Opposition MPs in the Rajya Sabha staged a walkout on Wednesday, just minutes after the session began, to protest against the discriminatory 2024 Union Budget. Earlier in the day, INDIA bloc MPs staged a protest outside the parliament , terming the Union Budget as discriminatory towards the opposition-governed states. Responding to the allegations of discrimination against opposition-ruled states, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman defended the government, stating that if a particular state is not mentioned in the speech, it does not imply that government programs do not reach those states. In every budget, you dont get an opportunity to name every state of this country...The Cabinet had taken a decision to set up a port on Vadavan. But Maharashtras name was not taken in the budget yesterday. Does this mean that Maharashtra feels ignored? If a particular state is named in the speech, does it mean that programs of GOI don't go to these states? the Union Finance Minister asked. This is a deliberate attempt of the Opposition led by Congress to give the impression to people that nothing has been given to our states. This is an outrageous allegation, she added. #WATCH | On Oppositions protest against discriminatory Budget, FM Nirmala Sitharaman in Rajya Sabha says,In every Budget, you dont get an opportunity to name every state of this country...The Cabinet had taken a decision to set up a port on Vadavan. But Maharashtras name pic.twitter.com/KSEATuMNpf ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2024 Meanwhile, Congress president and the leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, hit back at the government, doubling down that the budget as being crafted solely to appease a select few and to save the chair. I want to emphasise that the budget presented yesterday did not benefit any state. The plates of all states remained empty except for two, he said. Yeh kursi bachane ke liye yeh sab hua hai ... We have received nothing. We will condemn it and INDIA bloc parties will protest from Kanyakumari to Kashmir...How will development happen if there is no balance? Kharge remarked, prior to staging the opposition's walkout. After the opposition walkout, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar criticised their conduct, claiming that if disruption is weaponized as a political strategy, democracy will be seriously threatened.
USBRL Project to Link Kashmir-Kanyakumari by Year-End
SRINAGAR: The 272-kilometre Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project is nearing completion and is expected to be finished by the end of this year, connecting Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Official sources informed that most of the work on the USBRL project has been completed, with the remaining tasks including a 3.2 km tunnel between Katra and Reasi [] The post USBRL Project to Link Kashmir-Kanyakumari by Year-End appeared first on Kashmir Life .
India narrowly misses semifinals at World Junior Squash Championships
CHENNAI : India boys and girls lost narrowly in the quarterfinals of the World Junior Squash Championships Team competition in Houston. The sixth-seeded boys went down 1-2 to fourth-seed South Korea, and the girls by an identical margin to third seed Malaysia. Yuvraj Wadhwani got India boys off to a winning start with a 3-2 win over Seojin Oh. However, Shaurya Bawa, who last week won individual bronze, went down to individual silver medallist Joo Young Na in four close games. In the deciding tie, Kun Kim proved too strong for Arihant KS. India results (quarterfinals): Boys: India lost to South Korea 1-2 (Yuvraj Wadhwani bt Seojin Oh 11-7, 4-11, 7-11,11-7,11-6; Shaurya Bawa lost to Joo Young Na 9-11, 11-6, 9-11, 6-11; Arihant KS lost to Kun Kim 7-11, 6-11, 9-11); Girls: India lost to Malaysia 1-2 (Shameena Riaz lost to Whitney Wilson 7-11, 3-11, 10-12; Anahat Singh bt Thanusaa Uthrian 6-11, 15-13, 11-6, 5-11, 11-6; Nirupama Dubey lost to Doyce Ye San Lee 7-11, 11-7,11-5, 10-12, 3-11). Orazly makes winning start In a fierce battle between two foreign Grandmasters Annageldyev Orazly (Turmenikistan) and Sizhvesky Alexander (Russia) on the top board, the latter employed the Pelikan variation of Sicilian defence. In an attacking game, black outwitted white after winning an exchange. Combining his Queen and rook he scored an emphatic victory by attacking the white king at the 21st Tamil Nadu IM Norm Closed Circuit Tournament. J Meghanatha Reddy, Member Secretary SDAT inaugurated the meet by making a formal move over the chess board against GM RB Ramesh in the presence of Manickam, president, of TNSCA. Results: Round 1: Annageldyev Orazly 1 (Turmenikistan) 0 lost to Alexander (Russia) 1; Mangandan S (India) .5 drew with Manik Mikulas (Slovakia) .5; Akash G (India) 1 bt Athvik Adiga (India) 0; Lokesh N (India) 0 lost to Adireddy Arjun (India) 1. Apurva advances Apurva Vemuri of Telangana blanked Ashmita Mitra of Bengal 6-0, 6-0 in the girls qualifying third round match of the Indium Software AITA tennis championship organised by TNTA. Results: Women: Qualifying 3rd Round: Apurva Vemuri (TS) bt Ashmita Mitra (WB) 6-0, 6-0; Aadhya Balaji (TN) bt Ana Varshney (UP) 6-1, 6-1; Adithi Are (TS) bt Elin Harshini (TN) 6-1, 6-2; Aditi Tyagi (HR) bt Deeksha (TN) 6-2, 6-1; Diya Ramesh (TN) bt Aareyalee Amrutsinh Chavan (MH) 6-4, 6-4; Danica Nirmal Fernando(MH) bt Gauri Anant (MH) 6-0, 6-0; Gayatri Rajesh Menon (KL) bt Richa Dadasaheb Chougule (MH) 6-3, 6-0; Diya Bhatia (UP) bt Kotishtha Modak (MH) 1-6, 6-3, 10-4. Men: Qualifying 2nd Round: Arjun Mahadevan bt Abraar Kariim 6-1, 6-2; Dhruv Promod bt Suresh Babu D 6-1, 6-2; Hemant Kumar bt Girish Dadasaheb Chougule 6-1, 6-0; Mahalingam A Kandhavel bt Lohith Aksha W/O; Nithin Adhith bt Jachin Boas 6-1, 6-4; Krish Subhramanaiam bt Nitin Padbanaban 6-2, 6-1, Rethin Pranav bt Vishnu Balachander 6-2, 7-5; Shashank M bt Aniketh Venkataraman 4-6, 6-4, 10-4; Rahul Ram bt Sai Kiran CR 7-5, 6-2; Sampath Somgovin bt Koushik Saravanan 6-2, 6-2; Sharaniyan S bt Kollapaneni Mohan Krishna 6-7(1), 6-1, 10-3; Nithik Sivakumar bt Manish Balaji 4-1 Retd; Faraz Shaker bt Harshad Nandha Kumar 6-1, 6-0. Chelladurai Raja shines Pooli Chelladurai Raja took 6/18 as Tenkasi beat Cuddalore in a thrilling finish of TNCA Inter Districts U-16 Tournament 2024-25 (P R Thevar Trophy). Brief scores: Vellore (Group A): Cuddalore 106 in 39.3 ovs (Pooli Chelladurai Raja S 6/18) lost to Tenkasi 107/9 in 39.3 ovs (P Arun 3/17, S Abhilash 3/26); Vellore 127 in 48.1 ovs (NE Nithesh 59, RK Kedar 3/32) lost to Thiruvallur 131/2 in 31 ovs (S Naveen 38 n.o, I Junaid Mustaq 35); Dindigul (Group B): Nilgiris 100 in 28.3 ovs (V Boorwin 34, SU Muhammed Raseen 35, J Aswath 5/26, N Suryaprakash 3/12) lost to Ariyalur 101/4 in 29.2 ovs (S Sivaseran 35); Dindigul 243/9 in 50 ovs (BL Sanjay Balaji 124 n.o, A Hemanth 45, D Aswin Kumar 3/68) bt Pudukkottai 114 in 39 ovs (M Mohammed Ashfaq 3/21, K Deepan 3/24); Ranipet (Group C): Tirupattur 169 in 49.4 ovs (Tharun 61, Anirudh Sridhar 3/28, S. Mukundhan 3/21) lost to Kancheepuram 170/3 in 26.1 ovs (Adhvick Eswaran 67); Ranipet 94 in 41 ovs (N Deva 3/9) lost to Kallakurichi 95/9 in 33.4 ovs (P Dharun Kumar 6/16); Salem (Group D): Salem 292/5 in 50 ovs (S Pugal 89, K Karun Danush 44, R Dhesigan 48, VG Pugal Vishnu 72 n.o, B Tharun 3/65) bt Dharmapuri 119 in 44.1 ovs (T Akash 37, A. Anish Duke 4/12); Mayiladuthurai 139 in 48 ovs (V Nithishwar 47, Z Mohammed Haalid 4/16) lost to Coimbatore 140/ 4 in 30.5 ovs; Sivagangai (Group E): Tirupur 125 in 37.2 ovs (S Dhanvanth Anamangad 50, K. Kaviarasan 3/36) bt Sivagangai 122 in 48.4 ovs (J Arul Sebastin 33, S Arish Rahul 3/10); Theni 145 in 43.1 overs (MP Abhiman Sundar 41, V Arun 5/11) bt Tirunelveli 113 in 37.4 ovs (R. Daksh Anirudh 4/20, M.P. Abhiman Sundar 3/5); Thoothukudi (Group F): Kanyakumari 143 in 41.4 ovs (Immanuel Easter Josese 56, Shakthivel 4/42) bt Thiruvarur 91 in 34.6 ovs (M. Mohamed Mavasim 4/19); Thoothukudi 126 in 44.5 ovs bt Thanjavur 117 in 32.5 ovs (AJ Abhinav 5/30); Tiruchirappalli (Group G): Tiruchirapalli 294/8 in 50 ovs (T. Pakirthan 115, N Ajay Sachin 61, V Shailendar 3/40, Surenthar 3/50) bt Nagapattinam 134 in 46.3 ovs (S Dheeran 40, A. Rufus Stewart 3/14, J. Ajay 3/23); Madurai 130 in 49.3 ovs (Ashwath 37, Mohammed Rafan 4/9) lost to Erode 134/5 in 33.5 ovs (Sakthivel 34, Ridam Kumar 34, Pranav Ram 3/26); Thiruvannamalai (Group H): Ramathapuram 238/5 in 50 ovs (A Abdul Malik 119 n.o, G Arunbuvanesh 34) bt Karur 112 in 30.2 ovs (GM Ruthuvik ashwa 3/3); Chengalpattu 234/9 in 50 ovs (AZ Laiq Aariz 44, Siddarth Balakrishnan 41, R.T. Vetri Selvan 3/38) bt Tiruvannamalai 158 in 40.6 ovs (S Abhishek 45, S Mohamed Thareek 30, S Akshay Barath 3/26, S Varun Vikas 3/33).
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Back in the Ugandan village of Larom in Padibe county, Patrick Onen represents the aspiration of first-generation of learners looking to make it big in life. His family of farmers cultivates millets and sesame on patches of land that lay scattered across Ugandas ubiquitous countryside, and his elders are not educated enough to guide him in academics or a career after that. However, Patrick has a passion for academics. A passion that ultimately brought him to Kerala, to pursue a masters in chemistry from the University of Kerala. The strides he made here have now made him a role model for his seven younger siblings. Its exactly this hope that I wanted to spread when I planned to pursue postgraduation, for which I received The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarship. After postgraduation, which gets over by October, I plan to return to my county. But yes, I do want to pursue PhD, he says. Patrick is among the 150 foreign students studying at Kerala University. They come from Bangladesh, South America, Indonesia, Africa, Iran, Yemen and Russia. In fact, among universities in the state, Kerala University has the maximum number of foreign students enrolled in its various courses. It has also seen a rise in the number of applications from foreign students since the 2021-22 academic year, when 1,100 candidates from 35 countries applied. This shot up to 1,400 in 2022-23, and to 1,600 in 2023-24. In the current academic year, that is 2024-25, the university has received a record 2,600 applications from foreign students looking to enrol in its various courses. That is a 63% increase from previous years, says Prof Dr Sabu Joseph, director, Centre for Global Academics, University of Kerala. We have approved 900 applications and the ICCR has already selected 30 of them for scholarships. The process is on, he says. Last year, 50 students entered the university with scholarships. This year, their number is expected to increase by 10%. On an average, we have been getting 50 students annually. Most of them are ICCR funded whereas a few of them are self-financed. We encourage ICCR students more as they come in after government verification, he adds. Djeneba Diallio, from Male, came via the ICCR route to do her postgraduation in International Relations. She is also the president of the Kerala International Students Association (KISA), an umbrella organisation of students across Kerala. We face no major issues out here. However, finding accommodation is a problem. There are no hostel facilities for foreign students and they have to arrange their own stay outside. So, we rent out places, which we then share with other students who have come from abroad, says Djeneba, adding that time constraints are also a challenge for the students. I maintain a low profile. I laugh and smile and have friends, but I do not socialise too much as I am here on a scholarship, she says. Foreign students Larry Effande and Elizabeth with lecturer Dr Lalmohan For male students, the stay here has a wider appeal with friendships blooming out to many avenues. We have excellent relations with our classmates and professors. They help us integrate with the crowd. They take us on chai and involve us in the celebrations on the campus, says Dyson Billiat, from the East African nation of Malawi. He is pursuing his masters in sociology. However, Larry Effande from Cameron, a Mass Communication and Journalism student at the university, highlights one impediment language. Language is an issue, yes, but that is understandable. Everyone starts conversations in English with me but then when we are in a group, they switch to Malayalam. Understandably, it happens very naturally, he says. The language issue is more prominent while these students are travel. If we have to travel by bus and I have to go from Thampanoor to Palayam, I have to speak to the conductor about the place. But people are friendly and that makes up for everything, Larry says. People smile a lot, and we keep wondering if they are smiling at us in a friendly way or out of sarcasm, he laughs. According to Prof Sabu, Kerala Universitys NIRF ranking and NAAC accreditation, as well as its acceptability among students from overseas who have completed their courses, have increased its appeal among foreign students. Dyson agrees and says he got to know about the university from a friend. We can find out about the proximity of Kerala to the seas and about the culture here from the internet also, says Dyson. Weather is also a factor that helps the students choose Kerala. Like it did for Larry, who also chose Kerala for its literacy, religious tolerance and people-friendliness. The variety of cuisine, where every culture finds a place, is another attractive factor for the students. It is a bit spicy for me but I do like the food here. Most of us make our own food at home but we do go out for good biryani, says Dyson. However, for Nawar Alshameri from Yemen, who is pursuing an MBA from the university, Kerala is exactly similar to home when it comes to food. We get a lot of Arabic food here mandi, biriyani, et al. The food is quite similar and I enjoy the cuisine, he says. He plans to return home with his degree to help his family with the business, and also take back the memories of the times he spent here. Patrick Onen with friends during Onam celebration Patrick nods along. I have several fond memories here. Like how my classmates shared their joys with me, our trips out for chai and snacks, participating in the Onam festivities when I wore a mundu, and our several trips in and around Thiruvananthapuram, he says. Larry, too, says the same, except that he kept away from the campus canteen. It did not seem hygienic enough, he grins. We do not have any issues here except probably the accommodation, which is costly, says Djeneba. The students feel the scholarship allowance is not much and some rules stop the ICCR students from seeking part-time jobs to fund their stay. All these may also change when more students come in, Prof Sabu says. According to him, the university Syndicate has taken note of the issue and has plans to set up a hostel for international students. It is getting a bit delayed due to recent developments such as the introduction of the four-year degree course, he says. Currently, there is an international youth hostel at Palayam that can house 25 students, but it is usually available only for the freshers who have to get acquainted with the place. It was to look into such issues that the KISA was formed. The election for the organisation is done via a Google Form, and the current mandate of the union is to organise orientation programmes for the newcomers and a felicitation ceremony for graduates. Apart from this, there are other meets such as farewells where cultural programmes of the respective countries are presented at times, says Johannes Molathwa, who hails from Botswana and is a student of psychology. Their free time is mostly spent preparing for their courses or on travel and some socialising (Larry finds his church mates quite an affable lot), and also to rent out turfs where they can get together to share a game of football. They also find avenues where they can exhibit their talent. We participated in the Carnival music festival organised on the campus. But twice a year, we do come together to showcase our cultural programmes, says Johannes. But we need to organising more programmes where the culture of the countries the students represent are shown or other talents of the students are promoted, says Anna Lilian, from Columbia, a PhD student in Education. I guess in due course, such events would also come up. To Lilian, the culture of the land is as vivid as the one back home. However, I am respectful of the differences and thoroughly enjoy the traditional dresses and unique dances of Kerala. During some trips to schools where we go for fieldwork, I have been invited to perform the salsa, the dance from my country. Such activities help me keep rooted in my culture, she says. Lilian also loves to explore the state. She has already visited Munnar, Kanyakumari, many forests in the Western Ghats and so on with her international and local friends. However, not everything is peachy, she says. The only discrimination I face is the awkward treatment I get when some men think I am easy just because I speak politely. That doesnt happen back home, she explains.
