Kolkata: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Tuesday urged West Bengal government 'to rise above politics' on the issue of commissioning welfare projects for the poor and claimed that not a single resident of the state has got the benefit of Centre's Ayushman Bharat Yojana.Vaishnaw, who was speaking at the 'Garib Kalyan Sammelan' here as part of similar meets across the country, also said that majority of the farmers of the state are yet to get the benefits PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana."Why has Ayushman Bharat Yojana not been implemented till now in Bengal? Why are most of the poor farmers of the state not getting the money channeled into their Jandhan accounts despite being eligible? The West Bengal government owes an explanation on these issues," Vaishnaw said."There can be different governments in different states ruled by different political parties. But that should not come in the way of improving the condition of the poor and needy. We are all Indians, there should not be any division," he said.Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana is a national public health insurance fund of the Government of India that aims to provide free access to health insurance coverage for low income earners in the country. It aims to cover over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families, approximately 50 crore beneficiaries, providing coverage upto Rs five lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. Benefiociary states have to bear 40 per cent of the expense for it.The scheme is yet to be implemented in West Bengal, which had officially launched its smart card based 'Swasthya Sathi' scheme in December, 2016. The 'Swasthya Sathi' scheme is a basic health cover for secondary and tertiary care up to Rs five lakh per annum per family and covers all pre-existing diseases.The entire premium is borne by the West Bengal government and no contribution is taken from the beneficiary. There is no cap on the family size and parents of both the spouse and all dependent physically challenged persons in the family are covered under the scheme.The rail minister said while 30 crore families has been provided affordable housing units in the country under the PM Awas Yojana, in Bengal only 42 lakh were allotted houses under the project.He asked those who have not got the benefit of the project to take up the matter with the state. "Please protest if you are deprived."He claimed that Modi always supported Bengal and had sanctioned Rs 3700 crore for relief after Cyclone Amphan.Coming to the Railways allocation in the state, he said the Centre had alloted a record Rs 10000 crore for railway projects in Bengal."If the state government makes land available, we will fastrack the projects," he added.The PM addressed the gathering virtually from Shimla as similar programmes were held across the country.Vaishnaw later told reporters that Railways will undertake a feasibility study for introducing a goods train with refrigerated coaches to carry perishable food items like fish and meat."We will have to first undertake a feasibility study on whether there can be refrigerated service to carry fish and similar products. We will decide on the study in two months' time," he added.Asked to comment on the repeated assertions by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that the Centre is renaming West Bengal's projects as its own and withholding the state's dues, Vaishnaw said "While I contest such claims, I would again request the state to work in synergy with Centre and rise above politics for quick execution of welfare projects which will benefit the people of the state."State Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, who was also present at the programme, said while 73,000 farmers in the state were eligible for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, West Bengal has sent names of only 30,000 as beneficiaries."The state is depriving its own people from the Central project," he claimed.—PTI

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Tuesday urged West Bengal government 'to rise above politics' on the issue of commissioning welfare projects for the poor and claimed that not a single resident of the state has got the benefit of Centre's Ayushman Bharat Yojana.

Rail minister asks WB govt to rise above politics

New Delhi: India on Friday responded to what it termed as "ill-informed comments" by senior US officials" on religious freedom in India and said it is unfortunate that vote bank politics is being practised in international relations.India made these remarks in response to media queries regarding the release of the US State Department 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken claimed on Thursday that there are rising attacks on people at places of worship in India."We have noted the release of the US State Department 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom, and ill-informed comments by senior US officials," External Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said."It is unfortunate that vote bank politics is being practised in international relations. We would urge that assessments based on motivated inputs and biased views be avoided," he added.Underlining that India values religious freedom and human rights, Bagchi said India has regularly highlighted issues of concern in the US, including racially and ethnically motivated attacks."In our discussions with the US, we have regularly highlighted issues of concern there, including racially and ethnically motivated attacks, hate crimes and gun violence," he said.Earlier on Thursday, Blinken released the 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom."... In India, the world's largest democracy and home to a great diversity of faiths, we are seeing rising attacks on people in places of worship," he said while delivering his address.The annual Report to Congress on International Religious Freedom - the International Religious Freedom Report - describes the status of religious freedom in every country. The report covers government policies violating religious beliefs and practices of groups, religious denominations and individuals, and U.S. policies to promote religious freedom around the world. The US Department of State submits the reports in accordance with the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.&nbsp;—ANI

India on Friday responded to what it termed as "ill-informed comments" by senior US officials" on religious freedom in India and said it is unfortunate that vote bank politics is being practised in international relations.

'Biased Views, Motivated Inputs': India Slams US Report On Religious Freedom

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said he favours a strong opposition in the country but slammed dynastic politics, saying it kills talent. He also said his statements on dynastic politics are often misunderstood by people, and added his criticism of 'pariwarvad' was not aimed at any party or individual."I am not talking about any political party or individual. I see that the people who fit my definition of&nbsp;pariwarvad&nbsp;are angry with me. These dynasts are uniting against me across the country. They are angry why the youth in the country are taking Modi seriously," he said. "I must tell you that people misunderstand my statement. I want that there must be a strong opposition in the country and that political parties must come out of dynastic politics," he said.It will strengthen the democracy in the country and youths will get more opportunities in politics, he said, but wondered if 'I am expecting a lot from dynastic political parties'.He was addressing an event at President Ram Nath Kovind's ancestral Paraunkh village in Kanpur Dehat district.President Kovind, who is on a visit to his village, came to the Kanpur airport to welcome PM Modi."I felt ashamed that President Ram Nath Kovind came to the airport to welcome me. We work under his guidance. When I asked about it, the president replied that 'I have come to welcome you not as the President of the country but as a native of the village as per my values'," Modi said.He said those gripped with&nbsp;pariwarvad&nbsp;(dynastic politics) are uniting against him, while people flay its ills. He said dynastic politics must stop so that anyone born in a village can become the prime minister or the president."We must be alert to the challenges of democracy like&nbsp;pariwarvad.&nbsp;Pariwarvad&nbsp;kills talent not just in politics but in every sphere," he said.Earlier in his address, the PM shared his experience of visiting the Paraunkh village and interaction with locals.The PM said the country is working for the development of farmers, women and youth.Today in rural India, roads are being made, fibre optic cables are being laid and houses being constructed for the poor, he said."Our villages are capable, have manpower and are well to do. Empowerment of villages is the primary objective of our government."He said that his government's aim is to ensure that benefits of schemes reach to all intended beneficiaries, which means 'cent percent empowerment without discrimination'."By doing so we are fulfilling the dream of equality of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar," he said.The prime minister urged the villagers to contribute to the development of the villages and the country.In his address, President Kovind thanked Modi for visiting the village and for backing him for the post of president."Uttar Pradesh realised the dedication of the PM towards democracy when he initiated to make a person like me the president of the country," said Kovind."The credit for making a person from UP the president of the country goes to the prime minister," he said.Chief Minister Yogi Adityanth, Governor Anandiben Patel along with ministers, MPs and MLA of nearby area attended the event.In his address, Adityanath said, "The president and the prime minister by being together in a small village of Kanpur Dehat are also giving a message of 'gram swaraj' envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi and encouraging the people to join with the Amrut Mohotsav to celebrate 75 years of Independence."Adityanath said that Paraunkh village has become an example of ideal village in the state."Whatever we are able to do in the state, the support of the Prime Minister is essential. With his support and guidance, UP has been able to move towards a new era of development," said the CM. Before their address at the public function, the dignitaries visited the Pathri Mata temple at Paraunkh village.They also visited Dr B R Ambedkar Bhawan which was to be followed by a visit to Milan Kendra (community center).The Kendra is the president's ancestral house that has been donated for public use.—PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said he favours a strong opposition in the country but slammed dynastic politics, saying it kills talent.

