Dr. Sandeep Marwah Honored by New York State Assembly

New York, USA – In a momentous ceremony, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, an esteemed international media personality and cultural ambassador to India from seventy-five countries, was honored by the New York State Assembly. The accolade was presented by Hon. Nader J. Sayegh of the New York State Assembly, representing Yonkers, during Dr. Marwah’s visit to the USA to foster relations between India and New York through art, culture, education, and social activities.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, who holds an impressive nine world records, is the visionary founder of Noida Film City. This monumental initiative has employed 17,000 individuals and positively impacted the livelihoods of 150,000 people indirectly.

As the Founder and President of Marwah Studios, Dr. Marwah has been instrumental in the production of 4,500 TV programs for fifty channels and the creation of 5,000 training films. His extensive involvement in the film industry includes associations with over 100 feature films.

Dr. Marwah’s contributions extend to the academic world through the establishment of AAFT University of Media and Arts. Over his illustrious career, he has trained more than 30,000 students from 145 countries across sixteen diverse streams. His commitment to social and cultural development is reflected in his association with 7,500 events and leadership roles in over 100 organizations including Indo American Film and Cultural Forum. His efforts have attracted over three million people to Marwah Studios, enhancing cultural tourism and promoting New York USA in India significantly.

Hon. Nader J. Sayegh, in his laudatory speech, highlighted,

“It is the practice of the New York State Assembly to publicly acknowledge individuals that embody exceptionalism consistent with the values of New York State. Dr. Sandeep Marwah has exemplified these values through his selfless service to the people of New York, where service is central to the mission of the State of New York.”

 

Hon. Sayegh continued,
“The New York State Assembly recognizes and commends Dr. Sandeep Marwah for his invaluable contributions to international media, the city of Yonkers, and the state of New York at large. Therefore, be it resolved, that I, Assemblyman Nader Sayegh, recognize Dr. Sandeep Marwah for his service to all New Yorkers and urge all citizens to honor and appreciate this distinguished individual on this day in the state of New York and beyond.”

Dr. Sandeep Marwah expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the New York State Assembly, particularly acknowledging Assemblyman Nader J. Sayegh from Yonkers, Guruji Dileep Kumar, Chandra Sookdeo, Damian Garcia, and the numerous dignitaries present at the occasion.

This recognition not only underscores Dr. Marwah’s remarkable achievements and dedication but also strengthens the cultural and educational ties between India and New York, promising a future of continued collaboration and mutual growth.

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Panchajanya Batra Singh Leads Legal Battle Against Pollution in Agra Canal

Faridabad: As the world gears up for the 2024 Paris Olympics, River Seine may host a few events. Other European rivers too like the Thames and Rhine continue to draw tourists. The Yamuna River and its connected water bodies closer to home remain neglected and polluted. A glaring example of this neglect is the UP Agra Canal, which passes through Faridabad and receives water from the Yamuna.

The Agra Canal has become a dumping ground for city waste. Municipal solid waste, construction debris, plastic, and even biomedical waste are routinely discarded along its banks, particularly near Tigaon Road. Residents report that tankers empty sewage into the canal under the cover of night, exacerbating the contamination. The banks of the canal have become a makeshift parking lot for these tankers and a marketplace for construction material vendors.

 

Despite numerous complaints and petitions to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), local authorities continue to pass responsibility from one department to another. The Municipal Corporation of Faridabad (MCF) oversees the area, but the land adjacent to the canal is under the jurisdiction of the UP government, complicating enforcement and clean-up efforts.

Faridabad’s final development plan for 2031 envisions a green belt along the canal. However, as per a Haryana government notification dated March 14, 2018, the designated site for solid waste disposal for Faridabad is in District Gurugram. Despite aspirations to transform Faridabad into a smart city, significant environmental challenges remain.

Social activist and advocate Panchajanya Batra Singh states that public-spirited parties have brought the matter before the principal bench of the NGT, seeking relief from the indiscriminate dumping along the canal. Singh highlights the dire need for a permanent solution, noting that residential colonies and schools are located near the canal, and the adjoining road experiences heavy traffic through the area.

With the monsoon season approaching, puddles of stagnant water are likely to increase, raising concerns about potential outbreaks of diseases such as dengue and malaria. Although the NGT has previously directed authorities to take corrective actions—including diverting sewage to treatment plants, rejuvenating ponds, desludging, and preventing waste burning—the on-ground situation remains grim. Water quality in the canal continues to be substandard, and residents of Faridabad eagerly await the cleaning and beautification of the area.

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Honoring Shri Ashwani Gulati with the Sacred Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta

Faridabad: Advocate Panchajanya Batra Singh and Advocate Mahavir Singh had the privilege of honoring Shri Ashwani Gulati, Dist. Chief (Faridabad) – Election Commission, BJP, with a copy of the revered Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta. This special moment took place during an insightful discussion on spirituality and science (Adhyatmik and Vaigyanik Paricharcha) at their office in Sector 28, Faridabad.

Renowned film director Chandan Mehta was also present, adding to the significance of the event with his unique perspective and presence.

During this profound gathering, Advocate Panchajanya Batra Singh captivated the audience with the ancient tale of how Revati married Shri Krishna’s brother, Shri Balram. He emphasized the fascinating time travel sequences in this story, showcasing the profound depth and foresight of Indian mythology, written over 5,000 years ago. This narrative not only highlighted the rich cultural heritage but also the intricate blend of science and spirituality that our ancestors had mastered.

