteration, just an old-school lip balm that, yes, makes your lips look and feel good, whether or not you are wearing lipstick but more importantly one that doesnt need constant reapplication. (If yours does, check you are not dehydrated; if that still doesnt work, try something else.) A special shout out to By Terrys Baume de Rose. It is one of the best I have used, so I come back to it time and time again. It is also spenny just as well it lasts an absolute age. 1. Glossier Strawberry Balm Dotcom 14, glossier.com 2. By Terry Baume De Rose 42, byterry.com 3. Inkey List Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm 11, uk.theinkeylist.com 4. Augustinus Bader x Sofia Coppola The Tinted Lip Balm 33, augustinusbader.com 5. Sisley Phyto-Lip Balm 46, sisley.com 6. Dr PawPaw Lip Balm SPF 20 5, waitrose.com 7. Christian Dior Beauty Le Baume 50, dior.com 8. Pleasing Big Lip HA Moisture Balm 20, pleasing.com 9. Chantecaille Rose De Mai Nourishing Lip Balm 44, spacenk.com 10. Givenchy Beauty Rose Perfecto Liquid Lip Balm 33, givenchybeauty.com Continue reading...

Rajiv Gandhi set in motion process to build Ram temple says Jeevan Reddy

HYDERABAD: Criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modis comments that the grand old party will run bulldozers over the Ram temple if voted to power, Congress MLC T Jeevan Reddy on Saturday said that it was former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi who opened the locks of the Babri Masjid and placed the idol of Ram Lalla in 1986 following a court order. He said that Ram temple would have been a reality much earlier if Rajiv Gandhi was voted to power in 1989. Addressing a press conference at the Gandhi Bhavan, Jeevan Reddy demanded the prime minister retract his words. He reminded Modi that he was not even in politics when Rajiv Gandhi set in motion the process for the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The Congress MLC also sharply accused the Modi of making divisive statements in violation of the model code of conduct. He said that it was the BJP which was running the governments on bulldozers. It is the BJP which dragged the Ram Mandir issue into controversy for its own political benefit, Jeevan Reddy said.

Mother seeks probe into teen son's death in Tamil Nadu

ERODE: A woman from Appakudal approached the Erode district collector's office on Saturday demanding a proper investigation into the death of her 16-year-old son. She alleged an acquaintance had offered the boy a drink laced with ganja and a chemical solution before he took ill. P Amsa, who is a resident of Gandhi Nagar in Appakudal, filed a complaint over the death of her son Gowtham on May 17. More than 50 people from the area accompanied her as she arrived to submit a petition at the collector's office. Speaking to reporters, Amsa, a sanitary worker at the Oricheri Pudur Village Panchayat, said, Gowtham passed the current year's Class 10 public examination with 319 marks. On May 10, he went with a construction worker named Rohit, a resident of the same area. After returning home, Gowtham started vomiting and fainted. We admitted him to the Bhavani Government Hospital for treatment. Later he was shifted to the Erode Government Hospital. The boy was referred to the Salem Government Hospital on Friday, May 11, as there was no improvement in his condition. However, Gowtham passed away early on Friday, Amsa suspects Rohit for Gowtham's death. Rohit had mixed ganja, banned tobacco products and a paint-mixing solution in Gowtham's milk. I complained about this at the Appakudal police station. But the police did not take appropriate action. So a proper investigation should be conducted into my son's death and action should be taken against Rohit, Amsa demanded. Substances like ganja are easily available to the youth in the Appakudal area. The District Collector should take appropriate action to prevent this, she said. Amsa's husband is n more. She has a daughter Jeeva, 17.

This whole election is between `Ram Bhakt` and `Ram Drohi`, says UP CM Yogi

He further stated that the people will only vote for the BJP over Ram Mandir in Ayodhya

BJP a factory of lies, BJD retorts

BHUBANESWAR: The BJD on Saturday hit out at BJP accusing it of spreading lies about Srimandir Parikrama Prakalpa in Puri. The regional party also said that Ratna Bhandar will be opened in July this year. Addressing mediapersons at Sankha Bhawan, BJD Lok Sabha candidate for Berhampur Bhrugu Buxipatra slammed the BJP leaders for playing petty politics over Parikrama project and accused them of being in the habit of lying. Buxipatra said there is no truth in the claims of BJP that Rs 4,500 crore has been spent on project. The state government has spent only Rs 325 crore for the Parikrama project and has set aside another Rs 4,200 crore for the overall development of Shrikhetra under Abhada scheme. Work on these projects is still continuing, he said. He said, the Srimandir Ratna Bhandar will open in July. A committee headed by a retired Supreme Court justice has been formed to look into the matter. The committee has already convened its first meeting in May last year, he added. Buxipatra also criticised BJP chief ministers and central ministers terming them as political tourists. These political tourists have no idea about Odisha. They are saying whatever they are being fed by their party leaders in the state, he said while claiming that there will be no sighting of these leaders once the elections are over in the next 15 days and that they will turn up again in 2029. The BJD leader also accused the saffron party leaders of insulting people of the state and causing damage to Odia culture through their rude and derogatory remarks.

PM Modi roadshow in Puri on May 20

BHUBANESWAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive on a two-day visit to the state for his third leg of campaign for BJP. The prime minister will arrive here on Sunday evening and make a night halt at Raj Bhawan. The next morning he will leave for Puri at 7 am and have darshan of Lord Jagannath at Srimandir. After paying obeisance to the Trinity, the prime minister will hold a roadshow from Singhadwar to Medical Chhak from 7.30 am. After the roadshow, Modi will leave for Angul where he will address an election rally at 9.30 am at Angul stadium. He will address another Vijay Sankalp rally at Killa Padia in Cuttack at around 11.30 am. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will also arrive on a days visit to the state on Sunday. He will address three public meetings, the first at Naktideul near Rairakhol at 10 am, the second at Keonjhar Patna at 11.40 am and the last at Khurda at 1.30 pm.

Death of APP: Sanctity of inquiry report comes under scanner

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : Serious doubts have been raised about the way a fact-finding inquiry has been conducted on the suicide of Aneeshya S, assistant public prosecutor, Munsiff Magistrate Court Paravur, Kollam, and the allegations of ill-treatment she raised against her colleagues in her suicidal note. The director general of prosecution on January 23 ordered a fact-finding inquiry and deputed Sheeba K, deputy director of prosecution, as the inquiry officer. However, the family of Aneeshya and the Justice for Aneeshya Solidarity Committee which are demanding a CBI inquiry into the death have questioned the sanctity of the report. In reply to an RTI application, the Prosecution Directorate has revealed that no terms of reference were mentioned while ordering the fact-finding inquiry. And the RTI reply also revealed that No criteria were formed for recording statements from officials. It was the inquiry officer, acting on her logic, who decided to record the statements of officials in Kollam district. P E Usha who is associated with the solidarity committee, told TNIE that by not framing the terms and conditions of the inquiry, the basic right to justice has been denied. The director general of prosecution has deputed deputy director of prosecution for inquiry when one of the accused is also in the same rank. The inquiry officer recorded the statement only from Kollam while many of the officials with whom Aneeshya had shared her ill-treatment from higher authorities and colleagues were transferred to other districts. By avoiding them, the inquiry officer committed a grave mistake. The RTI reply revealed that no one had ever approached the inquiry officer voluntarily to give a statement, she said. I had sent an email from my official e-mail ID to the deputy director of prosecution, Sheeba, about my willingness to give a statement. But no reply came, Premnath, former deputy director of prosecution, Palakkad, told TNIE.The Justice for Aneeshya Solidarity Committee has alleged that the government has not taken a decision on the inquiry report but it was submitted before the High Court when the accused persons bail application was considered. In the RTI reply, it is clearly stated that the report has been submitted before the government for consideration. Then how could it be submitted before the court? It is also learned that the inquiry officer had gone through all the documents which she thought were proper. How could a fact-finding inquiry be done as per the whims and fancies of an individual? Usha asked. The Solidarity Committee on Friday met Governor Arif Muhammad Khan and submitted a representation seeking his intervention to order a CBI inquiry before evidence in the case is destroyed.

