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India Gazette
20-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Ravneet Bittu slams CM Bhagwant Mann over appointments of Delhi AAP leaders to key posts
New Delhi [India], May 20 (ANI): Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing, Ravneet Singh Bittu, has launched a scathing attack on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, demanding the immediate revocation of two high-profile appointments of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders from Delhi to key positions in Punjab's administrative machinery. In a strongly worded video statement issued from the national capital, Bittu accused CM Mann of reducing himself to a puppet of AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal and undermining Punjab's autonomy. Bittu said there was no ground for appointing Reena Gupta as Chairperson of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) and Deepak Chauhan as Chairman of the Punjab Large Industrial Development Board (PLIDB). Both appointees are non-Punjabi leaders with deep ties to AAP's Delhi leadership. Bittu described the appointments as a betrayal of Punjab's self-respect, calling both appointees 'anti-Punjab entities' with no stakes in the state's welfare. 'Reena Gupta has a record of targeting Punjab's farmers and industries. She has openly blamed Punjab for pollution in Delhi, especially due to stubble burning,' Bittu said. 'Now she will head a body that decides the fate of the same farmers and industries she vilified.' He further criticized Gupta's lack of understanding of Punjab's unique environmental challenges, including the Budha Nullah pollution crisis and the industrial needs of Ludhiana. 'Her appointment is not just misplaced but dangerous,' he claimed. Regarding Deepak Chauhan, Mr Bittu said, 'He is being rewarded not for his competence, but for being a loyal foot soldier of Arvind Kejriwal. His only qualification is having served as a personal assistant to another personal assistant. How can such a person determine Punjab's industrial future?' Escalating his attack, Bittu accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of surrendering the state's authority to AAP's central leadership. 'Mann has made a mockery of the democratic system. He is nothing more than the number plate on Kejriwal's vehicle,' said Bittu. He went on to allege that AAP's top Delhi leaders -- Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Satyendar Jain -- are effectively running Punjab from behind the scenes. 'These three prisoners on parole are calling the shots in Punjab while Bhagwant Mann simply follows orders,' Bittu alleged. Bittu criticised the double standards in CM Mann's approach to Punjab's interests. 'On one hand, he's claiming to protect Punjab's water from going to Haryana, and on the other hand, he's handing over Punjab's key institutions to outsiders. This hypocrisy must end,' he said. 'These appointments are a slap in the face of every proud Punjabi. We will not allow outsiders to rule us through remote control. This fight is about Punjab's self-respect, and we are ready to take it to the streets,' Bittu declared. (ANI)
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First Post
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
Firstpost At Waves: Nagarjuna announces postage stamps honouring Guru Dutt, thanks PM Modi for 'Preserving and Honouring' the legacy of Indian cinema
The superstar then requested PM Modi to grace the stage, who, along with Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Dr L Murugan, launched the commemorative stamps. read more The World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) kicked off on May 1, paying tribute to Indian entertainment industry legends. Superstar Nagarjuna, who flew in from Hyderabad, warmly welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on stage and announced a special tribute: the Government of India's Department of Post would release a commemorative miniature sheet of postage stamps honouring Indian cinema's iconic figures, including filmmakers Guru Dutt, Ritwik Ghatak, Raj Khosla, composer-singer-poet Salil Chowdhury, and legendary actor P. Bhanumathi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The four-day star-studded summit, inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi, aims to showcase India's vibrant creative industries to a global audience. Nagarjuna took to the stage and in his introductory speech said WAVES celebrates the spirit of India, a country whose stories have 'shaped not just cinema but generations of hearts.' 'During the 55th IFFI, stamps were released to commemorate four legends of Indian cinema—Shri Raj Kapoor ji, Shri Mohammed Rafi ji, Tapan Sinha ji, and my father, Akkineni Nageswara Rao. Now at this grand global platform, we are here to commemorate another historic moment. As India marks 100 years since the birth of five extraordinary visionaries, whose creativity defined the golden age of our films, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) pays tribute to their enduring legacy. 'The Government of India Department of Post will release a commemorative miniature sheet of postage stamps honouring Guru Dutt ji, Ritwik Ghatak ji, Salil Chowdhury ji, Raj Khosla ji and P. Bhanumathi ji. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the I&B ministry and our Honorable Prime Minister of India for their tireless efforts in preserving and honouring the legacy of Indian cinema, through this incredible initiative,' he said. The superstar then requested PM Modi to grace the stage, who, along with Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Dr L Murugan, launched the commemorative stamps. The summit unites a diverse array of talent, featuring Indian film and music legends, contemporary icons, and global entertainment leaders, under one platform. Several high-profile celebrities were present on day one, including Rajinikanth, Mohanlal, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Deepika Padukone, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Naga Chaitanya, Sobhita Dhulipala, Sara Ali Khan, and Vicky Kaushal among others. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
