New Delhi : Parts of the Delhi-NCR on Thursday received rain, bringing relief from the prevailing hot and humid conditions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted thunderstorms and more showers during the day for Delhi-NCR and also parts of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
“Thunderstorm with light to moderate intensity rain with heavy intensity rain over isolated places and wind with speed of 20-40 Km/h would continue to occur over and adjoining areas of many places of Delhi and NCR, Panipat, Gohana, Gannaur, Sonipat, Kharkhoda (Haryana) Shamli, Kandhla, Khatauli, Sakoti Tanda, Hastinapur, Baraut, Daurala, Bagpat, Meerut, Khekra, Modinagar, Sikandrabad, Bulandshahar, Jahangirabad, Anupshahar (U.P.) during next 2 hours, ” the IMD said in a post on X.
The much-awaited rain came in the national capital region (NCR) after weeks of intense spells of heatwave.
The region has recorded nine heatwave days in June so far against none in 2023 and 2022. According to the IMD data in 2021, the national capital recorded one heatwave day in June.
The heavy rain in Delhi-NCR slowed traffic in several places.
Earlier, the IMD said in its post, “Light to moderate intensity rain and gusty winds with speed of 30-40 Km/h would occur over and adjoining areas of few places of Delhi…”
The IMD said that Delhi’s weather has changed due to a western disturbance.
New Delhi: Veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani was admitted to the AIIMS here late on Wednesday night, sources said, adding that the condition of the former Deputy Prime Minister is stable.
The 96-year-old leader has been kept in a private ward under the supervision of doctors of the Urology Department, the sources said.
He served as the Deputy Prime Minister from 2002 to 2004 and was recently conferred the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian honour, by President Droupadi Murmu. He also served as BJP President three times.
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) the apex Sikh Gurdwara body expressed concern over the recent alleged objectionable remarks of fashion designer Archana Makwana in the social media network who is time again hurting the sentiments of the community.
In a statement issued here today, SGPC spokesperson said that the entire design of Archana Makwana’s behaviour and acts was clear from her social media activities in last 6 days. First she violated Maryada at Sri Harmandar Sahib, by hurting sentiments of Sikh community after posting objectionable photo/video on her social media. After which, manager of Sri Harmandar Sahib lodged a complaint against her and an FIR under Section 295-A IPC was registered by Amritsar Police.
Meanwhile, Archana apologised about the incident, but even after her apology, she continued to post objectionable content on her social media instigating and provoking the people on public platform to stop visiting Gurdwara Sahib and ran a false propaganda against SGPC, said SGPC.
It seems, Archana is working under some nefarious and hateful agenda. Spokesperson in a statement said that In a video today, she was claiming that no Maryada related guidelines have been displayed by the management of Sri Harmandar Sahib, while the fact is that a large screen is installed at the Ghanta Ghar (clokc tower) entrance gate, from which she took entry. She is claiming that nobody stopped her from making video or clicking photos, while the fact is she was stopped at the entry gate on June 21 by the on-duty Sewadar (volunteer), when she was filming her entry on mobile washing her feet in the Charan Ganga (foot washing area).
Spokesperson further said that in today’s video Archana was also threatening the SGPC management to withdraw the FIR lodged against her. If she felt apologised, why she is continuing to post objectionable and hateful expressions towards the SGPC, the representative body of Sikhs.
On June 21, Archana did not even pay obeisance at Sri Harmandar Sahib or any related Gurdwara Sahib inside the complex. Archana visited Sri Harmandar Sahib on June 20 as well, when she paid obeisance and did some Sewa, but that does not give her liberty to come next day and violate the Maryada. On June 20, Archana was provided all possible guidance as sought by the staff of Sri Darbar Sahib, but on June 21, she did not feel it necessary to seek any guidance and did an objectionable act inside the complex.
In such a situation, the SGPC management demands from the Amritsar Police to arrest Archana Makwana, to unearth the anti-Sikh nefarious design under which she seems to have been working and her case be decided in the court of law. It is worth mentioning that Sri Harmandar Sahib is a Central Sikh place open to people from all backgrounds without any discrimination, however, following the conduct of this Sikh place is mandatory for all the visitors and devotees.
Yesterday, Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib (the highest Sikh temporal seat) has also instructed the Sangat coming to pay obeisance at Sri Harmandar Sahib to take care of the Maryada while they are inside the complex of this holy Sikh place. He said that devotees should keep their phones switched off keeping in mind the Maryada at Sri Darbar Sahib. Along with this, he also specifically said that the artists who come to pay obeisance here should not use this holy place for the promotion of their films, songs, etc. but should get spiritual power from here.
