Chandigarh: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab leaders, on Wednesday, gheraoed the BJP office in Chandigarh and condemned the BJP and its leader Kangana Ranaut for their anti-farmers stance. The AAP leaders said that Kangana Ranaut’s statement is nothing new but it is the ideology of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
MLA Jagtar Singh Dayalpura (AAP Punjab Kisan Wing President) and Shaminder Singh Khinda (Kisan Wing In-charge and Chairman Agro Industry Corporation) led the protest and a large number of AAP leaders and volunteers joined the protest. The AAP leaders raised slogans against MP Kangana Ranaut and the BJP.
AAP Punjab senior spokesperson Neel Garg said that Kangana Ranaut is an MP now, it is an important responsibility, she cannot give random statements to target one group of people or another. He said that it is not the first time that a BJP leader has given such a statement against our farmers. He said that during farmers protests BJP leaders continuously issued statements to build propaganda against our farmers. Kangana Ranaut’s latest remarks are also derogatory towards our farmers and are very unfortunate. He added that BJP is only distancing itself from her statement because of the upcoming elections in states of Haryana, Maharashtra and Jharkhand.
MLA Samrala Jagtar Singh Dayalpura said that instead of doing drama of reprimanding Kangana Ranaut, the BJP should expel her and file an FRI against her for defaming our annadatas.
New Delhi: A local court on Tuesday extended the judicial custody of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal till September 3 in connection with the alleged excise policy scam.
Chief Minister Kejriwal was produced before Special Judge Kaveri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Court through video conferencing from Tihar Jail upon the expiry of his previously granted custody.
Last week, in a counter affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said that all the critical decisions in the formulation of the now-scrapped Delhi liquor policy were taken at the behest of Chief Minister Kejriwal in “connivance” with the then Deputy Chief Minister and Excise Minister Manish Sisodia.
Seeking dismissal of Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest in the excise policy scam, the CBI claimed that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo was simply attempting to politically sensationalise the matter, despite repeated orders passed by various courts being prima facie satisfied with the commission of the offences, for which cognisance has already been taken.
The CBI said that a total amount of Rs 44.54 crore was sent through hawala channels to Goa from Delhi, which was used for meeting various election-related expenses of the Aam Aadmi Part (AAP) during the Assembly elections in the coastal state in 2021-22.
It further said that Kejriwal not only used the funds for the Goa elections, but also assured the party candidates not to worry about the expenditures.
His pleas seeking bail and challenging his arrest by the CBI are coming up for hearing before the Supreme Court on September 5.
On July 12, the apex court had ordered Kejriwal’s release on interim bail in connection with the money laundering case lodged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). However, Kejriwal remained in jail due to his arrest by the CBI.
New Delhi: JMM leader and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren, who had publicly shared his anguish at his treatment by the party and his unceremonious removal from the top post, will join the BJP on August 30, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced.
“Former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and a distinguished Adivasi leader of our country, @ChampaiSoren Ji met Hon’ble Union Home Minister @AmitShah Ji a short while ago. He will officially join the @BJP4India on 30th August in Ranchi, ” he said in a post on X late on Monday, sharing a photo of the veteran Jharkhand leader meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with him.
Sarma had earlier on Monday said that Champai Soren’s joining the BJP would further strengthen the party.
His remarks came amid growing speculation that Champai Soren, who was in the national capital for the past few days, might switch sides.
“I want Champai Soren to join the BJP and strengthen us. However, since he is a very prominent leader, it is not appropriate for me to comment on him. If he is in Delhi, we will try to communicate with him, ” Sarma told media persons.
Responding to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s allegations that the BJP is attempting to divide his party, Sarma, who is BJP’s election in-charge for Jharkhand that will go to the polls later this year, said: “Look, I even want Hemant Soren to join the BJP. BJP means devotion towards the nation. There should be no question of dividing the country. We all work together for the country.”
Champai Soren, who held the Chief Minister’s post for just five months (February 2-July 4) taking over ahead of Hemant Soren’s arrest and stepping down soon after his release, had on August 18 broken his silence on the “affront and insult” he was subjected to within the JMM, and narrated a few incidents which forced him to rethink his association with the party he served whole of his life.
He said he was left devastated when his decisions were overturned by some party workers and his programmes as CM were cancelled at the behest of some “overpowering” figure in the JMM.
In a post on X, he made some shocking revelations on how he was slighted and subjected to ridicule in the party, and what made him ‘dissociate’ from party affairs to chart his own course.
“The Chief Minister has the mandate to call a legislative party meeting but the irony is that I wasn’t even aware of the agenda of the meet despite being at the helm. I was directed to submit my resignation (after Hemant Soren’s release from jail). I was aghast and shocked at such a directive coming from people with no authority. As I didn’t have any attachment to the Chair, I quickly tendered my resignation.”