 

The story of Revati and Balram serves as a testament to the timeless wisdom embedded in our scriptures, where concepts such as time travel were explored long before modern science acknowledged them. Advocate Panchajanya Batra Singh’s recounting of this tale was a vivid reminder of the immense knowledge our ancient texts hold and the importance of preserving and understanding them in today’s context.

Story of Balarama and Revati Marriage

According to mythological beliefs, Revati was the daughter of Maharaj Revatak. She was born from divine fire. Revati was very beautiful. She was also full of modesty. When Revati grew up and became eligible for marriage, she decided that she would marry the person who would be the most powerful in the world. After this, King Revatak started looking for the most powerful person. But he could not find any such person on earth.

To find a solution to this problem, King Revatak went to Brahma Lok. He asked Brahma Ji to tell him a very powerful person. Then Brahma Ji told King Revatak about Balram. The king returned to earth. He went to meet Balram Ji. But by the time Revatak reached Earth, both Satya Yuga and Treta Yuga had passed. When he reached Earth, the people there were very short.

After this, he went to Balram Ji and said that his daughter was taller than Balram. In such a situation, how can Revati be married to him? Then Balram Ji said that by the time he came to earth, both Satya Yug and Treta Yug had passed. Now Dwapar Yug has begun. In the meantime, Balram Ji placed his plow on Revati’s head and pressed her head. In the meantime, Revati’s size became smaller than Balram Ji’s. After this, the marriage of Balram and Revati was completed.

 This event was a beautiful confluence of ancient wisdom and contemporary knowledge, underscoring the enduring relevance of our spiritual heritage. The discussions at the event highlighted how the teachings of the Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta continue to inspire and guide us, bridging the gap between the past and the present.

It was a profound experience to witness such an enriching exchange of ideas, celebrating our spiritual roots while embracing modern insights. The honor bestowed upon Shri Ashwani Gulati with the Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta symbolized the reverence for our traditions and the continuous quest for knowledge and enlightenment.

“We are grateful to everyone who participated in this event, making it a memorable and spiritually uplifting occasion. Let’s continue to honor our rich heritage and seek wisdom in every aspect of life,” said Advocate Mahavir Singh.

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BJP turns to workers to select candidates for Haryana Assembly poll

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.

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Vijay Shekhar Sharma breaks silence on why senior-level employees are leaving Paytm?

One97 Communications, the parent company of Paytm, underwent layoffs in June without specifying the number affected, offering outplacement support for transitioning employees. Despite questions about senior-level departures, founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma assured that all is well. Paytm’s sales team decreased by 3,500 to 36,521 personnel due to regulatory impacts from the RBI’s restrictions on Paytm Payments Bank.

Fintech firm One97 Communications, owner of the Paytm brand, laid off an undisclosed number of employees in June and claimed that it was providing outplacement support for their smooth transition.

During an event, Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma on Saturday when asked why senior-level employees are leaving Paytm, said, “All is well and all is rocking.”

Paytm’s sales employee headcount in the March 2024 quarter dropped by about 3,500 to 36,521 personnel on a quarter-on-quarter basis, mainly due to the impact of the Reserve Bank of India’s ban on services of Paytm Payments Bank.

“The company’s human resource teams are actively collaborating with over 30 companies that are currently hiring, and providing assistance to employees who have opted to share their information, facilitating their immediate outplacement,” the company said last month.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had barred Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL), an associate of Paytm, from accepting deposits, credit transactions, or top-ups in any customer accounts, wallets, and FASTags, keeping in view the interest of customers, including merchants from March 15 onwards.

The company had posted a loss of Rs 167.5 crore in the same period a year ago.

“As part of its FY24 earnings release, One97 Communications stated that it will be pruning its non-core business lines, and will continue its efforts to maintain a leaner organization structure through AI-led interventions. The company has been actively working toward driving profitability, in line with its guidance,” a company statement said earlier.

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

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.

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PRPF Meeting: Advocating for Public Rights and Environmental Initiatives

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.

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I Choose to Win: Hina Khan Cuts Her Hair Off as She Undergoes Chemotherapy

Television star Hina Khan was recently diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer

Popular television star Hina Khan, who recently shared her breast cancer diagnosis with fans, cut her hair short after the first chemotherapy session and said she is giving herself every chance to “win this battle.”

The 36-year-old, best known for her role in the TV show Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, shared the emotional moment in a video on her Instagram. In the video, Hina’s mother can be seen weeping as the actor bravely chops off her hair.

“To all the beautiful people out there, especially women who are fighting the same battle, I know it’s hard. I know for most of us, our hair is the crown we never take off. But what if you’re facing a battle so tough that you have to lose your hair—your pride, your crown? If you want to win, you’ve got to make some tough decisions. And I choose to win,” Hina posted.

She expressed her gratitude to her boyfriend, mother, and others for supporting her through this journey, calling them ‘MY PEOPLE’ and asking her fans to pray for her. Hina has also appeared in films like Hacked (2020) and Shinda Shinda No Papa (2024).

 

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

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.

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BJP to Lead NDA Meet Today; Markets Show Slight Improvement

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.

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