Home Blog Page 9452

North Korea supports Russia’s war with Ukraine as ‘legitimate act of self-defence’

Seoul, June 24 2024-

North Korea on Monday criticised the US for its military support of Ukraine and supported Russia’s actions as a “legitimate act of self-defence,” underscoring the growing military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang.

“If the rulers of the US persist in recklessly pushing their war machine into Ukraine for a proxy war against Russia, it will inevitably provoke a stronger response from Russia,” Pak Jong Chon, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers’ Party of Korea, said in a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency.

Pak further said, “It is Russia’s right to self-defence to make a strategic counterattack to defend its security from the ever-aggravating threat posed by hostile forces. Any responsive action taken by Russia will be a legitimate act of self-defence.”

Last week, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un expressed “full support” for Russia’s war in Ukraine and pledged to strengthen strategic cooperation with Moscow as he held summit talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Pyongyang, reports Yonhap news agency.

“We will always stand together with the Russian army and people in a just struggle to defend sovereign rights, strategic stability, and the territorial integrity of their country,” Pak said.

In particular, Pak criticised the US for recently expanding its agreement with Ukraine to strike over the border inside Russian territory wherever Russian forces are engaging in cross-border attacks into Ukraine, not just in the Kharkiv region as was previously signed.

“This time, the US has gone so far as to allow the Ukrainian neo-Nazis to strike any part of Russian territory at their will,” Pak said. (Agency)

Three superstar Divas of yore relive their part in Kashmir

Asha-Parekh,-Waheeda-Rehman-and-Helen-in-kashmir

Srinagar, June 24 2024-

Three Bollywood legendary Divas of yore, Asha Parekh, Waheeda Rehman and Helen are presently holidaying in Kashmir to relive their glorious past.

Every wave of the famous Dal Lake on which the three took a ‘Shikara’ ride together in a single boat on Sunday, reminded them of the glorious past and the mesmerising, never-ending attachment they have with Kashmir.

For Asha Parekh, this Lake in addition to the hill stations of Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg come with a resounding reminder of ‘Light, Camera and action’.

Her most superhit movies including the first in the long list of her great successes ‘Dil Deke Dekho’ was shot in Kashmir in 1959.

In fact her widely believed romantic relationship with the director of ‘Dil Deke Dekho’, Nasir Hussain owed itself to their long association with Kashmir.

This movie was followed by her second superior movie, ‘Phil Wohi Dil Laya Hoon’ again shot in Kashmir in 1963 and directed by Nasir Hussain.

This was followed by another Asha Parekh superhit movie shot in Kashmir in 1965, ‘Mere Sanam’ and ‘Caravan’ in 1971. ‘Caravan’ was again directed by Nasir Hussain.

The slender long poplar trees lining the two sides of the road where the famous song of ‘Mere Sanam’ movie ‘Pukarta Chala Hoon Main’, was filmed, today form the ‘green tunnel’ arching the road patch on the two sides as these poplar trees have grown tall and mighty over the years.

Thus, for Asha Parakh this visit has been ‘a pilgrimage into her past’ as she told people she met at ‘The Lalit Grand Palace’ where the trio is staying in Srinagar city.

Yash Chopra’s ‘Kabhi Kabhi’ shot in the Valley in 1976 became a landmark love story and Waheeda Rehman stayed in the same 5-star hotel in 1976 where she is staying these days in Srinagar.

For Helen, who featured as a supporting actress in more than 1000 movies, ‘Junglee’ 1961, ‘Dus Lakh’ 1966, ‘Caravan’ 1971 and another dozen such movies featuring Helen were shot in the picturesque locales of the Valley.

By having breakfast on the sprawling lawns of ‘The Lalita Grand Palace’ hotel that overlooks the Dal Lake in Srinagar, the three great artists of Indian cinema are reliving their past.

The days that went by took away the years of glory and fame like the wind sweeping the sands of a desert. (Agency)

IOA plannning for comprehensive support schemes for former Olympians

New Delhi, June 23 2024-

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is set to introduce comprehensive medical health insurance and pension schemes for all former Olympians.

The announcement was made by IOA President and legendary athlete PT Usha on Sunday, marking a significant step towards athlete-centric reforms within the organisation.