Isro to set up space science and tech park in Kanyakumari - The Times of India
Isro to set up space science and tech park in Kanyakumari The Times of India
Tamil Nadu Government Reshuffles Bureaucracy Post-kallakurichi Hooch Tragedy
Chennai: Close on the heels of a shuffle in the police department following the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, the State government shifted a few senior and popular bureaucrats out of their present positions and changed a slew of district collectors on Tuesday. Principal Secretary P Amudha was transferred from the Home, Prohibition and Excise department and posted in the Revenue and Disaster Management Department and J Radhakrishnan, Commissioner of Greater Chennai Corporation, was shifted to the department of Cooperation, Food and Consumer Protection. Taking the place of Amudha is Dheeraj Kumar, an officer in the rank of Additional Chief Secretary who is now in the Information Technology and Digital Services department, while J Anne Mary Swarna, the Collector of Ariyalur district, has been made the joint secretary in the Home Prohibition and Excise Department. Sravan Kumar Jatavat, who was the Collector of Kallakurichi when the hooch tragedy struck killing 63 people, has now been posted as Joint Secretary in the Housing and Urban Development department and the services of J Kumaragurubaran, secretary in the School Education department, have been placed at the disposal of the Greater Chennai Corporation to replace Radhakrishnan. The districts that will have new Collectors are Ariyalur (P Rathinasamy), Cuddalore (Sibi Adithya Senthil Kumar), Kanyakumari (R Alagumeena), Perambalur (Grace Lalrindiki Pachuau), Ramanathpuram (Simrajjeet Singh Kahlon), Ranipet (J U Chandraleka), Pudukottai (M Aruna), The Nilgiris (Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru), Thanjavur (B Priyanka) and Nagapattinam (P Akash). Other major transfers include V Rajaraman from secretary in revenue and disaster management to Tamil development and information department, S Madhumathi to the department of School Education replacing Kumaragurubaran, K Gopal, additional chief secretary, from food and consumer protection to animal husbandry, dairying, fisheries and fishermen welfare. K Veera Raghava Rao from Commissioner of Technical Education to Secretary of Labour Welfare and Skill Development, replacing Kumar Jayant, shifted to information technology and digital services.
From Spain to YouTube: The Big Forkers' Spontaneous Leap into Culinary Adventures
In an engaging conversation with Deccan Chronicle, Sid and Shashank, the dynamic duo behind The Big Forkers talk about how their shared love for food, travel, and spontaneity turned a casual chat in Spain into a successful YouTube channel. They also give us a peek into the unforgettable moments that shaped their culinary journey. What inspired your transition from a casual conversation in Spain to starting a YouTube channel, and how did your friendship evolve into a culinary partnership? Sid: Despite a 10-year age gap, we are first cousins who share strikingly similar views on life and passions. Our friendship is built on a mutual love for food, travel, and discovery. Both of us have an entrepreneurial spirit, and this show is a testament to our drive to bring our ideas to life. I found myself at a career crossroads, ready to launch my own investment fund when things went awry. I needed a break from the chaotic world I came from, and then the pandemic struck. The show was born from these pivotal moments in my life. I am immensely grateful to have Shanky as my partner in this venture. Shashank: We're first cousins so the friendship came with the relationship :) The culinary partnership was more like a synergy, of sorts, for the love of food. We eat, travel and work 360 days a year in that order of priority. What started as part of a drunk conversation culminated into brief holidays shot on cameras and eventually a production company producing food and travel shows. A hobby turned to business of you will. How do you balance your spontaneity and unscripted moments on the show with the need for some structure and planning in your content creation? Sid: A considerable amount of planning and structure underpins the spontaneity that comes so naturally to us. What arguably works in our favor is our carefree, irreverent, and raw approach to content creation. Yet, maintaining this requires guardrails during production, and much of the credit goes to our director, Zulfikar Sadriwala. Over six seasons, he has allowed us to be ourselves while subtly guiding and shaping the show into what it has become. The pre-planning is typically managed by me and our remarkable network of food writers and thinkers from the Forkers Dining Club. Once the general content is outlined, the pre-production team takes over. There is a great deal of ad-hoc creativity that arises during production, and we have all learned to adapt seamlessly. Shashank: We don't perceive to strike a balance and that's the joy of the show. You never know where the conversations will go and what it is we end up doing on camera. Spontaneity is a key element of our show and our demeanor. We have had so many comments where people want us to try food they have been eating all their life just to see how we react and what we have to say about it. It's a show about unsolicited opinions. As cousins who identify more with food than any specific place, how do your diverse cultural backgrounds influence your culinary explorations and preferences? Sid: We bring distinct experiences and knowledge bases to the world of food. Shanky, firmly rooted in India, has traversed the subcontinent extensively over the past few decades. His passion for accessible, common man's food keeps the show grounded. He has strong opinions on his likes and dislikes and is never hesitant to express them. My background is shaped by a culinary past as a trained chef with academic degrees from Johnson & Wales University, which compels me to approach food from a more technical and precise perspective. Traveling over 300 days a year has further enriched my culinary ideas and knowledge, which I strive to convey on the screen. Shashank: It definitely will be Sid in this case since he has moved multiple cities and stayed just long enough to get acquainted with the food. In terms of diversity we both represent multiple parts of India - shanky: born in MP, brought up in gujarat by a malayalee father and a marwadi mother. There was always a lil bit of this and a lil bit of that in everything we ate, watched or experienced that we relate to one of our backgrounds. What's the most unexpected or surprising dish you've encountered on your food journey so far, and how did you react to it? Sid: Off camera, I have sampled everything from eyeballs to cod sperm, ants, and chicken feet, and I enjoyed all of it. On camera, the most memorable meal recently was at INJA in Delhi, an Indian-Japanese restaurant. Initially, I was convinced I would dislike it. Japanese cuisine is for purists, and having spent considerable time in Japan, I can attest that India lacks a truly noteworthy Japanese restaurant. However, Chef Advait's innovative and playful Desi take on Japanese food left me flummoxed. Dish after dish, I found myself both delighted and pleasantly perplexed. It was an exhilarating experience. Shashank: While my answer should be maggots, grasshoppers or scorpions in Thailand, honestly the most surprising (in a very good way) in the last few years has been the prawns malvani stroganoff at black sheep bistro in goa. I never thought a Russian and Malvani marriage could be this delightful. While the name of the dish put me off and I was all ready to be my honest self about the dish I was pleasantly surprised and licked the plate clean at the end of it. How do you navigate situations like discovering a vegetarian restaurant, which might not align with your typical preferences, while still maintaining an open and adventurous spirit? Sid: Cooking meat is a breezeit's a forgiving ingredient that wins the hearts of about 80% of humanity. But vegetarian food, that's a whole different beast. It takes a lot more finesse and hard work to make veggies sing, especially when you're trying to impress a crowd that's used to meat. I'm always game for a surprise, and there's nothing better than being blown away by a stellar vegetarian meal. I've been lucky enough to enjoy quite a few of those remarkable feasts. The skill and creativity needed to pull off great vegetarian cuisine make these moments all the more extraordinary. Shashank: I'm not sure I can be accused of maintaining an open and adventurous spirit when I am dragged, gagged or threatened into a vegetarian restaurant. On principle I cannot get myself to pay for an all vegetarian meal. But once I'm strapped into the chairI believe I am as objective as I can be about the food. There have definitely been a few surprises along the way but I can count them on my fingers. Can you share a particularly memorable or hilarious moment from your travels and filming that didn't make it to the final edit but still stands out in your minds? Sid: We try to keep as much of the hilarity in the final cuts as possible, but there are plenty of times we push boundaries. We know these moments will have the audience in stitches, but they also have the potential to offend. It's a delicate balance to maintain. In a perfect world, we'd share everything, unfiltered. However, we often have to edit out Shanky's offhand comments about entire cuisines and many of my rants that veer into political or anti-religious territory. Personally, we find them hilarious, but we understand that not everyone shares our sense of humor. So, we trim the edges, keeping the spirit of our irreverence while ensuring we don't alienate the entire audience. Its a tightrope walk, but its all part of the game. We live for the raw, unvarnished moments, even if they dont always make it to air. Shashank: The series of faux pas that happen building up to a shot are innumerable. My only regret is that we don't have a camera constantly strapped onto us during the course of the shoot. What is left in an edit is not because it was politically incorrect, improper or hurtful (duh! Seen the show:) but only because nobody had the camera on. Crew driving a car into a canal, emotional drama that pours out after 10 days of being in each others faces or putting the wrong thing in the mouth in an urgent moment.These are some fun moments that reside in memory and not on film. How do you ensure that your show remains authentic and true to your passion for food, while also catering to the tastes and preferences of your growing audience? Sid: We Indians are never short on opinions, and we're quite passionate about voicing them, often vigorously. Take Shanky, for instance; he's not a fan of dosa in Bangalore, and let me tell you, Bangalore has no qualms about expressing their disagreement, especially in the comment section. But that's the beauty of itwe showcase both sides, regardless of the response. Personally, I might have a different take, but we believe in presenting diverse opinions authentically. Now, when it comes to Indian Chinese cuisine, it's not exactly my cup of tea, and I've taken my fair share of flak for saying so. But here's the thingthe silent majority is what truly matters. They're mature enough to appreciate different perspectives and enjoy the show for what it is. On the flip side, India has this incredible penchant for nostalgia and familiarity. They want to see their favorite foods featured, which is why a Biryani episode has become almost mandatory in every season. The nation always wants to know if we share their culinary affections. To strike a balance, we aim for a ratio of three parts: fun-loving, carefree content for the wider audience and one part for those who crave deeper dives into culture, history, and factual episodes. It's all about catering to the varied tastes of our diverse viewership. Shashank: I think the audience basically related to us because we're true to ourselves. That's the usp of our show. It's a no nonsense, you get what you see kinda show. We believe there's a large enough audience that exists who are tired of the gloss and white washed food and travel shows. This show grew out of a selfish need we ourselves had, to watch shows like anthony bourdain no limits, megan mccormick lonely planet among others. With these shows gone we see a clear gap in the consumer market of these honest opinion shows. What role do your fans play in shaping your content and inspiring new culinary adventures, and how do you engage with them beyond the show? Sid: Navigating feedback and trends is a delicate dance, one we've grappled with over time. Ignore feedback entirely, and you risk alienating your tribe, leading to disengagement. Yet, respond too eagerly, and you risk losing your unique voice, blending into the background noise of mediocrity. One adaptation we've made is introducing a listicle format in some of our flagship episodes. This format resonates with our audience, offering a fresh perspective while maintaining our distinct style. Additionally, our tribe actively guides us in selecting which regions to explore next, ensuring our content remains relevant and compelling to our viewers. It's all about striking that balance between responsiveness and maintaining our authenticity amidst the ever-changing landscape of trends and feedback. Shashank: The two sets of people that make our show are not the hosts but the editors and the viewers. We engage with them on every platform possible - from YouTube comments, Instagram, twitter and discord. We try to reply to every single dm and comment. The viewers are THE MOST important influence on deciding which city we shoot next, any institute we haven't included in our preliminary research and a lot of times they have one or two places which they really want us to visit - because they just want to see what we think about it. I'm not sure if that's validation of their own choice or living vicariously through us, either way we're happy to oblige. Are there any specific cuisines or food cultures that you are particularly excited to explore in future episodes, and what draws you to those areas? Sid: We both are most interested in covering the North East. We covered NE food extensively through the Humayunpur episode (releasing soon) in our Delhi season and since then has been on our minds. Next is the cuisine of Kerala which Shanky knows well and then Kashmir, my maternal motherland. I want to rediscover the food I grew up eating, mostly through the Pandit lens, I want to learn more about Kashmiri Muslim cuisine. Likewise, my parents lived in Bengal in their early years and in fact I was born on the border of Bengal and Bihar. It's time to show Shanky Bengali cuisine. Shashank: North east of India. All the seven sisters. For a person who travelled from kargil to kanyakumari on a motorcycle i still haven't travelled enough of the north east. Every time I've had a glimpse of the food of the north east whether at a music festival in ziro or a short bike trip through Sikkim or even humayunpur in Delhi - I get this feeling yeh toh bas trailer hai. Picture abhi baki hai, which we'll experience once we go there. Hopefully soon. How has your collaboration with Royal Challenge American Pride Soda shaped your culinary journey? Sid: Royal Challenge American Pride Soda has been an invaluable partner in our mission to spotlight the diverse cuisines and subcultures of the regions we explore. Their collaborative approach allows us the freedom to showcase these unique culinary landscapes in our signature edgy style. It's a partnership built on mutual trust and a shared passion for uncovering hidden gems. What's particularly remarkable is how Royal Challenge American Pride Soda is playing a pivotal role in elevating the visibility of these cuisines and cultures. Often overlooked by mainstream media, these regions are rich with culinary traditions and cultural nuances waiting to be discovered. With Royal Challenge American Pride Sodas support, we're able to shine a spotlight on these lesser-known treasures, introducing them to an audience eager for authentic and immersive experiences. It's a symbiotic relationship that celebrates diversity and fosters a deeper appreciation for the culinary and cultural tapestry of our world. Shashank: I have not been able to stop talking about how good this marriage has been. It's not easy for a brand to let people like us be ourselves and continue to associate with us in longevity. It takes a bold set of people with a clear vision and a strong stand on who they are and what the brand stands for. Royal Challenge American Pride Soda for us has been that rock. They have let our spirit of adventure in exploring the unknown and redefining the popular be as is if not encouraged it. Our community of viewers fortunately are the same and it's great to see them living vicariously through us and they seem to be the extended family that have accepted this marriage with open arms. This is obvious through the comments and viewership numbers on our videos of Delhi. How do you see The Big Forkers evolving in the future, and what new projects or collaborations might be on the horizon for you both? Sid: TBF has transformed into the Forkers Collective, a platform that allows content creators and enthusiasts to gain access to advertisers and media companies through our reach. Its the intersection of content commerce and live events. As for The Big Forkers, we will continue to create content in India and internationally. We will next release our Thailand mini-series, shot with Thai Tourism. We are also planning multiple seasons with RCAP in Bengal, UP and the North East. Shashank: Hopefully sooner than later we would like to go from being an important voice in the food and travel space to Own this space in a sense. We would like to become the one stop shop for everything related to food and travel - content creation, production, event curation, collaborations you name it.
This Town In Tamil Nadus Kanyakumari Has The Largest Wind Farm In India
The Aralvaimozhi pass is known to naturally generate electricity using the wind power.
YouTuber Sattai Durai Murugan arrested
Sattai Durai Murugan was arrested for his alleged derogatory remarks against Chief Minister M.K. Stalin a few years ago by the Kanyakumari district police.
Mopa Airport Gets 6-Lane Access-Controlled Road For Faster Connectivity to Mumbai-Goa Highway
The elevated corridor, called the Mopa link road, will provide faster connectivity to and from Mumbai-Kanyakumari National Highway 66, also connecting Goa.
