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Do you also feel like visiting a pilgrimage place? These are the temples to visit during summer, make plans soon

Are you craving a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life? Perhaps it's time to embark on a spiritual journey to some of the most breathtaking temples. As summer approaches, the weather becomes ideal for exploration and introspection. Here are some must-visit pilgrimage destinations where you can immerse yourself in tranquility and spirituality. 1. Varanasi: The Spiritual Heart of India Varanasi, also known as Kashi, holds a special place in Hinduism. Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges River, this ancient city is revered for its ghats, where pilgrims gather to perform rituals and seek blessings. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a highlight of any visit to Varanasi. 2. Rishikesh: Yoga Capital of the World Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is renowned for its ashrams and yoga centers. The city attracts spiritual seekers from around the globe who come to meditate, practice yoga, and seek enlightenment. The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, amidst lush greenery, offers a tranquil setting for introspection. 3. Amarnath: A Journey to the Ice Lingam For devotees of Lord Shiva, the Amarnath Cave Temple in Jammu and Kashmir is a sacred pilgrimage site. Accessible only during the summer months, the temple is nestled in the Himalayas and houses an ice lingam, which forms naturally inside the cave. The trek to Amarnath is not just a physical journey but also a test of one's faith and endurance. 4. Puri: Land of Jagannath Rath Yatra Puri, located on the eastern coast of India, is famous for the Jagannath Temple and its annual Rath Yatra, or chariot festival. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and attracts millions of devotees every year. The pristine beaches of Puri offer a serene backdrop for spiritual contemplation. 5. Tirupati: Seek Blessings at the Venkateswara Temple Tirupati, nestled in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, is home to the renowned Venkateswara Temple. Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, this temple is one of the wealthiest and most visited religious sites in the world. The divine atmosphere and stunning architecture make it a must-visit destination for devotees. 6. Badrinath: Gateway to Salvation Located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, Badrinath is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites. The Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is nestled amidst the snow-capped Himalayas and is believed to be the abode of Lord Badrinath during the summer months. The tranquil surroundings and spiritual aura make it a haven for seekers of divine blessings. 7. Kedarnath: Serenity Amidst the Mountains Another gem of the Char Dham circuit, Kedarnath is situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters in the Himalayas. The Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is surrounded by breathtaking peaks and is accessible via a challenging trek or helicopter ride. The journey to Kedarnath is not just a physical endeavor but also a soul-stirring experience. 8. Dwarka: City of Lord Krishna Dwarka, located on the western coast of India in Gujarat, is believed to be the ancient kingdom of Lord Krishna. The Dwarkadhish Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, stands as a testament to the city's rich heritage and spiritual significance. The serene beaches and vibrant culture of Dwarka attract devotees and tourists alike. Make Your Plans Today: Embrace the Spiritual Journey As the summer sun beckons, why not embark on a pilgrimage to these sacred temples? Whether you seek solace, enlightenment, or simply a break from routine, these destinations offer a perfect blend of spirituality and tranquility. So pack your bags, prepare your prayers, and set out on a journey of self-discovery and divine connection. People of this zodiac sign will be worried today due to children or education, know your horoscope Your day is going to start like this today, know your horoscope Today is going to be like this for Gemini, know your horoscope....

Over interference concerns, UWW threatens to re-impose suspension on WFI ; says athletes could be suspended this time

CHENNAI: The long pending dispute between the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and the sports ministry has been casting serious doubt on Indian wrestlers' participation in the upcoming World Olympic Games Qualifier in Istanbul, Turkey from May 9 to 12. Expressing grave concerns over interference of the ministry in the WFI's affairs, the United World Wrestling (UWW) threatened that it would re-impose a temporary ban on the federation and this time even the athletes would be suspended. The letter written to the national sports federation said the suspension would apply to the final Olympic Games Qualifying Tournament in May. We have been informed that the Wrestling Federation of India is once again threatened by your Ministry of Sports with the imposition of an ad-hoc committee to oversee its affairs, read the letter addressed to the WFI president Sanjay Kumar Singh. Adding further the letter said, Besides our lassitude for this additional affair impacting your federation and its members, we would like to reiterate UWWs determination to uphold the principle of autonomy and independence of its national federations in accordance with the UWW Statutes and the Olympic Charter. Going a step further, the world body said that even athletes will come under suspension this time which could affect their participation in the last Olympic qualifier. In case any decision or order should be made against your federation, and a third party be designated to run the daily affairs of our sport in India in violation of the UWW Statutes, UWW would have no other option than to re-impose a temporary suspension of your federation until further notice, and which, this time, could maybe include your athletes. This suspension would apply to the final Olympic Games Qualifying Tournament in May, and will certainly attract the attention of the IOC on this matter, who may also consider further action, said the letter. Earlier in August last year, the UWW had placed the WFI under provisional suspension with immediate effect after the Indian body failed to hold an election in due course. The suspension was lifted on February 13 this year after a meeting of the UWW Bureau. While lifting the suspension, the UWW asked the WFI to reconvene the elections of its Athletes Commission. The WFI has also been directed to immediately provide UWW with written guarantees that all wrestlers will be considered for participation without any discrimination in all WFI events, in particular trials for the Olympic Games and any other major national and international events. This non-discrimination includes the three athletes who protested against alleged wrongdoings by the former President. Incidentally, the first mandated condition was fulfilled on Wednesday as the elections of the Athletes' Commission were held on the opening day of the Federation Cup in Varanasi.

Four people killed in road accident UP's Rae Bareli

Four people lost their lives and 'as many' were injured on Friday when their car 'dashed into a culvert' and 'hit a tree on the roadside' near Malin Purva village of Mill Area police station area. The victims were part of a marriage procession returning from Fursatganj in Amethi.

Religious Tourism spots like Varanasi and Ayodhya may soon outshine Goa and Agra

Religious Tourism spots like Varanasi and Ayodhya may soon outshine Goa and Agra By Nikhil Dedha Recent data shows that post COVID religious inclinations of Indians have become stronger resulting in an accelerated momentum towards religious tourism. According to the Ministry of Tourism data, last year 8.5 crores of tourists visited Varanasi(Kashi), around 4.5 crore people visited Prayagraj and more than 1.5 crores of people have visited Ayodhya Ram temple since the consecration ceremony. Many experts feel Varanasi will outdo Goa, Agra, and Shimla. During the COVID period when the temples were closed down, our Prime Minister thought let's make the temples a place where everybody would like to visit. So we came up with the idea of having the Kashi Vishwanath corridor. It has changed the entire tourism scenario of the state and in year 2023 we had more than 10 crore tourists said Preeti Srivastava, Deputy Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh to ANI. Government of Uttar Pradesh is promoting the new golden triangle of Prayagraj, Kashi and Ayodhaya as a golden triangle of religious tourism. Now everybody is benefiting. Even the small washerman, he's also getting business because he's washing the linen of the hotels. The vegetable seller, everybody is benefiting. The rickshaw pullers, the flower sellers and local Prasad shops. Now the new golden triangle is coming up that is Ayodhya, Prayagraj and Varanasi said Preeti. The transformative impact of projects like the Kashi Vishwanath corridor, has revitalized Varanasi's tourism sector, leading to a substantial increase in tourist footfall and allied economic activities. The surge in tourism has not only boosted local businesses but also generated substantial revenue for the state. As per the data by the Ministry of Tourism 1,439 million people participated in religious tourism in India during 2022, it is more than double from 677 million in 2021. In 2022, religious tourism destinations earned Rs1.34 lakh crore in revenue, up from Rs65,070 crore in 2021. In 2022, Varanasi had 82 million visitors, which is almost four times the number of visitors in 2019. This number accounted for almost 26% of all arrivals in 2022, compared to less than 4 per cent in 2019. Varanasi's tourist footfall has surpassed Agra, which is home to the Taj Mahal, and has made it the most visited city in Uttar Pradesh. PM Narendra Modi also mentioned in his address on the 103rd episode of radio program 'Mann Ki Baat' that Now more than 10 crore tourists are reaching Kashi every year. The number of devotees visiting pilgrimages like Ayodhya, Mathura, Ujjain is also increasing rapidly. Due to this lakhs of poor are getting employment. According to the industry experts the religious tourism sector is expected to generate a revenue of Rs 59 billion by 2028 and create 140 million temporary and permanent jobs by 2030. Under central government's Swadesh Darshan Scheme, an outlay of Rs 5294 crore has been allocated for the development of theme-based tourist circuits. A total of 76 projects have been sanctioned under the project which covers popular religious destinations across different states of India. These includes Buddhist circuit, Ramayana circuit and Krishna circuit. The Ministry of tourism has also started the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme to improve the religious tourism experience by identifying and developing pilgrimage sites across India.(ANI)