Speaking at an event honouring Gurbachan Singh Randhawa on International Olympic Day, Usha revealed that she has proposed these recommendations to the IOA’s Executive Committee, which is expected to deliberate on the initiative soon. The IOA plans to independently fund these expenses, underscoring its commitment to the well-being of former athletes who have brought glory to the nation.

“The IOA is committed to taking athlete-centric steps, and one of these is providing medical insurance and pension for all our ex-Olympians,” Usha said. “We have submitted the proposal to the Executive Committee for all ex-Olympians. It is a small gesture from the IOA to support our former athletes. We must remember and support all our ex-Olympians.”

The inspiration for this proposal came to Usha after witnessing the struggles of former Indian archer Limba Ram, who has been battling severe health issues. Limba, once a beacon of hope in Indian archery, now faces significant health challenges, highlighting the pressing need for a robust support system for retired athletes.

Usha’s proposal aims to ensure that no former Olympian has to endure financial hardship in the face of medical emergencies or during their post-retirement years. This initiative is a testament to the IOA’s recognition of the sacrifices and contributions of athletes who have represented India on the grandest stage of all—the Olympic Games.

The proposed medical health insurance scheme will cover a wide range of medical expenses, ensuring that former Olympians receive the best possible care without the burden of financial strain. The pension scheme, on the other hand, will provide a steady source of income, helping athletes maintain a dignified standard of living after their retirement from competitive sports. (Agency)

Cricket in 2028 Olympics will be a unique experience for players: Pietersen

New Delhi, June 24 2024-

Former England skipper Kevin Pietersen believes that playing in the Olympic Games would be the “most unbelievable experience” for a cricketer. Reflecting on his own illustrious career, which includes winning a T20 World Cup and memorable victories against cricketing giants like India and Australia, the 43-year-old emphasised the unique prestige and excitement for the quadrennial extravaganza.

Cricket has been added to the Olympics for the 2028 Games. As per ICC, the Games is estimated to have an audience of more than 3 billion viewers across TV and digital platforms. The global sport will be part of the Olympic Games programme for the first time since 1900.

“I never played an Olympic game. I was lucky enough to win a T20 World Cup, and playing in the World Cups, and beat India here, and beat Australia in Australia. But when you look at the opportunity for these guys to play in the Olympic games, that’s pretty cool. Golf came in Olympics a couple of games ago, Justin Rose won the first one, he’s a buddy of mine. He said it’s the most unbelievable experience to play in the Olympic games,” Pietersen said in Podcast series ‘180 Not Out’.

“It’s something that you don’t do! For cricket, it is winding back the clock and going into the Olympic games. That’s quite something. Just a unique experience! I think it’s more of an experience because it comes around every four years. It’s not like an IPL which comes around every April-May. It’s not like a SA’20, The Hundred, or one of these competitions. It’s something that happens every four years. You go for the gold, but you take an experience,” he added.

Former South Africa opener Hashim Amla, who also appeared on the podcast, noted the tough decision players face between franchise leagues and international cricket amid the sport’s rising popularity.

“It’s really tugging at (players)… national team seems to be tugging the shirt at one side and franchise cricket at the other end. It’s put players in a type of dilemma of which way to go and how do they want their career to be. It’s a very tough decision to make. I think, you’ll have to make sure that the Olympic sports is in a gap so it doesn’t clash with any other league if you were to have a pure Olympic. How they do it I don’t know, but I hope they do,” said Amla.

Former Indian pacer S Sreesanth, who was in the 2011 World Cup winning team, said if India wins a gold medal in Los Angeles Olympics, that would be “icing on the cake”.

“I will pick Olympics because whenever we won the world cup … and I’m from Kerala, a land of Olympians .. whenever in track and field, they go, ‘Olympians’ is written in front of their house. For me it’s like an Oscar, but Oscars happen every year and Olympics happen once in four years, just like the World Cup. It will be the epitome if India wins the Olympic gold medal. That would be icing on the cake,” said Sreesanth. (Agency)

Two Pune cops face heat; L3 bar sealed for ‘serving’ drugs to minor

Pune (Maharashtra), June 24 2024-

In an all-night operation, the Pune Police raided and sealed a posh bar in the city for allegedly ‘serving’ drugs to minors and also turned the heat on two police officials for purported dereliction of duty, officials said here on Monday.