However, last week, on the International Day of Yoga on Friday, Makwana visited the Golden Temple and performed yoga in the ‘prakrama (circumambulation)’ the marbled periphery. The SGPC also suspended its three employees for not diligently performing their duties. SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami said a complaint has been sent to the police commissioner for taking action against Makwana. “No one can be allowed to act against Sikh conduct at the Golden Temple but some people deliberately ignore the sanctity and historical importance of this holy place and commit objectionable acts,” he said in a statement. “Sikh sentiments and ‘maryada (conduct)’ have been hurt by the act, so a complaint has been filed with the police,” he said. In an appeal, Dhami said Harmandir Sahib has great reverence in the Sikh world and pilgrims from every religion and class come there to pay obeisance. Considering that, the ‘maryada’ of the place should be followed. Darbar Sahib general manager Bhagwant Singh Dhangera said the woman’s action hurt the sentiments of Sikhs and the ‘sangat’.
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government is planning to convene the Monsoon Session of the state legislature in July 2024 or the first week of August 2024.
“The monsoon session of the state legislature is likely to be convened sometime in July 2024 or in the first week of August 2024, ” said a senior official.
Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly’s budget session that began on February 2 was adjourned sine die on February 10. Under Article 174 of the Constitution of India, the state government must convene the Monsoon Session before August 10.
It provides, “The Governor shall from time to time summon the House or each House of the Legislature of the State to meet at such time and place as he thinks fit, but six months shall not intervene between its last sitting in one session and the date appointed for its first sitting in the next session.”
This will be the first session of the state Legislative Assembly after the announcement of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
All eyes are set on unfolding political developments. The Leader of Opposition, Akhilesh Yadav has been elected to the Lok Sabha from Kannauj, the SP will have to nominate a new leader of the opposition in the state Legislative Assembly.
Akhilesh Yadav has resigned from the Karhal Assembly seat following his election to the Lok Sabha and so have others, including SP MLA Awadhesh Prasad from the Milkipur seat of Ayodhya. There are now 10 vacancies in the state Legislative Assembly and Uttar Pradesh will witness a mini Assembly election of sorts in the coming months.
New Delhi : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal told a court here on Wednesday that he did not blame any Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, including former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, for alleged irregularities in the framing of the now-scrapped liquor policy.
Addressing the Rouse Avenue Court, CM Kejriwal claimed that the CBI sources were building a false narrative in the media to malign the image of the ruling party in the national Capital and its leaders.
“I have never testified that Manish Sisodia is guilty. Manish Sisodia is innocent, AAP is innocent, I am innocent, ” he said.
During the hearing, the CBI’s counsel stressed that custodial interrogation of CM Kejriwal was necessary as he shifted the entire onus on former Deputy CM Sisodia, who handled the liquor portfolio at the relevant time.
Meanwhile, a special court presided over by Vacation Judge Amitabh Rawat reserved its order on the CBI’s application seeking five-day custody of the AAP supremo in the liquor case.
Earlier in the day, CM Kejriwal, who was produced before the Rouse Avenue Court, was formally arrested by the CBI.
Permission was granted to the CBI to produce CM Kejriwal in the special court on Wednesday, after he was questioned by the agency in Tihar Jail.
CM Kejriwal withdrew his plea filed before the Supreme Court challenging the interim stay ordered by the Delhi High Court on his release on bail in the money laundering case linked to the same case.
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the AAP supremo, submitted before a Vacation Bench of Justices Manoj Misra and SVN Bhatti that a fresh plea would be moved before the apex court in view of the latest decision of the Delhi High Court staying the trial court order granting bail to CM Kejriwal in the money laundering case.
In its final verdict pronounced on a plea filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Delhi High Court on Tuesday said that the trial court Vacation Bench did not apply its mind to the entire material and it ought to give equal opportunity to the ED to argue the bail application.
26 June 2024 Amritsar
Indian Sikh head priest of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, Giani Raghbir Singh (C) delivers his speech after prayers in the front of The Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh holy book) on the occasion of the foundation day of “Sri Akal Takht Sahib” at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Wednesday.
PHOTO-PRABHJOT GILL AMRITSAR
Amritsar:The Foundation Day of Sri Akal Takht Sahib was celebrated today with reverence by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee . Gurmat Samagam was held in this regard at Sri Akal Takht Sahib. After the bhog of Sri Akhand Path Sahib , the jatha of renowned raagi Bhai Gurmeet Singh Shant connected the congregation with Gurbani Kirtan with ancient stringed instruments. Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh, SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami and other prominent personalities participated in the congregation.
