Tag: Droupadi Murmu

  • Meet Bhartruhari Mahtab, New Pro-Tem Speaker Of Lok Sabha |

    New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday appointed BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab as pro tem Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha. The appointment of Mehtab was done by President Murmu as a pro-tem Speaker under Article 95(1) of the Constitution.

    Suresh Kodikunnil, Thalikkottai Rajuthevar Baalu, Radha Mohan Singh, Faggan Singh Kulaste and Sudip Bandyopadhyay were appointed to aid the Speaker Protem during the oath-taking of the newly-elected members.

    According to Article 94 of the Constitution, the office of the speaker becomes vacant immediately before the first meeting of the new Lok Sabha. In that case, the President appoints a Member of the House as Speaker pro tem to perform the duties of the Speaker.

    The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha is scheduled to begin on June 24 while the Rajya Sabha session will begin on June 27. 

    Who Is Bhartruhari Mahtab?
    Bhartruhari Mahtab switched from Biju Janata Dal (BJD) to BJP just a few days before the Lok Sabha elections. He secured a seat from the Cuttack Parliamentary constituency and defeated BJD Santrupt Misra. Mahtab represented the same constituency earlier as a BJD leader and now as a BJP candidate.

    In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Mahtab, contested from as BJD leader and won against BJP leader Prakash Misra. In 201, he was honoured with the Parliamentarian Award. He is the son of Dr Harekrushna Mahatab, who served as the Chief Minister of Odisha two times.

  • 18th Lok Sabha’s First Session To Begin From June 24 |

    The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha will be held from June 24 and conclude on July 3for oath/affirmation of newly elected Members, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju said on Wednesday. The 264th Session of Rajya Sabha will also commence on June 27 and conclude on July 3, the minister said. “First Session of 18th Lok Sabha is being summoned from 24.6.24 to 3.7.24 for oath/affirmation of newly elected Members, Election of Speaker, President’s Address and discussion thereon. 264th Session of Rajya Sabha will commence on 27.6.24 and conclude on 3.7.24.”

    First Session of 18th Lok Sabha is being summoned from 24.6.24 to 3.7.24 for oath/affirmation of newly elected Members, Election of Speaker, President’s Address and discussion thereon. 264th Session of Rajya Sabha will commence on 27.6.24 and conclude on 3.7.24. https://t.co/8OCbfg4CT1


    — Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) June 12, 2024

    President Droupadi Murmu will address a joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on June 27. The last session of the 17th Lok Sabha (Budget session) was held between January 31 and February 10, 2024. Lok Sabha had 274 sittings in which 202 Bills were introduced and 222 bills were passed. Rajya Sabha had 271 sittings, in which 31 Bills were introduced and 220 bills were passed. In total 221 Bills were passed by both the Houses and became Acts, during the term of the 17th Lok Sabha.

    During the 17th Lok Sabha one of the most important business transacted was the abrogation of certain provisions from Article 370 and Presidential Orders thereunder for ensuring equal opportunities to all sections of Society in Jammu & Kashmir particularly with the restoration of applicability of the provisions of the Constitution of India and all socio-economic legislations thereby ensuring rule of law and equity. Further for ensuring better administration and for curbing terrorism, the State of Jammu & Kashmir was reorganized with the formation of two Union Territories – Jammu &Kashmir and Ladakh.

    Also, three landmark Bills relating to the criminal justice system to ensure victim-centric justice namely the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023 replacing the Indian Penal Code, 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 were passed by both the Houses of Parliament.

  • PM Modi’s Sharp Rebuke On Pitroda’s Remarks, Questions Congress’ Intentions Towards President Murmu |

    New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took a shot at the Congress on Sam Pitroda’s ‘racist’ remark and said that India would not tolerate insults on the basis of colour. Modi further slammed the top leader of the Congress party, Rahul Gandhi, saying that he has come to realise that his party attempted to defeat President Droupadi Murmu in the presidential election because of her dark skin colour.  

    As Pitroda’s comments sparked controversy, Modi, in his public rally in Telangana’s Warangal, asked, “Will the ability of people be decided in my country on the basis of skin colour?”  

    The reported comments by Sam Pitroda that people in the East in India resembled the Chinese while those from the South looked like Africans have sparked a row among the political parties, although Congress has disassociated itself from the remarks, calling them ‘unfortunate and unacceptable.’  

    “I am angry today. If anyone abuses me, I don’t get angry. I can put up with that. However, the philosopher of ‘shehzada’ (Rahul Gandhi) gave such a big abuse, which has filled me with anger,” remarked PM Modi.  

    PM Modi attacked Rahul Gandhi by referring to Pitroda as his uncle. PM said, “I learned today that ‘shehzada’s’ uncle resides in the US. His uncle serves as his mentor and philosopher.”  

