Games for mobile

Monday, February 5, 2024

"Has Right To Dream But...": Opposition On PM's 400-Plus Seats Assertion

Opposition parties termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assertion about the NDA winning 400-plus seats in the Lok Sabha elections a "dream" and claimed his "high-sounding rhetoric" in Parliament on Monday showed he was not confident of re-election.

The Prime Minister replied to a debate in the Lok Sabha on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address. He expressed confidence that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will get more than 400 seats and the BJP at least 370 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, due in April-May.

Reacting to the Prime Minister's speech, CPI leader Binoy Viswam said, "This high-sounding rhetoric of the Prime Minister itself shows he is not confident about victory, he is afraid of elections." "He is very sure that people will make a judgment on him because his government was a government of inaction and treachery, a government which forgot its promises, a government that only did harm to the country and its secular credentials," he told PTI.

He asked what happened to the government's promises and guarantees, and what has it done for women, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. "What about the two crore jobs it promised?" he said.

Mr Viswam also asked why the prime minister has not visited the northeastern state of Manipur, which has been witnessing ethnic violence since May last year, yet.

"We ask the Prime Minister why he is not ready to go to Manipur and apologise to the women of Manipur...," he said and asserted that the opposition bloc INDIA will win 400 seats and come to power at the Centre.

CPI(M) leader John Brittas also took a swipe at the prime minister over his assertion about the BJP winning 370 seats in the Lok Sabha polls.

"In this country everyone has the right to dream, the PM also has the right to dream about having 400 or 500 seats. But the reality is different. The people of the country will decide their course of action themselves rather than being dictated by the dreams of someone else," Mr Brittas told PTI.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore took a jibe at PM Modi and asked if he would not take oath if his party missed the 370-mark in the polls.

"Will Mr Modi not take oath if they don't touch 370? He should answer first. This kind of dream of BJP has always failed, it is going to be 'India Shining' part two now," he said, referring to the campaign slogan of the BJP-led NDA in the 2004 Lok Sabha polls.

On the Prime Minister's sharp attack on the Congress, Mr Tagore said he cannot "complete" a speech without talking about Indira Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. His "bread and butter" depends on Indira Gandhi and Nehru, he said.

Lok Sabha MP Danish Ali, who has been suspended by his Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), used PM Modi's assertion about the NDA winning 400-plus seats to raise doubts on the reliability of electronic voting machines (EVMs). "Maybe he has so much confidence because of EVMs? He should at least maintain the dignity of the post. His arrogance will be shattered in 2024," Ali said.

Trinamool Congress leader Sushmita Dev said the Prime Minister's remarks on women empowerment were nothing but "tokenism", and referred to sexual harassment charges levelled against BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh by some women wrestlers.

She also referred to BJP leaders using "unparliamentary words" against party supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

"...BJP knows nothing about respecting women. Whatever we see is nothing but hollow tokenism," she said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)



from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/oILngZQ
via IFTTT

''Shaking'': Woman Spots Husband In Selfie She Took Years Before They Met

A Malaysia-born content creator was left shocked after discovering a selfie that showed her husband in the background, two years before they met. According to the New York Post, Jen Chia met her husband Jon Liddell in 2014 but he had been in one of her photos two years before they actually met. Her husband was featured in a picture that was taken in a theatre cafe while he was waiting in a queue in October 2012.

''We met at the right time. If it was before, I don't think the relationship would have lasted. I was a narcissistic monster, unaware and naive. Took me a year of traveling and being single to reflect and realise my own mistakes. That's when we met. The right person will always find you at the right time,'' the 32-year-old wrote on Instagram along with a video that showed the selfie and their subsequent relationship. 

''We were at the same place but didn't know each other existed,” a text insert on the video reads. The video goes on to show that they officially met in December 2014, and got married in August 2023. 

Watch the video here:

The internet was also stunned to witness the crazy coincidence and many users were full of questions. Some simply called it fate, while others were in awe of their love story. 

One user asked, ''I'm curious when did u find out he was in the same photo as you, was it after u guys got together?'' Another commented, ''Omg this is so magical!! Fate brought you guys together.” '

A third said, ''Awww what a love story.'' A fourth user wrote, ''Destiny be like.''

However, a majority of people commented that this incident is a classic example of the “invisible string theory.” Notably, invisible string theory refers to a folklore that says that two soulmates who are destined to meet are connected by an invisible thread.

Her husband Jon Liddell also replied to the video saying, ''So glad you didn't meet me in the first picture. We were meant to go on our journeys. We met a few years later at the perfect time.''

