Draft - Loktej English

PM Modi's Appeal for Savings Amid Global Energy Crisis: 40 Countries Have Implemented Strict Rules

Loktej English Team — Thu, 14 May 2026 19:41:27 +0530

Amid the global energy crisis arising from increasing tensions in West Asia and breaking supply chains, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to citizens to save petrol, diesel, and gold. According to the International Energy Agency, over 40 countries have already taken such strict measures before India.

Neighboring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka have re-adopted the work-from-home culture to save energy. Measures such as petrol rationing, reduction in office hours, and promotion of public transport have been implemented at war level to stabilize the faltering economy. Each country is formulating its strategy to tackle the energy crisis.

In Sri Lanka, there is a four-day work week and a rule to turn off street lights in the evening, while in Bangladesh, the AC temperature has been fixed at 25°C. In Pakistan, markets are being closed by 8 PM, and Nepal has set a fuel quota for government vehicles. China is relying heavily on electric vehicles and solar energy to reduce its dependence.

Countries like Jordan and Indonesia have even imposed temporary bans on non-essential official foreign travel to safeguard foreign exchange reserves. PM Modi's appeal aims to protect the country from economic recession and strengthen the domestic currency. The government wants citizens to promote tourism within the country instead of traveling abroad, ensuring that money remains with Indian traders.

The rationale behind the appeal to save petrol and diesel is that despite the surge in global prices, the government has not burdened the public, but it is essential to reduce consumption to maintain this. In India, there are also considerations to reduce the fleet of ministers and implement systems like odd-even in the future to ensure the country's economic pace remains secure during this period of global uncertainty.

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75 Years of Somnath Temple Renovation: PM Modi Attends Amrit Mahotsav

Loktej English Team — Mon, 11 May 2026 16:25:32 +0530

On May 11, a grand event named 'Somnath Amrit Mahotsav' was organized to commemorate the historic occasion of the 75th anniversary of the renovation of the Somnath Temple, the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended this glorious celebration.

This festival marks the 75th anniversary of the consecration and inauguration of the temple, which was reconstructed by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of independent India, on May 11, 1951. On this occasion, the Prime Minister emphasized the nation's progress and the revival of cultural pride.

During the event, he performed worship of Lord Mahadev in the sanctum sanctorum of the Somnath Temple with full rituals. He participated in special religious ceremonies organized by the temple trust and prayed for the welfare of the people through water offerings. The Prime Minister greeted the devotees present in the temple complex and recalled the historical significance of this sacred site.

Senior officials of the temple trust and several dignitaries were also present, creating a divine and devotional atmosphere. In his address, the Prime Minister stated that the Somnath Temple is a living symbol of India's unwavering faith and the power of reconstruction. He expressed pride that a temple which has faced numerous attempts of destruction in history now inspires the new generation with its grandeur.

Through the Amrit Mahotsav, future generations are being introduced to India's spiritual glory and the contributions of Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Sardar Patel. The temple complex has been specially decorated with lights and flowers as part of the festival, attracting the attention of devotees.

Apple to Invest ₹100 Crore in Green Energy in India

Loktej English Team — Thu, 07 May 2026 19:39:59 +0530

Apple has announced an investment of ₹100 crore in renewable energy in India. The company stated that it is collaborating with CleanMax, one of the country's leading renewable energy companies.

This initial investment will help develop over 150 megawatts of renewable energy capacity, which will provide electricity to approximately 150,000 Indian homes each year. There is also a possibility of increasing investment in the future. Previously, Apple had worked with CleanMax on rooftop solar projects to power its offices and retail stores in the country with 100% renewable energy.

The American company's goal is to achieve carbon neutrality across its operations by 2030. Sarah Chandler, Vice President of Environmental and Supply Chain Innovation at Apple, mentioned that the company's commitment to the environment is also a driving force for innovation within the company and globally. Apple takes pride in increasing its investment in India's clean energy economy and expanding its efforts to protect the country's valuable natural resources.

