Disruption in the House: Unveiling Security Flaws Amidst Parliamentary Chaos

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Wednesday marked the 22nd anniversary of the tragic terrorist attack that claimed nine lives in the parliament. However, on this solemn occasion, the proceedings were marred by a disruptive incident involving four individuals. Sagar Sharma and D Manoranjan, seated in the Lok Sabha’s visitors’ gallery with entrance passes provided by BJP MP Pratap Sinha’s office, revealed a significant vulnerability in an otherwise robust security system.

This breach occurred as Sagar Sharma and D Manoranjan released yellow smoke canisters within the Lok Sabha, while Neelam Devi and Amol Shinde ignited red and yellow canisters outside the Parliament during the Zero Hour. Their disruptive actions included shouting slogans against dictatorship and advocating for the protection of the constitution. Currently, five individuals have been apprehended, leaving one still at large in connection with this unsettling incident.

 

Unyielding Advocacy: Narges Mohammadi’s Nobel Peace Prize Journey for Human Rights and Freedom in Iran

Nobel peace prize
Nobel peace prize


Narges Mohammadi, born on April 21, 1972, is an Iranian human rights activist. In 2016, she received a 16-year prison sentence in Tehran for leading a human rights movement advocating the abolition of the death penalty. After being released in 2020, she was re-imprisoned in 2021 and has remained there since. Her husband, Taghi Rahmani, a political activist, resides in exile in Paris with their two children, and they have been separated for years.

Mohammadi, 51, has faced persistent incarceration since 2010, with a total of 13 arrests, 5 convictions, and a cumulative 31-year prison sentence. Presently, she is jailed for “spreading propaganda” according to the Iranian government.

On December 10, 2023, the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony took place in Oslo, Norway. Narges Mohammadi was honored with the prestigious award “for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all.” Despite her absence, her teenage children, Kiana and Ali Rahmani, aged 17, accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf. The prize includes a monetary award of $1 million.

During the ceremony, the twins read a speech smuggled from prison on behalf of their mother. Mohammadi denounced Iran’s government, expressing confidence in the Iranian people’s ability to overcome repression and authoritarianism. She stated, “The Iranian people, with perseverance, will overcome repression and authoritarianism, Have no doubt, this is certain.”

Narges Mohammadi’s recognition by the Nobel Peace Prize highlights her dedicated advocacy for human rights and gender equality in Iran, despite facing prolonged imprisonment and separation from her family. The courage of her children accepting the award on her behalf adds a poignant dimension to her ongoing struggle for justice.

Remembering the Legacy of Junior Mehmood: A Tribute to a Bollywood Icon

On December 08, the cinematic world bid a somber farewell to the legendary Naeem Sayyed, affectionately known as Junior Mehmood, as he succumbed to the relentless grasp of stage four stomach cancer at the age of 67. The veteran Bollywood actor’s final journey unfolded in Mumbai, where he was laid to rest in the presence of grieving family members, friends, and a host of Bollywood luminaries who came together to pay their respects.

Among the notable attendees at Junior Mehmood’s last rites were prominent figures from the film industry, including Jaaved Jaffrey, Sunil Pal, Ali Asgar, Shailesh Lodha, Archana Puran Singh, and many others. Their presence underscored the profound impact Junior Mehmood had on the world of Indian cinema.

Junior Mehmood, recognized for his early roles as a child artist in iconic films such as ‘Brahmachari,’ ‘Mera Naam Joker,’ ‘Parvarish,’ ‘Do Aur Do Paanch,’ “Caravan,” “Haathi Mere Saathi,” and a memorable reprisal in “Mera Naam Joker,” leaves behind a legacy that transcends generations. His career was marked by a string of critically acclaimed performances, contributing significantly to the golden era of Bollywood.

The actor had been undergoing treatment at Mumbai’s Tata Memorial Hospital, striving against the formidable foe of stage four stomach cancer. Though he had been in the process of recuperating at home, fate had other plans. On that fateful day in December, Junior Mehmood breathed his last, leaving behind a void that resonates deeply with his bereaved fans.

Junior Mehmood’s cinematic journey was a testament to his versatility and enduring talent. From portraying endearing characters in his early years to carving a niche for himself in the industry, his contributions remain etched in the annals of Bollywood history. The films that featured his youthful exuberance, such as ‘Brahmachari’ and ‘Mera Naam Joker,’ showcased his ability to captivate audiences with his innocence and charm.

