Punjab and Haryana High Court celebrates International Day of Yoga 2024

June 21, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)

The International Day of Yoga 2024, was celebrated at the premises of Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chandigarh under the aegis of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia, Acting Chief Justice, Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chandigarh.

The day was observed as per guidelines received from Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, New Delhi. Hon’ble Judges, Members of Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association, officers and officials of the High Court participated in the event, displaying enthusiasm while performing different Yoga Asanas and meditation.

On the occasion, Yoga Instructor of the Government College of Yoga Education & Health, Sector 23-A, Chandigarh apprised the participants of the benefits of Yoga, being an invaluable gift of ancient Indian tradition which helps in physical development, mental relaxation besides development of strength, flexibility and immunity.

She emphasized that Yoga was not about physical exercise alone and helped create a sense of oneness with the world and nature.

International Day of Yoga is celebrated on June 21, across India every year with the objective of making it a part of daily routine of every individual and to highlight the importance of Yoga in holistic development.

Sonam Kapoor heads to Paris, Ony Indian to attend Dior Haute Couture Show 2024

June 21, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)

Sonam Kapoor, the last word for fashion in India, is heading to Paris to attend the Dior’s Haute Couture Fall/Winter Show set to take place on June 24th.

Sonam is the only Indian celebrity to have been invited for this prestigious event that will attract the biggest names of fashion from across the world.

Sonam, who is widely regarded by the media as a global fashion icon and India’s cultural ambassador to the West, will witness the super luxury fashion house, Dior, unveil its latest couture masterpieces.

Sonam has captivated global audiences with her chic appearances at marquee international events like Paris Fashion Week, King Charles’ Coronation, the India-UK reception hosted by UK PM Rishi Sunak and the Cannes Film Festival, where she was the first Indian actress to grace the French Riviera.

She has also become the sole Indian actor to be on the South Asia Acquisition Committee of the prestigious Tate Modern Museum.

At many major global fashion events, Sonam has made it a point to represents India and the incredible Indian craftsmanship.

She has single-handedly brought fashion into focus in India. Recently, according to a global fashion report, Sonam was amongst the list of celebrities like Zendaya, Kylie Jenner, Kendall Jenner, Blackpink, BTS, etc who had the highest impact for luxury fashion brands in 2023!

On the work front, Sonam is gearing up for two tent pole projects, details of which are set to be announced in the coming months.

On World Music Day, Ayushmann chooses to tease people with his next song

Mumbai, June 21, 2024
Actor-singer Ayushmann Khurrana on the occasion of World Music Day, which intends to foster musical diversity, on Friday, decided to tease his fans with his new track “Reh Ja”.

Also known as the ‘Fete de la Musique’, World Music Day is celebrated on June 21 every year. It helps to connect musicians and music lovers across the globe to share their experiences of music. It also helps in appreciating the diversity of musical traditions from across the globe.

With “Reh Ja”, Ayushmann will also turn into a solo composer and songwriter for this track.

“If you split my heart into two, I guess music will take up one half as it is truly my reason to live and to create. It touches upon every relationship that I share with my family, friends, my passion, my work, my existence,” said Ayushmann, whose track “Pani Da” featured in his debut film “Vicky Donor” in 2012.

“So, on World Music Day, I decided to tease people who love my music with my next song, which is a collaboration with Warner Music India, called Reh Ja.”

“Reh Ja” will be the second collaboration between Warner Music India and Ayushmann. Their last song “Akh Da Taara”.

The actor said: “I’m taking on the role of a solo composer and songwriter after a long time and I hope it speaks to all those who have ever been loved or want to love with all their heart. It has a sense of nostalgia and yearning.”

“After ‘Akh Da Taara’, this is going to be my next song with Warner Music and we are supremely excited to put this one out quickly.”

Talking about his onscreen work, Ayushmann will be seen starring alongside Kareena Kapoor Khan in the upcoming crime thriller film directed by Meghna Gulzar. The film is reportedly based on the Hyderabad rape case.(Agency)

Delhi court cited lack of direct evidence by ED for grant of bail to Kejriwal

New Delhi, June 21, 2024
While granting bail to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case on Thursday, a Delhi court’s order had cited the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) failure to present direct evidence linking him to the proceeds of crime.