Jaw broken, girls harassed: Indian students in Bishkek live in fear

HYDERABAD: Locked inside his university hostel at Kyrgyzstans capital Bishkek, where the gates were shut and the lights were turned off by the administration so they could stay safe, a Telangana-based medical student, Fayzan, told TNIE on Saturday that although the violence was temporarily curbed, a mob had openly sent out a warning to the Indians and Pakistanis that there would be another attack in the night. India advises its students in Bishkek to stay indoors after mob violence On the night of May 17, an angry mob of locals entered two universities in the capital city, broke the windows of the hostels and targeted foreign nationals, especially Indian and Pakistani nationals. They attacked foreign students and misbehaved with girls. An acquaintance suffered a broken jaw and a few others sustained minor injuries, said Fayzan. Following the mob violence, the Indian embassy released a statement that the situation is presently calm and advised all students to stay indoors and contact the Mission in case of any problems. However, many Indian students that TNIE had contacted expressed fear as locals were circulating hate messages on TikTok and other social media platforms. The driver of a taxi I had previously travelled in sent me a video of the mob violence and threatened to beat me as well, said a student from Uttar Pradesh. While students living in university hostels shared that there were local police and Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) deployed outside the campus, those living in private accommodations do not have the same kind of security. Students living in flats have been asked to not step out of their accommodations. In case of an emergency, they have been advised to carry their visas and passports, said a student from Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, who did not want to be named. However, that does not make any difference. The mob does not look into the passports before attacking, his friend added. The violence, which started following an alleged altercation between the locals and Egyptians on May 13, has led to a series of incidents where foreign nationals have been targeted. While university officials are ensuring that the students in campus are safe, those living outside the campus are demanding police security and provision of essentials, said Dr Apurva, the national convenor of the All Indian Medical Students Association Foreign Medical Students Wing (AIMSA-FMSW). Another member of the AIMSA-FMSW, Dr Vasundhara said, We are concerned as we have been unable to reach out to a few of the Indian students. We are trying to keep in touch with as many students as possible and check in on their safety. Amidst the tense situation, the student from Uttar Pradesh told TNIE, A couple of Indian students who stay elsewhere in the country, have left Kyrgyzstan fearing violence. They are not in Bishkek, but are afraid and have taken the road to leave the country. Even as the students are expecting that the situation would most likely be back to normal in a few days, they insist, Only if the Indian government and agencies take a major action or put pressure on the Kyrgyzstan government, will the situation change. Else, we are worried that this might repeat.

RCB's dramatic comeback run continues, make IPL playoffs

The IMD issued a yellow alert for heavy rainfall on Saturday, causing downpour in the virtual knockout match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings. Despite the rain, the jam-packed stadium waited for the showers, and RCB's combined batting effort led to a commanding 218/5 score, marking the beginning of a well-scripted and executed victory.

BJP confident of winning all four seats in hill state: Jai Ram Thakur

Former chief minister of Himachal Pradesh and leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur believes that the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government in the state will survive only till parliamentary polls. It is very difficult for them to survive given the situation they (Congress) are in, he told Harpreet Bajwa in an interview. Excerpts: In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won all 4 seats in Himachal Pradesh but in the by-election, it lost the Mandi seat. How do you see the party performing in parliamentary polls? In the last parliamentary polls, we led on all 68 assembly seats. The then BJP MP from Mandi Ram Saroop had died followed by the death of former CM Virbhadra Singh. Pratibha Singh, Virbhadras wife, won that election due to the sympathy factor. The Singhs belong to a royal family and thus a major part of their erstwhile kingdom falls in the Mandi constituency such as Rampur and Kinnaur. We lost that poll by only 7,000 votes. Now the situation is different. First, there is no sympathy wave and secondly, it is a general election. Another difference is that Pratibha Singh has never visited the constituency since her poll victory. Her son Vikramaditya Singh is fighting in her place and it will reflect against him, too. We will win all four seats. On what issues are you fighting these elections? The main issue is Modi, and the clear prospects of his forming the government again. The other parties dont even claim to form the government. Our partys objective of winning 400-plus seats will be achieved. The work done by PM Modi in the last 10 years and his image across the world will have a major impact on the elections. The other important factor is that Modi executed all projects in a seamless manner, be it the abrogation of Article 370, the construction of Ram temple or the implementation of womens reservation and our economy reaching the fifth position globally. What are the state-specific issues finding resonance in the elections? The key issue is the failure of the state government, administratively and politically. The Congress government had a full majority. In only 14 months, it lost the only Rajya Sabha seat from the state. Then, 6 Congress MLAs and three independents withdrew support to the government. All developmental works have come to a standstill. Will the Congress-led state government survive after the polls? Going by the present situation, I think it is very difficult for them to survive. As by-elections are taking place on 6 assembly seats along with the Lok Sabha polls, how many seats do you think BJP will win? We are hopeful that we will win all the assembly seats. If assembly by-polls take place on 9 seats, the Congress government will automatically be in a minority. By-polls are taking place only on 6 assembly seats. Ultimately, by-elections for three other seats will also take place as independent MLAs have submitted their resignations, but the Speaker has not accepted them. Either their resignations will be accepted or they will be disqualified as they have joined the BJP. Film stars have fought elections, and won. But voters complain they do little for their constituencies. Your take We cannot weigh everyone in the same way. The party nominated Kangana Ranaut after deliberations. The positive point about Kangana is that she works very hard. There was resentment among some BJP leaders when Kangana was given the ticket from Mandi? There were all ticket aspirants now the resentment has gone and everyone is together. The Agniveer and Old Pension Scheme (OPS) impacted your party in the assembly polls. Will they again haunt the BJP? Both Agniveer and OPS are hardly any issues, though Congress will try to raise them but they will hardly have any traction. People are now asking them for the 10 guarantees they made including Rs 1,500 per month for women, 300 units of free power and 5 lakh jobs. No guarantee has been fulfilled. The airport at Mandi was a pet project when you were the CM what is its status now? Its technical and other surveys have been completed. The state government spent money on it, and earmarked Rs 1,000 crore. The project is stalled since the Congress government was formed. The Rs 250 crore Shiv Dham project too stalled. The industry has run away from the state; this government has closed more than 1000 educational institutions also.