The Pune Police teams swooped on the Liquid Leisure Lounge (L3) in the posh Fergusson College Road vicinity after a social media video surfaced showing a couple of minor boys consuming drugs in the restaurant washroom with a rocking party in the background, early on Sunday.

Following an uproar, Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar ordered a probe and a police team swooped on L3 last night and conducted a thorough search operation after which they sealed the premises early today.

A police official told mediapersons that as per available information, the establishment would shut down the front entrance at 1.30, but permitted sneak entry from the backdoor and the partying continued practically till dawn, videos of which leaked out.

The police have also nabbed the L3 owner Santosh Kamthe, franchisee Ravi Maheshwari, manager Manas Malik and a couple of staffers Utkarsh Deshmane and Yogendra Girafe, who will be produced before a Pune Magistrate court later today, said an official.

Simultaneously, the Pune police have cracked down on two of its cops, including one police inspector and an assistant police inspector, for alleged dereliction of duty as the establishment falling in their jurisdiction blatantly flouted rules and the cops turned a blind eye to the goings-on right under their noses.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the matter was serious and promised stringent efforts to make Pune drug-free as also the rest of Maharashtra.

Newly-elected Pune MP and Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar K. Mohol said that such incidents were giving a bad image to Pune and assured strong action.

NCP(SP) state President Jayanti Patil, along with the other two Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) demanded the resignation of Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis for what they claimed was the total collapse of the law and order situation in the state.

Congress MLA Ravindra Dhangekar and Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Deputy Leader Sushma Andhare slammed the regime for the series of crimes that have rocked Pune in the past few months with the state government unable to control the downslide despite huge anger among the people. (Agency)

Sonakshi-Zaheer pose for paparazzi in red & white as celebrities troop in for all-night party

Mumbai, June 24 2024-

With the legal formalities for their civil marriage completed and the after party picking up pace on Sunday night, newly-wed Sonakshi Sinha, looking resplendent in a custom red, ‘chand boota’ brocade Raw Mango sari, and sporting a prominent sindoor, posed for the paparazzi with her husband, Zaheer Iqbal.

Zaheer, in all white, looked a picture of happiness, and the couple oozed natural warmth as they posed for pictures outside the wedding reception venue, Bastian, the restaurant on Linking Road, Mumbai, that is famous for its Asian-inspired modernist cuisine.

After the formal photo shoot, the newly-weds joined the paparazzi for a group picture, much to the delight of the shutterbugs who had been trailing them through the day.

Sonakshi and Zaheer were joined later by Shatrughan Sinha, the bride’s father, Bollywood veteran and newly-elected Trinamool Congress MP from Asansol, and his wife Poonam.

The steady flow of celebrities, starting with Saira Bano and the ageless Rekha, continued as the evening melted into the night and DJ Ganesh pumped up the music, mostly Bollywood numbers.

Among the early arrivals were Aditi Rao Hydari (‘Bibbojaan’), Sonakshi’s ‘Heeramandi’ co-star, and her fiance (and South Indian star) Siddharth. Other ‘Heeramandi’ actresses who were seen joining the high-decibel party included Richa Chadha (with ‘Guddu Bhaiyya’ Ali Fazal) and Sanjeeda Shaikh.

Manisha Koirala, the ‘Heeramandi’ diva, sent flowers to convey her best wishes because she could not attend the wedding as a result of prior commitments.

Zaheer’s ‘Ruslaan’ cast mate, Aayush Sharma, the brother-in-law of Salman Khan, who played Cupid to the newly-weds, was among the early arrivals as well.

Others seen making a beeline to the reception venue included Vidya Balan and her husband Siddharth Roy Kapur; Huma Qureishi and her brother Saqib Saleem; Tabu, who greeted the paparazzi with a wink; Anil Kapoor, Chunky Panday, Raveena Tandon, and Kajol, whose hand-painted Shivan-Narresh silk sari drew uncharitable comments on social media.

The celebrity entry that got the shutterbugs most excited, though, was that of Yo Yo Honey Singh, who flaunted an electric-blue jacket. He was greeted with joyful exclamations and requests to break into a song.

The reception theme is black and red. A team of decorators was hard at work at Bastian earlier in the day arranging an array of red flowers and rolling out the red carpet.

Sonakshi and Zaheer, the man she lovingly describes as her ‘personal psycho’, had been dating for the past seven years. Salman, who gave Sonakshi her Bollywood break in the action-comedy ‘Dabbang’ (2010), played Cupid.