In a turn of events on Friday, the Delhi High Court has stayed the release of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal on bail and the hearing in the case is going on today.

In its observations, the trial court noted that the ED admitted the evidence on record was insufficient to proceed against CM Kejriwal, suggesting that the agency was still attempting to procure further evidence.

The court in its order expressed strong reservations about the credibility of the approvers, criticising the ED’s tactics.

The court said, “The argument that ‘investigation is an art’ raises concerns. If taken to its logical extreme, it implies any person could be implicated and detained based on selectively-procured evidence, which indicates bias from the investigating agency.”

The judge said that the ED must act “promptly and fairly” to uphold the principles of natural justice.

The court pointed out several issues: 1. Kejriwal was not named in either the CBI case or the ECIR FIR. 2. Allegations against the Delhi CM emerged only after statements from certain co-accused. 3. Despite not being summoned by the court, Kejriwal remained in judicial custody at the ED’s behest.

Further, the court found no evidence that co-accused Vijay Nair acted on CM Kejriwal’s instructions.

It also questioned the ED’s conclusions regarding Vinod Chauhan’s connections and the alleged proceeds of crime, including an unclarified sum of Rs 1 crore and an unsubstantiated amount of Rs 40 crore.

Quoting the legal maxim, “Justice should not only be done but seen to be done,” Judge Bindu stated the importance of perceived fairness in judicial proceedings.

The judge stated, “If an accused endures systemic injustices until proven innocent, the sense of justice being served is lost.”

Based on the prima facie assessment that CM Kejriwal’s guilt remains unproven, the court had granted him bail on Thursday.(Agency)

T20 World Cup: India fortunate to have Bumrah in playing 11, says Manjrekar

New Delhi, June 21, 2024
Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar lauded pacer Jasprit Bumrah after his 3-7 match-setting spell against Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup Super Eight match in Barbados on Thursday.

India defeated Afghanistan by 47 runs to start their Super Eight campaign on high. Manjrekar highlighted the importance of Bumrah and said the Rohit Sharma-led side is fortunate to have him in playing 11.

After setting a target of 182 to win at the back of Suryakumar Yadav’s blistering half-century, Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh picked three scalps each while Kuldeep Yadav grabbed two dismissals to bowl out Afghanistan for 134 in 20 overs.

“Jasprit Bumrah is performing in USA and West Indies just like Sunil Narine at Eden Gardens during the IPL. There were many matches when he had not conceded the boundary and look at the difference between him and the couple of other seamers.

They were also international standard, but quite rightly I mean, he’s looking even better and when you look at all the top-class bowlers around the world. There’s a big margin between them and Bumrah and India is so fortunate to have him in your playing 11,” Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo TIMEOUT show.

Former India spinner Anil Kumble also mentioned the fact that Bumrah has a plan for each batter and he uses his bowling variations very smartly.

“The kind of understanding of his own bowling you can make out, even when he got Rahmanullah Gurbaz out on a slower ball and wide line. He gets the execution perfect. You know, that’s what it is.

It’s about yes the variations every bowler has variations. But executing all those variations under pressure getting the line right getting the length, right? For each batsman he would have figured that out and then doing it right in a big game. This doesn’t come easy and I think he has given limited boundaries in the entire tournament,” Kumble said.

India are unbeaten in the showpiece event with four wins and a washout against Canada. In their next Super Eight match, India will take on Bangladesh in Antigua on Saturday.(Agency)

SC refuses to entertain plea challenging CBFC certification to ‘Hamare Baarah’

New Delhi, June 21, 2024
The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a writ petition seeking revocation of the CBFC certification given to the Annu Kapoor starter film ‘Hamare Baarah’ directed by Kamal Chandra.

A vacation bench presided over by Justice Vikram Nath said it was not inclined to hear on merits the plea filed directly before the apex court challenging the grant of certificate to the film by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

“You challenge the Bombay High Court order. The movie was screened and the Bombay judges have seen it. They directed expunging a few scenes, shots, and dialogues. If you seek leave and file an appeal, it would be correct for this court to examine the matter,” the bench, also comprising Justice S.V.N. Bhatti, told the petitioner’s counsel.