    He added that Pitroda has revealed a big secret: Indians with darker skin tones are all from Africa. Holding the former Congress president accountable, Modi said that Rahul Gandhi must answer. 

    Indicating that these comments have insulted many countrymen, the PM said that despite all our different skin colours, we all worship Lord Krishna, whose skin colour matches ours. 

  • PM Modi to reply on ‘Motion of Thanks’ in Rajya Sabha today

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to reply to the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

    President Droupadi Murmu had addressed the joint sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on January 31, the first day of the Budget Session.

    PM Modi replied to the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address in Lok Sabha on Monday.During his speech, he said that the third term of his government is not far and this time the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will win 400 seats and the Bharatiya Janata Party, individually will get 370 seats.

    “A Ram Temple of Lord Ram was built which will continue to give new energy to the great tradition of India. Now the third term of our government is not far. Maximum 100 days left. The whole country is saying that ‘Abki baar 400 paar’. I don’t go into numbers but I can see the mood of the country. It will make the NDA cross 400 and BJP will get 370 seats,” PM Modi said.

    “We all saw the abolition of 370. Article 370 was abolished before the eyes of these many MPs and with the power of their votes. Nari Shakti Adhiniyam became law in the second term. From Space to the Olympics, there is an echo of the power of women’s empowerment. People have seen the projects that were pending for years being completed,” he added.A general discussion on the Union Interim Budget 2024-25, and the Interim Budget on Jammu and Kashmir 2024-25 is also to be started in the Upper House today after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address.Apart from this, as per the List of Business in the House for the day, Rajya Sabha MPs Harnath Singh Yadav and Ram Nath Thakur will lay on the table, a copy of the statement showing action taken by the government on 62nd Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Food Processing on the action-taken by the government on the Observations/Recommendations contained in the Fifty-Third Report on ‘Demands for Grants (2023-24)’ of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (Department of Fisheries).

    MPs Satish Chandra Dubey, and Dr Ashok Bajpai will lay on the table, a copy of the following reports of the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (2023-24): Thirty Ninth Report of the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (2023-2024) on “Regulation of Weights and Measures with specific reference to Dispensing Machines at Fuel Stations” pertaining to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (Department of Consumer Affairs); and Fortieth Report of the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (2023-2024) on “Transforming Fair Price Shops” pertaining to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (Department of Food and Public Distribution).

    Union MoS, Danve Raosaheb Dadarao will make a statement regarding status of implementation of recommendations contained in the 37th Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Coal, Mines and Steel on ‘Import of Coal – Trends and issue of self-reliance (2022-23)’ pertaining to Ministry of Coal.

    The Budget Session, which began on January 31, will be spread over eight sittings spread over a period of 10 days and may conclude on February 9.

    (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)

  • Films are effective medium of creating awareness and spreading sensibility: President Murmu

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday said that films are not just an industry limited to trade and mode of entertainment but an effective medium of creating awareness and spreading sensibility.

    Addressing the film fraternity and the artists as change-makers, she said that through their films, they pen a lively introduction to the diverse reality of Indian society. “Cinema is both; a document of our society and also a medium to improve it and their (filmmakers) work connected the people with each other,” Murmu said.

    She was speaking at 69th edition of the national film awards ceremony in the national capital. Besides different category awards, the president conferred prestigious DadaSaheb Phalke Award to veteran actor Waheeda Rehman on the occasion.

    Extending her wishes to noted actor, who has acted in several cult movies such as Pyasa and Guide, Murmu said that she had established herself at the pinnacle of the film industry with her art and personality. 

    “Even in her personal life, she had made her mark as a woman of dignity, self-confidence and originality. She chose many films in which her roles broke many barriers typically associated with women. Waheeda ji has set an example that women themselves should also take initiative for women empowerment,” said the president.

    ALSO READ | ‘Want people to remember me as good human being’: Waheeda Rehman over Dadasaheb Phalke Award

    The film about the mass exodus of Kashmiri Hindus from Kashmir—The Kashmir Files (TKF)—has won the Nargis Dutt award for best film on national integration at the National Film Awards. Pallavi Joshi bagged the best actress award in a supporting role for the same film. Telugu film actor Allu Arjun was accorded the best actor award for Pusha-The Rising Part 1 while Alia Bhatt and Kriti Sanon shared the best actress award for their role in Gangubai Kathiyawadi, a biographical crime drama film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Mimi, comic drama based on a social issue, respectively.   

    R Madhavan’s Rocketry: The Nambi Effect bagged the Best Feature Film award. However, SS Rajamouli’s RRR was adjudicated best popular film providing wholesome entertainment.

    ALSO READ | 69th National Film Awards: Allu Arjun, Kriti Sanon, Alia Bhatt honoured

    Murmu said that the award ceremony paints a picture of the diversity of India and the unity inherent in it. She added that the talented people present at the ceremony had given meaningful expression to many languages, regional characteristics, social beliefs, achievements and problems and that people from many generations and classes came together at the National Film Awards.