Kerala: Congress blasts CPM over memorial move

KANNUR: The CPM came under heavy fire from the Congress on Saturday over its move to build a memorial for Shaiju and Subish, two party workers who were killed in a bomb-making incident in 2015. While state Congress president K Sudhakaran drew parallels between CPM and terrorist organisations, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan said CPM state secretary M V Govindan should be arrested if he takes part in the memorials inauguration. The CPM, however, said there was nothing wrong in building memorials for its workers. The memorial, funded with public contributions, has been built at AKG Nagar in Chettakandi near Panur and will be inaugurated by Govindan on May 22. What message is CPM sending to Kerala society by building a martyrs memorial for comrades killed during bomb-making? CPM is doing in Kerala what terrorist organisations are doing in the world. That the memorial building is being inaugurated by the CPM state secretary is proof the party condones terrorist activities, Sudhakaran said in a statement. Duo died defending CPM from RSS terror Training his guns on the chief minister, Sudhakaran said, Pinarayi Vijayan has been leading the politics of terror for the past two or three decades. The party is trying to spread terror across Kerala under the governments shadow. Questioning CPMs double standards, Satheesan said, The party had denied the allegations in 2015. Still, the bodies of the deceased were received by P Jayarajan, then CPM Kannur district secretary. Demanding police action against leaders who practise and justify such anti-social activities, he said, Govindan should be arrested if he takes part in the event, presenting criminals as martyrs. Meanwhile, Jayarajan told TNIE that both Shaiju and Subish were CPM workers and there was no fault in building memorials for them. We have been observing their martyrs day since 2016. They died defending CPM from RSS terror. Even in 2015, our party never disavowed the victims. Our demand was an inquiry into the blast, Jayarajan said. Shaiju and Subish died on June 6, 2015, when a bomb they were making exploded in a secluded area atop a hill. Four others were injured at the time. The CPM had distanced itself from the incident at the time, with then state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan denying any CPM links with the deceased and the explosion. (With inputs from TPuram)

Heeramandi's Taha Shah Says Women 'Cried' Seeing Him At Cannes: 'Their Mothers, Fathers Were Fans'

Taha Shah recently starred in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's debut web series Heeramandi.

Podcast: How Accurate is the Urdu in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Heeramandi'?

Time to fire up your epiglottis!

Lag Off Ceremony Of Bugyal Fachu Kandi Trek (8936 Ft)

Jaipur : A team of fourteen members from the Dot On Target Division of Sapta Shakti Command is poised to embark on the challenging Bugyal Fachu Kandi trek (8936 ft). The Expedition was flagged off by Major General Amit Talwar, General Officer Commanding, Dot On Target Division. The flagging-off ceremony took place at Hisar Cantonment ... Read more

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Mandir, Pak dominate Yogi Adityanath rally in Kurla

If Ujjwal Nikam wins, Yogi promises to take all of Kurla to Ayodhya for darshan

Richa Chadha: All those auto rides to auditions feel sweeter now

On a high after winning praise for Heeramandi, Richa says she is grateful to have made the journey from B-Town aspirant to successful actor-producer without a Godfather

If There Exists Temple Of Justice...: Court Upholds District Judge's Dismissal

The Allahabad High Court has upheld the dismissal of a judicial officer accused of demanding dowry and attempting to influence a junior judge in the case.

Intl Museum Day celebrated with seminars, exhibitions in J&K

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR/JAMMU, May 18: In commemoration of International Museum Day 2024, a series of events were organized across Jammu and Kashmir to celebrate the theme Museums for Education and Research. The events included seminars, exhibitions, and workshops aimed at raising awareness about cultural heritage and its preservation. In Srinagar, the Culture Department, in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), J&K, organized a seminar at the SPS Museum in Lal Mandi. The event, inaugurated by Principal Secretary Culture, [] The post Intl Museum Day celebrated with seminars, exhibitions in J&K appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Only a reformed Judiciary can deliver timely justice

In the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of modern governance, characterised by a relentless pursuit of efficiency and effectiveness, the judiciary emerges as a cornerstone of the nations functioning. Charged with upholding the rule of law, safeguarding individual rights, and ensuring justice for all, it plays an indispensable role in the fabric of society. Yet, despite its fundamental importance, the credibility of the judiciary is increasingly under scrutiny, primarily due to the prolonged delays in dispensing justice. With each passing day, the backlog of cases swells, suffocating the legal system and impeding access to justice for countless individuals. Cases languish in judicial limbo for years, if not decades, leaving litigants disillusioned and disheartened. The human toll of this inertia is most poignantly felt in cases where justice delayed tragically equates to justice denied. There are instances where the wheels of justice turn so agonizingly slow that the aggrieved party, whether victim or plaintiff, does not live to witness the resolution. Moreover, the endemic pending of cases undermines the foundational principles of democracy and the rule of law. Till February 2024, a staggering 5.1 crore cases are pending before the judiciary. The judiciarys credibility is inexorably linked to its ability to dispense justice in a timely and efficient manner, and yet, by all accounts, this vital function is in question. The urgent need for judicial reform through a parliamentary legislation has never been more apparent or pressing. It is imperative that we address the systemic deficiencies that impede the expeditious resolution of cases and erode public confidence in the legal system. Comprehensive reforms aimed at streamlining judicial procedures, bolstering institutional capacity, and leveraging technology like AI, e-courts, etc. to enhance efficiency are essential steps toward realising this vision. I can recall the case of a civil dispute within my own family that lingered unresolved for a staggering nearly 70 years. Such egregious delays not only defy the principles of justice but also perpetuate a culture of impunity. One of the primary reasons for this delay is the manipulation of legal procedures by certain advocates, who prolong arbitration processes to inflate compensation amounts. Parliamentary intervention is imperative to set stringent timelines for case disposal. Additionally, expanding the judiciary by appointing more judges from the existing talent pool is crucial to alleviate the burden on the system. An All-India Judicial Services Exam can be taken into consideration to bridge the gap pertaining to the shortage of judges. Another pressing issue, is the working days of judiciary. While the Supreme Court of India will operate for only 190 working days, with 176 holidays in 2024, other governmental bodies toil tirelessly, often under the most demanding of circumstances. This stark dissonance in commitment to service underscores a fundamental imbalance, one that demands urgent rectification. To address this systemic imbalance, it is imperative that judicial service rules be aligned with those governing other branches of government. Recent judicial decisions, particularly those concerning the granting of bail to political figures like Arvind Kejriwal, have ignited a firestorm of controversy. While bail is undeniably a legal right afforded to all individuals, its grant under politically charged circumstances has the potential to cast a shadow of doubt over the judiciarys independence. It underscores the delicate balance between judicial discretion and public perception, highlighting the need for greater transparency and accountability. To address these concerns and reaffirm public faith in the judiciary, reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability are urgently needed. Additionally, mechanisms for judicial oversight and review should be strengthened to ensure that decisions are made in accordance with established legal principles and precedents. While it is imperative to address flaws in governance mechanisms and uphold transparency in political financing, the judiciary must exercise prudence to prevent unintended consequences that could erode public trust. For instance, in the case of the electoral bond scheme, the judiciarys intervention inadvertently led to the revelation of donors identities, undermining the confidentiality provisions that were intended to protect their anonymity. In crafting a reform agenda, it is imperative to strike a balance between expediency and due process, preserving the integrity of the judicial system while addressing its shortcomings. Ultimately, the effectiveness of any democracy hinges on the strength of its institutions, particularly its judiciary. By undertaking comprehensive reforms to expedite case disposal, enhance judicial transparency, and bolster institutional capacity, we can reaffirm the judiciarys pivotal role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring equal access to justice for all. Sumeet Bhasin Director, Public Policy Research Centre Posts on X: @sumeetbhasin