Odisha lost 25 yrs under Naveen Patnaik government: Amit Shah

BHUBANESWAR: Setting the tone for the BJPs election campaign pitch, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday tore into the BJD government for keeping Odisha underdeveloped when several backward states have made rapid progress with accelerated growth of four to five times. Addressing an impressive Vijay Sankalp Samabesh at Sonepur, the first election rally by any of the top guns of the BJP, Shah launched a scathing attack on the Naveen Patnaik government accusing it of failing to resolve basic problems of the people in 25 years while Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed many critical issues of the country like Article 370, Triple Talaq and Ram Mandir in the last 10 years. It was lost years for Odisha under Naveen Patnaik government. Time has come for the people to uproot the inefficient and corrupt BJD government and install a double-engine government to take the state into the pinnacle of progress, Shah thundered. Invoking Lord Jagannath and revered deities of western Odisha, Shah said it is a matter of shame that people from the state are still migrating to places like Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Surat and even Punjab despite abundant natural resources in Odisha. Dubbing the BJD government as nikamma (useless), the BJP stalwart said massive corruption is its hallmark and the public suffering has compounded as the government is run by a few bureaucrats. Without mentioning the proposed Choudwar textile park, Shah targeted the misplaced priority of state government as it has no plan for revival of the closed textile industries in the western region including the one at Sonepur. Instead of setting up textile industries where cotton cultivation is taken up in a massive way, the state government is planning it elsewhere. There is no logic as western Odisha disticts are major producers of cotton, Shah said adding, his party will set up a textile industry, a fisheries college, agro industry and an ayurvedic medicinal plant in the region. You gave 25 years to BJD. Give five years to BJP and see how a double-engine government solves all problems, he exhorted the people of the state. Recounting the liberal financial assistance given to the state government in the last 10 years, Shah said the Centre released more than Rs 10,000 crore under Jal Jeevan Mission for supply of tap water to all the households. The state has not been able to utilise even Rs 5,000 crore and a large number of households are going without tap water. Clearing the doubt among party workers that he may go soft on BJD after the failed talk of alliance, Shah called the Chief Minister as a liar for claiming credit for the free rice given to families covered under National Food Security Act and houses under PMAY. Scared of Modi popularity, the Naveen Patnaik government is not implementing Ayushman Bharat scheme depriving the poor people from availing free health services, he said. While assailing the regional party for ruining the Sri Jagannath Temple heritage, Shah said the inauguration of the temple corridor project at Puri was deliberately done during the Ram Mandir consecration at Ayodhya to divert the attention of the people of Odisha. Let the BJP come to power in the state, we will improve the temple town like Kashi Viswanath in Varanasi, he said. The meeting was attended by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Balangir MP Sangeeta Kumari Singhdeo, state BJP president Manmohan Samal and senior leader KV Singhdeo.

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Judge Who Ordered Gyanvapi Survey Says He Got Calls From Overseas Numbers

Additional Sessions Judge (Fast Track Court I) Ravi Kumar Diwakar, who had passed an order to conduct a videography survey of Varanasi's Gyanvapi complex in 2022, has complained of getting calls from international numbers, police said today.

Judge, Who Ordered Gyanvapi Videography Survey, Claims Getting Death Threats From International Phone Numbers

Additional Sessions judge Ravi Kumar Diwakar, who in 2022 had ordered for a videography survey of Varanasis Gyanvapi complex, has once again complained about getting death threats, but this time from international numbers. According to a report by Times of India, Justice Diwakar, who has been recently transferred to Bareilly where he has initiated suo Continue reading Judge, Who Ordered Gyanvapi Videography Survey, Claims Getting Death Threats From International Phone Numbers The post Judge, Who Ordered Gyanvapi Videography Survey, Claims Getting Death Threats From International Phone Numbers appeared first on OurVoice | WeRIndia - Analysis & Opinion .

Judge Handling Gyanvapi Survey Alleges Receiving International Calls

Judge Handling Gyanvapi Survey Alleges Receiving International Calls Additional Sessions Judge (Fast Track Court I) Ravi Kumar Diwakar, who had passed an order to conduct a videography survey of Varanasi's Gyanvapi complex in 2022, has complained of getting calls from international numbers, police said on Thursday. Bareilly Senior Superintendent of Police Ghule Sushil Chandrabhan said that he has received a letter from Judge Diwakar. In the letter, Judge Diwakar said that he had been getting calls from international numbers, causing deep concerns following which he approached the police. Judge Diwakar told the police that he received a call from an international number on April 15 at 9.45 pm but he did not answer it. The calls have continued since then, even though he never answers them, the SSP said. The cyber cell and the Kotwali police have been instructed to investigate the matter, he said. Judge Diwakar is known for his strong verdicts. In Bareilly, he gave death sentences to eight people. He also initiated a suo motu action on the 2018 Bareilly riots case and summoned the alleged mastermind, cleric Tauqeer Raza to face trial.

Spiritual Tourism: An Emerging Catalyst Transforming Real Estate Growth in India

Ayodhya, Varanasi, Vrindavan, Haridwar, and Tirupati stand out and witnessing unprecedented growth in sipritual tourism

Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi, likely to contest from Rae Bareli and Amethi seats: Sources

Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi, likely to contest from Rae Bareli and Amethi seats: Sources By Sidharth Sharma Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi are likely to contest the Lok Sabha election from Rae Bareli and Amethi seats, respectively, sources said on Thursday. According to the sources, the final decision will be taken after April 26 and nominations can be filed next week. Phase 2 of the elections are scheduled for Phase 2. In this phase Wayanad from where Rahul Gandhi is contesting will go to the polls. Smriti Irani defeated Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Amethi. Irani has again been fielded by the Bharatiya Janata Party from the seat. As per the seat agreement between the Samajwadi Party and Congress in Uttar Pradesh, Congress will contest 17 seats and the Samajwadi Party the remaining 63 seats in the electorally crucial state. Apart from its traditional strongholds of Rae Bareli and Amethi, the Congress is also contesting on Varanasi, Ghaziabad and Kanpur. Earlier, posters featuring Robert Vadra, husband of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, appeared outside the party's office on Wednesday in the Gauriganj area of Amethi. This raised speculations of a possible ticket for Vadra. However, the Congress appears to be wanting to put up a fight for every seat that it is contesting and has thus decided on fielding the Gandhi sibling. Amethi and Rae Bareli Lok Sabha constituencies will vote in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 20. However, Rahul Gandhi will not find the going easy in his erstwhile bastion as Union Minister Smriti Irani has been campaigning extensively in the constituency. On April 8, the Union Minister questioned Rahul Gandhi's loyalty to Amethi. BJP workers know that the Gandhi family will come to contest elections from Amethi. PM Narendra Modi sends ration to 19 lakh citizens in Amethi Lok Sabha constituency, if the Gandhi family is against Narendra Modi, so these 19 lakh citizens who are getting free ration, what will the Gandhi family say to these families?... I went to Wayanad a few days ago and got the information that Rahul Gandhi has declared Wayanad as his family...Yesterday a Congress leader said that Rahul Gandhi chose Wayanad because Rahul Gandhi says that the people of Wayanad are more loyal. So what about the loyalty of Amethi, she said in a news conference. Rae Bareli is a Congress bastion since 1960 with both Feroze Gandhi and Indira Gandhi having represented it. Sonia Gandhi has been the MP from the constituency since she won the 2006 by poll. With Sonia moving to the upper house, the Congress is likely to field Priyanka Gandhi who is a general secretary in the party. (ANI)