    Speaking on the occasion, union minister for information and broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur said, “today nothing is regional, if the content is good, regional content will find a global audience.” Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

    NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday said that films are not just an industry limited to trade and mode of entertainment but an effective medium of creating awareness and spreading sensibility.

    Addressing the film fraternity and the artists as change-makers, she said that through their films, they pen a lively introduction to the diverse reality of Indian society. “Cinema is both; a document of our society and also a medium to improve it and their (filmmakers) work connected the people with each other,” Murmu said.

    She was speaking at 69th edition of the national film awards ceremony in the national capital. Besides different category awards, the president conferred prestigious DadaSaheb Phalke Award to veteran actor Waheeda Rehman on the occasion.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Extending her wishes to noted actor, who has acted in several cult movies such as Pyasa and Guide, Murmu said that she had established herself at the pinnacle of the film industry with her art and personality. 

    “Even in her personal life, she had made her mark as a woman of dignity, self-confidence and originality. She chose many films in which her roles broke many barriers typically associated with women. Waheeda ji has set an example that women themselves should also take initiative for women empowerment,” said the president.

    ALSO READ | ‘Want people to remember me as good human being’: Waheeda Rehman over Dadasaheb Phalke Award

    The film about the mass exodus of Kashmiri Hindus from Kashmir—The Kashmir Files (TKF)—has won the Nargis Dutt award for best film on national integration at the National Film Awards. Pallavi Joshi bagged the best actress award in a supporting role for the same film. Telugu film actor Allu Arjun was accorded the best actor award for Pusha-The Rising Part 1 while Alia Bhatt and Kriti Sanon shared the best actress award for their role in Gangubai Kathiyawadi, a biographical crime drama film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Mimi, comic drama based on a social issue, respectively.   

    R Madhavan’s Rocketry: The Nambi Effect bagged the Best Feature Film award. However, SS Rajamouli’s RRR was adjudicated best popular film providing wholesome entertainment.

    ALSO READ | 69th National Film Awards: Allu Arjun, Kriti Sanon, Alia Bhatt honoured

    Murmu said that the award ceremony paints a picture of the diversity of India and the unity inherent in it. She added that the talented people present at the ceremony had given meaningful expression to many languages, regional characteristics, social beliefs, achievements and problems and that people from many generations and classes came together at the National Film Awards.

    Speaking on the occasion, union minister for information and broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur said, “today nothing is regional, if the content is good, regional content will find a global audience.” Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

  • Congress leaders meet President Droupadi Murmu over Manipur crisis 

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Top Congress leaders on Tuesday met President Droupadi Murmu and sought her intervention in helping bring normalcy in violence-hit Manipur, and called for the constitution of a high-level inquiry commission headed by a serving or retired Supreme Court judge to probe the incident.

    A delegation of Congress leaders led by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge met the president and handed over a memorandum to her seeking her urgent intervention and handed over a 12-point charter of demands to be taken immediately to help bring peace and normalcy in the north-eastern state.

    It is with a deep sense of loss and hurt that we humbly submitted a memorandum to the President of India, for her kind intervention so that the extraordinary situation confronting Manipur can be redressed and normalcy can be brought in urgently. @rashtrapatibhvn1/2 pic.twitter.com/ESx0oBT0PC
    — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) May 30, 2023
    “Though there were several lapses in the management of the situation at the early stages of violence, leading to the present imbroglio. Now it is not the time to point fingers, but to act. If the suggestions above are implemented in earnest, peace can perhaps be restored once again. The Congress party is a responsible political party and is ever ready to lend support to any initiative to restore peace, normalcy and harmony in the state of Manipur,” the Congress memorandum to the president said.

    “A high-level inquiry commission should be constituted headed by a serving or retired Supreme Court judge,” it also said.

    They also called for firm and sustained efforts must be made to control violence in every part of the state for the immediate restoration of peace, harmony, and normalcy, and urged the president to ask the central government to immediately take all possible measures to control and confine all militant groups (including those under SoO) and ensure that all armed civilian groups be stopped forthwith by taking appropriate action.

    The state government must immediately take over the management and maintenance of all relief camps and provide proper health and sanitation facilities for all, the party suggested in its memorandum.

    The letter and spirit of the existing Constitutional provisions related to the state of Manipur must be protected, and the trust between communities should be restored through reconciliation and dialogue, it also said.

    “It is with a deep sense of loss and hurt that we humbly submitted a memorandum to the President of India, for her kind intervention so that the extraordinary situation confronting Manipur can be redressed and normalcy can be brought in urgently,” Kharge said on Twitter after the meeting.

    President Droupadi Murmu in a meeting with a Congress delegation led by party President Mallikarjun Kharge, at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, Tuesday, May 30, 2023. (Photo | PTI)

    “As a responsible political party, the Indian National Congress is ever ready to lend support to any initiative to restore peace, normalcy and harmony in Manipur. We humbly submit the following 12 demands for immediate action. Only then there will be peace in the state,” the Congress president said.