Zaheer, too, made his debut in a Salman Khan-produced film — ‘Notebook’ — where he was cast opposite another newbie, Pranutan Bahl, daughter of actor Mohnish Bahl, and granddaughter of Nutan.

It is said that Salman introduced Sonakshi to Zaheer on the sets of ‘Notebook’ in 2017. (Agency)

T20 World Cup: Sign language commentary becomes boon for deaf cricket fans in India

New Delhi, June 24 2024-

When Jasprit Bumrah castled Muhammad Rizwan on the first ball of the 15th over in the India-Pakistan clash of the 2024 T20 World Cup, it brought the crowd at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York back to life.

Across households in India, a feeling of jubilation spread as Bumrah’s dismissal proved to be a turning point in the game, favoring their side. How did India’s deaf community perceive the feeling of joy when Bumrah dismissed Rizwan?

Positioned at the bottom right-hand corner of television and digital screens in India, a female sign language interpreter swiftly communicated the happiness around the dismissal in the game through her animated expressions and precise hand gestures.

The inclusion of sign language interpretation in the Hindi commentary feeds on Star Sports 3 and Disney+ Hotstar for India’s matches is the outcome of a partnership established from IPL 2024 between the broadcasters and India Signing Hands, a Mumbai-based organization dedicated to addressing accessibility challenges for the deaf community in India.

“It was such a close match, like everybody thought India was going to lose. Then at the last moment, the situation became so strong in the match that everybody was hooked to their screen. Even deaf people really enjoyed the sign language translation because of those strong emotions and the strong words that the commentators were using. So it became a very gripping match,” says Mansi Shah, a sign language interpreter, in a telephonic conversation with IANS.

According to estimates provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2023, India is home to a deaf community of approximately 63 million individuals. Hence, it makes sign language interpretation crucial for effective communication and comprehension between deaf individuals and those with normal hearing.

Mansi confidently acknowledges sign language as her native tongue with no hesitation. Mansi, a certified interpreter, naturally communicates through sign language due to being raised by deaf parents. She states how sign language interpretation is providing a feeling of belonging to deaf cricket viewers in India.

“To have something like this happen is actually very monumental because this is being done for the first time in the world and in India, we know how big cricket is. Plus, deaf people have always loved cricket, and just like any other fans, they are crazy about it.

“Then, for them to see that ‘oh, I’m having sign language to see in the match’. That feeling to just sit and watch the match along with their hearing counterparts, and be included in the game, has been amazing,” she adds.

Mansi remembers how deaf people had a limited viewing experience of cricket matches without sign language. “They could only see the score, wickets and whatever graphics would be on the screen. But now with ISL interpretation, they are able to learn so many facts shared by the commentators, like there are so many jokes that are cracked during the match.

“Now they’re actually able to feel that vibe – like when you hear the commentary, you feel a certain way, right? That commentary being interpreted by the interpreter on the screen has actually really changed the whole accessibility game to watch cricket in India, because deaf people can now watch and understand the happenings in a game. It’s become so much more accessible to them and they are now feeling more inclusive.”

To prepare for the Men’s T20 World Cup, Mansi and other sign language interpreters like Priya Sundaram, Shivoy Sharma, Kinjal Shah, and Namra Shah, teamed up with sign language experts to devise signs for cricket-related terminology and establish signage representations for certain cricketers.

To increase precision, several deaf cricketers joined the team and provided valuable feedback on sign language interpretation for the tournament. Interpreters use hand gestures to show the direction of a shot, the trajectory of a delivery, and extras conceded.

If a ball or shot is an absolute peach in a dire situation, it is conveyed via the perfect sign, where the thumb and index finger are in a circle, with the other fingers straight or relaxed away from the palm. “Just like Hindi, Marathi or English, every language has its own grammar, which encapsulates the emotions. So, when you want to express yourself, you use grammar, and words in the language to express yourself.

“Similarly, in sign language, if you want to express your emotions or you want to express something, you do it through the grammar, which is a facial expression, or via body movement, and the shapes of your hands. All of this is the sign language grammar through which the interpreter can expresses themselves.

“In a game, it is a very exciting moment where the catch is taken, and you can see that expression on the interpreter’s face as well. So that is how deaf people are able to connect with what is being said, because the facial expressions hold huge importance for deaf listeners.