People misunderstand my views on dynastic politics: Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that in politics, people should have the courage to tell the truth but some states try to avoid it.The Prime Minister made the remarks after launching the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme virtually here. He also dedicated and laid the foundation stone of various green energy projects of NTPC, and launched the National Solar Rooftop portal.PM Modi noted that with the passage of time, "a serious disorder has come into our politics"."In politics, people should have the courage to tell the truth, but we see that some states try to avoid it. This strategy may sound like good politics in the short term. But it is like postponing today's truth, today's challenges, for tomorrow, for our children, and for our future generations. This thinking of avoiding solutions to today's problems and leaving them for the future is not good for the country," he said, adding: "This thought process has pushed the power sector in many states into huge problems." The Prime Minister said losses in our distribution sector are in double digits. He said there is a lack of investment in reducing distribution and transmission losses in many states.The Prime Minister remarked that people will be surprised to know that different states have outstanding dues of more than Rs 1 lakh crore. "They have to give this money to power generation companies. Power distribution companies are owed more than Rs 60 thousand crore from many government departments, and local bodies," the PM said adding that these companies are not able to get even the money that has been committed for subsidy on electricity in different states on time and in full and this arrear is also more than Rs 75,000 crore.The Prime Minister requested the states whose dues are pending, to clear them as soon as possible."Also, honestly consider the reasons that even when the countrymen pay their electricity bills honestly, why do some states have arrears again and again? He said this is not a matter of 'Rajniti' (politics) but pertains to 'Rashtra Niti' and nation building," he said The Prime Minister said awe had resolved to create 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by the completion of 75 years of independence.Today we have come close to this goal. So far, about 170 GW capacity has been installed from non-fossil sources, he added.The Prime Minister said that along with increasing the production of electricity, the emphasis of the government is also on saving electricity.—IANS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that in politics, people should have the courage to tell the truth but some states try to avoid it. The Prime Minister made the remarks after launching the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme virtually here. He also dedicated and laid the foundation stone of various green energy projects of NTPC, and launched the National Solar Rooftop portal.

 In politics, people should have courage to tell truth: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that in politics, people should have the courage to tell the truth but some states try to avoid it.
The Prime Minister made the remarks after launching the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme virtually here. He also dedicated and laid the foundation stone of various green energy projects of NTPC, and launched the National Solar Rooftop portal.

New Delhi:&nbsp;The BJP on Tuesday cited the uncovering of cash and assets acquired allegedly by some opposition politicians to refute the charge of vendetta politics against its government, and asserted that those who swindled people's money will not be allowed to go scot free. Party spokesperson Sambit Patra spoke about the corruption allegation against Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut, the seizure of "mountain of cash" suspected to belong to Trinamool Congress leader Partha Chatterjee and money laundering allegation against AAP's Satyendar Kumar Jain to hit out at the Opposition over its charge of political vendetta. All these leaders were arrested by the federal agency Enforcement Directorate. "Should they be allowed to go scot free just because they are big politicians? The charges against them are based on facts and evidence and not rhetoric. The opposition should not politicise corruption," Patra said. Speaking to reporters, he claimed the governments run by the BJP will never override constitutional values and not interfere in the work of investigation agencies. "But we have zero tolerance for corruption. Whosoever defrauded people's money will not be let off," he said. Patra noted that Raut is allegedly involved in a scam worth close to Rs 1,040 crore related to a 2007 project for the redevelopment of 47 acres of plot where 672 families lived as tenants for decades. The Maharashtra Housing and Development Authority (MHADA) had registered the case in 2018, he said. Should the ED not act against them because they are politicians and "entitled", he asked and added opposition parties had raised a hue and cry even when NCP leader Nawab Malik was arrested in February in a money laundering case. He remains in jail because the court has not given him bail because of the seriousness of charges against him, he said. The opposition has accused the Modi government of targeting its leaders by "misusing" federal agencies, especially the ED.—PTI

The BJP on Tuesday cited the uncovering of cash and assets acquired allegedly by some opposition politicians to refute the charge of vendetta politics against its government, and asserted that those who swindled people's money will not be allowed to go scot free.

Corruption charges against opposition leaders based on 'facts, evidence': BJP

Patna: The Congress in Bihar feels BJP's downfall in the state was just comeuppance for its attempts to oust the grand old party from national politics and engineering defections in Maharashtra. Lashing out at the saffron camp, Bihar Congress in-charge Bhakta Charan Das on Wednesday quipped that BJP-mukt Bihar is the new message that has been sent out to people Speaking to a television channel on Wednesday, Das said that Congress has always been a sturdy pillar when it came to the progress of the nation, freedom of the country and its recognition. The saffron party wants to wipe out all smaller parties. It wants to establish just one party in India (BJP), one colour... and one religion, Das claimed. Asked if the speaker of the new Mahagathbandhan' Bihar government will be from the Congress, which has 19 MLAs in the Assembly, Das said whatever will happen, will happen for the good . Yesterday I had said that history was in the making This is indeed a historic achievement. Bihar has sent out the message of BJP-mukt Bihar, he said. Meanwhile, Congress leader and MP Jairam Ramesh, in a tweet, said that Bihar was no operation lotus'. No cash caught. No ED raids. No Assam CM. No resort travel. All done in characteristic Bihar style, civilised &amp; low-cost. CM gets support of largest party and others. In Maharashtra, BJP engineered defections. In Bihar, BJP was rejected and ejected, he wrote. —PTI

The Congress in Bihar feels BJP's downfall in the state was just comeuppance for its attempts to oust the grand old party from national politics and engineering defections in Maharashtra