Narsingh elected chairman of WFI's Athletes' Commission

CHENNAI: Former Commonwealth Games gold medallist Narsingh Pancham Yadav was elected chairman of the Athletes' Commission of the Wrestling Federation of India on Wednesday during the ongoing Federation Cup in Varanasi. Election of the Athletes' Commission was one of the conditions laid down by the United World Wrestling while revoking the suspension of the WFI in February this year. A total of eight candidates were in the fray to elect seven members of the commission. The elected members then chose Narsingh as the chairman. The other elected members were Sahil (Delhi), Smitha AS (Kerala), Bharti Bhaghei (UP), Khushboo S Pawar (Gujarat), Nikki (Haryana), and Sweta Dubey (Bengal). Nikki was elected as the convener. The commission members were elected for two years. Narsingh, who competed in the 2012 London Olympics losing the opening bout in 74kg, made the headlines ahead of the 2016 Rio Games. By virtue of his bronze medal in the 74kg in the 2015 World Championships, the Maharashtra wrestler earned a quota but two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar first requested for a trial against him and then moved the Delhi High Court seeking the same. The court rejected the appeal clearing Narsingh's way to compete in the Rio Games. However, he failed two dope tests prior to the Games and was banned for four years by the Court of Arbitration for Sport even though the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) had cleared him on the plea that his failed test was the result of sabotage. The CAS decision came a day before his opening bout in the Olympics, forcing him to leave Rio de Janeiro without competing. The ban came to an end in July 2020 but Narsingh has maintained that the doping saga was a case of sabotage. Narsingh also won a bronze medal in the 2014 Asian Games while his last international event was the 2021 Asian Championships where he finished with a bronze in the 79kg. Soon after the elections, the Sanjay Kumar Singh-led WFI appointed an Athletes' Commission but the world body then asked it to re-convene the elections. The candidates for this commission shall be active athletes or retired for no longer than four years. The voters shall be exclusively athletes. These elections shall take place during trials or any senior national championships where this operation can take place, but no later than July 1, 2024, the UWW had said.

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Honour For Me: Amit Shah Inaugurates PM Modi's Election Office In Varanasi

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken ough decisions to free the country of corruption, terrorism and Maoism.

2022 Image of Voters Shared With False Context About Muslim Population

This image is from 2022 and is from Varanasi.

Ranveer Singh Deepfake video case: Maharashtra Police take legal action against netizen for uploading actor's AI-generated video allegedly endorsing a political party

Uploading an AI-generated video landed an individual, referred to as X user, in significant trouble when Maharashtra Police's cyber cell registered an FIR against them. This action followed the dissemination of a manipulated video featuring actor Ranveer Singh endorsing a political party, uploaded from the netizen's X handle. The FIR stemmed from a complaint by Ranveer's father, Jagjit Singh Bhavnani, alleging that the video was extracted from Ranveer's recent interview in Varanasi, where he purportedly praised PM Narendra Modi. This incident raised concerns about the proliferation of deepfake videos, especially during the political season. Interestingly, Ranveer's father vehemently denied the actor's affiliation with any political party. The FIR, encompassing relevant IPC sections and provisions of the IT Act, underscored the severity of the offense. This event echoed a similar occurrence involving actor Aamir Khan, who also filed an FIR regarding an AI-generated video promoting the same political party, highlighting the far-reaching implications of deepfake technology in shaping public opinion.

Former Wrestler Narsingh Yadav Elected Chairman Of WFIs Seven-Member Athletes Panel

Varanasi, Apr 24: Former Commonwealth Games gold-medallist Narsingh Pancham Yadav was elected chairman of the Wrestling Federation of Indias Athletes Commission here on Wednesday, completing a process that was mandated by the sports world governing body. A total of eight candidates were in fray for the seven positions and after polling, conducted on ballot paper, seven members got elected. They then chose Narsingh as chairman of the commission. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel Ahead of the 2016 Olympics, [] The post Former Wrestler Narsingh Yadav Elected Chairman Of WFIs Seven-Member Athletes Panel appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

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Banner of Hanuman flies high in the city

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In Pics: Hanuman Jayanti

Kanpur: Devotees arrive to offer prayers at a Lord Hanuman temple on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, in Kanpur, Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (PTI Photo) Varanasi: Devotees take part in a religious procession on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti festival, in Varanasi, Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (PTI Photo) Guwahati: Union Minister and BJP leader Sarbananda 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 .

UP: Missing 16-year-old girl rescued in Ballia; police arrest kidnapper who also raped her

A 16-year-old girl missing for two months was rescued in Ballia, UP. Nirbhay Sahni arrested for abduction and rape. Charges filed under IPC and POCSO Act. Sahni apprehended at railway station.

A slice of streets in snapshots

CHENNAI : From the picturesque streets and antique structures of Kolkata, Arunanjan Saha began his exploration into the limitless world of photography. He wanders through the lanes of different towns and villages across the country, with and without his camera, and sometimes stumbles upon some amazing idea for his photo story. From the zig-zag routes of Ladakh, Kabul Gali, and the welcoming and earnest people there, the religious spots of Varanasi, and the saints in trance, his camera lens has seen various faces. This photographer, after his recent sojourn in Chennai, took along with him an abundance of memories and still shots. The city was enveloped in the different moods of merriness with the festive fervour of Eid, then Tamil puthandu, and then sliding into the political mood of elections. Well, for this guest from Kolkata, each visit to Chennai be it the 2019 water crisis or elections has provided a contrasting picture. Amazed by the background of the state, he says, There is a different kind of equilibrium going on here. Unlike the north, the ruling party does not dominate the narrative here. While this photographer, who works with Getty Images could not share his pictures of the different moods of the election season with us, he had many a story to share. What surprises me is the influence of celebrities or superstars on the publics political ideologies, he says. People and their interactions with him and his camera have intrigued Arunanjan in different ways. He recalls an incident, chuckles, and says, When I went to Gurez, a village in PoK, I saw kids playing, and people scattered around the place. As soon as I took my camera out of the bag, all of them fled to their homes. I was shocked by this sudden reaction. They thought I had carried a different type of gun with me. But after some time, I was able to convince them and get some really good pictures. Photographs have also become a way of narrating stories for him. The Pashmina photography project, he says, is a story of trade, produce, change in economic participation, and the inequality in wages. This upcoming project is a narration of the tensions between Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and of the repeated exploitation of women. The process of capturing photos keeps changing for him. The 1,000-year-old Tabo monastery perched on Spiti Valley has intricate paintings inside. However, for five-six years rainwater has started seeping in, hence, a possibility of ruining it. Arunanjan says, I have taken permission to document this change implying the dire climate change. He adds, These are the kind of stories I want to tell. The portrayal of India through capturing the poverty, dirt, and garbage-laden areas, has irked him. He says there is another set of people who capture the grandeur of elite lifestyles, colour coordination, and so on that disappoints him. Steering off from the clich photography, he provides a different vantage point by showing the uniqueness of mundane lives, and the stories that arent unearthed yet. Being an independent photographer can be challenging too. He says, unlike other photographers associated with reputed organisations, it is difficult to even get permissions to photograph heritage places. He has been questioning these rules that he says he cannot construe. He adheres to his style and creates his norms. He says, My photographs dont have minimalistic frames. I have been told that my frames are chaotic. But I like them that way. In the pursuit of marking a style and individuality through his works, Arunanjan creates his discourse. For more insights and exposure, he did part-time work, and associated himself with photography communities too. From using the Kodak camera to the Nikon D750, the photographer has been seeing a transformation in his pictures, experimenting with using various lenses, and creating masterpieces. A bit of crop and light adjustment is fine, he says. However, he tries to capture what he wants through his camera, not relying on the edits, and doing full justice to his work. (Inputs from P Ravikumar)