Additionally, Apple is supporting recycling and waste management programs in collaboration with WWF-India, prioritizing environmental and social safeguards. By advancing its collaboration with 'Sahas Zero Waste', a leading waste management organization in Goa, this model establishes facilities that collect recyclable materials with full traceability, sort them, and extract usable products. Apple is now expanding this model in new areas, including Coimbatore, in partnership with local administrations, communities, and waste workers.

Under a new partnership through Acumen, Apple is also supporting early-stage green enterprises, providing grants to six green enterprises developing solutions in waste management, circular economy and consumption, and regenerative agriculture and livelihoods. Overall, Apple has reduced its global greenhouse gas emissions by more than 60% compared to 2015 levels, while its revenue has increased by 78% during the same period.

Surat: Celebration of BJP's Victory in West Bengal, Victory Trumpet Resounds at Surat Kamalam Office

Loktej English Team — Tue, 05 May 2026 12:11:45 +0530

Surat. The Bharatiya Janata Party organized a grand celebration at the Kamalam office in Surat to mark its impressive performance in West Bengal, Assam, and Puducherry.

There was tremendous enthusiasm among party workers, creating a victorious atmosphere throughout the premises. The event was attended by city president Pareshbhai Patel, MP Mukeshbhai Dalal, and several senior party officials. General Secretary Karshanbhai Gondalia, Durga Prasad Pandey, Viralbhai Gilitwala, and other leaders also participated in the program.

On this occasion, workers celebrated the victory by bursting firecrackers, dancing to the beats of drums, and sharing sweets with each other. Notably, the participation of the Bengali community was also observed, where traditional Jhalmuri and Bengal's famous sweet Rasgulla were distributed, making the celebration even more special. A large number of people, including Bengali community leaders Basu Adhikari, Sadanand Raut, and Milton Day, were present at the event.

BJP workers described this victory as a win for the party's policies and public support, pledging to perform even better in the future. The entire event reflected enthusiasm, unity, and a spirit of victory.

Surat: Bank of Baroda Launches ‘BOB Senior Citizen Special Honor’ Account

Loktej English Team — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 19:37:32 +0530

Bank of Baroda has launched a premium savings account ‘BOB Senior Citizen Special Honor’ specifically designed for senior citizens aged 60 and above, aiming to meet their health and financial needs. The account offers a comprehensive package of health services, banking facilities, and lifestyle benefits.

The bank has emphasized providing a convenient and secure banking experience for senior citizens through this initiative. The bank's Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Debadatt Chanda, mentioned that this account has been designed keeping in mind the needs of senior citizens, integrating health benefits, doorstep banking, and other facilities.

This reflects the bank's commitment to customer-centric services. Key features include health and wellness benefits through Practo, offering free online medical consultations for up to 6 family members, discounts of up to 15% on online medicine purchases, and up to 20% off on pathological tests. Doorstep banking includes two free doorstep banking services each month.

Lifestyle benefits include a free ‘BOB Land Rupee Select Debit Card’, free airport lounge access, and special benefits on gyms, spas/salons, golf, and OTT services. Banking benefits include a 50% discount on reverse mortgage loan processing fees, up to 20% off on locker charges, and free NEFT and RTGS transactions with a 50% discount on IMPS.

This premium account is available to senior citizens maintaining a monthly average balance of ₹1 lakh. The bank believes that this new offering will enhance the banking experience for senior citizens while making their lifestyle more convenient.

Government Approves Gold and Silver Imports for 15 Major Banks Until 2029

Loktej English Team — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 11:21:11 +0530

The central government has granted permission to 15 major banks to import gold and silver from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2029. This list includes prominent banks such as State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank.

Meanwhile, Union Bank of India and Sberbank have been allowed to import only gold during this period. This notification was issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). The government's move aims to organize and make the import of bullion (gold and silver) transparent.

Importing only through authorized banks will facilitate transaction monitoring and help curb irregularities. Authorized banks by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) include Axis Bank, Bank of India, Deutsche Bank, Federal Bank, IndusInd Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Punjab National Bank, Yes Bank, among others, which have been permitted to import both gold and silver. Meanwhile, India's gold imports fell to a nine-month low of $3.1 billion in March 2026.