The Hindu
25-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
President Murmu in Rome to attend Pope Francis' funeral
President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Rome on Friday (April 25, 2025) to attend the funeral of Pope Francis. Francis, who was the first non-European Pope in nearly 1,300 years, died on Monday. He was 88. His funeral will be held on Saturday. President Murmu is accompanied by Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju; Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, George Kurian; and Deputy Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly, Joshua De Souza. 'President Droupadi Murmu arrives in Rome to attend the funeral Mass of His Holiness Pope Francis,' the President's office said in a post on X. Ms. Murmu is on a two-day visit to the Vatican City and will offer condolences on behalf of the government and people of India. 'On April 26, the President will attend the funeral Mass of His Holiness Pope Francis at St Peter's Square in Vatican City, which will be attended by dignitaries from around the world,' the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had said in a statement. India had declared a three-day state mourning on the passing of Pope Francis. Media reports quoted the Vatican as saying that about 130 delegations are confirmed for Francis' funeral. These include 50 heads of state and 10 reigning sovereigns.
Indian Express
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
President Murmu departs for Vatican City to attend Pope Francis' funeral
President Droupadi Murmu on Friday departed for Vatican City to attend the funeral of Pope Francis later this week. She is accompanied by Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju; Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, George Kurian; and Deputy Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly, Joshua De Souza, her office said in a post on X. Murmu will be on a two-day visit to Vatican City and offer condolences on behalf of the government and people of India. 'President Droupadi Murmu departs for Vatican City to attend the State Funeral of HH Pope Francis,' read the post from the President's secretariat. Francis, who was the first non-European Pope in nearly 1,300 years, died on Easter Monday. He was 88. Murmu will pay homage to Pope Francis by laying a wreath at Basilica of Saint Peter in Vatican City on Friday. 'On April 26, the president will attend the funeral Mass of His Holiness Pope Francis at Saint Peter's Square in Vatican City, which will be attended by dignitaries from around the world,' the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.
Gulf Today
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Pope's legacy of love will inspire generations, says actor and minister Suresh Gopi
Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhaynidhi Stalin and Union Minister of State for Tourism & Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi were among several south Indian film industry professionals who condoled the demise of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. Producer, former actor and the current Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Udhayanidhi Stalin, in his condolence message, said, "I am deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Pope Francis. His passing is a profound loss to the Catholic world and beyond. He was a true servant of peace, compassion, and humanity. Pope Francis's enduring legacy of love, humility, and service will continue to inspire generations across the globe. #PopeFrancis." His legacy of love will inspire generations: Suresh Gopi Actor and Union Minister of State for Tourism & Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi too expressed his condolences. Taking to his X timeline, Suresh Gopi said, "Mourning the loss of Pope Francis. Heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community. His legacy of love, compassion and service will inspire generations. May his soul rest in peace and guide us towards kindness and understanding." Several other south Indian film celebrities too expressed their condolences. Telugu actor Vishnu Manchu too took to his X timeline to pay homage. He wrote, "Deeply saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. A towering symbol of compassion, humility, and peace. He touched millions with his grace and moral courage. The world has lost a spiritual giant. May his soul rest in eternal peace." A towering beacon of spiritual hope: Gautami Actress and politician Gautami Tadimalla, in her condolence message, said, "I mourn the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a towering beacon of spiritual hope and a most gentle reformer who sought to heal his flock in many ways. His mercy, humility and dedication to uplifting those most shunned and overlooked, shall inspire humanity for generations to come. My deepest condolences to the Catholic community and I pray that His soul may forever rest in God." Indo-Asian News Service