Sensing the disinclination of the apex court to entertain the plea, the petitioner’s counsel sought permission to withdraw the writ petition.

The plea was dismissed as withdrawn with liberty to file a special leave petition against the Bombay HC order allowing the release of the film on June 21.

In an order passed on Wednesday, the Bombay High Court allowed the release of the controversial film after making certain modifications to the content that was found objectionable.

The petition filed under Article 32 of the Constitution claimed the film shows that Muslim women have no independent rights and the Muslim community is responsible for the growing population in India.

“The director and producers of the film targeted a particular community and portrayed the status of Muslim women as slaves and chattels who are exploited by the male members.

Verse 223 of the Surah Baqarah Chapter 2 of the Holy Quran has been misinterpreted and wrongly projected as ordaining the Muslim male to treat the Muslim female as his chattel and allowing him to exploit her in any manner,” said the plea filed through advocate Syed Mehdi Imam.

Directed by Kamal Chandra, ‘Hamare Baarah’ also features Ashwini Kalsekar, Rahul Bagga, Manoj Joshi, Aditi Bhatpahri, Paritosh Tiwari, Parth Samthaan, and Shaan Saxena in key roles.

After watching its trailer, a section of Muslim intellectuals raised objections to the film, saying it grossly misinterprets Islam and intends to malign the religion and the Muslim community as a whole.(Agency)

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury resigns as President of Bengal unit of Congress

Kolkata, June 21, 2024
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, on Friday announced his resignation from the chair of the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee.

He made this announcement after a meeting of the state unit of the Congress committee on Friday afternoon, which was convened to review the reasons behind the poor performance of the party in West Bengal in the recently-concluded Lok Sabha elections.

However, no official confirmation has come from the Congress leadership on whether his resignation has been accepted or not.

Confirming his resignation, Chowdhury claimed that he was just President of the state unit of the Congress.

“Since the time Mallikarjun Kharge became the Congress’ National President, there was no state President. Now when the full-time President will be appointed you will all come to know that,” said Chowdhury.

Incidentally, he made this announcement just a day after the Congress’ Rajya Sabha member and former Union finance minister, P Chidambaram, dropped in at the state secretariat Nabanna and had a 35-minute-long meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Chowdhury, a five-time party Lok Sabha member from Baharampur constituency in Murshidabad District, this time got defeated by the Trinamool Congress’ celebrity candidate and former Indian cricket team player Yusuf Pathan.

Chowdhury’s differences with the party high command had been surfacing for quite some time over the issue of the Congress’ relationship with the Trinamool.

Chowdhury, known for his die-hard anti- Trinamool Congress stand, had always been vocal about his views on having an electoral understanding with the CPI(M)-led Left Front.

In fact, his differences with Kharge also surfaced in the midst of the Lok Sabha polls.

Following the announcement of his resignation, speculations have started surfacing on his successor.

State Congress insiders said that the current party Lok Sabha member from Maldaha- Dakshin, Isha Khan Chowdhury, the only party Lok Sabha member from West Bengal now, is one of the frontrunners for the top job in the state unit of the party.(Agency)

After LS poll setback in Kerala, can CPI(M) ‘rein in’ CM Vijayan?

Thiruvananthapuram, June 21, 2024
The five-day meeting of the CPI(M) committee, which reviewed the Lok Sabha election setback and other issues, seems to have focused particularly on the operational style of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

The meeting concluded on Thursday here.

Despite state party secretary M.V. Govindan skirting the issue when questioned about whether Chief Minister Vijayan’s tough demeanour contributed to the election loss, the decision to form a high-level party committee to monitor the CM indicates a significant move to restrain his authority.

This precautionary step aims to prevent a situation similar to the party’s severe losses in West Bengal and Tripura.

Coincidentally, soon after casting his vote in his hometown Kannur on April 26, CM Vijayan expressed confidence that the Left was poised for a historic victory. However, the CPI(M)-led Left ultimately secured only one seat, while the BJP opened its account and the Congress-led UDF won 18 seats.

Following these events, murmurs began among CPI leaders, with a section openly attributing the electoral setback to CM Vijayan’s governing style. The RJD also joined in, calling for a comprehensive introspection.

