Elderly couple found dead with 50 pigeons in UP’s Bulandshahr

Bulandshahr (UP), June 21 2024-

An elderly couple, Laxman Singh, 68, and Shyamvati, 66, was found dead in their home in Dibai in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr.

The couple had about 50 pigeons, all of whom were also found dead.

The police said that the couple lived on their own and had a son who stays in Delhi. Their bodies were discovered after a neighbour detected a foul smell and alerted police, who broke down the door.

“Their bodies were decomposing, indicating they had died a couple of days ago. There are no visible injury marks. The autopsy will reveal the cause of death,” said Ram Karan, Circle Officer, Dibai.

Preliminary investigation suggests the man died of prolonged illness and the woman possibly from trauma, said Ram Karan.

“A detailed investigation is underway. The couple’s son was informed about their death,” added the senior officer. (Agency)

Bodies of two brothers found in dry well in UP’s Farrukhabad

Farrukhabad (UP), June 21 2024-

The bodies of two brothers were found dumped in a dry well in the Jahanganj area in Uttar Pradesh’s Farrukhabad district.

The bodies were found on Thursday. The deceased were identified as Gulab Singh, 32, and his brother Dara Singh, 25, and they had gone missing since Wednesday evening.

According to reports, they had gone to harvest maize crops from their field late Wednesday evening. However, when they both did not return home for long, their father Chavinath, and brothers Sanjay, Ashok and Karan launched a frantic search, but in vain. They also made several calls on their mobile phones, but the calls went unanswered.

During the search, when the family looked into a well located close to their farm with torchlight, they found the bodies of the two brothers lying there.

On being informed, Superintendent of Police Vikas Kumar, Circle Officer of Mohammadabad Arun Kumar, along with a forensic team reached the spot.

Later, the bodies were taken out of the well. Two water bottles were also recovered from the well. An injury mark was found near Gulab Singh’s left eye.

Apart from this, no visible injury was found on the bodies. Their father Chavinath denied having any enmity with anyone in the village.

On the basis of Chavinath’s complaint, the police have lodged a case of murder against unknown people. The post-mortem report of the bodies is awaited. (Agency)

Saiyami Kher to star alongside Sunny Deol in Gopichand Malineni’s upcoming film

Mumbai, June 21 2024-

Actress Saiyami Kher will be seen starring alongside star Sunny Deol in Gopichand Malineni’s recently announced directorial, which is being touted as the “biggest action film of the country.”

Saiyami shared her enthusiasm about the project and said that she is beyond thrilled to be a part of the film, which is tentatively titled “SDGM”.

“Working with Sunny Deol, an icon of Indian cinema, is an incredible honour and a dream come true. After Ghoomer, this opportunity is a significant milestone in my career. Have waited to be a part of a proper commercial film,” Saiyami said.

She added: “And I’m glad I have gotten this opportunity. Gopichand Malineni’s vision for the film is truly very exciting. I can’t wait to start this journey and bring our story to life.”

The actress is grateful to the producers for believing in her and giving her a chance to showcase her abilities on such a “grand platform.”

The film was officially launched on June 20 in Hyderabad. The shooting is set to commence on June 22.

The production banner Mythri Movie Makers on Thursday took to X and announced the film, tentatively titled ‘SDGM’.

“Make way for the biggest action film of the country – #SDGM. Starring Action Superstar @iamsunnydeol. Directed by @megopichand. Produced by @MythriOfficial and @peoplemediafcy,” the tweet read.

The tweet further stated: “MASS FEAST LOADING! Shoot begins soon. @MusicThaman @RishiPunjabi5 @artkolla.”

Gopichand Malineni, who primarily works in Telugu cinema, is known for films such as ‘Don Seenu’, ‘Bodyguard’, ‘Balupu’, ‘Pandaga Chesko’, ‘Winner’, and ‘Krack’. (Agency)

PM Modi’s choice of Kashmir as Yoga Day venue is symbolic & assertive

Srinagar, June 21 2024-

The decision by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold the 10th International Day of Yoga in J&K’s Srinagar city is both symbolic and assertive.

PM Modi chose to join the Yoga participants in Srinagar in the aftermath of a series of terror attacks in the Jammu division, including the one on innocent pilgrims in the Reasi district.

Nine pilgrims were killed and 44 injured in the Reasi terror attack on June 9 when terrorists first killed the driver of the bus and then kept firing at the overturned bus for 20 minutes to ensure that no pilgrim survived the cowardly attack.

The terror attack in Reasi and Kathua district followed the large participation of the people especially from the Valley in the Lok Sabha polls.

As the PM said the terror attacks were ‘the last ditch efforts of the enemies of Kashmir’s progress, India would teach them a befitting lesson’.