The catastrophic canine crisis

Cases of strays or pet dogs, routinely attacking citizens and claiming lives, including those of children, regularly makes it to headlines. Recently, a five-year-old girl was mauled by two Rottweilers at a Nungambakkam park leading to a widespread public outcry. This prompted a typical knee-jerk response with the Tamil Nadu government declaring a ban against the import, sale and breeding of 23 dangerous dog breeds including Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, Terriers and Rhodesian Ridgebacks, similar to the one issued by the central government in March only to withdraw it within a matter of hours because the Madras high court and a few others had stayed the directive in response to protests by pet owners and breeders. This non-resolution to the canine crisis in India is typical and has re-ignited the debate on how to deal with the problem with animal lovers and activists arrayed against concerned citizens demanding stronger guidelines to deal with the strays and aggressive pets. The statistics are chilling. India accounts for about 36 per cent of the worlds rabies deaths. Deaths related to attacks by mans best friends and dog bite cases are staggeringly high. Worse, many such instances go unreported, especially in rural areas. Packs of strays running wild on the streets and roads, are ticking time bombs, endangering themselves as well as the citizenry. A suitable solution is possible provided committed action is taken by the Animal Welfare Board, state administration and the general populace working in tandem. Strays need to be gathered, vaccinated, neutered, and rehabilitated in dog shelters and sanctuaries to curb the burgeoning population and prevent attacks. Concerned citizens need to chip in with their time, money, and a willingness to adopt in order to supplement the efforts of the government. Pet control laws must be strictly enforced with owners ensuring that the four-legged members of the family are responsibly cared for and when taken out in public are suitably collared, leashed, and muzzled if necessary. A common complaint is that many people arbitrarily feed strays without taking overall responsibility for the dogs welfare which leads to these animals becoming territorial and more prone to attacking the unwary, when they are not fed. Which is why raising public awareness and educating people about how best to protect themselves while dealing with strays, treatment options for rabies, etc. are key to making it possible for humans and animals to coexist without harming each other. Ending the canine crisis entirely is going to be a challenge simply because heavy funds are required to sterilise and shelter these animals. Municipal bodies that arent corrupt or committed to enriching themselves at the expense of others, tend to divert the limited resources towards more pressing concerns prioritising human over animal welfare thereby endangering both and allowing a bad situation to worsen. There is also the question of euthanasia or culling unwanted strays demanded by practical necessities, but which raises questions about promoting cruelty to animals and failure to safeguard their rights. A sustainable, lasting, and humane solution to the canine crisis is not impossible to achieve, but it remains improbable. Anuja Chandramouli Author and new age classicist anujamouli@gmail.com

Pahari and BJP leaders during public meeting in Thannamandi in Rajouri. -Excelsior/Imran

Pahari and BJP leaders during public meeting in Thannamandi in Rajouri. -Excelsior/Imran The post Pahari and BJP leaders during public meeting in Thannamandi in Rajouri. -Excelsior/Imran appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

RCB grab final IPL play-off berth; CSK knocked out

In a captivating showdown on Saturday, Royal Challengers Bengaluru continued their remarkable streak, securing the fourth and final playoff berth with a commanding 27-run victory over defending champions Chennai Super Kings. Opting to bat first, RCB set a formidable target of 218 for five, showcasing their batting prowess. Despite a spirited effort from CSK, who managed 191 for 7 in their chase, RCB's disciplined bowling ensured their ninth playoff qualification in 15 seasons.

Judicial officer who defiles his office merits no mercy: HC

Judicial officer who defiles his office merits no mercy: HC The Allahabad High Court has upheld the dismissal of a judicial officer accused of demanding dowry and attempting to influence a junior judge in the case. If there exists a temple of justice, the judicial officers must act like its high priests, a bench comprising justices Saumitra Dayal Singh and Donadi Ramesh said and stressed that a judicial officer who defiles his office merits no mercy. Dismissing a writ petition filed by Umesh Kumar Sirohi, an additional district judge who was removed from service, the court said, ''Any transgression committed by a judicial officer to extract benefit for himself or those to whom he may be closely related would always be dealt with severely''. In the present writ petition, the petitioner has challenged the penalty order passed by the state government dated April 16, 2021, whereby Sirohi - then serving as additional district and sessions judge, Lalitpur - was removed from service with immediate effect. ''Once the 'bad fish' is identified, it may not be retained in the 'tank'. No room may ever exist and no margin of error may be permitted as may allow any possibility for a judicial officer to seek to influence another judicial officer in the exercise of judicial function. ''If there exists a temple of justice, the judicial officers must act like its high priests who must not only conduct the rituals involving the discharge of their duties on the dais but they must zealously guard the purity of the temple itself,'' the court said. The two charge sheets were issued against the petition by the administrative side of the High Court in 2016 and 2017. In the first charge sheet, Sirohi was accused of demanding dowry for the marriage of his brother, also a judge, and inflicting an injury on his own hand as a conspiracy to implicate his brother's wife and her family. Sirohi's wife had registered a police complaint in this regard against the sister-in-law and her family members, leading to the registration of a case against them. Another allegation against Sirohi and his brother was that they had tried to influence the investigating officer in the matter by misusing their official position. In the second charge sheet, it was alleged that Sirohi had tried to influence an additional chief judicial magistrate in the proceedings of the case registered by his wife. He was also accused of making false allegations of bias against the then district judge, Meerut. In 2020, the High Court accepted the inquiry reports against Sirohi and recommended his dismissal from service. The state accepted the recommendation, leading to his removal from service, which is under challenge in the present writ petition. After hearing the arguments and examining the records, the court concluded that a case of most serious misconduct had been made out against Sirohi. The court noted that charges alleging efforts to influence the investigating officer and demand of dowry were found to be true.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali EXCLUSIVE on ETimes: The secrets of Heeramandi and the magic of his lens in Bollywood

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is here! In this episode of Director's Cut, the maestro himself gets candid about his latest series, Heeramandi. Delve into the mind behind the magic as Bhansali unveils the inspiration, challenges, and hidden details behind Heeramandi. But it doesn't stop there! We also revisit his iconic works like Bajirao Mastani, Gangubai Kathiawadi, and Ram Leela. This is a conversation no ETimes fan can miss!

