India Archives - Page 3 of 67 - The Sunday Headlines

BJP turns to workers to select candidates for Haryana Assembly poll

July 8, 2024July 8, 2024 - by thesundayheadlines

Rattled by its below-par performance in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections wherein it won five seats and conceded an equal number of seats to the Congress, the BJP is turning to workers’ feedback to prepare the strategy and select candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections.

The BJP is set to organize the second state-level ‘mega meeting’ of party leaders from across Haryana to fine-tune its strategy for the Assembly elections. On June 29, the BJP held its first ‘mega meeting’ in Panchkula, where Home Minister Amit Shah declared that the party would go it alone under CM Saini.

To energize the party cadre for the forthcoming Assembly elections, the BJP is conducting district-level workers’ meetings. The feedback from these meetings will be used to prepare the election strategy.

The district-level meetings will conclude with a session at Jhajjar on July 11. Before that, meetings are scheduled to be held on July 10 at Rohtak and Hisar, the parliamentary constituencies where the party lost in the recent Lok Sabha elections.

Acknowledging a ‘disconnect’ between the leadership and workers, especially in the five Lok Sabha seats where the party faced defeats, a senior leader said concerted efforts are being made to establish a ‘connect’ with the workers through these district-level meetings. BJP state in-charge Satish Poonika is actively participating in these meetings to acclimatize himself with the ground reality.

The feedback from these meetings will be pivotal in discussions at a forthcoming state-level meeting to formulate the Assembly poll strategy. Along with party surveys on the winnability of different candidates, this feedback will be crucial for the final candidate selection, the party leader asserted.

Meanwhile, the party is expected to rely on its tried and tested ‘panna pramukh’ strategy for the Assembly elections. The ‘panna pramukh’ is a unique concept devised by the Saffron party, where a party leader is in charge of a ‘panna’ (page) of the electoral roll. This strategy aims to bring the maximum number of voters to the polling booth to vote for the party.

Devotional / Festival / Main Slide / News / Odisha / Puri

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024: President Draupadi Murmu Witnesses Rituals in Puri

July 7, 2024 - by thesundayheadlines

The annual Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra is set to commence in Odisha’s Puri today, marking a unique two-day celebration due to specific celestial arrangements.

The annual Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra will begin in Odisha’s Puri today. This year, due to specific celestial arrangements, the religious event will go on for two days. President Droupadi Murmu is expected to witness the Rath Yatra in Puri, along with millions of devotees from across India.

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024 News:

The much-awaited annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath is beginning today in Puri, Odisha. This year’s festival is notable as it will extend over two days, a rare occurrence attributed to specific celestial arrangements. President Droupadi Murmu is expected to be present to witness the grand event, joining millions of devotees from across the country.

The Odisha government has put in place extensive measures to ensure the smooth and timely conduct of this revered festival. Special security arrangements have been made for the President’s visit, with a designated VIP zone for the Odisha governor, chief minister, Union ministers, and other dignitaries. A buffer zone has also been created specifically for the President, as confirmed by ADG (law and order) Sanjay Kumar.

The Rath Yatra, typically a one-day event, was last held over two days in 1971. During this festival, various rituals related to the Hindu deities – Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra – are performed.

Also known as the Chariot Festival, the Rath Yatra symbolizes the Holy Trinity’s journey to their maternal aunt, Goddess Gundicha Devi’s Temple, and concludes with their return after eight days. In preparation for the Yatra, the chariots have been stationed in front of the Lion’s Gate of the Jagannath temple, ready to be taken to the Gundicha temple, where they will remain for a week.

Faridabad / Main Slide / News

PRPF Meeting: Advocating for Public Rights and Environmental Initiatives

July 6, 2024July 6, 2024 - by thesundayheadlines

Faridabad, Yesterday, a meeting of the Public Rights Protection Forum (PRPF) was held at the Aravali Golf Club. Known for its relentless advocacy for public rights, the forum discussed its past activities, shedding light on several positive outcomes.

During the meeting, Advocate Panchjanya Batra Singh brought to attention a significant case where a hacker had stolen Rs 98 lakh online from a Faridabad resident. The forum, with all its members, approached the Faridabad Police Commissioner, Shri Rakesh Kumar Arya, to seek justice. Through their tireless efforts, the police successfully recovered the stolen amount. The forum expressed its gratitude to Police Commissioner Rakesh Kumar Arya for resolving this critical issue.

Shri NC Wadhwa, Commissioner (Retd.) of the Public Rights Protection Forum (PRPF), suggested that formal email exchanges should complement physical meetings to enhance communication and expedite results. This recommendation was well-received by all present.