Maharashtra has been avenged, says Cong in Bihar

Hyderabad: Such has been the dominance of AIMIM in Hyderabad politics for over four decades that its stronghold remained immune to the political waves sweeping the state.
No matter which party was in power in the erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh, the support base of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) remained intact.
There has been no change after Telangana was carved out as a separate state in 2014. Despite the reservations the Asaduddin Owaisi-led party had over the division of Andhra Pradesh, the party adapted itself to the new political scenario dominated by the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS).
While maintaining its firm grip over the Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency and seven Muslim majority Assembly segments in the city, AIMIM backed TRS in the rest of the state both in 2014 and 2018 elections.
This friendship and the secular image of Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao helped TRS secure the support of Muslim voters.
With a huge concentration of Muslim voters in state capital Hyderabad and some other districts, they are in a position to tilt the balance in nearly half of the 119 Assembly constituencies.
Muslim voters are believed to be between 35 and 60 per cent in 10 constituencies in Hyderabad and anywhere between 10 and 40 per cent in the 50 other constituencies spread across the rest of the state.
Except the eight Assembly constituencies where AIMIM candidates were in the fray, the party backed TRS in all the remaining constituencies.
While AIMIM's political opponents accuse the party of pursuing communal politics, CM KCR on many occasions defended his friend and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi. He lauded the AIMIM chief for fighting for the Constitutional rights of Muslims in a democratic manner and even talked of using the services of Owaisi to forge a national alternative to both BJP and Congress.
BJP, which is going aggressive to capture power in Telangana, has been targeting KCR for his friendship with Owaisi and accusing the TRS leader of pursuing politics of appeasement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and other central leaders of BJP have slammed KCR for appeasement politics. Digging up the past, the state leadership of the saffron party has been making bitter attacks on AIMIM, calling it a party of ‘Razakars'.
‘Razakars' were the volunteers or supporters of Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) who backed the Nizam who wanted to keep the state independent after India gained Independence in 1947.
Thirteen months after August 15, 1947, Hyderabad State acceded to the Indian Union following India's military action codenamed ‘Operation Polo'.
MIM was founded 1927 to promote the socio-economic and educational development of Muslims. After ‘Operation Polo' hastened the accession of Hyderabad State into the Indian Union in 1948, MIM was banned. However, in 1958 it was revived with a new constitution by Moulana Abdul Wahid Owaisi, grandfather of Asaduddin Owaisi. A well-known lawyer in those days, Abdul Wahid Owaisi converted it into a political party to fight for the rights of the minorities as enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
"Those who wanted to go have gone. Those who love the country choose to remain here," says Asaduddin Owaisi in response to BJP's taunt of ‘Razakars'.
He dismisses allegations of pursuing communal politics and maintains that AIMIM believes in Indian Constitution and has been fighting for the Constitutional rights of minorities, Dalits and others.
AIMIM made its electoral debut in 1959, winning two municipal by-elections in Hyderabad. In 1960, it emerged as the main opposition party in Hyderabad.
Abdul Wahed Owaisi's son Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi was among the party leaders elected to the Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad (MCH).
The party underwent image makeover in the 1980s when Salahuddin Owaisi made three Hindu corporators of the party mayors of Hyderabad. Those were the days when Hyderabad used to witness frequent communal tensions.
From municipal wards in the old city of Hyderabad to two Lok Sabha seats in 2019, AIMIM has come a long way in its six-decade-long journey in Independent India. More than three decades after first winning the Hyderabad seat, the party expanded itself in true sense in 2019 by wresting the Aurangabad seat in Maharashtra from the Shiv Sena.
A party confined to the old city of Hyderabad till a few years ago, AIMIM was a butt of ridicule by its rivals for calling itself an all-India party.
The party now has 10 MLAs -- seven in Telangana, two in Maharashtra and one in Bihar. Its tally of MLAs was 14 till recently, but four MLAs in Bihar switched loyalties to the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).
While continuing its efforts to expand to various states, the AIMIM is treading cautiously to check BJP's surge in Telangana.
In a tactical move aimed at stopping the BJP from politically exploiting emotive issues like September 17, AIMIM for the first time in its history has decided to celebrate the day this year as national integration day.
It was on September 17, 1948 that Hyderabad State was merged with the Indian Union. AIMIM always opposed celebrating the day on the ground that there is only one Independence Day for the entire country.
The BJP has been targeting TRS for not officially celebrating ‘Telangana Liberation Day' due to pressure from Owaisi.
However, political analysts say that KCR may come under increasing attack from BJP for his friendship with AIMIM.
"KCR wants to herald a secular government in India by achieving a ‘BJP mukt Bharat'. If BJP is communal, how can MIM be secular? Bonhomie with Owaisis raises questions over secular politics ultimately helping BJP in majoritarian consolidation," says professor K. Nageshwar.—IANS

Such has been the dominance of AIMIM in Hyderabad politics for over four decades that its stronghold remained immune to the political waves sweeping the state.

AIMIM's Undiminished Sway Over Hyderabad Makes It Irreplaceable In T'gana

Panaji: Jolted with 'defection politics' from its own fold, Congress has pushed itself in a survival mode in Goa while on the other hand new entrants like Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are trying to strengthen their base.
In 2017, Congress was the largest party in the Goa Assembly elections with 17 MLAs, however it couldn't form the government. This forced its MLAs to leave the party and join the ruling BJP. Initially, three of its MLAs resigned and contested on the BJP tickets thereby finding place in the ruling set up after getting elected. This encouraged other ten MLAs who also walked out (more than two-third) to join the BJP on July 10, 2019.
Finding the Congress on the downslide, parties like the AAP and TMC decided to fill in the opposition space. 'A vote to Congress means a vote to BJP' -- this has been the slogan that both the new entrant parties have been highlighting.
The threat of defections from the Congress continues even today. On July 10, an intervention of senior leaders of the Congress helped prevent what seemed a likely defection by its two-third MLAs to join the BJP.
Congress in-charge of Goa, Dinesh Gundu Rao swung into action and decided to file disqualification petitions against Leader of Opposition Michael Lobo and Margao MLA Digambar Kamat alleging that both were involved in anti-party activities (persuading other MLAs to join BJP).
"The BJP was trying for a two-third split in Congress, so minimum 8 MLAs could leave the party," Rao had said while attacking the BJP for allegedly offering money to the MLAs to split.
Though this political drama has been temporarily defused, there is every possibility that those in rebellion mood may join the BJP any time in future. This has invited wrath from non-BJP voters in the state.
With a vibrant campaign and promising the people that henceforth their MLAs will not defect, for which candidates had pledged before God, the Congress had managed to win 11 seats in the 2022 Assembly election. However, the party has again started to lose the faith of the public due to recent 'unsuccessful' defection event.
Trinamool Congress' Goa in-charge Kirti Azad speaking to IANS said that they don't have to take anybody's place, but they will be in power in near future in Goa.
"We contested for the first time in Goa and secured 8.7 per cent votes. People are automatically coming to TMC, the Congress is losing its base. We had told the people before the election that we are a party to be trusted, because there are musical chairs going on between the BJP and Congress. Congress is more versed in the game of this musical chair. Now I am sure that the people are repenting that they didn't give us the chance," Azad said.
"I have respect for the grand old Congress party, but they have to realise that they have to go to the grassroots. You can't be dependent on individuals who jump ships," he said.
Aam Aadmi Party Goa Unit President Adv. Amit Palekar said that they knew that the defection threat will continue in the Congress. "This was supposed to happen, we were telling this before the elections. It has been avoided for some time, but it is bound to happen again," Palekar said.
"If the Congress was confident (that MLAs are united) then they should have withdrawn the disqualification petition. They still have doubts that their MLAs will defect," Palekar said.
He said that the AAP was highlighting major issues of Goa. "We are looking to be in power in the future. We will not try to capture anybody's place, but we will create our own space wherever it is required," he said.
"We are trying to attract all Goans, we are hoping to be in power," he said.
The AAP has two MLAs in the Goa Assembly. However, despite an energetic campaign TMC couldn't win a single seat in the 2022 Assembly election.—IANS

Jolted with 'defection politics' from its own fold, Congress has pushed itself in a survival mode in Goa while on the other hand new entrants like Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are trying to strengthen their base.