In terms of volume, this was about 20-25 tons, significantly lower than the average of 62 tons over the past 12 months. According to the World Gold Council (WGC), this decline is attributed to reduced demand and supply disruptions from the Middle East, which is a crucial transit hub for India. There has been some improvement in gold prices in April.

Additionally, due to the decrease in imports and supply issues, discounts in the domestic market have also reduced. Listed jewelry companies performed well in the first quarter of 2026, benefiting from the wedding season, increased spending, and business expansion. Furthermore, investment in gold ETFs in India continued for the 11th consecutive month.

According to data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), there was a net investment of approximately ₹22.7 billion ($244 million) in ETFs in March 2026. The statement noted that investor interest in gold ETFs remains strong, and the increase in the number of accounts or folios indicates that this interest is growing, albeit slowly. The purchase of digital gold also remained robust, with approximately ₹30.3 billion worth of digital gold purchased through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in February, equivalent to about 1.9 tons in volume.

Rajkot: Robbers disguised as customs officials loot 15 kg of gold, causing a stir with a ₹22 crore heist

Loktej English Team — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:22:42 +0530

In the Danapur area of Patna, Bihar, robbers disguised as customs officials looted 15 kilograms of gold in broad daylight, creating a sensation. The heist, valued at approximately ₹22 crore, has raised serious questions about security arrangements.

According to reports, the gold belonged to Sunilbhai Kishorbhai Fitchadiya, owner of the 'KV and Sons' firm located at Prahlad Plot Street No. 6 in Rajkot, and was being sent to Bihar through his employees. Mahesh Mamatora and Prince Rampariya arrived in Danapur with three bags filled with 15 kilograms of gold jewelry via the Saharsa Express train from Ahmedabad.

On Saturday afternoon, as both employees were leaving the railway station in an auto-rickshaw towards Bakarganj, they were surrounded by seven miscreants. Shortly after, other robbers arrived on a car and two motorcycles. The car had a police sticker, and the robbers were dressed in white shirts and khaki pants, making them appear like real officials.

The robbers identified themselves as customs officials and seized all three bags. They then left Prince Rampariya at the scene while taking Mahesh Mamatora away in the car to a distance before fleeing. Upon receiving information about the incident, the Khagoul police arrived at the scene and began an investigation.

The police recovered a stolen car, a motorcycle, and an empty bag used in the robbery. It is reported that the robbers removed and discarded the GPS device from the bag, indicating that the heist was well-planned. Upon learning of the incident, businessman Sunilbhai Fitchadiya and his brother Jigneshbhai rushed to Danapur.

Considering the seriousness of the case, the police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and are reviewing nearby CCTV footage. Initial investigations revealed that the robbers had been following the employees from the railway station.

Meanwhile, the biggest question arising is why such a large quantity of gold was being sent by train and how the robbers obtained precise information about it. The police believe that this robbery is part of a well-orchestrated conspiracy and that the culprits will be arrested soon, leading to the resolution of the case.

Vadodara's 'Squat Queen' Inderjeet Kaur Mann Breaks Her Own Record with Over 3000 Squats

Loktej English Team — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:19:38 +0530

Inderjeet Kaur Mannan, a 54-year-old from Vadodara, has once again demonstrated her indomitable will and strong determination by breaking her own record with over 3000 squats at an event. Known as the 'Squat Queen', Inderjeet's achievement is not only a result of her hard work but also serves as an inspiration for those facing physical challenges.

There was a time when doctors warned her that she would be unable to walk in the future due to arthritis. However, she did not let this difficult situation become her weakness. Despite pain and physical limitations, she maintained her fitness and activity through positive thinking, continuous practice, and strong willpower.

Recently, she surpassed her previous achievement by completing over 3000 squats at an event, which is a testament to her years of struggle and dedication. After being diagnosed with a disease in Mumbai, raising two children as a single mother has been challenging for her, but she never gave up. Inderjeet Kaur Mannan, a graduate in English, has also been active in sports and has played kabaddi at the national level.

She began her career in the education sector and continued teaching even after settling in Vadodara. For the past decade, she has been working as a freelance fitness coach and gym instructor. Inderjeet mentions that after being diagnosed with arthritis in 2006-07, she started running to keep herself active.