Modis comments not fit for PM: Mallikarjun Kharge

CHANNAPATNA(BANGALORE RURAL): AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge here on Monday tore into Prime Minister Narendra Modi for remarking that if Congress comes to power, it will redistribute the countrys wealth among Muslims and for likening the Grand Old Partys manifesto to Muslim Leagues. Only Congress fulfills its promises: Mallikarjun Kharge Addressing a Congress rally for Bangalore Rural Lok Sabha candidate DK Suresh, Kharge said Modi is an escapist and a hit-and-run politician. He challenged Modi to come for an open debate on the Congress manifesto in the national capital. Providing jobs for youth, is it only for Muslims? Is Naari Nyay, in which Rs 1 lakh per annum will be given to women head of households, only for Muslims? Legislation on minimum support price for farmers, is it for Muslims? Modi speaks erratically. He said Congress will conduct the caste census and take away the assets (from Hindus) and give them to Muslims. A PM should speak with some knowledge, not like an agnani (ignorant). Speaking like this is not becoming of his stature, he said. I am ready for an open debate anywhere, even in Delhi, to discuss our party manifesto, which he termed as Muslim Leagues and against the country, he said. Kharge observed that Modi has been talking haphazardly and attacking Congress irrationally after realising that the situation has turned adverse for BJP across the country. That is because he has not delivered on the promise of creating two crore jobs every year and failing to check the price rise. If any leader has divided the country along the Hindu and Muslim lines and instigated a fight between Dalits and other communities, its none other than Modi, he thundered. If we ask for roti, he says the cake in the bakery is sasta (cheap) and if we ask for water to drink, he shows us the Gangajal of Varanasi. We are not against Modi, but against his ideology which is that of RSS, he said. He attacked Modi for claiming that rice has been distributed to 80 crore people, while it was the previous UPA government that passed the right to food law. Kharge asked Modi if he would withdraw the MNREGA employment guarantee scheme, too, which is also a law. He alleged that Modi is trying to take credit for all the schemes introduced by the UPA governments. It is like mehnat kare murga, anda khaye fakir, he mocked. He alleged that Modi has let businessmen who looted Rs 16 lakh crore go scot free, but is acting against farmers, whose farm equipment like tractors are being seized for non-payment of loan instalments. He has threatened and collected donations through electoral bonds from companies, but let ED, IT and CBI after those who were willing to donate to Congress. All the corrupt are sitting in his jolige (bag), he alleged.

Don-turned-politician Brijesh Singh's son duped of Rs 11 lakh

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Ranveer Singh Takes Legal Action Against Deepfake Video

In a concerning turn of events, Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh has fallen victim to the rising threat of deepfake technology. The actor recently complained with the Cyber Crime Cell of the Mumbai Police after an AI-generated video featuring him went viral, sparking widespread concern. The deepfake video in question portrayed Singh voicing political views while endorsing a particular party, allegedly stemming from footage of the actor's recent visit to Varanasi. Utilizing AI technology, the video manipulated Singh's voice and image to create a convincing but entirely fabricated scenario. In response to the incident, Singh's official spokesperson confirmed that the actor had filed a police complaint, resulting in the lodging of an FIR for further investigation by the Cyber Crime Cell. The spokesperson issued a statement asserting, Yes, we have filed the police complaint, and an FIR has been lodged against the handle that was promoting the AI-generated deepfake video of Mr. Ranveer Singh. Before taking legal action, Singh had also taken to social media to caution his followers about the dangers of deepfake videos. In a post on X, he urged vigilance, writing, Deepfake se bacho dostonnnn (Beware of deepfake, friends).

FIR Lodged Against Handle Ai-Generated Deepfake Video Of Ranveer Singh: Actors Spokesperson

NEW DELHI, Apr 22: An FIR has been filed against the social media handle promoting the deepfake video of Ranveer Singh, the actors spokesperson said on Monday. Last week, a video of Singh went viral on the Internet in which the actor could be seen voicing his political opinion. In the original clip, which seems to have been edited using artificial intelligence (AI) technology, was a snippet from an interview the actor gave when he was in Varanasi for a [] The post FIR Lodged Against Handle Ai-Generated Deepfake Video Of Ranveer Singh: Actors Spokesperson appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Ranveer Singh takes legal action after his deepfake video goes viral, files FIR

While the video, from the Ranveer Singh's recent visit to Varanasi, appears genuine, the audio is of an AI-enabled voice clone of the actor.

Fraudster dupes over Rs 11 lakhs from don turned politician Brijesh Singhs son

Brijesh Singh's son Siddharth fell victim to a Rs 11 lakh fraud by a cybercriminal posing as a paint company representative. The scam involved a fake dealership offer and a disappearance of the fraudster after money transfer.

Coordination between development and heritage is the identity of PM Modi: Uttar Pradesh CM Adityanath

Coordination between development and heritage is the identity of PM Modi: Uttar Pradesh CM Adityanath Amid the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the continuous development of infrastructure, saying that the number of Highways and airports doubled in India after 2014. Speaking to ANI, Yogi Adityanath said, India is the world's biggest democracy. For the first time in the country, it is being seen that we live with democratic values for the service of the public, and development work is done. The wonderful coordination between development and heritage is the identity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The work done towards this is wonderful. Elaborating on the work done by PM Modi in the past years, the Uttar Pradesh CM said, The issue on which we get good support from the public is infrastructure - the number of highways has almost doubled...Till 2014, there were only 74 airports but now, the country has more than 150 airports...Today there are 22 AIIMS in the country...Ending a 500-year-old wait, Ram Lalla is now placed at Ram Temple in Ayodhya...Today, 5 lakh people devotees are coming here at once but there are no problems...The public supports these issues. During the Congress rule, there was only one AIIMS while Atal Bihari Vajpayee has laid the foundation stone of 6 AIIMS. Now, the number of AIIMS has increased from 7 to 22 under the PM-led NDA government. Likewise, IIT, IIM, Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIIT), One District, One Medical College, and tap water to every household has become a foundation stone for developed India, he further said. The CM said, Earlier, not even 50 people were able to worship in Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi but now 50,000 people can worship in the temple. Similarly, 5 lakh devotees can offer prayers at Ram Temple in Ayodhya without any problem. Expressing confidence in winning by majority in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, Aditynath said, I believe that this support will transform into blessings to form the government under the leadership of PM Modi with an absolute majority. Uttar Pradesh, which sends the maximum number of MPs, 80, to Parliament, will vote in all seven phases. Voting for phase 1 was held on April 19 on eight seats. The counting of votes will be held on June 4. (ANI)

Elderly man bludgeoned to death by cousin in UP's Bhadohi on suspicion of doing 'occult practice'

A 62-year-old man named Indrajit Pathak was brutally attacked and tragically killed by his cousin, Mahendra Nath Pathak, in Bharhki village. The incident involved occult practices and a history of conflict between the two relatives, leading to a fatal outcome.

3 youths crushed to death

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Varanasi PM Modi, | Election 2024

Lok Sabha Election 2024: . , 543 . . PM 10 - ? PM ?