Mr Liddell is known for his YouTube covers and original songs like "Here For You" and "The One I'm Thinking Of."



from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/R4HB7nQ
via IFTTT

Sunday, February 4, 2024

King Charles Appoints His 1st Woman Equerry, Will Act As His Eyes And Ears

Britain's King Charles III has appointed his first female equerry, who will act as the monarch's eyes and ears on most of his overseas visits and tours.

Captain Kat Anderson, 33, is an officer with the Royal Artillery who has previously worked for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

She will be the King's new assistant equerry and help oversee the running of the monarchy's diary of official engagements while joining royal family members on public duties and global tours.

Captain Anderson's job will see her join the King on official engagements as well as help his guests during meetings with dignitaries. She will also help him with military matters.

Often described as the Royal 'eyes and ears', equerries are considered extremely important figures for the running of the monarchy.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)



from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/fFHGzgx
via IFTTT

Prince Philip's "Spiteful" Nickname For Meghan Markle Revealed In New Book

A forthcoming book by the UK royal family biographer Ingrid Seward has revealed Prince Philip's purported "spiteful" nickname for Meghan Markle, a report claimed. The late Duke of Edinburgh, who died in 2021 at the age of 99, allegedly referred to Markle as the "Duchess of Windsor" in what is described as a reference to the controversial American socialite Wallis Simpson.

The upcoming book, titled "My Mother And I," delves into Philip's perspective on Markle, drawing parallels between the two women. Seward suggests that Philip found it "uncanny" how much Markle reminded him of Wallis Simpson.

The historical context of Wallis Simpson's marriage to Edward VIII in 1937, after his abdication from the British throne, seems to have influenced Philip's perception of Markle. Much like Simpson, Markle entered into matrimony as a divorced woman, having been previously married to film producer Trevor Engelson from 2011 until their separation in 2014.

Queen Elizabeth II, as per Seward's account, initially held a more favourable opinion of Markle. Allegedly "approving" of the actress after being introduced to her by Prince Harry in 2017, the Queen's approval did come with a hint of reservation, a New York Post report claims. She reportedly found fault with Markle's wedding dress, deeming it "too white" due to Markle's previous marriage.

Markle and Prince Harry made the decision to step back as senior members of the royal family in January 2020, relocating to California. This move draws parallels with the exit of Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, who fled to France after his abdication.



from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/E5Ilefr
via IFTTT

Saturday, February 3, 2024

Complaint Against Mani Shankar Aiyar's Daughter For 'Objectionable' Remark

A police complaint has been lodged against Suranya Aiyar, daughter of Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, for allegedly posting an 'objectionable statement on social media.'

The complainant, Ajay Agrawal, a Supreme Court advocate and a BJP leader, alleged that Suranya Aiyar made objectionable remarks on different social media platforms on January 20, 2024, and other dates.

He also provided a link to the video clip posted on January 20.

"Ms. Suranya Aiyar has posted a seriously objectionable statement on Facebook, YouTube, and other social media platforms on January 20, 2024, and other dates," Ajay Agrawal said in his complaint to the Delhi Cyber Crime Police on Saturday.

Adding the link to Suranya Aiyar's video, BJP leader Ajay Agrawal requested the Delhi Police crime branch register a case in this regard.

"Please go through this entire clip and register an FIR under Section 153-A (for promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion) and other sections of IPC and also under other relevant sections of IPC and other acts as you deem appropriate after watching the entire 36-minute video," he wrote.

Meanwhile, the Residents' Welfare Association (RWA) of Delhi's Jangpura Extension on Wednesday asked Suranya Aiyar to move out after she condemned the 'Pran Pratishtha' of Shri Ram Lalla at Ayodhya's Ram Temple in a social media post.

The notice issued by the RWA stated, "A hate speech and act by a resident like you, Ms. Aiyar, for announcing a 3-day fast in a peace-loving locality where most residents inhabiting here came from Pakistan after losing all their wealth and fortune is highly unfortunate."

READ | "Kindly Move Out": Mani Shankar Aiyar, Daughter Told After Ram Temple Post

"In case you are unhappy with the consecration of Ram Mandir, which is a matter of pride for every citizen, you may go to the court and challenge its own verdict. But once again, don't delve into such activities that create hatred and tension around the colony," it added.

The notice went on to read, "In case you still think what you have done in protesting against the consecration of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya, we would suggest you kindly move out to another colony, where people and RWA's can turn a blind eye to such hatred."