“Hearing people can hear and listen, but deaf people cannot hear. So they consume through their visual sense, which is their eyesight. For them, it’s all about their eyes, which is why sign language is called a visual language,” elaborates Mansi.

The deaf community has received an abundance of cricketing wisdom in the past few months, which has left them with a profound sense of importance, which they never experienced before.

“Earlier, what would happen is they would sit with their families to watch, but they would ask, ‘Oh, what happened? Can you tell me what did he say?’ Then their relative would explain, but it would be very brief and it made them feel neglected.”

“They always felt, ‘Oh, I’m not satisfied. I want to know more about what happened’. But they had no option, and had to just keep quiet. Now they can independently watch it; they don’t need to depend on anyone. So that independence is kind of empowering a community to learn and dream.”

“If tomorrow, just by looking at this interpretation, so many young deaf children dream about, ‘Oh, I want to become a cricketer’, it would mean that this is opening up more avenues for them. We hope that this is not the end. All of us in the entire community want to do even more for them,” adds Mansi.

Mansi’s voice fills with delight as she reveals her parents’ sheer happiness in watching matches being communicated through sign language, and of their new-found eagerness to seek similar interpretations of other visual mediums.

“Previously, it never mattered to them – Hindi or English broadcast, because they could not hear it. But now to see sign language interpretation there, it was such a moment of pride, like they said, ‘Okay, our language is being given to you on broadcast after so long.’ So they are very, very overwhelmed, and are now just demanding, ‘Give me this movie or series in sign language’.

“So the demands have gone through the roof. We’re all ready to give them anything and everything in sign language. I do really hope that the sign language movement translates to other sports in the country as well.

“The thing is that now just open the floodgates, and why not? Everything can be done and it’s not like, ‘Oh, this or that cannot be done’. Just like hearing people are sitting and consuming content, the same can be done in sign language. So again, the whole world’s an oyster when it comes to that now,” she said. (Agency)

Mandhana’s masterclass and Reddy’s brilliance trounce South Africa 3-0

Bengaluru, June 23 2024-

India clinched a six-wicket victory over South Africa in the third and final ODI, securing a 3-0 series sweep at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday. The triumph was highlighted by Smriti Mandhana’s scintillating batting display and Arundhati Reddy’s sharp bowling.

Mandhana, a crowd favourite, led India’s chase of 216 with a masterful 90 off 83 balls, narrowly missing out on a century. Her performance capped off an exceptional series, where she amassed 343 runs, including two centuries in the earlier games. This tally set a new record for the most runs in a three-match women’s series, surpassing Laura Wolvaardt’s 335 against Sri Lanka in April 2024.

Mandhana’s innings featured an array of exquisite shots, particularly on the offside, where she scored seven of her 11 boundaries. Her partnerships of 61 runs with Shafali Verma (25) and 62 runs with Priya Punia (28) laid a solid foundation for India’s chase. Together with Harmanpreet Kaur (42 off 48), Mandhana added a crucial 48 runs off 47 balls, blunting the South African attack with maturity and clarity.

Despite her composed innings, Mandhana’s knock ended in the 31st over with India needing 45 runs from the remaining 19 overs. A top edge off Ayabonga Khaka’s delivery saw her caught at short fine leg. However, India comfortably completed the chase with 9.2 overs to spare.

Earlier, South Africa had a promising start but suffered a dramatic collapse, losing eight wickets for just 76 runs. Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits provided a brisk start, adding 46 runs in the first ten overs. Wolvaardt, continuing her fine form, scored a 57-ball 61, reaching her 32nd half-century in her 98th ODI.

Wolvaardt’s fluent innings featured beautiful cover drives and powerful pulls, and she seemed set for a big score. However, her dismissal in the 20th over, courtesy of an outstanding catch by Arundhati Reddy, triggered South Africa’s downfall. Brits followed soon after, run out for 38 after a mix-up with Marizanne Kapp, who had been promoted to no.3 following her century in the previous game.

Reddy’s brilliance continued as she took another spectacular catch off her bowling to dismiss Anneke Bosch. Shreyanka Patil, who replaced leg-spinner Asha Shobana, struck next, removing Kapp for seven with a clever change of angle. From a strong position of 102 for no loss, South Africa found themselves struggling at 120 for 4.