EC issues show cause notice to West Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar over ads targeting TMC

EC issues show cause notice to West Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar over ads targeting TMC The Election Commission of India on Saturday issued a show cause notice to West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar and asked him to submit a reply by May 21 in regards to a Trinamool Congress complaint to the poll body that the BJP was publishing false, unverified, malicious allegations and stoking communal disharmony to appeal for votes on religious grounds in its advertisements. ECI said that the transcript has been obtained by the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal for the alleged advertisement published by the Bengal BJP, mentioned, The Sanatan Dharma (traditional religion) has been defamed in this land of Swami Vivekananda and Shri Ramakrishna times and again in these thirteen years. The immersion (Visarjan) of the idol of Ma Durga has seen to be delayed due to the vote bank politics in this Bengal. The worship of Bagdevi is also seen to be impeded. The Ram mandir is considered unholy, and the chanting of 'Jai Shree ram' is regarded as abusive remarks in this state. This Bengal is a witness of comparing the idol of Shree Ram with a 'show piece'. The poll body has asked West Bengal BJP chief Majumdar to explain as to why such content shall not be treated as a violation of the Model Code of Conduct. In the event of no response from your side within the stipulated time, it will be presumed that you have nothing to say in the matter and the Election Commission will take appropriate action or decision in the matter without making any further reference to you, the poll body said in its notice. The Election Commission also censured TMC MLA Humayun Kabir for his 'throw BJP supporters in Bhagirathi river' remarks made at a booth meeting. The Commission has carefully gone through the contents and averments made by Humayun Kabir in the aforesaid rally in context with all relevant records and provisions and is convinced that he has made the said statement and thus violated the aforesaid provisions of the Model Code Commission without prejudice to any order or notice issued or to be issued subsequently to him in the matter relating to MCC violations, hereby, strongly condemns the impugned statement made by Humayun Kabir, MLA, during an election rally in Kazipara, Murshidabad for the above-mentioned misconduct and censures him for the above-mentioned misconduct, the poll body said. Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal are being held in seven phases from April 19 to June 1. The counting of votes will be done on June 4. (ANI)

Those who think they can run bulldozer over Ram Mandir, they will have to go: Anurag Thakur

The News Mill

BJP get exposed for telling lies on Shree Mandira: BJD

'New India' doesn't need madarssas, it needs modern colleges producing doctors, engineers: Himanta

'New India' doesn't need madarssas, it needs modern colleges producing doctors, engineers: Himanta Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday asserted that the ''new India'' led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not need madarssas but modern institutions that produce doctors and engineers. Addressing back-to-back election rallies in Muzaffarpur, Siwan and Buxar Lok Sabha seats, Sarma said grand temples would be built in Varanasi and Mathura and the Uniform Civil Code would be implemented if the NDA returns to power by winning over 400 Lok Sabha seats. ''The new India of Modi ji does not need madarssas... we need modern schools and colleges that will produce doctors and engineers... not maulvis from madarssas,'' he said. Sarma said the NDA will ensure that Pakistan occupied Kashmir, which is an integral part of India, returns to the country. ''We will implement UCC, build a temple on Krishna Janmabhoomi premises in Mathura and establish Kashi Vishwanath temple in place of Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi, besides ensuring that PoK returns to India, after winning over 400 seats,'' he said. Hitting out at the Congress and its allies, Sarma said, ''Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Prasad did not attend the consecration of Ram Mandir. They want to send Ram Lalla back to the tent. We must not let this happen.'' He labeled Congress and RJD as ''biggest enemies of OBCs'' for allegedly trying to introduce religion-based reservations in the country. ''Religion-based reservations should be given to Muslims in Pakistan, not India. Lalu Prasad should go to Pakistan to give reservations to Muslims. The NDA will not allow this at any cost,'' the Assam CM said. Asserting that Rahul Gandhi can ''never become PM'', Sarma said, ''He can contest elections in Pakistan and become its PM. He and his party are indulging in politics of appeasement.'' ''The corrupt Congress-RJD alliance is trying its best to stall development of Bihar... they indulge in fulfilling their own interests whenever they get an opportunity. The NDA is breaking their nexus,'' he said. Sarma alleged that besides putting up its own candidates, Congress and RJD are also backing Independent candidates in certain seats against BJP nominees. ''These Independents always in constant touch with leaders of the Congress and RJD,'' he alleged. While BJP's Raj Bhushan Nishad is contesting from Muzaffarpur, Vijay Lakshmi Devi Kushwaha is contesting as an NDA nominee from Siwan. BJP has fielded Mithilesh Tiwary from Buxar Lok Sabha seat. Muzaffarpur will go to polls on May 20, while elections will be held in Siwan on May 25 and in Buxar on June 1.

Mera koi waris nahi hai, 140 crore deshwasi hi mere waris hain: PM Modi

Mera koi waris nahi hai, 140 crore deshwasi hi mere waris hain: PM Modi Calling 140 crore countrymen as his successors, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that when he left home 60 years ago he was not aware that countrymen would become his family, adding that he is working round the clock for the betterment of them. PM Modi further said that every head of the family thinks of transferring his savings to his successor, therefore, for him, 140 crore deshwasi, wahi mere waris hain. Addressing an election rally in the North East Delhi constituency, the Prime Minister said that he has never lived for himself but for his countrymen. 50-60 years ago, when I left my home, I did not even know that one day I would hoist the Tricolour at the Red Fort. I did not know then that 140 crore Indians would become my family. I have never lived for myself, I am working towards the betterment of your and your kids future. It is natural that a family head thinks of its next generation, but Mera koi waris nahi hai. 140 crore deshwasi, wahi mere waris hain (I have no heir, 140 crore countrymen are my heir) and that is why I am working day and night for you, Prime Minister Modi said. The Prime Minister then mocked the pitiable condition of Congress, saying that the party which ruled Delhi for four generations has become incapable of fielding a candidate from 10 Janpath. Congress for just contesting three Lok Sabha seats out of seven constituencies in Delhi. Four generations of Congress ruled Delhi, but today they do not have the strength to contest four seats in Delhi. Congress is not able to fight even where a darbar is being held at 10 Janpath, he said. He further said that INDIA bloc is leaving no opportunity to loot the people of Delhi. INDIA alliance is busy destroying Delhi. They are not leaving any opportunity to loot the people of Delhi. These people had come in the name of eliminating corruption, but today they are in jail due to scams worth crores of rupees, the PM said. Prime Minister said that this Lok Sabha election is to protect the country from those powers who want to bankrupt the country. This is the time when Bharat is taking a leap for development. 2024 elections is to make India one of the top three economies in the world. This election is also to protect the country's economy from powers that want to bankrupt the country with their policies. It is also to protect the poor and middle class from those who want to snatch away their wealth, he said. PM Narendra Modi also met the Pakistani refugees who got Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act recently. Calling the INDIA bloc opportunistic, the PM said that opposition parties held Delhi hostage for the appeasement of its vote bank. This opportunistic alliance can also spread violence in the country for appeasement. Remember, when the CAA law came, they held Delhi hostage for months. First, they blocked the roads, then caused riots. But today, their lies have been exposed. Refugees who have lived in Delhi for years are getting citizenship, he said. PM Modi further said that he wants to make the lives of people in Delhi easier. We are working to regularise the unauthorised colonies in Delhi. Alongside that, we are working to provide slum dwellers with pucca houses, he said. He further slammed previous governments for not building a National War Memorial. After independence, the soldiers of the country kept demanding a 'National War Memorial'. Look at the misfortune of the country, until Modi came, the governments of the country did not understand the importance of building a 'War Memorial' in honour of the brave soldiers of the country. About 35,000 police personnel died while protecting the people of the country. The police personnel of the country had to wait for 70 years for the 'Police Memorial'. It was built only when Modi came, he said. The Prime Minister further said that global leaders were awestruck by the transformation of Delhi when they visited the national capital for the G20 Summit in September 2023. Today, Delhi boasts modern convention centers like Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi, along with landmarks such as the National War Memorial and the New Parliament building, enhancing our sense of pride! he said. He also said that 2024 Lok Sabha elections are crucial to defeating the mindset of nepotism. This mindset has shattered the dreams of our youth for decades, and to defeat those forces that want to weaken India... Indian politics needs a stable government. The national capital must become attraction for the world. That's why the country needs 'Phir ek baar, Modi sarkar, PM said. Voting in Delhi for all seven Lok Sabha seats will be held in a single phase on May 25. BJP's Manoj Tiwari is in the electoral fray against Congress candidate Kanhaiya Kumar in the North East Delhi Lok Sabha seat. (ANI)