On this occasion, Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh congratulated the community on the Foundation Day of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and said that Sri Guru Hargobind established Sri Akal Takht Sahib in front of the center of spirituality Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib, so that a Sikh who follows the path of spirituality is not dependent on someone else politically. He said that the Sikhs have to perform their religion and politics only in the shelter and faith of an Akal Purakh (Timeless Being). The Jathedar said that this is why Sri Akal Takht Sahib has always been seen as a challenge in the eyes of worldly thrones. He said that the rulers of the time from Abdali to Indira Gandhi attacked to damage Sri Akal Takht Sahib, but the glory of Sri Akal Takht Sahib is still intact, but the world saw the end of attackers. He said that the Sikhs became masters of their own kingdom by taking guidance from Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Maharaja Ranjit Singh ruled for forty years and gave the world a kingdom of kindness.
Giani Raghbir Singh said that Sikhs have always kept their faces towards Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib and Sri Akal Takht Sahib while traveling in every region of the world, but today’s political people have turned their backs towards these holy Sikh places and faces towards Delhi, due to which, the Sikh politics is becoming weak.
The Jathedar said that if the Sikh political people again turn their faces towards Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib and Sri Akal Takht Sahib, then the Sikhs will definitely rule the state again. Emphasizing the need to guard Sikh principles, traditions and Maryada (conduct), the Jathedar said that when we are theoretically and principally mature, the hand of the Akal Purakh will be on our shoulders. Today, we need to gather under the umbrella of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, guarding the Guru princicples, to get out of the situation of fruitless efforts.
On this occasion, the Jathedar also instructed the Sangat coming to pay obeisance at Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib to take care of the Maryada while they are inside the complex of this holy Sikh place. He said that devotees should keep their phones switched off keeping in mind the Maryada at Sri Darbar Sahib. Along with this, he also specifically said that the artists who come to pay obeisance here should not use this holy place for the promotion of their films but should get spiritual power from here. He also urged the devotees to stand wherever they are inside the complex of Sri Darbar Sahib and participate, when the Ardas (Sikh prayers) is being offered at this Central Sikh place, so that the ancient Maryada is maintained.
Meanwhile, speaking to the media, SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami said that the principle of Miri-Piri (Sikh doctrine of close relationship between religion and politics) in Sikh faith is elevated by Sri Guru Nanak Dev, the first Sikh Guru, who was adopted by Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib along with the foundation of Sri Akal Takht Sahib by wearing the two swords of Miri-Piri and made it an important part of Sikh life. He said that the relationship of religion and politics is very important in Sikh faith, in which religion has prominence. Advocate Dhami congratulated the community on the foundation of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and said that Panthic power should be strengthened by connecting with the principles of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and the Sikh Gurus. Talking about the attacks on Sri Akal Takht Sahib from time to time by the attackers, the SGPC President said that it is the throne of Akal and the people who came with the purpose of demolishing it always had to face defeat while the existence of this true Takht (throne) is eternal.
On this occasion, SGPC Advocate Bhagwant Singh Sialka, Dharam Prachar Committee member Bhai Ajaib Singh Abhyasi, Head Granthi Giani Gurmukh Singh and Giani Malkit Singh, SGPC secretary, more officials and a large number of congregation was present.
New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, congratulated the newly-elected Speaker Om Birla, and assured him of full co-operation in running the House.
The Congress MP from UP’s Raebareli however also had a message for the LS Speaker as he said, “By allowing the Opposition to speak, you will do your duty of defending the Constitution of India.”
In his welcome speech to congratulate the newly-elected Speaker, MP Rahul Gandhi, amid thumping of desks from Opposition benches said, “The Government has the political power but the Opposition also represents the voice of India’s people. This time the Opposition represents significantly more voices of the Indian people than last time.”
Assuring Om Birla of the Opposition’s support and co-operation in daily functioning of the House, Rahul Gandhi said, “The Opposition would like to assist you in doing your work. We would like the House to function often and well.”
He, however, added that it would be good if the co-operation happens on the basis of trust.
“It is very important that the voice of the Opposition is allowed to be represented in this House”, he observed, adding, “I am confident that you will allow us to represent our voice, allow us to speak, allow us to represent the voice of the people of India.”