Amid rains, water level in India's main reservoirs rise for first time since Sep 2023
New Delhi: Amid heavy rains across India, the water level of the country's main reservoirs has risen for the first time since September last year, the Central Water Commission (CWC) said.Despite the marginal rise of 2 per cent from the previous week, this marks a departure from the consistent week-on-week decline reported since the bulletin issued on September 29, 2023, when the storage capacity stood at 73 per cent, according to the analysis of the data. This improvement comes amid widespread rainfall across the country. The CWC, which monitors the live storage status of 150 reservoirs across India, released its latest bulletin detailing these developments on July 4. The CWC issues a weekly bulletin every Thursday, providing updates on the status of these reservoirs. According to the bulletin, out of the 150 reservoirs, 20 are dedicated to hydroelectric projects, with a total live storage capacity of 35.30 billion cubic meters (BCM). The CWC bulletin on July 4 said the live storage available in these reservoirs was 39.729 BCM, which is 22 per cent of their total live storage capacity. In comparison, the live storage available during the corresponding period last year was 50.422 BCM, with a normal storage level of 44.06 BCM. This indicates that the current live storage is 79 per cent of last year's corresponding period and 90 per cent of the normal storage level, the CWC said. The northern region, comprising Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Rajasthan, has 10 reservoirs with a total live storage capacity of 19.663 BCM. The current storage is 5.39 BCM (27 per cent), compared to 45 per cent during the same period last year and a normal storage level of 31 per cent. The eastern region, including Assam, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Tripura, Nagaland, and Bihar, has 23 reservoirs with a total live storage capacity of 20.430 BCM. The current storage stands at 3.979 BCM (19 per cent), down from 20 per cent last year and a normal level of 23 per cent. The western region, which includes Gujarat and Maharashtra, has 49 reservoirs with a total live storage capacity of 37.130 BCM. The storage is now at 7.949 BCM (21 per cent), compared to 27 per cent last year and a normal storage level of 22 per cent. The central region, comprising Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, has 26 reservoirs with a total live storage capacity of 48.227 BCM. The current storage is 12.26 BCM (25 per cent), compared to 35 per cent last year and a normal storage level of 26 per cent. The southern region, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, has 42 reservoirs with a total live storage capacity of 53.334 BCM. The storage is now at 10.152 BCM (19.03 per cent), down from 19.43 per cent last year and a normal level of 24 per cent. The bulletin highlighted several key points -- Normal storage is defined as the average storage of the last 10 years. The overall storage position is less than both the corresponding period last year and the normal storage during the same period. Better-than-normal storage is observed in regions such as Brahmaputra, Sabarmati, and the West Flowing Rivers from Tadri to Kanyakumari. Close to normal storage is found in the Indus, Subarnarekha, Mahi, and other rivers. Deficient storage is reported in the Mahanadi, Cauvery, Brahmani and Baitarni rivers. Highly deficient storage is seen in the East Flowing rivers between Pennar and Kanyakumari and other similar regions. In terms of specific reservoir data, 56 reservoirs have storage levels higher than last year, and 61 have more than the normal storage level. Conversely, 14 reservoirs have storage levels less than or equal to 20 per cent compared to last year, and eight reservoirs are similarly low compared to the normal storage. Furthermore, 40 reservoirs have storage levels less than or equal to 50 per cent of last year, with 29 reservoirs similarly low compared to the normal storage level. States with better storage than last year include Assam, Jharkhand, Tripura, Nagaland, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, and Kerala. There are no states with equal storage to last year. States with lesser storage than last year include Rajasthan, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. According to the CWC's analysis, the total live storage available in the country is estimated to be 57.290 BCM against the total capacity of 257.812 BCM.
How violin exponent A. Kanyakumari put together a Carnatic instrumental choir
The Guru Vandanam choir performed Annamacharyas compositions and the TriShakti tillana created by Kanyakumari.
Amid rains, water level in India's main reservoirs rise for first time since Sep 202
Water levels on the Godavari river have been reducing at the Sir Arthur Cotton barrage at Dowleswaram. At 10.00 pm on Thursday, levels were recorded at 11.80 ft with a discharge of 10.45 lakh cusecs of water into the sea and the first flood warning level may be withdrawn soon. (Photo: DECCAN CHRONICLE) Water levels on the Godavari river have been reducing at the Sir Arthur Cotton barrage at Dowleswaram. At 10.00 pm on Thursday, levels were recorded at 11.80 ft with a discharge of 10.45 lakh cusecs of water into the sea and the first flood warning level may be withdrawn soon. (Photo: DECCAN CHRONICLE) New Delhi: Amid heavy rains across India, the water level of the country's main reservoirs has risen for the first time since September last year, the Central Water Commission (CWC) said.Despite the marginal rise of 2 per cent from the previous week, this marks a departure from the consistent week-on-week decline reported since the bulletin issued on September 29, 2023, when the storage capacity stood at 73 per cent, according to the analysis of the data. This improvement comes amid widespread rainfall across the country. The CWC, which monitors the live storage status of 150 reservoirs across India, released its latest bulletin detailing these developments on July 4. The CWC issues a weekly bulletin every Thursday, providing updates on the status of these reservoirs. According to the bulletin, out of the 150 reservoirs, 20 are dedicated to hydroelectric projects, with a total live storage capacity of 35.30 billion cubic meters (BCM). The CWC bulletin on July 4 said the live storage available in these reservoirs was 39.729 BCM, which is 22 per cent of their total live storage capacity. In comparison, the live storage available during the corresponding period last year was 50.422 BCM, with a normal storage level of 44.06 BCM. This indicates that the current live storage is 79 per cent of last year's corresponding period and 90 per cent of the normal storage level, the CWC said. The northern region, comprising Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Rajasthan, has 10 reservoirs with a total live storage capacity of 19.663 BCM. The current storage is 5.39 BCM (27 per cent), compared to 45 per cent during the same period last year and a normal storage level of 31 per cent. The eastern region, including Assam, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Tripura, Nagaland, and Bihar, has 23 reservoirs with a total live storage capacity of 20.430 BCM. The current storage stands at 3.979 BCM (19 per cent), down from 20 per cent last year and a normal level of 23 per cent. The western region, which includes Gujarat and Maharashtra, has 49 reservoirs with a total live storage capacity of 37.130 BCM. The storage is now at 7.949 BCM (21 per cent), compared to 27 per cent last year and a normal storage level of 22 per cent. The central region, comprising Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, has 26 reservoirs with a total live storage capacity of 48.227 BCM. The current storage is 12.26 BCM (25 per cent), compared to 35 per cent last year and a normal storage level of 26 per cent. The southern region, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, has 42 reservoirs with a total live storage capacity of 53.334 BCM. The storage is now at 10.152 BCM (19.03 per cent), down from 19.43 per cent last year and a normal level of 24 per cent. The bulletin highlighted several key points -- Normal storage is defined as the average storage of the last 10 years. The overall storage position is less than both the corresponding period last year and the normal storage during the same period. Better-than-normal storage is observed in regions such as Brahmaputra, Sabarmati, and the West Flowing Rivers from Tadri to Kanyakumari. Close to normal storage is found in the Indus, Subarnarekha, Mahi, and other rivers. Deficient storage is reported in the Mahanadi, Cauvery, Brahmani and Baitarni rivers. Highly deficient storage is seen in the East Flowing rivers between Pennar and Kanyakumari and other similar regions. In terms of specific reservoir data, 56 reservoirs have storage levels higher than last year, and 61 have more than the normal storage level. Conversely, 14 reservoirs have storage levels less than or equal to 20 per cent compared to last year, and eight reservoirs are similarly low compared to the normal storage. Furthermore, 40 reservoirs have storage levels less than or equal to 50 per cent of last year, with 29 reservoirs similarly low compared to the normal storage level. States with better storage than last year include Assam, Jharkhand, Tripura, Nagaland, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, and Kerala. There are no states with equal storage to last year. States with lesser storage than last year include Rajasthan, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. According to the CWC's analysis, the total live storage available in the country is estimated to be 57.290 BCM against the total capacity of 257.812 BCM.
Bharat Jodo Yatra was inspired by Rajasekhara Reddys 2003 yatra across Andhra: Rahul
NEW DELHI, July 8: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday said his over 4,000 km Kanyakumari to Kashmir Bharat Jodo Yatra was inspired by party veteran Y S Rajasekhara Reddys 2003 foot march across Andhra Pradesh. In a video message on the former Andhra Pradesh chief ministers 75th birth anniversary, Gandhi said that he was []
My Bharat Jodo Yatra was inspired by Rajasekhara Reddys 2003 yatra: Rahul
New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday said his over 4,000 km Kanyakumari to Kashmir Bharat Jodo Yatra was inspired by party veteran Y S Rajasekhara Reddys 2003 foot march across Andhra Pradesh. In a video message on the former Andhra Pradesh chief ministers 75th birth anniversary, Gandhi said that he was a true Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Witnesses testify against Ambalamukku murder case accused
Kanyakumari native Rajendran, a history-sheeter, is accused of of murdering Nedumangad native Vineetha and stealing her necklace
Indian eateries now New York's gastronomic toast
They are among the notable, far-ranging Indian dining spots around town, many at the higher tiers of the price spectrum. Collectively, Indian restaurants are becoming something of a power dining scene, drawing customers from the upwardly mobile population of New Yorkers with roots in the subcontinent. To this already impressive list, you can now add Kanyakumari, which dishes out delicacies from India's 4,700-mile coastline at the more easily accessible Union Square.
Petrol and diesel rates updated on 27 June at 6 am, know the prices from Kashmir to Kanyakumari
Petrol and diesel prices have increased in some states including Chhattisgarh, Goa, Haryana and Kerala. At the same time, prices have decreased in some states including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar and Gujarat. Crude oil prices are trading under slight pressure in the international market. Meanwhile, at 6 am, the countrys oil companies have released new [] The post Petrol and diesel rates updated on 27 June at 6 am, know the prices from Kashmir to Kanyakumari first appeared on discountwalas .
Travel to South India by Bharat Gaurav train, pay fare on EMI of Rs 1185, know details
During this trip, tourists will be taken on a tour of Rameswaram, Meenakshi Temple (Madurai), Kanyakumari, Tirupati Balaji and Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga. The total number of berths as per category is 767. In which 02 AC (total 49 seats), 03 AC (total 70 seats) and Sleeper (total 648 seats) will be available. Let us know the [] The post Travel to South India by Bharat Gaurav train, pay fare on EMI of Rs 1185, know details first appeared on informalnewz .
Shivrajs son says Delhi bowing to dad, Congress asks why not made PM
BHOPAL: Enthused by his fathers landslide Lok Sabha polls win and subsequent debut in the union cabinet, union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhans elder son Kartikey Singh Chouhan believes that Delhi is bowing to the ex-Madhya Pradesh chief minister. Ive just returned after staying in Delhi. Earlier also our leader (Chouhan) was quite popular as the CM. But I dont know why it seems that he became more popular when he was not the CM. But now after the colossal win, the entire Delhi is natmastak (bowing), respecting, and recognizing him. But not just in Delhi, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, our leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan is being counted among the biggest leaders now, Chouhan Jr said while addressing a meeting of BJP workers and people in his fathers pocket-borough, Budhni assembly constituency of Sehore district on Friday. While lauding the overwhelming support of the voters of Budhni at the meeting, Kartikey said, This has been possible only due to the support of our people here in Budhni. The union agriculture ministers Delhi bows to our leader statement, however, was enough for the Congress to question, Is Kartikey trying to project his father as a bigger national leader than PM Narendra Modi? Reacting to his, fourth-time Congress MLA and state leader of opposition Umang Singhar said, It seems that Kartikey wants to project his father as a bigger national leader than PM Narendra Modi. The former MP CM and Congresss Rajya Sabha member Digvijaya Singh said, If Shivrajs popularity truly extends from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, then BJP leaders nationally should acknowledge this and consider promoting Shivraj as the countrys PM. Notably, the only time Shivraj Singh Chouhan lost a major poll in his nearly three-and-a-half-decade-long career was in 2003, when then-CM Digvijaya Singh had defeated Chouhan by over 21,000 votes from the Raghogarh assembly seat. After winning the Vidisha Lok Sabha seat by a margin of over 8.20 lakh votes, Shivraj Singh Chouhan was appointed as the agriculture minister in the Narendra Modi 3.0 cabinet and after winning the Lok Sabha election from the Vidisha seat, Chouhan resigned as an MLA from the Budhni assembly seat.
JAMMU&KASHMIR: A historic feat of engineering takes shape; trains will soon begin traversing the worlds highest arch railway bridge, the Chenab Bridge, in Jammu and Kashmir. The awe-inspiring structure not only a milestone in engineering but also represents a monumental step towards realising the long-held dream of connecting Jammu and Kashmirs rail network with the rest of India. The Chenab Bridge, constructed over the Chenab River in the Reasi district, stands as a testament to human ingenuity and resilience. Built at a cost of `1,456 crores, the bridge soars 359 meters above the riverbed, making it 35 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower. Its arch span of 467 meters solidifies its status as a marvel, blending structural strength with aesthetic appeal. Designed by German firm LAP, with viaduct design by WSFP Finland Limited and proof consultancy by a UK firm, the Chenab Bridge is not only an engineering marvel but also a fortress. In collaboration with the DRDO, the bridge has been made blast-proof and can withstand high-velocity winds of up to 266 kph at deck level. It is also built to endure extreme weather conditions, including temperatures as low as -40C. Spanning over 1,315 meters, the Chenab Bridge is designed to last about 120 years. Trains will be able to travel at speeds of up to 100 km/h on the bridge, with all necessary safety measures in place to ensure smooth and secure travel. Supreet Singh Raina, SCN Chenab Bridge, highlights the extensive efforts made to ensure the bridges resilience against severe earthquakes, given its location in a high seismic zone. The construction process, which began in 2005 and gained momentum after 2013, involved the fabrication of 29,000 MT of steel, over 10 lakh cubic meters of earthwork, 66,252 cubic meters of concrete, and 84 kilometers of rock bolts and cable anchors. At its peak in 2017, the project saw around 3200 workers and engineers working simultaneously, with a small colony of 52 residential blocks set up to facilitate uninterrupted work. Before construction could commence, 26 km of approach roads and a 400-meter-long tunnel were built to access the site. With the completion of the bridge and the rail track from Sangaldan to Reasi, a trial run of an MEMU train was conducted on June 20. More trials are scheduled before the regular train services commence. Next week, the Commissioner of Railways Safety (CRS) D C Deshwal will conduct a three-day inspection of the 46-kilometer Sangaldan-Reasi rail track. This inspection is crucial for the approval of regular train services, extending rail connectivity from Baramulla in North Kashmir to Reasi in Jammu. Currently, train services run from Baramulla to Sangaldan in Ramban district and from Jammu to Reasi. If the CRS gives the green light, it will mark a significant leap towards connecting Kashmir with the rest of India via the railway network. The Chenab Bridges opening will foster social integration by facilitating the movement of people and goods, promoting cultural exchanges, regional development, and boost economic activities, tourism and trade. Once the Bridge is operational, only a 15-18 kilometer stretch from Katra to Reasi remains to complete the ambitious 272-kilometer Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). Of this, 209 kilometers have already been commissioned in phases. The final stretch includes the T1 tunnel, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year, realizing the dream of rail connectivity from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Bridging people This rail link, at a staggering 359 metres above the Chenab River will reduce Kashmirs dependency on the 271-km Srinagar-Jammu highway, which frequently closes due to landslides. The all-weather rail link will significantly contribute to the economic development of J&K, boosting tourist footfall and providing cheaper transport for goods, especially for fruit growers, fostering improved trade and access.