Forum President Shri SK Sachdeva proposed the initiation of a tree plantation campaign to address environmental concerns. This suggestion was unanimously approved. Mdm Panchjanya Batra Singh proposed the first site for plantation in the area of Shri Kapil Malik, who agreed. Shri Vipin Gulati also agreed to provide some sites, and Shri Roop Chand, Retd. The commissioner agreed to offer a site in Sector 21.

Despite Faridabad being recognized as a Smart City, the forum raised concerns about severe waterlogging issues that arise even with an hour of rain, leading to traffic jams and posing significant risks due to open sewers. Tragically, several deaths have occurred due to these hazards. The forum plans to conduct a comprehensive survey on the water logging issue and launch a campaign to address and resolve it.

Key members present at the meeting included NC Wadhwa, SK Sachdeva, Kapil Malik, Roopchand, Panchjanya Batra Singh, Mahavir Singh, Vipin Gulati, Chandan Mehta, SS Ahuja, and RK Singla.

It was decided to hold regular monthly meetings on the last Friday of every month, which was agreed upon by all members.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by our member Shri RK Singla, acknowledging the contributions and participation of all members present.

The PRPF remains dedicated to advocating for the basic and fundamental rights of the public, continuously striving for improvement and effective solutions to pressing issues in Faridabad.

Faridabad / Haryana / Lok Sabha elections 2024 / Main Slide / News / Politics

BJP’s Krishan Pal Gurjar Scores Hat-Trick, But With Significantly Lower Vote Margin

June 5, 2024 - by thesundayheadlines

Despite winning Faridabad for the third time, Krishan Pal Gurjar’s victory margin saw a notable decline.

BJP’s Krishan Pal Gurjar achieved a hat-trick by winning the Faridabad constituency of Haryana on Tuesday. He secured 7.8 lakh votes, approximately 1.7 lakh more than his Congress rival Mahender Pratap Singh. However, this victory came with a significantly reduced margin compared to previous elections, dropping from a 6.38 lakh vote lead.

Gurjar and Singh, both prominent figures from the Gurjar community, were pivotal in the election. The Faridabad constituency, influenced by voters from the Gurjar, Jat, Punjabi, Brahmin, and Muslim communities, saw their influence shaping the outcome.

Krishan Pal Gurjar won Faridabad for the third consecutive time but with a significantly reduced margin compared to previous elections.

Hat-Trick Victory: Krishan Pal Gurjar wins Faridabad for the third consecutive time but with a significantly reduced margin compared to previous elections.
Voter Turnout: Faridabad’s voter turnout in 2024 was 60.52 percent, a decrease from 64.10 percent in 2019.
Statewide Results: BJP and Congress each secured five seats in Haryana, while AAP failed to win any seats.

In previous elections, Krishan Pal Gurjar defeated Congress leader Avtar Singh Bhadana in 2014, securing 57.70 percent of the vote share. He repeated his success in 2019 with a massive margin of 6,38,239 votes. This year, however, his victory was less pronounced.

The Faridabad constituency includes nine assembly segments: Hathin, Hodal, Palwal, Prithla, Faridabad NIT, Badkhal, Ballabgarh, Faridabad, and Tigaon, and is categorized as a general seat.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, 14,70,649 people exercised their voting rights, resulting in a voter turnout of 60.52 percent, a 3.58 percent decrease from the 64.10 percent turnout in 2019.

Statewide, the BJP and Congress each won five of the total 10 seats. The INDIA bloc ally AAP did not win any seats in Haryana.

Delhi / India / Lok Sabha elections 2024 / Main Slide / News / Politics

BJP to Lead NDA Meet Today; Markets Show Slight Improvement

June 5, 2024 - by thesundayheadlines

BJP-led NDA secures a majority, INDIA bloc crosses 200; JD(U) and TDP pledge support for a third term of Modi government

After a prolonged electoral process, the Election Commission of India announced the results for all 543 Lok Sabha seats early this morning. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fell short of an outright majority, necessitating reliance on its allies to form the next government.

The BJP secured a total of 240 seats, just shy of the 272 needed for a majority in the Lok Sabha. To consolidate power, the party has called a meeting of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) parties in New Delhi today. Adding the seats won by its allies, the NDA has achieved a comfortable majority.