    Among those who were part of the Congress delegation that met the President besides Kharge were former chief minister Ibobi Singh, Congress leader Mukul Wasnik, former deputy chief minister Gaikhangam and PCC president Keisham Meghachandra Singh, besides AICC in-charge for Manipur Bhakt Charan Das.

    “The letter and spirit of the existing Constitutional provisions related to the state of Manipur must be protected, and the trust between communities should be restored through reconciliation and dialogue,” the memorandum also said.

    Later, addressing a press conference, AIC general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the current situation in Manipur is a result of the divisive politics of the BJP which is clearly responsible.

    “It is the intelligence failure, the administrative failure and the political failure in Manipur,” Ramesh told reporters, accusing the BJP of its divisive politics which is responsible for the current situation in the northeastern state.

    He said the current crisis is the result of BJP’s “neeyat and neetiyon” (intent and policies) and alleged that there was a lack of will on the part of the state and central government to resolve it.

    “This is the second time in the last 22 years. Manipur burned in the June of 2001 when Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji was the prime minister, Manipur is burning in 2023 when Mr Narendra Modi is the prime minister. There is something in the politics and ideology of the BJP, there is something in the way the BJP manages the diversity of Manipur and other states that is not conducive to social harmony in the long run,” Ramesh said.

    AICC General Secretary Jairam Ramesh with Congress leaders addresses a press conference, at AICC headquarters in New Delhi, Tuesday, May 30, 2023. (Photo | PTI)

    He said several innocent people have lost their lives, hundreds of houses burns and thousands of people have been displaced from their homes, but the state government and the central government have remained silent so far.

    He added that the Congress leaders in the state are flying back to Imphal and have sought a meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah for seeking the immediate restoration of peace and normalcy there.

    “It’s the RSS/BJP’s politics of divide and rule that is responsible for the current crisis in Manipur. The last time Manipur burned was 22 years ago when BJP was ruling in the Centre. This time things have turned from bad to worse,” he also tweeted.

    Ramesh said today morning a delegation led by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge submitted a memorandum to the Hon’ble President of India on the ongoing ethnic clash in Manipur and made 12 demands.

    He said 15 months ago the BJP received a big mandate in Manipur due to the help of militant groups there.

    “Why did you compromise with them to win elections. The current crisis in Manipur is the result of the divisive policies of the BJP,” he asked.

    Ibobi Singh asked why prime minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have remained silent so far and what their intentions were not resolving the crisis and bringing immediate peace.

    “What is the law and order responsibility of the government as killings and burnings are continuing. Is Manipur under India. Why is the prime minister silent? Why is Amit Shah silent? They have remained a silent spectator,” the former chief minister alleged.

    Alleging that violence could have been stopped on the very first day but it was allowed to continue till now, he said, “The prime minister’s silence shows there is some deep conspiracy”.

    “Do you want to divide the state or hand over to others. Why is there such an approach,” he asked.

    The Congress demanded that the villages near the foothills of both communities must be covered with adequate security so that armed militants do not intrude and disturb the peace.

    “The Union government should take steps for the rehabilitation of all displaced persons at their original place or in safer areas with suitable security arrangements. Payment of dignified and reasonable compensation for loss of life, property, and all other things concerned to all the victims and affected persons. There is a need for immediate identification of those who have lost their lives and handing their bodies over to the bereaved families for the last rites,” the party also demanded, adding that a special drive must be carried out to trace many numbers of missing people.

    NEW DELHI: Top Congress leaders on Tuesday met President Droupadi Murmu and sought her intervention in helping bring normalcy in violence-hit Manipur, and called for the constitution of a high-level inquiry commission headed by a serving or retired Supreme Court judge to probe the incident.

    A delegation of Congress leaders led by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge met the president and handed over a memorandum to her seeking her urgent intervention and handed over a 12-point charter of demands to be taken immediately to help bring peace and normalcy in the north-eastern state.

    It is with a deep sense of loss and hurt that we humbly submitted a memorandum to the President of India, for her kind intervention so that the extraordinary situation confronting Manipur can be redressed and normalcy can be brought in urgently. @rashtrapatibhvn
    1/2 pic.twitter.com/ESx0oBT0PCgoogletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });
    — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) May 30, 2023
    “Though there were several lapses in the management of the situation at the early stages of violence, leading to the present imbroglio. Now it is not the time to point fingers, but to act. If the suggestions above are implemented in earnest, peace can perhaps be restored once again. The Congress party is a responsible political party and is ever ready to lend support to any initiative to restore peace, normalcy and harmony in the state of Manipur,” the Congress memorandum to the president said.

    “A high-level inquiry commission should be constituted headed by a serving or retired Supreme Court judge,” it also said.