BJP targeting me, Abhishek Banerjee; we are not safe: Bengal CM Mamata

KUMARGANJ:West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday alleged that the BJP is targeting her and her nephew and TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee and they do not feel safe. Her allegation came a day after the Leader of Opposition in the assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, said that there would be a ig explosionon Monday which would shake the TMC and its top brass. The BJP is targeting me and Abhishek, we are not safe, but we are also not afraid of the saffron party's conspiracy. We urge everyone to be on guard against a conspiracy against TMC leaders and the people of West Bengal, she said. The TMC supremo was addressing an election rally at Kumarganj in Balurghat Lok Sabha seat in favour of party candidate and state minister Biplab Mitra. Responding to Adhikari's remark, the TMC supremo said, There is a traitor who joined the BJP to protect his family and ill-gotten wealth. Let me tell him, his threat to trigger a chocolate bomb explosion is treated with contempt by us. Will not accept CAA, NRC, Uniform Civil Code: Mamata Banerjee Adhikari, a former TMC minister, defected to the BJP ahead of the 2021 assembly elections in the state. If you have courage, come up with truths, come up with facts. I guess it takes time for you to fully build up a false narrative, to fully hatch the conspiracy. But rest assured we are ready to counter,she said. We will counter him by bursting firecrackers. For us firecrackers are unravelling discrepancies in PM Care Fund and 'jumla' of crediting Rs 15 lakh in every citizen's bank account. He only peddles falsehood, she said. The TMC supremo alleged that the BJP is bringing in outsiders to the state to foment trouble. Banerjee accused the Narendra Modi government of painting independent institutions such as Doordarshan in saffron hues, and claimed that the BJP appropriating that colour is an insult to sacrifices made by monks and spiritual leaders of the country for ages. She wondered how the logo of Doordarshan could be painted in saffron during elections, alleging it was done to suit the BJP's eligion-based vote bank politics and agenda. 'Prasar Bharati is now Prachar Bharati': Doordarshan's logo change sparks controversy Why did the DD logo suddenly turn saffron? Why were official residences of army personnel painted in saffron? Why was the uniform of police in Kashi (Varanasi) changed to saffron?she questioned. The chief minister claimed that if the BJP returns to power, there will be no more elections in future and religious rights of several communities will be at stake. At another meeting in Balurghat, the Lok Sabha constituency of BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar, Banerjee said the Covid vaccination certificate only had the photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He only believes in self-publicity. He believes in making tall claims and himself listening to his words, she said. PM Modi attacks Mamata Banerjee govt over Sandeshkhali, says country seething with anger Accusing Majumdar of keeping mum on non-payment of 100 days' work to the poor labourers of villages and non-release of Awas Yojana funds by the Modi government, she said Your (Majumdar) party leaders are asking bosses in Delhi to stop payment to the poor. Hinting at Adhikari, she said, there is a 'gaddar'(traitor) who is forecasting CBI, ED and NIA raids and arrests of opposition leaders. He himself had joined BJP to save his skin and now scaring people with the bogey of central agency raid, she claimed. Banerjee said the incarcerated former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren 's wife had told her that the ED in its chargesheet accused him of getting gifts of washing machine and TV sets. She wondered if those items can be described as gifts they are found in many households. Banerjee waived a piece of paper, claiming it was a copy of an FIR against a central armed paramilitary force for assaulting villagers. She alleged that two days back a team from the force raided a border village in Dakshin Dinajpur district and beat up villagers when they refused to pledge support for BJP. I am urging the EC to take note of the transgression of its role by BSF. Instead of guarding the frontiers and stopping smuggling, they are terrorizing villagers, she said. Democracy will end if 'Modi-Shah sarkar' returns to power: Kharge

BJP targeting me, Abhishek; we are not safe: Mamata

BJP targeting me, Abhishek; we are not safe: Mamata West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday alleged that the BJP is targeting her and her nephew and TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee and they do not feel safe. Her allegation came a day after the Leader of Opposition in the assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, said that there would be a ''big explosion on Monday which would shake the TMC and its top brass. ''The BJP is targeting me and Abhishek, we are not safe, but we are also not afraid of the saffron party's conspiracy. We urge everyone to be on guard against a conspiracy against TMC leaders and the people of West Bengal,'' she said. The TMC supremo was addressing an election rally at Kumarganj in Balurghat Lok Sabha seat in favour of party candidate and state minister Biplab Mitra. Responding to Adhikari's remark, the TMC supremo said, ''There is a traitor who joined the BJP to protect his family and ill-gotten wealth. Let me tell him, his threat to trigger a chocolate bomb explosion is treated with contempt by us.'' Adhikari, a former TMC minister, defected to the BJP ahead of the 2021 assembly elections in the state. If you have courage, come up with truths, come up with facts. I guess it takes time for you to fully build up a false narrative, to fully hatch the conspiracy. But rest assured we are ready to counter, she said. ''We will counter him by bursting firecrackers. For us firecrackers are unravelling discrepancies in PM Care Fund and 'jumla' of crediting Rs 15 lakh in every citizen's bank account. He only peddles falsehood,'' she said. The TMC supremo alleged that the BJP is bringing in outsiders to the state to foment trouble. Banerjee accused the Narendra Modi government of painting independent institutions such as Doordarshan in saffron hues, and claimed that the BJP ''appropriating that colour'' is an insult to sacrifices made by monks and spiritual leaders of the country for ages. She wondered how the logo of Doordarshan could be painted in saffron during elections, alleging it was done to suit the BJP's ''religion-based vote bank politics and agenda''. ''Why did the DD logo suddenly turn saffron? Why were official residences of army personnel painted in saffron? Why was the uniform of police in Kashi (Varanasi) changed to saffron? she questioned. The chief minister claimed that if the BJP returns to power, there will be no more elections in future and religious rights of several communities will be at stake. At another meeting in Balurghat, the Lok Sabha constituency of BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar, Banerjee said the Covid vaccination certificate only had the photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He only believes in self-publicity. He believes in making tall claims and himself listening to his words, she said. Accusing Majumdar of keeping mum on non-payment of 100 days work to the poor labourers of villages and non-release of Awas Yojana funds by the Modi government, she said Your (Majumdar) party leaders are asking bosses in Delhi to stop payment to the poor. Hinting at Adhikari, she said, there is a gaddar (traitor) who is forecasting CBI, ED and NIA raids and arrests of opposition leaders. He himself had joined BJP to save his skin and now scaring people with the bogey of central agency raid, she claimed. Banerjee said the incarcerated former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Sorens wife had told her that the ED in its chargesheet accused him of getting gifts of washing machine and TV sets. She wondered if those items can be described as gifts they are found in many households. Banerjee waived a piece of paper, claiming it was a copy of an FIR against a central armed paramilitary force for assaulting villagers. She alleged that two days back a team from the force raided a border village in Dakshin Dinajpur district and beat up villagers when they refused to pledge support for BJP. I am urging the EC to take note of the transgression of its role by BSF. Instead of guarding the frontiers and stopping smuggling, they are terrorizing villagers, she said.

BSP Changes Lok Sabha Candidate Against PM Modi In Varanasi, Fields Ali Who Got Less Than 1 Per Cent Votes In 2012

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Insights on Hyderabad's Wanderlust and India's Travel Landscape