READ | "I Don't Live There": Mani Shankar Aiyar's Daughter On "Move Out" Notice By Delhi Colony

The 'Pran Pratishtha' of Shri Ram Lalla at Ayodhya's historic temple was held on January 22, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi performing the Vedic rituals, led by a group of priests.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)



from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/UifQDqV
via IFTTT

"Being Given To Ensure...": Akhilesh Yadav On Bharat Ratna To LK Advani

Hours after the Centre announced its decision to honour former deputy prime minister LK Advani with the Bharat Ratna, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday said it is being done to ensure that the BJP's votes do not get scattered.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that LK Advani would be conferred with the Bharat Ratna and praised the contribution of the BJP's longest-serving president to public life.

Akhilesh Yadav was in Balrampur district to attend a programme to pay tributes to senior SP leader and MLA Shiv Pratap Yadav, who died on January 26.

"The BJP has given the honour before its tenure (at the Centre) comes to an end so that its votes do not get scattered," Akhilesh Yadav told reporters in an apparent reference to LK Advani being conferred with the Bharat Ratna.

"This Bharat Ratna is being given to consolidate votes, it is not being given out of respect," he said.

On seat-sharing in the opposition INDIA bloc, Akhilesh Yadav said there is almost a consensus on it.

"The basis for distribution of seats is 'jeet' (victory) and seat," he said, adding that he has already talked to the Congress leadership and there is no dilemma regarding the distribution of seats.

Asked if he would join Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, the SP chief said he has not received any invitation so far.

On Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar joining the NDA, Akhilesh Yadav asked "which magic of the BJP" encouraged him to do so.

He said the issue of caste census will not be sidelined and the SP will take it forward.

According to a statement issued by the SP in Lucknow, Akhilesh Yadav participated in several programmes in Balrampur, Gonda and Barabanki on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters in Gonda, Akhilesh Yadav said, "The BJP has become the biggest land mafia party. There is no district left where land mafias are not operating." The chief minister himself has admitted that many land mafias have come to Gorakhpur, the SP leader said.

"It seems that law and order has become zero under the BJP government," he said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)



from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/KblMqeE
via IFTTT

Ladakh Shuts Down As Thousands March For Statehood In Freezing Cold

A complete shutdown was observed across Ladakh as thousands marched demanding statehood and constitutional protections under the sixth schedule for the Union Territory.

Protests were jointly organised by the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance.

Thousands of men and women marched across the main city of Leh in freezing temperatures, shouting slogans demanding statehood for Ladakh, the implementation of the sixth schedule of the Constitution, and also separate parliament seats for Leh and Kargil districts.

The shutdown was observed despite the Centre's announcement to hold a second round of talks with representatives of the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance. 

The Centre has already constituted a high-powered committee headed by Minister of State (Home Affairs) Nityanand Rai to address the demands of the people of Ladakh.

The people of Ladakh said they couldn't live under an unending bureaucratic rule in the Union Territory and only a full statehood - where they elect their representatives to govern the region - could fulfil their demand.

In December, the Center held its first meeting in Ladakh and asked both the bodies from Leh and Kargil to submit their demands.

Ladakh was carved out as a separate Union Territory after Article 370 was scrapped and the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated and downgraded into two Union Territories in August 2019. 

But within just two years, the people of Leh and Kargil felt politically dispossessed and have jointly risen against the Centre. 

Over the last two years, they have held multiple protests demanding statehood and constitutional guarantees to protect their land, jobs, and distinct identity, something they used to enjoy under Article 370.



from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/T8eAov7
via IFTTT

Friday, February 2, 2024

When Sunny Deol And Dharmendra Went To Udaipur By Gaddi

We have some amazing news for all the Deol family fans out there. Veteran actor Dharmendra and his son, actor Sunny Deol, are busy exploring the beauty of Udaipur, the City Of Lakes. How do we know? The Gadar 2 star has shared an update on Instagram along with a picture. Dressed in their casual best, the father and son duo, in the stunning click, can be seen posing in the middle of a road. The picture appears to be taken during a pit stop on a highway. Referring to his hit song from the 2001 blockbuster film Gadar, Sunny Deol wrote, “Main Papa Nikla Gaddi Leke to Udaipur.” Dharmendra's younger son Bobby Deol was among the first to drop a comment under the post. He picked a set of red hearts for his comment. Actress Esha Deol too left a bunch of black hearts and an evil eye emoji in the comments.