Despite late cameos from Nadine de Klerk and Mieke de Ridder, South Africa managed to post only 215, as India’s bowlers maintained tight control. Reddy emerged as the best bowler of the day, finishing with figures of 2 for 36 in ten overs. Deepti Sharma also shone, picking up two wickets in two balls in the 43rd over.

India’s spinners were effective on a pitch with contrasting surfaces—cracks on one side and grass on the other. Harmanpreet’s strategy of using at least one spinner at all times paid off handsomely, especially with Patil opening the bowling and Reddy’s impactful spells.

The match briefly faced a threat of interruption due to slight drizzle after the first innings, but it quickly fizzled out, much like South Africa’s batting.

Brief scores: South Africa 215 for 8 in 50 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 61, Tazmin Brits 38; Arundhati Reddy 2-36, Deepti Sharma 2-27) lost to India 220 for 4 in 40.4 overs (Smriti Mandhana 90, Harmanpreet Kaur 42; Ayabonga Khaka 1-38, Tumi Sekhukhune 1-43) by six wickets. (Agency)

T20 World Cup: England’s hero Jordan ‘enjoys homecoming’ with a hat-trick against USA

Bridgetown, June 24 2024-

England’s Chris Jordan celebrated a career-defining moment at the Kensington Oval, taking a hat-trick that secured his side a place in the semi-finals of the Men’s T20 World Cup after a thumping 10-wicket victory over the USA.

The 35-year-old bowler, born in Barbados, described the achievement as particularly special, given his deep connection to the ground where his cricketing journey began.

Against the USA in the Super Eights, Jordan finished with remarkable figures of 4/10 from 2.5 overs. Speaking to reporters after the match, Jordan shared his emotions about achieving such a milestone in his hometown.

“To get that hat-trick in a place I was born, a place I played so much cricket, in front of my family, my friends, the atmosphere, hearing the music going and everything, a nice day,” Jordan said after the match. “It was a special one.”

“I think because my family actually doesn’t get to travel the world and watch me play a lot of international cricket. So to do it in front of them definitely is right up there. And then also in a World Cup, in a game to make sure that we can qualify, it’s definitely up there for sure. Ranks high,” he added.

While Jordan’s personal triumph was a highlight, he was quick to acknowledge the collective effort of the England team. He praised his teammates for their comprehensive performance, which set the foundation for their victory.

“I thought the team performance was really solid today,” Jordan added. “The way we set the tone in the powerplay, we knew they were going to come hard, play a few good shots. The way Livi (Liam Livingstone) and Rash (Adil Rashid) controlled things for us in the middle just set up things nicely for us at the back end and we were able to reap the rewards.” (Agency)

Chandrababu Naidu’s son Lokesh assumes office as minister

Amaravati, June 24 2024-

Andhra Pradesh’s Minister for Human Resources Development, Information Technology, Electronics & Communication and Real Time Governance, Nara Lokesh assumed office on Monday.

Lokesh, who is the son of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, took charge in his chamber at the State Secretariat.

Lokesh, who is also the General Secretary of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), assumed office after performing puja.

He signed the first file relating to the Mega District Selection Committee (DSC) notification for the recruitment of 16,347 teachers. The file, which relates to modalities for recruitment, will be presented in the meeting of the state Cabinet.

Earlier, Lokesh was accorded a warm welcome by the priests and the officials.

Cabinet colleagues, MLAs, TDP leaders and senior officials congratulated Lokesh on assuming office.

Ministers V. Anita, G. Sandhya Rani, Savita, TDP state president Palla Srinivasa Rao and others were present on the occasion.

Lokesh had taken oath along with the Chief Minister and other ministers on June 12.

The 41-year-old, who has done an MBA from Stanford University, was elected from the Mangalagiri constituency in the Guntur district. He is the first time MLA. He had lost from the same constituency in 2019.

In 2017, Lokesh was elected to the Legislative Council and served as minister for information technology and rural development in the Cabinet headed by his father.

This time, even before taking charge he started working on an action plan to bring radical changes in the education sector.

He has been holding review meetings with senior officers of the education department.

He plans to hold meetings with the leaders of various student unions and parent organisations to know the issues plaguing the education sector for a long time and also find solutions to these problems. (Agency)

1...9,4519,4529,453...9,499 Page 9,452 of 9,499