Delving into the heartbeat of Hyderabad's travel scene and India's burgeoning wanderlust, Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head of Holidays, MICE, Visa at Thomas Cook (India) Limited, shares exclusive insights with Deccan Chronicle. From the surge in domestic and international travel preferences to the rise of 'Pilgrimage Plus' experiences, Kale unveils the dynamic shifts and emerging trends shaping the travel industry. He also gives a list of most instagrammable tourist spots in the world. How is Hyderabad as a market for travel? Could you give us some statistics on the travel scene in Telangana, especially Hyderabad? Hyderabad is a key source market for us and our data reflects uptick of 29% YoY from Telangana and Hyderabad. This increased demand is emerging from customers across segments of families, couples, Young Indias millennials and Gen Z. While Hyderabad is a key market, Warangal, Karimnagar and Khammam are emerging strongly. What do Hyderabadis prefer domestic or international travel? Could you tell us about the most popular tourist hotspots they visit? Name the top most travelled destinations within India Customers from Hyderabad and Telengana are travelling like never before and demand for both domestic and international destinations are equally high. Domestic and short-haul destinations are preferred for weekends, mini-cations; Long Haul destinations are opted for summer vacations, festive season like Dusshera, Diwali and year-end. Our customers are displaying strong appetite for Europes Switzerland, France, Hungary, Spain; also Finland and the Scandics; Australia-New Zealand, and USA despite visa challenges. Short haul destinations witnessing high interest include Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia; Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan. What is noteworthy, is that we have relaunched our flagship European Extravaganza holidays that offers our customers with a range of exclusive experiences that are share-worthy on social media. To address this demand, we have introduced Telugu and south special departures from Hyderabad to cater to the growing demand. On the domestic front, in addition to the cooler climes of Kashmir, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Ladakh, North East, we have observed a demand for beach destinations including Kerala and Goa. Spiritual tourism has gained momentum in the recent past. What are the top pilgrim towns? We are witnessing increased preference for spiritual tours to Char Dham, Ayodhya-Prayagraj-Varanasi, Tamil Nadu, etc. from not only from Telenganas senior segment but also families, couples and millennials. What is noteworthy, is the trend of Pilgrimage Plus where customers are combining darshans while exploring the surrounding destination. What about instagrammable locations? Could you give us 5 most travelled spots? From Scandic countries like Finland with Iceland and inclusions of husky-safaris, stays in glass igloo/bubbles or traditional log cabins with spectacular views of the Northern Lights, to panoramic views of Tegallalang rice terraces in Bali, Japans Cherry Blossom/Sakura season, are some examples. What are the unexplored places in India that have the potential to become tourist hot spots Hyderabadis are displaying increased interest in offbeat destinations with high preference for hidden gems including hot sulphur springs of Panamik in Nubra valley Ladakh; Yusmarg and Doodhpathri in Kashmir - exquisite hill stations in Kashmir with a lush green landscape and snow-capped mountain ranges, Damro - longest enchanted hanging bridge in Arunachal Pradesh, and Vantawng falls - the highest and most spectacular waterfalls in Mizoram. Beach destinations like North Kerala's Kappad Beach, Andhra's Rushikonda Beach and Andaman's Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island have emerged as top beach favorite choices. What about Lakshadweep? Have the booking surged post PM's tweet? The Prime Minister Narendra Modis recent visit to Lakshadweep and encouragement to Indians to explore the islands within the country, we have witnessed an uptick in our searches for both domestic islands and beach destinations. Our search data for Lakshadweep indicates a significant jump of over 950% compared to December, followed by destinations like, Goa - a clear catalyst for Domestic Tourism. What trends have you noticed in the travel industry during long weekends and seasonal holidays like Navratri or Summer? Our consumer trends indicate that customers from Telangana state are utilizing their extended weekends and public holidays, taking multiple holidays in a year especially to no-visa and easy visa destinations; also drive-cations. The announcements of visa-free entry has been a game-changer for destinations like Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Thailand, resulting in a significant uplift of approx. 35%. What is interesting, is that Indian consumers have shifted from being a Saver to a Spender, and this changed mindset has had a cascading impact on holidays; customers are willing to increase spends on their holidays by 20-30% compared to pre-pandemic levels and stay in premium properties while travelling for a longer duration from 7-10 days to over 15 days.

DNA Exclusive | PM Modi is the most popular neta on social media, checkhisLSSscore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is contesting from the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat.

Travel tips: These Buddhist places of India are known all over the world, are special for history lovers.

It would not be wrong to say that Buddhism is one of the most loved religions in the world. Buddhism, which has spread all over the world, has its roots in India. It was founded by Lord Gautam Buddha. Gautam Buddha followed the path of truth till the end of his life and always inspired people to follow the truth and choose the right path. Today, there are many monasteries, stupas, monuments, and other Buddhist sites associated with Gautam Buddha across the country which are known throughout the world. If you are also curious to know about the precious words, secrets, and philosophical and spiritual teachings of Gautam Buddha, then visit these places. These places hold great importance for history lovers. Let us know about these places... Mahabodhi Temple, Bihar Mahabodhi Temple is located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. People who follow Buddhism consider it very sacred. This is the place where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment sitting under the ancient Bodhi tree. The structure of the temple is very beautiful. The most special thing about this temple is that images of different religions can be seen through artifacts. Bodh Gaya is considered by Buddhists to be one of the holiest cities in the world, as it was the site where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The Mahabodhi Temple located in Bodh Gaya was given the status of World Heritage by UNESCO in the year 2002. Sarnath Temple, Varanasi Sarnath Temple needs no introduction. One of the Buddhist pilgrimage sites, Sarnath is the place where Buddha gave his first sermon to his disciples. This temple located in Varanasi was built by King Ashoka. Sarnath is a city of historical wonders with numerous Buddhist stupas, museums, ancient sites, and beautiful temples that prove to be a source of great wonder and awe for tourists. During your trip to Sarnath, you can visit Chaukhandi Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, Dhamekh Stupa, Archaeological Museum, Moolgandh Kuti Vihar, Chinese, and Thai temples, and monasteries. Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh Located near Gorakhpur in the northeastern region of Uttar Pradesh, Kushinagar is a major Buddhist pilgrimage site. Lord Buddha is believed to have died in Kushinagar after which Emperor Ashoka built a stupa here to mark the site of Parinirvana. The stupa contains the resurrected Nirvana statue of the Buddha, with a reclining statue of the dying Buddha placed on the right side. Kushinagar is a religious city that attracts a large number of tourists, especially followers of Buddhism. Other major sites of Kushinagar include Chaitya, Rambhar Stupa, Monastery, and some popular small temples. Kesariya Stupa, Bihar Kesariya Stupa is an ancient heritage, which is famous as the world's largest ancient Buddhist stupa. According to the information, this stupa was built by Emperor Ashoka the Great. This is an important place for those interested in history and art, many important aspects of Indian history can be understood here. According to the dates recorded in the records, this huge stupa belongs to the third century. This ancient site was discovered in 1958 by the Archaeological Survey Department. The entire survey work was done by archaeologist K. Happened under the supervision of Muhammad. Before the survey, this site was considered to be an ancient Shiva temple but during the excavation, many other things of ancient times were found here. These include statues of Buddha, copper objects, Islamic coins, etc. after which it has been considered a Buddhist stupa. Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh Tawang is one of the most famous Buddhist places in India as well as a major tourist destination of Arunachal Pradesh which attracts tourists with its beauty. Situated at an altitude of about 3048 meters, Tawang is famous for many important and beautiful monasteries and is the birthplace of the Dalai Lama. Tawang Monastery is the largest monastery in India and the second largest in the world, popular as a rich, center of spirituality and knowledge. Tawang Monastery is also known as the Golden Namgyal Lhasa by the local people. The monastery library also houses a vast collection of some of the most sacred and important scriptures. Also, the Buddhist India Cultural Study Center is established here for Buddhist monks. Which is known as a shelter for more than 300 monks. Red Maitreya Temple, Leh This temple is situated in one of the most spectacular Indian locations. Right in the middle of the sky touching mountains and soothing landscapes. This religious site is a part of Thiksey Monastery and is famous for the 49-foot tall statue of Lord Buddha. Pilgrims and travelers from all over the world come here for the beauty and spiritual importance of this place. Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh Sanchi Stupa is located on the banks of Betba River, 46 km northeast of Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh state. Sanchi Stupa is one of the most prominent Buddhist sites in India. Sanchi Stupa was established in the 3rd century BC on the orders of Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya Dynasty. Where the remains of Lord Buddha are kept. A good glimpse of Buddhist art and architecture can be seen in the sculptures and monuments present at this place. For your information, let us tell you that Sanchi Stupa, world-famous for its attractive artworks, was included as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on 15 October 1982. (PC: Lifeberrys)

CCMB study finds genetic link between Sri Lankan tribe and ethnic Indians

HYDERABAD: CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) is part of a new study that has shed light on the initial people of Sri Lanka and the ancient genetic ties between the Vedda, an indigenous group of Sri Lanka, and other populations in Asia. Dr K Thangaraj, JC Bose fellow at CSIR-CCMB, Hyderabad, is one of the 10 researchers part of the study. He said, The language isolate Vedda, who are among the least studied indigenous populations in Sri Lanka, have long intrigued scientists and historians alike due to their unique linguistic and cultural characteristics. The research indicates that despite the lack of close linguistic similarities, the indigenous population shares a significant genetic link with ethnic populations in India. Our autosomal analyses suggest a close genetic connection between the Vedda and Indian ethnic populations speaking various tongues, pointing towards a deep-rooted history that predates linguistic diversifications, said Prof Gyaneshwer Chaubey, Molecular anthropologist at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi. Dr Ruwandi Ranasingh, the lead author from Colombo University, informed that the study proposes that the Vedda population has undergone genetic drift and a recent bottleneck, which has resulted in a unique genetic makeup with limited gene flow from neighbouring Sinhalese and Sri Lankan Tamil populations. The implications of this research offer novel perspectives on the demographic history of Sri Lanka and the broader South Asian region. The study reveals how the Vedda have preserved their genetic identity over millennia despite massive cultural and linguistic changes around them. CCMB director Dr Vinay Nandicoori expressed optimism that the insights will help towards a better understanding of the genetic diversity in South Asia and foster a deeper appreciation for the unique cultural and genetic heritage of the Vedda people.

