Thousands do yoga in Chandigarh, Haryana

Chandigarh, June 21 2024-

Thousands on Friday participated in the 10th International Yoga Day events at several places in Chandigarh and Haryana.

In Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, the main event was held at the world-acclaimed Rock Garden, where a large number of people turned up early morning amidst cloudy skies and cool breeze to do yoga.

Punjab Governor and Union Territory Administrator Banwarilal Purohit joined nearly 2,000 people in the iconic Rock Garden.

In Haryana, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini led his Cabinet colleagues and government functionaries at the main event in Hisar town.

A majority of ministers attended the functions to mark the day at all the district headquarters.

This year’s theme was ‘Yoga for Self and Society’, highlighting how yoga not only enhances personal health but also contributes to social wellbeing.

In Punjab, Border Security Force (BSF) personnel performed yoga at zero line at the joint check post at Attari near Amritsar, under the supervision of DIG Brig Pawan Bajaj (retd). “A truly awe-inspiring spectacle!” wrote BSF in a post on X.

In Chandigarh, several yoga associations and non-governmental organisations participated in the event organised at over 100 locations, showcasing commitment to the promotion of yoga and wellbeing.

Renowned yoga guru Swami Lalji Maharaj along with journalists and their family members led by club president Nalin Acharya performed yoga in the Chandigarh Press Club premises here. (Agency)

Shilpa Shetty: PM Modi has played pivotal role in bringing yoga to the global stage

New Delhi, June 21 2024-

As the world celebrates International Yoga Day on Friday, actress Shilpa Shetty heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that he has played a pivotal role in bringing yoga to the global stage.

Talking about what she has to say about Prime Minister Modi’s role in taking yoga to the international level, Shilpa heaped praise on the iconic leader.

Shilpa told IANS: “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has played a pivotal role in bringing yoga to the global stage. His efforts, including the establishment of International Yoga Day, have significantly increased worldwide awareness and appreciation of yoga’s benefits.

“This has inspired millions to embrace yoga, fostering a healthier and more balanced lifestyle globally.”

The International Day of Yoga was proposed by the United Nations in 2014. The initiative for “Yoga Day” was taken by Prime Minister Modi in his 2014 UN address.

The actress, who herself strongly practices yoga, an ancient and complex practice, which promotes physical and mental well-being, urged everyone to adopt a disciplined lifestyle on the occasion of International Yoga Day.

“This means not just practicing yoga, but also keeping healthy habits like eating on time and maintaining a regular sleep schedule, awareness when you breathe. Yoga brings mental peace and many health benefits,” she said.

Shilpa, a mother of two, who is known for her svelte figure, also stressed to make yoga a part of her lifestyle.

“By spending just 20 minutes a day on simple asanas/breathing, you can improve your well-being and stay disciplined. Let’s make yoga a part of your lifestyle and enjoy its benefits together,” she said. (Agency)

PM Modi leads Yoga Day celebrations with hundreds of participants on banks of Dal Lake in Kashmir

Srinagar, June 21 2024-

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday greeted the people of the country and the World on the 10th International Day of Yoga while celebrating the event in J&K’s Srinagar city.

He told the participants here at the SKICC, located on the banks of Dal Lake, that it is in the sanguine environment of Kashmir and Srinagar that one gets the unique feeling of the strength that Yoga gives us.

“When we started this programme in 2014, 177 countries supported India’s move and that in itself is a record. In 2015 a record number of 35,000 people participated in the Yoga celebrations in Delhi. Last year, representatives from 130 countries participated in the Yoga celebrations in the US. I am happy that over 100 institutions have received World recognition for imparting the training of Yoga,” said the PM.

“Interest in Yoga and the awareness towards its benefits is fast increasing. At the global level, when I meet leaders they ask me about the benefits of Yoga. Great World leaders are making Yoga a part of their daily life. In 2015, I inaugurated a Yoga institute in Turkmenistan. In Saudi Arabia, Yoga has been included in the academic curriculum. In Mongolia, there is a Yoga centre today. In European countries also the interest in Yoga is increasing. In Germany, 1.50 crore people practice Yoga. 101 French women have dedicated themselves to the knowledge of Yoga and this they did without coming to India,” PM Modi mentioned.