“However, the incident deeply hurt me and my self-respect, ” Champai Soren said.
He also noted that he had been slighted and snubbed by the JMM leadership despite dedicating his entire life to the party.
The senior leader also said that he was heartbroken over the episode but couldn’t turn to anyone as the party supremo (Shibu Soren, Hemant Soren’s father) is no longer active in politics, and this made him “look for places where I can find my self-respect”.
Champai Soren also wrote that it was after the legislative party meeting that he decided his future course of action, mulling over three options – “retiring from politics, floating a new outfit, or uniting with an ally with similar interests” and that all three options would remain open till the day when Jharkhand goes to the polls.
Rumours of the former Jharkhand CM joining the BJP gained further momentum after he, along with four other JMM leaders, landed in Delhi earlier this month. However, he told media persons that he had come for “some personal work”.
Tellingly, he had also dropped JMM from his X bio.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has reiterated his call for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, saying that it does not make sense to run the region from Delhi.
During his recent visit to Srinagar, Gandhi interacted with a group of Kashmiri women and highlighted the importance of returning statehood, which, he said, was taken away for the first time in Indian history.
Gandhi expressed his concerns about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, accusing him of not listening to others and being unwilling to acknowledge mistakes. He suggested that this approach stemmed from insecurity and weakness, rather than strength.
The Congress leader also engaged in a candid conversation with the women, discussing issues ranging from societal pressures to get married to their educational aspirations. He noted the resilience and wisdom of the women of Kashmir and stressed the need to ensure their voices are heard.
Mumbai City FC, the 2023 title winners of the Indian Super League (ISL) India’s largest football league and the second largest Indian sports league overall after IPL, announced its multi-year partnership with UpUrFit as their Official Pain Relief and Recovery Partner starting from the 2024-25 season.
Co-founded by Indian entrepreneurs Munish Vig and Vikram Gunjal, UpUrFit recently closed its seed round successfully. It was boot strapped till Q1 FY24. The company is eyeing to disrupt the presently existing one-size-fits-all and the under serviced sports related pain, discomfort and hygiene market currently estimated to be at Rs. 1500 crores. UpUrFit’s target market segment is experiencing a CAGR of 22% owing to India’s focus on sports and fitness. It is slated to be a Rs. 3500 crores opportunity by 2027.
Commenting on the occasion, Kandarp Chandra – CEO, Mumbai City FC, said: “We are thrilled to welcome UpUrFit as our Official Pain Relief & Recovery Partner for the 2024-25 season. UpUrFit’s dedication to athletic performance through effective recovery solutions makes them an ideal partner for a club like Mumbai City FC. We believe their products will enable our players to perform at their peak through the season. We look forward to a successful season with UpUrFit by our side, helping us minimize recovery time and maximize performance.”
Speaking about UpUrFit’s association with Mumbai City FC, Vikram Gunjal, Co-founder of UpUrFit, said, “The objective behind my co-founder Munish Vig and myself in introducing UpUrFit range of products for sports and fitness enthusiasts is to disrupt the sports topical category.
Mumbai City FC is the epitome of excellence in the sporting and fitness arena. We at UpUrFit are excited to work with their talented squad and management, offering our products and services to optimize their performance. UpUrFit couldn’t have found a better partner that signifies peak performance and the drive to be number one every day!”
About Mumbai City FC
Mumbai City FC was formed in August 2014 and is a club competing in the Indian Super League. The Islanders, as the club is fondly known, is the only team in India to have won the unique ‘double’, winning the Hero ISL League and the Playoffs in the 2020-21 season. Mumbai City FC, who are two-time winners of the ISL League Shield and the ISL Cup, won the competitions in 2022-23 and 2023-24, respectively.
In Asia, Mumbai City FC has competed in the 2022 AFC Champions League, where it finished second in Group B and became the first Indian club to register wins in the continent’s premier club competition. The Islanders also participated in the 2023-24 AFC Champions League.
Originally owned by Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor and businessman Bimal Parekh, City Football Group acquired a majority stake in Mumbai City FC in November 2019. The team joined the likes of Manchester City FC, New York City FC and Melbourne City FC and others in the CFG family. Mumbai City FC plays its home games at the 6,500-seater Mumbai Football Arena located in Andheri, Mumbai. The club’s crest houses key elements that represent the city of Mumbai and is a reflection of the dynamic, relentless and modern values that define Mumbai City FC.
About UpUrFit
UpUrFit is India’s first sports & fitness care brand built with the vision to enable long term commitment to an active lifestyle. This is accomplished via scientifically researched products with clean and effective ingredients that vanquish the barriers of pain and discomfort. Given the growing awareness around health & fitness among Indians and heightened enthusiasm of pursuing sports and fitness, UpUrFit is a brand that listens to the unmet calls of this community.