During the subsequent five-day CPI(M) meeting to discuss the debacle, CM Vijayan notably remained silent despite criticism from figures like two-time former Finance Minister Thomas Isaac and others who pointed directly at the CM and his leadership approach, particularly highlighting his handling of the situation in Pathanamthitta.

CM Vijayan’s unexpected silence has raised eyebrows, given his reputation for quick temper and lack of diplomacy in public. State party secretary Govindan, who understands the CM well, dismissed suggestions of changing Vijayan’s style, noting that the media often portrays him differently.

Meanwhile, CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury announced that all issues would be addressed at the upcoming central committee meeting in Delhi starting on June 28.

At 79 years of age, CM Vijayan has been leading the government in Kerala since 2016, with his second term starting in 2021 amid controversies involving his daughter’s IT firm under investigation and frequent family trips abroad.

Adding to his troubles, his longtime rival K. Sudhakaran secured a significant victory in Kannur, which has been particularly stinging for CM Vijayan.

All attention now turns to the Delhi meetings, where the party’s state unit has approved the formation of a committee. It remains to be seen whether CM Vijayan will face constraints, with national leadership possibly intervening — a potential first-time scenario for him.(Agency)

Drugs that treat HIV, AIDS trialled in people with brain tumour

London, June 21, 2024
Drugs developed to combat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) are being trialled for the first time in patients with multiple brain tumours, UK-based University of Plymouth said on Friday.

University scientists at the Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence are conducting a clinical trial to see whether using anti-retroviral medications, Ritonavir and Lopinavir, could help people with Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2).

The rare inherited genetic condition causes tumours such as schwannoma (which includes acoustic neuroma), ependymoma and meningioma which develop on the membrane surrounding the brain.

“This could be the first step towards a systemic treatment for tumours related to NF2, both for patients who have inherited NF2 and developed multiple tumours, as well as patients who have a one-off NF2 mutation and have developed a tumour as a result,” said Professor Oliver Hanemann, who is leading the clinical trial.

“If results are positive and the research develops into a larger clinical trial, it would be the most significant change for patients with this condition, for whom there is no effective treatment,” he added.

During the trial, which will run for a year, patients will undergo a tumour biopsy and blood test before having 30 days of treatment with the two medications.

They will then have another biopsy and blood test to determine if the drug combination has managed to enter tumour cells and has had its intended effect, the researchers explained.(Agency)

Bihar Cong stages protest over NEET irregularities, demands CBI probe

New Delhi, June 21, 2024
Bihar Congress on Friday staged a protest over irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), demanding a CBI investigation into the matter.

The demonstration, led by Legislative Council member Madan Mohan Jha, saw party members and supporters taking to the streets of Patna, voicing their concerns over paper leaks and corruption in several competitive exams.

Protesters raised slogans against the BJP government, calling for justice for affected students and stringent punishment for those involved in the malpractices.

Addressing the reporters, Mohan Jha alleged that the BJP was “playing with the future of the country.”

He said, “We are organising nationwide protests against the irregularities uncovered in the NEET. Since the BJP came to power, corruption has been uncovered in every exam in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and many other states.”

“We demand a CBI probe into the matter and stern action against the accused,” said Mohan Jha, adding that youth across the country also demand the same.

Responding to allegations linking RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav to one of the accused, Mohan Jha dismissed them, stating, “Nothing is proved if someone names a person and claims a link. If I say it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will it be true?”

The Congress has been repeatedly lashing out at the BJP-led Union government over the NEET paper leak case.

On Wednesday, after the cancellation of UGC-NET a day after the exam was held, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hit out at the Centre and said that the BJP seems unable or unwilling to prevent paper leaks in India.

He also advocated for a comprehensive probe into the NEET-UG paper leak and urged for accountability against those responsible.

Earlier, facing flak from various quarters over the NEET paper leak episode, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan addressed a press conference on Thursday and announced the setting up of a high-level committee to probe the irregularities while asserting that none of the guilty would be spared.

About 24 lakh aspirants appeared for NEET on May 5 for admission to medical colleges. The results were announced on June 5 but were marred by allegations of paper leak and awarding of grace marks to over 1,500 candidates.(Agency)