PM Modi chose Srinagar as the venue for the Yoga Day celebrations because he knew that the focus of the world would be on this event.

Yoga has caught the imagination of the world in such a large manner that has perhaps not been matched by any other event before.

A total of 177 countries at the UN supported the Indian resolution on Yoga which was passed in a record time of 90 days. Never before in the history of the UN has any other resolution been passed in such a record time.

It was under this backdrop that PM Modi decided to have the world’s attention focused on Kashmir by his presence in Srinagar.

Undeterred by the terror attacks, PM Modi made the big announcement that preparations for the Assembly elections are already underway and that the people of J&K would soon have an Assembly of elected representatives.

He also assured restoration of statehood to the UT saying that J&K would soon touch new heights of progress and prosperity with its statehood back.

This was a clear and loud message to the enemies of democracy in J&K. The country is determined to restore complete democracy in J&K and return political power to the elected members of the Legislative Assembly.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has already issued the primary notification asking the political parties to apply for election symbols.

In all likelihood, Assembly elections would be held in J&K before the deadline of September 30 set by the Supreme Court.

PM Modi also spoke about the security situation when he said that the Centre is determined to eradicate terrorism at all costs from the soil of J&K.

He referred to two security review meetings taken by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in this regard.

The detractors of PM Modi have been blaming him for denying the people of Kashmir a truly representative local government.

PM’s speech, which was watched by the World as he spoke from the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) by the banks of the Dal Lake, has put a full stop to his detractors.

The abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A on August 5, 2019, by Parliament removed the last barrier between J&K and the rest of the country.

PM Modi’s assurance of early Assembly elections and restoration of statehood would serve two national objectives — the promise of complete integration of J&K with the country and an equal share of democracy, progress and prosperity for the people here who have seen over 30 years of worst violence and uncertainty. (Agency)

Bollywood actor Ranvir Shorey confirmed as ‘Bigg Boss OTT 3’ contestant

Mumbai, June 21 2024-

Bollywood actor Ranvir Shorey will be seen as a contestant in the third season of “Bigg Boss OTT” hosted by Anil Kapoor.

A source close to IANS said that just like filmmaker-actress Pooja Bhatt was one of the biggest names in the controversial reality show last year, the third season has Ranvir Shorey.

Ranvir is known for his work in “Ek Chhotisi Love Story”, “Jism”, “Khosla Ka Ghosla”, “Traffic Signal”, “Bheja Fry” and “Mithya”. He was last seen on screen in Salman Khan-starrer “Tiger 3”

IANS had earlier confirmed names such as Sonam Khan, who featured in Bollywood films such as “Tridev” and “Vishwatma” to name a few, the viral “vada pav girl” Chandrika Dixit, Cheshta Bhagat and Nikhil Mehta, who were seen in the show “Temptation Island”, will be seen in the show.

Other names include television actress Sana Sultan, and content creator Vishal Pandey.

Several reports also claim that actress Sana Maqbul and journalist Deepak Chaurasia will be also seen in the show.

The digital version of the reality show, which itself is the spin-off version of Bigg Boss, first premiered in August 2021 with Karan Johar as the host for the OTT version. In 2023, Salman hosted the OTT version for the first time. (Agency)

Chandrababu Naidu returns to Assembly as CM two-and-half years after ‘humiliation’

Amaravati, June 21 2024-

Two-and-half years after walking out over alleged insulting remarks made against his family members, Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Friday returned to the Andhra Pradesh Assembly as Chief Minister.

Breaking down publicly over the humiliation he faced as the then leader of the opposition in November 2021, Chandrababu Naidu had vowed to return to the Assembly only after taking oath as the Chief Minister.

With the Telugu Desam Party-led alliance storming to power with a landslide majority in recent elections, Naidu entered the House as Chief Minister.

On the first day of the first session of the newly-elected Assembly, Naidu stepped into the House after bowing and touching the ground at the entrance.

Legislators of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and its allies accorded him a warm welcome. They raised slogans ‘Welcome to august House’ and ‘Truth has prevailed, democracy has won’. The TDP members were also carrying placards with Naidu’s picture.

The TDP supremo had not entered the House since November 19, 2021, when he walked out in protest against the highly objectionable remarks made by the then-ruling party members against his family members.

Alleging that the MLAs of YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) humiliated him by making personal remarks about his wife Bhuvaneswari, Naidu had turned emotional and broke down at a news conference later.

Stating that he never faced such humiliation in his political life, he likened the Assembly to ‘Kaurava Sabha’ and decided to boycott it till 2024.

The seasoned politician had said his wife never interfered in politics, but the YSRCP leaders dragged her name and resorted to character assassination.

The TDP President had said that he tolerated all the humiliations during the last two-and-a-half years but the ruling party crossed all limits.