The product line is focussed on 3 categories – PAIN RELIEF: Address the needs of workout/sports induced pain to get you back to action fast, WARM-UP & COOL-DOWN: Use scientifically researched ingredients to enable products that amplify your workout/sport Activation & Recovery to keep you injury free and amplify performance and SPORTS HYGIENE: Personal Care products specifically formulated to be used on-the-go to aid the hygiene and refreshing needs of our community!
UpUrFit is co-founded by Munish Vig and Vikram Gunjal who are themselves big sports & fitness enthusiasts. The products have been co-created with the fitness community with multiple football teams and running groups instrumental in product feedback and development. The UpUrFit team has sports professionals as well as industry experts, reflecting the brand values of Performance, Science and the need to be better everyday!
Chandigarh: Under fire over her remarks that the ‘farmers’ protest could have led to a Bangladesh-like situation in India if not for strong measures taken by the Modi government’, Congress leader Randeep Surjewala on Monday asked BJP leader and Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut to “Get well soon.”
Even BJP leaders in Punjab and Haryana have advised Kangana to refrain from making inflammatory comments as they fear this could further escalate farmers’ outrage against the party.
In a video shared on X, Mandi MP Ranaut alleged that during the farmers’ stir against the three farm laws, “bodies were seen hanging and rapes were taking place.”
Responding to her post, senior Congress leader Surjewala wrote on X, “After all, why do BJP people hate the country’s food providers so much? The BJP has always lied, deceived, conspired and oppressed our farmers. And once again a BJP MP has made baseless allegations against our food providers. The question is that, has Kangana made this cheap allegation against the farmers as per the BJP’s election strategy?”
The Congress leader who is campaigning in poll-bound Haryana that also saw year-long farmers’ protest against the three farm laws that have now been rolled back, asked, “Were these just Kangana’s words or did someone else copy them? If not, then why are the Prime Minister of the country, the Chief Minister of Haryana and all the BJP MPs and MLAs silent on this issue?”
When Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini was questioned by the media over the purported remark of the party’s MP against the farmers’ agitation, he refused to comment saying, “This was her personal opinion.”
The MP from Mandi blamed vested interests and “foreign powers” for the continuation of the protests even after the laws were rolled back.
Responding to her remark, Punjab BJP leader Harjit Grewal advised Ranaut to refrain from making inflammatory statements.
“It is not Kangana’s department to speak on farmers, Kangana’s statement is personal. PM Modi and the BJP are farmer-friendly. The Opposition parties are working against us and Kangana’s statement is doing the same. She should not make such statements, on sensitive or religious issues, religious organisations, ” he added.
Former members of the Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) are set to contest as Independent candidates across at least a dozen constituencies, with a particular focus on south Kashmir, according to a report in a section of Kashmir media..
These individuals, now operating under the banner of the newly-formed Justice and Development Front (JDF), will be challenging the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in areas traditionally considered its strongholds. Although the JDF could not officially register as a political party due to time constraints, it still plans to participate actively in the elections.
The reports quoting sources in the group indicated that they are likely to field candidates in constituencies including Pulwama, Rajpora, Tral, Bijbehara, Anantnag, Kulgam, Devsar, and Zainapora. These are areas where the PDP, already weakened by the departure of several key leaders since 2019, might face tough competition.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with the ‘Lakhpati Didis’ of Maharashtra’s Jalgaon, praising their entrepreneurial spirit and the significant strides they have made towards financial independence and empowerment.
In a video posted by PM Modi on X, the women, who are beneficiaries of various government schemes aimed at women’s welfare, were seen sharing their success stories with the Prime Minister.
The women, known as ‘Lakhpati Didis’ due to their ability to generate an annual household income of at least Rs 1 lakh, expressed their gratitude to PM Modi for the initiatives that have enabled them to support their families and inspire others in their communities.
“We are very proud to be Lakhpati Didis. PM Modi is doing great work for the welfare of women, ” one of the beneficiaries stated.
In a notable gesture, when the women welcomed PM Modi with an ‘Arti, ‘ the Prime Minister reciprocated by holding the Arti plate and performing their Arti instead.
During the interaction, PM Modi asked the women about the key differences between those who have become ‘Lakhpati Didis’ and those who have not yet reached that milestone.
The women credited the welfare schemes for their financial independence and ability to contribute to their households.
One woman from Assam shared her journey of becoming a ‘Lakhpati Didi’ over five years and how she has helped 207 other women achieve the same status. “I now earn Rs 8 lakh per annum, ” she proudly informed the Prime Minister, who acknowledged her as an inspiration for others in Assam. “Yes sir, I have become a hero from zero, ” she added.