    They also called for firm and sustained efforts must be made to control violence in every part of the state for the immediate restoration of peace, harmony, and normalcy, and urged the president to ask the central government to immediately take all possible measures to control and confine all militant groups (including those under SoO) and ensure that all armed civilian groups be stopped forthwith by taking appropriate action.

    The state government must immediately take over the management and maintenance of all relief camps and provide proper health and sanitation facilities for all, the party suggested in its memorandum.

    The letter and spirit of the existing Constitutional provisions related to the state of Manipur must be protected, and the trust between communities should be restored through reconciliation and dialogue, it also said.

    “It is with a deep sense of loss and hurt that we humbly submitted a memorandum to the President of India, for her kind intervention so that the extraordinary situation confronting Manipur can be redressed and normalcy can be brought in urgently,” Kharge said on Twitter after the meeting.

    President Droupadi Murmu in a meeting with a Congress delegation led by party President Mallikarjun Kharge, at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, Tuesday, May 30, 2023. (Photo | PTI)

    “As a responsible political party, the Indian National Congress is ever ready to lend support to any initiative to restore peace, normalcy and harmony in Manipur. We humbly submit the following 12 demands for immediate action. Only then there will be peace in the state,” the Congress president said.

    Among those who were part of the Congress delegation that met the President besides Kharge were former chief minister Ibobi Singh, Congress leader Mukul Wasnik, former deputy chief minister Gaikhangam and PCC president Keisham Meghachandra Singh, besides AICC in-charge for Manipur Bhakt Charan Das.

    “The letter and spirit of the existing Constitutional provisions related to the state of Manipur must be protected, and the trust between communities should be restored through reconciliation and dialogue,” the memorandum also said.

    Later, addressing a press conference, AIC general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the current situation in Manipur is a result of the divisive politics of the BJP which is clearly responsible.

    “It is the intelligence failure, the administrative failure and the political failure in Manipur,” Ramesh told reporters, accusing the BJP of its divisive politics which is responsible for the current situation in the northeastern state.

    He said the current crisis is the result of BJP’s “neeyat and neetiyon” (intent and policies) and alleged that there was a lack of will on the part of the state and central government to resolve it.

    “This is the second time in the last 22 years. Manipur burned in the June of 2001 when Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji was the prime minister, Manipur is burning in 2023 when Mr Narendra Modi is the prime minister. There is something in the politics and ideology of the BJP, there is something in the way the BJP manages the diversity of Manipur and other states that is not conducive to social harmony in the long run,” Ramesh said.

    AICC General Secretary Jairam Ramesh with Congress leaders addresses a press conference, at AICC headquarters in New Delhi, Tuesday, May 30, 2023. (Photo | PTI)

    He said several innocent people have lost their lives, hundreds of houses burns and thousands of people have been displaced from their homes, but the state government and the central government have remained silent so far.

    He added that the Congress leaders in the state are flying back to Imphal and have sought a meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah for seeking the immediate restoration of peace and normalcy there.

    “It’s the RSS/BJP’s politics of divide and rule that is responsible for the current crisis in Manipur. The last time Manipur burned was 22 years ago when BJP was ruling in the Centre. This time things have turned from bad to worse,” he also tweeted.

    Ramesh said today morning a delegation led by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge submitted a memorandum to the Hon’ble President of India on the ongoing ethnic clash in Manipur and made 12 demands.

    He said 15 months ago the BJP received a big mandate in Manipur due to the help of militant groups there.

    “Why did you compromise with them to win elections. The current crisis in Manipur is the result of the divisive policies of the BJP,” he asked.

    Ibobi Singh asked why prime minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have remained silent so far and what their intentions were not resolving the crisis and bringing immediate peace.

    “What is the law and order responsibility of the government as killings and burnings are continuing. Is Manipur under India. Why is the prime minister silent? Why is Amit Shah silent? They have remained a silent spectator,” the former chief minister alleged.

    Alleging that violence could have been stopped on the very first day but it was allowed to continue till now, he said, “The prime minister’s silence shows there is some deep conspiracy”.

    “Do you want to divide the state or hand over to others. Why is there such an approach,” he asked.

    The Congress demanded that the villages near the foothills of both communities must be covered with adequate security so that armed militants do not intrude and disturb the peace.

    “The Union government should take steps for the rehabilitation of all displaced persons at their original place or in safer areas with suitable security arrangements. Payment of dignified and reasonable compensation for loss of life, property, and all other things concerned to all the victims and affected persons. There is a need for immediate identification of those who have lost their lives and handing their bodies over to the bereaved families for the last rites,” the party also demanded, adding that a special drive must be carried out to trace many numbers of missing people.

  • President Murmu appoints new Governors in various states of India

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Indian President Droupadi Murmu has appointed new governors in 12 states and one UT, after accepting the resignations of Bhagat Singh Koshyari as Governor of Maharashtra and Radha Krishnan Mathur as Lt. Governor of Ladakh. 