NDA meeting live updates BJP Opposition alliance INDIA PM Modi Amit Shah Nadda Shiv Sena Shinde Ajit Pawar SAD Manjhi

Election Outcome: BJP secured 240 seats, falling short of the majority mark, and will rely on allies to form the next government. NDA meeting scheduled for today.
INDIA Bloc Performance: The INDIA bloc, despite crossing 200 seats, did not achieve a majority. The bloc will hold a meeting to discuss their next steps.
Ally Support: TDP and JD(U), holding 28 seats, have pledged their support to the NDA, ensuring a stable government under Modi for a third term.

Meanwhile, the Indian National Developmental, Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc, with over 200 seats, will also convene a meeting today to discuss their strategy moving forward. Despite their significant gains, none of the INDIA bloc members reached the majority threshold.

In a significant development, N. Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) hold 28 seats collectively. These key allies have reaffirmed their support for the BJP-led NDA and confirmed their attendance at the alliance meeting. Their backing is crucial in securing the stability of the NDA government for a third term under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Article / Bokaro / Jharkhand / Main Slide

Children’s Grand Campaign Against Tobacco Consumption: Awareness Through a Painting Competition

May 31, 2024May 31, 2024 - by thesundayheadlines

A unique initiative by Bokaro Health Department to educate youth about tobacco’s dangers through art.

Bokaro: Keeping in mind World No Tobacco Day, the Bokaro Health Department has organized a painting competition in government and non-government schools across Bokaro to raise awareness about the harmful effects of the tobacco industry. The competition’s theme is ‘Tobacco Industry Interventions in Children,’ and it invites participation from students in classes 6 through 12, allowing them to submit their artwork online.

Event Overview: The Bokaro Health Department is organizing a painting competition from May 31 to June 25 to raise awareness about the harmful effects of the tobacco industry among students in classes 6 to 12.
Participation and Awards: Schools will select ten paintings each, and submit them online, and the Health Department will award shields and medals to 12 winners. Special awareness programs will also run alongside the competition.
Health Impact: The initiative aims to address the increasing tobacco addiction among youth in Jharkhand, where 146 children aged 13 to 15 are getting addicted to tobacco daily, leading to severe health issues like cancer and stunted physical and mental development.

The competition will run from May 31 to June 25. During this period, each participating school in Bokaro will select ten standout paintings and send them to the Health Department via email and WhatsApp. The Health Department will then choose 12 winners, who will be awarded shields and medals for their efforts. Alongside the competition, special awareness programs will also be held from May 31 to June 25 to further educate the community about the dangers of tobacco.

Bokaro Civil Surgeon Dinesh Kumar highlighted that this painting competition aims to nurture the artistic talents of children while simultaneously educating them about the perils of tobacco use. “Through this competition, children will not only grasp the harmful effects of tobacco but will also express their understanding creatively,” he said.

The campaign addresses a critical issue in Jharkhand, where youth aged between 13 to 15 are increasingly falling prey to tobacco addiction. Bokaro Civil Surgeon Dinesh Kumar highlighted that this painting competition aims to nurture the artistic talents of children while simultaneously educating them about the perils of tobacco use. “Through this competition, children will not only grasp the harmful effects of tobacco but will also express their understanding creatively,” he said.

This initiative is designed to foster greater awareness among children and keep them away from tobacco consumption. The Global Adult Tobacco Survey indicates that every day, 146 youths aged 13 to 15 in Jharkhand become addicted to tobacco, a troubling statistic given the severe health risks, including cancer and impaired physical and mental development.

Devotional / India / Lok Sabha elections 2024 / Main Slide / Politics

PM Modi Sits for ‘Dhyan’ in Kanyakumari Before Election Results

May 31, 2024 - by thesundayheadlines

The Prime Minister begins a meditation retreat at Vivekananda Rock Memorial, underscoring his spiritual connection to India’s heritage.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the Bhagavathi Amman temple from nearby Thiruvananthapuram by helicopter. He worshipped at the temple and then made his way to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial via a ferry service. Upon arrival, he began his meditation, which is set to continue until June 1.

PM Modi began a meditation retreat at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari, which will continue until June 1.
Modi’s meditation visit underscores his spiritual connection to India’s heritage, especially in reverence to Swami Vivekananda.
The visit was personal, with no BJP leaders or party members present, as emphasized by Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai.

The Prime Minister begins a meditation retreat at Vivekananda Rock Memorial, underscoring his spiritual connection to India’s heritage.

Dressed in traditional attire, Modi performed rituals at the Bhagavathi Amman temple before proceeding to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, where he paid homage to spiritual figures like Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda. Modi’s choice of Vivekananda Rock Memorial for meditation holds cultural and historical significance, symbolizing a spiritual connection to India’s heritage, particularly Swami Vivekananda’s vision of ‘Bharat Mata,’ resonating with PM Modi’s admiration for the revered spiritual leader.