In 2017, she incorporated squats into her routine, and today she regularly performs 200 lunges and 300 squats along with weight training, cardio, and core exercises. She stated that initially, she faced a lot of difficulties due to arthritis and thyroid issues, but she did not give up. She began running and exercising, which strengthened her body, especially her legs.

Today, the results of her hard work are evident, and she is able to inspire others as well. Inderjeet Kaur Mannan's success proves that with determination, discipline, and positive thinking, any difficulty can be overcome.

Punjab Kings Secures Second Consecutive Win by Defeating Chennai Super Kings

Loktej English Team — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 11:30:01 +0530

Punjab Kings achieved their second consecutive victory in the Indian Premier League by defeating Chennai Super Kings by five wickets with eight balls to spare. Captain Shreyas Iyer scored 50 runs, while Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya contributed 43 and 39 runs, respectively, in the seventh match of IPL 2026.

With this win, Punjab Kings topped the points table with four points. Chasing a target of 210 runs, the opening pair of Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh provided a solid start, adding 61 runs for the first wicket. In the fifth over, Matt Henry dismissed Priyansh Arya, giving Chennai their first breakthrough.

Priyansh Arya scored 39 runs, hitting three fours and four sixes. Prabhsimran Singh was run out in the ninth over after scoring 43 runs off 34 balls, which included six fours and one six. In the 12th over, Anshul Kamboj took the wicket of Cooper Connolly, who scored 36 runs off 22 balls with six fours.

In the 17th over, Anshul Kamboj dismissed Shreyas Iyer, marking Punjab's fourth wicket. Shreyas Iyer scored 50 runs off 29 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes. In the next over, Matt Henry took the wicket of Nehal Badhera for 10 runs, putting Punjab Kings in a spot of bother.

Punjab Kings successfully chased down the target, scoring 210 runs for the loss of five wickets in 18.4 overs. Shashank Singh and Marcus Stoinis remained not out at 14 and 9 runs, respectively. This marks Chennai Super Kings' sixth loss at home, placing them at the bottom of the points table.

Matt Henry and Anshul Kamboj took two wickets each for Chennai. Earlier, Ayush Mhatre and Shivam Dube's impressive innings helped Chennai Super Kings set a score of 209 runs for five wickets against Punjab Kings. Punjab Kings won the toss and opted to bowl first.

Chennai Super Kings had a shaky start, losing Sanju Samson for seven runs in the second over to Javier Bartlett. Ayush Mhatre then stabilized the innings alongside captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, adding 96 runs for the second wicket. In the 12th over, Yuzvendra Chahal dismissed Ruturaj Gaikwad, breaking the partnership.

Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 28 runs off 22 balls with two fours. In the next over, Vijaykumar Vaishak took the wicket of Ayush Mhatre, who scored 73 runs off 43 balls, hitting five sixes and six fours. Kartik Sharma was dismissed for one run as the fourth wicket.

Sarfaraz Khan scored 32 runs off 12 balls, hitting six fours and one six before being dismissed by Vijaykumar Vaishak. Chennai Super Kings set a massive score of 209 runs for five wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Shivam Dube remained not out at 45 runs off 27 balls, hitting five fours and one six.

Prashant Veer remained not out at six runs. For Punjab Kings, Vijaykumar Vaishak took two wickets, while Javier Bartlett, Marco Jansen, and Yuzvendra Chahal took one wicket each.

Kiren Rijiju Claims NDA Will Win Record Seats in Kerala

Loktej English Team — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 13:06:17 +0530

Kiren Rijiju, a central minister, claimed that the NDA will win a record number of seats in the Kerala Assembly elections. He stated that he wants to assure the people of Kerala that whatever they do will be for the welfare of the people of India.

They will work with every community, unlike the Congress, which aims to create a vote bank among Muslims and seeks to please them just for votes. Rijiju questioned who made Muslims poor, asserting it was the Congress party. He mentioned that the Congress is now trying to mislead the Christian community, but no one is listening to them anymore.