G.O.D.TECH New World Order star Prince Malhotra wrote, “Safe travels.” Broken But Beautiful actress Poppy Jabbal, Indian kabaddi player Rahul Chaudhari, and TV star Kunal Bakshi dropped red hearts under the post.

Last month, Sunny Deol dropped a montage of multiple pictures featuring himself and his father Dharmendra. In the video, the Apne stars can be seen posing with their arms around each other. Sharing the clip, Sunny Deol wrote, “Papa and me Jan 24, 2023.”

In an exclusive conversation with NDTV, Sunny Deol, in December last year, talked about his equation with his dad Dharmendra. The actor said, "The fear factor should be there. My dad was a fear factor for me. If dad comes here, I will just get up and move and be completely shut. It is the way it is. That's the beauty of it."

Besides his father, Sunny Deol also gave his two cents on his younger sibling Bobby Deol, who recently appeared in Sandeep Reddy Vanga's blockbuster Animal. The actor said, "I am so happy for him. It was high time it happened and people were not fair to him. I can say that. I cannot talk about myself but I can talk about him. Because he is nice, people said he is such a sweet boy and they will say all those things and nobody is doing anything." The actor added, "I mean they don't have to do anything but they know his capacity. They know everything about him but I feel somehow nobody wanted to let it happen."

Meanwhile, on the work front, Dharmendra is awaiting the release of his upcoming romantic movie Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha JiyaThe Amit Joshi and Aradhana Sah directorial is headlined by Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. The movie is slated to hit the theatres on February 9. 

Sunny Deol, after his blockbuster Gadar 2, will be next seen in Rajkumar Santoshi's Lahore 1947.



from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/gX5LEGU
via IFTTT

"Great To See This": PM Modi Lauds Launch Of UPI At France's Eiffel Tower

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the formal launch of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) at the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, saying it "marks a significant step towards making UPI global."

"Great to see this--it marks a significant step towards taking UPI global. This is a wonderful example of encouraging digital payments and fostering stronger ties," said PM Modi in a post on X.

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has been formally launched at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Indian Embassy in France said on Friday and termed it part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "vision of taking UPI global."

The UPI was formally launched at the Republic Day reception held in France.

In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in France stated, "UPI formally launched at the iconic Eiffel Tower at the huge Republic Day Reception. Implementing PM @narendramodi's announcement & the vision of taking UPI global."

The UPI is India's mobile-based payment system and allows people to make round-the-clock payments through a virtual payment address created by the customer. UPI is a system that powers multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application (of any participating bank), merging several banking features, seamless fund routing and merchant payments into one hood.

In 2023, India and France committed to nurturing a thriving ecosystem and building collaborations that empower their citizens and ensure their full participation in the digital century, according to the India-France joint statement. NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and France's Lyra Collect executed an agreement to implement the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) in France and Europe.

During his visit to France in July last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India and France have agreed to use the UPI payment mechanism and it will begin from the iconic Eiffel Tower. PM Modi said that Indian tourists in France will now be able to make payments in rupees.

While addressing the Indian community at La Seine Musicale in Paris on July 14, PM Modi said, "Be it India's UPI or other digital platforms, they have brought a huge social transformation in the country and I am happy that India and France are also working together in direction. India and France have agreed to use UPI in France. I will leave after the agreement. However, it is your job to move forward. Friends, in the coming days, its beginning will be made from Eiffel Tower, which means that Indian tourists will now be able to make payments in Rupees, through UPI, at Eiffel Tower."

Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron visited India to attend the Republic Day Parade as Chief Guest. During their visit, Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited a tea stall and interacted with each other over a cup of tea in Jaipur. Macron used UPI to make a payment there. Earlier, PM Modi explained the UPI digital payments system to Macron as the two leaders visited a local shop during their visit to Hawa Mahal in Jaipur.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)



from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/3J5aPNv
via IFTTT

Blindfold Taken Off Justice Statue In Civil Code Draft For Uttarakhand

In a strong symbolic message, a photo of the statue of Lady Justice on the draft of the Uniform Civil Code submitted to the Uttarakhand government does not have a blindfold to signify that the law will now treat everyone equally. The blindfold on the statue, incidentally, is meant to represent impartiality and objectivity, and sources said removing it takes this a step further.  

The symbolism extends to the title of the draft, which was submitted by a government-appointed panel to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday. The draft is titled 'Fostering Equality Through Uniformity'. 