'Entire Delhi bowing down', says Shivraj Singh Chouhans son; '...make him PM', retorts Digvijaya
BHOPAL: Enthused by his father's landslide Lok Sabha election victory and entry into the Union cabinet, Kartikey Singh Chouhan, son of Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, claimed that Delhi is bowing to the former Madhya Pradesh chief minister. Ive just returned after staying in Delhi. Earlier, our leader (Chouhan) was quite popular as the CM. But I dont know why it seems that he became more popular when he was not the CM. But now, after the colossal win, the entire Delhi is 'natmastak' (bowing), respecting and recognising him, Kartikey said while addressing a meeting of BJP workers and people in the Budhni assembly constituency of Sehore district on Friday. But not just in Delhi; from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, our leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan is being counted among the biggest leaders now, he added while speaking in his fathers pocket borough. Amit Shah, Shivraj Singh Chouhan and more among 10 new ministers with highest victory margins While lauding the overwhelming support of the voters of Budhni at the meeting, Kartikey further said, This has been possible only due to the support of our people here in Budhni. Meanwhile, the junior Chouhan's comment was enough for the opposition Congress to question, Is Kartikey trying to project his father as a bigger national leader than PM Narendra Modi? Reacting to his remark, four-time Congress MLA and state leader of the opposition, Umang Singhar, said, It seems that Kartikey Singh Chouhan wants to project his father as a bigger national leader than PM Narendra Modi. Former MP CM and Congresss Rajya Sabha member Digvijaya Singh also weighed in, saying: If Shivrajs popularity truly extends from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, then BJP leaders nationally should acknowledge this and consider promoting Shivraj as the countrys PM. Buzzing now: Shivraj Singh Chouhan's entry into Delhi and Himanta rival's big win Notably, the only time Shivraj Singh Chouhan lost a major poll in his nearly three-and-a-half-decade-long career was in 2003, when then CM Digvijaya Singh defeated Chouhan by over 21,000 votes from the Raghogarh assembly seat. Shivraj won the Vidisha seat of central MP by a gargantuan 8.20 lakh votes in the recent general elections. He subsequently made his debut in the Modi 3.0 Cabinet as the country's agriculture minister at the age of 65. Just a few days ago, Chouhan quit his Vidhan Sabha membership, resigning from his home constituency of Budhni, where he has won six times. This has necessitated a by-election to the seat, but the ECI is yet to announce the date of the by-election to the seat, which is a part of Chouhans Vidisha Lok Sabha constituency. An alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania in the US, Kartikey Singh Chouhan is being seen among the frontrunners as a probable BJP candidate from the Budhni seat, even as the BJP national leadership is largely averse to furthering family politics. However, Chouhan Jr isnt new to politics, as it was he who largely managed his fathers election in Budhni in the 2023 assembly polls. In the assembly by-elections to 20 odd seats of MP in November 2020, Kartikey had actively campaigned for the party candidates.
Kanchanjunga Express Collision: THESE Trains Diverted, What Led to Accident? Details...
Further to the Breaking news earlier reported, A tragic collision occurred on Monday morning between a goods train and the Kanchanjunga Express on the busy route connecting Kolkata's Sealdah station and New Jalpaiguri station in Siliguri. The accident, which took place in West Bengal's Darjeeling district, resulted in the deaths of 15 people and left at least 60 others injured. What Led to the Collision? Investigations have identified two main factors that likely caused the collision between the goods train and the Kanchanjunga Express. 1. Missing Kavach System One of the significant reasons for the collision was the absence of the Kavach system, an Indian-developed safety mechanism designed to prevent accidents when two trains are on the same track. Reports indicate that the Kavach system was not installed on the tracks in Darjeeling where the collision occurred. Following the crash, an old video of Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw explaining the Kavach system has gone viral, highlighting its importance. Jaya Varma Sinha, Chairman of the Railway Board, stated that plans are underway to install the Kavach system on the Delhi-Guwahati route, covering over 6,000 km of tracks by next year, with Bengal included in the 3,000 km set to receive this protection within the year. 2. Goods Train Overshot Signal The second contributing factor was the goods train overshooting a signal. Officials confirmed that the goods train had missed the signal and subsequently rammed into the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express. Among the deceased were the pilot and co-pilot of the goods train, as well as the guard of the passenger train. Impact on Train Services In the aftermath of the collision, 19 trains have been cancelled. The affected trains include: 19602 New Jalpaiguri - Udaipur City Weekly Express (17.06.24) 20503 Dibrugarh - New Delhi Rajdhani Express (16.06.24) 12423 Dibrugarh - New Delhi Rajdhani Express (16.06.24) 01666 Agartala - Rani Kamlapati Special Train (16.06.24) 12377 Sealdah - New Alipurduar Padatik Express (16.06.24) 06105 Nagercoil Jn. - Dibrugarh Special (14.06.24) 20506 New Delhi - Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express (16.06.24) 12424 New Delhi - Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express (16.06.24) 22301 Howrah - New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express (17.06.24) 12346 Guwahati - Howrah Saraighat Express (17.06.24) 12505 Kamakhya - Anand Vihar Northeast Express (17.06.24) 12510 Guwahati - Bengaluru Express (17.06.24) 22302 New Jalpaiguri - Howrah Vande Bharat Express (17.06.24) 15620 Kamakhya - Gaya Express (17.06.24) 15962 Dibrugarh - Howrah Kamrup Express (17.06.24) 15636 Guwahati - Okha Express (17.06.24) 15930 New Tinsukia - Tambaram Express (17.06.24) 13148 Bamanhat - Sealdah Uttar Banga Express (17.06.24) 22504 Dibrugarh - Kanyakumari Express (17.06.24) This incident underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures and systems across India's railway network to prevent such tragedies in the future. BREAKING: Kanchanjunga Express Collides with Goods Train in West Bengal, Several Injured Help Desk Set Up for Kanchanjungha Express-Goods Train Accident: Helpline Numbers For SoS What is'Kavach? Indian Railways Floats Tender for 10,000 km of 'Kavach' System, Details Here
Kanchanjunga Express Train Accident: 19 Trains Cancelled
In the wake of the Kanchanjunga Express train accident, 19 trains have been cancelled on New jalpaiguri, Siliguri Junction, Bagdogra & Aluabari road route. On Monday morning, eight people were killed and nearly 25 persons were injured after a goods rammed into the Kanchanjunga Express. Four coaches from rear side of the Kanchanjunga Express and 5 wagons of the goods train got derailed as a result of the incident. Earlier, Indian Railways issued help desk numbers in connection with the Kanchanjunga Express accident. List of trains cancelled: 1. 19602 New Jalpaiguri - Udaipur City Weekly Express of 17.06.24 2. 20503 Dibrugarh - New Delhi Rajdhani Express of 16.06.24. 3. 12423 Dibrugarh - New Delhi Rajdhani Express of 16.06.24 4. 01666 Agartala - Rani Kamlapati Special train of 16.06.24 5. 12377 Sealdah- New Alipurduar Padatik Express of 16.06.24 6. 06105 Nagercoil Jn.- Dibrugarh Special of 14.06.24. 7. 20506 New Delhi- Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express of 16.06.24. 8. 12424 New Delhi- Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express of 16.06.24. 9. 22301 Howrah- New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express of 17.06.24. 10. 12346 Guwahati- Howrah Saraighat Express of 17.06.24. 11. 12505 Kamakhya- Anand Vihar Northeast Express of 17.06.24. 12. 12510 Guwahati- Bengaluru Express of 17.06.24. 13. 22302 New Jalpaiguri- Howrah Vande Bharat Express of 17.06.24. 14. 15620 Kamakhya- Gaya Express of 17.06.24. 15. 15962 Dibrugarh- Howrah Kamrup Express of 17.06.24. 16. 15636 Guwahati- Okha Express of 17.06.24. 17. 15930 New Tinsukia- Tambaram Express of 17.06.24. 18. 13148 Bamanhat-Sealdah Uttar Banga Express of 17.06.24. 19. 22504 Dibrugarh- Kanyakumari Express of 17.06.24.
World's Highest Railway Bridge on Chenab River to Launch Train Service Soon
Srinagar: The train service from Ramban to Reasi, traversing the worlds highest railway bridge built over the Chenab River, is set to commence soon, as announced by Northern Railway. Currently, trains operate from Kanyakumari to Katra and services are also running from Baramulla to Sangaldan in the Kashmir Valley. Reasi Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Mahajan hailed the project as an engineering marvel of the modern world. The day when the train will reach Reasi will be a game-changing day for the district. It is a proud moment for us, as our engineers have created a marvel. It is the eighth wonder of the world. The bridge, the wind speed, and its strength are wonderful. The exact date cannot be said, but I hope the day comes soon, he told the media. Deputy Chief Engineer of Konkan Railways, Sujay Kumar, described the project as very challenging but noted that those affected by the project are very happy. We hope everything will be completed soon, he said. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which includes this bridge, is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the USBRL project, including the 48.1 km Banihal-Sangaldan section, on February 20, 2024. Phase I of the project, covering the 118 km Qazigund-Baramulla section, was inaugurated in October 2009. Subsequent phases saw the 18 km Banihal-Qazigund section inaugurated in June 2013 and the 25 km Udhampur-Katra section opened in July 2014. The Chenab Rail Bridge, constructed 359 metres (around 1,178 feet) above the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, stands approximately 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower. The 1,315-metre-long bridge is part of a broader project aimed at integrating the Kashmir Valley into the Indian Railway network. Election Rhetoric vs. Actions: Congress Raises Fuel Prices by Rs 3, Raising Eyebrows Bank Robbery Strikes Bihar Again: Rs 18 Lakh Looted from Axis Bank in Bihta Cow Smugglers Shoot Cow Protector in Haryana's Nuh District
Train Service on World's Highest Railway Bridge over Chenab River to Begin Soon
Train services will soon commence on the world's highest railway bridge over the Chenab River, connecting Ramban to Reasi, according to Northern Railway officials. Currently, trains run along the railway line from Kanyakumari to Katra, and services also operate from Baramulla to Sangaldan in the Kashmir Valley. Vishesh Mahajan, Deputy Commissioner of Reasi, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, This is an engineering marvel of the modern world. The day when the train will reach Reasi will be a game-changing day for the district. It is a proud moment for us, as our engineers have created a marvel. It is the eighth wonder of the world. The bridge, the wind speed, and its strength are wonderful. The exact date cannot be said, but I hope the day comes soon. Railway officials recently conducted an extensive inspection of the newly constructed railway line and stations between Sangaldan in Ramban district and Reasi. Sujay Kumar, Deputy Chief Engineer from Konkan Railways, described the project as highly challenging. People affected by this project are all very happy. We hope everything will be completed soon, he said. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project is expected to be completed by the year-end. The USBRL project, which includes the 48.1 km Banihal-Sangaldan section, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 20, 2024. Phase I of the project, covering the 118 km Qazigund-Baramulla section, was inaugurated in October 2009. Subsequent phases saw the inauguration of the 18 km Banihal-Qazigund section in June 2013 and the 25 km Udhampur-Katra section in July 2014. The Chenab Rail Bridge, constructed 359 meters (around 109 feet) above the Chenab River in the Jammu and Kashmir region, stands taller than the Eiffel Tower by 35 meters. The 1,315-meter-long bridge is part of a broader project aimed at integrating the Kashmir valley into the Indian Railway network. Delhi Metro and Konkan Railway Partner on Global Metro Initiatives Global Airlines Expand in India, Anticipating Major Market Growth These 4 places are perfect for weekend travel, make a plan to visit
J&K | Train Services To Begin Soon On Worlds Eighth Wonder Chenab Rail Bridge
REASI, June 15: The train service from Ramban to Reasi via the worlds highest railway bridge built on the Chenab River will begin soon, according to the Northern Railway. At present, the trains operate along the railway line from Kanyakumari to Katra, while services run from Baramulla to Sangaldan in the Kashmir Valley. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Reasi Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Mahajan said, This is an engineering marvel of the modern world. The day when the [] The post J&K | Train Services To Begin Soon On Worlds Eighth Wonder Chenab Rail Bridge appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
J-K: Train services to begin soon on 'world's eighth wonder' Chenab rail bridge
Train services from Ramban to Reasi, traversing the world's highest railway bridge on the Chenab River, are set to commence soon, as stated by Northern Railway officials. Currently, trains are operational on the railway route from Kanyakumari to Katra, with services also running between Baramulla and Sangaldan in the Kashmir Valley. Recently, railway officials carried out a detailed inspection of the newly built railway line.
Two para cyclists from Hyderabad to represent India at Paralympic Games 2024
HYDERABAD : Para cyclists Jyoti Radheshyam Gaderiya and Shaik Arshad have taken the city to the centre stage of Paralympics in Paris from August 28 to September 8, by qualifying for the premier event. Both are products of the Hyderabad-headquartered Aditya Mehta Foundation. Gaderiya, a promising kabbadi player, she met with a horrifying life-threatening accident in 2016 at her village in Maharashtra. Her left leg was amputated and she went into depression that lasted all of two years. It was her steely resolve that kept her alive and she took to cycling. Now she is all set to represent India in the cycling events at Paris. Arshad, the No. 5 ranked para cyclist in the world, is jubilant that he will compete in Paris. When he was 12 years old, in 2014, his left leg was amputated following an autorickshaw accident near Nandyal in Andhra Pradesh. Recalling her fight back, Gaderiya, 26, told Deccan Chronicle , I took up para rowing and clinched an international bronze in 2019. I shifted priorities and my concentration is now on cycling, in which I have won 12 international medals. Aditya Mehta Foundation is where I am honing my skills. They provide accommodation, food, training and counselling. Arshad explained, I was picked up by Aditya Mehta Foundation during a talent hunt in Bengaluru in 2018, I was brought here and trained in para cycling. When I failed to secure any medals, I was demotivated and left the sport. But the foundation members reached out to me. I resumed practice in 2022. Today I am at No 5 among para cyclists in the world. Among his achievements, he says, I climbed Mount Bhagarathi, which is one of the worlds toughest peaks. During this expedition, personnel from the Border Security Force supported me in 2019. In 2020 I cycled from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. In 2022 I bagged two medals in the 2022 Asian track cycling championship.
Tamil Nadu Assembly session to wind up on 29 June
Chennai: The State Assembly session, starting on June 20, would go on till June 29, the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) that met on Wednesday decided, while AIADMK leader S P Velumani objected to the schedule and wanted the session to be continued after the Vikravandi by-elections. Speaker M Appavu said the BAC was attended by top leaders of ruling DMK and also the opposition like Duraimurugan, K Ponmudi, Velumani and R B Udhayakumar. The opening day would be dedicated for obituary references and passing a resolution on the passing away of sitting MLA IN Pugezhenthi from Vikravandi. The discussions on the demands for grants for various departments would start on Friday, June 21. The cut motions for the demands of grants to be taken up on June 21 and 22 should be presented before 3 pm on June 18, the Speaker said. For the cut motions on the rest of the demands for grants the deadline for presenting them is 3 pm on June 20 and the forms would be available in the Assembly Secretariat. The morning sessions would begin at 10 am and the evening sessions at 5 pm, the tentative schedule drawn by the BAC said. The House would meet on Saturday, June 22, and only June 23, Sunday is a holiday. Velumani said that since the House would have time to debate only on eight days during the nine day period between June 20 and 29, it should be resumed after the by-election. He said members should be allowed to raise issues and not be stopped as earlier. The address of the Leader of the Opposition should be telecast in full, he said. Tharahai Cuthbert, the newly elected Congress member from Vilavancode in Kanyakumari district, took oath at the office of the Speaker at 10.25 am on Wednesday. The by-election, held along with the Lok Sabha polls on April 19, was caused by the resignation of three-time Congress MLA Vijayadharani, who switched over to the BJP,
TNs Roads Lead to Economic Prosperity
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin.(Twitter) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin.(Twitter) Chennai: The broadening of 577 km of roads, converting them into four lane highways, at a cost of Rs 4,984 crore and converting 1710 km of roads into two-way passages in the last three years are just two of the many efforts made by the State government to improve road infrastructure, which has been the main cause of Tamil Nadu becoming the second largest economy in the country. Chief Minister M K Stalin has been taking steps to develop the highways of the State with a view to turning them into world class roads as history has it that it was former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi who pioneered the development of roads by connecting rural pockets to urban areas through a network of roads in 1971. It was that initiative of Karunanidhi the brought villages closer to towns and cities, triggering an overall development in the State, and led to the State coming on top with 153 km roads for every 100 square kilometer area in 2010 when the national average was 103 km of road In every 100 square kilometer, says official data. Taking off from the robust road infrastructure, the present DMK government had embarked on a slew of road development schemes under which the level of 1281 road bridges have been raised, besides launching a project to pave 4581 km of roads at a cost of Rs 1610 crore and completing the work on 4492 km of road stretches. In the past three years, as per government data, work on the construction of 109 bye-pass roads were started and 18 of them have been completed. Work on the construction of a flyover in Madurai was expedited in 2023-24 after it remained in a limbo without any progress for many years since it was launched in 2011. Ever since Stalin took over as Chief Minister work on the construction of 70 rail over bridges were launched and work was completed on 22 bridges costing Rs 863 crore, and opened for road users. An app Our Roads has been launched to make the State roads accident free by identifying damaged roads and levelling potholes with the help of the public. Road engineers would be informed of complaints on potholes on roads through email and State roads would be repaired in 24 hours and village roads in 72 hours. So far, 2,129 complaints have been redressed through the app. A pedestrian pathway linking the Vivekananda Rock Memorial off the Kanyakumari coast and the adjoining rock, on which the Thiruvaluar statue has been set up, was being constructed at a cost of Rs 37 crore and another 3.30 km road connecting the recently constructed Jallikattu coliseum with the Kuttimeikipatti Athikaraipalam main road was converted into a two-lane road.