“In the last 10 years, perception about Yoga has changed and today Yoga has become a movement. Authentic Yoga lessons are now available at airports and hotels. Markets are selling Yoga apparel and equipment. People are engaging Yoga trainers for personal fitness and this has increased employment avenues for our youth,” PM Modi said.

He said that the theme of the 10th International Yoga Day is ‘Yoga for Self & Society’ and the World is today looking at Yoga for help amid the tensions in daily life. Yoga gives us the opportunity for oneness of mind, body and soul. Focus is the most important part of life and this is achieved through meditation. Today Yoga is an essential part of training for the Army and the sports persons. In space projects, Yoga training is given to astronauts. Yoga classes are held for inmates in jails.”

“I am sure that the inspiration of Yoga will help tourism in Kashmir. Today, rain created some problems, but the interest in Yoga in Kashmir is highly encouraging. Today, 50 to 60 thousand people participated in Yoga in Kashmir despite inclement weather and for this, I greet the people of J&K,” PM Modi said.

Heavy rain interrupted the outdoor Yoga celebrations and the programme got delayed till 7.45 a.m. because of heavy showers in Srinagar city.

PM Modi and Lt Governor Manoj Sinha participated in the 10th International Yoga Day.

After the celebrations PM Modi interacted with Yoga practitioners on the banks of the Dal Lake. He also took selfies with young participants on the lawns of the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) before he left the venue for Raj Bhawan. The PM is flying back to Delhi in the day. (Agency)

CM Mann asks probationer IAS officers to perform their duties with utmost dedication

Chandigarh, June 20, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday called upon the probationer IAS officers of the 2023 cadre allotted to the state to discharge their duties with utmost dedication, sincerity, honesty and professional commitment.

Interacting with the five probationer officers Aaditya Sharma, Sunil, Sonam, Kritika Goyal and Rakesh Kumar Meena, who called him at his official residence, the Chief Minister advised the officers to render their services to the best of their ability for delivering the goals of good governance, effective delivery of citizen centric services and time-bound implementation of welfare and development schemes.

He expressed hope that these new IAS officers of 2023 batch will play a pivotal role in taking the state to the zenith of its glory adding he called upon the officers to serve the public with missionary zeal.

Congratulating the officers for cracking the coveted IAS Exam successfully, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these officers had got selected exclusively on the basis of their hard work, merit and capability.

The Chief Minister exhorted the officers to utilize their education and training for the betterment of the people by becoming their friend and guide. He expressed hope that the officers will set a new benchmark in public service by dealing with the people in a humane manner.

Stressing upon right planning and its effective implementation, Bhagwant Singh Mann advised the probationers that understanding of constitution is most important for them, which will help them while discharging their duties at different levels.

Wishing them a promising career and a bright future ahead, the Chief Minister asked the officers to serve the society with full enthusiasm and devotion.

He said that it is imperative for cherishing the aspirations of the people by implementing the policies and programs of the state government in the right earnest. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is making concerted efforts for carving out a Rangla Punjab adding that the new officers are welcomed to be part of the team working on this mission.

Excise policy case: Delhi court grants bail to CM Kejriwal, rejects ED’s plea

New Delhi, June 20, 2024
A Delhi court on Thursday granted bail to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with a money laundering case related to the alleged excise policy scam.

Vacation Judge Niyay Bindu of the Rouse Avenue Court had earlier in the day reserved the order on CM Kejriwal’s bail plea.

Notably, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) sought a 48-hour deferral in signing the bail bond following the court’s pronouncement of the order. The ED’s request aimed to allow sufficient time to challenge the order before the appellate court.

However, the presiding judge firmly denied the ED’s plea for a stay on the order. The trial court said the bail bond must be presented before the duty judge on Friday as per the court’s directive.

The judge also heard CM Kejriwal’s application to allow his wife Sunita Kejriwal to be present during his medical examination.

While the court had on Wednesday said that it won’t reserve the order, it had also extended CM Kejriwal’s judicial custody in the excise policy case after hearing arguments at length on his regular bail plea.