Modi’s meditation echoed a tradition of spiritual reflection following significant milestones. From the Kedarnath cave in 2019 to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in 2024, his retreats signify a personal journey intertwined with India’s spiritual legacy, showcasing a blend of tradition and modern leadership.

In a statement to the press at Sivaganga, K Annamalai, the BJP president of Tamil Nadu, emphasized the personal nature of PM Modi’s visit to the memorial. “It is the Prime Minister’s visit,” he asserted, explaining that this was the reason behind the absence of BJP leaders and party members at the event.

PM Modi reached the rock memorial using a ferry service provided by the state government-run shipping corporation. He commenced his meditation at the ‘Dhyana mandapam.’ Before beginning his meditation, the prime minister briefly stood on the stairs leading to the mandapam, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding sea.

Bollywood / Cinema / Delhi / Entertainment / Hot News / Main Slide

Chandu Champion Trailer: Kartik Aaryan Shines In A Stirring Real-Life Tale Of Struggle And Triumph

May 19, 2024May 19, 2024 - by thesundayheadlines

Chandu Champion
The film will hit theatres on June 14, 2024

New Delhi: Get ready, folks. Kartik Aaryan just dropped the trailer of his highly anticipated film Chandu Champion on social media. In Chandu Champion, Kartik Aaryan steps into the shoes of Murlikant Petkar, a Paralympic gold medalist. Murlikant Petkar won the gold medal at the 1970 Commonwealth Games and bagged another gold medal at the 1972 Paralympics in Germany. In the gripping trailer, Kartik Aaryan’s character Murli is a man with an ambition to win a gold medal in the Olympics. He faces criticism from his classmates, teachers, and parents. He was nicknamed “Chandu” by his classmates but Murli is determined to prove them wrong and win India’s first gold medal in the Olympics. His journey unfolds as he sets his eyes on representing India in the Olympics, leading him to enlist in the Army to sharpen his skills.

Kartik Aaryan Shines In A Stirring Real-Life Tale Of Struggle And Triumph. The film will hit theatres on June 14

However, fate takes a cruel turn as Murli ends up in a coma for two years after getting shot nine times. Yet, his indomitable spirit shines through as he refuses to succumb to despair. Through a series of compelling sequences, we witness Chandu’s evolution—from his rigorous training in the army to his relentless pursuit of boxing excellence. The audience witnesses Chandu’s arduous journey and the hurdles he overcame to become India’s first Paralympic gold medalist.

Captioning the post on Instagram, Kartik Aaryan wrote, “With immense pride and joy, sharing the trailer of my career’s toughest and most special film that too from my hometown Gwalior, where I dreamt of becoming an actor, Chandu Champion, the story of a man who refused to surrender. Hope it touches your heart, entertains and inspires you to achieve your goals just like India’s pride, Mr. Murlikant Petkar.”

Chandu Champion

Key Points:

Kartik Aaryan stars in Chandu Champion, portraying Paralympic gold medalist Murlikant Petkar.
The film’s trailer highlights Murli’s journey from being ridiculed to achieving Olympic dreams, despite immense challenges.
Chandu Champion showcases Murli’s determination, from army training to overcoming a coma, in his quest for gold.
Directed by Kabir Khan, the movie is set to release on June 14, with Aaryan sharing a heartfelt message on Instagram.
The promotional activities had a humorous start with Kartik’s cat, Katori, playfully tearing the film’s poster.

On Thursday, Kartik Aaryan dropped the first poster of the film. The poster features Kartik Aaryan running on the field, drenched in sweat. The caption on the poster read, “The man who refused to surrender.” The film will hit theatres on June 14 this year. Captioning the post on Instagram, Kartik Aaryan wrote, “Champion Aa Raha Hai… (Champion is coming). Super excited and proud to share the first poster of the most challenging and special film of my career. Chandu Champion in theatres on 14 June.” Take a look at the poster below.

On Wednesday, Kartik Aaryan shared a sneak peek of the film’s first poster on social media. However, things took a surprising turn when his mischievous feline companion, Katori interrupted his promotional diaries. Katori playfully contributed to the promotional efforts by ‘assisting’ in tearing apart the poster. Sharing the video on Instagram, he wrote, “Aaj se promotion ka shubharambh hona tha lekin. Katori ne poster hi phaad dia. Ab kal hi ayega poster (The promotional activities were supposed to begin today but Katori tore the poster. Now, the poster will come tomorrow).”