NOTA votes come down further than 2019 LS polls
CHENNAI: The number of voters who opted for the None of the Above (NOTA) option in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) has come down in Tamil Nadu in the just-concluded Lok Sabha elections when compared to the 2019 general elections. In 2019, 5.47 lakh (1.27%) of voters opted for the NOTA in the State and in the current elections, 4,67,068 voters (1.07%) have adopted NOTA. In Sriperumbudur constituency, highest number of voters (26,450) have adopted for NOTA followed by the voters in the following constituencies: Dindigul (22,120), Tiruvallur (18,978), Tiruppur (17,737), Tenkasi (17,165); Kancheepuram (16,965), and Chennai South (15,653). In the Kanyakumari constituency, the lowest number of voters (3,756) opted for NOTA. Dying NOTA in need of reforms, say analysts The NOTA option which was made available in the EVMs in 2013 following a verdict of the Supreme Court, initially received a 'heroic response' from the voters as it is seen as an opportunity for them to register their protest if they do not like any of the candidates contesting in a particular election. However, in every election, the number of voters who are opting for this option is dwindling. A total of 24,591 voters opted for the 49-O option (zero vote or negative vote) in the 2011 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu to declare that they did not like any of the candidates in the fray. In the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, 18,162 voters opted for Zero Vote. After the SC verdict, in Tamil Nadu, the NOTA button was introduced in EVMs in 2013 for the first time in the Yercaud by-election. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, people overwhelmingly responded to the NOTA. A whopping 5.81 lakh voters (1.43%) opted for the NOTA in the State. In that election, NOTA secured the highest number of votes, i.e., 46,559 in the Nilgiris constituency. The number of voters who opted for NOTA was more than the votes polled by smaller parties in this election. In the 2021 Assembly elections, the number came down to 3.45 lakh (0.75%). Political analysts are of the view that the consistent campaign that the NOTA option did not serve the purpose for which it was introduced. The NOTA button in the EVMs was welcomed to discourage the political parties from fielding candidates with questionable backgrounds. But such candidates continue to be fielded. Experts have also expressed the view that the NOTA option would be meaningful only when the votes polled by this option have some value.
Modi Heaps Praise on Pawan at NDA Meeting in Delhi
VIJAYAWADA: Heaping praise on NDA alliance partner and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi On Friday lauded him as Aandhi (storm). Addressing the NDA parliamentary party meeting at the Samvidhan Sadan (old parliament building) in Delhi, Narendra Modi said, Yeh Dikthe Pawan. Yeh Pawan Nahi Hai, Aandhi Hai (The person you see, Pawan, he is not just wind but also storm). The video clip of Modi praising the actor and politician went viral, with JS cadres and supporters widely sharing the video across media platforms. On Friday, NDA constituents unanimously elected Narendra Modi as its leader, paving the way for him to be Prime Minister for the third consecutive term. Speaking at the meeting, the Jana Sena chief hailed Modi as a true inspiration to the entire nation and said he as PM succeeded in the ethnic integration of all Indians from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Kamakhya to Dwaraka. It is an honour for the Jana Sena to support and re-elect Narendra Modi as the Leader of NDA, who made the country proud in front of the world, Pawan said. During 2014 election meetings, I wished Narendra Modi to continue as PM for 15 years for the overall development of the nation. Today my wish is being realised with Modi all set to take charge as the PM for the third term. I believe the aspiration of every Indian to see a developed India under Modis - 2047 vision will be realised, Pawan said. Stating that Narendra Modi had actively campaigned for the NDA alliance and paved the way for the alliance's landslide victory in Andhra Pradesh, the JS chief said, The TD, JS and BJP parties have won 91 per cent of the Assembly and Parliament seats in AP.
SCR Set to Resume Divya Dakshin Yatra
Hyderabad : Buoyed by the overwhelming response to their Divya Dakshin Yatra Special, the South Central Railway (SCR) will resume the Bharat Gaurav train service with yet another trip that will take off from Secunderabad railway station on June 22. It will cover pilgrimage centres in South India like Tiruvannamalai (Arunachalam), Rameswaram, Madurai, Kanyakumari, Trivandrum, Trichy and Thanjavur. Meanwhile, the Bharat Gaurav trains nine days and eight nights 19th Punya Kshetra Yatra to Ayodhya and Kashi will start from Secunderabad Railway Station on Saturday. The train will be carrying 726 tourists, who can have darshan at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and the Jyotirlinga at Kashi Vishwanath temple and get spiritual awakening or do pind pradan rituals at Gaya.
Rahuls padayatra changed nations mood: Patole
Mumbai, June 6 (UNI) It was the 10,000 km of foot march by Rahul Gandhi in 2022-23 that ultimately changed the mood of the nation as he crisscrossed south to north and east to west from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and later Manipur to Mumbai, said Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee chief Nana Patole on Thursday. Congress... The post Rahuls padayatra changed nations mood: Patole first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .
Rahul Gandhi right person to hold Leader of Opposition post: Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi
NEW DELHI: Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi backed Rahul Gandhi to be the Leader of Opposition on Thursday and said that he was the right person to take up the coveted position as he was the face of the party in the 2024 general elections. Several Congress MPs are too pitching for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha. Speaking to The New Indian Express , the newly elected MP from Assams Jorhat said, Gandhis dedication to protecting the Indian Constitution was a theme that echoed in every nook and corner of this country, therefore, he is the right person to lead the party in Parliament. However, the final decision is taken by the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP). Rahul Gandhis two Bharat Jodo Yatras had a resounding impact on this election. His message of opening a shop of love in the market of hate had a long-lasting impact. Therefore, I feel that he should take the lead. But in the end, its the Congress parliamentary party to decide, said Gogoi. Though the party offered the position to Rahul Gandhi in 2014 and 2019, he turned down the offer as the party did not have the requisite seats to qualify as Leader of the Opposition (LoP). To claim the post, a party should have at least 10 percent of the membership of the Lok Sabha. While the Congress had 52 seats in 2019, in 2014, it had only 44 seats. However, the party registered a spectacular show by increasing its tally to 99 seats in the 2024 elections. Echoing the view, senior Congress MP Manickam Tagore wrote on X that Rahul Gandhi should lead the party in the Lower House. I sought votes on the name of my leader, Rahul Gandhi. I think he should be the Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha. I hope elected Congress MPs also think the same. Lets see how the Congress Parliamentary Party decides. We are a democratic party, wrote Tagore. Uttar Pradesh: 6-seat victory rekindles hope of Congress revival Congress Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha said that Rahul Gandhi is duty-bound to take on the mantle of Lok Sabha parliamentary party leadership, as he led the campaign from the front. Rahul ji led the campaign frontally. He was the face. He is duty-bound to take on the mantle of Lok Sabha parliamentary party leadership. He cannot make all decisions about himself. Some decisions the party leaders / MPs have to take. Surely it will be a unanimous choice, wrote Tankha on X. Gogoi further said that Gandhi withstood enormous pressure, hate, and ridicule from the BJP and its ecosystem in defending the idea of India. There is an entire troll army who wants to malign his reputation. Rahul Gandhi withstood so much pressure, hate, and ridicule from the BJP and its ecosystem only to defend the idea of India as he walked from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and then later took a yatra from Manipur to Mumbai. He is the main face of our mission to save Indian democracy and protect the Constitution, said Gogoi. INDIA bloc partner Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also welcomed the proposal. If Rahul Gandhi is ready to accept the leadership, why would we object? He has proven himself as a national leader multiple times. He is one of the popular leaders. We all want him and love him. There is no objection and difference in the alliance, Raut told the media.
Congress Celebrations at Gandhi Bhawan
Hyderabad: The TPCC office at Gandhi Bhavan which was deserted in the morning resounded to the sound of fire-crackers and drum beats by afternoon, as party members danced and raised party flags as it became clear that the party was winning eight Lok Sabha seats. Senior leaders addressed the media and workers gathered in front of Gandhi Bhavan to celebrate. Senior leader V Hanumantha Rao said that the BJP government at the Centre did not deliver on its promises in the last ten years. Despite assuming the role of a God-sent, Modi could not deliver his promises, Hanumantha Rao said. Rahul Gandhi walked for 4,000 km from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, analysing the problems of the public, especially the weaker sections of society and the farmers. People realise that Rahul Gandhi works for the welfare of the weaker class while Modi works for the welfare of Ambani and Adani. Rahul Gandhi promises a caste-based census and the lifting of the 50 per cent reservation ceiling. If you see UP, the double-engine government is losing. People wanted a change and that change is Rahul Gandhi, he said. He said that the BJP was expecting to cross 400 seats but was not even reaching 272. That shows that people are with the Congress. Whatever 60 declarations Sonia Gandhi made, we will fulfil, he added. He said the Congress performance in the state was on expected lines. We also expect to win Secunderabad and Medak. Medak, because it was the seat from where Indira Gandhi once fought, he stated earlier in the day. However, the BJP won both seats. Taking down the BRS for corruption and losing contact with the people, Rao said, What is interesting is the failure of BRS. Even changing the name from TRS to BRS did not help them. Eyeing national politics while farmers were dying did not do well with the people. The vacuum that the BRS has created has been filled by the BJP. The BRS also has several corruption charges.
Elderly Sikh Candidate's Bold Move Sparks Interest in Kanyakumari
Elderly Sikh Candidate's Bold Move Sparks Interest in Kanyakumari In a surprising turn of events, an elderly Sikh man arrived at a Kanyakumari district counting center carrying a knife neatly sheathed at his side. The individual, reportedly a candidate from a fringe political outfit, attracted immediate attention from the police on security duty. Authorities swiftly questioned the man about the knife, adhering to security protocols at the counting center. Suspense loomed as officers sought clarity on the candidates intentions and background. According to local television reports, the man is actively running for a position, elevating the stakes and speculations surrounding his presence. This incident underscores the heightened security measures and the diverse array of candidates in this election season.
Raut calls ECI BJP branch after election body initiates action against Uddhav
Mumbai: On the eve of announcement of Lok Sabha election results, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Monday said the PM candidate of the opposition INDIA bloc will be announced within 24 hours of the poll outcome being declared. He also slammed the Election Commission of Indias decision to initiate action against Thackeray calling the poll agency a BJP branch. Counting of votes nationwide for the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls, which ended on June 1, will take place from 8 am on Tuesday. When asked about the PM candidate of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), Raut said, Narendra Modi will not be a Prime Minister again. BJP will not come back to power. Only the India bloc will win. Within 24 hours after the victory, we will announce our prime ministerial candidate. All the leaders of the opposition INDIA bloc will meet in Delhi and the announcement will be made there, Raut added. The Congress-led INDIA bloc comprises the Shiv Sena (UBT) and several opposition parties across the country. The Rajya Sabha MP criticised the ECI calling it a BJP branch. Reacting to the ECIs decision to initiate action against Thackeray for casting aspersions on the election body on May 20 and trying to influence the voters while the voting was still on, Raut said the action once again proves that the ECI is acting at the behest of the BJP. Raut slammed the ECI for allegedly ignoring complaints from opposition parties about poll irregularities and model code of conduct violations, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah allegedly seeking votes in the name of Ram Lalla. The Shiv Sena has sent 17 complaints to the ECl, but it has not even acknowledged any of the complaints, but it has acted swiftly on the BJPs complaint, he added. Taking a swipe at the PMs 45-hour dhyan programme at the Vivekanand Rock Memorial in Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari, Raut asked, Like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is the ECI also meditating, Amid all exit polls predicting a comprehensive win for the BJP-led NDA and a third term as PM for Modi, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader took a jibe at the BJP and said it can prepare ladoos and fafdas for victory celebrations but the people will celebrate the defeat of the ruling party.
Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldie Brar gangs were planning to use minors to kill Salman Khan: Police
Police uncovered a plot involving Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldie Brar gangs planning to employ minors to kill Bollywood actor Salman Khan in Mumbai. Sharpshooters were stationed in multiple locations under Goldie Brar's orders, with plans to regroup in Kanyakumari and escape to other countries.
Within 24 hours of Lok Sabha results, INDI alliance will announce its PM candidate, says Sanjay Raut
MUMBAI: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Monday said the opposition INDI alliance will announce its prime ministerial candidate within 24 hours of the Lok Sabha poll results being declared. Counting of votes nationwide for the seven-phase polls, which ended on June 1, will take place from 8am on Tuesday. Asked about the PM candidate of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), which comprises the Shiv Sena (UBT) and several opposition parties led by the Congress, Raut said, We have many candidates for the post of PM but what about the BJP? The INDI alliance will announce its prime ministerial candidate within 24 hours of the results being declared. All the leaders of the opposition bloc will meet in Delhi and the announcement will be made there, the Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP asserted. Slamming the Election Commission for allegedly ignoring complaints from opposition parties about poll irregularities and model code of conduct violations, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah allegedly seeking votes in the name of 'Ram Lalla', Raut said, We have written 17 complaints (letters) to the EC but we have not received any reply on them. Like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is the ECI also meditating, he asked in a swipe at the PM's 45-hour 'dhyan' programme at the Vivekanand Rock Memorial in Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari. Queried on Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's claim that Union Home Minister Amit Shah called up several collectors across the country ahead of counting of votes on June 4, Raut said, It is a very serious issue. We have found that 12 of them (collectors) are from Maharashtra. In a post on social media platform X on June 1, Ramesh said The outgoing Home Minister has been calling up DMs/Collectors. So far, he has spoken to 150 of them. This is blatant and brazen intimidation, showing how desperate the BJP is. Let it be very clear: the will of the people shall prevail, and on June 4th, Mr. Modi, Mr. Shah, and the BJP will exit, and the INDIA Janbandhan will be victorious. Officers should not get under any pressure and must uphold the Constitution. They are under watch. The EC had sought factual information from Ramesh on this claim and had asked him to share details by 7 pm on Sunday. Amid all exit polls predicting a robust win for the BJP-led NDA and a third term as PM for Modi, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader took a jibe at the BJP and said it can prepare ladoos and fafdas for victory celebrations but the people will celebrate the defeat of the ruling party. EC refuses extra time to Jairam Ramesh to back claims on attempts to influence DMs ahead of vote count
PM Modis sankalps from Kanyakumari Bharats next giant leap to greatness
New Delhi, June 3 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modis call for dedicating the next 25 years to create a strong foundation for the coming generations and achieve a Viksit Bharat (developed India) by 2047 has received a tremendous response from various corners of the country with several ministers hailing the insights as inspirational and also []
BJP-led NDA to Get 450 Lok Sabha Seats: Uma Bharti After Exit Polls
Bhopal: Senior BJP leader Uma Bharti said on Monday that the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will win around 450 Lok Sabha seats, more than the numbers predicted by the exit polls. In a post on X, former Union minister Bharti also said that pilgrims from various states and seers whom she met in the last two-and-a-half months of her stay in the Himalayas only spoke of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Exit polls on Saturday predicted that Prime Minister Modi will retain power for a third straight term, with the BJP-led NDA expected to win a big majority in the Lok Sabha polls. While India Today-Axis My India has forecast 361-401 seats for the BJP-led alliance and 131-166 seats for the opposition INDIA bloc in the 543-member Lok Sabha, the ABP-C Voter predicted 353-383 seats for the ruling alliance and 152-182 seats for the INDIA bloc. Today's Chanakya predicted 335 seats to the BJP and 400 to the NDA, with a margin of 15 seats either way. It predicted 107 seats to the opposition alliance with a possibility of its tally going up or down by 11 seats. The Times Now-ETG Research's exit poll gave 358 and 152 seats to the NDA and the INDIA bloc respectively. The BJP had given the slogan' 400 paar' for its alliance in the Lok Sabha polls. The exit polls came out a day before yesterday, whatever their estimates are, but my estimate cannot be less than four hundred and fifty (seats for NDA), Bharti said on her X handle. Describing Modi as a charismatic person, she said, The way Modi ji did tap (meditation) in Kanyakumari, only alaukik (divine) person can do it. The BJP leader is working for the conservation of the river Ganga these days. Bharti said PM Modi has likened the Ganga to his mother, which has strengthened her belief that her dream (of the river conservation) will be fulfilled. The former Madhya Pradesh chief minister also expressed hope that her dream of implementing of the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project (in the Bundelkhand region of MP and Uttar Pradesh) will also be fulfilled.