Another woman from Nashik, Maharashtra, revealed that she and 10 other women run a business producing sanitary pads. However, she noted that the stigma surrounding menstruation has prevented others from joining their venture. Despite this, their work continues to challenge social taboos and contribute to women’s health.
From Nahan, Himachal Pradesh, a woman shared how her family’s pride has grown as she transitioned from a housewife to a successful entrepreneur. “My children proudly tell others that their mother has gone to Maharashtra to meet Modiji, ” she said.
Many ‘Lakhpati Didis’ described how they were once confined to their homes but are now running businesses and empowering other women. Some of them are involved in animal healthcare, while others assist farmers.
On Sunday, PM Modi released a revolving fund of Rs 2, 500 crore to benefit 48 lakh members of 4.3 lakh Self-Help Groups (SHGs). He also disbursed bank loans totalling Rs 5, 000 crore to support 25.8 lakh members of 2.35 lakh SHGs, furthering the government’s commitment to women empowerment.
Since the inception of the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, 1 crore women have been empowered to become ‘Lakhpati Didis, ‘ with the government’s goal to elevate 3 crore women to this status.
These women not only achieve financial independence but also serve as role models in their communities by adopting sustainable livelihood practices in farming, non-farming, or service sectors.
SHG groups, under the Lakhpati initiative, foster collective action and mutual support, providing platforms for essential financial literacy, skill development, and livelihood assistance.
The initiative aims to transition SHG members from basic social and financial inclusion to becoming successful entrepreneurs, supported by coordinated efforts from government departments, private sector entities, and market players.
Congress and National Conference on Thursday announced their decision to form a pre-poll alliance in Jammu and Kashmir. The announcement followed after senior Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi met with National Conference (NC) president Dr. Farooq Abdullah and vice-president Omar Abdullah in Srinagar.
Dr. Abdullah confirmed that the alliance, which also includes CPI(M) leader MY Tarigami, has finalized its seat-sharing arrangement for all 90 seats in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. He emphasized the need to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, a priority for the coalition.
“The alliance is on track and will work successfully. The people of J&K have suffered immensely without an elected government for years. We are committed to restoring statehood with all powers,” Dr. Abdullah said after the meeting.
Rahul Gandhi, speaking to party workers in Srinagar, reiterated the Congress party’s commitment to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the importance of the upcoming election, the first since the abrogation of Article 370, in giving the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh their democratic rights back.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed confidence in the alliance’s prospects, expecting the Congress to secure 40 to 45 seats in the elections. He assured the people of Jammu and Kashmir that the Congress would work to protect their land, forests, and other rights.
The Assembly election will be conducted in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1, marking a crucial moment in the region’s political landscape.
New Delhi : Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the growing strength of India-US relations while addressing the Indian diaspora in Washington DC during his four-day visit to the United States at the invitation of US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin.
He said that both countries are long-standing allies capable of working together to promote global peace and prosperity.
Rajnath Singh emphasised the importance of maintaining cultural values and loyalty to both India and the United States and also hailed the country’s message of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The entire world is a family).
In his address on Thursday (US time), the Union Minister urged Indians working in the US to remain dedicated to their work and uphold their commitment to both nations.
“You should always be dedicated to India, but your commitment to America should also not be doubted, ” he stated, highlighting the integrity and honesty inherent in Indian culture.
He further stressed the Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, ‘ noting that India views all global communities as one family, a belief rooted in its spiritual heritage.
He pointed out the rapid transformation India has undergone over the past decade, which has significantly enhanced its global stature.
Additionally, two significant defence agreements — the Security of Supplies Arrangement (SOSA) and a Memorandum of Agreement regarding the Assignment of Liaison Officers — were also signed between the US Department of Defense and the Indian Ministry of Defence amid Rajnath Singh’s visit.
The SOSA ensures reciprocal priority support for national defence goods and services between the two nations, aimed at mitigating supply chain disruptions. Both countries also pledged to prioritise each other’s critical defence procurement needs.
The four-day visit of the Defence Minister also includes a high-level roundtable with the US defence industry to discuss ongoing and future defence collaborations. He is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Secretary Austin and meet with Jake Sullivan, the US Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs.
This visit comes in the wake of progress made during the fifth annual India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in November 2023, where Washington reaffirmed its support for India’s military modernisation and the strengthening of maritime domain awareness in the Indian Ocean Region.
The India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) continues to facilitate joint defence technology innovation and co-production between the two countries.
Both nations have also been engaged in ongoing discussions under the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden in January 2023.
The iCET is seen as a pivotal element in deepening the strategic partnership between India and the United States.