“I will not reserve the order. Everyone knows it is a high-profile matter. I will pass the order after hearing it,” Judge Niyay Bindu had said as she posted the continuation of the hearing for Thursday.

On Wednesday, the court heard arguments from CM Kejriwal’s counsel, while the ED also presented its case but could not complete it.

The judge had deferred the hearing to Thursday, stating: “I have to pass some orders (in other cases) and give ‘dasti’ (service of notice in person) copies.”

The judge had also heard CM Kejriwal’s application to allow his wife Sunita Kejriwal to be present during his medical examination, with the court awaiting a report from Tihar Jail on the matter.

The judge had clarified that the central agency had no role in CM Kejriwal’s request for treatment inside the jail.

During the bail arguments, senior advocate Vikram Chaudhary, representing CM Kejriwal, had contended that the case against him relied on statements from individuals who were allegedly promised bail for supporting the ED’s case.

He had also questioned the credibility of these witnesses and suggested their statements were made under duress after failing to obtain bail.

Chaudhary also cited the timing of CM Kejriwal’s arrest before the Lok Sabha elections, suggesting it was politically motivated.

He argued that there was no material evidence or money trail against CM Kejriwal, describing the investigation as “the biggest instrument of oppression”.

Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, representing the ED, had argued that CM Kejriwal had not been summoned as an accused but was now facing charges after the special court took cognisance of the money laundering offence.

He had said that the credibility of the statements could only be assessed during the trial, not at the bail stage while adding that inducements given to the approvers were lawful and necessary for obtaining evidence.

He argued that CM Kejriwal was liable not only in his personal capacity, but also as the head of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), alleging he had demanded a bribe of Rs 100 crore.(Agency)

J&K will soon have elected Assembly, statehood back, says PM Modi

Srinagar, June 20, 2024
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday assured the people of J&K that they will soon have an elected Assembly and attain new heights of prosperity with its statehood coming back.

Addressing a gathering of youth and others at the SKICC, he said: “You will soon choose your own government and J&K will prosper with its statehood.”

The PM said that India has joined its new era of strengthening democracy and J&K has made a great contribution towards this by participating in record-breaking numbers in the Lok Sabha elections.

“J&K has lived up to Atalji’s (former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee) vision of ‘Jamhooriyat, Insaniyat and Kashmiriyat’. You have made the victory of democracy possible in J&K and our efforts of the last ten years have borne fruit.

Our daughters and members of the underprivileged classes, Pakistani refugees, Valmiki Samaj, and safai karamcharis have got the right to vote. Members of Valmiki Samaj have got ST status. For the first time, seats have been reserved for STs in the Assembly.”

“OBC reservations have been made in Panchayats. The letter and spirit of our Constitution is to change the lives of people for the better by empowering them. Today, we are living our constitution. We are looking for new avenues to help J&K.

The country’s constitution has been implemented in J&K. Governments at the Centre in the past haven’t done this and they are responsible for the troubles of the people here,” he added.

“The wall of Article 370 has been brought down. The change is clearly visible to the whole world. Those who attended the G-20 summit here appreciate the change in J&K. Today, children play in Lal Chowk, the youth go to cinemas and this makes the hearts and minds of the citizens outside J&K filled with pride and satisfaction.

Sports car shows on the banks of the Dal Lake were seen by everybody. We are now talking of record-breaking arrivals of tourists here. Last year, over 2 crore tourists came here. This supports the livelihood of the local people,” he said.

PM Modi reiterated that everything he does has been with total commitment and absolute sincerity.

“We want to end the distance whether it is of ‘Dil’ or Delhi. Funds used to come from the Centre in the past as well. But, we ensure that every penny that comes to J&K is spent for the welfare of the people.

“I have today sanctioned over Rs 1,800 crore for the ‘Empowering youth, Transforming J&K’ initiative. I have also sanctioned Rs 1,500 crore for agriculture and allied sector.”

“The J&K administration has employed 40,000 youth in government service during the last 5 years. I have given appointment letters to over 2,000 youth in government service today. J&K is going to become the startup hub of the country.

There is huge potential among local youth for sports. They can compete at national and international events.

I have met youth today who have created startups to modernise agriculture. I have seen startups in IT, cyber security, food products etc. These youth have so much to say and it gave me immense pleasure to listen to their commitment and zeal,” he said.