PM Modi writes why India needs new dreams
A spiritually rejuvenated prime minister on board his flight from Kanyakumari to Delhi addressed the citizen of Bharat and implored them not to limit their aspiration and dreams, rather resolve to weave new ones and go ahead and fulfill them with ...
Modi Pens 'Viksit Bharat' Vision Post Meditation At Kanyakumari
PM Modi has called for the nation to reassess outdated thinking and beliefs and free our society from the pressure of professional pessimists.
PM Modi: We need to dream new dreams, convert them into reality
New Delhi, June 3 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after a period of meditation in Kanyakumari, returned to work with a renewed focus on Indias future. Immediately upon his return, he held over half a dozen back-to-back meetings, demonstrating his dedication and urgency. Before getting back to work, he authored an article in which he []
We must see Bharats development in global context: PM Modi
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reflected on India's progress and potential while urging for unity and dedication towards a developed India by 2047. In a note penned on Saturday, while on his flight back to Delhi after a 45-hour meditation retreat in Kanniyakumari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the people of the nation to dedicate the next 25 years solely for the country to create a strong foundation for the coming generations and the coming centuries, taking Bharat to new heights. After a three-day spiritual journey in Kanniyakumari, I have just boarded the plane for Delhi, PM Modi began his note penned on June 1 between 4:15 PM and 7 PM during his return flight from Kanyakumari to Delhi. We must see Bharats development in a global context, and for this, it is essential that we understand Bharats internal capabilities. We must acknowledge Bharats strengths, nurture them, and utilize them for the benefit of the world. In today's global scenario, Bharats strength as a youthful nation is an opportunity from which we must not look back, he said. Speaking about his thoughts during his three-day meditation, the PM wrote, Amidst this detachment, amidst the peace and silence, my mind was constantly thinking about the bright future of Bharat, the goals of Bharat. Citing Swami Vivekananda's message that, Every nation has a message to deliver, a mission to fulfil, a destiny to reach. the Prime Minister wrote For thousands of years, Bharat has been moving forward with this sense of meaningful purpose. Bharat has been a cradle of ideas for thousands of years. We have never considered what we have acquired as our personal wealth or measured it purely by economic or material parameters. Therefore, Idam-na-mama (this is not mine) has become an inherent and natural part of the character of Bharat, he wrote. Today, Bharats governance model has become an example for many countries around the world. The development trajectory of Bharat fills us with pride and glory, but at the same time, it also reminds the 140 crore citizens of their responsibilities. Now, without wasting a single moment, we must step forward towards greater duties and larger goals. We need to dream new dreams, convert them into reality and begin living those dreams, the Prime Minister wrote. In his article, the Prime Minister stated that as the voting for the seventh and final phase is concluding, his mind is filled with so many experiences and emotions, adding that the 2024 Lok Sabha polls are the first in the Amrit Kaal. My fellow Indians, the biggest festival of democracy, the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, are concluding today in our nation, the Mother of Democracy. After a three-day spiritual journey in Kanniyakumari, I have just boarded the plane for Delhi. Throughout the day, Kashi and numerous other seats have been in the midst of voting, he wrote in his article. My mind is filled with so many experiences and emotions... I feel a boundless flow of energy within myself. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are the first in the Amrit Kaal. I began my campaign a few months ago from Meerut, the land of the First War of Independence of 1857. Since then, I have traversed across the length and breadth of our great nation. The final rally of these elections took me to Hoshiarpur in Punjab, the land of the great Gurus and a land associated with Sant Ravidas Ji. After that, I came to Kanniyakumari, at the feet of Maa Bharti, PM Modi added. The Prime Minister said that as he entered into the meditation state, all the heated political debates, counterattacks and words of accusations vanished into a void. He said that he felt a sense of detachment from the external world. It is natural that the fervour of the elections was echoing in my heart and mind. The multitude of faces seen in rallies and road shows came in front of my eyes. The blessings from our Nari Shaktithe trust, the affection, all of this was a very humbling experience. My eyes were getting moist... I entered into a sadhana (meditative state). And then, the heated political debates, the attacks and counter-attacks, the voices and words of accusations that are so characteristic of an electionthey all vanished into a void. A sense of detachment came to grow within me...my mind became completely detached from the external world, PM Modi wrote. Meditation becomes challenging amidst such huge responsibilities, but the land of Kanniyakumari and the inspiration of Swami Vivekananda made it effortless. As a candidate myself, I left my campaign in the hands of my beloved people of Kashi and came here, he added. Sharing his experience, the Prime Minister said that a part of his meditation was spent in a stream of thoughts thinking about what Swami Vivekananda must have experienced during his meditation in Kanniyakumari. I am also grateful to God for instilling me with these values from birth which I have cherished and tried to live up to. I was also thinking about what Swami Vivekananda must have experienced during his meditation at this very place in Kanniyakumari! A part of my meditation was spent in a similar stream of thoughts, he noted. Amidst this detachment, amidst the peace and silence, my mind was constantly thinking about the bright future of Bharat, the goals of Bharat. The rising sun at Kanniyakumari gave new heights to my thoughts, the vastness of the ocean expanded my ideas, and the expanse of the horizon continuously made me realize the unity, the Oneness, embedded in the depths of the universe. It seemed as if the observations and experiences undertaken in the lap of the Himalayas decades ago were being revived, PM Modi added. He further said that from 'Kashmir to Kanniyakumari' is a common identity that is deeply ingrained in the heart of every citizen of the country. Kanniyakumari has always been very close to my heart. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari was built under the leadership of Shri Eknath Ranade ji. I had the opportunity to travel extensively with Eknath ji. During the construction of this Memorial, I had the opportunity to spend some time in Kanniyakumari as well, PM Modi wrote.
While He is meditating at Kanyakumari They are busy lamenting everywhere
The moment Prime Minister Narendra Modi went on two-day meditation retreat, a great number of people started lamenting. Memes and cartoons criticising him were created as they began to insult him in the most impolite...
PM Modi: Reflections and new Sankalp from my Sadhana at Kanyakumari
From Kashmir to Kanniyakumari... this is a common identity that is deeply ingrained in the heart of every citizen of the country. This is the Shakti Peeth (seat of Shakti) where Maa Shakti incarnated as Kanya Kumari. At this Southern tip, Maa Shakti performed penance and waited for Bhagwan Shiva, who was residing in the Himalayas at the northernmost parts of Bharat, writes PM Modi on his time meditating at Kanniyakumari's Vivekananda Rock Memorial
New Sankalps from the Sadhana in Kanyakumari
My fellow Indians, The biggest festival of democracy, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, is concluding today in our nation, the Mother of Democracy. After a three-day spiritual journey in Kanyakumari, I have just boarded the plane for Delhi. Through the day, Kashi and numerous other seats have been in the midst of voting. My mind is filled with so many experiences and emotions... I feel a boundless flow of energy within myself. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are the first in the Amrit Kaal. I began my campaign a few months ago from Meerut, the land of the First War of Independence of 1857. Since then, I have traversed across the length and breadth of our great nation. The final rally of these elections took me to Hoshiarpur in Punjab, the land of the great Gurus and a land associated with Sant Ravidas Ji. After that, I came to Kanyakumari, at the feet of Maa Bharti. It is natural that the fervour of the elections was echoing in my heart and mind. The multitude of faces seen in rallies and road shows came in front of my eyes. The blessings from our Nari Shakti the trust, the affection, all of this was a very humbling experience. My eyes were getting moist... I entered into a sadhana (meditative state). And then, the heated political debates, the attacks and counter-attacks, the voices and words of accusations which are so characteristic of an election they all vanished into a void. A sense of detachment came to grow within me... my mind became completely detached from the external world. Meditation becomes challenging amidst such huge responsibilities, but the land of Kanyakumari and the inspiration of Swami Vivekananda made it effortless. As a candidate myself, I left my campaign in the hands of my beloved people of Kashi and came here. I am also grateful to God for instilling me with these values from birth which I have cherished and tried to live up to. I was also thinking about what Swami Vivekananda must have experienced during his meditation at this very place in Kanyakumari! A part of my meditation was spent in a similar stream of thoughts. Amidst this detachment, amidst the peace and silence, my mind was constantly thinking about the bright future of Bharat, the goals of Bharat. The rising sun at Kanyakumari gave new heights to my thoughts, the vastness of the ocean expanded my ideas, and the expanse of the horizon continuously made me realise the unity, the Oneness, embedded in the depths of the universe. It seemed as if the observations and experiences undertaken in the lap of the Himalayas decades ago were being revived. Friends, Kanyakumari has always been very close to my heart. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari was built under the leadership of Shri Eknath Ranade ji. I had the opportunity to travel extensively with Eknath ji. During the construction of this Memorial, I had the opportunity to spend some time in Kanyakumari as well. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari... this is a common identity that is deeply ingrained in the heart of every citizen of the country. This is the Shakti Peeth (seat of Shakti) where Maa Shakti incarnated as Kanya Kumari. At this Southern tip, Maa Shakti performed penance and waited for Bhagwan Shiva, who was residing in the Himalayas at the northernmost parts of Bharat. Kanyakumari is the land of confluences. The sacred rivers of our country flow into different seas, and here, those very seas converge. And here, we witness another great confluence the ideological confluence of Bharat! Here, we find the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a grand statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar, Gandhi Mandapam, and Kamarajar Mani Mandapam. These streams of thought from these stalwarts converge here to form a confluence of national thought. This gives rise to great inspirations for nation-building. This land of Kanyakumari gives an indelible message of unity, especially to any person who doubts Bharats nationhood and the sense of unity. The grand statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar in Kanyakumari seems to be looking at the expanse of Maa Bharati from the sea. His work Thirukkural is one of the crown jewels of the beautiful Tamil language. It covers every aspect of life, inspiring us to give our best for ourselves and for the nation. It was my great fortune to pay my respects to such a great figure. Friends, Swami Vivekananda once said, Every nation has a message to deliver, a mission to fulfil, a destiny to reach. For thousands of years, Bharat has been moving forward with this sense of meaningful purpose. Bharat has been a cradle of ideas for thousands of years. We have never considered what we have acquired as our personal wealth or measured it purely by economic or material parameters. Therefore, Idam-na-mama (this is not mine) has become an inherent and natural part of the character of Bharat. Bharats welfare benefits our planets journey to progress as well. Take the freedom movement as an example. Bharat gained independence on August 15, 1947. At that time, many countries around the world were under colonial rule. Bharats independence journey inspired and empowered many of those countries to achieve their own freedom. That same spirit was seen decades later when the world came face to face with the once-in-a-century Covid-19 pandemic. When concerns were raised about the poor and developing countries, Bharats successful efforts provided courage and assistance to many nations. Today, Bharats governance model has become an example for many countries around the world. Empowering 25 crore people to rise above poverty in just 10 years is unprecedented. Innovative practices such as Pro-People Good Governance, aspirational districts, and aspirational blocks are being discussed globally today. Our efforts, from empowering the poor to last-mile delivery, have inspired the world by prioritising individuals standing at the last rung of society. Bharats Digital India campaign is now an example for the entire world, showing how we can use technology to empower the poor, bring transparency, and ensure their rights. Inexpensive data in Bharat is becoming a means of social equality by ensuring the reach of information and services to the poor. The whole world is witnessing and studying the democratisation of technology, and major global institutions are advising many countries to adopt elements from our model. Today, Bharats progress and rise are not just a significant opportunity for Bharat alone, but also a historic opportunity for all our partner countries around the world. Since the success of the G20, the world has been increasingly envisioning a bigger role for Bharat. Today, Bharat is being acknowledged as a strong and important voice of the Global South. The African Union has become a part of the G20 group at the initiative of Bharat. This is going to be a crucial turning point for the future of African countries. Friends, The development trajectory of Bharat fills us with pride and glory, but at the same time, it also reminds the 140 crore citizens of their responsibilities. Now, without wasting a single moment, we must step forward towards greater duties and larger goals. We need to dream new dreams, convert them into reality and begin living those dreams. We must see Bharats development in a global context, and for this, it is essential that we understand Bharats internal capabilities. We must acknowledge Bharats strengths, nurture them, and utilise them for the benefit of the world. In todays global scenario, Bharats strength as a youthful nation is an opportunity from which we must not look back. The world of the 21st century is looking towards Bharat with many hopes. And we will need to make several changes to move forward in the global scenario. We also need to change our traditional thinking regarding reform. Bharat cannot limit reform to just economic reforms. We must move forward in every aspect of life towards the direction of reform. Our reforms should also align with the aspirations of a Viksit Bharat (developed India) by 2047. We must also understand that reform can never be a uni-dimensional process for any country. Therefore, I have laid out the vision of reform, perform, and transform for the country. The responsibility of reform lies with leadership. Based on that, our bureaucracy performs, and when the people join in with the spirit of Jan Bhagidari, we witness a transformation taking place. We must make excellence the fundamental principle to make our country a Viksit Bharat. We need to work quickly in all four directions: Speed, Scale, Scope, and Standards. Alongside manufacturing, we must also focus on quality and adhere to the mantra of zero defect-zero effect. Friends, We should take pride in every moment that God has blessed us with birth in the land of Bharat. God has chosen us to serve Bharat and fulfil our role in our countrys journey towards excellence. We must redefine our heritage in a modern way while embracing ancient values in a modern context. As a nation, we also need to reassess outdated thinking and beliefs. We need to free our society from the pressure of professional pessimists. We must remember that freedom from negativity is the first step towards achieving success. Success blossoms in the lap of positivity. My faith, devotion, and belief in the infinite and eternal power of Bharat are growing day by day. Over the past 10 years, I have seen this capability of Bharat grow even more and have experienced it firsthand. Just as we utilised the fourth and fifth decades of the 20th century to impart a new momentum to the freedom movement, we must lay the foundation for a Viksit Bharat in these 25 years of the 21st century. The freedom struggle was a time that called for great sacrifices. The present times call for great and sustained contributions from everyone. Swami Vivekananda had said in 1897 that we must dedicate the next 50 years solely for the nation. Exactly 50 years after this call, Bharat gained independence in 1947. Today, we have the same golden opportunity. Lets dedicate the next 25 years solely for the nation. Our efforts will create a strong foundation for the coming generations and the coming centuries, taking Bharat to new heights. Looking at the energy and enthusiasm of the country, I can say that the goal is not far away now. Let us take swift steps... let us come together and create a Viksit Bharat. These thoughts were penned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 1 between 4.15 pm and 7 pm during his return flight from Kanyakumari to Delhi.
India's governance model an example for the world: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a blog post on Sunday, highlighted India's governance model as an example for the world. He praised the nation's achievements in lifting 25 crore people out of poverty and implementing innovative practices of good governance. Reflecting on his recent spiritual break in Kanyakumari, the PM recalled his election campaign journey from Meerut to Hoshiarpur, emphasizing the transformation in political discourse post-election.
MVA Rejects Exit Poll Predictions, Claims Victory in Maharashtra
Mumbai: The Shiv Sena UBT and Congress on Sunday rejected the exit poll predictions for Maharashtra and claimed that their alliance will win more than 35 out 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut called exit polls a fraud, while state Congress president Nana Patole claimed the exit poll figures were dictated by the BJP. Almost all exit polls have predicted advantage for the NDA in Maharashtra even though the alliance is predicted to win fewer seats than the 41 won in 2009. Stating that the Shiv Sena (UBT) will retain 18 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, Mr Raut said, The MVA will win 35 seats. The INDIA bloc will win 35 to 40 seats in Uttar Pradesh and more than 290 seats in the country. Mr. Patole also claimed that the MVA will win 35-40 seats in Maharashtra and the INDIA bloc will form the next government. The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also claimed that there is a lot of pressure on these media houses. According to him, the exit poll exercise is a corporate game and a fraud. Do these companies conduct exit polls for free? he asked. Ridiculing the exit poll companies, Mr Raut claimed out that Rajasthan has 25 seats, but one exit poll company has given 33 seats to the BJP. He also took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that it is the insult of his meditation at Kanyakumari to give him anything less than 800 Lok Sabha seats. I thought the exit polls would give the BJP 800 to 900 seats as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has meditated so much. He meditated for so many days, so 360 or 370 is nothing. A person who meditates should get 800 seats, said Mr. Raut. Mr. Patole said that his party is not relying on exit polls, which are misleading the people. He also appealed to his partys polling agents to keep vigil till all votes are counted at the counting centres. Mr. Raut alleged that the BJP has realised that it is losing the election and therefore Union home minister Amit Shah is calling district collectors and threatening them. He also claimed that Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Karnataka will bring a change in the country along with Maharashtra.