Rahul Gandhi advised Om Birla to be watchful of any attempts to silence the voice of the Opposition and said, “The idea that you can run the House efficiently by silencing the voice of the Opposition is a non-democratic idea and this election has shown that the people of India expect the Opposition to defend the Constitution, the Samvidhan of this country.”
“The question is not how efficiently the House is run, the question is how much of India’s voice is being allowed to be heard in this House”, he said, amid a clamour by the Opposition over the NDA’s choice of re-electing the ‘controversial’ Speaker.
New Delhi: Amid the ongoing water crisis in the national capital, Delhi Water Minister Atishi, who is on an indefinite hunger strike, was admitted to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital early this morning due after her health condition deteriorated.
According to the doctors, Atishi’s blood sugar levels dropped dangerously low, reaching 43 at midnight and further plummeting to 36 by 3 a.m. Medical professionals immediately recommended hospitalisation. There was also a significant drop in her blood pressure and weight, marking her condition as increasingly perilous. Additionally, rising urine ketone levels indicated a severe threat to her health.
The Aam Aadmi Party leader is on an indefinite hunger strike demanding Haryana release Delhi’s share of water. On the fourth day of her fast on Monday, doctors from LNJP checked her health. Observing her deteriorating condition, they recommended hospital admission.
Atishi decided not to break her fast. “Ensuring water for the people of Delhi is more important than my life. My fast will continue until the people of Delhi receive their rightful share of water, ” she said.
The Aam Aadmi Party leader initiated her hunger strike to demand Haryana release Delhi’s “rightful” share of water.
Since June 21, the Delhi Water Minister has been fasting to ensure water from Haryana for 2.8 million Delhi residents.
Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police RR Swain announced on Sunday that locals supporting foreign terrorists will be prosecuted under the Enemy Agents Act.
The statement follows a series of attacks over the past two weeks, resulting in ten deaths, including seven pilgrims returning from the Shiv Khori temple and a CRPF jawan, along with several injuries.
The incidents occurred between June 9 and 12 in the districts of Reasi, Doda, and Kathua. Two Pakistani terrorists were killed in an encounter in Kathua.
The Enemy Agents Act is noted for its severity compared to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), mandating a minimum punishment of life imprisonment or the death sentence for those convicted.
“This Act is harsher than UAPA. In the act, it’s mentioned terrorist associate and acting as an agent of enemy who are coming from outside,” DGP Swain said.
DGP Swain stressed that while terrorists will be neutralized through encounters, their local supporters will face the strictest legal consequences.
“As for as fighters are concerned, they don’t fall under ambit of any investigations. They will be killed in kinetic action. But those who support them will be treated as enemy agent. In our Enemy Agents Act, the minimum punishment is life imprisonment or death.. there is no other punishment under this Act,” he said.
The DGP also revealed plans to establish special courts for the trials of individuals arrested under this Act.
Regarding the recent terror attacks in the Jammu region, Swain noted that police have made six arrests in Kathua and achieved a breakthrough by apprehending a conspirator involved in the Reasi attack.
Chandigarh: After Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s directive, Chief Secretary Anurag Verma on Monday ordered all the Deputy Commissioners to ensure that the property of drug peddlers is seized.
In an order, he directed them to prioritise providing information on such properties if any authority requests it under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985.
Last week, CM Mann said his government has chalked out a multi-pronged strategy to wipe out the drug menace in Punjab.
Chairing a meeting with police officers here, CM Mann had said the government was going to introduce several reforms for policing. This decision came after a major revelation by top cops.
The state police, which had seized a huge amount of cash and drugs in the run-up to the parliamentary polls and got several vital clues regarding the supply of drugs, revealed that it came to light that policemen at the lower level were sometimes involved with drug peddlers.
CM Mann said in the meeting that as a maiden initiative, the government has transferred a number of policemen at the lowest ebb of the hierarchy who have been squatting in their posts for a long time.
He said more than 10, 000 transfers have been made so far across the divisions, adding rotation of the postings of the policemen is going on to break this nexus.
He said the black sheep in the police force were being identified and strict action would be taken against them for their involvement in this unpardonable crime.
CM Mann had said if anyone is found involved in the smuggling of drugs, then the police will confiscate, attach, or freeze their property within a week.
He had said the officers have been directed to implement this policy zealously so as to check the drug menace in Punjab.
CM Mann had said that to enhance the efficiency of the Punjab Police, the government has decided to create 10, 000 new posts in the force, and this will help in checking crimes on one hand and create jobs for the youth in coming days.