Soldiers, borders safe under Modi: Anurag Thakur

Soldiers, borders safe under Modi: Anurag Thakur India's borders and its soldiers are safe under the BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Anurag Thakur said on Saturday and alleged that the Congress' ''hand'' is always with foreign powers. Thakur made the remarks while campaigning in the Chintpurni and the Jaswan-Pragpur assembly segments of the Hamirpur Lok Sabha constituency, from where he is seeking a fifth consecutive victory. He said, ''Our Army became stronger, its morale was boosted and the borders were strengthened under Modi's rule while nothing was safe during the Congress regime.'' Hitting out at the grand old party while referring to its election symbol, Thakur said, ''The Congress' 'hand' is always with foreign powers. It handed over thousands of acres of Indian land to the enemies and even today, when our soldiers are showing their bravery in Doklam, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is meeting with Chinese officials.'' He also attacked the Congress over the 2016 surgical strike. Thakur said, ''When our Army entered Pakistan and killed the terrorists, these people were demanding proof. Even today, when elections are around the corner, these people are saying that India's nuclear weapons should be abolished.'' India had conducted the surgical strike in September 2016 across the Line of Control as a response to a terror attack on an Army base in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri sector. Thakur added that even ''our daughters'' are today holding AK-47s and have the courage to ''bury'' enemies. He noted that there used to be direct interference by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir and every day there were reports of terror incidents and stone pelting but the Modi-led government removed Article 370 and instilled peace and tranquillity in the Valley. As a result, stone pelting has completely stopped and the terrorists are counting their last breaths, the minister claimed. Thakur also hit out at the state's Congress government. He alleged that the Congress formed the government in Himachal Pradesh by making false promises. Now, during the Lok Sabha elections, it is once again trying to cheat women by making them fill forms to get Rs 1,500 per month. ''Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had openly said after coming to power that 'we have formed the government by defeating 97 per cent Hindus','' Thakur claimed. ''Do they intend to cut the reservation meant for SCs, STs and OBCs and give it to Muslims, along the lines of Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh?'' The BJP leader said that 10 years ago, the country uprooted a ''corrupt and chaotic'' government and replaced it with an honest one. In these 10 years, Modi gave his 100 per cent and worked to live up to the hopes and aspirations of the people and today India has earned its place in the ''top five'', Thakur said. All this happened with the power of the public's vote, he asserted.

Protesting Farmers on Boil, Face Hardships To Protect Paddy at Procurement Centres

The farmers said that if the rice mills dry the paddy with their dryers, the rice will not be wet and moisture content was enough as per the government specifications. They requested the authorities to relax the norms and purchase the paddy as it was. (Image: DC) The farmers said that if the rice mills dry the paddy with their dryers, the rice will not be wet and moisture content was enough as per the government specifications. They requested the authorities to relax the norms and purchase the paddy as it was. (Image: DC) Warangal: Thunderstorms accompanied by gales, for the past two days, have aggravated the farmers miseries as they are struggling to protect their produce at the procurement centres in erstwhile Karimnagar and Warangal districts. After the completion of the harvest, farmers have brought their produce to procurement centres for sale but the delay in procurement has further compounded their woes as they are facing hardships to protect foodgrains from unexpected heavy downpour and gusty winds. In erstwhile Karimnagar district, farmers waiting for clearance at the purchasing centres such as Theegalaguttapally, Durshed, Bommakal, Peddapalli, Sulthanabad Julapally, Kamanpur, Aligedu Manthani, Raikal, Beerpur and Dharmaram mandals despite their efforts to protect their produce from rains by covering them with tarpaulins a sizeable amount of paddy was washed away in the rainwater run-off. Whereas in Raikal and Konaraopet mandals, the protesting farmers were demanding immediate procurement of their paddy without any further delays or restrictions. Some of the agitating farmers alleged that the produce which was stockpiled at the procurement centres was submerged in the water due to sudden rain lashing the area for the past two days causing a huge loss to them. Alleging further, the farmers stated that officials at the procurement centres instead of purchasing the paddy early, are keeping restrictions on the purchases simply on the grounds that the moisture content of the produce should not exceed to 17 per cent and the weighing is done only in the morning time. The officials are delaying the paddy procurement intentionally, the farmers alleged. In the erstwhile Warangal district also, farmers of the Mahadevpur, Kataram, Maha-muttaram Regonda, Ganapuram, Bhupalpally, Narsampet, Eturnagaram, Venkatapur, Mulugu, Mahabubabad Nellikudur, Thorrur, Kuravi, Maripeda, Bayyaram, Garla, Wardhannapet and Jangaon areas suffered losses and urged the state government for ensuring the purchase of paddy by these procurement centres without putting restrictions on moisture content outer limit, besides, they should be duly compensated for the loss they suffered due to sudden rainfall leading to loss of foodgrains.

International Museum Day: Culture Department organises seminar, exhibition on Paintings, Photographs

SRINAGAR, MAY 18: Commemorating the celebration of International Museum Day, the Culture Department today organised a one day seminar on the theme Museums for Education and Research besides a special exhibition on Painting Heritage and a photo exhibition of monumental glory of J&K at S.P.S Museum Lal Mandi Srinagar in collaboration with Archaeological Survey of []

Amit Shah's Big Claim; Says 'Intruders From Bangladesh Are Cong Vote Bank' | Watch

In a charged election rally in Banda, Uttar Pradesh, Amit Shah takes aim at the Congress and Samajwadi Party. He questions the absence of Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and Akhilesh Yadav from the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Pran Pratistha event, alleging fear of losing their vote bank. Shah further alleges that the Congress and SP consider intruders from Bangladesh their vote bank. He accuses Rahul and Akhilesh of indulging in vote bank politics. Additionally, Shah boldly predicts Narendra Modi's return as PM for the third time on June 4, sending a strong message to the India Alliance.

In UP, PM Modi Says `SP-Cong Wale Ram Mandir Par Bulldozer Chalwa Denge`, Congress Knocks EC Door

The Congress strongly opposed PM Modi's charge that the party will ulloze the Ram temple if elected, accusing him of inciting people and demanding that the Election Commission take action against him.