Why PM Modi Chose Vivekananda Rock Memorial For Post-Poll Spiritual Sojourn?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended his 45-hour meditation at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari on Saturday. Prime Minister Modi was in Kanniyakumari on a spiritual visit. He was meditating at the Dhyan Mandapam, the place where revered Hindu philosopher Swami Vivekananda is believed to have had a divine vision about 'Bharat Mata'.
PM Modi In Kanniyakumari: PM Modi 45 ? Ground Report
PM Modi Meditation: (Kanyakumari) (Vivekananda Rock Memorial) 45 .. ..
'I feel divine energy': PM wraps up 45-hour meditation at Kanyakumari
PM Modis trip to Kanyakumari is being politicised: Annamalai
My Life Dedicated PM Modi Writes Letter After 45-Hour Meditation At Kanyakumari | Watch
Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a 45-hour-long meditation at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari, paying homage to Tamil saint poet Thiruvalluvar. He expressed a profound sense of energy and spirituality, pledging every moment of his life to the nation's service. Reflecting on the historical significance of the memorial, PM Modi highlighted its association with Goddess Parvati, Swami Vivekananda, and Eknath Ranade, who brought Vivekananda's ideas to life by establishing it.
Sanjay Raut backs Rahul Gandhi as next PM
Mumbai : Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday backed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to become the next Prime Minister of India. Even as the exit polls conducted by various agencies and news channels indicated that the Narendra Modi-led BJP will form the the next government, the Shiv Sena UBT leader was upbeat about the chances of the INDIAbloc. He said that the next PM will be from the INDIA bloc and Mr. Gandhi is the peoples choice. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has already made it clear that Mr.Gandhi is his choice as a representative of the youth and the Country. Agreeing with the Congress national president, Mr Raut said that the way Mr.Gandhi had worked hard in this election; there is no parallel to him. The People have accepted Mr. Gandhis leadership. he INDIA alliance is winningafter 12 pm on June 4, you will know that the Prime Minister will be from the INDIA alliance. Mallikarjun Kharge had stated Rahul Gandhi is his choice for Prime Minister. In my opinion, he is the choice of the whole country. All of us will be backing Rahul Gandhi, Mr. Raut said. Shiv Sena (UBT), which is an alliance partner of Congress and Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) in Maharashtra, has contested on 23 seats out of 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, while Congress and NCP (SP) have contested on 17 and 10 seats respectively. The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his 45-hour-long meditation at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari. Calling Mr. Modis mediation as drama, Mr. Raut said that with the help of 27 cameras, Narendra Modi is doing meditation. In olden days, Rishis and Munis of the country meditated without cameras and security personnel. It appears as if these 27 cameras are his disciples. His meditation is being covered from all the angels. This is an insult to our Lok Sadhana, Mr. Raut said.
In Kanyakumari, PM Modi Concludes Meditation; Says He Feels Divine Energy
During his stay at the memorial, the PM did meditation and also performed 'Surya Arghya at the time of sunrise, a ritual associated with spiritual practice
Feel A Divine Energy: PM Modi's Note After Meditating At Vivekananda Rock Memorial
Union Minister and BJP leader Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday shared a note by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, written after his meditation session at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari.
Exit Poll 2024: Will NDA complete a hat-trick? Here's what the numbers predict
The exit polls predicting who will stand where in the Lok Sabha elections 2024 and who will form the government are here. Statutory warning: Only June 4, the day of the results, will give the true verdict. On then to the numbers as shared by the various outlets: These predictions come after voting in the Lok Sabha election, which was India's second longest and spread over 44 days from April 19 to June 1, came to an end on Saturday . Only our inaugural parliamentary election that lasted for over four months was longer. The seven-phase election had 969 million-odd eligible voters. The polling percentages though have been lower than in 2019 with factors such as the heat and lack of any overarching narrative or resentment being cited as reasons. About Rs 1 lakh crore was said to have been spent making it one of the most expensive elections ever in the world, rivalling the money spent in the combined 2020 US elections . That one stat highlighted how money has been flowing over and above the spending limits of Rs 75-95 lakh for each candidate. These limits have been raised at least 30X times from the Rs 25,000 allowed per candidate during the first general election in 1951-52 to little avail. According to an estimate in 2019, nearly Rs 100 crore was spent per Lok Sabha constituency! The math remains to be done before we know how much higher it has been in 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had over 206 rallies/outreach programmes in this election campaign, which was way more than his nearly 145 such engagements five years ago. He also gave 80 interviews to the media before heading for his 45-hour-long meditation on Kanyakumari's Vivekananda rock. On the other side, from the Congress, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were involved in 107 and 108 public outreach programmes respectively. The election saw officials from the Election Commission travel many kilometres across the sea to bring EVMs in remote corners of Lakshadweep and set up a lone booth in Banej, an isolated village in Gujarat's Gir Somnath district that has a lone voter in a temple priest. Key takeaways from the campaign have been the fact that it has been a relatively silent election. Prime Minister Modi has not towered like he did in the 2014 and 2019 elections, In fact, many including former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, have criticised him for being divisive on thecampaign trail. Many observers have said how the election outcomes might revolve around the issues that matter with local problems and caste permutations being seen as important. The INDIA bloc campaign seemingly came to life after the first phase with the Prime Minister himself talking up his opponent's chances. As for the ' Ab ki baar 400 paar ' slogan, it led to the opposition countering it with ' Samvidhan khatre main hai ' (the Constitution is in danger). Both the ruling NDA and Opposition are fancying their chances of forming the government. Join us on June 4 for the final verdict and to see if PM Modi will return for the third time as he has promised and be able to implement the roadmap for the first 125 days as promised . Or to see if Rahul Gandhi's Bye, bye, Modiji will trump. The Congress leader had famously delivered the same message in 2019 too. Will he get to have his wish finally?
PM Modi's Spiritual Sojourn at Vivekananda Rock Memorial Stirs Controversy
PM Modi's Spiritual Sojourn at Vivekananda Rock Memorial Stirs Controversy Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday concluded his 45-hour-long meditation at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, paying floral tributes to Tamil saint poet Thiruvalluvar. Modi, clad in white, visited the 133-ft statue of Thiruvalluvar next to the rock memorial and placed a huge garland there as a mark of respect. He used a ferry service to reach and leave the statue complex. After winding up his spiritual retreat, the Prime Minister departed via helicopter for Thiruvananthapuram before heading back to Delhi. Arriving on May 30, he had initially prayed at the Bhagavathy Amman temple before commencing his stay at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, where he participated in meditation and performed 'Surya Arghya' at sunrise, dressed in saffron. Modis visit to Kanyakumari for meditation prompted criticism from opposition leaders, including those from Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK, who argued that the meditation broadcast affected local businesses and tourism. DMK's Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan and Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K Selvaperunthagai expressed disapproval, the latter questioning the authenticity of Modis meditation amidst media presence.
KANYAKUMARI, June 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday concluded his 45-hour long meditation at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial here and paid floral tributes to Tamil saint poet Thiruvalluvar. On conclusion of his dhyan session, Modi, clad in white, visited the 133-ft statue of Thiruvalluvar, located next to the rock memorial and placed a huge [] The post Prime Minister Modi Concludes Spiritual Retreat, Meditates at Indias Southernmost Point in Kanyakumari appeared first on Northlines .
Abhishek Banerjee Criticizes Modi's Meditation Spectacle, Affirms TMC's Electoral Strength
Abhishek Banerjee Criticizes Modi's Meditation Spectacle, Affirms TMC's Electoral Strength Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of turning his meditation session in Kanyakumari into a media spectacle funded by taxpayers' money. Banerjee emphasized the personal nature of meditation, warning against making it a public spectacle. 'You, me, and everybody can meditate. But please don't make it a media spectacle,' he told reporters after casting his vote. On Modi's decision to contest from Varanasi, Banerjee suggested that the rejection of other candidates' nominations raises questions about Modi's confidence. Addressing his own constituency, Diamond Harbour, Banerjee expressed confidence in TMC's prospects and criticized the BJP's predictions of victory. Banerjee denounced Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for threatening to topple democratically elected state governments, accusing them of disrespecting democratic principles. He also criticized the BJP for manipulating state institutions and emphasized TMC's commitment to social welfare.
PM Modi ends 45 hr long meditation at Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari
PM Modi ends 45 hr long meditation at Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari
Modi ends two-day long meditation at Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday ended the two-day long meditation at Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu. He arrived on Thursday to embark on a 45-hour long meditation session at the famed Vivekananda Rock Memorial. He arrived from nearby Thiruvananthapuram and first worshiped at the Bhagavathi Amman temple and later reached Vivekananda Rock Memorial for performing meditation for nearly two days. Modi came to Rock Memorial, a monument built in tribute to Swami Vivekananda after wrapping up the Lok Sabha polls campaign on Thursday. As many as 2,000 police personnel were deployed during Modis visit, even as the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy also maintained tight vigil. Modi had undertaken a similar exercise in a Kedarnath cave after the 2019 poll campaign.
Prime Minister Modi Concludes 45-Hour Meditation at Vivekananda Rock Memorial
Prime Minister Modi Concluded the45-Hour Meditation at Vivekananda Rock Memorial -Kanyakumari: Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his 45-hour meditation at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial on Saturday and paid tribute to Tamil saint poet Thiruvalluvar with a floral offering. Clad in white, Modi visited the 133-ft statue of Thiruvalluvar, adjacent to the rock memorial, where he placed a large garland as a mark of respect. He arrived at the statue complex via ferry and later returned to the shore using the same service. During his stay at the memorial, the Prime Minister engaged in meditation and performed the spiritual ritual of 'Surya Arghya' at sunrise. Modi, attired in saffron robes, meditated at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, known for its stunning views of the sunrise and sunset. Situated on a small islet near the shoreline, the memorial is a popular destination for spiritual and introspective activities. The Prime Minister commenced his 45-hour meditation session at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial on the evening of May 30 and concluded it on Saturday. Kanyakumari, located at the southernmost tip of India, serves as the meeting point of the country's Eastern and Western coastlines. It is also where the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal, and Arabian Sea converge. Prime Minister Modi's visit to Kanyakumari is seen as a gesture of national unity. On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his election campaign in Punjab's Hoshiarpur for the final phase of the upcoming general elections scheduled for June 1. During the 75-day campaign period, Modi participated in approximately 206 election events, including rallies and roadshows, and conducted around 80 interviews with various news and media platforms. Traditionally, at the conclusion of election campaigns, the Prime Minister undertakes spiritual journeys. In 2019, he visited Kedarnath, and in 2014, he visited Shivajis Pratapgarh. Top Five Attractions to View in Kanya Kumari, Not to Miss How Modis Meditation at Historic Rock Memorial Emphasizes Spiritual Roots PM Modi Set for Spiritual Retreat at Vivekananda Rock Memorial as Old Photo Goes Viral
Travel tips: You can complete the trip to Kanyakumari in one day, know the 7 best tourist spots here
Kanyakumari is a small city located at the southernmost tip of the Indian mainland, which is also called Cape Comorin in English. This place attracts a lot of tourists. To reach here by train, you can go to Kanyakumari Railway Station, if you want to go by road then choose National Highway-44, Trivandrum Airport of Kerala is about 89 km from here. Let us know which places you can visit here in a day. This is the top tourist destination of Kanyakumari where Swami Vivekananda meditated here in the year 1892. A rock memorial was built in his memory in the year 1970. There is a meditation hall inside it which is called 'Dhyan Mandapam'. You can reach here via ferry. Near the Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a huge statue of Thiruvalluvar (Thiruvalluvar Statue) which is 41 meters high, who was a famous Tamil poet and saint. This statue was inaugurated in the year 2000. This statue can be seen from a long distance. Triveni Sangam is called by this name because here 3 oceans meet together, which include the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. Here you can also enjoy the waves on Kanyakumari Beach. Near the Triveni Sangam is the Gandhi Mandapam where the ashes of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi are kept. Here you can go for darshan from 7 am to 7 pm. There is no entry fee for this. Bhagavathi Amman Temple is dedicated to 'Goddess Kanyakumari', also known as 'Kunwari Devi', after whom the city is named. You can visit here from 4:30 am to 12:15 pm and then from 4 pm to 8:15 pm. Kanyakumari is one of those special places in the world where you can see the view of the sunset and sunrise in the sea, for this go to the View Tower. You will not have to spend much for entry here. This is a favorite place for those who are fond of photography. (PC: Zee news)
Prime Minister Modi concludes meditation in Kanyakumari
Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his 45-hour meditation at Vivekananda Rock Memorial. He paid tribute to Tamil saint poet Thiruvalluvar by visiting his statue and placing a garland. He arrived by ferry, performed 'Surya Arghya' at sunrise, and meditated at the iconic location known for its sunrise and sunset views before leaving on Saturday.
PM Modi Ends 45-Hour Meditation At Vivekananda Rock Memorial In Tamil Nadu
Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended his 45-hour meditation at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari on Saturday.
PM Modi ends his 45-hour meditation at Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari
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PM Modi completes his 45-hour long meditation at Kanyakumari.
PM Modi completes his 45-hour long meditation at Kanyakumari. PM Modi completes his 45-hour long meditation at Kanyakumari.
ECs silence on PM Modis meditation spectacle raises concerns
New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (EC) chose to maintain radio silence over protests by the opposition parties that Prime Minister Narendra Modis meditation at the Vivekananda Memorial, Kanyakumari, between May 30 and June 1, close to the last phase of polling on June 1, would lead to a serious violation of the [] The post ECs silence on PM Modis meditation spectacle raises concerns appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Modis Kanniyakumari Retreat: PM embarks on day 3 of meditation; Check what rituals he is doing today
KANYAKUMARI (Tamil Nadu), June 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his third and final day of meditation here on Saturday, after performing the Surya Arghya during sunrise at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial here, officials said. Modi carried out Surya Arghya, a ritual associated with spiritual practice involving salutations to the Almighty, manifested in the [] The post Modis Kanniyakumari Retreat: PM embarks on day 3 of meditation; Check what rituals he is doing today appeared first on Northlines .