Will BJP join AAP, Congress's 'Sop Opera' In Gujarat?

Hyderabad: Ahead of Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's imminent entry into national politics, the ruling TRS party has decided to purchase an aircraft so that he can jet across the country, sources said.
The decision was taken on Thursday, to buy a small aircraft with capacity of 6 - 8-seats, at around Rs 80 crore, the sources explained.
According to the sources, the order for the aircraft will be placed on the auspicious Vijaya Dasami, October 5, soon after the formal announcement of the national party by KCR.
The Telangana chief minister and TRS supremo has been visiting different opposition-ruled states in his efforts to create a national alternative to the BJP at the centre. He had used chartered aircraft to visit states like Maharashtra, Bihar, Tamil Nadu during his recent visits there.&nbsp;
—IANS

Ahead of Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's imminent entry into national politics, the ruling TRS party has decided to purchase an aircraft so that he can jet across the country, sources said.

 KCR's national politics to take wing on TRS aircraft

Bhopal (The Hawk): The state's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to have a difficult time as liquor politics in Madhya Pradesh become more and more political, with the saffron camp sounding more critical of the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led government than the opposition.
Uma Bharti, a fiery BJP activist and former union minister, plans to protest the sale of alcohol by erecting tents in forests and close to liquor stores beginning on November 7.
Additional pressure on the government about the selling of alcohol in villages is being increased by other BJP politicians as well.
As the state gets ready for the forthcoming assembly elections, the politics around alcohol have reached a pinnacle.
Since the alcohol policy was created in April 2022, the former chief minister Uma Bharti has maintained a hard attitude on the subject.
She has already expressed her disapproval by flinging cow excrement and stones at booze stores.
Bharti is adamant about maintaining her protest despite CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan's pledges about revisions to the policy and holding public awareness programmes.
Bharti stated during the discussion with the Chief Minister on the state's alcohol policy that liquor stores shouldn't be built within a mile of houses of worship and educational facilities.
She also requested that special arrangements be made for people leaving beer bars and pubs so that they might be driven home in automobiles with chauffeurs.
Ajay Vishnoi, a prominent BJP lawmaker and former minister, questioned the Chief Minister about the matter as well.
Vishnoi claimed that alcohol is being sold in villages and that political resolve is required to eliminate the practise of selling alcohol on the streets.
In the approaching election, he asserted that banning the sale of alcohol will raise BJP support by 100 votes across the board.
Uma Bharti tweeted that she intends to travel to Amarkantak, a pilgrimage town in Madhya Pradesh, in December after 30 years of living a Sanyas life.
Narendra Saluja, a senior in the Madhya Pradesh Congress, poked fun at this in a tweet, asking: "How shall your new schedule be interpreted—have you reversed course on your campaign for a liquor-free MP or reached a compromise with the government on the issue?"
(Inputs from Agencies)

The state's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to have a difficult time as liquor politics in Madhya Pradesh become more and more political, with the saffron camp sounding more critical of the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led government than the opposition.

Uma Bharti targets the Shivraj government as liquor politics in MP heats up

Bhopal (The Hawk): The Bharat Jodo Yatra (BJY) of the Congress party, led by former president Rahul Gandhi, is scheduled to enter Madhya Pradesh on November 20. It is generating buzz in the state's political scene and laying a quiet foundation for the upcoming Assembly election, which is expected to take place in the latter half of 2023.
According to rumours, both the Congress and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were developing their own strategies to compete with one another.
Sources claim that the BJP has prepared two plans for a "Mini Operation Lotus" against the Congress before or during Rahul Gandhi's BJY in the state.
According to sources who spoke to IANS, the BJP may attempt to oust at least 8–10 Congress MLAs under the first plan.
Additionally, it might target Congress MLAs from tribal regions, particularly those that are close to Gujarat, a state that is going to the polls, like the Jhabua and Malwa-Nimar regions.
Sources claim that the BJP will attempt to give the impression that "BJY is having no impact" in accordance with its stated strategy.
However, some political analysts also believed that the BJP is unlikely to reveal its "Plan A" of poaching a number of Congress MLAs.
According to a source, "Plan B" is to give the impression that the tribals are not supporting the old party, and it may have an effect in tribal seats in Madhya Pradesh's bordering Gujarat state.
According to sources, some Congress MLAs communicate with the BJP via mining magnate-turned-MLA Sanjay Pathak, who was previously a member of the Congress.
Bhupendra Singh, the minister for urban development in Madhya Pradesh, dismissed rumours that the party intended to kidnap Congressmen during Rahul Gandhi's visit to the state.
"Congress is spreading rumours because they are in a panic. Yes, there are numerous Congress MLAs who maintain regular contact with the BJP, but this "Operation Lotus" rumour was made up by the Congress. Since we are aware that the Bharat Jodo Yatra won't have any bearing on the results of the Madhya Pradesh assembly elections, we are not concerned about it "Singh continued.
The day before BJY was set to enter Madhya Pradesh, a meeting of all BJP legislators was scheduled, which led to further rumours and assumptions.
According to sources, V.D. Sharma, the state unit president of the BJP, and chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan called the meeting. The meeting on November 19 has been invited to all BJP lawmakers.
Additionally, over 20 BJP MLAs, according to some sources, are considering leaving the party out of fear that the saffron party will exclude them from the next election. The majority of them are Jyotiraditya Scindia supporters who worry about being dropped by the BJP, according to a source.
A Congress leader who spoke on the condition of anonymity added that "BJP MLAs are in contact with Kamal Nath and the Congress has done its preparations to give the BJP an appropriate reply" if they try to play any games.
The Congress leader continued, "Kamal Nath had said that 'BJP MLAs are in touch with us'... and that is a kind of warning to the BJP.
(Inputs from Agencies)

The Bharat Jodo Yatra (BJY) of the Congress party, led by former president Rahul Gandhi, is scheduled to enter Madhya Pradesh on November 20. It is generating buzz in the state's political scene and laying a quiet foundation for the upcoming Assembly election, which is expected to take place in the latter half of 2023.

Rahul Gandhi's BJY is set to enter Madhya Pradesh politics

Bhavnagar, Gujarat (The Hawk): The people have removed the Congress from power due to its caste politics, and if it wants to be a part of the state, it must give up this caste politics and modify its approach, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was speaking at a public event in this city on Monday.
In the Bhavnagar district's Palitana, Modi was speaking to the general populace. He stated: "People felt unsafe under the authority of the Congress because bomb explosions were so frequent. Previously, there would be an explosion every other day. These stores' shutters have been removed since the BJP took office. People now feel comfortable and secure under BJP administration, which is a gift from the party."
At each and every voting location, he urged the populace to cast their ballots, saying, "You must work hard on each and every seat for the thumping majority of the BJP in order to ensure that Lotus continues to grow in the state. I need your help to make this the best state in the world within the next 25 years."
"People used to migrate from Gujarat in search of work, but now people from all over the country are going to Gujarat in search of work, because of quick industrialization," the prime minister added.
In an attack on the Congress, the prime minister stated, "Since the BJP became the federal government, in only eight years three lakh villages have received access. Up till 2014, when the Congress was in charge in Delhi, just 60 villages had Internet connectivity."
When speaking about the benefits provided to farmers, he recalled that the national government provided a subsidy of Rs 1,600 to 1,700 every bag of urea. However, the farmer was only receiving $200 to $300 per bag.
(Inputs from Agencies)

The people have removed the Congress from power due to its caste politics, and if it wants to be a part of the state, it must give up this caste politics and modify its approach, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was speaking at a public event in this city on Monday.