PM Modi said that 50 degree colleges had been opened in J&K in the last 10 years and given the record of the past 70 years, it was no mean achievement.

“Today, every district in J&K has a modern sports stadium. In the ‘Khelo India’ initiative, 100 sports centres were opened and 4,500 youth were trained for national and international events. “Kashmir is the winter sports capital of the country. In future, national and international winter sports events will take place here,” he said.

He, however, noted that the enemies of J&K were making last-ditch efforts to stop the progress of J&K.

“We have taken serious notice of recent terrorist incidents. The Home Minister has taken a review of the security in J&K with the local administration. I want to assure you that we will teach a lesson to the enemies of J&K,” he said to loud applause from the gathering.(Agency)

Farhan Akhtar finally has an answer to frequently asked question: When is ‘Mirzapur 3’ coming?

Mumbai, June 20, 2024
Bollywood multi-hyphenate Farhan Akhtar on Thursday attended the trailer launch of his home production ‘Mirzapur 3’ along with the star cast of the much-anticipated series.

Speaking about the large fan following enjoyed by the crime thriller across the globe, Farhan said, “Wherever I go in the world, I face three questions. First, ‘What I’m doing there?’ Second, ‘When is ‘Mirzapur 3’ coming?’ And third, ‘When is ‘Don 3’ coming?’. I’m glad that I have answers to all three questions now,” sending the packed ballroom into splits.

The filmmaker-producer-actor, however, refrained from making any remark on ‘Don 3’, which has been facing the wrath of a section of the fans for replacing Shah Rukh Khan with Ranveer Singh for the titular role.

‘Mirzapur’, which belongs to the second generation of web content, is set to return with its third season that will drop on Amazon Prime on July 5.

The trailer of the upcoming season promises more blood, gore, drama, and politics.(Agency)

IndiGo ties up with Garuda to train fresh pilots

New Delhi, June 20, 2024
Leading low-cost carrier IndiGo has partnered with Garuda Aviation Academy to train fresh pilots as future junior first officers, under the airline’s Cadet Pilot Program.

This is the eighth partnership for cadet pilot program by IndiGo in the last 13 years, the airline said on Thursday.

The 21-month course also includes three-month ground schooling at Garuda Aviation Academy training centre in Gurugram, followed by 12-months of training at 43 Air School in South Africa, which has a track record of training 6,000 plus ab-initio pilots over the years, according to an IndiGo statement.

Over the past 13 years, IndiGo has inducted over 1,000 pilots through these full training programmes, which include commercial pilot license and A320 type rating, the statement added.

Captain Ashim Mittra, IndiGo’s senior vice president-flight operations, said: “This initiative also aligns with the Government of India’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) mission, fortifying our commitment to connecting with smaller and medium-sized towns and cities. At IndiGo, we focus on the personal and professional growth of our pilots.”(Agency)

Golf: Diksha Dagar to defend her LET title in Czech Republic

Beroun (Czech Rep), June 20, 2024
India’s top star on the Ladies European Tour, Diksha Dagar, will defend her title this week at the Tipsport Czech Ladies Open. Last year, her win at the event was her second career win. The Indian star secured a three-shot victory at Royal Beroun Golf Club to win her second title, five years after her first.

Being back in Beroun is special for Dagar, who will have her father Narinder on her bag once again, and she is relishing the opportunity to defend and potentially retain her crown. Apart from Diksha the other Indians in the field are rookies Pranavi Urs, Tvesa Malik and Vani Kapoor, and Ridhima Dilawari.

“It’s always amazing to be back here as a defending champion because it is a very rare opportunity to defend your title and it’s a new challenge for me,” she said. “I would love to win again. If I can do that, it will be a mark off my bucket list. I remember on the second day I played seven-under; I remember every shot and every hole because it was very precious to me.

“It is always a special moment having your parent in your bag, especially your family. This year he will be my caddie and he also knows about the course well, it’s going to be so exciting for us.”

After her victory, the two-time LET winner recorded a further five top-10 finishes that season as she finished third in the 2023 Race to Costa del Sol.