Water Levels Dropped by 23pc in Major Reservoirs: CWC Report
Bellam Durga instructed officials to initiate measures to resolve the drinking water problem by constructing two new water reservoirs at a cost of Rs. 4 crore each. Represerntational image Bellam Durga instructed officials to initiate measures to resolve the drinking water problem by constructing two new water reservoirs at a cost of Rs. 4 crore each. Represerntational image New Delhi: The water level has dropped by 23 percent in the 150 main reservoirs of the country, the Central Water Commission (CWC) data revealed. It is 77 percent less at this time compared to last year. The data also stated that the present storage is just 77 percent of last years water levels and 94 percent of the normal water storage. The total live storage available is 41.705 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM), equating to 23 percent of the total capacity, said the commission in its new weekly bulletin released on Friday. This is a significant decrease from the 53.832 BCM recorded during the same period last year and the normal storage level of 44.511 BCM. Consequently, the current storage is only 77 percent of last year's levels and 94 percent of the normal storage, the commission said. Monitored by the CWC, the main 150 reservoirs have a combined live storage of 178.784 BCM, which is around 69.35 percent of the total storage capacity created in the country. According to the CWC bulletin for the week of May 13 to May 31, among the 150 reservoirs, 10 are located in the northern regions of the country, in the states of Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Punjab and they have a live storage capacity of 19.663 BCM. This has dropped to 5.864 BCM (30 percent of total capacity). During the corresponding period, last year, the storage was at 38 percent. At this time of the year, the normal storage is at 31 percent. There are 23 reservoirs with a total live storage capacity of 20.430 BCM, in the eastern regions of Assam, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Tripura, Odisha, Bihar, and Nagaland. The available storage is 28 percent i.e. 5.645 BCM of the total capacity, according to the commission. It was 25 percent in the corresponding period of the last year. The normal storage is 25 percent. In the western region, there are 49 reservoirs with a total live storage capacity of 37.130 BCM, in the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra. The present live storage is 8.833 BCM, or 24 percent of the total capacity, which is a decline from 28 percent last year but an improvement over the normal storage of 23 percent. The central region has 26 reservoirs with a total storage capacity of 48.227 BCM, in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand. The total storage available now is 29.1 percent i.e.; 14.046 BCM of the total capacity. The storage was 37 percent, last year. The normal storage is 29.4 percent. Hence, 29.1 percent currently is below the normal level and below last year. There are 42 reservoirs with a total live storage capacity of 53.334 BCM, in the southern regions of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. The available storage is 14 percent i.e., 7.317 BCM. This is drastically lower than the 24 percent of last year and the normal storage of 19 percent. The Central Water Commission report further demonstrates that the basins of the Ganga, Brahmaputra, Narmada, Indus, Tapi, Sabarmati, Brahmani, and Baitarani have normal storage. Godavari, Mahanadi, Mahi, Barak, and Subarnekha, as well as the west-flowing rivers of Kutch and Saurashtra, including Luni, and the west-flowing rivers from Tapi to Tadri and Tadri to Kanyakumari, have storage levels that are closer to average. On the other hand, extremely inadequate storage is observed in the east-flowing rivers between the Mahanadi and Pennar basins, while inadequate storage is reported in the Krishna, east-flowing rivers between Pennar and the Kanyakumari and Cauvery basins.
PM Modi Embarks On Day 3 Of Meditation In Kanyakumari
KANYAKUMARI (Tamil Nadu), June 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his third and final day of meditation here on Saturday, after performing the Surya Arghya during sunrise at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial here, officials said. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Modi carried out Surya Arghya, a ritual associated with spiritual practice involving salutations to the Almighty, manifested in the form of sun. The PM poured little water from a traditional, beaker-like small vessel into the sea as [] The post PM Modi Embarks On Day 3 Of Meditation In Kanyakumari appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
In Saffron Attire, PM Modi Embarks On Final Day Of His Spiritual Retreat in Kanyakumari | PICS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his third and final day of meditation here on Saturday, after performing the 'Surya Arghya' during sunrise at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial
Is PM Modi not governed by law and rules: Congress' Digvijaya Singh on PM's Meditation Hall pics
BHOPAL: Former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and veteran Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Saturday raised a question over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Meditation Hall photos asking Is PM Modi not governed by law and rules. Singh further asked the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to respond on the issue. On Saturday morning, the Congress leader posted on X (formerly twitter) quoting a post of an X user named Kapil (@kapsology), Thank you for pointing it out. Is Narendra Modi not governed by law and rules or rules don't apply to him. Would the PMO please respond? X user Kapil wrote on Friday, This is the first time you see the Meditation Hall photos inside the Vivekananda Memorial as photography here is not allowed and punishable by Law. But what is 'Camera-jeevi' without a camera? The X user also posted a screenshot of photography rules in the post. The screengrab in the post read, The photography rules for visiting the Vivekananda Rock Memorial are strict and limited, as it is a protected and sensitive area. You are not allowed to take any photos or videos inside the monument, as it is prohibited and punishable by law. You can only take photos or videos from outside the monument, or from the ferry, with prior permission from the authorities. You should also respect the privacy and dignity of other visitors, and not disturb or harass them with your camera. Notably, PM Modi's 45-hour meditation on the Vivekananda Rock Memorial that began on Thursday continued today and would conclude on Saturday evening. PM Modi started his meditation at the Dhyana Mandapam, the place where revered Hindu philosopher Swami Vivekananda is believed to have had a divine vision about 'Bharat Mata'. The Prime Minister arrived at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial on Thursday. According to mythology, Goddess Parvati also meditated at the same place on one foot as she waited for Lord Shiva. This is the Southernmost tip of India. Further, this is the place where India's Eastern and Western coastlines meet. It is also the meeting point of the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Modi offered prayers at Bhagavathy Amman Temple in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, after the culmination of the Lok Sabha election campaign. The Prime Minister is known to undertake spiritual journeys at the end of election campaigns. In line with this, he will reach Kanyakumari on May 30 and stay there till June 1. In 2019, he visited Kedarnath, and in 2014, he visited Shivaji's Pratapgarh.
Kanyakumari is famous for its sunrise and sunset and the memorial is located on a tiny islet near the shoreline. At the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, the PM embarked on meditation on the evening of May 30 and he is scheduled to complete it on the evening of Saturday.
PM Modis meditation at Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari continues
New Delhi, June 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday continued his meditation at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Tamil Nadus Kanyakumari. A fresh video shows PM Modi offering water to the sun early morning and chanting mantras. He is seen walking barefoot on the temple premises and looking at the vast serene sea. He [] The post PM Modis meditation at Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari continues appeared first on The Shillong Times .
PM Modi embarks on Day 2 of meditation in Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari: Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his second and final day of meditation here on Saturday, after performing the 'Surya Arghya' during sunrise at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial here, officials said.Modi carried out 'Surya Arghya,' a ritual associated with spiritual practice involving salutations to the Almighty, manifested in the form of sun. The PM poured little water from a traditional, beaker-like small vessel into the sea as an offering (Arghya) and prayed using his prayer beads (Japa mala), they said. Modi was clad in saffron and also paid floral tributes to a statue of Swami Vivekananda, they added. He walked around the mandapam with his 'japa mala' in his hands. Kanyakumari is famous for its sunrise and sunset and the memorial is located on a tiny islet near the shoreline. At the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, the PM embarked on meditation on the evening of May 30 and he is scheduled to complete it on the evening of Saturday.
PM Modi's Spiritual Odyssey at Vivekananda Rock Memorial
PM Modi's Spiritual Odyssey at Vivekananda Rock Memorial Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his second and final day of meditation here on Saturday, after performing the 'Surya Arghya' during sunrise at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial here, officials said. Modi carried out 'Surya Arghya,' a ritual associated with spiritual practice involving salutations to the Almighty, manifested in the form of sun. The PM poured little water from a traditional, beaker-like small vessel into the sea as an offering (Arghya) and prayed using his prayer beads (Japa mala), they said. Modi was clad in saffron and also paid floral tributes to a statue of Swami Vivekananda, they added. He walked around the mandapam with his 'japa mala' in his hands. Kanyakumari is famous for its sunrise and sunset and the memorial is located on a tiny islet near the shoreline. At the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, the PM embarked on meditation on the evening of May 30 and he is scheduled to complete it on the evening of Saturday.
PM Modi continues his meditation at Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari on Friday (UNI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari on Friday (UNI) The post Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari on Friday (UNI) appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
DC Edit | PM has every right to meditate
After wrapping up the most intense election campaign in his political career where he addressed 206 public meetings and gave 80 interviews, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew to the Indian mainlands southernmost tip the Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari for a two-day retreat. Over two days, Mr Modi planned to spend his time in meditation a kind of detoxification process that he undertakes after every major election. With Mr Modis decision to meditate coming hours ahead of the crucial final phase of the Lok Sabha elections, Opposition parties are obviously jittery over its impact on peoples voting decisions. They complained to the Election Commission of India asking it to ensure that the media does not cover Mr Modis meditation as they believe it to be an attempt to influence voters during the two-day silent period ahead of the elections. To a neutral observer, Mr Modis meditation is strictly a personal affair and he is well within his rights to determine how he wants to spend his free time. Opposition parties have no say in how he uses his time for meditation, worship, scuba diving, paragliding, watching his favourite movies or even sleeping at home. The Opposition parties cannot intrude into his personal life to dictate how he spends his time. Similarly, the Opposition parties cannot determine what media personnel choose to cover. If their readers or viewers are interested in reading or watching a particular event, media organisations will cover it. Even if the Election Commission had directed media organisations against covering it, that would have been tantamount to be the violation of the fundamental rights of the people as well as a suppression of press freedom . Thats why the Election Commission has not issued any specific instruction to the BJP, Mr Modi or the media on this matter. If the Opposition thinks Mr Modis meditation is a passive campaign that violates the model code of conduct, then so be it. After all, nothing stops Mr Rahul Gandhi or Ms Mamata Banerjee from doing the same activity.
PM Modi is meditating just for success of Bharat and people of India: BJP leader Shaina NC
PM Modi is meditating just for success of Bharat and people of India: BJP leader Shaina NC BJP leader Shaina NC hit out at the INDIA bloc for their criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi meditating at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari till June 1. She said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is meditating just for the success of Bharat and the people of India. Shaina NC said, If the PM chooses to meditate, the opposition has a problem. If he chooses to speak, the opposition has a problem. This is not the first time he has gone for meditation. In 2019, he went to Kedarnath. In 2014, he went to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Pratapgarh where he got his inspiration from. Here in Kanniyakumari, we know it's not just a symbolic gesture, but there is a huge inspiration which one draws from Swami Vivekananda. PM Narendra Modi is just meditating for the success of Bharat and the people of India. She further asked that when elections are over then where is the question of the Model Code of Conduct. She further said, When the elections are over, what is this cry of Model Code of Conduct. If the most hard-working Prime Minister in the history of India chooses to take one day off to meditate for the people of India and the prosperity of India, then the opposition has a problem with that. Earlier, the Congress filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging that PM Narendra Modi's two-day meditation retreat in Kanniyakumari would violate the '48-hour silence period provision' of the Model Code of Conduct ahead of the seventh and final phase of Lok Sabha polling. Prime Minister Modi is in Kanniyakumari on a spiritual visit. He is meditating at the Dhyan Mandapam, the place where revered Hindu philosopher Swami Vivekananda is believed to have had a divine vision about 'Bharat Mata'. He will continue his meditation till June 1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday offered prayers at Bhagavathy Amman Temple in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, after the culmination of the Lok Sabha election campaign. The Prime Minister is known to undertake spiritual journeys at the end of election campaigns. In line with this, he will reach Kanyakumari on May 30 and stay there till June 1. In 2019, he visited Kedarnath, and in 2014, he visited Shivaji's Pratapgarh. The election for 543 Lok Sabha seats is being held in seven phases starting April 19. The counting of the votes will be held on June 4. (ANI)
Legacy of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar to Inspire Future Generations
Legacy of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar to Inspire Future Generations Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Friday said his government will make events related to the life of Holkar ruler Devi Ahilyabai Holkar a part of the curriculum of schools and colleges. The state government will publish books based on historical documents to bring different episodes in the life of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar to the common people, Yadav said at the inauguration of 'Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar Tricentenary Celebrations' in Indore, adding these books will be made part of school and college curriculum. The CM said this while supporting a suggestion of former Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan. He, however, clarified that since the model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha polls is in force, he is not making any formal announcement. Yadav referred to the construction work done by Devi Ahilyabai Holkar at the 'char dhams' and 12 'jyotirlingas' across the country and said she left an indelible mark of good governance. Speaking on the occasion earlier, Mahajan said historical documents written in Modi script (to write Marathi) used during the reign of the Holkar dynasty should be digitally saved and translated into various languages. Classical dancer and Rajya Sabha member Dr Sonal Mansingh said a major site, park, meeting place or road should be named after Devi Ahilyabai Holkar in national capital New Delhi. ''Names of Babar, Akbar and Shah Jahan should be removed from roads in Delhi and places should be named after great Indian women like Devi Ahilyabai Holkar,'' she said. Nivedita Bhide, who is associated with Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, also addressed the programme.
Is PM aware of concluding words of Vivekananda's Chicago speech, asks Yechury
New Delhi : Taking a dig at Prime Minister Is PM aware of concluding words of Vivekananda's Chicago speech, asks Yechury who presently sitting in meditation at Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari, Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury on Friday highlighted Swami Vivekananda's quote where he said he pitied those who dream of exclusive survival of their own religion. In a post on X, Yechury asked if Modi is aware of the concluding words of Swami Vivekananda at the final session of World's Parliament of Religions. Vivekananda, a Hindu monk, philosopher and disciple of mystic Ramakrishna Paramhansa, made his iconic speech at Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago between September 11-27, 1893. Is Modi aware of these concluding words of Swami Vivekananda at the final session of the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago on 27 September 1893? Yechury said, and shared a quotation from his famous speech. If anybody dreams of the exclusive survival of his own religion and the destruction of the others, I pity him from the bottom of my heart, and point out to him that upon the banner of every religion will soon be written, in spite of resistance: 'Help and not Fight', 'Assimilation and not Destruction', 'Harmony and Peace and not Dissension',' he quoted Vivekananda's speech. The CPI(M), and other opposition parties have slammed the remarks made by Modi and other BJP leaders during campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls, for which the last phase of voting will take place on Saturday. The Left party has filed a number of complaints against Modi and other BJP leaders for violation of the Model Code of Conduct, including those related to his speech in Banswara in Rajasthan. While addressing a rally in Banswara on April 21, Modi had suggested that if the Congress comes to power, it would edistribute wealth to Muslims. Modi began his 45-hour long meditation at the famed Vivekananda Rock Memorial here on Thursday evening. After arriving from nearby Thiruvananthapuram by a helicopter, Modi worshipped at the Bhagavathi Amman temple and reached the rock memorial by a ferry service and started meditation that is scheduled to go on till June 1.
Mamata Banerjee became CM twice through EVM voting, her comments are baseless: Ravi Shankar Prasad
Mamata Banerjee became CM twice through EVM voting, her comments are baseless: Ravi Shankar Prasad BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad on Friday launched an attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her counting of votes' remark saying that TMC supremo became the Chief Minister twice through EVM voting, adding that her comments were baseless. He also said that the BJP's performance in the West Bengal Lok Sabha polls will be historic. Sometimes she complains regarding EVMs. Mamata Banerjee became the Chief Minister twice through EVM voting...Everything is transparent. Proper videography is done. These are baseless comments, defeated and frustrated people are talking like this. This time, the Lok Sabha results in Bengal will be historic, he told ANI. His remarks came after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said If counting is conducted properly, the BJP will not come to power this time. He also criticised the former Chhattisgarh CM and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel for his remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 45-hour-long meditation in Kanyakumari. Narendra Modi has only one vision - to take India forward, to make India a global powerhouse, to make India the third economic power in the world, and to uphold the honour of Sanatana values, culture, and traditions. He (PM Modi), a practitioner of culture, sometimes meditates in the cave of Kedarnath and today he meditates at the feet of Vivekananda. Baghel won't understand this, and we don't want them to understand because the vote bank has a lot of influence on him and his leaders, Prasad said. Reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 45-hour-long meditation in Kanyakumari, former Chhattisgarh CM and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel on Thursday said, One who is not an ordinary person and sent by God, what is the need for him to remember God? Kangana Ranaut and Sambit Patra made him God...Why is he doing this drama? PM Narendra Modi has gone to Kanyakumari to get more publicity. When leaders like Dharmendra Pradhan of Orissa, Sambit Patra, and Kangana Ranaut are comparing him to God, then what was the need for him to go to Kanyakumari? PM Modi should have conducted the meditation out of the media glare, Baghel added. Notably, in the 2019 Lok Sabha election too, PM Modi took a similar trip to the Kedarnath shrine before the final phase of the elections and meditated in a cave. PM Modi will meditate from May 30 evening to June 1 evening at the same place where Swami Vivekanand did meditation, the Dhyan Mandapam. Six phases of the Lok Sabha elections are over and the final phase will be held on June 1 in 57 constituencies in eight states and Union Territories. The counting of votes will be held on June 4. (ANI)
PM Modi takes stock of situation in natural disasters-hit states
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday took stock of the situation in several states in the wake of natural disasters after Cyclone Remal struck. He said in a post on X, Unfortunately, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura and West Bengal have witnessed natural disasters in the aftermath of Cyclone Remal. My thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected there. The prime minister added, Took stock of the prevailing situation. The central government has assured all possible support to the states and is continuously monitoring the situation. Officials are working on the ground to assist those affected. Home Minister Amit Shah also briefed Modi, who is currently in Kanyakumari on a spiritual sojourn, about the situation.