Cong must abandon caste politics if it wants to be a part of Gujarat. PM Modi

New Delhi (The Hawk): Regarding the "politics of performance," the political conflict between the Congress and the BJP has grown more heated. While the Congress is persistently attempting to blame the Modi government for the nation's economic situation and growing prices, the BJP asserts that their government has performed significantly better in the area of the economics.
The BJP claimed on Twitter that when comparing the size of the nation's GDP throughout the terms of the UPA and NDA governments, India's economy only increased in size by one position during the UPA government's ten years in office. On the other side, in just eight and a half years under Modi, the Indian economy rose five spots to take the fifth-largest spot in the world.
In the ten years of the UPA, India's economy went from being the 11th to the 10th largest, and in the eight and a half years of the BJP-led NDA, it went from being the 10th to the 5th largest.
(Inputs from Agencies)

Regarding the "politics of performance," the political conflict between the Congress and the BJP has grown more heated. While the Congress is persistently attempting to blame the Modi government for the nation's economic situation and growing prices, the BJP asserts that their government has performed significantly better in the area of the economics.

The BJP asserts superior economic success than the UPA administration

Chandigarh (The Hawk): The fractured Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), which will celebrate its centennial in 2021, is currently experiencing its worst crisis "structurally, organizationally, and even in terms of ideological leadership" as a result of the mass exodus of leaders, even veterans with grey flowing beards, and the sudden rise of its formerly two-decade-old coalition partner, the BJP, in Punjab.
For the second time in a row, people have rejected it in the most recent surveys. Its parliamentary representation in the 117-member current Assembly was cut from 15 seats in 2017–22 to only three, the smallest amount ever.
The BJP won two seats this time around, down from three in 2017, when it ran in coalition with the Akali Dal.
Under the direction of two-term chief minister Capt. Amarinder Singh, who is seen as a patriot and a highly esteemed Sikh politician, and well-known Hindu figure Sunil Jakhar, the saffron party is deepening its roots in the Sikh-dominated state.
Jakhar and the previous chief minister are both well-known Congressmen who left the grand old party.
Parkash Singh Badal, 94, the patriarch of the Akali Dal and a five-time chief minister, as well as his only son Sukhbir Singh Badal, lost their respective seats in this year's Assembly elections in a humiliating manner. The Akali Dal is now a "one-man governed" organisation.
The results of the state Assembly elections, which took place on March 10, saw the party's worst-ever performance. In actuality, the AAP's rookies defeated all of the Badals and their relatives.
The elderly Badal, despite his defeat, expressed "immense satisfaction and pride" at the party's strong and moral stance taken in an effort to "rescue the besieged peasantry." He is adamant that the farmers' issue is connected to the greater good of the country.
He is frequently cited as saying, "Parties occasionally experience ups and downs. Politics is where it occurs. The Akalis have a long tradition of sticking up for ideals and eschewing the allure of power."
The Akali Dal severed its more than two-decade-long links with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in September 2020 as a result of stark disagreements over the three contentious farm policies.
In the 2017 Assembly elections, the Congress, which had been out of power in Punjab for ten years (from 2007 to 2017), defeated the Akali Dal-BJP coalition and won 77 seats.
At that time, the elderly Badal had defeated Capt. Amarinder Singh of the Congress by 22,770 votes to win the Assembly elections from Lambi.
Senior Badal, a founding member of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) who calls for the punishment of those responsible for the anti-Sikh riots in Gujarat as well, stated to IANS in a recent interview that he is confident the outstanding and proud legacy of the Akali Dal will be carried forward with aplomb.
One of the BJP's first allies was the Akali Dal. It was one of the first to back the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government in 1996, which served for just 13 days and was the shortest in India's history.
The younger Badal, who was referred to as the "super chief minister" while the party was in power and had economic and agricultural interests, is on his toes to restore the struggling party Akali Dal and stop further flight of leaders.
Known as Kaka-ji, a word used in political circles to describe the sons of Punjab's political elite who are typically spoiled, Sukhbir, 60, served as the industries minister of state in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee administration in 1998–1999. In 2001, he won a seat in the Rajya Sabha.
Harsimrat Kaur Badal, his wife, is bringing up state-specific problems in Parliament. She previously served as the minister of the food processing industry in both Modi-led Central governments. The couple won the parliamentary elections in 2019.
Sukhbir Badal, the party's president, reconstituted a nine-member advisory board this month to help him despite suffering consecutive electoral defeats under his leadership in the 2019 parliamentary elections and the 2022 Assembly polls, both by significant margins, and the recent exodus of veterans like the first woman president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Bibi Jagir Kaur.
Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, a Rajya Sabha member, and his legislator son Parminder Singh Dhindsa were expelled earlier in 2020 for openly criticising the SAD's senior leadership.
"The majority of senior leaders favour changing the party's leadership. The party will be updated, they said. Rebel voices are becoming more audible. It is imperative that the party reflect, "a senior party official noted.
It's interesting to note that Manpreet Singh Ayali, a legislator for the Akali Dal, questioned the party for opposing Bibi Jagir Kaur over her alleged connections to the BJP while endorsing Droupadi Murmu for President despite the fact that she was the choice of the NDA government, which has no interest in Sikh issues.
According to Sukhbir Badal's recent pronouncements, the Akali Dal will never stray from its basic pro-Punjab, pro-minority, pro-farmers, and pro-poor platform.
He stated that the party is determined to doing everything possible to ensure that many issues concerning the Sikh community and Punjab come to a logical conclusion.
On the occasion of the 550th Parkash Purb of Guru Nanak Dev, the problem was securing the release of all Sikh detainees whose sentences had been commuted by the Central government, turning Chandigarh over to Punjab, as well as other concerns like maintaining the status of Panjab University.
Harsimrat Kaur Badal raised the alarm in the Lok Sabha this week, warning that the drug mafia-politician connection and the emergence of narco-terrorism under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration in Punjab have the potential to harm not only Punjab but also the entire nation.
She claimed that due to a combination of drug trafficking, the collapse of law and order, the disintegration of peace and communal harmony, and other factors, Punjab is comparable to a flaming volcano and on the verge of civil war, adding that "never has such a situation existed in the state before."
In accordance with Rule 193, she was speaking about the growing danger of illicit narcotics in Parliament.
She claimed that although AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal had pledged to eradicate drugs within 10 days of the 2022 Assembly election, the drug problem had worsened over the previous nine months and was endangering national security as well as destabilising Punjab.
She said that guns and drugs were being transported into Punjab, which resulted in an increase in narco-terrorism and the first RPG strikes in Punjab.
The alliance between the Akali Dal and the BJP (formerly the Jana Sangh) has been dubbed the oldest and most powerful in modern politics.
Since March 27, 1970, when Parkash Singh Badal first became the nation's youngest chief minister, no other alliance has endured as many political conflicts.
The years 1952, 1957, 1962, 1972, 1992, 2002, and 2017 saw seven full terms for the Congress of the state.
In 1997, the Akali Dal created history by being the first non-Congress party to serve a full term in office since Independence. It has since replicated this accomplishment in 2007 and 2012.
(Inputs from Agencies)

The fractured Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), which will celebrate its centennial in 2021, is currently experiencing its worst crisis "structurally, organizationally, and even in terms of ideological leadership" as a result of the mass exodus of leaders, even veterans with grey flowing beards, and the sudden rise of its formerly two-decade-old coalition partner, the BJP, in Punjab.