Embark on a Spiritual Journey Through India with Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train : PURI, GANGASAGAR AYODHYA DHAM YATRA

Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train is offering a unique opportunity to explore some of Indias most sacred pilgrimage sites in comfort and style. The PURI, GANGASAGAR AYODHYA DHAM YATRA package takes you on a 11-night/12-day journey that includes visits to Puri, Kolkata, Gangasagar, Jasidih, Gaya, Varanasi, and Ayodhya. Itinerary Highlights: Puri:Explore the renowned Jagannath Temple ... Read more

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After Aamir Khan, Ranveer Singh becomes deepfake victim: Fake video of Padmaavat star dissing BJP goes viral

The footage originates from Singh's recent visit to Varanasi, during which he participated in a fashion show orchestrated by renowned designer Manish Malhotra. Originally, the 'Lootera' actor is depicted lauding the Narendra Modi government. However, in the manipulated deepfake rendition, he is portrayed criticizing the BJP over escalating unemployment figures.

UP: BSP announces 11 more candidates

UP: BSP announces 11 more candidates Lucknow: The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has announced candidates for 11 more Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh. The party has also changed candidates for the Firozabad and Varanasi seats. The new BSP candidate in Varanasi will be Syed Niyaz Ali while in Firozabad, the party has named [] The post UP: BSP announces 11 more candidates appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Kriti surprises fans with pics from Manish Malhotra's Namo Ghat show in Varanasi

Lok Sabha elections a battle between Modi, INDIA parivars, says Revanth

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday described the coming Lok Sabha elections as a battle between two parivars Modi parivar and INDIA parivar. Revanth, who is currently campaigning for Rahul Gandhi in Keralas Wayanad constituency, was addressing a gathering of farmers. Modi parivar comprises ED, EVMs, CBI, Income Tax, Adani and Ambani. INDIA parivar includes Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and Wayanad family. We are fighting against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The battle is between Varanasi and Wayanad, he added. Expressing confidence in the Congress-led INDIA bloc forming the government at the Centre, the Telangana chief minister said that Rahul Gandhi will take oath as prime minister on June 9. He said that the TPCC had requested asked Rahul Gandhi to contest from Telangana but he chose Wayanad. Stating that the Gulf countries like Dubai (UAE) have developed due to the hard work of people of Kerala, he said but Kerala has not been developed. Alleging that Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his family members are involved in corruption,he said that he was surprised to know the role of CMs family members in the gold smuggling case. The Enforcement Directorate and I-T department filed cases against Pinarayi Vijayan. But Modi is not taking action against him because they have a secret deal, he said. We have to fight with the Centre to get the benefits and funds that are due to the states. States like Telangana, Karnataka, Jharkhand and Delhi are fighting for funds but the Kerala chief minister is not showing any interest, he added. Revanth also described Vijayan as a communalist, he said: Pinarayi Vijayan is seen as a CPM chief minister and a communist leader. But he is not a communist. He is a communalist. Thats why Vijayan is supporting BJP candidate Surendran in Wayanad. Referring to Manipur, he said: When hundreds of Christians died at the hands of BJP goons in Manipur, Modi and Amit Shah did not visit the state. But Rahul Gandhi visited Manipur and met the victims.

Silent undercurrent brewing across west UP against Modi govt's 'failures': Congress

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Friday claimed that a silent undercurrent is brewing across western Uttar Pradesh against the failures of the Modi government, as it flagged issues such as eglect of sugarcane farmers and examination paper leaks. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh attacked the BJP-led central government ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's poll rally in Amroha. Today's questions for the PM as he heads to UP: Why has the BJP neglected UP's sugarcane farmers? Rs 20,000 crores later, why is the Ganga still India's most polluted river? Is the Modi Sarkar doing anything to prevent paper leaks? Elaborating on what he said were jumla details, Ramesh said Uttar Pradesh is India's largest sugarcane producer and yet, the BJP government has eglected farmers' calls to increase the price of sugarcane. Prices stand at just Rs.360/quintal in UP, much lower than Rs.386/quintal in Punjab and Rs.391/quintal in Haryana. Price hikes have also failed to keep pace with inflation and farmers are now struggling due to the rising cost of fertiliser and pesticides, he said Area under cultivation has come down by almost 4000 hectares in the last three years, he said. Amidst sugarcane shortages, mills are struggling to pay sugarcane farmers on time, and there are fears that some may shut down permanently, Ramesh said. This vicious cycle is threatening the livelihoods of sugarcane farmers and mill workers but the BJP government is nowhere to be seen. What is the double Anyay BJP government doing to support sugarcane farmers and mill workers in UP? he said in a post on X. Noting that in 2014, PM Modi had promised a cleaner Ganga through his government's flagship Namami Gange programme, Ramesh said the project sanctioned an outlay of Rs 20,000 crore between 2014 and 2019, and 815 new sewage treatment plants (STPs) had been built or proposed by 2021. Todays questions for the PM as he heads to UP: 1. Why has the BJP neglected UPs sugarcane farmers? 2. 20,000 crores later, why is the Ganga still Indias most polluted river? 3. Is the Modi Sarkar doing anything to prevent paper leaks? Jumla details below: 1. Uttar Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) April 19, 2024 The Ministry of Jal Shakti claims that there has been a marked improvement in the state of the river but, as is often the case with this government, that claim turned out to be a old-faced lie, Ramesh said. The Sankat Mochan Foundation found that rather than improving, water quality in the Ganga has actually been degrading - faecal coliform bacteria levels are a staggering one million times higher than the permissible limit of 500 per 100 millilitres, he said. Ramesh said the Central Pollution Control Board also found that water quality does not comply with their standards. While the Ministry of Jal Shakti claims that new STPs are working fine, a professor at IIT Varanasi said they were 'utterly useless' and that the government's plans were completely 'bogus'. Furthermore, as early as 2017, a CAG audit report of the project noted 'deficiencies in financial management, planning, implementation and monitoring', the Congress leader said. To make matters worse, contracts for STPs have been awarded to companies with well-established links to the BJP. In 2017, a 150+ crore STP contract was given to a company chaired by former BJP MP Subhash Chandra that had no record of working in sewage treatment, he alleged. Another plant is operated by the Adani group, and 'scientific' studies worth 5 crores have been awarded to the Patanjali Organic Research Institute, he said. Noting that last year, the Central Pollution Control Board declared the Ganga the most polluted river in India, Ramesh asked what have the Indian taxpayer's Rs 20,000 crores achieved. Under the Modi Sarkar's reign, more than 43 papers for government recruitment exams have been leaked, hurting at least 2 crore candidates. Most recently, 60 lakh applicants for the UP Police Exams had their futures clouded when exams were cancelled due to paper leaks, he said. These are not just numbers - it is the hopes and dreams of India's youth that are hanging in the balance, Ramesh asserted. Congress' Jairam Ramesh poses questions concerning TN to PM Modi ahead of his LS poll campaign Under its Yuva Nyay Guarantee, the Congress has committed to bringing robust legislation that will design institutions and best practices to prevent paper leaks from occurring in the first place. What is Mr.Modi's vision to address the harm done to our youth? he said. As the PM visits West Uttar Pradesh, it is important to remember that while he may have engineered the flight of the RLD from the INDIA bloc to the NDA, the real Lok Dal is still with INDIA and that the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in West Uttar Pradesh was welcomed with hoardings and banners of Choudhary Charan Singh and Indira Gandhi, Ramesh said. A silent undercurrent is brewing across this region, against the failures of this Government, he said and asked the PM to break his silence on these issues.