Nawaz Sharif Claims Audio Proof of Conspiracy to Oust Him

Nawaz Sharif Claims Audio Proof of Conspiracy to Oust Him Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday said he had an audio recording of former chief justice Saqib Nisar in which he is allegedly heard saying to oust him and to bring in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan. Demanding action against those judges of the Supreme Court involved in his ouster as the prime minister in 2017, the 74-year-old three-time former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo also expressed his disappointment over the attitude of the people of Pakistan towards him and his party. He was addressing a party meeting in Lahore on Saturday in which it was decided that he would be re-elected as the party president on May 28. Nawaz was removed from the office of the party president after he was disqualified as Prime Minister in 2017 in the Panama Papers-related corruption cases. His younger brother Shehbaz Sharif then took the helm of the party before resigning from the post last week. Decrying his disqualification, Nawaz said nowhere in the world do judges send a prime minister home on phoney charges. ''I want to ask why I was ousted from the PM office,'' he said and disclosed that he had with him an audio proof of former CJP Nisar in which he was heard saying, ''We have to remove Nawaz Sharif to bring in Imran Khan as premier.'' ''A case should be initiated against retired Justice Mazahir Ali Naqvi for making huge assets and also other judges involved in this conspiracy,'' he said. The PML-N supremo also demanded an independent investigation to get to the bottom of this conspiracy against him and his government. Not happy with the people of Pakistan for not voting for his party in the February 8 general elections, Nawaz said, ''I ask the people... do you think while giving votes. I need an answer from the nation.'' Similarly, he said he was unhappy with the nation as it stood silent when he was illegally removed from the office of the prime minister. Nawaz's hopes to become the prime minister for a record fourth time after returning to Pakistan from a four-year self-imposed exile in London last October were dashed as Imran Khan's party despite fighting elections without its electoral symbol of a cricket bat emerged victorious. However, Nawaz's PML-N made a six-party coalition government and Shehbaz Sharif, who calls himself a darling of the military establishment, became the prime minister.

PM Modi Targets Congress Over Article 370 at Sonipat Rally

PM Modi Targets Congress Over Article 370 at Sonipat Rally Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday kept up the attack on the Congress, saying it should forget the ''dream'' of bringing back Article 370 as it has been ''buried'' in the ''kabristan (graveyard)''. Addressing a rally at Gohana here, his second of the day in Haryana, Modi referred to the Lok Sabha polls as a ''kurukshetra (battle)'' in which ''there is development on one hand and 'vote jihad' on the other''. Striking a chord with the locals, Modi referred to Gohana's famous ''Matu Ram ki jalebi'' to target the opposition. Attacking the INDIA bloc, he said they have a formula of having five prime ministers in five years if they come to power. ''Ask them is the prime minister's post our Matu Ram ki jalebi''. ''In the 2024 'kurukshetra', there is development on one hand and 'vote jihad' on the other,'' he said. ''I want to ask the people of Haryana... who will win?'' He waited for people to respond before saying, ''Your reply has decided 'Phir Ek Baar','' and the crowd went, ''Modi Sarkar''. Modi said now the Congress is not even hiding its ''desh-virodhi agenda (anti-national agenda). They are saying openly what Modi did in 10 years they will reverse it if they come to power, he said. But their ''dream'' of bringing Article 370 back will never be fulfilled, he added. ''They are saying that we will restore Article 370 in Kashmir... This means once again a free run for terrorism and bloodshed in the Valley,'' he said. ''From the brave land of Haryana, I want to tell those associated with the Congress that only tricolour will fly in Kashmir now,'' he said. ''Forget the dream of bringing back 370 in Kashmir. And if you try to do it 'lene k dene pad jayenge' (you will pay very heavy price).'' ''Dhara 370 ki deewar hamne kabristan me gaad diya hai....We have buried the hurdle of Article 370 in kabristan (graveyard),'' he asserted. Modi said the Congress is out of power for 10 years and therefore they are jittery. They are remembering their old days when the ''shahi parivar'' used to run the government with a remote control, he said. On the opposition naming their grouping INDIA, he said, ''The reality does not change by changing name. This INDI Alliance is a gang of the corrupt. (jJamaat of ghotalebaaz).'' ''They want power at any cost. And what is that cost? It is the country's security, stability and respect. And five prime ministers in five years. This is their formula to run the government,'' he said. ''Will the country benefit, if there is new PM each year. What will they do? Will you allow the country to go back to that period of instability.'' The prime minister claimed the Congress wants to give reservation meant for SC/ST and OBC to Muslims. He also ridiculed the party's manifesto, claiming it has Muslim League imprint. The Congress will X-ray people's property and distribute the ''excess'' to those who do 'vote Jihad', he said. He said the Congress party rejected the invitation for the Ayodhya Ram Mandir consecration ceremony on January 22 whereas Iqbal Ansari, who used to fight against Ram temple in court, participated in it. Among those present on the occasion included Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and the BJP's Lok Sabha poll candidate from Sonipat Mohan Lal Badoli. Voting for the 10 Lok Sabha seats in Haryana will be held in the sixth phase of elections on May 25.

Heeramandi: Sharmin Segal Was Paid THIS Amount For 'Mama' Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Series

Sharmin Segal was the least paid actress among the main cast, according to reports.

News18 Evening Digest: Kejriwal's 'Jail Bharo' Dare After Bibhav Kumar's Arrest And Other Top Stories

We are also covering: Kangana Ranaut Makes BIG Claim, Will QUIT Bollywood If She Wins Mandi Seat; How Arvind Kejriwal, AAP Lost Trust in Swati Maliwal in 3 Months; New Covid-19 Wave In Singapore among others

Sharmin's husband's net worth is Rs 54,000 crore

Sanjay Leela Bhansali ventured into OTT with the highly anticipated series 'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar'. His niece, Sharmin Segal, drew attention for her role as Alamzeb, though she faced criticism for her acting. Amid the buzz around Sharmin, little is known about her husband, Aman Mehta. Aman Mehta is the Executive Director at Torrent Pharmaceuticals, part of the Torrent Group led by his father, Sudhir Mehta, and uncle, Samir Mehta. Aman's father, Samir Mehta, has a net worth of approximately Rs 53,800 crore, according to Bloomberg's 2024 Index. Torrent Pharma alone reported revenue of around Rs 38,412 crore, as per Forbes.

SLB on actors taking credit for performances

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar' has been garnering attention since its release. Known for extracting exceptional performances from his actors, Bhansali recently highlighted the collective effort behind a good performance, acknowledging the technicians behind the camera. In an interview, Bhansali emphasized that a performance isn't solely credited to the actor but involves the director, dialogue writer, cinematographer, and others. He noted a trend where actors often claim credit for their performance without acknowledging the team's contribution.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali discusses 'tawaifs' in his films

Sanjay Leela Bhansali recently discussed his fascination with portraying 'tawaifs' and courtesans in his works, emphasizing their enigmatic power and artistic essence. He drew inspiration from iconic figures like Madhubala and Nargis Dutt, as well as filmmakers such as V Shantaram and Ritwik Ghatak. His latest series, 'Heeramandi,' explores this theme further.