Akali Dal reached its lowest point in Punjab politics in its 101st year

Soumitra Bose
New Delhi (The Hawk): Sonia's Adieu...segregation from politics. Retirement from now on. According to her own sayings in the Congress Steering Committee meeting. Her moving away from the Congress means "end of era of pre-1947 to 1980s in the Congress when SoniaJi was Congressccentric". Thereafter also, she till now, pulled Congress on but no more, as decided by her, astutely observe partypeople. They say, from now on, a new Congress has started functioning in the sense, "the 2023+ and onward fully in from now on in the Congress" under "new leaders like Mallikarjuna Kharge etc shedding off Gandhi-tag". Also, at this point, this may also be pointed out, the "goal is to strengthen the Congress in every way amid the people of all hues in the country so that the Congress-name again becomes synonymous with the countrypeople of all hues shedding all kinds of 'narrowism, sectarianism, communalism, redundant differences, squabbles' and the like". The idea is: Present a Congress aiming toward 2085, 200th year since Congress' establishment in 1885. Getcha?

Sonia's Adieu...segregation from politics. Retirement from now on. According to her own sayings in the Congress Steering Committee meeting. 

Sonia's Adieu

Patna: RJD MLC Sunil Singh has accused the BJP of supporting the actors who sing the filthy Bhojpuri songs on loudspeakers, while the Bihar Police have begun cracking down on those who play them.
Sunil Singh, who is very close to the Lalu Prasad Yadav family, made the point in the Legislative Council that Bhojpuri is a very pleasant language.
"Over 6 crore people in the country speak Bhojpuri language and overall 25 crore across the world. Many countries like Mauritius, Fiji and West Indies have Bhojpuri as a dominant language but here in our country, people are making vulgar songs. Interestingly, actors like Ravi Kishan, Manoj Tiwari and Dinesh Lal Yadav alias Nirahua sang many vulgar Bhojpuri songs and the BJP gave them tickets for the Lok Sabha. They are representing Gorakhpur, North East Delhi and Azamgarh Lok Sabha constituency," Singh said.
After Singh's remark, BJP MLC Nawal Kishore Yadav raised an objection, alleging that Singh is using his right to free speech during Question Hour. He suggested that instead of wasting the family's time, he could ask questions.
After the objection was made, the presiding officer cut off the RJD leader and told him he may only pose a question.
Interacting with media persons outside the legislature later, Singh said: "The youths of Bhojpuri origin follow those actors and if the latter produce vulgarity, then how could we expect good behaviour from our youths."
To prevent offensive lyrics from being released into the public sphere, Singh in the house has also called for the establishment of a censor board for Bhojpuri music and film.—Inputs from Agencies

RJD MLC Sunil Singh has accused the BJP of supporting the actors who sing the filthy Bhojpuri songs on loudspeakers, while the Bihar Police have begun cracking down on those who play them

 BJP promoting actors who sing vulgar songs in Bhojpuri, says RJD leader

Lucknow: Even though the Congress has joined regional parties in raising the issue of caste census, the 'Mandal' brand of politics is unlikely to return to Uttar Pradesh in the prevailing scenario. The regional parties, namely the Samajwadi Party, which is the main opposition parties in UP, had sensed that denting the BJP would be a near impossible task in 2024 since by then the Ram temple would be ready and the BJP's Hindu plank would be reinforced like never before. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had already given a peek into the 2024 poll issues when he said that the election would be 80 versus 20 -- 80 being Hindus and 20 being minorities. The Samajwadi Party raised the caste census card to change the arithmetic to 85 versus 15 -- 85 being OBCs &amp; Dalits and 15 being upper castes. The BJP sensed that any such exercise would inflame caste-based social and political sentiments and harm the Hindutva-nationalist project. Caste has always been an intrinsic component of Indian democracy. As a veteran BJP functionary puts it, "One's caste can control access to political power, land, and police or judicial assistance. Castes also tend to influence local politics by being local to certain areas. A caste census may increase caste feelings in some people and that may lead to clashes, especially in villages where maintaining anonymity is difficult. Political parties will then tend to represent the interests of specific castes and the inclusiveness of policy-making will be lost." The Samajwadi Party believed that an enumeration of the OBCs in a caste census will provide hard data about their numerical strength in different states. These numbers will further be utilised to examine the share of the OBCs in different state institutions. "It is obvious that most of the sectors of power, such as the judiciary, educational institutions and the media, are controlled and monopolised by the social elites, giving the Dalit-Bahujan groups just a minuscule presence. A caste census will provide the socio-economic nuances of the OBC population and will show that their representation in different institutions is not according to the size of their population. With the acknowledgement of such a precarious social fact, a new political consciousness will emerge amongst the socially marginalised groups, forcing them to initiate a new movement for social justice," said an SP leader. Interestingly, Uttar Pradesh's deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, also gave impetus to backward politics when he backed the opposition demand for a caste census. "I am all for it," Maurya said, adding, "neither me, nor my party are in opposition on the subject." However, he had no answer as to why Uttar Pradesh has not yet followed the Bihar example, where a caste census has been announced. While the game plan was unfolding as per the wishes of regional parties, a sudden turn of events has pushed the caste census issue on the backburner and it is now the communal card that is holding centre stage. The killings of gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmad and his brother Ashraf and the encounter of his son, Asad has left the atmosphere in Uttar Pradesh highly surcharged on communal lines. The BJP is playing the Hindu card with a vengeance by justifying the 'end of mafia' but regional parties are undecided about their stand. All they have done so far is to term the encounters as 'fake'. The regional parties, apparently, do not want to lose out on Hindu support. The caste census issue can now wait for another time, another season in Uttar Pradesh. —IANS

Even though the Congress has joined regional parties in raising the issue of caste census, the 'Mandal'

Confronted By Yogi's 80:20 Politics, Akhilesh Goes Silent On Caste Census

Mumbai: Actress Hrishitaa Bhatt, who is currently seen hosting the TV musical series 'Rangoli', shared her experience working with Tigmanshu Dhulia and Jimmy Shergill in 2003 crime drama 'Haasil'.

Directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, 'Haasil' was based on the student politics of the University of Allahabad. It features Jimmy Sheirgill, Hrishitaa Bhatt, Irrfan Khan and Ashutosh Rana. As the movie is completing 20 years, the cast including Jimmy, Hrishitaa, Brijendra Kalra, Varun Badola,and the director, graced 'The Kapil Sharma Show' and recalled a few moments from the sets and how it was to work in the film.