FACTBOX-India's Lok Sabha election 2024: the main political parties and candidates

FACTBOX-India's Lok Sabha election 2024: the main political parties and candidates India, with nearly a billion eligible voters, set off on the world's largest electoral exercise on Friday. The country has more than 2,500 political parties but just 10 of them hold 86% of all seats in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of parliament. A serious contest between a few parties will likely be dominated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY (BJP) The BJP, the world's largest political outfit with nearly 180 million members, was born out of the Jan Sangh party, an offshoot of a men-only Hindu nationalist organisation, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). After struggling on the political margins early after it was formed in 1980, the BJP delivered its first prime minister 16 years later in an unstable government that lasted 13 days. The party formed a government with a majority of its own for the first time in 2014 under Modi. It's been formidably in power since. Narendra Modi: Modi, 73, was born and raised in a small town in the western state of Gujarat. He joined the BJP's ideological parent, the RSS, in his 20s and the Jan Sangh nearly a decade and a half later. He's risen through the ranks over years and was Gujarat's chief minister for more than three terms before leading the BJP into a decisive victory in the 2014 general election. A decade in power, Modi remains enduringly popular as he seeks a record-equalling third straight term. Pollsters predict an easy win for him and the BJP, powered by consistent wooing of the Hindu majority, strong economic growth and handouts. Modi is seeking to be re-elected from Varanasi, a city of religious significance to Hindus in the populous northern state of Uttar Pradesh. Amit Shah: A close Modi aide, Shah is India's home affairs minister - a position critical to matters of national security. He became the president of the ruling BJP in 2014 after Modi stormed to power and took up a cabinet position in Modi's second term in 2019. Shah is credited with helping shepherd Modi's Hindu-first agenda such as stripping Muslim-majority Jammu and Kashmir of its special status as a state and implementing a contentious citizenship law that critics say discriminates against Muslims. Shah is seeking to be re-elected from Gujarat's Gandhinagar, the capital of the state. INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS The Congress is India's oldest political party and governed India for more than two-thirds of the years since independence in 1947 but has struggled after Modi swept to power. Congress gave the its first and only woman prime minister, Indira Gandhi, and introduced comprehensive economic reforms in 1991 making way for the evolution of an open market economy. But it crashed out of power in 2014 against the Modi onslaught and a series of corruption allegations. Rahul Gandhi: Modi's fiercest opponent and Congress's star campaigner, Gandhi has never been a minister in a federal or state government, has not led his party to a general election victory, and quit as party chief after a miserable performance at the last parliamentary polls in 2019. Yet he remains at the centre of India's opposition politics and Modi's main target. His father, grandmother and great-grandfather were all prime ministers and led the country for more than 37 years. Gandhi, 53, is a four-time parliament member who has struggled to mobilise masses to support a wobbly 26-member opposition alliance he helped stitch together. He set off on two cross-country walks to invigorate his campaign and tap into disenchantment over lack of jobs, income inequality and rural distress. Gandhi is fighting this election from Wayanad in the southern state of Kerala. The matriarch of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty, Sonia Gandhi, has decided to not contest in this year's election. AAM AADMI PARTY (AAP) The Aam Aadmi or Common Person's Party emerged from a strong anti-corruption movement in 2011 that swelled amid protests led by Anna Hazare - a self-styled crusader backed by close aide Arvind Kejriwal. Kejriwal formed the AAP in 2012 and formed a local government in the national capital Delhi in 2015, staging an unexpected political upset for established parties like the BJP and Congress. Kejriwal, who has been Delhi's chief minister since, is a staunch Modi critic and a Congress ally in the upcoming elections. However, AAP's prospects are clouded by pre-election arrests of most of its high-profile leaders, including Kejriwal, in an alleged graft case. The party that also runs Punjab state dismisses the allegations as a desperate attempt to malign the image of Kejriwal. DRAVIDA MUNNETRA KAZHAGAM (DMK) A strong regional force in India's south, the DMK is India's third-largest party in terms of the number of seats it holds in the lower house of parliament. A Congress ally, DMK also runs Tamil Nadu state, where the poverty rate is 2%, one of the lowest in the nation, and boasts a high literacy rate. ALL INDIA TRINAMOOL CONGRESS (TMC) India's fourth-largest party by seats in parliament, the Trinamool Congress holds power in West Bengal in the east, another state the BJP has struggled to crack. The party came into being nearly 25 years ago after it splintered from the Congress. Founder of the party Mamata Banerjee has been the state head for nearly 13 years and is now a reluctant Congress ally in fighting the BJP in the 2024 polls. Her party has joined the 26-member opposition bloc but failed to clinch an agreement over who will fight from which seat in the state. One of the TMC candidates for the election is Mahua Moitra, a persistent critic of Modi. A former investment banker, Mitra was expelled from parliament last year over allegations of accepting bribes from a businessman in exchange for parliamentary questions. Mitra says the charges are trumped-up. (Writing by Shivangi Acharya; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)

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INTERVIEW | Im no outsider, born & brought up in Chandigarh

Anybody who wants to leave the Congress is obviously not committed to the founding ideology of this country, said Manish Tewari , senior Congress leader and former Union minister. In an interview with Harpreet Bajwa , the Anandpur Sahib MP who this time is contesting from Chandigarh talked about a range of issues.. Excerpts: BJP has called you an outsider to Chandigarh. What have you to say? BJP has been spreading the word that I am an outsider and not from Chandigarh. I was born and brought up in the city and thus have better claim over the city. You should ask them if Prime Minister Narendra Modi is from Varanasi. These are parliamentary elections, not municipality polls. Many Congress leaders have left the party and joined BJP. Your take? Anybody who wants to go is obviously either not committed to the founding ideology of this country or the idea of India. What is your take on electoral bonds controversy? The Supreme Court has struck down the electoral bonds; apex court has said the electoral bonds system was opaque, therefore it needs to go. It is now becoming public that there is a quid pro quo between sanction of work orders by BJP government and electoral bonds. What are the issues you would be taking up? The fundamental issue which is germane to the people of Chandigarh and confronts the nation is the challenge to the very essence of democracy. In Chandigarh mayoral polls you saw the murder of democracy and Supreme Court had to exercise its unique power under article 142 of Constitution to save democracy. People of Chandigarh have seen a brazen attempt to subvert a popular mandate. In the circumstances, a Lok Sabha election is defined by larger national issues saving democracy and the Constitution given to us by our founding fathers led by Baba Sahib Bhim Rao Ambedkar, and saving the idea of India on which this country stands. What are the local issues your are raising in Chandigarh? Of course we are taking inputs, and we will come out with a manifesto at appropriate time which will clearly indicate our preferences. Dumping ground of the city is a major issue and it has not been shifted... I am aware of this issue. The dumping ground falls on the border of my current constituency and Chandigarh, so we will try and find a solution which is holistic and reasonable and which enhances environment in and around the dumping ground. Are you advocating metro in Chandigarh as your predecessor Kiron Kherr opposed it? Way back in 2019, I was the first to write to Union minister of roads and highways Nitin Gatkari to get a detailed project report done for a metro for the tri-city so that the synergy of the tri-city could be leveraged and full potential of the area, especially providing employment for youngsters, could be worked out. You are contesting these polls in alliance with AAP and AAP has promised free water and electricity. Do you stand by the promises? AAP and Congress are part of INDIA bloc. Whatever commitments have been made by AAP in Chandigarh obviously must have been done after studying their financial feasibility. Since the financial feasibility has been gone into, we will stand by our alliance partner. What does Chandigarh lack and what is need of the hour? Essentially the governance model of Chandigarh goes back to 1966 when Punjab was re-organised. That governance model has not been updated in a holistic manner. Division of powers between Chandigarh Administration and Municipal Corporation, which came into existence in 1996, is an issue which needs to be gone. You cannot look into things in a segmented manner. We need to be holistic. That is why I am saying that entire governance model of Chandigarh needs to be relooked.

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