    According to an official statement issued by the President Secretariat on Sunday, Lt. General Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik has been appointed as Governor of Arunachal Pradesh while Lakshman Prasad Acharya was appointed as Governor of Sikkim.

    C.P Radhakrishnan has been appointed as Governor of Jharkhand and Shiv Pratap Shukla as Governor of Himachal Pradesh.

    Similarly, Gulab Chand Kataria is appointed as the new Governor of Assam and Justice (Retd.) S. Abdul Nazeer will be the new Governor of Andhra Pradesh.

    Murmu has also appointed Biswa Bhusan Harichandan, Governor of Andhra Pradesh as the new Governor of Chhattisgarh, while Sushri Anusuiya Uikye, Governor of Chhattisgarh will preside as the Governor of Manipur.

    In the same way, La. Ganesan, Governor of Manipur was appointed as the new Governor of Nagaland and Bihar’s Governor Phagu Chauhan was made Governor of Meghalaya.

    Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Governor of Himachal Pradesh will take over as Governor of Bihar.

    Ramesh Baise, Governor of Jharkhand is now the new Governor of Maharashtra and Brig. (Dr.) Shri B.D. Mishra (Retd.), Governor of Arunachal Pradesh has taken charge as the new Lt. Governor of Ladakh.

    The above appointments will take effect from the dates they assume charge of their respective offices.

    NEW DELHI: Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Indian President Droupadi Murmu has appointed new governors in 12 states and one UT, after accepting the resignations of Bhagat Singh Koshyari as Governor of Maharashtra and Radha Krishnan Mathur as Lt. Governor of Ladakh. 

    According to an official statement issued by the President Secretariat on Sunday, Lt. General Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik has been appointed as Governor of Arunachal Pradesh while Lakshman Prasad Acharya was appointed as Governor of Sikkim.

    C.P Radhakrishnan has been appointed as Governor of Jharkhand and Shiv Pratap Shukla as Governor of Himachal Pradesh.

    Similarly, Gulab Chand Kataria is appointed as the new Governor of Assam and Justice (Retd.) S. Abdul Nazeer will be the new Governor of Andhra Pradesh.

    Murmu has also appointed Biswa Bhusan Harichandan, Governor of Andhra Pradesh as the new Governor of Chhattisgarh, while Sushri Anusuiya Uikye, Governor of Chhattisgarh will preside as the Governor of Manipur.

    In the same way, La. Ganesan, Governor of Manipur was appointed as the new Governor of Nagaland and Bihar’s Governor Phagu Chauhan was made Governor of Meghalaya.

    Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Governor of Himachal Pradesh will take over as Governor of Bihar.

    Ramesh Baise, Governor of Jharkhand is now the new Governor of Maharashtra and Brig. (Dr.) Shri B.D. Mishra (Retd.), Governor of Arunachal Pradesh has taken charge as the new Lt. Governor of Ladakh.

    The above appointments will take effect from the dates they assume charge of their respective offices.

  • ‘Election speech’, says Opposition on President Murmu’s address to Parliament

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  The Opposition parties came out all guns blazing on Tuesday against President Droupadi Murmu’s customary speech to the joint session of the two Houses of Parliament on the first day of the Budget session. While Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) boycotted the President’s address, most of the Congress MPs could not attend it as they were stranded in Srinagar after the culmination event of the Bharat Jodo Yatra. 

    “Due to delayed flights from Srinagar over inclement weather conditions, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and many other Congress MPs will be unable to attend the President’s address to both Houses of Parliament,” Jairam Ramesh tweeted.

    Calling it an election speech, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that the BJP government was trying to push its election campaign through the President’s address. “The President doesn’t contest elections. But it seems like the BJP government is conducting its next election campaign through her.

    The entire speech was an election speech trying to hail the government for its achievements,” he told the media. Speaking to this daily, CPI(M) MP Elamaram Kareem said that the speech was disappointing as it did not address burning issues such as the economic crisis, unemployment, farmers’ distress, and others.

    NEW DELHI:  The Opposition parties came out all guns blazing on Tuesday against President Droupadi Murmu’s customary speech to the joint session of the two Houses of Parliament on the first day of the Budget session. While Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) boycotted the President’s address, most of the Congress MPs could not attend it as they were stranded in Srinagar after the culmination event of the Bharat Jodo Yatra. 

    “Due to delayed flights from Srinagar over inclement weather conditions, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and many other Congress MPs will be unable to attend the President’s address to both Houses of Parliament,” Jairam Ramesh tweeted.

    Calling it an election speech, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that the BJP government was trying to push its election campaign through the President’s address. “The President doesn’t contest elections. But it seems like the BJP government is conducting its next election campaign through her.