Directed by Kabir Khan, Chandu Champion narrates the story of a sportsman’s resilience and determination. Kartik Aaryan steps into the role of Chandu. The film is based on the life of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist in freestyle swimming.

On the professional front, Kartik Aaryan was last seen in Satyaprem Ki Katha, co-starring Kiara Advani. Last year, he also made a cameo appearance in Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor’s film Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar. He also has an untitled project with Karan Johar in the lineup.

Bangalore / Hot News / India / Main Slide / News / Sports / World

Rain Threatens to Wash Out CSK vs RCB Match in Bengaluru; IPL Fans React with Memes as Spirits Dampen

May 18, 2024May 18, 2024 - by thesundayheadlines

RCB fans find solace in memes after IMD predicts 90% chances of rain in knockout match against CSK.

In the battleground of Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, it’s a clash of titans as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) square up against their southern adversary Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on May 18, battling not just for victory but for a coveted spot in the IPL 2024 playoffs. This showdown, often dubbed the El Classico of the IPL, has fans eagerly awaiting the spectacle, particularly the fervent RCB faithful, for whom this match is a make-or-break moment.

RCB fans find solace in memes after IMD predicts 90% chances of rain in knockout match against CSK.

The highly anticipated CSK vs RCB match on May 18 may face disruptions due to a 90% chance of rain, as predicted by the IMD.
Fans, especially RCB supporters, have turned to humor and memes on social media to cope with the potential washout of this crucial game.
The weather forecast for Bengaluru indicates a period of rain and thunderstorms, particularly affecting the match day and potentially impacting the IPL 2024 playoff race.

However, their excitement might be dampened, quite literally, as heavy rain is predicted in the city according to the weather department. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted high humidity and a 90 percent chance of rainfall in the evening on May 18. The weather outlook for Bengaluru between May 14 and 17 includes a partly cloudy sky with occasional rain or thundershowers, while from May 18 to 20, it’s expected to be partly cloudy with a possibility of rain or thunderstorms.

Hot News / India / Kolkata / Lok Sabha elections 2024 / Main Slide / News / West Bengal

“Part Of INDIA,” Says Mamata Banerjee. “Don’t Trust,” Adhir Ranjan Responds

May 17, 2024May 17, 2024 - by thesundayheadlines

On Wednesday, Mamata Banerjee – who had seemed to put her membership of the INDIA bloc on hold – said she would provide “outside support” in the event the group won the 2024 Lok Sabha election.

Kolkata: The Congress’ Bengal chief, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, on Thursday, weighed in on the ‘is she, isn’t she’d debate over Mamata Banerjee‘s membership of the INDIA bloc, shortly before the Chief Minister said she remains a key part of the opposition grouping, which she called her “brainchild.”

Mamata Banerjee – who had seemed to put her membership of the INDIA bloc on hold

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury expresses distrust in Mamata Banerjee’s commitment to the INDIA bloc, citing her past departures and potential shift towards BJP.
Mamata Banerjee reaffirms her support for the INDIA bloc, calling it her “brainchild” and offering “outside support” if the alliance wins the 2024 Lok Sabha election.
The debate comes amid significant advances by the opposition bloc in the ongoing elections, with Chowdhury suggesting Banerjee’s change of stance follows a perceived weakening of the BJP.

Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Congress’ Adhir Ranjan (File).

On Ms. Banerjee’s comment about providing “outside support” if the group wins the election, Mr. Chowdhury declared, “I don’t trust her… she left the alliance. She can also go towards the BJP.”

“What she will do from outside (the alliance) or inside… I don’t know. That you have to ask her,” the Congress leader told reporters, “But I don’t trust her. She left the alliance… she could even run to BJP.”

Mr. Chowdhury – who shares a contentious relationship with Ms. Banerjee, a fact underlined by her recent statement that “… INDIA alliance doesn’t count Bengal Congress…” – also said, “Whatever complaints she has (about the bloc) she should have raised earlier when it was created.”

Mr. Chowdhury further pointed out that her apparent U-turn came after polling for nearly 70 percent of all Lok Sabha seats, with the opposition bloc claiming significant advances in its bid to oust the ruling BJP.

“They (referring to the BJP) were talking about destroying Congress and that Congress would not get 40 seats… but now (what) she is saying means Congress and INDIA are coming to power,” he said, suggesting Ms. Banerjee’s change of stance followed a realization that the BJP might likely be defeated.

A day earlier, Ms. Banerjee – who had put her membership of the bloc on hold after public disagreements over seat-sharing deals – declared she would provide “outside support” in the event of an election win.