Naidu had appealed to people to extend support to him in this fight for ‘dharma’.

In the elections held last month, TDP-Jana Sena-BJP alliance bagged 164 seats in the 175-member Assembly. YSRCP, which had 151 members in the previous Assembly, was reduced to just 11 seats.

The alliance also won 21 out of 25 Lok Sabha seats. (Agency)

People across the world celebrate International Day of Yoga

New Delhi, June 21 2024-

The International Day of Yoga is being celebrated in several countries across the world, including Japan, New Zealand, Thailand, and Malaysia, which witnessed enthusiastic participation in events organised by the Indian missions.

These events underscored the global appeal of yoga and its benefits for a healthy lifestyle.

In Japan, despite the inclement weather, the Indian Embassy in Tokyo celebrated the 10th International Day of Yoga at Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple. The event saw overwhelming participation from a large number of people.

The embassy shared pictures on X saying, “Rain or shine Yoga in Japan: Celebrations of the 10th IDY by the Indian Embassy in Tokyo at Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple witnessed an overwhelming participation from Japanese leadership, diplomats, Yoga enthusiasts & friends of India in Japan.”

In New Zealand, the Indian High Commission celebrated the day with Indian community members, Kiwi friends, and representatives of various yoga institutes.

The embassy posted, “10th International Day of Yoga 2024 was celebrated at the High Commission with Indian community members, Kiwi friends & representatives of various Yoga Institutes. Yoga has indeed become a global movement with a positive impact on many lives.”

In Thailand, several universities and institutions hosted yoga events in collaboration with the Indian Embassy.

At Siam University, an event saw significant participation from students and faculty and was graced by Thailand President Pornchai Mongkhonvanit.

In Papua New Guinea, the High Commission of India organised a yoga event in Port Moresby, attended by diaspora members, PNGeans, and diplomats.

“Diaspora, PNGeans and Diplomats joined to practice yoga at an event organised by the High Commission of India in Port Moresby. NCD Governor Powes Parkop encouraged the community to make it a mass movement spreading the benefits of yoga to communities,” the embassy shared in a post on X.

In Malaysia, a mega yoga celebration was held at the iconic Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, commemorating the yoga day. This event highlighted the widespread appreciation and adoption of yoga across diverse cultures and regions, further solidifying its role as a global movement for wellness and unity. (Agency)

Every Indian soldier is in a way a Yogi, says Rajnath Singh

New Delhi, June 21 2024-

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led the Armed Forces in celebrating the 10th International Day of Yoga on Friday, and said Indian soldiers are like Yogis.

He performed various Yoga asanas and breathing exercises with soldiers at 1 Corps in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande along with 600 people, including senior officers, Agniveers, families and children attended the event.

The Defence Minister said that the day is a matter of pride for the nation as the world is acknowledging and adopting this great cultural heritage of India with zeal. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking Yoga to the world.

On this year’s Yoga Day theme — ‘Yoga for Self and Society’ — Rajnath Singh said ‘Yoga’ and ‘Dhyan’ are ancient Indian practices which connect a person with oneself, family and society.

“Yoga and Dhyan are part of our culture, which has always been ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramaya’, that is, we pray for everyone’s happiness and good health. We pray for the welfare of the world. This is the speciality of our civilization. We believe in collaboration rather than a clash of civilizations,” he added.

Highlighting the benefits of this centuries-old practice, Rajnath Singh said that Yoga strengthens physical fitness, mental calmness and spiritual well-being. It helps in harnessing the aggressive capabilities which is important for the soldiers for the security of the country, he added.

Rajnath Singh said, “Every Indian soldier is, in a way, a Yogi. The world has been witness to the physical and mental fitness of our soldiers many times. Not only on the borders, their service to the nation during national calamities is a testament to their strong physical and mental health. The way they avoid unnecessary aggression in adverse circumstances and stand up aggressively to protect the integrity and sovereignty of the country, whenever needed, reinforces their identity of a Yogi.”

He exhorted the soldiers to continue practising Yoga daily as it unites the body and mind while acting as a stepping stone to achieve spiritual consciousness.

The Defence Minister pointed out that despite the availability of various resources, which provide comfort, people are unhappy, and suffering from stress as well as psychological and physical pressures.

He said, “Today, people are suffering from loneliness as they get separated from their families. There are several family dispute cases pending in court. Social media is creating psychological pressure and self-doubt among youth, leading to anxiety and depression. The latest facilities are essential as they are part of economic development, but they are limiting physical activities and increasing problems like diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. These problems can be dealt with Yoga.”

The Union Minister commended the soldiers of 1 Corps for displaying valour and dedication, whenever the country needed them. He recalled the crucial role played by the Corps in many operations, including ‘Operation Riddle’ of 1965, ‘Operation Cactus Lily’ of 1971, ‘Operation Pawan’ of 1987 and ‘Operation Cactus’ of 1988.