Hrishitaa remembered working with Tigmanshu and Jimmy and said: "I have noticed that Tigmanshu and Jimmy have a habit of being completely silent. Earlier, when we were filming for 'Haasil', they would communicate using just two words. Being a 19-year-old girl from Mumbai, I used to be confused about their behaviour."

The actress further added how she was completely opposite to both of them: "It's hard to believe, but I talk a lot. When I first met Tigmanshu and Jimmy, their reserved nature made me anxious as I didn't know if they would speak or not. Even while making the movie 'Haasil,' they remained just as quiet, and to this day, they haven't changed.

Hrishitaa made her debut in the film industry with superstar Shah Rukh Khan-starrer 2001 movie 'Asoka' and later she received appreciation for her role in 'Haasil', 'Ab Tak Chhappan',and many more. The actress was also seen in several web series and she also bagged the role in Akshay Kumar-starrer 'Cuttputlli'.

Furthermore, Hrishitaa got nostalgic as she shared how they shot for 'Haasil'

She added: "The film we made was heavily influenced by Tigmanshu's real-life experiences, and we shot scenes without any scripted dialogues. Sometimes I spoke my own lines, and other times Jimmy did the same. We captured the atmosphere of the moment to make the movie, and it was a challenging process, but the end result was fantastic."

She shared about shooting for the film during the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj: "For the shoot, we went to the Kumbh Mela for ten days and used guerrilla-style filming with a hidden camera, without anyone's knowledge. During that time, Jimmy was holding my hand while we ran, and people mistakenly thought he was abducting someone."

"It was a chaotic ten days, but somehow, we managed to make the film with Irrfan, Jimmy, and me. We had no idea at the time that the movie would become a historical success. I believe that the fun environment we had during the shoot was unique and cannot be replicated, and the film has even inspired some of the movies made today. Back then, it definitely set a benchmark," concluded the actress. IANS

Hrishitaa Bhatt, who hosts the TV musical "Rangoli," spoke about her 2003 crime drama "Haasil" alongside Tigmanshu Dhulia and Jimmy Shergill.

Hrishitaa Bhatt shares how 'Haasil' set a benchmark for some films made today

The Hawk: Journalism is an exciting occupation that allows the person to meet different kinds of people, communities and also gives in a chance to travel to new and exciting places. Journalism can be defined as the activity or product of journalists or other professional engaged in the preparation of written, visual, or audio material intended for telecasted to be viewed by general public through public media like newspaper, magazine, news channel or online news etc. with reference to factual, ongoing events of public concern. These events may be some events of political concern or some sports tournaments etc. Journalism is intended to inform society about itself and to make public, things that would otherwise be private or things that would not come to the knowledge of the people. Journalism or media helps to explain the events that impact the lives of the common man and is developed in a number of forms and styles. Each journalistic form and style uses different techniques of investigation and publishing and writes for different purposes and audiences keeping in mind the relevance and language to be used.  For a journalist to do justice to his work he needs to possess some basic qualities of discovering, collecting the information, assembling, analyzing and presenting information in an attractive way. To do this effectively, journalists require highly developed skills in language, a good understanding of the media and local languages, an interest in current affairs and a broad general knowledge. A journalist can only perform well if he is able to communicate clearly, concisely, accurately and quickly, and have an inquiring nature and well-developed people skills. A lot of media houses is entering into the market every day and hence competition is rising day by day. To stand out from the crowd, successful journalists need to enhance their all-round competence skills with personal enterprise, innovation, imagination and creativity. Only those who have skills and passion towards the job and are willing to take a calculative amount of risks can perform well in this field.
<h2>Modern Society and Journalism</h2>
A journalist is a professional who collects, writes, and distributes news and other information to be processed and finally telecast through one medium or the other. A journalist's work towards collecting information and adding some relevant views and facts is referred to as journalism. Journalism is directed at the consumers of media products, who may comprise nonspecific general audiences or narrower market segments. In modern society, news media have become the chief purveyor of information and opinion about public affairs and important events from the fields of sports, politics, entertainment and world, but the role and status of journalism, along with other forms of mass media, are undergoing some rapid changes resulting from the Internet.  Internet these days is playing a major role in giving a tough competition to media and information sector. There was already a tough ongoing competition among print media and electronic media, but with the internet becoming so popular these days, the competition has even increased. As a result of rapid technological growth, the technology these days has become really affordable and this has resulted in a shift toward reading on I-pads, e-journals, e-readers, smartphones, and other electronic devices rather than print media and has faced news organizations with the ongoing problem of monetizing digital news. These days there are a lot of internet-based applications available for media which is giving a new dimension to reporting and publishing. Within seconds of some major events, we can have full information about the event. This has made the process of journalism even more challenging.
<h2>Role of a Journalist</h2>
In this modernized and sophisticated age of information, every individual wants to be aware of what is happening around them in the world. Everyone wants to have information related to every genre of human life. It is the media that is the source of all that information. Dimensions of media these days are spreading day by day, be it print media like the newspapers and magazines; electronic media like the Internet or Audio/Visual Media like TV, Radio everyone is working hard day and night out to keep us updated with every single event of importance around us. And it is the ‘journalists’ who are the ones actually responsible for all that information. Journalists hold the power to influence the crowds with the first-hand information that they possess. However, there can be some just sitting in their office and collecting some random stuff for the internet and publishing out in their columns, which is something that a real journalist would never do.  Journalism is a highly responsible job, and highly thrilling at the same time. There are times when one needs to be fearless and present the truth in front of the public, no matter how harsh the truth is. Sometimes it becomes difficult due to the involvement of some prominent people in some scandal or a crime, a true journalist is one who without any fear carries on his investigation and brings out the truth in front of the public. If someone is looking for a career in journalism, they should have a presentable and confident personality, along with the ability to write and present information accurately and concisely without any fear or external pressure.
<h3>Other essential requirements that highlight a good Journalist: </h3>
An inquisitive bent of mind, good writing and communication skills in the local as well as national language, strong ability to differentiate effectively between fact and fiction, tact to collect information and take some calculative risks, high intelligence level, awareness towards the general issues and facts, interest in current affairs and happenings around the world. One of the most important qualities needed is the capability of handling the unforeseen situations efficiently. Journalists may expose themselves to danger to cover in all aspects of information about a particular event, particularly when reporting in areas of armed conflict or in states that do not respect the freedom of the press. There can be some cases of corruption or bribery where some high-rank officials are involved, hence in these situations, journalists do risk in themselves to get the truth out. Organizations such as the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters without Borders publish reports on press freedom and advocate for journalistic freedom.  Different fields of life including politics, art, economics, business, history, sports, entertainment and many other areas are covered by journalists and provide you with news about the latest happenings in these fields. If you are talented and hard-working, a bright career in journalism is awaiting you, which can take you to a good salary package and perhaps even fame and recognition. With the growing importance of media today, the opportunities in the field are numerous and the job is also demanding and exhilarating at the same time.
<h2>Different Types of Journalism</h2>
Thinking about pursuing journalism as a career, you have a wide range of principles of journalism to choose into from. The best foundation begins with an undergraduate liberal arts education that exposes you to a wide range of disciplines of study and helps you supplement your native curiosity with a habit of critical thinking. Whatever course of study you follow be sure to include a strong foundation in ethics. After that, once you have made up your mind for journalism, and then consider study at a university that offers a graduate degree in journalism. Each journalistic form and style needs some different techniques for collecting information and writes for different purposes and audiences. There are four principal types of journalism namely investigative, news, reviews and columns. 
<h3>News: </h3>
Most widespread form requiring journalism approach is the news coverage. News journalism is often to the point and does not contain any kind of added personal views or any kind of manipulation. It is often referred to as straightforward journalism. Facts are relayed as it is without any change or interpretation. Typical news must be relayed as it is without any tampering with the facts and figures. A normal news story often constitutes a headline with just enough explanation to give an idea of the rest of the article to the reader. News stories relay facts, events and information to society in a straightforward, accurate and unbiased manner. Any deviation from the original facts can at times lead to some serious consequences. Investigative Journalism: The most important and famous form, investigative journalism aims at uncovering the true facts about a particular subject, person, or event of public interest. The investigative journalism is based on the basic principle underlying all journalism-verification and accurate presentation of the facts. It is advised that investigative reporters must work with uncooperative or recalcitrant sources that would maintain the confidentiality of the information and would never divulge or manipulate the information. The investigative journalist should always be aware of their responsibility and should always bring the truth to light. They should also keep in mind that honesty with their work is very important as it can lead to some major public unrest also if something wrong is published. Hence reporters need to be well aware of the fact.
<h2>Columns Writers:</h2>
There is an important place for column writers in all the dailies and weekly publishing’s as well. There can be a wide variety of topics for these columns which can be for a newspaper, magazine or an online media and these are based primarily on the personality of the author. Column writers usually write about subjects or topics in a personal style and usually are associated with one field only which is either related to entertainment, sports, art or culture etc. It is possible that column writers can take a humorous approach, or specialize in a particular subject area or topic. Column writers are usually noticed by their constant focus on a single topic and it's important for columnists to develop their own voice that is recognizable by their readership. Columnist particularly writes their views about some ongoing important event, or some interesting extract or journey from their lives, some important historical event or some new technology. Usually, these articles by the writers are published weekly in a specific fixed column, or these may find a place in a magazine too. Reviews Writer: Reviews can be stated as partly opinion and partly fact-based. Along with news, there can be views from some prominent people that may create a greater interest of the people in the news. These reviews can be about an ongoing event. For example, there can be reviews about an ongoing match by some ex-players from the same field. This creates an added interest of the general public and makes news item even more gripping. The review serves to accomplish the following two functions: 
Precisely describe or identify the subject being reviewed.
To provide an intelligent and informed opinion of the subject based on research and experience.
The review can be provided by prominent people on various topics owing to their experience in the same field, which gives a clear picture of the event and also creates in an understanding of the topic quite well. 
<h2>Career Options</h2>
For those who are interested in this thrilling field of journalism, they can do a course in journalism right after passing the senior secondary examination i.e., 12th standard. One another available option is the option of doing a professional degree in journalism, right after completion of an undergraduate course in any subject. Generally, a background in arts/humanities is preferred. For a student opting for journalism, it is very important to possess a good command over his language and communication skills. Knowledge of regional languages is an extra advantage as one do not know where exactly in future an important event is about to happen, and knowledge of regional language gives in the ability to interact well with the locals about the situation and the event. The courses of journalism are offered in English, Hindi and regional languages. Candidates can go for a graduation in journalism (Bachelor of Journalism) or can even go for a post-graduation in journalism (Masters in Journalism). -- Vijay GarG&nbsp;