Youth Congress Demands Kerala CM's Resignation in Fiery Protest

Youth Congress Demands Kerala CM's Resignation in Fiery Protest The Youth Congress on Saturday held a protest march to the official residence of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and burned his effigy outside the house demanding his resignation, alleging failure of law and order in the state. The march by the youth wing of the Congress was held on the same day the chief minister returned to the state after reportedly cutting short his vacation with family abroad. The Youth Congress protestors marched to Cliff House here -- the official residence of the CM -- and shouted slogans terming Vijayan as the leader of the criminal gangs in the state and demanding his resignation, according to visuals shown on TV channels. They alleged that deaths due to criminal gangs in the state were on the rise. The protestors also raised the issue of crimes against women, especially the recent instance of alleged domestic violence against a newly-wed bride in Kozhikode district and claimed that the police in Kerala was ineffective. The Youth Congress alleged that while the state was facing law and order problems, the chief minister, who also heads the Home Department, went abroad for vacation. Vijayan arrived in Kerala in the wee hours of the day. According to reports, he was expected to reach the state on Monday.

Kangana Ranaut Makes BIG Claim, Will QUIT Bollywood If She Wins Mandi Seat: 'Ek Acchi Heroine Hai Par...'

Kangana Ranaut said that a lot of filmmakers have asked her not to leave as she's the one good heroine left.

Pakistan: Load-shedding makes lives of people a living hell in Sindh

Pakistan: Load-shedding makes lives of people a living hell in Sindh With the rise in mercury levels, load-sheddings in different cities of Sindh province of Pakistan have made the lives of people a living hell and consistent load-shedding has caused chaos among the people of the region. Mauhaumad Ovais, a resident of Karachi spoke about no electricity for a longer duration in those parts of the country where the people could not afford to pay inflated bills, power cut in Karachi continues for about eight hours. Mauhaumad Ovais said, The situation in terms of load shedding in Karachi has yet not improved, a general power cut in the city is about eight hours long. And even then we have to pay such high electricity bills. The middle-income person could either pay his bills, educate his children, or pay for their medical bills. People are suffering and daily life is being affected. Many heavy electricity-consuming appliances such as refrigerators, freezers and even UPSs are short-circuiting and being destroyed due to the intermittent outages. The government is cutting corners on basic amenities like waste collection and treatment which is making the people fall ill. Even after all this when we default on our bills once while combating inflation and high bills. We are warned and threatened that our electricity supply will be cut, he added. Ahmed, another resident of Karachi, raised similar issues of electricity and stated that a monopoly is being maintained. He called for the government's intervention and breaking the monopoly by introducing other private companies to create a little competition in the market. Through a network spanning 6,500 square kilometres, KE supplies power to all residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural areas that fall under the city's ambit and beyond, serving over 3.4 million customers across Karachi. Ahmed said, There is just one company that is supplying electricity, and they are not allowing any other company to enter the market so that their monopoly continues. The people are suffering from extreme temperatures here, and the government had assured us that there would be no load shedding until this heat wave passes, but still, there is load shedding of several hours. The government needs to intervene and break the monopoly by introducing other private companies, as a little competition in the market will be better for the general public. We have raised the complaints of wrongful billing to the authorities but either they don't pay attention or say that we have to pay the amount. In both ways, we suffer a lot, we have to compensate for the electricity with other important expenses like medical, or educational, he added. Niaz, another resident, echoed similar remarks and added that the Sindh administration does not want to address the problem. He said that people have been facing several basic problems like roads, electricity, cleanliness, and drinking water. Niaz said, Be it the problems of Karachi or the problems of Sindh both of them are the same. There are several basic problems, like roads, electricity, cleanliness, and drinking water. If the government had longed to solve the problems of the people, then these problems would have been solved a long time ago. However, I believe that the Sindh administration does not want these issues of the people to be resolved. We have also been demanding a relief package but there is no action taken towards it, he added. Commercial, as well as household work, is being affected, with people losing sleep as well due to long hours of load shedding in the night with the accompanying heat. (ANI)

PM Modi Rally in Mumbai: Raj Thackeray praises Centre for Ram Mandir and 370 abr

Addressing the rally at Shivaji Park ground in Dadar, Raj Thackeray, who has extended unconditional support to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ruling allies in the state for the ongoing elections, listed out his expectations from the PM in his third term in office.

Here's what Birju Maharaj told SLB

Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has debuted in the world of OTT with 'Heeramandi.' Reflecting on the same he emphasized the global reach, the challenges, and rewards of the OTT platform. He also shares a touching story about Pt. Birju Maharaj, which highlights the essence of being an artist and the importance of work visibility and talent appreciation.

Satwik-Chirag Enter Thailand Open Final with Commanding Victory

Satwik-Chirag Enter Thailand Open Final with Commanding Victory India's premier men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty entered the final of the Thailand Open badminton tournament with an easy straight-game victory over Lu Ming-Che and Tang Kai-Wei of Chinese Taipei here on Saturday. Asian Games gold medallist pair of Satwik and Chirag needed just 35 minutes to beat their world No. 80 opponents 21-11 21-12 in the semifinal match of the Super 500 tournament at the Nimibutr Stadium here. Satwik and Chirag have a deep relation with Thailand as it was here five years back in 2019 that they had won their maiden super 500 crown. On Saturday, the Indian pair inched closer to regaining the title after reaching the summit clash again. The Indian pair thus continued to make waves in the BWF World Tour after progressing to their fourth final of the season. The duo had finished runner-up at Malaysia super 1000 and India super 750 before claiming the French super 750 in March. In the final on Sunday, the world number three Indian duo, the top seeds in this tournament, will be up against the Chinese pair of Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi, who defeated Kim Gi Jung and Kim Sa Rang of South Korea 21-19 21-18 in the other semifinal on Saturday. Satwik and Chirag had some low returns in the last couple of tournaments. The Indian pair lost in the second round at All England Championships and then missed the Asia Championships due to an injury to Satwik. The Thomas Cup campaign was also not too fruitful as they lost a couple of narrow matches to top pairs. The final appearance will thus provide a major boost ahead of the Paris Olympics. On Saturday, Satwik and Chirag were not really tested by Lu and Tang, who played well only in patches but lacked the aggression and accuracy to trouble the Indians, who were a cut above their rivals. In the opening game, Satwik and Chirag were up 3-0 but the Taiwanese pair managed to make it 5-4 before they started leaking points. Errors crept into their game as they went long a number of times, allowing the Indians to enter the break with an 11-7 lead. Things didn't change after resumption as the Indians continued to gather point with their sharp placements. At 17-10, Chirag produced a powerpacked smash as they gained nine game points when the Chinese went out twice. The second game began on a close note as the two pairs moves 4-4 to 6-6. Satwik also produced an ambitious behind-the-back return only to spray it wide. Leading 9-7 for the first time in the match, Lu and Tang, however, couldn't sustain the pressure as a fast and long rally ended at the nets for the Chinese. With Lu and Tang continuing to find the going tough, it was 15-10 in favour of the Indians, who grabbed 8 match points when the Chinese made another soft error at the net. Chirag then stood at the front court and sealed it with a barrage of fast returns. In the women's doubles, the fourth-seeded Indian pair of Tanisha Carsto and Ashwini Ponnappa will face top seeds Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai of Thailand in the semifinals later on Saturday.

Who Is Mark Bennington, The British Officer In Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Heeramandi

In 2015, Mark Bennington got his Bollywood break with Dibakar Banerjee's Byomkesh Bakshi.