    The entire speech was an election speech trying to hail the government for its achievements,” he told the media. Speaking to this daily, CPI(M) MP Elamaram Kareem said that the speech was disappointing as it did not address burning issues such as the economic crisis, unemployment, farmers’ distress, and others.

  • Prez speech: Oppn says key issues remain unaddressed, call it BJP manifesto for 2024

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Opposition parties on Tuesday criticised the President’s address alleging that the speech was like the “first chapter” of the ruling BJP’s manifesto for 2024 and key issues related to price control, communal harmony and women were “missing.”

    In her maiden address to the joint sitting of Parliament on the first day of the Budget session, President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday said the country has a government that is “stable, fearless, decisive,” working for all classes without any discrimination and giving thrust to ‘virasat’ (heritage) as well as ‘vikas’ (development).

    Murmu spoke of the government’s relentless fight against corruption, the “biggest enemy of democracy and social justice.”

    Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said it is the “government’s statement that has come through the President” and there is nothing new in it.

    “If the government is claiming that the country has progressed so much, then why do the poor people of the country continue to suffer due to unemployment and high inflation,” he said and alleged that the schemes “renamed” by the Modi government are not reaching the poorest of the poor.

    Asked about the President talking about every Indian being confident and India emerging as a self-reliant, strong nation, touching new heights and emerging as a solution provider to the world under this government, he said, “I do not blame her, but it is Mr Modi whatever he told outside, she is saying so. If it is so, why is there so much inflation, so much unemployment, why the money value has gone down and why is there so much hike in petrol/diesel prices.”

    TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien said that while it is “convention” that the President’s address is “written” by the government of India, key issues were absent in her speech.

    “As is convention, President’s Address to both Houses of #Parliament is written by GoI. Any line in speech about controlling prices, creating jobs, strengthening (fiscal) federalism, promoting communal harmony, or passing Women’s Reservation Bill? Oh and 2 miserly lines about the North East,” said Brien.

    As is convention, President’s Address to both Houses of #Parliament is written by GoI.Any line in speech about controlling prices, creating jobs, strengthening (fiscal) federalism, promoting communal harmony, passing Women‘s Reservation Bill ? Oh & 2 miserly lines about the NE
    — Derek O’Brien | ডেরেক ও’ব্রায়েন (@derekobrienmp) January 31, 2023
    CPI MP Binoy Viswam alleged the empowerment of women, youths, Dalits and tribals was only on paper.

    “The historic Central Hall witnessed the President’s address, maybe for the last time. Everything related to freedom struggle and Constitution are being dumped. The address seems to be the first chapter of the ruling party manifesto for 2024. Words are lovely; truths are not..!” he said on Twitter.

    “Pride of secularism is absent. Hindutva pride of RSS mould was the tone. Empowerment of women, youth, Tribes, Dalits only on paper. Environment and Subhash Bose mentioned. Nicobar is crying…,” the CPI MP said in a tweet.

    1.The historic Central Hall witnessed the President’s address, maybe for the last time. Every thing related to freedom struggle and constitution are being dumped.The address seems to be the first chapter of the ruling party manifesto for 2024.Words are lovely; truths are not..!
    — Binoy Viswam (@BinoyViswam1) January 31, 2023

    2.Pride of secularism is absent. Hindutva pride of RSS mold was the tone. Empowerment of women,youth, Tribes, Dalits only on paper. Environment and Subhash Bose mentioned.. Nicobar is crying…..
    — Binoy Viswam (@BinoyViswam1) January 31, 2023

    NEW DELHI: Opposition parties on Tuesday criticised the President’s address alleging that the speech was like the “first chapter” of the ruling BJP’s manifesto for 2024 and key issues related to price control, communal harmony and women were “missing.”

    In her maiden address to the joint sitting of Parliament on the first day of the Budget session, President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday said the country has a government that is “stable, fearless, decisive,” working for all classes without any discrimination and giving thrust to ‘virasat’ (heritage) as well as ‘vikas’ (development).

    Murmu spoke of the government’s relentless fight against corruption, the “biggest enemy of democracy and social justice.”

    Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said it is the “government’s statement that has come through the President” and there is nothing new in it.

    “If the government is claiming that the country has progressed so much, then why do the poor people of the country continue to suffer due to unemployment and high inflation,” he said and alleged that the schemes “renamed” by the Modi government are not reaching the poorest of the poor.

    Asked about the President talking about every Indian being confident and India emerging as a self-reliant, strong nation, touching new heights and emerging as a solution provider to the world under this government, he said, “I do not blame her, but it is Mr Modi whatever he told outside, she is saying so. If it is so, why is there so much inflation, so much unemployment, why the money value has gone down and why is there so much hike in petrol/diesel prices.”

    TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien said that while it is “convention” that the President’s address is “written” by the government of India, key issues were absent in her speech.