The Uniform Civil Code aims to provide a legal framework for uniform marriage, divorce, land, property and inheritance laws for all citizens, irrespective of their religion. In June last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made a big push for a Uniform Civil Code and said the country couldn't run on two laws, much like it didn't work to have "different set of rules for different members of a family".

A special four-day session of the Uttarakhand Assembly will be held from February 5 to February 8 to pass legislation on the Uniform Civil Code.

If the bill is passed and the law gets implemented, Uttarakhand will become the first state in the country after Independence to adopt the Uniform Civil Code, and several other BJP-ruled states - including Assam and Madhya Pradesh - have also expressed interest in bringing in a similar law. Goa has had a common civil code since it was under Portuguese rule.

The five-member committee, headed by retired Supreme Court Judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, had been set up by the Uttarakhand government in May 2022, soon after the BJP returned to power in the state with the Uniform Civil Code as a campaign promise. The panel was given four extensions to submit its report.



from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/sqQeAJo
via IFTTT

Thursday, February 1, 2024

"Sarfaraz...No Siraj": Kaif's Predicted XI Has ''Biwi Ka Sawaal" Twist

All eyes are on the playing XI of the Indian cricket team for the second Test against England that starts on Friday. After losing the first Test, the Rohit Sharma-led hosts will be eyeing redemption against the visitors. But they have been pegged back due to injury. KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja are unavailable due to injury. In the midst of this, the question is who are the players who come in the XI. According to several experts, the choice is between Sarfaraz Khan and Rajat Patidar for the batter's slot. Former Indian cricket team star Mohammed Kaif delved into the discussion with his wife and posted the video on social media. 

"Biwi ke sawaal, mere jawab. Ye hai meri kal ki Team India playing XI! Agree with my 3 changes? #IndvEng #VizagTest" he wrote on X. 

;

"Baby, I have a question. Ravindra Jadeja is injured, Virat Kohli is unavailable. KL Rahul is also injured. Predictions for tomorrow's playing XI?" Pooja Kaif asked her husband. 

"Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gil at No. 3, Sarfaraz Khan at No. 4 he should play, Shreyas Iyer at No. 5, No. 6 KS Bharat, Axar Patel at No. 7, No. 8 Washington Sundar - he is an allrounder, R Ashwin at No. 9, then Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah at No. 11. I have not kept Mohammed Siraj. This line up gives four proper spinners," Mohammed Kaif replied.



from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/8RAB0ku
via IFTTT

Champai Soren To Take Oath As Jharkhand Chief Minister Tomorrow

Champai Soren, veteran leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha will take oath tomorrow as the next Chief Minister of Jharkhand.

The 67-year-old was invited by the Governor to take oath almost 24 hours after the arrest of Hemant Soren in an alleged money laundering case.

The Governor CP Radhakrishnan's move came hours after Champai Soren met him, pleading that he be called to take oath.

"There is no government for 18 hours. There is a situation of confusion. Being the constitutional head, we expect you will soon take steps for the formation of a popular government," read his letter to the Governor.

The delay in the Governor's decision -- coupled with the slim margin in numbers -- pushed the ruling alliance to move their MLAs, fearing an impending Operation Lotus by the opposition BJP.

But the weather played spoilsport. The plane -- bound for Congress-ruled Telangana -- could not take off and late in the evening, the MLAs were taken to a government guest house in the city.



from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/AUtbTyY
via IFTTT

Heavy Police, Para Forces Deployment For AAP Protests In Delhi Tomorrow

The Delhi Police will tighten security in the central parts of the national capital tomorrow as hundreds of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers and supporters gather to protest after its shock defeat in Chandigarh Mayoral polls. The party will protest the alleged cheating in the key polls, news agency PTI reported.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann will reportedly join the protesters.

The police, which said they have not allowed the demonstrations, have called for nearly a thousand Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel to manage the protesting AAP workers and supporters.

Personnel of the Delhi Police have been called in from three districts, including senior officials, who will be deployed. Eight companies of paramilitary forces have also been called.

The AAP said the protests have been planned outside the BJP's headquarters on DDU Marg, near central Delhi's ITO area. The BJP said it will launch a counter-offensive outside the AAP headquarters, also in the same area. The police may even block the road to avoid any incidents, causing major blocks and traffic snarls in the area, reported news agency PTI.

According to the police, traffic will be diverted from Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg tomorrow.

On Tuesday, in a major setback to the Congress and the AAP, the BJP swept the Chandigarh Mayoral polls.



from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/JAkpDXa
via IFTTT