As he matured, Junior Mehmood seamlessly transitioned into character roles, adding depth and nuance to his performances. His presence in films like “Caravan” and “Haathi Mere Saathi” demonstrated his adaptability, earning him accolades from both critics and fans alike. The actor’s commitment to his craft was unwavering, and his body of work serves as a testament to his dedication to the art of storytelling.

In addition to his cinematic achievements, Junior Mehmood was a beloved figure off-screen. The outpouring of grief from fellow actors and fans reflects the profound impact he had on the lives of those who knew him, either personally or through his work on the silver screen. His warm demeanor and infectious spirit endeared him to many, making his passing all the more poignant.

The news of Junior Mehmood’s demise has left a void in the hearts of his admirers. His journey, marked by highs and lows, triumphs and challenges, resonates as a poignant narrative of a life well-lived in the pursuit of cinematic excellence. As the Bollywood fraternity and fans mourn the loss of this stalwart, they also celebrate the indelible mark he has left on the industry.n remembrance of Junior Mehmood, let us not only mourn his passing but also celebrate the rich tapestry of his contributions to Indian cinema. His legacy lives on through the timeless characters he brought to life on the silver screen, ensuring that he remains forever etched in the memories of those who were touched by his artistry.

Byju Raveendran pledges Homes

By pledging his residence and the properties owned by his family, Byju Raveendran, founder of edtech giant Byju’s, raised $12 million to address the company’s financial challenges. This collateral, including two family homes in Bengaluru and an under-construction villa, served as security for the borrowed funds, which were utilized to cover the salaries of 15,000 employees.

The company is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with creditors due to a missed interest payment on a $1.2 billion term loan. Byju’s recently disclosed its audited results for 2022, revealing a 6% reduction in operating losses to $288 million within its core online education business.

Furthermore, Byju Raveendran and Think and Learn Pvt Ltd received show cause notices from the Enforcement Directorate regarding alleged foreign exchange violations amounting to ₹9,362 crore, leading to government revenue loss.

Notably, Byju’s faced challenges in crediting November salaries to approximately 1,000 employees, attributing the delay to a technical glitch in uploading details to the payroll service system.

Additionally, accusations surfaced about the company’s delayed ‘full and final’ settlements for employees terminated earlier in the year. Byju’s had initially committed to resolving these settlements in September.

In a separate legal development, the BCCI took Byju’s to court over a pending payment dispute, seeking Rs 158 crore as an operational creditor.

Chennai Rains: Schools declared leave?


Chennai is on high alert as a cyclone, named ‘Michaung’ by Myanmar, looms over the Bay of Bengal. Known for its resilience, the city is preparing for potential challenges posed by the emerging weather system. The Regional Meteorological Centre warns of possible intensification over the weekend, bringing heavy rains and storms during an already active monsoon season.

Cyclone Michaung is anticipated to bring significant rainfall to Chennai and nearby districts over Saturday and Sunday, raising concerns about potential flooding and disruptions. Despite varying predictions from different models, uncertainty surrounds the cyclone’s strength and landfall location. Experts suggests a Cyclonic Storm with a possible south Andhra coast landfall, while the IMD predicts a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast.

As authorities in Chennai gear up for potential challenges, precautionary measures include warnings to fishermen, forecast monitoring, and coordination with disaster management agencies. Residents are urged to stay updated on weather alerts and take necessary precautions in anticipation of the impending cyclone. The uncertain trajectory and intensity of Cyclone Michaung highlight the need for proactive measures and vigilant preparedness to mitigate its impact on the city and its residents.

Even before intensifying into a cyclone, Cyclone ‘Michaung’ is expected to bring early effects to India’s southeastern coastal region. The IMD predicts widespread light to moderate rains and isolated heavy showers for Andaman-Nicobar Islands, Coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Rayalaseema. Fisherfolk are cautioned against venturing into rough seas, anticipating violent winds reaching up to 80 kmph. Due to continuous rainfall, government schools in the Chennai District will be closed on December 2 and 3, providing relief to numerous students affected by heavy rain and waterlogging. The Chennai District Collectorate has declared a holiday for government and government-aided schools, while a decision on private schools and colleges will be made tonight or tomorrow morning based on the prevailing rainfall conditions.