The people of Kerala have understood the game plan of the communists and the Congress party, which have been exchanging power for years. Now is the time for a third party to get a chance. Targeting Rahul Gandhi, he remarked that no one takes him seriously anymore.

Meanwhile, another central minister, G. Kishan Reddy, wrote a letter to the people of Kerala, referencing the Congress party's 'fake guarantees' in Telangana and urging caution. In his letter, he noted that Kerala is known for its educated and aware citizens who make informed decisions before voting.

He observed that many leaders are coming to Kerala and making various promises ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. As a central minister and MP from Telangana, he has closely observed the situation there.

The Congress party had made six guarantees and over 420 promises related to farmers, women, youth, and the poor to come to power in Telangana. These promises were heavily publicized, involving major leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi, but these guarantees have proven to be completely fake.

Major Action by ANTF in Gandhinagar, 2 Smugglers Arrested with 12 Kilograms of Ganja

Loktej English Team — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 13:05:10 +0530

In Gandhinagar, Gujarat, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of the Gujarat CID arrested two individuals with approximately 12 kilograms of narcotics (ganja) during a special operation in the Mota Chiloda area. Officials reported this information on Friday.

Acting on specific information received during regular patrols, a team from the ANTF's Gandhinagar zone stopped a government bus at Chiloda Circle and apprehended two suspects accused of being involved in ganja smuggling. The accused have been identified as Viraj Solanki (26) from Daboda and Aditya alias Aadi Baraiya (22) from Chanakyapuri, Gandhinagar. According to officials, a total of 11.94 kilograms of ganja was seized during this operation, valued at 5.97 lakh rupees.

Additionally, two mobile phones worth 10,000 rupees were also confiscated, bringing the total value of the recovered items to 6.07 lakh rupees. The operation was conducted by a team led by Inspector N.R. Patel, which included officials such as K.M. Vadnagara, P.S. Jala, and P.M. Chavda, along with other staff and a technical expert.

A case has been registered under sections 8(c), 20(b)(2)(b), and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Further investigation has been handed over to the Chiloda police station. This seizure is another step in the recent stringent actions against narcotics in Gujarat and other places.

Previously, in February, officials uncovered a large illegal cultivation of narcotics in Bhavnagar district and seized narcotics worth over 10.9 crore rupees, including ganja and opium, marking one of the largest seizures in the state to date. Earlier in March, law enforcement agencies also uncovered a large urban network for drug distribution and seized hybrid ganja worth over 26 lakh rupees from a rented apartment.

In another recent action, the ANTF seized 5.177 kilograms of ganja in the Prantij area of Sabarkantha district and arrested one suspect. Further investigation has been initiated to uncover the larger network associated with this supply.

Growing Trend of Bhajan Clubbing Among Gen Z Students

Loktej English Team — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 21:25:59 +0530

Mumbai, April 3 — The younger generation is increasingly drawn to 'Bhajan Clubbing', a fusion of devotional songs with modern DJ beats and clubbing styles. This trend, which is not new in India, is gaining significant popularity.

Recently, a special event was held at Whistling Woods International, featuring Amey Dabali as the chief guest. Dabali has been performing Bhajan Clubbing shows in India for several years. Subhash Ghai, the filmmaker, expressed gratitude to Dabali in a post, noting that Bhajan Clubbing shows began in 2006 and that today, every Gen Z individual in India is excited about it.

This enthusiasm was palpable at Whistling Woods International, where Dabali and his talented team performed for 70 minutes, engaging students in discussions about emotions related to devotion. The event concluded by connecting all sentiments. Ghai thanked Dabali for this remarkable experience, wishing him continued blessings.

Dabali is known for his spiritual music and 'Bhajan Clubbing' events, having left a 15-year corporate career to perform over 2100 live music shows. He presents for the Indian armed forces under 'Mission for Nation' and is popular among youth for his unique style.

His music blends Bollywood, Sufi, Ghazal, folk, spiritual, and soft rock, offering a distinct experience by merging traditional bhajans and mantras with modern music, termed 'Bhajan Clubbing'. 'Ekam Sat', which translates to 'One Truth, One Humanity', is a global music program he also promotes.