It’s been a good start to the 2024 season for Dagar, who has had four top-10 finishes to date on the LET and sits 10th in the Order of Merit.

Coming off the back of a T6 at last week’s Ladies Italian Open, the 23-year-old believes she is in good form and is hoping to carry some positive vibes.

She continued: “This golf course is in the same condition as last year. The greens are smaller, I love smaller greens on the golf course. The greens are a bit different from last week in Italy, I have to read carefully because it will be more challenging.

“I feel I am keeping up my game and going in a very good momentum. I’m super excited to play in this tournament.

“I played in the Pro-Am and put really well, made lots of birdies. I feel there are going to be some positive vibes coming in and I’m sure I can do well and finish in the top 10 again.”

Having been successful around this golf course previously alongside her form, Dagar is hopeful that her third LET title is just around the corner.

She added: “I always enjoy here. Before winning in Czech last year, I was playing well, I was in the leading group in Germany and also Belgium.

“I was hoping that I was very close to winning and finally it happened, after a long gap of five years. This year is the same, I finished in the top ten last week, so I feel I am getting closer to the win.”

The 2023 champion gets her title defence underway at 1.14 pm (local time) on June 21 alongside Czechia’s Klara Davison Spilkova and Spain’s Nuria Iturrioz.

The Indian star secured a three-shot victory at Royal Beroun Golf Club to win her second title, five years after her first.

Being back in Beroun is special for Dagar, who will have her father Narinder on her bag once again, and she is relishing the opportunity to defend and potentially retain her crown. “It’s always amazing to be back here as a defending champion because it is a very rare opportunity to defend your title and it’s a new challenge for me,” she said.

“I would love to win again. If I can do that, it will be a mark off my bucket list. I remember on the second day I played seven-under; I remember every shot and every hole because it was very precious to me.

“It is always a special moment having your parent in your bag, especially your family. This year he will be my caddie and he also knows about the course well, it’s going to be so exciting for us.”

After her victory, the two-time LET winner recorded a further five top-10 finishes that season as she finished third in the 2023 Race to Costa del Sol. It’s been a good start to the 2024 season for Dagar, who has had four top-10 finishes to date on the LET and sits 10th in the Order of Merit.

Coming off the back of a T6 at last week’s Ladies Italian Open, the 23-year-old believes she is in good form and is hoping to carry some positive vibes.

She continued: “This golf course is in the same condition as last year. The greens are smaller, I love smaller greens on the golf course. The greens are a bit different from last week in Italy, I have to read carefully because it will be more challenging.

“I feel I am keeping up my game and going in a very good momentum. I’m super excited to play in this tournament.

“I played in the Pro-Am and putted really well, made lots of birdies. I feel there are going to be some positive vibes coming in and I’m sure I can do well and finish in the top 10 again.”(Agency)

Pune Horror: Missing woman’s body found in water tanker; suicide or murder?

Pune (Maharashtra), June 20, 2024
In another shocker from Pune, a woman’s body was found in a water tanker that had come to supply water to a parched locality in the Fursungi area of Hadapsar, sending officials into a tizzy on Thursday.

An officer from the Hadapsar police station said the incident came to light when the tanker operators connected a pipe to provide water to the crowd gathered at the Power House neighbourhood.

When they started the valve, the water stopped coming after some time, as the operators disconnected the pipe to check if there was some problem in the valve.

As they opened the outlet, a piece of cloth was found stuck inside it following which one attendant climbed atop the tanker to peek inside. To his shock, he saw a woman’s body at the bottom of the water.

The tanker operators immediately informed the police who retrieved the body and launched a probe, as the incident sparked a sensation in the locality with a large crowd gathering to catch a glimpse of the victim.

The officer said that soon afterward the police confirmed that a missing woman’s complaint was lodged at the Kondhwa police station recently, who was identified as Kaushalya M. Morya (25).

The police tracked the victim’s family members who reached the spot and confirmed the deceased woman’s identity.

The police have sent the body to the Sassoon General Hospital for an autopsy before handing it over to the family for the last rites.

“After the autopsy report is received, we shall be able to confirm if it was an accident, murder, or suicide. We are also questioning the victim’s family and others as to why she had gone missing,” the officer said.(Agency)