    “As is convention, President’s Address to both Houses of #Parliament is written by GoI. Any line in speech about controlling prices, creating jobs, strengthening (fiscal) federalism, promoting communal harmony, or passing Women’s Reservation Bill? Oh and 2 miserly lines about the North East,” said Brien.

    As is convention, President’s Address to both Houses of #Parliament is written by GoI.
    Any line in speech about controlling prices, creating jobs, strengthening (fiscal) federalism, promoting communal harmony, passing Women‘s Reservation Bill ? Oh & 2 miserly lines about the NE
    — Derek O’Brien | ডেরেক ও’ব্রায়েন (@derekobrienmp) January 31, 2023
    CPI MP Binoy Viswam alleged the empowerment of women, youths, Dalits and tribals was only on paper.

    “The historic Central Hall witnessed the President’s address, maybe for the last time. Everything related to freedom struggle and Constitution are being dumped. The address seems to be the first chapter of the ruling party manifesto for 2024. Words are lovely; truths are not..!” he said on Twitter.

    “Pride of secularism is absent. Hindutva pride of RSS mould was the tone. Empowerment of women, youth, Tribes, Dalits only on paper. Environment and Subhash Bose mentioned. Nicobar is crying…,” the CPI MP said in a tweet.

    1.The historic Central Hall witnessed the President’s address, maybe for the last time. Every thing related to freedom struggle and constitution are being dumped.
    The address seems to be the first chapter of the ruling party manifesto for 2024.Words are lovely; truths are not..!
    — Binoy Viswam (@BinoyViswam1) January 31, 2023

    2.Pride of secularism is absent. Hindutva pride of RSS mold was the tone. Empowerment of women,youth, Tribes, Dalits only on paper. Environment and Subhash Bose mentioned.. Nicobar is crying…..
    — Binoy Viswam (@BinoyViswam1) January 31, 2023

  • 3,500 drones to light up the sky over Raisina Hills for ‘Beating the Retreat’ ceremony

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Beating Retreat ceremony this year will bring the biggest collection of indigenous drones within the country enthralling the audience with the drones configuring myriad forms of national figures and events through smooth synchronisation.

    This year’s ‘Beating the Retreat’ ceremony will be graced by the President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Droupadi Murmu, at the historic Vijay Chowk, New Delhi on January 29, 2022. The first such show was made a part of the ceremony last. Other dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, will witness the show.

    Martial musical tunes with Indian fervour will be the flavour of the ceremony. Performances and music will be played by the bands of the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).

    The drone show, like the previous year, has been organised by a startup ‘Botlab Dynamics’ and supported by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and the Department of Science & Technology. The depictions of the different themes and formations will include those on start-up ecosystems, the technological prowess of the country’s youth.

    ‘Beating the Retreat’ is a centuries-old military tradition dating from the days when troops disengaged from the battle at sunset. As soon as the buglers sounded the retreat, the troops ceased fighting, sheathed their arms and withdrew from the battlefield. It is for this reason that the custom of standing still during the sounding of retreat has been retained to this day. Colours and standards are cased and flags are lowered at retreats.

    Also, for the first time, a 3-D anamorphic projection will be organised during the Beating Retreat Ceremony 2023 on the façade of North and South Block.

    Drumbeats recall the days when troops, billeted in towns and cities, were recalled to their quarters at an appointed time in the evening. Based on these military traditions, ‘Beating the Retreat’ ceremony creates a mood of nostalgia for the times gone by.

    NEW DELHI: The Beating Retreat ceremony this year will bring the biggest collection of indigenous drones within the country enthralling the audience with the drones configuring myriad forms of national figures and events through smooth synchronisation.

    This year’s ‘Beating the Retreat’ ceremony will be graced by the President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Droupadi Murmu, at the historic Vijay Chowk, New Delhi on January 29, 2022. The first such show was made a part of the ceremony last. Other dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, will witness the show.

    Martial musical tunes with Indian fervour will be the flavour of the ceremony. Performances and music will be played by the bands of the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).

    The drone show, like the previous year, has been organised by a startup ‘Botlab Dynamics’ and supported by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and the Department of Science & Technology. The depictions of the different themes and formations will include those on start-up ecosystems, the technological prowess of the country’s youth.

    ‘Beating the Retreat’ is a centuries-old military tradition dating from the days when troops disengaged from the battle at sunset. As soon as the buglers sounded the retreat, the troops ceased fighting, sheathed their arms and withdrew from the battlefield. It is for this reason that the custom of standing still during the sounding of retreat has been retained to this day. Colours and standards are cased and flags are lowered at retreats.

    Also, for the first time, a 3-D anamorphic projection will be organised during the Beating Retreat Ceremony 2023 on the façade of North and South Block.

    Drumbeats recall the days when troops, billeted in towns and cities, were recalled to their quarters at an appointed time in the evening. Based on these military traditions, ‘Beating the Retreat’ ceremony creates a mood of nostalgia for the times gone by.