A brief information about the scope of journalism in todays world. 

Journalism- A Thrilling Career

New Delhi (The Hawk): Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science &amp; Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today said that rising above vote politics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has, in the last 9 years, ensured equitable development of every region and justice to all. Addressing a massive public rally here, Dr Jitendra Singh said, he has followed the same spirit and sought to emulate the same culture in his parliamentary constituency of Udhampur-Kathua - Doda and the best example of this is the Keediyan-Gadwal bridge which was constructed at a cost of 150 cr just to cater to one and a half Panchayat who had been demanding it for several decades. The Minister said, this is the place where Dr Syama Prasad Mukherjee was arrested before he passed away mysteriously thus laying down his life for duty of Karyakartas like us to develop this town of Kathua and the entire constituency with full commitment befitting the legacy of these great leaders, he said. On the occasion, a Coffee Table Book depicting major projects brought by Dr Jitendra Singh as MP over the last 9 years was released by Union Minister Hardip Singh Puri who was on Lok Sabha Pravas. Dr. Jitendra Singh said, the “’Udhampur-Kathua-Doda” Parliamentary Constituency is the most developed constituency in India among the 550 Parliamentary Constituencies in tcountry, has seen tremendous development in the last nine years under PM Narendra Modi. Dr. Jitendra Singh further said, ‘Udhampur-Doda-Kathua’ Parliamentary Constituency is the only Constituency in India having three centrally funded medical Colleges and the best infrastructure located in this constituency making it the best Constituency in India with the state-of-the-art health care facilities. Dr. Jitendra Singh said, this constituency has earned its name in India and in the world as the birthplace of 'Purple Revolution’ which has given rise to more than 3000 Agri-tech Start-ups not only in J&amp;K but across the country. This Parliamentary Constituency has all the potential to contribute in theStart-up movement promoted by PM Narendra Modi, Dr. Jitendra Singh added. Enumerating various infrastructural developments that have taken place from last many years in this constituency, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, the highest railway bridge in the world highest than the Eiffel tower, Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookherjee tunnel, the longest road tunnel in the world, the first highway village in India, the Devika Rejuvenation Project, North India’s first biotech park, National Institute of High AltitudeMedicine, 10 iconic destination Reasi are located in this constituency making it an infrastructural marvel in the country. In terms of road and highway development in this constituency, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, the Vande- Bharat Express from Katra to Delhi, the North India’s first ever Cable-Stayed Bridge Atal Setu, J&amp;K’s first inter-State bridge at Keerian-Gandyal, North India’s first Express Road Corridor from Delhi to Katra via Kathua, the new National Highway from Lakhanpur-Bani-Basohli-Doda via Chattargala Tunnel, construction of more than 200 bridges in this constituency, establishment of Kendriya Vidyalayas, Engineering Colleges under RUSA, Passport Officehas made this constituency best ever connected leading to its tremendous development compared to the other Constituencies in the country. Udhampur district located in this constituency has stood number one in the country in terms of construction of roads under PMGSY, Dr. Jitendra Singh added. Dr. Jitendra said,with the establishment of an Inter Modal Station (IMS) at Katra, a world class state of the art project in this constituency will not only improve the travelling experience of the pilgrims visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine but will open numerous opportunities in terms of employment, trade etc. for the people of this constituency. DD C Chairman Col Mahan Singh, vice chairman Raghunandan Singh, ex MLAs Rajeev Jasrotia and Kuldip Raj also spoke on the occasion.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances

The Hawk

Tag : Politics

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