The Defence Minister emphasised that India is known as a country which never attacks another nation and is against expansionist imperial policies. He, however, maintained that India is fully capable of giving a strong response if its sovereignty is threatened in any way.

Minister of State (MoS), Defence, Sanjay Seth performed Yoga during a special session organised by the Indian Coast Guard at Dhanushkodi, the southernmost tip of Rameswaram island in Tamil Nadu. (Agency)

Manipur Guv asks DGP, Security Advisor to take prompt action against perpetrators of violence

Imphal, June 21 2024-

Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey on Thursday directed the Director General of Police and the Security Advisor to the state government to initiate prompt action against anyone involved in violence and take the necessary security measures in Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal, Churachandpur, and all the valley districts.

Security Advisor to the Manipur government, Kuldiep Singh, and state Director General of Police Rajiv Singh separately met the Governor and apprised her of the prevailing situation of the state and the action taken by the security forces to deal with the situation.

Raj Bhavan sources said that the Governor reviewed the prevailing security situation with the two officials.

The DGP briefed the Governor about the recent incidents in the Jiribam district and follow-up actions taken up by the state police with Central forces. He also informed her about the security measures taken to stop any eventuality at any point in time and at any part of the State.

The Governor directed the DGP to take up appropriate security measures to ensure the safety and security of the people and property in the state. She also asked the DGP to take up the appropriate scale of security coverage along the two national highways (NH 2 and NH 37) so as to enable free passage of petroleum products and other goods-laden vehicles, the sources said.

Uikey further asked the DGP to extend all possible help to the displaced people in Jiribam, which witnessed a wave of violence after the killing of 59-year-old farmer Soibam Saratkumar Singh on June 6. The Jiribam violence led to around 900 tribals belonging to the Kuki and Hmar communities taking shelter at the homes of relatives and friends in two villages in the Cachar district of southern Assam, while around 1,000 people, mostly belonging to the Meitei community, are now sheltered in seven relief camps in Jiribam.

A Raj Bhavan official said that the Security Advisor apprised the Governor about the security measures taken up in the state, especially in Jiribam. He informed the Governor that adequate security forces composed of state and Central security forces have been deployed at many vulnerable places including the interior areas of the district.

The DGP and the Security Advisor, who, along with Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi, attended the review meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Monday, earlier apprised Chief Minister N. Biren Singh about the meeting. (Agency)

Man claims sex change operation without his consent, case filed

Muzaffarnagar, June 21 2024-

In a bizarre incident, a 20-year-old man in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar has alleged that he was operated for sex change without his consent at a local hospital, the police said.

However, the hospital has claimed that the man underwent the sex reassignment process of his own will.

The 20-year-old man claimed that one Om Prakash used to molest him.

On June 3, the man said Om Prakash took him to the hospital, where he was sedated and deceptively made to undergo an operation.

When he woke up the next morning, he found his genitals were cut off.

“When I woke up, Om Prakash told me that I am a woman now and that he would take me to Lucknow to marry me. He threatened to kill my father if I resisted,” the man said, adding that the doctors and staff at the hospital were colluding with Om Prakash.

Based on a complaint by the man’s father on June 16, the police have arrested Om Prakash.

However, members of the Bharatiya Kisan Union staged a protest outside the hospital, alleging there was laxity in the police investigation.

According to farmer leader Shyam Pal, the doctors at the hospital were involved in the illegal organ trade.

“I believe there is a very big racket going on here where they remove vital organs of the body and sell them at a higher price,” he said.

Pal also demanded the government to direct the hospital to pay Rs 2 crore compensation to the man and his family.

Ramashish Singh, Circle Officer of Khatauli police station in Muzaffarnagar, said, “There was a case here in which a person was operated for sex change. His family members alleged that he was misled by another person and the operation was done. Whatever allegations have been made by them, have been taken into consideration. Further investigation is underway.”

However, hospital authorities denied the man’s claim that he was deceptively operated on.

According to Chief Medical Superintendent Kirti Goswami, the man had been coming to the hospital regularly for two months to meet Raza Farooqui, a plastic surgeon.

Goswami said that the man identified as a woman and wanted to undergo sex reassignment surgery.

The Chief Medical Superintendent said that Farooqui referred the man to two psychiatrists to assess his mental condition, which is a prerequisite before a sex-change operation as per law.

The man was operated on only after the two psychiatrists deemed him mentally fit.

“The man came here to get admitted on June 4 and his operation was conducted on June 6. All these procedures are legal and were conducted under the supervision of Farooqui,” Goswami added.

Goswami also claimed that the authorities had a video of the man before his operation, in which he could be seen talking about undergoing an operation to change his gender. (Agency)